[Kragnir: Fissured forest]
"Mmm," I groaned in annoyance as I tried to halt myself before the impact. I immediately launched myself sideways, narrowly evading the massive claws slashing the space I had just been standing in. Before I could even catch my breath, another attack came from its companion, sending me flying backward and crashing into a tree. A few trees behind me shook, leaves falling from the impact.
I stood up quickly, wiping the sweat from my forehead, my breaths slow but heavy. "So much for couples as prey... not so much," I muttered, eyeing the pair of kobolds with annoyance.
The one in front of me—armored, snarling—charged with claws extended, its metal armor clinking loudly as it moved. I shifted my stance, bracing myself for the oncoming attack, my body tense and ready to react.
The kobolds lunged at me one by one, each swipe of their claws barely missing as I dodged and weaved between their attacks.
I swung a punch, but before I could land it, another came from behind. Its claws raked the back of my neck, but instead of tearing flesh,
my scales erupted in defense, covering the vulnerable area. A screech echoed through the forest as the kobold recoiled in surprise.
I turned with a smirk, my voice low and taunting. "Don't test your luck." A dark energy swirled in my hand, crackling with power before
I unleashed it in a blast, sending the kobold flying back into the trees, standing before me. I closed the distance in a flash, grabbing it by the neck where its armor left it exposed.
Without hesitation, I summoned Eupherion, my blade materializing in my grip as I drove it deep into the creature's chest. Its eyes went
wide for a split second before it slumped in my grasp.
Before I could catch my breath, another kobold lunged. I withdrew my sword in one swift motion, spinning back and delivering a hard kick to its head, sending it reeling. As it stumbled, I leapt up, landing gracefully on a thick tree branch overhead. My eyes scanned the battlefield below, planning my next move as I prepared to strike again.
The kobold, still in a fit of rage, slashed furiously at the trees where I had stood moments before, its frustration evident in every strike. I leapt effortlessly to another branch, my eyes never leaving the frenzied creature below.
With a quick motion, I conjured a massive fireball, the flames swirling and crackling in my hand before I hurled it down. As it hit the ground, a huge burst of fiery energy erupted, sending a wave of searing heat through the air. The hot breeze rushed past me, the air fizzling with the remnants of the blast, as the kobold staggered beneath the force of the explosion."I took my landing, boots hitting the ground with a soft thud. The scent of charred flesh filled the air as I looked down at the crisp corpses scattered beneath me. I sighed, shaking my head. Too much firepower. The blackened remains of what was once an enemy were barely recognizable. Should've left more for Eupherion to absorb.
A faint hum echoed in my mind as the system registered the outcome. The notification flickered in front of me:
[Level 264 >>> 270].
The surge of power coursed through me, but it wasn't enough.
Only six levels? I frowned. My progress was slowing. I could feel it. The hunger was gnawing at me, deeper than before. I need more.
Instinct took over as I flared my nostrils, catching a scent on the wind. It was faint but unmistakable.
"Humans... no, hunters," I muttered under my breath.
Without hesitation, I activated my cloak, letting the shadows pull me into their embrace. My presence faded, blending seamlessly with the surroundings as I prepared to slip away from the scene. The hunt would continue elsewhere.I returned to the Kingdom, slipping through the heroes' grounds unnoticed. I didn't bother checking in with anyone; there was no need. My goal was clear as I made my way to the house. But just as I was about to pass, I stumbled upon Kyoto.
"Tch," I cursed under my breath.
She spotted me instantly, her voice cutting through the quiet air. "Alistair!" she called out, her smile as bright and irritating as always. "You didn't come today." Her voice held that familiar lightness, like she didn't have a care in the world.
"I had things to attend to," I replied, keeping my tone calm, hiding my impatience.
"Oh, I see." Her eyes scanned me, and she tilted her head slightly. "What about your injuries?"
My brow arched. Injuries? I thought to myself, confused for a moment before quickly recalling my last encounter with Harvey. Does she seriously believe that spoiled wretch can cause any real damage?
"It's healed," I said curtly. "Thank you." My words were clipped, dismissive. I had no desire to continue this conversation. "Excuse me, I'm in a hurry."
I stepped forward, my body language making it clear I wasn't in the mood for further pleasantries.
