《The Ability to Shift Anything is Convenient, Even in Another World!》


 Vol. 1, Chapter 1: Light and Death

    The clock ticked as the minute hand completed another rotation. It was already 4:55 p.m., yet the scorching heat lingered in the air. Inside the classrooms, students felt its oppressive presence, struggling to focus on the ongoing discussion.


    This was the prestigious Itami High School, a renowned institution where the most prominent students of Saitama Prefecture gathered. Majestically perched atop a hill, it overlooked the bustling city sprawled below.


    "Ah... It''s so hot in here~!" one of them exclaimed in frustration, fanning herself with sweaty palms.


    Despite the presence of air conditioners in every room, they were rendered useless due to a power outage that occurred an hour ago. The school did have a backup generator, but luck wasn¡¯t on their side that day¡ªit was currently undergoing maintenance. With no solutions available, everyone had no choice but to endure the stifling heat, particularly the unfortunate students of Class 1-A, whose classroom was situated on the second floor of the school building.


    Amidst the scratching of the chalk marker, faint whispers and occasional yawns filled the room. Even their English teacher, affected by the boredom, let out a yawn but quickly dismissed the thought and continued writing on the board.


    In the back row, near the window, sat a girl named Mitsuha Reika in silence. Unlike the others, her gaze was fixed on a bird perched on a branch outside, captivated by the melodic chirping it produced.


    Everyone knew who Reika was. She was known for being approachable and friendly, always juggling between club activities and her part-time job. Her beauty was often said to rival that of the stunning classroom president, though her front was lacking in comparison.


    One of her striking features was her pair of beautiful purple eyes, which sparkled like gems. She also had short, dark, silky hair with a subtle purple tint that only revealed itself when caught in the light. Reika wore a white uniform, preferring it over her dark blue blazer, believing that darker colors absorb more heat¡ªa fact that was certainly true.


    At the center of her chest, a maroon ribbon with diagonal dark blue stripes was tied neatly to her uniform. Her skirt, also maroon, featured several dark blue stripes embroidered along the hem.


    As Reika savored her peaceful moment, her teacher''s obnoxious shout shattered the calm. The sudden yell jolted her attention back to reality.


    "Mr. Shin!"


    Everyone in the room, Reika included, instantly turned their heads toward their classmate, Shin Soru.


    Soru wasn¡¯t particularly impressive¡ªjust your average guy. Dressed in a white uniform and dark blue school shorts, he blended into the crowd effortlessly, like someone invisible. The only thing that stood out were his eyes, an unusual ash gray color. He rarely participated in class and didn¡¯t shine in academics or sports, being average in both.


    Soru was often lost in his thoughts, as if trapped in an indestructible bubble that contained only his own musings. Because of this, he was known as an eccentric individual, and interacting with him was nearly impossible. Even now, his detachment from reality kept him unaware of his teacher''s relentless calls, leaving the teacher fuming in frustration.


    In the end, his teacher couldn''t take it any longer and snapped.


    "Mr. Shin...," his English teacher murmured through gritted teeth, his fist tightly clenched.


    Without warning, the teacher hurled a chalk marker at him. Everyone watched as it shot through the air toward Soru.


    Being scolded by a teacher was a normal occurrence, as was having a piece of chalk thrown at a student for misconduct during class. But what Soru did left everyone stunned.


    For the first time, they saw Soru react to the projectile thrown at him, even going so far as to boldly attempt to catch it with his fingers. His unexpected action caught them all off-guard.


    "No way..."


    "Don''t tell me he''s going to use his fingers to clamp that chalk?!"


    "That''s impossible! There''s no way he could pull that off!"


    Despite the arid atmosphere in the room, everyone watched him with anticipation, ignoring the heat and focusing solely on what would happen next. However, Soru''s quick reflexes were futile as the marker slipped through his fingers and struck his forehead with a soft thud. Though it looked painful, he showed no visible reaction¡ªnot even the slightest flinch.


    "Ow!" Their teacher suddenly blurted out when he felt a sudden tingling sensation on his forehead. "What was that?" he thought, rubbing his forehead in confusion.


    Although his reaction was obvious, no one noticed. Everyone was too fixated on Soru, their mixed anticipation of his unusual attempt overshadowing the teacher¡¯s discomfort. As the chalk marker landed on the ground with a soft thud, one of his classmates burst into laughter.


    "Pft... Puhahahahahaha!!"


    Everyone in Class 1-A exchanged glances, and in an instant, their mood shifted. Laughter spread through the room as they couldn¡¯t hold back.


    "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"


    The positive atmosphere made the teacher momentarily forget the strange incident earlier. But soon, his frustration resurfaced, swelling like a raging wave, causing his brows to furrow. He then turned to confront Soru for his misbehavior in class.


    "Ahem! Mister Shin Soru, are you even listening? Are those silly thoughts in your head really more important than my lessons?"


    To his surprise, Soru didn¡¯t respond. This only fueled the teacher¡¯s frustration further. In a burst of anger, he snapped, ¡°Your scores on midterms and quizzes are average at best. Are you some kind of prodigy who can afford to slack off in my class?¡±


    His outburst broke the tension in the room. Everyone forgot about the heat and instead filled the classroom with laughter¡ªnot out of mockery, but simply because they found the situation amusing.


    "Aww, man! I thought he was actually going to catch that chalk!" the guy in front of Soru said to his friend. His friend shrugged and replied, "Nah. I could tell from the start it was impossible!"


    Suddenly, the teacher gazed at him with a serious look and asked, "Now, could you elaborate on the different types of prepositions?"


    At the sound of his question, Soru casually picked up his English textbook. With a calm demeanor, he flipped through the pages, acting as if he had no fear of his teacher''s wrath.


    His teacher noticed his dawdling and snapped, "Page 18, Mr. Shin!"


    Soru flipped to the page and quickly found the answer. In a calm tone, he read aloud, "The various types of prepositions are..."


    As Soru read, Reika shot him a glance. She raised an eyebrow, thinking,


    Reika turned back to the window. As she focused on the tree again, she noticed the bird that had been perched on the branch earlier was now gone.


    She scanned the opposite branch, where the bird might have flown to, then searched the other branches she could see. But no matter where she looked, the bird was nowhere to be found.


    Reika sighed, her thoughts drifting.


    Just as she turned back to the class, trying to focus on the teacher again, a faint chirping sound caught her attention.


    Without a second to spare, she turned back and noticed something wriggling at the base of the tree trunk. It was then she realized the faint chirping sound must have come from there¡ªand she was right. Due to the height of the classroom, she could only see the bird¡¯s head, which lay on the ground.


    Reika noticed that the bird¡¯s right wing appeared to be broken, as if it were in agonizing pain.


    Concerned for the poor creature, she decided to excuse herself and check its condition in the front yard.


    "Ah¡ª"


    RING! RING! RING! RINGGG!


    The sound of the school bell made Reika pause for a moment. Everyone else heard it to, and their faces quickly lit up with joy. After enduring the suffocating heat for so long, it was finally over.


    "Finally!"


    Without hesitation, the students packed their things and stood up. Reika did the same, gathering her belongings and following the others.


    "Goodbye, Mr. Watanabe!" Class 1-A said in unison, all bowing their heads.


    As the students dispersed, Reika headed toward the front yard to help the injured bird. But just as she was about to leave, a group of girls called out to her from behind.


    "Mitsuha-san! We¡¯re going shopping after class. Would you like to join us?"


    Reika simply smiled and shook her head. "I¡¯m sorry, I have some errands to run. Maybe next time!"


    With that, Reika quickly ran down the hallway, leaving the group behind. They sighed and turned to head in the opposite direction.


    "Haah... Mitsuha-san¡¯s such a busy bee."


    "Yeah, she has a part-time job, remember? That¡¯s why she¡¯s always so busy and can¡¯t join us for shopping or karaoke."


    "I wonder if I would have the same mindset as hers. That would be fantastic!"


    "Not going to happen. You''re lazy as hell!"


    "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!"


    As the group laughed and left the school premises, Reika made her way to the tree where the injured bird lay, still writhing in pain from its damaged wing.


    Feeling helpless, Reika knew there was little she could do to ease the bird''s suffering. Instead, she decided to protect it from predators while it recovered. Scanning the area, she searched for a safe place where the bird could heal in peace.


    Where should I place this poor bird?


    Reika looked up at the building, remembering the small garden on the rooftop.


    It should be safe there...


    Carefully, she scooped the bird into her hands. As soon as it felt the warmth of her touch, the bird¡¯s frantic chirping softened. With gentle steps, Reika made her way back into the building. After a short while, she finally reached the rooftop.


    "Huff... huff... Finally..." Reika gasped as she caught her breath.


    She pushed the door open and a cool breeze greeted her. Reika inhaled deeply as the afternoon sunlight warmed her face. The bird chirped, seeming to express its gratitude.


    Turning around, Reika surveyed the garden and searched for a safe spot. Her eyes landed on a small, shaded corner near a bunch of clay pots, sheltered by some low shrubs. She gently placed the bird there, in the quiet corner where it could rest in peace.


    "There. You should be safe here."


    "Chirp!"


    Reika smiled, hearing the bird chirp as if it were responding to her.


    As the sun continued to set, Reika stood up and walked to the edge of the rooftop. Before her lay the sprawling city of Saitama.


    How beautiful...


    Reika raised her right arm and glanced at her watch.


    She pondered for a moment, unsure of what to do with the spare time.


    Her gaze then returned to the beautiful scenery before her, and she couldn''t help but appreciate the view once more.


    As Reika gazed at the entire city, her moment was interrupted when she noticed the door opening. She turned around and saw a familiar figure stepping out.


    Soru noticed Reika standing near the edge of the rooftop, but he didn¡¯t acknowledge her. He simply walked past, as if he hadn¡¯t seen her at all.


    "Shin-kun...?"


    Soru didn¡¯t respond. Instead, he briefly glanced at her before continuing his path toward the edge.


    "Uh-uhm... What are you doing¡ª"


    "Sightseeing," Soru answered abruptly.


    Reika fell silent at his response, the words catching in her throat. A tense silence settled between them as they both stared at the bustling city.


    Reika thought, her palms growing sweaty.


    Reika was desperately trying to figure out how to break the awkward silence between them. After a moment of thought, she finally came up with something.


    "Hey, Shin-kun."


    Soru tilted his head slightly and met her gaze.


    "What is it?"


    "H-How''s your day?"


    A gentle breeze brushed past them, carrying the distant sounds of the city. Soru glanced at the cityscape for a moment before answering.


    "Good," he replied flatly.


    Reika stared at him with a dissatisfied look. She thought.


    After a beat of silence, Reika decided to take the initiative again.


    "Uh... What about school?" she asked, trying to keep the conversation going.


    "..."


    Reika waited for half a minute, but Soru didn¡¯t respond. Her patience began to wear thin, and she frowned, irritation bubbling up.


    Feeling frustrated by Soru''s indifference, Reika decided to get back at him for ignoring her.


    Without hesitation, she hopped up onto the parapet and sat right in front of him, deliberately blocking his view of the city.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Soru asked her.


    "Sitting...?" Reika replied slyly, her eyes closing as she looked smug.


    She thought, a smirk tugging at her lips.


    Reika glanced at Soru, eagerly awaiting his annoyed reaction. But her expectations were quickly shattered upon seeing him. Soru simply shifted a little to the side, adjusting his position for a better view. What irritated Reika the most, though, was that his expression remained completely unchanged, as if her petty provocations hadn¡¯t affected him at all.


    Out of desperation, Reika moved once more, blocking Soru''s view with her body. But Soru didn¡¯t react. He simply shifted away again. They repeated this over and over, moving left to right without pause.


    Why... won¡¯t you just... admit defeat?! Reika thought as her frustration mounted with each attempt.


    Suddenly, her eyes widened. She stopped as the realization of her incessant actions hit her.


    Wait.. Why am I doing this pointless thing?


    Her face quickly flushed bright red with embarrassment.


    She quickly covered her face with her hands, hoping to hide her humiliation. After some time, Reika finally looked up at him. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I-I''m sorry..."


    Soru looked at her for a brief moment, his expression still as indifferent as ever.


    "Mhm."


    Reika sighed and chose not to answer. Still embarrassed, she turned her gaze to the bustling city below, letting the silence settle between them.


    While the silence stretched on, a steady chirping sound suddenly caught Reika¡¯s attention. She immediately recognized it and turned around.


    Oh no, it''s the bird that I saved earlier!


    Reika leapt to her feet and rushed to the spot where she had left the bird. When she arrived, she saw several ants crawling over its small body. The poor bird chirped endlessly, struggling to fend them off.


    Reika quickly picked up the bird, rescuing it from the relentless ants, and brought it back to the parapet. She gently blew on its feathers, scattering the ants, then carefully plucked them off one by one with her fingers.


    "Ha-hah! Take that!" she muttered, pinching one of the ants between her soft fingers.


    After making sure the bird was free of ants, Reika sat on the parapet and placed it gently on her lap, softly stroking its feathers to calm it. Soru glanced at her, his expression as neutral as ever, while she remained engrossed in tending to the bird.


    Unbeknownst to Reika, she had carelessly seated herself right where she''d left the plucked ants. One determined ant found its way onto her leg, creeping under her uniform and delivering a sharp bite to her thigh.


    "Oww!" she yelped, flinching from the unexpected sting and quickly placing the bird back on the parapet. "What the heck was that?" she muttered whilst rubbing the sore spot.


    Seconds later, another ant bit her, followed by a third. Before she knew it, several ants were biting her thighs, as if taking revenge for what she had done to them.


    "Ow! Ow! Ow!" Reika yelped once again.


    As the pain spread, Reika suddenly remembered those pesky ants she had plucked from the bird earlier and realized, with horror, that she had sat right where she had placed them.


    These pesky little...!


    Before she knew it, Reika lost her balance and realized she was about to fall off the parapet.


    What the...?!


    In a panic, she reached out and grabbed the first thing she could find. With Soru the only one beside her, she grabbed his shoulder without hesitation.


    "What are you doing?"


    Despite her secured grip, Soru¡¯s strength wasn¡¯t enough to steady himself and lost his balance. They both tumbled together, caught in a moment of unexpected chaos caused by Reika.


    Shit, how careless of me!


    Reika squeezed her eyes shut, trembling as the cold air whipped around her. She felt her body descending in the air with no certainty of survival.


    Dang it! Even if I managed to survive, if anyone finds out the reason I fell was because a bunch of ants bit my thighs, the embarrassment would kill me!


    While imagining how embarrassing the outcome would be, Reika felt a warm sensation envelop her body. The cold air vanished suddenly, replaced by a warmth that spread throughout her body.


    "What¡¯s going on¡­?" Reika muttered in confusion.


    She looked around and saw Soru floating in the air. To her surprise, he didn¡¯t seem scared at all. He appeared calm, almost as if he had expected it. Before she could speak, everything around her turned white, leaving her unable to perceive anything.


    That evening, several people in Saitama Prefecture witnessed a pillar of light strike Itami High School. No one knew the reason for it; the event was too sudden and unprecedented. As the pillar of light began to dissipate, they could only stare in disbelief, unable to comprehend how or why it had appeared.

 Chapter 2: Off To Another World!

    CAW! CAW!


    An irritating sound pierced the silence. Reika tried to open her eyes, but the blinding light kept her from seeing anything.


    Ow...!


    Even with her eyes shut, she felt her vision dim, as though something was covering her face. Then came the sound of wings flapping, followed by a gust of wind brushing against her cheeks. Curiosity stirred within her, and she finally opened her eyes, revealing what had been blocking her view.


    "A bird...?"


    Reika watched as the bird soared past her, its wings cutting through the air with a graceful ease. She squinted against the light, the sudden shift in her vision forcing her to adjust. Slowly, she opened her eyes wider, feeling the warmth of the sunlight as it flooded back into her sight.


    As her vision cleared, Reika took in her surroundings. The world around her was still a blur, but she couldn''t shake the feeling that the sky above looked different.


    Is it just me, or did the night sky seem a little too bright?


    Reika blinked twice and couldn''t believe her eyes. Out of nowhere, she found herself floating in the sky, suspended in the broad daylight.


    ¡°EHHHHHHHHHH?!¡±


    The sun¡¯s rays warmed her skin as the light-blue sky stretched endlessly above her, thick clouds scattered across it. Suddenly, a strong breeze rushed past her, carrying the fresh scent of the air up to her nostrils.


    Reika gasped as the spectacular view unfolded before her. The lush green forests stretched endlessly beneath the vast sky, leaving her stunned and filling her mind with a sense of tranquility.


    "Is this... heaven?" Reika muttered in disbelief.


    After all the amazement she felt from the staggering scenery, she suddenly noticed something was off.


    Wait a minute...


    She glanced down and realized she was freefalling toward the ground.


    "GYAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!"


    Reika''s heart raced as panic surged through her. The height between her and the ground was far greater than the building she had fallen from before. In her mind, the fall would possibly kill her the moment she hit the ground.


    Where am I?! Why a-am I falling a-a-again?!


    Reika''s thoughts raced violently as panic gripped her, her mind struggling to understand what was going on. She glanced around, still in disbelief and confusion, when something familiar caught her eye.


    A white shirt? Who...?


    She quickly turned around and froze. It was her classmate, Shin Soru.


    "Shin-kun!? Why are you here? W-Where are we!?" Reika exclaimed while in the state of panic.


    Reika couldn''t help but notice how calm Soru seemed despite the chaos surrounding them. But no matter how strange his lack of reaction was, she quickly realized there was no time for pointless questions. The immediate problem at hand was all that mattered.


    Suddenly, Reika slapped her cheeks, hard enough to jolt her back into focus.


    There¡¯s no time for this. I have to do something...!


    She took a deep breath, steadying her racing thoughts as she tried to think of a way to survive. The sheer height they were falling from made the situation look hopeless.


    "What should I do..."


    Her eyes darted downward, taking in the vast expanse of thick, green forest below. A plan began to form in her mind. She could aim for one of those trees, hoping that the branches would cushion the impact enough to survive the fall.


    "Shin-kun, look at the forest below! Find a tree to land on... Maybe, just maybe, we can survive if we land on one..."


    Soru glanced at Reika. In a calm tone, he simply replied, "Sure..."


    As Reika kept scanning the forest below, she paused when something caught her eye.


    On the ground, she spotted a large, lizard-like creature surrounded by a wolf-like beast. At first, she hadn¡¯t noticed them from up high, but as they fell closer, the creatures became clearer. Her heart raced as the sight of these strange beasts sent a fresh wave of panic through her.


    "W-What was that? What are those things? H-Hey Shin-kun, are you seeing those strange creatures?"


    Soru heard her and looked down as a response. Reika was taken aback when he simply nodded in response.


    What the...!? Did he just nod? He''s not surprised by this at all?


    Distracted by the creatures below, Reika momentarily forgot her plan to land on a tree. By the time she remembered, it was too late.


    "Oh my...!"


    The speed of her descent was too fast¡ªthere was no time to reach the nearest tree.


    Hitting the ground was inevitable.


    Fearing the worst, Reika shut her eyes tightly. In her mind, the thought of survival was impossible¡ªeven the faintest glimmer of hope is nonexistent.


    In the blink of an eye, Reika felt the warmth of the grass brush her skin before her body slammed into the ground.


    Reika braced herself for the searing pain to follow. But instead of agony, there was nothing at all.


    That¡¯s it? I thought dying from a fall would hurt... she thought. I-I guess the pain was too much for my brain to register and died instant...ly?!


    Reika was surprised when the warm rays of the sun touched her gentle skin. However, her brief comfort was interrupted by a strong, foul stench entering her nostrils, throwing her senses into disarray.


    She gagged instinctively, struggling against the unbearable smell, but then froze in shock as she realized she could move freely. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Wait, I can move? I... I survived?!


    Reika quickly opened her eyes to assess her situation, but instead, she found herself staring at Soru. His calm demeanor remained unchanged as he extended his right hand toward her.


    "Get up," he said plainly.


    Still overwhelmed by confusion and the lingering stench, Reika eventually reached for his hand. She stood up shakily, instinctively covering her nose to shield herself from the foul odor.


    "Thank you...?"


    As Reika regained her composure, she quickly checked her body for injuries. To her surprise, there wasn¡¯t a single scratch on her. No blood, no broken bones¡ªnothing. From head to toe, she was completely unharmed.


    "What the...? How!?" she muttered, disbelief etched across her face.


    Suddenly, she remembered the strange creatures she had seen moments before. Panic surged through her as she whipped her head around, afraid that they might attack at any moment.


    But what she saw left her frozen.


    The large, lizard-like beasts lay crushed, as though an invisible force had pressed them flat without warning. Smaller wolf-like creatures shared the same grim fate, their bodies mangled and lifeless, mirroring the destruction of the larger beasts.


    As Reika tried to make sense of the unsettling scene, her eyes drifted to Soru. He stood quietly, his gaze fixed on the grotesque remains. Unlike her, he showed no fear or hesitation. His calm silence felt strange, almost as if he was oblivious to the danger these creatures could have posed if they were still alive.


    Baffled by his calm demeanor, Reika hesitated before taking a step toward him. Just as she moved, a strange, piercing howl echoed through the forest, freezing her in place. She stood still, her breath caught in her throat as the eerie sound rippled through the trees.


    ROOOARRR!


    "What the hell was that?" Reika asked, her voice tinged with confusion and fear.


    She quickly turned her head to the right where the direction the unsettling howl seemed to come from. Suddenly, the ground trembled lightly beneath her feet, accompanied by the sharp crackling of trees snapping in the distance.


    Glancing up at the sky, Reika saw birds fleeing in panic, their frantic flight heading away from the source of the noise. The tremors grew stronger in every breath she took, accompanied by thunderous footsteps pounding the earth, as if something massive was charging straight toward them. The oppressive tension climbed until, without warning, everything fell silent. The tremors ceased, and the booming steps stopped, leaving an eerie stillness in their wake.


    Reika''s eyes darted around, scanning the dense trees and the shadows within their depths. The rancid stench of the dead beasts lingered in the air, but she paid it no mind, her focus sharp as unease gripped her. As her gaze shifted downward, she quickly froze. She noticed a shadow¡ªlarge and ominous¡ªstretched across the ground.


    Slowly, as if afraid to confirm her suspicions, Reika tilted her head upward. Just then, something massive loomed overhead as its form obscuring the sun, casting her and the clearing into an ominous gloom.


    SWOOSH!


    A powerful gust of wind suddenly tore through the clearing, whipping around them with such force that it scattered dust in every direction.


    "Cough! Cough! What is going on!?" Reika cried, her voice barely audible over the roaring gale.


    The swirling dust cloud obscured everything around her in a second, stinging her skin and making it impossible to see. She quickly shielded her eyes with her arm, desperate to keep the particles out. Through the chaos, she glanced at Soru, who was similarly shielding his face, his calm demeanor unshaken even amidst the blinding storm.


    Moments later, the whirlwind began to die down, and the dust slowly settled. Blinking through the haze, Reika''s breath caught as her surroundings came back into focus. Towering above them was an enormous, terrifying creature, its shadow swallowing the clearing and its monstrous presence overwhelmed her.


    The massive creature flew in the sky with wings stretching wide and two powerful hind legs on its lower body. Each wing ended in massive claws, sharp and gleaming, adding a sinister edge to its already menacing form. Its ash-gray skin seemed rugged and weathered, exuding an aura of raw power. Though it bore a small resemblance to the lizard-like creature from earlier, this beast was far more terrifying¡ªits sheer size and presence were overwhelming.


    As Reika''s gaze traveled up its elongated neck, she froze when her eyes locked onto its glowing crimson orbs. Those piercing eyes seemed to cut straight into her soul, filling her with dread and making her legs weak. Her entire body trembled under its unrelenting gaze.


    Unbeknownst to her, this fearsome creature was a "Wyvern," a beast of legend mentioned in fantasy stories.


    Before their arrival, the wyvern had been gliding silently through the sky, scanning the forest below with its keen crimson eyes. It had sensed the presence of a Basilisk¡ªa formidable lizard-like creature¡ªand a pack of Rabid Wolves locked in a fierce battle. Driven by hunger, the wyvern decided to descend, landing far from the commotion to observe the ongoing fight from a safe distance.


    As one of the more intelligent monsters of the forest, the wyvern opted for a calculated approach. Rather than risking unnecessary exhaustion by intervening prematurely, it planned to bide its time. It would wait for the combat to end, anticipating that one or both parties would either perish or become too weak to resist. Once the moment was right, the wyvern would strike swiftly and claim its prize without a struggle.


    After a while, using its heightened sense of smell, the wyvern quickly realized that both the Basilisk and the Rabid Wolves had perished. It prepared to move toward the fresh corpses to feast while the flesh was still warm. However, it suddenly paused, its instincts flaring with caution.


    Something was off.


    The wyvern¡¯s sharp nose picked up two unfamiliar scents drifting through the area. Alarmed, it shifted into a state of vigilance and silently crept deeper into the shadows of the forest. Its sharp, predatory eyes scanned the clearing with precision, and it quickly located the source of the disturbance: two humanoid figures standing amidst the mangled remains of the Basilisk and the wolves.


    The wyvern narrowed its glowing crimson eyes. These creatures were unfamiliar intruders, and their presence in its territory was enough to provoke a mix of curiosity and caution.


    Seeing that intruders had interfered with its hunt, the wyvern grew enraged. With a furious roar, it charged toward them, intent on eliminating the humans it blamed for ruining the Basilisk and Rabid Wolves¡¯ corpses. A picky eater by nature, the wyvern found the damaged bodies unappealing and assumed the two figures were responsible for rendering them unfit to consume.


    Reika, still frozen in fear, couldn¡¯t bring herself to move. Her legs felt like lead, and her mind raced as she tried to comprehend the danger before her. She watched in horror as the wyvern¡¯s wings began to flap more rapidly, stirring the air into a furious gust. Then, the creature opened its massive jaws, and to her shock, a glowing, yellowish-red orb began to form within its mouth.


    Before she could react, the wyvern unleashed its fiery breath in an instant. The searing flames raced toward them, engulfing everything in their path. Reika flinched as her instincts attempts to brace the unbearable heat and pain that should have followed.


    But to her surprise, she felt nothing.


    She opened her eyes, baffled. Despite the inferno surrounding her, she felt no discomfort or pain.


    What on earth is going on? she wondered as the fiery blaze continued to swirl around her harmlessly.


    When Reika opened her eyes to see what was going on, she was stunned by what she saw.


    Instead of being burned alive, the flames had no effect on her or Soru. There were no signs of burns on her body, and even her clothes remained untouched.


    "What the... how is this possible?" she uttered as her confusion growing with each passing second.


    Desperate for answers, she turned to look at Soru.


    To her astonishment, he too was completely unharmed, standing there calmly amidst the fading flames. His gaze was fixed on the wyvern, his expression as composed as ever, as if the monster¡¯s fiery attack hadn¡¯t happened at all.


    Adding to her confusion, Reika noticed something strange: the trees surrounding them were ablaze, even though the wyvern''s fiery breath hadn''t reached them. The distance between the creature, its target, and the trees should have made it impossible for the flames to spread that far.


    What is going on here...? she wondered, her thoughts spiraling as the oppressive heat filled the air.


    Suddenly, a fierce gust of wind roared through the clearing. Reika looked up and saw the wyvern flapping its wings violently, its movements stirring the flames into a chaotic dance.


    The massive beast opened its mouth again, and this time, a swirling orb of fire began forming within its maw. A wave of heat radiated from the orb, growing stronger with each passing moment. Without giving them a time to spare, the wyvern quickly spewed its breath ahead.


    The wyvern''s fiery breath reached them in an instant, leaving Reika no chance to escape. Yet, as the searing heat enveloped her, she realized something strange¡ªshe was unscathed once again, despite the flames being fiercer than before.


    When the blaze finally subsided, Reika let out a shaky breath, expecting the same outcome as before. However, her assumption was wrong. This time, the aftermath was startlingly different.


    The wyvern''s massive body was engulfed in flames. Its ash-gray skin burned violently, as though it had been struck by a powerful fire attack from an unseen force. The beast roared in agony, thrashing wildly in an attempt to extinguish the flames consuming it.


    "KRAAAAAHHH!!"


    The wyvern''s relentless wails echoed throughout the forest as it spiraled in the sky, unable to escape the flames devouring its body. With its wings severely burned by the unforgiving flames, the beast struggled to maintain altitude, descending lower and lower until it plummeted to the ground with a deafening crash.


    The impact sent violent tremors through the earth, almost toppling Reika. Steadying herself, she cautiously approached the fallen monster while keeping a safe distance. Her heart pounded as her gaze remained locked on its massive, charred form.


    The wyvern''s body twitched weakly, its scorched skin crackling as the relentless flames continued to consume it. Reika could feel the heat radiating from the creature as she watched in stunned silence. Moments later, the wyvern let out one final, shuddering groan before its movements ceased entirely, leaving only the flickering fire and the acrid smell of burning flesh in the still air.


    Reika was stunned by the wyvern''s brutal death. She glanced around, half-expecting another creature to emerge, but the forest was eerily quiet. The only thing she saw were the scattered remains of the other monsters and the smoldering wyvern. Confusion and unease filled her as she failed to make sense of what had happened, leaving her speechless.


    "I... I don''t know what''s going on anymore..."


    Then, she remembered Soru. Turning toward him, she saw him standing unharmed, calm as ever. Unlike her, he showed no signs of fear or shock. His eyes were fixed on the burning wyvern, unbothered by its lifeless state.


    Reika thought, He''s still calm as ever...


    After a moment, Soru shifted his gaze. He scanned the surroundings until his attention landed on a long, thin twig lying at the base of a nearby tree. Curious and slightly wary, Reika opened her mouth to question him, but hesitated, unsure of what to say.


    "Hey, what are you doing¡ª"


    "Ah, there you are."


    Soru didn¡¯t respond. Instead, he quietly made his way to where the twig lay and crouched down to pick it up. Without saying a word, he returned to his original spot and began positioning the twig upright on the ground.


    Reika watched in puzzled silence as he meticulously adjusted the twig, ensuring it stood perfectly straight. The moment it was stable, Soru let go. The upper end of the twig, where his fingers had been moments before, tilted slightly and pointed to his right.


    Without glancing back, Soru stood up and took a step forward. In a calm, even tone, he said, "Let''s go, Mitsuha-san."

 Chapter 3: Monsters and Village

    Without looking back, Soru walked in the direction the twig pointed, his steps calm and sure. Reika stood still for a moment, trying to process what he had just done.


    D-Did he really just use that stick to decide where we¡¯re going?


    Her gaze shifted to the burnt remains of the Wyvern. The faint smell of scorched flesh hung in the air, making her uneasy. The forest around her felt unnaturally quiet, and the thought of another monster appearing sent a shiver down her spine. Clenching her fists, she quickened her pace to catch up with Soru, not wanting to be left behind.


    The forest grew darker as they walked, the thick canopy above allowing only traces of sunlight to filter through. The trees here were taller and denser than those they had seen before, their massive trunks stretching far overhead. The air was cool and heavy, carrying the earthy scent of damp soil. Aside from the soft crunch of leaves beneath their feet, the forest was eerily silent.


    Deep in the forest, the faint sounds of insects chirping, leaves rustling, and distant screeches echoed through the air. Yet Soru moved forward without hesitation, completely ignoring the noises. Behind him, Reika followed closely, her steps quick but uncertain.


    As she trailed after Soru, Reika tried to calm her restless thoughts. The events leading up to this moment replayed in her mind, each one more absurd than the last. Nothing about their situation made sense, yet here she was, trudging deeper into the unknown.


    Monsters, strange creatures, magic, and such... Is this what they call another world?


    Reika looked around the deep forest. Everything appeared similar to what she had seen on Earth, but the monsters she had encountered¡ªalong with the strange flame that had erupted from a monster''s mouth¡ªmade it clear this world defied logic. Sorcery or magic, the very things she thought only existed in fantasy, were real here.


    I thought all of this was just fantasy¡ªa fiction that otaku, or fans of adventure stories, had fancied. I never imagined it could be real...


    She clenched her fists, frustration bubbling up.


    She stole a glance at Soru, who walked ahead with his usual calm expression.


    Given how calm he is, I bet he read those kind of mangas, like any other guy at school. That¡¯s why all of this strangeness doesn¡¯t seem completely new to him...


    As they continued walking, Reika suddenly heard the rustling of leaves behind her. The noise grew louder with each passing second, making her feel increasingly uneasy. She tried to move closer to Soru, but before she could, a massive blur of shadow lunged at them from the left, pouncing on Soru.


    "Eek!" Reika gasped in shock.


    She stepped back, but her feet tangled, sending her crashing to the ground. Her heart raced as the strange shadow locked its glowing red eyes on her. It was then that Reika realized what it was¡ªthe wolf-like creature she had seen earlier, the Rabid Wolf.


    T-That¡¯s the wolf from earlier!


    Reika''s eyes widened in horror as she watched the Rabid Wolf sink its teeth into Soru¡¯s upper body. She gasped and instinctively covered her mouth, her body frozen in shock.


    But then, something unexpected happened. The Rabid Wolf¡¯s lower body suddenly collapsed to the ground, severed cleanly from its upper half. The top half slid off Soru¡¯s unscathed body before dropping to the earth with a thud.


    "What...?"


    Reika blinked in disbelief. Soru was completely unharmed. She had expected to see blood, to hear the sickening squelch of torn flesh, but instead, he stood there as if untouched, his body seemingly impervious to the creature¡¯s vicious bite. His clothes remained spotless, not a single tear or bloodstain to mark the attack.


    Shaken, Reika rose to her feet and cautiously approached the lifeless creature. Her senses were on high alert, and she couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that the monster might still be alive. She kept her gaze fixed on the corpse, ready for any movement.


    She noticed that the wound the Rabid Wolf had received looked like it had been caused by a bite. What was even more confusing was that she hadn''t seen any monster nearby that could have inflicted such an injury, and only canine creatures were capable of making such a mark.


    Reika recoiled in disgust as the wolf''s guts spilled out, mixed with its purple blood. The foul stench hit her nose, and she stepped back, unable to hold back her revulsion.


    Fighting the urge to puke, she turned away. To her left, she saw Soru adjusting his uniform, seemingly unaffected. Once he was done, he continued walking as if nothing had happened.


    How is he so unbothered by all this? He almost died, and yet he¡¯s not even fazed!


    Reika scratched her head and followed him, struggling to make sense of it all. She couldn¡¯t understand what was happening and tried desperately to come up with an explanation.


    As she recalled the moment they had fallen from the sky, she realized that Soru had remained calm and composed the entire time, his expression not changing in the slightest. Even after they survived the fall unscathed, he hadn¡¯t been fazed by the strange situation.


    The way he had stared at the dead creatures, completely unfazed... Those creatures didn''t even exist on Earth, and yet he seemed unaffected...


    Reika''s mind wandered to the time the Wyvern had attacked them. The flames that should have killed them were terrifying, but instead, the Wyvern had been burned alive in their place. Despite everything¡ªdespite the impossible nature of it all¡ªSoru never questioned why they had survived. His expression had never wavered, not even once.


    Did he anticipate that all of those things were bound to happen? Even at the time when he should¡¯ve been bitten in half by that wolf-like creature, the wolf had instead died in his place, as if it had been torn apart by a canine creature...!


    Reika gazed at Soru, her eyes filled with doubt and confusion.


    Shin-kun... Don¡¯t tell me he knew something about this?


    Her gaze shifted to several creatures similar to the Rabid Wolf, lying lifeless on the ground. They shared the same fate as the ones killed earlier¡ªbitten in half and dead on the spot.


    Judging from his strange behavior, I think he knows something and is hiding it from me. But blatantly assuming that isn''t good, especially since I don¡¯t have any solid evidence that he¡¯s involved...


    Reika quickened her pace to catch up with Soru.


    Argh! It¡¯s better if I just ask him directly!


    "Shin¡ªOww!"


    Reika couldn''t finish her sentence when she bumped her head against Soru''s shoulder.


    Hey! Why did he stop all of a sudden?!


    "Here we are."


    Reika wondered what Soru meant. Still holding her forehead, she moved around and stood beside him to get a better view. After being surrounded by darkness for so long, the bright light that greeted her was almost too much for her eyes. She quickly raised her right hand to shield them from the harsh glow.


    After a moment, her eyes finally adjusted to the light. As her vision cleared, a breathtaking scene unfolded before her. Reika was mesmerized and slowly lowered her hand. In front of them stretched a vast plain, covered in golden wheat fields.


    The sky was a soft blue, with a few clouds scattered above. A narrow path stretched ahead, leading toward a gate. From within the tall, sturdy wooden fences, Reika could see smoke rising into the air. It was a village nestled between the vast fields.


    As Reika stood there, lost in the beauty of the scene, Soru quietly made his way toward the village in the distance.


    While walking, Soru took in his surroundings, his curiosity piqued by the strange new world he found himself in. He ran his hand along the ripe stalks of wheat, feeling their texture as he moved closer to the village. Reika, still caught up in the peaceful atmosphere, savored the gentle breeze that brushed against her face. It wasn¡¯t until then that she realized Soru was no longer beside her.


    "Shin-kun...?"


    Reika looked around, searching for Soru. When she turned toward the golden wheat field, she spotted him walking down the narrow path. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    That bastard left me already...?


    "Hey, wait for meeee~!"


    Reika ran after him. Soru heard her but didn''t turn around; he just kept walking quietly, following the path to the village entrance.


    As she passed through the wheat fields, Reika glanced back at the forest. She was astonished at how vast it was. The trees stretched from left to right, as far as the eye could see, all the way to the horizon.


    How huge that forest is! Luckily, we managed to get out easily. If we hadn''t, we would¡¯ve had to spend the night there, with no food or shelter...


    Looking back at the village entrance, Reika saw Soru talking to someone.


    Somehow, we managed to stumble upon this village. Maybe we could rest here for a while...


    From a distance, Soru noticed a person standing near the entrance. Without hesitation, he calmly walked toward the individual, who seemed to be guarding the entrance.


    The guard, noticing someone approach, quickly assessed Soru. His unfamiliar clothes and face made it clear that Soru wasn''t from the village. Just then, the guard stepped forward and blocked the unknown individual, intending to confront him.


    Soru, sensing that the man was trying to communicate something, stopped and regarded him for a moment. He then gave his name, assuming the guard wanted to identify him.


    "Wa ta shi wa, So ru - kun de su."


    After hearing Soru, the guard gave him a confused look and raised an eyebrow.


    "@#$&@#, @&#-*?"


    Soru didn''t understand the words the guard spoke and tried to speak again. Reika watched from a distance, her expression filled with disappointment.


    How foolish of him. Of course, this is another world. What did he expect¡ªthat they spoke the same language as us? They don¡¯t even know Japanese!


    The guard gripped his hatchet tighter, his stance growing more defensive.


    "@$&$*&@_$!!"


    Just then, Soru felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around and saw Reika standing beside him.


    "Let me do the talking."


    Reika stepped forward and confronted the guard with confidence. Despite the tip of the blade still pointing at them, she didn¡¯t flinch. Soru moved back, giving her space as she began to try and communicate with the guard.


    Reika raised both her arms and began waving her hands in the air.


    "What are you doing?" Soru asked, watching her random gestures.


    "Shushh. I''m trying to communicate with the guard using gestures."


    Reika continued her strange gestures. She raised both hands in the air, fiddled with her fingers, and kept pointing toward the direction of the forest. The guard only grew more confused.


    "We. Are. Lost. We. Came. From. Deep. Forest."


    The guard''s confusion deepened, and he pointed his hatchet at her. Reika quickly raised her hands in surrender, stepping back to avoid the blade.


    "It''s no use," Soru told Reika.


    Reika sighed and lowered her hands, about to turn away when she heard a hoarse voice speaking words she could understand clearly.


    "Oho, so you can speak Japanese as well, huh..."


    Reika froze, shocked at hearing someone speak Japanese.


    "H-how did you¡ª"


    She noticed an old man behind the guard. He was short, with both hands resting on his back. His bald head contrasted with the white eyebrows and mustache that framed his face.


    The guard turned around, startled at first, but then bowed his head respectfully to the old man.


    "@#-$*&@$_@..."


    The old man smiled at the guard and nodded.


    "@#&#."


    He glanced at Reika before looking back at the wary guard.


    "@#&@%."


    The guard nodded and left his post. The old man then stood in front of Reika.


    "Welcome, guests from afar. I''m the chief of this humble village."


    Reika stood there, dumbfounded, wondering how an old man from another world could speak Japanese so fluently. The old man noticed her shock and chuckled.


    "Hahaha... Are you surprised that I can speak Japanese so well?"


    Reika snapped back to reality at his words.


    "How... can you speak Japanese? Does it even exist in this world?" she asked.


    The old man scratched his beard thoughtfully.


    "Well, that dialect doesn''t exist in this world, I think. Only a few people knew that language and mastered it."


    "May I ask where you learned it?"


    "I learned it thanks to my son''s guidance."


    Reika was confused by his answer and pressed further.


    "What do you mean, from your son?"


    The old man walked past her and gazed out at the wheat fields in front of him.


    "You see, my son was born in a pretty normal way, but his mother and I always felt he was special. He was an active baby, though surprisingly, he never cried. Unlike most babies, he was quiet and simply stared at us while we fed him."


    "By the time he reached three, he uttered his first word¡ªone we couldn''t understand. Even though we taught him how to read and write, we often caught him talking to himself, repeating those strange words over and over again."


    "One night, we tried to reach out to him, trying to understand his unusual behavior. Finally, he told us that he could speak ''Japanese,'' a language we had never heard of. He could also see visions that neither of us understood."


    The old man paused for a moment before continuing.


    "Out of curiosity, I asked him to teach me the language. After hearing my strange request, he smiled gently and told me that he would teach me how to speak¡ªand even write Japanese."


    "How many days or months did it take you to learn it?" Reika asked.


    Upon hearing her question, the old man chuckled.


    "Months? Ohohoho! It took me two... maybe three years to master it. It was hard at first, but once you get the basics down, it becomes easier. Although I''m not as proficient as my son, it''s still quite understandable."


    Reika glanced at Soru, who was staring at the old man without showing any change in his expression. She turned back to the old man and asked, "Where is your son now? Is he here?"


    The old man lowered his head and turned away, walking toward the rice fields.


    "Fumeir¨­... He''s in the kingdom''s capital now. He has some business to attend to."


    Reika fell silent after hearing the old man''s answer. The old man lowered his head and turned, walking toward the rice fields. A sense of longing and loneliness was evident on his face.


    After a while, someone spoke, breaking the silence between them.


    "Can we stay here tonight?"


    Reika was surprised and quickly recognized the voice. It was Soru who had asked the old man.


    "You..."


    This idiot can''t read the mood at all!


    The old man heard Soru and turned around, a slight smile forming on his face as he began walking toward the village.


    "Ohoho! Of course you can! Follow me."

 Chapter 4: The Unexpected Visitor

    While following the old man, Reika noticed several familiar details that reminded her of Japan. The place resembled an older era of Japan. She saw women wearing ragged clothes similar to kimonos, along with accessories like hairpins and pottery. Others were eating with chopsticks.


    "This is..."


    "All of these strange architectures and materials came from my son''s vision," the old man explained. "Thanks to him, life in the village became easier."


    After a few minutes of walking, Reika and Soru noticed the old man suddenly stop in front of a large house. Unlike the others in the village, this house stood out. It resembled a "Minka," a traditional Japanese house. While not particularly beautiful or well-crafted, its architecture had a striking resemblance to that style.


    The old man slowly opened the gate.


    "Come inside."


    Reika paused for a moment. Her memories of Japan tugged at her heart, and a sudden wave of sadness and longing washed over her.


    Sigh... Eating ramen after school, hanging out with my friends, working those night shifts to earn extra money... even my grandparents. I miss them so much.


    She stared outside the door and watched the villagers bustling about, tending to their daily chores and responsibilities.


    I wonder what they''re doing right now, especially Grandpa and Grandma...


    Her thoughts were interrupted when her eyes caught sight of a bookshelf behind Soru. Intrigued, Reika stood up and approached it. She crouched down to inspect the contents and found a few interesting items.


    Hm?


    What she saw was a handmade book with a title written in kanji at the center. Intrigued, Reika picked it up and brought it to the table, where she began to read it.


    "Great Forest of Drys''s Records of Monster Beasts..."


    So, that''s what the forest is called...


    Her thoughts were interrupted when the old man entered the room, carrying a wooden plate with several cups. He placed it on the table and sat down across from them.


    Noticing the book in Reika''s hands, the old man smiled.


    "Ah, you¡¯ve taken an interest in that book?"


    "Uh... Yes."


    "Well, have some tea first, before it cools down."


    Reika set the book aside and picked up one of the cups. She sipped carefully, while Soru followed suit without a word.


    After drinking her tea, Reika placed the cup back on the table and picked up the book beside her.


    "You want to read it?" the old man asked with a curious smile.


    "Mhm," Reika replied, flipping open the cover of the handmade book.


    On the first page, a note was neatly written in kanji at the center:


    These records are intended to help understand the species in the Great Forest of Drys. Handle with care. - Fumeir¨­


    Reika turned the page and found herself captivated by the book''s contents.


    Each page revealed simple yet astonishing illustrations of various monster beasts, their features brought to life with remarkable detail. Alongside the sketches were descriptions of the creatures, detailing their appearances, known strengths, weaknesses, and even their hunting seasons. The work was meticulous, blending artistry with practical knowledge.


    "Amazing, huh?" the old man said, breaking the silence.


    Reika glanced at him, the book still open in her hands. "Fumeir¨­... is this your son''s work?"


    The old man smiled warmly, his eyes reflecting pride.


    "Yes," he said. "My son, Fumeir¨­, gathered this information with the help of the villagers. He asked them about the monsters they''ve seen in the Great Forest of Drys¡ªtheir appearances, behaviors, and traits. Some of these creatures, even our ancestors never knew existed. Yet, Fumeir¨­ managed to document them."


    "To some extent," the old man continued, his voice tinged with a mix of awe and concern, "he would sneak into the forest himself to observe these beasts up close, drawing them with his own eyes so that we might all be better prepared for what lies within that untamed wilderness." Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "At first, I scolded him countless times," the old man said with a weary chuckle. "I told him that entering the forest alone was dangerous and would only bring him harm. But no matter how much I warned him, he kept disobeying me, insisting that he was careful and kept his distance to observe the creatures without being seen. I kept scolding him, over and over, until one day I grew tired and decided to let him do whatever he wanted."


    He glanced at the book in Reika''s hands, his tone softening.


    "In the end, what he did turned out to be invaluable for the villagers. That book became a guide. It helps them decide when to enter the forest, what dangers to avoid, and which beasts are edible or poisonous to humans. His work saved lives."


    While the old man spoke, Reika continued flipping through the pages of the book. When she turned to the next page, her eyes widened.


    This...


    She leaned closer, examining the detailed illustration of a snarling creature. Beneath it, written in neat kanji, was the name:


    The wolf we saw earlier is called a Rabid Wolf...?


    Curiosity urged her to flip another page, where she found an image of a creature that sent a chill through her. It had two powerful hind legs and a massive pair of wings. She read the caption below:


    There''s no mistaking it... The flying lizard that spat flames at us¡ªit was a Wyvern.


    She turned another page and came across another familiar sight. This time, it was a lizard-like creature with menacing eyes. Beneath its image, the word was written.


    Reika''s pace quickened as she flipped through more pages, searching for anything else she might recognize. Page after page turned until her hands stopped on one illustration.


    The image was different¡ªmore intricate and striking than the others. Her eyes were drawn to the details, as though the artist had poured extra care into capturing this particular monster''s essence. Reika leaned in as she studied it closely.


    The monster depicted had enormous claws and leathery, bat-like wings. Its lizard-like appearance was strikingly similar to the Wyvern, but unlike the Wyvern, it had four muscular legs. Its body was covered in rough, jagged scales that looked as if they could deflect even the sharpest of blades.


    "Oho... The " the old man said with a nostalgic smile. "How amazing that he managed to draw it exactly as I described it all those years ago!"


    Reika''s eyes flicked down to the text beneath the illustration. Sure enough, it matched the old man''s words perfectly.


    "Did he... actually see this dragon with his own eyes?" Reika asked, her voice quiet but filled with curiosity.


    The old man burst into laughter, his voice echoing through the room.


    "HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! If that were true, it would be nothing short of a miracle!"


    Reika, unfazed by his laughter, stared at him with a serious expression. The old man noticed her intensity and stopped, awkwardly clearing his throat.


    The old man cleared his throat, continuing his story with a wistful smile.


    "Ahem! He didn''t see the dragon but only drew it from what he was told years ago."


    "See, when I was young, I sneaked into the forest, driven by curiosity. Somehow, I got lost, without realizing I had ventured too deep. As any child would, I panicked and cried out in fear."


    "Miraculously, none of the monsters noticed me. I wandered aimlessly, unaware that I was moving deeper into the woods. The path that led back home seemed to have vanished."


    He paused for a moment, his eyes far away as if lost in the past.


    "While desperately searching for a way out, I noticed a shadow in the sky. It was massive¡ªfar larger than any bird or beast I had ever seen. I quickly hid under the nearest bush, fearing that the strange creature would find me."


    "The creature was a dragon¡ªa Calamity Dragon, to be exact. The Wildfire Dragon ."


    He leaned forward, his voice low but filled with awe.


    "It was enormous¡ªso much larger than the wyvern I had seen before. Its body was long and serpentine, with wings that stretched wide enough to block the sun. Its head was crowned with sharp crests, and its claws were enormous¡ªperfect for tearing through anything in its path. The scales were a deep maroon, like a mixture of crimson flame and the deep wood of a burning forest."


    "This dragon that you speak of¡ªhow did you know it was one you saw years ago?" Reika asked.


    "Because my great-grandmother also saw it with her own eyes, too."


    The old man sighed as he sipped his cup and continued talking.


    "I remember that my late mother once told me that a dragon resides in the Great Forest of Drys and acts as the guardian of the forest. And it wasn''t an ordinary dragon, but a named one called Calamity Dragon Veylir."


    "According to what my great-grandmother told my grandmother, which she also told my mother, the calamity dragon once wreaked havoc and burned a portion of the forest. Part of the forest turned into a sea of flames, burning everything in sight. Every creature and plant was set ablaze as the fiery flames consumed their bodies and lives."


    "My mother pointed out that the dragon''s senses are sharper than those of an average monster. She told me that I was lucky that the dragon didn''t see me, though I believed that the dragon obviously noticed my presence. Probably, I was spared because it didn''t even consider me as a threat at all, or it wasn''t hungry at that time."


    "After the dragon vanished from my eyesight, I ran away quickly. I ran relentlessly until I stumbled upon my father, who had been looking after me for hours. He was furious at that time and gave me quite a beating afterwards."


    The old man drank from his cup again and emptied it. He placed the cup on the table.


    "My mother also told me that there are other Calamity Dragons besides the Wildfire Dragon. However, I don¡¯t know what they look like because even my great-grandmother had no knowledge of their appearances¡ªonly the Wildfire Dragon."


    "Although I wish to see the other dragons in my lifetime, I may never get the chance due to my age¡­"


    Reika quietly listened as the old man lowered his head.


    "Well, being one of the oldest races on the continent, they possess a lifespan greater than a human''s. A century is like a decade to them, and they rarely go outside their den. Seeing one is a once-in-a-lifetime experience..."


    "I see..." Reika murmured, her thoughts drifting as she processed his words.


    The old man glanced down at the empty cups, and a realization seemed to dawn on him.


    "Oh! I forgot to ask both of your names..." he said, lifting his head and bowing slightly in front of them.


    Reika and Soru followed suit, bowing their heads respectfully.


    "I am Silas, the chief of Signas Village."


    Reika straightened up after the bow. "I am... Mi-Reika Mitsuha. And he''s..."


    "Shin Soru."


    Reika gritted her teeth at Soru''s lack of formality in his greeting.


    Not only did he fail to greet properly, but he also introduced his last name first!


    Silas chuckled softly, his expression warm as he processed their names.


    "So you''re Miss Reika, and he''s... Mister Shin."


    "Ah, no, no. His actual name is Soru. Shin is just his family name..."


    "Oh..."


    Silas quietly observed them, his gaze lingering on their unfamiliar clothes, a clear sign that they were from somewhere he had never encountered before.


    They must be from nobility, judging by those unusual garments and the presence of a second name. But... why are they speaking Japanese? I never expected anyone outside this region to use it so casually, not to mention on this continent...


    While Silas silently pondered, Reika and Soru, unaware of his thoughts, were talking to each other. She reprimanded him for his words earlier.


    "You know we''re not from here, and yet you told him your family name first¡ª"


    She paused mid-sentence as a loud, piercing scream suddenly cut through the air from outside. It echoed into the room, breaking their conversation and drawing their attention.


    "AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!"


    Silas snapped back upon hearing a loud scream outside his house. Without hesitation, he ran out the door, his heart pounding with fear. Just then, the old man trembled, his eyes wide in disbelief at what he saw in the sky.


    I-Isn''t that... T-The Wildfire Dragon Veylir...?


    Reika and Soru quickly followed, their steps quickening as they caught sight of the unfolding chaos. Reika''s gaze swept across the village, her mind struggling to process the scene.


    What had once been a peaceful, bustling place was now consumed by flames. The fire spread quickly, devouring everything in its path. From where they stood, the heat was undeniable, its intensity a constant reminder of the danger. The air was filled with the sounds of chaos¡ªscreams, cries, and desperate shouts for help. Reika stood frozen as the shock of the moment overwhelmed her.


    Soru saw the enormous monster rampaging through the village from a distance. He pointed toward the sky, his voice cutting through the silence. "Mitsuha-san, look over there."


    Reika turned, following his finger. Her eyes widened as she saw the massive creature soaring above them.


    "That creature... Is that...?"


    The creature''s colossal form hovered in the sky. Its wings stretched wide, easily spanning several meters. Its serpent-like body was topped with a crested head and formidable claws. The scales, thick and bulky, were a deep maroon, glowing ominously.


    There''s no mistaking it... That¡¯s the Wildfire Dragon Veylir the old man mentioned earlier...!


    Reika glanced at Silas, who was already running toward the gate. Understanding his intent, she quickly followed, knowing there was no time to waste.


    "Shin-kun, come with me! We must help the village people!"


    Without a word, Soru followed her in silence.


    Surrounded by frantic voices and the deafening sound of crying and shouting, they managed to reach the center of the village. There, Reika saw Silas helping people escape from the burning houses. Her gaze shifted, and she noticed a child struggling to keep up with her family. Without hesitation, Reika ran to the child and offered her assistance.


    Soru, meanwhile, noticed several men desperately trying to douse the flames consuming their homes. He walked toward them calmly. As he did, he heard Silas shouting in the distance. He paused for a moment to listen.


    "Those who can walk properly, help the other villagers who are still trapped in their houses! Those who are injured, gather them at the center of the village!" Silas called out.


    Although Soru didn''t understand the language, the message was clear¡ªsave the villagers. He approached one of the men struggling with the flames and tapped him on the shoulder. The man turned, annoyed.


    "Hey! What are you¡ª"


    Without a word, Soru raised his right hand and pointed it toward a burning house. In an instant, the flames that had consumed the entire structure vanished. Not just one house, but every fire raging throughout the village was snuffed out in the blink of an eye.


    The village men who witnessed the miracle were left speechless, their eyes wide in disbelief. Even Reika, who had been watching closely, understood Soru''s role in the sudden disappearance of the flames. The realization struck her like a bolt of lightning.


    Shin-kun... Don''t tell me...?!


    She whispered to herself, her mind racing as she pieced everything together. "You''re the one who saved me back then?!"

 Chapter 5: Second Sun

    After the flames vanished, the oppressive heat quickly dissipated, and the air turned noticeably cooler. The crackling fire was replaced by faint sobbing and cries from the villagers echoing in different directions. Reika stood frozen, her mind racing after the sudden revelation.


    But... he¡¯s from Earth, right? H-how could he possess such a strange power if he¡¯s just a human from our world¡­?!


    Her gaze shifted back to Soru. Although his face remained neutral, his actions betrayed him, practically screaming that he did indeed possess one.


    Just think about it! Every situation we¡¯ve faced so far¡ªevery time we were in danger¡ªhe¡¯s always been so calm. Those monsters tried to kill us, yet¡­ it¡¯s like none of it fazed him at all!


    Her lips trembled as she whispered to herself, her disbelief spilling out in shaky words. "M-Maybe it¡¯s true¡­ If he really has powers, it would explain everything¡ªwhy we¡¯ve survived until now..."


    Just then, Reika heard the dragon unleash a deafening roar, snapping her attention back to the sky. Everyone turned their gaze upward and froze as the Wildfire Dragon Veylir was engulfed in flames.


    ROOAAARR!!


    Its entire body burned intensely, but to their shock, the dragon seemed unaffected. The flames licked across its massive form, yet it showed no signs of pain or injury.


    The dragon soared higher, the blazing inferno still encasing its body. It climbed so high that its fiery silhouette became visible to the entire village. Against the sky, it looked like a phoenix reborn from the flames. With one powerful flap of its wings, the fire surrounding it disappeared in an instant, as if it had never existed.


    A heavy silence fell over the village. Then, another ear-splitting roar shattered the stillness, shaking the air and leaving everyone trembling in terror.


    ROOOOAAAAARRR!!


    Villagers clutched their ears, desperately trying to shield themselves from the dragon''s powerful cry. As the roar subsided, the beast raised its head toward the heavens and opened its massive jaws.


    A fiery orb began to form within its maw, growing larger with each passing second. The sky brightened, the blazing fireball outshining the sun itself. The temperature around the village surged, turning puddles into steam. The heat pressed down on them, suffocating and relentless.


    Fear swept through the villagers like a tidal wave. They clung to their loved ones, tears streaking down their faces¡ªonly to evaporate before touching the ground.


    Soru stared at the dragon as it prepared its devastating counterattack. The fireball had reached its full size, radiating raw power.


    "It''s over for us..." one of the villagers muttered, his voice barely audible amidst the oppressive heat and despair.


    In a split second, the enormous fireball in the dragon''s mouth vanished without a trace. The entire village stared in confusion, unsure of what had just occurred. Moments later, their bewilderment turned to shock as flames erupted across the dragon''s body once more.


    Enraged, the dragon let out another deafening roar.


    ROOOOAAAARRR!


    Despite being consumed by fire for the second time, the flames failed to harm the dragon''s thick scales or pierce its skin. With two powerful flaps of its wings, it expelled the flames, extinguishing them instantly. The villagers, witnessing the dragon''s resilience, began to tremble in fear.


    "T-The dragon''s still alive, even after being burned twice!"


    The dragon''s behavior turned erratic. It flapped its wings furiously and ascended higher into the sky, climbing rapidly. Its massive form grew smaller and smaller, until it disappeared entirely into the clouds above.


    Everyone stood in stunned silence, unable to process what they had just witnessed. Fear gripped the villagers as they dreaded what the dragon might do next.


    ¡°M-Mom... Will that monster come back?¡± a child whispered, trembling.


    The child¡¯s mother wrapped her arms tightly around her, gently stroking her back. ¡°Hush... It won¡¯t come back again,¡± she murmured, though her voice wavered.


    All eyes remained fixed on the sky for what felt like an eternity. No one dared to move, their bodies frozen by fear and anticipation. Yet, to their collective relief, there were no signs of the dragon returning. The tension began to ease, and a wave of relief washed over the village like cool water.


    ¡°Thank the heavens! The dragon hasn¡¯t come back!¡± someone exclaimed.


    ¡°Maybe it got scared after being burned twice for no reason!¡± another added, their tone filled with hope.


    Just as the villagers started to celebrate their narrow escape, a deafening bang echoed through the sky, shattering their fragile sense of peace.


    BOOOOM!!


    Everyone¡¯s gaze shot upward as the sky above cleared in an instant. The thick clouds scattered outward, forming a wide circle that revealed a strange object blocking the sun¡¯s light.


    As it drew closer, its silhouette sharpened, and the villagers¡¯ hearts sank with dread.


    ¡°It... It¡¯s...!¡± someone stammered.


    The object was no mystery¡ªit was the dragon, plummeting toward the ground at a terrifying speed. The earlier thunderous sound was the result of the beast breaking the sound barrier, its descent accelerated by gravity and propelled beyond Mach 1.


    ¡°Everyone, it¡¯s the dragon!¡± a voice cried out in alarm.


    Panic spread like wildfire. Watching the dragon streak toward them, every villager shared the same desperate thought: run as far away as possible.


    Their bodies moved instinctively, driven by the primal urge to flee. Fear took hold, and the villagers ran without looking back. Parents clutched their children tightly, sprinting with all their strength. Chaos enveloped the village, with only one thought in every mind: survival.


    Amid the panic, one figure remained unmoving. Soru stood firm, his gaze locked onto the descending dragon.


    Reika, running alongside the fleeing villagers, paused when she noticed him. Her breath caught as she realized he wasn¡¯t running away.


    What is he doing at a time like this...?


    Soru¡¯s eyes remained fixed on the beast above. He squinted, trying to focus on its massive frame as it neared.


    ¡°I¡¯ll use it on that thing...¡± he murmured, almost to himself.


    Lifting his hand slightly, he shielded his eyes from the sun¡¯s glare, letting the light filter between his fingers.


    ¡°Stay put.¡±


    At that moment, the sky erupted with brilliance. The light came suddenly, dazzling in its intensity. Villagers who dared look up shielded their eyes, startled by the sudden change. The radiance reflected off the ground, illuminating the scorched village in an unnatural glow. Those who were too slow to look away covered their faces, fearing the light might blind them.


    Although brief, those who dared to look witnessed it¡ªa sight both terrifying and awe-inspiring. The dragon, descending from the heavens with unstoppable force, transformed into a blinding white mass of light. The radiance emanating from its body outshone the sun itself, resembling a second, more brilliant star falling from the sky.


    BOOOOOOM!!!


    In an instant, the intense light vanished, absorbed back into the dragon. Then, a deafening explosion shattered the momentary stillness. The blast''s shockwave rippled through the village, forcing the villagers to cover their ears. Many felt an agonizing ringing, while others winced as blood trickled from their eardrums.


    From the sky, a blackened object began its descent, trailing thick smoke behind it.


    THUD!!


    The ground trembled slightly as the object landed, sending a faint vibration through the soil. Villagers cautiously approached, their curiosity battling with lingering fear. When they saw it up close, their eyes widened in disbelief¡ªit was the dragon''s lifeless body.


    Its once-imposing form was now unrecognizable. Charred black like burned wood, its scales had disintegrated into dust, leaving behind a husk of what was once a fearsome beast.


    Some villagers murmured in astonishment at the dragon''s corpse, while others turned their attention to the smoldering remains of their village. The acrid scent of burned wood and organic matter still lingered in the air. Despite the destruction, the fire''s aftermath was far less severe thanks to Soru''s timely intervention. Small pockets of the village remained intact, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation.


    Despite Soru''s efforts, the damage was irreversible. Lives had been lost¡ªsome buried beneath the rubble, others caught in the flames.


    The cries of children filled the air as they ran to their parents and siblings, their faces contorted in terror and grief.


    But there were those who hadn¡¯t made it. Some of them sat among the charred remains of their families, their wails of sorrow rising in the air. They clutched at the lifeless bodies of their parents or siblings, their cries a raw, heartrending expression of their loss.


    "My child... You¡¯re still so young... Why did you have to leave us so soon...?"


    "UWAAAHHH!! Papa... Please don¡¯t leave me...!"


    Silas gave orders to those still able to move. They were tasked to gather the bodies of the dead and bring them to the center of the village. Without hesitation, the villagers began the grim task, lifting each lifeless body and laying them down side by side.


    Five villagers had died, burned to death or crushed beneath debris, while eleven others were injured by burns or falling rubble, but had been rescued in time. Thankfully, no one else was reported missing. Those who had lost loved ones gathered around the bodies, mourning their loss, while others stood in silent grief, tormented by the helplessness of not being able to save them.


    Amid the sorrow, one man, lying next to his family''s bodies, suddenly stood. He picked up his hatchet, his movements sudden and unsettling. Those nearby turned in shock.


    "My family was killed... All because I was too busy helping others..." The man¡¯s voice trembled with guilt. "If I had saved them first, instead of trying to help everyone else... maybe...!"


    He raised the hatchet, its sharp edge pointed at his chest. Reika, witnessing this from a distance, felt her heart race at the sight.


    That man¡ªwasn''t he the one who guards the entrance gate?


    Reika''s heart sank as she recognized him, though she couldn''t understand the words he was speaking. The anguish in his eyes, however, was clear¡ªsorrow, regret, and hopelessness. At his feet lay the lifeless bodies of a young child and a woman, confirming her fear that these were his family.


    "IT''S BETTER IF I FOLLOW THEM THAN LETTING MYSELF DROWN IN DESPAIR IN THIS FORSAKEN WORLD!!" he shouted, his voice breaking with emotion.


    With tears in his eyes, he raised the hatchet, preparing to end his life. But before he could drive the blade into his chest, a villager rushed forward, grabbing his arm and stopping him. Others quickly intervened, wrestling the hatchet from his grip and throwing it far away.


    As the guard struggled against the villagers holding him back, a punch suddenly landed on his face. Blood poured from his mouth, dripping down his chin. Stunned, he looked around and saw Silas standing in front of him, a look of anger on his face.


    "Are you out of your mind? Do you think ending your life will spare you from your misery?" Silas shouted.


    The guard shoved the villagers off and wiped the blood from his mouth, his face filled with a mix of frustration and grief.


    "What do you think your wife and daughter would say if they saw you doing this to yourself?" Silas pressed.


    "Old man, don¡¯t you dare...!" the guard snapped, his voice shaking.


    But then, his words faltered as he saw two familiar figures standing behind Silas. Mathilda, his wife, and Emily, his daughter, stared at him with worried expressions.


    "M... Mathilda? Emily...?"


    He blinked in disbelief, but when he opened his eyes again, they had vanished.


    He was left speechless, his body trembling as he sank to his knees. Tears began to roll down his face, and he sobbed quietly.


    "I''m sorry... Mathilda, Emily. I have failed you both as a husband and a father..." he whispered through his grief. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The villagers gathered around him, offering comfort, with Silas standing at the forefront, his hand resting on the guard¡¯s shoulder.


    Reika, watching the scene unfold, lowered her head in silence. The faces of the villagers who had lost their loved ones lingered in her mind, their grief heavy and palpable.


    I couldn''t do anything to save them...


    Her gaze moved toward the families grieving for their lost ones. She saw their devastation, the helplessness in their cries, mourning people who would never return.


    As she thought back to the time she fell from the rooftop, she realized the thought of death hadn¡¯t crossed her mind then. It had felt as if she were mocking death itself.


    Reika let out a sigh, looking away.


    Maybe this is a reminder that death is always lurking, waiting for its time. That the hands of eternal slumber can reach us at any moment...


    While Reika was lost in her thoughts, she suddenly noticed Soru heading out of the village through the entrance. Curiosity stirred within her, and without a word, she quietly followed him.


    ...


    Soru followed the path back to where they had come from. Halfway through, he stopped and gazed at the setting sun, its orange-red light slowly sinking below the horizon. He watched quietly, captivated by the soft rustle of wheat in the gentle breeze, the distant birds soaring overhead. The scene was peaceful, beautiful, a perfect reflection of nature¡¯s calm.


    As he took in the view, he sensed someone approaching. Turning to his right, he saw Reika walking toward him. When she reached his side, she stood still, her presence matching the tranquil atmosphere. A light breeze tousled her hair, lifting it gently above her shoulders.


    Reika hesitated as she followed Soru, torn between confronting him about his powers and her doubts about his true identity.


    Should I ask him directly? What if my suspicions were completely wrong...?


    As she stood beside him, her mind raced.


    "I...!"


    But before she could speak, Soru turned to face her. His empty, cold eyes met hers, devoid of any emotion. His expression hadn¡¯t shifted since they first met.


    Those eyes...


    Reika lowered her gaze and spoke in a soft voice, hesitant yet determined.


    "I had a suspicion that you were the one who saved me when we fell from the sky. And with the monsters... I think you used some strange method to deal with them."


    She paused, gathering her thoughts.


    "When you extinguished the flames that destroyed the houses and possibly killed the dragon, it all became clear... Every question I had was answered."


    Soru remained silent, listening, not reacting.


    "There are families grieving, mourning those lost because of the dragon¡¯s destruction¡­" Reika''s voice faltered as a tear slid down her cheek. She looked up at him.


    "If you have such power, why didn¡¯t you use it way earlier? Why didn¡¯t you save every single one of them?"


    Her tears kept falling as she searched his face for any sign of empathy. But Soru¡¯s expression was as blank as ever, like someone untouched by the suffering around him.


    "I simply did what I thought would be efficient," Soru said coldly, his voice unwavering. "Besides, there¡¯s no reason to save every one of them. Their deaths... are not my concern."


    Reika¡¯s breath caught in her throat. Shock and disbelief overwhelmed her, her pupils trembling as the weight of his words sank in.


    "H-How could you...?!"


    Without thinking, she stood up and raised her hand, her palm aimed at his face.


    "How dare you say that about your own kind?! You are heartless!"

 Chapter 6: Concession

    At that moment, Reika slapped him in the face. But as soon as her palm made contact with Soru''s cheek, a sharp, tingling sensation surged through her own left cheek. Her head jerked slightly to the side, as though an unseen force had struck her.


    Did he¡­ just use it on me?!


    "You...!"


    Reika shoved him, but she was taken aback when a strange force seemed to pull her off balance, sending her crashing to the ground. She knew then that Soru had used his peculiar power against her.


    Looking up, Reika saw Soru still standing, his gaze fixed on her with a chilling lack of emotion. The slap she had delivered earlier had been strong, but Soru seemed unaffected, his strange power preventing any pain or discomfort.


    "I understand why you''re acting like this, Mitsuha-san..."


    Reika''s anger flared at his words.


    "Enough! Do you really think you can talk your way out of this?! Even your face is screaming how self-centered you are!"


    If you can''t even protect others'' lives, why the hell have you bothered saving me?


    Soru paused, his gaze still locked on hers. After a moment, he opened his mouth and spoke again.


    "I... couldn''t understand the reason why humans could feel emotion in the first place..."


    Reika blinked, momentarily confused as Soru¡¯s words broke through the tension of their quarrel.


    "Are you messing with me? How could a grown person like you¡ª"


    "When I was young, the people who took care of me said they never saw me cry, not even once. They were confused because a child should cry and throw tantrums, but I didn¡¯t."


    He paused. "As I got older, I saw emotions everywhere. A child crying over a lost toy, a mother smiling while carrying her child, and a dog wagging its tail at its owner. Somehow, I wanted to feel what they were feeling..."


    "I tried everything to experience it, to be a normal human who could understand others. But no matter what I did, it was like there was something missing. I just couldn''t feel it."


    Reika remained silent, her brow furrowed in thought. Though his words sounded genuine, something about the way he spoke made them feel distant. She should have felt sympathy, but instead, there was nothing¡ªhis words didn¡¯t seem to carry any weight. It was like listening to a story that didn¡¯t quite connect.


    His tone was flat, almost rehearsed, and Reika couldn¡¯t help but wonder if anyone could truly believe it.


    "There was a time when I found out that anime were popular all over Japan. I was curious about it, wondering why they had such an impact on people..."


    "Someone introduced me to , telling me it was one of the most popular anime in the world. I watched it, and I was amazed at how the characters'' emotions felt so real. They laughed, cried, even got angry, and it all seemed genuine. The way they spoke... it felt real."


    "I ended up watching other anime¡ª, , , , and more¡ªjust to see how different emotions were portrayed. There was even a character in  who shared a similar experience to mine. But unlike me, he could still feel something in the most intense moments."


    Reika listened closely, her mind racing as she tried to piece things together. Then, the realization hit her.


    Wait. Could his words be true?


    She locked eyes with him, his empty, gray gaze unwavering. For a moment, neither of them spoke.


    In the silence, something clicked for Reika. Despite only knowing him for a short time, she realized that Soru was a straightforward person.


    Reika wiped the tear from her cheek and massaged her eyebrows, taking a moment to compose herself.


    Guhh... After all that lengthy backstory, I really have no choice but to believe him!


    She opened her right eye and glanced at Soru.


    Alright, time to get this straightened out...


    "Shin-kun...!"


    Reika took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as she stood up, her gaze turning serious as she faced him.


    "Ahem! First and foremost..."


    She bowed slowly before Soru, catching him off guard. His eyes widened at her unexpected gesture.


    "I apologize for my violent outburst earlier. I acted on impulse because of your... messed-up viewpoint, and slapped you. Also..."


    Reika lifted her head and met his gaze, her eyes filled with sincerity and a touch of shame.


    "Knowing that you''re the one who''s saved me so many times, I feel deeply ashamed of my behavior. I''m truly sorry."


    "I don''t mind," Soru responded, his tone calm and unaffected.


    "Secondly, about your superpower... I want the truth, directly from you."


    Soru''s expression remained unchanged, his voice remained steady as he answered her question. "Yes."


    Just then, Reika closed her eyes after hearing his answer and nodded in agreement.


    "Good. And lastly..."


    Reika walked toward him and pointed a finger at his head. Soru was baffled by her actions.


    "Your viewpoint is so wrong! I can''t believe I met someone who¡¯s incapable of expressing emotions, let alone understanding them. No wonder there''s not a shred of pity or empathy in your eyes every time I look at you!"


    Reika stepped back and stroked her chin, as if pondering something important.


    "Hmm..."


    Suddenly, her eyes widened, and she looked at him with a spark of realization.


    "How about this? Since simply asking for an apology isn''t enough, what if I help with that problem of yours? Think of it as an extended apology, considering you''ve saved me so many times, hm?"


    Soru stared at her, still baffled by her proposal.


    "What problem are you referring to?"


    Reika¡¯s eyebrow twitched in disappointment upon hearing his question.


    How dense can he be to ask something like that?


    "You know, the lack-of-emotions, what chamacallit...?"


    Soru paused for a moment, his expression thoughtful. Then, his eyes widened as he realized what she meant.


    "That... seems fair."


    "Uh-huh? Indeed, it is fair!"


    Reika smirked at him in a dignified manner.


    "I''ll help you find your own emotions by acting as a guide every time your decisions are off or when something¡¯s troubling you. Maybe, by doing that, we can kindle your dormant feelings!"


    Soru thought carefully about her words. A few moments passed before he nodded in agreement.


    "Alright, I¡¯m in."


    "Hmm~? That''s good then!"


    Reika paused for a moment, a thoughtful look crossing her face.


    "I¡¯m not trying to be rude, but I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯ve heard that same problem of yours before... Was it at a mental awareness event I attended years ago? My memory¡¯s a bit fuzzy..."


    "A doctor told me that I have a similar case of Schizoid Personality Disorder."


    Reika¡¯s eyes widened in realization.


    "Eh? What about its severity...?"


    "Pretty high, as I¡¯ve been told."


    Reika was taken aback, then slapped her face in frustration.


    Then this plan is probably impossible to work out in the first place! If I remember right, severe cases of SPD are hard to deal with!


    She stared at him, suddenly worried, and shyly scratched her cheek.


    "W-Well... maybe a miracle could happen? Who knows?"


    While Reika was lost in her thoughts, Soru noticed that the sun was beginning to set on the horizon.


    "It¡¯s getting dark. It might be best to head back inside."


    Reika looked up at the sky, now deepening into twilight. The stars, previously hidden by the daylight, began to appear in the heavens.


    "Yeah..."


    Reika looked ahead and realized that Soru had already started walking away. She turned around and saw him heading back toward the village.


    "H-How could you...! Hey, wait for me, will you?!"


    Soru heard her and slowed his pace. Reika caught up to him, and they continued walking side by side, crossing the burnt wheat field together.


    "By the way, I¡¯m curious about what you did to that dragon earlier. What kind of method did you use?"


    "I used the sun to kill it," Soru answered abruptly.


    Reika blinked, clearly confused by his response.


    "W-What exactly did you do? You burned the dragon to death using the sun? HAHAHAHA¡ª"


    "Exactly."


    Ehhh~?! I was right?


    "I used the sun¡¯s overall energy release to inflict damage on the dragon and killed it with ease."


    Reika was stunned, her jaw practically dropping at the explanation.


    He used that to deal with that terrifying dragon? That sounds... kind of complex, I guess?


    What Soru had done left a deep impression on her. Despite how unbelievable it sounded at first, she found herself believing him without hesitation.


    That was a truly out-of-the-box response... The fact that he possesses such power to perform something so absurd is terrifying!


    Reika glanced at Soru.


    Although his sense of morality might be a little off, his actions had still saved many lives. Blaming him earlier for the deaths of five people had been a mistake on my part...


    Reika spotted the village entrance as they approached. She suddenly stopped, watching as Soru continued walking ahead.


    "H-hey, Shin-kun!"


    Hearing her call his name, Soru halted but didn¡¯t turn around, waiting silently to hear what she had to say.


    "S-since both of us came from the same place, sticking together seems like a good idea. And to make that work, establishing some familiarity between us is important, don¡¯t you think?"


    Intrigued, Soru turned back and glanced at her. She stood frozen, her expression slightly unusual, as though she was holding back something.


    "To establish that familiarity," she continued, "I think we should start calling each other by our first names and drop the formalities."


    Soru remained silent, giving no immediate reaction to her suggestion. Noticing his lack of response, Reika fumbled to clarify.


    "F-for example, you could just call me Reika without the ''-san.'' In return, I¡¯ll call you... S-Soru."


    Despite her efforts to sound casual, Soru¡¯s silence lingered. Reika couldn¡¯t help but wonder what was holding him back.


    Is he... hesitating?


    The longer he stayed quiet, the more her nerves started to build. Unable to bear the tension, Reika realized how awkward her request sounded. She quickly covered her face with her hands, her embarrassment washing over her.


    Ghhk! Why did I even suggest that?! What if he thinks it¡¯s weird? Was it too much?


    ¡°It¡¯s a world different from Japan, you know? Calling each other by our family names feels out of place, s-so I thought we could use our first names from now on. Hehe~¡±


    Reika tried to laugh it off, anxiously awaiting his response. After a brief silence, Soru finally spoke.


    ¡°If you say so, that¡¯s fine with me.¡±


    Reika froze in place, stunned by his answer.


    Did he just... agree?


    Soru turned away and started walking again. A gentle breeze passed between them, the chill in the air signaling that night had fully arrived.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go... Reika.¡±


    The sound of her name from his lips made her pause. Then, without warning, a soft giggle escaped her. She quickly realized what she¡¯d done and slapped her hand over her mouth, her eyes wide with disbelief.


    The heck was that?!


    She glanced at Soru, who showed no signs of stopping or looking back. Flustered and eager to move past her own reaction, Reika hurried to catch up with him.


    When they finally reached the village entrance, they were met by the sight of Silas, the old man, standing by the gate. His face carried a worried expression as he approached them.


    "Mister Soru, Miss Reika, where have you been? I''ve been searching for you this whole time," Silas said, his voice laced with concern.


    Reika, feeling a bit embarrassed, scratched her cheek nervously.


    "I''m sorry we worried you. We were just outside the village, getting some fresh air..."


    The old man sighed but softened his expression. He stepped aside and gestured for them to enter the village.


