《System Change》


 Chapter 1: Into the Portal

    Chapter 1: Into the Portal


    Derek, get ready! The portal will be up in five minutes. Silvi was expending all of her mana to provide this one chance for Derek to portal over to the others and maybe just save them from being killed, or captured, by one of the intruders that came with the new system. Youre only going to have a few minutes once you get there to find them and bring them back. You should be ported close to Ali, Im using my mana sense to lock on to her.


    Derek rubbed the back of his head and sighed. <em>How did I end up in this mess? I barely even know these people. Now I have to risk my life to save this group? Why did I help them again, I dont even remember. </em>Derek was questioning his choices leading up to this point. Until now, he had been a loner in this weird apocalypse. Preferring to go it alone rather than team up.


    <em>Hell, Ive even refused to establish bases and cities. The system just keeps throwing them at me like Im some Main Character thats supposed to save humanity from alien invaders pfft At least I got a Title from refusing. </em>Derek was really struggling with what he was about to do.


    Are you even listening to me!? Silvi yelled at Derek. Stop daydreaming and get ready!


    Derek jumped. <em>Why is she somanding? Whatever </em>Yeah, yeah. Im ready whenever. And he was. He just didnt want to do it. He thought about what he was about to do. <em>Status, </em>he thought to himself.


    <strong>Status</strong>


    <strong>Name: Derek Hunt</strong>


    <strong>Level: 79</strong>


    <strong>ss: Bronze Tank</strong>


    <strong>Race: Human</strong>


    <strong>HP: 4750</strong>


    <strong>MP: 2380</strong>


    <strong>Stamina: 5790</strong>


    <strong>Defense: </strong><strong>199 (211) [263 with Imprable Skin]</strong>


    <strong>Attack: 186 (213) </strong>


    <strong>Stats</strong>


    <strong>STR: 275 (343) [412 Solo]</strong>


    <strong>DEX: 210(241) [294 Solo]</strong>


    <strong>END: 351(491) [579 Solo]</strong>


    <strong>VIT: 297(400) [475 Solo]</strong>


    <strong>INT: 177(203) [247 Solo]</strong>


    <strong>WIS: 170(195) [238 Solo]</strong>


    <strong>Free Stat Points: 0</strong>


    <strong>Titles</strong>


    <strong>First of Many: Not only have you obtained your first kill, you were also among the first on your to obtain a kill. +10% to all stats.</strong>


    <strong>I Have ss II: You survived to level 75 and upgraded your ss. +35 to all stats.</strong>


    <strong>Lone Wolf III: You feel free when you are alone. You have spent so much time alone that you are better when not in a pack. +10% to all stats when alone.</strong>


    <strong>Meat Shield III: You have taken an incredible amount of damage and yet still continue to look for more. You have taken over 100,000 damage and lived. +15% END and +10% VIT. </strong>


    <strong>Monster Bane III: You are not scared to fight the strong. Single handedly yed a monster 50 levels or more above your own. +10% STR, +10% END, +10% VIT. </strong>


    <strong>Not Dead Yet: You have taken a fatal wound, yet you are still alive. +25 VIT +15 END.</strong>


    <strong>Rare: You have obtained a Rare ss. Now you can live like a one percenter. +25 to all stats.</strong>


    <strong>yer III: You have in more monsters than you can count. +15 STR +10 END.</strong>


    <strong>Solo King IV: You enjoy the feeling of fighting alone. You stand one versus many. +25 to all stats. +15% to all stats when fighting alone.</strong>


    <strong>Stat Collector: You have acquired over 1000 total stat points. Here, have some more. +25 to all stats.</strong>


    <strong>Uneptable: You have been asked to build a safe haven for those of your kind, but have refused on multiple asions. +25 to all stats.</strong>


    <strong>Umon: Your ss is a step above most sses. +15 to all stats.</strong>


    <strong>Upgraded: Somehow, you were able to upgrade an Umon ss into a Rare ss, though not unheard of, it is still a feat. +5% to all stats.</strong>


    <strong>Skills</strong>


    <strong>ive Mastery (3): You feel morefortable with ives and other polearms. Efficiency +15%.</strong>


    <strong>Heavy Armor (4): Slow but steady, the armor you wear is like yourself. Heavy armor scales based on your END stat. +8% of END is added to armor DEF stat.</strong>


    <strong>Heavy Blow (7): You put all of your might into a single blow. Attack deals 70% more damage.</strong>


    <strong>Heavy Weapon (5): You choose to wield weapons that most cannot even lift. +10% of STR is added to ATK stat when using heavy weapons.</strong>


    <strong>Identify (8): You have looked beyond the surface of many things. You can identify targets up to 80 levels above your own.</strong>


    <strong>Imprable Skin (7): You have been battered and bruised by all sorts of weapons. Defense increased by 35% when active.</strong>


    <strong>Iron Stomach: There is not much that can harm you when ites to food. Decreased chance of food borne illness.</strong>


    <strong>Meditation (10): Be one with yourself. Recovery of HP, MP, and Stamina increased by 100% while meditating. </strong>


    <strong>Wide Sweep (11): You project a sharp edge half a circle, up to 5 meters in front of you. Deals 55% of Attack damage.</strong>


    <em></em>


    <em>I wonder how Ipare to others of my level. </em>Derek sighed as he looked over his status, preparing to go on this rescue mission that he still didnt know why he was going on.


    This portal that youre making is safe, right? Derek asked Silvi. I mean, Ive survived quite a bit by myself and all, I dont really want to be done in by a faulty portal. <em>Did I just give myself a death g? I think I did, maybe I should just leave.</em>


    Yes Derek, its perfectly safe. You just jump in, and it takes a couple seconds to get from the opening to the exit. While youre inside, you are in something like a space tunnel, nothing can harm you while youre traveling at least. Ive used it hundreds of times and nothing has ever gone wrong. Silvi exined to Derek while channeling her mana into her portal spell. The only thing you have to worry about is noting back before I run out of mana, which is why you only have a few minutes to get the others and get back.


    Its almost done. Get ready! Silvi yelled as a blue oval crackling in what seemed to be electricity, but Derek knew that it was just another physical form of mana, started growing. The oval grew slowly but then picked up pace. Soon it was bigger than Derek was and was stabilizing.


    Its open, go, go, go! Remember, you just have a short window to find them and get them to the portal. Silvi could not help but worry about her friends and longtime team. <em>If only I hadnt gotten injured, I would have been over there to help them.</em>


    Im going. Derek may be cautious and hesitant, but when he finally decided to do something, he did not take half measures. Derek leapt into the portal and prepared to face whatever was on the other side. <em>She was right, its like Im in some kind of dark tunnel and all I can see is the exit.</em> Looking around, Derek noticed that everything around him was pitch ck and there was a small light ahead that was rapidly getting bigger and bigger. Then it hit him.


    A portal shed open, and a man covered head to toe in some type of dark metal armor shed out of it. Everyone stopped fighting to look at the new arrival.


    First, Derek saw Ali, she was right next to the portal. He ran over to her and picked her up. Who are you, what are you doing. Ali was kicking and screaming not knowing what was going on. <em>First, I was barely surviving, now Im being taken hostage.</em> Ali knew this was it, she had already watched John and Andrea die, now she was being captured.


    Shit! Stop kicking me and shut up. Its Derek, I came to bring you all back to Silvi. She ported me over from camp. <em>Cant me her though, this is the first time shes seeing me in my armor, I do look rather scary. </em>Hehe. Derek chuckled to himself before raising Ali up and chucking her into the portal.


    An arrow bounced off of the back of Dereks head and fell to the ground. Derek turned and looked at the archer nocking another arrow. He scanned the rest of the area and found Johns head lying a couple meters away from his body and Andrea was on her back with a dagger sticking out of her chest, blood pooling around her body.


    Finally, he saw Gerard surrounded by a bunch of warriors with swords and shields. <em>Looks like theyre toying with him. </em>Derek sighed and took off toward the makeshift fighting ring. The warriors were all watching him with wary eyes as he approached. Two of them turned from the show and got in a fighting stance.


    Derek summoned his ive from his spacial bracelet and thrust forward. The man on the right didnt even have time to react before the de pierced his front and ran all the way through his back.


    The de brought with it pulses of blood as Derek ripped it from the heart of the warrior. The other warrior swung his sword at Derek, but Derek reflected it with his armored bracer, then choked up on his ive, and using it like a sword, shed it across his attackers throat. The man fell to his knees holding at the new opening, but it was pointless, he was already dead and just didnt know it.


    Gerard! The portal, run! Derek rushed into the circle and pushed Gerard towards the hole he just made. Hurry! Theres not much time left, Ill be right behind you. Gerard rushed out of the encirclement, moving as fast as his maimed leg would let him. Hobbling towards the portal, he released a sigh as he got closer and closer.


    Gerard turned his head to see four men split at the waist, torsos falling from their legs. <em>Holy shit! </em>He swore as he could see Derek chopping his enemies down one by one. <em>Four by four, even. Im d we found him, or he found us. </em>Gerard made it to the portal and took onest nce around.


    Seeing Andrea and John lifeless on the ground, tears started forming in his eyes. They had all been together since the first week of this so-called apocalypse, but this wasnt the first friend he had seen die. <em>And it wont be thest. </em>He thought.


    He looked again at Derek, about to break out of the mass of people, then jumped into the portal.


    Its Gerard! Ali screamed. We thought you were dead, like Andrea and She trailed off mid-sentence. John had been with Ali since before the start of this sick game. So Gerard knew that it was going to take a long time for Ali to be right again.


    Wheres Derek? Silvi muttered, voice tired from holding the portal open. Im almost out of mana. Sweat was dripping from her brow as she was using everything she had to keep the portal from closing.


    Im out. Silvi mumbled and dropped to her knees.


    Derek could see the portal shrinking and bing translucent as he made his way towards it. The damage to him was light or otherwise nonexistent, but he was almost out of stamina and mana. Getting close to the portal, he jumped in.


    The small light in the space tunnel that he had used to arrive vanished, leaving nothing but darkness.


    Ah, fuck me!


    <strong></strong>

 Chapter 2: Into the Void

    Chapter 2: Into the Void


    Ah, fuck me!


    The words echoed into the darkness. Derek knew he shouldnt have doubted the portal back then, he knew that just by voicing his doubts, something would go wrong. <em>Its just like when someone says at least it cant get any worse. It always gets worse. </em>


    Looking around at what used to be the portal from the camp to the battle, Derek couldnt see anything other than darkness. There was no light anywhere, no way of finding out which way went where. <em>Maybe when Silvi opens up another portal Ill be able to use it. I mean, I am stuck inside her portal after all, it has to connect to her. </em>Derek was trying to be optimistic about his situation.


    <em>I might as well make myselffortable, theres no telling when she will use another portal. </em>Derek summoned some meat and wine from his bracelet and began to eat. He ate and hummed a tune, not knowing what was going to happen to him in the future. He just figured that he should live in the moment.


    And like this, time passed


    A ive sliced through the darkness at a horizontal angle, then, slicing through the air, the ive came down from up high. Then all movement in the area stopped.


    <strong>ding ive Mastery has reached level 8.</strong>


    <em>Finally. Ive been swinging this thing for days now I think. I dont even know how long Ive been in this hellhole. </em>Derek reached up to his chin and started caressing his beard. <em>Hah, a beard. I cant believe I have a beard now, and not one of those small ones either. </em>Even during the worse days of the so called apocalypse Derek still managed to shave his face every so often. Now, it really didnt matter. At least with a new beard, he could understand a little about how long he had been in the darkness.


    <em>Not saying I aint already insane, but if it wasnt for my meditation skill, it would definitely be much, much worse. </em>Derek fumbled around with his now back length hair, wondering if it was still coal ck like it had always been, or if maybe the stress of being alone and in the dark with nothing more than himself to keep him upied had given him some grey streaks. Derek checked out his meditation skill.


    <strong>Meditation (18): Be one with yourself. Recovery of HP, MP, and Stamina increased by 180% while meditating. </strong>


    <em>If nothing else, it lets me swing my ive more. </em>Derek thought as he checked out the new skill and title his time in this tunnel had brought him.


    <strong>Enhanced Perception (6): By not using your sight, your other senses be stronger. Your ability to use other senses while choosing to not use another enhances those senses by 30%.</strong>


    <em>Yeah, a lot of good that has done me. 30% of no sound is still no sound.</em>


    <strong>Pacifist II: After countless days of ughter and pools of blood spilled, you have remained passive for an extraordinary amount of time. +25 WIS </strong>


    Heh, heh, heh! Derek started chuckling. <em>This one gets me every time. Nothing like bing wiser by sitting in the dark for months on end. </em>Eventually, Derek calmed down. He may have really been losing it, but at least the system provided some form offort to him. He had lost hope in Silvi being able to get him out, so the system was the only real attachment he had left to let him know that he was still progressing.


    While meditating, Derek''s eyes shot open with a start at the new system messages.


    <strong>Error System detected host moving out of range of system area.</strong>


    <strong>Error Host losing connection with system controlled area.</strong>


    <strong>Error System connection lost.</strong>


    <strong>Please move back into range of system controlled area as soon as possible.</strong>


    What the hell is this?! Derek was frantic. <em>What does this mean? Have I been traveling this whole time? How fast was I moving through the portal to get to that battle? It took a couple seconds at most. How far were the portals from each other? It was at least 100km. If I was moving that fast, and I remained at that speed when the portals closed, how far would that be? </em>


    <em>No, that cant be right. Even then, being generous, it would still be less than a few billion kilometers. That would still be in our sr system and still be within the area of the system. What if the speed slowed in the portal while it was active? How much faster would the tunnel be when it was closed? </em>


    This sucks!!! Derek screamed through the tunnel as loud as he could. <em>What the hell? Im totally andpletely stuck now, huh? With my Endurance and Vitality, I dont even really have to eat anymore, so at least I wont starve. Status.</em>


    <strong>Status</strong>


    <strong>Name: ERROR</strong>


    <strong>Level: ERROR</strong>


    <strong>ss: ERROR</strong>


    <strong>Race: ERROR</strong>


    <strong></strong>


    <strong>Skills</strong>


    <strong>ERROR</strong>


    <em>Oh! No. Does this mean that Ive lost the system too?</em>


    <em></em>


    <em>Fuuuuuuck!!!!!!!!! Why cant I kill myself? </em>Derek had already given up on any chance of being rescued now. He had no idea how long had passed since he left the range of the system. Apparently, even though the system no longer responded to him, he still had all of his stats, buffs, and skills. Also, unfortunately for him, his defense was higher than his attack was, and he couldnt even kill himself. He had tried to use his <strong>Heavy Blow </strong>skill, but apparently, his body healed just as fast as the stamina it took to use the skill recovered.


    He tried starving himself, but he was right. His body really didnt need much food with his endurance at what it was. Starving was actually an awful experience for him. It wasnt like he just got hungrier and hungrier. No, once his body entered a starving state, it started drawing its sustenance from him. This made him lose health, but that healed immediately. So, in theory, his body was an all you can eat buffet that regenerates its food upon consumption. It was hell.


    Derek wasnt even sure how old he was now. He was 27 when he got trapped in the portal. What was he now? 30? 40? There really wasnt any way for him to tell. He had gotten to the point where he would just enter a deep state of meditation and let the time pass. Only awakening every so often to make sure that nothing had changed.


    Failed attempts at suicide doesnt make me crazy, does it? No, any rational person would try to off themselves if they went through this. Yeah, Im fine. Perfectly fine. I wish I had a volleyball or something to talk to. At least it has a round shape. Im stuck with ivey. Either way, nothing talks back. Ah, look at me, rambling again. Sorry ivey, you were saying? Derek may have lost it. Years of total silence and darkness had really done him in. It wasnt so bad when he still had the system there. It at least showed that he was making progress. Now, he was talking to a pointy stick, and it was apparently talking back to him.


    No, no ivey. Ill let you take watch now. Im going to go meditate for a while. Wake me if anything fun happens. Derek allowed his eyelids to fall and slowly slipped back into his meditative trance.


    Huh? Whats that? Looking throughout the infinite darkness, Derek noticed that something seemed to change. <em>Nope, Im just crazy, my eyes are ying tricks on me again. </em>Still, Derek stared into the distant darkness. Suddenly, he appeared to hear a banging noise in the distance. This wasnt as new as one would think as Derek had begun hallucinating quite a while ago.


    Even then, he closed his eyes and focused his enhanced hearing toward the drum-like noise. <em>Yeah, its still there. Even when I focus on it. Either my hallucinations are getting worse, or there is actually something out there. </em>For the first time in who knows how long, Derek was feeling some excitement, some hope even.


    The banging noise was getting louder and louder, he no longer had to focus his hearing to make it out. Out of nowhere, another crash sounded out, only this time, it seemed to bring with it a crack in the darkness.


    Like spider webs, the crack grew with each thump. The cracks started splitting off in different directions, not unlike a rock hitting a windshield of a car while speeding down the highway. Behind the new fissures in the darkness were just the faintest traces of light. As the cracks increased, so too did the illumination behind them.


    <em>This is it! Finally! A chance to escape, or die, or both even. </em>He quite literally did not care anymore. There was finally some kind of change in the dark tunnel and he would not miss his chance of doing something different.


    Derek summoned his ive and his armor, at least the armor from the neck down as the helmet no longer fit on his head with his giant beard and crazy hair. He took off toward the cracks in the darkness, prepared for anything, from death to freedom.


    He finally got to the part in the darkness, not knowing what to do next. <em>Well, doing something is better than doing nothing. </em>Derek mmed his ive into the spider-web like cracks.


    Nothing happened. Not giving up, he came down with a <strong>Heavy Blow </strong>at the center of the fractures. Still, nothing happened. It was almost like he couldnt do anything from this side of the darkness.


    Then he got an idea, not a smart idea, but an idea nheless. He choked up on his ive and took the ded end and tried sticking it in one of the cracks. <em>Whoa! This is kinda working. </em>The de actually sank into the opening just a little.


    Using the ded end as a makeshift crowbar, Derek began trying to pry the cracks open. It wasnt doing much, but it was doing a little. Finally, a rectangle like piece fell off andnded by his feet. Eager, he put the de in the next crack and continued.


    Like this, hours passed. The banging continued, the cracks grew, and the pieces fell to the ground.


    Derek finally removed enough pieces of the darkness to see what was on the other side. It looked like a fist hitting an invisible wall. <em>A gigantic ck fist. With ws and all kinds of other kill me bits. AWESOME! </em>Derek tried to use <strong>Identify </strong>on the creature.


    <strong>Name: Error</strong>


    <strong>Level: Error</strong>


    <strong>Please move back to a system designated area to use this skill.</strong>


    <em>Should have expected that. </em>Derek still didnt care. This gentlemanly creature was his ticket out of this hellhole, and by god, he wasnt going to look a gift horse in its mouth.


    Finally, the wed hand pushed through the invisible wall and reached into the darkness with Derek. It took its hand out before putting both of them in the hole it made. It began pulling the darkness out piece by piece until there was a hole big enough for its body.


    It stuck its head inside and started hauling the rest of its body in. Standing in front of Derek, the three meter tall, solid ck creature looked at him with fire red eyes.


    Hey man! Thanks for making me a door. It was really starting to get boring in here. Derek walked up to the monster and patted it on the shoulder.


    The back of the creatures hand hit Derek dead center on his chest, leaving his armor dented. Hey, that wasnt very nice. Derek stood up and used a <strong>Heavy Blow </strong>on the creatures arm.


    The de stopped without breaking the skin, making the sound of steel crashing against steel. The monster nced at Derek, fang-like teeth beginning to show and a low growl radiating through the tunnel. Calm down now. Thats just how people like me say hello. I mean, you hit me, I hit you, now were besties. In his peripheral Derek could see the opening the creature made slowing, repairing, and closing.


    Anyway, it was nice to meet you. My name is Silvi, yes, Silvi with an I. Make sure to look me up if you ever get the chance. Im moving to go ahead and get out of here. Bye, bye! Derek dashed towards the opening, feeling the wind streak across his hair as he ducked under a blow from the monster. He dove through the makeshift door and he was out.


    Freeeeedom!!!! He shouted as he fell.

 Chapter 3: The Kind Stranger

    Chapter 3: The Kind Stranger


    Ooomph!


    Dereknded hard and started tumbling end over end down a vast hill until he finally came to an abrupt stop by smashing into a boulder.


    Looking around, Derek noticed that the grass was pale, the wind was stale, and the overall quality of thend at which he arrived was just in very poor condition. Its beautiful. He said with a glint in his eye, a tear threatening to descend onto his cheek. Its all I could have ever hoped for. Derek choked out, his voice bing gravely. He wiped at his eyes to remove any tears that had somehow made it out.


    Standing up, brushing himself off in the process, Derek checked the System again since he was finally out of the void.


    <strong>Stat ERROR Pleas Err</strong>


    Ah! Derek wailed in pain, almost as if something within his brain had broken. A massive headache threatened to overtake his consciousness. <em>I havent gotten a headache since the damn System took over the world. Why now all of a sudden? </em>Derek inwardly groaned. Wondering why his absurdly high Endurance and Vitality was not working yet. <em>I guess Ill just deal with it. I can survive being stabbed in the heart. A little headache like this wont kill me I think.</em>


    <em>What I would give for a pain killer right about now. </em>He had not had to take anything for pain well before the System arrived. He usually just suffered whatever ailment came along during his days until it went away on its own. <em>Oh well, lets see whats going on here.</em>


    Derek looked up at the sky. He could just see the outline of where the monster had shattered space to go into the void. The remnants slowly closing at a rate visible to the human eye.


    Unexpectedly, a wave of gratitude washed over him. Gratitude to the monster who had freed him of his endless torment. More tears pooled in the corners of his eyes. This time, not caring about his appearance, Derek let the tears flow as he smiled wistfully at the cracks that had finally sealed, leaving no sign that there was ever anything there to begin with.<em> If I ever meet that kind stranger again, I have to make sure to treat him to a coffee, or tea, or whatever beverage this ce has to offer.</em>


    As he was thinking, he looked around again, noticing that while there were trees and there were signs that there could have been a luscious forest once upon a time, it was hard to actually call it a forest. <em>Weird, looks like all the greenery was diseased or something. </em>The temperature was not too cold or too hot, the sun was out and about, illuminating everything. All things considered, this should have been the ideal location for a forest. The trees were at the cusp of dying, or already dead, but it did not look like extreme heat or extreme cold caused it.


    Suddenly, a rustle was heard from some nearby shrubbery. Derek did not bother turning around to see what it was, everything indicated that all of his stats and skills were still working. If anything could approach him fast enough for him to not be able to take action, he was already as good as dead. <em>Besides, I still have my armor on. The kind stranger was only able to dent it, and if I have to fight something as strong as him, or uh, it, I wouldnt even be able to fight back. </em>


    Finally, the rustling in the bush quieted. Light footsteps made their way closer and closer to Derek. He turned his head, slowly as to not scare whatever was approaching. Seeing what was behind him, he grinned.


    It was a little boy, no older than ten, with dirt around his face and tears staining his cheeks. His eyes were bloodshot and his hair was brown. <em>Or blonde, really, really dirty blonde. </em>Derek chuckled to himself.


    The chuckle must have scared the hell out of the boy because his eyes widened and he turned to escape. <em>Damn it, I have no clue what I look like and I havent showered in ages, literally ages. Of course Im going to scare any child Ie across. Not to mention that my armor is not the most epting piece of equipment. Hell, I had it made to look menacing in the first ce.</em>


    Boy! Stop, Ill help you. I need to find out where I am. Derek yelled at the boy. The boy slowed for just a second, long enough to turn his head around and see the demonic looking figure again. He let out a yelp and started running faster than before.


    <em>What the hell? I said Id help. Kids these days, not trusting menacing lookingplete strangers. </em>Derek sighed and started walking after the boy. He may have been running as fast as he could, but to Derek, it was not very fast at all.


    Tripping over a tree branch, the boy fell, making his already tattered clothing even dirtier. He reached for his knee and grabbed it with both hands. Derek could hear sobsing from the boy. <em>He must have hurt himself. </em>Derek continued lumbering toward the boy.


    Soon, the boy realized his mistake. If he was not moving, then that meant that he wasnt getting any further away from the demon. He turned again, only to find the evil creature towering over his body. He shrieked, rolled to his back and started to feverishly crawl backwards on his hands and feet.


    Derek almost could not hold in hisugh. <em>I feel like Im some viin in a b-grade horror film. All I need now is a hockey mask and a machete. </em>Finally, Derek could not hold it in and let out a loud bellyugh. The boy stared at him in shock and horror, a puddle of liquid appearing underneath him as his eyes rolled back in his head and he went limp.


    Uhh Feeling ashamed, Derek did not quite know what to do. <em>Maybe that was a little too much. </em>He looked down. <em>Damn, he pissed himself. Good job Derek, the first actual person you see in well, in forever and not only do you scare him, you make him soil his clothing and pass out. Who knows, those trousers may have been thest pair of pants that his grandma sewed him before she passed, and now youve gone and made him ruin them. </em>Derek berated himself as he bent down to pick up the boy.


    Not wanting to get bodily fluids on his armor, Derek picked the boy up by the neck of his shirt with one hand as he strolled back to the boulder he smashed into. The two cut a striking image as they moved through the dpidated forest. The image was not a good one. It could be described as a crazed demon bringing his prey back to camp to be eaten.


    <em>They dont pay me enough for this shit. </em>Derekined as he got closer to his camp. A few secondster, he arrived at the boulder and set the boy down, allowing him to lean on the rock.


    After settling the boy in, Derek went back out to gather some wood for a fire. <em>Who knows how cold it gets at night. </em>Derek looked up at the sky. <em>Or if there is even a night. </em>He pondered while looking towards the sun.


    Derek was not subtle. Instead of gathering the dead branches and twigs that were already on the ground, he went to a decently sized tree and summoned his ive out of his bracelet. Heunched a <strong>Heavy Blow </strong>onto the tree. It was overkill as the de sliced right through and the tree fell.


    While watching the tree fall Dereks head abruptly felt like someone had gone in with a pair of scissors and started chopping on his brain. It was worse than the previous headache by far. Derek could not help but wonder about the cause of these new, sudden headaches.


    Derek leaned against the newly made tree stump and closed his eyes. He did not enter <strong>Meditation </strong>because he did not want to be defenseless in this new world just yet. After a while, the headache cleared, and he stood. Grabbing the felled tree, he began dragging it back to his camp while pondering.


    <em>The headaches never happened with the System before, and they didnt happen while in the void tunnel either. No, wait, I did have one headache simr to this one on Earth. The day the System was introduced. I was driving my knife down into that catfish when I felt it, and itsted a few minutes. </em>Derek was thinking about his previous interactions with the System. <em>The first headache happened when I tried to view my status afternding on this world. The second happened after I used a System skill to chop down the tree. Does that make the System a taboo on this world? Or maybe it is trying to integrate and get used to this new world. Yeah, Ill just go with that for now and limit the use of my skills.</em>


    Derek got back to camp with the tree and dropped it on the ground. Summoning a dagger out of his bracelet, he went to work shaving down the tree so he could have some good kindling to start a fire. After getting enough shavings, he put the dagger back into his bracelet and summoned his ive again. This time, instead of using <strong>Heavy Blow</strong> to chop at the tree, he did it with normal strikes. <em>Good, one normal strike is still enough to go through the tree. </em>


    After chopping the tree into eight pieces, then halving them all again, he started to really examine the wood. <em>Yep, its pretty much dead. Great for firewood, bad for forest. </em>After the dead firewood was arranged neatly on the ground Derek continued towards the shavings, grabbing and cing them down in an open area a few meters away from the boulder. <em>What else should I do?</em>


    Bashing and banging sounds could be heard from deep within the forest. Drawing in close, it was Derek with a hammer busting up some rocks he had found. <em>That should be enough to make a pit. Everything around me is already so dead, I dont want the fire to grow out of control. This should contain it. </em>Carrying the broken stones back to camp, Derek ced them by the stack he had already made. Then, taking the stones one by one and cing them, the beginning of a circle formed around the kindling.


    He walked back and grabbed some firewood and sat it beside the fire pit. After summoning what looked like a small stone out of his bracelet, he dropped it onto the kindling. The stone started heating and finally began to glow red. Smoke started rising, then the kindling ignited. Derek hurriedly ced a piece of the wood onto the small fire. After a few seconds, it was set aze, and he ced a couple more pieces down. The red rock stopped glowing, then turned to ash. <em>Another firestone gone. </em>Derek thought as he stared into the fire, then sat down on one of the remaining cuts of wood and closed his eyes.


    Not long after, Derek could hear whimperinging from across the fire. Opening his eyes and ncing in the boys direction, was the boy with his tear-stained face and runny nose. Derek tried to be as gentle as he could as he spoke. Its alright boy, Im not gonna hurt you, sorry for scaring ya earlier.


    The crying stopped and the boy observed Derek. The boy was still frowning, but this time it was not a frown full of sadness, it was one of confusion. He furrowed his brow and started to speak to Derek.


    Thenguage was foreign, and Derek had no clue what the boy said. <em>This is going to be</em> Derek began to think as the System showed a new message.


    <strong>New Language Detected</strong>


    <strong>Trans</strong>


    <strong>System interference detected</strong>


    <strong>Analyzing interference</strong>


    <strong>Invading system detected</strong>


    <strong></strong>


    <strong>ELIMINATING THREAT</strong>


    <strong></strong>


    WHAT! Derek screamed and everything went ck.

 Chapter 4: Thomas

    Chapter 4: Thomas


    What just happened? Thomas was talking to the scary man when the mans eyes rolled to the back of his head and he fell, creating a loud crash as dust and pebbles flew in every direction.


    More curious than brave, Thomas warily ambled toward the man. Arriving close to the unconscious man, his mind nked, all thought leaving.


    After standing next to the foreigner for an unknown amount of time, he suddenly snapped to. <em>What am I doing? He was chasing me earlier. Who knows what he was going to do to me. </em>Thomas started backing away, no longer curious about the man.


    Thomas made it back to the rock and slid down into a sitting position. Just realizing his situation, he frowned. <em>Why are my pants wet? </em>He thought back to when he was running for his life from the demon-like man and his gruesome smile. <em>Did I really wet myself and pass out? </em>Embarrassed and not just a little scared after remembering the face of the man as he was chasing him, Thomas pondered on the situation he had gotten himself into.


    <em>Why didnt I stay with the group? Pa told me not to leave their sight. How long ago was that, two, three days? </em>A rumble could be heard from below him. He looked down with a sad smile. <em>Im starving, Ive never been this hungry before.</em> This was the first time in days that Thomas could calm down and assess his situation.


    <em>My pants are drenched, my shirt ruined, belly empty, and my mouth is so dry that I cant stand it. </em>Thomas began sobbing to himself. <em>What am I going to do? Im alone. </em>Thomas looked at the pile of armor and hair lying face down across from him. <em>Well, not alone I guess, but being with him may be worse than being by myself.</em>


    <em>I dont even know how I managed to stay alive for as long as I have.</em> Thomas thought about how things had ended up the way they were.


    ***


    Thomas was traveling with his grandfather and some vigers from a neighboring vige back to his own. He turned away from the group because he thought he saw a medicinal nt that his grandma had told him to always be on the lookout for. When he got to the nt, he realized that it was just a regr weed. He turned back around and walked back toward his group, only to find that they were already gone, or he had walked back in the wrong direction.


    He decided to go back to the nt, but while canvassing the area, he realized that there were weeds all around him that looked the same. He was gone for just a few minutes, but he had already gotten lost. He screamed as loud as he could for his grandpa, but after a couple of screams, he looked in the distances only to see a pair of scarlet red eyes staring back at him with terrible murderous intent.


    The scarlet eyes staring back at him were all it took for him to be dead silent. He slowly shrank away, body trembling, heart racing, before turning to flee for his life.


    As Thomas darted through the forest, crunching leaves and warping tree branches made way to his ears. The light pattering of whatever beast that thought to make Thomas its dinner drawing closer and closer, Thomas knew his end was near. He was out of stamina, his heart still racing, feeling like it was on the cusp of exploding.


    Thomas slowed, legs no longer able to keep the blistering pace through the forest. Then it hit him. <em>Im dead. I cant keep running. I give up. </em>It was clear he was a goner, no hope left for survival. Once epting this, his heart calmed and his body stopped shivering. He had made peace that he was never to meet his family or friends again. <em>Theyll be better off without me anyway. One less mouth to feed this winter.</em>


    His sprint became a jog. He turned his head back to take one more look at his future murderer. It was a wolf, a beautiful wolf, jet ck fur glistening from whatever sunlight was able to hit it through the broken and diseased forest. Saliva flying from its gigantic maw as it crashed towards him through the forest. Its jaw could likely break bone with one bite, but if the strength of the jaw did not snap the bone, the razor-like teeth would have no problem stripping off his flesh.


    As these different ideas of how he was going to die shed through his mind, he caught a vine with his foot and lost his bnce. Thomas turned back to his front just in time to see that he was on the edge of a cliff-like hill and he would soon fall. <em>Well, it may be better than getting eaten alive by a wolf at least. </em>Hope reached him as maybe the fall would just snap his neck and it would all be over with.


    He fell, but the fall was nowhere near as long as he had imagined. He soon mmed into the slope of the hill and began his descent, tumbling end over end, barbs from the bushes ripping through his clothing, dirt and mud staining his hair and body. It felt like he had been falling for ages, getting glimpses of the sun every second or so as his body rolled. Then, after an unknown time, the tumbling ceased.


    Thomas stared up at the sky from the t of his back, wondering how he was still alive. He rolled, body creaking and aching from the pain of the fall. After an unknown amount of time, he managed to push himself up enough to finally sit up. He stared at the top of the hill where he came from.


    To his utter horror, he could see the wolf ring back at him. <em>At least it didnt follow me down here. </em>He shifted, righting himself up on both legs. After wobbling and stumbling a few times, he was able to stand straight, though never allowing his eyes to leave the top of the hill. <em>Please, just leave. Im too much trouble for you, just leave, go find something else to kill. </em>He silently prayed to himself over and over.


    Shocking him, the head staring over the valley slowly backed away. Finally, itpletely disappeared. <em>It left, I cant believe it. </em>His prayers seemingly answered, he began patting his body up and down, assessing his condition. <em>I think Impletely fine. A few cuts on my legs, and some ces that will definitely show bruising soon, but Im OK. </em>


    He did not know what was more insane, that he fell the entire way down the mountain-like hill and survived practically uninjured, or the wolf leaving him alone. Either way, Thomas did not n to question it. He was alive. Alone, but alive.


    That said, he was still lost. He had no idea how far away from his grandpa and the rest of his group he had gone. Because of all the running and not paying attention to where he was going, he also did not know which way he should walk to try to meet back up with them.<em> I dont really have much of a choice. Its not like I can climb back up the hill. Heck, I wouldnt climb up it even if I could, theres no telling if the wolf is waiting for me or not.</em>


    Thomas looked around again. To his right was the hill he fell from, and to his left were the bushes and broken trees of the forest. In front and behind was surprisingly clear, only some stones here and there.


    Thomas decided to just follow the path forward, staying just within the tree line so he would not be out in the open.


    He crept forward, trying to make as little noise as possible. He moved along, hours passing. Eventually, night came and darkness overwhelmed his vision. He crawled under a big bush and tried to rest while it was dark, not wanting to venture out while he could not see.


    Sleep never came to the boy. All the night brought to him was creepy noises from the forest and an extremely cold chill. He could survive through the night, but because of how cold it had been and him having no proper shelter, he knew that he would not make it if he had to spend the night like that many more times.


    Desperate, the boy kept moving forward, hoping to find something, anything that may help him survive. He did not. He only found night again, freezing, unable to fall asleep and worrying that if he were to fall asleep, he would be unable to wake back up.


    The next morning, he moved faster, not caring about the noise he made. He trudged on, almost void of emotions, entering the state he had been in while being chased by the monstrous creature. Then he saw it.


    In the distance was a humanoid figure. <em>Hopefully human. </em>He mused. The blurry figure seemed to be wearing a thick ck armor, his head tilted back, like he was focusing on the sky above.


    <em>Its got to be a human, hes wearing armor, and he has hair growing from his head. And, hes big, that rules out a lot of other creatures. </em>Overjoyed, Thomas crept closer to the figure. Trying to be silent, but too tired to care about making noise.


    He got closer, close enough to see the figure. <em>It is a man, it has to be. </em>The boy moved out of the bushes and towards the man. Finally, having some hope again.


    The man turned, ring at Thomas. The boy stopped, appraising the man. Then, the manughed, it was the evilestugh Thomas had ever heard.


    Thomas felt it again, the same fear he felt when the wolf was staring at him. <em>Demon, hes a demon! </em>Thomas could not turn and run away fast enough. <em>At least with the wolf, I would just die. If I get caught by a demon, hell skin me and eat me slowly while Im still alive. </em>All kinds of errant and rampant thought shed through the boys mind.


    He ran. Body bruised, tired, and hungry, Thomas ran faster than he ever had in his life. He heard the demon scream something in its devil tongue. He could not understand it, so he ran even faster.


    Why did he have to be so young, why did the Great System not allow humans to level until they were 13? Thomas would give anything if he was just born a year earlier. At least then he would have some levels and perhaps some extra stamina and agility. But he was only 12, and small for even a 12-year-old. And now he had a demon chasing him.


    The demon yelled again. Thomas turned, shocked that the demon was lumbering so close to him and not even running. No longer looking ahead, he tripped. <em>Im dead. </em>Thomas thought. He rolled over to see the demon towering over him. The demon let out a thunderingugh. It was all Thomas could handle after thest few days hed had. Darkness overcame him and he was out.


    ***


    Thomas came to, not believing all that had gone wrong over thest few days. He looked over at the unconscious body again, trying to decide what to do. Eventually, his decision was made for him.


    A screeching howl came from the forest. It was the same red eyes he had seen before. The boy knew that the wolf had finally caught up. Panic-stricken, the boy looked for a way out, a way to survive once again. His gazended on the strange mans body, specifically his armor. Without hesitation, he ran to the body and, with all he had in him, managed to roll the body over enough that he could hide underneath. With what vision he had left of his surroundings, he saw the wolf pounce.

 Chapter 5: Awake

    Chapter 5: Awake


    Ugh. Derek groaned as a slight pressure hit his armor encased body. Still out of it, Derek was just beginning to awaken. It had never taken Derek so long to limate after waking. Everything was fuzzy in his head, and though he could make out some noise in the distance, he could not figure out what was actually happening because of his nonlucid state.


    Ugh, stop it, give me a few more minutes. Derek finally managed to mumble. There was a tugging on his hand that he did not understand. Let go of me. He shooed whoever was trying to pull him up from his bed, but the tugging continued, bing even fiercer.


    I said stop! This time, he pped at the person messing with him, not coherent yet, he was unable to contain his strength.


    Awoo! A loud cry broke through the foggy barrier of his mind. His eyes shot open.


    Derek shifted his head around, taking in everything that was going on. <em>What the hell happened? </em>He wondered. Shifting his gaze to the animal in front of him, he got excited.


    A puppy! Come here, boy, Derek eximed after studying the snarling creature. Derek sat up, then furrowed his brows.


    Whats this? He shifted his body over a little and noticed the little boy lying underneath him, shaking.


    Its not that cold yet. Why are you shivering? Did you use me as a nket? Derek asked, confused.


    N-no, I didnt, The boy said. It seemed to be the only thing the boy could say.


    <em>Wait! I can understand him now. What the hell? </em>Now Derek was really confused. He could not figure out how one minute the boy was speaking gibberish, then the next minute, he was speaking English.


    Boy! How are you speaking English now? Were you toying with me earlier? Derek asked the boy. His memory was still fuzzy and all he could remember was that the boy was staring at him from across the fire.


    I uh, I dont, whats English? The boy finally managed to say.


    Suddenly, the wolf pounced at Derek again. Derek let the wolftch on to his bracer while still staring at the boy. English is what youre speaking, its anguage.


    The boy looked incredulously at Derek, who was now rubbing the top of the wolfs head with his gloved hand. N-no, were speaking thenguage of the Great System. Its pretty much the onlynguage we use. Everyone has the Great System, so we dont really use othernguages. The boy exined to Derek. Still terrified of the beast, but even more so of the man that was treating it like a pet.


    <em>Great Systemnguage?</em> Derek still could not wrap his head around it. <em>Theres no universalnguage from the System. If you want to understand othernguages, you have to spend an ungodly amount of time leveling up the </em><strong><em>Linguistics </em></strong><em>skill, and I certainly did not level up that skill. </em>While Derek was thinking, the wolf charged his face. He quickly grabbed it from the bottom of its mouth.


    Noticing that the fangs on the right side of its face were missing, Derek asked, Aw, what happened to you? Was somebody mean to you? Derek cooed quietly to the wolf.


    Seeing the wolf still tearing at the mans gloved hand, but the man treating it as if it was ying, Thomas got the courage to speak. I think you knocked its teeth out when you pped it away while you were waking up.


    Awe, I sowwy, did I hurt it? Now, Derek was baby-talking the monstrous beast.


    Thomas could not believe what he was seeing. <em>Is this man OK? Is he crazy? What have I gotten myself into? </em>He just could not take his eyes off the strange scene.


    Anyway, whats this Great Systemnguage? Derek asked.


    Its thenguage of the Great System. Thomas answered back as if it was the mostmon knowledge a person could know, and it was. He was beginning to feel like this man was as much an idiot as he was crazy.


    No shit, asshole. Im asking what it IS, why is there a systemnguage. The way the kid was looking at Derek did not escape him, even though all his focus was currently directed toward the wolf.


    Seeing the mans attitude shift to being annoyed, Thomas stammered, Im not really sure. Thenguage of the Great System has been here for as long as the Great System has been. And nobody knows how long that is. I mean, Ive heard my grandma say something about ancientnguages, and there supposedly being a time before the Great System, but thats just fairy tales and myths that every kid hears when they are little.


    Derek did not expect muching from a ten-year-old boy, but was actually surprised. The boy seemed to be much more mature than he looked. This was much more information than the I dunno that he was expecting.


    So, the systemes with its ownnguage then, Derek muttered. <em>I wonder what else is different from the system on Earth. </em>Derek was already shocked that there was a ce with a different system than the one he was used to. He was thinking about different questions he had, and whether or not the little boy would be able to answer them.


    Hey, kid. What level are you anyway, why are you so scared of this little guy, he cant be too high of a level? Something that he did not understand was how the kid, even as young as he seemed, was not able to be a high enough level to take on the wolf. <em>The way it sounds, this has had a system for centuries. It took me and many others only a couple of years with our system to be able to beat a monster like this. Hell, we had ten-year-olds that could kill this wolf in one punch.</em>


    Level? Im level zero. Im not old enough to properly use the Great System yet. Im a few months away from being 13. Even then, leveling isnt exactly easy, you know? Thomas was confused by the questions the man was asking. <em>Hes much older than me. Maybe he lost his memory. </em>Thomas stared at the man. <em>Maybe hes always been by himself. He doesnt seem to even have the manners of someone from my vige.</em>


    Oh, so you cant be indoctrinated into the system until your thirteenth birthday then? Derek was starting to get interested in these new system rules.


    Yes, 13 is the age at which the Great System will ept a person, Thomas said.


    So, when you turn 13 the system just says what? Congrattions, you survived 13 years without bing monster chow, have some levels.'' Derek couldnt really understand why this new system would not allow people to be able to defend themselves for a whole 13 years when the system he was from allowed everyone full ess as soon as they could understand how to use the interface.


    Not exactly. When you turn 13, you are given the chance to use the Great System. There are many who never unlock the ability to level and get powerful. Dereksck of basic knowledge made Thomas feel like he was teaching a student.


    Oh? How does someone ess the system then? Derek looked at the boy in a bit of a panic. <em>Does this mean that I will be one of those who are unable to use this system? </em>His thoughts were drifting to the worst possible scenarios.


    Well, everyone can pull up the interface of the Great System by just thinking Status. So everyone can at least check their stats and ailments. But in order to be able to go past that, the requirements are both easy and difficult. Thomas said, trying to think of the simplest way to exin the process to Derek.


    Hearing the kid say that, Derek went ahead and thought, Status, like he had done thousands of times before.


    Status


    Name


    Derek Hunt


    Age


    29


    Level


    0


    Experience


    N/A


    ss


    N/A


    Race


    Human (Modified)


    Health


    4000


    Mana


    1950


    Stamina


    4910


    Defense


    49 (Armor + 135)


    Attack


    46 (Weapon + 0)


    Stats


    Strength


    343


    Dexterity


    241


    Endurance


    491


    Vitality


    400


    Intelligence


    203


    Wisdom


    195


    Stat Points Remaining


    0


    Skills


    No Skill Learned


    Skill Points Remaining


    0


    Awards


    No Awards Achieved


    What! Derek was looking over his stat sheet and had to do a double-take. How the holy fuck am I 29 years old! Is this a fuckin joke to you? I was in there for decades if not centuries. How the fuck are you going to say that I was only in there for two years. You fucking shitty ass motherfucking piece of shit! Derek lost it when he saw that this new system had only shown that he was 29 years old, meaning that he had only aged two years while he was trapped in the void.


    Thomas was staring at Derek with his jaw on the ground. He had seen people have outbursts before, but this was on a whole new level. <em>The crazy man is getting crazier. </em>The unexpected outburst that came out of nowhere cemented Thomass opinion of Derek being absolutely insane.


    After a lengthy amount of time went by, Derek finally calmed down. <em>Think rationally, how could I have only aged two years? Was I only in there for two years, was I just hallucinating for the majority of the time I spent there? No, thats not it. Maybe time flows differently in the void. Thats the only thing that makes sense. But still, even if its like that, I still would have aged, right? Ahh! Im going to go crazy thinking about this. Lets just put it on the back burner and circle to itter. </em>Derek looked over his Status again just to see what had changed.


    <em>No level yet. Thats to be expected, it is a new system. I wonder what Modified means. Maybe its taking into ount how my body was changed by the old system. At least I know now that the system really affected me on a physical level. If not, I would have lost my stats along with the system. </em>Derek frowned while going over everything.


    Thomas was speechless. He had never seen so many emotional changes in such a short amount of time. First, the man was screaming mad, but all of a sudden, he calmed down and put on a thoughtful look. Then, his eyes would furrow and he would frown, which shortly changed to him nodding his head. Then he smiled, grimaced, then smiled again all within 30 seconds. <em>It seems hes checking his Status, but what could his status have in it to make him show so many emotions. </em>Thomas couldnt wrap his head around what he was seeing.


    Derek studied his Stats for a period of time. <em>It seems like my base stats are my overall stats, including my Titles, other than Solo King. It makes sense since Im with the kid right now. </em>Derek suddenly had a thought. Hey kid, stay right there and dont move.


    Huh? Why Thomas started, but Derek was already kicking up dust, wolf cradled in his arms. Where are you going? Thomas yelled, but he could only see Dereks back getting smaller and smaller in the distance. <em>So fast.</em>


    After running a few kilometers away, Derek checked his Status again.


    Status


    Name


    Derek Hunt


    Age


    29


    Level


    0


    Experience


    N/A


    ss


    N/A


    Race


    Human (Modified)


    Health


    4000


    Mana


    1950


    Stamina


    4910


    Defense


    49 (Armor + 135)


    Attack


    46 (Weapon + 0)


    Stats


    Strength


    343


    Dexterity


    241


    Endurance


    491


    Vitality


    400


    Intelligence


    203


    Wisdom


    195


    Stat Points Remaining


    0


    Skills


    No Skill Learned


    Skill Points Remaining


    0


    Awards


    No Awards Achieved


    <em>Fuck! Its the same. </em>He had expected that once he put some distance between the boy and himself, his Solo King title would kick in and all of his stats would rise by 15%. This was not the case. <em>Dammit! So this means that I actually dont have the titles anymore, and whatever buffs I had when I went unconscious became my permanent base stats. Still, for base stats, thats gotta be good. </em>Derek turned back to head to camp. He still had many questions to ask the boy. <em>Like what his name is. Haha.</em>

 Chapter 6: Unlocking the System

    Chapter 6: Unlocking the System


    Thomas was still staring in awe at how abrupt the mans departure was. Eventually, he could see the man walking back towards camp, wolf in hand. <em>He looks a little mad. </em>After getting a good look at the man, Thomas noticed that he was wearing a slight frown and was not nearly as enthusiastic as he was before.


    The man returned to camp and sat a few feet away from Thomas, not taking his eyes off of him. <em>What did I do? </em>Thomas was getting nervous. The man was at least talking to him before he left. Now he just red.


    Finally, the man broke his silence. Kid, whats your name?


    Thomas released a breath he had not known he was holding and spoke. Its Thomas. Thomas was relieved to see that the mans sullen expression was lessening.


    Alright Tommy, Im Derek.


    Its Thomas, not Tommy. Thomas muttered, seemingly upset that Derek was calling him Tommy.


    Thats what I said. Anyway, Tommy, you were talking about the requirements that a person has to meet to unlock the use of the system. Derek didnt care if Thomas didnt like being called Tommy. <em>You lost me 15% of my stats, Ill call you whatever I want. </em>He was still pissed that his Solo King title had not been activated at the time that the new system had taken over.


    Its Thomas. The boy quipped, but seeing the deadpan stare he received back, he knew that arguing with Derek was a lost cause. Fine, youve clearly already checked your status and were able to see your level and relevant stats, correct? Thomas asked.


    Yes, Derek answered, still looking expectantly at Thomas.


    Well, I dont know what level you are, but those that have not unlocked the ability to use the Great System are all level 0. Thomas did not really feel like exining this. <em>Clearly he has already unlocked the Great System and is a rtively high level. </em>Thomas could not help but think of how easily he had been handling the ferocious wolf.


    Derek did not say anything in return. He just continued staring at the boy.


    Anyway, like I said, it is both easy and hard to unlock the Great System, depending on who you are. Thomas began lecturing Derek. In order to unlock the Great System, you have to kill something, it can be anything, as long as it is above level 0. Also, you must be the only person to inflict damage.


    Nobles have it easy when ites to unlocking the Great System. They will have their guards go out and capture a beast. Then they will cage it or tie it up so the noble can get the kill without chance of injury. As Thomas said this, Derek noticed the loathing in Thomass voice every time he said the word noble.


    Thomas continued. There are many adult level 0s. This is because not all people have the courage or ability to hunt a monster by themselves. There is no one that is going to provide them with the same treatment as a noble. That is, unless there is a strong person in their family willing to risk it.


    Thomas got excited as he continued. My grandpa said he would find a monster thats level ten for me to kill to unlock the Great System. That will allow me to get awarded a skill point before I choose a ss. Then


    Hold on. Derek cut him off. What do you mean get awarded a skill point? Derek had seen the Awards row when studying his stat sheet and was curious.


    Oh, if you kill an enemy ten levels above your own, you get a kill award called Lesser Giant yer that grants you a free skill point. Theres one for killing an enemy 25 levels above your own too, thats the ones that the higher nobles try to get. Ive heard that theres one for 50 levels, but its just hearsay, Ive never heard of anyone actually doing it.


    Really? Derek was excited to try this out. <em>So, the only reason I havent unlocked the system is because I havent killed anything yet. The Awards seem to be like Titles, but they give skill points instead of bonuses, or maybe just this award gives skill points. </em>Thoughts were racing through Dereks head.


    Hey, kid, Derek said. "Can other things besides skill points be awarded?"


    Of course. Though, I dont know specifically. I think if you kill enough monsters at or above your own level, you can get awarded a bonus to Endurance even. Thomas was excited to talk about the Award system.


    Derek became quiet, deep in thought. <em>So, Awards are like Titles but with more diversity. I wonder </em>A dagger suddenly appeared in Dereks hand and he jabbed it into the wolfs neck.


    The wolf let out an agonizing scream before going silent.


    Thomas jumped up and backed away, falling over a log along the way. What! Thomass mind was racing, not understanding what just happened or why. Why did you kill it? You were ying with it. He found himself unknowingly standing up for the beast that had been trying to kill him for days.


    Derek looked at Thomas like he was an idiot. Kid, I thought you were smart for your age. Turns out youre still nave. He shook his head and continued. Do you have a Beast Master ss, or a Tamer ss, or any ss with a taming skill? Because I sure as hell dont. This little guy was still trying its hardest to rip me apart. What do you think would have happened if I would have let it go?


    Thomas realized that he had been defending a monster. His face turned red in embarrassment, but he didnt give up. Then why were you treating it so nice earlier? I thought you were going to tame it.


    No, its just been a long time since Ive seen any kind of animal, much less a dog-like one. I was messing around with it, gauging its strength, and it was fun ying for a bit, but I never nned on letting it go. He smiled at the boy. Now, hold on and give me a second.


    Derek noticed that there were now notifications in his vision. He thought about them and they popped up.


    Congrattions! You have unlocked the Great System!


    Level Increased to 1


    The first notification that greeted him was a basic message introducing the system.


    You have killed level 53 Forest Wolf.


    347 Experience Gained


    Level Up


    Level Up


    105/139 Experience to Next Level


    From the one kill, Derek leveled up twice, increasing his level to 3. He checked his next notification.


    You have earned 20 Stat Points.


    Current Stat Points 30


    Derek guessed that he got an automatic 10 Stat Ponts for reaching level 1. <em>Itll be nice getting Stat Points from Level 1 again. </em>Derek went to the next message.


    Congrattions! You have in a creature 10 levels above your own.


    Congrattions! You have in a creature 25 levels above your own.


    Congrattions! You have in a creature 50 levels above your own.


    Award Giant yer Unlocked


    3 Skill Points Received


    Derek was excited to see what he could use these Skill Points on, but he noticed that there were still more notifications that remained unopened.


    Invading system contained


    Eliminating invading system


    Failure to eliminate threat


    Suppressing threat


    Threat Sessfully Suppressed


    <em>Oh shit. So it wasnt able topletely eliminate the other system. I wonder what would have happened to me if it would have? </em>Derek was d that the other system was still there but dormant. He feared that he would have lost all of his stats if it waspletely erased. He decided that its better not to dwell on it and decided to check his Status.


    Status


    Name


    Derek Hunt


    Age


    29


    Level


    3


    Experience


    105/139


    ss


    N/A


    Race


    Human (Modified)


    Health


    4000


    Mana


    1950


    Stamina


    4910


    Defense


    49 (Armor + 135)


    Attack


    46 (Weapon + 0)


    Stats


    Strength


    343


    Dexterity


    241


    Endurance


    491


    Vitality


    400


    Intelligence


    203


    Wisdom


    195


    Stat Points Remaining


    30


    Skills


    No Skill Learned


    Skill Points Remaining


    3


    Awards


    Giant yer


    Derek focused on Giant yer and a new window appeared.


    Giant yer: Awarded for ying a creature 50 or more levels higher than your own.


    1 Skill Point awarded for each increase in tier


    Hey, kid. Whats the name of the award for killing something 25 levels above you? You said that it was called Lesser for 10 levels, right? Derek asked Thomas, hoping to understand tiers better.


    I think they call it Minor Giant yer. Thomas answered his question.


    <em>So, theres a lesser and minor, I got the award with no modifier, Im guessing the others are greater and major, thats all that makes sense. There may be more, or it could only go up to tier three. </em>Derek pondered over the Award system.


    Derek had noticed that his new Status sheet had added tabs for Experience, Skill Points, and Stat Points. <em>I dont really know much about this system, so Ill save the Stat Points for now. I need to see what the kid knows about Skill Points. In my old system, you just purchased skills from the System Shop, then leveled them by using them.</em>


    Derek was going to ask Thomas about skills when he heard a growle from the kid. You hungry? Derek asked. <em>He said hes been out here for days, I doubt hes had much to eat or drink.</em>


    Starving! Thomas was ecstatic at the question. He was starving two days ago, he doubted there was a word for what he was now.


    Alright, Ill throw the wolf on the fire and let it cook while we chat. Prolly wont taste great, but its food. Derek took his dagger, sliding it up the belly of the deceased wolf, careful not to puncture any of the organs and taint the meat. After, he pulled the innards out and put them in a pile. Soon, the wolf had been cleaned and he was making a spit that could be used to roast it over the campfire.


    Derek moved his hands, and a bottle appeared. He cleaned his mouth with the liquid inside. Noticing the boy staring at the bottle, he tossed it to him. Drink, He said.


    Not holding back, the boy turned the container up and drank, not stopping until there was nothing left. Realizing that he had drunk all the water, he looked up sheepishly, preparing to be scolded.


    Dont worry about it, I got more if I need, but you probably shouldnt drink so much at once like that, youll get sick. Derek held his hand out and received the empty bottle. Now, while the meats cooking, tell me what you know about Skill Points.


    <em>Skill Points. </em>Thomas thought to himself. Skill Points are used to buy skills from the Great System. One Skill Point can buy one skill, though Ive heard that some skills require more points. When youre looking at your Status, concentrate on the points to see what skills you can buy. Thomas stopped talking, thinking about skills.


    Some Awards give points, and you usually get five points every time you upgrade your ss. Five points for getting your ss at level 10, five for your level 25 upgrade, and five for your upgrade at level 50, other than that, Im not sure. He tilted his head up trying to remember more of what his grandparents had told him. Oh, there are two types of skills you can get. General Skills and ss Skills.


    What are General Skills? Derek asked.


    General Skills are skills that can be learned by all sses. Skills like <strong>Meditation </strong>and <strong>Identify </strong>are General Skills. Thomas replied.


    <strong>Meditation</strong>. Derek muttered. <em>Its probably one of, if not, the most useful skills I used to have. Ill test out this new system by spending one of my points on it, no matter what, it should be useful as long as its anywhere near as good as the other. </em>Derek opened his Status.

 Chapter 7: Skills

    Chapter 7: Skills


    Derek viewed his status sheet.


    Status


    Name


    Derek Hunt


    Age


    29


    Level


    3


    Experience


    105/139


    ss


    N/A


    Race


    Human (Modified)


    Health


    4000


    Mana


    1950


    Stamina


    4910


    Defense


    49 (Armor + 135)


    Attack


    46 (Weapon + 0)


    Stats


    Strength


    343


    Dexterity


    241


    Endurance


    491


    Vitality


    400


    Intelligence


    203


    Wisdom


    195


    Stat Points Remaining


    30


    Skills


    No Skill Learned


    Skill Points Remaining


    3


    Awards


    Giant yer


    Derek opened his Status page and scrolled down to Skills. After focusing on his Skill Points, a new window opened.


    Current Skill Points Avable to Spent: 3


    ss Skills


    N/A


    General Skills


    Alchemy


    Armorer


    Barter


    cksmith


    Carpentry


    Cooking


    Identify


    Intimidation


    Meditation


    Merchant


    Mining


    Weapons Mastery


    Weapon Smithing


    Weaving


    Woodworking


    <em>No ss yet, so no ss skills makes sense. </em>Derek pondered. <em>Thats a lot of General Skills. </em>Derek looked through the dozens of skills epassing the General Skills list. <em>Looks like all the Crafting Skills fall under General Skills too. Never was one for crafting, but it might make sense to get a cksmithing skill to repair my gearter. Anyway, <strong>Identify. </strong></em>


    Derek focused on the <strong>Identify </strong>skill and a new window popped up.


    Identify


    The ability to appraise objects and entities. The higher the level of the <strong>Identify </strong>skill, the better the appraisal.


    Cost: 1 Skill Point


    Would You Like to Learn <strong>Identify</strong>?


    <em>No. </em>Derek thought. <em>Seems about right for the <strong>Identify </strong>skill. Slightly different description than Im used to, but it all amounts to the same thing. Now for <strong>Meditation.</strong></em>


    Derek exited the <strong>Identify </strong>tab and focused on <strong>Meditation</strong>.


    Meditation


    The ability to clear your mind and obtain an emotionless state. Increases recovery of Health, Mana, and Stamina while in this state. Recovery rate increases as <strong>Meditation </strong>skill increases in level.


    Cost: 1 Skill Point


    Would You Like to Learn <strong>Meditation</strong>?


    <em>Same old <strong>Meditation</strong>. </em>Derek thought about leaning <strong>Meditation</strong>. He had another look at the other skills avable. <em>Well, no time like the present. </em>He pulled <strong>Meditation </strong>back up, focused on the question, and thought. <em>Yes.</em>


    A small amount of energy flowed within Derek, leading towards his mind. The energy settled and he knew the skill. <em>I already know the skill though. </em>Derek couldnt help but think, as nothing really changed much once the energy settled.


    He went over the new notifications he had received.


    <strong>Meditation </strong>Learned Sessfully


    Skill Points Remaining: 2


    Derek closed all tabs and decided to focus on meditating.


    Suddenly, a pain shot through his head, like the previous pains before. A new window forced its way into Dereks vision.


    Dormant skill simr to <strong>Meditation </strong>found


    Merging skills


    Skills sessfully merged


    The pain went away and Derek opened a new notification.


    Congrattions


    <strong>Meditation </strong>skill has reached level 20


    <strong>Meditation </strong>ready for upgrade


    Spend 1 Skill Point for Upgrade?


    <em>WHAT! </em>Derek was both bbergasted and jubnt. <em>So I never lost my skills, they just went dormant with the system. </em>Immediately after seeing the upgrade, Derek agreed.


    <strong>Meditation </strong>Upgraded


    New Skill: <strong>Greater Meditation </strong>


    Derek focused on <strong>Greater Meditation</strong>.


    Greater Meditation


    The ability to clear your mind and obtain an emotionless state. Increases recovery of Health, Mana, and Stamina while in this state. Recovery rate increases as Greater Meditation skill increases in level.


    Greater Meditation allows the individual to enter a meditative state while moving. Moving recovery rate is increased as the skill level increases.


    Skill Points Remaining: 1


    <em>Holy Shit! Does this mean that Ill be able to fight while meditating? </em>First, Derek entered a meditative state while sitting. Through this, he noticed that he was able to keep his awareness. Before, he was only able to subtly sense what was going on around, but now, he did not even have to close his eyes. <em>This is already better than I could have imagined.</em>


    Derek stood and slowed his breathing, activating <strong>Greater Meditation</strong>. He began to move around and noticed that the faster he moved, the harder it was to keep in a meditative state. <em>So, its not viable forbat yet, but I can still use it to travel while not running out of Stamina. Who knows, as I level it, it may be second nature while fighting. </em>Despite the skill not being perfect, Derek was still beyond happy.


    Thomas had been sitting close to Derek watching his shenanigans with a confused look. <em>No matter how I look at it, this guy is super weird. One minute he is asking basic questions, the next minute he''s doing a little jig with a scary smile on his face. </em>Thomas did not know what to think. Eventually, he worked up some courage and asked, Derek, you OK?


    Derek stopped moving and looked toward Thomas, just now realizing what he must have looked like to Thomas. Ah, yeah, just getting a little exercise, you know. Stretching and stuff, weve been sitting for a bit, so I needed to move around. Derek made an awful excuse before going back and sitting down.


    He stretched out his hand and checked the roasting wolf. Still needs a bit before it''s ready. He said to Thomas, changing the subject. While Derek was talking, he was still wondering about all of his dormant skills. <em>I wonder if there will be a <strong>ive Mastery </strong>skill. </em>Derek had noticed that there were <strong>Heavy Weapons Mastery </strong>and <strong>Weapons Mastery </strong>skills in the General Skills tab, but no skill specific to a single type of weapon.


    <em>I bet that <strong>Heavy Weapons Mastery </strong>would merge with my old <strong>Heavy Weapon </strong>skill if I bought it. </em>Derek looked at his one remaining Skill Point and realized he had a decision to make. <em>I really want <strong>Identify </strong>though. Its just so useful, especially in a new ce. Not to mention that <strong>Heavy Weapon </strong>was so hard to level that I only ever got to level 5. If this wolf was any indication, its not like I really need any extrabat ability for now. </em>Derek made his choice and went with <strong>Identify</strong>.


    Would You Like to Learn <strong>Identify</strong>?


    <em>Yes, learn.</em>


    The same energy went through Derek and into his mind.


    <strong>Identify </strong>Learned Sessfully


    Skill Points Remaining: 0


    <em>There goes myst Skill Point. </em>Derekmented. Then, he summoned his ive out of his bracelet and used <strong>Identify</strong>. Before the stats of his ive were able toe up, the pain in his head struck again.


    Dormant skill simr to <strong>Identify </strong>found


    Merging skills


    Skills sessfully merged


    Congrattions


    <strong>Identify </strong>skill has reached level 8


    <em>Same level as it was before. Makes sense as I was not able to identify<strong></strong>anything new the entire time I was stuck in the void. </em>Derek used his newly updated <strong>Identify </strong>skill on his ive.


    ck-Steel ive (ivey)


    Attack:


    Durability:


    140


    225/250


    The ck-Steel ive was custom made by a Weapon Smith of at least Intermediate skill. The Smith was able to draw out much of the ck-Steels dormant power to allow for an increased Durability.


    <em>Damn right! I paid a pretty penny for ivey. </em>Derek was rubbing the de of the ive with a menacing grin.


    Thomas, on the other hand, was staring at the ive in shock. He had seen Derek pull a dagger and some water out of nowhere before, but the polearm was the most amazing weapon he had ever seen before. It was solid ck from end to end, made seemingly out of the same material through and through. An intricate pattern was woven at both ends, leaving the middle perfect for gripping. The de was long, longer than any polearm de he had seen. It was as if a scimitar was stuck on the end of a spear. There were two ck strips of cloth on the non-ded end of the staff, flowing in the wind.


    Derek noticed Thomas with his chin on the ground, staring at his weapon. What do you think, kid? You like ivey? Weve been through a lot together.


    Hearing Derek speak broke Thomas out of his trance. ivey? What kind of weapon is that? Ive never seen a polearm like it before. Truth be told, Thomas had not seen many polearms before, only the mass produced ones that some soldiers he had seen carried with them. And how do you keep pulling things out of thin air? Do you have a legendary storage ring? This question had been on Thomass mind for a long time now. First, he thought he was seeing things, then Derek had pulled out the container of water out of nowhere.


    This, this is a ive. It was always my favorite weapon type growing up, so when I was able, I made sure to get one, then, I eventually had ivey here custom made for me. Derek rubbed his hand down the staff of the de. As for the storage ring. Derek pointed to his bracelet. I dont have one, but this is a spacial bracelet. It has a separate space inside that can be used to store things. Dereks two most prized possessions were his bracelet and his ive.


    Spacial bracelet, Ive only ever heard of the storage rings that high ss nobles have. Thomas could not help but wonder what kind of background the man in front of him had. <em>I hope I didnt offend him when I was talking about nobles earlier.</em>


    Thomas was acting strange again, so Derek checked on the meat to ease the situation. Its done enough to eat now. Derek put his ive back into storage and withdrew a dagger. He heated the dagger over the fire to clean it better. <em>Dont want the kid getting dysentery. </em>He shook his hand and two tes appeared. Cutting some of the meat off of the wolf, he put it on one of the tes and handed it to the boy.


    Eat. Derek said.


    Thomas looked at the te strangely wondering why Derek would keep something like that in a priceless storage item. <em>Maybe he is a noble. </em>Thomas thought that some of the weird things he had seen Derek do could be because he was raised as a noble. He decided he would ask while his guard was down and he was eating.


    Hey, Derek uh, Sir. Are you a noble? Thomas finally stammered out.


    Derek gave Thomas an incredulous look then burst outughing. Kid, what about me says noble? And call me Sir again and youll take the ce of the wolf next. Derek yfully threatened.


    Thomass eyes went wide as they shot toward the wolf hanging over the fire. No I...uhh


    Stop. I was kidding kid. Learn to take a joke. Derek said with a grin.


    Thomas calmed down and thought. <em>What joke? How am I supposed to know if youll kill me or not. You were just ying with the wolf then snap. How do I know if that will be me next? </em>Its just, you have a storage item, which only nobles are supposed to have. And you have custom made weapons and armor. It all points to you being a noble.


    Oh, is that all? I worked hard as hell to get these. Im no noble, and Im not going to kill you like I killed the wolf. Derek could tell that Thomas was thinking about what happened to the wolf, and wanted to reassure him that he was safe. Unfortunately, that had the opposite effect on Thomas.


    <em>Oh no, he has mind reading abilities. Im done for, I was calling him crazy earlier. </em>


    Kid, eat. Your foods getting cold. And stop thinking about stupid things. Youre just making yourself worry about nothing. Derek was in a good mood after finding out that he had not lost his skills, but the boy was beginning to irritate him.


    As the sun began to set, Thomas could finally fill his belly. After eating, a wave of exhaustion fell over him. It was like all the trauma and excitement came crashing into him all at once.


    Derek was able to see that the kid was about out of it. Kid, get some sleep. We got a long day ahead of us tomorrow.

 Chapter 8: A Close Shave

    Chapter 8: A Close Shave


    Derek watched as Thomass head fell and his breathing wentx. <em>That didnt take long. </em>Derek summoned a sleeping bag from his bracelet and ced it on the ground close to the fire. He then picked Thomas up and carefully put him in the sleeping bag and zipped it up. <em>Thats better.</em>


    After getting Thomas settled, Derek began to think about what he needed to do. <em>I dont really have a n. There arent any Invaders I need to fight or any goals I need to work towards. I guess I just need to level and learn more about this world. First, I should see to it that the kid gets home safe. Its the least I can do. </em>Derek put a few more logs on the fire to keep it burning through the night. Then he sat close to Thomas and went deep into meditation. With the level of the skill, <strong>Greater Meditation </strong>was much more refreshing than sleeping.


    Time passed as the two rested through the night. Only the crackling of the fire could be hearding from the camp. Eventually, the sun broke over the horizon. A new day had begun.


    Derek had been deep in meditation, but with his new upgrade, he could still maintain awareness of his surroundings. He had heard some rustling through the night, but the noise never grew any louder, so he never confronted whatever it was.


    Derek opened his eyes to look at the remains of the fire. He had not fed it all night, and there was not much left other than hot coals. As the fire dimmed, the rustling had gotten louder, with the fire now out, Derek knew that whatever creature was in the forest would no longer stay back. Derek closed his eyes and concentrated on his hearing. <em>I really cant tell if my old <strong>Enhanced Perception </strong>skill is working or not. Ive never been able to test it since unlocking it during my time in the void. Maybe I need to find some type of perception based skill in this system. Though, my perception has always been good, so its really not a priority.</em>


    Derek listened as the rustling stopped and lumbering footsteps started approaching. He opened his eyes and saw that Thomas was stirring awake. Hey kid, Derek said. You sleep well? You were really out of itst night. Thomass eyes were open and he sat up, just noticing that he was in a sleeping bag. His mouth moved as he was about to answer, but his eyes widened and he was unable to get anything toe out.


    Derek grinned as he knew that Thomas had seen whatever creature was stalking them. He finally turned to see a giant bear creeping towards them, about 25 meters away. Something was off about the bear, as it looked sickly. Derek decided to test his <strong>Identify </strong>skill on the bear and see if the bear was close enough to be identified.


    Dark Bear(Diseased)


    Level 48


    A Dark Bear native to the forest. A disease has set in, and it is slowly converting into an undying species.


    <em>Ew. So something is fucking with the forest and causing disease to everything in it. </em>Derek summoned his ive, stood up, and began walking towards the bear. Being provoked by Derek, the Dark Bear roared and began its charge. Derek moved faster, getting within reach of the bear.


    The bear swung its wed paw at Dereks armored chest. Ducking under the swing to avoid getting a scratch on his armor, Derek moved behind the bear. Without looking, Derek swung his ive in an upward arc, feeling it bite into something, then release. He turned to look at his work.


    The head of the Dark Bearnded before its body even had a chance to fall. <em>If this thing is going to turn into a zombie soon, you gotta go for the head. </em>Derek walked over to the motionless head and ran his ive through its brain. Double-tap bitches. Derek said, remembering some of his favorite movies back on Earth.


    Derek viewed the notifications he received after beheading the bear.


    You have killed level 48 Dark Bear(Diseased)


    277 Experience Gained


    Level Up


    Level Up


    90/169 Experience to Next Level


    Derek was now a level 5, 79 experience away from level 6.


    Derek unsummoned his ive and walked back over and sat by Thomas. Hey, Tommy. Whats the deal with this forest? That bear was diseased, and my skill said that it was in the process of turning into an undying creature.


    Thomas was shocked. He had heard people talking about the strange things happening to the forest, but never thought it was affecting the monsters too. You said that it was changing to undying? Thats bad, real bad. Thomas clenched his fists. If thats true, then none of the viges by the forest are safe. Thomas was thinking about his own vige. It was not too close to the forest, but it was not far enough away to be unaffected. And his friends from the other viges would be doomed.


    Ok, but how has it gotten this bad without anyone knowing what was going on? Surely the forest didnt die overnight. Derek could not understand how the viges could let this happen without investigating the problem.


    Its not that nobody noticed. The forest has been getting bad slowly since before I was born. Years ago, Torith sent some high level adventurers to investigate, but they didnt find anything. They just said that it seemed like the forest was dying naturally and would eventuallypletely die off Thomas answered.


    Torith? Derek asked.


    Torith is the name of the city closest to the forest and viges. If we absolutely need to go into a city, Torith is where we go. It is still so far away that it takes months of travel just to get there and back. Ive never been there, but my grandpa went there with my father when he was young. Thomas stopped talking for a moment, thinking about what his grandpa had told him. Also, the city is named after the lord and his family. Malcolm Torith is the current city lord.


    <em>Sounds like some adventurers didnt take this job very seriously. </em>If all the creatures turn undying, how will it affect the city? Derek asked.


    It will affect all of the viges anywhere near the forest. Those people will probably journey to the city to look for help. There already isnt enough room in the city, so with all the people moving there, it should get worse. Thomas said. It will probably be bad on the city lords reputation if others find out what happened to a forest in his domain. He wouldnt care about the starving people in the city, but a hit to his reputation would anger him.


    Do you know of how something like this happens? Derek asked Thomas.


    I dont. Youll have to ask my grandpa or an elder from another vige, they may know. Thomas was not sure of a cause. He had only heard stories of undying creatures before, never thinking that he may have to experience it firsthand.


    Well, we cant do anything right now anyway, no use in worrying about it. Derek put the undying creature out of his mind for now. Well leave soon to look for a vige, then we can get you home. But first. Derek pulled a mirror out from his spacial bracelet.


    Holy shit! Derek could not help to shout at the figure staring back at him through the mirror. How are you even talking to me when I look like this? Why didnt you say anything? He was a mess, literally. His hair went everywhere and his beard looked like a birds nest. He was still surprised that there were not any grey streaks in his hair though.


    Derek looked at the kid. First things first. Derek summoned a small ck device with an odd de on the end. He used <strong>Identify </strong>to make sure it still worked.


    Mana Clippers


    Attack


    Durability


    5


    120/125


    An unknown magical weapon made by an unknown cksmith.


    Costs 5 mana per minute to use


    Kid, you got mana right? Derek asked.


    Yeah, I have the base 10 wisdom that gives everyone 100 mana. Why, what is that? Thomas replied.


    This is a magic weapon, it costs 5 mana per minute to use. You can use magic weapons as a level 0 right? Derek answered and asked another question.


    Yeah, it should be no problem. Thomas was confused again. <em>It seems like Ive spent more time being confused with this man that I have the entire rest of my life.</em>


    Good, catch. Derek threw the Mana Clippers over to Thomas. Now channel your mana into the weapon.


    Thomas did as told and the de on the end started glowing blue and vibrating. <em>Is he giving me this magic weapon to defend myself? Magic weapons cost so much, even the basic ones. </em>Thomas could not help getting excited. He was holding a magic weapon, his grandparents had never even held a magic weapon before.


    Now, think about the guard on the back of the de leaving about 8 millimeters. Derek gave Thomas instructions.


    Thomas focused on what Derek said and to his surprise, the odd attachment on the de moved forward, covering the de.


    Good, nowe stand behind me. Derekmanded.


    Thomas did as told again.


    Alright, now, run the clippers through my hair and give me a haircut. Derek finally told Thomas what he was doing.


    Thomas stumbled, almost falling. You said haircut? He asked.


    Yes, those are hair clippers, I never leave home without them. Now, get cutting, move from front to back until my hair is all the same length. Derek said.


    Thomas gave in. <em>All that excitement and expectation, and now Im just a glorified hairdresser. </em>Thomas did not know whether he shouldugh or cry. He ran the clippers through Dereks hair and the hair fell off smoothly, leaving all that remained the same length.


    Although he thought doing this was rather demeaning, especially after the buildup, Thomas could not help but be fascinated at how the magical weapon worked. He was entranced seeing the guarded de glide through the mans unkempt hair and leaving only a small but perfectly even amount of coal ck hair on the mans head.


    Thomas did not know how long had passed, but when next he looked down, he was finished. The mans hair was all 8 millimeters long.


    Good, now give me the clippers back. Derek demanded.


    Thomas reluctantly handed the magic weapon back to Derek. <em>How amazing was that? That is so much easier than using a de to cut hair. What else does this man have in that storage device? </em>Thomas wondered.


    Derek reactivated the clippers and handed Thomas the mirror. Here, hold this in front of me and be still. He said.


    Thomas epted the mirror and did as asked.


    <em>Cant trust the kid not to fuck up my beard, I got to do this myself. </em>Derek took the clippers and cut his beard off, leaving a small amount covering his face. Then he changed the guard length and cut at it some more. <em>I love having high Dexterity. </em>Derek mused. Soon after, his face was shaven and only a stylish beard remained, Derek never being one for a mustache. Alright kid, good job. Give me the mirror back.


    Thomas was spaced out, not hearing Derek. He was staring at apletely different person sitting in front of him. He just realized that Derek was young. <em>Hes not even as old as my father would have been. </em>Derek repeated himself and Thomas broke out of his trance. Yes, here. He stammered as he passed the mirror back to Derek.


    Thanks. Now I just need to find a river for a bath, then we can get you home. Derek put everything back into his spacial bracelet, sleeping bag included. "Come on, let''s go."

 Chapter 9: Through the Forest

    Chapter 9: Through the Forest


    Thomas stood up beside Derek, ready to finally be able to go home. He missed his vige and couldnt imagine how distraught his grandma would be after learning of his disappearance. Derek began walking and he followed.


    Derek stopped. Uh, kid Which way to your vige? Derek just realized that he had no clue as to where they were going.


    I dont know. I think that way goes deeper into the forest though. Thomas pointed to the side of the clearing with the diseased trees and bushes. The wolf chased me off of the top of a hill, then I walked down this clearing for a long time before I saw you. Thomas motioned to the hill side as he spoke.


    Alright, so up the hill we go. Derek said.


    Thomas looked at the hill. <em>Its more like a cliff, we cant climb it. </em>Are we going to look for a way around? Or try to find a spot that isnt as steep? Thomas questioned.


    Suddenly, Thomas heard Derek shout, Yoink! Then he was in the air. He looked down, only to see the ground getting further and further away. <em>Hes actually climbing the hill. </em>This ride was jarring to say the least, finally unable to stand it, Thomas closed his eyes and tried to ignore being tossed around. After a few seconds, the movement stopped. Thomas opened his eyes and looked around. <em>He made it. </em>He thought just before he went freefalling.


    Derek dropped Thomas on the ground. Ok, were on the hill. Which way do we go from here? Derek looked around. <em>Everything in the whole damn forest looks the same. Well, I guess thats just how forests work.</em>


    I think if we just head away from the hill, we will eventually make it out of the forest. I dont know how far I ran into the forest, but it cant be that far. Thomas gave Derek somewhat of an answer, wondering the same thing himself.


    Sounds good to me. Lets go. Derek began walking in the direction opposite the cliff-like hill. So, whats the name of this precious vige of yours anyway? Derek asked as Thomas began trudging on behind him.


    Viges dont really have names around here, unlike cities. We usually just call it the vige or our vige. The viges are really small, only a couple hundred people in all. But, if people are looking for it specifically, they tend to identify it by the vige chief. Right now, Rayna is the vige chief, so it could be called Rayna Vige, I guess. A decade ago the chief was Darius, but he died in the forest. The names change, but if you know or knew any of the previous chiefs, you would be able to find it. Thomas gave a lengthy response.


    Jesus, why not just pick a name and stay with it? Derek could not help but criticize the way they named their viges.


    Well, were not allowed to have an official name, so thats just how its always been. The strongest person in the vige is chief, and the vige bes known as theirs. Its only fair since the chief will be the person protecting the people the most. Thomas spoke like it wasmon and there was not anything to talk about.


    So, this Rayna, is he strong? What level is he? What ss? Derek got a little excited about meeting a strong person from this new world.


    Rayna is a she. She is very strong, maybe stronger than you. Last I heard, she had already leveled up to 30. Also, asking about sses is rude. People like to keep their sses secret, even though it''s likely that they have the samemon ss as millions of others. Thomas corrected Derek. He had an almost reverent look in his eyes when talking about Rayna.


    Derek was confused. <em>I literally just killed a level 53 wolf and a level 48 bear, how could this kid think that a person thats level 30 could possibly be stronger than me. </em>Tommy, why would you think that this Rayna is stronger than me? You did see the wolf and the bear, right? Derek asked.


    Well yeah, but wolves and bears aremon. Im sure Rayna killed dozens of wolves while guarding our vige before bing vige chief. Thomas acted like wolves were amon urrence.


    <em>A level 30 being able to kill level 50 creatures? Thats interesting, maybe meeting her will be worth it after all. But how is she only a level 30? </em>Derek pondered, then asked. If shes killed so many level 50 creatures, why is she only a level 30? I know that gaining experience is hard, but fighting that many higher leveled creatures should a lot of levels, right? He decided to just ask Thomas instead of wasting brain cells thinking about it.


    Thomas stopped in his tracks. Hearing the footsteps behind hime to an abrupt halt, Derek turned, only to see Thomas staring at him with his eyes wide. <em>I swear, every time we talk, he stops mid conversation and gives me this same dumbass deer in the headlights look. </em>What is it this time?


    Y-you said level 50 creature? Thomas gulped. What do you mean level 50? The wolves are always level 10, or level 15 at the most powerful. Thomas could not believe what he was hearing.


    Hmm? No, that Forest Wolf was like, level 53, I think. And that Dark Bear I killed this morning was level 48. Derek said nonchntly.


    Thats impossible! This has never been a high level forest. Sure, the closer you get to the center, the higher the level of the monsters get, but theres no way were that deep into the forest. Besides, the wolf that chased me was near the edge of the forest. Ive never heard of a creature at the edge of the forest being above level 20. Thomas frantically exined to Derek, still staring at him like he was a monster.


    Well, I dont know what to tell you kid. The bear and wolf were both around level 50. Maybe it has something to do with the disease thats spreading. The wolf wasnt diseased by the way, maybe it was at the edge of the forest so it could avoid bing sick. Derek thought that this was the only rational exnation as to why a creature of that level would be roaming around the outer skirts of the forest.


    If thats true, then we need to hurry. I have to warn the vige chief. If stronger monsters start appearing outside the forest, then the traders will be in danger. Thomas no longer stood still staring at Derek, now he was running in front unable to stay calm.


    Woah there kid. Derek caught Thomas by his cor, halting his movement. We arent going to get anywhere if you run ahead and get yourself killed. Besides, you dont have the Stamina to keep that pace, youll be exhausted in minutes. You have to remember that slow and steady is oftentimes faster than sprinting. Derek reassured Thomas that everything would be OK as long as they made steady progress.


    Like this, the two ventured through the forest. They passed dying nts and trees, but weirdly, they never passed any more monsters. It was an oddly silent journey. As they continued, the flora slowly looked as if it was regaining life. Seemingly confirming that whatever was happening to the forest was happening from deep within.


    <em>Its no wonder that healthy monsters would run to the edge of the forest. Its not nearly as affected as deeper within. </em>Derek was musing to himself when he finally heard what he had been hoping for, the sound of water running, crashing against rocks. He had finally found a river, or stream.


    Lets go! Derek shouted at the boy, picked him up and took off towards the sounds of flowing water.


    Ahh! Thomass breath was taken away due to the unexpected loss of ground and change of pace.


    Soon, they were at the river. <em>Its small, but it will do. </em>Derek dropped Thomas. Stay here. Hemanded as he approached the flowing river.


    Thomas watched as Derek moved away from him. Suddenly, the ck armor on Dereks body disappeared, revealing a ck shirt and blue pants. Then, those clothes also disappeared, showing Dereks toned back muscles. But what Thomas was focused on was the scars. <em>Why does he have scars? With a healer, wounds wont even leave scars, and even after a wound is scarred, a healer can still remove them. </em>Eventually, Thomas chalked it up to another oddity of the man.


    Derek hopped into the river and scrubbed the years away. <em>My first bath in I dont know how long. </em>The refreshed feeling that the cleaning brought Derek was unlike anything hed felt before.


    As Thomas watched Derek bathe, he began to look over himself. He noticed all the dirt and grime he picked up over thest few days. <em>Maybe I should jump in too. </em>Thomas walked toward the river, nning to go in.


    Derek noticed Thomas. Stop! He yelled, and Thomas stopped, giving him an inquiring gaze. Derek reached down and pulled a fish out of the water. It was only the size of a palm, but had razor-like teeth. I dont think you could handlepany. Derek teased.


    The boy scampered backwards, away from the water. Derekughed. Its OK. Derek began walking from the river, on his way, he summoned arge bucket and filled it with water. When he arrived close to Thomas he sat it down and said, Use this.


    Thomas did a quick wash and they were ready to head out again. Derek smiled at Thomas. Who knew that you would actually be blonde? It was the first time Derek had seen Thomas without mud dying his hair. Thomass clothing could still use a good wash, but there was nothing they could do about it right now. This time, Derek kept his armor inside his bracelet, opting to wear just his t-shirt and jeans. From what he had gathered, there couldnt be many creatures in the forest that would be able to harm him, and he did not want to give up his newly foundfort.


    The two continued their travel through the forest. At night, they set up camp and slept, then continued the next morning. At midday they finally came to the end of the forest. Thomas was beside himself with joy. <em>I can finally go home!</em>

 Chapter 10: Escape

    Chapter 10: Escape


    Brandi was walking home with her mother who was carrying a basket of wet clothing. They had recently finished washing their clothes in the stream at the back side of the vige. Do you think that dad and Chief Leon will have a good hunt? She was always worried when her father went out on hunting trips. Sometimes, he would be gone for days, when that happened, the anxiety and stress would set in. But he always came back.


    They just went out this morning, Im sure they will be back with meat and skins, like always. Brandis mother tried not to show her worry. But she had noticed the monsters around the edge of the forest were growing in number and bing more aggressive.


    The duo made it home and began hanging their clothes to dry. We really do need more skins. Our old ones are getting worn down, maybe they will hunt a bear this time. Brandi was excited at the chance to help work on making new leathers.


    Brandi had just recently unlocked the Great System. She used her one skill point she earned on the Leatherworking skill. She was lucky to receive the extra skill point at all, so she wanted to pick a skill that would help the rest of the vige. If she could help make leather armor for the hunters, she would be doing her part for the vige.


    Brandi was a squeamish little girl, and the sight of blood churned her stomach. She was unable to eat for the entire day after she had to kill the level 10 bunny. It did not help that the bunny was cute and fluffy. It also looked like the stuffed animal that she had been sleeping with since she was seven.


    Do you think daddy will let me tan the hide on anything they hunt? I want to increase my skill so I can help more. Brandi asked her mother, hoping she would help talk her father into letting her help.


    That depends, are you willing to skin the animal too? That can be considered a part of Leatherworking. Her mother jested, looking to see what kind of reaction the girl would give.


    Of course, Brandi lost all color thinking about having to deal with an animal carcass. Momma, do you think that I should have spent my skill point on something else? I only wanted to help, but wasnt thinking about having to touch dead animals. Brandi was worried that she had wasted a skill point now.


    Her mother giggled. You will be fine dear, you will grow used to itter. Almost every little girl has the same reaction to killing monsters for the first time. It didnt help that your dad had to find the cutest level 10 beast Ive ever seen either. She and her husband had fought about him bringing back the bunny, but she conceded that it was not simple to find such an easy level 10 creature to kill.


    She continued. But dont worry, I threw up and was unable to eat after my first kill too. Now look at me, I handle it fine. I guess thats what happens when you marry a hunter. Brandis mother seemed genuinely happy when talking about her husband.


    As the two were talking, they heard a loud crash. They looked in the direction of the sound, only to see the front gate swinging closed and some of the vigers straining to keep it closed. Then, Brandi could see a man running towards them, blood running down his chest.


    Daddy! Brandi yelled out, seeing that the injured man was her father.


    Mal! Take Brandi, gather the other non-fighters and group up at the back of the vige. Brandis father had no time to calm Brandi as he directed his wife, Malorie.


    What happened? Malorie asked as she ran inside to get a medicinal salve to help her husbands wounds.


    No time to exin, but beasts are attacking. Do what I said and someone will meet you to let you know what to do next. He took the salve, smiled towards Brandi, then ran back to the front of the vige.


    Malorie picked Brandi up and took off running in the opposite direction of her husband, not willing to question her husband any further.


    While being carried, Brandi still had a good view of the front of the vige, specifically the closed gate. She could see her father meeting up with another man. <em>Chief Leon. </em>Brandi was able to recognize the chief of the vigeing into view from the right side of the gate. He looked as bad, if not worse than her father had looked when he found them.


    Mom! Its Chief Leon, hes hurt too! Brandi let her mother know about her worries. Dad said that there are beasts, do you think theres a lot?


    Im sure everything will be fine. Malorie said to herself more than to her daughter. <em>If its bad enough to have all of us move to the back of the vige, either there are way more monsters than they can handle, or there are high levels. </em>Im sure Chief Leon and your father will be able to handle whatever happens. Malorie said, trying to keep Brandi from worrying.


    Soon, the duo arrived at the back of the vige with others who were already waiting. Malorie noticed that Sana, the wife of Chief Leon, was among those already there. Sana, did Leon tell you anything? All that Travis said before running off was that there was a beast attack. Malorie exined.


    Leon said that there were at least 30 beasts attacking, possibly more. All from the forest anding at the front gate. Leon thinks that the beasts are all around level 20. He wants us all to gather here in case we need to slip out of the back and try to get away. What she did not say was that there was no way they would be able to defend the vige and that Leon, Travis, and the others were there to try to buy enough time for the others to escape.


    Malorie knew what Sana was implying. She felt a wave of sadness wash over her, but did her best to hide it from Brandi and the other kids. When do we leave and where are we going. She asked.


    Marshall will be here soon, he will guide us away from the vige and the beasts. If possible, we will go towards Raynas vige, she should be strong enough to help. If we cant make it to Rayna, then well go to Phillips vige since its not much further away. Sana exined the n to everyone there. Right now, we need to gather enough water tost us, but not more than we can carry.


    Everyone went and collected water while waiting for Marshall to arrive. Brandi could hear all the older people whispering to each other. Her worry for her father grew greater and greater with every passing second.


    Finally, after waiting for what seemed like ages, Brandi saw Marshal heading their way. Brandi picked up a small water skin to carry and joined everyone else.


    Quiet everyone! Marshall yelled, but in a hushed tone. The murmurs and whispers came to an instant halt. Ok, listen. Chief Leon and the other hunters are doing what they can to keep the gate closed. A few of the smaller, more agile monsters have been able to jump the gate, but they were taken care of. If it keeps going like this, they may be able to whittle them down and get away. Marshall was trying to boost the morale of everyone there. Higher morale meant moving faster.


    Still, we are going to go ahead and escape to Raynas vige. If we move fast enough and there are no problems, we should be able to get there in less than a week. Marshalls gaze shifted to the adults. I know this group doesnt have many fighters, but some of you are decent. I will do my best to escort everyone, but if needed, you may have to help. Marshall looked at Sana and Malorie and nodded. They nodded back in understanding, making sure their small, but able weapons were fastened tightly to their bodies.


    Noticing that everybody was as ready as they were going to get, Marshall moved to the small exit gate and opened it. Alright everyone. Its as clear as its going to get. Its now or never, lets go. Marshal was the first out of the gate. He continued to keep a vignt eye on his surroundings, in hopes that his small band of escapees made it out alive.


    The group of vigers kept a brisk, but quiet pace as they escaped. Soon, they were a good distance away from the vige. The fighting was bing barely audible.


    Finally, unable to take it anymore, Brandi whispered to her mother. Mom, is daddy going to be OK? Hell make it back to us, right? Brandi was visibly distressed.


    Hell catch up to us, now hush. Malorie knew that the chance of survival for the others was low, especially with the number of monsters that were said to be attacking. All she could do to not think about it was push forward.


    The group kept moving and time passed. Once they were a few kilometers away from the vige, the tension started easing. With the tension gone, the gloom began to set in. All the adults had alreadye to the conclusion that those left behind would probably not make it back. So, though the tension had lessened, the quiet march continued.


    It went like this for hours until one of the older female vigers finally dropped to her knees and began hyperventting. Theyre gone, theyre all gone! She cried out. Andrew, Jack, theyre dead, both dead. Both her son and her husband were left back at the vige. They had stayed behind to give the escapees a chance at survival. The hours of silently thinking about them had finally broken her.


    With the older womans cries, others began to break. The children started crying out. Brandi was doing her best to stay strong and believe in her father and Chief Leon, but with the adults breaking down, it was all she could do to hold back her tears. The morale was broken and the quiet escape had turned into a sad trudge.


    The group was no longer in silence. Marshall was walking at the front with a frown, his eyes and ears listening for anything abnormal. He heard a rustle from the forest in the distance. When he turned, he saw two wolves break out of the tree line and dart to their group.


    Everybody behind me! Marshall yelled as he unsheathed his sword. He took a fighting stance, ready to confront his assants. But, just as the two wolves drew near, two more appeared. Weve got four wolvesing our way, Ill hold them off, run! Marshall decided.


    Marshall lunged forward at the leading wolf, thrusting his sword. It connected. The sword went through the right shoulder of the wolf. When his momentum stopped, Marshall pulled the de out, ripping through the skin of the wolf. <em>Theyre not too high of a level, I may be able to do this. </em>Seeing that his sword was able to do a moderate amount of damage, Marshall was relieved.


    Malorie was carrying Brandi as she sprinted away from the battle. asionally, she would take a nce at what was happening behind her. When she saw that Marshall was not being overrun, she let out a breath. Then, to her horror, another wolf came out from the tree line, and it was much bigger than the four before.


    Sana also saw this sight at the same time. They nced at one another, an agreement made. Malorie put Brandi on the ground, giving her a sad smile in the process. You run ahead, were going to help Marshall. Well catch up.


    No! Im not leaving. Brandi refused to leave without her mother.


    Be a good girl and go. Youll only make it harder on us if you stay. Malories tone got heavier as shemanded Brandi. Now! She yelled.


    Brandi sniffled a few times, but, in the end, turned to run toward the rest of the group.


    Lets go! Sana said, and the duo ran back towards Marshall.


    Not long after the group broke apart, Brandi saw two figures in the distance, one big, one small. After some time, she was able to make out one of the figures. Thomas! She yelled.

 Chapter 11: Become an Asshole

    Chapter 11: Be an Asshole


    Derek and Thomas stepped out of the forest. After traveling alone for days, then longer with Derek, Thomas finally felt that he would actually make it home. The wave of relief that washed over him was substantial.


    Which way now? Derek asked Thomas.


    Honestly, I dont think it matters. As long as we follow the tree line, were bound to end up at a vige. From there, we can get directions to my vige. Thomas was not sure which way would be faster, but he did not care. He knew that he would eventually be home. I guess lets just go this way. Thomas turned to his left and started walking.


    Fine by me. Derek had not made any ns since arriving in this new world, so it made no difference whether he wasted some time or not. He was in no hurry.


    As they traveled, Derek and Thomas talked about some less personal things. Thomas had realized early that Derek did not want to talk about where he hade from. Derek would asionally get caught up talking about something he enjoyed, but other topics were of no interest and he did not enjoy small talk. He had just about fished out as much information from the 12 year old boy as he could.


    After a while, the duo just walked in silence.


    Derek, ever vignt, noticed some silhouettes approaching them. He was unsure if it was monsters, or people. Hey kid, were going to havepany soon, stay a couple steps behind me just in case they arent friendly. Derek motioned at the iing figures.


    Thomas squinted, but he was unable to see any of the figures that Derek had mentioned. Still, he kept his eyes trained in that direction. Soon, though, he was able to make out the shadowy figures. I see them. He let Derek know.


    They arent monsters. Theyre human. Thomas was barely able to see anything while Derek had already identified them as human. Looks like a small group, maybe traders? There were around 15 people that Derek could make out. No, wait. Seems that the group is mostly non-fighters and children. He noticed the groupsposition as they drew closer.


    One thing that the duo both noticed was that the other group was getting closer at a rapid pace. They are moving fast. Maybe running from something, or towards something. Derek picked up his pace, and the two moved closer.


    As the figures became clearer to Thomas, he realized some things about the group. They look familiar, I think I know them. Thomas told Derek his suspicions. I think they are people from Leons vige. His spection was proven correct when he saw a small, tan girl with dark hair running mid pack. <em>What is Brandi doing all the way out here? And where are her parents? </em>Thomas wondered.


    At the same time that Thomas noticed the girl, she noticed him as well. Thomas! The little girl yelled from a distance. Then, she sped past the rest of the group.


    A friend of yours? Derek asked the boy while motioning to the dark haired girl.


    Instead of replying to Derek, Thomas yelled, Brandi! Then ran forward to meet her.


    Derek kept pace with Thomas, not letting him get a dangerous distance away. He had promised to take Thomas home safely, and he was going to do just that.


    Thomas and Brandi met and questions began pouring out of the boys mouth. Why are you out here? Where are your parents? Where are the hunters? Why arent they escorting you? Thomas voiced his concerns, not bothering to take a breath in between questions.


    Daddy, he hes at home. Momma, she she Brandi was already crying and Thomas could not make out what she was trying to tell him.


    Fortunately, one of the women in the group caught up not long after Brandi. She ignored Thomas, instead looking at the weirdly dressed young man beside him. She sighed, then spoke. Our vige was attacked by a horde of monsters. All the hunters and fighters stayed back to let us escape. She paused for a second to catch her breath, then continued. But we dont have time right now, we have to run. Marshall, Mal, and Sana are behind us holding off a pack of wolves. We need to go. Now! She motioned behind her, then waited for the rest of the group to catch up.


    Hearing what the woman said, Thomas looked to Derek, his plea showing in his eyes.


    Fine, Ill go. Be right back. Derek said and started walking through the group.


    Wait! The woman from before yelled. Youll die, we need to run.


    Thomas, having as much faith as possible in Derek, told the woman. Its OK, hes much stronger than he looks.


    Once he was through the group, Derek began running. He followed the trail left by the group, and not long after, he could see, and hear, the battle.


    In front of him were two women and a man. The women were each fending off two small wolves, while the man was fighting against a bigger wolf. As he studied the battle, he soon came to the conclusion that, though they were holding their own, eventually, the man would no longer be able to hold the bigger wolf back. Once the man lost his footing, their efforts would copse like a house of cards.


    He moved into the battle. Instead of jumping in, he yelled at the fighters. You mind if I join in? He still had suffered kill steals before, and though the group looked to be losing, and badly, he still asked, as they were not currently in immediate danger.


    Marshall quickly nced Dereks way, not knowing when the odd looking young man had arrived. Help would be much appreciated. Marshall did not turn him down.


    K. Was all that Derek said. He summed a dagger from his bracelet and charged towards the bigger of the five wolves.


    Marshall, seeing the man charge towards the alpha wolf, jumped back. <em>Hes fast. </em>Was all Marshall could think before the man inserted his dagger into the unsuspecting beast. The wolf did not make a sound as it fell to the ground, never moving again.


    You want to go help those two? The experience is probably good for them, so I wont interfere unless you want. Derek pointed to the two women and remaining wolves.


    No, we dont have time. We need to end this as quickly as possible. Marshall said.


    Suit yourself. Derek took his bloody dagger by the de, aimed and tossed it at one of the wolves that the woman on the left was fighting. He summoned another dagger immediately and tossed it toward a wolf on the right side.


    The daggers hit. Prating the wolves necks at the base of the skull. Severing their spines almost simultaneously. The wolves fell, leaving both women fighting one on one.


    Think thats good enough. Derek smiled at Marshall. Marshall, on the other hand, could only stare at Derek, before nodding.


    Malorie was fighting against the wolf that had already been maimed by Marshall, so, after Derek took care of the healthy wolf, she made short work of the other. After she killed her wolf, she ran to the wolf that Sana was fighting and the two women overwhelmed it. It was not long before it was no longer moving.


    OK, lets get back to your group now. Derekmanded.


    Not saying anything to the neer, the three could only follow him. Before long, the four returned to the refugees. The little girl broke out of the group again, this time yelling, Mommy!


    Im fine. Were fine. Sheforted her daughter.


    Alright, well, Im taking this kid back to his vige. Youre all wee to join us. We needed a guide anyway. Derek pointed at Thomas before motioning to Marshall.


    Derek. Their vige. Thomas looked at Derek with pleading eyes.


    I said I would take you home. I didnt say I would go out of my way to try to save an already destroyed vige, besides. Derek looked at Marshall. How long has it been since your vige was attacked?


    Marshall looked at his feet, knowing what Derek meant. Hours. Was all he answered.


    Derek looked back at Thomas. You see, even their own people dont think that anyone is left alive. Not to mention the time it would take for us to get there.


    Derek did not sugarcoat anything he said. Also, with what we know about the condition of the forest, it would be in everyones best interest to stay away from border viges.


    This caught the attention of the rest of the group. Sana looked to Derek. What do you mean? Did you figure out whats wrong with the forest?


    Ill exin it all one time, and to Rayna. No point in exining it over and over. Derek brushed off her questions. He was only talking to Thomas at this time.


    Thomas was deep in thought. He knew that it was all but futile to go back to the vige. But, everytime he looked at Brandi in her mothers arms, now crying, he could not help but want to go back.


    Finally, his eyes firm, he looked to Derek. We should go anyway. Someone could still be alive. They could be hiding in the vige. Theres always a chance.


    Boy, that heroplex is going to get you killed some day. Derek grinned. You said we should go. Are you going to fight too? Can everyone here help me fight a horde of monsters? No, Ill be the one fighting. He paused. I saved you in the forest, you helped me a little, so I promised to take you home. Thats the end of our contract.


    Do you know why Im so strong? Why Im even still alive? Its because I dont rely on others, and I dont do stupid heroic deeds. All of my near death experiences havee from sticking my nose where it doesnt belong. Derek exined to Thomas. Everyone was now looking at the two as they argued.


    That doesnt matter! Youre strong now, you should help people. The rational Thomas was now showing his emotions.


    Spoken like a true 12 year old. Derek scoffed.


    Hearing that, Thomas calmed, but did not back down. So what if youll be the only fighter, you wont be risking your life. Nothing that attacked their vige would be able to harm you. You''re just being an asshole!


    Ah, yes. Assholes live in this world, heroes die. One day, I hope you can be a proper asshole. Derek had already nned on going to the vige if asked, but he wanted to teach Thomas a lesson before that. There was no denying that he was an asshole, but he had a soft spot for the kid.


    Thomas shut up. He did not know how to respond. He looked at Brandi, then at the ground, tears threatening his eyes.


    Derek put his hand on Thomass shoulder. Be an asshole, get strong, then be a hero. You cant save others if youre already dead. He picked Thomas up and threw him over his shoulder.


    Wha what are you doing? Thomas screeched.


    Were going to save whats left of the vige. Derek held Thomas close and started running in the direction of the vige.


    The others looked in awe as the duo disappeared in the distance. Not believing how fast they were going.

 Chapter 12: Bloody Village

    Chapter 12: Bloody Vige


    Thomas had never experienced such a feeling. The scenery was flying by, he could barely make out the trees andndmarks they passed. Somehow, he was able to keep conscious throughout the entire trip.


    Soon, Derek came to a halt. They had arrived a short distance from the vige. Thomas felt his feet on the ground and staggered, trying to remain standing.


    Look. Derek pointed to the vige in front. You wanted toe here, so here we are. What do you see?


    Thomas looked ahead at the vige, the sounds of fighting that he expected were unheard. He realized that Derek was right, they were toote. There are no sounds. Its quiet for a vige just attacked by monsters. Maybe somebody is alive inside. He still had some hope left.


    Derek had a much higher perception than a regr person. He could hear the beasts roaming around inside the vige. He was unable to count how many, but he knew that there were a lot. Im going to take you to the front. Then, Im going to go in and clear out whats inside. Derek picked Thomas back up and took him to the broken gate at the front of the vige.


    When Thomas caught a glimpse of what was inside, he was disgusted and shocked. His face went shades lighter and he began to retch. It was a mess, a bloody mess. Not only was there blood and body parts of wolves, bears, and other forest creatures, there was an asional arm or leg of a human being gnawed on by the remaining monsters.


    He finally knew why Derek did not want to go with all the others, and why he brought Thomas along. <em>He knew that it was going to be like this, and he wanted me to see it. </em>Thomas was smart for a boy not quite 13, and realized Dereks intentions as soon as he was able to think again, after seeing the gruesome sight.


    This is what happens when youre not strong enough. Theres no saving this vige anymore, just recovering whats left. Derek looked at Thomas, then at his bracelet. Here, wear this while I go take care of whatevers left in there. Derek summoned his ck armor and had Thomas put the ill fitting gear on. It was quiteical seeing the twelve year old boy in a set of armor many sizes too big for him, but Derek stayed serious.


    This too. He summoned his helm and pushed it down onto Thomass head. Once the full set was on Thomas, Derek patted his head. I dont think theres anything around here that can hurt you in my armor. You should be safe while I go clean up. At least safer than staying behind with a group that cant even handle a few wolf pups.


    Derek started walking into the vige. <em>At least Ill get some experience, if nothing else. </em>Derek looked down and saw his shirt that he had brought from home. <em>No sense in ruining one of the few t-shirts I have left. </em>He was not worried about anything hurting him with his current Vitality, so he moved his shirt into his bracelet. He looked at his jeans. <em>Nope, not fighting in my boxers, its a sacrifice Ill have to make. </em>Heughed to himself and summoned his ive.


    Derek surveyed his surroundings and used Identify on the creatures around him. <em>Well, the highest level is 27, but it seems like most are in the low 20s. How are people who live around here not strong enough to deal with these beasts? Have they gottencent having this system for so long? Is there no sense of urgency? </em>Derek had many questions and concerns, but they were for ater date.


    From Thomass perspective, he saw Derek walk forward and remove his shirt, revealing his scarred back once again. <em>Why did he do that? Some bonus for fighting unarmored? </em>Thomas wondered. Then he saw Dereks ive appear in his hands while he was scanning his surroundings. Derek stilled then started shaking his head. <em>Is he disappointed? </em>Thomas could almost feel the disappointment radiating off of Derek, but he could not understand it.


    Derek went straight for the level 27 bear he had found earlier. Once beside it, he swung his ive vertically once and continued on to his next victim. Before the first monster had a chance to die, another was sent packing.


    As Thomas watched Derek make quick work of the enemies within the vige, he understood something about himself. He wanted to be strong, like Derek. He wanted to be able to protect his loved ones and others that needed it. But, he did not know how. Looking at Derek, he found his answer. He would need to adventure to get stronger, he could not just stay in his vige, ying a monster here and there while guarding vigers. He needed to seek danger, seek monsters to hunt.


    As Derek mopped up the remaining monsters, he did his best to avoid being spattered with the blood from his foes. He seeded for the most part, only being hit with the asional droplet that came from swinging his ive. Derek rushed for thest remaining monster, driving his de through the skull of the unsuspecting bunny.


    After Derek finished his tasks, he could see the notifications trying to appear. <em>No time for that, Ill check themter. </em>He dismissed the notifications and went back to the gate to fetch Thomas. <em>Im going to have to look into getting some new shoes once I find a proper city. </em>His boots were fine, but as they were part of his armor, they did not provide muchfort.


    Alright boy, now we search. If there is anyone left alive here, well find them. Derek said as he reached Thomas. Stay by me and dont venture off. Thest thing we need is a monster jumping out from a closed door and killing you. He warned.


    After Derek took back his armor, the two began walking down the center of the vige, avoiding the body parts and puddles of blood while looking. They went back and forth between houses, but were unable to find anyone living.


    I dont know kid. Its not looking good. As they got closer to the back of the vige, Derek suspected that no one had been able to hide.


    Lets keep looking. I dont see Chief Leon or Brandis dad anywhere. They were the strongest in the vige, theres still a chance. Thomas did not want to give up.


    As the duo reached the end of the vige, they heard a growling from just outside the back gateway. The two rushed out, Thomas still on Dereks hip. By the stream were two men being attacked by a small wolf. The wolf was snarling and nipping at one of the men. He did his best to hold the wolf off with his forearm, but he was in rough shape.


    Derek threw a dagger and ended the confrontation. He and Thomas made their way towards the two injured vigers.


    The man that was fighting the wolf looked up, confused. Then, recognition seemed to hit him. Thomas! What are you doing here? Run, the vige is under attack. It had not registered to the older man that there was no longer any noiseing from their direction, not to mention that the wolf he was struggling against was taken out so easily.


    Chief Leon! Its OK, me and my friend, Derek, came to help after running into Brandi and the others. Thomas exined. Dont worry, Derek is really strong. He already took care of all the monsters in the vige. Weve been looking for survivors for some time now.


    Leon finally noticed the young man crouched down, digging his dagger out of the deceased wolfs head. Thank you foring. Leon said. Did you find anyone else alive? He could only hope.


    We didnt. Just the two of you. Is he Derek motioned to the man on the ground behind Leon. Is he alive? He asked.


    For now, but I doubt hell make it. A sad glint appeared in Leons eyes. They were finally rescued, but it looked like only he would make it out today.


    Thats Brandis dad, Travis. Thomas recognized the man.


    Derek looked at the man and used <strong>Identify.</strong>


    Human Male


    Level 23


    State: Dying


    Time Remaining: 1hr 15min


    Derek moved his hand over his bracelet, brows furrowed, lost in thought. <em>Hes in a Dying state. Its been awhile since Ivest seen that. </em>Derek looked towards Leon. Hes in a Dying state, do you have a healer or a potion to allow him to recover? Derek had two potions left that could recover someone from a Dying state, but he was hesitant to use one. They were outrageously expensive where he came from, and he did not even know if potions like them existed on this new.


    No. It takes a level 75 Healer to cast <strong>Recovery, </strong>unless its someone with a rarer ss. And, though Ive heard of alchemists being able to create Recovery Potions, you wouldnt be able to find one unless you were in the Capital, even then, you wouldnt be able to buy one with money. Leon answered.


    Hearing this, Derek sighed and fought back the urge to use one of his remaining potions. He had initially been able to afford four potions back on Earth, but since, he had already used two, so he knew better than most how important these potions were, especially to someone like him, who prefers to hunt alone.


    Leon noticed Dereks hesitation, but did not say anything. He knew that they were strangers and if he was in the same position, he would not waste a priceless item on a low leveled viger.


    Thomas also noticed Derek running his hand over his bracelet, but was not sure why.


    Hes got just over an hour left to live. Derek bluntly said. Do you think you can get him conscious? He asked.


    Instead of answering, Leon moved to Travis and gently shook him. He awoke groggily.


    I can run get your wife and daughter to say goodbye if you want, but that is all I can offer. <em>This is all I can do to make up for not using one of the potions. </em>Derek knew that he technically was not doing anything wrong, but it still did not sit well with him.


    The mans eyes lit up and he nodded.


    Put this on again. Derek had Thomas armor up for a second time, not trusting the injured Leon to protect Thomas.


    "Ill be back soon." At the speed he ran with Thomas, they were able to make it in under 30 minutes, so he figured that it would not be a problem to get to the escapees and back in under an hour.


    Derek sped off. While he was gone, Leon tried to get information about Derek from Thomas, but Thomas knew that Derek did not like talking about himself or his past, so he answered as vaguely as possible. Soon, Leon gave up and just looked after Travis.


    Around 45 minutester, Derek returned with a body over each shoulder. The two had just as hard a time getting their feet back under them as Thomas had. Once they caught their bnce, the mother and daughter duo saw Travis and rushed to him.


    Derek went over and lended Leon an arm to help him walk and motioned to Thomas. Lets move over there. The trio moved and left the family alone to say their final goodbyes.

 Chapter 13: Level Up

    Chapter 13: Level Up


    Derek, Leon, and Thomas moved further down the stream to let the grieving mother and daughter have some alone time with their dying loved one. Derek found a small boulder and used it as an impromptu seat. He could tell that Thomas was having a hard time with the scene ying out in front of them. Kid, this happens more than you would think. Its something you will have to get used to if you n on doing anything other than living in one of your viges.


    Derek was not going to coddle Thomas and tell him that everything would be alright, no, he had too much respect for the kid to treat him like one. It doesnt get any easier, ever. You just learn to hide your emotions from others, and yourself, better. I know its harder because they are people you are familiar with, but, unless you go out and die soon, they wont be thest.


    Thomas sighed. I know. I grieved when I realized that my parents were probably nevering back. In some ways, Im even envious that they are getting to say goodbye. This was the first time Thomas had opened up about his parents.


    Derek had a few questions, but decided not to push.<em> Hell tell me about them when hes ready, or not. I guess it doesnt matter, its not my business anyway.</em>


    As the silence resumed, Derek finally decided that it was time to clear out the notifications from the system. He started with the older ones, from the wolves that he helped Marshall, Sana, and Mal with.


    You Have Assisted in Killing level 22 Forest Wolf


    You Have Assisted in Killing level 18 Forest Wolf


    You Have Assisted in Killing level 18 Forest Wolf


    48 Experience Gained


    128/169 Experience to Next Level


    <em>Damn, I guess the shared XP is real with this system. </em>Derek inwardly scoffed at the system''s attempts to make his life harder. <em>I should have gotten full experience for most if not all of the beasts I killed in the vige though.</em> He continued to view the messages.


    You Have Killed level 27 Dark Bear


    You Have Killed level 27 Forest Wolf


    You Have Killed level 24 Razorback


    You Have Killed level 24 Razorback


    You Have Killed level 24 Dark Rabbit


    You Have Killed level 24 Toxic Boa


    You Have Killed level 17 Dark Bunny


    1290 Experience Gained


    Level Up


    Level Up


    Level Up


    Level Up


    Level Up


    375/??? Experience to Next Level (Must Choose ss to Level Beyond 10)


    Derek had killed a total of 32 different monsters in the vige. <em>Not bad, five levels and I need to choose a ss. Damn, this is always the hardest part. Looks like I got the full experience from the wolf gnawing on Leons arm too.</em> Derek decided to check his Status.


    Status


    Name


    Derek Hunt


    Age


    29


    Level


    10 (Choose ss)


    Experience


    375/???


    ss


    N/A (Please Choose)


    Race


    Human (Modified)


    Health


    4000


    Mana


    1950


    Stamina


    4910


    Defense


    49 (Armor + 135)


    Attack


    46 (Weapon + 0)


    Stats


    Strength


    343


    Dexterity


    241


    Endurance


    491


    Vitality


    400


    Intelligence


    203


    Wisdom


    195


    Stat Points Remaining


    90


    Skills


    Greater Meditation Lv 1, Identify Lv 8


    Skill Points Remaining


    0


    Awards


    Giant yer


    Derek really wanted to avoid having to choose a ss currently. He looked around to see if anyone needed him. Thomas and Leon were talking quietly and the family was currently huddled up together, sobbing. <em>Damn, lets do this.</em>


    Derek focused on the ss tab in his Status menu.


    sses


    Abjurer


    Umon


    Acrobat


    Umon


    Aeromancer


    Umon


    ...


    Archer


    Common


    ...


    <em>Holy fucking shit! How can I choose from this many sses, theres got to be over 100 of them. </em>Derek could not believe what he was seeing. When he had been faced with the task of choosing a ss with his previous system, there were only a couple dozen sses, and most weremon, with only a few umon sses. He was very confused.


    He looked over to Leon. <em>I bet hell know something about this. Hes got to have more information than a twelve year old kid.</em> Hey, Leon! Leon turned from his discussion with Thomas to look at Derek. Ive got a few questions for you.


    Whatever you need to know, ask. Its the least I can do for you saving my life. Leon replied curtly.


    OK, if the questions get too personal, let me know and I wont keep poking around. Derek said, wanting to make sure that Leon knew that he had a choice as to whether or not to answer. First, if you dont mind, when you were choosing your first ss, how many different sses did you have avable to choose from? Derek went right to the main issue.


    Leon was confused, not unlike Thomas had been when Derek had asked him about some basic questions. Uh, well, I was a little better than most, I had at least 20 different sses I could choose from when I hit level 10. Leon answered.


    Oh, so 20 is a good amount then? With that answer, Derek was more confused than before. Out of those, how many of them weremon, umon, rare, and the like? Derek got to his next question.


    Rare? I only know of a couple people who have been able to select rare sses, I was extremely lucky to have been able to receive one umon ss. Most people have to settle formon sses their whole life. Leon exined some of the situation to Derek. In fact, even in the big city with the nobles, its considered good to have an umon ss, and youre considered a prodigy if you can unlock a rare ss on your initial selection.


    I see. <em>If thats the case, then whats up with all these different sses and rarities? Finding something suitable is going to take me forever. </em>Say, do you know what the determining factor is when ites to ss selection? Like, why the system would allow some to choose a rare ss while others only getmon?


    Leons eyes opened wide after Derek spoke. He was rmed at Dereks use of the word system. Leon was raised where it had been sphemous to not refer to the system as the Great System. Still, he answered. Well, I know that there are a lot of theories, but the main theory is that it has to do with the person. Most people all receive the choice of the same basic sses, like Archer or Hunter. Then there are some that can choose higher rarity sses. It seems like if a person makes his child focus on a certain skill extensively before he or she unlocks the Great System, then there is a chance that a higher rated ss rted to that skill will be avable to choose at level 10. Leon paused to let Derek take the information in.


    It is also theorized that the Great System takes into ount the personal stats of the person. The average person has a base 10 in all of his or her stats to begin with. Some children, however, can be different. He paused and looked at Thomas. Thomas, what is your Dexterity at right now?


    Thomas jumped, not expecting to be called out all of a sudden. Uh, my Dexterity is at 14 and my Endurance is at 12. He offered a little extra information, proud to be above average in two stats.


    See, when Thomas is able to choose a ss, I have no doubt that he will be able to choose an umon ss based on Dexterity or Endurance. Leon praised Thomas. Some also think that the Great System also takes into ount a persons disposition. For example, even if someone has a high Wisdom or Intelligence, the Great System may not offer an upgraded magical ss if one abhors magic. In contrast, if someone has less than average Strength, but absolutely adores greatsword users, the Great System may offer up a heavy weapon ss. Really, ssese down to whatever the Great System wants.


    Derek thought about what Leon said. <em>So except for my Wisdom, all of my base stats are above 200 already, which Im sure unlocked a ton of sses for me to choose from. With that, plus my disposition towards halberds, specifically ives, there has to be an almost perfect ss for me to choose from. </em>Derek sighed again, knowing that sorting through all of the sses was going to give him a headache. Then, he was sure he would constantly wonder if he had chosen the right ss. He did after selecting his ss from the previous system, and there were much fewer sses for him to choose from there.


    He spoke to Leon again. So, if you take amon ss at level 10, can you upgrade it to rareter on? What happens when you hit 25?


    Again, Leon was shocked at these questionsing from a guy who was obviously many levels higher than himself. Well, some sses can be upgraded from one rarity to another, but not many people get that opportunity. The sses upgrade at 25, but usually not in rarity. The upgrades involve getting more ss skills, or upgrading existing ss skills. Usually, if someone can choose a higher rarity ss down the line, they will jump on it, switching sses. Switching sses is another problem people have to deal with too. Some ss skills may carry over if the new ss has them inmon with your old ss, but most get lost. Leon wondered if he would have the guts to switch sses if the opportunity arose.


    Those who start with high rarity sses are truly blessed. Derek could see the envy radiating from Leons eyes. Leon continued. At some point, the loss of skills and skill points bes too detrimental, even with the extra skill points from higher rarity sses.


    Derek interrupted Leon. Extra skill points? He questioned.


    Yes. Common sses all get five skill points at each ss upgrade. Umon sses get seven, and rare sses get ten. Im unsure about epic or legendary sses. But, say you reach your level 50 upgrade, do you want to possibly lose up to 10 skills, including the skill points used for purchase, just to upgrade from amon to umon ss? Leon asked. If the ss description sounds simr, it may be worth it, as some of your skills may carry over, but if not, thats a hard hole to dig yourself out of.


    I see. Derek replied. Thanks for answering my questions Leon. Derek was grateful that Leon seriously answered the questions that must have seemed dumb to him.


    Not a problem. Leon replied.


    Derek inwardly groaned and decided that there was no time like the present. <em>Alright, lets see if we cant sort this shit out.</em>

 Chapter 14: Choosing a Class

    Chapter 14: Choosing a ss


    Derek pulled his Status back up and focused on his ss. The same list of sses as before came back up.


    sses


    Abjurer


    Umon


    Acrobat


    Umon


    Aeromance


    Umon


    ...


    ...


    Archer


    Common


    ...


    ...


    <em>Im getting nowhere with this. </em>He was stillpletely overwhelmed with the process of choosing a ss, one that would most likely be permanent. <em>I wonder if I can sort in some way other than alphabetically. </em>Derek focused on doing that, and by some miracle, it worked. He was now looking at a list of sses sorted by rarity instead.


    sses


    Arcand Knight


    Epic


    Arch Sage


    Epic


    de SInger


    Epic


    ...


    ...


    Sword Dancer


    Epic


    ...


    ...


    <em>Now this is more like it. </em>Still, there were many sses that Derek deemed unsuitable for him to choose. <em>Im not choosing any faith based ss. </em>He was easily able to remove sses such as <strong>Divine Abjurer and</strong><strong>Holy Knight</strong>.


    <em>OK, so far, my Endurance and Vitality haven''t failed me yet. Unless I include the fact that I was unable to output enough damage to kill myself while I was in the void. </em>Derek did not like remembering that failure, or anything about being trapped in the void. <em>Its not likely that Ill end up in that situation again. </em>In fact, it was unlikely that Derek would ever allow himself to be anywhere remotely close to an open portal, or even a mage with the ability to open a portal.


    Dereks mind worked overtime thinking about what he needed from his new ss. <em>I was lucky that I never came across anything that could do major damage via spells. </em>His tank ss had an amazing amount of protection from physical attacks, but it was only mediocre when it came to magic protection.


    Through this reasoning, Derek eliminated sses that seemed to do with Dexterity. He moved fast as it was. His bonuses from the other system had given him a good amount of Dexterity already, so he did not think he would need any skills rted to it. He was not going to choose a ss like <strong>de Singer </strong>or <strong>Sword Dancer</strong>, even though he loved the name of the sses.


    After spacing out while imagining being able to move swords fast enough through the air to make them sing a melody, he regained his focus. <em>No more daydreaming. </em>He chided himself. <em>What now? Oh, I can get rid of any of the ranged sses too. </em>Culling the ranged sses lightened his avable sses greatly.


    When all was said and done, he was left with a total of four epic sses and two rare sses to choose from.


    sses


    Arcane Knight


    Epic (Growth)


    Champion of the Void


    Epic (Growth)


    Elemental Berserker


    Epic


    Eternal Guardian


    Epic


    Chaos ive


    Rare


    Shadow Brawler


    Rare


    Derek felt that he had made a verypelling list of sses. Now, he was going to thoroughlyb over all the details of each ss. He started with the rare sses.


    Shadow Brawler


    You have be one with the darkness. Shadows can be bent to your will. Move with shadows to unleash the darkness unto your foe.


    Shadow Brawler is a rare ss that uses bare hands and dark magic. Three skills will be avable upon ss selection.


    For each level you will obtain two stat points into Strength and Vitality and one stat point into Wisdom. You will still receive ten free stat points per level.


    <em>Damn, that doesnt sound too bad. If I wasnt a sucker for my ive and other weapons, I wouldnt mind trying it out. Maybe one of the skills could even allow me to hide in the shadows. That would definitely increase my survivability. </em>Derek thought as he looked over the ss description. <em>Onto the next ss.</em>


    Chaos ive


    Your ive is a part of you. Your will is its will. You are chaos personified. Only destruction will be known to enemies whoe across your de.


    Chaos ive is a rare ss that uses polearms as its main weapon, specifically, ives. Three skills will be avable upon ss selection.


    For each level you will obtain two stat points into Strength and Vitality and one stat point into Intelligence. You will still receive ten free stat points per level.


    <em>I really love my ive. </em>Derek could imagine all of the new ive rted skills he might receive if he was to choose this ss. Still, he moved up his shortlist.


    Eternal Guardian


    You are eternal, near immortal. You have been ravaged by enemies, yet still live. You are your own guardian.


    Eternal Guardian is an epic ss that uses heavy weapons and has great Vitality. Four skills will be avable upon ss selection.


    For each level you will obtain four stat points into Strength and Vitality and two stat points into Endurance. You will still receive ten free stat points per level.


    Derek stopped on this ss. <em>Now thats what Im talking about. <strong>Eternal Guardian </strong>checks pretty much all my boxes, except for a focus on magic defense. But still, with the extra Endurance and Vitality, my magic defense would be boosted naturally. </em>Still, Derek was not so impatient as to jump the gun and choose without at least viewing the remaining sses.


    Elemental Berserker


    You fight. With the elements by your side, you fight. As you bleed, you fight harder.


    Elemental Berserker is an epic ss that uses the four elements along with heavy weapons, specifically greatswords. Four skills will be avable upon ss selection.


    For each level you will obtain four stat points into Strength and Endurance and two stat points into Vitality. You will still receive ten free stat points per level.


    <em>You fight, you bleed That doesnt sound fun at all. Pass. </em>This was one ss that Derek could quickly dismiss. Now he viewed <strong>Arcane Knight</strong>.


    Arcane Knight


    You are a Knight. The perfect bnce between offense and defense. Your armor will keep you safe while your sword will eradicate your foes. But, you are not just any Knight, you are a Knight of the Arcane, and Arcane is said to be a magic in its purest form


    Arcane Knight is a growth type epic ss that uses swords and Arcane magic. Four skills will be avable upon ss selection. This is a growth type ss. There is a possibility of its rarity being increased in the future.


    For each level you will obtain four stat points into Strength and Vitality and two stat points into Intelligence. You will still receive ten free stat points per level.


    <em>Woah. The ss sounds kind of basic, but the description is crazy. And a growth type ss, does that mean that I may be able to have a legendary ss in the future? </em>Derek could not help but do a double take at this ss. He would get more defense, and that would go on top of his over 80 levels of defense from his other ss. But what he loved was that he would get more attacking power and be able to use Arcane magic. Even in his other system, Arcane magic users were legends.


    But, he calmed down. There was one other ss that he needed to look at. He had avoided this ss. He did not want anything to do with the void after being trapped in it for countless years. However, it was also a growth type ss, so he needed to at least read the description before choosing <strong>Arcane Knight</strong>.


    Champion of the Void


    You have lived within the void, and the void has chosen you as its champion. Unlike others, you will no longer be trapped in the void. The void is your ally.


    Champion of the Void is a growth type epic ss. Preferences for this ss are unknown. Two skills will be avable upon ss selection.


    You will receive 20 free stat points per level for allocation to your choosing.


    Derek read, re-read, then read again the ss description. <em>What? Two skills? While the other epic sses have four. I mean, what the fuck. The 20 free stat points are nice though. </em>Really, Derek thought his choice was clear. He wanted to back out and choose <strong>Arcane Knight</strong>, but something kept him from doing so. It was like a small itch in the back of his mind.


    <em>Ahh! I dont know. I knew this was going to happen. Doing this is a pain in the ass. </em>Derek kept remembering the agonizing days he spent alone in the void. He went over the line that said, you will no longer be trapped in the void over and over. His n was to never get anywhere near the void again. <em>But what if I can control it. I wouldnt have to fear it ever again. </em>Still, only receiving two new skills was a real kick in the balls. <em>Well, maybe this is a case of quality over quantity. </em>


    With that, he made his decision.


    Would you like to select Champion of the Void as your ss?


    Note: This cannot be undone.


    He mentally said. <em>Yes.</em>

 Chapter 15: Champion of the Void

    Chapter 15: Champion of the Void


    After mentally agreeing to his choice, a new window appeared in his vision.


    Congrattions


    You are now a Champion of the Void.


    <em>Thats it? Just a single message, and nothing different? </em>Derek closed the message, only for another to pop up.


    For obtaining an epic rarity ss, you have received 15 skill points.


    You have received 20 stat points.


    <em>Now thats more like it. Status! </em>Derek checked his new status screen.


    Status


    Name


    Derek Hunt


    Age


    29


    Level


    10


    Experience


    375/545


    ss


    Champion of the Void (Epic)


    Race


    Human (Modified)


    Health


    4000


    Mana


    1950


    Stamina


    4910


    Defense


    49 (Armor + 135)


    Attack


    46 (Weapon + 0)


    Stats


    Strength


    343


    Dexterity


    241


    Endurance


    491


    Vitality


    400


    Intelligence


    203


    Wisdom


    195


    Stat Points Remaining


    110


    Skills


    Greater Meditation Lv 1, Identify Lv 8


    Skill Points Remaining


    15


    Awards


    Giant yer


    <em>Hmm. Not enough XP for another level. I could have sworn that my remaining experience would have been more than enough for at least one more level, if not two. </em>Derek was having a difficult time understanding hisck of experience points. <em>Either the XP needed jumps at ss selection level, or something else is going on.</em>


    Derek decided that he might as well get more information out of Leon. Yo, Leon. Leon looked back over to Derek. You said that you have an umon ss, right? Derek got straight to the point.


    Yes, I have the Forrester umon ss. Its a small step up from a Hunter ss. I was able to receive seven skill points for the upgrade, though there are some skills that cost me two skill points to buy. Leon did not hold any information back.


    Interesting. So, did you find it hard to level your umon ss?


    Of course its harder to level an umon ss than amon ss. It is quite well known that the higher the rarity of the ss, the more experience it takes to level. My umon ss isnt too bad to level, but a rare ss is said to take 50 percent more experience than amon ss. Leon exined.


    Derek sighed. <em>Of course its like that. Now I have to get what, twice as much XP to level? And this is with this greedy ass system. </em>Derek wasmenting his bad luck when something else Leon had said struck him. You said that your ss skills cost more than usual? Derek then red at Thomas. I thought you said that skills cost one skill point.


    N-no, I said that some skills may cost more. Thomas corrected. He did not like the look he was getting from Derek.


    Derek thought back to their conversation by the campfire. <em>He did say that. </em>He remembered. He moved his gaze back to Leon, waiting for an answer.


    Thomas is right. Some skills from higher rarity sses require more points to buy. There are also Awards and Dungeons that reward skills uponpletion, but you still have to spend the skill points in order to use them. Leon saw his gaze and speedily answered.


    Cheap ass system Derek muttered under his breath. Thomas and Leon looked at each other, eyes wide at Dereks remark. Derek did not notice the actions of the two, his mind was stuck on Leonsst sentence. <em>Dungeons. I wonder if they are anything like the dungeons from my old system. </em>Derek was going to ask Leon more questions, but decided that they could wait.


    Derek believed he was going to be flush with skill points, but now he dreaded looking at his new skills. <em>Well, lets get to it then. </em>He gritted his teeth and looked at the first skill.


    Channel Void


    Channel the void through your body. Using void energy, attack or defend. The higher the level of the skill, the easier it bes to manipte the void, also reduces the amount of mana needed to use.


    Uses 200 mana/s


    Cost: 5 Skill Points


    Derek flinched at the cost of the skill. <em>This better be worth it. </em>


    Would You Like to Learn <strong>Channel Void</strong>?


    <em>Yes. </em>Derek responded internally, and the notification disappeared before being reced by a new message.


    <strong>Channel Void </strong>Learned Sessfully


    Skill Points Remaining: 10


    Derek still felt the same as before, but he had not tried to activate his new skill yet. <em>Here we go. </em>He thought about the skill, then willed it to activate, as he had done before with his old skills.


    Thomas and Leon were in the middle of a discussion when they noticed Derek acting strangely. They hushed, and both curiously stared at the young man, wondering what this odd person was now doing.


    Thomas had already seen some unimaginable things happen around Derek, so he was not too worried at first. Soon, however, he became concerned, very concerned. As he was staring at Derek, everything around the three of them stilled. Almost as if they were in the eye of a hurricane.


    It was even getting harder for Thomas to breathe. He backed away a bit, just enough to allow him to catch his breath. Leon did not seem as troubled by the atmosphere as Thomas was, but Thomas could tell that it agitated him.


    The still atmosphere around Derek seemed to draw into him, like he was maic. Once the atmosphere was normal around the other two, a thinyer of purple light began forming around Derek. Soon the light pressed into his skin and vanished.


    Everything seemed back to normal, so Thomas let out a breath. He looked up towards Derek, waiting for him to open his eyes so he could find out what happened. But when Derek opened his eyes, no words were able to escape Thomass lips.


    Staring back at Thomas were not the light blue eyes that he was used to seeing from Derek, but a deep purple. Not just the irises either, both of his eyes were a solid purple, almost ck. If Derek would have had eyes like this when he first met, he would still think he was a demon. In fact, he was beginning to doubt his previous judgement.


    Fortunately, the new eyes did not have the same effect on Leon. He had been to the city and had previously seen a mage channel lightning. Though, the effect that the spell had on that mage paled inparison to what was urring with Derek. Still, Leon was much less concerned now that he had an idea of what was going on. <em>It seems that the atmospheric change around Derek happened because he had yet to get control of the spell. </em>


    What surprised Leon the most was Dereks ability to get what was clearly a new spell under control so quickly. <em>I really want to know more about this young man.</em>


    The entire spectacle happened within ten seconds. Actually, that was as long as Derek was able to have the spell activated.


    Ah! Derek clutched at his head. <em>Shit! That hurts. </em>Derekined inwardly.


    Haha, mana deprivation, I presume? Leon chuckled and asked Derek.


    Yeah, new spell. I wasnt thinking about my mana. Fuck, 200 mana a second is insane. Derek muttered offhandedly.


    <em>What? Did he say 200 mana per second? That means his Wisdom has got to be around the 200 mark. </em>Leon thought back to the few things he had seen Derek do. <em>The speed in which he brought Brandi and Mal back, plus his stamina and Strength to carry them for such a distance. Not to mention the fact he fought off that horde of monsters without any armor on. Wisdom is probably one of his lowest stats. </em>Leon was finally getting to know just how big of a monster Derek was. What happened next, however, shocked him to his core.


    Derek closed his eyes and cast <strong>Greater Meditation</strong>. Four minutester, he used <strong>Channel Void</strong>. Ten secondster, he scrunched up his face and held his head. He repeated this cycle a few more times.


    Derek was in love with his new skill. There was a power flowing within him, threatening to escape. The more he channeled the void, the more he understood it. He was able to direct the flow, focusing it all at one point. He had no clue what kind of damage it would do if used to attack, but he knew it would not be light. He focused with all his willpower, finally managing to bring a small ball of purple out of his body, into his hand. The ball was norger than a pea, but he knew there was an incredible power sealed within. <em>If I hit something with this, what will it do? I dont even know what properties void has. I mean, fire would burn, lightning would shock, what will void do? Null? Erase? </em>He could not wait to find out.


    Derek was no longer mad that the skill had cost so much to learn.


    Leon thought he was going insane. He knew Derek was using <strong>Meditation </strong>in between casts, but what he was seeing was impossible. <em>Five minutes, no, maybe less. Hes recharging his mana in less than five minutes. What level has this monsters </em><strong><em>Meditation </em></strong><em>skill reached? </em>


    Leon had previously thought he would have something to talk to Derek about when he realized Derek was learning a new skill. But seeing what Derek was doing now, he did not dare speak. <em>And hes letting his mana go dry every time. Masochist, hes a masochist. </em>


    Thomas was oblivious to Leons thoughts. He had calmed down after hearing Leons words. He was getting impatient, so he interrupted Derek. What are you doing? Is that <strong>Meditation</strong>? He asked.


    Oh, sorry. Yeah, its <strong>Meditation</strong>. Im using a skill I just picked up, then using <strong>Meditation </strong>to refill my mana. Im trying to learn how to best use the new skill. Derek had a soft spot for Thomas, so he did not mind exining to him. In fact, when you finally unlock your system, the first skill point you use should be put into <strong>Meditation</strong>. <strong>Meditation </strong>is one of if not the best general skill to get. If you level it up enough, you can use it without losing your senses. Hell, if you upgrade it, you can activate it while moving, possibly while fighting. Derek did not know how valuable the information he had given the boy actually was.


    Leon, however, did know. Finally, he could not restrain himself anymore. His vige was in ruin, friends that he had known for ages were torn apart, and his best friend was lying in the arms of his family, dying. But all of that fled him, and he could only focus on Derek. You said <strong>Meditation </strong>can be used without loss of ones senses? And you can upgrade the skill?


    Derek squinted his eyes at Leon, starting to realize how eager Leon was for this information. <em>Well, its not like he hasnt helped me. </em>Yep, it can be upgraded to <strong>Greater Meditation. </strong>I suspect that most skills can be upgraded. It takes an extra skill point and level 20. Im not sure about other skills.


    So, do you have this <strong>Greater Meditation</strong>? Can you meditate while moving? Leon knew how rude it was to ask these questions, but he could not hold back.


    Derek smiled, but did not respond.


    Leon knew that was all he was going to get out of Derek, so he did not ask anymore questions. He ruefully smiled, then looked over to the grieving family. Traviss time was almost up.


    Derek, on the other hand, went back and looked at his remaining skill.


    Void Call


    Call to the Void


    Cost: 7 Skill Points


    <em>What, what kind of description is that? And 7 skill points, this system is trying to rob me blind. I mean, I guess it has to be amazing, right? </em><strong><em>Channel Void </em></strong><em>seems like it wille in handy and it only cost me 5 points, this costs 7. </em>Derek had already forgotten his previousints about the cost of <strong>Channel Void. </strong>Now he was looking at this new, more expensive, skill with fire in his eyes.


    Would You Like to Learn <strong>Void Call?</strong>

 Chapter 16: Void Call

    Chapter 16: Void Call


    Would You Like to Learn <strong>Void Call?</strong>


    Derek stared at the message. Finally, he gritted his teeth and epted the price of the costly skill. <em>This better be good.</em>


    <strong>Void Call </strong>Learned Sessfully


    Skill Points Remaining: 3


    <em>What a hit. </em>Derek was heartbroken to have lost seven skill points on a skill with almost no description. But, for an epic ss with only two avable skills to learn, Derek did not want to give up the possibility of another great skill like <strong>Channel Void</strong>.


    <em>OK, no time like the present. </em>He knew that Travis had little time remaining, and that once he passed, it would be time to travel again. He did not know how long it would be before he could test his skills again. Derek sucked in a deep breath and focused his mind on using the skill.


    He once again felt his body fill with now familiar void energy. This time, however, his mana bar was not depleting. <em>Thats strange. </em>He seemed to be unable to control the void energy that came with his new skill. What started to worry him was the pressure. The pressure from the void energy was building within his body at an extremely rming pace. He felt as if he were a soda and someone had just shaken him up to the point of explosion.


    From Thomass view, Derek looked like he did when he was practicing his other skill. He could not tell the difference between the two. Thomas continued to feel uneasy when he looked at the dark purple eyes of Derek, but other than that, he did not detect that anything was wrong. At least until Dereks head began emitting a startling purple glow.


    Then, the purple glow thickened until it shot up, like a beam, into the sky. The beam passed through the clouds then disappeared. Thomas looked back over to Derek, wanting to ask him what had just happened. What he saw when Derek came into his vision was the man slumped over, seemingly unconscious.


    Derek was not unconscious, however. He was in a deep meditative state, healing himself. As the pressure from the void energy built up, it caused damage to his organs, specifically his heart, lungs, and brain. Luckily for Derek, he had a vast amount of Vitality and Endurance, and pressure was unable to cause fatal injuries. In fact, Derek had already entered <strong>Greater Meditation</strong> before the void energy left his body, and the injuries the energy had caused were mostly healed already.


    <em>Whew, things got scary there for a minute. </em>Derek joked to himself, relieved. Then he realized what happened, or rather what did not happen. <em>What the fuck did the skill even do? This is bullshit! It tries to kill me, then shoots into the sky and does nothing. </em>Derek went from relieved to angry in no time at all.


    Derek, what was that all about? Thomas asked once he saw that Derek was fine.


    Id like to know too. I was testing a new skill, like the other one, but then what you just saw happened. The energy built up in me, then shot to the sky. I dont even know what the skill is good for, the description sucks ass. And on top of it all, it damaged me just casting it. Its a scam, a total scam. Derek let the other two know his feelings. Then he looked up at the sky and screamed. Give me my skill points back, you asshole system!


    Not seconds after Dereks yell, a loud pounding came from the sky. Oh, youve finally done it. You have sphemed the Great System one too many times, were doomed. Leon was scared witless. <em>I should have told him to stop spheming the Great System while I had a chance. Were going to die. He saved us just to get us killed by the Great System itself.</em>


    While Thomas and Leon were out of sorts, Derek was actually happy. He had heard that pounding before. It was the same pounding that led to him escaping the void. This pounding was music to his ears.


    As Derek expected, a part of the sky, where the void energy had passed through, began cracking. The cracks stretched out like spiderwebs, then splintered off, creating holes in the sky. A dark fist with long ws came out from one of the holes. The hand was smaller than the one Derek remembered, but looked just as menacing as before.


    Derek was ecstatic. <em>I cant believe this. Is </em><strong><em>Void Call </em></strong><em>like a summon spell? Am I able to summon one of these creatures from the void andmand it. </em>Derek was giddy with excitement as he watched the beast break its way out of the void.


    Behind him, Thomas and Leon were watching the scene unfold. As the creature''s head made its appearance Leon whispered. Void Beast. He had heard legends about the creatures, but he never imagined that one day, he would be witness to one breaking out of the void. Unfortunately for Leon, he knew what the consequences of a Void Beast appearing were, death and destruction. The Void Beast would maim and kill anything in its way until it was chased back into the void, or got bored and left. In Leons mind, their chance of surviving a Void Beast was worse than when he thought it was the Great System getting revenge.


    Meanwhile, Derek was thinking of all the help the monster would be. He was no longer angry with the system scamming him. <em>I wonder what Ill call it? Leon called it a Void Beast. I think Ill call it Asher, yeah, it looks like an Asher. All dark and grey with those same kill me bits. </em>Derek was already treating the Void Beast like it was a new pet he picked up at a shelter.


    Thomas was as confused as ever. He would look at the terrifying beast, then to the genuinely happy Derek, then to Leon, who seemed to be muttering a prayer to the Great System. He did not know whether to be happy with Derek, or terrified with Leon. <em>What is going on?</em> He had never heard of a Void Beast, but it seemed that both adults had, and both had extremely opposite reactions to it.


    Finally, the dark beast made it out of the void and began its fall to the ground. As before, the cracks in the sky seemed to repair themselves instantaneously. By the time the Void Beast hadnded, the cracks were barely visible.


    Were going to die! Leon shouted at the top of his lungs. His day had been one full of ups and downs. His vige being attacked and ravaged left him in despair, but Derek and Thomas arriving and saving him had given him hope. Seeing his best friends family getting to say goodbye was bitter sweet. Then there was everything that had happened with Derek. That was a new ride altogether, one filled with confusion, tion, and now, utter terror.


    Leon reached over and grabbed Thomas. Come on, weve gotta get out of here, now! He pulled Thomas to his chest and started sprinting towards Brandi and Malorie.


    Stop! Came a yell from Derek. He was looking at the duo. Everything is fine. He pointed towards the Void Beast, who was beginning to stand after falling to the ground. Its fine, its not going to hurt anyone. Were safe. Derekforted Leon and Thomas.


    Leon remained skeptical. Derek acted like he was in control of the Void Beast, but he had never heard of anyone being able to control one. There were a few people who could fight with one, but to control a Void Beast, Derek had to be insane. <em>Then again, Ive only heard stories of Void Beasts. Its not like Ive ever been able to study or research anything about them. Who am I to say that he cant control one? </em>


    Then a thought suddenly struck Leon. <em>Was that void energy that Derek was channeling earlier? When he shot that beam of energy into the sky, was he summoning the Void Beast? </em>Now, Leon knew that Derek was insane, but insane in apletely different way than before.


    The only magic Leon knew of that used void energy was portals. But it was a taboo to use portals. In the early days, portals were widely used as a way to quickly travel a long distance, and the skill was easily learnable, and did not cost many skill points. Many mages invested in the <strong>Create Portal </strong>skill.


    Soon, though, the Void Beasts began to exit out of open portals. Then it was realized that the portals connected to the <strong>Create Portal </strong>skill were connected to the void. And the void was where the Void Beasts lived.


    So now, seeing that Derek actually used a legitimate form of void magic, Leons nervousness lessened a great deal. Are you saying that you can control a Void Beast? Leon asked.


    Im pretty sure. I think that skill I used before summoned it. Besides, I met another Void Beast a few days ago. It wasnt a bad fellow at all, in fact, it helped me out a great deal. Youve got nothing to fear. Derek answered as he stood up and walked forward to the awaiting Void Beast. <em>I knew this skill was going to be awesome. Oh, Great System, thank you for this blessing. </em>


    Seeing Derek walking towards it, the Void Beast lumbered in his direction. When Derek was in range of the beast, he opened his arms and spoke to the beast. Wee, Im going to name you Asher, is that OK with you? Derek reached out to pat the creature on its shoulder.


    Dereks hand reached the shoulder of the Void Beast. Seeing nothing bad happening when Derek touched the beast, Leon could finally breathe easy.


    That was when the monster backhanded Derek in the chest with its iron like fist and razor-sharp ws.


    A crimson liquid flew from Dereks mouth as he flew through the air. Landing four meters away from the monster, Derek looked up, blood dripping from his lips. He turned his head towards Leon and Thomas and yelled.


    Run!

 Chapter 17: Battle

    Chapter 17: Battle


    Run! Derek shouted at Leon and Thomas.


    Malorie and Brandi had noticed themotion and had previously been ignoring it to be with Travis. Now, hearing the frantic shout, they looked up to see what was going on. Soon, their vision found Thomas and Leon running towards them.


    Leon picked up Travis in an instant. Ive got him, we have got to get as far away from here as possible! The other three did not argue and followed closely behind Leon. Thomas was having a hard time leaving Derek, but Derek had kept him safe, so if he said run, Thomas would.


    ***


    Derek watched as Thomas and hispanions escaped. Sitting on the ground with blood dripping out of his mouth, he smiled. <em>I cant believe I bit my fucking tongue. </em>When Derek was first hit, he was extremely worried, but after taking the blow, he realized that this smaller Void Beast was nowhere near as strong as the previous one.


    Nowhere near as strong, but still strong enough for him to have to take seriously. <em>The problem is that p was just a casual wave, like when the one in the void hit me. Though, this one wouldnt have dented my armor. </em>With these thoughts, Derek stood. Then he touched his bracelet and focused on equipping his armor. Soon, he was dressed from head to toe in a dark metal armor.


    Now, battle ready, Derek observed the creature before him. The monster stood a good two-and-a-half meters tall, with dark red eyes promising death. It had fang-like teeth on both the top and bottom parts of its mouth. With those teeth, Derek expected a snout, but its face was more human than canine.


    The monster''s arms were long, much longer than a human''s. On the end of both arms and legs were the same razor-like ws. Muscles seemed to be threatening to break out of the beasts dark grey skin. It was quite a sight to behold.


    <em>This fucker definitely never missed a day at the gym. </em>Derek looked down towards his own abdomen inparison, only seeing the giant dent in his armor left by the other Void Beast. Looks like I get to take the anger over my armor out on you. Thats good, as your friend helped me out and I dont really want to fight him. <em>Yup, thats why I dont want to fight him. Not because hed kill me in one hit, but because he helped me. </em>Derek was almost trying to convince himself.


    The Void Beast, hearing Derek talking to it, tilted its head in confusion, almost like it was wondering why the ant it crushed was still alive. Then, as ifing to a decision, it let out a screech and readied itself to charge.


    <em>Identify</em>. Derek thought, wanting to get a bit more information before the fight began.


    Unknown Entity


    Unknown Level


    This creature is not of the Great System. Destroy for further information.


    <em>Say what now. How the fuck did Leon know it was a Void Beast if the system doesnt even know? </em>Derek had some questions for Leonter, but now, it was time for a fight.


    The beasts screeching stopped, and it charged. Derek advanced.


    They met. Dereks closed fist was driven into the gut of the beast, while the beast swiped its hand at Derek. The creature clearly was not expecting Derek to be so fast. Its forearm connected with Dereks side.


    <em>Fuck! Its like punching steel. </em>Dereks punch had done nothing to the monster. Derek, however, felt like he was inside a bell that had just been rung. While the strike did not harm Dereks armor much, the impact left Dereks organs shaken.


    <em>Okay, so trading blows with an apparently legendary monster wasnt the smartest idea. </em>Derek thought as he backed away. He dove in again, this time doing his best to dodge any iing strikes. He ducked under a strike and delivered a liver blow with his left hand. Other than some pain from his hand, he received no other results.


    <em>Dammit, that hurt. This fucker probably doesnt even have a liver. </em>Derekined internally. <em>Well, if thats as fast as this thing moves, I got it beat on speed. </em>Derek had been observing the beasts actions during their brief encounters, hoping to get a gauge on its strengths and weaknesses.


    Derek shot away, out of range of the beasts next attack. <em>Okay, so its strong as shit, and fast to back it up, but slower than me. It has crazy Endurance and possibly Vitality, I cant even damage it with my Strength. Luckily for me, it doesnt seem to have any magic, unless it just hasnt decided it needs to use magic yet. That would be fan-fucking-tastic. </em>Derek summoned his ive in preparations for his next assault.


    Derek moved until his ive was in range of the monster. The distance happened to be just out of the creatures long reach. <em>Good. </em>Derek mused. Derek moved clockwise, doing his best to dodge and attack with his ive. Swipe, dodge, swipe, dodge, this attack pattern continued for a short while.


    <em>This isnt getting me anywhere. </em>Derek was getting tired. The Void Beast was standing still, only using its arms to attack Derek. It was as if Derek was a fly, but the beast did not want to expend the energy to kill it. Derek looked at the results of his work. He had repeatedly sliced at the same spots with his ive, but other than leaving some marks, he had not even broken the skin of the beast.


    <em>Dammit! I cant get any power behind my attack if Im worried about dodging all the time. </em>Derek made a decision. He gripped his ive with both hands, stepped toward the monster, and swung towards its neck with all of his might. He knew a blow wasing from the Void Beast, but he had decided to trade another blow, just to see if he could even break past the monster''s defense.


    Derek watched as his de fell towards the creatures neck, time seemingly in slow motion. Then, he caught the look on the face of the monster. <em>Is that a smile? Oh, fuck! </em>The thoughts instantly raced through his mind.


    The Void Beast moved faster than it had before. With its left hand, it caught the ive at its de, chipping it in the process. It pulled, sending Derek flying into its range. The beasts right arm wrapped around the armored Derek, squeezing. Luckily for Derek, his armor held strong.


    Finding that it could not squeeze the human to death, the Void Beast became enraged. Derek was pinned, he could move neither of his arms, and his legs were dangling off the ground. He tried kicking the beast, but he was unable to muster enough force to do any harm. The beast, though intelligent for a monster, had not thought of its next actions.


    Finally, much to the dismay of Derek, the Void Beast came to a conclusion. It used its head, literally. It bashed its steel-like head into Dereks helmet. This time, Derek was the bell being rung. His helmet held, but the impact to his brain worsened with each crash. Derek released the end of the ive he held, allowing his right hand to be freed. He balled his fist and tried punching the beast in the face. When that failed, he yed dirty.


    Derek took his thumb and aimed for the opened eye of the beast. He strained, putting in as much effort as he could to gouge the creatures left eye. The Void Beast screamed in pain and tossed the ive it was holding. It grabbed hold of Dereks right arm and drew it away from its eye. It was pissed, it had allowed an ant to injure it.


    The head bashing continued, this time fiercer and faster. Derek was on the cusp of losing consciousness. He knew that the moment he cked out would be the moment he never woke up. He had toe up with an idea, a n.


    The first thing he did was enter <strong>Greater Meditation</strong>. He had not tried meditating while in a fight, but he was mostly still, so he thought he might have a chance at seeding. The stars must have aligned because he could sense the recovery effect kicking in. It was repairing the damage to his brain as it happened.


    The recovery was great, but it could only just keep up, it could not repair the damage already caused. This at least gave Derek more time to think of a n. <em>Maybe if I y dead, it will get tired and throw me away. </em>He knew that it would not. He had enraged it, and it would not stop until he was dead.


    Derek viewed his Status, focusing on his stat points.


    Status


    Name


    Derek Hunt


    Age


    29


    Level


    10


    Experience


    375/545


    ss


    Champion of the Void (Epic)


    Race


    Human (Modified)


    Health


    4000


    Mana


    1950


    Stamina


    4910


    Defense


    49 (Armor + 135)


    Attack


    46 (Weapon + 0)


    Stats


    Strength


    343


    Dexterity


    241


    Endurance


    491


    Vitality


    400


    Intelligence


    203


    Wisdom


    195


    Stat Points Remaining


    110


    Skills


    Channel Void


    Level 1


    Channel the Void through your body, into attacks or defenses.


    Greater Meditation


    Level 1


    Enter meditative state to increase recovery.


    Identify


    Level 8


    Appraise objects or entities.


    Void Call


    Level 1


    Call out to the Void.


    Skill Points Remaining


    3


    Awards


    Giant yer


    <em>I need more Vitality to help </em><strong><em>Greater Meditation </em></strong><em>recover my injuries. </em>Derek grit his teeth and spent 60 of his stat points, putting them into Vitality. He instantly felt his regeneration kick it up a notch. Now, with the help of his increased Vitality, <strong>Greater Meditation </strong>was able to not only repair the damage he received from each headbutt but also some previously sustained damage.


    While recovering, Derek continued to think of a n. <em>Alright, so I should be good on injuries as long as my helmet can hold out.</em> Derek tried to move around in the monsters arms. <em>I can move my legs, and my left arm below the elbow. Even if I escape, I still need to be able to either damage him or run away. </em>Derek was still looking at his Status screen.


    <em>I dont think more Strength will help with anything. </em>Derek gazed down and saw his remaining skill points. <em>Ah, thats an idea. </em>He raised his head and looked for his ve. It was on the ground a few meters away from him. He thought back to all of the training he had done with his ive while he was in the void. <em>I hope this works.</em>


    Derek searched through his skill and stopped on <strong>Heavy Weapons Mastery</strong>.


    Would You Like to Learn <strong>Heavy Weapons Mastery?</strong>


    <em>Yes. </em>Derek thought.


    <strong>Heavy Weapons Mastery </strong>Learned Sessfully


    Skill Points Remaining: 2


    <em>Cmon, do it! </em>Derek waited for thebination message he had gotten for <strong>Meditation </strong>and <strong>Identify</strong>. Finally, a message came, but it was not what he expected.


    Multiple dormant skills simr to <strong>Heavy Weapons Mastery </strong>found


    Merging skills


    Skills sessfully merged...


    <em>Multiple skills? What? </em>Derek went through what he remembered from his previous skills. <em>It must be </em><strong><em>Heavy Weapons </em></strong><em>and </em><strong><em>ive Mastery</em></strong><em>. Thats the only possibility. </em>Then he checked his next message.


    Congrattions


    <strong>Heavy Weapons Mastery </strong>skill has reached level 17.


    <em>Damn, thats hard to level up. </em>Derek knew that it leveled quicker when used against an opponent, but he thought that all of that time spent swinging his ive in the void would have at least earned him an upgraded skill. <em>Oh well, its better than nothing. Now to find a way to get free of this fucker.</em>


    Derek looked at his Status and his eyes fell on <strong>Channel Void</strong>. <em>Time to see if this was worth all those skill points.</em>

 Chapter 18: Strength of the Void

    Chapter 18: Strength of the Void


    Derek had no other ns for escape. He knew what he would do once he broke free, but breaking free was a different story.


    He concentrated, channeling the void within him. The Void Beasts forehead came crashing down onto his helmet. Derek lost his concentration, unable to keep <strong>Channel Void </strong>and <strong>Greater Meditation</strong> active at the same time.


    <em>Fuck! What now? </em><strong>Greater Meditation </strong>had been integral in keeping his brains froming out of his nose, but it would still take too long for the skill topletely recover his previous injuries. <em>Maybe if I upped my Vitality more.</em>


    Derek could feel the difference in protection provided from his helmet. When the beast first started bashing its head into him, his helmet provided almostplete protection, but now, he could feel that protection waning. <em>Judging from what I know, my helmet isnt going tost much longer. </em>Derek sighed and spent his remaining stat points on Vitality.


    With his Vitality reaching 510, it became Dereks highest stat. In fact, breaking 500 stat points made Derek feel like he had broken through a threshold. His new Vitality, plus his <strong>Greater Meditation </strong>skill, greatly increased his current rate of recovery. He could sense his previous head injuries healing at a much quicker pace. <em>That might do it. </em>Dereks health was rapidly climbing up to 5100 HP, it had already passed his previous health pool of 4000 HP.


    With his health nearing full, he waited for the perfect time to use <strong>Channel Void</strong>. The creatures head crashed into his own. Immediately after, he stopped <strong>Greater Meditation</strong> and began channeling the void through his body. His left arm was semi-mobile, so he channeled as much of the element as possible into his fist.


    <em>Here we go. </em>Dereks fist, coated in a dark purple glow, was driven into the abdomen of the beast. The punch was much lighter than his previous attacks, as he could not get the leverage for a decent strike.


    The Void Beast paused mid headbutt. Confusion stered on its face. Then it made a low, almost imperceptible, growl.


    Derek did not know exactly what happened when he struck the beast, but whatever it was made the beast cease attacking, if only for a moment, and that was a very good thing. Derek, with seven seconds left of his skill, continued striking the Void Beast in the same spot.


    In the entire ten seconds it took for Derek to expend all of his mana, the beast never attacked once. Derek slipped back into <strong>Greater Meditation </strong>to recover his mana and observed the beast. He was just able to look down and see the location where all of his strikesnded. <em>Nothing, not even a mark. What the hell is going on? </em>Confusion set in. The beasts abdomen lookedpletely healthy, but its actions contradicted that analysis.


    Bringing his head back up, Derek looked at the Void Beasts face. There, he could see the small droplet of blood rolling down the cheek of the beast. <em>So, its being injured internally. </em>Now, Derek only needed his mana recovery to outmatch the Void Beasts health recovery.


    A few minutester, Dereks mana was fully recovered, and he channeled the void into his fist again and struck. The previously small amount of blood dripping from the monsters mouth was now flowing in an almost steady stream.


    About halfway through Dereks next attempt at recovering his mana, it seemed to Derek that the creature hade to a decision. The beast roared. Dereks view changed from him looking at the creature to staring at the sky. Then he was mmed full force into the ground. Pain ran through his body as his organs were all shaken.


    The iing strike that Derek had expected never came. He raised his head and looked around. The beast had its back to Derek and looked as if it wanted to run. <em>Thats not going to fucking happen. </em>Derek thought. He jumped up, out of the imprint his body had made in the earth. The beast ran.


    Derek took a small detour and grabbed his ive before chasing after the beast. It did not take long before Derek was catching up. The beast jumped over the small stream, Derek followed. The chase had notsted long when Derek found himself in striking distance. He was anxious to find out how his new mastery skill had improved his use of the ive.


    Derek struck, his ive falling between the beasts shoulders. The de connected. This time, instead of the dull ring of metal striking metal, Derek heard tearing flesh. He felt it too. <em>Finally. </em>Derek let out a sigh of relief, his de could finally hurt the beast.


    The beast turned around and lunged at Derek, no longer attempting to flee. Derek smiled a cruel smile. <em>Paybacks a bitch. </em>He moved, the same motion as before. This time, however, wherever the dended, a cut formed. As Derek circled the enraged beast, smallcerations appeared all over the left side of the creatures body.


    Derek could see that the cuts were not doing a great amount of damage, but he knew that the loss of blood would soon slow the creature down. Not long into this skirmish, the Void Beast began panting heavily.


    With its exhaustion building, Derek no longer had to dodge as much, and was able to put more power into his blows. The injuries built, new wounds ovepping with old. The only problem was that Derek was also beginning to run low on stamina.


    Derek knew by the toughness of the beasts skin that it had to have a massive amount of Endurance. This meant that the beast would have an extremely high amount of natural stamina recovery, much more than Derek. The only possible way for Derek to match the monsters recovery would be to use <strong>Greater Meditation</strong>, but Derek was unable to use the skill while moving so much.


    Derek knew that the only reason he was able to turn the tables on the beast was because of luck, and nothing else. If the beast had decided to beat Derek after throwing him to the ground, instead of trying to flee, it would have been the end.


    His helmet was on the verge of falling apart, and his ive had been chipped. This had turned into quite the costly battle for Derek. <em>I have to finish this soon.</em>


    Like Derek, the beast could also tell that the both of them were exhausted. It switched from trying to counterattack to pure defense. Derek could see that when the beast defended, the wounds inflicted by his ive lessened. <em>Fuck, what now? </em>His light attacks were barely leaving marks, and his heavy attacks were just breaking the skin now.


    Derek looked at his Health, Stamina, and Mana pools. His health was fine as he had barely been injured since being mmed to the ground. His stamina was dangerously low, however, below 20%. He did have over half of his mana pool left. <em>The skill said I can channel void energy into my attacks, does that mean that I can channel it into my ive? </em>Derek had an idea.


    Derek began channeling the void through his body. <em>Okay, I only have five or six seconds to get this right. </em>He moved the void from his body into his right hand. He focused, projecting the energy into his ive, up to the de. The purple glow appeared around the de, Derek was ted.


    Derek could see the panic in the Void Beasts eyes. It had seen the same glow before, in the fist that ravaged its insides. It knew that it could not escape or dodge Dereks blows, so its only hope was to defend until he ran out of stamina or magic.


    Derek swung the de down, aiming at the beasts chest. The beast raised both arms in an attempt to block the enchanted de. The de struck the outer arm of the beast, not breaking its skin. Nothing seemed to happen. <em>Dammit! </em>Derek cursed.


    Then, out of nowhere, the beasts right arm fell to its side, hanging limp. <em>What just happened? </em>Derek was still confused, but he was not going to let this chance go. He swung again. Once again, the beast blocked, this time with its left arm, and once again, that arm went limp, hanging to the side.


    The Void Beasts chest was wide open at this point. Derek let one more attack fall, this timending on the chest of Void Beast. He ran out of mana halfway down the beasts abdomen and the skill canceled. The familiar faint feeling and headache returned to Derek, he was experiencing mana exhaustion again.


    The scene went quiet. Neither Derek nor the Void Beast moving. They stared at one another. Then, as if a puppet with its strings cut, the beast fell face first. On the ground, blood poured out of the mouth of the beast, turning the dirt into a bloody mud.


    Derek stared at his felled foe. Then looked closely at his ive. <em>Fuck, how am I going to get this shit fixed. </em>There was a small chip in the middle of the de. Derek looked back at the monster. <em>Serves you right. </em>The beast let out one final breath, then died.


    Derek got the notification.


    <strong>You have sessfully destroyed a creature not belonging to the Great System.</strong>


    <strong>New Award Earned</strong>

 Chapter 19: After the Battle

    Chapter 19: After the Battle


    <strong>You have sessfully destroyed a creature not belonging to the Great System.</strong>


    <strong>New Award Earned</strong>


    Derek was excited to see that he would be getting something new from ying the Void Beast, and that it was not all for nothing. <em>I hope its a passive increase. I really miss those Titles from the other system. That system was so nice. I wouldnt mind something else cool, though. A new skill or something wouldnt be bad. Or a new weapon </em>Derek looked at his ive. Seeing the chip in the de saddened him. <em>No, not a new weapon. This one is just fine.</em>


    Derek prepared himself and brought up his next notification.


    <strong>Lesser yer of the Unknown</strong>


    <strong>You have in a creature unknown to the Great System. This is a rare feat only achievable by few people. Not only are Unknown Entities strong, but it is rare to encounter one. You will be awarded with the following:</strong>


    <strong>1 Skill Point</strong>


    <strong>20 Extra Stat Points</strong>


    <strong>3 Skill Upgrade Points</strong>


    <strong>Automatic Level Up</strong>


    <strong>y more creatures unknown to the Great System to earn more rewards.</strong>


    He stared at the window in front of him. Something seemed off about this Award. <em>That is a much better exnation from this system than Im used to receiving. </em>Derek wondered if the system had an invested interest in eliminating these creatures. If it did, it would make sense why it had finally properly exined something.


    <em>The rewards arent too bad. Stat Points are always needed, and its good to have an extra Skill point in my back pocket. </em>Derek looked at the Automatic Level Up reward. <em>Dammit. Why couldnt it have waited until it was hard for me to level before I got this? That would be a fantastic reward if I was level 100 or 200, but from 10 to 11 </em>Derek shook his head, sighing in disappointment.


    He focused on the Skill Upgrade Points. <em>The kid and Leon never said anything about Skill Upgrade Points. Its kind of self exnatory, lets see. </em>A window rted to Skill Upgrade Points appeared in his vision.


    <strong>Skill Upgrade Point</strong>


    <strong>Choose any skill you currently own and upgrade said skill. This upgrade will boost the skill by one level.</strong>


    <strong>Skill Upgrade Points Remaining: 3</strong>


    Derek had thepulsion to put all three Skill Upgrade Points into <strong>Heavy Weapons Mastery </strong>right then and there. Eventually he took a breath and calmed down. <em>That would be dumb. These should be saved for my higher-level skills like </em><strong><em>Greater Meditation</em></strong><em>. Im sure that </em><strong><em>Heavy Weapons Mastery </em></strong><em>wont take too long to hit its upgrade. </em>Derek continued to convince himself to save the points. He was finally able to move on from the Skill Upgrade Points by checking his next notification.


    Congrattions


    <strong>Heavy Weapons Mastery </strong>has reached level 18.


    This notification made Derek relieved. <em>Yup, not spending the points is the way to go. </em>He moved on through the next notifications.


    Congrattions


    <strong>Channel Void </strong>has reached level 3.


    <em>Oh? Two levels in one fight, nice! </em>Derek still did notpletely understand what <strong>Channel Void </strong>did exactly, he had his suspicions, but no matter what, he knew the skill was very powerful. He stopped on the skill, wanting to take a look to see how the extra levels upgraded the skill.


    Channel Void


    Channel the void through your body. Using void energy, attack or defend. The higher the level of the skill, the easier it bes to manipte the void, also reduces the amount of mana needed to use.


    Uses 184 mana/s


    There was no change in description, but the mana that the skill used was less. <em>Could have been better, but I cantin. Its already a powerful skill, so the longer I can use it, the better.</em>


    Derek wanted to get a better idea of what the skill actually did. He looked down at the in creature. Reaching down, he rolled the Void Beasts corpse over onto its back. He looked at the faint mark drawn down the creatures chest, the one left by his final blow. <em>Didnt even puncture the skin. </em>He thought.


    Derek took a dagger from his bracelet and tried to slice the chest open. He could not get the dagger to cut. <em>Holy shit! The skin is still as strong as it was before. </em>Derek had thought that the creature may have been enforcing its skin with a skill. He had seen it before. Most creatures with great defense had some kind of passive skill supporting their Endurance. But once the monster was killed, that passive skill would disappear and it would make the creature much easier to dismantle.


    <em>Shit! Why have I still not picked up the </em><strong><em>Dismantle </em></strong><em>skill. </em>Derek had gotten by previously with just his Strength and Dexterity. When he dismantled a monster, the parts never looked as good as those gotten from others who had the skill. This did not matter much to Derek, as he had never cared for the bonuses received for selling an undamaged hide or a perfectly intact galldder.


    What he did like about the <strong>Dismantle </strong>skill was the buffs received when dismantling a corpse. If he had the <strong>Dismantle </strong>skill leveled up to a decent level, he would have no problem dismembering the corpse in front of him. <em>Im such a fucking idiot. Such a cheap and basic skill that I could have bought from the system shop at any time, and I refused to buy it because I didnt need it. Well, I need it now.</em>


    He knew that even if he had it before, he would still have to spend a Skill Point on it to have it with the new system. He did not care about that, what pissed him off was the levels that he had missed, so he would have to start with the basic level 1 skill here. <em>Well, no time like the present.</em>


    Derek pulled up the list of General Skills and looked for <strong>Dismantle</strong>. <em>There it is. </em>He was initially scared that it would go by some other name and he would have to spend a lot of time looking for it, but it was still called <strong>Dismantle</strong>.


    Dismantle


    <strong>Dismantle</strong> is a General Skill used to skin, dismember, and dress deceased organic life form. Precision and ease to dress a life form increased with each level increase.


    Cost: 1 Skill Point


    <em>Thats it.</em>


    Would You Like to Learn <strong>Dismantle</strong>?


    <em>Yes.</em>


    <strong>Dismantle </strong>Learned Sessfully


    Skill Points Remaining: 2


    <em>Damn, now Im running low on Skill Points again. </em>Derek took his dagger again and tried to slice the chest of the beast open. He was still unable to get through. He was not disappointed, though. <em>Cant be helped. I cant expect a level 1 </em><strong><em>Dismantle </em></strong><em>skill to help that much. </em>He had thought about using his ive to cut the creature open, but he knew that the beasts skin would make great armor, and he wanted to keep it in as good a condition as possible.


    He gave up on his makeshift autopsy and stored his dagger and ive. Then he reached back down and stored the body of the Void Beast as well. He looked back to where the vige was. <em>Before I leave, Im going to have to go get as many corpses as possible so I can level up the </em><strong><em>Dismantle </em></strong><em>skill.</em>


    With his new n in mind, he checked his remaining notifications.


    Congrattions


    <strong>Void Call </strong>has reached level 2.


    <em>Fuck you! Next. </em>He looked at his next notification.


    Level Up


    <em>Must be from the auto level reward. </em>He moved on to the final notification.


    You Have Killed Unknown Entity


    Entity Not Part of Great System


    No Experience Gained


    0/600 Experience to Next Level


    <em>Youve gotta be kidding me. Fucking stingy ass system. No XP, none? Whats this 0/600 shit? Dont tell me that the Automatic Level Up reward just filled up the amount of experience I need to get to the next level. </em>Derek was livid. He continued cursing the new system for some time. Finally, he got control of his emotions. <em>Whatever, I shouldnt expect anything more from this scam of a system.</em>


    He viewed his status.


    Status


    Name


    Derek Hunt


    Age


    29


    Level


    11


    Experience


    0/600


    ss


    Champion of the Void (Epic)


    Race


    Human (Modified)


    Health


    5100


    Mana


    1950


    Stamina


    4910


    Defense


    49 (Armor + 135)


    Attack


    46 (Weapon + 0)


    Stats


    Strength


    343


    Dexterity


    241


    Endurance


    491


    Vitality


    510


    Intelligence


    203


    Wisdom


    195


    Stat Points Remaining


    40


    Skills


    Channel Void


    Level 3


    Channel the Void through your body, into attacks or defenses.


    Dismantle


    Level 1


    Increase ability to dismantle deceased organic life forms.


    Greater Meditation


    Level 1


    Enter meditative state to increase recovery.


    Heavy Weapons Mastery


    Level 18


    Increase damage with heavy weapons.


    Identify


    Level 8


    Appraise objects or entities.


    Void Call


    Level 2


    Call out to the Void.


    Skill Points Remaining


    2


    Skill Upgrade Points Remaining


    3


    Awards


    Giant yer, Lesser yer of the Unknown


    <em>Not bad. </em>Derek still got a kick out of looking at his stats, then his level. <em>Not bad at all for a lowly level 11.</em>


    Derek walked back towards the abandoned Vige. When he reached the back gate, he went inside. He whistled as he strolled through, storing corpse after corpse in his bracelet. <em>Bunny, bunny, wolf, wolf, bear nah, too big. </em>He ended up storing 23 monster corpses in his bracelet. When he focused on his bracelet he frowned. <em>Damn, looks like the things beginning to get full.</em>


    He walked out of the front gate, his gazending towards the direction of the refugees. <em>Well, I got a kid to find and get home.</em>


    He left.

 Chapter 20: Regroup

    Chapter 20: Regroup


    Thomas was anxious. He did not quite understand what was happening, but from Leons words and Dereks seriousness, he knew that it could be bad. He had never seen Derek get serious before, so when Derek shouted at him to run, he ran.


    The group of five had made it a good distance away from the battle. They made sure to run in the direction the others had initially fled. Eventually, Leon stopped running and stilled. Thomas, seeing Leon as the makeshift leader of the group, stopped too.


    What are we doing? Why did you stop? The first to ask the question was Malorie. Thomas watched as she anxiously shifted her body from side to side. Is it She trailed off and did not continue to speak.


    Leon smiled a sad smile. Yes. Hes gone. Travis, being held by Leon, had finally sumbed to his fate. Im sorry. Leonid Traviss body on the ground.


    Thomas watched the sombrous scene. Brandi ran over to Travis and fell to her knees. She wept uncontrobly.


    Seeing this, he was reminded of losing his own parents. The difference was that Brandi had gotten to say goodbye, but Thomas had not even been able to see their corpses. All he knew was what he was told.


    Two years ago, his parents had both reached level 24. They were warriors of the vige and had gone to the nearby dungeon to obtain the skill reward. The dungeon was for those under level 25 and offered a few differentmon skills as rewards forpletion. It allowed no more than five people in at a time and was considered easy among the known dungeons.


    Rayna, the vige leader, had gone solo and had no problempleting it. So, with his mother and father both going, there was no worry in the vige.


    Unfortunately for Thomas, the two never returned.


    Thomas snapped out of his daze and continued watching. He looked over to Leon, who had backed away to give the mother and daughter some space. Then he approached.


    Chief Leon? He asked.


    Yes? Leon turned away from the grieving pair and gave his attention to Thomas.


    That thing from the sky, you said that was a Void Beast? And Derek summoned it? Is that even possible? Do you think Derek is okay? Thomas could not control himself and rapidly spit out question after question, his anxiety and stress increasing with every new question.


    Slow down, boy. Leon halted Thomas. Now, I dont know much about your friend Derek. Thomas could see wariness from Leon when he mentioned Derek. Legends describe how Void Beasts appear and leave. Usually, theye through an open portal, then leave by breaking the void in the sky and entering. I dont know how it happened, but the Void Beast we just saw broke the void to get out. Leon gulped. This means that portals arent the only ways for a Void Beast to appear.


    Thomas could see the fear in Leons eyes when talking about the Void Beast. So, do you think that Derek will make it out okay? He asked again.


    Boy, I dont know. If he doesnt, it serves him right. He had no business messing with things he doesnt understand. Leon took a deep breath. Even if he does live, itd be better off if we never saw him again. A man like that will only bring the vige trouble.


    Is that so? A voice from behind the two rang out. They both spun, just to see a smirking Derek standing behind them.


    ***


    Once Derek left the abandoned vige, it did not take him long to catch up with Thomas and the others. After seeing the dead Travis, he had waited to approach, not wanting to disturb Malorie and Brandi. He casually eavesdropped on the conversation between Leon and Thomas.


    He heard Leons words and felt his apprehension from his voice. <em>Well, I guess I cant me the guy. His vige was destroyed, and he lost most of his people. Also, he probably knows that I could have saved Travis, and even if he understands why I didnt, it would give him some reservations about me. And to top it all off, I summoned a legendary monster from the void that is known for its destruction. Oh well, Im sure hell get over it. </em>


    Derek approached the two and made his presence known. Is that so? He said, scaring the daylights out of the man and boy. The two turned to him, both with different expressions. Leon looked scared and embarrassed, like he had been caught doing something he should not have. Thomas looked scared too, but that quickly changed to relief, then happy once his mind processed what he was seeing.


    Derek! Youre okay! Thomas ran forward, hugging Derek by his waist. The way Leon talked about that monster made it sound like there was no chance. Thomass eyes were reddening, and tears threatened to form.


    Derek had not expected this outburst of emotions from Thomas. He had observed Thomas as emotionally strong. <em>Well, except for when he was sure that I was going to kill him. But even an adult would have had a hard time in that situation. </em>Derek peeled Thomas off. You okay, kid? You seem a little off.


    I Um Im just happy youre alive. Thomas backed off, his cheeks turning rosy from embarrassment.


    Derek looked to Leon, who was standing off to the side, brow furrowed. <em>Looks like hes trying to figure out what to say. </em>Dereks smirk turned into a smile. Sorry to disappoint you. I somehow made it back.


    Leons eyes widened. No, Im not disappointed. I was just speaking without thinking. Im sorry.


    Derek had never seen somebody backpedal as fast as Leon was. He just chuckled and continued. Its okay, I understand your reservations. Earlier waspletely my fault. Your Great System gave me a new skill, but it did not have much of a description. I should not have tested it out with people around. Just know that I dont believe anything like that will happen again, unless I use the skill. And based on what I now know of the skill, I dont see myself using it anytime soon. Derek hoped what he was saying would calm the man down.


    Leon let out a sigh. No, I was still wrong. You saved me, you saved Thomas, hell, you saved everyone who is left from my vige. You didnt Leon looked towards Thomas, then to the body of Travis. Couldnt save Travis, but thats not your fault. Ill trust that you will control your new skill and wont endanger anyone. Youve done much more good to us than harm. Im sorry for what I said.


    Derek nodded to Leon in understanding. He looked over to the mother and child. He breathed deep and asked Leon. Would you like me to store his body so he can have a proper funeral once we get to Thomass vige?


    Leon was taken aback. You would do that? Im sure Mal would be very grateful. Leon answered.


    Derek nodded to Leon. With a sad smile on his face, he walked over to the women. Youre Malorie? Brandi? Im sorry for your loss. If you like, I can store his body so you two can give him a proper send off once we reach where we are going.


    Brandi still sobbed, but Malorie looked up at Derek. She smiled. Thank you. We would like that very much.


    Derek kneeled down next to the body and ced his hand on top of its chest. He looked at Brandi, who was still clutching Traviss hand. Please release your fathers hand so we can bring him with us. He said in as gentle of a tone as possible.


    Brandi let go, and the body disappeared.


    Okay everyone, its time to catch up with the others. The longer were here, the higher the chance of something bad happening to them. And youve all already lost enough people for one day. Derek gave the group a warning, letting them realize that what he said was true.


    Ill take the lead. Leon said.


    Derek looked at Leon skeptically. He was still quite injured from before, and it would take some time before he was fully healed. No, it would be better if I led. Youre still injured. Derek thought for a second before taking a small container out of the bracelet and tossing it to Leon. Here, apply the paste on your wounds and you will heal faster.


    Leon caught the container. He looked inside, then nodded. Thank you.


    Brandi, seeing the healing supplies, started to say something. Seeing this, Derek knew what she was going to say. Its not enough to bring someone back from the dying state. Its only good enough for superficial wounds like cuts and bruises. Brandi did not say anything.


    Lets go.


    ***


    It was already evening when the group of five set out, so soon it was nighttime. Derek had the group walk through the night, so they could catch up to the remaining refugees. The children could not keep up, so Derek carried Thomas for most of the night, while Leon and Malorie took turns carrying Brandi.


    Derek could have arrived much sooner if not for the group, but at the pace they were setting, it was not until the next morning that they came across the remaining vigers.


    After arriving at the group, Derek decided to camp for some time so the children could rest. With him there, they would not have to worry about being attacked. While doing so, he let Leon exin everything that had happened to the viger. Derek could not help but be saddened by the atmosphere of the crowd after Leons information.


    <em>Looks like everyone lost somebody there. </em>He looked over to see Leon with his wife, Sana. They looked happy to be together, but Derek could see the guilt reflected in their eyes. <em>Thats going to be tough on Leon for the foreseeable future. </em>Survivors guilt was a crushing thing.


    Later, Leon and Sana came and sat close to Derek. Thomas had already awoken from his nap and was beside Derek.


    So, what happened with that monster? Thomas asked.


    It surprised Derek that it had taken so long for anyone to ask about the Void Beast. He had expected the question toe from Leon, but his conversation from earlier had probably put a halt on any questioning.


    Both Sana and Leon perked up their ears after hearing the question. Oh, that thing? It was nothing. Im sure that there are a ton of people around that could take care of one. Once it saw that it could not do much damage to me, it jumped back into the sky and broke back into the void. Derek paused for a second, giving the group some time to digest what he had said. I think the legends are a bit overrated. Sure, it''s tough, and hits like a trai hits really hard. But I dont think its worthy of a legend. Im sure a high enough level person would be able to ughter them by the dozens. At least if they are all the same strength as the one I fought.


    I have seen one that appeared to be stronger than the one I fought, so maybe we got lucky and I only summoned a weak one. I dont know. All I know is that Im not nning on using that skill again for a very long time. Derek exined.


    It left? Just like that? This time, it was Leon asking the question.


    Yup. Just as soon as it knew it couldnt kill me. Pretty smart if you ask me.


    Out of the corner of his eye, Derek noticed Brandi stirring from her slumber. Okay. Since everyone is awake, its time to get going.

 Chapter 21: Home

    Chapter 21: Home


    The group hurriedly packed up their camp, which took very little time as they had to leave their vige in a hurry and were unable to bring much. Once everyone was ready, Derek took the lead and continued walking towards the direction Leon had given him.


    They were making great pace with Derek in the lead. They no longer had to move cautiously. Without having to worry about ambushes and fights, it would only take them a few days to travel to Raynas vige.


    As Derek was walking, he was getting more and more bored. He had wanted to use <strong>Greater Meditation</strong> to try to level it up, but he decided it would be best to wait until he was not leading a group of survivors to level it. Then, he thought about channeling the void through his body to try to level his <strong>Void Channel </strong>skill. But after looking at Leon, he figured that the man would lose his mind if he saw him channeling the void again.


    Finally, he decided to level up his <strong>Dismantle </strong>skill. He pulled a rabbit out of his bracelet and began the process of skinning it. With a quick and fluid motion, he removed the head and feet of the rabbit. Then he made a cut down the front of the body, making sure not to puncture the stomach. With one tug, the skin of the rabbit was off. <em>Huh, that was way smoother than before. And that was while walking. </em>He looked at the rabbit in one hand and the skin in the other.


    <em>I really dont want this stuff taking up the space in my bracelet. </em>He looked down beside him to see Thomas looking at the rabbit. You want this kid? He asked.


    No, I was just surprised to see you do that all of the sudden. Derek realized that he had misinterpreted Thomass gaze.


    Oh, well, what should I do with this. He motioned to the skin and the rabbit. I guess since we dont have much food, we can cook up the meat the next time we stop, but what about this? He held up the skin.


    I I Can I have it? A shy voice sounded out from behind the two. Derek turned to see Brandi walking close behind them with her head down.


    Dont see why not, Im not going to use it. Heads up. Derek tossed the skin to Brandi, who was barely able to bring her head up in time to see the rabbit skin flying towards her face. She shrieked and raised her hands, stopping the flying skin just before it hit her in the face.


    Derek put his dinner back inside the bracelet, and took out another corpse, this one a small wolf. He soon made quick work of it. When he was finished, he heard the shy voice again.


    Can I have that hide too? Brandi asked.


    Sure. Derek was going to toss the wolf hide over, but stopped after seeing her small stature. He held his hand out. Here, give me the rabbit hide.


    The girl pouted and slowed her pace.


    Im not going to keep it, Im just going to store it. Ill give it back when we get to Thomass home. After the rification, the girl regained her spirit and gave Derek the skin back. Why do you want the skins, anyway? Derek asked.


    I I put my skill point in <strong>Leatherworking</strong>, I want to help make armor for the vige so that... She stopped, tears forming in her eyes. So that they can be safe. She finished.


    Derek smiled. Well, youre in luck, I have a bunch of these things and I didnt know what I was going to do with them. I guess when you get settled, I can just give the things to you.


    Really? She asked.


    Yup, theyre yours if you want them.


    ***


    The group continued on at a moderately fast pace. During travel, they had onlye across two small packs of low-level wolves, which Marshall made quick work of, and a single level 18 bear, which Derek allowed Leon and Marshall to handle. Derek used <strong>Dismantle </strong>on the wolves and bear to gain more experience with the skill.


    When the final corpse in his bracelet was dismantled, the familiar notification popped up in Dereks vision. Derek focused on it.


    Congrattions


    <strong>Dismantle </strong>skill has reached level 4


    <em>I guess getting the skill to level four in this short amount of time isnt too bad. I doubt it will help much with the Void Beasts body yet, though. </em>Since Derek was out of things to <strong>Dismantle, </strong>he decided to just stay up front and focus on getting the refugees to the vige for the rest of the trip.


    Their pace was quick, and without having to travel cautiously, the estimated week-long trip only took a little more than three days.


    ***


    Thomas was giddy with excitement when he saw his vige in the distance. He had tried to maintain his calm, but the closer the group got to the vige, the more he felt like he was going to burst.


    He had only been away from his grandpa for less than two weeks, but it had felt like ages. With all that he had experienced, he was ready to be home. Mostly, he wanted his grandma and grandpa to know that he was safe. He was sure that his grandma would be sick with worry.


    Finally, unable to contain himself, he took off in a sprint towards the vige. If someone would have asked him earlier, he would have said that he did not have the energy to run after the long days of travel. He made it to the front of the vige, where there was an open gate. He dashed in.


    Thomas? He heard a voiceing from the gate, but it was not the voice of his grandpa or grandma, so he ignored it and kept running. Soon, he was in the middle of the vige. He changed directions and made a B-Line to a small residence, made from mud and brick.


    Thomas mmed the door open and ran inside the home. Grandma! Im back. Where are you? He called out. The residence was small, with only two bedrooms and amon area. His eyes instantly shot to ady sitting on a bed in one of the rooms.


    Her hair was just beginning to grey. She had only a few wrinkles, but the bags under her eyes made her look much older than she was. It seemed that she had been suffering from ack of sleep recently.


    Seeing his grandma in such a condition, Thomas ran over and enveloped her in a big hug. She had not been able to say anything from the moment the door swung open, to the moment Thomas was in her arms.


    After a long hug, the two finally regained rity. Thomas! Im so d youre okay. The womans face was already drenched in tears. Where have you been? How did you get back? The woman asked.


    Its a long story. Ill tell everyer. Thomas replied. Wheres grandpa? I have to tell him that Im okay. He paused for a couple seconds. And we have guests.


    The woman wiped her tear-stained face with the back of her hand. Your grandpa has been worried sick. As well he should. He should have never taken his eyes off of you. The woman reached over to her right shoulder with her left hand and then moved her right arm in a circle. I gave him a good beating when he showed up without you. She smiled. He should be meeting with Rayna right about now. And what do you mean guests? she asked.


    Youll see, cmon, weve got to go. Thomas grabbed his grandmas hand and pulled her up from the bed. The two exited the house and Thomas raced to the Chiefs residence, his grandma struggling to keep up.


    Thomas barged into Chief Raynas house too, not spending any time on etiquette. Three heads turned at themotion. Two men and a woman. On recognition, one of the men jumped to his feet, grabbed Thomas and lifted him into the air. He spun him around once before holding him out in front.


    Thomas! Thank the Great System, youre alive! What happened, why did you run off? The man peppered Thomas with affection and questions.


    Put me down. Thomas struggled against his grandpa. Put me down. He said again. He was finally released from his grandpas grasp. Thomass cheeks turned rosy from being embarrassed in front of the chief of the vige.


    Thomas turned to Chief Rayna and cleared his throat. Chief Rayna, Chief Leon should be arriving at the vige soon, with the Thomass words trailed off, and he looked towards the ground. He looked back up at Rayna with a frown and continued. With the remaining survivors of his vige. He finished.


    The attractive woman with pale skin, long blonde hair, and green eyes pursed her lips and squinted. Survivors? What happened to the vige? She asked.


    They will be here soon. They will be able to tell you more than me. Thomas answered. He was still shy around Rayna, but the days with Derek and the others had hardened him and he had grown.


    Thats fine. Lets go. Rayna stood and walked out of residence. Thomas, his grandparents, and the other man trailing behind.


    ***


    Derek watched as Thomas took off towards his vige. He did not stop him as he did not sense or see any danger. As Thomas went to the vige at full speed, he casually dropped back beside Leon.


    You know the people here, so you can go ahead now. Derek fell in behind Leon, with the rest of the group. He ended up walking beside the little girl who wanted the hides.


    What level are you? He asked.


    Startled that Derek would talk to her, she answered shakily. Im only a level one. I just turned 13 not long ago.


    Derek smiled. I see, well, youre going to need to level up. Who knows, maybe the Great System will reward you with some kind of Leatherworking or crafting ss. Derek felt sorry for the little girl who had lost her father, and he was impressed at her drive to help her vigers.


    It will be a long time, but I will definitely be able to help my friends and family someday. Brandi said with resolve.


    Behind the two, Malorie could only smile a sad smile.


    ***


    The group soon reached the gates of the vige with Leon in the front. When they arrived, they found five people there waiting for them.


    Derek looked over the people. There were two men and two women. Thomas was the fifth. He was standing in between the older man and woman, while they all seemed to yield to the beautiful blonde in front.


    Making no small talk, the woman got straight to the issue. Leon, what happened?

 Chapter 22: Meeting

    Chapter 22: Meeting


    Leon, what happened? Rayna asked.


    Leon shuffled from one leg to the other, nervously. He had been going over in his head what he was going to say when he arrived at Raynas vige. When he was finally asked the question, he froze, unable to answer the question.


    Leon knew the answer, he knew what to say, but once it was said out loud, it would all be real. He took a moment to gather himself. He took a deep breath in and let it out. Finally, he slowly raised his head to look Rayna in the eyes.


    I failed. The vige is gone. He made a simple statement that summed everything up. It was overrun by a horde of monsters. Leon turned and his gaze fell over each of the surviving vigers. This is all thats left. Nobody else made it out.


    He could see the pitying look in Raynas eyes, but he did not say anything. Rayna, will you take us in? Our vige is lost, and our people are dead. We have nowhere else to go. The hard part over, he waited for Rayna to give her reply.


    Rayna looked over the group of survivors, taking in everything that Leon had said. She had been put on the spot, but there was really only one answer. Of course. You are all wee here. She saw the relief wash over many of the refugees in the crowd. There were not many survivors left, so adding them to her vige would not be a problem.


    Thank you so much. I will forever be in your debt. Leon said, then lowered his head as if ashamed.


    Raise your head. There is no reason to feel shame. There will alwayse a time when you must rely on others. Rayna consoled Leon while scanning the crowd again. There was a man that she had noticed earlier that seemed off. <em>What a strange dress. </em>She thought while examining the mans t-shirt and jeans.


    <em>It looks like he is daydreaming. Almost like none of this concerns him. </em>The oddly dressed man was just staring with his head tilted up. asionally, he would furrow his brow or nod to himself. <em>It doesnt seem like hes interacting with the Great System. Maybe hes slow. </em>She stared directly at him, but he did not seem to notice. <em>That has to be it. Though, I dont remember anyone like that from Leons vige. </em>


    Derek was standing in the middle of the refugees, letting Leon and Rayna talk. None of what was going on mattered to him, anyway. <em>Hmm So, leveling is slow with this scam system, and there seems to be a sharp drop off of experience when killing higher leveled beasts. </em>


    <em>I do need to find something over one hundred levels above me to kill so I can get the next Giant yer award. I bet its just another Skill Point, but every point is needed when ites to this stingy system. </em>He furrowed his brows, then rxed. <em>I bet if I go deep enough into the forest, I could find something one hundred levels above me. </em>He nodded his head, not noticing the stare that he was receiving.


    <em>I should probably do that soon. </em>He thought, then he frowned again. <em>I have to be careful though. I really want to go do that dungeon that Thomas was talking about. I need to stay under level 25 to do that though. Dammit, I dont even know if </em><strong><em>Identify </em></strong><em>will be able to show me the levels of anything over level 100. Its level 8, so I think it will only show me enemy levels up to 80, plus my current level, so... 91. Im really going to need to level it. I guess I can just wander around and </em><strong><em>Identify </em></strong><em>different things until it gets to level 11 or so. </em>


    Derek nodded his head twice now that he had somewhat of a n. <em>I wish that Void Beast would have had levels. It was definitely above level 100.</em> He finally snapped out of his thoughts and looked around. He saw Thomas standing beside who he guessed were his grandparents. <em>Maybe I should take the kid to that dungeon when I go. If its the way it sounds, there shouldnt be a problem with the two of us entering together.</em>


    The discussion between Leon and Rayna seemed to have finallye to a conclusion. The woman turned around. Follow me. Well find a ce for you all. She said as she started walking into the vige.


    Derek watched the pretty blond woman as she fell in beside Leon and began chatting. Whats with the oddly dressed person in your group. She whispered to Leon, but Derek was close enough that with his stats, he was able to hear the conversation if he focused.


    Oddly dressed person? Leon looked back, his eyes fell on Derek. A slightly surprised look appeared on his face as he turned back around. I think youre talking about Derek. Thats another thing we have to discuss, but I would prefer to do it in private. He said.


    Very well, though I dont see why we need to discuss it in private. He looks odd, and he was staring out in space earlier when we were talking about the future of your people. Is he slow? Mentally challenged? Rayna let her suspicions be known.


    Dereks eyelid twitched at that statement. <em>Mentally challenged? Ill show her mentally challenged. </em>


    Leon had turned just in time to see Dereks facial expression change. Slow No! No, hes not slow at all. Leon moved even closer to Rayna and whispered something as lightly as he could. This time, Derek was unable to make out what was said, but he could guess by the reaction Rayna made.


    Her head rapidly turned back to look at Derek. This time a look of shock appeared on her face. He could not stop himself from smirking ever so slightly. <em>Hmm Serves you right for calling me slow. </em>


    ***


    The group eventually stopped about midway into the vige. Here, Rayna made an announcement. Okay, everybody, listen up. Davis here. She pointed to the other man that had been with the group that greeted the vigers. Davis is going to help you all get situated. Well figure out more in the uing days.


    Okay, follow me. Davis led the refugees away, leaving only Rayna, Leon, Derek, Thomas and Thomass grandparents.


    With the six of them alone, Rayan spoke. My residence is just up this way, I think we have a lot to discuss. Leon, Richard She paused and looked at Derek. Derek, if you will follow me.


    The older woman reached for and grabbed Thomass hand and began leading him away. Lets go, Thomas. Im sure they have very important things to discuss.


    Stop. Derek called out. The kidsing too. I need to talk to him once weve finished.


    The woman frowned and looked at Rayna, who slowly nodded her head.


    Rx, the boy will be fine. Youre his grandma, you might as welle too. Derek said, to the olderdys relief.


    Rayna led the group to one of the bigger buildings in the vige. When inside the building, she showed them to a room with a table and chairs. Lets all have a seat. She gestured towards the furniture.


    Without ceremony, Derek pulled out a chair and let his body fall into it. Whew, actual furniture, its been awhile. He moved around on the chair. Though, it could really use a cushion or something. He remarked.


    The others all stared for a moment until Rayna took the initiative and sat down at the head of the table. The rest, including a very nervous looking Thomas, soon followed.


    The six people sat at the table in silence, Derek was waiting for someone else to speak. Finally, Rayna broke the silence. Derek, you already know Leon, and little Thomas. She gestured to the man and boy. Beside Thomas is his grandpa, Richard. He is one of my aides and the head trader of the vige. And beside Richard is his wife, Delh, who is Thomass grandma.


    Derek looked over and nodded to the two.


    Im sure the both of them will be very grateful to you by the time this meeting is over. Rayna continued. From what Leon has told me, which is not much, you are the reason that both Thomas and the survivors of Leons vige are still alive. This was all I could get out of Leon, it seems that you have made quite the impression on him. Rayna looked over to Leon and smiled.


    Derek chuckled, amused at the way Leon was acting. He had been very reserved with Derek ever since he came back from fighting the Void Beast. He focused his attention on the chief. Well, theres not much of a story to tell. I was in the forest when Thomas ran into me, apparently after being separated from hispanions. He was being chased by a wolf, which I took care of.


    After that, Thomas helped me out a bit, so I agreed to bring him home. He looked over to Richard. You have quite the grandson by the way. He spoke to Thomass grandparents, then continued. We made it out of the forest, and soon after we saw the small group of vigers. Thomas knew them, so he asked me to help. I did, and now we are here.


    Leon looked as if there was something more that he wanted to add, but he did not make a sound.


    Thats it? Rayna appeared doubtful at Dereks words.


    Yeah, pretty much. There were some beasts and fights in between, but other than that, thats all. Found the kid, saved what was left of the vige, brought them here. Thats the cliff notes. Derek replied.


    Cliff notes? Rayna asked.


    Derekughed. Dont worry about it, its just a saying where Ie from.


    And where do youe from?


    Thats a good question, but I have a better one. Derek paused for dramatic effect. What do you n on doing about your forest problem? If what Im thinking is correct, it wont be long before all the viges in the area end up like Leons. He stared deep into Raynas eyes.

 Chapter 23: The Problem

    Chapter 23: The Problem


    The forest problem? Do you know whats going on with it? Rayna blurted out. Derek could see the intrigue swelling in her eyes.


    I have some ideas. Said Derek. First, Im sure you all have noticed that monsters are migrating towards the edge of the forest.


    We have, it is very odd. Richard replied.


    You must have also noticed that the creatures near the edge are beginning to be advanced in their level. Right now, it seems to be creatures at around level 20, but I have a feeling that this will soon change. Derek stopped talking, allowing what he had just said to sink in.


    Rayna was the first to respond. What makes you think this? She asked.


    Derek looked to where Richard and Delh were sitting. You heard that Tommy there was chased by a wolf, correct? Derek waited for the two of them to nod. What you havent heard is that the wolf that chased him was level 53. He exined.


    Hearing that, the room went silent. Nobody could believe what they had just heard. Finally, Rayna broke the silence. Thomas, how far into the forest did you go?


    Thomas startled, but answered. We...well, I didnt go very far at all. I thought I saw some herbs for medicine and went to look at them. Then the wolf came and chased me deeper into the forest.


    Rayna looked at Derek. So, youre saying that a level 53 wolf chased Thomas from the edge of the forest, all the way to where you were? How was he able to escape from a wolf of that level? Derek could hear the skepticism in her voice.


    Derek snorted, amused. I dont know, youd have to ask the wolf. Maybe it enjoyed the hunt, or it was full and just toying with him. All I know is that it ended up in our stomachs. He patted his belly as if he was stuffed.


    Rayna scoffed. Okay, lets say youre right and it was level 53. Why was it so close to the edge of the forest?


    Now that is the question. Derek paused. I believe that the stronger creatures are being driven to the outer parts of the forest, which also drives the weaker monsterspletely out of the forest. This ends up with a beast horde attacking a vige, just like what happened to the vige Leon came from.


    Fine, so something is causing all of this then. Do you know what it is? Rayna asked.


    Well, I know part of what is causing the beast problem. Derek looked at Thomas, then spoke. When the kid and I were getting ready to head out of the forest, a bear attacked our camp. It was a higher level, just like the wolf, but it looked sick. After inspecting the bear, I learned that it was diseased, and was on the verge of turning into an undying creature. Derek stopped talking to let the others digest this information.


    Derek continued. Now, I know that a disease is spreading throughout the forest, but I do not know what is causing the disease. Im not a native to this region, so I dont have a lot of information, but I have a couple theories of what is happening.


    Rayna looked at Derek, her face nowpletely serious. If everything youre saying is true, then we have a big problem. No, not just us, even City Lord Torith will have to get involved. She took a deep breath. What are your theories? What do you believe is the cause of all of this?


    Seeing the atmosphere bing so serious, Derek decided that he had messed around enough. He had been acting haughty ever since he heard the woman call him slow. He leaned forward in his chair and looked directly into the vige chiefs eyes. From what I heard from Thomas, this city lord of yours dispatched some adventurers to look into the problem, correct?


    Rayna answered. Yes, they poked around in the forest for a bit, and questioned a few viges, but from what I gather, they couldnt find any real problems.


    Interesting. Either the adventurers that took on the mission wereplete idiots and awful at their jobs, or they didnt even bother trying to figure out what was happening. The second I arrived here, I could tell that there was something serious happening to the forest, and it only took me a day to figure out part of it. Surely the adventures that came were high enough of a level to take out some monsters at level 50, right? Derek asked.


    From what I know, there were three of them, and they were all level 50 or higher. We know this because of all the bragging they were doing. Rayna answered.


    Well, it was most likely thetter, they didnt even try. Derek shook his head, he was not a big fan of helping people, but if he took a mission or made a promise, at least he kept it, or tried to keep it. He changed the subject. So, I have two theories about what is going on. The first is that some kind of undying creature wandered into the forest a long time ago, and it has taken this long for the disease to spread.


    Thats a possibility. Said Richard from across the table. Though it seems unlikely. If something like that happened, the disease should have spread much faster. And the monsters would have be diseased first, instead of the forest.


    And this leads me to my second theory. All the eyes in the room were staring at Derek. A dungeon.


    What? Rayna questioned. If there was a dungeon, we would have known about it.


    That may be so, but who says that there cant be new dungeons? He questioned, then looked at Richard, who seemed to be the most knowledgeable of the group. Is it possible? Can new dungeons just appear? He stopped for a second, thinking. And what happens to a dungeon if it isnt cleared for a long time? In the system that Derek came from, dungeons could appear anywhere except for safe zones, and if a dungeon was not cleared in an appropriate amount of time, they would overflow.


    Richard did not respond for a while. Finally, he nodded his head. New dungeons appearing are rare, but not unheard of. It is possible that a well-hidden dungeon could have spawned deep in the forest, where not many adventurers go. He paused. If that were to have happened, and it was left alone, it could have caused an overflow after some time. If the dungeon is one with undying properties, it would exin everything that is happening.


    So, we possibly have a hidden dungeon that has overflowed, leading to disease spreading throughout the forest. This is driving the healthy monsters away from the dungeon, and towards the edge of the forest, which is driving the lower level creatures out of the forest and causing them to attack viges. Rayna recounted all that she had heard. It seems far-fetched, but its the only thing that currently makes sense.


    Derek nodded. Now that you understand your dire situation. You should probably find a way to fix it. Who knows, maybe this city lord of yours will send someonepetent this time. Derek made to get up. He had finished his exnation and let the vigers know how serious of a problem they had. It was time for him to leave the vige and go find something 100 levels higher than him to kill.


    Wait! Rayna spoke up. Youre strong, at least level 90. Why dont you help us? It should be easy enough for you.


    Level 90? What made you get that idea? Derek asked.


    I cant <strong>Identify </strong>you. Which means that your <strong>Identify </strong>skill is higher than mine, and mine is level 6, or you are a higher level than what I can <strong>Identify</strong>. I can see up to level 91, and you are just question marks. Either way, it means that you are strong. Rayna exined her theory.


    That may be so, but I have no reason to help you further. I already saved your refugees and let you know of the forest problem. Hell, the only reason I did this much is because I find the kid over there... Derek nodded at Thomas. I find him interesting. Besides, you dont need me. This is a problem that the city lord will want to see eliminated, and fast. Now, if youll excuse me. With that, Derek finished standing up and started walking to the exit of the house.


    Tommy, walk with me. I need to find out where that little girl ended up going. He motioned for Thomas to follow him.


    ***


    Hes right, you know. Richard spoke after Derek and Thomas exited the building.


    I know, but he doesnt have to be so upfront about it. Rayna said. Her mind was still racing while thinking of all the new information she had received. We need to figure out what to do, and do it fast.


    Our only option is to send someone to the city to report to the lord. Derek was right in that regard. Richard replied.


    Ill send Davis. He can take a few hunters with him. They should be able to make the trip rtively quick. This was all Rayna could do in their current situation. What she really wanted to know was how powerful Derek was. She looked at Leon. Leon, youve spent a lot of time with that man, now that hes gone, whats your take on him?


    I dont know. Hes sarcastic, funny, and moody. And, he asks a lot of basic questions. I cant figure him out. But hes strong, much stronger than you think. Leon paused, as if debating on what to say next. I think he can control the void. He dropped a bombshell.


    What! Rayna was shocked. How is that possible? Are you sure?


    I saw him ying around with his elemental powers. It was an element that I have never personally seen before. He paused again, then sighed. I think he identally summoned a Void Beast too.


    Rayna did not know what to think. She was caught off guard by Leons first statement, but the second made her speechless. Luckily, Richard spoke up.


    Did he open a portal? Richard asked.


    No. He channeled his element, then shot it into the sky. After that, a Void Beast broke through. Leon responded.


    Rayna was finally able to speak. If a Void Beast was there, how did any of you make it out alive.


    Well, thats the thing. He stayed back to fight it and sent us away. Soon after, he caught up. No worse for wear. He said that he chased it away, which makes sense ording to what I know of Void Beasts. But I dont know, I think he may have killed it. Leon finished.


    The room was silent until a voice that had not spoken rang out. What does he want with my Thomas? Delh asked.


    ***


    Derek and Thomas were walking through the vige. So, kid, when will you unlock the system? Derek asked.


    I turn thirteen in around a month. Thomas replied.


    What are your ns? Do you n on staying in the vige?


    I dont know. I had wanted to be a trader, like my grandpa. But with everything that has happened, I want to get strong. I want to be able to protect people, and I dont want to have to be protected by others. Thomas answered.


    Derek could see the fire in Thomass eyes as he spoke. If you want that, youll have to leave. Youll have to adventure, fight, and kill. Are you up for it? Are you sure you wouldnt rather have a nice and peaceful life in the vige? Derek pushed.


    Thomas halted his steps. Derek turned and waited for his reply. Im sure. This was the only response that Derek received. The duo continued walking.


    Soon, Derek saw someone that he recognized. Davis, right?


    The man stopped walking and replied. Yes?


    You took the refugees somewhere. I need to find that little girl and her mother. Brandi and Malorie.


    Oh, theyre just up ahead. Davis pointed in a direction.


    Thanks. Derek and Thomas started walking again.


    Soon, the duo found the girl and her mother. Did you get settled? Derek asked.


    Malories head darted toward Derek. When she saw Derek and Thomas there, she smiled. Yes. We will be staying in this residence with some others for the time being. She pointed at a building.


    Thats good. Derek replied. Do you have a ce for me to put him? He asked.


    This way. Malorie led Derek over towards a nket spread out on the ground. Brandi and Thomas followed.


    Derek focused, and Traviss body appeared in his arms. He gentlyid him on the nket.


    Thank you. Malorie said.


    Derek nodded and looked at Brandi. And these are for you. He summoned the hides from the monsters he had dismantled andid them on the ground.


    Brandi looked at the pile of hides with wide eyes. Thank you so much. She ran up to Derek and hugged him.