I made my way to the room.I made my way to my room, the silence of the house wrapping around me like a comforting shroud. As I opened the door, I saw Fiona standing there, motionless, as if she had been waiting for quite some time.
"Master," she said, her head bowed slightly, voice soft with respect.
I didn't respond immediately, too tired to care at the moment. Instead, I flopped onto my bed, the exhaustion of the day finally catching up with me. My body sank into the mattress, and I lay there, staring at the ceiling.
Fiona continued, unfazed by my lack of reaction. "I've found areas where hunting would be suitable for you. Some hunters barely reach Rank A, and Rank B has certain locations restricted by them. I've also gone hunting there myself to retrieve some herbs," she finished, her tone calm, as though it was just another task completed.
I sighed inwardly. Fiona was always thorough, always thinking ahead. Even now, while I rested, she was already laying out the next steps.
I lay there for a moment, letting her words sink in. The exhaustion weighed heavy on my limbs, but her report was something I couldn't ignore. Slowly, I pushed myself up, leaning back against the headboard.
"You did well, Fiona," I said, my voice steady despite the fatigue. "If those areas are unguarded or lightly patrolled, it could work to our advantage."
I glanced at her, noting how she stood with quiet anticipation, always ready, always waiting. "Make sure the routes are clear before I head out next. I don't want any surprises."
There was a pause, then I added, "And be careful when you're out there. I can't have you getting caught up in anything unnecessary."
I leaned back again, closing my eyes. "That'll be all for now. You're dismissed."
I laid there for a moment, collecting my thoughts before calling out to the system.
"[Dragon eggs]," I muttered under my breath, and in an instant, they appeared before me. The smooth, cracked shells shimmered in the dim light, each one holding an incredible amount of potential.
I sat up, reaching beside the bed to grab a crate of mana potions. Popping one open, I drank it down quickly, the cool liquid rushing through me. It wasn't just a quick energy boost—it was the fuel I needed for the task ahead.
With steady hands, I placed the eggs in front of me, focusing my energy on the delicate task ahead. I began to imbue my mana into the eggs, watching as the ethereal light of my power flowed into their surfaces. The process was slow, but with each infusion, I could feel them responding—reacting to the mana, growing in strength.
The day passed by unnoticed as I worked, my mind focused on the rhythm of the magic, the pulse of energy flowing through my hands into the eggs. It was exhausting, but I couldn't stop. These eggs would be crucial, and I needed to ensure they were prepared for what was to come. The sun set, but I didn't stop. The work would continue until every last trace of my mana had been poured into them.
I stopped, sensing the shift in the air. It was time to switch things up, to take a different approach. My focus sharpened as I separated two eggs from the rest, setting them apart on the surface. This was a delicate process—one that required precision, something beyond the usual infusion.
With a deep breath, I willed my power to surface. My dragon scales,began to crawl down my arm, from my elbow to my fingertips. The scales shimmered in the dim light, their presence grounding me in a raw, primal energy. The dragon within me stirred, ready to assist in the task ahead.
I extended my hands over the eggs, the air growing heavy with the weight of what I was about to do. Two different energies—that was what these eggs required. This wouldn't be a single flow, but two distinct powers, each tailored to its own purpose.
"[Demonic x Chaos]," I murmured, the words slipping from my lips like a command.
The moment they left my mouth, two separate forces surged from within me. The demonic energy, dark and corrupt, swirled in one direction, wrapping around the first egg. It soaked into the shell, embedding itself deep within, ready to corrupt and shape it into something untamable. Meanwhile, the chaos energy, wild and unpredictable, spiraled toward the second egg, twisting and ever-changing, but with a constant, erratic pulse. It poured into the second shell, feeding it with a destructive, shifting power,into the eggs separately, each one forming a unique bond with its respective shell. I could feel both forces, distinct and dangerous, already stirring within. They were volatile, but under my control, they would become something far more powerful.
As I focused, I raised my other hand and wove a protective barrier around the eggs and myself. A shimmering dome of crackling energy encased us, ensuring that the surging powers remained contained. The barrier would hold the chaotic force back from spilling out of control, while I continued the delicate infusion.
Every movement was calculated. Every breath measured. The energies I was pouring into the eggs demanded my full concentration. I couldn't afford to fumble now—not with what was at stake.