    "After everything that¡¯s happened, I¡¯m sure you must be hungry¡ªjust like the rest of us. Come with me, and I¡¯ll get you something to eat."


    Silas began walking ahead, and the two followed closely behind. They made their way to the gathering spot where the villagers were seated, sharing their meals under the dim light of lanterns.


    Reika glanced around, observing the villagers conversing in a language she couldn¡¯t understand. Though curious, she chose to ignore it and focused on keeping up with Silas and Soru.


    While walking, Reika¡¯s attention drifted as a faint sound reached her ears. Amid the many voices speaking the native tongue of the continent, something stood out¡ªsoft yet distinct, like a whisper weaving through the noise.


    Come here...


    She stopped and turned in the direction of the mysterious voice. It felt distant, yet clear enough to catch her attention.


    What was that?


    Her eyes scanned the villagers around her. Some were eating, chatting with one another, while others stood in line for their share of food. Everything seemed ordinary, yet the voice unsettled her.


    That voice... I¡¯m certain it was calling me in Japanese...


    A few villagers noticed her sudden pause, their glances curious but brief. One woman stepped closer, looking like she wanted to ask something, but she hesitated, unsure how to proceed.


    While they were away earlier, the villagers grew curious about the newcomers. With nothing to hide, the old man explained that they were foreigners from distant lands who spoke a different language.


    Although I want to help her, I doubt we¡¯d understand each other..., one of them thought.


    Moments passed, and the strange voice that had called to Reika fell silent. With no sign of it returning, she sighed, dismissing the incident.


    I must have imagined it...


    Suddenly, a voice came from behind her.


    "Are you alright?"


    Startled, Reika spun around and froze. The woman before her was speaking in fluent Japanese.


    "You...!"


    The woman grinned warmly. "I can speak Japanese? Yes, I can!"


    Reika recalled that only Silas and his son were supposed to know Japanese in this village. She stared at the woman, confused by how fluent her Japanese was.


    I thought only Silas and his son knew Japanese here... So how does she know it?


    "You... Who taught you to speak Japanese?" Reika asked, her curiosity piqued.


    The woman smiled brightly. "Oh! My childhood friend taught me to speak Japanese fluently."


    Reika remained silent for a moment, processing the unexpected answer. Sensing her hesitation, the woman quickly added, a little anxious, "Uh... My childhood friend, Fumeir¨­, taught me. At first, I just learned it to gossip with him about the villagers without them knowing."


    The woman suddenly grabbed both of Reika''s hands with excitement.


    "Now, who would''ve thought that I''d meet another person who could speak Japanese fluently? Maybe learning it isn''t so bad after all!"


    Reika tensed up, surprised by the sudden gesture.


    "Ah... Yes, hehehe..."


    The woman quickly let go of her hands, noticing Reika''s unease.


    "Ah! I''m sorry... I got a little too excited..."


    Reika smiled, relieved. "It''s okay. I''m used to people approaching me like that..."


    The woman smiled awkwardly, then extended her hand. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Before I forget, we didn''t have a proper introduction, did we? My name is Sylva, by the way."


    Reika reached out and shook her hand with a warm expression.


    "I''m... Reika. Reika Mitsuha."


    Both of them shook hands in greeting, then let go, smiling at each other.


    Just then, Reika''s gaze shifted behind Sylva to the dragon''s corpse, which had been hacked into smaller pieces and was being loaded onto wagons.


    "That dragon... What are they doing with it?" Reika asked, her curiosity piqued.


    Sylva turned around and noticed the dragon''s remains as well.


    "Well," she began, "the village elder said that if the body is left here, it will rot. So, they need to take it to the forest and let it decompose there."


    "Is it necessary to mutilate the corpse?" Reika asked, eyeing the process with some hesitation.


    "Hm... I think so," Sylva replied. "The corpse is too big and heavy. Dragging it to the forest whole would take too long, so they cut it up and use wagons to transport the pieces. It''s just the quickest way."


    "That makes sense..." Reika murmured, her gaze following the workers.


    She watched the villagers carefully cutting up the dragon¡¯s massive body. Its four large legs were being placed onto the first wagon, while other parts¡ªits neck, head, tail, and wings¡ªwere similarly sectioned off and loaded onto separate wagons.


    "I¡¯ll be guiding them to the forest," Sylva said, turning to Reika. "Want to come?"

 Chapter 7: Inequitable Exchange

    Reika, curious, nodded in agreement. Just then, Sylva raised her hand, signaling her to wait.


    "Oh! But before we go, we''ll wait for them to finish tidying up the carcasses. Is that alright?" Sylva asked.


    "Sure, I don''t mind," Reika replied.


    As Reika continued to observe the workers, Sylva noticed that she hadn¡¯t had dinner yet. Without a word, Sylva walked off to get two cups of stew.


    Staring at the men working on the dragon¡¯s corpse, Reika suddenly felt her stomach grumble. She realized she had forgotten about dinner.


    Oh shoot, I haven¡¯t eaten yet...!


    She glanced around, planning to excuse herself from Sylva, but noticed that she was nowhere to be found.


    Where did she go?


    Reika scanned the crowd and spotted Sylva ahead, carrying two cups with spoons. As Sylva approached, she handed one of the cups to Reika.


    "You didn¡¯t have dinner yet, right? Here you go."


    Reika took the cup with both hands and smiled.


    "T-Thanks."


    In the distance, Soru noticed Reika engaged in conversation with someone else. He didn¡¯t want to interrupt, so he turned his attention back to the line of people leading to the cook who was serving stew for dinner. As he waited for his turn, he suddenly heard someone calling his name from behind.


    "Soru! You don¡¯t need to line up. I already have a stew for you."


    Soru turned around to see the old man, Silas, holding a bowl of stew in his hands.


    Without hesitation, Soru stepped out of the line and walked toward the old man, who was standing a few meters away from him.


    When Soru reached the old man, Silas handed him the wooden bowl filled with stew.


    "Fill your belly with this hot stew and find a spot to eat," Silas said. "I¡¯ll take care of the others who haven¡¯t had dinner yet, so I won¡¯t be able to join you for a while."


    Soru gave a small nod in response. Silas smiled warmly and then walked off, heading toward the village men working with the dragon¡¯s corpse.


    Soru glanced back at the bowl, observing the steam rising from it and the faint fragrance that drifted up. It was filled with vegetables¡ªpotatoes and carrots¡ªand a piece of meat. He couldn''t quite tell what kind of meat it was, so he decided to try it.


    The moment he tasted it, he recognized it as lamb meat based on its flavor and texture. After that, he scanned the area for a quiet spot to eat.


    His eyes landed on a figure sitting by a healthy tree¡ªa familiar face. It was the same guard from the entrance gate, the one who had tried to end his life with a hatchet earlier.


    The guard saw Soru approach but didn¡¯t react, merely continuing to sulk in silence. Despite the recognition, he gave no sign of acknowledgment or interest.


    Soru sat quietly beside the guard, continuing to eat his stew. The silence between them was broken by a deep sigh from the guard. Out of the corner of his eye, Soru noticed the guard¡¯s gaze drifting upwards at the night sky, a tear slowly trailing down his cheek.


    Soru glanced up as well, drawn by the beauty of the night. The stars sparkled brightly, stretching across the clear sky, with no clouds to disrupt the peaceful view. It was mesmerizing, a serene sight that felt almost surreal.


    To the right, two moons hovered in the sky¡ª the larger one positioned higher, with the smaller moon beneath it, forming an extremely rare binary moon system. It added an otherworldly touch to the tranquil scene.


    Despite the peacefulness surrounding him, Soru felt nothing. He continued eating his stew, silently committing the view to memory while the guard, lost in his own thoughts, remained beside him.


    Meanwhile, Reika was finishing her stew alongside Sylva. As she ate, she noticed that Sylva had already finished her portion. Sylva, noticing that Reika was still eating, patiently waited for her to finish.


    "After you''re done, we''ll head out to guide the village men to the forest," Sylva said with a smile.


    Reika nodded and continued eating at her own pace.


    "You don''t need to rush, by the way," Sylva added. "Those men are still eating too."


    Reika slowed down, taking her time. A few minutes later, she finished the last of her stew.


    "Give that to me; I''ll return it along with my cup," Sylva offered.


    Reika handed over her cup and spoon, and Sylva took them with a smile before walking off to the washers.


    The village men who had helped with the dragon¡¯s carcass were finishing their meals as well. They began preparing for the journey to the forest, making sure they were ready for the task ahead. Once they completed their preparations, they gathered near the wagons that were loaded with the dragon¡¯s remains, waiting to head out.


    Reika saw Sylva heading toward the wagons and, as she turned back, called to her.


    "Come, we''ve got to go!"


    Reika followed Sylva, along with the men pulling the wagons, as they made their way toward the forest. They passed through the village entrance and walked across the wheat fields, the path leading them further into the woods.


    With Sylva guiding the group, Reika kept a quiet pace behind her. As she observed the surroundings, she noticed the bright moonlight casting shadows on the ground.


    Is it a full moon tonight?


    Reika glanced up at the sky, where the two moons hung above, one larger than the other, surrounded by a blanket of stars. The peaceful beauty of it all settled over her, a feeling of tranquility filling her as she looked at the serene night.


    "Beautiful, isn¡¯t it?"


    Reika looked to her side and saw Sylva walking beside her, her gaze also fixed on the sky. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "According to the legend, there was only a single moon many eras ago," Sylva continued. "It was mesmerizing, drawing the gaze of all who saw it. With its massive size, it bathed the entire continent in light, shining through the darkness of night."


    She paused for a moment, as if recalling the tale. "At that time, a powerful entity grew envious of the moon. It resented how the moon commanded attention, yet its own existence went unnoticed. Consumed by jealousy, the entity decided to destroy the moon, hoping to divert the people''s focus toward itself and finally gain the recognition it craved."


    Sylva''s voice took on a more serious tone. "On one peaceful evening, the moon rose as usual, casting its gentle light over the land. The people admired its beauty, unaware of the entity¡¯s malicious plan. With all its power, the entity unleashed a mighty attack, hoping to shatter the moon into pieces."


    Reika listened in silence as they walked along the path to the forest, skeptical but intrigued by the story.


    "Luckily," Sylva continued, "the moon wasn¡¯t completely destroyed. The attack only chipped away a third of it, and that chunk became a second moon, lingering in the sky beside the first. The entity¡¯s plan failed, and in shame, it fled from the continent, never to return."


    Reika raised an eyebrow, her expression one of disbelief. The story seemed far-fetched to her, but she didn''t say anything, letting Sylva finish.


    "That doesn''t make sense at all..." Reika muttered, her gaze still fixed on the two moons above.


    "You see, there are no signs of a dent around the moons, and their shape is perfectly round, which indicates they were formed billions of years ago¡ª"


    Reika paused, realizing that she might have said too much. She glanced at Sylva, who was puzzled by what Reika had just blurted out.


    Oh. They don''t know how the moon was formed at all... Reika thought immediately.


    Before she could say anything more, Sylva suddenly giggled.


    "Fufufu~ You have the same reaction as Fumeir¨­!" Sylva said, her eyes sparkling as she looked up at the moons.


    "Whether the legend makes sense or not, the fact that we can see their beauty is a gift sent from the heavens. Whenever we look at them, all our worries seem to fade away in an instant..."


    Reika fell silent, absorbing Sylva''s words. She glanced back at the night sky, the moons glowing softly. She sighed, feeling a sense of calm wash over her.


    "Sigh... You''re right," Reika murmured, her voice quiet but sincere.


    After half an hour of walking, they finally reached the edge of the forest. The village entrance came into view in the distance, faintly glowing from the torches on either side. Sylva scanned the area before signaling to the first man on the wagon.


    "@#&#-#*!"


    "@&#$."


    At Sylva''s command, the village men began unloading the chopped dragon carcasses onto the ground. Reika observed, captivated by the way they handled the remains, as the pieces were carefully scattered in the forest. After several minutes, the task was completed, and the men were ready to head back to the village.


    Sylva gave the order to return.


    "@&#@#!"


    As the men started to pull their wagons back, Sylva turned and noticed Reika still watching them in silence.


    "You''ve been staring at us this whole time! I''m sure you''re bored now..." Sylva remarked with a lighthearted tone.


    Sylva picked up the torch that had been pierced into the ground by one of the men. "Let''s head back to the village."


    Reika nodded, but just as she was about to take another step, she froze, hearing a voice calling her from behind.


    Come here...


    She turned, scanning the area for the source of the mysterious voice. All she could see was the dark outline of the trees and the scattered remains of the dragon¡¯s corpse. Confused, she felt a tap on her shoulder.


    "Are you okay...?"


    Reika jolted, startled by the sudden touch. She turned quickly and saw that it was Sylva.


    Oh. It was Sylva...


    "You seem off. Is everything alright?"


    Reika glanced around again, her thoughts still scattered, while Sylva looked at her with concern.


    "D-Did you hear someone calling us? That voice..."


    Sylva looked around, but all she could hear were the sounds of crickets hidden in the grass and the rustling of leaves in the breeze.


    "What are you talking about? All I can hear are the crickets and the swaying leaves..."


    "It''s¡ª"


    Reika sighed, her words trailing off.


    "Well, nevermind. You go ahead; I''ll stay here for a little longer." Reika said.


    Sylva hesitated, then tried to block her path.


    "No can do! There might be monsters lurking around here!"


    Reika smiled reassuringly at her.


    "Don''t worry. I won''t be long. Just a quick look around!"


    Sylva sighed, realizing she couldn''t convince her otherwise.


    "Just follow us afterward, alright? And be careful. The monsters might be drawn to the dragon¡¯s corpse, and they could attack you too."


    Just then, Sylva handed Reika the torch she had been holding earlier.


    "Here¡¯s the torch. You can use it to see in the dark and to ward off any monsters, just in case they come after you."


    Reika took the torch, gripping it firmly.


    "Thank you..."


    Sylva walked away, her concern for Reika still evident as she approached the village men waiting nearby. She spoke briefly with them and glanced back at Reika.


    Reika paid them no mind, her attention still focused on her surroundings. She scanned the area for anything unusual, but all she could see was the quiet forest around her.


    "That¡¯s strange... I¡¯m sure I heard it clearly this time..."


    Suddenly, the voice called out again. This time, it was more vivid and close.


    "Come a little closer..."


    At that moment, Reika froze. Slowly, she turned her head and saw it¡ªa faint, pulsating glow coming from the dragon''s chest. Her curiosity stirred, compelling her to move closer.


    Is that...?


    She hesitated for only a moment before stepping forward, her gaze locked on the glow. Then, a strong gust of wind rushed through the area, snuffing out the flame of her torch. The darkness around her deepened, leaving only the faint glow as a guide.


    Even without the light, Reika pressed on, drawn to the mysterious glow. As she got closer, the voice echoed again, clearer now, almost as if it were speaking directly to her.


    "You... Do you want to acquire immense power?"


    Reika jolted, the torch slipping from her hand and landing on the ground with a dull thud. She looked around, her breathing unsteady, before her focus returned to the glow.


    I-Is that strange glow on the dragon¡¯s body... the one that¡¯s been calling me?


    Reika stood before the pulsating glow, her eyes fixed on its steady rhythm. The faint light flickered softly, illuminating the dragon¡¯s chest as she hesitated.


    "What do you want from me?" she asked cautiously.


    A soft, eerie laugh filled the air.


    "Fufufufu..."


    The glow pulsed stronger, casting faint shadows around her.


    "I can offer you something humans crave above all else: power."


    Reika remained silent, her unease growing as she listened.


    "You humans are weak and fragile. To overcome that frailty, you seek something greater¡ªa power that can reshape the world and fulfill your deepest desires. Is that not what you long for?"


    Reika remained still, her thoughts swirling as she debated the mysterious voice¡¯s offer. The offer dangled before her like forbidden fruit. She bit her lip, weighing the risks and the consequences.


    This feels suspicious¡­ Who would offer something like this for nothing in return? Only a fool would believe that...


    Yet, another thought gnawed at her, sharper and harder to ignore.


    I don¡¯t crave power for myself, but there were times¡­ Times I stood by, powerless, unable to do anything. Watching others suffer, watching them¡­


    Her fists tightened as memories she didn¡¯t want to recall pushed their way forward.


    Soru¡­ He has the strength to protect others. He saved me so many times, but I can¡¯t rely on him forever. I have to be able to do something too....


    As Reika lingered in indecision, the faint light in the dragon¡¯s chest pulsed steadily, its presence growing heavier with every passing moment.


    She¡¯s hesitating too long...


    The glow flared slightly, shimmering with impatience. Then, as if it could no longer wait for her response, it surged forward with purpose.


    In an instant, the mysterious light entered Reika¡¯s body. She noticed it, but it was too late to react. Immediately, a sharp pain surged in her chest, causing her to fall to the ground. She gripped her chest, struggling to breathe.


    "W-What did you do to me!?" Reika gasped, her voice filled with distress.


    The voice spoke, amused.


    "Ha! Hesitation won¡¯t get you anywhere, human. Seizing your body by force is the best choice."


    Reika felt helpless, realizing that she fell right into the mysterious entity''s deliberate trap.


    "Is this w-what you truly want...?" Reika gasped through the intense pain. "In exchange for giving me power, you want to s-seize my body?"


    The mysterious voice laughed cruelly.


    "HA! Isn''t that obvious? The exchange was inequitable to begin with!"


    Reika groaned as the pain intensified, growing stronger with each passing second.


    "Now... This may hurt a little, but it will be over soon once I wipe out your mind and take control of your body. Sleep well, mortal..."


    Unable to endure the agony, Reika screamed out at the top of her lungs.


    "AAARRGGGHHHHHHH!"


    In the distance, Sylva heard the scream and turned toward the source. She noticed the area where Reika had been standing was now completely dark, the light of the torch gone.


    "Oh no... What happened to her?" Sylva thought, panic rising in her chest.


    Without a second thought, she sprinted toward the place where she had left Reika. But just as she neared the edge of the forest, a firm hand grabbed her arm, pulling her back. She turned to see one of the village men who had accompanied her.


    "It''s too dangerous to go there," the man said urgently. "Better report it to the old man Silas first. We''ll handle the situation here."


    Sylva hesitated, torn between her worry for Reika and the man''s warning. After a moment of indecision, she knew there was no choice. She nodded, turned, and ran toward the village as fast as she could.


    After a while, Sylva finally reached the village, her breath coming in heavy gasps from her hurried run. She quickly looked around and spotted the old man, Silas, speaking with a woman near the tree.


    "Mister Silas...!" she called out urgently.


    The old man looked up at the sound of his name, recognizing Sylva¡¯s voice. He turned his attention toward her as she came to a stop in front of him, still panting from her sprint.


    "What happened?" Silas asked, his concern evident.


    "Hahh... R-Reika... The guest from before... seems to be in trouble!"

 Chapter 8: Bestowal

    Hearing the news, Silas looked visibly shaken, his expression lined with worry. Soru noticed him from a distance and immediately stood up, interpreting the old man¡¯s tense demeanor as a sign of trouble.


    As Soru approached, Silas hurried to meet him, his voice trembling slightly.


    "Your friend, Reika. She seems to be in trouble," he said, his concern evident in his tone.


    "Where is she?" Soru asked him.


    "She''s in the forest now," Sylva answered, pointing toward the forest''s edge, her voice tinged with unease.


    Soru heard the villagers murmuring amongst themselves, while some directed questions at Sylva, their voices a mix of concern and curiosity.


    "@#$&*@?"


    "@#&$*@..."


    Though their words were incomprehensible to him, Soru dismissed them. He didn¡¯t have time to linger or entertain their gossip. Without a word, he turned and headed toward the entrance.


    Silas, noticing his intent, quickly stepped in to stop him.


    "I know what you''re thinking... Let me come with you," Silas said firmly before calling out, "Guard!"


    The guard, who had been sitting idly beneath the tree, immediately stood at attention upon hearing the old man¡¯s command. Silas walked over to him, leaving Soru momentarily behind.


    Soru¡¯s gaze drifted toward the forest''s edge, its darkness stretching endlessly, as if silently beckoning him to step in.


    While everyone was preoccupied, Soru quietly vanished from where he had been standing. By the time Silas returned to meet up with him, Soru was nowhere to be found.


    Startled by his sudden absence, Silas glanced around, searching for any sign of him. Spotting Sylva talking with some villagers, he quickly approached her.


    "Where¡¯s Soru?" he asked, his voice tinged with worry.


    Sylva, equally perplexed, glanced around. "He... he was there just a moment ago! I don¡¯t see him anywhere now..."


    Silas exhaled heavily, the weight of Soru¡¯s impulsive departure adding to his concerns.


    "Looks like he went ahead on his own. Sylva, lead the way for us!"


    Without hesitation, Sylva nodded and fell in step with Silas, guiding him toward the forest. Neither spoke, their minds focused on the urgency of the situation.


    Meanwhile, Soru arrived at the forest''s edge. Ahead, he noticed a group of men standing near the dragon''s remains. Without hesitation, he casually approached them.


    One of the men spotted Soru and quickly ran to meet him. Recognizing the guest as someone acquainted with the young woman who had accompanied Sylva, the man tried to speak.


    "@#&$¡ª"


    The villager paused mid-sentence, realizing the language barrier. Instead, he pointed toward the forest, gesturing deeper into the shadows.


    Understanding the gesture, Soru gave a small nod and continued toward the depths of the forest. The men watched as his figure gradually disappeared into the darkness, swallowed by the trees.


    Following a narrow path now overgrown with grass, Soru moved forward in search of Reika. The forest was dimly lit, with only slivers of moonlight piercing through the canopy. Despite the eerie stillness of the surroundings, Soru pressed on.


    Suddenly, Soru heard a blood-curdling scream echo from deep within the forest.


    "AGGGGHHHHHH!!"


    His sharp senses quickly pinpointed the direction of the cry. Without hesitation, he sprinted toward it, weaving through the trees with precision. Soon, he spotted a faint light up ahead, hinting at an open space beyond the dense woods.


    Pushing forward, Soru emerged into a clearing. The wide area stretched before him, illuminated by the moon¡¯s silvery glow. In the distance, a towering mountain loomed, its base obscured by thick clusters of trees.


    Under the moonlight, he spotted Reika sprawled on the ground. She was clutching her chest tightly, her screams of agony piercing through the still night.


    Reika thought as her nails dug into the fabric of her clothing.


    The torment grew unbearable, and before long, Reika¡¯s body gave out. Her screams ceased as she collapsed, unconscious, onto the cold earth.


    ...


    Moments passed before Reika stirred, her consciousness slowly returning. She gasped softly as her eyes fluttered open, desperate to make sense of her surroundings.


    What lay before her was nothing but an endless void. The forest was gone. Instead, she found herself enveloped in vast, suffocating darkness. No light, no trees, no voices¡ªjust an expanse of emptiness stretching endlessly in all directions.


    ¡°Where... am I?¡± she murmured, her voice echoing faintly into the void.


    She tried to rise to her feet, but a sharp, pulsating pain erupted in her chest, forcing her to clutch it tightly. As her hands pressed against her body, she froze, noticing something strange. Her hands were glowing, a faint yet otherworldly light emanating from them.


    Her breath quickened as she glanced down, realizing the glow wasn¡¯t limited to her hands¡ªher entire body radiated with the same unearthly luminescence.


    Why is my body glowing? W-What¡¯s happening...?!


    Reika noticed that she was completely naked. "Eek! Where''s my clothes?!" she exclaimed, feeling a rush of embarrassment and confusion. She instinctively covered herself, but her mind was too preoccupied with the strange situation to focus on modesty.


    As she looked over her body, she saw tiny cracks appeared on her body. The cracks seemed to glow faintly, pulsing with an energy she couldn¡¯t understand.


    "You''re a little more resilient than I thought, huh..."


    Reika''s head snapped around at the sound of the familiar voice. Floating just behind her was a glowing orb, its soft, rhythmic pulsations illuminating the surrounding darkness. She could feel its unsettling presence.


    "Encountering me while being this weak, your luck must be terrible," the orb''s voice echoed, its tone mocking. "With a soul like yours, it''s a miracle it managed to withstand even this much. Perhaps your will to live is stronger than I thought?"


    Reika, still confused and overwhelmed, gathered the strength to ask, "What... What are you going to do to me?"


    The orb floated closer, its glow intensifying.


    Reika stumbled back, but defiance sparked in her eyes. She stood, shaking, and backed away slowly. "No!... I refuse!"


    In an instant, several purple chains materialized from the darkness, lashing out toward her. Before she could react, they coiled around her hands and legs, binding her in place.


    "Mortal, you''re in no position to refuse," the orb¡¯s voice boomed, cold and final. "In your own subconscious space, your fate is already sealed¡ªto be my vessel!"


    Reika struggled, her body fighting against the unyielding chains. She tugged at them with all her might, but it was futile. The chains held fast, leaving her no room to escape.


    Reika noticed that the orb began to glow even brighter, the light intensifying as something else slowly formed above it¡ªa new, strange glow.


    "Fufufu~ With this ability and your soul weakened, I can safely transfer my memories to you in no time..." the orb purred, its voice dripping with satisfaction.


    Reika, despite the hopelessness of her situation, refused to give in. She tugged desperately at the chains, her body straining against the restraints.


    The orb, sensing her resistance, tightened its grip on the chains. Reika gasped in pain as the pressure increased, the metal seems to dig into her limbs.


    "GYAAAAGHHH!!"


    The orb hovered next to her, its voice now a whisper in her ear. "Don''t worry; I''ll take care of your body. You may rest in peace for eternity..."


    With no strength left to resist, Reika closed her eyes, bracing herself for the inevitable. She had hoped for a miracle, but even she knew it was unlikely.


    "..."


    Time seemed to stretch on as the space around her grew quiet. The noise from before had vanished. Reika kept her eyes tightly shut, waiting for the orb to make its move, but... nothing happened.


    Reika shifted cautiously, surprised to feel no resistance. The crushing pressure of the chains that had held her earlier was completely gone.


    Huh...? What''s going on?


    Her heart pounded as she opened her eyes. Just as she suspected, the chains had vanished entirely. She flexed her arms and legs, relieved to regain her freedom. Yet the relief was short-lived as she surveyed her surroundings.


    Everything was still the same¡ªan endless expanse of darkness, silent and unchanging. Reika¡¯s gaze darted around, searching for the orb that had tried to seize her body. But it was nowhere to be found.


    "Where did that orb go?" she muttered to herself. "I thought it had taken control of me?"


    As she scanned the area, something caught her eye: a small, pulsating orb floating not far from her chest. It shimmered faintly in the darkness.


    Is this... the orb from before?


    Reika spoke to the orb, her voice filled with uncertainty. "Are you alright?"


    "..."


    She waited for any reaction, any sign of movement, but the orb remained motionless.


    Hm... That''s odd...


    Suddenly, the orb began to pulsate, emitting a faint rhythm like a heartbeat. Its form shifted erratically: from a sphere to a tetrahedron, then a cube, and finally a tesseract. The transformations repeated in steady intervals, the shapes morphing seamlessly into one another.


    Reika¡¯s gaze locked on the object. Her attention remained fixed on the bizarre, shifting object before her.


    "What the hell is this thing?" she muttered, her voice trembling with a mix of unease and intrigue.


    Driven by curiosity, she hesitated only a moment before reaching out. Both hands extended cautiously toward the object.


    "I''ve never seen anything like this before..."


    Before her fingertips could brush its surface, the object suddenly shot forward, slamming into her chest with a blinding speed.


    "What...?!"


    Reika staggered back, clutching her chest as a searing pain shot through her. Her head throbbed violently, as if it were on the verge of splitting open.


    "GUUHHH!" she groaned, doubling over as the agony intensified.


    Massive streams of information surged into her mind, flooding her consciousness with a chaotic torrent of knowledge. It was overwhelming, as though her brain were being forcibly overloaded with unfamiliar data.


    "What... What is this...? GAAAAHHH!!" she screamed, gripping her head in desperation.


    Then, as if emerging from the storm of pain and confusion, a single word appeared clearly before her eyes.


    <Contract>


    Upon reading the text, Reika froze in place.


    Con...tract?


    Her heart raced as she shut her eyes tightly, hoping the word would disappear. But even with her eyes closed, the word remained vivid, burning in her mind like an afterimage.


    "Hwuhh!?"


    She jolted upright, panic rising in her chest. Opening her eyes again, she found the word still there, hovering in her vision, immovable and unshakable.


    "What is this supposed to mean?" she muttered, her voice trembling.


    Suddenly, more words began to appear, scattering across her vision like ink spreading on paper. Reika gasped and frantically rubbed her eyes, hoping to erase the strange phenomena.


    "What are these words?! Gah!"


    Her frantic attempts were futile; the words didn¡¯t budge. Frustrated, she paused and noticed the symbols weren¡¯t random. They seemed deliberate, almost as if trying to communicate something.


    Realizing this, she forced herself to stop panicking. She closed her eyes once more and took a deep breath, steadying her erratic thoughts. Slowly, she focused her mind, trying to decipher the message before her.


    Now that she had calmed down, Reika began to carefully read the strange words floating in her vision, trying to make sense of what they were conveying.


    "Sub... Abilities...?"


    Reika muttered the words under her breath, her confusion growing as she read the next lines.


    <Chains of Imprisonment> - Summons several chains that could bind physical and spiritual objects. Once attached, the target has a low chance of escaping.


    <Subjective Control> - The user seizes control over the target by dominating them. The target must submit the entirety of its being to the user by its own volition, and the contract is set. Once done, the user can freely control the fate of the contracted subject.


    This sub-ability also grants the user the ability to see into the metaphysical world, revealing what lies beyond the physical realm.


    <Subjective Link> - The user can tap into the abilities of contracted subjects and use them. While some abilities may have restrictions or requirements, it might not always be possible to use them.


    "Chains of Imprisonment... Subjective Control... and Subjective Link...?"


    Reika repeated the names aloud, her voice tinged with disbelief. Her mind raced as she tried to piece together the meaning of these so-called abilities.


    "What is this...?"


    Baffled, she couldn''t help but wonder about the strange words and their purpose.


    "Okay, okay, let''s assess the current situation..."


    Reika muttered to herself, pacing back and forth in the seemingly endless void.


    When that strange object entered my glowing body through my chest, it brought that unbearable pain... It coursed through me like I was being ripped apart. It didn¡¯t last long, but still... how did I even get through it?


    Her thoughts lingered on the events that had unfolded, her confusion deepening.


    And then, those words popped up right after...


    She stopped mid-step, her eyes widening as a realization struck her.


    "Wait... is this what that strange orb was talking about? The ''greater power'' it mentioned earlier?"


    Before she could process her own words, the text in her vision disappeared without warning.


    "Huh...? Where did it go?"


    Reika blinked in surprise, her gaze darting around in search of the words. But they were gone. Yet, strangely, the details of what she had read remained vivid in her mind, as if the knowledge had been burned into her being. She somehow knew exactly what those abilities were and how they worked, even without the words guiding her anymore.


    "This is simply bizarre..."


    Feeling helpless, Reika began walking in circles inside the empty, endless space. With the strange words gone and nothing to distract her, frustration bubbled within.


    "Now that I''m stuck here, what else should I do? There''s nothing here... just me!"


    Her voice echoed faintly, amplifying her loneliness. Desperation creeping in, she glanced around, scanning the void in every direction.


    "Doors, cracks, holes, windows... Where is it?"


    She squinted, as if focusing harder might reveal an exit, but the oppressive emptiness was unyielding.


    Suddenly, a thought sparked in her mind.


    "Wait...! That power I obtained earlier!"


    A glimmer of hope ignited in her chest. She raised her hands into the air, adrenaline coursing through her veins.


    Maybe I can use it to get out of here!


    Reika swung her hand forcefully in the opposite direction, shouting with everything she had.


    "<Chains of Imprisonment!>"


    Her voice resonated across the void, brimming with determination. She held her breath, waiting for something¡ªanything¡ªto happen. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "..."


    "Eh...?"


    Her hopeful expression faltered as the emptiness remained unchanged. The chains she had summoned in her mind did not appear.


    The chains¡­ Why won¡¯t they come out?


    Determined, she tried another approach.


    ¡°<Subjective Control!>¡±


    Silence. Not even a flicker of response. She frowned, her voice rising as she tried again.


    ¡°S-Subjective Link! Chains of Imprisonment! Hyaaah!¡±


    Reika trembled, lowering her hand slowly. Her confidence wavered as doubt crept in.


    ¡°Is everything just a bluff¡­? Why won¡¯t anything come out at all?!¡±


    She covered her face, embarrassment and dismay washing over her.


    ¡°Guh... I was scammed by that shitty orb! Not only did it ditch me in this empty space, but it also gave me false hope!¡±


    Her voice echoed pitifully in the vast void, amplifying her frustration. Just then, Reika noticed a sensation on her cheek.


    Ghk... What was that...?


    Slowly, the sensation became stronger with each passing moment. Annoyed, Reika stood up.


    "Hey! What are you doing? Knock it off¡ª"


    Reika froze mid-sentence. She quickly realized that she was no longer in the strange, empty space. She was sitting on the ground, surrounded by trees, with the light of both moons casting a soft glow over the area.


    I finally came out...?


    "You''re awake, Reika."

 Chapter 9: Dream and Nightmare

    Reika heard a voice next to her. She quickly turned and saw Soru standing there, his expression as calm as ever.


    Soru...?


    "W-W-What are you doing here?"


    "I was..." Soru began, but stopped when Reika suddenly groaned in pain, clutching her head.


    "Guhh..."


    Soru stepped closer, his movements deliberate as he studied her condition. "You okay?"


    Reika felt the sharp pain gradually fading and opened her eyes slowly. "Yes, I am fine¡ª"


    Her words trailed off as her gaze locked onto his face. She froze. His empty eyes stared directly at her, unwavering and unnerving.


    "Hey...!"


    Startled, Reika shoved him away and quickly stood up, her cheeks tinged with faint embarrassment. She realized just how close Soru had been to her.


    He''s too close..!


    "Ahem! Would you stop staring at me like that? Seeing your face that close was kind of creeping me out..."


    Soru, unbothered, brushed the dirt from his uniform as he rose to his feet.


    "What''s wrong with my face?"


    Reika glanced at him again, trying to ignore the lingering awkwardness. His expression was as blank as ever, with no sign of emotion.


    Somehow, that face kinda bugs me a little...


    Reika sighed and dismissed her thoughts. "Pshh, never mind."


    While fixing her slightly disheveled uniform, a gentle breeze swept through the area. She instinctively closed one eye and tucked her hair back behind her ear as it fluttered in the wind.


    As the breeze settled, Reika felt an unfamiliar warmth spreading through her chest.


    Hm?


    Her hand instinctively moved to her chest. The warmth grew denser, radiating softly at the center of her body, yet there was no discomfort¡ªonly a soothing sensation, like the tender embrace of a loved one.


    This feeling... It''s the same warmth I felt whenever my mother held me close when I was little...


    Without realizing it, Reika''s eyes began to emit a faint, glowing purple light. Soru, crouching next to her, noticed the eerie shift.


    "Reika, your eyes..." he said in a calm tone.


    Reika turned to him, confused. "What...?"


    Before she could finish, her surroundings changed in a flash. The once desolate forest lit up with countless glowing orbs, floating like fireflies. Their radiant hues pierced through the darkness, and they varied in colors and sizes, some as small as pebbles, others as large as lanterns.


    What are those things? They weren¡¯t here a moment ago!


    Reika scanned the area in disbelief. Her gaze locked onto a nearby orb emitting a soft, bluish light.


    Compelled by curiosity, Reika stepped closer. She cupped her hands around the bluish orb, its light shimmering softly against her glowing eyes.


    "Soru," she called out, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Are you seeing these things right now?"


    Soru watched her intently, noticing her gestures but unable to perceive the orbs. To him, she appeared to be holding empty air.


    "No," he said, shaking his head. "I don''t see anything."


    Even though Reika heard Soru''s response, she paid no attention to it, her focus entirely consumed by the strange phenomena unfolding before her.


    She gently released the bluish orb, watching as it floated away gracefully, its light flickering softly like a distant star.


    Looking around, Reika noticed something even more magical happening. A green glow began to pulse beneath the ground, weaving its way through the roots of the nearby trees. The glow traveled upward along the rugged trunks, until it reached the branches and illuminated the leaves with an ethereal shimmer.


    How strange...


    Her breath caught as she took in the sight. The forest, which moments ago seemed ordinary, was now transformed into a living masterpiece. It was as if she had uncovered a hidden world, one that existed beyond normal perception.


    Reika stood there, stunned and silent. To her, the scene resembled a breathtaking painting brought to life¡ªan unending dream of light and color that filled her heart with an unexplainable sense of peace.


    While mesmerized by the view, Reika noticed a thin fog blanketing the area. It was so faint that she hadn¡¯t even realized it was there at first.


    Her eyes narrowed as she observed its peculiar movement. The fog wasn¡¯t drifting aimlessly like a typical mist. Instead, it seemed to flow in a deliberate direction¡ªtowards her.


    This fog... Is it drawing closer to my body...?


    Baffled, Reika¡¯s curiosity shifted when she felt a faint sensation in her chest. She looked down, and for the first time, she could clearly see what was happening within her.


    At the center of her chest was a dense clump of glowing white mass, pulsing softly like a heartbeat. Along with the small orbs of light, faint and scattered, as if they were being drawn in by some unseen force.


    Her eyes widened in realization as she watched the process. The connection was undeniable¡ªthe thin fog surrounding her was gradually being absorbed into her body, converging to form this strange, dense energy at her core.


    It¡¯s as if my body is feeding on the fog, pulling in and condensing it into this white mass... How strange...


    Reika stared at her hand, disbelief etched across her face.


    Wait... why am I able to see all of this?


    She paused, trying to steady her thoughts, and then slowly raised her hand. Her voice wavered as she spoke.


    "<Chains of Imprisonment!>"


    In an instant, a purple chain materialized out of thin air and shot toward a nearby tree. Reika¡¯s eyes widened as the chain wrapped tightly around the bark, pulsing faintly with energy.


    Did that really just... come out of nowhere?


    She rubbed her eyes, convinced it had to be a trick of her imagination, but the chain stayed firmly in place, as real as the ground beneath her feet.


    It wasn¡¯t a ruse?!


    Turning quickly, she caught Soru¡¯s gaze. He was staring at the chain with his usual calm, unreadable expression.


    "D-Did you see that just now?" she asked, her voice trembling.


    Soru nodded silently, his eyes still fixed on the glowing chain.


    "Hah! What the heck?!" Reika blurted out, her voice rising in disbelief.


    I knew it! That white mass inside me was the catalyst for activating the ability! And because my body absorbed that fog, the other function of the sub-ability, ''Subjective Control,'' which lets me see beyond the physical realm, triggered on its own!


    With newfound confidence, she raised her hand again.


    "<Chains of Imprisonment!>"


    Several purple chains erupted from her body, streaking through the air and wrapping around the nearby trees.


    "Let''s test the strength of these chains..." S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Reika tensed her muscles and gave a firm tug. The chains responded with a violent pull, shaking the trees as if they were mere toys. The sound of cracking bark echoed around the clearing.


    CRACK!!


    Out of the five chains she had summoned, three tore the trees completely from the ground, while the remaining two left deep dents in the bark.


    Reika stared at the result, her heart pounding with exhilaration. A smile crept onto her face, and she took a deep breath, her chest rising with satisfaction.


    Reika turned toward Soru, her excitement bubbling over as she ran up to him.


    "Did you see that? I have powers now! HA-HAH~!"


    Soru just stared at her, his expression unchanged. But she could tell from his eyes that he understood the joy she was feeling.


    "You won¡¯t believe what happened while you were gone. I met someone who told me that, in exchange for the power, I would¡ª"


    Soru listened attentively, still without saying a word. His face remained impassive, but there was a quiet focus as he waited for her to continue.


    "...I thought it was just a bluff. But after using it here, I realized that it was true all along. The thick fog was just the missing ingredient to activate my ability!"


    Reika suddenly paused, realizing she had been talking non-stop. A wave of anxiety suddenly washed over her.


    Oh shoot, I¡¯m blabbering without even noticing it!


    Reika glanced at Soru, who was staring at her with his usual cold, blank expression. When she saw that he didn¡¯t seem bothered by her rambling, she let out a quiet sigh of relief.


    Lucky me, I was talking to a "wall"...


    Subconsciously, Reika deactivated her ability to see beyond the physical realm. Her eyes gradually returned to normal, and the strange fog and glowing orbs disappeared from her vision.


    Looking up at the sky, Reika noticed the night was in full swing. Without the special vision clouding her perception, she could now see the stars scattered across the dark canvas above, along with the moons, casting their light over the landscape.


    While taking in the breathtaking view, a thought suddenly flashed in Reika''s mind, and before she could stop herself, she spoke aloud.


    "You know, we''re lucky to be born in an era of peace," she began, her voice reflecting a quiet contemplation. "We live in comfort, sheltered from the cold of winter and the heat of the sun. We spend our time with friends and loved ones, free from the fear that someone might harm them."


    Soru listened quietly as Reika spoke, his gaze fixed on the stars above.


    Reika continued, her words flowing more freely now. "But now that we''ve arrived in this unknown land, I''ve seen reality beyond the peace we knew. The eyes of those who¡¯ve lost their loved ones¡ªthey haunt me. Those eyes reflect the horror of death, and the devastation it brings to those left behind."


    Her hand clenched into a fist, and her voice hardened. "Now I, Mitsuha Reika, have a dream. As someone who has lived in an era of peace, I won''t stand by while others suffer. With this power I''ve been given, I''ll use this power to make this place a better one, where we can all live in peace and prosperity, even just a little..."


    Reika let out a nervous laugh after her long speech, as if trying to brush off the weight of her own words.


    "I-It may sound ambitious, or maybe my ideals are just a stretch," she said, her voice softening. "But when I think about it, seeing everyone live without fear¡ªliving in comfort, free from danger. I want to see children smiling as they play in the meadows. That''s what I truly desire."


    She paused for a moment, as if weighing her next thoughts. "I know my path will be tough. Others might think I¡¯m just overwhelmed by my newfound power, but it doesn¡¯t matter. For that ideal, I¡¯ll do whatever it takes to realize it!"


    A long silence followed. All that could be heard was the breeze rustling through the trees.


    Reika broke the stillness with an awkward laugh, rubbing the back of her neck. "Phew! That was a long speech. Hearing myself say all that... it sounds cringey!" Reika chuckled softly, her laugh tinged with a hint of shyness.


    Although I said it on a whim, I can¡¯t just ignore that burning desire in my heart. It may sound heroic, but a person with any strength, no matter how small, must use it to protect those who can¡¯t protect themselves¡­


    She paused for a moment, reflecting on the weight of her words.


    With a sigh, Reika shook her head and turned away from the view of the sky.


    "Alright~y! Let¡¯s find our way back to the village. They¡¯re probably worried about us by now," Reika said with a cheerful tone.


    Reika glanced around, trying to recall the path she had taken earlier.


    "Where did I go before I ended up here...?"


    A gentle breeze brushed against the back of her neck, causing Reika to shiver and freeze for a moment.


    This feeling...!


    Reika stood still, her gaze locked on the vast sky above. The feeling of being watched lingered in the air, unsettling her.


    She looked around once more, her eyes scanning the area. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, but that strange, tingling sensation wouldn''t leave her.


    "What... was that?" she muttered under her breath.


    Soru, observing her sudden stillness, tilted his head. "Something wrong?"


    Reika blinked, shaking her head as if to clear the uneasy feeling. "I... I don''t know. I just felt like someone was watching me."


    Soru remained silent, his expression unreadable as he glanced around. But there was no sign of anyone nearby.


    Reika closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them again, her eyes glowed, and she trembled, instinctively stepping back on what her eyes saw ahead.


    Above her, a massive creature flew, its two enormous wings nearly blocking her entire view. Its translucent body glowed faintly, and on its chest, a white mass gathered at its center.


    That figure... I¡¯ve seen it before...!


    The monster opened its mouth wide, and before Reika could react, it unleashed a deafening roar that shook the air around her.


    ROARRRRRRR!!!!


    Reika felt immense pain coursing through her entire body and collapsed to her knees.


    That roar... It doesn''t affect my hearing, but it directly attacks my soul!


    She glanced up, her eyes widening as she finally identified the monster.


    "There''s no mistaking it... It''s the Wildfire Dragon Veylir!"


    Seeing it with her own eyes, Reika was left stunned. She barely heard Soru mumbling something in the background, his words lost in the shock of the moment.


    Am I seeing things...? I''m sure the dragon was already dead! How is it still¡ª


    Reika remembered that she had activated her passive ability earlier, which allowed her to see beyond the physical plane.


    Unless... This isn¡¯t the physical body of the Wildfire Dragon. Could it be... its own soul?


    Reika¡¯s gaze fixed on the dragon. Its head remained focused on her, its eyes burning with vengeance.


    Now that its body was gone, it roamed the forest, consumed by a thirst for revenge and bloodlust!


    The dragon watched her with a fierce gaze, its eyes filled with bloodlust and hatred. Reika could feel the intensity of its stare, the weight of its malice pressing down on her.


    Ghk! I can feel its malicious intent. Keeping eye contact with it is almost unbearable...


    Reika glanced over at Soru, who seemed completely unaware of the danger.


    Damn it! Don¡¯t tell me I¡¯m the only one who can see this thing?


    She took a slow breath, steadying herself.


    Looks like I¡¯ll have to handle this myself...


    Reika studied the dragon carefully. Its vigilance gave her a brief moment to think.


    That¡¯s right! Since it can bind both physical and spiritual objects, Chains of Imprisonment should work on the soul of the Wildfire Dragon!


    Reika lifted her right arm, aiming toward the dragon.


    I should wait for its response before taking any action...


    The dragon noticed Reika¡¯s stance and mistook it for a sign of aggression. It roared fiercely, preparing to charge directly at her.


    Now!


    "<Chains of Imprisonment!!>"


    Several chains with a faint purple glow materialized from her chest and shot toward the dragon, wrapping around its body to restrict its movement.


    But the moment the chains made contact, the dragon shook violently. With a burst of strength, it effortlessly broke free from the chains, its powerful body shrugging off the restraints.


    Reika''s eyes widened in surprise as she watched the dragon break free from the chains.


    Tsk! The chains aren''t strong enough to hold it down!


    As Reika scrambled to think of her next move, she noticed the dragon''s mouth opening wide once more.


    That move... It''s going to do it again!


    Before she could react, the dragon unleashed another deafening roar. The sound crashed into her like a wave, striking at her soul with such force that she gasped, feeling her body tremble violently.


    "GAHHK!"


    Reika collapsed to her knees, the dragon''s roar still echoing in her mind, its impact wrenching at her soul. She trembled with the lingering pain, trying to regain her composure.


    "Ugh..."


    Soru noticed her distress and started to approach, concern etched across his face. But Reika, still on her knees, quickly held up a hand, stopping him in his tracks.


    "Don''t! I can handle this... on my own."


    She forced herself to stand, shaking off the lingering dizziness as she scanned the area, her expression turning serious.


    "I-I''m sure others are looking for us right now," she said in a firm voice. "Instead of standing here, look for them and protect them. The forest is too dangerous for them to wander alone."


    Despite seeing Reika''s struggle, Soru didn''t hesitate. He gave a silent nod, then turned and headed deeper into the forest to find the others.


    Seeing Soru disappear into the distance, Reika turned her attention back to the dragon. It was slowly descending from the sky, its massive wings beating the air before it landed with a heavy thud.


    For a long moment, the two of them locked eyes, neither of them moving. The tension in the air was palpable, broken only by the faint rustling of the night breeze and the distant calls of wildlife.


    Reika knelt down, placing both hands on the ground.


    "I need thicker chains... something stronger to hold it," she muttered under her breath, determination building inside her.


    She closed her eyes, clearing her mind.


    Visualize it...


    From the earth below her, several glowing purple chains began to permeate from the ground. This time, she wasn¡¯t just pulling from her usual strength. These chains were different¡ªthicker, sturdier, designed to bind the Wildfire Dragon with all the power she could muster.


    That should be enough to pin it down!


    The chains quickly flew toward the dragon, wrapping tightly around its body. For a moment, the dragon struggled against the restraints, but the chains held firm. Reika let out a brief sigh of relief, but her short break didn¡¯t last long.


    Suddenly, the dragon began to shook violently, far more fiercely than before. Reika immediately sensed the change and braced herself for what came next.


    "Oh no..." she murmured.


    She tried to summon another chain, but a wave of exhaustion hit her. Her arms felt numb, and her focus wavered. In an instant, the first chain broke and vanished, leaving only two chains to bind the dragon¡¯s wings.


    Reika noticed the white mass in her chest had shrunk. She stared at it, realizing it was depleting faster with every use of the chains.


    The white mass... It''s draining quicker each time I use the chains!


    A sudden clinking sound caught her attention. She looked up just in time to see the second chain break apart and disappear.


    Damn it! If I summon another chain now, I won''t be able to maintain the others... and they''ll vanish too!

 Chapter 10: The First Subject

    Reika frantically searched for a solution to deal with the dragon. If she didn¡¯t act soon, everything she had worked for would be lost.


    "Think, Reika... Think!" she muttered, her voice trembling as the pressure mounted.


    Amid her swirling thoughts, a flicker of clarity emerged¡ªan empty space in her memories.


    If only I could move the dragon there...


    Her heart skipped a beat as she noticed the dragon lifting its massive head, its piercing eyes locked on her. At this range, it could strike her in a heartbeat.


    "Wha¡ª!?"


    Reika instinctively raised her hands in a desperate attempt to shield herself. The ground trembled beneath her feet, and the air seemed to roar with the dragon¡¯s relentless charge. Its immense form loomed closer, the sheer force of its presence bearing down on her. Fear tightened its grip on her chest, and she clenched her eyes shut, bracing for the inevitable.


    In the dead of night, the dragon disappeared without a trace, leaving no sign of its presence. On the ground lay Reika, unconscious and motionless. The once chaotic battlefield fell into an eerie silence as the victor of their clash remained a mystery.


    ...


    ¡°Mhhhm¡­¡±


    Out of a sudden, Reika was startled by the sharp clank of metal striking a hard surface.


    CLINK!


    ¡°What was that¡­?¡± she muttered, her heart pounding in her chest.


    She snapped her eyes open immediately. Just then, she saw it clearly: towering before her was an enormous creature.


    ¡°That is¡­!¡±


    It was Veylir, the Wildfire Dragon¡ªthe same beast she had fought before. The dragon thrashed violently, struggling against the heavy chains that bound one of its wings.


    Without a second thought, Reika raised her hand with unwavering resolve. A shimmering chain materialized from thin air, surging forward like a serpent. In seconds, it coiled tightly around the dragon¡¯s massive form, pinning its body and wings in place.


    To her surprise, the previous chain snapped and dissolved into thin air. Yet, before the dragon could seize the moment, Reika¡¯s new chain surged forth, replacing the broken one just in time. Though longer, this new chain was noticeably thinner.


    The dragon¡¯s fiery eyes locked onto the chains, and it thrashed violently, shaking its massive body in a desperate attempt to break free. Reika clenched her fists, her gaze fixed on the dragon¡¯s relentless struggle. Drawing from the pulsing white energy at her chest, she poured everything into reinforcing the chain¡¯s durability.


    ¡°Ghk! I can¡¯t think of anything else... I have to keep binding it, no matter what!¡± she gasped as sweat beading on her forehead.


    As Reika searched for an alternative to the chains, she noticed something strange¡ªthe dragon¡¯s soul seemed different.


    Its glow was dimmer than the last time she had fought it in the forest...


    Reika looked around and realized that everything around here were different. Everything was shrouded in darkness, stretching as far as her eyes could see.


    ¡°Wait. Isn¡¯t this the place the strange light brought me before...?¡±


    The oppressive void felt lifeless, as if it had swallowed everything around her. Just then, a sudden sound of an explosion shattered the silence.


    BOOOM!!


    A powerful shockwave blasted through the space, knocking her violently to the ground without a warning.


    ¡°GUUHHH!¡±


    Pain coursed through her as her body hit the hard ground, the impact leaving her breathless and disoriented. She struggled to push herself up as confusion were clouding her thoughts.


    "W-What was that...?" she gasped, trying to make sense of the sudden attack.


    Reika saw the cracks forming across her body, her skin resembling like a fragile porcelain.


    She quickly turned her attention to the dragon, scanning for any sign of change. To her shock, the chains binding the dragon also began to fracture as the cracks were spreading across their surface.


    If this continues, the chains will break apart¡­!


    The dragon suddenly released another attack. A pulse of energy surged from its body, heading straight for her.


    BOOOM!


    Reika immediately raised both arms, focusing on strengthening the chains that held the dragon in place.


    "GHHHKKK!"


    The pulse hit her with overwhelming force, knocking her further away from the dragon. When the shockwave subsided, she looked down in horror.


    ¡°My arm¡­!¡±


    One of her arms was gone, shattered into fragments. She checked her body, and the damage was far worse than she had feared.


    More cracks spread across Reika''s body, and pieces of her form chipped away, leaving her like a broken doll with missing parts.


    "GAAAAAHHH!"


    An intense, searing pain shot through her, feeling like a thousand blades stabbing her again and again.


    Reika trembled, unable to stop the groans of agony that escaped her. The weight of the blow left her struggling to stay conscious. Despite the pain, she forced herself to stand, her legs wobbling beneath her.


    "Ugh... This... I need to settle the score with that bastard reptile..."


    She stood, though every muscle screamed in protest. Her gaze shifted to the dragon, and she noticed something that gave her a sliver of hope¡ªthe dragon appeared weaker than when she had faced it before.


    What should I do...


    As she searched for a way forward, a realization suddenly struck her.


    "Damn it! Why have I never thought of that thing before?!"


    Reika took a step closer to the dragon, watching as it struggled weakly against the chains. The dragon lacked the strength to move when the two pulses of energy it had unleashed earlier drained its power, leaving its soul noticeably weaker.


    "H-Heh... Y-You can''t do anything now, huh?" Reika taunted the dragon while smirking.


    The dragon, still agitated, let out another roar. This time, it was weaker, barely more than a strained sound. The roar reverberated through Reika, causing her soul to tremble. Smaller fragments chipped away from her body in response to the force of the sound.


    "There''s nothing you can do now!" Reika shouted. "At this rate, any more unnecessary attacks will just make your soul weaker..."


    The dragon continued to tug at the chains in a desperate bid for freedom, its futile efforts only deepening the cracks in its soul. Reika sighed as she watched the dragon''s desperation unfold before her.


    Oh well... It¡¯s not surprising that it doesn¡¯t understand me, seeing as I¡¯m speaking a language foreign to this land¡­


    Then, a thought slipped into her mind.


    Wait... Do dragons understand the native language of the humans here?


    She snapped out of her thoughts when she heard a crackling sound. Turning her attention back to the dragon, she saw the chains had caused a visible dent in its soul, small fragments breaking off with each movement.


    Seeing the dragon''s condition worsen, Reika''s expression grew serious. She stepped closer to the dragon''s head, her resolve hardening with every step.


    "I know you won''t understand me, but please trust me this time. I might have a way to save your soul from shattering..."


    She extended her left hand, the only part of her body that hadn¡¯t shattered from the attack, and placed it gently on the dragon''s nose.


    "S-Speak your terms..."


    Reika froze, stunned by the sudden voice. She realized it came from the dragon.


    "Ehh? Y-You understood me?"


    The dragon gave a slow, deliberate nod of its head.


    "B-But how? I was speaking in Japanese¡ª"


    "What I''m capable of doing... is none of your concern."


    "..."


    The silence stretched between them for a moment, both caught in the gravity of the situation. It was the dragon who finally broke the quiet, its voice low but clear.


    "Now... Tell me the conditions of your offer. I might consider it..."


    Reika cleared her throat, preparing to speak with more clarity.


    "Ahem! As I was saying, I¡¯ve come up with a plan to save you¡ª"


    "Enough with your repetitions. Keep your words short and to the point."


    Hearing the dragon''s dismissive tone, Reika''s irritation flared up.


    "Hey! What''s with that sassiness of yours?!"


    The dragon turned its head away, scoffing.


    "Hmph."


    Reika was surprised to its response and her frustration deepened further.


    This little... It¡¯s acting like a tsundere?!


    In a moment of exasperation, Reika tightened the chains just a little, hoping to teach the dragon a lesson. The dragon immediately reacted, feeling the increased pressure.


    "Ow! Ow! Y-You insolent creature... S-Stop this at once!"


    "Now, will you listen to my terms without interrupting?"


    "F-Fine! I agree! J-Just loosen these chains... Ow!"


    The dragon felt the chains loosen slightly, and the pain began to subside. A sense of relief washed over it, and it let out a heavy sigh.


    "Now, although this plan might not work out, I want you to submit yourself to me..." Reika continued, her voice steady. "And with the ability I possess, I will make you a subject of mine."


    The words barely left her mouth before the dragon erupted in a furious roar.


    "S-Such insolence! Why would a proud dragon of the dragon race submit to a lesser being like humans?!"


    Reika covered her face instinctively to shield herself from the force of the dragon''s roar. After a tense moment, the dragon finally calmed, its fiery rage subsiding.


    "Can''t you see? Your soul has grown weaker over time! If this continues, you¡¯ll shatter at that rate!" Reika said to the weakened dragon.


    Hearing the risk, the dragon fell silent and lowered its head.


    "You''re right," it murmured. "Once a soul separates from its vessel, it becomes weaker. Without a vessel to shelter it, the result would be total annihilation..."


    Reika listened quietly, taking in the dragon''s words. She sighed, feeling a sense of inevitability.


    "Now, you don¡¯t have much of a choice, do you?"


    The dragon slowly raised its head, its gaze meeting hers.


    "I do have one."


    "Oh?"


    "...That is, to seize your body and become my temporary vessel. But I never imagined you had such methods to deal with spiritual entities..."


    Upon hearing the dragon''s words, Reika burst into laughter.


    "HAHAHA! As if I''d allow you to do that!"


    She closed her eyes and smirked, enjoying the moment.


    "Too bad you can''t do it now..."


    The dragon quickly reacted to her laugh, its tone defensive.


    "I-I-It was simply a lapse in my judgment! Being dragged into your subconscious space already puts me at a disadvantage..."


    Reika paused, her curiosity piqued.


    "Subconscious space...?"


    The dragon noticed her confused expression.


    "You don¡¯t know what subconscious space is?"


    Reika shrugged, signaling her lack of knowledge.


    "Sigh... humans," the dragon muttered. "A subconscious space is a boundary between your vessel¡ªyour physical body¡ªand your soul. Within this plane, your soul resides here when you¡¯re unconscious."


    Reika was immediately intrigued by the dragon''s explanation and pressed for more information. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Then, are you saying that this space is real?"


    The dragon considered her question before answering.


    "It depends on your perception. In a sense, this space is just a concept conceived in your mind. It¡¯s not a physical place you can visit, but rather a concept that cages your soul. This space is conceptually endless, and escaping it is impossible. Unless..."


    "Unless what?"


    "Unless you destroy the owner''s soul and gain control of its vessel..."


    Reika¡¯s eyes widened as she processed the implication.


    "So it''s like a possession, right?"


    The dragon nodded in agreement.


    "Yes. But sometimes, absorbing the owner¡¯s soul will suffice. However, it¡¯s a risky move. It could plunge the owner into a deep sleep, and there¡¯s always the chance they¡¯ll regain consciousness and take back control of their soul and vessel."


    Reika was stunned to speak upon hearing the new information from the dragon.


    "I can''t... I didn''t even know your subconscious mind could do that..."


    Then, a thought struck her.


    "Wait... From what I''ve learned, dreams happen on a subconscious level, right?"


    The dragon hesitated for a moment before responding.


    "I... I don''t understand what you mean by ''level,'' but if you''re referring to the fact that conceiving imagination within the subconscious space is possible, then yes, you can."


    Reika''s eyes lit up with excitement at the dragon''s answer.


    "If that''s the case, then I can do... this!"


    In an instant, clothes materialized around her¡ª a white T-shirt and long jeans. Her form shifted, the glowing figure vanishing and revealing her normal appearance, her skin bright and human once more.


    "What about... this?"


    On a sudden impulse, the subconscious space around them began to glow with an intense light. The dragon instinctively shut its eyes to shield itself from the blinding transformation within Reika¡¯s mind.


    When the dragon opened its eyes, it was stunned by the new surroundings.


    "This...?"


    The dragon found itself in a completely unfamiliar place. All around it were houses stretching far and wide, each one designed in a way it had never seen before. The road beneath it was smooth, without the typical unevenness it had known¡ªthere were no cracks or separations like bricks. The houses were separated by sleek, smooth walls, unlike anything the dragon had encountered before.


    "I... I''ve never seen anything like this..."


    Reika stepped in front of the dragon, her expression calm but resolute.


    "I know it might sound absurd to you, but this is the country where I was born... This is Japan."


    The dragon looked around, still bewildered. It had never heard of such a place, let alone a country named Japan.


    "Japan..? I roamed the continent for many years, yet this is the first time I''ve heard of that country..."


    Reika giggled softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement.


    "Hehe~ It doesn¡¯t exist on the continent¡ªno, not even on the planet you currently live on. It¡¯s a country located on a planet we call Earth. Earth is much farther away, up there, somewhere in the night sky..."


    The dragon fell silent, stunned by the revelation of Japan and the existence of another planet beyond its own.


    "A planet called... Earth? How strange..."


    Suddenly, several people appeared in the streets, catching the dragon off guard. But what truly caught its attention were the strange clothes they wore.


    "Those clothes and garments¡ªare these the ones the people on your planet wear? They seem so light and colorful compared to the ones I¡¯ve seen before..."


    While the dragon was still lost in thought, Reika didn¡¯t notice a child approaching on a bicycle. She only realized it when the child was barely a foot away from the dragon.


    "Wait...!"


    But it was too late. The child made contact with the dragon''s body. Reika braced herself for something unusual to happen, yet what occurred next took her by surprise.


    "Huh? It permeated through...?"


    The dragon''s voice suddenly broke the silence.


    "Hmph. Since you seem to have no understanding of the nature of subconscious space, I will offer you a bit of knowledge..."


    The dragon¡¯s tone shifted, as though imparting a lesson.


    "As you can see, everything here is merely an illusion conceived by your mind. You cannot truly interact with it because everything¡ªevery object, every living being¡ªis a projection born from your imagination."


    The dragon paused, letting the words sink in.


    "Since this is only a projection in your mind, anything is possible, including interaction with the humans and objects inside your subconscious space. But remember, that rule applies only to you. I am not bound by it."


    Reika touched the wall beside her and felt its rough texture, the sensation so real that it almost startled her. Everything around her seemed tangible, solid.


    "However, you can bypass it by simply visualizing that everything is just a mere projection. In that way, passing through walls becomes possible."


    Reika, eager to test the dragon''s words, placed her hand on the wall again.


    Think of it as just a projection...


    To her amazement, her hand passed right through the wall.


    "This..."


    She marveled at the result, lost in her thoughts as she continued the experiment. But her focus was broken when she heard the dragon groan in pain.


    "Urk...!"


    Reika immediately rushed toward the dragon, her concern growing.


    "Are you alright?"


    She noticed that the dragon¡¯s soul had grown even weaker than before, its glow dimming.


    "Ugh... I r-remembered your offer earlier... It seems like I have no choice b-but to agree..."


    The dragon winced as it spoke, its voice strained.


    "Although I h-have a temporary measure to alleviate the effects of shattering, it won''t serve as a long-term solution..."


    Reika looked into the dragon''s eyes, a sudden moment of hesitation clouding her thoughts. She found herself caught in a brief dilemma.


    Although I¡¯m helping my enemy, gaining something from this is far better than nothing... I''ll have to risk it!


    With that thought, her resolve solidified. She knew what she had to do.


    "Are you sure you want to do this...?"


    Without warning, the entire area around them collapsed into darkness. Reika¡¯s clothes vanished along with the fading surroundings, and her body reverted to its original form, glowing softly in the void.


    "Do you think I have any other choice? J-Just hurry up..."


    "O-Okay. Just stay still..."


    Reika closed her eyes, her mind sharp with focus. She extended her left arm, opening her palm wide and concentrated, preparing herself for the task that she''ll perform.


    <Subjective Control!>

 Chapter 11: Pursuit of the Exiles

    A glowing purple collar appeared out of thin air, faint streaks of electricity flickering along its surface. Reika watched closely, impressed by the seamless effect of the sub-ability.


    How cool...!


    The collar hovered for a moment before gliding toward the dragon¡¯s neck. It widened slightly as it approached, adjusting itself to fit before wrapping around the neck with smooth precision.


    After a brief pause, it clicked shut, signaling that the process was complete. Reika noticed something unusual¡ªthe collar was slightly larger than the dragon¡¯s neck, as if designed to allow for future changes.


    Reika carefully unwrapped the chains binding the dragon, inspecting its condition with a watchful eye.


    "So... how do you feel?"


    The dragon didn''t respond right away. Instead, it examined itself, moving its limbs and stretching its neck as if taking inventory of its state. After a thorough assessment, it finally looked back at her.


    "The weakening process has stopped," it said. "Though I haven¡¯t recovered, the fact that it hasn¡¯t progressed further is... remarkable. Almost a miracle."


    Reika let out a relieved sigh.


    So it can stop the weakening process, huh? My intuition was right all along!


    The dragon slowly stood, spreading its immense wings. Then, to her surprise, it lowered its head in a deep bow.


    "Though bowing before an inferior race is beneath us dragons, gratitude toward a benefactor is essential. I thank you, human."


    Reika smiled. "Don''t sweat it~! Think of it as my apology for, well... you know, killing you and weakening your soul this much."


    While in the middle of their conversation, Reika felt a faint tremble ripple through her subconscious space. She frowned, puzzled by the strange behavior of her surroundings.


    "It seems your body is about to wake up..."


    Reika glanced around. "What¡¯s happening? What will become of this space once I wake up?"


    "Anything except your soul will be expelled," the dragon explained. "Once you regain your consciousness, your soul will take full control of your body."


    Before she could respond, Reika felt an unfamiliar sensation deep within her. Her soul quivered gently, as if bracing for what was to come. Then, in an instant, her entire vision went dark.


    Before she knew it, Reika found herself lying on the forest floor. She blinked a few times, trying to clear her blurry vision.


    Glancing around, she spotted a familiar figure, Silas, speaking with a group of people she also recognized.


    "Is she okay?" Silas asked Soru.


    "I have no idea," Soru replied abruptly.


    Sylva, noticing Reika''s gaze, quickly alerted the others. "Sir Silas! Reika¡¯s awake!"


    Both men turned to see Reika struggling to push herself off the ground. Silas immediately hurried over, extending a hand to help her.


    "Ugh..."


    "Take it easy, kid," Silas said gently. "Are you alright?"


    With his support, Reika managed to stand. As she regained her balance, a sudden, loud thud echoed from the forest ahead.


    "W-What now?" Reika muttered.


    Reika quickly scanned the area using her ability and spotted several spiritual bodies racing toward them.


    Damn it... Why do problems keep coming one after another? Can¡¯t I catch a break for once?!


    In the distance, a figure dashed through the forest, panting heavily. His movements were frantic, his body battered and bloodied.


    "Huff... Huff..."


    The man¡¯s dark brown skin glistened with sweat. His powerful, muscular frame hinted at years of rigorous training, though even that seemed barely enough to keep him going.


    The man, V?lun, was not alone. A woman, with skin the same dark brown as his and a similarly muscular build, ran beside him. She gripped a weapon tightly, glancing over her shoulder as they fled from their pursuers.


    As they pushed through the dense forest, the woman suddenly stopped, her eyes catching a flicker of light breaking through the thick canopy above.


    "V?lun, I see a light up ahead," the woman called out. "There must be an open space further on!"


    V?lun didn¡¯t hesitate. He swung his massive warhammer, aiming for a tree in their path. With a sharp crack, the tree split in half, crashing to the ground with a thunderous roar, momentarily blocking the way behind them and buying them a little more time.


    In the distance, Reika, Soru, and the others heard a loud thud reverberate through the forest.


    "What was that?!" Silas exclaimed.


    Soru''s gaze noticed two figures stumbling toward them, both heavily wounded and struggling to keep their pace.


    V?lun and his companion quickly halted as they spotted the group of humans in the clearing. The sight of them immediately put V?lun on guard.


    Humans...? What are they doing here, in a place like this?


    His companion also noticed the group and stopped. However, they''ve failed to realize that the pursuers caught up to them already. With no other choice, they retreated to the center of the clearing, cornered.


    Reika, Soru, Silas, and the others, though unsure of the situation, cautiously moved toward the center as well, drawing closer to avoid being surrounded by the hostile forces closing in.


    "Tell us where that king of yours is hiding!" one of the pursuers demanded.


    V?lun and his companion raised their weapons in unison, pointing them directly at the pursuers. The tension in the air was palpable as both sides braced for what was to come.


    "Even if we die here tonight, none of you shall learn the king''s whereabouts!" V?lun shouted.


    Among the crowd of pursuers, one man stepped forward, casually tossing his dagger into the air before catching it with a smirk. His eyes glinted with dark amusement as he stared at V?lun and his companion.


    "Well, well," he said, his tone mocking. "Even if you won''t say anything, I''m sure will find him sooner or later!"


    V?lun''s eyes twitched at the mention of the mysterious individual.


    "He was a skilled swordsman," the man continued. "With his ability, finding your king will be a lot easier."


    The words hit like a blow, and both V?lun and his companion immediately took battle stances. The grim realization settled in¡ªthey were running out of time, and the stakes had just risen.


    "We must deal with them quickly to assist the king!" V?lun exclaimed.


    His companion, Aeden, nodded silently, acknowledging the need for swift action.


    "Aeden, take the front and left side! I''ll handle the rest!"


    Caught in the escalating conflict, everyone gathered at the center, following Silas''s lead. Reika, still drained from her battle with the dragon, moved with difficulty, struggling to keep up.


    "Hyaa! HAAAH!" A shout rang out, marking the start of the battle as the confrontation erupted around them.


    CLANK! Swoosh!


    The clash of weapons echoed throughout the area as ther blades collided. The villagers crouched low to the ground, trying to stay out of the heated battle''s path.


    From the bushes, three archers emerged, their bows drawn and aimed at the villagers. Aeden quickly spotted them and swung her axe toward the threat.


    "HYAAA!"


    In an instant, all three archers were struck down, their bodies falling to the ground. The axe returned to Aeden''s hand, but in the chaos, one arrow had already been released. It shot through the air, racing toward its target, unnoticed by Aeden. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Tsk! The arrow!


    Aeden swung her axe swiftly once more, aiming to intercept the arrow, but the difference in speed was too great. Her axe won''t be able to intercept the arrow in time.


    Damn it!


    The arrow quickly shot toward Soru, who stood motionless. Despite noticing the threat, he didn¡¯t move. Instead, he raised his chin slightly and muttered something under his breath.


    "..."


    Aeden¡¯s eyes widened as she saw where the arrow was heading to. In urgency, she shouted, "Hey! Watch out¡ª"


    Aeden fell silent as the arrow hit Soru and simply bounced off his body, as if it had struck a solid wall.


    Eh?


    "KUARGGGGH! GAHKK!"


    The cloaked pursuers groaned in unison, their bodies faltering as they collapsed one by one. V?lun quickly noticed the cause¡ªeach of their chests was bleeding heavily, as though struck by an invisible force.


    Aeden looked around in disbelief, her mind struggling to comprehend what was happening. The cloaked men fell and died on the spot.


    What is happening...?


    In the midst of the confusion, Aeden''s gaze fell on Soru. The human boy was holding the head of one of the dying cloaked men, his fingers gripping tightly as the man coughed up blood.


    "Just... Who are you people... "


    With a final groan, the man lost consciousness and died, his body going limp in Soru''s hands. Without a second glance, Soru dropped the corpse to the ground and stepped back, carefully avoiding the blood splatter that might stain his shoes.


    Aeden stood frozen, unable to process the sudden deaths of the cloaked men. Her mind raced, still trying to make sense of the impossible scene she just saw.


    V?lun hurried over to the villagers, offering Silas a hand to help him stand. The rest of the group followed suit, with Sylva assisting Reika to her feet.


    Meanwhile, Soru walked toward the confused Aeden, who was still processing the chaos around her. She didn''t notice him approaching until he spoke.


    "What''s their deal with you two?"


    Aeden snapped out and turned to face him. Her eyes widened slightly at his sudden presence.


    "They''re hired assassins," she explained quickly. "They were sent to deal with us."


    Soru looked around in silence. The area was littered with the bodies of the pursuers, their blood staining the ground. Each of them had been pierced by some invisible force, their chests marked by strange, fatal wounds¡ªwounds caused by his unknown power.


    On the other side, Reika froze in confusion. It wasn¡¯t the pursuers that caused it, but something else.


    Wait, wait, wait, wait!


    Reika glanced around, trying to make sense of things. Soru speaking to Aeden, the dark-skinned woman, and Silas talking to V?lun so easily left her baffled. It wasn¡¯t just them¡ªshe was confused by the rest of the group too.


    Why are all of them talking in Japanese!?


    Reika''s eyes widened as she overheard V?lun speaking Japanese fluently. She had expected him to speak another language, but hearing him converse effortlessly in Japanese left her baffled.


    "Heh... Surprised?"


    "Hwuhh?!!" Reika jolted, her eyes widening as she heard a strange voice beside her. She turned to see a glowing figure floating to her right.


    "You... I-Is that you, Veylir?"


    The figure had crimson skin with a hint of woody undertones. It wasn''t translucent, but it faintly glowed, radiating a soft, otherworldly light.


    "But... What happened to your body?"


    Veylir grinned. "Cute, aren''t I? I morphed my soul into my younger state to conserve my spiritual energy as much as possible. Along with my voice, I became like this!"


    Reika leaned in for a closer look at Veylir, puzzled by the transformation. She reached out to poke its chubby cheeks, but her finger simply passed through its soul-like body.


    Out of a sudden, Reika murmured, "So, about the situation right now..."


    Veylir suddenly remembered the topic they had left off earlier.


    "Ahem! About that... I do have a theory in mind, but it seems you inherited my ability for some reason."


    Reika paused for a moment, thinking, and then recalled her third ability, .


    "I don''t know what method you used," Veylir continued, "but you can only acquire it after learning other languages¡ªit depends on luck. And judging by the look of things, you''re far too young to have traveled the continent and learned them all on your own. So, I simply assumed that your Translator ability came from me."


    Reika nodded, realizing Veylir¡¯s theory made sense.


    Veylir''s right. Subjective Link can access the abilities of the subjects I''ve binded with my ability...


    "That ability... How does it work?"


    Veylir closed its eyes for a moment, thinking. Reika waited patiently, listening to the distant mutterings of the others in the background.


    "Ah! The words that come from a speaker vibrate through the air. But if the speaker is using a language you don''t understand or haven''t heard before, takes over."


    "It converts the vibration of the incoming frequency, matching it to a language you''re most familiar with, and vice versa. With that ability, you never have to worry when speaking to someone whose language is different from your own!"


    Reika looked at the group around her, each focused on their tasks. A smile appeared on her face as the realization settled in. The power to understand anyone, no matter where they came from or what language they spoke, was something she hadn¡¯t fully appreciated until now.


    With this ability, I don''t have to hassle myself by listening to their gibberish language!


    "How convenient this ability is!"


    As Reika marveled at the usefulness of her newfound power, the group was interrupted by a loud explosion in the distance. Aeden¡¯s eyes widened, and she suddenly remembered their king¡¯s situation.


    "Oh no... Our king!"


    Aeden quickly turned toward V?lun, and both of them exchanged a brief, knowing glance before rushing toward the source of the explosion.


    Silas, noticing the direction they were headed, grew worried.


    "That direction... Don''t tell me something happened to the village!?"


    The tension in the air thickened as everyone rushed to follow, fearing the worst.


    Upon arriving at the village, the group was met with a devastating sight. The wooden walls that had once surrounded the village were reduced to rubble. Several houses lay in shambles, their remains scattered across the ground, and trees had been violently uprooted.


    There were no villagers in sight, and the area was eerily quiet except for the occasional explosion and loud tremors that shook the earth.


    "They must be at my house," Silas said, his voice tense. "It''s the largest and safest structure in the village. Sylva, everyone, come with me!"


    Sylva and the village men nodded and quickly followed Silas. However, Reika stayed behind, her gaze scanning the area. She noticed with growing concern that the dwarves were nowhere to be seen.


    BOOM!!


    Reika heard another explosion in the distance and immediately turned around. Without a second thought, she headed straight for the source of the disturbance.


    She was about to take another step when Soru appeared in her path, blocking her way.


    "Where are you going?" he asked, his tone calm but firm.


    "I''m going to investigate what''s going on ahead..."


    Soru didn''t say another word. Instead, he simply followed her in silence, his presence a quiet support.


    The village was small, so they quickly reached the site of the battle. As they arrived, a figure flew toward them from the chaos, greeting them with a swift approach.


    Both of them quickly stepped aside to avoid the impact.


    THUD!!


    When the dust and smoke cleared, they saw Aeden embedded in the wall, coughing weakly.


    "Cough! Cough! He''s too strong..."


    Reika rushed over without hesitation, grabbing Aeden''s hand and helping her to her feet.


    "Are you okay?"


    Aeden groaned in pain but managed to reach out and steady herself.


    "Y-Yeah..."


    Her eyes shifted to the battle raging in the distance. V?lun and another dark-skinned man were locked in a desperate struggle against a single, overwhelming opponent.


    "I must help them... Ghk..!" Aeden muttered, trying to move.


    "Take it easy!" Reika urged. "You must have suffered injuries from that fall!"


    Aeden sat on the ground, trying to catch her breath and regain her strength.


    Normally, a three-against-one battle would seem unfair, but what Reika saw defied logic. The lone fighter dominated the battlefield with overwhelming strength, effortlessly outclassing the three struggling to fight him.


    "The man wielding that giant sword... who is he?" Reika asked Aeden.


    Aeden, still resting, glanced at the figure in the distance with a sharp, focused gaze.


    "That man the king and V?lun are fighting¡­ he¡¯s ranked in the Top 40 of the Swordmaster Rankings. His name is Agnar."


    As she spoke his name, Aeden¡¯s grip tightened around her axe. Her expression turned grim, the weight of Agnar¡¯s reputation evident in her tone.


    "I can''t believe they hired to take the king''s life!" Aeden exclaimed. "Even with the three of us combined, we could barely hold our ground against that monster. He''s an abomination!"


    Aeden steadied herself, gripping her axe tightly as she forced her body to stand.


    "Now that I''ve rested, I must assist the king!"


    Without hesitation, Aeden charged back into the fray. She closed the distance swiftly and swung her axe with all her might. The blade hurtled toward Agnar, but he skillfully parried the attack and deflected it with ease.


    Agnar stepped back, creating some distance. Then, before they could regroup or prepare, he drove his massive greatsword into the ground with a heavy swing. A pulse of energy erupted from the impact, rippling outward like a shockwave.


    The force of the blast sent Aeden and V?lun flying through the air, landing several meters away as the ground trembled beneath them.


    "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"


    A booming laugh echoed through the shattered village, its source unmistakably Agnar.