    He patted her head, and she let go. Its fine. Then he turned to Thomas and summoned the Mana Clippers. He handed them to the kid. Take these and practice. I expect an amazing haircut when I get back. He started walking away. He looked over his shoulder, back at Thomas. Oh, and dont unlock your system until I get back, okay?


    Okay!

 Chapter 24: Anomaly

    Chapter 24: Anomaly


    In the center of the System Universe


    Seven days after Dereks arrival to a new system


    Darvin was floating back and forth. With his just over one meter form, he hovered centimeters off of the ground. He had news of the systems actions, and he was waiting for his guests to arrive.


    Darvin was a System Watcher, no, he was THE System Watcher. He had been alive for millennia and had been the System Watcher for centuries. ording to the records, which only he had ess to, there could be only one System Watcher alive at a time. When he was offered this ss at level 250, he had not known what to think... the final ss upgrade was suppose to be at level 200. Of course, he epted. With his eptance came information.


    Information passed down from previous System Watchers. If he were to say that he was the second most knowledgeable person from the system, no one would im to be first.


    He stopped pacing and looked into a mirror. He was a member of a race of psionics known as the Mxis. Before the system arrived in hisnd, he and many others had already unlocked their psychic prowess. Adjusting to the system was no great feat. His race thrived during the five-year introduction phase. And when their five years were up, they were already considered a powerful force in the system.


    Darvin was a typical Mxi. Humanoid with a small stature, purple skin from head to toe, with no hair to be found. His solid green eyes stared back at him from the mirror. He was wearing his usual green dress robe with a purple trim.


    Darvin checked his system to see the time. <em>Would it kill them to arrive early for once? </em>There was an anomaly in the system, so he had called a meeting of the heads of various system regions. A meeting of the strongest, or most respected.


    He had called a meeting like this once before, centuries ago, but that was to organize a system-wide tournament. This was to discuss a problem with the system that he had never seen or heard of before.


    Finally, he heard the familiar hum of the teleporter ring out. He rxed. <em>At least someone has some decency to show up on time. </em>He moved to the head of a table with 11 seats. He had invited ten figures to discuss the problem, and one had finally arrived.


    He stared at the teleporter. Finally, it shed and a giant of a woman stepped out. She stood nearly three meters tall with a head full of dark hair. Her skin seemed to almost glow a fire red. She was a member of the Ascarian race. He had to admit, she was as beautiful as she was intimidating. Ah, Amelia, you are the first to arrive. Wee. Please have a seat while we await the others. Darvin offered the woman a seat towards the head of the table.


    She nodded and sat down, not saying anything.


    The two sat in silence, waiting for the others to arrive. Soon, the teleporter shed again. This time, a creature with eight legs stepped out. The creature had a ck exoskeleton and mandibles. It was a member of one of the insectoid races.


    Xephos. How nice to see you again. Darvin greeted the creature.


    Darvin, its a pleasure as always. Xephos strode forward towards the meeting table. He shifted his body as he crawled onto a chair. He looked at Amelia. This must be the beauty, Amelia. Its an honor.


    Amelia gazed at the insectoid and nodded.


    As time went by, more and more figures arrived. Soon, a total of nine beings, including Darvin, had taken a seat in the meeting room. On Darvins left side were Amelia, the Ascari, Ho, the Mxi, the lizard-like Wri, the ixian, and Awery, the Centaur.


    On the right side of the table sat Xephos, the Uloc, Kelvin, the Human, the cat-like Briya, the Taji, and a blue humanoid Trischa, the Ivali.


    Darvin waited for the other two to arrive. He kept checking his system time. He was bing impatient. After some time, Kelvin spoke up. Can we get on with it? Ive things to do.


    Darvin sighed and nodded. Jakis is young and may not know the importance of such a meeting, so he may have ignored the summons. Cuthos, however, is not. He will need a good exnation avoid punishment He picked up a remote from the table in front of him and pushed a button. The teleporter in the room shut off. So we arent interrupted.


    Alright, first things first. Darvin hit a button on his remote and the table changed to a screen. He moved his hand to the screen and pushed a sequence of buttons. When he finished, a hologram shot up from the table.


    Darvin signaled to the hologram. As you may know, this is a model of the entire system universe. He spun the hologram to give everyone a good view. Afterward, he hit a few buttons, and the model began expanding. As you can see, over the centuries, the system has extended at a constant rate in all directions.


    We know this. What does it matter? Kelvin interrupted.


    Ill soon get to that. Please be patient. Darvin motioned again, and the expanding of the model stopped. This is the amount of the universe that the system had covered as of seven days ago. The model was a perfect sphere. The system seemed to have a perfectly uniform expansion.


    Now watch as I show you these past seven days. Darvin motioned again and the uniform expansion stopped. Then, a portion of the sphere began growing at a rapid pace. This is the anomaly that I brought you all here to discuss.


    How interesting. Xephos mused. It seems like by focusing all of its energy in one direction, its able to grow at an extreme pace. But the question is, why?


    Its hunting. Amelia spoke up for the first time.


    Oh, would you borate? Asked Xephos.


    Amelia looked at Xephos, then at Darvin, but said nothing.


    Darvin nodded at Amelia. I believe that Amelia is correct. As for what it is hunting, I do not know. But, in the days that I have monitored the situation, I have found what may be a clue. Darvin spread his arms, and the model disappeared.


    He made another motion and a picture of a human male popped up from the table. The man had coal ck hair and light blue eyes, he was wearing ck steel armor and holding a ive in his right hand. This human is Derek Hunt. He is from C-186, which the residents call, Earth. Darvin motioned again, and a list of Dereks stats popped up.


    Hmm. Level 79. If I remember correctly, this Earth is under my territory. Kelvin spoke up. Its not a bad level, but Earths five years is almost up, the strong should be at least level 90 by now. Kelvin paused for a moment. I will say that he has magnificent statspared to his level. Can we see his Titles?


    We cannot. My power is limited to any beings level and stats. I cannot show their Titles or Skill unless I am within a certain range of them, even then, it is limited. Replied Darvin.


    So whats the big deal with this human? Kelvin asked.


    He vanished almost two years ago. What you are seeing is his status from then. Said Darvin.


    Xephos spoke. Theres nothing strange about someone vanishing. Its possible for a being to leave the systems range. I know a few who have.


    You are correct, and two years ago Darvin moved his hands and another image with Dereks face on it popped up. The system designated him as Out of System Range. Now, when a person is out of range of the system, the system can offer no more help, but it is still able to locate the general direction of a person.


    Darvin then brought up another image. This is Dereks system status from seven days ago. The Out of System Range had changed to System Suppressed. I have no clue what this means, but the day his status changed was the day the system began growing exponentially in a singr direction. This could be a coincidence, but I do not believe so. I have scoured the system records, and I could not find anything rted to this anomaly. I think that the system is hunting Derek Hunt, or whatever it was that suppressed it.


    A fairy-like voice rose up. This is interesting. Do we know what happened to the human in the first ce? How did he leave system range? It may be easy for some, but his was still in the introductory stage. There should not have been many ways to leave the, much less the system. Trischa made her thoughts clear.


    Darvin sighed. Yes. He looked over at Kelvin. It seems that humans still jump head first into things without a modicum of research. I mean, really. Things to Avoid in the System is basically free in the system shop and the first chapter is all about portals. Darvin shook his head and Kelvin giggled. It seems that a female human named Silvi Jacobs has been particrly lucky with her portals. Not a single beast has broken through. Though after she lost most of her team and her portal closed with Derek Hunt still inside, she has not done much of anything.


    Oh? So he was trapped in the void? Ho, the other Mxi spoke up. Two years in the void. I wonder how hes still alive. How long would that be for the person inside? He asked.


    We do not know. Time in the void is always fluctuating. It could have been days, or decades. Darvin replied. He turned to look at Kelvin. Kelvin, once the introductory phase on this Earth is over, you are to gather Silvi Jacobs and the remnants of her team, and find whatever information you can on Derek Hunt.


    Very well. Kelvin tapped a few times on a device fastened on his wrist. I will go personally in two months when Earth finishes its introduction.

 Chapter 25: At the Edge

    Chapter 25: At the Edge


    After Derek said his goodbyes to Thomas, he left. After passing through the gates, he surveyed his surroundings. <em>Well, I guess I should just go into the forest. Maybe I can find some high-level creatures close to whatever is causing the disease in the forest. </em>With that, Derek began walking.


    He traveled towards the tree line until he finally was at the edge of the forest. Before he began his mission he decided to do a quick check on his stat points.


    <em>Hmm 40 stat points, two skill points, and three skill upgrade points. </em>Derek remembered the extra boost of regeneration he felt after his Vitality broke 500 points. <em>I really like having spare stat points for worse case scenarios, but maybe spending a few wont hurt. </em>Derek started at his stats and decided how to spend his points.


    First, he spent five points in Wisdom, just to get it up to 200. With that, he received a notification, which he promptly ignored. Next, he decided to round out his stats, as they had been bugging him. He spent two points on Intelligence, four points on Dexterity, and two points on Strength. He knew that he probably should not do this, but the numbers were driving him crazy.


    Finally, he spent nine stat points on Endurance. After spending that, he received another notification on his screen, which again, he ignored. <em>Yeah, yeah, Ill get to it in a minute. Okay, so I have 18 stat points left. </em>Derek frowned. <em>Well, whatever. </em>He had never been toopulsive about his stats with the old system, how could he with the percent increases that his Titles had given him. With the new system, however, he did not have any percent increase Titles, so he was in full control.


    After finishing up with his stat points, he decided to check the two notifications he had received. He thought it was odd to receive a notification for spending skill points.


    You have seeded in increasing all of your basic stats to 200 points.


    New Award Earned


    <em>Oh? Now thats unexpected. </em>Derek looked at his new Award.


    Jack of All


    By spreading your stat points through all basic stats, you have shown that you understand their worth. You will be awarded with the following:


    2 Skill Points


    +15 Stat Points to each basic stat.


    Note: This is a one-time Award and cannot be upgraded.


    Derek clicked his tongue. <em>Not bad. Sucks that I cant upgrade it, but that was almost five free levels, plus some skill points. </em>After seeing this Award, Derek could not wait so see what the other notification was for. He focused on it.


    You have seeded in increasing both your Endurance and Vitality to 500 points.


    New Award Earned


    That got Dereks attention. <em>This is going to be great. </em>He checked the new Award.


    Meat Shield


    You thrive on the physicality of the fight. You are a glutton for punishment. In order to survive your masochistic ways, you have focused on defense and recovery. You will be awarded with the following:


    One Defensive Skill (Please Choose)


    One Restorative Skill (Please Choose)


    Note: This is a one-time Award and cannot be upgraded.


    Derek looked towards the sky. <em>There is a god! Actualbat skills. </em>Derek was beside himself with joy. After the flop that was <strong>Void Call,</strong> he had been stuck with only one usable non-general skill. Sure, he wasnt getting a new attack skill, but a defensive skill would be nice, and he knew that the only reason he had been able to use <strong>Greater Meditation </strong>during his fight with the Void Beast was because of the unusual circumstances. He excitedly viewed his possible defensive skills.


    Current Avable Skill Points: 5


    Note: One skill point is required to unlock any of the skills below. If you do not have any skill points, you may choose to unlock a skill at ater date.


    Avable Defensive Skills


    Counterattack


    Guard


    Harden


    Magic Resistance


    Physical Resistance


    Reflect


    Stoneskin


    Taunt


    Thorns


    Transfer Damage


    <em>Oh, ten skills to choose from. </em>Derek was a little irritated that the skills were not free, but he hade to expect it from the stingy system. He read through the list of skills one by one, hoping to find the perfect skill. <strong><em>Counterattack </em></strong><em>Nope, not something I would use. </em><strong><em>Guard</em></strong><em> Requires a shield, pass. </em><strong><em>Harden</em></strong><em> Maybe. </em><strong><em>Magic Resistance</em></strong><em> 1.5% per level, passive Maybe. </em><strong><em>Physical Resistance</em></strong><em> Same Maybe. </em>


    Derek went on reading the list in his mind until he settled on four skills, <strong>Magic Resistance, Reflect, Thorns, </strong>and <strong>Transfer Damage. </strong>He took a closer look at them.


    Magic Resistance


    Increase your natural resistance to all magic rted skills. Each level will increase the resistance by 1.5%.


    Passive


    Cost: 1 Skill Point


    <em>Damn. Thats 30% full magical resistance at level 20. If it can be upgraded after level 20, then I could be practically immune. </em>He looked at the next skill.


    Reflect


    Reflect a certain amount of damage back at the attacker. The higher the level, the greater the damage is reflected back.


    Cost: 1 Skill Point


    <em>Not bad.</em>


    Thorns


    A small amount of damage is dealt to your attacker for every attack received. The higher the level, the greater the damage dealt.


    Passive


    Cost: 1 Skill Point


    Derek looked at <strong>Thorns</strong>, then he did a double take. <em>That says passive. That Void Beast probably would have killed itself if I would have had that ability. </em>After confirming the ability, Derek was very interested in it.


    Transfer Damage


    Cast this upon an ally to transfer the damage they receive onto yourself. The higher the level, the more damage you can transfer.


    Cost: 1 Skill Point


    <em>Ooh, I could save so many people Nope. Not my kind of skill. </em>After thinking, Derek was considering either <strong>Thorns </strong>or <strong>Magic Resistance</strong>. <em>Ah man, both are perfect for me. </em><strong><em>Thorns </em></strong><em>would add a ton to my offense, but </em><strong><em>Magic Resistance </em></strong><em>would increase my survivability by so much. </em>Finally, Derek came to a conclusion. <em>I sure do hope Im able to choose more of theseter. </em>


    Would you like to learn <strong>Magic Resistance</strong>?


    <em>Yes. </em>


    <strong>Magic Resistance </strong>Learned Sessfully.


    Skill Points Remaining: 4


    Derek felt the familiar feeling of learning a skill, but not much after. <em>What would I expect? Its a defensive passive. I wonder if </em><strong><em>Harden </em></strong><em>or </em><strong><em>Stoneskin</em></strong><em> would havebined with my old </em><strong><em>Imprable Skin</em></strong><em> skill. Oh well, I need magic defense.</em><strong><em></em></strong><em></em>With his new defensive skill learned, he looked at the restorative skills.


    Current Avable Skill Points: 4


    Note: One skill point is required to unlock any of the skills below. If you do not have any skill points, you may choose to unlock a skill at ater date.


    Avable Restorative Skills


    Cure


    Heal


    Life Leech


    Rejuvenation


    Remove Curse


    <em>Wait, why are there only five skills on this list. </em>Derek sighed. <em>Stingy system. </em>Derek looked through the list. <em>How is </em><strong><em>Life Leech </em></strong><em>a restorative skill? Damn, all of these skills seem too basic. </em>Derek frowned, he wanted a skill thatbined well with his fighting style, but he didnt like how basic the skills were. <em>I guess the defensive skills were kind of basic too, but they fit well with me. </em>


    Derek first ruled out <strong>Cure. </strong><em>Only cures poison, waste of a skill. Dont need </em><strong><em>Remove Curse </em></strong><em>either. </em>Finally, after a bit of thinking, he crossed <strong>Heal </strong>off of his list. <em>Too much mana for not enough healing. </em>After that, he was left with <strong>Life Leech </strong>and <strong>Rejuvenation</strong>.


    Life Leech


    After casting on a user, a percent of any damage dealt will be returned to the user as health. The higher the level, the more health will be returned, the longer the spell willst, and the less mana it will cost.


    2% Damage Returned as Health


    Skill Lasts 30 Seconds


    Costs 250 Mana


    Cooldown: 5 Minutes


    Cost: 1 Skill Point


    <em>Maybe. </em>Derek looked at <strong>Rejuvenation</strong>.


    Rejuvenation


    After casting on a user, user will receive a percentage of health restored over a set period of time. The higher the level, the higher the recovery and less cost.


    5% HP Recovered Over 30 Second


    Costs 250 Mana


    Cooldown: 5 Minutes


    Cost: 1 Skill Point


    Derek really wanted to get <strong>Life Leech</strong>, but he could see how <strong>Rejuvenation </strong>could be extremely powerful after leveling up. This decision was harder than his previous one. <em>Well, either skill is better than none. </em>What really made his decision for him was the percent heal from <strong>Rejuvenation</strong>.


    Would you like to learn <strong>Rejuvenation</strong>?


    <em>Yes.</em>


    <strong>Rejuvenation </strong>Learned Sessfully.


    Skill Points Remaining: 3


    <em>I hope I dont regret this. </em>Derek started thinking about how he would level his new skills up. <strong><em>Rejuvenation </em></strong><em>should be easy, but I need to find a monster that uses magic to help me level up my resistance. Hmm Maybe the kid will get a Sorcerer ss or something. </em>


    With all of that settled, Derek viewed his new status sheet.


    Status


    Name


    Derek Hunt


    Age


    29


    Level


    11


    Experience


    0/600


    ss


    Champion of the Void (Epic)


    Race


    Human (Modified)


    Health


    5250


    Mana


    2150


    Stamina


    5150


    Defense


    51 (Armor + 135)


    Attack


    49 (Weapon + 0)


    Stats


    Strength


    360


    Dexterity


    260


    Endurance


    515


    Vitality


    525


    Intelligence


    220


    Wisdom


    215


    Stat Points Remaining


    18


    Skills


    Channel Void


    Level 3


    Channel the Void through your body, into attacks or defenses.


    Dismantle


    Level 4


    Increase ability to dismantle deceased organic life forms.


    Greater Meditation


    Level 1


    Enter meditative state to increase recovery.


    Heavy Weapons Mastery


    Level 18


    Increase damage with heavy weapons.


    Identify


    Level 8


    Appraise objects or entities.


    Magic Resistance


    Level 1


    Increase natural magic resistance by 1.5% per level.


    Rejuvenation


    Level 1


    Restores 5% HP over 30 seconds.


    Void Call


    Level 2


    Call out to the Void.


    Skill Points Remaining


    3


    Skill Upgrade Points Remaining


    3


    Awards


    Giant yer, Jack of All, Lesser yer of the Unknown, Meat Shield


    <em>Well, only three skill points left. I think thats enough spending for one day. Lets go look for some giants. </em>Derek walked into the forest.

 Chapter 26: Legendary Beast

    Chapter 26: Legendary Beast


    Derek walked into the forest. Thinking about his Awards and new skills. For the most part, he was happy with his new skills. Still, he wished that he could have picked more than one from each category. Really, he missed his <strong>Heavy Blow </strong>and <strong>Wide Sweep </strong>skills. He was still able to use the skills, albeit with a massive headache, when he first arrived at the new, but ever since his new system suppressed the old one, he was unable to.


    He was really hoping to have a chance to obtain some sort of heavy weapons offensive skill. By his calctions, his <strong>Wide Sweep </strong>skill would be level 20, or at least closing in on it by now. If he could find the right skill tobine with it, he may be able to receive another upgraded skill, and this time it would be an area of effect attack skill.


    But all of that would have toe at ater date. For now, he had a n. He needed to increase his <strong>Identify </strong>skill and find something over 100 levels above himself to kill. He figured that if he found any injured creatures along the way, he could cast <strong>Rejuvenate </strong>on them to help level his new restoration skill. <em>Or is it a spell? They both take mana to use, but some sounds more like spells than skills. Oh well, I guess it doesnt really matter. </em>


    Derek kept walking into the forest, making sure to cast <strong>Identify </strong>on everything he could. He was identifying trees, nts, rocks, basically, if he could not remember using the skill on it, he tried to <strong>Identify </strong>it.


    For a long while, he did not find anything other than rocks and flora. Though, he knew from experience that some nts could be as dangerous as any monster. Finally, a little bunny hopped in front of him. He quickly used <strong>Identify</strong> and was shocked by what he saw.


    Horned Rabbit


    Level 54


    A rabbit native to forests and other lush areas.


    <em>Damn, whats the odds that the first monster Ie across is a level 54. And its the legendary horned bunny. It must be fate. </em>Derek approached the bunny cautiously, but it had already taken note of him. However, it did not flee or move.


    Soon, Derek was within arm''s reach of the creature. He squatted down. Hey there little fe, what are you doing out here in these big bad woods. He reached out to pet its head, then the bunny jumped.


    Ow! Shit! Derek jumped back, holding his nose. It hadunched itself at him the moment he reached his hand out. Derek had not taken much damage, but getting head-butted in the nose by a level 54 jumping animal at full force still hurt, and it was not like he had any increased pain tolerance skills.


    Derek removed his hands, checking them for blood, seeing that there was not any, he looked at his HP. <em>Ha, 26 points of damage to me. </em>To Derek, this was nothing. But then he thought about Thomas and shivered. <em>That would have been over a quarter of his health. No, he doesnt have any Endurance, so that probably would have one shot him. If I end up taking him anywhere, were going to have to be extra careful. </em>


    Derek thought about everything that hed learned so far. <em>The fact that his bunny is as near to the edge of the forest as this is crazy. Im not even sure that Ms. Vige Chief herself would be able to take this little guy... </em>Derek looked at the rabbit sideways. <em>This little girl on. </em>


    He shook his head and kept walking. After about 50 meters, he felt something hit him in the back. He turned and saw the bunny sitting there, looking up at him. <em>Does it have a grudge against me? </em>Derek walked forward for some time before the rabbit hit him again. He looked at the cute creature again and chuckled.<em></em>He continued on.


    It was not long before Derek came across another creature. It was a level 34 fox. Derek kept walking, not bothering to be stealthy. The fox raised its head to look at him. It seemed timid, but not afraid enough to run. Then, it seemed to notice the bunny hopping along behind him. Instantly, the fox was terrified and fled for its life.


    At that time, a little grey rocket flew past Derek. <em></em>Woah!<em> </em>Heughed out as the bunny caught up to the fox. <em>Holy shit. </em>He watched as the bunnynded in front of the fleeing fox and, without any hesitation,unched itself into the foxs head. It was a one hit knockout.


    Derek scanned the fox again and noticed that it was not dead, but only incapacitated. He waited to see what the bunny would do. Sure enough, the bunny backed up and flew towards the unconscious fox. This time, the fox was not as lucky, and it died on the spot.


    This little things a daredevil. He said out loud as he watched the scene in front of him. He watched as the little grey bunny ripped into the fox, tearing out chunks of flesh. <em>I thought rabbits and the like were supposed to be herbivores. </em>He thought, then he remembered the condition of the forest. <em>Maybe it has had to be a predator to survive in a diseased forest. That would exin why it has such a high level.</em>


    Derek got an idea. <em>I wonder if it injured itself at all. </em>He cast <strong>Rejuvenate </strong>on the bunny. The bunny hopped backwards and shook its head. Then it turned and looked at Derek. It tilted its head, then cautiously approached its kill. It looked back at Derek, who did not do anything, then continued gorging itself.


    Instead of continuing on, Derek decided to wait until the bunny was finished. Soon, the bunny hopped away. Derek walked over to the animal carcass. <em>No sense in letting this go to waste. </em>He quickly dismantled what remind of the fox. He stored what was left of the hide in his bracelet. <em>I bet that girl would want this.</em>


    He left the rest of the fox there and continued walking through the forest. It was not long before he heard rustling from a bush. He turned and looked, ready to use <strong>Identify</strong>, but when he saw what it was heughed. The bunny was sitting there, staring at him. <em>I guess this thing is going to keep at me then. </em>He walked forward, and the bunny flew at his face again.


    This time, instead of taking it on the nose, Derek tilted his head and avoided the flying rabbit altogether. Youre going to keep trying to take me out, huh? Did I murder your family or something? Like this, man and bunny traveled deeper and deeper into the forest, his bunny nemesis constantly trying to smash into his back.


    Hourster, the sun began to set. Derek did not have any problems traveling at night, but it was harder to see, and therefore, <strong>Identify</strong>. Anyway, he was in no hurry. His only n at the moment was to unlock the next level of his Giant yer Award, and level up <strong>Identify</strong>. He did not want to take much longer than a month, because he did want to help Thomas unlock his system. But he doubted it would take more than a month to find something at a high enough level for him to hunt.


    Derek made a small clearing and went to gather some wood. Soon, he brought it back and started a fire. He was running low on firestones, so he started the fire the old-fashioned way, with a zippo. Once the fire was stared, he took a bird out of his bracelet to roast.


    <em>I cant believe that damned bunnyunched itself high enough in the air to take out this hawk. </em>Just thinking about the flying bunny head-butting a bird out of the air caused Derek to chuckle. Once the hawk was killed, Derek had rushed over and stored it in his bracelet before the bunny could mutte it like it had other monsters.


    The creature had not taken kindly to Derek stealing its prey, so itunched a series of attacks on the man, which Derek took in full.


    Other than the entertainment, there were some more pluses to traveling with his hot-bloodedpanion. His <strong>Dismantle </strong>skill had reached level 5, and his <strong>Rejuvenation </strong>skill had leveled all the way to level 3. He had to admit, the bunny was an idiot. Most monsters were dumb, but the bunny was a special kind of dumb.


    It would attack any living thing it saw. Which was clearly demonstrated by it taking on a level 60 boar. Derek was sure it would have died if he hadn''t hit it with multiple <strong>Rejuvenation </strong>casts during its fight. This was also how Derek found out that he would not share in the experience gain of something he healed during a fight. He did not know if this was because he had no intent to kill the other creature, or if it was just because he did not have a healing ss.


    Either way, it allowed him to be quite liberal with <strong>Rejuvenation</strong>, which is why it was already at level 3. Not to mention that the skill already recovered 15% HP over 30 seconds. With his calctions, <strong>Rejuvenation </strong>wouldpletely recover one''s health when it reached level 20. Also, the skill would be extremely cheap to use in terms of mana. His only problem with the skill was the long cooldown time.


    Derek removed the feathers from the hawk and put it on a spit over the fire. The gluttonous bunny was looking back and forth between the roasting bird and Derek. Yeah, yeah, Ill let you have some too. He was enjoying traveling with the creature, especially after it stopped trying to murder him every two seconds.


    The bird was soon done roasting, and Derek took a bite. <em>Ah Tastes like chicken. Man, Ive really missed chicken. </em>Derek took another bite. Then the bunny flew into his shoulder. Yeah, I know, I didnt forget. Stop being so damn impatient. He ripped a big chunk of meat off of the roasted hawk and tossed it to the bunny. Thats all youre getting. If you wanted more, you should have killed a bigger bird.


    With this, the two enjoyed their meal. Once he was finished eating, Derek slipped into <strong>Greater Meditation</strong>. He had spent more nights like this than he could count, especially after his stint in the void. In fact, he preferred spending most nights like this as it left him refreshed and helped him level his skill.


    Apparently, the bunny decided that this would be a good time for it to sleep too. So, like this, the man and beast spent their night, waiting on the sun to rise to start their day.

 Chapter 27: Growth

    Chapter 27: Growth


    Derek rose from his meditative state at sunrise. He took in a deep breath and let it out while stretching. <em>Meditating is so much better than sleeping. Its much easier to enter a meditative state than it is to fall asleep. Plus, if I were to enter deep enough, I could sit there for days or weeks without feeling time passing by. </em>Derek could not help but to appreciate his <strong>Greater Meditation </strong>skill. It was his favorite skill and the one that he could not do without.


    After stretching, he looked around at the clearing he made the night before. All that was left of his campfire were some still smoking coals, but no fire. The bunny was already up and bouncing around. Derek was kind of surprised that the creature had chosen to stay rather than up and leaving. <em>It probably thinks of me as an easy meal ticket. </em>He pondered.


    Finally, Derek began his slow trek through the forest once again. The horned rabbit fell in behind them and they walked. Soon, they fell into a rhythm. Derek would <strong>Identify </strong>anything he saw, while the bunny would attack. Then Derek would heal his makeshiftpanion. If needed, he would help the bunny out in its fight. As long as he did not damage the monster, directly or indirectly, he would receive no experience. After the fight, he would <strong>Dismantle </strong>what was left of the bunnys opponent.


    Derek made sure that he was constantly heading into the part of the forest with the most disease. With the duo taking their time, days passed, then weeks.


    ***


    Two weeks after entering the forest, the notification that Derek had been waiting for appeared.


    Congrattions


    <strong>Identify </strong>skill has reached level 10


    <em>Finally! Now I can be sure that a monster is at least 100 levels above me. </em>With the <strong>Identify </strong>skill reaching level 10, he could finally <strong>Identify</strong> any system creature at level 111 or lower. This meant that if question marks came back, the enemy was over one hundred levels above him, and that he could go for the kill.


    His <strong>Dismantle </strong>and <strong>Rejuvenation </strong>skills also leveled up in his two weeks of travel. <strong>Dismantle </strong>leveling all the way up to level 8, and <strong>Rejuvenation </strong>hitting level 5. <em>So far, this trip has been super sessful. Two new skills, and a lot of skill levels. Now, all I have to do is get the damn Award, then I can get out of here. </em>


    Derek used <strong>Identify </strong>on the horned rabbit again.


    Horned Rabbit


    Level 59


    A rabbit native to forests and other lush areas.


    <em>I cant believe that this little fe has already gained five levels. </em>He could tell that the rabbit was hitting harder based on the asional thud he felt in his back. <em>Maybe the little fellow invested some stat points into Intelligence. It hasnt been acting near as stupid as it was before. </em>He smiled and shook his head, then kept trudging through the forest.


    As Derek walked, he could feel that he was getting closer to the center of the diseased area. His rabbitpanion had begun acting timidly. It was no longer hopping along happily, but cautiously following behind Derek. He could tell that something was making it wary.


    For the past days, Derek had not run into any animal that did not have a diseased modifier attached to its name. The monsters were, however, of a much higher level than before, the highest one so far being a level 94. The bunny was smart enough to not want anything to do with these diseased monsters, opting to stay far away.


    Derek also avoided the higher level monsters, not because he was afraid, but because he did not want to identally gain any more levels.


    Derek noticed that the sound of the rabbit that was usually behind him had stopped. He turned and looked. The horned rabbit was just sitting there, not moving. Are youing? He asked. The rabbit made no moves. Derek sighed. <em>Looks like I finally hit the point in the forest where it will no longer follow. </em>


    Derek was a little sad that he would be losing his travelpanion, but he had known that their partnership would notst long. He had no beast taming abilities, and the rabbit liked to headbutt anything it saw. If it was to follow him out into civilization, it wouldmit a massacre byplete ident.


    He turned back and headed deeper into the diseased forest. He heard the rustling behind him and took a nce. The bunny had fled back the way they came. <em>Good luck, buddy. </em>


    As Derek continued, he surveyed the forest. Withered, dead trees were fallen everywhere. There was not a green nt in sight. In fact, the forest had been nothing but shades of grey and brown for days now. It was a wonder that the horned rabbit stuck with him as long as it did.


    Where Derek was, it was quiet. There were no birds chirping or animals rustling. It was like he had been moving closer and closer to the eye of a hurricane. It seemed like something straight out of a horror film. He had a feeling like something would pop up and try to kill him at any second.


    Derek did not like that feeling, so he increased his speed. After days and weeks of walking through the forest at a turtles pace, he began speeding along, not caring about any noise he made along the way. Previously, he was avoiding any contact with monsters because he did not want to identally earn experience. Now, there did not seem to be any monsters for him to avoid.


    He rushed past wilted shrubbery and jumped over fallen trees. Then he saw it. A pale grey ball of something. The sphere was the size of a giant beach ball from his old world, being about a meter and a half tall and wide. The sphere was floating about half a meter off the ground. It was moving in changing patterns, never rotating the same way for too long.


    At first, Derek thought that the ball of what he assumed was some kind of energy was a portal. But after studying it for some time, the differences between the portals he had seen on Earth, and what he was seeing now were clear as night and day. Derek was sure of one thing though, this object was the cause of the disease in the forest.


    <em>Really wish I would have gotten more information about dungeons before I took off. If this is a dungeon entrance, then it is nothing like the entrances to the dungeons that I am used to. </em>Derek made a note to seek out Thomass grandfather and get any information about dungeons that he could from the man. <em>Rookie mistake Derek, rookie mistake </em>


    With the way Robert had exined the dungeons and their overflow, Derek had just assumed that they would be simr in look. <em>Hell, I dont even know if this is a dungeon or not. My theories and hypotheses from before may have just beenpletely wrong. </em>


    He tried to use <strong>Identify </strong>on the orb, but it had no effect. <em>Why cant things ever just be easy? Now, Im going to go over and its going to suck me in and make me spend years trapped in a space again. </em>He shook his head and removed the scary thoughts from his mind.


    Derek calmed himself and worked up the courage to move forward. He slowly approached the floating orb, cautiously proceeding towards it, step by step. When he was near it, he was able to make out an almost imperceptible humming sounding from it.


    He finally got within arm''s reach and slowly stretched out his right arm, all the while chanting in his head. <em>Dont trap me, dont trap me, dont trap me. </em>Finally, his hand hovered centimeters from the orb. He held his breath, then rested his hand on it.


    <em>Huh Nothing? And here I was expecting to be sucked in or blown away. </em>The most odd thing about the whole situation was that the ball was still rotating below his hand, but he could feel no movement. It was like his hand was on a solid surface.


    <em>Well, that was a letdown. </em>He released his breath and pulled his hand back, or at least tried to pull his hand back. His hand was stuck and could not move. <em>Fuck, I knew something was going to happen as soon as I rxed. </em>


    He was stuck. No matter how hard he pulled or moved, he could not get his hand off of the orb. Finally, he stopped resisting and thought about what he was going to do. <em>I wonder if my high Vitality can grow back limbs. </em>He looked at his right hand and shuddered. <em>Lets keep that as ast resort. Why is it only my right hand, why can my left hand touch it without problem? </em>He reached out and rested his left hand beside his right, just topare the differences.


    While he was deep in his thoughts, a system message appeared directly in front of him, instead of going to the norm ce at the bottom right of his vision.


    Dungeon Countdown Timer Depleted


    Participants: 1/5 Derek Hunt: Level 11 Please Choose an Option Below


    View Dungeon


    Enter Dungeon


    Leave


    <em>Oh. Well, thats much less scary.</em>

 Chapter 28: Dungeon

    Chapter 28: Dungeon


    Derek looked at the three options given to him. <em>View. </em>He thought.


    Dungeon Status


    Dungeon Level


    100


    Dungeon Type


    Undying


    Dungeon Status


    Extreme Overflow


    Dungeon Rewards


    Unknown(Never Completed)


    Max Participants


    5


    <em>Oh, thats informative. </em>He thought as he viewed the different aspects of the dungeon. <em>Level 100. </em>Derek frowned. <em>I wonder if the adventurers that Torith is going to send will be able to do a level 100 dungeon. I wonder what the levels actually look like in a big city. Surely the lord has to be at a super high level. </em>Derek pondered.


    <em>Well, at least its an undying dungeon, just as I thought. I wonder if my </em><strong><em>Rejuvenation </em></strong><em>spell hurts undying creatures. It didnt say anything about being a holy spell or anything, so I doubt it. </em>Derek made a note to check it outter if possible.


    <em>So, its level 100 and undying, thats going to make it much harder toplete for whoever goes in. Its probably packed full of enemies too, based on the extreme overflow. </em>Derek was beginning to feel bad for the adventurers that were going to be sent.


    <em>At least I know that I should be able to find something over level 100 around here. If its that overflowed, something strong has to havee out. </em>Derek looked at the final two pieces of information. <em>I wonder if the first person toplete a dungeon gets anything special, maybe every participant will get something good. </em>Derek was very tempted to enter the dungeon andplete it.


    <em>Damn, I wish I didnt care about my level right now. Id probablye out a level 50 or something if I solod it right now. </em>Derekmented. <em>No sense in dwelling on it. Ill just go look for something to kill. </em>Derek decided to leave the dungeon alone for now, and go do what he had set out to do in the beginning.


    He closed the Dungeon Status window and the Dungeon Interface appeared back in his vision. This time, he focused on the leave option, and just like that, the interface closed and his hand fell free from the orb.


    Before Derek did anything else, he noticed a new notification at the bottom of his vision. <em>Hmm I wonder what this will be. </em>He focused on it and it popped up.


    You have discovered a previously undiscovered dungeon.


    New Award Earned


    <em>Oh, sweet! I never expected a new Award toe out of this. This system seems to be just giving them away. Maybe it isnt as greedy as I thought. </em>Then, Derek thought of everything that had happened since he arrived. <em>No, youre still a super stingy system. I wont fall for your tant attempts to win me over. </em>Derek dismissed his notification and looked at his new Award.


    Lesser Explorer


    By being the first to discover an important location, you have proven your love for exploration. You will be awarded with the following:


    New Skill


    Continue to explore thend to increase the tier of the Award.


    <em>Awesome! I hope I can choose from some awesome skills this time. </em>Derek focused on the new skill.


    Enhanced Movement Speed


    The ability to move at a faster pace while out ofbat. 1% increase in movement speed per level.


    Cost: 1 Skill Point


    <em>What?</em>


    Would you like to learn <strong>Enhanced Movement Speed</strong>?


    <em>Hell no! What a useless skill. You want me to spend a precious skill point on being able to walk a little faster when there isnt anything around me? I mean, if I could use it while running for my life, it would be different. </em>Derek narrowed his eyes. <em>Good one system. You almost had me. I would rather spend the skill point on </em><strong><em>Cooking</em></strong><em>. </em>Derek closed the notifications. The skill remained with the Award, so if he ever decided that he wanted it, it would still be there.


    Derek turned around and walked a good distance away from the dungeon. <em>Okay, time to find this elusive high level. </em>He started circling the area close to the dungeon, making as much noise as possible as he moved outward. This method seemed to have some decent results as many different diseased beasts approached him. There were bears, wolves, bunnies, and all kinds of other animals, all decaying.


    Derek made sure to <strong>Identify </strong>each and every living, or nonliving, thing that approached him. So far, the highest level creature that he had found was a level 102 Forest Wolf. <em>So close, just ten more levels. </em>Derek really wished that he could help the wolf level by helping it kill all the monsters that had begun to gather, then kill it for the Award. But s, there was only one dumb bunny.


    Derek continued his ridiculous strategy for some time. The sun had already set, but he was in no position to rest. He had to keep at a fast pace to avoid the now horde of monsters trying to kill him. Solo, none of them would be a challenge for him, but if they all jumped him while he was meditating, he may be able to escape, but he would definitely not escape uninjured.


    A couple hours after the sunset, he got a notification after using <strong>Identify </strong>on a new addition of the horde telling him that the skill had reached level 11. <em>Thats better than nothing. </em>


    It was now dark, and Derek was still running around. His massive amount of Endurance made it where he was still not close to being exhausted. Fighting was much more taxing on him, but he could run around for hours.


    Finally, his eyes caught onto a glowing yellow pair of eyes slowly approaching him. <em>Another bear? </em>He wondered. Derek used <strong>Identify </strong>on the new addition.


    Acidic Ghoul


    Level 115


    A monster spawned from an Undying Dungeon, then released due to overflow. The Ghoul is never full and is always looking for fresh flesh to consume. Due to its condition, any contact with it would leave acid on the user.


    <em>That is what Im talking about. </em>Derek was excited because he had finally found his target. It was stumbling towards him. <em>So, a zombie then. </em>Derek nced at the wave of monsters still following him. <em>Better make this quick. Lets go for the head. </em>


    Derek held his right arm out, and his ive appeared in his hand. He took off toward the glowing set of eyes. When he got within five meters of the ghoul, it lunged. <em>Whoa, its quick. </em>Instead of cutting off the creature''s head as nned, he was only able to swipe at its chest. <em>Shit, I wasnt expecting that. </em>


    Derek thought about it. There was no way that this creature was as strong as the Void Beast, but he had been toox and finally decided to take it seriously. Especially since the horde of monsters were drawing closer and closer. Derek focused on his bracelet and his armor appeared on his body, all except for his helmet, as it was in a poor condition and he could barely see out of it.


    He touched his chest and felt the dents caused by the Void Beast. <em>Ill have to repair this sooner orter too. </em>Derek dashed back in, this time focusing. The Putrid Ghoul swiped. This was what Derek was waiting for. He stepped backwards. The ghoul''s hand slid across his chest armor, and Derek channeled the void into the end of his ive.


    Once the ghoul ended its attacking motion, Derek attacked. A purple glow was left behind as the ive flew towards the head of the ghoul. The de met with the left ear of the ghoul. Derek felt a slight resistance, but the de continued. Soon, the de was freed from that rancid head. It had not been sliced off, but it was enough. Derek saw the notifications stack up at the bottom of his vision.


    Not wanting to stay around, Derek stored his ive and was about to dart through the forest. However, before he could, he felt a sharp sting on his chest. <em>Fuck, it was that potent? </em>Derek had decided that the chance for a quick kill was worth the risk of the acid on his armor. He had not expected the acid to eat through his armor at all, much less this fast.


    Derek did a quick take and grabbed the first diseased animal he could find, which was a wolf with dim red eyes. He brought it up to his chest and used it as a makeshift napkin. The wolf wailed as he tossed it aside and ran. He stored his armor, not knowing its current state. Then, he removed his shirt, and wiped his chest, tossing the remains into the forest.


    <em>Fuck, thats another t-shirt down. I really dont want to have to wear one of those fucking tunics. </em>Derek could still feel the acid eating into his chest. <em>Even with my Endurance, its doing this shit. </em>He did a quick view of his HP. <em>Holy fuck! A thousand points already. </em>Now that was unexpected.


    Derek had only channeled the void for a couple seconds, so he still had plenty of mana. He cast <strong>Rejuvenation </strong>on himself. <em>Im d I got some levels in this before I got here. </em>At 25% health over 30 seconds, Derek would recover over 1300 HP. He could feel himself healing, but he could also feel the acid still eating away.


    <em>Fuck! This is ridiculous. </em>Derek had been running at full speed through the forest and had lost the horde of monsters by now. 30 seconds passed and Derek looked at his health again. It was at 4812 and ticking down fast.


    Derek found a still standing tree and sat down with his back to it. <em>Lets see if this works. </em>He entered a meditative state and activated <strong>Greater Meditation. </strong>He could feel it working just like <strong>Rejuvenation</strong>, but he did not have to worry about <strong>Greater Meditation </strong>ending. After ten minutes, Derek checked his health status again.


    It was full, so he left his meditative state while keeping an eye on his HP. <em>Its still going down, but at a much slower rate. </em>Derek let out a deep breath. <em>Whew That sucked. </em>He cast <strong>Rejuvenation</strong>, then slipped back into meditation to continue his healing. He had wanted to feel his chest with his hand, but did not want to chance getting any of the acid on his fingers.


    Ten minutester, he sat back up and checked on everything again. His health was full and no longer going down. Derek looked around, not seeing much in the dark, but also not seeing any monster. <em>Ill rest here til morning. I have to go back to the dungeon tomorrow anyway so I can get my bearings and figure out which way to go to leave this forest. </em>


    Derek leaned back against the tree and closed his eyes.

 Chapter 29: Accident

    Chapter 29: ident


    Derek got up the next morning after a restful night of meditation. With the sun finally out, he could make sense of all that had happened. First, he did a quick once over of his chest to see if there was any residual damage remaining. Fortunately for him, it seemed that either his multiple <strong>Rejuvenations </strong>or his <strong>Greater Meditation </strong>had been able topletely heal him without allowing any scarring to ur.


    In fact, as he looked over his chest, he realized that there was actually less scarring there than there used to be. <em>I guess the acid ate through the original scars and when the healing fixed my chest, it went ahead and put me together anew. Damn, I actually like having the scars. Ill definitely have to watch out for creatures that use acid from now on.</em>


    Next, Derek decided that he had to do what he had been dreading sincest night. He had to see the damage caused to his chest armor. With a shake of his hand, his chest piece was on the ground beside him. With his hand, he flipped it over to view the front side.


    <em>Dammit! </em>He cursed internally. Not only was the chest piece terribly damaged, but the acid was still on it, eating through. If he could not think of something to do, the armor would be an irreparable piece of scrap metal. For the time being, all he could do was store the armor again to prevent further damage. Derek grabbed the shoulder of the armor and it vanished back into his bracelet.


    Derek thought about and looked at different things stored inside his bracelet. He needed to know if he had something that could help. He had some rags, bedding, and clothes, but he knew based on his shirt from the previous night that trying to wipe the acid off with cloth would have next to no effect on it.


    Eventually, he decided that he would wait until he could find a stream to try to wash the acid off. With his armor taken care of for now, he pulled a new shirt out of his storage and wore it. It was another solid ck, cheap cotton shirt, one that he used to be able to buy for just a few dors at any supermarket. <em>I wish I would have bought more of these. </em>Derek imagined himself in the same style tunic that Thomas was wearing and shuddered.


    <em>Now its time to reap my rewards. </em>Derek began going through all the notifications he had received after killing the Acidic Ghoul.


    You have killed level 115 Acidic Ghoul.


    4,345 Experience Gained


    Level Up


    Level Up


    Level Up


    Level Up


    Level Up


    680/965 Experience to Next Level


    <em>Wow, that was a quick five levels. I could probably hit level 80 in no time there. </em>Derek really wanted to stay under level 25 so he could enter those dungeons. He shook his head and checked his next notification.


    Congrattions! You have in a creature 100 levels above your own.


    Award Updated


    Derek looked at his newly updated award.


    Greater Giant yer


    By ying a creature 100 levels above your own, you have shown courage beyondparison. Your current Award has been upgraded. You have received the following:


    1 Skill Point


    1 Skill Upgrade Point


    <em>Oh? I thought I was only supposed to get the one extra skill point. Another upgrade point is a big surprise. </em>Derek was starting to think that possibly losing his armor was not going to be worth the reward, but with the extra skill upgrade point, it made the blow hurt much less.


    <em>Hmm? Why do I have more notifications? </em>Derek was confused. He could not think of a reason that he would have more notifications other than maybe a skill leveling, but he could still see multiple messages waiting for him to read. He opened the first one.


    You have assisted in killing a level 84 Forest Wolf (Diseased).


    1509 Experience Gained


    Level Up


    Level Up


    163/1170 Experience to Next Level


    <em>What The Fuck </em>Derek was speechless. He thought back to everything that he remembered happening. Finally, it hit him. <em>The fucking wash cloth. </em>Of course, Derek was thinking about the wolf he picked up and used as a makeshift wet wipe. <em>Holy shit! Im d the shirt I threw didntnd on a monster. Howe its hard to get levels when you need them, but easy when you dont want them? </em>


    Finally, Derek opened up thest notification.


    Congrattions


    <strong>Greater Meditation </strong>has reached level 2


    <em>Now that is nice. </em>He still could not help but imagine a time when he would be able to fight with <strong>Greater Meditation </strong>active.


    <em>Overall, I would say it was a very profitable trip. </em>Derek was still sad about his armor, but when he thought about how it was made by a level 125 cksmith from some in the other system, it made sense that the acid would damage it. <em>Hell, Im lucky that it held up against that Void Beast. It had to have been around level 150 or something. </em>Now that he had fought a true level 115 beast, he could finallypare something to the Void Beast.


    Finally, it was time to return to the vige. But, in order to return, Derek had to make his way back to the dungeon so he could recognize the way he came from. He trudged slowly towards the more diseased part of the forest. The same as he did when he was initially going in.


    Soon, he found the grey orb again. He checked his surroundings, looking at the damage he had caused the night before. He chuckled. <em>Looks like a tornado hit the ce. </em>The area was destroyed worse than it had been previously. The damage was all in a circr pattern from when he used his farming mobs strategy.


    He had wondered why he had not seen anyone other than him implement this strategy yet. It was a well-known method in RPGs to gather and kite around as many monsters as possible before killing them all at once. It saved a ton of time, and he had been using the same method since he first received the system. Of course, the <strong>Wide Sweep </strong>skill had a great part in the strategy actually working for him. <em>I guess everyone doesnt have a good area of effect skill, or the speed to make it work.</em>


    While looking at the damage, he saw something in the distance. <em>Oh, is that the ghoul? </em>It was odd because, while it seemed to be at the right distance, there seemed to be more than the ghoul there. He went over to see what happened.


    To his surprise, there were at least a dozen dead beastsying at or around the body of the Acidic Ghoul. Derek trembled with horror at the amount of experience that could have very well went to him. <em>I dodged a bullet on that. </em>It seemed like the beasts had run over the acid covered corpse while chasing Derek after he dispatched the ghoul. He would have tried to <strong>dismantle </strong>some of the corpses, but the potent acid had made the hides unsalvageable.


    Derek stopped thinking about it and walked back over to the dungeon entrance. From there, he looked around and got a good idea of where he hade from. Then he began his long trek back. <em>I wonder if that damned bunny is still hanging around here.</em>


    He still decided that there was no need to hurry because there was plenty of time remaining before the boys birthday. He traveled leisurely, still making sure to use <strong>Identify</strong> every chance he got. The higher the level his <strong>Identify </strong>skill<strong></strong>was, the less he had to worry about anyone discovering his secret.


    Hourster, he found one of the fire pits he had made the night before he found the dungeon. Not seeing a reason to waste it, he gathered wood and started up another fire. Derek took a sk out of his bracelet to relieve his thirst, then closed his eyes and entered meditation. Halfway through the night, a slight smile appeared in the corner of his mouth.


    In the morning, he opened his eyes and looked at the sun beaming through the trees. Then he looked past the dead fire to see a little bunny snoozing on the ground. Hey! Wake up! He yelled at the stupid rabbit. The bunny shot at least 3 meters into the air beforending and looking over at Derek.


    He could see that the rabbit did not find his antics funny. After staring at him for a moment, the bunny shot over the fire pit directly into Derek. This time, instead of Derek dodging, the bunny hit him in the chest and bounced off. You better cut that shit out. I need a level 50 monster to take back with me, and right now youre looking like the prime candidate. Derek warned the little rabbit.


    He did not know if the bunny understood or not, but it hopped a couple meters away and waited. Now, you can stay with me while Im in the forest, but when I leave the edge, you will have to stay in the forest. Derek told the bunny, but the bunny just stared back at him dumbly. Do you understand the words that areing out of my mouth? It just stared at him.


    Derek let out a sigh. Well, Im tired of calling you bunny, rabbit, and dumbass. Lets give you a new name. What do you think? Silence. Derek shook his head and thought about a name. Hmm, we can call you Snowball, or Be. Derekughed at the names. Yeah, I know, there is no way I would give anything such a generic pet name. Lets see. Youre stupid, have silver gray fur, and are always trying to kill me Ding Bat? No Suddenly, a light bulb went off in Dereks head. I got it, the perfect name. From henceforth the bunny known as dumbass will now be referred to as Silvi.


    With that, Derek stood up and began walking through the forest. Come on, Silvi, there are things that need head-butting.


    The man and beast continued their journey in the forest.

 Chapter 30: Return

    Chapter 30: Return


    It had been over a month since Derek left on his quest to upgrade the Giant yer Award. Now, he could tell that he and the bunny were drawing closer and closer to the edge of the forest. During their travels, Silvi was just as aggressive towards any creature as before, however, she had relented, and no longer attacked Derek.


    Derek had done a remarkable job at not earning any more experience since leveling to 18. In fact, he was so worried about getting more experience that he did not support the bunny in her fights as much as usual.


    What troubled him the most was the level 25 dungeons that he wantedplete. At level 18, he was not sure if he would be able to enter andplete more than one, maybe two. Of course, he did not know how many beasts he would have to y in a dungeon, but he figured that it would not be a small amount.


    As the duo traveled, the forest was slowly getting more lush and vibrant. They had reached the point of the forest where the undying disease had not had much impact. Other than the creature struggling under his arm, the levels of the creatures around them were now only in the mid to upper 20s. This was not much for the bunny anymore, but she did not seem to care, still attacking any and all other beasts. Derek did not mind this either, as he was able to increase his <strong>Dismantle </strong>skill at a rapid pace.


    In fact, Derek had made great progress in thest couple weeks. His <strong>Dismantle </strong>skill had leveled up to 10, <strong>Identify</strong> had made it to level 12, and <strong>Rejuvenation</strong> had leveled again, making it level 6. He could now actually cut into the Void Beasts corpse with his dagger. He had not dismantled it yet, as he wanted to do it in a quiet ce with no possibilities of interruptions.


    As he approached the end of the forest, he began to wonder how Thomas had been while he was gone. Though, thinking about it, his interest in the kid was irrational and unlike him. But, for some reason, he wanted to get back to the vige and the vigers too. He was there for less than a day, but he was strangely excited to be returning.


    When he left the vige initially, it was with his previous mindset. Sure, he nned on returning and helping the kid get a few extra skill points, and maybe running him through a dungeon or two, but as he traveled alone again, a weird feeling seemed to be growing in the pit of his stomach. At times, the feeling made him uneasy and even almost caused him to panic. He had decided to just ignore it and try not to think about it.


    Finding the bunny and traveling with it had actually lessened the weird feeling he had, but it had not gone away. The reason that he was thinking about this now was because the feeling seemed to be lessening with every step he took towards his return. For the first time in over a month, he actually picked up his pace.


    ***


    Thomas had had a very interesting month. After Derek left, leaving him the Mana Clippers, his grandpa hade to find him. For the second time in a single day, he had found himself in the vige chiefs residence.


    There, he had been asked question after question about Derek. Now, he did not actually know very much about Derek, but even answering the most basic questions had left him feeling slimy. Eventually, he had just decided to answer with I dont know, or he just shook his head.


    During the light interrogation, the Mana Clippers in his hands had been spotted by Rayna and the others. He t out refused to let anyone handle them. Of course, if the others had wanted, he knew he would not be able to keep them. Luckily, dropping Dereks name was enough to cause everyone to back off.


    After leaving the interrogation, he had spent his days ying with the Magic Weapon and counting down the days to his birthday. He had given himself the same haircut that he gave Derek when they first met and had kept cutting his hair every few days. Also, he had talked his grandpa and some other vigers into allowing him to cut their hair.


    His greatest aplishment was talking Brandi into a haircut. She had so much hair, and he was able to experiment with the clippers over and over before she had run out. He still winced when thinking about the p he received once Brandi looked at herself in a mirror. He had to admit, he had gotten carried away. That was two weeks ago, at least now, she had a modicum of hair back, but she was still close to bald.


    Right now, Thomas was sitting on a small bench outside of Brandi and her mothers residence. He was watching Brandi experiment on a hide. This was a hobby of his. When he was bored, he would alwayse and watch her work on the hides. Even with all the hides that Derek had left, she had gone through them multiple times, taking previouslypleted works and deconstructing them, then making something else out of the material.


    He had asked her what her <strong>Leatherworking </strong>level had risen to, but she only answered him with a gleaming smile and shook her head. He had no doubt that if she could ever make it to level 10, there would be some kind of Leatherworking ss waiting for her. And once she was able to get her hands on a crafting ss, she would be able to level up based on her work instead of killing monsters.


    Thomas had fun messing around with the Mana Clippers, but he could not help but feel envious of the passion she had for her craft. She was so focused on <strong>Leatherworking </strong>that he had seen her miss meals andpletely ignore anything happening around her. Thomas shook his head and sighed.


    He had turned 13 two days ago, but Derek had yet to return. On his birthday, his grandpa had brought him a level 11 frog to kill, but he refused. Sure, he wanted to unlock the Great System as soon as possible, but he had promised Derek that he would wait until he returned. He knew that his grandpa was disappointed in him, but he held a certain amount of faith in Derek.


    A smack to the back of his head pulled him out of his daydream. He turned to look at the culprit and was surprised to see Brandi standing next to him. Why did you stop crafting? He asked her.


    Brandi frowned at his question and pointed to her crafting area. I think Ive done everything I can with the hides Derek gave me. Ive deconstructed them to death, I dont think I have a single hide left that would survive another try. She sighed and continued. What about you? Why are you moping around here?


    Thomas could see the frustration in her eyes. <em>I dont know what shell do now that she cant craft anymore. </em>Im just wondering when Derek will get back. He told me to wait on him to unlock the Great System, but I dont know how long that will be. What are your ns now that youre out of hides?


    Brandi pouted. I dont know. I need to level up, but its scary out there right now. I dont know if Ill ever be able to get a ss. She seemed genuinely worried about that possibility.


    It will be fine. If your mom isnt able to help you, Im sure grandpa will. Or, Chief Rayna will, shes nice enough and it would be much easier if she helped. He knew that, without her father, she would have to rely on others to help her reach level 10.


    Mhm, Im sure youre right.


    ***


    At this time, Derek had finally made his way to the edge of the forest. He walked out of the treeline and breathed in a deep breath while looking to the sky. <em>Finally. </em>He thought, then looked at the chipmunk squirming in his arms, then at Silvi. He could tell that she had been angry at him ever since he captured the chipmunk instead of letting her kill it. <em>She cante to the vige with me. Shell cause a massacre. </em>


    Silvi! He yelled at the dumn animal to get its attention. Stay in the forest. He pointed towards her, as she had not left the forest yet. He started walking forward. <em>Good, it seems like she doesnt want to leave anyway. </em>He walked further and noticed that the bunny had still not moved. He nodded and yelled at her. Ille back in a few days. If youre still here, you can keep following me. He stared at the bunny and waited. Soon, Silvi turned and hopped back deeper into the forest.


    <em>Hmm Maybe shes smarter than I thought. </em>Derek surveyed the area. This way. He said and started walking. Luckily, he was able to exit the forest close to where he entered. This was made possible because of all the camps that he had made along the way.


    It had not taken long at all for Derek to be able to see the vige gates. As he got closer, he noticed that the gates were closed up tight. <em>I guess that makes sense, especially with everything thats going on. </em>


    He saw some guards looking out from the top of the gate. They had not spotted him yet. He continued walking until one of them saw him. He saw the two discussing something and one of them climbed down.


    Halt! The remaining guard yelled. Who are you, what do you need? There was no contempt directed at Derek, the guard was just direct. He decided to answer.


    Im Derek, you may have heard of me. Im back for a bit. No need to go through the trouble of opening the gate. Derek spoke, then jumped from where he was standing. Landing next to the guard on the gate. The guard jumped and nearly fell from Derek''s sudden manoeuvre. Derek chuckled and patted the guard on the shoulder. Keep at it. He said and jumped down into the vige.


    After surveying the vige, Derek took off towards where Brandi had been staying. <em>First, I have to empty my spatial bracelet. </em>

 Chapter 31: Gifts

    Chapter 31: Gifts


    Derek went in the direction where Brandi and her mother had been relocated to before he left. He was hoping that they were still at the same spot. If not, he would just have to go ask the chief.


    Soon, he arrived at the area where he was surprised to find Thomas. He was sitting on a bench with his back turned to Derek. <em>Oh, I wonder who that boy is. It looks like Thomas has a friend. </em>Derek looked at the shorter boy patting Thomas on the back. It seemed that he was trying tofort him.


    Soon, Dereks face had an odd expression. <em>They seem to be kind of close. Hmm I never suspected </em>The boy with the shaved head had put his arm around Thomas and sat beside him. Derek chuckled. <em>Well, whatever, good for him. </em>Finally, he decided to make his appearance known.


    Oi! Thomas. Im back. With that, the two boys jumped off the bench and turned around. He saw Thomass face as normal, but when the other boy turned around, he realized who it was. <em>Holy shit, Thomas! What did you do to the poor girl? </em>As soon as he recognized Brandi, he had known that Thomas must have talked her into letting him use the Mana Clippers on her.


    Pushing down hisughter, he tried to act as casually as possible. Uh, Thomas Brandi How are the two of you? He asked.


    Thomas was clearly excited to see him, but the nearly bald Brandi was the first to act. She ran up to Derek and began telling him about thest month. Guess what? I got my <strong>Leatherworking </strong>skill all the way up to level 5. Thats almost the highest in the vige. I ran out of hide, but I was able to break my crafts down and reused them over and over. I cant do that anymore because none of the hides can withstand doing it again, but still, isnt that great? It is, right? Right?


    Brandi unloaded on Derek. He was waiting to finally get another word in. Oh? Thats fantastic! You didnt have a hard time working with the higher level hides? He asked.


    Oh, that? Well, I did. But after straining and finallypleting a craft, my skill leveled, and it became easier for me to work. I dont have any good knives, so I had to go slow in the beginning until the skill leveled. She answered with enthusiasm.


    Ah, I should have thought about that. Derek shook his hand and one of his many knives appeared in his hand. Its not made for <strong>Leatherworking</strong>, but it was made by a level 85 smith, and its sharp, so it should help you for now. He handed themon-looking knife to Brandi. Be careful. He warned.


    Excited, she ran over to one of her finished products and tried cutting it. It sliced through the odd-looking pants like it was nothing. Oh my System! She eximed. This is amazing! its so sharp. She looked back at Derek. Can I really keep it?


    Of course, I gave it to you, so its yours. Derek smiled. Besides, it will probably help you a lot with these. He shook his hand and a pile of hides appeared on the bench she was previously sitting on.


    No way! She ran over to the hides. I can have them? Really? After looking at all of them, she asked. What level are they? More 20s? Maybe 30s?


    Derek shook his head, seeing her running around with the knife. He had told her to be careful, but seeing how excited she was, he could not say anything. There may be a few 20s or 30s. He paused to see the sparkle in her eyes, then dropped the bomb. But most are around level 50, and there are some 60s and should be even on level 70 hide.


    The sparkle in her eyes turned into a greedy gleam as she sucked in a breath and stared at the hides. Finally, she came back to herself and ran over to Derek, this time giving him a big embrace. He quickly moved the creature in his hand away from the girl. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!


    Derek felt the knife stab on his thigh, but it didnt break his skin, so he did not say anything. <em>Well, some people like wearing jeans with holes in them. Beggars cant be choosers. </em>Brandi finally broke away, and he spoke. Ill tell you what. If you can get your <strong>Leatherworking </strong>skill above level ten, Ill help you get a ss. Then, once you have a crafting ss, I have a special project you can help me with. He stuck out his hand. Deal?


    Brandi looked at his hand curiously. Um You grab a hold and shake it. Its how we make deals where Im from. Derek said. Brand nodded her head violently. She reached out with her free hand and shook.


    Finally, Derek looked over to Thomas. What about you, boy? Youve been real quiet over there.


    Thomas woke up from his trance. Ah Uh Im fine. He said.


    Then Brandi chimed in. Hes not fine! His birthday was days ago, but hes been sulking because he was waiting on you to get back to unlock the Great System. Also, hes a maniac. She pointed to her head. This is a trim! He said that I had so much hair that I wouldnt miss a little. By the time he was finished, this is all I had left. And Im not the only one.


    Derek watched as Thomass cheeks turned red, and he looked at the ground in embarrassment. I said Im sorry. I got carried away, is all. Thomas spoke while staring at his shoes.


    Well, whats done is done. Derek got closer to Thomas and bent down to whisper in his ear. Never mess with a woman and her beauty. Youre lucky you can even walk after pulling that. He warned.


    Thomas nodded his head in understanding. Dont worry, never again. It was really scary. He whispered back.


    Derek backed away and gave Thomas a serious look. Thomass eyes widened in surprise at the change. Did you think more about what we talked about before I left? Derek asked.


    Yes. Thomas replied with no hesitation. Im going to be an adventurer. I have to get strong. I cant stay in this vige forever.


    Good. Derek nodded. Follow me. He looked at Brandi. Well be back soon. Have fun. He walked towards the closest vige wall. Luckily, it was not too far from where they were.


    Once standing at the wall, Derek picked Thomas up and jumped over the wall. Then he started to run.


    ***


    A dozen kilometers away from the vige, Derek stopped running and put Thomas down. <em>This is as good a spot as any. </em>Derek backed away to let Thomas reorient himself.


    When Thomas was finally stable again, Derek spoke. Thomas. You have made it clear that you n to leave the safety of your vige and grow stronger. Ive been alone for a very long time, and honestly, its getting pretty old. When I leave, would you like toe with me?


    Thomas was in shock. <em>Adventure with Derek? Is he serious? </em>He was very emotional at the moment. <em>What would grandpa say? What about Grandma? </em>Finally, Thomas was able to rein in his emotions. You would let me travel with you? He asked.


    I wouldnt have asked if that werent the case. Derek replied.


    I I Of course. <em>How strong would I be able to be with Derek? </em>The possibilities were flowing through Thomass mind as he spoke.


    Good. But before that, there are some things that you will need to agree on. Derek spoke.


    Thomas stared at Derek, waiting for him to speak. Derek nodded his head.


    Traveling with me, you will learn many secrets about me, and other things. I need to know that you wont share these things with anyone. Derek said seriously.


    Of course. Said Thomas.


    No, I dont think you understand. The things you may learn will be world shaking. I dont want some half-assed answer. Really think about it. You may learn some things that others will kill you for.


    Thomas thought for a bit. <em>What kind of things does he know? It doesnt matter, he can help me get strong. </em>I want to go with you. This time, Thomas said so with resolve.


    Another thing, I will help you, and try to save you when needed, but you will need to fight and kill like youre by yourself. I dont want you to rely on others. The only person you can count on in this world is yourself. Derek warned.


    I know. I want to get stronger so I wont have to rely on other people. Thomas said.


    Good. If I tell you to do something, you do it. Is that understood? No questioning me.


    Thomas did not reply immediately. He was thinking about whether Derek could ask him to do something bad. Dont worry. Im not evil, Im not necessarily good, but definitely not evil. If I tell you to do something, there is a reason for it.


    Thisforted him more. Okay.


    With that, Derek took out a dagger and tossed it on the ground in front of Thomas. Pick it up. Its made by the same person that made my ive.


    Thomas slowly reached down and picked up the de. When he had the de in hand, he looked back at Derek. Now what?


    Derek chuckled. Now, we unlock your system. He held out the chipmunk-like creature. But before that. Derek cast <strong>Rejuvenation </strong>on the monster. Got to top it up, so it has full health when you kill it.


    After 30 seconds passed, Derek held the creature up with both hands. It was struggling, but not enough to hurt itself. Kill it.


    Thomas nodded. He did not waste any time and drove the dagger into the chest of the creature. It was not easy. Even with the sharp de, once it pierced the skin, it moved slowly. Pushing with all his might, the dagger finally broke through the creatures defenses.


    Soon, Thomas let go of the de. He just looked up at Derek in stunned silence. Well, did it work? Derek asked.


    Thomas slowly nodded. I-it was over level 50. H-how was I able to kill it? Thomas asked.


    Derek smiled. Like I said, that de was made from the same smith that made my ive. Its my sharpest one. Derek pulled the de from the chipmunk and proceeded to <strong>Dismantle </strong>it. So, how many skill points do you have?


    I have three. Thomas replied happily.


    Good, youre only going to have one soon. Said Derek, confusing Thomas. Derek smiled. Like I said, do what I say. One point on <strong>Meditation </strong>and one on <strong>Identify</strong>. He waited.


    After a couple of minutes, Thomas finally replied. Okay. Its done.


    Hey, dont feel bad. <strong>Meditation </strong>is one of the most powerful skills avable in the system and <strong>Identify </strong>lets you keep your stats private. Derek tried to cheer Thomas up.


    Now, do you know what kind of ss you want? Tanky with big weapons and armor. Swift and agile. Mage. What are you thinking? Derek asked.


    Thomas was silent for a while. I want to be fast. To be able to hit things and not be hit back. This was his answer.


    Oh, alright. Then you should spend yourst point in <strong>Light Weapons Mastery</strong>. This will let you be more proficient with knives, daggers, and even short swords. But, make sure that is what you want, you wont be able to change it. Though, you will probably end up with a few extra skill points down the line, it is still better to try not to waste any.


    Thomas nodded his head. Im sure thats what I want. I want to use daggers.


    Oh, plural? You want to dual wield? Derek asked.


    Yes.


    Well, theres no dual wielding mastery in general skill, so youre going to have to hope for a good ss for that. Now, youre level three. Put 15 points in Vitality and in Endurance. You need to be able to survive before you can kill. This isnt a video game, you can min-max, but not at the beginning. Derek said with confidence.


    Video game? Min-max? Thomas stared dumbly.


    Uh, dont mind that. Derek said. Once youre done, were heading back to the vige.

 Chapter 32: A Day in the Village

    Chapter 32: A Day in the Vige


    Thomas took a deep breath and then let it out. Woah Okay, Im done.


    Derek smiled. Those first stat points invested are a hell of a thing, huh? An instant increase of over two times is quite the feeling. Derek remembered the first stat points he invested. He had only gained one level, so it could not have been as dramatic as what Thomas felt, but it was still memorable.


    Thomas smiled back at him. Yeah, it was something. Its almost like its easier to breathe.


    Yup, that would be the Endurance and Vitality working on your organs. Your heart is pumping better, and your lungs are filtering better. Its a pretty neat feeling when it first happens. Derek exined. Anyway, we better get back before we give your grandma a heart attack.


    Ah Yeah, that would be bad. Thomas walked up to Derek.


    What are you doing? Derek asked.


    Arent you going to pick me up and take me back? Thomas seemed confused.


    Haha, no. You have some Endurance now, so you need to get used to it. Were running. Keep up. With that, Derek took off at a slow jog back towards the vige.


    ***


    The duo arrived by the vige wall. Derek looked over at Thomas, who had his hands on his knees, gasping for air. Oh,e on. It was just a few kilometers, you should have been able to handle it fine, much less with your new stamina. Derek shook his head.


    It would have been fine Thomas panted between the words. He took a deep breath in, then fired the rest out like a shotgun. If you wouldnt have ran so fast.


    Eh. Whatever, lets go in. With that, Derek grabbed Thomas and brought him back over the wall, into the vige. They soon arrived back at Brandi and her mothers residence, only to find amotion.


    What do you mean, he took him? Thomass grandma had her hands ced on Brandis shoulders. She was upset and seemed to be in a state of panic.


    Hes fine. Derek took him to do something. Im sure theyll be back soon. Brandiforted the older woman.


    Behind the two, watching the scene, were Rayna, Richard, and Leon. Richard had worry in his eyes, while the other two were standing there with their brows furrowed.


    Thomas ran forward after seeing the scene. Grandma, Im okay. You dont have to worry. Why are you here, anyway? Thomas asked.


    Rayna was the one to answer. Well, a guard came running and notified us of someone at the gates. When we arrived at the gates, the other guard, who is still scared by the way, let us know that someone jumped over the gate and ran into the vige. From what he described, the individual seemed to fit Dereks description. Rayna looked over to Derek.


    Richard took over from there. Since Thomas hasnt been able to stay quiet about your return, we figured that you may havee over here. It looks like we were correct.


    Derek put his hand on the back of his neck and chuckled a little. I acted a bit on impulse with Thomas. I wanted to help him unlock his system, so we were a little impatient. Derek looked at Delh and continued. Im sorry about that. I guess I should have left a note or something.


    Richards ears perked up at that. You said you helped him unlock the Great System?


    Thomas ran over to his grandpa. Grandpa, youre not going to believe it. I got three skill points from the Giant yer award Three! He excitedly said.


    Thats Richard trailed off.


    Yeah, it was over level 50. How amazing is that? Thomas continued.


    Finally, Delh calmed down and spoke to Derek. I guess thats fine, gave me another scare is all. Be careful with him, hes just a child.


    Grandma. I unlocked the Great System. Im not a kid anymore. I could try to be a city guard if I lived in the city. Thomas corrected his grandma.


    Ah phooey. She spat. Youre always going to be a child to me.


    At this time, Malorie came from around the corner of the residence with a basket of clothes. Oh, hello. Chief Rayna, Chief Leon. She looked around at everyone until her eyesnded on Derek. Derek, its good to have you back. Brandi has been working hard and talking about you nonstop.


    Brandis face flushed red. I havent talked thaaat much about him. She countered. Then, her eyes shot towards the pile of hides and she ran to them. Look! He brought me new hides to work with. He said that some of them are even level 70. She ran her hand over the top hide in satisfaction.


    Thi-This is too much, Derek. Malorie said.


    Huh? Its fine, I have no real use for them. They were just taking up room in my storage, so she might as well use them to increase her skill. Who knows, maybe she will get a good crafting ss when she levels to 10. He answered.


    Malorie spoke again. These hides are too precious for her to ruin. If you went to the city, they could fetch a very high price.


    Well, I havent had the need for any moneytely. Besides, if need be, I can always go hunt more. Just let her have them, you can see it as an investment. Derek said. He watched as different thoughts went through the group''s heads.


    Raynas voice rang out again. Anyway. Derek, what are your ns now? She asked.


    <em>I see shes still wary of me. </em>Well, I thought I might stay and rest a few days this time, if you have room. There are some things that I should probably discuss with youter. But first, I wouldnt be opposed to a warm bath, one can only wash themselves in streams so much.


    Before anyone else could answer, Brandi yelled out. Thomas,e fetch water with me. She looked at Derek. You can have a bath in our house, well prepare the water. Lets go, Thomas.


    The kids took off running. Derek shook his head and looked over to Malorie. Before he said anything she spoke. Its fine. Its the least we can do for you.


    Thank you. He nodded to the woman, then looked back at Rayna. That fine with you? Talk tomorrow?


    Rayna released a long breath and squinted her eyes. Whats with the new attitude? Youre asking for permission now?


    Derekughed. Well, you havent called me mentally challenged today.


    Rayna stared wide eyed at Derek. Y-you heard that? She asked.


    Yup. Anyway, meeting tomorrow? He asked again.


    Rayna nodded. That will be fine.


    With that, everyone left. Only Malorie and Derek remained. Come on, Ill show you to the bath. Malorie said.


    They headed to her home.


    ***


    Derek was standing in a small room with a wooden bath inside. He watched as Thomas dumped the final bucket of steaming water into it.


    Thomas looked up at Derek and smiled oddly. We may have heated it a little too long. He said.


    No worries, this is perfect. Derek said.


    Before he began undressing, he heard Malories voice from the other room. If you give Thomas your dirty clothes, Ill go ahead and wash them


    You think she would mind washing more than one set? He asked Thomas.


    If she does mind, Brandi wouldnt.


    Derek nodded, and three shirts and two pairs of jeans fell onto the floor in a pile. Then, he removed what he had on and sat in the steaming bath. Thomas began picking up the clothes. Ah, hold on. Derek shook his hand and a small pod appeared. Have them use this for the wash. Its called aundry pod where Ie from.


    Thomas nodded and put it in his pocket. Then, he gathered the rest of the clothes and left the room.


    Derekid his head back and checked his stats.


    Status


    Name


    Derek Hunt


    Age


    29


    Level


    18


    Experience


    163/1170


    ss


    Champion of the Void (Epic)


    Race


    Human (Modified)


    Health


    5250


    Mana


    2150


    Stamina


    5150


    Defense


    51 (Armor + 0)


    Attack


    49 (Weapon + 0)


    Stats


    Strength


    360


    Dexterity


    260


    Endurance


    515


    Vitality


    525


    Intelligence


    220


    Wisdom


    215


    Stat Points Remaining


    158


    Skills


    Channel Void


    Level 3


    Channel the Void through your body, into attacks or defenses.


    Dismantle


    Level 10


    Increase ability to dismantle deceased organic life forms.


    Greater Meditation


    Level 2


    Enter meditative state to increase recovery.


    Heavy Weapons Mastery


    Level 18


    Increase damage with heavy weapons.


    Identify


    Level 12


    Appraise objects or entities.


    Magic Resistance


    Level 1


    Increase natural magic resistance by 1.5% per level.


    Rejuvenation


    Level 6


    Restores 30% HP over 30 seconds.


    Void Call


    Level 2


    Call out to the Void.


    Skill Points Remaining


    4


    Skill Upgrade Points Remaining


    4


    Awards


    Greater Giant yer, Jack of All, Lesser yer of the Unknown, Meat Shield, Lesser Explorer


    <em>Not bad. I can probably get one or two dungeons in before 25. </em>Derek wanted to use his stat points to level all his stats to at least 500 after he obtained the Meat Shield award. <em>Dex and Strength should give me some sort of attack skill, and Wisdom and Int would surely give me some attack spell or buff. Hmm What to do?</em>


    Derek sighed and closed his status. For the first time in a long time, he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep instead of meditating.


    ***


    Derek opened his eyes, unaware of how long he had been asleep. The water in the tub was already room temperature, so he guessed that it had been awhile. He quickly summoned some soap and washed himself. After, he got up, dried off, and dressed himself with a fresh set of clothing, which was another ck tee and a pair of jeans.


    He walked into the living area and saw Malorie stirring something in a pot. Dinner is in 20. I hope you like rabbit stew. Could you go fetch Brandi and tell her to wash up?


    Uh, okay. Derek replied awkwardly.


    He went outside and around back to see hisundered clothing drying on some wire. He found Brandi hanging up a hide. How long was I out? He asked.


    Brandi jumped, then turned around. Its been a few hours, your clothes should be almost dry. What was that soap? It smells sooo good. She answered.


    Its just some soap specially made for clothing where Im from. Derek looked up. It would soon be getting dark. He walked over to his hanging jeans and felt them. After seeing that they were dry, he stored them into his bracelet.


    Oh, what are you doing with the hides? He asked, motioning to the hanging hide.


    Im trying out tanning them. I just used the hides rawst time, I couldnt wait to tan them because it takes too long. Now that I have more, I wanted to try it. She answered.


    I see. Good luck. He replied. Malorie said to go clean up. Dinner is almost ready. He told the girl.


    Ah, are you going to eat with us? She asked excitedly.


    Uh, I think so. He said.


    Oh, youre going to love it. My mom makes the best food. She has the <strong>Cooking </strong>skill at a really high level.


    Oh, thats cool. He said. <em>I really could use something good to eat.</em>


    ***


    Derek leaned back in his chair after finishing the stew in front of him. That was great. The best thing Ive eaten in years. After that, I may have to pick up the <strong>Cooking </strong>skill. He could feel his Vitality surging after the meal. <em>Must increase my health regeneration. </em>


    It wasnt that good. My skill is only level 8. Malorie replied with a smile.


    Dont sell yourself short. He said. Then he stood. Thank you for the meal. I think Im going to get going. I wouldnt want to overstay my wee. He excused himself. He looked at Brandi. Ille by tomorrow and see how your <strong>Leatherworking </strong>ising along.


    With that, he walked to the door. Have a good night. He opened it and left.


    He walked back around the house and sat on the bench and sighed.<em></em>He had noticed that Malorie was hiding behind her smile during dinner. She was definitely taking the death of her husband harder than Brandi. Brandi had something to focus on in her <strong>Leatherworking.</strong>


    Derek shook his head. <em>Lets see. Thomas said that there was a ce to stay at the center of the vige. </em>He stood up and walked that way.


    He found the building that Thomas had talked about. It was still only one floor, but it was wider and longer than the buildings around it. He walked in and looked around. One side had a few tables and a small bar, while the other side was a hallway with what he assumed were rooms. <em>Quaint </em>He chuckled. There were not many vigers inside.


    He walked over to the bar. A tall, balding man behind the bar squinted. What you need? He asked.


    Well, I guess Im looking for a room for a night or two.


    Six copper a night. The man answered.


    <em>Oh, yeah. Money. </em>Derek looked through his storage. Finally, he spotted the skin from the creature Thomas had killed. He pulled the hide out. You take trade? Level 52 small hide. Pretty good condition.


    The man looked at Derek skeptically. Hold on. He said, then walked through a door to the side. After a few minutes, he came back out with an olderdy by his side.


    That it? Thedy pointed at the hide in Dereks hand. The man nodded, and the woman looked deeply at the hide. Hes not lying, level 52. She nodded to Derek, then turned to the man. Now, leave me alone. She walked back through the door.


    The man let out an embarrassedugh. The olddy. He leaned forward and whispered. Thats her being nice. He leaned back. What do you want for it?


    Derek smiled at the mans antics. Dunno. Is it enough for a room for a few days? Maybe a drink or two? He asked.


    Not going to lie. You could get a few silver for it in the city, but I dont need it. Ol Tristen would probably give you a couple of silver if you went to him. Hes the local Leathersmith. The man said.


    Too much trouble. How bout I give it to you, and you give me a tab of one silver? That work? Derek asked.


    If youre okay with that, its fine. The man said.


    Derek gave him the hide. The man put it somewhere under the bar, then held out his hand for a handshake. Im Bart. The local He looked around. Innkeeper? Bartender? He said as if he did not know. The guy who runs whatever this is.


    Derek let out a heartyugh and took his hand. Derek. The non-local guy who Im sure youve heard about by now.


    Ah, that Derek. For the most part, its all good things. Nice to meet ya. Bart said. Let me show you to your room. He walked out from behind the bar and took Derek to the other side of the big room. He walked to one of the doors and opened it. Here you go. Its not much, and it will probably get loudter.


    Fine by me. Derek replied. I think Ill just call it a night for now. The noise wont bother me. It was nice to meet you. He said, then walked into the small room. It was about two and a half by two meters. Just big enough for a small bed and table beside it.


    Have a good night. Bart said and walked away.


    Derek shut the door, then sat on the bed. He began meditating.

 Chapter 33: The Next Day

    Chapter 33: The Next Day


    Derek opened his eyes and looked around the small room. He stood up and stretched, letting out a deep breath in the process. He checked the system for the time. <em>They should be awake. Might as well go get this meeting business over with early. </em>With that, Derek opened the door and headed to the bar.


    Bart was wiping the bar down with a rag, and there was a young woman setting the tables and moving the chairs into their positions. Derek walked over to Bart. Bart looked up. You wouldnt by any chance have coffee would you? Derek asked.


    Bart looked at him questioningly. Coffee? Never heard of it. He answered.


    Damn, figures. You got any boiling water? Derek asked.


    Of course. Bart walked to the back and brought back a steaming kettle-like pot. He sat it on a cloth on top of the bar.


    Derek let out a sigh. Beggars cant be choosers. He muttered. Then, he brought out a small pan and a coffee canister from his bracelet. He poured the water into the pan and scooped some coffee grains into it. He immediately covered the pot with a lid. He had made coffee many times like this while camping back on Earth. It was not the best or cleanest way to make coffee, but it got the job done.


    While he was doing all of this, Bart was staring at him with confusion in his eyes. Derekughed. Got a couple cups? He asked. Bart nodded and walked to the back again, bringing out what looked like a bigger version of a teacup.


    While waiting, Derek decided to ask Bart a couple of questions. So, what are people saying about me?


    Bart looked up from the pot. Mostly nice things. I think Im the first local thats met ya. Its mostly the vigers you brought in that talk about ya. How you saved them and brought them here.


    <em>I guess Leon or the others havent said anything about the Void Beast yet. I guess thats good. </em>The only person I really saved was Leon. I think Marshall would have ended up besting the wolf that attacked them, and they probably could have made it here without much danger. Derek exined.


    Did you really give a little girl a bunch of high-level hides? Bart asked.


    I mean, I gave her hides, but they arent really high level. The highest was around 70.


    Ha. Level 70 and not a high level. Bart scoffed. A level 70 could be a silver ranked adventurer at the Adventurers Guild in the city. Well be lucky to get a couple level 70s for this dungeon problem in the forest.


    Oh? You know about the dungeon? Derek was surprised. He had thought that Rayna and the others would keep quiet about it until they knew for sure.


    I know about it. And few others outside of Chief Rayna and Richard know about it, including you. Thats all, though. I guess you could consider me an elder of this ce. Bart answered.


    <em>Well, if some level 70s go to the dungeon, I guess there will be fewer adventurers in this Adventurers Guild. </em>Derek checked the pot. Look like its ready. He took adle out of his bracelet and filled the two cups. I guess this is your first cup of coffee. I like it ck, but a lot of people prefer it with sugar and milk. Derek exined to Bart.


    Not much of a sweets person myself. Bart answered and picked up the cup. He took a sip and closed his eyes. He opened his eyes and nodded. Now thats some good stuff. Better than any tea Ive had.


    Yup, Ive never been a big fan of hot tea. Unfortunately, I only have a couple cans left. Derek shook his head. I wish I had some seeds to grow the nts. I have a feeling that its going to be a long time before I go back home. Derek muttered thest part.


    Wheres home? Bart must have heard Derek.


    Derek shook his head. Where indeed? He said.


    Derek finished his cup of coffee and poured another. He drank the second cup quickly. You have something to pour the rest in? He motioned to the pot.


    You can just put the rest in the kettle. Ill have Sam clean it outter. You sure ya wanna leave the rest? Bart asked.


    Yup, enjoy. I got to get to the chiefs. Tell her where the dungeon is. Derek answered. He figured that since Bart knew about what they had discussedst month, there was no need to keep quiet about the dungeon.


    Oh, you found it? Bart finished pouring the coffee out.


    Derek took his pot anddle back. Yup, its probably going to be a pain in the ass for the city to maintain. He stood up and walked to the door. Ill probably be back tonight. Maybe Ill try some of your finest alcohol.


    Bart grunted. I got ale, and there aint nothing fine about it, but youre free to try it. Bart said as Derek walked out the door.


    ***


    Derek walked to the same residence where he had met with Rayna and the others before. He had waited a while at the bar with Bart just to give them some extra time. He walked to the door and knocked.


    After a few seconds, the door was pulled open. It was Richard. Ah, Derek, wee. Come in. He spoke. As the two walked, he continued. Thomas will not stop talking about getting three skill points from that Award. He told me you had him invest in <strong>Meditation </strong>and <strong>Identify</strong>?


    Derek smiled. Of course, those are two of the most crucial General Skills one can get. Im sure Leon told you about my <strong>Meditation </strong>skill, right?


    They reached the table, where Rayna was already sitting. Please, have a seat. Rayna spoke. The two sat.


    Richard continued their conversation. He did. Its still hard to believe that a skill can upgrade, at least Ive never heard of it. Im sure some of the nobles have, but nobles have a way of keeping secrets. He spat thest part out.


    Oh, thats the same tone Thomas has when he talks about nobles. Derek smiled. He saw Richard''s eyes widen. Dont worry. I told Thomas when we met, I am not a noble. He watched Richard let out a breath. But yes, my <strong>Meditation </strong>skill can recover my health, mana, and stamina in minutes. If one is serious about surviving as an adventurer, using <strong>Meditation </strong>and <strong>Identify </strong>every chance you get is a must.


    Derek stopped, then continued. In fact, yesterday was the first time Ive slept in months. Get <strong>Meditation </strong>high enough and it leaves you more refreshed than a good nights sleep. As for <strong>Identify</strong>. He looked at Rayna. Im sure you know that if the skill is high enough, it will block others from using it on you. Raynas face contorted a bit. Yeah, I know the look people get when they use the skill and it doesnt work. Derek smiled. You probably know, but people are more of a danger than any beast. Having <strong>Identify </strong>leveled can help keep the trash from trying something.


    Derek watched as both of them put on a sad expression. Im guessing neither of you thought <strong>Meditation</strong> was worth the point? He asked.


    Rayna nodded. Yes. Now I wonder if it will still be worth getting it.


    Sure it will, just use it every chance you get. Losing all your senses is disturbing at the beginning, but you start getting them back as it levels. Just have someone nearby to break you out of the trance when needed. Derek exined.


    Now, is this it? Should I begin? He asked.


    Richard answered. Leon should be here soon. Lets wait for him.


    Derek nodded, then decided to ask something that had been on his mind for a while. Rayna, why are you not at a higher level? Youre what, level 31? There are tons of level 25 or so creatures around the outside of the forest right now. I dont know what ss you have, whether itsmon or epic, but anyway you look at it, you could have gotten like 5 levels easy in the month I was gone. From what I know, you could get a level just by killing 20 or so monsters at that level. Derek was judging this based on the kills he had gotten in Leons vige.


    Rayna was silent, she looked like she was in deep thought. Finally, she answered. My ss is Tempest de. It is a rare ss, so it takes quite a bit longer to level than others. Until recently, the creatures at the edge of the forest would barely even give me experience if I killed them. My de has seen better days too. She motioned to a broken sword in the corner of the room. The swords made in the vige dontst long against higher leveled creatures, especially when I channel the wind through them. Trust me, I do want to try to level, but I am the chief of the vige, and the information you brought has left me wanting for time. She said.


    I dont know. You cant really do anything about it. You have to wait for that guy to deliver the message in the city. You might as well go level, nothing under level 30 should be much of a challenge. Derek paused. You said wind? So you can use magic?


    Uh, yes? She said quizzically.


    Derek pulled a sword out of his bracelet. He had kept an arsenal with him at all times. Mostlying from the invaders he had in. If the weapon looked good, he would take it. In fact, the reason his bracelet was always nearing full capacity was because of all the weapons he had. He even had a couple spare ives, though not nearly as good as his custom one.


    The sword was not as good as his ive or many of his daggers, but it was made out of the same ck-steel as his ive, which meant that it was durable enough to channel magic through without damage. Derek spoke. Im nning on doing a little training with Thomas for the next couple days. This is yours if youe train with us. Your skill will be very important to me.


    Rayna finally picked her jaw up off the ground. She reached and gripped the hilt of the sword. Really, juste train with you and I can have it? She asked.


    Yup, its yours. Also, if you have any spare skill points, you should buy <strong>Meditation</strong>.<strong></strong>You''ll need it for training. He said mysteriously. Seeing her eyes still on the sword, he spoke again. You can go ahead and take it. He gestured for her to take the sword. And, you will probably benefit from this training too.


    She hurriedly picked up the sword and ran to the corner where she took the sheath from her old sword. The new sword fit almost perfectly. She strapped it to her waist and answered Derek. Okay, Ill be there.


    About that time, the front door opened and closed. Soon, Leon walked into the room. Richard spoke. Alright, lets get this meeting started.

 Chapter 34: Meeting

    Chapter 34: Meeting


    Leon pulled out a chair and had a seat. Now, sitting at the table was Derek, Rayna, Leon, and Richard. Rayna spoke. "Okay, now that we are all here, let''s get down to business." Derek could still the glow in her eyes that she had from receiving her new sword. She turned to Derek. "You wanted this meeting. The floor is yours."


    Derek nodded. "First, I wanted to ask you all something." Derek waited for the group to nod before carrying on. "I had an interesting conversation with Bart earlier. While we were chatting, he informed me that the most likely candidates to be sent from the Adventurer''s Guild will be of silver rank. Is that correct?" He asked.


    Richard was the one to answer. "That is likely the case, yes. And that is if Davis gets lucky in convincing them that the need is dire. It is also possible that he ends up returning with adventurers of the bronze rank." He said.


    "Hmm..." Derek trailed off. "If that''s the case, then they will die."


    "What do you mean, ''they''ll die?''" Rayna asked.


    "Well, on my journey, I found the dungeon. I say that the silver ranked adventurers will die because the dungeon was level 100." Derek exined.


    With that, the room was quiet. They did not appear to be shocked, but the looks on their faces said it all. This was a worst case scenario.


    Leon broke the silence. "Gold, we need a team of gold ranked adventurers."


    "Davis has most likely made it to the city by now. He may already be on his way back to the vige." Rayna said.


    Derek spoke. "I fought one of the creatures that came out of the overflow. It was an Acidic Ghoul at level 115. I''m not sure of the levels inside the dungeon, but it makes sense that it was at level 100 when it broke out, and leveled up outside the dungeon. If there are more of these monsters in the dungeon, and they are at level 100, even a full group of gold ranked adventurers will have a problem."


    "Ghouls." Richard muttered. "So, it is a dungeon with undying properties."


    "Yes, and it is in a state of extreme overflow. That means that there are likely more undying creatures outside of the dungeon. Though, it will probably be pretty clear around the dungeon for a while. The fight between the ghoul and me ended in quite a few casualties." Derek responded.


    "Anyway, you have the information. Do with it what you will. I suggest sending whatever adventureres back to the city to request aid. Though, I don''t know if they will believe anything you tell them without proof." Derek hoped the adventurers would heed the warning, but he seriously doubted it. From what I know of the majority of guild members, they will not give any thought to what ''lowly'' vigers say. Hopefully, there will be no noble adventurers sent out.


    "That''s all we can do for now." Rayna sighed. "Is there anything else you wish to discuss?" She asked Derek.


    "Actually..." Derek looked at Richard. "You wouldn''t by any chance have a map of the surrounding area? Maybe one with dungeons on it?" He asked.


    "I do, it''s not very detailed, but it has some of the level 25 and 50 dungeons on it. I''ve also marked where the viges are on it too. If you give me a few minutes, I will go get it." Richard responded.


    Derek nodded. "Go ahead." Richard stood up and dismissed himself. While waiting, Derek spoke to Rayna about their uing training session. "Did you have enough skill points to purchase Meditation?" He asked.


    "I did. My ss allows for some extra skill points on upgrade, so I had been saving a couple of them. I hope this skill is worth it. She answered.


    Oh, it will be. Derek thought for a moment. You use wind magic, correct? Are your magical skills at an advanced level?


    Im not sure what you would consider advanced, but the three that I have are at level 5 or 6.


    That was slightly disappointing, but still fine for what he was nning. Thats good enough, I guess. You will probably benefit more than anyone with what Im nning.


    Oh, and what is it that you are nning? Rayna asked. Derek just gave her a mysterious smile.


    Wait! Leon interjected. Training? What are the two of you talking about? He asked.


    Oh, I just invited the chief here. Derek motioned toward Rayna. To a little training with me and Thomas.


    Thomas too? Leon asked. Derek could feel the worry radiating from the ex-chief.


    Dont worry, they will both be fine. In fact, Im sure that they will both appreciate it. Derek tried to assuage Leons concerns. The kid wants to use daggers, so I figured Id see if he has what it takes to not die in such close range. I happened to find out the Miss Chief over there has some wind magic, and it will be rather useful to me.


    Leon stopped speaking. He did not seem entirely convinced, but he had no choice but to ept it, anyway.


    About that time, Derek heard the door open. Richard entered the room with a rolled up parchment in his hands. This time, he was not alone. Thomas was trailing behind him. Thomas wanted to know if I had seen Derek today. I told him that you were here, so he insisted oning along. Richardid the map onto the table and began to spread it out.


    That fine, I was going to look for the kid once we were finished here, so bringing him just saved me the trouble of hunting him down. Derek gave Thomas a knowing look. Though, I suspect it wouldnt be hard to figure out where he was.


    Richard smiled at that. Not hard at all. Hes spent more time with that little Leatherworker than he has with me or Delh since he got back. Both Derek and Richard chuckled at Thomass red face. Here is the map. As you can see, its not the best in the world, but it has been useful to me over the years.


    The map was crudely drawn, but easy enough to make out. Derek saw the marking indicating the viges. There were a few with lines through them. I assume that these viges no longer exist? He asked Richard. Richard scrunched up his face and nodded his head.


    Derek found Leons destroyed vige, then found the one he was currently at. Is this map to scale? Is the distance used in the forest the same as what is used between viges? He made his question clearer.


    Richard nodded. Yes, though, as you can see, there is only a portion of the forest on the map, as it is vast.


    The map had most of the right side covered in forest. It ended a little before reaching the bottom of the map. At the bottom was a drawing that said Torith over it, it was the location of the city. There were small, filled in circles dotted throughout the map, drawn in after it was originally purchased, these were the nameless viges. Surprisingly, there were fewer than Derek thought.


    Closer to Torith were a few house-like drawings, they also had names. These had to be the viges that were recognized by the city lord. Then, there were red Xs with some writing underneath. Derek focused on these markings.


    Derek looked at the one closest to Raynas vige. <em>25 Insects Support Skill 6 People </em>Derek read the words. So, I assume this is a dungeon? He asked. After receiving a nod, he continued. So, its level 25 with insect monsters, and the reward for clearing it is a support skill?


    Yes, that is one of the favorite dungeons of adventurers. The insects are easy to fight, and the reward is great if you have the skill points to buy it after unlocking it. Its also the dungeon that I lost my son to. Richard spoke thest part with a waver in his voice. Derek looked at Thomas to see his eyes beginning to fill with tears.


    I see. Derek pulled out a red marker from his bracelet. May I? He motioned to the map. Richard nodded. Derek focused on Raynas and Leons viges to get a sense of the distance. Then he traced his hand into the forest, remembering the directions that he traveled to get to the undying dungeon. Finally, his hand stopped moving and he marked it with an X. Underneath, he wrote: 100, Undying, ???, and 5. This should be pretty urate, but I may be off by a little. He said.


    No worries Richard replied. The ones that I have marked are only estimates too.


    Derek pulled out arge sheet of paper and began cing marks along it, the size was smaller than the map, but he reduced his drawing to scale the best he could. Under the dungeons, he only wrote the level and rewards. He was no artist, so the result of his drawings looked like something a parent would hang on their refrigerator. But, others did not have to understand it, only he did.


    Richard was looking at him oddly. Well, its the best I can do. It will have to do until I can get to the city and buy a real map. He said, embarrassed.


    After thinking for a minute, Derek asked a question to the table. So, I imagine, other than a few rich people or nobles that are carried, not many people are able toplete more than one dungeon. At say, level 25, if you go into a dungeon, you would surely level up while inside. I mean, it takes what, 10 kills of something the same level as you to level up if you have amon ss? So, how do dungeons with shitty rewards keep from overflowing? He pointed to a dungeon which read: 25, beasts, lesser mana potion.


    Richard smiled at that. Lesser mana potions are still somewhat valuable to mages. But, I get what youre saying. The Adventurers Guild gives out quests to clear those dungeons every once in a while. Since the adventurers will be giving up the opportunity of clearing a dungeon with a great reward, the rewards that the guild offers are usually quite nice.


    Ah, that makes sense. Derek stored his makeshift map inside his bracelet. Well, is there anything else? He asked everyone.


    Nothing that I can think of. Richard spoke. Thank you for the information, and for that. He pointed to the new marking on his map.


    Derek stood up. He looked at Rayna. Are you ready for some training?

 Chapter 35: Training

    Chapter 35: Training


    Rayna stood along with Derek. I hope Im not going to regret this. She mused.


    Derek looked at Thomas. Are you ready to see if you really want to use daggers? Its much easier to get yourself killed with short weapons like that. He warned.


    Im ready. Thomas seemed resolute in his decision.


    Okay, lets go. Derek led the group out of the residence. Then he turned back to Rayna. Uh, we should probably not do this inside the vige. Then he looked at Leon and Richard. Or with an audience.


    Rayna nodded, then turned to Richard and Leon. You two go try to think about what were going to do about the dungeon. Ill be back when we finish. If you need me, well be She paused and looked at Derek.


    Derek understood what she was asking. He pointed in a direction. Well be around 5 kilometers that way. Leon and Richard nodded.


    Richard put his hand on Thomass shoulder. Be careful.


    Thomas smiled. Dont worry, Dereks going to be there. That did not seem to reassure Richard, but he nodded.


    Okay, lets go. Derek walked towards the gate and his two trainees followed.


    ***


    Aright, this should be good enough. Derek halted his steps. They were around five or six kilometers away from the vige. They could still make it out in the distance, but this would be good enough for their training.


    Thend had short grass and was rtively t. Okay, what is this amazing training that you want to do? Rayna asked.


    Derek smiled. <em>Well, I dont want to destroy my clothes. </em>Turn around for a second. He said. Derek checked his bracelets storage space. <em>Ah, that will work. </em>Rayna shook her head, then turned around. Quickly, he swapped out his current clothes for a pair of shorts that he happened to still have. Okay, you can turn back around. Its PG-13 again.


    Rayna turned with a face full of confusion, then the confusion turned to shock after seeing Derek. He was standing with nothing but a pair of red basketball shorts. W-what are you wearing? Rayna managed to say.


    He looked down at his piece of clothing. Um Shorts? He responded.


    But why? She asked.


    So I dont ruin any more clothes that I like. He spoke as if it was such an obvious reason. Before letting anyone else speak, he pulled a small stool out of his bracelet and sat it on the ground. He pointed at Rayna. Youre going first. Thomas, have a seat.


    Thomas walked over to the stool and sat.


    Derek went over to Rayna. Okay, first, what are your skills that use magic?


    Rayna furrowed her brows. <strong>Wind de</strong>, <strong>Wind Walk</strong>, and <strong>Razor</strong><strong>Edge</strong>.


    And what do they do?


    She sighed. <strong>Wind de </strong>allows me to send a de of wind at an opponent, its level five. <strong>Wind Walk </strong>lets me channel wind into my feet and walk on air, but it takes a lot of mana, its level five. <strong>Razor Edge </strong>is a weapon buff that makes my sword sharper, its level six.


    Alright, we wont need <strong>Wind Walk </strong>or <strong>Razor Edge </strong>for this. How much mana does <strong>Wind de </strong>use? How much mana do you have? Does it have a cooldown? Derek asked. He figured that since she already revealed everything else, she would not mind revealing this.


    It costs 40 mana per cast, and it doesnt have a cooldown. She paused. I have 1200 mana


    Oh, so you can use the skill around 30 times. Thats good. What upgrades when it levels? Mana cost? He asked


    No, activation speed, velocity, and damage. She answered.


    Derek nodded. Good. He jumped backwards. Ready?


    Seeing Derek retreat a distance, Rayna was not sure what he was nning. What would you like me to do? She asked.


    Its simple. Attack me with your <strong>Wind de </strong>until you run out of mana. The man replied.


    <em>Hes crazy. </em>She thought. Are you sure? Seeing him nod, she let out a breath. Okay, here I go.


    With that, Rayna drew her new sword and activated the skill. A blue-green glow appeared on the de. She shed down in an arc, not using her full force. She was not sure of Dereks defense, so she held back as best she could.


    A blue-green crescent flew from her sword towards Derek. Even with her holding back, the spell still moved at a rapid pace. Within a fraction of a second it had reached the man. He crossed his arms to block.


    The wind magic collided with Dereks arms. He held strong, not being pushed back a millimeter. Soon, the magic waned and the crescent de grew smaller and small until it vanished. Rayna looked at the man that so casually took her magic. She was shocked. She did not know his level, but even high ranked adventurers would not dare take a magic de with no form of defense.


    Derek rubbed his arm before looking down and smiling. Rayna could barely make out a small line on his forearm. The spell was not even enough to break his skin. <em>Hes a monster. </em>


    The man looked back up to her. Thats good. Im guessing that wasnt the best you can do either. Now you know that you dont have to hold back. Come on, hit me with your best shot. No holding back.


    Rayna felt a tinge of irritation at the mans words, but she did as he asked. She let loose another de, this time swinging with all her heart. Derek did not choose to block this strike with his arms, instead, he took the full blow to his chest. A small smile lingered on his face the entire time.


    Again, the spell left but a mark. You dont have to stop. Keep theming. He said.


    Rayna beganunching <strong>Wind des </strong>one after another. In minutes, she found her mana empty and a terrible headache formed fromck of mana.


    Out of mana? Derek asked.


    Rayna flinched and nodded her head.


    Okay, trade ces with the kid. Use <strong>Meditation </strong>until youve recovered. Once youre full up, well continue.


    Rayna thought about saying something, but gave up. She went over to the now empty seat and sat down. She tried <strong>Meditation </strong>for the first time, trusting that Derek would not let anything happen while she was out.


    Derek watched as Thomas moved to where Rayna previously stood. W-what are we going to do? The boy asked.


    Well, youre pretty persistent about using daggers, so I thought we would see if you were cut out for it. With that, Derek summoned two daggers from his bracelet. Then, he tossed them at the ground in front of the kids feet. Heughed as Thomas jumped back. Pick them up.


    Thomas walked forward and picked the daggers up. Now,e on. Do your best to kill me. Derekmanded.


    Thomas stared wide eyed. Kill you? He asked.


    Derek sighed. You literally just saw me take 30 <strong>Wind des </strong>to the chest. What, you think that you and your puny strength will be able to hurt me? Derek shook his head. Your training is going to be much tougher than hers. Now,e on, kill me.


    Thomas finally seemed to understand. With daggers in hand, he ran up to Derek. Using the dagger in his right hand, he shed in a wide, clumsy arc. Derek watched as the de came towards him, then missed. Oi, kid. Are you serious? You missed a still target. He was bbergasted. <em>He didnt have a problem stabbing the monster. Is he just this bad at fighting? </em>Derek wondered.


    S-sorry. Thomas said with a face full of embarrassment.


    Dont be sorry, do it again. With a swing like that, you would already be dead. If you dont take this seriously, I can take you back home right now. Derek exined.


    N-no. Ill do my best. Thomas replied.


    Then attack me.


    Thomas moved forward again. Swinging his de in another wide arc. This time, the de barely managed to touch the still Derek. Still disappointed, Derek lightly backhanded Thomas on the back of the head. Thomas stumbled to the side and fell over. What are you doing? You want to use daggers, but you are scared to get in close? Get up and go again. Dereks hit did not cause much damage to Thomas, but he cast <strong>Rejuvenation </strong>just to be on the safe side.


    This left Thomas staring at Derek again. A healing spell? He blurted out.


    Yes, now get up ande on. He motioned for the kid to stand again.


    Thomas stood and tried again. But he still balked when he got close. Kid, I dont think ultra-close ranged weapons are for you. Derek said. Then he retrieved a short sword from his bracelet. Try this instead. He tossed it down in front of Thomas.


    But I want to use daggers. Thomasined.


    Remember what we discussed? Do as I say.


    Thomas sighed and picked up the short sword, giving the daggers back to Derek in the process. The two began to spar again. This time, Thomas did much better. After a while, Derek pulled a different weapon from his bracelet, a longsword.


    The two continued sparring. asionally, Derek would have Thomas change weapons to see what he was best at. He would also punish Thomas asionally when he got the feeling that the boy was taking the training lightly. After some time passed, Rayna finally opened her eyes.


    Derek pulled the spear away from Thomas and stopped the boys attack. He looked at Rayna. You ready to go again?


    Yes. The chief answered.


    Like this, the trio fell into a routine. In between training sessions, Derek would venture out into the forest and bring back a mid-level beast for Thomas to kill. He wanted Thomas to have a ss before he took him anywhere. They did this for days.


    Rayna had thanked Derek during this time. She had told him that her <strong>Wind de </strong>had grown two levels and her <strong>Meditation </strong>skill had already reached level 3.


    He had focused on Thomas and learned that, though the boy was not good with daggers, when a short sword was put into his hands, his attacks remarkably improved. The same was true of a spear too. Other weapons werent suitable for the kid, though. ives and halberds were too robust for him to use urately, and Derek could swear that the boy wouldnt be able to hit a house with an arrow from two meters out.


    Unfortunately, Thomas kept insisting on using daggers throughout the entire training process. Derekter found out from Richard that Thomass father had used daggers and guessed that this was the reason for the kids stubbornness. Derek just hoped that when it came time to choose a ss, the system would offer Thomas a decent ss for swords or a spear, and the boy would have no choice but to change his mind.


    Finally, that day came after Thomas killed one of the creatures that Derek found in the forest. Derek was excited to see what options the system gave Thomas. This was not only because he wanted the boy to get a good ss, but he also wanted to see how their actions had affected the possible oues.


    Derek waited while Thomas chose his ss.

 Chapter 36: Leaving

    Chapter 36: Leaving


    Okay, youre level 10. Its time to choose a ss. Make sure you pick the best one, its always a good idea to look into the higher rarity or growth sses. If you need help, ask me. Derek exined to Thomas. Got it? He asked.


    Got it. Thomas replied, then closed his eyes.


    Derek stared as he watched Thomass face go through a range of emotion. He remembered what it was like when he first had to choose a ss. He had managed to rue quite a few Titles before he had to make his decision, which led to him having to sift through multiple bad sses, just to get to some that he felt had worth.


    Then, he had to do the same thing upon arriving at the new world. Luckily, he had a few epic rated sses avable that made his decision much easier. As he watched Thomas, he hoped that the system would give him a good ss, preferably one that used short swords or spears.


    Finally, after minutes, Thomas opened his eyes. He had an excited look on his face. Well, what did you get? Derek asked.


    I was able to pick the Rogue ss! Its umon, and the same ss as my father. Thomas seemed very excited, but Derek could only sigh in disappointment.


    So, a Rogue ss. Then I can assume that you didnt have any higher rarity sses? Or any growth type sses? Derek asked.


    Thomas looked off to the side, seemingly avoiding eye contact with Derek. Dont tell me that you could have chosen a rare ss, but instead chose an umon dagger wielding ss. If this was true, then Derek would have to rethink his opinion of the kid. He had thought the boy very mature for his age, but if he chose a much lesser ss just because my dad had this ss, then Derek had been wrong about him.


    After that, Thomas finally broke. I didnt have any rare sses, but I had an umon growth type ss. But it used a spear and I dont like using spears. Besides, I have <strong>Light Weapons Mastery</strong>. If I had chosen a spear, it would have meant a wasted skill point.


    Derek nearly facepalmed. I could get you extra skill points. Derek could not believe that Thomas was being this hard-headed. And from what I know, an umon growth type ss is probably better than a rare ss. I mean, you would have had the possibility of ending up with an epic ss, or even legendary. What were you thinking?


    I-I remembered how cool I thought my dad was. He loved his daggers. I wanted to be like- Derek cut Thomas off before he could continue.


    You dad is dead. His ss is probably one of the reasons that he died. With that, he saw Thomas flinch like he had just been punched in the face. A Rogue ss in a forest or dungeon is almost worthless. Are you going to steal from a squirrel? Assassinate a tree? Derek stopped for a second. Does the ss at least have any bow skills? He asked, hopeful. <em>At least archery would be useful out here.</em>


    Thomas had tears rolling down his cheeks, but Derek was not sorry in the least. N-no, it doesnt. I have <strong>Sneak </strong>and an out ofbat movement passive.


    Derek sighed and shook his head. <em>I should have had him tell me his possible choices. I just didnt think that I would have to hold his hand throughout the entire process. </em>I honestly dont know if I should still take you with me. Ive been treating you like an adult, I guess I forgot that you were just a boy.


    N-no! Please, you have to take me. I need to be strong. I have to be able to protect people. Thomas pleaded.


    With what you did just now, I dont even know if I can trust you to keep any of my secrets. Secrets you are sure to learn while traveling with me. Derek spoke. He was still deep in thought. <em>Maybe Ill just travel around with Silvi. Her ss is probably better than Rogue.</em>


    Please! Thomas fell to his knees. I-I I swear on the Great System that I will keep your secrets and tell no one about them.


    A notification shed in front of Dereks eyes. He viewed it.


    An oath to the Great System has been made by one, Thomas Stewert. This oath is binding until death. If broken, Thomas Stewert will lose all sses and skills obtained by the Great System, and he will never have ess again. Stats will remain as is at the time of breaking the oath.


    <em>Woah, this is like the </em><strong><em>Contract </em></strong><em>skill from my previous system. Though, this is much harsher. I guess you arent able to set conditions, and it doesnt seem like Im able to alter or cancel the oath. </em>Derek stared at Thomas. Why would you ever do that? Are you really that desperate?


    Yes! Thomas urgently nodded his head. I want to follow you. I have to.


    Derek sighed again, for what seemed to be the hundredth time. Fine, but you already have one strike. I wont hesitate to bring you back home in the future. And dont expect me to create some oath about making you powerful. I dont believe in that kind of shit.


    Thomas let out a deep breath. Then he wiped the tears away with the arm of his tunic. What now?


    Well, I think Ive spent too much time in this vige as it is. Though I do enjoy the crappy ale, I think its time we headed out. Lets go see Brandi and find out what kind of armor she has for you. Derek said as they walked back to the vige.


    He was happy with his progress in training up his <strong>Magic Resistance </strong>over thest week. It had actually reached level five already, giving him a 7.5% natural magic resistance. He even increased his <strong>Rejuvenation </strong>by a level, making it level seven and increasing its healing to 35%. <em>Not bad at all. </em>Derek thought.


    Rayna had done very well too. He was not sure how much she had improved, but he knew that she had made great progress in <strong>Meditation </strong>and her <strong>Wind de </strong>was hitting him harder and faster than before. They had not trained today, so she was still in the vige doing her chiefly duties.


    Soon, the duo arrived at the vige gates. It wasmon to see the twoing and going, so the guards opened the gates for them with no hassle. Once inside, they headed towards Malories residence to talk with Brandi.


    Once arriving, they found Malorie hanging some clothes to dry, and Brandi working on her <strong>Leatherworking </strong>like always. Hey Mal, hows it going today? Derek asked.


    Oh, its the same as always. Just been washing clothes and helping around the vige. Rayna still hasnt been able to find all of us refugees something to do. Then the woman motioned to Brandi. Im having a harder and harder time getting this one to stop for a meal. All she does is work, work, work. She smiled at the end.


    Derek, not wanting to interrupt Brandi, continued conversing with Malorie. Yeah, thats why were here. Shes been making Thomas some makeshift armor, and were here to see if its ready. Its about time for us to leave.


    Oh? I still cant believe Delh was okay with Thomas going with you. Mal said.


    Derek looked at the boy. He can be very stubborn, and I think she knew that. He replied.


    About that time, Derek heard Brandi shout. Youre leaving already? She ran over.


    Derek put his hand on her still buzzed head. Yup, cant stay here forever. Gotta get stronger, make enemies and such. Besides, we wont be gone too long this time, and Ill have more hides for you to destr work with. You just need to focus on getting your skill to level 10. Then, if Im around, Ill help you get your ss.


    Thank you. Brandi said. Im finished with his armor too. I had to make it out of one of the weaker materials since Im not strong enough to truly craft with the higher level stuff yet. But it should still be good for level 20 or so. Brandi ran over to the bench and picked up the armor. Its rawhide. There hasnt been enough time to tan anything yet. Besides, rawhide is stronger, it just isnt as flexible. Brandi moved to Thomas and handed him the armor.


    Seeing Thomas receive the armor, Derek said, Go on, put it on. I want to leave before it gets dark.


    Thomas nodded and hurriedly equipped the armor. It was a little loose on him, but overall, a good fit. It would allow him to grow a little before it needed to be reced. It definitely was not the best looking or best defensive armor that Derek had ever seen. But that was to be expected by armor created by someone who only had the skill and did not yet have a ss.


    Good. Now go tell your grandma goodbye. Im going to head to the chiefs ce before we leave. Derek said. Thomas assented and ran away towards his residence after giving everyone a quick goodbye.


    Derek looked at Malorie. Mal, thanks for the dinners and all the washes. Its been nice having something to eat that isnt roasted on a spit.


    Malorie smiled. You are always wee here. I hope you have a good trip.


    Derek turned to Brandi. You focus on getting your skill to level 10 before I get back.


    I will. She replied.


    With that, Derek turned around and began walking towards Raynas residence.


    Soon, he was there, and surprisingly, the chief was waiting outside. You leaving? She asked.


    Yup, I have a sort of a n. Probably going to get the kid to his second ss, especially after what he chose today. He said.


    Oh, poor decision?


    Yeah, he had a chance at a really good ss, but he chose Rogue because it reminded him of his dad. I thought he was more mature than that. Derek shook his head.


    He may act smart and mature for his age, but he''s just a kid. She replied.


    Well, when Im done with him, hell either be back here and Ill be traveling alone, or he will be smart and mature.


    Good luck with that. Said Rayna.


    Well, just wanted to let you know that were leaving. Our training sessions will have to be put on hold. They did help me a bit, so thank you. Derek said.


    Yeah, and helped me a lot, so thank you. She countered. You n oning back?


    Yeah, probably within the month. I have a few ns, but they shouldnt take long.


    At that time, Thomas came running over.


    You ready, kid? Derek asked and Thomas nodded. Lets go.

 Chapter 37: To the Dungeon

    Chapter 37: To the Dungeon


    After the duo left the confines of the vige, Derek stopped and pulled out his makeshift map and looked at various dungeons. <em>Hmm This dungeon gives a support skill. Maybe I could get a beast taming skill or something, and I wouldnt have to worry about Silvi killing everyone we meet. Well probably only be able to run two of the level 25 ones before I out level them. </em>Derek put the map away. He seemed to have made a decision.


    <em>Well go to the support one first, then the skill point one if I havent broken 25 yet. After that, is the level 50 scrolls dungeon. That could give anything from a one time use spell, to a hidden skill. </em>Derek looked at Thomas. Follow me. Were moving fast, so try to keep up. He started jogging, which was basically a sprint to Thomas. Were going to make use of everyst point that you put into Dexterity.


    The dungeon they were traveling to was not too far away from Raynas Vige. It was not in the forest, though. It was to the northwest, supposedly in the grassy ins. It was also the dungeon where Thomass parents had met their doom. ording to Richard, the city led expeditions twice a year to this dungeon for the nobles and others who paid. It was quite the popr dungeon.


    Luckily, it was not time for one of the expeditions, so the chance of running into any others looking toplete the dungeon was small. What he was most worried about was people iming a dungeon and charging for use. Derek had seen this too many times on Earth. When he mentioned his concerns to Richard, the man assured him that he did not have to worry. As long as he was in the Kingdom of Cydaria, it was illegal for an individual or organization to use a dungeon to profit off of others.


    The only time there would be guards around a dungeon would be to prevent an overflow from wiping out the surrounding areas. So this only happened with rtively high level dungeons. Derek also found out that dungeons could bepleted more than once, but one would only receive thepletion reward for their firstpletion, and the enemies in the dungeon would not give full experience to those who had alreadypleted it.


    People whopleted the dungeon could not carry others through it, either. If there happened to be somebody who had already run the dungeon was in a group, the entire group would fail to receive a reward at the end. This was just another thing that Derek chalked up to the stinginess of the Great System.


    Derek also found out a bit about the kingdom during his downtime in the vige. The kingdoms name was Cydaria, along with the capital city of the same name. Torith was only a sub city within the kingdom. It was currently in a state too big to be considered a town, and too small to be a city.


    Throughout the kingdom, there were 6 cities, and 22 sub cities, along with one capital city. Each city was connected to the other cities by teleportation circles, and the sub cities were all close enough to a city that they did not warrant a costly teleportation circle.


    Being a sub city, Torith only held branches of different guilds and organizations, with the headquarters being in the nearby city. Derek also learned that the lord of Torith was one of the weakest among the lords, but because of his father, who was an official in the capital, no one said anything.


    After traveling at a quick pace for seven hours, taking only two breaks for Thomas in between, they had arrived at the dungeon. It was as Richard had said, there was nobody else around at this time. Were here. Derek said. He turned to look at Thomas, only to see a range of emotions y on his face. <em>I guess he figured out where here is. </em>He thought.


    W-why are we here. Thomas asked with a crackling voice.


    Derek smiled. Isnt it obvious? Were going to run a dungeon. He said, and Thomass sadness seemed to evaporate, being reced by shock and confusion.


    We? He asked. How are you going to run a level 25 dungeon?


    Remember those secrets that you cant tell anyone? Well, youre about to see the first one. Come on, ce your hand on the sphere. Derek said, then walked over and put his hand on the dungeon orb. Thomas hurried over and ce his hand on it too.


    The two waited until the notification popped up.


    Dungeon Countdown Timer Depleted


    Participants: 2/6


    Derek Hunt: Level 18


    Thomas Stewart: Level 10 Please Choose an Option Below


    View Dungeon


    Enter Dungeon


    Leave


    Derek chose View Dungeon.


    Dungeon Status


    Dungeon Level


    25


    Dungeon Type


    Insect


    Dungeon Status


    Stable


    Dungeon Rewards


    Support Skill


    Max Participants


    6


    <em>So this is what an alreadypleted, normal dungeon looks like. </em>He put away the dungeon status, then spoke to Thomas. Are you ready?


    H-how? How are you only a level 18? Theres no way. Thomas interjected. Then, the boy mumbled incoherently to himself for a moment. He seemed to think of something, then it was as if a bright light went off in his eyes. This means you can run all the lower level dungeons. And at your strength, there wont be any trouble.


    Derek grinned. Who said I was going to be the one running them. Im just going in to watch, you will be the one doing everything. No better training than fighting something that will kill you if it has the chance. Derekughed as the boys eyes dimmed and the glee he had before changed to horror.


    I will be fighting? Thomas asked.


    What are you so scared for? Youre carrying high level daggers, and you have armor on that was made from higher level hides. And if you have been taking my suggestion, which Im not sure about after your little ss selection fiasco, you should have enough Vitality to survive a couple of clean hits. Dont worry, I need to raise my <strong>Rejuvenation </strong>skill, anyway. So, its a win-win for both of us. Derek chuckled. So, like I asked. Are you ready?


    Thomas seemed to nk out, but after a few moments he finally nodded.


    Okay, here we go. Derek said. Anxious to see what a dungeon in this new world was like. He focused on Enter Dungeon. A message popped up, asking if he was sure. He selected yes, and a new notification popped.


    Participants Ready: 1/2


    Derek Hunt: Ready


    Thomas Stewart: Not Ready


    Focus on Enter Dungeon. Lets go. Derekmanded. Soon, Thomass name changed to Ready, and a countdown began.


    Entering Dungeon in 3 2 1


    A white light shed, and the duo disappeared.


    ***


    After the blinding light, Thomas found his footing. He looked around to see Derek standing beside him, acting like nothing had happened. They were standing in a cave-like chamber. It was warmer inside the dungeon than it was outside. Thomas was able to see well enough with the glowing stctites. The chamber was around 10 by 10 meters and connected to a door directly in front of them.


    Beside him, Derek spoke. Dont forget to use <strong>Inspect </strong>on everything that you can. Its a good skill to level.


    Thomas could only nod at that. <em>I cant believe he expects me to clear this dungeon. </em>He thought. Thomas was still shaken because of the weird day he was having. First, he disappointed Derek, which led to some harsh words. Then he found out that Derek was only level 18, which he still could not wrap his head around. Now, he has to fight in a dungeon 15 levels above himself.


    You will probably gain levels quickly in here. So, the first thing I want you to do is figure out how you want to spend your stat points so you dont get caught with your pants down and so you are always as strong as possible. Derek exined.


    Thomas assented and began to think. <em>I definitely need more health in the beginning. I already get 4 Dexterity and 3 Endurance per level. For the future, I think Ill go 2 Strength and 3 Vitality with my free points. </em>Okay. I know what Im going to do. Thomas exined his n to Derek. After earlier, he did not want to disappoint him even further.


    Derek nodded. Mhm Thats fine. He continued. Check your equipment. Make sure everything is properly equipped and doesnt hinder your movement much.


    Thomas did just that. The hide armor was a little loose, so he tightened it the best he could. He drew his two daggers from his hips. Then, he looked at Derek. I think Im ready.


    Okay, Ill go through the door first, just to make sure there are no traps to instant kill you, but after that, the rest is all yours. Derek walked up to the door and pushed it open. Then, he disappeared inside. After a second, he poked his head through the door. Seems fine to me. He smiled that menacing smile that always sends chills up Thomass spine. Man, you are going to have so much fun in here. He chuckled and disappeared from Thomass sight once again.


    Thomas took a deep breath and walked forward. He walked through the door into the next room. He nearly squealed at what he found waiting for him. The cave was much bigger than the one he started in. This time though, it was full of enemies. ck ants were crawling along the floor, and beetles creeping along the walls. Other than the clicking noises being made by the beetles, the most disturbing thing was the size of the insects. The ants were the size of both his fists together, and the beetles were twice that size.


    Thomas gulped, then felt a p on his back. Like I said, you are going to have so much fun.

 Chapter 38: In the Dungeon

    Chapter 38: In the Dungeon


    Thomas reached for his daggers on his hips. With slow movement, he drew them from the sheaths created by Brandi. Looking at the disgusting insects creeping and crawling ahead of him, he tightened his grip on the weapons. Thomass thoughts were racing. So much so, that the boy himself could not keep track of them.


    He was going to have to fight these things. Derek was only there to protect him from catastrophe. Thomas knew that there was almost no chance of him dying, but the chance of him being hurt or injured was great. In fact, looking at the bugs, he knew that he was going to be injured. He also knew that he would be healed, then injured again. Just thinking about what he had gotten himself into sent chills down his spine.


    He looked over to Derek, who was still standing there with a smirk on his face. A-are you r-really not going to help fight? He asked, a small tinge of hope still in his voice. He was looking for reassurance, reassurance that Derek would help him before it came to injury, before he got hurt.


    All he got in return was confirmation that he was basically on his own. I told you before. This is your fight. Like I said, you will not die, but you will suffer. And, because of your choice of weapons, and ignoring my advice, you will suffer greater. You will not be able to rely on reach with your daggers, as you would have been able to with a spear. You will have to get in close, and with the way you swing your daggers and the bad habits you have when fighting close, you will get hurt. But, I will not allow you to die, and you will go in again, and again, until you clear the room. Derek said.


    Now, I already think we will be in here for a long time. Who knows, if you take too long, all the work you do may respawn. You dont want that, do you? Suck it up and fight. The quicker you fight, the quicker you get stronger, and the faster we get out of here. Dereks words made sense to Thomas, but he still had a hard time bringing himself to initiate the attack.


    Thomas breathed in deep and let it out. He surveyed the room, looking for an opportunity to attack. Soon, he found it in an ant that had wandered away from the group. He used <strong>Identify</strong>, which was currently level 2, <strong></strong>on the ant. The skill allowed him to see the insects basic information. <em>Level 21 Soldier Ant. </em>Thomas read the information.


    If he could have gripped his daggers any tighter, he would have. The ant being 11 levels above his own did not seem like a giant hurdle when he thought about it, but when he thought about how it was over double his level, he was scared, no, he was terrified. He would be relying on his equipment and basic training, or beatings, that he had gone through with Derek.


    What are you waiting for. Thomas jumped at the voice. It breaking him out of his thoughts.


    Finally, Thomas summoned what courage he could and slowly paced towards the lone ant, not noticing Derek shaking his head in disappointment behind him.


    Soon, he arrived at the insect that was almost 20 centimeters long, and half that in width. Up close in the dimly lit cavern, he could make out the fuzz covering the ants body. Luckily for Thomas, the ant seemed to have not noticed his approach.


    <em>This is a chance. </em>Thomas lunged forward at the unaware monster. Thinking this the opportunity he was looking for, a slight smile formed on the boys face. Unfortunately, with Thomass lunge, came noise, and with noise came vibrations, which alerted the ant.


    His dagger was centimeters away from the abdomen of the creature when it reacted. It turned faster than Thomas could imagine, and Thomass weapon, which was about to make contact, missed the abdomen of the ant and sliced through its antenna.


    He was off bnce after delivering the blow. Thomas had been expecting his dagger to bite into the creature, so when there was no tension with his blow, he lost his footing. Soon, Thomas was face down on the cold floor of the cavern. Realizing his mistake, and the ramifications, he quickly rolled to his side.


    Then, staring directly at his face was the ant. The giant mandibles protruding from its head made Thomas scream internally. The ant dashed towards Thomass face. Again, caught off guard by the speed of the creature, Thomas was barely able to raise his arm up to block.


    The ant did not care what it met. With its antenna cut and senses a mess, it was pissed. The bite found purchase on Thomass armored forearm. The armor did well in not allowing the mandible to break through, but it was not able to prevent the pressure of the mandiblesing together.


    A crack was heard, and a blinding pain shot up Thomass arm. He screamed. Frantically, he gripped the dagger in his left hand and stabbed at the ant. He stabbed over and over, well past the notification appearing in his vision. He was still screaming when his body was lifted in the air and then dropped.


    The pain was still blinding, but he finally was able to return to his senses. He surveyed the room. Both of his weapons were on the ground beside him, and Derek was leaning against the door with a frown on his face. That was when he noticed that he was in the room they first spawned in.


    Embarrassed at his performance, but more concerned about his arm, Thomas grabbed at his injury. The armor on his forearm was coated in a greenish brown liquid, which confused Thomas. Still, he grabbed at the armor and loosened it, only to see a monstrously swollen forearm. He touched it and whimpered.


    Derek was looking at the boy whimpering over his broken arm. He had expected an injury like this to happen sooner orter, but the speed at which Thomas aplished it was mind blowing. In fact, he did not know where to begin when thinking about the fight. <em>On a scale of A to F, I would have to give the kid an F. And thats only because the scale doesnt go any lower. </em>


    The boy chose the lone ant as his first opponent. This was the only good decision that he had made. The reason Derek was shaking his head as soon as the boy began his approach was because he had not even thought to activate his <strong>Stealth </strong>skill. If he would have done so, even with his clumsy lunge, there was a chance that <strong>Stealth </strong>would have reduced the vibrationing from him, and he still would havended a blow.


    Then, he thought about the cement of the blow, which was on the abdomen of the ant. Sure, the dagger was big enough to deal serious damage if he would have hit, but Derek did not believe that it would have been instantly fatal, Derek knew that some ants could live on for hours, even days after losing their abdomen. The ant still would have been able to turn and attack, unless Thomas got lucky and pinned the creature. Thomas should have gone for one of the connecting points of the ant.


    If he would have aimed between the thorax and head, it would have died instantly if he connected. But none of that mattered, because the boy missed.


    Thomas was so sure of his hit that he put everything he had into it. This was a fatal mistake which caused him to fall and allowed the ant a counterattack. Then, Thomas took too long on the ground and ended up being attacked in the head, by an ant that was not even 20 centimeters long. Derek just shook his head at this.


    If the falling was not enough to get him killed, then the scream he released because of his injury was. What Thomas obviously did not see was the attention he attracted because of it. While the boy was stabbing away at the ants corpse, a dozen more ants, and even a few beetles, had begun gathering around him. That was when Derek finally decided to step in and save the boy.


    The boy was still whimpering and holding his arm. A broken arm which barely caused him any damage to his overall health, it only crippled him a bit for the battle. Derek figured this had gone on long enough. Stop crying. He said. Then, he cast <strong>Rejuvenation </strong>on the kid and the bone healed right away. With Thomass current Vitality, it would have only taken 10 or so more minutes before it healed naturally, anyway.


    The pain must have stopped, because the boy started moving his arm and stopped sobbing. He looked up at Derek. Now, we are going to go over that spectacr performance you just gave. Really, it was to notch.


    Thomas furrowed his brows, but before he could say anything, Derek spoke again.


    What do you think is the first thing you did wrong?


    Uhm I put too much into my swing? Thomas answered.


    Are you asking me or telling me?


    T-telling you. Yes, I put too much in my swing which left me off bnce when I missed.


    You are wrong. Replied Derek. You were wrong before you even got to the ant. You have the <strong>Stealth </strong>skill, yes? Derek waited for Thomass nod. Then fucking use it. Thats what skills are for. You were approaching a single enemy from behind. There is no better opportunity to use the skill, but you just dove right in.


    Thomass jaw dropped. I-I forgot I had it.


    You forgot about the only real skill you have? From the ss you chose against my suggestion? Are you serious? Derek was indeed bbergasted.


    Thomas did not say anything, he just looked at the ground.


    Derek shook his head and continued. Well, you wont forget about it again, will you? But yes, the other thing wrong was your swing and choice of attack. The ants abdomen is vital, but they can survive for a very long time without it, they can survive without a lot of things, so, with a sneak attack, you really need to make sure you go for the right ce.


    Finally, after you started screaming, do you know what happened? Derek asked.


    No, I was just trying to get my arm back. Thomas replied.


    Oh, then you didnt see the dozen other insectsing to kill you then? Good vignce, kid. Top marks. Derek said sarcastically. Okay, good review. Time to go again.


    Thomas paled.

 Chapter 39: Dungeon Run

    Chapter 39: Dungeon Run


    Thomas sat with his back against the wall, staring at the ceiling. He had almost grown numb to everything over thest several days. The armor that Brandi had painstakingly crafted him was not in good condition anymore. There were holes and cuts where the mandibles of the ants had finally been able to break through.


    He had thought that the ants would have been tougher than the beetles, but after fighting the first one, he realized his mistake. As long as he was able to sneak up on a beetle it was not a problem to deal with it, but if he made a mistake, which he did often, the oue was painful.


    The beetle, while not fast, had great eleration. And, unfortunately for Thomas, it had a very sharp horn on its head. Thomas had properly used his <strong>Stealth </strong>skill on the first few beetles he targeted. He was able to take them down without much effort. But eventually, he slipped up.


    He had been slowly approaching one beetle, not noticing the other hidden behind a stone close by. He stabbed both daggers through the creatures head and received the kill notification. This caused him to rx. As he turned to look at Derek, the previously unknown beetle caught him directly in his side.


    The beetle was around half a meter in length and two-thirds that in girth. The rhino-like horn on its head was at least 15 centimeters in length. When it hit him, the horn prated his armor and burrowed into his side. The armor had slowed the beetle down, but over half of the horn still made it through.


    If Thomas had thought the ant breaking his arm was painful, then he could not even describe the pain caused by the horn ripping through his kidney. Luckily, Derek was there, and he made short work of the beetle and had used his healing spell almost the moment the attack wasplete.


    The attack by the beetle had been a wake up call for Thomas. He had settled into a rhythm and had be toofortable, letting his guard down. This was another lesson Derek allowed him to learn the hard way.


    As Thomas sat against the wall, he could only reflect about everything that had happened so far. He had entered the dungeon as an inexperienced level 10 child that could not even face a single ant, which he greatly overpowered, without almost dying. Now, as he looked at his stats, he was level 17 and had faced death dozens of times, only to be saved at thest second by Derek.


    In thest few days, he had begun berating himself because of his stupid ss decision. He had woken up. No matter how many insects he killed, he could not feel himself growing stronger with the daggers. His overall ability had grown stronger, but when he shed or stabbed with his weapons, the action still felt foreign to him. The only thing he liked about the ss he so foolishly chose was the <strong>Stealth </strong>skill.


    But, after all the sneaking and assassinating the insects, he knew that it was not for him. The closer he got to an enemy, the harder his heartbeat, and the harder it was for him to stay calm. <strong>Stealth </strong>would be great for him as a way to escape an enemy or trek through the wilderness undetected, but he was not cut out for assassination.


    He hade to two conclusions over thest several days of torture. The first was that he would not be missing out on anything when, not if, he changed his ss at level 25. The second was that Derekpletely changed when he became serious about something.


    On the second day in the dungeon, Thomas had cried and begged Derek to bring him out and take him home. Derek refused, saying that he was willing to stay in the dungeon for weeks or even months, waiting for Thomas to clear it. Thomas had actually gotten angry at Derek then, yelling and throwing a fit. It was something that he would be embarrassed about for the rest of his life.


    Thomas was finally able to work himself back up enough to continue after his tantrum. It was not until two dayster that he realized how valuable this experience was to him. Every time they made it back to the spawn room, Derek would exin to him, in detail, everything he did wrong, and right. Now, he was nothing but thankful.


    He was thankful that the pain was numbing instead of the previous agony. The same broken arm he had on the first day, that basically rendered him unconscious, was nothing to him now. He could even fight with his broken arm if needed. He had not known what to think when he received an Award for all his suffering. It was a lesser award and only offered two skill points, but it was a sign that everything he was doing was not for nothing.


    When he had told Derek about the Award, and how it was awarded for greatly increasing his pain tolerance, Derek justughed and mumbled something about not ever being able to get it.


    About that time, Derek walked over. Are you ready? You got all the insects in two rooms, and I think all thats remaining is the boss in the next. Its a level 25 Zephyr Mantis, Ill let you have a go at it, but Im pretty sure it could slice your head off in one swipe, so Ill end up killing it. Just make sure you get a hit on it so we split the experience, I dont want it all.


    Thomas nodded his head. Alright.


    The duo walked through the two empty rooms. Thomas looked around, he was relieved that no more enemies spawned in after being killed. Soon, they made it to what they thought was the door to the final cavern. Derek pushed the door open and walked in.


    Thomas followed after him. As soon as he entered the room, a wind de, not unlike the one Rayna used, was humming towards him at a rapid pace. Derek stepped in front of the de, and using his bare arm, batted it away. He turned to Thomas. Actually, Im going to hold it, you hit it, then Ill kill it. No sense in taking the risk.


    With that, Derek dashed towards the meter and a half tall mantis. He sidestepped the two de-like arms that came together like a guillotine. Then he was behind it. He held it in a bearhug, pinning both of its arms to its sides. Hit it. He said.


    Thomas walked up to the mantis and shed at its thorax, just above the creatures arms. Because of the quality of daggers, he did massive damage. After the blood started flowing, he heard a snap, a notification popped up, and Derek dropped the bug to the floor. Thomas breathed a sigh of relief. <em>Finally, I get to leave this hell.</em>


    Derek dropped the corpse on the ground. He turned and saw an orb of light appear. <em>I guess thats the dungeon exit. </em>He had stayed in the dungeon longer than he wanted, but Thomas needed it, especially after his showing in the first few days.


    He was not impressed with the boys growth. If anything, it was average. But Thomass mindset had improved, and that was something Derek could work with. He was still a little envious of the pain tolerance Award that Thomas had received. Thinking about his current pain tolerance, he did not believe that it could be increased much more.


    He was happy that he was able to increase his <strong>Rejuvenation </strong>skill to level 8 and his <strong>Dismantle </strong>skill to level 11, though, with thetter, he was only able to get some carapaces from the beetles. He was not sure if Brandi would be able to use them.


    His biggest gain in the time they were in the dungeon was with <strong>Channel Void</strong>. He had not used it to fight, other than secretly killing a bug or two while Thomas was resting, but he used the skill every chance he got. Exhausting his mana over and over again. He had received more than a few confused looks from Thomas over it.


    Well, looks like its time to leave. Derek walked up and pat Thomas on the back. It was a pretty nice vacation, eh? He asked.


    You call that a vacation? That was hell. Do you know how many bones I broke? Thomas shook his head.


    Derekughed. That was another thing that improved over the nearly two weeks in the dungeon. Thomas addressed him much more casually, and his constant stuttering was all but gone. It was a nice change. Ah, stop being so whiny, Ive broken a hell of a lot more than you. Besides, you got that Lesser Pain Tolerance Award.


    Are we going to another dungeon? Thomas asked.


    No, I had nned to, but that took longer than I thought. Brandi may have her <strong>Leatherworking </strong>skill up to 10 by now, so Im going to keep my promise. Besides, Im sure your granny is worried sick about you. Luckily, my <strong>Rejuvenation </strong>keeps scars from forming. Could you imagine her face? Derek snickered.


    Yeah, if I showed up with a back full of scars like you, she would have a heart attack. You still havent told me how you got them, by the way.


    And I dont n on it. Derek said. Its time to get our rewards and leave the dungeon. Derek stopped, thinking for a second. Then, he put on a leather armor set from his storage. It wasnt great, but it was something he had worn in the past and did not look too different from what he had seen in this world. He also pulled out two facemasks. Put this on, weve been in here for two weeks, if anyone is outside waiting for us to leave, I dont want to show our faces. He handed one of the masks to Thomas.


    Lets get our rewards. Derek walked up to the orb and ced his hand on it. Thomas did the same. A notification popped up.


    Dungeon Complete


    Assigning Rewards.


    Congrattions, you have received the skill <strong>Cure Toxin</strong>


    Fuck! Derek yelled.


    What happened?


    I got a skill I dont want. What did you get? Derek asked.


    I got <strong>Haste, </strong>it<strong></strong>seems pretty good. It increases all of my movement, not just my speed. Thomas said, excited at the skill.


    Yeah, its good. I know people with it. Its worth leveling. Derek looked at the next notification.


    Cure Toxin


    The ability to remove poisons and toxins from yourself and others. The higher the level, the better the skill. This skill is not limited to poisons and toxins. Once leveled, it can help cure other infections and contaminations.


    Cost: 1 Skill Point


    <em>Uhh </em>


    Would you like to learn <strong>Cure Toxin</strong>?


    <em>Yes.</em>


    <strong>Cure Toxin </strong>Learned Sessfully


    Skill Points Remaining: 3


    <em>That is much better than I initially thought. It may even be able to remove the acid from my armor after being leveled. </em>Derek wondered if the system had given this skill to him because of what he experienced, or if it was indeed random.


    Did you learn <strong>Haste</strong>?


    Yes, I had points from my Award. Thomas replied.


    Good. Are you ready to leave? Derek asked.


    Yes.


    Derek looked at the dungeon interface and mentally selected Leave Dungeon. A countdown began and in five seconds, the blinding light reappeared in his vision.

 Chapter 40: Afterwards

    Chapter 40: Afterwards


    The blinding sh faded away and Derek looked around. There was a group of seven people gathered in the area around the dungeon orb. They were staring at Derek and Thomas with different emotions. Some were frowning, some were surprised. One, whom Derek supposed was the leader of the group, and level 47 was looking at the duo with a face filled with confusion.


    <em>Im d I thought about wearing these facemasks. Im guessing that man tried to </em><strong><em>Identify </em></strong><em>me, and it failed. </em>Derek looked at the confused man, nodded, then picked Thomas up and took off before anyone was able to say anything. He ran at a moderate pace, for him, which was zing fast for most people.


    This should be good enough. He said as he dropped Thomas. The boy, to his credit, stood up and brushed himself off without muttering a word.


    Did you get the Award forpleting the dungeon? Thomas asked.


    Oh, is that what that notification is? I havent bothered to look yet. Derek answered, then pulled up the notification.


    You havepleted your first dungeon.


    New Award Earned


    Derek went to the next message.


    Lesser Dungeon Explorer


    Bypleting your first dungeon, you have earned the following:


    2 Skill Points


    Explore more dungeons to increase the tier of the Award


    Oh? Derek looked over at Thomas. Thats not a bad Award. Already receiving 2 skill points for the first tier. Its almost like I didnt have to do anything for it too. Heughed. Well, anything but train my <strong>Rejuvenation </strong>skill. Hehe Derek was trying to get a rise out of Thomas, but it did not work.


    <em>Well, I also leveled </em><strong><em>Channel Void </em></strong><em>and got a better understanding of what it does when used to attack. </em>Derek had secretly killed a couple insects with the skill after leveling. It turned out that the projection of the void on the weapon was able to slip through any defenses and specifically target the insides of whatever he attacked. Derek was happy with the new found realisation. After thinking about what had happened to the Void Beast, it all made sense.


    If the void could do this at such a low level, he could only imagine how powerful it would be once it grew. At its current level, level 5, he was able to make the purple projection stretch from a few centimeters to more than double that. The higher the level was also made him able to channel the void more efficiently and lose less mana per second.


    <em>If I could turn this into a ranged attack </em>Derek had an idea of attaching the void to a projectile like a dagger, then throwing it. The current problem was that he did not have enough control to keep the void on an item that he did not have direct control of. But, he figured that if the skill leveled high enough, he would gain the control.


    Are we going back home? Thomas broke him out of his thoughts.


    Mhm I think we should. The other dungeons arent going anywhere. I think we can do two more before we out level them. Derek replied. <em>Maybe three, if the rarity of my ss lets me level slower.</em> Okay, lets go.


    The duo moved back to the vige.


    ***


    Six or so hourster, the vige was in sight of the duo. They were walking while chatting about spears. Thomas had decided to change his ss and had earned some of the respect he had lost back from Derek. So, you finally understand why I didnt want you to use daggers. Derek smiled. Good, I have a great spear you can use when you change sses. Its owner is no longer in need of it. Heughed.


    Thank you. Thomas replied as they kept walking.


    Soon, they arrived at the vige gates. Strangely, the guards that were usually at their posts were not there. Derek frowned. <em>Thats odd. Why is nobody guarding the front gate?</em>


    Thomas seemed to have the same thoughts. There should be guards here. Is something going on?


    Lets go find out. Derek said. He picked Thomas up and jumped over the gate.


    Afternding, he looked around. There were not any kids running around like usual, in fact, it seemed like a ghost town. Somethings up. Lets see if Mal is home. The two ran towards Brandis residence. When they were close to the residence, Derek spotted a bit of blood leaving a trail through the street, but he did not think Thomas saw it, so he did not say anything.


    When they arrived at the courtyard Brandi used for leatherworking, all emotion left from Dereks face. He looked at the woman and girl sprawled out on the ground.


    Brandi! Thomas yelled and ran to the girl.


    Shh Stay quiet. Derek reminded. He used <strong>Identify </strong>on the girl.


    Human Female


    Level 1


    State: Unconscious


    Shell be fine, she is just unconscious. Derek told Thomas, then shifted his focus to Malorie.


    Human Female


    Level 18


    State: Critical


    Time Until Dying: 13min


    Derek hurried and cast <strong>Rejuvenation </strong>on Malories body. He viewed her status again and confirmed that her state had changed from Critical to Unconscious. He let out a breath and spoke. They are both going to be fine. He picked Malorie up andid her on the bench, then had Thomas do the same with Brandi.


    Thomas. He said. When the boy turned to him, he summoned two red vials from his storage and handed them to the kid. Keep using <strong>Identify </strong>to make sure neither of their states drop to Critical. Your skill should be leveled enough to do so. If either of their states slip to Critical, pour the potion in their mouth. If they both awaken, just give them the potions for good measure. It may be a good idea to move them into the house if they are able. After seeing Thomas nod and ept the vials, he spoke again. Im going to see whats going on.


    Derek went back to where he had spotted the blood. <em>Looks like someone was dragged. I bet theyre all at the chiefs ce. </em>He did not waste anymore time and took off down the street. When he got to the bend leading towards the chiefs residence, he stopped.


    Down the street in front of him was a crowd. With his vision, he could see Rayna on her knees, her clothing in tatters. A man was facedown next to her. Richard was roughed up, but standing in the crowd.


    A group of six adventurers were standing around Rayna. One was standing behind her with a sword, and the others were all facing her. Derek slowed his pace at this scene as he continued his approach. Soon, he was close enough to hear what was going on.


    You think youre great because you are the chief of some unknown vige? The man in front of Rayna pped her. I told you nicely that it was none of your business, but you had to stick your nose where it didnt belong.


    A surge of anger shed through Derek when he saw the man p Rayna. Soon, he was close enough to use <strong>Identify</strong>.


    Human Female


    Level 31


    State: Critical


    Time Until Dying: 25min


    After seeing Raynas status, he was happy that she was not Dying, but he was still incensed that things had gotten to this state. He focused on the man on the grown, it was Davis. He checked the mans status.


    Human Male


    State: Deceased


    Dereks good mood from earlier had beenpletely erased. He used <strong>Identify </strong>on the man who had pped Rayna.


    Human Male


    Level 94


    He squinted at that. <em>Why is a level 94 in the vige? </em>Derek <strong>Identified </strong>the others that were standing around. The lowest level was a level 84 female. <em>Is this the group of adventurers that was sent to run the dungeon? If it is, they were way off at the levels that the guild would send.</em>


    Enough! The apparent leader of the group spoke. Im tired of this. He looked at Rayna. By the noble house of Gracefall, and for the crime of disobedience. I, Wace F. Gracefall, sentence you to death by beheading. He looked to the man standing behind her. Well, get on with it.


    The man nodded. He raised his sword to the side, then His head exploded.


    Derek, after throwing the dagger, was still walking forward at a slow pace. He watched as the five remaining people went into a frenzy. At that time, Rayna lifted her head and their eyes met. She smiled at Derek, then fell forward, finally losing consciousness.


    Soon, the group noticed Derek. They had all turned and were staring daggers at him. The leader of the group began to speak. Who do you think you Was all he managed to get out before his voice was cut off by a booming voice.


    Who the fuck do you think you are? He had not yelled, but the bass in his voice was able to shake the insides of lower leveled people. The leader opened his mouth to speak, but Derek did not let him. It was rhetorical. I dont give a fuck who you are. Derek stopped, then smiled evilly.


    By the power of me, and for the crime of ruining my good mood. I, the person who is a fuck ton stronger than you, sentence the six five of you, to death. He spoke. Now, whos first?


    Kill him! The leader yelled. Two men sprinted towards Derek. Derek, in his usual ck tee and jeans, closed his fists and waited. A purple light shed in his eyes for a split second before disappearing.


    The man on the left held a spear, and the one on the right, a sword. But before they got within reach of Derek, he dashed forward, shocking them. He lightly jabbed the two in their chests with his fists, which had a purple glow.


    At the same time, an arrow reached him. He plucked it out of the air and returned it to the sender. The woman was not prepared and soon, the fletching of the arrow was all that could be seen sticking out of her head. She fell.


    Lightning fell on Derek and he smiled at the increase in <strong>Magic Resistance</strong>. <em>Maybe I should keep him alive </em>He quickly got rid of the idea. Being at a distance, he decided to just throw another dagger. It took the mage in the chest and forced him to the ground.


    Now, all that was remaining was the Leader. The man backed up as he approached. Soon, Derek was before him, clutching the mans throat with his right hand. He lifted him off the ground.


    Richard, who was standing beside watching, spoke. D-Derek. You cant. Hes a noble and from the Adventurers Guild.


    Derek, hearing Richard speak, looked at him. Oh, so hes a noble. In that case. He squeezed his hand, and adventurer''s neck snapped. Whoops, my hand slipped. The mans body fell to the ground.

 Chapter 41: Cleanup

    Chapter 41: Cleanup


    After taking out the trash, Derek used <strong>Rejuvenate </strong>on Rayna. It pulled her out of the unconscious state, but she still looked pitiful. He walked over to her and crouched down. He turned her unconscious body over and pulled out another health potion. With one hand, he tilted her head back, and with the other, he poured the potion into her mouth.


    After checking and seeing most of the wounds on her body visibly healing, he stood. He walked to each corpse, putting them into his storage bracelet when he reached them. Finally, he got to Davis. He looked up at the quiet crowd, spotting Leon and his wife within. Leon, take Davis away, well decide what to do with him once Rayna wakes up.


    Walking back over to Rayna, he picked her up in a princess carry. He looked over to Richard. You, follow me. He began to walk back to where he left Thomas and the others. He paused, turning to look at the still silent crowd. You probably know already, but it would be for the best to not talk about anything. I imagine there will be a vige meetingter today, or tomorrow at the least when your chief is better. Until then, go about your day as if nothing happened.


    Derek began walking, and Richard followed.


    You killed a no Richard began, but Derek cut him off.


    Not here. Derek spoke. Richard nodded his head solemnly and continued following behind Derek.


    Before long, they arrived at the courtyard where he left Mal, Brandi, and Thomas. It was empty. Remembering what he told Thomas, he walked over to their residence and opened the door.


    Inside the living area, Thomas was standing with his daggers drawn. Brandi was awake and holding the unconscious Malorie in herp while looking towards the open door.


    Derek smiled after seeing Thomas in his battle stance. Its just me. Ive taken care of everything. I brought Rayna back here to recover. He turned to Brandi. How are you feeling? He asked.


    Im okay, but mom She trailed off.


    She will be fine. Shes not critical anymore, and her body is mostly healed. Shed probably wake up now if you tried, but I suggest letting her rest. Derek exined as he walked to an open space andid Rayna down.


    Brandi let out a sigh of relief then started sobbing. Its my fault I didnt know who they were She began.


    Derek furrowed his brow and stopped Brandi. No sense in talking about it now. Calm down and gather yourself. Well all talk after everyone wakes up. For now, just tend to your mother. Derek walked over to an empty corner and sat down with his back against the wall. He motioned to Richard. Either sit or go home for a while. Im sure Delh is worried. It will be a bit before she wakes up, and Thomas is safe, as you can see. Derek told Richard to follow him so he could show him that Thomas made it home in one piece.


    Richard nodded. Mhm. Ill go let Delh know that everyone here is okay, and that Thomas is safe. Please, let me know when they awaken. I would like to be here for the discussion.


    Sure. Ill send the boy after you and Leon. He dismissed the older man.


    After Richard left, the house went quiet. Not having anything else to do but wait, Derek checked his notifications.


    You have killed a Level 87 Human Warrior


    3451 Experience Gained


    Level Up


    Level Up


    1159/1415 Experience to Next Level


    <em>Ah fuck. I dont like where this is going. </em>Derek moved through to the next notification.


    You have killed a Level 85 Human Warrior


    3410 Experience Gained


    Level Up


    Level Up


    1599/1710 Experience to Next Level


    <em>Shit</em>


    You have killed a Level 85 Human Warrior


    3780 Experience Gained


    Level Up


    Level Up


    1789/2070 Experience to Next Level


    Derek moved the notification away, looking at the next.


    You have killed a Level 84 Human Archer.


    4079 Experience Gained


    Level Up


    3798/??? Experience to Next Level. (Must Choose or Upgrade ss to Level Beyond 25)


    <em>There goes all those level 25 dungeons. Son of a bitch. </em>Derek was angry that he would not be able to get the rewards forpleting extra dungeons, but as he thought about it, the one he was looking forward to the most was the level 50 dungeon, so it was not a huge loss. Besides, even if he would have been thinking about his levels at the time, he still would have killed the group all the same.


    <em>But still, now I have to fuck with my ss again. At least upgrading a ss is a lot less trouble than initially choosing one. </em>After thinking that, it was like a lightbulb turned on in his brain. <em>Does this mean I get to upgrade my ss from epic to legendary since its a growth ss? </em>With that thought, Derek rushed to see his options.


    Champion of the Void


    You have lived within the void, and the void has chosen you as its champion. Unlike others, you will no longer be trapped in the void. The void is your ally.


    Champion of the Void is a growth type epic ss. Preferences for this ss are unknown. Two new skills will be avable upon ss upgrade.


    You will receive 20 free stat points for allocation to your choosing.


    Derek was disappointed when looking at his upgrade path. Nothing changed other than him receiving two new ss skills. He also looked into the ss change options, but they were all the same as before. He really did like <strong>Channel Void </strong>and he did not want to lose it, so he immediately put the thought of switching ss out of his mind. <em>Hopefully, the next two skills I unlock will be good and not like </em><strong><em>Void Call</em></strong><em>. </em>


    Derek stopped hesitating and chose to upgrade Champion of the Void.


    Congrattions


    You have upgraded your ss.


    As an epic rarity ss, you have received 15 skill points.


    He quickly moved to the next notification.


    Level Up


    1525/2500 Experience to Next Level.


    <em>Of course.</em>


    You have killed a Level 89 Human Mage.


    You have killed a Level 94 Human Mage.


    13231 Experience Gained


    Level Up


    Level Up


    Level Up


    Level Up


    3154/3675 Experience to Next Level.


    <em>Damn, six kills to go from level 18 to level 30. It may be hard for others to level with this system, but its terrifyingly fast for me. Now, lets see those two new skills. </em>Derek pulled up the first skill.


    Void Shift


    Be one with the void. Using your control over the void, shift yourself from a corporeal state to a void state. Once shifted, move through the void and out of time and space.


    Uses 500 mana/s


    Cost: 7 Skill Points


    <em>What a high mana cost. </em>


    Would You Like to Learn <strong>Void Shift</strong>?


    <em>Yes.</em>


    <strong>Void Shift </strong>Learned Sessfully


    Skill Points Remaining: 13


    Derek was itching to try his new skill, but he thought about what happenedst time and decided to wait. <em>Lets see the other skill.</em>


    Void Sense


    Your familiarity with the void has increased. You will feel the void wherever you are. Also allows one to sense abnormalities in the void.


    Passive


    Cost: 6 Skill Points


    <em>Interesting.</em>


    Would You Like to Learn <strong>Void Sense</strong>?


    <em>Yes.</em>


    <strong>Void Sense </strong>Learned Sessfully


    Skill Points Remaining: 7


    A massive amount of information began flowing through Dereks senses. There were ripples in the space around him. It seemed that if he wanted, he could grab a ripple and rip the space open. Some areas looked more solid than others. He felt that no matter what he did, he would not be able to make a dent in those areas.


    <em>This is crazy, its aplete sensory override. </em>Derek closed his eyes to try to filter out all of the distractions, but when he did, he was able to hear the undtions of the void. One thing he did know was that if he was ever trapped in a void tunnel again, he would have no problem finding a weak point and breaking out.


    As he calmed down, he realized that his new senses were not as distracting as they first seemed to be. The more he focused on other things, the less he sensed the void. And, after an hour of experimenting, he was able to turn down and tune out the void if he so desired.


    <em>Im not entirely sure how useful this will be, but at least its a passive and will level up without me doing much. </em>After everything was settled with his new ss, Derek checked his updated status.


    Status


    Name


    Derek Hunt


    Age


    29


    Level


    30


    Experience


    3154/3675


    ss


    Champion of the Void (Epic)


    Race


    Human (Modified)


    Health


    5250


    Mana


    2150


    Stamina


    5150


    Defense


    51 (Armor + 0)


    Attack


    49 (Weapon + 0)


    Stats


    Strength


    360


    Dexterity


    260


    Endurance


    515


    Vitality


    525


    Intelligence


    220


    Wisdom


    215


    Stat Points Remaining


    398


    Skills


    Channel Void


    Level 5


    Channel the Void through your body, into attacks or defenses.


    Cure Toxin


    Level 1


    Removes poisons and toxins.


    Dismantle


    Level 11


    Increase ability to dismantle deceased organic life forms.


    Greater Meditation


    Level 2


    Enter a meditative state to increase recovery.


    Heavy Weapons Mastery


    Level 18


    Increase damage with heavy weapons.


    Identify


    Level 12


    Appraise objects or entities.


    Magic Resistance


    Level 6


    Increase natural magic resistance by 1.5% per level.


    Rejuvenation


    Level 8


    Restores 40% HP over 30 seconds.


    Void Call


    Level 2


    Call out to the Void.


    Void Sense


    Level 1


    Sense the void.


    Void Shift


    Level 1


    Be one with and move within the void.


    Skill Points Remaining


    7


    Skill Upgrade Points Remaining


    4


    <em>Wow. Not bad at all. Oh, I have enough stat points to bring both my Strength and Dexterity up to 500. </em>Derek looked around and saw that Mal seemed to stir. <em>Ill do that soon. If its going to be anything like when I got Vitality and Endurance to 500, Ill need to spend some time to pick the right skills. </em>


    Mom! Brandis tion at her mother waking brought Derek back out of his thoughts. Are you okay? Are you hurt? Do you need more healing? Brandi rapidly fired question after question at her recently awakened mother.


    Seeing Mal looking disoriented after raising up, Derek spoke. Give her some time to get her bearings.


    Hearing his voice, Malories gaze shot over to Derek. Derek? What are you doing here? The nobles they are they gone?


    Yes, they are gone. Derek said. At that time, themotion seemed to rouse Rayna from her slumber. Derek looked over to her as she sat up.


    Thank you. Rayna said as soon as their eyes met.


    No problem, they ruined my good mood. Heughed.


    What ended up happening? The chief asked.


    They all spontaneously died. It was weird, I mean, first they were alive, then they werent. Derek joked, but Rayna did not seem to be in a humorous mood.


    He was a noble, Derek. If others find out, the whole vige will be dead. She said in all seriousness.


    Then dont let them find out. Besides, I already have somewhat of an idea on what to do to hide it from others. You just have to get the vige to keep their mouths shut. Shouldnt be too hard seeing how if they talk, they die.


    Thomas. Derek called out. Go fetch your grandpa and Leon.


    Thomas jumped up and ran out the door. A few minutester, he returned with Richard and Leon. The small room was beginning to get cramped, but Derek did not care.


    So, what exactly happened?

 Chapter 42: What to Do

    Chapter 42: What to Do


    So, what exactly happened? Derek asked the room.


    The first to answer was Brandi. It seemed like she had been suppressing herself since her first outburst. Finally, she had the chance to speak up. It was my fault. They wanted the hides you gave me. B-but I wouldnt let them. She ducked her head. They took them anyway, so I She trailed off. I tried to take them back. The bald man hit me. I dont know what happened after that.


    For hides? Really? The highest was only around level 70. Derek asked. <em>Are the nobles really that petty? </em>Derek really could not believe what he heard. He shook his head.


    Many nobles are like that. Gracefall is just more so. It was our bad luck that he was the one that epted the mission. Richard spoke.


    Oh? Derek motioned for him to continue.


    Richard sighed. Their noble surname was not always Gracefall. They were once known as Searidge, and they were the city lords of Torith, then Searidge, before their fall. As for what happened, I do not know. It happened a century ago, and only those nobles involved will know the full details. But, when a noble house falls, they are given a new, shameful surname from the King, such as Gracefall or Honorless. They get to keep their status as nobles, but they are demoted to lower-ss nobles. So, Gracefall tends to take their shame from the other nobles out on lesser citizens.


    Derek sighed. Shouldnt they do the opposite? Is there a way for them to get their surname and position back?


    There is. It is based on achievement and merits. There are few who have been reinstated, but it has happened. But its much moremon for a fallen house to stay down, eventually losing their nobility altogether. With Gracefalls actions, I suspect the only thing that has kept them from losing their status is their strength with water magic. Richard exined.


    Yeah. Derek scoffed. The water mage had such great strength. He shook his head.


    Richard opened his mouth, but closed it again. Seemingly unsure of what to say. Finally, he spoke again. His ss was at least rare. Its just, against you, he never had a chance to use it


    He was arrogant. He thought his posse could take me. When he finally understood his situation, he was not able to react. Derek said. <em>Its a shame. He may have been able to increase my </em><strong><em>Magic Resistance </em></strong><em>even more. </em>Enough of that. Why was Rayna involved, and why did Davis die?


    With that, Rayna answered. When they arrived at the vige, Davis ran ahead so I could greet them. We were on our way when I heard themotion in the courtyard. I got there as they hit Malorie. Brandi was already on the ground. I lost my cool seeing them kick Mal after she was unconscious and her state changed to Critical. I shot a <strong>Wind de </strong>at the man as he was going to kick her again.


    She sighed. They roughed me up pretty good, then dragged me through the street to my residence, I guess they wanted to gather a crowd. As for Davis, he jumped in front of fist meant for me. It hit him in the neck, he was most likely dead before he hit the ground. She frowned mournfully.


    What are we going to do now? If the nobles find out what happened, the whole vige is done for. Leon finally spoke.


    I have an idea, but its not watertight. He looked toward Brandi. Brandi, what level is your <strong>Leatherworking</strong>?


    The whole room stared at him oddly, but Brandi answered. Its level 9. The high level hides helped sooo much, you dont even know. I think I would have made it to 10 today if everything didnt happen.


    Mhm. Derek looked through the bodies in his bracelet and was surprised to find the noble wearing a ring. He took the ring out and infused it with his magic energy. Sure enough, it had the hides in it. He took them out. Here, take these and go hit level 10 as soon as possible. He gave the hides to Brandi and stored the storage ring. Brandi did not ask any questions and hurried outside with the hides.


    <em>It seems that my storage bracelet works differently than the storage devices from this system. </em>In his system, he was unable to store a storage device within a storage device. When he stored a body, the device would be left on the ground.


    He retreated from his thoughts and looked at Rayna. Okay. First, you are going to need to hold a town meeting and try to get everyone to keep quiet. It shouldnt be too hard if they know their lives depend on it. The story, if anyone is asked, is that the adventurers came in, got the map from Richard, and went to the dungeon. They were barely even in the vige. Derek looked at Richard. Sorry man, youll be losing your map


    Richard smiled bitterly, but nodded his head.


    Next, Im going to need an oath from Brandi, Rayna, and He looked around and his eyes settled on Malorie. And Mal. He looked at Richard and Leon. I would like one from you two also, but it isnt required.


    Rayna scrunched her face up. What kind of oath? She asked.


    The same oath that Thomas took before we traveled together. He answered. That you will tell nobody about any of my secrets that you learn.


    Both Richard and Leon furrowed their brows. Derek noticed. The reason I dont require an oath from the two of you is because you are both non-essential for what I have nned, and you both have significant others that you do not like to lie to or hold anything back from. If you give your oath, thats great, but if not, this is where you leave the discussion. Either way, there will be things the others learn that you will not.


    Why us? Malorie spoke.


    Well, I know Brandis personality, and I trust her enough, plus, she should benefit greatly from what I n. Rayna will do what is needed for the vige, and you will do what is needed for Brandi. He exined.


    After he said that, Rayna gave her oath without hesitating.


    An oath to the Great System has been made by one, Rayna West. This oath is binding until death. If broken, Rayna West will lose all sses and skills obtained by the Great System, and she will never have ess again. Stats will remain as is at the time of breaking the oath.


    After some hesitation, Malorie also gave her oath.


    After seeing the two women give their oaths, Richard spoke. I must speak with Delh about this before I decide.


    I have to do the same with Sana. Leon said.


    Derek nodded, and the two men left. Derek stood and headed to the door too. I guess Ill go see if Brandi agrees. He said and walked out and over to the courtyard. The three others followed.


    When he got there, he saw Brandi busy shaping some hide. He waited until she was finished before he spoke. Brandi, will you swear an oath to the Great System to not reveal my secrets? He asked straightforwardly.


    Of course. She was a little stunned, but she did not even ask why. I swear on the Great System that I will not reveal any secrets I learn about Derek. She nodded then turned back around. I think Im about to break through, can I get back to it? She asked.


    Derek saw the oath notificatione through. Heughed at the girl. Go ahead, we wont bother you anymore.


    At that point, the sun was already going down. It had been a long day for everyone. Im going to head to the inn and get some rest. You all should too. Well talk more tomorrow after the vige meeting.


    With that, Derek left and went to the inn. He nodded his head to the bartender and went straight to his room. He sat on the bed and slipped into meditation.


    ***


    Earlier the next morning, Derek got up and went straight to Raynas ce. They chatted a bit while they waited for Leon and Richard to spread the news of a meeting. A few hourster, they walked out, and the entire vige was gathered. There were more people in the vige than Derek originally thought.


    As Derek scanned over the vige, he noticed Brandi in the crowd. She had bags under her eyes and she was doing her best not to nod off. Malorie elbowed her and said something. Brandi looked up and met Dereks gaze. She shed a wide smile and gave him a thumbs up. <em>I guess she hit level 10. </em>He chuckled to himself.


    Soon, Rayna walked in front of everyone and began speaking. She exined what happened, and the troubles they faced. She told the vige what she expected them to do, and the consequences if they did not listen. Overall, Derek considered it a good speech, and if the nobles did not investigate too hard, he could see the n working, especially given the evidence he nned to leave.


    After the meeting, everyone left but the seven from the previous night. Both Richard and Leon hade to the same conclusion about the oath. They would prefer to not lie to their wives, so they did not give one. After exining it to the others, they left.


    Derek, Rayna, and the others went inside her residence and sat at the meeting table. So, are you ready for the n? He asked.


    What are you thinking? Rayna asked.


    Derekughed. Well, mister noble Gracefall, with his strength was able to lead his group through the level 100, undying dungeon. Thanks to them, the overflow of the dungeon has stopped and, with proper crowd control, the disease will stop spreading. Derek gave a mysterious smile. Unfortunately, his team was wiped out in the dungeon, and he suffered a fatal wound from the final boss. He was able to escape, but he bled out and died before he was able to receive help from anyone. He died a hero. Or at least that is what all the investigations will say after my n.


    What? Everyone in the room asked at the same time.

 Chapter 43: Follow Me

    Chapter 43: Follow Me


    Derek smiled at the room. Well, I figured I can knock out a few ns all at once after all of this happened. Derek stared directly at Rayna. How long do you think we have before the noble house or Adventurers Guild thinks that something is wrong?


    If it was a noble house from the Capitol, they would probably already know that their own was dead. But seeing that it is Gracefall, we most likely have weeks before they get suspicious and check on anything. Id say at the minimum, two weeks. She answered.


    Thats plenty of time. He said. <em>It will also let me run a couple more experiments. </em>As he thought this, he looked at Brandi. Okay, we better get to it then. He looked back at Rayna. Let Richard know that youll be back in a few weeks and bring his map back with you. Dont forget to remind him that the noble came in, got his map, and headed to the dungeon. Thats all he knows. When youre finished there, meet us at the front gate.


    With that, Derek stood up and walked out. Come on. Everybody but Rayna followed. They were clearly confused, but still listened. Thomas was the only person who acted like they knew anything.


    Where are we going? What are we doing? Malorie finally could not hold her questions in.


    He looked at her. Do you trust me? He could see her slight hesitation before she nodded. Ill exin it to you when we get to our first destination. Just know that everyone of you wille back better off. I wont let anything bad happen to you. He said as they approached the front of the vige.


    They waited at the gate for Rayna. Soon, she was there, Richard and Leon in tow. Seeing the two following her, Derek gave them a quick reminder. You know what to say if were not back and investigatorse? He asked. They both nodded. Okay, well, well be back soon.


    Derek took the map from Rayna and nced at it. Picking out a few ces. Okay, Ill carry Brandi. Well be moving as fast as the slowest person can. He looked at Mal and Thomas. Lets go. He took off at a jog. Seeing everyone keep up, he increased his speed. <em>Hmm Still seems like Thomas is the slowest. </em>He had expected Malorie to have the slowest speed out of the bunch, but she surprised him.


    After running away from the vige for a few hours, Rayna spoke. This Are we going where I think were going? She asked.


    Derek, still running while carrying Brandi, smiled. I imagine so. He guessed she knew where the differentndmarks around the forest were.


    Later, Malorie started slowing. <em>Looks like Thomas has better Endurance. </em>Well stop here for a minute to let everyones Stamina recharge. Do you have <strong>Meditation, </strong>Mal? He asked.


    She shook her head, still panting after the long run. I dont.


    Any spare skill points?


    No. She said.


    He nodded his head and pulled out another potion from his bracelet. This time, it was yellow. He still had a bunch of spare potions from his time on Earth. He had chided himself for overstocking, but now, he was d he did. He tossed the vial to Mal. Here, drink this, itll restore your Stamina.


    The woman caught the vial and gulped it down.


    Is it a level 50 one? Thomas spoke out of the blue.


    Yeah. Those adventurers were all around level 90. Looks like we wont be able to do what I wanted to, but this works too. Derek said. Confusing the rest of the group.


    Thomas squinted, a hint of worry shing in his eyes. Will I have to


    Derek knew what he was asking. No, Ill hand feed you and Malorie for the first one. Were on a timer, so we have to move rtively fast.


    What about Brandi? Thomas asked.


    I want to experiment. Try to get her a bunch of Awards before her first ss. Who knows, she might give us all a pleasant surprise. Derekughed.


    Finally, it seemed that Rayna could not take it anymore. What the hell are the two of you talking about? Why are we running towards a level 50 dungeon? Quit talking about us like were not here.


    And what do you mean that youre going to hand feed me? Mal jumped in.


    Derek broke out inughter. I was wondering how long it would take before someone broke. He had been being intentionally vague when answering Thomas. He was watching the others'' curiosity grow and grow. He had expected Brandi to break first, but with Rayna knowing that they were heading towards a dungeon, it made sense that she broke first.


    Its not funny. Rayna said. Blushing from embarrassment.


    It really is. Derek replied. He looked at Thomas who was doing his best not to burst. Ill answer all your questions when we get there. Its easier to show you instead of telling you. He looked at Mal. Your Stamina good?


    She nodded.


    Alright, were not far now. Put these on. He gave Mal a ck robe with a hood, Rayna a ski mask, and Brandi a facemask like the one he and Thomas had. <em>I wish I had more facemasks. </em>He thought to himself.


    Thomas pulled out his facemask and put it on without asking any questions. Derek put his leather armor and facemask on. Brandi, seeing their actions, put her facemask on.


    What is this? Rayna asked while fiddling with the ski mask.


    I ran out of facemasks, so youll have to make do with that. Derek said, then looked at Mal. Sorry for making you wear a robe, Im out of face coverings. Youll have to make do with the hood.


    I like it. Malorie said as she put the robe on. Once the robe was on, her eyes widened. Its Whats with this robe?


    Hmm? Oh, its level 70. It has good mana regeneration and decent armor for a robe. I figured you would need some kind of armor. He said.


    Excitement shed through Raynas eyes as she hurriedly slipped the ski mask on. Derek saw her frown afterwards. What is this? Is it doing anything special?


    Derekughed. Yup, it helps keep your face from getting cold. Anyway, lets go. He picked Brandi up and took off before anyone could say anything.


    The group broke out of their stunned state and hurried to follow.


    Soon, they were in sight of the dungeon orb. This was the dungeon that rewarded scrolls uponpletion. It was the level 50 dungeon that he was most excited for.


    He scanned the area. It seemed like his group was the only team around. He approached the orb. Alright everyone, you said you trust me. Time to show it. He ced his right hand on the orb.


    But Rayna began to protest, but in the middle of her words, Thomas reached the orb and ced his hand on it. She sighed and walked closer. After a brief hesitation, she also reached out to the orb.


    Brandi was next, then finally Malorie.


    Once Malories hand made contact with the dungeon orb, a notification popped up in everyones vision.


    Max Participants Reached


    Participants 5/5


    Derek Hunt: Level 30


    Thomas Stewart: Level 17


    Rayna West: Level 31


    Brandi Fields: Level 1


    Malorie Fields: Level 18


    Please Choose an Option Below


    View Dungeon


    Enter Dungeon


    Leave


    Of course, Derek chose View Dungeon. He wanted to confirm everything before jumping into the dungeon.


    Dungeon Status


    Dungeon Level


    50


    Dungeon Type


    Beast


    Dungeon Status


    Stable


    Dungeon Rewards


    Scroll


    Max Participants


    5


    H-how? How are you only level 30? Your level is less than mine. It doesnt make sense. Rayna muttered.


    Derek chuckled. You basically just quoted Thomas the first time he saw it too. Well, you now know one of my biggest secrets. You see why I wanted an oath? He asked.


    I do. This is crazy. You have to tell me how. Rayna said.


    Maybe One day. He said. Anyway, ready up. We got a dungeon to run. Derek went back to the previous screen and focused on Enter Dungeon.


    Participants Ready: 2/5


    Derek Hunt: Ready


    Thomas Stewart: Ready


    Rayna West: Not Ready


    Brandi Fields: Not Ready


    Malorie Fields: Not Ready


    Soon, everyones status changed to Ready, and the countdown began.Everybody focus on Enter Dungeon. You dont want to get left behind, we cante back out for you until after the dungeon isplete. He warned.


    Entering Dungeon in 3 2 1


    The white light shed, and the group disappeared.


    ***


    Derek blinked, and his vision returned. He looked around. The group seemed to be in a sparse cabin. The room was about 5 by 5 meters, and there was a bench against the back wall and a few candles lighting up the area. That was it. In front of them was a wooden door.


    <em>It looks like what everyone said was correct. The first area is always a safe room. I dont think I would have done this if it wasnt for this. </em>He looked at his team. Okay, so heres the n. He said and got their attention.


    First, what I meant about hand feeding you is that I will go and bring back monsters for you to kill. Ill do this until you get to a respectable level, Im thinking somewhere around level 30. He looked at Mal and Thomas. Mal, Im not sure what your ss is, but I suggest looking at all your options once you hit level 25. If you can get a higher rarity one, it would be for the best. Thomas, you know what youre going to do, right? I dont need to say it?


    Yes. Hopefully the ss will still be there. The boy said.


    Derek turned to Rayna. You should be able to fight enemies when they are alone. Youve quite the skill with your wind magic. If you have problems, then Ill toss some enemies your way after I injure them. If all else fails, Ill do the same with you as I do Thomas and Mal. Got it?


    Yes. Rayna replied. She seemed excited.


    Thomas finally looked at Brandi. You He said. Will do nothing. He pulled out a few of the higher leveled hides and put them on the bench. Might as well practice your <strong>Leatherworking</strong>. He said. Seeing the girl pout, he continued. Dont worry, you will be the one to benefit the most out of this adventure. Just not in this first dungeon. He said.


    Derek looked over the room again. Alright. Everyone knows the n. Time to get to work.


    He walked to the door, opened it, and left the room.

 Chapter 44: Hand Feeding

    Chapter 44: Hand Feeding


    After walking outside, Derek scanned the area. The dungeon was a beast type dungeon, and he could see different wolves, bears, and other beasts roaming around. Unlike the previous cave with the insects, the area he was now in had a sky instead of a ceiling. Derek could not help but think about how the dungeons were created upon seeing this.


    He was standing on a hilly in area with the asional tree. <em>I guess this dungeon is apletely open area. </em>He did not see any entrance to the next chamber. His guess was that the beasts woulde in waves. As he wiped out the first wave of beasts, the next woulde, and finally, the dungeon boss would appear. Though he believed that likely, it was still only a guess. <em>Ill just have to find out for myself.</em>


    Before jumping into battle with the beasts, he turned to look at where he came from. Sure enough, there was a small log cabin sitting in the middle of the in. Derek had a thought and walked back beside the cabin. Standing next to it, he pulled his fist back, then struck the building with a small amount of power. Seeing that the assault did not damage the structure at all, he pulled his fist back again and struck out with a bit more power.


    Again, the structure waspletely intact after his assault. He summoned his ive and shed the cabin. Nothing happened. Finally, using most of his strength, he sliced again. This time, the cabin took some small damage as a cut appeared where his ive struck. But the cut rapidly healed before his eyes.


    With this, Derek could at least know that his group would bepletely safe from anything inside the dungeon as long as they stayed inside their spawn area.


    Derek walked over to the door and opened it. Poking his head inside, he looked at Rayna. You ready? The surrounding area is pretty safe for now.


    Rayna nodded her head and walked over to the door. Derek pulled back, and she walked outside with him. Its nice out here. She muttered.


    Derek did not respond to that. Instead, he told her the first part of the n he made after surveying the surrounding. The wolves are roaming around in packs of five. He pointed at a group of wolves. Im going to aggro a pack, then kite them back here.


    Rayna frowned. Aggro? Kite? What does that mean? She asked.


    It was not the first time he had confused people by using these kinds of terms. He justughed it off and continued. Im going to get a pack of wolves to chase me back here. Then, Ill leave one to you, while I take care of two or three of them, depending on their strength. I will subdue the remaining wolf or two and have Thomas and Male out and finish them off.


    A sh of understanding went through Raynas eyes. That really is hand feeding them. Sheughed.


    Okay, get ready. Derek ran toward the closest pack of wolves. Once he was close enough, the wolves noticed him and began their chase. He ran back, keeping a small distance between him and the pack. Once back at the designated area, he slowed and turned around. The wolves all pounced.


    He did not fight back, and just let them attack him. They were able to make it through the leather armor he was wearing, but nothing else. Once their teeth reached his skin, they were unable to pierce through.


    Now. He motioned to Rayna.


    Derek watched as she ran in and, choosing the wolf furthest from the assault, shed out with one of her <strong>Wind des</strong>. Derek noted the damage the skill caused and nodded. It was not able to instantly kill the wolf, but it caused severe damage. <em>One or two more and it will die. </em>And it did. On the third strike, before the wolf was even able to close in on Rayna, it had died.


    Good! Derek yelled. Then he decided not to hog the full experience himself. He kicked a wolf Raynas way. The kick was enough to almost kill the monster, so when itnded beside the woman, crippled and unable to move, she drove her sword through the base of its skull.


    Nice. Derek pulled a leg off of one of the wolves going for his face, then tossed it at Raynas feet. It was still feisty, even with three legs, but it was rapidly losing blood, and a single <strong>Wind de </strong>made short work of it.


    Derek quickly grabbed the remaining two wolves. He held one under each arm. He was careful not to injure them before, as he wanted full experience to go to Thomas and Malorie.


    Rayna approached him with shining eyes. I just got over 1,000 experience in that short amount of time and increased my <strong>Wind de </strong>skill level.


    Mhm. Derek nodded. I thought you would like to fight one on your own to increase your fighting skill. And I would rather not level up too fast, which is why I gave you the others. Do you like this setup? He asked.


    Very much. She replied. Then, after thinking for a second. Thank you for this. She spoke.


    Dont mention it. Its as much for me as it is for the rest of you. He said. Now, go open the cabin door and have Thomas and Male out.


    Rayna nodded and went to the cabin. She opened the door and spoke a few words. Secondster, the small boy and Brandis mother were cautiouslying out of the cabin.


    Derek approached them, then spoke. Okay, these pups are your kills. Thomas, give Mal one of you dagg He paused. <em>Actually, if Thomas ns on switching sses, there isnt any sense in him killing with daggers. </em>Hold on. He said.


    Derek looked at Malorie. What is your best weapon? The one mostfortable for you to use? He asked.


    Ive only ever used small weapons, and the asional sword. My ss ismon and weapons werent easy toe by in my vige, so the stronger warriors got the better ones. She answered.


    Derek nodded and closed his eyes. He was searching through all the weapons he had stored in his bracelet. Soon, an amazing scene urred before everyones eyes. Weapon after weapon fell to the ground.


    There were tens of weapons on the ground. They were all different. There was a crossbow, book, katana, spear, whip, wand, and many other weapons. There were even some advanced scientific weapons he had gotten off of invaders, such as a photon pistol and heat saber.


    Thomas did not show as much surprise as the others. Derek had actually made him train with many of the weapons on the ground. Derek spoke to the boy. Pick one of the spears, find the one that feels the best.


    Derek watched as the boy walked over and began going through the spears one by one. Soon, he had chosen one. None of the weapons that Derek had picked up were bad quality, so it really was down to preference. The spear Thomas chose had a shiny silver metal shaft with vein-like red patterns running along it. Where the spearhead attached to the shaft, the red pattern formed a solid color. The spearhead was actually more like a double-sided de than a regr spearhead. It was more like a long dagger was attached to the spear shaft.


    Derek nodded at Thomass choice. It was not a bad spear. Okay. Nowe and kill this dog. The wolves were still squirming around in his arms.


    Thomas walked up to Derek and the wolves. He thrust out his new spear, and the de pierced directly through the throat of the beast. Derekughed at this. Even after all that time with your daggers in the dungeon, you are still more urate with a spear.


    Thomass face turned a little red. I know, you dont have to keep rubbing it in. He said back.


    Suddenly, Derek felt a strong hit on the side of his right knee. Looking down, he could see the leather armor burned away and smoking, and his naked knee was visible. He turned to see Malorie with wide eyes and the Photon Pistolying at her feet. Realizing what happened, he thought to himself. <em>Maybe I should have exined to them what everything does.</em>


    He looked at the embarrassed woman. If you dont know what something is or does, please just ask me. He smiled.


    Soon, it was clear that Malorie was apprehensive to use any weapon like the pistol or the heat saber. After observing her for a while, Derek could see that she clearly had a knack for using a staff. Do you like the staff? He asked her.


    She hesitated. I do, but I dont think I could do very much damage with a blunt weapon like this.


    Derek nodded and walked over to another staff on the ground. With his free hand, he reached down and picked it up. He handed it to Malorie. Try this one.


    She took the staff and performed some moves. Its good, but its still the same. She said, confused.


    Derek smiled. See that button on the shaft? He asked. The woman looked over the shaft until she saw the button, she nodded. Push it in. He said.


    She did. Surprisingly, a straight de came out of both ends. This


    Its a ded staff. You can use it as a regr staff, but if you need hehe. Heughed. Push the button in again and the des will retract.


    She did, and the des disappeared. The great thing about that particr ded staff was that once the des were retracted, there were no signs of des ever even being there.


    Seemingly fascinated by the weapon, Mal spoke. I can have this? She asked.


    Of course. If there is anything Ick, it isnt weapons. He continued. Is that your pick? Im getting pretty tired of holding this dog. He said.


    Oh Yes, I want this one. With that, Malorie pushed the button in, causing the des to extend out of the staff. Like Thomas, she aimed one end at the throat of the remaining wolf and thrust. It was not an instant kill like Thomass, so she thrust again. The wolf died in Dereks arm and he dropped it.


    Derek thought for a second. Do any of you have the <strong>Dismantle </strong>skill? He asked the group.


    Surprisingly, Malorie replied. I do. I helped my husband with his kills a lot, so I ended up purchasing it.


    Derek nodded. Thomas, give her you daggers, you wont need them anymore. Then he spoke to Malorie. Take the daggers, they are quite sharp. You can <strong>Dismantle </strong>the kills and give the hides to Branditer.


    Malorie nodded, and without asking, Thomas walked around, collecting the wolf corpses and taking them into the cabin.


    Derek smiled. Okay, you two go inside. Welle get you when the next group is ready. Derek collected all of the spilled weapons. He turned back to Rayna. Ready?

 Chapter 45: Like Clockwork

    Chapter 45: Like Clockwork


    After watching the two close the cabin door, Derek and Rayna got to business. Soon they fell into a pattern. Derek would aggro a pack of wolves, Rayna would take one out alone, they would share XP on two, and the remaining two wolves would be left to Malorie and Thomas.


    It was not long before the area waspletely bereft of wolves. They had decimated seven packs already. The wolves ranged from level 44 to 49. Luckily, Derek only shared half the experience for 14 wolves, earning him just over 3,200 XP and a level.


    Rayna, on the other hand, was making leaps and bounds. As she only had a rare ss, the experience points that she needed to level was a quarter less than what Derek needed. She had killed 7 beasts by herself, along with sharing 14 kills with Derek. She had leveled up twice and was on the verge of leveling again. She was currently at level 33.


    As for Thomas and Malorie, Thomas was at level 22 and Malorie was level 23. They were both closing in on their next ss decision.


    Derek surveyed the area, he could see a pile of wolvesying at the outside of the cabin. As they were moving fast, Malorie was unable to <strong>Dismantle </strong>fast enough to keep up with the supply.


    What now? Rayna asked.


    There are only a few bears and some critters left. Do you think you can take the bears by yourself? He asked her. The bears had a much higher defense than the wolves did. He was not sure that her <strong>Wind de </strong>would be able to severely injure them as it did the wolves.


    I can give it a try. If not, we can just go in and share the experience on them. The others wont be able to get anything from the bears, but you can always capture the smaller monsters for them to kill. Rayna gave her idea.


    Sounds good to me. Lets go. Derek said, and the two headed out towards the closest bear. When the duo made it close enough to the bear to be able to hit it with Raynas skill, they stopped.


    Im going to start from a distance and see if I can cut it down before it gets to me. If it gets too close, Im in your hands. She shed Derek a bright smile. He just shook his head andughed.


    Rayna took a stance and a blue-green glow appeared on her sword. She shed. The blue-green crescent flew towards her foe, hitting it on the back of the neck. It drew blood. Rayna scoffed. Not deep enough. She brought her sword back to its original position with a motion, sending another de of wind at the now angry bear.


    Derek watched, entranced, as the beautiful woman used her arm like a whip, sending a crescent of wind at the bear with every motion. de after de flew at the bear. There was almost no downtime between <strong>Wind des</strong>. The creature never stood a chance. Before it was even halfway to them, it copsed on the ground.


    Rayna was breathing heavily. 14. It took 14 <strong>Wind des </strong>to take it down. She said.


    Derek almost felt sorry for the bear. Not only was it hit with de after de, the uracy Rayna exhibited was astounding. The majority of the des had hit the bear in previously injured ces. One de may not have dealt severe injuries to the monster, but three des all ced at the exact same spot sure as hell did.


    Hows your mana? He asked.


    I still have more than half. I can kill one more before I need to meditate. She responded.


    They went after the next bear. It only took 12 <strong>Wind des </strong>to kill it. After the battle, or ughter, Rayna meditated while Derek kept watch.


    Soon, all eight remaining bears were dead, and Rayna was a level 35. She was actually able to kill one of the bears in seven strikes.


    With the bears dead, Derek hunted down and caught the few remaining smaller beasts. He brought them back for Thomas and Malorie to kill. It turned out to be more than enough XP for the both of them to level to 25, leaving one monster left in the zone. Derek hoped that the mass killing of enemies over double their levels would lead to some good ss options.


    He held the squirrel-like creature and went into the cabin with the rest of the group. Derek watched Thomas as the boy closed his eyes. He saw a frantic look appear on the boys face. What is it? He asked.


    T-the growth spear ss is gone. Thomas said, defeated.


    Derek let out a sigh. Thats okay. Sort your possible sses by rarity and see what you get.


    The other three watched Thomas with bated breaths. Malorie was adamant about waiting for the boys selection before she began with hers.


    Soon, a sigh of relief came out of the boys mouth.


    What is it? Derek asked.


    I have another spear ss. I dont have any growth type sses this time, but the new spear ss is a rare ss. Its called Soul Spear, and focuses on piercing damage.


    Derek nodded his head. Thats good. Not a bad ss.


    Thomas nodded and closed his eyes. Soon, a light shed over the boy and he opened his eyes again. He sighed. Im going to miss Stealth. Soon, he smiled. I get three Strength, two Vitality, and ten free stat points per level. I also got ten skill points and ess to three skills. Thomas then frowned. But the skills are really expensive. For all three, it costs eight skill points. Oh well, that still leaves me two free skill points for general skills.


    Are your skills good? Better than your other ss? Brandi spoke up and asked the question on everyones minds.


    Thomas smiled. Yes. They are. I have <strong>Soul Spear</strong>, its the same as my ss name, it lets me send a projection of my spear forward in a thrust that deals extra piercing damage. I think its like an extension of my spear. I also got <strong>Flurry </strong>and <strong>Spear Specialist</strong>. The first lets me release a flurry of attacks for a mana price, and the other is a passive skill that increases my spear mastery.


    Derek nodded. Definitely not a bad ss. He remembered his first ss, which only had an umon rating. In fact, his ss from the other system was not that great at all. All of his power came from the Titles he had received and their rewards.


    Derek turned to Malorie. Your turn.


    Okay. She closed her eyes. Her face went through a variety of emotions as she was looking through her possible sses. Soon, her facial expression stayed on what looked like confusion.


    Seeing her confusion, Derek spoke. What is it?


    I dont have any rare or better sses, but I have an umon growth type ss. Only, Im not sure about it. She answered. Its called Ohms Fury. Its a staff type ss, but it doesnt have many descriptions. 12 free stat points to use, but only one ss skill. I mean, its a growth type ss, so I should pick it, right? She looked at Derek.


    I mean, I would. If you like using the staff and arent afraid of losing your current skills. Who knows what it could upgrade into. He replied.


    Mal let out a breath. Youre right. I actually dont have any ss skills, only general skills. I wasnt hunting or anything, so I never saw the point. She closed her eyes again.


    Soon, a blinding green light fell over the woman. When Derek was able to see again, he saw a fire-like green glow fading into Malories body. Woah, that was cool for an umon ss. he chuckled.


    T-this skill Malorie muttered.


    What? Derek asked.


    Its called <strong>Ohms Might</strong>. It Its amazing I think. It doubles my Strength and Endurance stats for two minutes, but leaves me exhausted and out of mana after use.


    Almost like a berserker skill. Derek said. Still, its a great trump card. And, you can use it inbination with <strong>Meditation </strong>during training and level both of them at the same time.


    Soon, Malorie frowned again. It costs eight skill points. The ss only gave me seven. If it werent for the extra skill point from the Minor Giant yer award I got earlier, I wouldnt even be able to buy it. She sighed. Here goes nothing. She closed her eyes and learned the skill.


    So. How does it level? Does it say? Increase duration? Derek asked, he was very intrigued at the womans ss.


    Actually, it says it increases duration and buff as it levels. She said, surprised.


    Damn. Who knows, you may be able to get a tenfold increase by the time you level it all the way. Congrattions. He said. I dont need to tell you how to distribute your stat points, right? He asked.


    No. Seems pretty obvious. Strength, Endurance, Vitality, and a little Dexterity, in that order. Luckily, I havent been spending the points for these levels.


    Derek nodded. Sounds good. He looked back at Rayna. You ready for round two?


    I was waiting on you. She said.


    The two walked out. Before closing the door, Derek held the squirrel-like creature up. Thomas, you mind giving this guy a farewell?


    A spear was thrust from inside. It went through the little creatures heart. It was an instant kill. Thanks. Derek tossed the monster inside the cabin and closed the door.


    Soon, pirs of light started popping up everywhere. One after another, beasts began to spawn. This time, there were no little creatures, and after using <strong>Identify </strong>on some of the monsters, Derek realized that everyone of them were level 50. No more, no less.


    The mostmon creature was still the wolf, but they were nearly twice as big as the ones before, and were in packs of seven instead of five. They looked like Direwolves. There were also huge boar with rhino-like horns growing from their heads.


    Unicorn pigs? Derek asked, bbergasted. <em>I wonder if the bacon tastes like skittles. </em>


    A few hawks were also flying around. There were only three that he could count, and he did not see any in the few trees around. Derek walked over to a small boulder and bashed it. It broke into smaller pieces. He threw the stones at the flying creatures. He did not want Rayna to get hurt because of a flying monster swooping down.


    He hit two, but missed the third. <em>Im going to have to pump a few points into Dexterity. </em>Kill notification popped up for the two that he hit. The third hawk changed its flight trajectory and flew towards him. <em>Perfect. </em>Seeing thest hawking his way, he picked up another stone and threw. The final kill notification popped, along with a level up alert. He checked his new status.


    Status


    Name


    Derek Hunt


    Age


    29


    Level


    32


    Experience


    620/4450


    ss


    Champion of the Void (Epic)


    Race


    Human (Modified)


    Health


    5250


    Mana


    2150


    Stamina


    5150


    Defense


    51 (Armor + 0)


    Attack


    49 (Weapon + 0)


    Stats


    Strength


    360


    Dexterity


    260


    Endurance


    515


    Vitality


    525


    Intelligence


    220


    Wisdom


    215


    Stat Points Remaining


    438


    Skills


    Channel Void


    Level 5


    Channel the Void through your body, into attacks or defenses.


    Cure Toxin


    Level 1


    Removes poisons and toxins.


    Dismantle


    Level 11


    Increase ability to dismantle deceased organic life forms.


    Greater Meditation


    Level 2


    Enter meditative state to increase recovery.


    Heavy Weapons Mastery


    Level 18


    Increase damage with heavy weapons.


    Identify


    Level 12


    Appraise objects or entities.


    Magic Resistance


    Level 6


    Increase natural magic resistance by 1.5% per level.


    Rejuvenation


    Level 8


    Restores 40% HP over 30 seconds.


    Void Call


    Level 1


    Call out to the Void.


    Void Sense


    Level 1


    Sense the void.


    Void Shift


    Level 1


    Be one with and move within the void.


    Skill Points Remaining


    7


    Skill Upgrade Points Remaining


    4


    Awards


    Greater Giant yer, Jack of All, Lesser Dungeon Explorer, Lesser yer of the Unknown, Meat Shield, Lesser Explorer


    <em>Not bad. </em>He looked at Rayna. Wolves first. Get ready.

 Chapter 46: Complete

    Chapter 46: Complete


    The duo marched through the second phase of the dungeon with as much ease as the first. The new wolves, though bigger and tougher, still fell to Raynas <strong>Wind de</strong>. It took a couple more casts, but they still had less defense than the bears from wave one.


    They had been in the dungeon for less than a day, and everyone, other than Brandi and Derek, was making rapid progress. Soon, Malorie had used her de staff and killed thest remaining wolf. Rayna, from just the wolves, had gained two more levels. Derek, because of the XP share, had even leveled again.


    Thomas had leveled to 27 and Mal, because of her umon ss, had made it to level 28. As both of them had been putting stat points into Endurance and Vitality, Derek almost felt safe letting them stay out of the cabin and fight like Rayna. After debating for a while, he decided to wait until they were both at least level 30. He had faith that Thomass spear skill would be able to handle a wolf easily, but Mal did not have any skills other than the <strong>Ohms Might</strong> skill.


    Besides, all that was left in the dungeon were the boar and some panther-like creatures. Luckily, it seemed that the majority of the boar were solitary and wandered around on their own, and the panthers were the same. Derek figured that Rayna would have no problems with taking out the boar, and depending on reaction speed, the panthers too.


    They approached a boar just as they did the bear from the previous wave. When they were close enough, Rayna began her assault. Sure enough, with only four strikes, and before the beast was even able to charge, it was dead. Seeing the ease at which she was able to take out the beast, they increased their clearing speed. In no time, all of the boar were ughtered. Derek made sure to store a few of them in his bracelet for future meals.


    Next were the panthers. They took the same approach as they did with the boar, but before Rayna was able to get within afortable range, the panther noticed them and charged. Rayna let out a <strong>Wind de</strong>, but the panther sidestepped it and continued its approach.


    Derek did not intercept the beast. While Rayna had good firepower, her ss was actually more speed based. So he wanted to see how she handled herself against an enemy that seemed to be even more agile than she was.


    She did not disappoint him. The fightsted much longer than usual, but the victor was the woman. He was finally able to see the woman use her other skills in battle. He was surprised at how well she was able to integrate the <strong>Wind Walk </strong>skill into the battle. Instead of using it to escape from battle, she used it to propel herself forward at the unsuspecting monster and simultaneously, with <strong>Razor Edge</strong> activated, cleanly thrust her de through the skull of the creature.


    The recovery after the battle took longer than usual because of the mana usage, but Derek did not mind taking a little extra time. They continued their ughter. Rayna got more and morefortable fighting the panthers, and the final one was taken out before it could even attack.


    As soon as the final monster was killed, a bright pir of light shed at the center of the area. When it faded, a piercing howl rang out through the dungeon. Derek could see a giant white wolf in the distance, standing at least four meters tall. He used <strong>Identify </strong>on what he assumed was the boss.


    Canis Cyclonis


    Level 65


    A boss monster spawned in a beast dungeon. A wolf with the power of wind coursing through its body.


    Hmm I think Ill take this one. Derek said and looked to Rayna. You should probably get back to the cabin.


    Noints from me. She smiled.


    With that, Derek ran towards the beast. He expected for it to charge him the moment he was discovered, but to his surprise, the wolf only red at him with its keen blue eyes.


    Then, out of nowhere, the wolf raised its paw and swiped down. He was waiting for a wind de or something to fly at him, but instead, the wind picked up. Soon, it was a gale. Finally, the wind formed a tornado, and it began closing the distance between them. Derek stood still, interested in the attack.


    Soon, he was engulfed in the tornado. He was lifted off his feet by the wind, and the force of the rotation caused him to begin spinning. Even with all of his stats, it was still a dizzying experience. Inside the tornado were the wind des that had not appeared before. They sliced through his leather armor one after another, leaving it in tatters. <em>Shit. Why didnt I remove it before the fight? Oh well, maybe Brandi will be able to at least repair leather armor. </em>


    Soon, the notification he was waiting for appeared, showing that his <strong>Magic Resistance </strong>had reached level 7. Not liking the feeling of being in a spin cycle, Derek decided that enough was enough. <em>Now, how do I get out of this? </em>


    <em>Ah. I know! </em>Derek activated his new skill, <strong>Void Shift</strong>. His mana took a giant hit because of it, but all of his surroundings paused and everything changed to a transparent shade of purple. <em>Uhh </em>Everything was still, but he was still floating in midair and his mana was draining rapidly. Derek focused, letting the <strong>Void Sense </strong>that he had pushed to the back of his mind move back to the front.


    Again, he could see the ripples in space, this time, they were more prominent. He reached toward a ripple, and when his hand made contact, it moved through, disappearing. He quickly pulled his arm back out. <em>Uhh Is this like a portal? </em>After observing the process, he realized that was not the case. He was not opening anything or causing a disturbance, he was just interacting with the void that was always there.


    The ripples were everywhere, and it seemed that while he was shifted into the void, he could interact with and use them somehow. Derek focussed on his <strong>Void Sense </strong>more. He was able to feel the ripples more than see them. Again, he reached into the ripple in front of him. He suddenly felt a change in another of the ripples. He looked over and was taken aback when he saw his arm sticking out of it.


    He hurriedly pulled his arm back and grabbed his hand. He then focused on a ripple that was close to the ground and put his hand through the one beside him. Sure enough, his hand appeared through the other ripple. <em>Holy shit! </em>He really wanted to experiment more, but his mana was almost out.


    Derek moved his arm that was poking out of the other ripple and felt around. When he reached the edge of the ripple, it felt solid. He took a deep breath, only to realize that he could not, and had not actually been breathing. He used the solid foundation to try to pull his body through. It worked. It seemed that if he focused on a space, he could use it to move around.


    It was almost like he was in a space with zero gravity, except when he stopped pulling himself, his bodypletely stopped. It did not continue in motion. Soon, his entire body was through and he was out of the tornado and only a few centimeters above the ground. He focused on one of the solid spaces and pushed himself up, righting himself above the ground. He then pushed on the space above his head and his feet found purchase on the ground. <em>This is going to take a lot to get used to. </em>


    Everything had happened in seconds, but it still seemed longer than his 2150 should have allowed. Four seconds in <strong>Void Shift </strong>should have been his limit, but he was definitely in it for longer than that. Remembering that he had not been breathing, but still felt perfectly fine, he thought of a possibility. <em>Maybe the mana in my body also paused along with everything else, or at least diminishes slower. </em>Seeing his mana at less than 10%, Derek made a note to investigate further, then canceled the shift.


    His surroundings started up again. The tornado was whirling behind him, and the wolf was standing in front. Seeing Derek appear out of nowhere, a sh of shock glistened in the wolfs eyes.


    Derek, feeling the mana headache that came from using up the majority of his mana, did not feel like ying around anymore. He summoned his ive and jumped forward before the wolf could react. Reaching eye level with the beast, he drove his ive with both hands into the blue eye of the creature. The angle was such that the ive prated the eye and broke out from the top of the skull.


    Dereknded back on the ground and dismissed his ive, the wolfs body falling secondster. The wind started to die down and eventually everything was calm again. Derek momentarily slipped into <strong>Greater Meditation </strong>to get some of his mana back to ease the headache. A couple secondster, his mana was above 15% and the headache was gone.


    He let out a sigh, thinking about all the ways he could use his new skill, and the possible dangers of it. One thought was what would happen if he was in the middle of transitioning between ripples and he ran out of mana. He shuddered as he thought about his bodyying in two halves. <em>Lets not test that theory.</em>


    Another pir of light formed in front of Derek. When it disappeared, the dungeon orb was floating in its ce. <em>I guess that means the dungeon isplete.</em>


    He walked back to the cabin, dragging the corpse of the giant wolf behind him. He turned the knob of the door and opened it. Okay, you can alle out now. The dungeon is finished. Its time to get our rewards and head to the next dungeon.

 Chapter 47: Rewards

    Chapter 47: Rewards


    Derek took a quick look at his kill notification while waiting for his group.


    You have killed level 65 Canis Cyclonis


    1728 Experience Gained


    1986/4900 Experience to Next Level


    The others soon came out of the cabin and he dismissed the window.


    Woah! Was that the final boss? Brandi yelled.


    Hmm Oh, yeah. I figured it would be fun for you to make something out of a hide so big. Derek looked at Mal. You want to <strong>Dismantle</strong>? Or should I?


    She shook her head. I think its better for you to do it. My skill isnt very high yet.


    Derek made short work of the task and soon had the hide in his storage bracelet. He also went ahead and kept all the other hides that had been umted.


    Okay. Lets get to the orb. I really want to make sure Brandi gets the rewards even though she never left the safe zone. With that, he led the group over to the dungeon orb.


    They all arrived at the orb and ced their hands on it. A notification popped up for Derek.


    Dungeon Complete


    Assigning Rewards.


    Congrattions, you have received a Scroll of Restoration.


    Derek identified the scroll.


    Scroll of Restoration


    Upon activation, this scroll will fully restore any being to its previous perfect state.


    Note: Does not work on those in Dying state.


    Derek sighed. He was disappointed in his reward, but he had not expected much in the first ce. He looked around and found that everyone, including Brandi, was holding their own scrolls. Oddly, Malorie seemed to be staring at her scroll with tears in her eyes.


    What wrong? He asked.


    She sniffed, but kept her voice from breaking. I got a Scroll of Resurrection. She shook her head. If only Id had this before She trailed off.


    Derek checked on the scroll she was holding.


    Scroll of Resurrection


    Upon activation, this scroll will pull a being out of the Dying state and fully heal them.


    <em>Damn. This system really likes to fuck with people. </em>He sighed. He asked the others what scrolls they received.


    Rayna was the first to speak. I got a Skill Scroll for a skill called Chain Strike. She held the scroll out for him to see.


    Skill Scroll: Chain Strike


    Upon activation, the user will learn the sword skill, Chain Strike. As this is a skill from a scroll, no skill points are required and it will not be forgotten upon ss change.


    Derek was impressed with Raynas luck. He assumed that Skill Scrolls were quite rare in lower-level dungeons like the current one.


    Next was Thomass turn. The boy sighed after hearing about Raynas scroll. I got a Scroll of Restoration. He said.


    Derek nodded at that. He looked at Brandi. What about you, kid? Anything good?


    I dont know. She said. It said it was a beast type Contract Scroll.


    That caught Dereks attention. He identified the scroll.


    Contract Scroll: Beast


    Upon activation, the user will be able to bind a beast to themselves. As this is a contract, the beast must also agree to the contract.


    Note: This is not a skill. Once bound, the beast will be soul bound to the user and will grow ordingly.


    The first thing Derek thought about after reading the window was Silvi. He had hoped for some type of Beast Tamer skill in the first dungeon, but came out of it with the <strong>Cure Toxin</strong> skill. He had never expected there to be a scroll like this in this dungeon.


    Now, he was in a predicament. He really wanted the scroll, but was having a hard time bringing himself to ask the child to give it to him. Finally, he decided to be shameless. Uh Brandi. Do you mind if I take that scroll? I Uh Have a use for it.


    Of course. Here you go. Brandi handed the scroll over with no hesitation.


    Derek held the scroll in stunned silence.


    Seeing his awkwardness in asking for the scroll, everyone in the groupughed. Malorie spoke. Theres no need to be embarrassed. All you have done is give to us. Of course we want to find a way to pay you back.


    Derek just shook his head and put the scroll away. <em>I guess I was just overthinking things. I hope Silvi is still close to where I left her. It has been a while. </em>He looked over the group. Alright everybody, put your masks on. He focused on Mal. Or in your case, the hood on the robe. The group did as told. Time to leave. He focused on the Leave Dungeon tab and the countdown began. Five secondster, the bright light shed, and they were out of the dungeon.


    They all appeared standing around the dungeon orb. Derek scanned the area. This time, there was no one outside waiting to enter the dungeon. He wanted to immediately go and look for Silvi, but, knowing that her level was in the 60s, he worried that she would not be able to enter the dungeons, and he did not want to find out if that meant he would not be able to enter too.


    Instead, he pulled out his map and looked it over. Uponing to a decision, he put it away and picked Brandi up. He motioned to his group. This way, lets go.


    This time, the groupsted a lot longer before they had to take a rest. Actually, while they were running, he could feel Brandis stomach rumbling. He had not thought about it, since he really did not have to eat much, but they had been in the dungeon for hours, and it had taken some time to reach it too. Of course everyone would be tired and hungry. He made the decision to stop and set up camp. It was almost sundown anyway.


    Here is good for now. Lets set up camp. We can continue our dungeon runs tomorrow. He said. Everyone agreed that it was a good idea, and they all broke off to do different tasks. Not long after, there was a fire built and Malorie was cooking up something delicious in some of the cookware she borrowed from him.


    The meal, as expected, was delicious. Even if it was only meat. With the group full, they all talked a bit before night fell. Finally, they all turned in. Derek let them know that he would keep watch so they could have a good nights sleep.


    The next morning, they were packing up the camp. Too bad none of you were able to get some kind of Water Mage ss. Derek joked. It would be nice to have as much fresh water as we could use at all times. He said as he poured some water from a sk into his hand and rubbed it on his face.


    Soon, the camp was packed up, and they were all ready to go. Which one are we going to now? I never asked. Rayna asked.


    I figured it would be a good idea to do the skill point dungeon. They seem prettymon, but, as we have learned, its always a good idea to have as many skill points as possible. He replied.


    Everyone nodded. Malorie and Brandi had been happy to get the extra skill points from the Award they received after running their first dungeon. Malorie was especially happy. She had no clue how many skill points her next skills would cost, and just the skill points from the ss upgrade would most likely not cover them.


    Finally, the group of five took off toward their next conquest.