As the last of my mana drained, I exhaled slowly, releasing the tension that had been building. The barrier flickered and slowly dissipated, but the eggs remained, still humming with the power I had given them. They were ready for whatever came next, each one holding its own unique, volatile potential.
I placed the eggs back into the spatial inventory, the familiar shimmer of the pocket dimension enveloping them. It was time to focus on the last two eggs—these would require a different approach.
I reached for another mana recovery potion, uncorking it with a swift motion before gulping it down, feeling the cool liquid rush through me and replenish my dwindling reserves. The next task ahead would be far more delicate, and I needed to be fully prepared.
With renewed focus, I extended my hand before me, positioning it just above the two remaining eggs. This was the tricky part—the energies I was about to release would require precision and control. There was no room for error.
"[Light x Elemental]," I muttered softly, the words carrying the weight of ancient divine power. The blessings of the Gods themselves were embedded within these forces, and I had the ability to tap into them.
From my hand, a faded golden light slowly began to emerge, its radiance soft yet filled with the gentle might of divine energy. It wasn't overwhelming, not like the chaos or demonic forces I had used before. Instead, it was steady, calm, and purposeful.
At the same time, my other hand began to brim with elemental energy, the power of the earth, fire, water, and air swirling within me. However, it didn't manifest in obvious, physical forms like flames or winds. The energy within me resonated as a presence—a force that could shape and mold, but not in the usual chaotic way.
As the two streams of energy—Light and Elemental—began to converge, I guided them toward the eggs. There was no need for a barrier this time. The energies were not as volatile, not as destructive. They flowed steadily into the eggs, infusing them with the divine blessings and elemental forces that would shape their future.
The light faded into the eggs like a whisper, and the elemental energy seeped into their cores, steady and consistent. I could feel the magic settling inside them, forming a foundation that would be as solid as the earth itself, yet as brilliant and life-giving as light.
This process was different. It wasn't loud, nor did it stir the air with violent energy. But it was no less powerful. The eggs absorbed the energy slowly, each pulse of mana sinking deeper, the divine light and elemental power becoming one with their very being.
As the last of my mana was used up, I exhaled, feeling the tension slowly drain away. The eggs were now fully imbued with everything they needed—two different sets of forces, each perfectly suited for the creatures they would become.
Exhausted, I popped the eggs back into the pocket dimension, feeling the familiar weightlessness as they vanished from view. My body felt like it had been drained of every last drop of energy. I wasn't ready for another potion—not yet. I lay back on the bed, the cool sheets offering some comfort, but my muscles ached from the intensity of the day's work.
The hours had slipped by unnoticed, and I knew it would be days, maybe weeks, before this process was truly complete. I had done what I could for now, but the eggs needed to be fed, nurtured with more mana until they fully manifested. It wasn't a one-time thing.
"How exhausting," I muttered, the words escaping my lips in a tired sigh. I tossed my head to the side, frustrated at the never-ending cycle of power I had to feed them. Tireless... I thought to myself, a sense of resignation settling in as I turned my face into the pillow.
The room seemed to spin for a moment before everything faded to black. I wasn't aware of when my eyes finally closed, the weight of fatigue dragging me into a deep, unbroken sleep.
I opened my eyes immediately, my senses on high alert, as if I were about to be attacked or caught off guard. But as I scanned the room, I realized it was already the next day. The familiar surroundings came into focus, and I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.
Fiona had already set up my meals, the warm aroma drifting through the air. She was always quick to take care of things, anticipating my needs before I even voiced them. I glanced at the spread for a moment, considering it briefly before I changed positions, swinging my legs over the edge of the bed. My feet dangled just above the floor, the exhaustion of yesterday's work still weighing on me, but I pushed it aside. There was no time to rest.
I thought briefly about what my plan would be for today—how to approach the next stage of my tasks, what steps I needed to take to continue feeding the eggs. I had to stay focused. The process wasn't complete, and I couldn't afford to lose sight of the bigger picture.
As I gathered myself, I stood, dressed quickly, and took my meal in hand. There was no time to linger. I ate in haste, barely tasting the food as I hurried through the motions. My mind was already on the move, thinking ahead to what needed to be done. Without another thought, I moved toward the window, throwing it open and stepping out.