    "Surrender yourself, Ex-King Alguis!" he bellowed, his voice dripping with mockery. "Even if we reduce this entire village to rubble, you have no chance of defeating me!"


    The former Dwarven King, Alguis Fellad, stood hunched, his breaths labored and uneven. Blood dripped from the corner of his mouth as he coughed weakly. His once proud and imposing frame, built of brown, muscular strength, was now marred with wounds and streaked with blood. These injuries were not only the result of his clash with the fearsome Swordmaster Agnar but also remnants of battles fought before reaching this village.


    On the other hand, Agnar, whose muscular frame matched Alguis¡¯s, bore only a few minor injuries. His torn black shirt hung loosely on his powerful body as he held his massive greatsword with ease, radiating confidence.


    "You coward!" Alguis growled. "Using this entire village to restrict me¡­ You disgrace the title of ''Swordmaster''! Ptoo!"


    The Dwarven King spat blood onto the ground before Agnar, his contempt clear.


    Agnar smirked darkly. "Hah! Who cares about that title anyway? As long as my clients pay me a fat sum, none of it matters!"


    Agnar lifted his greatsword, pointing its tip directly at Alguis.


    "Now, let¡¯s swing our weapons to our hearts'' content and see who will emerge victorious!" he said, his voice carrying both challenge and anticipation.


    Alguis gripped his hammeraxe, G?theimmer, tightly. He took a stance, his body battered but his spirit unyielding, preparing for Agnar''s inevitable strike.


    On the other hand, Agnar raised his greatsword high into the air, his movements deliberate. He exhaled deeply, his focus sharpening as the tension between them grew further.


    <Aura Energy Conversion!>

 Chapter 12: Aftermath

    The air around the greatsword stirred, drawn toward it in an unseen current. Reika, unsure of what was happening, activated her ability to see into the metaphysical realm.


    Her purple eyes glowed as she peered beyond the ordinary, revealing the familiar gray fog from before, now flowing toward the greatsword.


    The fog condensed, drawn into the blade. Within seconds, a deep red glow engulfed it¡ªa manifestation of aura. The sword pulsed with raw energy, completely assimilating the crimson substance.


    Alguis stiffened, his eyes widening at the overwhelming surge of power.


    "That heavy aura of his... such pressure!"


    Agnar gripped the greatsword tightly with both hands. Steadying his stance, he adjusted his balance, preparing to unleash a devastating strike.


    "Fourth Style: Mountain¡¯s Descent!!"


    With a single, powerful cleave, a surge of raw energy hurtled toward Alguis. Without hesitation, Alguis swung his hammeraxe through the air.


    <Earth Surge!>


    He brought the weapon down with all his strength, slamming it into the ground. The earth buckled, sending waves of soil crashing forward to meet Agnar¡¯s attack.


    "YOUR RESISTANCE IS FUTILE, ALGUIS!!"


    The two forces collided in an earth-shaking impact, a deafening boom tearing through the battlefield. Though Alguis had managed to counter the strike, the resulting tremors rippled outward, reaching the nearby village. Houses crumbled under the force, reduced to rubble. His defense wasn¡¯t strong enough to fully absorb the impact, but it was enough to keep himself and those around him from being caught in the destruction.


    "Huff... Huff..." Alguis panted, gripping his hammeraxe tightly.


    "Is that all you''ve got, Alguis!?"


    Agnar lifted his greatsword once more, its blade gleaming with raw power.


    "Let''s see if you can block it again!"


    Alguis, exhausted, watched as Agnar began charging his weapon. His eyes darted to the unconscious forms of V?lun and Aeden lying in the distance.


    Damn it! If he unleashes that attack again, the village will be completely wiped out!


    As Agnar waited for the sword to condense the fog into aura once more, something flickered in his peripheral vision.


    "Wha¡ª"


    Reacting instinctively, he halted the charging process and raised his sword to intercept the incoming attack. His technique was canceled as the projectile struck the blade, detonating on impact in a burst of fire and force.


    As the flames died down, Agnar looked around, searching for the one who had ambushed him. In the distance, two silhouettes stood against the fading glow, a strange figure hovering beside them. It was Reika and Veylir.


    "I... I did it!" Reika exclaimed, her eyes wide with disbelief.


    "I can''t believe it! With that ability, you can access all of my powers! Uh, what was it called again? Sub... Subjective¡ª"


    "Who are you people!?" Agnar''s voice thundered across the battlefield, cutting Veylir off mid-sentence. Stunned, she fell silent.


    "Uh..." Reika mumbled, suddenly unsure of herself.


    Agnar''s grip tightened on his greatsword as he raised it once more.


    "You dare interrupt my fight?!"


    He shifted into an offensive stance, his piercing gaze locked onto them.


    "Since you had the guts to throw a fireball at my face, then you must be one of his subordinates!"


    Without hesitation, Agnar lunged forward, closing the distance in an instant. Reika''s breath hitched as panic surged through her, but Veylir''s voice cut through the fear, steady and reassuring. Guided by its presence, she forced herself to act.


    <F-Flame Blitz!>


    Five fireballs flared to life around Reika in an instant.


    "Go!"


    At her command, they shot forward, streaking toward Agnar in rapid succession. But facing one of the continent¡¯s top Swordmasters was no simple feat.


    Agnar extended his hand toward his greatsword, flooding it with aura. The energy spread in an instant, enveloping the entire blade in a dense, crimson glow.


    The fireballs closed in, but with swift, fluid movements, Agnar cut through them effortlessly. One by one, they were severed, their flames vanishing into nothing. Not a single ember reached him.


    Her bombardment had failed spectacularly. She had landed her attack, yet to Agnar, it meant nothing.


    "What the hell was that?! It¡¯s like he saw every projectile before they even landed!" Reika exclaimed.


    Meanwhile, Alguis watched the battle unfold, his mind racing.


    An opening!


    Reika gritted her teeth and pushed herself harder, summoning even more fireballs to overwhelm Agnar with sheer numbers.


    "Ghk! I can''t...!"


    "Reika! Don¡¯t rely on just one ability!" Veylir urged. "I have plenty more in my arsenal¡ªtry something else!"


    "Are you kidding me?! If I switch abilities for even a second, that guy will kill me on the spot!" Reika shot back, barely keeping up with Agnar¡¯s relentless defense.


    Agnar unleashed a massive slash, his aura-infused blade cutting through the air. The fireballs detonated on impact, their explosions fizzling out before they could even reach him.


    "Playtime¡¯s over, kid!"


    Without hesitation, he charged toward Reika, showing no signs of stopping. She barely had time to react¡ªstill in the middle of setting up her next ability.


    "Hyaaaaah!!"


    But in his relentless pursuit, Agnar failed to notice Alguis closing in from behind. To Alguis, Reika¡¯s desperate attacks had created a rare, perhaps even final, opportunity to take Agnar down.


    Silent as a shadow, Alguis shifted his grip on his hammeraxe. Using the hammerhead, he swung with everything he had, pouring every last ounce of strength into the strike.


    Agnar, too focused on Reika, barely managed to raise his blade in defense. But the impact was overwhelming. The sheer force shattered the greatsword into pieces.


    Then, the hammer struck true. The moment the metal connected with Agnar¡¯s face, a brutal shockwave tore through his body. He was sent hurtling backward, crashing into the ground and rolling multiple times before coming to a stop.


    "GHAAAK!!"


    Agnar''s body convulsed from the brutal impact. His head throbbed with an intense concussion, pain flooding his senses. Blood streamed from the wound, staining the ground beneath him. His ears rang with a piercing whine, each pulse sending fresh agony through his skull.


    "Koff! Khakk!"


    Seconds passed, and the ringing began to fade, replaced by the slow, deliberate sound of footsteps dragging across the dirt. Through blurred vision, Agnar saw a figure approaching¡ªAlguis, battered but resolute, forcing himself forward.


    "This is the end, Agnar!"


    Agnar''s eyes trembled. He tried to move, to force himself upright, but his body refused to obey. The damage was too great. His strength was failing.


    "No... I won''t let it end like this..!"


    Alguis raised his hammeraxe, its edge gleaming in the dim light. He tilted it slightly, aiming the blade at Agnar¡¯s neck.


    "I know this is too much¡­ but I can''t forgive you for the innocent lives lost at your hands!"


    With a swift, decisive swing, the axe carved through flesh and bone.


    SPLAT!!


    Agnar¡¯s head hit the ground with a dull thud, rolling across the dusty earth. Silence settled over the battlefield, heavy and suffocating.


    Everyone stood frozen, their eyes locked onto the lifeless body before them. Agnar, one of the strongest swordsmen on the continent, had fallen in front of their very eyes¡ªcut down by the former Dwarven King, Alguis.


    Alguis released his grip on the hammeraxe, letting it remain embedded in the ground. He stared into Agnar¡¯s lifeless eyes, saying nothing as the weight of the battle settled over him.


    "Hah... Hah... Hah..."


    His breath came in ragged gasps as he scanned the battlefield. His gaze landed on Aeden, lying unconscious¡ªa casualty of her own battle with Agnar.


    Without hesitation, Alguis hurried to her side and reached into his pocket, fumbling through its contents. Seconds later, his fingers closed around a small, elongated bottle. Uncorking it, he revealed a shimmering green liquid inside.


    Carefully, he tilted Aeden¡¯s head back and parted her lips, slowly pouring the substance into her mouth.


    Meanwhile, Reika knelt beside V?lun, trying to assess his injuries. Before she could do much, movement in the distance caught her eye. Turning, she saw Silas and several others arriving at the scene.


    She rose to her feet, Soru following close behind as they met the newcomers.


    "What happened here?" Silas asked, surveying the aftermath.


    Reika exhaled, glancing back at Alguis.


    "A lot happened... but that man ended the fight." Reika replied softly.


    Alguis approached V?lun and opened his mouth, carefully letting the green substance flow in.


    After a moment, both Aeden and V?lun coughed in unison. V?lun¡¯s eyes fluttered open, and as he regained awareness, he saw Alguis kneeling before him.


    "M-My king... Cough! Cough!"


    "Relax, V?lun. Take a deep breath and recuperate..."


    On the other side, Aeden groaned, holding her injured shoulder as she struggled to stand.


    "Ghk!"


    Noticing her reckless movement, Alguis stepped forward and placed a firm hand on her shoulder, stopping her.


    "Don''t make unnecessary movements, Aeden."


    Hearing his words, Aeden exhaled and carefully sat back down.


    With the situation under control, Alguis turned to Reika. He stepped closer, then bowed his head.


    "Thank you, young woman, for helping me deal with him..."


    V?lun and Aeden, still weak but alert, widened their eyes at the sight of their king bowing to a human. Alarmed, they stood and slowly approached.


    "My king! You don''t have to do that!"


    Alguis tilted his head slightly to the left, acknowledging their words but remaining still.


    "It''s fine. Doing this is an act of courtesy."


    "But my king, you''re a person with a high status¡ª"


    "Being a noble has nothing to do with this."


    Their expressions shifted upon hearing his words. Alguis let out a deep sigh.


    "Sigh... I couldn¡¯t protect this village properly without the help of others. I am unfit to be king..."


    V?lun clenched his fist and placed it against his chest.


    "But still, killing Agnar is one of your greatest feats, my king! That¡¯s why my loyalty will remain until my last breath!"


    Aeden followed suit, mirroring V?lun¡¯s gesture.


    "I agree! We will follow you until the end of our lives!"


    Alguis smiled at them.


    "I told you to drop that honorific already..."


    As they spoke, Reika, who had been listening quietly, finally stepped forward.


    "Sorry to interrupt, but would you mind telling me what exactly is going on?"


    Alguis turned to her, but before he could answer, V?lun scowled and snapped, "For a human to disturb our king¡¯s conversation¡ª"


    Before he could finish, Alguis raised a hand. The gesture was enough. V?lun fell silent as Alguis shifted his attention to Reika.


    "We were chased by several men who tried to assassinate us, including that person over there. Unfortunately, the village got caught up with this mess..."


    Silas narrowed his eyes. "What did you do to make them chase you this far?"


    Alguis sighed, lowering his head.


    "After my son staged a coup d''¨¦tat, the first thing he did was exile me, never allowing me to set foot in the Dwarven Kingdom again."


    Aeden and V?lun clenched their fists as Alguis revealed the truth.


    One of the villagers hesitated before asking, "Since you were the only one exiled, why did these people follow you?"


    "Because our loyalty is to the king!" V?lun declared without hesitation.


    "That¡¯s right! We¡¯ll follow him to the ends of the earth, exiled or not!" Aeden added.


    Alguis smiled at their words. "You guys..."


    As he gazed at his loyal subordinates, his vision blurred. His body wobbled slightly.


    "Urk..."


    Aeden and V?lun immediately rushed to his side, supporting him.


    "My king!"


    "Let me... rest a bit over there..." Alguis weakly pointed to a spot in the distance.


    "We apologize for interrupting, but our king needs rest. Now, if you¡¯ll excuse us..." Aeden said before leading Alguis away.


    V?lun followed, supporting Alguis as they walked, and the crowd slowly began to disperse.


    Meanwhile, Silas turned to the villagers. "Gather whatever belongings you can¡ªclothes, food, tools, anything useful."


    They quickly obeyed, searching through the wreckage. Fortunately, thanks to their swift evacuation, no one had lost their life. The sturdiness of Silas¡¯ house had shielded them when the tremors struck.


    "Look at that craftsmanship," one villager remarked. "It withstood the worst of it. But still..."


    They turned their gazes to the rest of the village. Most of the houses had collapsed, unable to withstand the battle¡¯s destruction. Only Silas¡¯ home remained standing, but even the well¡ªtheir only water source¡ªhad been reduced to rubble.


    "Sigh... Rebuilding will take weeks, maybe longer," one villager muttered. "And with so few of us, it''ll be impossible to finish anytime soon."


    As they discussed the situation, Silas suddenly strode over, his expression darkening.


    "Hey, you muscle-brained idiots! Why are there corpses lying in front of my house?"


    The village men froze as they suddenly remembered the corpses they had gathered earlier.


    "Uh... W-We were going to bury them hours ago, but we needed your presence. We searched for you, but when we couldn''t find you, we got caught up in everything else, and the burial got postponed..."


    Silas scowled. "You delayed it yourselves! And who told you a burial needs an elder¡¯s presence? You could¡¯ve done it without me!"


    The men lowered their heads in silence.


    "We thought that¡ª"


    "Enough excuses! Get the tools and bury them immediately!"


    "Y-Yes, Elder!"


    Without another word, they scattered, hurrying to gather what they needed.


    Silas exhaled heavily, rubbing his forehead as he surveyed the ruined village. The sight before him was nothing but destruction and despair.


    "Sigh... How do we even fix this mess?"


    ...


    Alguis watched the villagers as they gathered what little they could from the wreckage. Some searched for their belongings, while others stood in silence, staring at the ruins of their homes. Cries of despair echoed through the village.


    Damn it! If only I were strong enough to withstand his attacks... Maybe I could have¡ª


    A small poke on his left arm pulled him from his thoughts. He turned and saw a young girl holding a flower in her tiny hands.


    "Mister, thank you for saving us from the bad guys!"


    Her bright smile caught him off guard. For a moment, the weight on his shoulders lightened. He let out a quiet chuckle, patting her head before taking the flower.


    "N-No problem!" He gave her a thumbs-up.


    The girl giggled, her eyes gleaming with joy.


    "Ehehe!"


    "Alex! Don''t bother that mister and help me over here!" her mother called from a distance.


    The girl glanced back at Alguis one last time before running off. He watched her go, his grip tightening around the flower as he let out a slow breath.


    "Coming!"


    The girl ran off, her laughter fading into the distance.


    Alguis looked down at the flower in his hand, its delicate petals untouched despite the destruction around him. A small smile formed on his lips as he stood, dusting off his clothes.


    "I''ve made up my mind. Instead of wallowing in guilt, I need to take responsibility for the damage I''ve caused."


    His gaze shifted to Aeden and V?lun, resting beneath a nearby tree.


    "Aeden! V?lun! I need to talk to you!"


    At his call, both warriors immediately grabbed their weapons and approached him.


    "Do you have some time to spare?" Alguis asked.


    "Uh... yes, my king!" Aeden straightened up. "After some rest, we''ve regained most of our strength!" S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Good. Since you¡¯re both ready, I need your help with something. Follow me."


    Without hesitation, Aeden and V?lun fell in step behind Alguis. As they walked, he explained his plan. Their path led them toward the forest, and soon, the three disappeared into the shadows of the trees.

 Chapter 13: Solution

    On the other side of the village, Reika helped the villagers search for any belongings that might have survived the recent disaster. Along with Soru, she shoveled through the debris, hoping to find something valuable.


    As Soru carried a box full of clothes, Reika noticed groups of villagers walking together. When she turned to follow their path, she saw them heading toward Silas'' house.


    Curious, she approached one of the villagers and asked, "Where are you going?"


    The woman glanced around, her eyes widening when she realized who had spoken.


    "Ah... erm, the village elder sent some men to bury those who perished in the dragon''s attack yesterday afternoon."


    "I see..."


    "Now, if you''ll excuse me, young m-miss..." the woman said before hurrying away.


    Reika watched the villagers as they moved toward their destination.


    Should I go and witness the burial rites...?


    "I never thought you could speak our dialect!"


    A voice spoke behind her, and when Reika turned, she saw Sylva standing there, carrying a bundle of clothes.


    "Uh... well, it''s thanks to my ability, ," Reika admitted. "It lets me understand and speak any language, translating every word and vice versa."


    Sylva pouted and gave her a light punch on the arm.


    "Geez! And here I was, trying so hard not to mess up while speaking Japanese! Now you''re telling me you could understand and respond in my dialect all along? That means all my effort was wasted!"


    Reika took a step back, raising her hands in an attempt to calm her down.


    "I-I''m sorry! I really was going to tell you I could use , but seeing you try so hard to speak Japanese was nice too!"


    She added quickly, "And don¡¯t worry! Your Japanese is understandable! Sure, there were a few mistakes with consonants and vowels, but nothing too bad!"


    Sylva sighed. "Alright, alright. I¡¯ll let it slide this time."


    Reika grinned awkwardly, relieved that she had managed to talk her way out of trouble.


    "By the way, Reika," Sylva said, her tone shifting. "Do you want to come with me and see the burial?"


    Curious about their burial customs, Reika nodded and followed Sylva toward the site.


    When they arrived, several men were already digging pits in the ground.


    "Lift the bodies carefully and place them in the graves," Silas instructed, his voice heavy with authority.


    One by one, the men lifted the corpses, laying them in the spots chosen by the deceased¡¯s families.


    Gravestones were placed atop some graves, while others were marked with simple wooden planks engraved with the names of the deceased.


    The ceremony began with a prayer, asking for the safe passage of their loved ones¡¯ souls and a peaceful journey to the afterlife. As the prayer echoed through the burial site, Reika observed the grieving families¡ªsome wept openly, while others offered bitter smiles as they watched dirt and gravel slowly cover the graves.


    When the prayer ended, the remaining open pits were filled completely. Families stood in silence, taking one last look before their loved ones were gone forever.


    Reika quietly stepped away, giving them space to mourn. As she walked, she activated her ability.


    Her purple eyes glowed faintly, and soon, she saw them¡ªethereal figures rising from their lifeless bodies. Some souls lingered, reaching out to embrace their families despite the invisible barrier between them. Others drifted upward, dissolving into the sky like fading embers.


    "Ah... I wish I could absorb those souls to nourish my own..."


    Reika recognized the familiar voice and turned her head. Veylir was hovering beside her.


    "What the hell are you talking about? Those souls have families and their own consciousness, you know?" Reika snapped.


    "Who cares? They''re dead anyway. Besides, human souls are great for repleni¡ªACK!"


    Before Veylir could finish, the collar around her neck materialized and tightened.


    "Say one more word about using souls, and I''ll make it even tighter," Reika warned.


    "Okay! I''m sorry! P-Please¡­ Ow! Ow! Ow!"


    With a sigh, Reika released her hold, and the collar vanished seconds later.


    "Gah! I thought my head was going to split in half! My whole body was trembling every time it tightened!" Veylir groaned.


    "Don''t spout such nonsense again. Stealing souls is the most disgraceful thing you can do."


    "Fine, fine! I won¡¯t. Not that I even have the ability to steal souls. I was just thinking out loud..."


    Reika sighed again, exasperated.


    "By the way, isn¡¯t that your companion over there?" Veylir asked.


    "Where?"


    Reika followed Veylir¡¯s gaze and spotted Soru sitting beneath a tree, watching the burial site.


    What is he doing over there?


    She and Veylir approached him. As they got closer, she noticed the strange expression on his face.


    "Eh?"


    Soru understood how painful it was to lose someone you love, especially those closest to you. He had seen that kind of grief unfold countless times in manga and anime. But to him, death was just a natural part of life¡ªa fundamental law of nature, unchangeable and inevitable.


    He tried to imitate the feeling within him¡ªthe act of sadness and sorrow. He attempted to recreate the pain of loss, searching for a way to understand emotions properly. Losing an object, the death of a pet¡ªhe considered various forms of loss. But no matter how many times he had tried in the past, he could never truly grasp it.


    Suddenly, a light tap landed on his shoulder.


    "What¡¯s with that face? You looked like a total idiot just now."


    Soru turned his head to see Reika, who promptly knocked her fist against his head. With a sigh, she sat beside him, looking dissatisfied.


    "Are you trying to awaken your emotions or something?"


    A gentle breeze passed through as the sky inched toward dawn, the darkness gradually fading with the approaching sunrise.


    "Look," Reika continued, "I get that you want to understand what they¡¯re feeling, but just mimicking it won¡¯t do anything."


    She glanced at him before speaking again. "You have to feel it deep in your heart¡ªthat pain of losing someone you cherished."


    Soru remained silent for a moment before replying, "But isn¡¯t death a natural occurrence? It doesn''t make any sense that the idea of someone dying would have such an impact on a person..."


    Reika suddenly pinched Soru¡¯s cheek. A faint tingling sensation ran across her own, but she ignored it, knowing it was just Soru using his power in response.


    "OF COURSE IT IS, IDIOT!"


    Soru¡¯s cheek stretched, yet he showed no sign of discomfort. After a moment, Reika sighed and let go, turning her gaze back toward the burial site.


    "You have parents, right?"


    "Yes, I do."


    "Good. Now, imagine if one day that person died. What would you feel then?"


    "Why would she even die in the first place?"


    Reika paused.


    She? So it¡¯s his mother...


    "I don¡¯t know," she said, shrugging. "Maybe old age or something?"


    Soru fell silent. The question lingered in the air, and for a long moment, he didn¡¯t respond. Then, at last, he spoke.


    "Nothing. I''ll just let things be as they are."


    Reika twitched at Soru¡¯s outrageous answer.


    "Are you serious?!"


    But when he didn¡¯t even flinch, she realized he meant it.


    How clueless can this idiot be?


    She sighed, feeling a sense of helplessness.


    His ''emotionless'' illness is worse than I thought¡­


    The night sky gradually brightened, signaling the arrival of dawn, though neither of them had noticed.


    "What if I die instead?"


    Soru remained still, silent for a long time.


    "Well, considering your twisted perception, your answer would probably be the same¡ª"


    "I won¡¯t let it happen."


    Reika blinked, caught off guard.


    "Eh?"


    "You promised to help me with my problem. What¡¯s the point if you die before you can even fix it?"


    Reika quickly regained her composure and cleared her throat.


    "Ahem! O-Oh... Yeah, you''re right¡­"


    A brief silence settled between them. Then, unexpectedly, Reika giggled, breaking the quiet moment.


    "Well... I guess I''ll be in your care, then."


    Soru turned his head and saw Reika smiling at him. He paused, not saying a word. As he stared at her, a warm streak of light pressed against his cheek.


    Reika noticed the warmth too and looked toward the east. The sun was beginning to rise over the horizon. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting the gentle breeze pass through her.


    "You sure both make a great couple."


    Reika turned around and saw Veylir floating beside her.


    Why does this dragon keep popping up out of nowhere and disappearing without a trace?


    Veylir flew closer to Soru.


    "Although he''s eccentric, I''m sure he''s a great guy!"


    Reika¡¯s expression turned smug.


    "Haaah? We barely even talk, and now you''re shipping us?"


    Soru poked Veylir¡¯s cheek, but his finger passed right through.


    "I''m sure if you spend more time with him, you''ll get to know each other in no time," Veylir said.


    "Who is this creature?" Soru abruptly said while glancing at Veylir.


    "Oh... that''s Veylir, the dragon you killed yesterday."


    Soru and Veylir locked eyes. Suddenly, Veylir jolted and flew back frantically.


    "T-T-This is the one who killed m-me...!?"


    She turned to Reika, seeking confirmation. Reika simply nodded in silence.


    "No way... B-But...?!"


    Veylir hesitated, then looked back at Soru. The intensity of his gaze sent shivers down her spine. In that moment, she fully grasped the truth¡ªthe man standing before her was indeed the one who had ended her physical existence.


    "To think a human could kill a dragon like me... I can hardly believe it."


    She cautiously floated beside Reika.


    "I-If that¡¯s the case, I shan¡¯t anger that man in the future. He possesses the power to harm and slay a dragon!"


    "Hey, he''s not the only one who defeated a dragon. I beat you too!" Reika shot back.


    "That¡¯s only because I was weakened! I had, let¡¯s say... 10% of my strength left when you fought me. Now, I barely have 7%! If I had been at my peak, you wouldn¡¯t have stood a chance!"


    Reika fell silent, lowering her head.


    "Though... I don¡¯t understand why my soul is weaker than before..."


    Veylir paused when she noticed Reika sulking.


    "Are you okay?" she asked.


    Reika took a deep breath and exhaled.


    "Pshh... So you¡¯re saying you weren¡¯t at your best when we fought, huh?"


    She clenched her fist.


    "If that''s the case, then let''s have a rematch once you regain your full strength!"


    Veylir flapped her wings, eyes gleaming with excitement.


    "Hah! Bring it on, then!"


    As the two hyped themselves up for their inevitable rematch, Soru remained silent, watching them without a word.


    Reika suddenly paused, her gaze shifting to the distance. A group of villagers had gathered around the ruined well at the village center.


    "They seem to be having a serious discussion over there..." she murmured.


    Curious, she decided to check it out. Without another word, she walked toward the crowd, leaving Soru sitting beneath the tree.


    Even from a distance, Reika could hear the villagers voicing their concerns to Silas.


    "Chief, what should we do? We don¡¯t have enough food or clothes, and all our houses were destroyed. It''s already daybreak..."


    "That¡¯s right! Without shelter, we¡¯ll freeze at night or get drenched when it rains. Sleeping will be impossible!"


    "What¡¯s going to happen to us now?"


    Silas faced the worried crowd, his expression troubled.


    "I don¡¯t know... It¡¯s been hours since the burial ceremony. We can temporarily solve the food shortage by hunting in the forest, but rebuilding homes will take time..."


    A collective sigh spread among the villagers. The series of disasters had left them overwhelmed.


    After a moment, Silas stepped away and pointed toward the wheat fields. The villagers followed his gaze, waiting for his next words.


    "For now, gather all the remaining wheat crops. We¡¯ll use its stalks to make temporary pillows for the children. As for the wheat seeds, collect them for consumption."


    The villagers exchanged murmurs at his instructions.


    "But what about our houses?" one of them asked.


    "I¡¯ll find a way to solve that problem..." Silas replied.


    The villagers glanced at each other before nodding. Without further hesitation, they scattered across the fields and began gathering the remaining wheat.


    An hour passed, and the sun now hung high in the sky. The men had finished harvesting the fields, separating the wheat seeds from their stalks. However, some stalks were still damp, making them unsuitable for bedding. To solve this, they divided the dry stalks from the wet ones. The damp stalks were carefully dried over campfires, ensuring they didn¡¯t burn in the process.


    Meanwhile, the women took the dried stalks and wrapped them in salvaged fabric to create makeshift pillows. The remaining stalks were woven into simple baskets to store the wheat seeds.


    Silas watched as the villagers busied themselves. Some children, now awake, eagerly helped their parents with small tasks, while others simply observed.


    Meanwhile, Reika was finishing up a makeshift pillow, smoothing out the fabric before handing it to a woman. As she worked, she noticed Silas sitting off to the side, deep in thought, his expression troubled.


    She approached him and overheard his quiet muttering.


    "I need to figure out a way to solve the housing problem... but how?"


    Reika crossed her arms. "Instead of trying to handle everything alone, don''t you think you should rely on others, Mister Silas?"


    Silas turned, startled by the familiar voice. "Miss Reika? And... your language?"


    She smiled. "I had a little encounter in the forest that allowed me to understand the dialect of this continent. As for the details, I¡¯d rather keep them a secret."


    Silas studied her for a moment before nodding. "I see..."


    "About that problem of yours¡ª" Reika started but stopped when she saw Aeden approaching. The woman looked irritated, grumbling to herself.


    "That lazy bastard...!"


    Reika raised an eyebrow. "Do you need something from us?"


    Aeden flinched, as if she hadn¡¯t realized she was so close. "Ah! Er... I need to discuss something with Mister Silas."


    Silas stood up. "I apologize, Miss Aeden, but we¡¯re in the middle of dealing with a major issue¡ª"


    "You mean the housing problem?" Aeden interrupted.


    Silas hesitated. "How do you know about that?" S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Aeden glanced around. The remnants of the destroyed houses were everywhere, making it obvious. "It¡¯s not hard to figure out."


    Silas sighed as Aeden hit the heart of the issue.


    "But don¡¯t worry," she added with a confident smirk. "That¡¯s exactly why I¡¯m here."

 Chapter 14: New Settlement

    The two of them were baffled, trying to grasp what Aeden meant.


    "And the reason you''re here is...?" Reika asked.


    Aeden cleared her throat before answering.


    "Ahem! While we were gathering logs in the forest, we stumbled upon an abandoned structure deep inside."


    Silas looked up at the sky, searching his memory. A few seconds later, something clicked.


    "Oh! That must be the structure I saw when I was young. If I remember right, there were piles of broken bricks scattered around..."


    "Yes. At first, we ignored it since the bricks had become brittle from time and erosion, but our king, Alguis, had an idea¡ªhe suggested using the site to build a settlement instead."


    "With his ability, he reshaped large stones into new bricks, making them usable for construction. Then, he ordered us to gather logs and turn them into beams, planks, and slabs to build houses."


    Silas¡¯ eyes widened as he finally understood what Aeden was trying to say.


    ¡°So that means¡­?!¡±


    ¡°Yes. The three of us built houses so these villagers could have a place to live. While they¡¯re free to leave if they manage to find another settlement, they can stay there for now¡­¡±


    Despite the good news, Silas¡¯ expression darkened. Reika noticed and asked,


    ¡°That¡¯s a generous offer, Mister Silas! Why aren¡¯t you happy?¡±


    Silas turned, gazing at what remained of the village¡ªnow nothing but rubble.


    ¡°It¡¯s just that¡­ all of us were born and raised here. Our ancestors lived and died in this very place. We made memories, celebrated feasts, witnessed marriages¡­ This village was our home.¡±


    He turned back to Aeden, meeting her eyes.


    ¡°I appreciate the offer, but it¡¯s not my decision to make.¡±


    "W-We would like to accept it."


    Silas turned to see the villagers gathered behind him. They had been listening the whole time.


    ¡°Elder, thank you for your concerns. You¡¯re right¡ªwe built our lives here. Our children grew up here. We thrived here.¡±


    ¡°But there comes a time when we must leave behind even the places we love for the sake of survival. I¡¯m sure our ancestors¡ªeven your late mother¡ªwould have made the same choice.¡±


    Silas looked at the villagers.


    ¡°But even if I agree, we have to consider that our village is still part of the Kingdom of Ardrom. We are its subjects. Settling in the forest, beyond the kingdom¡¯s land, could bring serious trouble.¡±


    ¡°Who cares about the kingdom?¡± someone shouted. ¡°They rarely come here, except to bleed us dry with taxes and take our goods!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right! Even if we were attacked by monsters, they wouldn¡¯t lift a finger unless it benefited them! We¡¯re nothing but a remote village on the borders!¡±


    ¡°We paid them taxes, gave them crops¡ªpromised protection in return! But look at what happened. Did their soldiers come to save us? Did they help rebuild our village? No! Not a single one of them!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯d rather live somewhere the kingdom won¡¯t bother us anymore. Free from their grasp and become independent. What do you say, my fellow villagers?¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡± they roared in unison.


    Silas saw the determination in the villagers¡¯ eyes and fell silent. A village woman stepped forward and gently tapped his shoulder.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Village Elder. In our new home, we¡¯ll create new, joyful memories. Besides¡­ I¡¯d rather leave behind the pain of my husband¡¯s death and build a future with my children instead.¡±


    Hearing her words, Silas finally accepted the village¡¯s decision. He stepped forward, facing the crowd.


    ¡°Since you¡¯ve all chosen to move to our temporary¡ªno, our settlement¡ªI have no choice but to accept their offer!¡±


    The villagers erupted into cheers, relieved that their worries about shelter were finally over.


    ¡°We¡¯ll also provide protection while you live there, as an apology,¡± Aeden added. ¡°Since we have nowhere else to settle for now, this is our way of making amends for the destruction we¡¯ve caused.¡±


    The crowd grew even more lively, their cheers ringing through the ruins.


    ¡°Hurrah! With their protection, we won¡¯t have to fear those monsters anymore!¡±


    But as the excitement swelled, Silas raised a hand, silencing the villagers.


    ¡°Now that our plans had changed, we''ll move there immediately. Have you finished gathering your belongings and completing the tasks I assigned?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± one of the villagers called out. ¡°We finished making pillows and gathered all the remaining wheat, packing it into baskets woven from wheat stalks.¡±


    ¡°Good. Prepare the remaining wagons and get moving! If the wagons are full, carry the rest by hand!¡±


    At his command, the villagers scattered, gathering the three intact wagons in no time. They loaded the heavy and essential supplies first, while the rest carried lighter items on their backs.


    As the villagers worked, Aeden and Reika stood off to the side, watching. After a moment, Aeden spoke.


    ¡°The king told me he didn¡¯t defeat Agnar alone. Someone created a distraction so he could land the finishing blow.¡±


    She turned to Reika, bowing her head.


    ¡°I must thank you for your assistance in defeating Agnar.¡±


    Reika started to protest, but before she could, Aeden straightened and extended her hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m Aeden, one of the personal guards of King Alguis Fellad.¡±


    Reika reached out and shook her hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m Reika Mitsuha.¡±


    Aeden hesitated for a moment.


    A surname? Is she a noblewoman?


    They shook hands with formality. Meanwhile, in the distance, V?lun was seen sitting beneath a tree, watching the village¡¯s preparations. Beside him, the boy he had encountered before¡ªSoru¡ªstirred awake.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re finally awake¡­¡±


    Soru blinked and turned, recognizing the dark-skinned man who had fought alongside them in the forest.


    ¡°It feels empty, doesn¡¯t it?¡± V?lun muttered, staring at the ruins. ¡°The golden fields are gone¡­ and now, it¡¯s just barren land.¡±


    Soru didn¡¯t reply, only watching in silence. Suddenly, V?lun raised his hand and extended it toward him.


    ¡°By the way, I¡¯m V?lun.¡±


    Soru hesitated before lifting his own hand to shake V?lun¡¯s.


    ¡°Soru Shin.¡±


    V?lun paused, his grip tightening slightly.


    A surname? Is he of noble birth?


    After a brief moment, they released each other¡¯s hands and turned back to the ruined landscape, letting the silence stretch between them.


    ¡°¡­By the way, Soru. I¡­¡±


    The two spoke for nearly an hour, unaware of how much time had passed. Meanwhile, the villagers finished their preparations, standing ready to depart. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Now, let¡¯s move out!¡± Silas commanded.


    With Aeden leading the way, Reika, Silas, and the villagers followed, stepping onto the path that would take them to their new home.


    In the distance, V?lun was still talking to Soru about their plan to provide the villagers with a new home when he noticed the entire group had started moving. He stopped mid-sentence and immediately stood up.


    Soru, seeing the villagers on the move, turned to him.


    ¡°They¡¯re leaving¡­ So that means they accepted your king¡¯s proposal, right?¡±


    V?lun paused briefly before nodding.


    ¡°Yeah, looks like it.¡±


    Soru got up and followed V?lun as they walked toward the villagers. Moments later, Aeden spotted them, and her expression shifted.


    ¡°Well, well, look who finally decided to show up¡ªthe slacker himself!¡±


    Up ahead, V?lun saw Aeden wearing a cheerful grin. He raised an eyebrow.


    Hm¡­ I thought she¡¯d be mad at me for leaving her, but she doesn¡¯t seem to care at all¡­


    But just as he let his guard down, Aeden¡¯s expression turned sharp. She marched up to him, grabbed his ear, and pinched it as hard as she could.


    ¡°You bastard! We were ordered to inform and guide these villagers, and yet you had the nerve to slack off?!¡±


    ¡°Ow! Ow! Ow! I-I''m sorry! I-I was just introducing myself to the kid over there!¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    Aeden released him the moment she noticed Soru standing beside him.


    That¡¯s the kid from before¡­


    She shoved V?lun aside and faced Soru. A tense atmosphere settled between them, and the villagers held their breath, watching. Then, suddenly, Aeden extended her hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m Aeden. You must be Miss Reika¡¯s companion.¡±


    She glanced to her right, where Reika stood observing. Soru reached out in response, grasping Aeden¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Soru Shin.¡±


    Reika¡¯s eyes widened in shock.


    Eh? He understands their dialect? How¡­ and when did that happen?


    At the same time, Aeden hesitated.


    A surname? Is he a noble like Miss Reika?


    They shook hands formally before continuing down the path toward the new settlement.


    As they walked, something nagged at Aeden¡¯s thoughts.


    Both of them have surnames¡­ but only nobles possess them. Does that mean¡­?


    After some hesitation, she spoke up.


    ¡°Miss Reika, Mister Soru, may I ask you something?¡±


    Both turned to her.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Reika asked.


    ¡°Since both of you have surnames, I assume you hold some noble status. May I ask which kingdom you hail from?¡±


    Reika fell silent for a moment before answering.


    ¡°We¡¯re not nobles, nor do we come from a kingdom. We¡¯re from a country where surnames are common and have nothing to do with status.¡±


    Aeden frowned in confusion.


    ¡°A country where surnames are common? I¡¯ve never heard of such a place¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s from a continent next to this one,¡± Reika added.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡±


    Another continent? I¡¯ve never read about that in any history books¡­ Does such a place truly exist?


    Aeden realized she had slowed her pace. She quickened her steps to catch up.


    Well, whether it exists or not isn¡¯t my concern. First, I need to focus on finishing the task our king entrusted to us!


    ...


    The villagers marched for hours without rest, determined to reach their destination before sunset. Fortunately, the sky was partly cloudy, shielding them from the worst of the sun¡¯s heat.


    As they entered the forest, they encountered several monsters, but the dwarves and others dispatched them with ease.


    Hours had passed, and at last, they arrived. The sun hung high in the sky¡ªit was already noon.


    The new settlement was nestled among lush, young trees, while larger ones were being cut down for construction. In the distance, workers chiseled massive stones, preparing the foundations for more houses.


    The villagers scanned the area, taking in the sight of seven completed homes¡ªbuilt by the dwarves. Beyond them, more structures stood half-finished, waiting to be completed.


    Up ahead, two large houses stood at the far end of the settlement, still under construction. Atop one of them, Alguis Fellad was securing the roof, placing wooden slabs into position with practiced ease.


    The villagers wasted no time settling in. Some chose their houses and moved their belongings inside, while others, whose homes were still unfinished, pitched in to complete the work. Children roamed the area, exploring their new surroundings while their parents and older siblings busied themselves arranging furniture and supplies.


    As Reika took in the sight of the bustling settlement, a child''s cry caught her attention.


    ¡°Uuu¡­ Mama, I miss Papa¡­¡±


    Nearby, a young girl clung to her mother¡¯s skirt, tears streaming down her cheeks. Her mother knelt beside her, gently stroking her hair.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, my child. You know Papa wouldn¡¯t want to see you like this.¡±


    ¡°But still! I want to see Papa again!¡±


    Moved by the scene, Reika stepped forward and knelt beside the girl.


    ¡°Hey now, no more tears. I¡¯m sure your papa would be worried if he saw his cute little princess crying¡­¡±


    The girl sniffled and lifted her gaze to Reika.


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t want to worry Papa anymore. I won¡¯t cry... ever again!¡±


    Reika smiled and patted her head.


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit! Now, why don¡¯t you go play with your friends over there?¡±


    She gestured toward a group of children playing at the center of the settlement.


    ¡°Mhm!¡±


    Wiping her tears, the girl nodded and ran off, a small smile returning to her face.


    Her mother let out a relieved sigh and bowed slightly.


    ¡°Thank you, Miss Reika. She was very attached to her father¡­ Ever since he passed, she¡¯s been crying non-stop. This is the first time she¡¯s smiled in days.¡±


    Reika patted the village woman¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°No problem! Now that she¡¯s feeling better, you don¡¯t have to worry anymore.¡±


    The woman¡¯s eyes sparkled with gratitude.


    ¡°Miss Reika¡­¡±


    As they spoke, Reika caught a glimpse of Soru standing alone at the edge of the settlement. He was silently watching the villagers, his expression unreadable as he observed them go about their work.


    Reika turned back to the woman. ¡°Miss, it seems I have something to take care of. May I excuse myself?¡±


    Noticing where Reika¡¯s gaze had wandered, the village woman smiled knowingly.


    ¡°Of course. I have chores to finish inside anyway. Go ahead, Miss Reika.¡±


    She bowed slightly before heading into her new home. Reika returned the gesture with a small smile before walking toward Soru.


    As the woman stepped inside, she paused for a moment and glanced back, watching as Reika approached Soru and struck up a conversation.


    Hmm¡­ I wonder what their relationship is¡­

 Chapter 15: Personal Request

    Up ahead, Soru remained in place. He watched in silence as children played with their friends, men helped the dwarves finish the houses, and women organized their belongings inside their new homes.


    A light tap on his back pulled him from his thoughts. Turning around, he found Reika standing there.


    "You good?"


    Soru gave a silent nod before returning his gaze to the bustling settlement. Reika stepped beside him, following his line of sight.


    She watched the children run and laugh, their joy filling the air.


    "Look at them," she murmured. "Even after everything they''ve been through, their happiness still shines brighter than their fears..."


    Soru heard her but didn''t reply. Reika wasn''t surprised. He was never the type to offer words easily, and if she pressed him, he¡¯d probably respond in a way that would only annoy her.


    Just as she was about to speak again, her eyes caught a family huddled together. A mother embraced her young daughter while the father, carrying heavy supplies, smiled at them.


    Despite their hardships, they still had moments like this¡ªwarm, unshaken by fear or sorrow.


    Reika''s chest tightened. The scene pulled her back to memories of her childhood, to the grandparents who raised her after her parents passed away.


    Grandma... Grandpa...


    Soru noticed the shift in her expression. He didn¡¯t need words to understand the emotions behind it.


    Then, without a word, he reached out and placed a hand on top of her head.


    Reika blinked in surprise, snapping out of her thoughts. "Hey! What are you¡ª"


    "When I was young," Soru said, his voice steady, "the one who took care of me always did this before leaving the house."


    His hand gently patted her head, his touch slow and deliberate. Reika instinctively tried to move away, but an unexpected warmth settled over her, quieting her thoughts.


    "I never really knew why," Soru continued, "but whenever she did this, my mind felt clearer... Maybe it''ll work for you too."


    Reika glanced at him. He wasn¡¯t looking at her¡ªhis eyes were on the children, watching them with an unreadable expression.


    A small smile tugged at her lips. She let her head rest under his touch, her gaze returning to the children playing.


    Hmm. This isn¡¯t so bad...


    As Soru continued to pat her head, a thought crossed her mind. Without lifting her head, she asked, "Soru, I noticed something earlier that you can communicate with the locals now. Did you learn their language? Back when we first arrived in this world, you could only speak Japanese, right?"


    As expected, Soru said nothing. Reika, unfazed, kept talking.


    "I mean, I could only speak Japanese and English. But after getting a convenient ability from the Wildfire Dragon, I can understand and speak their words now with ease..."


    Reika turned to him, locking eyes with his.


    "But in your case, I don¡¯t get it. How can you do the same? Is there... an explanation for that?"


    Soru exhaled, his hand still resting on her head as he continued patting it, showing no signs of stopping.


    "I extracted the memories of their dialect from a dying assassin we fought earlier and transferred them into mine. That¡¯s why I can speak the same language as the people of this world now."


    Reika froze. The sheer absurdity of his words left her speechless. She placed a hand on her chin, sorting through her thoughts.


    Not only could he transfer damage and attacks, but he could also transfer knowledge and memories.


    That¡¯s... simply insane!


    As her thoughts raced, she became increasingly aware of Soru''s hand still patting her head. The sensation, which had been oddly calming at first, now started to irritate her. With a sharp motion, she grabbed his wrist.


    "Alright, stop! You¡¯ve messed up my hair enough."


    Soru lowered his arm, unbothered, and turned his attention back to the children playing tag, as if nothing had happened.


    Reika sighed as she tried to fix her hair, but her curiosity lingered. She glanced at him again.


    "Soru... who you, really?"


    The moment the words left her lips, Soru turned to face her.


    "Did you say something?"


    Reika¡¯s heart skipped a beat. She quickly averted her gaze and hurriedly fixed her hair.


    "U-Uh... N-Nothing. Forget it."


    Trying to compose herself, she took a deep breath. Meanwhile, Soru, as usual, seemed completely oblivious to the tension in the air.


    "I hate to interrupt your together," a voice suddenly chimed in, "but the king requests an audience with you, Miss Reika."


    Reika jolted.


    "Q-Quality time?!"


    She spun around, only to find Aeden standing there with her usual composed expression.


    "Oh, it¡¯s just you, Miss Aeden," Reika said, her embarrassment barely hidden.


    Aeden bowed her head slightly. Reika returned the gesture before straightening up.


    "Do you know why the king wants to see me?" she asked, confused.


    Aeden shook her head. "I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t. I¡¯m simply relaying his orders."


    Reika hesitated but ultimately nodded. "Alright, I¡¯ll go with you."


    As the two turned to leave, Soru moved to follow them, but Aeden quickly stepped in front of him.


    "Sorry, kid, but only Miss Reika is allowed to meet the king in private."


    Soru stopped, staring at her for a moment before giving a small nod. Without another word, he turned away, his gaze shifting back to the villagers still hard at work.


    Aeden led Reika toward the center of the settlement, where Alguis was overseeing the construction of a large house. As they approached, they saw Silas speaking with him.


    "Once the men finish building the second house, let them rest," Alguis instructed. "They¡¯ve been working without sleep, so they need time to recover their strength."


    Silas hesitated. "But, Your Majesty¡ªuh, Mister Alguis... what about our dinner? We planned to hunt for food tonight..."


    Alguis crossed his arms with a confident grin. "My subordinates will handle the hunting. Let your men rest."


    Silas frowned. "But what about you? You and your subordinates haven¡¯t had much rest either..."


    Alguis raised a thumb and smirked. "Don¡¯t worry! We dwarves have far more stamina and endurance than humans!"


    Silas blinked in surprise. "No wonder you can keep going for hours..."


    He bowed his head respectfully. "If you insist, Mister Alguis. Thank you for all your hard work!"


    Alguis chuckled. "It¡¯s nothing."


    Silas turned to inform the workers that they could rest after finishing their task. Meanwhile, Alguis called Aeden and V?lun over.


    "I need you two to hunt some wild game for tonight¡¯s feast."


    "As you wish, my king!" they both responded before heading off.


    Now, only Reika and Alguis remained. The dwarf king focused on adding the finishing touches to the large house before stepping back and nodding in satisfaction.


    "And with that... it¡¯s finally done!"


    When Alguis turned around, he saw Reika, standing as she waited for him. He had been so caught up in his work that he nearly forgot about their meeting. With a quick step, he approached her in a frantic manner.


    "Oh! My apologies, Miss Reika! I was so engrossed in my work that I almost forgot about you!"


    "It¡¯s fine. I only waited a minute or so."


    Though I was so bored I nearly left without his permission¡­


    "Hm¡­ is that so?"


    Alguis glanced around and noticed the area had grown quiet.


    "Everyone must be taking a break now..."


    With that, he sat down on a nearby log, motioning for Reika to join him. She did, settling beside him.


    A brief silence stretched between them. Then, Alguis broke it.


    "Aeden told me your name is Reika Mitsuha. At first, I assumed you were of noble birth since you carry a surname, but she mentioned that in your homeland, possessing a surname is common. Is that true?"


    "Yes, Your Majesty."


    Alguis suddenly let out a hearty laugh.


    "HAHAHAHA! No need for such formalities, Miss Reika! I am a dethroned king, an exile. My status is long gone."


    Reika remained quiet, letting him speak. His laughter faded, and his tone turned serious.


    "Miss Reika, I requested this meeting because I have something important to ask of you."


    "What is it, Your Ma¡ª"


    "Alguis. Just call me Mister Alguis."


    "Ah, right. M-Mister Alguis, what kind of request?"


    Alguis took a deep breath, gazing at the sky as the warm afternoon light cast long shadows.


    "After witnessing your ability in battle, I want to ask for your assistance..."


    Reika furrowed her brows. "Assistance?"


    "I need your help infiltrating the Dwarven Kingdom."


    Reika stiffened. "Wait... what?"


    Alguis clenched his fists. "With the four of us together, we must uncover the truth behind my son''s reckless actions. I believe that there''s something going on in the kingdom that escaped my notice... "


    Reika was taken aback by Alguis'' words.


    Infiltrate the dwarven kingdom? That¡¯s insane!


    "But, Mister Alguis, that¡¯s too risky! With just the four of us, the chances of getting caught are too high¡ªespecially if your son has already tightened the security within!"


    "I¡¯m aware of that risk!" Alguis said firmly. "That¡¯s why I need to gather trustworthy allies and carefully plan this, even if it takes time to execute."


    Alguis'' grip tightened, and he looked at her with his eyes filled with determination.


    "And that first step starts today. If you join us, our chances of success will increase, even if only slightly. It¡¯s better than nothing..."


    Reika could hear the resolve in his voice. She could see it in his eyes.


    Even so, Reika knew that it was reckless. She felt sorry for him, but risking her life on something so uncertain wasn¡¯t a choice she could make lightly. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Urk¡­ I need to shake him off before he ropes me into that dangerous plan!


    "I consider helping," she said hesitantly, "b-but doing so without any sort of benefit or condition wouldn¡¯t be fair to me. After all¡­ this isn¡¯t really my problem to begin with."


    Alguis paused, stroking his beard in thought.


    "You''re right, Miss Reika. It does seem unfair to you..."


    Reika gulped as she stared at Alguis.


    I know this might sound greedy, but I just want to pressure him with an impossible request so he''ll reconsider dragging me into that suicide mission of his...!


    Alguis fell silent for a moment. Reika eagerly waited for his response.


    Please, please, please! Just exclude me!


    "Miss Reika... I am willing to accept any request you can think of in exchange for your assistance."


    Reika froze in shock.


    "Eh?"


    She hadn''t expected her bluff to backfire so spectacularly.


    "Uh... I-I was just¡ª!"


    "Yes. It would be unreasonable to ask someone to take on such a difficult task without offering something in return..."


    Alguis leaned in slightly, his eyes burning with determination.


    "That''s why, to earn your trust and convince you to join us, I am willing to listen to any request you have¡ªwithout complaint. Would that be enough?"


    Reika¡¯s eye twitched as cold sweat formed on her forehead.


    Oh shit, how did it turn out like this? I should''ve kept my mouth shut!


    "Ehhh..."


    She scrambled for a way out, but it was too late. She had burned the bridge behind her¡ªthere was no escaping now.


    What a hassle...


    "A-Alright, alright. I agree..."


    The moment she gave her answer, Alguis'' face lit up, and he smiled brightly.


    "So... what is it that you want, Miss Reika?"


    Reika tensed and instinctively shifted away from him.


    "Urk..."


    I only said that on a whim, but I have no idea what to ask for! What could he even offer me? They barely escaped with their weapons¡ªasking for money is out of the question!


    "Uh, what about the p-potions you used earlier?"


    Alguis¡¯ enthusiasm faded, and he shook his head.


    "If you mean the ones I used to tend to my subordinates, I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t fulfill that request. I only had four potions, and I used them all during our battles."


    Reika frowned, tapping her chin.


    Then what else do they have? They''re practically broke!


    Her eyes drifted toward Alguis¡¯ weapon, propped against a nearby tree.


    What about his weapon?


    She immediately shook her head.


    No way! First off, I don¡¯t even know how to wield a weapon. Second, isn¡¯t it disrespectful to take someone else¡¯s? Yeah, that¡¯s not happening!


    Alguis, noticing her odd behavior, raised a brow.


    "Are you alright, Miss Reika?"


    She snapped out of her thoughts and quickly composed herself.


    "I-I''m fine... I just... Ugh..."


    Still struggling to come up with a reasonable request, an idea suddenly struck her. Her expression hardened, and she faced Alguis with newfound seriousness.


    "I think¡ªno. I¡¯ve decided what I want in exchange for my help with your plan."


    She glanced around cautiously as if making sure no one was listening. Alguis narrowed his eyes at her unusual behavior.


    "But first, we need to talk somewhere more private, away from prying ears."


    Alguis hesitated for a moment, briefly wondering if she had some hidden agenda. But when he met her eyes, he saw no deceit¡ªjust determination. With a small smile, he stood up.


    "Alright. If privacy is what you need, I know a place nearby. Follow me."


    Alguis walked ahead, his weapon strapped to his back and a torch in his hand while guiding Reika on her tracks.


    "Follow this way, Miss Reika."


    Without hesitation, Reika followed his command in silence, wondering where exactly this private place he mentioned could be.

 Chapter 16: The Second Subject

    After what felt like an endless walk, they finally arrived at the place Alguis had mentioned. Reika glanced around, taking in her surroundings with curiosity.


    "This is..."


    Behind Alguis stood a steep cliff, with only a few shrubs sprouting from its cracks. Lush trees surrounded them, their leaves fluttering in the gentle breeze.


    "This place should be fine, Miss Reika."


    Determining that the area was safe, Reika stepped closer to Alguis and faced him directly. Her sudden seriousness caught him off guard, leaving him confused.


    "Mister Alguis, I... need you to offer your soul to me in exchange for my assistance," she stated bluntly.


    A heavy silence fell between them, the weight of her words sinking in. The former king''s expression hardened with shock.


    Alguis stared at her, his eyes flickering with unease and suspicion.


    "Miss Reika, are you a witch, perhaps? This sounds like dark sorcery to me..."


    Reika immediately waved her hands in protest.


    "Wh-what are you saying? D-do I look like a witch to you!?"


    Her mind suddenly remembered the depiction of witches according to pop culture back on Earth.


    "Oh..."


    She sighed as the conversation stalled into silence.


    Reika, how stupid can you be sometimes? Just be clear!


    "Uh, if that''s not the case, Miss Reika, then what exactly do you mean?" Alguis asked, his confusion evident.


    Seeing his hesitation, Reika took a deep breath and explained.


    "I possess an ability called <Contract>. It allows me to form a bond through the voluntary submission of a target."


    Alguis wanted to ask more, but he sensed she wasn¡¯t finished and remained silent.


    "My contract isn¡¯t bound to the physical body but to the spiritual essence of the contracted individual. That¡¯s why you must willingly offer your soul¡ªto establish the bond between us..."


    Though the concept was foreign to him, Alguis grasped the general idea.


    "Then... that would make me your slave, wouldn¡¯t it?"


    Reika¡¯s eyes widened in alarm and waved her hands frantically.


    "I-I know this sounds like a slave... contract, Mister Alguis, but I assure you, our relationship will remain unchanged. I won¡¯t harm you recklessly..."


    Alguis fell silent. Reika could see the doubt lingering in his eyes.


    "Don''t worry, sir. What I truly seek is the other function of this ability. You¡¯ll understand once I make you one of my contracts..."


    "Other function...?"


    Alguis hesitated, meeting her gaze with uncertainty.


    Despite being human¡ªa race often known for greed and a thirst for power¡ªshe seemed genuine. Her words carried no deceit, and I sensed no ill intent from her...


    In the end, he chose to accept Reika¡¯s demand.


    I¡¯ll trust her. Doubting Miss Reika now would only be a hindrance, especially since we¡¯re bound to be allies in the future.


    Alguis rose to his feet before kneeling in front of her, lowering his head in solemn acknowledgment. For a former ruler of the Dwarven Kingdom, kneeling before a commoner was unheard of.


    "I, Alguis Fellad, accept your demand and submit to this contract in exchange for your assistance."


    Reika was taken aback at first, but she knew this was merely a formality on his part. Without hesitation, she extended her palm over his head. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A bright purple light flared between them, and in an instant, a translucent shackle materialized around Alguis¡¯ neck.


    "This is..."


    Alguis instinctively reached for it, feeling an unfamiliar restraint. A slight discomfort settled over him, as if something intangible had latched onto his very being.


    "Don''t worry. It¡¯ll disappear any second now."


    As promised, the shackle around Alguis'' neck faded, and the discomfort vanished along with it.


    "From now on, I hold authority over your soul. Your life and death rest in my hands, and disobedience will have consequences."


    "Like... what?"


    "Erm... your shackle will tighten a little."


    Alguis instinctively touched his neck, frowning at the thought.


    "Don''t worry, Mister Alguis. I doubt you¡¯d ever think of doing anything harmful to me. I know you¡¯re a good person."


    Reika¡¯s reassurance eased his concerns, and Alguis slowly got to his feet.


    "So, what¡¯s this ¡®other function¡¯ you mentioned earlier?"


    "Oh... Hang on a moment."


    Reika closed her eyes in thought.


    Hmmm... What ability should I use...?


    "Sir Alguis, pick any random ability you have."


    Alguis blinked at the strange request but answered anyway.


    "Uhm... Surface Liquefaction...?"


    Surface Liquefaction was a terran-type ability I spent months mastering. It¡¯s perfect for ambushes and area-of-effect attacks¡­ I wonder why she asked, though?


    Before he could voice his thoughts, Reika suddenly placed both hands on the ground.


    "H-Huh...?"


    The earth beneath them softened into a thick, viscous state. Alguis¡¯ eyes widened in shock, while Reika, though stunned, was thrilled that her contract had worked.


    However, in her excitement, she overlooked one crucial detail¡ªthe ability¡¯s effect. Alguis noticed it first and reacted immediately.


    "Miss Reika! The ground...!"


    Reika followed his gaze and realized, to her horror, that they were sinking. She tried to pull her legs free, but the more she struggled, the faster she sank.


    "Miss Reika, deactivate it before we sink any further!"


    Panicking, she quickly canceled the ability, and the ground solidified once more. However, even with the liquefaction gone, both of them remained stuck.


    "Ugh... I messed up real bad!"


    Alguis turned to Reika and saw that she had sunk far deeper than he had. The soil managed to block her airways completely¡ªthe rest of her body was completely trapped underground.


    "Miss Reika...!"


    They both struggled to free themselves, trying various ways to escape.


    "Mmpphhh!" Reika whimpered, her eyes darting toward Alguis.


    Since Alguis hadn¡¯t moved much when the ability activated, he had only sunk up to his waist. Escaping was just a matter of time for him. Reika, however, wasn¡¯t so lucky.


    On the other side, Reika continued to struggle, but the soil around her held firm, refusing to budge.


    "Mmpph!"


    Not good, not good!


    Meanwhile, Alguis had managed to free himself. He hurried to Reika¡¯s side, assessing the situation. He considered pulling her out, but her small, frail frame made him hesitate¡ªif he applied too much force, he might end up hurting her.


    "Miss Reika! Hold on! I''ll find a way to get you out!"


    Frantically, Alguis scanned the area, searching for anything that could help.


    I don¡¯t have any tools or abilities suited for this¡­ What should I do¡­?


    He paused, weighing his options.


    Should I just dig her out by hand¡­?


    His gaze shifted to his weapon¡ªGotheimmer, his trusted hammeraxe.


    "Maybe if I use the axe side, I can carve out the soil around her¡­!"


    A quick glance at Reika told him he was running out of time. Her struggles were growing weaker.


    "Ghh! There''s no time to hesitate!"


    Without a second thought, Alguis dashed toward his hammeraxe, gripping it tightly before raising it into the air.


    "Miss Reika! Stay awake! Don''t close your eyes¡ªI¡¯m getting you out!"


    Reika¡¯s muffled whimpers grew faint as she lost strength. Just as Alguis was about to swing, a familiar voice spoke behind him.


    "What are you doing?"


    He froze, turning his head slightly. It was Reika¡¯s companion¡ªSoru.


    Soru saw Reika buried deep in the ground. Their eyes met, and she recognized him.


    Soru...? What''s... he...


    Before she could finish her thoughts, she passed out from asphyxiation. Soru, unaware of the real situation, assumed the dwarf had done it on purpose rather than by accident.


    Without hesitation, he raised his hand. Up ahead, Alguis noticed and sensed something ominous. He tried to explain.


    "Kid... It''s not what you¡ª"


    Before he could finish, he was suddenly appeared above the ground¡ªthen sent crashing down. His weapon was gone, and Reika had disappeared.


    "Huh..?"


    He quickly scanned the area and spotted Soru, still standing below, watching as he fell.


    A heavy thud followed as Alguis hit the ground. Pain surged through his body, and he groaned as he forced himself up.


    "Urghhh..."


    Reika was no longer trapped underground. Instead, she was now sitting unconscious on a tree behind Soru.


    What...? How did that happen?


    "Veylir. Help her out," Soru said calmly.


    Without warning, Veylir appeared out of nowhere.


    "Urk... Okay..."


    While Veylir worked to revive Reika, Soru confronted Alguis.


    Alguis, still shaken, couldn''t react in time to process what had just happened. But then, he noticed something approaching from above.


    Looking up, he saw his hammeraxe falling straight toward him.


    With quick reflexes, he caught it and swung his weapon in the air. He was about to ready himself when several shadows spread across the ground.


    He looked up again¡ªand his eyes widened. Several boulders were descending from the sky, falling toward him like a storm of stones.


    It didn¡¯t take much to figure out who was behind it.


    He''s capable of doing that?! I need to dodge it!


    With no time to spare, Alguis dodged each boulder with precise movements. As they crashed to the ground one after another, faint tremors rippled through the earth.


    He pushed himself to evade every last one. Just as he thought he had avoided the final boulder, another suddenly appeared above him. This time, he was mid-air¡ªwith no foothold to escape.


    Tch! I can¡¯t dodge it in time!


    Gritting his teeth, Alguis tightened his grip on his hammeraxe.


    In that case¡­!


    He swung with all his might, aiming to shatter the falling boulder.


    "Hyaaa¡ªGHUUUUKKK!?"


    The moment his weapon struck the boulder¡¯s surface, a sudden force slammed into his side. His strength vanished instantly, and the impact sent him hurtling through the air.


    What was that!?


    Before he could process it, his body crashed against the cliffside.


    "GHHAAAKKK!"


    Pain exploded through him as he collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath. Whatever had struck him was beyond anything he had expected.


    What is happening...? How did I¡ª


    "BLEURRGH!!"


    He coughed up blood, clutching his chest.


    Urk... Few of my ribs are broken...


    Through the pain, he looked up at the boulder he had tried to destroy. It was still intact¡ªcompletely undamaged.


    What¡­? How is that even possible?


    Then, his gaze shifted to Soru, who was now approaching him with an unreadable expression.


    That¡­ That kid had such power?


    "What... did you do?" Alguis asked, struggling to suppress the pain.


    "You human! What do you think you''re doing to our majesty!?"


    A sharp voice cut through the air.


    Soru turned to see Aeden and V?lun rushing toward him.


    "Kid! I don¡¯t know what happened, but harming a royal is an act of treason!" V?lun roared, wielding his massive hammer.


    "No! Don¡¯t attack him¡ª"


    Alguis tried to warn them, but his voice was lost in their rage.


    V?lun¡¯s hammer was the first to reach Soru''s skin. But what happened next was beyond their expectations.


    In an instant, both Aeden and V?lun felt an overwhelming force strike their backs. The impact was so sudden and powerful that they were slammed to the ground.


    "Ugghhhh...!"


    "What... was that!? I didn¡¯t even see the attack!"


    They struggled to rise¡ªonly to realize their weapons were no longer in their hands. Stunned, they scanned their surroundings.


    Their weapons lay just ahead of them.


    Our weapons...!


    Desperate, they reached out to retrieve them, but the moment they tried, an invisible force locked their hands and legs to the ground.


    "My hand wasn¡¯t stuck a second ago!" V?lun shouted in shock.


    "Why!? When did this happen!?" Aeden added, equally bewildered.


    Their confusion deepened as the ground beneath them darkened. They instinctively looked up¡ªa massive boulder was plummeting straight toward them.


    "What!?" They shouted in unison.


    Panic set in. They struggled frantically, freeing some of their limbs, but time was running out. The boulder loomed closer, ready to crush them beneath its weight.


    Alguis watched in horror, finally grasping just how terrifying the young man before him was. Desperation crept into his voice as he pleaded for his subordinates'' lives.


    "I beg for your mercy, Mister Soru¡ª"


    His words faltered as his eyes met Soru¡¯s. In that moment, a chilling realization dawned on him.


    The eyes of a man were said to be the window to his soul. But when Alguis looked into Soru¡¯s grayish gaze, he saw nothing. No emotion. No sympathy. Only emptiness.


    These were the eyes of someone who felt no remorse, someone who views life and death as equal. A being who would do as he pleased without the slightest flicker of emotion.


    And in that fleeting moment, Alguis reached a single, undeniable conclusion.


    They had provoked the wrong person.


    He lowered his head, regret weighing heavy on his chest. His own actions, his words¡ªthey had led them all to this point of no return.


    Just as despair threatened to consume him, a voice suddenly rang out, cutting through the tension.


    "M-MASTER SORU! HEAR ME OUT JUST ONCE!"

 Chapter 17: Abilities (Part I)

    Soru flinched at the sound of the familiar voice calling his name. In an instant, the massive boulder, just moments away from crushing Aeden and V?lun, vanished without a trace.


    A loud thud echoed behind them, followed by a tremor. Startled, Aeden and V?lun turned their heads¡ªonly to see the boulder slammed into the ground instead of sealing their fate.


    Realizing they had narrowly escaped death, both let out a heavy sigh of relief. Their strength drained, they collapsed onto the ground.


    Alguis looked up, his eyes widening as he saw them still alive. The fear that had gripped him moments ago faded, replaced by overwhelming relief.


    "Aeden... V?lun...!"


    The moment they heard the former king¡¯s voice, both warriors forced themselves up and rushed toward him without hesitation.


    "Your Majesty!"


    But just before they reached him, their movements halted. Right before their eyes, Soru¡ªwho had been standing beside Alguis¡ªvanished into thin air.


    The three of them immediately scanned their surroundings.


    "Where did that kid go?" V?lun muttered.


    "M-M-Master Shin... It was all just a misunderstanding! Erm, the thing is..."


    The frantic voice caught their attention. Turning toward the source, they saw an unusual creature floating in midair. Its translucent body shimmered as it spoke¡ªnot to them, but to Soru.


    "Reika and that dwarf got into an accident while testing out an ability and ended up stuck underground. That dwarf over there was just trying to get her out, but you suddenly showed up and misunderstood everything! I-I didn¡¯t help them because... well... I wanted a little bit of revenge... on her...?"


    Veylir froze as Soru stared directly into her eyes. He didn¡¯t say a word, but the weight of his gaze alone sent a chill down the dragon¡¯s spine. Panicked, Veylir quickly covered her mouth with its wings.


    Did I... talk too much...?


    "Is she okay?" Soru asked, his voice calm and steady.


    "Eh... I managed to save her just in time. If she had been stuck underground any longer, she might have..."


    Veylir trailed off, unwilling to finish the thought.


    Meanwhile, the three dwarves silently watched the strange exchange unfold before them.


    The eerie stillness was broken when V?lun suddenly blurted out, "That kid¡ªhe was just here a second ago! How did he...!?"


    Alguis let out a slow breath, his gaze dark with regret.


    "I was careless. If I hadn¡¯t shown any hostility and had just explained things properly, none of this would have happened..."


    Aeden glanced between Soru and Veylir, then turned to Alguis.


    "That... strange creature over there. It said this was all just a misunderstanding. Is that true?"


    Alguis sighed. He shifted slightly, wincing as he forced himself to sit up, resting his back against the cliffside.


    "Yes... All of this was just a misunderstanding..."


    Aeden lowered her head. "W-We apologize for acting without knowing the truth behind this mess..."


    "I-It''s alright... Urk!" Alguis winced in pain.


    "Your Majesty!" V?lun rushed to his side, supporting him.


    "This is just a few broken ribs..." Alguis assured, though his strained voice told otherwise.


    Aeden glanced at Soru, who was still deep in conversation with Veylir. A troubled expression crossed her face.


    "There''s something odd with that kid..." she murmured.


    V?lun overheard and frowned. "What are you talking about?"


    "So you''ve noticed it too, Aeden?" Alguis asked.


    V?lun looked between them, puzzled.


    Wait... Do both of them know something that I don''t?


    "When we were fighting him, I couldn''t feel the flow of aeon when he attacked. Those boulders¡ªthere was nothing. It was like... they appeared out of nowhere," Aeden said.


    "You''re half right and half wrong, Aeden," Alguis replied.


    "What do you mean, Your Majesty?"


    Alguis pointed toward a nearby cliff. Aeden and V?lun followed his gaze.


    "That cliff... What about it?" V?lun asked.


    "That¡¯s where I took the boulders for my bricks. Sure, I could create them using my ability, but natural ones are far more durable. But now..."


    "Those boulders are gone..." V?lun muttered.


    "While fighting him, I realized something. None of his attacks had any traces of aeon," Alguis said, extending his palm. A rock slowly materialized in his hand.


    "You see, when we use our abilities to create something from thin air, we can sense the flow of aeon in it. That¡¯s how we detect attacks and react in time." He clenched the rock in his hand. "But when those boulders rained down on me, I couldn¡¯t sense a single one!"


    Aeden furrowed her brows. "So, they weren¡¯t created through an ability..."


    "And they weren¡¯t ordinary, either," Alguis continued. "They were smooth, as if carved by hand. That¡¯s what made me suspicious. So I checked. And I was right¡ªhe wasn¡¯t creating them. He was using the boulders from that cliff as his weapons!"


    Aeden and V?lun exchanged uneasy glances.


    "My suspicion was confirmed when the boulders from that cliff were completely gone. But then I noticed something strange. The moment a boulder hit the ground, it vanished, and at the same time, another one fell from above!" sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Aeden fell silent, her thoughts racing.


    V?lun scratched his head. "I don''t know... Maybe he''s just really skilled with a spatial-type ability? Like teleporting the same boulders over and over again?"


    "Are you stupid?" Aeden shot him a glare. "His Majesty already said the flow of aeon is nonexistent!"


    V?lun huffed, crossing his arms. "...Come on! I was just throwing ideas around! I, uh, noticed it too..."


    "I thought the same thing at first," Alguis admitted. "That he was teleporting them. But there was nothing¡ªno trace of aeon at all. That¡¯s why I couldn¡¯t predict his attacks. I had to rely on my eyes to dodge them."


    A heavy silence settled between them as they tried to process everything.


    V?lun hesitated before speaking. "...Then what about those strange attacks? And these injuries? Did he use an ability on us?"


    Alguis'' gaze darkened. "Every time we struck something¡ªor even him¡ªthe effects meant for the target were redirected... back to us."


    "These injuries we got were all from blunt force," Alguis muttered. "Only V?lun and I use hammers as weapons, and coincidentally, the very weapons we struck him with... and the boulder I was supposed to shatter before..."


    His voice trailed off as the realization sank in.


    "Not only could he teleport objects, but he could also transfer damage," Aeden said, a mix of disbelief and frustration in her tone. "And he didn''t use aeon at all. What kind of absurd ability does that kid have!?"


    V?lun''s face tensed as a new thought crossed his mind. "N-Now that I think about it... This whole time, he never showed a hint of killing intent. No anger, no resentment. His face never wavered¡ªlike all of this was just... natural to him."


    Aeden''s mind drifted back to their fight, to their first encounter while fending off their pursuers. The way he moved, the way he acted¡ªit all made sense now.


    "Now that you mention it... You''re right," she murmured.


    Alguis kept his gaze locked on Soru. Despite everything, the truth remained beyond his grasp. Soru wasn¡¯t just strong¡ªhe was something else entirely.


    "Just who the hell is he..."


    ...


    It was a lovely morning in the Mitsuha household. In the dining room, a younger Mitsuha Reika sat at the table, enjoying her breakfast, while her mother busied herself with the dishes.


    "Reikaaaa! Could you help me wash these?" her mother called out.


    Hearing her voice, seven-year-old Reika quickly swallowed the food in her mouth.


    "Gulp! Geez, Mom, I¡¯m still eating!"


    "Oh God, you¡¯re not done yet? You eat like a bottomless pit!"


    "Mooom! You know I eat this much because your cooking is just that good!"


    Reika¡¯s mother smiled at the compliment.


    "Uh-huh¡­ Enough with the flattery. Just finish up already."


    Reika, her mouth still full, nodded enthusiastically.


    "Mhookayy!"


    She looked at her mother, her eyes filled with warmth.


    I''m really glad she''s my mom...


    ...


    Morning arrived after the events of the previous evening. Inside a quiet room, Reika lay fast asleep on a bed. A single streak of sunlight slipped through the open window, landing on her skin.


    "Mmghh..."


    The warmth stirred her from slumber. Slowly, she opened her eyes, only to find an unfamiliar ceiling above her.


    Where am I?


    Still groggy, Reika pushed herself upright. A quick glance around confirmed what she already sensed¡ªthis wasn¡¯t her room.


    "What happened last night...?"


    Then, memories of the evening came rushing back.


    I was testing that new ability Mister Alguis gave me... But then¡ªwe had an accident. We were stuck underground...


    She winced, placing a hand on her forehead as a faint discomfort lingered.


    During that moment, my airways got blocked. Mister Alguis tried to help me, but... just as I was about to pass out, Soru appeared... Everything after that is a blur...


    As she tried to piece things together, the door creaked open.


    "Reika?"


    A familiar voice pulled her from her thoughts. She turned to see Sylva standing in the doorway.


    "Sylva?"


    Without hesitation, Sylva rushed over and sat beside her.


    "Are you okay? They told me you got into an accident."


    Reika met her gaze and smiled.


    "I''m fine. I guess getting some rest helped me feel a little better."


    Sylva smiled in relief. "I''m glad to hear that..."


    Suddenly, she straightened up.


    "Oh, right! I actually came here to grab something before heading back. But now that you''re awake, how about we go outside together and have breakfast? You haven¡¯t eaten since last night, have you? Wanna come?"


    Reika shook her head. "No, I''ll go on my own later. That thing you came for sounds important."


    She watched as Sylva rummaged through a basket.


    "Nah, it¡¯s just my sister¡¯s clothes. My mom¡¯s giving her a bath and needed fresh ones."


    After finally finding them, Sylva gathered the clothes in her arms.


    "Well, if you get hungry, feel free to come outside anytime. I''ll head out first, okay?"


    Reika simply nodded, watching Sylva leave the room.


    Once alone, she let out a deep sigh and turned toward the window. The sight of lush trees in the distance filled her view, their leaves swaying gently in the morning breeze.


    Then, she felt something¡ªor rather, ¡ªapproaching.


    Out of nowhere, a familiar figure appeared by the window and slipped into the room.


    "Veylir?"


    The dragon blinked in surprise.


    "Reika? Oh, you¡¯re finally awake. I thought you¡¯d be out longer..."


    Veylir flew closer, studying her.


    "Wait. Where did you wander off to while I was asleep?"


    Veylir landed gracefully. "Uh¡­ I was helping that old dwarf, the former king¡ªwhoever he is¡ªfix his broken ribs. I used a simple life-type ability to heal him."


    Reika immediately knew who he was talking about.


    Sir Alguis...? What happened to him?


    Just then, Reika paused for a brief moment.


    "Wait. They know about you? How did that¡ª"


    "Master Soru blew my cover. I was trying my best to stay hidden from the dwarves, but I can''t defy his orders. So, when I saw you struggling to breathe, I used an aerial-type ability to fill your lungs with air and keep you alive."


    Reika tried piecing together the scattered fragments of her memory, but something still felt off.


    "Mister Alguis has broken ribs... Wait. What exactly happened while I was unconscious?"


    Veylir hesitated for a moment before answering.


    "Erm... While you were out, Soru misunderstood the situation. He thought the old dwarf had harmed you on purpose, so he pulled you away and started attacking him¡­ then went after his subordinates too."


    Reika¡¯s eyes widened in shock.


    Soru, he''s reckless on that part!


    Now, all she could think about was Alguis and his men. Veylir, however, seemed unfazed.


    "Now that I think about it, it impressive how he handled those three so effortlessly. Didn''t even break a sweat, and he''s just a human."


    Reika shot him a sharp glare.


    "Yeah, and that ¡®very human¡¯ is the same one who your physical body with ease!"


    A chill ran down Veylir¡¯s spine¡ªif he even had one in this form.


    "Guhhh...! I don¡¯t want to hear about that..."


    A tense silence filled the room. Then, Reika spoke up.


    "Now that you mention it, you keep saying ''aerial-type ability'' and ''life-type ability.'' What exactly are those?"


    Veylir blinked, caught off guard.


    "Wait. ? What mountain did you even crawl out from¡ª"


    He stopped mid-sentence, remembering that Reika wasn''t from this continent. She was from a place called Japan.


    "Ahem. Alright, I suppose I should you so your ignorance doesn¡¯t embarrass you any further."


    "Ignorance? Are you¡ª"


    Before she could finish, a small flame, no larger than half her fist, flickered into existence out of thin air.


    "All abilities fall into three major classifications: Natural Abilities, Deviated Abilities, and Inherent Abilities."


    Reika listened closely as Veylir continued.


    "Natural Abilities are those that command and manipulate the laws of nature. They¡¯re divided into twelve subcategories, and what I just used is one of them."


    The flame hovered between them, flickering steadily.


    "This ability, <Ember>, belongs to the thermal-type classification. It falls under the . The same goes for


    , which I used to save your life. That¡¯s an aerial-type ability, also categorized as Normal-class."


    Reika tilted her head.


    "Normal-class? So, does that classification have something to do with the different ability types?"


    "While aerial-type and thermal-type refer to an ability¡¯s elemental nature, categorizes abilities based on their rarity, range, and level of destructiveness," Veylir explained.


    "The more destructive or wide-ranging an ability is, the rarer it tends to be. Most abilities can be acquired through learning or other means¡ªsome straightforward, others... not so much."


    Reika pondered for a moment before asking, "Normal-class¡­ So how many classes exist to categorize abilities by rarity and power?"


    "There are four: Normal-class, Special-class, Ultimate-class, and the highest¡ªExtremity-class. Each varies in scale, from affecting a single person to devastating entire structures... and even an entire kingdom."


    Reika''s eyes widened. "That''s terrifying¡­ There are abilities strong enough to wipe out ?!"


