This impending catastrophe would not only claim thousands of lives but also serve as the catalyst for a devastating war among the remaining seven kingdoms.
Garth kept thinking about how to acquire enough power to stop it. At his current stage, he was only a Pigeon, not even up to Moon Three. And the creature that would bring ruin to the entire kingdom... a Falcon, Star Three. While that rank wasn't extraordinary, its sheer size made it a force of destruction.
Fortunately, in his past life, Garth had encountered several of these creatures. They had even been used as war assets during the demon invasion. He knew how to take one down—but to do so, he would need to raise his rank to at least a One Moon Falcon.
As his thoughts consumed him, he failed to notice where he was going and bumped straight into someone. The demon cores he had been collecting slipped from his grasp, scattering across the ground.
Looking up, Garth found himself staring at a seven-foot-tall Venator who slowly turned to face him.
"Who was that?" The man's deep voice rumbled.
The Venator fully turned, revealing his lean frame. Despite his build, Garth immediately identified him as a Sparrow, and not just any Sparrow—one surpassing Two Moons. His instincts told him this guy was a troublemaker. And at his current rank, picking a fight was out of the question.
Garth put on his best apologetic smile. "So sorry, Mister. That was my mistake. Sometimes I have trouble seeing where I'm going."
The Venator narrowed his eyes, waiting for any sign of defiance. When he found none, he scoffed. "Whatever." He turned his back on Garth and walked away.
Garth let out a quiet sigh of relief. That could have gone a lot worse.
As he crouched to gather his fallen cores, something caught his eye—a Sparrow-ranked demon core.
Up until now, all the cores they had been picking were Pigeon-ranked, distinguished by their pale white color. Pigeon cores weren't particularly valuable, though collecting enough of them could still bring in decent money. However, a Sparrow core, marked by its pale blue glow, was worth at least five times as much.
It wasn't massive wealth, but it was substantial.
Just as he reached for it, another hand swooped in and snatched it away.
"Thanks for that," a familiar voice said.
Garth slowly raised his head. Of course... it was the giraffe.
The tall Venator smirked down at him with a condescending grin, knowing full well that he was stronger. If Garth had any sense, he wouldn't dare to protest.
Frustration boiled within him. In his former life, no one would have dared pull this on him—not an Epic. But right now... he was powerless.
He clenched his fist but forced himself to remain calm. Then, with another smile, he said, "It's no problem. You can keep it."
"I wasn't asking for permission."
"Right... my mistake. I'll just be on my way, then."
"Not so fast."
Garth barely concealed his irritation as a firm hand clamped down on his shoulder.
"I saw that look in your eyes earlier," the giraffe sneered. "I didn't like it."
Garth forced out a laugh. "It's nothing like that. I was just upset I couldn't find more Sparrow cores for you... since you seemed to really like the other one."
"Do you take me for a fool?"
"Why would you think that? I never said anything of the sort."
The Venator's grip tightened. "If there's one thing I hate, it's disrespect."
Garth barely had time to react before the man grabbed his collar, pulling back his fist to punch him.
Instinctively, Garth shut his eyes, bracing for impact.
But the blow never came.
When he opened his eyes, he saw another hand stopping the giraffe's punch. A woman's hand.
Garth blinked in surprise.
In his past life, he had never met these people. Most of them likely died in the ambush... or three months later, when the capital fell.
The giraffe scowled. "What do you think you're doing?"
"You don't have to be such a jerk," the woman said coolly. "You already took his core. Just let him go."
"Like hell I will." He yanked his arm free and swung at Garth again—only for the woman to stop his fist once more.
"I won't ask again."
A surge of energy pulsed from her. Garth could feel it, and so could the giraffe. She was stronger than him... much stronger. Judging by her presence, she was at least an Eight Sun Sparrow.
Garth glanced around, expecting someone to intervene. But the other Venators were too preoccupied with collecting cores, either unaware or uninterested in getting involved.
The giraffe hesitated. His expression twisted with anger, but he could clearly sense that he was outmatched. With a sneer, he shoved Garth to the ground and spat, "Hmph. Jerk? You two can go to hell for all I care." Then he turned and stalked off.
The woman ignored him and crouched beside Garth. "Are you hurt?"
Garth groaned as he sat up, brushing dirt off himself. "I am now... thanks to you."
He glanced at her fully for the first time, and for a moment, he forgot how to breathe.
She was... stunning.
Her sharp red eyes bore into his, framed by long blonde hair that cascaded over her shoulders. A single strand fell across her face, only adding to her allure. Her rosy lips stood in contrast to her pale skin, and despite her fierce presence, there was an undeniable elegance about her.
Garth swallowed. Who the hell was this woman?