[Darkdell-Crawler's Haven]
I hissed as my feet screeched to a halt, adrenaline pounding in my veins. I could feel my strength waning, drained by the relentless jaws of a massive, nine-foot spider. My free hand trembled, fighting to maintain control. But then, in a surge of resolve, I summoned Eupherion with my other hand and drove it straight into the creature's head.
A system message appeared in my vision:
**[Eupherion... absorbing... absorbing... absorbing...]**
The spider let out a horrid scream, thick saliva dripping as it thrashed and tossed me aside, slamming me hard against the cave walls. I landed roughly, but forced myself back up, brushing the dust off my cloak. My eyes narrowed, watching the creature stagger.
Finally, the spider stopped and collapsed..
I stepped carefully over the carcass of dead spiders, my boots squelching on the slick ground. Reaching the massive spider, I gripped Eupherion and pulled it from its head, feeling the weapon thrumming with energy—brimming as if it were fully charged.
The system interface popped up, and I glanced at my level.
[Level 305]
It was good, but still not enough. With a quiet sigh, I dispelled Eupherion, letting it fade from my grip. Without another look back, I vanished from the scene.
° ° ° ° ° °
[Petraea-Rocky realm]
BOOM!! The sound echoed through the halls of the cave as a colossal golem retracted its massive, rocky fist from the ground. Its movements slow and deliberate, the creature lifted its stony head—and there I was, standing ready. I swung Eupherion through the air, sending a wave of dark energy toward it. The golem raised a shimmering defensive barrier, but the impact still forced it back.
Without hesitation, I launched another slash as I landed, and the barrier flared to life again. Not giving it a chance to stabilize, I struck once more, shattering its defenses and closing the distance between us in a rapid charge.
Suddenly, a firm grip held me back. I glanced down in frustration to see another golem, smaller but just as menacing, emerging from the ground. I groaned in annoyance, my grip tightening on Eupherion as I readied myself to face them both.
With a snarl, I yanked against the smaller golems grip, feeling its rocky fingers tighten around my waist, crushing in as it tried to restrain me. But I wouldn't be held back. With a quick twist, I slashed Eupherion down, dark energy crackling along the blade as I severed its arm in a single strike. Shards of rock flew everywhere, and I slipped free, pivoting to face the larger golem.
It wasted no time, already advancing with another massive fist raised. I braced, heart pounding, and in a blur, sidestepped just as it came crashing down. The impact split the ground beneath us, shaking the cave. Dust filled the air, blinding us both, but I seized the moment. Charging forward, I thrust Eupherion deep into its rocky torso, feeling the weapon pulse as it devoured the golem's energy.
The system flashed:
**[Eupherion... absorbing...]**
But the fight wasn't over. A roar sounded behind me as the smaller golem "missing an arm yet still relentless lunged at me. With a quick glance back, I gritted my teeth, pulling Eupherion free in a spray of rubble and spinning to face the second threat. I swung a brutal arc of energy that collided with it, sending it staggering back,tightened my grip on Eupherion, eyes locked on the two battered golems. In one swift motion, channeling it into a single, devastating strike. Dark energy surged around me, crackling violently, and I launched forward.
The smaller golem lunged, but it was too slow; Eupherion cut through it with a clean, brutal slash, shattering it into rubble. I didn't pause. Spinning, I drove the blade straight into the chest of the larger golem, and with a final, resonant pulse, Eupherion absorbed its core, leaving nothing but dust.
[Level 369]
Name: Alistair ??.
Title: Noble,Hunter
Race: Human
Stats:
Strength: A+,Constitution: B+,Dexterity: A+,Speed: B,Intelligence: S+,Wisdom: S,Charisma: B,Enhancement: A+,Weapon Mastery: A+,Politics: B+,Intuition: B+,Magic: A+
,Nature Magic: B+,Focus: S,Mana Capacity: S
,Elemental Affinity: A,Poison Resistance: S
Dark Energy: S+,Swordsmanship:A+,Curses:S.....
Dragon form ◇
◇ (Special Trait): Devour
The system flashed before me, each stat a mark of my progress.Still collecting small amounts of power from Eupherion, I let the energy slowly course through me. There was no rush, no thrill in it. Just a steady, quiet absorption. The weapon in my hand pulsed softly, feeding me strength, and I let it be. My thoughts wandered as I stood in the silence, weighing my next move.
