"We will stop him here," she declared, her voice firm and commanding.
"Yes, ma'am," her companion responded, ready to execute her orders.
"Shall we lay the traps here?" another companion inquired, seeking confirmation.
"Yes, lay them here," the woman confirmed, her words dripping with calculated intent.
With swift and purposeful motions, her companions began to scatter the ground with the enigmatic blue thorns known as Illusion Thorns.
[Illusion Thorns]
[The Illusion Thorn is an extraordinary blue-hued thorn, renowned for its exquisite appearance and deadly properties. Its slender and elongated structure resembles a needle, tapering to an incredibly sharp point. The vibrant blue coloration captivates the eye, enchanting observers with its mesmerizing beauty.
At first glance, the Illusion Thorn may seem innocuous. However, it harbors a treacherous secret. When subjected to significant pressure against a solid object, it releases a toxic liquid from its finely textured surface. This liquid possesses potent hallucinogenic properties, capable of inducing vivid and captivating illusions within unfortunate victims.]
The woman's mind swirled with a plan as she contemplated Anon's approach. With his bare feet pounding the ground, it was inevitable that he would tread upon the very thorns her companions had strategically placed. Once the hallucinogenic effect took hold, Anon would be vulnerable, an easy target for their lethal intentions. Victory seemed within their grasp.
"Ma'am, he's coming," one of her subordinates alerted, breaking her concentration.
"Everyone, hide. Once he steps on those thorns, we will chase him until the illusion takes hold, and then, we will end him," the woman ordered, her voice carrying the weight of conviction.
"Yes, ma'am," the subordinates replied in unison, disappearing into the shadows, concealing themselves behind trees and rocks.
Yet, a subtle disturbance disrupted the stillness. A gust of wind whispered through the desert, tickling the senses of one of the assassin girls.
"What was that?" she muttered to herself, a sense of unease settling over her.
With a quick turn of her head, she found herself staring into a pair of blood-red eyes, penetrating her soul, emanating a chilling aura. Fear gripped her entire being as each passing moment stretched into an eternity.
The figure before her was none other than Mike himself, a formidable presence fueled by determination and vengeance.
"Ma—" the assassin girl attempted to cry out, but before a single word escaped her lips, Mike swiftly silenced her with his curved kunai, extinguishing her life in an instant.
"Rest in hell," Mike whispered, placing her lifeless body gently against a nearby tree. His movements were swift and precise, an embodiment of deadly efficiency.
Mike disappeared as swiftly as he had arrived, emerging behind the second tree to dispatch another assassin girl. The cycle of death continued in his wake.
"Girls, be ready to run as soon as he crosses this point," the assassin leader instructed, unaware of the fate that awaited her.
Silence followed her command, met with no response from her subordinates.
"Do you understand?" she repeated, her voice tinged with impatience.
A male voice, filled with an air of quiet confidence, floated from behind her as a kunai found its way to her neck. The blade pressed against her skin, leaving her paralyzed with fear.
"Who are you? Why are you doing this?" she stammered, her voice trembling.
The kunai's tip inched closer to her neck, the threat of impending doom palpable. Her vision blurred as panic consumed her.
"My master would be delighted to have a wild direwolf like you after this race," Mike replied, his voice dripping with malice, his eyes burning a bright crimson.
"Fuck off! I'll kill myself before—" The assassin girl's sentence was cut short as she attempted to plunge her own dagger into her heart. However, before she could carry out her desperate act, Mike swiftly struck her cerebellum, rendering her unconscious with a single, precise blow.
"You will die, but it will be by my master's will," Mike declared, his tone laced with a chilling finality. He cleared the thorns from Anon's path, vanishing into the darkness with the unconscious assassin girl, leaving no trace behind.
"HOHOHO... What a striking youngster. It's a pity he dared to meddle with my prince. Now, prepare to meet your demise, kid." A man adorned in vibrant, kaleidoscopic attire sneered as he observed Anon dashing naked through the dense forest.
In an instant, the man vanished from his position, reappearing a staggering 500 meters ahead of Anon.
"Let's see what you're truly capable of, my dear." The man's voice dripped with contempt as he conjured a lengthy leather whip from thin air, its crackling presence emanating an eerie purple hue.