    It was not long before they arrived at the dungeon orb. Again, the area was vacant, so there was no worry over being discovered.


    Soon, all the members ced their hands on the orb and they were transported into the dungeon.


    The new dungeon was a fire affinity dungeon. When the group got their bearings, they were able to look around and see the cavern walls around them. It was not unlike the first dungeon that Derek and Thomaspleted, with the only real difference in the spawn room being the red veins flowing through the rock. The glow of the veins was enough to light up the room.


    Okay, same n as before. Im going to go check it out first. Derek said. He then opened the cavern door and stepped out. The surrounding cave was enormous. There were pools ofva scattered around the area, along with a few different kinds of beasts. The most prevalent was arge ck lizard with red stripes. There were also groups of crab-like creatures in shells that wandered around theva pools, and there was what Derek could only assume were fish in the smallva pools.


    After Derek surveyed the area and formted his game n, he went back to the safe zone and brought back Rayna. The lizards should be easily taken out by her <strong>Wind de</strong>, and if Derek could get the crabs to chase him, they could dispose of them just like the wolves from the previous dungeon.


    Derek told Rayna the n, and they set off. The same strategy worked like a charm, and everything went without a hitch. They settled into a rhythm and began clearing the dungeon at a rapid pace. Thomas and Mal would pop out and get their kills when needed, and Rayna would take care of the majority of the rest. She was also able to solo kill the fish in theva pools.


    Before long, the first cave was clear. Everybody moved up, Derek and Rayna moving to the second cave, and the rest staying safely in the first. Other than the higher levels, there were not many differences from the first cave to the second. It fell like the first.


    Derek went alone to the third monster cave. After thest two boss monsters, he decided to not even risk having someone with him. The boss turned out to be a rock giant, which died even faster than the previous boss. For the fight, Derek channeled the void into his hands and struck the giant in what he guessed to be its vitals. He still did not know if his guess was right, but the boss died nheless.


    After the fight, everyone received their dungeon reward and exited. Soon, they were on their way to the next dungeon.


    Like this, the group spent the next week and a half clearing the surrounding level 50 dungeons, even the ones with bad rewards. Rayna had hit level 49 during the fourth dungeon run. As she leveled and gainedbat experience, she was able to kill more and more enemies without the aid of Derek. But when she leveled to 49, she stopped her progress as to not level to 50 and begin the ss upgrade.


    Not only did she want to have more aplishments before the ss upgrade, but she did not want to identally out level the dungeons. One could not enter a dungeon with a ss upgrade avable, so she decided that it was best to stay at level 49.


    Still, this was an opportunity for both Thomas and Malorie. With Rayna no longer fighting, they were able to take her ce and soak up all the XP, other than the boss, in the remaining fourth dungeon and the fifth, andst, level 50 dungeon.


    After finishing the fifth dungeon, Derek looked at his new stats.


    Status


    Name


    Derek Hunt


    Age


    29


    Level


    41


    Experience


    4458/10,500


    ss


    Champion of the Void (Epic)


    Race


    Human (Modified)


    Health


    5250


    Mana


    2150


    Stamina


    5150


    Defense


    51 (Armor + 0)


    Attack


    49 (Weapon + 0)


    Stats


    Strength


    360


    Dexterity


    260


    Endurance


    515


    Vitality


    525


    Intelligence


    220


    Wisdom


    215


    Stat Points Remaining


    618


    Skills


    Channel Void


    Level 6


    Channel the Void through your body, into attacks or defenses.


    Cure Toxin


    Level 4


    Removes poisons and toxins.


    Dismantle


    Level 12


    Increase ability to dismantle deceased organic life forms.


    Greater Meditation


    Level 2


    Enter meditative state to increase recovery.


    Heavy Weapons Mastery


    Level 18


    Increase damage with heavy weapons.


    Identify


    Level 14


    Appraise objects or entities.


    Magic Resistance


    Level 8


    Increase natural magic resistance by 1.5% per level.


    Rejuvenation


    Level 9


    Restores 45% HP over 30 seconds.


    Void Call


    Level 2


    Call out to the Void.


    Void Sense


    Level 2


    Sense the void.


    Void Shift


    Level 3


    Be one with and move within the void.


    Skill Points Remaining


    11


    Skill Upgrade Points Remaining


    4


    Awards


    Greater Giant yer, Jack of All, Lesser Dungeon Explorer, Lesser yer of the Unknown, Meat Shield, Lesser Explorer


    <em>Not bad. Now, all thats left is to spend some stat points before going to the Undying Dungeon. </em>After collecting the dungeon rewards, which were just various different potions, Derek decided it was best for him and his group to stay in the freshly cleared dungeon while he prepared for the level 100 dungeon dive.

 Chapter 48: Stat Time

    Chapter 48: Stat Time


    After looking over his stats for a few minutes, Derek had a general idea of what he wanted to do. Vitality and Endurance would always be his go to stats, but with the mana costs of his void skills, Wisdom was going to be a must if he ever wanted to be able to use them consistently. He was not sure how much Intelligence modified the strength of the skills, but everything he used void on seemed to die almost instantly, so Intelligence was the least of his worries.


    After getting the Award for raising his Endurance and Vitality to 500, he did want to have all of his stats at 500, eventually. He actually almost had enough stat points to do it now, but he was still missing a few.


    The first thing he did was use 140 points to increase his Strength to 500. The feeling, just like when he initially reached it with Vitality, was a rush. It felt like his Strength was on a whole new level. In fact, when he looked down, the armor he was wearing was tight on him, and his muscles felt much more taut than before. He sensed that if needed, he could use an explosive amount of strength.


    Next, he used 240 points to raise his Dexterity. The explosive power remained from his Strength, but with the Dexterity, his body size shrunk back to his old size, albeit much more toned. He would still be able to erupt with great strength, but now, he felt that he could control it much better. Derek shuffled from one foot to the other, like a boxer would. He could not imagine the speed at which he would now be able to run.


    He noticed the notification he had expected to pop up was there. He ignored it for now and spent more of his stat points. He used 235 points to bring his Wisdom to 450. His mind felt clearer overall, but he definitely did not feel the whole new level that bringing a stat up to 500 brought with it.


    Finally, with his stat points settled, he brought up the notification.


    You have seeded in increasing both your Strength and Dexterity to 500 points.


    New Award Earned


    Derek moved to the next message.


    Offensive Powerhouse


    You look to finish the fight in the shortest time possible. One hit kills are your normal. In order to maintain your explosive ways, you have focused your stat points on strictly offensive stats. You will be awarded with the following:


    Two Offensive Skills (Please Choose)


    Note: This is a one-time Award and cannot be upgraded.


    Derek had been waiting for this ever since the previous Award. Because of hisck of offensive ss skills, offensive skills were what he felt he needed most. Unable to wait any longer, he focused on the offensive skills.


    Current Avable Skill Points: 11


    Note: One skill point is required to unlock any of the skills below. If you do not have any skill points, you may choose to unlock a skill at ater date.


    Avable Offensive Skills


    Augment Projectile


    Enhanced Strike


    ss Cannon


    Lightning Pierce


    Mastery (Choose your weapon)


    Multi-Strike


    Phantom de


    Rapid Movement


    Sweeping sh


    Whirlwind


    Derek looked over the list of skills avable.


    <strong>Augment Projectile </strong>was an ability that let him increase the strength of a projectile weapon. Using it would allow a dagger or arrow to fly faster, farther, and would also increase its prating power. Derek had been using projectiles oftentely, but they would never be a part of his main focus, so he dismissed the skill.


    <strong>Enhanced Strike </strong>seemed like his previous <strong>Heavy Blow </strong>skill. It focused his attack into a single strike, increasing his damage. He had not been missing <strong>Heavy Blow </strong>very much, so the only reason he would get this skill would be the possibility of the two skillsbining.


    <strong>ss Cannon </strong>was very interesting. The skill would bring his Endurance down to 10, effectively eliminating his Stamina and non-gear defense. Afterward, the skill would distribute half of his Endurance to Strength and half to Dexterity.


    <strong>Lightning Pierce </strong>was an instantaneous skill. It was more based on Dexterity than Strength. The skill would project him and his weapon forward at an insane speed. The skill moved in a straight line and it would take some time getting used to attacking at the same time. Derek could see how someone without a high Dexterity would never be able to adapt to the skill.


    <strong>Mastery </strong>was a passive skill, just like a <strong>Weapons Mastery </strong>skill. What Derek liked was the fact that the bonus would stack on top of his <strong>Heavy Weapons Mastery </strong>skill. He also wondered if the skill wouldbine with his old <strong>ive Mastery </strong>skill. His previous mastery skill hadbined with <strong>ive Mastery </strong>earlier, so he did not expect to get lucky and being able tobine it twice.


    <strong>Multi-Strike </strong>was one of the skills that Derek was interested in. It was a pretty basic skill. When activated, a strike would hit twice. It would be like stabbing someone in the exact same spot two times. Even though it was basic, with his attack and Strength, the strike would be devastating. And, as the skill leveled, the cost would decrease, and the possibility of more strikes would be added. He favored this skill greatly over <strong>Enhanced Strike</strong>, even with the possible skillbination.


    <strong>Phantom de </strong>was a feint type of attack. He could see its uses for speed type fighters, but for him, it was not very useful. It projected an attack towards an opponent when you attacked, which left it up to the enemy to try to figure out which attack was real.


    <strong>Rapid Movement </strong>was nice. It increased all movement while inbat. It was very much like <strong>Haste</strong>, but it was a passive skill. When it recognized that the user was inbat, the buffs would automatically activate. How it recognized when one was inbat, Derek did not know. He guessed that it was based on the users mindset. The overall increases in movement were not near as much as <strong>Haste</strong>, but, being a passive skill, there was no cooldown and the ability was always active.


    <strong>Sweeping sh </strong>seemed to be just like his <strong>Wide Sweep </strong>skill. It was actually the skill that Derek was missing the most. When he used the skill, it would project a crescent like de one meter out from his weapon. Of course, that would increase as the skill leveled, as would the damage inflicted. It was a perfect area of effect skill for someone like him.


    Finally, <strong>Whirlwind </strong>was a skill sort of like <strong>Sweeping sh</strong>. But instead of the half circle in front of him, it would attack the full 360 degrees. After the attack, a residual attack would circle around him for five more seconds. It was a nice skill, it would be great if he were surrounded by enemies.


    After breaking down the pros and cons of each skill, Derek narrowed it down to <strong>Mastery</strong>, <strong>Multi-Strike</strong>, <strong>Rapid Movement</strong>, and <strong>Sweeping sh</strong>. Luckily, he would be able to choose two of the skills. After a bit more consideration, <strong>Sweeping sh </strong>was a must for him. It may not be the best skill of the bunch, but it was a skill he was used to and it should start out at a higher level.


    Soon, Derek eliminated <strong>Rapid Movement </strong>from the list. He just had not needed to move any faster than he already did, and with his new stats, he did not even know how much his movement had increased. He figured that it was already more than enough for his fighting style.


    This left his choices down to <strong>Mastery </strong>and <strong>Multi-Strike</strong>. The extra mastery for using his weapon would be great, but at the same time, his Strength and Dexterity was already super high. Not to mention that his <strong>Heavy Weapons Mastery </strong>was already very close to reaching level 20. <strong>Multi-Strike </strong>would be a outrageously powerful single target skill. If he couldbine the skill with <strong>Channel Void </strong>or <strong>Sweeping sh</strong>, he could not imagine the devastation that could be wrought by it.


    After minutes of debating himself, Derek let out a sigh and selected <strong>Sweeping sh </strong>and <strong>Multi-Strike</strong>. He confirmed his choices.


    <strong>Sweeping sh </strong>Learned Sessfully.


    Skill Points Remaining: 10


    Derek nodded.


    <strong>Multi-Strike </strong>Learned Sessfully.


    Skill Points Remaining: 9


    Soon, a tinge of pain shed in his head, and a notification popped up in his vision.


    Dormant skill simr to <strong>Sweeping sh </strong>found


    Merging skills


    Skills sessfully merged...


    The pain was not even a distraction anymore. He opened up his notification to see how his new skill had leveled.


    Congrattions


    <strong>Sweeping sh </strong>has reached level 18


    He nodded. Happy with the skillbination. He viewed the skill in its entirety.


    Sweeping sh


    Your sh creates an arc in front of you, damaging enemies up to 9 meters in front of you, causing damage up to 90% of your normal attack. Level the skill to increase damage and range and reduce cost and cooldown.


    Cost: 160 Mana


    Cooldown: 30 Seconds


    Derek smiled. He wondered if he would be able to augment his ive with void before activating <strong>Multi-Strike </strong>then using <strong>Sweeping sh</strong>. He could not help but let out a little chuckle. He looked at his other skill.


    Multi-Strike


    Upon activation, your next attack will be dealt twice. Level the skill to increase the amount of attacks and reduce cooldown.


    Cost: 500 Mana


    Cooldown: 10 Minutes


    Derek was content with his new status. He was prepared to go run the new undying dungeon. For the final time before heading to the dungeon, he checked his new status.


    Status


    Name


    Derek Hunt


    Age


    29


    Level


    41


    Experience


    4458/10,500


    ss


    Champion of the Void (Epic)


    Race


    Human (Modified)


    Health


    5250


    Mana


    4500


    Stamina


    5150


    Defense


    51 (Armor + 0)


    Attack


    100 (Weapon + 0)


    Stats


    Strength


    500


    Dexterity


    500


    Endurance


    515


    Vitality


    525


    Intelligence


    220


    Wisdom


    450


    Stat Points Remaining


    3


    Skills


    Channel Void


    Level 6


    Channel the Void through your body, into attacks or defenses.


    Cure Toxin


    Level 4


    Removes poisons and toxins.


    Dismantle


    Level 12


    Increase ability to dismantle deceased organic life forms.


    Greater Meditation


    Level 2


    Enter meditative state to increase recovery.


    Heavy Weapons Mastery


    Level 18


    Increase damage with heavy weapons.


    Identify


    Level 14


    Appraise objects or entities.


    Magic Resistance


    Level 8


    Increase natural magic resistance by 1.5% per level.


    Multi-Strike


    Level 1


    Your next attack hits twice.


    Rejuvenation


    Level 9


    Restores 45% HP over 30 seconds.


    Sweeping sh


    Level 18


    Project a sh in front of you.


    Void Call


    Level 2


    Call out to the Void.


    Void Sense


    Level 2


    Sense the void.


    Void Shift


    Level 3


    Be one with and move within the void.


    Skill Points Remaining


    9


    Skill Upgrade Points Remaining


    4


    Awards


    Greater Giant yer, Jack of All, Lesser Dungeon Explorer, Lesser yer of the Unknown, Meat Shield, Lesser Explorer, Offensive Powerhouse


    Derek closed the window and nodded. Lets go.

 Chapter 49: To the Undying Dungeon

    Chapter 49: To the Undying Dungeon


    Derek looked at the rest before leaving the dungeon. Okay, the next dungeon were running is the level 100 undying dungeon. On the way there, you have to be careful. Ill take care of Brandi, but the rest of you must stick close to me. Or, I can take you back to the vige, itspletely up to you. Just know, getting there will not be as safe as everything else has been. He had to warn the group. Derek knew that he should not have a problem protecting them, especially with his new stats and skills, but he was not going to give them any false promises. Going to the next dungeon was something that they would have to decide for themselves.


    Of course Im in. Thomas said. Who knows if there is an Award for being the first team toplete a dungeon, or even finishing a level 100 dungeon. Not to mention the possible rewards for such a high rank dungeon. His eyes glowed just thinking of the possibilities.


    Rayna did not hesitate either. Im fast enough that I should be able to survive the trip there, especially if we are stealthy.


    We can go. Mal said. But you have to keep Brandi safe above all else.


    Derek nodded. The dungeon is a bit further away than all the others, but I picked this dungeon as thest because it was closest. The dungeon they were currently in was around a third of the way between the vige and the level 100 dungeon.


    Of course, the group would not mess around like he did when he was alone. They would go straight to the new dungeon at a brisk pace, avoiding what enemies they could. Derek expected them to arrive within a week.


    Okay, masks on. He said, and everyone covered their faces. Lets go.


    The group all ced their hands on the dungeon orb and Derek chose Leave Dungeon. The orb glowed and the bright light overtook their vision. Soon, they were standing around the entrance to the dungeon.


    Derek looked around and, seeing that no one was there, picked up Brandi and began moving deeper into the forest. The others all followed. They traveled like this for days.


    ***


    In Torith, inside a noble manor, a middle-aged looking man was sitting at a desk in his study. He looked up from a stack of papers. Bronson, is that brat back from his quest yet?


    We have not heard from him since he left, master. A man wearing a ssic butler uniform answered.


    The older man sighed. That damn kid. Hes probably messing around causing another mess that Ill have to clean up. Why cant he be more like his older brother? He waved his and a stack of coins appeared in his palm. He handed the coins to Bronson. Take these, go see Maria. At least make sure that Wace is well.


    Maria was amoner who had worked her way into the nobles good graces. She had gained her reputation as a Lesser Sibyl. She could not see the future per se, but she could feel out the wellbeing of others. If anyone needed to know the status of another, they could bring a possession of the one to her, and she would be able to check his or her basic status.


    Bronson stopped by Waces chambers and grabbed a tunic he had seen the young master wear. With that, he left the manor and walked through the noble part of the city before arriving at the upper ssmoner region that bordered.


    He walked up to a well off residence and knocked on the door. A youngdy answered. Can I help you, sir? She asked.


    Ah yes, I was looking for Miss Maria, I have a task that I would like her help with. Bronson answered.


    Yes, sir. I will inform Miss Maria that House Gracefall would like to meet. Pleasee in. The youngdy, seeing the house insignia, motioned Bronson to have a seat. I will be right back. She turned and went up the stairs.


    Soon, a woman with ck hair and in a lovely blue dress walked down the stairs into the living room. Bronson, how nice to see you today. Its been too long. She said as she walked to a seat across from the man.


    The man smiled. Miss Maria, you are as lovely as ever. He stood while waiting for the woman to have a seat. She sat, and he soon followed. Unfortunately, todays visit is business. The young master has been out on a mission from the Adventurers Guild for a while now, and the master is worried. With that, he ced the tunic and stack of coins down on a table between them.


    The woman smiled. Of course, I would be happy to help. She reached over and grasped the tunic and closed her eyes. Squeezing it, her hand started shaking from the force. The smile eventually turned into a frown as her eyebrows creased. Soon, her eyes opened and a look of sadness filled them.


    She looked up at Bronson. I am sorry, Bronson. I can feel no future from your young master. Im afraid that he is no longer of the would. Maria broke the news.


    Bronsons face turned stoney. Are you sure? He asked. Seeing Maria nod her head, he reached over and took the tunic from her. He stood. Thank you for your time, I must go inform the master. He turned to the door and headed out.


    Maria looked at the closed door and sighed.


    Back at the manor, Bronson had made his way to the study. He stood in front of the man and waited for him to look up.


    After some time, the man finally raised his head. So? He asked.


    Im sorry, master. It seems that the young master is no more. He broke the news.


    The older man sighed. I knew that his arrogance would get the better of him one day. I had hoped he would break his habits as he grew. The man shook his head and looked Bronson dead in the eyes. Go. Go to the Adventurers Guild and find the information on the quest he took. Then, find out what happened to him. You have one month.


    Bronson nodded his head and left. He made his way to his servants quarters and reced his butler uniform with shining battle armor. He strapped a giant great sword to his back and retrieved a golden Adventurers Guild badge and strapped it to his arm. Soon, he opened the door to the manor and left towards the Adventurers Guild.


    ***


    The group had not actually run into any problems other than a bear attack on the first night they set up camp. Rayna had easily taken care of the level 62 monster. After that, it was smooth sailing for the team of five. Thomas, Malorie, and Thomas stuck as close to Derek as possible, while he kept Brandi in his arms. He had started to feel like he was just her personal taxi at some point. They made good time.


    Six days after leaving the previous dungeon, Derek and his group had finally arrived at the area where no nts were even partially alive. The area seemed to have gotten even bigger since thest time he was there.


    Brandi and Thomas were looking around in awe, while Rayna had a look of contemtion on her face. This is what will happen to the whole forest if the overflow isnt cleared soon. The woman said.


    I imagine so. It seems that once the disease is rooted, it starts spreading even faster. The patches of diseased nts and trees from the outer parts of the forest are probably from when partially diseased animals made contact with them. I dont actually think that the disease will spread on its own from there. Derek answered. Once the overflow is taken care of, I think the orb will stop radiating with the disease, and the forest will start healing. That is, of course, if the dungeon is properly maintained afterwards.


    Rayna just nodded, but did not answer back.


    Come on. Were close, and I dont know how long it will take for me to clear this dungeon. Derek said, and the group followed him deeper into the diseasednd.


    Soon, they arrived at the dungeon orb. Brandi looked around and let out a gasp. Why are there so many bones over there? She pointed past the orb to a giant pile of bones and rotted animal carcasses.


    Derek smiled awkwardly. Uh, thats where I had a fight thest time I was here. The monsters didnt take kindly to me running around making noise.


    Oh. Brandi answered. It seemed like after traveling together andpleting dungeons, no one was surprised when Derek did anything unbelievable anymore.


    Come on. Lets get this over with. Derek motioned to the group, and they all walked to the dungeon orb together. They reached their hands out and touched the orb.


    Max Participants Reached


    Participants 5/5


    Derek Hunt: Level 41


    Thomas Stewart: Level 32


    Rayna West: Level 49


    Brandi Fields: Level 1


    Malorie Fields: Level 33


    Please Choose an Option Below


    View Dungeon


    Enter Dungeon


    Leave


    Derek viewed the dungeon to make sure everything was still the same.


    Dungeon Status


    Dungeon Level


    100


    Dungeon Type


    Undying


    Dungeon Status


    Extreme Overflow


    Dungeon Rewards


    Unknown


    Max Participants


    5


    Nothing had changed from thest time Derek was there. He backed out of the status screen. Okay, here we go. He selected Enter Dungeon, and the countdown began.

 Chapter 50: Undying Dungeon: Begin

    Chapter 50: Undying Dungeon: Begin


    The blinding light disappeared, and Derek found his footing. His first thought was to make sure that they were all in a safe room, as this was the first level 100 dungeon they had explored. Derek looked around. They were all enclosed in a stone room.


    The air was still, and there was a gloominess that sent a chill down his spine. Alright everyone, you all stay safe in here. Dont open the door after I close it. Ille get you all when Im finished. Derek waited for a moment, seeing that there were no objections orints. He made his way towards the room door.


    He ced his hands on the door and began to slowly slide it open. Once the door was somewhat open, he peeked through space. He shivered. They were in a graveyard and the so-called safe room was actually a tomb.


    <em>I guess I should have figured as much. It makes sense that a dungeon with undying monsters would have a setting like this. </em>Derek scanned what surroundings he could see through the crack. <em>Oh, good Skeletons. </em>Even with his time on Earth, Derek had never fought against skeletons. He had, however, heard horror stories from people who had.


    The unfortunate thing about skeletons, if they were the same as the ones on Earth, is that they could only bepletely killed by magic. Fire magic was best, but any magic worked. Of course, they could be rendered useless by physical attacks. If one was to separate a skeletons head from its body, it would only be able to control its head. The only way to vanquish a skeleton is to extinguish the soul me behind its eyes.


    Derek let out a sigh. If it had been earlier, before he unlocked his void magic, he would have been useless in this dungeon. He started thinking about the ghoul he killed. <em>It had bright eyes, I wonder if it had the same traits of the skeletons. It might be lucky that I used the void in my final attack on it.</em>


    Derek used <strong>Identify </strong>on one of the skeletons.


    Skeleton Warrior


    Level 100


    A monster spawned in an undying dungeon. Due to being dead, a skeleton cannot be exterminated by physical means. This skeleton is a warrior type and has upgraded physical stats.


    It seemed like skeletons were all the same. Derek went ahead and identified multiple other skeletons. There were Skeleton Warriors, Skeleton Archers, and Skeleton Mages. What made Derek sigh was the amount of enemies he would be facing. There were dozens of skeletons, and they were all level 100. There were also Vampire Bats flying around at extreme speeds. He suspected that if anyone other than him were to walk out, they would be executed immediately.


    <em>Im definitely going to be level 80 or more by the time this is over. I guess the Extreme Overflow is causing the enemies to be packed so densely. </em>Derek turned to his team. Make sure no one opens this door. He reiterated, this time in a more serious tone.


    <em>Here we go. </em>Derek pulled the door open quickly and stepped out. Immediately, he turned and closed the door. As soon as the door was closed, a Vampire Bat flew into the stone door. <em>Holy shit! </em>If he had been any slower, his entire group would be dead.


    He quickly reached over and grabbed the stunned bat. He squeezed with his newfound strength. The bat turned to mush almost immediately, and he threw the corpse away. For this fight, Derek was wearing his most worn-out pair of jeans and shirt. None of the armor in his bracelet would be effective against anything at level 100, so he went withfort.


    Derek summoned his ive, wincing at the chip in the de. He knew that he would not have enough mana to take care of everything, so he decided to disable as many skeletons as he could before gathering their heads and finishing them off.


    He ran past tombstones to get to the first skeleton. His aim was strictly the neck. Before the Skeleton Warrior could turn around, he swung his ive. With a smooth cut, its head disconnected from its spine. Bones came crashing to the ground as Derek kicked the head towards a rtively unpopted area of the graveyard. <em>Thats one.</em>


    The disturbance caused by the first kill drew the aggro from the surrounding undead. Another bat swooped in to bite Derek, but he pped it out of the air. Derek continued his charge through the skeleton horde.


    His upgraded Dexterity allowed him to dodge the iing spells and arrows with ease. sh after sh, more and more skeletons fell. Derek always tried to move their heads away from their bodies so they would be unable to rebuild. More and more bats swooped in, being killed in the process.


    Eventually, Derek noticed that he had not had to kill a bat for some time. He looked around as he went after a Skeleton Mage and found that he could not see anymore flying around. <em>I guess thats thest bat. </em>With the bats gone, he was able to y a little more recklessly. He moved faster, asionally using <strong>Sweeping sh </strong>towards groups. The still standing skeletons dwindled down one by one until Derek was the only thing on two feet.


    Derek began gathering the skulls from the disables skeletons, moving them all to one area. <em>Damn, I hate fetch quests. </em>Soon, all the skulls with soul mes were all gathered. Derek began channeling the void.


    He activated <strong>Sweeping sh </strong>while also channeling the void, and the normal white projection from the sh took on a purple hue. The sh hit the pile of skulls and went through them. Notification after notification appeared in the corner of Derek''s vision. Derek took a quick look at his status. His level was paused on 50 and was calling for a ss upgrade.


    Derek sighed and continued using the void to finish off the skeletons. When he finally got to what looked like the final skull with a soul me, he stopped. He moved the skull to a solitary location and walked back to the tomb.


    He slid the tomb door open to see his team all in a battle stance. He nodded his head in approval as he walked in and closed the door behind him.


    What happened? Rayna asked.


    Shit ton of skeletons and bats. What you would expect from a graveyard. I leveled to my next ss upgrade, so I figured it would be best to do it now, just in case something unexpected happenster. I left one alive so the next wave doesnt spawn. He answered.


    Derek sat on a stone bench on one side of the tomb and focused on the Upgrade ss option. Skimming through all the ss change options, Derek found that there really was not anything new. He then looked at his Champion of the Void ss upgrade.


    <em>Oh? </em>His eyes went wide as he looked at his next upgrade.


    Legend of the Void


    You have lived within the void, and used the void as you see fit. You have be a void user of legend. Unlike others, you will no longer be trapped in the void. The void is your ally.


    Legend of the Void is a growth type legendary ss. Preferences for this ss are unknown. Two skills will be avable upon ss selection.


    You will receive 30 free stat points for allocation to your choosing.


    Holy shit! He had never suspected for his growth type ss to upgrade so quickly, and into a legendary ss at that. Derek was a bit disappointed that the legendary ss only gave two new skills, but the ten extra stat points per level more than made up for the limited ss skills. Who knows? By the time I leave this dungeon, Ill probably be able to have all of my stats at 500 and probably much more.


    At his current level 49, Derek had already earned enough stat points to get his Wisdom stat to 500 and he only needed less than 200 more points toplete the process. Six levels, with the new free stat points. All I will need is six more levels. One thing that did scare him was the possible amount of XP that he would need to level up a legendary ss. He could already tell that the amount of XP he needed for his epic ss was at least twice as much as someone with amon one.


    Derek looked at the final level up notification he had received.


    You Have Killed level 100 Skeleton Mage


    69,455 Experience Gained


    Level Up


    31,205/??? Experience to Next Level (Must Upgrade ss to Level beyond 50)


    Derek took a deep breath, then chose to upgrade his ss. A deep purple glow shot out from his body, startling everyone in the room. If they thought Malories ss upgrade was special, the phenomena that Derek was causing was otherworldly. Even they could see the disturbance in the void caused by his ss upgrade. The disturbancested for minutes until it finally calmed. Derek finally opened his eyes, but instead of the normal blue color that everyone was used to, they were a deep, darker purple, and it did not seem like they would turn back.


    Seeing everyone staring at him, Derek spoke. What?


    Your eyes, theyre purple. Thomas answered.


    Derek frowned and closed his eyes. He made sure that his <strong>Void Sense </strong>was turned down and checked his body to make sure he was not channeling any void. Afterward, he looked up and asked. What about now?


    Thomas shook his head. Still purple. He said.


    Derek inwardly cursed, he had really liked his blue eyes. <em>Oh well, I guess Ill just have to get used to it.</em> New notifications manifested after the upgrade, and he opened one.


    Congrattions


    You are now a Legend of the Void.


    He dismissed the notification and moved on to the next.


    For obtaining a legendary rarity ss, you have received 25 skill points.


    You have received 30 stat points.


    Derek smiled. <em>I like that </em>Now, Derek just needed to see how much he had leveled from his ughter and what his two new skills were.

 Chapter 51: More Skills

    Chapter 51: More Skills


    Derek calmly pulled up his kill and leveling notifications.


    You Have Killed level 100 Skeleton Warrior


    You Have Killed level 100 Skeleton Archer


    You Have Killed level 100 Skeleton Warrior


    You Have Killed level 100 Skeleton Archer


    You Have Killed level 100 Skeleton Mage


    You Have Killed level 100 Skeleton Warrior


    1,466,108 Experience Gained


    Level Up


    Level Up


    Level Up


    Level Up


    135,548/187,000 Experience to Next Level


    <em>Woah </em>Derek didnt know what to think about all that. The scary thing was that he had to go back in for a round two, and who knows if the dungeon will even end after two waves. One thing that he could confirm was that he was needing way more experience to level as a legendary ss than as an epic ss. Derek pulled up his new status.


    Status


    Name


    Derek Hunt


    Age


    29


    Level


    64


    Experience


    135,548/187,000


    ss


    Legend of the Void (Legendary)


    Race


    Human (Modified)


    Health


    5250


    Mana


    4500


    Stamina


    5150


    Defense


    51 (Armor + 0)


    Attack


    100 (Weapon + 0)


    Stats


    Strength


    500


    Dexterity


    500


    Endurance


    515


    Vitality


    525


    Intelligence


    220


    Wisdom


    450


    Stat Points Remaining


    613


    Skills


    Channel Void


    Level 8


    Channel the Void through your body, into attacks or defenses.


    Cure Toxin


    Level 4


    Removes poisons and toxins.


    Dismantle


    Level 12


    Increase ability to dismantle deceased organic life forms.


    Greater Meditation


    Level 2


    Enter meditative state to increase recovery.


    Heavy Weapons Mastery


    Level 18


    Increase damage with heavy weapons.


    Identify


    Level 15


    Appraise objects or entities.


    Magic Resistance


    Level 8


    Increase natural magic resistance by 1.5% per level.


    Multi-Strike


    Level 1


    Your next attack hits twice.


    Rejuvenation


    Level 9


    Restores 45% HP over 30 seconds.


    Sweeping sh


    Level 18


    Project a sh in front of you.


    Void Call


    Level 2


    Call out to the Void.


    Void Sense


    Level 2


    Sense the void.


    Void Shift


    Level 3


    Be one with and move within the void.


    Skill Points Remaining


    34


    Skill Upgrade Points Remaining


    4


    Awards


    Greater Giant yer, Jack of All, Lesser Dungeon Explorer, Lesser yer of the Unknown, Meat Shield, Lesser Explorer, Offensive Powerhouse


    Derek was very happy that the fighting had actually leveled up his <strong>Channel Void </strong>two whole levels and <strong>Identify </strong>had even been bumped up one. <em>Looks like I dont have to worry about getting enough stat points to bring Intelligence and Wisdom up to 500 anymore.</em>


    He checked his new skills.


    Absolute Nullify


    Your void power has increased to the point where very few have ever seen. Using your strength of the void, you are able to nullify any and all magic spells for as long as you have the mana. <strong>Absolute Nullify </strong>creates a wall in front of the user that absorbs all spells into the void where they will eventually cease to exist.


    As the skill level increases, mana cost decreases and spell size increases.


    Uses 800 mana/s


    Cost: 11 Skill Points


    Derek read the skill over and over. It was, of course, a great skill for him, but something in the back of his mind kept annoying him. <em>Why the fuck do I need </em><strong><em>Magic Resistance </em></strong><em>when I have this? </em>But, as he thought about it, he realized that having both would actually be good. <em>I guess its good if I get sneak attacked or run out of mana. Just thinking about the time its going to take to level everything up gives me a headache though.</em>


    Derek confirmed that he wanted to learn the skill.


    <strong>Absolute Nullify </strong>Learned Sessfully


    Skill Points Remaining: 23


    Derek moved on to his other new skill.


    Void Storage


    Create a space within the void to store your items.


    Mana Cost: N/A


    Cost: 6 Skill Points


    Note: This is a unique skill that does not level up. The size of the storage is based on the user''s Intelligence and overall level.


    <em>Hmm Well, it never hurts to have more storage, and I can see the benefit in a non-item based storage system. </em>Derek learned the new skill.


    <strong>Void Storage </strong>Learned Sessfully


    Skill Points Remaining: 17


    Derek was not disappointed in his upgraded ss or skills. <strong>Absolute Nullify </strong>was one of the strongest defensive skills that he had ever seen. <strong>Void Shift </strong>was also an amazing skill that could be used both offensively and defensively, but it would take Derek a long while before he wasfortable using it.


    <em>With the way all of these skills are, Im going to have to start sping into more of a mage build than my tank build. </em>Derek shook his head.


    <em>Okay, next thing is to get the Award for Intelligence and Wisdom. </em>He had thought about waiting to use his stat points for the Award, but with the dungeon and his reliance on magic toplete it, he thought it best to use some of his stat points and hope for a powerful spell. Derek spent 330 of his stat points and increased his two remaining stats to 500.


    The instant his Wisdom hit 500, Dereks mind cleared. He had thought that he kept a pretty clear head before, but now, it was in an entirely different realm. When his Intelligence increased to 500, his ability to process information hit a new milestone. Before, he felt like using <strong>Void Shift </strong>would take a great toll on his mind having to process all of the ripples with <strong>Void Sense, </strong>then move ordingly, but now, Derek felt like it was something he could do in his sleep.


    Derek also channeled the void into his fist to see if there was a difference. It was near instant. Before, he had to start the skill up, then move the void umted inside his body to his fist or weapon. Now, with his Intelligence and Wisdom, he was able to directly channel the void into his fist, and the glow from the void was much deeper and bigger. <em>I should have done this a long time ago.</em>


    With all that finished, he viewed his new Award notification.


    You have seeded in increasing both your Intelligence and Wisdom to 500 points.


    New Award Earned


    He dismissed the notification and checked the next one.


    Magical ss Cannon


    Throwing caution to the wind, you have ignored other stats to focus on your magical output. You have be a magical weapon of mass destruction. You will be awarded with the following:


    One Active Magic Skill (Please Choose)


    One Passive Magic Skill (Please Choose)


    Note: This is a one-time Award and cannot be upgraded.


    Derek focused on the active spell choice.


    Current Avable Skill Points: 17


    Note: One skill point is required to unlock any of the skills below. If you do not have any skill points, you may choose to unlock a skill at ater date


    Avable Active Magic Skills


    Acidic Spike


    Chain Lightning


    Shadow Orb


    Fiery Tempest


    Life Siphon


    Derek looked at the five avable skills to choose from. He was not overly excited by the skills, but he could notin much. <em>At least it isnt Fireball and Water Gun. </em>He mused.


    <strong>Acidic Spike </strong>was an earth type toxic spell. It pulled a piece of earth from the ground, shaped it like a spike, andunched it into a foe. Oh, and the spike just happened to have acid on it, so it would corrode anything it came into contact with.


    <strong>Chain Lightning, </strong>which had always been one of Dereks favorite spells from the video games he yed, was a lightning skill cast over an area. It was not as damaging as a lightning bolt type spell, but once it hit an enemy, it could jump from enemy to enemy, eventually covering everyone. That is, of course, at a higher level, as there was a limit on how many targets the spell could affect at once.


    <strong>Shadow Orb </strong>was weird. It was literally just a dark orbunched at a target dealing dark damage. Derek was sure that the ability would have its uses, maybe against light type enemies, but he could not see the current need for it.


    <strong>Fiery Tempest </strong>was a mix of the fire and wind elements. It sounded almost like a fire tornado, but instead of constant rotation, it spread out in all directions from the user. Derek shuttered as he thought about how much damage would be caused if he used the spell in a forest.


    Finally, <strong>Life Siphon </strong>was a skill like <strong>Life Leech</strong>, only magical instead of physical. Casting the spell would shoot a beam at a target and siphon HP from it and direct it back to the spell user.


    After viewing all the skills, Derek did not find it challenging to make a decision. <strong>Shadow Orb </strong>did not seem too useful, <strong>Life Siphon </strong>was cool and all, but not what Derek needed. <strong>Fiery Tempest </strong>was way too destructive to be useful, and he already had enough single target damage, which got rid of <strong>Acidic Spike</strong>. That only left <strong>Chain Lightning</strong>. Derek chose the skill and confirmed his choice.


    <strong>Chain Lightning </strong>Learned Sessfully


    Skill Points Remaining: 16


    Derek smiled, then moved on to his next skill.


    Current Avable Skill Points: 16


    Note: One skill point is required to unlock any of the skills below. If you do not have any skill points, you may choose to unlock a skill at ater date


    Avable Passive Magic Skills


    Discerning Eyes


    Depth Diver


    Enhanced Perception


    Magic Sense


    Physical Resistance


    An odd expression fell over Dereks face as he viewed his choices. He had not thought that <strong>Physical Resistance </strong>would be on the list again. <em>I wonder if </em><strong><em>Magic Resistance </em></strong><em>would be there if I hadnt chosen it before.</em>


    <strong>Discerning Eyes </strong>was an ability that allowed the user to read texts and ancientnguages. It was definitely an explorers dream ability. Derek, however, had no need for it as the systemnguage was more than enough for him.


    <strong>Depth Diver </strong>let the user hold their breath longer and move more freely in the water. It was a good skill to have if you were in an ocean environment.


    Derekughed at the <strong>Enhanced Perception </strong>ability. It was the same ability he had learned just before his old system was cut off. It brought up some bad memories. Of course, it would still be a great skill to have.


    <strong>Magic Sense </strong>was a skill that let the user pinpoint magic. It would help keep the user from being magically ambushed, and could also be used in investigations.


    Of course, <strong>Physical Resistance </strong>was still the overpowered skill that he wished he had been able to choose earlier on. He had great defense and regeneration already, but with the <strong>Physical Resistance </strong>skill, it would go up another notch, and he could focus less on his Endurance and Vitality without feeling bad about it.


    In the end, Derek narrowed the choices down to <strong>Enhanced Perception </strong>and <strong>Physical Resistance</strong>. The only reason that he wanted <strong>Enhanced Perception </strong>was so it would auto level because it was a skill he already had. However, <strong>Physical Resistance </strong>was just too good to pass up, so he selected it and confirmed his decision.


    <strong>Physical Resistance </strong>Learned Sessfully


    Skill Points Remaining: 15


    With that, Derek smiled and stood up. It was time to finish the dungeon.

 Chapter 52: Ghouls!

    Chapter 52: Ghouls!


    Derek approached the tomb door and opened it. This time, he did not have to worry about an enemy pushing inside. There was still the one remaining skeleton that he had not previously killed.


    He stepped out and closed the tomb behind him. He walked over to his killing ground and found the one skeleton that still had a soul fire burning. Lifting his hand, he cast <strong>Chain Lightning</strong>. Small streaks of lightning flew from his fingertips toward the target. Because of the low cost of the skill, Derek thought that it would not deal much damage. He was mistaken.


    The cost for the skill was only 25 mana per second, and it did not have a cooldown. As long as his mana could sustain it, he could cast it. With Dereks mana pool, he could channel the spell for over three minutes, and that was if he did not try tobine it with <strong>Greater Meditation</strong>.


    Seeing the soul fire of the skeleton extinguish in seconds, all that Derek could think of was his Intelligence. <em>If 500 Intelligence gives this spell that much power, what will it do to my costly void skills? </em>


    Derek snapped out of his thoughts as glowing pirs began forming all around him, covering the entire graveyard. <em>I wonder what the next enemy will be. </em>He waited for the pirs to fade before he could finally see the new monsters. Seeing what had spawned, he sighed.


    Acidic Ghoul


    Level 110


    A monster spawned from an Undying Dungeon. The Ghoul is never full and is always looking for fresh flesh to consume. Due to its condition, any contact with it would leave acid on the user.


    <em>I should have guessed. </em>He looked around and identified other creatures. <em>All ghouls, just different types. </em>Every enemy was level 110. There were Acidic Ghouls, Toxic Ghouls, Putrid Ghouls, and others. <em>This is going to be a pain in the ass. </em>


    Derek prepared for the fight by rushing to a rtively open area with a wall behind him. At this point, he was happy that he pumped up his stats for the Award. With dozens of Ghouls around, he decided that keeping his distance would be the safest option.


    Of course, when he ran to an open area, he did not do so stealthily. He had already drawn the attention of dozens of ghouls. <em>Here goes. </em>Derek first began his meditation while awake. Then, while concentrating on maintaining his <strong>Greater Meditation</strong>, he cast <strong>Chain Lightning </strong>at the closest approaching ghoul.


    It was not easy keeping <strong>Greater Meditation </strong>activated while fighting. The only reason he could do it now was because <strong>Chain Lightning </strong>did not require active aiming or even moving, and he could count on the wall behind him to keep his enemies up front.


    The blue streaks of lightning flew from his fingers and hit the closest ghoul. After settling on the target for a second, the lightning jumped to the next enemy, then the next. Currently, three enemies was the limit, but Derek was counting on his Intelligence to amplify the strength of the spell.


    Four seconds, thats how long it took for the first ghoul to fall. The lightning jumped to the next closest ghoul, and the ughtermenced. Derek looked at his status and noticed that his meditation was able to keep his mana from depleting too fast. With the regeneration rate, the cost came out to him losing around 5 mana per second, which allowed him to continuously cast the spell for over 15 minutes. Of course, this was only if he did not get overrun.


    With the screeching of the ghouls and the popping of the lighting, Derek guessed that just about every ghoul had already been alerted and on their way.


    Notifications were shing across his vision rapidly as he killed ghoul after ghoul. He ignored them. The focus it was taking to keep both skills activated was already causing him a headache, and he could not imagine doing it with any less Wisdom than he already had.


    <em>Oh? </em>Derek saw one of his lightning chains jump to an extra ghoul. <em>Must have leveled a bit. </em>He wanted to check the skills level, but instead kept calm and focused.


    Minutes passed and the skill must have leveled multiple times because the pressure of being overrun had decreased greatly, and the field in front of him was just a string of blue lights. Of course, the multiple bodies piled up in front of him had also slowed the charge by quite a bit.


    The strain on his mind also lessened too, leading Derek to think that <strong>Greater Meditation </strong>had leveled up too. He looked at the 20 or so still standing ghouls and counted. <em>6 7 The skill can already flow to seven enemies at a time. </em>He checked his mana and was surprised to see that it was at max, it kept falling to 4,995 and jumping back to 5,000.


    <em>Thats badass. </em>He chuckled. Derek canceled <strong>Greater Meditation </strong>and jumped forward, over the pile of bodies in front. He spread his arms out and actually aimed the lightning. The ghouls died one after another as he slowly brought his hands together,ughing evilly all the while. When his hands reached one another, the final ghoul in front fell. <em>The force is strong with this one. </em>


    Whileughing at his own dumb joke, a giant pir beamed down into the middle of the graveyard. The glow disappeared and Derek recognized the enemy in an instant. It was a skeleton in a ck robe with a weird, glowing ne hanging from its neck, floating half a meter above the ground. A bone staff with a purple crystal was held in its left hand.


    Soon, the crystal began to glow. Derek looked around him at the dead ghouls that were beginning to move. Oh, fuck that! He yelled and dashed forward. His hands glowing a deep purple.


    He flew forward at breakneck speed and mmed his right hand into the Lichs face. A crater formed below them as he mmed the skeletons head into the ground. He smashed its face with his void covered fist over while yelling at the monster. No Way In Hell Are You Doing That


    The Lichs skull crumbled to dust. Derek reached down and ripped the ne from what was left of its neck. Ive yed way too many games and read way too many novels to not know what this is. He ced the glowing three dimensional star-shaped decoration in between his voidced hands and squeezed until it crumbled. Dumbass, wearing your phctery around your neck. He shook his head. Youre supposed to hide it, its liching 101.


    Derek dropped what was left of the ne and looked up at the glowing orbing into existence. <em>I guess thats it. </em>Derek looked around at the carnage he let loose. <em>Magic is pretty neat. </em>


    He turned back to the tomb and walked back over. Opening the door, he poked his head in. Hey guys, you cane out now. All the bad men are gone. He backed away as Rayna walked out, followed by the rest of the group.


    Derek watched as they looked around at the two enemy piles and one crater. He walked over to the pile of ghouls and searched around until he found what he was looking for. He grabbed the arm of an Acidic Ghoul and ripped it off. He then ced it inside his bracelet. He turned back around to his team, who were giving him odd looks. What? Its part of the n.


    Ah! Brandi gave out a cry. Derek looked over and saw her picking up the bats. These will make great materials. She said.


    He shook his head and took all but one of the bodies of the adventurers out of his bracelet. He took what money he could find off of them and tossed their bodies into the pile of ghouls. Part one of the n, done. He said. Now, lets go see what the reward is. He motioned for the group to follow him.


    They all walked towards the dungeon orb. When they arrived, they reached out like they had time after time, and ced their hands on it to receive their reward. The message that followed was a happy surprise.


    Dungeon Complete


    Assigning Rewards.


    Congrattions, as you are the first toplete this dungeon, rewards are doubled.


    You have received Storage Ring x2


    Everyone gasped. Derek looked at them as they clutched their storage rings. What? Is it that good?


    Rayna answered. Storage rings are rare, but can still be bought by rich people and nobles, but a dungeon that gives them as rewards She shook her head. When they find out, everyone is going to want to run it. People wille from other cities, maybe even the Capitol. She sighed. I dont know if this will be a boon or a cmity for our viges.


    I see. Derek replied. He fiddled with his rings and injected mana into one. He frowned. <em>Not even half as big as the space in my bracelet. Oh well, it will be a good way to hide that my bracelet is a storage device. </em>


    So much space Thomas said. Do storage rings usually have this much room?


    Rayna paused and looked at the ring she was holding. After a couple seconds, she sighed again. Theyrerge storage rings too. She said. That will cause an even greatermotion.


    Derek furrowed his brows. He reached out to Rayna. Can I see the one you looked in? He had already confirmed that both of his had the same amount of storage space. Rayna was taken aback, but nodded and handed him her ring. He looked inside. It was the same. He handed it back. So you consider this a big storage ring?


    She nodded. Yes.


    <em>I wonder what they would think if they saw inside my bracelet. </em>He shook his head andughed. He looked around. Okay. Im going to need one ring from you. Who wants to give one up? He asked.


    Instantly, Mal, Rayna, Thomas, and Brandi all held out one ring towards him. He chuckled and took the one from Thomas. This is fine.


    Brandi seemed to get an idea at about that time. Im going to go collect all the bats in my storage ring. She said as she ran off. Thomas followed her.


    Derek chose that time to deal with all of his notifications. <em>Holy shit! </em>He thought as he went through everything. When he finally dismissed thest window, he viewed his new status.


    Status


    Name


    Derek Hunt


    Age


    29


    Level


    76


    Experience


    365,118/590,000


    ss


    Legend of the Void (Legendary)


    Race


    Human (Modified)


    Health


    5250


    Mana


    5000


    Stamina


    5150


    Defense


    51 (Armor + 0)


    Attack


    100 (Weapon + 0)


    Stats


    Strength


    500


    Dexterity


    500


    Endurance


    515


    Vitality


    525


    Intelligence


    500


    Wisdom


    500


    Stat Points Remaining


    643


    Skills


    Absolute Nullify


    Level 1


    Nullify magic spells


    Chain Lightning


    Level 9


    Send a chain of lightning to enemies.


    Channel Void


    Level 8


    Channel the Void through your body, into attacks or defenses.


    Cure Toxin


    Level 4


    Removes poisons and toxins.


    Dismantle


    Level 12


    Increase ability to dismantle deceased organic life forms.


    Greater Meditation


    Level 3


    Enter meditative state to increase recovery.


    Heavy Weapons Mastery


    Level 18


    Increase damage with heavy weapons.


    Identify


    Level 15


    Appraise objects or entities.


    Magic Resistance


    Level 8


    Increase natural magic resistance by 1.5% per level.


    Multi-Strike


    Level 1


    Your next attack hits twice.


    Physical Resistance


    Level 1


    Increase natural physical resistance by 1.5% per level.


    Rejuvenation


    Level 9


    Restores 45% HP over 30 seconds.


    Sweeping sh


    Level 18


    Project a sh in front of you.


    Void Call


    Level 2


    Call out to the Void.


    Void Sense


    Level 2


    Sense the void.


    Void Shift


    Level 3


    Be one with and move within the void.


    Void Storage


    Level N/A


    Use a storage space made from void.


    Skill Points Remaining


    16


    Skill Upgrade Points Remaining


    4


    Awards


    Greater Giant yer, Jack of All, Lesser Dungeon Explorer, Lesser yer of the Unknown, Magical ss Cannon, Meat Shield, Lesser Explorer, Offensive Powerhouse


    Derek closed his status and prepared for the next step.

 Chapter 53: The Plan

    Chapter 53: The n


    The group waited for Brandi and Thomas to return with the bats. While waiting, Derek pulled Gracefalls storage ring out of his bracelet and went through it. There was some good stuff in the ring, but Derek could only sigh because he knew he would not be keeping any of it.


    I goooot them. A small, feminine voice rang out behind them. When Derek turned around, he saw Brandi and Thomas back from their task. That was hard, they were scattered everywhere. Brandi said.


    Derek just nodded and smiled. Its good that you thought to collect them, they are all level 100. You should be able to make some good stuff.


    Brandis eyes shone. Thats great.


    Okay, its time to go. Weve been away from the vige for too long already. Im sure that someone probably thinks that the adventurers ran into trouble by now. Derek said, and the rest of the team agreed.


    Lets go. He walked forward and ced his hand back on the dungeon orb. The others followed, mimicking his movement. Soon, the orb found that everyone was there and gave him the options. Just to make sure, he checked the status of the dungeon. The status had changed from Extreme Overflow to Stable. Relieved, he let out a breath.


    Rayna also looked happy, as she must have also checked the dungeon status. Now, we can only hope that this stops the spread of the disease.


    Derek nodded and focused his attention on Leave Dungeon. The countdown began, and before too long, the light overtook them and they disappeared.


    The team soon found their footing, and they were back at the dungeon entrance. A notification appeared in Dereks vision, but he promptly ignored it to focus on what had to be done next. He looked around for the best ce to use for his n. Not far in the distance, he found a tree. Actually, upon looking, he could tell that the tree had already begun to heal itself, and the dreadful aura that had been emanating from the dungeon orb had lessened considerably. It was now almost nonexistent.


    Derek walked over to the tree. After a shake of his hand, the nobles body appeared. He gently sat the body down, leaning it against the tree. Then, he took two storage rings, one of his own and the one Thomas gave him, andid them onto thep of the corpse.


    Following that, Derek pulled the storage ring that belonged to the noble out. He began pulling out health potions that the man had stored. Bringing one to his mouth, he tested it to make sure that it was a healing potion. He removed some empty sks from his own bracelet and emptied all the healing potions into his own vials. <em>No sense in letting all this go to waste. </em>


    After emptying all the nobles health vials, he dropped half of them on the ground beside the corpse. Then, he took about a third of what he assumed was mana potions from the nobles ring. Verifying their contents, he stored them into his own bracelet. <em>Got to make it look like he at least used up a bit of his supplies while in the dungeon.</em>


    Derek continued doing small things like this for around ten minutes. Soon, he found that everything looked ready. Grabbing the hand that the ring was originally worn on, he ced the ring back on. It pained him that he was going to be losing three storage rings at once, but with his new <strong>Void Storage</strong>, it made it somewhat easier.


    <em>Now for the final steps. </em>Derek poured mana into his storage bracelet once again. This time, the severed hand of the Acidic Ghoul appeared. Carefully, he took the tip of the de-like fingernail and cut a small slit into the side of the corpses neck. The acid began doing its thing immediately.


    <em>Why did I have to break this guys neck? It would have been easier if he would have died of internal injuries. At least then I could have let the acid run rampant in his body without having to worry too much. </em>Derek carefully watched the acid spread. Soon, it was through the bodys neck and began eating away at its spine. The break in the neck soon vanished.


    <em>Here goes. </em>Derek began casting <strong>Cure Toxin </strong>on the acid. The acid visibly slowed, but continued eating through the body. Soon, he cast the spell again, then again, then again. After a few more casts, the acid slowed to a crawl. <em>At this rate, it will be weeks, maybe even months, before the acid is able to spread through to the rest of the corpse. </em>


    Based on his previous experience with the acid, Derek had made it look like the healing potions and the few poison cures he had found had healed the man long enough that the spread of the acid had been reduced. Unfortunately, the adventurer seemed to have run out of potions before the acid had run its course.


    Other materialsid beside the noble, making it seem like he tried everything he could to remove the acid. There were remains of clothing where he had tried to wipe it off, only to spread it further. It was too bad that in his panic, he never thought about trying to cut the toxin out. If he would have done so before it spread, he would have been able to heal himself from the self-inflicted surgery.


    Or at least, this is what the carefullyid story seemed to tell. Derek looked down at his finished project and nodded. <em>I think this is as good as Ill be able to do. Hopefully, they dont send someone out who investigates things like this for a living. </em>


    After finishing, Derek turned and looked at the others, who had been quietly watching him all the while. Rayna visibly shuttered when his gaze caught hers. Remind me not to piss you off in the future. She said.


    Derekughed. Noted. He continued. Brandi,e here. The rest of you, make your way out of this clearing. I dont see or hear anything, but you should still be careful. Im going to cover our tracks, then follow you out. The group all consented, then began slowing moving back into the forest.


    Derek lifted Brandi up and began removing the traces of their team from the clearing. Soon, they were all back in the forest and Derek had caught up. Alright. Its time to head back to the vige. Lets see if we cant get this girl to level 10 while were at it.


    With that, the groups dungeon farming was over. It was time to head home.


    ***


    One weekter, a group of tired individuals stepped out of the forest. They had hurried back and had not gotten good rest in thest week, well, they had not gotten good rest for far longer than that, but the anticipation of returning home had made them all fidgety and kept them from having a good rest while in the forest.


    Finally! Were out! Brandi jumped for joy. She had been level 10 for over four days now, but Derek had talked her into waiting until she got home before choosing her ss.


    Almost back. I hope the vige has been doing well while we were gone. Rayna said. She was clearly nervous about her vige. She and Derek had gotten a lot closer during their time in the dungeons. She did not act anywhere near as cautious around him now as she did before. She had actually hit level 50 too and was waiting to return before upgrading her ss.


    A bath. That would be nice. Thomas said. Derek was happy with the boys progress. He had matured quite a bit since the first dungeon he ran with him. He had taken to the spear quite nicely. It was almost like the weapon was made specifically for him.


    Something other than monster meat would be good too. Malorie spoke up. She had never expected to reach level 30 in her lifetime. Now, she was the second strongest person in the vige, and she loved using the destaff.


    Im just disappointed that the unicorn boar meat tasted identical to regr pork. Dont get me wrong, I love bacon and pork chops as much as the next guy, but I was hoping for something magical. Derek replied. Derek had actually had quite a bit of fun on these dungeon runs. It was the first time in a long time that he felt good in a group. He actually looked forward to chatting a bit with the bartender back in the vige.


    It would be nice to sleep on an actual bed. Derek said. He had been lookout the whole time they were gone, so he spent the majority of his time in meditation. It was about time for him to actually get a good nights sleep.


    Soon, the group arrived at the outskirts of the vige. Rayna sighed in relief at the sight. Whew. At least its still standing. She said as they walked towards the front gate.


    The normal duo of guards were waiting in their positions when they approached. The gates opened without a word and the team walked inside. The guards greeted Rayna before closing the gates behind them and getting back to their duty.


    Finally! Come on, lets see what I get. Brandi yelled and began sprinting to her residence.


    Derek smiled and jogged behind. This was something that he was quite interested in too.

 Chapter 54: Ive Created a Monster

    Chapter 54: I''ve Created a Monster


    Derek turned the corner and saw Brandi sitting on the bench in her courtyard. He stopped, standing there silently, awaiting her ss choice. The others soon arrived behind them.


    Im going to find Leon and the others and see if anything has happened since weve been gone. Rayna said before walking away.


    Derek nodded and looked to Thomas. You better go check in with your grandma. He smiled. Thomas agreed and left.


    Now, it was just him, Malorie, and Brandi. He watched as Brandis facial features went from frustrated to surprised to awe, and many other emotions. She was taking a much longer time than any of the others. Derek was proud of this fact, it meant that she was being much more serious about her decision than Thomas had been.


    He knew that he really should not y favorites, but even with Thomas maturing while in the dungeons, she was surpassing him in every way except for fighting. In fact, he had a n for the girl if she were to unlock a powerful ss. It was actually the reason he brought the mother and daughter with him. Rayna, on the other hand, well, he just enjoyed herpany.


    Time slowly passed. <em>Damn, she is really taking her time. </em>Derek figured that she was going over every possible ss, no matter the rating. That was something that he did for his first ss from the other system, so he could respect it.


    Finally, she opened her eyes with a frown on her face. Derek? She asked. Could you help me?


    Huh? He was surprised, but happy that she would ask for his help. What do you need help with?


    After looking at all of the sses, I have two that I want. One sounds amazing, but the other is well odd. She said.


    Oh? What are your choices?


    The first ss that I want is called Talons Protege. Its an amazing Leatherworking ss. It is an epic rarity She paused as Malorie let out a loud gasp. After her mother calmed down, she continued. Apparently, Talon was a legendary Leatherworker from a long time ago. The sses with 20 stat points per level and five different skills when unlocked.


    Derek cursed the system again. <em>Why does her epic ss get five skills when I only get two? This is unfair. </em>He thought about it a little longer and calmed down. <em>I guess she really wont have anybat skill with it.</em>


    Derek decided to ask the girl more about the ss. You said that he was a legendary Leatherworker? Does that mean that the ss is a growth type and your ss will eventually be a legendary ss too?


    Mhm. She said. Thats what the description says. But it isnt a growth type ss. It says that She paused and seemed to focus. As a protege, you will never be able to surpass your master while under her wing. She read the exact description from the ss select.


    Its an epic ss! Thats amazing honey, it doesnt matter if it wont be legendary. Malorie could not help herself and blurted out.


    Both Brandi and Derek ignored her outburst. Derek spoke. So, that means that as long as you have the ss, it will always be epic. Derek thought for a minute. So, in order to surpass the epic rating, you would have to switch sses at some point, and that is if one is ever offered, and you would risk losing any exclusive ss skills. Derek nodded his head.


    <em>Rare was the bare minimum ss for my n, so this is already great. </em>Derek thought. I imagine that a lot of the skills you learn will be usable across several different Leatherworking sses. Its really not a bad choice. What is the other ss?


    Its called All Smith. Its rare and a growth ss. She said.


    Woah, the name isnt great, but, being a growth ss, it will end strong. What does the description say?


    Umm It says, Be an All Smith. Thats it. Thats whats odd. She replied.


    Does it say anything about skills?


    Brandi shook her head. Nothing. Other than the one sentence, it doesnt say anything.


    Well, the name is pretty self exnatory. I imagine that it is a ss that is able to use multiple crafting professions. You will probably be a Leathersmith, cksmith, Tailor, and maybe more, who knows. Its rare at the beginning, so it will be easier to get initial levels. Derek exined.


    She nodded. Thats what I thought. Which should I choose? She asked.


    I dont know. Its your decision. I will say that All Smith will probably be amazing. You probably wont ever have to worry about material for leveling either. If you run out of hides, you can use bones for armor or weapons. If you run out of that, there are plenty of nts to use for cloth. This is my opinion, but if it were me, I would choose All Smith. The other one will be good too, especially if you really want to focus on Leatherworking. But, at the end, it is your decision. Derek replied.


    The girl scrunched her face. Youre no help. She pouted.


    Derek just shrugged and gave an odd smile.


    Brandi closed her eyes again. Mal and Derek waited anxiously for her decision. Finally, Brandi let out a breath, then promptly fainted.


    Derek dashed forward and caught the girl before she hit the ground.


    Brandi! Malorie screamed as she ran forward.


    Derek scanned the girl and used <strong>Identify</strong>. Seeing that she was in good health and was only unconscious, he let out a sigh of relief. Shes okay. I think she was just overwhelmed with the ss information. I think she chose All Smith.


    Lets get her inside. Malorie said.


    Derek nodded and picked her up. He followed Mal around the corner and into the residence. Heid Brandi down in themon room and sat with his back against the wall. Then the duo waited.


    A couple hourster, Brandi opened her eyes and sat up from her mothersp. She seemed to be in shock.


    Brandi! Are you okay, how do you feel? Malorie said.


    I Im fine. She answered as she looked around.


    Thats great. Thomas said. Derek was still sitting against the wall, but now, the boy was back and sitting next to him.


    So, do you know what happened? Derek asked.


    The girl nodded her burred head. The skills. I got them.


    What do you mean? Derek asked.


    The skills, they were free. Picking the ss automatically unlocked them. I didnt get any skill points. She rified.


    Oh? Thats okay, I guess? Was it All Smith that you chose? Derek asked and she nodded in agreement. Well, its a bit of a rip that you dont get any extra skill points for general skills, but not having to pay to unlock them is good. How many skills did you get, five? Ten? He asked.


    Brandi shook her head. Four Forty-two. She answered.


    The entire room was dead silent. They could not believe what they just heard. This girl had chosen a rare ss and unlocked 42 skills all at once. After a while, Derek finally reeled himself in.


    How? Just what can you craft? What did you learn? He asked.


    Brandi closed her eyes and focused, as if trying to put things in order. Im able to craft a lot of things from Armoursmithing, Weaponsmithing, Leatherworking, Tailoring, Alchemy, Woodworking, Sculpting, Brewing, whatever Engineering is, Enchanting, Gemsmithing, and Runesmithing and I got some Cooking, Mining, Herbalism, and Painting skills. I dont know why I need Painting. She shook her head.


    <em>This is crazy. She could literally be an unkible monster with just the stuff she crafts. Enchanted cloth and leather armor with enchanted weapons and drenched in essories. While having a cooking buff and downing potions. Using runes as weapons, if they work like they did in my old system. I want this ss AND SHE CAN MAKE BEER! </em>Derek was beside himself. <em>I have to change my n and put more into this girl. Shes a national treasure.</em>


    Derek shook the excitement off. Dont tell anyone about your ss. If anyone asks right now, you got a rare crafting ss that lets you dabble in different crafts. Ill think of something elseter because that n will onlyst while you''re at a low level. The main thing is that you have to get strong enough so nobody messes with you. Im not going to always be around to protect you. Derek thought about something after that. What about stat points? Did you get 15 like a normal rare ss?


    Brandi frowned. I dont have any stat points to use. Let me check my stats. She focused in front of her. Her eyes shot open in surprise. I got four points into everything. My Dexterity and Endurance is a little higher than everything else now because of the points I spent before to try to get a good ss, but it looks like everything increased by four.


    Soon, Brandi jumped up. Im going to go use my new skills to make something. She ran to the door, then outside, leaving everyone sitting in the room in stunned silence.


    Eventually, Derek stood up and walked back to the courtyard. Brandi had her knife, which was now glowing, cutting into one of her hides. She was extremely excited. She turned and saw Derek and held up her knife. This sharpens my knife and lets it cut smoother, I also cast a spell on the hide that works with my will to help prevent bad or uneven cuts. I have another one that lets me up the quality at the end of a leather craft, but those are my only three Leatherworking skills, but I think I can use one of the Tailoring skills to help with Leatherworking too. She went on, gushing about her new ss.


    <em>Monster, shes going to be a monster. </em>Derek sighed. Well, remember what I said and dont let anyone know about your ss. And I know I told you all before, but keep your storage rings hidden for now.


    I know. Thank you, Derek. I would have never gotten this far if not for you. She said and ran over and hugged him.


    Derek patted her head. Its fine. Work hard. Im going to go get a good nights sleep. Ill see you tomorrow. Brandi released him and he turned to walk away. He stopped. Maybe with your newfound skill, you can make me some new t-shirts. He chuckled and continued walking.

 Chapter 55: Its Time

    Chapter 55: It''s Time


    The next morning, Derek woke up and went back to the courtyard. He thought that he had risen early, but Brandi was already at it with her Leatherworking. He walked up behind her and waited for her to reach a stopping point.


    So, found anything else out about your ss? He asked.


    She jumped, as she had been focusing all of her mind on her craft. Turning around, she replied. I did, actually. I hit level 11 earlier. Instead of getting four points into everything like before, I got three. I dont know why or if its a good thing or a bad thing.


    Hmm Well, if you were to get four points into everything at every level, your rare ss would be getting more points than an epic ss, and evenpeting with a legendary one. It makes sense that there are restrictions. In two levels you have gotten, what, 42 points? An epic ss only gets 20 per level, rare is 15. He said, remembering his previous epic ss and Raynas rare one.


    He continued. Honestly, I wouldnt be shocked if you only got two points per level next time. It makes sense that the ss is distributing the points evenly though. Strength and Endurance would be ideal stats for things like Weaponsmithing, Wisdom and Intelligence would be for Enchanting or making runes, Dexterity is definitely for the more precision crafts. Im not sure about Vitality, but it would suck to not be able to withstand an Alchemy explosion, so its good to have it too. Just make sure to watch your stats over the next few levels and see if you can find the pattern.


    Brandi nodded her head. Then she looked at Derek with an intense gaze. You said that it would almost bepeting with a legendary ss. How do you know what a legendary ss is like? She looked with hopeful eyes.


    Derek smiled. Well, you cant tell anyone anyway, but I would prefer for you to keep it to yourself. He leaned in close. Brandi drew near. He whispered. I used to have an epic ss. Then he backed up and let Brandi piece it together.


    Used to? Then you dont anymore? She paused. Growth ss? Is it a growth ss? Like mine? She asked.


    Derek just winked at her. You go back and keep doing what youre doing. You should be leveling everything you can. I know it will be hard with all your skill, and the fact that you dont have any equipment for some of the crafts, but focus on what you do have.


    She assented and turned back around to continue her work.


    Derek smiled and walked back to the bench and sat down. Soon, he slipped into deep thought. <em>What should I do next? </em>He looked around. <em>I think my time in this vige is pretty much done. The dungeon ispleted and Rayna is strong enough to deal with any leftover beast hordes still in the outer edge of the forest. </em>


    <em>I guess I could go and get level 100, but I didnt see many enemies at level 100 or higher outside of the dungeon. There are supposed to be some strong creatures even deeper in the forest, but strong to these people is like level 50. Id rather not spend a lot of time traveling just to go on a wild goose chase. </em>Derek sighed and looked over his stats.


    <em>Well, at my current level, my stats including my free points are that of someone with a rare ss being at like level 240. </em>He closed his eyes and did some more calctions. <em>Hell, someone with an epic ss would need to be at least level 180 to even get close to my stats. Though, with my current distribution, and not focusing on any one skill, they could still beat me in their special areas. </em>


    Derek thought about it for a minute, then put 200 points into his Strength, Endurance, and Vitality. He did not feel the big boost that he got when hitting 500, but going up 200 points at once was still a leap and he would need to get used to it again. <em>Magic is fun and all, but Endurance and Vitality got me to where I am, and kept me alive. Its also nice to have extra Strength.</em>


    Happy with his distribution, he thought about his ns. <em>I need to go see if that dumb bunny is still anywhere around here. Though, Ive always wanted a mount, so I could go look for something cool instead. </em>He shook his head. <em>No, Ill stick with the bunny if I can find it easily. If not, Ill take the other route. </em>


    He continued looking over his status sheet, then stopped when he got to the Awards. <em>So that is what they were all talking about. </em>He had dismissed his new Award for being part of the first team toplete a new dungeon. The others had brought it up, but he did not bother with it before, as it was not something that he could currently use.


    Lesser Dungeon Traveler


    You are the first toplete a newly formed dungeon. Your skill and courage to explore the unknown is astounding. You have received the following:


    +10% Experience Gained in Dungeons


    +10% Increase in Dungeon Reward Rarity


    Continue to explore new dungeons to increase the Awards tier.


    <em>I mean, its not a bad Award, especially for me. Ill be able toplete level 100+ dungeons solo and fast, but the problem is finding them. </em>Derek looked around again. <em>I guess the n is to find the bunny, then go to the city. Ill see if I can find a map of other dungeons, or get directions to a different city that has them. </em>He frowned as he thought about it. <em>I did want to make sure no one caused trouble to the vige because of that noble, though. Ill stay a bit longer just to see, but after that, Im out.</em>


    With his ns set, Derek waited at the vige for some time. During that time, Brandi got to level 14 and found out that she gets four, three, then two stat points into every stat before it rolls back over to four. All in all, it turned out to be 18 points per level, which was in between a rare and epic sss distribution.


    He also told Thomas that he would be leaving sometime soon and made sure the boy still wanted to go with him. Of course, he did. He made sure to drill it into the kid that anymore tantly dumb mistakes would get him a one-way ticket back to the vige. Thomas seemed to be very embarrassed about his past mistakes and promised that he would be smart.


    ***


    A few dayster, at around noon, Derek was chatting with Bart at the bar. Bart was right about one thing, there really was not anything fine about his ale. Derek mmed the mug down and sighed. I guess theres no point in even trying to get a buzz. At least on Earth, he could purchase alcohol from the system that was strong enough for him. <em>I guess Ill have to wait for Brandi to be able to make some good shit.</em>


    Bart sighed apologetically. Its strong enough for the vigers, but I guess it aint nothing special for ya.


    Its not your fault. It was good to drink something different, anyway. Even if it tastes like piss from a boot. Derek replied.


    About that time, the front door swung open and Thomas ran in. Derek. Theres someone here. He has a GIANT sword strapped to his back and a gold Adventurers badge.


    Oh, I wonder if he is here for the Adventurers Guild or for the nobles. Derek dropped a few coins from his storage ring onto the bar, then stood up. Fortunately, the storage rings from the dungeon were basic ck bands, and looked exactly like the one the noble he killed was wearing. It was easier for Derek to exin than his bracelet, as he had asked around and everyone had only ever heard of people using rings. Of course, he only kept some basic things like money and hides in it. There were a couple weapons too, but nothing that anyone would question if he ever had to show anyone the contents.


    Derek exited the inn and leaned up against the wall beside the door with his arms crossed, waiting to get a good look at the new stranger. If he was heading to Raynas residence, he would have to pass in front of him.


    Sure enough, the man with light brown hair tied in a ponytail soon made his appearance. He was wearing a shiny silver set of armor, and his greatsword was giant indeed. To Dereks surprise, he was not acting like everything was beneath him. He was looking around, taking the sight of the vige in, like any normal traveler would. <em>Hmm Maybe hes a representative from the Adventurers Guild. </em>


    Soon, the mans visionnded on Derek, who was wearing his usual blue jeans, ck shirt, andbat boots. The man furrowed his brows, then his eyes shot wide open in surprise. Derek smirked. The man paused for a second, but soon continued forward past the inn and toward Raynas residence.


    ***


    Rayna was sitting at her meeting table waiting for the man. Richard had informed her of the man at the same time that Thomas informed Derek. Needless to say, she was a bundle of nerves, but she was doing a good job hiding it.


    Thest few days had been great for her. She finally looked at her ss upgrade and, though there was no epic ss to choose from, she was able to change her ss from the rare Tempest Sword to a rare growth type ss called Zephyrs Gale. She was especially happy that she was able to keep all of her old skills. She had spent most of her time in the dungeon casting <strong>Wind des</strong>, it seemed that the Great System must have taken note, and her new ss was more of a wind swordsman that focused on range. It suited her perfectly.


    Soon, there was a knock on her door. Richard jumped up and went to answer. She had been waiting for this day. Derek had told her that if all else failed, shift all the me onto him, but she would hate herself if she had to do that, even if he could handle it.


    Richard came back, behind him was the warrior. Rayna stood and spoke. Oh, I wasnt expectingpany. How can I help you, mister She waited for the man to cut in.


    Bronson. The man said.


    Mr. Bronson. Please have a seat. She motioned to an empty chair and took a seat herself.


    The man touched his greatsword. Im afraid Ill have to stand. He replied.

 Chapter 56: Here We Go

    Chapter 56: Here We Go


    Im afraid Ill have to stand. Bronson spoke. He was surprised with this ravishing blonde vige chief. When he used <strong>Identify</strong>, it came back as a level 50 warrior. Sure, seeing level 50s and better was normal in Torith, but in a vige such as this one, he had not expected. In fact, he was still reeling from the oddly dressed, cocky man with haunting purple eyes that smiled at him earlier.


    His level 12 <strong>Identify </strong>had failed when he tried it on the man. There were only three possibilities. Either the man had <strong>Identify, </strong>and it was at a higher level than his, hisbined <strong>Identify </strong>and level was higher than his, or he had an extremely high level. All that he knew was that the man was strong.


    I See. The woman said. Well, my name is Rayna, and I am the chief of this vige. How can I help you today? She asked.


    Bronson cut right to the chase. A group of adventurers should have made their way here not too long ago. They were on a task from the guild to find and clear a possibly newly found dungeon around here.


    Rayna nodded. Yes, the group stopped by here. They did not stay long before they left though. The woman said.


    Bronson frowned. They left right away?


    Yes. They came here and stol borrowed Richards map of the vige and surrounding dungeons. She nodded at Richard, who winced ever slow slightly.


    Bronson noted the slight disgust in the womans voice and the emotion from the man when she mentioned the map. <em>Well, that sure sounds like the boy. The map is probably a very valuable thing out here, and Wace must have swiped it. </em>He shook his head. He looked directly at Rayna. One of those adventurers was a noble from house Gracefall. I am both the head butler and guard of the house. I havee here because the boy is missing.


    He was watching the womans expressions as he spoke. She frowned slightly when he mentioned that the boy was a noble. Bronson squinted his eyes and continued. I find it strange that the team wouldnt stop for a break after traveling all the way here.


    The woman visibly held her breath. She seemed to be thinking of what to say. She let out a long sigh. They probably would have stayed. She said. Bronson motioned for her to continue speaking. They were creating a ruckus It disturbed Derek. He asked them to be on their way.


    When she finished speaking, Bronson immediately thought of the man he passed in the street. Who is this Derek? He asked.


    We dont know much about him. Hes been here for a little while now, seems to have taken a liking to Richards grandson. All I know about him is that hes strong and sometimes he gets in a mood. The woman said.


    Bronson looked at Richard. Your grandson?


    The older man nodded and shook his head. I dont know whats gotten into the boy. He keeps talking about bing the mans apprentice. He goes off and trains with him sometimes. The boy is already a higher level than me.


    Bronson got the feeling that the man did not approve of this apprenticeship. <em>If this man is as strong as he feels, the boy should thank the Great System that he took an interest in him, unless the man is unsavory. </em>This man, deep ck hair, weirdly dressed, and purple irises? He asked.


    They both nodded.


    <em>I guess I have to go talk to this Derek. </em>Bronson began to turn around. Thank you for the information. If you think of anything else before I leave, please let me know. He finished speaking and walked to the door, then out.


    ***


    Derek was still leaning against the wall of the inn when he saw the maning back from Raynas residence. <em>Right on time. </em>He thought.


    Soon, the man stopped about five meters away from him and just stared. Derek was unable to <strong>Identify </strong>the man, but he could guess that the man could not use the skill on him either by the way he looked at him in the beginning. <em>His badge showed him as a gold adventurer, so his level should still be under 150. </em>Derek was not worried about having to face someone around that level. Plus, Torith was not a full city, and he doubted there was anyone even close to the tinum adventurers badge. Derek would put this man at level 130 at most.


    Derek pushed himself off the wall and walked to the middle of the street. <em>Were going to have ourselves a good ol fashioned standoff. </em>He stopped and stared at the man. He pointed at the sword on the mans back. Can you use that? He asked.


    Do you want to find out? The man asked.


    Derek chuckled. Youpensating for something? He asked, seeing if he could rile the man up. The man just looked at him quizzically. <em>Dammit! He didnt get the dick joke </em>Well,e on then, I dont have all day. That inn has some of the worst ale youll ever drink and I want another.


    The warrior furrowed his brow and reached for his sword. Fine, its your fault if you die. The man rushed forward with his drawn greatsword. Within range, he shed down with both hands.


    <em>This cant be all hes got. </em>Derek thought as he casually raised his hand and grabbed on to the moving de. The sword stopped in its tracks, like it had hit an immovable wall. The man stared at Derek, dumbfounded.


    Derek let go of the sword and turned back to the inn. He started walking. Put that butter knife away ande join me for a drink.


    Inside, Derek shook his hand and looked at his palm. The slight cut, not enough to draw blood, was almost healed. <em>Decent Strength, too bad the greatsword doesnt have much of an edge to it. It would be a good weapon if it was sharper. </em>He walked to the bar and sat on a stool. Two ales. He said to Bart.


    Soon, the man walked in, his greatsword nowhere to be found. Derek turned his head to look. So, you wear that dull knife on your back as what, intimidation? Dont you know its better to hide your weapons until you need them. He said as he turned back and picked up the mug.


    The man sat beside him, surprise still in his eyes. Who Who are you?


    Hmm? Me? Im Derek. Who are you?


    The man opened his mouth to speak, but closed it right after. Finally. Im Bronson. He said.


    Hello Bronson, have a drink. Derek slid the other mug over to the man. Bronson picked it up and took a swig. The face he made was priceless. Told you it was bad.


    What is someone of your strength doing in a vige like this? Bronson asked after setting the mug down far, far away.


    Found a boy running from a wolf. Brought him home. Liked the peacefulness, decided to stay for a bit before heading to Torith. Derek answered like he had nothing to hide.


    Bronson frowned. Did you see a group of adventurerse through here?


    <em>There it is. </em>Derek thought. Yup. A bunch of assholes and a spoiled noble. Shouting noble this, noble that. If someone doesnt teach that kid how to act when daddy isnt around to protect him, hes going to get himself killed. He said and took another drink.


    Bronson looked at Derek, surprised. So you didnt kill him?


    Kill him? Hes dead? Derek asked and Bronson nodded. Thats odd.


    Why would that be odd? Bronson asked, confused.


    Well, he had to havepleted the dungeon. The disease has lessened greatly this past couple weeks. I would have done it, but it was only level 100, you know how it is. Derek replied.


    Hepleted the dungeon?


    Yeah, surprised me too. Didnt think the prissy noble had it in him.


    Bronson did not seem to get hung up on how Derek addressed Wace. Youve seen the dungeon?


    Of course, I thought the disease was interesting, so I followed it. Turned out to be a low leveled dungeon, disappointing.


    Bronson scoffed. Low level... He shook his head. I guess I need to go to the dungeon and take a look.


    Good luck with that. That asshole kid took the only map, and the disease isnt as easy to follow anymore. I took a look earlier and was surprised by how quickly the nts were recovering. Derek paused and acted like he was thinking for a moment. I guess I could take you, but you have to do me a favor.


    A favor?


    Yeah, Im leaving for Torith soon. You can show me around when I get there. Nothing like having a local guide.


    Thats easy enough, though, I dont know how long this is going to take.


    <em>Shouldnt take too long, buddy. </em>Thats fine. Lets go before it getste. Derek looked down at Bronsons legs. Can you move fast, or did you pump all your points into your muscles?


    At this point it seemed that Bronson was used to Dereks rude remarks. I can move fast enough.


    Good,e on. Derek walked out of the inn and towards the gate. Bronson followed.


    After passing through the front gate, Derek took off to the edge of the forest at about three quarters of his fastest speed. Once at the treeline, he paused to wait. Finally, Bronson arrived beside him. So, fast enough means slow, I guess. Derek shook his head.


    The other man red at Derek with his mouth opened, not saying anything.


    Well, lets go then. We should still be able to make it back by dark. Even at your speed. Derek took off, this time slower than before. Derek was right. Without a team, and with someone who had high Endurance and decent speed, they were at the dungeon within hours.


    Here it is. Derek stopped. The dungeon orb was about ten meters away, inside the clearing. Derek looked around. Even this area has already healed quite a bit. Derek walked to the orb while Bronson looked around.


    Derek put his hand on the orb and pulled up the dungeon description, Enter Dungeon was still there, as he was under level 100. Whoa, would you look at that? Derek said, catching Bronsons attention. Its definitely been cleared, but the reward is quite good. He looked at the man and smiled. It gives storage rings.


    The man rushed over, and Derek removed his hand from the orb. Soon, the man put his hand on it. This is going to be big. Bronson removed his hand and continued to look around.


    It was not long before he saw the tree with a decaying body underneath. He quickly rushed over. Derek slowly walked behind him. <em>Here we go.</em>

 Chapter 57: Investigate

    Chapter 57: Investigate


    Derek stood behind and watched as Bronson inspected the body. He walked a little closer, as if to have a better look. Oh, are those the storage rings from the dungeon? Derek quickly swiped one of the rings before Bronson could react. Bronson stared at him. <em>Got to keep you from focusing too hard on the body.</em>


    Thats not too bad, there is definitely a good amount of room in here. If they are all like this, this dungeon will be quite popr. Derek said as he tossed the ring back onto the body. Derek inspected the body to see how the acid had reacted after he left. Not surprisingly, it had done its job quite well.


    The acid had almostpletely eaten through the boys neck and was working its way up his face and down towards his chest. It was at the point where it was moving very slowly. The right hand of the corpse, that Derek had ced over the acidic wound before he left, had also been eaten though quite thoroughly. As the acid had done with him, so too did it do to the corpse. Blood was almost nonexistent, as the acid made quick work of liquid.


    As Derek viewed the scene, he prided himself on a job well done. Luckily, or not, no monsters or beasts had approached the scene, leaving everything intact. <em>I dont know, maybe it would have been better if a monster would havee around.</em>


    Bronson stood up. So, what do you think? Derek asked.


    It seems that Wace was either the only adventurer to make it out of the dungeon, or the others left. Im thinking the former. It looks like he used every recovery item he had in his storage ring trying to resist whatever this He pointed at the slow moving acidic effect. ... is.


    Derek looked over the wound and the bottles beside the body. Hmm Too bad. I dont know how potent this stuff is, but moving this slowly, it seems that he was almost able to treat it. A couple more recovery items and hed have been okay. Derek took his hand and ran a finger over the wound, coating his finger in some of the remaining acid.


    He held his hand out and both he and Bronson watched as it reacted. A long time passed before it was able to make even the slightest dent in his skin. At this rate, someone like him could havested plenty long enough to get back to the vige at least. It must have been much stronger before. Derek cast <strong>Cure Toxin </strong>on his hand and the substance disappeared, along with the mark it had created.


    Bronson sighed and stored the corpse away in his storage ring. All that remained were the potion bottles and the three rings.


    You mind if I take these bottles? Derek asked, confusing Bronson. I mean, you can never have enough storage containers.


    Bronson just shook his head. Go ahead.


    Derek stored them, then looked at one of the rings. Is Richards map in there? Bronson grabbed the ring, then nodded his head. You should return it once we get back, hes been pretty salty since losing it.


    Salty? Bronson asked.


    Oh, upset. He rified.


    Fine by me. Bronson stood after collecting all the rings and putting them in a pouch on his side. Theres nothing else, you ready? The man asked.


    In a bit, I want to check something. Derek said. This dungeon was in an extreme overflow state when I was herest time. Theres got to be some monsters from inside hanging out around here. I want to look for one. You can go ahead and head back if you want.


    Bronson widened his eyes. That sounds like a good idea. We can get a sense of whats inside, and maybe what causes Waces death. Ill help.


    <em>There is no way that only one monster escaped during this entire process. </em>If they could find another Acidic Ghoul, it would strengthen his frame job.


    Derek took off deeper into the forest. The first ghoul he found hade from the direction further into the forest, so he guessed that if there were any more, they would be in that direction too. He looked behind him to see Bronson following.


    Their journey continued for half an hour, avoiding aggravating other creatures while looking for an undying type. Their pace was much slower than before because they were looking out for the monster. Finally, Derek spotted a ghoul. It had made it all the way to level 120. Unfortunately, it was not an Acidic Ghoul, being a Toxic Ghoul instead. Derek frowned, but approached it anyway.


    Hmm A Toxic Ghoul that came from an overflowing dungeon. It looks like it has done well for itself while out here. Derek said. He rushed forward and appeared in front of the monster. Instead of killing it, he allowed the monster to swipe and cut his forearm. He jumped back to Bronson and held out his forearm for the man to examine.


    Its not the same, but its strong. If you decide to send people in toplete the dungeon, I suggest taking a ton of cure toxin potions. It wouldnt take long for this shit to kill a normal adventurer. Derek said before casting <strong>Cure Toxin</strong>. All in all, it took three casts to remove the toxin from his system. Wow, three casts. You should warn them to take a hell of a healer with them too. He suggested. If you dont believe me, you can give it a shot.


    During the entire conversation, Derek and Bronson were dodging attacks from the ghoul. Ill take your word for it. Bronson replied, then summoned his greatsword and shed down. It crushed and cut through the ghoul from its right shoulder all the way to its groin.


    Undying man, you got to go for the head. Derek said. Bronson walked over to the struggling creature and stepped on its skull, crushing it. You should take it with you so anyone you send to the dungeon will know what they are getting themselves into. He motioned to the freshly exterminated ghoul. The levels of the enemies wont be as strong as this one, but it will be a good example at least. And, we know that there has to be more than just this kind, because that toxin was definitely not what killed that kid.


    Bronson nodded and stored the corpse inside his storage ring. What now? He asked.


    I was hoping to maybe find the monster with whatever acid killed the kid, but its gettingte and I have a hankering for another shitty ale. Derek said, and Bronson shuddered. What, you get used to it.


    Bronson shook his head. I guess we head back then.


    The two began their short trip back to the vige. They held a quick pace, but moved slower than they had on their way so Derek could hold a conversation. So, Gracefall, eh? What kind of fuck up does it take to get that kind of surname? Derek asked.


    Running beside him, Bronson almost tripped when he heard the question. After steadying himself, he spoke. That is not for me to say. You would have to ask Master Gracefall, or ess the library in the Capital.


    Derek egged him on. Oh,e on. Were all friends here. Spill.


    Bronson just shook his head.


    Fine, fine. What about that sword, it seems pretty decent. You know a cksmith that can craft some good shit? Im tired of using my hands. Derek was not lying. His body had greatly surpassed his ive. He hated to say it, but his favorite weapon was beginning to be nothing but a paperweight. Of course, he would never throw it away because of what it had gone through with him.


    I dont know him, he is a friend of the master. My sword was a gift from Master Gracefall. Bronson replied.


    Hmm Maybe Ill have to talk to this master of yours. I could bring him some ale from the vige, Im sure hed like that. Derek spoke like it was the best idea he had ever had.


    No! Dont do that. Bronson interrupted.


    Rx, Im just kidding. That shits almost as toxic as that ghoul. Derek said,ughing all the while. He was enjoying chatting with Bronson. The man tried to be serious at all times, so Derek did everything he could to try to get him to break. It was fun. He was d that Bonson seemed to buy into the staged death. He really did not want to kill the man, as was happy that it looked like he would not have to.


    So, are all the noble in your house as noble as that kid? Derek asked out of nowhere.


    Bronson sighed. No, Wace was extra conceited. The name Gracefall seemed to be too heavy for him. The master always feared that he would be done in by his actions. His older brother is the hope of the family, which caused him to be jealous and act out. Who would have thought that the boy would die doing something noble instead of inciting the wrath of a strong enemy. Bronson shook his head.


    With that, silence reigned between the two.


    Nearing the edge of the forest, the two men suddenly stopped. Out of nowhere, a flying grey ball headed straight for Bronson. Surprised, Bronson summoned his sword and made to cut the object in half. Just before his sword made contact, Derek jumped in front and the sword fell on his back, the grey ball hitting him in the chest at the same time.


    Damn, I really liked this shirt. Derek clicked his tongue as he looked at the bunny in his arms.

 Chapter 58: I Choose You!

    Chapter 58: I Choose You!


    Derek looked down at the struggling grey rabbit in his arms and smiled. <em>Well, now I dont have to run around looking for you. </em>He thought. He quickly used <strong>Identify </strong>on the bunny and was surprised to find it at level 64. Youve been working hard since thest time we met, huh? Derek spoke to the Horned Rabbit as it turned its head in confusion.


    You know this creature? Bronson interrupted the reunion. He had already put his greatsword away and was watching the two with curiosity.


    Of course, this is Silvi. We met a long time ago, when I was first looking for the dungeon. She has a tendency to fly headfirst into well everything. The disease caused her to get the taste for flesh, so she became a pretty good hunting partner, and we traveled together for a while. When I came to the vige, I made her stay in the forest because shes an idiot and would have probably ughtered the entire vige by now. Derek spoke as if it was the most natural thing.


    I See Bronson replied. What are you going to do with Silvi? He asked.


    Well Now that Im getting ready to head into the city, I wont be able to see her as much. I wasnt sure if I wanted to use this Derek pulled out the Contract Scroll from the storage ring he was wearing. But, I think I like the creature, so it wont be too big of a waste.


    Bronsons eyes shed. Is that a Contract Scroll? Derek nodded. And you n on using it on a rabbit?


    Is there a problem with that? Derek asked.


    I guess not, its just that they are extremely rare. If I recall, there is a dungeon around this area that drops scrolls, and as far as I remember, it has only dropped two contract scrolls since discovery. Bronson replied.


    <em>How lucky is that little girl? </em>Derek had assumed that the Contract Scroll: Beast was a normal drop from the dungeon, as one out of five in his party had received it.


    Bronson continued talking after seeing that Derek was not responding. You could contract a Wyvern or Direwolf or something. You could contract a Lightning Hawk and use it as an aerial mount, I know where a few hang out, wouldnt all that be better than a a bunny?


    Derek furrowed his brows. What good would that be? I move fast as it is, not to mention the teleporters in the cities. Plus, I like the bunny. Whos to say I end up liking another beast? <em>Plus, its small and I can take it with me if I ever go back to my other system. </em>Derek did get lost thinking about having a dragon for a second, but he tossed that idea too. The problem was that, unlike tamers and summoners, beasts from contracts could not be put away.


    If you say so. Bronson said and remained silent.


    Derek sat the bunny down in front of him. Okay Silvi, this scroll is a contract scroll which will allow us tomunicate and you to grow with me. Ill initiate it, but you have to ept. Derek exined, but the bunny just stared at him dumbly.


    <em>Whatever, here we go. </em>Derek unbound the scroll, but before he could initiate the contract, Silvi jumped up and put her paw on it.


    Level 64 Horned Rabbit has requested to make you it''s contracted beast. Do you ept?


    Y/N


    Derek stared at the window in stunned silence. He did not know what to think. <em>This little fucker. </em>He red at the bunny, but the bunny looked back at him like a master waiting for a child to decide whether to be a disciple or not. <em>When I hit no, will it use up the scroll? </em>There was no if, Derek was definitely not epting.


    He sighed and mentally selected no. To his relief, the scroll did not disappear, and he was able to initiate the contract this time.


    You have initiated a contract and requested that the Level 64 Horned Rabbit be your contracted beast. Please wait while it makes a decision.


    Derek looked at Silvi, who looked back at him with squinted eyes. <em>What the fuck is wrong with this rabbit. Thats it. If it doesnt ept, I am not trying again. </em>Derek waited a while to let the bunny make its decision. Finally, the next window came, and the scroll split in two, one half going into the bunny, and the next flowing into Derek.


    Congrattions! You have sessfully made a contract with Level 64 Horned Rabbit. As part of the contract, you are required to name the beast.


    <em>Does that mean that Silvi would have been able to name me if I would have epted the contract? </em>Derek shuddered at the thought. At the message, he focused on the name Silvi, and a new notification surfaced.


    Level 64 Horned Rabbit has been named Silvi.


    Derek checked his status to see if anything had changed. It had. In between his Stats and Skills section, a new section called Contracts had appeared. Derek viewed Silvis status.


    Silvis Status


    Name


    Silvi


    Age


    6


    Level


    64


    Experience


    N/A (Will Grow Based on Contract Holder)


    ss


    (Initiate Bond)


    Race


    Horned Rabbit


    Health


    1400


    Mana


    300


    Stamina


    2000


    Stats


    Strength


    100


    Dexterity


    155


    Endurance


    200


    Vitality


    140


    Intelligence


    15


    Wisdom


    30


    Skills


    Charge


    <em>Poor Silvi, having to get by with the 10 points from a basic ss. </em>Derek could not help butment at the bunnys bad stats. His sight went back to Initiate Bond. <em>What is this, I thought we were already bound. </em>He focused on it.


    Would you like to initiate a bond with your contracted beast, Silvi?


    Note: You can only bond with one beast at a time.


    <em>Well, that was always the n. Yes. </em>Hemanded.


    Bond initiated, please share your blood with the contracted beast.


    <em>What the fuck? I have to feed it my blood? Whatever. </em>Derek took a dagger out of his storage bracelet and jabbed his finger, before realizing that the dagger could no longer cut him. <em>Fuck. </em>He put the dagger away. He searched his storage for anything he could use. His eyes fell on the arm from the Acidic Ghoul, but he quickly scrapped that idea.


    <em>God damn it. I hate it when I bite my tongue. </em>He worked up his courage and bit his tongue. A metallic taste flooded his mouth, and he wiped his bloody tongue on his index finger. <em>I hope this is enough. </em>He thought as his tongue had already healed. He stuck his finger out in front of Silvi. The rabbit hopped a little closer and sniffed his finger. Finally, the bunny licked it.


    A thunderous crash rang out throughout the forest and the sky began turning purple. The wind picked up as a bolt of purple lightning struck Silvi. Once the bolt made contact, however, it did not disappear. A sphere of purple began growing around Silvi, the bolt feeding the sphere as it grew bigger and bigger.


    Finally, the lightning withdrew, and the surroundings calmed. All that was left was a solid purple sphere floating above the ground in front of Derek and Bronson.


    What is that? Whats happening? Bronson asked, his greatsword already drawn. He was in abat stance, ready to attack or defend at a moment''s notice.


    I initiated a bond. Derek exined.


    Bronson looked at Derek, dumbstruck. You used your bond on the rabbit? Using a contract scroll is one thing, but using your only bond on a level 64 bunny Are you insane?


    "Is there something wrong with that?"


    Of course theres something wrong with it. If If the bunny dies, it will injure your soul. Why would you share a Soul Bond with something that can die so easily? Sure, with the bond, it will get much stronger because of your strength, but still, its a bunny. Bronson could not understand Dereks actions.


    <em>Soul Bond? It didnt say it was a soul bond. What happens if my soul is injured? </em>Inwardly, Derek was panicking, but he did not let it show on the surface. <em>Besides, Im pretty strong, so surely this bond will increase the survivability of Silvi. </em>Im sure everything will be fine, just watch. Derek replied confidently.


    Bronson took a breath. Ive seen a few bonds before, but Ive never seen anything like this ur, maybe youre right. Usually, nobody wants to risk it because of the possible soul damage, so there arent many high level people with a bondedpanion. They usually settle for the normal growth thates with the contract. The man exined.


    <em>Thats what I thought I was doing. </em>Derek screamed inside, while maintaining a stony expression on the outside.


    They waited. Minutes passed, then an hour. The longer Silvi stayed in her purple cocoon, the more agitated Bronson became. How is this possible? Most bonds take seconds, a few minutes at most. The longest Ive ever heard of is half an hour. He spoke to no one in particr.


    Two hourster, the void ball began to crack. One crack turned to two, before it eventually spider webbed into numerous cracks. A bright glow shot out of the cracks as pieces began to fall. The fallen pieces of void turned into particles and vanished before they reached the ground. <em>Yes! My pokemon has finally evolved! </em>In such a situation, all Derek could think about was one of the games that he grew up on.


    When all the pieces disappeared, Derek was shocked at what remained.

 Chapter 59: Whos That Pok...?

    Chapter 59: Who''s That Pok...?


    Floating down from where the purple cocoon had vanished from was not the little bunny Derek had expected to see. Staring at the new beast, Derek was beginning to wonder if the horned rabbit actually had some kind of rtion to an actual unicorn.


    The creature finallynded on the ground, and Derek got a closer look. The bunnys previous grey, puffy fur had ttened everywhere other than its mane. Thats right, Silvi had grown a small mane around her neck, not unlike that of a lion. The t part of Silvis coat was a bright, shining silver, while her new mane was a dark purple flowing into silver locks. Also gone was the fluffy ball that made up her tail, reced by a longer, smoother haired tail. Small shes of void lightning were still crackling around the body of the creature.


    The small horn that Silvi used to have was now much more pronounced, standing at around 10 centimeters tall. Now, that may not seem to be big, but on the bunnys small body, it drew a lot of attention. Previously, the horn was dull and short, almost like a bump on her head, but now, it was sharp and long. The sheen of the silver horn wrapped in a purple spiral was a sight to behold.


    Honestly, if Derek had not double checked and made sure that Silvi still had her paws instead of hooves, he would have thought she had be a legendary Kirin. Luckily, she still had a bunny face instead of a long horse like snout. Her eyes had taken after Dereks own and be dark purple.


    Derek took a quick look at Bronson, who was staring wide eyed at Silvi, his mouth hanging open. Derek could not me the man, the change was just that great. Derek decided to look at Silvis new stats to see what all had changed.


    Silvis Status


    Name


    <!--


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    Silvi


    Age


    6


    Level


    N/A (Bonded)


    Experience


    N/A (Bonded)


    ss


    Legendary Void Companion


    Race


    Void Rabbit


    Health


    5440


    Mana


    3750


    Stamina


    5360


    Stats


    Strength


    525


    Dexterity


    375


    Endurance


    536


    Vitality


    544


    Intelligence


    375


    Wisdom


    375


    <!--


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    Skills


    Active Void Shift, Charge, Void Lightning Bolt


    Derek had thought he had created a monster when he saw Brandis ss, but this bunny was something entirely different. Stunned at the status of his newpanion, he decided to see if Bronson could help him rify some things.


    Hey, Bronson. What kind of stats do bondedpanions usually have, you know,pared to the bond initiator? Derek asked.


    Breaking out of his stupor, Bronson replied without much thought. Umm It depends on ss rarity. Common and umon get around 30% stats of the contract holder, rare and epic get half. If the bondedpanion has a higher stat than what it would get, it will keep that particr stat, and that stat will grow naturally. Thats why most people choose apanion with a different set of stats than themselves. A mage would choose a tankypanion, a tank would choose apanion with attack oriented stats, and such. Its why a bunny doesnt make much sense. Bronson hesitated when speaking the word bunny after seeing the evolution of Silvi.


    Thats what I thought. Derek replied. It seemed like, because of his legendary ss, the bunny had gotten an entire three quarters of his stats. He half expected that Silvi was already one of the strongest pets in this world.


    <em>Whos a pet? </em>A voice went off inside Dereks mind. <em>Can we kill this human? The meat will be tough. Doesnt matter. I like chewy meat. </em>


    Derek looked back over to Silvi, only to see the beat staring at Bronson with squinted eyes. He was unsure of how tomunicate with her, but as she had picked up on him thinking of her as a pet, he assumed it would not be hard. He focused his thoughts and tried to push them to hispanion. <em>Silvi, is that you?</em>


    <em>Of course. What? Are you daft? Can we eat? </em>Silvi answered him.


    <em>We are not eating Bronson. No, we are not eating any humans. </em>He directed. He swore he heard a scoff in his head afterwards. <em>Man, this is going to take a lot to get used to. </em>He thought to himself, hoping to maintain his private thoughts as long as he did not direct them to Silvi. Either she ignored those thoughts, or it worked, because she did not respond.


    Silvismunication left Derek more dumbfounded than her physical changes. In the end, he could only chalk it up to her extreme improvement in both Wisdom and Intelligence, plus her evolution into an entirely new race.


    About that time, there was a rustling in a bush behind them. Derek turned to see that it was only a low level boar, though, before he said anything, a small orb formed above Silvis horn, then a bolt of purple lightning streaked out at the monster. The monster fell immediately. The bolt left no physical marks on the boars body, it looked as if it had only passed out. Then, Silvi hopped forward, through one of the ripples Derek could always see. She instantly appeared next to the corpse and began tearing into its flesh.


    <em>Looks like I dont need to ask to see what those two extra skills do. Im a little jealous at her ability to shift instantaneously, though, I think my </em><strong><em>Void Shift </em></strong><em>would be better during a real fight. </em>He looked over at Bronson who had also witnessed her actions. The poor man was visibly shuddering. A hint of fear showing in his eyes. But the fear was not directed at Silvi. No, he must have already put together that the bunny had a portion of Dereks stats and abilities. If a fraction of his stats could allow a monster to do what Silvi had just done, then what about the man himself?


    At that time, Silvi beganining. <em>Disgusting. Terrible taste. Needs more vor. You cook it. Like you did all those other times. </em>Shemanded.


    <em>Cook it yourself. Youre smart enough now. </em>He replied.


    <em>Cant cook. No thumbs. Dumb human. </em>


    Derek had turned his head back to his newpanion while they weremunicating. At herst thought, she raised a paw up, as if showing that she would not be able to cook the meat. He chuckled at that. <em>Well, Im sure you could figure something out. Too bad we cant get you the cooking skill. Maybe you could learn a way to cook with your paws. </em>At that thought, a notification popped up.


    Would you like to teach your beastpanion (Silvi) the skill <strong>Cooking</strong>?


    Note: 2 Skill points will be consumed upon teaching the skill.


    Derek stared at the message for some time. <em>I guess it takes double the amount of skill points to teach a general skill.</em><em>Fuck it. I have 16 skill points. Yes. </em>Derek thought, watching Silvi all the while.


    Congrattions


    Your beastpanion (Silvi) has learned the <strong>Cooking </strong>skill.


    Skill Points Remaining: 14


    <em>This? Me Cooking? </em>Silvis thoughts and questions raced through Dereks mind. With every skill he had learned, Derek was able to have a basic feeling and understanding of what to do. He hoped that it would be the same with this skill.


    <em>Need fire. Human, make fire. I will cook. </em>Derekughed at the bunnysmands and gathered a small amount of dried wood. As the forest had been rather dried up from the disease, it was easy to find easily burnable wood. He ced the wood close by and, using <strong>Chain Lightning </strong>caused a fire to erupt.


    Derek watched as Silvi did her best at cooking a boar. The butchering process was both disgusting and hrious. She even tried to use a spit in the beginning, but failed. She ended up cooking the boar directly on the fire. Finally, after she got the boar to start cooking, she sent out a thought asking for seasoning. Derek had already written the experiment off as a failure, but he suspected that the bunny would continue down this road.


    Finally, the show was over and hispanion began digging in. <em>Delicious. Much better. Human, want some? </em>Derek was actually touched that she was offering him some of her hard work. Disgusted, but touched. <em>Pay. You give storage ring. I give meat.</em>


    <em>Its fine. I dont need any meat. Ill get you a storage ringter, though. Just not now. </em>If this was going to be his constant travelpanion, he might as well go all out.


    Derek looked back at Bronson who had been watching the scene quietly in rapt attention. Hey, Bronson. Derek asked.


    Huh? Bronson came to and shook his head. Yes?


    How much for one of the storage rings? Im running low, I gave my extra one to that kid in the vige. Derek asked.


    I cant sell them. You will have to ask the master once we return to Torith.


    Figured as much. Derek said. He watched Bronson, who looked like he was hesitating to say something. Is there anything you need?


    After some hesitation, Bronson spoke. This beast. Did it just try to cook?


    <!--


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    Hmm? Oh, yeah. I had cooked some food for her earlier and she really enjoyed it. She wanted me to cook the boar, but I refused. I got her the <strong>Cooking </strong>skill and told her to try it herself. Derek motioned to the mess in front of them. This is the result.


    You spent two skill points to teach a beast the <strong>Cooking </strong>skill? Bronson shook his head. Nevermind, dont answer that. Of course you did. He paused. Why do you need another storage ring? He asked.


    She asked if she could have one, so I decided to get her one. Derek said. Bronson stared, speechless. What? Derek asked.


    Im beginning to wonder if I should have be your contracted beast instead. Bronson answered without thinking. When he realized what he had said out loud, his face began to turn red in embarrassment. He quickly changed the subject. Well, itste, dont you think we should be getting back to the vige?


    Derek looked up at the darkening sky. Youre right. Lets go. He said, then hemunicated to Silvi. <em>Come on. There are some people that I need to introduce you to. </em>With that, Derek put out the fire, and the three made their way back to the vige.

 Chapter 60: Remember

    Chapter 60: Remember


    The two men and the bunny made their way to the vige. It was the first time Silvi was going to be able to go to a human vige without being attacked or killing, so, after understanding what was going on, she was very excited.


    <em>How many humans? Can we kill? We cant eat, but can we kill? </em>Silvi was rattling off question after question. Derek was doing his best to answer and exin.


    <em>Its a human vige, so, although there arent a ton of people, there are a lot. No, we shouldnt kill any of the humans there. Of course, there will be times when we have to kill other humans, but that time isnt now. Before you ask, no, you cant eat any of those humans either. It just doesnt set right with me. Also, youre not eating any other bunnies or rabbit from now on either. </em>Hemunicated his thoughts to the bunny.


    <em>No fun. </em>She sent.


    Because they had not been far from the vige when they ran into Silvi, it did not take long before the front gates appeared in their vision. Walking up to the gate, they waited for the guards to acknowledge them and let them in. They went forward, and the gate shut behind them.


    Im going to introduce Silvi to a few people, then Ill head to the inn. You can go and do whatever. If youe there, Ill buy you a drink. Derek said and smiled as he saw Bronson visibly shudder. <em>I dont know if he will ever be able to get over the taste of that ale. </em>Being from Earth, and being a former student at a university, Derek had tasted some truly awful alcohol, so, to him, the taste did not matter as long as it was cold and he was in goodpany.


    I may keep youpany, but I dont think I will partake in the ale this time. Bronson answered.


    <em>Ale? What is ale? Is it food? </em>Silvi chimed in. It was interesting to Derek to learn that she was actively listening to their conversation. Or at least to the conversation when it sounded like they were talking about food.


    <em>Youll learn about itter. </em>Derek answered. <em>I mean, she is 6, so in rabbit years, shes what? 30? Definitely old enough to drink. </em>


    Ill see youter. Derek said as they closed in on Brandis courtyard. This is me. He and the bunny turned to the left and walked towards the courtyard. Bronson nodded and kept walking further up the street towards the inn.


    Arriving at the courtyard, even with the sun down, Derek could see Brandi toiling around with her newfound skills. Thomas was sitting on the bench, his gaze never leaving the girl.


    Soon, she finished what she was working on and turned around. Derek! Youre back! She eximed.


    Sure am, and...  He motioned towards Silvi. I brought another friend. This is Silvi, shes my bonded beastpanion.


    Brandi stared at the purple bunny with wide eyes. Shes so cute! Is she a bunny?


    Yup, I bonded with her, so she took on some of my features. She used to be a Horned Rabbit.


    Thats awesome! Thomas chirped. So, thats what happens when you bond to a contractedpanion.


    Derek nodded. Alright, I just wanted toe around and introduce you all to Silvi. He said, then his tone became serious as he looked at Thomas. If you still n on traveling with me, you should make your preparations tonight. I think well be leaving sometime tomorrow. I talked to Bronson. Hes the guy the Gracefall family sent to look for their missing noble. Found his body lying dead by the dungeon, so hell be heading back to Torith. Derek looked deep at both of the kids when he said thest part.


    Anyway, I talked him into being our guide to the city, and hes agreed to show me around a bit once we get there. He seems like a pretty decent guy for someone from a noble family, even if he is just their employee or whatever. He chuckled.


    Youre leaving tomorrow? Asked Brandi.


    Derek nodded. Yeah, Ive stayed here too long as it is. There are some things I need to find out too.


    A-are you going toe back? She asked, tears beginning to form in her eyes.


    Of course I am. I dont know how long it will be, but I cant just leave Miss Master Smith by herself, I have big ns for you if you agree. He patted the girl on her head.


    I agree! I agree! She yipped.


    Derek burst outughing. Settle down. Its going to take some time for me to get everything in motion. Plus, I havent even told you what my ns are. What if I wanted to sell you to the highest bidder? Huh? I dont think you would like that, would you? He jested.


    She shook her head. You wouldnt do that. She said.


    True, but you need to be less trusting towards people, especially with all the secrets of your new ss. Remember that. He reiterated his previous advice. Anyway, even if Im not able to get everything set up like I want in Torith, Ill still stop by before going to another city to check in.


    Okay, you better. She said.


    He turned and looked at Thomas. You better go spend some time with your grandparents. If everything goes well, it will be some time before youre back in the vige. Thomas nodded and took off running towards his ce.


    He turned back to Brandi. Have a good night and try not to work yourself to death. Remember to take breaks and get proper rest. You are no use to anybody if you wear yourself out.


    With that, Derek left the courtyard and headed up the street to the inn. He nned on having a drink or two, then getting a good nights sleep.


    Walking into the inn, Derek saw that the ce was a little livelier than usual. This was probably prime time for the vige, so it made sense. All the times Derek spent here before, he either came in reallyte and went straight to his room, or he was there too early for the bustle.


    In any case, none of that mattered. His normal seat at the bar was still open, and Bronson was on the stool next to it. He walked over and took a seat. While waiting for Bart to make his appearance, he snuck a nce at Bronson trying to force down a spoonful of what looked like stew. Derek had eaten the inns stew before, and while it was not quite as bad as the ale, it was not good by any means. But it was edible.


    You nobles and your fickle taste buds. Derek said.


    Bronson finished swallowing the stew and looked at him. Im not a noble. Im the guard captain and masters personal butler. He replied.


    Thats an oddbination of jobs. Derekmented.


    It is what it is. The master trusts me, so he made me his personal butler. He said, matter-of-factly.


    Silvi suddenly hopped onto the bar and began sniffing around. She made her way to Bronsons stew and sniffed so close that she almost dunked her nose in it. <em>This food? Doesnt smell like food. Taste good? </em>She transmitted to Derek.


    <em>It is food. Its called stew. Its not very good stew, but its edible and will at least keep you full. </em>He exined.


    Bronson looked at the Void Bunny and removed the spoon from the stew. Then, he slid the bowl to the spot in between Derek and himself. Go ahead. Ive had my fill.


    Silvi cautiously stuck her tongue out and had a taste. <em>Better than raw boar. Not as good as cooked boar. Can we cook it? </em>She asked.


    If Derek had been drinking anything at the time, he surely would have spit it out at that question.


    Seeing Derek burst intoughter, Bronson questioned him. What happened? What is so funny?


    Silvi asked me if we could cook the stew to make it taste better. He said, chuckling all the while.


    Bronson cracked a grin at that, too.


    Im sorry that my stew isnt up to yer pets standards. Bart rounded the corner of the bar.


    Well, she did say that it was better than raw boar, so theres that.


    Bart shook his head. Well, what can I get ya?


    Two ales, put one in a bowl for the rabbit. Derek said.


    Bart frowned but did not ask any questions. He poured two ales, one in a mug and one in a bowl, then slid them to Derek and Silvi.


    Derek took a big gulp. Just as bad as ever. Youve really outdone yourself. People wille from all parts to get a taste of this ale Well, that and the storage ring reward for the dungeon.


    Bronson frowned when Derek so casually mentioned the dungeon rewards.


    What? Theres no use in hiding it from the vigers. Youll be able to send a squad or two at most before the others realize something is up. I like the people here, so may as well give them a heads up. Then Dereks tone shifted, and he stared daggers into Bronsons eyes. He activated <strong>Channel Void </strong>and his eyes turned purple entirely. He entered a <strong>Void Shift </strong>and pulled himself to the open seat on the other side of Bronson.


    Bronson jumped out of his seat and turned. Derek had disappeared before his eyes and was now behind him.


    Remember. Derek said. I like the people here. Then his usual tone returned, and he reached over to his mug. He took a swig and sat it back down on the bar. Just a heads up.

 Chapter 61: Last Day in the Village

    Chapter 61: Last Day in the Vige


    Bronson retired to his rented room in the vige inn. Normally, the small undecorated room with an even smaller bed would have made him scoff. Currently, though, his mind was racing, and it did not even pick up on the state of the room.


    <em>What was that? </em>He was, of course, referring to the obvious threat that Derek had given him. Bronson thought back to all the time he spent with Derek throughout the day. The mans attitude and personality had switched constantly. He could not put his finger on which was the real Derek. <em>One thing is for certain, he is a dangerous man.</em>


    <em>What about his beastpanion? What kind of ss and level would one need to have to get that kind of result bonding with a regr Horned Rabbit? </em>That thought made Bronson shudder. He had never seen a purple element before. At first, he thought that it was a more powerful lightning type element, but when he saw the bolt of lightning hit the boar, his opinion changed.


    The boar had died on impact, but the skill had not left a mark on its body. Bronson even paid attention to the boar while the bunny was ripping it apart. There was no apparent damage to the boar internally. <em>Its almost like the attack extinguished the soul of the creature. </em>It was the only possibility that Bronson could think of. The only reason he even knew that souls existed in the first ce was because of Maria and her powers.


    Before the bunny attacked, Bronson had thought that Derek had a ss that focused on physical ability. How else would he have been able to stop his greatsword with one hand? Up to that point, Derek had given no indication otherwise. He had, of course, used some type of healing or restoration spell on his hand, but Bronson figured the spell could havee from a scroll or dungeon.


    Then he saw the bunnys transformation, then its attack on the boar. Still, Derek had not shown any of his personal skills. Well, until his threat at the bar. His purple irises had stretched to cover the entirety of his eyes. Looking into them, Bronson could only imagine his soul shuddering.


    Then there was the teleporting. He was not even sure if he should call it teleportation. There was no time between when he was in one chair, then the other. Bronson had seen people teleport before, and it was never as instantaneous as what Derek had disyed.


    Above all else was the pressure Bronson felt when Derek gave his warning. Bronson had only felt a pressure like that once in his life, when the City Lords father hade to visit from the Capital and brought a guest with him. That guest was the Kings Advisor.


    Bronson sat on the small bed in the cramped room and went over what he was going to report to his master. At this point, the death of Wace and the birth of a dungeon that rewarded storage rings had been moved to the back of his mind. That night was one of the most restless nights in his life.


    ***


    Derek opened his eyes and sat up. He reached out his arms and yawned while he stretched. <em>I havent slept that good in forever. </em>After leaving to his room the night before, he had slept like a baby. After stretching, Derek looked back at his pillow. Silvi was curled up snoozing against the headrest. She had basically slept on his head the previous night.


    Derek transmitted Silvi a message to wake her up. <em>Wake up. Its time to go, weve got a lot of travel ahead of us. </em>


    Silvi opened her eye and red at Derek. <em>Cant. Must sleep. Sofy. </em>She sent back.


    <em>Nope, no sleeping in today. Come on. </em>Derek said. The bunny stared at him before giving up and rousing itself awake. Then she flew into his arms.


    <em>You carry. I will allow. I sleep. She said.</em>


    Derek shifted Silvi into his left arm and left his room. He looked at the room that Bronson stayed in the previous night and wondered if he was still there. He walked over to the bar and asked Bart. He left the inn yet?


    Nope, yer the first one up. Bart replied.


    Thats good. I have some things to take care of before we leave. By the way, Ill be headed to the city with him today. I dont know how long it will be before Ie back. Derek stuck out his hand for a handshake. Bart grabbed it. It was nice meeting you.


    Yer wee here any time. Bart said.


    Derek nodded. When he wakes up, tell him Ill meet him at the Raynas ce.


    Will do.


    With that, Derek left the inn and walked towards Mal and Brandis ce.


    He rounded the corner to the courtyard, and saw that either Brandi had worked all night, or she woke up very early. She was in the middle of making some piece of clothing. Derek waited for the girl to finish what she was doing.


    Brandi held up the shiny cloth over her head so the sun could catch. She nodded her head and released a breath. Whats that? Derek asked from behind her, startling her out of her daydream.


    After calming down, the girl spoke. Its a cloak for Silvi. Shes just so cute, I thought she needed something more. She handed the cloth to Derek.


    Derek took the cloth. The cloth was smooth, almost like a mix between silk and cotton. It was purple, almost the same shade as Silvis mane, just a bit darker. How did you get the color? He asked.


    Oh, thats one of my Alchemy skills. It lets me take any nts and make dyes the same color. The trick part was getting the ck hide to brighten up so I could make a color other than ck. Finally, I just made a white dye, then used the purple dye after. It worked pretty good, right? She asked.


    Very good. Im sure she will love it. He smiled, then took Silvi and sat her down on the bench.


    <em>Why? Was sofy. </em>She sent as she woke back up.


    Look at what Brandi made you. Derek held up the small cloak. Silvi sniffed it and asked what it was for. Its a cloak, it will keep you warm and give you a little extra protection. He took the cloak and tied it around Silvi, just under her mane. <em>Well, what do you think? </em>He asked.


    Silvi hopped around the area. The cloak rose and fell with each hop. <em>I like. Am I elegant? </em>


    Derekughed at her question. <em>Yes, very elegant indeed. </em>He looked over at Brandi and gave her a thumbs up. She loves it.


    Thats great! Brandi said. Hold on, I have to go get yours. She said and ran inside the house.


    <em>Oh, I wonder what she made me. </em>It was not long before the little girl came running back out holding two identical pieces of clothes.


    You said you were running low. She held out two dark ck t-shirts. They seemed to be made out of the same material as the cloak Silvi was wearing. She had gotten the shape and form very close to the shirts that Derek usually wore. I couldnt get the feel any closer. I dont know what material whoever made yours used. I made these out of the bats I picked up. I had to use my tailoring skill a lot to get the hides to soften. They lost a lot of armor because of the skill, but I figured you dont care a lot about the armor, so I used the skill until they stopped getting softer.


    Derek took the shirts and examined them. Thank you! Theyre great! He was not being overly kind either. He really was running low on t-shirts and he was genuinely thankful for the girls gifts.


    Brandi beamed. Youre wee!


    Derek could not imagine what another Leathersmith would think about the girl using hides over level 100 to make shirts like this. His shirts were even softer than Silvis cloak, so she must have used whatever tailoring skill she had much more on his. He would not have it any other way.


    Soon, the mood changed, and Brandi started pouting. Do you really have to leave?


    He patted her on the head. I do, but I will be back. Then he moved in a lot closer. And if things go like I hope, I can bring you with me.


    Really? She asked in surprise. What about mom?


    Her too. It would be better that way. He answered. But first, I have to make sure that its safe. Remember, you have to keep your skills a secret. The storage rings too.


    Brandi nodded.


    Im going to go say bye to your mom, then Rayna. After that, Ill be off to the city. You be good. He said as he walked to the front door of the house.


    He knocked on the door and waited for Malorie to answer. The door opened, and she invited him inside.


    Not long after, Derek walked out of the house with a steaming hot biscuit in each hand. And, since there was food, Silvi had once again made an appearance.


    After some begging, Derek finally relented and gave one of the biscuits to Silvi. ording to her, it was the best food she had ever tasted. It took Derek some time to convince Silvi that she still had to follow him and that she could not stay with the <em>Wonderful. Beautiful. Deliciousdy. </em>


    After that, he headed to Raynas residence to say his goodbyes to her. That was also where he nned to meet back up with Bonson. He would stop by Thomass house on his way out of the city. He wanted to give the boy as much time as possible to say his goodbyes to his grandparents.

 Chapter 62: Goodbye

    Chapter 62: Goodbye


    When Derek arrived at the Vige Chiefs house, Rayna was already at the door waiting for him. Come on in. Rayna said, then she turned to lead him inside.


    Entering the meeting room, Derek looked around to see some familiar faces. Richard was there, along with Leon and his wife, Sana. Delh was not there, but Derek figured that she was spending every second she could with Thomas. Surprisingly, Bart had made his way from the inn to the meeting room too.


    Derek looked over the small group of people. This is surprising. He said. I was only expecting Rayna, to what do I owe this honor? He jested.


    Sana stood and spoke first. I heard that you were leaving and possibly noting back. I know I thanked you before, but I needed to thank you again for saving Leon and all the other survivors. She bowed at that.


    Theres no need for that. Derek said. Quickly raising her back up. I was there, it was well within my power to help, and there were no downsides in doing so. Also He looked at Richard. Im not trying to make light of your tragedy, but it was a good learning experience for the kid. He was nave and still is to a certain extent. What happened to the vige opened his eyes to some more of the dangers in this world.


    Leonughed. Here I was going to thank you too. After that speech, I dont feel the need to anymore. He walked over and stuck his hand out. Derek shook it. Ive had my reservations about you, especially with the monster thing. But, from everything else Ive learned about you, which still isnt a lot by the way, you seem to be a decent man.


    This meeting was ufortable for Derek, to say the least. He was caught off guard by the people, then even more by the gratitude they were showing. He typically avoided situations like this, but he decided to power through.


    Youre not too bad yourself. Derek answered. But, you need to do what you can to help Rayna and Richard run this vige after I leave. It wont be long before the city, and others, catch wind of the storage rings rewarded from the new dungeon, and with this vige being the closest to the dungeon, Im sure it will be quite lively. Though, I dont believe there will be very many peopleing back from the dungeon. He smirked.


    Derek was really the only person who had experienced the dangers of the undying dungeon. Sure, the other four had been there, but they did not see the amount of ghouls and could not understand the dangers of the acid and poisons that they could inflict. Derek did not think that the skeletons would prove too much of a challenge to adventurers at or around level 100, but once the second wave began, he suspected they would realize that they had bitten off more than they could chew.


    Eventually, word would get around about how hard the dungeon actually was. Who knows? Maybe someone would evene out alive. For all Derek knew, there could be a scroll that would allow a person to leave a dungeon instance withoutpleting it. But when word does get around, especially to the Gracefall house, Derek needs to have built up a certain reputation.


    It wont take long for everyone to figure out how unlikely it was that Wace actuallypleted the dungeon, even if he died in the process. And when that secret is out, Derek, and this little vige, will be the first suspects. Hell, Derek was not even sure of how much of everything Bronson bought in to.


    After thanking Derek, Leon and Sana both chose to leave. They said their goodbyes and wished him safe on all his travels. With that, the room was left with Rayna, Richard, Derek, and Bart.


    Well, hell. I just wanted to see ya off. Not often that I run into someone who can keep the ale down and maintain a conversation at the same time. Ill let yous three have at it. Yer always wee at the inn. Bart got up and patted Derek on his shoulder. Take care, ya hear?


    Derek chuckled. Will do. And be careful of whoever you sell that piss to. Wouldnt want you dying over some noble choking to death.


    Bart just snorted and left the three of them behind.


    And then there were three. Derek said.


    I dont exactly know what you and the others did while you were gone, but seeing their strength and knowing about how Wace Gracefall saved the forest, I have some ideas. Hell, the boy is stronger than me now, I couldnt discipline him even if I wanted to. Richardined.


    Derek smiled at that.


    Richard then became serious. Hes been talking about going with you all night. I dont think me or Delh got a lick of sleep because of it. I know weve let him wander around with you, and hes all the better for it, but we always knew he would be back, and soon. Now hes saying that youre both leaving, and he doesnt know when hell be back, if ever Richards serious tone broke and he began showing emotion.


    Just promise me that you wont let anything bad happen to him. Take care of our boy. Richard said. And when you see Delh before you leave, do your best to reassure her. Shes going to be more broken up than anyone else.


    I cant promise you that nothing bad is going to happen to the boy. Hell, I can pretty much assure you that he will go through a lot. What I can promise you, is that I will do my best to keep the boy alive. Thats not to say that I wont let him get hurt, because I will. I may even be the one to hurt him. But I will keep him alive. Derek replied. He was not going to lie to the man.


    With that, Richard stood and walked by Derek, before turning around and saying onest thing. And if you do ever decide toe back, see if you cant bring me a new map. He left the room.


    Derekughed out loud. Hes still worried about that map. He shook his head and looked at Rayna. Should I tell him that Bronson retrieved it and ns to give it back to him before we leave? Or should I just let Bronson keep it?


    She giggled. That would just be cruel. Taking his grandson and his beloved map. She shook her head. Nope, you have to make sure he gets it back before you leave.


    Rayna then looked down at Silvi, who had been surprisingly patient throughout the meeting. I guess that this is yourpanion that Thomas told Richard about. She bent down to pet the void bunny, but Silvi disappeared and reappeared on the table behind Rayna and snorted. Raynas eyes went wide in surprise.


    Yup, this is Silvi. She doesnt speak, but shes every bit as intelligent as a normal person. Not to mention that she could probably destroy everything and everyone in this vige, and thats including Bronson. Derek said.


    That strong? Is it because of your special condition? She asked.


    You can say that. When you bond with apanion, it seems as if they get a percentage of your stats based on your ss rarity. 75% for my legendary ss. Though, Bronson said that if your bondedpanion dies, it damages your soul, and I dont really know what that means, and I didnt ask. Derek exined.


    Rayna did not bat an eysh at his casual mention of his legendary rarity ss. So, a legendary ss gives a whole 75%? Rayna mumbled, thinking about something. So, youre saying that this little bunny has three quarters of your strength? The absurdness of that idea finally hit her. Holy shit! She eximed.


    <em>I the best. So strong. Almost strongest. </em>Silvimunicated to Derek.


    <em>Yeah, ALMOST the strongest. And dont you forget it. </em>He said.


    Rayna snapped out of her daydream. Ive heard a little bit about broken bonds. The soul damage is actually worse than it sounds. She narrowed her eyes at Derek. For most people at least. It probably wont be too bad on you. When your soul is damaged, your body cant output all of its strength, and you lose XP based on how bad the damage is.


    Okay. So you just need to earn the XP back? Derek asked.


    She shook her head. Its not that easy. The problem is that your level will stay the same. Say your soul damage reduces your overall strength to half. The problem with that is that when you are a certain level higher than your target, you will no longer get any XP. So, your strength is reduced to half, but you still have to fight enemies that are around your level to get XP. In your case, I dont think it would be a problem, but for a normal adventurer, its devastating.


    She was right, it would not be a problem for Derek. If his stats were reduced to half, he would still be stronger than basic monsters at his level. It may take some time to get the XP back, especially with a legendary ss, but he would eventually get everything back.


    Anyway, the reason I came here, besides saying goodbye. Derek broke the silence. I hadnt thought that Bart woulde before me, so you may already know. Im pretty sure I scared the shit out of Bronsonst night and gave him a pretty clear warning. I dont think anybody, at least from the Gracefall side, will cause you any trouble. But, err on the side of caution.


    Rayna nodded her head. Bart did say that you pulled some neat tricksst night.


    Derek chuckled at that. <em>If only they knew. </em>He spoke again. Also, keep an eye on Brandi. Shes a bit too excited about her ss. Try to keep her contained. Only a few people know about her ss, and it needs to stay that way. I would rather note back to find that she has been kidnapped to work as a ve for some noble house that would soon cease to exist. I n on making nice with some people, intimidating others, and possibly worse, just to have a ce for her to practice her craft without worry.


    After that, Rayna hugged Derek without warning. Thank you for saving everyone, thank you for saving me. And thank you for everything else youve done. If the vige starts running smoothly after everyone finds out about the dungeon, or if the King decides its best to send an overseer to take over because of the valuable dungeon, I may go with you when youe to get Brandi If youll have me.


    Derek smiled. Of course. You would be most wee. He hugged her back. There was not anything between the two. In fact, Rayna reminded Derek more of a sister than anything else. She was just about the only person who would scold him and did not constantly look up to him in reverence. Now I have to go. I heard Bronson arrive a couple minutes ago. Hes waiting patiently outside. With that, Derek turned and walked out of the house.

 Chapter 63: To the City

    Chapter 63: To the City


    Sorry to keep you waiting. Derek said to Bronson as he walked out of the house.


    Its fine. Are you ready to go? Bronson asked.


    Yup, everythings done. Just got to make a quick stop on our way out and pick up my sidekick.


    Oh? So you are taking that boy with you?


    Yeah Oh, and his grandpa is the guy with the map. You should return it when we see him. Im pretty sure that thing was like a second grandson to him. Derek chuckled. Bronson frowned for a moment. Seeing the frown, Derek continued. What? Will it really be that hard to remember where the dungeon is and put it on a map when you get back? Are you really that daft? Sheesh Derek shook his head. Fine, if your memory is that bad, Ill put it on the map for you.


    Bronson shook his head. Its not that. Its just that Wace


    Derek cut him off. Will no longer be needing a map. Well, wont be needing that map at least.


    Youre right. Bronson muttered, then produced the map and handed it to Derek.


    Of course Im right. When have I ever been wrong? I say the map belongs to Richard, and it belongs to Richard. I say the ale tastes like piss and guess what? It tastes like piss. Derek patted Bronson on the shoulder.


    The duo continued walking, soon, they reached Thomass residence. Wait there. Ill go fetch the kid. Derek said. He walked up to the door and knocked.


    Delh answered. She looked at Derek with squinted eyes. Derek. She said. Then she sighed. Come in. Thomas is almost ready. He followed her inside and shut the door behind him.


    Delh took a seat, but only nodded to her and kept going to Thomass room. Inside the room was Thomas, standing with an outrageously big sack full of stuff, and Richard standing in the corner shaking his head.


    Remember what I said. Richard said as Thomas walked out with his sack. Thomas nodded his head. Richard sighed.


    Derek turned to Richard before leaving the room. I believe this is yours. He said as he moved the map out of his storage ring and tossed it over to Richard.


    Richards eyes went wide as he held his map. This Thank you.


    It was yours to begin with. Derek walked out of the room.


    Back in the living area, he was greeted by the sight of Delh giving Thomas a big hug. And you listen to Derek. He said hed keep you safe.


    Alive. Derek said, interrupting the two. They both turned their heads and looked at him. I said Id keep him alive. He wont grow stronger if hes always safe. Just as with Richard, Derek was not going to lie to Delh.


    The older woman sighed. As long as hes alive and cane back home.


    Derek nodded. That, I can promise you. He looked at Thomas. Nows yourst chance to choose to stay here with your loving family and friends. You wont have that if you follow me. Are you sure you want to go? He gave Thomas a final opportunity to stay.


    Ive made up my mind. I cant grow as fast here. I have to go with you. He replied back.


    Seeing the resoluteness in the boys eyes, Derek nodded. Okay. Lets go. Bronson is waiting outside. With that, the two joined Bronson and began their journey to the city.


    ***


    They traveled for half a day before they stopped. Both Derek and Bronson had gotten some entertainment out of Thomas and his sack of stuff. Thomas had no problems lugging it around, but because the sack was almost as big as the boy itself, he was having a hard time not dropping or dragging it. Honestly, Derek had no clue what the boy was carrying that would be so difficult to store.


    The three of them and Silvi had been moving towards the city at a slow pace. It was Dereks first time to the city, so he wanted to familiarize himself with his surroundings more and not just rush straight in.


    I guess this is as good a ce as any. Derek said. They were on some moderately tnd that would be a good ce to set up camp. Not that they actually needed a good ce for camp. With Derek, Bronson, and Silvi, Derek would feel sorry for anybody or thing that got the nerve to ambush them.


    The group made camp and got settled. They all chatted for a bit, Silvi went to the forest and returned a couple hourster with some blood staining her face. Apparently, she did not think about sharing whatever she found with the rest of them. Afterwards, they all decided to turn in for the night and get an early start the next morning.


    They got up the next morning and dismantled their campsite. They gathered their things and got ready to leave. Derek and Bronson watched as Thomas struggled to get his pack righted. Derek shook his head. He turned to Bronson. I cant take it anymore. He said, then yelled to Thomas. Kid, are you an idiot?


    Huh? Thomas asked, bewildered.


    Youve been carrying that pack for an entire day. Im starting to think that the older you get, the dumber you be. Derek said, shaking his head.


    Thomas stood there, confused. He did not say anything.


    Derek was having fun at the boys expense. Thest conversation he had with the boy about the storage ring was to not show it to anyone, so it made sense that the boy was not using it. Derek let out a big sigh. Why arent you using the storage ring I gave you?


    Thomas stared at Derek for a moment. Derek saw the moment it all clicked for the kid. Thomass face went red. Bronson would most likely think it was from embarrassment for forgetting about something like a storage ring, when it was most likely anger and embarrassment from Derek not telling him he could use the ring.


    They watched as Thomas fished the ring out of his pocket and ced it on his finger. The boy put his hand on the pack and it vanished.


    Isnt that much easier than carrying it around all day? Derek teased.


    Thomas looked at Derek, then turned his head away.


    <em>Storage ring. I want. When do I get mine? </em>Silvis thoughts flowed into Dereks head.


    <em>Ill try to find one soon. Were heading into the city. Ill see if I can get one of the dungeon ones from the head of the Gracefall house. Im sure hes a smart man, especially after Bronson gives him a report. </em>Derek exined to the bunny.


    <em>Fine. Ill share meat next time. </em>


    Derek chuckled and shook his head.


    Bronson broke intoughter. I have to say. You have definitely chosen a special apprentice.


    Yup. He never ceases to amaze me. Derek agreed. You should have seen him the first time I took him out to train. I found some really low-level ants and had him fight them one on one. Derek beganughing. The first one He almost died fighting the first one. He had a wrestling match with an eight centimeter long ant, and he almost lost. It broke his arm, and he passed out.


    Bronson shook his head. Kids today Always so pampered. Wace made it all the way to level 30 without a real fight. Just had servants hold monsters in ce. Its probably why he died the way he did.


    Well, hopefully I broke Thomas from those bad habits. I did promise his grandparents that I wouldnt let him die, but I didnt say that he wouldnt get hurt. If he getscent again, I dont mind seeing him suffer some. Derek said.


    Bronson nodded his head. Thats good.


    With the camp cleared up, the four of them continued on their journey.


    The group traveled for two weeks at a scenic pace. Through their travels, they ran into very few beasts. The small number of monsters showed that the forest was healing at a quick pace. The few beasts that they did see were all very low level and would pose no danger to any of the viges around the area.


    They did, however, run into two groups of bandits. It was a familiar situation for Derek. He had always believed that people were much more dangerous than monsters. The systeming to Earth only reinforced his ideals.


    The bandits were not much, only level 15 to 20. However, neither Bronson nor Derek chose to fight them. He used the attacks as an opportunity for Thomas to gain experience. Killing his first person was one of the hardest things he had done on Earth after the system, and he knew that Thomas needed that same experience.


    Oddly, Thomas seemed to get over the experience pretty quickly. Derek guessed it was because of the difference in people being raised in the system and people being raised pre-system.


    Bronson surprised Derek after the second bandit attack. He captured one of the bandits and forced him to lead the group to their camp. It was a small camp. Bronson made short work of it and freed the few people being held against their will. They left after with a small group of survivors following after them. They were already close enough to the city, and Derek did not mind having the group following behind them. Bronson asionally tossed them some food and water to keep them satiated for the trip.


    A few dayster, they arrived at the gates of Torith. The city walls were outstanding. They made the walls around the vige look like a white picket fence. The guards identified Bronson and let everyone in, the survivors going their own way.


    This is Torith. Bronson said. What do you think?


    Derek looked around. Smells like shit.

 Chapter 64: Interlude/Anomaly II

    Chapter 64: Interlude/Anomaly II


    Darvin was in the meeting room waiting for Kelvin. The human leader had been personally gathering information on C-186. In the recent months, the systems speed towards the anomaly had been increasing, and the human, Derek Hunt, was the only lead that Darvin and the other council members had.


    When the system introductory phase on C-186 ended, Kelvin had rushed to the to learn everything there was to know about Derek. Yesterday, his mission was deemedplete, and he was to report back with what he learned today.


    Darvin had paced more over thest three months that he had in his previous centuries of life. The more the system expanded in the singr direction, the more anxious the Mxi became. He hoped that whatever was to happen would not be of great consequence, but in his gut, he knew something great was bound to happen.


    Just then, the teleporter shed, and Kelvin stepped out. His neat blonde hair had grown shaggy, and he had a frown on his face. Darvin suspected he was not going to be happy with what Kelvin had learned.


    Without any courtesy, Kelvin walked to a center chair at the table and flopped down. Well, shit. He said aloud to Darvin. I got nothing useful.


    Nothing? Darvin replied. There has to be something.


    Kelvin sighed. I have some extra background on the man, but nothing concerning what is happening with the system.


    Ill be the judge of that. Darvin replied. Start at the beginning.


    Kelvin shook his head and began recounting his time on Earth.


    ***


    I stepped through the teleporter and arrived at one of Earths busiest hubs. It was previously known as Chicago, but when the system arrived, the cities went to shit, just like always. Still, one of the residents, Jace, happened to be one of the few Earthlings to adapt well to the system, and he was able to establish a safe zone in the area rather quickly.


    If you were to look at the rankings on Earth, before the introductory phase ended, Jace was in second ce. The man wasnt very creative though, as he named his new safe zone, Chicago II. Still, the city is the currentrgest city on the. The other top cities include Ji zh from a country known as China, Kingston from the United Kingdom, and Muscle Town, created by a guy only known as Jim, its in the United States, same as Chicago, though it was formerly known as Houston, Texas.


    Needless to say, I avoided going to these ces. I especially would not like to meet Jim, who somehow ended up fifth in the rankings.


    I chose Chicago II because it was the closest city, with a teleporter, to where Derek Hunt frequented. From there, I went east to a state known as North Carolina. You know, I really dont get the point in breaking a country up into states, then the states up into cities.


    Anyway, it was quite the trek from Chicago II to North Carolina. Of course, I used a few local transporters to jump from city to city, but it still took a couple days to get there. After a couple days, I finally made it to the Charlotte safe zone. Bless the person who made that safe zone, keeping it the exact same name as the city.


    Apparently, this was where Derek Hunt was from. Well, I made my way around Charlotte, asking around about the man and the others. Luckily, Silvi Jacobs was very easy to track down.


    After getting the womans location, I headed to the bar where she worked. Thats right, she was a bartender now.


    I walked inside and there she was. It didnt take any time for me to find her. The woman had silver hair, she was wearing a tight, white shirt, and some kind of blue pants. She was wiping down the bar in front of an empty stool.


    I walked over and sat on the stool. I waited for her to finish cleaning the bar before I spoke. You must be Silvi Jacobs.


    She raised her eyebrows and looked at me with her emotionless green eyes. What do you want?


    I grinned. What I want Is to talk about Derek Hunt. That got her attention as I saw a sh of pain register in her eyes.


    Dont know who youre talking about. Order something or leave. She lied.


    Oh, I think you will be talking. See, there are some people, including myself, who are very interested in the man, and you just happen to be the only person who was even a little close to him.


    Leave. She said and turned.


    I reached over the bar and grabbed her by the wrist. She turned back around. You will tell me everything you know. Dont think you have a choice.


    I heard footsteps approaching me from behind. Of course, there was nothing on Earth that could injure me, so I allowed the approach. While still holding the wrist of the woman, a handnded on my shoulder. I turned to look at the assant, and to my surprise, it was Gerard Brooks, one of the people Derek rescued before vanishing.


    Oh, youre Gerard, thats good. I have some questions for you too. I reached over to the hand on my shoulder and grabbed it. I squeezed until I heard a cracking sound and the man let out a groan. He was weaker than I imagined. Now, would the two of you like to go somewhere quiet to talk, or should have everyone in here vacate? I really dont want to cause more of a scene. Look, people are already looking at us. I gestured to the rest of the bar.


    The woman squinted her eyes. What do you want?


    I told you, Im just looking to talk about Derek Hunt. You know, ck hair, blue eyes, vanished a bit over two years ago.


    Would you sign a contract that you wont hurt us? Gerard said from behind me, holding his broken left hand.


    No, I wont sign a contract with pathetic humans like you. I should kill you for even asking, but Im on a mission, so Ill ask one more time. Do you want to go somewhere to talk, or would you rather me drag you out of here and talk then?


    The two teammates made eye contact, then the woman nodded. We can go to the back. Its empty. She walked over from behind the bar, then shouted at a woman clearing a table. Cindy, watch the bar.


    Good choice. I stood and had them lead me to an empty room in the back. There was a couch and a few chairs. I guess it was an area for the workers to take a break. I put one of the chairs in front of the couch and sat. Have a seat.


    Again, the two looked at each other before sitting. What do you want to know about Derek?


    First, where is the other alive member? Allison, I believe? I asked.


    Shes gone. Couldnt handle it after John and Andrea. Left the city, we havent seen her since. Gerard answered.


    And you two? Why are you working here in this bar?


    We Silvi looked down. Were considered bad luck. Nobody would team with us after Derek. Then, I read up on my abilities and found out how bad <strong>Portal </strong>was to use, so Im practically useless.


    Well, I would say you are extremely lucky to have never summoned a Void Beast. You would have been the cause of hundreds or thousands of deaths. It would have killed until it got bored, and no one would have been able toe down to stop it because you were in an introductory phase. Ive seen it happen. I exined.


    Youve seen it happen? She asked, confused. Are you not from Earth?


    Hahahah! Iughed. No, Im Kelvin, the human leader, and a member of the System Council.


    You I cut the woman off.


    Could crush this entire city with one finger. Now, can we get back on point? What do you know about Derek? From before the system. I asked.


    He He didnt talk much about himself. I only know what the few people who knew him and his family before the system came told me. His family all died a couple years before the system came. He moved out to his familys cabin on ake afterward and stayed there until the system came. Well, he stayed there after the system arrived too. Silvi answered.


    Thats it? I asked. She nodded. Do you know anything else? I asked Gerard.


    Thats more than I knew. He didnt talk about it, so I never snooped. The man answered.


    What about Titles or skills? Maybe he had a Title that could help to exin what was happening, or a skill rted to the void.


    They both shook their heads. He never talked about that stuff.


    I dont know what I was expecting to find out. These people were useless. His cabin, where is it?


    It was about 50 miles outside of Charlotte, but it was destroyed by beasts a few months after he disappeared. Silvi answered.


    Dammit. Mark it on this map. I pulled a map out of my inventory and the woman showed me where it was. I thought that I may be able to find something there, anything.


    I stood up to leave. You enjoy your meaningless lives. Began to walk out of the room.


    Wait. Why are you so interested in Derek? The woman asked.


    Well, because hes still alive. I smiled and left the girl standing in the room in shock.


    Afterwards, I left the city and went to search for the cabin. I found it, but Silvi was right, there was nothing left. The grass had grown up, there was barely even any part of the cabin left. I only found a single photo of a young Derek holding who I could only assume was his little sister in his arms.


    Then, I made my way back to Chicago, and here I am.


    ***


    Thats it? Darvin asked. Nothing else? There was no one close to the man?


    I asked around while in Charlotte, but there was nothing. He didnt have any friends, hell, the man barely had acquaintances. Hes a mystery. Kelvin answered.


    And you left the two alive?


    Yeah, they arent strong enough to do anything. They have barely leveled since everything happened, and they dont know anything. I had my skill activated the whole time I was there, they didnt lie.


    Darvin shook his head. The two of them stared at the holograph of Derek floating in the middle of the table. Just what is going on? Darvin said to nobody.


    Kelvin smiled a predatory smile. I dont know, but I cant wait. Its been so boring thesest few decades.


    You can go. Darvin dismissed Kelvin. Kelvin got up and left through the teleporter.


    Darvin stared at the system model with the deviation at one point. Just where are you going?

 Chapter 65: Torith

    Chapter 65: Torith


    Derek looked around the city as they slowly walked down the street. It was big. Not as big as some of the pre-system cities in his world, but it was definitely up there in size. Bronson had exined theyout of the city to Derek on the way there.


    It was really basic, and ording to Bronson, it was the preferred style of cityyout. It was a giant city, within circr walls. Of course, he had also seen some small huts and houses surrounding the city before they entered. There was not much protection from enemies, but maybe those people would be let inside in case of an enemy attack, or perhaps the guards and Adventurers Guild protected them somewhat. Derek was curious, but not enough to ask Bronson if that was the case.


    Once inside the city, you were on the main street. Both sides of the street had different establishments. There were different shops, crafting workces, inns, and taverns. Apparently, the further you walked on the main road, the better the establishments you could find. If one was just entering the city, they would find restaurants selling delicacies such as rat on a stick for pennies, but further into the city, one would find restaurants costing actual gold to dine in.


    The living arrangements worked the same. The slums were located immediately after entering the city. If one took the first intersection or alleyway they saw, on either side of the street, they would stumble on the poorest area of Torith. The further in, the richer the people. Just before the end of the street was the Adventurers Guild.


    Finally, at the end of the main street, was another wall and gate. This gate separated the lower ss from the middle ss. Though, some that could afford to live in the middle ss area chose to live in the richer part of the lower ss area instead. ording to Bronson, the cost difference between the two areas was staggering. Many merchants chose the upper-lower ss area to save greatly on living expenses and put what they saved back into their business.


    There were far fewer establishments in the middle ss area, but the quality of businesses was multiple times better than the lower section. The smithy that crafted the weapons and armor of the city guard was located there.


    The living areas were also much better. Each house hadnd and at least one open courtyard. Thinking back, Derekmended the vigers for at least giving all the families some space. From what he saw in the lower section of the city, it was very overcrowded.


    Finally, there was the noble section. The upper section of the city consisted only of noble houses, big and small. Even if the noble house was in a dire situation financially, they were still able to live in the noble section, unless they relinquished their nobility for money, which did tend to happen with some families.


    There was only one restaurant and two inns in the noble section. For all their other needs, the nobles would send servants down to the middle ss area to obtain goods. Because of this, and the small amount of nobles, the residences of the nobles were grandiose.


    Then, at the very top of the city, was the City Lords Manor. ording to Bronson, it was almost like a mini castle. He would have to take a look for himself once he arrived.


    About halfway through the lower part of the city, Silvi, who had taken to sitting on the top of Thomass head, told Derek to stop. Curious, he halted the party to find out what was wrong.


    <em>That smell. So good. I want. Get me. Now. </em>


    <em>Of course thats what it is. She just wants food. </em>There was rather delicious aromaing from one of the street vendors. Derek walked over, with Thomas following with Silvi. Looking at the cart, he was surprised to find steaming hot shish kabobs with some kind of meat and vegetables.


    It looked good, and smelt good, and if it could keep Silvi upied while they trekked through the city, it would be well worth whatever the cost. Derek walked up to the vendor. He turned to Bronson. You want some?


    Bronson scrunched his nose a bit. No, Ill wait until I get home to eat. Were not far now. You never know what kind of meat they sell down here.


    <em>Hes a bit spoiled, I guess. </em>Derek turned back around to the vendor, whose faces shade had changed from regr to having a red hue, most likely from the words Bronson spoke. Well, give me six.


    Y-yes sir. The young man stuttered, surprised. That will be 12 copper.


    Derek fished out 12 copper coins from his bracelet andid them on the cart. Here you go.


    The man, seeing the copper appear out of nowhere, became even more nervous. A-are you s-sure someone like yourself wants to eat something like this? He asked.


    Come on kid. I already paid. Derek pushed.


    O-okay. The young man picked up six kabobs and handed them over. Then he reached for the money and tried to give it back. S-sir, its on me, please.


    Derek rolled his eyes and walked away without taking the money back. He put three of the sticks in his bracelet and handed Thomas the other two. Thomas looked at him oddly. Derek smiled. Silvi cant very well hold one and walk at the same time.


    Thomas, realizing that Derek meant for him to feed the bunny on his head while walking, frowned.


    Derek turned to Bronson. The way that kid acted, you would think I beat him. Do you guys really treat them that bad down here?


    Some do. Bronson confirmed. Most nobles wont evene to the lower city, preferring to leave through the side gate in the middle section. But those that choose to be a part of the Adventurers Guild usuallye through this way. Many are young adults who are spoiled.


    Derek scoffed. Yeah spoiled. He shook his head and continued walking.


    At least there was some entertainment for him on the way. Seeing Thomas holding one kabob over his head for Silvi, and trying to eat his at the same time was hrious, especially with the juice dripping from Silvis down onto his face. Even Bronson let a chuckle escape at the scene.


    20 or so minutester, the group was finally at the next gate. Normally, Derek and Thomas would be stopped at this gate, as they did not have the identification to make it through. Of course, if Derek showed even a little of his strength, it would be reported and he would likely be weed.


    They did not have to worry about any of this because of Bronson. So far, every city guard they had passed had recognized the man at a nce. Just as what happened at the entrance to the city, the gate to the middle section was opened up and they were let through without any hassles.


    <em>If Im going to be here for a while, Im going to have to figure out how to move freely through the city areas. Until then, I can just mooch off of Bronson. </em>Derek looked at Bronson and smiled a creepy smile.


    After going through the gates, Derek focused more on his surroundings. The difference between the two sections was like night and day. They walked by a bakery and Derek instantly regretted eating the kabobs. The previous smells of the city were all gone, and the fresh scents of steaming pastries drifted through the air into the noses of passerby.


    <em>Want. Now. </em>Silvis thoughts flew into Dereks head as she sniffed the air.


    <em>Ill get you someter. Just sit tight for now. Im sure there will be even tastier things where we are going. </em>Derek tried to pacify the hungry bunny. She did not answer, she only snorted and kept sniffing the surrounding air.


    Aww! Mommy, look! Its so cute. A little girl walking the street while holding an womans hand yelled when she saw Silvi atop Thomass head.


    The people in the middle area of the city were totally different than those in the lower section. While walking through the lower section, people did best to avoid eye contact, and tried to move out of the way before they came through. Of course, this was because of Bronson. He was still in his armor and had ced his sword on his back.


    Derek and Thomas still looked like they may have belonged in the lower section. Thomas was wearing the leather armor Brandi had made him, and though it fit well and looked decent, in a nobles eyes, the armor would be worthless. Derek, of course, was wearing one of the ck t-shirts Brandi had given him, and a pair of blue jeans that had a few holes around the knees. He was also wearing hisbat boots, which had seen better days. The duo lookedpletely out of ce in the middle area.


    The woman and child finally drew closer, and the child spoke to Thomas. C-can I pet the cute bunny?


    A trace of disgust shed in the womans eyes when she looked at Derek and Thomas, but when her gazended on Bronson, her eyes grew big. Shana, we shouldnt disturb the sirs, Im sure they have things they must do.


    Aww! I wanted to y with it and pet it and feed it. Shana grumbled sadly and held out a pastry.


    That was all it took for Silvi. One moment she was sitting atop Thomass head, the next, she was in the arms of a little girl chewing on sweet bread. <em>Pays to be cute. You wish you were. </em>She transmitted to Derek.


    Derek shook his head. <em>Hurry up and finish it. We have ces to be. </em>He sent back.


    The woman quickly bowed. I apologize, Captain Bronson. Ill discipline Shanater.


    Nonsense. Its natural for little girls to adore cute things. We arent in a rush. Besides, that bunny is a glutton, were lucky the food was offered, and she didnt steal it. Bronson replied.


    Silvi heard Bronson call her a glutton, and she looked back at him with squinted eyes. He flinched, and she went back to consuming the food.


    Thank you, sir. The woman said.


    Soon, the pastry was gone and Silvi hopped out of the girls arms and back atop Thomass head. The party continued down the street.


    A half hourter, they were finally at the gate to the noble district. Derek was excited to see what was next.

 Chapter 66: The Crown

    Chapter 66: The Crown


    With Bronson leading them, the group was able to pass through the gate with no problems. A couple of the guards gave Derek and Thomas strange looks, but they did not dare say anything with Bronson around.


    The first things that Derek noticed when entering the noble district was a gigantic building with multiple floors. There was a balcony on the top floor. It had to be at least six floors tall. Of course, it was nothingpared to some of the skyscrapers Derek had seen and been to on Earth. Still, in a world like this that seemed to be stuck in the medieval times, it was quite something.


    There was not much to the design of the building. It was square with windows on every floor. At the top of the door, there was artwork of a crown with jewels in it. One other thing that Derek noticed was that the building was very clean. He could not find a speck of dust anywhere.


    Bronson noticed Derek staring at the tall building. That is the Crown. Its a restaurant that originated in the Capital, then proceeded to set up branches everywhere. No matter which city in the kingdom you are in, there will be a Crown restaurant in the noble district.


    Oh, thats cool, I guess. So, can anyone who can afford it eat there? Derek asked.


    No. All nobles and some wealthy merchants are able to dine there as long as they have the money. But, they can only use the bottom floors. The top two floors are reserved for those lucky enough to obtain a membership. Currently, in Torith, there is no one, not even the city lord, who has been able to receive one. Receiving a membership to the Crown is a dream of many nobles. Bronson replied.


    Derek looked over at Thomas and Silvi. Thomas was still staring at the building, ck-jawed. Derek shook his head and turned back to Bronson. So, is the food good at least.


    Bronsonughed. It looks good. Ive never been able to dine in the restaurant, but I have apanied the master a time or two. Its said that all the chefs that work for the Crown were raised up personally in the organization. They all have the same ss and their <strong>Cooking </strong>skills are unbelievably high.


    <strong><em>Cooking </em></strong><em>skill? They must have thumbs. Would make easier. I need thumbs. I cook better. Make restaurant. </em>Derek was treated to the mumblings of Silvi. She was obsessed with food, and was still bitter at her first cooking experience.


    <em>I dont think theres a skill that will allow you to grow thumbs, but Im sure well find something that will make it easier on you. </em>He told her. He could only imagine Silvi running a restaurant.


    He silently chuckled and continued with Bronson. So, what does it take to be a member?


    Great achievement or strength. Something that the Crown would recognize. Not even the princes or the princess are allowed in the reserved floors unless the king is with them. Though, I have heard that the eldest prince is very close to obtaining membership. He tracked and killed a Void Beast some time ago. Bronson replied.


    Derek noticed Thomas staring at him out of the corner of his eye. <em>It seems that though Void Beasts are rare, it isnt umon to hear about them. I was wanting Brandi to make me some armor out of the corpse I have, but Ive outgrown its uses and then some. Maybe it could make good armor for Thomas, though. Or, I may be able to use it to increase my reputation faster than expected. I guess I could always give away all but the skin and let the girl work with that.</em>


    A Void Beast, huh? Why would that help with membership? Im sure there are some very weak Void Beasts out there, they arent all strong like the legends. Derek asked.


    No, they are just extremely rare. Mostly because it is forbidden to use <strong>Portal. </strong>Still, every now and then, some untrained or unlearned mage thinks the skill sounds cool and ends up getting their whole vige destroyed. The problem is that you never know how strong of a Void Beast you will end up with. If you could control that, you would be rich. Bronson replied.


    Why is that? Derek really was curious as to why Void Beasts, even weak ones would be in demand. He could see cksmiths or leatherworkers wanting the materials from stronger ones, like the one he had, but not weak ones.


    Bronson pointed at the restaurant. Its a delicacy. One of the best tasting meats you will ever eat or so Ive heard. Of course, the stronger the beast, the better the taste, but even a weak Void Beast tastes better than almost anything.


    <em>Void Beast. I want eat. Lets go find one. Now. </em>Silvi chirped.


    You dont say Derek said, and walked towards the restaurant.


    What are you doing? You wont be allowed in yet. Wait for the master, Im sure hed be willing to bring you.


    Derek chuckled and kept walking until he made it to the entrance. Then he walked in. The inside of the building was exquisite. From the chandeliers lighting the ceiling to the tables ced around the room, everything was high quality. <em>I wonder how the lights work. </em>Derek mused as he looked at the ceiling.


    In no time, there were two very strong looking guards standing in front of him. At that time, Derek felt Silvind on his shoulder. <em>Kill now? Eat? </em>She asked.


    <em>No, just making a little scene. Though, we will probably eat soon. Just not the people. Didnt I tell you that we dont eat humans? </em>He calmed the bunny.


    What are you doing? You dont belong here. Leave now before we throw you out. One of the guards said. They were both at least as strong as Bronson.


    Oh? I was hoping to speak to your manager. Derek said.


    The guards looked him up and down, then scoffed. You? Why would someone like you think they would be able to speak to the manager? Filthy peasant, how are you even in the noble district to begin with?


    Bronson came in at that time. He bowed to the guards. Phil, Ryan, Im sorry about this. Its just a misunderstanding. This is Derek, a guest of Master Gracefall. He looked at Derek. Come on, no matter how strong you are, you dont want to mess with the Crown.


    That got on Dereks nerves. He red at Bronson, and the whites of his eyes began to turn purple. You do not speak for me. Understand?


    Bronson flinched and backed up. Y-yes. Sorry.


    Seeing Bronson concede to Derek, the two guards tensed. The atmosphere became still. They reached for their weapons.


    What is going on down here? A lovely voice sounded out.


    A woman wearing an emerald green dress with a thigh high slit was sauntering down the stairs. Her fire red hair and green eyes ented her dress. A few freckles rested on her cheeks. Derek was unsure if makeup was used in this world, neither Rayna nor Mal had ever used any, but even if there was, it would only hinder the womans natural beauty.


    Madam, this man was causing trouble. We were just about to throw him out. One of the guards spoke. They had already caused a scene in the restaurant, and the dining nobles had taken notice and were all staring.


    The woman looked past the two guards, and her eyesnded on Bronson. Bronson, is Theodore well?


    Maam. Bronson nodded. He has been very well.


    The woman then looked at Derek. Derek smiled a half smile and withdrew the void raging inside his body. The deep purple in his eyes receded to his irises. The woman raised her eyebrows at that.


    And you must be She stopped to allow Derek to answer.


    He nodded. You can call me Derek. I take it youre the manager here? He got to the point. Derek appreciated beauty, but he would not allow it to get in his way.


    Straight to the point, I like that. Yes, I am the manager. You can call me Ste. How may I help you?


    Is there somewhere private we can go, or are you fine doing business here, out in the open. He asked.


    I assure you, all the business we do here is above board, there is no need to hide anything. That is, unless you are ufortable. She said.


    Derekughed. Nope. Heres fine. He shook his hand, and a corpse appeared. He was holding the body by the back of the neck. The bipedal, wolf-like creature was menacing looking. Everyone in the restaurant gasped in surprise when they saw the Void Beast. I heard you may be interested in one of these.


    Ste stared at the creature with wide eyes. This may I? She asked as a knife appeared in her hand.


    Understanding what she wanted, Derek walked to the nearest empty table andid the corpse on it. Go ahead.


    Carefully, the woman slid the knife down the chest of the Void Beast. The knife cut through it like butter. So fresh, and theres barely a mark on it. How was it in? She asked while examining the body.


    I stored it as soon as I killed it. As for how I did it Thats for me to know. In all, Derek had only had the corpse outside of his storage bracelet for a few hours, top. He had never imagined that it would taste good. If he knew, it may not have made it until now.


    The hide is so strong. Ste said and looked back at Derek with wide eyes. How strong are you to be able to fight it? You must be well over 100.


    Derek just smiled. <em>My stats would have put me around a level 130 with a rare ss back when I fought it. I could kill it with a finger now. </em>Derek thought.


    Right, thats for you to know. She muttered. This this is too much for me to decide what to do with it. We havent had one of this quality in years. Ill have to contact the Capital. Could you give me a day or two? Will you be around?


    Of course. Though, I do want the hide. He said.


    Thats fine, we usually just sell the remaining parts to the highest bidder. Ill let my boss know. Would you like to take it with you until things are settled, or do you mind if we keep it? I assure you, you will get a good price. Ste said.


    You can keep it. Frees up some storage space, anyway. He said, and the woman looked at him in surprise. What, I was told by somebody that you do things above board. He smiled.


    Stes lips turned upward into a stunning smile. That somebody is correct. She ced her hand on the corpse and it disappeared. She looked around. Would your party like to dine today? Its on the house.


    Derek looked at Bronson, Thomas, and Silvi. The two men were stunned, and Silvi was barely able to contain herself. That would be great. He moved Silvi to his arms. I hope you dont mind mypanion eating too, she is quite the food connoisseur.


    The woman led them to a table. She is fine. Many of our distinguished guests bring their pets. She said. The group sat down. Someone will be with you momentarily. Enjoy your meal. Ste said, then sauntered back up the stairs.

 Chapter 67: More Business

    Chapter 67: More Business


    After being seated, Derek looked around the room. The bottom floor of the restaurant was packed full of nobles. It would be impossible to hide what had just taken ce. Derek expected the rumors to be all over the noble and middle-ss districts by the time they left the Crown. Of course, this is what Derek wanted and the reason he had not asked for privacy.


    He was, however, beginning to get irritated at the nobles around him. They made no attempt to hide the fact that they were using <strong>Identify </strong>on him. Naturally, all of their attempts failed, which caused even moremotion in the already lively restaurant.


    Soon, a waiter arrived to take their order. I have been instructed to allow the entire bottom menu, free of charge. Would you like that? The man asked.


    That seemed fine with Derek. He was sure that his group would have no problem finishing one of everything, especially with the gluttonous rabbit with them. Fine by me, at least I wont have to worry about ordering something I wont like. He agreed.


    The waiter nodded. I will let the chefs know right away. In the meantime, would you like some tea, or perhaps ale?


    Derek looked at the others. He had a craving for something hot. Tea is fine for the three of us. He motioned to Silvi, Thomas, and himself. He can have whatever. He nodded to Bronson.


    Ah, yes. Tea will do nicely. Bronson spoke up.


    The man cast an odd look at Silvi before answering. Right away. He pivoted and left.


    The entire lower menu for free. Do you know how much that would cost? Bronson asked.


    Nope. Derek replied nonchntly. In fact, he did not care. Other than raising his reputation, the only reason he was at the restaurant was because he had gotten hungry while walking through the city, and the mystery skewers had not filled him up. He was sure that no matter what food they received, it would be good. A ce does not get and keep such a reputation without being exceptional.


    Bonson only shook his head in response to Dereks attitude.


    Soon, the waiter was back with four cups of steaming hot tea. This is our very own Crown Tea. It is known throughout the kingdom as one of the very best. The man said as he set the cups in front of them.


    Derek nodded at the waiter and picked up the cup. Moving it to his lips, he took a small sip. It was good, but not quite to Dereks taste. The tea had a fruity undertone and was very smooth, he could feel the small Vitality boost he received by drinking it. As an uncultured American, he preferred coffee to any kind of tea he had ever drank. In fact, the more bitter the coffee, the more he liked it.


    At that thought, he got an idea. <em>Why didnt I think of that before? </em>He looked to the waiter. Is Ste still around? Ive just thought of something else that she may be interested in.


    The man looked at Derek with interest. She is. She is on the third floor, in her office. Would you like me to notify her? Derek nodded. Right away, sir. The man said and took off up the stairs.


    What now? Bronson asked.


    Derek smiled. I dont even know if its possible yet. Ill tell youter if it works.


    Not even two minutester, the waiter was back down and at their table. She is a little busy, but you can go up if you wish.


    Derek nodded and stood. He looked at his group. Save me something to eat, I am hungry. He turned back to the waiter. Lets go.


    After following behind the waiter to the third floor, he came to a part of the building that was much different than what he had already seen. <em>Must be the business floor. </em>Soon, he was in a hallway and was let to a door. The waiter knocked on the door and waited for an answer from the other side.


    Soon, the same melodic voice rang out. Come in.


    The man opened the door and walked inside. Madam. I have brought the guest.


    Ste, seated behind a desk littered in papers, nodded and dismissed the man from the room. He shut the door on his way out. She focused her gaze on Derek. Have a seat. She said and waited for him to take his seat. So, I hear you may have another proposal for me. She spoke coyly.


    Derek chuckled. Actually, I do. But Im not sure if what Im looking for is possible.


    Oh? What is it you are looking for? She asked.


    Well I assume you have botanists and other types of nt type mages for growing your fruits and vegetables, correct?


    Yes. We have a few here, and many others in our other host cities. We also have hunters that we pay a premium to for their kills. What are you thinking? She asked, intrigued.


    Are your mages good enough to reverse engineer a nt? One that has already been processed, dried, roasted, and ground.


    I cant promise anything, but they may be able to. They can experiment and grow things based on taste too. That is how we originally made our tea. What is it that you have? Ste seemed even more interested.


    Derek ced his hand over the table and one of the coffee canisters he had appeared on the table. He opened the lid and slid the can over to Ste. This is a special beverage from my home, I havent seen anything like it since Ive been here.


    Ste took the can and pulled it towards her nose. Interesting smell. Hows the taste?


    Derek smiled. You got a couple cups? Ill need some near boiling water and a small funnel.


    Is that it? She questioned.


    Well, some people enjoy it with cream and sugar. Actually, its a pretty versatile drink. You can experiment until you find the taste you like best. I prefer it in. Its quick and simple. He exined.


    Ste nodded, then grabbed a small crystal-like object. Derek could see it lighting up when she injected mana into it. Okay, it will be up in a moment. She said.


    Derek nodded. By the way, your guests are pretty rude. He said, making small talk.


    Oh, hows that?


    Im pretty sure everyone dining on the bottom floor has tried using <strong>Identify </strong>on me. They really dont try to hide it. Heughed and said.


    You will get used to that. She said.


    I dont mind, but I know some people who would have already ughtered the entire floor because of it. He said. <em>Well, I used to know some. Hell, I dont even know if Jace is still alive. Im pretty sure Earth is out of the systems introductory state. I always wondered what that was going to be like </em>


    Ste looked at him, a trace of fear shing in her eyes. <strong>Identify </strong>is a vital skill for hunters, so in Cydaria, they are ustomed to using it on all they see, including people. It is the best way to level it. These people are they here too? Do they have strength simr to yours?


    Derekughed out loud. No need to worry. Meing here was a happy ident. I doubt they evere here. Plus, Im sure they would at least try to learn about other customs before causing amotion. He said. <em>Well, except for Jim. Im not sure he even knows what the word customs means. </em>But yeah, when I left, they were probably stronger than me. Thats not to say they could beat me, though. He smiled.


    Where are you from? If you dont mind me asking. Ive never been outside the kingdom before, and we dont get many visitors.


    Ah, that is a secret for now. I may tell you someday. Well see how this business works out.


    At that point, a waitress knocked and walked in. She arranged the cups, water pot, and funnel onto the desk, along with sugar and cream. Is there anything else, madam?


    Thats all, you can go. Ste said. She then slid the can back to Derek and motioned for him to begin.


    Derek pulled a coffee filter out of his storage bracelet. He took the funnel and was surprised by it. It clearly was not used for something like this, but it was almost perfect. He fixed the filter inside the funnel. Then, he put a few scoops of coffee into the filter. Finally, he slowly poured the water into it while holding the funnel over one of the cups.


    <em>One must be the coffee pot. </em>He chanted a mantra to himself as he poured. Soon, both cups were full, and he stopped pouring. It pained him to use up his precious coffee, but if he could find a way to get more, it would be well worth it. He set his makeshift coffee maker onto a te so it would not damage the desk.


    Derek slid one of the cups to Ste and took the other for himself. He brought it to his mouth and took a sip. Closing his eyes, he basked in the vor of the drink that he could only make on special asions.


    Ste did the same. Then, she took another sip, before setting the cup down. Next, she took a spoon and stirred some sugar into her cup before taking another sip. Then she tested it by adding in some cream.


    This I think I enjoy it with sugar and cream more than I enjoy our own tea. And the aroma is exquisite. She finally spoke after finishing the cup.


    That means you want to try to grow it? Derek asked, still savoring his cup.


    Of course. What type of nt is it?


    Its a small tree that bears cherry-like fruit. Then you have to process the cherry and remove the seed. Then, you dry the seeds. Im not sure about the exact process, Im not a botanist, but Im sure your people could figure it out if theyre able to grow it. Finally, you roast, then grind the seed into the perfect cup of coffee. He motioned to his cup. It was, by far, not the best cup of coffee hed had, but it was coffee. And, you would probably do well to make some coffee specific tools to use. Oh, and this He pulled out another filter. Well, Im not sure how its made, but its basically a filter for the coffee. He gave the filter to her. I dont have many left, Im sure you can make something good enough.


    Finally, he took the lid and put it back on the can. So, lets talk business.

 Chapter 68: Negotiations

    Chapter 68: Negotiations


    Ste was the first to break the silence. So, you have already brought us a Void Beast, and now you are offering this coffee product. What is it that you are hoping to obtain?


    Status, and preferably the asional supply of coffee. Derek was blunt and to the point.


    Status? I understand about the coffee, its quite easy to allow that, but you want to receive status from the Crown? She asked.


    I heard that there are many that hope to obtain a membership to the upper floors, but few ever do. That in itself is a form of status. I figured that the one Void Beast would not be enough for me to obtain the membership, so I was hoping that I would be able to get closer by offering the coffee. Derek replied.


    Ste sat in silence for a moment, pondering her next question. Finally, she spoke. Why would you want to go this route to gain status? With your strength, it would be quite easy to move your way up.


    Derek smiled. It would, but I would risk offending person after person by doing it that way. If Im being honest, I just dont feel like wasting my time dealing with pampered nobles and young lords. Taking this path would be the less bothersome path. Im sure that there would be those that would want to test me to see if I earned the membership or got it through luck, but those people would most likely be strong and few. I would much rather deal with a few strong fellows than a young lord and all his minions over and over, I know how that goes. <em>Ive read way too many novels to do that shit. </em>


    Ste looked at Derek with confusion in her eyes. Why are you looking to gain status?


    To live easy and allow others that I know to live easy too. I dont necessarily want to live here in Torith No, after seeing the city for myself, I dont n on settling here. But, wherever I choose, I would like to be respected enough that myself and those close to me are not harassed. Now, I could always tread down the path of fear, but, like I said, that would be bothersome and take effort. Derek said.


    This was the most he had revealed to anyone about his future ns, but he figured Ste would be in the best position to help him the fastest. He could always go the route of befriending a noble, but the Gracefalls were not in a position to help him in any ce other than Torith, and he did not feel like cozying up with the City Lord in hopes of meeting one of the kings advisors. In fact, learning about the Crown was a stroke of good fortune. If he could strike up a good deal with them, it would be great. Their influence stretched the entire kingdom. Hell, he would not mind going to an abandoned area and harvesting a few Void Beasts if they wanted them.


    To live easy. Ste shook her head, a mysterious light shing through her eyes. What an interesting answer. Are you not looking for power or to find powerful friends?


    Honestly, Im not too hard to get along with. I enjoy being alone well, its been kinda nice spending time with others, but Im not one to go looking for friends. Really, if you leave me and mine alone, then I have no problem leaving you alone. Beforeing here, I was considered a bit of a hermit even. I have no desire to be in charge of anything. I also much prefer to do my leveling by hunting monsters not people. Derek replied.


    Steughed out loud. Im sure the popce would appreciate you not hunting them to level. Well, Derek. Im not sure that your contributions will be enough for a membership, but you will at least be rich. My rank in the Crown is not high enough to finalize the Void Beast business, but I can pass everything youve said along to my bosster today, and have an answer for you within a couple days.


    Ste shifted her eyes back to the coffee on the desk. However, I am able to negotiate with you about the coffee. If we are able to reverse engineer it and begin manufacturing it, I am certain that it will provide us a considerable wealth. With that, I am willing to sign a contract here and now that will provide you with two percent of coffee sales within the kingdom, along with however much you want for personal use. Of course, a contract with the Crown also allows you to dine in the lower floors too. Your contribution to the Crown will also be noted, and that will go a long way to obtaining a membership. You will also earn more contribution for the Void Beast when we negotiate again in a few days. What do you think?


    Derek thought about the offer. <em>Two percent seems like a small amount, but considering that it is within the entire kingdom, it should be a lot. </em>May I ask what the expected monthly revenue would be for the coffee?


    She raised her eyebrows at that question. Im not sure. It will definitely be a hit for the first while, but once the new feeling wears off, prices will settle down. It is also very strong and has a distinct vor, so it is likely that there are many who wont like it, even with added condiments. As the beverage is the cheapest part of a meal, the profits wont be too earth-shattering. All in all, I would expect it topete well with our tea. I dont see a reason that it would not bring in at least 250,000 gold coins a month once everything settles.


    So, around 5,000 coins a month for me. Derek pondered. <em>Shit I dont know enough about the financial situation of this kingdom to know if that is a good deal. Fuck, why didnt I ask Bronson more questions about that? </em>Derek acted like he was thinking about the deal. His only brush with finance in this world was that a level 70 small hide could get him 3 or 4 silver. How about three and a half?


    Ste looked at him with squinted eyes. He really wished he knew what the woman was thinking. Two and a half.


    He smiled. Three and we call it a deal.


    She nodded. Fine, I can do that. She made a motion and a small stack of paper appeared before her. She ced her hand on the stack and a blue light shined underneath. Soon, writing began to fill the papers. She removed her hand and picked up the stack. Ste then handed the papers over to Derek. Here is the contract, read it over and inject your mana into it if you agree.


    Derek grabbed the papers and began reading. It was not a long contract, but it still had a bunch of the nonsense he expected in a contract. He could not give the product to other businesses, he could not sell any of the product he obtained for personal use, and a lot more stuff like that. He read carefully to make sure there were not any traps. After finishing, he read it again, then once more. Finally, he came to the conclusion that the contract was not bad, and he injected his mana. A notification popped up in his vision.


    A contract with one Ste Brighton and entity Crown has been initiated. Would you like to proceed?


    Y/N


    Derek focused on yes.


    Contract has beenpleted. Please abide by the terms to avoid any penalties.


    With that, the contract split in two, and another copy appeared before him. Ste reached over and ced her hand on the original. The contract turned into a blue energy and entered her body. Derek did the same. The energy flowed into his hand and traveled through his body before resting itself in his mind. He now had a new listing under his Contracts tab in his status sheet.


    Derek slid the coffee can back over to Ste and stood. He ced his hand out for her to take. Handshakes seemed to bemonce, as she stood and took it into hers. It was a pleasure doing business with you. He said.


    She smiled coyly. The pleasure was all mine.


    Their handshake broke, and Derek turned to leave the room. Right before he opened the door, he looked back. Oh, if I just happened to run into some Void Beasts, how many do you think it would take to hurry along the process of me obtaining a membership?


    Ste was stunned for a moment before she replied. If they were of the same quality of the previous one, I dont see why two or three more wouldnt do the job. Perhaps even one if the coffee sells well.


    Derek nodded his head, then opened the door. I better hurry back down before that damn rabbit eats all my food. He walked out and closed the door behind him.


    Ste fell back into her seat. Meeting that man was extremely stressful. He had not shown any aura or anger, but talking to him made her feel like she was talking to her boss. He was rxed the whole time and spoke so casually about things. And when he asked about the Void Beasts at the end, the first thing she wondered was if he was going to open a portal and wait for one to appear. <em>That would be crazy though. A Void Beast maye after one minute, or one hundred years. There is no way he would waste time trying to bait one. </em>


    She thought back to the contract they had signed. She had actually given him a good deal. Two percent for an individual was a great number, especially for something that would sell so easily. Upping it to three had been painful. She only hoped that she would be able to get one percent from the Crown for being the person to broker the deal. 2,500 gold coins a month would be a great payout.


    Ste leaned back and sighed. Next, she had to contact her boss and tell her about the contract and the Void Beast. She knew that she would be pleased, especially with the quality of the beast.


    Ste motioned with her hand and a light blue crystal appeared. It was time to contact her boss.


    Derek made his way back to the first floor and was greeted with an odd sight. Tray after tray was surrounding his table. He had not expected there to be so much food. That was not the odd thing though. Thomas and Bronson were both leaned back in their chairs with their hands on their bellies.


    Silvi, on the other hand, looked like she had grown two sizes. She was sitting on the table, in the middle, slowly eating what looked like a roasted duck. Derek tried tomunicate with her. <em>Is that good? Did you save me any? </em>He asked the bunny.


    Silvi slowly turned her head to look at Derek. <em>Soooo good. Better than delicious, beautiful woman. Soooo full. </em>She transmitted as she took another bite of the duck.


    <em>If youre so full, why are you still eating? </em>He was bbergasted.


    <em>Cant stop. Too delicious. Must eat all. </em>The glutton replied.


    Derek shook his head as he took a seat. He looked around at the trays of food. <em>At least theres enough left for me. </em>He thought, but he had a sneaking suspicion that the best of the food had already been consumed. <em>Oh well, time to eat.</em>

 Chapter 69: Enigma

    Chapter 69: Enigma


    For half an hour, Derek fought Silvi for scraps of what was left. In the end, he got a bite or two of just about everything, and Silvi underwent another evolution from a Void Rabbit to a Balloon Bunny. Her front paws literally could not touch the ground anymore because of how much she ate. Her stomach was so engorged that she looked like a mini T-Rex.


    Derek and the rest of the restaurant could only look at the fat bunny and sigh. As for the food, it was fantastic. Of course, there was something about the home-cooked meals that Mal made them that he could not put his finger on, but the food here was multiple times more delicious.


    Derek looked around the table of balloons. He was definitely the one who ended up eating the least out of the bunch. I guess its about time to go. Im sure you cant wait to tell your master about me. He said to Bronson.


    Bronson, while leaning back in his chair, mumbled. Yes Then he caught himself. I mean. No uhh yes, I need to get back to the house soon, but no, I do not look forward to reporting on you. He managed to get out.


    Derek chuckled. Rx, you do whatever you feel like. Its not like I ever said you shouldnt.


    Bronson released a long breath and nodded. Then he looked up at Derek with slightly furrowed brows. May I ask what your other meeting was about?


    Hmm? Oh, I remembered I had another product the Crown might like, so I went and offered it to Silvi. She was quite inviting, and I ended up with a contract to provide me a portion of the sales and contribution. Now, if everything works out well, I should be on my way to having a membership, along with making a bit of profit. Derek exined.


    Bronsons eyes widened a bit, and the rest of the restaurants guests leaned in closer to hear what was said. They were not even trying to hide their prying anymore. You were actually able to make a contract with the restaurant with means other than the Void Beast. Thats quite the feat.


    By the way. Derek said. What is the value of 7,500 gold coins? As you should know from traveling with me, there are some things that I do not have the greatest understanding of about this kingdom. The mary system is one of them.


    Well, 5,000 gold coins would be able to purchase you a very nice residence in the middle-ss, or merchant, district. Of course, you would also have 500 or so gold coins in yearly fees after the purchase. That is also only in Torith. The bigger cities have higher prices. 7,500 coins would probably do the same for those cities, not including the Capital. Bronson paused to think more about the question.


    Finally, after a small amount of time, he continued speaking. You would probably understand better if I put it in terms of equipment. 50 coins would be enough to purchase a well-made de for a level 75 warrior. Of course, the price increases greatly based on materials. My sword, for example, cost 2,700 gold coins. It is good enough to y beasts up to level 150, unless it is a beast with extreme defenses.


    I see. Derek said, then rested his head on his hand. Looks like I made a pretty good deal then. He mumbled, but Bronson still heard him.


    May I ask the terms of the deal? Or would that be overstepping? Bronson asked with a curious tone.


    Thats fine. Im sure it woulde out eventually, anyway. Other than receiving as much of the product as I want for personal use, I also get contribution and three percent of profits. The product is a beverage, and Ste estimated that after the initial craze over a new product, the monthly profits would be around 250,000 gold. Derek said thest part in a hushed tone that only Bronson could hear.


    So the 7,500 gold coins would be monthly. Bronson confirmed in awe.


    Yup. I wasnt sure if I made a good deal or I had been swindled until I asked you. Thankfully, Ste seems to be an honest person.


    Bronson shook his head. The Crown has no need to perform shady deals. They are already so powerful that they would prefer to increase their image and reputation over saving a few gold.


    Derek nodded. That makes sense.


    At that point in time, a painful moan was let out by a few of the restaurant goers, and Derek received a notification.


    You have seeded in blocking 250 attempts of <strong>Identify </strong>in a row from 250 different people.


    New Award Earned


    <em>Oh, thats cool. </em>Derek thought, then looked around at the guests holding their heads in pain. <em>Im guessing it has something to do with causing a bacsh to those who try to appraise me. Lets see. </em>


    Lesser Enigma


    Hundreds of people have tried to figure you out, but have failed. You are an enigma.


    You have earned the following:


    <strong>Identify </strong>block ability increased.


    Those who try, but fail to <strong>Identify </strong>you will instead experience a small bacsh.


    Block more <strong>Identify </strong>attempts to continue to progress in this Award.


    Note: It is rmended to turn the bacsh off in crowded areas.


    <em>Thats neat. I guess I just have to focus to keep the bacsh from happening. I wonder how many levels my </em><strong><em>Identify </em></strong><em>skill will block now. </em>There was not a way for Derek to immediately find out, but he could check on the bacsh. Bronson, use <strong>Identify </strong>on me. He said.


    Bronson squinted. It wont work, but, okay.


    Derek stared at the man. Soon, he flinched a bit, but that was it. Did you feel anything when you tried?


    Bronson nodded. Yes, a shooting pain in my head that vanished as quickly as it came. What happened?


    New Award. Apparently, when <strong>Identify </strong>blocks 250 people in a row from obtaining information, you get an Award called Enigma. Pretty interesting, increases <strong>Identify </strong>defense and forces a small bacsh on those who fail to use it on you. Im surprised you dont know about it. Derek said.


    It makes sense. Blocking 250 people is nothing, but having to do it all in a row is different. Most people know who the strong nobles are and avoid using the skill on them out of respect. And, the skill only levels when using it on things you havent already used it on, so once someone scans another once, they usually dont bother with it again. Bronson exined.


    Well, it should be an easy Award to get now that you know about it.


    I hadnt thought of that, but yes, you are correct. I will let the master know. Thank you for telling me about it. Most people are very secretive about their Awards and Skills. Bronson bowed his head slightly.


    Derek nodded, saying nothing about the subject. Alright, how bout we get going then? Im sure the staff cant wait for us to leave. Derek motioned to the bunny. If we let this glutton stay here any longer, the entire establishment will go bankrupt. He jested.


    Silvi squinted her eyes at Derek. <em>Dont want leave. This paradise. We stay. Nice man bring more food. </em>


    Derekughed. <em>Thats not how a restaurant works. This time, it was free to eat here. The next time, it will cost a great deal. Dont worry, I will bring you back some other time, but not often. It is very expensive.</em>


    <em>Fine. You promise. These very beautiful, delicious people. Humans not so bad. </em>She replied.


    After getting Silvi settled, Derek motioned to the waiter, who made his way over. Is there anything else I can help you with, sir? The man asked.


    That is all, I just wanted to make sure there is nothing I need to do, and it is okay to leave. I know Ste said it was on the house, but I wanted to make sure I didnt dine and dash.


    You owe nothing. You may leave at any time. It was a pleasure serving you. The man bowed slightly.


    Derek withdrew two gold coins and tossed them to the waiter. Im not sure what the custom on tipping your server here is, so please excuse me if it is not enough. With that, Derek and the group left the waiter holding two coins in a confused manner and left the establishment.


    Outside the restaurant, Bronson could not help himself and asked. Why did you give the server gold?


    Was it too much? Derek asked.


    No, did you not see his confusion?


    It was a tip. Do people not tip here? Derek answered.


    Tip? No, the man is paid quite well by the restaurant. Employees work, and they are paid by their employers. Why would a customer also give them money? Bronson asked.


    Just chalk it up to a cultural thing. Where I am from, if the waiter or waitress does well, you give them a tip before you leave. Even if they do not do well, it is still usually a good idea to leave a tip. The people you dont want to piss off the most are the staff of your favorite restaurant. Also, some of the restaurants dont pay their servers much, and they make a living by the tips they receive. Derek said.


    I guess that makes sense. Im sure the man isnt going toin about making two gold today. Bronson said.


    Alright, I guess its time to head to your ce. Im sure you have a lot you need to report. Derek said to Bronson as he looked at Thomas struggling to keep the fat bunny atop his head. It was her favorite resting ce, but her overextended belly was making it hard for her to fit.


    That I do. Bronson answered. And Im sure the master would love to meet you.


    Derek nodded. And I need a shower, so I would be happy to tag along.

 Chapter 70: Gracefall Manor

    Chapter 70: Gracefall Manor


    Bronson looked at Derek in confusion. Shower? Like a rain shower?


    Derek looked over and sighed. Damn, I guess you would only have baths, huh? He was really looking forward to a shower. He figured, if anywhere, a city would be equipped with showers. He was not much of a bath guy. Baths were fine for rest and rxation, but he always felt cleaner after a shower. An idea began to form in his head. He suddenly looked back over at Bronson. Gracefall focuses on water sses, right?


    Thats a bit of an oversimplification, but yes.


    Im sure you have some guards who can spew hot water then, right? Derek asked in all seriousness.


    Bronson chuckled at that. Most of the guards spew hot water. He looked over to Derek with a smile, but when he saw his face, he continued. Uh yes, there are a few mages able to use <strong>Geyser </strong>and simr spells.


    Derek nodded. If it isnt too much trouble, could you have a few make time for uh training after we get there?


    Bronson, of course, seemed more confused than ever with this sudden conversation, but he answered anyway. I can Im sure training with you will help them greatly. Like this, their small group continued on their way to Gracefall Manor.


    It was not long before the group arrived in front of a small gate manned by two guards. As soon as the guards spotted them, they saluted. Captain Bronson!


    Bronson nodded at them and took out a key from his storage ring. Instead of waiting on the two to open the gate, he inserted the key and opened it himself. Stepping inside, Bronson motioned for one of the guards toe over. He motioned to Derek and the rest. This is Sir Derek, and that is Thomas, see to it that our guests are well taken care of. The guard nodded and asked the group to follow him. Before he left, Bronson grabbed his arm and whispered in his ear. Treat that man as if he is Master Gracefall.


    The guards eyes opened in shock before he heavily nodded. Yes, sir.


    Corporal Hines will take you to the guest quarters. Bronson said. I have to report to the master, Ill send a few of the guards with that ability to you soon. Until then, treat this ce as your own.


    Derek nodded and began following the guard in front. As he walked through the courtyard, he made out subtle differences from what was in front of him and the other residences he views on their way.


    The residence was big, that was for sure. But it was one of the smallest he had seen in the noble area. Fortunately, it seemed well taken care of. There were four buildings inside the walls around him. The manor was a straight shot from the gate opening. To the left was a well kept area with two buildings.


    Looking in that direction, Derek could guess that the area was for the guards. Along with the two buildings, there were guards training. Some sparring, some practicing formation. He had an idea of what the buildings were. <em>A barracks and an armory, perhaps? </em>He thought.


    He looked to the right of the main residence and saw the building that was grand, but less so than the manor. <em>Maybe the guest residence? </em>Sure enough, when they arrived at the intersection of the stone path, the guard had them turn to the right.


    This is the guest manor. The guard pointed at the building. Please treat it as your own home. There is a separate staff inside that will be under yourmand.


    Derek nodded and looked at Thomas. He was taking everything in, like a kid in a candy shop. Silvi had somehow manages to almost return to a normal shaped bunny. She no longer looked like a beach ball. She was able to bnce on the boys head and sleep without much trouble. Thomas still reached up to stabilize her every once in a while, but the worst of the issues had passed.


    Soon they arrived at the front of the house. The door opened and a man with grey-white hair, dressed in a ck coatyered over a white tunic. If Derek were to describe the man in front of him, he would use the word gentleman.


    Please, sirs,e in, have a seat. The man motioned to the room behind him with a set of couches.


    Derek and Thomas walked through the door into the front room and took a seat. Looking around, there was a double staircase leading to the next floor. Between the staircase on the bottom floor was a double door, leading to what Derek suspected was either a dining room or kitchen. There was a door on each side of the room, too. Atop the staircase was a grand ss window with a door leading to a balcony, along with a door on each side of the stairs.


    Theyout of the house reminded him of many of the more expensive houses he had visited in his youth. The only difference was that the one he was currently in had a much more ssic vibe than those others.


    After talking with the guard for a moment, the man came over. Is there anything I can get the two of you?


    ***


    In the study of the main manor, there were two men. One was sitting at a desk covered in papers, while the other was standing in front, straight backed. Sir, I have returned. Bronson spoke.


    The older man behind the desk nodded. Report. He spoke.


    Yes, sir. Bronson took a deep breath. SIr, I have confirmed, Young Master Wace has passed. I have collected his remains for a proper funeral. I am sorry for your loss.


    The older man sighed. So it was true. Was his death suspicious? Do you know what happened. The man asked. Bronson hesitated, but was pushed by the man. Speak.


    Sir, ording to everything I gathered, Wace died a hero. There is a level 100 undying dungeon in the forest that was spreading sickness, causing countless viger deaths. From the knowledge I obtained, Wace and his party entered the dungeon andpleted it. Only, his party was wiped out inside and he was fatally injured and died just outside the dungeon, alone. But Bronson hesitated again.


    But what?


    Sir, we both know Wace. Do you believe he would risk his life like that? After confirming the dungeon, I believe he would, at most, return to Torith and report. HIs party was high level, but he would know that its best to enter a dungeon at the highest possible level to ensure safety. Bonson said.


    The man furrowed his brows. So, what are you saying?


    I believe he offended someone dangerous and was framed in a way we would have to ept. Though, if it was who I suspect, I have no idea how the dungeon was cleared. There was nobody around, other than Wace and his team, who would have been able to clear the dungeon. I have a corpse of one of the dungeon beasts, and it is quite formidable. Bronson exined his theory.


    The man frowned. Who do you believe he offended?


    His name is Derek Hunt. He followed me back to Torith, and I have arranged his stay in our guest residence. Bronson spoke cautiously.


    The older mans eyes widened. You brought the man you believe killed my son to Torith, and then decided to allow him to stay here? Have you gone mad?


    Sir, do you remember the official that visited with Toriths father? Bronson asked.


    Yes. The Kings Advisor, Advisor Phillip. What does anything have to do with him?


    The pressure, sir. I believe that Derek is stronger than that man. Not only is the pressure he can give off as strong as Advisor Phillips, he has phenomenal control of it. When I first saw him, other than some arrogance, he didnt seem to be much more than a regr human, butter Bronson shook his head.


    The older man rested his hand on his forehead. He sighed. So, he finally did it. He offended a person that should not be offended no matter what. Bronson, what are we to do?


    Sir, I have traveled with this man, and spent much time with him. He does have an arrogance to him, but from what I can tell, he is strangely kind, and smart. If it was him that killed Wace, it makes sense. nting the body where he did not only protects the vige he was staying, but also gives us a way to promote Waces death as honorable and increase our reputation. Bronson said, then frowned. Still, the dungeon being cleared, I cannot figure it out. And the restraint it would take to leave the dungeon rewards with a dead body. He shook his head.


    You are correct. We will spread the rumors of what happened and prepare an event to honor his sacrifice. Its the only way, especially if this Derek is as formidable as you say. The man sighed. What was the dungeon reward, anyway? The man asked, not really caring.


    Bronson pulled the two rings out of his pouch and ced them on the desk. That is the next problem.


    The man picked the rings up and examined them. Soon, he injected mana into one. These are the rewards? He asked, stunned.


    Bronson nodded gravely. They are. Both have the same amount of space too. Once this spreads, Torith is going to be very busy.


    Indeed. The man sighed. Then he looked up at Bronson. Have a seat. Tell me everything that happened from beginning to end. Dont leave out a single detail.


    Sir. Bronson nodded and sat down.

 Chapter 71: Walter Gracefall

    Chapter 71: Walter Gracefall


    Walter Gracefall was the leader of House Gracefall. His house had fallen when he was just a boy, and he had been fighting to earn back the prestige of his house ever since. Through his life, he had travelled the kingdom and even became quite powerful. However, power was not enough to wash away the shame of his house. If someone were to ask him what hecked, he would immediately answer, luck.


    Now, his luck was not terrible. It was enough to keep him alive in sticky situations, but what he needed to bring back honor to his house was to do more than just stay alive. He needed to be in the right ce at the right time to obtain glory. The man was 167 years old this year, and though the amount of glory he brought to his house was much more than an average noble, it just was not enough to return to honor. However, the King had taken notice of his efforts and perhaps his eldest son, Jenson, would be able to return them to House Searidge before he passed.


    Currently, Walter was sitting at his desk listening to his most trusted aid, Bronson, report to him on various shocking events. Previously, when Bronson had given him a quick summary of the events, he was already quite shocked, but now, after learning all the details, he was just trying to do his best to not appearpletely bbergasted.


    Finally, Bronson finished with the full report on what happened after they entered the city. The room was quiet for a while before Walter finally broke the silence. So, Derek is well on his way to bing a Crown member after only being in the city for less than one day. Not to mention that they way he is doing it is by selling a Void Beast and some type of beverage. Walter shook his head. Less than one day and already two contracts with the Crown. He muttered. He could only wish he had this kind of luck.


    Well, the contract for the beast is notpleted yet. Bronson said.


    Walter nodded. It is as good as done, though. The man sighed. The most pressing matter is figuring out what to do with the dungeon. Let me see the specimen you obtained.


    Bronson nodded and stood. Then, he walked to an open area of the room and waved his hand. The Ghoul he brought with him soon appeared on the floor.


    Walter stood and walked over to the dead creature. He began his examination. He frowned. Did you have to crush the head?


    Bronson nodded. It is an undying creature. It kept struggling until I did so.


    Walter frowned, but continued on. He lifted the long pale arm of the creature up, focusing his attention on the sharp nails on its hand. Hmm Toxic, huh? He took his hand and ran the top of it under one of the fingernails. He pushed a bit harder until the nail prated his skin.


    Bronson, to the side, let out a cry. Sir!


    Walter motioned to him that he was fine. The toxin was not as strong as it would have been if the creature was still alive, as it was unable to draw on the creature''s mana. Walter dropped the arm to the ground then watched the back of his hand. The toxin slowly worked its way from the top of his hand into his bloodstream. He turned his hand over and focused on the veins in his wrist. The raised, but almost colorless veins on his arm began turning darker and darker at a visible pace.


    Walter closed his eyes and watched his health pool slowly deteriorate. The longer the toxin was in his system, the faster it spread, and the faster his health drained. Walter shook his head and released a breath. Then, he ced his other palm on top of his hand and used a healing spell. It took multiple casts before the toxin disappeared and he stood. He motioned for Bronson to take the creature back, then walked back over to his desk to sit.


    Bronson stored the corpse and returned to his chair across from Walter. Sir, did you learn anything.


    Walter looked up at Bronson with a serious expression on his face. I did. We are not going to send anyone to this dungeon. You are to inform the Adventurers Guild of the dungeon, and also show them the rewards. Use the excuse that we are mourning the loss of Wace, if the Adventures Guild asks for the reason we are spreading the news, they will ask. A house cannot keep a dungeon to themselves and prevent others from entering, but they can choose to keep what they know of it private.


    Bronson nodded gravely. Sir, why are we not taking the chance to obtain dungeon rewards before other houses?


    Walter stared directly into the eyes of Bronson. Because whoever we send will die. Just based on one monster that escaped, even if it was 20 levels above the dungeon itself, its toxic ability, after its death mind you, was enough to even astound me. You can consider this dungeon an Elite dungeon. The group that goes in should all be as close to level 100 as possible, and their ss should be a rare ss. I dont even believe that those who got umon sses from the start will be safe.


    Bronson only nodded at what was said. So, Wace definitely did notplete the dungeon.


    Walter shook his head. It would be impossible. Unless that creature you brought with you is the dungeon boss or at the very least few in numbers, there would be no way for them toplete it. Of course, if that happens to be the case, we still wont lose much. If othersplete it easily, we can send people all the same.


    Should we warn others of your suspicion? Bronson asked.


    No. They can find out the hard way. There are no nobles in Torith that would believe the words of a broken Noble House, anyway. The older man said. As for Derek, I would like to meet him at his earliest convenience. From what you have said, he does not sound like a bad person, just a bit arrogant. I am interested in why he is trying to make such a reputation so quickly, though.


    Bronson nodded. I will let him know. He should be training with the guards right now.


    Oh? Walter was surprised. Why would someone like him train with the guards?


    Bronson shook his head. I do not know. He suddenly asked about some magic spells and said he wanted to train with some of the guards that had the spells.


    What spell?


    <strong>Geyser</strong>. Bronson replied.


    Walter thought about what the man would want with that specific spell, but could not think of anything. He shook his head, putting the odd behaviour out of his mind. You are dismissed. Allow Derek to train, head to the Adventurers Guild first.


    Bronson stood. Sir! He saluted. Then he turned and began to walk out of the room.


    Oh. Walter said, causing Bronson to stop moving. Do tell the Adventurers Guild that the vige is under my protection. Not House Gracefalls protection, but MY protection, got it?


    Bronson widened his eyes. Yes, sir! He left.


    The study returned to silence. Walter sat in the quiet, thinking to himself, trying to work through everything that he learned and make the correct decision about it.


    He was saddened by the loss of his youngest. Yes, he med Derek, but not as much as one would think. He mostly med himself for allowing Wace to run amuck. There were many times he could have, should have, disciplined him, but he chose to allow the behaviour to continue until it was toote.


    No, the more he thought about it, the less anger he felt towards Derek. He had expected something like this to happen and was actually surprised Wace was able to live as long as he did.


    Even if he was more angry at Derek than he was, there was no way he would do anything about it currently. Doing everything he could for House Gracefall, had instilled in him patience and rationale.


    The man had killed his son, his failure, but also allowed for his death to bring glory and honor to the house. It would bring more glory and honor than Walter suspected the boy would have obtained in his lifetime. This was something Walter could ept. In fact, Wace would have most likely lost honor and brought more shame to his house.


    <em>Derek This man is a mystery wrapped in an enigma. </em>Walter actually let a smile form on his face at that thought. Enigma was the Award that Derek told Bronson about. Bronson then told Walter. <em>What a suitable Award for the man to obtain. </em>


    Walter was already looking forward to meeting the man who killed his son, brought House Gracefall honor, and achieved a reputation with the Crown on his first day in the city. He had not been this excited since he received the parchment from the King, allowing Jenson to go to the Capital for training.


    Still, something bugged him in the back of his mind. <em>Just what could the man be doing with the guard?</em>


    ***


    At this time, Derek was in an open room inside the barracks. There were three men and a woman with him, all guards sent by Bronson. The four guards talked in hushed tones, wondering what was going on, what kind of training they were to undergo. Derek finally spoke. Today, you are going to help me take a shower.

 Chapter 72: Dinner Prep

    Chapter 72: Dinner Prep


    Captain Bronson had told Guard Lieutenant Areyas to gather a few others that had the <strong>Geyser </strong>spell and report to the guest residence. That was easy enough, as Kellen and Emma both had the spell and were already following him. He grabbed Jared along the way and led them to the house.


    When they arrived at the guest residence, they went inside and reported to the oddly dressed man with ck hair and purple eyes. The purple eyes were disturbing. The man seemed raring to go, as he jumped up and had them lead him to an empty room in the barracks. None of the guards asked any questions because Bronson had told Areyas to treat the man the same way that they would treat Master Gracefall.


    Areyas led them to the barracks, then into a room that was mostly empty. There were just a few broken weapons lying around. Captain Bronson and he had been trying to decide what to do with the room, but they could note to an agreement. There were not enough guards to warrant beds, and their gear was already optimally stored, so it was not needed for that either.


    The man looked around the empty room. This will do nicely. Then he looked towards Emma. Do you have a separate room to change in than the male guards? He bluntly asked.


    Emma furrowed her brow slightly, understanding what he was asking. No sir, I am a guard. While others choose to do so, I do not need any special treatment.


    The man nodded to her. Good. Then he looked back at Areyas. Are you able to clean water up easily?


    Yes, sir. We are all water mages. We can gather small amounts of water and move it as we please. He replied.


    Very good. The man eyed the four guards. Today, you are going to help me take a shower.


    ***


    Areyas and the other guards stared in stunned silence at the man who was slowly pulling an odd tunic over his head. Captain Bronson had told him that they would be training with this, Derek, but this was shocking.


    The man had told them they were going to help him take a shower, which they had no idea what he was talking about. Then Derek began to remove his clothes. Derek was already intimidating, but when he removed his odd tunic, it was enough to make Emma gasp.


    His torso was covered in scars. Each one looked deadlier than thest. The guards were not even able to find it odd that the man was standing in the nude in front of them. Their minds upied solely on the scars. Then, Derek gave themand to cast <strong>Geyser </strong>on him one at a time. When ones mana ran out, the other was to begin.


    This led them to where they were now. Derek walked out of the room after thanking them and reminding them to not forget about the water on the floor. Emma was the first to break the silence. M-my <strong>Geyser </strong>went up two levels.


    Areyas had not even noticed any notifications, but after checking, his spell had also gained a level. Mine went up one. He said. Did you see those scars? He asked.


    The others nodded, notmenting.


    Areyas released a sigh. Do you think Captain Bronson could stand in front of a <strong>Geyser </strong>without taking damage? He asked the group.


    No. Kellen replied. He would be cooked alive. Maybe not instantly, but definitely after being sted for so long Im pretty sure I heard that man humming a tune while being hit. Kellen shivered.


    At least now we know why Captain told us to treat him well. Areyas scanned the room. We shouldnt let others know about this. He said. The other all nodded. Areyas then walked to the soaked floor and raised his hand. The water slowly rose from the ground and he moved it, bit by bit, to a bucket. He looked at Jared. Go get a tub, this is going to take a while.


    ***


    Derek walked from the barracks towards the guest residence. He was in a pretty good mood. This was the cleanest he had felt in a long while. The only bad thing was the loss of his bar of soap. One thing he had not thought about was how fast the super heated water would dissolve it. He only had a few, so he felt the loss.


    <em>Oh well, you win some. You lose some. </em>He thought. He did get a good chuckle out of seeing the guards'' reactions when he told them to hit him with the spell. Then their reactions afterwards were priceless.


    The other thing he was most happy about was the two levels he gained in <strong>Magic Resistance</strong>. It was all the way up to level 10 now. His natural magic resistance was already at 15%. When the <strong>Geyser </strong>first started hitting him, it was hot, and his flesh slowly turned pink. But, after getting used to it, it felt like a nice warm shower.


    <em>If I have time, I should get a rune, metal, and water mage to help me make an actual shower that normal people can use. Baths are good for rxing, but I think better when taking a shower. </em>He already had an idea in mind about how he would go about designing a magic shower.


    He would not actually need a water mage for it, but it would be easier than physically filling up a container himself. It was actually quite simple, if the runes existed. He would just have the rune mage apply some heat and pressure runes to a container filled with water. A pipe would run up, ending in a covered shower head. Remove the cover and he could have a hot shower. <em>It would need some testing, but it should work. </em>


    Derek eventually ended up back at the guest residence while thinking these random thoughts. Awaiting him at the house was Thomas and Silvi. Thomas was actually looking cleaner than ever and was dressed in some clothing Derek knew was not his.


    What happened to you? Derek asked.


    Bronson came by looking for you. I told him you were with the guards. He had someone bring me this. He motioned at the tunic and pants he was wearing. I took a bath and was waiting for you.


    Derek nodded. Did you give Silvi a bath too? He looked at Silvi whose hair was brighter than usual.


    I talked her into it. Thomas replied sheepishly.


    <em>Better clean. More cute. More food. </em>Her thoughts rang out inside his head.


    <em>Cant argue with that logic. </em>Derek chuckled. Was there anything else? Did Bronson finish reporting everything?


    I dont know. Thomas replied. He did say that Master Gracefall would like to have dinner with you tonight.


    Sounds good to me. I didnt eat as much as you all, so I could go for some more food. Derek said.


    Silvi jumped from Thomass hands onto the table. Nodding her head like a human. <em>More food.</em>


    It waste, but there were still a good few hours left until dinner, so Derek wandered around the manor, looking around. He was right. Behind the door on the bottom floor was a magnificent dining area, with another door on the right side, leading to the kitchen.


    Both sides of the upper floor had doors that led to hallways. There were five bedrooms in total. He also found the bathroom. Unfortunately, there was not real plumbing. He guessed that a mage would cleanse the room often to keep it clean. That was not a job he would want.


    After exploring a bit, he was bored again. He had ns, but it was already tote in the day to get anything else done. Instead of sitting there thinking, Derek slipped into meditation and waited for time to meet this Master Gracefall.


    Derek was awoken from his meditation by the arrival of Bronson. He opened his eyes and motioned for the man to take a seat across from him.


    Bronson nodded and sat down. After sitting, Bronson waved his hand, and a set of formal clothing appeared on the empty table in front of him. Before Bronson spoke, he was interrupted by Derek.


    No. Derek said.


    But Bronson muttered.


    Derek shook his head. Im already wearing my least holey pair of jeans. Look how nice this shirt is. He motioned to his clothing. Im not dressing in something I would never wear just to have dinner with someone. If it was a button down with some chinos, then maybe, but not that.


    Button down? Chinos? I dont understand. Bronson said.


    Nor should you. This is good enough. If you dont like it, I dont have to go. I could always just go and have dinner at the Crown. After saying that, Silvi jumped into hisp and nodded fiercely.


    Bronson sighed. That is fine. I didnt have much hope, anyway. Dinner is almost ready, and the master is already waiting. Please, follow me.


    With that, Bronson stood and led the group over to the main residence. The inside of the building was practically the same as the other, besides it being a much bigger version.


    Bronson motioned to a door. Thomas and Silvi will dine in that room with me and a few others. The main dining room will just be you and the master. He would like to speak with you privately.


    Okay. Derek separated from the kid and bunny and followed Bronson into another room.


    Inside the room was a middle-aged man with some grey streaks in his hair. He was sitting at the end of the dining table. When they entered the room, the man stood.


    Sir, this is Derek Hunt. Bronson said, and the man nodded. Is there anything else, sir?


    That is all. You are dismissed. The man said, and Bronson left. Please, have a seat. The man motioned at the seat across from himself. Derek nodded and sat down. The man did the same.


    After some silence, the man spoke. So, you are the one who killed my son?

