(hello everyone, I hope you're enjoying my novel till now. I am trying to keep my uploads consistent and sometimes I will upload more chapters but I will try to maintain a baseline of 1 per week.
The chapter in front of you is 4000 words long, the longest I have written till now but I just had so much fun writing it that I thought I would keep it as it is! I hope you'll tell me of any mistakes or any ideas you have as I appreciate your assistance!)
The sun broke through the thick canopy of the dense forest, casting golden beams that danced across the damp earth. A gentle mist lingered in the air, remnants of the rain that had poured throughout the night.
The smell of wet earth and fresh pine filled Fang's lungs as he stirred awake, the warmth of the sun heating the cave pulling him from the depths of sleep.
He rubbed his eyes and sat up, stretching his arms above his head.
The weight of the group rested heavily on his shoulders, but today was a new day—a chance to sharpen his skills. He went to the main hall and glanced at his companions, Isgram and Gaia, still lost in their dreams next to each other.
Fang knew he couldn't rely on anyone else to hone his abilities.
The thought of facing another band of adventurers loomed over him; he needed to be prepared.
Fang quietly slipped out of their rocky camp, careful not to disturb their slumber. The forest was alive with the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves, but it felt eerily peaceful.
He'd heard stories of bears prowling nearby, their hulking forms a challenge he was eager to face. Resurrecting them would be an invaluable training exercise for his necromancy—a chance to strengthen his connection to death itself.
As he stepped into the clearing, Fang felt the cool morning air brush against his skin. He set about gearing up for the hunt. He rummaged through his gear, pulling out his lightweight leather armor, reinforced with metal scraps from the salvaged steel balls. It offered both protection and agility, essential for a hunter. He tightened the straps around his torso, ensuring everything was secure, then reached for his weapon—a sleek, restored black metal katana.
With a deep breath, Fang opened his eyes, determination etched across his features. Today, he would not just hunt; he would prepare for the inevitable confrontation with those who hunted him. He stepped forward into the dense underbrush, every step taken with purpose, ready to face whatever challenges awaited him in the heart of the forest.
Accompanying the morning's sunny warmth were winds of change and light frost signaling the coming winter.
Fang knows very well that It will drop to very low temperatures in the next few months, and he really needs to get some fur to survive the harsh winter, especially if the group has to travel and escape from the forest.
As he walked deeper into the forest, he reached a hilly area with less dense shrubbery and trees.
Walking on the inclining ground his breathing accelerated:
"for gods' sake, I can't be that out of shape right? This is one hell of a long walk though so I hope that Gaia's information is correct. This is pretty close to the old fort she built, I didn't think I would see this area again so soon. I need to stay vigilant as it is very close to the village we razed."
Fang lowered his pace in anticipation of combat.
Now that his mana reserves are officially silver rank he can allow himself to test resurrection on powerful animals.
Fang emerged from the thicket into a hilly clearing where the trees grew sparser, revealing the open sky above. Sunlight poured down, illuminating the area.
It was here, amidst the gentle changes of the recently scorched earth, that he spotted his target.
A black-furred bear stood in the distance, its imposing figure partially hidden behind a cluster of boulders. The creature was male and adult, its muscular frame exuding raw power. Fang noticed the bear's peculiar feature—a missing eye, leaving it with a feral, lopsided gaze. As Fang focused, he sensed a deep connection to mana emanating from the beast; it was clear this bear possessed high mana levels yet nowhere close to his.
Fang's heart raced with excitement, finally getting the chance to test his newfound powers. He had encountered several pigs by now, but this one felt different. He drew his katana, the blade gleaming in the sunlight, and silently approached, moving with the grace of a predator. He calculated his advantage:
'Sneak attack and then going on the defensive battle. Let's keep it simple Fang, just keep it simple.'
The bear, sensing Fang's presence, turned its head. Fang steadied himself, preparing for the first strike. With a swift motion, he closed the distance, slashing the katana towards the bear's flank. The blade sliced through the air, aiming for the bear's thick fur and flesh.
But the bear was quicker than he anticipated. With a roar, it slammed its powerful paws into the ground, unleashing its spell, Tremor Shatter. The ground shook violently beneath Fang's feet, sending shockwaves through the earth. Jagged shards of rock erupted around him, one piercing through his leg with a sharp pain that shot up his body. Fang gritted his teeth, refusing to show weakness as he stumbled but regained his footing.
His eyes were teary, and his breathing ragged.
"My first real injury inflicted by you. Be proud foul beast, 'cause I will aim for your balls next you motherfucker."