Where would my next prey come from? The thought lingered in the back of my mind, but there was no urgency, no desperation. It was just another task—one that had to be done.
It was still mid-afternoon, the light filtering through the cave's narrow entrance, casting long shadows. The air was cool, almost still. The calmness of the surroundings matched my own mindset. I had time. I had patience.
With a deep breath, I shifted, letting the energy from Eupherion continue to fill me as I moved. My next destination was already clear in my mind. I disappeared from the spot, my presence barely a whisper in the air as I made my way to the next location. The path ahead was uncertain, but it didn't matter. There was no rush. Only the quiet progression toward the next step.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
[Lupunis-Dark Forest]
The forest was eerily quiet, the kind of silence that spoke of danger lurking in the shadows. I could feel it—the faint tremors in the ground, the shifting air, the tension that told me the Blister Wolves[450] were drawing near. They were skilled hunters, relying on their echolocation to track their prey. But I was no stranger to this type of battle. I knew the signs, the way the wind shifted just before the attack.The first wolf's approach was almost imperceptible, but I felt the ground tremble as it closed in. I shifted my weight, readying myself. The moment it launched, I was already moving, sidestepping with precise timing, letting its claws swipe through the space I had just occupied.
As it landed, I didn't hesitate. My hand gripped Eupherion,already in motion before I even consciously decided to strike. With a quick, practiced slash, I sent a wave of dark energy toward the wolf, expecting it to recoil. But the wolf, swift and agile, adapted in real time, its body twisting mid-air to avoid the blow, using its echolocation to stay one step ahead.
It was a move I anticipated. Blister Wolves were quick, but they relied on sound—something that was a strength, but also a limitation. The second I realized it was adjusting its approach, I altered mine. I didn't need to wait for the perfect opening. I created one.
The second wolf appeared almost simultaneously, using its howl to create a disorienting wave of pressure that radiated out from its body. I felt the pulse of the attack hit me, but it was nothing I hadn't experienced before. The shockwave rattled my bones, but my Poison Resistance (A+) and sheer focus pushed the disorientation away. I immediately adjusted my stance, bracing for the second wave as the wolf moved in.
This time, I didn't waste any energy dodging or waiting for a strike. My hand shot out, palm facing the charging wolf. Flames erupted from my fingertips in a controlled burst, the fire forming a wall between me and the oncoming predator. It wasn't a panic attack—it was deliberate, calculated. The wolf leaped straight into the flames, its fur catching fire instantly. It screamed in pain, but I didn't let up. I kept the flames burning, forcing it to retreat.
As it staggered back, I turned my focus back to the first wolf, which had regrouped and was now circling around to my left. It was fast—too fast for an ordinary fighter. But I wasn't ordinary. I had fought hundreds of battles, learned from every skirmish, every attack. I could predict its movements before it even made them.
I feigned a shift in position, letting the wolf think it had an opening. As it lunged toward me, jaws wide, I pivoted, unleashing another blast of fire directly at its chest. It wasn't a random attack—it was designed to force the wolf back, to disrupt its rhythm, and to burn its most vulnerable spots. The wolf howled, its body writhing under the intense heat as it tried to escape, but it was too late. The flames consumed it, leaving only a charred, smoldering heap.
The second wolf, now singed and enraged, launched itself at me once more. But this time, it was slow, disoriented from the fire. I didn't give it a chance. My blade came down with precision, cutting through the wolf's defenses like they were paper. It collapsed, its body twitching as the last of its life drained away.
I stood over the two Blister Wolves, the heat from my flames still radiating in the air, but my pulse was steady. The fight had been swift, and in the end, the wolves had underestimated my experience. They relied too heavily on their sonic abilities, and I had anticipated that, using it against them.
There was no thrill in the aftermath, no rush of excitement. I had done what needed to be done, nothing more. I sheathed Eupherion, wiping the blood from the blade. The air in the forest was quiet again, but I knew this wouldn't be the last fight. In the distance, I could already feel the stirrings of something else—another challenge, another test of my skill. But I was ready.
The system shows [Level 320]...
I took a deep breath, letting the familiar scent of the mansion settle around me as I reappeared in my room. The teleportation—Blink—felt smoother now, taking far less mana than before. With each use, it had become second nature,before I could fully settle, the door creaked open, and Fiona entered, her presence calm and composed as always. She inclined her head slightly, her eyes already catching the remnants of the fight in my stance.