 Chapter 73: Dinner with Walter

    Chapter 73: Dinner with Walter


    So, you are the one who killed my son? The middle-aged man asked as soon as Derek sat down.


    Derek stared at the man, his eyes squinted. The strange thing was that the man was not giving off any dangerous vibes. Usually, especially with a question like that, there would be a chilliness or at least a subtle anger in the persons voice, but Derek did not detect anything like that. The question was asked as if he was asking about the weather.


    After some time pondering, Derek broke out inughter. It was definitely not a suitable response to the question, but he just could not help himself.


    Thisughter caused the older man to frown, but he remained silent. He only continued to gaze at Derek.


    Finally, Derek got a hold of himself and calmed down. Sorry about that, I was just thinking that Bronson needs some kind of medal or even an Oscar with that kind of acting. I thought that he may have some suspicion, but he did a great job hiding it. Derek shook his head.


    The man let out a deep breath. So, you are not disputing that you killed my son?


    You seem pretty sure of yourself. I imagine if you did not have sufficient evidence, you would not have juste out and said it like that. Derek did not confirm or deny the usation, in fact, he really was intrigued with this man across the table from him. By the way, how would you like me to address you. Ive only heard people call you Master Gracefall and the master, but I am certainly not calling you master.


    The man stood and bowed slightly. Excuse me for my rudeness. I am Walter Gracefall, head of House Gracefall. Walter sat back down after introducing himself.


    Derek nodded. Now, Im sure you have some questions for me, but I also have some for you as well.


    Please, go ahead. I am a patient man. Walter said.


    At that time, a light knock sounded from the door and a servant walked in pushing a cart full of food. Pardon me, Master Gracefall. The man said, then looked at Derek. Sir. He began arranging the dishes on the dining table before backing away. If there is nothing else. The man looked at Walter, and Walter nodded. The servant took that as his cue and quietly retreated back to the kitchen.


    Derek took some time putting an arrangement of food onto his te before he spoke again. If you dont mind me asking, how, or why, do you suspect that I killed your son? He asked the question on his mind.


    The ghoul. Walter answered straightforwardly. I know my son and his team. There is absolutely no way they would be able to take out more than a couple of them, even if they are at a slightly lower level.


    Hmm What if the ghoul happened to just be the boss of the dungeon? It would not be too big of a stretch then, correct? Derek asked.


    The man nodded. That is true, but bosses of dungeons are thest to break out during an overflow. If the dungeon would have gotten to that point, I suspect the casualties would have been massive.


    Derek nodded. It was in extreme overflow, but still holding. It wouldnt havested much longer. He paused. Is that the only reason for your suspicion?


    It is the main one, but not the only. I know my son, and his character, well. Overall, there are just too many things that dont add up. Walter exined. So did you do it? He asked for the third time.


    Yes. Derek bluntly stated.


    Walter looked down at his te and sighed. What did the boy do? How did he offend you?


    Offend me? He could have offended me personally all he wanted and I most likely would not have killed him. I have much thicker skin than most. But Derek paused and looked into the mans eyes. He stepped over two lines.


    Two lines?


    Yes. The first was when he attacked and left a 13-year-old girl and her mother unconscious over some insignificant items I gave them. Im not sure I would have killed him and his group if that was all, because I was able to heal them, but then He dragged the vige chief, my personal friend, to the center of the town to execute her for standing up for the child. If I had arrived even one minuteter The purple in Dereks eyes spread as he kept eye contact with Walter. There would no longer be a House Gracefall in the city of Torith.


    Derek let the void go back dormant and released Walters gaze. He cut into a piece of meat and ced it in his mouth. He closed his eyes and sighed. This is quite delicious. Not as good as that restaurants food, but still very good.


    When he raised his head from the food, Derek was greeted with a surprise. Unlike the terror or surprise that usually came with his threats, Walter was only looking at him with a slight smile on his face. <em>Oh? This guy must be much stronger than most. </em>Derek knew it would be pointless to try <strong>Identify </strong>on<strong></strong>the man. If he already could not use the skill on Bronson, there would be no way that it would work on Walter.


    That is quite the threat. The older gentleman said. Though, I imagine you would have had a tougher time making my house disappear than you thought.


    Derek was liking this man more and more. And, he was liking the challenge even more so. I dont know. He said, activating <strong>Void Shift </strong>directly after speaking. He moved to the paused Walters side, with his chin resting over the mans shoulder, just within whisper distance. He released his skill and whispered in the mans ear. I think I would have managed. He activated the skill again and moved back to his seat before releasing it.


    The man had only seen his void aura and purple eyes as a party trick, but Derek could tell that this other disy of power had truly gotten his point across. The mans eyes had widened and beads of sweat were dripping down his forehead. His breathing had gotten rough and he swallowed with a loud gulping noise.


    Fortunately, none of that had toe to pass, and Im able to have a delicious meal beside you. Derek joyfully spoke as he brought another piece of meat to his lips.


    Walter calmed down and chuckled. It seems I was still underestimating you.


    It happens. Derek replied. Though, I am still curious. Why do you seem like you are not upset or angry at the loss of your son?


    Walter sighed and shook his head. It is not that I am not angry or upset, it is that I am not angry or upset at you, especially after the reason you gave for killing him. I am angry at myself. I let the boy off too lightly when he was growing, and his character got worse and worse. By the time I realised my fault, it was toote, there was no changing the boy. The best I could do was try to cover up for him and try to provide relief for those harmed by him, while hoping he would not offend someone he could not afford to. But, s, he met you. His death was bound toe sooner rather thanter.


    I see. Derek muttered, understanding a bit, but still not understanding why Walter would treat him so well.


    The man, however, gave Derek a warm smile. I know you killed him, but you still honored my family with the way you did.


    Derek frowned, confused. What do you mean? He asked.


    Walterughed. Even if unintentional, the way you framed the situation has brought honor to Waces death. Therefore, it has brought honor to my family. As you said before, the dungeon was in extreme overflow, and the forest was sumbing to disease. With the way you framed everything, Wace and his team sacrificed their life while also saving the forest and viges around the area. Word of monster hordes attacking viges has spread through the city, so now, everyone will know that the reason this has stopped is because of my Wace. The man stood and bowed to Derek.


    Derek was at a loss for words. Derek figured his frame job would allow the family to ept their losses easier, but he thought nothing of honor for the whole family, or of how much it might mean to them when he was doing it. Uh You are wee, then.


    The man sat back down and nodded.


    So, what are your intentions with the dungeon? Derek changed the subject.


    I have already instructed Bronson to spread the news to the Adventurers Guild. My family will not touch the dungeon. There is no way we have the current manpower toplete an elite dungeon like that. The other families will soon suffer great losses.


    Derek nodded. The man before him was quite smart. Though, wont those losses result in people questioning Waces ability to clear the dungeon?


    It will, but the only people that knew of his actual strength was me, Bronson, and Jenson, my other son. If any questions are posed, it is easy enough to say that he was actually like his brother, except with a different character. And, if we are asked why we are not diving into the dungeon ourselves, we can simply state that we are mourning the loss of a prominent family member. Walter answered.


    Derek sighed. I guess you have truly thought of everything.


    Walter nodded. I dont know if I have thought of everything, but I do not believe that there is anyone in this city who could have thought of more than this old man. Also, I have sent word that the vige you came from and everyone residing in it are under my personal protection.


    Thank you for that. Derek spoke sincerely. That does mean a lot. Is there anything else you would like to discuss?


    The man smiled. Quite a lot, actually.

 Chapter 74: Discussion

    Chapter 74: Discussion


    Oh? Ask away. Derek said.


    I am still hung up on one major issue. I know that Wace couldnt have cleared the dungeon, and you have confirmed this with your confession. So, how did an elite dungeon, one about to burst at that, getpleted? Then, there are the two storage rings, one from the reward, and another from being the first toplete it, I would assume. This all adds up that you had something to do with thepletion of the dungeon. Walter said.


    Derek nodded. I did have something to do with it. The man had already figured that much out, so Derek was not going to insult him by answering in the negative.


    But, you could not have possibly been the one to clear it. Just with the power you disyed to Bronson, and what you showed me already, it isnt possible for you to be under the dungeon level cap. The only possibility I can think of is an elite team that works for you,pleting it and handing you the rewards. The man pondered, giving more and more thought to the issue.


    He continued speaking, working through the possibilities out loud. But that doesnt make sense either, considering the boy you brought with you. If you already had followers like that, then it would not be logical to bring the kid with you unless he was something special. ording to Bronson, he is more of a carriage for your beastpanion than a student.


    Derek got a good chuckle out of that. Ever since they left the vige, other than during the fight with the bandits, Thomas had been a taxi service for Silvi. He smiled at Walter. Any other ideas?


    The man furrowed his brow and sat in silence for a few moments. Seemingly thinking of any other possibilities. Eventually, he shook his head. For the life of me, I cannot think of anything else. Strangers clearing the dungeon wouldnt have given you their rewards, and I doubt you would kill them and steal the rewards, especially since you already told me that you would not have killed Wace if he had only angered you.


    You could have traded some strangers for the rewards, but most people would not let the opportunity to brag about being the first toplete a dungeon go. We would have heard about theirpletion well before you arrived at the city. Of course, I could be wrong and you did, in fact, kill an entire team to set up the results. But that makes less sense than everything else after meeting you. Finally, apparently out of ideas, the man went silent. Then he looked into Dereks eyes. Will you tell me how you did it? Im afraid not knowing is going to eat at me for a very long time if you do not.


    Derek pondered the situation for quite some time before finally giving an answer. I can tell you. He said. Walters eyes lit up as he waited for the answer. But this answer concerns a big secret of mine, so I would need you to give an oath first.


    Walter frowned. What kind of oath? I can give one, its not like I havent given many in my life, but it cannot be too stringent. If it is, I will have to make do with random guesses and never knowing.


    It made sense. Oaths were not something that was easy to ept for most people. Though, Derek figured that someone like the man in front of him could easily tell if the oath was worth taking or not. Two things. Derek held out two fingers. First, you are not allowed to tell anyone of this secret of mine in any form ofmunication. Derek figured that someone could get around an oath by using loopholes in the wording.


    Second, you are not allowed to use the knowledge of this secret to purposely hurt or hinder me or those I care about. He said, then thought of something else. Oh, and my secret may bemon knowledge one day. So, when that happens, you will no longer be bound by the oath.


    Walter sat quietly for a bit before talking. Those arent too binding of conditions. I have agreed to worse for less. I must ask you. Will knowing your secret bring any benefit to me or my house?


    Im not sure about that. All I can say is that it will give you some peace of mind, and maybe some information that you never knew. What you do with the information is entirely up to you. Derek replied.


    Walter considered it for a while. Well, since the terms arent actually bad, as I have no intent of going against you now, or ever, hopefully, I will agree to them. If for nothing else than to stop wondering about what happened.


    I Walter Gracefall, formerly Walter Searidge, hereby swear to the Great System to ept your previous conditions as stated. It was a weird oath, and much different from how the others had given theirs, but the notification popped up just the same.


    An oath to the Great System has been made by one, Walter Gracefall, formerly Walter Searidge. This oath is binding until death, or until certain conditions are met. If broken, Walter Gracefall will lose all sses and skills obtained by the Great System, and he will never have ess again. Stats will remain as is at the time of breaking the oath.


    Derek nodded after seeing the notification of the oath. It was interesting, though. Derek figured that the system had to constantly keep watch on its yers, as Walter was able toplete an oath without himselfying out the terms. And, because Derek had mentioned that the oath would be void if others ever found out, the notification mentioned the addition of other conditions.


    Of course, Derek still did not n to tell the man the whole truth. Him being from Earth and thus, another system was a huge secret that he would not be sharing.


    Derek looked the man in the eyes. So, what do you know of legendary sses?


    Walters eyes widened and he shook his head. There is not much at all about them. An epic ss is already considered peak. The only thing we know is that they have existed before, but there is no one that we know of currently that has one.


    Derek nodded. It was what he expected. Well, if an epic ss gives 20 stat points per level, what do you think a legendary ss would give?


    The man shook his head. Im not sure, at least 25 or more.


    Derek could tell that Walter had already figured out what he was going to tell him, so he decided to stop the teasing. A legendary ss gains 30 points per level, and the skills Derek gave a dramatic pause. Are quite threatening. He smiled.


    Now, if someone unlocked a legendary ss upon unlocking the great system, how strong do you believe he would be? Even if he had not reached level 100. Derek left the question hanging in the air.


    Walter let out a deep breath. I suppose the person would be just about as strong as you. Thats what, around 2,800 stat points to be used at level 100. Just ones basic stats would be outrageous. The man stared at Derek. So you


    Have a legendary ss? Completed the dungeon? Yes.


    Walters hands shook in excitement. The door to the kitchen began to open. Not now! He yelled, and the servant quickly backed away and shut the door. The older man calmed himself. Would you mind answering some questions about your ss? Not what ss it is or anything, just how you went about getting a legendary ss.


    Derek nodded. Depending on the question.


    Do you know why the ss was offered to you? The conditions you met? Walter excitedly asked.


    Derek nodded. I raised my stats a lot before taking a ss. Also, I spent a ton of time alone in different elements to get my ss type. So, if I had to help one get a great ss, other than desire, I would say to max out your stats before taking a ss, even go as far as not hitting level 10 as soon as possible. Train someone until they are 15, or even older. And, if you want a water based ss, be one with the water. Train in it, sleep beside it, constantly surround yourself with it.


    There is a downside to a legendary ss, though. The amount of experience points you need to level is at least triple that of amon ss. Derek warned.


    Walter nodded his head. We do train with water, but never have gone as far as surrounding ourselves constantly. It is also very hard to get a child to wait before selecting a ss, as they would not want to fall behind their peers. As for the experience, you are a prime example of why that does not matter. If you can run a level 100 undying, elite dungeon by yourself, then you can run a level 100 regr dungeon early on. Even if the experience gained inside is halved, with just hard work, leveling is easy enough.


    Do you know how well your theory works? Have you experimented with others to unlock great sses? Walter asked.


    Derek nodded. I have. Only one, though. The highest ss she was able to choose was epic, but there were also rare growth sses that may one day turn to legendary or higher. Of course, nobody would be able to train as I did. I am much older than you think. I was almost 30 when I hit level 10.


    Derek was not lying there. Even if his status sheet did not show all the years he spent in the void, he could not forget them. But, the reward for such preparation is being able to crush anything close to your level, and after leveling some, being able to crush things way above your level.


    Walter nodded. This girl. Do you mind me asking about her?


    Derek sighed. One of the reasons that I am checking out the city is because of her. If I tell you about her, you must promise to never act against her, and help protect her if possible. Though, Im still not sure about Torith as a ce to stay. That is another thing I wished to discuss with you today.

 Chapter 75: About a Girl

    Chapter 75: About a Girl


    Walter nodded. I promise. As long as this woman does not act against me or my family, I will do nothing that will harm her. And, if possible, I will do what I can to help her. Now, what is it that you would like to discuss about her?


    The girls name is Brandi. She was a viger that I happened to save by chance. With the Great System only just being unlocked, she already had a passion for Leatherworking. She wanted nothing more than to provide armor for her vige to help them hunt safely. Derek said.


    He sighed. Unfortunately, because of the spread of the disease caused by the dungeon, her vige was attacked by a horde of mid-level forest creatures that were pushed out by the higher leveled ones that were running from the disease. By the time I arrived, it was toote for their vige and most of the hunters in it. Her father also lost his life buying enough time for the women and children to escape.


    I see. There have been reports of monsters attacking viges that were close to the forest. It must have been one of them. That is also the reason the Adventurers Guild took the report of a possible dungeon seriously and sent out my sons team when news of it arrived. Of course, who would have imagined that it would be a level 100 elite dungeon. Walter added.


    Derek nodded. That sounds about right. He answered. After saving what was left of that vige, I escorted them to Thomass vige. Things happened, and I ended up staying longer than I thought I would. Thats when I noticed Brandis drive and passion for crafting. Thats also when I decided to test some things.


    I helped Thomas level fast and choose a ss, but I had Brandi stay at level one and focus only on her general <strong>Leatherworking </strong>skill. Later, I took her and some others through dungeons and around other ces, trying to obtain a bunch of Awards before allowing her to level to 10. Surprisingly, it seemed to pay off, as she was offered both an epic ss, and a rare growth type ss when she was finally able to choose. I wont say what the sses were, but they both seemed quite good. She chose the rare growth type ss in the end. Derek exined.


    Walter nodded. That sounds like a sessful experiment to me. If only we could find out how much of it was her passion for the craft, and how much was from the Awards and experiences. Then again, I dont think many people would be about to focus only on the general <strong>Leatherworking </strong>skill without an adequate amount of passion.


    Thats right. I believe that it alles together. Now, with Brandi, we only focused for a couple of months. Think about what would happen if you had someone focus the same, except for years. I believe that it would work for multiple ss types too. Not just crafting sses. Use your water type sses for example. If you could find a serious student at around 10 years old, you could have him train his body and mind, and constantly be surrounded by water. Then, when he unlocks the Great System, you could have him spend a year or so leveling general skills that have something to do with water or magic. I suspect that when he finally gets to choose a ss, he would be able to select from at least an epic ss. Who knows, he may even get a legendary ss. Derekyed out the training n he had been thinking about since Brandis sess.


    Walter was quiet for a while, seemingly lost in thought. Finally, he came out of the trance. I think we have a child in the family that could do it. He said. She just turned 12, but it would still be worth trying. Although, she enjoys melee more than magic Walter trailed off.


    That would work too. Find the weapon she is most suitable for, and have her train with it constantly by the water, or in the rain. Then, when ites time for her to unlock the Great System, allow her to reach level one. Have someone help her get the Award for ying a creature a certain level above her, then spend the skill points on one of the weapon mastery skills, along with some type of general magic skill. Oh, and <strong>Meditation</strong>, it is a must. So, I guess she would have to get the <strong>Giant yer </strong>Award for ying a creature 50 levels above her. Make sure she does it with the weapon of her choice too. Derek nodded, happy with his exnation.


    Walterughed. It looks like Im going to have to take my great niece in as a disciple. He chuckled. I wonder how the rest of the family is going to react.


    She will be lucky. Hell, if it works, she could turn into the next head of your house. Derek chuckled. Now, about finding a ce for Brandi. Do you think Torith could be a good option?


    Walter sighed, then shook his head. The only way would be if you were to stay with her at all times, or allow her to work under me. I dont believe that is what either of you want.


    Why is that?


    The City Lord, Malcolm Torith. Though Im much stronger than him, his poweres from his father, who I am still stronger than. But, his father has connections that I do not. He has slithered his way into the Kings good graces. You can think of Malcolm as a version of Wace, but to the extreme. He has never had to work for anything, though his level is rather high. It was all done by servants. I dont believe he has ever been in a real fight. Walter exined.


    He continued. If he finds out about Brandi, then the second she is left alone without you or me guarding her, he will have her. And, it would not be long after when she is forced to sign a ve oath. After that, there would be nothing you could do to save her. With a ve oath, even if you kill all the Toriths, she would die along with them. So, I believe you should keep her as far away from this city as possible.


    Derek frowned. He had expected the City Lord to be a bit overbearing, but never thought that he would be this bad. If the man is as bad as you say, then why does the king allow it? From what I heard about the King, he seems pretty reasonable.


    Gerald, Malcolms father, once saved the Kings life. If you ask me, it was all too timely. An assassination attempt happening during a small meeting that just so happened to include Gerald. I was there, and to me, it seemed that Gerald moved too fast. But, he took an enchanted dagger in the chest and almost died. The assassin died as soon as he failed, so there was no evidence left at the scene. Walter shook his head. The injury to Gerald still has not healed because of the enchantment. So, either everything he did was selfless. Or he is ying a very long game.


    As for Malcolms actions. He knows how far he can go and who he can offend. Though I know that you are a person who should not be offended, nobody else does. Well, maybe the Crown suspects so. A ve oath is frowned upon by the King, but Malcolm has used it multiple times and he only gets a visit from his father and a good yelling at when they find out. Walter finished.


    I see Then, is there a ce that you would suggest? Somewhere safe for her, where she could also hone her craft and gain reputation? Derek asked.


    The older man thought for a bit before speaking. Savannah. He said, nodding his head. I believe that Savannah City would be the safest ce. Natalie Savannah is the City Lord there, and she is the most neutral City Lord.


    Oh, what is this city like?


    Savannah is the third biggest city in Cydaria Kingdom. Only behind the Capital and Rota. It is a big merchant city. There is no low-ss area in the city, as it was built by merchants, for merchants. The Savannahs have taken orphans in the city and raised them as their own for generations, thus keeping the homeless and slum rate down to a minimum.


    The security is very strict, and there arews that must be followed. There is no leeway for crimes in the city. Because of how sessful of a merchant city it is, the King has given the Savannahs full control of the city, as they do not seek power. I have personally met Natalie, and while I cant say we are friends, I can say that she is a very upright person. Instead of trying to have a talent such as Brandi for herself, she would be ted that the girl chose her city to make a living. I imagine that she would even post guards and extra security for the girl if she ever found out about her. Walter said.


    Derek nodded. That does sound good. How is the outside of the city? Are there a lot of dungeons or high level monsters? I n to provide the materials for the girl to work with, so that is a must. Right now, I can get plenty of level 100 or so materials for her to use, so is there a good amount at Savannah?


    There is. There are many dungeons, ranging from level 50 to level 200. Plus, the areas around the higher level dungeons have high-level monsters. The level 200 dungeon is a desert dungeon that rewards fantastic weapons. Plus, the enemies inside the dungeon all have some kind of material that can be used by cksmiths and Leatherworkers. Not to mention that it is a main city with a teleportation tform, so you can always go to other cities to hunt too. Walter exined.


    Derekughed. I let the teleportation tforms slip my mind. I guess Im going to have to check out this Savannah once all my business here is finished.

 Chapter 76: Thanks for the Meal

    Chapter 76: Thanks for the Meal


    Speaking of business. Walter said. I was informed by Bronson that you have been doing some business with the Crown Restaurant. Would you mind if I asked about that? He said you gave them a Void Beast and signed a contract for some beverage.


    Derek nodded. I happened upon a Void Beast not long after I saved Brandi and the remaining members of her vige. I wasnt sure what I was going to do with it, other than give the hide to Brandi once she was able to make something out of it, so when Bronson was exining to me about the Crown, I made the decision to do business with them. As for the beverage, Im sure it will be a hit once its ready, especially if the Botanists can enhance certain properties of it.


    That should put you on the fast track to earning a membership. Walter nodded. Especially if this beverage does as well as you think. Other than business with the Crown, is there any other business you n to do? If you dont mind my asking.


    Walter was being overly polite to Derek, but Derek did not mind, nor was he very suspicious. The man had already sworn an oath and made promises, and he did not seem like the type of person to go back on his word. Even though Derek did not deal with many people in the past, those like Walter were his favorite to deal with. He knew that the man had ambition to clear his family name, but he was not the type to step on the innocent to get his way. If he was, he never would have told Derek to go somewhere else with Brandi.


    So, Derek did not mind letting him know of some of his future ns. Honestly, I came here to meet you, the City Lord, and to register at the Adventurers Guild. The Crown was just a happy ident. After meeting you, I dont feel the need to meet Malcolm. So, I imagine I will head to the Adventurers Guild in the next few days to register. After that, I have to wait for Ste to negotiate for the Void Beast. Ill probably stay here for a month or so before looking for a city with a teleporter, then I will look into Savannah.


    Walter smiled. I see. Im sure Ste wont make you wait long, she is quite the capable woman. He said. Though, I do not think you will be able to avoid a meeting with Malcolm. Surely he has already heard of your business with the Crown, and you meeting with me. I would not put it past him to send someone to my front door to invite you for a chat.


    About that, I will stay in the guest house for tonight since you invited me, but I dont n on overstaying my wee. I will head to the merchant district and book me and the kid a room for the time being. Derek continued with a frown. What are the chances Malcolm leaves things be if I reject his invite?


    Walterughed out loud at the question. The chances? Next to zero. Maybe I did not exin the mans temperament well enough before. The odds of him getting angry if you refuse his invitation are 100%. The man is nothing more than a smart child. You are a new, shiny toy that he wants to y with. Like I said, he does not know that he should not offend you yet, so him taking action against you is a given.


    Derek frowned. Dammit. This is going to be way more trouble than its worth. He shook his head and thought everything over.


    What are you thinking? Walter asked after the silence continued for an ufortable amount of time.


    Derek sighed. Im trying to figure out if it would be less of a hassle to not respond to the invite and offend him, or ept the invitation and offend him to his face.


    Walter stared ck jawed at Derek. Why do both options end with you offending him?


    Have you met me? Derek answered.


    After letting the answer sit for a moment, Walter busted upughing. I understand. There is indeed no way for you to go an entire meeting without offending someone like him. And there is no way you will bow your head and act submissive to him. Walter sighed. I cant tell you what to do. You may be able to dy your meeting by making some excuses, then quietly leave once all your business is finished. Other than that, I dont know, and I would prefer not to have to deal with themotion caused by a City Lords death Walter spoke thest part in a much lower voice.


    Derek chuckled. I guess it doesnt hurt to try that. And, I will try my best not to force your precious City Lord into early retirement. He said. By the way, which inn would be good to stay at in the middle district?


    You might as well stay at The Oliphant Inn here in the noble district. I can sponsor you if needed, but Im sure that your dealings with the Crown Restaurant has already made waves. If you are able to dine there, there is no way that any inn in the city would deny you entrance. Though, it will make it easier for Malcolm to keep an eye on you. Walter responded.


    I guess that makes things easy. Derek checked his storage bracelet and frowned. How much does it cost per night?


    Walter chuckled and tossed a small pouch on the table near Derek. This is the gold you left in Waces storage ring, you might as well take it. It will cost five to fifteen gold per night, depending on length of stay, which room, and the number of people.


    Derek hesitated, but eventually grabbed the back and put it in his bracelet. <em>I guess it was my kill. No sense in letting the loot go to waste. </em>Thanks, Ill pay you back.


    Dont worry about it. Like I said before, letting Wace have a noble death is already more than enough. Hell, I might even be in your debt after that.


    Derek felt a little odd. It was like he was being paid by Waces father for assassinating the idiot. Finally, he shrugged the feeling off.


    Derek looked around the table. During their conversation, both men had eaten their fill. The entire table was full of nothing but dishes. Derek stood. Well, it was very nice meeting you. He moved closer to Walter, who also stood, and held his hand out.


    Walter took his hand. The honor was mine. Bronson was not jesting when he said that you were a very interesting person.


    Derekughed as their hands separated. He is quite the servant. Seems like a great man.


    One of the best. He is one of the few I have absolute trust in.


    Suddenly, Derek remembered something. By the way, I was talking to the man about his sword. He said that it wasmissioned by a cksmith you know. Its a pretty decent sword and I am in the need of a new weapon. Im getting kind of sick of using my hands. Derek pulled his ive out, showing the chip in it. At this point, any enemy tough enough for me to face will destroy my ive before it does any damage. The ive disappeared back into his bracelet.


    A ive, I havent seen one of them in ages. Walter said, then sighed. I do know a good cksmith, but Bronsons sword was a favor to me. We are not really friends, only acquaintances. With your rapid leveling, I cannot suggest him to you, anyway. If I were you, I would look in the Capital or Savannah for someone who can craft a weapon worthy of someone over level 200.


    Derek let out a breath. Thats what I was expecting. Figured it wouldnt hurt to ask, though. Derek said. After our dinner, I have a much better idea of what I n to do. Thank you.


    Walter nodded. It was fun. If you ever need anything, or a ce to stay, dont hesitate to find me.


    Dont worry, Im not overly prideful or shy. If I need something, I will be sure to ask. Derek smiled. Thanks for dinner. Im going to head back to the guest house and get some rest. I think I may actually sleep tonight.


    Derek turned to walk back out from where he came. Walter followed. When they entered the main room of the manor, they saw Thomas and Bronson sitting across from each other, Thomas on the couch, and Bronson in a chair.


    Bronson immediately stood and bowed. Sir.


    Walter nodded. It seems our dinner went a bit longer than expected.


    Silvi was lying beside Thomas on her back with her feet up. <em>Such a great day. Best day ever. </em>She sent to Derek when she noticed him.


    <em>Dont get used to it.'' </em>He transmitted back. How she was able to eat so much at the restaurant, thene here and eat again. Derek did not know. If he did not know any better, he would assume that the void part in her races name was talking about her stomach. It seemed endless.


    Derek looked at Thomas. You ready? Im going to head back to the guest residence and get some rest. Got a lot of shit to do tomorrow.


    Thomas agreed and stood. Then he looked at the bunny and sighed. He reached down and picked her up. Im ready.


    Derek, Walter, and Bronson chuckled. Derek walked to the front door and turned around. Thanks for having me. Ill stop by tomorrow before we leave. Derek opened the door and walked out.


    Thomas, trailing behind him, clumsily turned and bowed respectfully, catching a rabbit horn in the sternum in the process. Ouch Sorry Thank you for the meal. He quickly turned and ran out the door. Theughter resounding behind him fading as the door swung closed.

 Chapter 77: Whos the Boss?

    Chapter 77: Who''s the Boss?


    Inside the Crown Restaurant


    A couple hours after Derek and his group left


    Ste held a blue crystal in her hand. The crystal was smooth on all sides and round with no jagged edges. This was called amunication crystal, and it could only be created by a high level Runesmith working together with a Gemsmith.


    On the smooth surface of the crystal were multiple etchings. Each etching represented a connection to anothermunication crystal. Stes crystal still had plenty of room to hold multiple more runes. Other than her boss, a few coworkers, and a couple friends, nobody else had been able to pique enough of Stes interest for her to give away any more of the crystals precious space.


    As Ste held the crystal, she focused on a specific rune, injecting mana into it. Soon, the mana ran through the crystal and began to trace along the rune. Before long, the rune started to illuminate fiercely. Once the rune lit up, Ste sat the crystal on her desk and waited.


    She had gathered her thoughts and knew exactly what she was going to say before activating the crystal. She hated talking to her boss, so she wanted to be exact and make the conversation straight and to the point. Though, she doubted that it was even possible. Every time Ste needed to make contact, she did the same, and every time she ended the conversation rattled.


    After nearly an hour of waiting, the blue glow changed. The bright, still glow darkened and began to blink. This was the indication that her boss had activated her crystal and was ready to speak.


    Ste hurried to pick up the crystal and injected more mana into it. She quickly transmitted. <em>My Lady. I have ma </em>She tried to start the conversation on topic. She tried so hard. But it was all for naught as a perky voice resounded from her crystal.


    Oh, if it isnt my dear little Ste. Im so d you called. Ive been thinking about you for days. You really must make time toe to the Capital, it just doesnt have the same beauty while its missing one of its brightest gems. The happy and alluring voice echoed throughout the room.


    Stes freckled cheeks began burning and soon reached the same color as her hair. <em>M-my Lady, please stop. I am nowhere near as radiant as you. </em>She transmitted, but soon realized that she had already fallen into the Ladys trap. She tried to save herself. <em>Im sorry, but there real</em>


    Oh! Do you really think so? Youre making me blush. Stes thoughts were cut off by the voice once again. I fear that my age is finally getting the better of me. Its so nice of you to say such kind words to an old woman like me. The voice let out a happy giggle.


    <em>Old woman? Surely you jest. If we were standing next to each other, any person would think you were younger. </em>Ste sent through the crystal, then sighed again. It was hard to not go along at her bosss pace. See, her bosss ss was called Dawn Siren. Even if the woman did not try to seduce or sway one with her voice, her passive skills still made it impossible for most to be unaffected. Even with such a distance between them, Ste was unable to stay calm and speak what she wished.


    Oh, Ste! You dont know how lonely it has been here, all by myself. I wish you never would have taken that opening in Torith. The voice echoed. Ah! Is that what youre calling about? Are youing back? Have you missed me too? Oh, how exciting!


    Ste nked for a second before regaining her thoughts. <em>I am so sorry, my Lady. I cannot leave her yet. There is much that I must do. </em>Slowly but surely, Ste was regaining her control over herself. The longer the voice influenced someone, the less hold it had, especially through amunication crystal.


    Ah, how sad. Is that whiny lord over there treating my little Ste well? Do I need toe down there and teach him a lesson? Should I go to that father of his and give him an earful? The voice rang with question after question.


    <em>Everything is fine, my Lady. He wouldnt dare to disrespect me knowing that I have you as my benefactor. </em>Stes will finally won out, and she was able to speak freely. She took a deep breath and let it out. <em>Mydy, I am contacting you to let you know that I have made a contract with a very interesting fellow, and I n to make another with him, but I need your approval for it. </em>The voice on the other end tsked, which made Ste smile. She knew that her boss figured out the effect wore off.


    The happy voiceing through the crystal changed to a dry, almost sad tone. Business, business, business. Why must people only call about business? Its so hard to find someone to have a proper chat with these days.


    <em>My Lady</em>


    Please stop with the My Lady shit. It makes me sound old. Theres no one but me here anyway.


    Her boss was finally showing her true self. Ste sent her thoughts into the crystal.<em> nah, I really do need to report some things.</em>


    Thats better. The voice said. Fine, who is this interesting fellow, and what kind of contracts have you made?


    <em>His name is Derek Hunt. I first met him when he came into the restaurant and caused a scene Well, he didnt cause the scene, but some of the guards judged him before finding out about him, and that caused a scene. What was interesting about him, is that he tossed a Void Beast corpse on the table like it was nothing. </em>Ste began.


    Oh, a Void Beast? Thats good. Is that what the contract is about? Why do you need to contact me to make a contract about a Void Beast? The voice spoke.


    <em>That is one of the contracts, yes. But, this Void Beast is much stronger than the usual one we get. Usually, Void Beasts of this caliber are the smart ones that flee when they find they cannot win, so I will need to confirm some things with you before writing up the contract. </em>Ste answered.


    Thats fine. The voice said. How strong would you say the beast was? And is this man also strong?


    <em>I would say that it would take someone in the mid 100s to take out the Void Beast without letting it escape. And yes, the man is very strong, I still do not know how he killed the Void Beast because there were no real external injuries on it. In fact, when it was just me and him in my office discussing some terms, he intimidated me without meaning to. It felt like I was doing a business deal with you. </em>She transmitted into the crystal.


    Hmm Are you sure he wasnt trying to intimidate you?


    <em>Positive. He actually seems like a decent guy. Which brings me to the other contract which I have already signed.</em>


    Go ahead. Stes boss said.


    <em>He had on him a type of beverage that I had never tasted before. It also had small amounts of some medicine or something that increases alertness, though, with my Vitality, the effect was minimal. Our contract was for our Botanists to reverse engineer the nt that makes the beverage, then to sell it in the restaurants, or however we deem fit. He gets as much of the product as he needs for individual use, a portion of the profits, and some contribution. At first, I figured that it would bring in around the same amount of profit as our tea, but if we can increase the potency of it, it could double, or even triple, the sales of the tea. </em>Ste exined most of the contract to her boss.


    That much? If thats the case, his contributions are going to be quite high. We may very well be giving out another membership in the near future. As for the Void Beast, just give him a premium contract. One that you would give to someone who is already a member. Throw some more contribution to him too, might as well start treating him well before he even bes a member. Your instincts have always been good. The voice ordered.


    <em>I was thinking the same thing. </em>Ste transmitted. <em>Oh, the man seemed pretty close to the Gracefall house, or at least Walters head guard. And I suspect that Derek is going to make some big noise in theing days, and Im sure that it will draw the attention of Malcolm. I do not believe that the two of them would get along.</em>


    I see. Im sure that brat is going to try to stir up trouble with him The voice paused for a moment. Well, if Mr. Hunt asks the Crown for help, you have my permission to help, but if not, dont bother getting involved. With what you described, the man can take care of himself.


    <em>Yes, nah. </em>She answered.


    About this beverage. What are the chances that we will be able to reverse engineer it?


    <em>I have already sent the beverage to our in house Botanist here in Torith, and he said that the specimen contains more than enough of the nt to make it. He assured me that he should have a nt ready by the end of the week.</em>


    Thats good. Is there anything else? The voice asked.


    <em>That is it. I will prepare the contract and contact Derek within the next two day. </em>Ste replied.


    Very well. Give me that mans description.


    That caught Ste a bit off guard, but she did as she was told and described Derek to her boss.


    Okay. Im going now. Do contact me again, andpreferably with a topic other than business. The voice changed back to the alluring tone at the end of themunication.


    <em>Yes, my Lady. </em>Ste flinched at falling under the spell again as her crystal stopped glowing. She let out a sigh. She was tired, she decided to call it an early night.


    ***


    Inside the Crown Restaurant in the Capital


    Upper Floor


    A beautiful woman with emerald green hair and ears with a slight point to them smiled as she tossed a crystal into a drawer full of other, near identical crystals. She leaned back in her chair and whispered a silent whisper. Derek Hunt Interesting.

 Chapter 78: Plans

    Chapter 78: ns


    After leaving the Gracefalls main manor, Derek walked towards the guest residence while Thomas jogged to catch up. Before long, the duo was walking side by side. Derek nced at Thomas who kept opening his mouth, then hesitating before closing it.


    What do you want? Just speak. Derek said.


    Mr. Gracefall, what was he like? I like Bronson, he seems like a really decent guy, so his master shouldnt be bad, right? Thomas asked.


    Derek nodded. He is one of the few people that I can see myself respecting, even trusting to a certain extent.


    Thomas spoke in a hushed manner. What would happen if he found out you know about his son?


    Hes a smart man, he already knows. Derek said.


    Thomas paused his movement, Derek stopped to wait for the boys mind to start working again. After waiting for nearly a minute with no change, Derek snapped his fingers in front of the boys eyes. The snap was loud, much louder than a normal snap. It sent Thomas tumbling to the ground, the snoring Silvi flying out of his arms.


    Silvinded gently on the ground next to the boy who was finallying to. She red at him with what Derek could only describe as a look of disgust. Derekughed.


    Thomas finally stood back up. He looked at Derek. Panicked, he said, How? What is he why are we Thomas rambled on and on before Derek stopped him.


    Enough. Derek said. Like I said, he is a smart man. He knew his sons character and had already epted the fact that the boys actions would eventually get him killed. You dont have to worry about him, and you dont have to worry about him acting against the vige, either. In fact, he has used his own name and standing to protect your vige and those inside. Derek exined. Now, lets go. We shouldnt be talking about things like this outside where anyone can hear us, anyway. Of course, Derek was always checking his surroundings, so there was almost no way for others to eavesdrop on his conversation.


    Thomas nodded and reached down to pick Silvi back up. She rested herself in his arms and turned her head away from him. Soon, the three began walking again and eventually reached the guest residence.


    Once settled, and in private, Derek told Thomas about what he and Walter had discussed and what he thought about the situation. After the long conversation, they all headed upstairs to different rooms to spend the night.


    ***


    After waking, Derek headed down to themon area to wait for Thomas. He was not in a rush to do things, so he let the boy sleep in. While waiting, a servant brought him some tea and a type of breakfast pastry. The food was rather good, but he was not a big fan of tea. Derek could not wait for Ste and the Crown Restaurant to finish reverse engineering his coffee.


    While waiting for everyone to wake, Derek thought about his ns for the day. <em>First, I should look into getting somewhere to stay. I think I would rather find a ce in the merchant district instead of the noble district. It will be cheaper, and most of the things I n to do will be in the middle area, anyway.</em>


    Derek looked down at hisbat boots, which were falling apart. <em>Its too much to ask for a regr pair of boots tost with my strengths. I wonder if any of the crafters can repair them. Oh well, that willest, if theres time. </em>Derek shook his head. <em>I should have asked Brandi about them before I left. </em>He sighed.


    <em>After getting a room at a decent hotel erm inn. I guess I should head to the Adventurers Guild and get one of those fancy badges. I wonder how they judge. I know they said that gold was for those above level 100, but I am not there yet, but Im much stronger than someone at that level. Ill just have to find out once I get there. </em>Derek nodded.


    <em>I still need to head over to the Crown and talk to Ste about the Void Beast and contributions. Ill wait a couple days before I do that, though. I dont know how long it will take her to work a contract out with her boss. </em>He thought.


    <em>After the meeting with Walter, Im not going to look for any buildings to purchase, anymore. I would be out of my mind to set Brandi up in this city. </em>Derek shook his head. <em>Savannah is definitely a city I have to visit. The only question is if I should just bring Brandi along with me, or if I should let her stay in the vige until I scope things out. </em>Derek let out a long sigh. <em>The longer she stays in the vige, the more of a chance that someone finds out about her. </em>


    That was currently Dereks biggest concern. With the vige soon bing a pit stop between the dungeon and the city, sooner orter Brandi would be in trouble. Walter was right in saying that the only way to guarantee her safety currently would to constantly be under his or Walters watch. <em>I could have her stay at the Gracefall residence for a bit while I sort everything out. </em>


    Walter seemed pretty straightforward and trustworthy, but Derek still was not sure about leaving Brandi in his care for the time being. He would have to keep an eye on the man. One meeting was not enough for him to make a decision. Though he had sworn an oath, it was only to not speak of what he knew of Derek. The oath had not included Brandi in it. He had only gotten the mans word that he would not act against her, and would actively help keep her safe. Derek needed to know what the mans word was worth.


    After settling what he was going to do, Derek waited patiently for Thomas. Eventually, he slipped into <strong>Greater Meditation </strong>and time passed much faster to him. Soon, at least to him, Thomas and Silvi came down and had breakfast too.


    Derek waited for them to finish before speaking. Today, we are going to find a decent inn in the merchant district, then I am going to run some errands. You are wee to join, but I think it may be good for you to do some exploring by yourself. You have Silvi with you, so you wont be in any danger. With that, Derek pulled some gold coins out of his bracelet and tossed them to Thomas.


    That should be more than enough for you to shop and eat with today. Have fun, explore, make friends. Hell, buy some new clothes so you wont have to wear armor or that old tunic all the time. Also, you could head to the Adventurers guild and register. You should be able to be a bronze member, thats one of the things I n on doing today. Derek exined, then sent to the still sleepy Silvi. <em>Keep the kid safe, okay?</em>


    <em>Yes. He feeds me. Is my mount. Keep safe. </em>The bunny replied.


    Derek eyed Silvi suspiciously. He was sure that the bunny was just as, if not more, intelligent than an average human. He was pretty sure that she was justzy. <em>I would be too if I didnt have to do anything but rely on another to get stronger. </em>He thought to himself, as Silvis strength grew proportionately to his.


    Suddenly, the voice appeared in his mind again. <em>Exactly. </em>


    Derek finally understood. Silvi wasnt incapable of sendingplete thoughts. She was just toozy to put together full sentences.


    Thomas took the money in his hands. This much? Are you sure?


    Of course. Its fine. Derek replied. If you need more, just ask Silvi to contact me. Im not sure of the distance we canmunicate with each other, so it will be interesting to find out. Now, lets go inform Bronson that we are leaving.


    After that, they headed out to say their goodbyes.


    ***


    Some timeter, the trio was standing in front of the gate separating the noble district from the merchant district. Derek looked around and his eyes stopped on one of the extravagant inns. It was The Oliphant that Walter had told him about. Derek hesitated, but in the end, he decided that it would be for the best to find a decent inn in the merchant district, just like he nned.


    The trio walked up to the gate, and the guards, who apparently already recognized Derek, nodded to him and opened it. Derek gave a nod as a thanks and they walked through. Alright, lets go look for a good ce to stay. Derek said to no one in particr.


    They looked around at the buildings surrounding the main street. It was their second time to see everything, but the first time they came through, they were being led by Bronson and did not take much time on getting they of thend, so to speak.


    Derek knew from earlier conversations that the closer one was to the noble section of the city, the more expensive the living arrangements were. He did not mind this, as if he was already able to stay a couple weeks at The Oliphant in the noble district, he would for sure be able to afford to stay in any of the inns in the middle section of the city.


    Derek spent some extra time looking inside some of the buildings. He watched as a group of cksmiths trained in the courtyard of one of the smithies, then he walked over to a tavern to see that no matter where you go, or what time it was, there was always money in alcohol. He also looked in on a few of the inns. So far, he did not like the attitude of two of them, and the third that he looked at was already filled to capacity.


    Finally, they walked into a fourth inn. Just after entering, Derek smiled. This was exactly what he was looking for.

 Chapter 79: Room and Board

    Chapter 79: Room and Board


    Derek had a big grin on his face as he strolled into the inn. Unlike the other inns he had visited in the merchant district where there were only stuck up businessmen and no bars, this inn had it all.


    The current clientele were definitely on the adventurer side of things. There was not a single person he could see that did not look like they knew how to fight. Even though a few of the people were wearing storage rings, they still had their weapons strapped to their waist or back. To Derek, this was a sign that they would be ready to fight at a moment''s notice. Also, this most likely meant that they had grown used to having their weapons in ce.


    If all that was not enough to figure out what kind of inn this was, then the fact that every adult he could see was wearing a silver adventurers badge would make it abundantly clear. Hell, there were even a couple people with gold badges.


    Dereks gaze looked over the entire floor of the establishment. Dozens of tables were spread out where the rowdy bunch of adventurers sat. On the right side of the floor was a bar being manned by two bartenders. A couple servers walked back and forth from a back room, serving different types of food. And on the left side of the room seemed to be a check-in counter with a bored-looking woman seated behind.


    Derek andpany walked over to the bored woman. Do you have any rooms avable? Derek asked.


    The woman looked up from whatever she was reading. A slight surprise fell over her face when she saw the trio. We have one. She said and looked from Derek to Thomas. Will that be enough?


    He was hoping for separate rooms, but it did not really matter to him. He did not sleep much, anyway. With the news of the dungeon soon to spread, and Torith being the closest city to it, Derek figured that it would soon be hard to get a room at any inn. Fine by me. He said. If another bes avable in the future, Id like it too, though.


    She nodded. Fine. She said. And how long do you n on staying?


    Derek thought for a second. Id like to pay up for two weeks. I may stay longer or shorter, but two weeks is a good start.


    The woman nodded again, then pulled out a notebook. Name. She stated.


    Derek Hunt.


    She frowned in confusion and muttered. Where have I heard that before? She shook her head and began writing in the book. Okay, for two weeks, that will be seven gold.


    Derek brought the gold out and ced it on the counter.


    The woman took it. You can get free breakfast in the morning, but all other meals, and all drinks cost extra. She reached under the counter and pulled out a key. Your room is number 214 on the second floor. Just go up those stairs and you can find it yourself. She pointed at the stairs to her left.


    Derek took the key from her. Thank you. He said. Then, he turned and headed up the stairs to take a look at his room. Thomas and the bunny followed after.


    Once up the stairs, Derek looked around. There was another set of stairs leading up to the third floor, and there was a hall with doors on the inside wall. Derek noted the room numbers as he walked down the hall. <em>201, 202 Looks like the sameyout we used for our hotels back on Earth. </em>Eventually, he reached the end of the hall and turned right to continue. About midway through, he found his room number.


    He put the key in and turned it. Then he walked inside. The room was much more spacious than the one at the vige, as was to be expected. The bed was quite big, too. In the corner was a desk and a chair. There was also a wardrobe with two drawers on the bottom meant for clothes. It made sense, as there were not many people with storage rings.


    Well, this is good enough for me. Good enough for you? He asked Thomas.


    Thomas nodded. Its fine. Morefortable than my home.


    Derek tossed Thomas the key. You keep the key, I dont sleep much. Besides, we wont have any stuff inside, so we dont need to keep it locked, anyway.


    Thomas epted the key with a nod.


    Alright, you do whatever you want for now. Im going to go do some stuff. Derek turned and walked out of the room.


    Back on the first floor, Derek walked over to the bar and sat down. A brawny bartender walked over with a mug and towel in hand. What can I get you? He asked.


    Give me whatever is strongest. Derek replied.


    The man lifted his eyebrows in surprise. You sure?


    Derek only nodded in return.


    The man changed the mug in his hand for a small ss, which surprised Derek. Then, he grabbed a bottle from under the bar and began a slow pour. A caramel colored liquid filled a quarter of the ss.


    Derek reached for the ss, but the man stopped him with a finger on the rim. Thats a quarter gold.


    Derek chuckled and tossed the man a gold coin. Fill it up the rest of the way.


    The bartender took the gold coin with a smile and filled the rest of the ss up to the rim. Good luck. He said and watched Derek with anticipation.


    Derek took a sip. If he had to describe it, he would say that it was like a fine whiskey mixed with two parts battery acid. It burned and stung, but somehow did not seem to cause any damage inside his mouth. <em>Interesting. </em>He thought. He turned up the ss and finished the rest of the drink off. All the while, the bartender was staring at him in shocked surprise.


    Derek waited for multiple minutes before sighing. <em>I guess not even this is enough to affect me with my Vitality and Endurance. </em>Derek tipped the man a few silver and stood to leave. It was time to check out the Adventurers Guild.


    A whileter, Derek was standing alone in the lower district of the city. He was standing in front of the Adventurers Guild, the biggest building in the lower district. It was even bigger than any of the buildings in the merchant district.


    Derek walked inside to take a look. It was just like all the Adventurers Guilds he had seen and read about in the past. There were six counters, each with a person standing behind, helping clients. Around the area were tables for adventurers to sit at while their leaders did what they needed to do.


    There were four different boards with papers pinned to them. One was outlined in bronze, one silver, and one gold. The other did not have an outline. Derek went over to that one and looked at some of the papers. He chuckled when he read a few. They were quests like Help Mrs. Green clean her shop and Help find lost pet. They were for those that had not reached a minimum level to be a full-fledged adventurer.


    The counters were the same as the quest boards. Each had a que representing adventurer rank. The counter on the far right seemed to be where citizens would go to post a mission, and the counter on the far left was registration. That was what Derek was looking for.


    Derek walked over to the counter and was greeted by a cute, dark brown-skinneddy wearing big, round sses. Hello, sir. Wee to the Torith Adventurers Guild. How may I help you today?


    Derek smiled. I am looking to register. I was hoping you could help me.


    Thedy smiled back. You can call me Nia, it would be my pleasure to help you today. She said. Nia took out a small stack of papers and a writing utensil. Now, this is the basic contract you will have to sign to in order to be an adventurer at our guild. Do you understand?


    Derek nodded. It made sense.


    The woman began pointing out lines in the papers, exining each one to Derek. This states that you must never actively move against the Adventurers Guild as a whole This states that you must do your utmost to be a respectable person, as to not tarnish the name of the Adventurers Guild


    The list went on. There was nothing that Derek did not expect. The contract was so basic, that Derek could think of loopholes to get out of every single point if needed. It all made sense why, even with Waces character, he was still a member of the guild.


    Viting any of the preceding rules could result in termination of your contract and expulsion from the Adventurers Guild. Do you understand? Nia said.


    Yes.


    Okay. Nia signed the paper, then slid it over to him. Please sign on the line next to my name.


    He took the pen-like writing utensil and signed his name. He waited for a notification saying that he had made a contract, but it never popped up.


    Nia took the papers, ncing at his signature. Alright, Mr. Hunt. She said, then pushed a button on her counter. Someone will be with you in a moment to verify your contract and get you situated within the guild. Thank you foring. You may wait here or choose to have a seat, I will let you know when you are needed.


    Derekughed, here he was, thinking that joining the Adventurers Guild was turning out to be extremely simple, but it turned out he was only speaking to the receptionist. Thank you. He said. Then, he turned and walked over to a bench against the wall and sat, waiting for the real process to begin.

 Chapter 80: Adventurers Guild

    Chapter 80: Adventurer''s Guild


    Derek waited for a very long time before Nia finally walked up to him. They are ready for you, Mr. Hunt.


    Derek nodded and stood. Nia led him past the counter into a room in the back, where a skinny man with light brown hair waited at a table.


    The man stood. Mr. Hunt, its nice to meet you. He stuck out his hand for a handshake, and Derek took it. I see Nia has already gone over the contract with you. Please He motioned to one of the chairs at the table. Have a seat. Then the man dismissed Nia.


    Derek took a seat, and the man began. Are there any question or concerns you have about the basic contract here?


    Derek shook his head. It all seems pretty basic.


    The man nodded. Then, he held his hand over the papers and injected his mana into them. Afterwards, he slid the papers across the table to Derek. If you would. He said.


    Derek put his hand on the contract.


    A contract with one ''Francesco Jobs and entity Adventurers Guild has been initiated. Would you like to proceed?


    Y/N


    <em>Yes. </em>Derek thought.


    Contract has beenpleted. Please abide by the terms to avoid any penalties.


    Just like before, the contract split in two. Derek ced his hand back on his contract, and it turned into mana and flowed into him, creating a new contract in his Status. The man across from him did the same.


    Alright, now that all the formalities are over, we can get down to business. I am the manager of the Torith Adventurers Guild, Francesco Jobs. You can call me Francesco or Mr. Jobs. All new applicants are vetted by me before bing full-fledged guild members. Francesco said.


    Now, the first thing I must ask is, what grade membership are you applying for? Bronze, Silver, or Gold? He asked.


    I dont suppose you can give out tinum, then? Derek said casually.


    The mans eye twitched at that. Unfortunatly, no. For tinum, you will need to apply at one of the guilds in a top city, or the Capital. Above tinum, you can only apply at the Adventurers guild in the Capital.


    Derek nodded. I see. Then I guess Ill just take a Gold badge for now.


    The man flinched at Derek''s nonchnt attitude again. You can not just take a Gold badge. You must first be tested, only then will you be awarded a Gold badge.


    Thats fine. Derek said.


    Francesco let out a deep sigh. For the test, would you like to provide stat information and confirm through a contract, or would you like to be tested on yourbat ability by the Gold instructor on standby.


    This was a no brainer for Derek. There was no way he would give out his current stats to anyone. But he decided to ask a question that had been on his mind. Cant you <strong>Identify </strong>that Im at least level 100 and be done with it?


    The man shook his head. No. The example people give of Adventurer Tiers are usually levels. Like, level 100 for Gold, and level 50 for Silver. But those examples are actually incorrect. You need the fighting ability of a level 50 or a level 100. <strong>Identify </strong>can be fooled. For example, a level 100 warrior cane in and ask for a Gold badge. Under what people think, we would just give that person the badge. But what if that person was an Alchemist until level 100, then changed their ss to a Warrior ss? That person would not have fighting experience, ss supporting stats, or skills. He exined.


    So, in general, people assume that it is level 100 that we give Gold badges to, but in reality, it is the strength of a level 100 fighter that is awarded the badge. You see? The man asked.


    Derek nodded. I guess that makes sense. You wouldnt want aplete novice fighter on a gold ranked team.


    Thats right. The man said. Now, how would you like to be tested?


    Combat ability, of course. Derek said.


    Very well. Please follow me. Francesco stood and began leading Derek to another door in the room.


    Derek followed. They went through the door and into a hallway. They continued walking until they reached a door at the end. When Francesco opened the door, sunlight shined through, and Derek realized that they were heading to an enclosed courtyard behind the Adventurers Guild.


    Derek looked around at the training dummies and targets stationed sound the area. It was a full on training ground.


    This is our training area. Our Gold and Silver ranked adventurers are allowed toe here to test their abilities and spar with one another. There are always a few healers on standby in case something goes wrong. He said as he kept walking towards an area with two people sparring.


    They got close to the spar, and Francesco motioned to a giant of a man watching over the two opponents. The man nodded their way, then turned and yelled at the two people sparring. Take five!


    Soon, Derek, Francesco, and the other man were all standing together. Russell, this is Derek Hunt. He is here for a Gold examination.


    Oh? Russell eyed Derek up and down. He doesnt look like much. The manughed.


    He wanted to take the tinum exam, but we dont offer it. He said hed just have to settle for Gold. Francesco said, not hiding his disdain at all.


    Russell burst into aughing fit. The two fighters also overheard Francescosment and beganughing. You want to be tinum ranked? In your dreams, maybe. Hahaha!


    Derek was getting a bit irritated. Not at being made fun of, but because of how long this endeavour was turning out to take. Derek liked to think of himself as a patient man, but this whole thing was reminding him of waiting at a DMV back on Earth before the system appeared.


    Can we just get on with it? I have things to do, and I didnt n on being here all day. Derek said, clearly showing his irritation.


    The man, a head taller than Derek, looked down at him. That eager to get your ass kicked? I dont mind. Russell looked at Francesco. Exin what you need to him, Ill be waiting over there. Russell walked to the sparring area.


    The Adventurers Guild is not liable for any damage caused to you during the test. Of course, the healers will do their best to heal you back to 100%, but there have been cases where they were unable to. Do you understand?


    Yes. Derek replied.


    Very well. You may spar with Russell when ready. Do try not to get hurt too bad. The man said.


    Derek shook his head and walked towards Russell. Finally, he stood across from the man.


    Ill give you two free shots, go ahead. Russell tried to provoke Derek. Cmon theyre free. You wont get this treatment anywhere else. He pointed at his chin.


    Just shut up and fight. Like I said, I dont have all day. Derek stood with his arms by his side.


    Derek may not have a short fuse, but Russell sure did. Just the one sentence and the mans face turned red in anger. You asked for it. The giant screamed and charged towards Derek.


    At the side, Derek heard Francescos loud sigh. The man was shaking his head in contempt as he watched the scene.


    Derek watched as the presumably Gold ranked adventurer lumbered towards him. <em>This is the experience one needs to get the badge. It looks like this asshole just put every stat he got into Strength. Hell, I think Thomas is almost as fast as this guy. </em>Derek shook his head and waited.


    Soon, the towering giant arrived in front of him. The man drew his arm back, ready tounch a haymaker. His enormous fist flew forwards, aiming directly at Dereks face. Derek tilted his head ever so slightly, letting the fist blow by, missing his ear by centimeters. Then, he lifted his right arm and, with the back of his hand, pped the giant man in the face.


    Everything happened in an instant. All anybody really saw was Russell rushing Derek, then throwing a punch. The next thing they saw was Russell spinning in the air like a dancer, beforending face down, ass up,pletely unconscious.


    Even Derek was in awe at what happened. No, he was not surprised that he won so easily. Based on the mans attack, that was a given. What he was surprised about was the grace at which the man was knocked unconscious, orck thereof.


    Two healers immediately ran over to check on Rusell. Before long, they had him conscious and healed up. Luckily for the man, there were only six people currently on the training grounds. The two adventurers, two healers, himself, Francesco, and Derek. If he did some quick talking, perhaps he would be able to keep this unsightly news from spreading.


    Derek walked over to Francesco. So, I guess he was a cksmith or something? One of those level 100s that arent qualified for a Gold badge? Derek asked.


    Uh N-no, he was the instructor. One of the stronger Gold ranked adventurers in the city. The man answered, embarrassed.


    <em>Bronson is so much stronger. </em>Derek inwardly sighed. Was that enough, can I get the Gold badge now?


    The skinny man answered. Y-yes Well, n-no Uh, you werent joking about wanting tinum rank, were you?


    No.


    The man sighed. Im sorry about my previous arrogance, sir. I will have a temporary Gold badge for you soon. I would like to give you an official one, but I cant go against guild rules.


    Derek frowned at that. What do you mean?


    You have proven yourself to be Gold ranked, however, for it to be official, you mustplete at least two Silver missions. Before that, you will not be allowed to take on Gold missions.


    Derek let out a breath. So much trouble. He shook his head. Well, lets go see some missions. I really want to get this done today.


    With that, the duo left the training area. Leaving Russell alone to pander to the four witnesses.

 Chapter 81: Missions

    Chapter 81: Missions


    Francesco led Derek to a room within the Adventurers Guild. It was nearly the same as the room where he had met the man in the first ce. The difference was that there were thick binders all around.


    All the missions that are up front are here too. Francesco said. He walked over to one of the binders. He dropped it on the table in front of them. This binder has all the silver missions that are up front. It also has some that have not been added yet. They are still being vetted. He opened the binder to the front page and slid it over towards Derek.


    Derek took the binder and began flipping through the missions. There was nothing in it that caught his eye, or even seemed the least bit challenging. Finally, his eyesnded on one of the missions towards the back. Uh Im pretty sure I alreadypleted this one. He pointed at the description.


    Hmm? Francesco took the binder and read the mission. This mission was submitted a few weeks ago. A bandit camp was spotted a couple days away from the city, and some citizens were able to make it back to the city and report it. Youre saying that youpleted it? How? He eyed Derek.


    Ive only been in Torith for a couple days now. My route to the city took me on a path that was being patrolled by bandits. My group took care of the ambush quite easily. Afterward, we made a detour to the camp itself. It was rtively big for a bandit camp, but didnt take much effort to eliminate. We brought the captives along with us. Derek said.


    Is there anyone who can confirm this? The man asked.


    Uh Bronson was a part of my group. And, there are the captives that scattered as soon as they arrived in the city. The guards that were on duty when we arrived took a report from Bronson, so they can confirm too.


    Captain Bronson? From the Gracefall house? Francesco asked.


    Thats the one. Good guy. He puts that meathead you got conducting your exams to shame. Derek replied.


    I will send someone to verify everything. If it alles back as you have said, you will only need toplete one mission. Is there one you would like toplete?


    Derek took the binder back and kept flipping through it. Eventually his eyesnded on a hunting mission. He pointed at it. Where is this?


    Francesco eyed the mission. Its about a week''s travel past the city. Before you reach the mountain. There are a bunch of the little creatures wandering around the area. They are easy enough to fight. Nobody has taken the mission because of its closeness to the mountain, and distance away from the city.


    What does the mountain have to do with anything?


    Its a danger area, not unlike the forest opposite it. Except the forest doesnt really get dangerous until you venture deep into it. The mountain range has higher level monsters wandering around it. Of course, those monsters are nothing for a Gold ranked adventurer. The man exined.


    So, theres unlikely to be anyone at or around the area? You know, to help an adventurer if he were to get in trouble. Derek asked.


    Exactly.


    Alright, Ill go ahead and take this mission. I should have itpleted in a couple days. Hell, I might make it back by the end of the day. I am quite fast. Derek smiled.


    Francesco nodded. Very well. I should have the other mission verified by the time you get back. Happy hunting. The man stood and put out his hand.


    Derek shook hands. Francesco led Derek back to the front of the guild. Derek nodded at Nia, then left the establishment.


    Outside the Adventurers Guild, Derek tried to contact Silvi. To his surprise, it worked. <em>Can you hear me? Hello?</em>


    <em>What? </em>Her annoyed voice entered his thoughts.


    <em>Where are you right now? </em>He asked.


    <em>Merchant district. Pastry shop. Eating. </em>She replied.


    <em>Of course.</em> He thought to himself. <em>Im heading out of the city for a bit. I may be back today, but I might be gone until tomorrow. Do you want toe?</em>


    <em>Food? </em>She asked.


    <em>No. No food. Just hunting. </em>He said.


    <em>I stay. Protect the mount. Eat food. </em>Silvi answered.


    <em>Okay. I guess Ill see you tomorrow. Take good care of Thomas. </em>Derek stopped the transmission and headed towards the city exit.


    Outside the city, Derek followed the path around. He could see the distant mountain range in front of him. He had chosen this mission for two reasons. The first was literally just to get an official badge, but the second was to do something that he had been thinking about for a while now.


    Soon, he took off towards the mountain at a blistering pace. The distance to the target may take a normal Silver or Gold adventurer a week or more of travel, but with his speed, he nned on arriving before nightfall.


    It was the first time since his enormous stat increase that he could run all out without having to wait for someone. His speed actually surprised himself. The only unfortunate thing about his speed was that his boots were basically being ground to a pulp. With a sigh, he removed his shoes and kept running.


    It was well before nightfall when Derek arrived at his hunting grounds. The beasts he was looking for were toadstools with purple and white caps. Their height reached just below his knees.


    With Derek''s senses, it was not long before he found a group of them. HIs mission was to bring 15 corpses back to the Adventurers Guild, apparently they were great ingredients for Alchemists to use.


    Before hunting them, Derek decided that it was time to learn a skill that he had been putting off because of the off chance he could find a Weaponsmith to upgrade or make him a new weapon. s, there was nobody with the talent to do so at Torith. Derek focused on the General Skill.


    Would you like to learn <strong>Unarmed Combat Mastery?</strong>


    <em>Yes.</em>


    <strong>Unarmed Combat Mastery </strong>Learned Sessfully.


    Skill Points Remaining: 15


    After learning the skill, Derek checked out his status.


    Status


    Name


    Derek Hunt


    Age


    30


    Level


    76


    Experience


    365,118/590,000


    ss


    Legend of the Void (Legendary)


    Race


    Human (Modified)


    Health


    7250


    Mana


    5000


    Stamina


    7150


    Defense


    71 (Armor + 0)


    Attack


    125(Weapon + 0)


    Stats


    Strength


    700


    Dexterity


    500


    Endurance


    715


    Vitality


    725


    Intelligence


    500


    Wisdom


    500


    Stat Points Remaining


    43


    Contracts


    Silvi (Bonded Beast)


    View Status


    Ste Brighton (Crown)


    View Contract


    Francesco Jobs (Adventurers Guild)


    View Contract


    Skills


    Absolute Nullify


    Level 1


    Nullify magic spells


    Chain Lightning


    Level 9


    Send a chain of lightning to enemies.


    Channel Void


    Level 8


    Channel the Void through your body, into attacks or defenses.


    Cure Toxin


    Level 4


    Removes poisons and toxins.


    Dismantle


    Level 12


    Increase ability to dismantle deceased organic life forms.


    Greater Meditation


    Level 3


    Enter meditative state to increase recovery.


    Heavy Weapons Mastery


    Level 18


    Increase damage with heavy weapons.


    Identify


    Level 15


    Appraise objects or entities.


    Magic Resistance


    Level 10


    Increase natural magic resistance by 1.5% per level.


    Multi-Strike


    Level 1


    Your next attack hits twice.


    Physical Resistance


    Level 1


    Increase natural physical resistance by 1.5% per level.


    Rejuvenation


    Level 9


    Restores 45% HP over 30 seconds.


    Sweeping sh


    Level 18


    Project a sh in front of you.


    Void Call


    Level 2


    Call out to the Void.


    Void Sense


    Level 2


    Sense the void.


    Void Shift


    Level 3


    Be one with and move within the void.


    Void Storage


    Level N/A


    Use a storage space made from void.


    Unarmed Combat Mastery


    Level 1


    Increase efficiency when not using a weapon or magic.


    Skill Points Remaining


    15


    Skill Upgrade Points Remaining


    4


    Awards


    Greater Giant yer, Jack of All, Lesser Dungeon Explorer, Lesser Dungeon Traveler, Lesser yer of the Unknown, Magical ss Cannon, Meat Shield, Lesser Explorer, Offensive Powerhouse


    Surprised, Derek had to look at his status again. <em>When did I turn 30? </em>Apparently, sometime within thest couple weeks, Derek had a birthday. <em>Well, like they say. Its all downhill from here.</em>


    After settling on his new skill, Derek ran over to the first group of Poison Fengs. The fight was not climatic as the mushrooms were weak enough for Bronze adventurers to kill. The problem with them was that they always traveled in a group. Which was no problem for Derek at all.


    Derek finished hunting the monsters in less than an hour. It would have been much quicker, but he had to spend some time finding them. Once finished, it was time for Dereks other task. He took off, closing in on the mountain range.


    Finally close to the mountains, Derek checked his surroundings. Other than some birds and other beasts, he did not sense anything. Just to make sure he was alone, he ran far off the path to the mountains, until he was at a deste area.


    Finally, he sat with his back against a boulder and channeled the void through himself. With the void threatening to explode inside of him, he triggered the skill. <strong><em>Void Call</em></strong><strong>. </strong>The purple energy gathered in his upper body, then exploded out. Shooting a beam of light in the sky.


    The light shined like a beacon, which is why he found a ce so far out of the way, and why he was happy that he made it there before sundown. After a few moments, the beacon dissipated and Derek was out of mana.


    The instant loss of mana caused his head to throb. He quickly slipped into meditation to increase his recovery. Soon, all his reserves were filled up. The only thing left for him to do was wait.

 Chapter 82: Hunting

    Chapter 82: Hunting


    Derek removed the shirt Brandi had made for him while he waited. There was no sense in ruining one of his only good shirts. He did not bother to put on any of his armors, his main armor was still damaged from the fight with the first Acidic Ghoul. Plus, his skin and bones had already been pushed to an entirely different level since then.


    Derek stared at the sky where the void beam had disappeared. Waiting for the spider web like cracks toe. Finally, after three or so minutes, the hammering sound came. The dull thud sounded like he was in a smithy, but the smiths were working on a hollow drum. His gaze sharpened in anticipation of what was toe.


    As the thundering drums increased, the crack finally appeared. The blue sky began to break, line after line appearing. Derek waited and waited. Finally, he furrowed his brows in confusion. The beast had already taken over twice the amount of time to appear than the one he ughtered previously.


    Derek focused his <strong>Void Sense </strong>into his eyes. The small spider webs in the sky brightened like a re of the sun. The void leaked out of each one, but they were healing. The Void Beast was not doing enough to break through. In fact, if this went on any longer, Derek figured that the beast would run out of strength and the sky would heal itselfpletely. He could not have that.


    Derek, using his enormous strength, shot off the ground like a rocket. Upon reaching the cracks in the sky, he entered <strong>Void Shift. </strong>Everything slowed, and the cracks stopped healing. Surprisingly, the dull thuds continued from behind the cracks. <em>Im definitely going to have to experiment with that. </em>He thought.


    Derek reached out and pulled himself up to the cracks in the sky. Taking his hand, he jabbed his fingers between fractures. Then he pulled. It was odd holding a piece of the sky in his hand. He studied the shard, then released it. It stayed where he let it go and floated beside him. Again, he gripped another shard and pulled.


    After removing a few pieces, he could finally see clearly into the void tunnel. He shuddered, thinking about his time spent inside, and unconsciously moved back. Derek got a hold of himself. <em>As long as I stay out here, it cant hurt me. </em>He thought. <em>Wait, I can get out whenever I want with my control over the void. </em>With thatforting thought, he moved closer again.


    Inside the tunnel, the Void Beast moved, peering through the hold Derek had made. The same piercing crimson eyes stared death at Derek. The razor-like ws reached through the widened fracture and began to rip at the sky. <em>I guess thats my cue. </em>Derek released <strong>Void Shift </strong>and fell. Hended on one knee on the ground below and gazed up. The pieces of the sky glistened as they crumbled and disappeared.


    It was enough. Now that the beast could get his ws through the cracks, it had no probleming out. Derek waited for the beast to appear, ready to test his unarmed skills. Finally, the creature pulled itself out and fell Face first onto a stone.


    Dereks jaw hung open, shocked. He slowly walked up to the Void Beast. Blood pooled out of the mouth of the beasts mouth. Derek reached down. <em>Its not dead, just unconscious </em>He shook his head and studied the creature. It was no doubt a Void Beast, but it was barely over a meter tall. It seemed like he had summoned a young beast this time.


    At that time, the beast regained consciousness. It jumped up from its position and looked around. Its eyesnded on Derek. Shooting forward, it pulled back its wed hand for a sh. Derek slowly raised his arm and took the strike. It did not even leave a mark on his forearm. This time, he felt like he was the Void Beast and his opponent was himself from before.


    Derekughed and covered his palm in the void. He pushed forward, pping the chest of the creature. Like that, blood shot out of its mouth and it fell over, dead. <em>Well, that was interesting. </em>Derek looked at the corpse. <em>I wonder how much Ste will give me for this. </em>She had told him that the stronger the Void Beast, the better it tasted, but maybe one as young as this would be a delicacy. He stored the remains in his bracelet and sat back down against the boulder.


    He wanted to farm a few of these beasts. They had great value to others, and he had an easy way to attract them. Also, he wanted a fight. A real fight. He had survived on Earth by fighting creatures and invaders over and over. He had thought he would be able to embrace a peaceful and worry free life, but deep down, fighting for his life over and over had changed him. Thus far, the only thing that did not die instantly in a fight was a Void Beast.


    He was not quite craving for a fight, he did not need to fight, but he wanted to fight. He could do without fighting, but there was a little itch that he wanted to scratch. And he had a way to bring a fight to himself at any time, so why not use it?


    Derek channeled the void through his body again and cast <strong>Void Call. </strong>The beam shot up, and the same process repeated. He waited.


    This time, he did not have to wait long, as in mere moments, the thundering sound rang out. <em>Maybe the first call gathered some close, so this one was already there. </em>The sky cracked, this time at a much more rapid pace. Even faster than the first beast he summoned. Derek tensed, giddy for a real fight. <em>I wonder if this one is going to be as strong as the one that freed me from the void.</em>


    He stood and readied himself for a fight. The thunder sounded again, and massive fissures appeared in the sky. Derek gulped, hoping he had not bitten off more than he could chew. He waited for the ws to tear through and rip the shards away, but what happened made him even more excited.


    Instead of the Void Beast removing the shards piece by piece, the thunder rang out, this time even louder than before. The impact from within the tunnel struck the shards again. This time, the shards came loose and bursted out from the sky. They flew through the air at an outrageous speed until they disintegrated like all the others before.


    A massive wed hand reached out of the fissure before grabbing onto the side of the hole. A foot followed, then a head, then torso. The Void Beasts whole body was out, its hand still gripped the side of the fissure. It dangled there, gazing around the area before its crimson eyesnded on Derek.


    <em>I really hope that this beast isnt the parent of the one before.</em> He thought to himself, but there was no way for him to know. Their gazes locked, and the beast let go. It fell to the ground,nding without so much as a bend in its legs.


    Derek was not scared of fighting the creature, though. He still had the void which had been able to prate everything it came into contact with without fail. He was raring to go. He had only had one decent fight since he arrived on this world, so it was funny that his second decent fight was going to be with the same kind of creature. <em>It seems that the only danger to me is myself, literally. </em>Derekughed as he waited for the creature to make the first move.


    This Void Beast was a whole two heads taller than the first one he summoned. It was ripped. Muscles seemed to be on the verge of bursting through its skin. The razor ws on the tips of its fingers were double the length of the previous beast. <em>Im going to put my Vitality to work today. </em>Derek stared at the beast with a smile on his face. <em>I bet Ste will pay a premium for this thing. Ill probably get a membership as soon as I show it to her.</em>


    Instead ofunching towards him as the other beasts had, the giant of a beast moved towards the rock with blood on it. It reached its ws down and scratched the blood covered stone, leaving deep tears inside. Then it raised a bloodied, stone covered w and opened its mouth, presenting rows of spear-like fangs for Derek to see. It ran the w over its tongue and closed its mouth, shutting its eyes in the process.


    When it reopened its eyes, its gazes had changed from the aggressive gaze of a beast to a gaze of anger. It lifted its foot and brought it down on the stone, shattering it in the process. Then it turned. It slowly crept closer and closer to Derek. Inspecting him with its rage filled eyes.


    The Void Beast stopped three meters away, looking Derek up and down. It snorted, the rage in its eyes changed to disdain, like it was looking at an ant. It was the same Jace had given him before they fought. It was a gaze that Derek loved nothing more than breaking. Dereks smile grew wider.


    The beast opened its mouth, rivers of fangs showing again. Derek prepared himself to take an attack head on. Then, the Void Beast spoke.

 Chapter 83: A Nice, Calm Chat

    Chapter 83: A Nice, Calm Chat


    You... The creature hissed. are a user of the void. The almost snake-like voice escaped the maw of the beast. It paused, staring at Derek, seemingly waiting for an answer.


    It did not receive one. Derek was still looking at the creature in shock. So many questions were flying through Dereks head. How was it speaking? If it was a creature not bound to this system, how was it speaking the systemsnguage? Was it even speaking thenguage of this system, or one that he already knew from his old system? The questions bombarded his brain. He was not surprised that it was intelligent enough tomunicate, though. Silvi had already shown him that it was possible.


    After waiting for some time, the beast spoke again. You have the power to call into the void, but not the power to control. The disdain in the beasts eyes was still there, though it drew its eyelids down in a squint.


    Derek snapped out of his confusion. He chuckled and ced his right hand on the back of his neck. Sorry, sorry. Its just you caught me unprepared is all What was it you wanted to know?


    The beast hissed again, irritation clear in its voice. You use the void, but not well. You direct it, but cannot fully control it.


    Uh well, yeah I guess. I thought I was doing a pretty good job at using it, myself. Derek focused the void into his hand and made a fist.


    Ignorant! The Void Beast screeched. You know not what you y with. The beast calmed and let out a deep breath. Luckily, I was close by this time.


    <em>Oh? Is this the part where the legendary beast decides to take on a genius apprentice? Is it going to show me proper ways to use the void? Ways that arent included in the system. </em>Derek''s blood was boiling in excitement. This unexpected situation may actually turn out to be a blessing in disguise.


    Derek, unsure of custom, bowed slightly. Im sorry if I offended you. Im new to the whole void thing. Any tips would be much appreciated. <em>That sounded genuine, right? Yeah, it was pretty good. Cmon training arc.</em>


    The Void Beasts mouth drew up into a menacing smile. Rows of razor-sharp teeth all appeared at once. Then the creature let out a boomingugh. Me, show you? Itsughter increased. No, no, no, no, no. It shook its head. Im not here to help you. Im here to kill you. That was when it attacked.


    The Void Beastunched itself forward towards Derek, its wed hand leading the charge. Derek had hoped for some good fortune and more of a discussion, but he had never let his guard down.


    The movement of the beast was almost as quick as Dereks own at top speed. Derek moved his right foot behind him and braced for impact, crossing his arms to shield himself against the razor ws.


    The w hit his unarmored forearm and prated his skin before stopping at the muscle. It was reassuring to Derek that the attack only managed to break through his skin, though he knew that there would be much stronger attacks toe. The beast pulled its blood covered w back and jumped backwards.


    Dereks arm was soaked in fresh blood, his blood. It had been a while since thest time a beast had been able to draw his blood. Thest one to do so was the Acidic Ghoul he faced before getting all of his levels. The wound stung, but not enough for it to show on his face. He looked at the four w marks flowing down his forearm, but smiled when they began rapidly closing on their own.


    Derek looked up at his new opponent with a grin. I wanted to talk some more, but this is fine too.


    The previous disdain filled eyes of the Void Beast were now widened and filled with amazement. The creatures snake-like voice rang out. Your body The creatures words came out, confusion in the tone. How You are not just an amateur void user.


    I tried to tell you, I just picked up the skill. My main focus is on other things. Derek replied.


    You must not live! The beast shouted before attacking again.


    The Void Beast was fast. Much faster than the first one he killed, and he knew that it was possible it was even stronger than the one he met in the void all those months ago. It seemed to be a little taller than that one, but he could not be sure.


    Derek did not bother dodging. He wanted to test out his body with a worthy opponent. It was the reason he was out here doing this, after all. Well, that and the possibility of increasing his standing with the Crown. Plus, there had not been many opportunities for him to train his <strong>Physical Resistance </strong>skill.


    Derek blocked strike after strike of the Void Beast, his entire body bing a crimson mess in the process. Blood dripped down from fresh wounds on his side, chest, and arms. He was careful to not let the creature hit any vital parts.


    He was extremely satisfied with his bodys ability. Though his Vitality and Endurance could not heal his woundspletely before a new one was inflicted, Derek doubted that it would actually be possible for him to die from a loss of blood.


    Keeping an eye on his health bar, Derek took hit after hit, watching the number fall, then rise again. Sure, he was not healing faster than the Void Beast could damage him, but it was close. Even with open wounds and blood cascading down his body, his health was sitting at over 90% full.


    If someone was to look at the current Derek, they would wonder how he was still standing on his two feet, but the reality was that he was perfectly fine. Well, he would have to go shopping for some new pants after, and he really hated that he was ruining a pair of his remaining jeans. He was pretty sure that this world did not have baking soda or peroxide.


    He had to admit, the strength of the beast was astounding, and on top of its speed, he figured that there would not be a single person in Torith that couldst five minutes with the creature. Derek wanted to fight back, but his <strong>Physical Resistance </strong>had already grown three levels in the less than five minutes that he and the Void Beast had been fighting.


    So far, all the Void Beasts Derek had seen had the same traits. Fantastic speed and strength on top of near imprable defense. It was almost like fighting a lesser version of himself.


    Derek started moving slower, taking more injuries and losing more HP. If he wanted to reap as many rewards as possible from the fight, he would have to make it look like the Void Beast had a chance. It was very adamant about killing him, so it should not lose its drive to kill him so easily, but he did not want to take any chances.


    Plus, there was a good chance that he would not be able to keep it from escaping with the speed and strength it had already shown, and he could not have that. Not only did he need to obtain its corpse, but he also wanted to interrogate it a bit. Derek could not help but wonder why it was so set on killing him.


    His health hit 70% and he began retreating while blocking the attacks. At this point, his <strong>Physical Resistance </strong>had already grown to level 6. He hoped that he would be able to get the skill to level 8 before his health reached 40%. He did not feelfortable letting his HP fall below that, especially while bleeding from the countless wounds. Though, he did still have <strong>Rejuvenation </strong>to rely on if needed.


    Derek took a beating for well over ten minutes. The Void Beast finally seemed to be getting tired, but it had a fire burning in its eyes, showing that it was ready to push past its limits tond that final killing blow on Derek.


    Finally, Derek felt his back against a boulder and his HP was just below 40%. His <strong>Physical Resistance </strong>had actually made it to level 9, making it almost even with his <strong>Magic Resistance. </strong>Derek looked at the panting beast, the fire in its eyes all but smothered. It stopped a meter from him and stared.


    Derek looked at his bloodstained body and moved his arm, wincing at the pain of some of the wounds. He could actually see the bone at his elbow. Before, he was satisfied at how well his body was holding up. Now he was giddy with excitement. He finally let it show on his face.


    Human. The beast spoke again. Youugh at the inevitability of your death. Respectable. You were much stronger than I expected, even for a turtle.


    Derek burst into a fit ofughter then. Youre mistaken. Im notughing at my death. He shook his head while bending over with gutturalughter. He winced at another of the many rips in his flesh tearing back apart.


    What is your meaning? The beast grumbled.


    You. Derek straightened and pointed his index finger at the exhausted beast. Are the best training dummy I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Derek closed his eyes and cast <strong>Rejuvenation </strong>over his entire body. The already rapid healing of his wounds became even faster. A new wound closing every second.


    The beast stumbled back at this, fear shing through its eyes for the first time. Derek had been told that Void Beasts had an uncanny sense for when to flee, and its fight-or-flight response had justnded on flight. It turned, putting the same strength and speed into fleeing as it had before when fighting.


    Before it could take two steps, Derekunched himself forward, grabbing its shoulder and pulling to spin it around. Derek balled his hand into a fist and sted it into the creatures midsection. It was like hitting a steel wall. Neither his fist nor the creature took any damage. The force of the impact made the Void Beast slide backwards a couple of meters, but that was it.


    Derek looked at his fist and smiled. He had already gained a ton from leveling his <strong>Physical Resistance </strong>in this fight, but he was even more excited to see how far he could push his <strong>Unarmed Combat Mastery</strong>, and with the defenses of the Void Beast, it was the perfect opportunity.

 Chapter 84: Attack

    Chapter 84: Attack


    Derek rushed forward after knocking the beast back. Thest thing he wanted was to give the Void Beast a chance to run. He drove another fist into the abdomen of the creature. Again, not causing any visible damage. Derek continued this pattern.


    Derek moved side to side, dodging thrusts and ducking under swipes from the monster. After gauging the toughness and durability of the Void Beast, he started throwing in a <strong>Multi-Strike </strong>asionally. He did not want to push the monster too hard, too fast, but he knew that he would have to keep an eye on his own stamina to make sure that he had more than enough to finish the fight or handle any surprises.


    w swipes tore through the air, missing their mark by centimeters. asionally, Derek would not be able to dodge a blow, and would be forced to raise his forearm to block. Other than that, hended <strong>Multi-Strike </strong>every time he felt it off cooldown<strong></strong>and punch after punch. Notifications would asionally ring in his head, but attack and dodging took much more focus for Derek than turtling up and defending.


    Finally, Derek felt winded. Which was a sign that his stamina was beginning to run low. Even then, he stayed glued to the beast. Atst, it was time for him to take the next step in the battle.


    Dereks next punch was loaded with the void. The beast finally showed a reaction to a hit. Though it was not as much of one as Derek expected. The creature flinched, but still managed a step back and a swipe of its ws.


    The previous punch was only meant to size up his opponent. He did not aim for anything vital. His next strike, however, was at the center of the beasts chest. Assuming that he was correct, and the Void Beasts heart was there. The strike may not kill it, but it should do some damage.


    Derek was correct, and not long after the strikended, the beast stumbled backwards a step before righting itself. Surprisingly, that was all the damage that the beast showed. Derek had expected to see blood drip from its mouth like thest Void Beast that he hit with the void. Of course, that strike was with his ive and not his fist. Still, the beast barely reacted to receiving a void covered strike to its heart.


    Sighing, Derek loaded up another void covered fist and took aim again. He rushed forward, this time trying tobine <strong>Multi-Strike </strong>with the void fist. He was unsure how it would work, but anxious to see.


    After ducking another attack, Derek drove his fist back into the creature''s chest. The Void Beast slid back and paused. Silence reigned over the battle as the monster and Derek both looked at one another.


    Then the Void Beast fell to its knees. The beast raised one wed hand up, clutching at its chest. Its breathing grew heavier and heavier as its face contorted in pain and agony. Still, Derek stared cautiously.


    No way Derek would underestimate the beast after their battle. It had already proven that it could injure him, especially if it took him by surprise and caught him in a vital area like his throat or head. Derek slowly approached, finally ncing at his status in the process.


    His <strong>Unarmed Combat Mastery </strong>skill had grown to level 7 during the fight, and <strong>Multi-Strike </strong>grew to level 3. Unfortunately, he was unable to use <strong>Multi-Strike </strong>as much as he wanted because of the cost of each use. Even though he dragged the fight out for as long as possible, he was only able to use the skill a half dozen times because of the long cooldown, not to mention the mana cost per activation. Still, this was one of his most rewarding and profitable fights yet.


    Derek stopped next to the panting beast. The blood that oozed from its mouth and nose pooled on the ground was getting bigger by the second. The creature heaved and coughed, causingrge amounts of fluid to fly.


    Derek, still covered in his own blood, crouched down next to the Void Beast. So, I know I was summoning Void Beasts to kill, but that doesnt seem to be what set you off. Why exactly were you so enthusiastic to kill me? He asked.


    The beast slowly turned its head to meet Dereks eyes. Like you It went into a coughing fit. Once it caught its breath, it hissed. Like you dont know. Kill me and be done with it.


    Derek frowned. He did not know, and he said as much. I really dont know. I was hoping to talk before. I mean, I honestly didnt know that there were any intelligent Void Beasts. I guess I should have known, but you were quite a surprise.


    The beast eyed Derek skeptically, its breathing bing easier. You are the enemy to all of my kind. You call and we muste, but you do not have control yet.


    That caught his attention. He had originally thought that <strong>Void Call </strong>was a skill that allowed him to summon and control a Void Beast. He almost died because of that assumption. Now, however, it seemed that he might not have been too far off after all. What will I be able to control? The void? Void Beasts? He asked.


    The beast scoffed. Kill me.


    Really? I was thinking about letting you go. Derek said. But the resolute anger was still burning in the beasts eyes. But it seems like if I do that, youll do what you can to find a way toe back and kill me.


    Derek sighed. Fine, Ill kill you. No sense in letting you suffer like this anymore. Im not really one for torture. He stood from his crouch and walked behind the kneeling beast. I hope this works.


    Void energy covered Dereks palm, and he raised his hand. Just as the creature turned suddenly to try tond one more strike, Derek unleashed his palm on the Void Beasts head. Its outstretched arm fell to its side limply, and the light in its eyes shed out. Its body fell over to the side.


    Derek smiled halfheartedly. I guess the brain is always the hardest thing to strengthen. He bent down. He was still not sure if the beast was really dead, but when he tried to pull it into his bracelet, he seeded. His bracelet could not store living things, so that mystery was solved.


    Derek studied his surroundings before finding arge stone to sit on. He had nned on summoning and fighting as many Void Beasts as he could before the next day, but hisst kill had left a bad taste in his mouth. He was out here to fight monsters, but not sentient ones. Sure, he had killed hundreds of human and alien races, and thousands of monsters, but he had never gone out of his way to hunt intelligent species or monsters.


    He did not know the odds of calling an intelligent Void Beast, but one in three was his current ratio. He had also been thinking about trying some Void Beast cooked by the Crown, but all thoughts of that were now out the window.


    Hunting and eating intelligent monsters was actually amon practice, ording to what he had seen while he had the old system. There were some monsters that would even give permanent increases to stats. Of course, this only extended to evolved monsters, not actual intelligent beings. Still, it was one of the things Derek was unable to get behind.


    Now Derek was in a dilemma. On one hand, he wanted to level up <strong>Void Call </strong>on the chance that it could increase to a controlling skill. On the other, he no longer felt like fighting Void Beasts. He was definitely going to head back to Torith in the morning, though.


    Derek stood and sighed. <em>I guess I need to find a river or stream somewhere. </em>The one thing he did know was that he needed to wash all the blood off. <em>Heh I wonder what the guards would say if I showed up at the gate covered in blood. </em>


    Derek searched around and listened for a while, finallying to the decision to go back to a stream he passed by on his way to hunt the Poison Fengs. By the time he reached the stream, night was falling. He washed up as best he could and decided to work on <strong>Void Call </strong>another day.


    The next morning, Derek examined his scar covered body. All the wounds inflicted by the Void Beast were gone. Some of his previous scars were also gone. It seemed like his bodys healing healed not only the wounds, but even the scars that had been cut open by the beast. Some scars even looked weird. It was like someone dragged a knife up his abdomen, but kept lifting it in the process, leaving portions unscarred.


    He did not like that. Derek had refused to remove his scars so he would have a reminder of what he had been through. Plus, he thought they looked cool. Now, some of the ones on his abdomen and chest just looked odd.


    While checking over his body, he tried tomunicate with Silvi, but was unable to. It made sense. He was quite far from the city. He was already surprised when he found that they couldmunicate with each other half a city apart, so he had no hope that it would actually work this far away.


    Derek dressed and ate some jerky from his bracelet. He had a long run ahead of him, and he hoped he could make it back to Torith by lunch. He set his sight in the right direction and took off.


    ***


    Derek arrived at the city gates around noon. The first thing he did before going through was try tomunicate with Silvi. <em>Silvi, can you hear me?</em>


    <em>What do you want? A reply came through.</em>


    <em>I was just checking on you. Did anything exciting happen yesterday? Did y''all stay out of trouble?</em>


    <em>No trouble. Mount idiot. Getting tricked. </em>Silvi answered.


    <em>What do you mean? Tricked how? </em>


    <em>Girl acts nice. Wants ring. Mount idiot.</em>


    Silvi had a way with words. Derek understood immediately. Thomas must have met a girl, but she really just wants to find a way to take his storage ring. Derek shook his head. <em>Well, dont let her steal the storage ring. If she tries, dont kill her, just keep her from taking it. Ill talk to Thomas in a bit.</em>


    <em>Girl not here. They meetter. </em>Silvi replied.


    <em>Good. I have to take care of a few things, then Ill meet up with you. </em>Derek said. No response came back through. Derek sighed and shook his head. <em>Lazy bunny.</em>


    With that, Derek showed his Adventurers Guild badge to the gate guards and was let through. <em>At least its good for something. </em>He thought. <em>Time to go get the real thing. </em>He set of to the Adventurers Guild.

 Chapter 85: Becoming Official

    Chapter 85: Bing Official


    Derek walked the long road from Toriths gate entrance to the Adventurers Guild, taking in the scenery along the way. He was not in a rush, he still had plenty of time before lunch. The difference in quality of the buildings and the way people lived in the first district versus those in the merchant and noble districts never ceased to amaze him.


    Every city had its slums and rougher areas, but none from his previous life on Earth had ever been as divided as to what he saw here. All that he could think was that the living conditions must be very heavily enforced.


    Finally, after strolling through themoner district of the city, he made it back to the Adventurers Guild. <em>I really hope he was able to confirm that we drove killed those bandits on the way from the vige. Maybe I should have picked up another mission toplete along with the other Well, hindsights 20-20.</em>


    Derek opened the giant double doors of the guild and took a step inside. <em>I feel like Im in a Western walking through double doors like this. </em>He nced at the doors that swung shut. <em>If only they kept swinging.</em>


    Once again, he walked over to the counter on the far left. Nia was standing there with a beaming smile.


    Derek! I was told you left for a mission near the mountains yesterday. Did you forget something? She asked.


    Derek chuckled. Nope. Actually, Im here because I hunted the Fengs and need to turn the mission in. I also need to talk to Francesco and see about another mission Along with other things.


    Nia stared at Derek for a while before finallying to her senses. Oh I see. You must have already hunted some of the beasts before and decided to turn them in instead. Thats fine too. She smiled.


    Derek smiled back. Wrong again. Heughed. Im just pretty fast. Not to mention that it didnt take much time at all to find the mushrooms. He lied. Finding the monsters had taken the majority of the hour that it took to hunt all 15 of them. I would go turn the mission in at the counter over there. He pointed to one of the counters on his right. But I need to talk to the guild manager, so I figured Id knock both things out at once.


    Nia looked at Derek like he was crazy. Then looked down at his temporary gold badge and seemed toe to terms with it. Please, have a seat. Ill inform Mr. Jobs of your arrival and hell be with you shortly.


    Derek stayed standing instead of having a seat. If the previous day was any indication, the man would not keep him waiting long. In fact, not two minutes after Nia left, she came back, trailing behind Francesco.


    Mr. Hunt. Francesco said, offering his hand in greeting. Nia tells me you have alreadypleted your mission. Thats great!.


    Indeed. Derek nodded.


    Please, follow me to the back and lets get you taken care of. Francesco motioned Derek to the door.


    Lead the way.


    Inside the meeting room, the two were sitting at a table. You have the corpses on you? The manager asked.


    Of course. Derek flicked his hand, and one of the Poison Fengs appeared.


    Francesco nodded. Good. Leave them and the mission here with me when you leave. He grabbed one of the bindersying on the table and flipped through some pages before stopping. Then, he made some marks on the page. Alright, I have marked the mission asplete for you.


    Then Francesco pulled two gold coins from his storage ring. Here are the rewards for the mission. Normally, it would be less, but since it was quite the distance and close to a dangerous zone, the reward is bigger.


    Derek inwardlyughed at the small amount. What about the other mission? Did you have a chance to check on everything while I was gone? He asked.


    Francesco nodded. Of course. I sent some runners and found two of the people your group saved, and I personally paid a visit to Captain Bronson. After some discussion, I have determined that the bandit camp that your group stumbled onto was indeed the one from the mission.


    Since Bronson was the only person registered to the guild at the time, I have put him down as team lead, and you as a member. As for the young boy that traveled with you, if he registers at the guild in the future, he will have apleted mission waiting for him. Francesco then summoned 20 silver and put it on the table in front of Derek. As this mission was closer and not deemed to be much of a threat to a team of Silver Ranked adventurers, and the split between three team members, the pay is not as grand.


    Derek did not join the Adventurers Guild to make money, but after seeing the rewards, he checked it off of the list as a fast way to make money. Still, he took the silver and put it away.


    With that Francesco pulled a badge out of his ring. You havepleted your two silver trial missions and I can officially make you a Gold Ranked member of the Adventurers Guild. He ced the badge in front of Derek, then summoned a book out of his ring. Now, I just need to update the member list. He jotted down something in the book. Done, it is official. Please return your temporary badge.


    Derek handed the manager his temporary badge, and the man stored it.


    Now, please inject some of your mana into the badge for activation. Francesco said.


    Derek did as told, and a notification appeared.


    Would you like to bind Adventurers Badge: Gold to you?


    Y/N


    Derek focused his mind on yes.


    Adventurers Badge: Gold has been bound.


    Now, it doesnt do much, but when picking up orpleting missions, you will be asked to provide your badge. It will be tested to make sure you are its owner and that it is an official badge of the guild. Francesco continued.


    Also, you are the only person that can activate the badge. It will slightly glow when you inject your mana. There is no tracing or listening spell on the badge, so you dont have to worry about your privacy. If you are skeptical, you can have it tested. If you lose the badge, it will cost 10 gold coins to be reced, so it is best that you keep an eye on it.


    Do you have any questions for me about the badge? The manager asked.


    Derek shook his head. Nope, thats it. Derek stood and walked over to an empty corner. He dropped the 15 Poison Feng corpses onto the ground. I guess this will do?


    Francesco winced. Thats fine. Dont worry about the cleanup.


    Thanks. I will see myself out if there isnt anything else. Derek said and Francesco nodded. See you around. Derek walked out of the room.


    Francesco walked over to the pile of corpses, putting a glove on his right hand in the process. I should have told him to take them to thepletion counter to get a hang of what its like toplete a mission. He sighed, cing corpse after corpse into his storage ring.


    Derek walked back into the front of the building. Nia was waiting behind her counter, reading a book. Slow day? He asked from behind, causing the woman to jump and let out a light cry.


    Embarrassed, she replied, Few people have not already registered for the guild, so theres a lot of downtime. I mostly deal with kids who have just unlocked The Great System. Other than that, I help at the other counter when things get busy or Mr. Jobs if he needs help.


    Most of the time Im just here all day with nothing to do. But, the pays good and I dont have to risk my life. Plus, I get to read as I like. Its a win-win. Nia exined.


    Oh? Whatre you reading? Derek leaned forward to get a look at the book.


    Nia quickly hid the book behind her back and brought a hand to her cheek before stammering. N-nothing you would like. Calming down, she looked at the badge he had pinned on his shirt. I see everything went well for you.


    Derek nodded. Yup. He was still wondering what kind of book the woman had been reading, but decided to leave it alone. He did not want to embarrass the poor girl any further. I guess Ill be seeing you around more often. Enjoy your book. He winked at her. <em>Okay, now Im done embarrassing her. </em>Ill see youter. I have some more business to take care of. Have a great day. He left the guild, leaving Nia standing like a statue with her book clutched behind her in her hand.


    <em>Okay Got my guild badge. Now I need to pop in and see how Stes doing, then I need to have a chat with Thomas. </em>Derek walked up to the gate separating the lower district from the middle and waved at one of the guards. The gate opened immediately. <em>I wonder if they all know who I am already, or if its the gold badge </em>


    He did not think too much about it, and walked through the gate. <em>I wonder if Ill get the same treatment going from the merchant district to the noble district. </em>He began his trek to the Crown, all the while thinking. <em>They really need to get some carts and buggies, or taxis or something. Maybe Ill create a bicycle taxi next...</em>

 Chapter 86: Back to the Crown

    Chapter 86: Back to the Crown


    Dereks walk through the merchant district of Torith was uneventful. He thought about stopping by the inn to see Silvi and Thomas, but decided against it. It was funny to him, though. He received fewer stares from the people around now that he was wearing a Gold Rank badge on his shoulder. <em>At least the badge is good for something. </em>He mused.


    Eventually, he ended up at the gate separating the merchant district from the noble district. He stopped in front of the gate and looked up at one of the guards. He waved. The guard frowned, but another guard noticed Derek at the gate and ran over to whisper something in the previous guards ear.


    Please excuse us, Mr. Hunt. The guard that seemed to recognize Derek jumped from his perch on the gate and walked towards Derek while speaking. As you are not a noble, we must document your entry and exit to and from the upper district.


    Derek nodded at the guard to continue.


    Ah, I see you went and obtain an Adventurers Guild badge, and a gold one at that. Congrattions. That will actually make things much easier. The man pulled out a clipboard and jotted something down before he asked, Now, I must ask what business you have in the noble parts. Because of your Gold Rank in the Adventurers Guild,I dont need specifics, just why youre entering.


    Derek frowned. He did not like having to tell others about his business. <em>Then again, it would make it pointless to have walls separating the city if anyone could just pass through the gates. </em>I am here to see Ste from the Crown Restaurant. She should be expecting me anytime now.


    The gate guard nodded and jotted something else down. Do you, perhaps, know how long you will be staying in the district?


    Derek furrowed his eyebrows. No clue. Could be anywhere from five minutes to five hours. It depends on how our discussion goes.


    The man nodded and wrote more on the clipboard. Alright, thank you for your cooperation. The man reached into his pocket and pulled out a badge, not unlike what he got from the Adventurers Guild. Please take this, it is a guest pass into the noble district. You inject your mana into it just like the one you are wearing. This will activate the guest pass.


    The difference between this badge and the one from the guild is that the mana injection onlysts 24 hours and cannot be activated again for a week. It has a tracking spell linked to that covers the entire city. If it is not returned to a guard post within that time frame, guards will be sent out to collect it and you. Also, we will be alerted if the badge is ever more than two meters away from your mana signature. If a crime is found to have beenmitted and your badge is known to have been in the vicinity at the time, you will be questioned. Do you understand?


    Derek nodded and took the badge. He injected his mana into it, epting the notification that appeared. He then looked back at the guard. Why did I not have to have one of these when I came through earlier? He asked.


    That is because you and your friends came through with Sir Bronson, as his guests. Later, Sir Bronson arrived and reported your stay at the Gracefall Manor. As for why you did not need badges, it is because as guests of the Gracefall House, you became their responsibility. As you are no longer staying as guests of the Gracefalls, you are required to jump through these hoops. The guard exined.


    Derek nodded. I suppose I cant store this thing in my storage ring? He asked.


    Unfortunately, no.


    Derek ced the badge into his jean pocket and lifted his hand. Thanks for the information Mr


    The man took his hand. Bemy, Bemy Sanz. You can just call me Bemy.


    Bemy. Derek nodded and released the mans hand. It was a pleasure.


    Bemy nodded back then turned to the other guard and nodded again. Soon, the gate opened and Derek walked forward.


    Soon, he was standing in the noble district. <em>I didnt think that Bronson had gone through that much trouble for us to stay here. I guess its not much trouble if you know the people and are used to doing it, though. </em>Derek thought. <em>I wonder, if I would have chosen to stay in one of the inns in this district, would I have still been Walters responsibility? </em>Dereks respect for both Walter and Bronson increased once again.


    Soon, he was standing in front of the Crown Restaurant. He opened the door and walked in. The same bouncers-like guards as before were standing around the entrance and took note of his arrival.


    Hey beavis, is Ste in? Derek asked.


    The guard flushed red in anger before calming down. He did not bother to reply, and just nodded his head to the woman behind a hostess station. She was already looking at him.


    Derek walked over to the woman. He did not recognize her from before. Hi, Im Derek Hunt. Is Ste in?


    The woman nced at a book on the stand and raised her head with slightly raised eyebrows. It seems she is expecting you, and I am to bring you up whenever you arrive. Please, follow me.


    Derek followed the woman up to the same floor and office he had gone to the other day. The hostess knocked twice on the door. Madam, Mr. Hunt is here to see you.


    Come in. Stes voice rang out from behind the door.


    The hostess opened the door and stepped to the side, letting Derek have a clear view of Ste and her intoxicating smile. Today, she was not wearing a provocative dress.


    She was standing, dressed in a tight, forest green, long-sleevedced tunic trimmed in ck. Thece was loose, causing Derek to put more focus into looking at her face. The tunic fell into a short ck pencil skirt with stockings underneath.


    Derek smiled at the beautiful woman. Ste! Good to see you again. Im not too early, am I? He asked while walking the few steps over to her desk.


    Of course not, Derek. I was actually able to contact my employer just after you left the other day and work something out. She answered, then nodded at thedy standing at the door that she could leave. The door closed. Please. Ste gestured to the empty chair in front of Derek. Have a seat.


    Derek sat. So, hows things going? He asked.


    They couldnt be better. In fact, not only was I able to work out yourpensation for the Void Beast, my botanist has already made a coffee prototype. She took a crystal from one of her desk drawers and injected mana into it. Afterwards, she put it back. Ill have the staff bring up what we have so far.


    Derek nodded. Thats great! He was genuinely excited. He was more excited about the idea of not running out of coffee than he was about the money.


    Ste smiled. I see you visited the Adventurers Guild after you left.


    Yeah. I figured I could do more with a badge than without.


    She nodded. Thats true.


    The two chatted for a few minutes about unimportant things before a waiter arrived with the prototype coffee.


    After the waiter left, Ste poured Derek and herself a cup. Please. Tell me what you think. You are the expert after all.


    Derek nodded and took the cup, bringing it to his lips. He took in a deep breath of the aroma. <em>Well, at least it smells like coffee. Thats already big. </em>Then he took a sip. The taste was coffee-like, but weak. <em>Its better than nothing, though. </em>He thought and took another drink.


    After setting the cup down, he spoke, Well, the vor just isnt there yet. With what you currently have, I would suggest brewing it with less water, or double brewing it for a stronger taste. The problem may just be that your people arent used to strong drinks, so they are diluting the coffee with too much water.


    "Im not sure how roasted the coffee is, but if you have your people roast them longer, then you will get a much richer, bolder vor. Where Im from, you can get light roast, medium roast, or dark roast. I prefer medium roast, myself. With it, you get a bit of the stronger original vor of the coffeebined with a bit of the bold vor from the roasting process.


    Ste nodded and made some notes on one of the papers scattered around her desk. I will let them know. Thanks for the information.


    Derek smiled. Well, I am by no means a coffee expert. I would just like to be able to drink all I want without having to worry about not being able to find it anymore.


    Well, thank you anyway. I actually think the product is going to bring in more money than I initially expected. It has something in it that stimtes a person and their energy. If we are able to increase the drugs effects, it could be sold as more than just a beverage during a meal. She exined.


    Of course, there are other nts and medicines that do the same, its just that none of them taste good while also providing the benefit. Also, having the stimnt ur naturally in the beverage is much easier than having to extract the stimnt and add it to other medicines. She continued.


    Derek nodded. Yeah, we call that caffeine where Im from. We never bothered with enhancing it. It was used by very low level people who needed more energy to workte or to wake up faster. Because, as you know, it would take a ton of enhancing it to work on someone with a lot of Endurance.


    She smiled. Exactly. Then she pulled out a stack of papers from her storage ring. Well, lets get down to business. Im sure that you are anxiously waiting to see what the Void Beast is worth to us.


    Derek nodded.


    Well, I have some good news. My employer seemed to take an interest in you and decided to give you a premium offer in hopes for your further cooperation with the restaurant. She slid the papers over to Derek.


    After reading, Dereks eyes went wide. Is this right?

 Chapter 87: Crown Membership

    Chapter 87: Crown Membership


    Is this right? Derek asked, looking at the contract. The offer was for 25,000 gold coins and contribution towards a membership. He had expected quite a lot, but more like 10,000 gold coins. <em>If Bronsons sword cost 2,700 I wonder what kind of weapon I could get for this. Nah, I bet at a certain point, Weaponsmiths stop epting gold for their wares. They probably deal only in trade.</em>


    Mhm. Ste nodded. As I said, my employer has made the decision to give you a premium offer. Plus, the Void Beast you brought in was high quality, so the price has to match. As you only want the hide back, not much was deducted from the amount because we dont have many uses for it.


    The current payment is what someone with a tier one membership would be awarded if they brought in the same beast. As I said, my employer is treating you quite fondly. This is the first time I have seen such a thing happen, though it is not the first that Ive heard of. Ste finished with a smile.


    I see. I will have to thank your boss at some point. Derek replied. Now, about the Crown Membership. This contract only states that I will be awarded a medium amount of contribution towards a membership. Is there a tangible way to tell how much contribution I have?


    Stes smile grew wider at the question. I was wondering when you were going to ask that. Ste looked deep into Dereks eyes. Now, there are two answers that you can get. One is a basic outline, but the other requires an oath to not repeat what I say to anyone. Which would you like?


    Derek frowned, but agreed to the oath. I, Derek Hunt, swear to the Great System to abide Ste Brightons words and keep what I am about to hear to myself and mypanion, as I cannot hide things from her, for as long as required. After his oath, the notification popped up.


    You have sworn an oath to Ste Brighton.


    Ste frowned. Yourpanion? The rabbit?


    Derek nodded. Yes. Wemunicate telepathically. It is easy for her to hear my thoughts unless I specifically focus to keep her out. Trust me, she does not actively try to listen to them either.


    Thats interesting. Mostmunicate with their beastpanion through their will. They just understand each other. Ste furrowed her brows. Just how strong is that bunny?


    Derek smiled. Would you like to swear an oath? Heughed.


    Her eyes widened a little, then she chuckled. No, it was just a passing thought. Then she cleared her throat. I trust that she will not speak of what we are discussing to anyone?


    No. If we were talking about food or sleeping, she might find a way, but she couldn''t care less about anything we are discussing right now. Besides, as of right now, she can onlymunicate with me. He answered.


    Ste nodded. Very well. First, to answer your question No. All that you have to go on is my word and the trust that you have in the Crown. There are many reasons for this, but the main one is because my boss controls who gets the memberships and who does not. She is quite fair, though.


    Even if she does not personally like you, as long as you do not act in a detestable and despicable way, and if she sees that you have worked and contributed much to the restaurant, she will award you with a membership. However, the biggest factor standing in the way of most of the nobles receiving a membership is how they act and treat others. My boss is well, she has eyes and ears everywhere.


    Ste sighed. You could say that she is the Kingdoms foremost expert in gossip. She does not spread it, but she collects it, then verifies it. There are nobles, I will not name names, but there are some that have contributed greatly to the Crown, and help the cities and those less fortunate than themselves. But they have never received a membership and they never will.


    They may look perfect on the outside, but they are vile on the inside. Some of the things that I have heard about Ste shook her head. My mistress will never allow people like that to be formally associated with her business. There are some, though, that are strict and violent that have been given membership and people wonder why.


    Those people treat everyone the same. If a descendant from their house steps out of line, they will be punished the same as if a beggar did the same. Their violence is warranted. They are usually noble houses who uphold thews of the kingdom. And though they cannot punish a noble of another house the same way as they do amoner under kingdomw, they will punish their own. It is respectable. Many normal folk and nobles alike fear them. Ste stated.


    Derek nodded. I understand. This is actually great information for me to know. If I go to another city and a perfect noble house is there, but they do not have a membership to your restaurant, I will know to avoid them. I see why you had me take an oath.


    Ste nodded. That is correct. There are a few, not many, that are respectable and close to perfect that do not care for a membership, therefore do not seek to obtain contribution. But, they are usually neutral parties and will not seek you out without reason.


    She continued. Now, that is all for people who have not earned a membership yet. There is a tangible way to see your contribution once you are a member. Ste flicked her wrist and a solid white card with a golden crown in the middle appeared in her hand. It was slightly bigger than a credit card. This. She waved the card around. Is a membership card. She handed it to Derek for him to examine.


    Holding it in his hand, he studied it. It was hard, he put some strength into his hand and squeezed slightly. After some pressure, the card bent a little and he rxed. Some good material. He said.


    Indeed. She answered. They can survive She watched as he bent the card even more. most attacks.


    Derek nodded and handed the card back. Im guessing this is just for me to examine?


    Ste chuckled. Yes. It is not an actual membership card, just a disy. It is the same in almost every way, justcking the enchantments. She took the card back. Now, as you can see, the card is a nk te, solid white. This is a tier one membership card with no contribution. You will begin at tier one if you ever be a member.


    Now, as you gain contribution, you can give your card to a manager and they will transfer it to the card. Ste injected mana into the card. The end of the card began turning blue. As he continued, the blue color spread across the card. As you can see, as you earn contribution, the card will fill with a different color. At that point, the entire card had turned blue.


    Ste injected more mana into the card, and a purple tint appeared on the side. White is tier one, blue is tier two, purple is tier three, and ck is tier four, the maximum tier. Each tieres with different benefits, you will only learn about them when you reach that tier, and you will be required to sign a contract not to spread said benefits.


    <em>Mhm Its like the more I spend, the higher my credit limit. </em>Derek nodded. I see. That makes sense to me.


    Ste nodded and put the card back into her ring. Now, like I have said, my boss seems like you, which is a point in your favor. She will definitely be listening and watching you, so when you reach enough contribution in her eyes, it wont be hard to be a member.


    Derek frowned, disappointed. So, no matter how much I contribute, it will take a while to be a member because she needs to find out my character?


    Well, that depends. My boss is a great judge of character, and I dont believe that she has ever been wrong about a person, no matter how quick she came to her opinion about them. Shes special in that way.


    I see. Derek nodded. So, hypothetically. If I had enough contribution in her eyes today, how long do you think before she judged me worthy or not?


    Thats a tough question. It could be a day, a week, a month, a year I dont know. Im sure she knows more about you than I do, already. And shes in the Capital. She may already have her opinion.


    Interesting. Derek smiled. This isnt some secret spy or assassination guild or something is it? He asked in jest mostly.


    Ste broke out inughter. No, it isnt. But isnt that exactly what a spy guild would tell you? She gave him a serious look, then busted up again. No, my mistress doesnt have a lot of friends and cant talk to many people. She frowned and lowered her head. So, learning about people from afar became a hobby of hers after she started the Crown, and her skill in it has greatly improved the restaurants standing. This is all public knowledge.


    Why cant she talk to people? He asked, intrigued.


    This is also public knowledge. Her ss has a skill that makes people ufortable, and she can not turn it off. It is a tragedy because she really does love having conversations. Very few servants can be around her, and most of hermunication is done via themunication crystal, even then, her skill affects others. Ste replied.


    That is sad. I would like to talk to her someday. Who knows, maybe Im different. Derek smiled. <em>If she has a skill thats constantly active, and its magic, will my </em><strong><em>Magic Resistance </em></strong><em>constantly go up? </em>Of course, he had ulterior motives.


    Stes smile shined. It was more genuine that Derek had seen before. Im sure that she would love that. Ill let her know next time I speak with her.


    Derek nodded. Im looking forward to it. He said, then continued. Now, lets get back to my payment and contribution. He reached over and rubbed his bracelet, waiting for the right time to reveal his other goods.


    Very well. Ste replied.

 Chapter 88: The True Value of Void Beasts

    Chapter 88: The True Value of Void Beasts


    So, as you can see Ste reached over to the contract and pointed. You will get 25,000 gold coins for the Void Beast, minus the hide. And seeing your earlier reaction, Im guessing that this price is eptable? She asked.


    Yes, very eptable. I was just wondering what I would do with so much gold. Derek replied.


    Ste chuckled. Ah yes, having such an amount of coin and nothing to spend it on can be a problem. May I suggest your local Crown Restaurant? I hear that they have a delicious menu, though, they arent cheap.


    Derekughed at that. No, I suppose they are not. As for the contract, I would be happy to sign, but I was thinking about maybe adding something to it. Or, I could take this and the money, and we could make another.


    Stes eyebrows raised in surprise. You never cease to amaze me. You have <em>more </em>to offer the restaurant? Is it another product like coffee? I dont think were ready for that yet, the Botanist is still working out the kinks on that, and we wouldnt want to introduce too many new products like that into the market all at once. I mean, we would still buy it, but you wouldnt see revenue on whatever we work out until we begin selling.


    Derek shook his head. No, unfortunately I dont have any more money makers like that. Though, I may have an interesting alcoholic beverageter, but Im still in the process of thinking about it. This is another one-off purchase, like the Void Beast. Are you interested?


    Of course we are interested. May I see the goods?


    Sure, but first, since youve treated me so well. Derek held his arm out and the small Void Beast appeared, held by the back of its neck. You said that the older and stronger the Void Beasts were, the more expensive. Well, this one is neither old nor strong, more like a baby. I figured Id toss it in as an appetizer if your offer was sincere.


    Stes eyes were like saucers. Another Void Beast. She whispered. Then she stood and walked around the desk to get a closer look. May I? she asked.


    Of course.


    With that, a knife appeared in Stes hand and she reached over to the beast Derek was holding. She slid the knife along the upper arm of the creature, slicing through the flesh. Derek could see the bone when she withdrew the de.


    Interesting She said as she touched the exposed muscle with her finger. Ive never seen a Void Beast that was so delicate. She looked at the finger, which had a small amount of blood on the tip, and frowned. I hate having to do this. Sticking her tongue out, she licked the end of her finger and closed her eyes. After a few seconds, her eyes shot open. Store that immediately.


    Hearing the agitation in her voice, Derek quickly stored the Void Beast. Confused, he looked at Ste. Whats wrong?


    Ste leaned against the desk, using her hands, she lifted herself atop it. She sighed and summoned a tissue to clean her hand. Then, sitting on the desk just in front of the seated Derek, she spoke. I cant in good conscience ept your gift. Not without you knowing the real value of it. Now, I cant tell for sure by just tasting the blood, but that creature is most likely worth much more than the one you already brought me.


    She sighed again. The meat, bones, and brain are the valuable parts of the usual Void Beasts. She chuckled. Hell, I might as well tell you this. I suspect you will be a member soon. With the right chefs, our chefs, those who eat the Void Beast meals we prepare obtain increases to their stats. Of course, a Void Beast meal is absurdly expensive, even for tier four members.


    Dont most meals increase a users stats? Derek asked. He could see where it was going, but he wanted to make sure.


    Ste nodded. Thats true, but those stats are temporary. These are permanent. We are unsure why, but the theory is because the beasts are creatures that are outside the Great System. So the increased stats arent system granted stats, but more personal.


    That got Dereks attention. How much will a Void Beast increase someones stats? Lets say, the one Im selling you.


    Well, you are able to get increased Strength, Endurance, and Intelligence out of a Void Beast. Which is funny because theye from the muscle, bones, and brain, respectively. Now, if you want to get the most benefit out of the creature, you cant eat it all at once. The benefits diminish the more you eat. You have to give your body enough time to process everything.


    If you were to just eat it all at once, that Void Beast, prepared by our cooks, would give you around 50 Strength, 30 Endurance, and 25-40 Intelligence. Intelligence is always hard to estimate. Now, if you eat then wait a couple months for your body to process everything, then repeat until the Void Beast is gone She quieted, thinking. Then you could stretch the gains to probably 120 Strength, 70 Endurance, and 50 or more Intelligence. She answered.


    Okay, you said that Void Beast was pretty strong and special though, so I imagine those results arent typical. Derek said.


    No, not typical at all. Really, Void Beasts arent typical. Sheughed. The foundation of our entire business is based on the way we prepare Void Beasts. My boss the owner is the only person who has the recipe. Our cooks are bound by extreme contracts. If they so much as think about selling the recipe, they will die.


    Derek frowned at that.


    Dont get me wrong. Ste said. They arent ves. They and their families are paid extremely well. A chefs child can grow up as if they are the heir to a top noble house in the Kingdom. Also, they can leave whenever they want. Remember how I was telling you about the owners skills?


    Derek nodded. Yeah.


    Well, those skills allow her to both imnt the recipe into the chefs mind, and remove it without any harm. If a chef wants to leave, the process is simple. In my 27 years with the business, only one person has ever died from the oath. We also provide top-notch protection to all the chefs and their families. As I said, my boss has eyes and ears everywhere. Its near impossible for harm toe to one of her chefs. Ste exined.


    That sounded well and good to Derek, but he was more caught up on the fact that Ste had been with the Crown for 27 years. She looked to be in her mid-20s, so unless she was born into the Crown Uh Youve been with the Crown for 27 years? Were you born into it? You dont even look that old.


    Ste burst into a fit ofughter. Thanks for that. Its very reassuring that you think Im that young. No, I started working for my employer when I was 20. Now, Im not going to say my age out loud because it stings, but Im sure you can do the math. Being in my position has a lot of benefits. One of them is obtaining the strength and stats to have a greater lifespan, therefore preserving my looks. She smiled. Though, its nothingpared to nah. She muttered under her breath, but Derek was still able to hear.


    Derek snapped out of his thoughts. Well, you are very beautiful for your age or any age, actually. Anyway, whats up with the baby Void Beast.


    Ste stared him directly in the eyes, all yfulness gone. When I tested the blood, I was just testing the vor to see which tier menu to put it on. Its a Void Beast, so no matter what, it will still give stats, even if its only a few. But, when I tasted the blood, I got a notification that my Vitality increased by a point. Vitality is a very sought after stat. Its easy to die in a fight without having decent Vitality, but if you put your free points into the stat, you are missing out on offense.


    Very few people like sses that get hit often, so there arent many people with Vitality as their main stat. People offset this weakness with essories and potions that boost their Vitality. Im sure that you know all of this. She said.


    Derek nodded. <em>Yup, people looked at me crazy when I said that I was a tank. Who knew, getting hit hurts. </em>I see. So, if the blood gave you an increase with just that much, and no special preparation, then the value would be a lot. <em>Damn, who knew the baby beast would have blood that would increase Vitality. Its almost like those old stories </em>


    Derek flinched, thinking about the stories he had heard about people bathing in the blood of babies or virgins. There were movies and novels about the subject, mostly fiction, but he could recall that there were people who actually did such things on Earth hundreds of years ago.


    Ste gave him an odd look. Whats wrong?


    Derek shook his head. Nothing. I just thought of something unpleasant.


    Ste nodded. I see. Anyway, yes, the value would be astronomical depending on how much blood the creature has. Would you please give me a moment? And please ignore me if I act odd.


    Sure.


    Ste walked back over to her side of the desk and sat down. A bluemunication crystal appeared in Stes hand. <em>I hope this isnt too embarrassing. I guess I could ask him to leave. </em>She looked up at Derek, who was watching her with interest. <em>Whatever, lets get it over with.</em>


    She injected her mana into the crystal, hoping that nah would pick up quickly so she would not waste too much of the mans time. Fortune seemed to smile on her as she felt the connection establish.


    Hurriedly she transmitted, hoping her boss would not speak first. <em>Dont speak. With a client. </em>Seeing that her boss did not speak, she sighed in relief. <em>I have Derek Hunt with me right now. We were going over his contract for the Void Beast. He looked over the contract and decided that we were being very sincere, so he said he wanted to do more business. Before that, however, he said that he wanted to give us a gift for being sincere.</em>


    <em>The gift is why I am contacting you. He pulled out another Void Beast from his storage. It was a very young beast, most likely a baby. I went over and took a blood sample nah, it gave me Vitality. One drop of the blood gave me a point of Vitality. Now, I told him what urred and gave him the beast back. Im not sure how to proceed. He did say that he would like to talk to you, though.</em>


    <em>I may have overstepped, but I told him a bit about your condition. I was wondering if your recipe included preparing blood along with everything else, and I was wondering if I could just pass the crystal over to him and let you talk.</em>


    Yes, we can talk. The alluring voice sounded out of the crystal, and Stes mind went nk.

 Chapter 89: Alanah

    Chapter 89: nah


    Yes, we can talk. The voice sounded out of the crystal.


    Derek felt a slight tug in the back of his mind, but nothing more than that. It was so light that he barely sensed it. Ste, on the other hand, had bepletely mechanical. Her eyes dimmed as she sat in the chair, staring forward.


    A sigh came from the crystal. Hop on one leg. The sensual voice sounded out.


    Again, Derek felt the tug in his mind, but nothing else.


    Immediately after themand, however, Ste stood and raised one leg, then began hopping. Derek frowned as he watched the beauty bounce up and down. He was unsure what the person on the other end was nning. Overall, he was embarrassed for Ste.


    Stop. The voicemanded and Ste stilled. Ste. Answer me. Did Mr. Hunt hop on one leg?


    Ste leaned forward and grasped the crystal in one hand.


    Wonderful. The voice boomed. Thats just wonderful. It sounded genuinely happy. Ste, dear. Please fetch our privatemunication crystal and lend it to Mr. Hunt.


    Ste flicked her hand, and another crystal appeared. It was the same size and shape as the other, but it was red instead of blue. Ste walked back around her desk and ced the crystal in Dereks hand.


    Derek took the crystal and inspected it. Unlike the blue one, this crystal only had three runes drawn on it.


    Ste, you can return to afortable position. The voice said. Now, Mr. Hunt. If you would be so kind as to inject some mana into that crystal when it lights up, that would be great. I will talk with you in a moment. With that, the blue crystal that Ste had sat back down on the desk faded.


    Ste walked back around to her side of the desk and flopped down into her seat. Leaning back and cing her crossed feet on the top of her desk.


    <em>Well, she did tell her to getfortable. </em>Derek chuckled as he looked at the lounging figure.


    Soon, the red crystal began to glow, and Derek injected some of his mana into it. <em>Hello. </em>He answered like he was taking a call.


    <em>Ah, Mr. Hunt Derek. So nice to meet you Hop on one foot. </em>The alluring voice invaded his mind and gave him amand.


    This time, the tug in the back of his mind was much greater. So much so that Derek actually pushed his foot on the floor to stand before catching himself. Realizing what was going on, he stopped and sent a thought back. <em>I would prefer it if you wouldnt do that.</em>


    <em>Oh! How absolutely wonderful! You ''re able to handle amand issued directly into your mind via a privatemunication crystal. Truly astounding. Just so you know, amand through this crystal is a dozen or more times as potent as one issued out loud through the other crystal. Also, as it was amand, it is much more potent than us just chatting. You really dont know how wonderful this is. </em>The alluring voice was gushing happiness.


    <em>That would exin Ste. I guess thats a good thing? </em>He answered.


    <em>A very good thing. I wasnt sure you would be able to handle it, but I hoped. When Ste informed me that you did not hop on one leg, I was beyond excited. Speaking of Ste, she will be back to normal in a few minutes. She has very good willpower. </em>She said.


    <em>Thats good. I think shes going to be embarrassed when shes back to normal. </em>Derek sent. <em>Anyway, what can I do for you? He asked.</em>


    <em>Ah, business The voice sounded with disgust. Business can wait. Do you know how often it is that I get to talk with somebody who doesnt have to strain themselves being around me? You arent straining yourself, right? You dont feel anything weird when we are just chatting? No impulses to tter me or tell me the truth about anything?</em>


    <em>Nope. Just a force in my mind when you told me to hop on one foot. I felt like I wanted to stand, but was able to control it. </em>He answered.


    <em>Good very good. </em>The voice paused. <em>Oh goodness! Do you know what that means? We could actually talk person to person. Without you having to spend 12 hours next to me to get your focus back, and without you having to focus your mind so much that you have to stay home sick for two days.</em>


    <em>Uh okay </em>Derek replied.


    <em>Oh, sorry for the babbling. Its just so nice to really talk to someone </em>She paused. <em>Where are my manners? I was so caught up in my excitement that I forgot to introduce myself. I am nah Swan, owner and operator of Crown Restaurant. And you, you are Derek Hunt. A most interesting man.</em>


    Derek actually blushed a little at thatment. <em>Thank you I think. I do pride myself on being interesting. It is nice to meet you, Miss Swan.</em>


    <em>Ill have none of that. You can call me nah.</em>


    <em>Fine by me. You can call me Derek if you want. </em>


    nah giggled. <em>You are extraordinary. You must have phenomenal willpower to withstand my voice. Or maybe a great amount of points invested into Wisdom. Or do you have the </em><strong><em>Mental Resistance </em></strong><em>skill? Oh Sorry You dont have to answer that. </em>


    Derek did feel the tug on his mind again when she asked the question, but it was much less forceful than before. <em>Dont worry. I didnt n on answering. </em>Derek was surprised and a little disappointed. Herment meant that the conversation was not going to affect his <strong>Magic Resistance </strong>like he had hoped. But, she was spot on about him having high Wisdom and willpower. He could not have survived so long as a tank without a ton of willpower.


    <em>And that Is why this is wonderful. Oh, the things we can discuss. You can lie to me too. That is wonderful, so wonderful. Tell me, what is two plus two?</em>


    Seeing where she was going with it, Derek answered. <em>Five. </em>


    <em>Wow! </em>nah said in awe. <em>That is amazing. Unless you are very dumb I dont think youre dumb. Nope definitely not.</em>


    <em>That is great and all, and I would be happy to talk with you more, but I do have a lot of stuff to take care of today. </em>He said. <em>I dont, but she doesnt know that I think. I would like to discuss some business. I guess Ste informed you of everything? </em>


    <em>Yes, yes. Always business. Ste let me know. </em>Her happy, seductive voice changed to a t tone. Though, it was still very bewitching. <em>She told me that you brought in an interesting Void Beast. One that will give a lot of Vitality points. Now, you should definitely thank her when you get a chance, because anyone other than her or me would have taken your gift without saying anything because you are not a member, and you would have been none the wiser. </em>


    <em>Ste is just too kind. </em>nah said. <em>Now, she asked me if I had a recipe for such a beast and the answer is maybe. I have methods to increase the potency in some things, and they have been known to work with some bloods, so there is a chance that the Vitality points gained from the Void Beast could be increased. Now, of course I can buy it from you if you would like. I would be willing to offer 50,000 gold coins for it, or Her voice trailed off. We cane to another arrangement.</em>


    <em>What arrangement would that be? </em>Derek asked.


    <em>We split the Void Beast blood. </em>nah answered. <em>You get half and I get half. I will have my staff use my methods on the blood, and once we figure everything out, we can split it 50/50. Now, the final result could be more than what you would get just drinking all the blood raw, or it could be less. Like I said, with this method, you would only end up with half. What would you like to do?</em>


    At that time, Derek noticed that Ste hade to her senses. She had taken her feet off the desk and was sitting straight and professionally. The blush from her embarrassment was fading, and she was staring at Derek with wide eyes.


    Derek smiled at the woman before answering nah. <em>Honestly, since I was going to give you the beast as a gift before, it feels awkward taking it back...  </em>Derek thought about everything for a moment. <em>Okay I have an idea. Ill do the 50/50 split with you on the baby Void Beast. Then, since I havent signed the contract for the other beast, you can have it for free. And we can discuss the price on my other Void Beast. You should find it quite interesting.</em>


    <em>Oh That is interesting n said with a giggle. Tell me, is Ste back to her senses yet?</em>


    <em>She is. </em>


    <em>Very good. Tell her that I will contact her on the blue crystal. I will not talk, and she can just provide me with answers that I will ask for you. Is that eptable?</em>


    <em>Thats fine by me. </em>Derek answered.


    He looked at Ste, the blush finally gone from her face. She seemed toe to terms with whatever she was feeling because she was looking at him in a professional manner instead of with shock in her eyes. nah said to pick up the blue crystal when she contacts you. She wont speak, but you can use it to tell her your thoughts. Ill trante.


    Okay. Ste said, and picked up the crystal off of her desk, answering it when it began glowing.


    <em>This is going to be odd. </em>Derek did not know what to think about being the go between for the two women. <em>Oh well, its about to get a lot worse. </em>He thought as he prepared to summon the corpse of the sentient Void Beast.


    <em>Ready? </em>Derek asked.


    <em>Ready. </em>nah chimed.


    Alright. Derek said, speaking to Ste. nah wants you to examine this and give her your opinions.


    Ste nodded her head, frowning. Okay.


    Derek summoned the gigantic Void Beast. Ste looked at it, then back to him. Dumbfounded. The room was inplete silence.


    <em>Well! Whats going on? </em>The voice rang in Derek''s head.

 Chapter 90: Value

    Chapter 90: Value


    <em>Well! Whats going on? </em>nah asked, excited.


    <em>Well Stes just staring at the Void Beast. Give her a minute. Let her get her bearings back. Like I said, this Void Beast is interesting. </em>Derek replied.


    Derek watched as Ste took a deep breath, calming herself down. May I? She pulled her knife back out of her storage device and approached the giant of a Void Beast.


    Of course. Thats why Im here. Derek had to stand to keep the three meter tall beast from dragging the ground. Other than its massive size, the differences from the normal Void Beasts were abundant. Longer, sharper ws, crazy muscle definition, extra teeth, all sharper than regr Void Beasts. And those were only the visual differences. Derek was still unsure if he was going to tell them about it being sentient and talking.


    <em>She came to. Shes beginning her examination now. </em>Derek kept nah informed of what was happening.


    Like with the first Void Beast he brought in, Ste ced her knife on its sternum to make an incision. Derek assumed that she was not worried about perfectly dressing the small beast, which was why she only cut into its arm, but with a beast that would provide more than just food parts, she would dress it neatly.


    Ste applied pressure to the knife. Then she applied more pressure, then more. Her brows furrowed and she frowned. How? She whispered to herself. Soon, her knife vanished, and another one reced it in her hand. This knife was much more interesting. To Derek, it looked more like a surgeon''s scalpel than a butchers knife.


    Derek had to hold the corpse tight and steady to keep it from being pushed back from the pressure she applied with her new knife. Here. Derek said, cing the Void Beast on the floor. It was a tight fit, but he was able to slide Stes desk a bit to give her enough room to work.


    Thanks. Ste lightly answered and kneeled on the ground. This time, she was able to apply the pressure she needed, and the scalpel sliced through the hide. She made an incision from the top of the sternum down past its abdomen. Then she moved to the top of its sternum and cut outward.


    It was unsettling to Derek. She was a doctor performing an autopsy on a dead patient, and that was what her cuts looked like.


    Youre oddly good at that. Derek mused out loud.


    Ste nodded while concentrating. Its how I started out. Dressing game, cutting meats, thats what I did when nah took me in. I got really good at it and leveled my skills fast. Then, I changed my ss to make use of all the skills I picked up. From amon Hunter when nah found me to a rare Gourmet Butcher. And now my current ss, which I wont borate on You understand. She said as she pulled back some of the hide from the beast.


    Gotcha. I just didnt expect it. I thought you would have some managerial type of ss. Derek said.


    Ste turned to him and her lips formed into a bright smile. Who says that I dont? She turned and went back to cutting.


    To Derek, it was beautiful, in a sense. He injected the crystal with some of his mana and exined what was happening to nah.


    <em>Ah, yes. She is something of an artist. It pained me when she left the Capital. The quality of the cuts took quite a hit. Hopefully shell get tired of Torith soon ande back. </em>nah said.


    <em>Wait, so she isnt the actual manager of this restaurant? </em>Derek asked.


    <em>Oh goodness, no. She is way too qualified for that. It only takes her a few minutes to break out of the trance when I talk through a regrmunication crystal. After being around me for a couple hours, she is able to be around me for the rest of the day without being passively influenced. Do you know how hard it is to find someone like that? </em>


    <em>Ste is the manager of the restaurant here in the Capital. She went all the way to Torith a year ago on vacation. </em>na said, with regret in her voice. <em>Really, she just needed to get away from me for a time. Shested much longer than most, but being around my passive influence is tiring. It wears people down. </em>nah went silent for a moment. <em>But still </em>she said. <em>I dont me her one bit. She needed a break from me. Shes able to be around me with pure willpower, too. It would be counterproductive to invest in Wisdom for her </em>she trailed off.


    <em>Im sorry. </em>Derek said, and he really was. It had to be hard to deal with, driving everyone away without doing anything wrong. <em>Is there no way to dampen your skill? </em>He asked.


    <em>No, not that I have found. Trust me, Ive looked. </em>Her sigh came through the crystal. <em>There was a time when I tried hiring Wisdom focused people, but the sheer volume of points needed in the Wisdom stat takes so long to get. It doesnt even begin making a dent in my passive skill until it hits 500. A normal person would have to ignore everything else for 100 levels or so and go heavily into Wisdom just to have an equal conversation with me. And that is if their ss isnt automatically investing their points into other stats, which most do.</em>


    <em>I see </em>Derek said. <em>Have you not tried creating a ss specifically for your needs? You need Wisdom based cooks, butchers, and managers, correct? Ste said you took her in, and she seems very grateful, so I assume you are a decent person. Why dont you help others? You could have dozens of employees with high rarity ss in a decade or so.</em>


    <em>What? How would I do that? </em>nah spoke fast, almost panting.


    <em>Oh uh </em>Derek had forgotten how Walter had reacted when he told him about experimenting with sses. <em>I guess everyone tries to get to level 10 as fast as possible </em>Now, the problem was whether he wanted to tell nah of the methods or not. She seemed fine, and he actually trusted Ste after their meetings.


    <em>I see Im sorry. </em>The voice chimed in his head, this time sounding deted.


    At that time, Ste stood, finished examining the creature. She turned and nodded to Derek.


    <em>Stes finished. We can talk about ssester. Ive told others, but its not really something that I want to spread to a lot of people quickly. Whatever the case, dont let the fact that I have something you want sway the way our next business is conducted. </em>Derek said.


    nah chuckled, back to her previous demeanor. <em>Of course I wont, but you should use something like that to negotiate business</em>. I wouldnt take offense to it.


    <em>I figured, but Im not trying to amass a fortune. Friends and allies are much better assets. Besides, I wouldnt know what to do with the previous offer for the Void Beast, much less what youre going to offer for this one.</em>


    <em>That confident? </em>nah asked.


    <em>If the different faces I saw Ste make while examining the thing are any indication Yes, very confident. </em>Derek chuckled. <em>Ill let her know that youre ready.</em>


    nah is ready for your assessment whenever you are. Derek said to Ste.


    Ste smiled and took the blue crystal before looking back at Derek. I am happy that you two can talk like that. She nodded to the red crystal. A bit jealous, too. She muttered and released her mana into the crystal.


    Derek watched and waited for a while. Finally, after some time, nahs voice rang in his head again.


    <em>Oh my. You did bring us something interesting. ording to Ste, its hide was so hard to cut, even for her, that she had to use her other de. That de was made by a level 220 cksmith, just so you know. Shes excited because its the first time shes ever had to use it. Do you know how tough the defense had to have been when it was alive to make her have to use the de after it died?</em>


    <em>Yes. </em>Derek said. <em>Im the one that fought it, remember. </em>


    nahughed. <em>Oh, I know that. But, there werent any injuries to its skin, so I dont think you really know. Apparently, you somehow nearly destroyed its heart, and its brain is mush. I think I may be more interested in how you fight than the incredible Void Beast that you have brought us. How did you do it?</em>


    <em>Secret. He replied.</em>


    <em>Of course, of course. </em>She replied. <em>Well, weve only ever had one beaste anywhere close to this one. Tell me, was it able to speak? If so, how well? </em>


    That was surprising. Derek was speechless for a moment. <em>Uh yes. It was. And it spoke very well. As intelligent as any human.</em>


    <em>Very interesting. The one we had before was able to speak, but it was very ignorant. Short phrases like, I eat or I kill. We were able to stretch the stat gain of that one by a lot. Off of that one Void Beast, I could run the restaurants for free, giving away food every day, for over five years. Of course, I didnt do that, we are not a charity. What we do with Void Beasts is auction off meals to the highest bidder. </em>


    <em>We sign a contract with estimated growth per meal, then start the bidding. Only members can join the auction, but there are some that use it as a chance to snag a meal, then gift it to someone to curry favor. Its frowned upon, but we allow it once. If it doesnt go to you or your close family more than once, you are stripped of your membership and will not be reassessed for two decades.</em>


    <em>Ste told me that she exined the stat increases from Void Beasts to you. Going by the one she was talking about, the current one should give four times or even more stats than the first one. </em>nah exined.


    <em>So, you would offer me four times the amount? </em>Derek asked.


    <em>Of course not. That would be ripping you off, dear. We sell only one meal per customer. This Void Beast will make, ording to Ste, at least 15 meals with quality stats. She exined how your body has to rest after each meal to get the total benefit. Well, your previous beast would make 10 or so meals. So, you could take the max stats she gave you and divide by 10. That would be the stats you would get per meal. </em>She answered.


    It was starting to make a lot more sense to Derek now. Of course, one meal with four times the stat increase would be much more valuable than the other. It would not be four times more valuable, but much, much more.


    <em>So, a meal would give 12 Strength, 7 Endurance, and 5 Intelligence with the other beast, but this one will give 48 Strength, 28, Endurance, and 20 Intelligence. So the price would go from tens of thousands of gold per meal to hundreds of thousands if not more? </em>He asked.


    <em>Exactly. That, or something of equal or better value in trade. </em>She exined.


    <em>Okay, lets talk price. </em>

 Chapter 91: Price

    Chapter 91: Price


    <em>Okay, lets talk price. </em>Derek sent to nah. Ste stored the carcass of the Void Beast and went back over to her seat.


    <em>Very well. </em>The feminine voice entered his thoughts. Her tone had subtly changed. There was still a hint of happiness in her tone, but the excitement had waned, reced by a more business orientated tone. <em>First off, do you still n on giving the other Void Beast to us as a bonus? Knowing what you now know?</em>


    <em>Of course. I cant say that my word is my bond, but when dealing with those I respect, you can consider it as such. Honestly, I still dont really want to take back half of the small Void Beasts blood because I had already offered it, but, getting free Vitality points is too much to pass on. So, youll have to excuse me and ept the other Void Beast in its stead. </em>Derek replied.


    <em>Very well. I thank you for that. I would not respect you any less if you chose not to do so. Just remember that. </em>nah said. <em>Now, back to the super Void Beast. We have never had to make a deal with such a priceless ingredient, so this is new territory for me. Plus, having the three beasts, minus the blood of the small one, I imagine we will be able to draw even more attention in. I suspect there wont be a single member absent from the auction. With that known, I can only ask. What is it that you would like as payment?</em>


    Derek chuckled. <em>Well, there are many possibilities for that. I guess one would be a membership. But, Im unsure if I fit into those qualifications yet.</em>


    A musicalughed was sent back to him. <em>That is not payment for the Void Beast. You would be walking out of this meeting with a membership card with or without selling this Void Beast. I like you, Derek. Please do prove my judgement correct.</em>


    That was surprising. Derek had not expected it to be so easy to obtain a membership card, but then again, who else could do what he had done in thest few days. <em>Thank you. </em>He replied. <em>Other than that, I do have some ideas.</em>


    <em>Oh? Lets hear them.</em>


    <em>First. I was thinking that instead of a payment in gold, here and now, I could ask for a percent of the sales. Say 25 percent. What do you think? </em>He asked.


    <em>Hmm Maybe. It depends on what else you would like. </em>nah replied.


    <em>Good. </em>He thought. <em>25 percent of whatever it is sold for will be more than enough for a single person. That should make it easy enough to support Brandi without having to do everything myself. Speaking of Brandi I would still like the hide of all three creatures, if thats okay.</em>


    <em>Of course. That was always the n. For our purposes, the hide is useless. Would you also like the ws and fangs? </em>She asked.


    <em>Sure. </em>He replied. <em>Im sure the ws will help her with some of the other crafting sses.</em>


    <em>What else? </em>nah asked.


    <em>I would like two meals from the regr Void Beast, and two from the super Void Beast. Is that too much?</em>


    nahs voice did not sound for a moment. Everything was silent. Finally, her voice rang again. <em>Its not too much. I would have to decrease your profits from 25% to 20%, though. Would that be eptable? </em>


    Derek thought for a moment. Of course, stats were priceless, so the decrease of 5% was not too bad. <em>That will be okay. </em>


    <em>Good. Is there anything else? </em>


    Derek smiled. He did not know what to expect with his next ask. <em>Well, after you told me about Stes knife, I couldnt help but think about the cksmith. I can only assume that he is a member of your restaurant. Would you be willing to offer him a meal in exchange for him making me a weapon? My current one can no longer keep up, and though Im good with my hands, I do prefer a weapon.</em>


    This time, the silence stretched much longer before nah replied. <em>I can see, but I am not sure SHE will do it. The most likely answer will be yes. The extra Strength and Endurance is a great boon for a cksmith, but she can be entric. However, if she epts your offer, I am afraid I will have to cut yourmission another couple percent. How does 18% sound? </em>


    <em>Thats fine, too. As long as the weapon is to my standard. Now, I also have a couple paltry requests that I doubt you will have a problem with.</em>


    <em>They are? </em>


    <em>You may find them a bit unordinary. I would like a storage ring. I would also like it to be fully stocked with a variety of cooking equipment and spices. Maybe somemon recipes too, if youre willing. </em>He answered.


    <em>Oh, training up a cook? </em>nah mused.


    <em>Something like that. </em>Derek smiled. <em>I would also like some pocket change. I hade in thinking that I would leave with a good amount of gold, but well things have changed and I would rather not have to rely on Walter for room and board. I have enough for a while, but I would like to be prepared, in case of emergencies. </em>


    <em>Thats fine. I will have Ste provide you with 500 gold. That shouldst you until your beverage starts selling if you dont squander it. Is there anything else? </em>


    <em>500 gold is great. </em>Derek said. <em>Now, for the awkward request. I would like to arrange for a friend of mine to shadow some of your cooks for a few days. They dont need to provide lessons or recipes, just allow my friend to watch them. Its also fine, if not better, for them to be your lesser cooks. </em>


    <em>Ah, I take it that this friend is your aspiring chef? Well, we do not have any lesser cooks, but your friend can observe the cooks from the first floor. Is there anything else? </em>nah asked.


    Derek shook his head, even though nah could not see him. <em>Nope. Thats it. You might want to prepare your chefs, my friend is different.</em>


    <em>Okay. So, we have 18% of the auction sales, a weapon by a master cksmith, two meals from the regr beast and two from the giant one, 500 gold, a storage ring filled with cooking supplies, and observation rights for your friend. Does that sound right?</em>


    <em>Yes, thats fine. </em>


    <em>Very well, please hand Ste the red crystal and inform her that I wish to speak with her. </em>nah said.


    Derek stood and leaned over the desk, handing the privatemunications crystal to Ste. nah wants to talk to you.


    Ste frowned and hesitantly received the crystal from Dereks hand. Taking a deep breath, she injected the crystal with her mana.


    Derek watched as her breathing changed from slightly fast to a slow, mechanical pace. Then her pupils dted and her eyes zed over. She pulled a set of papers out of thin air and began working vigorously.


    Seeing the mechanical motions, Derek could only shake his head in awe and praise his Wisdom and personal willpower. It also made him feel a pang of sadness for nah. If one simple word through amunication crystal from cities away could force Ste into this state, he could not imagine what it must be like for her and the people close to her. If there was anyone close to her, that is.


    He had lived alone for over 5 years back on Earth, and he was fine with it. But after his experiences in the void, he knew the pain of being alone better than anyone else. At least nah was able to talk with others after they limated to her passive skill for a time. He was alone for well, he was still unsure how long he spent in the void.


    Ste continued mechanically working on the contract while Derek contemted his life. Finally, she slid the papers and pen across her desk and ced the crystal on top, snapping Derek out of his daydream.


    Derek picked up the crystal. <em>Im here. </em>He said.


    <em>Good. Ste should be fine in a few minutes. I hate doing that nah trailed off. Anyway, please review the contract and let me know if you need any changes. I had Ste stamp it with my approval stamp and confirmed it myself.</em>


    <em>Okay. </em>Derek took the contract and reviewed it. Everything they had talked about was outlined, and there was not any fine print. The contract was exactly as they had discussed. At the bottom, instead of Stes signature, there was an odd symbol radiating magic. That had to be nahs stamp of approval. <em>Everything is good. Ill sign it now. </em>


    Derek ced his hand on top of the stack of papers and channeled his mana into them. Soon, the contract message appeared before his eyes.


    A contract with one nah Swan via Ste Brighton and entity Crown Restaurant has been initiated. Would you like to proceed?


    Y/N


    Derek focused on yes.


    Contract has beenpleted. Please abide by the terms to avoid any penalties.


    <em>Very good. </em>nahs voice sounded inside Dereks head. Indicating that she had received the notification of the contract. Derek also noticed a sh of intelligence in Stes dead eyes when the contractpleted.


    <em>Thank you for the favorable contract. </em>Derek said. He was being genuine. As a person who could summon Void Beasts, he felt like he was getting the better end of the deal. All he had to do was use a skill, then have a short fight. nah and the Crown were the ones who had to specially prepare the Void Beasts to obtain stats from them.


    <em>It was nothing, dear. </em>nah answered in a happy tone. <em>Now, while we wait for Ste to snap out of thepulsion so she can register you as a Crown Restaurant Member, I have onest thing I would like to discuss with you. </em>


    <em>What is that? </em>Derek asked.


    <em>Well, I was wondering. Since you seem to be able to summon Void Beasts, have you thought about making a long-term deal? </em>nahs amusementced voice rang in Derek thoughts.


    Dereks blood ran cold, and all traces of emotion left his voice. What?


    <em>Dont worry, I wont tell anybody. But you really should be more careful. You bring a Void Beast for negotiation, then you leave the city to go on a mission in a remote location. Then, there is the giant purple beam that shot into the sky its more noticeable than you would think. After that, you bring back two more Void Beasts for sale.</em>


    <em>Plus, ording to Ste, you have the most alluring purple eyes. Now, Im pretty sure that I am the only one to put all this together. I am the only one that knows about the purple light too, well, me and my eyes but they are deathsworn. Ste may have some suspicion, but thats all. Before you ask, no, I am not going to ckmail you with any of this. I am not that type of person. I just like having information. It helps keep me upied. </em>nah exined.


    Derek calmed down after that exnation. <em>Do I have anyone else to worry about?</em>


    <em>No, dear. My eyes confirmed that they were the only ones to keep track of yourings and goings. They also did not get close enough to see the Void Beasts, just the light. I put two and two together. Walter may have some ideas, but he only knows about the one beast. Plus, he is a decent man, he would have a membership the moment he gives any contribution to the Crow, but he is more worried about his noble house. </em>nah sent.


    Derek released a deep sigh. <em>We can talk a little about it, but I dont n on using the skill too much. Its very random, I never know what Im going to get.</em>

 Chapter 92: Chatting with Alanah

    Chapter 92: Chatting with nah


    <em>Thank you for humoring me. </em>nahs voice rang in Dereks head. <em>Would you mind telling me how your skill works?</em>


    <em>Since you already know some about it, I dont see why not. Just dont let others know. </em>Derek said.


    <em>Wait one moment, please. </em>nah said. Then themunication crystal went quiet. Soon, a notification appeared in his vision.


    An oath to the Great System has been made by one, nah Swan. This oath is binding until death. If broken, nah Swan will lose all sses and skills obtained by the Great System, and she will never have ess again. Stats will remain as is at the time of breaking the oath.


    As this oath was made while not in your presence, the conditions of the oath are outlined as such:


    nah Swan will not reveal what she learns of your Void Beast Summoning skill to anyone outside of whomever you allow or until you decide that the oath is no longer needed.


    <em>Did you get that? </em>nahs voice broke Derek out of his thoughts.


    <em>Uh yeah. Are you sure about that? </em>


    <em>Of course. I wouldnt trust someone I barely know with something so sensitive without an oath. Why should you have to? </em>She responded.


    With that, Derek was no longer concerned about talking about his <strong>Void Call </strong>skill with nah. <em>Well, the skill is called </em><strong><em>Void Call</em></strong><em>. It actually doesnt have a description other than call the void, so all that I know about it is through trial and error. </em>


    <em>Interesting. Ive never heard of a skill with such ack of description. I can only imagine it is because it is a skill that interacts with things that are not of the Great System. </em>


    Derek paused. He had not thought about that. He thought back to the first time he killed a Void Beast and the Award the system had given him. The Void Beast was considered a creature unknown to the Great System. He took a moment to examine all his other void skills, but <strong>Void Call </strong>was the only onecking in description. <strong>Void Sense </strong>did not have much of a description, but The ability to sense the void was more than enough to exin what the skill does.


    <em>That may be right. I never thought about the skill like that. It makes sense because of the Void Beasts not being creatures of the Great System. </em>Derek agreed with her conjecture.


    <em>Mhm. Thats what I was thinking. </em>nah replied. <em>What else can you tell me about </em><strong><em>Void Call</em></strong><em>?</em>


    <em>First, it takes a massive amount of mana. I dont think its a set amount either. It doesnt seem to get any less consuming with more Wisdom. Its about 90% every time I use it. The only difference Wisdom makes is that the mana depletion headache is lesser with more Wisdom. </em>Derek exined.


    <em>Does the call seem to be more powerful with higher Wisdom? </em>She asked.


    <em>No. Not at all. Its the same as the first time I used it. </em>


    <em>Interesting. What else?</em>


    <em>Well, I think it calls to the closest creature in the void. I dont know if youve ever seen a Void Beast tear apart the sky and enter or exit the void, but when I used it yesterday, the small Void Beast was not even able to exit the void. I had to go up and help it out. So, at any time, the skill could call down an infant beast, or even one that could possibly destroy the nation.</em>


    <em>Sometimes, it takes longer for the Void Beast to arrive, and Im pretty sure that if there were two beasts together or at equal distances apart, both would arrive. I think the biggerVoid Beast heard the first call, but it was unable to locate the correct space once the first beast arrived. Of course, it only seemed that way to me. I could bepletely wrong. You have to know, Ive only used the skill three times. It is still level 1. </em>Derek said.


    <em>I see. That leaves the skill with multiple ways for it to grow. Some which may not be all that great. It may call more than one beast when it levels, which could be catastrophic. But, you may be able to obtain more control of the skill. Perhaps, when it is greatly leveled, you would be able to choose the strength of the Void Beast that is called, though, that is just spection. </em>nah replied.


    <em>Yeah, Ive thought about that. One possibility is control. The intelligent Void Beast seemed to want to kill me out of fear of what I may be. It strongly hinted at me being able to control its race. So, I was thinking that the skill may eventually be an actual summoning skill. Perhaps I would be able to control Void Beasts one day. </em>Derek exined.


    <em>That idea is both fascinating and terrifying. You must never let anyone learn of this. The ability to control an army of Void Beasts would cause the King and his men to fear you. Same for the other kingdoms in this world. </em>nah warned.


    Derek was happy with her warning. It did not seem like she had any fear towards what he may be able to do, just curiosity. <em>I will keep that in mind. </em>He said. <em>Other than the things mentioned, I do not know anything more of my skill. The only way to obtain more information is to use it more, and thates with a lot of risk. Both with the summoning and being found out.</em>


    <em>I understand and agree with your reservations. Perhaps it would be too much to ask for you to use your skill right now. However, I know of a few ces that are both remote and abandoned that you would be able to use the skill to your hearts content without the worry of being found out. Of course, I would still suggest bringing an ally to help you deal with whatever is summoned. </em>


    <em>I would be remiss to not include myself in that list. I hope you consider me when the timees that you want to improve your skill. It has been some time since I went out and had fun. </em>nah stated.


    <em>I may have to take you up on that offer. </em>Derek replied.


    <em>Thank you. </em>nah replied. <em>Is Ste showing any signs of awakening yet? </em>


    Derek focused on Stes eyes. They were still glossy, and the woman was staring into space. <em>Nope, shes still pretty lifeless.</em>


    <em>I see</em>


    Derek considered some things for a moment beforeing to a conclusion. <em>About the process of unlocking those with rare sses. I wont ask for an oath or anything, as I didnt when I told Walter, I trust both of you to be discrete.</em>


    <em>You dont have to </em>nah began to say before being cut off.


    <em>No, its only fair that I do. </em>He said.


    After that, Derek went on to exin the process he took with Brandi, without mentioning her specifically, of course. He told her about keeping under level 10 and improving master of different general skills before choosing a ss. He also told her about bing close with an element of their choosing, like fire or water. But, the big point he made was not rushing to obtain a ss and how a 20-year-old person with a level 10 epic ss would quickly surpass a 20-year-old with amon or uing ss who obtained their ss at 13.


    After giving his hypotheses and theories, Derek waited for nah to reply. nah was obviously taking in everything he said and suggested beforeing to a conclusion.


    <em>Fascinating. </em>She finally replied. <em>It will, of course, be difficult to persuade somebody to hold off on obtaining a ss, but the possible benefits will help me sway them. I know some of what you said is just conjecture, but it all makes perfect sense. My ss has always had to do with sounds, and I spent the first decade of my life in a hellhole where there was never a break from noise. This only helps confirm some of your hypotheses </em>nah trailed off. <em>Thank you, Derek. I mean it. </em>She spoke in a broken voice.


    <em>Dont mention it. </em>He said.


    <em>No, this is really something. I have the means to test it, and I will begin immediately. And, dont you worry, I will have some of my deathsworn act, so none of this information will ever be leaked by me. Of course, I will have to select the children carefully, I much prefer loyalty over oaths. And, I do not like obtaining oaths from children, especially those who have not unlocked the Great System yet. </em>nah said.


    Derek smiled. What she said is already what set her apart from most of the noble houses. He still felt the disgust he had when he first heard about ve oaths, and the nobles who choose to use them. <em>Can I ask, what is a deathsworn that you mentioned.</em>


    <em>The deathsworn are scum. Some of the worst people you could imagine. For those who deserve a fate worse than death, who others would torture, I choose an alternate route. Ive an ability that allows me to trap a mind after I break it. Think of the state Ste is in, right now, but permanent. I use the skill sparingly, and it takes more than you could imagine for it to work, but the result is what I call my deathsworn. If ever they think about defying me, it is instant death.</em>


    <em>I do not like using the ability, but sometimes, it is what is needed. And yes, the majority of my deathsworn are high level nobles or, used to be. For example, the deathsworn that is currently monitoring Torith, and thus, you, is a noble from the Capital. I discovered that he was the creator of a ring of child sex trafficking. Nobody in that group had a good ending, but he became a deathsworn, fated to live inside his mind, but never able to control himself again. He has been this way for 45 years now. </em>nah exined.


    Derek shivered. nah was a very kind hearted and vicious woman. Of course, he could not me her for her actions. He had met many people who deserved the same. <em>I see Thanks for the exnation.</em>


    After that, they sat in silence for a while. Finally, Ste began to stir.


    She shook her head. I hate it when that happens. How long was I out?

 Chapter 93: Getting a Membership

    Chapter 93: Getting a Membership


    How long was I out? Ste asked as she came to.


    It was a good bit. Derek replied. Long enough for you to write a contract, then long enough for nah and me to have an interesting conversation.


    Ste nodded. When she speaks directly into my mind, Im just like all the others. She sighed. I really dont understand how you do it.


    Yeah, you dont even want to know. He definitely did not have the Wisdom to bepletely invulnerable to nahs passive, but that,bined with his mindset and willpower from spending such a long time alone in the void, seemed to work.


    <em>Is she back? </em>nah chimed in.


    <em>Yeah, shes back. </em>Derek replied.


    <em>Good. Have her read the contract over and prepare everything she can. </em>


    <em>Okay. </em>Derek answered.


    Derek slid the contract he had signed back over to Ste. nah said to go over the contract and prepare what you can.


    Ste smiled and nodded. I remember most of what I wrote, but things get fuzzy while youre under her influence. She took the contract and began reading. Nodding asionally.


    After she reviewed the contract, she pulled another white card out from her storage ring. This is the real membership card. Once I inject my mana into it, then you do the same, it will be activated and bound to our mana signatures. Of course, any manager of the Crown Restaurant can update your card. However, if it is lost or stolen, you must seek either the issuer, me, or the owner, nah, out to have it reced and refilled.


    Of course, there is a recement fee. You will lose half of all contributions and rank you have earned as the recement cost, and you will be banned from our restaurants for two months as the deactivation fee for your previous card. Do you understand?


    Derek nodded. Yes.


    Very well. Ste injected the white card with her mana, and the image of the Crowns logo was imprinted into the middle.


    <em>Thats different. </em>Derek thought. The previous card already had the image on it, but this image was actually made from the mana of the manager.


    Ste reached out to hand the card to Derek. Your turn.


    Derek took the card and injected his mana into it. After a moment, the notification confirming his ownership appeared.


    Would you like to bind Membership Card: Crown Restaurant to you?


    Note: This card has been imprinted by Ste Brighton.


    Y/N


    Derek focused on selecting yes.


    Membership Card: Crown Restaurant has been bound.


    Derek fiddled around with the card for a bit before putting it inside his bracelet.


    Now, the card is zeroed out and currently has no contribution points on it. Making it tier one, as I have exined before. Anytime you wish to update your card, you need only speak with me or another manager. With your coffee product and the auction, your contributions will skyrocket. I dont doubt that you will have the max tier very soon. Ste exined.


    Derek nodded. Thats good.


    Ste stood. Now, please remain here while I go gather some of the items listed in the contract. She walked around her desk and left the room, closing the door behind herself.


    <em>Ste is gathering the cooking supplies now. </em>Derek informed nah.


    <em>Thats great I have thought about some things. </em>nah transmitted. <em>When she gets back, inform her that I wish to give you this privatemunications crystal. </em>


    <em>Oh? Why is that? </em>


    <em>Derek... I know we talked mostly about business, but this has been one of the most pleasant afternoons that I have had in ages. I rarely extremely rarely get to chat with others. With you, I could just talk about the weather and you would be fine. There is almost nobody else that could stand to be in my skills presence to just have small talk. So, if you do not mind, I would like you to keep the crystal so we may talk again in the future. </em>nahs voice cracked while exining her thoughts to Derek.


    <em>I dont see why not. But, are you sure? This thing seems expensive.</em>


    <em>Of course, it is quite pricey, but thats no matter. I will, of course, send Ste another crystal. Some conversations are better done privately. </em>nah said. <em>Now, this crystal can hold 15 sigils. Unlike the blue one, which can hold as many as you can fit. When I gave it to Ste, it was under the instruction to only have my sigil on it. You, of course, can add whomever you wish.</em>


    <em>Just know that the sigils cannot be erased, so choose who you wish tomunicate with wisely. Also, privatemunications crystals are quite rare, so it may be hard to even find somebody with one. Of course, Old Man Gracefall certainly has one or two. </em>nah chuckled.


    <em>Well, thanks. Will I be able to tell that somebody wishes tomunicate with me if it is in my storage device? </em>He asked.


    <em>You will. Its an odd sensation, but not overly distracting. If you are concentrating on something at the moment of the request, your concentration will override the feeling so you dont lose concentration. </em>She exined.


    <em>Sounds good. You can call me anytime you want. Youre also pretty knowledgeable, so I wouldnt mind being able to pick your brain when I need to. </em>Derek answered.


    <em>Thank you. Ill be sure to contact you soon. And feel free to contact me whenever. </em>With that, the red crystal in Dereks hand stopped glowing.


    At that time, Ste re-entered the room. She put a storage ring on the desk in front of Derek and walked back around to take a seat. Okay. So, that has all the cooking utensils and things in it. I also put a few recipes for your friend inside. The gold is inside as well. Have a look and see if theres anything else you need.


    Derek picked up the ring and sent his consciousness inside, viewing the contents. Everything seemed in order. This is great. He said.


    Thats great. Now, lets talk about your friend that ising to observe our cooks. I imagine that its the boy that always travels along with you? I was wondering about him, and why he travels with you, but if he ns on bing a personal chef or something for you, it makes perfect sense. Ste said.


    With that, Derek almost burst out inughter. No, Im afraid that Thomas is not the one that will be observing your cooks. He is a fighter. Pretty decent with a spear. I dont think hes ever shown any real interest in cooking.


    That answer caused a look of confusion to fall upon Stes face. If not Thomas, then who?


    Silvi. Derek answered.


    Silvi? Ste asked. Silvi, Silvi She mumbled. Then her eyes widened. Your rabbit? That Silvi?


    Thats the one. Derek answered.


    You want your beastpanion to learn how to cook from our chefs? Is that even possible?


    Its very possible, actually. Shes even cooked before. Derek recalled her attempts to cook while they were traveling. Shes not great at it yet,ins a lot about not having thumbs, but I think she is interested enough in it that she could be good.


    Um Okay. So, when youre ready for her to observe, bring her here and I will go with her to introduce the chefs to her. It may make it less awkward. Is she able tomunicate with them, ask questions and stuff?


    I dont believe so, no. She can talk to me fine, but not others. I figured that she could observe, then, when shees back, I could write some of the questions she had and your cooks could answer them the next day. Derek answered.


    I guess that will have to do.


    Ah, one more thing. Is there any way that I could borrow one of your knives? I dont need the high level one, but the other one. Derek asked.


    I guess. Ste summoned one of her knives, but not the one shaped like a scalpel. This one is for level 150 or so, will it do? She asked.


    That would be great. He took the knife and put it in his storage. Alright, thank you for everything. Ill bring Silvi by tomorrow if she wants to do this. I havent actually asked her about it yet.


    Ste nodded. Its not a problem.


    And, nah wanted me to keep this crystal. Derek lifted the red crystal up for Ste to see. She said that she would have another one sent to you.


    Instead ofining or looking shocked, Ste smiled sweetly. Thats great.


    Derek stood. I guess Ill see you tomorrow.


    Ste nodded. Have a good day.


    After leaving the restaurant, Derek contacted Silvi. <em>Hey, Silvi. I just left the Crown. I have some news for you. Where are you?</em>


    <em>The food ce? The beautiful delicious food ce? You didnt take me. </em>Silvis voice came back distraught, like she had the winning lottery ticket, but lost it.


    <em>Yes, the food ce. I didnt eat, though. I only did business. But, some of that business included you. Like I said, where are you?</em>


    <em>At inn. Eating lunch. Have good soup. </em>She replied.


    <em>Okay. Ill be there soon. Then we can discuss everything. I think you will be very happy. </em>With that, Derek started his walk back to their inn. He looked forward to seeing how Silvi would react when she learned that she was going to learn how to cook from some great chefs. And he finally obtained the storage ring he had promised her all those weeks ago.

 Chapter 94: Inncoming

    Chapter 94: Ining


    Derek passed through the gates, returning his pass on the way. Bemy, the guard, was still on duty, so they exchanged pleasantries before Derek moved on towards his inn. Soon, he was standing in front of the inns door.


    No sooner than Derek opened the door, a loud crack was heard from inside. Derek looked in front of him, only to see a furry cannonball with a sharp point flying directly at him. <em>Not this time. </em>Derek reacted and held both hands in front, catching the projectile before it had time to damage his shirt again.


    The hell are you doing? He whisper yelled at Silvi.


    <em>You went to the restaurant without me. I could have eaten better food while I waited for your meeting, just like before. </em>Silvi exined, which left Derek bbergasted.


    The bunny had spoken twoplete sentences, each with more than three words. It was a first. <em>So, all I have to do to get Silvi tomunicate better is make her mad but I think the only way Ive found to piss her off is to withhold food. </em>Derek shook his head at the crazy bunny in his hands. <em>I told you that I brought you something, and it would make you happy. You should have waited for me to show you. I am disappointed.</em>


    Silvi looked up at Derek, the anger in her eyes fading. Being reced by hope? <em>Food? </em>She pleaded.


    Derek rolled his eyes and looked over the room. He finally found Thomas sitting at one of the tables in the middle, staring wide eyed at him and Silvi. Derek transferred Silvi to his right hand, holding her by the scruff of her neck. Her paws swiped at the air as he walked the two of them over to the table.


    When he arrived at the table, he frowned. Many cracks ran along the edge of the table towards the middle. An empty bowl sat just outside the range of the cracks. Derek looked back at Silvi again. <em>If we get kicked out of this inn because you cant hold your temper, Im not going to give you your gift.</em>


    <em>No! I sorry! Give food. Wont happen again. </em>


    He fought the urge to chuckle before pulling one of the chairs out and sitting across from Thomas. He ced Silvi in hisp.


    Almost as soon as he sat down, one of the inn workers arrived at the table and frowned. The well dressed man looked at Thomas, then at Derek before speaking. 20 gold.


    Derek sighed and handed the man 20 gold coins. The man nodded, then ced his hand on the table. A light shined through the table, and the cracks receded. After a moment, the table was good as new.


    Interested, Derek asked, What skill was that? If you dont mind.


    <strong>General Repair</strong>. The man eyed Derek. Helps when unruly people visit the inn. He red at Silvi, who quickly turned her head to the side.


    Thanks Sorry about mypanion. She was just really happy to see me. Derek said.


    Just dont let it happen again. The first time was 20 gold. The second is 100. The third is a lifetime ban from the inn. If you cannot pay the fee, you will be banned until youe up with it. The man turned and walked away after exining to Derek.


    Derek looked around until he finally caught sight of one of the servers. He got her attention with a wave, and she walked over. With a friendly smile, he asked, Can I get a bowl of whatever that was? He pointed to the empty bowl. And something cold to drink, I dont mind what it is.


    Certainly, sir. The pretty brte waitress smiled. She was pretty, but after meeting Ste, he could not help but makeparisons. Though what he liked most about Ste was the behavior and attitude that matched her beauty.


    Derek shook his head. It was not polite topare women. He turned back to Thomas and ced Silvi back on the table. It probably was not good manners to have a rabbit on the table, but he did not think the inn would have any high chairs.


    What was that all about? I know she wasnt just happy to see you. You havent been gone that long. Thomas broke the silence.


    Oh, I was at the Crown Restaurant and Silvi was just mad because I didnt take her along. Derek answered. Thomas was quiet, and a small pout formed on his lips. Derek chuckled. Not you too. As I told thezy bunny, I only went there for business, nothing else. Why do you think I ordered something to eat here?


    Oh Thomas said. Well, how did your meeting go?


    Derek exined some of the finer points of his meeting with Ste. He left out nah and a lot of the contract, especially the part about him going out and hunting Void Beasts.


    And after everything was over. Derek said and pulled out the white card with a crown on it. I became an official member.


    Thomas stared at the card, impressed, but not as impressed as the waitress carrying Dereks stew well, dropping Dereks stew. Derek quickly reacted and kicked the floor, sending himself and his chair sliding. Then, reaching down, he caught the stew in his palm, centimeters before it hit the ground.


    Im s-sorry. She squeaked out.


    Its no problem. Derek stood and dragged the chair back to the table. Setting the fresh bowl of stew down.


    The server hurriedly ced his ale beside his meal. Is is that real? She quietly asked.


    The card? Yeah, just got it today. Ive been in a meeting with Ste over at the Crown all day. He answered. The membership card was something that he wanted and had always nned to show off. The only thing that changed was the fact that he obtained a lot earlier than he ever nned.


    So, what does the card mean? Exactly? Thomas asked. He was not as enthused as everyone else in the inn was. At the firstmotion, all eyes were on them. Thomas was, forck of a better word, a bumpkin. So all he knew about the membership was that it was hard to obtain, and what he learned from Bronson when they first arrived in the city.


    Its nothing much. I can dine at the higher floors than others, with a different menu if I choose. And I can bring one other person with me. Derek answered.


    Status. The waitress mumbled. When Derek and Thomas both looked at her, she continued. You have status in the kingdom, no less than most nobles. It wasnt given by the King, but by Mrs. Swan. You no longer need a pass to enter different parts of cities, as the Crown Restaurant is always in the best part of the cities. They can be considered your backers now sir.


    Oh well, that too, I guess. Derek said.


    Thomas nodded. That seems good.


    Excuse me. Thedy said and scurried away. Face flushed.


    Derek watched as she ran away before turning back to the table and looking at Silvi. <em>Come here. Give me your paw. </em>He said.


    Silvi hopped once and was in front of Derek. She raised her paw. Derek took it and pulled out the new storage ring from his pocket. He pushed it over her paw, but even though the ring adjusted its size slightly to its wearer, it could not stretch big enough to go over her paw.


    I was afraid of that. Derek said. <em>Ill give you the storage ring when we go back upstairs. Ill also exin some stuff to you. </em>He transmitted to Silvi.


    Silvi did not reply. She only hopped out of the way of his meal and stared at the spoonful of stew as he began eating.


    So. Derek said in between bites. Silvi told me that you made a friend.


    Thomass eyes lit up at the statement. Ah yes. Her name is Alicia. Shes really nice. I met her yesterday, and she showed me around the city. She helped me get a provisional Bronze Ranked Adventurers Badge. He said, showing the badge to Derek. I have one more city quest to do, then I can get the official one.


    I got my Gold one this morning. Derek said, showing Thomas the official Gold Ranked badge.


    Thomas nodded. So cool. I never thought I would be able to be an official Adventurer. He sighed. Im meeting Alicia again today and shes going to show me some more ces.


    Derek squinted. Okay. But be careful. Silvis not going to be able to protect you anymore. Shes got other things she has to do. And dont leave the city without telling me.


    The boys eyes widened. What is she going to do? He asked.


    Thats something that I n on discussing with herter, in our room. Derek said as he finished the bowl of stew and downed thest drop of ale. Did you tell this girl about me? Derek asked.


    No, I know you dont like being talked about and I dont want to slip up with the oath. Thomas added thest part quietly. I only told her that Silvi was thepanion of a friend of mine and that I was taking her around the city.


    Good. Derek said. Keep it that way. I dont need to meet her. Also, Silvi said she seemed a little shady, so keep that in mind when youre with her. Dont get taken advantage of.


    Thomas looked taken aback. Alicia? Shady? I dont think so. Shes been so kind.


    Just be careful. Derek stood. He tossed Thomas a couple of gold coins to pay for his meal and any other expenses. Well be heading up. I need to get Silvi situated. Come on. He said to Silvi, and the bunny hopped onto his shoulder. He turned back to look at Thomas onest time. Remember what I said.


    Derek hoped his warnings were enough for Thomas to take to heart. If not, the boy would have to learn the hard way, and Derek did not mind giving him another strike if he did not listen.


    With that, Derek took Silvi up the stairs, leaving Thomas sitting alone in the middle of the inn.

 Chapter 95: Silvis Reward

    Chapter 95: Silvi''s Reward


    Derek was sitting on the bed in their room next to Silvi. He kept tossing the storage ring from one hand to the other, watching as Silvis head moved from left to right, following the motion of the ring.


    So. Derek caught the ring in his right hand and held it in front of Silvi. This is yours. But first, we have to make sure youre able to use it. Derek ced the ring on the bed. Put your paw on it and try channeling your mana into the ring.


    Silvi did as instructed. <em>Whats Oh Cooking! This cooking stuff! </em>


    <em>That settles it. </em>Derek thought. He did not have to ask if she could ess the ring based on her reaction. Good, that means you can use storage devices. Derek said to her. Now for the hard part.


    Silvi ignored Derek, still focusing on the ring, her eyes closed.


    <em>I SAID! </em>Derek yelled through their connection to break her out of her trance. <em>Its time for the hard part. </em>


    Silvi lifted her head up and looked him in the eyes. <em>What hard part?</em>


    Well, I checked back downstairs, and the ring doesnt fit over your paws. We could put it on a chain for a ne or something, but thats a good way to lose it. Derek said aloud.


    Silvis eyes narrowed. <em>Then? </em>She asked.


    Derek sighed and pulled out the knife he borrowed from Ste. Well, I borrowed this just in case you couldnt wear the ring. He shed the knife in front of Silvi. Worst-case scenario, we meld it to you.


    Silvi, staring at the knife, answered. <em>Do it. </em>


    Derek raised his eyebrows. Really? Just like that?


    Soon, he heard a mental sigh, and a slight groan before Silvi continued. <em>Its just pain. No worse than jumping into a tree that doesnt break. </em>


    Derek smiled. No, I guess it isnt. He chuckled. <em>Im pretty sure the sigh was because she knew she was going to actuallyplete a sentence. </em>He shook his head. Okay Nose, ear, mouth eyelid? He asked.


    <em>Hold at nose. </em>She said.


    Derek did as told. Soon, a spoon fell out of the ring and onto the bed in front of Silvi. Then, Silvi put her paw on the spoon and it disappeared.


    <em>Hold to ear. </em>


    Holding the ring to the lower part of her left ear, Derek watched as Silvi concentrated. Soon, the spoon fell out of the ring again, this time hitting her on the way down to the bed.


    <em>Nose. Easy to control. Can use knife without killing me. </em>


    <em>Like a knife used for cooking could kill her from a short fall. </em>But Derek knew what Silvi was thinking. It takes time to get used to storage devices. Its easy to put things away with any kind of touch, but its harder to control where the item is summoned. Most people only summon items directly to the hand wearing the ring. With good control, however, a person can summon an item with any part of their body.


    Some can even make an item appear at a small distance from their body. It just depends on how far someone can stretch their mana outside of their body. Those people usually have sses that give some type of mana maniption skill. Derek, for example, has to have physical contact when he pulls something out of his bracelet.


    Hold on. Derek said as he stared at Silvis horn. He ced the ring over and slid it down. It made it about three quarters down before it could not get any bigger. We can put it there. Maybe find something to stop it so it doesnte off?


    <em>Nose fine. </em><strong><em>Void Lightning Bolt </em></strong><em>break stuff. </em><strong><em>Charge </em></strong><em>hit with horn, too. </em>She replied.


    Derek nodded. Okay. After cing the ring on his little finger to resize it as small as it could go, he took the knife and held it to her cute purple nose. Stay still. It will only hurt for a minute.


    Silvi did not move an inch as the de grew bigger and bigger in her eyes. Derek, however, had a hard time focusing. He did not like that he was going to have to hurt his friend. The knife stopped right in front of her nose.


    <em>Hurry up! </em>Silvi prodded.


    I know, I know. Hold on. Derek took the knife and sliced at his own hand. It was just able to break his skin. He nodded. With more than half of his stats, the knife should be more than enough for Silvi. Okay. I just had to test it.


    Derek put the knife back up to her. Here we go. He said as he sliced deep into her nose. Quickly, he stuck the ring in and cast <strong>Rejuvenation </strong>directly on the wound, hoping the healing process would not push the ring out. Focus your regeneration to heal around the ring. He said.


    Secondster, with Dereks <strong>Rejuvenation </strong>and Silvis natural healing, her nose was restored, and the ring embedded. For Silvis part, she did not twitch, or even make a peep. Derek was just d it was over hopefully.


    Okay. How does it feel? Is it annoying? He asked.


    Silvis nose wiggled and twitched. Then she tossed her head back and forth. <em>Its fine. Very stuck. Cant feel it much. </em>


    Derek nodded. Good. In that case, try taking out that spoon again.


    Silvi did, and this time she was even faster than before. <em>Works good. </em>Silvi then stored the spoon. Momentster, a piece of paper was summoned. Derek watched as her eyes brightened. She ced a paw on the paper. Then the paper shined blue, almost like a contract and disappeared.


    What was that? He asked.


    <em>Recipe. </em>


    <em>Thats interesting. I didnt think the recipes would be bound. I guess it makes sense, though. </em>Derek watched Silvi as the same thing happened again. What is the recipe for? He asked, wondering what ingredients he should buy for her to practiceter.


    <em>Makes food. </em>Silvi answered.


    Dereks face deadpanned. I know that. I mean, what kind of recipe is it? What ingredients do you need me to go get for you?


    Silvi looked Derek in the eyes. <em>Most ingredients are in the ring already. We need a bunch of different types of beast meats to try the recipe with to find our favorite. Boar type monsters are suggested. </em>


    Derek smiled. <em>I may have found a way to get her to actually talk to me. </em>Well, we can get that settledter. I still have some boar meat in my storage, too. But, theres no need for that right now. Are you ready for the second part of your gift?


    <em>Second? Theres more? </em>She asked excitedly.


    Yup. I talked to Ste, the manager of the Crown Restaurant. Shes agreed that you can go watch the chefs on the first floor cook. We didnt set a specific amount of time you can spend there, so you could basically stay there until we decide to leave the city. The chefs will answer any questions you have. Though, I will have to stop by asionally tomunicate them, or I can write them down for you. He answered.


    <em>I need </em><strong><em>Telepathy </em></strong><em>or some other mental transmission kind of skill. Or a skill that lets me speak out loud. </em>Silvi looked up at Derek, eyes pleading. <em>There has to be skill scrolls, right? Do you think anyone is selling? </em>


    Derek shook his head. Not here. Torith isnt even a real city. There is the dungeon that gives skill scrolls, but I doubt there is a big supply. Ill talk to Ste and Walter tomorrow after I drop you off in the kitchen. If anyone knows, they do.


    With that, Silvi hopped off the bed and went to the corner of the room to practice using her new storage ring. Different items began to fall out onto the floor in front of her. Then, she would touch them with a paw and store them again. As Derek observed, he could feel the frustration building in her because of herck of control.


    Maybe the chefs will have an idea about how you could handle the cookware. We could try <strong>Mage Hand </strong>or <strong>General Telekinesis, </strong>but those arent very good outside of extremely simple tasks. Im not even sure you could chop an onion with <strong>General Telekinesis</strong>. Ill have to ask if there is a scroll for <strong>Telekinesis</strong>. We could try <strong>Mage Hand</strong>, though. What do you think? It has very limited range and chews through mana, but you do have a decent mana pool.


    Silvi stored a pan and looked up. <em>Id like to try. </em>Shemunicated.


    Derek nodded and pulled up the General Skills menu. He scrolled through until he found <strong>Mage Hand, </strong>then paid the two skill points it costs to give her the skill.


    Silvi closed her eyes. Soon, an almost transparent blue wave grew out in front of her. Finally, the blue blur took form. Derek almost choked when the <strong>Mage Hand</strong> turned out to be a <strong>Mage Paw</strong>.


    Silvis eyes shot open to vast in her glorious sess to summon the <strong>Mage Hand</strong>, but as soon as her eyes opened, her head slumped from the failure.


    Its fine. I think youre just used to the shape of your paws. Concentrate I think you will be able to change the shape as you please once you get the hang of it. Derek tried to cheer her up. For Silvis part, she did just that. Over the next few minutes, the mana paws shape changed. It never got anywhere close to something that would be able to hold a knife, but at least it showed them that it was possible.


    However, after a little over five minutes, the skill abruptly ended and Silvi let out a small squeal. Derek chuckled. That was probably the first time you used up all your mana, huh? He knew that the squeal was more from the surprise headache than the actual pain. I guess youre going to need <strong>Meditation</strong>. He said as he went through the list and bought her the skill.


    The most surprising thing was when the skill started at level 10 for the bunny. <em>Must be because of the link. I wonder if it would work with other skills? </em>He looked through his list, but the only other possibility was <strong>Identify</strong>. <em>Ill think about it. I only have 11 skill points left right now</em>


    And so began Silvis vigorous training routine of <strong>Meditation </strong>and <strong>Mage Hand</strong>. All for the chance that she will one day be able to chop a carrot.

 Chapter 96: Mission Probable

    Chapter 96: Mission Probable


    After making sure Silvi was okay staying alone in the room to practice her skills, Derek left. His day was free, and he was debating on what to do with it. He could explore the city more, or he could visit Bronson. <em>Drinking and rxing all day doesnt seem like a bad idea. </em>He thought.


    After experiencing the dungeons, running a level 100 over and over to increase his level did not sound like a bad idea either. The only thing keeping him from doing that was Thomas, Rayna, and Mal. Those dungeons would be great to power level the bunch. Brandi would do just fine without the dungeons.


    Derek predicted that Brandi would have an extremely fast leveling speed. The only thing that could slow the crafters leveling would be if she had ack of imagination. She would benefit the most from Derek running solo dungeons. He did not need to sell any of the materials he gained for money because of his contracts with the Crown, so every material he gained would go to the girl to improve her craft.


    Rayna could take care of herself. If she decided to step down from Chief, or if the Capital sends an Overseer for the Undying Dungeon, she could make a great adventurer. She was already level 50 and had a rare ss. The way she was, Derek did not doubt that there would be some options at level 100 for her to change to an epic ss. Of course, it would all depend on whether the skills she has ended up beingpatible with the new ss. It would be hit or miss, and only she could make that decision.


    Malorie was the one he was most worried about. He knew she would want to be strong enough to protect Brandi, but the girl would be rapidly leveling. She did prove to be quite fierce with a de staff.


    Thomas he would be fine. The kid was still a bit nave, especially if he was already being duped by the first girl that talked to him. The way the kid had acted when they first met caused Derek to overestimate him. He seemed mature for his age, but disappointed him with his actions repeatedly. Since they arrived no, since they left the vige, other than the one skirmish with bandits, Thomas had been relegated to Silvis mount. It had gotten so bad that Silvi actually called him as such.


    The boy had finally gotten the courage to talk to Derek without stuttering, and he would ask questions andment without worrying that Derek would be offended. Then, he would go right back to letting Silvi drip grease on his head without saying anything. Derek did not know what to think about the boy.


    <em>Speaking of the boy. </em>Derek thought as he came to the top of the stairs leading back down to the first floor of the inn.


    He had been just in time to see the boy walking out of the inn beside a cutely dressed brte girl that was slightly taller than him. She was at least a couple years older than the boy, and in the few seconds that Derek could see her before they vanished behind the door, she had taken a nce at Thomass right hand no less than twice. A quick <strong>Identify </strong>let him know that she was a level 40 female mage.


    Derek chuckled to himself. <em>I guess I know what Im doing today. </em>He thought as he glided down the stairs and left the inn. He looked around and caught sight of the duo walking down the street. <em>Lets see what this girl has in store for the boy.</em>


    <em>***</em>


    Thomas was ecstatic being able to hang out with Alicia again. This time, he did not have to carry around Silvi all day either. Not only was that embarrassing, it was really hard to exin without giving away more details about Derek than he would like.


    Their first stop of the day was the Adventurers Guild to pick up another unranked task toplete. They were not even ssified as missions until they actually had rank. And he was not technically ssified as a member of the guild until he had the official badge.


    No cute bunny today? Alicias voice rang out from beside him, causing Thomas to abruptly end his daydreaming.


    N-no She stayed back at the inn today with my friend. He made it back. Thomas replied.


    Oh Where did your friend go that he wasnt able to make it back until today? I wouldn''t want to leave such a cute pet alone especially in a city.


    Thomas thought about how to answer for a moment. When he told Alicia that Silvi was thepanion of a friend, she took it as him meaning that Silvi was a pet, so he never corrected her. He really did not like talking about Derek, and it was not entirely because of the oath he had to abide by. The oath actually made it easier to know what he could and could not say, though. If he touched on something covered by the oath, he would get a weird burning feeling in his chest, warning him to stop.


    Technically, nothing other than what Derek specifically told him was a secret would break the oath. As long as he kept from talking about the mans ss, skills, and origins, he would be fine. Apparently, he was doing what we were yesterday. He got his official badge from the guild, though.


    Oh. Well, you arent too far behind him. Lets hurry and get yours too. Alicia said, and the duo quickly jogged to the Adventurers guild.


    Youre so lucky. Alicia pouted and patted Thomass shoulder with her hand. I cant believe they had a cleaning task toplete next door. I had to run from one end of the city to the other toplete all of my tasks.


    Thomas shivered at the contact and blushed. I-I I guess Im uh lucky. He finally managed to stammer out. It was already hard enough for him to talk to the girl dressed in the red frilly skirt and ck blouse. Much less when she was teasing him.


    Hmmph. Alicia snorted and turned her head. Well, hurry up and go clean. Ill wait here. Im not helping you with this one.


    Thomas lowered his head to hide his face and walked over to the Alchemy Shop next door. <em>Theres no way Alicia is a bad person. Derek doesnt know what hes talking about. </em>He opened the door and spoke to the shopkeeper. Maam, Im here to clean.


    ***


    Derek had followed the duo through the merchant district and into themoner district. He had to admit, from observing the whole time, the two looked like they were just friends hanging out. Well, the teasing and Thomas stumbling over his every word made it obvious that the girl was inplete control of the boy.


    However, other than the asional nce at his storage ring, the girl had not shown any other indication of nefarious actions. <em>Maybe shes just curious. Thomas is young and dresses like a farmer that found his grandpas old leather armor from back in his day. No </em>Derek shook his head. <em>I doubt Silvi would be wrong about the girl after spending most of the day with them yesterday.</em>


    Currently, Thomas was in an Alchemy Shoppleting a mission for the Adventurers Guild. The girl was waiting outside the guild on a bench. Derek, on the other hand, was across the street getting a kabob of greasy food, feeling like a creep stalking a girl that could not be more than 16 years old.


    Soon, a man boy an older teenager, level 45 warrior, sat on the bench next to the girl. He looked to be 18 or 19, but with the way Vitality worked with the systems, he could have been 40 for all Derek knew. But his level was low, and he was talking to Thomass friend, so Derek guessed him to still be in his teens.


    The boy was wearing some impressively clean te armor and had flowing blonde hair that looked like it had never been dirtied. His entire presence, from his untouched boots to his self-important nose that only wants to breathe in clean air, rubbed Derek the wrong way. If Derek had a dictionary, this boys picture would be next to the phrase Spoiled Noble. Derek would not put it past the system if the boy had an Award obtained from being stuck up.


    Derek moved a little closer to listen in on their conversation. He was not exactly dressed to be a spy, at least not in this world. Luckily, his enhanced skills, which increased his hearing and vision, made up for hisck of dress.


    Youre sure he has no backing? Not that it would really matter if he did. The boy said.


    Yes, y. He came from a vige with his friend. His friend has a pet bunny a bunny. Its odd looking, but its a bunny. And, his friend only finished his provisional Adventurers Guild missions yesterday. The girl responded.


    And he hasnt said where he got the storage ring?


    The girl shook her head. No. Its a sensitive subject. But, he also has a decent-looking spear too. I saw it while he was killing rats yesterday. I think they are most likely family heirlooms that were passed down to him so he could adventure.


    The boy nodded and stood. Looks like hes almost done. He looked at the Alchemy Shop. Keep close to him. Im still busy for a while, but Ill think of something soon.


    The girl nodded, and the boy walked away.


    <em>y </em>Derek thought to himself. He would have to ask Ste or Walter about the boy when he dropped off Silvi at her first day of sch cooking ss.


    Thomas walked out of the shop and over to Alicia. The girl jumped up and ran her finger over the boys nose to wipe off the dust. Did you use your face to mop the floors? She giggled.


    Thomass face turned a shade of red that Derek was not familiar with. N-no. The boy lowered his head. L-lets go turn in the task. I cant wait to get a real badge. He said.


    The girl giggled and locked his arm with hers. Lets go! She said as she practically dragged the poor boy into the guildhall.


    Derek shook his head at the scene. <em>At least I dont have to worry about them for now. </em>He sighed. <em>Tommy, Tommy, Tommy You are going to be devastatedter. </em>He almost could not me the kid for this one almost.

 Chapter 97: Silvis First Day

    Chapter 97: Silvi''s First Day


    Seeing that Thomas wasnt in any immediate danger from his crush, Derek decided to head back to the inn and spend the rest of the day rxing. He had been pretty busytely, so it was a good idea to rest and recharge for a day.


    After arriving back at the end, he spent the rest of the day drinking. Unfortunately, nothing was strong enough for even the smallest of buzzes. He chatted with some of the guests, but spent most of his time listening to the rowdy bunch of patrons. After a while, Derek retired back to his room and watched the bunny train. That ended up being much more entertaining than listening to the stories downstairs.


    Finally, he ignored the sound of the asional tter of a spoon hitting the floor and fell asleep. He woke up once to let Thomas in at some point, but went directly back to sleep.


    ***


    The next morning, Dereks eyes shot open as a cannonball flew into him. He sat up fast and sucked in a giant breath after the wind was knocked out of him. Then he looked at the bunny who had tumbled to hisp. Why? He half yelled.


    <em>Time to go. Up. Up. Up. Its morning. No more sleep. Stop beingzy. </em>Silvis excited voice chimed in his head.


    Derek looked into her glimmering eyes and couldnt bring himself to scold the excited bunny. <em>I feel like Im a father about to take his kid to her first day of kindergarten. </em>Derek sighed. <em>Fine, but be quiet. </em>He said as he looked at Thomas sleeping on a cot in the corner of the room. He had stirred a bit when Derek half screamed, but didnt wake up. Apparently, the boy had requested the cot the day they got the room.


    Derek walked out of the room, the bunny hopping behind him. He made it down to the first floor and was met by a mostly empty room. Walking over to the bar with staff behind it, he pulled out a stool and sat. You got any breakfast yet? He asked the man.


    The man nodded. First round will be ready in five minutes. Want something to drink?


    What do you got?


    A few teas, some juices, and The man eyed Derek. Some ale if youre one who likes to start the day that way.


    No. Derek shook his head. Not much for tea. Just give me some juice.


    The man nodded. We have iper, apple, and ab juice.


    Derek stared at the man. Did you say Eb?


    The man nodded. Ab juice is one of my favorites.


    Derek caught the distinction that time and let out a breath. <em>I really dont think I could bring myself to drink Eb Juice, no matter how good it is. I wonder if apple is the same? </em>Hed noticed that there were some fruits and vegetables that were basically the same as on Earth, but had different names. One staple that had stayed the same was potatoes.


    He really wasnt a big fan of apple juice, but he had to give it a try. Just give me some apple juice.


    The man nodded and walked to the back.


    <em>No time to eat. </em>Silvi said as she hopped onto the bar. <em>Must go. </em>


    <em>Not before I get some food in me. </em>


    Silvi released a mental sigh and nted herself off to the side.


    The man came back from getting him something to drink, carrying a ss and a te. Enough was done for a couple tes, here you go. He sat what looked like bacon, eggs, and toast in front of Derek.


    Thanks. Derek muttered, then dug in. The apple juice was definitely apple juice. It wasnt as sweet as what he was used to, but it was practically the same.


    <em>Hurry. Eat. Then go. </em>Silvi rushed.


    Because of her rush, Derek savored every bite and took small sips. The bunnys constant demands made him dine that much slower.


    The sun had barely risen when Derek walked out of the inn with a full belly and a very angry bunny trailing behind him. He couldnt believe that she didnt even ask for food while he was eating. It was the first time that had happened. Eventually, Silvi stopped talking and red at him until he finished.


    Now she quietly hopped behind him, sullen. He had offered to carry her, but she refused. Finally, halfway to the gate, Silvi tried to hop onto his shoulder. Dereks shoulder was just big enough for her to fit there if she bnced herself. Unlike Thomas, he refused to let her ride on his head. Derek swatted her down and said, <em>No. You said you didnt need my help. So, Im not carrying you until you fix your attitude. </em>Hemunicated in his best parent voice.


    <em>Hmph. </em>Silvis snort came through. <em>Your fault. Taking so long.</em>


    <em>Theres no rush. We dont even know if Ste is in yet. If shes not, well have to wait. </em>


    The walk was quiet after that. <em>Sorry. </em>Silvis voice finally came through.


    <em>I know, youre just excited. </em>Derek smiled and patted his shoulder. <em>Come on. </em>She was already perched there before he finished his sentence. The two walked to the Crown Restaurant, Silvi talking nonstop about everything she was going to do the whole way. And she usedplete sentences the entire time.


    Arriving at the Crown, Derek opened the door and walked in. Surprisingly, the staff was already there working. They were wiping down tables and setting the chairs. Two guests were already sitting at a table, eating.


    Derek walked over to the hostess he met yesterday. Is Ste in yet?


    Hello Mr. Hunt. The woman nodded. Shes in her office. I was told to send you up when you arrived. Youre free to go on up. She motioned to the stairs.


    <em>Looks like I dont have to be escorted there anymore. </em>He thought. Thanks. He replied to the hostess.


    With Silvi still on his shoulder, he walked up the stairs and to Stes office. Once there, he knocked on her door and waited.


    Come in. Stes voice rang from inside the room.


    Derek walked in and closed the door behind him. He sat across from Ste. With just the two of them, and Silvi, they no longer needed to act so formally after the previous day.


    You got here early. Ste said.


    Yeah. Silvi couldnt wait, so she woke me up as soon as she could. It was unpleasant. He rubbed below his chest, where she had crashed into him that morning.


    So. Ste looked at Silvi. This is yourpanion? Did you figure out themunication problem with her?


    Not yet, but its something I want to talk to you about. I was thinking that you may know of a way to get a skill scroll for <strong>Telepathy</strong>, and maybe one for <strong>Telekinesis</strong>. With those, wed be able to solve both hermunication issue, and the whole, not having thumbs thing that she keepsining about. He answered.


    Ste nodded. That would definitely take care of the issue. Are you sure shed be able to learn the skills from a scroll?


    I dont think there would be a problem. She can learn general skills easily enough. He looked at Silvi. Show her your <strong>Mage Hand</strong>.


    Silvi did as directed, and the ripple of mana popped out above her. This time, it transformed from a paw to a hand, and it was quite urate.


    Not bad. Derek said to Silvi. When he had gone to sleep, she was still having problems making a hand. <em>She must have practiced hard. </em>Good job. I didnt think you would have advanced that far.


    The hand reached out in front of Derek and grabbed at a pen. It gripped it and raised it off the desk a few centimeters before the pen fell back to the desk. <em>Im getting better. </em>Silvi chimed, and Derek nodded.


    That is interesting indeed. Ste said, watching the <strong>Mage Hand </strong>evaporate. I think its worth a shot. <strong>Telekinesis </strong>wont be hard for me to get. The Crown actually buys them up as they appear, so we have a good amount in stock. Our chefs are all required to learn the skill makes it easier for them to multitask. Unfortunately, I dont have any on me at this time, so I will need to request one from nah. Speaking of which Ste pulled out a red crystal. If you dont mind, I would like to link our private crystals.


    Uh Okay Derek pulled out the crystal he received yesterday. How do we do it?


    Oh, its simple. She held hermunications crystal out. We just touch them together and send mana into them at the same time. If you have a free space, the link will form. Then, you only have to focus on which rune you want to contact afterwards.


    Derek did as she said, and the link was formed seamlessly. I didnt think you had another privatemunications crystal. He said, remembering his previous conversation.


    I didnt. Mine was the one nah gave you. She sent the new one overst night. She replied. Derek frowned, but before he could ask a question, Ste continued speaking. Teleportation. We are able to teleport small objects, but it is quite costly and very mana intensive. And no, this form of teleportation cannot send live things through unless you want it turned into dead matter. That is also how I n on getting you the <strong>Telekinesis </strong>scroll, if you want it.


    Derek nodded. How much would that cost?


    Well, the base cost is 1,100 gold plus teleportation fees, so that would be about 1,400 gold. That is, however, with no markup on the scroll. But, we like you, and Im sure that nah would insist, so we can waive the teleportation fee and sell you the scroll at base value. If you would like, we can take the gold out of whatever profit you would receive our contracts.


    That would be fine. He replied. He wasnt hurting for money anymore, and he knew that non-general skill scrolls were going to be expensive.


    As for the <strong>Telepathy </strong>scroll that will be a bit harder to obtain. We dont require the skill, so we dont have any in stock. Ste frowned. But, I was thinking about themunication issue, and if yourpanion is as advanced as you say she is, I would like to try something.


    Ste pulled open one of her desk drawers and a pile of green crystals shined. These are cheap versions of themunication crystal. They can only hold one rune and will shatter after one use. Their distance is also not great. We use these for reservations when the restaurant is full. They are extremely cheap to make.


    Ste took two of the crystals and touched them to each other. Soon, a rune appeared on each one. She slid it across the table. Lets see if yourpanion can use one.


    Derek exined to Silvi how the crystals worked. The bunny hopped off of his shoulder and onto the desk. Then she ced a paw onto the crystal and it lit up. Soon, the one still in Stes hand began to glow. The woman channeled mana into the crystal and sat it in front of her.


    Well. Ste said. Does it work?

 Chapter 98: They Grow Up so Fast

    Chapter 98: They Grow Up so Fast


    Does it work? Ste asked from across the desk.


    <em>Like this. </em>Silvis voice rang out in Dereks head, but did not emerge from themunication crystal.


    <em>No. You need to focus. Think about how you talk to me through our link, then direct that at the crystal while touching it. </em>Derek did his best to exin how to use the crystal.


    <em>Like this? </em>The bunnys voice rang again. This time, before the voice vanished from Dereks head, it also rang out of the crystal. Like this?


    Silvis eyes widened, and she skittered backwards, staring at the crystal. The voice that came out was almost childish. <em>It worked! It worked! Is that what I sound like? Im amazing! </em>


    <em>Yes. It worked. </em>Derek confirmed. <em>Now, try again. This time, try not to send your voice to me at the same time. </em>He was very happy with this turn of events. Now, he didnt have to go around the city asking for a <strong>Telepathy </strong>scroll. He also wouldnt have to be the go between for Silvi and the cooks.


    It took a few tries, but eventually, Silvi was able to direct her thoughts into the crystal without directing them at Derek at the same time.


    Its good to meet you, Silvi. Ste said.


    You too. Can I cook now? Impatient as ever, Silvi couldnt wait to learn.


    Ste smiled. Soon. First, I would like to ask you a few questions. Is that okay?


    Sure. Sure. Then I can go cook?


    Of course. Ste replied. Now, why do you want to learn how to cook?


    I love food! The <strong>Cooking </strong>skill makes food taste even better. I have the skill. I can make tasty food. Silvi excitedly replied.


    Steughed at the response. Is that it? Is there anything else you want? Dont you want to get stronger like the other beasts?


    Stronger? I can beat you. Silvi replied, and looked at Derek. Even if not, I wouldnt need to be stronger. I have him and he is strong enough. Leaves more time to eat and make food. Plus, I have my own personal mount. Her voice continued to flow out of the crystal, and she nodded as if everything she said was a fact.


    Derek sat back with an awkward look on his face. <em>Why does she talk inplete sentences when its not me? And why do you have to do Thomas like that? Poor kids going to get his heart broken, and he has been officially demoted to a mount. </em>


    Ste looked at Derek as if asking if what Silvi said was true. Derek sighed. Just because Thomas lugs you around doesnt mean hes your mount.


    T-thats what you had a problem with? Ste asked, bbergasted. Are you saying that you think yourpanion is that strong?


    Are you stronger than Bronson? Derek asked out of nowhere.


    Ste frowned and nodded hesitantly.


    Are you stronger than Walter Gracefall? He asked.


    Possibly. She replied, not answering directly.


    Derek nodded to Silvi. She is. He said.


    No way. Ste said. Shes shes like Ste stuttered. She was holding her hands out in front of herself, like she was measuring a small distance. Shes only this big.


    Im right here. Silvis voice rang out. And Im a little bigger than that. She stretched her back to make herself look a little bigger.


    Ste sighed, reverting back to her professional demeanor. Im sorry. She said. Now, I can have the <strong>Telekinesis </strong>scroll ready in a few hours. And we have themunication issue settled. Seeing as how anxious Silvi is, let me take you to meet some of our chefs.


    Derek nodded and Silvi hopped up on his shoulder. Ste touched one of the crystals and they both turned to dust. Afterwards, she pulled a handful of them out of her desk.


    Seeing Derek staring, she spoke, Theyre not even worth a gold each. They dont travel so well after being activated. Usually, we activate them, say your table is ready, and thats it. However, if they are close together and still, they shouldst for a few hours.


    Ste led the duo out of her office down the stairs. Theyve already been at it since before morning. One thing about our staff is that they all love cooking and bettering their skills.


    Back on the first floor, Ste nodded at the hostess before moving past and entering the double door room behind the host station. Derek and Silvi followed.


    The room was stunning. <em>There goes my running water idea. </em>Derek thought as he looked at the multiple sinks with faucets and sprayers. Though it looked to be redundant as Derek watched one of the staff grab a dirty te and cast a spell that instantly left it spotless. <em>Now thats a spell I need. </em>


    Hey everybody! Ste pped, and the whole ce quieted down. This is Derek and hispanion Silvi. She motioned to the duo. Now, I know this may seem strange, but Silvi, the bunny, will be learning skills from all of you.


    Confusion washed over the room. Ste continued. You all knew that someone would be learning from you. It makes no difference if it is a human, elf, or beast. And, I can attest to Silvis intelligence. She is no less intelligent than one of you, she may even be smarter, and is much stronger. Ste smiled. So do well not to anger her.


    As formunication. She continued and moved to the corner of the room that was empty of all but a table and chair and sat a handful of the green crystals on the table.. As she cannot speak out loud, she will use thesemunication crystals to talk. She is perfectly able to do so. Then she turned to Silvi. This is your workce for the time being. You will be able to ask questions, practice basic techniques, and observe how a kitchen is run.


    Later, during slow times, they will allow you to practice cooking while making sure you do not spoil the food. What you make will be what you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But that wille after you prove yourself with the basics, if you can prove yourself in the time you are here. Until then, the staff will make an extra serving for you. She turned to the chefs and staff. Is that understood?


    Yes! Everyone other than Derek replied in unison.


    While Ste was speaking, Derek had used <strong>Identify </strong>on the room. Three people came back as crafters between level 70 and 85. One person was unidentifiable, and the other two were both mages of level 46 and 49. Those two were the ones that were cleaning the dishes.


    Now, let me introduce everyone. Ste continued. These are our first floor chefs. She motioned to the three crafters. Daniel, Stephanie, and Raymond. Then she pointed to the two mages. These two are our first floor cleaners, Marie and Jessica. Then she walked beside the man that Derek was unable to <strong>Identify</strong>. This is Gregory Sutter. He is the head chef of this restaurant. He spends most of his time down here because there arent any people with a membership in Torith. Only the asional visitor..." She smiled at Derek. Well, there werent any people with a membership.


    Gregory walked over to Derek and shook his hand. It is an honor to meet you, Mr. Hunt. I would be happy to prepare you a meal whenever you need. And please, call me Greg. Then the man moved his focus to Silvi. I will make sure to take good care of yourpanion. You dont have to worry.


    Derek smiled. Thank you. I will definitely trouble you with a meal sometime before I leave Torith.


    Ste pped again to get everyones attention. Now, back to work. Silvi, to your station.


    Surprisingly, to Derek at least, Silvi flew from his shoulder andnded gently on the table in the corner.


    Jessica, one of the cleaners,ughed and removed the chair. I guess we wont be needing this.


    Ste walked back over and linked two of the crystals. You can introduce yourself now. She ced one of the crystals in front of the bunny. Silvi channeled her mana into the crystal, and Ste had Marie answer the call instead of herself. The one who activates the crystal cant be too far away, or the connection will falter. She exined.


    Hello everyone. Silvis excited voice chimed out of the crystal. My name is Silvi. Im six years old and I really want to learn to cook. Ill be in your care, please teach me well.


    All the females and Daniel blushed from the overflow of cuteness. Derek shook his head. Not falling for the bunnys deceit. Ste seemed to have the same idea as him as she stared nkly at Silvis antics and looked back at Derek, shaking her head.


    Okay, everyone knows each other now. She walked over to Derek. Well be leaving. Ill be back with the <strong>Telekinesis </strong>scrollter. She opened the door leading out of the kitchen and Derek followed her out. Intelligent indeed. She whispered.


    Yup. Would you believe it if I told you that Silvi was sozy that, other than a couple of times, she only spoke to me in iplete sentences until today. Derek turned and looked at the door swinging closed behind him, catching onest nce at Silvi before it shut. They grow up so fast.


    Ste snorted. Is that everything you need from me today? She asked.


    Uh that cleaning spell that Marie used for the dishes. Does that work on clothes and bodies too? He asked.


    Ste stared at him before nodding. I guess Silvi would need a spell like that since she would have a hard time cleaning everything manually. It doesnt cost much and I could have the spell scroll sent with the <strong>Telekinesis </strong>for a few hundred extra gold.


    <strong></strong>Uh I was talking about me, not Silvi but I guess she would need one, too. If the scrolls are so cheap, why do you need cleaners? Why not just give them to the chefs? He asked, noticing the discrepancy.


    They all have the skill. The cleaners are both aspiring chefs. Their next ss upgrade will allow them to switch to our restaurants main cooking ss. Its the most convenient path to the ss, but it requires the cooking skill and a certain path through mage sses to get. She exined, but didnt give Derek any specifics. Ill get you a copy of the <strong>Cleaning </strong>spell too. But, your total is going to be 2,000 gold now. Is that still okay?