    "Of course! Abilities come in all forms¡ªoffensive, defensive, and even purely supportive."


    Reika swallowed hard before shifting the topic. "Then... how many types of Natural Abilities do have, Veylir?"


    "Hmm... Aside from my proficiency in thermal-type, I also have some aerial-type and life-type abilities."


    "I see..." Reika murmured, processing the information.


    Veylir continued, "The second major classification, , has only two subcategories: Conjure-type and Augment-type. Conjure-type works as an -based ability, while Augment-type is -based."


    "So how are they different from Natural Abilities?" Reika asked.


    "Unlike Natural Abilities, which command and manipulate the laws of nature, Deviated Abilities merely with them. They don¡¯t belong to any natural element, yet they can still influence them in unique ways."


    Veylir gestured with her claw. "Take <Translator>, a Conjure-type ability, for example. It has nothing to do with the natural laws, yet it with them. It acts as a medium to bridge languages, but it doesn''t manipulate nature itself."


    "Do you have any Deviated Abilities besides <Translator>?" Reika asked.


    "Aside from that, I have <Aeon Barrier> and¡ª" Veylir suddenly stopped. "Whoa, whoa! Your ability lets you access mine, right? You¡¯ll figure them all out eventually, so there¡¯s no point listing them one by one."


    Reika''s expression shifted. Seeing how lazy the dragon was about explaining, she sighed in defeat.


    "Alright, fine!"


    What a lazy dragon...


    She crossed her arms, then recalled something. "Hmm... Now that I think about it, my ability <Contract>¡ªwhat exactly is it? It¡¯s not a Natural Ability since it doesn¡¯t manipulate the laws of nature. It seems more like a Deviated Ability to me."


    Veylir fell silent, deep in thought.


    "I¡¯ve never heard of an ability called <Contract>." His tail flicked slightly. "I can¡¯t say for certain, but¡­ if I had to guess, it might be an ability."

 Chapter 18: Abilities (Part II)

    "Individual-type?" Reika asked, confused.


    "On rare occasions, certain individuals are born with a unique ability that only they can possess in their lifetime. These abilities are called Individual-type, one of the two subclassifications of Inherent Abilities."


    "Inherent Abilities stand apart from other types because they can only be accessed under specific conditions. Take Individual-type abilities, for example."


    "Individual-type abilities are unique to a single person from birth, and as long as that individual exists, no one else can wield the same ability. It may reappear after their death, but the interval could take years¡ªpossibly even centuries," Veylir explained.


    "The other subclassification is Racial-type, which is distinct in its own way. These abilities are categorized by the race of an entity. Take me, for instance. As a member of the Draconic Race, I possess a set of Racial-type abilities exclusive to my kind."


    "Is that so...?"


    Suddenly, an absurd idea struck Reika. Without hesitation, she closed her eyes.


    "Draconic Race... Draconic..." she murmured.


    In an instant, an immense aura filled the room. It was faint yet overwhelming, spreading in the blink of an eye.


    "Wait. That... This is absurd!"


    Veylir wasn¡¯t mistaken. Right before its eyes, Reika had activated an ability that only members of the Draconic Race should be able to use.


    "Am I seeing things? This is !"


    For the first time in its life, the Wildfire Dragon witnessed a human using an ability with no connection to their racial origin. A human who could wield something exclusive to dragons.


    "How did you...? Was that one of the functions of your Contract ability?!"


    Reika deactivated the aura, and it instantly vanished. Fortunately, it hadn¡¯t leaked beyond the house¡ªif it had, everyone in the settlement would have collapsed under its intensity.


    "Yes. You said Draconic Aura was a Racial-type ability that only members of the Draconic Race could access, right?"


    "Yes... But¡ª"


    "I was curious about the limits of the Contract ability, so I tried using it, even though it should have been impossible. But to think I could actually do it despite being human..." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "That Individual-type ability of yours is simply overpowered! If you have that cheat ability, not only do you not need to worry about ability acquisition, but you can also access abilities that should belong solely to certain races!" Veylir exclaimed.


    "Eh? That''s..."


    "Wait. If you can use abilities from a different race, does that mean you could also use their Individual-type abilities?"


    "I don''t know... Do you have one? I''ve never tried it before, so maybe we could test it with yours."


    "E-Even though I''m one of the Six Calamity Dragons, I don¡¯t possess one. Perhaps my existence isn''t special enough to obtain it, despite being one of the strongest monsters on the continent..."


    Reika noticed Veylir¡¯s expression darken. Wanting to lift the dragon''s spirits, she quickly spoke up.


    "Hey, don¡¯t worry about it. Even if you don¡¯t have one, why does it matter? You¡¯re already strong without that kind of ability!"


    Veylir''s expression shifted at Reika¡¯s words. A newfound confidence replaced its gloom.


    "You''re right. With my fiery flames alone, I¡¯ve laid waste to countless enemies and earned the title of Calamity Dragon. I be proud of that!" Veylir exclaimed, now in high spirits.


    "Now that¡¯s the spirit!"


    Just as their conversation was picking up, Reika¡¯s stomach let out a loud growl.


    Grrrrmmmb~


    Veylir tilted its head, confused by the strange noise.


    "What was that?"


    Reika¡¯s face flushed with embarrassment.


    "Reika... Was that your¡ª"


    "I haven¡¯t eaten since yesterday, okay?" she huffed.


    Veylir blinked, then suddenly burst into laughter.


    "Pft! Puhahaha!"


    "What are you laughing at?"


    Realizing its reaction, the dragon quickly tried to compose itself.


    "Yeah, yeah. I apologize..."


    "Anyways!" Veylir grinned. "Since I¡¯ve told you everything about abilities, maybe it¡¯s time we fill your stomach instead?"


    "Yes, I think it¡¯s time..."


    Feeling the growing urge for breakfast, Reika stood up and headed for the door. But just as she was about to step outside, she paused, her eyes widening.


    Her clothes were different.


    "My uniform...!"


    "Oh, was that the outfit you wore yesterday? A young woman changed your clothes since they got dirty. What was her name again...? Ah, right¡ªSylva."


    Reika quickly checked her undergarments.


    She even changed my undies, huh...


    After confirming, she hurried off the bed, with Veylir following beside her. As they walked toward the door, Reika suddenly slowed down.


    "Veylir. I''ve been wondering for a while... what your gender, anyway? I¡¯ve had trouble referring to you properly this whole time."


    Veylir blinked at the unexpected question, then matched her pace.


    "Well... unlike humans, dragons have a unique constitution when it comes to gender and reproduction."


    "Oh?"


    "When a dragon is in its infancy, we don¡¯t have genders. We¡¯re born without reproductive organs, and those only develop as we grow older¡ªbased on our own desires and preferences."


    "Then, since you''re not an infant anymore, what gender did you choose?"


    "Isn''t it obvious? Of course, I chose to be female!"


    "Yeah, figures. I just wasn¡¯t sure since your voice is kind of... androgynous."


    "Hey! A voice has nothing to do with gender. There are plenty of reasons why voices differ, you know?"


    "Yeah, yeah, you¡¯re right. Whatever..."


    Reika finally reached the door, pushed it open, and stepped outside. The village was already lively, with people busy tending to their daily tasks. She turned to her side¡ªonly to realize Veylir was gone.


    Oh, right... She has to stay hidden from others.


    As Reika wandered through the village, a familiar figure caught her eye. Sylva, standing in the distance, waved her hand to get her attention.


    "Reika! Over here!"


    Reika turned to see Sylva waving at her, a bowl in hand, likely eating her breakfast. The sight of food made her stomach grumble again.


    Grrrmmb~


    Without hesitation, she hurried over. Sylva set her bowl down on the table and picked up another one.


    As Reika reached her, Sylva poured the last spoonful of soup and handed the bowl over.


    "Here you go. Hope you like my cooking!"


    Reika accepted the bowl and sat on a log next to a house. Sylva joined her. As Reika ate, the warmth of the soup filled her stomach, finally easing her hunger.


    "What took you so long? Weren¡¯t you starving?" Sylva asked between bites.


    Reika paused for a moment before answering.


    "Erm¡­ I rested for a bit. I only got up when my stomach finally grumbled."


    Sylva burst into laughter.


    "Hahaha! You actually waited for your stomach to tell you when to eat? That¡¯s hilarious!"


    Embarrassed, Reika simply chuckled without saying anything. Minutes later, Sylva finished her meal and stood up.


    "I¡¯ve got something to do, so I¡¯ll head off. If you want more, there¡¯s plenty in that pot over there. See you later, Reika!"


    Reika nodded, watching as Sylva walked away, leaving her alone. She continued eating in silence, savoring every bite. But even after finishing her bowl, she still felt a lingering hunger. Deciding to get another serving, she stood and approached the pot¡ªonly to notice someone else heading the same way.


    She glanced to her side and saw Alguis, holding a bowl in his hand.


    "Oh, going for seconds too?" he asked.


    "Yeah. I need to catch up since I skipped dinner last night..."


    They each took some food and sat down together on the same log. As they ate, Reika suddenly recalled what had happened the previous evening while she was unconscious.


    "Mister Alguis, how are your injuries?"


    Alguis paused for a brief moment.


    So that strange creature finally told her, huh...


    "Yes, I''m fine. That familiar of yours healed my wounds using its ability."


    Reika let out a relieved sigh.


    "I apologize on Soru¡¯s behalf. What he did was reckless."


    "You don¡¯t have to apologize, Miss Reika. It was my fault for not explaining to Mister Soru what had actually happened to us. Besides, he already apologized that night for the trouble he caused."


    Hearing that there was no lingering conflict between them, Reika felt a weight lift off her chest. They quietly finished their meal, watching the bustling settlement come to life.


    As Reika chewed, an image of Soru flashed through her mind.


    "


    ...


    Hyaaah! Hup!"


    "Hahh! Hyah!"


    In the distance, Soru silently observed Aeden and V?lun exchanging blows in an intense training match.


    "Even though your Warhammer Arts are slightly better than my Axe Arts, you won¡¯t beat me in close-quarters combat!" Aeden declared.


    She launched a powerful punch at V?lun. He barely managed to block it, but the sheer force sent a numbing shock through his arms.


    "Kugh!"


    V?lun quickly jumped back, trying to create distance.


    Damn... The gap in our raw strength is ridiculous!


    Just as he was about to adjust his stance, Aeden suddenly disappeared from his line of sight. Alarmed, he frantically scanned the area.


    Where did she¡ª


    "Caught you!"


    "What!?"


    V?lun¡¯s eyes widened as he looked down¡ªAeden was crouching right in front of him.


    Before he could react, she struck.


    Unbeknownst to him, Aeden had sprinted to her left, slipping just out of his field of vision. Then, in a swift move, she slid across the ground and closed the distance before he even realized what had happened.


    Without a moment to react, Aeden kicked both of V?lun''s legs, knocking him down in an instant.


    ¡°Ghkk!¡±


    V?lun hit the ground hard. Aeden stood over him, disappointment clear on her face.


    ¡°Is this the extent of your combat skills? You rely so much on your weapon that you¡¯ve neglected your own body!¡±


    While Aeden scolded him, V?lun secretly grabbed a handful of dust. Waiting for the right moment, he threw it into her eyes.


    ¡°Gaaah¡­?!¡±


    Aeden recoiled, her vision clouded as she instinctively covered her face, rubbing at the irritation. Seizing the opening, V?lun kicked her hard in the stomach.


    ¡°Uwoooggh!¡±


    Aeden was sent sprawling, groaning as she clutched her abdomen.


    ¡°Yahoo! Another one bites the dust!¡± V?lun cheered.


    Literally!


    Tears welled in Aeden¡¯s eyes, washing away the dust. She glared at V?lun.


    ¡°You little¡­!¡±


    Without hesitation, she tackled him, pinning him to the ground. Grabbing both his legs, she stretched them to their limits.


    ¡°OW! Owww! OOOWWWW!¡±


    ¡°You pull a cheap trick on me, then turn your back to your enemy? Are you trying to get yourself killed?!¡±


    ¡°Owww! Stop! Stopp! I¡¯m sorry!!¡±


    Soru, watching from the sidelines, found himself intrigued.


    I¡¯ve seen in some shows that using your body as a weapon is useful when you want to avoid collateral damage¡­ Maybe it¡¯s time to learn a few moves.


    He stood and approached them mid-session. The moment the dwarves noticed him, they scrambled to their feet, straightening up.


    They both remembered Alguis¡¯s warning from the night before.


    "You shouldn''t provoke that person. Be mindful of your actions and attitude around him. Despite being human, I sense no remorse or hesitation in his movements. Killing us would be effortless for him."


    "Mr. Shin... What do you want from us?" Aeden asked cautiously.


    Soru slowly lifted the corners of his mouth, mimicking a smile. V?lun noticed the odd expression and frowned, whispering to Aeden.


    "Was that kid... faking his smile? It looks like he''s mocking us..."


    Before he could say more, Aeden stomped on his foot, silencing him. V?lun winced, biting his lip to keep from yelping.


    "Ahh... I apologize for his rude behavior, sir. I hope you don¡¯t mind," Aeden said, glancing at Soru.


    She studied his blank expression, waiting for a response.


    "Those moves you used earlier... could you teach me how to do them?"


    Aeden''s eyes widened at the unexpected request.


    Does he mean¡­ the Body Arts we performed earlier?


    "Uh... S-Sure, we can teach you. But it''s more complicated than it looks..."


    "The techniques you saw are called ''Phantom Combat Technique,''" she explained after a brief pause.


    "However¡­ it might not be in your best interest to learn it."

 Chapter 19: Secrets and Truth

    "Why is that?"


    "The Phantom Combat Technique is a form of Body Art designed to disable opponents in quick succession, relying mainly on speed. In exchange, it sacrifices raw power. However, with precise strikes to an enemy¡¯s balance, it can effectively immobilize them."


    "On top of that, mastering it requires focus and dedication. You need to understand your opponent¡¯s blind spots and know exactly how to disrupt their balance to neutralize them quickly."


    Soru listened in silence. Aeden, worried that she might have unintentionally provoked him, tried to shift the conversation to something else.


    "Perhaps I could teach you the instead. It emphasizes power and would definitely help you injure your opponents. Normally, only those serving the royal families are allowed to practice it, but I could make an exception¡ª"


    "Just teach me the Phantom Combat Technique," Soru interrupted, his tone firm.


    Aeden fell silent. Not wanting to push him further, she quickly nodded.


    "I-I can teach you right now, sir, but may I ask you something first?"


    Soru gave a small nod, signaling her to continue. Aeden''s expression turned serious as she met his gaze.


    "Why do you want to learn this technique? Considering how powerful you are, such menial techniques should be useless to you."


    Soru stared at her blankly while Aeden waited for his answer.


    "It looks humane," he finally said. "Since it disables an opponent without causing serious harm, it would be... convenient for me."


    And it¡¯s also quite entertaining to watch.


    Aeden remained quiet for a moment. An awkward smile spread across her face.


    Yesterday, you were ready to crush us to death, and now you¡¯re talking about being ¡®humane¡¯? What a strange person he is!


    "A-Alright, I¡¯ll teach you. If you¡¯re this eager to learn, then there¡¯s no harm in passing down its legacy."


    V?lun, watching from the side, leaned in and whispered to Aeden, his voice uncertain.


    "H-Hey, are you sure about this? Do you really want to teach that kid?"


    Without hesitation, Aeden shoved his face away.


    "You¡¯re in no position to question my decisions."


    As the two bickered, Soru''s thoughts drifted to Reika¡¯s teachings from before.


    Just then, Aeden and V?lun were caught off guard when Soru suddenly bowed in front of them.


    "Thank you."


    They stared at him in stunned silence. Aeden, after a brief pause, smiled and gently patted his shoulder. As Soru raised his head to look at her, she spoke softly.


    "It''s fine. You don¡¯t have to do that. Just saying ¡®thank you¡¯ is enough for me."


    Maybe he¡¯s not as bad as we thought. He might actually be kindhearted¡­ though his face still kind of ticks me off.


    "When will you start teaching me?"


    Aeden shook her head.


    "Now¡¯s not the right time. We¡¯re still exhausted from training. Maybe later? That way, I can teach you properly."


    Without another word, Soru simply nodded and returned to where he had been sitting. Aeden and V?lun adjusted their gear and picked up their weapons.


    "I¡¯m heading to the river to wash up," Aeden said.


    "Count me in! Let¡¯s go together, then," V?lun chimed in.


    "Are you mad? Bathing together when we''re opposite genders is off-limits!" sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Fine, fine! I was just hoping, you know..." V?lun muttered under his breath.


    SMACK!


    Aeden struck him on the back of the head.


    "You lunatic! So you wanted to bathe with me!?"


    "Ow! I was just joking! I¡¯ll go to the other side where we won¡¯t see each other¡¯s¡ªugh, never mind!"


    Realizing he was just teasing, Aeden huffed and stomped off. V?lun, grinning, ran after her.


    Left alone, Soru stood up and made his way toward the settlement.


    As he walked along the dirt path, he observed the villagers. Children laughed and played together, their cheerful smiles brightening the scene.


    Further ahead, he spotted Reika and Alguis in conversation. Without altering his pace, he approached them.


    At that moment, Reika noticed him. Their eyes met, and the moment he arrived, she immediately stepped in front of him.


    "Next time you do something outrageous, consider the situation first. Jumping to conclusions isn¡¯t always the right choice, you know."


    Soru met her gaze but remained silent.


    Sensing the tension, Alguis quickly stepped between them.


    "I-It¡¯s alright, Miss Reika. Sir Soru only acted to protect you. His actions were understandable..."


    Reika sighed and shook her head. Meanwhile, Soru found a wooden stool under the nearby table and sat down.


    "I will," he finally said.


    Hearing his response, Reika let out a small sigh, her irritation fading. She sat back down and resumed her conversation with Alguis.


    "Where were we?" she asked.


    "You asked me about the Ardrom Kingdom," Alguis reminded her.


    "Oh, right. So¡­ what would happen if the King of Ardrom found out about the villagers'' situation?"


    Alguis stroked his beard in thought.


    "Hm¡­ I¡¯m not sure how the King would react, but he might take action once he learns that the villagers relocated illegally without his approval."


    "Would they be safe? What if the King decides to imprison them for what they¡¯ve done?"


    "I don''t think that''s the case," Alguis said. "I''m not sure how much this village''s wheat production matters to the kingdom, but if it''s one of their main suppliers, the king won''t just sit idly by and let his subjects abandon their duty."


    "Then they''re in danger!" Reika exclaimed. "I saw their wheat fields¡ªthey''re vast! Your assumption must be right!"


    "But they''ve already chosen to abandon the kingdom and settle here. Even if we warned them about the consequences, I doubt they¡¯d be willing to return."


    Reika watched the villagers with a troubled expression. Alguis, noticing her concern, gently patted her shoulder.


    "Don''t worry, Miss Reika. It was our actions that put them in this situation. As compensation, we''ll do everything we can to protect them from the kingdom''s threats."


    Reika sighed.


    "Thank you, Mister Alguis. I''m sure they''ll feel reassured knowing someone as strong as you is looking out for them."


    "You¡¯re welcome, Miss Reika. If you wish, I can formally take responsibility for their protection. After all, I am your servant now."


    "Hold on... I already told you that our status remains the same. I only asked for your help to strengthen myself, nothing more."


    Alguis chuckled. "That¡¯s fine. Even if our statuses are different, being your follower¡­ doesn¡¯t sound so bad. It¡¯s my personal choice, so you don¡¯t need to worry about it. I don¡¯t mind being a subordinate to a human, considering that I¡¯m just a dwarf in a foreign land now."


    Reika realized that arguing further would be pointless. With a resigned sigh, she relented.


    "Fine. Do whatever you want, Mister Alguis."


    Alguis smiled and gently patted her head.


    "If you¡¯d like, I could treat you like a daughter. How does that sound?"


    Reika''s face flushed with embarrassment.


    "I-I would prefer if you reconsidered that. It¡¯s a bit... much."


    "Hm, alright. Just a master-subordinate relationship, then."


    Suddenly, a voice interrupted them.


    "Wait! Does this mean I have a junior now!?"


    Veylir had appeared out of nowhere, startling Alguis, who hadn¡¯t noticed his approach.


    "Reika, is that familiar the one who healed me before...?"


    "Familiar!? How you compare me to such a lowly lifeform? I am¡ªUHHHKKK?!"


    Veylir suddenly felt the collar around her neck tighten. She struggled, gasping in pain, as if it might snap her neck in half.


    "Pardon her rude behavior," Reika said calmly. "I forgot to mention¡ªI had a subject before you, Mister Alguis. This one here was my first subject, the dragon Veylir."


    Hearing the name, Alguis paused. Reika, deciding the punishment was enough, loosened Veylir¡¯s collar, letting her breathe again.


    "Veylir¡­ Why does that name sound familiar? Have I heard it somewhere before¡­?"


    "Hmph! Allow me to enlighten you, " Veylir huffed. "I am the one of the Six Calamity Dragons!"


    Alguis''s mind reeled as realization hit him.


    Those dark red scales, its majestic wings, and fierce eyes¡­ There''s no mistaking it¡­!


    He shot to his feet in shock.


    "Y-Y-You''re the !?"


    "Hmph!" Veylir responded smugly.


    "B-But¡­ the Wildfire Dragon from legend was a beast! How did¡ª"


    "What you''re seeing right now isn''t her physical body but her She purposely shrank it to conserve her soul power," Reika explained to Alguis.


    "Soul body?" Alguis frowned. "But being separated from your physical body should sever its connection to your soul¡­ Unless¡ª!"


    "Her physical body is long gone."


    Alguis froze. "Long gone...? Wait! You mean her physical body !? But how!? Who could possibly be strong enough to slay one of the most powerful monsters on this continent?!"


    "It was Master Soru who slew my physical body," Veylir said casually. "Despite being human, killing a dragon was effortless for him."


    Alguis turned to Soru, and a chill ran down his spine. He instinctively stepped back, trying to process what he had just learned.


    A human who can slay a dragon¡­ and one who can tame a dragon¡­!


    Reika noticed his pale complexion and grew concerned.


    "Are you alright, Mister Alguis?"


    Are they¡­?


    "Miss Reika, are the two of you perhaps¡­ ?"


    "Extremity Beings...?" Reika repeated, puzzled.


    "You''re exaggerating, dwarf," Veylir scoffed. "Neither of them possesses . It¡¯s true that Master Reika¡¯s soul is stronger than the average human¡¯s, but the gap between her and an Extremity Being is simply too vast. As for Master Soru¡­ his soul power is close to nonexistent. Being an Extremity Being is impossible for him."


    "How could that be...! Only Extremity Beings have the strength to contend with the likes of you!" Alguis exclaimed.


    "The world is full of uncertainties and wonders, dwarf," Veylir replied. "I''ve lived on this continent for centuries, yet even their existence baffles me."


    "Hey... Would you mind explaining what these and are? I¡¯m completely lost here!" Reika asked, clearly confused.


    Veylir turned to her and began to explain.


    "All beings in this world, whether dragons or humans, are bound by the passage of time. No matter how long you live, even thousands of years, you will eventually face the inevitable¡ªdeath."


    "But Extremity Beings are an exception. Having evolved beyond the limits of mortality, they can achieve lifespans spanning tens or even hundreds of thousands of years. With immeasurable power, they are hailed as some of the strongest entities on this continent, rivaling even the Six Calamity Dragons."


    "Extremity''s Reiatsu, on the other hand, is the soul aura emitted by these beings. Their evolution isn''t limited to their physical bodies¡ªtheir evolve as well."


    "Their soul power is vastly superior to lower lifeforms. Those sensitive to soul energy can identify Extremity Beings just from the Reiatsu they emit."


    Reika stood in stunned silence.


    "To think such individuals exist in this world... We''d better not provoke them!"


    Soru, who had remained silent, suddenly spoke. "Why did you assume we were Extremity Beings?"


    "I apologize for the misunderstanding," Alguis admitted. "But as far as I know, only an Extremity Being is capable of defeating a Calamity Dragon alone. And now, with someone like you appearing... the power balance of this continent will be shaken!"


    "If we assume that Master Soru has strength comparable to an Extremity Being, then yes, the continent¡¯s balance would change. Since Reika wasn¡¯t the one who slew me, Soru is the only variable close to an Extremity Being¡ªno, at least a ," Veylir remarked.


    "But if he chooses to remain neutral and keeps a low profile, the balance should remain intact," she added.


    Despite his unease, Alguis cautiously approached Soru, concern evident on his face.


    "Mister Soru, I know you''re powerful, but I strongly advise you to keep a low profile. The last thing you want is to attract the attention of individuals, the Extremity Beings..."


    "Don''t worry. I have no intention of interfering in this continent¡¯s strife," Soru replied calmly.


    Hearing Soru¡¯s assurance, Alguis let out a deep sigh and sat back.


    "I just hope no one¡¯s taken notice of all the commotion we¡¯ve caused these past few days..."

 Vol. 1, Chapter 20: Revelation of Existence

    ...


    Tick-tack, tick-tack¡ª


    The sound of shoes clacking echoed through the quiet hallway. A man walked toward a door, his expression serious.


    As he reached it, he straightened his posture, projecting dignity and authority. Slowly, he pushed the door open.


    Inside, two men sat on smaller chairs. The rest were empty, surrounding a long table that stretched across the room. At the farthest end stood a large, golden chair, its surface adorned with fine, gleaming materials that exuded elegance.


    "Here you are, Minister of Military. You¡¯re the one who called this urgent meeting, yet you kept us waiting for thirty minutes!" the bald man exclaimed.


    "This had better be important, or you¡¯re just wasting our time! We have other matters to attend to, you know?" added the man in the ornate robe.


    "I apologize, Minister of Finance, Minister of Agriculture. I was delayed because I needed to verify certain details and clarify minor points in my report," the Minister of Military said.


    The Minister of Finance, the one who''s wearing extravagant garments, leaned forward. "Then get to the point. What is so urgent that you brought us here?"


    "Two days ago, one of our border patrol guards spotted a massive flash of light in the sky, followed by a powerful shockwave. It was so bright that even sunlight paled in comparison," the Minister of Military said.


    "They weren¡¯t sure what it was¡ªperhaps an enemy attack¡ªso they immediately sent a messenger to the nearest outpost to dispatch an expedition team and investigate the area¡­"


    "The team arrived yesterday afternoon, but all they found was a pile of rubble and a strange-looking house standing amid the ruins. The entire village, located on the kingdom¡¯s border, had been destroyed."


    "We also discovered what we believe to be the body of a Swordsmaster¡ªAgnar," the Minister of Military added.


    "Agnar? That name sounds familiar. Isn¡¯t he one of the top Swordmasters? What was he doing there?" the Minister of Finance asked.


    "Maybe he got into a fight with someone and lost. Who knows? That insignificant village was probably caught in their battle, and the people either died or ran off in fear¡ªyada yada¡­" the bald Minister of Agriculture said with a dismissive wave.


    "Why are we even here? Did you summon us just to report the death of some nobody who has nothing to do with us?" the Minister of Finance exclaimed.


    "You¡¯ve truly wasted our precious time¡ª"


    He stopped mid-sentence as the Minister of Military¡¯s expression darkened.


    "I did not call you here to waste your time, gentlemen. This is a matter of national concern, and I am not here to waste my breath on trivial matters."


    Both ministers straightened in their seats, their expressions turning serious.


    "That village is far from insignificant. In fact, it could be crucial to our kingdom¡ªif the Minister of Agriculture values it as highly as I expect."


    The Minister of Agriculture frowned. "And what village would that be?" S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "It is Signas Village."


    The Minister of Agriculture¡¯s eyes widened as recognition dawned.


    "Signas¡­ wasn¡¯t that one of the kingdom¡¯s four major wheat suppliers? Don¡¯t tell me¡ª!"


    "Yes," the Minister of Military confirmed. "Not just their homes¡ªthe entire wheat field was destroyed. Razed to the ground and burned to its last stalk."


    The Minister of Agriculture remained silent, stunned by the news.


    "That village¡­ how valuable was it compared to the other wheat suppliers?" the Minister of Finance asked.


    "Signas Village ranked fourth in wheat production, just behind Anton Town, the third-largest supplier in the kingdom. While it contributed the least among the four, its output was still significant and had supported the kingdom for years," the Minister of Agriculture explained.


    "Three-fourths of our wheat supply is allocated for our people, while the remaining fourth is exported to neighboring kingdoms and nations. With the village and its people gone, our wheat distribution will be disrupted, leading to sudden shifts in both exports and domestic consumption," he added.


    "Wait a moment," the Minister of Finance interjected. "The Ministry of Finance oversees the revenue from our exports, and wheat products bring in a fortune. If distribution needs to be adjusted, then our export income will take a hit too!"


    "Now you finally understand the gravity of the situation," the Minister of Military said.


    "We need to find the surviving villagers and resume wheat production!" the Minister of Agriculture exclaimed.


    "I''m afraid that won¡¯t be easy," the Minister of Military replied.


    "Difficult? What do you mean by that, General?" the Minister of Finance asked.


    The Minister of Military took note of how the Minister of Finance had just addressed him¡ªas General.


    This impudent fool called me General just now? He should have done so earlier!


    "Ahem! We inquired with nearby villages and towns to see if any migrants had arrived in the past few days, but the reports indicate that no one sought shelter. It seems the villagers have moved elsewhere," the Minister of Military said.


    "Preposterous! They dared to abandon their village and their duties for their own selfish reasons? Those commoners should have taken refuge nearby and returned once the situation was resolved!" the Minister of Finance exclaimed.


    "I have already dispatched a search party to track them down," the Minister of Military continued. "Not only have they acted with defiance and negligence, but they may also possess crucial information regarding the shining light incident and the death of Swordsmaster Agnar."


    "Minister of Military, you must locate those fugitives before our next official meeting with the king. We need to report these incidents, including the potential threat behind what happened in that village. This concerns the kingdom¡¯s safety," the Minister of Agriculture said.


    Without a word, the Minister of Military bowed his head in acknowledgment. The other two ministers rose from their seats, signaling the meeting¡¯s conclusion.


    As they departed, the Minister of Military remained in the hall. His gaze drifted toward the window, where the bustling capital city of Ardrom, named Aroth, stretched before him.


    I must uncover the truth behind Swordsmaster Agnar¡¯s death.


    If someone strong enough to defeat a top-ranking Swordsmaster has entered our borders¡ªor worse, is already residing within our kingdom¡ªthen I must remain vigilant.


    The identity of the one responsible for that large-scale attack must be revealed. If we can persuade that person to join our ranks, they may strengthen our military might¡­ but if they are a threat, they must be eliminated.


    ...


    A day had passed since the Ardrom Kingdom learned of the destruction of Signas Village. However, one crucial detail remained unknown to them¡ªthe involvement of the Wildfire Dragon in the incident.


    Veylir, the guardian of the Great Forest of Drys, was a name recognized across the entire Mainlands Continent. Yet, the Ardrom Kingdom remained unaware of her disappearance. Their lack of detection skills, coupled with the fact that her resting grounds lay far beyond their sphere of influence, left them blind to this critical development.


    While the Ardrom Kingdom only had an incomplete picture of the event, another nation had uncovered the missing piece¡ªthe disappearance of the Wildfire Dragon¡¯s aura. That nation was the Nation of Adventures,


    Unlike other nations, Axiel did not operate under a sole ruler or king. Instead, its six regions were governed by six individuals who together formed the


    Each elder ruled a distinct region, with different economic strengths such as agriculture, infrastructure, tourism, and education. Despite lacking a single leader, Axiel thrived without major conflicts¡ªa feat made possible by the


    This treaty, signed by the six elders at the nation''s founding, ensured that no single ruler would ever rise above the council. It established fairness and stability, preventing internal power struggles that could plunge Axiel into chaos.


    On the same day the Ardrom Kingdom received its intelligence, the council convened to discuss the Wildfire Dragon¡¯s sudden disappearance. Seated around a grand circular table, the six elders faced one another, each bearing a solemn expression as they prepared to address this alarming event.


    The council¡¯s round table, unlike other well-known ones, had a hollowed-out center. At the very core of this four-meter-wide empty space sat a large, ruined seat¡ªofficially known as


    This seat symbolized that no one should stand above the rest of the council. Its broken state served as a reminder that should anyone claim it, whether one of them or an outsider, the nation¡¯s downfall would be inevitable. Positioned at the heart of their gatherings, it reinforced their duty to uphold the treaty with respect and dignity.


    As the six elders deliberated on various national matters, their final agenda shifted to the disappearance of the Wildfire Dragon. Though the Great Forest of Drys lay far from their borders, Veylir¡¯s absence had consequences that extended beyond Axiel¡ªaffecting not only their nation but the entire continent.


    "First Elder, I suggest we launch an investigation into this matter. The disappearance of the Wildfire Dragon is no trifling issue," the Second Elder said.


    "He¡¯s right," the Fourth Elder added. "Calamity Dragons are considered the pillars of the continent, second only to the Extremity Beings in status. They have existed for thousands of years and are among the oldest living races of this world. With their vast influence, any disappearance among them will send ripples across the continent and stir the masses."


    The First Elder paused, stroking his beard in thought.


    "This is not good. If other factions catch wind of this information, chaos could erupt across the continent. Especially the Draconic Race¡­ they will not remain idle on such a crucial matter."


    Meanwhile, the Sixth Elder remained silent as the others discussed Veylir¡¯s disappearance. Though he listened, his mind was elsewhere¡ªfestering with resentment toward the five elders before him.


    There was no hierarchy in the council, yet they addressed each other in numerical order, with the First Elder being the eldest. As the youngest, he had been given the title of but in his mind, this numbering created an implicit ranking. To him, being the Sixth meant being the last, the lowest, the least respected.


    These senile bastards¡­ How dare they ignore my presence? Is it because I¡¯m just the Sixth Elder? How dare they!


    His bitter thoughts were interrupted when the Third Elder spoke up.


    "First and foremost, we must ensure this information does not leak¡ªespecially to the eastern nations, where individual is currently residing."


    Everyone, except the Sixth Elder, stiffened.


    "D-Do you mean¡­?"


    "Yes, person," the Fourth Elder confirmed grimly.


    The Second Elder stroked his beard, his expression clouded with unease.


    "This is bad. That individual declared close ties with the Wildfire Dragon six years ago. If she learns that Veylir is missing, she won¡¯t stay quiet¡­ She¡¯ll cause an uproar."


    "Isn''t that an exaggeration?" the Third Elder questioned. "We know she¡¯s a little¡­ excessive, based on rumors, but does she really have the power to stir up something of this scale?"


    The Second Elder scoffed. "Do you live in a cave? She¡¯s known as the and ranked first in the Swordsman Rankings. If she decides to make a move, things will not end well for anyone!"


    "Also, she¡¯s an S-rank adventurer and a prized champion of the Continental Adventurer¡¯s Guild. Her strength and influence shouldn¡¯t be underestimated!" the Fourth Elder added.


    As the room filled with murmurs, the First Elder cleared his throat loudly.


    "Ahem! Old coots, maintain order in this room."


    The chatter died down, and the elders straightened in their seats.


    "We still don¡¯t know exactly how the will react once she learns that the Wildfire Dragon has vanished without a trace," the First Elder continued.


    "In that case, our best course of action is to keep this information from leaking at all costs. By doing so, we not only prevent mass panic and unwanted attention from other factions, but we also ensure that the doesn¡¯t act recklessly."


    Especially since the reputation of my Continental Adventurer¡¯s Guild is at stake here¡­


    Hearing the First Elder¡¯s reasoning, the others nodded in agreement.


    "That seems reasonable¡­"


    "First Elder, shouldn¡¯t we investigate further?" the Fifth Elder spoke up. "Our current information comes from limited sources and remains incomplete. If we send more people to look into it, we might uncover the full truth behind the Wildfire Dragon¡¯s disappearance."


    The First Elder glanced at the Fourth Elder and nodded.


    "That¡¯s a good idea."


    Placing both hands on the round table, he continued, "Since I oversee the Continental Adventurer¡¯s Guild, I¡¯ll assign a party to investigate the Great Forest of Drys¡ªwithout informing them of the Wildfire Dragon¡¯s disappearance. If they can gather information on events from the past five months, we may be able to piece together the reasons behind the dragon¡¯s vanishing."


    "A brilliant plan, First Elder!" the Fourth Elder said.


    The others murmured in agreement, nodding their heads.


    "Does anyone have further ideas or concerns?" the First Elder asked, scanning the room.


    No one spoke up.


    "Then this meeting is concluded."


    As the elders departed, the Sixth Elder was the last to leave. Walking down the corridor, he mulled over their discussion.


    Hmph! Those senile fools¡­ Haven¡¯t they considered that the dragon might already be dead? That someone may have killed it? That possibility is far closer to the truth!


    As he continued down the pathway, he caught sight of the First Elder speaking with the Fourth Elder. The sight irritated him.


    "Tch!"


    All of a sudden, the Sixth Elder halted as an idea crept into his mind.


    Wait. Wouldn¡¯t it be better if I secretly informed the that the Wildfire Dragon is dead? Even if it¡¯s a ruse, her rage alone could throw everything into chaos. If she lashes out and causes destruction, it will smear the reputation of the Continental Adventurer¡¯s Guild!


    A devious grin spread across his face.


    If that¡¯s the case, then I should contact person and have them deliver the message. The is still in the eastern nations, doing who-knows-what¡­


    His grin widened as he mulled over ways to twist the truth¡ªcrafting an exaggerated, far-fetched version of events to feed to his informant.


    Yet, in his ambition to disrupt the council¡¯s order, the Sixth Elder remained oblivious to the true weight of his actions.


    This single manipulation of information¡ªseemingly small, insignificant¡ªwould set in motion a chain of tragedies. The consequences would not only shake the Continental Adventurer¡¯s Guild or his nation but would ripple across the entire continent, altering its fate forever.


    ...


    Bonus Illustration/s

 Vol. 2, Chapter 21: Necessities

    That afternoon, the Great Forest of Drys¡ªone of the largest forests on the continent¡ªwas alive with movement. Countless species of monsters and insects roamed, locked in the struggle for survival. Rare trees, shrubs, and plants thrived in abundance, adding to the forest¡¯s untamed beauty.


    Yet, amidst this uncharted wilderness, a newly formed settlement had taken root. It lay just two hundred and fifty meters from Fiur Mountain, a towering peak standing at three hundred and ten meters. On the mountain¡¯s far side, a massive cavern entrance yawned into the stone, shrouded in shadow.


    Thanks to the combined efforts of the villagefolk, the settlement had finally taken shape. Seventeen houses now stood, each sheltering a family that had barely escaped the tragedy of their previous home. Though the scars of their loss remained, the villagers pressed forward, forging a new beginning in the depths of the forest.


    After their discussion, Soru, Reika, Alguis, and Veylir went about their own tasks. Reika and Alguis accompanied the old man, Silas, as he roamed the settlement, identifying and assessing the problems the villagers faced.


    Meanwhile, Soru began his training session with Aeden, focusing on mastering the


    "There are two core steps to executing this technique: movement and timing," Aeden explained. "First, when approaching your target, you must remain undetected. If they sense your presence, your attack will be wasted."


    "You must avoid their perception entirely. Once you¡¯re within range, you immobilize them¡ªeither by kicking their legs to disrupt their balance or by pinning them to the ground with a direct tackle."


    Soru listened in silence, absorbing every word. Beside Aeden, V?lun stood with his arms crossed, observing the lesson unfold.


    "Now, I¡¯ll demonstrate how it¡¯s done. V?lun, stand over there," Aeden instructed.


    "Why am I involved in this?" V?lun grumbled.


    "Enough with the complaints. Just do as I say."


    "Alright, alright! Geez..." he muttered, walking to the designated spot.


    The moment he turned back toward Aeden, she took a single step¡ªand vanished before his eyes.


    "What the...?!"


    V?lun immediately scanned the area, searching for any trace of her. As he frantically looked around, a single footstep echoed from his right. Instinctively, he turned¡ªonly to find nothing.


    "This is the first step of the : moving without your target detecting your presence," Aeden¡¯s voice came from behind him.


    V?lun spun, attempting a counterattack, but Aeden was faster. In a swift motion, she kicked his lower leg, forcing him to his knees. Before he could react, she locked his arms behind his back and immobilized his legs with her own.


    "This technique isn¡¯t complex, but executing it properly is difficult. You¡¯ll need to train repeatedly to master its speed and precision," Aeden said, addressing Soru.


    "Ow¡­ Would you please me now?" V?lun groaned.


    Aeden stood and released him. Dusting himself off, V?lun scowled.


    "The sun is still up. Are you ready to apply what you¡¯ve learned?" Aeden asked Soru. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Soru nodded silently and stepped closer. Seeing his determination, Aeden smiled and continued his training, guiding him through the intricacies of the


    Hours passed, and evening fell. Alguis, Reika, and Silas had completed their assessment of the settlement. Meanwhile, Soru, Aeden, and an utterly exhausted V?lun wrapped up their training.


    "Kid," V?lun groaned, rubbing his temples. "Why the hell did you use your ability to transfer your fatigue ? I was sitting the whole time, but now I feel like was the one training!"


    "Manners, V?lun! Remember what His Majesty instructed us when speaking to him!" Aeden scolded.


    V?lun fell silent, though his grumbling didn''t stop.


    "And besides," Aeden added, "only the fatigue is transferred. His muscle gains remain. It¡¯s just that his stamina is inexhaustible."


    As V?lun muttered complaints under his breath, Aeden¡¯s thoughts drifted back to their training session with Soru.


    "Hey! There you are, Aeden, V?lun, and Sir Soru!" a familiar voice called out to them.


    "Your Ma¡ªSir Alguis!" Aeden corrected herself mid-sentence.


    "You two go ahead... I need to rest," V?lun muttered before trudging away.


    Aeden and Soru walked toward Alguis.


    "Where¡¯s V?lun?" Alguis asked.


    "He¡¯s just a little tired. He went to rest," Aeden replied.


    "Is that so? If that''s the case, we¡¯ll have dinner first, then head to the meeting room without him. I want both of you to join the discussion."


    "Discussion?" Aeden asked, puzzled.


    As the three of them made their way to the dining table outside the large house, they spotted Reika eating while conversing with Sylva. She had changed out of her uniform and was now dressed in casual clothes lent to her by Sylva.


    Reika glanced at them briefly, her eyes lingering on Soru for a moment, but she paid no further attention and continued her conversation.


    Once they had finished their meal, the house door creaked open, and Silas stepped outside.


    "Sir Alguis, the meeting room is ready."


    Alguis stood, placing his dishes on the table. "Let''s go."


    Reika and Sylva, having overheard, also got up.


    "We''ll talk later, Sylva. We have a discussion with Mister Silas," Reika said.


    "Mhm, I need to check on my siblings and make sure they¡¯re asleep," Sylva replied before heading off.


    The four entered the house and proceeded to the meeting room. Inside, a simple long table sat at the center, surrounded by chairs. Aeden remained standing behind Alguis as the others took their seats.


    "Aeden, sit beside me," Alguis said.


    Without hesitation, she pulled out the chair and sat next to him.


    "Now," Silas began, "I¡¯d like to address the problems the settlement currently faces¡ªor will face in the near future. The first issue is our food supply. While clean water isn''t a concern thanks to the well and the nearby river, food remains our most pressing problem."


    "Hunting is the most efficient solution for now, given how recently you relocated here," Alguis replied. "I, Aeden, and V?lun will handle that."


    "It may be possible to solve our food problem for now, but hunting isn''t a sustainable long-term solution. We need to become self-sufficient rather than relying on you indefinitely," Silas stated firmly.


    Alguis rested his chin on his hand while Reika watched him closely.


    "Now that we have a potential solution for food, a second issue arises¡ªthe safety of the hunters," Silas continued. "The is home to countless monsters. Now that we¡¯ve settled deep within it, the risk of attacks is much higher."


    Alguis raised his hand, signaling for a turn to speak. Silas nodded, and Alguis lowered his hand before responding.


    "I have a proposal. We will train your men in basic combat techniques so they can defend themselves the next time they go hunting."


    "That¡¯s a great idea!" Silas exclaimed. "We have only a handful of guards left, and our manpower isn¡¯t enough to fend off those pesky monsters!"


    "But hunting alone won¡¯t be efficient at this rate," Reika interjected.


    Silas and Alguis turned to her.


    "Do you have an explanation for that, Miss Reika?" Alguis asked.


    "According to the book Silas'' son wrote, only four monster species in this forest are edible, right? The rest absorb into their bodies, which causes their meat to taste awful," Reika explained.


    Silas pondered for a moment before nodding.


    "You¡¯re right. If we rely solely on hunting, we¡¯ll have limited food options. Plus, we haven¡¯t considered the possibility of ."


    "Hunting scarcity?" Alguis repeated.


    "It¡¯s a phenomenon where predator monsters become highly active, forcing prey monsters¡ªthe edible ones¡ªto hide. When that happens, hunting them becomes incredibly difficult," Silas explained.


    "So we need to find an alternative solution, huh¡­" Alguis murmured.


    "What if we grow our own crops for consumption?" Reika suggested.


    "Oh¡­ That might be a good idea!" Silas exclaimed.


    "We attempted it in the past, but due to poor soil quality, only wheat could grow. Fruits and vegetables couldn¡¯t flourish, so we relied on wandering merchants to obtain them. Now, with everything that happened, our stock is completely depleted¡­"


    "But this is a forest," Reika pointed out. "The soil here should be rich. I¡¯m certain that any crops we plant will thrive."


    Silas nodded but then hesitated. "But¡­ where would we even get seeds?"


    "You don¡¯t have to worry about that," Reika said.


    Silas watched in confusion as she reached into her pocket and pulled out three small pouches, carefully placing them on the table.


    "Luckily, Sylva had some seeds stored away and gave these to me this afternoon. She said they''re lettuce, carrot, and tomato seeds she bought from a wandering merchant. When she heard about our food problem, she decided to help by sharing them with us."


    Silas¡¯ expression brightened at first, relieved to see a viable solution¡ªuntil, moments later, a new concern clouded his face.


    "Uhm, that¡¯s good, Miss Reika. But the problem is¡­ we have no experience planting these crops. We only know how to grow wheat, and that¡¯s it," Silas admitted.


    "Don¡¯t worry about that! I have some knowledge of how to plant these vegetables," Reika assured him.


    "As expected from Miss Reika!" Alguis chuckled. "Since we dwarves live in mountain ranges, we¡¯ve never had the opportunity to farm. Knowledge about agriculture is something we severely lack."


    "Now that we have the seeds and someone who knows how to plant them, our food problem is as good as solved!" Silas exclaimed.


    "With that issue settled, are there any other concerns?" Alguis asked.


    "Besides housing and clothing, which are still manageable, there¡¯s nothing urgent for now," Silas replied.


    "Then this meeting is concluded," Alguis declared, rising from his seat.


    The others followed suit, nodding in agreement.


    As Alguis and Silas continued their discussion with Aeden beside them, Reika and Soru stepped outside to get some fresh air.


    "Hahh¡­ Finally, it¡¯s over. Sitting there for too long is exhausting," Reika sighed.


    She turned to Soru and found him gazing silently at the night sky.


    "Hey, I noticed you¡¯ve been with Aeden all afternoon. Did you two do something?" Reika asked.


    "I watched them train," Soru answered bluntly.


    "That¡¯s kind of lame¡­"


    "Not really. Their technique piqued my interest, so I decided to learn it."


    Reika was surprised. Soru rarely showed interest in things that didn¡¯t directly concern him.


    "Really? Why¡¯s that?"


    "It could help me minimize casualties against my opponents."


    Hearing such an unexpected response, Reika chuckled.


    "Pff¡­ Yeah, considering all you ever do is leave them with serious injuries!"


    Soru didn¡¯t reply, his gaze still fixed on the night sky.


    "How do you feel after learning something new?" Reika asked.


    "It¡¯s nothing much."


    "Nothing much?"


    "It¡¯s the same as physical education exercises¡ªusing our bodies for grades¡ªor studying textbooks to pass exams," Soru said. "In the end, it¡¯s all just a monotonous cycle. People do things to reach a goal, repeating the process over and over. It¡¯s kind of pointless."


    Reika stared at him as he spoke, then looked up at the sky, feeling the cold breeze brush past her.


    "If you see it that way, then you¡¯re mistaken," she said.


    "You¡¯re only looking at the start and the end, like judging a book by its cover. But if you truly want to understand, you have to open it¡ªturn and observe its pages¡ªand see what lies within," Reika said.


    "The process holds countless opportunities: experiences, interactions with others, and sensations you''ve never known before. Those are just a few examples."


    "There may only be two doors¡ªan entrance and an exit¡ªbut along the way, there are windows, openings to possibilities you can¡¯t afford to ignore."


    Soru met her gaze, a thought forming in his mind.


    "By that logic¡­ if I focus on the process instead of just the goal, I might gain something I desire without even realizing it?"


    "Hmm¡­ Maybe," Reika said with a thoughtful smile. "You might come across something your inner self truly longs for¡ªlike passion or emotions."


    Soru turned his eyes back to the sky.


    "It seems¡­ thinking two-dimensionally is inefficient," he murmured before falling silent.


    Then, after a pause, he asked, "Do you think¡­ if I continue training, my emotions will surface on their own, without me noticing?"


    Reika smiled at Soru¡¯s conclusion, patting his shoulder before giving him a thumbs-up.


    "It¡¯s possible! Since you started out of a desire to master it, maybe it¡¯ll help you overcome your struggle with emotions too!"


    Soru glanced at her briefly before turning his gaze back to the sky.


    "Is that so..."


    The two stood in silence, watching the stars flicker majestically above. But their quiet moment was soon interrupted by a familiar voice from behind.


    "Miss Reika, Mister Soru. I apologize for the interruption, but I must inform you that Mister Alguis has finished preparing your room for the time being."


    Reika turned around and saw Silas calling for them. She recalled Alguis mentioning earlier that he had prepared a room for her.


    Following the old man inside the large house, Reika and Soru soon spotted Alguis standing by a door, which she assumed led to her assigned room.


    "Miss Reika, Mister Soru, I¡¯ve prepared a room for both of you," Alguis announced.


    Reika blinked in surprise.


    "W-With him? Don¡¯t tell me¡­!"


    Her expression shifted when she glanced inside. Alguis noticed her reaction and asked with concern.


    "Is something wrong, Miss Reika? Is the room not to your liking? You seem disappointed¡ª"


    "N-No¡­ It¡¯s totally fine!"


    "I-Is that so?"


    The room was simple but well-arranged. Two beds were placed on opposite sides, separated by a wooden table. Above it, a torch cast a dim glow, its low combustion rate preventing any risk of igniting the wooden structure.


    "I apologize for my poor craftsmanship," Alguis said. "The beds are simple in design, but they¡¯re sturdy."


    "No, it¡¯s okay! As long as we can sleep soundly, there¡¯s no greater gratitude than that, Mister Alguis!"


    "I¡¯m glad you appreciate it."


    "We¡¯ll be heading to our own rooms now. Call us if you need anything," Silas added before leaving.


    With a nod, Alguis stepped out and closed the door behind him.


    Soru and Reika moved to their respective beds.


    "I¡¯ll take the bed near the window. You sleep there," Reika instructed.


    Soru didn¡¯t say a word. He simply walked to the other side of the room and sat on the bed.


    Reika¡¯s eyes lingered on him for a moment. His clothes looked surprisingly clean. After everything they¡¯d been through since arriving in this world, she couldn¡¯t recall a single time when he had changed them.


    "H-Hey¡­ I noticed your clothes are always in perfect condition. Did you¡­?"


    "I transferred all the stains onto someone else¡¯s to keep my uniform clean," Soru answered bluntly.


    Reika sighed. She had already anticipated his absurd reasoning, yet hearing it still left her in mild dismay.


    Without another word, Soru lay down, shut his eyes, and instantly drifted off to sleep.


    Reika settled into her own bed, glancing over at him. His breathing was steady, completely at ease.


    "That was too fast¡­" Reika murmured while shaking her head.


    "Even though he¡¯s a powerful individual, he sure is a carefree one."

 Chapter 22: Farming in Another World

    Reika heard a familiar voice beside her. Turning toward the source, she found Veylir perched on her bed.


    "You decided to show up now, huh?"


    Veylir landed lightly, curling up as if preparing to sleep. Reika blinked, baffled by the dragon¡¯s actions.


    "What¡­ are you doing?"


    "Um¡­ resting?"


    "Resting? Don''t joke around, souls don¡¯t need rest¡ª"


    "Argh, I that! But I to. J-Just don¡¯t judge me and mind your own business," Veylir huffed before shutting her eyes.


    Reika watched as the dragon¡¯s breathing slowed, already asleep. She let out a small sigh and lay down as well.


    "What a sassy dragon¡­" she muttered.


    As sleep began to take her sleep, she glanced one last time at Soru, who was fast asleep in his bed.


    Her vision blurred, and darkness slowly overtook her senses. Without realizing it, she drifted into sleep.


    ...


    "Soru, I''m heading out to buy groceries. Would you please stay here and watch over the house?"


    A young Soru stood near the entrance, his small frame still as he looked up at the woman speaking to him. She wore casual clothes, a basket resting on her shoulder.


    Noticing that he hadn¡¯t closed the door yet, she smiled and walked over, gently patting his head.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll be back soon."


    Soru didn¡¯t respond. He simply stood there in silence as her hand rested on his head.


    After a few seconds, she pulled away and made her way toward the gate. Soru watched her go before quietly stepping back inside and closing the door.


    ...


    It was already morning when Soru opened his eyes. His gaze shifted as he took in the unfamiliar room¡ªone that Alguis had prepared for them the day before.


    "A dream..."


    He stood up and walked toward the door, but just as he was about to step outside, the sound of voices reached him from beyond the large house.


    Opening the door, he saw the villagers gathered in the center of the settlement, dressed in farming attire. Alguis and Reika stood among them, waiting as others finished their preparations.


    "Oh, there you are, Soru!" Reika called out upon spotting him.


    Soru made his way through the crowd and stopped beside her.


    "Where are you all headed?"


    "We''re starting the plantation today," she explained. "That''s why we''re waiting for everyone to get ready."


    Alguis, noticing their conversation, approached them. His expression was more serious than usual, catching Reika¡¯s attention.


    "Is something wrong, Mister Alguis?" she asked.


    "Do we really need this many people? With the number of seeds we have, only a handful would be enough to plant them."


    Reika looked around for a moment and nodded in agreement. "You''re right. I¡¯ll choose a smaller group¡ª"


    "How many more seeds would you need?" Soru interrupted.


    Reika paused, thinking for a moment. "If we count everyone helping, we¡¯d probably need two more pouches of each type."


    "Give me three of those pouches."


    Reika hesitated, confused by his request, but handed them over nonetheless.


    "Sir Alguis, Reika, open your palms wide."


    Though puzzled by Soru¡¯s strange request, the two did as he asked. Their confusion quickly turned to shock at what happened next.


    In an instant, the three pouches in Soru¡¯s hands vanished. Before they could react, four pouches filled with seeds appeared in Reika¡¯s palms, while five materialized in Alguis¡¯s hands¡ªright after the ones Soru had been holding disappeared.


    "This...!"


    "Is that enough?" Soru asked calmly.


    "Y-Yes, this is more than enough!" Reika stammered, still stunned.


    "W-We need more people now. I''ll inform Silas!" Alguis said before hurrying off to find him.


    Reika turned to Soru. "Was that your ability at work?"


    Soru gave a small nod as a response.


    "Your power never ceases to amaze me..." she murmured, still trying to process what she had just seen.


    Moments later, Alguis returned with an update.


    "Reika, Silas has decided that those who are ready will depart with us immediately. The others will follow later, accompanied by him. I¡¯ve already told him the location so they¡¯ll know where to go."


    Reika nodded and began preparing the farming tools she had brought.


    "Soru, you haven¡¯t eaten breakfast yet, right? Make sure to eat your fill, then follow along with Mister Silas afterward."


    Soru said nothing, simply nodding in response. Reika turned away and joined the villagers alongside Alguis. Without delay, they set off.


    Left alone, Soru approached the table where his breakfast had been prepared and quietly ate. As he was finishing, Silas walked over.


    "I thought so¡ªyou¡¯re still here, Mister Soru. Once you¡¯re done, we¡¯ll leave with the others."


    Beside Silas stood three young women and two men, all villagers who would be helping with the planting. They appeared to be around Soru¡¯s age.


    After finishing his meal, Soru stood, placed his plate back on the table, and left with Silas and the others, making their way to the area where Alguis had instructed them to go.


    As they made their way forward, Silas had a conversation with Soru, while others followed behind.


    "May I ask you a question, Mister Soru?"


    "What is it?" sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Back when the Wildfire Dragon attacked our village, I was baffled by its demise. I wondered who had the strength to bring down such a powerful creature..."


    "That¡¯s why I asked Miss Reika. I thought she might have been the one, since she has abilities and was with us at the time. But she denied it and told me it was you who slew the dragon."


    Silas stepped in front of him and bowed. The others followed, lowering their heads in gratitude.


    "We thank you for saving us. Without your help, we would have perished along with the history of Signas Village."


    Soru halted, standing still for a moment. Then, after a brief pause, he bowed his head in response.


    "You''re welcome."


    They lifted their heads, smiles spreading across their faces. With lighter steps, they continued their journey.


    One of the young men walked up to Soru, his expression bright.


    "You''re amazing, Mister Soru! I was mesmerized by your strength!"


    "Indeed! And it wasn¡¯t just any dragon, but a renowned one!" a young woman added. "How did you do it, Mister Soru?"


    "I simply used the sun to burn it to death."


    "The¡­ sun?!" The five of them exclaimed in unison.


    "B-But still, that¡¯s incredible. That means your strength is close to or even comparable to the dragon itself!"


    "Now that Mister Soru is living in our village, we won¡¯t have to worry about our safety anymore!"


    "In the watchful eyes of the ''Dragon Slayer,'' no enemy shall pass!" one of the young men declared.


    "That''s lame!"


    The five of them chuckled together while Soru listened in silence. Silas, leading the group, smiled as he overheard their lighthearted conversation.


    After several minutes, they finally arrived at their destination.


    There, they saw several soil beds, though they hadn¡¯t expected to find their fellow villagers already tending to them. Some were constructing a canal, guiding water from the river into a shallow well reinforced with wooden planks. Nearby, Reika and Alguis were working alongside Aeden and V?lun.


    "There they are," Silas said upon spotting them.


    Without hesitation, he and the others joined in to help. Soru, meanwhile, walked over to Reika. As he approached, he noticed her carefully placing a whitish-brown substance into small holes in the tilled soil.


    "That is..."


    Reika glanced at him but continued her work as she explained.


    "This is bone meal¡ªa fertilizer made by grinding dried animal bones into a fine powder."


    Soru silently observed as she placed the bone meal into each hole with practiced precision.


    "Miss Reika, is this amount of bone meal enough?" Aeden asked.


    Soru turned to Aeden and saw her holding a large bowl filled with bone meal.


    "Uhm... We need the same amount for each of these soil beds," Reika replied.


    Aeden glanced around, counting the soil beds that had been dug according to Reika''s instructions. There were a total of ten.


    "Excluding the one soil bed Miss Reika is working on... V?lun! We need eight more of these!"


    An exhausted V?lun groaned at Aeden¡¯s words.


    "Eight?! Just gathering enough for one large bowl was hard enough, and now we need eight more?"


    "Enough with the complaints. Go crush the remaining bones and put them in that clay pot¡ªI¡¯ll cook them later!"


    "Fine, fine! Sheesh..." V?lun grumbled as he got back to work.


    Meanwhile, Alguis was busy uprooting the last few tree stumps from the trees they had cut down earlier to clear space for the plantation.


    Noticing that he was working alone, Soru approached him. Alguis paused and looked up.


    "Mister Soru, what brings you here?"


    Soru glanced around, taking in the scene.


    "Why are you doing this alone?"


    "Ah, well, there aren¡¯t too many left, so I figured I could handle it myself."


    "Is that so... Then I suppose you don¡¯t need my help."


    Hearing that, Alguis realized Soru was offering assistance. Instead of turning him away, he decided to give him a task.


    "Actually, there are eight stumps left. If you really want to help, you can take care of four and bring them over here."


    "Got it."


    As Alguis bent down to start on a stump, a series of heavy thuds echoed behind him. He turned, only to find that four stumps had already been uprooted.


    "Already?!"


    Soru stood there, expression unchanged. "Is this enough?"


    Alguis stared at the perfectly removed stumps, then back at Soru.


    "Yes... Thanks for your help."


    Without another word, Soru gave a small bow and walked away. Alguis blinked in confusion, watching him go.


    "I thought he was going to help me with the rest..."


    With a scoff, he shook his head.


    "Nah... He¡¯s already done his part. Asking for more would be too much."


    As he walked back, he observed the villagers working with such vigor. They dug holes in the soil beds, placed bone meal inside, then carefully planted the seeds. Others followed behind, covering the holes with soil before repeating the process on the next bed.


    With their combined efforts, they finished everything in just three hours. Cheers erupted as they celebrated their accomplishment.


    "Here are the refreshments!" one of the village women called out, grabbing the attention of the exhausted workers.


    "Finally!"


    Everyone hurried toward the shed, eager to grab a drink. Reika, Aeden, V?lun, and Alguis followed suit.


    Soru was about to join them when a familiar voice called out from behind.


    When Soru turned toward the voice, he spotted Veylir hiding behind a tree. The dragon seemed eager to talk to him but kept herself out of sight from the villagers.


    "M-Master Soru, please come here for a second!" she whispered urgently.


    Without a word, Soru walked over. As he approached, Veylir shifted deeper into the shadows, ensuring no one else could see her.


    "What do you want?"


    "I''m sorry to bother you, but I need to ask you a favor..."


    Before she could say more, Soru simply turned around and walked away.


    "Wait a minute, Master Soru!"


    "I''m not interested. Ask someone else," he replied flatly, continuing on without looking back.


    "Please, Master Soru! I can¡¯t ask anyone else¡ªonly you..."


    Realizing that Soru had no intention of listening, Veylir desperately tried to persuade him further.


    ¡°B-Besides, it¡¯s for the sake of Master Reika!¡±


    Hearing the dragon''s words, Soru halted. He turned back and returned to the tree where Veylir was hiding. Seeing that she had managed to get his attention, she secretly celebrated in her mind.


    ¡°Why me? Why not ask someone else?¡± Soru asked Veylir.


    ¡°The thing is... Only Master Reika and you, Master Soru, are the humans here that I feel closest to. I would¡¯ve asked her, but she¡¯s busy right now¡­¡±


    Soru remained silent, weighing whether or not to accept her request.


    ¡°Is that really the reason you¡¯re so desperate for my help?¡±


    ¡°Urk¡­!¡±


    Veylir stiffened. The two stared at each other for a long moment. Eventually, unable to withstand Soru¡¯s gaze any longer, Veylir let out a defeated sigh and gave up.


    "Alright, I give up! I¡¯ll tell you the real reason¡­"


    Veylir lowered her head, her tone growing more subdued.


    "After my physical death, I¡¯ve been in a severely weakened state. Right now, I can only use Special-class abilities at best. My soul power is so weak that I can barely absorb aeon from the atmosphere at a reasonable pace.


    "A healthy soul can gather aeon much faster, but with my condition, the accumulation rate is slower than that of a snail. My aeon reserves are at their lowest, and at this rate, it¡¯ll take me hundreds of years to gather enough to return to my former strength."


    She hesitated for a moment before continuing, her voice quieter.


    "I¡­ I don¡¯t even know if I can still call myself a Calamity Dragon now that I¡¯m too weak to be considered one¡­"


    Soru listened without a word as Veylir finally got to her point.


    "That¡¯s why I need your help retrieving something that could restore my soul power and possibly return my strength¡ªthe "


    "Luminite is a rare mineral that can heal and replenish one¡¯s soul power. I remember there¡¯s one in the cave I currently reside in, on the opposite side of Fiur Mountain," she explained.


    Soru remained silent, waiting for her to continue.


    "And what does that have to do with Reika and the others?"


    "O-Of course! Once I regain my strength, I¡¯ll be Master Reika¡¯s greatest asset! With me at her side, I can help her in future battles!"


    Veylir trailed off when she noticed Soru¡¯s expression hadn¡¯t changed in the slightest. He simply stared at her with a blank face.


    Gah! Am I talking to a rock or something?!


    "Ahem!" She straightened up, trying to regain composure. "I-I¡¯ve told you my reason for needing your assistance, Master Soru. I hope that¡¯s enough to convince¡­ you¡­"


    Before she could finish, Soru turned around and started walking away without a word.


    Veylir sighed and lowered her head.


    "It seems my persuasion wasn¡¯t enough to convince him¡­" she murmured.


    "When will we be heading out?"

 Chapter 23: Luminite’s Retrieval

    Veylir looked up and saw Soru standing still. Her mood brightened immediately upon hearing his response.


    "T-This afternoon! I¡¯ll wait for you right here."


    Without replying, Soru simply continued on his way, heading toward the crowd to get his refreshments. Veylir, now in a better mood, leaped onto a high branch and sat there, quietly watching the scene below.


    Up ahead, Reika spotted Soru approaching. She grabbed a refreshment and walked toward him.


    "Soru, where have you been? I¡¯ve been looking for you..."


    She handed him the drink, and Soru took it without saying a word.


    "I was talking to Veylir a few minutes ago."


    Reika blinked, realizing she hadn¡¯t seen Veylir at all since morning.


    "Where is she?"


    Soru simply pointed toward a certain tree.


    "There."


    Realizing that Veylir might be concealing herself, Reika activated her ability, her purple eyes glowing faintly. Through her enhanced sight, she spotted Veylir resting on a tree branch.


    "Do dragons just like to laze around all the time...?"


    Shrugging, Reika turned away.


    "Well, I¡¯ll let her slack off this time. It¡¯s not like there¡¯s anything that needs her help right now."


    She headed back toward the crowd, with Soru silently following behind.


    The air buzzed with laughter and conversation as the villagers shared their experiences and insights gained from Reika¡¯s teachings. They were grateful for the new knowledge, knowing it would help them survive and thrive in their new settlement.


    The morning passed, and soon, the afternoon arrived.


    At their meeting spot, Veylir sat perched on the same branch, eagerly scanning the area. In the distance, she finally spotted Soru approaching. To ensure he could see her, she revealed her presence.


    As he arrived, Veylir flapped her wings and descended to meet him.


    "Master Soru, thank you for coming and offering your assistance..."


    "Lead the way," Soru said abruptly.


    Without further words, Veylir turned and flew at a slow pace, guiding Soru toward the location of her den.


    ...


    Plink!


    The sound of water droplets echoed through the cavern, falling into a shallow puddle again and again. A single ray of afternoon light slipped through a crack above, casting a faint glow over the dark space.


    Stalagmites jutted from the ground, mirrored by stalactites hanging from the ceiling. Droplets trickled down the pointed formations, traveling from stalactites to stalagmites before dripping onto the stone floor. The slow, rhythmic pattern gave the cave an oddly tranquil atmosphere.


    At the cave¡¯s center lay a strange crystal, roughly the length of half a human arm. It emitted no light of its own.


    A faint glow flickered within the crystal. It pulsed weakly, its light barely extending a few centimeters from its core.


    It¡¯s been two days since I came back here...


    That glow was a small, sentient orb of light that rested on the crystal, unmoving for hours. Even as it remained inside, its thoughts swirled, replaying the strange events several days before.


    "But still, I can''t even begin to comprehend how I was suddenly expelled from that human¡¯s subconscious space... Could it have been the work of that boy I saw right after?"


    The orb recalled a memory from the past, and the mere thought of it ignited its rage.


    Eras have passed since that war¡­ I¡¯ve spent countless years fleeing from one entity to another, all while being relentlessly hunted by those wretched pursuers¡ªeven in death¡­!


    A faint pulse of frustration flickered through the orb, casting a brief glow across the space before it gradually faded.


    If only I hadn¡¯t fallen into their clutches¡­ I wouldn¡¯t be in this wretched state. They¡¯ve spent years eroding my soul body, leaving me with nothing but my memories¡ªand an ability I can no longer use.


    I thought that dragon would make the perfect vessel. I worked tirelessly to weaken its soul, ensuring it wouldn¡¯t sense my presence. But its resilience exceeded my expectations. Thousands of years of effort, and yet I only managed to strip away two-thirds of its soul power! Then, in an instant, the dragon perished by someone else''s hands¡ªand everything I had worked for was reduced to nothing!


    That was when I met the human girl. Her soul was frail, weaker than even an average human¡¯s. I was certain I could take control of her with ease. But not only did I fail, I somehow severed my own ability in the process¡ªleaving it behind in someone else¡¯s body¡­ mere moments after separating it from myself!


    The orb stirred, its form shifting as it slowly permeated the crystal.


    "If only it weren¡¯t for that intimidating human beside her¡­ Right after I was expelled, that boy was already several meters ahead, staring in silence. That look in his eyes¡­ it was as if he was about to devour me alive!"


    Overwhelmed by fear and confusion, I fled as far as I could. Yet, to my surprise, he didn¡¯t follow. I managed to return here safe¡­


    "Ugh! And now, I¡¯m back to hiding in this wretched place again!"


    The orb turned back, its gaze fixed on the crystal.


    Luckily, I remembered there¡¯s a Luminite here. Formed from the dense concentration of spiritual power in this place, it¡¯s allowed me to recover a fraction of the soul power I lost when my ability was severed. It¡¯s a shame it will take several days to absorb completely¡­ but now isn¡¯t the time.


    The orb hovered above the crystal, pulsing with renewed determination.


    "I need to find that girl as soon as possible. I¡¯ll reclaim my ability¡ªalong with her body. Then, I¡¯ll return here to absorb this crystal and strengthen my soul."


    It scanned the cave, searching for the exit.


    Now, where is it¡­?


    Looking up, it spotted a faint ray of light piercing through the darkness.


    Without hesitation, the orb ascended toward the cavern¡¯s entrance. But just as it neared the opening, a thunderous roar erupted from outside, its echo rolling through the cave.


    "What was that?"


    Curious, the orb slowed its pace, cautiously drifting toward the entrance.


    That roar¡­ doesn¡¯t that belong to the Giant Bear that roams the middle section of this mountain? Did it get into a territorial fight or something?


    As the orb reached the cave¡¯s entrance, the vast expanse of the Great Forest of Drys stretched out before it. Lush greenery sprawled in every direction, but it paid no attention to the scenery, focusing instead on the source of the commotion.


    Suddenly, another thunderous roar shook the mountain, followed by a deafening shriek and several frantic squeals. The orb couldn¡¯t make sense of what was happening.


    "What the hell is going on over there?" S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Its gaze locked onto a Rabid Wolf darting out from the forest¡¯s depths. It bolted across the open terrain, fleeing for its life from an unseen threat lurking within the trees.


    The orb quietly hid, observing the scene unfold as the howls and roars of monsters were abruptly cut short, one after another. Something was slaughtering them. Minutes passed before a final, thunderous roar echoed through the forest¡ªthen, silence.


    "That took longer than I expected¡­" a voice murmured from within the bushes.


    A figure emerged from the darkness, stepping forward in the direction of the cave¡¯s entrance. From that distance, the orb couldn¡¯t make out its face clearly.


    "Master Soru, I could¡¯ve handled these small fries myself since you already took care of the stronger ones along the way."


    Trailing behind the mysterious human was a familiar, its form striking something deep within the orb¡¯s memory.


    Is that¡­ a human? And that familiar with him¡­ What are they doing here?


    "I already gave you the description of the Luminite¡¯s appearance, so get it and leave the rest to me!"


    Soru gave a slight nod as a response.


    "Got it."


    Seeing that the human was heading in its direction, the orb hid within the crevices of the cave, carefully observing the strange man.


    The familiar called this man ¡®Master Soru¡¯¡­ So he¡¯s that familiar¡¯s master¡­


    Fearing the man might notice its presence, the orb withdrew even deeper. Because of this, it failed to recognize him as the same person who had been there when it was expelled from Reika¡¯s body.


    Seconds later, the orb peeked out and saw only Soru¡¯s back. Oblivious to his identity, it quietly followed him, staying extremely cautious.


    Suddenly, the orb stopped, noticing the man¡¯s odd behavior. From the way he moved, it seemed like he was searching for something.


    What is he looking for in this dark cavern?


    Reaching that conclusion, the orb continued to follow as Soru descended deeper into the cave. When they reached the bottom, Soru¡¯s gaze landed on the crystal ahead.


    "That must be the crystal Veylir was referring to¡­"


    At that moment, the orb realized his true purpose.


    "So he came here to take the Luminite!"


    Alarmed, the orb moved closer. But as it crept toward him, it noticed the man subtly react¡ªalmost as if he had sensed something.


    The orb quickly hid behind a large boulder, staying completely still.


    On the other side, Soru sensed something was off. He hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do, before deciding to act. Slowly, he turned around, scanning the surroundings.


    "...Release."


    At that moment, the orb finally recognized him. When Soru turned earlier, the orb caught a clear view of his face.


    That¡­ That¡¯s the same boy I encountered days ago!


    However, it was too late. Their gazes finally locked into each other.


    The orb instinctively tried to flee, but before it could react, the world around it shifted. In a blink of an eye, it was teleported right in front of Soru.


    "Hwuh?!"


    "Who are you?"


    The orb was too stunned to respond. Confusion overwhelmed it, rendering it speechless.


    H-How did he¡­?!


    Then, it saw his eyes.


    There was no emotion in them¡ªnothing at all. Yet the sheer emptiness they held made the orb tremble to its core.


    At that moment, only one thing kept repeating in its mind, urging it to act no matter what.


    I NEED TO ESCAPE!!


    The orb flew away from Soru as fast as it could. But to its surprise, it was pulled back to the same spot as before.


    "What are you doing?" Soru asked.


    The orb ignored his question and kept trying to escape. But no matter how many times it fled, it always returned to its original position¡ªlike a ball bouncing back to the ground in repeat.


    "NGGGHH!!"


    Why¡­ Why¡­ Why¡­ Why¡­ Why?! Why can¡¯t I get away from him?!


    Desperate to break free, the orb unleashed a pulse of soul energy at Soru without hesitation¡ªa last-ditch effort to shake him off.


    "Ghk?!"


    A sharp pain jolted through the orb as a crack appeared on its surface.


    W-Was that¡­ a soul attack?!


    Refusing to believe it, the orb fired another soul attack. But the moment it struck Soru, pain shot through its own soul fragment instead.


    H-How could this be¡­?! Instead of him taking damage, I¡¯m the one being harmed?!


    Still, the orb didn¡¯t stop. Again and again, it attacked, desperately trying to escape. Each strike sent another wave of damage through its soul, yet it refused to relent. The pain meant nothing¡ªit had to break free, no matter the cost.


    Its attacks turned relentless, fueled by desperation. But as the agony tore through its being, something else surfaced. Hatred. The centuries of rage and thirst for revenge buried in its memory surged forward, consuming its mind.


    "GHHHHHHHHH!!!"


    The orb kept struggling, refusing to yield. But after countless attempts to break free, its soul fragment could no longer hold together. The cracks had accumulated beyond repair.


    My soul fragment¡­!

 Chapter 24: Old and New Faces

    The orb could no longer withstand the irreversible damage and finally gave up. On the other side, Soru noticed that the strange orb before him had stopped resisting. He simply walked toward it.


    "My revenge¡­ I couldn''t keep my promise! Damn it!"


    "Um¡ª"


    Suddenly, the orb erupted into hysterical laughter.


    "HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! YES, YES! I ACCEPT MY DEFEAT!"


    Puzzled by its bizarre reaction, Soru chose not to question it and simply watched as the orb laughed like a madman. After a few moments, the laughter died down, and the orb fixed its gaze on him.


    "You¡­ Tell me your name. I must know the name of the one who defeated me."


    "My name''s Shin¡­ Soru Shin," he answered, still bewildered.


    Just then, he noticed the orb beginning to disintegrate. Its surface chipped away bit by bit, dissolving into nothingness.


    "Soru¡­ Shin¡­"


    As the orb shrank to half its size, it struggled to gather the last of its strength to speak its final words.


    "I can¡¯t avenge them on my own anymore. But your existence¡­ This continent will tremble once again¡­"


    A vision surfaced before it¡ªmemories from long ago. In the image, familiar faces appeared, smiling warmly as they called out to it.


    "Hey! What are you standing over there for? Come here with us!" one of them called.


    "Why are you always the last one? Can''t you walk faster?" another teased.


    Seeing its companions again, the orb smiled for the first time in ages. Step by step, it moved toward them. As it did, its form shifted, returning to its true self¡ªa woman with horns upon her head.


    "Long live¡­ the Ogre Race¡­"


    With those final words, the being that had harmed Reika and weakened the Wildfire Dragon for millennia faded completely from existence.


    However, Soru had no idea that the orb was the same one he had encountered before. He remained oblivious to its identity and the reason behind its attack. Now that it was gone, he stood in place, trying to make sense of the situation.


    "I just wanted to ask why it was following me, but it immediately fought back and attacked me¡­"


    And yet¡­ I feel like I¡¯ve seen it before. When was it, anyway?


    With a slight shrug, Soru turned away and walked off.


    Never mind. It didn¡¯t seem interested in talking from the start¡­ and now it¡¯s gone.


    Moments later, Veylir arrived at the scene, spotting Soru as he made his way toward the Luminite.


    "Master Soru, what took you so long? There were no signs of monsters nearby, so I decided to come and check on you instead..."


    Soru turned to see Veylir approaching.


    "Well¡­ never mind. We¡¯ll take the Luminite and get out of here. It¡¯s already evening."


    Veylir flew closer and examined the Luminite before her.


    "With this, I can regain my strength¡­"


    She glanced at Soru.


    "Could you carry it, Master Soru? I-I''ll use an aerial-type ability to make it light as a feather, so it¡¯ll be easier for you to lift¡­"


    "Do as you please," Soru replied.


    Facing the Luminite, Veylir closed her eyes and activated her ability.


    <Light Wind>


    A green halo formed around the crystal, swirling faster and faster as it revolved around it.


    "It¡¯s ready, Master Soru."


    With the preparations complete, Soru stepped forward and gripped the Luminite. To his surprise, it came free from the rock effortlessly.


    "Pretty convenient, right?" Veylir said with a grin.


    Soru held the arm-sized Luminite in one hand. Despite its several-kilogram weight, he carried it effortlessly thanks to Veylir¡¯s aerial-type ability.


    "It¡¯s so light¡­"


    "Let¡¯s go, Master Soru!"


    With Veylir leading the way, they made their way back to the cave entrance. Soru remained silent about his encounter with the strange orb. To him, it was nothing more than a fleeting event¡ªhardly worth mentioning.


    As they emerged from the cave, the moonlight greeted them, accompanied by the gentle, cold breeze of the night. The moment the Luminite was exposed to the light, it glowed, its pristine surface shimmering with an almost ethereal clarity.


    "How beautiful¡­" Veylir murmured.


    As they continued down the path, Soru noticed movement in the shadows. Monsters lurked in the bushes, their eyes gleaming in the dim light. Though wary of him and the familiar leading the way, they hesitated to attack.


    "Grrrrr¡­"


    Low growls echoed through the night, but none dared to strike. Some creatures whimpered and shrank back, their forms retreating into the darkness. A few lowered their heads in submission before vanishing into the undergrowth. The smaller ones didn¡¯t hesitate¡ªthey scattered in terror, instinctively understanding that confronting these two meant certain death.