Fang charged first steadying his katana and slashing in the direction of the beast's leg.
The bear evaded the blade but at the last moment, Fang changed the direction of the stab and slashed at his genitalia hitting the target.
The black-furred beast was now wailing as if wild winds took over his body but the only thing he managed to see was Fang smiling menacingly...
Fueled by adrenaline, he faced the bear, keeping his composure despite the wound. The bear charged, its remaining eye glaring with fury. Fang let it approach, feigning vulnerability as he dropped to one knee, appearing injured and weak. As the bear lunged forward, a primal instinct kicked in.
In a flash, Fang rolled to the side and sprang to his feet, katana raised high. He executed a swift, precise slash, catching the bear off guard. The blade found its mark, slicing into the bear's belly. The creature let out a choked growl, its body collapsing as the life faded from its eyes.
Fang stood over the fallen beast, panting heavily, the thrill of the hunt coursing through him. He had faced danger and emerged victorious. As he looked down at the creature, he felt a mix of triumph and respect for the life he had taken. This was more than just a hunt; it was training—a step closer to mastering his powers and preparing for the challenges that lay ahead.
Taking the next step his hand reached to the back satchel hanging around his leather belt and pulled out a medicinal paste and a bandage made from cotton plants he found in one of his journeys to the valley behind the cave.
As he bandaged himself the cold weather subsided the stench of metallic blood emanated from the slain beast.
The last thing Fang needed was other creatures to follow around him so he started skinning the bear with his katana.
With every cut he made he tried to not cut too much of the skin itself as it would prove to be difficult to repair later.
"Damn, making your own clothes is the worst. I can't believe I used to complain to mom about doing laundry, give me laundry every day just not this."
With precision, he made a long incision down the length of the bear's belly, starting at the base of its neck and working towards its hind legs. His hands moved deftly, the blade gliding through the skin without piercing too deep into the muscle.
Fang knelt beside the fallen beast, his breath steady as he surveyed the one-eyed bear's massive body. The sun filtered through the sparse canopy, casting faint light on the forest floor. He winced as he shifted his weight—his leg still throbbed from the earthen shard that had pierced it earlier. Yet, the pain was a distant concern now. The fight was over now.
Now kneeling near the bear's back, The blade gleamed faintly as he began to cut through the bear's dense, black fur.
The fur shimmered with traces of mana, a lingering effect of the bear's earth magic. Fang worked carefully, peeling back the thick hide from the muscle beneath, mindful to avoid damaging the precious pelt. It would serve him well in the coming winter months, offering warmth in a world so intent on his destruction.
Each stroke was deliberate, the sound of the sword slicing through flesh caused the man to smile and take further care of the pelt.
Fang's golden pupils flickered as he focused, the task providing a strange sense of peace after the chaotic battle. He paused occasionally to flex his hand, feeling the strain in his fingers but pressing on with grim determination.
He reminded himself that he really needed to ask Isgram and Gaia for a delicate skinning blade as using his katana is very hard.
Fang sat back to inspect his work. The bear's fur, now removed and folded neatly beside him, would be a valuable asset for survival. But it wasn't just about survival anymore—this victory over the bear symbolized something more. Every battle, every kill, brought him one step closer to mastering the power that both blessed and cursed him.
With the last bit of fur harvested, Fang took a deep breath, wiping the sweat from his brow.
"Now only to get this to the cave for Isgram to process it.
The man has so much weird knowledge, like who knows how to process leather and hide? I'll ask him to teach me some tasks like cleaning hide and creating clothes."
But before Fang went back to the cave, He made sure to fulfill his actual goal today.
He slinged the fur on his back, and then sensed the bear's soul:
"Rise." He said monotonously as if words had no meaning.
Yet his had.
More than 400 points of mana went to resurrect that bear, forming a purple gas that solidified into an exact physical copy of the original bear.
The only difference was the deep purple skin and white eyes.
Without wasting any time, Fang patted the bear and mounted his back.
Holding on to his fur, the bear charged forward with haste knocking down small trees and shrubbery.
In a couple of minutes, Fang reached the Cave, several times faster than him on foot.
'Amazing... No matter how much he ran he didn't get tired and his mana was still full. It seems that mana depletes only when injured to fill the injury with mana and I would guess his mana will drop significantly if he tries one of his earth spells.
Still, a great find and a good new companion.
The resurrection spell gives me the ability to bring back anyone I want as long as I have the mana and either the soul around me or the mana signature memorized.'
Fang finally understood why his power was so uniquely dangerous.