"Earth Splitter...." The man's voice resonated with power as he forcefully struck the ground horizontally with his whip.
[Earth Splitter is a formidable skill that harnesses the wielder's mastery over the earth element. When unleashed, this skill channels raw energy through the conduit of the whip. With a swift and fierce strike against the earth's surface, an extraordinary transformation takes place.
As the whip connects with the ground, a surge of potent energy ripples through the soil, triggering seismic disturbances. The sheer force behind the impact rends the earth asunder, creating a profound chasm that stretches in an unwavering line, a testament to the wielder's commanding authority over nature itself.
The resulting crevice is a breathtaking spectacle, with the earth cracking apart and quivering under the skill's influence. The split extends for a considerable distance, its length determined by the wielder's proficiency and strength. The breadth of the chasm is substantial, posing a formidable obstacle to any daring to traverse it.]
In an awe-inspiring display, the ground abruptly cleaved into two, birthing a vast trench in the heart of the forest.
This fissure dwarfed the previous one Anon effortlessly leaped over. Would he conquer this formidable obstacle once more, or would he succumb to its treacherous depths?
As the race hurtled towards its crescendo, the stage was set for a climactic clash that would redefine the very essence of the Dark Desert of Celestial.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have received crucial information that the path Anon was traversing has been struck by an earthquake, causing a sudden trench to form in the heart of the forest. Whether this is true or another ploy orchestrated by the nobles against Anon remains uncertain," Seraphina addressed the gathering, her voice carrying an air of anticipation.
"Personally, I believe he can overcome it. Anon possesses an overwhelming amount of power. The real challenge lies in what awaits him beyond the forest's core," Landon chimed in confidently, his eyes fixed on the distant horizon.
Anon, his gaze fixed on the approaching trench, couldn't help but feel a surge of amusement. "A sudden trench, huh? What a load of nonsense. Do they think I'm a fool? Well, they're in for a surprise," he thought to himself, a small smirk playing on his lips. With determination burning in his eyes, he increased his speed, causing the ground beneath him to shatter with every step.
Holes formed along his path, and the trees surrounding him turned to cinders as flames intensified with his swiftness. The fire, an extension of his own power, grew fiercer, licking at the edges of his being. Anon was a force to be reckoned with, and nothing would stand in his way.
"Once, a wise man said, 'Embrace the leap with audacity, defying gravity and leaving all who dare follow you grasping at the air.' That wise man happened to be me," Anon declared boldly, his voice carrying over the roar of destruction. As he reached the edge of the trench, he coiled his legs, preparing for the monumental leap that lay before him.
"Let's do this, baby!" Anon shouted, his voice filled with a mixture of determination and exhilaration. With a burst of power, he unleashed the full force of his legs, propelling himself high into the air. Time seemed to slow down as he soared above the gaping trench, defying gravity itself.
Boom
The ground trembled as Anon landed on the other side of the trench, the impact echoing through the surrounding landscape. Large, circular cracks radiated outward from the point of impact, testament to the sheer force behind his landing. He had cleared the trench effortlessly, leaving his onlookers awestruck.
"Seraphina, look! Anon has cleared the trench. Will he make it to the other side?" Landon's voice held a mix of excitement and disbelief as he watched Anon's feat.
Before Seraphina could respond, Anon's feet touched the ground, his landing exuding strength and confidence. He had answered Landon's question in a single act, displaying his indomitable spirit.
Boom
The sound reverberated through the air, a thunderous reminder of Anon's presence. The ground beneath him quivered, struggling to contain the raw power that coursed through his veins. Seraphina couldn't help but be amazed. "That was utterly astonishing! Anon has once again demonstrated his indomitable spirit, refusing to be hindered by any obstacle," she marveled, her voice filled with admiration.
In Luna's room, she watched Anon's leap across the trench with a mix of concern and fascination. "You may win this race, Anon, but if you continue to exploit the powers of overcharge, you will sacrifice your life," Luna cautioned, her voice tinged with worry. She had seen the toll it took on him, the unbearable pain that awaited him after the surge of power subsided.
"You don't even comprehend the true nature of overcharge," she continued, her tone filled with a mix of urgency and caution.