    Despite the creatures lurking around them, Soru paid no mind and simply followed Veylir as they made their way back to the settlement.


    In the midst of their conversation, a rustling sound came from the bushes. Both of them halted.


    "Master Soru¡­"


    Soru didn¡¯t respond with words¡ªhe simply nodded. Then, they continued forward, moving cautiously.


    Veylir''s sharp eyes caught sight of two short figures ahead, accompanied by a taller one.


    "Is that¡­?"


    Soru narrowed his eyes. As the figures rushed toward them, their details became clearer¡ªscrawny bodies, green skin, tattered clothes, and rusty knives clutched in their hands.


    Suddenly, the tallest one let out a panicked scream.


    "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"


    The moment it spotted Soru and Veylir, it gasped in relief and sprinted toward them.


    "H-HELP USSSSS!"


    Veylir¡¯s eyes widened. "G-Goblins!?"


    The three creatures wasted no time. Without hesitation, they darted behind Soru, clutching at his legs as if he were their last hope.


    Soru didn¡¯t react to their desperate behavior. Instead, he silently observed them, noting their unusual appearances.


    Goblins¡­


    They didn¡¯t look like the ones from the mangas Soru had read before¡ªnot the grotesque, monstrous kind.


    Hm¡­ their appearance reminds me of a certain isekai¡­


    "H-Hey! What are you doing, hiding behind Master Soru!?" Veylir exclaimed.


    One of the goblins, the taller one, stammered out a response.


    "W-We apologize, kind sir. We were being chased by R-Rabid Wolves, and we need y-you to hide¡ª Eeeek!"


    A deep growl cut through the night.


    Veylir immediately turned around, her sharp senses kicking in. A Rabid Wolf crept toward them, fangs bared, ready to pounce.


    "AWOOOOOOOO!!"


    The howl echoed, and in an instant, more Rabid Wolves emerged from the bushes, their glowing eyes fixated on their prey. They surrounded the group from all directions, their bodies tense with anticipation.


    "You stupid goblins! You dragged us into this!" Veylir exclaimed.


    One of the Rabid Wolves lunged at her, but as a spiritual entity, she was intangible¡ªits body passed right through her. Both the goblins and the wolves froze in shock.


    "W-What is that thing?" the taller goblin asked, pointing at Veylir.


    "Fa¡ªiliar... Weird..." the other goblin mumbled.


    In the middle of their confusion, another wolf suddenly charged at Soru, launching itself at him without hesitation. The goblins expected him to dodge or fight back, but to their surprise, he didn¡¯t move at all.


    "Sir, w-what are you doing¡­?" the taller goblin asked nervously.


    Instead of avoiding the wolf¡¯s fangs, Soru calmly raised his left arm, deliberately allowing it to bite down.


    The goblins gasped in horror.


    "Run! That human has lost his mind!" the taller goblin shouted as they scrambled to flee.


    But before they could take another step, all the Rabid Wolves in the area suddenly collapsed. It happened the instant the wolf¡¯s fangs made contact with Soru¡¯s arm.


    All the Rabid Wolves surrounding them whimpered in pain, writhing on the ground. Some didn¡¯t even get the chance to struggle¡ªlifeless bodies lay where they had stood just moments ago.


    The goblins fell silent, confusion written all over their faces as they stared at the fallen wolves. Blood seeped from deep wounds in their necks.


    "W-What just happened? They all collapsed out of nowhere¡­!" the taller goblin exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief.


    "Hmph! This is Master Soru¡¯s might!" Veylir declared proudly.


    "Master¡­ Soru?" one of the shorter goblins murmured.


    "But¡­ human¡­ didn¡¯t move," the other one muttered in awe.


    "A human strong enough to take down Rabid Wolves without even lifting a finger¡­ So cool!" the taller goblin exclaimed.


    The three goblins exchanged glances before nodding in unison. Then, without hesitation, they dropped to their knees and bowed deeply before Soru. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Thank you for saving us, benefactor!" the taller one cried out.


    "Thank¡­ you¡­ ¡ªtor!" the other two echoed, their voices filled with gratitude.


    Veylir narrowed her eyes, sensing something unusual about the goblins.


    "Hey¡­ I noticed something. Out of the three of you, only you speak fluently," she said, directing her question at the taller goblin.


    "Ah!"


    The goblins quickly stood up, dusting off their tattered clothes with their hands.


    "I acquired this ability called <Translator> Thanks to it, I can communicate with both monsters and humans alike," the tall goblin explained.


    Veylir¡¯s eyes widened in surprise.


    "That''s¡­ amazing! For a mere monster to gain enough sentience to acquire an ability like that¡ªtruly an impressive feat!" she exclaimed.


    She flew closer to the goblin, observing him with newfound curiosity.


    "How should I address you, goblin?"


    The tall goblin scratched his head awkwardly.


    "I¡­ don¡¯t have a name¡­"


    Veylir paused, deep in thought.


    Hm¡­


    Then, an idea struck her.


    "To save me the trouble of identifying you, I¡¯ll call you Gobuchiki from now on. How¡¯s that sound?"


    Upon hearing Veylir¡¯s words, the tall goblin¡¯s eyes sparkled with amazement.


    "Gobu¡­ chiki..? That name''s awesome!"


    Lowering his head respectfully, he spoke with gratitude.


    "Thank you for giving me a name, benefactor¡¯s familiar. It is a great honor."


    The moment the words left his mouth, Veylir¡¯s mood shifted drastically. A powerful aura erupted from her, crackling with intensity.


    "W-What did you just say?"


    "Ah... Eh?" Gobuchiki blinked in confusion.


    "Calling a a mere familiar¡ªhave you got no shame!?"


    Gobuchiki¡¯s eyes widened in alarm as he glanced around.


    "C-Calamity Dragon? Where?" Gobuchiki asked, looking around in confusion.


    Veylir¡¯s aura flared even stronger.


    "Are you blind? I¡¯m talking about you imbecile!"


    Gobuchiki stared at Veylir, carefully observing her from head to toe. Then, out of nowhere, he let out a chuckle.


    "Ehhh~ You surely jest, benefactor¡¯s familiar. Calamity Dragons are you know? With your size, being a familiar to someone as strong as benefactor suits you way better!"


    Veylir froze upon hearing his words. Then, something inside her snapped.


    Her aura flared violently, the ground beneath her trembling slightly.


    "Giving you a name was a mistake. Looks like you need a beating¡ª"


    "Hey," Soru interrupted.


    Veylir paused and turned around, only to find Soru staring at her.


    "Reika and the others might be looking for us. Let¡¯s go back."


    "But...!"


    "Leave them be."


    Unable to defy Soru¡¯s order, Veylir lowered her head and returned to his side.


    "Tch!"


    Meanwhile, Gobuchiki scratched his head, still trying to figure out why the "familiar" was so upset.


    "Uhh¡­ Did I get the joke right?"


    Veylir, still fuming, flew ahead without another word, leaving Gobuchiki completely baffled.


    Soru followed Veylir in silence as they made their way back to the settlement. Minutes passed before Veylir spotted a faint glow in the distance.


    "I see light up ahead. That must be the settlement. But¡­"


    She turned around and narrowed her eyes. The three goblins were still trailing behind them.


    "Why are you lowlifes following us?"


    Gobuchiki fidgeted nervously as he trailed behind Soru and Veylir, with the other two goblins sticking close to him.


    "T-The thing is¡­ we don¡¯t know our way back to our village¡­"


    "And how is that problem? Scram!" Veylir snapped.


    "But¡ª"


    "Do you me to beat you senseless for real!?" she shouted, flying straight toward Gobuchiki.


    "I¡¯ll go on ahead. Handle them, Veylir," Soru said flatly before walking off, still carrying the Luminite.


    "Wait, Master Soru¡ª!"


    Veylir cut herself off, watching helplessly as Soru disappeared toward the distant light. After a moment, she let out a frustrated sigh before turning back to the goblins.


    "I told you to leave at once. Will you scram or not?"


    Suddenly, Gobuchiki burst into tears right in front of Veylir. His eyes widened dramatically, his expression exaggerated in an obvious attempt to win her sympathy.


    "Please! Let us stay at your place temporarily! W-We don¡¯t know the way back to our village, and t-there are scary monsters everywhere! "


    The two goblins behind him nodded furiously, eagerly backing up his plea.


    Veylir stared at them, her irritation growing with every passing second. But as their relentless pleading continued, she finally let out a long sigh.


    "Alright, alright! I¡¯ll take you back to the settlement. But!" She pointed a finger at them. "I¡¯m not the one who decides if you get to stay or not¡ªthat¡¯s up to the ones in charge there!"


    Gobuchiki¡¯s teary eyes widened in joy. A bright smile spread across his face as he beamed at her.


    "Thank you for your kindness! W-We¡¯ll leave once the sun¡¯s up!" Gobuchiki exclaimed.


    "Yeah, yeah. Just follow me," Veylir muttered.


    The goblins obediently trailed behind her in silence. Meanwhile, Soru was already ahead, steadily making his way toward the settlement¡¯s glow in the distance.


    As they walked, Gobuchiki found himself lost in thought, replaying the earlier conversation that had earned him Veylir¡¯s wrath.


    "Mister F-Familiar, may I¡ª"


    Before he could finish, Veylir let out a loud sigh.


    "Just to be clear, I a name. And I  a female."


    Gobuchiki twitched.


    "Uh¡­ Oh! Yes! Miss¡ªuh, what was your name, by the way?"


    "Veylir!" she snapped, barely holding back her irritation.


    "Eeek! Yes! Miss Veylir, Miss¡­!"


    Gobuchiki suddenly stopped mid-sentence. His eyes widened as realization struck.


    "Wait¡­ Wildfire Dragon Veylir, guardian of the Great Forest of Drys?"


    He froze in place, staring at her in disbelief.


    "Y-You¡¯re joking, right?"


    Veylir came to a halt and turned to meet his gaze.


    "Do you think a like me would joke about that?"

 Chapter 25: Permission to Stay

    At that moment, Gobuchiki realized Veylir was completely serious¡ªthis wasn¡¯t a joke.


    "Those who falsely claim to be a Calamity Dragon are persecuted by the Draconic Clan. If you have the guts to lie¡ª"


    "Oh, come on! Just believe me, will you?" Veylir interrupted.


    "But that¡¯s impossible! Your aura doesn¡¯t feel anything like the Wildfire Dragon¡¯s, and your size¡­" Gobuchiki protested.


    Veylir sighed heavily.


    "Fine... I¡¯ll explain, just so you¡¯ll stop doubting me."


    She slowed her flight, allowing Gobuchiki to match her pace. He listened intently, eager to hear the truth.


    "What you¡¯re seeing now is just my shrunk-down soul body. My soul power is severely weakened, which is why my aura doesn¡¯t match that of a Calamity Dragon."


    "If that¡¯s true¡­ what happened to your physical body?" Gobuchiki asked hesitantly.


    Veylir¡¯s expression darkened.


    "My physical body was slain by Master Soru," she said, her voice laced with a hint of sorrow.


    Gobuchiki stiffened. "Master Soru¡­ You mean that human who made you his familiar?"


    "No¡­ He¡¯s not technically my master, nor am I his familiar. I only call him that out of formality¡­"


    "Is that so..." Gobuchiki murmured.


    "How did he do it? Killing the Wildfire Dragon alone is simply unheard of. Wait¡­ did he handle you all by himself?"


    Veylir nodded.


    "You''re right. With his peculiar ability, he incinerated me to death. Even though I enhanced my scales to withstand the heat, it wasn''t enough to prevent me from being burned alive."


    "That''s¡­ a horrible way to die. I''m sorry to hear that..."


    Gobuchiki glanced at Veylir and noticed the sadness in her expression.


    "Do you resent the benefactor for what he did to you?"


    Veylir didn¡¯t answer right away. She remained silent for a moment before finally speaking.


    "I¡­ do feel a slight resentment toward him, but what he did to me was reasonable."


    "He killed me to stop my rampage from destroying that village any further."


    Gobuchiki fell quiet, thinking over her words.


    "Although I don¡¯t know what caused your rampage, what you did to that village was bad. You¡¯re lucky the benefactor didn¡¯t kill your soul body afterward."


    "Yeah¡­ I¡¯m really lucky he spared me, even after my physical death."


    The four of them continued walking as they neared the settlement. Gobuchiki, still curious, decided to ask Veylir another question.


    "Miss Veylir, do you have any idea why you rampaged that time? My first thought was that you acted out of agitation, but was that really the case?"


    Veylir stopped and turned to face him. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You sure like asking a lot of questions. What are you, an interviewer or something?"


    "Come on, Miss Veylir. Sharing a story or two won¡¯t hurt, you know?"


    Veylir stared at him for a moment, then let out a sigh.


    "Such a nosy goblin. Fine, I¡¯ll answer it."


    "Now we¡¯re talking!" Gobuchiki grinned.


    Veylir resumed flying, her pace slow as she began recounting her story.


    "It was noon when I woke from my long slumber. The moment I opened my eyes, I decided to hunt monsters for food to satisfy my hunger. I left my cave and searched the area, looking for something to eat."


    "Basilisks were one of my favorite meals¡ªtheir meat tastes great, especially when fresh. So I flew through the vast forest, searching for one."


    "After a while, my nose picked up a familiar yet strange scent. It belonged to the prey I was looking for. I followed the trail and eventually arrived at the scene, only to find the basilisk I sought lying there, already dead. It had been crushed, along with a pack of Rabid Wolves."


    "I was furious. I had spent minutes searching for my favorite prey, only to find it dead and inedible. To make things worse, the scent of the culprit had faded¡ªthe battle had happened hours ago, making it nearly impossible to track them by smell. So I had no choice but to search for clues with my eyes alone."


    "The culprit¡­ was it a monster that killed the basilisk?" Gobuchiki asked.


    "No. Judging by the corpse, there were no bite or claw marks. It wasn¡¯t hunted for food¡ªjust killed and left behind."


    "I see..." Gobuchiki murmured.


    "I kept searching for the culprit until I found something else¡ªa dead wyvern not too far from the scene. It had been burned to death by someone who could manipulate flames."


    "Maybe the wyvern got into a fight with its own kind?" Gobuchiki suggested.


    "No. In this forest, only the wyvern and I had the ability to conjure flame at will."


    Gobuchiki''s eyes widened.


    "So that means¡­!"


    "Yes. Only a sentient being with control over flames could have killed it. And possibly, the same one who killed the basilisk and those Rabid Wolves," Veylir confirmed.


    "Luckily, I managed to pick up the culprit¡¯s scent in that area. It was faint, but enough to track. Along the way, I found signs of battle, and the trail eventually led me to that village at the edge of the forest."


    "I wasn¡¯t sure who had done it, only that they were hiding in that village. So I rampaged, hoping to flush them out. But I got too caught up in my emotions¡­ and ended up going too far. Before I could learn their identity, I was killed in that very same village."


    Gobuchiki and the other goblins realized they had finally arrived at the settlement. But the moment they saw a human girl standing ahead, they froze in place.


    "Upon my physical death, I found out that the one who killed me was Master Soru. At that moment, I realized that he was the one who¡­ Hm?"


    Veylir stopped mid-sentence when she noticed Gobuchiki had completely stopped moving. She tilted her head, confused.


    "Hey, are you that shocked after hearing about Master Soru''s capabilities? Sure, it was unusual¡ª"


    "Miss Veylir," Gobuchiki interrupted, his voice trembling. "That female human over there is glaring at us¡­"


    "Human who?"


    "Oi, Veylir."


    A cold voice cut through the air, making Veylir¡¯s skin shiver. Slowly, she turned around¡ªonly to see Reika standing right in front of them.


    "Erm¡­ I¡­"


    "Enough," Reika said, her tone firm. "I already know about your little trip, thanks to Soru. But¡­"


    She stepped closer, stopping just in front of Veylir.


    "Would you care to explain who weird bunch is?" Reika gestured toward the goblins. "Soru didn¡¯t mention anything about them."


    "Uhhh..."


    What? Master Soru didn¡¯t tell her about these goblins?


    "Well¡­ they¡¯re called goblins, Master Reika. Soru and I saved them from Rabid Wolves when we first encountered them."


    Reika scratched her head as she observed Gobuchiki and his companions.


    "Hmm¡­ I don¡¯t know what goblins are, but I¡¯m sure I¡¯ve heard the name somewhere¡­"


    "Do goblins exist in your world¡ª I mean, in your continent, Master Reika?" Veylir asked.


    "Ah! I remember now¡­ I read about them in textbooks before. According to those, they¡¯re supposed to be small, ugly, and vicious-looking."


    "Ouch. You don¡¯t have to say that right in our faces¡­" Gobuchiki muttered.


    "But¡­"


    Reika stared at the goblins from head to toe.


    "Compared to what I¡¯ve read, they look¡­ different?"


    "Different? What does that even mean?" Gobuchiki asked, confused.


    "A-Anyway, Master Reika, these goblins pleaded with me to let them stay here temporarily because they their way back to their village. Perhaps you can arrange something for them?"


    Reika raised an eyebrow.


    "You¡¯d better ask Mister Alguis. He built this entire settlement, so naturally, he has the authority to decide whether they can stay or not."


    "I¡¯m not doing that. We¡¯re not even close enough to have a casual conversation, let alone discuss something like this."


    Reika stepped closer to Veylir.


    "You said you already met and talked with him. What¡¯s the fuss now?"


    "I¡¯m not good at making arrangements, alright? You¡¯re the one with good communication skills, so it¡¯s better if you do it."


    "I¡¯m not the one who brought them here; and Soru did. Deal with it yourself."


    "But¡­!"


    While Veylir and Reika argued, Gobuchiki and the other goblins watched in silence.


    "Is that Miss Veylir¡¯s actual human master? She called her ¡®Master¡¯¡­"


    "They¡­ fight," one of the goblins murmured.


    Gobuchiki squinted at them.


    "Do they really have that kind of relationship? From the looks of it, that doesn¡¯t seem to be the case."


    Meanwhile, Alguis happened to pass by and overheard the commotion. Recognizing the familiar voices, he looked around, tracking the noise to its source. He soon realized it was coming from behind the large house where they currently lived.


    Alguis followed the noise to its source and found Reika arguing with Veylir. Behind the dragon stood a group of unfamiliar individuals.


    "Miss Reika?"


    Both Reika and Veylir paused and turned toward him.


    "Is there a problem? It looks like both of you had a misunderstanding..."


    Veylir¡¯s eyes widened in frustration.


    "Hey, old dwarf! For the last time, address me proper¡ªGHAAAK!?"


    Before she could finish, Reika tightened her grip on Veylir¡¯s collar.


    "We apologize, Mister Alguis. We were just having a small discussion and got a little carried away," Reika said calmly.


    "Is that so¡­" Alguis glanced at the figures behind them. "And who are these little fellows? I wasn¡¯t aware you had connections with goblins, Miss Reika."


    "Ahhh, well, the thing is¡ª"


    "Mast¡­er Rei¡­KHAK!"


    Reika sighed and loosened the collar''s grip.


    "Tch! Why does my soul body react like I¡¯m actually being strangled!? This doesn¡¯t make any sense!"


    Ignoring her complaint, Reika replied to Alguis, "Ask Veylir about their identities. She and Soru were the ones who brought them here."


    Veylir flew closer, her irritation still clear.


    "Forget about it! Bringing them here was a pain in the ass. I should¡¯ve just left them in the forest."


    Reika¡¯s expression shifted the moment she heard Veylir¡¯s remark.


    "What!? You went through all the trouble of bringing them here just to drive them away? Are you mad?"


    "You won¡¯t even help me persuade that old man Alguis over there, so why are you judging decisions?" Veylir shot back.


    "Then be responsible! Is it that hard!?"


    "Uhm¡­ May I ask a question?" Gobuchiki hesitantly interjected.


    "Oh, shut up!" Both Reika and Veylir shouted in unison.


    "Okay¡­" Gobuchiki muttered, taking a step back.


    Realizing how out of hand things had gotten, Reika took a deep breath and stepped back, regaining her composure.


    "Ahem¡­ Y-Yes, you can ask."


    Gobuchiki hesitated for a moment before stepping forward and facing Alguis directly.


    "S-Sir¡­ is your name Alguis Fellad¡­?"


    The moment the words left his mouth, Alguis¡¯ eyes widened. A long silence followed before he finally responded.


    "How did you¡­ Y-Yes, my name is Alguis Fellad. But how do you know my family name¡­?"


    Before he could get an answer, Gobuchiki and the other two goblins suddenly dropped to their knees, bowing deeply before him.


    Reika and Veylir exchanged confused glances, startled by their sudden display of respect. Even Alguis seemed taken aback.


    "We greet Your Majesty," Gobuchiki said firmly.


    Alguis stood frozen, speechless at first. After a long pause, he finally spoke.


    "You may rise."


    Gobuchiki and the others obeyed Alguis¡¯ command and stood up.


    Meanwhile, Veylir fumed at the scene unfolding before her.


    "How come these imbeciles recognized that old dwarf¡¯s identity right away but doubted me when I told them mine!?"


    "Shhh!" Reika hushed her.


    Alguis ignored the exchange and focused on the goblins. "How did you recognize me?"


    "Who on this continent recognize you?" Gobuchiki replied. "Thanks to your decree that allows lesser races like us to buy weapons from your kingdom, we¡¯ve managed to survive from monster invasions to this day! It¡¯s all thanks to you, Your Majesty!"


    Alguis stroked his beard thoughtfully.


    "Is that so¡­"


    He stepped forward and placed a firm hand on Gobuchiki¡¯s shoulder.


    "Thank you for your recognition, young goblin. I¡¯m glad my actions have helped your kind."


    "Nah, it¡¯s a small thing, King Alguis," Gobuchiki said with a grin.


    Then, he glanced around the settlement, curiosity filling his eyes.


    "King Alguis, may I ask? Why are you here in this secluded settlement instead of your palace?"


    Alguis let out a deep sigh.


    "It¡¯s a long story, kid. Telling you would just be a waste of your time."


    Gobuchiki chuckled and gave a thumbs-up.


    "I¡¯m a good listener, though?"


    Hearing that, Alguis smiled faintly before turning around.


    "Follow me. I¡¯ll tell you along the way."


    Gobuchiki and the other goblins eagerly followed, listening as Alguis began recounting the coup d¡¯¨¦tat in the dwarven kingdom and his exile.


    Meanwhile, Reika and Veylir stood in place, watching the group walk away. After a brief silence, they turned to face each other.


    "Does that mean¡­ it¡¯s a yes?" Veylir asked.


    "I guess it is¡­" Reika murmured.


    Seeing that things had gone smoothly, the two decided to follow along.


    By the time Soru, Veylir, and the goblins arrived at the settlement, it was already late. Most of the villagers were asleep, except for a few who remained awake.


    Alguis led Gobuchiki and the other two goblins to the front of the large house.


    "That¡¯s bad news, King Alguis! Your son handling the throne himself could be a huge risk to your kingdom!" Gobuchiki exclaimed.


    "It¡¯s not bad. I know what he¡¯s capable of. It¡¯s just¡­ acting as a king is different. He might not be ready yet."


    Nearby, Aeden and V?lun heard familiar voices. Recognizing one of them as Alguis, they turned toward the source and spotted him along with the goblins.


    "Mister Alguis!" Aeden and V?lun greeted him.


    "Oh, V?lun, Aeden. You¡¯re still awake."


    V?lun¡¯s gaze shifted toward the goblins.


    "Sir, are they¡ª"


    "They¡¯ll be staying with us tonight. There are three beds in our room; spare one for them."


    Alguis then turned to Gobuchiki and the others.


    "I know you haven¡¯t had dinner. Come with me, I¡¯ll get you something to eat."


    "Thank you, King Alguis," Gobuchiki said gratefully.


    "Oh, come on. I told you to call me Sir or Mister Alguis from now on."


    "Oh. Sir¡­ Alguis," Gobuchiki murmured shyly.


    Alguis smiled at him.


    "That¡¯s better. Follow me."

 Chapter 26: Redemption?

    While Gobuchiki and the others followed Alguis, Aeden and V?lun were too busy arguing over whose bed the goblin would be sleeping in that night.


    "Why mine, anyway? What about yours?!" V?lun protested.


    "My bed''s too small for the three of them. Yours has enough space. Is that even a question?"


    "But...!"


    "Or what? Should we use Mister Alguis''s bed instead?"


    V?lun let out a sigh, realizing he couldn''t argue further.


    "Okay, fine! You win this time!"


    Still bickering, Aeden and V?lun left the scene and headed inside the house.


    With nothing else to do, Reika decided to turn in for the night. As she turned around, she caught Veylir staring at her intently.


    "...What are you doing?"


    "Uhh... Nothing?"


    Reika raised an eyebrow at her odd behavior but simply shrugged it off, and the two of them went inside together.


    When Reika opened the door to their room, she saw Soru already fast asleep in his bed.


    "He''s asleep already."


    Sitting on her bed, Reika recalled the giant crystal Soru had brought back from the forest.


    Hmm... Why did he have that huge crystal in the first place?


    Curious, she searched the room, but the crystal was nowhere to be found.


    "Doesn''t seem like it''s here either..."


    Veylir watched her rummage through the room but didn''t look surprised. She already knew what Reika was looking for.


    While she was distracted earlier, I secretly slipped into the room and stored the crystal using my spatial-type ability, Spatial Storage.


    Luckily, I made it back just in time¡ªif she had caught me, she would have bombarded me with questions!


    Unable to find the crystal, Reika sighed and gave up.


    "Never mind. I''ll just ask him about it tomorrow..."


    Veylir quietly watched as Reika prepared her bed. Once she was done, she sat down.


    "Master Reika."


    Hearing her name, Reika turned to face Veylir, puzzled.


    "Hm?"


    Veylir slowly lowered her head.


    "Do you resent me?"


    Reika¡¯s eyes widened at the unexpected question.


    "..."


    Receiving no immediate answer, Veylir held her gaze.


    "I know I''ve committed terrible acts¡ªnot just against you, but against everyone who suffered because of my actions."


    Reika remained silent, simply listening.


    "As a Calamity Dragon, I¡¯ve witnessed the destruction of towns, cities, and even the fall of nations. That village... was no different to me. I acted without care, without hesitation."


    She paused for a moment before continuing.


    "To be honest, I have no regrets about what I did there. My actions were based on my beliefs and decisions. From my perspective, they were logical."


    Reika¡¯s brow twitched. Without a word, she raised her hand, intending to tighten the collar around Veylir¡¯s neck. But she quickly pushed the thought aside, and lowered her hand onto her lap.


    "Why bother asking? Of course, I hold some resentment toward you¡ªespecially for what you did to those people."


    "Then why don''t you¡ª"


    "But!" Reika cut her off. "That doesn¡¯t mean I want revenge because of what you did. Violence isn¡¯t always the answer to everything."


    I learned from my mistakes¡ªespecially from what I did to Soru back then...


    "I''m sure you have a plausible explanation for your actions, so you¡¯d better tell me your side."


    Veylir began to recount the events that led to her rampage in Signas Village. She explained everything, while Reika listened in silence.


    When Veylir finished, Reika didn¡¯t respond right away. She lowered her head, lost in thought.


    So... just because Soru killed those monsters in self-defense, it triggered her rampage?


    Then... that means he... no, we are responsible for the village¡¯s destruction!?


    "I-I see..." Reika hesitantly murmured.


    "Do you intend to punish me now?"


    Reika suddenly raised an eyebrow.


    "Ehhh? I already told you I wouldn¡¯t do that!" Reika exclaimed.


    "B-Besides, just look at you! You¡¯ve already suffered enough because of your actions. Now, you¡¯re just a soul without a body!"


    Veylir¡¯s eyes widened as she lowered her head. Meanwhile, Reika tried to push away the unsettling thought that they might have played a part in what happened.


    "You see... our perspectives shape our actions. You view humans as lesser beings, much like how humans see insects¡ªinsignificant creatures that can be crushed without a second thought."


    Reika met Veylir¡¯s gaze, noticing how she kept her head down.


    "What? Feeling guilty now?"


    "No... It¡¯s just this strange uneasiness I''m feeling..."


    Reika sighed. Seeing Veylir troubled, she decided to offer some advice.


    "Why not... try changing your perspective?"


    Veylir slowly lifted her head.


    "Change... my perspective?"


    "Yes! Try coexisting with humans, interact with them, get to know them. If you do that, your view of them will start to change¡ªslowly but surely." S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Is that so...? I''ve rarely interacted with humans before, and empathizing with them feels almost impossible."


    "But not impossible, right?"


    "I guess? I don''t even know."


    "Then try, dummy."


    Veylir twitched at the remark.


    "As a proud member of the Draconic Race, being called an is humiliating¡ªespecially by a human like you. But I''ll let it slide..."


    Reika chuckled.


    "Hahaha! Then don¡¯t get caught up on something so obvious."


    She lay down on her bed, stretching her arms.


    "Tomorrow, I''ll introduce you to the villagers. Try interacting with them."


    "Introduce me? What if they hate me once they find out who I really am?"


    "I already thought of that. I¡¯ll tell them you¡¯re just a familiar I caught and tamed. That way, they¡¯ll be less suspicious and more likely to treat you well¡ªespecially since you''re with one of their guests."


    "Mhm. That might actually work."


    Reika yawned as her eyelids grew heavy. A fleeting thought crossed her mind¡ªthe Soru and Veylir had bought¡ªbut exhaustion made it hard to focus.


    "And remember... don''t... mess it up... zzzz..."


    Before she could finish, she drifted off into sleep.


    She¡¯s already asleep?!


    Veylir watched her for a moment before a small smile formed on her lips.


    "I wanted to enter that crystal right away, but... I changed my mind."


    Not wanting to disturb her, she sighed and curled up beside her.


    "Maybe now¡¯s not the time."


    Though she didn¡¯t need sleep, Veylir closed her eyes anyway. It was a small act, but it gave her a sense of peace.


    "I just hope nothing goes wrong tomorrow..."


    ...


    "Yup, there¡¯s a problem..."


    Veylir sighed as she peeked through the window. The morning sun cast its light on her, but she paid it no mind, her attention fixed on the commotion outside. The villagers¡ªincluding Silas himself¡ªwere arguing with Alguis ahead.


    "Sir Alguis, goblins are known to pillage villages and slaughter adventurers! With them around, my people will feel unsafe!" Silas protested.


    "I understand your concerns," Alguis replied calmly, "but I assure you, they¡¯re far more harmless than you think."


    Soru, having woken up from the noise outside, stood beside Alguis, while the three goblins hid behind his legs, wary of the angry crowd.


    "But sir!" one of the villagers interjected. "What if they¡¯re only pretending to be friendly? What if they rob us when we least expect it?"


    "A-And what if they¡¯re just acting harmless so we let our guard down, only for them to call in reinforcements hiding somewhere nearby? What if they plan to pillage the whole settlement!?" another man exclaimed, his voice tinged with fear.


    "Yeah! Goblins are nothing but scheming demons to adventurers! They¡¯re vile, vicious monsters!" another villager shouted.


    Despite the growing commotion, Soru couldn¡¯t have cared less. The only thing on his mind right now was the grumbling in his stomach.


    I want to eat breakfast now¡­


    Meanwhile, Gobuchiki kept peeking nervously at the villagers, his two companions huddled close behind him. The hostile stares sent shivers down their spines, forcing them to retreat behind Soru¡¯s legs again.


    "I just wanted to drink some water from the well because I was thirsty¡­ I didn¡¯t expect it to turn into this," Gobuchiki murmured.


    Then, Aeden suddenly stepped forward from the crowd, her sharp gaze sweeping over the villagers.


    "How dare you question Sir Alguis¡¯ decision? In the first place, people didn¡¯t build this settlement¡ªwe did. has the right to decide who stays here!"


    For a moment, the crowd fell into stunned silence. Then, hushed murmurs spread among them.


    One man hesitantly raised his hand. As the crowd turned their attention to him, he lowered it and spoke.


    "But¡­ he built this settlement to make amends with us, didn¡¯t he? He¡¯s the one responsible for bringing those assassins that destroyed our remaining houses in the first place. That means we have a right to this place too."


    "T-That¡¯s right!" another villager added. "It¡¯s true that we¡¯re just living here and benefiting from the houses you built, but as settlers, we have a right to be concerned for our safety."


    "It may sound disrespectful to you, Sir Alguis, that we doubted your words despite your assurance, but please understand our concerns!" a village woman exclaimed.


    The crowd''s murmurs grew louder. Silas tried desperately to calm them, but they refused to listen.


    "Ahem!"


    The noise died instantly as all eyes turned to Alguis.


    "I swear upon my name that I, Alguis Fellad, assure you¡ªthese goblins are innocent and harmless."


    Gobuchiki''s eyes filled with tears.


    "Mister Alguis...!"


    "And! If any of them, or any other goblins, disrupt the peace of this settlement, I will take full responsibility and deal with them myself!"


    The goblins flinched, trembling.


    "Eek! Mister Alguis...!"


    Suddenly, a familiar voice spoke from behind.


    "No. I will take responsibility."


    Alguis turned sharply and saw Reika standing firm with a serious look.


    "Miss Reika...!"


    Veylir, still inside, was stunned. She glanced back and saw the door¡ªwide open.


    What!? I didn¡¯t even notice her leaving the room!


    Alguis stepped aside, giving Reika space. The villagers, sensing the shift, fell silent and fixed their attention on her.


    "Mister Alguis shouldn''t be the one responsible. He merely allowed them to stay here yesterday. The real responsibility lies with the one who brought them here in the first place."


    The villagers exchanged baffled looks before murmuring among themselves.


    "I thought Mister Alguis was the one who brought those monsters here, but he''s not...?"


    "Then if it wasn¡¯t him, that means...!"


    As the crowd''s chatter grew, Reika''s heart pounded. But she steadied her breathing, forcing herself to stay calm.


    "A-Ahem!"


    The villagers quieted, turning their attention to her.


    "These three goblins were saved from Rabid Wolves they encountered in the forest. They pleaded to stay because they lost their way back to their village. Mister Alguis simply allowed them to remain here for the time being."


    Reika glanced behind her and spotted Veylir peeking from the window.


    "Veylir, come here."


    Veylir flinched, eyes widening.


    D-Don''t tell me... is this "that" moment!?


    With no choice but to obey, she stepped forward hesitantly. As the villagers took in her small, adorable form, a single thought passed through their minds.


    SO CUTE!!


    "Er..."


    Reika cleared her throat. "Everyone, I''d like to introduce my familiar and companion, Ve¡ª"


    She stopped mid-sentence, realizing Veylir''s identity had to remain a secret. The crowd, puzzled by her sudden hesitation, echoed the unfinished name in their minds.


    "Ve...?"


    "Uhm... I haven''t named her yet."


    You definitely said something earlier!


    "Ahem! Anyway, this familiar of mine was the one who brought the goblins here. And since I am her master, the responsibility falls on me. If you have any concerns about them, feel free to come to me."


    Gobuchiki listened to Reika¡¯s words, feeling a warmth stir in his chest.


    "I thought she was a scary human¡­ but I guess I was wrong about her!"


    The villagers began murmuring again.


    "If Miss Reika¡¯s familiar was the one who brought them here, then maybe she can keep them in check."


    "Wait, aren¡¯t we forgetting something? Mister Soru is with us! He took down a dragon¡ªthere¡¯s no way a few goblins could be a problem for him!"


    "Oh yeah! I almost forgot! With him around, keeping us safe is probably nothing to him!"


    With that reassurance, the villagers exchanged nods, finally easing their worries. Silas, noticing their shift in attitude, faced the crowd and spoke up.


    "Since we¡¯re all in agreement, the issue with the goblins is settled."


    "N-No¡­ this isn¡¯t over yet..."

 Chapter 27: Prejudices

    Everyone at the scene was stunned and confused. All eyes turned to Reika, who had just spoken.


    ¡°W-What do you mean by that, Miss Reika?¡± Silas asked hesitantly.


    ¡°T-This whole commotion wouldn¡¯t have happened in the first place if you had just set your prejudices aside¡­¡±


    Her words only deepened their confusion.


    ¡°Prejudices¡­?¡± one of the village women murmured.


    Reika raised a hand and pointed at someone in the crowd.


    ¡°Think about it. How can you be so sure they¡¯re vile, vicious monsters?¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­ because adventurers who fought them say so!¡± one of them answered.


    ¡°And who says they pillage villages and rob people?¡±


    ¡°W-Well¡­ according to the hearsay passed around by travelers from faraway lands, multiple sightings reported goblins attacking villages without mercy!¡±


    Reika arched an eyebrow.


    ¡°So you didn¡¯t witness it yourselves? You just believed the words of outsiders?¡±


    A heavy silence fell over the crowd.


    ¡°Y-Yes¡­¡± someone finally admitted.


    Reika glanced at them all.


    ¡°Did any of you see these very goblins standing before us today robbing or harming your people?¡±


    No one could answer. Shame flickered across their faces as they realized the flaw in their judgment.


    ¡°You see, making assumptions about someone just because they look different¡ªespecially based on hearsay¡ªis the most irrational way to form a conclusion.¡±


    She let out a sigh and shrugged.


    ¡°Just because they¡¯re called ¡®goblins¡¯ and have a reputation for being dangerous doesn¡¯t mean all of them are the same. You¡¯re just generalizing them.¡±


    ¡°What if these goblins are actually innocent and friendly? What if the accusations of them pillaging and attacking adventurers are false? We all have different ideals and personalities, so isn¡¯t it natural that stereotypes between groups would differ?¡±


    The crowd murmured among themselves, debating Reika¡¯s words and their own prejudices against the goblins.


    ¡°We are all living, sentient beings, each with a will of our own. Instead of making baseless assumptions, use that will to judge others for yourself. Try to interact with them. Form a solid connection, and only then verify whether the stereotypes hold any truth.¡± Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Reika turned away and paused for a moment.


    ¡°I-I only spoke my mind. Whether you take it to heart or not is up to you¡­¡±


    Without another word, she walked off. But as the rush of adrenaline faded, embarrassment set in, and she hurried back to her room.


    The crowd stood in stunned silence, reflecting on her words. Eventually, guilt took over, and they dispersed without a word, returning to their daily tasks. Only Silas, Alguis, Aeden, Gobuchiki, the two other goblins, and Soru remained at the scene.


    Silas sighed. ¡°Miss Reika was right. Judging them based on hearsay alone¡­ That was a mistake.¡±


    He lowered his head before the goblins. He was deeply embarrassed by his actions.


    ¡°On behalf of the village, I apologize for the harsh words we¡¯ve spoken about your kind. I hope you can forgive us...¡±


    Gobuchiki chuckled, offering a reassuring smile.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, kind sir. We¡¯re used to such judgments. Being looked down on for being goblins¡­ it¡¯s just another day for us.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ normal, it¡­ is,¡± another goblin added.


    Silas let out a weary sigh. ¡°I see¡­¡±


    As he spoke with the goblins, Alguis stood off to the side, lost in thought. Reika¡¯s words echoed in his mind, stirring something within him.


    Aeden noticed his dazed expression and stepped closer.


    ¡°Are you alright, Your¡ªSir Alguis?¡±


    Alguis didn¡¯t respond right away. Instead, he lifted his gaze toward the endless blue sky.


    ¡°Being king of the Dwarven Kingdom for a century and more, I upheld the strength and glory of my people. I maintained peace within the kingdom, handled diplomacy with other nations¡­ I¡¯d say I did well. But there¡¯s one thing I overlooked¡ªtruly connecting with my fellow dwarves.¡±


    Aeden furrowed his brows. ¡°What do you mean, sir? Your people loved you!¡±


    Alguis chuckled at the remark.


    ¡°Hah! All my public speeches were just mere political propaganda!¡±


    His gaze drifted toward the villagers, watching them go about their tasks.


    ¡°Sure, I could lift the spirits of the masses, but I can''t move the hearts of my people...¡±


    Meanwhile, Gobuchiki and the other two goblins decided to thank Reika for what she had done. With Silas guiding them, they soon arrived at the door leading to her room.


    As they approached, they overheard a conversation inside. Gobuchiki raised a hand, stopping the others. Curious, they leaned in and listened through the wooden door.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe it, Master Reika! You managed to shut those annoying humans up with just your words!¡± Veylir exclaimed.


    ¡°Shut up! I only acted on a whim because I didn¡¯t want to trouble Mister Alguis. Before I knew it, I blurted all that nonsense in front of everyone!¡±


    ¡°But still, your speech was convincing enough to end the conflict. You left them speechless¡ªand you also saved me from taking the blame for letting them in.¡±


    Reika sighed.


    ¡°My original plan was just to introduce you to them while keeping Mister Alguis out of trouble¡­¡±


    She groaned, pressing a hand against her forehead.


    ¡°Why did I even take responsibility instead? Ugh, sometimes my so-called common sense became my downfall...!¡±


    ¡°W-Well, it makes sense. You¡¯re my master, and masters sometimes take responsibility for the trouble their subordinates cause.¡±


    Reika shot her a flat look.


    ¡°You¡¯re lucky I saved your ass with all that meaningless yapping of mine¡­¡±


    Letting out a deep breath, she flopped onto her bed and stared at the ceiling.


    ¡°Oh god¡­ I¡¯m too embarrassed to go outside after lecturing them¡­ just because they were being racist!¡±


    Hearing the silence from inside, Gobuchiki took it as the perfect moment to enter. He knocked three times, drawing Reika and Veylir¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Miss Reika, this is Gobuchiki.¡±


    Reika, still sitting on her bed, straightened up slightly.


    ¡°Come in¡­?¡±


    As Gobuchiki stepped inside, Reika whispered to Veylir.


    What are they doing here?


    Veylir had no time to answer before Gobuchiki, followed by the two other goblins, approached Reika.


    Without warning, all three bowed deeply before her.


    ¡°Though we¡¯re used to being mocked simply for being goblins, this is the first time someone has ever stood up for us¡ªtelling them to their faces that they were wrong. Thank you for what you did back there, Miss Reika!¡± Gobuchiki exclaimed.


    ¡°Thank¡­ you!¡± the other two chimed in.


    ¡°Hmph! You should be grateful,¡± Veylir declared proudly. ¡°Thanks to my master¡¯s benevolence, she saved you from being driven out of this settlement in shame¡ª¡±


    ¡°Alright, alright, I¡¯ll take it from here. Thank you very much~!¡± Reika quickly cut in, waving her hands to stop Veylir from running her mouth any further.


    Reika turned to the goblins with a bright smile.


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome. Just think of it¡­ as a parting gift! So you won¡¯t have to worry about it anymore on your way back to your village.¡±


    Gobuchiki returned her smile and bowed once more. With that, the three goblins excused themselves and said their goodbyes.


    Moments after they left, a knock came at the door, followed by Silas¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Miss Reika, breakfast is ready.¡±


    Reika stood up and stepped outside, with Veylir following close behind.


    Now that the entire settlement was aware of Veylir¡¯s existence, she no longer needed to hide by turning invisible. However, physical objects could still pass right through her body, making interactions with the world around her somewhat tricky.


    As Reika ate breakfast, Veylir perched on a treetop nearby, idly watching the village. Just as Reika was about to take another bite, she noticed Sylva approaching, carrying a bowl.


    Reika lowered her head slightly. Her embarrassment was creeping up on her.


    Without a word, Sylva sat beside her and quietly began eating. The silence between them lingered until Sylva finally spoke.


    ¡°¡­Sorry for what we did to your friends back then.¡±


    Reika paused for a brief moment, then resumed eating without looking up.


    ¡°I-It¡¯s okay. I only did what I thought was right¡­¡±


    Sylva let out a small chuckle. ¡°Every time I remember that serious look on your face, it sends shivers down my spine, you know that?¡±


    Reika lowered her head, her face heating up in embarrassment.


    Agh! Why does she have to bring that up?!


    ¡°But still¡­¡±


    Reika glanced at Sylva and saw her staring off into the distance.


    ¡°Your speech managed to wake those people up. I hope they take your words to heart¡­¡±


    Reika didn¡¯t respond and simply focused on her meal. Taking the hint, Sylva fell silent as well and continued eating.


    Their quiet breakfast was soon interrupted by the excited chatter of children gathering around a tree nearby.


    ¡°Hey, what¡¯s that cute-looking creature up there? It¡¯s sooo adorable~!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right! Can we pet it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna pet it first!¡±


    ¡°No, I will!¡±


    ¡°But how? It¡¯s too high up!¡±


    Hearing their endless chatter, Veylir, who had been relaxing on a branch, clicked her tongue in irritation.


    ¡°Ugh, these human children are loud and obnoxious.¡±


    Just then, a small pebble flew toward her. However, since her body was intangible, it passed right through her and tumbled to the ground.


    The children¡ªand even Sylva¡ªstared in shock.


    ¡°Uwah! The pebble didn¡¯t hit it!¡±


    One of the girls, Sylva¡¯s younger sister, turned toward the boy who had thrown the pebble.


    ¡°Hey, what are you doing? You could¡¯ve hurt that poor creature!¡± Sylva¡¯s younger sister scolded the boy.


    Instead of backing down, one of the kids picked up another pebble and threw it again. Veylir, noticing this, decided to have a little fun.


    Just as the pebble reached her, she suddenly vanished into thin air.


    The children gasped at what they had just witnessed. Even Sylva looked surprised.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, she just turned herself invisible,¡± Reika reassured her.


    But Sylva¡¯s younger sister, unaware of what had really happened, burst into tears.


    ¡°Uwaaah! You killed that cute creature!¡±


    Reika and Sylva exchanged glances before chuckling together. Sylva quickly composed herself and rushed to comfort her crying sister.


    Reika watched as she tried to calm the little girl down, smiling faintly at the scene.


    Meanwhile, in the distance, Soru had finished his breakfast. With his hunger satisfied, he now sat in silence, observing the bustling settlement around him.


    While observing the bustling settlement, Soru noticed Aeden and V?lun preparing for a spar. Curious, he stood up and walked toward them.


    Aeden spotted him right away.


    ¡°Mister Soru! What brings you here today?¡±


    ¡°I wish to continue our training.¡±


    Hearing his reply, Aeden¡¯s lips curled into a smile.


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit!¡±


    Before Soru could respond, V?lun slung an arm over his shoulder.


    ¡°Yay! Thanks, bro! You saved me from that madwoman this time!¡± He then leaned in and whispered, ¡°And please, don¡¯t use your strange powers against me again!¡±


    Aeden¡¯s brow twitched.


    This man''s shamelessness...


    Without a word, she grabbed V?lun by the ear.


    ¡°Ow!¡±


    ¡°Who said you were excluded from practice?¡±


    She marched toward the training grounds, dragging V?lun along by his ear while Soru followed in silence.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be our target practice, idiot!¡±


    ¡°What!? Please don¡¯t do this to me!¡± V?lun pleaded as he was dragged along.


    ¡°Come on, why not just use a wooden dummy instead? Just give me a break already!¡±


    ¡°Do wooden dummies dodge and counter attacks? No! Only a dummy like can do that!¡±


    Upon reaching the center of the training area, Aeden finally released V?lun¡¯s ear. He winced, rubbing the sore spot.


    ¡°So, what now? Should I just stand still while Mister Soru and you attack me?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Aeden smirked. ¡°I have a better idea.¡±


    Aeden turned her gaze toward Soru.


    ¡°Mister Soru, today¡¯s training will focus on your endurance. Do a hundred push-ups, a hundred sit-ups, a hundred curl-ups, and a hundred laps around the training grounds.¡±


    V?lun¡¯s jaw nearly dropped.


    ¡°H-Hey¡­ isn¡¯t that a bit much? A normal human can¡¯t handle that kind of training!¡±


    Aeden chuckled.


    ¡°Heh. Have you already forgotten what he¡¯s capable of?¡±


    V?lun blinked, confused. Then, as realization dawned, his eyes widened in horror.


    ¡°No¡­ Don¡¯t tell me¡­!¡±


    Aeden turned to him, meeting his gaze with a smug smile.


    ¡°While Mister Soru trains, all of the accumulated fatigue in his body will be to us instead.¡±


    V?lun froze. His eyes twitched, his mouth slightly agape.


    ¡°Y-You¡­!¡±


    ¡°Great idea, right? And while we¡¯re at it, we¡¯ll spar with each other!¡±


    V?lun was utterly speechless.


    Aeden ignored his reaction and turned back to Soru. ¡°Mister Soru, is it alright if we use your ability?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Soru replied calmly. ¡°Since you¡¯re training me, fulfilling your request is no problem.¡±


    Aeden smirked and shot V?lun a sharp look.


    ¡°You heard the man, V?lun!¡±


    V?lun, now in full panic mode, started backing away slowly. Aeden noticed it and took a stance without hesitation.


    ¡°Here I go~!¡±


    Aeden suddenly leaped forward, dashing straight at V?lun with manic laughter.


    ¡°You¡¯re insane! A complete madwoman!¡± V?lun shouted as she closed the distance.


    ¡°I REGRET TRAINING WITH YOUUUU!!!¡±


    ...


    Several minutes passed since their brutal sparring session began. Both Aeden and V?lun were drenched in sweat, panting heavily as they exchanged blows.


    ¡°Hahh¡­ Hahh¡­ I can¡¯t believe how hard this is! It¡¯s only been half an hour, yet it feels like we¡¯ve been fighting for hours!¡± Aeden gasped between breaths.


    V?lun, on the other hand, was barely holding on. His breath came in ragged wheezes.


    ¡°Ghk! This is My muscles are screaming in pain!¡± he groaned while dodging another one of Aeden¡¯s attacks.


    Meanwhile, Soru remained focused on his own training. For the past thirty minutes, he had been using his ability nonstop, continuously transferring his fatigue and muscle pain to them. He took a brief glance at Aeden and V?lun, noting their exhausted state.


    Seeing that they had no intention of stopping, Soru simply continued his routine without saying a word.


    Not long after, Alguis arrived at the scene. He observed Aeden and V?lun¡¯s faces, his brow raising slightly.


    So this is what they do in their free time, huh¡­


    Then, his eyes landed on Soru, who was still running laps without the slightest hint of exhaustion.


    Mister Soru is training too!?


    Despite Alguis¡¯s presence, neither Aeden nor V?lun noticed him¡ªthey were too absorbed in their fight.


    While Aeden was busy blocking an incoming strike, she caught sight of V?lun¡¯s fist swinging toward her from the right. Reacting quickly, she grabbed his wrist, aiming to parry the punch.


    But V?lun, utterly drained yet desperate, used all his remaining strength to drive a kick straight at her legs.


    Aeden lost her balance and tumbled to the ground. Since she was still gripping V?lun¡¯s wrist, he was dragged down with her, landing with a heavy


    ¡°Damn it! I almost won this time!¡± V?lun groaned.


    ¡°Hahh¡­ Hahh¡­ I won¡¯t let you take the win¡­¡± Aeden panted, refusing to admit defeat.


    Before their argument could continue, a firm voice interrupted them.


    ¡°Aeden. V?lun.¡±


    Both of them looked up to see Alguis approaching. Seeing the former king, they scrambled to their feet and straightened up.


    ¡°Sir Alguis¡­!¡±

 Chapter 28: Twisted Truth

    ¡°Training, huh? Good to see you¡¯re still maintaining your shape and skills,¡± Alguis remarked.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing much, sir,¡± Aeden replied.


    ¡°Yeah! We just don¡¯t want our skills to get rusty,¡± V?lun added with a grin.


    Alguis turned his attention toward Soru, who was still running laps around the training grounds.


    ¡°And¡­ would you care to explain to me?¡±


    ¡°Ah, err¡­¡±


    Aeden hesitated before explaining everything. She told Alguis that Soru had asked to learn the from her and that she had been training him whenever they had free time.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Alguis murmured. ¡°But to think he chose a restraining type of Body Art instead of an offensive one¡­¡±


    ¡°Strange, right?¡± V?lun chimed in. ¡°I was surprised too. I thought for sure Mister Soru would be more interested in offensive techniques.¡±


    ¡°Indeed¡­¡± Aeden nodded.


    A brief silence followed, only to be broken by a familiar voice behind Alguis.


    ¡°I¡¯ve completed the task.¡±


    Aeden blinked in surprise and turned to see Soru standing behind Alguis, his breathing steady as if the intense workout had meant nothing to him.


    ¡°Ah, y-yeah. Good work, Mister Soru,¡± Aeden said.


    ¡°Are you alright, Mister Soru?¡± Alguis asked.


    Soru simply nodded.


    ¡°T-That¡¯s good to hear then¡­¡± Alguis replied, slightly taken aback by how unfazed he seemed.


    While they were talking, V?lun glanced around, scratching his head.


    ¡°Huh¡­ I wonder where those goblins went off to. I haven¡¯t seen them since I woke up.¡±


    ¡°I already escorted them out of the settlement. They went back to their village,¡± Alguis answered.


    ¡°Eh? But, sir, didn¡¯t you entrust with escorting them back?¡± V?lun asked, clearly confused.


    ¡°Some unforeseen events occurred, so they left earlier than planned.¡±


    ¡°Unforeseen events¡­?¡±


    At V?lun¡¯s prompting, Alguis recounted what had happened earlier that morning to him.


    ¡°Hm¡­ That¡¯s unfortunate,¡± V?lun muttered. ¡°Well, prejudices between races are common in this world. At least they seem used to it¡­ Still, it¡¯s a shame they have to deal with that kind of treatment.¡±


    ¡°Indeed. And thanks to Miss Reika, the conflict was resolved before it could escalate further,¡± Alguis added.


    He then shifted his gaze to Aeden and V?lun, noting their heavy breathing. They were clearly trying to mask their exhaustion in front of him.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to hide it from me. Take a break,¡± he said.


    At his words, both Aeden and V?lun exhaled loudly in relief.


    ¡°Puhaa! Thank you, sir! My muscles are killing me¡ªI couldn¡¯t hold it in any longer!¡± V?lun groaned.


    The group moved toward a nearby log to rest. As soon as they arrived, Aeden and V?lun collapsed onto it, looking completely drained.


    ¡°You two look exhausted. How long did you train?¡± Alguis asked.


    ¡°Thirty to forty minutes, I think? I wasn¡¯t really keeping track,¡± V?lun admitted.


    ¡°That short? And you¡¯re worn out?¡± Alguis raised a brow.


    Since dwarves naturally had superior stamina, their fatigue built up much slower compared to humans. Both Aeden and V?lun exchanged awkward glances.


    ¡°Sir Alguis, the truth is¡­¡±


    Aeden hesitated before explaining the situation. As she spoke, Alguis¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°What? Why would you¡­!?¡±


    His gaze shifted toward Soru, who was sitting quietly, listening without reaction. Lowering his voice, Alguis leaned closer to Aeden.


    ¡°Why would you exploit Mister Soru¡¯s abilities like that?¡±


    ¡°I-I apologize, Your Ma¡ªSir Alguis. I got caught up in the moment¡­ I didn¡¯t expect him to agree so easily.¡±


    Alguis let out a sigh before turning to Soru with a troubled expression.


    ¡°Mister Soru, I apologize on behalf of my subordinates for taking advantage of your abilities. Perhaps we should stop¡ª¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind,¡± Soru interrupted. ¡°As long as we both benefit from our agreement.¡±


    Alguis fell silent, studying Soru¡¯s expression. The young man was calm and composed, as if the arrangement was nothing unusual.


    Unable to argue, Alguis sighed again. ¡°As you wish, Mister Soru¡­¡±


    Scratching his chin, he seemed deep in thought before finally speaking up.


    ¡°Say, Mister Soru¡­¡±


    Soru simply waited, listening in silence.


    ¡°If you wouldn¡¯t mind¡­ may I partake in this ¡®setup¡¯ of theirs?¡±


    Soru gave a simple reply. ¡°You should ask her instead. She¡¯s the one who came up with the idea. I¡¯m just fulfilling her request.¡±


    At that, Alguis turned to Aeden with a serious look.


    Aeden, caught off guard, quickly straightened up. ¡°Ah, yes! Sir can definitely join!¡±


    Suddenly, Alguis stood up.


    ¡°Since you¡¯ve had your break, the training must continue¡ªthis time, with me included.¡±


    ¡°But, Sir Alguis, my muscles are still aching¡­ Perhaps we should¡ª¡±


    ¡°Is there a problem, V?lun?¡±


    V?lun gulped. Unable to argue, he sighed in defeat and stood up. Aeden followed shortly after.


    ¡°But first, I¡¯d like to adjust the setup.¡± Alguis turned to Soru. ¡°Mister Soru, is it possible to¡­¡±


    He leaned in and whispered his request. Soru listened without reacting and simply nodded in agreement.


    Satisfied, Alguis faced Aeden and V?lun once more.


    ¡°For the next thirty minutes, you two will fight And to make things more interesting, Mister Soru will transfer all fatigue to the both of you.¡±


    Aeden and V?lun froze.


    ¡°Huh?!¡±


    V?lun immediately stepped forward, waving his hands.


    ¡°B-But sir! That means your stamina¡ª¡±


    ¡°No more complaints.¡±


    Alguis cracked his knuckles while grinning.


    ¡°This will serve as punishment for defying my orders.¡±


    V?lun¡¯s face turned ghostly pale. His body trembled too.


    ¡°T-This is your fault, Aeden!¡±


    ¡°S-Shut up! I didn¡¯t expect this either!¡±


    With a confident stride, Alguis walked to the center of the training grounds and took his stance.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get started!¡±


    Aeden and V?lun exchanged one last glance before slowly dragging their feet toward him, their enthusiasm completely drained.


    Soru took a few steps back as the match began. Without a word, he observed in silence, focusing solely on using his ability. As Alguis moved with relentless precision, all the fatigue he accumulated was seamlessly transferred to Aeden and V?lun.


    ...


    Not far from the training grounds, villagers tending the fields were busy pulling weeds and collecting scattered leaves. They worked diligently, ensuring the crops remained healthy.


    Among them, three female villagers carried bundles of dried leaves. Following Reika¡¯s instructions, they gathered the fallen leaves and dumped them into a pit. They had been told to let them decay over time, eventually turning into fertilizer for the plantations.


    ¡°This thing we¡¯re doing¡­ is it really that effective?¡± one of them asked while tossing leaves into the pit.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. We¡¯ll see in a few weeks. All we can do is wait,¡± another replied.


    ¡°Hey, we still need to gather worms and put them in the pit. We should hurry before sunset,¡± the third one reminded them.


    ¡°Yeah, right.¡±


    With that, they headed toward the nearby forest, arriving a few minutes later. One of them carried an empty wooden bucket as they scanned the area.


    ¡°So¡­ how exactly do we find these worms?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. They like to hide under rocks and leaves, so digging them out won¡¯t be easy.¡±


    ¡°Ugh, we should¡¯ve brought more people instead of just the three of us¡­¡±


    Before they could continue, something suddenly flew in front of them.


    ¡°Hmph. You seem troubled, humans. Need my help?¡±


    The three of them flinched in surprise.


    ¡°Y-Y-You¡­!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the familiar Miss Reika introduced to us this morning¡­!¡±


    The third villager glanced around warily, checking their surroundings.


    ¡°If you¡¯re here, that means Miss Reika is also¡ª¡±


    ¡°No. Master Reika is busy at the moment.¡±


    Veylir flapped her wings, rising a little higher.


    ¡°Instead, I will assist you low¡ªerr¡­ ¡ªwith your task. You should be grateful!¡± she declared proudly.


    The villagers exchanged glances but showed no particular reaction.


    ¡°Is that so¡­¡±


    ¡°Did Miss Reika instruct you to help us?¡± one of them asked.


    Veylir hesitated for a moment, then lowered herself slightly.


    ¡°Uh¡­ not exactly¡­¡±


    ¡°D-Does that mean you¡¯re helping us of your own free will?¡±


    Veylir twitched.


    ¡°Y-Yeah, I guess so¡­¡±


    The three villagers looked at each other and nodded.


    ¡°We are grateful for your assistance, kind familiar!¡±


    Hearing them accept her offer, Veylir gave a satisfied nod.


    ¡°Umu. That¡¯s the response I wanted to hear.¡±


    She turned, scanning the area.


    ¡°So, what exactly do you need help with?¡±


    One of the villagers explained that they had been tasked with gathering worms from the vicinity.


    ¡°Hm. That sounds easy.¡±


    Veylir ascended higher, closing her eyes as she focused on the surrounding aeon. The villagers watched in silence, unsure of what she was doing.


    ¡°That familiar of Miss Reika is strange¡­ What is it even doing?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Maybe it¡¯s sensing the worms?¡±


    ¡°Silence. I¡¯m concentrating,¡± Veylir said sharply.


    The three fell quiet. Moments later, Veylir¡¯s eyes snapped open.


    ¡°Found them.¡±


    She stretched out her small arms.


    <Light Wind>


    A soft breeze swept through the area. To the villagers¡¯ astonishment, worms hidden beneath the soil and leaves began to rise into the air, floating weightlessly.


    They stared in awe, speechless at the sight.


    ¡°What are you standing around for? Go gather those worms!¡± Veylir snapped.


    ¡°A-Ah! Yes, we will!¡±


    The three villagers hurriedly began collecting the floating worms, dropping them into the wooden bucket. What would have been a tedious and exhausting task had been made effortless thanks to Veylir¡¯s ability.


    They repeated the process three times until the bucket was filled to the brim.


    ¡°Phew! We finished way faster than expected!¡±


    ¡°Yeah! And it¡¯s all thanks to


    Veylir, who had been hovering nearby, flew toward them.


    ¡°I believe our task here is complete,¡± she declared.


    ¡°Yes,


    ¡°Thanks for the help,


    Veylir twitched, her wings faltering slightly.


    ¡°I-If that¡¯s all, then I shall take my leave.¡±


    She turned away but suddenly stopped mid-flight. The three villagers blinked in confusion.


    Without looking back, Veylir spoke.


    ¡°Let me remind you¡ªI am not a familiar, but a one.¡±


    And with that, she soared away.


    The three villagers stood there in silence, watching the small dragon disappear from their vision.


    ¡°To think we got her gender wrong¡­¡±


    ¡°I-I mean, her voice kind of misleading. Mistaking her for a male is pretty reasonable.¡±


    ¡°Now that I think about it¡­ do all familiars have the ability to talk?¡±


    The other two turned to her, considering the question.


    ¡°Now that you mention it, this is the first time I¡¯ve ever seen a familiar that can actually converse with us.¡±


    ¡°Well, of course. It¡¯s also our first time seeing one up close!¡±


    Suddenly, one of them chuckled.


    ¡°Pft! You¡¯re right!¡±


    ¡°Maybe familiars can talk. I mean, Miss Familiar could.¡±


    The three of them laughed as they gathered their bucket and made their way back to the plantation.


    Meanwhile, Veylir wandered through the fields. Following Reika¡¯s advice, she decided to interact with humans by helping them with their tasks.


    She assisted by carrying buckets of water, pulling out weeds, and even using her abilities to clean the area. With her unexpected help, the villagers finished their work much faster than expected.


    ¡°Thank you, kind Familiar!¡±


    ¡°Thanks for your help!¡±


    ¡°Thank you very much!!¡±


    Veylir received plenty of gratitude as she wrapped up her assistance. However, instead of responding, she simply turned and left without saying a word.


    That¡¯s enough interaction for today¡­


    With a graceful beat of her wings, she took off into the sky. The villagers watched her departure, smiles lingering on their faces.


    ¡°That familiar was surprisingly kind.¡±


    ¡°Indeed. Miss Reika is lucky to have such a helpful companion.¡±


    But at the mention of Reika¡¯s name, the atmosphere shifted. The villagers fell silent, recalling the events of that morning.


    ¡°W-Well¡­ both of them are kind to others, so their personalities are alike¡­ right?¡±


    No one answered. Instead, they exchanged uneasy glances, the same thought weighing on their minds.


    They had upset Reika somehow¡ªand they couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that they needed to make things right.


    ¡°S-Should we apologize to Miss Reika?¡±


    ¡°Of course we should!¡± they all answered in unison.


    After tidying up the tools they had used in the field, they made their way back to the settlement, determined to apologize to Reika.


    ...


    On the other side of the settlement, V?lun, Aeden, and Alguis were still engaged in their hand-to-hand combat training. Sweat dripped from their brows as they exchanged blows.


    ¡°Come on, V?lun! We¡¯re the ones suffering from fatigue, yet the one struggling to keep up!¡± Aeden snapped.


    ¡°What do you expect in a two-versus-one fight?! Even both you and Sir Alguis are exhausted, and I¡¯m not even¡ª¡±


    Before he could finish, Alguis suddenly threw a heavy punch straight at him.


    ¡°Enough with your excuses, V?lun.¡±


    V?lun barely managed to deflect the strike, redirecting Alguis¡¯s fist away from him.


    ¡°I wish I could just sleep all day instead of fighting like my life¡¯s at stake¡­¡± he grumbled.


    A short distance away, Soru remained silent, observing the match while constantly transferring V?lun¡¯s accumulated fatigue to Aeden and Alguis.


    Earlier, Alguis had made a new suggestion¡ªonce time was up, Soru would use his ability on Aeden and, finally, on V?lun. That way, all three of them would have a fair chance to fight at their best.


    As the training continued, Veylir flew around the settlement, her eyes scanning the area. Eventually, she spotted Soru sitting on a log, watching the dwarves fight. Curious, she flapped her wings and descended toward him.


    ¡°Hello, Master Soru.¡±


    Soru heard her voice and briefly glanced around. Upon seeing that it was just Veylir, he returned his gaze to the sparring match without saying a word. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Veylir blinked in surprise.


    Urk¡­!


    ¡°W-Well¡­ what brings you here, Master? Are you observing them?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Soru answered curtly.


    Veylir hesitated. His short response left little room for conversation, making it difficult for her to continue.


    Soru, noticing her pause, glanced at her once before speaking.


    ¡°I am also here to fulfill their request.¡±


    ¡°Request?¡±


    ¡°They asked me to continuously transfer his fatigue to them while they train.¡±


    Veylir¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been doing this the whole time?¡±


    Soru paused for a brief moment before answering.


    ¡°More than an hour or so.¡±


    Upon hearing his answer, Veylir¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief.


    ¡°D-Didn¡¯t you feel tired at all? I mean, constantly using your ability for more than an hour sounds ¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. It doesn¡¯t bother me at all¡­¡± Soru replied calmly.


    Veylir fell silent, trying to process his words.


    How could that be?! Using an ability for such a long period should wear anyone out, yet here he is, doing it without breaking a sweat¡­


    The more she thought about it, the more something felt A realization crept into her mind.


    Now that I¡¯m seeing his ability up close¡­ what kind of power does he truly have?


    She recalled everything she had observed so far¡ªhow he could transfer fatigue, redirect damage, and even teleport people and objects in an instant.


    she speculated.


    A spark of determination flashed in her eyes.


    There¡¯s only one way to find out¡­


    <Appraisal>


    In an instant, information flooded her vision¡ªand what she saw left her completely stunned.


    __________________________________


    Race: Dwarf


    Gender: Female


    Abilities: <Heat Resistance> <Extrasensory Perception>


    Status: Exhausted


    __________________________________


    ¡°Huh¡­?¡±

 Chapter 29: Disturbance in the Great Forest

    Veylir couldn''t believe what she had just seen.


    Was my eyes deceiving me!? Again!?


    Unwilling to accept the results, she activated once more.


    There¡¯s no way¡­ I¡¯m certain his status shouldn¡¯t look like this!


    But just as she focused¡ª


    ¡°You should stop doing that.¡±


    Veylir flinched.


    ¡°Eh?¡±


    D-Did he know I was prying on him¡­?


    ¡°A-Ahh¡­ Erm¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t do it next time.¡±


    Soru spoke in his usual calm tone before turning his attention back to the fight. Meanwhile, Veylir was left reeling.


    H-He knew I was using Appraisal on him? But how¡­?


    Unable to hold back her curiosity, she boldly decided to ask.


    ¡°M-Master Soru, may I ask a question?¡±


    Soru didn¡¯t respond immediately. Though he had clearly heard her, his eyes remained fixed on the ongoing sparring match.


    Gahh! Did he just ignore me!?


    Just then, Soru took a brief glance at her, noticing her unusual reaction.


    ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    Upon receiving his approval, Veylir took a deep breath and asked seriously,


    ¡°What is the truth behind your ability, Master Soru? No matter how much I rack my brain trying to understand what it is and how it works, I can¡¯t figure it out¡­¡±


    Soru remained silent for a moment, his gaze still fixed on the ongoing match.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it enough to see it in action with your own eyes?¡±


    ¡°J-Just give me a clear explanation! I promise I won¡¯t pester you after that!¡± Veylir insisted, desperation creeping into her voice.


    Soru sighed. ¡°You¡¯re really persistent¡­¡±


    Realizing she wouldn¡¯t back down, he finally answered.


    ¡°¡­I can transfer anything that I deem useful or that threatens me.¡±


    Veylir¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change.


    I already knew much¡­


    ¡°Then, explain why you always remain unscathed, no matter what attack is thrown at you.¡±


    ¡°I can anything directed toward me, whether hostile or neutral. That¡¯s why I can transfer them whenever I want.¡±


    Veylir¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡­?


    ¡°T-Then¡­!¡±


    ¡°Although I don¡¯t know exactly what you were trying to do, the intent you directed at me was enough for me to know was up,¡± Soru added calmly.


    Veylir froze.


    Does that mean¡­ he knew right away and transferred the results of the Appraisal¡ªjust because he ¡®saw¡¯ my intent?


    A heavy silence settled between them. Then, unexpectedly, Veylir sighed.


    ¡°I apologize, Master Soru. Because of my actions, you misunderstood and became wary of me.¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡±


    Even though Soru had answered every question, Veylir still wanted to know the true identity of his ability.


    ¡°If I may, could you at least tell me the name of that¡ª¡±


    Their conversation was abruptly cut short when Veylir sensed a strange aura converging beside her.


    ¡°Hm?!¡±


    Without warning, a figure materialized before them, its body radiating a soft, greenish glow.


    Veylir immediately recognized the presence and stiffened in surprise.


    ¡°What are you doing here¡­?¡±


    At a distance, the dwarves noticed the commotion and turned their heads. The moment they saw the figure, they froze, their eyes widening in disbelief.


    The being before them had fair skin and short, light-green hair. She wore a translucent dress layered with opaque, greenish cloth covering the essential parts of her body. Several vines floated around her, gently swaying as if responding to an unseen force.


    Even from afar, the dwarves recognized her at once. Their sparring match came to an abrupt halt.


    ¡°I-Is that¡­!¡± V?lun stammered.


    ¡°A dryad¡­¡± Alguis murmured.


    ¡°Dryads are spirits known to be the guardians and caretakers of the forest¡­ What is one doing here?¡± Aeden asked, her voice laced with confusion.


    Meanwhile, the dryad lowered her head in front of Veylir.


    The dwarves were stunned, unable to believe what they were witnessing.


    ¡°Greetings, Wildfire Dragon Veylir. Forgive my sudden arrival, but I must inform you of a serious matter with haste.¡±


    Veylir paused, surprised that the dryad knew her true identity.


    ¡°Hmph. I¡¯ll overlook your impudence this time, but the fact that you recognized me in this form so easily is¡­ unexpected.¡±


    The dryad lifted her head, meeting Veylir¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°We dryads are connected to the forest itself. We know everything that happens within it¡ªincluding your death, Master.¡±


    Veylir fell silent for a moment.


    ¡°¡­That makes sense. Now, tell me about this you mentioned.¡±


    Closing her eyes, the dryad spoke in a calm but urgent tone.


    ¡°I have sensed a great disturbance in the forest. If left unchecked, it could lead to a catastrophe that will turn this entire forest upside down.¡±


    Veylir¡¯s eyes widened. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Huh¡­?¡±


    Meanwhile, the dwarves, eager to understand the reason behind the dryad¡¯s sudden arrival, rushed toward where she and Veylir were speaking. As they reached the scene, they overheard Veylir pressing for more details.


    ¡°Would you care to explain what you mean by that?¡±


    All of a sudden, the green vines floating around the dryad began to glow more intensely.


    ¡°A great monster wave of unknown scale is imminent. If the humans do not leave soon, they may be caught in the chaos of its wake.¡±


    Hearing the dryad''s warning, Veylir shrugged as a response.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a mere monster wave. What¡¯s there to be afraid of?¡±


    The dryad¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°¡­There are disaster-grade monsters among them.¡±


    Veylir froze.


    ¡°What¡­?¡±


    The dwarves also went pale at the revelation.


    ¡°Of all times, why ?!¡± Alguis exclaimed.


    ¡°Those disaster-grade monsters¡­ they¡¯re not something to take lightly, right?¡± Aeden asked, her voice tense.


    ¡°H-Hey, just how strong are they?¡± V?lun hesitated.


    ¡°They¡¯re far stronger than you can imagine!¡± Veylir snapped. ¡°They could raze an entire forest within an hour, and if left unchecked, they could reduce a nation to ruins!¡±


    She crossed her arms, her expression darkening.


    ¡°O-Of course, back in my prime, I could take on one or two of them without issue¡­ but now¡¯s not the time to face them alone.¡±


    V?lun gulped, his body trembling.


    ¡°The previous Dwarven King once fought a disaster-grade monster that nearly destroyed the Dwarven Kingdom five hundred years ago,¡± Alguis said with a heavy voice. ¡°Alongside the young Halvar J?rden, they managed to destroy its rampaging core¡­ but not without great sacrifice.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know such an event happened in our kingdom¡­¡± Aeden murmured.


    ¡°Have you identified these disaster-grade monsters?¡± Veylir asked the dryad.


    The dryad nodded. ¡°Yes. Their names are and .¡±


    Veylir¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°¡­? Isn¡¯t that the monster I defeated a ago when it tried to take over the Great Forest of Drys and claim it as its own domain?!¡±


    ¡°It appears to be the same one you defeated, Master Veylir,¡± the dryad confirmed.


    ¡°Hmph. So it wants seconds, huh?¡± Veylir smirked. ¡°Well, it won¡¯t get what it wants.¡±


    She folded her arms, looking pleased with herself.


    ¡°But thanks to that victory, I secured my seat as one of the I¡¯d say it was worth it in the end.¡±


    Veylir paused, her expression shifting slightly.


    ¡°But this ¡­ I swear I¡¯ve heard that name somewhere before¡­¡± She frowned, trying to piece together her memories.


    At the mention of the second monster, Alguis suddenly stiffened.


    Veylir immediately noticed the dwarf''s sudden change.


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°M-Miss Dryad, the second disaster-grade monster you mentioned¡­ it was called , right?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± the dryad answered briefly.


    ¡°No way¡­¡± Alguis muttered, his expression darkening.


    Soru, Aeden, and V?lun exchanged glances, noticing his unusual reaction.


    ¡°Do you know that monster, Sir Alguis?¡± Aeden asked cautiously.


    ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken¡­ ¡ªthe ¡±


    ¡°¡± Aeden and V?lun exclaimed in unison.


    ¡°May I know what the monster looks like now?¡± Alguis asked, his voice tense.


    The dryad met his gaze with a serious expression.


    ¡°When it first arrived at the borders of the Great Forest, several kilometers to the east, it appeared as nothing more than an opaque sphere. However, as it engaged in battle with multiple monsters, its form began to shift. Right now, its appearance is completely different from what it once was.¡±


    A bead of sweat rolled down Alguis¡¯s face.


    ¡°¡­What you saw initially was its .¡±


    Alguis anxiously stroked his beard.


    ¡°T-There¡¯s no doubt about it. That¡¯s the same monster the previous Dwarven King and Halvar J?rden fought!¡±


    ¡°Eh?!¡± Aeden and V?lun exclaimed.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    Their attention snapped to Veylir.


    ¡°That monster¡ªAdeptus¡ªis classified as one of the strongest disaster-grade threats, bordering on calamity-grade.¡±


    ¡°There are five known monster threat classifications: Normal-grade, Special-grade, Casualty-grade, Disaster-grade, and finally, Calamity-grade. Monsters are ranked based on the level of destruction they can cause, but some stand above the rest, even among those of the same rank. Adeptus is one of those monsters with its strength close to a Calamity-grade...¡±


    ¡°D-Does that mean¡­ Adeptus is as strong as a Calamity-grade monster?¡± V?lun asked hesitantly.


    ¡°No,¡± Veylir replied.


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°Because the Calamity Dragons won¡¯t allow it.¡±


    ¡°Our clan insists that calamity-grade status belongs exclusively to dragons. It¡¯s what solidifies our standing as one of the strongest creatures on the continent. If Adeptus were officially recognized at that level, it would tarnish our reputation. Worse, others might use it as a justification to challenge us, plunging us into war and threatening our dominance.¡±


    Aeden frowned. ¡°Then how did Adeptus become so powerful? What abilities make it almost comparable to a Calamity Dragon?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because Adeptus possesses an ability capable of rivaling calamity-grade monsters¡­¡±


    ¡°Adeptus wields an Ultimate-level ability called It allows it to adapt to any situation it encounters,¡± she added.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know the exact details, but one thing is certain¡ªwhen exposed to an attack, Adeptus immediately adapts to such stimuli. If you try the same attack again, it won¡¯t work a second time and most likely gain an immunity to it.¡±


    ¡°That thing is the real deal! We wouldn¡¯t stand a chance against it!¡± V?lun exclaimed.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I urge you to leave the forest immediately,¡± the dryad warned. ¡°We don¡¯t know when the monster wave will begin, but it¡¯s better to act now than wait for disaster to strike.¡±


    ¡°Wait. Something doesn¡¯t add up.¡±


    The dryad turned to Veylir. ¡°What do you mean, Master Veylir?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s Gargantua¡¯s current status?¡±


    ¡°It hasn¡¯t resurfaced yet and remains in its lake. Though it hasn¡¯t been seen, its presence is undeniable¡ªthe sheer number of monsters gathering at the lakeside proves it. My three sister dryads are keeping constant watch.¡±


    Veylir fell into thought for a moment.


    ¡°Neither of them has made a move yet¡­ Interesting.¡±


    ¡°Maybe they¡¯re waiting for something?¡± Aeden suggested.


    The dryad met her gaze. ¡°I fear they intend to conquer the Great Forest together.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± Veylir exclaimed. ¡°Monsters don¡¯t cooperate, especially those of the same calibre. Their pride wouldn¡¯t allow it.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Alguis interjected. ¡°There are one or two possible reasons behind their sudden activity.¡±


    ¡°Oh? And what might those be?¡± Veylir asked.


    ¡°They could be following someone¡¯s command, or they¡¯re fighting for dominance over the forest.¡±


    Everyone was stunned by the possibility.


    ¡°Both are serious reasons, and one of them is likely true,¡± Aeden said.


    ¡°With the sudden disappearance of the Wildfire Dragon, those monsters might see this as an opportunity to seize control of the Great Forest,¡± the dryad added.


    ¡°It¡¯s also possible that someone is leading them here for their own agenda,¡± Aeden said grimly.


    ¡°There¡¯s no time to sit around debating which it is. Either way, it spells trouble,¡± Alguis said.


    ¡°Should we warn the settlers to evacuate?¡± V?lun asked.


    ¡°We should. If they get caught in the crossfire, they won¡¯t survive,¡± Veylir replied.