He can bring back anyone he brought back once.
As long as the creature has a soul somewhere in the land of the dead, if Fang summoned him once he can summon him endlessly.
And so Fang dismounted the bear and walked towards the cave.
He motioned to the bear with an open palm:
"Stay."
As Fang entered the cave, he felt the urge to turn around and look at his newest companion.
'I need a name for him... I will ask Gaia, she will find me a good earth magic-related name.'
As he entered the cave, his senses were overwhelmed by the smell of food.
Something smelled truly delicious, a smell he hadn't smelled before.
"Oh, look who finally came back! And right on time, we have a special treat for today, courtesy of the nearby villages."
Hearing the mention of the village, Fang's lips arched into a wide smile.
That was one hell of good news as it means that Isgram managed to build a good first impression!
"Tell me everything, I can't believe you managed to convince them we're peaceful!"
Isgram's smile spread even wider with a shy look to the side, embarrassed to be complimented like that.
He was very careful not to go hot-headed or to be impolite.
Gaia taught him some basic manners though and she was there with him to advise him on matters that related to the negotiation.
What bothered him was the weird looks they gave Gaia.
The village chief told him the story of the demon race and the Extinction of them all by the human and the elven kingdom.
Coming back to reality, Isgram motioned to Fang to call Gaia from her room and for them to sit down for a group meeting over the lavish food he was making.
When Fang walked to the deeper hall, Isgram saw a bandage on his leg.
He thought it would be better to leave it for later, then he would ask about it.
"Gaia! I'm back, Isgram told me to call you to eat!" Fang yelled Through her door, not daring to open it after the last time.
Last time he caught her getting ready for bath time and he was met with a rock to his stomach before he could take a look.
*Knock next time" was the only thing he remembers from that day.
"I will be right out, Don't let Isgram eat before me!"
After a couple of minutes, the group sat down to eat and talk.
"Meeting Is now in session officially. I will start with our trip to the village, Fang.
We carried around 50 kilograms of firewood, which is enough for 10 people for a month to my knowledge.
We carried all of that with the help of Gaia's minions, and I also gave them a small jar of your medicine paste.
Which reminds me, we only have one of those left now not including the one I presume you took today by your bandaged leg."
"Yes, I fought a bear today and won at a small cost. He was able to cast earth spells, but all in all the fur I returned with was worth it."
Nodding his head in approval, Isgram returned to the subject at hand.
"Moving on, the village chief is a 70-year-old man and he is currently the strongest in their village. He is a fire mage like me, and I felt that his mana level was most likely on the same level as mine.
He seems to be beyond his prime physically, yet we need to be cautious as he is an elf after all.
They have long lifespans and it could very well be a purposely misleading image of their power.
The village is called Davra, and their main export is hides and wheat. Truly an agricultural village.
My first contact with the two guards at the entrance of the village was tense at first, yet once they saw so much firewood carried by Gaia's golems they changed their behavior.
The firewood shortage in the village was apparent judging by the lack of smoke from the chimneys even though the morning was very chilly.
The guards told us to wait for the village chief who offered us to come inside once he saw the amount of wood we were carrying.
While he led us to a large wooden house many of the villages looked at Gaia with fearful looks, some even had to be ordered away by the village chief, worrying they would pick a fight with her.
I estimate around 1000 people live in this village, judging by around 300 houses I saw but I could be mistaken.
All in all, they could be a dangerous force but to the three of us they are no threat, especially with your recent mana boost."
Fang's smile vanished as he heard the possibility of skirmishing with the village.
"I would advise all of us to not antagonize them. We will have enough trouble coming from the kingdom themselves, we need them as friendly as possible. Please continue, isgram."
"As I was saying, their power is still considerable with the additional firepower their chief must possess.
We entered one hell of a beautiful house, quite high too with a second floor that led to a balcony overviewing the village.
We introduced ourselves and started to talk about our goal of peace.
He had many difficult questions, yet he was very kind.
He said that he fought the chosen ones in the last war with the human army.
They had 2 of them enslaved and they were fearsome yet very weak mentally.
We assured him that we have no Intention to swear allegiance to any king.
Finally, he asked about the firewood and if we were looking to sell it to him.
I used the opportunity to gain more merit on his mistaken observation and offered it as a peace offering."
Looking towards Gaia who stayed silent for the entire meeting, he signaled her to continue from here.
Smirking to herself, she moved her hair with her finger behind her ear.
"You should have seen his eyes, Fang. He was so thankful that he offered us a whole crate of spices and vegetables.