Overcharge is an evil thing.
Overcharge is an extraordinary ability that pushes the limits of human potential, granting immense power at a great cost. When triggered, the individual's body undergoes a remarkable transformation, forcibly unlocking dormant mana-absorbing pores. This results in an overwhelming surge of mana, fueling the generation of unparalleled energy.
During the overcharge state, the user experiences a staggering 750% amplification of their abilities, surpassing the boundaries of their mortal form. However, this immense power comes at a grave price. The intensified energy coursing through the user's system causes their own tissues to ignite, leading to a slow but intense burning process. Remarkably, the overcharge somehow shields the user from immediate pain, concealing the true extent of their agony until the state concludes.
Once the overcharge state ends, the suppressed burden of pain is unleashed upon the user in an avalanche of suffering. The sheer intensity of this anguish surpasses anything they have ever encountered before, subjecting them to an excruciating ordeal. Successfully enduring this torment leaves the individual significantly debilitated, their body pushed to its very limits. However, failing to withstand the overwhelming suffering will inevitably lead to death, as the strain becomes too much for their mortal form to bear.
Overcharge can be likened to a machine pushed beyond its limits. Just as a mechanical device ceases to function when forced to work excessively, the human body faces its breaking point when pushed to such extremes. The concept of overcharge exemplifies the delicate balance between extraordinary power and the fragility of the human vessel.
As Luna was thinking about this suddenly a sound came from her background.
Woof
Suddenly, a dog's bark resonated in front of Luna's room.
"Hmm...?" Luna turned in confusion, her attention drawn to the unexpected sound.
Woof A majestic white dog materialized from a swirling mist, standing before Luna's room.
"Toby? What brings you here?" Luna's eyes widened in surprise as she rose from her wooden bench, her curiosity piqued.
Toby held a letter delicately in his mouth, a message awaiting Luna's eager hands.
Taking the letter, Luna unfolded it with anticipation.
[Luna, it's your father. I am going to rescue that Anon kid because he saved you back then, and you know our family does not leave any debts unpaid. If he survives today after using overcharge, he will become your future husband. Come and assist me.]
Luna's face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and excitement as she read the final words of the letter.
"H-Husband? Anon?" Luna's mind spun with wild thoughts and vivid dreams of the future.
Woof Toby barked, interrupting her daydreams.
"Y-Yes, I'm listening. W-Well, I must save him, for he is my... Future h-h-husband. Ahhh, how embarassing. I will have to refer to him as such for the rest of my life," Luna mumbled, her cheeks reddening further.
Woof Toby barked again, as if urging her to action.
"Yes, let's go," Luna declared, a determined glint in her eyes. She mounted the dog's back, and with astonishing speed, they bolted through the academy's exit gates.
"HOHOHO, you're quite the serious fucker, huh, kid?" Jack sneered, fixing a repugnant gaze upon Anon.
In an instant, he vanished from his position, only to reappear 5000 meters ahead of Anon.
"It seems I'll have to deal with you personally, if you crossed this forest successfully, but I don't think you will be able to make it, cutie." Jack declared, retrieving a formidable sword from his inventory.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Anon is charging toward the heart of the forest. Will he effortlessly breach its core?" Seraphina announced.
"Seraphina, this kid is insane! I doubt anything within that forest can stand in his way," Landon exclaimed, his face filled with excitement.
"Well, we'll find out once he crosses the final threshold, won't we?" Seraphina replied.
"You're absolutely right," Landon agreed.
As Anon sprinted forward, he sensed numerous monsters lurking in the shadows, but none dared to confront him. They could feel Anon's bloodlust emanating from his fiery core, causing them to cower.
"Come, you motherfuckers! Why are you all so afraid? You may be monsters, but I am a demon, fuckers!" Anon taunted, releasing even more of his bloodlust into the air.
"Wait, Seraphina, look! The monsters are terrified of Anon. Can you believe it?" Landon exclaimed, astonishment etched across his face.
"Well, he is a monster himself, but where is Ren? Anon has conquered three-quarters of the kingdom in just six minutes, and Ren is nowhere in sight," Seraphina observed.