    Derek nodded. Thats fine. I just hope that the coffee sells well. With that, Derek gave Ste his regards and left the Crown. <em>I guess Ill go see if Bronson or Walter have gotten any information on the undying dungeon or the vige in thest couple of days.</em>

 Chapter 99: Intense Battle in the Kitchen

    Chapter 99: Intense Battle in the Kitchen


    Silvi watched in amazement as pots and pans, knives and spoons, and ingredients flew through the air,nding perfecting in front of Daniel, Stephanie, and Raymond. At the same time as the ingredients hit the counter, the chopping began. They were all perfectly in sync as Gregory watched over the crew.


    Once the chopping was finished, the vegetables flew into the hot skillets and broth filled pots. Silvi couldnt help but imagine herself doing these wonderful tasks. She resolved herself to train more than any human, for she would have to, as she was small and without thumbs.


    Silvi refocused on her task at hand. Gregory had called this foul vegetable an onion and Silvi was tasked with finely chopping it into tiny pieces. What Stephanie had just finished in mere seconds was a monumental undertaking for Silvi, and she would not fail.


    Silvi summoned her chopping knife out of her storage ring that hung on her nose. It was not the ideal cement for a storage ring, but it beat all the other current options. Having it on one of her ears would have been much worse.


    The knife ttered on the table beside the onion. Gregory had said that she first had to peel the outeryer off of the vegetable, then use her own judgement whether the nextyer would need to be removed. How was she supposed to know? This was her first time personally dealing with any kind of vegetable. Thus far, her experiences of preparing and cooking food was ripping meat out of freshly killed monsters with her teeth, then dragging it to roast over a campfire.


    Silvi made it her personal mission to be a master onion chopper on her first day. She would seed and all the professional chefs would be in awe of her learning speed and superb skills.


    Silvi summoned her level 4 <strong>Mage Hand </strong>and morphed it into a proper hand with a thumb. She had thought about adding more thumbs just to one-up the humans, but soon found that one thumb worked the best.


    Gripping the handle of the knife, she floated it over the onion. ording to the example that Gregory had shown her, she first needed to cut a small portion off of both the root side and the opposite side, leaving only the bulb left. That all wentpletely over her head. But she watched carefully, and Gregory had taken his time to slowly demonstrate the process, so she wasnt worried.


    She brought the gleaming de of the chopping knife over the onion, a couple centimeters in from the root. Slowly and meticulously, Silvi brought the knife down. The knife made contact with the onion and bit into it. The movement stopped, the de of the knife sunk shallowly into the onion, just past the first coupleyers of skin.


    This was it, the first real moment, the first step on the road to bing a chef. Silvi cleared her mind and focused. It was just her and the vegetable. She increased the pressure and pushed, preparing to see the knife wlessly relieve the onion from its remaining root.


    Then the onion flipped and rolled atop the knife, which was currently lying horizontally on the table. The onion rolled off the knife and continued rolling, speeding towards the edge of the table. Everything was in slow motion. Silvi watched on in horror as the bulbous vegetable inched closer and closer to the edge.


    If the onion hit the ground, it would be over. The vegetable would be ruined, no longer fit to be included in any dish. Nobody would want to eat a floor onion. There was no 5 second rule like Derek said. The skin was punctured by her knife. It was no longer in any condition to protect the inner onion from outside forces.


    Frozen, Silvi could only watch as the onion made it to the edge of the table. One more rotation and it would be over the edge and onto the floor.


    The <strong>Mage Hand </strong>had long since dissipated due to the shock of what happened. Thoughts and ideas appeared in her mind and were rapidly dismissed as not possible. She was fast enough to get to the onion before it hit the ground, but s, not having thumbs would thwart any attempt she could make to save the onion.


    Silvi caught sight of the chopping knife as the vegetable finally rolled over the edge. She knew what she had to do. Abruptly, she vanished. Appearing beside the knife, she bit down on the handle and vanished again.


    This time, she appeared on the floor, directly under the falling onion. In an instant, she tilted her head sideways and a small amount of pressure pushed on her face from above. Silvi appeared once again on the table where she first was.


    She opened her mouth, and the knife fell out. This time, though, on the end of the knife was the onion. Speared by the tip of the knife like a fish over a fire.


    Silvi slowly nced around at her surroundings, hoping nobody saw her almost failure. The coast looked clear, as everyone seemed too busy caught up in their own personal projects. Gregory was beside Daniel and Jessica, pointing at something Daniel was doing and exining to Jessica the reasons why he was doing it.


    Silvi continued gazing around the kitchen. Finally, her eyes fell on Marie. The girl was staring wide eyed at her, like she was some sort of mystical beast. Well, Silvi was a mystical beast, but she was sure that was not why Marie was staring.


    She had been caught. Dread poured over the young rabbit as she waited to be reprimanded. Her eyes met Maries, and they shared a moment before the cleaner with short, messy brown hair made her approach.


    Marie arrived at her table. The girl looked at Silvi, then the knife, then back at Silvi. Finally, she spoke. That that was amazing! How did you do that? You were here. She pointed at Silvi. Then there. She pointed to where the knife used to be. Then, all of the sudden, you were back here with the knife skewering the onion.


    I.. Silvis childish voice rang out from the activemunication crystal. I just didnt want the ingredient to touch the floor.


    The girl stared dumbfounded at Silvi. The onion fell, then in less than a second, you were back on the table with it. Such amazing speed. I barely saw you get the knife and didnt even see move to the falling onion. You must be so strong. She shook her head. You really dont have to worry that much about a mere onion.


    Marie picked up the onion and knife, removing the vegetable from the de in the process. Then, her hands glowed white and all the liquid, including Silvis saliva that was on the handle, disappeared. She ced both the onion and the cleaned knife back on the table in front of Silvi. You need to find a way to hold the onion still while you cut it, or the same thing will keep happening. We have both hands and <strong>Telekinesis, </strong>so its easy for us.


    We have tons of onions and other vegetables. Marie exined. If a few of them get bruised or fall on the floor, they can be thrown away. This isnt a vige where every scrap of food is precious, we have professional Botanists. From each onion, they can grow many more in a short amount of time. They are the perfect people to get stranded on an ind or lost in a desert with. As long as they have mana and a single edible nt, they have food.


    The reason that you are starting out on chopping an onion is because it doesnt matter if you mess it up and one of the most needed skills in cooking is the ability to chop and dice something. Not because vegetables need to be perfectly cut up to use, but because of the time saved by doing it properly. Now, thats not to say that a perfectly diced onion doesnt taste better than a poorly chopped one, it does. The texture is different and thin slices arent as strong as thick slices. Marie continued.


    Marie ced her hand on the back of Silvis head and scratched her behind the ear before suddenly pulling back and apologizing. Ah s-sorry. Youre so cute. I didnt even realize I was petting you until I already had.


    Its fine. Feels good. Silvi said.


    Marie let out a sigh and pet Silvi again. Anyway, dont worry if you mess up a few vegetables. Gregory wont even ept them unless they are chopped up perfectly. You dont even want to know the amount of wasted onions and carrots me and Jess went through before we were able to properly use a knife.


    Marie leaned in close and whispered in Silvis ear. The really scary thing is the amount of food you will end up wasting during the actual cooking. So much burnt or undercooked meat and over or under seasoned vegetables that just goes straight into the garbage. She pulled back and shuttered. If you want to see Gregory mad, all you have to do is char a perfect cut of a level 120 beast.


    Well. Marie straightened up and looked over to the sink. I better get back to it. Those dishes arent going to clean themselves. Just remember that if you make a mistake, it isnt the end of the world.


    Thank you for your help. Silvi replied and Marie nodded before turning and walking over to the sink full of dishes.


    Silvi turned back to her freshly cleaned knife and slightly damaged onion. <em>Time for round two. </em>She failed before, but by the end of the day, she would show the onion who the boss is.

 Chapter 100: Clare

    Chapter 100: re


    Derek left the Crown and headed over to the Gracefall Manor. He was let through the gate with no hassle and was escorted by Lieutenant Areyas. Both Bronson and Walter were out back by a newly formed pond. It wasnt too big, but not too small, about 10 by 10 meters. Or, by Dereks standards, a bit over 1,000 square feet.


    In the center of the pond was a small ind with a shack surrounded by flowers and stone for decoration. On the surface of the pond, there were lily pads and moss, and the asional fish could be seen sshing around.


    <em>Man, when a noble decides to do something, they really go all out. </em>Derek thought as he walked over to the two men. Now that he had a better view, he could see a small girl standing in front of the two, looking out over the pond. The girl turned to say something to the two men, and Derek caught a glimpse of her face.


    She favored Walter a bit. She had short ck hair and a button nose. There was still some baby fat on her face, making her look younger than she probably was. What Derek took note of most was the look in her eyes. It was the same look Brandi would get when she was preparing to work on a new project. A look of pure focus.


    <em>This must be the niece Walter told me about during dinner. </em>Derek and Lieutenant Areyas were finally spotted by the little girl, causing both Walter and Bronson to turn around to take a look.


    Ah, Derek! Just in time. I want to introduce you to my niece, re. Walter spoke first, gesturing towards his niece. re, this is Derek Hunt. He is the one that came up with the n we are going to be using. You could say that he is either going to be the reason you obtain glory and honor, or he is going to be the reason you fall behind your peers and are never able to catch up. Why dont you say hi.


    Lieutenant Areyas quickly dismissed himself after a look from Bronson. Derek suspected that the guard didnt know what was going on or why, and that Bronson wanted to keep it that way.


    The little girl walked past the two men and arrived in front of Derek. She tilted her head and looked up at him with squinted eyes, inspecting him. The Patriarch said that I will be able to get a better ss because of you, is that true?


    I told you to call me Uncle Walter, or even just Uncle, enough of this Patriarch nonsense. Were all friends here, no need to be so formal. Walter chimed in before Derek could say anything.


    Derek shook his head at Walters antics, then looked back at the girl. <em>Straight to the point, I like this girl. </em>Derek thought. He smiled at re. Honestly, Im not sure. In theory, it should. But I have only been able to test it once. Though, that test proved to be very sessful. Derek answered.


    Then I will be the second sess. The girl confidently spoke.


    How old are you? Derek asked the girl that didnt seem to be older than 10. Derek remembered Walter saying that his great niece was 12 years old, but it was possible that he chose a different family member, one that was younger and would be able to train for longer before she unlocked the system.


    I just turned 12. Is that a problem? She asked, a little worry showing in her eyes.


    Not at all. Derek reassured her. Someone younger would be able to train a little longer is all.


    Derek turned from the girl to look at Walter. So, has she picked a weapon yet? He asked.


    Walter shook his head. No, we havent gotten that far. We only just showed her the pond. Speaking of which, what do you think? Walter turned and gestured with both hands at the newly formed pond.


    Its nice. It should work well I think. Derek replied.


    Walter nodded. I was just about to have Bronson go fetch a variety of different ones from the barracks. I only keep my sword and staff with me, and backups, of course. Walter replied, then turned to Bronson. Bronson, if you would.


    Bronson nodded. Of course, sir. He said and prepared to run off to the barracks.


    Derek stopped the man before he took off. Its fine, Bronson. I have plenty of different weapons on me that she can test. Derek then moved his arm, and the weapons he summoned for Malorie back in the dungeon began spilling out before them.


    Derek sorted the swords, scythes, daggers, machetes, and other types of ded weapons into one pile. He moved his arm and summoned the different polearms into another. This included halberds, spears, and his favorite, ives along with many more. The stack of ranged weapons wasnt veryrge, though. It only had a few different sized bows, a crossbow, and a b. None of which he thought re would use.


    The pile of blunt weapons had everything from nunchucks and clubs to quarterstaffs and brass knuckles. He also included a pile of multi-purpose weapons that included weapons like shovels and de staffs. Again, he kept the few guns and enchanted weapons to himself. He didnt think the smiths of this world would know what to do if a ster needed to be repaired.


    Dereks stockpile of weapons soon had even Bronson and Walter going through it. Bronson seemed particrly interested in a giant halberd that Derek had obtained from an invader who thought it was a good idea to wield a weapon he could barely carry.


    Bronson took a few swings, then returned the weapons to the pile. Too light. Hemented.


    Well, we arent trying to find a weapon for you, now are we? Derek said. Plus, these arent high level weapons. Theyre probably good for level 65 and under.


    I just really like the design. Bronson replied. If a cksmith copied it, then made it out of a good material He trailed off.


    What? Your greatsword not good enough? Wouldnt changing weapons hurt your stats? Derek asked.


    Bronson shook his head. I went the heavy weapon route. Never specialized. The greatsword was the closest thing I could find to a weapon that felt good. He looked at the halberd again. I mean, what cksmith would waste so much material to make such an outrageously big weapon?


    Well, go ahead and take it. Maybe you can see if you like it, and if you do, you can have someone craft a higher level version for you. I certainly don''t need it.


    The three men chatted for some time while the girl sorted through all of the weapons. It took much longer than Derek expected, and the girls decision piqued his interest.


    re was swinging her fists around with a pair of brass knuckles. Of course, in her hands, the knuckles looked ridiculous. But she had good form, unlike Thomas when he was trying to use daggers. <em>If she chooses those, Walter will have to get a cksmith to make her a pair thats the right size. </em>


    One thing Derek had wondered about this system was if it counted weapons like knuckle dusters and studded gauntlets as unarmed. He knew that his previous system did, and many of the video games he yed as a child would have knuckles under the unarmed weapon category.


    Beside Derek, Walter scoffed. A brawlers weapon.


    Derek squinted his eyes. Theres nothing wrong with that. I think the noble in you may be seeping out. He joked.


    Walter flushed. Nobody who uses weapons like those


    Derek cut him off. I know plenty of people who used weapons like those and are damn good fighters. Think about this. If you learn to fight with knuckles, if ever you are disarmed, you still have your trained fists to fall back on. You dont get that with a sword or spear. Trust me, I know. Ive been fighting unarmed ever since I outgrew my ive. Everybody needs some familiarity with fighting unarmed. At least like this, she wont have to split her focus.


    Here, watch. Derek said and walked over to re. Those are a bit big for you. Put them down ande spar with me.


    re eyed him quizzically, but did as asked. She didnt seem to have heard them talking about the weapons, as she was too busy trying them out.


    They walked a few meters away from the stockpile of weapons. So, you like the knuckles then? He asked.


    The girl nodded. Theyre light and feel like Im fighting barehanded.


    Have you been taught to fight unarmed before? He asked.


    The girl shook her head. No. But Ive always watched the guards train. I never had swords or spears and dad always said I was too young, so I follow along when they train without weapons.


    Derek nodded. I see. He took a step back and motioned at the girl. Come on, lets see what you got.


    Without hesitation, the girl bent her knees andunched herself towards him. Derek smiled. Because of the height gap, the girl instinctively swung her fist towards his midsection. Derek blocked her little fist with the back of his hand, moving it with the motion of her fist so she wouldnt break her fingers.


    He slowly, at least for him, swung his palm out at the girl''s head. She ducked just in time and retaliated with an uppercut to his chest. Derek took half a step back and the girl whiffed. Quickly, she regained her bnce and continued her charge.


    A bitter, re was heaving, trying to catch her breath, and Dereks smile had only grown wider.


    Derek waited for her breathing to calm before asking, So, youve never practiced with anyone? And you didnt try to follow along with, say, a stick instead of a sword when the guards were training?


    No. She shook her head, her breathing stillbored. Thats why I was... so happy when She looked at Walter. Uncle Walter asked me... if I wanted to train. She finally caught her breath and was able to speak clearly. I have tried using a stick before, like all the boys do. I dont like it. I feel like Im She tilted her head and looked up with her brows furrowed. Like Im tripping over myself. She nodded. Thats it. Its like my feet get tangled.


    Derek summoned a small sword from his storage and handed it to the girl. Show me.


    The girl took the de and shed out. The swing was much wider than it should have been and she stepped in too far. Derek only needed to watch for a short time before he concluded that she wasnt meant for a sword. <em>Still, she is much better than Thomas was with a dagger. But she is also much more talented unarmed than Thomas is with a spear. </em>


    Maybe it was unfair to Thomas, using him as aparison, but he was the only kid that he could use topare re with. He couldpare her focus with Brandi, though. So if she concentrated on fighting as much as Brandi did on crafting, she would be unstoppable.


    Thats enough. Derek stopped her before her next swing. He turned to Walter and Bronson. You still think the knuckles arent suitable. If you make her use another weapon, youll be crippling her. Why do you think <strong>Unarmed Combat Mastery </strong>is a general skill? He took a chance on the two systems using the same ssifications.


    When he wasnt corrected, he continued. Combining it with water wont be bad either. It will allow her to have a more bnced fighting style. Of course, lightning or wind would be better because of the speed, but other than having someone here with the ability to control it, I dont see a way to train around it at all times. Id do it. He summoned some lighting in his hand from <strong>Chain Lightning</strong><strong><em>.</em></strong> But Im leaving soon and you already built this great spot for water cultivation.


    Its okay, though. I still think its better than purely offensive fire or defensive earth. Plus, you said that your family already has a certain affinity for water, so that may help.


    Walter sighed. Youre right. What she showed earlier was impressive. I dont have much going on these days, so I will make sure she gets more training that she will ever need. She will not let me regret my decision. Isnt that right? He aimed thest question at re.


    No, sir! She answered.


    Good. Walter nodded. Now go look at your new home. He pointed at the shack. Youll be living there for a long time.

 Chapter 101: Clare II

    Chapter 101: re II


    The three men watched as re hopped along a stone path in the water to reach the small ind in the middle of the pond. Derek nodded, as the girl never once lost her footing on the path. She was agile, energetic, had a passion to learn, and was a natural pugilist. The girl was all any teacher could ask for in a student.


    So. Derek broke the silence. What exactly are your ns for the girl once she finally gets a ss? He asked Walter.


    Well, based on everything Ive learned from you, I n on having her dy reaching level 10 until she is 14 or 15. Though it may put her behind some of her peers, she will be better off because of it if it all works out. Once she turns 15, she will level to 10 and hopefully unlock a powerful ss. Then, hopefully, Ill be able to power level her to 25 before she turns 16 years old. But, my ns will only work if she gets a powerful or unique ss. Walter answered.


    Why would she need to be level 25 by the time shes 16? Derek asked.


    Ah, I never told you about the academy in the Capital. The Kings Academy trains the elites of the kingdom. However, the academy has strict rules when ites to enrollment. The main one being ss level and rarity. A student must be under 16 years old and over level 25 with an epic ss to be eligible.


    However, the student can also be under 16 and through their second ss upgrade of a rare ss at level 50 to enroll. The second option is the most used option for students, as epic sses are extremely hard toe by. There is maybe one student a decade that enrolls with an epic ss. Walter continued.


    Now, there are also some other circumstances that will allow enrollment. A growth type umon ss at level 50, or a growth type rare ss at level 25 will both be considered because of future prospects. They may even allow some students in at ater age, depending on family circumstances.


    My eldest son, Jenson, was one of those circumstances. He had a rare ss at over level 50, but he was already 17. However, he had gotten to level 50 before he turned 16. Instead of joining the academy, he chose to take on important missions through the Adventurers Guild, as it seemed to be the faster way to restore our honor. Walter shook his head. That was my fault. Honor is extremely important to me, and it rubbed off on my son. Though I couldnt be more proud, it almost hindered my sons growth.


    However, the King somehow learned of my sons aplishments and allowed Jenson to specially enroll in the academy. That is where he is now. It is also what drove Waces jealousy to an extreme and caused him to act out the way he did. Walter sighed. That is still more my fault than anyone elses.


    I see. Derek said, saying nothing about Wace. So you hope for the girl to receive an epic or rare growth type ss when she hits level 10, or maybe one at level 25. I dont think she will have any problem obtaining that result. However, if she gets a legendary or epic growth type ss, I would suggest keeping her away from an academy. Level her <strong>Identify </strong>skill as fast as possible and try to keep it a secret until she can protect herself. Then again, Im sure I dont need to tell you these things.


    Walter nodded. Dont worry. Her safety wille first.


    Derek nodded. Dont forget about the different Awards that can get her extra skill points before she hits level 10. Those general skills will really help. If you could have a teamplete a basic dungeon while keeping her safe, thats two extra points from the Dungeon Explorer Award. Then, there is the Giant yer award, too.


    I didnt think about the Dungeon Explorer award. Its a pity that there arent any level 10 dungeons around here, but I think I could put together a more than adequate level 25 team for a basic dungeon. That insect dungeon out past your vige is quite easy. Walter muttered something iprehensible to himself before nodding. Yes, I think I will do that.


    Derek checked the system time. Damn, its well past lunchtime. How about the two of us head over to the Crown and grab a bite? Derek shed Walter his membership. Youre paying.


    Both Walter''s and Bronsons eyes turned into saucers. At the same time, they both shouted, How!


    Derekughed. Thats not important. Just know that I do. So, I can only invite one person with me. How bout it, Walter?


    It would be an honor. And of course, I will pay. Walter said, hastily. Bronson, see to it that both you and re are properly fed. He pulled a small sack out of his storage ring. In fact, why dont you fetch her and lets all go to the Crown. The two of you will have to make due on the bottom floor.


    Derek and Walter begin walking through the estate. So, why dont you try to get a membership? I believe that someone like yourself would have no problem obtaining one. Derek asked, remembering what he was told by Ste and nah. If Walter even contributed a little, he would be rewarded with a membership of his own.


    Walter shook his head. Ive never had the time to worry about unimportant things. Sure, a Crown Membership is great for politics and that sort of power, but it wouldnt do anything to help restore our honor. Plus, the bottom floor is already costly enough. I dont even know how much the membership floor will cost. If the food is as good as I think it will be, my house would go broke within the year. Walterughed. And before you say that its not possible, I have seen it happen to others.


    <em>Yikes! Maybe I should just stay away from that floor altogether. </em>Derek thought. Well, lets hope that isnt the case for me. He said. The two continued through the estate in silence.


    At that time, Derek pulled up the notifications that he had gotten while talking with re and the others.


    Congrattions


    Your beastpanion (Silvi) has learned the <strong>Telekinesis </strong>skill.


    <em>Ah, thats good. Ste works fast. </em>He thought, then pulled up the next notification.


    Congrattions


    Your beastpanion (Silvi) has learned the <strong>Cleaning </strong>skill.


    <em>Wait! Im the one whos supposed to get the </em><strong><em>Cleaning </em></strong><em>skill. Not cool, Silvi. Also, not cool, Ste. Id yell at Silvi right now if I wasnt worried about her being in the middle of something important. </em>Derek sighed and shook his head. <em>I guess she will need it to easily clean her cooking utensils. Ill just have to see about getting one for myselfter. This cooking endeavor is bing really expensive. </em>


    <em>At least Im going to get a delicious free meal out of Walter today. </em>He eyed the old man walking beside him. <em>He seems oddly excited, even knowing that hes going to have to pay. </em>


    The two kept walking. Soon Bronson and re caught up with them and they all headed to the Crown.


    Soon, the group was all inside the restaurant. Bronson and re were seated at a table on the bottom floor, and Derek and Walter were being led up the stairs by the hostess. They soon passed the floor that housed Stes office and went to the next.


    Arriving on the next floor, they stood staring at an almost empty room with beautiful lights hanging from the ceiling. There were only two tables upying the entire area.


    Wee to the Tier One dining area. The hostess said. My name is Emily, and I will be your host for this evening.


    The woman was the same person who led Derek to Stes office earlier in the day. She was quite attractive, in terms of beauty. She only lost out to Ste, she was on par with Rayna. She had long wavy brown hair and was wearing a simple ck dress with a silver bracelet and ne. On her right hand was a ck ring that Derek could only assume was a storage ring. On her feet were a pair of nice, ck open toe heels.


    Her style would be perfect for a hostess of a three Michelin star restaurant back in his world, if it wasnt for the material of her dress not existing in Dereks previous world, at least before the system arrived.


    The two of you are the first people to dine in the membership area of this particr restaurant. As such, your meal will be free. She smiled.


    Derek narrowed his eyes. Is this Ste saying that its free, or is this an actual thing? He asked.


    Emily chuckled. Dont worry, you arent getting any special treatment right now. The first guests to dine in an area of the restaurant eat for free. It was that way on the bottom floor as well. Plus, it is the first time you used your membership, so the meal would be free even then. This way, you are allowed free dining for being the first to dine on this floor, and you can keep the initial free meal thates with a newly obtained membership card. She bent down to whisper where only Derek could hear. You also get a free meal every time your tier increases.


    Her breath brushed against Dereks ear, and a slight blush fell over his face. He cleared his throat before speaking again. In that case, I will have to thank you.


    No need for thanks. Emily said with a sly grin. Now, there is no menu for membership holders. The meal will be the chef''s choice. But, Greg has been dying to make something up to his standards, so I believe you will be in for a treat. What would you like to drink? She asked.


    Can I get coffee? Derek asked.


    Emilys eyebrows raised. It may not be up to your standards yet, but if you would like some, I would be happy to oblige. How do you take it?


    ck. He replied. By the way this woman was acting, she seemed to be much more than just a hostess. Derek had a sneaking suspicion. Youre the actual manager of this restaurant, arent you? Youre only doing this until Ste decides to return to the Capital.


    Emilys smile grew wide. You got me. You can think of me as second-inmand right now. Once Mistress Ste returns, the restaurant will be mine again. She looked over to Walter. Now, what can I get you?


    Walters eyes furrowed. What is this coffee? I dont seem to have heard of it before. He asked.


    Its a new beverage that the restaurant is preparing. Its notpletely ready yet, but its close. Derek answered.


    May I try it? Walter asked.


    Certainly. Emily replied. I will bring out some cream and sugar in case you do not like it ck. If nothing else, you will make a good test subject. She giggled before sauntering away.


    When Emily disappeared from sight, Walter whistled lowly. What a fiery woman. Walter shook his head. Shes going to drive some poor bastard crazy one day. I both envy and pity whoever she ends up with.


    Derek nodded. More dangerous than a Dragon, that one.

 Chapter 102: Fine Dining

    Chapter 102: Fine Dining


    Not long after, the duo was dining on a mouthwatering range of cooked meats and vegetables. ording to Emily, every bit of meat on the table was from a beast at level 100 or higher. Though a high level doesnt exactly mean high quality, the cuts of meat were from some of the finest beasts in the kingdom.


    The coffee was an absolute hit with Walter. Like Derek, after trying it multiple ways, Walter found that he preferred it ck and strong. The man couldnt wait for the drink to be amon staple.


    Emily, professional as she was, ducked in and out of the room, always there when they needed a refill or wanted to ask a question, but nowhere to be found when she wasnt needed. Her actions were truly impressive.


    The meal was quiet for the most part. Both men savored every bite. Such a dining experience was not something one could experience often.


    Before they knew it, they had finished everything. Derek did a quick check to his stats and noticed that he had multiple week long buffs active and the minimum buff was a 10% increase in his Dexterity, while he had a 25% increase in his Endurance.


    Dereks good impression of the <strong>Cooking </strong>skill and sses rose to an entirely new level. He couldnt help but hope that Silvi would make rapid progress in her skills. He finally admitted that he may not be wasting resources helping the bunny expand her hobby.


    Emily appeared out of nowhere and quickly bussed the table, leaving it spotless and empty, just as it had been when they first arrived. Afterward, a small cake appeared before both Walter and Derek. Please enjoy your dessert. She spoke, then vanished.


    Derek punctured the chocte cake with a fork, then smiled as a thick steaming chocte liquid poured out from the cake. <em>How long has it been since I had a chocteva cake? </em>He took a bite and closed his eyes as he enjoyed the rich, creamy goodness spread throughout his mouth.


    Derek sighed. Now I know how someone could go bankrupt after getting a membership to this ce.


    Walter nodded. I was just thinking about what I would need to do to obtain a membership. He shook his head. The Crown Restaurant is truly terrifying.


    It didnt take long for the two to devour their dessert. Seconds after Walter took hisst bite, a door to the room swung open and Gregory walked through, being nked by Emily.


    Gregory stepped closed to the table. Mr. Hunt. I didnt expect to see you so soon after this morning. However, I am happy you came.


    Derek stood and shook the chefs hand. I have to admit, Gregory, Im happy I decided to put the membership to use today.


    Haha! Please, call me Greg. I hope the two of you enjoyed your meal as much as I enjoyed preparing it. Gregory said.


    Derekughed. I dont think its possible that you enjoyed cooking the meal more that I enjoyed consuming it. If that truly was the case, then you have a problem. Have you ever tasted your cooking?


    The man grinned. Im d you liked it. The expression on his face changed, and he sighed. I dont know what I was thinking when I took the job as the head chef in a ce like this. He shook his head. Sure, it was a promotion, but this is the first time I have actually been able to cook since I arrived. My progression is stalling and Im bored. Ingredients like these are just something I can use to practice with.


    Dont say that. Emily chimed in. The boss gave you plenty of benefits toe here. Dont forget about the monthly goods you get to perform experiments with. Other chefs would kill for that opportunity.


    The man sighed again. I know, but I go through those ingredients in a few days then I have to wait weeks for another delivery.


    Emily scoffed. Thats just because you cant restrain yourself.


    I wouldnt have to restrain myself if I actually had some customers.


    Gregory shook his head and smiled again. Anyway, none of this is your problem, Derek. I thought I would give you a quick update about Silvi before you left.


    Oh? Is she causing problems? Derek asked.


    None at all. Gregory quickly replied. Shes actually a very hard worker. It feels odd to say it, but I think she has a natural talent for the craft. Of course, shes still learning the basics, but shes progressing rapidly for someone with no previous experience.


    Derek smiled. Thats good.


    Gregory nodded. It is. Now, Ive taken enough of your time. Im going to go see if those numbskulls have burned down the other kitchen while Ive been away.


    Thanks for the meal. Derek said as the chef left.


    Emily stepped forward and handed Derek a rolled parchment. Mistress Ste is busy right now, but she wanted me to give you this. The boss said that she would put it on your tab. Emily gave Derek a yful smile.


    Derek took the parchment and unfolded it. <em>Oh? Its another skill scroll with the </em><strong><em>Cleaning </em></strong><em>skill on it. </em>He didnt say anything about it being put on his tab. He wanted the skill, and it was a good idea for Silvi to have it too. He quickly injected his mana into the paper.


    Skill Scroll: Cleaning


    Upon activation, the user will learn the support skill, Cleaning. As this is a skill from a scroll, no skill points are required and it will not be forgotten upon ss change.


    Would you like to learn? Y/N


    <em>Yes.</em>


    Congrattions


    You have learned the support skill, Cleaning.


    Derek let out a breath, then looked at Emily. Thank you. And please give Ste and nah my thanks, too.


    Emilys eyes widened at the mention of nah, but soon went back to normal. I will be sure to do so.


    Derek turned to Walter. You ready? He asked.


    Walter nodded and focused on Emily. With a slight bow, he said, Thank you for the service, Mistress Emily. It was excellent.


    Emily let out a sultry giggle. The pleasure was all mine.


    The two men took off down the stairs, and Emily followed in the distance. They soon arrived back on the first floor. Bronson and re were still both enjoying their meal, so Walter walked over to their table and had a seat.


    Derek waited for Emily to catch up and turned to her. Do you mind if I go check in on Silvi in the kitchen?


    Of course not, follow me. Emily led him through the doors towards the kitchen.


    When he arrived, Gregory had one of the cooks in a corner, giving him a scolding. Derekughed. <em>Looks like one of them tried to burn down the kitchen while he wasnt supervising.</em>


    Derek searched the rest of the room until his gazended on the table and Silvi. She was concentrating hard. Her <strong>Mage Hand </strong>was holding an onion still while a floating knife slowly cut through it.


    Derek watched as the bunny sliced through the onion multiple times. He swore that he could see sweat forming on the beasts brow. Following her sess at slicing the onion up, the knife started a chopping motion as her <strong>Mage Hand </strong>pushed the sliced onion through, then she turned the knife and pushed it through the other way.


    When Silvi finished, she hopped close to the onion and inspected it intently. Derek wanted tough at her serious expression, but kept it to himself. Soon, the bunny looked up and looked around at everyone. Derek could see a glint in her eyes, as if she had just aplished an extraordinary task. Unfortunately, everyone was busy and nobody saw her amazing feat.


    The glint slowly disappeared from her eyes as she noticed that nobody had watched her. But soon her gazended on Derek. Derek smiled and gave her a double thumbs up.


    <em>You saw? I was amazing. The foul vegetable didnt even make me cry this time.</em> Silvis voice chimed inside his head.


    <em>I saw. That was quite an aplishment. Do you like </em><strong><em>Telekinesis?</em></strong> He asked.


    <em>I love it. It makes things so easy. I dont even need thumbs anymore. </em>


    <em>Thats great. Are you finished? Do you want to go back to the inn with me? </em>He asked.


    <em>No. I got permission from the delicious woman and head chef to stay here as long as I want. Ill stay here so I can practice more. Need to level my skills. </em>She replied.


    Derek nodded. <em>Okay. Have fun and work hard. Just let me know if you want toe back to the inn. And try not to do anything to get in the way of the others. </em>


    <em>Okay. Gotta go chop more vegetables. The carrot is next. </em>She transmitted. Derek saw another spark of determination appear in her eyes.


    Derek turned to Emily. Thanks for letting me check in. Shes doing fine.


    Emily nodded. The two walked back to the dining area. Emily dismissed a waitress that had taken over her duties as hostess while she was gone and stepped behind the hostess station.


    Derek smiled at her. Ill see youter.


    I can only hope. She said.


    He looked back over the floor to see that the table that Bronson and re were sitting at was upied by someone else. He turned and left the establishment.


    Outside, the trio was waiting for him. You didnt have to wait for me. Im just going to head back to my inn and get some rest.


    re wanted to tell you thanks before we left. Walter said.


    re walked forward. Thank you for your help. Im going to try my hardest.


    Derek patted the girl on the head. I expect great things from you. He smiled and looked at the rest of the group. Ill catch you allter. Have a good evening. He turned and left, leaving re and the others waving goodbye.

 Chapter 103: Days Gone By

    Chapter 103: Days Gone By


    Derek sat in his room at the inn, going over all the information he had gained throughout the day. Silvi was doing fine, and he suspected that the only way he would be seeing her in the near future would be if he visited her in the kitchen.


    He also admired Waters swift actions. In less than a week, the man was acting on the advice he had received from Derek, and re was the perfect student. All Derek could see when he looked in her eyes was resolve. She didnt act like a spoiled noble, either. Derek had a feeling that the girl would grow to be a great warrior.


    His discussion with Walter also led to him learning about the academy. Derek had been wondering what to do with Thomas over thest few weeks. Sure, he could take him around and put him through dungeon after dungeon, but by doing that, the boy woulde to rely on others more than he should.


    The academy would be the perfect ce for the kid. With everything that Derek had learned from novels of his previous world, nothing would help a nave kid grow more than life at a magical academy. Of course, Derek would have to okay it with the boys grandparents first. By sending the kid to the academy, Derek would no longer be able to protect him.


    <em>Im sure Richard and Delh would be proud if Thomas went to the Capital to enter the academy. </em>He didnt think he would have a hard time convincing the couple. Before any of that, though, he would have to get Thomas to level 50. <em>Shouldnt be a problem. Hes already above level 30.</em>


    Dereks decision about Thomas was not made rashly. Just by batting her eyshes, the girl Thomas had been hanging around with was able to rid the boy of most of the training Derek had given him. One look and the kid had lost the survival instincts he picked up in the insect dungeon. One giggle and Dereks words of warning had flown in one ear and out the other. Derek couldnt help but sigh.


    It was much easier to deal with Brandi and re. <em>Maybe its true that girls mature much faster than boys. Even more so in a world full of systems and magic. </em>


    <em>First, I have to make sure the kid doesnt get himself killed before I talk to Richard. </em>Derek had brought up the boy that Alicia had met outside the Adventurers Guild to Walter while they were dining. Based on the information given, Walter had informed Derek that y was most likely y Torith, the City Lords son.


    Derek had been doing everything he could to avoid having to meet the City Lord. Then Thomas ended up getting involved in a conspiracy with the mans son.


    <em>At least it seems like Thomas still has a while before they act. </em>Walter had mentioned that the City Lord was cautious the first time they met. It seemed like the same trait had been passed down to his son. <em>ording to Thomas, the boy had never mentioned my name to the girl. At least I can give him some credit for that unless its just the oath at work.</em>


    <em>Also, other than the first day and the morning after, I havent really made any appearances with Thomas. Other than having the one meal when I got back from the Adventurers Guild. </em>Derek frowned. <em>Though, I did cause quite amotion when I showed Thomas the Crown Membership card Oh well, if the girl investigates thoroughly, they wont try anything on Thomas, and if she doesnt, Thomas will learn a valuable life lesson.</em>


    Derek decided that he would avoid meeting with Thomas in public. He also went downstairs and found that one of the guests had checked out earlier, and he was able to get himself a separate room.


    Derekid on his back in his new room. All of his tasks in Torith had beenpleted. The only reason he decided to stay longer was because of Silvis cooking sses, and Thomass situation he wanted to see how it yed out. He would stay for at least a few more weeks before picking up Brandi and heading to Savannah.


    Days passed by fast for Derek. For the most part, he did nothing other than rx. He took the asional call from nah or Ste and visited Silvi on a couple of asions. He didnt visit often because he could justmunicate with her at night because of their link. He did make his way over to Walters ce to spar with re a few times.


    The girlsbat ability was rapidly progressing. Walter had even had a pair of small silver knuckles made just for her. When Derek wasnt there, the old man had gotten Areyas or Bronson to spar with the girl whenever she needed. Derek was even more impressed with the girl the longer he got to know her.


    Unfortunately, the City Lord had found out where Derek was staying at some point. Derek had slipped away from the mans servants multiple times. Every time he came back, there would be an invitation slipped under his door, inviting him to dinner at the City Lords manor. Finally, Derek got tired of the annoyance and checked out of the inn. Thomas was still there, and it didnt look like the City Lords servants had any inkling that the boy was somehow rted to Derek.


    During the weeks, Derek asionally visited Thomas in secret and dropped hints warning him of others. His excuse for leaving the inn was that he was avoiding the City Lord and didnt want the boy to also be harassed. He rmended that Thomas avoid making contact with or mentioning him.


    Derek was now staying at a rustic inn in themoner district called The Burnt Feather. The inn was clean, and it offered a decent breakfast. The owner was a mid-level fire mage who once survived a griffon attack while out adventuring. On a mantle above the door there was a slightly singed feather that Derek assumed was from the griffon. Hence the name The Burnt Feather.


    Derek had been a resident of this inn for a week now. He was currently sitting on the edge of the bed in his mediocre room when he felt an odd vibration from the storage ring on his finger. Hede to know over thest two weeks that the vibration was the feeling of themunication crystal being activated.


    Derek flipped his hand over, and the red crystal appeared. The rune that was lit up this time was nahs. Derek sighed before channeling his mana into the room and answering the call.


    <em>Hey, nah. Whats up? </em>He said.


    <em>I was just contacting you to let you know that one of my eyes spotted your boy heading out of the city with a girl and Malcolms boy. </em>nahs sensual voice rang in Dereks mind, because of their asionalmunication, any effect her normal voice would have had on Derek had disappeared.


    Over thest two weeks, Derek had gotten tired of watching Thomas and waiting for the girl to make her move. He had asked nah if it was possible to have one of her Deathsworn keep an eye out for the kid, to which she readily agreed. Apparently, today was the day.


    <em>Oh, did you happen to learn what they are doing? </em>He asked.


    <em>It looks like they are going east of the city to hunt some Horned Boars for a quest. The monsters in the area are all around level 50 or so and are scattered about around the area. Its one of the safer hunting grounds by the city, but only those nobles close to Malcolm hunt there. There are a handful of guards trailing the group to make sure nothing happens to the lords son. </em>She answered with a disinterested voice.


    <em>I thought controlling an area for your own gain was illegal. </em>Derek said.


    <em>No. Controlling an area with a dungeon is illegal. Its frowned upon, but what they are doing isnt illegal. Edwin knows that his nobles need to have some benefit. </em>She replied.


    <em>Edwin? </em>Derek asked.


    <em>Oh. Thats the Kings name. </em>She answered nonchntly.


    Derek shrugged like it didnt matter. <em>Well, whatever. Thanks for letting me know. Is there anything else you need? </em>


    The other end of the line was quiet for a moment. <em>Derek. </em>nah said.


    <em>Yes?</em>


    <em>Try not to kill the boy or Malcolm. </em>She answered. <em>At least not yet. Ive been very busy with your coffee and your Void Beasts Id rather not have to deal with a noble crying over his sons death.</em>


    Derek furrowed his brows. <em>I dont see what me killing them would have to do with you. </em>He said.


    He heard a sighe from nah. <em>We are friends, are we not? </em>She asked.


    <em>Of course we are. </em>


    <em>Then what you do affects me. Do you see? </em>


    <em>I get it I get it. </em>He said. <em>I wont kill anybody important. I guess it doesnt matter, anyway. Ill be there, so if they do act, I wont let anything bad happen. Its not my style, but I guess I could let them off with a warning, just this once for you. </em>


    <em>Thank you. Let me know what ends up happeningter. Now, I need to get back to working on these damn auctions. Well talkter. </em>She said, then the crystal in Dereks hand stopped glowing.


    Derek put the crystal away and hopped off his bed. It was finally time to see what those kids had in store for Thomas. He hoped the kid would take the appropriate actions once they acted and make him proud. He also hoped that once everything was over, Thomas woulde out stronger.

 Chapter 104: Hunting Zone

    Chapter 104: Hunting Zone


    Derek made his way through themoner district of the city before finally arriving at the gate. After shing his adventurers badge, he left the city.


    If everything nah had said was correct, he wouldnt be too far behind the trio and their guards. Derek found one of the trails heading east and took off.


    Sure enough, after traveling only a few minutes, he caught sight of the guards trailing secretly behind, and was also able to spot Thomas and the others even further ahead, but out in the open. Derek slowed his speed and followed silently behind the guards, not wanting to give his position away to anyone.


    Still, he was surprised that he was unable to find any trace of the Deathsworn on his way. Derek remembered what nah had said about the Deathsworn she had in Torith, and that he was previously a very high level noble. There were many more questions about the Deathsworn that Derek wanted to ask nah, eventually. Right now, he could only guess that the one she had been using in Torith happened to be skilled in stealth before she took him down.


    Derek continued to follow the group for another hour and a half before they stopped. He looked around and found a few of the beasts that nah had mentioned. <em>I guess this is the ce. </em>He thought. He then moved around the guards to find a good hiding ce to observe. He wanted to be close enough to see and hear everything, but also close enough to act if or when something happened.


    Derek finally settled on a tall, lush tree with thick branches. He slowly climbed his way up it, onto one of the branches near the top. There were plenty of leaves around him to provide cover, and he would be able to have a good view of everything around.


    Not long after settling in, Derek heard the blonde teenager begin discussing the n. It seemed like the silver-te armored teen had be the de facto leader of the group. Derek still couldnt believe how clean y was able to keep his gear. <em>He definitely has the </em><strong><em>Cleaning </em></strong><em>ability. </em>Derek thought, while listening to the boys ns.


    There are plenty of Horned Boars in the area around here. Ive already checked, and it will be just us hunting here today. y said.


    How do you know that nobody else will be here? Thomas frowned.


    Derek smiled. <em>It looks like they never informed Thomas of ys background. Its nice seeing the boy being suspicious. Letting his guard down and ignoring my warning about the girl can still be attributed to teenage hormones. Im sure the girl vouched for y, too. Otherwise, it would be too strange for the three of them to go on a mission together. Its good to know that he doesnt automatically trust y just because hes that girls friend.</em>


    Oh, Thomas, dont worry. y is a noble, didnt I tell you? The brte girl answered Thomas. This time dressed in a white and red robe-like attire. It actually looked like some healers garb you would see in a video game.


    Derek chuckled silently as he watched Thomass frown deepen. If nothing else, Derek knew that Thomas had an extreme dislike for nobles. Not even the nice experience he had at the Gracefall Manor could change that, at least not in a short amount of time.


    No. You did not. Thomas answered. His eyes shifted towards the noble. Even if you are a noble, you shouldnt be able to know what every other person is going to do today.


    y sighed. You know nothing of noble society. Normally, I wouldnt bother to exin myself, but it seems that you will not be convinced unless I do so. y opened his arms wide and spun around in an opulent gesture. This area is our, the nobles, hunting ground. Commoners wouldnt dare hunt here without permission, and I have made sure that none of the other nobles n oning here today. It is ours to do as we wish.


    Isnt that amazing! Alicia chimed in. This ce is perfect for our level, and we wouldnt get to hunt here otherwise.


    Why? Thomas asked y. Why bring us here to hunt with you. Why dirty your reputation by associating withmoners?


    yughed. Alicia is like a little sister to me. She may not be a noble, but she is no meremoner. She is from one of the richest families in the city. Her family is worth more than many lower tier nobles. As for you. His eyes squinted as he red back at Thomas. The only reason you are here is because she wants you to be. If yourbat ability is not up to snuff, then dont me me for sending you back.


    <em>Damn, I wish I had some popcorn. </em>Derek was enjoying the show from his perch. <em>This kid is good. He knows that Thomass actions show that the boy wont trust him, so hes putting everything on Alicia. Then, he challenged the boysbat ability in front of the girl Thomas likes. </em>


    Its fine, Thomas. y isnt bad like a lot of the others. Alicia chimed in.


    Alicia! y reprimanded. You have to be careful not to speak like that around others. If someone else heard you, it would be bad.


    No one else is here. You said so yourself. She answered, and y sighed.


    Thomas let out a breath. Fine. What are we going to do? He asked. He was still frowning and clearly showed suspicion, but he finally gave in.


    y cleared his throat. As I was saying Nobody else will be using these hunting grounds today. None of the beasts around here are above level 60, most of them are around level 50. He gestured to the open area around them. I am able to hunt them by myself if needed, so with three of us, it will be even easier.


    Of course, that is assuming that I only hunt one beast at a time, which is what we will do. I will go out and lead a beast back to this clearing, and we will fight it here. That way, there will be no trees or terrain to get in our way. It may be a little slower, but it is much safer. y then focused on Thomas. Alicia said that you are proficient in the spear. Are you? He bluntly asked.


    Thomas moved his hand, and the spear Derek had given him appeared. Thomas didnt seem to see it, but Derek saw a slight reaction from both the girl and the noble when he pulled the spear out of nowhere.


    I guess we''ll just have to find out. Thomas spoke.


    y smiled. Good. He said before arge, silver kite shield appeared in front of him. He took the shield in his left hand, then a gleaming longsword appeared in his right. I will lead the monsters here and tank the damage. Alicia will provide healing and support. Thomas, try to do some damage without getting in my way.


    <em>Woah! </em>Derek thought. It was unusual for someone to choose to be a tank of their own ord. Most people couldnt handle the constant beatings and pain. Sure, there were skills that dampened the pain, but it was still there. <em>If it wasnt for the teens schemes, I would actually have a little more respect for him. I mean, with all that gear, it would be hard for anything around here to actually cause any damage, but surely hes been on the receiving end of some pain.</em>


    Thomass eyes gleamed when the gear appeared, but soon his expression went back to how it was before. Dont worry. Theres no way that <em>I</em> will be in anyones way.


    <em>Challenge epted! </em>Derek thought. He looked forward to seeing the skills of the group, especially Thomas and y. It had been a while since he had sparred with Thomas, and he hoped the boy had been keeping the rust off. The boys actions may have disappointed him some, but one thing the kid still had going for him was his skill with the spear.


    Okay, lets start. The golden-haired teenmanded.


    Soon, a yellow light shone over ys body. Then, the same light appeared on Thomas. A blue light soon followed suit, then red.


    You have extra speed, defense, and attack for 10 minutes. The feminine voice chimed. Ill recast after cooldown and heal when needed. Alicia said.


    <em>So she is pure support. I wonder how she levels. Does she gain experience when somebody with one of her buffs kills something? Thats probably it. I wonder how a pure healer would gain levels. </em>Derek hadnt run into many people with justbat support roles, and hed never bothered to ask any that he did. <em>Besides, it may be different with this system than the other.</em>


    Thomas looked over his glowing arms and smiled. He turned to Alicia. Thanks! He said.


    Get ready! y shouted, then ran into one of the forested areas.


    Not long after, Derek heard a squeal, then the rustling began sounding through the area. Soon, y broke back into the clearing, followed by a five foot tall boar with tworge bone tusks protruding out from the sides of its mouth, then curving back in almost like a hook.


    The boar charged out of the brush and lowered its head just as y turned to face it. y set his feet and lowered shoulder behind the shield. A loud crash sounded out as the tusks made contact with the shield.


    y took a step back, but held. He swung his sword out from behind the shield and a small cut appeared in the hide of the boar.


    What are you waiting for? Attack! He yelled.

 Chapter 105: Attack!

    Chapter 105: Attack!


    I said attack! y shouted again. The giant board smashed into his kite shield over and over. Each blow caused his feet to slide back, inch by inch.


    Finally, Thomas, from behind y, broke off to the right side and thrust his spear forward as the boar charged again. Thomas went for a probing attack, aiming for the wound that y had created at the beginning of the fight.


    Derek nodded. It wasnt a bad tactic.


    His spear made contact with the wound on the monsters shoulder. As the spear prated the muscle of the beast, the speed of his thrust slowed until finallying to a stop a few inches into the boars muscle.


    Thomas pulled his spear back, causing blood to fly out of the wound with it. The boar squealed and shifted its sights to Thomas. The boy had caused much more damage to the beast than y in such a short amount of time. It would be weird if its rage didnt shift to the spear wielder.


    Oh, no you dont! y yelled and bashed his shield into the side of the boars head.


    Thomas ducked back in behind the tank. Not long after, the boar was charging back at the shield. Thomas slipped out to the left of the Warrior this time. Staying small so as to not draw attention to himself.


    Derek quickly shifted his attention to Alicia.


    The support girl stayed in the back of the formation, watching the fight. There was nothing that needed her attention, and if she attacked, she would just get in the way. Neither Thomas nor y had been injured enough to warrant a heal.


    ys organs may have been shaken a bit because of all of the charges hed been tanking, but it shouldnt be enough to cause him much damage. She could only sit back and watch, preparing herself in case something bad did happen.


    Derek once again wondered how she gained experience before focusing back on the fight.


    At this time, Thomas had taken an extra step closer to the monster. Seeing this, y took a half step to his right, further pulling the boars attention away from Thomas.


    <em>Good move. </em>Derek couldnt help butpliment the tank on his awareness. <em>Its a shame. </em>He shook his head.


    Thomas quickly took advantage of the distracted monster. His hands glowed blue for a fraction of a second before the glow shifted over to his spear. Again, he thrust his spear forward. This time, a projection of his spear ovepped with his physical spear.


    <em>Thats his </em><strong><em>Soul Spear. </em></strong>Derek remembered the skills the boy received up taking the Soul Spear ss.


    The projection of the spear moved forward at a faster pace than his physical spear. The <strong>Soul Spear </strong>made contact with the side of the boar. As soon as the projection hit, the extra piercing damage from the skill caused the projection to pierce the boars side with little resistance. The physical spear followed closely behind.


    This time, instead of piercing a few inches of muscle, Thomass spear kept prating the beast. The projection cleared the way, and Thomass spear took advantage. In a split second, half of his spear was buried into the side of the boar.


    Derek could only image all of the organs that had been damaged by the spear. If nothing else, with the angle of the spear, there was no way the boy missed the monsters liver. Even if it wasnt an instant kill, it wouldnt be long before the Horned Boar bled out.


    Derek wasnt the only person to see the boys skill. Alicia was staring wide eyed at the battle. When the projection shot out of the spear, her whole demeanor changed for a second. <em>Looks like Thomas never had to use any of his skills in front of her. I guess he didnt talk much about his ss either. </em>Derek nodded. <em>Good. I wonder if shes having second thoughts.</em>


    y had also seen part of the attack, but missed the beginning. He did well, holding in his shock, but Derek had seen his expression change for a fraction of a second.


    <em>Well, rare sses are well rare, and I doubt manymon or umon sses would have skills like that at such an early level. </em>Derek thought.


    Thomas took a step backwards and, using his strength, ripped his spear back out of the boar. The monster let out a weak squeal and tried to turn, but stumbled. Its front legs buckled, and it fell down, its chinnding on the ground. It let out a couple more weak cries before going silent. It was dead.


    Thomas took another step back and shifted his spear to his left hand. He swung the spear hard towards his side, causing most of the blood to fly off in the process.


    Derekughed. <em>Nice! Killing the monster, then looking cool afterwards. </em>After surviving the insect dungeon, getting fed experience in the other dungeons, and even killing bandits on the road to Torith, Thomas had developed well when it came to battling.


    He wasnt a scared or shy little boy when an enemy was attacking. It was a sight to see.


    Everyone took a break after the fight. The teen with the golden hair reached to the boar and stored it inside his storage ring. Ill keep the corpses for now, well split the coin evenly when we return to the city and sell everything. Is that fine with you two?


    Alicia and Thomas both nodded.


    y looked over at Thomas. Youre better with a spear than I thought you would be. What was that skill you used? Ive never seen nor heard of a skill like it before, and a lot of the guards around the city wield spears.


    Thomas furrowed his brows before answering. Its just a skill that came with my ss.


    And your ss? What rarity is it? y asked, irritated.


    Thomas was silent and didnt answer.


    Thats enough, y. Nobody likes giving out information about their sses to anyone, much less strangers. You know that as well as anybody. I still dont even know what the name of your ss is, and weve known each other forever. Alicia chimed in.


    y clicked his tongue. Whatever. It doesnt even matter. I was just curious. It was a nice skill is all.


    Thomas nodded. It is. He sat down and closed his eyes. Let me know when its time for the next hunt.


    What are you doing? y asked.


    Thomas opened his eyes. Resting, waiting Im ready whenever.


    <em>Looks like he hasnt been neglecting his </em><strong><em>Meditation </em></strong><em>skill either. I know that his spear skill takes a good amount of mana, and he doesnt have very much. I should ask him about his </em><strong><em>Meditation </em></strong><em>levelter. By the looks of it, its at least level 5 or 6. He can hear and sense some of his surroundings, otherwise, it would be suicide to meditate here. </em>Derek thought.


    Alicia cast a quick heal on y to top off his health. Then she looked over to Thomas. Thomas, did you get hurt any, do you need health?


    Thomas opened his eyes again and smiled at the pretty girl. No, thank you. My health is full. y didnt let the monster get anywhere near me.


    It was funny seeing the difference in how Thomas spoke to the girl.


    Alicia nodded. Thats good. I still have a decent amount of cooldown left on my buffs. I didnt think wed be able to take out the Horned Boar that fast. She said.


    I think we would be able to fight them without your buffs. y said. Dont look at me like that. He said to Alicia when she scowled at him. I was just saying, if we can take out the boars without the buffs, then we can save them for when we really need them. And you will have close to a full mana pool, so we will save on mana potions.


    y turned to the meditating Thomas. What do you say, do you want to try it without the buffs? He asked.


    Thomas nodded. Thats fine with me. That was my first Horned Boar, so I was being extra careful. Lets wait until Alicias skills are almost ready, though Just in case.


    y nodded. Well do that. He looked over at Alicia. Let us know when theres only a few minutes left.


    Alicia nodded. Will do.


    After 15 or so minutes, Alicia finally spoke. My skill will be ready in a few minutes.


    y nodded and stood. Alright, Ill go find the next monster. Get ready.


    Thomas opened his eyes and stood, spear in hand. Lets go.


    y ran into the forest and brought back another boar. This time, he wasnt as fast as before, but he was still able to get back to the clearing before the boar caught up. Get ready! He shouted. Then he turned around with his shield. Like before, the boar crashed into his kite shield.


    Without the defensive buff, it caused y to take an extra two steps back before he stabilized himself.


    Thomas ducked into formation behind the tank before making his move. Again, he appeared at the side of the beast, forgoing the probing attack.


    Derek wasnt sure, but he suspected that Thomass <strong>Soul Spear </strong>was still on cooldown.


    Again, y turned the beast slightly to the side to give Thomas a better angle. A small yellow glow fell over Thomass hands and he thrust. The spear pierced the side of the beast, but without the extra attack buff from Alicia, and the extra piercing damage from <strong>Soul Spear</strong>, it wasnt able to prate nearly as deep.


    Derek frowned, but what happened next made him smile.


    The yellow glow from before was Thomas activating his <strong>Flurry </strong>skill. It was yellow because it chewed through Stamina instead of mana.


    Thomass spear was pulled out of the beasts side as quickly as it entered, but before the beast could even think about making a move, the spear was back in the freshly created wound. Thomas wasnt entirely urate, though. The second thrust entered at a slightly different angle, but it didnt matter.


    In just over two seconds, Thomas had made three thrusts, all in almost the exact same spot. By the end of his third thrust, his spear stopped, buried almost as deep as it had been on the previous monster.


    Thomas retrieved his spear and jumped back, just in case he didnt do enough damage, but it didnt matter. The boar was dead. And they had done it without any buffs.


    Derek smiled and sat back to watch the rest of the show.

 Chapter 106: Just One More

    Chapter 106: Just One More


    The group continued killing the level 50+ Horned Boars for a few hours. It would take mere seconds for y and Thomas to y one of the monsters once y began tanking the beast. With each kill, their cooperation increased.


    Thomas alternated using his skills to kill the beasts. He would use <strong>Soul Spear </strong>for one, <strong>Flurry</strong> for the next, then the third would take a little extra time as both of his skills were on cooldown, but the boar would die nheless. After that, he would use <strong>Flurry </strong>again because its cooldown time was less than that of <strong>Soul Spear</strong>.


    Alicia was rendered rtively useless after a few kills. She asionally had toe in and heal when Thomas was fighting with just regr attacks. Noticing the situation, she saved her buffs for when Thomass skills were all on cooldown. After every fourth monster, the group would take a short break.


    Thomass hesitation at working with a noble slowly dissipated throughout the day. At one point, y had announced that his storage ring was almost full, and Thomas even offered to use his so they could continue.


    Even Derek had begun to wonder if the y and Alicia duo were actually going to make a move on Thomas. Perhaps, because of his show of strength, Thomas had forced them to change their minds. However, Derek was still able to catch the asional tension between the duo when Thomas wasnt looking.


    Something was going on. Derek suspected they were trying to work themselves up for the task. If nothing else, their hesitation and dy in their ns, if they actually nned on doing something, had caused Thomas to lower his guard significantly.


    Finally, after hours of watching the group mechanically y Horned Boars, it happened. Thomas had just used <strong>Flurry </strong>to kill a beast, and <strong>Soul Spear </strong>was still on cooldown. Thomas turned to walk back towards Alicia.


    With Thomass back towards y, the noble locked eyes with Alicia. With a serious look, he nodded at the woman. Alicia quickly shifted her gaze from y and looked towards Thomas with a glint in her eyes.


    Are we all ready? y asked. Im going to go get one more monster, then I think we should call it quits for today.


    Thomas turned around and smiled. Sounds good to me. Im getting tired, anyway.


    With Thomass back turned, Alicia nodded at y while speaking. Yeah, me too. If we hurry, we can have a good dinner when we get back. What we had for lunch cant be called food. She giggled.


    With that, y ran into the forest to look for theirst prey.


    Derek realized that Alicia didnt bother casting any buffs on the two this time. Surprisingly, Thomas noticed it, too.


    Ah, you didnt buff our defense or speed. Thomas said.


    Oh I was thinking about dinner and I forgot. Ill cast them when y gets back with the monster. She replied.


    Thomas nodded at her. It was a valid excuse, and it didnt seem like it made the boy suspicious.


    Derek sat forward from his perch on the tree. If something was going to happen, it would happen soon. Either just after, or during, the next fight.


    Soon, y came running back from the treeline. Another Horned Boar was chasing him, just like all the others. The teen slid to a stop and turned around. Thomas ducked right in behind him, just as he had done many times before.


    It was odd. y had been able to keep more distance from this beast than he had the others. Derek frowned.


    The new monster broke through the treeline and entered their hunting ground. As the boar rapidly approached the tank, a smirk appeared on his face. Derek had an idea of what was about to happen. The question was whether he should intervene and stop it from happening, or let it y out some. Either way, he would interfere before the kid died or got hurt too badly.


    And, just as Derek thought would happen, y dove to the side just before the boar hit him. <em>If the boar kills Thomas, nobody would be able to say anything. </em>


    Thomass eyes went wide at ys actions. A yellow glow fell over his body almost instantly and he moved his spear up from his side to block while trying to dodge to the side. Unfortunately, he was too close to y when the teen dodged the rampaging boar.


    Derek was impressed by Thomass quick thinking. <strong>Haste </strong>was a skill that the boy hadnt used in front of the others yet. It didnt save him from being hit, but allowed him to take a step and partially block the attack and avoid lethal damage.


    Thomass spear swung in front of him, slightly parrying the tusks of the boar. That,bined with the step he took, caused the boar to miss hitting him center mass. Instead, only one tusk made contact. It tore into the side of Thomass abdomen and came out of his back.


    His quick actions caused the boar to miss most of his vitals. It was possible that his kidney had been damaged, or maybe his spleen, but at least it missed his heart and liver. A health potion would be able to heal other organs, but the heart could have been an instant death.


    The boar raised its head and swung Thomas into the air. Thomas flew to the side before crashing to the ground. Derek, watching from the side, examined the boy with <strong>Identify</strong>. Afterwards, Derek smiled. The boy had injured and bleeding status effects, but he wasnt even in critical condition. That meant that he still had a good amount of health left.


    Plus, Thomas was already moving with a red vial in his hand. He rolled to the side, unstoppered the vial, and drained it all in one gulp. The results were visible as the dripping blood slowed to a stop. The bleeding status was removed and soon his injured status would be too.


    Luckily for Thomas, instead of chasing after him, the boar turned back to y. y was the one who initially provoked it, so he still held its attention.


    Damn it! y cursed as he took a charge to his shield. He summoned his sword and raised his free hand. With a quick motion, he pulled it down and yelled, Take care of this!


    The six hidden guards jumped out of their hiding ces and charged forward. y had to hold the Horned Boars attacks for an extra ten seconds, but the boar couldnt break through his defense. Soon, the first guard arrived and, with a sh of his sword, the boar was beheaded.


    y dismissed his shield and scowled at the guard. Took you long enough to get here. He scoffed. Then he turned and walked over to Alicia, who was standing with a frown. Even with all that work He shook his head and sighed. Well, I guess it really doesnt matter.


    At this time, Thomas had made his way back up to his feet. The health potion had done a great job healing him, but there was still a wound on his side. The potion couldntpletely heal him in such a short time.


    Thomas red at the duo standing in front of the newly arrived guards. Why? He asked.


    Why? Aliciaughed. Why would someone of your status have something as precious as that? She pointed at Thomass hand. Who asked you to go around unting a storage ring? If you want to me anyone, me yourself.


    Thomass gaze grew colder. A single tear ran down the right side of his face, but he didnt whimper or and his voice didnt break. Just over something like this He raised his hand and fiddled with the ring with the other. Everything we did the weeks running missions and spending time with each other. All of it was just because you wanted to steal my ring! Thomas yelled thest part before breaking intoughter.


    He Thomassughter continued. Was right. He managed to say in between bouts ofughter. Finally, he calmed down. His eyes were red, and more tears seemed to have rolled down his face. I should have listened to him. He gave me so many warnings about you. He red at Alicia.


    y frowned and turned to Alicia. Who is he talking about? He asked.


    Alicia shook her head. I dont know. The only person he ever talked about was his friend with the pet bunny, even then only barely. I never met him, so I dont know why he would talk about me.


    I guess theres no way for me to get out of this alive, then? Thomass voice broke the duos discussion.


    As Derek was watching everything y out, he noticed one of the guards frown when he heard Alicia speak about the man with a pet bunny. <em>It looks like someone may be able to connect the dots. </em>He thought.


    y shook his head. Why couldnt you have made it easy on us and been killed by the boar. If you would have died to the beast like you were supposed to, we would have been able to bring your body back and you could have had a proper burial. Now, youre just going to have to disappear.


    Thomas resolved himself to his fate and withdrew a backup spear from his storage ring. It looked like he knew that he couldnt outrun the guards. He didnt n on going down without a fight. Thomas lowered himself down into abat stance and got ready.


    Guards! y yelled. All but one of the guards withdrew their swords from their sheaths. y gave the single guard an odd look. Bradley! He called to the guard.


    Y-young master. The guard spoke. This was the guard that seemed to have put together Dereks identity. Maybe we should stop.


    y scoffed. Stop? Why should we stop?


    Instead of answering y, the guard, Bradley, directed his next words towards Thomas. Your friend. The one who gave you the warnings. Is his name, perhaps Derek Hunt?


    Thomas twitched when Dereks name was mentioned. It was more than enough for everybody there to see that the boy recognized the name.


    Seeing the boys reactions, the guard spoke again. Young master. You mustnt do anything rash. If this boy truly knows Mr. Hunt He stopped. The master he has been trying to establish rtions with the man


    y furrowed his brows. Even if that is so, the damage is already done. And thats IF he actually knows this man youre talking about. All the more reason to make this kid disappear. y smiled and asked Thomas, You didnt tell anybody what you were doing today, did you?


    Thomas didnt reply, but that was enough to know that he hadnt.


    Good Guards! Kill him! ymanded.


    Before anyone could move, a loud pping sound rang out from the edge of the treeline. Derek had jumped down from his perch and began his approach. Everyones gazes shifted to him as he stepped out of the forest.


    Thomas shuttered and let out a long breath.


    Derek smiled and looked at the boy. You fought well today. At least youve been keeping up with your training.

 Chapter 107: Mr. Hunt

    Chapter 107: Mr. Hunt


    Derek put his hand on Thomass head and gave him a reassuring smile. You really did fight well today. I was here for all of it. You showed a great understanding of the spear, and a good amount of wariness towards others at least until you gotfortable. But I cant me you for that, as I was even beginning to think they werent going to make a move. He nced over at y and the guards.


    Thomas ducked his head and whispered in a low tone only Derek could hear. I should have listened to you about her.


    Derekughed and patted the poor kid on the back. You should have. He agreed. But youre a young man and shes a pretty girl who bat her eyshes at you. You know, hormones and such I was probably expecting too much from you, anyway.


    Ahem! y cleared his throat to try to get everyones attention.


    Derek didnt even bother to look at the noble. He continued talking with Thomas. Thats the first time Ive seen you use your skill so well. Have you been practicing with them?


    Thomas nodded. Yeah He said. I may need to borrow some more gold soon. Ive been renting out one of the training rooms at the Adventurers Guild.


    Thats fine. Money is meant to be spent. It does nothing sitting in your ring gathering dust. Its not like we can earn interest in this ce. Derek answered. <em>Actually, is there a bank somewhere? I cant believe Ive never asked anyone that. </em>He looked at his storage bracelet. <em>I guess basic economics gets thrown out the window when you can store all your wealth on your person </em>


    Hey! An annoyed shout came from the noble. Who the fuck do you think you are? He yelled again.


    Again, Derek ignored the teen. And, saving your <strong>Haste </strong>skill until you needed it at the end well done. I dont know if you didnt use it before because you didnt need it, or if you were actually saving it either way, well done.


    Thomas smiled. You always need a trump card.


    Derekughed out loud. I dont remember teaching you that, but its not a bad idea.


    Mr. Jobs told me that when I rented one of the training rooms. He seemed to know that I was with you, so he treated me well. Thomas answered.


    Derek frowned. Mr. Jobs?


    The manager of the Adventurers Guild.


    Oh! Francesco. Derek nodded. He seemed decent enough. Derek said. <em>At least after I took the Gold test. </em>He said to himself. <em>I wonder what my trump card would be. Is it calling an uncontroble murder beast from the void? Is it having a murder bunny? Maybe its just </em><strong><em>Multi-Strike</em></strong><strong>. </strong>


    Derek secretly nced over at the noble and his guards. <em>Damn, his face is almost as red as Stes hair. </em>He inwardlyughed, but kept ignoring them on the surface.


    Well talk more about <em>how </em>you foughtter. Did you get a lot of experience today? He asked Thomas. He already knew the answer because of <strong>Identify</strong>, but he asked anyway.


    Thomas nodded. The experience was shared, but I still gained three levels.


    Derek nodded. Make sure to spend the points wisely. Im sure youve realized where yourecking.


    Thomas nodded and started to speak, but was cut off.


    OH! MY! GOD! The noble yelled. Guards!


    <em>Hested longer than I thought he would. </em>Derek praised. <em>Most noble brats would have probably exploded after I ignored them the first time.</em>


    Im tired of this. y said, reigning in his anger. Kill them. Hemanded.


    Stop! The guard called Bradley said to the others. Dont move.


    What are you doing, Bradley? Youre here to follow my orders, not give them. y reprimanded.


    The guard sighed. Im sorry, young master. Thats not entirely true. I was tasked by the master to keep you safe, and right now, that is what I am doing.


    Derek finally turned to the group. He eyed Bradley. Bradley, was it? He asked.


    The guard nodded gravely. Yes, Mr. Hunt.


    Derek shed the man a vicious smile. What makes you think that there is any way for you to keep him safe now that Im here?


    The man gulped and visibly shook, though not in anger. Sir Mr. Hunt. Please forgive my young master. He did not know who he was offending.


    Oh, so youre saying that if it werent for me, it wouldnt matter if he dragged anothermoner out to the middle of nowhere and murdered him for a storage ring? Derek asked.


    N-no sir Thats Thats Bradley tried to answer.


    Inexcusable! Derek yelled, releasing some of his strength along with his voice. Void raced through his body and veins, causing his eyes to be solid purple and his messy hair to rise with energy.


    Now, even those who did not know who Derek was were trembling. Alicia had it the worst. She had fallen to her knees with tears rolling down her face.


    Now! Derek shouted. Let me tell you all something. Derek was sure that Bradley had just been being cautious before, as nobody in Torith, other than Walter and maybe Ste, really had an idea of how powerful he was. The City Lord may have heard about his test from the Adventurers Guild, and he was sure rumors of him having a Crown Membership had spread, which was why the guard was being cautious, but that was it.


    I have a <em>pet</em>, Im sure youve heard about it. Derek said.


    Bradley slowly nodded.


    That <em>pet</em> could wipe out your entire little group in seconds Derek waited to let that sink in. Now What do you think I can do to you? He channeled some lightning from <strong>Chained Lightning </strong>through his fingertips and held his hand up. Do you want to find out?


    At that, y stumbled backwards, and the guard took two clumsy steps back. Alicia was already out of it, her eyes looking dead from fright. It wouldnt be odd if she lost consciousness at any point now.


    Derek looked out of the corner of his eye and could see Thomas staring at the girl. He could tell that the boy was ufortable with the girl suffering, even after everything she had done to him. However, Thomas didnt say anything, and left them all to their fate.


    Derek finally released the void and stopped casting his spell, allowing the noble and his guards to finally catch their breath.


    Derek smiled, still talking with Bradley because the guard was the one actually in charge. So, heres the thing. Derek said. The guard had calmed down and was now nothing but ears. When I heard about your little... rendezvous in the forest, I was chatting with a friend.


    Now, that friend asked me to not kill anybody important today, and after some hesitation, I agreed. So, Im going to have to let this little noble go today, and you can thank nah for that, because if it wasnt for her Lets just say that only Thomas and myself would make it back to the city. Derek exined.


    T-thank you, Mr. Hunt. Bradley stammered out and bowed.


    Like I said, dont thank me, thank her. Derek replied. He then put his hand on his chin as if in thought. Hmm I guess the noble runt is considered important and maybe you are He said to Bradley. Thats al,l though. I dont think she would mind if I only let the two of you leave. What do you think?


    Everyone lost what little color they had regained with that deration. Derek chuckled. Im just kidding. Im actually in a pretty good mood after watching this little guy fight today. He pointed at Thomas. You can all go.


    Derek waited, but everyone just stood in silence. Irritated, he pped his hands. Chop, chop!


    That did the job. The guards gathered up the noble teen and began to return back the way they came. Bradley directed them, ncing in fear at Derek asionally.


    Derek noticed that the group only focused on the noble andpletely ignored Alicia. Hey! He shouted. The squad of soldiers stopped, not daring to move. Dont forget about the little harpy. He pointed at the crestfallen Alicia.


    Bradley whispered something to one of his nearby guards. That guard rushed over to Alicia and quickly scooped her up before retreating back to the rest of the squad.


    The lead guard stepped forward and bowed again. Mr. Hunt. If that is all, we will be taking our leave. Thank you for your generosity.


    Wait. Derek said. When you get back, let Malcolm know that Ill finally be paying him a visit. No need to send me any more invitations. Hes got my attention now.


    The guards eye twitched at Dereks use of the City Lords first name, but he only bowed deeper. I will be sure to let the City Lord know.


    Derek nodded. Be sure to do so. Youre dismissed. He swung his hand in dismissal.


    Move out! Bradleymanded.


    Derek and Thomas stood in the clearing, watching as the group got smaller and smaller as they distanced themselves from the duo.


    Derek looked over at Thomas, who was frowning. Do you not approve of the way I handled that?


    Thomas shook his head. Its not that. I was just wondering how many other people they have killed and stolen from, and how soon before they do it again.


    Derek nodded. I know. Hopefully, I scared them straight He said, then sighed. But most likely, they will only be even more cautious. Though, I doubt that girl will be up for it anytime soon.


    Thomas flinched at the mention of Alicia.


    Oh well, I n on dropping by the City Lords ce soon. Maybe the man will give me a reason to perform a demonstration. Derek pat Thomas on the back. Im hungry. For some reason, Im craving pork.

 Chapter 108: City Lord

    Chapter 108: City Lord


    Bradley and the other guards rushed back to the city. When they arrived, he tasked one of his men to deliver Alicia to her home while he and the remaining guards hurried back to the City Lords manor, along with y.


    Bradley was filled with anxiety after meeting the purple-eyed man. He didnt know how he was going to exin everything to Lord Torith. The higher ranked and the Lords personal guards all knew about the mysterious Derek Hunt, and there were standing orders not to offend the man until the City Lord learned more about him.


    The City Lord hadnt ced Derek Hunt high on his list of priorities, which is why not many of the other guards knew about him. Of course, rumors had spread about a man obtaining a Crown Membership, but not much more than that. Only the more influential in the city knew of the mans name and urate description. Hopefully, the lord would take pity on him and his men, as he was able to at least save the young masters life.


    He was also able to obtain some information about the other mans power. He didnt have a clue on how to describe it other than, more terrifying than any person hes ever met. But, before he couldpletely collect his thoughts, Bradley was standing before the doors to the manors Great Hall, waiting to be seen by the City Lord.


    Soon, the doors opened and Bradley was greeted by Captain Herrett, the Captain of the guards and leader of the City Lords personal guard. The man was actually from the Capital and assigned to guard the City Lord by the Lords father. Bradley had told y that he was under orders from the City Lord to protect him, but his orders had actuallye down from Captain Herrett.


    Bradley? What is it? What is so urgent that you need to speak directly with the City Lord and are unable to write a proper report? Captain Herrett questioned.


    Captain Sir. Young Master y had a run in with Derek Hunt today and was lucky to have gotten out alive. Bradley replied.


    The Captain furrowed his brow. Lets go. He motioned for Bradley to follow and led him through the Great Hall towards a man sitting on a seat higher than all the others.


    The Great Hall looked like a mini Throne Room. It wasnt Bradleys first time being in it, but it was still a sight to behold. The Great Hall doubled as a dining area for celebrations and such. As of right now, the hall was empty, apart from the single seat that the City Lord upied. But, during celebrations and when their were guests, servants would bring tables and decorations to amodate the party.


    Captain Herrett and Bradley approached the man in the high seat nked by guards on either side. He looked nearly identical to y, but kept his golden hair trimmed and neat. With a goblet in his hand, resting on the arm of the chair, and hisid-back manner, he gave off a regal air. He seemed to be only in his early 20s, but Bradley knew that was because of his high Vitality stat that he obtained when he was younger.


    y had followed his fathers example in that regard. The easiest way to invest in Vitality without squandering your stat points is to have a defensive ss. Of course, that way of leveling was painful, but it was a price one would have to pay to appear younger.


    Hmm The City Lord said. You are Bradley, correct?


    Yes, Lord. It is an honor that you remember my name. Bradley replied.


    Of course. The Lordughed. Herrett picked you out of the bunch of rabble to protect my son. How could I forget.


    It is my honor to have received such a task.


    Now, why are you here? I hope its for something important. The Lord said with squinted eyes.


    Y-yes, Lord. It is about that task, and the man, Derek Hunt.


    Malcolm Torith frowned at that. What do you mean? What do the two of them have to do with one another?


    <em>Here it goes </em>Bradley thought. Sir, normally they would have nothing to do with one another. But today I was guarding the Young Master out in the noble hunting grounds. He brought along that merchant girl Alicia, and amoner boy. The Young Master nned on He stopped. <em>How am I supposed to say that the Young Master nned on robbing and killing a young teenager?</em>


    The City Lord appeared irritated at his hesitation. Spit it out, Bradley.


    Y-yes, Lord. He replied. The Young Master nned on taking themoner boys possessions. Bradley gulped, waiting for the Lords reply.


    And? The City Lord said.


    Bradley spaced out for a moment. <em>Does he not care that the Young Master was stealing from amoner? </em>He shook that thought out of his head. Y-yes um He hesitated again, but forced himself to continue. When the Young Master finally struck, the boy showed remarkable ability to dodge and move, avoiding any fatal blows. He then healed himself with a potion.


    That was when the Young Master called for myself and the other guards. We finished off the monster he was fighting and prepared to take care of themoner. When he gave the order, Derek Hunt came out of the forest pping. Bradley said.


    At this point, both the Captain and the City Lord were frowning. Why was that man there? Lord Torith asked.


    Sir, apparently, he knows the boy. They acted almost like master and disciple. Mr. Hunt talked to the boy about the fight when he appeared. They continued on, casually, like the rest of us werent even there. Finally, the Younger Master was unable to take it anymore, and called for both of their deaths. The guard recounted.


    The Captain winced and the City Lords frown deepened at that. What happened next? Captain Herretmanded.


    C-captain My Lord Ive never Ive never Bradley began shaking uncontrobly. Ive never felt such power. One word from the man and it was all I could do to stay on my feet. The Young Master may be in shock still, and the merchant girl ended up unconscious on the way back.


    But he let you go? The Lord asked.


    Yes, he said that we would have all been dead if it wasnt for someone called nah. He said that she had asked him not to kill anybody important today, so he didnt. He said that if I wanted to thank anybody, to thank her. Bradley replied.


    nah? nah Swan? The City Lord nearly jumped out of his seat. Do you know who that is?


    N-no, sir.


    She is the owner of The Crown Restaurants. All of them! The Lord nearly yelled.


    Bradley was just transitioning to one of the more important guards. The inner workings of the Crown Restaurant was so high above him, that he had never worried about learning anything more about them. All he knew was that he couldnt dine there, and that he should never make a scene or allow the Young Master to make a scene there.


    Bradley couldnt believe his ears. He had only done a small amount of research on Derek Hunt when he heard Captain Herrett talking about him and sending messengers to him. All he knew was that he had a pet bunny, and he had somehow received a Crown Membership card. It wasnt his job to investigate the man, so he left it at that.


    The City Lord sighed. So, he left you all alive, and the only reason he did so was because the owner of the Crown asked him not to kill my son. He shook his head. Other than the power you felt, is there anything else you can tell me about him?


    When he got angry, the purple in his eyes expanded to cover all of his whites. It was like how when someone with powerful fire affinity channels their ability through their body and their iriss turn red. Ive never seen anyone with purple before, and definitely not epassing the whole eye. He also channeled lightning through his hands, Im sure of it. It was blue, instead of purple. Bradley replied.


    A purple element The City Lord mumbled to himself. He turned and looked at Captain Herrett. Herrett, have you ever heard of anyone having a purple elemental affinity before?


    Ive heard legends, sir. That is all. Herrett answered. An extremely high affinity with lightning may get darker blue, enough to be mistaken as purple. Other than that, maybe gravity or a dark ability. Herrett looked at Bradley. Are you sure that it was purple and not ck?


    Bradley nodded. It was definitely purple. You can ask the Young Master and the other guards.


    Hmm Well, well table it for now, is there anything else? Lord Torith asked.


    Y-yes, Lord. Bradley gulped. H-he Mr. Hunt said that he would be paying the City Lord a visit soon and that there was no need to send him any more invitations. He said that you have his attention now.


    The City Lords face turned slightly red and he grit his teeth. A crashing sound came from the floor as his gobletid crumpled on the ground, wine spilling out of it. He said that, did he? He asked, rhetorically.


    No Bradley. The City Lord said. Why is it that you did not know that this kid was rted to that man. If Im not mistaken, the man arrived with a bunny and teenage boy with dirty blonde hair in tow. Did you not do any research on my sons target before you let him attack! He screamed at the end of the sentence.


    S-sir. T-that is not it. W-we I had guards trailing the boy for over a week now. The boy never made contact with that man while we were trailing him. Other than practicing in the Adventurers Guild and doing small tasks with the merchant girl, he stayed in the inn. Bradley quickly answered.


    Is that so? The Lord said. Still, it is your fault that you did not investigate thoroughly?


    Bradley bowed his head. Y-yes sir.


    Starting today, you are stripped of your rank. You will go back with the rest of the rabble, where you belong. Youre lucky that I dont just kill you now and be done with it. The City Lord said. Herrett, see to it that my orders are followed and get my son a new personal guard. Dismissed.


    Yes, sir. Herrett nodded and took a hold of Bradleys arm, leading him back out of the hall.


    Derek Hunt well see well see. Bradley heard the City Lord mutter just before the doors closed behind him.

 Chapter 109: Heart to Heart

    Chapter 109: Heart to Heart


    Thomas and Derek made their way back to the city. Derek needed to think about his n of action for the uing days. He hadnt nned on meeting the City Lord, but after todays activity, he couldnt ignore him anymore. Well, he could, but he no longer wanted to.


    Derek hated to take Silvi away from her cooking lessons. She was having such a good time and learning so much. ording to Ste, the bunny was making outstanding progress. But their time in Torith was almost up. Maybe he could talk with nah and get Silvi a spot at the Savannah Crown. It may be a tougher sell because of the differences in city size, but he was sure nah would at least consider it.


    He also had to pick Brandi and Malorie up before heading off to the nearest city with a teleport circle. Either the girl would be super excited at the prospect of going to a big city, or she would be sad that she would have to spend time away from crafting. Derek wasnt sure which.


    The duo arrived at the city just before dark. They split up at themoner district and went to their respective inns. Derek made sure to stress that Thomas needed to be vignt, just in case. He was sure that the City Lord wouldnt do anything, but it never hurt to be cautious, especially because he didnt know how y would react.


    When Derek got back to his room, he decided to let Silvi know about his ns.


    <em>You busy? </em>He asked.


    <em>No. Just watching. </em>Her reply came through instantly.


    <em>Good. I just wanted to let you know that were only going to stay here for another week, two at the most. </em>


    <em>Nooo. </em>She chimed. <em>I need to cook more. So much more to learn.</em>


    <em>I know, but we cant stay here much longer. Weve got a soon to be angry, if he already isnt, City Lord, and I have things I need to do at a big city. Ill talk to nah and see if we can set something up for you once we get to Savannah. </em>He exined.


    There was a long pause after that. <em>Okay. </em>Was her only reply.


    <em>Hey. Well be traveling for a while because we have to take others with us, so Im looking forward to seeing some of your cooking skills on the road. </em>He tried to cheer her up.


    It worked. <em>Ill show you. It will be so tasty.</em>


    <em>Mhm. Ill make sure to buy a bunch of different ingredients before we leave. Goodnight. Ill talk to you sometimeter. </em>


    Silvi didnt reply. Hermunication skills were much better after spending so much time with the cooks, but she still wasnt good at ending a conversation.


    Derek smiled andid back on his bed. He decided that he might as well sleep for the night.


    ***


    Derek decided to wait a couple of days before visiting the City Lord.


    The next day, he went to the Adventurers Guild with Thomas for some sparring. Through that, he was able to see the boys progression better than when he was fighting the Horned Boars.


    All of the boars attacked the same, so once Thomas had gottenfortable and used to their attack patterns, he didnt have to show anymore skill. That was also what led him to being able to escape the final boar''s attack without Derek having to interfere.


    After the sparring session, Derek was even more impressed. The boy fought like the spear was an extension of his own body. He may have as much talent in using the spear as re had using her fists and knuckles.


    Derek came to a conclusion, the boy would do well at the academy, especially after experiencing the harsh reality of being manipted. But first, he needed to discuss it with Thomas.


    Currently, the two were sitting with their backs against a wall in the training room. Derek could see the appeal of the training rooms. The room was soundproof, and the staff was forbidden from entering without warning. This was done with a one-way crystal that glowed blue when the staff needed to enter or talk, and glowed red and sounded an rm when time was up in the room.


    Thomas was still out of breath after the spar. He had poured some water over his head and was currently taking a sip. Derek, however, lookedpletely normal. It didnt seem like hed been fighting at all.


    So. Derek suddenly spoke, getting Thomass attention. Have you ever heard of the Kingdoms Academy? He asked.


    Thomas, still breathing hard, nodded his head. Only a little.


    What do you know about it? Derek asked.


    Just that some men and women of the kingdom go there to train and that when they graduate, they be some of the kingdoms elites. Thomas replied.


    Have you ever heard about the requirements to get in?


    Thomas shook his head. No.


    I see Derek nodded. Would you want to go to it, if you could get admission? He finally asked.


    Thomas paused, staring at Derek with a frown, then chuckled. I doubt I could ever pass whatever tests are required for admission.


    But, would you want to go if you could? Derek asked again.


    Thomas went silent again. Do you think I could pass?


    Derek smiled. Easily. From what I gathered, all you would need to do is have a rare ss and be at level 50 before you turn 16 years old. You may have thought that level 50 was a pipe dream a few months ago, but what do you think now?


    Thomas opened his eyes wide. That if I could find a group, I could run level 40 or 50 dungeons. It would be easy to be level 50 before turning 16


    Derek nodded. Exactly. Or, I could even take you to a level 100 dungeon and get you there in one swoop. But, it would be better for you, experience wise, to not rely on me for the level gains. I still think you could be admitted to the Academy before you turn 14, either way. It may be better to get in when you are young, too.


    Of course. Derek said. We could also go out and find some areas with monsters, like the one you were at yesterday, and you could gain experience while I watched over and made sure you stayed rtively safe.


    Rtively safe Thomas shuddered. Just like when I was in the insect dungeon.


    Exactly. Derek said, knowing that the boy was thinking about the injuries he had gotten in that dungeon. The only bad part about that would be you missing some opportunities at dungeon rewards. Though, that would only be if we could find dungeons at that level that would give good rewards.


    Thomas nodded. I think the third option would be the best. He said.


    Derek was surprised. He thought Thomas would do anything to avoid the possibility of getting injured like he had before. Why do you say that? He asked.


    Thomas let out a breath. Because I think thats the best way for me to improve. Its the only way where I have to rely only on myself. Even if you are there to keep me alive, I still know that the pain I will experience if I make a mistake will be real. He sighed. Besides, Im not sure if I want to have to rely on anyone other than myself or you for the time being.


    Derek felt for the boy. After experiencing what he did, Thomas would be extremely hesitant and very cautious around others for some time. Derek had never had that problem before, as he preferred fighting alone to begin with. It could be lonely, but Derek still thought that it was the best option for improving growth.


    I see. Derek said. Ill ask around and find a good area once we get to Savannah. I heard there are a few good dungeons around there, too. You can tag along while I clear them so we can double up on the rewards. Derek said.


    Thomas just nodded.


    So, what do you think about joining the Academy? Derek asked again.


    I think I would like to give it a try. Thomas answered. I never thought I could be considered one of the kingdoms elites. If nothing else, it would make my grandparents proud and help me give them, or any children I may have a better life in the future.


    Derek smiled. Surprised at the boys'' thinking. I think so too. He said. Well discuss it with your grandparents when we go to the vige to pick up the girl. When you enter the Academy, I will no longer be able to protect you. But I think your recent experiences will definitely help you protect yourself.


    Thomas winced when Derek said recent experiences. That they will. He said.


    Derek stood, brushing off his back and pants in the process. Get up. Its time for round 2.

 Chapter 110: King?

    Chapter 110: King?


    Two dayster, Derek was walking through themoner district on his way to pay the City Lord a visit. He had let nah know what was happening and that he still nned on keeping his promise from before. He couldnt promise that he would be too civil, but he would do his best not to kill anybody. In reality, it all depended on how the City Lord and his people acted.


    He preferred it this way as well. A little intimidation could go a long way. He was still a bit wary about making a mortal enemy out of one of the Kings advisors, even with the knowledge that nah could deal with the situation if he did.


    Right now, he considered his rtionship with nah to be even. Actually, considering how valuable she thought the information he gave her was, she may still feel like she owed him. Either way, Derek didnt want to put any unnecessary burdens on her shoulders.


    As Derek hadnt done anything to hide in the past few days, it didnt take long for the City Lords men to find where he was staying and keep watch of his activities. When he left the inn and began his slow trek towards the noble district, he didnt fail to notice the eyes that were on him.


    Some ran ahead, obviously to inform someone that he was heading deeper into the city. The same thing happened the previous day, but Derek ended up stopping at the Crown for lunch and to check in on Silvi before he went back to the inn.


    He was sure that the second he entered the noble district, the City Lord and his people made preparations to wee him. Heughed as he thought about the City Lords face when Derek turned around and went back.


    Today, however, would not be like yesterday. Today, he would see how the man prepared to greet him.


    Before long, Derek was standing before the gate to the City Lords manor. The central house in front of him put Walters house to shame. The manor looked more like a castle. Derek was in a good mood today. <em>I think Im going to go with entric Derek today. Its more fun than dark and broody Derek or angry Derek...</em>


    Wee, Mr. Hunt. A gate guard greeted. The City Lord has been expecting you. Please, follow me.


    Derek nodded. I cant wait. I wonder why he didnt invite me sooner.


    The guard heard him, but did not say anything.


    As they made their way up to the manor, Derek took in his surroundings. Other than what may have been guest manors and courtyards, there wasnt much else out of the normal. The one thing that did happen to catch his attention was the training grounds in the distance.


    Obviously, the guards that were training were not cream of the crop. <em>They must be new recruits. </em>Derek thought. One guard, however, seemed familiar. Derek watched as the man picked up a discarded piece of gear and ced it back on a rack. The man then went to a bench and began cleaning a sword with a rag.


    It took Derek a moment to ce the man before he realized who it was. <em>His name was Bradley I think. Why is he off doing grunt work? He was literally the onlypetent guard that the brat had with him. </em>Derek shrugged and put the man out of his mind. It did not concern him.


    Wow, those guards could probably battle an entirepany, no twopanies no, an entire battalion of squirrels if they fought under the right conditions. Derek muttered in surprise.


    A smug smile began to form on his escorts face as Derek spoke, but his face soon turned ugly and his eyelid twitched when Derek mentioned the squirrels.


    What, dont underestimate a battalion of squirrels. Thats how you lose your nuts. Derek casually mentioned.


    Soon, the guard led Derek into the manor. As Derek looked around, he could onlye to the conclusion that for some reason, probably him, the manor was oddly empty. There were no servants running around, no butlers greeting him, and no guards stationed anywhere. Derek couldnt help but chuckle, causing the guard in front of him to tense.


    Calm down. Derek said. I was just thinking about the wee they have prepared for me. Come on, lets go see. Arent you excited, too?


    The guard continued leading Derek. Eventually, they arrived at a giant double door with two guards standing in front. Both guards were unidentifiable to Derek, but that didnt mean anything.


    Phew.... Derek mocked wiping his forehead off with the back of his hand. For a second there, I thought this was going to be a haunted house. I was just waiting for all the ghosts to appear and attack. You dont know how happy I am to see others.


    The three guards didnt know what to say. They could only stare at Derek in confusion.


    Well,e on. Derek said. Im sure your master is waiting on pins and needles for me. We wouldnt want to be rude and keep him waiting, would we?


    No Sir Dereks escort said, then nodded to the other two guards.


    Both guards reached out and pushed their respective door, causing a loud creek to sound as the doors slowly swung open.


    Derek winced. You really need to lube up those hinges Hey, you. Derek pointed at one of the guards that opened the door. Do you have a Grease Mage or anything? One could work miracles here.


    The guards stared at Derek, not uttering a word.


    Derek clicked his tongue and looked ahead of him at the long room packed full of people. He smiled before he walked in.


    Files of guards stood on both sides of the room. An overly colorful long carpet ran through the center of the room up towards a dais which held an exquisite chair that one could mistake for an actual throne. A man that was the spitting image of the young noble that Derek had let live upied the chair.


    On the mans left was another, much less decorated seat that was upied by the young noble. And standing on the mans right side was a clean shaven, middle-aged man with short brown hair and a scar running down his left cheek.


    All of the guards were wearing their standard leathers, but the man standing on the dais was different. A dark grey, studded leather armor covered the ck tunic on the mans torso, down past his waist. He wore matching bracers and gloves, with his ck breeches tucked neatly into his dark grey boots. A shortsword was sheathed on his left hip.


    <em>Hes definitely the strongest person in the room. </em>Derek could already tell that the man was a veteran fighter. He gave off a much fiercer vibe than the City Lord or any of the other guards.


    Derek had used his <strong>Identify </strong>skill on everyone in the room. Most of the guards were under level 100 and identifiable, with a few exceptions. Of course, he was unable to <strong>Identify </strong>either the City Lord or the man with the scar, but that was to be expected. He was also sure that with his skill level, and the Award he had received, nobody would be able to sessfully use the skill on him.


    Derek walked forward, swinging his head around in mock awe of the rooms decorations. When he was halfway to the dais, he let out an impressed whistle. Wow! If I didnt know any better, I would think this was a throne room. He said loud enough for everybody in the room to hear. Is that it?


    He looked directly into the City Lords eyes. Do you think yourself a King? Derek gasped and covered his mouth to hide his shock. That must be it! Youre not the City Lord, youre the King in disguise!


    Everyone! Derek hurriedly motioned everyone down. Hurry, bow to his highness. He turned back to see the now red face of the City Lord before giving an exaggerated bow of his own.


    sphemy! The City Lord rushed to his feet. How dare you you The man muttered.


    Derek cocked his head to the side, as if confused. Are you not the King? Derek shook his head. No Only the King would have enough gall to create a throne room inside a mini castle. Surely you are the King and this is just your vacation home.


    While the City Lord was clearly fuming and everyone else in the room was bbergasted, Derek noticed that the scar-faced man was standing calm, as if nothing was of his concern. <em>That man may be tricky. </em>Derek thought to himself.


    I I am the City Lord! The red-faced man half screamed.


    Well, why didnt you say so? Derek clicked his tongue. Causing all of this confusion. He shook his head. I think you owe everybody here an apology.


    The City Lord just stared at Derek, not speaking. Before long, he fell back into his chair and let out an exasperated sigh.


    If Derek hadnt been paying close attention, he would have missed the slight tug at the corner of the warriors lips, but he was paying attention. <em>Oh? It looks like that man is finding this whole situation entertaining. </em>


    Anyway, if you arent the King, then you must be Malcolm. Ive heard a lot no Ive heard a little about you. Derek said, trying to bring the City Lord back from whatever reality he had retreated to. My name is Derek, but you can call me Mr. Hunt or Sir or Lord, if you want. I would prefer Mr. Hunt, but really, its your choice.

 Chapter 111: Confrontation

    Chapter 111: Confrontation


    Derek waited for the flustered City Lord to reply. After a couple of minutes of silence, he decided to continue. I guess it really doesnt even matter. His eyes shifted to the guard next to the City Lord. Well, while he is broken, we might as well have a little chat. Im Derek.


    The guard narrowed his eyes slightly. Captain of the City Lords guards, Herrett. He replied.


    Derek smiled. Well now, we both know that you are much more than just a Guard Captain. What is someone like you doing watching over a couple of lordlings? Im sure this job is far beneath you, dont you think?


    Captain Herretts face grew even more serious. His eyes nced at the silent Malcolm. I do what my Lord needs of me.


    Ah! So thats it. Derek eximed. And who might this lord be? No wait dont tell me. Its this Derek motioned to the City Lord. Its his father, right? Of course it is. Why else would someone like you be here? So Derek leaned in. Is it ckmail? Did he trick you into an oath? Oh, did he save your life on the battlefield and because of honor, you have decided to dedicate your life to protect him and his family?


    The man stayed stone silent.


    Oh, god. Its not money, is it? Please dont tell me its because of something so small Derek said, and watched the mans reaction. <em>Still nothing </em>Ill tell you what. How about I give you 1,000 gold a month and you cane work for me? Someone like yourself, Im sure deserves at least that much.


    Derek heard the mor of the guards behind him when he mentioned 1,000 gold. It even caused the mans eyelid to twitch. <em>So, he definitely doesnt get paid as much as what he should, if at all.</em>


    Are you trying to recruit my Guard Captain? The City Lord finally collected himself and managed to speak.


    Dereks attention moved back to the City Lord. He cocked his head sideways. Who were you again?


    The City Lord opened and closed his mouth multiple times before closing it shut and not saying anything. While the City Lord was trying to figure out what to do, Derek took a quick nce at his son, sitting in the chair next to him. y flinched when Dereks eyesnded on him. <em>At least I dont have to worry about the kid interrupting me. I bet hes still shook up from the other day. </em>He thought, then looked back at Malcolm, who was still silent.


    Derek nodded at him before turning back to Herrett. So, what do you say?


    Herretts face stayed serious, but he shook his head. Unfortunately, I am not bound by money.


    Derek nodded, not pushing it any further. <em>Its either loyalty or ckmail, or maybe an oath caused from loyalty. Im not sure how oaths work under duress. </em>Its my loss, then. Hopefully, this fool of a noble doesnt do anything bad enough to get you dead. Though, if not for nah, we would be having a very different conversation.


    Malcolm gulped, and Captain Herrett nodded gravely at the mention of nah.


    Derek knew that Herrett had been sizing him up and was still unsure if he could win against Derek in a fight. Because of that, the Guard Captain had been serious and respectful, even with the way Derek had been acting. <em>At least he doesnt seem like the scheming type. </em>


    Knowing he wasnt going to get much more out of the silent guard, he moved his focus back to the City Lord. Earth to err Cydaria to Malcolm, is anybody home?


    What? The City Lord snapped.


    Woah there, no need to get so testy. Youre just in some mood today, arent you? Well, I would be too if I had a scumbag son like the one you have. Derek replied.


    Dont talk about my son that way.


    Isnt that why Im here? For us to talk about your son and what he did. Derek said.


    The City Lord, finally back to his old demeanor, scoffed. So what if he tricked a lowlymoner, no not even amoner. It was a lowly viger, wasnt it? They arent even worth as much as a peasant beggar in the lower district.


    Wow, just wow. You are not going to make it easy for me to keep my promise to nah, are you? Derek quickly nced at Herrett, who still hadnt moved.


    Dereks aloof smile he had been wearing ever since entering the manor disappeared. Because the people in the hall were much stronger than those he intimidated out in the forest, instead of channeling only a little of the void through his system, Derek opened the floodgates and let it explode throughout his body.


    He had never done this before. When he was using the void, it was always through a controlled channeling, except for when he used <strong>Void Call</strong>, which could not be controlled. This time, he made no attempt at controlling the energy. If he was going to get his point across, he couldnt hold back.


    The void energy rushed through his body from head to toe. A visible purple hue fell over his skin, and both eyes changed to match. Derek could not only feel the void radiating through himself but also a small distance outside his body.


    He had an idea about the so-called aura that he was releasing. Hed been wondering about it since he first intimidated Bronson back at the vige. Through talking with Walter, Ste, and nah, he hade to a conclusion.


    The aura seemed to be an outward projection of hisbined stats. Of course, his void skills augmented his outward projection, just as other elements did for other people. It was something that people learned to do as they got stronger.


    It also meant that projecting your aura was a conscious decision that one has to make. Hed heard rumors of a friend of the City Lords father walking around with his aura out. That meant that it was this mans decision to walk around terrorizing everybody on the streets.


    Dereksbined stats was already on par with someone who had taken a rare ss at level 10 and had leveled all the way up to level 250, so when he fully and consciously released his so-called aura, those around him felt it, especially if he was focusing specifically on someone.


    While releasing the void, Derek maintained eye contact with Herrett. He did not want the man interfering with anything.


    Derek looked around the room to see that over half of the guards present had fallen to their knees, some even face down. No matter which guard he looked at, their faces were pale. One not so unexpected oue was that the City Lords son had fallen unconscious in his chair and was slumped over.


    The City Lord, however, maintained at least some of his dignity. He managed to remain conscious and, if it wasnt for his flushed skin and the shock in his eyes, Derek would have assumed that his disy of power didnt have much effect on him.


    Herretts oue was much better than the rest. He did not seem scared or too shocked. Other than his eyes widening ever so slightly and his hand hovering over his sword, he was no different than before. Well, there was also the initial step backwards that he unconsciously took when Derek first channeled his energy.


    Derek smiled at Herrett before his gaze fell over the City Lord once more. Now, I just so happen to call some of those vigers my friends. And I can guarantee that not only are they not lowlymoners, but theyre lives are worth much more than yours or your spawns.


    Now, you may ask me, Why are they worth so much? and to that, I say, Because I fucking said they are! Derek shouted, causing the City Lord to shrink back. Now, your son had to go and fuck with one of my people. I dont take kindly to that.


    Normally, I would barge in here, and by the time I was done, the only heart left beating would be my own. Derek smiled evilly. But, I recently made another friend, and shes busy and doesnt want to deal with the fallout of one of her friends not so gently removing the City Lord from the city. Well, sub-city in this case.


    So, because of my friend, Im going to give you one chance. Thats all you get, and its more than what you should. So, if you or your son ever does something to anger me again, dont think your daddy could keep you breathing. Derek eyed Herrett up and down. And dont think your Guard Captain here could even buy you a chance to escape. He turned back to the City Lord. Do you understand! He shouted loud enough to cause even the guard to flinch.


    Y-yes, Sir. The City Lord mumbled.


    What was that? Derek asked.


    I understand Sir. Malcolm muttered.


    Derek released his aura and stopped channeling void energy. His serious expression changed back to jovial. With a smile stered on his face, he said, Thats great. And I see you chose to call me Sir. Good choice.


    Derek did a 180 and began his walk towards the entrance to the Great Hall. He looked over his shoulder back at the shivering king. Ah, I forgot to tell you. Ive made some friends in this city, too. So you can add them to the list of my people. Just a heads up, you might want to make sure you and your son are more careful who you mess with. Im leaving soon, but I will be listening.


    After speaking, Derek walked out of the hall, whistling.

 Chapter 112: Zachary and Lucas

    Chapter 112: Zachary and Lucas


    The Next Day


    nah reached her hand out and moved the window curtain to the side. Outside, in her private courtyard, Avery was instructing two boys. If Ste was her left hand, then Avery would be considered her right.


    After her conversation with Derek about the ss system, nah had sent Avery out to scour the cities for candidates. nah was very strict in her choosing.


    She would not choose anyone who had a loving family, nor a person hellbent on revenge. The child must have not unlocked the Great System yet, either. This already narrowed the search to orphans and beggars. Avery knew the type well, as he was picked up by nah when he was a young orphan.


    The child must also be driven. Usually, that was hard to find in orphans. Most of the children would give up and ept their fate instead of fighting hard to make a better life for themselves. No matter what life throws at them, the child must not break. That alone made the task she had given Avery almost impossible.


    However, to her surprise, just two weeks after Avery set out, he brought back a pair of boys, Zachary and Lucas. They were best friends who called themselves brothers. nah was skeptical at first, but after hearing their story, she was convinced.


    Zachary and Lucas were from a vige outside of yton. They grew up together, their parents were best friends, so they spent a lot of time with one another. That was before a Void Beast attacked their vige.


    It was a surprise. Nobody had heard of anyone opening a portal at that time, so when the beast appeared, no one was ready. The vige was decimated before the beast turned towards yton.


    With thebined strength of the guards and adventurers in the city, they were able to wound the beast and drive it off. After that, the King sent an elite team, including his own son, to track and kill the Void Beast. It took days, and the team lost two members, but in the end, the Prince was able to strike a fatal blow before the beast could disappear back into the void.


    While everybody else was celebrating the defeat of the Void Beast and the Princes aplishments, Zachary and Lucas were mourning the loss of their parents and most of their vige.


    It wasnt long before the new vige Chief decided that there werent enough people left to maintain their vige. Soon after, the Chief disbanded the only home the boys had ever known. Some of the remaining vigers migrated to other viges while others chose to move to yton to try their luck.


    The boys decided to follow thetter group. So, for weeks, the two boys had been living in the slums of yton doing what they could to survive. They told han tales of running errands for bread and getting beaten by nobles for being dirty.


    They never resorted to stealing. In fact, when Avery asked them about it, the thought had never even crossed their minds. Apparently, their parents instilled a strong sense of right and wrong into the boys. Of course, nah knew that it would have only been a matter of time before they did something like stealing. It was only natural.


    They had only been in the city for a few weeks, so nothing too terrible happened to them, but she knew that if one of the boys had gotten sick, with the way they treated each other, there was nothing that the other wouldnt resort to doing. She was d it didnte to that, and that Avery was able to find them.


    Avery hadughed about how hard it was to convince them toe with him. It had only been a few weeks, and a few bad nobles had already caused a natural distrust in the boys. It took Avery telling them about the story of nah finding and raising him up before they would even consider it.


    What sealed the deal was when Avery took the boys to ytons Crown Restaurant. Avery always said that a great meal made all negotiations easier, especially if you were the one paying.


    The boys also held no grudge against the Void Beast, as it was just a mindless beast. When asked about the person who summoned it, they had said that they knew that a Void Beast could only be summoned by ident. They didnt even seem to care when Avery told them that the King found the noble who created the portal and that the man had already been punished.


    The thing that seemed to bug the boys the most was nahsck of speaking. Avery and nah held their private crystals, and Avery did all the talking with the boys. When Avery told them about nahs condition, though still confused, they no longer asked questions about it.


    That was two days ago. Now the boys had settled in and were being tested by Avery. Currently, nah was watching the man conduct a weapons test, as Derek had exined to do in their conversation.


    Once the right weapon was chosen, it would be time to pick their elements. This would be the boys personal choice. Currently, nah could provide the boys with water, wind, fire, earth, lightning, ice, metal, and darkness. Technically, she could also provide them with poison, but she preferred not to do that.


    After watching the boys train with Avery for a while, nah closed the curtains with a smile on her face. She hoped everything would work out like Derek had theorized, but even if it didnt, she had no problem raising the two orphaned boys. They were good kids.


    She walked back to her desk and sat down with a sigh. This could be considered both her favorite and least favorite part of her day,municating with her Deathsworn. She could link up and chat telepathically with those close to her, but for the others, like the one that was watching over the city of Torith, she had tomunicate via crystal, just like she would with anyone else.


    Of course, if anything big happened, or if she gave an order to report certain matters at any time, she would receive amunications request. Usually, no news was good news.


    nah pulled out her first crystal and began receiving her daily reports. It was mostly normal matters, like Savannah hosting another auction next week, a noble doing something stupid, or even the asional bandit group attacking caravans or viges. None of that was any of her concern, but she still tucked it away for possible future use.


    She changed crystals and received more reports from her Deathsworn. After receiving a certain report from her Deathsworn stationed in Torith, she put the crystal down, sighed, and smiled wryly. <em>Well He didnt kill them I hope.</em>


    ording to the report, Derek had created quite themotion at the City Lord of Toriths manor. Her Deathsworn wasnt able to get many details, but apparently, Derek walked in with a guard. Not long after entering, the Deathsworn felt an enormous pressure that even caused those nearby to panic. Then, Derek walked out with a smile while whistling.


    After that, the manor went into lockdown and allowed no one in or out. Even the trainee guards were filed into the manor. After Derek left, the entire outside of the residence became a ghost town.


    <em>What exactly did you do? </em>She couldnt help but wonder. <em>And how strong are you, exactly? </em>She got the feeling that Derek was much stronger than he led on, even though he imed that he was strong. <em>To create that kind of pressure on my Deathsworn while being that far away </em>She thought.


    She sighed and went on with her reports. She would contact the man when she was finished with them if he didnt contact her before.


    It wasnt long before she was finished. The previous day was just like almost every other day. The only thing exciting that happened was with Derek, but that hade to no surprise to her. These days, news about Derek was the one thing that always seemed to bring her something interesting.


    nah tidied up her office before making a cup of tea and trying tomunicate with Derek.


    <em>nah! Good morning. How are you? </em>The mans voice came through clearly in her head.


    <em>I am doing great today. What about you? I heard you paid the City Lord a visit yesterday. </em>She replied.


    <em>That I did It went better than expected. There was barely any talking back to me. All things considered, Id say it went well. And I didnt kill anybody important Actually, I didnt kill anybody at all. I think I went above and beyond. </em>He said.


    <em>Oh, thats good. That means I wont have to deal with that deadbeat advisor, and can focus more on the Void Beasts and helping train my two new wards. </em>She chimed.


    <em>Oh yeah, you mentioned the other day that you had picked up a couple of prospects. Thats good. I hope everything works out with them.</em>


    <em>Me too. Avery seems to like them, and he has been very excited to try out your training methods. I have to admit, Im anxious to see the results. </em>nah said.


    <em>Me too. </em>Derek replied.


    <em>I </em>A knock sounded on her door. <em>One moment, someone is at the door. </em>Sheid the crystal down.


    Enter. She said.


    The door opened and Avery walked in and closed the door behind him. After receiving nahs nod, he spoke, nah He smiled oddly. Gerald Torith is on the first floor demanding an audience. Hes making quite the ruckus.


    nah rolled her eyes, held up two fingers and nodded. Avery gave her a nod in confirmation, turned, and walked out the door.


    nah picked the crystal back up off of her desk. <em>Derek, dear What exactly did you do yesterday?</em>

 Chapter 113: Derek, Dear...

    Chapter 113: Derek, Dear...


    <em>Derek, dear What exactly did you do yesterday? </em>


    <em>Uh I pretty much told you everything I did. I met with the City Lord, made a couple threats, didnt kill anyone, and I left in that order. </em>Derek replied.


    <em>When you said that you made a couple of threats, what kind of threats exactly? </em>nah asked.


    <em>Nothing much, really. Just the usual. I told them exactly how much their lives were worth to me. I let them know that the only reason they were still breathing was because of a favor to you. I also told the City Lord that I didnt fear his daddy, and that the man wouldnt be able to save him if I wanted him dead. </em>Derek exined.


    nah frowned. <em>He didnt kill anybody, and he even used my name. It really doesnt seem to be all that bad. Gerald may be a scumbag, but hes too smart to offend me or someone I support over nothing but a threat. </em>She really couldnt see why the man was supposedly so worked up.


    <em>And thats all, just some idle threats? </em>She asked.


    <em>Yeah. I let him know that even if I left, I still had eyes in the city, and that I had made quite a few friends. I told him that he better be careful about offending people in the future. </em>Derek said. <em>Ah, I also used my full aura to really get my point across.</em>


    <em>Hmm So, you wouldnt happen to know why Gerald Torith is currently at my establishment seeking an audience with me? </em>She asked. <em>Wait a minute. </em>A thought urred to her. <em>You said you released your full aura? What was the oue? My Deathsword was outside the manor and reported that it was quite the aura, but he was very far away.</em>


    <em>Uh let me think </em>Derek replied. <em>Well, the City Lord nearly lost his shit. That guard, Herrett, got a bit pale and took a step back. Half of the room, including the City Lords son, fell unconscious that was pretty cool, actually. The rest were on their knees or fighting to stand.</em>


    <em>I can see all that making Gerald angry, but it shouldnt cause him to cause amotion in my restaurant. If he was going to do anything, he normally would do it in the dark. </em>She told Derek.


    <em>Well, I dont think I went too overboard. I had multiple opportunities to kill that kid, and that Guard Captain wouldnt have been able to do anything to me. Sorry I cant be more helpful. </em>Derek said.


    <em>No need to apologize. I asked you to spare them, and you did. In fact, if Im not missing anything, you did less than I believed you would. I dont know your actual power, but from what I have picked up on and what my Deathsworn has felt, I should thank you for even listening to my request. </em>


    <em>Thank you for talking with me. Unfortunately, I must cut our chat short and go deal with a spoiled noble. Do not hesitate to contact me whenever. </em>nah said her goodbyes to Derek.


    <em>Its always a pleasure. Well be leaving this city shortly and heading to one with a teleporter. We may be able to have this conversation in person sooner rather thanter. </em>Derek replied.


    <em>Ill look forward to it. Goodbye. </em>


    <em>Goodbye.</em>


    nah stored the now inactive crystal into her storage ring. Letting out a deep breath, she thought to herself. <em>Might as well get this over with. </em>With that, the beautiful woman stode out of her office down to meeting room two.


    Arriving at the meeting room, nah didnt bother to knock. She opened the door and walked in.


    Avery was standing inside next to the door. In front of her, sitting at a table, was a middle-aged man with long, flowing golden hair. He was dressed in a formal green tunic, and wore an irritated expression on his face that screamed p me.


    When na walked in, the man didnt bother to stand, and only stared at the woman. Avery was not happy about this, but nah stopped him from saying or doing anything.


    nah approached the table and pulled out the chair across from the man before sitting. She fished a privatemunications crystal out of her storage and channeled her mana into it.


    Behind her, Avery gripped his crystal and spoke. Gerald, my mistress would like to know if this is okay, or if you would like to try your hand atmunicating with her directly.


    The man scoffed. She thinks herself powerful. Im not the same person I was whenst we spoke. You will not be needed.


    Very well. Avery replied, but stayed standing behind nah.


    nah inwardlyughed to herself. There were very few people who could withstand a conversation with her in the kingdom, and the King was the only person she had met face to face who could do so without having to limate over a period of time.


    Avery and Ste could also converse properly with her, but it took Ste hours to adapt, and she would have to start the process over at the beginning of each day. Avery was a little better, but he still needed a short period to adapt. Neither of them, however, could withstand her if she actively used her power for amand, no matter how much limation they had gone through throughout the day.


    She had a lot of hope in Derek. He was the first person, other than the King, who could withstand amand through the crystal. Not to mention that he was so much more fun to talk with than that boring old man.


    Without using any power, na spoke, Stand.


    Immediately, Gerald kicked the chair back from him and shot to his feet.


    Spin. nah watched as Gerald did a full 360. Hop on one foot. She said, and he did. Apologize for overestimating yourself, for disturbing my establishment with your presence, and for just existing in general.


    Behind nah, Avery looked at the hopping man in disdain. He even went a far as openlyughing at him.


    I am very sorry, Miss Swan. I am nothingpared to you. Forgive me for believing myself capable. I apologize for any harm my behaviour has caused to your great restaurant. And you are correct, I should not even think to exist, much less in your appearance. Please allow me to atone for my sins. With that, Gerald Torith summoned a beautiful dagger out of his storage ring and pushed it into his jugr, causing blood to pour out of his neck with every pump.


    Thats enough. nah said. No need to go and die. Put your weapon away, Im sure your Vitality will have that wound healed in no time.


    Gerald did as he was told.


    Now, sit. Let me know when you are no longer under my influence, then we can talk. She said.


    Gerald walked mindlessly to the chair that he had pushed away earlier. He pulled it back up to the table and mechanically sat back down, staring intently at nothing.


    nah pushed her thoughts back into her crystal. <em>So, how are the boys doing? </em>She asked Avery.


    Avery chuckled. <em>Are you sure that was necessary, nah? You know hes going to goin to the King after what you just did.</em>


    <em>And the King will admonish him for overestimating his talents. I know that man better than anyone, including the Royal Family. In fact, that old bag of bones, boring as he may be, will probably find some entertainment in Geralds tale. </em>She assured Avery.


    <em>If you say so. </em>He replied. <em>Zac and Lukes training is progressing well. They are also extremely grateful to both you and me, especially after finding out the reason they were selected and what our ns are. Honesty is the best way to obtain loyalty, as you have taught me. </em>


    <em>Thats good. They seem like nice boys.</em>


    <em>They are, indeed. In fact, they both remind me of myself. I was even younger than them when you found me, so I know exactly what they are feeling right now. Of course, you never gave me a lofty goal like they have.</em>


    nah smiled. <em>Youre still young. You may not be able to reach as high as they will be if the experiment works, but you are still one of the strongest in the kingdom. Before long, you will be able to resist my voice just as the King does.</em>


    <em>I can only hope. </em>Avery said. <em>Ah, I was discussing with the boys how you found me, and everything you have done for me. Including giving me your surname. They are both newly orphaned, and their parents'' deaths are still fresh in their minds, but I have heard them privately discussing asking you to give them your surname. </em>


    <em>Its only been a few days. Im sure they are just overly grateful at being rescued from their situation. You had next to no memories of your parents, so taking my name was an easy decision. Still, I waited for you to ask. The boys knew their parents, and by what you have told me, they seemed to be good people. I will not disgrace their memory like that. It is the same reason that Ste is still a Brighton. </em>nah replied.


    <em>If they ask, I will let them know, and exin why. They are still children. They will grow and learn. I can not wait. </em>Avery smiled.


    Nor can I.


    The two continued discussing matters for well over an hour before Gerald stirred. All of the sudden, he bolted to his feet and put both hands over his throat.


    Ah, Gerald, so nice of you to join us. nah spoke.

 Chapter 114: Gerald

    Chapter 114: Gerald


    W-what did you two do to me? Gerald sputtered while sping at his throat.


    nah looked at the man, confused. Mr. Torith, I have no clue what you are talking about. You wanted to have a conversation, face to face, with nomunication crystals involved, so that is what we are doing. I must say, you limated quite quickly. Very impressive.


    N-no! You made me stab myself in the throat. I I remember it all. The man screeched.


    Now, now. Think back on what you remember. I only told you that you should apologize. You are the one who went above and beyond and tried to maim yourself. Which, might I add, is quite interesting. You may want to ask yourself why you would subconsciously decide to act in such a manner. You might learn a bit more about yourself and your nature. I know I sure have. nah said with a knowing smile.


    Y-you you He stuttered.


    Have a seat Gerald. Avery spoke up. You wanted a meeting with my mistress, now you have one. Her time is quite valuable. You better use it wisely.


    Gerald took a deep breath, calming down. He cautiously approached the table and sat down, eyeing nah wearily.


    Now. nah said. What was so urgent that you had toe to my establishment and cause a ruckus. I was in the middle of a very important conversation when you arrived. This better be good.


    Gerald, now calm, stared daggers into nah before answering. Im sure you know exactly why I havee here, but since you are acting ignorant, let me help jog your memory. He spit out.


    Careful! Avery warned. Your position in the Kingdom may be higher than mine, but you are not in my league. I will not tolerate you talking to my mistress in that manner.


    Its fine, Avery. nah said. Let the man do as he pleases. If he goes too far, you will not be needed to defend my honor. I am perfectly capable. In her head, she spoke through themunication crystal. <em>Thats enough. Hes already reeling from the other actions, no need to add on to his stress.</em>


    Avery bowed in servitude. Yes, mistress. Inwardly, he sent back. <em>I know hes just trying to gain back a little control of the room, but if nothing else, he should know better than to insult you.</em>


    <em>Better in my face than behind my back. </em>nah replied.


    Gerald flinched at Averys outburst, but smirked at nahs reprimand. Yes, <em>Avery</em>, she is perfectly capable. There is no need for a dog like you to bark. Listen to your master.


    Watch it. This time, nah warned. I gave you some rope, and now you try to hang yourself? Get on with it. What do you want? Her friendly demeanor was thrown out the window at his remark. nah was as protective of her people as they were of her. She would not hear them being insulted.


    Gerald clicked his tongue. Whatever. He said. I know you know of this Derek Hunt person.


    Yes, what of him? nah replied.


    He attacked my family yesterday! Gerald yelled.


    nah shook her head. No, he didnt. I know exactly what happened yesterday. He warned your family after they made an egregious error by offending him. They are lucky that I talked him out of attacking your family. Otherwise, only you and your wife would remain.


    My grandson is in aa! The man spat.


    That was news to nah. It seemed like the boy hadnt been able to withstand Dereks aura at all. Of course, it had only been a day. He would most likely wake up and be fine. Well, physically, at least.


    And whose fault is that? I cant believe that your son actually raised a child who cant even withstand a little aura. How pitiful. She said. Besides, it only happened yesterday. Im sure hell be fine in a few days. You can use this as a learning experience for him. It will teach him not to offend those he cant afford to. Of course, with the way this meeting is going, maybe it would be good for you to gain some of that experience, as well.


    Still! How dare he barge into my sons, the City Lords, manor and threaten him. And over amoners life. Gerald said.


    nah looked back at Avery. Avery, which noble house is it that youe from again?


    Avery tilted his head. None, mistress. I am but amoner orphan.


    Ah, I see. nah said, then shifted her focus back to Gerald. Gerald, as my assistant is but a meremoner. Im sure you wouldnt mind having an exchange with him, maybe learning the worth ofmoners in the process?


    Geralds face paled slightly, but he scoffed. I will not lower myself to spar with a filthymoner. Besides, one outlier does not prove anything.


    Oh? Well, since you wont lower yourself to spar with amoner, then how about me? I wont even use a weapon. nah said.


    His pale face contorted in fright. I wouldnt dare. He said.


    Then shut the fuck up and get to your point! nahmanded, still careful not to put any energy into her voice. Commoner this,moner that. None of that matters. What matters is that your family offended somebody that they shouldnt have. That somebody just happens to be a friend of mine. Now, youre here making excuses. What is it that you want?


    I want him held ountable! Gerald yelled. He threatened my family. The family of the Kings Advisor. Just that should be enough to put him to death, but he even put my grandson in aa.


    nah sighed. I really dont know what the King sees in you. Derek let your family off lightly after what they did. Yet, you stille in here demanding he be held ountable? How could someone like you possibly advise the king?


    Y-you! Geralds face flushed red in anger.


    Little Gerald. nah spoke softly. Let me give you a small bit of advice. Derek is a friend of mine. He is also somebody that I would never want to offend. She said. And, if the King were to ask me, I would tell him the same thing.


    It took a moment for the realization of what her words meant to kick in. Finally, his eyes went wide. Hes but one man. How can you have such a high opinion about a single person that nobody has ever heard of before? What has this man done to receive such respect?


    nah smiled. Im sorry, but that is all Im willing to discuss with you about Derek. Take my advice or ignore it. Its up to you. I will not reveal any more details about him than I already have. I suggest you count yourself lucky that Derek has agreed to let your family off with a warning.


    Gerald sat in silence. asionally, he shook his head and muttered, Just one man Finally, Gerald finished thinking to himself. The man should still be punished. Nobody is above thew. He definitely broke many of the Kingdomsws by threatening a City Lord.


    nah snorted. Laws? You should know better than anyone thatws are for the weak. How could any of your family be alive if thews of the Kingdom were followed? I, for one, know of at least a dozenws that you or your son have broken that have the punishment of death attached to them. Im sure the King knows as well, but he has decided to overlook these transgressions because he thinks he owes you.


    I dont know what youre talking about! Gerald shouted from across the table. Me and my family do everything openly and honestly.


    nah stared at the man, bbergasted. Did you seriously just say that? Youre literally here because your grandson tried to ambush and kill a thirteen-year-old so he could steal the boys storage ring. And you say that your family doesnt break anyws? Are you delusional?


    Thats just a mistake made by the young. You cant hold that against him. Besides, he was amoner and my grandson is a noble. Thews are different.


    nah shook her head. No, they are not. Thews are the same. Actually, it is the nobles who are supposed to set an example for themoners. If anything, nobles should be punished to a higher extent thanmoners. But that is politics, and you are not here to discuss that. Are we finished? I have many things to do today.


    We have to do something about this. Even if he is one of your friends. Gerald said.


    I agree. nah said. Ill probably congratte him on a job well done, thank him for not causing your family too much damage, and buy him a drink when he arrives at the capital. She nodded.


    The man sneered. At least tell me why you hold him in such esteem.


    No. nah answered simply.


    Gerald pushed himself back and stood from his seat. Fine. I knew this was going to be a waste of my time. I only came here out of courtesy. Ill be reporting this matter to the King.


    Courtesy? nah scoffed. You came here because you thought you could pressure me into betraying my friend. Or, at the minimum, have me beg for my friends life. Well, Im sorry to say, but Derek can handle himself. Im sure youll send some assassins after him after this. I know how you operate. Go ahead and tell Edward. Ill be sure to contact him once you leave to let him know youreing. Think of it as a courtesy to you.


    Gerald stomped across the room to the door.


    Oh, just so you know. nah spoke, and he stopped. Ill let Derek know that he doesnt have to hold back because of me anymore. Id like to see your manor in Torith after the first failed assassination attempt.


    Gerald opened the door, walked out, and mmed it.


    <em>I didnt make anything better, but that man was set in his ways the moment he entered the room. There was no changing his mind. Hes actually happy that something like this happened. Hes always been jealous because of the respect Edward gives me. </em>She couldnt help but think as the Kings Advisor left her restaurant. <em>At least Phillip isnt a total idiot like that one, even if he is overbearing.</em>


    nah shook her head. Looks like I have even more on my te today. She took out two redmunication crystals. One had Dereks contact information, along with a few other runes, and the other had but a single rune, the Kings.


    Are you going to warn Derek? Avery asked.


    You do it. She tossed him the crystal containing Dereks rune. The old man always talks my ear off. No telling when Ill be able to get out of this conversation. It was ironic. If only she knew that Ste had the same thoughts about her.


    Avery smiled wryly. Well, I wanted to talk to Derek, anyway. He took the crystal and began hismunication.

 Chapter 115: Preparing to Leave

    Chapter 115: Preparing to Leave


    Walking down the street of themoner district, Derek put hismunications crystal away. <em>Huh Thats interesting.</em>


    He had just finished talking to a man named Avery. He was one of nahs aides. She had mentioned him before, but Derek had never talked to him directly.


    ording to Avery, nah was going to be busy talking with the King for the time being. He contacted Derek to let him know what happened with Gerald Torith, and to warn him about possible retaliation.


    <em>Everything is a game to some of these nobles. </em>Avery had exined how Gerald had jumped at the first opportunity to try to damage nahs reputation. They knew that he would try to use her refusal to punish Derek to help further his cause. Technically, what Derek did was a punishable offense.


    <em>Well, he did tell me that if anything happens now, there will be no need for me to hold back. I wonder if they are really going to send assassins after me. I doubt they would be much of a problem to me, but I would hate for Thomas or the others to get caught in the crossfire. </em>


    Derek would soon be traveling to another city, along with Thomas, Malorie, Brandi, and possibly Rayna. It was certainly possible for any assassins to target anybody in his party. <em>Theres nothing I can do right now. </em>He thought. <em>Ill just have to deal with any threats as theye.</em>


    Currently, Derek was debating on whether to just go back and finish the City Lord off or not. Finally, he decided to take a wait and see approach to that issue as well. Since nah was in talks with the King, there was a good chance that Gerald would be forbidden to take any action against Derek.


    <em>Well, now that everything is settled, I guess its time to prepare to leave. </em>Derek continued through the streets of themoner district, moving from stall to stall, purchasing anything he thought would make traveling more convenient.


    There werent a lot of convenience items in themoner district, at least until he got to the Adventurers Guild. The shops and stalls around the guild contained the vast majority of items that adventurers would use. There, he picked up some low-tier health, stamina, and mana potions, along with some other things. He wouldnt need them, but they would be good to have, just in case.


    After rummaging through themoner district, he headed to the merchant district. This was where he would pick up the items he was most concerned about.


    Shopping was an all day experience. Even in a pseudo city like Torith, the merchant district was huge and everywhere he went, there were stores, stalls, and vendors. Throughout the day, Derek managed to pick up quite a few things.


    His coffee had been selling well across the country, so he was no longer in debt to nah and the Crown. In fact, not only had he paid off the scrolls, but he was quite profitable. So, when it came to preparing to leave, he had plenty of gold to spend on supplies.


    Derek bought numerous herbs, spices, vegetables, fruits, and meats for Silvi. He found shops selling monster materials and bought numerous raw materials for Brandi. He also stumbled upon an alchemy shop and bought a portable alchemy set along with what books on alchemy he could find.


    If it was only going to be him and Silvi, they would be able to make it to the next city in a very short amount of time, but since he would be traveling with the others, he had to prepare for a long journey. He was even thinking about setting off with one of the trading caravans just to make the trip morefortable.


    Of course, if he did that, Brandi would have to pick one craft to practice on the trip and stick with it. Even though he nned on securing her a ce in Savannah, it would be best to keep her talents a secret until discussing everything with the City Lord there. At least he had some assurances from Walter that the City Lord of Savannah could be trusted. So far, Dereks only experience with City Lords was Malcolm Torith, and it was not a good one.


    Derek continued his shopping by heading to a clothing store. As he was close to the noble district, the clothing store was quite extravagant and pricey. He didnt mind, they still had traveling clothes.


    The shopkeeper nced up from his book and frowned when Derek stepped into the store. He began to read again before realization shed in his eyes and he mmed the book shut. M-Mr. Hunt Wee to Radiance Raiment. What might I do for you today, sir?


    Huh, you know who I am? Derek asked.


    Of course, sir. Gossip travels fast. He answered. N-not that Ive been gossiping about you I


    Derekughed. Thats fine. I dont mind. Derek said. What exactly has a shopkeep in the merchant district heard about me?


    N-nothing too much. The man hesitated.


    Dont mind me. You can speak freely. Derek said.


    After hesitating more, but getting another nod from Derek, the man finally spoke. W-well I, of course, heard of your description, including your odd dress. He motioned to Dereks shirt and jeans. There is also a rumor that you obtained a membership at the Crown. He paused.


    Derek nodded. And?


    And that you were the one that caused themotion at the City Lords manor yesterday. He concluded.


    Derek smiled. All true. He stated.


    The mans eyes went wide, but he chose not to say anything about it.


    So, Im looking for some traveling clothes for mypanions. You think you could help me out? Derek asked.


    Of course, sir. What is it that you are looking for? He asked.


    Well, I need somefortable clothing for a boy about this big. Derek moved his hands, drawing Thomass shape in the air. At least a few sets. And, its better if they are on the bigger side. Should be easy enough to bring them in. Derek thought about Brandis skills. She could easily make a set of clothes that were too big, fit.


    Im also going to need some sets for a girl about this big. Again, he motioned his hands to draw out Brandi in the air. And two women. He described Rayna and Malroie to the shopkeeper instead of giving a general outline with his hands. Again, too big is better than too small. We have a decently skilled tailor, so she should be able to take in any extra widths or heights.


    The shopkeeper nodded. Very well. It would be better if I could see them, but I should have some clothes here that shouldnt need too much altering. The man went and picked out numerous sets of clothing, bringing them back to his counter and Derek.


    Derek went through the clothing. Well, Im not really good at this, so Ill trust your judgement. He agreed to the price and put everything away in his storage ring.


    Would yourpanions need any undergarments? The man asked.


    Derek smiled oddly. Uh I guess. Just give me a bunch and Ill leave it to them to sort everything out. He said. <em>This is going to lead to an ufortable conversation </em>He thought.


    Derek finished buying everything he needed from the shop and left. Turning to wave at the shopkeeper before the door closed. Thanks for your help.


    A few hourster, Derek walked out of another shop. Phew Derek wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. <em>I dont know how everyone does this shopping thing every day. This is more tiring than fighting a horde of Void Beasts.</em>


    With that, Derek turned back towards themoner district and started back to his inn.


    ***


    Two Days Later


    Ste had been running around the Crown making sure everything was shipshape. She had been meeting with Emily for thest couple of days, talking about the management of the restaurant.


    A knock resounded on her office door, then it opened, revealing Emily. Mistress, Mr. Hunt has arrived.


    Okay, Ill be right down. Ste said.


    She walked to her doorway, then turned and looked at the empty office room. All that was left was the desk and chairs. Ste let out a sigh and turned to walk off, closing the door behind her.


    She walked downstairs and saw Derek waiting by the counter.


    When he saw her, he smiled. Ste! Usually you invite me up.


    She giggled. I know, but I felt like taking a walk today. Care to join me? She asked.


    Of course. He said.


    With that, the two of them made their way out of the restaurant and walked slowly through the noble district.


    Im leaving tomorrow. Derek broke the silence.


    Mhm. Ste mumbled. Thats what I heard. Hows Silvi taking it?


    Derekughed. Shes fine. I promised her that I would try to find another ce for her to practice cooking when we get to where were going. She also gets to cook while were on the road, so its sort of a win-win for her.


    Ste smiled. Actually, I wanted to talk to you about tomorrow.


    Oh, what is it?


    Well, I have been gone from the bigger cities for a while now, so I was thinking that


    Derek frowned and held one finger up. Hold on for a second, sorry. He apologized.


    A glowing red crystal then appeared in his hand. Walter He muttered, then connected to the crystal. Hey, Walter. Im a bit busy He suddenly stopped.


    Derek frown turned to anger as rage shed in his eyes. He stopped talking out loud. The fury kept building. The crystal stopped glowing and vanished from his hand.


    A loud crash rang out from the direction of the Crown and Ste whipped her head towards that direction. A purple beam moved faster than her eyes could see and collided with Derek.


    But it didnt collide. It was Silvi, and she was perched on Dereks shoulder. A look of excitement and anger seemed to being off of the bunny too. Derek had controlled his aura, but the auraing off of Silvi was enough to cause the unprepared Ste to take a step back.


    Derek bent his knee, then pushed against the ground. Then he was gone. Ste was standing alone.


    <em>What happened? </em>She couldnt help but think. <em>It was Walter. </em>She remembered hearing Derek say his name when he connected to the crystal. Ste turned in the direction of the Gracefall Manor and took off at a sprint.

 Chapter 116: Fury

    Chapter 116: Fury


    Derek and Ste were walking down the street in the noble district of the city. Derek thought it was odd because all of their previous meetings had happened either over themunication crystal or in person at the Crown.


    Actually, I wanted to talk to you about tomorrow. Ste said.


    Oh, what is it? Derek replied, curious as to what Ste was thinking. She was acting odd.


    Ste looked down and spoke in a soft voice. Well, I have been away from the bigger cities for a while now, so I was thinking that


    Just then, Derek felt the pull from amunication crystal in his storage device. He frowned and held up a finger, motioning for Ste to hold. Hold on for a second, sorry. He apologised for being rude at the moment.


    With a flick of his hand, the glowing red crystal appeared. He looked at the lit rune to see who was trying to get ahold of him. Walter He muttered. That was quite odd, as they usually just met in person to talk.


    He answered the call, wanting to let the man know that he would see him in a bit. His manor was his next stop after talking to Ste, after all. Though it was the private crystal, he spoke out loud for Stes sake. Hey, Walter. Im a bit busy


    Before he could finish his sentence, Walter cut him off. <em>Derek sorry Ive got some bad news. </em>


    <em>Whats wrong? </em>Derek sent, no longer speaking out loud.


    <em>The scout I have stationed at your vige just reported to me that the City Lords men found Brandi crafting multiple items, using different crafts. They were ordered to capture the girl and bring her back. </em>Walter exined.


    <em>Is she okay? </em>Derek asked. His hand balled into a fist. He was doing his best not to crush the crystal.


    <em>The girl is </em>Walter said.


    <em>Whats wrong? Hurry and tell me! </em>Derek was quickly growing impatient.


    <em>The former vige chief tried to stop them from taking her Shes dying</em>


    <em>How long? </em>Dereks rage was building.


    <em>She only has a few hours left </em>Walter solemnly answered.


    <em>Does your man not have a Scroll of Resurrection? </em>Derek asked with some hope.


    <em>No, they are very rare</em>


    <em>Brandi has one in her storage ring. Can your man get to it? </em>Derek asked, already knowing the answer.


    <em>Hes only a scout. The City Lords men are warriors, and they took her and her mothers rings. </em>


    Derek was furious. He didnt want to see Rayna die, but he wasnt sure if he could make it to the vige in time. <em>Thanks for letting me know. </em>He sent, then disconnected from Walter.


    <em>Silvi. </em>He sent out.


    <em>What? Im cooking. </em>She sent back.


    <em>Weve got people to kill. </em>


    Instantly, after sending the thought to Silvi, a loud crash was heard, and the bunny came flying toward him. Shended on his shoulder. If there was one thing she loved as much as or even more than cooking, it was killing.


    <em>Lets go. </em>


    Derek put all his strength in his legs and pushed off. He had to make it to the vige before Raynas time ran out.


    The due didnt pause to be let through the gates. As soon as they reached one, they were up and over, and before long, they had made it outside of the city.


    Derek quickly thought about the exact location of the vige, turned slightly, and took off in its direction.


    ***


    A skinny man with a straw hat and a muscr man in well-maintained leather armor were sitting atop a tarp covered carriage being pulled by two Equvins. The horse-like creatures were moving at a controlled pace, not too fast, but not too slow, towards the direction of Torith.


    Aye, Garrett. The man not holding the reins spoke. Ya think the Lord will let us have some fun with the mom? Shes a right beauty, that one.


    Are you daft? The driver of the carriage spat. Of course he wont. That womans the only leverage the City Lord will have over that youngster. Well be lucky if were not punished on ount of us having to rough her up a bit.


    A shame, it is. Shed be a good time. The man said.


    It doesnt matter how good of time it would be if you end up dying because of it. She is a beauty, but she aint worth dying over. The driver said.


    I guess yer right. The other man agreed.


    Behind them, in the tarp covered carriage, the sobbing and hushing sounds could be heard. Shh shh everythings going to be alright. The men heard the mother try tofort her daughter.


    They heard the girl sniff. B-but Rayna she she The girl broke out crying again.


    Aye! You two better put a lid on it before Ie back there and give you something to cry about. The skinny man shouted at their captives.


    Let them get it out of their systems. Better here with nobody around to hear than in the middle of the city. The driver said.


    Whatever. The skinny man replied.


    An hour or so of travelter, and the crying sobs quietened, reced by the asional snore. The little girl had apparently cried herself to sleep.


    Oi! What is that up there? The skinny man pointed at a ck dot in the distance.


    The driver squinted before seeing what the other man was talking about. I dont know. But its getting bigger and bigger.


    In an instant, a man in a ck shirt and dark blue pants appeared in front of them. There was some small beast atop his shoulder as well.


    ***


    Derek and Silvi had been rushing towards the vige at the fastest pace they could travel. After over an hour of travel, they came across a suspicious looking carriage being driven by two men. Derek came to a halt right in front of the carriage.


    Move out of the way! Were on City Lords business. The skinny looking man yelled.


    Torith City Lord? Derek asked.


    Who else? The man answered.


    Derek took a step forward, and in the next second, he appeared beside the covered carriage. Raising his hand, he yanked and removed the tarp from the carriage. Underneath the tarp, a bruised Malorie and sleeping Brandi sat in cuffs inside a cage.


    Derek was already furious. He was even more so now.


    <em>I dont have any time to spare. </em>He sent to Silvi. <em>Take care of the guards, and bring Mal and Brandi back to the vige. Keep them safe. </em>


    Silvi hopped off of Dereks shoulder before Derek took off again.


    ***


    Silvinded lightly on the ground. Then, using <strong>Active Void Shift,</strong> she disappeared from the spot and appeared flying through the air beside the City Lords men.


    Combining her <strong>Active Void Shift </strong>with <strong>Charge</strong>, she flew at a rapid speed with her head down. Her purple wrapped horn glistened in the sunlight as it connected with the temple of the driver. Her horn pierced his head like a hot knife through butter, and, without slowing down, she continued through with her small body.


    Of course, with the speed at which her head connected with the rest of the mans head, and, because the mans brain had already been destroyed by her horn, the rest of the mans head exploded into pieces.


    The skinny man hadnt even had time to turn to see hispanion lose his life before it was his turn. Silvi had lined up her path perfectly so she would fly directly through the first man, then into the second.


    In an instant, the front of the carriage was sttered with gore and brain matter, and the City Lord was down two men.


    The two beasts, scared at the sudden development, rared up. Before they could do anything, Silvi appeared in front of them and stared into their eyes with a fierce gaze. They settled down and stopped moving.


    She disappeared again beforending back on the ground close to the carriage. Her silver fur and purple mane now coated in a crimson red. <em>Woah! </em>She thought. <em>My head-butting has gotten so much better than it used to be. </em>She took one quick hop, then realized that she was covered in human.


    <em>Nasty. The Head Chef would scald me for this. </em>She hurried and cast <strong>cleaning,</strong> restoring her fur and cloak back to their previously beautiful appearance.


    After taking care of the guard duo and cleaning herself, she hopped over to the carriage and into the cage.


    Everything had happened so fast that Malorie hadnt had the time to adjust, so when Silvi appeared in front of her, she flinched backwards. Then, she recognized the bunny that she hadnt seen in a while. S-silvi? Is that you?


    Malorie whipped her head left and right, looking for Derek. <em>If Silvi is here, he has to be close. </em>However, she couldnt find him, no matter where she looked.


    Out of nowhere, two small green crystals appeared in front of the bunny. The bunny put each of her small front paws onto a crystal, then they began glowing. Then she opened her mouth and picked up one of the crystals.


    Hello, beautiful, deliciousdy. A child-like feminine voice sounded out from one of the crystals.


    Silvi? Is that you talking? Malorie asked. She couldnt believe what she was seeing. What are you doing here? Where is Derek?


    Derek is going to your vige. He left me here. Hes trying to save the otherdy. The child-like voice chimed again. Im here to save you uh The bunny looked around. Tada! youre saved.


    What? Malorie stood as tall as the chains would let her. She wasnt able to see much, but she could see some blood pooling on the ground towards the front of the carriage. What happened?

 Chapter 117: Race Against Time

    Chapter 117: Race Against Time


    Derek dropped Silvi off at the carriage containing Malorie and Brandi and kept going. He could only hope that the mother/daughter duo were safe. He didnt have enough time to stay and check on them, and he knew that there wasnt much that Silvi wouldnt be able to handle. Right now, he was in a race against time to save Rayna.


    Derek could vaguely feel the pull from themunication crystal in his storage going off, but he ignored it. It wasnt the first time hed ignored it, and it wouldnt be thest.


    Minutes after dropping Silvi off at the carriage, a couple of notifications shed in his vision. Since the notification at the side of his screen was mildly annoying and reading them wouldnt affect his speed, Derek viewed them while running.


    Your Bonded Companion Has Killed level 83 Warrior.


    Your Bonded Companion Has Killed level 91 Warrior.


    214,000 Experience Gained


    579,118/590,000 Experience to Next Level


    <em>They were higher level than I expected. </em>Derek thought. It seemed like he was correct in assuming that Silvi wouldnt have any problems taking care of them. He could only wonder how they met their fate. Did she use her <strong>Void Lightning </strong>skill on them? Did she just overpower them? Had they seen iting?


    Derek couldnt help but distract himself with these thoughts. He hadnt gotten Raynas exact countdown time before he left, so for all he knew, she could already be gone. He hated that he couldnt travel any faster.


    He tried to put the thoughts out of his head. Rayna was one of the few people he would call friends. In the whole of the Earths Apocalypse, he had never gotten too close to anyone. Even Silvi and her team could only be considered acquaintances who fought together from time to time.


    Getting stuck in the void had made him feel the need for connection. Traveling together with Thomas had further changed his attitude towards people, and the conversations with Walter, Ste, and nah had made him ept the reality that he no longer wanted to be left alone.


    Before long, Derek was at the vige. Instead of going around to the gate, he jumped over the side of the wall. There was no time for manners.


    Quickly, he found himself on the main street of the vige, by the old inn. The vige was lively, and many people could be seen running around. These people were not those of the vige. It was to be expected after the dungeon was discovered.


    Derek grabbed the first person he found. A rough looking man with brown hair and leather armor. Wheres Rayna?


    The man tried to shrug Dereks hand off of his shoulder, but was surprised when he found that he could move it. W-who? He asked.


    Rayna. The former chief of this vige. Where is she? Derek asked again.


    I-I dont know.


    Derek tossed the man to the side and ran towards Richard and Delhs house. If anybody knew what happened, it would be Richard.


    Derek burst through the door, not bothering to knock. Instantly, his eyes fell on Richard. Where is sh He started, but saw Delh sitting on the floor with her back against their bed, holding Rayna in her arms, the old womans tears running down her face and dropping onto Raynas.


    Human Female


    Level 53


    State: Dying


    Time Remaining: 13 Minutes


    Derek let out a breath. Hed made it. She only had 13 minutes left, but that was plenty. As long as she could still be saved, he would do it.


    He pulled one of his two remaining Recovery Potions. He could only hope that the potions from his old system would work the same here as they did there.


    Derek walked forward, potion in hand. He crouched down in front of Delh and reached for Raynas head.


    Open her mouth. He said to Delh.


    Not asking any questions, Thomas''s grandmother did as Derek told. While Raynas head was cradled in her left arm, she reached up to her mouth with her right hand and forced open Raynas mouth.


    Derek slowly poured the small vial into Raynas mouth, not allowing any to spill. Once the potion was in, he forced her mouth back shut and waited, checking her status constantly. Finally, her status changed, and Derek released the tension in his body.


    Human Female


    Level 53


    State: Unconscious


    Derek used the hand he had ced on her head and cast <strong>Rejuvenation </strong>on her. He also pulled out a couple Lesser Health Potions and fed her one, setting the other beside Delh.


    Shell be fine. Derek said, then went back over to Richard. He leaned against the wall and slid down into a sitting position. So, what exactly happened? He asked.


    Im happy you made it in time. Richard said as he sat beside Derek. How did you find out?


    A friend of mine has someone watching the vige, so when that person saw what happened, he sent a message to my friend, who told me. Derek answered as there was nothing to hide.


    You were at Torith when you got the message? How how did you get here so fast? Richard asked.


    Im fast when I travel alone. Was all that Derek said. With his Strength, Endurance, and Dexterity, Dereks speed was multiple times faster than the average persons. A caravan would travel at 3-4 miles per hour because not everyone would have unlocked the system, and most of the time, there wouldnt be enough carriages to go around.


    It would also have to take breaks for meals and rest while traveling. And without proper guard, they wouldnt travel at night. So, with around 10 hours of travel time, a caravan would average around 35 miles a day. Which is why it can take weeks to make it from the vige to the city.


    Derek was able to ignore all of that and make it within a few hours. First, he was able to sprint the entire way without rest. Also, with his stats, his running speed was much faster than the average system user. Of course, he wasnt able to gauge how fast he could run, but he figured he couldpete with a sports car back on Earth.


    Richard received Dereks answer and didnt ask anymore questions. Im just d you made it in time. All of a sudden, Richard seemed to remember something. Brandi, Malorie He muttered, but was cut off before he finished.


    Safe. Derek said. I left Silvi with them. They should be making their way back to the vige as we speak.


    Richard nodded and let out a sigh. Thats good thats good.


    So, are you going to tell me what happened? Derek asked again.


    Im not entirely sure, as I didnt see the whole thing. Richard replied. When I heard about themotion, I rushed over to Malories courtyard. Her and Brandi were already locked in cages, and Rayna was doing everything she could to rescue them. There were two men, and they were both more powerful than she was, so it didnt take long before they overpowered her.


    What about the Overseer? Derek asked.


    She showed up at the end, but Rayna was already in that state.


    But she just let them take Brandi and Mal? Dereks rage still hadnt subsided. Now he was starting to get an idea about whom to point it at next.


    Richard shook his head and sneered. They dont care about us. One of the men whispered something in her ear and handed her two of the storage rings they stole off of the girls.


    Derek scoffed. She was sent here to keep the peace, but was bought off just like that. I guess the vige is going to need a new Overseer. Derek said.


    What? Richard was bbergasted. But the Overseer is sent by the Kings men. Going against them is like going against the King.


    Derek shook his head. From what I know, the King is a decent person. He just surrounds himself with greedy idiots. Im sure the dungeon and a vige like this were only a blip on his radar that he passed off to one of his advisors. Besides, I know someone who has a good rtionship with him. Ill let her know that the Kings going to need to send a new Overseer.


    Richard looked at Derek like he was a monster. Of course, Richard had given Derek the same gaze many times since they met, so it was no longer odd.


    Do you know the name of the Overseer? Derek asked.


    Katrisha Collins. Richard answered. She made sure that we all knew the name of the person in charge once she arrived.


    Derek nodded and took out hismunication crystal. Give me a minute, I need to contact someone. He told Richard. Both nah and Walter had been trying to openmunications with him while he was running to the vige. It was time to let them know what happened.


    Derek first contacted nah.


    <em>Derek? Finally What happened? Is everything alright? Were you able to get to your friend in time? </em>nah hit him with question after question. Obviously, Ste had found out what happened from Walter, and passed the information to nah.


    Derek smiled at her concern. <em>Only just. I got here with only a few minutes to spare. I was lucky.</em>


    <em>Thats good. </em>nah said in relief.


    <em>Yeah, it is. </em>Derek replied. <em>Now, what do you know about the Overseer here? Katrisha Collins. Im about to go pay my respects.</em>

 Chapter 118: First Time Meeting Katrisha

    Chapter 118: First Time Meeting Katrisha


    <em>Now, what do you know about the Overseer here? Katrisha Collins. Im about to go pay my respects. </em>Derek asked nah.


    <em>I dont know a lot. I know much more about her parents. </em>nah answered. <em>Wait, what do you mean when you say you are going to pay your respects? </em>


    <em>She let everything happen today. </em>Derek said. <em>She arrived after Rayna was already dying, so I cant me herpletely for that, but she also let those two goons kidnap Brandi and her mother. So, use your imagination. </em>Derek exined.


    <em>Like I said, I dont know much about the woman, but she is part of a mid-tier noble house. Her father is one of the biggest pushovers you will ever meet. Her mother married into the Collins family, but controls everything. The house has fallen greatly in thest few decades. Other than a few old guards, they dont have much strength. </em>She said.


    <em>If the house has fallen that far, how are they still considered mid-tier? </em>


    <em>Well, Katrishas mother is from a different noble house, also mid-tier. But, her aunt married into one of the more well known noble houses. </em>Derek heard nah sigh in his head. <em>A well known noble house that is close to another noble house Torith </em>


    <em>Figures. </em>Derek said.


    <em>You arent surprised? </em>nah asked.


    <em>Not at all. It makes sense to send someone who has some rtionship to the City Lord of the closest city to the dungeon to oversee it. It also exins her actions, orck thereof, after one of the men whispered to her privately. </em>He exined.


    <em>So, what are you going to do? </em>The woman asked.


    <em>Im not entirely sure about that. It depends on her, to be honest. She will not get away unscathed, though. Neither will the City Lord when I get back to the city.</em>


    <em>I see. </em>nah said.


    <em>What, are you not going to try to stop me this time? </em>Derek expected nah to ask for him to go easy.


    <em>Nope. Gerald had his chance. You gave them a warning, even going as far as telling them not to mess with the vige. They had plenty of time to call off their men, but they didnt. And trust me, those men wouldnt have kidnapped your friends without getting the okay from Malcolm. Whether he knows they were close to you or not, I dont know. </em>nah answered in a somewhat defeated tone.


    <em>Plus. Gerald pissed me off the other day. He will receive no more help from me or mine. </em>She continued.


    <em>Oh, you dont have to worry about him for too much longer, either. </em>Derek said. <em>When I eliminate a problem, I take it out by the roots if needed, and based on everything I know, its needed. You may want to get in touch with your friend, the King, and tell him it would be a good time to start looking for a recement advisor. </em>


    <em>Derek, you cant. </em>nah said. <em>Im not sure of your exact strength, but that will make you enemies of the King. Even I am not strong enough to handle him </em>


    <em>Dont worry. I dont have any illusions of my strength. But my strength right now is not my strength tomorrow. Ive been stagnant for far too long. You dont have to worry about me. By the time I finish uprooting the House Torith, the King will thank me for going easy. </em>Derek replied.


    <em>Just be careful. Gerald will not let anything slide if you actually go after his family. My talk with the King caused the man to not take action after your threats, but all that is off once you do anything. </em>


    <em>I know. Like I said, Im one person that you dont have to worry about </em>Derek said. <em>Oh, Rayna is stirring. I have to cut our conversation short. Ill talk to youter. </em>With that, Derek ended their conversation and stored his crystal.


    Look whos finally back to thend of the living. Derek spoke as he stood and walked over to the confused Rayna.


    W-where am I? Rayna asked. D-derek? What are you doing here?


    Well, I had toe see my favorite punching bag. Derek jested. What is it about you and getting your ass beaten by people from noble houses? This was twice now that Rayna had been osted by the nobles. Once from Walters son, and again from Toriths men.


    Brandi! Mal! Raynas eyes went wide, and she jumped to her feet.


    Theyre fine. You need to rest. Derek put his hand on her shoulder.


    Rayna looked up into his eyes. I couldnt do anything. I can never do anything. She stepped forward and put her head on Dereks shoulder. There, she wept.


    Derek patted the back of her head while she cried on his shoulder. Its fine. You did your best and everyone is still alive. Theres no shame in that. You will get stronger. Hell, you gained a few levels in the short time that Ive been gone, too, and you did it on your own.


    Eventually, Rayna pulled back and stared deep into Dereks eyes. Iming with you. Is that still okay?


    Derek nodded. Of course it is. He looked around the room. So, other than the whole kidnapping debacle, how has the Overseer been? Derek still wasnt sure of what kind of punishment he was going to deal out, so he wanted everybodys opinions on the woman.


    Shes useless. Rayna spoke. And that''s not just me being angry over everything that happened. She rarelyes out of my her house, and when she does, its only because she has to check on the dungeon camp every week or so. From what I know, she hasnt said a single nice word to any viger.


    Derek nodded and looked at Richard.


    She also beat Bart because she didnt like the way he spoke. He didnt say anything uncouth to her, she just didnt like his manner of speaking. It wasnt the worst beating that old bastards ever received, and he came out of it not too worse for wear, but its just about the only beating hes gotten that he didnt deserve. Richard said.


    Derek nodded again. So, the general consensus is that the Overseer is shit. Got it. That makes what Im about to do much easier. Derek said. Now, would you all like toe watch?


    With that, Derek walked out of Richards house. The other followed behind him. ording to Rayna, the woman had taken over her residence, so it wouldnt be hard to find her.


    Derek walked through the town center and up to the residence. There were two well kitted guards with spears stationed in front of the door.


    Stop! One of the guards yelled, and eyed Derek up and down. Getting a shock when he saw Rayna standing behind him. Who are you? He asked, lessmanding.


    It doesnt matter who I am. What matters is that Im here to see Katrisha, and Im not in a very good mood. Derek answered.


    The guards looked at Derek, unsure of what to make of him. Finally, the other guard spoke. Who can I say is here for a visit?


    You cant, Derek answered. Im not here to visit, and Im not going to make small talk. Either you go in and get her, or I will.


    Im afraid thats impossible. One guard said and drew his weapon. If you are not willing to let yourself be known, then I must ask you to leave.


    Derek shook his head, then stepped forward. His motion was almost a blur. Holding back as much strength as possible, he cracked both guards on the back of their armored heads. They crumpled to the ground.


    Derek ran a quick check to make sure they werent dead or dying. Luckily, for them, they were only unconscious.


    With that, Derek turned to Rayna. Sorry about your door. He said.


    My do She began to ask, but before she couldplete her words, Derek had already kicked out, sending the wooden door splintering into pieces.


    Derek walked in and scanned his surroundings. He heard some noiseing from one area of the house and headed that way. Again, he didnt bother with knocking or even opening the door. He sent his palm out and it exploded as well.


    Inside what Derek now knew was a bedroom, he saw a young man to the right side of the door rushing to equip his armor. On the other side of the bed was an attractive woman with brown hair, brown eyes, and dressed in a sheet. Derek could only chuckle.


    The half equipped man rushed at Derek with a sword he picked up from leaning against the wall. Just as he did the previous two guards, Derek tapped him on the back of the head, causing the man to go limp and fall to the ground.


    Derek moved his attention towards the woman. Her face flushed red in anger and embarrassment. You must be Trish. He said. Then, in a serious tone. Put some clothes on, youre embarrassing yourself.


    The woman looked down, then back up at Derek. If gazes could kill, he would have been dead many times over. She made a quick gesture with her hand, then dropped the sheet. Where the sheet once covered was now a beautiful ck dress.


    How dare you! She finally yelled. Do you know who I am? I am the Overseer of this vige and the new dungeon. I was appointed by the Kings office.


    Now, now. Derek said. None of that shit matters right now. Derek took a step and appeared again right next to the woman. She tried to attack him, but only received a punch in the gut. Then Derek grabbed her hair and started walking, pulling her along behind. Follow me. Ive made enough noise that Im sure the entire vige is wondering whats going on. We cant let our audience wait, now can we?

 Chapter 119: *Spoiler*

    Chapter 119: *Spoiler*


    Derek, with a handful of hair, dragged Katrisha out of the bedroom. She was pulling against him and fighting at his hand the whole way. When he made it out of the bedroom, he found a waiting Rayna, Richard, and Delh.


    Come on. He said as he continued out the front door.


    The trio looked at each other, some worry in their eyes, before finally just following along behind him.


    Derek. Richard spoke. The Overseer is sanctioned by the King. What are you nning?


    Thats right! Katrisha yelled. I was sent here by the Kings office! What you are doing right now is tantamount to treason. Release me at Ouch! She finished her sentence as Derek gave her hair a hard tug.


    Shut up. Derek said to the woman, then looked back at Richard. Im not entirely sure what Im going to do with her. Shell definitely be punished, but how bad will be up to her. While not innocent by any means, she was not the one who gave the orders or did the act. But, like I said, what happens next depends on her, and so far, it isnt looking good.


    Richard didnt ask anything else.


    After a few more moments, Derek and the group arrived at the intersection that doubled as the town center. He was right in assuming that the sound of him destroying the door had drawn some attention, as there were over a dozen people there, with more arriving every minute. There were also a couple of vigers in the distance that had seen him knock the two guards unconscious, who must have spread word around.


    This is good. Lets wait a bit before we have our little trial. Is that okay with you? He asked Katrisha. Before she could say anything, Derek spoke again. It is? Thats great. His anger had faded some once Rayna woke up, but it was still there.


    More and more people came to the town center over the next few minutes. Thats good enough, I guess. Derek shoved the woman to her knees. Dont get up. He said to her, of course, the instant he removed his hand, she turned as fast as she could and attacked him.


    Are you serious? He said as he held her fist in his hand. He then let his aura spill out, and directed it as best he could towards the woman. Listen, I really have no qualms about killing you right here and now. Hell, it might be better to do just that. Itd at least save me some time But Im giving you a chance here.


    Derek let go of her fist, and she dropped to the ground under the weight of his aura. She had looked terrified when she stared into his changed features as he unleashed his aura. Derek withdrew his aura. Katrisha did not try to stand again.


    Derek bent down. Now, heres the deal. Im going to ask you some questions, and youre going to answer them to the best of your ability. I only want the truth. If I sense that you are lying to me, then I will just kill you, as I dont actually need any information from you. Is that clear?


    The woman, under the eyes of dozens of vigers and adventurers, nodded fiercely in agreement.


    Good. Now, if you can not answer something because of an oath, just say that you cant answer. Im sure you are oath-bound on some subjects, right?


    She nodded again.


    How many? Derek asked.


    Two. She meekly answered.


    Good. Now, my first question. Did you know that the vige was under protection? Derek asked.


    She nodded.


    Yet you still allowed my friend to be beaten and the other two to be kidnapped. Why?


    I-it was only protected by a fallen noble house. Those that acted were from the City Lords house. House Torith. She answered.


    Youre wrong. Derek said, causing her eyebrows to rise. The vige wasnt protected by House Gracefall. It was protected by Walter Gracefall, on his own honor. Do you know what honor means to that man?


    Katrisha stared up at Derek in shock. But I heard it was only under his houses protection. Thats what those adventurers said.


    Thats probably what they thought, too. Do you expect regr adventurers to know the difference?


    Still. She said. His honor is nothing against House Torith.


    It was also protected by me. Derek said.


    I dont even know who you are. As the interrogation continued, Katrishas personality was beginning to fade back into existence.


    Thats fair. I dont feel like exining it to you right now, anyway. Derek replied. Now, second question. What rtions do you have with House Torith?


    Apparently, she took this question as Derek being cautious, trying not to offend a top noble house. She lit up at the question. I am very close to House Torith. I have family that is part of the house. They wont forgive you if anything happens to me.


    Derek almostughed as he listened to the woman dig her own grave deeper and deeper. Is that so?


    She nodded furiously. Thats right. Im sure the City Lord has already heard of this by now. If you let me go and beg for mercy, I may be willing to put in a good word for you.


    As if. Derek thought. No, I dont think I need you to put in a good word for me. Besides, did you not hear what happened with the City Lord a few days ago?


    Huh? What happened?


    I guess it would take a long time withoutmunication crystals for news to travel to a remote vige. Even an up anding one like this one. He thought. Its nothing that concerns you right now. He replied. Now, if Im correct, you were given two storage rings aspensation for not getting in the way. Give them to me.


    He had already seen the two rings she was wearing on her hands, and the one on a ne around her neck when she was startled up from the bed.


    They are mine. She said.


    Derek reached over the woman and took the rings off her hands. He also tore the ne with the ring off as well. The woman turned her head around and red at him, but he stared daggers at her until she turned back around.


    Some gasps could be heard from those watching. It was unreal for most people to see someone appointed by the King treated this way, even if she did deserve it. There were those, however, who had been in the vige at the time when Derek executed the noble adventurer. They made no noise and only watched in silence.


    You get er! A familiar voice came out of the back of the crowd.


    Derek contained his smile as he looked up and saw Bart with his ck eye and makeshift crutches. Ah, they didnt say how recent his beating was. By the looks of it, it only happened in thest couple of days. Viges need a more proper way to heal. The people just dont have a strong enough Vitality stat to remove the injuries quickly. Derek was thankful for his Vitality stat more than any other.


    He moved his attention back to Katrisha. Does your family work with or for the Torith family? Katrisha hesitated to answer. Remember what I said. You better answer.


    Finally, she nodded. Yes. We do.


    Good. What is it that your family does for Gerald and House Torith? Derek made sure not to include any honorifics when saying the family heads name. Maybe, with his disrespect of such a powerful person, Katrisha would understand more of the situation she was in.


    She was silent for a while. I cant answer that.


    Ah, so its damning enough that it requires an oath from anybody who knows?


    I cant answer that. She repeated.


    Derek nodded and didnt continue that line of questioning. He would bring it up with nahter to see if she knew the connection.


    Do you agree that what you did to my friends was wrong?


    I had no choice! She argued.


    I didnt ask that. Derek said. Was it wrong? Are you sorry for your actions? Derek waited, but she didnt answer. Of course, you arent sorry for your actions. Youre only sorry about the situation they put you in.


    Thats not She started, but Derek cut her off.


    Dont lie. That was my condition. He warned.


    Obviously, Derek didnt have a way to detect whether she was lying or not. He had no skill to do so, and even though he could feel her heartbeat if he wanted, he hadnt practiced any lie detection methods. Hell, the ones he has seen were only from movies and books, so he didnt even know if it worked like that. However, Katrisha did not know any of this.


    I regret being in this situation, but those women were only vigers peasants.


    Derek shook his head. How big of an anomaly was Walter? Derek was one in five when it came to adult nobles not thinking vigers were scum. Six if he included Gerald, but he hadnt personally met that man yet.


    Thank you for answering honestly. He replied. What kind of punishment do you think you should receive for your actions and inactions?


    Isnt this enough? She asked.


    It was true that what had happened was extremely embarrassing for her, but it was not enough. No. You allowed an attempted murder for no reason, human trafficking, and you personally beat a good man because of the way he talks. This is not enough.


    She was quiet at that. While he waited for her answer, Derek looked through the storage rings. The one on the ne was most definitely her personal ring. It had many sets of clothing and undergarments. There were wines and foodstuffs, as well as a small amount of armor and weaponry.


    He shifted his focus to one of the other rings. It was near empty. All it had in it were some cooked dishes. This ring must have been one of Mals. After skimming the contents, he moved on to thest ring. Looking into it, he stopped. His dissipating anger rising again.


    When you took these storage rings, did you look inside them? He asked.


    Of course. She answered.


    So, you know the contents?


    Yes?


    The ring he was holding was Brandis personal storage ring. It had all herpleted crafts inside. It also had her Scroll of Resurrection.


    So, this He pulled out the scroll. Was in your possession the entire time, and you didnt even think about using it on a lowly viger? Even though it belonged to her friend in the first ce.


    I-its too valuable. She said.


    Derek was being a hypocrite here, as that was the same reason he used not to save Brandis father when he first arrived. Had he gotten a scroll from someone close to the man, and they all seemed like good people, which they did, he wouldnt have even thought about it before using it. Derek could still use the excuse that he was in an unfamiliar world and still didnt know what to expect. He could also use his time in the void as an excuse. But what excuse did Katrisha have? That it was too valuable?


    He was already leaning towards death for Katrisha. Her closeness, and her familys apparent oaths towards the Torith family had almost settled it. When he saw the contents of the ring, it was settled.


    It would not be a painful death, and she wouldnt see iting.


    While standing behind the woman, Derek channeled the void through his hand. With his palm, just as he did with the Void Beast, he struck the back of her head, destroying her brain in the process. The woman fell forward, dead. There was no dying state with such damage.


    Derek sighed and looked around. This was the same ce he killed his first human in this world. It was almost as if this vige center was Dereks very own execution ground.

 Chapter 120: The Show is Over

    Chapter 120: The Show is Over


    A collection of gasps sounded out of the gathered crowd once Katrisha fell to the ground.


    Is she dead? One voice sounded out.


    Did he kill her?


    Maybe shes just unconscious.


    Derek listened to the discussions going on around him. Finally, he decided to clear the confusion. I have killed the Overseer. She is dead. Not only did she fail to reliably do her job, but she also acted in a way unsuitable for a person in power, noble or not.


    Afterward, he reached down and ced his hand on the lifeless body. With a thought, the body disappeared inside his storage ring. That was more proof that he had indeed killed the woman, as storage rings were unable to store the living.


    Alright, clear out. Rayna got everyones attention. The show is over.


    With that, the crowd dispersed. asionally, Derek could hear people discussing what happened with each other, and whether it would have any effect on the vige or themselves.


    Come on. Derek said to those remaining. Lets go back to your residence. He said to Rayna.


    On the way to the residence, Derek picked up the two unconscious guards before walking inside and tossing them in the same room as the other unconscious guard. He would wait for them to wake before deciding their fate. The most likely scenario was death if they were contracted to the noble house, but it was possible that they had been personally contracted to Katrisha. If that were the case, then the contract or oath would be voided, and he could let them live depending on their attitudes.


    Watch over the guards. If they stir, just hit them in the head. It wont take much to keep them unconscious. Dont worry about striking too hard. If they die, they die. Im going to go make sure the others have had no problems getting back. Derek wasnt worried about Rayna watching the guards. She may not have been as strong as they were, but she was strong enough to watch them in the state they were in.


    Everyone nodded and Derek left, heading straight towards where he left Silvi and the others.


    After a short time of running, Derek made it close to where he left the trio. He continued until he saw the bloody mess that was the bodies of Toriths other guards. He viewed the scene, giving Silvi a mental nod.


    Derek went and inspected the bodies, making sure that they no longer had any of the stolen storage rings on themselves. They did not. Satisfied, Derek turned to the path that most carriages would take when traveling between the viges or the viges and the city. Now on the path, he followed it towards the vige.


    He had gone to the vige in a straight line from where he intercepted the guards. So, it made sense that he might have missed the trio by a bit.


    Sure enough, after only a few minutes of running, Derek caught sight of the cart. He continued and closed in on the cart.


    Thats when the smelling vegetable began to roll towards the edge of the table. Derek heard Silvis childlike voice from the carriage. I didnt know what to do. I went over idea after idea, but before I could decide on one, the onion had already made it to the edge. Thats when I saw the knife. With no time to idle, I bit down on the handle, then I was under the onion.


    What happened next? Brandis voice chimed.


    Haha! Of course, I saved the smelly vegetable from hitting the dirty floor. With my superior reflexes, it wasnt even possible for the onion to hit the ground. I stabbed it with the knife, then appeared back on my work table. You should have seen the look on all the chefs faces. They couldnt stopplimenting me on my skills for the rest of the day. Silvi spoke proudly.


    Derek wanted to facepalm. He had heard about the incident, and while Silvi did as she imed, she had told him that only one other person had seen it happen. <em>I guess no matter where you go, youll always have people telling fish stories.</em>


    Derek kicked the ground andnded in the seat next to Brandi. There wasnt a lot of room, but with Brandi slid up against Mal, and Silvi in the girlsp, there was more than enough of a seat left for him.


    Wow! You sure are amazing! Derek said to Silvi with admiration.


    I know. Thats what Ive been saying. Silvi answered, not the least bit shocked at Dereks sudden appearance. With her stats, if he had caught her by surprise, he would have been disappointed in the bunny.


    Ah! Brandi let out a light yell before her eyes fell onto Derek. Derek! She shouted, then leaned over and put both arms around him.


    Malorie had reined in the two Equvins after they were spooked by Dereks sudden entrance. Once the horse-like monsters were under control, she turned to him. Rayna? She asked.


    Shes fine. I was barely in time, but I made it. Derek replied.


    Malorie let out a sigh. Thank goodness. I thought she was a goner.


    Brandi sniffled. I I had a Scroll of Resurrection, but they stole my ring. She sniffed again. Even after begging them to use it on her, that awful woman refused.


    That set Dereks mind right. He no longer felt any remorse about killing Katrisha. He had not known that she was actually asked to use the scroll by Brandi. In fact, he could now say that he was very happy with her oue.


    Its okay. I got there in time and used my potion. Luckily, it worked. Derekforted her.


    Brandi nodded her head. After a few seconds, she frowned. When did you get a potion? From the city?


    Derek flinched. Malorie looked over at him with sadness in her eyes, but a smile on her face. Of course, she already knew, if she didnt, then she should have already had a pretty good guess.


    I had it when I got to this world. Derek said, choosing not to lie to the girl.


    Then when daddy Brandi muttered.


    Derek nodded. Im sorry. He said.


    Brandi pulled back from him and looked up into his eyes. Her jaw was quivering, and tears flooded from her already teary eyes.


    Brandi. Malorie spoke.


    The girl turned to look at her mother.


    He made the right decision. Malorie said. Anybody in his position would have done the same.


    B-but.


    Malorie shook her head. He was a lone adventurer. He didnt know anybody; he didnt know us. Hed already done more than enough by saving us. That he even thought about using his potion already puts him leagues above most in this world.


    Derek looked up at Malorie. How did you know I almost used the potion?


    She smiled back. Leon. She said. He told me he thought you had one. He said you kept fiddling with your storage device while looking at Travis. The only thing that made sense was that you were hesitating in using such a precious potion on my husband. Then she looked back at Brandi. And you know hes good because of how well he treated everybody once he got to know us. Just think of all hes done for us, though some of it was probably from guilt. She looked up at Derek.


    Derek smiled. Only a little. He spoke. He did feel guilty about not using the potion, but it was the logical decision to make. And if he had never gotten to know Mal or Brandi afterwards, he would feel no guilt at all.


    And he doesnt owe any of us anything, yet he rushed to the vige and used that precious potion on Rayna. Im sure there are people who would choose to keep one of those potions for themselves instead of using it on a family member or friend. She continued.


    That makes me think. Derek said. Why would the guards give the ring with the scroll in it to the Overseer if its so precious?


    Because they didnt know what was in it. They took it off of Brandi and gave it directly to her. By the time they realized it had a scroll in it, it was toote. It was already in the Overseers protection. Malorie answered. Brandi was still quietly thinking. Speaking of which. What are we going to do about the rings? The Overseer still has them. Will we let her keep them?


    Derek pulled the rings from his storage bracelet. Rings couldnt hold other rings, but for some reason, most likely because it was from his old system, his bracelet was able to store storage items. He still wondered about the reason.


    He handed the rings to Malorie. Ones yours, the other is Brandis. The Overseer is dead. When I found the scroll on her, I made the decision. When Brandi told me she begged her to use the scroll, I was sure I made the correct one.


    Whats going to happen? The woman asked.


    Im not sure. Ive already offended a noble family. One mores not going to matter. I made some friends with high status, so Ill also let them know what happened. Well talk more about it when we get back to the vige. He answered.


    At that time, Brandi reached over and put her arms back around Derek and began crying loudly into his shirt. He could feel the tears seeping into his clothing.


    Derek hugged her back with his left arm and stroked her hair with his right hand. Im sorry. He said again, quietly.


    Brandi pushed herself back and shook her head furiously. It wasnt your fault.


    Still. Derek said.


    Mommas right. If dad was here, he would thank you for saving and taking care of us.


    <em>When did she be so mature? When her father died in her arms. </em>He chided himself. Thank you. He spoke. Her eptance made Derek feel a relief that he didnt even know he needed.


    Derek looked over at Malorie and smiled. She smiled back. How about we see how fast these beasts can get us back to the vige?


    Mal nodded and pulled on the reins.

 Chapter 121: Oathbreaker

    Chapter 121: Oathbreaker


    A couple of hourster, the group was back at the vige. Brandi had fallen asleep leaning on Derek. The girl had been through a lot recently and she was beyond tired. Derek patted her head, gently waking her.


    Were back. He said.


    Malorie directed the Equvins towards a makeshift stable that had been created outside the vige due to the influx of adventurers recently. Everyone hopped off the carriage, and she tied the beasts to a post before gathering with the others.


    What are we going to do with the carriage? She asked Derek.


    Derek chuckled. Well, now that we have it, it makes it easier to travel. I say you keep it.


    They chatted as they walked through the gate and headed to Raynas new, old residence. Before long, they were all gathered in the meeting room.


    Did they give you any trouble while I was gone? Derek asked Rayna, talking about the three unconscious guards who were nowying in the corner of the room.


    The pretty boy woke once, but that was it. Didnt take much to knock him back out. She answered.


    Derek nodded and walked over to said guard. Lets get this over with. He bent down and lightly tapped on the guards face. Noticing that it wasnt enough to wake him, Derek sighed and pulled out a cup of water from his storage bracelet.


    He poured the water onto the mans face. Slowly, the mans eyes opened. He looked around in confusion before realization struck him.


    Y-you. He looked up at Derek. Wheres the youngdy? He half yelled.


    Dead. Derek answered ndly.


    No! He jumped to his feet and rushed at Derek. You bastard! He yelled as he cocked his arm back to him.


    Derek sighed and wrapped the pretty guard up before he could do anything. Standing behind the man, holding him off the ground in a bearhug, Derek spoke to the room. I think hes a lost cause. The man was clearly in love, or lust, with Katrisha. As she was dead, there was no reason to leave somebody like this alive.


    Brandi. Go to the other room. He said to the girl. She had seen death before, but it all came at the hands of beasts and monsters. She hadnt been in the vige center when Derek took out Wace and his adventurer team. He thought it better for her to not see him kill these people.


    She shook her head. No. Dont worry about me. She replied mechanically.


    Derek, still holding the struggling guard, looked over at Malorie. The woman sighed and nodded.


    <em>Even if shes so adamant to watch, I can at least try to make it as least gruesome as possible. </em>He thought. Derek transferred the struggling man over to his left arm, holding the man tightly against his chest. With this move, the mans right hand was free, but it didnt matter.


    Dereks right hand was also free, and it was channeling the void. Derek had grown to really like this technique ever since he used it on the Void Beast. With a quick strike to the side of the head, the man went limp, then disappeared into his storage ring.


    After taking care of the young guard that was found in bed with Katrisha, Derek moved to the next one. This guard woke up easily.


    It was odd, though. Once the guard stood, he just stared vacantly into space. Derek prodded him with a few questions, then eventually tapped him on the cheek a few times. Finally, after minutes of trying to get the mans attention, the man fell to his knees in tears.


    Derek looked over at the others, they were just as confused as he was. He bent down and finally got the sobbing mans attention.


    Whats wrong? He asked when the man finally noticed him.


    She shes dead isnt she? The guard asked.


    Derek nodded. Yes. After what she did, I couldnt allow her to live without punishment. Death was the best option.


    The mans sobbing continued. Two more months Just two more months


    Two more months for what? Derek asked.


    Before I fulfilled my oath to that family. He answered.


    At that, Derek started putting the pieces together. You were under oath to protect her? To keep her alive?


    The man bobbed his head up and down. It was a temporary oath. Oncepleted, all my debts would be wiped out and I could start over with my family.


    She died, so the oath is broken? Derek asked.


    The man nodded furiously, another bout of tears on the way. M-my skills. The Great System. Its all gone now. I cant even see my status anymore.


    Derek stepped back and examined the broken guard with <strong>Identify</strong>.


    Human Male


    Level N/A


    State: Oathbreaker


    <em>Wow. </em>Derek thought. <em>This system really doesnt pull any punches, does it. Not only does he lose all his skills, but he isbeled as an Oathbreaker for all to see. </em>Derek looked over to the group.


    Do any of you have <strong>Identify </strong>at a low level? He asked.


    Brandi raised her hand excitedly. I do. Its level 5.


    In Dereks opinion, that wasnt actually too low of a level, but with her base level on top of it, it should do. Good, use it on this man. Tell me what it says.


    Brandi nodded and stared at the weeping guard. Then, her eyes opened wide. Oathbreaker. She said. Human Male. Level N sh A. State is Oathbreaker What does N sh A mean?


    Not Applicable or Not Avable. Derek answered. It means that the Great System took away all of his levels, so they are no longer there.


    Why not just say level 0? Brandi asked.


    Because that would be confusing. He gets to keep all of his prior invested stat points. So, his strength would still be at whatever level it was before he broke his oath. Derek exined.


    Brandi nodded.


    Now. Derek directed his question towards the man. Why were you under an oath to that family to begin with?


    It was only supposed to be a temporary guard duty for Katrisha while she got sorted as an Overseer. I I made some bad investments and got into some trouble. He said.


    Gambling? Derek asked.


    Yes The man answered truthfully. Because establishing an outpost for the new dungeon was urgent, the house offered a bunch of these temporary oaths and contracts until they were able to provide more permanent positions. Once it was finished, I would have been able to go back to my wife and daughter and beg for forgiveness Now He broke down again.


    Now you''re marked as an Oathbreaker, and the Collins will probably kill you on sight since you let Katrisha die. Derek thought for a moment. Do you think they will go after your family?


    The mans eyes widened before he released a breath and shook his head. Im not sure about the others, but because of the time I spent gambling, I knew about the rumors of the noble house. I made sure to include it in my oath that my family wouldnt be harmed in any way, even if my oath was broken.


    Who did you make the oath to? Derek asked. He hoped that the man had not made the oath to Katrisha. If he had, then the man wasnt as smart as he seemed.


    The House Manager. The guard answered. Hes basically the head butler of House Collins. He also oversees the guards and staff.


    <em>So, hes basically the Collins Bronson.</em> Derek thought. I see. Well, at least you were smart about it. What are your ns now?


    The man looked up into Dereks eyes. Youre letting me go? He asked.


    You dont seem too bad of a person. You just put yourself in a bad situation and made a poor decision on how to get out of the hole you dug yourself. Derek answered.


    The man got excited. I I can He spoke, but eventually lost that excitement. Theres nothing I can do. I cant go into the city for my family. Beth wont even look at me and that was before I became an Oathbreaker. Not to mention the people who will kill me on sight just for a chance at the Award. The man shook his head. No, theres nothing left that I can do. My family will be in danger beside me.


    Derek felt for the man, but there wasnt anything he could do for him. He wasnt about to take him in. And apparently there was some Award that was given for ying an Oathbreaker. What is this Award you mentioned?


    The man paled at the question.


    Derek realized what the guard was thinking and tried to calm him down. Dont worry. None of us are going to kill you. I dont think you deserve to die. Im just curious.


    The guard cautiously answered Derek. I-its an Award you get for killing an Oathbreaker from the Great System. Its not a big Award, but its something. I think it gives you extra skill points depending on what tier you have. Its a popr Award to get, which is why there are people who constantly look for Oathbreakers.


    Derek nodded. Thats unfortunate. He said. Well, I cant offer you my protection or anything, but I can let you go. You are strong enough that you could find a decent life in some rural vige. That would be my suggestion. Then Derek spoke in a serious voice. But you had better y nice. If I catch wind of you killing or otherwise being shady, I will find you. You will die, and it wont be quick nor painless. Derek let a little of his aura seep out towards the guard. He was getting better at controlling it, and it seemed to really drive home a threat.


    Y-yes. I-I promise, I will be a good person. The guard said.


    Good Now get out of here.


    The guard bolted up from his knees, then ran for the front door.


    Derek turned to look at thest guard. You can quit pretending. Ive known you were conscious for some time now.

 Chapter 122: Contracts

    Chapter 122: Contracts


    Ah. The guard made a noise and his eyes shot open. Using his hands and feet, he backpedaled towards the wall until his back was against it. He stared up at Derek. Please. Dont kill me. You let Jared go, can you let me go too?


    Maybe. Derek said. It depends on you. He rified.


    Okay, okay. What do I need to do? The guard asked.


    How much did you see with the other guard?


    Just the end. I was unconscious for the rest. All I know is you let him go. The guard answered.


    Derek nodded. Okay. He said. First, you are a guard for House Collins, correct?


    Yes The man answered, then spaced out for a moment. I mean, I was. Im not anymore.


    How so?


    My contract has been voided. The man answered.


    Oh, contract? You werent under an oath? Derek asked.


    N-no Only a fool would go under oath to a family like that. With a contract, you can set your own punishment terms. The man answered.


    Why did you even sign a contract with them? Derek asked.


    The free gear and money, of course. He answered. The gear The guard motioned to the armor he was wearing and the swordying across the room. Is provided up front. It is mine no matter what happens. The money will be rewarded at the sessfulpletion of the contract well it would have been rewarded at contractpletion. Obviously, it wont be now.


    Obviously. Derek agreed. And what were your penalties for failing the contract? He asked.


    The man smiled at that question. That is why a contract is always better than an oath. He said. I am very cautious when making contracts. I also have my own contract skill, which allows me to negotiate better terms.


    Oh. Dereks eyes widened. Ste was the only person he had met so far that had a contract ability. nah probably had one too. Well, what did you negotiate to be your punishment for failure?


    It depended on the terms of the failure. As I said, my contract was voided. I will get no rewards or penalties for it anymore. My contract stated that I guard Katrisha to the best of my abilities, and I did so. He rubbed the back of his head. Theres not much one can do when youre unconscious. He smiled.


    I see. Derek replied. What would have happened if you would have run?


    The man was quiet for a time. Ah, there it is. He finally spoke. If I would have fled from an assault where thedy ended up dead, I would lose my contract ability for the next ten years and be forced to work for House Collins for five years. The work would be taken under oath as well He said. I really have to thank you for knocking me out back there.


    What if she was only injured, but lived?


    Cut in pay and loss of contract ability for five years. He answered quickly.


    Interesting. Derek rubbed the stubble on his chin. How many different uses do you have in your contract?


    The man was quiet for a bit before replying. 15 with penalties, and four that voids the contract entirely. There are also some in favor of me. You know, you have to make sure that no harmes to you from those you are guarding.


    Derek nodded. That made sense. Everything about contracts made sense. Dereks mother was awyer back before everything happened, so he had picked up a few things. He would have to look into the skillter. Unfortunately, there were no contract skills in the General Skills section.


    So, do I get to live? The man asked, snapping Derek out of his thoughts. Once they began having a civil conversation, the guards entire demeanor had shifted.


    <em>This guy would have made a great attorney. </em>Derek thought. What is your name?


    Rudolph Mckinney, sir. But my friends call me Rudy.


    And how many friends do you have that call you that? Derek asked.


    The man started counting on his hands. When he got to his seventh finger, he stopped. Zero. He said. Its not easy to make friends. I have quite a few acquaintances, though.


    Derek didnt know what to say to that. Okay, Rudolph. Do you have any allegiances to House Collins?


    Nope. It was just a job.


    Derek narrowed his eyes. Contracts are lesser forms of oaths, correct?


    The man slowly nodded.


    Then this is easy. Write up a contract real quick. A nice, simple contract. You will answer any question I have with honesty and to your best ability. You will not answer in half-truths, or otherwise try to limit any information you give me. In return, if your answers are to my satisfaction, for this offense, I will let you live. Derek exined.


    The mans eyes narrowed. That doesnt seem like a very good deal to me. Besides, what are penalties?


    Instant death for you. Derek answered.


    What would your penalty be?


    Derek smiled. How about this? I lose half of my stats for three months. With the people that want me dead, it would basically be me signing my own death warrant.


    Rudolph eyed Derek. Fine What is your name? Derek answered, and the man began drawing in the air. After two minutes, a blue sheet of paper, made entirely out of mana, appeared. Rudolph pushed his thumb to the bottom left of the paper and it glowed. The paper then shot towards Derek.


    Derek read over the contract. The man had made it word for word as he had asked. There was no fine print anywhere to be seen, and he couldnt think of a way that the man could be fooling him. Derek stuck his thumb to the bottom right of the page, under his own name.


    A contract with one Rudolph Mckinney has been initiated. Would you like to proceed?


    Y/N


    Just as he did before with Ste, Derek answered yes.


    Contract has beenpleted. Please abide by the terms to avoid any penalties.


    Great. This makes everything much easier. Derek said. Now, do you have any allegiances to House Collins?


    No. The man answered again.


    Then you were just in it for the mary gain?


    Yes.


    Even though you knew that the family was not to be trusted? Derek asked.


    The man flinched. Yes.


    Why risk it then?


    It was only for three months, and I made sure my contract favored me highly.


    Derek nodded. Are there any noble houses allied with House Collins that you have any allegiances or contracts with?


    None that I am aware of. I have had past contracts with some houses that are on decent enough terms with them, but those contracts have all already been eitherpleted or voided.


    What is the reason you need money so bad that you would contract yourself to Katrisha? Derek asked.


    I want to start a business in one of the major cities. Im great with contracts and abhor fighting. To do that, I need money, a lot of it. Rudolph answered.


    Interesting. Derek said. Did contract abilitiese with your ss, or did you get the skill through a scroll?


    It is part of my ss.


    Is it a key part of your ss? Derek asked. Do you get experience for sessfullypleting a contract?


    The man nodded. It is. I get experience for each contractpleted. The more in favor of myself, or the person I represent, the contract is, the more experience I obtain.


    What about your fighting skills? Are you a battle attorney or something?


    The man chuckled and shook his head. I lost most of my fighting skills at level 50 when I changed sses. I still have all my stats, so Im able to get by with guard duty. I usually do well and am always using temporary contracts, so my level grows at a decent rate, and I usually leave on good terms with my contractors which leads to more temporary guard work.


    Do you have any active contracts?


    Rudolph nodded. Always.


    Derek frowned.


    The man quickly exined. There are none that indebted me to anybody. They are mostly contracts I wrote for others orpleted contracts awaiting payment. There are none that wille back to bite me. Im too careful for that. I would give you all the details if I could, but most contracts are private. I can only share the details of the ones that I am an actual part of. Would you like me to exin them?


    Derek thought about it. The man was already under a pretty strict contract, so he was definitely not lying. Finally, he shook his head. No, thats fine.


    Rudolph nodded.


    So Derek said. You have no allegiances to any noble house. This includes House Collins and House Torith. You dont have any current contracts that could hinder or harm me. Am I correct?


    House Torith He muttered, then shook his head. No, I am not known enough to have dealings with such a high ranked house.


    Very well. Derek said. Then I have one final question for you.


    Rudolph held his breath, waiting for the question.


    Are you a good person? Would others think of you as a good person? Derek smiled when he asked the questions.


    The guard frowned. Am I a good person? Im not sure. He said. Most others would think of me as a good person. I try to put it in all my contracts that I will not do anything tantly against my moral code. Which is why I did noty hands on that bartender and did not get involved in their kidnapping. He nodded towards Brandi.


    I also wasnt allowed to help them because it would be considered going against my contractor. If I had to answer honestly, I would say that I am a neutral person. I have done bad things, but there is a point where I draw a line. I have also done some good things. Believe it or not, not all nobles are terrible. Unfortunately, the good ones tend to pay much less than the bad ones. He shook his head.


    Derek nodded. Thats good. Im not going to kill you. You can consider the contractplete. As Derek said that, under the contract tabs in his status, the contract status changed topleted. It wouldnt have changed status if Derek had still nned on harming Rudolph. Derek smiled. I do have one more question for you, though.


    Whats that? Rudolph asked. Clearly relieved now that the contract wasplete.


    Do you want a job?

 Chapter 123: Rudy

    Chapter 123: Rudy


    Derek stared intently at Rudolph. Do you want a job? He asked.


    That question seemed to stun Rudolph more than anything he asked before. The man tilted his head in confusion. Did you ask me if I wanted a job? He tried to confirm.


    Derek nodded. Sure did. He answered. Before he continued, he turned to look at Mal, Brandi, and Rayna. Would you guys mind working with this man? Or would you rather not? He was one of the guards of the Overseer, after all.


    The trio looked at each other. Obviously, they knew that they were going to be leaving with Derek when he went to a new city. Finally, after some quiet discussions, Rayna was the one to answer. We dont mind. We heard everything he said, and while he may not be the most trustworthy, hes notpletely bad. Besides, Im sure he wouldnt mind making some contracts with us if need be.


    Derek nodded again, then focused back on the man. So, would you like a job? He asked again.


    Rudolph frowned and squinted his eyes. What exactly did you have in mind?


    Derek smiled. A lot, actually. He answered vaguely. Feeling the tension, he continued. It wouldnt be just your normal contract work, but you would be able to do that on the side as well. In fact, it would actually be better for you to do so.


    Rudolph bobbed his head as he listened.


    First, we will be going to Savannah. When we get there, I have to meet with the City Lord and confirm a few things, but if all goes well, I should be able to get some type of workce somewhere in the city. Derek exined.


    Savannah? How do you n on getting something there? You know that its the most expensive city in the Cydarian kingdom to live in, right? The man questioned.


    Of course. Derek confirmed. Without going into too much detail I have some dealings with the Crown Restaurant that should cover most of the startup costs. If Im unable to get the money immediately, it shouldnt take too long for me to gather it.


    The man stared at Derek with wide eyes. His dirty blonde hair had fallen in front of his eyes, but he was too caught up with Dereks words to move it. T-the Crown. You have dealings with the Crown? Just who are you?


    Derek fought the urge to chuckle. Thats not important right now. He said. So, step one is to find a ce and build a workshop. It will be expensive, especially for what Im needing, but I will get the capital.


    What would be my part in all of this? The man asked, apparently no longer shocked. Derek could see the gears turning in his brain.


    Well, first, this would be more of a long-term thing very long term. Your contract work wille in handy with a lot of my nned business, but for the most part, you would be the shopkeeper. Like I said, you can also do contract work on the side, as long as you keep away from shady business. Derek exined.


    A shopkeeper with contract work on the side. Rudolph muttered. What exactly would we be selling?


    Everything. Derek said. He made sure not to look at Brandi. Then again, the cat was most likely out of the bag. If those guards had told the City Lord about her, then he could have already told his father as well.


    What do you mean? The former guard asked.


    Well I n on building a forge, alchemy station, leatherworking station, and many others. Im not entirely sure what is needed yet, which is why Im hoping I can get arge piece ofnd. Its going to require a lot of building, so it will be a bit before youre needed Though I could build the shop part first and you could begin doing contract work immediately Derek touched the stubble on his chin while he thought out loud.


    Ah, we can decide on thatter. Derek shook his head. So, what do you think? Are you interested?


    Now it was time for the former guard to ponder. The room was silent for a long while.


    Kitchen! Derek heard a childlike voicee from behind him. When youre building all these other ces, dont forget about a kitchen. A great big one, too. Not like that dinky kitchen on the bottom floor of the Crown, but like the awesome one on the upper floors.


    Derek turned to see Silvi with one of her paws on a green crystal. He smiled. Of course, Silvi. I would never forget about making you a grand kitchen. Ill buy you more onions than you could possibly deal with, too.


    Silvis nose twitched. The kitchen is fine. Dont need a bunch of onions. In fact, dont even worry about the shopping. I can send the mou Silvi stopped when Derek narrowed his eyes at her. I can ask if Thomas would help gather what I need for each meal. Oh, this is going to be great. Hurry. Hurry. Lets go to Sa Sa lets go to that other city. What are we waiting for?


    Derek rolled his eyes. Nobles Silvi We still have a bunch of nobles to deal with. Remember?


    Ah That.


    Derek turned his attention back to Rudolph. At this point, he was no longer thinking about the job request. He was staring at Silvi in shock.


    Hey. Derek snapped his fingers in front of the mans face. Snap out of it. I asked you a question.


    The man shook. T-that bunny so so intelligent. Shes not a pet, is she?


    Youre a pet. Silvis voice chimed.


    No, she is my contractedpanion. You would do well to remember that. Shes probably stronger than anybody youve ever met well, other than me. Derek exined.


    She The man stopped and directed his question to Silvi. You cook?


    Of course, I cook. Were you not just listening? I swear some humans. Are you sure you want this person to work for you? This guy couldnt sell water in the desert.


    That was when Derek realized. He had left Silvi alone, in a kitchen full of chefs, for weeks. Then he thought about all of those cooking shows hed seen before the system came to Earth. <em>Oh, no This might be really bad.</em>


    Derek snapped back to reality at the sound ofughtering from everybody in the room. Well, everybody but Rudolph. Rudolphs eyelid was twitching, and his face was red. <em>Well, he did just get told off by a bunny. </em>


    Ahem. Derek cleared his throat to bring quiet back into the room. Theughter continued for a bit, but it eventually died down. Yes, Silvi is a bunny. She is mypanion. She is very strong, and yes, she can cook. In fact, she loves it and has been practicing at the Crown with their chefs. Do you have any more questions about her?


    N-no.


    Good. Derek said. Now, Ill ask you again. Are you interested?


    I I think so. The man finally answered.


    Good. Now Im going to need you to make another one of those contracts with me. That, or an oath. Derek said.


    Contract. Definitely. Rudolph replied. If theres any way to get out of having to make an oath to the Great System, Ill take it. Now, what kind of contract do we need this time?


    Just a simple one. But it needs to have some serious consequences if it is broken. You mustnt knowingly do anything that will harm me or my friends, and I will do the same for you.


    Simple enough. The man replied. I will put up my contract skill as coteral. What would you like to use? Stats, skills, what?


    Derek raised his hand, blue sparks appearing as he channeled <strong>Chain Lightning</strong>. Ill put up my <strong>Chain Lightning </strong>skill. What do you think? Is that enough?


    Is it a skill you use often?


    Derek thought about that. It was true that he could get by easily without having the skill. Losing it would only decrease the rate at which he could kill multiple enemies at a time. The skill had been great when he was in the dungeon, but it did little for singlebat. <em>Technically, it is the skill that Ive gotten the most kills with since Ive been here. </em>After looking over his skills, the only skills he would prefer not to wager would be <strong>Identify </strong>and <strong>Channel Void</strong>.


    It was also the skill he had leveled the highest, barring those thatbined with previous skills, and <strong>Identify</strong>. Well, it is one of my most used skills. Its my dungeon clearing skill. To be honest, there arent many skills that would hurt for me to lose. And the one that would, I will not put up. Losing <strong>Chain Lightning </strong>for a time would slow down some of my future ns though.


    Tell you what. You put up one more skill and well call it even. All that we have to do to keep to the contract. It shouldnt be hard. It is a simple contract. Rudolph replied.


    Derek nodded. Alright, Ill put up my <strong>Cleaning </strong>skill as well. Will that do?


    <strong>Cleaning</strong>? The man shook. No utility skills. It wouldnt mean anything if you lost it for a time.


    Derek chuckled. To be honest, <strong>Void Storage </strong>had been sitting there for a while unused. However, Derek didnt want to put any of his void skills up. It would give too much information out. How about <strong>Heavy Weapons Mastery</strong>? Derek asked. It was literally his second highest leveled skill. The only problem was that it had be useless and it would continue to be useless until he could obtain a new weapon.


    Rudolph frowned. What level is it?


    Derek narrowed his eyes. Above level 10. Is that enough? He knew the man was trying to find out how much he relied on the skill to try to make a bnced contract.


    Is it above level 13? The man finally asked.


    Derek nodded. It is.


    Rudolph let out a breath. That will do. Though it is odd that you have both <strong>Chained Lightning </strong>and <strong>Heavy Weapons Mastery</strong>. They dont really go together.


    Derek smiled. Well, thats probably true for most sses.


    Rudolph stared at Derek for a minute, then shifted his eyes onto a magic contract that he began filling out. Before long, the man had made another contract, and they both had signed.


    Derek held out his hand, and Rudolph took it. They shook.


    Im looking forward to seeing what you got, Rudy.

 Chapter 124: See You in a Bit

    Chapter 124: See You in a Bit


    Now that the Rudy problem was taken care of, Derek needed to figure out exactly what he needed to do. nahs words about needing to be stronger rang in his head. He had told her not to worry about him, and he meant it. He had a few ideas about how to increase his strength quickly. Luckily for him, he was already close to where he needed to be.


    Rudy. Derek got the mans attention. Of all the people that are in the vige, where would you rank in terms of strength?


    Uh Rudy gave Derek a thoughtful look. With Katrisha and the other guards gone from what I know, I should be in the top 10. Thats unless some other adventurers who are at the dungeon camp decide to stop by.


    Derek nodded. He needed to leave the vige for a while, but didnt want to leave the others unguarded, especially after he had just killed the Overseer. Hed wanted to bring Silvi along, but it looked like she would have to stay in the vige.


    Silvi. Derek said.


    What? The green crystal chimed with her voice.


    Do you mind staying here in the vige and making sure nothing happens to anyone? Derek asked.


    Thats fine. Silvi agreed. Then the bunny looked over at Malorie. Beautiful deli ahem Malorie. Do you want to cook with me? You made that delicious food before. Show me.


    Malorie nced oddly at the bunny before smiling. I would be happy to prepare some dishes with you. Im sure everybodys hungry after all thats happened today.


    That got multiple nods of agreement from the room.


    Good. Its settled. Silvi will stay here and make sure nothing bad happens. I have some business to take care of. It will probably bete before I get back. Thats if I get back today. Derek said.


    Nobody seemed to care about what business he had to take care of. In fact, almost everybody, especially Rudy, seemed more concerned about watching a bunny cook dinner.


    Derek turned to leave the house.


    Be careful. Brandis voice sounded out behind him.


    He turned and gave her a smile. Dont worry. Ill be back before you know it. Then he walked out of the room and left.


    A few minutester, Derek stood in front of the forests entrance. He sighed. <em>Alright How am I going to do this? </em>There were a few challenges in the next step of his ns. Derek nned onpleting the undying dungeon a few times.


    Unfortunately, he wouldnt be able to gain any rewards from an alreadypleted dungeon, and the experience gain would be half of the original amount. Still, with the number of enemies in the dungeon, even if they have lessened after stopping the overflow, and his quick clearing speed, he should be able to hit level 100 in no time.


    Still, the main problem he was contemting was the dungeon camp. It meant that there were going to be multiple people in the area of the dungeon. There may even be people running the dungeon already, and from what he knows, only one group canplete the dungeon at a time.


    One thing was certain, people were going to notice him. As far as he knows, after talking with Walter, there has only been a single sessfulpletion of the dungeon since everyone found out about it. When a single person shows up and clears the dungeon solo, it will draw some attention.


    Derek was sure that someone would be able to put together who he was, even if he wore a mask, which he does n to do. People would learn of him showing up at the vige and killing the Overseer. If a masked figure then shows up at the dungeon right after, it wouldnt take a genius to draw some connections.


    Of course, nobody would know for sure, and that was why Derek still nned to do it. The worst oue would be people thinking that Derek was still below level 100 somehow. Which would lead to many questions about his ss and rank. But that is all it should lead to, questions. Questions he wouldnt have to answer.


    <em>Who knows? Maybe nobody would connect it with me. I made sure nobody saw me leaving the vige, so Im sure everybody still thinks Im at Raynas. </em>If all else failed, he could deny everything. He wouldnt be in the Torith area much longer, anyway. He hoped that any rumors would die out quickly.


    The other problem with his n was the dungeon timer. It wasnt a big problem, but he would have to stand still while the dungeon timer counted down. This problem wouldnt matter with a full party, but, being solo, he would have to wait.


    While waiting, Derek would be immobile and only have one hand to use if somebody decided to do something. He wasnt scared of the people around the dungeon, as he was sure he could beat them with one hand, but there was the possibility of somebody elsetching on to the dungeon orb and seeing his information.


    <em>Maybe there are rules or honor or something. </em>He thought back to what he heard about it basically being illegal to monopolize a dungeon, so maybe there would be something about that too. <em>Oh well, Im not going to find out until I get there.</em>


    He nced at his notifications and noticed that he had gained another level after killing Katrisha and the guard. He was now level 77. He smiled. One level to him was like amon ss gaining three. <em>Besides, not many people will be able to do anything to me once Im finished.</em>


    With that, Derek threw on his ck facemask and gear, and made his way into the forest. When he got there, he didnt want to make it easy for people to pick him out, so he dressed in equipmentmon to that he saw people wearing.


    Derek kept at a reasonable pace all the way to the dungeon camp. He didnt want to make too much of amotion speeding through the forest.


    As he stepped into the now giant clearing, he observed his surroundings. He chuckled, as he wasnt the only person hiding his face. In fact, there were quite a few people withrge hoods or other types of face concealment.


    Therge camp was pretty basic. There was arge tent set up closest to the dungeon orb. <em>That must be the Overseers tent when they are here.</em> He thought. There were dozens of other tents around, too. Multiple guards patrolled the perimeter.


    As he looked around, he noticed something about almost everybody. Most people were sullen or sad. Many had a look of defeat stered on their faces. <em>I guess thats what you get when youve been sending so many people into a dungeon and next to no one has returned. </em>By now, he was sure the difficulty of the dungeon had spread far and wide.


    Finally, Derek set his sight on the dungeon orb. It was much dimmer than it had been recently. It had already been pale gray, but it at least had some luster to it. This orb barely had a glow to it. <em>Is that because its no longer overflowing? No. </em>Derek thought. <em>It wasnt like that after I cleared it. All of the other dungeons we ran had more of a glow, too.</em>


    Derek walked deeper into the camp. He walked over to an older man dressed in worn te armor, sitting in front of a fire, staring at the dungeon orb. Mind if I have a seat? He asked.


    The man nced up, then furrowed his brows. Doesnt make any difference to me.


    Derek sat on a log a few feet away from the man. How long have you been here? He asked the man.


    I was one of the first here. He replied.


    Oh, were you one of the members thatpleted the dungeon? I heard that a team actually seeded. Derek asked.


    The man shook his head. No. Im over the level requirements. Im here to observe for the Adventurers Guild. The man pointed to the badge on the shoulder Derek hadnt seen. It was gold.


    Ah, I see. Derek said. Are people still going in?


    The man nodded. Theres a team in there now.


    <em>That must be why the orb is odd right now.</em> Derek thought. Youd figure people would get the hint that its a difficult dungeon and stop going in.


    The older man grunted. Youd think. But they dont. They just want the glory and rewards. Greed kills more people than beasts.


    Derek couldnt help but agree with the man. You think this team is going to make it?


    The man shook his head. Not a chance. Their preparations werecking, and they didnt have the levels. I told them not to go in. He replied.


    At that time, the dungeon orb began glowing properly again. The man let out a sigh and took out some papers and a writing utensil. He began jotting down some characters on the paper.


    What are you doing? Derek asked.


    Marking down that five more adventurers have perished in the dungeon. The man shook his head and stored everything back in his ring.


    Is another team going in? Derek question.


    The man shook his head. At this point, the dungeon goes hours without being upied before a team gets the courage to go die again.


    Thats good. Derek stood and walked towards the orb. When he got there, he touched it with his left hand.


    The man hed just been talking to stood and walked up beside him. You dont see many dungeon with the undying in them. He sighed. Unfortunately, with the rate that its beingpleted, it wont be long before it begins to overflow. Obviously, he thought Derek just wanted to view the status of the dungeon.


    Derek nodded, still waiting for the dungeon notification to pop up. They stood in silence while he waited. Finally, the notification popped.


    Dungeon Countdown Timer Depleted


    Participants: 1/5


    Derek Hunt: Level 77


    Please Choose an Option Below


    View Dungeon


    Enter Dungeon


    Leave


    Derek didnt bother looking at the dungeon status and just focused on entering.


    Participants Ready: 1/1


    Derek Hunt: Ready


    Derek turned and looked at the older man. If this man was watching everyone who was going in and out of the dungeon, he would see Derek anyway. There was no reason to try to hide going in. Well, I guess I see you in a bit. Derek said.


    The man gave Derek a confused look that turned into wide-eyed horror as the dungeon counted down and a light washed over Dereks body. Finally, the light vanished, along with Derek.

 Chapter 125: Undying Again

    Chapter 125: Undying Again


    Derek reappeared in the dungeon just as he had previously done. When he looked around, he was still in the enclosed stone room. The only difference was that he was alone this time. He slid the tomb door open and stepped out into the graveyard.


    Looking around, Derek could see that the amount of skeletons he was going to have to fight was not nearly as abundant as they were when the dungeon was in Extreme Overflow. He identified the closest skeleton to him and confirmed his suspicions. The skeleton was only level 96 instead of level 100. <em>So, the overflow affects everything from density to levels.</em>


    When he previously raided the dungeon, everything in the dungeon was level 100 or higher. If the skeletons this time around were only level 96, then it was possible that the level 110 Ghouls would be weaker too. It was unfortunate for Derek, as he would already be taking a hit by only getting half XP per kill while in a dungeon hed alreadypleted.


    <em>Now, how do I want to do this? I may not be able to get the full XP, but I should still be able to get quite a bit of skill proficiency. I have to use magic toplete the kill, so </em><strong><em>Chain Lightning </em></strong><em>would still be the quickest way. </em>One thing was certain, he didnt want to sever a bunch of heads then have to gather them again.


    At that thought, Derek decided to channel the void into his fists and aim for the head. He also activated <strong>Greater Meditation </strong>so he would be able to work on advancing three skills all at once. He was slow while using <strong>Greater Meditation</strong>, but it didnt matter. The skeletons were mindless.


    Derek walked forward and began crushing the heads of all the Skeleton Warriors. The Skeleton Mages and Skeleton Archers hung back and pelted Derek with spells and arrows, but they didnt do much. They only left minor scratches and burns, which were all healed within moments through <strong>Greater Meditation.</strong>


    asionally, a bad would swoop down and kill itself on Dereks fist. In no time, all of the melee skeletons were dealt with. For the ranged skeletons, Derek disabled <strong>Greater Meditation </strong>and went to work. The fight was over in minutes. Finally, Derek focused on the remaining bats. As they were flying creatures, they were the most troublesome for him to fight.