This is really delicious by the way, good job isgram." Gaia smiled at him and he smirked right back at her.
Fang felt like vomiting from cringe but he preferred this over their fights.
"Anyways, he called for his guards to take the wood straight to villagers and told them to make sure they know it is a peace offering from us.
He was very welcoming, I didn't think it would go this smoothly but at least he let our merit reach the villagers which is the real reason for this trip.
I asked isgram to let me talk to him alone for a bit afterward and the reason was to discuss trade with him."
"You should have seen it Fang, she isn't a demoness for nothing. She left the room with a smile and the chief looked mentally exhausted. She got us some good deals centered around the firewood and maybe selling small amounts of processed iron.
In exchange for the materials he will provide us with some workforce."
"And for what reason do we need a workforce? Are the golems not enough anymore?"
Gaia let out a sigh and said:
"I wish they were, but they are too mana-consuming. Every time I need to recharge their chakra and the important part is their inability to execute a variety of tasks."
"What did you think about, isgram?" Fang locked his gaze on him.
'the kid has a scary look sometimes...' Isgram thought to himself as he chuckled.
"I think we should use them to start an herb farm for your medicine. The chief's daughter is a brilliant alchemist, she deals with plenty of herbs too.
Maybe you'll get to learn something from her or even teach her, which will surely bring our reputation up within the village."
Fang took a minute or two to think it through.
As he drowned in thoughts, the savory soup they ate was running out with Isgram taking more and more servings.
"Come on Isgram, you just took all the meat... Shame on you, You better cook more tonight!" Grumbled Gaia with a harsh tug on his collar.
"Oh come on, I didn't eat anything normal yesterday. I am still hungry, to be honest..."
"Come on, are you for real? Such a rude man, where is the gentleman I knew?" Gaia said with a sarcastic tone, the back of her hand on her forehead and looking away from him.
"What a drama queen you are, we can just go hunt later..."
Fang intervened and reset the conversation.
"Anyways, I find myself in agreement with your plan Isgram. A medicine garden could very well Bind their medical needs with our existence and will surely open up a specialty trade commodity that will expand our influence to the nearby villages too. I want to go meet the chief, how far is it on foot?"
"Around 30 minutes if you walk it peacefully. If you prefer to run, then maybe 15 minutes. I guess I will accompany you while Gaia will go hunt us some meat for later."
"Who the hell said I'm going to hunt??? I am tired after this meal, I need some rest."
Gaia voiced her desperation with a comical sigh.
But the only response that came was the dumbfounded looks of Isgram and Fang:
"You do understand you can just hunt using your golems? You don't even have to step foot outside the cave..." Said Fang.
"She became such a lazy brat lately, maybe you need some physical training with Fang?"
Hearing the words training and Fang she straightened immediately knowing how hard his training was.
She always looked at him in the morning when he trained his sword on trees and with his summons lately.
Way too much effort for her.
"Alright alright, I'll take care of it. You go along boys, don't let me interrupt you."
She was met with Fang's sigh, but he broke a smile soon after.
'such moments are as funny as they are frustrating... Thank you, Asu, I guess I owe you more than just my life here but also a source of small happiness. Let's see if I can make your goal a reality.'
Stepping out of the cave, Fang turned around to ask Gaia one last question:
"Gaia, if you had a pet what would you call it?"
Seemed surprised yet amused she answered without hesitation:
"Toto."
"Come outside to meet Toto then."
Hearing the mention of a pet, she was intrigued as in her past life she had a dog according to Fang's version from Osborne's story.
The trio stepped outside and Isgram was the first to react:
"Da fuck."
"He looks so plushyyyyyy." Squealed Gaia, immediately looking to Fang to ask for permission which was met with a nod of approval.
She immediately went to mount the bear holding to the black-purple fur.
She leaned her head on his back, and immediately felt the earth mana and felt like home.
Feeling sleepy, she dismounted and petted the behemoth who looked to be at least 3 times bigger than her and much wider.
"Toto is cute but why do I sense so much earth magic from him? I felt so sleepy in a moment."
"He has an Earth spell in his arsenal and enough mana to use it twice. I am just happy you love him as he will be a permanent addition to our team.
I think he'll be our main transport going forward regarding trade.
Well, me and Isgram should head towards the village. I hope by the time we're back there is some meat in the cellar or otherwise you'll be expected in my training session next morning."
"No need, I'll take care of it. You guys are no fun."
Isgram let out a hearty laugh and mounted the bear with fang.
And so, they set out to meet Davra's chief once more.