"Damn, he's way ahead of me," Ren muttered, his face flushed and covered in sweat, yet he maintained a steady pace.
The two doping agents he had ingested were of opposing elements, resulting in a contradictory reaction after initially providing Ren with a burst of energy.
"I have to do it," Ren resolved, extracting another doping shot from his pocket.
Inside the small bottle, a bright green liquid shimmered.
As everyone's eyes fell upon it, a grave expression spread across the faces of the nobles.
It was triple doping.
Triple doping was an exceedingly perilous practice involving the administration of three distinct doping agents to enhance energy levels within the human body. This process aimed to provide an intense initial boost but posed significant dangers, including a heightened risk of fatality for the user.
Compared to double doping, which already carried a 20% chance of death, triple doping exponentially increased the risk, resulting in a 40% mortality rate. The combination of three different doping agents introduced greater complexity and chemical interactions, making it even more unpredictable and hazardous.
Although triple doping initially granted substantial energy, its long-term effects were devastating. Over time, the three agents could react negatively with each other, generating toxic substances within the user's body. This toxicity gradually poisoned the system, leading to a slow and potentially fatal deterioration if not promptly addressed.
It was crucial to emphasize that triple doping was an extremely dangerous practice strongly discouraged due to the significantly increased risks involved. The potential benefits of heightened energy were outweighed by the life-threatening consequences, making it essential for individuals to seek safer and healthier alternatives to enhance their physical performance.
But in this moment, Ren had only one thing on his mind...
"I am here to prove my worth as the only son of the Denver House and its future leader. I refuse to lose any more than I already have."
"Seraphina, would you look at that? The sole heir and future head of the Denver House is about to take another doping agent. It would be utter chaos if he perishes here. The Denver House will not remain silent if their only son dies in this trial," Landon stated.
Hearing this, Seti's body turned cold, and she swiftly summoned another communication crystal from her pocket.
"Ren, don't do this. You're the only son of your family. Mrs. Denver will kill all of us if anything happens to you," Seti shouted through the crystal ball.
Ren's eyes resembled those of someone who had consumed copious amounts of alcohol, unable to focus on anything ahead.
Ren hurled the crystal ball to the ground and continued running like a lifeless zombie.
"Damn it..." Seti cursed.
"What type of doping agents did you give him, ma'am?" a noble student from the House of Alchemists stepped forward and inquired.
"What?" Seti asked, perplexed.
"What were the elements of the doping agent you provided him? I'm familiar with the holy dope agent, but the red one is unknown to me. What was it composed of?"
"I-I can't tell you. That's confidential," Seti stammered, her voice trembling with fear. The tension overwhelmed her, causing her to lose her composure and consider various desperate ideas.
"Should I commit suicide? If I don't, the Great Mother of the Denver House will kill me anyway. Yes, I—"
"Ma'am, if you just disclose the element of the red doping agent, I can create an antidote for it and save all of us from the wrath of denever house." the girl offered.
"What? Really?" Seti exclaimed, surprise washing over her face.
"Yes, but you have to tell me."
"Come with me, quickly," Seti said, leading the girl to an empty room.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Anon has now ventured into the territory of the Deadly Kongs, the forest's most treacherous and menacing creatures. If he manages to evade them, no one will be able to stop him. This will be the last hurdle of this kingdom."
Deadly Kong is a fearsome and mythical creature that combines the characteristics of three different animals: the giant scorpions from the treacherous Dead Desert, the one-horned Oxers, and the killer giant beetles. This chimera-like creature possesses a unique set of features, making it an incredibly formidable and dangerous opponent.
One of Deadly Kong's most distinctive and lethal attributes is its venomous tail. Equipped with a potent toxin, a single strike from its tail can inflict severe harm and even lead to death. The venom proves highly effective against prey and poses a significant threat to any potential adversaries.
Another remarkable feature of Deadly Kong is its massive horn, jutting from its head. This horn serves as both a formidable weapon and a symbol of its power. With a robust body surpassing the strength of mythical mithril, Deadly Kong can endure tremendous physical force and withstand severe punishment.