"Welcome back," she greeted, her voice steady, a hint of warmth beneath her formality.
I nodded, shrugging off the cloak. With a thought, I sent it back to the pocket dimension, watching as it shimmered and faded, dissolving like mist. Fiona's gaze lingered for a moment, perhaps noticing the subtle changes, the weight of another victory.
"Anything interesting?" she asked, her tone light, yet observant.
"Nothing I couldn't handle," I replied, letting the quiet settle between us.
Fiona's expression remained composed as she continued, "The Mistress and Sir have requested your presence several times over the past few weeks. I've relayed what was necessary," she added, her eyes flicking to the meal she'd placed on the table. "The Mistress, it seems, is rather…delighted with her plans."
I glanced down at the food—a familiar, faint gleam betraying the poison it held. I chuckled, picking up the plate without hesitation. The system chimed almost immediately.
[Poison Detected... Nullifying < x3. Poison absorbed.]
"Nothing I haven't eaten before," I muttered with a grin, taking another bite as the system continued to repeat the nullifications. Fiona watched, unfazed.
She resumed, "The Heroes, they're still in training. Their progress has been steady."
"On your level?" I asked, trying to gauge the newcomers' skills. Fiona's eyes held a glint of something—pride, perhaps, though she remained perfectly formal.
"Certainly not," she replied, her tone calm, carrying an edge of confidence.
I smirked. "Obviously not," I said, placing the empty plate back on the table and pushing myself up. "Good. I'll freshen up first."
She gave a slight nod, a ghost of a smile in her expression as she began clearing the table. There was always more going on in the mansion, but for now, the heroes' progress—or lack thereof—was the least of my worries.
After changing into fresh clothes, I settled onto my bed, sitting cross-legged and ready to begin the infusion ritual. With a steadying breath, I summoned the eggs, watching as they materialized before me, each one suspended in the air, visibly altered by their recent infusions of energy.
Activating the protective barrier around me, I let the world outside fade, focusing entirely on the quiet hum of power radiating from each egg. Each one had grown distinct, embodying the essence of the energy within them.
The first egg had deepened into a dark, almost obsidian shade, swirling with faint red and violet veins that pulsed rhythmically. This one was attuned to Demonic Energy. As I raised my hand over it, a familiar pulse of dark mana gathered within me, which I carefully channeled into the egg. The shadows seemed to writhe as they absorbed the energy, thickening as if layers of hidden power coiled within.
[Demonic Essence Infusion... Complete.]
I moved to the second egg, which had developed a jagged, fractured surface with flickers of unpredictable colors that crackled like restrained lightning. Its chaotic nature required precise control. This egg, marked by Chaos Energy, seemed to vibrate with raw volatility. I carefully drew the chaotic energy from within, letting it surge before guiding it into the egg. The shell sparked wildly, absorbing the essence as its surface gleamed with shifting colors.
[Chaos Infusion... Complete.]
The third egg radiated a soft, serene light, its surface now smooth and polished, almost like marble, with a gentle golden glow that hinted at its inner power. This was the egg attuned to Light Energy. Summoning the warmth of that essence, I allowed the light to flow smoothly into it. The egg pulsed with a radiant energy, as if a quiet heartbeat had started within, growing brighter as it absorbed the light.
[Light Infusion... Complete.]
Finally, I approached the last egg, which bore intricate, natural etchings along its surface—almost like veins of stone, streams of water, wisps of fire, and currents of air. It had clearly grown attuned to Elemental Energy. Focusing, I summoned a balanced stream of elemental forces—fire, water, earth, and wind—blending them together into a harmonious flow. As I infused the egg, each element sparked to life in response, swirling as the egg absorbed the essence, pulsing with the primal strength of the elements.
[Elemental Infusion... Complete.]
Each egg had grown stronger, their unique appearances now clear reflections of the powers within them. They pulsed, each one distinct, but united by a shared potential. Exhausted but satisfied, I let the eggs settle back into their pocket dimension, dispelling the barrier.
The ritual was complete. I could feel the bond deepening, the connection between us solidifying. Soon, they would be ready to hatch, and with them, a new strength would emerge.