    ¡°No,¡± Alguis said. ¡°Telling them right away would cause mass panic, especially if they learn about the existence of those two disaster-grade monsters.¡±


    ¡°Then what do we do, Sir Alguis? We need to act before it¡¯s too late!¡± Aeden urged.


    A heavy silence fell over them as unease settled in. The looming threat felt closer with each passing moment. Meanwhile, Soru listened quietly, never uttering a word.


    ¡°L-Let¡¯s inform Miss Reika and Mister Silas first. They might have some insight on this matter,¡± Alguis suggested.


    Everyone agreed and hurried back to the settlement, heading straight for the large house where they could talk in private.


    As they passed through the village, several settlers took notice of the dryad walking alongside the dwarves, with Veylir and Soru accompanying them.


    ¡°Hey¡­ did you see that?¡±


    ¡°Was that a dryad?¡±


    ¡°A dryad?! I never thought I¡¯d see one in my lifetime!¡±


    ¡°So that¡¯s what they look like¡­ She carries herself with such grace.¡±


    The villagers murmured among themselves, curiosity growing as they tried to make sense of the spirit¡¯s presence.


    ¡°What¡¯s she doing here?¡±


    ¡°Maybe she wants to discuss our settlement?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s probably it¡­¡± one villager muttered, nodding in agreement.


    Meanwhile, Alguis spotted Silas speaking with another villager and immediately approached him.


    ¡°Sir Silas, we need to talk.¡±


    Silas¡¯s gaze shifted to the dryad behind them, his expression turning serious. He instantly recognized her presence as something out of the ordinary. Seeing Alguis¡¯s urgency, he dismissed the villager and followed them inside the house.


    Once they were settled, he faced Alguis. ¡°What is it you wish to discuss, Mister Alguis?¡±


    Alguis took a deep breath. ¡°The thing is¡­¡±


    He laid everything out¡ªthe looming monster wave, the existence of two disaster-grade threats, and the destruction they could bring.


    As Silas listened, shock washed over him, and a flicker of fear appeared in his eyes. The weight of the situation pressed heavily on him¡ªhe was responsible for the villagers¡¯ safety, but this threat was beyond anything he had prepared for.


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to make such a decision so suddenly,¡± he murmured.


    ¡°In a practical sense, abandoning the settlement would be the safest option. But those villagers outside¡­ They¡¯ve already endured so much in the past few days. If we tell them something like this now, it¡¯ll only cause mass panic.¡±


    He let out a weary sigh. ¡°They¡¯ve just started to build a peaceful life here. Forcing them to abandon it again¡­ I doubt they¡¯d accept that easily. And even if they did, where would they go? We left the kingdom behind for good. The king won¡¯t allow us to resettle on his land again.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I feared as well,¡± Alguis admitted. ¡°Safety is our priority, but we can¡¯t ignore the long-term consequences. We have to consider what comes after.¡±


    As their discussion continued, a door suddenly creaked open.


    All eyes turned to see Reika stepping out of her room, stretching as she woke from her afternoon nap.


    ¡°Hngggh¡­!¡±


    She froze upon noticing everyone staring at her. Quickly, she straightened up and cleared her throat, brushing off the drowsiness.


    She glanced around, puzzled by the unusual gathering. But then, her gaze landed on the unfamiliar figure standing behind Soru.


    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

 Chapter 30: Impending Threat

    Reika¡¯s eyes widened in surprise as she took in the sight of the mysterious woman¡ªthe dryad herself.


    Woah! Who¡¯s that glowing lady behind him? And she¡¯s a beauty too!


    ¡°Ah, Miss Reika!¡± Alguis called out.


    ¡°Uhhh¡­ May I ask what¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re in the middle of a discussion,¡± Silas said. ¡°Would you like to join us?¡±


    Noticing that Soru was part of the discussion, Reika¡¯s curiosity grew. She gave a small nod and took a seat beside him. Veylir, perched casually at the table, observed in silence.


    As soon as she sat down, Alguis turned to her.


    ¡°Since you just arrived, I¡¯ll go over everything again.¡±


    He repeated everything he had told Silas¡ªthe potential monster wave, the existence of two disaster-grade threats, and the looming danger they posed. He also explained the dilemma concerning the villagers and their uncertain future.


    Reika remained silent for a moment, processing the heavy news. Then, with a deep sigh, she finally spoke.


    ¡°Indeed, this is a difficult decision. We need to weigh both factors carefully.¡±


    Alguis nodded in agreement, unaware that Reika was masking her uncertainty.


    I can¡¯t think of any other options beyond what they¡¯ve already mentioned¡­


    Just then, Silas let out a long sigh, drawing their attention.


    "Although it¡¯s difficult for me to say¡­ I think we have no choice but to abandon¡ª"


    Silas was abruptly cut off as a commotion outside caught his attention. His expression hardened, and without another word, he excused himself and stepped out of the house.


    The sight before him made his breath hitch¡ªvillagers had gathered outside. He immediately recognized them as the group managing the plantation that day, the same ones who had previously decided to apologize to Reika.


    ¡°What are you all doing here?¡± Silas asked firmly.


    One of the villagers stepped forward.


    ¡°We heard everything, Mister Silas. If you thought keeping something this serious from us was the right choice, you were mistaken.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Another villager spoke up. ¡°Mister Alguis and his companions, Miss Reika, and Mister Soru have already done so much for us¡ªhelping us cope with our losses, protecting us, and providing a place to call home.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve relied on them this entire time, only able to offer gratitude in return. But now that they¡¯re facing a crisis¡ªone that endangers all our lives¡ªwe refuse to sit back and let them shoulder the burden alone again.¡±


    Hearing the voices rising outside, Alguis and Reika stepped out to assess the situation. As soon as the villagers spotted Reika, they immediately turned toward her.


    ¡°Miss Reika, we sincerely apologize for our past rudeness!¡±


    Without warning, they all bowed deeply before her.


    ¡°Eh? What¡¯s this about?¡± she asked, flustered.


    ¡°We originally came to apologize in person,¡± one of them admitted. ¡°We treated your guests poorly, and the way we spoke about them was unforgivable.¡±


    ¡°Ahhh¡­ I-Is that so¡­?¡± Reika murmured, her face growing warm as she tried to hide her embarrassment.


    So they came here just to apologize?


    ¡°¡­But after overhearing that a monster wave is coming, we couldn¡¯t ignore it. Just seeing how serious you all were was terrifying¡­¡±


    ¡°And then we realized¡­ there has to be a way to repay not just you, but Mister Alguis and his companions as well.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why we¡¯ve decided to ease your burden¡ªby letting you all go. You¡¯ve done more than enough for us, but staying here any longer will only put you in danger.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s right, Miss Reika,¡± another villager added. ¡°You don¡¯t need to risk your lives for us. This time, we¡¯ll handle things ourselves. No matter how terrifying it is¡­ we¡¯ll protect our home with our lives, even if we¡­ d-die¡­¡±


    Reika could see the fear in their eyes, but beyond that, there was a fierce determination. They weren¡¯t just saying this to be brave¡ªthey genuinely wanted to shield her and the dwarves from the danger ahead.


    A soft smile spread across her face.


    ¡°I lost my parents when I was young,¡± she said, her voice steady yet gentle. ¡°Growing up without them was hard, of course. But I faced those challenges with courage and determination, and because of that, I became who I am today.¡±


    ¡°I may still be too young to fully grasp how harsh this world can be, but I¡¯m not ignorant of suffering. I know what it means to struggle. I know what it means to endure.¡±


    As she spoke, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed behind her. Soru and Veylir stepped outside, followed by the dryad and others. None of them interrupted. Instead, they simply stood there, listening in silence.


    ¡°That¡¯s why¡­ let me share your burden,¡± Reika said firmly. ¡°I want to repay you for everything you¡¯ve done for us. Even though we were outsiders, you welcomed us with open arms!¡±


    And we were the ones who brought Veylir to their village¡­ I really should make it up to them!


    As she spoke, she noticed a familiar figure emerging from the back of the group¡ªSylva. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Are you sure about this, Reika?¡± Sylva asked. ¡°You¡¯re not obligated to help, yet you¡¯re willing to risk your life for us. Those monsters¡ªthey''re the real deal, you know?¡±


    Reika paused for a moment, then raised her eyebrows.


    ¡°We all live in the same place, don¡¯t we? Of course we¡¯d risk our lives to protect our home, no matter how dangerous the monsters are.¡±


    A stunned silence followed.


    Don¡¯t tell me¡­ she¡¯s taking those disaster-grade monsters lightly!?


    Then, unexpectedly, Sylva chuckled.


    ¡°Pft¡­ You do realize that calling this place means you¡¯re one of us now, right?¡±


    Reika blinked, then broke into a warm smile.


    ¡°Of course! All of you are like family to me!¡±


    Sylva¡¯s eyes widened, taken aback by Reika¡¯s words. For a moment, she simply stared at her¡ªthen, with a grin, she spread her arms wide.


    ¡°Well then¡­ Welcome to the family, Miss Reika!¡±


    Reika¡¯s heart swelled at those words. Without hesitation, she stepped forward and hugged Sylva tightly. Laughter and warmth filled the air as the villagers, including Silas, joined in, embracing them both.


    In that moment, fear and uncertainty faded away, replaced by the unshakable bond they had formed.


    "What a sight, Master. Humans truly are social creatures," the dryad remarked to Veylir.


    "Umu. That¡¯s likely the very reason their race has flourished for thousands of years. Their unusually strong bonds make them unique."


    Meanwhile, Alguis watched the joyful interaction unfold, quietly impressed by Reika¡¯s presence.


    I can see it¡­ She¡¯s a natural-born leader! Her sincerity and kindness draw people to her¡ªqualities of a true leader.


    Stepping forward, Alguis lowered his head and placed a hand over his chest.


    "As one of her sworn allies, I will support Miss Reika in her ambitions."


    I will teach her the art of leadership. She has the potential to become a great one!


    Seeing Alguis make such a bold declaration, Veylir suddenly panicked. Frantically, she rushed to Reika¡¯s side, drawing everyone''s attention to her.


    "O-Of course, that applies to me too!" she stammered. "I will fulfill Miss Reika¡¯s wishes¡­ I¡ªI am her familiar, after all!"


    The villagers'' eyes widened, their faces lighting up even more.


    ¡°Thank you so much! We¡¯ll do whatever we can to help in return for your kindness!¡± they all shouted in unison.


    But the moment of celebration was brief. V?lun soon spoke up, his expression turning serious.


    "Now, how should we address the problem? Since we¡¯ve chosen to stay, we need to prepare countermeasures¡­ right?"


    The atmosphere shifted immediately. The weight of the impending crisis returned to everyone¡¯s minds.


    Reika took a step forward, facing them with newfound determination.


    "That¡¯s exactly why we need to start discussing it now."


    ...


    Except for the villagers, only Silas, Reika, the dwarves, the dryad, Veylir, and Soru gathered inside the house. Once they took their seats, the discussion began.


    ¡°Since we¡¯ve chosen not to abandon this place, our only option is to defend it,¡± Alguis stated. ¡°With that in mind, I propose training our people to fight the monsters. They may have some basic knowledge, but it isn¡¯t enough.¡±


    He turned to Aeden and V?lun. ¡°That¡¯s why you two will be in charge of training them. Teach them how to fight efficiently. I will oversee their progress and assist in fortifying our defenses around the settlement.¡±


    Aeden and V?lun immediately stood and lowered their heads.


    ¡°We will follow your orders, Sir Alguis!¡±


    Silas spoke next. ¡°I will handle the villagers'' affairs. We should pack our essentials in case the worst happens.¡±


    He hesitated for a moment before adding, ¡°¡­Not that I doubt your skills, Sir Alguis! It¡¯s just¡ª¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Alguis reassured him. ¡°A backup plan is necessary to ensure our survival. You did the right thing by suggesting it.¡±


    Silas nodded. ¡°Then I¡¯ll take full responsibility for it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll help Sir Silas and protect the villagers,¡± Reika added. ¡°I¡¯ll also assist in combat and help strengthen our defenses. And if it comes down to it, we¡¯ll stand with you against those disaster-grade monsters.¡±


    Alguis frowned. ¡°Are you sure, Miss Reika? That¡¯s a heavy burden to take on.¡±


    Not to mention¡­ we don¡¯t have the strength to face those monsters head-on¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. My familiar will help me. With the two of us, we can provide support with ease!¡± Reika reassured them.


    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear, then. I¡¯ll entrust you with that task, Miss Reika,¡± Alguis said.


    He glanced at Soru.


    Ah, that¡¯s right¡­ Mister Soru is with us. If we can¡¯t handle those monsters ourselves, he might be able to¡­


    ¡°The dryad can provide us with updates on the monsters¡¯ movements. I assume you can handle that?¡± Veylir asked.


    ¡°The dryads can manage such a task. Leave it to us.¡± the dryad responded confidently.


    ¡°Mhm.¡± Veylir nodded in approval.


    ¡°Now that we¡¯re all assigned to our respective roles, we¡¯ll proceed with the plan immediately,¡± Alguis declared.


    ¡°I suggest we don¡¯t start tonight,¡± Reika interjected. ¡°We should begin tomorrow instead.¡±


    ¡°But Miss Reika, what if¡ª¡±


    ¡°I understand your concern, Sir Alguis, but we need to conserve our strength. More importantly, we have to consider the mental state of the villagers. They need a moment to breathe before facing what¡¯s to come.¡±


    Alguis lowered his head and sighed. ¡°You¡¯re right, Miss Reika. We¡¯ll begin tomorrow morning.¡±


    With nothing else to discuss, the meeting was dismissed. They stepped outside, where a meal prepared by the villagers awaited them.


    During dinner, Silas addressed the settlement, informing them of the impending monster wave. Some villagers panicked, but just like the group from earlier, they ultimately chose to stay and defend their home.


    As they ate, the villagers discussed the plans Silas had relayed to them earlier. They listened intently, absorbing every detail without missing a word.


    Soru finished his meal before the others and quietly left the gathering. He made his way to the large house and sat on a wooden bench near the main door¡ªthe one Alguis had built that morning. From there, he watched the remaining villagers eating, Silas and Alguis among them.


    After a few moments, he noticed Reika approaching. He didn¡¯t stare at her for long, instead shifting his gaze back to the children being called inside by their parents.


    ¡°Hey, Soru!¡±


    He didn¡¯t respond right away, only glancing at her briefly. Unbothered, Reika sat beside him.


    ¡°Remember what I told you a few days ago? About protecting them and all that?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I remember,¡± Soru replied.


    Reika turned her head, watching the distant figures of the villagers.


    ¡°You see, I¡¯m striving to become strong. I¡¯ll train hard until I can protect the people I cherish the most. If I want to keep them safe, I have to be strong enough to do it myself!¡± she declared with confidence.


    Soru said nothing, simply listening. A gentle breeze passed through the village, and Reika inhaled deeply, savoring the crisp night air.


    ¡°Honestly¡­ I don¡¯t quite understand you,¡± she admitted. ¡°Most of the time, you don¡¯t even bat an eye on those around you. And yet you''d randomly help others in times of their need...¡±


    She smiled.


    ¡°But that¡¯s a good thing. The ability to act on your own, free from anyone¡¯s influence¡ªthat¡¯s what defines a person.¡±


    Soru glanced at her.


    ¡°And that¡¯s what makes you .¡±


    Reika then spotted Veylir in the distance. The way she moved suggested she was looking for someone. Taking that as her cue, Reika stood up and turned back to Soru.


    ¡°What I¡¯m trying to say is¡­ whether you decide to help these people during the monster wave or not, the choice is yours,¡± Reika said. ¡°Even if you refuse, I won¡¯t force you. And that¡¯s fine with me.¡±


    She met his gaze with unwavering confidence.


    ¡°Because I realized that relying too much on others would only hinder my path to becoming stronger.¡±


    With those words, she turned and walked away, heading toward Veylir.


    Soru watched her for a moment before shifting his gaze back to the village.


    The sky was clouded, obscuring the stars. After a brief pause, he stood up and moved to the back of the large house, seeking a clearer view. There, away from the noise of the settlement, he lifted his head and gazed at the heavens.


    The night was quiet, peaceful. Yet, Reika¡¯s words still echoed in his mind.


    As he pondered them, his thoughts drifted elsewhere. A memory from his childhood surfaced¡ªone he hadn¡¯t recalled in a long time.


    ...


    ¡°Why did that chick fall from its nest?¡± A young Soru pointed at the small, helpless bird chirping on the ground.


    Beside him, a woman followed his gaze.


    ¡°Ah, it must be practicing how to fly on its own,¡± she said with a gentle smile. ¡°It¡¯s adorable, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    The woman was Soru¡¯s mother. They sat together on a public bench in the park, where people gathered to enjoy a moment of leisure. Her dark hair matched his, and her warm brown eyes reflected the kindness in her heart.


    Soru didn¡¯t respond immediately. His attention had shifted to a large bird that had just landed in the nest above¡ªthe chick¡¯s mother, most likely.


    That¡¯s probably its mama¡­


    He watched in silence, observing both the large bird and the struggling chick ahead. Despite its small size, the chick was frantically flapping its tiny wings, trying to climb back up.


    ¡°What¡¯s it doing?¡± he asked.


    His mother sighed lightly, growing a bit restless from his endless curiosity.


    For a four-year-old, he sure asks a lot of questions¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s trying to get back to its nest,¡± she explained. ¡°And once it does, it¡¯ll try to fly again.¡±


    ¡°Why is the mama bird just staring at her chick? Wouldn¡¯t it be easier if she carried it with her beak?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not just staring, you know?¡± His mother chuckled. ¡°She¡¯s protecting it, making sure nothing harms it while it learns to fly on its own.¡±


    Soru kept asking questions, and his mother patiently answered each one with a warm smile. Their conversation stretched on for minutes, but eventually, he fell silent.


    Even though his mother had explained everything, young Soru still couldn¡¯t grasp why the mother bird didn¡¯t simply help her chick every step of the way. To him, carrying it and guiding it directly seemed like a far more efficient and faster method.


    Though his face remained neutral, his mother could tell he was still conflicted. She simply smiled and turned her gaze back to the nest.


    Then, she pointed toward the chick.


    ¡°Hey, Soru. Look over there!¡±


    He followed her finger and saw the chick once again.


    This time, its tiny wings flapped faster and stronger than before. Determined to soar, the chick hovered above the nest for a few moments before finally lifting off, flying above the ground.


    The mother bird chirped in delight, celebrating her child¡¯s success.


    ¡°See?¡± His mother beamed. ¡°I knew it would fly on its own¡ªeven without its mama guiding it every step of the way.¡±

 Chapter 31: Preparations

    Both of them watched the chick as it soared through the sky, circling the tree where its nest was nestled.


    ¡°You see, if you rely on someone else all the time, you won¡¯t have any room to grow,¡± his mother said gently. ¡°Of course, it¡¯s good to help others and watch over them¡ªjust like that mama bird protecting her chick while it learns to fly.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ the chick has to experience hardship on its own. Without struggling, it won¡¯t be able to overcome challenges and become strong¡ªboth in mind and body.¡±


    She paused for a moment, then added with a playful smile, ¡°It¡¯s just like kids in school! Teachers can teach them manners and discipline, but it¡¯s up to the kids to apply those lessons on their own. Not just in school, but at home and in public too. That¡¯s how they grow into fine adults¡ªjust like me!¡±


    ¡­Even though I¡¯m really not.


    Soru didn¡¯t say a word as a response. His mother quickly realized that her lesson might be a bit too complex for a four-year-old.


    ¡°W-Well, I guess you won¡¯t understand it yet. You¡¯re still a child, after all¡­¡±


    She turned back to the sky just in time to see the chick disappear into the clouds, its small figure vanishing from sight. Soru followed her gaze and noticed the mother bird leaving its nest, flying off in a different direction.


    ¡°When you grow into a fine young man, you¡¯ll understand it,¡± she said, looking at him with a warm smile.


    Then, she gently patted his head before standing up and extending her hand toward him.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go home. It¡¯s getting dark out here.¡±


    ...


    Remembering those childhood memories, Soru found himself drawing a connection to what Reika had told him earlier. He began to understand why she didn¡¯t want to rely on him too much¡ªwhy she insisted on growing strong enough to protect those she cared about on her own.


    He realized that he shouldn¡¯t interfere with her path.


    As an individual, Soru understood emotions in a logical sense but couldn¡¯t incorporate them into his own actions. He was aware of what feelings were displayed before him, yet he''s incapable of instinctively responding to them. He simply acted based on what he deemed efficient, making decisions purely on reasoning and deduction.


    But with someone like Reika reminding him of morals and ethical responses, he avoided most missteps when dealing with others.


    By the time his thoughts settled, it was already an hour before midnight. The village had fallen silent; the people had long since retreated into their homes. Only Soru remained outside, while the dwarves and Silas slept soundly in their rooms.


    With nothing else left to do, he quietly made his way inside.


    Upon entering his room, he saw Reika fast asleep beside Veylir. The flickering candlelight cast soft shadows on her face, making her peaceful expression stand out even more.


    As he slowly walked to his bed, he found himself staring at her in silence.


    Then, for a brief moment, under the dim glow of the candlelight¡ªhe saw his mother¡¯s face in Reika¡¯s.


    Even though they had been transported to another world, Soru didn¡¯t worry about what his mother might think of his sudden disappearance. Despite her being his mother, he had always viewed her more as an individual¡ªsomeone he simply grew up with rather than someone he deeply depended on.


    Hmm¡­ That¡¯s strange¡­


    Seeing her image reflected in Reika made him wonder, for the first time, if she missed him. But he quickly dismissed the thought. He knew she was capable of living on her own, even without him there.


    Adults can live by themselves without needing anyone beside them.


    With that conclusion, Soru lay down on his bed, turning his gaze toward the window where the night sky peeked through. As the seconds passed, his eyelids grew heavy.


    Slowly, he closed his eyes and drifted into sleep.


    ...


    ¡°¡­Oi, V?lun! Hurry up, will you?¡±


    ¡°Alright! Just gimme a¡­ secoooond~¡±


    ¡°You¡­!¡±


    SMACK!


    ¡°OW! Hey, what was that for!?¡±


    Soru groggily opened his eyes, stirred awake by Aeden and V?lun¡¯s loud voices from the other side of the wall. Judging by the faint morning light filtering through the room, it was still early.


    He sat up and stretched before making his way past Reika¡¯s bed¡ªwhere she was still snoring, a bit of drool trickling from her mouth. He paid no mind to it and instead walked to the window. Outside, the villagers were already busy with preparations for the impending monster wave.


    Deciding to step out, he was immediately greeted by V?lun, who was still mid-yawn.


    ¡°Oh, good morning, Mister Soru!¡±


    ¡°Good morning.¡±


    ¡°Aeden¡¯s about to start training the volunteers with some basic combat techniques. Wanna come?¡±


    Soru gave a small nod.


    ¡°Sweet! Then, come along with me.¡±


    As they walked toward the training grounds, V?lun suddenly glanced at Soru, noticing something different about him.


    "I may be rude to ask, but why haven¡¯t you changed your clothes? Ever since I first saw you, you¡¯ve been wearing that same strange outfit," V?lun said, glancing at Soru.


    "These are the only clothes I had when I arrived. I have nothing else to wear," Soru replied.


    "Hmm... You could borrow from the humans, you know? Even us dwarves got some clothes from those kindhearted folks. Miss Reika, too¡ªshe¡¯s wearing clothes she borrowed from that human girl, Sylva."


    Soru looked at his uniform. It was still as clean as new, thanks to his power.


    "I''m fine with this."


    V?lun stared at his clothes.


    His outfit is surprisingly neat, and he smells fine too. Maybe he washes them while bathing and puts them back on afterward? But they wouldn¡¯t dry that fast¡­


    Then, his eyes widened.


    Oh! Maybe he¡¯s using his ability to dry them faster! That makes sense!


    Although his guess was close, he was wrong about one thing¡ªSoru wasn¡¯t using his ability to dry his clothes. Instead, he transferred any dirt from his uniform onto something¡ªor someone¡ªelse.


    As they arrived at the training grounds, they saw Aeden gathering the volunteers.


    Out of the seventeen families that had settled in the village, a total of twenty-one men had stepped forward for training.


    Soru and V?lun walked up to Aeden, who immediately took notice of them and let out a sigh.


    ¡°Finally, you¡¯re here, V?lun! What took you so long?¡±


    ¡°Hahh¡­ Can¡¯t you see I brought Mister Soru with me? Of course, I was delayed because I accompanied him.¡±


    Aeden rolled her eyes, knowing his excuse wasn¡¯t entirely wrong.


    ¡°Whatever¡­¡±


    Turning to the gathered villagers, she observed them carefully before giving a firm nod.


    ¡°All of you have volunteered to train in preparation for the upcoming monster wave. That means you¡¯re ready¡ªboth in mind and body¡ªto face the threat that will endanger this settlement.¡±


    ¡°YES, MA¡¯AM!¡± the villagers shouted in unison.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want weak-willed people in this group. If you¡¯re prepared to lay down your lives to protect this place, then you must strengthen your resolve to fight to the death. Am I clear?¡±


    ¡°YES! WE ARE PREPARED, MA¡¯AM!¡±


    Aeden could see traces of fear and hesitation in their eyes, but their determination was stronger. They were willing to fight¡ªnot just for themselves, but for the families relying on them.


    ¡°Since you¡¯re all prepared to face this threat with such resolve, we¡¯ll begin training. Pick up your wooden swords!¡±


    With that, she started teaching them the basics of swordsmanship, demonstrating each movement with precise swings. The men followed her lead, imitating her motions as they practiced.


    Meanwhile, Soru and V?lun sat on a wooden log nearby, watching the training unfold.


    Then, Soru noticed Silas approaching, carrying a sheathed sword in his hands.


    ¡°Sir V?lun¡­! Here¡¯s the sword I mentioned yesterday.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for your help, Sir Silas,¡± V?lun said, taking the weapon from him.


    ¡°I apologize for the delay. That sword was given to us as a gift at our small wedding. It has no use to me anymore, but I hope it serves you well¡­¡±


    V?lun unsheathed the blade and examined it. Despite its age, it was still sharp, untouched by years of neglect.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. We¡¯ll handle it with care,¡± V?lun reassured him.


    ¡°Thank you, Sir.¡±


    Silas excused himself and left the scene, heading toward another group busy fortifying the perimeter with barricades.


    V?lun remained seated, staring at the blade in his hands. He caught his own reflection in its polished surface.


    ¡°To think it¡¯s been this well-maintained after all these years¡­ That old man truly values this sword, even if he has no interest in wielding it.¡±


    With a sigh, he lowered the blade slightly.


    ¡°Hah. We¡¯ve got a sword, but there¡¯s only one. With so many people training, only one of them will be able to use it.¡±


    He clicked his tongue. ¡°If only we had enough swords for all of them¡­¡±


    ¡°How many do you need?¡± Soru suddenly asked.


    V?lun blinked at him. ¡°Based on their numbers, about twenty more.¡±


    Without hesitation, Soru extended his hand.


    ¡°Give me that sword.¡±


    V?lun, confused by the request, hesitated before handing it over.


    ¡°¡­Okay?¡±


    The moment Soru took the sword, he closed his eyes. V?lun watched him curiously, wondering what he was about to do.


    Then, without warning, the sword vanished from Soru¡¯s grasp.


    ¡°Eh!?¡±


    A series of clanking noises followed, and V?lun turned to see several sheathed swords scattered on the ground.


    ¡°What the¡­?!¡±


    Soru stood up, picked up one of the swords, and handed it back to V?lun.


    ¡°There are twenty in total, not counting this one.¡±


    V?lun was too stunned to respond immediately. He hesitantly took the sword Soru handed him.


    ¡°H-H-How¡­?¡±


    ¡°I used the sword you gave me and duplicated it,¡± Soru replied calmly.


    Still in disbelief, V?lun rushed to the pile of swords and inspected them.


    He¡¯s right¡­ There really are twenty swords here!


    Standing up, he gripped one of the swords tightly and turned to Soru.


    What Sir Alguis told us the other day was true¡­ He can duplicate objects too!


    ¡°T-This should be enough to arm the villagers with swords! I need to tell Aeden about this!¡±


    Without wasting time, V?lun sprinted toward Aeden, who was still in the middle of training the volunteers.


    Soru watched as the two dwarves spoke. He noticed Aeden¡¯s eyes widen in shock before she immediately turned to her trainees and ordered them to halt their training.


    Without hesitation, she and V?lun hurried toward him. Upon reaching the pile, Aeden¡¯s breath hitched as she took a closer look at the neatly arranged swords.


    ¡°This is¡­¡± She reached down, gripping one of the blades, still struggling to believe what she was seeing.


    Aeden thought, still in disbelief.


    Without hesitation, she turned to the trainees and called them to gather in front of her.


    "Due to some unforeseen circumstances, we¡¯ve managed to obtain twenty-one swords, thanks to Mister Soru. You should all give him your thanks for providing each of you with a weapon to wield!"


    At her words, the trainees immediately bowed.


    ¡°Mister Soru, thank you for these swords!¡± they said in unison.


    Soru gave them a slight bow in return.


    Excited, the volunteers eagerly reached for the swords¡ªonly for Aeden to stop them with a raised hand.


    ¡°Hup! I never said you could use these swords right away.¡± She crossed her arms. ¡°You need to yourselves first by honing your swordsmanship to an acceptable level.¡±


    Their enthusiasm instantly deflated.


    ¡°Aww man¡­¡±


    ¡°Hahh¡­ And here I thought I could wield a sword right away.¡±


    Aeden smirked at their murmurs.


    ¡°Pft. Did I just catch you all sulking~?¡±


    Grinning, she grabbed one of the sheathed swords and pointed its handle toward them.


    "If you want to earn one of these, then don¡¯t slack off! Persevere in your training!" Aeden declared.


    Their moods shifted instantly. Determined to receive their swords, the trainees straightened up, their motivation reignited.


    "Yes, ma''am!" they shouted in unison.


    As they returned to their positions, Soru noticed V?lun sneaking toward the edge of the training grounds.


    "Since Aeden¡¯s personally training them, I guess staying here would be pointless¡ª"


    Before he could take another step, he suddenly felt a tug on his shirt.


    "And where do you think you''re going?"


    A familiar voice sent a chill down his spine. Turning his head, he found Aeden staring at him with a serious expression.


    "Y-You can handle their training on your own, right?" he stammered. "If that¡¯s the case, then my help won¡¯t be needed here¡ª"


    "Should I tell Sir Alguis that you were slacking off and neglecting his orders?"


    V?lun jolted, his body stiffening at her words.


    ¡°Ghk¡­!¡±


    Aeden picked up one of the swords from the ground and tossed it at V?lun. He caught it instinctively, staring at her in confusion.


    ¡°W-What am I supposed to do with this?¡± he asked, unsheathing the blade.


    Aeden met his gaze with a smirk but didn¡¯t answer. Instead, she turned to face the trainees.


    ¡°Since I¡¯ve already taught you the basics of swordsmanship, it¡¯s time for you to see those techniques in action,¡± she announced. ¡°We¡¯ll be demonstrating them in a duel.¡±


    V?lun¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°You¡­! A real sword? Are you serious!?¡±


    Aeden swung her own sword in the air, letting the scabbard slip off, revealing the gleaming blade.


    ¡°H-Hey, Aeden, don¡¯t you think we should teach them a little more before jumping into this? A demonstration seems a bit early, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°Since you didn¡¯t help me earlier, you have no right to refuse,¡± she shot back. Then, with a sly grin, she added, ¡°Or should I tell Sir Alguis about your negligence right away?¡±


    V?lun stiffened, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He knew full well that if Alguis found out, he¡¯d never hear the end of it.


    ¡°Sigh¡­ When it comes to reasonable threats, you¡¯re simply unmatched¡­¡±


    Resigned to his fate, he took a stance, gripping his sword tightly. Aeden did the same, both waiting for the other to make the first move.


    Then, miraculously, they both lunged at the same time.


    The clash of steel rang out, and the trainees watched in awe. Being mere villagers, they had never witnessed swordplay of this caliber before. To them, such skill had only existed in stories and dreams¡ªuntil now.


    Thirty minutes had passed since their duel began. While both Aeden and V?lun were skilled with a sword, the difference between them was becoming clear¡ªAeden held a slight edge over him.


    Determined to finish it, she went for a decisive strike. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Hyaaah!¡±


    V?lun saw the attack coming but wasn¡¯t fast enough to avoid it completely.


    ¡°Urk¡­!¡±


    He stole a quick glance at the trainees, who were watching intently, eager to see the climax of their duel.


    Losing to her is one thing, but losing in front of an audience¡­ that¡¯s a different matter.


    As Aeden¡¯s blade closed in, he made a split-second decision to save himself from humiliation.


    It¡¯s now or never!


    He raised his sword to parry, but the moment their blades clashed, he immediately felt the full force behind her attack.


    ¡°Rrrghhh! It¡¯s too heavy!¡±


    In an instant, V?lun let go of his sword, causing Aeden to lose her balance.


    ¡°Woah¡ª!¡±


    Seizing the opportunity, he caught the falling sword with his right hand and swiftly closed the distance between them.


    ¡°Hah!¡±


    Gasps filled the air as the duel came to an end. V?lun now stood inches from Aeden, holding his sword like a dagger, its blade hovering just above her neck.


    "Hahh... Hahh... I-I won?"


    V?lun suddenly felt a light tapping against his waist. Realizing what it was, he glanced down¡ªAeden¡¯s blade was aimed directly at him. If this had been a real battle, his abdomen would have been cut clean through.


    ¡°Woaaah!!¡±


    The trainees erupted into applause, cheering at the spectacle they had just witnessed. In the end, the duel had ended in a draw.


    Both fighters retracted their blades and faced each other.


    ¡°You sly bastard¡­¡± Aeden muttered, shaking her head. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you pulled that trick. I almost lost.¡±


    ¡°Hah¡­ I had no choice. You¡¯re simply too strong¡ªI had to resort to something like that!¡± V?lun admitted with a grin.


    They clasped hands, officially marking the end of their duel.


    The trainees, still thrilled from the match, began talking excitedly.


    ¡°Miss Aeden¡¯s swordsmanship is incredible! She moves like a pro!¡±


    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t underestimate Sir V?lun! His tactics were precise and well-executed!¡±


    Hearing their students praise them, Aeden and V?lun exchanged amused smiles. More than anything, Aeden was glad that they had been paying close attention.


    ¡°Alright,¡± she said. ¡°Since you¡¯ve had enough rest, it¡¯s time for you to pair up and begin a joint sparring session. Are you all ready?¡±


    Fueled by excitement from watching their duel, the trainees sprang to their feet without hesitation.


    ¡°We are ready, ma¡¯am!¡± they shouted in unison.

 Chapter 32: Team Effort

    Aeden quickly assigned the trainees into pairs, forming ten groups in no time.


    "Man, I¡¯m excited to try out Miss Aeden¡¯s sword techniques!" one of them said eagerly.


    "Oh? Aren¡¯t you afraid I¡¯ll pull tricks on you like Mister V?lun did?" his partner teased.


    "Bring it on, then!"


    Aeden smirked at their enthusiasm before addressing them.


    "Since all of you have been paired up, spread out so you don¡¯t get in each other¡¯s way. You may begin when ready."


    As the trainees moved into position, she turned to a lone figure who had yet to be assigned.


    It was the entrance guard from before¡ªthe man who had lost his family in the accident.


    "And as for you¡­" Aeden gestured toward him. "Since you don¡¯t have a partner, I¡¯ll assign you to V?lun. Are you fine with this arrangement?"


    "Yes, ma¡¯am," the man replied without hesitation.


    "Wait, wait, wait. Why , though?" V?lun asked, clearly caught off guard.


    "What do you mean? You didn¡¯t help train them earlier, so of course, you¡¯re going to do it now," Aeden stated matter-of-factly.


    "But¡­ I just finished a duel with you¡­"


    "And? Didn¡¯t I spend the entire time training them your help? Now that I¡¯m giving you the opportunity to fulfill the duty Sir Alguis assigned us, do you really dare to slack off again?"


    V?lun opened his mouth to argue but immediately realized he had no way to counter her logic. With a sigh of defeat, he scratched his head.


    "F-Fine! Sheesh¡­"


    Reluctantly, he took the wooden sword Aeden handed him and walked over to the former entrance guard.


    The man greeted him with a respectful bow.


    ¡°I hope you take care of me, Sir V?lun.¡±


    ¡°Mhm,¡± V?lun replied in a low tone, gripping his wooden sword.


    Aeden watched as the twenty-one trainees, including V?lun, began their sparring sessions. Though they struggled to apply the techniques they had learned earlier, she was relieved to see them at least trying to incorporate the fundamentals.


    But this was only the beginning.


    For that, they needed to master the basics first. A strong foundation would allow them to devise their own techniques in the future¡ªones that could help them survive against monsters far more dangerous than anything they had ever faced.


    Aeden turned and spotted the pile of real swords still lying on the ground.


    Aeden walked toward the pile of swords, but just as she reached them, something occurred to her.


    "Wait¡­ I forgot Mister Soru was here too!"


    She quickly looked around, intending to apologize to him. But to her surprise, he was nowhere to be seen.


    ¡°Eh? Where did he go?¡±


    After a brief search, she gave up and turned her attention back to the swords, deciding to store them somewhere safe.


    Meanwhile, Soru had quietly left the training grounds without notice. Feeling hungry, he made his way toward the campfire near the large house where they were staying.


    Upon arriving, he saw two young women preparing breakfast. He hadn¡¯t met them before, and for a moment, he considered waiting for the others before eating.


    Just as he was about to leave, he spotted Alguis, Silas, and a few others approaching. Alguis quickly noticed him.


    ¡°Sir Soru! Looks like you got here before us,¡± Alguis said with a smile.


    Soru stopped and turned toward him. Alguis stepped forward and gave him a light pat on the shoulder.


    "Let''s eat together, shall we?"


    Soru gave a small nod and followed them.


    When they arrived, everyone was handed a bowl of food. They thanked the two women who had prepared the meal and began eating contentedly.


    As they ate, the conversation shifted to the barricade project.


    "Even though some of the women have been helping, we still don¡¯t have enough manpower to build the barricades quickly," one of them said.


    "You¡¯re right," another added. "We barely started, but it¡¯s already clear this will take more than a week to complete."


    "But thanks to Miss Reika and her familiar¡¯s ability, the heavy logs have become light enough for a single person to carry," someone pointed out. "And with Sir Alguis¡¯s ability to manipulate the soil¡ªturning it into mud when needed¡ªour work has been much easier."


    "Their contributions have made a huge difference," another agreed. "Without their abilities, it would¡¯ve taken at least a month or more to finish everything."


    All of them nod in agreement.


    While everyone was chatting, some of them noticed the women who had helped with the barricade finally arriving. Though they had all left the worksite together, the women were late to breakfast due to hygiene reasons.


    "Here they are. We left at the same time, yet they¡¯re just arriving when we¡¯re about to finish eating."


    "Hahh¡­ You know how women are," one of the men chuckled. "They care more about hygiene than us men."


    Among the arriving group were Reika and Veylir. Reika spotted Soru and Alguis eating together. After grabbing her bowl, she casually sat beside Soru and started eating.


    Moments later, breakfast ended, and after a short break, everyone prepared to return to work. As Soru stood up, Alguis approached him.


    "Mister Soru, do you have any plans this morning?"


    "Besides observing the trainees, I have nothing else to do."


    "If that¡¯s the case, why not watch us erect the barricades?"


    Soru paused, considering the idea.


    He nodded in agreement and followed them to the site.


    In the distance, he spotted Veylir hovering over a pile of logs. Nearby, massive logs were being vertically split in half, their sharpened tips buried deep into the ground at an angle, forming part of the barricade.


    Everyone moved to their designated posts and resumed working. As Soru silently observed, he took in the efficiency of their teamwork.


    Reika and Veylir focused on processing the logs. Using an aerial-type ability, they effortlessly split them in half and carved pointed tips for easier placement.


    <Gale Cleave!>


    With a swift chant, a compressed wind blade materialized, slicing through the logs as if they were nothing but butter. Veylir then refined the tips using the same technique.


    Once prepared, another aerial-type ability, Light Wind, was applied to the logs, making them lighter so that an average person could carry them with ease.


    Three individuals were assigned to transport the processed logs, which were then erected diagonally into the ground. Meanwhile, Alguis used Surface Liquefaction to soften the soil, allowing the logs to be buried and secured more easily.


    Thanks to that ability, the three of them managed to embed the processed log''s body into the ground with minimal effort.


    They repeated the process over and over, with Reika assisting Alguis in softening the ground using the same ability he was using.


    Hours passed, and they successfully erected ten log pikes. Everyone pitched in, including the men and women present at the site. Soru watched in silence, observing their every movement as they worked tirelessly to fortify the area.


    "Let''s take a short break! It''s already noon, and our snacks should be here any minute," Alguis announced.


    Right on cue, the two women from earlier arrived, carrying a basket full of bread and some water. The workers took notice and gathered around to get their portions, Alguis and Reika included. Reika then approached Soru and handed her some bread and water. Soru took them and started eating.


    "You know, I thought you''d eventually lend a hand after hours of just standing there watching us work. But it looks like I underestimated your ability to not get bored!"


    "I saw how everyone worked together without leaving a single person behind. Each of you played your role efficiently. Maybe that¡¯s why I didn¡¯t feel the need to step in," Soru replied.


    "Uh-huh... Well, since we¡¯re social beings, teamwork is one of our intrinsic survival traits. Without it, living in this harsh world on our own would be much harder."


    Reika noticed that the workers had finished and decided it was time to resume their work.


    "All right¡­ Let''s get back to it~!" she called out cheerfully.


    Soru watched her, noting how eager she was to help others. He paused, lost in thought.


    He took a step forward.


    Alguis noticed Soru approaching and welcomed him with a nod. Soru stopped, observing as the workers positioned the processed logs on the ground before raising them upright.


    "Oh, Mister Soru, what brings you here? Want to take a closer look?" Alguis asked.


    "I came to see if you needed help."


    Alguis blinked in surprise. "W-Well, if you''re offering, you could help carry those large logs over there to their designated spots."


    Without another word, Soru headed toward the area where Reika and Veylir were working. Alguis simply shrugged and returned to his task.


    When Soru arrived, both Reika and Veylir turned to him.


    "Oh? Master Soru, have you decided to help us?" Veylir asked.


    "Yes."


    "That''s great! With your help, we might finish this project faster than expected!"


    On the other side, Reika watched Soru as he spoke with Veylir. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Where should I place these finished pikes so they can be lifted and set into the ground?" Soru asked.


    "Uh¡­ from there to there," Reika said, pointing between two spots.


    Soru turned toward the pile, counting a total of eleven pikes. Without hesitation, he stretched out his hand. In an instant, all of them vanished into thin air.


    Reika and Veylir¡¯s eyes widened in shock.


    A second later, the missing pikes reappeared neatly near the designated area, ready to be erected. The sight didn¡¯t just startle them¡ªAlguis and the workers also witnessed it.


    At first, they were stunned, but it quickly faded. Rumors about Soru''s extraordinary and convenient ability had already spread throughout the settlement, so seeing it firsthand wasn¡¯t all that surprising.


    "Even though I knew Mister Soru had that strange ability, I never imagined it would be this useful!"


    "Of course! With his ability, doing tasks like this became more convenient than ever!"


    Reika stepped forward, activating her ability. Alongside Alguis, she softened the ground to help the workers insert the logs more easily.


    The afternoon passed, and they decided to call it a day. As they looked at the unfinished barricade, they were surprised by how much progress they had made.


    "To think we managed to surpass our expected progress¡­ It''s all thanks to Mister Soru''s help!"


    "Yeah! We saved so much time and effort on building these barricades!"


    Soru overheard their conversation and glanced at them. Their smiles and cheerful expressions stood out to him.


    He looked down at his palm, lost in thought.


    A tap on his shoulder pulled him from his thoughts. He turned to see Alguis smiling at him.


    "Thanks for your help, Mister Soru! With you around, the construction went faster than we ever expected!"


    Alguis gave him a thumbs-up, his grin unwavering. Soru glanced back at the workers as they returned to the site, their energy still high despite the day''s labor.


    "...You''re welcome."


    Before they could say more, Reika approached them, Veylir walking beside her, chatting along the way.


    "I thought you''d just stand around observing us the whole time. I was honestly surprised when you decided to help," Reika said as she reached him.


    "Master Soru might not seem interested at first, but once he gets involved, he turns into a surprisingly capable fellow!" Veylir added with a grin.


    "I only helped a little, that''s all," Soru replied.


    Alguis overheard their conversation and chimed in.


    "Mhm. Mister Soru is a capable individual, indeed!"


    With that, the group made their way back to the settlement alongside the workers. As they arrived, they encountered Aeden and V?lun, who had just wrapped up their first day of training the volunteers in basic swordsmanship. The dwarves greeted Alguis with a respectful bow.


    "Sir Alguis!"


    Aeden¡¯s gaze briefly shifted to Soru.


    "Mhm. How did the training go with the volunteers?" Alguis asked.


    "It went smoothly," Aeden replied. "Their proficiency isn''t great yet, but they''ve shown signs of improvement. Considering it''s only been a day, that¡¯s promising."


    "That''s good to hear¡­"


    Together, they headed to the communal grounds for dinner. Laughter filled the air as villagers shared stories about their first day of preparation for the coming wave. Though they had been anxious at the start, a new energy had taken hold¡ªan eagerness to stand together and defend their home.


    The second day arrived, and everyone resumed their assigned tasks. Meanwhile, Soru approached Aeden regarding his training in the Phantom Combat Technique.


    "I apologize, Mister Soru. I was so occupied with training the others that I completely forgot about yours," Aeden admitted.


    "It''s okay," Soru replied.


    Aeden paused for a moment.


    "If you''re still up for it, we could train after dinner. How does that sound?"


    "I''m fine with that."


    With their agreement settled, they parted ways.


    Meanwhile, Reika and Veylir were back to their usual task¡ªprocessing logs using their abilities.


    As they worked, Reika decided to bring up something that had been on her mind for the past two days.


    "Uh, Veylir¡­ I''ve been thinking about this for a while. Would you mind hearing a request of mine?"


    Veylir paused, glancing at her curiously.


    "It''s rare for you to ask me for something. Go on, what is it?"


    "W-Well, since you''re one of the oldest entities on this continent, I¡ª"


    "Hold on a second. I''m not old, you know? If my lifespan were the same as yours, I''d be about twenty-one."


    Reika gave her an annoyed look.


    "A-Anyway," she continued, clearing her throat, "since you''ve here much longer, I was wondering¡­ do you know how to wield any weapons?"


    Veylir¡¯s eyes widened slightly.


    "Oh, I see where this is going¡­"


    She placed a hand on her chin and closed one eye, striking a dramatic pose as if she were some wise scholar.


    "Basically, you want me to teach you some Weapon Arts?"


    "W-Well, something like that¡­" Reika muttered.


    "Hmm¡­ I never thought you''d take an interest in that¡­"


    Veylir let the thought settle before continuing.


    "¡­But I should tell you, I''ve only mastered  Weapon Art. Dragons, after all, don''t such meager techniques in combat¡ª"


    "If you know even one, then you teach me!" Reika interrupted.


    Veylir took a step back as Reika leaned in too close, her face practically glowing with excitement.


    "...Alright, alright! I-I guess I could teach you," Veylir relented.


    "Sweet!"


    Scratching her cheek with a tiny claw, Veylir looked away.


    "W-Well, don''t get your hopes up. I only know the fundamentals¡ªit''s not like I''m proficient or anything..."


    "That''s fine! That should be enough for me~!" Reika chirped.


    Veylir edged away again, keeping some distance before Reika could close in on her.


    "So, what kind of weapon art is it?"


    Suddenly, Veylir¡¯s expression turned serious. Reika immediately noticed and adjusted her composure.


    "Oh, i-it''s just the basics of Spear Arts," Veylir said. "Nothing fancy. I never really bothered learning its complexities."

 Chapter 33: The Waiting Game

    Reika¡¯s eyes widened as she froze for a moment.


    Of all the weapons on this continent¡­ why a spear? I really thought she''d teach me how to wield a sword or something¡­


    "Is there a reason you chose to learn that instead of a sword?" she asked.


    Hearing such a sensible question, Veylir let out a sigh.


    "I didn¡¯t really have a choice. It¡¯s a strict protocol among dragons to learn some form of weapon art as a display of excellence. At the time, only two of us were in that training, and our instructor was kind of a slacker¡­ so it was basically a haven for me."


    "Yeah, I bet it was," Reika said flatly. "Since you¡¯re lazy as hell."


    "Hmph. Why would I even bother with weapons when I could just burn everything to ashes?"


    "That makes sense, considering you''re just a simpleton whose entire combat style consists of burning stuff and creating some random-ass gusts of wind..."


    "Hey! How dare you mock my abilities! If I were at my peak right now, I''d¡ª"


    "Alright, alright~ We¡¯re getting off-topic," Reika interrupted with a teasing grin.


    "Hmph!" Veylir huffed, turning away with a pout.


    "...But still, the fact that I lack combat experience means I learn a weapon art. It might seem useless to you, but I need it if I want to protect those I treasure most..." Reika murmured.


    Veylir glanced at her.


    Humans¡­ They''re always willing to go to desperate lengths just to achieve their ambitions¡­


    Hmm¡­ Her determination reminds me of human. But unlike her, Reika is somehow bearable¡ªand isn''t annoying, at least¡­


    "Alright. After dinner, we''ll start your training. Sound good?"


    Reika¡¯s eyes lit up with excitement. She beamed.


    "Thanks, Veylir!"


    Veylir stared at her for a moment before looking away once more.


    "...Just think of it as repayment for your help back then."


    And with that, evening arrived like a fleeting breeze. Those who had spent the day working on the construction, along with the participants in the sword training, gathered for dinner.


    After finishing their meal, everyone returned to their homes for some well-earned rest. However, Reika and Veylir remained outside, making their way to a secluded area several meters away from the settlement.


    "A-Anyway, since this is just the start of our training, shouldn''t we use sticks instead of an actual weapon?" Reika asked.


    "N-No. You should¡­ familiarize yourself with the structure¡­ of the weapon first¡­ before we begin training¡­ Ghk!"


    Reika raised an eyebrow. "But it looks like you''re struggling to get it out from your¡­ What was it again? Spatial storage?"


    "It''s because this ability is beyond my current capabilities to access!" Veylir snapped. "Now¡­ if you would just shut up and¡­ let me concentrate¡ª"


    Suddenly, from the small spatial rift Veylir had opened, a white mask popped out instead of the intended weapon.


    "See? Now I pulled out the object because of your incessant chatter!"


    "I told you before, you shouldn''t force yourself if it''s too difficult¡­"


    "Would you shut up and let me do it?"


    Reika sighed, knowing there was no stopping Veylir once she was set on something.


    Taking a deep breath, Veylir focused again and attempted to use the ability once more.


    <Spatial Storage!>


    A faint vibration rippled through the air as a tiny spatial rift, no larger than a one-yen coin, opened before Veylir.


    Reika glanced at the white mask that had fallen out and picked it up. She examined it closely, surprised to find that it had no holes for the eyes or nose.


    "What''s the deal with this weird-looking mask?"


    "Uh, Master Reika? I think you should help me with this..."


    Reika turned to see Veylir struggling to keep the spatial rift stable. Through the small tear in space, she could see the other end of the weapon emerging.


    "Help me pull the spear out of this damned spatial storage!"


    Without hesitation, Reika gripped the shaft and pulled with all her strength.


    "Nggghhh¡­!"


    Slowly but surely, the spear inched its way out.


    "That''s it. Keep going!" Veylir urged.


    With one final tug, Reika managed to free the weapon, but the momentum sent her tumbling backward.


    "Ow!" she groaned.


    "Hahh... Finally!" Veylir let out a relieved sigh.


    Reika stood up, still holding the spear. Gripping it firmly, she inspected the weapon with keen interest, running her fingers along its shaft and taking in its design.


    "Hmmm... Why is this spear exactly my height?" Reika wondered.


    "That''s because I was young when I wielded it, obviously..."


    Veylir gave her a once-over, then smirked.


    "...It''s not the spear''s fault that your height barely qualifies as a teen. In fact, you look like a borderline midget¡ª"


    "Do you me to choke you again?!" Reika snapped, clenching her fist.


    Veylir immediately backed away.


    "C-Come on, I was just joking!"


    "Humph! Consider yourself lucky..."


    "Alright, enough chitchat," Veylir said.


    She hovered in the air, a serious look settling on her face. Reika, realizing the training was about to begin, straightened up and paid attention.


    "Since you''ve familiarized yourself with the weapon, let''s start with the fundamentals¡ªthe basic stances of Spear Arts."


    Reika glanced at the spear in her hands.


    "Uhh... Shouldn''t we use a long training stick first before jumping to this?"


    Veylir sighed dramatically.


    "Hah? Do you think I used methods like training sticks when I trained? Dragons use real weapons from the start!"


    "And exactly am I supposed to compare to you? We''re not even from the same race!"


    "Nggghhh... why you humans are a bunch of wussies! You¡¯re afraid the weapon you¡¯re holding might hurt you!"


    "...But that''s an expected outcome since I''m still an amateur¡ª"


    "And that''s where you''re mistaken!"


    Veylir flew closer with a sharp gaze.


    "Weapons must be treated like wild animals¡ªuntamed beasts that must be subdued by their wielder. A practitioner must with the weapon they wield. You''re not just holding a stick; you''re forming a bond with a true weapon."


    Reika fell silent at Veylir''s words.


    "You came here to train Arts, not some...  or something!"


    Something clicked in Reika''s mind. She tightened her grip on the spear.


    Oneness with your weapon means experiencing pain before the pleasure of mastery¡­


    "Your weapon is your companion, your sworn blood¡­ sister, or something."


    Veylir thought.


    "Alright, alright~ I get it now¡­" Reika finally conceded.


    Veylir squinted at her.


    "Hmph! You be. Repeating myself is exhausting¡­"


    She straightened up. "Now, follow my movements¡ªand do it with proper posture."


    With that, Veylir began teaching her the fundamentals of Spear Arts.


    It was clear from the start that Reika struggled to keep up. The spear¡¯s length made her movements clumsy, and its weight only added to her difficulty.


    It''s heavy! I need to do something about this!


    An idea suddenly struck Reika. To compensate for the spear¡¯s weight, she decided to use her ability to lighten the load.


    <Light Wind>


    The effect took hold immediately, reducing the spear¡¯s weight. With the newfound ease, her movements became more fluid compared to her earlier struggles.


    Veylir noticed the change right away but chose to ignore it, continuing the lesson without pause.


    Compensating for her shortcomings¡­ Master Reika sure is creative¡­


    The two of them trained tirelessly for hours, taking short breaks every hour, their session stretching all the way to midnight.


    ...


    A month had passed since Reika began her training under Veylir''s guidance. Soru, too, continued his training with Aeden after dinner.


    The volunteers learning swordsmanship under the dwarves had also made remarkable progress. Every one of them had reached the intermediate level¡ªa stage considered satisfactory in terms of combat proficiency, with only minor refinements needed for complete mastery.


    Meanwhile, the settlement''s defenses had advanced significantly. The first layer of barricades had long been completed thanks to the collective effort of the settlers. The second layer, positioned farther out, was now nearing completion.


    As the laborers took a short break, they gathered under the shade of a tree, discussing their progress.


    "To think we''ve nearly finished setting up these barricades¡­ Time really flies!" one of them said proudly.


    "It''s been a month since we started, and honestly, I''m just relieved everything has gone smoothly without complications."


    "Now that I think about it," another muttered, "a whole month has passed, yet there''s been no sign of movement from the upcoming monster wave."


    "Aiya! That¡¯s a thing!"


    "He¡¯s right! Because of the delay, we¡¯ve almost completed the barricades. Even though they¡¯re not entirely finished yet, they should still hold up against the wave. If the monsters suddenly appeared, I bet they wouldn¡¯t¡ª"


    "Shush! Do you to jinx it!?"


    The man immediately covered his mouth.


    "...Sorry."


    They all sighed in unison.


    "Hahh... To think we¡¯re just instead of running. And the worst part? We nowhere else to run to..."


    One of his companions patted his shoulder reassuringly.


    "Don''t dwell on it too much. We¡¯re all in this together, no matter how bad it gets."


    "Yeah¡­ you''re right."


    "With our current situation, the best thing we can do is wait and be ready¡­"


    Their conversation was cut short when a man came sprinting toward them. He skidded to a stop, panting heavily.


    "Calm down. What''s the rush?" one of them asked.


    "Guys, have you seen Miss Reika?"


    They exchanged confused glances.


    "Uh, no. In fact, we haven¡¯t seen her today. We¡¯ve just been erecting the logs she and her familiar prepared yesterday¡ª"


    "So the rumors true, then!"


    The group frowned at his cryptic words.


    "What do you mean, rumors?" one of them asked.


    The man took a deep breath before blurting it out.


    "One of the sword practitioners leaked that Miss Reika and Mister Soru are going to have a bout on the training grounds¡ª"


    Suddenly, all their jaws dropped in unison.


    "EHHHHHHHHHH?!"


    Without hesitation, they bolted toward the training grounds. However, just as they were about to take off, Alguis stepped in front of them.


    "Oi, what''s the rush?"


    "Sir Alguis! The thing is¡ª"


    They quickly explained the rumors about Soru and Reika¡¯s unexpected bout. Upon hearing the news, Alguis¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief.


    "Huh?"


    Why am I only hearing about this now?


    "We¡¯re just as surprised as you, Sir Alguis! That¡¯s why we to see it for ourselves!"


    Alguis stroked his beard thoughtfully. Now it made sense why Reika was absent this morning. With a sigh, he decided to follow them.


    When they arrived, they were met with a sizable crowd. The gathered spectators were being kept in check by the sword practitioners.


    Alguis scanned the area and quickly spotted Aeden and V?lun standing beside Veylir. Without wasting a second, he made his way toward them. The dwarves noticed him approaching and greeted him.


    "Hey, why was I not informed about this?" Alguis asked, his tone laced with mild frustration.


    Aeden, looking just as bewildered, shook his head.


    "Same here, Sir Alguis. We were in the middle of training when Miss Reika suddenly requested to borrow the training grounds."


    V?lun hesitated for a moment before adding, "M-Maybe Mister¡ªahem! Veylir knows something about this."


    Alguis noticed Veylir glaring at V?lun. He cleared his throat, making the dragon realize what she was doing. With a sigh, Veylir relented.


    "Y-Yesterday evening, they ran into each other at the front door. She already knew about his nighttime training¡ªsomething called Phantom... Combat or whatever. Maybe her curiosity about his progress, or her own growth over the past few weeks, got the better of her, so she asked him for a match."


    "And Mister Soru... agreed?" Aeden asked.


    "Exactly."


    "Hmm. I knew Sir Soru was training with Aeden, but to think Miss Reika was secretly training as well¡­" Alguis murmured, scratching his beard.


    "And the real surprise is that Mister Soru agreed¡­" Aeden added.


    "Hah! the one who trained that lass. Now that she wants to see the fruits of her labor, of course she¡¯d want to test it!" Veylir declared with pride.


    "Well¡­"


    "And since will be the mediator for this bout, I shall take my leave. Now, if you would "


    With that, Veylir shot toward the center, where Reika and Soru stood, meters apart, facing each other.


    "As agreed, this bout will primarily showcase armament techniques. The use of abilities is allowed, but large-scale attacks are strictly to prevent injuries among the audience."


    The crowd gasped as Reika extended her hand, opening a small spatial rift. From within, her spear emerged, and she grasped its handle with confidence.


    "Ooooooh~! So cool!"


    "You have fifteen minutes to display your skills," Veylir announced. "The match will end by complete incapacitation or forfeiture."


    Both fighters took their stances, carefully observing each other. Reika locked her gaze onto Soru, watching his every movement without blinking.


    "The match¡­ starts "


    The moment Veylir gave the signal, Reika saw Soru raise his leg¡ªand then, in an instant, he vanished.


    "Wha¡ª"


    A sudden breeze brushed past her shoulder. Instinctively, she spun around, only to find Soru standing right behind her.


    He didn¡¯t use his ability to teleport¡­


    Before she could react further, Soru launched a punch straight at her. Reika barely managed to intercept it, raising her spear just in time to block the blow.


    ...He simply moved too fast for my eyes to see!


    To create distance, Reika swung her spear and leaped back. As she landed, she glanced at her hand, surprised to find that Soru¡¯s punch had left no lasting impact.


    she mused.


    Without hesitation, both fighters charged forward, clashing in a rapid exchange of blows. The crowd watched in awe at their performance, but the dwarves, in particular, were astonished by how evenly matched they were.


    Aeden thought.


    Five minutes passed, yet neither side could gain the upper hand. Seeing their combat speeds were equal, Reika knew that if she didn¡¯t take the initiative, the battle would remain at a stalemate.


    To break the deadlock, she made her decision¡ªshe would use an ability.


    <Light Wind!>


    A green aura swiftly enveloped Reika, enhancing her agility.


    "Hyaaah!"


    The crowd erupted in cheers as they watched her suddenly shift the momentum of the bout. Though she and Soru had been evenly matched in speed before, her newfound agility forced him onto the defensive, struggling to parry her relentless strikes.


    Unable to counter her attacks, Soru hopped back multiple times, evading her barrage.


    I¡¯ll use "it" to end this quickly¡­


    On his third landing, Reika saw an opening.


    This is it! I¡¯ll break his momentum! Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She charged at him with full force. But just as her spear was about to make contact, something about Soru¡¯s posture felt wrong.


    Wait! Don¡¯t tell me¡­?!


    In an instant, she pulled back, reducing the force of her swing. Her attack still connected, but Soru was left unaffected.


    "Gahhhk!!"


    Before she could adjust, a sudden force struck both of her legs. Her balance faltered, and she nearly collapsed¡ªbut she managed to recover, forcing herself to stay on her feet.


    "Guhhh!!"


    Soru stood motionless, his expression unreadable as he watched her stagger. His unwavering gaze unsettled her, making her momentarily lose her composure.


    Realizing this, Reika clenched her jaw, shut her eyes, and took a deep breath, forcing herself to refocus.


    "Hwuuuuhh..."


    <Chains of Imprisonment!>


    In an instant, several purple chains burst from the ground, coiling tightly around Soru¡¯s body and locking him in place.


    "Hey! Mister Soru¡¯s movements are restricted!" one of the spectators shouted.


    "Now that he can''t move, Miss Reika¡¯s victory is set in stone!"


    Seeing the opportunity before her, Reika didn¡¯t hesitate. She swung her spear straight at him¡ªonly for Soru to vanish into thin air once again.


    But this time, something felt different. Unlike before, she didn¡¯t sense even the slightest disturbance in the air.


    He managed to escape from my imprisonment?!

 Chapter 34: Lord of Variance

    At that moment, a shiver ran down Reika¡¯s spine. Unlike before, she could his gaze fixed on her back.


    Whipping around, her eyes widened as she caught sight of a fist hurtling toward her at incredible speed.


    With no time to think, instinct took over. Desperate to avoid the strike, she had no choice but to unleash an offensive ability to push him back.


    <Gale Cleave!>


    A compressed gust of wind erupted from the tip of Reika¡¯s spear. The attack was meant to graze him¡ªnothing more¡ªbut before it could land, Soru vanished once again.


    At that moment, something clicked in Reika¡¯s mind.


    I see¡­ He¡¯s teleporting now instead of just moving at high speeds!


    To break his rhythm, she unleashed multiple Gale Cleaves, slicing through the air in rapid succession. But no matter how many she used, Soru remained unfazed, dodging effortlessly and continuing his relentless assault.


    "Hah! Looks like my training wasn''t enough!"


    I admit it. I can''t compete with that annoying ability of his!


    The crowd watched, utterly captivated, their eyes never leaving the two combatants. To them, this wasn¡¯t just a spar¡ªit was a clash between two powerful individuals proving their strength.


    Just then, Soru spotted a flaw in her movements. He decided to end it.


    I can see it¡­


    In a flash, he teleported behind her, arms outstretched, aiming to restrain her hands.


    Reika sensed his presence and prepared to launch another attack¡ªbut she hesitated.


    If I use Gale Cleave at this range, I¡¯ll get caught in the blast too!


    Left with no other option, she tried to push him away with her spear. But to her shock, Soru grabbed the shaft with both hands.


    "Ghk!"


    She tugged with all her strength, but he refused to let go.


    "Why won¡¯t you¡­!"


    As she struggled, Veylir, observing from the sidelines, suddenly noticed something alarming¡ªReika¡¯s aura was shifting due to a sudden surge of her emotion.


    Her eyes widened in realization.


    That aura¡­! That¡¯s the Draconic Aura!


    If she releases it here, the crowd will collapse under its pressure!


    "Master Reika¡ª"


    "Pardon my interruption, but this bout should be halted immediately."


    The dwarves'' eyes widened in shock as they recognized the figure that had suddenly appeared in the middle of the match. The crowd, too, murmured in surprise.


    "Wait¡­ isn''t that the dryad we saw weeks ago?" one of them asked.


    Without hesitation, Veylir approached the dryad, her expression serious.


    "Speak. What brings you here?"


    The dryad remained silent, simply gazing at the dragon.


    Veylir''s eyes widened in realization.


    The air around them grew tense. Everyone present noticed Veylir¡¯s sudden shift and felt a chill run down their spines. No words needed to be spoken¡ªthe dryad¡¯s arrival could only mean one thing.


    The moment they had dreaded most had finally arrived.


    The monster wave had begun.


    "Units, assume your positions!" Alguis roared, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade.


    Panic erupted as the women rushed to gather their children. Others sprinted toward the well, where a group of kids had been playing.


    "Swordsman Unit! Gather the children and the elderly first¡ªescort them to the large house and keep them safe!" Aeden commanded.


    "Yes, Ma¡¯am!" the swordsmen responded in unison before springing into action.


    Meanwhile, the dwarves gripped their weapons tightly and hurried toward the dryad, who was still speaking with Veylir, Soru, and Reika.


    "What¡¯s the situation?" Alguis asked, his tone grim.


    The dryad finally spoke.


    "The Tyrant of the Lake, Gargantua, has begun its advance, leading a massive horde of monsters. The wave has already claimed lives¡ªit destroyed an entire tribe near the lake¡¯s vicinity."


    "A tribe?" Alguis asked, confused.


    The dryad nodded. "I forgot to mention it earlier, but aside from your settlement, three others reside within this forest¡ªthe goblin tribe, the ogre tribe, and the orc tribe."


    Everyone was stunned by the revelation.


    "Did you inform them about the monster wave?" Alguis asked.


    "My sisters warned them a month ago," the dryad replied. "But they refused to abandon their homes, claiming they had nowhere else to go. They are prepared to die if it means protecting their land."


    The dwarves sighed at her response.


    "Well, we can''t blame them," Alguis murmured.


    "We should let them seek refuge here!" Reika suddenly exclaimed. "If they stay where they are while Gargantua is on the move, their entire tribe will be wiped out!"


    Aeden, taken aback by her suggestion, quickly tried to intervene.


    "But Miss Reika, letting them stay here is too¡ª"


    "If they join our ranks, our chances of repelling the wave will increase. More lives will be saved if we gather in one place!"


    Alguis''s eyes widened at her reasoning. After a moment of thought, he let out a sigh and nodded.


    "...Alright," he said hesitantly.


    "Miss Dryad, please guide them here to seek refuge," Reika pleaded.


    "Do what she says," Veylir added.


    The dryad gave a silent nod in response to Reika''s request. Just then, another dryad materialized beside her.


    "I have a report, eldest sister."


    "Speak."


    "The Lord of Variance, Adeptus, has begun to move. It seems it has noticed Gargantua''s advance and is now making its own."


    Except for Soru, everyone froze in shock. Fear and disbelief spread across their faces. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "N-No way¡­" V?lun muttered in a trembling tone.


    "We expected this outcome," Alguis said firmly. "All we need to do now is strengthen our resolve!"


    His words steadied them, and they nodded in agreement.


    "That''s right!" Reika added. "Instead of panicking, we should focus on how to handle this situation!"


    As they steadied themselves, Soru noticed an old man approaching¡ªSilas, accompanied by a guard trained under the dwarves¡¯ guidance.


    "Sir Alguis, everyone incapable of fighting has been gathered inside," Silas reported.


    "The Swordsman Unit is stationed at their designated positions, awaiting your orders," the guard added.


    "Umu. Hold your positions for now¡ªwe''re still in the middle of an urgent discussion," Aeden instructed.


    Turning back to the dryads, Alguis asked, "Do you know the routes Adeptus and Gargantua will take?"


    The eldest dryad nodded.


    "Based on our estimates, Gargantua¡¯s path will take it through the ogre tribe¡¯s territory before reaching this human settlement. At its current pace, it will arrive here in approximately five hours."


    "That ?!" everyone exclaimed in unison¡ªexcept for Soru.


    "...And Adeptus is expected to arrive in two hours at best," the other dryad continued. "Despite the longer distance, it moves alone and much faster than Gargantua. Along its path, the orc and goblin tribes will suffer the full force of its rampage."


    "Wait... the goblin tribe as well?" Reika asked, her voice filled with concern.


    Before anyone could respond, a sudden commotion drew their attention. A familiar figure came rushing toward them, his body covered in blood, fresh wounds oozing as he staggered forward.


    Alguis''s eyes widened in recognition.


    "Gobuchiki?!"


    The wounded goblin barely managed to reach them before collapsing into Reika''s arms.


    "What happened to you?!" she asked, panicked.


    "M-Miss Reika..." Gobuchiki stammered, his voice weak and trembling.


    <Heal>


    Suddenly, several green orbs of light materialized and swiftly moved toward Gobuchiki¡¯s wounds, healing them completely. The dwarves stared in shock, realizing that Reika could also perform life-type abilities such as


    "Guhhh¡­"


    Gobuchiki stirred and tried to stand up, but in his dazed state, his hand accidentally pressed against Reika¡¯s chest. He blinked in confusion as he instinctively squeezed.


    "Hm? I thought I was still in Miss Reika''s arms. Why am I beside a wall now?"


    The dwarves shifted uncomfortably, some gulping as they averted their eyes.


    "Am I just hallucinating? But I''m certain that¡ªGHAAAAK!!"


    Before he could finish, Reika¡¯s foot smashed into his gut, launching him backward. Her face flushed red, not from exertion, but from sheer embarrassment.


    "If you have the strength to grope me throw an insult, then your injuries clearly weren¡¯t that bad!" she yelled, storming toward him.


    Realizing his mistake, Gobuchiki scrambled to his knees and immediately groveled.


    "I¡¯m sorry, Miss Reika! I got confused and didn¡¯t know it was yours!"


    Reika¡¯s eye twitched, and her anger flared even more.


    So this idiot really mistook my chest for a wall?!


    "M-Miss Reika, just forgive him for his impudence," Alguis pleaded, trying to de-escalate the situation.


    Reika looked at Gobuchiki, who was nodding frantically, desperation written all over his face. With a sigh, she closed her eyes and forced herself to calm down.


    "...Alright."


    Veylir stepped forward, her expression serious.


    "Why are you here? What happened to your people?"


    At her question, Gobuchiki¡¯s face paled. The memories of what he had witnessed came rushing back, his body trembling with fear.


    "W-We were just going about our daily lives when a group of orcs suddenly arrived, wounded and desperate. They sought refuge in our village and warned us about a strange-looking monster that had attacked their tribe."


    "So Adeptus has already passed through the orc settlement¡­" the younger dryad murmured. "Its pace is faster than expected."


    Gobuchiki swallowed hard before continuing.


    "Just when we were preparing to evacuate¡­ that monster arrived and swept through our village like a storm! W-We could only watch in horror as our fellow goblins and the orcs were tossed around like dolls!"


    Reika clenched her fists. "So the injuries you had earlier¡­ were they from Adeptus¡¯s attack?"


    Gobuchiki shook his head. "No. I tripped a bunch of times while running here. That¡¯s why I was covered in wounds."


    The air fell silent.


    "..."


    Everyone had the same thought at that moment.


    So he got those injuries just because he ran like an idiot?!


    Suddenly, Gobuchiki clapped his hands together, startling everyone. Dropping to his knees, he pleaded desperately.


    "Please! Help me save my fellow goblins¡ªincluding the orcs! If we stay there any longer, we''ll all be slaughtered!" Tears streamed down his face as he begged.


    The group fell silent, unsure of what to do.


    "Is your village far from here?" Aeden asked. "It might take us several hours to reach it, and we can''t afford to leave the settlement unguarded."


    "It is¡­ but¡ª!"


    "Let Soru go with him," Reika interrupted, making everyone turn to her in shock.


    V?lun immediately stepped forward, concern etched on his face.


    "M-Miss Reika? Sir Soru can''t protect an entire group of stranded individuals alone! Not to mention¡ª"


    "Then that sister dryad will go with him to guide the survivors," Reika cut in firmly. "Soru¡¯s job is to stall Adeptus while they escape."


    She turned to Soru, her gaze unwavering.


    "Soru, we need your help this time. Can you handle it?"


    Soru nodded without telling a word. Seeing his silent agreement, the eldest dryad stepped forward.


    "In that case, my sister will accompany this gentleman named Soru, along with the goblin," she declared.


    The younger dryad lowered her head in acknowledgment.


    Without another word, Gobuchiki followed the dryad, hurrying ahead. Soru was about to follow when Reika suddenly stopped him, leaning in to whisper in his ear.


    "We''ll finish our match next time¡­"


    She smiled slightly before turning back to the group.


    Soru didn¡¯t reply. Without a word, he left, disappearing into the darkness.


    Soru spotted Gobuchiki and the dryad waiting for him up ahead. As soon as he caught up, they resumed their pace, running as fast as they could while the dryad hovered just above the ground, guiding them toward the goblin village.


    With every step, Gobuchiki¡¯s anxiety grew.


    Oh no! At this speed, our village might already be gone by the time we get there!


    Just then, they noticed a group running toward them. As they got closer, Gobuchiki''s eyes widened in recognition.


    "My fellow goblins! And the orcs!"


    The dryad, observing the group, murmured, "There are orcs among them as well¡­"


    They quickly came to a stop to assess the group¡¯s condition. The refugees were mostly women and children, with a few injured men groaning in pain from the wounds they had sustained.


    Gobuchiki¡¯s gaze locked onto an older goblin at the front of the group¡ªthe chief of their village. He was covered in wounds, barely able to stand.


    "@#&$!"


    The chief and Gobuchiki exchanged hurried words in a language Soru couldn¡¯t understand. Moments later, Gobuchiki turned to him, his face pale with fear.


    "There are still orcs and goblins left in the village! Those who could still fight stayed behind to stall the monster so the others could escape. We have to save them!"


    Just as he was about to rush back, a hand grabbed his arm.


    It was one of his friends, a goblin Soru had seen with him before. The goblin¡¯s face was filled with desperation.


    "Don''t go¡­ dangerous, there!"


    Gobuchiki gently unhanded his friend¡¯s grip and stood up.


    "Don''t try to stop me."


    His voice carried unwavering determination. Without hesitation, he turned to the dryad and bowed his head slightly.


    "Miss Dryad, please guide them back to the human settlement. Mister Soru and I will rescue the others ourselves."


    The dryad glanced at the exhausted goblins and orcs. Seeing their state, she knew she had no choice but to accept his request.


    Gobuchiki then addressed the group. "Follow the dryad. She will lead you to safety."


    None of them tried to stop him. They knew there was no changing his mind, so they simply nodded and wished for his safe return.


    "Sir Soru, let''s go!"


    Soru gave a small nod and silently followed Gobuchiki toward the village.


    ...


    "GRAAAAAAHHH!"


    "Spread out! Spread out!"


    The battlefield was filled with the desperate shouts of orcs and goblins as they struggled to subdue the monstrous entity before them¡ªthe Lord of Variance, Adeptus.


    "Sir! We''ve managed to deal heavy damage to its skin, but it keeps regenerating!" one of the orcs shouted.


    The orc he was addressing was none other than Geruldo, the chief of the orc tribe. His name had been bestowed upon him by his people after his appointment as their leader.


    "Keep attacking! Once the last group escapes safely, we¡¯ll scatter in all directions to throw this damned thing off!" Geruldo bellowed, gripping his weapon tightly.


    "But sir! At this rate, our armor and weapons won¡¯t last!"


    "Just¡­ hold on!"


    Unlike Geruldo, who was clad in sturdy ancestral armor, the other goblins and orcs wore only basic leather gear. The goblins wielded rusty swords, while the orcs swung heavy clubs in a desperate attempt to fend off Adeptus. Though they had managed to wound it, its relentless regeneration erased any sign of their attacks.


    Then, Geruldo noticed something.


    Adeptus had stopped moving. It raised its massive arm high into the air.


    His heart sank.


    It''s preparing a large-scale attack!


    "EVERYONE! RUN AS FAR AS YOU CAN!"


    Without hesitation, the goblins and orcs scattered in all directions, pushing their exhausted bodies to their limits in a desperate attempt to escape the incoming devastation.


    BOOOOM!!


    All of them were flung into the air. Their ears rang from the deafening shockwave, followed by the harsh crackling of shattered earth and splintering trees. Geruldo, though heavier and clad in steel, was knocked back and sent rolling several meters across the ground.


    "Hahh... Hahh..."


    He coughed and quickly checked his armor. The once-pristine steel, passed down through generations, was now dented and battered from the relentless battle.


    Ancestors, I apologize for ruining our family heirloom. If I survive this battle¡­ I swear I¡¯ll have it repaired.


    As the dust settled, the devastation left by Adeptus became painfully clear.


    With a single punch, the entire goblin village had been wiped from existence, replaced by a massive crater where homes once stood.


    Geruldo took an unsteady step backward. His legs trembled, refusing to obey him as he stared in horror at the destruction before him.


    "This¡­!"


    "Sir Geruldo¡­!"


    A voice called his name. He turned, only for his heart to sink further.


    The surviving goblins and orcs were barely clinging to life, their bodies battered and bloodied from the onslaught.


    "Everyone!"


    "Sir! Behind you!"


    Geruldo¡¯s instincts screamed at him to move. A shadow loomed over him. He spun around¡ªonly to see a massive fist hurtling straight toward him.


    His eyes darted across the battlefield, searching for his weapon. But his club was gone.


    "Ghk¡­!"


    He had no way to defend himself. No way to escape.


    Geruldo let out a slow breath and knelt before Adeptus.


    So this is how I die¡­ not on my deathbed, but on the battlefield¡­


    BOOOM!!


    A split second passed.


    Geruldo blinked. He was still alive.


    The crushing blow never landed.


    Instead, before him stood a young man¡ªhis hands outstretched, effortlessly blocking the massive fist of Adeptus.


    Then, to Geruldo¡¯s shock, Adeptus was The monster tumbled across the ground, rolling several meters before crashing into a tree.


    Geruldo could only stare in stunned silence.


    The young man who had appeared out of nowhere was none other than Soru.


    Gobuchiki, still catching his breath, wasted no time.


    "Mister Soru! I-I''ll take care of the wounded! Please, just keep that monster away from us!" he shouted.


    Soru nodded silently. And then¡ªhe vanished.


    Geruldo, still on his knees, clenched his fists as realization dawned.