Due to its rarity and uniqueness, Deadly Kong's body parts fetch exorbitant prices on black markets and among collectors. Its venomous tail, horn, and other valuable organs hold immense value. Notably, Deadly Kong exhibits a fascinating behavior of roaming in large groups, rarely venturing alone, preferring the safety and collective strength of its kind.
Will Anon manage to overcome them?
As Anon ventured further into the forest, a strange phenomenon occurred: the once-active wildlife fell silent. Sensing the abnormal stillness, Anon activated his heightened senses, taking in every minute detail of his surroundings.
"Blood..." Anon muttered, catching the distinct scent of fresh blood permeating the air.
Unbeknownst to him, he was already encircled by a horde of formidable creatures known as kongs. Their eyes glimmered through the foliage, emanating a bloodlust that dripped like poison.
Anon surveyed his immediate vicinity, keenly identifying the positions of each kong. He halted his steps, standing amidst hundreds of these deadly adversaries.
"Let's play, monkeys," Anon uttered, his voice laced with an air of dark confidence.
The kongs emerged from the dense underbrush, their eyes glowing a malevolent crimson. Clad in metallic blue armor, their bodies boasted scorpion-like tails that exuded power and menace.
Rawr
In a matter of seconds, a multitude of kongs swarmed around Anon, surrounding him on all sides.
"Hello, boys," Anon addressed them, a sly smile crossing his face as he employed a skill.
His eyes gleamed with a vibrant purple hue, mirroring the captivating shade that appeared in the eyes of the nearest kong.
Anon swiftly shifted his gaze to another kong, casting the same hypnotic spell.
In a single sweep, Anon successfully hypnotized 40% of the kongs, their eyes now reflecting the same entranced shade of purple. A smile of triumph curved his lips.
"Now, kill each other for me," Anon commanded silently, projecting his intentions into their minds.
The hypnotized kongs wasted no time, launching into a frenzy of attacks against their bewildered comrades. Chaos ensued as the unaffected kongs struggled to comprehend the sudden betrayal, fighting back against their former allies.
Taking advantage of the ensuing skirmish, Anon deftly slipped away from the midst of the battling kongs.
"Landon, did you witness that? Why are the kongs turning on each other?" Seraphina queried, her voice tinged with confusion.
"I-I don't know. They usually travel in groups, but something has clearly set them off. On the bright side, Anon has successfully crossed the forest and is on the verge of reentering our kingdom. Can you believe it? He's almost here," Landon responded.
With a triumphant smile adorning his face, Anon continued his journey, exiting the forest unscathed. However, as he emerged from the forest's depths, a flamboyantly dressed man awaited him, brandishing a broadsword dripping with bloodlust.
The stranger emitted an aura of psychopathic malevolence, instantly signaling to Anon that he was not to be underestimated. Anon instinctively halted his steps, eyeing the man with caution.
"Look, Seraphina, Anon has paused once again, and it seems this fellow, who gives off a rather effeminate vibe to me, is the cause," Landon remarked.
"I believe he may be a contract killer," Seraphina responded.
"Who are you?" Anon inquired, his voice steady.
"I am Jack," the man replied.
"In that pink coat, you look more like a gay to me," Anon retorted.
"To be honest, I am a gay." Jack replied with a sinister smile.
"What do you want?" Anon pressed on.
"I don't want anything. My master desires your demise," Jack stated, gripping his broadsword's hilt firmly.
[I will teleport to his left, 300 meters away from him, and execute a surprise ranged attack.]
Anon listened to Jack's strategy intently.
"Prepare to meet your end, Anon."
Jack vanished from his position, reappearing precisely 300 meters to Anon's left. He unleashed a fireball spell, aiming to strike him down.
Anticipating Jack's move, Anon evaded the attack effortlessly.
[Impressive dodge, kid. Let's see if you can repeat it 200 meters to your right.]
Once again, Jack disappeared, this time reemerging 200 meters to Anon's right, hurling another fireball his way.
With practiced ease, Anon evaded the attack once more.
"Remarkable, you're quite skilled, kid."
[Left again, and then right.]
Jack relentlessly pressed his assault, attempting to close the distance with each attack. Yet, Anon's reflexes proved too quick, evading each strike. After four successive attacks, Jack achieved the range he had been waiting for—a point-blank encounter.
