The carriage departed the city at midday, heading towards the formidable barricade guarding the sole elven city.
This barricade was the site of a fierce battle, where half of the combatants had fallen. Lucien was under the protection of two demi-human guards, though they felt no need for heightened vigilance, as the beasts had been contained.
The carriage ride was uncomfortably silent. Suddenly, a colossal tree was hurled through the road, bringing the carriage to an abrupt halt. Expecting an ambush, they leaped out, prepared for the worst. To their astonishment, they witnessed a colossal wolf engaged in combat with a human.
The werewolf unleashed a devastating blow, sending the human hurtling towards Lucien's position.
The injured human, spotting Lucien's protectors, lunged at them. Lucien, unaware of the creature's strength, sought refuge atop a nearby tree, witnessing the human sink its teeth into the necks of the guards. Their bodies turned pale and lifeless, collapsing to the ground. The human then turned its attention to the wounded werewolf and launched another attack. Lucien realized the futility of escape, as he would likely meet the same fate as the fallen guards.
The battle raged on, until the werewolf roared, "Let's end this!" The human responded with a chilling laugh, "Bring it on, mutt!" A surge of red energy erupted from the human's body, forming a menacing drill-like shape.
Both combatants unleashed a deafening cry, "Die!" Their powerful attacks collided, sending them crashing to the ground, both still breathing but immobilized.
Seizing this opportunity, Lucien leaped down from the tree with a malevolent grin, landing before the fallen titans.
"Well, well, what have we here?" he sneered. The vampire hissed, "I intended to savor you last, but now..." Lucien stamped on its face. "Calm down, there's no need for such haste. I've never encountered a human who draws strength from blood, and possesses such remarkable regenerative abilities.
And you, magnificent beast, perhaps a wolf, capable of reverting to human form? What are you all, if I may ask? The werewolf immediately retorted, "Who are you calling a dog? I am Bertolf, Alpha of the Wolf Cubs, and I am a werewolf. You should tremble in my presence, for I should have...
AAAAAAHHHHH! What are you doing?
Stop! AAAAAAHHHHH! Why are you doing this? AAAAAAHHHHH!"
The werewolf's head rolled across the floor. The vampire, weakened and unable to move, could only smile, revealing its fangs. "So, in the end, I die at the hands of a human. Hahahahaha! A disgrace to my kind! Kill me already, I beg you!"
The severed head rolled towards the carriage driver, who had been observing Lucien throughout. Lucien remained silent as a notification appeared in his vision.
~[Battle Analyzed]~
~[* Mastered "God Speed Technique" and "Shattering Punch Technique".]~
~[ * Defeated a Werewolf Arcana for the first time. Awarded 1000 experience points with a Werewolf Ore.]~
~[ * Vanquished a Vampire in the Arcana Realm. Awarded 900 experience points with Vampire Blood Ore.]~
~[* First-time bonus: 800 experience points and a 1% increase in all stats.]~
~[ Congratulations on completing the main quest! Reach level 10. Evolution Hall unlocked.]~
Lucien suddenly felt a surge of energy surging through his veins and mind, causing him to wince in pain. Soon, the pain subsided, leaving him feeling reassured. His vision became sharper, and he could now see a tiny ant colony. His hearing improved, allowing him to hear the driver's breathing and the movements of creatures 80 meters away. He quickly urged the driver to continue their journey.
They both entered the carriage, which then delved deeper into the treacherous lands, heading towards the capital. Lucien decided to review his stats and examine the rewards he had earned from his recent haul.
~[Menu]~
~[Name: Lucien Frost]~
~[Race: Void being]~
~[Title: Monarch of sins and darkness,
Human slayer,Beast slayer]~
~[Level: 12]~
~[Strength: 21]~
~[Agility: 21]~
~[Perception: 21]~
~[Defence: 21]~
~[Stamina: 10]~
~[HP: 50/50]~
~[Arcane: 100/100]~
~[System points:7]~
~[Skills]~
~[Mental Invasion]~
~[Arcane Punch]~
~["God Speed Technique"]~
~["Shattering Punch Technique"]~
~[EXP: 40/8000]~
~[Vampire ore's 1,Werewolfs ore's 1.]~
He desperately wanted to know what the ores meant but decided to suppress his curiosity. He could see a magnificent silver gate looming in the distance – finally, they had reached the pinnacle of excellence in all of Atheria: the Tier 0 city of Gotham, home to the three races: elves, dwarves, and humans.
Upon reaching the city gates, they presented their invitations, the necessary documents to gain entry.
The guard frowned upon seeing the cards. He sized Lucien up and down before bowing, "Welcome, sir. The academy is this way." Lucien relished the respectful treatment, as it felt natural to him. He quickly instructed the driver to unload his bags, which contained materials and clothing provided by the Dean (whom he had never met).
As he boldly strolled into the city, his confidence wavered. The city stretches out before you, a dazzling spectacle of towering skyscrapers that pierce the azure sky. Sleek, futuristic buildings gleam with a polished sheen, reflecting the sunlight in a dazzling array of colors. Wide, pristine streets crisscross the cityscape, dotted with sleek, self-driving vehicles gliding silently along. The air is clean and fresh, free from the smog and pollution that plague many other urban centers. This is a city of the future, a testament to human ingenuity. As he looked around, he finally witnessed the true diversity of Atheria, seeing elves, dwarves, and humans mingling freely: walking, observing, working, conversing, and crafting.
They strolled towards the academy. At first sight, Lucien felt a wave of dizziness.
The sight that greeted Lucien was nothing short of breathtaking. Before him stood the Academy, an imposing structure that seemed to stretch on for miles. It resembled a grand, ancient castle, its walls a warm sandstone color, adorned with countless towers and turrets that pierced the sky.
The academy was nestled in a sprawling courtyard, meticulously landscaped with manicured lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and a central fountain that cascaded water into a crystal-clear pool. The air hummed with an energy that crackled with possibility.
The area exuded an aura of nobility, and upon arrival, he was greeted by the principal of the school.
"Welcome, welcome, Lucien Frost. I have been expecting your arrival since yesterday. I hope the journey went smoothly. Well, let me walk you to your dorms where you shall meet other noble students. Hopefully, you all will get along. Once I show you your dorm, take a quick shower and change your clothes.
Then, come back out to meet me. I will be taking you to class, as there are only two more lessons left today."
The principal's words were a mix of formality and warmth, setting the tone for Lucien's new life at this prestigious academy.