    "Who¡­ Who is he?"

 Chapter 35: Limitations

    From afar, Geruldo watched in disbelief as the mysterious young man stood unwavering before the Lord of Variance, Adeptus. There was no fear in his stance, no hesitation in his movements.


    It wasn''t just him¡ªevery orc and goblin around him shared the same stunned reaction. How could a single human, so young, stand face-to-face with such an overwhelming monster?


    "He''s Mister Soru," Gobuchiki declared. "He''s buying us time to escape!"


    Geruldo turned to the goblin, meeting his gaze.


    What he saw wasn''t fear, nor doubt¡ªbut trust.


    Geruldo thought.


    Before he could question further, the battle between Soru and Adeptus erupted before their eyes. The force of their clashes sent shockwaves through the area, shaking the very ground beneath them.


    Geruldo snapped out of his daze. Now wasn''t the time to stand around. He immediately rushed to help those still trapped beneath the rubble. Once they had freed the last of their injured, the group wasted no time fleeing the battlefield, doing their best to avoid getting caught in the fight.


    As they ran, Geruldo couldn¡¯t help but glance back at Soru.


    Despite the monstrous strength of Adeptus, he hadn''t suffered a single injury since the battle between them began...


    "Sir Geruldo, you don''t have to worry about Mister Soru!" Gobuchiki reassured him, running beside him. "He''s insanely strong!"


    "With him protecting our backs, we can rest easy!"


    Geruldo''s mind reeled. A goblin¡ªone of the so-called "weaker races"¡ªwas placing his survival in the hands of a human.


    In his experience, dominant races had little reason to help the lesser ones. There was no in doing so. Yet, this moment before him challenged everything he believed.


    A new understanding took root within him.


    Geruldo looked forward and kept running with all his strength.


    I don¡¯t know what that young human is thinking, nor do I have the right to criticize his actions¡­


    Gripping his club tightly, he ran without looking back.


    Please be safe, young man Soru!


    Meanwhile, Soru noticed that Gobuchiki had successfully led everyone to safety. With that matter settled, he turned his focus back to the real threat.


    During their fight earlier, he hadn¡¯t paid much attention to Adeptus¡¯s appearance. But now that he had a clear look, he realized just how unnatural the monster was.


    It was massive, its body packed with thick muscle beneath pale gray skin. Its face was strange¡ªhorns jutted out from its eye sockets, and its gaping mouth bore a resemblance to an orc¡¯s. Extending from the back of its head was an unnervingly long tail, swaying as if it had a mind of its own. Its grotesque appearance wasn¡¯t random.


    The monster''s current appearance was due to the amalgamation of the monsters it has fought before.


    Soru glanced around, confirming that everyone had successfully evacuated. Now, only he and Adeptus remained.


    My work here is done¡­


    Without another thought, he turned and began walking away.


    Adeptus, however, took this as an insult. To the monster, the young human¡¯s casual departure was an act of mockery¡ªan outright dismissal of its existence.


    Its rage exploded.


    With a furious roar, Adeptus charged at Soru, clenching its fists. Power surged through its body as it prepared a devastating strike, stacking its strength for a single, overwhelming blow.


    Using its ability Adeptus had absorbed the physical power of the strongest monster it had fought earlier¡ªa troll known for its superior strength. Through continuous adaptation, it had not only mimicked but surpassed the troll¡¯s raw power, leaving it in the dust.


    As its fists neared their target, Adeptus accelerated the strike even further. The sheer force caused the air to rupture, breaking the sound barrier and creating a shockwave just before impact.


    BOOM!!


    The expected result never came.


    Instead of Soru being obliterated, Adeptus itself was sent flying. The monster shot through the air like a missile, crashing into the ground and rolling uncontrollably before slamming into a massive boulder.


    "GRAAAAAAHHHH!!"


    The distant sound of splintering trees echoed through the air. Soru exhaled, already sensing that Adeptus wouldn¡¯t let this go.


    It looks like I¡¯ll have to deal with it properly¡­


    As the noise in the background faded, he teleported high into the sky, scanning the area below.


    In the distance, he spotted Adeptus lying on the ground.


    But it wasn¡¯t rising immediately.


    Instead, the monster remained motionless, as if struck by an unsettling realization.


    Adeptus came to a realization¡ªthe human before it, Soru, had an unusual ability to reflect attacks.


    The monster confirmed this by analyzing the force it had exerted. The damage it received upon striking its target was identical to what it had delivered. What intrigued it even more was the absence of in the process.


    Understanding the nature of this power, Adeptus couldn''t help but feel elated.


    If the damage it received was merely its own power reflected back, then this was an opportunity. By continuously attacking, it could gradually adapt and develop a higher resistance to its own strength.


    Its endurance would reach even greater heights.


    Looking up, Adeptus spotted Soru hovering in the sky. Wasting no time, it gathered power into its legs and launched itself upward.


    "GRAHHH!!"


    In an instant, it ascended thousands of meters into the air.


    But just as it was about to reach him¡ªSoru vanished.


    Adeptus blinked in confusion as it began to descend. It scanned its surroundings, searching for any trace of its opponent, but the human was nowhere to be seen.


    As the monster landed, the earth trembled, and the trees swayed violently from the impact. Then, just ahead, Adeptus finally spotted him.


    Soru stood motionless, gazing at the monster with a cold stare.


    Realizing that the human had never left the ground to begin with, Adeptus¡¯s fury erupted once more.


    Without hesitation, it stepped forward and vanished¡ªmoving at an extreme speed that left only a blur in its wake.


    Reappearing behind Soru, the monster threw a punch, stronger and faster than any before.


    Soru remained still, his thoughts calm despite the relentless attacks.


    "This monster won¡¯t stop no matter what I do..."


    While Soru was deep in thought, searching for a way to deal with Adeptus, he failed to notice that their battle had carried them all the way to the shoreline¡ªsituated at the northernmost edge of the Great Forest of Drys.


    The scent of salt in the air suddenly caught his attention.


    "Hm?"


    His gaze shifted to the vast sea stretching endlessly toward the horizon. For a brief moment, he was captivated by its sheer expanse.


    Adeptus, too, halted its attacks, sensing its opponent¡¯s distraction.


    Seizing the opportunity, the monster launched a sudden assault, rushing toward Soru at full speed.


    But Soru already knew it was coming.


    Without even turning, he reflected the attack, sending Adeptus hurtling backward. The monster crashed into the ground, kicking up a cloud of sand.


    As it lay on the shore, Adeptus tried to process what had just happened. No matter how fast the monster moves, its opponent can predict its attacks with ease.


    Just then, a voice echoed within Adeptus¡¯s mind.


    It was unlike anything it had ever heard. Uncanny, resonant¡ªreaching deep into its very being. It didn¡¯t just speak Adeptus. It spoke directly  its soul.


    <Individual "Adeptus" will be granted an Ultimate-class ability.>


    Adeptus didn¡¯t know how, but it understood the message carried by the voice. To its mind, the mysterious presence was offering a solution¡ªa way to overcome its predicament.


    Without hesitation, the monster accepted the gift.


    <


    As Soru kept his eyes on Adeptus, the monster had mysteriously vanished on where it was standing.


    Unbeknownst to him, Adeptus had activated the newly acquired ability granted by the mysterious voice.


    ¡ªa spatial-type ability that allowed the user to slip into the , a realm beyond physical space. Its rarity placed it among the Ultimate-class abilities, with only a handful of individuals on the continent known to possess such a power. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With that in mind, the monster had already devised a plan.


    Outside the physical space, Adeptus swiftly waved its hand, infusing the wind it generated with aeon. This motion created a powerful, aeon-enhanced gale. By comprehending the principles behind the technique, the monster successfully acquired Gale Cleave.


    The moment the technique was formed, Adeptus manipulated it¡ªslipping the attack from the external space back into the physical world. The slash tore through the air, heading straight for Soru.


    Soru immediately noticed the sudden appearance of the attack and teleported to evade it. In his eyes, the attack came out of nowhere.


    Seeing that its opponent was now on guard, Adeptus repeated the process. Each time, the monster kept adapting its method using Reactive Selection¡ªits ability to improve at an exponential rate.


    Within moments, multiple Gale Cleaves began materializing out of thin air, converging on Soru from seemingly random directions.


    Soru had no choice but to keep transferring the incoming attacks, barely given a moment to rest. With Adeptus continuously adapting, the monster had become nearly unstoppable.


    Unable to see his opponent, Soru resorted to redirecting the damage he received to the objects around him.


    I want to use these attacks against Adeptus, but I can¡¯t see or sense its movements anymore¡­


    "This is quite an inconvenience¡­" he muttered.


    His mind drifted back to his encounters with Veylir¡¯s soul body and the glowing orb that spoke to him.


    Back then, his normal sight alone wasn¡¯t enough to perceive them fully. The situation with Adeptus now was strikingly similar. Just relying on his naked eyes alone wouldn¡¯t be sufficient to track it.


    Just then, a thought surfaced.


    ...Maybe I''ll use "it" again.


    He had already considered this option earlier. Yet, something within him hesitated¡ªan unspoken resistance to using it.


    But now, he no longer had the luxury of doubt.


    "Second Limiter: Release."


    Several long, thin lines suddenly appeared in his vision, fluctuating in number as seconds passed, stretching endlessly into the distance.


    "Figures."


    What Soru was seeing now was what he called lines¡ªextremely long, straight paths that intertwined between himself and everyone around him. The more something interacted with him, the thicker the lines became. It was passive, functioning primarily as a self-defense mechanism, shielding him from external threats.


    Since he found these lines quite an inconvenience, he had placed limits on how he perceived them¡ªwhat he called the First and Second Limiters. By default, only the First Limiter was activated.


    At this level, the lines only appeared when something was directed at him, whether it posed harm or not.


    Although Soru could use his power on anything within his sight, there were situations where threats were too fast for his naked eyes to react to or attacks that were invisible, or any abstract effects beyond normal perception. In those cases, the First Limiter''s lines became invaluable. With the lines present, no harm could reach him.


    However, these lines had a drawback¡ªthey didn¡¯t reveal the origin of an attack, only alerting him when something was aimed directly at him.


    Adeptus shifting its tactics to launch projectile attacks while remaining outside physical space made it seem "undetectable," unlike when it used its fists and exposed its location. Unbeknownst to the monster, its plan to indirectly damage Soru had given it a massive advantage.


    But that advantage no longer mattered,because Soru had released his Second Limiter.


    The moment he did, Adeptus¡ªdriven by its relentless pursuit¡ªwas instantly tethered to him.


    The nature of this limiter was simple: when released, a specific line would appear the moment an individual subconsciously thought about Soru. No matter how well-hidden they were, their existence would be revealed instantly.


    Now that it¡¯s released, I can see that monster without any problems.


    With the help of this specific line, Adeptus was fully revealed, darting outside the physical space at extreme speeds. Everything was chaotic¡ªseveral flickering lines traced the paths of the countless Gale Cleaves it was releasing, filling the space with slashing winds.


    "This..."


    Despite the overwhelming scene, Soru remained unaffected. His fight with Adeptus continued without disruption. Since his powers were entirely passive, his transferral ability activated instantly. However, in rare cases, he deliberately delayed it¡ªto catch his opponent off guard.


    Adeptus, unaware of this, increased the volume of Gale Cleaves tenfold, unleashing hundreds in a single second.


    But Soru, now fully aware of the monster¡¯s exact location, redirected every single attack straight at it.


    Adeptus, still concealed outside physical space, was caught completely off guard. The monster roared in frustration as its own attacks vanished without reaching their target.


    "GRAAHHHH!!"


    Beyond the physical world, Adeptus writhed in pain as dozens of Gale Cleaves tore into its body. Fortunately, its Ultimate-class ability, High-End Regeneration, activated immediately, healing its injuries within seconds.


    But the damage wasn¡¯t what shocked Adeptus the most.


    As it shifted its gaze, it saw the human standing below, staring directly at the monster''s eyes.


    At that moment, Adeptus realized¡ªSoru could now see its location.


    Adeptus had no choice but to repeat the same process over and over again. The monster knew exactly what it was doing¡ªusing Gale Cleaves not as an attack, but as a means to adapt, refining its body to the point where the technique would no longer harm it.


    Soru caught on immediately.


    He watched as the deep cuts on Adeptus¡¯s skin grew shallower with each strike, until eventually, not a single wound remained. The monster grinned, continuing its relentless assault without hesitation.


    Soru paused for a moment.


    For the second time, he had encountered an opponent with unshakable tenacity. At this rate, none of the attacks would damage Adeptus once transferred back. If things continued like this, there was no clear way to defeat it. He needed a way to end the fight in one decisive blow.


    And there was only one method he could use¡ªthe same one that had defeated the Wildfire Dragon.


    Although reluctant, he knew he had no other choice.


    For a moment, Soru took in his surroundings, engraving the shoreline¡ªthe shifting waves, the endless horizon, the way the wind carried the scent of salt¡ªto his mind.


    Then, he raised his palm and tilted his head back, glancing at the sun as he shielded his eyes from its glare.


    Adeptus, still locked in its attack pattern, suddenly took notice. The human¡¯s movements were unusual.


    Fearing that his opponent was preparing something big, Adeptus decided to unleash a giant Gale Cleave to stop him. However, just as the monster began to release the attack, Adeptus suddenly exploded.


    It happened in an instant, covering an immense area in the blink of an eye. Even though Soru had only transferred the total energy output of the sun for just a single second, the force was great enough to vaporize everything it touched.


    Soru wasn¡¯t able to see how large the explosion was beyond the physical space, but the beach remained untouched¡ªhimself included. Realizing that the blast wouldn¡¯t affect anything outside its hidden realm, he let it grow unchecked.


    Then, suddenly¡ªthe line connecting him to Adeptus vanished.


    To Soru, this meant only one thing: The monster¡¯s brain activity had stopped.


    With that, he concluded the fight was over.


    "I guess it''s finally over..."


    He looked around, taking in the peaceful, undisturbed beach. Even after using such a large-scale attack, not a single trace of destruction was left behind. He turned away from the shore, and started walking back toward the forest.


    "And here I thought the beach would be destroyed the moment I used it."


    I''ll just assume the monster had some peculiar ability to contain the energy without affecting the surroundings.


    As he walked in silence, he found himself lost in thought.


    In a world filled with magic and wonders, abilities like that most likely existed. He still didn¡¯t know the full extent of how absurd some powers could be, but one thing was clear¡ªthere were others like him. Individuals whose abilities could bend nature, and perhaps even fate itself.


    Soru continued walking, using the lines in his vision as his guide. With the Second Limiter still released, several lines stretched out in different directions. Though he couldn''t see their endpoints, he knew they connected him to the people who knew him in this world. By following the correct one, he would reach the settlement in no time.


    As he took another step forward, he suddenly stopped. He felt a wave of bloodlust crashing over him.


    It was overwhelming¡ªso intense that even he couldn¡¯t ignore it.


    His head snapped to the side, eyes locking onto a thick line in his vision. His expression remained unchanged, yet deep inside, something felt off. Instinctively, he stepped back.


    This line¡­


    He couldn''t see the other end. It stretched endlessly, beyond the limits of his sight. There was no way to tell how far away the source was.


    Yet, despite the uncertainty, his mind was screaming¡ªurging him toward one conclusion.


    "Adeptus¡­"

 Chapter 36: The Final Struggle

    Soru understood the sheer power of a celestial body like the sun. To most people, it was simply a ball of fire, hot enough to illuminate a planet and sustain life. But to those who studied its nature, it was far more than just a glowing orb suspended in the sky.


    When two lighter elements violently fused into a heavier one, an immense burst of energy was released in a fraction of a second. This triggered a chain reaction, radiating power in all directions. Deep within the sun¡¯s core, this process repeated endlessly, sustaining its brilliance for millions of years.


    Soru had only learned about this in middle school. Before that, all he knew was that the sun was unbearably hot and provided the heat necessary for life on Earth. But once he grasped the sheer destructive force behind it, he swore never to harness such power unless absolutely necessary.


    No one on Earth had ever forced him to that extent, so he never saw its true potential in action.


    That changed when he arrived in this world. Against a formidable opponent¡ªthe Wildfire Dragon, Veylir¡ªhe was finally pushed to use it. For the first time, he witnessed its devastating effects firsthand as the dragon perished in an instant.


    Even though Veylir absorbed most of the attack with her Ultimate-class ability, Thermal Absorption, the explosion remained visible to all who saw it. By sacrificing her aeon reserves to reinforce her defense, her body narrowly avoided complete vaporization. However, the dragon scales that had borne the maximum concentration of the ability¡¯s effects were reduced to ash.


    After that battle, Soru decided to keep it as his ultimate trump card. Its overwhelming force seemed unbeatable¡ªsomething no one could survive once unleashed.


    But now, that belief was shattered.


    Despite being grievously wounded, Adeptus still managed to come out from hiding beyond the physical space, collapsing onto the white sands several meters away. Its body was horrifically deformed, with only the head remaining recognizable. Yet, even in that state, the monster still moved. With its right arm, it began dragging itself forward.


    Although Adeptus¡¯ body was being restored by High-End Regeneration, the intense radiation from the explosion continuously destroyed its cells, slowing the healing process.


    Soru watched in silence as the monster dragged itself toward him, its body ravaged by severe radiation poisoning. He observed its newly regrown limbs melting away like liquefied flesh, releasing toxic fumes as they decayed.


    Fortunately for Adeptus, Reactive Selection worked to counteract the radiation, allowing its body to gradually adapt. Though the process was slow, the monster was steadily resisting the lethal energy coursing through it.


    After some time, Adeptus regrew its limbs and pushed itself upright. Its left arm remained missing, but that didn¡¯t stop it from facing Soru once more.


    Soru simply stared at the grotesque figure before him.


    "Hahhh... Hahhh..."


    Adeptus panted, exhaustion finally catching up to it. The reconstruction of its body had drained nearly all of its aeon reserves.


    To recover, the monster began absorbing aeon directly from the atmosphere. Soru remained unaware of this, unable to sense aeon himself. Minutes later, Adeptus had fully restored its reserves and immediately used  to hide once more.


    The moment the monster vanished, Soru wasted no time. He unleashed the sun¡¯s energy once more, directing its destructive force toward Adeptus. The explosion tore through the monster¡¯s body, forcing it to confront the explosion head-on. This time, however, Reactive Selection prioritized adapting to the explosion¡¯s force rather than the radiation.


    ¡°Hm...?¡±


    Soru narrowed his eyes as he observed the monster''s current state. Despite being obliterated, Adeptus¡¯ body began regenerating faster than before. Just as the monster was about to fully restore itself, Soru struck again, channeling the sun¡¯s energy without pause.


    Adeptus writhed under the relentless assault. It pushed  to its limits, focusing entirely on adapting to the explosion¡¯s sheer force. But the energy was too overwhelming¡ªthe adaptation couldn¡¯t keep up.


    For a full minute, Soru bombarded the monster with nuclear-level devastation in a constant pace. Then, something caught his attention. The connection between him and Adeptus¡ªthe Second Limiter''s line¡ªwas thinning. Realizing the strain it had placed on the monster, he finally halted the onslaught.


    ¡°That should be enough.¡±


    A moment later, Adeptus reappeared right in front of him¡ªthen collapsed.


    The monster was still conscious, but its body refused to move. The ceaseless explosions had pushed it to its limits, leaving it too drained to stand.


    The monster lay battered, half of its body melting like wax. Its complexion had worsened, looking far more deteriorated than before.


    "Uuuuu..."


    Though  was a formidable ability, it had its limits. It could adapt to any threat, but only one task at a time.


    When Soru bombarded Adeptus with the sun¡¯s energy, the monster prioritized adapting to the explosive force rather than resisting the radiation¡¯s cellular destruction. Because of that, the radiation had gone unchecked, accumulating way beyond anything a biological being could endure. Over the course of a minute, it intensified to a degree that shattered molecular bonds inside the monster¡¯s body.


    Soru immediately sensed the radiation leaking from Adeptus.


    Is that the radiation? Better keep it contained inside¡­


    He began to transfer all the escaping radiation back into the monster, trapping it within. The deadly energy continued ravaging Adeptus'' body, breaking it down at an accelerated rate.


    Desperate, the monster activated  to counteract the radiation poisoning while using  to restore its collapsing form. It absorbed the radiation at an exponential rate, struggling to develop an immunity before its body failed completely.


    Soru approached slowly, unfazed by the monster¡¯s suffering. He saw no sign of improvement¡ªAdeptus was reaching its limit. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    On the other hand, Adeptus was on high alert. Its abilities were consuming aeon at a rapid pace, nearly depleting its reserves. It attempted to draw more from the atmosphere, but its weakened state left it unable to gather energy as fast as it was being drained.


    Soru stopped in front of the struggling monster. Adeptus lifted its gaze¡ªand froze.


    The human''s cold, piercing eyes bore into its mind, stripping away every ounce of resistance. A shiver ran through its body. For the first time, Adeptus felt truly insignificant¡ªlike an ant before an immovable mountain.


    "Give up."


    Soru¡¯s words cut through its very soul.


    In an instant, the monster¡¯s will to fight shattered. Reality struck with a cruel finality¡ªdefeating this being was impossible.


    Adeptus let out a guttural roar, the sound filled with bitterness and humiliation.


    "RAAAAAGGGGHHH!!"


    This defeat was far more devastating than any it had suffered, even in its battle at the Dwarven Kingdom decades ago.


    Adeptus began to burn its remaining life force, converting it into aeon to activate  one last time. It forcibly adapted its vocal cords, pushing them beyond their limits while ignoring the remaining radiation that still breaking down its body.


    "Vraaahh! Vagghh... vaghhh!"


    With death closing in, Adeptus frantically recalled every dialect it had absorbed over centuries of existence. It knew its opponent was human¡ªso it forced itself to shape the only words that only humans could understand.


    "H-hyu... m-m-man..."


    Soru was taken aback upon hearing the monster speak for the first time. He met Adeptus'' gaze, his expression unchanged, and listened to its final words.


    "...M-m-monst...er-rr..."


    The moment those words left its mouth, Adeptus¡¯ body began to morph. Though it had successfully adapted to the radiation and absorbed it entirely, its life force had been drained to the very last drop. With nothing left to sustain it, the monster reverted to its original spherical form.


    Soru watched as the glowing line connecting him to Adeptus faded. Moments later, the orb shattered into fragments before crumbling into dust.


    He stared at the remains for a brief moment, then turned away. It was over. The strongest Disaster-class monster to ever exist¡ªhad been slain by his own hands.


    A gentle breeze brushed against his cheek. He glanced eastward and saw the sun sinking toward the horizon.


    "It took longer than expected..."


    With that, Soru set off, following the lines of those he knew. As he walked through the forest, his eyes wandered over the destruction left in the wake of their battle.


    He moved in silence.


    ...


    "Sir Alguis, the barricades have been repaired and are ready!"


    "Umu. Return to your position and prepare for the next wave!"


    The swordsman nodded and quickly sprinted away to carry out the order. As Alguis cleaved through a monster¡¯s head with his weapon, his gaze shifted to the distance, where Reika fought off a pack of Rabid Wolves with her spear. Her fluid, precise movements caught him off guard.


    "To think her spear proficiency was this high... It suits her well!"


    Meanwhile, Reika scanned the battlefield. Only a handful of monsters remained. Rather than dragging out the fight, she decided to finish them all at once.


    <Chains of Imprisonment!>


    Thick chains erupted from the ground, wrapping tightly around every remaining Rabid Wolf in the area.


    "I''ll leave the rest on you, guys!"


    The swordsmen erupted in cheers.


    "Woo-hoo!"


    "Thank you, Miss Reika!"


    Reika gave a brief nod before hurrying off. As soon as she left, the warriors finished off the immobilized monsters, bringing the wave to an end.


    "Hmm... Your level of spearmanship is already the same as mine, huh? As I thought, experience is key to further improvement," Veylir said with a nod.


    "Could you tell me where the goblins are now? I heard they arrived..."


    Veylir pointed her tiny claws toward the left side of the settlement.


    "They''re over there, recuperating."


    "Uh-huh..."


    "Ah! I forgot to mention that there are orcs¡ª"


    Veylir stopped mid-sentence as she realized Reika had already rushed off.


    "At least let me finish my sentence first!"


    With a sigh, Veylir followed after her, heading toward the area where the goblins were recovering.


    Upon arrival, Reika scanned the group. Many of the goblins were badly injured. Among them, she noticed a few unfamiliar figures¡ªlarger, more imposing. These were the orcs that Gobuchiki and Soru had rescued earlier.


    "I forgot to mention that we rescued some orcs along with the goblins," Veylir said as she caught up to Reika.


    "I see..."


    Reika took in the sight of the wounded, their injuries severe and numerous. Without hesitation, she stepped forward.


    "Lay all the injured in a line!"


    The goblins and orcs stared at her in surprise. But once her words registered¡ªthanks to her ability¡ªthey quickly obeyed.


    As the wounded were arranged, Reika moved to the center of the group and closed her eyes.


    <Heal>


    Suddenly, faint green lights flickered across the wounded, illuminating their injuries. Before everyone''s eyes, the wounds began to mend, slowly but surely. A hush fell over the crowd as amazement took hold.


    "Woah..."


    Even Geruldo was stunned. Among the orc tribe, none of them possessed the ability to heal fatal wounds. Seeing such power from a human left him in awe.


    "T-thank you, kind human!" one of them told her.


    Reika heard their heartfelt gratitude and smiled warmly.


    "You''re welcome!"


    A stunned silence followed. For the monsters gathered there, this was unprecedented. Humans viewed them as lesser beings¡ªyet here was one treating their wounds without hesitation.


    As Reika basked in the moment, movement ahead caught her attention. A head peeked from behind a nearby wall. Their eyes met for an instant before the figure hastily ducked back into hiding.


    "What was he doing over there?"


    Geruldo stepped forward, his expression serious as he addressed Reika.


    "He''s... a heavily injured soldier of mine."


    Reika''s eyes widened at his words.


    "But I thought these were all the injured ones..."


    Geruldo sighed. "He lost his arm during our fight with Adeptus. He doesn¡¯t want to trouble you with it¡ªespecially since regenerating lost limbs requires a higher-class ability."


    Reika exhaled, glancing at the orc who had hidden himself away.


    "I can manage that without any issues. In fact, it doesn¡¯t bother me at all!"


    A female goblin hesitantly stepped forward.


    "W-we appreciate your kindness, human. B-but what you''ve done is already more than enough. Pushing our luck any further would be too much!"


    The monsters refused to speak further. Seeing this, Reika didn¡¯t argue. Instead, she silently walked toward the wall.


    When she arrived, she froze.


    It wasn¡¯t just one orc missing a limb¡ªthere were several, including a goblin with severe injuries.


    "This...!"


    Without hesitation, Reika placed her hand on the orc¡¯s severed arm and closed her eyes.


    Veylir¡¯s eyes widened in shock as realization struck.


    "Don''t tell me...!"


    She¡¯s going to use Restore Heal! That¡¯s an Ultimate-class ability!


    <Restore Heal>


    Everyone stood in stunned silence as they watched the orc¡¯s lost arm regenerate before their eyes. Even the orc himself was speechless.


    "My arm...!"


    He clenched his regrown fist, feeling the warmth of blood coursing through it. Overwhelmed with emotion, tears welled up in his eyes. Reika noticed and smiled softly, relieved.


    Without wasting time, she moved to the next injured individuals. One by one, she restored what had been lost. Some had only lost an arm, while others had suffered far worse. The last goblin she healed had lost all three limbs, leaving only its right leg intact.


    By the time she finished, Reika noticed something unexpected¡ªthe goblins and orcs were in tears.


    "Eh?"


    She blinked, caught off guard.


    Then, the orc warriors bowed their heads even lower. Their posture radiated not just gratitude but deep determination and reverence.


    "We are indebted to your benevolence, human! Not only did you grant us refuge in your settlement, but you also restored our wounded brothers!"


    Reika let out a small, embarrassed laugh, shaking her head with a grin.


    "It''s fine, it''s fine!"


    Hearing all these compliments is kind of embarrassing¡­


    "No need to be so formal, everyone! We''re at war¡ªsaving each other''s skin is a must!"


    The monsters looked at her, sensing the sincerity in her words. There was no hesitation, no trace of discrimination in her kind eyes¡ªonly a genuine desire to help.


    "Thank you, truly!" one of the goblins said, wiping away her tears.


    Their heartfelt moment was suddenly interrupted. A swordsman came sprinting toward them, his expression tense with urgency. The shift in atmosphere was immediate¡ªeveryone fell silent, waiting as he struggled to catch his breath.


    "Sir, what is going on?" Reika asked.


    "M-Miss Reika! The dryad who went to rescue the ogres has returned!"


    Relief washed over Reika. The ogres had finally agreed to their proposition. But something about the swordsman''s anxious demeanor unsettled her.


    "Is there something wrong?"


    The man met her gaze and swallowed hard.


    "They¡­ they¡¯re all injured and need immediate treatment!"

 Chapter 37: Intimidation

    Reika and Veylir followed the swordsman without hesitation. When they arrived, Reika was met with a crowd of unfamiliar faces. Some were injured, while others bore only minor bruises.


    Her gaze instinctively analyzed their features. At a glance, they looked almost human. However, the horns on their foreheads set them apart. Their sizes varied¡ªsome had a single horn, while others bore two. Seeing them up close, Reika quickly realized these were the ogres the dryad had spoken of earlier.


    So that¡¯s what they look like, huh¡­ How unique!


    Engrossed in thought, she momentarily forgot why they had come. While Veylir approached the dryad to gather information, Reika stood rooted in place, marveling at their appearance.


    Now that I think about it, they resemble like Onis. Not the ones from folklore, but the versions you¡¯d see in pop cultures, like from an anime...


    Among the group, one figure immediately drew her attention.


    A lone female ogre stood apart, her presence impossible to ignore.


    A single dark-purple horn adorned her forehead, matching the striking shade of her hair¡ªa pale, almost ethereal lavender that cascaded down to her curvy waist. Her physique was powerful, muscles subtly visible beneath her smooth, porcelain-like skin. Despite her strength, she radiated undeniable femininity. Her eyes, the same shade as her hair, shimmered with intensity. She was tall, nearly reaching Soru¡¯s height.


    S-she¡¯s pretty!


    Reika¡¯s silent admiration was cut short when the ogre¡¯s expression suddenly shifted.


    Noticing Reika staring, the woman¡¯s eyes narrowed, her lips curling in disdain.


    "Hmph!" The ogre scoffed. "How dare these humans set their gaze upon us with such expressions? Presumptuous!"


    Everyone at the scene was stunned by the female ogre¡¯s bold remarks. Without sparing another glance, she turned away, her mood sour.


    "It seems coming here was a mistake. We¡¯re leaving!"


    The other ogres hesitated, uncertain. None of them moved immediately to follow her command. The dryad, visibly concerned, stepped forward in protest.


    "M-miss, some of your kin are severely injured and require urgent treatment. Perhaps¡ª"


    "I appreciate your concern, dryad," the ogre interrupted. "But I refuse to stand on the same ground as these petty humans. Their very presence makes me sick!"


    Excluding the swordsman who had guided them there, Reika and Veylir understood every word, thanks to the ability. Hearing such a blatantly rude remark, Reika felt her patience wear thin. She stepped forward, confronting the ogre directly.


    "Hey! That was going a bit too far!"


    The ogre''s eyes widened in surprise upon realizing that a human could speak their dialect. However, any curiosity she might have felt was quickly buried beneath her deep-seated pride and resentment.


    "I have no interest in speaking further with the likes of you," she said coldly. Then, turning to her kin, she ordered, "We should leave at once!"


    Seeing the female ogre¡¯s stubbornness, Reika blocked her path, refusing to let her leave. The ogre¡¯s expression darkened with irritation.


    "Human, how dare you stand in my way?!"


    "I won¡¯t let you go. Some of your people are injured¡ªif we delay their treatment, their condition will only get worse."


    "Our survival is none of your concern. Move aside while I¡¯m still being lenient, human!"


    Despite the ogre¡¯s hostility, Reika didn¡¯t waver. She stood firm, her resolve unwavering.


    "I won¡¯t let you leave until they¡¯re treated. Until they¡¯ve recovered, I won¡¯t move an inch."


    The female ogre¡¯s patience snapped. The human before her wasn¡¯t bluffing, and that only made her more infuriating.


    "Oh?"


    With a swift motion, she unsheathed the greatsword strapped to her back, pointing its blade directly at Reika.


    "Even if I have to use force to make you move?"


    Veylir¡¯s fury flared the instant the female ogre drew her sword. He stepped forward, ready to confront her.


    "You lowly monster! How dare you point your filthy sword¡ª!"


    "Veylir, don¡¯t!"


    Reika¡¯s sharp command stopped Veylir in her tracks. She hesitated, stunned by the seriousness in Reika¡¯s voice. After a brief pause, she backed down, choosing to watch in silence.


    From the moment she blocked the ogre¡¯s path, Reika had expected things to escalate.


    "Force, you say?"


    She reached into her spatial storage and gripped her spear tightly.


    "If that¡¯s what it takes to save your kin, then so be it."


    The female ogre didn¡¯t hesitate. With a roar, she lunged forward.


    "Since you''re so full of yourself, don¡¯t expect me to go easy on you! Hyaaah!"


    She swung her greatsword with all her strength, aiming to wound. But just before the blade could reach her, Reika dodged, leaping several feet back as the sword crashed into the ground with a heavy impact.


    CRRRACK!


    The ground trembled as the ogre¡¯s greatsword struck with immense force. Without missing a beat, she wrenched it free and charged after Reika, her fury burning hotter.


    Their weapons clashed relentlessly, each strike sending shockwaves through the air. The onlookers stood in stunned silence, but the ogres among them saw the truth¡ªthe difference in strength was undeniable.


    Suddenly, Reika¡¯s eyes widened as the female ogre¡¯s power surged. Her attacks grew even stronger and faster, forcing Reika into a desperate struggle.


    "Kghhh!"


    Each swing carried crushing weight.


    Reika barely managed to evade the relentless onslaught. The female ogre noticed her shifting tactics and scoffed.


    "Hmph! You can¡¯t even match my strength, yet you dare block my path? You humans are nothing but talk!"


    From a distance, a younger ogre was watching the battle with growing excitement.


    "Yeah! Thrash that arrogant human girl, Sis!"


    "Shiki! Mind your manners!"


    The voice of an elder cut through the cheers. The young ogre, Shiki, turned with an exaggerated groan, eyes widening in confusion.


    "Ehhh~? Is cheering for my sister¡¯s victory bad manners?"


    The old ogre sighed, rubbing the tip of one of his short horns before closing his droopy eyes.


    "I¡¯ve told you many times¡ªthe blood of a chieftain runs through your veins. Conduct yourself with dignity. To act without manners is to live like a barbarian."


    "Aizzz. Enough with the lectures, old man Sukuna. I¡¯ve heard it all before!"


    "...Old man, you say?"


    But Shiki wasn¡¯t listening. Eyes locked onto the fight once more, the young ogre ignored Sukuna entirely. The elder shook his head and turned away, focusing on the wounded.


    As he checked their condition, his gaze fell upon one ogre struggling to tighten a cloth around the stump of a missing leg, trying to stop the bleeding. Breathing heavily, the injured ogre gritted its teeth in pain.


    Sukuna immediately made his way over.


    "Sigh... I told you to cauterize that part with fire. If we had done it earlier, you would be suffering less, like the others."


    Among the ogres who had lost limbs while fleeing from Gargantua¡¯s wrath, only this one had refused to seal his wounds with flame.


    "I... I was afraid of fire ever since I was young. I had a trauma. Since then, I¡¯ve been extremely cautious around every flame I see. If I expose myself to it again¡ªlet alone use it to b-burn my own flesh¡ªI don¡¯t think I could handle it..."


    Sukuna saw the anxiety in the ogre¡¯s eyes. With a sigh, he closed his own and stood up.


    "Tighten it further if you don¡¯t want to bleed yourself to death."


    The ogre wordlessly nodded and obeyed.


    Just then, a familiar figure flew toward them. Sukuna turned to face it, but before he could confirm its identity, a sudden scream cut through the air.


    "GYAAAHHH!"


    Flames erupted from the injured ogre¡¯s leg. Sukuna twitched in alarm and snapped his head toward the approaching figure.


    "What are you doing? Stop it at once¡ª"


    "Dryad, slap that scaredy-cat and wrap his mouth so he can¡¯t scream."


    The dryad stepped forward and obeyed the command instantly, striking the ogre across the face. Stunned, the ogre barely had time to react before vines wrapped around his mouth, muffling his cries.


    Sukuna¡¯s hand went to the hilt of his blade¡ªa straight, single-edged sword without a handguard. He started to draw it but abruptly stopped as recognition dawned.


    Before he could process it further, the familiar spoke.


    "You dare point that measly knife at your own guardian? It seems even senile monsters like you have forgotten how to show respect."


    Sukuna stiffened.


    Then, realization struck, and his droopy eyes widened.


    "Wildfire Dragon Veylir...?!"


    His gaze swept over the figure, inspecting it closely. Something felt off.


    As if reading his thoughts, Veylir scoffed.


    "I know you have a lot of questions, especially about my appearance. But I don¡¯t have time to explain. Maybe later."


    Veylir moved swiftly, tending to the ogres with minor injuries. Sukuna watched in quiet disbelief. He had never imagined seeing Veylir healing others¡ªespecially his own kin.


    His curiosity deepened.


    His gaze shifted to the dryad assisting her.


    Forget its current appearance¡ªwhy was the exalted dragon tending to my wounded kin...?


    Meanwhile, Veylir continued treating the ogres¡¯ wounds. With the dryad¡¯s help, healing their shallow injuries would be done in no time.


    "Ugh... Why am I even doing this?"


    Then, with a nod to herself, she remembered the answer.


    As Veylir and the dryad worked, a sudden, overwhelming aura erupted across the area. The sheer pressure sent a wave of silence through the battlefield.


    Veylir¡¯s expression darkened as she immediately recognized it.


    "Reika...!"


    Everyone in the vicinity felt the immense presence radiating from Reika. The injured ogre from earlier, still weak and struggling, suddenly gasped for air. Though he was several meters away, the suffocating force of the aura was too much. His body gave out, and he collapsed to the ground.


    Even the dryad faltered, losing focus as the overwhelming energy disrupted its control.


    The ogres trembled in fear as Reika¡¯s Draconic Aura swept over them. The overwhelming pressure crushed their spirits, leaving them gasping for breath. Most collapsed, unable to withstand its might.


    However, four ogres managed to endure¡ªalbeit barely. Among them were the female ogre, her younger sibling Shiki, Sukuna, and another ogre named Satoru, who wielded a massive butcher''s knife. Though their bodies screamed under the weight of the aura, they stood firm, refusing to submit.


    Without hesitation, the three rushed to the female ogre¡¯s side, weapons drawn in a protective stance.


    "Sis Shiori! Are you okay?" Shiki asked the female ogre, struggling against the crushing force.


    "Yes... I-I''m okay..." the female ogre, whose name was Shiori, muttered.


    Sukuna narrowed his eyes at Reika, his voice laced with both awe and wariness.


    "To think a human could unleash an aura belonging to the race of dragons¡­ What exactly you?"


    Reika remained silent, her golden gaze steady as she watched them. She wasn¡¯t ignoring the question¡ªshe was simply lost in thought, searching for a way to end this fight without needless bloodshed.


    After a moment of contemplation, she exhaled softly.


    "I was saving this form for our fight with that overgrown lake creature later, but..."


    <Draconic Transformation!>


    A stunned silence fell over the battlefield. Aside from Veylir and the man who had already fainted, everyone¡¯s jaws dropped as they watched Reika¡¯s body undergo a stunning transformation.


    Massive, dark-purple wings sprouted from her back, matching the color of her hair. The sheer presence of her Draconic Aura intensified, paralyzing everyone with overwhelming fear. They could only watch, trembling, as she changed before their eyes.


    Her arms were now covered in thick, dragon-like scales, forming what looked like a pair of natural gauntlets ending in razor-sharp claws. Her legs underwent the same transformation, gaining the powerful structure of a dragon¡¯s limbs.


    Her eyes shifted, her pupils narrowing into reptilian slits. Two majestic horns curved from her head, completing the transformation. And just above her waist, a small yet unmistakable dragon tail swayed slightly.


    As Reika¡¯s transformation completed, she no longer looked like the human she once was. The simple girl from before had been reborn into a majestic, dark-purple half-dragon.


    The ogres stood frozen, their stunned expressions saying more than words ever could. Fear gripped their hearts, rendering them motionless.


    Veylir, however, remained unfazed. She had seen this transformation multiple times. Over the past month, during their rigorous training, Reika had tirelessly honed her abilities alongside Veylir and Alguis. The transformation everyone now witnessed was the result of her relentless efforts.


    "Now she¡¯s done it," Veylir murmured.


    Among the ogres, Shiki reacted the most strongly. The moment she laid eyes on Reika¡¯s new form, she fell to her knees, her entire body trembling. Tears welled up and streamed down her cheeks.


    "M-m-m-mon...!"


    "Shiki! Get a grip!"


    Shiori¡¯s urgent voice snapped Shiki out of her daze. The younger ogre turned to her sister, eyes filled with terror, before throwing herself into Shiori¡¯s arms.


    "Noo! Bwaaaahhh!!"


    Shiki sobbed uncontrollably, clinging to her sister as if seeking protection from the monstrous figure before her.


    Reika noticed her distress and felt a pang of guilt. She hadn¡¯t intended to scare the girl so badly, but intimidation had been the only way to end this standoff quickly.


    "Admit your defeat... Shiori."


    Shiori gritted her teeth, glaring at Reika¡¯s transformed form with sheer frustration.


    ¡°Ghk, that bitch! How dare she utter my name from her mouth!¡±


    Her pride screamed at her to keep fighting, but she couldn¡¯t ignore the state of her kin. Reika¡¯s Draconic Aura was still intensifying¡ªits uncontrolled presence weighing heavier with each passing second.


    Then she saw it.


    Shiki was about to collapse. Even Sukuna and Satoru, who had held out the longest, were reaching their limits.


    ¡°Old man Sukuna! Satoru!¡±


    Their bodies trembled under the unbearable force, their breaths ragged.


    Shiori¡¯s heart sank.


    Her greatsword slipped from her grip, clattering to the ground as she fell to her knees.


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    She looked up at Reika, meeting her cold, draconic gaze. Those piercing, reptilian eyes burned themselves into her memory. She would never forget them.


    At that moment, she swallowed her pride.


    ¡°I... admit defeat.¡±


    The words felt like acid on her tongue, but she said them nonetheless.


    Reika¡¯s expression softened as she heard Shiori¡¯s submission. With a satisfied nod, she deactivated her Draconic Aura, allowing the overwhelming pressure to finally dissipate. As her body reverted to its original form, the oppressive aura was lifted.


    The ogres gasped in relief, their muscles loosening as they tried to recover. The sheer intensity of that aura had shaken them to their core.


    ¡°To think¡­ a mere human could make me feel such inferiority¡­¡± one of them muttered.


    Sukuna let out a deep sigh, his body still heavy from the experience.


    ¡°How wicked her aura was¡­ It felt like a thousand boulders pressing me down.¡±


    His mind raced as he recalled the sheer dominance in her presence.


    Reika, meanwhile, had already dismissed her weapon and was making her way toward them. Despite everything, worry flickered in her eyes as she checked their condition¡ªespecially Shiori¡¯s young sibling.


    ¡°Are you guys okay?¡±


    She extended a hand toward Shiori, offering to help her up.


    Shiori slowly lifted her chin, staring at the outstretched hand. But then, her expression twisted. With a sharp motion, she shoved it away.


    ¡°¡­We don¡¯t need your pity.¡±


    Reika was caught off guard by Shiori¡¯s harsh rejection, but she didn¡¯t take offense. She understood the ogre¡¯s wounded pride and chose not to press the issue further.


    Instead, she turned her attention to the injured. Alongside Shiori, Sukuna, Satoru, and Shiki, she moved through the battlefield, checking on the fallen ogres. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seeing their dire state, Reika quietly raised a hand and cast Restore Heal. A soft, greenish light enveloped the wounded, and before their stunned eyes, severed limbs began to regenerate.


    Gasps of disbelief filled the air, quickly followed by joyous cries.


    "Human, thank you for your generosity!"


    "We won¡¯t forget your kindness!"


    Tears welled in the eyes of some as they flexed their once-lost arms and legs, awed by the miracle before them.


    Sukuna, having witnessed it all, stepped forward. Reika turned to face him as he approached.


    "To think we treated our benefactor with such disrespect earlier¡­ I am truly ashamed..."


    Before she could respond, the old ogre lowered his head in a deep bow.


    Reika¡¯s eyes widened at the unexpected gesture.


    "On behalf of my kin, I offer my sincere apologies. We will reflect on the sins we committed against you."

 Chapter 38: Tyrant of The Lake

    Everyone at the scene, especially Shiori, was stunned by Sukuna¡¯s gesture. The sight of the old ogre bowing in apology left the others feeling deeply ashamed.


    "Old man..." Shiori murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.


    A heavy silence hung in the air.


    Reika, meanwhile, took a closer look at Sukuna. His silver hair, a sign of his old age, contrasted with his ash-gray skin, marked by deep wrinkles. It was clear he was the eldest among them. Then, her eyes fell on the unusual sword at his waist. Its design struck her as oddly familiar.


    Sensing the unease lingering in the atmosphere, Reika decided to lighten the mood. With a warm smile, she spoke gently.


    "It¡¯s alright. I harbor no ill will toward you or your people."


    Sukuna studied her for a moment. Her golden eyes, once so fierce, now carried only sincerity. There was no trace of resentment¡ªonly kindness.


    She¡¯s telling the truth¡­


    Closing his droopy eyes, Sukuna let out a quiet sigh before offering a small, genuine smile.


    "Thank you for your benevolence, kind human."


    "No worries!" Reika replied with a grin.


    Sukuna stroked his beard, his eyes still fixed on Reika, filled with curiosity and wonder.


    "May I ask our benefactor¡¯s name? I realize now that I should address you properly."


    "Oh, right! I forgot to introduce myself earlier."


    With a bright smile, Reika extended her hand toward Sukuna.


    "My name is Reika. Reika Mitsuha. What about you, sir?"


    One of Sukuna¡¯s droopy eyes cracked open at the mention of her name. He glanced down at her outstretched hand before finally reaching out his own.


    "This humble old man¡¯s name is Sukuna."


    As their hands met, he felt the warmth of her grip¡ªsteady, firm, yet undeniably kind.


    Her smile was genuine, radiating a friendly energy that caught him off guard. The fierce warrior who had moments ago brought them all to their knees was now standing before him, cheerful and welcoming.


    She wasn¡¯t some fearsome monster¡ªshe was an innocent, pure-hearted human, and humble to the core...


    Meanwhile, Shiori stood at a distance, arms crossed, her mood sour. Despite Reika healing her kin, her attitude toward the human hadn¡¯t changed.


    Hmph! Even though she helped my kin tend their injuries, how dare she show hostility in front of me earlier?!


    Her gaze drifted to her palm, and memories of their fight resurfaced.


    I was holding back. I didn¡¯t use any active abilities¡ªI relied purely on my swordsmanship. But she¡­ she resorted to her racial abilities without hesitation.


    Her fingers clenched into a fist.


    If I had fought at full power, victory would have been mine. No doubt about it!


    Shiori¡¯s thoughts were abruptly interrupted when she caught sight of a familiar figure rushing toward Reika and Sukuna.


    Her eyes narrowed in recognition.


    Alguis¡­?!


    "Miss Reika! I felt an immense aura earlier and ran all the way here. Could you explain what happened?"


    Reika turned toward Alguis, scratching her cheek.


    "Uh, there was a... teensy conflict between us, and I may have released my aura..."


    Alguis blinked in shock.


    T-That heavy aura came from her?! I could feel it even from hundreds of meters away!


    "I-Is that so... I thought we were under attack by some powerful monsters or something..."


    His gaze shifted, scanning the area until it landed on the ogres.


    "Uh... could these people be¡ª"


    A voice cut through the air from behind him.


    "I guess the dryad wasn¡¯t kidding around when it mentioned dwarves coexisting with humans. And not just any dwarf¡ªone of nobility, no less."


    Startled, Alguis turned toward the voice.


    There, standing with unshaken dignity, was a tall yet strikingly fair woman. The moment he laid eyes on her, he recognized her instantly.


    "You''re Shiori from the Ogre Tribe that resides near the Great Lake...? I''ve heard about you from the orcs and goblins..."


    Shiori didn¡¯t respond immediately, letting the silence emphasize her standing among them. Alguis, unfazed, took a step forward and raised his hand in greeting.


    "To think that the chief of the Ogre Tribe agreed to our proposal, allowing your kin to seek shelter in our settlement... It was my great pleasure to join hands with you in this fight."


    Shiori glanced at his extended hand, hesitating. After a brief pause, she finally accepted the handshake, though her expression remained unreadable.


    "Hm. I acknowledge your efforts, Sir Alguis. However..."


    She suddenly pulled her hand away, the gesture deliberate.


    "The fact that you, as a leader of your own kingdom, cannot even enforce your ideals among your own people... troubles me," she continued. "Yes, you have allowed other races to enter your kingdom without discrimination, but is it truly as effective as you claim?"


    Her words left Alguis momentarily puzzled.


    "What do you mean by that¡ª"


    "I¡¯ve experienced it firsthand," Shiori interrupted. "When I arrived at your gates, your dwarven guards stopped me. I was questioned for an hour. And I wasn¡¯t the only one¡ªother non-dwarves were subjected to the same scrutiny."


    "T-That''s..." Alguis faltered.


    "While many of your citizens welcomed us warmly, there are still those who openly display their prejudice toward us¡ªthe so-called ¡®lesser races.¡¯ We purchased goods, interacted with your people, and yet... the scar of discrimination remains."


    Alguis was left speechless as Shiori¡¯s words struck deep, wounding his pride. Before he could respond, Reika quickly stepped forward.


    "Hey, why are you provoking people out of the blue? Wasn¡¯t what you did earlier enough?"


    Before the situation could escalate, Alguis gently placed a hand on Reika¡¯s arm, stopping her.


    "It¡¯s okay, Miss Reika. Miss Shiori¡¯s words¡­ they¡¯re not wrong."


    His expression darkened, a shadow of doubt crossing his face. Seeing this, Shiori sighed and shook her head.


    "You are a good king, Sir Alguis Fellad. I mean it¡­"


    She turned away, pausing briefly before making her way toward Shiki.


    Sukuna hesitated before calling out, "Miss Shiori¡ª"


    "But none of it matters," she interrupted, "since your leniency is overshadowed by your incompetence."


    That was the final straw for Reika. Her patience snapped as she turned sharply to face Shiori.


    "You...!"


    But before she could confront her, a distant sound echoed through the air¡ªa crackling, splintering noise, followed by a series of heavy thuds. The ground trembled.


    Everyone¡¯s heads snapped toward the source. In the distance, trees toppled one after another, crashing loudly.


    Then, through the clearing, a figure sprinted toward them. Alguis recognized him immediately.


    "S-Sir Alguis, bad news! The next wave has arrived!"


    Tension surged through the group. There was no time for petty disputes now. Instincts took over as they scrambled for their weapons, battered though they were.


    Alguis didn¡¯t hesitate.


    "Everyone! I¡¯ll defend the southern front with Miss Reika! Chief Shiori and the ogres will hold the southwestern front! The rest of the group will cover the west and northwestern front!"


    Shiori frowned, reluctant to follow his orders, but she couldn¡¯t deny the logic. The locals knew the terrain best. In war, disobedience meant death.


    Raising her greatsword, she turned to her kin.


    "My fellow kin! Those who can still stand and wield a weapon, follow me to the southwestern front! Those who can¡¯t¡ªseek refuge in the settlement!"


    "Yes, Chief!"


    The female ogres, shielding their children behind them, followed the man back to the settlement. Along with the goblins and orcs who were unable to fight, they took refuge inside a large house, securing themselves from the battle ahead.


    Meanwhile, the rest moved to their assigned positions, bracing for the incoming attack. The ground trembled violently beneath their feet, each quake fueling their anticipation.


    "H-Here they come!"


    The monsters surged forward from all directions, their speed far greater than expected. There was no time to hesitate¡ªeveryone leaped into action, intercepting the horde and cutting them down before they could breach the defenses.


    "Hyahh!"


    "<Aura Energy Conversion!>"


    A sudden shift in the atmosphere gripped the battlefield as Shiori raised her greatsword. With every ounce of her strength, she unleashed her power to repel the incoming monsters.


    BOOM!!


    A deafening explosion shook the ground as an immense aura surged outward, covering the entire area. The sheer force of her energy¡ªconverted from aeon¡ªwas so overwhelming that every monster at the southwestern front was obliterated in an instant.


    Reika¡¯s eyes widened in shock.


    What the...?! Was that her actual strength?


    For a brief moment, she almost lost focus, but she quickly shook off her surprise.


    "I need to concentrate..."


    Raising her spear, she conjured several flame orbs at its tip.


    "Come forth, <Flame Blitz!>"


    The orbs spun rapidly, gaining speed with each passing second before launching toward the enemy.


    "Creaaakkkk! Gragghhh!!"


    The monsters caught in the blast shrieked in agony as they were incinerated, their bodies consumed by searing flames. The stench of charred flesh filled the air.


    "That¡¯s some nasty ability!" Alguis exclaimed.


    But Reika remained focused, standing at a distance as she precisely controlled the trajectory of each fireball.


    This ability excels in handling large numbers. Since I can replenish the fireballs almost instantly, I can keep bombarding them without pause!


    Her Flame Blitz proved highly effective, wiping out waves of monsters with minimal effort. The rapid-fire bursts worked much like a gatling gun, cutting through enemies with relentless precision.


    ...


    Hours had passed since their intense fight began. Despite cutting down countless monsters, their numbers didn¡¯t seem to dwindle. Slowly, exhaustion crept in, and fatigue began taking its toll.


    "Ahhhh!! H-Help me...!"


    One by one, warriors lost their strength and were overwhelmed by the relentless horde. Others started retreating toward the settlement, unable to hold their ground any longer.


    Alguis saw it happening and felt a sense of unease.


    "T-This is bad..."


    A voice called out urgently.


    "Sir Alguis! The monsters are moving around¡ªthey''re heading to the other side! T-They''re trying to surround us!"


    Reika and Alguis turned in shock.


    "Damn it!" Alguis exclaimed.


    "Relay this order to all fronts. The west and northwestern front¡ª"


    As Alguis was giving orders, Veylir suddenly noticed something unusual.


    The ground was trembling again.


    But this time, it felt different. Unlike the previous quakes, the intensity was increasing rapidly, growing stronger with each passing moment. A bad feeling settled deep in her chest.


    "This...!"


    Meanwhile, at the western front, Aeden and Geruldo fought to keep the monsters from breaching the settlement. On the northwestern front, orcs and goblins followed V?lun, holding the line as best as they could.


    "T-This is bad, Miss Aeden! The monsters aren¡¯t thinning out at all!"


    "Y-Yeah¡­ This wave is even worse than the last ones!"


    Aeden scanned the battlefield, her heart sinking as she noticed the growing number of wounded fighters. The monsters were overwhelming them.


    Damn it! If this keeps up, we won¡¯t last much longer!


    Lost in thought, she failed to notice a Rabid Wolf closing in on her from behind. By the time she sensed its presence, it was already too late.


    "Ah¡­!"


    "Kirikata: Sen-giri!"


    In an instant, the Rabid Wolf was shredded into fine, thin strips, its body falling apart before it could even land its strike. Aeden¡¯s eyes widened in shock as she turned to see an old ogre standing effortlessly behind her.


    "Miss Aeden, I presume?" the old ogre¡ªSukuna¡ªasked.


    "Y-Yes¡­ That¡¯s me."


    Who is this old ogre? He¡¯s strong!


    "By Sir Alguis¡¯s orders, you are to move to the east and northeastern fronts immediately. Defend them from the monsters trying to surround the settlement. Go now, before it¡¯s too late!"


    Aeden¡¯s breath caught in her throat.


    She realized it then¡ªthe enemy had adapted. Since they couldn¡¯t break through the main front easily, they had switched tactics, opting to encircle them instead.


    Damn¡­ They¡¯re getting smart!


    "Alright! Sir Geruldo¡ª"


    Before she could finish, the ground trembled violently.


    Everyone¡¯s attention snapped toward the horizon.


    A massive figure loomed in the distance.


    A monstrous being with six elongated legs, each clad in a hardened exoskeleton. Two massive arms extended from its body, each ending in deadly, crushing pincers.


    It looked like a crab¡ªexcept this one was colossal, towering above the battlefield like a walking fortress.


    "N-Not good¡­ Gargantua is already here!" Sukuna shouted.


    "Hurry, Miss Aeden! Surround the settlement and defend all fronts! Now that thing has arrived, the density of the monster waves will increase!"


    "Roger!" Aeden responded, immediately rushing off.


    Meanwhile, at the southern front, Reika¡¯s eyes locked onto the massive creature. Even though it was still kilometers away, its sheer size made it impossible to miss.


    "T-This is bad¡­ Someone has to intercept it before it reaches the settlement¡­!"


    Suddenly, a shadow moved.


    Reika¡¯s gaze snapped toward the battlefield just in time to see a figure rushing toward Gargantua at blinding speed.


    It was Shiori, leaping from one monster¡¯s head to another, rapidly closing the distance.


    "Eh? She reacted that fast?!" Reika exclaimed.


    Seeing Shiori rush toward Gargantua alone, she grew concerned. There was no way she could handle that monster on her own. Without hesitation, Reika made up her mind to follow.


    "Sir Alguis, can you handle things here from now on? Shiori left her post to face Gargantua alone, and I plan to do the same."


    Alguis, mid-battle, severed a monster¡¯s head before turning to her.


    "Alright, Miss Reika. With the two of you together, taking that thing down might be possible. If we kill it, we might finally put an end to this endless wave!"


    Reika nodded and dashed off without another word.


    Veylir, still holding the frontlines, spotted her heading into the woods. Instinctively, she wanted to follow, but the monsters swarming around her made it impossible.


    "Tch! These stupid things just keep coming! If I hadn¡¯t weakened this much, maybe I could¡­!"


    Frustrated, she unleashed a barrage of Gale Cleaves, the sheer force of her attacks sending monster heads flying through the air.


    "Oraaaah! Take this, you annoying bunch!"


    Meanwhile, up ahead, Reika finally caught up to Shiori. She arrived just in time to witness her intercept Gargantua, targeting its massive legs.


    With a surge of Aura Energy, Shiori¡¯s greatsword sliced through the creature¡¯s elongated limbs with terrifying ease, cutting them like butter.


    "Miss Shiori! Let me help you!"


    Shiori, hearing the familiar voice, turned. The moment she saw Reika, her expression shifted.


    "What are you doing here?! You shouldn¡¯t have left your post!"


    "H-Hey, didn¡¯t do the same?! I followed because I was worried about your reckless actions!"


    "You dare call this reckless? I was the only one who managed to wound that monster, yet you question my strength?"


    "I-It¡¯s not like that¡ª"


    Before Reika could finish, something lunged at Shiori from the side.


    A massive force struck her, sending her crashing several feet away before slamming into a tree.


    "Damn it! What was that?!"


    Shiori winced as she quickly got back on her feet. Ahead, a giant Rabid Wolf stood, its piercing gaze locked onto her. A deep, guttural growl rumbled from its throat, seething with killing intent.


    Then, in the blink of an eye, it vanished.


    Shiori¡¯s eyes darted around as the beast reappeared, leaping effortlessly between the trees with terrifying speed.


    "A Lycann?! That giant crab managed to control a Casualty-grade monster?!"


    Lycann¡ªa mutated species of Rabid Wolf¡ªwas born from prolonged exposure to thick aeon concentrations. Not only was it far larger than an ordinary Rabid Wolf, but it also possessed immense speed and strength.


    "This is troublesome..."


    Shiori scanned her surroundings, trying to track Lycann¡¯s movements. But the beast was too fast. All she could see were blurred mirages flickering between the trees and the deep dents left behind on the trunks as it leaped from one to another.


    Suddenly, a loud boom echoed behind her.


    Here it comes!


    Shiori swung her greatsword in a split second, aiming to cut down the charging Lycann.


    But it was too quick. The mutated wolf twisted its body mid-air, narrowly avoiding the blade before its claws nearly grazed Shiori in return.


    "Ghk!"


    That was close!


    Lycann landed smoothly and immediately resumed its relentless movement, jumping back and forth between the trees at dizzying speeds.


    Damn it! Not only is it unbelievably fast, but its reaction speed matches mine! This is going to be tough¡­!


    In the distance, Reika saw Shiori locked in battle with Lycann. Now that she was occupied, nothing stood in Gargantua¡¯s way.


    Reika¡¯s gaze dropped to its injured leg¡ªonly to see that it had already regenerated.


    "The heck? That¡¯s some insane regeneration!"


    She quickly scanned the surroundings. Aside from Gargantua, no other monsters were nearby. With no additional threats to worry about, she made up her mind.


    "I need to deal with it myself. Draconic Transformation!"


    In an instant, she transformed, her wings spreading wide as she soared into the sky. From above, she finally got a clear sense of Gargantua¡¯s true scale.


    "Damn. That is way beyond overgrown!"


    She turned her head toward the settlement. The monster horde had completely surrounded it, relentlessly pushing against all fronts.


    "There¡¯s too many of them! We need to take down Gargantua before it¡¯s too late!"


    But just as she refocused on the colossal creature, she suddenly hesitated.


    Will I be able to pull this off? This is only my third fight, and yet¡­


    Reika shook her head, snapping herself out of doubt.


    "Why are you hesitating now, Reika? There¡¯s no time for this!"


    She clenched her fists.


    Her gaze locked onto Gargantua as she took a deep breath. A purple light flickered to life within her mouth, pulsing with unstable energy.


    That bastard¡¯s exoskeleton is tough. Conventional attacks won¡¯t work¡ªI need something that can pierce right through it. And this ability suits best¡­!


    The energy inside her mouth grew stronger, illuminating the sky with its brilliance.


    Gargantua, sensing the threat, shifted its attention toward her.


    Reika thought,


    Reika saw its massive pincer surging toward her. There was no time to hesitate. She adjusted her aim, targeting the pivot of its arm¡ªthe joint where its movement depended on.


    Now! Dragon¡¯s Breath!


    A blinding beam of purple light shot from her mouth, slicing through Gargantua¡¯s arm like it was paper. The severed limb crashed to the ground with an earth-shaking thud. The blast¡¯s shockwave followed, ripping through the base of one of its legs and obliterating it entirely. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Meanwhile, Shiori¡ªstill engaged with Lycann¡ªwas caught completely off guard. The shockwave from the blast sent both her and the beast flying.


    "T-The hell was that?!" Shiori groaned, struggling to get back on her feet.


    Reika hovered in the air, wide-eyed as she took in the aftermath.


    "I¡­ I did it!"

 Chapter 39: Ultimate-Class

    Everyone heard the thunderous explosion caused by the Dragon¡¯s Breath. Veylir, sensitive to Draconic Aura, recognized the attack instantly.


    She used Dragon¡¯s Breath despite its massive aura consumption? How bold!


    Dragon¡¯s Breath was a technique forged from pure, condensed Draconic Aura. Unlike standard abilities that relied on aeon, this one harnessed a power unique to dragons. It automatically converted aeon within their bodies into raw aura, which then gathered in their mouths before being unleashed as a devastating energy beam.


    ¡°Was that Miss Reika¡¯s doing?¡± Alguis asked, glancing at Veylir.


    ¡°Yeah. Pretty rowdy, I must say¡­¡±


    Noticing two monsters charging at them, Alguis gripped his hammeraxe and swung. The sheer force sent both creatures flying, their bodies crashing lifelessly in the opposite direction.


    ¡°Since she¡¯s giving it her all with Miss Shiori, we need to do our part too!¡± he declared.


    Meanwhile, Shiori managed to get back on her feet just as the Lycann lunged. She quickly leaped backward, widening the distance between them.


    Thank goodness the shockwave wasn¡¯t close... Otherwise, I¡¯d be reeling from a concussion right now.


    Shiori looked up at the sky and saw Reika preparing to unleash another blast.


    That brainless human¡­ At least aim where you won¡¯t affect your allies!


    Gritting her teeth, Shiori dashed toward the Lycann, channeling her aura. In an instant, the energy engulfed the blade of her sword.


    "I need to finish off this overgrown dog¡ªfast!"


    Meanwhile, in just under a minute, Gargantua had already healed its leg. However, the arm severed earlier hadn¡¯t fully regenerated yet.


    Above, Reika continued charging Dragon¡¯s Breath, gathering even more power than before.


    If I take out both of its legs at once, it¡¯ll lose its balance and be unable to move for a while!


    <Dragon''s Breath!>


    Another beam shot beneath the monster¡¯s body, erupting into a powerful explosion the moment it struck the ground. Unlike the previous blasts, this one carried an even greater explosive force, enough to potentially cripple both of its legs at once.


    BOOM!!


    As the smoke cleared, Reika¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. A hexagonal-shaped barrier had formed around Gargantua¡¯s legs, shielding them from the full impact of the Dragon¡¯s Breath.


    ¡°What the hell is that?!¡±


    Just before the explosion, Gargantua had deployed an Aeon Barrier, anticipating its opponent¡¯s attempt to cripple its movement. Thanks to its quick reaction, all six of its legs remained unscathed.


    Just how many abilities does this monster have?!


    Determined to uncover more about her opponent, Reika decided to appraise Gargantua¡¯s status using Appraisal, an ability from Veylir.


    __________________________________


    <Appraisal!>


    Species: Crustacean


    Gender: Female


    Abilities: <Aeon Barrier> <Extrasensory Perception> <Low-End Regeneration> <High-End Regeneration> <Control Lesser Species> <Domain: Sudden Death>


    Status: Normal


    __________________________________


    Reika probed through Gargantua¡¯s abilities and immediately recognized one of them. The hexagonal-shaped barrier that had blocked her attack was called Aeon Barrier.


    "Aeon Barrier? So that¡¯s how it withstood the blast earlier!"


    As she continued scanning the monster through Appraisal, several unfamiliar abilities caught her attention.


    "Control Lesser Species? Domain: Sudden Death? What kind of abilities are those?"


    Before she could process their meanings, a massive shadow loomed over her. Gargantua¡¯s right pincer lashed out, aiming to swat her from the sky. Reacting on instinct, Reika countered with a blast and quickly retreated.


    "Woah! That was close!"


    Not wasting any time, she fired another attack, this time targeting Gargantua¡¯s right arm. However, multiple Aeon Barriers materialized in rapid succession, layering over one another to intercept the blast. The barriers absorbed the impact just in time, successfully preventing the limb from being severed.


    "It¡¯s getting crafty now... Using this method is pointless!"


    No matter how many times she unleashed Dragon¡¯s Breath, the monster¡¯s Aeon Barriers activated in time, blocking every attempt to destroy its limbs. While Dragon¡¯s Breath excelled in piercing power, it lacked the wide-scale destruction needed to bypass the barriers through sheer force.


    "I need abilities with a larger area-of-effect. That might be enough to break through those pesky defenses."


    Meanwhile, on the ground, Shiori continued her fierce battle against the Lycann. Despite their prolonged clash, the beast showed no signs of fatigue. She stole a glance at Reika, who was still locked in combat with Gargantua.


    "I have to end this quickly and help her. She can''t handle that thing alone now that it¡¯s in full defensive mode!"


    As the Lycann lunged at her once more, Shiori made a bold move¡ªshe planted her greatsword firmly into the ground and left herself seemingly defenseless. The mutated wolf, seeing an easy kill, dropped its guard and charged in without hesitation.


    Shiori focused, reading its movements as it dashed back and forth. The moment she spotted an opening, she spread her arms wide, dropped low, and slid beneath the Lycann, catching its neck in a tight hold. The beast snarled in surprise.


    "Gotcha!"


    The Lycann thrashed violently, snapping its jaws toward her shoulder. Its teeth sank into her flesh, but Shiori didn¡¯t flinch. Instead, she tightened her grip even further.


    "Ghk! You persistent wild dog...!"


    Summoning all her strength, she lifted the Lycann off the ground, its limbs flailing in the air. Then, with a sharp pivot, she spun its body in a whirlwind motion.


    "HYAAAAAAH!"


    After two full rotations, she brought it down with crushing force¡ªslamming its body directly onto her rigid greatsword. The impact split the Lycann clean in half, its lifeless body collapsing in a pool of blood.


    "Hahh... Hahh..."


    Breathing heavily, Shiori grabbed the severed head and tossed it aside. The wounds on her shoulder were already beginning to heal, though at a sluggish pace due to her racial ability, Regeneration, which was slower than Low-End Regeneration.


    Pushing herself up, she reclaimed her greatsword and swung it through the air, flinging away the Lycann¡¯s blood.


    "Now... I can assist her..."


    But just as she prepared to rush toward Gargantua, the ground trembled beneath her. A series of heavy footsteps pounded the earth, growing closer. Shiori turned sharply to her right¡ªher gaze locking onto a massive, unnatural Giant Bear charging straight at her.


    "Shit! A Berann?!"


    Berann, a mutated Giant Bear, barreled toward Shiori with terrifying speed. Though she was slightly faster, she had no time to dodge the massive paw swinging straight at her.


    "Chieftain Shiori!"


    A sudden blur appeared beside her¡ªan armored orc rushed in and intercepted Berann¡¯s claws with a heavy club. It was Geruldo, the chief of the Orc Tribe.


    "Chief Geruldo? Why are you¡ª"


    "Ghhk!! No time for that! Go on, Chieftain Shiori! I¡¯ll handle this Berann alone. You need to assist Miss Reika first!"


    Understanding his intent, Shiori gave a firm nod, silently grateful for his intervention. Without hesitation, she turned and continued her charge toward Gargantua.


    Now alone with the beast, Geruldo narrowed his eyes, locking onto Berann¡¯s enraged gaze.


    It was the right decision to follow them. If I¡¯d been even a second late, Chieftain Shiori could¡¯ve taken a serious hit...!


    He planted his feet firmly. "I won¡¯t let you interfere with them. You¡¯re dealing with me first!"


    "RAAAAGGGH!"


    Berann roared and shoved at him, but Geruldo held his ground like an immovable boulder. His sheer tenacity kept him rooted, his stance unwavering.


    Seeing an opening, he swung his club at Berann¡¯s head¡ªonly for the weapon to shatter upon impact.


    "What...?!"


    Unbeknownst to him, his club had already sustained severe damage from his previous battle with Adeptus. Against Berann¡¯s immense defense, it simply couldn¡¯t withstand the force and broke beyond repair.


    Taking advantage of Geruldo¡¯s brief shock, Berann lunged and tackled him to the ground. The impact sent a deep tremor through the earth.


    "Ghakk! Nnggh!"


    Geruldo coughed, tasting blood in his mouth.


    Now that my club is gone, how the hell do I fight this thing barehanded?!


    Grinding his teeth, he planted his foot against Berann¡¯s chest and kicked it off him. Staggering to his feet, he spat blood onto the ground and clenched his fists.


    "Ptoo! Looks like I¡¯ll have to do this the old way..."


    Stretching his arms, he rolled his shoulders, warming up his muscles and bones. Then, he took a stance.


    "A hand for a hand? Fine. Let¡¯s see whose fists hit harder!"


    With a powerful step forward, Geruldo charged and drove a punch into Berann¡¯s left cheek. But the mutated bear retaliated instantly, swatting him across the face. Both fighters reeled back, having dealt equal damage to each other.


    "Ghakk!"


    "Raggghhh!"


    We''ll see who¡¯s the last monster standing... Right here, right now!


    While Geruldo fought Berann alone, Shiori and Reika continued their assault on Gargantua. Shiori attacked from the ground while Reika rained down strikes from above, forcing the massive creature to defend on multiple fronts.


    "Take this! Explosion!" Reika shouted, unleashing a powerful blast.


    "Crescent Cleave: Extended!" Shiori followed up, her blade slicing cleanly through Gargantua''s legs.


    Their combined assault forced the monster back. It moved noticeably slower than before, a sign that their attacks were having some effect.


    "This is good; keep it up!" Reika called out.


    However, despite the damage, Gargantua remained standing. Shiori frowned, noticing that it had only suffered minor injuries.


    During my first encounter with this thing, I managed to sever five of its legs before we had to retreat. But now, even with one of my strongest techniques, I can¡¯t deal significant damage anymore¡­?


    Her eyes narrowed as she spotted the source of the problem¡ªGargantua was healing itself at an alarming rate. It was using an Ultimate-class ability: High-End Regeneration. The monster''s recovery speed was far beyond what she remembered.


    Damn it¡­ Don¡¯t tell me it gained another ability after our last fight?!


    Lost in thought, Shiori barely noticed Reika landing beside her. The sudden presence snapped her back to reality.


    "Miss Shiori, I have a plan, and I need your cooperation!"


    Shiori raised an eyebrow.


    "Hah? Why would I¡ª"


    "Just trust me this once, yeah? I¡¯m confident this plan will work."


    Shiori studied Reika¡¯s expression. There wasn¡¯t a trace of hesitation in her eyes. With a sigh, she set aside her pride and relented. She waved her greatsword dismissively.


    "Alright, fine."


    Reika nodded in acknowledgment before explaining her strategy. As Shiori listened, she had to admit¡ªthe plan had a real chance of success.


    "I see¡­ Yeah, that could work."


    With their roles decided, the two split up. Shiori¡¯s job was simple: keep Gargantua distracted. Grinning, she tightened her grip on her greatsword.


    "All I have to do is hold its attention? That¡¯s easy!"


    Meanwhile, Reika moved into Gargantua¡¯s blind spot and landed on the ground. Taking a deep breath, she placed her hands on the soil, preparing to unleash her next move.


    <Surface Liquefaction!>


    Suddenly, the entire ground softened, spreading across a vast area in mere seconds. Trees sank into the unstable earth, and Gargantua, due to its immense weight, was dragged down even faster.


    Now that it¡¯s trapped, its movement is completely halted! We finally have a chance to pin it down!


    "Shiori! Use everything you have¡ªwe¡¯ll eliminate Gargantua together!" Reika shouted.


    Shiori scoffed at the order.


    "Heh. You don¡¯t have to tell me that, human!"


    Without hesitation, they unleashed a relentless assault. Shiori bombarded the monster with devastating aura attacks, while Reika targeted its vulnerable spots with repeated blasts of Dragon¡¯s Breath. The onslaught tore through Gargantua¡¯s exoskeleton, leaving gaping wounds across its body.


    However, its High-End Regeneration worked tirelessly, restoring its shattered armor at a constant rate. No matter how much damage they inflicted, the monster kept repairing itself.


    "Damn it! How long do we have to keep this up?!" Shiori growled.


    At this rate, this fight will turn into a battle of attrition!


    ...


    Hours had passed since the battle began. Geruldo had defeated Berann two hours ago and had since joined Shiori and Reika in their struggle to subdue Gargantua. Meanwhile, the remaining orcs, goblins, and dwarves fought alongside the humans, working tirelessly to keep the monsters from reaching the settlement. Though many sustained injuries, the dryads and Veylir tended to their wounds, ensuring they could continue the fight.


    "Ugh! When will this ever end? It''s been hours, and yet¡­!"


    "Miss Veylir! We need your assistance over here!" one of the dryads called out.


    Veylir rushed over to find a severely wounded orc groaning in pain. Without hesitation, she placed her hands over him and began healing his injuries.


    "Alright, you''re good to go."


    But before she could rest, another dryad called her over to tend to another warrior. Then another. And another. Left and right, Veylir worked tirelessly, her patience wearing thin.


    She clenched her fists. "Once this is over, I swear I¡¯m going to laze around all day!"


    On the other side of the settlement, the ogres were busy cutting down the advancing monsters. Their experience and techniques kept the tide at bay, but the battle showed no signs of slowing.


    "There are too many of them¡­!" Shiki exclaimed, dodging an incoming strike.


    "Careful, Miss Shiki! Keep your distance!" Satoru warned.


    "Alright, alright! Geez¡­"


    Unlike most ogres, Shiki wasn¡¯t well-versed in physical combat. However, when it came to ability-wielding, she excelled¡ªespecially with her thermal-type abilities.


    <Soul Flame!>


    Blue flames erupted across the battlefield, consuming every monster in the vicinity. Shiki¡¯s soul flames weren¡¯t ordinary¡ªthey ignited using the creatures'' very own spiritual energy as fuel, turning them into nothing but ash.


    "That''s Miss Shiki to you!" she declared, grinning as the surrounding orcs cheered for her.


    "Hah hah! Burn in your own energy! Serves you right for destroying our village!"


    But in her moment of triumph, a Rabid Wolf had slipped through the chaos, creeping dangerously close to her flank.


    Sukuna spotted it first, but it was already too late.


    "Miss Shiki, to your right!"


    "Hwuh?!"


    She turned her head just in time to see the Rabid Wolf mid-air, lunging straight at her. Panic set in¡ªshe instinctively raised her hand, trying to cast a spell.


    "E... Explo¡ª"


    But she wouldn¡¯t make it in time.


    Both Sukuna and Satoru dashed toward her, but the beast was faster. Realizing she couldn''t react in time, Shiki squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for impact.


    Then¡ªnothing. The Rabid Wolf¡¯s growl vanished in an instant.


    Confused, Shiki hesitantly opened her eyes¡­ only to find the wolf gone.


    Where did it go?


    Shiki turned to see Sukuna and Satoru staring in the opposite direction. Curious, she followed their gaze¡ªonly to find a lone human standing before the Rabid Wolf.


    Who is that? When did he get here?


    Sukuna voiced the same confusion running through her mind. "How did the Rabid Wolf vanish right in front of us and reappear in front of him?"


    "Am I seeing things? That¡¯s the same Rabid Wolf that tried to attack Miss Shiki just now!" Satoru exclaimed.


    Shiki narrowed her eyes at the monster, carefully studying its appearance.


    It is the same one¡­ but how did it¡ª?!


    "Young man, watch out!" Sukuna called out.


    But just as the Rabid Wolf lunged, its fangs bared for the stranger¡¯s head¡ªsomething inexplicable happened.


    Before anyone could react, the beast¡¯s body suddenly collapsed to the ground.


    "HUHHHHH?!" Shiki instinctively exclaimed.


    When the mysterious man pulled the Rabid Wolf¡¯s severed head free from its body, everyone finally saw his face¡ªcompletely unscathed, without a single drop of blood or a trace of injury.


    It was Shin Soru.


    "H-How did he¡­!"


    What kind of ability did he use to kill that wolf so effortlessly? Sukuna wondered, his mind racing for answers.


    While they stood frozen in place, struggling to process what had just happened, something even more bewildering occurred. It was so abrupt, so unnatural, that it left them in stunned silence.


    The sun was supposed to set in ten minutes. The late afternoon glow still lingered across the battlefield. Yet, in an instant, everything went dark.


    The sky, which should have been painted in warm hues of orange and red, was now swallowed by night. Stars twinkled overhead, and the moon loomed high as if time itself had skipped forward.