A sinister smile crept across Jack's face as he pointed the tip of his broadsword dangerously close to Anon's visage.
"Now, it's your end, kid," Jack taunted, ready to impale Anon with his broadsword.
"But it's my turn," Anon countered, a subtle smile playing upon his lips.
Suddenly, a surge of energy erupted from the depths of Anon's mind. These waves resonated instantaneously with the patterns generated by Jack's brain, triggering a cataclysmic reaction within Jack's skull.
Mid-air, his mind exploded, blood spewed from his nose, mouth, and ears. His once-vibrant eyes transformed into a menacing crimson, while his lifeless body plummeted to the ground.
"Well, that was a useful skill. I might need to employ it more frequently," Anon mused, delivering a swift kick to Jack's lifeless form before continuing his path.
At the Academy...
"What just happened? Why did he collapse like that? Is he dead?"
"How did Anon accomplish that?"
"Could he be a demon?"
"No, he must be endowed with incredible speed, surpassing the limits of human perception."
Conversations erupted among the students, questions swirling in their minds.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Anon has once again entered our realm, facing only one remaining obstacle: the Nightmare Forest. Within its confines, time operates differently, with an hour inside potentially equaling a year or even a mere second in the outside world. It presents the greatest challenge in this race.
Many have perished within its treacherous depths, lost to its bewildering paths and the distortions of time. Let us not forget the presence of four distinct tribes of deadly creatures residing within these woods.
Will Anon prevail in the perilous realm of the Nightmare Forest?" Seraphina elucidated, revealing the final hurdle.
As Anon neared the entrance of the Nightmare Forest, he activated a skill.
'No.300, are you ready?'
'Yes, master. We are concealed within the bushes and have marked the fastest route out of the forest. Remember, here, ten minutes can be equivalent to a single second in the outside world. No.369 has briefed me.'
"Excellent work. Victory is now within my grasp. Prepare your girls, we shall have some kinky sex after this ends." Anon declared.
'Y-Yes, master,' No.300 responded, her cheeks flushing with a tinge of shyness.
Ladies and gentlemen, Anon is about to venture into the treacherous Forest of Nightmares, where there is no sign of re-" Before Landon could finish his sentence, something extraordinary occurred.
"Look, Landon! Ren is here too," Seraphina exclaimed, pointing at the screen before her.
Ren sprinted with incredible speed, fueled by the effects of the third doping shot he had taken. However, his muscles pulsed with red and blue, a clear indication that he was not in a favorable condition.
Desperately trying to catch up to Anon, Ren found himself facing defeat with every step his adversary took.
"He killed Jack. He will win the race. What will I-" Ren's thoughts were abruptly interrupted as his mind shut down, causing him to lose consciousness while his body continued to propel forward, repeatedly colliding with the ground for another kilometer.
"Oh, shit. Not good. Ren has gone unconscious," Landon announced, a drop of sweat trickling down his forehead.
"If this kid dies, I fear what will happen to Anon, myself, and this entire academy. The church won't spare any of us. Everyone involved in this matter will meet a gruesome fate at the hands of the Denver House. If he dies..."
"Hmm...? Oh my God, I think it's time for me to leave. My children and husband must be waiting for me back at home," Seraphina spoke, attempting to escape the situation before it escalated further.
The teachers and students followed suit, observing Ren's dire condition.
However, before anyone could exit the academy, two guards from the Denver House of Justice sealed the gates.
"Damn, we're stuck."
"Why did I come here?"
"I should've listened to my mom and stayed home."
Students began to panic as they witnessed the guards securing the gates.
Inside the academy's alchemy lab...
"Why on earth did you administer Master Ren a doping agent with negative mana instead of reversed mana? The Holy Agent and the Demonic Agent are now locked in battle within his body, draining his strength instead of enhancing it. And using the Nature doping agent was a massive mistake. When he took the third doping agent, a third force began to clash within his body," the girl explained.
"I had no idea. Please, save him. I beg of you," Seti pleaded, tears streaming from her eyes.
"It's ready," the girl declared, handing Seti a blue-colored potion accompanied by an injector.
"Really? You've made it?" Seti asked excitedly as she accepted the antidote.