    Luckily, they were dungeon monsters, so they always ended up attacking. In total, it took Derek around 15 minutes to clear the first wave of the dungeon. He was disappointed in the amount of enemies this time around, but it was still better than searching in the forest.


    Before the next wave began, Derek ran around collecting all of the bat corpses. He enjoyed the silk like material that came from skinning them. He would most definitely have Brandi make him a few more shirts once they got settled.


    The next wave started with the ghoul attacks. Derek was still weary about the different toxins and acids they produced, so instead of fighting closely with his fists, he switched to <strong>Chain Lightning. </strong>The ghouls were all level 100 this time around. A vast difference from what they were previously.


    Dereks already high leveled skill made short work of the ghouls. In fact, they ended up dying off much quicker than the skeletons. When every enemy rushes to ughter, it tends to make things much simpler.


    Derek knew what wasing next before it even happened. He rushed over the mountain of dead ghouls and to where he had killed the lich previously. The whole ordeal saddened Derek. It almost seemed like he was a spawn camper. s, before the enemy lich could even cast one spell, his phctery was in Dereks hand, then crushed between his fingers.


    That was the end of the level 110 lich and thus, the end of his first repeat dungeon run.


    He was not rewarded with any items or even any notifications uponpleting the dungeon. Instead, the dungeon orb made its silent appearance and Derek exited. Everything would have been for naught if Derek hadnt gotten five levels for all the kills he made.


    With a sh, Derek, with his face and head covered, appeared in the camp outside the dungeon. In an instant, the old adventurer was next to Derek.


    Y-you didnt die? The man muttered.


    Of course not. Derek replied. He expected to be battered with question after question, but he had no intention of answering most of them.


    But you were alone The man said.


    At that time, the old adventurer wasnt the only person who made their appearance. Derek was surrounded by half the dungeon camp, at least.


    How did you do it?


    Wheres the rest of your team?


    Are you the only one who made it out alive?


    What was the boss? Was it an undead dragon?


    Question after question was yelled out one after another. Most people hadnt seen Derek enter the dungeon, so they believed he was the only survivor in his team. They had all heard rumors of the enemies in the dungeon, but the only people who truly knew were the one team that managed toplete it.


    Back off, back off. The old adventurer shouted.


    With that, everyone went quiet. They all knew that the old man was sent by the Adventurers Guild to oversee the dungeon. He had arrived at the dungeon before them, and he would most likely be there long after everyone gave up.


    Sir. The adventurer spoke, his tone more humble than before. Would you mind telling me about the dungeon? It would help to have a firsthand ount of all the enemies, traps, bosses, and anything else you experienced during your run. With more information, less adventurers will lose their lives.


    Derek shook his head. You know better than that. He said to the man. We just talked about greed and what it does to people. Do you really think knowing exactly what is in the dungeon will stop people from entering?


    The man shook his head. No, probably not. But it would at least allow those adventurers the chance to prepare. If they know exactly what they are going to face, it will allow them to build their party around it.


    What about that team thatpleted the dungeon? Derek asked. Didnt they give you all the information you needed? Why do you need it from me?


    The man shook his head. No. That was a team gathered from one of the upper noble houses. Other than some rumors spread, they didnt leave us with anything. And we dont want to listen to those rumors because we dont know what is real or fake. Just think about those people pelting you with questions. Weve heard everything from a dragon being the final boss to it being an undead chicken.


    Derek thought about everything for a moment before answering. Fine. Ill give you the information.


    Thank you. A gleam appeared in the mans eyes. Its a pity seeing so much death these days So, what can you tell me about the first wave? I hear there are skeletons. The man took out some paper and a writing utensil.


    Derek chuckled. Ill tell you, butter. I still have stuff to do. He reached over and ced his left hand back on the dungeon orb.


    Youre not nning to go again, are you? The man asked with wide eyes.


    Derek smiled under his mask but didnt answer. Before long, the countdown finished, and, under the shocked gazes of all those around him, he disappeared again.


    Dereks new priority had changed frompleting the dungeon to speed running the dungeon. His previous time had been just less than 30 minutes, he wanted to try to lessen that. When he appeared in the tomb again, he didnt waste any time. He shoved the door aside and began.


    Derek continued this time and time again. After three runs, he was able to get hispletion time down to under 20 minutes. It had also gotten to the point where nobody bothered him outside the dungeon. Sure, there were a few times where a lower leveled person would ask him to take him in just to gather the information himself, but Derek always refused.


    After his fourth run, the dungeon camp was no longer in any type of frenzy. Everybody sat in a daze staring at the dungeon orb, finally epting that someone was able toplete this terrible dungeon solo.


    Afterpleting the dungeon for the fifth time, Derek got a notification he hadnt expected.


    You have seeded inpleting five dungeons alone.


    New Award Earned


    Derek was quick to check on the new Award.


    Lesser Solo Diver


    Bypleting dungeons alone, you have experienced the hardships thate with not having a team to back you up. You will be awarded with the following:


    +2% Stat Boost to all basic stats while solo diving.


    Ability to instantly begin a dungeon dive.


    Note: Continue diving solo to increase this Awards effect.


    <em>Awesome. </em>Currently, the 2% stat increase wasnt a game changer, but if he continued toplete dungeons solo and increase its effects, it could be amazing. Not having to wait at the dungeon orb was a nice perk too.


    Derek exited the dungeon and entered again. This time, he vanished seconds after cing his hand on the orb. With this ability, he was able to cut the time it was taking to level even shorter.


    Some timeter, Derekpleted his ninth solo run. With that, he received another notification.


    You havepleted the same dungeon ten times.


    New Award Earned


    <em>Thats an odd reason to receive an Award. </em>Derek thought. Then, he looked at his newly received Award.


    Lesser Repetitive Dungeoneer


    With monotonous boredomes Awards. You have steeled yourself andpleted the same dungeon ten times. You will be awarded with the following.


    5% Chance to obtain dungeon rewards uponpletion of the same dungeon.


    Note: Continue running dungeons multiple times to increase this Award.


    <em>Woah. </em>Five percent wasnt a lot, but the ability to be rewarded made grinding a dungeon easier to withstand.


    Before exiting the dungeon, Derek looked at his level. <em>Level 98, one or two more dungeons and I will hit level 100. </em>It had been far too long since hisst ss upgrade.

 Chapter 126: Level 100

    Chapter 126: Level 100


    Derek continued with his next dungeon run, making it midway through level 99 in the process. <em>One more time. </em>After the next dungeon run, he would no longer be eligible to do level 100 dungeons until he upgraded his ss. Even then, he would only get one or two more runs before leveling to 101.


    His whole n was to level to level 100, so little else mattered once he made it to 100.


    Derek appeared in the camp once again, and with no fanfare, disappeared back into the dungeon. He was almost finished culling the horde of ghouls when the notification sounded that he had reached enough experience to level to 100. The only thing left was for him to do the ss selection or upgrade.


    Derek went ahead and finished the dungeon. With the phctery in his hand, he squeezed and the lichs life was over.


    He waited, but s, he wasnt rewarded with any items. A 5% chance was so small that he wasnt disappointed when he received nothing at the end. <em>Finally. </em>He thought as he pulled up his status sheet.


    Status


    Name


    Derek Hunt


    Age


    30


    Level


    100 (Upgrade ss)


    Experience


    889,654/???


    ss


    Legend of the Void (Legendary)


    Race


    Human (Modified)


    Health


    7250


    Mana


    5000


    Stamina


    7150


    Defense


    71 (Armor + 0)


    Attack


    125(Weapon + 0)


    Stats


    Strength


    700


    Dexterity


    500


    Endurance


    715


    Vitality


    725


    Intelligence


    500


    Wisdom


    500


    Stat Points Remaining


    763


    Contracts


    nah Swan (Crown)


    View Contract


    Silvi (Bonded Beast)


    View Status


    Ste Brighton (Crown)


    View Contract


    Francesco Jobs (Adventurers Guild)


    View Contract


    Rudolph Mckinney


    View Contract


    Skills


    Absolute Nullify


    Level 1


    Nullify magic spells


    Chain Lightning


    Level 12


    Send a chain of lightning to enemies.


    Channel Void


    Level 10


    Channel the Void through your body, into attacks or defenses.


    Cleaning


    Level 5


    Clean a small area.


    Cure Toxin


    Level 4


    Removes poisons and toxins.


    Dismantle


    Level 12


    Increase ability to dismantle deceased organic life forms.


    Greater Meditation


    Level 4


    Enter meditative state to increase recovery.


    Heavy Weapons Mastery


    Level 18


    Increase damage with heavy weapons.


    Identify


    Level 15


    Appraise objects or entities.


    Magic Resistance


    Level 10


    Increase natural magic resistance by 1.5% per level.


    Multi-Strike


    Level 3


    Your next attack hits twice.


    Physical Resistance


    Level 9


    Increase natural physical resistance by 1.5% per level.


    Rejuvenation


    Level 9


    Restores 45% HP over 30 seconds.


    Sweeping sh


    Level 18


    Project a sh in front of you.


    Void Call


    Level 2


    Call out to the Void.


    Void Sense


    Level 2


    Sense the void.


    Void Shift


    Level 3


    Be one with and move within the void.


    Void Storage


    Level N/A


    Use a storage space made from void.


    Unarmed Combat Mastery


    Level 9


    Increase efficiency when not using a weapon or magic.


    Skill Points Remaining


    11


    Skill Upgrade Points Remaining


    4


    Awards


    Greater Giant yer, Jack of All, Lesser Dungeon Explorer, Lesser Dungeon Traveler, Lesser Repetitive Dungeoneer, Lesser yer of the Unknown, Lesser Solo Diver, Magical ss Cannon, Meat Shield, Lesser Explorer, Offensive Powerhouse


    Derek was pleased to see the different skill upgrades he had gained during his dungeon grinding. His <strong>Chain Lightning, Channel Void, Cleaning, Greater Meditation, </strong>and <strong>Unarmed Combat Mastery</strong> had all increased to various degrees. He was especially happy about <strong>Greater Meditation </strong>gaining a level.


    Derek selected his ss option to view his various choices.


    He was a little sad as he scrolled through his options, as he was hoping for his Legend of the Void ss to have another upgrade in rarity. He was unsure if there was a rarity above legendary, but Legend of the Void still showed that it was a growth type ss, so he still had hope. Unfortunately, his next ss upgrade wouldnte for a while.


    There were no other legendary sses avable for him to choose from, either. He still had some of the same options he had previously, including a couple of epic ranked growth sses, but he had invested so much into his void ss that it would be insane to change. Plus, his current ss hadnt let him down as of yet, and he was quite fond of his <strong>Channel Void </strong>skill. He didnt want to risk losing it.


    Derek selected Legend of the Void.


    Legend of the Void


    You have lived within the void, and used the void as you see fit. You have be a void user of legend. Unlike others, you will no longer be trapped in the void. The void is your ally.


    Legend of the Void is a growth type legendary ss. Preferences for this ss are unknown. Upon ss upgrade, two new skills will be avable for selection.


    You will receive 30 Skill Points upon ss upgrade.


    Derek sighed while reading his ss description. Nothing at all had changed, well, nothing but the amount of Skill Points he would receive. Derek confirmed his decision.


    Upon confirming his selection, more notifications flooded his vision. Derek dismissed them as they were mostly kill notifications. Finally, after sifting through the notifications, Derek checked on his new possible skills.


    Time Prison


    One cannot master the void without attuning oneself to time and space. Using your mastery of the void, you are able to create a separate void space to hold your enemies. <strong>Time Prison allows</strong> you to adjust the passage of time inside your void space.


    As the skill level increases, control over the passage of time increases with it.


    Uses 1,500 mana to open


    Cost: 21 Skill Points


    Derek wasnt sure about having his own personal prison. He shuddered at the thought of being trapped alone in the void again. Now he had the ability to cause others to suffer the same fate. Plus, he was unsure how he would go about leveling the ability. Would it require him to constantly open and close the prison, or would he actually need to imprison enemies in it to grow?


    However, he could see some upside in the ability. If he could make time pass slowly, then he could also make time pass quickly. It could be possible that he could use the ability to carry others. With the ability to change the passage of time, somebody could go in, then in just mere minutes,e out days or even weekster.


    <em>Now that I think about it, isnt this an extremely broken skill? No wonder it was only unlocked at level 100 And the cost wow </em>Derek didnt take any more time to decide and spent the skill points on the skill.


    <strong>Time Prison </strong>Learned Sessfully


    Skill Points Remaining: 20


    Derek then checked on his remaining ss skill.


    Void Steps


    Using your Void Sense, you are able to see shifts and tears in the void. <strong>Void Steps </strong>can force those intangible rifts into the physical for you to use as footholds.


    Uses 100 mana/s


    Cost: 7 Skill Points


    <em>Basically, it allows me to use the void to sort of fly. Well, I guess fly isnt the right word. Its kind of like that skill of Raynas that lets her step on air. At least its cheap both in skill points and mana usage. </em>Derek thought. Derek then epted the skill.


    <strong>Void Steps </strong>Learned Sessfully


    Skill Points Remaining: 13


    Derek breathed a sigh of relief. He was half expecting not to have enough skill points to even learn his second skill after the cost of the first. Luckily, it was quite the basic skill, and he still walked away with two more points than he started with.


    Now, Derek had over 700 stat points to spend. He was tempted to evenly spread it out through his stats, but decided against it. <em>Its nice to have Strength and mana, but its even better to be able to live through attacks.</em>


    Endurance and Vitality had been his go to stats since he first obtained a system. You couldnt do anything if you were dead. The two stats had never failed him, and it was time to increase them.


    First, Derek put 375 points into his Vitality, bringing it to 1,100. Instantly, Derek felt his blood begin to boil. It was like magma flowing through his veins. His heart pounded harder than ever before. If there was anybody else around at the time, he was sure they would hear the sound of drums beating, or horses charging on a battlefield.


    Derek clutched at his chest as pain engulfed his body. He fell to his knees as his veins bulged, threatening to burst out of his skin. Then, all of the sudden, it was over. Everything felt like a dream. If not for the sweat and rip in his shirt where he had clutched it, he may not believe anything even happened.


    <em>That was intense. </em>He thought to himself. Derek let out a deep breath. <em>Im not sure I even want to know whats going to happen when I increase my Endurance. </em>Derek calmed himself and prepared for the worst. Then, he dropped 385 points into Endurance and epted the changes.


    Derek closed his eyes and balled his fists, waiting for the change. Sure enough, a few secondster, the sound of bones breaking rang out. Derek felt like every bone in his body was being crushed by a giant hammer, then repaired, then crushed again. It was pure agony.


    Luckily, the bone breaking didntst as long as the burning blood had. Within seconds, it was over Then came the itching. Dereks skin felt like thousands of ants were crawling underneath it, biting and stinging as they moved along.


    If Derek had to choose, he would choose the bone breaking or boiling blood, or even both at once a million times before he would choose to feel the itching. Derek couldnt handle it. He tore his ck shirt off and wed at his body.


    No relief came. The harder he wed, the worse the itching sensation got. He wed and wed but wasnt even able to break the topyer of his skin. He gave up. The only thing he could think of to help him in this situation was <strong>Greater Meditation</strong>. The second the thought hit him, he tried it.


    It worked, at least some. While meditating, the feeling was reduced to an almost bearable sensation. He didnt know how much time passed, but eventually, the feeling dissipated. With that, he exited meditation and looked down. His skin was still tan, but every scar on his body had disappeared. No bumps, moles, or pimples remained either.


    Derek pushed on his forearm and was amazed at how soft and smooth his skin felt. One thing was certain, it didnt feel like it would have any defense. Derek brought out one of his knives from his storage bracelet. Quickly, he jabbed the knife into his forearm. The tip of the de pushed the skin in, but was unable to even slightly pierce it.


    <em>I guess thats something.</em> He thought as the de vanished from his hand. Derek looked at his new status to see all the changes he made.


    Status


    Name


    Derek Hunt


    Age


    30


    Level


    100


    Experience


    889,654/5,800,000


    ss


    Legend of the Void (Legendary)


    Race


    Human (Modified)


    Health


    16500


    Mana


    5000


    Stamina


    16500


    Defense


    165 (Armor + 0)


    Attack


    125(Weapon + 0)


    Stats


    Strength


    700


    Dexterity


    500


    Endurance


    1100


    Vitality


    1100


    Intelligence


    500


    Wisdom


    500


    Stat Points Remaining


    3


    Contracts


    nah Swan (Crown)


    View Contract


    Silvi (Bonded Beast)


    View Status


    Ste Brighton (Crown)


    View Contract


    Francesco Jobs (Adventurers Guild)


    View Contract


    Rudolph Mckinney


    View Contract


    Skills


    Absolute Nullify


    Level 1


    Nullify magic spells


    Chain Lightning


    Level 12


    Send a chain of lightning to enemies.


    Channel Void


    Level 10


    Channel the Void through your body, into attacks or defenses.


    Cleaning


    Level 5


    Clean a small area.


    Cure Toxin


    Level 4


    Removes poisons and toxins.


    Dismantle


    Level 12


    Increase ability to dismantle deceased organic life forms.


    Greater Meditation


    Level 4


    Enter meditative state to increase recovery.


    Heavy Weapons Mastery


    Level 18


    Increase damage with heavy weapons.


    Identify


    Level 15


    Appraise objects or entities.


    Magic Resistance


    Level 10


    Increase natural magic resistance by 1.5% per level.


    Multi-Strike


    Level 3


    Your next attack hits twice.


    Physical Resistance


    Level 9


    Increase natural physical resistance by 1.5% per level.


    Rejuvenation


    Level 9


    Restores 45% HP over 30 seconds.


    Sweeping sh


    Level 18


    Project a sh in front of you.


    Time Prison


    Level 1


    Create a void space as a prison. Control its passage of time.


    Void Call


    Level 2


    Call out to the Void.


    Void Sense


    Level 2


    Sense the void.


    Void Shift


    Level 3


    Be one with and move within the void.


    Void Steps


    Level 1


    Use the void as a foothold to move.


    Void Storage


    Level N/A


    Use a storage space made from void.


    Unarmed Combat Mastery


    Level 9


    Increase efficiency when not using a weapon or magic.


    Skill Points Remaining


    13


    Skill Upgrade Points Remaining


    4


    Awards


    Greater Giant yer, Jack of All, Lesser Dungeon Explorer, Lesser Dungeon Traveler, Lesser Repetitive Dungeoneer, Lesser yer of the Unknown, Lesser Solo Diver, Magical ss Cannon, Meat Shield, Lesser Explorer, Offensive Powerhouse


    Derek was able to see the effects of his stats breaking through another threshold. Both his Stamina and Health increased by 15 points per stat point, and his defense more than doubled. <em>I guess all that pain and suffering was worth it. </em>

 Chapter 127: Skill Testing

    Chapter 127: Skill Testing


    Derek was more than satisfied with his new stats. Although both his Endurance and Vitality crossing the 1,000-point threshold came with massive pain and difort, the increased modifiers and extra Health and Defense more than made up for it.


    In fact, if Derek had to choose, he would certainly choose to ept a few moments of agony for permanent increases in his survivability stats.


    Naturally, the next thing that he needed to do was check on his new skills. First came the one he was excited for, <strong>Void Steps</strong>. <strong>Time Prison </strong>seemed to be a valuable skill, especially considering the cost, but itcked any immediate improvements for Derek.


    <strong>Void Steps </strong>could possibly increase his maneuverability and thus survivability. So, before leaving the undying dungeon for thest time, he wanted to try out his skills where nobody could see him.


    Now, one thing he took note of in the description of his new skill was that it needed to be used in conjunction with <strong>Void Sense</strong>. Of course, <strong>Void Sense </strong>was a passive skill, so it was always on, but Derek had grown used to lowering his sensitivity towards the void as it was always a lot to take in, even with the rity that came from having increased Wisdom.


    With <strong>Void Sense </strong>turned down as low as it could go, Derek could still see some faint ripples in the air around him, but he knew that those he could see now barely scratched the surface of what was really there.


    Derek focused his mind and gradually increased his perception of the void bit by bit. Soon, he found a happy medium for the skill. He could see all the ripples now, but they werent so tant that they would be a distraction while fighting.


    Next was to actually use <strong>Void Steps</strong>. Derek activated the skill and jumped towards the closest ripple. When his foot made contact, it was as if he stepped on solid ground. After that, he hopped from ripple to ripple, gaining altitude with each jump.


    He could only use the skill for a little less than a minute before he ran out of mana. He could negate some of the cost by turning the skill on and off in between jumps, but he didnt care about that for now. He had <strong>Greater Meditation </strong>to help him recover any mana he used in the process.


    In the short time that he was able to keep the skill activated, Derek had made it to an extreme height. Looking down, even with his enhanced vision, he could barely make out the crypt that was the dungeon entrance. If he wasnt in a dungeon, and the current was anything like Earth, Derek was sure that he would feel some of the effects of reduced air pressure.


    Soon, Derek was out of mana, and he began to free fall. <em>Technically, this is my second time skydiving. </em>He recalled that he was quite high in the air when he first came to this world. Of course, it was nowhere near as high up as he currently was.


    Derek spread his arms as he had seen many skydivers do to reduce his speed. If nothing else, falling from the sky was quite peaceful. He didnt worry about impacting the ground as he was more than certain that his body and organs were more than strong enough to avoid being injured by impacting the ground at terminal velocity.


    That was one of the things that always infuriated Derek when he read novels back on Earth. A man would forge and strengthen his body and organs so much so that he could be punched through a mountain or mmed into the ground, creating a giant crater, and live. Then,ter in the novel, the same person would stand on a tform or cliff and be scared of falling and hitting the ground.


    Derek shook his head at his thoughts and prepared to hit the ground. Of course, there was only one way tond after falling at such a height. He shifted his body and stretched out his right arm, forming a fist with his hand. Then, he hit the ground.


    Unfortunately, Derek was in a graveyard, a damp one at that. Dust didnt fly up and a loud impact sound didnt ring out. The ideal superheronding didnt happen. Dereks cheeks blushed a bit as he thanked the heavens nobody was around to see him.


    Derek pulled his arm, which had sunk into the ground all the way past his elbow, out of the damp ground. Next was his legs. He was pretty much buried waist deep in the ground. <em>Note to self. Make sure the ground isnt wet before testing a fall from such a height.</em>


    Derek looked down at his dirty clothes and cast <strong>Cleaning. </strong>It wasnt until his fifth cast before he was fully clean. <em>Alright. </em>Derek thought. <em>That skill is fun and should be really useful if I need to escape or climb. Time to see what this </em><strong><em>Time Prison </em></strong><em>is all about.</em>


    First, he slipped into meditation to restore all of his mana, then he focused on activating <strong>Time Prison</strong>. Like that, a third of his mana was sapped from him and he instinctively knew what to do next. With glowing purple hands, he grabbed out and pulled the space in front of him apart.


    The nothingness in front of him was ripped open. A solid ck door appeared in front of his eyes. Derek ced his hand on the door and pulled it open. Inside was a pitch-ck room with nothing but walls, doors, and a ceiling. Derek gathered his courage and walked in.


    When Derek stepped into the room, he could feel the passage of time. Time was currently flowing inside the room at the same pace as it was outside. Derek knew that, with a thought, he could change the flow of time in the room, but the change wouldnt take effect until the door behind him closed.


    He then walked over to one of the doors inside the chamber and ced his hand on it. Opening the door, he saw another room, this time smaller, was waiting. Finally, he realized that each door was a different cell and he could adjust the time of each cell. This meant that he could technically suspend time for one prisoner while causing it to pass rapidly for another.


    Of course, the prisoners wouldnt know the difference until they were back outside and were able to see how much time had passed in the real world.


    Derek closed the door to the cell and ced his hand back on it. <em>Now I can see why this skill cost so much more than any of the others. </em>He thought of all the possible uses for the skill. <em>Unfortunately, I cant adjust the time too much with my current skill level.</em>


    With his hand on the cell door, Derek focused on changing the passage of time inside. Currently, he was only able to make small adjustments to the time. <em>Let''s see... Currently, I can either double or half the speed of time in the cells. I can make 24 hours outside be either 48 or 12 hours inside. </em>


    <em>There are just so many uses. </em>Derek thought. <em>The cells could be used for training rooms as well as prison cells. </em>Of course, training by oneself was always a slower way to level skills than using them in actual fights, but with the increased time, it would still be a game changer.


    The biggest question he had was whether the person he ced in the prison would age at the same rate he did when he was trapped in the void. Though he was in the void for decades, at least, he had only aged a few years when he finally escaped. If it was the same in the prison, then by putting those in that hadnt yet unlocked the system, he would be able to help them achieve great results when it came to choosing a ss.


    <em>This is basically a cheat. </em>He thought, then shook his head. <em>Theres no way the system would allow such tant abuse. I have to be missing something. Besides, nothing really matters until Im able to increase the level of the prison so I can better manipte the passage of time.</em>


    <em>Unfortunately, the only way for me to level it is to use it. I wonder if that means that I just need to open it and close it, or if I actually have to have prisoners inside. Im not too keen on imprisoning people. Plus, I would have to worry about feeding and watering them as well, depending on the level of the people locked away. </em>Derek couldnt help but think of the starving and suffering he went through when he was trapped in the void.


    <em>I would rather kill them and be done with it. I guess I can change some things up. y would have been the perfect candidate before everything else happened. </em>He thought.


    Derek backed away and looked at his surroundings once more. There were ten prison cells he could use. <em>I wonder if the number of rooms will increase as the skill levels or if it will stay the same. </em>He thought. <em>Maybe more rooms will be added as the others are filled. </em>He wouldnt really know until he started using the prison.


    He took onest look at everything, then walked out of the prison. He turned and closed the door, then, like curtains, he pulled the void together and closed it as well.


    With that, Derek sat on a nearby stone and took out some paper and a writing utensil. He had promised the old adventurer that he would provide him some information about the dungeon, and he didnt feel like staying in the camp to do it. Written instructions would have to work.


    On the paper, he exined, in detail, the variety of enemies he had faced in the dungeon, including the boss lich. He went on to give his thoughts on the best way for an average team to clear the dungeon, and what they needed to look for when assembling a team. Nobody else was a walking tank with magical powers, like Derek, so they needed to n ordingly.


    With his strategy guide written, Derek ced his hand on the orb and prepared to leave the dungeon. <em>Its time to go noble hunting. </em>With that thought, he vanished.

 Chapter 128: Lets Go for a Hunt

    Chapter 128: Let''s Go for a Hunt


    Derek appeared back at the dungeon camp, still dressed in his leather armor and facemask. This time, to the shock of all those watching him, he didnt directly teleport back into the dungeon once he came out. Instead, he backed away and looked towards the old adventurer from the Adventurers Guild.


    He walked away from the dungeon orb and approached the old man. Without any words, he took out the walkthrough of the dungeon and handed it to the man. The man looked confused, but soon shifted his eyes to read the parchment. As he read, his eyes grew wider and wider. After some time, the man looked up at Derek.


    You dont know what this means to the guild. He said. If you follow me back or if you take it back yourself, they will reward you and it wont be a small reward.


    Derek shook his head. Youre the one who wanted it so you could reduce the number of deaths that take ce. I respect that, so you can do what you want with it.


    After speaking, Derek turned and walked off. As he moved back into the forest, he looked over his shoulder to see all the adventurers crowding around the old man. The man, for the short time they had chatted, seemed like a decent fellow, so Derek didnt mind doing him this one favor. It took him all of a few minutes, so it really wasnt much to him. Besides, if they ever did find out who he was, it would help to have some goodwill with the Adventurers Guild.


    Thinking this far, Derek took off back to the vige.


    ***


    It wasnt long before Derek snuck into the back of the vige and silently crept his way back to Raynas residence. He gave everyone other than Silvi a shock when they finally noticed him standing in the doorway of the dining room.


    He had stood there silently, watching everyone eating stew and having a good time. It wasnt until Silvi looked up, irritated that he still hadnt said anything, that the others shifted their gazes from their bowls to the doorway.


    Oh, gosh. Derek, dear, you just about scared me to death. Delh mocked grabbing her chest as she spoke.


    I didnt want to interrupt. You all seemed to be having such a great time. He replied.


    Hurry. Come eat. The beaut eh Malorie showed me how to cook a great stew. Come try it. Silvis voice sounded out from the green crystal ced at the center of the dining room table.


    Derek smiled, then walked to one of the empty chairs, then sat down. Fine, but we cant stay long. Derek told Silvi. We have some things to take care of, and the sooner the better.


    Malorie grabbed a bowl and filled it with stew before sitting it down in front of him. Here you go.


    Derek picked up the spoon and took a bite. Silvi was correct. It was a great stew. It was even better than the stew Malorie had cooked before. <em>Must be because of all the fresh ingredients Silvi has in her ring. The stew from before wasnt much more than meat, potatoes, and carrots. </em>He thought.


    That is great. Derek praised. The two of you could open a shop and sell this if you wanted to.


    Malorie blushed, and everyone at the table chuckled.


    I could help with getting you a stall or store once we get to Savannah. Rudy pointed a spoon at Malorie. Im sure I could negotiate a fair price for you.


    Hes right, momma. Brandi said. It is really good. The best youve ever made.


    I helped. Silvi chimed in.


    Yes, you did. Malorie said. It wouldnt have been nearly as good without your help.


    Derek smiled and the group ate. They all made small talk as they filled their bellies. It really was one of the best meals hed had in years. It would have been a great meal even if they were eating dried rations, the delicious food only made it that much better.


    ***


    After dinner, Derek was using his <strong>Cleaning </strong>skills to clean the dishes. Rayna was standing beside him, chatting.


    So, did you do what you needed to? She asked.


    Yeah. I shouldnt have any problems for quite some time now. He answered.


    Thats good.


    Derek nodded as he finished cleaning thest dish.


    The duo walked into the meeting room where everyone else was and sat down.


    Richard Delh, are you sure that the two of you dont want toe to Savannah with us? Derek questioned.


    The two looked at each other and nodded. Were old. Richard said. Weve lived here most of our lives, might as well finish our lives here. You dont need to worry about us.


    Derek nodded. Okay Ill be sure to bring Thomas by before we leave, then.


    Thank you. Delh said.


    Derek focused on everyone else. Silvi and I are going to be gone for a bit. When we get back, be ready to go. Then he looked at Rudy. Rudy, I doubt anything will happen here, but if it does, you should be more than enough to take care of anything. Keep them safe for the next few days.


    Rudy nodded. No problem.


    Good. Derek said. Well be back soon.


    With that, Derek left with Silvi on his shoulder. He made sure to make a show of walking out of the residence and through the vige, leaving through the gates. <em>At least nobody in the vige will think I left.</em>


    <em>What are we doing? </em>Silvi asked.


    <em>Ah, I guess I never told you. We are going noble hunting. </em>He replied.


    <em>Really? </em>Silvi asked with a spark in her eye.


    <em>Yup. Pretty exciting, huh? Though, I doubt theyll give us much trouble.</em>


    <em>Yeah, were a lot stronger. I can feel it. What did you do while you were gone? </em>Silvi asked.


    <em>I leveled up in a dungeon. Got to level 100. </em>Derek answered.


    At that time, he felt his privatemunication crystal going off. He pulled it out of his storage bracelet and answered the call.


    <em>Walter? Whats up?</em>


    <em>I was finally able to get a hold of you. Id almost given up. </em>Walter said.


    <em>Huh? This is the first time I felt the crystal since I talked with nah. </em>Derek thought, then it hit him. <em>There must not be any service in the dungeon. </em>That made sense. Even if the crystal could reach from here to the capital, dungeons were in another dimension or instance. He wasnt sure what to call it.


    <em>Sorry, I was indisposed. </em>He answered. <em>Whats so urgent?</em>


    <em>Its not urgent, exactly. Well, it might be for you. </em>Walter replied. <em>The City Lord left. His whole house left. What happened?</em>


    <em>Malcolm and y left? Where did they go? </em>Derek asked.


    <em>It looked like they were heading to Wilmette. Its the closest city with a teleport circle. Im thinking they got wind of whatever you did, or maybe Gerald recalled them to the capital. Im not sure, but they left a few hours ago. </em>Walter exined.


    <em>Dammit! </em>Derek inwardly cursed. <em>You said everyone left? Theyll be slow, then. How long do you think it will take them to get to Wilmette?</em>


    <em>If they travel through the night, then theyll be there by morning. y was still unconscious, so they cant move too fast, but everyone is rtively trained, so they will still be quick. </em>Walter answered.


    Derek pulled out the map he bought of the region and found Wilmette. <em>We should be able to cut them off. </em>He thought. <em>Walter, thanks for the information. I owe you dinner when we get back to the city. Ill talk to youter.</em>


    <em>Be careful. </em>Walter replied, then the connection cut off.


    <em>New n. </em>Derek sent to Silvi. <em>The nobles are running, so were going to have an actual hunt.</em>


    <em>Lets go. </em>Silvi sent back.


    Derek smiled, then went over the map once again and made sure to orient himself in the right direction. Technically, going from where he was straight to the city wasnt exactly the safest route. He was sure toe upon some dangerous creatures, but he doubted he would find any that were actually dangerous to him or Silvi.


    <em>Lets go. </em>Derek said back to Silvi. <em>If they stay on the road, it should be easy to cut them off.</em>


    Derek, with Silvi on his shoulder, took off, leaving a trail of dust in their wake.


    Hours, and multiple monster killster, Derek and Silvi made it onto the main road to Wilmette. It was the middle of the night. Derek wasnt sure if Torith was ahead of or behind him at the moment. For good measure, he and Silvi split up. Derek headed towards Wilmette and Silvi headed the opposite.


    It wasnt long before Derek could see the outline of the city in the dark. He could make out lights and torches inside. It was a much bigger city than Torith. Unfortunately, or fortunately, Derek was unable to see anyone in between himself and the city.


    Derek smiled. <em>They must still be on their way. </em>He just had to hope that they werent traveling too fast. If they had already made it into the city, then he was sure they would have immediately teleported to the capital.


    Derek turned around and rushed in the opposite direction, towards where Silvi went. Before long, he heard Silvi.


    <em>There you are. I found them. </em>Silvi said.


    <em>Im on my way.</em>

 Chapter 129: Carnage

    Chapter 129: Carnage


    Before long, Derek could see a group marching in the night. He moved off the road and into the tree line to scout them out. After a few minutes of watching, Silvinded on his shoulder and they watched together.


    <em>Were sure its them? </em>He knew that the odds of somebody else traveling in the night with such arge group were basically nil, but he asked anyway.


    <em>Mhm. </em>Silvi answered. Ive never seen the people, but the guards wereining about the City Lord forcing them to travel through the night.


    Derek nodded. He looked up at the sky. There were only a couple of hours left until daybreak. Currently, he was deciding whether to attack now or wait until morning. There was no need for him and Silvi to ambush the group. He was sure of that.


    If they waited until morning, they could attack in a big clearing, and it would be hard for anybody to sneak away. Plus, it was easier to lose sight of them at night. After calcting the City Lords armys marching speed, it would be a little after dusk when they marched on the clearing. Once they made it to the clearing, there was nothing but opennd until they arrived at Wilmette.


    <em>Lets wait until daybreak, then well take them out. I count about 300 regr guards in front, plus some elite guards protecting the back. Well attack once to begin with. Let the guards who run or dont fight back live. Do what you want with the others. Well, everything except eating them, we dont eat humans. </em>He told Silvi about his n.


    <em>Got it. </em>She replied.


    <em>If Malcolm runs, cut him off and keep him from escaping.</em>


    <em>Kay.</em>


    With that, Derek and Silvi stalked the small army through the night, thinking of various ns and contingencies. It wouldnt do just to assassinate Malcolm and y. They were going to make a show of power. Any soldiers who survived would spread rumors about what happens when you mess with Derek and his people.


    Time gradually passed, and soon the sun began to rise. The army advanced out of the forested roads and into the open. They were on the home stretch.


    Derek and Silvi hid in the woods and waited for them to get far enough out that it would take some time to escape back into the forest. When the army was around a mile out, Derek acted.


    He rushed past the army and stopped in front. He would hit them head on. It may not be smart, but it would make a statement.


    The soldiers halted as they saw the duo standing in front of them. Some guards stared wide eyed in recognition while others stared in confusion.


    Get out of the w One soldier up front stepped forward and began to speak, but another grabbed him by the shoulder and shook his head. He then whispered something into the first soldiers ear. Which made the man turn pale and hurriedly step back into ce.


    Whats going on? Why are we stopped? A voice all too familiar to Derek called out from the back of the troops.


    Hushed whispers sounded throughout the army until they reached the ears of the City Lord.


    What are you scared of? There are over 300 of you, and only one of him. The voice rang out again.


    Derek decided that it was finally time to speak up. With some power in his voice, so everyone could hear him, he said, You can all rest assured, I wont harm you if you just give the City Lord and his son up. However, if you take up arms against me, it will be thest thing you do in this life.


    His booming voice fell over the army, causing some to flinch and even more to fidget anxiously. Unfortunately, none stepped aside. This caused Derek to wonder about the contracts and oaths the guards were under. Still, he gave them a chance.


    Derek stepped forward.


    Attack! Kill him. It will all be over once hes dead. Whoever brings me his head will be rewarded by my father! Malcolm screamed from the back.


    Derek shook his head. In the end, it was greed that won out. The hesitant soldiers firmed their resolve and drew their weapons.


    Go. Derek said one word, but it signaled the end.


    The small weight on his shoulder disappeared. Derek stared into the army, the army that failed to charge.


    A small white and purple light shed throughout the crowd. Blood and gore exploded into the air, covering guard after guard. Soon, the white and purple sh became a red and purple sh, as Silvis fur became covered in the gore.


    Derek stared in amazement at the destruction and confusion his beastpanion caused. He was especially impressed at her skill in using all her abilities in tandem. Of course, Silvi didnt have many abilities, but it was still impressive.


    Every time she hit a soldier, it was a critical hit with no chance of survival. Every guard who drew a sword or cast a spell was her target.


    Silvi would fly through the air, horn first. Every person she hit would have their head exploded or chest pierced through, leaving no chance at recovery. When her momentum slowed, or she ran out of enemies in a straight line, she would vanish.


    From there, she would appear on the ground or on top of one of the soldiers. She would kick off from there, sending her flying back through the air like a rocket. It was pure mayhem.


    Derek watched as notification after notification appeared in the corner of his vision. He pulled them up and dismissed them as they came.


    The army held for much longer than Derek would have liked. He had expected the guards to break and run after just a few moments of Silvis indiscriminate ughter. He realized his mistake toote.


    Derek knew of Silvis strength, others did not. What others saw was a cute bunny wearing a purple cloak and a nose ring. So, when Silvi flew forward, it didnt intimidate them, it caused mass confusion.


    Derek also underestimated Silvis ability to kill. Dozens of soldiers were dead before others even realized. Technically, it was their fault for standing in such straight lines. Straight line formations were not good strategies to use against a projectile with extreme piercing potential, like Silvi.


    Every now and then, a sh of lightning would streak out from Silvis horn when she ran out of momentum, but there were still guards in front of her. It was when the guards began seeing her seamlessly cast magic that they snapped out of their stupor.


    More and more soldiers began looking around the battlefield, seeing their formerradesying headless in pools of their own blood. Well over a hundred soldiers were dead before the first ran. But, when the first broke, the rest were sure to follow.


    And follow they did. Of course, there were still some soldiers who were stubborn, and some who were just downright loyal to the City Lord. That was something Derek couldnt understand based on his meetings with the man.


    Silvi obviously remembered Dereks n, as she made no move to go after any soldier who tried to escape. Realizing this, more soldiers turned tail and ran.


    In the distance, Derek could now see Malcolm, as there were no longer mass amounts of soldiers standing in between the two. Only him and his personal guards were left.


    Derek watched as his fierce figure gradually paled, and his face went from anger to confusion to extreme fright. While Malcolm Torith viewed the gory scene in fright, Captain Herrett was shaking his lowered head.


    On the mans face wasnt fright or defeat, just eptance. Derek knew that Captain Herrett had no love for Malcolm Torith. He was most likely a man in an unfortunate situation. Derek could only shake his head at the mans predicament. The other guards were one thing. They had all perked up after hearing about getting a reward for killing Derek, but Herrett only smiled bitterly and shook his head.


    Around the time Derek was thinking about Captain Herrett and the situation he found himself in, the City Lord turned and gave some orders to his personal guards. Derek was still watching them as he saw them all turn away and take off in the opposite direction.


    Of course, it was already toote for them to even try to escape. Their only chance would have been at the beginning of the chaos Silvi had created.


    <em>The City Lord is trying to escape. </em>Derek sent to Silvi.


    <em>Got it. </em>He heard back.


    With that reply, Silvi vanished from in front of a frightened soldier and appeared behind the army, in front of the escaping City Lord and his people.


    Derek slowly walked forward, through the battlefield littered with bodies, blood, and guts. The few guards who had yet to flee or had not yet been ughtered by Silvi took himing into their range as an opportunity to end the battle and receive a great reward.


    If they could deal with Derek, hispanion would lose most of its powers and it would be easy to take down. Everyone knew how thepanion contract worked. Unfortunately, they were wrong, very wrong.


    The nine remaining guards signaled to one another and attacked all at once. Derek let the des fall on his body, catching the one that threatened to pierce his eye. With a ng, the des bounced off his newly improved body. Unfortunately, the sharp edges still cut into his clothing.


    Derek channeled the void and, very quickly, hit each guard in the head with his palm. Unlike Silvis bloody killing, Dereks killing with the void was rtively bloodless and graceful. Well, other than the asional blood dripping out of the corpses nose or ears.


    With no remaining ordinary guards or soldiers, Derek continued walking forward. A little over 70 guards had chosen to escape the battle after seeing the carnage and destruction. It wasnt as many as he had hoped for, but at least some still had the sense to run.


    Looking ahead, the frightened City Lord had stopped in front of Silvi. The group turned back around to run away from her, and Derek smiled. Using <strong>Void Shift, </strong>Derek moved forward and appeared in front of the group out of nowhere.


    The City Lord stopped at the sudden appearance of Derek.


    Suddenly, the weight on Dereks shoulder increased, and a blood soaked Silvi appeared.


    Derek reached over and cast <strong>Cleaning. </strong>Silvi was soon back to her original appearance as a majestic silver and purple Void Rabbit.


    Derek looked over at the City Lord and smiled. Dont you just love the <strong>Cleaning </strong>skill?

 Chapter 130: Captain Herrett

    Chapter 130: Captain Herrett


    Dont you love the <strong>Cleaning </strong>skill? Derek asked the City Lord.


    Derek had managed to make it through the battle without getting even a speck of dust on him. Of course, he was only responsible for a few cleanup kills at the end. Silvi had done everything else, and she had done it beyond his expectation.


    As for the <strong>Cleaning </strong>spell, it was quickly bing one of Dereks favorite skills. It didnt give him the same clean feeling he had after taking a bath or shower, but it was close. It also wiped away smells as well, both good and bad. If you wanted to be clean without smelling like anything, <strong>Cleaning </strong>was the way to go. The greatest example was the currently spotless Silvi perched on his shoulder.


    Derek took a closer look around after praising his favorite new skill. There were only a couple dozen people left around the City Lord. This included the City Lords personal guard, Captain Herrett, and his son, y, who was lying in a carriage, still unconscious. The boy was also the reason their traveling speed wasnt as fast as it could have been.


    Currently, everyone was quiet. Nobody dared to make a sound.


    So. Derek broke the silence. It seems I have a decision to make. He looked at the quivering City Lord. The question is if I should let anyone else live after I kill you.


    No! The City Lord screamed. Why would you kill me? I received your warning. I didnt do anything else to offend you.


    Derek squinted his eyes. Didnt do anything else to offend me? What about the two vigers you had your men kidnap? The crafter girl and her mother.


    Malcolms eyes widened. That girl? I I gave those orders before your warning. I just forgot to cancel them. A mistake It was an honest mistake. You cant be mad over something like that.


    Derkughed out loud. A mistake? Your mistake left one of my friends in a dying state. If I had been any slower, she would be dead now. He replied. Now, I dont believe for a second that you forgot to cancel your orders. You had plenty of time to do it, and Im sure I specifically said not to mess with that vige or its people.


    Derek caught Captain Herretts minute nods as Derek spoke.


    Still. You n on killing me? Im a Torith. Do you know what my father will do to you if you kill me? Pleading hadnt worked, so Malcolms next step was to threaten.


    Send assassins? Talk about me to the King? Yeah, pretty sure there are already some assassins on their way to me. Ive got a n for them when they get here. Its nice that your dads going out of his way to supply me with people. Say, do you think if I send him your head, he will send extra? Derek chuckled and shook his head. Nah, thats too much, even for me. Im sure word alone will be enough.


    You you Malcolm Torith stammered for a moment before he turned to Herrett. Guards, Captain Herrett, do something!


    The older, scar faced guard frowned at the City Lords mention of his name. Still, he didnt step forward. Neither did any of the other guards. Silvis spree of destruction was still fresh in their minds, so their feet stayed nted. Derek had just said that he had to make a decision. Perhaps they were putting hope in his words that he would let them off.


    Derek could only smile at that thought. Those who he allowed to leave earlier were all that was going to leave today.


    Herrett! You know your oath! Do something! Malcolmmanded again.


    Ahem Captain Herrett cleared his throat, his face still as stoic as before. Derek, you said that you are going to kill my charge, yes?


    Derek furrowed his brows at the odd questioning, but nodded.


    100%? The man questioned again. There is no possible way that he will live past today? Or even past the next hour? He asked again.


    Derek shook his head. No, he dies today. His son may live. I havent made my decision on that. Im not a big fan of killing someone in aa. As for your charge, he wont live past the next few minutes.


    Herrett! What are you doing? Attack! Malcolm screamed again.


    Captain Herrett nodded at Derek. Would you receive my best attack? Think of it as a test of your strength. The man smiled.


    Derek couldnt wrap his head around what the man was wanting to do. Clearly, he was under oath to protect the City Lord. He also clearly despised the man. Now, to ask Derek to receive his best attack. <em>Is he trying to trick me just to get a decent hit in? Does he think his best blow will kill me? </em>Derek had no idea what the man was up to. Still, he was very confident in his Vitality and Endurance. Especially after the upgrades they recently went through.


    Derek smiled. Your best attack, huh? What are you thinking? Do you want me to take it without fighting back? Without blocking?


    Herrett shook his head, and a smile finally appeared on his face. Its not like that. You can block if you wish. You can fight back, as well. Though I would prefer to be alive after attacking you, Ive pretty much epted the oue if you attack back.


    <em>Interesting.</em> Derek thought. Then he took a few steps back and held out his arms. Have at it.


    Captain Herrett stared at Derek, wide eyed. Really? You ept?


    Derek smiled. Why not. Ive been itching to see what that de of yours can do.


    Oddly, the scarred man let out a breath of relief. Thank you. He said before stepping forward.


    <em>Hop down. </em>Derek told Silvi. The bunny did as she was told and jumped off of his shoulder onto the top of the carriage. Derek chuckled. <em>Getting a good view?</em>


    Get ready. Herrett interrupted. The man took a step forward and drew his de. Holding it across his chest, he closed his eyes and muttered a few things. A red glow fell over his sword, then yellow. After that, his sword burst into crimson mes. A few more seconds passed, and the same happened on the mans body.


    The fire fell over the mans body, then moved until it was all concentrated in his hands. With both hands on his longsword, he pushed the mes into the sword, causing the mes to violently burst out until the mes took the shape of a greatsword.


    Then the man opened his eyes. Derek had always wondered what it was like when other people saw his purple eyes when he used the void. Now, he had a pretty good idea. With a scar running down his face, a ming greatsword, and crimson red eyes, Herrett was the most intimidating opponent Derek had ever seen.


    At that moment, Captain Herrett leaned forward, then kicked off the ground. At a rapid speed, he appeared before Derek. The man swung his newly formed fire greatsword at a wide arc, looking to split Derek just above the waist.


    Derek, for all hisposure, almost jumped backwards. However, he promised to take the attack, and he would do so. In fact, since the attack wasnt heading towards his head, neck, or heart, he believed that with his current Vitality, he would be able to heal through any other damage done, even if he happened to get split above his waist.


    Instead of taking a step back, or moving his arms to block, Derek held his hands open to the sides, almost as if he was ready to receive Captain Herrett in a bear hug. The guard captains zing sword reached him in a sh.


    When the mes on the de reached his shirt, it went up in mes. Derek frowned as the de dug deeper into his body. It was a strong attack. The crimson de tore past his improved skin and into his flesh.


    With Captain Herretts full strength, the de pushed deeper. It ripped through Dereks flesh, moving past his muscles. Then, as if hitting a steel wall, the de stopped. It had made contact with Dereks ribs.


    The sudden collision between bone and metal surprised both Derek and Captain Herrett. Herretts arms rebounded with the sword, and Derek was sent sliding a few meters back.


    At this point, Dereks entire shirt was up in mes. He quickly reached to his chest and ripped the zing shirt off his body. <em>Another one down. </em>He sighed. Derek inspected his new wound. It was quite deep, cutting all the way to the bone, but surprisingly, it wasnt bleeding. <em>Thats one downside of using mes on your de, I guess. Instant cauterization.</em>


    Derek watched as the charred flesh moved rapidly, pushing all the char to the tip of his skin. It was unsightly. As the scarred flesh moved, the flesh beneath healed perfectly. This happened until the damaged flesh was pushed out of the wound and fell to the ground. Then, his wound closed and healed as if he was never touched.


    Derek wiped some blood off his abdomen before using <strong>Cleaning </strong>on the area. <em>I wonder if the </em><strong><em>Repair </em></strong><em>skill can fix shirts like it fixed that table. </em>Derek put that on his list of things to ask nah aboutter.


    Finally, Derek looked up into Captain Herretts eyes. They were no longer red, in fact, all color had left the man, and he was leaning forward, panting, on his longsword which was stabbed into the ground.


    That was a great strike. Derek praised.


    The man smiled. Im d. It took everything I had.


    With that, the man slipped off his sword and fell face first onto the ground, unconscious. It seemed that he wasnt joking.


    Derek sighed and looked back up to the City Lord and his personal guard. Your turn.

 Chapter 131: Your Turn

    Chapter 131: Your Turn


    N-no! No, no, no, no you cant do this. The City Lord begged as he stumbled backwards, away from the approaching Derek.


    Derek smiled and shook his head. Oh, I can and I will. He moved forward, step by step. Derek looked around at the City Lords remaining personal guards and noticed that they were all sweating bullets and stiff as boards. He chuckled. <em>Im guessing that disy against Herrett is to thank for this.</em>


    Malcolm tripped over his own feet andnded on his back. From there, he tried crawling away. Derek took another step forward, getting closer and closer to the man.


    Attack him! Kill him! The frightened City Lord shoutedmands at hisst remaining hope, his personal guards.


    Derek could only guess that his personal guards had a much stricter contract or oath than the soldiers or even Herrett, because, even while terrified of Derek, they still attacked him onest time. And it was thest time, because Derek didnt hold back. He gave them all quick deaths with his void covered hands.


    After that, only Derek, Silvi, Malcolm, and the unconscious Herrett and y remained. There may have been some soldiers still close enough to make out what was happening, but Derek didnt bother to check. It was probably better if they were watching, anyway.


    The City Lord pushed and kicked the ground, doing everything he could to escape Derek. Unfortunately for him, it was all in vain.


    P-please dont do this. The City Lord pleaded. I-I can give you money! My father can make you a wealthy man.


    Derek shook his head. I dont need money. He took another step forward.


    Women then! I can give you women whose beauty youve never even dreamed of. When money didnt work, he switched to sex.


    Not a chance. Derek took another step.


    Malcolm widened his eyes. What about men? I could find you all types of men. Beautiful, handsome, rugged, you name it, and I will find them.


    Derek rolled his eyes. No, not men either.


    A glint shed in the eyes of the begging City Lord. If not men, women, or money, then children!


    Derek stopped and frowned. He looked the City Lord dead in his eyes. Children?


    Ah. I see, so thats it. Of course, you hang around with that boy and are very protective of that little girl. I can get you more. Boys girls it doesnt matter. The City Lord seemed to think he figured something out. He was sorely mistaken.


    Derek moved and was overtop the City Lords body in a sh. He reached down and lifted the man up by the cor of his tunic. With gritted teeth, he spoke. And where do you get these children?


    The man squirmed in Dereks grasp. I cannot say, but you can have as many as you want.


    Derek reached down with his free hand and grabbed one of Malcolms fingers. He tightened his grip and twisted until he heard a loud pop. Tell me!


    Unfortunately, the broken finger didnt get much of a reaction out of the City Lord. I cant tell you. He replied.


    Derek watched as the mans finger seemed to set itself and slowly heal. <em>Ah, thats right. These noblese from a line of tanks. </em>Derek clicked his tongue. The fear of death was what kept the man talking, pain wasnt going to get Derek anywhere.


    If you cant tell me, then I guess you dont have any use left. Derek brought his free hand up and channeled the void into it right before the City Lords eyes. He made somewhat of a show out of it.


    No, please. I cant say. Im under oath. The man blurted.


    Better to break the oath than to die, dont you think? Derek slowly moved his palm forward, inching closer and closer to the frightened mans head.


    No, no, no. The man screamed. I cant.


    Derek sighed. Fine. Ill just ask your son when he wakes up, and if that doesnt work, Ill ask your father politely, of course. He pulled his arm back and shot it towards the mans head.


    Father! The man yelled and Derek stopped his palm just before the void made contact with the mans skin. Its fathers business. He has other noble houses working under him. They procure the goods and make the deliveries. That way, nothing is linked back to House Torith.


    Derek sat the man down and patted his tunic. Now that wasnt so hard, was it? He looked over to the unconscious y. Your son, does he know about this family business?


    The City Lord fell to his knees, crying. My skills! Theyre all gone.


    Derek took a quick look, and sure enough, the information on the man came back as him being an Oath Breaker. <em>I guess thats one good thing that came out of all of this. </em>Derek thought to himself before nudging the man with his food. Hey! I asked you a question. Does your son know?


    The man, still sobbing, shook his head. N-no. I barely know. I dont have anything to do with that side of things. When I found out, I had to make an oath and then my father still sent me to that damned city.


    Derek nodded. I see. He said. <em>So the City Lord doesnt actually know anything else about it.</em>


    Can I go now? The man asked.


    Go? Who said anything about letting you go?


    B-but I told you everything. I broke my oath for it. Y-you have to let me go.


    Why would I have to do that? Besides, I promised your guard that you wouldnt live for more than an hour, and I wouldnt want to break my promise, now, would I? He replied. For your cooperation, Ill give you a quick death, how does that sound?


    N-nb-bu please, no! The man tried to turn away and run.


    Derek kicked off the ground and caught up to the man in an instant. He held him by the back of his neck. Using his void covered fist, he punched him in the center of his back, right behind his heart. A spray of blood flew out of the City Lords mouth, but the man was still breathing.


    <em>Just how much Endurance and Vitality does this guy have?</em> It wasnt as easy to kill someone with high stats by destroying their heart as it was if you focused on the brain, but that was fine by Derek. He had promised the man a quick death, not a painless one.


    Derek opened his hand and struck the mans back once again. It still wasnt enough. Dereks <strong>Identify </strong>told him that the man was in critical condition, though, so he struck onest time. With three void covered strikes to the City Lords back, it was enough to put the man in a Dying state. Derek nodded, but instead of waiting for the time to run out, he struck out one more time, this time to his head. There was no Dying state when ones brain was destroyed.


    You have sessfully in an Oathbreaker of the Great System.


    New Award Earned


    <em>That must be Award that guard talked about.</em>


    Lesser Enforcer of Oaths


    You have in an Oathbreaker of the Great System. It is of upmost importance to keep to your oaths to the Great System. For enforcing oaths and delivering justice to those who break them, you will be awarded with the following:


    3 Skill Points


    Eliminate more Oathbreakers of the Great System to earn more rewards.


    <em></em>


    <em>Holy shit. What an incentive to kill people who break their oaths. Now Im starting to feel a little bit bad for that other guard. </em>Derek shook his head. <em>There was nothing I could do about it. His oath was linked to her death, and she had to die. If I would have had my prison before meeting her, it could have been different </em>Derek sighed and removed his hand from the back of the City Lord.


    With that, the City Lords corpse stopped moving as blood pooled around it, on the ground. His promise to Captain Herrett was finally fulfilled. Speaking of which, Derek walked over to the unconscious ex-guard.


    He couldnt get any information about the man, because his <strong>Identify </strong>skill wasnt at a high enough level to use it on him yet. Derek reached down and cast <strong>Rejuvenation</strong>, along with <strong>Cleaning</strong> on the guard. He was still unsure of what to do with the man. Derek checked on the man one more time.


    He was breathing steadily, and his heart was beating strongly. <em>Doesnt look like theres anything overly wrong with him or his body. Most likely just strained his body and mind by using a lot of skill at once and running out of mana at the same time. </em>Derek reached down and picked the man up.


    With Herrett in his arms, he walked over to the carriage that the City Lords sun was in. Letting the boy keep his spot for now, he ced Herrett on the seat at the front and sat down beside him. Unfortunately, the beasts in charge of pulling the carriage had run away during all themotion, and Derek didnt feel like carrying two bodies at the moment.


    He could use <strong>Void Prison</strong>, but he was still unsure of how it worked. He didnt want to lock Herrett up, thene to find out he couldnt get him back out.


    <em>Silvi, how bout you pull the carriage. Im sure youre strong enough to do it. </em>Derek asked Silvi.


    <em>How bout you fuck off?</em>


    Silvis reply left Derek aghast, then visions of cooking shows from his previous world shed through his mind. <em>Im definitely going to regret leaving her in that restaurant kitchen. </em>So far, her use of foulnguage was minor. <em>Hopefully, I pulled her out of it in time. </em>Derek sighed once more and shook his head.

 Chapter 132: Auras

    Chapter 132: Auras


    Derek took three vials out of his storage bracelet and poured them inside Captain Herretts mouth. If what he was thinking was correct, the stamina and mana potions would help the man wake up, and it never hurts to throw in an extra health potion while at it.


    The longer he waited, the more tempted he was to just throw y and Herrett in his <strong>Time Prison</strong> and sort everything outter. What he really needed to do was have a conversation with nah about what he learned from Malcolm. It was hard for him to think that with all her resources, she wouldnt know anything about what was going on.


    Derek waited around a few more minutes before deciding on a different approach. Using his aura worked well enough to knock some people unconscious, and that was back when he wasnt as strong, so whos to say it wouldnt be able to wake someone up.


    He stood from the carriage and walked around to Herretts side. Using what he had practiced, he moved the void through himself without holding back, then he released the held energy throughout his body and tried his best to direct it towards Captain Herrett.


    At that time, he wasnt thinking about Silvi, who was sitting on his shoulder. When his aura poured out, it also hit the bunny. Sheunched herself off his shoulder andnded on top of the carriage.


    <em>Ass. </em>She called out into his mind, then to his surprise, she shot her aura back at him.


    When Derek used his aura, a purple glow fell over his body, his muscles and veins bulged, his eyes turned purple, and his ck hair took on a purple shade. Silvi, though, grew. She didnt grow a lot, but when such a small creature has an increase in their muscles, it is very visible.


    Her entire coat of hair turned the same color as her mane, and the purple streak on her horn glowed brilliantly. The freshly cleaned cloak on her back fluttered with her aura. It all made for a magnificent scene.


    Derek locked eyes with hispanion, then he felt a wave wash over him. Obviously, she directed her aura at him. It didnt have much of an effect on Derek, but it was very ufortable. It felt like he was moving in water, or like the air was extremely heavy in humidity. If he wasnt as strong as he was, he was sure he would have trouble breathing.


    And that was when Herrett shot up and took a deep breath. The man wearily looked over to Derek, then at Silvi. Again, he breathed in deep. It didnt seem to help much. Soon, his eyes turned red and a glow, not as distinct as Dereks or Silvis, washed over his body. With that, the man breathed much easier.


    Derek could feel the third aura. It was minor, but if he focused, he could find it. It was almostpletely washed away with Silvi and his own aura.


    Derek chucked and withdrew his aura, letting Silvis aura fall over him with no resistance. The feeling stayed the same, but it was much more pronounced, almost like the water was even heavier than before. He only experienced the feeling for a few seconds before Silvi retraced her aura as well. Then, as if nothing happened, she took her ce back on his shoulder.


    Captain Herrett rubbed the sweat off his forehead, then cautiously withdrew his aura as well. I thought I was going to suffocate. The former guard broke the silence.


    Derek began tough, then remember y, who was lying in the carriage that Silvi was standing on before. The boy had passed out with just one weaker aura before, and now he had been hit by both Derek and Silvi.


    Derek rushed to the back of the carriage and looked in. y, in all his golden-haired glory, was on his side coughing up blood and heaving. Apparently, their auras had done more than just weighing down his breathing.


    Derek put his hand on the teens back and cast <strong>Rejuvenation</strong>. That seemed to lessen the boys injuries. Next, he saw the teen pull out a red vial and chug it. It was a much more expensive looking potion than the vial he had fed Herrett.


    You done? Derek coldly asked.


    That was when the noble noticed Derek. When his eyesnded on him, the teen scampered backwards until his back was up against the wall of the carriage.


    None of that. Derek reached in and grabbed him by the cor of his tunic. Then, in one swift motion, threw him out of the carriage, onto the ground. After that, he picked the teen up by the back of his neck and walked back to the front of the carriage where Herrett was waiting.


    Derek tossed the noble to the ground, then took a seat in the drivers box on the carriage. Get up. He told the teen. If you run, you die. If you fight, you die. If you dont answer my questions you guessed, you die. Do you understand?


    To the nobles credit, he was able to stand and nod without pissing himself. Well, that was until he decided to look around the area. What met his eyes first was his fathers dead body. Then, he turned his head and looked behind him, at Silvis battlefield.


    The ground had turned crimson and bodies, both whole and parts, littered the area. Hundreds of corpses fell into the boys view. With that, his legs gave out, and he fell to his knees. That was when his eyes fell back on Derek and he lost control of his dder.


    Derek shook his head, ignoring the nobles plight. His gazended on Herrett. So, Captain Herrett, what should I do with you?


    Former Captain. The man answered. The man had to have been through some stuff, because there was not a hint of fear in his eyes when he looked at Derek. You can call me Jackson, or Jacks.


    Okay, Jacks, what should I do with you?


    That is up to you, sir. If your offer still stands, I would dly ept it. You seem like a decent enough person to work for. He gave Derek a toothy grin.


    Derek had offered the man employment in jest when they first met. And after your old employer just died, isnt that a little rude?


    The man scoffed. That twat? I hold no loyalty to him or his family. If I were able, I would have ended him myself. He said. Thanks for that, by the way.


    Why would you work for him if that was the way you felt about them? Derek asked.


    Contracts and oaths. Jacks answered.


    And why would you make an oath to such a despicable person?


    Jacks sighed. My son He said.


    Derek frowned. What happened?


    I was out on a mission from the guild. When I got back, my wife was dead and my son was missing. The man clenched his fists. I looked for days. None of my contacts with the guild knew anything. I had to find my boy, he was all I had left.


    And thats when Gerald found you, in person. Derek cut in.


    Jacks looked at Derek in surprise, then nodded his head. Yes. He said that he would help me find my boy as long as I made an oath and signed a contract once they found him.


    An oath and a contract? Derek asked.


    Jacks nodded. Its how Gerald does things. He makes you take an oath and sign a contract. The terms are exactly the same. The only difference is that the penalty for breaking the contract is death.


    How does that work?


    The punishment for the contract is death one second after it is broken. It allows the oath to wipe out any skills that may be used to break a contract, then the contract takes care of the rest. Jacks exined.


    Derek nodded. So, Gerald found your son, and you signed the contract and made an oath? Where is your son now?


    Jacks smiled. I havent seen him since Malcolm was sent to be City Lord here. I trained the boy hard because I knew what kind of house Torith was. When he turned 12 and unlocked the Great System, he obtained a rare ss. From there, I helped him level and sent him to the Academy. Nobody cany a finger on those in the Kings Academy.


    Jacks sighed. I havent seen him in five years. Hes 19 now. Thest letter I received, he had joined the Kings Army and was working his way through the ranks. Its much easier when youre a graduate from the Academy.


    Derek nodded. Thats good.


    Can I ask you a question? Jacks asked suddenly.


    Derek nodded. Go ahead.


    How did you know? How did you know that Gerald personally offered his help? Jacks asked.


    Well thats because hes the one who killed your wife and kidnapped your son. Derek answered calmly.


    What? Jacks shouted angrily. How He shook his head. What do you know?


    Derek shook his head. Not much. Just what that asshole told me before he died. Apparently, his father likes to kidnap children and sell them. When Malcolm overheard him talking about it, the man ced an oath on Malcolm, though not nearly as bad as the one you talked about and sent him far away where there wasnt anybody strong enough to worry about. Well, until me.


    Jacks was trembling in rage at that point. Im going to kill him!


    Calm down. Youre not the only one who wants him dead. Derek said. Now, if his contracts are so fierce, how are you still alive?

 Chapter 133: Its Time

    Chapter 133: It''s Time


    How are you still alive? Derek asked.


    Jacks snorted, face still tinged red in anger. Thats because I did my best.


    Derek gave the man a sideways nce. What do you mean?


    After my son was found. He grit his teeth on the word. I had to sign the contract and make an oath. Fortunately, in my position at least, I had some wiggle room. I immediately rejected their first contract, which would have resulted in my death if Malcolm Torith ever died.


    Derek nodded along with the mans exnation.


    After some back and forth, we were able toe to an agreement. Mind you, it was still a pretty bad contract for me, but I was indebted to the man for finding my son, so I wasnt about to back out after a promise. The former Guard Captain sighed.


    So, what did you end up agreeing to? If you dont mind telling me. Derek asked.


    Jacks smirked, which looked frightening with the scar on his face. Oh, I dont mind telling you. If not for you, I would have never been able toplete the contract. He almostughed, but was still upset after learning about what really happened.


    You see. I signed and swore to protect Malcolm Torith to the best of my ability. He finallyughed. When you said that you were for sure going to kill the man, it fulfilled the condition that he needed protection. It also gave me hope that you would kill the bastard before I regained consciousness. If I would have woken up before you took care of him, I dont know if the contract would have still beenpleted. Fortunately, you kept your word and finished him off before you woke me.


    You also allowed me the time to power up and prepare my most powerful attack. Thanks for that, by the way. Jacks nodded to Derek. Therefore, I did my all to protect Malcolm to the best of my ability. I honestly didnt expect you to be able to take that attack so easily, though. You seem stronger now than when I first met you.


    I am. Derek confirmed.


    Jacks furrowed his brows in confusion but didnt ask any questions. Now, everything was all guesswork until it happened, and I didnt die. I still have ess to the Great System, and the contract is gone as well. And, since the contract is gone, and the oath was tied to the contract its gone as well.


    Thats good.


    Jacks nodded. Yeah, the way I saw it, there were four possible oues. The most likely oue was that I did it, then ended up dying when Malcolm died. Then there was you just killing me Im d that didnt happen. Followed by the n working. Malcolm dying and me still being alive.


    What was the fourth? Derek asked.


    Well The man smiled oddly at Derek. The fourth oue is that everything worked, and you still kill me. Im still figuring out whether thats going to happen or not.


    Derek chuckled. Its not.


    Thats a relief. Jacks replied.


    By the way, youre a lot more talkative now than you were before. Derek pointed out.


    Jacks scoffed. You wouldnt talk much either if you had to be around those assholes He pointed at the quivering y. All day, and you werent able to take any actions against them without killing yourself.


    I guess not. Derek responded. So, what are you going to do now?


    Jacks let out a breath. I dont know. I never thought I was going to get my freedom back. I thought that getting my son back and sending him to the Academy was going to be thest decent thing I did in my life. At some point, I am going to find him. Theres no telling where hes currently stationed.


    Derek nodded. Im sure hell be happy to see you. Derek said. Were you serious about working with me? At this point in the conversation, the two had dropped all formalities and were speaking with each other casually.


    If youll have me. Jacks replied. Of course, Im not signing some soul sucking contract again. If need be, I could sign a basic contract or something like that. Ill also need to know exactly what Ill be doing. From what Ive seen about you, you dont seem like a person wholl require me to do awful things, but I was fooled once in some respects. Though, never once did I think Gerald Torith was a good person.


    Im sure I could find a spot for you. Well be heading to Savannah soon. The more strength, the better especially if you prove trustworthy. Well work out the detailster. Derek exined.


    Jacks nodded, then sighed. Its too bad about Bradley. He was a decent fellow.


    Derek had to think back for a minute. The name sounded familiar, but he was having a hard time cing. Finally, he had a realization. <em>Thats the guy that was ys guard. </em>Derek frowned. Why? What happened.


    Well, he was one of the few that was able to sign a decent contract with House Torith. I was there when he signed it. There was no death use, and no oath required. He just had to protect this dipshit for a few more years, or until the noble died. Jacks exined.


    Derek nodded. That sounds like a good thing to me. If you want, I could just break his contract, here and now. He pointed at y.


    Jacks shook his head. Thats not going to help.


    What do you mean?


    Well, the man was punished for allowing y to get in that mess with yourpanion. He was demoted. Unfortunately, because of that demotion, he was near the front of the guards when your He gestured towards Silvi. Attacked.


    Derek could see where this was going. <em>Didnt we agree to let the ones go that didnt attack? </em>He asked Silvi.


    <em>I did. </em>She replied.


    He must have attacked her. She let all the ones who didnt attack run away. Derek exined.


    Jacks half smiled. He did. I saw it. I think it was more of a scared instinct, but he did draw his sword when she appeared by his side.


    Derek sighed. Cant do anything about that.


    Jacks nodded. Then he pointed at y. Whats your n for this little shit? I cant imagine that hell be able to give you more information than you got out of his father.


    Derek shook his head. No, I doubt he knows anything. Technically, he hasnt done anything wrong since I gave him a warning, but thats because he was in aa. However, theres no way in hell I let him walk away.


    Derek looked at the trembling noble. What do you think I should do with you?


    The teen opened his mouth to speak but was unable to summon the courage to say anything. He tried multiple times, but was never able to form any words, not even a stutter.


    Thats what I thought. Derek said. Dont worry. I happen to need a living enemy to help me test something out, and youll do just fine.


    W-w-what i-is it? The noble managed to mutter.


    Well, let me show you. Derek replied. He looked over at Jacks. Jacks, would you mind giving an oath not to reveal anything youre about to see until I give you the okay? Either that, or you can go on to town and wait for us there.


    Derek watched Jacks eyes. He could see him wrestling with the decision to make an oath or not. Derek could understand him, seeing as he had just gotten out of an oath he never thought he would. Fortunately, this was a regr oath to keep a secret, and finally, his curiosity won out.


    Jacks sighed. Im too interested. What oath do you want me to make? If its not too bad, Ill do it.


    Like I said, just that you wont reveal what youre about to see with anyone until I tell you its okay, and that you wont try to use any information you gain to harm me or mypanions. Derek exined.


    Jacks nodded. Fair enough. Then, he said the oath exactly as Derek had told him, with no alterations.


    Derek waited until he got the confirmation, then nodded. That will do.


    Then, to Jacks surprise, and even Silvis, as she wasnt around when he received his new skill, he gripped the void in front of him, and ripped it to two sides, revealing a door behind. With his right hand, he reached for the handle and pulled. The door swung open, revealing the contents to everybody at once.


    Silvi flew in to explore before Derek could say anything. After a few seconds, shended back on his shoulder, not impressed. <em>Its empty.</em>


    <em>Of course its empty. I havent had a reason to use it until now, and I just got it. </em>Derek replied.


    <em>You could have at least put a kitchen inside. </em>She ranted, but Derek ignored her.


    At that moment, Jacks took a step forward to gaze into the darkness. I-is this space energy? No thats not right. I it feels different time? Yes, it feels like time.


    You know what time energy feels like? Derek asked.


    The man nodded. I once ran a dungeon with the aspect of time.


    Derek looked at him oddly.


    No, its not like youre thinking. There arent any terribly powerful monsters inside. We knew it was a time dungeon when we went inside. Its a very popr dungeon in another kingdom. Its popr because there are so many monsters that it takes weeks toplete, but when youe out, only a few hours have passed. The Cydarian Kingdom would kill for a dungeon like it. It makes for a perfect training dungeon. Jacks exined.


    Derek nodded in understanding. He had thought the same about his <strong>Time Prison</strong>. If he could figure everything out, it may be possible to make it into a great training space as well.


    Well, what are we waiting for? Derek grabbed the noble by the back of his shirt and pushed him inside the prison. He gave Jacks a smile and followed right behind.

 Chapter 134: Cell #003

    Chapter 134: Cell #003


    As the noble fell to his knees inside the <strong>Time Prison</strong>, Derek stepped in behind him. As it was before, the prison was extremely dark, the only lighting from the door to the outside. <em>Im going to have to get some lights for this ce. </em>He put that on the list of things to do. If he nned on using this ability often, he would at least need to decorate the lobby.


    After some time, Derek heard footsteps behind him. It seemed as though Jacks worked up the courage to follow Derek inside.


    I didnt expect you toe in so quick. Derek said.


    It just took a minute to get the nerve to. I trust you well enough. If you were going to harm me, I suspect you already would have. Jacks answered.


    Derek nodded his head in agreement.


    Now its time to see how this works. Derek motioned around him. This. He said to Jacks. Is a prison.


    That got Jackss attention. Did you say prison?


    Derek bobbed his head in confirmation. Yup. Its my very own time prison. He replied.


    A skill that gives someone a prison. Jacks said to no one in particr. How does it work? If you dont mind.


    Derek waved him off. I dont mind in fact, thats what Im doing here, now. He replied. You see, Ive never had a reason to use it before, so Im not sure how everything works. That is where this guyes in.


    I see. Do you really need a prison, though?


    Derekughed. Of course I do. Im not a huge fan of killing everyone that crosses me, but its not like I can just let them off. You saw how well my warning went. At the same time, I dont think everyone deserves death. A little time to themselves may change their attitude, and at the same time, some people deserve worse than death. Im hoping this prison will allow for both. Besides, some people are more useful alive than dead.


    I can see how staying by oneself in a ce like this could drive a person mad. Jacks replied.


    Dereks eye twitched. <em>You dont know the half of it. </em>He thought. Yeah, Im sure it would. He agreed.


    Finally, Derek picked y up from the ground. Come on. He said while pushing him forward, towards one of the cells. Youre going to be inmate number one until I figure out something else to do with you.


    With Jacks watching, Derek and y arrived at the closest cell door. Derek reached out and ced his palm on the door to open it. The door opened, causing a rush of air to flow out. Derek pulled the storage ring off of ys finger and pocketed it before tossing him inside the cell. With a push, y stumbled into the empty room.


    With the noble inside, Derek closed the newly upied prison cell. When the door closed, Derek received an interesting notification.


    New upant in Cell #003.


    Select upants sentence.


    Note: upants can not be removed from cell until their sentence is served. Time served is based on flow of time inside the <strong>Time Prison </strong>cell. Once the inmatesplete their sentence, they are unable to be imprisoned again for one week.


    Derek furrowed his brow. <em>That takes away some of the possibilities. </em>As he was thinking, he focused on the sentencing options. Currently, the minimum sentence was one week, and the maximum was one year. Of course, this was only the time that Derek would have to wait for the prisoners sentence to be over. Depending on how he adjusted the cells flow of time, the sentence could be much harsher or lighter.


    Since Derek was still in the experimental phase of the <strong>Time Prison</strong>, he opted for a sentence of one 28-day month. If needed, he could speed time up and get the noble out in two weeks, or he could double it and leave him in for two months. Once he selected the sentence, a new notification appeared.


    You have selected 28 days. During these 28 days, inmates will be locked in the cell and unable to leave.


    During lockup, skills and stats will be frozen in time, as this is a punishment, not a reward.


    Inmates body will adjust ording to the outside flow of time. Metabolic function will be adjusted ordingly. The prisoner will not die of dehydration or starvation.


    Confirm Sentencing?


    Y/N


    That notification answered a question that Derek had ever since he was locked inside the void. It exined why it felt like he was trapped for decades or even centuries, but in reality, only a couple of years had passed. Unfortunately for him, his metabolic function was not adjusted when he was trapped. If not for his already high Vitality, he would have died from starvation while he was there.


    Derek confirmed the sentencing. A loud bang sounded out, and a screen with numbers appeared on the cell door. Derek watched the numbers count down from 28 days. Currently, the screen showed 27 days, 23 hours, 59 minutes, and 53 seconds. Derek watched the seconds count down. 52 51 50


    Then Derek ced his hand on the cell and focused on adjusting the time. With a thought, the number disyed on the cell began counting down rapidly, two seconds for every one spent outside. Then Derek adjusted it again, and the countdown slowed. Now, only one second passed inside the cell for every two seconds Derek felt. He left the cell alone at that. With time slowed down, ys imprisonment would feel like two months.


    Under the scrutinizing gaze of Jacks, Derek backed away from the upied cell.


    Amazing. He heard Jacks say. Youre able to adjust the individual flow of time for each prison cell? He asked.


    Looks that way. Derek answered.


    Can can you use them as training rooms? Jacks asked excitedly.


    Derek sighed and shook his head. Unfortunately, no. That was one of the things I wished to know when we entered. When the cell locks, apparently it blocks the inmates ability to ess their skills. So, no matter how much time is spent imprisoned, their abilities will not grow at least thats what the notification sounded like when I read it.


    How unfortunate. Jacks also sighed. It didnt take a genius to see the allure of a training room with time flow that could be adjusted.


    Indeed. Derek answer. Suddenly, Derek got another idea. Would you mind staying here for a moment? He asked Jacks.


    Jacks frowned. What?


    Just dont move, Ill be right back. With the <strong>Time Prison </strong>his focus, Derek adjusted the time flow of the lobby. ording to what he knew, the flow would take effect when he closed the prison.


    Before Jacks could respond, Derek ran outside and mmed the prison shut. Derek stood still and waited for exactly two minutes. When the second minute passed by, Derek grabbed the space surrounding him and ripped it apart, revealing the door to the prison.


    He reached out and opened the door, only to see a wide-eyed Jacks standing in the center of the room.


    So, what happened? Derek asked.


    Y-you You locked me in here without knowing what would happen? Jacks half yelled.


    I was almost 100% sure that you would be okay. The cells gave me all kinds of warning when locking y away, but nothing popped up when I closed the door with you still inside. No warning, not confirmation, nothing. Derek exined. So, did anything happen? I waited two minutes outside. Did it feel like one minute in here?


    Jacks took in a deep breath and calmed down. Yes. It couldnt have been more than a minute at least, I dont think. I was busy reading the notifications.


    Notifications? Derek asked.


    Jacks nodded. Yeah. I was told that I had been locked inside a time prison, and that any progression of my skills and abilities had been halted. I also got a warning that time had been adjusted relevant to the outside world, but it didnt tell me in what way.


    Interesting. Derek murmured. <em>So, this lobby could be used as a prison too, if I was out of cells. </em>He thought. Did it say anything about your metabolic functions?


    No? Jacks shook his head in confusion.


    Im guessing that there isnt a control for that here, then. Derek said. <em>So, being shut in the lobby would be more like me being trapped in the void. Still, this space would make for a great transportation skill. Since I dont have to confirm a sentence, I could use it to carry people.</em>


    That would be great forter. Currently, with the father and son Torith, he wasnt in a rush to get to Savannah with everyone, so they could all travel the normal way, but if he ever needed to move everybody quickly, he could. Of course, he still wanted to test it some before putting Brandi and the others inside.


    Derek nodded to himself as he came up with a n. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the storage ring he took from y. <em>We should probably loot the battlefield before we go. </em>He thought.


    Okay, lets get out of here. Derek walked back outside the prison. With Silvi sitting on his shoulder and Jacks standing beside him, he closed the prison.


    Derek looked over the gorynd and spoke. Okay, lets take anything valuable, then get out of here. He handed the storage ring to Silvi. He had taken a look inside before, and it didnt have anything he found useful other than potions. The bunny bit down on the ring and hopped off his shoulder.


    He had forgotten about Malcolms storage devices earlier, so he walked over and stripped his dead body of multiple items, including four storage rings. He tossed two near empty rings to Jacks.


    Well, what are you waiting for?


    With that, the triobed over the battlefield, looting anything and everything they found to be the least bit valuable.

 Chapter 135: Spreading Word

    Chapter 135: Spreading Word


    After around half an hour of looting, the trio had gathered everything that was remotely useful and stored it in their storage rings. In total, it was a good haul. Most of the items they gathered were different weapons used by Toriths guards. Most of the guards also had a potion or two on their person that they were unable to use before being killed by Silvi, so Derek came out well ahead in potions.


    As Silvi had not taken care to not damage armor, most of it, especially the chest pieces and helmets, was trashed. Still, Derek believed that Brandi could use everything. Most likely, she would be able to reverse engineerpleted pieces, and use the scraps as materials. Either way, the armor and weapons would allow her to increase her skills even more.


    When all was said and done, Derek, jacks, and Silvi all gathered back at the carriage. Derek had aplished his goal with Malcolm Torith now being dead, and it was time to head back. As he was no longer in a rush, the three took off towards the vige at a moderate pace. With Jackss stats, as long as Derek and Silvi didnt go full out, he didnt have to worry about the man keeping up.


    Seeing how he had a short journey ahead of him, Derek decided that now was the best time to confront nah about the Torith matter. He still had a hard time wrapping his head around the thought that nah didnt know about what they did, even if Gerald covered it up so well.


    While rushing through the forest, Derek took out his redmunication crystal. With a thought, he sent his mana in and activated it. After a short while, someone finally picked up.


    <em>Derek, this is Avery. My mistress will be with you shortly. Shes attending to a very important matter at this time. </em>Averys voice sounded in Dereks head.


    <em>Thats fine, I can wait. Theres something important that I need to discuss with her, too. </em>Derek responded.


    After that, the two made small talk while Derek ran through the forest. To Derek, Avery seemed like a pretty decent fellow. Of course, the man held important information close to his chest, and Derek couldnt get him to divulge anything without the man first receiving nahs instructions. If nothing else, it proved that Avery was a loyal subject.


    One thing that seemed to excite Avery while talking about it was the training of the two boys, Zach and Lucas. When Derek brought the two boys up in their conversation, it was like the floodgates opened. The man was very proud of the boys and spoke fondly of them.


    <em>Id like to meet them when I get to the Capital someday. With the way you talk about them, they must be geniuses. </em>Derek praised.


    <em>I wouldnt say that, but they are both talented and very hardworking. Theres not much more one can ask out of your students. </em>Avery said. Then, before Derek could reply, he continued. <em>Oh, there she is now. One moment.</em>


    Derek waited for a moment before nahs voice came through. <em>Derek. How are you? How is your friend?</em>


    <em>Rayna is fine. She made it. Unless youre talking about Katrisha? Im sure your Deathsworn has already informed you of her demise. </em>Derek replied.


    <em>Mhm. </em>nah confirmed. <em>He did. I wasnt surprised by the results. Though, you could have made everything less public. Who knows what Malcolm or Gerald will think when they find that their retainer is dead.</em>


    <em>Ah, so word hasnt spread?</em>


    <em>Word about what? </em>nah asked.


    <em>Did you hear about Malcolm retreating from the city to go home? </em>Derek ignored her question.


    <em>Yes. Ste informed me. I was going to inform you, but she assured me that Walter had already contacted you. </em>She replied. <em>So, what word has yet to reach me? </em>She asked again.


    <em>Word that Malcolm wont be making it to the Capital after all. </em>Derek replied.


    <em>Wont be makin Did you kill him?</em>


    <em>I did. I intercepted him on his way to Wilmette. Im sure you will be hearing stories soon. I didnt go easy on them.</em>


    Nothing came through for a moment, until finally, Derek heard a sigh. <em>So you went through with it after all. Like I said before, Gerald wille for you, and most likely those close to you. I hope you are prepared. Ill do my best to let you know if I discover a plot against you, but I can no longer hold him off after the death of his family.</em>


    <em>Im not asking you to. </em>Derek replied. <em>Im not worried about Gerald. I am wondering how you have allowed the man to live for as long as he has, though.</em>


    <em>What do you mean? </em>nah asked.


    <em>Surely, with your resources, youve been able to put together what the man does. You said that bing one of your Deathsworn is reserved for the evilest of society. Im asking, why is Gerald not one of your Deathsworn? </em>Derek asked.


    <em>What have you found? </em>nah asked, confusion in her tone. <em>Gerald is by no means a decent person. I also suspect him of many deplorable acts, but Ive never been able to get any proof. And, with him being by the Kings side, I would need proof. Gerald is very cautious with everything he does. Every time I try to find something on him, the personmitting a crime is four or more people removed from him, and it can never be traced back to him.</em>


    <em>What do you suspect him to be a part of? </em>Derek asked.


    <em>There are many things that I suspect, but none that I have been even close to proving. </em>She replied. <em>I suspect he has been essory to many murders of nobles that have acted against him. Unfortunately, hes so patient that its years before those nobles suffer horrible fates. Ive had people trace those murders, but they always end up at a dead end.</em>


    <em>Anything else? </em>Derek asked.


    <em>Of course. </em>nah said. <em>He has his hand in so many markets that theres no way he doesnt get them dirty. Markets that I avoid at all costs. Its one reason that I focus mainly on my restaurants. Ive built it to the top, so I am King when ites to restaurants. I dont have to follow old traditions or grease any palms. The restaurant business also allows me to gather information easily. Who doesnt like to talk during dinner? </em>She exined.


    <em>I see. </em>Derek said. <em>When you say other markets, do you mean ve trade and trafficking?</em>


    <em>ve trade has been illegal for decades now. </em>She replied. <em>That doesnt mean that there arent any ves, though. Sometimes a ve or servant oath is the only way out of a situation, but the Great System takes its oaths seriously. A ve oath cannot be coerced, and you cannot give the ve to another. Of course, there are contracts as well, and they arent nearly as regted.</em>


    Derekughed. <em>Im not talking about oaths and contracts; Im talking about ve trade and trafficking. You should know as well as I do that you dont need to be under contract or oath to be a ve. You need only be weaker than the person opposing you.</em>


    <em>Of course, Derek, Im not nave. </em>nahs irritated voice came through. <em>What have you found?</em>


    <em>Gerald is part, if not the head of, a child trafficking ring. </em>He answered and waited.


    After a while, nah spoke again. <em>I cant say Im surprised. Ive investigated multiple disappearances of children over the years, but theyve never led to anything. It would make sense that he is involved because of how well he has been able to cover up his other crimes. Do you have any proof?</em>


    <em>Just the fact that Malcolm broke an oath by telling me about it before I killed him. Though, I dont think anything he knew would hold up against Gerald, especially if he is in your Kings good graces. He heard a small bit of one conversation, and that was enough to get him sent to a city in the middle of nowhere. </em>Derek exined.


    <em>So, thats why Malcolm took the City Lord position. I tried to find out for awhile after the man left the Capital but was never able to get any actual leads. It all makes sense, but I cant do anything without proof. If he wasnt one of the Kings men, my reputation would allow me to do with him as I pleased, and the King wouldnt question me, but as of now, the best I could do is tell the King about it. At best, there would be an investigation that wouldnt reveal anything. </em>nah exined.


    <em>Oh, you dont have to do anything. I will deal with him. Its not that I dont trust you, but with your connections and information, it surprised me that you didnt know anything about it. </em>Derek said.


    nah sighed. <em>There are a few people in the kingdom that are untouchable, Gerald is one of them. It is the reason I gave you ample warning before. Because of his status, it is easy for him to hide things, and much harder to get information on him.</em>


    <em>Fortunately. </em>She continued. <em>I am another untouchable, and my strength doesnte from political connections and other people like his does. My strength is my own. However, a war between me and the royal family would end with me destroyed and the royal family crippled. Unfortunately, me going after the main advisor of the King would start such a war I know my limits.</em>


    <em>If he lost the favor of the King, would he lose his status? </em>Derek asked.


    <em>It would hurt him, thats for sure. However, nobody knows exactly how far his connections spread. Which puts the King in a bind as well. Because of his gratitude, he allowed Gerald and House Torith to grow to the point where they arent in his control. Not to mention, Gerald is still in his favor. </em>nah said.


    <em>The best way to deal with Gerald would be assassination. He is not personally strong. However, Im sure he has many safeguards in ce in the case of his death, so it will be in many peoples best interest to keep him alive. </em>She exined.


    <em>So, what youre saying is that once he is dead, it will be easier to find those who acted with him because they will be scrambling to save themselves. </em>Derek replied.


    <em>That may be the case, but it could also cause a civil war.</em>


    Derek scoffed. <em>That sounds like a problem for your inept King. </em>He didnt hide what he thought about the King.


    <em>Hes not a bad person... </em>She tried to exin.


    <em>No. Apparently, hes just gullible and inept. All the great qualities one should look for in a ruler. </em>Heughed.


    <em>That </em>nah sighed.


    <em>Anyway, Im getting ready to leave for Savannah. Ill be there in a few weeks. It will take some time for everyone to travel to Wilmette for the teleport. </em>Derek prepared to end the conversation.


    <em>Mhm. </em>nah agreed, then her jovial, seductive tone finally broke through for the first time in their conversation. <em>Make sure you take care of Ste on your way.</em>


    <em>Huh?</em>

 Chapter 136: Natalie

    Chapter 136: Natalie


    <em>What do you mean? </em>Derek asked.


    <em>Didnt she tell you? Shes decided that she has had enough of that city and ns on traveling to Savannah with you. </em>nah exined.


    Derek thought back to hisst conversation with Ste. <em>I guess she was acting a little strange. </em>They were interrupted by Walter letting him know of Raynas dire situation before she could let Derek know what she was thinking.


    <em>Oh I guess thats fine. Its only one extra person if shees alone. Plus, she can take care of herself. I havent even figured out the travel arrangements yet, so we can talk about all that once I get back to Tori Do I still call it Torith since there are no longer any Toriths in the city? </em>Derek asked.


    <em>For now, yes. The King, or his council, will eventually find a recement, and the name will change or, with Geralds position, it may continue to be called Torith forever. </em>nah answered.


    <em>Oh? I thought the city names changed ording to the City Lord here. </em>


    <em>For the most part, you are correct. However, there are a few instances where the city name stays the same no matter the change. Take Wilmette, for example. The Wilmette noble family died out decades ago, but the city is named after them in remembrance. Thest leader of the Wilmette family died protecting the Kingdom before he could produce and heirs, and unfortunately, all his immediate family was lost earlier on. So, the King decided the city would forever be named Wilmette. </em>nah said.


    <em>I see. I guess that makes sense. </em>Derek said. <em>Lets hope thats not the case with Torith. </em>


    <em>We can hope, but I have a feeling it will stick. Itd be best if the Gracefalls could get their name back. The city could be Searidge once again. Walters son has impressed the King, and continues to contribute to Cydaria, so its only a matter of time if nothing bad happens to him. </em>nah said.


    <em>Walter is definitely proud of him, thats for sure. </em>Derek replied.


    <em>Speaking of bad things, you should try to get to Savannah as fast as you can. Once everything bes known, you may have some trouble, so it would be better to get there sooner thanter. </em>nah warned.


    She continued.<em> The city has almost as much power as the Capital, and you and your people will be much safer there than any other ce. House Savannah, Natalie in particr, is another one of those that are considered untouchable. Nothing happens in that city without her knowing about it. But, staying there will be expensive. It will most likely cost even more than you will make through your coffee. </em>


    <em>I have a few ns for that. It will take some initial capital, but I should be able to make it. If not, there are other ways for me to obtain a bit of wealth if needed. By the way, what kind of person is Natalie Savannah? Walter seems to count her as one of the few people he respects. </em>Derek asked.


    <em>Natalie is interesting. House Savannah chooses their head based on performance and thats it. It doesnt matter if youre the son of the current head, you have the same chances of bing the next head even if youre a distant cousin. As long as you carry the surname, you can be the next Lord of House Savannah. Of course, being the son or daughter of the Lord will have some advantages. </em>nah exined.


    <em>You have to understand, while strength is important for House Savannah, it is not what holds the most importance. Business acumen is what they look for. House Savannah is the richest noble house in the country for a reason. They could single-handedly supply the Kingdoms armies for years. Money equals power for them. If they arent personally strong, they can spend some of their money to hire bodyguards, or even elite teams to run them through dungeons. </em>She continued.


    <em>I see. So, how did Natalie end up in her position? Was she the previous Lords daughter? </em>Derek asked.


    <em>Far from it, actually. She was a rtively unknown grandniece of the previous Lord. When she was 13, she was given 1,000 gold coins as a test. Like I said, she was unknown. The Lord had never even met her. 1,000 gold coins are the minimum a Savannah gets when they unlock full functions of the Great System. Most of them blow the money, then go crawling back, asking for more. Its not umon for one to lose everything multiple times before learning the trade. </em>nah exined.


    Derek listened with rapt attention, not wanting to miss anything that could help prepare him for his future in Savannah.


    Well, Natalie took her 1,000 coins and began buying random odds and ends she found in the lower city. She even went as far as setting up a stand and buying trinkets from traders who couldnt even afford entrance into the city. Still, nobody paid any attention to the little girl buying weird things. That was until it turned out every item she bought had either been misidentified or had hidden properties no one had found previously. Turns out, she had a knack for collecting strange items, and when she received her ss, she received a powerful type of <strong>Identify </strong>skill. She continued.


    <em>What happened next? How powerful is the skill? </em>


    <em>Nobody knows but Natalie. The only information shes ever given is that its like <strong>Identify</strong></em>. nah said. <em>What happened next? She turned 1,000 gold coins into 3,000 in a month, and by the time she was 15, she had made upwards of 100,000 gold coins. Also, she did much more than find items nobody else wanted. Once she gained enough capital, she opened small businesses and started making ie passively. And, every single person shes hired has been perfectly loyal. She may be better than me when judging someones character. </em>nahughed.


    <em>Is that so? Speaking of character, what about her? </em>He asked.


    <em>Well, shes neutral when ites to politics. She could affect the oue of any political struggle, but she chooses not to. When ites to illegal business, it varies based on which person wins Lord of Savannah. Both her and her predecessor chose to ouw any illegal trades. If you are caught ve trading or forcibly making contracts, she will judge you. There wont be a trial, she wont send a message to the King, you will just die, and thats after an intense interrogation. I like this about her.</em>


    <em>Sounds like a good way to make some enemies. </em>Derek said.


    <em>Mhm. Like another person I know. </em>nah joked. <em>She has executed some pretty high up nobles. Almost as high up as the ones you executed </em>Sheughed. <em>Remember when I told you that if I went against the King that I would lose, but Id be able to cripple the royal family? </em>


    <em>Yes? </em>


    <em>Well, its just about the same for her. Actually, she would most likely do even better than me. Hell, she may even win. Once she buys all the soldiers who arent under oath or contract, I wonder how many people the King would still have fighting for him? </em>


    Derek immediately put Natalie Savannah on his people to not cross list. It was a small list. It currently had two names.


    <em>Overall, shes a decent person. Shes the highest rated member of the Crown. Shes fun to be around, and easy to respect. But, no matter who you are, when ites to business, shes able to turn her emotions off. She will never make a deal to her detriment. </em>nah seemed to be speaking from experience.


    <em>Theres nothing wrong with that. </em>Derek said. <em>Well, from everything youve told me, Savannah sounds like a decent ce for me to settle for a while. How are the dungeons around there? And monsters? </em>He had already learned a bit about all that, but it never hurt to learn more.


    <em>Youll be able to find something to do. There are a few really good higher-level dungeons around. Youll be able to find anything from level 75 to 200. Unfortunately, there are only three dungeons in the Kingdom that are above level 200, and none of them are around Savannah. Though, that doesnt matter, because you will finally have ess to a teleportation formation. There are a couple dungeons I wouldnt mind running with the right people. </em>She said.


    <em>Ill be sure to keep you in mind when ites to them. Youll have to tell me about themter. I keep forgetting that Ill have ess to a teleportation circle. </em>Derekughed. <em>I guess Ill have to change my travel ns. I had originally nned to travel slow and letting everyone have a bit of an adventure, but maybe I should speed things up.</em>


    <em>That would be for the best. Just with this conversation, Ive ignored the King trying to contact me six times no, make that seven seven times already. So, its safe to assume that word has started to spread about Malcolm. </em>


    Derek didnt know what to say. It was amusing that nah had been ignoring the King to have a conversation with him. <em>Well, Im going to go, then. Have fun talking with your King. </em>The conversation had already gone on much longer than he nned.


    Derek heard a sighe from the other end. <em>You know that theres not going to be anything fun about it. Just keep yourself safe.</em>


    <em>Will do. </em>With that, Derek pulled his mana back and released the connection. He let out a sigh and turned to Jacks. Looks like itd be better if we moved faster. As he spoke, he elerated to the speed he had previously traveled with Silvi.


    Jacksgged behind and couldnt quite keep pace. I know where were going, so Ill meet you there if you need to hurry. He shouted as the distance between the two kept increasing.


    Derek put his hand up in a half wave. You go to Torith. Ill meet you there when I get everybody else. With that, Derek rushed forward, and Jacks broke off in a different direction.

 Chapter 137: Leaving

    Chapter 137: Leaving


    After splitting off from Jacks, Derek continued his way to the vige. While running, he brushed away all of Silvis kill notifications that had piled up through the battle. Unfortunately, most of the guards were in their mid-60s or 70s, so with the reduced experience from Silvi, and being a good deal above their level, Derek didnt gain much XP.


    Overall, he ended up gaining two levels. It was better than nothing, and two levels meant 60 more stat points for him. With his stats the way they were, he kept the points and wanted to wait to decide to increase his Endurance and Vitality even more or boost his Strength stat a little.


    So far, his Endurance and Vitality stats have been his savior. After taking Jackss ultimate skills on, he was sure that if he hadnt passed through the two thresholds beforehand, the damage he would have taken would have been much, much worse.


    Derek pushed all those thoughts aside. He would cross that bridge when he got there. It may be some time before he leveled up enough to make a dent.


    Now, as he dashed through the forest full of monsters, his focus was on Thomas, Brandi, and the others. ording to nah, it would be best for him to get to Savannah as fast as possible. He hadnt wanted to use the <strong>Time Prison</strong> for transportation just yet, but it didnt seem like he had a choice.


    He didnt want others to learn of the <strong>Time Prison</strong>, but the majority of those who would use it had already made oaths. Brandi, Thomas, Rayna, and Malorie had all made oaths before he took them to the first dungeon together, and those oaths would cover the <strong>Time Prison </strong>as well. He only had to worry about Rudy and Ste. Rudy would be easy. Hed be happy to create another contract, and Derek doubted hed have a problem with Ste.


    If he went as fast as he could, he should be able to gather everyone in the vige, then those left at Torith, and reach Wilmette by nightfall.


    Within a few hours, he and Silvi were back at the vige. This time, he took the front gate instead of jumping over the walls. When he arrived at Raynas former residence, he found everybody sitting around the meeting table, waiting for his return.


    Im back. He announced as he walked through the door to the meeting room.


    Derek! Silvi! Brandi rushed up from her seat.


    Silvi, taking the girls enthusiasm as a sign that she would be pet, hopped from Dereks shoulder and into Brandis embrace.


    Did you take care of everything you needed? Rayna asked.


    Derek nodded. I did, but it left us on a clock. If you n oning, we need to leave now.


    Rayna nodded her head and looked at Malorie, who nodded back. We gathered everything we needed while you were gone. We dont have much.


    Yup, yup. Were all good to go. Say, how long until Im able to open up my contract business? I cant contain my excitement. Rudy cut in.


    I dont know. Derek answered bluntly. That Depends on Natalie Savannah. We can discuss all thatter.


    Derek turned and gave Richard and Delh a half smile. Unfortunately, I no longer have the time to bring Thomas home to see you. You cane to the city with us and say goodbye. You would need to find your own way back. You could also write a letter or something


    Richard and Delh looked at each other and shook their heads. Finally, Delh spoke. Its fine. Just let him know that hes loved and he always has a ce toe home to.


    Derek nodded. Ill see what I can do about getting amunications crystal sent to you once we get to Savannah. I dont have any extra one on me at the moment.


    At that, the couples eyes brightened. We would be in your debt. Richard spoke. Thank you.


    Derek nodded and looked at his group. Come on. Time to go.


    Once the group was well outside the vige, out of sight of anyone else, Derek stopped them. Okay, this is good. He said.


    What are we doing? Rayna asked.


    Instead of answering her, he looked at Rudy. Im going to need an oath or a contract from you. You cant reveal anything youre about to see to anyone.


    Rudy frowned, butplied. I can make a contract. How important is what youre going to do? I need to know how harsh to make the terms.


    Its not of great importance. You can make the terms until I say otherwise, as it may be less importantter on. Sound good? Derek asked.


    If I choose not to? Rudy asked.


    Then we part ways here, and you will need to get to Savannah on your own. Either way, what we talked about before still stands. Derek exined.


    What about the contract from before? Does it not cover this? Rudy asked.


    It may, but I dont believe other people knowing will be harmful to me or the others. Its just something I dont want widely spread right now. Derek exined the situation.


    Very well. Rudy agreed and wrote up a quick contract. This one states that I will not reveal any future secrets of yours, unless you otherwise agree that I can, under penalty of losing mybat skills. Does that seem good enough?


    How are yourbat skills? Derek asked.


    Theyre good enough to be a guard, but not enough to be a part of a good Adventurers Guild team.


    Derek thought for a moment before agreeing. Thats fine. Besides, Ill know if you break it. Derek said.


    Rudy nodded and wrote up another contract. Derek looked over the terms and agreed. The contract only had limitations for Rudy. There was nothing Derek had to abide by this time. Derek signed the contract and dismissed the notification that appeared.


    Okay, thats that. Derek said. Stand back.


    Derek grabbed at the space in front of himself and ripped it open, revealing the door to his prison. He felt bad for using it with his group because of how dark it would be inside. He would have to remind himself to find some lighting runes.


    He opened the door. Alright, youre all going to need to go inside. I tested it earlier, and its safe. Unfortunately, I havent prepared it for people to stay in, so its going to be dark inside, just bear with it. Youll also get some notifications, dont worry about them.


    The group gave Derek an odd look, but they trusted him. Rayna was the first person to step inside. The rest followed. Even Silvi hopped in.


    <em>Silvi? </em>Derek asked.


    <em>I can cook inside. It will give them a light as well. </em>She exined.


    <em>But you wont be able to level up your <strong>Cooking </strong>skill. </em>Derek said.


    <em>But I can eat. </em>


    Derek nearly facepalmed after listening to the gluttonous bunny. He thought she was just being thoughtful for once, but it turned out she only wanted to eat. He looked in and gave everyone a reassuring smile before shutting the door. He made sure to adjust the time to half of what he would spend outside before pulling the space together and canceling the skill.


    With that taken care of, he took off to Torith.


    ***


    A few hourster, and Derek could see Torith in the distance. He didnt bother letting the group out of the prison, as they would just have to go right back in. Derek made sure his Gold Adventurers Badge was pinned to his shoulder. It would allow him to pass freely through the city.


    Derek checked the system time and nodded. He headed straight for the Adventurers Guild. After waving to Nia, he walked directly to the back without an escort. Standing next to the door to a training room, Derek put his thumb on a rune and waited.


    A few minutester and the door opened with a sweat soaked Thomas behind it.


    Go get your things, were leaving. Derek got straight to the point.


    Instead of arguing or asking why, Thomas nodded. Im already ready.


    Derek smiled and cast <strong>Cleaning </strong>on the boy, removing the sweat and odor from him. Lets go.


    When the duo walked out of the guild, Jacks was waiting for them. Derek furrowed his brow slightly.


    You got here faster than I thought you would. He said. I had the guards let me know when they saw you arrive. He exined.


    Derek nodded upon realization. Because of his status, Jacks still had control of all the guards in the city until they learned differently. Weve got one more person to pick up, then were out of here. He said, then took off at a jog through the streets.


    When they got to the Crown, Ste was leaning against the wall outside in full travel gear. It was odd seeing the impable beauty in a tunic, pants, and boots, but the look suited her.


    You ready? Derek asked.


    nah said you we would probably be leaving fast. She nodded. Im ready.


    With that, the group left the city. Once outside, Derek began leading them towards Wilmette.


    Arent we going to the vige to pick up the others? Thomas asked.


    No. Theyre already here. Derek answered.


    Alone again, Derek turned to Ste. Normally, I would have you take an oath or make a contract for what happens next, but I trust


    Before he could finish his sentence, Ste began writing a contract. She finished and gave the papers to Derek. Is this good?


    Derek read it over. It was a pretty light contract, and didnt have many harsh penalties, but it was good enough. Good enough. He said. nah had once told him that she preferred loyalty over oaths, and he agreed. He believed he could trust Ste. The contract was just icing on the cake.


    Alright. He said, then opened his prison.


    Inside was the group sitting around a fire while something boiled in a pot. They all noticed when the door opened, and new light shined into the room.


    Wow. Ste said. Youre able to transport people?


    Something like that. Derek said. Okay. Get in and lets go.


    Jacks hesitated, as he had been locked in alone before, but still went inside. Thomas practically sprinted inside to see Brandi. Ste didnt.


    I think Ill stay out here with you. She said.


    Can you keep up? Derek asked.


    If I cant, Ill go in.


    Derek nodded. Just a few more hours. He told the group, then shut the door.


    Turning to Ste, he said, Lets go.

 Chapter 138: Ambush?

    Chapter 138: Ambush?


    Derek started out slow to see if Ste could keep up, then gradually increased his pace. To his surprise, when he hit his preferred travel speed, she was still able to stay close. Of course, he wasnt moving at as fast a pace as possible, but he was close.


    Looking back at Ste, she seemed to be exerting herself, but it didnt look like anything she wouldnt be able to maintain for the next few hours. Derek was impressed. <em>Time for the ultimate test holding a conversation while running. </em>He snickered to himself.


    So, why choose to run with me instead of taking it easy in the space? Derek asked.


    Id rather not put my faith in anybody other than myself. She answered as she closed in and stuck to this side. Do you know what would happen to them if you were to die? Id rather not take that chance. You have made enemies out of a powerful person.


    Arent you already risking yourself just by traveling with me? Derek asked.


    Maybe, but this way, I will be able to defend myself. If nothing else, I can run. Besides, I doubt anyone would try to kill me outright, unlike you. Im pretty well known, and Im sure nobody wants to go to war with the Crown and nah.


    Would she?


    Would she what? Ste asked.


    Would nah go to war for you? You know, if you were killed. He rified.


    I believe so. If she didnt, she would make the life of the one who killed me miserable. Shes like that with her people. Its hard to be around her because of her skills, but people still flock to her. Thats one of the main reasons. She exined.


    So, why did you choose now to leave Torith?


    Im bored. She answered. Youve been interesting, and I havent been to the Savannah restaurant in a while. It will be good to check in. Kill two birds with one stone.


    Oh, and here I thought you were developing a crush on me. Derek said cheekily.


    Ste snorted. Dont tter yourself.


    She may have said that, but Derek swore he saw her cheeks flush red for a split second before she got herself under control.


    Sure, sure. He said. So, what do you know about Natalie? He changed the subject.


    Probably not more than you already know. nah told me she filled you in. I doubt I could give you any more information that what youve already received.


    nah this, nah that. What happened to my mistress? Last time we talked about her, you werent so casual. Derek asked.


    Steughed. That was before you got to know her. nah doesnt like being addressed like that, but when youre doing business better to err on the side of formal. She would consider you more than just a business partner now. There is no sense in keeping up the act when everyone is on such close terms.


    I see.


    Of course, I could still call you Mr. Hunt if you prefer.


    Derek shook his head. No. Dereks fine.


    So, you have ns for some businesses in Savannah? Its a very tough ce to build something from the ground up. There arent many ces there that started in Savannah. Most are sess in other cities, then open storester on in Savannah. Ste exined.


    I think itll be fine. Besides, if it fails, it fails, and I move on. Theres no reason not to try. Natalie seems to be an interesting person, so if nothing else, Im sure Ill gain something, whether its a profitable business or information, it doesnt matter. He replied.


    So, what is it? Something like your coffee? She asked.


    Youll have to wait and see.


    Fine. She clicked her tongue. Be that way. I look forward to seeing.


    Like that, the duo kept chatting while traveling at high speeds towards Wilmette.


    Hourster, they were closing in on Wilmette. Coming from Torith, they were able to stay on the route through the forest and didnt have to cut through it to make up time.


    At this time, Derek could see the end of the forest and the road emerging in the opening ahead. They were almost at Silvis battlefield. Derek was sure that the bodies had not had the chance to be cleaned up yet. Nighttime was approaching, but it was still the same day.


    But before they could break free of the forest, both Ste and Derek came to an abrupt halt. In an instant, Derek raised his forearm to block his head, and two giant cleavers had appeared in Stes hands.


    A dagger with a blue glow struck Dereks unarmored forearm and pierced his skin, stopping midway through his muscle. Derek didnt have time to pull the dagger out as more flying weapons arrived. Knives, daggers, arrows, bolt, and spears allnded on Derek. Some had blue glows covering them, other yellow. All prated his skin.


    Even with his upgraded Endurance and new skin, it couldnt stop the flying weapons. Derek, doing his best impression of a pincushion, looked over at Ste, hoping she was still okay. To his surprise, or not, not a single weapon has flown her way. <em>Looks like she was right. Nobody wants the wrath of nah.</em>


    Ste, with her meat cleavers still drawn, had a conflicted look on her face. That was when Derek chuckled.


    Dont worry. No sense in you getting involved. He said, then sighed. Another shirt down the drain. They got my pants this time, too. Then he looked into the forest where the attack originated. Do you know how hard its going to be to get a good pair of boxers in this ce. He bemoaned his loss.


    Taking a quick nce at his HP, he could see that some of the weapons were covered in poison. His health was rapidly dropping, but with every tick of Health he lost, the regeneration caused by his high Vitality brought it back. Of course, some of his lost HP was caused by bleeding.


    He could tell, however, that the poison could do more than just eat away at his health. His Stamina was also showing the same signs that his Health Pool was. Unfortunately for his attackers, the two stats he didnt have to worry about were his Vitality and Endurance, and they just so happened to control his Health and Stamina.


    To Dereks surprise, as thest weaponnded, the ones piercing began to disappear. The dagger in his forearm was the first, and when it disappeared, the same dagger flew at him once again from the forest. <em>What an interesting ss. I wonder if the weapons are conjured or stored. </em>Whoever the assassin was, he could be considered a true ranged weapons master.


    Derek almost couldnt contain hisughter as both of his resistance skills, physical and magical, gained a level in the attack.


    Derek grabbed at one of thest weapons to pierce him, a spear stuck in his abdomen. Instead of pulling the spear out, he squeezed it with both hands until it snapped. When the spear snapped, he heard a grunte from deep in the forest. <em>Seems like theyre bound to him. </em>


    After the grunt, the weapons disappeared rapidly until none remained. Then, before Dereks regeneration could close his wounds, another volley began. This time, no spears, arrows, or other easily destructible weapons were used.


    Derek tried the same trick with a dagger, but he was unable to bend it. His Strength stat was high rtive to the average person, but only to the average person. Of course, Derek could have ended the battle before it began if he used <strong>Void Shift</strong> or his bunny of mass destruction, but he wanted to see what kind of assassination Torith would throw at him. So far, he wasnt impressed.


    After twenty or so des pierced him for the second time, a loud stomping sounded out deep in the forest. Trees toppled in the distance as the stomping grew louder. That was when a giant of a man broke through the veil of the forest. The man put the biggest Void Beast he had fought to shame.


    Standing at least ten feet tall and half as wide, the man roared with a deep voice as he charged. Derek crossed his dagger covered arms in front of him as the giants fistnded. The daggers were driven deeper into his muscle, stopping only when they hit bone.


    Derek, now a kite without a string, flew from the road into the densely packed forest behind, crashing through tree after tree. It wasnt until the eighth tree that Derek lost his momentum, and the tree didnt break. Dereks back slid down the tree before hended on the ground.


    Derek checked his Health Pool again and clicked his tongue. <em>Damn, that took almost a tenth of my health. Blunt damage is always the worst. </em>He thought to himself as his Health rapidly climbed again.


    Ms. Brighton, please dont make a move. We are under orders not to attack you, but if you get involved, Im afraid an ident may happen. A sly voiced sounded throughout the air.


    Derek stood and began picking the daggers out of his body, one by one, as he walked forward. He chuckled. Trust me, you dont have to worry about Ms. Brighton. You should just focus on me.


    Is that so? The voice sounded again as Derek made his way out of the tree line.


    Derek threw one of the daggers at the giant man, but it disappeared before it hit him. <em>I guess he doesnt have to extract them in order. Maybe it just costs less to do so.</em>


    Forget it, you cant use my own weapons against us. The voice reverberated throughout the forest again as the weapons swiftly disappeared out of Dereks grasp once again.


    Derek smiled as another volley rained down on him and the giant man charged again. He was intrigued by this persons powers. An idea slowly formed in his mind.

 Chapter 139: Bones and Ogre

    Chapter 139: Bones and Ogre


    One thing Derek could say about the giant man, he was slow. After taking the fist charge from the man to see what kind of damage he could cause, Derek switched to dodging. Not because he couldnt take the damage, but of all the kinds of damage he had taken, he hated blunt trauma the worst.


    Stay still! The giant roared.


    In answer, Derek sidestepped another punch. After dodging, another volley of weapons fell onto him. This was what Derek had been waiting for.


    He quickly gathered weapon after weapon as the fell on him while dodging the giant man all the while. As the end of the volley drew near, Derek hopped back with a grin on his face and multiple daggers in his hands.


    With a thought, he motioned with a hand behind his back and used a skill he hadnt thought much about since he obtained it <strong>Void Storage</strong>. Before choosing to try the skill, he first tried moving one of the ranged assassins weapons into his own storage rings and bracelet. It didnt work. Though, it made sense that the assassins ss wouldnt have such a ring weakness. Then again, how many people could survive multiple attacks from the man?


    A small rip appeared in the space behind Derek, and quickly, while a few weapons were still in the air and before the assassin could pull them back, Derek tossed what he had collected into his <strong>Void Storage </strong>and ended the skill.


    No! The echoing voice yelled, both hurt and confusion in his voice. Ogre! Do something! He screamed at his partner.


    <em>Ogre? How aptly named. </em>Derek thought.


    Derek smiled. If getting cut off from one weapon was enough to cause pain to the man, he couldnt imagine what the assassin felt being cut off from as many as he just stored.


    Dereks <strong>Void Storage </strong>wasnt like storage rings and the like. With the storage rings and bracelet, a spatial function was built in, and the user had to use his or her mana to movie items back and forth between the space and reality. One couldnt physically reach inside the storage space.


    When it came to his skill, it created a pocket in the void, and Derek could physically reach in and out if he needed. Derek, however, was very weary when using the skill. Unlike his prison, he was unable to choose the flow of time inside the space. If nothing else, his current situation would be a good experiment. He would check in on the weapons once he finished his current encounter.


    Speaking of his current encounter, the giant was getting annoying. The dodging was easy, but the man was persistent. So, they call you Ogre? Derek asked. Ogres are supposed to have a pretty high regeneration, right?


    With that, Derek covered his fist in void and used his tried-and-true technique, a simple palm. Except, this time, he didnt aim for the heart or brain for an instant kill. Instead, he went for the mans gut. The palmnded and the big man stopped moving.


    Ogre! Weve failed?! The voice sounded out again. Quit standing there! We must retreat. Another dagger shot out of the forest, piercing Dereks forearm.


    This time, as soon as the dagger stopped its movement, it disappeared. It seemed like the assassin in the forest learned a lesson from thest time.


    At that time, Ogre fell to his knees and opened his mouth. Derek hurriedly jumped back to avoid the flow and stter of blood hitting the ground.


    While Ogre was writhing in pain on his knees, the asional dagger broke through the tree line. At the same time, the ranged assassin shouted his form of encouragement to his injured partner. Though, the way it looked, the man wasnt getting up any time soon.


    While all this was happening, Derek spared a nce at Ste to the side. She had been taking in everything happening. Even though she tried, she couldnt hide the surprise on her face. It was as evident on her face as the worry she had disyed when she saw the volley of weapons pierce Derek, and then even more so when Ogre charged out of the forest. Derek was sure, she recognized the assassins.


    Derek turned his focus back on the coughing man in front of him. Even on his knees, the man was still as tall as Derek himself. Derek scratched the back of his head with his right hand and batted a knife out of the air with his left. With an odd look, he said, Uh, Im sorry. I think I got my mythical creatures mixed up. Its not Ogres with the health regeneration, is it? Its Trolls. It was an honest mistake, surely you understand.


    Derek took a step closer, trying to avoid the puddle of blood on the ground in the process. With his hand balled into a fist, he swung wide andnded a punch directly on the chin of Ogre. The giant copsed face down. Derek wasnt sure if he was knocked unconscious or just terribly injured, but either way, it was enough.


    The voice sounded again. Retreat if you can. Im leaving!


    Then Derek focused toward where all the weapons were flying from. He had run his experiment and had already yed their game for longer than he should have. A blue glint shed in the distance and a sly smile broke over his face and he activated <strong>Void Shift</strong>.


    Everything paused and, through his <strong>Void Sense,</strong> Derek moved himself through the ripples in the void. He still wasnt able to use the skill for long, but it was enough. Moving towards where the glint appeared, Derek arrived at a tree.


    A skinny, almost skeletal, man with long ck hair with gray streaks stood still on a limb with his palm facing out, in the direction of where Derek just was. Around ten feet away from the man was a knife covered in a blue aura. <em>He most project them from his hands. </em>Derek thought.


    Sensing that the time he could stay shifted was drawing to an end, Derek moved onto the same tree limb as the man and reached out, gripping his throat. At that moment, Derek released his shift.


    Ugh. The man grasped at Dereks arm with his free hands.


    That was fun and all, but I think its time to call it quits. Really, it was fun. He said as he looked down at his ruined clothes. Youre going to pay for damaging my clothing.


    With those words, Derek hopped down from the tree and walked slowly back towards Ogre and Ste, all the while dragging the skeletal man behind him by the throat.


    Reappearing at the ambush site, Derek was pleased to see Ste with a surprised expression she couldnt even try to hide.


    Ogre had gotten back up to one knee, so he hadnt been knockedpletely unconscious. He was breathing heavily, and small amounts of blood still dribbled out of his mouth. He wouldnt be a problem.


    Derek nodded at Ste. Give me a few more minutes and we can get back to our travels.


    The skinny man had wed at Dereks hand the whole time, even going as far as summoning a weapon and stabbing at him. Unfortunately for the man, his projectile strength was much stronger than his physical strength. He also seemed quite the ss cannon.


    With that thought in mind, Derek balled his fist andunched it into the skeletal mans gut. The man gasped and did his best imitation of a shrimp, trying to curl up while still in Dereks grasp. Derek tossed him to the ground beside his partner and he struggled up to a knee.


    Now, both assassins sat side by on their knees, as if waiting to be executed.


    So, you were sent to assassinate me, but ordered to leave Ste alone? Derek asked.


    The defeated skeletal man shut his eyes and nodded. We could not kill Miss Brighton, but we could harm her if she interfered.


    Derek was surprised that the man answered at all. I take it Gerald Torith was the one who contracted you? He asked.


    I cannot say. The man answered.


    Derek nodded. It made sense that the assassination contract would have a use forbidding the assassin from revealing the client. Did you really think you two would be enough?


    The man scoffed. Weve always been enough. We had the advantage. You youre a monster. How were we supposed to know? The defeated man red at Derek.


    Hes right, you know? Ste chimed in.


    How so? Derek asked.


    If that is Ogre. She pointed at the coughing giant. Then you must be Bones, correct?


    We are known as such. Bones answered.


    Youve not been here long. She spoke to Derek. But the two assassins in front of us are quite well known throughout the kingdom. They have assassinated a few very highly skilled targets in their careers. Targets thought to be in the upper 100s or even lower 200s in level.


    213. The man spoke with pride. But you


    Huh. Derek said. Thats all well and good, but I dont really care. Im just thankful for two more test subjects. I do like leveling skills.


    Test subjects? Ste asked.


    Mhm. Derek nodded, but didnt borate. Instead, he turned to the side and pulled open his <strong>Time Prison, </strong>exposing the door. He pushed it open. The rest of his group were all sitting around a fire, chatting. Noticing the disturbance, their heads swiveled in his direction. Dont mind me. He told them.


    Derek. Jacks got up and walked over as Derek turned around and grabbed Bones by the neck again. Are we there already?


    No, not yet. Just needed to make a quick delivery. He held Bones out to Jacks. Here, take this.


    T-this? Its a person.


    Yeah, hes pretty scrappy too, so you better hold on tight. He pushed Bones to the floor in front of Jacks.


    Jacks, taking Dereks advice to heart, moved behind the man and wrapped him up tight so he couldnt move. In the meantime, Derek had turned around and was now dragging the giant man in by his arms.


    Derek motioned his head over to the side, with Jacks following. He opened a cell door and nodded to Jacks. Jacks nodded and pushed the man inside, the man yelling all the while. Derek closed the door with his free hand and selected one year. He now had a prisoner in cell number 001.


    He dragged Ogre past the next cell, as it was already upied, then tossed him into the next. Ogre wasnt much the verbal type, so he only resisted with a few grunts and roars. Apparently, Dereks void covered fist had worked too well on the giant. He now had three inmates in his <strong>Time Prison</strong> and could only expect it to increase as time passed.


    Derek mock brushed the dirt off his hands and turned around.


    Uh Derek? Jacks asked carefully.


    Hmm?


    Was that Bones and Ogre?

 Chapter 140: I Won

    Chapter 140: I Won


    Bones and Ogre? Yeah, thats what they called themselves. Derek replied to Jacks.


    The assassins? Jacks asked.


    Yeah You know them?


    Jacks adverted his gaze from Dereks. Malcolm has hired them before more than once. I saw them at those times. Theyre the best assassins you can hire for a reasonable amount of coin. I think thats just because they enjoy killing He exined.


    Well, now they are inmate number two and three. Derek said.


    Are you and Miss Brighton hurt? Jacks asked, after scanning Dereks clothes.


    Derek couldnt me him for asking. His clothes looked like he had just taken them out of a blender. Derekughed. Were fine. They were instructed to leave Ste alone. They only attacked me. It was a fun break to the usual. Im sure they wouldnt agree, though.


    Jacks nced at the locked doors. No, Id guess they wouldnt.


    Derek then looked at Brandi and the others. They had been quiet, just listening to his encounter with the assassins. Were almost to Wilmette. Im going to let you all out before we get there. I dont know about anyws about smuggling, but Id rather be square when paying the teleport fees. Besides, Im not sure about teleporting while people are inside the prison. Im sure itd be fine, but Id rather just do it all legitimately. He exined.


    Oh yeah. Brandi, I have a bunch of bats from the Undying Dungeon in here. He took off his storage ring and tossed it to the girl. There are also some other things from a battlefield. Take all the bats and whatever else you want. Im going to need some more shirts at this rate, if you dont mind. He then took one of hisst pairs of undamaged jeans from his storage bracelet and tossed them to the girl. If you could find a way to make something close to those, it would be awesome.


    Brandi grabbed the pants and examined them intensely. Seeing that she was too caught up in work to reply, Derek turned around and walked out of the prison. He then closed the door and pieced the space back together.


    As soon as he pulled the space together, he received a notification that the skill had leveled to two. <em>Nice. Ill have to check on thatter. </em>


    Back outside with Ste, Derek took his shredded shirt off and reced it with another one made out of the thin bat cloth that Brandi had made for him. He also reced his jeans with hisst good pair. Still, this pair had holes in the knees. He had given Brandi the best pair he had left, so it was the best he could do. He wasnt about to wear tunic and pantaloons, or whatever they called the pants that were popr in this world.


    I thought you had scars all over your body? Ste broke the silence.


    And how would you know that? Derek asked.


    News travels. I didnt see any scars though. She replied.


    Oh? How hard were you looking? He asked with a smirk.


    Ste scoffed. Its nothing like that. I was just surprised, is all. It was all Walters guards could talk about after you arrived. That and sting you with scalding water without you so much as making a noise the whole time. You know, Bones and Ogre arent the only people who have called you a monster.


    It seems to be a theme with anyone who sees me fight. Derek said.


    Ste only shrugged.


    Well, now that the theatrics are finished, we should probably get to Wilmette before Torith somehow manages to get them to shut down ess to teleport. I dont know if he has that type of power, but it seems like something he would do if he could. Especially if he learns that his assassins failed. Derek said.


    Ste nodded. It would take a lot for a City Lord to allow the shutdown of their teleport circle. For most cities, other than the Capital and Savannah, the teleport circles make a good chunk of the money that goes back into them. Well, that and whatever the lords are able to sneak into their own pockets. Its kind of an open secret.


    However, if anyone can get them shut down, its Gerald. It would cost a lot of money and favors, but he could do it. Though, after your disy just then, I dont think anything coulde from it. Worst-case scenario, you get kicked out of the city and they send more prisoners to you. Not to mention your speed. You didnt so much as break a sweat while we were running, so I doubt you would have trouble getting to Savannah on your own, as long as you know the direction. She continued.


    Derek nodded. Thats true, but you never know, someone truly strong could be sent. Plus, Id rather use the teleport circle and get there sooner rather thanter. Lets go.


    With that, Derek and Ste broke through the forest and onto the open road. Not long after, they arrived at Silvis battlefield.


    This Ste said.


    Its where we caught up to Malcolm. Derek replied.


    The bodies and remains were still littered around the area. asionally, Derek took note of people searching through the remains. Derek, Jacks, and Silvi only took things they thought could provide value to them, so there was plenty of stuff left for scrappers and looters. The majority of the looters were covered in dirt and mud, and most were children.


    Derek clicked his tongue. If we had time, Id at least burn the bodies. I may have caused their deaths, but they still dont deserve that.


    Caused their deaths? You didnt kill them? Ste asked.


    Derek shook his head. No, that was all Silvis work.


    Ste came to an abrupt stop, so Derek did as well. The cute bunny? The one who weve been teaching to cook? That Silvi? She did all that?


    Derek nodded. Yeah. I told you she was strong remember? I wasnt joking.


    I didnt think you were, but this Ste sighed. She seemed to be having a hard time ovepping the picture of the cute bunny cook with this bunny of mass destruction. Sorry lets continue. With that, Ste started running again. Derek followed.


    You dont need to worry about their burial or proper funeral. If the looters are already here, it wont be long before the others arrive. Some of those religious sses would miss the opportunity to send off arge amount of dead. Theyre probably already in the city fighting over who gets to do it. Its an easy way for them to gain levels in skills and ss. Ste exined.


    Thats useful?


    Ste smiled. Not really, but theres a ss for everyone and everything. You just have to hope that those with religious rites get there before the necro sses.


    Derek shuddered. He still hated fighting the undying enemies. The only thing more annoying than fighting an army of enemies is fighting them twice or three times or however many times they are able to be raised by a Necromancer.


    Lets hope. He answered.


    Before long, they could see the outline of Wilmette. Derek and Ste broke off from the main path and went to a spot not easily seen. Derek opened his prison.


    Were close. Please exit the bus in an orderly fashion. Derek said.


    Everyone gave him an odd look, but they all left the prison with noment. Silvi hopped onto Dereks shoulder as he closed the prison. asionally, Derek could see Ste side eyeing the bunny cautiously. He chuckled.


    <em>Why dont you let Ste carry you for a bit. She was just saying how cute you were. </em>Derek sent to Silvi.


    Silvi turned her gaze to Ste. Ste flinched.


    <em>Doesnt look like it. </em>Silvi replied.


    <em>Just do it. </em>Derek said.


    Silvi hopped off Dereks shoulder towards Ste.


    Stes eyes went wide and with her maximum speed, she dodged the bunny. Silvinded on the ground.


    <em>She doesnt want to carry me. And now I have dust on my fur. </em>Silvi sent.


    <em>Have her carry you and Ill make sure the kitchen is one of the first facilities we put in the building. </em>Derek said.


    <em>Deal</em>.


    While Ste and Silvi yed tag, Derek exined the n to the others.


    I wanted us all to arrive at the city and use the teleport circle together. I dont want to be used of smuggling people between cities without paying. He spoke.


    They all nodded in understanding, but they were more intrigued by watching the beautiful woman dodge the cute bunny over and over.


    What are they doing? Rayna asked.


    Just ying a game. Derek said. <em>You have five seconds. Were leaving. </em>He sent to Silvi.


    Receiving his warning, Silvi disappeared. When she reappeared, she was sitting on Stes shoulder. Ste let out a surprised shriek, and Derekughed.


    Lets go. He said and took off at a moderate pace that everyone could keep up with.


    Ste tried to brush Silvi off her shoulder, but each time she did, Silvi disappeared and reappeared on her other one. Eventually, she gave up and followed after the rest.


    <em>I won. </em>Silvis voice sounded in Dereks head.


    <em>Yes you won</em>.

 Chapter 141: Wilmette

    Chapter 141: Wilmette


    After settling the mount issue for Silvi, the group made their way to Wilmette. For Derek, traveling with such arge party was odd. At least with Jacks and Ste, they had a couple more capable fighters if needed. He wasnt sure how much good Rudy would be in a fight, as the only thing he had to go off of was how easily the man had been knocked out.


    Of course, he also didnt know how long the man had pretended to be unconscious. For all Derek knew, Rudy could be much stronger than he seemed. Out of the rest, Derek would have to say that Thomas would be the most help.


    With all the training the boy had done, even without levels to help, he had made great progress. He suspected the boy could give Rayna a run for her money, even though she was over 15 levels higher than him. He was more suited for his weapon and fighting style than Rayna was hers, but Rayna didnt have many choices in the matter, and by now, it would be stupid to rece her sword with another weapon.


    Malorie and Brandi were different stories entirely. While Malorie was efficient in her de staff, she was still at a lower level without any real training. Derek had also seen that, while Malorie would fight and doing anything she could to protect Brandi, she didnt enjoy it like she did other things.


    <em>Maybe when she no longer has to worry about protecting Brandi, she could look into changing her ss at level 50 into a cooking ss or some other life skill ss. </em>Derek thought as he nced at the woman struggling to keep pace with everyone else other than Brandi. Derek slowed his pace ever so gradually to help her.


    Then, he nced at Brandi, who was in a simr state as her mother, just more exaggerated. He slowed even more. Brandi would be, for ack of a better word,pletely useless inbat. She wasnt able to distribute her stats herself, which meant that she couldnt min/max forbat. Then again, with her ss and abilities, she could end up more useful than anyone else in the group, and that was what Derek was banking on when they got to Savannah.


    First, however, they had to get through Wilmette and anything Gerald had done to prevent them from leaving the area.


    The group eventually saw Wilmette in the distance.


    Finally. Malorie panted. I dont know how much longer we would havested. She held Brandis hand.


    Derek looked over at Ste, who, surprisingly, no longer minded the bunny resting on her shoulder. In fact, she seemed to have taken to Silvi. Ste. He got her attention. Will we be able to teleport today, or is there a set period when we can use them?


    There are six cities with a teleport circle throughout the kingdom, not including the Capital. Ten minutes out of each hour, the teleport circle can be activated for each city. For example, Wilmettes teleportation circle can be activated from six in the evening to six o nine. That way, if anyone arrives at another city or the Capital in that timeframe, they know that the person came from Wilmette. She exined.


    So, if we get to the circle at six-fifteen, then we would have to wait 45 minutes until the next chance to leave? Derek asked.


    Ste nodded. Thats correct. It makes it easier that way.


    What if theres an emergency? Derek asked.


    It depends. She answered. If it is a citywide emergency and everyone needs to teleport out, the most likely ce to go would be to the Capital. The Capital has six teleportation circles within, so you can get there at any time. Of course, under normal situations, you are still only allowed to use the circle at the designated times.


    How do you know if someone ising from the Capital? Derek asked.


    Steughed. The color is different.


    The color? Derek asked.


    Yeah. Normally, the mana projected out during a teleport is your run-of-the-mill light blue mana. However, the teleportation circles at the Capital are built with better, more powerful runes, so when someonees from there, the mana is a much darker color. She exined.


    Oh. Derek said. I guess that makes sense.


    It is what it is. She said. They used to require badges. Kind of like the Adventurers Guild ones, but temporary. That got expensive, and materials got harder and hard to get. Of course, a good runemaster would be able to make one easily with just paper, but who would want that job when all that was actually needed was a schedule?


    Were almost there. Jacks cut their conversation short as they arrived closer to the city.


    Everyone, put your Adventurers Guild badges on. Ste suddenlymanded as she pinned a tinum badge to her cor.


    Derek didnt ask any questions and strapped his golden badge to his arm. He looked around and saw Thomas proudly take out his bronze badge and put it on. Rudy also wore a golden badge, and Jacks had equipped a tinum one.


    Herrett, you walk up front with me. Ste said. Rudy, you and Derek walk in the back. Everyone else, form two lines and walk between us. With thatmand, the group formed up in double file.


    Ste looked over the group and frowned. Derek, do you have any decent looking armor you can equip?


    Derek nodded and quickly equipped a set of leather armor over his clothes. Will this do? He asked.


    She looked him up and down. It would be better with a tunic, but that should be enough. Then she looked at the bunny on her shoulder. Silvi, you need to hide somewhere. Does anybody have a pack of some kind?


    Ooh, I do. Brandi chimed in and pulled a rough leather backpack out of her ring. I was working on making some travel packs, so I have a few. This one has some cheap materials stored in it from when I was testing it.


    Great. Ste praised. Give that to Thomas. Silvi, you need to hide in the pack until we get to the next city. It would be best if you hid under the materials as well, in case someone decides to do a quick search. Brandi, could you give a pack to Rayna, Malorie, and wear one yourself?


    Sure. She happily replied and withdrew three more packs. One was full, like the one Thomas was wearing, and another was about half full. Thest was almost empty. I have one more if you need it.


    Rayna took the full pack, Mal took the half full one, and Brandi kept the empty one.


    Itd be better if you put something in yours. It doesnt have to be much though. Make sure its cheap, whatever it is. Ste said.


    Brandi nodded and stuffed some materials in the sack. Afterwards, she slung it onto her back. Is that good? She asked.


    Perfect. Ste shed the little girl a smile. Then, she looked over the group again. Its believable that two golds and two tinums would have storage rings, so we dont need the other sack. Thanks, though.


    What next? Derek asked. Ste seemed to have some kind of idea, so he let her have the lead and followed.


    Herrett. She said. Will anyone recognize you here?


    Jacks put his hand on his chin in thought. Hmm possibly. Most likely, no, not unless they are looking for me.


    Ste took out a cloak and wore it. The shadow of the hood covered her face. Then she took out more and tossed them to Jacks, Rudy, and Derek. Put those on. Well look uniform at the very least. Thomas put your badge away. This way, well look like a team of adventurers hired to escort people and materials. In fact, if you have some higher quality materials, it would be good to put some on top in the sacks.


    Brandi grinned and ran around, cing handfuls of the bat cloth she had made out of the bat hide on top of the sack.


    Good. Ste said. I think were ready.


    With that, Ste started forward, and the group moved. Before long, they were standing at the gates to the city. It waste evening, so there wasnt much traffic. They were soon next in line to enter.


    Reason for entering? One of the gate guards asked.


    Taking supplies to Savannah. Ste answered tly and cocked her head to the side, giving the guardsman a good view of the tinum badge.


    The guard nodded. You better hurry. Teleportation starts in five minutes. Unless you n on staying here for the night.


    Ste nodded. Thanks for the warning. We should be able to make it.


    The guard nodded and stepped to the side. Safe travels.


    Ste led, and the group followed. Wilmette had ayout almost like Torith, but on a much grander scale. Unfortunately, Derek wasnt able to take much in because they were in a rush.


    The circle is in the Merchant Square. If we keep at the same pace as we were going outside, we may not make it. Ste said as they rushed down the street.


    Passersby saw the cloaked figures with tinum badges and sprinted out of their way. Derek chuckled as he noticed a would be target of a pickpocket scurry away, leaving a boy with his hand outstretched in apromising position. The boy cursed as he withdrew his hand and disappeared into an alley.


    We need to move faster. Derek Rudy. Ste said.


    Understanding what Ste wanted, Derek moved forward and picked Malorie up in a princess carry. Sorry. He said.


    Rudy saw Derek and did the same with Brandi.


    Woah. Brandi shouted, then giggled.


    Lets move. Stemanded, and the group picked up the pace. Without Brandi and Mal slowing them down, they were able to travel at Thomas and Raynas top speed, which was much faster. We should be good with this.


    The group flew up the street, buildings and stalls shing by every second. Before long, they were at the gate to the Merchant District.


    Ste shed her badge. Were looking to make the next teleportation. She spoke hurriedly.


    The guards saw the two tinums in front and didnt make any fuss, allowing them through.


    Before long, they were standing before a building in the merchant district.


    This is it. Ste said and walked inside.


    Derek and Rudy dropped Mal and Brandi and followed.


    When Derek walked inside, he saw Ste chatting with a man at a counter.


    Eight He heard her say. Then, the man mumbled something, and she answered again. Savannah. With that, she tossed the man a small bag. The man dumped the contents of the bag onto the desk and nodded.


    The man pointed to a giant rune drawn on the floor. Better hurry. Only three minutes left.


    Ste nodded. Lets go.


    With that, the group all stood in the center of the circle, and Ste nodded. The man at the counter pulled a crystal of some sort out of his storage ring and ced it in a slot on the counter before cing his hand over it and channeling mana.


    The rune around the group glowed blue before a sh of light blinded them. In an instant, they disappeared.

 Chapter 142: Arriving at Savannah

    Chapter 142: Arriving at Savannah


    A light blue light shed before Dereks eyes. He blinked, and it was over. Derek looked around at his surroundings.


    While he was still standing in a teleportation circle identical to the previous, the room was vastly different. Instead of a couple dull counters with a worker standing behind, Savannahs teleport room was decoratedvishly.


    The entire inside of the building was finely polished. Not a trace of dust could be seen. Turquoise banners trimmed in red with a golden scale in the middle hung around the building. It was quite impressive. The inside of the building itself was at least double the size of the one in Wilmette.


    Move off the tform, please. A bored voice called out.


    With themand, the group walked forward, down three steps, to stand on the base level. As soon as they were all off the tform, a young girl scurried behind them and started sweeping the tform. Derek did another take and realized that there were multiple boys and girls, all dressed in the same color as the banners, standing in different corners of the building.


    <em>No wonder everythings so clean. </em>Derek thought.


    Soon, the same voice called out. Please move to the counter.


    Ste led the group up to the closest counter. Behind it was a tall, skinny man, with a hooked nose and sharp green eyes. He was dressed the same as the children, with the exception of him wearing a beret-style cap on his head.


    Please be ready to answer any questions when asked. The man said.


    I thought teleporting on the schedule took care of that. Brandi said, confused.


    Ste looked behind her and smiled. Savannah isnt quite like the rest of the cities. With so much trade taking ce, its imperative for them to document everyone and everything. She exined, then walked up to the counter.


    Please remove your cloak. The clerk said, and Steplied. Now, ce your hand here. He touched a handprint shaped spot on the counter, then ced his hand on one at the opposite side. This will record your features and answers.


    Ste smiled. Ive done this before. You can begin.


    He nodded. Name? He asked.


    Ste Brighton. Ste answered.


    ce of residence?


    Capital City Cydaria.


    The man nodded. Previous city?


    Wilmette by way of Torith. She answered.


    Reason foring to Savannah?


    Escorting some friends and checking in on the Crown Restaurant. She stated.


    nned length of stay?


    Undetermined.


    The man nodded and took his hand off the counter. Thank you. Please stand to the side. He motioned to an empty ce next to the counter and Ste moved. Next. He said and Jacks went up.


    Name? The clerk repeated the process.


    Jackson Herrett, no current ce of residence, came from Wilmette. He said all at once.


    The man looked up at him, and Derek could almost swear the man was forcing himself to keep from cracking a smile. Reason foring to Savannah? He asked.


    Traveling with a friend. Jacks answered.


    nned length of stay?


    Not sure. Maybe a week, maybe permanent.


    The man nodded and removed his hand again. Jacks left without being prompted. Next.


    This continued for everyone else. For the most part, all the answers were the same as what Jacks answered. Finally, it was Dereks turn.


    Name?


    Derek Hunt. He answered.


    ce of residence? The clerk asked.


    None.


    Previous city?


    Wilmette.


    Reason foring to Savannah.


    Hmm lets see Derek muttered. To meet Natalie start a business kill some things change of scenery get to know the locale I think thats it for now.


    The clerk looked at Derek oddly. Okay He said. Length of stay?


    Dunno. Depends on how things work out. Derek said.


    The clerk nodded and lifted his hand. Derek went to stand to the side with the others.


    The man turned to them. Al He began to speak, but something exploded out of Thomass travel sack, causing the man to go silent.


    Ste put her hand on her forehead and shook her head and Derek facepalmed. And things were going so well. Ste muttered.


    In an instant, Silvis small body was sitting on the counter and her right paw was ced on the handprint. Her left paw was ced on a temporarymunication crystal, and another was lying to the side.


    My turn. Her childlike voice rang out of the crystal.


    The clerk looked at the group, then at Silvi, then back again. Unsure what to do.


    Go ahead. Derek said.


    The man cautiously approached the counter and ced his hand on it. Uh name? He asked.


    Silvi uh Hunt. Yeah, Silvi Hunt. The voice chimed.


    ce of residence?


    Kitchen. She answered with such enthusiasm.


    Derek couldnt help himself and snorted out loud. Brandi began giggling in the back.


    Uh okay previous city?


    Torith no thats not right is it still called that? What was the other one Oh! Wilmeat.


    Reason foring to Savannah?


    Ingredients and cooking!


    Length of stay?


    Until we leave. She answered.


    Okay you can go to the side.


    Silvi removed her paw, and the crystals shattered. In an instant, she was sitting on Thomass head. Then she looked around and hopped onto Stes shoulder. Still ufortable, she hopped over to Dereks shoulder, where she finally settled down.


    Finally, the clerk turned and walked over to the group. Everyone in the building had their eyes attuned to the oddmotion.


    The man let out a breath, looked at Ste, and smiled for the first time. Miss Brighton! Its good to see you again and nice to have you back here in Savannah. Youve brought interestingpany this time.


    Nice to see you again, Mr. Tavors. Ste smiled back. And you dont have to tell <em>me </em>about them.


    Mr. Tavors turned to Jacks. And if it isnt The Crimson de himself. What are you doing with this group, Jackson? You finally get off that leash, or are you just out running errands?


    Jacks scoffed. Its not really any of your business, but yes, Im <em>off my leash.</em>


    The clerk snorted. Its not like that man to let go of his toys.


    He didnt have a choice this time. Derek cut in.


    Derek Hunt. The man said. Ive heard a few things about you. Do try to behave while in the city.


    Steughed. Good luck with that.


    So, whatd you do to get off your leash? He asked Jacks.


    Jacks nced over at Derek before answering. Im sure youll find out soon. Was his only reply.


    Derek nced over to the counter to catch a boy cleaning the crystal dust off it. Whats up with all the kids?


    Hmm? Tavors looked around. Oh, theyre orphans of previous residents in the city. If they want to work and make something of themselves, the city will help find them something. Dont worry, they get paid well and arent made to do anything shameful. With a job like this, they can save up and buy equipment to start an adventurers life, or they can choose another route.


    Thats awfully generous. Derek said.


    It is, but it isnt. The man said. The orphans here have to have a certain status. Like I said, previous residents, and ones in good standing with the city. An orphan cant just wander in from the outside and expect special treatment. Plus, entry to the city costs, and it isnt cheap.


    Ah. I get it. Seems like another good reason to live in Savannah. Derek said.


    Indeed. The clerk agreed. Speaking of costs. The man pointed to a counter further in. Shell take your entry fees. Im afraid I need to get back to work. The man said as the teleportation circle began to glow. Miss Brighton, always a pleasure. Jackson, lets get a drink sometime. You can tell me what happened. Silvi its been interesting meeting you.


    Ste nodded, and Jacks waved. Tavors went back to the counter with his face deadpan as the circle shed.


    Move off the tform, please. The group heard as they walked to the other counter.


    Separate or together? The woman at the counter asked.


    Together. Ste said.


    You dont have to keep paying for us. Derek said.


    Ste looked at Derek and chuckled. Do you really think Im paying for you? She shook her head. Every coin Im spending will be deducted from your next payment.


    Oh Derek said. In that case, go ahead.


    45 gold. The woman said.


    Ste tossed the gold on the counter. Rayna and Malorie raised their eyebrows, and Derek winced. An entry fee of five gold a person was not cheap. Tavors was right.


    With the paymentplete, the group continued out of the transportation building. When they got outside, everyone but Ste, Jacks, and Derek were struck with awe.


    The surroundings were really impressive, but Derek had seen too many cities on Earth before the system, including New York, so it was easy for him to ept the city.


    So, what was up with that guy? Derek asked Ste while the others were still stunned.


    Mr. Tavors?


    Yeah. He was so robotic, then friendly all the sudden.


    Oh, that. Its his job. Everyone gets the same treatment. Once youve gained entry, his job is done and he can be himself. She exined.


    You know him well? Derek asked.


    She shook her head. Not really. Weve met there five or six times.


    What about you? He asked Jacks.


    We did a few missions together back in the day, before he came here with his family. He answered.


    I see. Derek said. Well, what should I do next? Wheres Natalies residence?


    You cant just go barge in like you did with Malcolm. Ste said. Youre going to have to get an appointment and unless she finds you or your proposal interesting, it will be a while before youre able to see her. It would probably be better to go to the City Building and look for ces to rent or buy. Until then, Mistress Swan has agreed to let you stay in our hotel until you find a ce. Ive reserved three rooms. I hope that will be enough. They are doubles.


    Thats nice. Derek said. Whats that going to cost me?


    You have a membership, so its heavily discounted. It wont be much more than one of the cheaper inns in the city. Well, there arent really any cheap inns in the city.


    Fine. He agreed. Itste. Lets go to your hotel first and well work on getting everything sorted tomorrow.

 Chapter 143: Crown Hotel

    Chapter 143: Crown Hotel


    As the light from the day faded throughout the city, strategically stationedmps illuminated the streets. Derek looked around. Savannah was truly a different beast from Torith and from what he had seen of Wilmette.


    Derek whistled. Are those made from Runesmithing? He pointed to one of the streemps.


    The lights? Ste nodded. Abination of Gemsmithing and Runesmithing is needed, but from what I understand, a Gemsmith is only needed for looks and efficiency. If truly needed, a capable Runesmith could p a rune on a brick, and it would have a simr affect.


    I see. I take it most of the buildings here have lights after dark? He asked.


    Yeah. It would be harder to find a business without proper runes than one with them. Ste said.


    Finally, Derek got to the question he had been eagerly wanting to ask. How easy is it to hire a Runesmith here?


    Quite easy. The market is verypetitive, so, for the right price, youd be able to find a capable fast. She replied. When youre ready, you can just go to the Employment Center beside the City Building. Youll be able to find workers and their contact information, and you can post job opportunities and missions if you cant the proper worker toplete your task.


    And the cost?


    Ste shrugged. I dont know. It depends on what you are asking and if you have the materials. Every job is different.


    Derek nodded.


    Were here. Ste said. She pointed to what was at least a 12-story ck building.


    With a quick <strong>Identify, </strong>Derek was able to tell that the slick ck brick that the building was constructed with was actually Dragon Formed Obsidian. Naturally, he didnt have a clue what any of that meant but based on what he knew of nah and Ste, it was probably expensive.


    The building was very minimalistic on the outside. Other than the banners representing nah and the Crown, and a balcony on each room on the sixth floor up, there was nothing else. Derek frowned.


    What? Ste asked.


    I just thought your hotel would be I dont knowvish? Derek said.


    Steughed as they approached the doors. When they got to them, instead of going inside, she took her fist and knocked on the obsidian brick. Oh, it isvish. She said. Look around. Do you see any other buildings made like this?


    Derek looked, and in fact, he did find another building made out of the obsidian. Unfortunately, it also had the same green and gold banners as the hotel. <em>That must be the restaurant. </em>He thought.


    Watch this. Ste pulled a red liquid out of her storage ring and tossed it onto the brick. Instantly, the liquid fell to the ground, not leaving a drop on the stone. Its ck because its impossible to paint. Ste said. But you never have to worry about it getting dirty and its nearly indestructibility.


    Derek raised his fist as it glowed purple. Can I punch it?


    Id rather you didnt. She quickly pushed his hand down. Its quite expensive, and Id rather not test it.


    Derek chuckled. By the way, why were there no banners at the restaurant in Torith? He pointed at the golden trimmed, green banner with a jeweled crown made out of vines in the center.


    Its not an official restaurant yet. Yes, its a Crown Restaurant, but it doesnt have the same standards as others, therefore it only has the Crown Sigil, not the banners. She said.


    Derek shrugged. I see.


    Come on, lets get you all settled. Ste finally opened the door and ushered the group inside.


    The inside was what Derek would expect from a five-star hotel. Since paint was apparently unable to stick on the obsidian brick, fixtures and decorations were bolted into it to give the inside of the hotel some life.


    I thought the brick was supposed to be nearly indestructible. Derek said.


    We have skills that allow them to work and shape materials. Remember? Brandi answered this time.


    Oh, yeah you did say something like that.


    The lobby consisted of avishly designed giant rug leading towards a receptionists desk at the end. The rug was emerald green and white with different designs. Overall, the emerald green meshed well with the asional white. The inside of the hotel kept with this theme. It was just about the best they could do when they had to work with the obsidian brick.


    Two sets of stairs led up to the next floor. <em>I wonder if they have elevators. </em>Derek thought.


    How many rooms on each floor? Derek asked.


    20 on all floors except the top three. Ste responded as she led them to the receptionists desk.


    Uh, is this the first floor? Derek asked?


    Ste looked at Derek oddly. Its the lobby.


    <em>So that means 11 floors, minus the three top floors. So, thats 160 rooms, minimum. </em>Derek nodded. It was a pretty decent number for the size of the hotel. Granted, the building from the outside was ratherrge. He couldnt help but think about the cost of maintaining the hotel in a city like Savannah. 160 rooms was still quiterge, even for Earth standards.


    Of course, it was pretty much guaranteed that anyone who could afford to stay in a hotel like this, in a city like Savannah, would also already have storage rings. Thus, decreasing some of the space a room would need.


    Finally, they reached the receptionist. The receptionist was a very straight-backed young man dressed in a formal attire of green, gold, and a touch of white. Just what Derek would expect from an employee at the Crown Hotel.


    The man nervously cleared his throat. Mistress Ste. Wee back to Savannah. Your suite and your friends rooms have been prepared. He slid three green cards and one gold card on the counter towards here.


    Ste nodded. Thank you. She kept the gold card and handed Derek the three green ones.


    Derek took the cards. On them, the numbers 704, 705, and 706 were imprinted. He kept one and handed one to Rayna, and one to Jacks.


    Thomas can room with me. Jacks and Rudy are together, and Rayna, Mal, and Brandi can have a room. That okay with you all? He asked.


    Jacks looked at Rudy and squinted, causing the man to squirm. Thats fine. He said.


    The three women looked at each other and smiled.


    Alright, thats settled. Do I need to pay now, or


    It will be deducted. Ste smiled.


    Of course, it will. Derek scoffed.


    Follow me. Ste motioned to them, and they followed, letting a man and woman who came in behind them move up to the counter.


    Derek noticed Ste leading them to the stairs. You dont have an elevator, do you?


    Ste furrowed her brow.


    A lift? He asked.


    Dont know what youre talking about. She replied.


    Like, a tform to stand on that will lift you up and down between floors. He exined.


    Ste shook her head. No, why would we need something like that?


    Convenience? Because Imzy? I dont know. He said. It made some sense, at least. First, they didnt have to worry about dragging luggage up a ton of stairs. Second, with the system strengthening all the people, they didnt have to worry much about people being unable to climb or even diseases making people incapable. <em>Well, if I ever make a hotel, it will have an elevator. </em>He thought.


    Derek and the group followed Ste up the first flight of stairs, which wrapped around and continued up. They continued up the stairs until the seventh floor. Then she led them to their rooms.


    These will be yours while you stay. She said.


    Derek walked forward and opened the door to room 704. Inside the room were two full sized beds and two desks with chairs. There was also a big double ss door opening to a balcony. The room was well decorated, but bare. It was expected. Cydaria didnt have television or inte, so there was no need for anything like that.


    What Derek was surprised about was another small room inside leading to a small bathroom with a tub. Multiple runes were on the tub itself.


    Ste walked up to the tub and chuckled. I just realized that everyone here but Jacks and maybe Rudy have probably never seen something like this. She said. She then ced her hand on one of the runes. And the tub started filling up with water from the bottom up. Inject mana into this rune to fill the tub. It pulls mana from the air and fills it.


    Once the tub was filled, she moved to another rune. This one increases the heat. Then she touched the one under it. This one decreases it. Then she touched one more rune. When you are finished, this will drain the tub and a <strong>Cleaning </strong>spell will clean it. Finally, the tub drained, and a white light shed over it.


    Seeing the runes in action, Derek had the images of a blueprint of a shower in his mind.


    Thats so neat! Brandi eximed.


    Derek nodded. Yes, yes it is.


    Ste chuckled. Wee to the Crown Hotel. Breakfast is at 8 in the lobby. Itsplimentary. She turned to leave the room. Now, I have some business to take care of. Have a good night.


    With that, the woman turned and walked out. The room went quiet.


    Finally. I get the bath first! Brandi said as she stole the card out of Raynas hand and took off to her own room.


    Brandi and Malughed and followed behind.


    That doesnt sound too bad. Jacks said and walked out. Rudy followed so he wouldnt get shut out of the room.


    Im going to take one too. Thomas said.


    Derek pulled him back by the cor of his shirt. Be respectful of your elders. He walked into the small bathroom and closed the door behind him.

 Chapter 144: Property

    Chapter 144: Property


    Derek stretched and yawned as he woke up from a good nights sleep. The beds in the hotel were much morefortable than any other one hed slept on while in Cydaria. Though he didnt sleep often, it was quite refreshing when he chose to do so instead of using <strong>Greater Meditation.</strong>


    Looking to his left, Derek saw Thomas still in a deep slumber. It was a guarantee that the boy had never spent the night in such afortable ce. The previous night, the boy had fallen asleep in the tub. He was so tired that he could barely make it to the bed after Derek woke him to keep him from drowning.


    Derek quietly got up and washed himself in the sink in the small bathroom. The sink was a miniature version of the tub, but attached to the wall with a small mirror above. It was more than enough to wash his face. There was also a toilet in the room. But really, it wasnt much more than a stool with a <strong>Cleaning</strong> rune on it.


    Another thing Derek miss, other than a shower, was proper dental products. The system already made it so that anyone with just a little increased Endurance would never have to worry about que or cavities, but he still missed toothpaste as part of his daily routine. Hed run out a while ago. Still, he what he could with his toothbrush and some mint leaves.


    Derek left the room card next to Thomas before quietly slipping out. Silvi had chosen to stay with Brandi and the girls, so he didnt bother waking them either. When he closed the door and looked down the hall, it surprised him to see Jacks slipping out early as well.


    Early riser? Derek asked.


    Jacks nodded. Always have been. Even more so during my time as the Guard Captain.


    The two chatted while making their way downstairs to the lobby. The duo went to a side of the hotel lobby they hadnt visited yesterday. It was littered with tables and chairs, not unlike the first floor at the Crown Restaurant.


    As soon as they sat, a youngdy was at their side, taking their order. They had a few things to choose from, but Derek went with the ssic bacon and eggs. Of course, the bacon was from a high-level boar type beast, and the eggs were from a bird Derek had never heard of.


    Surprisingly, coffee was on the menu, so he didnt have to settle for some off the wall juice or hot tea. It made sense, as the restaurant was part of the Crown.


    So, whats the n today? Jacks asked.


    First, I need to go to the City Building and scout out somend. I would also like to talk with Ste about some of our prior business once she gets settled. Derek said. Youve been here before, right? I wouldnt mind a bit of a guide if youre down for it.


    Might as well. Jacks replied. I need to go to the City Building to send a letter to my son, anyway.


    Derek nodded. Soon, the youngdy arrived with their meals, and the two ate in silence before heading out.


    So, where exactly is this City Building? Derek asked as the two walked out of the hotel.


    To answer Dereks question, Jacks pointed. Its just over there. Were basically at the center of the city. Thats where all the most important businesses are. The Adventurers Guild is there He pointed in a slightly different direction. The Savannah Mansion it right there. He pointed to a building about the size of the one Walter lived in.


    Its not very big. Wheres the giant courtyard? Or the guest mansion? Derek asked.


    Bigger doesnt always mean better. Jacks said. The cost of a residence in the center of the city is astronomical. They pay for their residence the same as everyone else. There is no special treatment, even for the Savannahs themselves. Of course, most of them grow up with much more business knowledge than anyone else, so its not hard for them to obtain money.


    Whats the point of being the City Lord, then?


    Technically, if Natalie Savannah wanted to make her residence free of charge, she could. She is able to pass whatever regtions she wants in the city. Different lords do different things. The previous City Lord didnt pay taxes or rent on the mansion, but I think the current one likes the extra pressure. Jacks exined.


    Just dont forget she does rule this city. She also probably has one of the top forces in the entire Cydarian Kingdom. He said.


    Got it. Derek said. Whats the deal with theyout of the city? It doesnt seem the same as Wilmette or Torith. I thought the cities all followed that style.


    Thats the basic blueprint that most cities follow. Jacks confirmed. You wont find many sub-cities with differentyouts. The Capital and Savannah are different. As a city ofmerce that cares more about business than separating the sses, thisyout works best. The closer you are to the center, the more expensive everything is.


    Of course, it is also where all of the government buildings are located as well. Thats not to say that there arent any great shops outside the city center, there are. In fact, one of the best cksmiths owns a shop at the edge of the city. But thats because of his personal preferences. In Savannah, its easier to grab attention closer to the city center, but if your product is good enough, it doesnt matter where your business is. Jacks exined.


    Derek nodded. Lets go to the City Building. He walked towards the direction Jacks had pointed out.


    The City Building wasnt too far away from the Teleportation Building, just a few buildings over. After entering the City Building, one of the running themes of the governmental buildings, Derek noticed, was theck of aesthetics on the outside, but thevish decorations on the inside. Thats not to say that the outside wasnt kept well, it was.


    The inside of the building was decorated in Savannahs colors. Other than the light fixtures, carpets, and waiting areas, there were four counters. On the back wall, splitting the four counters, was a 20 foot by 20 foot map of the city.


    It being quite early in the day, there werent many people in the ce. Derek looked above each counter and read thebels. To the far right was Business Registration then Property Management. Then was the map, followed by Send/Receive and Citizen Registration.


    Guess Im going there. Derek pointed at Property Management then lined up behind one person.


    Jacks nodded and walked towards Send/Receive.


    Derek waited around five minutes before the man in front of him turned around in a huff and stormed out. He took a step forward.


    What was that all about? Derek asked the gray-haired old man wearing spectacles behind the counter.


    The man snorted. Just another person trying to get around taxes. He said, then looked up. How may I help you today? He said.


    Im looking to buy, rent, or lease some property. Derek exined.


    The man nodded and adjusted his sses. Have you already found a vacant lot or building?


    Derek shook his head. No, I just arrived here yesterday for the first time. A friend suggested I start here.


    Very well. The man said. Are you looking for residential or business?


    Both? Does it make a difference?


    The man nodded. Very much so. The business property taxes are more expensive than residential, and there are regtions when ites to residential properties.


    Such as?


    If you are caught conducting business in a residential building, you will be evicted.


    Ah, I get it. Derek said.


    The man flipped a book open and muttered some things to himself before speaking again. Alright, Ive eliminated all of the residential only properties. What size property are you looking for? Would you prefer a vacant lot or one with buildings already on them?


    Derek had done a lot of thinking about this. He was hoping to make an underground facility with noise suppression and airflow runes with different workstations. Up top would be a General Store that sold all the created goods, storage, and a Contract Store for Rudy. Then, he wanted another floor for their living quarters.


    I think it would be best for it to be vacant. Derek said. Im thinking I can get away with 2,500 square feet.


    The man whistled. Youre not asking for much, are you?


    Derek shrugged. Its what I need.


    The man flipped some pages in his book, injected some mana inside and mutter quietly again. Alright, thats narrowed the search down quite a bit. He said. Now, do you have a part of the city you would like to build on?


    Is there a lot of property for sale? Derek asked.


    There is, and there isnt. We just expanded the borders two years ago, so there is a lot ofnd ready at the edge of the city. Saying that, the man walked out from behind the counter and over to the map. Instantly, a pointer appeared in his hand and adjusted its sized. He moved it in a circle around the edge of the map.


    As you may know, many business ventures fail, especially in a city like Savannah. There are some recently cleared lots here, here, and here. He pointed at three locations on the map. One was close to center, one was in between the center and the northeast edge, and one was at the very northeastern edge.


    This. He circled much of the western part of the map. Is the main residential area. Businesses are restricted from this area, aside from some restaurants and other types. Many famous adventurers, merchants, and nobles live in this area, at least, those who dont live in their businesses. This area. He circled the southeastern part of the city. Is for businesses only. You may not reside in the buildings. But it is slightly cheaper. Most sessful merchants have a building here, and a house in the residential area.


    I see.


    Which leads us to here. He circled the northeastern part of the city. This is where all the businesses that double as living quarters are. You will find the hotels and inns in this part of the city.


    <em>Come to think of it, even though its in the center of the city, the Crown Hotel was on the northeast side. I was wondering why the restaurant wasnt beside the hotel. </em>He thought. So, what will these ces run me?


    Well, this one was recently demolished and the materials were sold to pay off some of the previous owners debts. He pointed at the spot closest to the center. The cost would be 35,000 gold a month, plus 7% taxes on all sales.


    If Derek would have had something in his mouth, he would have spit it out. That was five times his projected monthly coffee revenue. Derek stayed calm. And the others? He asked.


    This one He pointed at the second one he showed. Is 21,200 a month, and this one He pointed at the one on the edge of the city. Is 5,000 a month.


    That much difference? Derek asked. What about a ce that hasnt been built on yet?


    The man pointed to the spaces around thest lot he showed. 8,500 gold.


    Why not 5,000?


    Because this one had a failed business on it already, and there are open lots around it, so its already got a reputation.


    So, is the other lots cheaper than other lots around them? Derek asked.


    The man shook his head. No. Thats because there arent any open lots. Everything other than the newnd is prime real estate. There arent many lots left on the edge, either. Soon, there wont be any discounts out there.


    Derek sighed. <em>I need to talk to Steter. Its time for my monthly percentage of coffee sales. This will be the first real months pay I get from it. </em>That was why he nned on talking with Steter. I think Ill take a look at the 5,000 gold er.

 Chapter 145: Lot 33,801

    Chapter 145: Lot 33,801


    Its lot number 33,801. The clerk said.


    Derek nodded and said his thanks. The man smiled and walked back behind his counter to help the next person in line.


    Jacks and Derek walked out of the City Building after acquiring the information they needed. In total, they were only inside for around half an hour. Within that half hour, more and more people poured into the building.


    Outside, the city was beginning toe alive. The foot traffic was at least double what it was when they first left the hotel. Derek did a quick look around to get his bearings before pointing.


    Its that way. He said. Lets go. He began walking.


    Jacks nodded and followed.


    So, did you get your letter taken care of? Derek asked.


    Yeah. He should get it in the next few days, depending on what hes doing. Jacks said with a trace of excitement in his eyes.


    You can finally talk with him without the burden of Torith hanging over your head. Derek said.


    Jacks nodded. I just hope he isnt too angry with me after all this time. I almost cut him offpletely to keep him out of everything. I only secretly checked up on him throughout the years.


    Well, youre not bound by oath anymore, and hes an adult. If you need to, you could always exin things to him. Surely, he would understand. Hell, he probably already does. You trained him up and got him into the Academy. If nothing else, you set him up on a path to sess.


    Hopefully. Jacks muttered. Ill just have to see.


    Jacks wasnt his slightly sullen self when he talked about his son. The man hade out of his silent shell since getting out of his oath. Derek was sure that behind his rough and tough exterior, there was a chatty adventurer just waiting to get out.


    Derek and Jacks made their way northeast through the city. Savannah was huge. At their current walking pace, it could be hours before they make it there. Of course, Derek wasnt in a rush. He didnt have to get everything done in one day.


    As they moved deeper into the northeast part of the city, they had to dodge more and more people running around, mostly young men and women. After what seemed like the fifth near collision with one of the kids, Derek grabbed the boy by the arm.


    Whats the rush? He asked. You should be more careful.


    The boy looked up, surprised and flustered. Ah, sorry, sir. Ill be more careful. The boy looked at Dereks hand on his arm with pleading eyes.


    Derek sighed and released the boy. Whats with all these kids? Derek asked Jacks.


    The Runners? Jacks asked. Well, this is one of the business sides of Savannah. You heard Shelby talking about the city helping orphans and younger kids. Bing a Runner is another upation for them.


    Oh, so theyre deliverymen? Derek asked.


    Yeah. Though they are only rmended by the city, its up to the business owner whether they want to hire them or not. Its also one of the jobs that orphans who are lucky enough to pay the entrance fee or find a less savory way into the city are able to get. Jacks said. Like Shelby said, those children arent supported by the city.


    I guess that makes sense. Derek agreed. Now, he looked at the flood of Runners in a different light. It also made him see the city in a different light. It was so early in the morning, yet dozens, if not hundreds, of deliveries were already being made throughout the city.


    After some time, the duo made it closer to the edge of the city. Still, the buildings and businesses there werent anything to scoff at. Even the worst looking business was multiple times better looking than anything Derek had seen in Torith. The same went for all the inns and restaurants. Well, the Crown Restaurant in Torith couldpete at least.


    I dont know. Derek suddenly said, getting Jackss attention.


    What? The scarred man asked.


    Derek shook his head. Im not sure about having a ce this far from the center of the city. Just look how long weve been walking to get here.


    If the quality of your items is good enough, an extra hour or two of travel wont matter. Besides, you can always change locations. Jacks said.


    Thats true. Derek said. I just dont want to waste money building just to move to a different location.


    You could always hire someone to deconstruct your building and get the materials back. You would just have to paybor fees to build it again.


    I guess Derek said.


    Finally, the duo walked over a patch of very smooth stone that stretched out through the city as far as Derek could see.


    Whats this? Derek asked.


    Its where the old wall was. Before they increased the size of the city.


    Derek whistled. That must have taken a long while.


    Jacks shook his head. Not really. Just a couple of days. A lot of work, maybe, but not a lot of time. With Savannahs money, they can afford it.


    I guess the foundation is kind of a sidewalk now? Derek asked.


    You can think of it like that. Youve walked over a few of them already from previous expansions, but theyve been seamlessly integrated into the city. Jacks answered.


    Ah. I guess all the streets and alleys <em>are</em> curved.


    Finally, after over two hours of walking, the duo made it to a less popted part of the city. Before making it there, it was rare to see an empty lot or abandoned building. Now, although he wouldnt say that the area was littered with vacant lots and foreclosed businesses, there were vastly more of them than before.


    Derek kept his eyes vignt as he looked around, searching for the lot he nned on buying. Look for lot 33801. Derek said.


    The two searched around for another fifteen minutes before Jacks found the plot ofnd.


    33801. Jacks pointed. Its right here.


    Hearing Jacks, Derek moved over to him. The clerk at the City Building had said that because the previous owner failed to pay, the materials had been repossessed.


    Derek could tell where the previous building had stood. There was some rubble from the foundation, and an imprint in thend. Surprisingly, the outline of the building took less than half of the allotted space on the lot. Whatever business was previously here wasnt arge one.


    <em>Maybe they nned to build onto it once profits started rolling in. </em>Derek thought. The lot was even a little bigger than the 2,500 sq ft he had wanted. That, and taking into ount the cheaper price, he could see himself buying it.


    There were also other vacant lots on both sides. If he needed to expand, and he was making money, they could also be purchased. Well, until they were bought up by others.


    What do you think? He asked Jacks.


    Well Jacks stomped on thend. Its pretty level, and from what I heard, the price is much cheaper than anything else around here. If you believe in whatever it is that you n on doing, it wouldnt be a bad start.


    I think so too. After seeing the lot and the surrounding area, Dereks worries had subsided. Besides, with the people he brought with him, it would be better to find a ce for them to live sooner rather thanter. Staying at the hotel was just eating money that Derek wasnt even sure he had.


    Derek nodded. I think Ill buy it. After that, he checked his storage bracelet and ring. He had enough gold for the first couple of months, and possibly enough tomission the building as well. This came from the generous donation he received from Malcolm Torith. He hoped to have more, but the two assassins were pretty broke for being so well known. <em>No telling what they spent their money on.</em>


    He shook his head to get rid of the thoughts. Didnt the clerk say that one of the best smiths in the city lives around here?


    Jacks nodded. Hes close by. His shop is at the previous edge of the city. Its where I got my current sword. You know, the one that barely left a scratch on you. Want to have a look?


    Sure. Maybe he has something useful. Derek said. Theres no penalty for running through the city, is there? Derek asked. There shouldnt be, considering all the Runners they passed along the way.


    As long as you dont injure anyone.


    Lets go.


    Five minutester, the duo arrived in front of a big shop. There was a banner with a glove crossed with a sword hanging above the entrance. There wasnt anything special about the outside of the building. After looking around, Derek and Jacks went inside.


    Surprisingly, there wasnt anything special about the inside of the building either. It was arge open floor room with shelves, counters, and disy cases.


    Aye! How can I help ya? A very short, robust woman with messy blonde hair greeted them as they walked in. Well, if it isnt the Crimson de back at our little store.


    Derek stared at the woman for a moment longer than he should have before realizing that the woman wasnt human. She was a dwarf. He knew Cydaria had other races and was told that they were much less rare in the bigger cities, but he had all but forgotten that fact.


    Jacks elbowed Derek in his side before speaking. No, were just looking around today.


    Derek coughed and rubbed the back of his neck.


    Thats aright. Just let me know if ya need me. She said and walked away.


    Jacks chuckled. First time seeing a dwarf?


    Derek nodded dumbly. I think I made a fool out of myself.


    Shes already forgotten it. Dwarfs are thick skinned people. Shes the smiths wife.


    Derek halfughed before walking deeper in the store, excited to see what one of the better smiths in Savannah had in stock.

 Chapter 146: The Dwarven Smith

    Chapter 146: The Dwarven Smith


    The gear inside the store was better than anything he had ever seen. Of course, back on Earth, nobody had even hit level 100 before he was trapped in the void. His old armor and ive were actually top of the line at that time.


    Unfortunately, most of the gear in the shop, although high, was for adventurer with much lower stats than himself. If Derek was a regr person with a rare ss at level 150, the items would have been great. However, his skin, muscles, and bones were already more durable than any armor he had examined in the shop.


    After sighing for the umpteenth time, Derek spotted a ive in the corner. Walking over, he grabbed it and closed his eyes. It felt good in his hands. He did a couple of practice swings and thrusts as a smile broke out on his face. He had to admit, the ive was much better than ivey, but was still unsuitable for his stats.


    You like ives? Jacks walked up next to him.


    Derek nodded. Yeah, its where my mastery is at.


    That caused a surprised expression to appear on Jackss face. Youre saying that youre better with a weapon than you are with your fists?


    Derek chuckled. Yeah, much better. Unfortunately, I havent run across anyone who can make something that meets my requirements. He exined. <em>Hopefully, that will change once nah auctions off the Void Beasts. At the rate my stats increase, I dont know how long anything willst me.</em>


    It was one of the downsides he encountered because of his cheat-like stats. It was also the reason he had taken up fighting with his hands instead of any weapon. Derek sighed and put the ive back on its stand.


    What, my weapons not good nuf for yas? A deep voice sounded out from behind the duo.


    Derek looked over to see a dwarf, this time male, walking over towards them in a huff. The dwarf had a ck beard that extended all the way down to his belly that was knotted in the end, and braided ck hair that split into two tails to fall over his shoulders. His tunic was stained with charcoal, along with what parts of his face Derek could make out.


    Derek stered a smile on his face and nodded. Im not bashing your work. Its truly of great quality. Actually, its some of the best Ive ever seen. Unfortunately, nothing in here can provide me with more protection than my own skin, and nothing can increase my offensive ability more than what my fists already do. He exined.


    That true? The dwarf asked Jacks.


    I believe so.


    The smith snorted. Dont me me for not believing ya.


    Derekughed and held out his arm. Go ahead.


    Without asking a question or anything, the dwarf grabbed the ive from the shelf and swung it down at Dereks forearm hard. The de hit his skin, bit in slightly, then cracked. When the dwarf pulled the de away, a single drop of blood fell from Dereks arm before healing before his eyes.


    The dwarf snorted as he examined the slight crack in the ive. Then, he tossed it across the room and itnded in a bucket that said failed and damaged weapons, 75% off.


    Finally, the dwarf turned back around, all smiles. Ye must be a helluva tank. He reached out to Derek for a handshake. Me names Carrie. Nice to meet ya.


    Derek took his hand and shook it. Derek, Derek Hunt.


    Aye Carrie sighed. Yer a bit out of my level, Im fraid. Nothin heres gonna suit ya, and I cant make ya anything custom cus I aint got the right materials or expertise.


    Derek smiled. No need to apologize. I wasnt expecting to buy anything, anyway. I just heard you were a great smith, so while I was in the area, I decided toe check out your shop. Do you make all your items here?


    The dwarf nodded. Sure do. The smithys downstairs.


    You mind if I take a look?


    Carrie eyed Derek. What for?


    Derek waved him off. Im buying one of the new lots and n on putting in a basement. I dont have any ulterior motives. I just wanted to see what a professional cksmiths smithy looked like. If its too much, pretend like I didnt even ask.


    The dwarf narrowed his eyes, then smiled. Ya know, its rude to ask a dwarf to see his smithy. He then waved it off. But I dont mind so much long as Im not makin something secret or whatnot.


    Thats great. Derek said.


    Aye, Cindy! The dwarf yelled to the female dwarf at the sales counter, causing her to look up from cing a dagger in a disy case. Im showin our guests the smithy. If ya need me, holler.


    Like Id need yer crusty arse up here helping me. Yer more likely to cause problems up ere. Should get back down there where ya belong. She yelled back.


    Carrie smiled. That one is crazy for me. He whispered so his wife couldnt here him. Follow me.


    The dwarf let the two men through the shop and into a room at the back. nned on movin further into the city once we started makin a profit, but ended up not needing to. Had a whole n for another floor an everything. Turned out, all I needed was to sell quality weapons and armor, so we didnt need more space. He talked while he led them to the stairs to the basement.


    Still got plenty of room since its jus Cindy an me. Even got an extra room ifn our son chooses to grace us with his presence. He continued. Its down ere.


    Derek and Jacks followed the smith down a short flight of stairs, only to end up in a basement that was much smaller than expected, it couldnt have been much bigger than 12 x12 feet. In fact, Derek only had a couple inches of clearance between the ceiling and his head.


    Thats good. The dwarf said. Wasnt sure if the two of ya would fit. Heughed. There werent no sense in making something more than what I needed since we nned to move, and still aint had a reason to expand it since we decided to stay.


    Makes sense. Derek said.


    Whelp, waddaya think? The smith asked.


    Derek looked around the small room. In the corner was a forge that was slightly shorter than he was used to seeing. A couple feet from that was an anvil. There was also a workbench close to it. To Dereks surprise, the room was well organized.


    On the wall were multiple smithing tools, from hammers to tongs, all hanging in order from small torge. Other than that, there wasnt much else in the room.


    How do you not suffocate? Derek asked. Obviously, the fire and smoke produced by the forge would not do well in such a small space.


    Pretty basic runes. The dwarf said as he walked past Derek and to the forge. Then he ced his hand on the wall beside it. A rune lit up and blue lines traveled up the wall to arger rune on the ceiling. This rune cycles the air. Pulls the smoke out and pushes fresh air back in. Its connected to another rune on the roof of the shop.


    <em>There really is a rune for everything. </em>Derek didnt bother to ask about the lights, as he already recognized them as working the same as the lights hed seen on the streets yesterday. Only, instead of being connected to a timer, he was sure there was a rune somewhere on the wall that could toggle them on or off.


    Its nice. Derek said. I mean, its a lot smaller than what I expected, especially considering the number and quality of items upstairs. If its good enough to craft all of that, then I dont see a problem.


    Jacks nodded. Indeed.


    Thats what I keep sayin, but Cindy keeps naggin me to expand it. Dont see the need myself. The dwarf said.


    Derek walked over to the wall holding all the smithing tools. He didnt dare touch them. Instead, he leaned in and examined them. What would it cost for you to make me a full set of smithing tools?


    Well, I dont normally do that. The dwarf said. Its always best for a smith to craft their own tools.


    Derek nodded. I understand that, but you need tools to craft tools. Derek said.


    Thats not necessarily true, but I get what yer sayin. The dwarf walked over to his workbench and began rummaging through what Derek only suspected was a junk drawer. There it is. The smith pulled out a storage ring.


    Soon, a full set of tools, not nearly as good as what was hanging on the wall, were lying on the floor. Thats it, ere we are. He said as he finished pulling out a pair of tongs. I knew I hadnt thrown em away yet. The smith said. These are my tools I used to get to level 50. 60 gold an theyre yers.


    You sure? Derek asked. They dont hold any sentimental value?


    The dwarf scoffed. What value would a smiths third set of tools hold? I just forgot to melt them down. Wifey says I got a bad habit of tossin things I dont need in storage rings, then forgettin bout them.


    Derek wondered what was in the other storage rings inside the junk drawer. Also, how many storage rings did this smith have? Derek glimpsed at least seven inside the junk drawer. He put the thoughts out of his head before pulling out 60 gold andying it on the workbench.


    The dwarf scooped the gold up beforeying out a mat on the floor and rolling the tools up in it. He handed the bundle of tools to Derek. Thanks for doin business.


    The bundle disappeared inside his bracelet. Thank you. Derek said. Well, we should probably get out of here. Got to buy that property before someone else snatches it up.


    Aye. The dwarf agreed. Never know how long somethings going tost. With that, the smith led them back to the store. Dont be a stranger. He said before seeing them out.


    Dont worry. Im about to send a kid to the Academy. Derek said. I n on getting him some gear before sending him off. Hes been wearing and training in makeshift armor for now. Going to need to find a good Leathersmith for that, but Ille back here to get his weapon.


    The dwarfs eyes shined. Lookin forward to makin it. Might want to order it sooner thanter, though. I have a backlog of custom orders.


    Derek nodded. Ill be back soon.

 Chapter 147: Have a Nice Day

    Chapter 147: Have a Nice Day


    The duo exited Carrie and Cindys shop and made haste back to the City Building. Having to dodge all the Runners again made Derek cement the idea that making a bicycle and selling it in the city would only lead toplete chaos. The Runners already bumped into others and each other sometimes, so adding a vehicle to the process just wouldnt work.


    Before long, the two were back at the city center and walked into the City Building. Once inside, Derek rolled his eyes. The ce was packed. Instantly, he realized that he was basically waiting at the DMV. Derek hurried to the right line and waited and waited.


    The clerk was fast in his job, and from what Derek heard, the people were mostly in his line to make monthly payments on their property. Only a couple of people in front talked about buying property.


    Derek continued to wait. Humans werent the only species inside the building at the moment, either. He had just seen a dwarf for the first time, but now there were multiple people inside, paying bills and sending letters. There were even a couple of elves. At least Derek guessed that they were elves.


    There were two of them, both male, however, neither of them were waiting in any line. He expected pointier ears. Not to say that their ears werent pointy, but they were mostly round, but with a pointy tip. <em>Maybe Im just holding onto stereotypes. </em>He thought.


    Just as Dereks turn came up, the doors to the establishment swung open and the two elves rushed over to greet the new arrival. Derek took a quick peek to see what the fuss was about. <em>Ah, now I get it. Those are elves, the other two must be half-elves. </em>


    At the door was a silver-haireddy that was even more beautiful than Ste. She had striking emerald-green eyes and a slightly pointed chin. Her dress of different greens ented her eyes well. The only problem Derek could find with the elf was her resting noble face.


    She walked into the room like she owned it and two elven guards in full metal gear with spears followed her in. Once inside, she made her way to a counter, the counter that Derek was standing at. As she moved, everyone in line stepped to the side to allow her to pass.


    Derek rolled his eyes and turned to the clerk. I need to buy thatnd. I took a look at it, and its good enough.


    The clerk gave Derek an odd look. Right maybe it would be best to wait a moment and let Serina conduct her business first? The man suggested.


    Derek looked at the elf slowly approaching and snorted. If she keeps walking that slow, well be finished before her haughty highness gets here. Besides, Ive been waiting for at least an hour. Im not waiting one second longer.


    Very well. The clerk said. You said you would like to buy lot 33801?


    Derek nodded. Yes, thats the


    Move aside. A deep voice bellowed out from behind him.


    Derek turned to see one of the elven guards standing there. Derek had to look up slightly to meet his eyes. Im almost done. Derek said, then turned back around.


    Yes. Lot 33801. Derek said.


    The clerk bend down and began gathering some things from behind his counter. There we go. Heid a small stack of papers down on the counter and started filling in parts at a rapid pace.


    Just then, Derek felt handnd on his shoulder and squeeze. He nced over to see Jacks rubbing his temples as if he had a headacheing on.


    I said move out of the way for Mdy. The voice rang again.


    Derek turned to look again. This time, the female elf was standing behind her two guards. Her beautiful pale face was now a shade of red. It suited her.


    Derek turned back to the clerk. I thought this was supposed to be a safe city. I heard that Natalie ran a pretty tight ship. Whats the deal with these thugs?


    That no one would dare kill in the city, or permanently injure. But small scuffles do happen. The perpetrator, that is, the one who initiates the scuffle, is punished a bit more severely than they would be in a different city, too. The clerk answered, while keeping his focus on the document before him.


    Would his hand on my shoulder, squeezing quite hard, I might add, count towards initiating a scuffle? Derek asked.


    The clerk looked up. His eyes widened when he saw the bulging muscles and strain from the guards hand on Dereks shoulder. That would. He replied.


    And releasing ones aura to diffuse a situation, how is it looked upon? Derek asked, all the while the guard was yipping behind him.


    That would be a preferred method of solving an issue, as it shouldnt leave any seque. But most people here wouldnt have the aura needed The man paused as he watched Jacks shake his head and slip out the door.


    Thats good. You should brace yourself. Ill direct it at this idiot, but you know how aura is. Derek winked at the clerk.


    Idiot!? You called me an idiot?


    Derek finally stopped tuning out the ranting guards words as he turned to look at him. First, he grabbed the elfs wrist and squeezed. His strength was about the same as the guards. It was just enough to remove his hand from his shoulder. Then Derek turned the rest of the way around.


    While holding the elfs wrist, Derek channeled the void and mana inside his body, slowly increasing the amount so as not to lose control. He wanted to direct his aura at the group of elves and do his best to not hit any bystanders. He wasnt the best at controlling his aura, but if he increased it little by little, it should work.


    Seeing Dereks n, both guards snorted and released their aura. Please step back Mdy. One of them said, and the female elf took a few steps back.


    The aura flooded over Derek, and he heard a grunt from behind him. The clerk was hit as well. The auras were stronger than his at the moment because they sted them out all at once. Derek increased the speed at which he was releasing his own, and soon, the sluggish feeling of being in ones aura was no longer affecting Derek.


    He smiled as the guards eyes widened. You really shouldnt fuck with random people. Especially in a city like Savannah. Derek said.


    Then, he doubled the rate at which he released the aura. The haughty highness behind the guards was the first to fall to her knees.


    Mdy. One of the guards spoke.


    Derek did his best to pull some of the aura off the female elf and push everything onto the two guards. He still had a lot left to release, but he settled for bringing them to their knees. Once all three elves were down, he drew the aura back in and stopped releasing it.


    He looked around the room. He was proud of himself. One man who was standing directly behind the haughty elf had fallen to one knee, but the rest of the room was all left standing. Some were sweating bullets, but they were still on their feet.


    Derek stepped between the two guards and stood before the elvendy. He snapped his fingers, causing her to look up. The haughty expression was no longer on her face.


    Now Mdy. Do you mind if I finish purchasing my property? The elf only stared at him. No? Thats good.


    He turned and walked back to the counter. Now, where were we?


    Ah. Yes The clerk mumbled. Sign here. This says you are to receive lot 33801. This says that you are to pay 10,000 gold now, for first andst month, then 5,000 gold per month after. The clerk flipped a few pages. This agreement states that the property tax is included in the monthly rent, but the city will receive 13% of profits reported at the end of each quarter.


    Derek whistled. 13% was quite a lot. Of course, at the beginning, 13% of nothing would still be nothing. He would worry about that when he got to it. Derek signed a few more pages of the agreement before finishing.


    Great. That will be 10,000 gold or items of equivalent value plus 10%.


    Derek held his hand out and a small mountain of coins fell onto the counter, causing the man to widen his eyes and shake his head.


    You should visit the bank. The clerk said. There are much better ways to store currency. Still, as he was talking, the man waved, and the mountain of gold vanished from the counter.


    He then put the signed documents on one part of the counter and injected some mana into a rune. In a sh, another copy of the papers was sitting beside the original. The man picked the documents up and handed them to Derek. Here you go. You should keep the agreement well. If you lose it, the recement fee is 1,000 gold.


    Derek took the documents and stored them in his bracelet.


    Congrattions on your purchase. The clerk said. You are now the owner of lot number 33801. Good luck on you ventures.


    Thank you. Derek said.


    Is there anything else I can help you with today? The clerk asked.


    Nope, that is all. Derek said. Have a good day.


    Derek turned around to see the guards back on their feet and the female elf standing behind them. The guards wouldnt look Derek in the eyes, and their charge seemed to be very interested in a spot on the floor.


    Derek put his hand on the one guards shoulder and gave it a light squeeze. You all have a nice day. He said before walking out.

 Chapter 148: Getting Paid

    Chapter 148: Getting Paid


    Derek left the City Building and met back up with Jacks, who was waiting for him a small distance away from themotion.


    You make friends everywhere you go, dont you? Jacks asked.


    Derek shrugged. Theres a special ce in hell for those who cut in line at the DMV or ces like it. He said.


    Jacks frowned. A DMV?


    Its kind of like the City Building where Ie from. Except the wait can be even harsher. And the people well, lets not talk about the people. Derek replied before changing the subject. Whyd you leave in such a hurry? He asked.


    Jacks snorted. There was no way I was sticking around to be hit by that aura of yours again. He said. How did everyone inside deal with it, anyway?


    I did a pretty good job controlling it this time. Only the three troublemakers got hit with the majority, and only one bystander, who was too close to that female elf, was a victim of a bit of the ssh damage. He should have moved away like everyone else. Also, I didnt release it fully like I did back by Wilmette. Derek exined.


    Jacks nodded. Thats good.


    Who was that elf? Do you know? Derek asked.


    Jacks shook his head. It seemed like most people knew of her, but she must have gotten here sometime since thest time I was here. With the way she looked and acted, in Savannah no less, I wouldnt put it past her being a foreign noble from a different country.


    You think?


    Yeah. Cydaria has its fair share of elves and dwarfs, but humans make up the vast majority of the country. Its the opposite of some other countries. Currently, we are at peace with Indria and Vallum. Indria is elvennds, and Vallum is dwarven. We are at a standstill against Astrus. We arent really at war, but you cant call it peace. Jacks exined. Those are the three kingdoms that border Cydaria to the west. The sea borders us on the east.


    I see. Derek didnt really care about the war status of Cydaria as long as it didnt get in the way of his ns. It was nice to know some of the structure of the continent, though. When he first arrived, he had wanted to find a library to learn more about the kingdom and continent, but Torith wall ill equipped, and he only learned that there was a Great Library in the capital.


    Derek checked the system time. He and Jacks had been out for a few hours already, especially after the wait in the City Building. Lets go grab some lunch.


    A few minutester, Derek was handing his Crown Membership card to a hostess, and he and Jacks were being led up to a dining area.


    After being seated in a luxurious private room, the hostess took his card away before and different woman came back with it.


    Mr. Hunt, it is our honor to have you and your guest dining here with us today. My name is Rose and I will be your personal waitress today. She held his card in her hand. There is a free meal still avable on your membership card. Would you like to use that today?


    Derek smile, he would not be eating here if it wasnt for the free meal. Sure. He said.


    Very well. She said as another card appeared in her other hand. She ced the card beside Dereks and injected some mana, before handing his card back to him. Your free meal has been removed.


    Thank you.


    You are wee. She replied. Now, todays tier one meal is a zed level 175 Sumu, with our freshly harvested herb sd and a loaded tario. Do you have any dietary restrictions or will this meal be adequate?


    Derek, of course, had no clue what anything other than a sd was, but from the way Jacks was trying to keep himself from slobbering all over the table, it seemed to be good. That is fine with us. He replied.


    Great! Now, what can I get you to drink? She asked.


    Coffee ck. Derek said.


    Thedy raised her eyebrows. That has been a most popr choice as ofte. She said. And you, sir?


    Same. Jacks replied.


    Ill be right back with your beverages. Thedy said.


    Are you sure you want to use your membership with me? Jacks asked.


    Eh, youve been running around the city with me all day, not to mention its free. You ever eaten in one of these restaurants? Derek asked.


    Jacks shook his head. Only the bottom floor, and only once. That was back when I was an adventurer. I saved up and brought Emily my wife out for our anniversary. It was the best meal I ever had, and I dont even remember what we ordered.


    Derek gave Jacks a sad smile. Im sorry about her.


    Thanks. Jacks said. It happened a long time ago. He clenched his fist. Besides, I finally have a target for my revenge.


    Mhm Derek agreed. But you need to be careful.


    I know.


    After that, the two sat silently until the waitress brought their beverages out. Here you go. She sat the coffee in front of them. Your food will be ready momentarily.


    Not long after, she brought their food. That was when Derek realized that they were actually having chicken with a loaded baked potato and a side sd. He inwardly chuckled to himself as he examined the food.


    The entire meal was eaten without a word said. They were both too engrossed in the hot food for any idle talk. Finally, Jacks pushed his te with only bones left on it to the side.


    Delicious. He said.


    Derek agreed. The food was delicious, but he had to admit, the meal he had with Walter back at Torith was actually a little better. Still, both meals gave temporary stat increases.


    Dexterity this time. Derek said.


    And a nice increase to it as well. Jacks agreed. So, where to next? He asked.


    While Im here, I need to talk with Ste about some things if she is also here. Derek said.


    Derek raised his hand and soon, thedy that served them the meal appeared. Is Ste in yet? He asked.


    Uh yes, Mistress Brighton returned an hour ago. She is currently in her office. Would you like me to notify her of your arrival? She asked with a frown.


    Sure. Ille with you. Shes probably expecting me. Derek stood.


    Ill be outside. Jacks said. I can find my way. He told the waitress before she could offer her assistance.


    Please wait here. Thedy said.


    Thats fine too I guess. Derek said.


    Two minutester, the woman reappeared. Im sorry for the wait. Mistress Brighton will see you now.


    Derek followed Rose to Stes office. When he entered, he was surprised to see a near replicant of her old office, only bigger. <em>I guess Ste isnt one for showing off.</em> He thought.


    Ste nodded at Rose, and the waitress closed the door behind Derek.


    What brings you here? Ste asked before sitting down. Ill be back at the hotelter.


    Well, I figured it would be best to discuss business at your actual ce of business. Derek took a seat in front of her desk.


    I see What do you need?


    Well, its been awhile and I was hoping to collect on my portion of the coffee sales. Derek exined.


    Ste smiled. I was wondering when you were going to get to that. She pulled a big book out of her storage ring. This is a book of all the sales, profits, losses, and such of the restaurant. All restaurants. When it is updated by a manager, all existing books are updated as well.


    Thats cool. Derek said. <em>Ill have to get a couple of those for our business. </em>He thought. What happens if it gets stolen?


    Each book is linked to a specific person. Only nah can open or use each one. If someone else tries to tamper with it, it will destroy itself. It also makes it easy to catch anyone trying to steal from the business. Every mark I make will leave my mana signature, so if I input something false and someone finds out, it will be easily traced back to me. She exined.


    Ste began flipping through the pages of the book. Derek could swear that the book was even bigger once she opened. It. Finally, she put her finger on a page.


    Here we go. How long do you wish to pay for the stay at the hotel? She asked.


    Go ahead and put us down for a week. If I need more, Ill pay then.


    Okay. She injected some mana into the book. So, with the cost of the hotel, the skill books, and everything else, your current totales to She let her words hang in the air.


    Well? Derek asked. He was hoping for at least 5,000 gold.


    Ste smiled. Lets just say that your coffee has exceeded both nahs and my imagination in terms of sales. Weve also extracted the stimnt part of the coffee, increased its effects, and have begun selling it as well. You obtain the same percent of those sales as well as the coffee itself.


    And how much is it? Derek asked again.


    Your first payout is 13,465 gold. Ste said.


    Derek whistled. Thats not bad.


    No, no it is not. She replied. I suggest you open a bank ount. Have you heard about that yet?


    Derek nodded. I have. The clerk at the City Building told me about it after I put a mountain of gold on his counter.


    Ste chuckled. So, you already found yournd?


    I did. Its in the new part of the city, but I dont need it to be close.


    Ste nodded. Its probably for the best. Thatnd is much cheaper and no matter where you are in the city, if your product is good, people will show up.


    Now, I dont have that much gold on me, and you dont have a bank card that I can transfer it to. You can either wait for me to go get the funds, you can go open an ount ande back, or we can go together. She said.


    If youre not busy. Derek agreed to go with her.


    Ha. Im just a floater right now until I go back to the Capital City. I dont actually have any proper work that I need to do here. We can go right now. She said.


    Lead the way.

 Chapter 149: The Bank of Savannah

    Chapter 149: The Bank of Savannah


    Derek and Ste passed Jacks on the way out. After exining what they were up to, Jacks left to go see what the rest of the group had been up to all day.


    The walk was short, as the bank was only a few businesses down from the Crown Restaurant. Derek followed Ste inside a building almost as tall as the hotel, but just as grand. Inside, there were multiple desks with workers, and one big counter at the back with people lined up.


    Do you have at least 1,000 gold on you right now? Ste asked.


    Derek nodded. Yeah.


    Good. Follow me. She led Derek to one of the desks with a worker seated behind it.


    The worker looked up from the desk to see Derek and Ste approaching. Ah, Miss Brighton. How may I help you today?


    Jared, this is Derek Hunt. She motioned to Derek. He needs to open an ount with the bank today. We are in partnership, and it would make our lives much easier if he had one.


    I see. Jared replied, then motioned to a seat across from him. Mr. Hunt, please have a seat and I will get you taken care of momentarily.


    Derek sat. Thank you.


    Ste put her hand on Dereks shoulder. Ill be back shortly. There are some ounts I need to take care of while Im here.


    Okay.


    Soon after Ste left, Jared finished signing some documents and put them away. Good afternoon, Mr. Hunt. Do you know what sort of ount you would like to open today?


    What kind of ounts do you have? Derek asked.


    We have business and personal ounts, with varying tiers of each. So, to get started, would you like your ount to be business or personal? The man asked.


    Personal, but I may open a business ount at some point. Am I right to think that I can give ess to the business ount to multiple people.?


    Jared nodded. That is correct. Any party indicated by you would have ess.


    Thats good. Derek said.


    Now, what tier ount would you like? Tier one ounts are for those who wish for an easy ce to safely store what little money they have. The limit to this tier is 100 gold, and it costs 50 silver a year to maintain. Jared exined.


    Ill be dealing in the tens of thousands of gold. Derek said.


    I see. That leaves tier three and tier four ounts, but being in business with the Crown, I suspect you will want to open a tier four one. The minimum you must have to open the ount is 1,000 gold. There is also a 1,000-gold insurance and maintenance fee. However, there is no maximum limit on the ount. The ount draws a .005 percent monthly interest for the holder, so, with enough funds, it is possible to negate the ount cost. Jared exined.


    Derek did some quick math in his head before replying. Do you have a lot of customers with over 200,000 gold in their ounts?


    The man nodded. We do, as we are the only bank in the kingdom, and we are backed by Savannah. You are paying for the safety and insurance of your money, along with ease of use.


    Derek nodded. He knew how banks worked, and this one didnt seem to be all that much different. It didnt seem like they had a savings ount, though. Derek decided to ask. Do you not have a savings ount?


    The man frowned. Im afraid Ive never heard of something like that.


    Derek nodded. That makes sense. Im from another kingdom. I was just checking to see the differences in the banks. Of course, there were multiple kinds of savings ounts that just werent possible for a world like this one to have. Especially those that involvedbination savings and investment ounts.


    Could you exin this savings ount? Jared asked. I have to admit, I am quite curious about how other kingdoms manage money.


    Its simple, really. There are multiple types of ounts. Savings ounts have a higher interest yield for the customer and are usually better secured. But it seems that your regr ounts are already quite secure. Some ounts have penalties for using the money in them within a set time period or using them too often. Derek exined.


    One of the reason savings ounts are good for banks is that it allows the bank to have more money on hand to lend. You do give loans, correct?


    Jared nodded. We do.


    So, savings ounts make it where people dont want to take their money out, whether it is because they want the increased interest on their ount or because they dont want to incur penalties or fees. Therefore, you have more money for loans. So, if the savings ount draws one percent interest on 5,000 gold, then you turn around and give out a 5,000-gold loan at eight percent, you profit well. Of course, there are other factors, but Im not too versed in those. Im sure someone in the banking industry could figure that out. Derek finished exining.


    Jared sat silently for a moment before speaking again. Interesting. He finally said.


    Though, since you have a monopoly on banking in the kingdom, savings ounts may not benefit you as much. Derek said.


    Oh? You have more than one bank where youe from?


    Derek nodded. Yeah. Dozens, if not hundreds.


    How interesting. May I ask, what kingdom do youe from?


    Derekughed. The United States of America. Derek said. <em>At least whats left of it.</em> He thought. Im sure youve never heard of it.


    You are correct. I have not. Jared confirmed. Thanks for the information. Now, should we get back to business?


    Derek nodded. Id like to open up a tier four ount. Well start small. Derek dumped 5,000 gold on the desk. Take a thousand for the fee, then deposit the remaining.


    Very well. Jared moved the pile of gold over to one side of his desk, then pulled out some papers. This is the typical bank contract for a tier four ount. Please read, sign, and inject your mana signature here.


    Derek did as he was told. There wasnt anything in the contract that wasnt exined beforehand, other than termination of the ount if sufficient funds were not avable to cover the fee within six months of owing it.


    Thank you. Jared made a copy of the papers and gave it to Derek. This is for your records. Then, he pulled a ck card out of a locked desk drawer and ced it on a rune on the desk then injected his mana into the rune. I have activated your banking card ording to the contract. Please ce your mana signature on the card via the rune.


    <em>Thats what that was. </em>There was a card in the ring he took off of Malcolm. He had scanned over it, but didnt pay it any attention. Now, he knew why the City Lord didnt actually have that much gold on him. Derek injected the card with his mana.


    You may now take the card. He slid the card across the desk to Derek. For your first deposit, I will handle it, but for future deposits and withdrawals of 1,000-gold or less, or if you need information about your ount, please use one of the tellers over there. He pointed at one of the lines of people. If your deposit or withdrawal is greater than 1,000-gold use that counter. He showed Derek a counter with many less people in line.


    Okay. Derek said. If I die, what happens to the card? He asked, thinking about the City Lords card.


    When you die, your mana signature disappears, and we are notified. After which, your ount goes to your next of kin or someone you have designated. If you do not have any kin, it would be best to designate someone just in case you die.


    Derek nodded. <em>There goes that idea. </em>


    If you would like to open a business ount in the future or take out a loan, you cane back to me or one of the other workers here. He exined. Same for adding others to the ount.


    Will do. Derek said.


    Please wait here for a moment. Jared took the pile of gold and stood. He walked past one of the counters and into a closed room. Two minutester, he came back. I have deposited your gold. Inject your mana and look at the side of the card.


    Derek did so. Instantly, the mana was absorbed and a blue 4,000 appeared on the side of the card, near the top.


    The top row is gold, the middle is silver, and the bottom is bronze. If you lose your card, there is a 200 gold recement fee for tier four members. The man said.


    Derek nodded. Sounds good.


    Now, this card has built in runes to transfer the bnce to other cards. Take a look at the other side when you inject your mana.


    Derek did, and multiple strange symbols appeared on the other side of his card.


    When you wish to transfer, all you have to do is activate the cards runes, then, while touching the other persons card with yours, will the amount to be transferred. Both parties must be willing the same amount or the transfer will fail. Jared exined.


    That seems easy enough. Derek said.


    Congrattions! You are now a member of the Savannah Bank. Jared smiled.


    Derek put the card away and reached out to shake the mans hand. Thanks for all your help.


    The man took his hand and shook it. It was my pleasure. Pleasee see me if you have any questions or concerns.


    With that, Derek stood and walked back outside. He waited against the wall for Ste toe out. After around ten minutes of waiting, she finally appeared through the doors of the bank.


    Sorry about that. It took longer than expected. Ste said.


    No worries.


    So, did you get everything you needed? She asked.


    I set up a personal ount. Ille back if or when I need to make a business one. He answered.


    Thats good. Did he teach you how to transfer?


    Yeah. Derek pulled out his new card. How much was it again? He asked.


    13,465 gold. She answered as she pulled her own card out and activated it.


    Derek activated his card and ced its rune side against the one in Stes hand. He thought about taking that amount from her card, and instantly, both cards glowed blue, then stopped. When he checked his bnce again, the number read 17,465.


    He let out a breath. Thats going to make life a little more simple.

 Chapter 150: Thomas was Alone

    Chapter 150: Thomas was Alone


    Earlier that morning


    Thomas rolled over and stretched. He couldnt remember thest time he had such afortable sleep. After some time, he willed his eyes open. Instantly, all he wanted to do was close them again and go back to sleep. He had nothing to do today, so it really wouldnt matter if he slept in.


    Before deciding to resume his slumber, he checked his system clock. To his surprise, it was already well past the time he usually awoke. Then he remembered that there was a free breakfast, made by an offshoot of the Crown Restaurant no less, waiting for him below.


    Finally, after weighing the pros and cons of sleeping versus eating, he decided to get up. The oue was close, but he knew that breakfast was not served throughout the day, so if he went back to sleep, he would miss out. Thomas didnt know if he would be able to forgive himself if that happened.


    He threw the nket off hiszy body and saw something fly through the air. Walking over to the floor where the itemnded, he realized it was the keycard for the room that he and Derek was staying in. Thomas looked over to the unkempt bed on the other side of the room. <em>When did Derek wake up? I didnt hear him at all. </em>


    Thomas then looked at the small room with the tub inside. Remembering what urred the previous night, embarrassment fell over the boys face and his cheeks turned a bright shade of red. Thomas looked down and realized he was only wearing a pair of lower undergarments, and to make things worse, they were on backwards.


    He rushed to the bathroom to relieve himself and wash his face. He was tempted to hop in the tub again, but he wasnt sure how much longer he had until they stopped serving the free breakfast. <em>Surely, they will keep serving until noon, at least. </em>He thought and hoped.


    After making himself presentable and putting on his best set of clothing, Thomas stored the keycard and left his room. Before rushing down to the lobby, he knocked on the doors to the others rooms. There was no answer from either of them. <em>Either they all woke early, or they are also still sleeping. </em>Thomas sighed and headed downstairs.


    Once downstairs, he cautiously approached one of the dining tables in the hotel. He wasnt actually sure what to do. He was used to the service from mediocre inns and eating at bars. Luckily, a beautiful girl saw his hesitation and came over to greet him.


    Are you a guest at the hotel? The woman asked.


    Uh yeah. Thomas squeaked out. Looking at the garb the woman was wearing, it was safe to assume that she was a worker at the hotel. Is breakfast still being served? Or did I sleep in too long? He asked.


    The womanughed. There is still an hour left until noon, so you are right on time. Please, have a seat. She pointed to an empty table.


    Thank you. Thomas sat down.


    What would you like to drink? The woman asked as she handed him a menu.


    Thomas browsed the options, his eyes stopping on coffee. <em>Isnt that what Derek sold to the Crown? </em>Derek had told him about his business with the Crown, but the boy had yet to try the beverage. If it was already on the menu at a hotel such as this, then it had to be quite popr. Ill have the coffee.


    The womans eyes furrowed. The coffee? Are you sure? She asked.


    Yes? Thomas answered cautiously. Why would thedy be so hesitant about him ordering coffee? Thomas couldnt understand.


    Very well. She said. How do you take it? She asked.


    <em>How do I take it? What does she mean? </em>Thomas wasnt sure of her question. <em>Maybe they serve beverages differently in a hotel like this. </em>epting that as the reason, Thomas answered. In a cup.


    The womans lips tugged into a smile and she used her hand to cover her mouth. Doing her best to keep herself fromughing, she spoke. Of course, its served in a cup. She moved her hand away from her face, revealing a bright smile. I assume youve never had coffee before. It can be served in, or with sugar, or cream, or milk, or abination of different ingredients. She exined. Some people even enjoy it with mint or ale mixed in.


    <em>No wonder its so popr. </em>Thomas thought. His embarrassment over his answer was brief due to all the different ways the beverage could be prepared. I guess Ill just try it regr. Thomas said.


    The woman nodded. Please look over the menu and Ill be right back with your drink. She turned and left.


    When she came back, she sat a cup of a ck liquid in front of Thomas. She also sat a small te with sugar cubes and some cream on the table as well. She smiled. Just in case. She said.


    Thomas nodded. When asked for his order, he ordered the ham and eggs, as it was what he was most familiar with. While the waitress was away, he tasted the coffee.


    He was happy he had put some points into his Endurance stat, because the drink was piping hot. If not for his stats, he wouldnt be able to taste his uing meal, no matter how delicious it was. After the bitter taste of the coffee, he worried that he still would be unable to taste his meal. <em>How can people drink something like this? </em>


    After his first drink, he eyed the sugar and cream like treasure. He began frantically mixing them with the coffee, taking a sip after every cube and every small bit of cream he added. By the time he was able to get the bitter drink tolerable, it was gone.


    Well, well. It looks like you rather enjoy the coffee. The waitress appeared, holding his food. Thats surprising, as most younger gentlemen such as yourself dont seem to have much of a taste for it. She sat the food before him on the table and picked his now empty cup up. Ill get you a refill. Please, enjoy your breakfast.


    Thomas did enjoy his breakfast. It was delicious. He also found the perfectbination of cream and sugar to make the coffee tolerable for him. If he had to, he would rank it towards the middle of the pack of the different teas he tasted while in Torith.