    The sudden phenomenon captured everyone''s attention, forcing them to look up in unison. But it wasn¡¯t just those in the forest who noticed¡ªacross the continent, nations trembled as they, too, witnessed the inexplicable shift in the sky. Whispers of an ominous omen spread like wildfire, filling rulers and common folk alike with dread.


    Reika and Shiori, still locked in battle, glanced around in disbelief. The sky, which should have been painted with the last light of day, was now a vast expanse of night, littered with stars.


    "What just happened...?!" Reika exclaimed, shock evident in her voice.


    Is this Gargantua''s doing...?


    Before they could find an answer, the battered Gargantua, though weakened, made its move. Trembling, it slowly raised both of its massive pincers into the air. Despite the relentless assault it had endured, the creature forced every ounce of its remaining strength into one final attack.


    Then, without warning, a massive dome formed around it.


    The structure expanded rapidly, engulfing a vast area with its sheer size. Its diameter stretched from Gargantua¡¯s position to the edge of the settlement, nearly a kilometer and a half away.


    Hovering above, Reika narrowly avoided being trapped inside. From her vantage point, she saw the full scale of the phenomenon and tensed.


    "What is this thing?"


    Reika cautiously approached the dome, reaching out to test its properties. As her hand passed through without resistance, she frowned.


    It¡¯s not a barrier¡­


    But the moment she stepped inside, an overwhelming sense of wrongness washed over her. The air felt unnaturally heavy, pressing down on her like an unseen force. Her instincts screamed at her¡ªsomething was coming, something terrible.


    A translucent dome¡­ Why does this feel so familiar¡­?


    A sudden realization struck her like a lightning bolt. The pieces clicked together, and her body tensed. Cold sweat trickled down her face.


    Shit! Don¡¯t tell me¡ª?!


    Her eyes darted around in panic until they landed on Shiori, still standing inside the dome, unaware of the impending danger.


    "Shiori!!" Reika shouted, scanning desperately for the ogre.


    There¡ªshe spotted her, standing firm, oblivious to the catastrophe about to unfold.


    "She won¡¯t make it in time!"


    Ignoring everything else, Reika pushed her body to the limit, propelling herself forward at full speed.


    Shiori, noticing her sudden approach, frowned in confusion. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What are you¡ª"


    "<Light Wind!>"


    The ability took hold in an instant, engulfing Shiori in a second. Her body suddenly felt weightless, as if the very essence of her being was slipping away.


    Before she could react, Reika grabbed her and shot into the air, flying away at full speed.


    "Hey! What''s wrong with you?!" Shiori yelled, struggling in her grip.


    "There¡¯s no time to explain! We need to get out of here, now!"


    The urgency in Reika¡¯s voice made Shiori hesitate. Something was very wrong.


    Once they were outside the dome¡¯s range, both turned back to see what had unfolded inside. Despite the unnatural darkness overhead, they could still make out the horrifying scene before them.


    Every monster within the dome had collapsed, their bodies shriveled and lifeless. The once-thriving trees and grass had withered away, reduced to brittle husks. Even the insects, too small to notice at first, lay motionless. Everything inside the dome¡ªanything that possessed life¡ªhad been silently and instantly drained of existence.


    "What¡­ was happening inside there¡­?" Geruldo muttered as he approached Reika and Shiori.


    Reika clenched her fists. "Damn it! Why didn¡¯t I realize it sooner?! We could¡¯ve died in there!"


    Shiori narrowed her eyes at her. "Hey! Do you know what that was?"


    Reika didn¡¯t answer right away. She kept staring at the lifeless wasteland inside the dome, watching as the last remnants of life faded from within.


    "That¡­ is one of the strongest Ultimate-class abilities to ever exist¡ªthe ''Domain''¡­!"

 Vol. 2, Chapter 40: Seed of Extremity (w/ Author’s Note)

    "Domain? What kind of ability was that?" Shiori asked.


    "I''ve heard about it once from Veylir," Reika replied. "She told me that among the Natural Abilities, there¡¯s a certain kind of Ultimate-class ability that surpasses the lower and even same-class abilities. Those abilities are called Domains..."


    "And according to the Appraisal''s results, Gargantua possesses that kind of formidable ability¡ªDomain: Sudden Death!"


    The three of them suddenly noticed the sky brightening. The sunlight that had mysteriously vanished returned as if nothing had happened. Now that the late afternoon sun illuminated the battlefield again, the full devastation of Gargantua''s Domain attack became clear.


    "How cruel... To think that every living thing inside was killed without even a chance to escape," Geruldo muttered.


    "This is troublesome. If that monster manages to execute that ability again, we''re doomed!" Reika exclaimed.


    Back at the settlement, everyone also noticed the return of sunlight, but their attention remained on the battlefield, still unaware of what had transpired. Confusion spread among them as they questioned the strange phenomenon.


    While everyone else was baffled, Soru seemed unaffected. Instead, his mind was preoccupied with something else entirely¡ªthe sun.


    Did I use the sun¡¯s energy for too long for that to happen?


    "It seems like the effect was quite imposing," Soru murmured.


    Despite the absurdity of the thought, he dismissed it in an instant. While the ogres remained distracted, he quietly continued on his way. Up ahead, he spotted Veylir, who was tending to the wounded while keeping monsters at bay. He approached her to ask about the situation.


    Meanwhile, Reika was busy trying to figure out a way to deal with Gargantua. Now that they were out of conventional options, fighting the monster had become even more difficult.


    "We can''t defeat that monster... It''s simply too strong!" Shiori exclaimed.


    Seeing Shiori seemingly lose all hope, Reika felt a wave of anxiousness. Even Geruldo, usually composed and unshaken, was beginning to sweat as he stared at the monstrosity before them.


    Then, without a word, Reika stepped forward. She came to a stop just within the desolate battlefield, where Gargantua struggled to lift itself back up, trying to regain its lost strength.


    Shiori and Geruldo noticed her sudden movement and turned toward her.


    "It seems like we have no choice but to fight fire with fire, huh..."


    Reika spun around, her gaze locking onto theirs. There was a fierce determination in her eyes, burning like an unshaken flame.


    "We need to try one more time! If we do it properly, we can defeat that overgrown crab!" she declared.


    Shiori''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    "Are you serious? We threw everything we had at that monster, and it still won''t go down! And you dare suggest that?! I know you''re young, but don''t let your age dictate your recklessness!" Shiori snapped.


    "She''s right, Miss Reika. With our current strength, we stand no chance¡ª"


    Geruldo''s words were abruptly cut off as Reika raised a single finger and waved it in the air.


    "Tsutsutsu~ relax; I''m pretty sure we can do it this time," Reika said confidently.


    Shiori crossed her arms and eyed her skeptically. "And what solution has your mind come up with this time?"


    Reika smirked. "You saw Gargantua use Domain, right? If that monster can unleash its strongest attack, then we¡¯ll just have to outpower it to claim victory!"


    "Outpower?" Shiori raised an eyebrow. "And how exactly do you plan on doing that?"


    "Hehe~ I have a few tricks up my sleeve. Just trust me this time."


    Seeing the determination in her eyes, Geruldo sighed and nodded.


    "She''s right, Chief Shiori. We had no chance of escaping in the first place; we might as well do our best to survive this predicament."


    Hearing his words, Shiori stepped back, gripping her greatsword tightly.


    "Hmph. If you''re both so determined to charge into death, then so be it. However..."


    An immense aura surged from her body as her grip tightened.


    "Running away out of cowardice is an ogre¡¯s greatest shame. I would rather die on the battlefield than shrivel up somewhere far from here!"


    Hearing her words, Reika grinned as a response.


    That was a damn good line. I feel pumped up just hearing it!


    Turning back toward Gargantua, now fully free from the softened ground, Reika took a deep breath.


    "Shiori! I need you to lift Gargantua into the air with all your strength!" she shouted.


    "What?! With my current strength, doing that is¡ª"


    "I believe that you can do it."


    Shiori let out an exasperated sigh before rolling her shoulders.


    "Tsk. Even though it seems impossible, I''ll handle it."


    "Sir Geruldo! Assist Shiori at all costs. I won''t be able to help if you¡¯re getting swarmed by monsters and Gargantua!"


    "I heed your command, Miss Reika," Geruldo responded firmly.


    Without another word, Reika activated Draconic Transformation, her body radiating with power as she ascended into the sky. The others wasted no time, rushing toward Gargantua.


    "Let''s give it our all, everyone!" Reika shouted.


    ...


    From above, Reika watched as Shiori and Geruldo engaged Gargantua.


    "Twofold Cleave: Extended!"


    With a roar, Shiori unleashed two massive slashes shaped like a cross, hurling them straight at Gargantua¡¯s abdomen. But just before impact, multiple Aeon Barriers materialized, stacking over one another. The force of her attack barely left a scratch.


    "Damn it! I¡¯ve used every armament technique and ability on this monster, yet this is all I can do?!"


    She clenched her teeth.


    Think, think, think! What should I do?!


    But as she drowned in thought, she failed to notice one of Gargantua¡¯s massive pincers hurtling toward her at full speed.


    Geruldo, still fending off the rampaging monsters around them, caught sight of the attack. His eyes widened.


    "Chief Shiori, behind you!"


    Shiori snapped out of her thoughts at Geruldo¡¯s warning. She turned¡ªonly to see Gargantua¡¯s massive pincer already upon her. There was no time to dodge.


    "RAAAAAGGGHHH!!"


    Sudden tremors shook the ground, each one coming in rapid succession. Then, a figure charged forward, slamming into the pincer and knocking it away.


    As the dust settled, Geruldo stood before her, his body pressed against the monstrous appendage, his arms trembling from the sheer force of holding it back.


    "D-Don''t lose your focus, Chief Shiori! This is a battlefield! Nggghhh!" he gritted out, struggling against the weight of the attack.


    Shiori clenched her fists. "I¡­ I apologize! I¡ª"


    "We need to fulfill the role Miss Reika gave us...!"


    Shiori looked at him for a moment before nodding firmly. There was no time to waste.


    Without hesitation, she turned away and planted her greatsword into the ground. Closing her eyes, she steadied her breath.


    "Fuuu~"


    The battlefield faded away. The sounds of monstrous roars and Geruldo¡¯s strained grunts all disappeared. Shiori entered in a trance.


    All her senses dulled until only one thing remained¡ªthe steady beating of her heart.


    I need strength¡ªprofound strength!


    Her desire to defeat Gargantua burned violently, fueling the fire in her heart. But she wasn''t pleading to the heavens. She was pleading to herself.


    Then, from nowhere, a voice echoed in her mind. It was ethereal, yet... strangely familiar.


    <Individual "Shiori" will be granted an Ultimate-class ability.>


    Suddenly, an orb of light emerged before Shiori, its form unstable, fluctuating through countless shapes in mere seconds. It pulsed with an overwhelming energy, radiating a force beyond anything she had ever felt.


    Though unaware of its true nature, her instincts guided her. Without hesitation, she reached out and grasped the orb.


    As soon as Shiori grasped the orb, it merged seamlessly into her body. A flood of information surged through her mind, overwhelming her senses for an instant. But as she processed it all, a knowing smile crossed her lips.


    Just then, her awareness finally returned, sharper than ever. The chaotic roars of monsters filled the battlefield, growing louder with each passing second. Amidst the noise, she heard someone desperately calling her name.


    "...Chief S-Shiori...! You''re completely surrounded!"


    Shiori opened her eyes, her expression calm yet serious. The monsters had her cornered, their numbers overwhelming, leaving her no space to escape. Yet, she stood firm, unshaken.


    Because she had already found the solution.


    <Dismantle>


    In an instant, countless slashes erupted in all directions. Each one sliced through every monster within the vicinity with extreme precision. Hundreds fell in a single second, their bodies collapsing lifelessly around her.


    Geruldo stood frozen, his mind struggling to comprehend what had just happened.


    What did she do...? I didn¡¯t even see her move!


    Shiori ignored the stunned gazes. Instead, she lifted her head, eyes locking onto Gargantua¡¯s abdomen, shielded by its Aeon Barriers.


    Without hesitation, she pulled her greatsword from the ground and took a deep breath.


    <Release Potential!>


    Shiori immediately felt a sudden pulse surging through her body, sending tremors through every muscle and fiber within her. The energy inside her swelled at an exponential rate, growing stronger with each passing second.


    "Chief Geruldo, buy me some time."


    Without hesitation, Geruldo nodded and threw all his strength into restraining Gargantua¡¯s pincer, preventing it from striking again.


    "RAAAAGGGGHHHH!" he roared, his muscles straining under the monstrous force as he barely managed to keep the gigantic clamp in place.


    Meanwhile, Shiori stood still, waiting for her newly awakened ability¡ªRelease Potential¡ªto push her power beyond its limits. She could feel the overwhelming force threatening to tear her body apart, pushing her beyond what she thought possible. But she gritted her teeth and endured.


    This should be enough!


    With unwavering focus, Shiori took a stance, her greatsword aimed directly at Gargantua¡¯s abdomen.


    Sensing imminent danger, the monster instinctively reacted. It attempted to retaliate with its free pincer, but the moment it locked onto Shiori, something felt horribly wrong.


    A deep, primal fear coiled within its core. Every instinct screamed at it¡ªwarning of a threat beyond comprehension.


    Acting on survival instinct, Gargantua abruptly retracted, trying to dodge by flipping its massive body to the side.


    But it was too late.


    <Equinox Cleave>


    With a single swift swing of her greatsword, the world suddenly turned gray.


    Every color bled away, stripped from the land as if existence itself had been drained of life. The battlefield stood in eerie stillness, devoid of any pigment that the eye could perceive.


    At the tip of Shiori¡¯s blade, a thin white streak emerged¡ªa line so sharp and precise. It shot forward at an unfathomable speed, distorting the very fabric of space in its wake.


    Everyone who bore witness to this phenomenon was left speechless. The abrupt flicker of the sun earlier had already baffled them, but this surpassed anything they could comprehend.


    Their eyes followed the streak, drawn to its impossible motion as it carved through the air.


    Gargantua sensed the danger and immediately deployed ten stacked Aeon Barriers in an attempt to defend itself. However, the white streak Shiori unleashed ignored every layer, passing through them as if they never there in the first place.


    In an instant, the attack sliced through the rightmost section of Gargantua¡¯s abdomen like butter, severing it cleanly in a mere second. The streak continued its path, shooting skyward at an immeasurable length, splitting the monochrome heavens in half before fading into nothingness.


    The force of the strike sent Gargantua hurtling even higher into the air, its massive body thrown back by the momentum of the impact.


    From above, Reika spotted the monster''s airborne form and knew¡ªthis was her chance to finish it off.


    Now!


    Wasting no time, she raised her hands, forming a triangular hand sign, and aimed directly at Gargantua''s position.


    As color returned to the world, a massive translucent sphere materialized in the sky, encasing the monster in an instant.


    Then, from within the center of the sphere, a pulsating glow began to emerge.


    <Domain: Nuclear Combustion!>


    The glow within the sphere suddenly detonated, unleashing a violent explosion that incinerated everything inside. The sheer heat of the attack was comparable to the sun¡¯s surface, reducing all life within the sphere.


    BOOOOM!!


    A massive shockwave erupted outward, tearing through the battlefield. Trees were ripped from their roots, monsters were blasted away, and the air itself trembled under the sheer force of the blast.


    Even from several kilometers away, the intensity of the heat could be felt. Some warriors were knocked off their feet, while others barely managed to withstand the force.


    Staring at the aftermath, everyone was left in utter shock. The scale of Shiori and Reika¡¯s combined assault was beyond anything they had ever imagined.


    "W-W-What just happened...? What the heck is going on?!" a human warrior stammered.


    "Those attacks¡­ I thought the heavens were about to collapse!" another exclaimed, still shaken.


    Veylir, who had witnessed the entire event, felt an unfamiliar shiver run down her spine.


    I don¡¯t know what just happened, but¡­ Reika using my strongest offensive ability? I never expected this in my entire life!


    Meanwhile, Reika hovered above the battlefield, scanning for any signs of Gargantua¡¯s remains.


    She had no idea just how destructive the ability was until now. When she finally saw the result, her eyes widened in disbelief.


    The monster was completely gone¡ªnot a single trace of its massive body remained.


    The heck?! I knew this was Veylir¡¯s strongest attack, but I never thought it was that strong¡­! It obliterated Gargantua without leaving a single piece behind!


    "That ability was actually terrifying!" Reika exclaimed.


    With Gargantua dead, the monsters¡ªonce under its control¡ªwere now free. However, instead of retreating, they went berserk, throwing the battlefield into further chaos. Though the situation had become messier, there was an upside¡ªthe uncoordinated monsters would now be easier to exterminate.


    After confirming that the others could handle the remaining monsters, Reika flew toward Shiori and Geruldo, exhausted but relieved. Despite her own fatigue, she used the last of her strength to heal Geruldo¡¯s wounds.


    As soon as he was fully healed, Reika undid her transformation, letting out a deep breath. Her mind, however, drifted to Shiori¡¯s attack from earlier. Curiosity got the best of her, and she turned to the ogre.


    "Shiori! That awesome attack you unleashed earlier..."


    Shiori, who had just sheathed her greatsword, turned to face her¡ªbut immediately noticed something off.


    Reika¡¯s complexion looked terrible. Her body wobbled slightly, as if she might collapse at any moment.


    "Hey, are you okay?"


    "Eh? I¡ª"


    Before she could finish, her knees gave out.


    "Reika!"


    Geruldo reacted instantly, catching her just before she hit the ground.


    Shiori frowned. "What¡¯s wrong with her? Could it be...?"


    Shiori paused when a wave of drowsiness crashed over her. Her vision blurred, and her limbs felt unnaturally heavy.


    "I... What¡¯s happening...?"


    She barely managed to whisper those words before her body went limp.


    Luckily, Geruldo caught her just in time, gently lowering both of them onto the ground. He let out a sigh, shaking his head.


    "It seems like both of them used too much aeon and fainted as a result..."


    Holding such beauties in his arms, Geruldo gazed up at the night sky, his mind drifting back to the events of the day. The fierce battle, the struggles they endured, and the overwhelming power that had turned the tide¡ªall of it played back in his thoughts.


    ...


    Moments after losing consciousness, Reika opened her eyes and found herself in an empty space. A vast, silent void stretched endlessly in all directions.


    "This is..."


    She quickly realized where she was¡ªher subconscious space.


    As she glanced around, something ahead caught her attention¡ªa strange oval object, faintly glowing with an otherworldly aura. Its presence felt both mysterious and familiar.


    Curious, she slowly stepped forward.


    What is that thing...? It feels like my body is being drawn toward it...


    The pull was subtle yet irresistible. As she reached out and touched the object, a gentle warmth spread through her fingertips.


    An idea suddenly crossed her mind.


    Wait. Appraisal works on objects too, right? I wonder if it reveals information like other items...


    "<Appraisal>"


    Suddenly, a name appeared before Reika¡¯s eyes, revealing the identity of the object she had touched.


    "Seed of Extremity...?"


    Reika paused for a moment. This was the first time she had ever seen or heard of it.


    Since Appraisal only provided an item¡¯s name, she couldn¡¯t obtain any further details. But the word "Extremity" caught her attention. It reminded her of something¡ªsomething significant.


    There''s Extremity at the end of its name... Could it be related to those so-called Extremity Beings on this continent?


    The thought lingered for a moment before she released her grip on the Seed of Extremity and took a step back.


    "Well, I could just ask Veylir and the others about it later."


    But for now¡­


    She glanced around the empty space once more. Everything remained still¡ªno indication of her waking up anytime soon. It was clear that her senses were completely shut off from the outside world.


    With a sigh, she sat down on the nonexistent surface before eventually lying on her back, gazing up at the Seed of Extremity hovering above.


    "I guess I''ll be stuck here for a while..."


    ...


    That evening, everyone gathered for a feast to commemorate their victory against the two Disaster-grade monsters and the relentless monster wave. To them, this battle had been the most grueling and intense conflict they had ever faced.


    Among the crowd, Soru found himself surrounded by orcs and goblins, all flocking to him in admiration. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Thank you, young man! If you hadn¡¯t bought us time, we wouldn¡¯t be alive to enjoy this feast!"


    "That¡¯s right! Your bravery will be remembered by the Orc Tribe for generations!"


    Although Soru had no idea what they were saying, he nodded and responded with subtle body gestures, pretending to understand.


    Meanwhile, Geruldo also received praise from the others. Though he hadn¡¯t delivered the finishing blow to Gargantua, his efforts in restraining the monster had been crucial to their victory.


    While the majority celebrated, a small group remained concerned. The dwarves, dryads, Veylir, and some ogres gathered near the resting Reika and Shiori, watching over their unconscious forms.


    Moments later, Soru arrived, his gaze shifting toward Reika before addressing Veylir.


    "How is she?"


    Veylir crossed her arms, assessing the situation.


    "Hmm... It seems like she completely depleted her aeon reserves and collapsed."


    "I see..."


    Just then, Shiki approached, her face filled with worry.


    "I-Is my sis gonna be alright?"


    Before Veylir could answer, Alguis stepped forward and gently patted Shiki¡¯s head, offering comfort.


    "When will they wake up?"


    "It could be days or weeks. In the end, it depends on how fast their bodies recover the aeon they lost."


    "That¡¯s good to hear, then..." Sukuna murmured.


    "Let them rest for now. They¡¯ll wake up eventually."


    With their concerns eased, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. One by one, they left the room, allowing the two to rest peacefully. Soon, only Soru remained.


    He stepped closer to Reika¡¯s bedside, his eyes lingering on her peaceful, sleeping face. The exhaustion from battle had faded, leaving behind a quiet beauty in her expression.


    After a brief moment, he lifted the blanket, gently covering her body to keep her warm.


    Then, without another word, he turned and left the room.


    As the night continued, the air was filled with laughter and celebration. Everyone was overjoyed to have survived the ordeal, their one-month-long preparation finally paying off. They had protected their settlement and their loved ones, and that was all that mattered.


    Despite the variety of races present, no one cared about their differences tonight. Orcs, goblins, humans, dwarves, and dryads sat side by side, sharing drinks, eating together, and swapping stories with genuine glee.


    Their joyful interactions crossed racial boundaries, uniting them not by blood, but by survival. For this one night, there was no discrimination¡ªonly blissful memories.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Author''s Note:


    And with that, the Volume 2 is concluded!!


    Hello everyone! It''s me, your author Boundless! It''s my first OFFICIAL A.N. and I just want to tell you that thank you for reading this story of mine (especially those old readers of mine, if you still exist lmao.)


    Actually this is my second WN (the first one sucks, this one''s slightly better), and as you can tell I SUCK at writing lmfao. Most likely I write in narrative/script-ahh work with minimal to no essence, rather than demonstrating it (which is one of the common mistakes by newbie authors, just like me.)


    I will do some minor revisions for God-knows-when (no changes in the story, just the writing and delivery style) in order to make my story bearable and professional/author-like.


    Now that the 2nd Vol. is concluded, we will enter the 3rd Vol. Now that''s where the real world-building begins. The next volume introduces new characters, new nations and especially new conflicts! We will also see a glimpse of Shin Soru''s past, and how he handles his powers when he was a child. Probably, Vol. 3 starts next year, so... Stay tuned!


    I did the Vol. 2 Illustration ( Katouku''s my artist name, don''t be confused) + character introduction. Hope you like it!


    ...


    Bonus Illustration/s

 Vol. 3, Chapter 41: Alef

    It was ten in the morning when the children rushed outside to play on the school playground. Excitement and enthusiasm filled the air as they hurried toward the door.


    "I wanna play in the sandbox!"


    "Me too! Me too!"


    "Hehe~ I''m going to the seesaw! Wanna come?"


    "Mmm!"


    They quickly formed groups, each engaged in different activities. Some played ball, others dug into the sandbox with their toys, and a few ran around, giggling as they played tag.


    But in the corner, a lone boy sat on a swing. It was Shin Soru, just six years old at the time. He watched the others in silence, his small hands gripping the chains as he gently swayed back and forth.


    Their teacher, Sayuri, noticed him and approached with a warm smile. "Are you alright, Shin-kun?"


    "..."


    Shin Soru was known as the quiet one among his classmates. Though they often invited him to play, his struggle to express emotions created an invisible barrier between them. That distance left him on the outskirts of their world, watching instead of joining.


    "Don''t you want to join the other kids? I''m sure you''ll like it!"


    Despite Sayuri¡¯s attempts to cheer him up, Soru remained silent. His lack of response made the moment awkward. But then, she noticed his gaze fixed in a particular direction.


    "Hm? What''s wrong, Shin-kun?"


    "Someone has a dangerous weapon aimed at me..." Soru said, his eyes locked on the distant target.


    Sayuri¡¯s breath caught in her throat. His words sent a chill down her spine. She understood immediately¡ªthis was serious.


    Without hesitation, she brought her wrist to her lips and activated the watch¡¯s hidden function.


    "Report! Subject Alef has detected a hostile entity, over."


    A response crackled through almost instantly. "Determine its approximate position."


    Sayuri met Soru¡¯s gaze, trying to trace where he was looking. Her heart pounded when she saw it¡ªa building, several kilometers away.


    "Hostile possibly at 9 o¡¯clock!" she called out.


    "Roger. Sending ground team to that location, over."


    Beyond the school grounds, in a towering high-rise several kilometers away, a sniper lay prone on the rooftop. The building stood thirty stories tall, complete with a helipad. Beside the sniper, a spotter adjusted his scope, both men focused on a single target¡ªthe young Shin Soru.


    "I-I can''t believe it. To think he could determine our location from this distance...!"


    The spotter and sniper were both elite soldiers, hired by a secret government organization in Russia. They were considered one of the best in their country, having taken the lives of hundreds on the battlefield together.


    "Look at that eye of his¡­ just like the reports said. Completely devoid of emotion!" the spotter exclaimed.


    "D-Da. I-It''s like he''s staring straight into my soul," the sniper muttered, his hands trembling.


    He took another glance through his scope after a brief pause, only to find Shin Soru¡¯s eyes still locked onto their position. A chill ran down his spine. Trying to shake off the unease, he turned to his companion and changed the subject.


    "H-Heh, the organization managed to smuggle this experimental rifle from Ukraine. It was supposed to be publicized two years from now. They claim it can hit targets up to four kilometers away."


    The spotter scoffed, letting out a short laugh. "Pft. You really think those Western bastards could develop a weapon with that kind of range and firepower?"


    "Hah. That¡¯s what the higher-ups told me when they handed me this beast. Maybe they can pull it off..."


    A sudden burst of static from their radio cut the conversation short. A deep voice came through¡ªtheir superior.


    "Comrade, how is it going?"


    "Status report. The target has identified our location. His teacher, most likely a planted spy from the opposing organization, is using a communication device disguised as a watch," the spotter replied.


    "Understood. Take the shot before those Japanese bastards corner you. We must secure the data at all costs."


    "Da."


    With orders confirmed, the two soldiers prepared to execute the plan.


    "You heard the boss," the spotter said.


    The sniper gave a slight nod and adjusted his position. He could feel the cold air against his cheeks and the warmth of the concrete beneath him.


    "Distance, approximately 3,810 meters. Wind speed, 1m/s due east," the spotter reported, keeping his eyes on the scope.


    "Adjusting barrel and scope position..."


    After some careful calculations on the bullet''s trajectory, the sniper took a deep breath, steadying his grip on the trigger.


    "If we land this shot, it¡¯ll be the longest recorded in history. Too bad it''ll stay classified..."


    "Shut up. Just close your eyes and take the shot," the spotter said, slightly annoyed.


    "Alright, alright. I was just trying to ease the tension..."


    Just as the sniper was about to pull the trigger, a strange thought crossed his mind.


    As he applied pressure to the trigger, something unexpected happened. The rifle suddenly exploded in his hands, breaking apart before he could even fire. The bullet meant for Soru never left the chamber.


    "Suka! What the heck was that?!"


    A metallic clink echoed on the rooftop. Both men opened their eyes and saw the bullet¡¯s primer and head rolling on the concrete. The spotter instantly understood what had happened and grabbed his radio.


    "S-Status report. No casualties on our side¡ªonly the experimental rifle exploded after igniting the primer, over."


    "As expected. Comrades, abandon your position immediately!"


    "Da!" they both responded, hurriedly packing their equipment. The broken rifle was left behind as they prepared to retreat.


    But just as they were about to move, the spotter felt a sudden sting in his thigh and collapsed.


    There had been no gunshot. No warning. Yet, a bullet had pierced his leg.


    "Blyad¡¯! They found us!"


    Suddenly, a loud thud echoed from the rooftop door. Several men, clad in dark garments and armed with rifles, burst through and surrounded the two operatives.


    "Prepare for direct combat!"


    Gunfire erupted as both sides scrambled for cover, ducking behind rooftop structures while exchanging bullets. Their respective higher-ups reacted swiftly, but the Russian side was especially rattled¡ªtheir covert operation had been exposed.


    "How did they find them that fast?! They were miles away from the target!"


    "Probably with their advanced drones and satellite surveillance. The Japanese are leading in cutting-edge technology these days¡­"


    "Svoloch''! To hell with those nosy easterners and their tech! Execute Phase Two!"


    "Da!" the Russian operatives shouted in unison before swiftly shifting to their next plan.


    Meanwhile, the Japanese secret organization, tasked with protecting their citizens from external and internal threats, remained focused on their primary objective.


    "While our strike team deals with those scum, we need to assess the subject¡¯s current status," the leader commanded with authority.


    One of his subordinates stood and delivered a report. "Status update! Our agent confirms that Subject Alef is showing no further signs of suspicious activity. However, she warns that further movements regarding the subject may be imminent."


    "I see¡­" the leader murmured. "In that case, maintain strict surveillance on Subject Alef until further notice."


    "Yes, sir!"


    Back at the school, Sayuri¡ªthe agent secretly assigned to monitor Shin Soru¡ªwatched him closely. Though she maintained a composed expression, the intensity of her gaze did not go unnoticed. Soru glanced at her but chose to ignore it.


    Beneath Sayuri¡¯s calm exterior, a storm of unease swirled within her. The enemy¡¯s presence didn¡¯t shake her, nor the safety of the kid beside her.


    She knew, deep down, that Shin Soru wasn¡¯t the one in danger.


    He the danger.


    "S-Shin-kun, why don¡¯t we head inside? There are some snacks waiting for you!" Sayuri said in a cheerful tone, masking her unease.


    "Okay," Soru replied, rising from the swing.


    Sayuri stood up and reached out her hand toward Soru. He took it without hesitation, noticing the slight dampness of her palm.


    As they walked calmly, Sayuri spotted a young girl running toward them¡ªit was one of her pupils.


    "Senseiii~!"


    Sayuri quickly realized the girl was about to jump and instinctively spread her arms wide.


    "Hup!"


    She caught the girl smoothly, earning a giggle as the child hugged her tightly.


    "Sensei~, where are you going?" the girl asked, her voice full of curiosity.


    Sayuri looked into her cheerful eyes and replied, "Soru and I are heading inside to eat some snacks."


    "That sounds fun! I want some too!"


    Sayuri smiled. "Is that so? Then let¡¯s go together!"


    Just then, she remembered Soru was still with them. Turning back to take his hand again, she stopped mid-motion.


    She saw Soru stood completely still. His lips were moving, murmuring something.


    Lip-reading was one of her skills as an agent, and it didn¡¯t take long to decipher his words.


    The moment she understood what he had just said, a cold weight settled in her chest.


    Without a second thought, she gently placed the girl down and pressed another hidden button on her watch. A deep-red flash flickered across the screen, displaying two words: "Code: Black."


    The message was sent directly to headquarters. The moment Sayuri¡¯s report came through, chaos erupted within the Japanese organization''s facility. Alarms blared across the entire base, their deafening wail signaling one undeniable fact¡ª


    Subject Alef had released his Second Limiter.


    "Everyone, administer Propofol and erase Subject Alef from your thoughts immediately!" the organization''s leader commanded through the mic.


    Without hesitation, those aware of Shin Soru¡¯s identity pulled out the potent sedative from their pockets and injected themselves. As they waited for the drug to take effect, they focused on one task¡ªforgetting him from their very minds.


    Back at the kindergarten, Sayuri was also reaching into her hidden pocket, her fingers wrapping around her own dosage of Propofol. Just as she was about to inject herself, a gentle tug on her sleeve made her pause.


    "Sensei, are you okay?"


    Sayuri froze. Looking down, she met the innocent eyes of the young girl¡ªeyes unaware of the looming danger.


    Her grip on the syringe tightened.


    A thought flickered in her mind, but she quickly shook it away. Without another second of hesitation, she pressed the needle into her arm and injected the sedative. Her hands trembled, and she collapsed to her knees.


    Sweat trickled down Sayuri¡¯s face as the girl watched her with concern. She didn¡¯t understand what was happening to her teacher, but instinctively, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Sayuri.


    "Sensei, it¡¯s going to be alright," the girl whispered, gently patting her head.


    Something inside Sayuri broke. In that moment, all she could see in her mind was her family¡ªher two beautiful children, the warm smile of her husband waiting for her back home. Their faces repeated over and over, filling her with longing.


    I''m sorry... I''m sorry...


    Sayuri closed her eyes and hugged the girl tightly. Slowly, the sedative took effect, pulling her into unconsciousness.


    ...


    "...Sir, it seems like this one''s still alive. She''s only unconscious..."


    "Separate her before she wakes up!"


    Muffled voices echoed through Sayuri''s mind. As she struggled to open her eyes, everything was blurry. Two moving silhouettes stood in front of her.


    "Mmmgh..."


    She felt someone touching her wrist. Though her body was weak, she tried to jerk her arm. The person holding her wrist noticed the slight movement.


    "M-Ma''am, are you alright?" a woman¡¯s voice asked.


    Her vision was still hazy, but she managed to respond. "Y-Yes, I''m good now..."


    "We need assistance here, immediately!" the woman called out.


    Just as Sayuri was about to move, a sudden realization struck her. The girl she had held before losing consciousness¡ªwhat had happened to her? A wave of dread washed over her, and her eyes widened in panic.


    "The girl...!"


    She felt a weight in her leg and immediately assumed it was the child. As her vision finally cleared, she turned to check.


    "Hey, are you¡ª"


    Her words caught in her throat.


    "This...!"


    Sayuri saw that the girl''s left eye was missing, a faint wisp of smoke curling from the wound¡¯s edges. The skin around it was darkened and rough. Shock overtook her and faltered, causing the child''s head to slip from her leg.


    "Ah¡ª!"


    The child¡¯s head hit the ground with a soft thud. Blood seeped from the upper part of her head, spreading slowly across the dirt. Sayuri knelt, her hands trembling as she examined the injury further. The wound was precise¡ªa clean, brutal puncture through the eye socket, deep enough to reach the brain before exiting through the skull above.


    "Ma¡¯am, maybe it¡¯s best if you don¡¯t see that¡ª"


    Sayuri stepped back, waving her hand dismissively.


    "It¡¯s alright. I-I...!"


    Her voice wavered as men approached with stretchers, the faint rustle of their movements breaking the stillness. They placed one beside her.


    "Ma¡¯am, we need you to lie here for a moment..."


    Left without a choice, Sayuri complied in silence, easing onto the stretcher. As they carried her toward the ambulance, her gaze lingered on the young girl¡¯s lifeless body.


    I need to calm my nerves. As an agent of the organization, I mustn¡¯t let their deaths cloud my emotions¡­


    Sayuri closed her eyes, exhaling slowly before lying back on the stretcher.


    Not far from them, two other children lay dead with identical injuries. The authorities spoke in hushed tones, oblivious of what had caused their mysterious deaths. Only the organization knew the truth¡ªSoru, referred to as "Subject Alef," was behind this.


    Half an hour later, a familiar figure arrived at the scene. Sayuri recognized him instantly as he approached, his footsteps steady against the uneven ground.


    "Agent, are you alright?"


    "Y-Yes," she replied in a low tone.


    "Your hands are trembling... It doesn¡¯t seem like you¡¯re fine."


    Sayuri glanced down, noticing the faint but persistent shake in her hands. She clasped them together and took a deep breath, the cool air filling her lungs. Gradually, the trembling subsided, leaving her still once more. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Give me a status report."


    "O-Okay," his colleague replied, quickly handing her the tablet. "Besides those snipers and some of our personnel who failed to comply with the director''s orders, these are the reported individuals who died with the same injuries¡ªall around the world."


    So there were unlucky ones within the organization too... Sayuri thought as she took the tablet and began scrolling through the list.


    "Wait, around the world?" she muttered, her fingers pausing mid-scroll as realization sank in.


    On the list, Sayuri saw several high-ranking officials from well-known countries who had been declared dead. Some were known figures in military departments. Every single one of them share the same injuries.


    "These are just the estimates," the man told her. "There may be other casualties hidden from the media and our intel."


    "I see," Sayuri murmured, handing the tablet back. "So his presence has now reached the far West, huh..."


    This is bad. The more people take an interest in Subject Alef, the greater the threat he becomes...


    "If this continues, adding more pressure to him will only lead to more casualties."


    "It seems that¡¯s the case," the man replied.


    "What about the weapon used by the perpetrator? If I had to guess, it was probably thermal-based..."


    "That''s the interesting part," the man said, swiping across the tablet¡¯s screen. "Thanks to our self-sufficient system, it managed to triangulate the source of the attack while everyone was unconscious. According to its calculations, the weapon was positioned in high-Earth orbit. However, it appears to be damaged¡ªlikely by its own attack."


    "Luckily," the man added, "some of the circuitry is still online, allowing us to trace the signal¡¯s source. It¡¯s coming from the Siberian region. Right now, some of our agents deployed in Russia are infiltrating the site. We should receive intel any second now..."


    Suddenly, a notification popped up in the corner of the tablet.


    "Oh, speak of the devil," the man murmured as he opened the folder.


    Seeing the contents, the man instantly froze. Sayuri caught the change in his expression¡ªhis eyes locked onto the screen, unmoving. A sense of unease crept over her as she leaned in. When she saw what was displayed, her breath hitched.


    "They''re... all dead?"


    "Y-Yes..." the man stammered, scrolling through images of the deceased.


    Sayuri sat back, stunned. Her mind was in disarray.


    Just how many had died on this incident?!


    The true death toll far exceeded what their organization''s intel had recorded. Scattered across the world, other groups¡ªaware of Subject Alef¡¯s existence but unaware of his Second Limiter or how to temporarily bypass it¡ªhad been completely wiped out. None had survived.


    "Damn it... This is madness...!" Sayuri muttered, pressing a hand to her head.


    How many secret organizations had learned of his existence and perished in silence?


    Sayuri lifted her gaze toward the sky, falling into a moment of contemplation.


    "Where''s Subject Alef now?"


    "He''s with his mother. They were probably removed from the scene, thinking it might traumatize the kid," the man replied.


    "Trauma?!" Sayuri''s voice rose as she locked eyes with him. "Hah! He''s the one who caused this mess, yet they¡ª!"


    "Agent, lower your voice," the man cautioned. "You¡¯re drawing the civilian''s attention."


    Sayuri glanced around. Several rescuers and onlookers were watching her. She exhaled sharply, forcing herself to calm down.


    "Tch. The organization should have contained that monster ages ago instead of letting it roam free and wreak havoc. Just how many people have to die before they take action?"


    "We both know Subject Alef''s containment is impossible," the man replied. "With his capabilities, restricting him would only lead to more casualties. As long as we avoid any threat that could bring him any harm, we can at least mitigate the risks. That is what our organization was created for..."


    Hearing his words, Sayuri fell silent. After a moment, she pulled out her wallet. Inside, a photograph of her family rested in its sleeve. She stared at it, her fingers tightening around the edges.


    "...Tell the higher-ups I¡¯m stepping back from this operation."


    The man¡¯s eyes widened. "You know you can¡¯t do that! You are¡ª"


    "I know." She sighed. "What I mean is, instead of monitoring that monster up close, I want to work from the backlines. Any position will do¡ªI just need to lower my stress levels."


    The man hesitated before nodding. "...Alright. I¡¯ll try to persuade them."


    As the man stepped away to contact the higher-ups, Sayuri glanced at the photo again, her fingers tracing its edges. She let out a deep sigh.


    I know my fate is bound to that being. Escaping its grasp is utterly impossible...


    Her eyes lingered on her husband¡¯s face in the picture. His warm smile, frozen in time, brought a faint grin to her lips.


    "It looks like I¡¯m the one doing the protecting on our family now. Don¡¯t you think so, dear?"

 Chapter 42: Extremity Being

    During the battle against two Disaster-grade monsters, the neighboring nations felt immense aeon fluctuations rippling beyond the forest. Several individuals sensitive to aeon noticed it immediately, yet none dared to venture into the depths.


    Beyond their fear of the looming danger within the great forest, they held firm to an unspoken belief¡ªwhat happened inside the forest in the forest. Only if the threat extended beyond its lush borders would they take action.


    Unbeknownst to them, that threat had already been dealt with. A lone settlement, with the combined efforts of several races, had repelled the monster wave. Thanks to their valiant struggle, the continent was spared from the wrath of the two Disaster-grade monsters¡ªwhose power was second only to the dreaded Calamity-grades.


    The day after the fierce battle ended, the settlement came alive with activity. Everyone worked together to clean up the battlefield and restore what had been damaged. Humans rebuilt their homes, aided by orcs, ogres, and goblins alike. Side by side, they repaired the once-ravaged settlement, bringing it back to its former beauty.


    All were present, save for Reika and Shiori, who had fallen into a deep slumber after exhausting their full strength against Gargantua.


    Four days had passed since the great battle ended. Reika remained unconscious, resting on her bed, while Veylir lay beside her, exhausted. After half a day of relentless interactions with others, she had finally taken a break.


    Staring at Reika, Veylir let out a deep sigh.


    "Hah... When will this girl wake up?"


    Just then, she noticed a faint twitch in Reika¡¯s eyelids.


    "Mghhh..."


    Reika took a moment before slowly opening her eyes. Her vision was still blurry, but she could make out the familiar figure hovering over her.


    "V-Veylir...?"


    "You''re finally awake."


    Reika tried to push herself up, but as she sat, she instinctively pressed a hand to her head. A dull ache throbbed in her temples.


    "What happened while I was unconscious?"


    "You''ve been out for four days since the battle ended. While you were asleep, the battlefield was cleared, and the reconstruction was handled."


    "I see... So everyone¡¯s been busy in my absence."


    Suddenly, Reika jolted upright.


    "Oh, what about ?"


    "Eh, they''re still here. Alguis told them to stay for the time being. Thanks to that, the reconstruction went faster than expected with their help..."


    "That''s good then..." Reika replied. "Though, I''m surprised Shiori even agreed to Sir Alguis'' request..."


    "Nah, that ogre had no idea at all."


    Reika frowned. "...What do you mean?"


    "Oh, right. I forgot¡ªyou collapsed first, so you wouldn''t know. How silly of me..." Veylir murmured.


    "Collapsed? What happened to her?"


    Veylir recounted what had transpired after their battle with Gargantua¡ªhow both of them had drained their aeon reserves completely, leaving them unconscious for days.


    "...Shiori just woke up a few hours ago. Right now, she''s probably complaining to her kin, urging them to leave or something," Veylir added, shaking her head.


    "That wouldn¡¯t be surprising, considering how much she despises human interaction..." Reika murmured.


    Just then, a thought struck her¡ªone that had been lingering in her mind even while she was unconscious.


    "Oh, right! I almost forgot to ask you about it! It nearly slipped my mind..."


    "Hm?" Veylir tilted her head, confused.


    "Right after I lost consciousness, I found something inside my subconscious space. It wasn¡¯t just a projection¡ªit felt real," Reika explained. "Out of curiosity, I used Appraisal to check what it was, and the result showed that it was called a ¡ª"


    Veylir¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief.


    "Wait. you say?"


    "Uh, yeah? I¡¯m asking because it might be related to those so-called Extremity Beings you men¡ª"


    "Shush! Lower your voice!"


    Reika immediately stopped as Veylir silenced her. The dragon flew closer, her expression tense.


    "Can you describe what it looked like?"


    "O-Okay," Reika replied, slightly bewildered. "Well, it looked like a massive egg¡ªa translucent mass of light, but solid enough to the touch. And like I said, Appraisal identified it as a ..."


    "Then it¡¯s the real deal...!" Veylir gasped.


    "W-What even is it? Does it have anything to do with those... Extremity individuals?"


    "Erm... yeah, it does. In fact, it¡¯s important to them!"


    Reika scratched her head, growing more confused. "...Continue."


    "When someone slays an opponent whose threat could disturb the world''s order, they are bestowed with a " Veylir explained. "Those who possess this seed become candidates for the next evolutionary phase of an entity. Once the conditions are met, the seed will bloom within them, transforming their physiology¡ªfrom their race down to their very soul. Every Extremity Being on this continent has undergone this process."


    Reika¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. "That doesn¡¯t make sense. You defeated Gargantua in the past, yet you¡¯re still not an Extremity Being... Perhaps¡ª"


    "If I had possessed such an artifact, I would¡¯ve evolved into one ages ago," Veylir interrupted. "Remember, I only Gargantua¡ªI didn¡¯t it."


    "Hm..." Reika murmured, lost in thought.


    Veylir watched her closely.


    Veylir thought.


    "...Even if I had slain that monster with my own hands, obtaining the seed might have been impossible."


    Reika watched Veylir closely, noticing the shift in her mood.


    "Those who are favored by fate are destined for greatness," Veylir said. "The Extremity Beings reign supreme over the rest. Since time immemorial, their influence could alter the order of this continent."


    She let out a quiet murmur. "Perhaps that chance was never mine to attain. My fate might lie elsewhere... far from what I once envisioned."


    Reika scratched her cheek.


    "W-Well, being an Extremity Being sounds like a hassle anyway. Should I just give it to you instead? You seem to really want it..."


    Veylir turned away. "Are you pitying me?"


    "N-No!" Reika waved her hands frantically. "I just¡ª"


    "Psh, there''s no need. It wouldn''t be possible anyway," Veylir muttered. "Once the seed is granted, it tethers itself to your soul immediately. You''re its owner now¡ªyou can''t simply give it away just because you don¡¯t want it."


    Reika''s gaze wavered. Now that the was bound to her, she had no choice but to accept its existence.


    "What should I do, then?" Reika asked. "I don''t want to attract the attention of those people..."


    Veylir sighed.


    "Whether you accept your fate as an Extremity or not, the choice is yours. You can simply ignore the seed¡¯s existence and continue living as you please."


    "That... actually sounds like a good idea," Reika murmured. "Even though I desire strength, I shouldn''t bite off more than I can chew, you know? Right now, I''m content with what I have. I can already defeat monsters like Gargantua¡ªthat level of power is enough to protect the ones I cherish most."


    Veylir turned away, gazing out the window. Sunlight filtered into the room, casting a soft glow.


    "...If that''s your decision, then so be it."


    While in the middle of their conversation, both suddenly sensed a presence in the room. A green aura materialized out of thin air, revealing the eldest of the dryad sisters.


    Startled by her sudden arrival, they instinctively tensed. The dryad, unfazed, bowed politely before them.


    "That surprised me...!" Veylir muttered.


    "Master Veylir, your presence is required by Sir Alguis," the dryad said.


    "What happened?" Reika asked.


    "The former dwarven king seeks Master Veylir to mediate a dispute between the ogre tribe¡¯s leader, Shiori, and Miss Reika¡¯s companion, Soru."


    Both of them stiffened at the unexpected news.


    "...What?!"


    ...


    Three hours had passed since sunrise. During that time, Shiori had finally awakened from her four-day slumber. With Reika still resting, she stepped outside to see what was happening.


    She approached her fellow ogres, asking about the events that had unfolded while she was unconscious. Upon learning that both the and the had been defeated, a deep sense of relief washed over her.


    With the threat gone, she immediately urged her kin to leave the settlement. However, Alguis and Geruldo confronted her, insisting that they remain for a while longer.


    At first, Shiori refused outright. But after more than an hour of relentless persuasion from Sukuna and the others, she finally gave in and agreed to their plea.


    At the moment, Shiori sat among monsters and humans, eating in silence. With her greatsword strapped to her back, she couldn¡¯t ignore the stares directed at her. The weight of their gazes pressed against her patience, and with a slight frown, she hastened to finish her meal.


    Once done, she stood and set her bowl on the table. A human sitting across from her gave her a polite smile, but Shiori simply ignored her.


    she thought as she walked away.


    In the distance, she spotted Sukuna and Shiki engaged in conversation. Deciding to approach, she strode toward them, her focus fixed entirely on her fellow ogres.


    She didn¡¯t notice the person walking in the opposite direction. Neither spoke, passing each other in silence¡ªuntil suddenly, Shiori froze.


    Her pupils shrank, trembling as a familiar yet unwelcome sensation washed over her. A wave of resentment, thick and suffocating, burned through her nostrils, igniting the embers of her fury.


    Without hesitation, she grabbed her sheathed greatsword, darting in front of the person. With brute force, she buried the weapon''s tip into the ground, blocking his path.


    Shiori¡¯s face was painted with anger as she confronted the man before her. Now that she was closer, the scent was even thicker, fueling her rage further.


    "You dare kill one of my kind?! You humans have gone too far!" she shouted.


    Everyone quickly noticed the commotion and turned toward them, shocked by what they saw.


    "Hey, isn''t that...?"


    They couldn''t believe their eyes. The man Shiori had just confronted¡ªwas none other than Soru.


    Soru remained oblivious to her outburst, unable to understand a single word she had just spoken. All he knew was that the ogre before him was furious.


    Shiori watched him carefully. He didn¡¯t flinch, didn¡¯t react in the slightest¡ªhis expression remained unchanged. To her, it was as if he didn¡¯t even acknowledge her anger, as if her presence meant nothing at all.


    With her sheathed greatsword in front of her, she gripped the hilt tightly. Driven by fury, she prepared to strike, aiming to sever Soru¡¯s neck.


    "I will kill you!"


    Upon hearing the sound of her sword leaving its scabbard, Shiori''s vision suddenly shifted. The ground was far too close¡ªthen came a heavy


    Her eyes darted upward slowly. Soru still stood before her, staring blankly. But beside him¡ª


    A headless body stood motionless, its hand still wrapped tightly around the hilt of the greatsword.


    Shiori¡¯s pupils trembled in fear. She tried to speak, but no sound came out.


    Suddenly, Shiori felt something¡ªan overwhelming sensation that sent her crashing to her knees. Her breath turned erratic, a mix of confusion and fear gripping her chest.


    Yet, when her trembling fingers touched her neck, her skin was intact.


    "W-What was that?" she muttered, her voice unsteady. "I swear my head was severed just now...!"


    Shiori reluctantly tightened her grip around the greatsword¡¯s hilt, her breath unsteady. The vision she had just witnessed was far too vivid to dismiss. Beads of sweat formed on her brow as she slowly unsheathed her sword once again, eyes locked onto Soru.


    This time, she aimed for his leg. The result? Her own legs were severed, and before she could even process it, she was on the ground, blood pooling beneath her. Yet the moment she glanced again, her limbs were still intact¡ªas if nothing had happened.


    Gritting her teeth, she swung for his abdomen.


    Still, the outcome was the same.


    S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Refusing to back down, she tried every possible opening she could think of¡ªhis head, his torso, even his feet. Yet, each time her blade made contact to Soru, she .


    Deep down, Shiori slowly realized that these deaths weren¡¯t real. It was all in her head¡ªher survival instincts rapidly projecting every possible outcome in a brief moment. But no matter how she approached him, every path led to the same inevitable conclusion.

 Chapter 43: Shift

    Five minutes had passed since Shiori confronted Soru. Everyone stood still, afraid to interfere and risk provoking the powerful figures before them.


    "Is Miss Shiori alright? She doesn¡¯t look good..." someone murmured.


    Shiki, Sukuna, and Satoru stepped closer to see what was happening. As they neared, Shiki and Satoru noticed Shiori standing rigid, sweat beading on her skin as she faced Soru.


    "W-What¡¯s happening over there?" Shiki asked.


    Sukuna understood the situation immediately. He had expected this the moment Shiori met Soru¡ªshe was bound to do something reckless.


    Did Shiori sense it too? That¡¯s not good...


    He recognized the faint "scent" clinging to Soru, the same trace he had noticed during their first encounter days ago. It was subtle¡ªtoo faint for most to notice. But to a veteran warrior like Sukuna, it was an unmistakable presence that couldn''t be ignored.


    Once, he considered bringing up the matter directly with Soru but changed his mind after learning that the man had singlehandedly eliminated the Lord of Variance.


    Waves of conflicting emotions surged through him. In his mind, he thought that confronting Soru recklessly was a bad idea. In the end, he chose to stay silent¡ªand he had kept his mouth shut ever since.


    Maybe... I should step in and stop them¡ª


    Sukuna halted as an arm extended in front of him. It was Alguis.


    "Please step back, sir. I''ve already sent someone to handle this."


    "Sir Alguis, if we delay any further¡ª"


    "If we interfere now, Miss Shiori will bear the consequences. It¡¯s better to send the right person to mediate than to step in ourselves."


    Sukuna¡¯s brow twitched.


    So he thinks Miss Shiori would be at a disadvantage¡­ The former dwarven king really favors that man.


    His gaze shifted toward Soru.


    Just how strong is he?


    Meanwhile, Shiori remained rooted in place, her defiant stance faltering. Soru, unmoved by her taunts, faced her with a blank expression. Compared to him, she was trembling¡ªjust from his presence alone.


    Shiori paused as something clicked inside her.


    What is this¡­?


    Her relentless attempts to devise a way to take him down¡ªthough ultimately futile¡ªhad borne fruit. In the process, she had awakened a new ability:


    A Special-class ability of Deviated Abilities,  was a Conjure-type skill that allowed the user to project one possible outcome to effectively overwhelm an opponent.


    Whether in offense or defense, it will expose the opponent¡¯s flaws and counter them with extreme precision. With a success rate close to perfection, it had the highest potential to turn the tide of battle in an instant.


    With this ability, I can see the right path! I¡¯ll expose his weakness and take him down!


    Without hesitation, Shiori activated the ability. Confidence surged through her, her spirit soaring¡ªuntil, suddenly, her eyes widened.


    H-Huh? What¡¯s going on¡­?


    She hadn¡¯t anticipated this. The ability she had placed her faith in, the power she was certain would turn the battle in her favor, showed no sign of working.


    I should be seeing an afterimage of myself right now¡­ But nothing is happening!


    Her grip tightened around the hilt of her weapon, her hands unsteady. She swallowed hard, waiting, hoping  would activate with a delay.


    But nothing changed.


    If there was no sign of an afterimage, did that mean landing a hit on him was utterly impossible?! That didn¡¯t make sense! There was no way¡ª


    Shiori quickly realized why her intuition had been screaming at her. After dying countless times with no path to survival, she reached a single conclusion.


    Don''t tell me... t-that human... has no flaws at all?


    Her fingers slipped from the hilt as her legs gave out, and she collapsed onto the ground. Her body trembled, her lips numb, her eyes twitching uncontrollably.


    "Hah... Haha..."


    A flawless being? What a joke!


    Clenching the dirt beneath her hands, Shiori''s eyes widened. Even now, she refused to believe such nonsense.


    T-That''s right! If I focus harder, maybe it will appear eventually¡ª


    "S-Shiori, are you okay?"


    She flinched at the familiar voice beside her. She recognized it instantly.


    The ogre turned around and saw Reika watching her with a worried expression. She didn¡¯t say a word and remained silent.


    Fortunately, Reika and Veylir had arrived just in time. Neither side seemed harmed¡ªthough Shiori remained on the ground, visibly shaken.


    Noticing that someone had stepped in, the other ogres hurried to check on Shiori. Shiki¡¯s face tensed with worry as she took in her sister¡¯s pale complexion.


    ¡°Sis! What happened to you?¡± Shiki asked, rushing to help her up alongside Sukuna.


    ¡°I¡¯m alright,¡± Shiori murmured. ¡°I can stand on my own¡­¡±


    Shiori steadied herself and pulled her greatsword from the ground. Keeping her head low, she avoided meeting Soru¡¯s gaze.


    "I''ll get to the bottom of this¡­ just you wait," she muttered before turning away, leaving the scene in silence.


    Shiki attempts to follow her sister, wanting to offer some comfort, but Sukuna stepped in her way and shook his head. She hesitated, then understood¡ªShiori needed time alone.


    The dwarves ordered everyone to leave the area. The onlookers obeyed without question, dispersing at once. Only a few of them remained.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand. A confrontation between you and Shiori was unlikely,¡± Reika murmured. ¡°Do you have any idea what caused her outburst?¡±


    ¡°I have no idea,¡± Soru replied.


    Hearing this, Sukuna stepped forward with a serious look on his face.


    ¡°I know why she reacted that way.¡±


    Everyone turned to Sukuna, confused.


    ¡°She sensed something from that boy. And it wasn¡¯t just her¡ªI sensed it too,¡± Sukuna continued. ¡°You see, Miss Shiori has an exceptional sense of smell. Although mine is sharper than most ogres, her ability to sense things is on another level.¡±


    ¡°At first, I doubted my suspicion. But seeing how Shiori reacted to the scent he gives off¡­ that alone confirms everything.¡±


    Sukuna opened his droopy eyes, locking onto Soru with a grave expression. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°That boy¡­ might have killed one of our kind in the past.¡±


    Silence fell over the group. Everyone was shocked at Sukuna¡¯s accusation.


    ¡°A-Are you certain, Sir Sukuna?¡± Alguis asked him.


    ¡°I am not mistaken. Even if someone erases all traces of their actions, we can still sense it¡ªespecially those with exceptional nose like Miss Shiori.¡±


    Reika frowned. ¡°Then how did you sense it on Soru? Do you have any proof? Blood, or something else?¡±


    ¡°¡­It¡¯s not blood that we¡¯re sensing, Miss Reika,¡± Sukuna replied. ¡°It¡¯s the resentment and malice of our fallen kin, lingering on him.¡±


    ¡°Resentment¡­?¡±


    ¡°That ogre might be referring to the hatred one of his kin directed at Soru before it died,¡± Veylir said.


    ¡°S-She¡¯s right, Miss Reika,¡± Sukuna said in a low tone.


    Reika turned to Soru, her expression serious. ¡°Soru, is it true? Have you killed an ogre in the past?¡±


    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t,¡± Soru replied calmly. ¡°I¡¯ve never encountered an ogre before.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s lying!¡± Shiki suddenly shouted.


    ¡°Miss Shiki!¡± Sukuna intervened.


    ¡°My sis wasn¡¯t lying either! How could she¡ª¡±


    ¡°Satoru, could you accompany the miss for the time being?¡± Sukuna said firmly.


    Satoru nodded and approached Shiki, gently guiding her away. She left with him, grumbling under her breath.


    Once they were gone, Sukuna sighed. ¡°I apologize for her impulsive behavior.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Reika said. ¡°If someone questioned my sister¡¯s judgment, I¡¯d probably react the same way...¡±


    ¡°Everything might just be a simple misunderstanding. Sir Soru has stated that he didn¡¯t commit such an act. Pushing this matter further might lead to something¡­ unimaginable,¡± Alguis told Sukuna.


    Sukuna lowered his head.


    ¡°¡­If that¡¯s your verdict, I won¡¯t argue,¡± he said before turning away. ¡°I¡¯ll speak with Miss Shiori about what we discussed here. Maybe I can convince her not to delve on this matter further.¡±


    Everyone watched in silence as Sukuna walked off. They could tell he wasn¡¯t pleased with Alguis¡¯ conclusion, yet no one spoke against it. In their minds, Alguis had made the right call.


    Alguis thought.


    His gaze shifted to Soru, who was still speaking with Reika ahead.


    Mister Soru is an unpredictable individual. Behind those empty eyes of his lies something unknown. We have no way of knowing what he might do if provoked¡ªonly by de-escalating the situation would put us at ease.


    After that tense confrontation, evening came and went in a flash. Everyone returned home, sleeping peacefully alongside their loved ones. Soru and Reika did the same, lying on their beds after finishing dinner.


    By morning, life in the settlement resumed as usual. The orcs, goblins, and ogres continued building their temporary homes from wood and chiseled stone. The humans worked alongside them, their enthusiasm filling the air as they helped wherever they could.


    Meanwhile, Reika wandered through the settlement, searching for anyone who might need assistance. To her disappointment, every offer she made was turned down.


    "You don¡¯t have to, Miss Reika. Leave it to us!"


    No matter where she went, the response was the same. Left with no choice, she sighed and slumped onto a corner.


    ¡°Hahhh¡­ What¡¯s with them? They keep refusing me, telling me to rest. Wasn¡¯t my four-day nap enough?¡±


    "Hm. Isn''t that a good thing, though? You get to laze around all day~," Veylir said with a grin.


    "I''m not a slacker like you," Reika replied flatly.


    "And that''s one of the things I''m proud of," Veylir said. "Dragons do that all the time, you know? Every one of us is a slacker. With lifespans longer than most beings on this continent, why rush anything?"


    "Right, right¡­" Reika muttered dismissively.


    In the distance, Veylir spotted Soru speaking with Alguis. Something clicked in her mind.


    "Hey, aren¡¯t you curious about Master Soru?"


    "About what?"


    "Everything. His unusual abilities, the way he does things¡­ you know what I mean?"


    Reika pondered for a moment.


    Well, I already know why he can¡¯t express emotions. But still¡­


    "Now that I think about it¡ªI don¡¯t even know what his ability is called¡­," Reika murmured. "I understand how it works, but I never asked for its name back then¡­"


    "Exactly!" Veylir exclaimed. "He¡¯s so tight-lipped about it¡­"


    Their gazes met, and in that instant, they both knew what had to be done.


    That''s right, we¡¯ll ask him in person!


    When afternoon arrived, Reika and Veylir confronted Soru. Away from the prying ears of the settlement¡¯s inhabitants, they had only one goal¡ªto uncover the truth behind his powers.


    "Soru, we need some minor clarifications. Care to enlighten us?" Reika asked.


    Seeing Veylir nodding in agreement, Soru replied flatly, "Sure, go ahead."


    Both Reika and Veylir swallowed hard as the tension thickened. Soru, meanwhile, silently wondered about their odd behavior.


    "Is your ability¡­ just one, or do you have multiple abilities?"


    At Reika''s question, Soru paused.


    Reika thought. Contract


    They both held their breath, anticipation making every second feel stretched.


    Come on, tell us I¡¯m right! It¡¯s obvious¡ªall those abilities are just sub-abilities within a single ability, just like mine!


    ¡°¡­It¡¯s only one.¡±


    Hearing his answer, Reika grinned and shot a victorious look at Veylir.


    "Heh! Told you~!"


    "Rrrgghhh, I guessed wrong!" Veylir groaned.


    "You better keep your promise, alright?"


    "Urk¡­!"


    Veylir cursed internally.


    "Tch. Yeah, yeah, I''ll do it," Veylir muttered begrudgingly.


    Reika, satisfied with her win, turned back to Soru. "So, what¡¯s the name of your ability? I¡¯ve always wondered¡ªthe identity of that ridiculously overpowered power that made you insanely strong¡­"


    Soru''s eyes widened slightly.


    "This power has always been a part of me for as long as I can remember¡­ I never once thought of giving it a name."


    Both of them squinted at Soru, unimpressed by his roundabout answer.


    "Come on~ it¡¯s an Individual-type ability, right?" Reika pressed. "Just like my ability, , yours should be the same. Keeping it secret from us would be pointless¡­"


    "Individual-type ability? What¡¯s that?" Soru asked flatly.


    Reika¡¯s eyes narrowed. "Hey, telling us your ability¡¯s name isn¡¯t that hard¡ª"


    "Everything I¡¯ve said is the truth," Soru interrupted. "My power doesn¡¯t have a name. That¡¯s all there is to it."


    Reika and Veylir¡¯s expressions stiffened.


    "You¡¯re joking, right?" Veylir said, her tone serious. "Every ability has a name¡ªit¡¯s what gives them identity. Just like how everything in this world had a name, abilities are no different. An ability without a name¡­ that''s utter nonsense."


    A brief silence settled between them. Then, after a few seconds, Soru finally spoke.


    "If that¡¯s how you see it, then yes¡ªit¡¯s the truth."


    A wave of bewilderment washed over them. It was their first time encountering a nameless ability, and their confusion was plain on their faces.


    "That means¡­ every time you use your ability, you¡¯ve never uttered or even subconsciously thought of its name?" Reika asked.


    "No," Soru replied. "A name was never required to execute it in the first place."


    "But that¡¯s¡ª"


    "Alright," Veylir cut in. "Let¡¯s just say that¡¯s true¡­ If the world found out an ability like this exists, it would cause an uproar. Something like that defies all logic and common sense. Heck, it  even exist in the first place!"


    "Veylir''s right¡­," Reika murmured. "We should keep this a secret. If word gets out, it might attract the wrong kind of attention¡ªand that could put everyone in danger."


    "That makes sense¡­," Veylir agreed.


    A brief silence followed, then an idea suddenly sparked in Reika''s mind.


    "Hey, Soru," she said, a smirk forming. "Remember those  stuffs you guys used to read? Every character¡¯s power had a designated name, right?"


    She confidently poked Soru¡¯s chest.


    "Since your ability never had a name to begin with¡­ why don¡¯t we give it one ourselves?"


    Veylir¡¯s eyes widened at Reika¡¯s suggestion.


    "That¡¯s actually a great idea! Not only can we hide the truth from others, but it also gives your ability a proper identity!"


    "Umu," Reika responded proudly before glancing at Soru. "You wouldn¡¯t mind, right?"


    Veylir thought.


    "I don¡¯t see any problem with it," Soru replied.


    "Now¡­ what should we call it?" Reika mused. "Let¡¯s see¡­ transferring damage, teleportation, blah blah blah¡­"


    "Hm¡­" Veylir murmured, tapping her chin. "How about naming it ?"

 Chapter 44: Returner

    "Shift?" Reika asked, puzzled. "That¡¯s such a broad word..."


    "Exactly!" Veylir exclaimed. "He can transfer damage, teleport, move things from one place to another¡ªthat''s the essence of shifting!"


    Reika paused, thinking it over for a moment. As strange as it sounded, Veylir had a point.


    "That... actually makes sense."


    "And come on, doesn¡¯t it sound cool?" Veylir grinned. "You raise your hand and go... Shaa! Shift~."


    "Erm, I don¡¯t know. I still think mine sounds... better."


    Veylir folded her tiny arms. "Oh yeah? Let¡¯s hear it."


    "Hmm..." Reika lifted a finger thoughtfully. "Transferral?"


    At her answer, the dragon visibly quivered.


    "Pft. Seriously? How many brain cells did you use to come up with that?"


    "Hey, you...!"


    "Let me break this down for you," Veylir said as she flew closer to Reika. "First, the syllables. has one, but has three. Isn¡¯t it easier to say just one? Way more efficient!"


    Reika narrowed her eyes.


    "You''re just trying to justify your laziness... aren''t you?"


    "...No?" Veylir replied, guilt creeping into her voice.


    "No, my foot..."


    "Ahem! Second, has this air of mystery. Yours? ? You might as well give them a step-by-step guide on how the ability works!"


    Veylir gave a light shrug. "When it comes to practicality and appeal, my suggestion clearly wins. Do I even need to go on?"


    Reika¡¯s brow twitched. As much as she hated to admit it, Veylir¡¯s choice did sound better.


    "Alright, fine. No point arguing over it anyway," Reika relented. "And yeah... does sound kind of cool, I guess."


    I just wanted to save face¡­ I was the one who suggested to name, after all...!


    Sigh... Do I really suck at giving names? I never thought it''s that bad...


    "Hohh?" Veylir flew closer. "Cool, you say?"


    She crossed her tiny arms, hovering inches from Reika¡¯s face with a smug grin meant purely to tease.


    "Guhh..."


    Reika thought.


    "Sheesh¡­ You don¡¯t have to rub it in my face," Reika muttered.


    She turned to Soru. "So, what do you think of Veylir¡¯s suggestion?"


    "I¡¯m fine with it," Soru said. "It¡¯s easy to use."


    "See? He likes it!" Veylir declared proudly.


    While the two continued their playful bickering, Soru glanced down at his palm, a quiet thought taking hold.


    Shift... It''s not bad.


    ...


    It was the end of the month, and summer was drawing to a close. With the arrival of fall, the harvest season had begun. Everyone was busy gathering the ripe crops¡ªincluding the monster tribes who now lived among the settlers.


    Fascinated by the abundance of the fields, the monsters had decided to lend a hand. They weren¡¯t just doing it to repay the humans for accepting them¡ªthey genuinely wanted to experience the harvest for themselves.


    ¡°Phew! It¡¯s a miracle these crops weren¡¯t destroyed during the monster wave,¡± one of the humans said.


    ¡°You bet! If they hadn¡¯t made it, we wouldn¡¯t be enjoying them now. I mean, just look at those plump tomatoes! I can¡¯t wait to taste them!¡±


    Meanwhile, the ogres who had volunteered to help were quietly murmuring among themselves as they worked.


    ¡°To think they could grow plants this well. Their crops are so much bigger and healthier than ours.¡±


    ¡°Do they have some kind of method for producing this kind of quality?¡± one of them asked.


    "I heard they used small amounts of bone meal, mixing it into the soil before planting the seeds," one of the ogres explained. "Along with the vermicompost method to enrich the soil even more, these vegetables grew healthy and plump."


    "I¡¯ve never heard of that before. If we had used those methods back in our village, we could¡¯ve been enjoying crops like these¡ªmaybe even with some juicy meat on the side!"


    After several hours of harvesting, they finally gathered all the crops. To celebrate the bountiful yield, everyone agreed to hold a grand feast that evening.


    Humans and monsters alike worked together to prepare dishes for the gathering. That afternoon, they went out to hunt edible monsters, and what they brought back was more than enough to feed the hungry bellies of the village.


    "Ohhh! Look at Mister Sukuna''s cutting skills!"


    "That''s awesome!"


    The onlookers were in awe as Sukuna sliced through the meat with flawless precision. Even the toughest meat stood no chance against his sharp blade¡ªeach piece diced cleanly and evenly.


    "Hoh... You flatter me too much," Sukuna replied modestly, though a small grin tugged at his lips.


    Some of the meat chunks were handed over to Satoru, who pounded them thoroughly to tenderize them. Once ready, they were passed on to the skilled grillers, who worked their expertise over the blazing flames.


    Most of the harvested vegetables were chopped, seasoned, and simmered into a hearty stew. The rich, mouthwatering aroma wafted through the air, drawing people closer¡ªit was hard to resist. The remaining produce was carefully divided and stored in each home, set aside in preparation for the coming winter.


    After hours of preparation, all the dishes were finally ready. Tables and mantles were set at the center of the settlement, arranged neatly for the grand feast everyone had been looking forward to. Cheers erupted for the cooks, voices full of gratitude and praise for the delicious meals they had crafted. Soon, the air was filled with laughter as everyone dined together under the evening sky.


    Watching the joyful gathering, Geruldo found himself smiling. He never imagined a day would come when humans and monsters could stand side by side without fear or prejudice.


    "This is the second time I¡¯ve witnessed such a sight," Alguis said, his gaze soft. "And yet, it still leaves me in awe."


    "Yeah," Geruldo replied. "Our tribes used to be divided, barely speaking to one another. But now... seeing everyone like this really puts my heart at ease."


    He glanced down at the barbecue in his hand and took a thoughtful bite.


    "Say... I have a bold proposal that might need your decision, Sir Alguis."


    "What is it?"


    Geruldo took a moment, glancing toward the massive bonfire ahead. There, his kin danced alongside humans and goblins, laughter echoing through the air.


    "I wish for my kin to stay in this settlement."


    Alguis¡¯s eyes widened in surprise.


    "Are you certain, Sir Geruldo? Would your people even agree to that decision?"


    "There''s no need to worry," Geruldo replied. "We discussed it days ago¡ªeveryone agreed without hesitation!"


    He paused, his gaze drifting toward the dancing crowd.


    "Our village... was destroyed beyond recognition. We have no home to return to. Yes, we could settle elsewhere, but... my people don¡¯t want to leave. They''ve grown fond of this place."


    Geruldo turned to Alguis, meeting his steady gaze. He could see the weight of thought behind those eyes.


    "As the one holding the highest authority here, I ask you if you''d agree to my proposal."


    Alguis let out a deep sigh.


    "Let me make this clear: I do not hold the highest authority here. In fact, I¡¯m only staying temporarily¡ªwith a promise to protect the settlers for the time being."


    "Then¡ª"


    "Second, your permission is unnecessary."


    Alguis turned his gaze toward the distance, where orcs and humans were happily interacting, their laughter filling the air.


    "I¡¯m sure everyone will welcome your kin with open arms. Honestly, knowing that you all will be living here from now on will make them extremely happy."


    He extended his hand toward Geruldo, offering a handshake.


    "Welcome to this humble settlement, Chief Geruldo."


    Looking at Alguis¡¯s hand, Geruldo felt a surge of happiness. With a wide, genuine smile, he took it, gratitude shining in his eyes.


    "Thank you, Sir Alguis."


    The next day, the news spread that the orcs would be staying in the settlement permanently. As Alguis had predicted, the humans welcomed them with open arms, their acceptance filled with warmth and joy.


    That afternoon, everyone worked together to build the orcs¡¯ new settlement on the eastern side of the human settlement. With the combined efforts of both groups, they managed to complete the construction in just a week.


    The orcs packed their belongings from the temporary homes they had been staying in and moved to their new houses. There was a sense of relief and pride among them, knowing that at last, they had a place they could truly call "home."


    The goblins, watching the orcs settle in, were equally impressed by the community¡¯s warmth. They too decided to stay. No one opposed the idea, and they were welcomed with the same open arms. The following day, the goblins chose to settle on the western side of the original settlement. They built their homes in huts, a style they preferred, and moved into their new dwellings just days after the construction was completed.


    With the orcs and goblins now part of the settlement, the entire place grew and expanded. What had once been a small settlement was now a thriving town.


    However, despite the growing unity among the various groups, the ogres remained undecided about their future. With their chief still harboring a deep grudge against humans, the idea of them staying in the settlement seemed impossible.


    Shiori noticed the silent longing in her kin¡¯s eyes, their desire to join the humans, but her resentment toward them weighed far heavier. She remained resolute, unwilling to bend.


    "We¡¯ll move out in three days. Prepare your belongings and make sure you leave nothing behind," she commanded.


    She noticed the gloom in their faces, but she paid it no mind. The ogres couldn¡¯t defy her authority¡ªthough reluctant, they silently agreed to her decision.


    Sukuna informed the dwarves about their impending departure. Everyone were saddened at the news, but they had no choice but to accept it. It was clear that Shiori¡¯s heart was unmoving, and no further persuasion would work.


    However, Reika wasn¡¯t ready to accept this.


    "Sir Sukuna, may I have a word with Miss Shiori?"


    "Of course, Miss Reika."


    Reika followed Sukuna, and after a short walk, the two stood before Shiori. Upon seeing Reika, Shiori¡¯s expression darkened with displeasure.


    "What do you want?" Shiori asked her.


    "I¡¯m here to discuss the matter of your departure," Reika replied.


    The ogres who heard Reika¡¯s words smiled, thinking she had come to convince their chief to stay.


    Shiori glanced at them briefly before turning away. "Hmph. If you''re just here to persuade me, I''ve already made my decision¡ª"


    "Sure, you can leave. I won''t try to convince you."


    The orcs heared it, and their mood shifted immediately. In that moment, their hopes were lost instantly.


    "But I suggest you wait for now," Reika continued. "I heard that winter is approaching in a few weeks, and I''m sure rebuilding your village will take several weeks, considering your manpower. With that in mind, finishing before winter arrives seems impossible, doesn¡¯t it?"


    Shiori froze for a moment, realizing Reika had a valid point.


    "...We''ll leave after the winter season ends," Shiori replied, then turned to leave.


    The ogres erupted in celebration upon hearing Shiori''s decision. Several murmurs could be heard across the room.


    Sukuna gazed at Reika, stroking his white beard thoughtfully.


    I didn''t know Miss Reika was that shrewd. By convincing Chief Shiori to stay under the pretense of the upcoming winter season, she''ll buy the ogres time to persuade her...


    The next day, everyone woke up early to take care of their daily tasks. A cold breeze filled the air, signaling that winter was approaching. They began preparing for the season¡ªpacking food and mending their winter clothes.


    Meanwhile, Silas was speaking with a group of men¡ªboth young and adult.


    Reika noticed and approached them.


    "What''s going on, Mister Silas?"


    "Uh... I was asking for their help with something."


    "This many people...?"


    "I... want them to retrieve my former house and bring it here before the winter season arrives."


    Reika raised an eyebrow.


    "But... the distance from there to here is far. With only this many people, it''s almost impossible."


    "I was hoping to ask the orcs and... maybe the ogres for help. But I''m not sure if they''ll agree. After all, it''s a selfish request of mine..."


    Reika sighed and gave Silas a reassuring pat on the shoulder.


    "I understand, Mister Silas. That house is important to you, and it even protected the villagers from those pursuers. Its significance can¡¯t be overlooked."


    "Miss Reika is right," Silas added. "That house was a symbol¡ªa reminder of our former village that we loved. Retrieving it is also our wish!"


    Seeing their determination, Silas couldn''t help but smile.


    "Hm. I¡¯ll ask others to help us move it," Reika said. "With more hands, we might finish it in just a day."


    Reika went alone to the orc settlement and explained the plan. Upon hearing that their benefactor needed a helping hand, they agreed to her request without hesitation.


    Next, she headed to the temporary house where the ogres were staying. However, she found them in the middle of a discussion with Shiori. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Urk. With Shiori there, it''s not the right time to ask for their help, Reika thought, and quietly left the scene.


    Minutes later, the orcs and humans who agreed to help Silas gathered around and were ready to depart. The old man also prepared, but they urged him to stay.


    "It''s not good for your bones to travel, especially with the wind so cold," one of the humans said. "Stay here and leave it to us! Miss Reika will be with us, anyway."


    "He''s right, Mister Silas," Reika added. "I''ll help them move your house without any damage."


    After reassuring Silas, everyone left the settlement. Soru noticed their departure but paid it no mind, continuing to eat his delayed breakfast.


    After hours of walking, they reached the edge of the forest. Ahead, the ruins of the former village came into view.


    "Alright, you guys will take turns carrying Mister Silas'' house to conserve your strength," Reika ordered. "All humans except me will stay here, while the orcs will follow and carry it from there."


    Everyone nodded, and Reika left with the orcs. Moments later, they arrived at the former village, now in ruins.


    The orcs murmured as they passed the ruined houses, discussing the devastation. Reika, however, paid no attention to their words and continued.


    As they neared Silas'' former house, Reika stopped. Something felt off.


    There''s someone inside that house!


    She raised her hand, signaling the orcs to halt. The orcs noticed and followed her lead.


    "I know you''re there. Show yourself!" Reika called out.


    Seconds later, everyone saw someone poked their head out from the door. Covered in a cloak, the figure slowly removed the shawl, revealing its light red hair.


    The orcs were taken aback by the beauty before them. With dazzling red eyes¡ªlike flickering flames¡ªthe person gazed at them, and the orcs found themselves mesmerized by its face.


    W-Who is that fair lady? the orcs thought in unison.


    Reika also paused, taken aback by the person''s appearance. She could tell at a glance that the figure was beautiful.


    "Who are you, miss?"