"Yes, but it must be injected into Master Ren's body within ten minutes," the girl explained.
"Don't worry. I will reward you later, girl," Seti assured as she took the antidote and hurried toward the transportation portal room.
Meanwhile, Anon ventured into the Forest of Nightmares, yet at that moment, all attention was diverted elsewhere.
Five minutes passed, and neither Anon emerged from the forest nor did anyone reach Ren to offer aid.
Suddenly, a portal materialized before Ren's unconscious form. Seti emerged from it and promptly injected the syringe filled with the antidote into Ren's backside.
The abnormal veins bulging on Ren's body dissipated, and his eyes fluttered open.
"Huh? Where am I?" Ren queried.
"You're safe. Yes, you're safe. Oh, God, thank you for saving me again," Seti exclaimed, elation and relief illuminating her face.
Tension within the academy began to ease.
"He's saved! Ladies and gentlemen, Mrs. Seti, one of the academy's teachers, has saved Ren. I believe we are all safe now."
"Ara Ara, I believe I can stay a while longer," Seraphina uttered with a smirk as she resumed her seat.
'You venomous bitch,' Landon seethed silently, his gaze fixed on Seraphina.
The guards from the Denver House started retreating, opening the gates of the academy.
"Did Anon win?" Ren inquired of Seti.
"What? No, he didn't, but you should res—" Seti began to reply, but Ren abruptly stood up and darted off once again.
"Ren, no...wait," Seti tried to halt him, but her efforts were in vain.
Ren traversed the Forest of Nightmare in a remarkable twenty minutes, arriving at the academy.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I regret to inform you that Anon has officially lost this match. The Kingdom's Night Run has been won by Ren from the Denver House of Justice," Seraphina announced.
Yet, no noble celebrated, and no commoner felt defeated, for they knew that if Anon had not become lost in the Forest of Nightmare, victory would have been his.
"Well, with this, I declare Ren Denver as the rightful victor of The Kingdom's Night Run," Kale declared, presenting him with a magical sword as the trophy of his triumph.
"I am proud of you. Today, you have proven yourself, young man," Kale spoke with a warm smile.
"Thank you, sir," Ren replied graciously, accepting the gift a wide smile appearing on his face.
But inside he also knew that it was not a win, rather he got reminded that he is not the only one strong inside this world.
Meanwhile, Letti patiently awaited Anon's return at the entrance of the Forest of Nightmare, but five hours had passed, and there was still no sign of him.
Denver House of Justice...
A knight entered the main chamber of the house, kneeling before the Great Mother.
"Ma'am, we have yet to locate him," the knight informed the great mother of the denver house with a hesitated expression.
"What useless creatures you are. You couldn't find one boy? Why are you even knights? God is disappointed in you. Just leave," the Great Mother spewed with disdain.
"Y-Yes, Great Mother." The knogh spoke as he left the room with a feared expression on his face.
"Where did you go, you little bastard? You made my baby Ren suffer so much, only to vanish like this? Do you think you can escape me? Once I find you, you will die, and I will display your severed head on the city's central fountain," the Great Mother sneered, an evil grin spreading across her face, similar to a psychopath.
Where had Anon gone? Was he still trapped within the Forest of Nightmare? Or had something else caused his disappearance?
As Anon ventured deeper into the Forest of Nightmares, a single thought burned fiercely in his mind.
"Yes, I am on the verge of victory. The looks on those noble pigs' faces when I emerge triumphant will be a sight to behold."
Suddenly, a half-transparent blue screen materialized before him.
[Your soul has been summoned to hell by the Fourth Demon God, Fremus.]
"No, no, no!" Anon's body went limp as he lost consciousness.
His mind plunged into an alternate dimension.
Anon awoke to find himself in the same dark realm as before, surrounded by seven pairs of gleaming eyes.
"You have to send me back," Anon pleaded as soon as he regained his senses.
"We cannot, for this is of utmost importance," one of the Demon Gods replied.
"What do you mean? This race I was about to win, it was an epic competition. I had even gone to great lengths to secure victory. I cannot simply vanish like this," Anon argued, his desire to return burning within him.