    It was still before noon, and Thomas didnt have anything to do. He didnt know where anybody was, and he was alone in a new city. So, because of all of that, he decided to do the one thing he knew how to do. He would go to the Adventurers Guild to train.


    Before leaving the hotel, Thomas got information about the Adventurers Guild in Savannah from the nice waitress. It actually wasnt too far away from the hotel. As one of the main buildings in the city, or in any city in Cydaria, it was usually in a very popted ce. Which, in Savannah, just so happened to be near the hotel.


    Thomas left the hotel and made a beeline to the guild. It wasnt in the direct center of the city like the hotel or restaurant was, but it was close. It was only one row back, and, like all Adventurer Guild buildings, it was huge.


    Thomas walked inside and was relieved to find that theyout of the guild was almost identical to the one in Torith. He only hoped the prices would be the same. Thomas got in line behind a couple of people. After a short time, he approached the desk and the woman behind it.


    Wee to the Savannah Adventurers Guild. How may I help you today? The pretty brown-haired woman greeted him.


    Ah yes Im new to Savannah and would like to rent a training room. Thomas answered.


    The woman nodded. We can do that. What tier room would you like?


    Tier? Thomas asked.


    You must havee from a guild from a sub city. She said. At the main guilds, we have different training rooms avable, among other things.


    Oh um I dont think I need anything special. Thomas answered.


    She nodded. Very well. She said. What is your weapon of choice?


    Why do you need to know that? Thomas was confused.


    The woman frowned. Even if you are going to rent one of the lesser training rooms, I still need the information to find the one that would suit you well. I wouldnt want to put a tank ss in a room with only ranged training, you see?


    Oh Thomas replied. I use a spear.


    Thedy nodded and jotted something down on some paper. Would you like a room with a mixture of close and midrange training?


    Thomas thought for a second. He had no idea what the room would consist of. He did need to work on his midrange fighting, though. He nodded. That would be good.


    Alright. Lets see. She wrote something else down, then shuffled through the papers. Room 37 should suit you well. She said. The price is 27 gold an hour. Would you like to pay by the hour or upfront?


    Thomas did his best not to show his surprise at the price of the room. <em>I could train for two days in Torith at the price of one hour here. </em>He thought. Thomas hesitated to say anything. He had enough money for a few hours, but he hated to use it. As he was preparing to buy one hour of training time, and rough hand gripped his shoulder.


    Thomass eyes followed the hand all the way up to a grinning mans face. He was dark-skinned with apletely shaven head. He had brown eyes and a small vertical scar on his left cheek. He was built like Derek. He was a little taller than six feet, with very toned arms. The most surprising thing about the man, however, was the coal ck badge pinned to his arm.


    Can I help you? Thomas asked in a low voice. If he wasnt mistaken, this man was an Onyx Ranked Adventurer.


    The mans smile grew wider. I couldnt help but overhear that you use a spear. He said. Spears are typically used by lowly guards and soldiers. He continued. There arent actually that many adventurers that choose to wield a spear of their own volition.


    Thomas nodded. He had seen many spear users in Torith, but they were mostly part of the guards. From what he gathered, it was because basic spears were easy to mass produce with little need for metals and time. Because of this, many adventurers had an innate dislike for spears and preferred to use other weapons.


    It is especially rare to see a youngster like you already using a spear. You wouldnt believe the amount of people I see avoid using the spear, even though they are obviously best suited for the weapon. The man exined.


    Thomas blushed. Did he not do the exact same thing that the man was describing? <em>What does an Onyx Ranked Adventurer want with me? </em>He wondered.


    Sorry Judy. The man apologized to the woman behind the desk. Im taking your customer from you today.


    The woman frowned. Whatever. She said, then looked back at Thomas. Be careful.


    <em>Be careful? Whats going on? </em>For the first time in a long while, Thomas wished Silvi was with him.


    Cmon kid. Lets see what you got. The unknown man pulled Thomas behind him as they disappeared through the training doors in the Adventurers Guild.

 Chapter 151: Shae

    Chapter 151: Shae


    The unknown adventurer dragged Thomas through the Adventurers Guild until they came upon a certain room. Once outside the room, the man ced his hand on the door for identification and the door opened up.


    Then, he pulled Thomas inside and closed the room behind them. Thomas immediately fell to the ground and struggled to get to his knees, an odd pressure was weighing him down. Needless to say, Thomas was terrified. When he woke up that morning, other than some light training at the guild, he hadnt expected anything else to happen.


    Dont tell Judy I told you, but the hourly rate they charge newbies is a scam. Youre better off finding an empty courtyard or area outside the city to train. Though, its not safe outside the city. Every time you rank up your badge, the cost goes down. The man said.


    Thomas, still stunned, finally managed to say something. T-thats not fair.


    The world aint fair, kid. Hell, I just dragged you away basically by the scruff of your neck and not one person said or did anything. Thats basically kidnapping. The man scratched his bald head. Though, I guess most of them knew nothing too bad would happen to you and its not like Judy doesnt know where I took you.


    The man then walked over to the runes on the wall. This room is basically free for me, and its the top room in the guild. Do you know why that is? He asked as he ced his hand on the wall.


    Immediately, the pressure that was on Thomas disappeared. Finally, he was able to stand. What was that?


    Gravity rune. The man said nonchntly. The increased pressure from the outside helps increase some resistance type skills. It also lets you get used to auras. Of course, there is more to auras than just pressure. The man exined.


    Why did you kidnap me? Thomas asked as he leaned against a far wall.


    The manughed. Because youre interesting, kid. Like I said, young adventurers that choose to wield a spear are hard to find. And I dont suppose your dream is to be a low-level guard, right?


    Thomas shook his head. No.


    Good. The odd man said. Now, why did you choose to use a spear?


    Thomas hesitated before answering. He wasnt sure if he should answer. He didnt know the man. Was he just supposed to trust a stranger who basically kidnapped him? <em>I did trust Derek, though. </em>He thought. Finally, he chose to answer the man. Surely it wouldnt hurt to give out a little information about himself. I chose the spear because I was shit with daggers. The boy remembered one of the phrases Derek had used to describe his ability with daggers.


    The man busted upughing. Thats the most honest answer I think Ive ever heard. Thats good, honesty is good in certain situations. Heplimented. Did you have someone help you make the decision?


    Thomas frowned. He didnt want to talk about Derek without him being there. Heck, he couldnt say much about Derek without breaking his oath. Thomas thought about the proper way to word his answer. He nodded. A friend tried to get me to use the spear at level 10. He said I was made for it. Thomas lowered his head. I ignored his suggestion and chose a stealthy ss. I changed to spear at level 25.


    Everyone makes mistakes, kid. The man said. The goal is to learn from them and not make them again. It seems that you learned from that mistake. Now, what did you say? You were made for the spear. Well see.


    The bald man stepped forward and summoned a spear. Attack! He yelled at Thomas.


    The shout surprised Thomas, but he was used to sparring sessions with Derek. Thomas pushed himself off the wall and summoned his spear. The man was an Onyx Adventurer, Thomas knew not to hold back.


    No abilities. The man suddenly said as Thomas made his approach. I want to see your skill only.


    Thomas slowly nodded. Then, he stepped forward within reach of the man. Thomas thrust his spear towards the mans midsection. The man parried Thomass attack with his own spear.


    Instead of falling back, Thomas let his spear move with the momentum. Instantly, the spear was behind his neck. He grabbed it with both hands and jabbed forward at the mans head multiple times. Unfortunately, the man was fast. With small, subtle moves, he dodged each thrust.


    After Thomass third thrust, using his own neck as leverage, he bent the spear and let go of it with his left hand. The spear orbited around his neck in a wide arc. Using the spears momentum, Thomas swept out at the mans legs. The man hopped over the spear.


    Thomas grabbed the middle of the spear with his left hand and drew it back, ready to strike again. He fell back. In the short exchange, Thomas was parried and dodged multiple times. It seemed to be a bad oue, but instead, the man was grinning ear to ear.


    Thats damn sure not something you pick up by being a guard, and youre quick for your level. He said. Its good to go with the momentum but have to be careful when facing someone faster than you. Thats why you have a spear. The man said. You can gauge your opponents strengths while keeping a distance.


    Thomas agreed. I know.


    Then why didnt you do that?


    Because I already know that you are far stronger and faster than I am. Thomas replied.


    Thats true The man said. Go again. This time, pretend that I am a random enemy that you know nothing about.


    Thomas went forward and did asmanded. This time, instead of rushing forward, Thomas circled his opponent, throwing out an irritating thrust asionally.


    Good. The man said as his spear vanished and was reced by a short sword.


    The man rushed towards Thomas. Of course, his speed was even slower than what Thomas had disyed earlier. For every step the man took forward, Thomas took one backward or to the side, attacking all the while.


    Thomas made sure not to forget his surroundings. The worst oue in a situation like the one he was in would be bing cornered and letting a sword user close in. When he would get pushed close to the wall, he would maneuver his retreat to take him closer to the middle of the room.


    After some time, the man put his sword away. Great. He praised. If you keep fighting like that, your opponents bound to get so mad he makes a mistake.


    Thomas nodded. Derek had called the technique kiting. Thomas had to agree. Retreating and peppering the enemy with attacks while they got angry and wasted their stamina was a good battle strategy. It worked well on beasts as well.


    With a big smile on his face, the man held his hand out for Thomas to take. Thomas hesitated, but finally put his spear away and took the mans hand.


    Its so good to meet another natural born spear user. The man said. My name is Shae. Shae Holmes. As you can see He pointed to the badge on his upper arm. I am a veteran member of the Adventurers Guild. He smiled even wider, if that was even possible, then leaned in conspiratorially. In a low voice, he said, Actually, Im the head of the Savannah Adventurers Guild.


    Thomass eyes went wide. He thought the man was some renown adventurer, or even an instructor of the guild. He never in a million years would have thought the man before him was the actual Guild Master at the Savannah Branch.


    Savannah was the most popr city in the kingdom other than the Capital. That would put the man who was standing before Thomas close to the top when it came to influential figures in the kingdom. Thomas audibly gulped.


    He took a step back and bowed. Its an honor to meet you, sir. He said.


    Shae waved off his honorific. Just call me Shae. Were friends, after all. The man said.


    We are? Thomas asked.


    Of course we are. Shae said. Us spear users have got to stick together. Were an endangered species in this kingdom.


    R-right. Thomas muttered.


    Now, youre very talented with the spear. Maybe even more so than I was at your age. With the proper resources and training, you will do well. What are your ns? Why are you in Savannah? I dont recall ever hearing of anyone like you. By the looks of your spear and clothes, you have money. Who are your parents? Shae asked.


    T-that Thomas didnt know how to answer. Finally, he shook his head. I dont have money. He said. Im from a vige near Wilmette. Thomas gave a self-depreciating smile. Im just a poor viger who got lucky.


    No matter how you got here, you got here. Being a viger is nothing to be ashamed of. Maybe thats why I took an interest in you to begin with. I didnt grow up in a vige, but I wasnt well off. Most people get opportunities or lucky breaks in life. What matters is how you take advantage of them. Shae said. So, Ill ask again, what are your ns?


    My friend the one who gave me the spear and helped me choose my ss, he asked me if I wanted to join the Academy. So that that is my current goal.


    I see Shae rubbed his chin in thought. Well, there is a little over three months before the next enrollment opens in the Academy. He said. Ill tell you what. You can use this room as much as you want while youre here. Ill let Judy make the arrangements. Ill be here at this time every three days to train you. Thats the best I can do because I have other responsibilities.


    Thomas was stunned. Why did this man pick him? He didnt deserve such a boon. He didnt know what to say. What would he tell Derek? Training with a spear master would have to be better than training with Derek, right? So many thoughts went in and out of his head.


    Finally, Thomas nodded and bowed again. Thank you.


    The man smiled again, this time his teeth showed. The grin was more feral than happy. I wouldnt be thanking me yet. Shae said. He jumped back to the middle of the training room and drew his spear. Again!

 Chapter 152: Ranking Up

    Chapter 152: Ranking Up


    Derek and Ste parted ways after transferring his money and discussing a few other things. He felt hed been quite productive on his first day in Savannah. He had scouted out somend before actually buying it, he opened a bank ount, and he evenpleted some business with the Crown Restaurant.


    He couldnt help but wonder what everyone was doing today. Of course, he had left Silvi with the girls, so he wasnt worried that any harm woulde to them. In fact, he was more worried that Silvi would do something and end up hurting someone else.


    He wasnt, however, sure of what Thomas and Rudy would be up to. He didnt worry about the contract maker because the man could take care of himself. Thomas could too, but he still worried for the kid. <em>Eh, hell be fine. </em>He thought.


    Looking at the system time and seeing that it was only mid-afternoon, he realized that there was still plenty of time left to aplish another big task. Derek got his bearings and looked for the Adventurers Guild.


    Back in Torith, he wasnt able to get a badge higher than Gold Ranked. Today, while he still had some time, he nned on remedying that problem. He had seen how efficient it was to have a higher-level adventurer badge. At the tinum Rank, the guards they passed along the way to the teleport building did their best to mind their own business.


    The guild wasnt hard for Derek to find. He just looked at the biggest buildings close to the city center. It didnt hurt that the building looked almost the same as the one he went to in Torith, only bigger. Derek smiled and walked towards it.


    <em>Should I get a tinum Rank, or should I go for Onyx? </em>That was the question Derek had on his mind. He knew he should be able to easily obtain the tinum Badge; it was for those with power capabilities between level 150-200. What he truly wondered about was the Onyx Badge, or even a badge of a higher level.


    He also wanted to know how they would test for the Onyx Badge. Surely, missions at the tinum Rank werent easy toe by, even in a city like Savannah. In Torith, the majority of missions at the mission board were bronze. He expected a lot of gold missions at this guild.


    Finally, he made it to the entrance of the building and walked in. He nodded his head at the familiaryout. It was good to have a blueprint for all of your businesses to follow. It made things much easier.


    Derek slipped into line behind some others. He was half a head taller than anyone in line, so he had a good view of the receptionist. He was a bit disappointed at being in an Adventurers Guild and not seeing Nia as a receptionist. She was a bookworm who was all about business, but she was fun to tease.


    Soon, Derek made it to the front of the line.


    Hello, Sir. Wee to the Savannah Adventurers Guild. How may I help you today? The brown-haired woman greeted him. She had beautiful brown eyes and was sporting a lovely tan.


    Derek put on a chipper smile. Hello. My name is Derek Hunt. Its nice to meet you.


    Derek watched as the woman did her best not to roll her eyes at his enthusiastic greeting.


    As nice as it may be. The woman spoke. There are still adventurers in line behind you. She answered in a t tone. Now, how may I help you today?


    Derek inwardly chuckled. He was in a good mood today with all of the tasks he aplished. He even got to see some dwarfs and elves. Nothing could bring his spirits down, not even the receptionists outright refusal to acknowledge his flirting.


    Derek clicked his tongue. What a shame. He said, mocking extreme disappointment. Well, I guess while Im here, I do actually have a couple questions that I need answered.


    The woman let out an exasperated breath. And those questions are?


    How nice of you to ask. Derek replied. First, what is the highest rank the Savannah Adventurers Guild can give out?


    The woman scrunched her eyebrows. What rank are you? She asked instead of answering his question.


    Derek pulled his badge out of his storage bracelet and shed it. Im just a lowly gold is all. He said.


    The woman nodded. We can help you upgrade your rank to tinum Rank if you meet the qualifications.


    Derek shook his head. Thats not what I asked. He said. I asked what the highest rank you can give out here is.


    The woman furrowed her brows even deeper. I dont know why that matters, but we can issue Onyx Ranked badges under certain conditions. If you would like to register for a Diamond Rank, you would have to go to the Capital.


    Derek nodded. I guess thats good enough for now. He said with a slight disappointment in his tone. One Onyx Ranked badge, please.


    Finally, the frown of the woman turned into surprise. But youre only a Gold Ranked Adventurer.


    Exactly. Derek said. Thats why Im here. I need to increase my status.


    Do you mean tinum? She asked.


    Did I say tinum?


    The woman frowned again. Do you know how to use aura? She asked.


    Of course.


    She nodded. In that case. Im a tinum Rank Adventurer. Please direct your aura at me so I can confirm that youre not wasting our time. The Guild Master is busy.


    All of it? Are you sure? Derek asked.


    The woman nodded.


    Derek turned and looked at the people behind and around him. It would be best if you all stepped back for a moment. He said. Seeing nobody move, he continued, Its always best to be cautious. Dont say I didnt warn you.


    <em>I guess it would be best to release it quickly and withdraw it. </em>He thought. Brace yourself. He said.


    In a manner much quicker than ever before, he opened the floodgates and directed all the energy at the woman behind the counter. To his surprise, an invisible shield came into existence in front of the woman.


    As Dereks aura hit the shield, the runes on the shield glowed a bright green before rapidly switching yellow, then orange, then red. Every time the runes changed color, an increasingly surprised look appeared on the receptionists face. When the color switched from orange to red, her look changed from surprised to horror in an instant.


    Stop! She yelled out.


    And like that, the aura was gone, it was like it was never there. If it wasnt for his earlier experiences with the elves in the City Building, he would have never been able to control his aura sopetently.


    Derek looked behind him to see the two people closest to him on their knees, panting and pale. Everyone else he had warned had a look of fear and respect? <em>Hmm I guess thats one way of getting someones attention.</em> Derek thought.


    Finally, he shifted his gaze back to the receptionist. She wasnt worse for wear, but she was also drained of her color and having a hard time catching her breath. Derek pointed at the slowly disappearing shield in front of the woman.


    Thats a neat trick. He said.


    Y-yes The woman replied.


    So, do you need anymore proof that Im being serious? Derek asked.


    N-no. I dont. The woman answered, trying to calm herself down. I can help you get She began, but before she could finish her sentence, a door shattered into splinters and a blur appeared before everyones eyes.


    <em>Holy shit! </em>Derek cursed inwardly. <em>I thought I was fast. </em>He thought as the blur stopped beside the pale woman.


    Judy! The figure yelled out. Whats wrong? What happened? Did you feel that aura?


    Derek examined the man while he was rapidly firing questions at the receptionist. The man was dark-skinned andpletely bald. He had questioning brown eyes and a scar on his cheek. He was about an inch shorter than Derek was himself.


    What intrigued Derek the most was the spear in his grip and the Onyx Badge wrapped around his upper arm. Derek squinted his eyes. <em>This is someone important in the Adventurers Guild. </em>The way the mans first reaction was to check on Judy made Derek believe that he could be either her boss, or boyfriend. <em>He may be the Guild Master here. </em>


    Torith didnt have a Guild Master, only a manager. It wasnt a big enough city to need one. It would make sense if the intimidating man in front of him ended up being a bigwig in the Adventurers Guild.


    Sha Guild Master. The receptionist finally said, getting the mans attention.


    <em>She was about to call him by his name. </em>Derek inwardly smiled. <em>Maybe hes both her boss and boyfriend or even husband.</em>


    Everythings fine. Judy said. I was just conducting a test. She continued.


    A test? What kind of test requires someone to project an aura of that level? He asked.


    Judys eyes shifted to Derek, which was unable to escape the Guild Masters attention.


    You? The man asked. Confusion fell over the mans face as he examined Derek and his eyesnded on the Gold Ranked badge in Dereks grip.


    Derek shrugged and pointed. She told me to do it. Its not my fault nobody wants to listen to me. Derek pointedly looked at the two men still struggling to stand upright.


    Exin. The man said to the woman.


    Judy took a deep breath, getting ready to exin what happened, but before she said anything, a small male voice was heard.


    Derek?

 Chapter 153: Meeting Shae

    Chapter 153: Meeting Shae


    Derek looked from Judy and the Guild Master and at the voice that wasing from where the door had been shattered.


    Thomas? Derek saw a very tired-looking Thomas. His clothes were ripped, and he was panting. He could see multiple bruises and cuts on the boys body. What happened to you? The boy was in an utterly disheveled state.


    Before Thomas could answer, the Guild Master cut in. You know the boy? He asked Derek.


    <em>What the hell is going on? </em>Derek swiveled his head between the man and Thomas. Derek nced at the spear in the mans hand, then back at Thomas. He furrowed his brows. The picture was getting clearer, but he had his doubts. <em>Why would someone like the Guild Master train with Thomas? </em>


    Derek looked the big man in the eyes. Of course I know him. Im the one that brought him to Savannah. He answered.


    The man looked back at Thomas. This is the man that helped you choose the spear?


    Thomas nodded. Thats Derek.


    Finally, the man smiled and the tense atmosphere he created vanished. Smart man. He said. Then, focusing back on Judy, he began, Why, exactly, did you tell this man to release his aura in a room full of adventurers? He asked.


    He wanted to go from a Gold Ranked Adventurer straight to an Onyx Rank. Judy answered matter-of-factly. How was I supposed to know he was being serious?


    The dark-skinned man eyed Derek up and down. You wanted to skip an entire rank? I would ask why you thought you would be able to do that, but after being able to feel your aura from the training room, I dont doubt that you may be able to.


    May? Derek asked.


    Well, we would have to see if you are qualified. Unlike the other ranks, the Onyx Rank can only be tested and given out by a higher authority in the guild. Say, a Guild Master at one of the more renown locations. Diamond, however, can only be given out by the Guild Leader in the Capital. The man answered.


    And the missions? Derek asked. Before he was able to get his Gold Rank, he had toplete a number of Silver Ranked missions. He hoped that it wasnt the same with the Onyx Rank. There werent that many tinum Ranked missions avable. Plus, he still couldnt even ept a tinum mission because of his current ranking.


    Fortunately, the Guild Master waved his question away. Those are only a formality given to the lesser ranks. Once you have the approval of a Guild Master, you wont have to worry about those.


    So, when can I get started? Derek asked.


    Judy cut in at that moment. Im sorry. She said. The Guild Master is currently busy and should be getting back to work. She red at the man. If you would like to increase your ranking to Onyx, please schedule an appointment for ater date.


    Derek tilted his head as he looked from the woman to the man, then to Thomas. Really? He asked sarcastically. So, the Guild Masters business is training my Derek thought for a second. <em>What would I call Thomas? Hes not my apprentice, definitely not my kid. Calling him a friend would make me sound like a weirdo Ah, I got it. </em>My charge.


    Thomass grandparents had trusted Derek to take care of him up to a point, so considering the boy one of his charges made sense.


    Derek narrowed his eyes at the man before continuing. You were training him, I hope. Not just using him as a punching bag.


    Of course. The man replied.


    If he were actually harmed, we would be having an entirely different conversation. In fact, we wouldnt even be having a conversation. You would be dead, and you wouldnt even know it. Derek said.


    The Guild Master stepped forward.


    Shae. Judy put her hand on top of the Guild Masters should. Calm down.


    Thats not something to joke about. Shae replied.


    Derek grinned. I wasnt joking.


    Judy rolled her eyes. Here we go She muttered.


    At that time, a malicious grin appeared on Shaes face. You said you want to be tested for an Onyx Rank? Its your lucky day. My schedule just cleared.


    How kind. Derek replied.


    You really do have work to do. Judy said to Shae. Youve already wasted enough time on your new project. She gave Thomas a nce.


    This wont take long. He shrugged her hand off his shoulder.


    Fine, but donte running to me when the Guild Leaderes asking for your report. Its your job. Im not doing it this time. She said.


    Shae winced at her words. But you love paperwork. He said, cowed. Besides, if I get in trouble, you will too.


    Judy rolled her eyes again and stepped back from the confrontation. Next. She said, summoning the next person in line well, the third person in line, as the two people directly behind Derek were still trying to stand back up.


    Shall we go conduct your test? Shae asked Derek.


    Lets.


    Follow me. The rooms already ready. Shae turned and walked back towards the entrance he had abruptly made. When he took a step by Thomas, he put his hand on his shoulder. Lets go, boy. Ill show you what a real spearman can do.


    Derek snorted as he trailed behind. He was looking forward to a good fight. Bones and Ogre were interesting, but predictable. Apparently, they had assassinated some higher-level people throughout their careers, even some over level 200, but Derek doubted the actual strength of those people.


    He was especially interested in the speed that the man in front of him disyed before. Derek doubted he could keep up, but that was the fun part.


    Soon, the trio arrived at a room with an open door, which Shae led them into. Derek looked around. It was a typical training room that he had seen at the other Adventurers Guild. Well, except for the runes and the quality of the room itself.


    Shae ced his hand on the wall beside the door, and it closed. This room is capable of containing a battle between two Onyx Ranked adventurers. You dont have to worry about holding yourself back.


    Fine by me. Derek ced his hand on his shirt and sent it into his storage bracelet. Then he removed his jeans and reced them with a pair of knee-length shorts. Finally, he removed his boots. <em>No sense in ruining my clothes when I can prevent it. Especially my jeans. </em>


    Shae gave Derek an odd look. Are you done? he asked.


    Yeah, why?


    Youre not going to put any armor on? Youre going to fight half naked?


    Derekughed. I didnt want to ruin my clothes. That style is hard toe by. Plus, I doubt armor will help much.


    Shae shook his head. Whatever you say. Hemented. Then he pulled a document out of his storage ring and handed it to Derek. Here, ce your mana signature on this. I dont want the guild to be liable in the case of an ident happening.


    Derek looked over the document. It did just as Shae said, kept the Adventurers Guild from being responsible for any harm that maye during the test to rank up. Derek injected his mana into it and handed it back.


    Shae stored the document back in his storage device, then looked deeply at Derek. Suddenly, he furrowed his brows. Interesting.


    What?


    Shae smiled. The headache thates with trying to use <strong>Identify</strong> on you, and what I get back in return.


    Derek smiled. He had turned on the skill he received from his Award when he walked into the Adventurers Guild. He still didnt appreciate people using the skill on him, and there may actually be some people in the city that would be able to do it. Including the man in front of him.


    So, what does it say? He was truly curious. All the description for the Lesser Enigma Award said was that the block ability was increased.


    Shae snorted. Your level is in the 100s, and you are a Human.


    Derek tilted his head. Not my exact level?


    You could be level 101 or 199. All I get back is a one and a bunch of nonsense. Thats why its interesting. The Guild Master replied.


    Thats good.


    How did you do that? Shae asked.


    Derekughed. I tell you what, if you beat me, Ill tell you. How does that sound? Derek rolled his shoulders, getting ready for a fight.


    Shae smiled the same malicious smile he had shown in the lobby. Sounds good to me. Lets just hope you can still talk when were finished. He spun his spear in his hand before mming its butt on the ground.


    Derek looked over at Thomas. Stand as far back as possible.


    Thomas scurried away from the center of the room and hugged the wall beside the door.


    Seeing that the kid was in the clear, Derek set his feet andunched himself at Shae. He swung his fist at Shaes head, but the man only had to tilt it back to dodge. Then, Derekunched a blow to the others body, only to be sidestepped. Derek jabbed at the man a few more times, missing each punch.


    Then Shae retaliated, with the blunt end of his spear. The attack was driven into Dereks sternum, causing him to slide back five feet.


    Shae looked Derek in the eyes. Oh,e on. That cant be all you got.

 Chapter 154: Spar

    Chapter 154: Spar


    Derekughed. I dont know what youre talking about. Its not like youve done anything to me. What good is being fast if you cant injure your opponent.


    Shae narrowed his eyes as he looked Dereks body over from the bottom up. Usually, a hit to the sternum would at least make the other person lose a little breath. Fine. Shae finally said.


    Derek moved into a boxing stance and prepared for an assault. He had a sinking suspicion that by the time the spar was over, his <strong>Physical Resistance </strong>passive was going to level up multiple times. Derek smiled and motioned Shae with his hand.


    Shaeunched his attack. The man wasnt so fast that Derek couldnt defend against him, but he was fast. It was very hard to counterattack. It was all Derek could do to block his attacks, and the asional onended somewhere on Dereks body.


    This was fine, though. Derek didnt know how much of Shaes full strength was in the attacks, but it wasnt enough to do Derek much harm. Sure, the attacks were breaking his skin, but they werent piercing too deeply into his muscles.


    Derek could tell that Shae was beginning to wonder about Derek, as even though he had been hit and cut multiple times, he didnt flinch. His body was covered in blood, but Derek kept his usual smile.


    Finally, Derek found his opportunity. In a thrust to his side, Derek stepped forward and trapped Shaes spear with his arm. Then he grabbed it and pulled forward, causing Shae to finally enter his range. With his free left hand, Derek punched.


    Shae tilted his head to dodge, but Derek already knew he wouldnt be able to hit such a hard target. Instead, he changed the trajectory of his punch and hit the man in the center of his chest. The punch basically used all of Dereks strength.


    When the hitnded, Derek released the mans spear and took a step back. Shae stepped back a few times with the momentum from Dereks attack.


    Shae looked Derek over with a frown. Is that your strategy? To take a beating until you can get a single counterattack that doesnt do anything.


    Derek smiled, knowing that if he had been channeling void, that hit to the chest would have been critical. He doubted it would have been fatal, but it was definitely something that would be hard to recover from.


    Dereks grin got even wider as he took his hand and wiped at some of the blood on his abdomen. As he did so, everyone realized that there wasnt a mark left on his body. His torso was the same as it had been before the spar, minus the blood.


    I dont know what youre talking about. What beating? Derek asked. In all actuality, his health was at 100%. The beating he was taking wasnt anywhere worse than what thest void beast he fought had done. Not to mention that this time, it was after he upgraded his Vitality and Endurance stats and went through another breakthrough.


    Shae groaned. Youre a tank? He said. I hate fighting tanks. He muttered under his breath.


    Derek shrugged. All I know is that youre going to have to do a whole lot more than lightly poke me if you want to do any damage.


    Fine! Shae snorted and bent his knees slightly. A yellow glow overtook his figure, then, before both Dereks and Thomass eyes, the man was gone. To Dereks credit, he could see the blur moving towards him. However, just because he could see the man didnt mean he could react well.


    Shae thrust out constantly while moving around Derek. Each thrust hit Dereks body. Clearly, Shae was aiming to not overly injure Derek, as his blows still only aimed for his sides and appendages. The man didnt aim for anything vital. His attacks were piercing deeper into Dereks muscles than before, but it still wasnt enough to do much harm.


    For Dereks part, if he focused well, he was able to protect his vitals if needed, as long as he kept his turtle like posture and didnt have to make any big motions. Derek focused hard as the other man attacked over and over.


    Soon, with all the wounds he acquired, Derek was able to make out a bit of a pattern. No, it wasnt enough to call it a pattern, but since the man wasnt attacking any of his organs or other vitals, it wasnt hard for Derek to estimate where he would attack next.


    Finally, Derek tried to trap the spear with his arm again. Just as he was about to seed, the spear disappeared out of his sight, and he felt a hard impact on his chin. Inwardly, Derek chided himself for thinking Shae would let the same thing happen twice.


    Derek had said it multiple times throughout his fights, but he couldnt help but think it again. <em>Blunt damage is really the type of damage I hate the most. </em>His brain was reinforced with all his Endurance, but that didnt mean that a blow to his chin with the blunt side of a spear didnt hurt.


    Well, it didnt hurt, per se, but it did cause his head to spin. Because of the hit, Derek stumbled back a step in his dizziness. Derek rubbed his head and looked up at a smirking Shae. Derekughed again as he used <strong>Cleaning. </strong>As the spell washed over him, it took with it all the blood rued on his body and shorts.


    Again, Derek was standing there in pristine condition. He looked at Shae. I use my <strong>Cleaning </strong>skill more often than I use my healing one.


    Shaes eyes widened at Dereks casual words. Just how much Endurance and Vitality do you have? He finally asked. How much of your health have you lost?


    Derek watched his health tick up from 92% to 100% and smiled. Not nearly as much as you think you have. He vaguely answered.


    Shae spat. Just because you can take a hit doesnt mean youre worthy enough for an Onyx Badge. Not many people make it to this level, so you have to depend on yourself more than on your party. What happens when you run out of Stamina? Or if you dont have enough damage to actually kill whatever youre fighting?


    Derek shrugged again. Isnt all this what youre suppose to find out? So far, youve given me no reason to attack. Just a couple bee sting. He provoked. At this rate, his <strong>Physical Resistance </strong>was never going to level up.


    Shae took the insult personally. A blue glow washed over his spear, along with another yellow one over his body, which Derek guessed to be a type of hastening skill. Then he disappeared again.


    This time, the hits came heavy, and Dereks health disappeared in chunks. <em>This is what I was looking for. </em>Derek thought. Dereks movements slowed as he slipped into <strong>Greater Meditation </strong>to keep up with the blood and health loss. With the skill active, it was almost pointless for Derek to protect anything other than his head.


    Each time the spearhead stabbed Derek, it took with it a chunk of at least three percent of his HP. Still, the barrage of attacks keptnding, and Dereks smile never left his face. asionally, an attack wouldnd that would pierce all the way through his muscle, and even prate his bones slightly.


    Derek finally guessed that the blue glow that fell over the mans spear was some kind of skill that increased pration. Still, it didnt matter as the bone healed as soon as the spear was removed, and the muscle soon followed.


    If this part of the sparsted much longer, the entire room was going to end up under a pool of Dereks blood.


    Two minutester, Derek received a surprising notification. Both his <strong>Greater Meditation </strong>and his <strong>Physical Resistance </strong>had leveled up. <em>Its about damn time. </em>Derek thought about <strong>Greater Meditation</strong>. He couldnt remember thest time his favorite skill had leveled.


    The notification was a happy event for Derek, and he let it show on his face. His smile was even brighter. Apparently, Shae noticed his smile as well. That, and the fact that Derek was moving slowly and not even trying to block anymore must have irritated the man to no ends.


    Suddenly, Shae screamed, and another glow washed over the blur. Unlike the hastening and piercing skills before, this glow came with the activation of an actualbat skill.


    Derek felt the attack more than saw it. Three blows in his abdomen. He felt as the spear both prated the front and blew out of his back. The first attack pierced through, missing all of his organs, but the second hit the bottom of his left kidney, right below his ribs, causing a massive gash on the organ.


    That was enough for 30% of Dereks health, but the real damage came with the third blow. It broke through his rib cage and directly prated his liver beforeing out the back.


    This caused Dereks eyes to widen as he weakly grabbed the spear, which was still prating his body, with his right hand. His health had fallen to 23% and was dipping even lower as his Vitality worked hard to repair all the damage.


    Derek! Thomas screamed from across the room.


    Derek looked up at Shae, who looked to be in a sense of panic. <em>Thats a nice, Oh, shit! What did I just do? face. </em>Derek thought. Luckily, once his kidney was healed, with thebination of his Vitality and <strong>Greater Meditation</strong>, his health was already shooting back up.


    Derek chuckled as his grip on the spear tightened. Then, he moved his left hand as if it were a de and activated both <strong>Sweeping sh </strong>and <strong>Multi-Strike</strong>. He could have gone with the void, but he didnt want to kill the man.


    The blows came rapidly as the man let go of his spear and jumped back with his arm in a cross shape. Derek clicked his tongue as <strong>Sweeping sh </strong>just wasnt as good as it could be with a weapon. Still, thebination of the skills cut the mans forearms deeply through his bracers and even caused him to grunt in pain.


    Derek ripped the spear out of his liver and cast <strong>Rejuvenation </strong>on himself. Then he looked over at Thomas. You should leave the room. Its my turn. His fingertips began glowing blue as lightning flowed throughout his body.

 Chapter 155: Its My Turn

    Chapter 155: It''s My Turn


    You should leave the room. Its my turn. Derek said.


    Thomas didnt argue. He walked across the room, avoiding as much blood as possible. Finally, he made it to the door, opened it, and left.


    Derek nodded once Thomas was gone. Looking at Shae, he asked, Whats your stance on not revealing any information about my skills other than that they are good enough to pass for Onyx?


    Shae frowned but answered. I like to think everything I see in here is confidential unless the Guild Leader directly asks me about it. He said, but frowned even deeper. I wont lie to you, youre a mystery, so I wouldnt doubt the Guild Leader asking me about you.


    Dereks fingertips stopped glowing blue as his brows furrowed. No chance of you taking an oath or writing a contract, is there?


    Shae shook his head. I dont think so.


    Thats pretty shitty. Derek said. How is someone supposed to do this without revealing their best skills? Especially when up against someone like you.


    Shaeughed. Oh, after thatst showing, youve definitely passed. Anything else is just entertainment.


    Derek snorted. Hed learned a lot during this test. Like, if Shae had seriously been wanting to kill him, he could have hit Derek in the head or the heart when he activated hisst skill. Derek mentally put those at Onyx or above on his kill quickly list. Surely, there would be assassins at that rank as well. Hed have to be more careful than he has been.


    Savannah was supposed to be safe, but Derek still wasntpletely sure about that. He would have to make it a point to ask Natalie once he could get a meeting.


    Now, the question before him was, should he stop here, or keep going? To be honest, Derek wanted to continue. He hadnt been pushed like this since the first Void Beast he fought after arriving in Cydaria. He thought back to the people who already knew about his abilities. Most of them were under oaths. None of them knew exactly what they were, though. Except for maybe nah, and she was not under oath.


    Your Guild Leader. Derek said, pulling Shaes attention back to him. Is he a good person?


    Shae didnt hesitate even a second before nodding. Hes a very decent person. Hes top five strongest in the kingdom, so he doesnt answer to anyone.


    But will he answer to someone? Derek asked. Like the King.


    Shae snorted. That old fogie? I dont even answer to him. Sure, hes also top five in the kingdom and controls a powerful force, but for thest decade, hes been too hesitant to take any action against anyone at a certain power level.


    Shae continued. With your skills, it may be good to let some of them be known. Strength is a pretty good way to wash a targe off your back.


    Derek nodded. Maybe, but I doubt it.


    Shae frowned. Do you mind telling me who you offended?


    Derekughed. Its not really a secret. I killed Gerald Toriths son after I found out he was involved with child trafficking. Though I would have killed him either way. Derek rified.


    Recognition shed through Shaes eyes. That was you? Then he broke out inughter. That man really kicked a hos nest, didnt he? Then his tone got serious. Do you have proof of the child trafficking?


    Derek shook his head. No. When he admitted it, he broke an oath. Afterwards, I killed him. I dont even think he actually knew much. Only enough to get sent to that backwater city, and just that there should be no link back to Gerald.


    Thats a shame. I never liked the guy the few times we met. Always seemed off to me. Shae answered. I dont do much work in the Capital. I prefer Savannah. Me and Judy have built a pretty good live for ourselves here.


    Derek nodded. By the way they interacted with each other, even though they were pretty formal, he had made that guess.


    Hmm Pissing off Gerald is definitely not something that some strength would deter. Maybe if you were to meet the Guild Leader and be a Diamond Rank. Then he shook his head. No Youre good, but not Diamond Rank yet.


    Derek made his decision. Keep everything between us unless specifically asked by your Guild Leader. Sound good?


    Shaes teeth showed with a feral grin. That, I can agree to.


    Have your skills cooled down? Derek asked.


    Shaes smile got wider. What cooldown?


    That surprised Derek. As far as he knew, all skills have some sort of cooldown. He was very intrigued about the ss the man across from him had.


    Derek slipped back into his meditation before the tips of his fingers lit up again. Before making a move, he tossed Shaes spear back to the man, which he caught and nodded, then cast his skills again, including one he hadnt previously.


    With that, Derek pped, and the room filled with lightning. The lightning slowed Shae down. Not a lot, but enough. The problem was that Derek couldnt move quickly when in meditation. So, Derek ended his meditation just before each attack from Shae. This allowed him to dodge some of the blows, and take lesser damage on the ones that connected.


    At this point, both men were having tons of fun. asionally, a streak of lightning would connect with Shae and cause wherever it hit to be partially paralyzed for a short moment.


    Can you heal through another real attack? Derek heard the voicee from his side. Derek only smiled.


    Apparently, Shae took his smile as a yes. Soon, the same glow appeared after the man side stepped a couple streaks of lightning.


    Just as the blow was about to connect, Derek stopped all skills and slipped into the void with <strong>Void Shift</strong>. Everything stopped. When he looked down, the tip of a projected spear was only a few inches from his abdomen, and there were two moregging just behind. Surprisingly, the projection was still moving closer.


    Derek reached for a ripple in the void and pulled himself to the side. The whole time, he was looking at Shaes face. Surprise couldnt exin what he saw. Shaes eyes were slowly following Derek as he moved. The mans foot even began to pivot to the side that Derek had pulled himself to.


    The biggest downside of <strong>Void Shift</strong> was the fact that Derek couldnt attack until he ended the skill. However, he had a n for this asion.


    Derek reached out and grabbed the mans spear just above his own hands. He channeled what void he could into the blunt end and came out of the void. With a light glow on the butt of the spear, he pushed forward, and it lightly connected to Shaes abdomen. <em>A kidney for a kidney. </em>Derek thought.


    Derek had suspected that the mans skill that skewered him before was a projected skill because of the speed at which all three attacks hit him. He was correct. When Derek grabbed the shaft of the spear, the man had already begun withdrawing it. All Derek had to do was give it a little force to make it connect.


    As the tap of the spear connected, Shae looked at Derek in shock. Then, he raised his foot to take a step, then vomited a mouthful of blood. His eyes opened even wider as he stared Derek down. Derek still had the same smile on his face.


    With the way Derek used his skills, there was no real way for Shae to figure out what happened. Sure, he was able to track Dereks movement while he was in the void, but Derek didnt believe the man had even seen the glow at the butt of the spear because he was too busy staring at Dereks body.


    What was that? The man finally broke the silence.


    That was for me to know. Derek answered.


    My kidney is gone, and I have damage in my stomach. Shae said as a red vial appeared in his hand and he drank it. Was that as hard as whatever skill you just used can hit?


    Derek shrugged. What do you think?


    I doubt i Shae stopped as his eyes brightened in remembrance. When you hit me on the chest at the beginning?


    Derek chucked and bobbed his head in confirmation. Can you survive without a heart?


    Shae frowned. Maybe. He said, to Dereks surprise. You have to have high Endurance to move as quickly as I do. Shae answered Dereks unasked question. And you dont get very far without at least some Vitality.


    I see.


    Yeah, I wouldnt know. Never lost my heart before. At least now I know that I can survive a kidney exploding after some minor lightning damage. Shae chuckled.


    That liver shot earlier was brutal. Derek said. Did more damage than the first two strikes together.


    At least you took some damage. Shaeughed. I think thats enough to confirm your Onyx Rank. Im not sure about Diamond, and Im not even going to ask you where you went for that split second.


    Wait, what? Derek asked. What do you mean, where I went? He asked.


    Shae frowned. You disappeared.


    But you were tracking me. Derek argued.


    I was tracking whatever ripple you were making.


    That was something new he learned about his skill. When he used <strong>Void Shift</strong>, he actually disappeared into the void. That was useful knowledge. Youre the first person to track me. It was surprising. I hope you can keep thosest skills to yourself the best you can.


    I already said I would, and Im a man of my word. Shae held his hand out, and Derek epted it.


    Now, lets go get you a badge. Shae said. After that, I need a drink, too. What do you think?

 Chapter 156: Onyx

    Chapter 156: Onyx


    Derek frowned at the mention of a drink. The ale he had drank didnt do it for him. Of course, he didnt actually need to drink it. Heughed. Sure, why not?


    Shae nodded and walked over to the wall with all the runes and activated one. In an instant, a glow washed over the room and all the dirt, grime, and blood was washed away with it. It was as if the two had never even been inside.


    Derek made sure he was properly clean before throwing his original clothes back on. Before leaving the room, Derek nced at his gains. <strong>Physical Resistance </strong>increased to level 12, and he received a level in <strong>Greater Meditation </strong>earlier.


    <em>Huh Getting organs destroyed by a level 200+ spear master seems to be the way to go if I want to increase my <strong>Physical Resistance</strong> skill. </em>Derek unconsciously ran his hand over his abdomen. <em>Unfortunately, if I want to increase my <strong>Unarmed Combat Mastery</strong>, Im going to need to do better thannding one punch. At least I got another level in <strong>Chain Lightning</strong>. </em>He thought, as the skill was now at level 13.


    Derek sighed. <em>I need to find a way to train my void abilities better. Looks like Im going to need to get a list of dungeons from Shae. </em>


    Derek pat Shae, who was waiting by the door, on the back. Lets get this badge situation over with.


    When the door opened, Thomas jumped in front of the duo and heaved a heavy breath. Oh, good. Youre both okay. He muttered.


    Derek tussled the boys hair. Of course, were fine. We were only sparring. I was just using an area attack, so I didnt want it to hit you.


    Exactly. Shae agreed. Were not brutes.


    Both Shae and Derek cracked up at the joke while Thomas eyed them oddly.


    Soon, they were sitting in another room, Shae across a table from Derek. The Guild Master pulled a box out of his storage ring. After injecting some mana into the box, it clicked and opened, revealing three Onyx Badges inside.


    There arent many Onyx Ranked Adventurers. Shae said. So, we only carry a few at a time, and they have to be stored properly, as well. Shae took one of the badges and ced it on the table. Then, he closed the box and locked it with his mana, storing it afterward.


    Let me see your current badge. Shae said.


    Derek took the badge out of his storage ring. He hadnt put it back on after getting dressed. He then handed it to Shae.


    Shae held the Gold Badge in one hand and the Onyx Badge in his other. Then, both badges began to glow blue with mana. The glowsted for more than a minute. Finally, the glow on the Gold Badge dulled until it vanished, and the glow on the Onyx Badge became more brilliant.


    Soon, the Gold Badge crumbled into dust before Shae retracted his mana from the Onyx one. Shae slid the newly imprinted Onyx Badge towards Derek. Ive transferred your mana signature from the Gold Badge to the Onyx Badge. He exined.


    Inject some mana into it to activate it. Shae said.


    Derek did as he was told. Instantly, the mana he injected was consumed, and he was linked to the badge.


    Congrattions. Shae said. You are now an Onyx Ranked Adventurer. I would suggest you always wear that badge. Youll end up with a lot of benefits, and there arent really any downsides. Its a great way to keep from being pestered by people, too. Who wants to risk offending someone with an Onyx Badge?


    Shae then pulled out a small stack of papers before filling them out and signing them. After a few minutes, he straightened the papers and stored them. I hate paperwork. He said. Judy usually does most of it, but I have to personally do it when its rted to a new Onyx Ranked Adventurer.


    I see. Derek ced the badge on his upper arm, wearing it in the same fashion as Shae. I guess it wont hurt to keep this one on.


    With that, the trio left the room and walked back to the lobby of the Adventurers Guild. When they arrived back up front, the lobby was as full as ever.


    Judy noticed the trioing out from where the door used to be. After giving them a quick scan, her eyes fell on the newly ced badge on Dereks upper arm. Her eyes widened in shock, then quickly resumed their normal appearance.


    Shae and Derek walked up beside the woman. Were finished with our tests. Mr. Hunt passed with flying colors. Shae said.


    Did you Judy began.


    Yes, Ive already filled out the paperwork and transferred his signature. You dont have to worry about that. Shae answered.


    Judy nodded before turning to Derek. Mr. Hunt. I once again apologize for my earlier disy. Congrattions on bing an Onyx Ranked Adventurer. We at the guild look forward to all of your uing aplishments.


    Derek smiled. No harm, no foul. He said.


    Now, Judes. Shae said, causing the receptionists eye to twitch. Im going to treat our new Onyx Adventurer to a drink. Its the least I can do.


    But your reports Judy began.


    Will still be waiting for me when I get back.


    Judy snorted and whipped her head back around. Next. She said, ignoring Shae and Derek.


    Shae looked at Derek with a grin. Lets go.


    Derek chuckled. Youre going to be paying for thatter.


    Shae shrugged. Im still paying for thest time.


    Derek just smiled and shook his head while following behind Shae.


    As the trio left the guild, Derek noticed another trio approaching the building. Two elven guards leading a beautiful female elf.


    The second the guards recognized Derek, they stopped dead in their tracks.


    Why did you stop? An annoyed voice chimed out from behind them.


    The surprised guards did not answer the elf. Instead, their eyes were drawn to the Onyx Badge on Dereks arm and Shae.


    Have you met Sabrina Elras? Shae asked in a quiet tone. She is a foreign dignitary from Indria.


    Hearing another voice, the elvendy peaked out from the side of her guard. Instantly, her eyes locked on to Derek, then fell to the ground. Her face flushed red as she grabbed at her dress.


    We met before, in the City Building. Derek answered, not bothering to lower his voice. Her and her retinue were quite rude. Everythings fine though, I took care of it. Derek kept walking past the elven group. He stopped just beside the female elf. Mdy. He said, then continued forward.


    Shae hurried back to Dereks side, and Thomas scurried after.


    What are you still standing there for?! Derek heard the shrill scream of thedy behind him. Youre both useless.


    Derek held back his chuckle as the elven trio vanished into the guild.


    That was interesting. Shae said.


    Derek shrugged. It is what it is. Whats so special about her, anyway?


    Well Shes a Dukes daughter, the King of Indrias niece. Shae answered.


    So, shes a spoiled brat? Derek asked.


    Shae snorted. Isnt that exactly what I just said? Though shes much too old to be called a brat.


    You can be a brat no matter your age, race, or gender.


    True enough.


    Now, you wanted to have a drink? Where? Derek asked.


    Yup, I got just the ce. Shae answered before turning to Thomas. Sorry, kid. Its not a ce for kids.


    Ill see you back at the hotelter. Derek said.


    Thomas ducked his head, but eventually answered. I should check on Brandi and the others anyway. He replied.


    Derek nodded. Good idea. Im sure I wont be long.


    With that, the Onyx Ranked duo split off from Thomas. Derek followed silently behind Shae without making conversation.


    Eventually, Shae brought Derek to a run down looking building close to the edge of the city.


    Here we are. Shae said. Best drinks in the city. He led them inside.


    Derek scanned the room when they entered. It reminded him of an old-fashioned saloon. Its image was the exact opposite of something from the Crown. He ran his finger along one of the tables, and it came back covered in dust.


    In the back was two rough-looking men slugging it out while others bet coin on the winner. Derek shook his head.


    When you said the boy couldnte with us, I was expecting something different. Derek said.


    Shae pped Derek on the back. What do you mean? Im a happily married man. When I say I want a drink, I want a drink.


    And this ce has good drinks? Derek asked with skepticism.


    The best. Shae answered. Now, let me show you.


    Shae led Derek to the bar, and they both sat on a stool. Derek looked around for someone to serve them, but no one came. Soon, a loud cheer came from the boxing match. Derek looked over to see one of the rough-looking men sprawled out on the ground, while the other had his arm up in victory.


    At that time, a short, stout man broke off from the crowd and made his way to the bar. Derek couldnt tell if the man was a tall dwarf or a short human. <em>Maybe hes a half dwarf. </em>He thought.


    About damn time, Roman. Shae said.


    Zip it, less I be out of your brew. Roman said. Now, who do we got here?

 Chapter 157: Roman

    Chapter 157: Roman


    Roman, this is Derek Hunt. I just gave him his Onyx Badge and decided to treat him to a celebratory drink. Shae said. Derek, this is Roman. A little halfling dipshit who is getting a little too big for his britches.


    <em>Oh, so they have halflings as well? This day keeps getting more and more interesting. </em>Derek thought as he watched the banter between the two.


    Youre calling me a dipshit? I wasnt joking! No drinking today. Roman spat.


    Shae waved the halfling off. Yeah, right you know youre going to cave. Its too much money to go towards supporting your habit.


    The halfling ground his teeth but relented. Fine! But youre buying by the jug! He pulled a small jug out of his storage ring and mmed it on the bar. Then, he mmed down two small shot sses, not even half the size as regr ones, that were surprisingly crafted from the same obsidian that he had observed at the Crown Hotel.


    You sure your new friend can handle it? The halfling eyed Derek up and down. I would hate to get on the bad side of an Onyx.


    Shae pped Derek on the back. Youll have no problems with him.


    The halfling nodded. Good. Payment up front. He stuck his card out.


    Shae grumbled, but soon pulled out his bank card and transferred the money. Little runt.


    Roman clicked his tongue and walked back to the makeshift fighting arena.


    Interesting guy. Derek said. Old friend?


    Something like that. Shae reached up and grabbed the small jug to pour them each a shot.


    They both took one of the sses and drained it. Derek didnt know what to expect, but he certainly didnt expect what happened. Battery acid was the onlyparison Derek could think of as the liquid slid down the back of his throat.


    If he didnt know any better, he would have thought the liquid took half of his tongue down with it. He mmed the ss on the bar. What the fuck was that?


    Shae gave Derek a toothy grin. Its some good stuff, huh?


    I dont know about that. You could have at least warned me. Derek said as he watched his HP tick down faster than his innate healing could bring it up. Holy shit! Is it a poison or a venom or something?


    Shaes grin got wider. Nope, just a drink one that actually works on folk like us.


    Folk like us? You mean people with a death wish?


    Nope, people with a high enough Endurance and Vitality to drink it. People who are past the stats that allow normal drinks to have any effect. Shae exined.


    So youre saying that this will get us drunk? Derek asked.


    Shae snapped his fingers and pointed at Derek. Exactly. Then he grumbled. For 25,000 gold a jug, it better.


    25,000 gold? For a jug that small? Derek stared at the jug like it was a priceless treasure. He picked it up. Its not even full! There was less than a liter of liquid in the small container.


    The prices we pay for luxury. Shae said.


    Luxury my ass. Derek said. I dont even like being drunk.


    You do today. Shae said as he poured another drink.


    Derek may have voiced his concern, but he still took the ss and drained it, making sure not a drop of the liquid gold was left inside.


    So, whats the dungeon situation like around here? Derek asked.


    Depends on what youre looking for. Shae filled their sses back up, then pulled a map out of his storage ring. He straightened the map out over the bar as they both took another shot.


    Derek looked over the map and realized that there werent any markings or a legend. How is this supposed help?


    What level dungeons are you looking for? Shae asked.


    Level 50+ Derek said. I have other people with me who may want to run a dungeon or twoter.


    Shae nodded as he injected some mana into the map. Instantly, multiple marks appeared, with the level written beside them.


    Thats cool. Derek said. Can you filter out the popr dungeons?


    Shae nodded, and over three quarters of the dungeons disappeared. Nobody likes to run these dungeons. Either the monsters inside are too hard, or the rewards arent any good. Shae exined.


    Derek nodded. That was exactly what he was looking for. Derek examined the map. There were dungeons of every level after 50 remaining. Finally, his eyes came across a level 170 Golem Dungeon. He pointed at it. Tell me about this dungeon.


    The Golem Dungeon? Shae asked and Derek confirmed. Well, its a dungeon that rewards potions at the end. Theres a small chance of receiving something amazing, but mostly its just health and mana potions, with an asional Resurrection Potion.


    What about the Golems? Derek asked.


    Shae nodded. Its a five level dungeon. The first floor has Water Golems, the second has five Fire, the third has Wind Golems, the fourth has Earth Golems, and the final area is the boss area. The first floor starts at level 155, and the final floor ends at level 175. He exined.


    The Golems are considered elite monsters. The only way to defeat them is to destroy their cores. Otherwise, they just keep rebuilding themselves. Shae said.


    Derek nodded. Seems like a good ce to train your skills.


    Maybe for a crazy person. Shae said. Contrary to popr belief, these elite Golems arent slow. Even the level 155 Golems pack a punch. My magic defenses arent the best in the world, so, even as I am now, I would prefer not to be hit by it. Of course, I was already faster than they are years ago when I stopped the overflow.


    You stopped the overflow? Derek asked.


    Shae nodded. Yeah. Nobody likes to run the dungeon, so it only ends uppleted when the guild sends the order down, which is always just before the overflow happens. Shae took another drink. I was just under level 170, so I decided to tackle the dungeon.


    Alone? Derek asked.


    Shae nodded. Thats one thing youll find about Onyx Ranked Adventurers. Shae said. We always end up pulling away from our parties and running dungeons alone. You get to the point where you canplete a dungeon easier by yourself than having to look out for others.


    I can understand that. Derek said.


    It happened to me at around level 150. I got a great ss at level 100, then the extra stats and skills started adding up, level by level, until I outranked everyone in my party by a giant margin. My party members started getting more daring because I was there to save them. They kept pushing for harder and harder dungeons, even though they were barely able to kill a single monster, together. Shae drained another shot.


    Judy seen what was happening, and told the party off. Told them they were only using me. After that, she left the party. We went on for a bit longer. Finally, we lost Jeff. That opened my eyes and I realized that Judy was right. Shae said.


    Sorry. Derek said.


    Shae waved him off. It was bound to happen. I broke off from the party, then. The Golem Dungeon was the third dungeon I did solo, and the first elite one.


    I see.


    It was easy. Shae said. My ss was practically made for it. I was fast and precise. I went through the whole dungeon in less than an hour. I was powerful enough to break a core in one hit, and fast enough to dodge any attacks. Of course, I was dancing on a tightrope the whole time. Im sure I would have been finished if I got hit one or two times. Luckily, I was out to prove myself, and I took my training very seriously.


    Derekughed as he took another drink. I could tell. I couldnt hit you to save my life if it werent for my skills.


    Shae took another drink. Ere we go. He slurred. Whew!


    Huh? Derek asked.


    The brew. Roman said as he walked back over, cleaning a mug with a rag. The toxins build up with each drink until one more takes you over the edge, then BOOM! Youre shitfaced. I havent worked out how to make it a slow build, yet.


    I see. So no buzz, just straight up drunkenness? Derek asked.


    Nothin wrong wit that. Shae said.


    The halflingughed. Shae seems to like it.


    Derek frowned and took another drink, then another, then another. I guess its going to take more than the usual for me. He took another three drinks.


    Looks that way. The halfling answered.


    Shae took another drink as well, before Roman took his shot ss away. Thats enough for you. Judys already going to kill you for buying a whole jug, better not risk cking out.


    Derek held his hand out. Give me the mug.


    Roman shook his head. That shit will eat right through it.


    Derek sighed. It had been years since thest time hed even had a buzz, much less gotten drunk. He was sure hed be fine if he did get drunk, plus, he had <strong>Cure Toxin</strong> if he needed it. Not to mention the skill would probably level.


    Derek took the jug and tipped it up, taking two big gulps. His HP rapidly diminished, but nothing else happened. I guess its not strong enough for me. He said.


    Roman clicked his tongue. Youre the first. He looked over to a now passed out Shae and smiled. Hes going to shit a brick when he realizes the whole jug is almost gone and he only got drunk once from it.


    I guess you dont have anything stronger.


    Than that? Nope. Never thought Id need it. Would you drink enough to cover the cost of me making it stronger? Roman asked.


    Derek snorted as he thought about the price of the previous jug. Not on your life.


    Didnt think so. I got plenty of customers for the Onyx stuff. Shaes been good about introducing them to me.


    How did you get into doing this, anyway? What made you want to brew alcohol for high level people? Derek asked.


    Brew alcohol? The halflingughed. You got it all wrong. Im an Alchemist.

 Chapter 158: The Brew

    Chapter 158: The Brew


    Im an Alchemist. Roman said.


    Wait. What? That didnt make any sense to Derek. Why would an Alchemist own a bar that caters to high-level adventurers? He asked.


    Roman put the now clean mug away under the bar counter. Heughed. Easy. Byplete ident. He answered.


    ident? Derek asked.


    Yup. Back in the day, we Roman pointed between Shae and himself. Used to run together. Came up together, actually. While Shae was busy sticking his spear in everything that moved, and not in the fun way, I made the potions that kept him and his team alive.


    You see, I was never much of a fighter, so I was happy when the Great System gave me the choice of a crafting ss. Of course, Shae was disappointed with me because he always wanted us to join the Adventurers Guild together and move up the ranks, but it was a relief to me. That asshole was is a battle maniac, so he provided all the resources I needed early on, which let me supply him with potions at cost. Roman continued.


    Seems like a pretty good deal. Derek said.


    Its a great dead when it works. I know a ton of crafters who make the same deal with adventurers. The problem is that either their craft stalls and falls behind the adventurers, or the adventurers either die or quit after some losses. Not everyone has a friend as talented as Shae. The halfling said. Dont tell him I called him talented, by the way.


    Derek snorted. I wont. He said. That still doesnt exin how you ended up here and not at an alchemy shop.


    No need to be impatient. Im getting there. Roman said. You know about his story? He asked. He usually doesnt take thatst shot to knock him out unless hes reminiscing about the past.


    Yeah. Basically, he outgrew his team, and they used him up until they lost a member. Then he went at it solo. Derek said.


    Roman nodded. Thats pretty much the gist of it. He said. Well, once he reached a certain level, he became the perfect test subject. Roman grinned. Its nice to have someone with a Vitality and Endurance on your side when youre an Alchemist.


    Derek shuddered at the halflings grin. What do you mean?


    Well, the Great System is very helpful when ites to identifying most concoctions, but sometimes, you either make one that it has never seen or the Great System chooses to limit the information it gives, I havent figured out which one it is yet. You get back information like Unknown Health Potion or Unknown Poison, stuff like that. Sometimes you get even less information than that. Roman exined.


    Interesting. Derek said.


    It is, but it also creates a problem. Sometimes, you create an Unknown Health Potion and you end up killing somebody. Like, its technically a healing potion, but if the user happens to have a certain constitution, it ends up being fatal. Well, the Great System doesnt give the creator the full information until the potion is tested by an intelligent user of the system. Roman exined.


    Thats harsh. Derek said.


    Roman shrugged. It is what it is.


    So, you ended up making this brew and Shae tested it? Derek asked.


    Oh, heavens no. Roman said. If he would have drunk whats in the jug back then, it probably would have killed him instantly. We were all much weaker back then. This brew has been perfected over the years. He exined.


    No, Shae and his team had chosen a certain mission from the Adventurers Guild back then. There was this dungeon that nobody liked toplete because the monsters were a pain in the ass. Theyre called Nightmares. They wield darkness and have a pesky little debuff skill called <strong>Fear</strong>. Roman said.


    Ah, yeah that can be a pain in the ass for sure. Derek had seen the skill in action back on Earth. Just like some of the RPGs he yed as a kid, <strong>Fear</strong> affects the psyche and causes the target to have an unusual amount of fear towards the caster, causing the target to make moves that they wouldnt usually, or even try to run away in the middle of battle. Potions, buffs, or a certain amount of Wisdom were all counters to the skill. Of course, killing the caster works as well.


    Well, potions to counter the skill are never in high demand, so when you do need it, its expensive. The halfling said. So, I heard about them taking the mission and decided to create a potion to counter the skill.


    Eventually, the potion I made had the description of Unknown Buff Potion. I thought I had done it, so I called Shae over to give it a test. Of course, I also made proper preparations just in case it had unexpected results. We had their healer on standby, along with multiple health potions and antidotes. He exined.


    So, were sitting in myb talking about the potion and uing mission. Finally, Shae takes the potion and drinks it. For a second, nothing happens, then BANG! Roman hit the counter, causing the sses and jug to shake. Blood flies out of Shaes mouth, ears, eyes basically every orifice. It was like an illusion brought upon by one of the Nightmares, except it was real.


    We panicked. I grabbed the potions, and the healer channeled some spells. Before we were able to do anything, Shae stopped us. The man was half dead and slurring his speech, talking about how great of a potion I had made. He said, Whats a little blood when a potion makes you feel this good. Roman shook his head.


    After that, the information on the potion came through. It was called Toxin of Courage. A fuckin toxin that left the user with a buff. The halflingughed. After that, Shae forced me to keep working on it until I was finally able to get rid of the blood. Sure, its still a toxin, but at least it doesnt make a mess.


    Derek chuckled. You literally made liquid courage.


    Romans eyes brightened. Liquid Courage! What a name. Weve always called it and all the lesser versions the brew. I may steal that for my next updated brew.


    Go ahead. Derek said.


    The thing is, its a pretty expensive potion to make. Even more so when I need to make it for higher-level people. But I control the market on it. The halfling exined. You asked me why I dont have an alchemy shop well I do!


    Really?


    Yeah. Roman confirmed. I run this bar to get the money to run experiments and create new potions. The halflings eyes brightened when he talked about creating potions.


    Ah, so your unique potion allows you to do what you love. Derek said.


    Exactly! Roman said. And with Shae bringing in high-level adventurers asionally, the really expensive stuff sells out easily. I dont have to rely on any rich bastards to fund my experiments because of it. Most Alchemists hell, most crafters in the Kingdom are beholden to someone else. My brew provides me with everything I need.


    Thats great. Derek said.


    Roman seemed to be really excited when talking about process. Even when theres an ingredient that money cant buy, I can usually trade for it with some of my brew. Or, I can do a three-way trade with it. The seller of the ingredient may not want my brew, but they may want something that Shae or some other customer has.


    Derek nodded. So, getting a drink with a new Onyx Adventurer is basically a scheme to get you more business?


    Roman waved Derek off. Its nothing so sinister like that. I mean well, that might happen, but its in everybodys favor. I get a new customer, the customer gets a free drink, Shae gets a referral fee its a win-win-win.


    Well, its usually a win-win-win. Roman sighed. Sometimes, people dont like to drink. Twice now, the brew hasnt affected a person, and neither you nor the other person like it enough to justify the price of me upgrading my form.


    Oh. There was someone other than me that didnt get drunk? Derek asked.


    Yeah, the leader of the Adventurers Guild. You two are monsters. Shae is going to be terribly disappointed when he wakes up. Hes not going to be getting his referral fee to help pay for that jug of brew he bought this time. Roman snickered. Judys going to kill him. I wish I could see it.


    Well, Im sorry about my monster-like constitution. Derek said. But, I may be interested in some of your other alchemy products. I wouldnt mind having a look.


    Thats fine with me. Its called Romans Potions and Brews. The halfling smiled.


    You really like using that word. Derek said.


    Well, it made me who I am today. Its my good luck charm. Liquid Courage may sell and sound better, but its always going to be my brew.


    Derekughed. No sense trying to fix what aint broken.


    Damn straight. Roman said.


    Derek looked over at the snoring Shae. You think he would be mad if I cut his nap short?


    Roman snorted. Probably. What do you have in mind?


    Well, you said your brew was a toxin. Right? Derek raised his hand and prepared <strong>Cure Toxin</strong>. Shae had tried to trick him into bing a customer in his little scheme. Sure, he was going to be hurting after the price of that jug, but he might as well take it a small step further.


    Romanughed. Go ahead.

 Chapter 159: Fast Friends

    Chapter 159: Fast Friends


    With the <strong>Cure Toxin</strong> skill activated, Derek pped the back of the sleeping Guild Master. His skill was still at a low level, so it didnt have immediate effects. He waited for the cooldown to finish and used it again.


    After the second hit, Shae woke up if a drowsy state. He was still drunk, but no longer passed out. The man looked around with confusion in his eyes before Derek hit him again. The third hit did it. His previously zed over eyes became sharp, and his confusion disappeared.


    What the hell, man? Shae called out.


    Just wanted to sober you up before you had to go home. Derek said.


    Yeah, it wont be any fun for Judy toy into you while youre drunk. Its better for you to take the beating sober. Roman said.


    What beating? Shae asked.


    Roman snorted. The beating you are going to get once she finds out how much you paid for a jug of brew and that you arent going to make any of it back with your typical referral fee.


    Shae looked at Derek. Derek shrugged. Its not my fault that it doesnt have any effect on me. He said. You took a gamble and lost. Its a shame, huh?


    Such a shame. Roman agreed.


    Derek reached over and grabbed what was left of the jug of brew. Only around a quarter of it remained in the jug. He put it to his mouth and turned it up, polishing off everyst drop. Therge amount of the toxin put a dent in his HP, but it wasnt enough to warrant any intervention.


    Derek mmed the jug down and let out a breath. He turned to look at a shocked Shae. See, no effect. Nothing at all. Ive drunk over half of an entire jug by now, and Im still stone cold sober. Its a pity.


    Roman busted upughing at Dereks antics. What a pity. He looked at Shae. I have an idea, Shae. Why dont you order another jug full, and we can let Derek drink the whole thing and see if it works on him? Who knows, he may be addicted and end up being a customer. That way, you will get your referral fee.


    Shae was nkly staring at the empty jug sitting on the counter in front of them. Why? He asked in a low voice. Why did you have to drink the whole thing?


    Derek pped him on the back again, this time without any active skills. Well, you tried to set me up by getting me hooked on this brew, so I decided to take a little revenge. Besides, whats a little prank between friends?


    Thats right! Were all friends here. Roman chimed in. I have to thank you for introducing me to Derek. We became fast friends while waiting for you to finish taking a nap.


    Derek reached over the counter to Roman, and the halfling sped his hand and pulled him in. It was awkward, as there was a counter between the two of them. Also, if the floor wasnt higher on the opposite side, Derek doubted Roman would even be able to see over it, much less enact a makeshift shoulder hug. Still, they got it done.


    Thats right. Fast friends. Derek said, as they broke their awkward embrace.


    Shae put his hand on his forehand and shook his head. Judy is going to kill me. He said. Why did you let things go so far? He directed at Roman.


    Roman ced his hand on his chest and gasped, offended. What ever do you mean? Ive just been ying along with your n all this time. How was I supposed to know that Derek wouldnt be affected by it?


    Shae snorted. Whatever. You can find somebody else to test your potions from now on.


    Derek raised his hand. Ill do it.


    Both men looked at Derek, surprised.


    What? It sounds interesting. I mean, I wont do it for free, but I have something else in mind for that. Plus, with my constitution, you wont have to take as many precautions as before. Derek exined.


    Romans eyes lit up. I have just the poison ahem potions that you could help test. Ive been afraid that they would be too much, even for Shae, so I havent tried them out. Plus, with that skill you used to sober Shae up, it will be even more helpful.


    Derek nodded. Thats what I was thinking.


    Shae cut in. Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait I was just messing around. Ill still test your potions for you. Just increase the amount of brew for me. In fact, how about I clear my guild schedule and test all this week? Then, in a conspiratorial tone, he said, That way, I wont have to tell Judes that I spent all that gold on an empty jug. I can show her a full one.


    Romanughed. I think shell be more offended at you not doing your job than spending some coin on some brew. Taking a week off? Do you not cherish your balls?


    Shae furrowed his brows and frowned. Youre right. Maybe I could get by with taking another day off if I workte tonight. Ill tell her Im showing the new Onyx Adventurer around the city. Hes important enough. What do you say? He asked Derek.


    Derek shook his head. I think it would be best for you toe clean to your wife. The longer you drag it out, the deeper of a hole youre digging yourself. Besides, apparently, you wont miss anything with the testing. Ill be testing these poisons that you wouldnt be asked to test to begin with. Ill leave the regr stuff to you, so you dont miss out.


    Shae let out a defeated sigh. Youre right. I can never hide anything from that woman. She knows me too well, and Im a terrible liar. Her damn ss gives her a stupid amount of attention to detail.


    Derek pat Shae on the back onest time. Happy wife, happy life. He quoted the cheesy line hed heard so many times back on Earth.


    Happy wife, overworked husband. Shae snorted. Overworked, but still happy, I guess. He said.


    Thats the spirit. Roman said. Now, about buying another jug.


    Fuck off! Shae shouted, then stormed off out of the bar.


    How rude. Roman said as he picked up the already clean mug and started polishing it again. It was nice to meet you. Dont forget about the testing. He said to Derek. Now, I have to go make sure those idiots dont destroy more shit than they can pay for. The halfling walked away from the counter and back to the makeshift fighting arena in the back of the bar.


    Derek waved to Roman. Dont worry. Ill swing by your alchemy shop sometime tomorrow. Or the next day at thetest.


    Derek smiled and looked at the empty jug. <em>Maybe I went too far. </em>He thought before shrugging it off. <em>No hes a big boy, he can handle it. </em>Derek cast a quick <strong>Rejuvenation </strong>and <strong>Cure Toxin </strong>on himself to dispel any lingering effects of the brew.


    Derek stood from the barstool and dusted off his ck shirt that caught dust from the bar during the odd hug he had given the halfling. <em>Today was a pretty interesting day. I guess Ill go see what the others were up to all day today. Im sure theyre fine. They had Silvi with them, and she hasnt tried tomunicate with me all day.</em>


    With that thought, Derek left the seedy bar and headed back to the hotel.


    Back at the hotel, Derek looked around the lobby to see if any of his party members were having dinner. Derek winced when he thought about that. Thomas was the only person he had given any gold to. The others had spent the entire day penniless in a city all about trade andmerce. Plus, they had Silvi, a veritable ck hole when ites to food.


    <em>Jacks probably has gold of his own, and Im sure someone as sly as Rudy would do fine. </em>He thought, but still hated that he forgot about Rayna and the others. Finally, he shook it off and went upstairs to their rooms to see if they were there. <em>They probably spent the whole day holed up in their rooms because all they could do was window shop. </em>


    When he got to their floor, he saw Jacks leaning against the wall outside their rooms.


    You on guard duty or something? Derek asked.


    Jacks smiled when he saw Derek. Nope, just waiting for you. Dinners ready, and Mal wanted to wait until you got here before we all ate.


    Derek was taken aback. Really?


    Instead of answering, Jacks knocked on the door beside him, and Thomas opened it. Hes here. The boy said after turning his head around to shout in the room.


    Derek followed Jacks into the womens room and looked around. It was a little cramped, but stillrge enough to fit the whole party inside, at least for a gathering or a meal. If needed, they could all cram inside and sleep even.


    With Derek and Jacks inside, Malorie began divvying out tes and eating utensils before cing steaming food on each one. Everything she put on the tes came out of her storage ring.


    Derek looked down at the food, then back up and Brandi, Rayna, and Mal. So, what exactly did you all do today? I just realized I forgot to leave you with any gold. Im sorry about that.

 Chapter 160: Debriefing

    Chapter 160: Debriefing


    Everyones day wasnt as bad or rough as Derek had suspected. The girls all woke upte and barely made it down in time for breakfast. ording to Brandi, they had to fight hard for the hotel to recognize Silvi as a guest and not just a pet.


    The hotel staff refused to let Silvi have her own breakfast initially. It took the bunny pulling out two of its few remainingmunication crystals and talking to the staff herself for them to allow it. However, after the confusion was cleared up, news of Silvi was spread to the rest of the hotel staff, and it shouldnt happen again.


    After breakfast, they went out and walked around the city most of the day. They basically window shopped, since they didnt have enough money to buy much of anything. The three had barely ever seen any city, much less one as big as Savannah.


    ording to Rayna, who was the most observant of the bunch, most of the residents who saw them were nice enough, though there were a handful that stared at them in disgust, as though they were offended that vigers dressed as them were breathing the same air.


    Derek nearly facepalmed at hearing that. Before he left Torith, he had visited a shop and bought the women a bunch of clothes, mostly for travel, but they still looked much better than the vige garb they were all wearing. Also, Brandi was more worried about making Derek shirts when she could than updating the clothing they were all wearing.


    Derek walked over to one of the empty beds and, while holding his food in one hand, reached over with the other and dumped the clothes he bought for them on the bed. He also put the clothing he had looted from Katrisha on the bed as well. Most of it looked rather expensive and quite beautiful.


    He ced the dead womans undergarments in another pile and said, Burn those. Afterwards, he went back to the group and sat on the floor.


    Im sorry, it slipped my mind that I had bought you all some new clothes before I left Torith. I was preparing to give it to you for traveling clothes, but the Katrisha incident happened and Ipletely forgot that I was carrying them. Derek apologized.


    Brandi ran over to the bed and started going through all the clothes. She was giddy with excitement. The sses she had worked on the most were Leatherworking and Tailoring, so clothing was her thing.


    Before long, the girl came back to her senses and resumed her meal with the rest of the bunch.


    What do you think? Derek asked her.


    A lot of it is too big, but I should be able to fix that easily. Brandi replied. The pretty clothes should fit mom almost perfect. To fit Rayna, I will need to let it out in a few ces. She said matter-of-factly.


    Rayna and Mal both blushed a bit, but didntment.


    Okay, so what else happened today? Derek asked.


    The group continued eating while recounting their day. Nothing overly exciting happened to them. They came back to the hotel and enjoyed lunch that Mal had already prepared before going back out and wandering around more of the city.


    Rayna did tell an interesting story about what she called a spoiled elf maidenmanding all those around her and throwing a fit when something she didnt like happened. Derek was sure it was the same elf he encountered multiple times throughout the day. It was hard to miss her.


    Finally, the group came back to the hotel and waited for Derek to get back.


    By the way, I dont have too much more prepared food. Maybe enough for three more days, five if we stretch it. We have plenty of ingredients, but no ce to use them, and Im not about to start a fire in the middle of this hotel room, or the street. Malorie exined.


    Derek nodded. I had some thoughts about that as well. He said. I bought well, technically rented a plot ofnd today. Its where I will put the building, and where we will live in the city, as well as do business. Im hoping the builders work fast and will be able to have all the living functions of the building in a few days.


    I dont think I need to care too much about aesthetics. I n to make the design simple and easy to build. Just a two-story building with a basement. The top floor will be used for our personal things. Im thinking of nine small bedrooms on one side. Then, a kitchen, dining room, and two bathrooms on the other. Derek said.


    That sounds good. Mal said. Once the kitchen isplete, Silvi and I can cook and save a lot by not having to go out to eat.


    Derek nodded. Ill try to have the kitchen furnished before anything else. He said. Now, for the first floor, well just go with an open floor design with a counter at the side. Like one of the shops I visited today. Well have any products we sell out in the open. That may change based on Brandi, but I think it will be good for now. Derek took hisst bite of food and set his te down.


    He looked over at Rudy. How big of a space do you need for your contract store? He asked.


    Rudy looked up in thought. Not very big. Just enough for a ce to work and a few seats for customers. It doesnt take me long to create contracts.


    Derek nodded. Okay, Ill make it about the size of a bedroom or two and go from there.


    Finally, Derek looked over at Brandi. Now, for your crafting space. He got her attention. I think Im just going to go with a fully open area, and you can arrange all your tools and things as you need. Ill install some basic rooms to keep the air clean and at a decent temperature, and some lights so you can see what youre doing.


    Okay. Brandi said with a glimmer in her eyes. What about the crafting stuff? I have a lot of material, but nothing to work with.


    Derek smiled. Well, Im going to put everything you need for cksmithing in first. I already bought you a set of smithing tools today. He bent forward and dumped out all the hammers, tongs, and other smithing tools he bought. Once the smithy part is up and running, you can start making your own tools and crafting gear. Ill check my finances at the end of the month, then give you gold so you can buy any materials you need for it. Youll have to keep track of the expenses yourself.


    Brandi nodded seriously.


    Ill also go run some dungeons and bring you whatever materials I obtain while doing so. Derek said. Also, I found an interesting Alchemist today. I want you toe meet him with me either tomorrow or the day after. Maybe he can give you some tips. Ill try to find some books for Runesmithing as well, but I dont know how much they will cost.


    I know some basic runes. Brandi said. When I took my ss, I ended up with all kinds of basic information about different crafts. Its hard to sort through what I know. Theres just so much.


    Derekughed. Thats to be expected. I cant even believe that a ss like that even exists. To be frank, Im jealous.


    Brandi smiled. Ill do my best.


    Derek turned to Jacks. The shop is definitely going to need a guard or two, and you have the experience and power. So, if you dont mind, I would like you to do that. Of course, well work out the pay and time off. You definitely need to see your son if possible. There should be enough room for him to stay with us if he decides to visit. I know hes probably busy.


    The scarred man smiled. Hopefully, he gets back to me soon.


    Finally, Derek looked over at Rayna. Im not sure about what you want to do. I figure Mal will help out around the shop and help Brandi, but what about you? What do you want?


    I want to get stronger. Rayna said. I dont want to feel helpless like I did in the vige ever again. She clenched her fist.


    You should join the Adventurers Guild first. Derek said. You already have a decent quality ss, so you will be stronger than most once you gain some more levels.


    I nned on doing that. Rayna said.


    The problem is how to get levels safely. Its hard for me to trust random teams from the guild. Especially with what happened to Thomas in Torith. Derek ran through different options in his head before settling on one.


    Jacks, would you mind helping Rayna get to level 100 or so? You know, keep her safe while she kills things. Im sure there are plenty of areas around the city that she could level in. Derek asked.


    Im find doing whatever you need. Jacks answered. It should be fun adventuring again, even if it is just to protect Rayna.


    Great. Derek said. Ill talk to Shae, Savannahs Adventurers Guild Master,ter. Im sure he has a map of grinding areas.


    You met the Guild Master? Jacks asked.


    Derek nodded. Yeah. Hes a decent fellow. I sparred with him as a test to receive this. He pointed out the badge on his upper arm.


    Thats Onyx. Jacks muttered.


    Yes, yes it is.

 Chapter 161: A New Day

    Chapter 161: A New Day


    Jacks leaned back and sighed. I knew you were quite a bit stronger than me, but I didnt think you were that much stronger than me.


    Derek waved him off. You would probably be at least Onyx if it werent for your circumstances thesest years.


    Jacks gave a self-depreciating smile. Maybe He said. But well never know at this point.


    Derek shrugged. Youre plenty young enough to keep going. Im certainly not going to do anything to hinder your advancement. You may choose to guard the shop once its up, but if you feel like adventuring, you only have to let me know so I can make other arrangements. Besides, Savannah is supposedly a peaceful city.


    Jacks nodded. Thanks.


    Finally, Derek looked back towards Malorie. Was I right to assume you wanted to help out around the shop?


    Malorie nodded. Im not letting Brandi out of my sight for a good long while.


    Derek nodded. I would suggest you spend whatever skill points you have remaining on some general skill to level. I noticed you seem to have much more fun cooking and looking after Brandi than you do hunting and fighting.


    Is it that obvious? She asked.


    Not necessarily. Derek replied. Back at the vige, hunting was something you had to know how to do in order to survive and provide for your family. Now, you dont have to worry about that. You havent hit level 50 yet, so there is plenty of time to change your ss to something you enjoy. But, like I was saying, you should level some other skills that you are fond of, so you have a chance to receive a decent ss.


    Malorie agreed with Derek. Thats sounds fun. Silvi and I make a good team when ites to cooking. We can learn and level the skill up together. She smiled when Silvi hopped over into herp.


    Thats great. Derek said. Before he came to Savannah, he had promised Silvi to look into getting her a ce at the kitchen in the Crown Restaurant. However, Silvi seemed to be looking forward to having her own kitchen more than anything else.


    Ill see if I can find some more recipes for the two of you to share. Also, dont feel bad about experimenting with your own recipes. Who knows, you may end up creating something delicious. Derek said.


    Derek pped his hands. Alright, we all have ns now. All thats left is to actually get them done.


    What about Thomas? Brandi asked.


    Derek looked over at Thomas, who was slightly blushing now that he was the center of attention. Well, Thomas is going to be training his ass off for the foreseeable future. He happened to catch the eye of the Guild Master.


    Thats so awesome! Brandi squealed.


    Thomas smiled shyly as he looked at her. Thanks. He said.


    Hes also nning on enrolling in the Academy here in a few months. Derek informed.


    So cool. Brandi chimed in. Do your best!


    Ill try my hardest. Thomas said. Ill alsoe back to visit whenever I can.


    We still have a long time before any of that happens. Derek said. We just have to focus on the day-to-day right now and try to build something for ourselves. Got to have a ce Thomas can alwayse back to. Derek smiled.


    Everyone in the room nodded seriously. All of them had a gleam in their eyes when he mentioned that it was for everyone.


    Derek stood. Alright. We all have our ns. Im going to go get some rest. I know its not toote, but I have a big day tomorrow. He looked at Thomas. Could you give me the room card?


    Thomas gave Derek the card and Derek left. He walked over to his own room and opened the door before walking back and tossing the card back to Thomas. Have a good night.


    Once he was inside his room, he headed straight for the bathroom. The bath he took the previous night was fresh in his memory, and he needed another. It wasnt long after that he was sitting on his bed, meditating. He did so for a while, before finally going to sleep.


    The next morning, Derek awoke to the sight of Thomas already out of bed. All the regenerating from the previous day must have tired Derek out if the boy was waking up before him. Derekughed and sat up.


    You going to the guild today? He asked.


    Thomas nodded. Right after breakfast.


    Dont let this opportunity slip. Derek said, seriously.


    I wont. Thomas said as he finished dressing.


    Derekpleted his morning routine, and the two left the room together. Surprisingly, the whole group was already waiting for them in the hallway.


    How long have you been up? He asked.


    Not long. Rayna said. We just came out. She motioned to Mal, Brandi, and Silvi.


    Derek looked at Jacks.


    A couple hours. The man said. Ive never slept much.


    Derek smiled. I see. He said. Shall we go for breakfast? I think I saw a table or two that were big enough for all of us.


    Towards the end of breakfast, Rayna spoke. Im going to join the Adventurers Guild today. The sooner I get it done, the better.


    Derek nodded. I agree.


    Ille with you. Jacks said. Ill see if I can find that map of locations. Its best not to bother the Guild Master. He said.


    Derek chuckled. Well, if you cant, just let me know. He held his hand over the table and dumped out a bunch of gold. He didnt have a lot of free gold, most of it was on his card, but there was enough to give each member some walking around money. Take some gold each. I dont want you to be broke again today.


    I have all I need already. Jacks refused to pick any up.


    Thomas and Brandi didnt stand on ceremony. They both grabbed a few handfuls and moved them to their storage rings. However, nobody else did.


    Derek looked at them. What?


    Well be with you today, so we dont need any. Mal said, looking sharply at Brandi.


    Derek rolled his eyes. Just take it. Either that, or Im leaving it on the table as a tip. Either way, Im not picking it back up.


    Finally, everyone but Jacks took some of the gold. It made Derek feel a little better.


    Derek stood. Alright. Im off to the Employment Center. If you n oning with me, lets go. Everyone else, Ill see youter.


    Malorie, Brandi, Silvi, who was being held by Brandi, and Rudy, all followed after Derek.


    Noticing Rudy behind him, Derek spoke. Oh, youreing with us today?


    Rudy nodded. Youll be hiring people, right?


    Derek nodded. Most likely.


    Thats great. Rudy said. It will be an opportunity to make some contracts unless there is an official way to do it.


    Good point. He said as they made their way to the Employment Center.


    Soon, they walked inside a room oddly simr to the Adventurers Guild lobby. <em>I guess its the same thing with missions and stuff. Why fix what aint broken? </em>It was still early in the morning, so the center was quite empty.


    Instead of going straight to one of the counters, Derek headed to look at one of the job boards. After reading the first few job descriptions, he realized the exact purpose of the board.


    Most of the requests offered a rather low payment. Derek figured that the only workers who would take on the requests on the board would be those new to their professions, or those in dire need of some quick money. He could nearly guarantee that no high-level workers were going to takes such basic requests for such small payments.


    As he was thinking this, the door opened and a young dwarf walked in. He, too, went straight to the job board. When Derek nced at him, he noticed that the dwarf was going through the requests much more seriously than Derek did.


    Derek kept his eyes on the dwarf. Soon, the dwarfs eyes widened and he ripped one of the requests off the board. Derek snuck a quick peak at the request and noticed it was for ten sets of basic daggers. The poster provided the material, and any extra daggers would be bought at a small price.


    Before the dwarf went to the counter with the request, Derek spoke up. You a beginner cksmith?


    The young dwarf looked up at Derek. Yes, sir.


    Derek smiled. The dwarf couldnt be too much older than Thomas or Brandi. Requests that provide the materials are a good way to level up, huh?


    The dwarf nodded fiercely. Thats why Ie so early every morning. If I dont, they will all be gone.


    Derek nodded. Good luck. You better get to it.


    Thanks, sir. The dwarf bobbed his head and ran over to one of the counters.


    Derek watched the interaction between him and the man behind the counter. The young dwarf was all joy when he walked out of the building. <em>I wonder what happens if he fails to craft the weapons and uses the materials. </em>


    Derek put those thoughts out of his head and walked over to a different counter than the one the dwarf used. Before he even made it to the counter, three more people came inside and rushed over to the job board.


    When he arrived at the counter, a halfling woman with a pair of ck-rimmed sses and ck hair in a ponytail looked up at him. How can I help you today?


    Derek shed the woman a smile. Im looking for some Builders and Runesmiths. Hopefully ones who are avable and who work quickly.


    The woman nodded and began flipping through a thick book. Let me see who is avable.

 Chapter 162: Materials

    Chapter 162: Materials


    The halfling woman continued through the thick book before stopping. She looked up. Would you prefer an all-in-onepany that has everything, including Builders and Runesmiths? Or would you just like to look at both upations separately?


    Derek frowned. Uh both, I guess.


    The woman nodded. Is your request arge one?


    Derek nodded. I n on constructing a new building.


    The halfling closed the book and smiled. Please follow me to the back.


    Derek shrugged and followed the woman to the back into a small room. Malorie, Rudy, and Brandi followed behind.


    Have a seat, all of you. Someone will be with you in a moment. I must get back to my station. The halfling said. Then she walked out and closed the door behind her.


    Derek waited a short while before another woman walked through the door. She was a cheery woman with golden blond hair.


    Hello. The woman said through arge smile. Im Wendy. Ill be helping the four of you today.


    Derek stood. Thank you, Wendy.


    The woman nodded and sat, dropping the same book on the table between them. Okay, so I hear you are looking for a contractor to build an entire building and facilities. Is that correct?


    Derek nodded. Yes, it will be for both a business and living.


    Wendy nodded and ced her hand on the book in front of her. The book glowed for a moment, then stopped. And you are only looking for contractors who are avable immediately?


    Yes, either today or tomorrow at thetest. Derek confirmed.


    Wendy injected the book with mana again.


    Derek was intrigued by what she was doing. What are you doing when you do that? Injecting your mana, that is.


    Wendy smiled. Im sorting through all the listings in the book. Moving the ones that meet your requirements to the front, while shuffling the others to the back.


    Thats convenient. Derek said.


    Wendy nodded. Do you have the material readily avable? She asked.


    Derek shook his head. No, I was hoping the contractor would provide that.


    Do you know what material you would like? She asked.


    No.


    Would you like to look at a list, or just wait for the meeting with the contractor? She continued.


    I wouldnt mind seeing a list. It would be good to learn a bit about materials. Derek said.


    Wendy pulled a piece of paper out of her storage ring and handed it to Derek. This list has all the mostmon building materials, and their average price per basic building. As all materials have different weights or shapes, it is hard topare prices otherwise.


    Derek nodded as he moved his eyes to the list. He looked at the description of the basic building. It was a single floor, 500 sq ft building. It was a good enough example for Derek to get the general price of the materials he was going to end up having to buy.


    The list included different stones, ores, woods, and other types of building materials. At the bottom of the list was the Dragon Formed Obsidian that the Crown Hotel was built with. After viewing the price, he immediately adverted his eyes to something else. <em>50,000 gold for a single small building. And that doesnt include the cost of actually building it, just the materials needed. </em>


    With that visual, he started thinking about what it must have cost nah to build her hotel and restaurant in the material. The thought was staggering. Derek immediately crossed the Dragon Formed Obsidian off his list of possible materials.


    The obsidian stuck out like a sore thumb. Nothing else on the list was even close to the cost of the material. The next expensive was wood from a Bone Willow tree. Still, it was only half the cost of the obsidian.


    Is it possible to mix and match materials? Derek suddenly asked.


    Of course. Its usually the preferred method. Wendy answered as she watched him study the list.


    Derek nodded. He would go with a type of stone for the entire basement and foundation. Then, he wanted to choose a nice wood for the rest. Derek had a little more than 20,000 gold to his name, so he would need to watch his spending.


    Do any of the other materials have a problem holding paint? Like the Dragon Formed Obsidian. Derek asked.


    No. That particr type of obsidian is special. Wendy answered.


    Dereks eyes moved up the list, towards the less expensive materials. How does the Pixy Yew look? He asked.


    To his surprise, the woman pulled a small piece of lumber out of her ring and ced it on the table. It was a dark piece of lumber with a slight blue sparkle to it. In Dereks mind, it was quite nice.


    Why is it so inexpensive? Derek asked. Is it that much worse than the other types?


    Wendy shook her head. No, but the sparkling blue tends to keep buyers from it.


    Why is that? It doesnt seem too bad to me.


    You are looking at a piece that has been kept in the dark for a long time. The longer it absorbs sun, the brighter the sparkles. It makes it hard to sleep when you room is bright. Also, even in the day, it will cause the light, both natural and unnatural, to have a blue tint to it. She exined.


    So, cant you just paint over the wood on the inside? Derek asked.


    She shook her head. Its not that easy. You can paint over it, but, depending on the paint, the light will eventually bleed back through. People find that its too much trouble to paint their buildings so often. Also, it doesnt do well in residential areas because of how bright it can be.


    If it wasnt for all that, where would you ce it on the list? Derek asked.


    The strength and durability could ce the Pixy Yew somewhere around the Sun Oak. She answered.


    Derek looked over the list and was surprised to see the Sun Oak close to the bottom of the list. Thats one of the best woods on here. Derek said.


    It is. She agreed. The supply of Pixy Yew is so abundant that its price has fallen to what it is. As of right now, it is only used by some crafters to make decorative weapons or items.


    Derek nodded. The cost of the Pixy Yew was 650 gold. If he used it both for the first and second floor, it would cost him maybe 6,000 gold. He would find a way to use it. Derek found a more durable stone for the basement. Hopefully, it would hold up to any explosions or wear and tear that Brandi may cause.


    Do you have a piece of the B Stone? Derek asked.


    Wendy nodded and ced a dark gray piece of stone out of her ring. It looked like a slightly darker concrete.


    Derek picked up the piece. What would I owe you if I crushed this? He asked.


    Wendy narrowed her eyes. Why would you need to do that?


    To test the durability.


    She nced at the Onyx Badge on his arm, then back to him. 50 silvers. Ill need to rece it.


    Derek put 50 silver down on the table, then tightened his grip on the stone. It wasnt terribly easy to crush, but he didnt have to exert himself. Also, Strength wasnt his forte. He thought for a moment before deciding that it would do for now.


    He nodded. I would like a contractor that works with B Stone, Oak, and Pixy Yew. Runes can be attached to those three materials, correct?


    Wendy nodded, then sorted through the book once again before finally opening it. I have arranged the book in order from all-in-one contractors to individuals. Their price is in descending order, from most expensive to least expensive. She said.


    Derek took the book and chuckled. The prices were listed as cost toplete the same building that was on the list of materials. He immediately skipped the most expensive contractors. His blueprints were simple and hard to mess up.


    Finally, he picked out three all-in-one contractors. He went with the all-in-one because they offered other furnishings as well, such as bedding and kitchen.


    I would like to meet with these three contractors. He said as he pointed out the ones that he picked. He wanted to make sure that whichever one he picked had a decent Runesmith.


    Wendy took the book back. Ill get in contact with Vanguard Construction, baster Homes, and Billys Crew.


    Derek nodded. I would like to meet with them all at once. He said.


    Wendy was not surprised. That can be arranged. Is there a time that works best for you?


    Derek shook his head. The earlier, the better.


    Ill see what I can do. Please wait here for a few minutes. She stood and walked out.


    Whats the Oak for? Malorie asked.


    Derek smiled. I figure we can just cover the outside of the Pixy Yew with regr Oak. That way, we should be able to keep it from absorbing the sun. If it doesnt work, we can always put ayer on the inside as well. Either way, it should get rid of the lights at night and keep it from lighting up our rooms when were trying to sleep.


    Malorie nodded. It will cost extra to build, but if the wood is as good as Wendy said, it would be worth it.


    Derek nodded. Thats what I was thinking.


    A few minutester, Wendy came back in with her trademark smile. Great news. All three contractors will be here in twenty minutes.


    Thats great!

 Chapter 163: The Contractors

    Chapter 163: The Contractors


    Derek, Rudy, Mal, Silvi, and Brandi all sat in the small room and waited for the contractors to arrive. A little whileter, Wendy came back in.


    The contractors have started to arrive. I am sending them to another meeting room, as this room is a bit too small for such a meeting. Wendy said.


    Derek smiled. Thanks. He was a bit concerned about the size of the room. There was enough room for the current people, but it would have been very cramped if any more were added.


    While Wendy was there, Derek decided to ask her a question hed been wondering about for a while. Wendy. He got her attention. Why are you going to such lengths to help us? Isnt it enough to just introduce us to the contractors, then send us on our way?


    Wendy smiled. Of course not. Everybody in that book is contracted with Savannah. Every job that the contractor gets through the Employment Center is recorded. How well the job ispleted is logged, and it helps determine the contractors price and standing. The city also gets a portion of the fee. It is in the citys best interest to make sure any client gets the best service possible.


    I see Derek said. Are the contractors able to work outside of the Employment Center?


    Wendy nodded. They are, but those jobs arent rated or endorsed by the city. If something goes wrong, neither the client nor the contractor will receive any assistance from the city.


    Derek nodded. <em>So, going through the Employment Center is kind of like getting insurance for a job. I could arrange for someone to build the building outside the Employment Center for cheaper, but any disputes would have to be settled without the city as a mediator. </em>


    So, if Imission a foundation out of Dragon Formed Obsidian and the job ispleted, only for me to find out that the obsidian has been hollowed out and reced with a cheaper material, what would happen? Derek asked. Back on Earth, hed heard stories ofpanies recing one material for a cheaper one without the knowledge of the client.


    Wendys eyes widened. That would be a serious offense. She let out a breath. Though I cant say that something like that has never happened. For the most part, contracts allow those situations to be avoided, but someone always seems to be looking for a loophole.


    Rudy snorted out of nowhere. Aint that the truth?


    Derek realized that he hadnt introduced his entourage, or even himself, for that matter.


    He cast a self-depreciating smiled. Im sorry Wendy, I seemed to have forgotten my manners. She was so cheerful and helpful that it had slipped his mind. Im Derek Hunt, and these are my associates, Malorie, Rudy, and Brandi. The bunny that Brandi is holding is mypanion. Rudy is my Contract Specialist.


    Wendy shed a big smile towards Rudy. Now I understand your reaction. You must deal with loopholes all the time.


    Rudy smiled back. Im damn good at finding them, if thats what you mean.


    She nodded, then focused back on Derek. Of course, I already knew who you were. She nodded at the badge on his upper arm. You caused quite a stir at the Adventurers Guild yesterday. There may not have been many people around when everything happened, but something as big as a new Onyx Adventurer will spread like wildfire no matter how few witnesses there are.


    I guess I should have expected that. Derek said.


    Wendy gave a slight chuckle. Now, cases where the contractor has purposefully been dishonest with their clients, even though they didnt technically do anything wrong ording to the contract, we take very seriously. Not only is it a slight on the client, but it is a slight on the city as well. It is very harmful to the Employment Centers reputation.


    Derek nodded. That makes sense.


    Thatst time something like that happened if I remember correctly the contractor and his crew were expelled from the city, and their information was spread to all the major cities in the kingdom. It is a serious offense, as harming the city is tantamount to harming the kingdom. She continued.


    That would definitely make it hard to get a job. Derek said.


    Nearly impossible. She agreed. I would imagine that someone with such a stain on their record would have a better chance moving to a different kingdom.


    Well, that eases my mind a little. Derek said.


    Im happy I could help. Wendy replied. She stood again. Let me go check if everything is ready.


    Please. Derek said.


    A few minutester, Wendy came back to their room. Everyone is ready. Please follow me.


    Dereks group stood and followed Wendy deeper into the Employment Center. They soon arrived at another room with a table long enough to seat at least 20 people. To Derek, the room looked like a conference room he would see on Earth.


    Already seated at the table were two men and a woman. The man closest to the door wore what Derek would consider a business suit in this world. He had slicked back silver hair and the face of a model. Everything about the man made caused Derek to instinctually recoil.


    The other man was the exact opposite of the sly businessman. He was rough looking in every way. His ck hair was short, but not shaven. He had an uneven, full beard that Derek could tell he didnt put much care into, and the tunic he was wearing had the sleeves ripped out. Derek automatically assumed that this man was Billy, from Billys Crew. He didnt look like the type to try to find a fitting name for his outfit.


    While the two men kept sending res at each other, the lone woman was sitting quietly away from them. She was dressed in an adventurers tunic and pants, not unlike the ones many of his group wore. The only difference was they her clothing was of a higher quality. Other than that, nothing really stood out to Derek.


    She had her hair pulled back in a ponytail, and some freckles on her cheeks. Overall, Derek would say she was pretty, but in a tomboyish way, different from Ste or Rayna. The sly businessman had features that looked more girly than she did. She had an air around her that made one not want to disturb her with stupid questions.


    Wendy cleared her throat, and the three contractors looked in her direction. You have all been briefed on why you have been called here. This is Derek Hunt and his associates, Malorie, Rudy, and Brandi. He has arge job that requires quick work.


    Then she turned to Derek. Mr. Hunt. Let me introduce you to Geoffrey from baster Homes, Lewis from Vanguard Construction, and Billy from Billys Crew.


    Derek did his best to hide his shock. The man in the middle wasnt Billy, like Derek had expected. It was the woman on the end.


    Now, all three of you work with the material that Mr. Hunt wants to use, so I will let you get to it. Wendy announced as she moved to the head of the table. She would apparently be the mediator just in case negotiations went sideway.


    Please have a seat. She motioned to the side of the table opposite the contractors.


    Derek and his entourage moved over and sat down. Wendy sat just after, taking out a writing utensil and some paper. You may begin.


    Nice to meet you. Derek said. Then, he began exining to the contractors what he needed done.


    He began with the two stories and the basement, then moved on to the different furnishings he hoped the contractors could provide. I was hoping you could set up a full kitchen suite, dining area, nine bedrooms, and a smithy in the basement, if possible.


    Geoffrey raised his hand to ask a question. Getting Dereks okay, he started, The runes to ventte an underground workshop are not cheap. I am assuming you would like those included as well?


    Derek nodded. I was getting to that. He smiled. As Geoffrey said, I am also looking for venttion runes, cooling runes, lighting runes, and some others for a special project I hope to aplish. Though, that will be at the end, and I could just hire a specialist for it if I need.


    Billy asked the next question. Why do you need the Oak?


    Derek smiled again. Well, I was hoping to use it on the outside of the Pixy Yew to help block the sunlight. I have heard that painting isnt a great option, so I thought about just building over it.


    Billy nodded at his answer. It has been done before, but not often. Doing so will at least double the construction fee of the top two floors, and you will still be left with at least the basic sparkly light on the inside of your building. It is usually more convenient to take the cost of the extra construction and choose a wood to work with that is less of a hassle. The durability may still be less in the end, but not by too much.


    Lewis chose that time to speak. That may be so on a smaller scale, but with a bigger building like this, the Pixy Yew may be worth it. Besides, the natural lighting provided from the wood wont bother the majority of the inside, only those rooms in which they n to sleep.


    Geoffrey spoke up. I hate to agree with a brute like you, but the lighting provided by the Pixy Yew could very well be a boon to your shop. I would provide an almost mystical feel to the open floor area. Plus, you could always just paint or build over the Pixy Yew inside your bedrooms. The cost of that wont amount to much extra.


    Thats exactly what I was thinking. Derek said. Though I didnt think about the lighting providing a gimmick to the store. That is indeed interesting.


    Wendy sat her pen down and gathered everyones attention. Is that all, Mr. Hunt? She asked. Seeing his nod, she continued, Well then, shall we begin the bidding?

 Chapter 164: Bidding War

    Chapter 164: Bidding War


    Shall we begin the bidding? Wendy asked. The three contractors all nodded their consent. Very well. Let me exin how this is going to work to the client. Nobody protested, so she continued. You have met each contractor. Are you confident about hiring any one of them?


    Derek nodded. I am. Even the sleezy guy in the suit seemed to be serious enough about the build. He would trust the man not to try to pull a fast one because of the contract with the city. Looks and personality didnt matter, only skill.


    Great. Wendy said. Each contractor has been given the materials and general blueprints to review. They will bid against one another until the lowest bid wins or until you find an eptable bid by a contractor you want to work with. If there is a tie, you will choose between the contractors. Is everything understood?


    Derek nodded. Simple enough. The only thing that Derek was worried about was the cost. The materials and building cost were going to cost him an arm and a leg. He only had a bit over 20,000 gold, and he would hate to have to go to Ste and beg for a loan. He would hate it, but he would do it. If he needed to, he could renegotiate for less of the Void Beast meals or blood.


    With theyering cost of the Oak, the building cost was going to be even more. Derek sat back, not showing his anxiety on the outside, hoping the bid would go in his favor.


    Please begin. Wendy grabbed her pen and waited.


    Billy was the first to raise her hand. The cost of the materials should be around 13,500 gold, more or less. So, with theyering, cost of manpower, and the speed at which you need the buildingpleted you need it build within the week? She asked.


    Derek nodded. If at all possible. He said.


    Billy looked at the ceiling as if doing some mental calctions, which she most likely was. We can do it for 36,500. It will bepleted in four days.


    The quote wasnt unexpected, but it still made Dereks gut churn. Still, he didnt show any expression.


    Bah! Youre overcharging on theyering. Ill do it for 30,000 even. Lewis cut in.


    Derek felt the urge to jump out of his seat and cheer at the huge price cut. Billy seemed to be just as surprised as Derek was. She stared at Lewis with wide eyes.


    Derek examined the facial expressions of Wendy, Lewis, Billy, and Geoffrey. Wendy said uninterested, writing down everything she heard. Lewis was looking at the surprised Billy with a smug grin on his face. Geoffrey, however, was acting as if he wasnt even part of the discussion. He was looking at Derek with a sly smile on his face. The man didnt seem like he even nned on joining the bidding war.


    Billy hit the top of the table with a clenched fist. Fine! 28,500.


    The number was slowly approaching affordable. Derek was happy he decided to call in multiple contractors at once. There were so many in the book that there were clearly people who would take even a slim profit margin.


    Lewis narrowed his eyes and ground his teeth. He stared daggers at the woman. I dont think your crew would be able toplete the job in four days. Are you sure you can do it?


    Of course we can! She replied.


    Lewis smiled. 28,500 and I will have the buildingplete in three days.


    Thats low! Billy yelled. Just because you have more workers than me She took a deep breath. I cannot offer less than four days.


    Ha! Lewis eximed in victory.


    I didnt say I was finished! Billy said. I may not be able toplete it in less than four days, but I can do it for cheaper. She tensed. 26,000!


    Derek mentally went through everything he had on him. <em>I think I can afford 26,000. I have a bunch of junk on me that I could probably sell for a few thousand, and with what I already have, I should be able to afford that without taking out a loan or waiting for the ie from this months coffee. </em>He could almost sigh in relief.


    You! Lewis began. Will your crew even be willing to work for such a margin?


    Billy went as far as sticking her tongue out at the rough man. Like I said before. I dont have as many workers as you do, therefore, I dont have to split the profit as many ways. Theyll do it, and they will be happy. Can you say that for your own employees?


    Lewis snorted. Of course I can. They get paid a rate based on work. Im the employer, they are the employees. We dont split the profit like your crew.


    Derek could see the wheels turning in Lewiss head. He was hoping the man would decide to drop the price even more. It would be for the best if he could have some walking around money once everything was said and done.


    Still, Derek noticed Geoffrey sitting to the side like he wasnt even listening. <em>What is up with this guy? </em>The sleezy man already gave Derek the chills, but his current demeanor was causing Derek to be concerned.


    26,000 and three days. Lewis finally said.


    Billy hit the table so hard that it cracked.


    Careful! Wendy chided. You will repair that before you leave.


    Billy cast a spell, and the crack slowly disappeared. Sorry. She said. I can go to 23,500.


    Youre insane. Lewis said. You could go to the job board and find something that pays that much.


    Billy smiled. But then I wouldnt get to see that look on your face. Its priceless.


    <em>Are all bidding wars like this?</em> Derek wondered. <em>This is more like a giant argument with them constantly trying to one-up the other. Its kind of childish which is good for me. I like it! </em>A smile almost broke out on Dereks face at that moment.


    Thats 23,500-gold withpletion of construction four days after beginning. Is that correct? Wendy asked.


    Yes. Billy spoke quietly, like her bid was finally setting in.


    Your crews going to be so pissed. Lewis said.


    23,500 going once going twice Wendy began.


    Thats if I was going to let you have it. Lewis let out a feral grin. Same price, but in three days.


    Wendy actually widened her eyes at that. Really? She asked.


    Lewis nodded. Yes. He didnt bother to exin himself.


    Wendy shook her head. Very well She began the count again. 23,500 with three days of construction going once going twice


    You must be wondering why they are trying so hard to outbid each other. A new voice, directed at Derek, finally spoke up, stopping the count.


    Surprised, Derek looked at Geoffrey. Not really. It was true. He wasnt wondering what was going on, he was just happy that it was happening. In fact, he hoped that they would do it some more. The more they argued, the more he gained.


    Geoffrey snorted. No I guess you wouldnt Then, he looked to his left at the two arguing contractors. Are the both of you finished? He asked.


    Whats it to you? Jeff. Lewis bit back.


    I was just checking to see if the entertainment was over or not. It is fun watching the two of you bicker at one another. I didnt even know you knew each other so well. Geoffreymented.


    Dont lump me together with him. Hes just an asshole. Billy said.


    I cant argue with that. Geoffrey said.


    Lewis sent a re at Geoffrey, just like he had been before the meeting began. Geoffrey did the same, then scoffed. I dont even understand why you would even think topete with me after myst job.


    Bastard. Lewis said.


    Geoffrey looked back toward Derek. Mr. Hunt, I have to thank you for providing todays entertainment.


    Youre wee? Derek said.


    Please get to the point. Wendy said.


    Geoffrey chuckled and waved his hands. Fine, fine. He said. The reason that this was entertaining was because I was able to watch them both fight so hard for the contract, even though I knew the whole time that neither one of them was going to end up with it.


    What? Billy and Lewis spout at the same time.


    Youre saying that youre going to offer a price lower than 23,500? Wendy said.


    Hmmph Lewis snorted. 22,000 Lets see you beat that.


    Billy sat back in her seat, not even bothering to bid again.


    Geoffrey smiled. You see I knew what I was going to bid before the bidding even started. Therefore, I knew that you would never be able to win. He turned back to Derek, showing the same creepy smile he had during Billy and Lewiss bids. Mr. Hunt I am willing to build your business at cost.


    Derek raised his eyebrows. Really?


    Geoffrey nodded. Yes. I will build it for the price of materials at market value, and it will be finished in two to five days. I cannot guarantee the time until we get started.


    Derek frowned. Why would you do something like that?


    For the same reason that these two were willing to go so low. Geoffrey said, then pointed to Dereks arm. That badge.

 Chapter 165: Sealing the Deal

    Chapter 165: Sealing the Deal


    My badge? Derek asked.


    Geoffrey snorted. Of course, your badge. Thats an Onyx Badge. Do you know what a contractor would do to get in good with an Onyx Ranked Adventurer?


    Apparently, make a very low bid for a shop. Derek replied.


    And then some. Geoffrey replied.


    I see


    Listen, Mr. Hunt. Geoffrey leaned forward with his hands resting on his chin, elbows on the table. I know, and Im sure everyone else in here knows, that you do not currently have a lot of gold, and that you are new to having an Onyx Badge.


    <em>Damn I was doing my best to hide my excitement at the bids. </em>Derek thought. Was I that obvious? He asked.


    Geoffrey smiled broadly. No, not at all. In fact, you barely had any reaction to the bids while you were here. The reason I know all this is because you are here at all.


    What do you mean? Derek asked.


    Well, you chose materials that, while good, were on the cheaper end. You also chose contractors that are midrange in the Employment Centers big book. That lets me know that you are not flush with gold. The problem is that badge. Geoffrey said.


    What about it?


    Not including the gossip that a someone passed the Onyx Ranked tests in the Adventurers Guild yesterday, most Onyx Ranked Adventurers would know some of the benefits that are included in that rank. Now, Im not talking about actual benefits given out by the guild, but unspoken benefits by the public. The sleazy man continued.


    Now, when we were all contacted today, we didnt know wed be dealing with someone of your status. I cant speak for the others, but Im sure they were just as surprised to see that badge on your arm as I was. For your building, if you were a regr person, the bidding would have started at 50,000 or more, and theres no way it would have gone for below 30,000 unless you brought in contractors who really hated one another. I mean, we are dealing with 2,500 or more square foot.


    Instead, Billy started the bidding at what it would have sold for to anybody else. Unfortunately for both Billy and Lewis here, they do not have the finances to offer you a huge discount. In fact, the best I can do is construction at cost. If Wendy here really wanted to help you, she would have told you to go with someone from the front of that big book they always lug around. Geoffrey exined.


    Why is that? Derek asked.


    Simple. Lewis cut in. Those guys can afford it. Getting on the good side of such a powerful person is more than enough to cover their fees.


    Thats right. Geoffrey shot Lewis a re. Obviously, he didnt like being interrupted by the gruff man. I imagine most of the top guys would have done the job for free, even. Hell, they may even do it with better materials than the ones you chose. Of course, if they do the job for free, the Employment Center wouldnt get their typical percentage, would they?


    Geoffrey looked over at Wendy. Wendy, what is two percent of zero gold? Im sorry, Im just not that great at math these days.


    Wendy scoffed but did not refute.


    Now, if I were you, I would take that badge and head to one of those bigwigs. You already have a contract guy. He pointed at Rudy. So you dont really need the citys help in the matter. I mean, really, who in their right minds would be daft enough to offend someone as powerful as you over a measly few thousand gold? Geoffrey said. Well, other than the city.


    Dereks mind was racing. He knew that the Onyx Badge was something only a few people in the kingdom had, but he didnt think about the hidden benefits. There wasnt anyy or rules governing them, its just the people wanting to get in good with someone powerful.


    Derek sighed. <em>I guess this is the part in the story where I lean on my honor and choose to pay full price, not urring any debt or owing anyone any favors. </em>He thought. Geoffrey, thank you for exining everything. As you guessed, I am the person that took the test yesterday. The funny thing is that I basically did it on a whim. <em>Screw that! I need to pinch a few pennies.</em>


    He stood from his seat and reached over the table with one hand. Geoffrey stood and shook his hand. Billy, Lewis, it was very nice to meet you. The other two contractors nodded. Wendy thanks I guess.


    Derek and his followers all walked around the table to the door. As he made his way around the table, he ced his hand on Geoffreys shoulder. Geoffrey, would you follow me out? There are a few more questions I would like to ask you.


    It would be my pleasure. The man turned and followed behind.


    As they walked out of the Employment Center, Geoffrey spoke. Mr. Hunt, what is it I can help you with?


    Derek smiled. Well, you were right that my current gold bnce is quiteckluster. However, I would have found enough to pay for a contractor if I absolutely had to. I hear that storage rings sell for a good amount, and I happen to have more than I need.


    Geoffrey nodded. I see. The sleazy man was walking with Derek, shoulder to shoulder.


    You didnt have to tell me all of that in there. You could have made a slightly lower bid than the other two and left it at that. I would have chosen you, and I would have been none the wiser. Derek said.


    Until you were. Geoffrey replied. Eventually, you would have figured out your worth. What would happen then? Would you hold a grudge against me for not notifying you?


    Derek paused to think. Actually, I dont think I would have. Everyone needs to make money to live, and its not like treating me well is an actualw or rule, just a consensus. Already, Im not holding any grudges against the Employment Center, or Wendy. She did help me out quite a bit before you all came.


    I see. Geoffrey said. Then you are better than many. He ran his hand through his slicked back hair.


    Why do you dress like that? Derek suddenly asked.


    Geoffrey gasped. Whatever do you mean? Do you not like my outfit? I believe it makes me look like a proper businessman.


    Derek snorted. It looks like Im going to see your face stered on a bench on the side of the road. He said.


    Geoffrey frowned for the first time since they met. Why would there be a bench on the side of the road?


    Public transportation. Derek answered.


    What?


    Nothing. Derek waved him off. Anyway, heres the deal. Are you still willing to do the job at cost? Im tired of discussing it today, and youve earned a little trust because of what you told me.


    Of course, but like I said, you will get a much better deal from someone else. Plus, I will have to stick to the materials you requested instead of any upgrades. Geoffrey replied, rather surprised.


    Good, then well do that. Derek said. Follow me to the hotel so we can draw up a contract. He then looked at Rudy. Rudy, I expect a decent contract from you.


    Of course. Rudy said. My contracts are always great. Im alive, arent I?


    Soon, they were all sitting at a table in the hotel. Rudy was magicking a contract in front of everyone, and Geoffrey had called his own contract writer to look over the details for him. After some time, Rudy put the final touches on the contract and slid it over to Geoffreys man.


    The weasel-like man with brown hair and pointy nose took the contract and began reading. The longer he read, the bigger the frown was on his face. Eventually, he looked up.


    Boss, are you sure about this? He asked Geoffrey.


    Whats wrong? Geoffrey asked.


    Well technically, nothing is wrong, but are you sure about the price? Just the cost of materials? Is this a favor? If it is, why are we even making a contract?


    Geoffrey snorted. Judd, you are making too many assumptions. Is the contract good or not?


    Its good. Sorry, boss. He slid the contract over to Geoffrey.


    Geoffrey put his hand on it and injected his mana signature into it before sliding the contract over to Derek.


    We good? He asked Rudy.


    Rudy nodded. Of course. Its a pretty basic contract, no special uses needed for anything. Were not trying to pull a fast one on Geoffrey here, and I dont suspect him to try to pull a fast one on us. He looked at Geoffrey. Well, I dont think hell pull a fast one on you, at least.


    Geoffrey clicked his tongue. Now, I do not understand why everyone is always so vignt around me.


    Like it was arranged beforehand. Everyone at the table, including Judd, Brandi, and Mal, all chimed in at the same time. Your clothes.


    Geoffrey stared at everyone, aghast. Before long, Brandi broke out inughter and everybody followed suit.


    Calming down, Derek sent his mana signature into the contract and stood. Geoffrey, I look forward to seeing what you can do.


    Geoffrey nodded. Ill have my guys at your lot within the hour. Youre wee to oversee the building process yourself. Actually, I prefer it. You may see something you want to change, and its easier to do so while in the construction process than after its finished.


    Derek nodded. I have to swing by an alchemy shop first, but Ill be there after.

 Chapter 166: Romans Potions and Brews

    Chapter 166: Roman''s Potions and Brews


    Derek and Geoffrey shook hands. Thanks for all of the information, Geoffrey.


    The skeezy businessman showed a smile that actually increased his sleaziness. It was the least I could do for a person of your stature.


    Derek nodded before turning his head towards Rudy. Rudy. He said.


    Yeah? The contract writer answered.


    Go with Geoffrey to the build site. Derek said.


    Rudy nodded. Alright.


    Turning back to Rey, Derek said, Its not that I dont trust you, actually, I probably trust you more than I should. I just like the idea of having someone watching over everything at all times. Plus, Rudy has a vested interest in the building, as he will be conducting business there as well. He exined.


    Geoffrey nodded. No need to exin. Its actually a good idea. Knowing that someone from the clients side is there watching will give my workers a little more motivation. Ill be sure to let them know exactly who the client is this time.


    Derek chuckled. You do that. Ill be around sometimeter to check in on the progress.


    With that, Geoffrey left the hotel, two contract writers in tow. Left at the table were only Derek, Mal, Brandi, and Silvi, who had shifted from Brandis arms over to the table. Derek could read Silvis mind. She expected food, but he would have to disappoint her.


    <em>No lunch here. </em>He said to her.


    <em>When? </em>She asked back.


    <em>Soon. Well pick up something on our way to the Alchemy shop. Im sure we can find some vendors or something. </em>Derek exined.


    Silvi didnt answer back. In an instant, she was back in the girls arms, waiting for their next move. She was ying the very role of azy bunny today.


    Derek pped his hands. Alright. Ive made some ns for us today, other than just getting the ball rolling on the building. Theres somebody that I need to introduce Brandi to. I think youll like him.


    Whos that? Mal asked.


    Just someone I met yesterday. I told him Id swing by his shop in the next few days. I didnt expect everything with the contractors to go so well, so Ive got some free time on my hands and we can go today. Derek exined.


    Derek had everyone follow him out of the hotel and to where Roman had told him his shop was. Brandis ss would help her with the basics of most of the crafts she could do, but nothing would help as much as a good mentor.


    After a small trek through the city, stopping at a few street vendors to grab Silvi something to satiate her, the group came upon Romans Potions and Brews. To Dereks surprise, the Alchemy shop seemed to be the exact opposite of the bar that Roman owned. While the bar was seedy, and in a seedy location, the shop was in a good part of the city and was more than well maintained.


    The shop had a proper sign that was even more vibrant than other shops. Derek did a quick <strong>Identify </strong>to check on the materials used for the building. He was bbergasted at the cost the halfling must have paid for the materials. While the shop didnt use the same materials as the Crown did, it wasnt too far off.


    <em>How much did Roman pay for his? Not to mention where the building is located. This is prime real estate. </em>He thought. Everything he was seeing today was far out of his expectation after getting to know the halfling yesterday.


    Derek let out a breath. This is it.


    Alchemy! Brandi nearly shouted. Is the person you want me to meet an Alchemist?


    Derek nodded. Yup. Like I said, I met him yesterday, and we hit it off. I agreed to do something for him, and I n on having him help you get acquainted with Alchemy in exchange.


    Thank you so much! Brand eximed.


    Derek smiled. Its not a problem. Now, follow me.


    He opened the double doors into the shop. Once inside, he gave the lobby a quick nce. Multiple guards were stationed around each door. Most of the vials of potions were in disy cases that Derek only assumed were warded with runes. There were many customers staring at potions inside the disce cases.


    As soon as he walked in, he was noticed by one of the store employees.


    Wee to Romans Potions and Brews. An older gentleman with ashy ck hair weed.


    Derek caught the man quickly ncing at the badge on his arm and smiled. Thank you. He said.


    The old man smiled back. How might I help you today? Im sure we have some potions that you would be interested in. Anything you want, you need only ask, and I will help.


    Actually. Derek said. I was talking with Roman yesterday and he told me to drop by. I had nned oning sometimeter, but some of my time opened up today, so I decided toe by today.


    A spark of recognition shed in the old mans eyes. You must me Mr. Hunt. He said.


    Derek nodded in confirmation.


    Well, it is an honor to meet you, sir. Master Mills told me to be expecting you. Please follow me. Im sure he wouldnt want to keep you waiting. The man said.


    Derek nodded and followed behind the older man. Malorie and Brandi followed behind Derek. The way the man treated Derek grabbed the attention of some of the customers in the store, but they could only watch on as Derek andpany were led to the back of the store.


    The store employee soon opened a door into a room that had a smell that almost knocked Derek down. It wasnt a particrly bad smell, just odd. Inside the room was a halfling who was intensely concentrated on a cauldron on a workstation in front of him.


    The old man gave Derek, Mal, and Brandi a serious look and ced his finger over his mouth. Gesturing for silence from them. Derek nodded.


    They all watched the man, especially Brandi. Roman grabbed a pinch of some powerying to the side and slowly sprinkled in the pot while his other hand was covered in a green glow and ced on the side of the cauldron.


    Roman closed his eyes and made a swirling gesture with his now free hand. The liquid in the cauldron began to turn. Soon, Romans eyes shot open and his free hand turned glowed red. His other hand moved from the cauldron and glowed red as well.


    With both hands above the cauldron, Roman slowly pushed them together until they touched. Finally, he breathed a sigh of relief as he flicked his hand and a small amount of liquid flew from the cauldron and into a ss vial to the side.


    The halfling wiped the sweat from his brow as he nced to the side where Derek was standing.


    A bright smile formed on his face. Derek! I didnt expect to see you today. How nice!


    Derek smiled and walked over. When he reached the workstation, which wasnt very tall since it amodated the halflings height, he nced into the cauldron. It was empty.


    Was that vial all you made in such a big cauldron? He asked.


    This? Roman held a vial containing a magical green liquid up. It was a special order. The customer provided the ingredients for one vial, so thats what I made. This little potion is worth 8,500 gold.


    Derek widened his eyes. Damn Maybe Im in the wrong business.


    Roman snorted. I dont know about that. It took me decades to get to the point where I could make a potion like this without failing. Those ingredients arent so easily obtained. Each set of ingredients costs 4,000 gold or more, depending on the market. If I wasnt confident in my skills, I wouldnt take on a task like this.


    I see. Derek said. So, what does it do?


    Roman smiled oddly, then looked at Brandi and Malorie standing at the entrance. He looked back at Derek and motioned him closer, causing Derek to bend down to lend an ear. Lowly, he whispered, It increases Stamina, Virility, and Competence. He chuckled silently. It looks like a noble is nning on making another heir.


    Derek stood back up and shook his head. I see. I guess a potion like that would sell for such an outrageous price.


    Indeed. Roman said. So, what brought you by today?


    I just happened to have some free times on my hands and decided to swing by and pay you a visit. Maybe even do some of that work we discussed yesterday. Derek replied.


    Romans eyes brightened. Really? If youre serious, I have some potions ready right now. What do you want forpensation? How about 5,000 no 10,000 gold per vial?


    Derek waved Roman off. I told you I had something else in mind forpensation. He then pointed at Brandi. She is an aspiring Alchemist. I was hoping you could help her learn more about the craft. Im not asking for you to take her as a disciple. Just guide her here and there. Shes a quick learner.


    Roman narrowed his eyes, then walked over to Brandi. He walked around the girl, inspecting her. Hmm such a low level, yet you already have a crafting ss. He said. How old are you? Did you just unlock the Great System recently?


    Derek watched, amused. Brandi was actually around a half inch taller than Roman, which made his inspection seem quite funny to Derek.


    Brandi nervously answered the mans questions. I do have a crafting ss Ive only had ess to the Great System for a short time. Umm Derek helped me get to level ten and unlock my ss.


    And what ss is that? Roman asked. Interested.


    Her own. Derek said, causing Roman to turn back toward him in interest. Its not for you, or anybody else to ask about. Just know that is a rare ss, and I have high expectations for her. Dereks tone showed that there was no room for negotiations.


    Roman nodded. I understand. Id be happy to lend the girl my expertise as long as youre willing to lend me yours. He said.


    Of course. Derek said. Shall we get started?

 Chapter 167: Lesson

    Chapter 167: Lesson


    Shall we get started? Derek asked.


    Roman nodded. One second. If Im going to teach what was your name again? He asked Brandi.


    Brandi. She answered.


    If Im going to teach Brandi Alchemy, Im going to do it right. Roman walked back over to his workstation and stuffed everything into his storage ring. Then he walked over to a desk and pulled a ring out of a drawer.


    Back at his workstation, he beganying out different items and materials. There were beast parts, nts, and otherponents. Once finished with the materials, he summoned a different cauldron out of the new ring.


    This is a beginner cauldron. It can handle potions and poisons good enough for those at level 40 or so. It should be just about perfect for someone just on the path, like you. He said to Brandi. Now, are you able to recognize the materials here? How much information has your ss given you?


    Brandi walked over to the workstation. She ran her hands over the different materialsid out. Finally, she nodded. I know most of them. The materials over here are used in basic health potions, right? She pointed at a set of materials. Those are for stamina, and those are for mana, right? She had sparkles in her eyes as she asked Roman.


    The halfling nodded. Exactly. It seems the information provided by your ss is good. The materials are all for the basic versions of the potions. Now, are you able to see anything else of note?


    Brandi focused hard on the materials. Finally, she picked up a nt and moved it closer to her eyes. This I feel like I should be able to use it along with the other materials. She furrowed her brows. Its like if I use this, I could make more than one potion at a time? She looked up.


    Roman smiled. Close. That is the root of a Furgrave nt. If you use it, you can actuallybine everything here to make one low level basic potion that restores health, stamina, and mana. Of course, the effects are not as good as using a single potion, about 80%. Still, sometimes you only have enough time in battle to take one potion.


    Anyway, Im surprised that you were able to guess anything about the root. Roman walked over and put away two materials. Those didnt have anything to do with these materials. I added them as a test. They were actually high level materials, used for potions for those well over level 100. Heughed.


    Now, lets get started. He motioned for Brandi to stand beside him. Do you know the basics of using a cauldron to make potions?


    I do. I need to process everything first, then control the heat as I add andbine the materials, right? She asked.


    Putting it simply, yes. He answered, then waved his hand over the workstation. He set multiple copies of the previous materials out. This is enough materials to make 20 of each potion. What I want you to do is practice making each potion. Stop after using five sets and I wille and view your progress. After that, Ill see what you need help with. You are free to use my workstation.


    Finally, Roman turned back to Derek. Please wait a moment while I go fetch Freia.


    Roman walked through the door Derek and gang had been brought through. Not long after, he reappeared with a tall, dark-skinned woman with purple hair pulled back out of her eyes. A pair of purple framed sses that matched her hair covered her hazel eyes. As she trailed behind Roman, she wore a bored expression on her face.


    Derek, this is Freia, my assistant. Shes quite the Alchemist herself, but shes more interested in researching and Herbology. Roman introduced her. Freia, this is Derek Hunt, a new Onyx Ranked Adventurer. Hes here in Shaes ce to help us with some testing.


    Derek carefully watched the womans face. Even when Roman announced that Derek was Onyx Ranked, she didnt change her bored expression. However, when he told her that he was there to help with testing, her eyes lit up.


    Is he as good as Shae? She asked in a hopeful tone.


    You know, its rude to talk about me like that when Im in the room with you. Derek said.


    Dont mind her. Roman said. Shes very tenacious when ites to her research.


    Derek wasnt actually offended. He just wanted to see her reaction.


    Sorry. She said. Are you as good as Shae in testing? She directly asked him.


    Derek shrugged. I should be pretty good. Ive never done it before, so I cant tell you for certain. We are about to find out, though.


    Great! She shed a smile. Lets go.


    Hold on. Roman said, as he focused on Brandi. Remember my instructions. Ill be back soon. Ill know if you ck off.


    Brandi nodded sharply before looking at Derek. What kind of testing are you doing? She asked.


    Derek waved her question off. Oh, its nothing to be worried about. It wont take too long. Dont squander this chance. You heard how much gold that potion he created was, right? Youll be able to do something like that soon.


    Come on, I have a testing room in the back. Roman told Derek before heading through another door.


    Derek turned and looked at Mal, who was holding Silvi. You two make sure she doesnt blow herself up.


    Malorie smiled. Dont worry. I wont take her out of my sight.


    <em>Then we go get dinner. </em>Silvi chimed in.


    <em>You just ate a bunch of street food before we got here. Besides, its not even close to dinner time. Its barely lunch time. </em>Derek said.


    <em>We missed lunch?! </em>Silvi half screamed inside his head. <em>We have to get extra to make up for it. </em>


    Derek rolled his eyes and followed through the door behind Freia. <em>Silly gluttonous rabbit. </em>He thought.


    Derek followed the Alchemist and his assistant through a short hallway and into another room. When he entered the room with him, he examined it. Surprisingly, the room was made out of the same obsidian the hotel was made out of. The room was pretty bare. There was nothing but a table in the center, surrounded by chairs, and a shelf on one wall. The shelf held many vials of different color potions or poisons.


    Surprised? Roman asked. I had a lot of gold on hand when I moved from my previous location to this one, but not enough to make those whole building out of the stuff. Besides, its just not a material that is practical. He said. So, I only used it to enforce this one room, which eventually became my testing room. The Dragon Forged Obsidian is able to handle a lot of abuse that maye from potions that just happen to explode.


    Wait, are you saying that theres a possibility of a potion exploding inside me after I drink it? Derek asked hesitantly.


    No, no. That would never happen probably. Roman said. Ive already given the potions ready for testing the drop test, so unless you have something that hasnt been digested in your stomach that interacts with theponents of the potions, you should be fine probably. Besides, are you really afraid of a little explosion?


    Yeah! If its inside of me. Derek answered.


    Nonsense. Roman walked over to the table, which was also made out of the same obsidian material as the room, and sat down. Derek had to hide hisughter as the man jumped into the chair and let his feet dangle like a little kid. Finally, Roman pulled three different vials out of his ring and sat them on the table. Well start with these three.


    Freia walked over and sat beside Roman, taking one of the vials in hand. The liquid inside was a bright blue, almost neon. This possible potion has some ingredients that are used for Intelligence and Willpower. Were hoping that we were able to increase the effects of those materials.


    She then took the next potion, which was a brown color. It looked like tap water that hade out of a faucet with rusty pipes. This may increase your Endurance.


    <em>Thats reassuring. </em>Derek thought. <em>Nothing is more encouraging that may increase. </em>


    Finally, she grabbed a potion that was actually changing colors on the fly. This potion may do something. She said.


    Something? Derek asked. He couldnt believe that they didnt even have an idea about the rainbow potion.


    Well Roman put his hands up. I created this potion four years ago, but I havent been able to talk Shae into testing it. I had a bunch of rare ingredients left over from some orders. The problem was that anything ingredients that I didnt use within the timeframe would have to be returned to the clients. I couldnt let that happen, and I didnt have a lot of time left to make multiple potions. So, Ibined them all into this one potion. He grinned. It was sessful.


    And you want me to test it?


    Very much so. Roman replied. If you do, Ill treat that girl in there as if shes my own disciple.


    Derek frowned and ground his teeth. Well see. He finally said. First, lets start with he Willpower one. It shouldnt be too bad. Ill make my decision once Ive tested the other two.


    Great! Both Freia and Roman shouted at the same time.


    Derek walked over and grabbed the possible potion. <em>Here goes nothing.</em>

 Chapter 168: Potion Testing

    Chapter 168: Potion Testing


    Derek stared intensely at the near neon blue potion in his hand. <em>So, this one is supposed to work on my mind. It seemed to be the one that they were the most confident about, so it shouldnt be too hard on me. Still, they were hesitant to give it to Shae, so I should at least make some preparations.</em>


    <em>I guess the first thing I should do is increase all my recovery just in case its powerful. </em>With that thought, Derek slipped into <strong>Greater Meditation</strong>. It was his failsafe if something bad happened. He hoped that his increased health recover while in a meditative state could counter any possible damage he would receive from the potion.


    After he used <strong>Greater Meditation, </strong>Derek pulled up his stats so he could see what effects the potion was having on him. Then, he could report his findings to Roman and Freia. Derek looked at the potion, then at the two Alchemists. He released a deep breath. Here goes nothing.


    Derek popped the top of the potion and brought it to his mouth. In one swift motion, he tilted his head back, and the potion flooded his mouth. The potion had a very light taste, almost like water with a hint of coconut. If he had to describe it, he would say it was refreshing. <em>It would be better if it were cold. </em>


    After sloshing the liquid around in his mouth for a moment, he swallowed. Immediately, he focused his attention on his stats, waiting for any type of increase or decrease. Nothing happened Just as he was about to voice his concerns, the pain hit.


    The pain was bad. It took him back to when he first arrived at this new world, but was much worse. It felt like his brain was being stabbed repeatedly all over. Instantly, he knew exactly what was happening. He was having multiple aneurysms at the same time. After the vessels burst, they would heal, only to burst again. It was torture.


    The worst part was that Derek couldnt focus. His meditation had failed after a few moments. There was too much going on for to stay in the meditative state. Not being able to meditate meant that his recovery was only a fraction of what it should have been.


    Derek did his best to focus on his health, which was rapidly decreasing. It had only been moments and his health was at 70%. Each time a vessel burst, a chunk of his health went with it. It seemed like it was a critical hit with each sessive rupture. Instinctively, he knew that if his health hit zero, he would die. There would be no second chance. He wouldnt enter the Dying State, he would just die.


    It would be the same as somebody getting their head chopped off. If the hit was critical enough, the Dying State would be skipped and you would just end up dead.


    At 50% health, Derek was finally able to focus enough to cast <strong>Rejuvenation</strong>, but it wasnt enough to do much. Then, he cast <strong>Cure Toxin</strong>, and barely muttered, Health potion.


    Immediately, Freia was beside him, pouring a red potion down his throat. Derek was so out of it that he wouldnt have been able to stop her, even if he wanted to. Luckily, the health potion she used seemed to be a good one. Soon, his health was back up to 60% and battling against the damage.


    His HP kept fluctuating between 55% to 60%. The worry in his mind lessened. He cast <strong>Cure Toxin </strong>again once it was off cooldown. He still had a while before he could use <strong>Rejuvenation </strong>again, though. Actually, <strong>Cure Toxin</strong> didnt do anything. Apparently, the potion wasnt a toxin or poison.


    With the panic gone, Derek soon got used to the small explosions happening throughout his brain. He was finally able to slip back into <strong>Greater Meditation</strong>. With that, his health slowly moved its way back up to 99%. Derek closed his eyes and focused on his increased regeneration as he waited for the effects of the potion to wear off.


    After a long time, which, to Dereks surprise, turned out to only be a few minutes, the pain lessened and the vessels in his brain slowly stopped rupturing. He could onlypare what happened to popcorn. It was like the vessels were kernels and they rapidly popped until there werent any more left. The pain was as excruciating as the calm after was rxing.


    Once he could properly breathe again, Derek took a look at his stats. Both his Intelligence and Willpower had exactly a 10% increase. His analysis was further confirmed when he noticed a notification waiting for him. With a thought, he viewed it.


    Unknown Potion Ingested


    +10% increase to Intelligence and Willpower for the next 30 minutes.


    <em>That was 100% not worth it. </em>He thought.


    Finally, he opened his eyes and red at the two Alchemists that were looking at him like he was a ghost. That potion was a failure. He said.


    What was wrong with it? What exactly happened? Roman asked as he handed Derek a clean cloth.


    That was when Derek noticed his current state. He looked down, only to see a giant puddle of blood. He went to wipe his face with the clean cloth, only to see that it was already stained with blood that had covered his hands. After looking at the cloth, he looked at Roman. Really?


    Roman shrugged, then smiled. Its the thought that counts.


    Dereks entire body, from his eyes down, was covered in blood. ording to the two Alchemists, when the potion activated, blood poured out of every orifice on his head. They too were stunned, and only came back to when Derek requested a health potion. The blood from his ears had run down his shoulders onto his hands, and the blood from his face ran down his chin, to his torso, then finally down to his feet.


    Luckily, Derek had the perfect skill for the situation. Quickly, he cast <strong>Cleaning </strong>until he, his clothes, and the floor were blood free.


    Well? Freia asked.


    Derek shook his head. If anything, I would call this a Potion of Assassination. He said.


    What do you mean? Roman asked.


    Derek went on to exin everything he experienced. From the aneurysms and pain, to not being able to focus enough to use his skills, to the increase in stats once everything was over with.


    Roman nodded at Dereks exnations. Assassination in deed.


    Dereks health was sitting at 16,500 HP. It had gone all the way down to 8,000 HP before he tried to heal himself. It still decreased afterward due to the potion and was only able to restore itself because of the potions he was given.


    What was that potion you gave me? He asked.


    Potion of Greater Restoration. Freia answered. It restores 90% of your health over the course of one minute.


    Derek thought about that. Once he took the potion, he was able to meditate and relieve the effects of the test potion. Finally, he shook his head. That potion dealt over 20,000 points of damage to me in those few minutes.


    Both of the Alchemists eyes widened in disbelief. Finally, Roman asked, How big is your health pool?


    Derek shook his head. Thats only for me to know. Just know that it is big and I have a lot and I mean A LOT of regeneration. And it still did over 20,000 points of damage, probably way more than that. So, all that for a 10% increase in those two stats its not worth it. But I dont believe there are more than a handful of people who would be able to survive taking it.


    Roman nodded. I agree.


    So, the potion is actually worth a lot. I would say that it would be worth more than whatever you were trying to make. Its basically a guaranteed kill for almost anyone or anything in the kingdom assuming it works on beasts the same way it works on humans. Derek exined. <em>And Modified Humans at that. </em>He thought, remembered his status.


    You are correct, but I dont think Ill be selling something like that. Roman added. Then, he gave Derek a huge grin. I just leveled up.


    That stunned Derek. Really?


    Roman nodded. Thats the thing about Alchemy. You get XP for the process, but you also get a chunk of XP for creating something original. The XP is based on the rarity and power of the creation. I just received a notification about sessfully creating a Potion of Greater Mind Destruction, and enough XP to increase my level from mid-way through 211 to a quarter way through 212.


    Thats crazy! Derek eximed. Not just the amount of experience earned, but that you just casually told me your level.


    Roman chuckled. Im an Alchemist. Its to my advantage to advertise my level, unlike you sneaky warrior types. The more people that know my level, the more business it generates. Especially since they know how leveling a crafting ss works. Knowing that my level increased from 211 to 212 in such a short time lets them know that I have achieved something incredible. Which, in return, will generate even more business. Which will give me more money and materials. There is no downside for it. He exined.


    Derek shook his head. I guess


    Plus, they all know that I have the backing of an Onyx Ranked Adventurer who just happens to be a Guild Master. Im not exactly a good target. Roman continued.


    Derek smiled. Well, congrattions I guess.


    Thanks! Roman said. Now time for the next potion. His eyes sparkled as he stared at the next potion.

 Chapter 169: Potion Testing II

    Chapter 169: Potion Testing II


    Derek gazed at the brown potion on the table. Inwardly, he wanted to grab Brandi and Mal and leave the shop. However, he had made a trade, and he nned on sticking to his word.


    How about we wait until the affects of the previous potion wear off? We wouldnt want them to interfere with the new potion, would we? Derek said to buy himself some time. He seriously doubted that any part of the Potion of Mind Destruction would cause any interaction.


    Hmm Roman touched his hand to his chin before nodding. Yes, I suppose we should. He said. Im going to check on the girl, make sure she hasnt blown herself up.


    With that, Roman disappeared from the room. Derek let out a deep breath and sat down at the table. He was free to recover his mindset for 30 minutes. He closed his eyes and meditated. asionally opening them and stealing a nce at Freia, who was madly writing notes in her notebook. It seemed like nothing else in the world mattered to the woman.


    30 minutes passed much more quickly than Derek would have liked. Exactly 30 minutes after Roman left, down to the second, the door swung open and the halfling entered. Its time! He announced.


    Hows Brandi doing? Derek changed the subject.


    Roman waved Derek off. Plenty of time to talk about herter. Now its time for the next potion. He put his hand on the vial and slid it to where Derek was sitting.


    Derek sighed. Fine. He picked up the nasty looking brown potion. <em>If thest one was supposed to increase Intelligence and willpower, yet made my brain explode, I wonder if this Endurance one is going to cause my bones to break. </em>The memory of his bones cracking and his skin itching from making a breakthrough in his Endurance was still at the front of his mind. He could handle the breaking bones, but the itching


    Do you have another one of those Healing Potions? It doesnt have to be as strong as the one you gave me earlier, but I wouldnt mind some increased regeneration at the beginning after thatst potion. Derek realized that potion testing was the most dangerous thing he had signed up for since arriving at this new world.


    Roman pulled another red vial out of his storage ring and handed it to Derek. However, before Derek was able to drink it, the halfling stopped him. Wait until side effects from the potion kick in before you take the Regeneration Potion. We wouldnt want the potions to mix, now would we?


    <em>Hes evil! </em>The halfling Alchemist used Dereks reasoning against him. Derek squinted at the Alchemist. Youre lucky I like you. Then, before saying anything else, he tilted the vial back, and the potion flooded his mouth.


    If the previous potion was like a light refreshing drink, then the current one was like drinking mud. It was thick and slimy, and very hard to swallow. As it went down, it scratched the roof of his mouth and throat. It was like a blend of sandpaper and water.


    Ugh. Derek said.


    What is it? What did it do? Roman excitedly asked.


    Freia, on the other hand, was standing close to Derek, staring deeply at him with her notebook at the ready.


    Its nasty. Derekmented.


    Thats it? Roman was disappointed.


    Not all potions have immediate effects. Freia pointed out.


    Still, the three waited. The previous potion worked quite quickly after Derek drunk it, but the new one was going on 30 seconds with no apparent changes to Derek.


    Derek shrugged. I dont know what to tell you. He said, but realized that his shoulders felt weird when he shrugged.


    He stood from his chair and moved his body around. Actually, Im feeling pretty stiff. He continued stretching, his movements became slower and slower. His eyes widened. What the hell?


    What is it? Roman asked.


    Im not sure. Derek frowned. Its like theres anotheryer under my skin, but its less flexible and doesnt ount for my joints. And its getting less and less flexible as time goes by. He moved his arms in a circr motion.


    He hadnt gotten any notifications yet, but he also hadnt received any from thest potion until he survived the mind destruction part of it. He figured that was because the system wasnt in the charity business of notifying people that they had been poisoned. After taking regr potions, he didnt receive notifications, either. <em>Maybe its a ime thing with new potions. </em>He thought.


    Derek waited for the process to continue within his body. None of his stats were changed during the process, and he wasnt losing any health, so he was more than willing to ride the effects of the potion out.


    Finally, after a few minutes of stiffening, a weird substance began to form on top of his skin, forming ayer over the top. Theyer was a pale gray color. Dereks best guess was that the same substance was covering his muscles and bones, as well as organs other than his skin. Before long, he realized what the potion was causing.


    Its like petrification. He spoke, even though it was a task to even move his jaw.


    Thats not good. Roman said. But I guess it makes sense.


    Why does it make sense? Derek asked.


    Roman shrugged. Some of the ingredients came from a beast that causes petrification, but nothing like this. Its definitely a mutated version. My hypothesis was that the material would provide some hardening to the skin, not unlike what happens when you breakthrough in Endurance.


    Derek nodded. Look like its a failure, though. He flexed his arms and some of the substance crumbled from them. I cant think of any scenarios where this would be convenient. I would guess that the process would even shut down the organs of a person with less Endurance or Vitality. Im sure Shae could handle it, but I dont know about others.


    Freia scribbled some notes in her book. A failure, but not without information gained.


    Indeed. Roman agreed.


    Derek waited for the potion to wear off. The substance disappeared just as it had appeared. It was like everything was reabsorbed back into Dereks body. The system didnt even give a notification about the potion once everything wasplete.


    Roman chuckled. I just got a notification about an Iplete Potion of Petrification.


    Derek nodded. Well, at least that one wasnt too bad.


    Thats usually how the testing ends up. Thest potion was a rare urrence. Freia replied.


    How much experience did you get for that potion? Derek asked Roman.


    Roman shook his head. Maybe one percent of my bar. Iplete potions dont do much. If it wasnt one that used such high-level ingredients, I wouldnt have even gotten that much.


    Im going to wait 30 minutes just to make sure everything from that potion is out of my system before I take this rainbow potion. Derek said. He felt like 30 minutes was a good window between testing. Most potions and meals gave buffs thatsted around 30 minutes on average.


    Roman nodded. Ill go see if the little Alchemist improved in her next batch after I pointed out a few things.


    Derek was d that it seemed like Roman was taking his mentorship with Brandi seriously.


    As if reading his mind, Freia spoke. You dont have to worry about that girl. One thing Roman doesnt joke about is teaching Alchemy. If he agreed to it, then he will give his all. He taught me, so I would know.


    Derek nodded. Thanks.


    Freia put her head back in her notebook without replying.


    30 minutes quickly passed and Roman reappeared in the room. He pped his hands. Ive been waiting for a long time to have someone test that potion.


    Derek smiled. Well, lets get to it then.


    He still gripped the red potion in his left hand, just in case. Roman gingerly picked up the rainbow colored potion and handed it to Derek. Derek took it and uncorked the vial.


    Heres to not dying. He said as he turned the vial up and poured it into his mouth.


    The vor was nothing. It had less of a taste than water. It was just wet. <em>How weird. </em>He thought as he swallowed it. Not even a few seconds after drinking the potion, he felt something. <em>It seems like this is one of the potions that activates instantly. </em>


    Derek braced himself for the pain. He slipped into <strong>Greater Meditation</strong> to prepare for the worst. But, no pain came. Instead, he felt a slight buzzing throughout his entire body. It was almost like the feeling of his arm waking up after having fallen asleep, except it was happening everywhere.


    Derek kept an eye on his health to make sure it wasnt decreasing without him feeling it. Instead, he was stunned by what he found. His HP had actually increased by 75 points. He looked down at his Vitality stat only to see that it had gone up by five points. Finally, he looked at his other stats. Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, and Vitality had all increased by five points.


    Derek frowned. <em>Such a small increase in my stats that wouldnt help me at all in a battle. </em>He couldnt help but think about how useless the potion was. <em>Then again, Im spoiled when ites to stats. It is 20 points thats two entire levels for some people. </em>


    Soon, though, all of his disappointment in the potion disappeared when he focused on a notification that had appeared.


    Unknown Potion Ingested


    +5 Points to Strength


    +5 Points to Dexterity


    +5 Points to Endurance


    +5 Points to Vitality


    <em>Theres no time limit. </em>He realized that the stat increases from the potion were permanent. His eyes darted to Roman, who just happened to let out what Derek could only describe as a squeal of joy.


    What! Freia couldnt contain herself as her gaze rapidly flickered between Roman and Derek while waiting for an answer.


    Derek smiled. Did you use parts of a Void Beast in this potion?


    Roman looked up until his eyes met Dereks before his face shifted into a giant grin. May.be.

 Chapter 170: Potion of Physical Permanence

    Chapter 170: Potion of Physical Permanence


    Derek inwardly smiled and shook his head. <em>The Void Beast seems to be the prime ingredient in anything that permanently increases stats. I also have the cheat that allows me to provide said ingredients. However, I need to get stronger before taking that chance again. In the few times Ive seen Void Beasts, one was intelligent. With such odds, it would when, not if, I summoned one even stronger.</em>


    What parts of the Void Beast did you use? Derek asked.


    Roman frowned. Recipes and forms were precious treasures to Alchemists. It made sense that Roman would be hesitant to give Derek the exact ingredients.


    Dont worry. Derek said. Im not going to swear an oath, but rest assured, anything I learn will most likely benefit you.


    Roman let out a sigh. I suppose you remember the Prince hunting a Void Beast a while ago?


    Derek nodded. He had heard about the Prince and his team hunting down a Void Beast that was wreaking havoc on some viges.


    Well, many forms have interchangeable ingredients. Especially things like ws and teeth. If the form calls for ground ws of a beast, you can usually experiment a little with the form until you find an eptable bnce for a substitute ingredient. Roman exined.


    I guess that makes sense. Im not much of a crafter, so I will take your word.


    Well the Prince had a bunch of ws and teeth from his Void Beast, but nothing to use them on. He wasnt in any need of any weapon that could be crafted with those ingredients, so he decided to try Alchemy. Im known for my experiments. Roman said.


    Derek chuckled. I can see that.


    Most Alchemists didnt want to touch the ingredients for fear of letting the Prince down. Me not so much. Ive met the Prince, and he has a pretty decent character. He wouldnt harm a crafter for failing an experiment. The halfling exined. Now, Void Beast parts do not appear on the mark almost ever. So, obviously, I volunteered for the project. He shed a smile. I may have taken advantage of a loophole in our contract, which was quite loose, by using the remaining ingredients on a personally project after sessfully creating the potion I was tasked with.


    So, you changed a form for the Prince, and seeded easier than he would think, then took the remaining ws and teeth to experiment with your own projects. I guess the Prince thinks you used all the materials on his potion? Derek asked.


    Roman looked at his feet in embarrassment. I did give him three potions. They were great potions, too. The loss of ingredients was more than eptable to him. He even offered extrapensation for the potions, but I humbly rejected him.


    Derek snorted. Yeah humbly.


    After Romans exnation, Derek thought about some things. <em>The ws, teeth, and hide of three Void Beasts are owed to me once nahs people prep the beasts. The difference between the materials will be vast, though. The baby Void Beasts materials wont be nearly as good when ites to providing those stats through Alchemy, but at the same time, the intelligent Void Beast materials may be too much to work with. </em>


    <em>Still, it may be worth it to allow Roman to have some of the materials for his potion. Ste once told me that the extra stats the Void Beasts gave were more personal than the stats given by the Great System. Im not sure what that means, but it couldnt be bad. </em>He thought. <em>Maybe Roman could help Brandi with a recipe that uses the lesser ingredients.</em>


    Howmon were the other ingredients you used? Derek suddenly asked.


    Roman tilted his head in thought before speaking. Without the cost of the Void Beast Material I could get the remaining ingredients for around 14,000 gold.


    How much do you think you could sell one of those Rainbow Potions for? Derek asked.


    How much? Roman scratched his chin. Its hard to put a price tag on something that gives permanent stat boosts however, I know that the meals the Crown prepares only increase Strength, Intelligence, and Endurance, so the increase in Dexterity, and especially in Vitality would increase the price even if it is just by five points.


    So? Derek asked.


    Roman shrugged. I dont know 60,000 gold per potion, more even. You could probably trade for some good stuff as well. Its not like it matters. You cant grow Void Beast ws and teeth, and you certainly cant farm them. With the scarcity of Void Beasts and ways to gain permanent stats, you could probably sell the potions for well above what they are worth.


    Derek mimicked the halfling by rubbing his chin. Finally, he spoke. I have a deal with the Crown. He said, grabbing Romans attention. What if I could get you the ws and teeth from three Void Beasts? How many potions could you create with that? How hard would it be toe up with the other ingredients? What is your sess rate in creating the potion?


    Romans eyes shined at Dereks statement. I had heard that the Crown ns on having another Void Beast meal auction in the near future. There were also rumors that someone had pulled a Void Beast out in the middle of one of their restaurants, but you know how rumors are.


    Derek smiled. Yeah, I probably should have been more subtle than that.


    So, it was you! And your really did that? Roman said.


    Derek shrugged. Yeah.


    Roman shook his head. You are something. He was giddy with excitement. If you can get me the materials from three beasts hmm I could make at least five potions nine if luck favors me.


    If that was the case, Derek wouldnt have to worry about rent for a long time. He was still promised 18% of the profit from the Crowns auction, but he had no clue when that was happening. He believed that if he requested the materials from Ste, he would have them soon. Before, there was no rush, but after chatting with Roman, he may need to talk with her.


    How long does it take to make one of those potions? Derek asked.


    Roman shrugged. Eight hours or so. The more I make, the easier it will be.


    Okay, so, Ill get you the materials of the three beasts. One of the beasts materials may not be up to par with the other sets. Those sets of ws and teeth will probably be more suited for lesser potions. If thats the case, will you help Brandi make use of them? I know it would reduce the number of potions a great deal, but I think the ingredients from the strongest beast will make up for that.


    Roman frowned. I would rather not give such a priceless form away.


    Derek shook his head. Oh, Im not talking about that. I was thinking you could help her create new potions, like the ones you made for the Prince. It should be good for her level and experience.


    Roman nodded. I can do that, but I want to use the set to try the Potion of Physical Permanence first.


    Derek agreed with his suggestion. Is that what its called? The Potion of Physical Permanence? Talk about alliteration.


    Ill give her some forms Ivee up with for beginner Alchemists to make up for her loss if the material proves useless. Since Ive never made those potions, shell be recognized as the creator by the Great System and given the extra experience. Roman said.


    Derek nodded. Thats great. If you want to just do that, then go ahead. That should be worth more than just a couple attempts of creating something with the Void Beast materials.


    Very much so. Roman said.


    Speaking of experience, what did you get for creating that potion? Derek asked.


    Romans smile was wider than ever as he answered. I got a whole levels worth of XP for it, and an Award that lessens the instability of my potions while brewing by 5%.


    Dereks eyes widened at that. I didnt expect that.


    Neither did I. Roman replied. But thats what you get when you create something amazing that nobody else has done before.


    I guess so. Derek nodded.


    Hypothetically. Roman said. If you were able to get the materials for me, how would we split the potions?


    Derek smiled. Ive been thinking about that. He said. I want the two best potions, then we can split the profit of the rest 50/50, after taking the cost of the ingredients out, of course. Also, I may be able to get more materialster, and I we could continue with that deal. What do you think?


    The halfling alchemist nodded. Thats eptable. The experience I should gain with each sess and failure should still be good because of how rare the potion is. So, Ill still be gaining more than just the profit. We will still need to talk about the split if someone wants to offer a trade. The value of the item traded may be different to the both of us.


    Derek nodded. Agreed. Also, we will jack the prices up in the beginning just to see what we can get out of them.


    Romans teeth shined through his grin. Oh, that was a given. He agreed. But, like I said. This all hinges on whether you can provide the materials or not.


    Trust me, you dont have to worry about that. The only problem is how soon I can gather them, not if. He answered.


    Roman stepped forward with his hand out. When Derek took it, he spoke. Very well, Im looking forward to doing business with you.


    As am I.


    A light cough from the side of the room caught both of their attention. Are the two of you finished now? I would like to get back to my office so I can document what Ive seen today. Freia interrupted.


    Roman rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment. They hadpletely ignored the third person in the room. Of course youre dismissed.

 Chapter 171: Training Rayna

    Chapter 171: Training Rayna


    Earlier that morning


    Jacks watched Derek walk away with most of the group trailing him, leaving him and Rayna standing near the hotel. He was tasked with keeping an eye on and helping the woman who seemed so keen on making herself useful. When she talked about not wanting to be weak, he felt her determination.


    He knew exactly what it felt like to be in a helpless situation. Of course, his wasnt because of his strength, but because of that godforsaken contract. Still, he could take some sce in the fact that he was able to get his son out of the dangerous situation created by Torith.


    Jacks felt a fire burning inside him. He had been cooped up, doing nothing but standing guard and asionally projecting his aura. Sure, when he was under contract for Torith, he was called Captain, but that wasnt in his contract, so he didnt take it too seriously. Thest thing he wanted to do was help a group of pawns to be used by the Toriths grow stronger.


    Thats not to say he didnt enjoy training people, he did. He had helped with the training of some of his old party members. Then, he had put everything he had into training his son before sending him off to the Academy. He actually enjoyed it not as much as he enjoyed fighting beasts and testing his own skill, but close.


    Now that he was tasked with helping thedy in front of him, he nned to go all out. She was one of Dereks trustedpanions, so he would give it his all. He owed the man with the purple eyes everything, and if he was eventually able to see his son again, he would owe him even more.


    Lets go. He said with his scratchy voice.


    Where are we going? Rayna asked.


    I have to see what youre made out of first, so were going to the Adventurers Guild. He exined.


    The walk to the guild was short, and soon, they were at the front of the line. A brown-haired woman with a tan greeted them. Hello, Sir. Wee to the Savannah Adventurers Guild. How may I help you today?


    One Gold Ranked room without any extra amenities. Two hours is good. Jacks put his badge on the table in front of the woman.


    30 gold. She replied.


    Jacks ced the money on the table and, after the woman examined his badge, took it back, strapping it back to his shoulder.


    Go ahead. The woman motioned them to an opening that should have had a door, but didnt.


    Jacks nodded and led Rayna through the door, taking a turn down a hallway, until they arrived at a room. He ced his hand on a rune, causing the door to open.


    How did you know which room to go to? Rayna asked.


    This hall has the Gold Ranked rooms. He answered.


    How did the rune know to open to you?


    The attendant marked my badge before giving it back. The room is linked to my mana signature for the next two hours. He exined.


    Rayna didnt ask anymore questions, and followed him inside the room.


    Once in the training room, Jacks motioned the woman to the center. Were going to spar. He said. Well, were not going to spar. Youre going to go all out against me. I need to see your exact strength.


    Rayna nodded and walked to the middle of the room, taking the sword Derek gave her out of her ring along the way. Ready? She asked.


    Go ahead. Jacks didnt draw a weapon. He knew she was only level 53, so, even if she had a rare or epic ss, she would be no threat.


    A green glow fell over the blond womans feet as she dashed forward. She was quick for such a low level, even if she was using a skill to up her speed.


    Jacks took a step back, causing the sword to miss his face by inches. Then he sidestepped when she swung back around, aiming for his leg. Soon, she jumped back. Instead ofnding on the ground, she was floating in the air.


    Jacks felt a light breeze begin blowing around the room. Soon, the wind picked up, causing the womans long blond-hair to blow in every which direction. A light green glow fell over her sword, and she swung.


    A green crescent of energy flew sharply at him. He jumped over the first one, hearing crash as itnded on the ground behind him. Before he evennded, another de of wind was nearing. He smiled before shifting his body in the air, dodging it. A third appeared right behind the second. Before it arrived, he managed tond and move to the side.


    If she was able to fire off the des rapidly, he wouldnt risk jumping over it again. It was never a smart idea to leave the ground while fighting a wind user unless you had a good way to counter it, which he didnt.


    The spar continued like this for a while before Rayna came down, panting. Jacks released a toothy grin when he saw her state. Looks like you finally ran out of mana. I was surprised. Yousted longer than I thought, and definitelyunched that skill more than I thought would be possible. Have you invested a lot in your magic stats?


    Rayna shook her head as she panted. No, just trained the skill up as much as possible.


    Jacks nodded. Thats good. Do you have <strong>Meditation</strong>? He asked.


    Rayna snorted. Yes.


    Jacks didnt understand why the question drew such a response, but he didnt linger on it. What level?


    Seven.


    That was actually pretty good. Thats good. Go recover a bit, then well talk about what you did wrong.


    Rayna removed herself from the center of the training room and rested against one of the walls. After around ten minutes, she opened her eyes.


    Jacks walked over and sat in front of her. Youve trained the spells you used against me well, but youre overusing them. From what I can make out, youre some type of Elemental Swordsman who uses wind as your element.


    Seeing Rayna nod, he continued, Thats well and good, but you have been neglecting your physical skills. You were nowhere near as good when you fought me physically as you were when you were using your magic. Thats the first thing were going to have to focus on. Sometimes, you run out of mana, or the enemy is resistant to your magic type. In those situations, you need to be ready.


    I understand. Rayna replied.


    Good. Jacks said. I assume you have <strong>Weapons Mastery </strong>and some other skills that were given to you with your ss?


    I do. She answered.


    Great. He replied. You are level 53, but you fight way above your level. Which means you have at least a rare ss, and youve had a rare ss since at least level 25. Either that, or you somehow got your hands on an epic ss at level 50, but it feels more like a rare ss.


    Raynas eyes shot open. How did you know that?


    Experience. Jacks replied. Ive been fighting for over 50 years. You tend to learn a thing or two about sses and people.


    You dont look that old. Rayna replied.


    Good Vitality and Endurance will do that for you. Youll also have to increase your Endurance alongside your other stats so your body doesnt break with the speed youll end up having. I suspect youll end up with some passive movement boosts at level 100. That, or the chance to change to a lightning type ss. Jacks exined.


    Lightning? Rayna asked.


    Jacks nodded. Wind based sses arent asmon as fire, water, and earth, but are moremon than lightning, ice, light, molten, and others. Lightning is a natural advancement from wind, just like ice is from water. I had a chance to change to a molten type ss, but I chose to go the pure fire type. Ive never regretted my decisions. I would have lost skills that I love if I would have switched.


    Thats not to say that one shouldnt switch. Sometimes, just the jump in rarity is worth it. In my ss, the rarity was the same, it just came with extra skill points and skills. Like I said, Im a purist, so, unless you can get one of the special elements early on, or it increases your ss rarity, providing you with more stat points, I dont think its worth it.


    Rayna nodded. I dont think Ill ever switch from wind. I would for sure lose my <strong>Wind de, </strong>and Ive already invested such a long time into the skill that it wouldnt be worth it.


    I agree. Ive faced some people who became arrogant because they changed to a more rare element when they upgraded their ss at level 100. Most bumbled around, trying to use their new element the same way they used their other element. Besides, there are cases when a water de or mage gets ice skills, or an earth or fire user gets molten skills. Jacks exined.


    Rayna remained silent. Obviously thinking about the information he had provided her.


    Finally, Jacks stood. Come on. I know what were going to do now. I hope youre not opposed to getting your ass kicked.


    Rayna frowned. As long as it makes me stronger.


    Jacks chuckled for the first time. Oh, you will definitelye out stronger for it.


    If he was going to train someone, he was going to do it properly. He would give the woman the training he wished he had at her age. Training that was too harsh to give his son. He saw the resolve in the womans eyes. She could handle it.


    He took her hand and pulled her up. Lets go.

 Chapter 172: Apes

    Chapter 172: Apes


    Jacks led Rayna out of the Adventurers Guild. He had seen all he needed toe up with a n for the woman. A n she woulde to hate, but he guessed that Derek would be all for the n. If you had the correct mental fortitude, nothing would help you get stronger than getting your ass kicked over and over.


    His next destination was the teleport building. Now, he wasnt nning on taking her to a different city, he just needed to confirm something. When they got there, he had Rayna wait outside while he went in.


    Jacks waited for Shelby to finish instructing a group entering the city, then walked up.


    To what honor do I ow The Crimson de for his visit today? Shelby asked with a cheeky smile.


    Jacks rolled his eyes. Are those apes still in the same spot as thest time I was here?


    Apes?


    The Cudgel Apes. You know, those level 120 beasts that nobody wants to clear because of their health and defense. Jacks exined.


    Oh those apes. As far as I know. Theres always a quest to cull them on the Adventurers Bounty board. Never gets picked up, so it ends up bing a mission. Shelby exined.


    Thanks. Jacks turned and raised his hand in farewell.


    Wait! Shelby called out. What about those drinks?


    Jacks looked back. Im busy for the next few days. Ille by sometime after and we can go. Without another word, the former captain turned back and left.


    Cmon. He said to Rayna when he came back out. Two more stops, then well get you trained.


    What is my training? She asked.


    Just some beasts outside the city. We need to start today, before that bastard starts sending goons after us. Id guess we have a week before it isnt safe to go outside the city without Derek. Jacks exined.


    What?


    Just because that old bastard wont do anything to Derek and hispanions inside Savannah, doesnt mean he wont send people to wait outside in ambush. We need to get you capable of defending yourself, and quickly. There arent many assassins like Bones and Ogre, so if we can get your stats to upper Gold Rank or tinum Rank, we shouldnt have to worry too much about it. But we have to be quick. You dont want to rely on Derek for everything, do you? Jacks said.


    Of course not. Thats why I want to get stronger. Hes already saved my life twice. Once from a dying state.


    Jacks nodded. Then we need to hurry. Were on a clock.


    Jacks then led Rayna to an Alchemy shop that he remembered beingpetitively priced. Again, he went inside and left Rayna waiting in the street. After dropping a mindboggling amount of gold, it wasnt long before he was leading Rayna through the city once again.


    As they approached the edge of the city, they stopped at an empty plot ofnd with people all around, taking measurements. Jacks breathed a sigh of relief. Good, now I wont have to go find anybody.


    Jacks found Rudy talking to a guy with a hooked-nosed and walked over with Rayna. Rudy!


    Rudy turned in the direction of his voice. Jacks. What are you doing here?


    Was hoping to find Derek, buy youll do. Jacks said. Me and Rayna are going out to train. We probably wont be back for a few days. If were gone longer than a week, then you should start to worry. I just wanted to let Derek know. I should have bought amunications crystal, but its toote for that. Just let him know. Okay?


    Umm sure. Rudy said. Ill tell him when he gets here.


    Great. Jacks looked at thend. I take it discussions went well?


    Rudy smiled. Well, indeed. He said. Having an Onyx Badge sure does go a long way in getting things done for cheap.


    I guessed as much. Jacks had a good amount of money saved up after not spending anything in years. Even though he was basically under a ve contract before, he made sure he had a great sry for if he ever broke free.


    He nned on giving some to Derek if he needed it for the building, but doubted it woulde to that. And, as he could see, he was right.


    Rudy nodded. Yeah. Theyre building everything at cost. The boss even said that Derek could have gotten everything built for free if he would have contacted a bigger contractor.


    Jacks nodded. He did good by not doing that. Nothing is ever free. At least by doing it at cost, the favor he owes wont be too great. He exined. Anyway Im done wasting time. Were off. See everybody in a few days.


    With Rayna trailing behind, they soon exited through the gates of Savannah. There is a hunting ground not far from the city. Its very popted, but few adventurers hunt the beasts there. They are too troublesome.


    Then why are we going there? Rayna asked.


    Multiple reasons. Jacks answered. But first and foremost, there most likely wont be anyone else around, so we can train without worrying about giving away any secrets. Another reason is because the beasts only have physical damage, no magic, so they make good sparring partners. Plus, you dont have to worry about a critical hit instantly killing you.


    I see.


    Two hours of hikingter, the duo arrived at the hunting zone. The zone was a forest area, but it was sparsely popted with trees. It was more in than forest. Sure enough, there wasnt another adventurer in sight.


    The Cudgel Apes were king of the area. No other beasts were around, either. The problem with the Cudgel Apes was that they were considered pests, but were still vital for a small variety of alchemic potions. Plus, though there were many beasts that provided better materials for armor that were much easier to deal with, the armor that could be crafted from the Cudgel Apes was still decent.


    Of course, it wasnt decent enough for adventurers to hunt the harder beasts instead of the easier to kill ones. And the potions made by the materials werent as good as other potions from easier to hunt beasts.


    The apes were just as Jacks remembered them. After a quick use of <strong>Identify, </strong>he could see that most of their levels were between 110 and 135. The apes were just under chest high and had extremely thick skin. In fact, he wondered if Raynas wind would even be able to do more than just leave a mark.


    Their feet were shaped just like any other apes feet, but it was their hands that gave them their name. Instead of normal hands were abnormally clubbed fists. The apes could barely grip anything with their club like fists, but they made up for their inflexibility with their sheer strength. They swung their hands like cudgels.


    Those are what Im going to be fighting? Rayna asked with doubt.


    Jacks nodded seriously. Yes, make sure you fight one at a time. Be sure not to pull more than one.


    Rayna summoned her sword from her storage ring. I guess theres no time like the present. She stepped forward, towards the closest ape.


    Wait. Jacks stopped her. He reached his hand out. Give me your storage ring.


    Why?


    Because I cant have you relying on anything inside it. I want you to fight without leaning on anything. He exined.


    She shrugged and put her ring in his hand. Its not like I have anything in there that would help me.


    Now you can go.


    With that, Rayna walked forward until the ape was in range. Catching it off guard, sheunched one of her wind skills at it. The de of wind hit the ape on the back of the neck.


    <em>Good aim. </em>Jacks internally praised. Then he smiled as the ape turned around and charged the woman. <em>Unfortunately, its not going to be enough. </em>Surprisingly, the de did cut the beast. A small amount of blood dripped down its back as it charged at the woman.


    The ape closed in on her in a matter of seconds. In that time, sheunched two more wind des at the beast, but only caused minor damage. In an instant, the ape was on her. It swung its heavy fist at the womans midsection, causing her to sidestep.


    The clubbed fist missed her by inches. Rayna jumped to the air to rain wind down on the beast. Unfortunately, the ape jumped as well. It couldnt stay in the air like the woman could, but the flexibility and power from its legs were enough for it to keep up with her.


    Plus, she had to make sure not to drag other beasts into the fight. Her flying didnt work as well when surrounded by trees, even if there werent many of them. The ape, however, was in its natural habitat. It leaped from tree to tree, swinging its fists at the woman every time they crossed paths.


    She soon realized that fighting in the air wasnt going to work against the beast. She would run out of mana well before she could whittle its health down if she continued to waste it on floating. Rayna soonnded on the ground and the ape followed.


    Jackss eyes never left the battle. He stayed at the ready just in case something happened.


    After some time, many of the cuts on the ape had healed, and Rayna was heavily panting. This was what Jacks expected to see. The womans reactions were bing worse and worse, until soon, one of the fists connected with her thigh.


    Jacks heard the bone snap and the pained yell that followed behind it. Throughout the entire fight, he could tell that Rayna was fighting with expectations that Jacks would step in if it got to be too much. And he would. Only his definition of too much was different from her definition.


    Rayna fell to the ground with the ape towering over her. Jacks! She yelled.


    Still, Jacks did nothing, but he very carefully watched the actions of the ape with held breath.


    The ape raised his cudgel like fist, and Jacks released a sigh of relief. The ape brought its fist down, and with a sickening crunch, crushed the womans ribs in one blow. Instantly, Raynas state changed to dying.


    Jacks quickly acted. The apes separated from the rest of its body, leaving a bloody trail behind. Jacks lifted Raynas head and poured one of the potions he picked up from the Alchemist down her throat. A whileter, she coughed and grasped at her ruined midsection.


    Why? She muttered.


    Jacks handed her a healing potion. So you stop relying on others, and rely only on yourself. Its holding you back. Now, drink this.


    She drank the potion, causing her injuries to lessen in a short amount of time.


    Meditate. Hemanded, and she did.


    A couple hourster and she was back to fighting condition.


    Jacks pointed at another ape. Again.


    But


    Go! Hemanded.


    She got up and went in for her second fight.


    Time blurred, and two days passed. Jacks poured another Revival Potion into Raynas mouth and waited for her to wake up. It was the ninth time this had happened. The woman managed to defeat multiple apes in the two days, but asionally, one got a lucky it. Thats all it took for it to win.


    There were a couple of instances where Jacks had to interfere to keep the ape from hitting Rayna with a critical hit and causing instant death. But he kept a close eye on the fighting, so there was never any real chance of her dying.


    Soon, Rayna woke from her forced slumber. She stared incredulously at Jacks. Really?


    What? He asked with a toothy grin.


    You could have just told me we were doing this to gain an Award.


    Jacks chuckled. Do you like it?


    Rayna snorted as she gulped down a healing potion. Why does it have to be called Damsel?


    Because thats what you have been. He answered. Now, hurry and meditate. Youve got more apes to hunt.


    Wait! What? Rayna shouted. I thought we were just getting the Award.


    What gave you that idea? Jacks answered. Youre killing apes until we have to leave. The more you kill the higher level you get. Even with your failing, your levels are increasing rapidly. If you hurry, youll be able to get to level 100 before we have to leave. Now, meditate.


    Rayna huffed. You''re evil.

 Chapter 173: Under Construction

    Chapter 173: Under Construction


    Derek walked out of Romans shop by himself. Brandi chose to stay there and learn from the high-level Alchemist, and because she chose to stay behind, Malorie did the same. Silvi also chose to stay with Malorie.


    Both Mal and the bunny liked to cook, and Silvi knew she would learn more by staying at the womans side than by staying by Derek. Plus, Malorie still had some fresh food in her storage ring that Silvi would be able to con out of the woman.


    Knowing the girl had a mentor in the Alchemy craft allowed Derek to breathe a little easier. Everything would go better if Brandi didnt have to learn everything by herself. The only problem was finding people he could trust to mentor Brandi. If she slipped up and identally let her ss be known, it was better for it to be to someone like Roman someone who would be relying on Derek in the future.


    He had a good feeling about the halfling. His gut instincts rarely led him wrong. If their cooperation in the future worked as well as he believed it would, he wouldnt have to worry about the man at all.


    Derek wished he could find Brandi a mentor in Runesmithing. It seemed to be one of the most flexible crafts. For now, he would settle on finding some books for the girl to learn from. She was smart. It wouldnt be as fast as learning from a teacher, but she could do it.


    Derek sighed. With all of that settled, it was time to see the construction of his own shop. He turned on the street and began his journey to his part of the city.


    A bitter, Derek arrived at his plot ofnd. Construction was already in full swing, so he looked around until he found Geoffrey standing with a clipboard, overseeing the project.


    Hows it going? Derek asked.


    Geoffrey jumped before turning around. Oh, you scared me. He wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. Yes the project ising along quite well.


    Thats good.


    Derek looked over at the current construction. Currently, there were multiple people standing in a giant pit. It seemed like Derek had gotten there after the earth mages did their thing.


    One person was walking around the dirt walls with his hand dragging along them. As he moved, the dirt packed itself and hardened. Every step the man took caused the wall behind him to perfectly straighten, bing ready for the next process.


    Another man was doing the same, except with the dirt floor. Derek quietly watched as the pit turned into a perfect square.


    It must be nice for a constructionpany to have earth mages. Derek muttered.


    You arent considered a realpany unless you employ at least two. Geoffrey said.


    Derek nodded. I can see that. Its like they areying the foundation for the foundation. He said. Do people ever forgo the extra material and rely only on the hardened dirt and mud for their basement?


    Geoffrey shrugged. Not in this city, but itsmon for adventurers who have earth mages in their team. They can construct a makeshift building underground pretty quickly. Its morefortable than sleeping outside in the elements.


    Gotcha. Derek said. Whats next?


    Geoffrey pointed at a third person in the pit. She was leaning against one of thepleted walls, watching the other two work.


    Thats Terri. When Ron and Phillip finish what theyre doing, they will beginying the B Stone atop the ground. Terri wille in behind them and form the stone together, creating one smooth stone foundation. Geoffrey exined. Unless you would prefer her to meld the pieces together. Some people prefer to see the separate stones instead of one smooth structure.


    Derek shook his head. One structure is fine. Its probably faster as well.


    Geoffrey shook his head. Its quite a bit slower. Its much more mana intensive, so Terri will have to take breaks in between.


    Is there a difference in structural integrity?


    A little. The fused stones will be better than those joined together. Geoffrey exined.


    Then thats good.


    At that time, the two earth mages finished their job and startedying done the B Stone. That process was fast, but Terris job was painstakingly slow. She put one bare foot on one stone, and her other on another and closed her eyes.


    Derek watched on as the two stones magically fused into oneplete stone. Terri then did the same with the next two stones. Each fusion took over a minute, so she would be at it for a while.


    Not many earth mages have the fusion skill, so she is a real talent. I was lucky to find her. Geoffrey said.


    I see. Derek said. It looks like the basement is going to be deeper than I originally nned. He noticed how deep the pit was, and that the stone foundation wasnt thick enough to make up the difference.


    Yeah, I made an executive decision. Geoffrey said.


    How so?


    Well, the forge I n on installing is taller than you may have expected. So, to have enough room for it, I made the basement taller. I hope you dont mind. Geoffrey exined.


    Oh, thats fine then. Derek said.


    We have the forge and anvil. I guess you have everything else you need? Hammers, tongs, vices? Geoffrey asked.


    Derek nodded. For the most part. I wouldnt mind if you had a spare workbench lying around.


    Ill look into it.


    Hey boss! A voice called out from the side.


    Derek turned his head to see Rudy jogging towards them. Hey Rudy, whats up?


    Nothing much. Ive been talking business with Judd the contract maker you met earlier today. The man knows his stuff. Rudy answered.


    I doubt Geoffrey would have hired him if he didnt. Derek said and Geoffrey nodded.


    Rudy smiled. I guess so. Then, the contract writer snapped his fingers as if remembering something. Oh, yeah Jacks and Rayna stopped by earlier.


    Oh? Hows their training going? Derek had wondered what kind of help Jacks would offer to Rayna after seeing them earlier.


    Rudy shrugged. How should I know? All I know is that Jacks told me to tell you that they would be gone for a few days, so dont worry about them unless they are gone for longer than a week. Then, they took off out of the city.


    Is that so? Derek shrugged. I guess Jacks has a n.


    I guess. Rudy nodded. Oh, boss. Jacks said something aboutmunications crystals before he left. I think we should look into buying one for everybody. It would be good to have in case something happened, dont you think?


    Derek nodded. Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. I just havent gotten around to doing it yet. I didnt expect Jacks and Rayna to leave the city so quickly.


    Red or blue? Geoffrey cut in.


    I prefer red, but blue would work. Derek answered.


    How many do you need?


    Derek thought about it. He could mentallymunicate with Silvi from a good distance, but it would be a good idea to get her a couple blue crystals since she was running low on green ones. It would probably be worth it to look into buying a skill scroll with a telepathy skill on it. He was sure he could find one somewhere.


    Three red and eight blue would be for the best. Derek said.


    Phew! Geoffrey whistled. Thats going to cost you a good chunk. The blue should be manageable, but the red will cost you.


    Derek nodded. I dont need the red ones any time soon.


    I know a guy who can give you decent prices on blue crystals. Geoffrey said. Ill stop by his shop on the way home today and have a quote for you tomorrow.


    Id appreciate it.


    Derek and Geoffrey stood watch over the construction of the building for the next few hours. Around sundown, the earth mages had finished the entire floor of the basement and two walls. The process was slow with only a single mage like Terri, but Geoffrey reassured Derek that once the basement was finished, the construction speed would ramp up.


    So far, everything was well done. Derek thought the single fused B Stone looked much better than if the pieces were held together by a type of y or puddy.


    We should finish building the basement by midday tomorrow. After that, well begin with the Pixy Yew. Well build fast and go directly to the living quarters after making the base building. By the day after tomorrow, you and your people should be able to stay in the building. Geoffrey exined.


    That would be great. Hotels are expensive.


    Geoffrey nodded. Once we finish with that, we willyer the oak onto the yew. Then we will furnish your building with all the essentials. Finally, we will draw all the runes that you need. The total time should take four days or less. If you had chosen the other option for the B Stone, we could have finished in two more days.


    Derek nodded. Thats fine. I like the look better this way. Plus, youre doing me a favor as it is. I have no reason toin.


    Thats good. Geoffrey said. We will end work here. Im not one that likes to work my people too hard. Terri has to be suffering from a mana headache by now.


    Derek nodded. Do what you need to.


    Soon, all of Geoffreys people packed up and left, leaving Derek and Rudy alone at the job site.


    Go back to the hotel and make sure everyone got there safe. You might want to pick up something to eat on the way. Im sure Silvi will be pissed because I didnt take her to get a big lunch. Though I havent heard anything from her, so Im sure Malorie has kept her satiated. Derek said to Rudy. Im going to stay here. Make sure to let everyone know that well be able to move in here in a couple of days.


    Rudy nodded and ventured off into the night.


    Derek smiled and began meditating. He was d that everyone had something to do now. He was also happy that he was going to have a ce of his own. A ce to rest. A ce toe back to when he finished with an adventure.

 Chapter 174: Tour

    Chapter 174: Tour


    The next few days went by in a sh. Nothing overly exciting happened with the construction of the building. The total time taken was just over four days. Derek had to admit, the efficiency of those with a system was outstanding.


    The most interesting things he learned during the construction were all about Geoffrey. Apparently, the businessman was part of a medium-sized noble house from the Capital. His family didnt approve of his business practices, so he eventually left and came to Savannah to work on his own. Derek was impressed. He built his constructionpany from the ground up, with no help from his family.


    When Derek asked him about his business practices that his family didnt approve of, he told him that his family was all about taking the customer for as much as possible, no matter how shady. Geoffrey preferred to be truthful with his customers. To his credit, it proved sessful. Those who know him, and who were able to get over his slimeball like exterior, seemed toe back for repeat business.


    However, the most interesting thing that Derek learned about Geoffrey was that he was quite the aplished Runesmith. Immediately, Derek thought about using him as a mentor for Brandi, but he decided against it for now. The girl would be spending a lot of time in Romans shop. Besides, Derek liked Geoffrey well enough, but his connection, although seemingly severed, with a sleezy noble house made Derek want to be more cautious.


    At the moment, Geoffreys crew were packing all their things into their storage rings, preparing to leave. Soon, everyone by Geoffrey had left the location.


    Time for the grand tour. Geoffrey said.


    Lets do it. Derek had already been inside, actually, he and his group slept in the building the previous night, so he didnt really need a tour.


    Geoffrey led him through the shop door. The open floor n was the way to go. There was a checkout counter immediately to the left by the wall as soon as they walked in. Shelves and disys were scattered along the walls and throughout the shot. Of course, Derek didnt have anything to sell yet, but he could imagine what it would look like once they get some things in stock.


    The walls inside the shop portion of the building were not as covered by the Oak as the rest of the building. The Pixy Yew shined throughout the store, giving it an almost magical feeling.


    If the glow from the Pixy Yew isnt to your liking or if you want a change, you cane to me any time and well get it handled. Geoffrey said.


    I dont think its going to be a problem. Derek replied. He was still in awe at the ambiance caused by the wood. He rather enjoyed it.


    They continued through the shop area before going through a door. Inside the door was a small room with stairs going up and down.


    This is a little private room separating your shop from the contract shop. Its best not to have ess to the basement and top floor out in the open. Geoffrey exined.


    Derek nodded as they kept walking to the next room.


    Rudys contract room was different from open floor shop. The walls werepletely covered with Oak because Rudy didnt want the odd lighting shining on his papers when he was writing up a contract. It was too distracting.


    The room was about a quarter of the size as the shop. In the middle of the room, facing the door to outside, was a long counter that split the room. Part of the counter raised so one could walk to the other side if needed.


    To both the left and right of the outside door were sitting ces. There were two small couches and two chairs on each side for waiting customers.


    There was another door behind the counter, and Geoffrey led Derek through it. The room was a basic office for Rudy. It was a simple design with a desk and some chairs.


    Next, Geoffrey led Derek down to the basement. There wasnt much to see there, either. Other than the corner where they had installed Brandis forge and smithing equipment, the rest of the basement was bare.


    The Runesmith pointed to the ceiling above the forge. These runes take in all the smoke and polluted air and release them through another rune at the top of the building. He pointed to another rune close to the center of the basement. This rune pulls in clean air from the outside and releases it inside.


    He went to a rune right beside the stairs. This room controls the temperature of the air released inside, and the one beside it controls the lights. You can make the room as dim or as bright as you need. To demonstrate this, Geoffrey ced his hand on the rune and the dim basement lit up enough that it made Derek squint. Then the light dimmed back down and Geoffrey moved his hand.


    These are the most basic of runes. I cant think of much else to add. Some forges use runes to control the temperature, but the best cksmiths avoid things like that. They would rather feel the forge with their own mana and manually control everything at least I did when I was working on bing a Runesmith. He exined.


    Derek nodded. This is fine.


    The same light runes are installed on each floor in each separate room. Geoffrey exined. If you think of any other runes you need, let me know.


    After that, the two went upstairs to the living quarters. The stairs led up to a long hallway with nine doors on one side and four doors on the other.


    It was a tight fit, but we were able to make nine bedrooms work. He opened the door to the first bedroom. Inside was a small desk and chair, and a full size bed. We cant fit much else than what we did unless we wanted to make the kitchen and dining area smaller. If you need a bigger bed, then you will have to remove the desk.


    Derek was surprised, he didnt expect to see a full size bed. He was expecting a small twin size at most. This will do just fine. Its better than what I expected.


    Geoffrey nodded. Thats good. The light rune is beside the door, there. He pointed at the rune. And we made sure to cover each room in an Oakyer as requested.


    The two backed out of the room and closed the door.


    Are all the bedrooms the same? Derek asked.


    Geoffrey nodded. Exact same. He replied. Down to the same chair and rune cement.


    Next, Geoffrey led Derek to the end of the hall, to a room opposite a bedroom.


    This is your bathroom. The one on the other end is the same as this one. Geoffrey opened the door and walked in.


    The room had an oversized tub, sink, and toilet that the hotel had. The width of the room was the same as one of the bedrooms, but the length was longer. The sink and toilet were next to the walls, opposite one another, and the tub was at the end of the room, running along the three walls.


    We made the tub oversized and fitted it to the walls, like you asked. You can still use it in the same way. Geoffrey said as they walked closer to the bathtub. I also installed a rune on the floor to dry up any water outside the tub.


    Thats great! Derek could see his ns for a showering to fruition.


    Im still not sure why you needs such a big tub. Geoffrey said.


    You can think of it as more of a walk-in shower. Once you learn what a shower is. Derek exined.


    He then went on to describe his n for a shower using runes. He wanted to fit a tank with a water, pressure, and temperature rune on the wall. Then, he exined the concept of a shower heading off the tank and using the pressure built up by the rune to shoot the water out. Thus resulting in a shower.


    Geoffrey scratched his chin and hummed. We dont need such a big tank, or the pressure rune. He exined. I could just put an advanced water rune that fills a small tank up fast enough to create all the pressure you need. He looked up in thought. That would make it easily portable as well adventurers could attach it to a tree in the wilderness, and it would be less of a hassle than taking a bath.


    Derek watched as all the possibilities raced through the mans head.


    I think I have a workable design in my head. Ill have to experiment with this shower head to get it to properly spray, but I could have a prototype ready tomorrow. Geoffrey said. He shook his head. Such a simple concept.


    Derek nodded. Its also easier to think in a shower. At least to me. A bath is more rxing, but I prefer showers.


    Well do that, then. Geoffrey said. This will be our product. If you wish. We can sign a contract. Im not sure if people will think of it as a novelty item, so I dont know how sells will be. What do you think about a 65/35 split. You get 35% of the sales since I will provide the item itself.


    Fine by me. Derek didnt think there would be too much profit in the item.


    Yes, we can make multiple types. Portable ones, permanent ones, higher pressure ones Geoffrey mumbled to himself as he led them out of the bathroom and to the dining room.


    The dining room was a basic open room with a dining table able to fit 12 people. Even more could fit if they moved the chairs closer to each other.


    The dining room was connected to the kitchen. The kitchen was basic, but huge. There was a big kitchen ind in the middle of the room. It had two sinks in it. There were two stoves and two ovens. Well, oven-like appliances. They were basically big boxes with temperature control runes. The kitchen was outfitted with the same runes as the basement.


    They will love this. Derek said.


    He had kept Mal and Silvi away from the kitchen while it was being built. It ended up being the final room to be finished. He felt kind of bad since he told Silvi it would be one of the first ones he focused on, but she would forgive him once she saw it. It was as good, if not better, than the kitchen at the Crown Restaurant in Torith. Only a bit smaller.


    Silvi was going to be able to chop as many onions as her heart desired soon.


    This is it. Geoffrey said. If you need anything else, please contact me.


    Derek nodded. Will do. They exchangedmunication crystal runes days ago when Derek spent what gold he had left on blue crystals.


    It would also be for the best if you thought of a name for your shop sooner rather thanter.


    Well figure something out. Derek replied.


    Ill take my leave now. Geoffrey shook Dereks hand and disappeared.


    <em>With this done, I need to make some money and hit up a couple of those dungeons. But first, I need to show everyone around and wait for Rayna and Jacks to get back. I hope theyre doing well.</em>

 Chapter 175: King Edwin

    Chapter 175: King Edwin


    Three consecutive knocks sounded from the door to the office. nah brushed her emerald green hair to the side and raised her head from her ounts. A strand of hair fell in front of her eyes, tickling her nose. nah scrunched her face and blew the hair to the side.


    The knocks sounded again, grabbing her attention from the unruly pieces of hair. She brushed her dress down and sat upright. She weaved her hand back through her hair, removing the unruly strands from her face.


    Enter. She said in a singsong voice.


    Avery stepped in and closed the door behind him.


    Oh, its just you. She said, looking back down at her ounts.


    Mis Avery began, but was cut off by a re from nahs piercing green eyes. nah. He said.


    Thats better.


    Avery sighed. The King has requested your presence today at noon.


    nah frowned. What does that bag of bones want from me this time?


    Avery shrugged. The messenger did not say. I suspect it has something to do with your new business partner. Perhaps the coffee has gotten his attention.


    Perhaps Derek has gone and done something stu impulsive again? She sighed.


    Perhaps Avery agreed.


    Ste hasnt mentioned him taking any actionstely. Herst report had him building a shop in Savannah. It should be finished sometime today. nah leaned her chin on her hand, thinking. Maybe Derek making it to Onyx Rank has caught the Kings attention.


    Your guess is as good as mine. Avery said. Maybe he wants to talk to you about the uing auction. The rumors have already started spreading.


    nah smiled. Of course they have. I cant have a proper auction until every person with a membership can attend. Wheres the fun when theres no bidding war? The rumors will prepare the members for the uing announcement.


    I see


    Oh about the auction. nah suddenly recalled her n. Well be auctioning the meals from the lesser Void Beast and part of the baby Void Beast at Savannah.


    What? Why would we do that? Avery asked.


    nah smiled again. So I can finally meet my new friend, of course.


    You want to meet him that bad?


    I would like to. She responded. Theres no sense in letting Ste have all the fun.


    Avery shook his head. Whatever you want.


    Well use the auction in Savannah to prepare everyone for the big auction here in the Capital. It should generate quite a lot of buzz if we announce that we have even more powerful meals prepared for another auction. Especially after seeing the quality of the meals at the Savannah auction. She exined.


    Avery nodded.


    You will be in charge of everything here in the Capital while Im gone.


    Naturally. Avery smiled.


    How are the boys doing? nah changed the subject.


    Averys eyes sparkled at the mention of the boys. Zac and Luke are both very gifted. Once they unlock the Great System, I expect great things from them.


    As do I. nah said. Have either of them gravitated towards an element or weapon yet?


    Avery grinned. Both have. He said. Zac has been infatuated with the lightning room. He even sleeps in it most nights, when he isnt with Luke. As for Luke, he is going to be a natural tank. Hes been drawn to every greatshield hese across, even though he cant even lift one. He started with the earth element, but eventually found that he was more attracted to the metal particles inside, so I believe metal will be his element. I cant wait to see what sses they end up with in two years.


    nah smiled warmly at Avery. You will take good care of them.


    Of course.


    Dont forget to prepare the Awards that give skill points for them. When they can unlock the General Skills, you must make sure they have enough skill points avable so they can level the skills before they hit level 10. nah exined.


    Dont worry. Ive already prepared for them to receive multiple Awards. Its just a matter of time now.


    Good.


    After talking, nah dismissed Avery and went back to her ounts. They were the most boring part of her businesses, but she preferred to handle them herself. Both Avery and Ste had better things to do, and they were the only ones she trusted enough with them.


    Not long after she closed the books, another knock rang from her door.


    Enter.


    Avery stuck his head in. nah, it is almost noon. Are you nning on visiting the King?


    nah stood and brushed her hands along the sides of her formal ck dress. It was closer to a business attire than a regr dress. She looked down, making sure she was presentable. <em>This will do. Its only the old man.</em>


    She let out a breath. Lets go see why that old man wants a personal visit from me. I have a perfectly goodmunication crystal he could have called me on. She shook her head. Youreing with me.


    Avery shrugged. Very well.


    On the way out of the restaurant, they passed the host counter. Jessica, you have the restaurant until we get back. We have a meeting with the King.


    Y-yes Master Swan Mistress Swan. The attendant performed her most formal bow.


    The duo walked out of the restaurant after. Avery shook his head. I see why you dont like being called Mistress. Master leaves a much worse taste in my mouth.


    Exactly. She agreed.


    Before long, the two came upon the Royal Pce.


    Its just so gaudy. nah said. If I ever mention building my own pce, please p me aside the head.


    Avery snorted.


    That was an order.


    Fine. I will p you aside the head if you ever want to build a pce. How much strength would you like me to use? Avery asked, faking seriousness.


    However much is needed to set my mind right, because if Im suggesting it, there must be something wrong with my brain.


    The two walked up the steps and met with two guards.


    Lady Swan, Lord Avery. The first guard said. The King is expecting you in his Throne Room.


    Oooh, the Throne Room. This must be serious. nah said.


    The other guard said something through amunication crystal and soon after, the giant door they were guarding opened wide. One of the Kings attendants appeared and greeted the two from the Crown.


    Lady Swan, Lord Avery. If you would please follow me. The man turned and led the two through the door and straight in to anotherrge door, the one that leads to the Throne Room.


    Im starting to feel a little underdressed. Avery whispered to nah.


    nah snorted. Our business attire puts all those nobles formal attires to shame. If anything, we are both overdressed. Remember, the King asked if I woulde today. He did not order it.


    The attendant opened the door and walked in. In a loud voice, he said, Lady Swan and Lord Avery. He slid off to the side and motioned them forward with a formal bow.


    The duo walked forward on the overly long red carpet. <em>I hate the pce. Its all just tacky. </em>nah stared forward at the man sitting on the throne.


    He was wearing a crown along with his royal dress, an overly embellished tunic with a surcoat on top with his family crest embroidered onto it. Wrinkles adorned his face, and long white hair flowed down onto his surcoat.


    <em>Edwin must be very serious today. I know how much he hates wearing that surcoat. </em>To the left of the King stood nah and Dereks favorite person, Gerald Torith. On the Kings right was his other advisor, Phillip.


    <em>Both Torith and Musgrave today. The gangs all here. </em>She thought. The four Generals of the Kingdoms army were all in attendance as well. They lined the right side of the Throne Room, parallel to the carpet, behind theirmander, Crown Prince Edward. On the left were Princess Elouise and her Royal Guard.


    <em>Were missing two Princes. If they were present, wed have the entire immediate Royal Family here. I dont see what the reason for such an event is, unless Derek has somehow taken over the entire city of Savannah and Im not yet aware of it. </em>She did her best not to sigh as she stood in front of the King and gave a slight bow. Avery followed suit.


    Impudence. Gerald shouted.


    nah red at the advisor, daring him to take a step forward.


    Enough, Gerald. The Kingmanded.


    nah, do you know why I asked you here today? King Edwin asked.


    I have been wondering. She answered.


    You know the man, Derek Hunt, correct? The King asked.


    Of course.


    I have heard that he has murdered Advisor Geralds son and grandson, along with all the guards stationed in Torith. Is that correct? The King asked.


    That is incorrect. nah answered.


    You dare! Gerald shouted again.


    Enough! The King shot Gerald another look. What do you mean by incorrect? I have it on good authority this Derek Hunt murdered Malcolm.


    nah smiled. You see, you asked if he murdered the Toriths and their guards stationed in Torith. He did not do that, as Malcolm, his son, and all the guards were not in Torith at the time. They were running, and running fast because, and excuse mynguage, my King they fucked up, and they knew it.

 Chapter 176: Royal Audience

    Chapter 176: Royal Audience


    What do you mean? Please exin. King Edwin prompted.


    Ahem A voice sounded from the side.


    The King turned his head. Yes, Edward, do you have something you would like to add?


    The Prince stepped forward and gave his father an odd smile. I just thought it would be better to wait for the room to adapt to Mistress Swan before we continue. As of right now He looked around. It seems that only Your Highness, Advisor Gerald, myself, and Lord Avery have heard anything since Mistress Swan first spoke.


    Ah yes she does have that effect on people. Very well. We will wait until Advisor Musgrave and the Princess are able to take part. The King said.


    Gerald continued to stare at nah with daggers. He was strong enough that his recent visit to the Crown had allowed him to somewhat withstand nahs voice. nah shot Gerald a look and rolled her eyes.


    King Edwin. nah spoke. While I am willing to wait for a short while, I am very busy preparing auctions currently. She thought now would be the perfect time to tempt the Royal Family.


    Auctions? King Edwin asked. As in more than one?


    nah released a charming smile towards the King. Exactly. We n to hold the initial auction in Savannah before the second, which will be held here in the Capital.


    May I ask what the difference between the auctions is? The King leaned forward.


    nah knew that what the King had the least of right now was time. He had a high Vitality, everybody knew that, but he was pushing 300 years old, and was already as high a level as he could manage, so he could no longer obtain stat points to increase his Vitality towards max. Though the meals didn''t provide Vitality, they provided Endurance. Endurance would help, not as much as Vitality, but it strengthened organs, bones, and muscles, so it did help in terms of living a longer, healthier life.


    Every extra stat point he could find was a possible increase to his already long life. Therefore, Void Beast auctions were of utmost importance to the Royal Family. It was also why the Crown Prince didnt hesitate to give the Void Beast to nah in exchange for one meal. Obviously, she was on the winning end of the deal, but beggars couldnt be choosers.


    Of course, King Edwin didnt fail to use his membership to attend that auction to get hold of another meal. nah was sure she would see the King again at both the auction in Savannah and the one here in the Capital.


    Of course, King Edwin. Her smile deepened. I have recentlye into possession of multiple Void Beasts. She said. As soon as she announced the auction to the public, everyone would know about her having more than one beast, so there was nothing wrong with her telling the King and his people here. If anything, it may prove useful by tempting the King into a good mood.


    Multiple Void Beasts? The King was ecstatic.


    nah nodded. Yes, multiple. She confirmed. Thats not all. The first auction, the one to be held in Savannah, will provide a beast that was slightly stronger than the one brought to us by your son, the Crown Prince.


    What? The Prince asked. Ive heard nothing of another Void Beast of that level appearing in the Kingdom.


    nah shrugged. Yet, I have one.


    And the other Void Beast? The King asked.


    nah went as far as showing her teeth, almost in a predatory smile. Was intelligent. The stats that it will provide are second to none. The price, however will be second to none as well. It is the first beast of intelligence I have obtained, and the one with the greatest possibilities.


    The King shot up from his throne. You must allow me to purchase the meals.


    Please, King Edwin. Sit you will have the same chance to obtain a meal from that Void Beast as everyone else. I am opening the auction to all members, not just those of a higher tier. She smiled. But thats still not the main course.


    Theres more? More than a Void Beast so strong that it had intelligence? The Prince asked.


    Yes. nah nodded. She had both the King and Prince hooked. Off to the side of the King, Gerald could do nothing but grit his teeth and fume in silence. A third beast was delivered. This Void Beast has a peculiar constitution.


    What do you mean?


    Well, thought its meat and most other organs provide minimal increase to stats when consumed its blood and heard are different. Just one sip of its blood will increase your vitality.


    Amazing. The King muttered.


    Indeed She took a step forward and leaned in, almost as if she was whispering where only the King could hear it. And that was without me refining it.


    The Kings face turned red as he breathed heavily in excitement. nah took a step back to stand beside Avery. She hoped the excitement the King was experiencing didnt cause him to injure himself.


    Thats great, father! A melodic voice chimed from the side. It seemed that Princess Eloise was the first to break out of her daze.


    nah hadnt noticed how long she had been listening, but it was still a surprise to see her gain control back so soon. Her willpower and Wisdom must have been on par with that of Stes.


    Princess Eloise. nah said. It seems you have gotten much stronger sincest we met. Congrattions.


    Thank you, Lady Swan. The Princess bowed.


    The King smiled at the Princess. It is great. I hope I can obtain some blood of this unique Void Beast.


    The King calmed down, and the group went silent for some time. Finally, ten minutester, Advisor Musgrave broke out of his daze. Surprisingly, all of Prince Edwards Generals snapped out of their daze before the Advisor.


    This has been all well and good, but can we please get back to the topic and hand? Gerald broke the silence. I do not believe we need to wait for a bunch ofdy maids to ready themselves before we continue.


    King Edwin shot Gerald an annoyed look. I guess we do not. He said. nah, will you please continue?


    nah smiled. The King had stopped being formal and shifted to casual talk. It was what she wanted. Of course, Edwin. She nced at Gerald in victory. As I said before, Advisor Geralds son and grandson brought everything that happened on themselves.


    Gerald snorted. But didnt speak after the King shot him a disapproving look.


    Please, continue.


    You see, I have been in contact with Derek Hunt for almost as long as he has been in the Kingdom nah exined.


    And you are able to talk with him? Personally? The King questioned.


    Oh, yes. Dereks ability isnt any less than anybodys in this room. She said.


    Hes only a Gold Ranked Adventurer! Gerald cut her off.


    nah rolled her eyes. Idiot. She didnt bother to hide her disdain for the man. He <em>was </em>a Gold Ranked Adventurer only because that was the highest rank he could obtain in Torith. Since arriving in Savannah, he has already received his Onyx Ranked Badge, and its only a matter of time before he arrives in the Capital and bes Diamond Ranked.


    Gerald closed his mouth shut and stared wide eyed.


    Really, Gerald. It isnt like you to not know who youre messing with. Youre usually much more careful that this. nah chided. What did you think happened to Bones and Ogre after you sent them to take care of Derek? It was like sending children who hadnt even unlocked the Great System up against King Edwin. You should be ashamed.


    Geralds face turned red in anger. I dont know what youre talking about. I would never associate with the likes of those assassins.


    Oh, Im terribly sorry. I didnt mean to offend you. nah answered. Well, Derek has done the Kingdom a favor in culling the two assassins, no matter who sent them.


    Indeed. Prince Edward agreed. I will have to meet this man.


    nah smiled at the Prince. She knew that he held a particr disgust for assassins. More than one attempt on his life had been made as he grew up. If you find yourself in Savannah, my manager, Ste, will introduce the two of you. Hes just taken up residence. She told the Prince, and he nodded back.


    What did all of this have to do with the Advisors son and grandson? The King asked.


    Well, Derek is a peculiar man. When he arrived in the Kingdom, he rescued a young boy and, because somewhat of a mentor to him. He brought the boy with him to Torith, where they met Geralds grandson. nah continued on to tell the King about the events that happened between Thomas and y. You see, I thought he was very generous in letting Malcolm and his son off with a warning.


    The King looked at Gerald. Yes it would seem that way.


    Imagine my surprise when I heard about what happened next. nah then went on to exin about the kidnapping of Brandi and Malorie, leaving out the details she had already gathered about the girl. She made it seem like a genuine revenge kidnapping to get back at Derek.


    Is that true? The King shouted at Gerald.


    N-no of course not. Gerald muttered.


    I will send my own people out to get the truth. If I find out you are lying The King threatened.


    W-wait Gerald pleaded. I I heard about the kidnapping. I didnt know that they were Derek Huntspanions, I swear.


    What makes you think you have the right to kidnap someone in MY KINGDOM! The King was furious now.


    I I didnt. Gerald pleaded. I- it was my son who did it. I had no knowledge until after the fact.


    And you still have the gull to plead your sons case. If he were still alive, I would kill him myself. The King looked back at nah. nah, thank you for your exnation. You are dismissed. Gerald and I have many things to discuss.


    nah nodded. Very well, Edwin. She smiled. I look forward to seeing you at the auctionter. I will send someone with the details soon. She nced at the Prince and Princess. It was good seeing you two again.


    With that, nah and Avery turned and left the Royal Pce.


    When they got back to the Crown and to nahs office, she spoke, Honestly, how did that man think that was going to go? I used to think he was at least a littlepetent, but it seems that his emotions have taken control of him.


    It would seem that way.


    Everything is up to Edwin now. I wonder how he will handle Gerald after that farce. I hope he wont disappoint me. Luckily, the Prince was there to witness as well. nah leaned back in her chair. Im sure your students are anxiously awaiting your return. You can go.


    Avery bowed. Thank you. He turned and left.


    nah stared at the closing door. <em>What an interesting day.</em>

 Chapter 177: New Home

    Chapter 177: New Home


    Derek summoned his bluemunication crystal out of his storage bracelet and started making calls to have his members meet at the site. It wasnt long before Rudy made his appearance. He was already waiting around the area. The man couldnt wait to see his part of the shop.


    A bit after, Malorie, holding Silvi, and Brandi filed in. Brandi had been making phenomenal progress under the tutge of Roman. The halfling had taken a real like to the girl. She had a good grasp on Alchemy and didnt require him to exin many things more than once. She was the perfect student.


    Thomas was thest to arrive. He came stumbling in with a tired and bedraggled look. Shae had not been taking it easy on the kid. Derek had to wonder if the man may have been taking some of his frustrations about Derek and Romans prank out on Thomas. Any way he looked at it, though, Thomas was making leaps and bounds under Shaes guidance.


    Unfortunately, Rayna and Jacks were still not back from their training. Derek couldnt help but wonder what they were doing, and how much the woman would change while out. He wondered just how seriously Jacks was taking her training. He hoped they made it back okay.


    Oh thank you, thank you, thank you. Thomas spoke when he got close enough. We were just about to spar again. I dont think I would have made it another round with that monster. The trainings worse than the dungeon training you had me do when we first met. The boyined.


    But youre stronger because of it, right? Derek asked.


    Of course I am. I just dont know if I can survive much more of it.


    Derek ruffled the boys hair. You can survive it, and you will. Then, when you enter the Academy, you will show all those petty nobles what a brat from a small vige can do.