"Hisss Human brother... can any race truly matter more than your life? If you were to perish, what significance would the race hold Hisss?" the Demon God with green snake-like eyes hissed.
"What do you mean? How is my life in danger?" Anon inquired, curiosity etching across his face.
"The first Avatar of the gods has been sighted within your very academy. We do not know who this individual is, but we are aware that they possess knowledge of your identity," Damacus revealed.
"How do you know this?" Anon asked.
"While you were engaged in the race, we detected a holy mana string within your academy being used to spy on you."
"What? Please explain it to me in a way I can understand," Anon implored, his gaze fixed on Damacus.
In the mystical realm of magic, a fascinating phenomenon known as "Mana Strings" weaves a complex tapestry throughout the world. Imperceptible to most mortal beings, these ethereal threads are visible only to the holy gods and the demon gods – beings of immense power and insight.
Mana Strings come in three distinct forms: neutral, holy, and negative. Each possesses unique properties and implications within the realm of magic.
[Neutral Mana Strings, the most enigmatic and elusive of the three, are challenging to track and detect. They exist subtly, blending seamlessly with the very fabric of magic itself, rendering them nearly invisible even to the most seasoned practitioners. Tracing the origin or purpose of neutral Mana Strings requires exceptional skill and intuition.
In contrast, Holy Mana Strings radiate a divine essence and possess a luminescent quality. They indicate the presence of sacred magic or benevolent enchantments. Holy Mana Strings are more readily identifiable and can serve as guiding beacons for those attuned to the forces of righteousness.
Conversely, Negative Mana Strings exude an ominous aura, signifying the use of dark or malevolent magic. Laced with foreboding energy, they repel the righteous and draw the attention of those aligned with darkness. Negative Mana Strings act as unmistakable signs of forbidden spells or sinister enchantments, enabling vigilant beings to identify and confront practitioners of the dark arts.
Whenever magic is wielded within this world, a Mana String forms, connecting the caster to the effects of their spell. These intricate threads linger for a period of twelve hours, serving as evidence of magical activity. By tracing the path of a Mana String, one can follow it back to its origin, identifying the individual responsible for the enchantment. Mana Strings become attached to the user, acting as a magical signature or fingerprint.
However, wielders of magic possess the ability to sever these Mana Strings effortlessly through the use of a specialized spell known as the "Disconnect Spell." By employing this incantation, practitioners can sever the link between themselves and their magical endeavors, effectively removing the Mana Strings and preserving their anonymity.
Mana Strings, with their distinct properties and significance, add an element of mystique and intrigue to the world of magic. Visible only to the holy and demon gods, these ethereal threads provide insights into the intentions, affiliations, and magical activities of individuals within this fantastical realm.] Damacus explained.
"I see, so there is something like that. Can I witness it for myself?" Anon inquired.
"No, a human cannot see them. Their eyes lack the strength, and even a mere glance at one would liquefy your eyes," Fremus explained.
"But if humans cannot see them, how can they disconnect them?" Anon pressed further.
"We cannot explain it," Fremus replied.
"Brother, that is not crucial. When we detected the holy mana string, we realized it was exceptionally strong and could not have belonged to a mere mortal. As I attempted to track its origin, the user severed the connection, leading us only to your academy. All we know is that the individual within your academy possesses considerable power and was aware that we were tracing the mana string back to them," Damacus continued.
"How did they discover that I am your Avatar?" Anon wondered.
"Ah, the human brother is indeed suspicious. That is good; I want him to be that way. Demons trust no one," Damacus remarked.
"I, too, cannot trust individuals I have only met twice and have yet to see their faces," Anon retorted.
"Hisss The human brother is astute, I like it Hisss."
"It's alright; allow me to explain. As our Avatar, you are connected to us through seven negative mana strings. Should you ever choose to employ negative mana spells, you will receive a direct supply of negative mana from us.
The same is true for him; he is connected to a holy god through a holy mana string. When he spied on you, his god must have tracked the negative mana string connecting you to us. Although we were unable to trace his string because we do not know his identity. Do you comprehend?" Damacus clarified.
"Yes, I understand. It was my mistake. I revealed too much," Anon said, lowering himself to the ground as he contemplated the nobles who could potentially be the Avatar of the holy god.