    Thomass eyes shined with a spark when Derek mentioned the Academy and his status as a viger. The boy grinned. Theyll never think of amoner the same way again.


    Thats the spirit. Derekughed.


    Yeah! You show em, Thomas. Brandi cheered the boy on while Malorie smiled at them.


    See. Youve got all of us rooting for you. You cant let us down. Derek said.


    Thomas blushed, but nodded his head in the affirmative.


    Derek pped his hands. Alright! Whos ready to see the building?


    The group gathered around anxiously as Derek led them through the main door. Youve all seen this part of the building, so we wont spend much time here. What do you all think about how we used the Pixy Yew?


    Its so pretty. Brandi said.


    It gives the ce a magical feel. Malorie agreed.


    <em>Show me the kitchen. </em>Silvi chimed in Dereks head. He ignored her.


    I quite like it. It gives the shop a bit something that stands out. People maye for the uniqueness of everything, but when that wears off, they may end up staying for the contents of the shop. It was a good idea. Rudy gave his opinion.


    I thought so, too. Though it came out better than I had hoped. Derek agreed. Now, follow me. Ill show you all the basement.


    Derek led them down the stairs into the basement. As soon as they took a step onto the cold, hard stone, Brandi let out a squeal and darted towards the forge. Derek smiled and walked over with her.


    This was one of the best forges Geoffrey could offer us. It will allow you to work well into theter levels of your ss. Once you are at a high enough level, you will be able to make your own forges and equipment to suit your new skill level. This is all for starting out. Do you like it? Derek exined.


    Do I like it? I love it. I love it so much. Brandi was already summoning the tools Derek had given her out of her storage ring and putting them where they were supposed to go. She ced some on the workbench and hanged some up on the wall beside the forge.


    Oh no! Brandi suddenly called out.


    What is it? Whats wrong? Malorie rushed forward to see what happened.


    What am I going to tell Mr. Roman? How am I going to divide my time between this and Alchemy? What am I going to do? Theres just so much that I want to do. Brandi fired out question after question.


    Isnt that a good problem to have? Derek asked. Roman wont need to teach you every day. Im sure he has other things to do. Plus, when you make your Alchemy tools, or borrow some from Roman, you can do Alchemy in here as well. I tried to make the basement big enough for all your crafts. If it isnt big enough, let me know and I can have Geoffreys teame in and make a second level.


    Brandi looked around, as if noticing the size of the room for the first time. Its all for me?


    Yup. We dont have any other crafters. This basement is basically all yours. Of course, I n on using it when I need to ess my skill you know the one. Its better that I dont let anybody else see it. Derek was talking about his prison. As far as most people knew, Bones, Ogre, and y Torith were all dead, not being held captive.


    I put the smithing stuff in first so you could use it to create the tools you need for your other crafts. It will be good for you to do so. I suggest you start on Alchemy and Leatherworking tools first, as those are the two you are most familiar with. Ill will find you some Runesmithing books sometime in the near future, so you can focus on that too. Derek said.


    Thank you, thank you, thank you! Brand wrapped her arms around Derek in a great big hug.


    He tousled her hair, which had grown out a little since her run in with Thomas and the Mana Clippers. Besides, I cant wait to see what you can do bybining Brewing and Alchemy. Roman already showed me what was possible with Alchemy alone. If youre able tobine them well, Im afraid youll end up taking most of his business. Derek grinned.


    Thinking about that was odd for Derek. He had a hard time wrapping his head around a 13-year-old girl brewing alcoholic products for adventurers. <em>Oh well, I guess it doesnt matter as much when everyone has a system. If youre old enough to be an adventurer and all Besides, shell be making it, not drinking it. Ill do the testing</em>


    Brandi heard Dereks words and nodded seriously.


    Well, its yours to do with as you like. Now, lets go see the contract shop. Derek led the group back upstairs. Brandi kept ncing at the stairs to the basement as he led them. He could understand her excitement.


    A small girl from an unknown vige that had only dreamed of bing a basic Leatherworker so she could help out in the vige was now given an entire space to practice her crafts. It was more than she ever dreamed of, more than she thought she had the right to ever dream of. Derek was happy for her.


    Soon, Derek opened the door and led them into the contract shop. Is this good enough?


    Now, it was time to see Rudy acting like a kid on Christmas. He ran to each corner of the room and felt the cushions on the benches and chairs in the waiting area, going as far as to sit on them himself. Then, he fast walked to the counter and lifted the counter p to walk to the other side.


    Rudy ran his hand along the polished countertop, evenying his face and ear to it. It was a spectacle watching the man examine the room. Finally, he opened the door to his office and walked inside, closing it behind him.


    Everyone stared at the door, not knowing what to say.


    Should have I looked over the basement better? Brandi questioned herself quietly, but Derek heard her.


    You did fine. What youre looking at now is a true, seedy professional. Its better that you dont act like that. Derek answered.


    Rudy burst through the door. Its exquisite! He said as he walked back through the counter, lowering the p after crossing. When can I begin business?


    As soon as you think of a name and figure out everything you need to do as a business. Remember the taxes. Always remember the taxes. Derek said.


    Rudy nodded twice. Yes. He said. Im going to need a secretary!


    Thats all on you. I got you the space and opportunity. The rest is up to you. Though Im sure you can find one of the orphans that Tavors told us about helping out. It will be up to you to work things out with the city. Derek said.


    I had nearly forgotten about them. Maybe I can find one who is interested in contracts. It could be cheaper ahem better for them if I have something to teach them. Rudy said.


    Derek chuckled. Just dont do anything to get on the bad side of the city. I still havent met Natalie, and I dont want our first discussion being about one of my people doing something stupid.


    Of course, of course. Rudy said. What do you think about Rudys Contracts? Or Contracts by Rudy?


    What? Derek asked.


    For the name. I must have a catchy name. Thats half of the contract business.


    Derek shook his head. Just figure something out. He turned back to the group. Now, I know you have already seen the bedrooms and bathrooms, but I have kept you out of the kitchen and dining area. Time to show them off.


    Silvi darted atop Dereks shoulder. If Derek was leading to the kitchen, then he would be the first one through the door. Of course, she didnt want to wait a second longer to see <em>her </em>work area.

 Chapter 178: Can I Help You?

    Chapter 178: Can I Help You?


    Derek led the group up the stairs to the second floor. On the second floor, he walked down the hall and ced his hand on a door. Are yall ready?


    He pushed slightly, but before the door opened even an inch, Silvi jumped off his shoulder and mmed into it, causing the door to swing wide open.


    Derek shook his head and walked in behind the impatient bunny, who was now sitting in the middle of the dining room table with her head facing down. She obviously thought Derek would take them to the kitchen first. Unfortunately for the anxious bunny, he wanted to show off the dining room.


    As you can all see this is not the kitchen. Its the dining room. He walked to the side and ced his hand on a rune. A light fixture hung on the ceiling in the middle of the room, giving it a ssic feel. We can adjust the lighting however we want with this rune. We can adjust it at percentages instead of just on or off.


    At the center of the room was a luxurious dining room table made of a fine mahogany that Geoffrey had thrown in for free. Derek knew the man did him a solid, because hed seen that particr mahogany when he was viewing materials, and it was not cheap. In fact, if the Pixy Yew building was destroyed, the table might yet survive.


    As for seating, Derek had chosenfort over formality. Instead of going with the typical wood chair, Derek selected a set of cushioned chairs with great back support. Geoffrey begged him to go with something that would fit the table more regally, but he refused. He did eventually cave and let Geoffrey change the upholstered material to a material that matched the mahogany finish on the table.


    The chairs looked slightly out of ce, but not by much, and not enough to embarrass him as a host if the time came. Plus, they more than made up for it with thefort they provided.


    There were 12 chairs in total. Five on each side of the table, and one on each end. Derek walked up to an end chair and pulled it out. Sit. He motioned Malorie over.


    Malorie let out a slight chuckled, then sat in the chair. Her eyes lit out. Wow thats much morefortable than I expected.


    Right? Derek agreed. It seems like every meeting or dining experience Ive had while in this Kingdom has been marred by ufortable seating. It all started at Raynas Vige. Even the Crown Restaurants prefer quality overfort. It just isnt right.


    I never thought about that. The woman said.


    Derek nodded fiercely. Every ass needs a proper cushion at least at home. How else are you supposed to properly enjoy your dining experience? He said. I can forgive Ste, nah, and the rest of the Crown for it, though. Its a restaurant that gets its profits based on the amount of customers. If they hadfortable chairs, too many people would stay far longer once the finished their meal. It could be a problem.


    I want to try it. Brandi ran over and pulled out a chair of her own and hopped in. Wow! It isfortable.


    Derek smiled and nodded. He nced at Silvi and noticed her giddiness. Thezy bunny had be even more impatient. Alright enough about chairs. Whos ready to see the kitchen?


    Out of nowhere, Silvi appeared back on Dereks shoulder. He chuckled as he walked to the door separating the dining room from the kitchen and opened it. Again, Silvi was through the door before anyone else.


    It was an entertaining sight. They had all just watched Rudy run around his shop and office. Now they were watching Silvi do the same thing. Except with Rudy, they physically saw him move from one ce to the next, but with Silvi, she would disappear before reappearing next to a different appliance.


    Out of the corner of his eye, Derek could see Malorie fidgeting. She, too, wanted to examine the area. She would be spending a lot of her time here if she could receive a proper ss change the next time she leveled.


    The level 50 ss change wouldnt be toote for her to do what she truly wanted to. He knew she enjoyed cooking and also seemed to be drawn to the managerial side of things when he mentioned it. She would be the perfect store keeper. Plus, he trusted her.


    This is yours too. Derek told her. Go, have a look.


    He didnt have to tell her twice. She was much calmer than Silvi and Rudy as she walked over and examined everything. Brandi giggled, seeing her mother act like this.


    Derek gave them a rundown of everything in the kitchen. From the ovens and stoves to the sinks and runes. The kitchen was amazing.


    Soon, their group had calmed down, and everyone was standing around the kitchen ind.


    Silvi,e here. He said, and the bunny hopped across the kitchen ind,nding in front of him. So, I figured the green crystals were getting expensive, and youve been going through them so quickly that you needed an upgrade.


    He flicked his wrist and a purple cor with two blue crystal-like studs appeared in his hand. While meeting with Geoffreys jeweler to getmunication crystals, I thought of this. He ced the cor around Silvis neck.


    One of the crystals are connected to everyone elses crystal, so you can call on any of us when you want. The other crystal is only connected to the crystal next to it. So, when you connect the two of them, you can talk out loud. Just like with the green crystals, but these wont break. He exined. Try it out. It may be difficult moving mana through your neck like that, but it just takes practice.


    It turned out, it wasnt difficult for the bunny. Shed been using <strong>Mage Hand </strong>and <strong>Telekinesis </strong>so much, that controlling the pure mana was childs y for her. In an instant, her childlike voice sounded out.


    Like this?


    Exactly like that. What do you think? Derek asked.


    Its easy. Dont have to use paws. Can talk while cooking. The voice chimed.


    Good. Do you like the kitchen? Derek asked.


    I love it, I love it, I love it. We need to cook now. This instant. Missed lunch the other day have to make up for it. Itste outside, dinner time. Come, Mal lets use our kitchen. Silvi hopped up and into Malories arms.


    I guess were going to make dinner. She said.


    Do you have the ingredients? Derek asked.


    She nodded. I spent most of the gold you gave me on different ingredients. I stuck to cheaper items, but we should be able to make some good food for the next couple of weeks. She said.


    Actually. Derek interrupted. If you n on changing sses to something that involves cooking, you need to rapidly increase your <strong>Cooking </strong>skill. Which means working with higher-level materials. Ill be hitting some dungeons soon, so theres that, but youll need other ingredients as well.


    What do you suggest? She asked.


    Im going to bring you to the bank soon and give you ess to my ount. Other than the rent that has to be paid monthly, you will have full ess to everything. The Crown will automatically deposit my earnings at the beginning of each month. He said. You can manage the shop and all the business here. Essentially, being my Ste.


    Malorie stared wide eyed at Derek. Really? You would trust me with all that?


    Youve done nothing to lose my trust, and you want to do everything you can for Brandi. Shell need someone with ess to the funds to help get her material, too. I would suggest looking for whole carcasses. She can <strong>Dismantle </strong>them for the materials, then you and Silvi can use the meat to cook. He exined.


    It would be my pleasure. Malorie said.


    Good. I also suggest spending some Skill Points on any business rted General Skills you can find. Do you have Skill Points avable? He asked.


    She nodded. I have a couple left from the dungeon we ran a while back.


    Oh?


    Yeah I didnt spend any of them because of how many skill points thest ss skill costed. She said.


    I see. Heughed. Then thats good. Im sure business skills will grow extremely well in this environment. Whenever you raise the skills to your satisfaction, Ill take you somewhere to level you to level 50 for a ss change. Hopefully, something goodes out of it.


    Malorie nodded. Thats good. I just hope I can get a ss as good as the one I have now. It would be terrible to go from an umon growth type ss to a basic lifestyle ss.


    Thats why you really need to focus on your General Skills. Derek said.


    Malorie nodded.


    Lets go, lets go, lets go! Silvi repeated.


    Go ahead. Derek dismissed everyone.


    A little over an hourter, Derek andpany had their first meal together at their new ce. They were only missing Rayna and Jacks, but those two were scheduled to be back soon.


    The next morning, Derek opened his eyes to a knocking on the front door of the shop. <em>Maybe theyre back? </em>He wondered. Nobody else was awake, and he had chosen to meditate for the night. He walked down to the shop and looked out the ss pane on the door.


    Two figures in wearing cloaks stood outside. However, the hoods werent covering their heads, so they werent hiding, at least not from him.


    Derek opened the door.


    One man had shoulder length white hair and intense blue eyes, not the deep blue Derek used to have, but a lighter blue that seemed to contain electric currents. The other man stood with neatly shaven brown hair. His eyes were a fierce crimson.


    The man with the brown hair looked familiar.


    Can I help you? He asked.

 Chapter 179: Jake and Edgar

    Chapter 179: Jake and Edgar


    The familiar looking young man stepped forward. Are you Mr. Hunt? He asked.


    Derek nodded slowly. I am.


    The man reached his hand out for a handshake, Derek took it. My name is Jake Herrett. My father is Jackson Herrett. He wrote to me about a week ago saying that, thanks to you, we could see each other again.


    Oh Derek said, finally knowing why the young man looked familiar. If the man had the scar on his face, he would look like a younger version of Jacks. No wonder I thought you looked familiar. Its good to meet you. Pleasee in. Derek moved to the side and held the door open, allowing the two men toe in.


    So Derek said once the two men were in the shop. You and your friend


    Edgar, but you can call me Eddie. The white-haired young man said. Were members of the same adventuring team.


    Edgar, then. Derek said. Did the two of youe to Savannah just to visit your father?


    For the most part. Jake answered while looking around. In his letter, he said he had a lot of things we needed to talk about.


    I imagine he does, said Derek.


    Jakes eyes jerked to Dereks. Do you know what he wants to tell me?


    I think I do, but its something the two of you should discuss. Its not for me to say.


    This is a very interesting dcor. Edgar noted. Its Pixy Yew, correct?


    It is Derek replied. I wanted something durable that wouldnt break the bank. The Pixy Yew fit the bill. It also gives kind of a magical feeling to the shop, dont you think?


    Edgar nodded firmly. It does but, if you dont mind my asking why not use better materials? With your status He nodded to the badge on both his arm, and Dereks. you could have gotten a much better deal at the same or even lower cost.


    That was when Dereks gaze shifted to the Onyx Badge that was on Edgars arm and the tinum Badge on Jakes. <em>I bet Jacks is going to be even more surprised than me about that. </em>Jacks had stopped adventuring and gaining levels when he was contracted to Torith.


    Jacks had told Derek that he hadnt seen his son in over five years, yet the young man was already at the same level as Jacks.


    I could have gotten everything for free, but the contractor I hired was very forward about everything, including telling me about the favors I could get because of my rank. I like people like that. I would rather not owe some scumbag a favor, if at all possible. Derek said.


    Well spoken. Edgar replied.


    Derek looked over the Adventurers Guild Badges adorning the duos arms again. I heard the Academy producedpetent people, but I wasnt expecting Onyx and tinum badges from people who look so young. Youre what? Almost 20 now? He directed the question to Jake.


    Jake nodded. In a few months.


    Im older than I look. Edgar said. Im on the back half of my 20s.


    <em>So were basically the same age. </em>Derek thought. I see. He said. So how did the two of you meet? I imagine the age gap would keep you from the same sses.


    Edgar shrugged. I was graduating the same year he joined the Academy. I took note of Jake during that year. He was headstrong and talented. He also didnt have servants waiting on him hand in foot, nor did he yell out his father this his mother that you know the type?


    Oh, I know the type. Derek said.


    So, after I graduated, I moved my way through the ranks of the army and adventured on my down time. When he graduated, I was high enough ranked to move him to mypany. Eventually, he joined my adventuring party, as well. Now, here we are. Edgar exined.


    So are you here on official business, then? He asked Edgar.


    Me? No. I have leave. Edgar said.


    Derek didnt fail to notice the slight eye-roll Jake gave Edgar when he mentioned having leave. Edgar was an interesting one. He seemed a bit too excited to answer questions, and he kept looking around the shop for no reason.


    Is there something I can help <em>you </em>with, then? Derek pointedly asked.


    Oh, no Im good. Edgar answered. You just dont have much for sale, do you?


    The building was literally finished just yesterday


    Oh that makes sense then.


    Is my father around? Jake cut in.


    Derek shook his head. Im afraid not. He went out to train someone a few days ago, and hasnte back yet. He left before I could give him amunications crystal. He should be back sometime today, though. Its the seventh day since he left. He said not to worry unless he was gone over a week.


    Derek saw Jake shiver when he mentioned training. Who is he training? Does he have strong willpower? Jake asked.


    <em>She</em>, but yes, she does have quite the strong willpower. Why? Derek asked.


    Jake shrugged. Fath dad isnt the easiest on people when ites to training them.


    Well, thats fine. Its best when youre hard on people. They live longer and DONT choose a ss they are unsuitable for. Derek whipped his head around to see Thomas peaking out from the stairs. Do they? Thomas?


    Thomas finished walking down the stairs and rubbed the back of his neck, a crimson glow appeared on his face. No


    Thomas, this is Jake, Jackss son. He pointed at the young man with red eyes. And this is Edgar, a part of his adventuring team.


    Thomas walked over and politely introduced himself.


    They are both graduates of the Academy. Derek added.


    The boys eyes sparkled. Really? How is it? Is it tough? Im supposed to go there in a few months. I just have to get some more levels before I qualify.


    Edgar stepped forward, crouched down, and put his arm around Thomass neck. Its easy as pie. Do you want to know a secret of making it in the Academy?


    Thomas bobbed his head up and down. I do.


    You just have to be stronger than everyone else. If you get picked on, kick their ass. If someone doesnt like you, kick their ass. If you find yourself outnumbered find other strong people and form a group. Then you know what to do next? Edgar asked,


    Kick their ass?


    Exactly youre going to do fine.


    Jake rolled his eyes again. Dont listen to him. Keep your head down, do the work, and train as much as possible.


    Says the guy who lit half his ss on fire the first week you were at the Academy. Edgar said.


    I kept my head down after that, though.


    Yeah, because you didnt need any more fame after the incident.


    Derek smiled. Theres nothing wrong with being stronger than everyone else. Its worked pretty well for me.


    See, this guy gets it. Edgar said.


    What about the nobles? Thomas asked. The boy was always worried about what nobles would do. Especially after the incident with y and Alicia.


    Your status doesnt matter in the Academy, only strength and willingness to learn. Edgar said. It doesnt matter if youre a high noble, low noble, or a beggar that came in off the street. The nobles can say this and that, but they cant do anything. Not unless they want the whole Kingdom against them. Differences are worked out between the students, family doesnt matter. Even a Prince or Princess will be treated the same.


    What about after the Academy? Thomas asked.


    Then you join the Kings army. Its less protection than the Academy, but by that time, you should be able to fend for yourself. Look at Jake, here. Hes only a couple years out of the Academy, but hes already a high ranked tinum Adventurer. Edgar exined.


    Thats actually good to hear. Derek said. He wasnt sure about the whole, joining the army, but its good that the kid will have a good amount of protection while in the Academy. Especially if hees out at a higher level and is well trained. <em>About that</em>


    How well does the Academy train skills? Derek asked.


    Theyre the best. They focus more on skills training that leveling. Anyone can get power leveled, but it doesnt mean shit unless you know how to use your skills. We ahem they have craftsmen that make training dolls that mimic real beasts. They dont help skills level faster than a real battle, but it is faster than even sparring. Edgar exined.


    Derek squinted. Thats good.


    At that time, Malorie came down from upstairs. Oh, we have guests? She asked.


    Derek nodded. We do.


    Silvi and I were just about to get breakfast started. Malorie said.


    Join us for breakfast? Derek asked the two young men.


    I don Jake started.


    Of course we will. Edgar answered.


    Great. Im sure Jacks will be back sometime soon. Might as well hang around until then If you have enough leave, that is. Derek said.


    Ive plenty. Edgar said.


    Derek led everyone to the dining room, as he didnt actually think about making a living room. The dining room would have to work.


    Oh these chairs are great. Edgarmented.


    Derek smiled, but didnt say anything. The group continued chatting while Mal and Silvi prepared breakfast. Thomas was milking Edgar for as much information as he could about the Academy. Derek didnt think Thomas noticed the Onyx Badge on the mans arm yet, either.


    During their time waiting, Rudy joined them, and Brandi ventured through. She went to the kitchen with Malorie to help.


    About an hourter, Malorie came in with a ginormous spread. Eggs, bacon, toast, ham everything one would need for breakfast littered the table. She also served some coffee and ced different creams, sugars, and honey on the table.


    This looks fantastic! Edgar said as he grabbed a biscuit and stuffed it into his mouth.


    Jake shook his head.


    Soon, everyone was seated, including Silvi. She was at the opposite end as Derek. Lets dig in. Her voice chimed through the ne, causing Jake to shoot a look at her, and Edgar to choke on a biscuit.


    She ahem Edgar cleared his throat. Shes not a pet?


    Not at all. Derek said.


    Edgar shrugged and began stacking a te full of food. Everyone else did the same. Silvi, unfortunately, didnt have opposable thumbs, but she made up for it with <strong>Telekinesis </strong>and <strong>Mage Hand</strong>. Soon, strips of bacon were flying to her te as a blue hand gathered eggs and biscuits.


    Thats awesome. Edgarmented.


    The group didnt waste time eating. Soon, the table was empty.


    Edgar sat back and patted his belly. That hit the spot and these chairs I could fall asleep right now.


    <em>He gets it </em>Derek was starting to like this outspoken man.


    After breakfast, Brandi scurried to her basement. Rudy moved to his contract store, still trying to think of a proper name. Thomas ran off to train with Shae, and Silvi and Mal went back to the kitchen to increase their skill levels. Leaving Derek and the two young men alone in the dining room.


    Not long after, the shop door crashed open and Raynas voice sted through the air.


    Derek!


    Instantly, Derek was down the stairs in front of a disheveled Rayna. Edgar and Jake followed closely.


    Its Jacks hes surrounded! She cried out.

 Chapter 180: Attackers

    Chapter 180: Attackers


    Woah, woah, woah Derek ran up to Rayna. Take a breath calm down then tell me whats going on.


    Rayna took a deep breath and let it out. Jacks we were finishing up training and about toe back when we were ambushed. Theyre not that strong. I think Jacks is stronger than any one of them, but there are a lot. He sent me back here and stopped them from chasing after me.


    Where is he? Jake stepped forth.


    Rayna only just then seen that there were others there besides Derek. Who it doesnt matter She shook her head. We were training at the apes


    The Cudgel Apes? Jake asked.


    Yes. Rayna confirmed. We were just inside their territory when we were ambushed.


    Do you know where that is? Derek asked Jake.


    I do.


    Good. Can you lead the way?


    I can. Lets go. Jake was already moving towards the door.


    Malorie! Derek yelled upstairs. Take care of Rayna well be back soon.


    Derek ran out the door and followed Jake, who was already a good distance away.


    Iming too! Edgar shouted, as he caught up with Derek in an instant.


    <em>Fast! </em>Derek thought, seeing the man move.


    Soon, all three of them were together, with Jake in the lead.


    ***


    <em>Dammit! </em>Jacks spit out a mouthful of blood as fist sized rock struck him in his chest. Twelve, there were twelve hooded figures who ambushed him and Rayna. All of them had the strength of someone in the tinum Ranks at the Adventurers Guild.


    He had blocked them all from pursuing Rayna with a giant wall of fire surrounding them. Itsted long enough for the woman to get away. Since she was a wind user and had increased her level so much over thest few days, there wasnt much of a chance of her being chased down. The group that attacked seemed to know this as well, and chose not to chase once the wall of fire calmed down.


    Unfortunately for Jacks, the skill had taken arge portion of his mana to cast, and the mana potion he drank immediately after wasnt able to keep up with his current expenditure.


    The question he kept asking himself was why? At first he thought the group that attacked was sent by Torith over his feud with Derek, but that changed when one of his strikes knocked the hood from the ambushers head.


    He was a half elf. Jacks got a good look at another, and he was also a half elf. Why would a group of tinum Ranked half elves be ambushing him and Rayna? He couldnt allow his mind to linger on this question as more and more attacksnded.


    Three half elves alreadyy on the ground, unmoving, two more clutched at their wounds and let out agonizing cries. They were three close ranged attackers who didnt expect Jacks to explode with his fire mana when he did. He used <strong>zing Fury</strong>, the same skill he used to attack Derek.


    Of course, he didnt dump all his mana into his sword attack this time. He used the skill in a bnce between his sword and body. The surrounding mes kept close range attackers hesitant, or it would have had he not timed the activation perfectly and injured a whole group of them.


    The mes also reduced the iing damage of other attacks. It was great against the two half elves who apparently specialized in wood magic. Two other half elves were seeing to their wounded, which left three attacking.


    One was an earth user, who was causing the most damage to Jacks. The mes over his body keep the stones from bing lethal, but that was it. The water mage keptunching attacks, but her water wasnt as strong as Jackss mes, so when they met, her attacks turned into steam, causing an even more blistering atmosphere around the battlefield. One that Jacks preferred. He was almost immune to heat based attacks.


    Finally, thest half elf was a bow user. There was another bow user, but he was caught up in Jackss initial st and was having a hard time dealing with his charred arm. He had been the loudest. <em>Serves him right.</em>


    Regrettably, the remaining bow user had not moved in closer at that time, leaving her fresh. Also, she seemed to deal with poisons and toxins, as one arrow had made it through his mes and nicked him in the leg. The toxin was slowly eating away at his remaining Stamina.


    Jacks thought about fleeing, but realized he wouldnt be able to. His Stamina would run out before he got too far, and the toxin wouldnt allow it to build back up. He would essentially be a sitting duck. His body would enter the paralyzing state of Stamina fatigue once it hit zero. His potions slowed the Stamina loss, but didnt recover any. The toxin was strong.


    He had two other options. He could go all out, hoping to take them all out before he fell unconscious, or he could bide his time and hope Rayna alerted Derek. If Derek came, they wouldnt stand a chance. He hated relying on people, but thats what he ended up choosing, it was the only one that, if worked, guaranteed his chance at survival, and therefore, his chance to meet his son again.


    Though, once his Stamina reached a certain point, he nned on putting all his mana into one final attack. There was no sense in saving mana if his Stamina was exhausted.


    Something felt odd about the attack, like they didnt want to kill him, only greatly injure him. He didnt know if this was for kidnapping or to send a message, but it allowed him to stall.


    He had already held on for quite some time, and Rayna should have made it back to the city. If she could give Derek proper directions to the Cudgel Apes, Derek would arrive in a matter of minutes. But, this was all based on the half elves not having anyone else in their party to intercept Rayna.


    Another arrow darted towards his head. He raised his ming sword and blocked it, letting another stone crash into his gut. It was a tactic that caused him to lose Stamina faster, but he had to block his head.


    The archer was able to shoot four arrows in the time it took the mage to summon a stone andunched it at Jacks. Jacks was fast enough to deflect one attack at a time, but when they both came, he had to allow one to hit him. As a me user, speed wasnt his strong suit. In that front, he envied Rayna.


    The ambushers continued to wear Jacks down. He did his best to preserve his Stamina, but the toxin showed no signs of letting up. As time passed, his Staminal pool dwindled. In minutes, he would be under five percent, and have no other choice than to hit the remaining half elves with onest attack.


    Seeing his Stamina tick under five percent, Jacks sighed. <em>Sorry Jake Sorry Derek I wont be able to repay you. </em>His grip tightened on his sword, and the mes began transferring to it from his body. His sword slowly began taking the shape of a greatsword.


    The remaining attackers grabbed their fallenrades and backed away, causing Jacks to release another sigh. It looked like his final attack would fail. Who in their right mind would stand still for an attack like the one he was charging? Who except for Derek?


    The attackers all spread out. Jackss eyes locked on one of the half elves. The archer that hit him with the toxin. Since he could only go after one, he chose the archer. If Jacks was going out, he would take that bastard out with him.


    Jacks shifted his weight to his back foot and prepared tounch himself forward. With a vast amount of effort, he pushed off the ground but didnt move. He couldnt move. A weight had fallen on his shoulder, one that held him down.


    Looks like we made it. A voice that struck joy into Jackss heart sounded in his ear.


    Jacks turned his head only to see a set of cold purple eyes staring back at him. Jacks heaved a sigh and released all his skills. He fell onto one knee.


    She made it, then? He managed to ask between pants. His Stamina was dangerously low.


    She did. Derek answered. Whats wrong with you? He asked in a concerned tone.


    Toxin eats Stamina. Jacks gasped.


    A wave of something then fell over Jacks. <em>Healing? No this is a curative skill </em>Jacks nced at his status to see his Stamina slowly going up. The skill didntpletely removed the toxin, but it slowed it down enough for his potions to recover some. In any case, Jacks was no longer in risk of losing consciousness.


    Another wave of mana fell over him. <em>This one is healing. </em>He still managed to have a decent amount of health left, so whatever skill Derek used only topped him off on health. It was his Mana and Stamina that were critically low, but they were recovering.


    Theyre running. Dereks voice broke him out of his thoughts.


    No theyre not. A voice Jacks didnt recognize came from above. Thats when he realized that more than just Derek came.


    Jacks tilted his head up to see the neer. An attractive young man with white hair floated in the air above them. Small charges of lightning shot out at different angles from his feet. Crown <em>Prince Edward? </em>Jacks thought, then immediately dismissed it. The man looked like the Crown Prince, but he was younger.


    It had been over a decade since Jacks caught sight of the Crown Prince. He already looked older than the man above him. <em>Hes definitely rted to the Cydaria family. </em>He thought.


    The young man pped, and Jackss ears nearly exploded. Thunder reverberated for miles around the area.


    Jacks turned his head towards his attackers. Multiple small bolts of lightning fell from the sky and struck them. They had no chance to escape. Jacks was sure that none died, though. He moved his eyes back to the man in the sky, then shifted to behind the man.


    A young man who he hadnt seen before stood in the air behind the Cydarian Royal. mes covered his feet,busting to keep him in the air. It was a skill Jacks knew all to well, a skill he also had.


    But Jacks ignored all that as his eyes fell onto the young mans face. Jake!

 Chapter 181: Somewhat of a Prince

    Chapter 181: Somewhat of a Prince


    Derek removed his hand from Jackss shoulder as the man shouted for his son. Edgar and Jake floated down beside Derek and Jacks.


    Father. Jake said.


    Jacks walked over and took the young man in his arms, swinging him around in the process. What are you doing here? I didnt expect you so soon.


    They had <em>leave</em>. Derek said and snorted.


    Jacks let the squirming young man out of his embrace and turned towards Edgar and bowed slightly. Thank you for your help, Prince


    Edgar rolled his eyes. Edgar, but dont call me prince.


    Ah so you were a prince. No wonder you did all that shy shit. Derek said.


    What do you mean? Edgar asked.


    Like you really needed to p your hands like that before releasing that skill. How long do you stand in front of a mirror each day practicing that? Huh? Tell me. Derek said.


    Edgars pale face became a slight shade of pink. Ahem it helps control the skill.


    Sure it does. Derek said.


    Well, it doesnt matter, does it? It knocked them all unconscious, didnt it? Thats what matters.


    I guess


    Derek turned to look at the reunited father son duo. Jacks had dragged Jake off a small distance and they were talking. Derek shrugged.


    Doesnt look like any of them died. A couple are critical, but not dead. Derek said, after scanning the fallen bodies around them. I wonder if Jacks held back, or if they just got lucky.


    With burns like those, I dont see how I could call it luck. Edgar said.


    They arent dead, and a decent healer can fix all that. Plus, you came along and knocked them unconscious. I dont know if I would have been so generous. Derek said.


    As you know now, Im somewhat of a Prince. Diplomacy and all that Edgar said.


    Derek shrugged. Im going to go gather them up. Do you have a way to carry them back to the city? Im going to have some questions to ask these elves


    Derek had his <strong>Time Prison</strong> that he could use, but he didnt want to use it around Jake and Edgar, especially Edgar. The man seemed decent enough, but Derek held little respect for the Royal Family after everything happened with Torith.


    Half elves. Edgar corrected.


    Half elves, then.


    I dont know theres what? 12 of them? Im sure we can think of a way to get them back to the city. Edgar replied.


    Well, think about it. Derek walked off and made his way to the body lying the furthest away from them. He grabbed the half elf by the ankle and dragged him back, grabbing another body along the way.


    After a short while, he had gathered all 12 half elves together.


    You think of anything? He asked Edgar.


    Edgar waved his arm and an extravagant rug fell onto the ground. This work? he asked.


    You sure you want to dirty up something so royal? Derek asked.


    The prince shrugged. I never really liked it, anyway.


    Whatever, your choice. Derek turned back to the father son duo. Hey! Were heading back. Yall can catch up when we get back to the shop.


    The two walked back over. Half elves? Jake asked.


    Looks that way. Edgar answered.


    A little help. Derek said as heid one of the unconscious bodies on the rug. He pulled a red vial out of his storage bracelet and force fed it to the next half elf he moved. He was in a critical condition and Derek didnt want him to die yet.


    Any idea why they attacked you? Derek asked as they moved bodies.


    Im not too sure, but I can think of a reason.


    That elf chick? Derek asked.


    Jacks nodded. Thats they only thing I coulde up with. You embarrassed her in front of a lot of people.


    Derek snorted. Nobles and their brittle skin.


    Elf chick? Edgar cut in.


    Ill tell you about itter. Lets get these dipshits back to the city before they wake up. Derek said.


    Dragging the ambushers back to the city took much longer than getting to the scene of the battle. The group also got a lot of strange looks when entering the city, but everything was settled when Edgar introduced himself. Two Onyx Badges being in the group didnt hurt, either.


    Still, the guards had to report the matter to their higher ups. Derek told them if they needed to discuss anything, theyd be at his shop. Then he exined where his shop was. He figured he may end up meeting Natalie Savannah sooner rather thanter after this ordeal.


    The group soon dragged the 12 half elves through the front door of the shop, drawing gasps from Brandi and the others.


    Oh, thank goodness. Youre okay. Rayna ran up and hugged Jacks.


    Jacks awkwardly pushed the woman off him. I am. Thanks for getting back here fast enough that they coulde save me. I was almost out of time.


    Rayna stepped back and looked between Jacks and Jake. She moved her head back and forth. The two of you really do look simr. She turned and said to Mal.


    Thats good and all. Malorie said. But why did you bring all these bodies back to the shop? Isnt there a better ce for that?


    Theyre still alive. Derek answered.


    What? Both Rayna and Mal took a second looked at the half elves.


    Yeah, were going to get some information out of them. Since the basements mostly empty, Ill take them down there.


    Not long after, the 12 bodies were sprawled out on the basement floor, and Edgar put his rug away. Brandi wasnt too happy about being kicked out of her crafting space, but she left them to it.


    So, how long does it usually take for your shock treatment to wear off? Derek asked.


    Depends on their Endurance. Edgar answered. Or, I can just go up to someone and He snapped his fingers and a current of electricity shot out and zapped one of the attackers. Tada.


    You didnt have to snap, did you? It was for effect as well? Wasnt it? Derek asked.


    Oh look, hes awaked. Edgar called out, ignoring Dereks questions. Its best to question him now, while hes still foggy. He might let something unintentional slip.


    You interrogate a lot of people? Derek asked.


    The normal amount.


    Would the two of you concentrate? Jake snapped.


    Derek walked over and picked the man up by the scruff of his shirt. Why did you attack my people?


    The half elf snapped. You shamed Lady Elras! You deserved it.


    So it was because of the elf chick. Derek said.


    How dare you call her that! The half elf spat.


    Elras? Edgar said. Sabrina Elras?


    That would be the one. Derek said. Shes some foreign dignitary from India or something.


    Its Indria. Edgar said. And why would she want to harm you or your people?


    Derek shrugged. She wanted to cut in line. I didnt let her.


    Thats it? Edgar asked.


    I may have released my aura against her goons, but I didnt leave anysting damage. It was just a warning. Why do people around here take warning so badly?


    It still doesnt make any sense. She would know better than to mess with an Onyx Ranked Adventurer. She is a dignitary very political. She wouldnt do something like this, especially in a city like Savannah. Edgar said.


    The Prince looked at the half elf again. Were you acting under the Lady Elrass orders?


    As if the Lady would speak to someone as lowly as me.


    Ah I get it now. Edgar said.


    You do? I sure as hell dont. Whats going on? Derek asked.


    First of all, I dont think they nned on killing Jacks. Edgar said. Did you? he asked the half elf.


    Of course not. That would taint the Ladys name. We were teaching them a lesson in disrespect. The half elf said.


    Edgar sighed. What we have here is a group of fanatic half elves wanting to impress Lady Elras. It is possible that she could put a good word in and have them epted as full citizens of Indria.


    Doesnt that ce treat half elves like crap? Derek asked.


    Edgar shrugged. People want to be with their people. Plus, they will be treated better if they are rmended by a high noble, such as Lady Elras.


    So stupid Derek said. What do we do with them?


    Let them go? Edgar suggested. Its not like Lady Elras has anything to do with them. I doubt theyll act again, knowing that they were caught by two Onyx Ranks one who just so happens to be a Prince of this Kingdom He looked pointedly at the half elf, whos eyes shot open. Will you?


    N-no Your Highness. The half elf muttered.


    What do you think? Derek asked Jacks. He was really the only one affected by the poor decisions of this lot.


    Im fine. You can let them go. The man said. Id rather spend the time that Jake is here catching up, not dealing with a bunch of idiots. Plus, I think theyre going to be feeling their bad decision for a while. Its going to take a lot of mana to heal those burns. That wasnt regr fire.


    Did you hear that? Edgar said. These nice people are letting you and your friends go. Also, dont think Lady Elras wont find out about your transgressions. Dont do things like this in the future.


    Derek let the man fall to the ground. Get your goons and get out.


    Th-theyre unconscious


    Edgar rolled his eyes, then snapped his fingers. Multiple currents of electricity ran through the bodies of the half elves. The one that was already conscious let out a yelp.


    Whoops. Edgar said.


    Soon, the half elves were all moaning and clutching at their wounds.


    Shut up! Derek yelled, and released some aura with it. The whimpering stopped. Im letting you leave this time. Your friend here has some information that I suggest listening to. Derek said. Now GET OUT!


    The less injured half elves gather up the more heavily injured ones and looked around the room.


    Up the stairs to the left, then out the door. You are all banned from my shop, so dont think abouting back. Derek said. They looked onest time, then left.


    Thats that Derek said, and followed behind the fleeing group.

 Chapter 182: Father/Son Reunion

    Chapter 182: Father/Son Reunion


    Once everything with the half elves was settled, Jacks and Jake wanted some time to catch up. There were many things Jacks had to tell Jake, and he preferred to do it in private. Luckily, Rudy wasnt using his office at the moment, so they were able to move there to have their conversation.


    Once seated, Jacks spoke. Jake you dont know how long Ive wanted to see you.


    You could have fooled me not contacting me once since you moved off with the Toriths. Jake said. I know theyre not the greatest of nobles, but that didnt matter to me. You didnt have to shut me out. A letter here and there would have sufficed. Five years! Its been five years and you havent so much as written!


    Jacks winced at his sons usation. I know and Im sorry. Malcolm Gerald I wanted them to have nothing to do with you. I kept you from them as best I could before I was able to send you to the Academy. Theres a reason for that. They arent just not the greatest of nobles, they are despicable, the lot of them.


    What do you mean? You said in your letter that you had many things you wanted to tell me. Is it about them? The Toriths?


    Jacks nodded. Thats right Do you remember the day you were taken?


    How could I forget? Jake frowned. You were off in a dungeon. Me and me and mom were at home, waiting for you to get back. I had just gone to sleep when our front door was broken down. Mom di she wasnt even able to get an attack off before she died. Jake clenched his fist and bit his bottom lip. They put a bag over my head and took me.


    And you remember how I found you? Jacks asked.


    You said Gerald Torith used his resources to help find me in exchange for your cooperation. Jake said.


    Im afraid theres much more to the story that we I never pieced together. Jacks said.


    More to the story?


    Yes. Jacks confirmed. When I got back from the dungeon and found your mother on the floor, I was distraught and angry. Then, I realized I couldnt find you. I looked and looked, used all my contacts and favors, but I couldnt find any trace of you. Then I was contacted by one of Toriths men.


    And? Jake asked.


    Well, I never thought about it, because he was able to find you. I counted my blessings that you were alive and well, and never questioned anything. Whatever the price, it was more than worth it to have you back. Jacks said.


    But now, something doesnt add up? Jake asked.


    Exactly. Jacks said. Ive watched that noble house do truly atrocious things, and I couldnt interfere because of my oath and contract. All I could do was not help. There were times when I had to do terrible things because Malcolm got himself in trouble. I truly regret those moments.


    Now, why would such a terrible noble housee to me and offer to help find my son? Jacks asked rhetorically. I think it was because of who I was.


    Who you were?


    Yes. I was amoner on my way to Onyx Rank. I held no ties to any noble house, and I was known to do the right thing. What happens when a new power rises in a ce controlled by the few? Jacks asked.


    Jake closed his eyes. They either take the power, or eliminate it. They wont let it grow.


    Thats right. Jacks said. And since I didnt have any ties, I didnt have any backing. Most adventurers like me end up working for the Adventurers Guild. Nobody wants to piss off that man. Its what I should have done, but I wanted to be free.


    Jake nodded. Or you go to the military and work for the Kingdom like me. Jakes fist tightened around the arm of the chair he was sitting in. So, since you had no backing, the noble houses went for you. Torith


    Exactly. And Im not the only one. Ive seen more than one promising person working under contract for Torith. Im sure other houses are the same in this regard, Im just not sure how far the other houses are willing to go. As for Torith Jacks did his best to control his rage. It was all a set up. In one move, Gerald got rid of the new power, and his son obtained a moderately powerful bodyguard who was in their debt.


    Torith killed mom? Jake t out asked.


    I believe they did. Jacks answered.


    Jake took in a deep breath and calmed down. What made you think about this after all those years?


    Derek. Jacks answered. He killed Malcolm and broke my oath and contract. Before he killed Malcolm, he made the man give up some information. Information that rendered Malcolm an Oathbreaker.


    What information?


    Theres no proof, but ording to what Malcolm said, the reason he was shipped out to be City Lord in Torith, instead of it continuing to be run by an Overseer from the family, is because he stumbled onto a secret of Geralds. Jacks exined.


    A secret worth sending his son far away for?


    Jacks nodded. If it would have been anyone other than Malcolm who discovered it, they would have died.


    And what was the secret?


    House Torith deals in child trafficking, and probably more. Jacks said.


    Jakes eyes widened. Do you trust Derek? Do you believe him?


    Jacks nodded slowly. I do more so than most anyone else Ive met. I havent known him long, but does anything he says hes going to, and has been upfront with everything to me. Hes strong enough that he doesnt need me, either.


    What about the King and the Royal Family? Jake asked.


    It would make sense that Prince Edgar doesnt know anything about it. He seems to be the type that avoids politics wherever possible. Hes not the Crown Prince, and it doesnt seem like he wants the position, anyway. Does that sound right?


    Jake nodded. He only cares about his military troops and having fun. Ive only seen him serious a handful of times, all when members of his unit are in trouble. He rarely talks about noble families, and when he does, its not always pleasant.


    Derek thinks the problem is with the King. Jacks said. He hasnt said so directly, but I can tell that he has no respect for King Edwin. And I cant me him, after knowing what I know now. Either he knows what Gerald Torith is doing and turns a blind eye, he actively avoids finding out, or he actually doesnt know anything.


    None of those options sound good.


    No they dont. Jacks agreed. Though Gerald Torith may just be that good at keeping things hidden.


    Anyway you look at it, they need to know. Jake said. Ill tell Edgar.


    But you dont have proof, and House Torith has almost as much control over the Kingdom as the Royal Family does. I dont believe they will investigate the matter without first having proof.


    Jake half shouted. And how are they supposed to get proof without investigating?


    They cant.


    Then what do we do? Jake asked.


    Jacks shrugged. Ive decided to be stronger and help Derek. Since Derek killed Malcolm, there is no way Gerald will let him off. Ill be right behind him when he makes a decision.


    Ill be here, too. Jake said.


    No. Jacks shook his head. You stay with Prince Edgar. Grow stronger. Keep your backing.


    She was my MOTHER! Jake mmed his fist down on the table.


    And she was my wife! Jacks said back. I will not have you throwing your life away when theres nothing you can do. Your mother wouldnt want you to. This is something I have to do. You only need to worry about yourself.


    Jake grit his teeth. Im still telling Edgar.


    Do what you want with the information. Just know that theres nothing the Royal Family can do right now. As for now, I think the best bet is on Derek. Hes strong. Jacks said.


    Hes still only an Onyx Rank. Jake said.


    Jacks snorted. Thats as high rank as the Adventurers Guild in Savannah is able to give out. I believe his strength is at the Diamond Rank.


    Youre saying hes already as strong as the King and the Siren from the Crown? Jake asked.


    Dont talk bad about Miss Swan, she and Derek seem to be good friends. Jacks cut him off.


    Jake was taken aback. Friends with the Si with nah Swan?


    Jacks nodded. He keeps both low and highpany. He didnt move to Savannah because of his own safety, he did it for those around him. He wants them to have a safe ce to grow.


    Jake went quiet, thinking. After a few minutes, he spoke. Fine Ill leave House Torith up to you and Derek for now. But if you fail, Im going after them.


    Thats good. Jacks sighed in relief. He sat back in his chair. Now, tell me about thest five years. Ive only been able to get a few reports about you in secret. How was the Academy? Did you fit in?


    Jakes face flushed. Well, I didnt fit in from the start. I uh I caused an ident the first week I was there


    The father son duo continued their conversationte into the night. Jake recount all the fun and troublesome times he had in the Academy and his adventures with Edgar.


    A very difficult day had blossomed into one of the best nights Jacks had in a decade. He listened with rapt attention and took in everything his son had to say. He could finally be a father again.

 Chapter 183: Zephyrs Fury

    Chapter 183: Zephyr''s Fury


    Derek watched Jacks drag Jake through the shop and into Rudys office. <em>They have a lot of catching up to do. </em>Back in the shop, Rayna, Mal, Silvi, Brandi, and Derek chatted with Edgar about some things. Brandi was super excited about being able to talk to an actual prince.


    Edgar didnt actually know too much about the political side of the Kingdom. He preferred fighting and adventuring. Even though he was considered a General of the Kings army, and he had worked his way up from one of the lower ranks, he didnt particrly enjoy that, either.


    The Kingdom had been peaceful for over two decades at this point, so the army mostly patrolled the borders. Cydaria was bordered by Vallum and the dwarves, Indria and the elves, and Astrus, which was a Kingdom made up like Cydaria, one epting of all, to a certain extent.


    Edgar told them stories of patrolling the borders and the state of everything. The borders with Indria and Vallum werex, as both countries had multiple trade deals with Cydaria and had a good rtionship, even though the elves of Indria had a very elitist attitude towards humans. Apparently, they even allowed a certain amount of ves, as long as they werent elves.


    Derek didnt like that, but it seemedmon. When he asked about it, Edgar told him that only Vallum and Cydaria frown on the tradition. The dwarves of Vallum despise very because they think a person should be able to do everything on their own, with their own hands. Derek liked that attitude.


    As for the border with Astrus, it was more heavily guarded. They had been at a standstill since thest war ended 23 years ago. Neither country came out for the better. It seemed like a bit of a Cold War situation to Derek.


    The Rampant Sea bordered the entire eastern side of Cydaria, which required as many, if not more, of the armys attention. There were many monsters that appeared from the sea onto thend and asionally attacked viges and cities close by. If Derek would have continued east after arriving at Wimette, he soon would have run into the sea.


    Derek still didnt understand the size of the continent they were on, but from everything he gathered, it was massive. Cydaria had as muchndmass as Russia, and the three kingdoms that bordered it werent much smaller. The had to be at least 10 times bigger than Earth.


    When Derek asked about the poption of Cydaria, he was surprised to learn that it was over a billion. It didnt make sense. There didnt seem to be more than a few million people in Savannah, and it was supposed to be one of the best cities in the Kingdom.


    Then he remembered the fee to enter, and all the businesses. When he asked about it, he learned that there were over 600 million people in and around the Cydarian Capital. The viges around the capital were more like sub cities than the actual sub cities were. Because of the presence of the army, and even though the area and dungeons around the capital were dangerous, it was still the safest ce to live in the Kingdom.


    It all blew Dereks mind. He couldnt wait to see the capital city. But he wanted to see it from the outside.


    During their discussion, Thomas dragged his disheveled body back to the shop. Shae really didnt take it easy on the kid. Derek was happy for him. Shae was a much better mentor than Derek could have ever been.


    Once Derek finished getting information about the Kingdom out of Edgar, he left Mal, Brandi, and Thomas with the Prince to keep himpany. He then dragged Rayna downstairs to discuss her training.


    She followed him down to the basement. When they got there, Derek activated the soundproofing runes Geoffrey installed for Brandi so the racket wouldnt reach upstairs. Derek hopped on top of the workbench, and Rayna took a seat on the anvil.


    So, other than being ambushed by a crazy cult, how was your training? When I mentioned that Jacks was training you, Jake asked if you had strong willpower. Was it pretty harsh? Derek asked.


    Harsh? Rayna visibly shuddered. I received an Award for dying she said.


    What?


    Yeah Jacks went to an Alchemy shop before we left to fight the apes. I didnt know what he was nning, but he must have spent tens of thousands of gold in there. He bought resurrection potions. A lot of them. She exined.


    And the Award? Derek asked.


    Raynas face blushed. Its called Damsel apparently after entering a dying state and being pulled out of it ten times, you get the Award. It significantly decreases the chance that a critical hit will kill you instantly. While in a dying state, it dramatically increases the countdown timer. And, it has a slight chance of auto revival once the timer depletes. Its one of the most versatile Awards Ive ever seen or heard of.


    Wow, thats great. Derek said. <em>That sounds like something everyone needs to have. </em>I wonder how many people know about it.


    I asked Jacks, and he said he learned about it from a noble he adventured with back in the day, who couldnt keep his mouth shut. One of those types that are always bragging about what they have that others cant get.


    It would be a very hard Award to get. You would have to have the money to buy enough potions to revive somebody ten times, which would cost more than this shop probably. Or, you would need a high level healer who happened to have a resurrection spell, which I hear is rare unless the ss is of higher rarity. Derek said.


    Rayna nodded. I owe Jacks a lot.


    Derek shrugged. Maybe maybe hes looking for a good partner to go adventuring with. When I mentioned it earlier, his eyes lit up like a child. It seems he really enjoyed the life back when he was able to. If he can build you up into something great, the two of you could make Onyx, or even Diamond rank together.


    <em>And by the time that happens, I will have made my presence known enough that nobody will want to fuck with my people. </em>He didnt say out loud. He smiled. Hes going to be especially motivated after seeing that his son has already caught up, if not surpassed him.


    That would be great. I never thought about that. Rayna said.


    Speaking of being strong. Derek said. Did you level well? Upgrade your skills?


    Raynas eyes brightened. I did, but I havent been able to go over everything yet. I hit level 100 for my ss upgrade, but I was going to wait until I got home to do it. But the half elves attacked, so I did the upgrade without viewing anything. Just to get the extra points so I could rush back.


    After that, I spent all my time worrying if you were going to make it to Jacks in time, so I havent had a chance to see anything other than the fact that it upgraded to epic rarity. She answered.


    Oh, thats amazing! I had hoped it would upgrade for you at level 100. That means you may even have a shot at legendary at the level 200 upgrade. Derek said.


    Legendary she mumbled. I cant believe Im going to have a chance to get a legendary ss. Its kind of overwhelming.


    Well Derek prodded. Cmon, whats your ss like?


    Rayna closed her eyes. The name changed. Its no longer Zephyrs Gale, its Zephyrs Fury. Its still a ranged wind swordsman type ss. I get three points in Endurance and Vitality per level. Two points into Strength. And five points into Dexterity, Wisdom, and Intelligence.


    Oh? A total of 23 stat points per level. Thats not bad. Derek said. Brandi was the first anomaly with odd stat points, but her ss was crazy. It was rare, and she almost got epic ss stats. Three more points than a normal epic rarity ss made more sense.


    It seemed that growth type sses received a bit more of a push than regr sses. Derek inwardly cursed at the system. He had only received 20 points when his was epic, yet it was a growth type ss. He did have the ability to put the points wherever he wished, though, so he couldntin much.


    What did you get? Derek asked.


    Rayna closed her eyes again. There are three skills, but I havent bought them yet. Ill need to buy and test themter. She scoffed. One of them is a passive increase in movement speed. Its called Swift Footing. It doesnt have any requirements, its always on. I could have used that when running away.


    Hindsight Derek said.


    One is called Cyclone it makes tornadoes I can control. Its an area of effect spell. She said. Thest one is Wind Bolt. It charges wind on the tip of my finger, or sword, then shoots it out at high speed. The speed and density of the bolt increases as it levels. It doesnt cost a lot of mana, either.


    Sounds like pretty good skills. Derek said. <em>The Cyclone skill is probably the same as the one that the Canis Cyclonis used back in that early beast dungeon the one that I used Void Shift for the first time to kill.</em> By the way, did anyone tell you that your eyes are different yet?


    What? What do you mean? She hurriedly asked.


    I think it has something to do with obtaining a certain amount of skill in an element. If you look closely at Edgar, you can see the lightning currents running through his eyes. Remember when I upgraded my ss and my eyes turned purple? I dont even have ck pupils anymore. Derek exined.


    Rayna nodded.


    Well, congrattions. You dont have pupils anymore, either. And your eye color is now a bluish green. The same color as your Wind de after you changed to the Zephyr ss at level 50, Derek said.


    Rayna frowned and asked in a worried tone, Do they still match my hair?

 Chapter 184: Preparations

    Chapter 184: Preparations


    For the next few days, everyone spent their time together, catching up. Derek took Rayna to the Adventurers Guild to both train her new skills, and get her a Gold Adventurers Badge. She easilypleted her testing missions to obtain the rank.


    Normally, Jacks would be the one to help Rayna, but he was busy with his son. They had a lot of catching up to do. Derek knew Jacks had let Jake know about everything that had transpired and was d to see that the two of them ended up having a decent rtionship.


    Prince Edgar was a bit of an oddball. He mostly just sat around, listening and giving his two cents on topics that interested him. More than anything, the man seemed to be happy to be where he was, and not where he obviously should have been. The Prince turned out to be a very patient man, as well. There was a never-ending stream of questions flowing out of Thomass mouth about the Academy.


    Derek also found time to take Malorie to the bank and set everything up. She would be the manager at their shop, so he gave her ess to everything, including his finances. He wasnt worried about money. If he need it personally, he could just go on a hunt for something big. He also wasnt worried about her stealing. He trusted her and trusted that she wouldnt do anything to jeopardize Brandis future.


    Rudy finally got over his excitement and decided that his business didnt need a mboyant name. He was in the contract business. It was better to be straightforward. Eventually, he settled on Contracts by Rudy. Derek helped with the slogan, Always get it in writing! After a short conversation with Geoffrey, the sign and slogan was mounted above the entrance to his part of the building.


    Finally, Derek talked with Ste about the Void Beast materials, and was able to get everything within two days. Apparently, nah had made an official announcement and was beginning to prepare for the auction, which would be the first of two, and be held in Savannah. Thus, the Void Beasts were already in the process of being prepared when he made the request.


    Roman was ecstatic when Derek delivered the materials, as was Rudy. It was the first contract he made under his new business. Overall, the contract was in Dereks favor, but Roman couldntin. He would not only being making an absurd amount of money, but the experience he would get for crafting the potions would be no joke. He even redoubled his efforts in teaching Brandi when she went over for lessons.


    As for Sabrina Elras, f everything was as Edgar said, then she didnt have anything to do with it. He did see the elf around, though. He even caught her staring in his direction a couple of times when he was in the central part of the city. She would quickly turn her head and act as if nothing happened.


    He still heard nothing about or from Natalie Savannah. Apparently, the incident with the ambush didnt warrant her involvement, as everything was settled without death. A prince being there probably helped the matters, as well.


    Which led Derek to today. He was standing outside the Crown Restaurant waiting for onest meeting with Ste before he left for a dungeon. In his storage bracelet, sat one vial of the Potion of Physical Permanence.


    The auction was a month away, and he was looking to add an extrayer to it. He hadnt nned on rushing out the product so fast, but with the auction happening sooner than he originally thought it would, he decided to show off his new product.


    I dont know why were here. I have more than enough clout to advertise the potion for myself. Roman clicked his tongue.


    I trust nahs clientele much more than I trust yours. Hers is very selective, yours not so much. Derek said. Plus, it may be better for you to keep your name hidden. You may attract some unsavory characters once it bes known that you can create such a potion.


    Roman spat on the street. I already attract unsavory characters. They pay the best.


    Yeah, but none of your previous potions would be worth killing for, and I dont think youre as strong as nah is. I dont think Shaes backing would be enough to keep you safe after announcing something like this, and my reputation isnt high enough yet. It will be one day, possibly soon, but for now, I think its best to rely on nah and the Crown. Derek said.


    Whatever well try it your way. But the costs areing out of your half. Roman said.


    Derek chuckled and led Roman into the Crown Restaurant. They were quickly ushered upstairs to Stes office. She was waiting for their arrival.


    Ste! Derek walked in and grabbed a seat.


    Roman followed his lead and hopped in a chair of his own.


    Ste didnt seem to mind their casual attitudes. What can I help you with, Mr. Hunt?


    No need to be formal around Roman you know Roman, right? He asked.


    Weve met in passing before, but weve never had business. Ste looked at Roman. It is a pleasure to formally meet you, Mr. Pascal.


    Roman clicked his tongue. Call me Roman. Mr. Pascal was my no-good bum of a father.


    So thats why its called Romans Potions and Brews even though Pascals Potions would sound so much better. Derek chuckled.


    Well then, Roman Derek to what do I owe the pleasure? She asked.


    Well, about that. Derek flicked his wrist and a vial with liquid that was rapidly changing in color appeared in his hand. Roman created this neat little potion, and I was hoping we could auction it off under the guise of the Crown. He held the potion out for Ste to take.


    Ste frowned as she received the potion. The auction is known for only selling permanent stat boosting meals from Void Beasts. We wouldnt want to taint that by adding she trailed of as she examined the potion. Permanence? she asked.


    Derek smiled. Yup. Its a potion that increases stats perfectly. I thought it would work well as a refreshment to your meals.


    Her eyes widened. Whats the increase? How much? Which stats? She asked.


    Well Derek teased. It increased my Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, and Vitality by five points each. Its also a potion, so I dont think it will have the same problem that the meals have. You should be able to drink them back to back without waiting a long time between of course, the potions are rare, so we havent actually tested that yet.


    So it gives Dexterity and Vitality that will be a big draw. Especially the Vitality. The Kings excitement over the blood from the baby beast giving extra Vitality was palpable. Most people cannot cheat death by old age, whenever that it, so every point in Vitality or Endurance, but especially Vitality, matters. She said.


    So, what do you think? Can we use the Crown as a tform to sell the potion on? I would rather know that these permanent stats are going to somebody vetted by nah, than a random person who may or may not be an enemy. Derek said.


    I think we can work something out. What kind of deal do you two have? What do you bring to the table, Derek? You arent an Alchemistst I checked. Ste said.


    Who said I wasnt an Alchemist? Derek asked with a confused look.


    What? Both Ste and Roman shouted.


    Derek snorted and waved his hands. Just kidding. I dont have the patience for something like Alchemy. It seems like a fun craft, but its not for me.


    Ste rolled her eyes.


    As for your question. I provide the materials. Just as I did with your meals well, I provide the main materials.


    Everything seemed to click for Ste after that. So this is what the Void Beast leftovers went towards. Of course it is. I only know of one ingredient that can be used to increase stats permanently, and its the Void Beast. Why would it be any different for potions?


    Ste turned to Roman with a glint in her eyes and smiled. We do have a few extra sets of Void Beast materials that weve umted or havent sold over the years. Would you be interested?


    Derek snapped his fingers in front of Stes face. Hey Im still here.


    Ste snapped back. Oh sorry about that. I got ahead of myself. We may not even have all the correct materials needed, anyway. I dont know if we have any ws left in our stock, as they make for great smiting materials hides as well.


    So, what do you say? Can we work with you? Derek asked.


    Im sure we can work something out. Ill contact my Mistress about itter. Ste answered and held the potion out for Derek to take.


    Keep it. Youll need to test it to verify its worth. Just remember. Derek said. Weve provided the entirety of the product. You will only be advertising and selling it to your clients a product that doesnt necessarily need your advertising or selling. Only your backing if that.


    I am well aware. Ste said.


    Thats good. Derek said. Call me on themunication crystal once you figure something out. I may be out for a couple of weeks, but we will be able to work something out before the auction.


    Oh? Where are you going? Ste asked.


    Derek shrugged. Around. He said. Anyway, we need to get going.


    Derek stood, as did Roman.


    Its been a pleasure doing business with you again. Derek reached out and shook Stes hand.


    Always. Ste said.


    After that, the two left the Crown and began their trip back to Romans shop.


    You sure were quiet in there. Derek said.


    I dont like doing business with business minded people. I like to set a price, then they pay it or leave. Negotiations make my skin crawl.


    So thats why you didnt put up much of a fight with our contract? Derek said.


    They werent bad terms, either. You didnt seem like the type to rip me off. Roman said.


    Indeed.

 Chapter 185: Final Preparations

    Chapter 185: Final Preparations


    After Derek left Romans, he went back home. With everything he could think of taken care of, he nned on leaving for a dungeon the next morning. He asked Silvi if she wanted to go with him, but once she learned they would be fighting against stone golems, and that rocks werent in the least bit tasty, she decided to stay home and practice cooking.


    Thomas wanted to go, but he still had his training with Shae. He could be power leveled anytime, but he wouldnt be able to get the training of a true spear master often.


    Only Silvi knew exactly where he was going. The others only knew he was heading to a dungeon.


    At the end of the day, Dereky on his bed and checked his stats.


    Status


    Name


    Derek Hunt


    Age


    30


    Level


    102


    Experience


    1,355,600/7,000,000


    ss


    Legend of the Void (Legendary)


    Race


    Human (Modified)


    Health


    16575


    Mana


    5000


    Stamina


    16575


    Defense


    165 (Armor + 0)


    Attack


    125(Weapon + 0)


    Stats


    Strength


    705


    Dexterity


    505


    Endurance


    1105


    Vitality


    1105


    Intelligence


    500


    Wisdom


    500


    Stat Points Remaining


    63


    Contracts


    nah Swan (Crown)


    View Contract


    Silvi (Bonded Beast)


    View Status


    Ste Brighton (Crown)


    View Contract


    Francesco Jobs (Adventurers Guild)


    View Contract


    Rudolph Mckinney


    View Contract


    Skills


    Absolute Nullify


    Level 1


    Nullify magic spells


    Chain Lightning


    Level 13


    Send a chain of lightning to enemies.


    Channel Void


    Level 10


    Channel the Void through your body, into attacks or defenses.


    Cleaning


    Level 6


    Clean a small area.


    Cure Toxin


    Level 4


    Removes poisons and toxins.


    Dismantle


    Level 12


    Increase ability to dismantle deceased organic life forms.


    Greater Meditation


    Level 5


    Enter meditative state to increase recovery.


    Heavy Weapons Mastery


    Level 18


    Increase damage with heavy weapons.


    Identify


    Level 16


    Appraise objects or entities.


    Magic Resistance


    Level 11


    Increase natural magic resistance by 1.5% per level.


    Multi-Strike


    Level 3


    Your next attack hits twice.


    Physical Resistance


    Level 12


    Increase natural physical resistance by 1.5% per level.


    Rejuvenation


    Level 9


    Restores 45% HP over 30 seconds.


    Sweeping sh


    Level 18


    Project a sh in front of you.


    Time Prison


    Level 4


    Create a void space as a prison. Control its passage of time.


    Void Call


    Level 2


    Call out to the Void.


    Void Sense


    Level 4


    Sense the void.


    Void Shift


    Level 3


    Be one with and move within the void.


    Void Steps


    Level 2


    Use the void as a foothold to move.


    Void Storage


    Level N/A


    Use a storage space made from void.


    Unarmed Combat Mastery


    Level 9


    Increase efficiency when not using a weapon or magic.


    Skill Points Remaining


    16


    Skill Upgrade Points Remaining


    4


    Awards


    Greater Giant yer, Jack of All, Lesser Dungeon Explorer, Lesser Dungeon Traveler, Lesser Enigma, Lesser Repetitive Dungeoneer, Lesser yer of the Unknown, Lesser Solo Diver, Magical ss Cannon, Meat Shield, Lesser Explorer, Offensive Powerhouse


    With his constant use, failure or sess, of Identify, it had gained a level. Most people didnt know or have the Enigma Award, so he didnt worry about being found out.


    His Greater Meditation also increased a bit. It made sense, as he did more meditating than he actually did sleeping.


    Void Sense was always active, thus slowly increasing in level. When he really tried to look at the ripples and the void all around him, it was clearer than before. Derek felt he would be able to use his void skill more easily the higher Void Sense leveled. He tried to keep it in mind to try to actively level the skill, but the senses overload he received when he focused on it was still annoying.


    Speaking of void skills, he gained a level in Void Steps when he rushed to help Jacks a few days ago. Everyone else was ignoring the ground as they rushed over, so he did too. It had gotten a few odd looks, as nobody was able to tell what element the skill was using. It was tantly obvious with Edgars crackling lightning trail and Jakes exploding steps what element they used, but other than Dereks eyes, nobody he didnt want to know knew about his void attribute.


    Time Prison was the skill Derek was most interested in at the moment. It had leveled to level 4. That, plus the fact that his prisoners sentences were going to be up soon, drew his attention.


    <em>I suppose I need to go in and settle all that before I leave tomorrow. </em>Derek hopped up from his bed and moved down to the basement below. When he opened the door, the nging of metal rang out. He smiled at the girl, still hard at work, and walked over to an unused section of the basement.


    When he ripped the void, the nging stopped.


    Derek? What are you doing down here? Brandi asked.


    Nothing much. I need to check on some things in here before I leave tomorrow. Sorry for distracting you. He replied.


    Oh its fine. I was just practicing my hammering. I wasnt making anything. The girl said. Is it the people that youre checking on?


    Derek nodded. Yes the prisoners.


    Youre not letting them out, right?


    Nope. Definitely not. Derek said.


    Thats good. Jacks said they were all bad people. And the one even tried to kill Thomas. Brandi said.


    Derek nodded. Yup. You dont have to worry about them. I just need to make some adjustments. You can get back to work. Dont let me distract you.


    Brandi nodded, and soon, the nging of metal sounded again.


    Derek reached forward and grabbed the handle of the door to the prison. He pulled. Once again, he stepped into the dark lobby. He still hadnt looked for any temporary light fixtures to brighten the room, it wasnt something he currently needed.


    Derek stepped forward and moved to the door containing y Torith. He reached out and ced his hand on it. As of now, it showed that just under three weeks were left. The timer was still counting down one second for every two seconds that Derek felt.


    With the skill at a higher level, with a thought, Derek adjusted the countdown timer. Soon, for every five seconds that passed, the cell only ticked down one second.


    <em>There, that will make sure I dont have to worry about it for a while. If I have the need to talk to either y or one of the assassins, I can always speed the time up. </em>At the rate he adjusted the prison cell, it would be almost four months before the timer expired.


    Once he finished adjusting Cell #003, he moved over and adjusted the other two active cells. When he was finished, he also noticed the addition of more prison cells than before. By his calctions, once the skill leveled to 20, he would have exactly 100 cells avable. He doubted he would ever need so many, but there was a chance that the time served in the nothingness of the void could possibly change someone. The possibility was slim, but it was there.


    Having put the Time Prison out of his mind for now, Derek walked back out into the basement and closed the door. Then, he reached out and pulled the void back together and watched the space heal itself.


    After that, he walked back over to Brandi, who was currently looking at a piece of some metal.


    Im finished in here. He said. Im going to go sleep. You should too. You dont want to worry your mother too much.


    Brandi nodded. I will soon. Just a bit more and all the durability of this she shed the metal piece at Derek. will be gone. I want to finish what I started tonight so I can work on something else tomorrow.


    Okay. Derek said. Good night. He tapped the top of the girls head with his finger.


    Brandi reached up and put her hand on her head and rubbed. Good night.


    Derek walked out of the basement and back up to his room. After going through a mental checklist, he decided that he took care of everything that required his immediate attention, and he wouldnt have to worry about things while he was gone.


    He sat on his bed, thenid back and closed his eyes. Soon, he drifted off to sleep.


    The next morning, Derek awoke to the smell of freshly cooked breakfast. After a quick trip to the bathroom, and the hope that Geoffrey would have a working shower prototype ready for when he got back, he moved on to the dining room, where Malorie met him at the door.


    Youre just in time. Malorie said.


    Huh?


    Silvi and I woke up early to make a big breakfast before you left. We wanted to send you off on a full stomach. She said.


    Derek looked past Malorie and saw Silvi sitting on the table drooling over the freshly baked bread, sausages, eggs, and other food.


    Mhm He said. Im sure thats all Silvi had on her mind when you were preparing everything. She looks really concerned about me right now.


    Malorie smiled and shook her head. Well, it was the n until the food was ready. Once shes finished cooking, everything else goes out the window until shes eaten. She said. Now,e on and eat. The others wont be up for a while, so you dont have to wait.


    Derek did as told and had a great meal. Surprisingly, Edgar arrived at the dining room not long after Derek. He asked if Derek needed anypany on his trip, most likely so he could stay away from the political side of things for as long as possible, but Derek refused, as he didnt want others to learn of his actual level yet.


    If everything went well, he would so raise his level high enough that he wouldnt have to worry about hiding it. He could just reduce the power he showed to others, making it seem like he was still Onyx Ranked.


    Nobody else arrived during his breakfast. He said his goodbyes to Mal and Edgar and patted his crazy kitchen bunny on the head before leaving. He took out a map, then hopped into the air with Void Steps and took off towards his destination, The Golem Dungeon.

 Chapter 186: News from the Crown Prince

    Chapter 186: News from the Crown Prince


    Edward hurried through the pce, moving towards the Kings Library. He nned on setting off to inspect the border before he received news hed been waiting thest six months for. News that his father, the King, needed to know.


    Without waiting, he threw the door to the library open and made his way straight to his father. Upon arriving in front of his father, he bowed.


    Your Highness, Advisor Musgrave. Edward greeted.


    What is it, my boy? The King asked. No need to stand on ceremony. For you to rush in like this, it must be important.


    Edward nced at his father, then at Phillip Musgrave. Usually, Gerald Torith would be advising the King here in the library, but since the audience with nah Swan, Gerald had fallen out of the Kings good graces. Though his father still couldnt decide what to do with the man. Gerald had obtained too much power in his time as Advisor, so the King couldnt act rashly.


    Edward cleared his throat. Father, its about the dungeon.


    Dungeon the one you found six months ago? Off the coast in an underwater cavern? The King asked.


    Edward nodded. Yes. He replied. The very same.


    What about it?


    Their back Edward answered. The squad.


    What did they find out? The King sat forward.


    As you know, the dungeon is a level 250 unstable raid dungeon with time attributes. I sent Lieutenant Truss and his squad in with escape scrolls to investigate. We havent heard from them in six months, but the dungeon status continued to be upied. He exined.


    The King nodded heavily.


    The squad reappeared today after using their escape scrolls. Edward said.


    What did they find out? The King asked.


    Not much, other than the time distortion. ording to Lieutenant Truss, they were only in the dungeon for just under a week. Yet, on the outside, nearly six months have passed. So, its safe to assume that the time distortion is around 30 times. One day inside is around one month on the outside. The Prince said.


    Troublesome. King Edwin scratched the scruff on his chin. Did they report anything on the enemies within?


    Edward shook his head. As you know, Lieutenant Truss and his squad of five are only upper tinum Rank. As it is a raid dungeon with room for a party of 25 adventurers, Imanded them to keep safe. During their stay, they barely left the safe zone. As it was a time dungeon, I felt the first priority was to find out how distorted it was.


    The King nodded. So, we have an unstable dungeon that could overflow at any moment. On top of that, its a level 250 raid dungeon with a time distortion of 1:30. Not to mention the fact that the border with Indria is bing uneasy what to do?


    Father. Edward said, grabbing the Kings attention. Let me select a team and lead them through the dungeon. It must bepleted, and soon. Level 250 monsters would wreak havoc in the Kingdom if we dont do something about it.


    Prince Edward. Advisor Musgrave spoke. We cannot have themander of the Kingdoms army disappear into an unknown dungeon with such unrest at the border. Everyone is already on edge. If you disappear, it may be seen as a sign of weakness.


    But


    No, Phillip is right. King Edwin said. We do not know how long it will take to clear the dungeon, or if it is an elite dungeon or not. The dungeon must be cleared, but can not be the one to do it. Edwin tapped his finger on his desk.


    Then who? Edward asked.


    The trio grew silent in thought. Whatever decision they made would affect the Kingdom as a whole. It was a 25-man dungeon, which meant that whatever choice they made, 25 of the Kingdoms strongest would be gone for as long as it took toplete the dungeon.


    What about Prince Edgar? Advisor Musgrave asked. We must send someone from the Royal Family. If neither the two of you can go, it must be Prince Edgar or Princess Eloise. Princess Eloise would be my first choice, but she is indisposed at the moment.


    Edward snorted. She is betrothed, Phillip, not indisposed.


    It is all the same, Prince Edward.


    Phillip is right. I hate to say it, but Edgar is our only choice King Edwin said. However, he is still only at Onyx Rank. With that, plus his work ethic I dont know if we will be able to have other Onyx and even Diamond Ranked adventurers follow him.


    Hmm Edward scratched his chin. Give me a month with him and Ill have him at Diamond Ranked.


    He wont like that. King Edwin said. He detests power leveling.


    It doesnt matter. He will do what he must for the Kingdom even if I have to make him. Edward said.


    IF you can make him. King Edwin pointed out. Edgar may be the outcast among your siblings, and overlyx in his duties, but when ites to his own values, he is hardest on himself. The two of you share in the lightning attribute, but Edgar assimted before you. I would bet that of the skills you share, his is at a higher level.


    Edward nodded. Which is why once he bes Diamond Rank, nobody, not even the old man from the Adventurers Guild, would have a problem with him leading the expedition.


    Very well. You will prepare Edgar to lead this expedition in two months time. You, along with Edgar, will choose who will apany him. As we do not know the dangers inside the dungeon, at least three Diamond Ranked Adventurers, including Edgar, will be needed.


    Yes, father. Crown Prince Edward bowed.


    Good The King scrunched his eyebrows. Where is that brother of yours, anyway?


    Uh Edward was at a loss. They had just made a decision that would affect the entire Kingdom, a decision that would rely on his ck sheep of a brother. Yet, neither Edward nor his father knew where Edgar was. He took leave


    Leave? From the army? Again? Edwin rolled his eyes. How long?


    Edward looked at his feet. Two months ago Edward, as themander of the Kingdoms army, had tried and tried to get Edgar to behave, but after years of failing, he stopped. Edgar would do whatever he wanted, and nobody would stop him because not only was he a Royal, he was noble. Not a noble, but noble in character.


    Edgar would use his status to his advantage, but never if it was to the detriment of another. He was an embarrassment in court, but respected amongst themoners. Any harsh reprimands on his Edwards brother would be confusing to themoners, and would simrly enforce many nobles thoughts that they were above others.


    Any private reprimands fell on deaf ears. As Edgar didnt cause any damage, they finally gave up and let him do as he pleased. This also meant Edgar taking a liking to promising military recruits and forming adventurer teams. Edgar led an elite military unit that he personally selected. One that he was neither given permission to make, nor did he ask.


    But now, it would be Edgar and his hijacked military unit that the Kingdom had to rely on.


    Two months ago? Hes been missing for two month? Have you heard anything about him? The King asked.


    Edward shook his head. ording to some of the officers who talked with him before he left Edward paused. Edgar went on vacation.


    Have you tried to contact him through his crystal? The King asked.


    At least once a week. Either he is in a dungeon or hes ignoring me. Edward said.


    Edwin snorted and summoned a red crystal from his storage ring. Lets see if he ignores me. He poured mana into the crystal, causing it to glow a bright red. The light shined for some time before dimming. The King released the crystal from his grasp. He must be in a dungeon. The King said matter of factly. Who in their right mind would ignore a call from the King of an entire country?


    That must be the case. Edward said. He also pulled out a crystal and tried to contact Edgar. Just like what happened with his father, the crystal did not connect.


    Uh Advisor Musgrave cleared his throat.


    What is it, Phillip? The King asked.


    Its about Prince Edgar. Phillip said.


    What about him?


    Thats


    Spit it out. The Kingmanded.


    Phillip Musgrave let out a deep sigh. Your son Prince Edgar was seen two days ago in Savannah.


    There must be a mistake. The King said. Are you saying my son is ignoring me? The King.


    Im sorry, sire. That seems to be the case. Advisor Musgrave said.


    Im going to kill him. Im going to go to Savannah and kill him. Edward said.


    Not if I get to him first. The King said. Phillip. Tell me everything you know.


    ***


    Edgar was disappointed that Derek didnt allow him to go with him. On top of that, the red crystal in his hand kept glowing, showing that both his father and brother were trying to get into contact with him. Edgar snorted and put the crystal away. He was tired of constantly being scolded by his family. They just didnt understand.


    Jake was sitting across the table from him. Soon, the young man frowned and a red crystal appeared in his hand.


    Abruptly, Edgar jumped to his feet. Dont answer it! He screamed. But s, it was toote.

 Chapter 187: Golem Dungeon

    Chapter 187: Golem Dungeon


    Using Void Steps, Derek crossed over the city wall. The Golem Dungeon was in theplete opposite direction of where the ambush urred. Some guards hollered at him as he crossed, but he ignored them. <em>Thats probably gonna cost me another toll to get back into the city. </em>Still, he didnt want to answer any questions.


    ording to the map, the dungeon was in between Savannah and another big city. Minutes after leaving the city, Derek came upon a city. Confused, he hovered in the air and pulled the map back out.


    <em>This is a vige?</em> The <em>vige </em>in front of him was about half the size of Torith. It looked more like one of the sub cities than a vige. When he first looked at the map and saw all the viges in the area, he thought they were going to be like the one he picked Thomas and the others up from. Instead, they were more like big towns or small cities.


    Compared to Torith and the surrounding area, this was vastly different. Derek shook his head and went around the town. Instead of heading straight to the dungeon, he made a detour to the next closest vige marked on the map. Sure enough, it was another giant town with walls and everything. <em>I wonder if this is just because Savannah is such a popr city. </em>


    He heard about the millions of people who lived in and around the capital. Now, seeing all the towns around Savannah, he understood how that could be.


    He put the new information out of his head and moved back on course, to the Golem Dungeon.


    Derek actually moved faster onnd than in air, but this trip was about leveling his skill. He wanted to use this time to level his Void Steps and Void Sense, so he continued using them. When he would run out of mana from Void Steps, he would stop and use Greater Meditation to refill it.


    Soon, half a day had passed, and he closed in on the dungeons location. He slowed in the air and scouted his surroundings, looking for both the dungeon and other people. He was a fair distance away from any towns or viges.


    Actually, the further he moved from the city, the smaller the towns became. He even passed one vige that was only a bit bigger than Raynas former vige. He doubted more than a thousand or two people lived inside. Thisyout of towns and viges reminded him of back home. Every couple dozen miles, there would be another city or town with tens of thousands of residents.


    Derek hovered over a lush, t grasnd with multiple small rivers and streams flowing through. The surroundings were clear of obstructions for miles. Well, there were a bunch of random beasts wandering around, but they didnt count. ording to Identify, they ranged from level 80 to level 155. The dungeon was supposed to be level 170, so it made sense that the beasts in the surrounding area would be close to that level.


    Derek pulled out his map one more time. After studying it for a moment, he nodded and moved to the east. Sure enough, in minutes, he saw the dungeon orb. The area around the orb was clear, and there were actually walls around it.


    A sentry tower was erected on the corner of each wall, but as Derek inspected each one, he found that they were empty. <em>I guess theyre here in case of overflow or something. That, or for adventurers to easily make a camp around the dungeon </em>


    After verifying that nobody was around, Derek approached the dungeon orb and ced his hand on it. Because of his Solo Diver Award, he didnt have to wait for the countdown timer or a max number of participants..


    Participants: 1/5


    Derek Hunt: Level 102


    Please Choose an Option Below


    View Dungeon


    Enter Dungeon


    Leave Dungeon


    Derek checked the status of the dungeon.


    Dungeon Status


    Dungeon Level


    170


    Dungeon Type


    Rock/Elemental


    Dungeon Status


    Stable


    Dungeon Rewards


    Potion


    Max Participants


    5


    Derek dismissed the Dungeon Status window and entered the dungeon. A bright light fell over him and he disappeared.


    In the next instant, Derek appeared in the safe zone, which happened to be a small wooden room. Derek approached the door and opened it. Instantly, the biggest wave of humidity hed ever felt hit him. The air was thick; it felt like he was pushing through water while walking.


    After leaving the room, he turned and saw that it was a small shack. <em>Seems about right. </em>He thought. Then he turned around and looked ahead.


    In front of him was wetnd with puddles, rivers, and ponds. Multiple boulders were scattered around the area, boulders that Derek figured were the golems, because he couldnt find any other enemies.


    Derek walked up to the first boulder. When he was 15 feet away, it started shaking. Soon, it rose and formed into a 20 foot tall humanoid figure. It was like every stone golem hed ever seen and read about. Round, gray stones connected together with what Derek assumed was magic formed the monster ahead of him. A blue glow radiated from the monster.


    The thing was much bigger than he expected. Shae had said as much, but Derek didnt believe they would be three times his size. In the center of the golems chest was another round stone, but it had cracks with a blue light shining through. <em>That must be the core. </em>Derek used Identify on the golem.


    Water Golem


    Level 155


    A golem formed of stone and held together by the water element. This monster has high defense and strong physical and elemental attacks.


    <em>Sounds about right. </em>Derek thought. He viewed the other boulders and noticed that they were all Water Golems. <em>I guess the other golemse after I clear the area of these. </em>Derek cracked his neck and kicked off the ground, aiming his fist at the core of the Water Golem.


    When his fist connected nothing happened. The already cracked stayedpletely intact. Derek was able to pull back his fist and raise his forearms just in time for the backhand to connect. He flew backwards through the air at an incredible speed before finallynding and rolling on the wet ground dozens of feet away beforeing to a halt.


    <em>Well thats to be expected with my mediocre Strength stat. </em>He brushed some of the dirt off and frowned at the mud stuck on his clothing. <em>Looks like channeling the void is going to be the only way for me to beat them. </em>


    The attack by the golem didnt do any real damage to Derek. It knocked off a few hundred health points, but that regenerated before he even stood back up. Derek walked forward, towards the golem.


    Instead of waiting around for Derek, the golem made its move. The eight rocks that formed its arms all broke off from its body and moved. Soon, four stones were on each side of Derek, floating in the air around him.


    The blue aura of the stones intensified before forming into a point and shooting. A jet of steaming water was released from each stone and aimed directly at Derek.


    Derek wasnt sure of the damage each beam would cause, so he dodged the jets, letting one catch his hand in the process. After noticing the damage done to his hand, he sighed in relief. The damage was there, but it wasnt great.


    He quickly removed his shirt, then let the jets of water fall onto his bare skin. The skill was like the Geyser skill he was hit with back in Torith, only much hotter and deadlier. Each jet of water removed over 50 health points per second. They also cut into and seared his skin, stopping at the muscle and bone.


    His natural regeneration wasnt able to keep up with the damage, so he slipped into Greater Meditation. The skill lessened the damage a great amount. For every 400 damage, which was one second, the golem did to him, Greater Meditation helped him heal a bit over 300 HP. He also cast Rejuvenation every time it came off of cooldown.


    This was a trip to increase his skills, and already the first enemy he found was a prime target to increase his Greater Meditation, Void Sense, Rejuvenation, and Magic Resistance.


    Derek allowed the magic to continue until he fell to 50% health. Because of his fight with Shae before, he decided to y it safer than he used to. He knew that there were still many things out there that could one shot him if he wasnt careful.


    Derek canceled his skills and hopped out of the water jets. The beams of water followed him as he channeled the void and made his way back to the Water Golem. The Water Golem tried to pull its arms back in for a physical attack, but Derek was already at it.


    He jumped up and shot a fist covered in void at the core in its torso. The attack hit, and Derek flipped backwards, away from the golem. Soon, the golem stopped moving. Then, the shining blue light from the cracks in its torso began pulsing slowly, then rapidly.


    After a moment, the core exploded and shrapnel flew everywhere throughout the area.


    Derek watched as all the remaining golems formed into humanoid monsters. Nine Water Golems stood. The blue aura surrounding them was almost suffocating. Derek frowned. He wanted to fight them one on one to get as many benefits as possible.


    <em>Oh well. </em>He thought. <em>I should at least go through the entire dungeon before figuring out the best way to do it. </em>He cracked his void covered knuckles and leaped forward.

 Chapter 188: Next Area

    Chapter 188: Next Area


    With his fists covered in void, Derek kicked off a ripple using Void Steps and flew at the closest Water Golem. With precision, heunched his fist directly into its core. Using the impact, he flew backwards, away from the now pulsing core of the Water Golem. He kicked off the void once again andnded far away to avoid the explosion.


    Once again, a golem exploded and sent both big and small shrapnel flying everywhere.


    By that time, the Water Golems had gathered, and Derek could no longer pick them off one by one. He also knew that if he allowed all of them to use their geyser-like skill at the same time, it wouldnt be good for him. He would most likely have to use Void Shift to cover for himself.


    Derek didnt have the same speed as Shae did, and most probably didnt even have the same speed that the man had when he was at the level of the dungeon. Shae was fast. He did, however, have the same destructive single target damage as the Savannah Adventurers Guild Master. That, and he could get hit without bing meat paste on the ground.


    There were eight golems left. Derek picked his next target. <em>If theyre all going to stand around one another like this </em>Heunched himself into one of the golems in the center of the formation. He used Void Steps to adjust his position in midair, avoiding being hit by the wide swings of the multiple golems.


    Immediately after his void covered fist made contact with the golem, he changed his target andunched himself straight into the other center golem. In an instant, the cores of the two Water Golems in the center were pulsing blue.


    Derek made a mad dash away from the uing explosion. The force of the explosion from one golem core was already big enough. Derek trusted his Vitality and Endurance, but he would rather not risk being in the center of two at once.


    Again, a booming explosion rang out, followed by another a split secondter. Then another explosion resounded, then another. As Derek expected, the magic and physical damage of the core explosion was enough to set off a chain reaction between the golems. Derek watched with a smile as the golems sted off, one by one.


    <em>Its never a good idea to stand directly beside a walking bomb. </em>He shook his head. Unfortunately, after all the explosions, one golem still stood tall. Dammit Derek muttered. It would have been so satisfying if they all popped at once.


    He shook his head and propelled himself to thest remaining Water Golem that he could see. Instead of channeling the void, this time, he stopped himself in midair, a few feet in front of the core of the golem. He swiped out with his fist, activating both Sweeping sh and Multi-Strike at the same time.


    He was in this dungeon level skills. Everything else came second.


    A blue arch of mananded perfectly on the golems core. Derek jumped back to observe the damage. Unfortunately, his Sweeping sh skill didnt have the increased power it would have if it were augmented by a weapon, so its destructive power fell greatly. Still, when it hit,bined with Multi-Strike, the cracked stone surrounding the core crumbled.


    It didnt do enough damage to instantly destroy the core, but it did much more damage than his fist alone. The results satisfied Derek. He made a mental note to use Multi-Strike as much as possible. Since he couldbine the skill with any of his others, including Channel Void, it was the perfect support ability to increase his single target damage.


    Since there was only one golem left, and he had tested out his other skills on it. Derek hung back and waited for the golem to set up its geyser ability. It took some baiting and some time, but the golem finally dismantled its arms and surrounded him.


    This time, when the geysers went off, Derek used Absolute Nullify. It was the first time hed tried the skill. He hadnt run into anything he feltfortable testing the skill on, yet, so the water jets, which he knew he could handle both physically and magically, were the perfect targets.


    Instantly, a purple wall of void appeared in front of Derek. It was bigger than the man himself. Void aura rippled off the sides, visible to the naked eye, but extremely vibrant to Derek, with his Void Sense turned up to the maximum.


    With his current mana, he could keep the skill active for just over six seconds. As the geysers approached, only six of the eight water jets were aligned with the void wall and would be blocked. To Dereks surprise, though, the two beams behind him, that should have fell directly onto his body, bent and were sucked into the wall.


    Derek stared in shock as the water geysers poured into the wall. It was like trying to fill an infinite void. It wasnt possible.


    Derek kept the skill up as long as he could, but he soon ran out of mana. The skill was taxing on his mana pool, costing 800 mana per second at level 1.


    He was pleased with the results of his tests and skills especially Absolute Nullify. To the best of Dereks knowledge, the skill made of pure void not only consumed any magic based attacks that hit it, it also warped the surrounding space to draw in any close attacks. <em>Once I level this skill up, the casting cost will reduce exponentially and be more than worth it. </em>


    His first thought when he read the description of Absolute Nullify was that it was an overpowered defensive skill. Now, after testing it against eight magic attacks at once, he confirmed it. It was an extremely overpowered defensive skill.


    With the testing finished, Derek rushed the final Water Golem and ended it with a void covered fist.


    As the final debris fell to the ground, Derek prepared himself for the next wave of enemies. He waited, but they never came. Instead, the dungeon orb appeared before him in the center of the marsh. Derek frowned. He didnt receive a notification aboutpleting the dungeon, nor did he expect to. One wave of Water Golems wasnt what Shae described. Of course, he didnt go into much detail about the dungeon with the Guild Master.


    Derek walked to the dungeon orb and carefully ced his hand on it. Instantly, a new notification popped up.


    Area Completed


    Participants: 1/1


    Continue to the next area?


    <em>Oh thats pretty cool. </em>This was the first dungeon hed done that had this feature. Something like this would allow a party to rest up in between waves without worrying about making it back to the safe room. In fact, if it was like it seemed, the entire area turned into a safe room. <em>I wonder what makes a dungeon do this. </em>


    Derek had a guess, but he would have to move on to the next area to find out. If he wasnt mistaken, the next area would be one with the same attributes of whatever golem type he had to face. <em>Theres only one way to find out. </em>He kept his hand on the orb and mentally chose to continue.


    Moving to the next area in 3 2 1


    The same blinding light appeared and Derek vanished. When he next opened his eyes, he was in a cavern. The cave was about the same as the first one he and Thomas entered on this world. It was a small room with a sliding stone door blocking the exit.


    Derek walked up and pushed the door to the side, revealing a giant volcanic area covered in moltenva. Again, multiple boulders were scattered throughout the area, which Derek could guess were Fire Golems.


    Putting his suspicions to the test, he moved to the closest one. Soon, the giant rock gathered the stones around it, forming into another humanoid golem. This time, the magic that joined each stone was a crimson red. Now, Derek was certain that it was a Fire Golem. Still, he used Identify.


    Fire Golem


    Level 160


    A golem formed of stone and held together by the fire element. This monster has high defense and strong physical and elemental attacks.


    The description was almost identical to the Water Golem, other than its level being five levels higher and the monster being held together with the fire element.


    Derek backed away, careful not to aggro more than the one golem. He wanted to test its skills just as he did with the Water Golem.


    Apparently, the Fire Golem didnt have the same type of attack as the water one. Instead of splitting and forming jets of fire, which is what Derek thought would happen, the golem covered its limbs in mes and rushed Derek.


    The golem was fast. It was a little slower than Derek, but not by much. Derek kicked off the ground, thennded in the air using Void Steps. The other golem was able to use its water attack to hit Derek from a distance, but it didnt look like the Fire Golem had ranged attacks.


    Derek floated in the air, slowly exhausting mana, but surely leveling his Void Steps up at a rapid pace. He was inbat, and all skills leveled faster when something was trying to kill you. Unfortunately, it seemed this area of the dungeon was designed with the golems attack in mind.


    The ceiling of the area stopped Derek from hoveringpletely out of the range of the Fire Golems attack. The explosion that came off the fist of the golem was able to just reach the ceiling. That, coupled with its speed, made it hard for Derek to dodge while in the air.


    Hard, but not impossible. Dereks Void Steps were like having multiple tforms all around him to jump to. So, while it looked like he was hovering or floating in the air, he was actually standing directly on void ripples. As the skill leveled, the ripples became more tangible to him, allowing him to find and stand on them easier and longer.


    The cost of using the skill slowly decreased as it leveled, as well. At level one, it costed 100 mana/s, but after using it so much in the previous days, it was already level 3, causing it to cost 90 mana/s. By level 20, the skill would either be free, or cost so little that it didnt matter.


    In his head, Derek was forming a training n for all his skills. Now, he just needed to check out the remaining areas of the dungeon.


    He dashed forward andnded his punch on the unsuspecting golem. He would make quick work of this area.

 Chapter 189: Third Area

    Chapter 189: Third Area


    Derek avoided the final shrapnel from thest Fire Golem. Soon, another orb appeared in the middle of the cavern. One leading to the next area. Instead of immediately warping to the next area, he checked some of his notifications. Dismissing most of the kill notifications, he pulled up thest one.


    You have killed level 160 Fire Ghoul.


    11,787,500 Experience Gained


    Level Up


    1,524,300/20,000,000 Experience to Next Level


    Derek let out a breath and smiled. He knew doing a level 170 dungeon while being around level 100 would be lucrative, but in two areas of the dungeon, he had already leveled up 11 times. Of course, as he leveled, the amount of experience he would need for the next level dramatically increased as well.


    Not to mention the fact that he would only earn half the experience from each enemy once hepleted the dungeon once. Still, it would give him a chance to both level his Lesser Solo Diver Award and his Lesser Repetitive Dungeoneer Award.


    He wanted to level his skills as much as possible in the time before he had to return to Savannah, but towards the end, he would work on speed running the dungeon to push his level to the dungeon cap. The rewards wouldnt be great, but it was a dungeon with few enemies that he could run many times.


    If he could level up the Lesser Repetitive Dungeoneer Award multiple times, it would make things better for some of the dungeons with better rewards that he saw. He only hoped that the bonus for the Award kept rising. Right now, he had a five percent chance of receiving a reward afterpleting a dungeon after the first time. If he could get that to twenty or more, he could farm skills or equipment in high ranked dungeons.


    Derek also checked on the skill notifications that he received during this fighting. His Absolute Nullify was level 2, Void Steps had risen to level 5 already, and he even got another level in Magic Resistance, Void Shift, and Channel Void. This was all in the first two areas of the dungeon.


    Finally, he dismissed the notifications and walked toward the dungeon orb. cing his hand on it, he moved on to the next area.


    Derek looked at his surroundings. <em>Damn, this system really enjoys sticking you in a cabin. </em>Again, the safe zone he appeared in was another cabin. He opened the door and walked out.


    The third area of the dungeon was apletely open field with waist high grass. The sky was cloudless and the sun was high. It was the perfect sunny day. A constant light breeze fell on Dereks face. It was the most beautiful area hed seen in a dungeon. <em>And there wont be any ticks in this grass because its a dungeon and only dungeon monsters spawn. </em>


    Derek walked through the flourishing tnds. The only problem he had with the area was that the tall grass was too tall to see the boulders that made up whatever type of golem he would be fighting. Fortunately, that was quickly solved by using Void Steps.


    Derek kicked off the ground and jumped from ripple to ripple until he was high in the sky, looking down on thend. Sure enough, he was able to find the multiple ces where the golems were resting. He jumped off a void ripple andnded next to the first golem.


    As soon as he destroyed this golem, the rest would most likelye to life, and he would no longer have to look for them.


    As he inched closer, the golem roared and began building itself. Derek used Identify.


    Wind Golem


    Level 165


    A golem formed of stone and held together by the wind element. This monster has high defense and strong physical and elemental attacks.


    <em>As expected. If this is a Wind Golem, then the next area must be Earth Golems. </em>He thought. Derek waited for the golem to build itself, then backed up. He needed to see what kind of skills the monster would use.


    Once the golem was finished, it attacked. Derek was still close to it, so it only physically attacked. He quickly used Void Steps to jump into the sky.


    The Wind Golem continued punching even though Derek was out of range. Only, at the end of each punch, a Wind de shot out. It was about half the size of Raynas Wind de, but they came at Derek much more rapidly.


    Derek jumped away, ducking and dodging the des. Finally, he let one hit him so he could estimate the damage. The de actually cut through his skin and into his muscle, stopping about midway through. He immediately took Wind Golem off his list of potential Magic Resistance training partners.


    However, because of how fast the golem attacked and how much space there was for him to dodge, it seemed the golem would be the perfect partner to train his Void Steps.


    That was, until the Wind Golem split itself into multiple stones and floated in the air. Four stones created each limb. The stones began spinning rapidly in four separate parts. Soon, each set of stones sent out small cyclones in Dereks direction.


    At the same time, the head and torso of the Wind Golem floated behind the attacks, under the cover of the cyclones. asionally, a giant Wind de flew through the cyclones and at Derek. Everything that was happening made Derek wonder if the other golems had more than one elemental attack as well, or if it was just something that was special about the Wind Golems.


    Anyway he looked at it, he would not be using this area as a training area at least not initially. There were too many moving parts, both figuratively and literally. Plus, with all the racket being made by the Wind Golem, the others began to stir. Soon, he would be fighting ten golems instead of just one.


    Derek jumped up and over the tornadoes and dodged an iing Wind de before stopping in front of the torso of the Wind Golem. With the void channeled into his fist, he struck at the core. However, the core quickly moved and his fistnded on the torso a few inches away from the core.


    Derek waited, but nothing happened. There was nothing vital in the area, so the void didnt harm wherever it hit. The other golems were pretty slow at moving their whole bodies, so he didnt expect this one to be any different, even though he should have.


    The wind element made whoever was using it much more mobile, and considering the Wind Golem had no problem flying, he should have expected it to be more elusive. Still, it didnt matter. The thing was huge, and after dodging another iing Wind de, he punched out again. This time, much faster than before.


    The punch connected, and the surrounding winds immediately ceased. The green-blue aura glowing around the golem flickered, and the core pulsed. Derek kicked off a void ripple and headed straight for one of the other awakened golems.


    It would be a mess if all the golems in the area powered up at the same time. He needed to finish as many as he could before they all split and started sending tornadoes and giant Wind des at him.


    He jumped from golem to golem, even using Void Shift in between to not allow them to have any offensive. At the end, with an almost depleted mana pool, Dereknded beside the cabin. Because he was using Void Shift, there was almost no time in between the nine explosions.


    This time, the shrapnel was propelled forward at a speed that made it hard for Derek to track. The extra wind behind it must have increased the speed. Derek wasnt expecting that, so he failed to dodge one of the pieces.


    He looked down and saw a jagged rock sticking out of his side. It had pierced his skin, went through his muscles, and even prated his liver. He was sure his bones would have stopped it, but unfortunately, it just missed his rib cage, passing less than an inch under.


    Derek cursed at the scene of the jagged rock protruding from his abdomen. He grabbed the stone and pulled, ripping it out of his body. A jet of blood followed, but soon stopped. He cast Rejuvenation on the wound and slipped into Greater Meditation to speed the healing process.


    Having an organ directly damaged took a chunk out of his overall health, which he learned about when Shae destroyed his kidneys. It wasnt too much this time, only 15%, and he was still sure that none of the shrapnel would have been able to pierce through his bones, but he made up his mind to hide either inside or behind the cabin the next time he came to this area.


    <em>Maybe Ill put some more points into Dexterity and Strength soon. It will give me some more speed to avoid things like that. </em>Still, he could have used Void Shift, but he was unsure if the small amount of mana left in his pool would even be enough to activate the skill.


    <em>Yeah Ill do that.</em> If Vitality and Endurance were his primary stats, then Strength and Dexterity were his secondary ones.


    Still, he waited to allocate the points. He wasnt sure how precise skill leveling was, but they were leveling quickly at the moment, and making the dungeon easier for him would surely slow down the leveling process.


    After making his decision, Derek moved to the dungeon orb and touched it. He disappeared.

 Chapter 190: Earth Golem

    Chapter 190: Earth Golem


    Reappearing in the fourth area of the dungeon, Derek looked at his surroundings. <em>Looks like another cave, </em>he thought. Unlike the previous cave from the second area with the Fire Golems, this cave wasnt stuffy and humid.


    He walked forward and pushed a boulder, which was blocking the exit, to the side. When he walked out, he took note of the area. It was a mountain-like terrain with moss-covered rocks scattered throughout. The air was cool, with a refreshing breeze. It was the mostfortable area hed been in since beginning the dungeon.


    He couldnt tell which stones were stones, and which were golems. Again, he preferred to fight a single one first to figure out what he could do with it before going at the rest. All the countless boulders and stones truly looked the same. Nothing stood out.


    He knew from the other areas that the closest golem should be at least a certain distance away from the safe zone, so he moved out. He used Identify to scan any boulders he thought may be golems, but was having a hard time finding one.


    Eventually, he stepped close to a boulder and heard the normal roar of a golem. He sighed in relief. The golem built itself in front of Derek. Identify provided the same information as the previous times, except for the level now being 170 and the golem being an Earth Golem.


    Derek jumped back to give the Earth Golem enough space to attack. Finally, after putting itself together, with a yellow-brown glow, the surrounding stones and boulders rose from the ground. <em>Ah, so its going to control the surrounding rocks and earth. </em>


    And just like Dereks thoughts, the Earth Golem did just that. Stone after stone wasunched at Derek. He trusted his body againstmon stones, even though his least favorite type of damage to receive was blunt damage. With his current stats, he doubted any blunt damage would be able to induce a critical hit, instantly killing him.


    Still, he put his arms up to guard against the stone. He wasnt stupid enough to try to block it with his head. The first stone bashed against his crossed arms, with the impact tossing him back a few feet. The pain wasnt bad, and the damage was minimal.


    His skin, bones, and muscles were strong enough to absorb the damage from these normal stones, even if they were enhanced by some of the Earth Golems magic.


    On the bright side, after blocking the fifth stone, he had enough time to quickly view and dismiss a notification stating that his Physical Resistance skill leveled to 13. He smiled. This area would be the perfect one for training that skill.


    He fought against the Earth Golem for another couple dozen minutes, waiting for it to attack with a different method. When it didnt, he decided to end the fight. He jumped forward with a fistful of void andunched an attack at the core of the golem.


    However, just before he made it within attacking distance, a wall appeared before him. A wall made of stone and earth. <em>Of course why wouldnt the Earth Golem have more defensive type moves than the other golems? </em>


    His fistnded on the wall, but it only slowly sunk into it. It was like a wall made out of quicksand. Derek clicked his tongue as he tried, and failed, to remove his hand from the quicksand wall. The earth had closed in and formed around his fist once it pierced it.


    <em>An adventurer would have to be someone with speed like Shae to avoid bing trapped in this thing. </em>Derek thought and thought of a way to get his hand free while being pummeled in the back with stones. Though his back could take it, and each stone only caused a minimal amount of damage to his HP, it added up.


    Just before he decided to add a bunch of stat points into Strength, he had another idea. He punched forward with his free hand, directly beside his stuck one, immediately using Void Shift afterward. He smiled. The skill almostpletely paused the earth reforming around his fist. He withdrew his hand, then pulled on his other.


    It came free. <em>Okay so no close range attacks until Im certain I want to end the fight. </em>He maneuvered around the earth wall and channeled the void into his fist before releasing Void Shift. Just for a little extra precaution, he imbued his punch with the Multi-Strike skill.


    Sure enough, the same earth that formed the earth wall appeared in front of the golems core. It wasnt thick, and would for sure be easily pierced by a weapon, but it would be able to slow down a fist well, one not covered in void and not one that hit multiple times instantly.


    The fist hit and the earth scattered. Creating a basketball sized hole in front of the core. The momentum of the fist carried on until it struck the core. Derek kicked off the torso of the golem and fled a distance, not wanting to be caught up in the explosion.


    The core shined brightly like all the others before, then it shined brighter and brighter finally, it went dim. The yellowish aura surrounding the golem disappeared, and it fell apart. Derek saw the notification icon sh in the side of his vision, so he knew it was dead.


    Still, he cautiously approached it. He dug around through the rocks before finding the dead, but totally intact, core of the Earth Golem.


    <em>I um what? Why did this one not explode? </em>He thought back to all the other golems he had massacred on his way here. The only outlier was the fact that he hadntbined Channel Void and Multi-Strike together before. He had only used it inbination with Sweeping sh back in the Water Golem area.


    <em>It has to have something to do with the massive amount of damage being hit by the void three times must have inflicted. If one hit is enough to cause the core to surge and explode, then is two enough to eliminate the surge and destroy the magic build up? </em>He couldnt help but wonder.


    <em>I wonder if Brandi will be able to do anything with the core. It should work as some type of mana storage or something. Maybe she could use it as a generator or something. Shed have to find out exactly how it works, though, and that may be dangerous. </em>He thought about the different ways the core could be implemented in crafting.


    Derek shrugged his shoulders. <em>It may be worthless </em>When he used Identify on the core, he didnt get anything concrete.


    Mana Core (Earth Golem Lv. 170)


    A sessfully retrieved mana core used to power an Earth Golem.


    <em>All I know is that it is used to power the golem, and it was sessfully retrieved. </em>He shook his head and stored the basketball sized core. Maybe it would be worth something, or maybe it would be a great material for Brandi in the future. He wouldnt know until he got back to Savannah and asked around. For now, he decided on a new method of destroying the golems.


    He wouldbine the void and Multi-Strike to shut them down, then farm their cores. They werent too big, and even if he ran out of storage in his ring and bracelet, he could always toss them in his Void Storage.


    <em>Now I just need to figure out how to aggro all the other Earth Golems in the area. </em>Usually, the explosion from the first golem would aggro the rest of the golems, but since that didnt happen, he either had to hunt them one by one, or find another way to draw their attention.


    Derekughed and cast Chain Lightning. His hands shined the blue of lightning as the skill activated. <em>Lets see if this works, or if theres more to it. </em>He spread his hands, then pped. A slightly amplified p sounded out, but it was nothing like what happened with Edgar.


    Edgar was with lightning like Derek was with void. Derek, on the other hand, only had the one lightning skill. <em>It was worth a shot. </em>Derek went over his skills, but he didnt have anything major he could use to wake them all up at once.


    Next, he decided to try using his aura. If he couldnt make a loud enough sound, or physically explosion to wake the monsters up, maybe his pressure would.


    Without even trying to focus or control his aura, Derek let it out. The area around him glowed a deep purple and the whites of his eyes changed to the same purple as his irises. He pushed. He didnt know how far his aura would extend, but just a brush of it should be more than enough to wake a sleeping golem.


    Sure enough, secondster, multiple roars broke out.


    <em>Three </em>Derek retracted his aura and counted the number of rising golems. He kicked off the ground and punched the one closest to him before it had a chance to fully form. The earth still appeared in front of the core, but the wall did not.


    He didnt use Multi-Strike for the punch, though. After the strikended, he jumped back and moved toward the mountain cave that doubled as the safe room. Soon, the Earth Golem exploded, and Derek smiled.


    The remaining golems in the area all roared, and soon, the remaining eight golems were standing. Derek covered his fists in the void and shot forward. It was time to farm some materials.

 Chapter 191: Boss Room

    Chapter 191: Boss Room


    Derek gathered the final core from thest fallen Earth Golem. The process took longer because he had to wait for the Multi-Strike skill toe off cooldown, but he also didnt have to worry about being beheaded by a chain explosion. Plus, he got to level one of his best skills at the same time.


    He looked at the remains of the Earth Golems. Only the cores seemed to be useful, once they ran out of power, the remaining stones turned into regr rocks. They wouldnt work as a material at all. Derek put the core into his storage ring and moved to the dungeon orb.


    <em>The next area should be the boss room. I wonder how different the bosses are going to be from the regr mobs. </em>Derek shrugged and ced his hand on the orb, willing it to take him to the next area.


    When he opened his eyes, he was in another cabin. <em>Its always cabins and caves well, there was that one tomb </em>He mused. Opening the door, he realized that the environment was abination of all four previous areas.


    Boilingva flowed in streams that would usually carry water, while actual pools of water littered the ground. Strong winds carried the steam from theve to his face, and rocksid scattered along the streams and ponds.


    Derek was sure that the rocks were just rocks this time because the boss or bosses, were already standing. There was a single golem of each previous element. The only difference was that they were each twice as big as the ones before.


    <em>I doubt I spend much time in this area. </em>He thought. He would probably struggle to train his skills while fighting four boss monsters at the same time. It would be better for him to power level his skills in the other rooms. At least, until the returns werent worth the effort anymore.


    Derek cracked his knuckles and walked forward. Soon, the golems noticed him and started making their moves. Each golem tossed out the same skills as their lesser counterparts. Only, the skills were of a higher quality.


    The Wind des were longer and flew faster, the fire fists caused greater explosions, the thrown stones were much more durable with a thicker coating of the yellowish mana around them, along with the earth walls, and the water jets were both bigger, more powerful, and boiling.


    <em>I really need to talk to Shae and see how he managed toplete this dungeon. He didnt go into too much detail, but after doing it from start to finish, its hard to believe hepleted it with no problems. </em>Derek mused as he looked at the super golems in front.


    <em>Whatever </em>Derek shrugged. He didnt n on spending too much time on the bosses. Without any bullshitting, he used Void Shift and headed straight for the boss Earth Golem. It was the biggest pain in the ass.


    Not only did it block for itself, but it also put walls up in front of his attacks on the other golems. It was obvious that he needed to deal with it first.


    Derek pulled himself through a void ripple, appearing in the air directly in front of the giant Earth Golem. He coated his fist in the void and made sure he would have a firm footing once he released Void Shift. Finally, he released the skill, cast Multi-Strike, andunched a fist at the center of the boss golem.


    The golem wasnt even able to get the normal small shield up in front of its core before his attacknded.


    Derek kicked off the ground, just avoiding a Wind de in the process. Soon, he was in the air, retreating. He watched the Earth Golem closely as he backed away and avoided attacks from the other bosses.


    Luckily, his attack, amplified by Multi-Strike, was able to deal enough damage to the golem to take care of it. Unfortunately, there was not enough damage to prevent the core from self-destructing. Derek clicked his tongue. He wanted to farm some level 175 boss cores along with the others, but that would have to wait until Multi-Strike leveled enough to add another hit or two. The boss cores were just too strong at the moment.


    Soon, the yellowish energy in the core pulsed rapidly before exploding. And it was an explosion unlike any of the others. Derek thought the chain explosion from the Wind Golem area was bad, butpared to this explosion, it was childs y.


    To his surprise, before the Earth Golems core exploded, the other bosses hunkered down into giant boulders. The explosion didnt have any effect on the three bosses.


    The explosion caused the entire area to shake. The ground rumbled, and the earth quaked. A giant fissure formed in the ground and split thend in two. <em>Is it because it was the earth element? </em>Derek wondered.


    He climbed into the air to wait out the earthquake. There was no sense risking anything at this point. Soon, the after effects of the explosion died down and the other golems reformed.


    Then, to Dereks shock, the remaining bosses made a b-line to each other. At first, their actions didnt make sense, but soon, he realized what was happening.


    When they approached each other, the aura around them disappeared and the cores popped out. First, the blue water core floated beside the red fire core, then, they slowlybined.


    Oh fuck that! I am not fighting Voltron today! Derek quickly entered Void Shift, even though his mana hadnt recovered from the first time. He pulled himself to the remaining wind core and released the skill.


    Currently, Multi-Strike was still on cooldown, so he could only toss out a void covered fist at the core. At the moment, it was defenseless, but Derek was sure that would change very soon. With his Channel Void and Void Sense being higher level than before, he had much better control.


    So, without any previous practice, as soon as his right fist hit the core, he moved the void through his body. Transferring it as quickly as he could from his right fist to his left fist, which was already in motion towards the core.


    The void arrived on the fist just before it made contact with the core. Then, with minimal mana remaining in his pool, he jumped into the air andunched himself to the cabin. He didnt want to stick around to watch what happened without any mana in reserve.


    His mana pool hit depleted just as hended beside the cabin. The headache from mana fatigue hit him as he reached for the door. He pulled the door open and took a step just before an earth shattering explosion rang out and a heavy wind hit him in the back andunched him into the back wall of the safe room. The door mmed shut behind him.


    If the Earth Core caused an earthquake before, it only made sense that the wind core would create such high winds. However, what he wasnt expecting was another, even louder, explosion to ring out just after the first.


    While the first two explosions with the wind and earth cores were already stupendous, they were nothingpared to the next explosion. The entire safe room shook. If Derek didnt know any better, he would have thought it was on the verge of copsing. <em>Its a safe room it cant copse right?</em>


    Soon, Derek got his answer. Multiple dents formed in the front side of the safe room and door, but nothing got through. Derek breathed a sigh of relief once everything went silent. He cautiously walked up to the door and opened it a crack.


    He poked his head out and looked around. His chin nearly hit the ground. The previous conglomeration of water, fire, earth, and wind was no more. In its stead was a scene out of an apocalyptic horror movie.


    A massive crater was formed where the three cores had been. No massive didnt even begin to exin it. The crater was the size of multiple football fields. In fact, after looking around, the edge of the crater ended just before the safe house.


    Lava flowed at the bottom, into water from the now destroyed ponds. Obsidian formed where the water and wind rapidly cooled theva.


    Derek jumped into the crater and examined the material, thinking it would be something magical, like what the Crown Hotel was made out of. Unfortunately, it was a regr, run-of-the-mill obsidian. He grabbed a piece of the ss and it sizzled in his hand. With a little pressure, he crushed it into dust. He thought he had something great, but it turned out to be fools gold.


    Derek believed he hadpleted the dungeon. The four notifications waiting for his review had to be kill notifications from the boss. However, he didnt see the dungeon orb anywhere. He couldnt receive the rewards until he found it.


    Finally, he looked directly up and his eyelid twitched. The orb was floating perfectly in the middle of the area which would have been fine if the area was like it was before, and not a giant crater. <em>How are people who dont have flying or floating skill supposed to leave? Eh I guess there are always ways I doubt everyone who fights those things makes such a mess. Now I REALLY want to know how Shae fought them. </em>


    Derek felt like he was missing something, but he didnt dwell on it. Instead, it was time toplete his first of many runs of the dungeon.

 Chapter 192: Start of Training

    Chapter 192: Start of Training


    Derek jumped up into the air with Void Steps so he could ess the dungeon orb. When he got close enough, he ced his hand on it.


    Dungeon Complete


    Assigning Rewards


    Congrattions, you have received Major Health Potion.


    Derek let out a sigh. <em>Well I guess that was to be expected. Shae said that the rewards were pretty shit. Still, there are a few potions that coulde in clutch if I were to get them. </em>Derek shrugged and stored the red vial in his storage bracelet.


    Next, before leaving the dungeon, he put a shirt on and wore his low level leather armor. He also pulled his facemask out of his put it on. That way, if someone was waiting outside the dungeon, he wouldnt stick out like a sore thumb. He couldnt imagine what reaction someone would have if they saw a half naked man pop out of a dungeon orb.


    With a game n in mind, Derek selected Leave Dungeon from the dungeon interface, initiating a countdown. Soon, the countdown hit zero and he disappeared.


    In the next instant, he was back outside. He scanned his surroundings he was still alone. Without hesitation, he touched the dungeon orb again.


    Participants: 1/5


    Derek Hunt: Level 122


    Please Choose an Option Below


    View Dungeon


    Enter Dungeon


    Leave Dungeon


    In one dungeon run Derek leveled 20 times, from 102 to 122. Of course, he figured the next run wouldnt him more than 7-12 levels because of the experience penalty he would get from already havingpleted the dungeon. By the time he was level 150, he most likely wouldnt even get a level per run. Hopefully, the dungeon couldst a few dozen runs and allow him to level up his Award.


    Derek chose to enter the dungeon. He vanished, then reappeared in the first area safe zone. The area with the Water Golems. Also, the area he nned to spend a ton of time in. This area was the perfect ce to level his Magic Resistance, Greater Meditation, Void Steps, Rejuvenation, Absolute Nullify, and Void Sense.


    The golems in the area were only level 155. While they hit hard, it was something he was sure his current body could withstand easy enough if he was careful.


    Derek removed his armor and shirt, even opting to store his jeans and rece them with a pair of shorts before opening the door and walking out. Instantly, he recognized all ten golems scattered around the area. For his training n, he would begin with two golems.


    He hurried to the first golem. When he got close, it roared and formed into a humanoid creature just like before. Unlike before, however, Derek didnt wait for anything. He covered his fist in the void and attacked its core with Multi-Strike.


    Instantly, the golem lost all power and fell. Derek picked the core up and blew some of the dust off before sticking it in his storage. One down, he said. Then, he moved to the next golem.


    Soon, Dereks was eight level 155 Water Mana Cores richer, and there were only two remaining enemies. Enemies that were still inactive because of the way he had dealt with the previous golems. Sure, it took some time because he had to wait for Multi-Strike to cooldown between kills.


    Even though he could have struck near simultaneously with both fists like he had done in the boss dungeon, he chose not to. He would rather spend a little extra time to level a powerful skill like Multi-Strike.


    Finally, Derek approached one of the two remaining Water Golems and drew their aggro. The golems swung their arms wide, causing Derek to leap backwards, out of their physical range. He was there to train his Magic Resistance. If he wanted to train his Physical Resistance, he would go to the Earth Golem area and have them toss rocks at him.


    Eventually, Derek baited the Water Golems enough that they finally split their limbs to utilize their water jet skill.


    Soon, 16 stones circled around Derek. Each emitted a blue aura as they charged. Finally, the water jets shot out at Derek.


    Derek slipped into Greater Meditation and let the beams fall on him. The whole time, he kept a careful eye on his health. Eventually, when it fell below 75%, he cast Rejuvenation, then Absolute Nullify. For Absolute Nullify, he had to break his meditation as the skill required too much focus to use.


    Still, the skill created enough of a gap in the damage that his natural regeneration was able to heal him back to at least 90% before his mana ran low. Once he canceled the skill, he went back into Greater Meditation and rapidly gained his mana back while slowing the depletion of his HP.


    Derek kept up with this delicate bnce between skills for hours, ignoring any notifications that may have popped up. He wasnt exactly sure how long had passed, since time didnt feel the same when he was meditating, even if he was actively doing it.


    At some point, the water beams stopped. Derek raised his eyebrows as he looked around at this opponents. He shook his head. The glow from the mana core in the torso of the Water Golems had significantly dimmed.


    Derek checked the system time. <em>So it seems the Water Golems can keep their spells up for around four hours before depleting all the mana in their mana cores. I was hoping for more than that. </em>He thought.


    The Water Golems reformed into humanoid creatures, and tried to rush him physically, but their moves were slow and clumsy. It seemed that they relied on the mana from their cores for all aspects of their attack.


    He waited for half an hour before giving up on them regaining their mana. It would be faster toplete the dungeon before fighting a fresh set of Water Golems. With that decided, Derek channeled the void into his fist and hit one of them with Multi-Strike. The dim core stopped glowing altogether, and the golem fell.


    He waited for the cooldown do disappear before finishing off the remaining one. The dungeon orb appeared in front of Derek, but instead of moving on to the next area, he paused to check his notifications.


    He dismissed all the kill notifications and level ups. With the level 155 Water Golems only giving half the experience as they did before, and his level being higher than it was previously, he only leveled twice off of them. He now sat at level 124.


    Next, he viewed his skill notifications.


    Congrattions


    Absolute Nullify has reached level 4


    <em>Phew </em>Derek sighed. <em>After all that, Absolute Nullify only leveled twice. Its still leveling faster than Greater Meditation, but at this rate, its going to slow down drastically towards theter levels. </em>Still, Absolute Nullify was a great skill he nned to keep focusing on.


    Derek dismissed the notification and moved on to the next.


    Congrattions


    Greater Meditation has reached level 7


    Derek smiled. Getting a level in Greater Meditation already was more than he imagined he would. But, seeing how long he used it while constantly being under attack, it made sense. He moved to the next notification.


    Congrattions


    Magic Resistance has reached level 14


    Magic Resistance finally passed his Physical Resistance. It was the main skill he wished to level in the Water Golem area. Towards the end of the fight, the Water Golems werent causing as much damage as they were previously, Derek wondered if it was because of their depleting mana cores, or if it was because of the two new levels he gained. He shrugged he would find out next round.


    Currently, he wanted to know if there was a special skill he would get when Magic Resistance hit level 20. Unfortunately, he still had a long way to go before he got his answer. He moved on.


    Congrattions


    Multi-Strike has reached level 4


    He was happy to see that. Multi-Strike would most probably level up slower than the other skills he wished to level well slower than everything other than Greater Meditation. He could only properly use the skill 10 times per area. <em>I guess I could use it on the limbs of the golems instead of the cores. </em>He shrugged. <em>Ill worry about that once Im finished with everything else </em>He dismissed the notification.


    Unfortunately, Rejuvenation didnt level even though he used it multiple times. <em>I bet it levels faster based on how bad the wounds are that its healing. </em>He remembered how fast it leveled when he had the acid from the Acidic Ghoul eating away at his chest. Anyway, he wasnt worried about the skill.


    Next, he was happy to see that Void Sense had leveled.


    Congrattions


    Void Sense has reached level 7


    <em>It seems that everything really does level much faster when youre in battle. </em>Derek had gone around with his Void Sense turned all the way up for a while, but it leveled during his four hour long fight with the Water Golems.


    Finally, he expected to see Void Steps gaining a level, but it didnt. He traded using Void Steps constantly for using Absolute Nullify. He would work on his Void Steps in one of the next dungeons.


    Derek had used over half a day so far, and he nned to keep it up for two weeks. He promised to be back in time for the auction, so he needed to push on. He wouldnt rest until the two weeks were up. Derek dismissed thest notification and ced his hand on the dungeon orb.

 Chapter 193: Crowns Decision

    Chapter 193: Crown''s Decision


    While Derek was busy training in the golem dungeon, the whole upper echelon of the Cydarian Kingdom was in an uproar over the news of the level 250 dungeon with a time distortion. The same was true for nah and the rest of the Crown Restaurant.


    nah leaned back in her chair and sighed. <em>I came to Savannah early to meet Derek before the auction, yet he was already gone by the time I got here. I should have talked to him before I left the capital, but I wanted to surprise him I wonder what kind of trouble hes getting himself into right now</em>


    nah sighed again. She had been doing a lot of that during thest day. She was just informed of the specific details of the time dungeon that was discovered months ago, and what she learned wasnt good especially if it turned out to be an elite dungeon.


    Not only was the dungeon bad for the kingdom, but it was bad for her as well. With the Royal Family gathering raid participants, many people with a Crown membership would be raiding the dungeon by the time the second auction began.


    This caused her to consider all of her other options, finally deciding tobine the two auctions and hosting it here in Savannah. The auction would be in three weeks, just before the high level raid party has to leave for the new dungeon.


    She still needed to discuss it with Derek, but she wanted to open the auction up and allow each member to bring two Crown approved people each. It was unprecedented that someone without a membership would be able to attend the auction, but she would make sure to vet any and all guests that the current members bring. Plus, if one of her members brings someone despicable, like Gerald Torith well, its easy enough to provoke a membership.


    Ste. nah raised her voice and the door outside her office opened. Ste walked through. Have you adjusted to my presence yet? nah asked.


    Ste nodded. The tick is still there, but I can withstand it as long as you dont put any will into your words. Ive adapted enough to work.


    Thats good. nah smiled. It seems youve gotten a little quicker while youve been gone. Averys going to have to watch out, or you may catch up to him soon.


    I very much doubt that. Ste scoffed. Have you decided what to do yet?


    nah nodded. Unfortunately were going to have to call off the auction in the capital.


    Call it off?


    Yes, and no. Really, were going to hold a mega auction here in Savannah. Ill head over and talk with Natalie about itter, but Im sure shell wee the extra business you know how she is. nah exined.


    So, what are we going to do, exactly? Ste asked.


    nah went on to exin everything to Ste. Ste would be the person in charge of everything in Savannah. nah couldnt do much because of her condition, so it would be up to her third inmand. She would also have to talk to Avery and let him take care of everything in the capital.


    The King was already nning oning to Savannah for the first auction, so he would wee being able to do it all at once. She only hoped that everyone would have enough time to prepare for the auction. She didnt n to let anything go if the price wasnt right.


    Youre really going to allow members to bring in outsiders for the auction? Ste asked.


    nah nodded. Yes. As long as they are approved by us. Which means youre going to be extremely busy for the next few weeks. You need to have every member submit their guest list for approval within the next two weeks. Can you handle it?


    Ste sighed. Do I have a choice? she chuckled.


    nah smiled. You always have a choice. Ill never make you do something you dont want to do. Do you think I would have allowed you to leave me and got to that backwater vige if I did?


    Hey me going to that backwater vige allowed me to meet and introduce you to Derek. Ste said.


    nah shrugged. With his growing reputation, I would have met him sooner orter.


    Yeah, but you have to agree that it was much better to meet him sooner rather thanter. Ste said.


    Maybe hopefully. Well see. nah replied. Still, if you dont want to handle it all, you can get some help. Its about time you picked someone to be your Avery or Ste.


    As if I could find anyone willing to do for me what Avery and myself are willing to do for you. Its not like Ive saved anyone from fates worse than death Ive been too busy running your business to make those kind of connections. Ste smiled.


    And youve done a great job of it. Do you know how hard Averys been working since you took your vacation? I dont think hes slept in weeks.


    Thats his own fault. Ste chuckled. Dont worry about it. Ill take care of everything. If theres something I have any trouble with, Ill let you know.


    Thank you. nah nodded. Are you sure you dont know where Derek ventured off to earlier?


    Ste shook her head. I have no idea. Ive tried contacting him, but it wont go through. I suspect hes in a dungeon, or possibly Ste looked around and leaned forward. he may be doing something with his element.


    Mhm. nah agreed. Who knows what king of effect the void would have onmunication crystals? <em>Hopefully, he was just running some dungeons. There is no telling what kind of trouble he would get into messing around with that element. Though, it would be nice to have another Void Beast or two for the auction</em>


    Ill go to his shopter and have a talk with his friends. Maybe they know something. Ste said.


    nah waved her hand. Dont worry about it. Hell be back whenever he gets back. He probably wouldnt appreciate us putting his friends in a difficult position.


    Ste shrugged. I still have to go to his ceter to let them know about the auction details so they can inform Derek when he gets back. Plus, I think I should give Malorie some pointers.


    The super crafters mother? nah asked.


    Ste nodded. Yeah, it looks like shes going to take care of all the business aspects of Dereks businesses. Im sure Derek will appreciate the help.


    Do what you want. Just be careful. nah said.


    Now, I have a surprise for you. Ste pulled a vial containing a rainbow colored liquid out of her storage ring. Derek came with another proposition for us before he left this morning. I knew you wereing, so I didnt bother reporting it. Its better to see for yourself.


    nah sat forward, staring at the odd potion in Stes hand. What is it?


    Its called a Potion of Physical Permanence. Its a potion created by Roman Pascal. Ste said.


    The halfling Alchemist that doesnt care about a Crown membership? nah asked.


    The very same. Ste answered. Anyway, he and Derek came in earlier and gave me this. Asked if we would sell it at the auction. He said we could use it as a refreshment. She rolled her eyes.


    So a Potion of Physical Permanence I take it the potion gives permanent stat boosts? What kind? How much? nahs heart was beating faster. Her Void Beast recipes were the only thing she knew of, other than a couple dungeon rewards, that could give permanent stat boosts upon consumption.


    ording to Derek, the potion he took- Ste started, but was cut off.


    Derek drank one of them? nah asked.


    Ste nodded. I dont know the exact details, but he said it increased his Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, and Vitality by five points each.


    Five points nahs brain was racing. And Vitality


    Yes. Ste nodded. Unfortunately, we dont know the quality of the potions without testing. They are made from Void Beasts Im not sure which parts exactly, but the quality of the potion is most likely affected by the quality of the Void Beast materials.


    I see. nah said. And you trust this Roman?


    Ste shrugged. I dont have a reason not to. Plus, Derek seems to trust him, and I trust Derek.


    nah held out her hand, and Ste gave her the potion. What do we do with this? She asked to nobody. I want to save it for the auction, but in order to make the correct oaths, you need to consume it. She held the potion back out to Ste.


    Ste pushed it away. I still have plenty of levels left for improvement. Five points wont benefit me as much as you. You should take it.


    nah shook her head. Its for the auction. You know as well as I that I cannot be the host of the auction. It would never finish if that were the case. Also, as this will be the biggest auction weve ever had, I only trust you or Avery to be host, and since Avery is stuck in the capital, its up to you. Just take it. We have to know everything.


    Ste reluctantly took the potion back from nah, then uncorked the potion and poured it into her mouth.


    She frowned. Odd its like theres no taste. Its like liquid ai- her eyes shot open and she visibly shivered.


    nah rushed to her feet. Are you okay? Ste!


    Ste shook her head. Im fine. It was just a very ufortable sensation.


    nah let out a breath and sat back down.


    Well Derek was right Ste said. Whichever Void Beast was used to make this one must have been of higher quality than the potion he took.


    Oh?


    Ste nodded. Yeah. I just got seven stat points in Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, and Vitality.


    Looks like you need to add drawing up another contract to your list of things to do. nah said.


    That seems to be the case.

 Chapter 194: Edgar’s Dilemma

    Chapter 194: Edgar¡¯s Dilemma


    Edgar pped his hands and let lightning fall on all the surrounding beasts. He hated this. This was the one thing he never dreamed of doing. Every time he used a skill, it felt dirty. Oh, how he resented his brother and father for making him do something he was so against.


    Why did Elouise have to go and get herself betrothed? She would have been perfect for this task. She didnt care about how she got her power. She was more than happy to be given the strength without earning it, without learning how to use it. But, no. She had found love at least, thats what she told everyone.


    If only Edgar could have stopped Jake from answering hismunication crystal three days ago. He tried. He just wasnt fast enough. He never thought his brother would go so far as to contact his squad and find Jake.


    Still, Edgar agreed to it. He understood the why. It still didnt change the fact that he hated everything about what he was doing.


    So, here he was in the dungeon that made his entire Royal Family hypocrites. The dungeon that the Royal Castle was built around. It was the easiest level 250 dungeon in the Kingdom, and maybe even the continent. Thats not to say that the dungeon was easy. No, it was just the easiest of the bunch.


    No level 250 dungeon was easy. One mistake, and almost anyone could die even in a dungeon such as this. It was a beast dungeon with a maximum of three party members and extremely paltry rewards. All the beasts in the dungeon were small. Creatures that would be found in low-level forests and ins. Horned Rabbits, Squirrels, Felines, Canines the works.


    Yet every beast in the dungeon was level 250. While anymon, umon, rare, or even some epic sses would struggle in such a popted dungeon, the Royal Familys his Royal Familys lightning sses were perfect for it.


    Now, why did all this make his Royal Family hypocrites? Well, one of the most well enforcedws in the entire Kingdom of Cydaria is the division of dungeons. No one is allowed to keep a dungeon for themselves. Everyone gets their fair share. Many popr dungeons have waiting lists. There is no cutting in line or buying positions. If a person is caught doing so, there is hell to pay.


    But that doesnt apply to the dungeon Edgar was currently in. The dungeon he never wanted to step into. No, the Royal Family kept the dungeon to themselves, using it to bolster their own family, and a few loyal knights. It wasnt a secret. Everyone knew, and they just epted it.


    But those who used it came out weak. Their high level and stat points made it forever harder to level their unleveled skills. They didnt have the time to hone their skills and get better sses and upgrades. They took one path, the path of the weak. The same path his sister took.


    Luckily, Edgar spent more time than anyone working on his skill leveling. Even when he came out of this at max level, he would still be well rounded with his skills. In fact, some of his skills were close to max. One skill even hit level 20 and became an upgraded version of itself. Of course, he never told anyone, not even his brother, about any of that.


    Most people, his brother and father included, think that he spends his time goofing off in dungeons with his handpicked adventurer team. But they couldnt be farther from the truth. If anyone looked closely, they would see that he and his team always go to dungeons and areas with monsters that are typically more trouble than theyre worth.


    They go to the perfect ces to train. Edgar learned long ago from his father that skills level was easier during fights. So, he and his group fight. They dont kill well, they do, but not until they are finished. Fighting and training against monsters that are at or above your level is the best training for skills.


    Recently, Edgar had taken a liking to Jake. The young man had wanted to be strong, and had a personality that just fit. Jake would always roll his eyes andin when they were doing anything except for training or whatever military task his brother had him doing.


    Edgar would be the first to admit his reputation was well deserved. When anyone seen him or his team in a city, they were always rxing or goofing around. But nobody knew, really knew, that all thatzing around came after days or weeks of fighting near equal opponents who never held back, while not killing them.


    Still, everyone on his team was like him. Thats why he picked them. They also kept their mouths shut. Though he never asked, they all reached a mutual agreement that what happens in dungeons, stays in dungeons.


    Edgar sighed. He wouldnt be taking any of his team into the new dungeon with him. He couldnt do that to them. He wouldnt risk their lives unless they were at least close to Diamond Ranked, and he wouldnt cripple them with power leveling.


    Most of them still had at least 40 levels to work with. Jake wasnt even level 200 yet. He was still at an optimal level for increasing his skills. So, he would put Akeem in charge and have him lead their training until he got back. Actually, since his level was going to be max soon, it may even be better if Akeem would take control full time. He knew what he was doing and would lead well.


    Edgar broke free from his thoughts and watched his brother.


    With the paralysis caused by the lightning and their reinforced speed, the small beasts of the dungeon were all basically sitting ducks. Even Edgars Thunderp skill was enough to disorient the creatures long enough for his brother to clear the wave, and Edgar was only level 207.


    Edgar sighed as Edward zipped through the level 250 beasts, decapitating them in one slice. Edgar winced as level-up notifications appeared in the corner of his vision. It hurt, but he agreed to it for the sake of the Kingdom.


    Edward walked back to Edgar, holding a half dead rodent of some sort. So, hows the first wave? He asked.


    Edgar spat. Three levels


    Dont be that way. Youre our only choice right now. Hell, dont think I didnt see the power of your Thunderp skill. Youre in the low 200s and your skill paralyzed them almost as long as mine would have. And I know I have much more invest into Intelligence than you. Edward said.


    Forty levels wasted Edgar muttered.


    Edward squinted his eyes. Dont think I dont know what you and your little team get up to. I have a pretty good idea. Im not so stupid to not follow the pattern. I wouldnt be surprised if you had maxed out skills at this point.


    Edgars eyes widened. You knew?


    Of course I know. Youre my brother. I keep track of my family, ALL my family. Im to take over once pops steps down, I have to know everything. Edward said.


    It made Edgar feel a bit better that Edward wasnt just power leveling him without knowing hed be able to take it.<em> Wait if Edward knows </em>Does dad know?


    Edward smiled and shook his head. I think he has an idea, but I dont think he really knows. I think hes of the mind that you just like to fight and party. He knows that you must have good experience because of all the dungeons youplete, but you also take longer rests than most adventurers. He ignores you for the most part because while you may kick up somemotions here and there, you never actually cause any problems.


    Edgar snorted. Youre lucky you didnt have toe here to level. It makes me sick that were doing this.


    I know you keep telling me that. Still, when you reach my level, I know I wont be able to hold a candle to you. Hell, you could probably clear this dungeon yourself. Edward said.


    Edgar shrugged. Maybe but it would take some time. Time that we apparently dont have. Besides, using Thunderp on so many creatures should be great training for it. Dont think Im just sitting here letting you kill everything. If Im going to be here, Im going to get the most out of it.


    Edward nodded. Thank you


    Edgar rolled his eyes. Like I had a choice. I still think El should be here instead of me. I dont even think shes going to go through with that stupid wedding.


    She wont. Edward said, getting his attention.


    What?


    She doesnt like him, and he doesnt like her at least not like that. But both of them are tired of everything. Neither one of them wants marriage, so, why not have a fake engagement and put the wedding off indefinitely? It gets rid of all the people asking for their hands. Once one of them finds someone or decides its time to get married, theyll call everything off. Edward exined.


    That little shit! Then why am I here?


    Edward looked at Edgar sternly. Brother I have a bad feeling about this dungeon. I I dont think Elouise can handle it. Im not even sure if I can handle it. Its a raid. Its going to take months on the inside, but outside years are going to pass. You know how hard non-specific enemy dungeons can be. I really do believe youre the best choice.


    Edgar stared at his older brother, stunned. Finally, he sighed. Fine but Im handpicking everyone whos going with me. I wont leave my back to anyone I cant trust, and since none of my team ising with me, I need to make sure whoever goes is strong enough.


    Edward nodded. I agree. I already have a list of those I rmend. Nobody is below Onyx Ranked, and youre going to need to take a few Diamond Ranks as well. Do you have anyone else in mind?


    Edgar smiled. I do but Im not sure how strong he really is.


    Oh? Edward said. Well, I guess we should hurry up and get you leveled so you can go see. Edward took a dagger and pierced the rodent he was holding with it. The beast died and a new wave of enemies appeared.


    Edgar sighed and pped his hands. <em>Oh I guess this really is good for Thunderp. </em>He mused as his skill hit level 19.

 Chapter 195: Edgars Ability

    Chapter 195: Edgar''s Ability


    Edgar dismissed another level up notification from his vision. He was level 243 now and only had a few more to go before he could quit running the damn dungeon. He had overly surprised his brother when he stopped him from going into the dungeon with him.


    He was only level 234 at the time. Edward worried about him, but Edgar told him it would take too long if he had to split the already halved experience with him. Plus, he had watched and helped Edward deal with the entire dungeon so many times that he could probably run it with his eyes closed.


    He was right, of course. When he went in alone, it took a little longer to clear it, but he was never in any danger. That, plus not having to split XP with someone who cant even earn XP, basically caused the sky to rain levels upon him.


    Edgar also had skills he didnt desire to show anyone, even his brother. They both had lightning based sses, and while many skills ovepped, he did have his own, unique skills. Ones that he would rather work on without anyone else around.


    One of those skills was Ethereal Spark. If one saw it, they would think that it was a skill not unlike the one that Jake and his father use, only lightning based. Every high level elemental ss had something like that. But Edgar had that skill as well. It was called Lightning Shroud. It was the same one his brother used.


    Now, Lightning Shroud allowed Edgar to channel the lightning into his body to reinforce it and amplify it. It greatly increased his already great speed and multiplied his offensive prowess. The skill also enhanced any other skills he used in tandem with it.


    Ethereal Spark, however, was not Lightning Shroud. When he activated Ethereal Spark, everything happened almost identical to when he used Lightning Shroud. The whites of his eyes changed color, his hair floated, sparks of electricity formed around parts of his body.


    But, with Lightning Shroud, he channeled and used lightning, with Ethereal Spark, he became lightning. He no longer had to walk, run, or dash. He zipped. He was a lightning bolt that shot between enemies. The offensive power was immense, so was the mana cost. However, what Edgar found most appealing about the skill unique to his ss was that it made him incorporeal.


    He was intangible. As far as he has found, nothing could touch him while he was using the skill. If a sword cut him in half, he reformed, same as if a spell scattered him, the lightning bolt just pieced itself back together.


    And the offensive power well, the form almost ignored all defenses. Beasts and monsters almost never wore anything to protect them against lightning. Hell, most people wore metal armor a great conductor of electricity. Sure, some armors wereyered with materials that insted and thus protected against lightning, but all Edgar had to do was touch an unprotected part. Then he was in.


    It was also the perfect skill for strategic retreat. He was fast and invulnerable. Nothing could harm him if he didnt want it to.


    Edgar looked at the skill and smiled. It was level 15, and he couldnt imagine a better ce to use it than a dungeon with small beasts so densely packed. Edgar closed all his status windows, then walked out of the same room, onto the field.


    The dozens of level 250 beasts all turned their heads at once. Edgar snorted as they began their charge. He pped his hands and thunder roared in the air as small bolts prated each creature within his range who he deemed a threat.


    As soon as all the beasts were stunned, lightning shed through his eyes, and he disappeared. Instantly, a bolt of lightning appeared before the first beast. It hit it, going through its body, the bolt aimed for the heart, and with a shock, it stopped beating.


    As soon as the bolt touched the beasts heart, it left its body and jumped to the next beast. One by one, beasts fell before they could even move a muscle. In less than thirty seconds, Edgar materialized in front of thest remaining beast, a badger of some sort. An elemental sword materialized in his hand, and he shed down, splitting the small creature in half before it had a chance to move.


    With his near exhausted mana pool, Edgar quickly used Lightning Shroud and moved to the safe room. He closed the door behind him and winced at the headache that came with mana exhaustion.


    He wanted to make it back to the safe zone before the next wave came. That way, the enemies would be spaced out and not already waiting for him. His Thunderp worked best in that situation.


    The reason he took longer toplete the dungeon than his brother wasnt because he wasnt as strong or fast, it was because he meditated in between each wave of attacks.


    Edgar closed his eyes, readying to use his level 16 Meditation, the skill he had used most of all. <em>Damn its so hard to level Meditation. I wonder if it will max out at 20 or if it will upgrade to another, better form of the skill. </em>Because of the skill, and the toughness of leveling it, Edgar hadnt had a real nights sleep in years, choosing to work on the skill instead.


    Out ofbat, Meditation was better than any health or mana potion, and it only cost one skill point. It was the most essential skill for an adventurer. That skill,bined with safe rooms in dungeons, made it one of the most overpowered skills, and anyone could get it.


    Edgar had a n, though. He had two skill upgrade points from Awards waiting to be used. As soon as Meditation hit level 18, he would use them. Then, he would find his answer. But for now, he just rxed and let the skill take over.


    Soon, his mana pool was full and the headache was gone. He took a quick nce at his notifications and clicked his tongue when he saw that Meditation leveling up wasnt one of them. It had to be getting close. Hed been stuck at level 16 much longer than level 15. But, because his level was increasing rapidly, he knew all his skills would slow down.


    He only hoped that General Skills werent affected as much as ss Skills were. Edgar let out a sigh and stood. He opened the door and walked out, pping his hands. The same ughter yed out once more and he was back in the safe house.


    Three more times the scene happened. Nothing changed. Not even on the final wave when the boss appeared. It was a giant bear. It towered over the entire area. It was weird that you had to fight through four waves of small beasts, only to fight a 30 foot tall and half as wide bear at the end.


    Still, it didnt matter. In his ethereal form, all Edgar had to do was zip to the beast and enter its heart. The only difference between the big beast and the small beasts was that he had to stay inside the bears heart for five seconds for it to sumb instead of the instant it took to kill the small beasts.


    Once the bear died, the dungeon orb appeared. Edgar meditated to get his mana back before cing his hand on the orb to leave.


    Edgar snorted. Instead of the options to leave the dungeon, he got a notification of receiving the dungeon reward. He looked at the small stack of gold coins that appeared on the ground beside him and rolled his eyes before storing them in his ring. It was the sixth time something like this had happened.


    His Lesser Repetitive Dungeoneer Award rarely pred, but it had happened six times in this shitty dungeon already. <em>Why does it have to work so well in this damn dungeon? </em>He didnt often run dungeons more than once, to keep from leveling, but he had run two or three times after getting the Award, yet, he never got a second reward with the meager 5% chance the Award gave.


    The Award, Lesser Repetitive Dungeoneer, was one that all the Royal Family members got. They actually received it before they did a ss. It was easy to get, and sometimes useful. All they did was wait in the safe zone while strong guardspleted the dungeon for them. When one set of guards out leveled the dungeon, a new set appeared.


    Edgar clicked his tongue and dismissed all notifications. Once he was able to clear the dungeon on his own, he had even stopped allocating his stat points. He wasntpletely sure if it was the level that hindered skill growth or if it was the stat points, or maybe abination of both, but until the time came, he would keep his hundreds of stat points.


    He put his hand on the dungeon orb again, then vanished.


    This time, when he appeared in the dungeon room, his brother was back waiting for him, leaning against the wall.


    How goes it? Edward asked.


    Edgar rolled his eyes. Ive made over 6,000 gold.


    Edwards eyes widened. Maybe I should retire from the army and just run that dungeon for the rest of my life.


    Yeah, and ruin the economy.


    Look at you, thinking like a King. Edward said.


    Edgar rolled his eyes again and touched the dungeon orb, instantly disappearing.


    Edward stood there with a frown on his face. What happened to the countdown?

 Chapter 196: Level Up

    Chapter 196: Level Up


    While the higher ups in the Kingdom were scrambling because of the new dungeon and uing auction, Derek continued his training. As soon as he left the dungeon, he would repeat it, spending almost no time outside. He didnt want to waste a moment.


    In the almost two weeks since he started, he had finished running the dungeon dozens of times. His skills improved at a speed he didnt know was possible. Now, Derek was sitting in the boss area of apleted dungeon, going over his stats and skills. He had a ton of decisions to make.


    Status


    Name


    Derek Hunt


    Age


    30


    Level


    165


    Experience


    649,350,250/2,800,000,000


    ss


    Legend of the Void (Legendary)


    Race


    Human (Modified)


    Health


    16575


    Mana


    5000


    Stamina


    16575


    Stats


    Strength


    705


    Dexterity


    505


    Endurance


    1105


    Vitality


    1105


    Intelligence


    500


    Wisdom


    500


    Stat Points Remaining


    1953


    Contracts


    nah Swan (Crown)


    View Contract


    Silvi (Bonded Beast)


    View Status


    Ste Brighton (Crown)


    View Contract


    Francesco Jobs (Adventurers Guild)


    View Contract


    Rudolph Mckinney


    View Contract


    Skills


    Absolute Nullify


    Level 11


    Nullify magic spells


    Chain Lightning


    Level 13


    Send a chain of lightning to enemies.


    Channel Void


    Level 16


    Channel the Void through your body, into attacks or defenses.


    Cleaning


    Level 9


    Clean a small area.


    Cure Toxin


    Level 4


    Removes poisons and toxins.


    Dismantle


    Level 12


    Increase ability to dismantle deceased organic life forms.


    Greater Meditation


    Level 9


    Enter meditative state to increase recovery.


    Heavy Weapons Mastery


    Level 18


    Increase damage with heavy weapons.


    Identify


    Level 16


    Appraise objects or entities.


    Magic Resistance


    Level 20


    Increase natural magic resistance by 1.5% per level.


    Multi-Strike


    Level 10


    Your next attack hits four times.


    Physical Resistance


    Level 20


    Increase natural physical resistance by 1.5% per level.


    Rejuvenation


    Level 14


    Restores 70% HP over 30 seconds.


    Sweeping sh


    Level 19


    Project a sh in front of you.


    Time Prison


    Level 4


    Create a void space as a prison. Control its passage of time.


    Void Call


    Level 2


    Call out to the Void.


    Void Sense


    Level 15


    Sense the void.


    Void Shift


    Level 7


    Be one with and move within the void.


    Void Steps


    Level 13


    Use the void as a foothold to move.


    Void Storage


    Level N/A


    Use a storage space made from void.


    Unarmed Combat Mastery


    Level 14


    Increase efficiency when not using a weapon or magic.


    Skill Points Remaining


    16


    Skill Upgrade Points Remaining


    4


    Awards


    Greater Giant yer, Jack of All, Lesser Dungeon Explorer, Lesser Dungeon Traveler, Lesser Enigma, Repetitive Dungeoneer, Lesser yer of the Unknown, Solo Diver, Magical ss Cannon, Meat Shield, Lesser Explorer, Offensive Powerhouse


    <em>Holy shit. </em>As Derek went through his stunning status sheet, he couldnt help but be amazed at what he was able to do in almost two weeks.


    First and foremost, he had begun this training specifically for his skills, but the staggering amount of stat points he ended up saving almost blew his mind.


    Absolute Nullify, as a skill that was very hard to level, had actually made it to level 11. Now, the size of the wall was almost double as it was before, and the mana cost was down by a third. It was truly a skill he could use well now.


    Of course, Channel Void was a skill hebod with pretty much any and every physical skill he used, so it had gained a respectable five levels in training.


    Cleaning had even had a couple of breakthroughs because of how many times he used it to clean his body afterpleting an area.


    Greater Meditation, the hardest skill he had to level, and the one he used the most, had almost broken into double digits. With each level, he could feel his ability to use it along with doing other things was made easier and easier.


    Derek did frown when he viewed Magic and Physical Resistance. Hed hoped the skills would upgrade once they reached level 20, but they didnt. Still, his body had a full 30% resistance to literally all attacks. He couldntin. They were the two skills he nned on training the most when he came to the Golem Dungeon, so the fact that they were level 20 meant it had been a sessful trip.


    Multi-Strike was a pleasant surprise. It had started at causing an attack to hit twice, but now the attack hit four times. It was truly amazing. Every five levels the skill gained, it added another attack. So, once it hit level 20, the attack wouldnd six times. Plus, the cooldown had been significantly reduced after leveling so many times.


    Rejuvenation was Rejuvenation. It now healed for 70% of his health over 30 seconds and had an even smaller cooldown window. It was a very useful skill to have. Hed been using it off cooldown pretty consistently to get it to level 14.


    Derek even managed to throw in some Sweeping shes with his attacks a few times. It worked much better once Multi-Strike got a third attack. That,bined with Channel Void, had let Derek get some multi-kills a few times on golems. It was quite satisfying. One more level and the skill would be 20. Still, it was a skill that worked much better with a weapon than fists alone.


    Void Sense was a skill he learned to utilized the most. During all the time training, he never dampened the intensity of the skill. He found that the skill not only showed him different aspects of the void, but it allowed him to control it better. Derek considered Void Sense a skill which led to greater attunement to his element. Before using it so much, he had considered it a distraction, but now, he considered it one of his most relevant skills.


    Void Steps made some leaps, as well. It was his most fun skill. Who doesnt like flying or floating in the air? He could now maneuver seamlessly with the skill. He wasnt sure how much of that was because of Void Steps leveling or how much was because of Void Sense.


    Finally, his Unarmed Combat Mastery had really been boosted. Derek wasnt sure if he was ever going to get a chance to have another worthwhile ive, so he was happy to have a backup passive skill he could use for the time being.


    After going over all his skills, Derek finally took a look at his Awards. Lesser Repetitive Dungeoneer had actually gone up two levels and be Repetitive Dungeoneer. Now, every time hepleted a dungeon more than once, he had a 10% chance of obtaining another reward. Lesser was a 5% chance, Minor was 7%, and normal was 10%. If he could get the Award to Major, he would have a 15% chance of being re-rewarded.


    Solo Diver had also risen by two tiers. It hade with a 4% increase in stats while solo diving, which he could feel, but wasnt evident in his status sheet. He could still instantly begin a dungeon while alone. What he was surprised about was a new perk that was added with thetest upgrade. His level could now be hidden when essing dungeon statuses.


    People who chose to go it alone could be considered private people. So, the Award would help them hide their personal information when they had to form impromptu parties with other adventurers. Derek was happy with the Award.


    Finally, after going over everything else, his eyes fell on his stat points. <em>What the hell do I do with over 1,900 free stat points? </em>Derek started weighing the pros and cons of each primary stat.


    Right now, he felt that his physical attack had fallen behind because of his Strength and Dexterity, but at the same time, he made up for it with his Channel Void ability, which was stronger based on Wisdom and Intelligence.


    Still, he knew that Endurance and Vitality were his primary stats. It would never hurt to increase those two. <em>Well, I do have almost 2,000 points. I could keep my focus on my Endurance and Vitality, then spread some around my other stat points </em>


    Finally, Derek decided to do just that. <em>Lets see I have a breakthrough, which is rather painful, every 500 points. I could pump up my Endurance and Vitality to 1,500 each, then spend the remaining 1,100 or so on the rest of the stats. </em>Derek grunted. <em>The itching is going to be so bad</em>


    First, Derek spent 788 points to get his two main stats to 1,499. He shivered as he felt the minor changes in his bones, skin, and organs. He also had some shortness of breath as his lungs and heart adjusted to his newly increased Vitality.


    <em>Okay that wasnt too bad. I should have done something like this before, when my stats hit 1,000. It would have given my body a little time to adjust before the horrifying itching andva in my veins. </em>He thought.


    Next, while making sure to save two stat points so he could push his Vitality and Endurance to 1,500, he divvied the remaining points out among the other four stats. First, he brought all his stats up to 825.


    With those changes, Derek felt a slight increase in his minds acuity and processing speed. He also felt a deftness in his muscles and tendons. His body became slightly more toned as well. He didnt feel much in the way of increased strength, but that was mostly because he didnt actually increase his Strength by much. While everything else was increased by 300 points or so, his Strength only went up a bit over 100 points.


    With his stats divided, he was ready to pump his others to 1,500. Then, he would feel safer calling the void again, and he could work on hisst skill for the remaining couple of days. Derek hesitated slightly, then put a stat point into Endurance.


    Then he braced himself.

 Chapter 197: Breakthrough

    Chapter 197: Breakthrough


    Derek removed his clothes and sat cross-legged. He took in a deep breath, then decided to increase his Endurance first. Even though increasing Endurance had felt much worse at 1,000 points than Vitality did, he knew that the Vitality threshold had a much higher chance of causing real damage to him.


    He prepared himself, then put one stat point into Endurance. He waited for the skin crawling and itching, but it never came. Derek snorted. <em>I guess 1,500 points isnt a threshold or breakth- </em>Instantly, the pain hit.


    It started at the bones. At once, they cracked, and he felt as if they turned to dust. From his seated position, Derek fell onto his back. It was as if he had nothing to hold his body together. The pain it was pure agony.


    Derek did his best to keep breathing, but he couldnt take in a breath. It was like his lungs had copsed. Soon, however, Derek felt the rebuilding. New bones reced the old, still agonizing as they formed and moved the muscle and organs back into ce. Finally, the bones were back in ce, and Derek was able to gasp in a breath.


    A single breath was all he was able to draw, as his muscles were next. Just as the bones had, his muscles copsed and turned into jelly. The pain wasnt near as bad as with the bones, but it was a different feeling altogether. He was paralyzed, but could still feel. It was like he had sleep paralysis for an extended time.


    Slowly, the muscle reformed, and he could move again. Derek took in another breath, then closed his eyes. He knew the skin would be next. Sure enough, a burning sensation fell over his entire body. Light invaded Dereks eyes as he realized his eyelids had disappeared. Curious, he raised his forearm to take a peek.


    What he saw was something straight out of an anatomy book. No skin covered his muscles, his taut, dark, almost metallic muscles. The pain was very bearable. He never thought that he would say that having no skin, along with no sense of touch and feel would be bearable. But,pared to everything else, losing his skin wasnt bad.


    Then the itching started. It started at his feet and worked its way up. Metallic skin weaved itself over his bones and muscle before tightening and changing to his natural skin color, one that didnt shine in the sun. Derek recalled the itching to be worse at his previous breakthrough. Though, it could have just been that his mind was too fascinated by what was happening in front of him to care much about the itching sensation.


    He watched as his skin formed over his feet, then legs. Soon, the skin was forming over his forearms, which he brought close to his face to take an even better look. It was like he was seeing millions, if not billions, of molecules forming together to create his skin. It was something he imagined having nanobots healing a cut would look like.


    Soon, the skin covered his hands and fingers, creating new nails in the process. Then he blinked. That was when he realized this part of the breakthrough was finished.


    Derek curled his hand into a fist and grinned. His body was stiff, extremely so, but the flexibility woulde with time.


    Then, it felt like he got the wind knocked out of him as his remaining organs began the process. Next came his kidneys, then liver. When it happened to his heart, it was scary. Luckily, instead of disintegrating his organs, then rebuilding from the ground up, it seemed that it was more of a reinforcement.


    His heart stopped beating for a minute, or beat extremely slowly, Derek wasnt sure. He was just happy when it started up again. Finally, the reinforcement came to his brain. Dizziness washed over him. A dizziness hed never experienced, not with concussions, nor with anything else. The entire dungeon was spinning until it wasnt.


    Finally, he went blind for a few moments. That wasnt too bad, as he had lost his senses before during meditation. Derek waited, then he was able to see again.


    Then he waited. He wanted to make sure that the breakthrough waspletely finished before he chose to do anything else. After five minutes of nothing happening, he breathed a sigh of relief.


    Derek hopped up and did some stretches, loosening up. After a half hour or so, the stiffness receded and his control of his body was back to normal no it seemed his control was even a little better than it used to be. He couldnt wait to see his control when he broke through with Dexterity.


    Derek looked back to where he was sitting, thenying. There was a small puddle of blood, much less than he thought there would be. <em>I guess its because the process worked from the inside out. </em>Derek shrugged, then found a new, clean piece ofnd to sit on before starting the process all over again.


    He tossed a point into Vitality, then waited for the process to begin, and soon, it did. Just like before, he could feel the blood pumping through his heart and vessels, like a flood on a river. A heaviness settled over his chest as his heart thundered.


    It felt like his heart was a balloon, and the blood was filling it up. That, on top of the burning inside made for a very ufortable feeling. His breathing was very shallow as the blood flowed through his lungs, as well.


    The veins in his arms threatened to burst through the skin as they inted to keep up with the blood flow. Derek winced as a sharp headache came over him. It seemed that everywhere that blood flowed was tested. Again, he was happy in his choice to upgrade his Endurance before his Vitality.


    The whole process was only a bit ufortable for Derek, but he expected it would have been another story if his body wasnt as strong as it was after the upgrade.


    Soon the flow calmed and his heart began pumping at a more regr pace. Derek took a deep breath, and his headache also went away. It was amazing at how one second everything was like a rising storm, then the next, it was over.


    Derek hopped up again, and jumped around. He didnt feel much different from the Vitality increase. The biggest change was that he felt more energetic, like hed drank too much coffee or had too much sugar and needed to work off the excess energy. He would have liked to see what his blood actually looked like at the moment, but he doubted he would be able to leave more than a scratch on himself.


    He chuckled at the thought, then looked at his new stats. His eyes fell on his Health and Stamina and widened. They were both crazy high, sitting at 37,500 points each.


    When his Vitality passed 1,000 points, he had received 15 HP per point, but now, after doing some quick calctions, he realized he was getting 25 HP per point of Vitality. The same was true for his Stamina, as well.


    At this point, he even wondered how badly a critical hit would injure him. Would he be able to survive getting his head sted off? Could his brain rebuild as fast as it was destroyed? Well, neither of those things was something that Derek would want to test ever.


    He dismissed his stat windows and looked at some of the notifications that had appeared after spending his points. He was excited, thinking about how he had gotten new skills and Awards before. He quickly pulled the first notification up.


    Congrattions


    You have brought your Endurance to the maximum system allotment. You are at the top of users of The Great System in Endurance. Be proud of yourself, as few users ever reach such heights.


    <em>What? </em>Derek stared at the message for some time. He couldnt believe what he had read. <em>Theres a cap on stats? What is this shit? Was there a cap on the other system? </em>Derek thought back. He couldnt recall anyone ever talking about any level or stat caps, but Earth was new to the other system.


    They were still in the tutorial phase when he left the and the system. For all he knew, the cap could have been the same there as it was here. Derek didnt know how he should feel about the shocking news he just learned. He would have to ask somebody about itter. <em>nah should being for one of the auctions Ill talk to her about it when I get back. </em>


    Derek waved the notification away, and moved to the next, already knowing what it was going to say.


    Congrattions


    You have brought your Vitality to the maximum system allotment. You are at the top of users of The Great System in Vitality. Be proud of yourself, as few users ever reach such heights.


    <em>Yup just as expected. </em>Derek looked again to make sure there werent any other notifications hidden. There werent. He sighed.


    Just to make sure what the system said was true, he tried to add a stat point into Endurance. To his shock, the point went in, and one of his stat points disappeared. However, the 1,500 didnt increase. Instead, it changed to 1500 (???). Confused, he tried adding another, then another. After adding five stat points, it no longer epted points anymore.


    Since it was only five stat points, Derek did the same with Vitality. Again, it epted five points, but no more. He looked over his stats.


    Stats


    Strength


    Dexterity


    Endurance


    Vitality


    Intelligence


    Wisdom


    Stat Points Remaining


    825


    825


    1500 (???)


    1500 (???)


    825


    825


    63


    Derek shook his head. What the fuck is going on?

 Chapter 198: Void Call

    Chapter 198: Void Call


    Derek pushed all the questions about his stats to the back of his mind. It was something he would have to talk to nah aboutter, and there was no sense dwelling on it when he still had things he needed to do.


    One of those things, of course, was using Void Call. After going through another breakthrough in his Endurance and Vitality stats, he felt much safer. Thest Void Beast he fought was aware, and Derek didnt know where it was in strengthpared to the other ones. Thinking back to the fight, he would put it at the lower Onyx Rank.


    He was sure that Shae could have beaten it, but it still would have been a pretty tough fight. Speaking of Shae, after Dereks bout with the man, Derek had be more careful. Instead of letting his health get down low during his training, he made sure to keep it at a reasonable level.


    Thinking back to some of his previous antics, he could only call himself dumb for purposefully letting his HP drop to such levels. It would have only taken one surprise attack to finish him off. If either Bones or Ogre would have had such an attack, it would have been the end.


    So, from when he sparred with Shae until now, Derek had made the conscious decision not to be stupid. Its why he tested each golem and their attacks for as long as he did before settling on a training regimen, and its why he didnt feelfortable rolling the dice with more Void Beasts until now.


    He was still a bit worried about the Void Beasts because of his current offensive ability, but he was much more reassured in his survival with his Endurance and Vitality, and overall defensive ability.


    Derek dismissed his stats and prepared to use Void Call. He walked out into the open in the final area of the dungeon. He cracked his neck and closed his eyes before channeling the skill through his body.


    He felt the void building as the skill activated. His entire body felt full of the element as it surged up. Then, the purple energy exploded from him and shot toward the sky.


    Derek was more conscious of the skill this time, as it was easier for his body to handle the effects now than it was before. The skill was still extremely draining on his mana, as it took over two-thirds of his entire MP. He quickly began Greater Meditation so he would be fresh for when the Void Beast made its appearance.


    However, as he watched the purple beam of energy shoot into the sky, he saw it break apart and sputter out instead of casually disappearing. Derek frowned and waited. He waited for ten minutes, then half an hour, but nothing happened. No cracks appeared in the sky, no thundering sounds of a beast beating on the void nothing.


    Derek hesitated, thenunched the skill again. Once again, the beam petered out before entering deep into the sky.


    <em>Whats going on?</em> Derek thought back to the other times he cast the skill. It had only been at Leons decimated vige, and the lonely mountain far outside of Torith. The only change from then until now was that he wasnt in a dungeon when he used the skill.


    <em>Is the system actively preventing me from calling into the void while in a dungeon? Why would the system give me a skill I cant use in a dungeon? It cant be because its the void, because I can still see the ripples and use other void skills. </em>He continued to think beforeing to a conclusion. <em>Maybe its because dungeons are separate spaces created by the system, and the same force that keeps other from entering while it is in use is also keeping my skill from pulling in other enemies. </em>


    He decided to go with that logic. His Void Call was different from skills used by Summoners. They either used their own energy to make a summons, or pulled them out of their specific summoned space. Either way, they were friendly and matched the users level.


    Void Call, on the other hand, called for a being not able to be controlled. One that was not part of the system. Bringing a Void Beast into a dungeon would basically be like breaking the rules.


    That thought left Derek with another question. <em>If I changed the distortion in the Time Dungeon, could I pull a prisoner out while in the dungeon, or would the system block me from doing it? If I capture a dungeon creature and put it in my Time Prison, would it prevent me from finishing the dungeon? </em>


    Derek rubbed his temples with his hands. If the system hadnt made him super healthy, he was sure hed be experiencing a migraine by now. <em>Well, theres only one way to find out</em>


    He flicked his wrist, and his map appeared in his hand. Derek unfurled it and began going over the surrounding area. Compared to Torith, thend surround Savannah was crowded with people and viges. It was going to be hard for him to find a ce far enough out of the way, away from prying eyes, to use Void Call.


    Eventually, he settled on a ce east of the Golem Dungeon. The Golem Dungeon wasnt patrolled much, as it was very unpopr, so if he really wanted, he could risk bringing a Void Beast down there, but there werent any other dungeons immediately to the east of the Golem Dungeon, and viges didnte out this far away from Savannah, so going a bit east would be his best bet.


    There was nothing much in the area east of the Golem Dungeon. There was another dungeon very far east, but it wasnt considered one of Savannahs dungeons, as it was closer to a different city. It looked to be a slightly more popr dungeon than the golem one, but was still on the unpopr side. Plus, it was a much lower level.


    If Derek moved about a third of the way between the two dungeons, he should be in an area nobody patrolled and rarely visited. Nodding his head, he put the map away and exited the dungeon. As soon as his feet hit the ground, he jumped into the air with Void Step and moved east.


    With his speed, which was even higher than before because of his increased stats, he was able to get to his destination in just over an hour. During the time he spent traveling, he received amunication request from Malorie, which surprised him.


    She wasnt in any trouble, but she informed him that Ste had visited and nah was in Savannah already. She also let him know that for some reason, the auctions werebined, and they were going to happen at the same time in Savannah in just over a week.


    <em>I wonder what changed. </em>It didnt concern him too much, as he was sure one auction would sell just as good as two. He still nned on using hisst few days to train. He would also run the Golem Dungeon a few more times to hit level 170.


    Derek settled in the middle of a small forest. It had good cover from prying eyes. He also tossed a ski mask on just in case someone happened to wander close to him.


    Derek wasnt a big fan of fighting in a forest. He preferred open areas, but it would work. He once again used Void Call.


    This time, instead of the beam of energy being rejected, it continued into the sky until it slowly disappeared. <em>So it was because of the dungeon. </em>His guess was correct.


    Sure enough, not five minutes after using the skill, he saw it. With Void Sense amped up as high as possible, he saw the movement in the void before the pounding began.


    The pounding was loud, but not as powerful as thest Void Beast he fought, so he jumped into the air and helped. If anything was going to draw attention, it would be the thundering noise created from escaping Void Beasts.


    With his Void Sense, Derek was able to see the cracks in the skys structure, making it easier for him to dissect. Covering his hands in the void allowed him to tear the pieces out with ease. Before long, a Void Beast sized hole appeared, along with the menacing glowing red eyes and razor-like ws.


    Derek reached in, grabbing the Void Beasts wrist, and yanked. The beast came tumbling out of the void tunnel and crashed through some tree branches below. Derek canceled Void Steps and fell to the ground beside the beast.


    With his Void Sense, Derek could see the energy radiating off the beast. He felt like he could almost reach out and grab it, but he couldnt. <em>If Void Sense and Void Call level higher, maybe I can use the energy around the beasts like a puppeteer. </em>He shivered at the thought of controlling the beasts.


    <em>It wouldnt be like a real summons, because I would have to focus my attention on controlling it, though. Any slip up and I would lose control if it works like I think it will. No wonder thatst beast was so pissed at me. It could feel I was getting closer to controlling the inherent void inside of it. I probably would have noticed as well if I was using Void Sense at the time. </em>


    Derek thought about the possibilities as he watched the Void Beast struggling to its feet. Before giving it a chance to stand, hebined Multi-Strike with Channel Void and hit it in the head with a palm, ending its life then and there. All things considered, the Void Beast would have been about as strong as the one he fought back at Leons vige.


    He figured most Void Beasts would be at or around that level. Strong enough to reign terror and destruction down on most viges and escape afterwards, but not strong enough to contend with powerful system users. Derek believed the Void Beast legends were mostly because there were so few of them.


    Though, he was sure if a sentient one appeared, it could wreak havoc on most cities in Cydaria, especially the smaller ones like Wilmette. Plus, he was sure that there would be beasts that could be considered as strong as Diamond Ranked Adventurers as well. The luck was in the draw.


    Derek split the space in front of him, opening his Void Storage. He had filled his ring and bracelet up with mana cores, and had actually had to use Void Storage to store the rest of them. He tossed the Void Beast corpse inside and closed the space.


    Derek sighed as he stared at the sky, readying for another Void Beast. He would be fighting a lot in the uing days.

 Chapter 199: Void Farm

    Chapter 199: Void Farm


    The next Void Beast toe out was slightly above average. It seemed to be on the verge of intelligence, but was still a monster through and through. Derek wasnt entirely sure about the Adventurer Guild rankings, as the only Onyx Ranked Adventurer hed fought was Shae, but he would put the Void Beast at lower Onyx or upper tinum solely based on Shaes capabilities.


    It was the strongest Void Beast hed faced other than the intelligent one. Instead of quickly killing it with a void palm to the head, Derek opted to subdue it by hitting its non-vitals. After what happened in the dungeon, he had some questions that the Void Beast would allow him to solve.


    After capturing the beast, Derek opened the Time Prison. While carrying the beast, he moved to an empty cell and tossed the creature in. Sentencing a Void Beast would be the ultimate test of the Time Prison.


    First of all, the Void Beast was not a part of the system, or any system that he knew of. So, the test would allow him to know if all the functionality worked on enemies not of the Great System.


    Second, if the Time Prison worked, he would be able to set the sentencing timer low so he could go back to the Golem Dungeon and try to release the beast there. If he could do so, then it would almost be like cheating. It would mean that he could take as many people into a dungeon as he could fit in the Time Prison, rendering the max participants part of the dungeon useless.


    Hell, if it worked, he may even be able to bring in participants who out level the dungeon. If that were the case, he would be able to bring in Shae or someone to run the dungeon for him while he sat back and enjoyed watching his Repetitive Dungeoneer Award go up.


    Of course, he doubted the system would let anything like that happen. It already had precautions against Void Call, so he didnt think it would overlook something as simple as bringing in another through Time Prison.


    <em>I wonder if the system would give me some reward for finding a bug. </em>Derek shook his head. <em>No thats doubtful. If anything, the stingy Great System would probably find a way to punish me for finding an exploit. </em>Still, it didnt mean he wouldnt try. He would definitely try.


    Derek set the timer on the dungeon cell low, so he would be able to speed it up and open in within a couple of days if he needed to. Then, he quickly checked on the other upied cells. He changed the time on the cell that y Torith was upying as well. It would be better if he ran the test with both a human of the system and a beast not of the system.


    He would have much preferred to use Bones or Ogre for the test, but he had originally sentenced them to a year in prison. Even with his control of time, he could only drop the time to a couple of months. However, y was in for just 28 days and hed already served almost two weeks worth, with the time distortion.


    After making the arrangements, he walked out of his Time Prison and closed the rift behind him. Finally, he prepared himself andunched Void Call once again.


    Derek got into a rhythm, farming Void Beasts. He took breaks between each beast so he could assess his surroundings to make sure he hadnt drawn any attention to himself. The breaks used up a bit of his time, but they were necessary. After a day of farming, he finally took a rest.


    He checked inside his Void Storage and smiled at his haul. He had two storage devices full of mana cores with a lot more in his Void Storage. Now, he had over thirty Void Beast bodies lying inside as well. In those encounters, three were like the small one he fought before. They should have the same vital qualities that the one before had. nah and Ste would go crazy.


    Other than that, there was another with intelligence and awareness. It was actually a bit stronger than the one he fought before. Without his void, he couldnt even leave a scratch on its skin. It was even able to take a full void covered fist to the back of the head and not die.


    It was also faster than Derek, causing him to have to use Void Shift, coupled with Channel Void and Multi-Strike, to finish it off.


    When it appeared, it looked almost scared of Derek. It could sense his control over the void. Derek, on the other hand, could see and feel the void running deep within the Void Beast. It was a weird sight to see. The beast didnt try to talk, only run.


    Derek, however, didnt let it, and once it saw that he wasnt hurting it with his physical attacks, it tried to fight back, leading to its demise. Derek still didnt feel great about the possibility of consuming a creature that could be considered intelligent.


    It made his skin crawl, but it was not only epted, but generally coveted by those of the Great System. Maybe he would just choose to receive recipes created by the other Void Beasts. He shrugged and shut his storage. Next, he checked his notifications.


    Congrattions


    Void Call has reached level 4.


    He nodded and moved on.


    Congrattions! You have seeded in ying 25 creatures unknown to the Great System.


    Award Updated


    Derek raised his eyebrows and checked his Award.


    Minor yer of the Unknown


    You have in 25 creatures unknown to the Great System. This is a rare feat only achieved by a few people. Not only are Unknown Entities strong, but it is rare to encounter one. You are awarded with the following:


    2 Skill Points


    40 Stat Points


    3 Skill Upgrade Points


    y more Unknown Entities to earn more rewards.


    Derek smiled. He wasnt expecting anything like that. In fact, he had almost forgotten about the Award. The extra skill points were whatever, the stat points were great, but the skill upgrade points were amazing. Hed been saving his four skill upgrade points for a long time because of how rare they seemed to be.


    If he could upgrade the Award more by fighting Void Beasts, he could upgrade those pesky skills like Absolute Nullify and Void Call. Or, he could push some of the close skills to level twenty. <em>How many Void Beasts would I have to kill to get to the next tier? If the second was 25, then the third may note until I kill 100. </em>


    After receiving the points, he had a sudden desire to toss four points into Channel Void, but he held back. No, he would wait until his leveling slowed to a crawl or until he found himself in a situation that called for a quick upgrade. Otherwise, using the skill upgrade points would be wasteful, very wasteful.


    Derek dismissed the notifications and prepared to go back to the dungeon. He still had a couple of tests and five more levels to gain before he was finished with his training. He turned back to where he came from and hopped into the air before taking off.


    Soon, he arrived back at the dungeon and scanned the area. Seeing that there still wasnt any signs of activity around the dungeon, he walked up to the orb and went inside.


    Derek made short work of all the areas in the dungeon, storing the extra mana cores into his Void Storage in the process. With the cores and corpses, his Void Storage, which grew in size based on his own level and Intelligence, was beginning to fill up. He may actually have to use his Time Prison as a makeshift storage device, depending on how many more times he needed to run the dungeon before hitting level 175.


    In the final area of the dungeon, Derek opened his Time Prison and went inside. He ced his hand on the door of the cell he stashed the Void Beast in and changed increased the speed at which it counted down. He had chosen the minimum sentence of one week earlier, but after changing the flow of time, there were only a few hours left.


    He walked over to the cell that y was in and checked it. It would be a day and a half before he coulde out.


    Derek left the prison and continued running the dungeon.


    While in the process of clearing the third area of the dungeon, a notification appeared to the side of his vision. Derek finished off thest golems and viewed the notification.


    Cell #002 Alert:


    Prisoner in cell #002 sentence approachingpletion. Prisoner will be released in:


    6min 27sec


    Derek watched the timer countdown in his notification. He opened his Time Prison and waited.


    Once the countdown hit 0, one of the cells on the left side swung open. The room was dark, but Derek could see in because of the light shining in from outside. The Void Beast rushed out of the cell and smashed into the cells on the opposite side of it. The ones that the humans were in.


    Then, the beast saw the light and turned toward Derek. Derek took a fighting stance, readying himself to be attacked by the beast.


    The Void Beastunched itself forward as Derek prepared for impact but the impact never came. The beast mmed into an invisible wall where the door would have been if closed. The beast staggered back, and Derek walked inside.


    He punched the beast, causing it to fall to its knees, then picked it up in a bear hug. He tried to walk back out, but couldnt. The Void Beast was trapped inside.


    Derek let go of the beast before leaving the Time Prison. He shut the door behind him and focused onpleting the dungeon. When he got out, he would open the prison again.

 Chapter 200: More Questions than Answers

    Chapter 200: More Questions than Answers


    Soon, Derek finished the boss area of the dungeon and stored the mana cores before leaving. Once outside, he checked his surroundings, making sure there was still no one around. After doing so, he reached out to open his Time Prison once again.


    Derek pulled the void apart, revealing the door to the Time Prison. He reached out and grabbed it, and pulled. The second the door was ajar, the wed hand of the Void Beast reached out. <em>That answers that question. </em>Derek thought.


    He grabbed the hand and pulled as he swung the door open wide. The Void Beast stumbled out, but didnt get a chance to make a move before Derek clocked it in the temple with a void covered fist amplified by Multi-Strike. <em>I need to find some other beasts to store so the Time Prison levels faster. Its not going fast enough with just the three cells upied. </em>


    After stuffing the corpse of the Void Beast in his increasingly full Void Storage, Derek decided to run the dungeon a few more times while waiting for ys prison cell to open.


    Once again, a notification from the Time Prison appeared in front of Derek midway through the dungeon. After finishing off thest Wind Golem, Derek went inside the prison and waited for the timer to run out.


    Soon, cell #003 unlocked and opened a crack while Derek waited. Slowly, a hand appeared between the door and the frame. Then, the cell door gradually inched open, and y Torith appeared in the same bedraggled state he was in before he was sentenced.


    The teens once pristine golden hair was tangled and dirtied. His eyes were red, as if hed been crying. He took a step forward and staggered out of the cell.


    Derek watched the teen emotionlessly. There was no telling how many young men and women had ended up dead in an unmarked grave or in some beasts stomach because of the young man. Any fate the boy got, he deserved. It was clear to Derek that what he had nned to do with Thomas was something hed done before.


    He was sure that Jacks would confirm his suspicions, but Derek didnt need to drag the man into it.


    Have you enjoyed your stay? Derek asked.


    ys head shot up as he looked for Dereks voice. Eventually, his eyesnded on him. y sniffled and fell to his knees. P-please d-dont put be back in there. Ill do anything. Just dont put be back in the darkness.


    Derek snorted. Was it really that bad? You were in there for what? A few weeks? How long was Derek trapped in the darkness of the void? Was he in the same state as y after a couple weeks? No he was nowhere close to that state. <em>I guess thats the pampered noble for you. Take away their silver spoon and they cant survive a week. </em>


    Its awful! Theres nothing I cant feel anything. Its torture. The teen cried.


    Torture? How many people have you tortured? Do you think its worse than the pain and suffering youve caused? Derek snorted. <em>The Time Prison regtes the prisoners metabolic system, so he hasnt even had to deal with the starvation I experienced. The experience of my body eating itself while it healed. </em>Derek nearly shivered at the thought of what he went through.


    Th- y started. Thats different. I didnt torture them.


    Oh? But you killed them?


    y sniffled. Y-yes.


    <em>Well looks like there really isnt any reason to feel sorry for this bastard. </em>So, what do you think I should do with you? Derek asked. <em>I could use him to see if all of Malcolms holdings from the bank transferred to his kid upon his death no the auctions going to be soon, and Ive got more than enough Void Beasts to be rich many times over.</em>


    With watering eyes, y looked into Dereks. Y-you could kill me.


    Derek was taken about. Kill you? Why would you want that? Wouldnt it be better to lock you back up? You may have a chance at living that way.


    N-no, no, no dont put me back in there. y mumbled. I I know theres no way you let me go free not after what Ive done.


    But you still have hope. Youre grandfather is still out there. Derek said.


    y actually managed a snort, even in his current situation. He doesnt care about me. If he did, he wouldnt have sent us away. He would have helped me level and grow stronger.


    <em>I always did wonder about why this kid was so weak. I guess most people in sub cities that arent close to any real city all have the same problem. Walter had to send his son out for him to have a chance. I never asked or pried into how strong Walter was, but I doubt hes stronger than Jacks. </em>Derek shook his head.


    I heard that Gerald created a bit of an uproar when he found out about you and Malcolm dying. Derek smiled.


    No hes probably just putting on an act of what he should be feeling. To gain sympathy and favor. Thats who he is. Weve only met three times that I can even recall. Im trash in his eyes. y exined.


    Well, none of it matters now, I guess follow me. Derek pushed himself off the wall and walked out of the Time Prison. y followed behind with his head down, like a beaten puppy.


    When the teen stepped through the threshold of the door, a whole slurry of questions popped up in Dereks mind. He had walked through the door into the dungeon with no problem. Now Derek had even more questions than answers.


    <em>Is it because hes part of the system and the Void Beast wasnt? Would he be able toe out if his level was higher than the level of the dungeon? Does he count as part of the Max Participants? </em>Derek hoped the teen would be trapped inside the prison and not let through. Unfortunately, the Great System threw him yet another curveball.


    Come on. Ill figure out what to do with youter. Derek walked forward and ce his hand on the orb to the next area. <em>Ah so he does count as a participant in the dungeon. That probably means that he wouldnt have been able to get out if he was a higher level or the party was full.</em>


    Kill me. The teen said.


    Derek looked at y and frowned. Im not killing you. Now hurry up and get over here.


    Youll just put me back there when youre finished.


    <em>I cant put you back there for a week. </em>Derek thought, but didnt say out loud. Just get over here. I cant advance the dungeon until you do. I havent made my mind up on anything yet. Derek rolled his eyes and wished he would have been able to let Bones or Ogre out instead.


    D-dungeon? Were in a dungeon? It seemed y finally looked around and realized where they were at.


    Yes! Now hurry or Ill toss you in the prison! Derek was losing his patience.


    It seemed the threat of going back to the prison was more than enough to cause the teen to act. At his fastest speed, y was next to Derek with his hand on the orb. They vanished and appeared in the next area with the Earth Golems.


    You stay here in the safe zone while I clear the area. Its not safe for someone like you. Derek said and walked out without checking on the teen.


    He walked up and kicked the Earth Golem, which caused it to form and let out a roar. Derek waited for all the golems to form, then hit the first one with a void covered Multi-Strike. Afterwards, he moved to the next and gave it a void covered one-twobo. Both mana cores turned dim and deactivated.


    Derek wasnt rushing, instead, mechanically taking out each golem. He didnt even remember how many hed destroyed. On the fourth golem, however, he noticed a figure with bedraggled golden hair in a sorry state standing before the golem that was furthest away from Derek.


    The golem was already in the motion of attacking when Derek noticed. Its fist was within a fraction of an inch of the teens skull. Instantly, Derek slipped into Void Shift and moved in their direction. Unfortunately, he was toote. In the fraction of a second it took Derek to activate the skill, the golems fist moved that fraction of an inch.


    By the time Derek pulled himself through a ripple and appeared before the golem, he got a clear view of the golems fist connected with the teens skull. And, since Derek couldnt attack while shifted, and there wasnt enough room to put himself in front of the hit, there wasnt anything he could do to save y.


    Derek sighed. <em>I guess its better this way. I couldnt just let him go free and didnt want to kill him. If he felt the prison was such a torture after only a few weeks he made his decision. </em>Still, Derek pushed his feet onto the ground and gripped the arm of the Earth Golem. There was a small chance of saving the teen, and he would still try.


    Derek canceled Void Shift and pulled hard. Still, the fist of the golem moved forward. It was fatal. Derek sighed once again. Then, he mechanically finished off the remaining golems before looking at the body.


    There was no reason to keep the body, so Derek gathered the cores and moved on to the next area. A quick death in a dungeon was probably more than the young man deserved. There was nothing Derek could do about it. He made a mental note to himself to adjust the time and check on Bones and Ogre as soon as he could.


    Surely, y was just an outlier, having such little willpower. Derek was locked away for years before he tried to do anything extreme. And he had the torturous experience of being eaten alive from the inside to deal with.


    Perhaps hed see if one of his friends would like to run an experiment by being locked in a cell for a few hours. But before doing so, he decided it was best to avoid locking away humans and other intelligent beings. Sure, being locked away was torture, but if it was so torturous that one lost all hope within a couple of weeks, he wasnt sure he wanted to use it unless the crimes were truly atrocious.


    <em>I guess Gerald would fit that bill. </em>Derek thought as he finished off thest boss in the area.

 Chapter 201: Edgars Breakthrough

    Chapter 201: Edgar''s Breakthrough


    Edgar wiped the sweat off his brow as he sat in the empty dungeon. Thest levels to 250 took way longer than he ever thought they would. It ticked him off that his brother was closer about how long it would take than he was. Though, Edwards predictions were based on Edgar having an epic ss, not legendary. Edgar had kept that nugget of information to himself.


    He had just maxed his Wisdom out and it felt like his brain exploded. He honestly wasnt sure he was going to survive. Hed been through pain before, like at the previous 1000 stat point thresholds, but the 1500 point breakthrough in Wisdom took the cake.


    He thought nothing would have been as bad as the breakthrough in Endurance with the skin crawling and itchiness. It was awful. But he never thought it was going to kill him. He only hoped that he made the correct decisions for his stats at least the couple thousand that wasnt decided by his earlier sses. He pulled up his stats onest time.


    Stats


    Strength


    Dexterity


    Endurance


    Vitality


    Intelligence


    Wisdom


    Stat Points Remaining


    500


    500


    1230


    1230


    1000


    1500


    0


    His ss was a Wisdom based ss through and through. Before he got his legendary ss at level 200, which let him distribute his stat points at his own discretion, the Wisdom stat was heavily favored by each level he received.


    Edgar was lucky when it came to his ss. He received a special epic ss at level 25. He gained 23 stat points for each of the 175 levels he gained while having an epic ss. Of those 23 stat points, 7 were auto assigned to the Wisdom stat, while 5 were auto assigned to Intelligence. 3 points were assigned to both Vitality and Endurance. Which left him with 5 points to assign himself.


    With all the experimenting he did with his ss and abilities, he came to the conclusion that Strength and Dexterity werent much needed. He had both passive and active skills that offset hisck of those stats. So, with some of his free points, he chose to only push those two stats up to their first breakthrough.


    Wisdom, however, was the stat he both needed and used the most. It gave him better control of his skills, along with a much higher mana pool, which he was currently wide eyed staring at. <em>I cant believe I have 37,500 mana. Breaking through in Wisdom was definitely the correct decision.</em>


    He definitely used Intelligence. It augmented his skills and made them more powerful. However, since he didnt have enough stat points to push it to the 1500 point threshold, he chose to leave it at 1000. The sustained damage from his active and passive skills were worth more than the slight increase in power a couple hundred point would have given to Intelligence.


    Endurance and Vitality, on the other hand, were both needed, and every point counts. One point in Vitality could be the difference in dying and falling to critical health. And Endurance increased his Stamina, which some of his skills ate through, just like they did his mana. The extra addition to his natural defense wasnt bad either.


    Overall, Edgar was happy with his new and improved stats. At this point in his growth, he would have to search for Awards that give stat points, or even go adventuring while looking for stat point dungeons, which, although he had never seen before, he believed existed.


    His onlyint was that he was unable to level some of his skills while he was a lower level. If he knew that damn dungeon was going to appear, and he was going to be chosen to lead the raid, maybe he would have pushed his party a little harder and celebrated less.


    Edgar tore a handful of grass out of the ground and let it blow away in the slight breeze while thinking. Getting to max level was the easy part. Now that he was level 250, he had to focus on picking the right raid members.


    Other than himself, he had 24 slots to fill. He would need a cksmith and a cook. He had an idea of whom to ask for those roles. He would definitely need a handful of people at the Diamond Rank. Unfortunately, taking five or six Diamond Rankers was going to leave the Kingdom vulnerable, but that was why Edward was not selected to lead the raid.


    He also had an idea of the Diamond Rankers he would ask. And ask was correct, because there was no way he would be able tomand a Diamond Ranker to go, and he wouldnt want to if he could. That left 15 or so slots he needed to fill with strong Onyx Rankers.


    The first thought he had was a few members of his party. But they were like family. They were strong and he trusted them, but he wouldnt choose them. No, he would choose from dedicated military personnel who had oaths to the Kingdom, and no one counting on them toe home within a few years.


    However, there was one face that Edgar couldnt shake. He thought about choosing the weird shop owner with a good personality, but he wasnt sure if he would choose to go after just opening a shop in Savannah. Surely, he had ns for the shop that required his attention. Edgar shrugged. <em>Ill ask him. Its up to him if he chooses toe.</em>


    With his mind make up, Edgar stood. The big auction was in a week, and maybe he would be able to guilt trip his father or brother into buying him one of the precious meals made out of Void Beasts. There was no harm in trying. He had already prepared the words.


    In two weeks, he and his team would be wandering to the Cydarian Coast to venture into the Time Distortion Dungeon. Which meant that he has two weeks to choose said team and get them prepared for it.


    Edgar let out a breath and walked up to the dungeon orb and left. Suddenly, he was back in the pces dungeon room. His brother was leaning against the wall, waiting for him.


    Did you do it? Edward asked with a smirk.


    Edgar snorted. You got lucky. He flicked his hand and a giant stack of gold coins fell before Edwards feet.


    Luck has nothing to do with it. Edward waved his hand and the gold disappeared inside his storage ring. Besides, youre not going to need any money while youre raiding a dungeon for a few years.


    A few years on your end. It will be months for me, at most. Edgar corrected.


    Well, whatever. Are you ready to see father? Edward asked. Hes been waiting for you. Youre on his guest list for the auction in Savannah.


    What about my team? Edgar asked.


    Edward flicked his wrist and a stack of papers appeared. He handed them over to Edgar. This is a list of all the Onyx Ranked military personnel who meet your conditions. They have all been informed that they may be chosen, and are waiting for your decision. I didnt include those who wanted to opt out. It will be their choice to enter, just as you asked.


    Edgar took the papers and began flipping through them. Hmm 67 people. I didnt think there would be so many.


    Edward shrugged. Not all Onyx Rankers are strong. Choose carefully. Their stats are all there. We allow them to keep their skills hidden, though. There are only vague descriptions of their skill sets.


    Edgar nodded. As it should be. Everybody deserves to keep something secret.


    Now. Come on. Fathers waiting. Edward pushed off the wall and led Edgar through the pce and into King Edwins study. Their father was sitting at his desk, alone.


    Father. Edward said, causing King Edwin to look up from whatever document he was reading.


    Ah, Edward Edwin I trust your training went well? Edwin asked.


    Edgar snorted. No, actually. It didnt. You see, I was forced to forgo my training that I spent years perfecting, and do some shit I swore I would never do.


    Edgar. Language. Edward scolded.


    The King waved it off. No worries. It is only the three of us here. I know you didnt want to do it this way, but the Kingdom is in your debt because you did.


    Oh, the Kingdoms in my debt? Are you in my debt? Edgar asked.


    If the Kingdom is in your debt, then of course I am also in your debt. The King squinted his eyes.


    Good good. Edgar said. The auction begins in a week, correct?


    Yes. The King answered. nah has allowed for each member to bring up to two guests with them.


    Then you wouldnt mind allowing me to have first dibs on any meal, would you? You know, debt and all. Edgar smiled.


    Edgar! Father needs the stats. Edward rebuke.


    Its one of the meals. Edgar said. Those wont increase his Vitality, and Endurance only gives a small boost in life expectancy. In the long run, a few weeks wont matter. I wouldnt even ask if it wasnt for the rumored Void Beast that provided Vitality instead of other stats. Surely, father would be willing to give up a mean for his son who is risking his life in a never before explored Time Distortion dungeon if he is able to get his hands on the Vitality product.


    Still Edward started.


    Thats fine. Edwin said. If the opportunity presents itself, you shall have the stat boosting meal, and I will take the Vitality product. Think of it as a congrattions for reaching max level.


    After that, King Edwin stood. Now, my boys. What say we get to Savannah? There are a few people I would like to visit before the auction begins.

 Chapter 202: Going Home

    Chapter 202: Going Home


    Derek sat in the middle of the final area of the dungeon. He was finally finished. With his most recent run through the dungeon, he reached level 171. Finally, being past level 170, he would no longer be able to enter the dungeon.


    He rubbed his temples. <em>That wasnt near as bad as that mind potion that Roman had me drink. </em>Derek had just finished going through the breakthrough for what he considered his third most important stat, Wisdom. <em>I guess with my Endurance and Vitality like they are, I shouldnt expect much at the 1,000 point threshold. </em>Derek shrugged and looked over his stats.


    Stats


    Strength


    Dexterity


    Endurance


    Vitality


    Intelligence


    Wisdom


    Stat Points Remaining


    825


    825


    1500 (???)


    1500 (???)


    825


    1000


    108


    With the new breakthrough in Wisdom, his mana pool was sitting at 15,000 points. Hed be able to go all out for much longer now. <em>Well, if I meet something that can put me to the test. So far, Greater Meditation has been more than enough to keep my expenditure at a minimum. </em>


    Strength and Dexterity turned out to be his most useless stats. Unfortunately, Derek didnt have any passive or active movement skills that he could use during battle to increase his speed, so he had to rely on his basic Strength and Dexterity stats for his speed. Fortunately, his low Strength and Dexterity didnt affect his battles too much, as he could always use Void Shift to slow down his surroundings and surprise his enemies.


    Dereks next n was to get Intelligence up to its threshold. Because everything he did used elements, Intelligence would help his attacks pack a bigger punch. He hadnt needed it thus far, but since his two survival stats hit what seemed to be a hard cap, he could focus more on his other stats.


    Derek checked his skill points. <em>I have 18 skill points I guess it wouldnt hurt to take near useless skill now. </em>He received the Lesser Explorer Award a while ago, but because the reward that came with it wasnt too useful, and he wasnt sure about how rare skill points were going to be for him, he chose to let the skill reward sit. Now, he decided to take it.


    <em>I probably should have picked it up a while ago, but that kind of speed has never been an issue. </em>He thought as he focused on Lesser Traveler and the notification popped up.


    Enhanced Movement Speed


    The ability to move at a faster pace while out ofbat. 1% increase in movement speed per level.


    Cost: 1 Skill Point


    Would you like to learn Enhanced Movement Speed?


    Derek used the single skill point to learn the skill.


    Enhanced Movement Speed Learned Sessfully


    Skill Points Remaining: 17


    <em>Well thats that. </em>There were now no more skills other than General Skills that Derek could learn.


    Derek stood from his sitting position and dressed. Since he was going to go through a breakthrough, he had stored his clothes before adding the stat points. With how his body acted with Vitality and Endurance, he hadnt wanted to take any chances.


    For the final time in this dungeon, he summoned his mask and wore it, just in case someone finally made an appearance outside. He checked the system time. <em>I guess its time to get back. If I hurry, it will have been exactly two weeks. Besides, I guess there are some people waiting for me. </em>


    During his short conversation with Malorie, he had found out about the auction moving up, and nah already being in Savannah. Derek was actually quite nervous about meeting the powerful woman he had only evermunicated with via crystal.


    After cing his hand on the dungeon orb, he disappeared. The next instant, he was back outside. Derek did a quick check of his map and plotted his course. He was going to head straight home without any detours <em>Hmm Home I guess I can really consider it home.</em>


    With that thought, Derek kicked off the ground and made his way back.


    ***


    Derek made good time on his way back. Before, he was able to get from Savannah to the Golem Dungeon in a little over half a day because of how often he had to stop to refill his mana so he could continue using Void Steps.


    This time, though, with a much bigger mana pool, and his Void Steps skill at a higher level, he didnt have to take near as many breaks as before. When he arrived at Savannahs front gate, he had only been traveling for seven hours. Still, because of histe start, night had already fallen.


    Leaving the city was an entirely different thing than entering. When he left Savannah, he had jumped over the wall and took off, much to the dismay of some of the guards. If he were to enter the city the same way, without checking in, it may end up being troublesome for Derek.


    So, instead of continuing with Void Steps and hopping over the wall, Derek touched down and began walking. He made sure his Onyx Badge was well ced on his shoulder, where it was easy to see, and headed toward the gate. Luckily, because of the time, there was nobody else trying to get in.


    Sir! One of the guards greeted Derek.


    Derek nodded, noticing the guards eyes on his badge.


    May we see some identification? The guard asked.


    Derek frowned. Identification? What kind of identification do you need?


    Ah the guard stammered. Have you been to Savannah before?


    Yes. I left two weeks ago and am just getting back now. Derek said.


    Thats easy, then. Just show us your papers you received before leaving.


    Derek scratched the back of his head. Well uh something came up, and I had to leave in a hurry, so I didnt exactly go through the gate


    Ah! Another guard pointed at Derek. Youre the man who jumped over the wall and left. You had that purple aura underneath you.


    That would be me. Derek smiled. Actually, I own a shop here in Savannah. I have the papers. Will that work?


    The guard shook his head. Unfortunately, because of the way you left, you will have to re-register and pay the fee before entering the city again.


    <em>If I had Edgar with me, I could have juste back in, likest time. </em>Derek clicked his tongue. Fine.


    The guard nodded, then took out a stone tablet. Please ce your hand on the tablet and answer any questions to the best of your ability.


    This is just like the teleportation building. Derek said, getting a nod from the guard. He ced his hand on the tablet.


    Name. The guard said.


    Derek Hunt, I currently live in Savannah. Derek said. The tablet glowed blue.


    You can remove your hand now. The guard said.


    Thats it? Derek asked. Thest time he did this, he had to answer a lot more questions.


    The guard nodded. Yes. As you are a resident of Savannah, we just had to confirm the truth.


    Thats great. Derek said.


    The entry fee is five gold. The guard said and reached out his hand.


    <em>Of course. </em>Derek thought. He waved his hand, and the gold coins fell into the palm of the guard.


    Along with the gold coins, the guard ced his hand on the tablet. The tablet glowed, then faded, then disappeared along with the currency.


    The guard looked up and smiled. If you stop at the gate next time, you can get a pass and wont have to pay the entry fee again.


    Noted. Derek said.


    You may enter.


    Derek nodded at the guards around the gate, then walked inside. It waste, so meeting nah was going to have to wait until the next day. Derek started running at a brisk pace. The city was big, so it was still going to take him a bit to get home.


    ***


    When Derek arrived at his shop, he unlocked the door and opened it. As soon as he stepped inside, a purple blur hit him right in the sr plexus. Derek lost his breath and coughed. <em>I didnt even think it was possible to get the wind knocked out of me after my upgrades. </em>


    Derek looked down at the little murder bunny on the floor, staring daggers at him. Ugh Silvi what was that for?


    <em>Asshole! </em>Silvis voice chimed inside Dereks head.


    <em>What? What did I do? </em>Derek was confused.


    <em>Increased your Vitality and Endurance at the same time. I thought I was going to die. </em>Her childlike voice said.


    Derek thought about what she said. <em>Oh, no. I put both of my stats to 1499 at the same time originally. That would have put her stats over 1000 each at the same time. </em>Derek thought about the struggle he went through when his stats hit 1000. <em>Im so sorry. I wasnt thinking.</em>


    <em>Asshole. </em>Silvi chirped again. Then she hopped onto Dereks head. <em>Dont do that again. </em>


    <em>Next time, I promise to give it some time after I increase a stat to the point it will put you past the threshold. </em>Derekforted her. He thought about it. <em>That would be just over 1100 points. </em>


    <em>Fine. You owe me tasty food. </em>She said.


    <em>Then Ill have to get you some tasty food tomorrow. I hear nahs in town. </em>


    <em>Beautiful, deliciousdy came by asking when youll be back. Wants you to meet boss. Mal told her. </em>Silvi said.


    Derek nodded. <em>Where is everyone? </em>


    <em>All asleep except maniac. Maniac in basement.</em>


    <em>Maniac? </em>Derek asked.


    <em>Brandi. Shes a crafting maniac. And its not even Cooking. How can she do so much without a tasty reward? Shes a maniac. </em>Silvi exined.


    <em>I see. </em>Derek said. <em>I guess I better check on her. </em>Derek closed and locked the door behind him. He would make sure Brandi was doing well before calling it a night himself. He hadnt rested in two weeks, and sleep sounded very good.

 Chapter 203: Maniac

    Chapter 203: Maniac


    With Silvi on his shoulder, Derek headed downstairs to see what Brandi was up to. As soon as he opened the door to the basement, he could hear the nging sound of metal on metal. <em>Must be smithing, then. </em>Sure enough, when he made it downstairs, he could see Brandis small figure standing in front of her cksmith station, banging on a small piece of metal.


    That was when Derek noticed that the girl was dressed from head to toe in protective gear. She wore an apron, gloves, some sort of headgear, and goggles, even. Actually, Derek doubted if there was even a piece of skin exposed on the small cksmith.


    The girl was concentrating hard on the process, so Derek waited for her to finish before interrupting her. Soon, with tongs in hand, she took the metal and quenched it in the water beside her forge. After that, she let the piece of metal rest on the anvil.


    Brandi took the leather headgear off her head, along with the goggles. Then she removed her gloves and tossed everything on the workbench in front of her. After that, she wiped the sweat from her forehead with a towel and sighed. Finally, she turned around and let out a yip.


    Derekughed. Sorry I didnt want to interrupt you.


    Derek! She ran over and hugged him around the waist. How long have you been back?


    Not long. He ruffled her short hair. It was growing, but it would be a while before it was back to what it once was. Silvi greeted me when I came in. She told me that everyone was asleep but you, so I decided toe see how youre doing.


    Brandi took a step back from Derek and gave him a toothy grin. Oh! Im doing so, so, so, so good!


    Oh, yeah? What happened with you in thest two weeks?


    Well you left mama in charge of everything when you left. The Crown people made a what did she call it a deposit, so there was a bunch of gold. I told mama you said I could have a bunch of materials to use to level my skills, and after some negotiating, I got her to let me go shopping for some. Brand excitedly exined.


    Is that so? Derek didnt think it was time for his next deposit from the Crown, but he could talk with them about itter. He pointed at the outfit Brandi was wearing. Whats all that about?


    Oh She clicked her tongue. It was the only way mom would get me the materials. I burned myself the day after you left, so she wouldnt let me cksmith until I was fully protected. I dont like it. Its makes it hard to move. But its worth it since I can craft as much as I want now.


    Speaking of which. Derek said. Why are you still awake? Everyone else is asleep.


    Meditation. Brandi said with glowing eyes. Im so d you had me buy it. I dont need to sleep. I can just Meditate for a bit, then I can craft again. Its the best skill ever. I cant sleep anyway because Im always thinking about the new and exciting things I can make.


    Ah Derek rubbed the back of his neck. He was just as guilty of using Meditation instead of sleeping as she was, so he couldnt say anything about it. However, at a lower level, he knew it wasnt a perfect recement for sleep. Your Meditation is still low level, so you need to work some sleep into your schedule to stay healthy.


    I know. I do. I just slept the day before yesterday no the day before that. Yeah I slept then.


    Dereks jaw nearly dropped. Have you been doing anything else?


    She nodded her head fiercely. I go to Romans to learn more about Alchemy a lot. When Im not here, Im there. Its so much fun.


    Have you at least been eating?


    Brandi frowned for a moment. Mom makes me go up and eat three times a day. I told her that I could just bring some bread down here and Id be fine, but she wont let me do that.


    <em>Yeah, because you would never show your face again unless you ran out of materials. </em>Derek thought. Well, anything else exciting happen?


    Yes! Brandi buzzed in excitement. My ss upgraded! Its epic now!


    That hit Derek like a bag of bricks. Wait go back. You said your ss upgraded? What level are you? No exactly how much crafting have you done?


    Everything I do that involves crafting gives me experience, so Ive been leveling pretty fast. Ive been cksmithing, both armor and weapon. She pointed at her smithing area. Doing Alchemy, Leatherworking, and I even tried Painting! I dont like Painting. Brandi pointed to different work stations she had set up that hadnt been there before.


    I see. Derek shook his head. Silvi wasnt kidding. Brandi was a crafting fanatic a crafting maniac. It was almost scary. So, what about your ss?


    Im level 27 now. Brandi smiled. I get four stat points in all my stats every level now, instead of four, three, two. I didnt get any new skills, though. Instead, I got some things called Skill Upgrade Points. They seem pretty neat. I didnt spend any. I wanted to ask you about it first.


    <em>Damn. Four points per stat each level. Thats between epic and legendary. If her ss upgrades to legendary at some point, shell be even more of a monster. </em>Derek shivered. Who knew a crafter could be so powerful? <em>Though, it will all be physical power, since I dont think she has any attacking or defending skills.</em>


    Derek shrugged. How many upgrade points did you get?


    Twenty! Brandi answered.


    Dereks eyes widened. Twenty? Thats a lot. He thought about the points and her ss. Though, with all the skills your ss has, I can see how it would be hard to level them all at once, causing your skill leveling tog behind. And I assume youll get more upgrade points down the line, as well.


    Brandi nodded. I think so, too. I have so many skills, and I canbine some skills from some crafts with other crafts, as well. Roman said that the Alchemy skills I have are really advanced skills.


    You havent told him about being able to do multiple crafts, have you?


    Brandi shook her head. No, nobody knows but us.


    Good. Derek nodded. As for your upgrade points I would save them for now. Youre skills are probably leveling pretty fast right now, right?


    Yes. It doesnt take too long when I focus on a skill to level it.


    Whats the level of your highest skill? Derek asked.


    Other than the General Leatherworking skill level 8. she replied.


    Derek nodded. I wouldnt spend any of the points on a skill that wasnt at least level 10. I would also use the points on the most useful skills first, especially the ones that can be used in multiple crafts. Then, I would probably not worry much about some other skills, like the Painting ones, unless it has some of those muti-use skills.


    Thats what I was thinking. I was also thinking about Meditation. It takes sooo long to level it up, even though I use it constantly. Brandiined.


    <em>Now theres a thought. </em>Derek rubbed the stubble on his chin in thought. <em>I dont know if I should encourage her, though. She could literally max out Meditation, get Greater Meditation, and work with almost no downtime. I would do that if I was her, and I enjoyed crafting so much. Hell, if she burns out on one craft, she can switch to another and go back to the firstter.</em>


    Derek was in a pickle. He knew that the instant he told her what she could do with Meditation, she wouldnt hesitate to do it. <em>Well, with the skill leveled, it seems to work just as good, if not better than sleeping, so it would be healthier for her right now. </em>


    I dont know. Derek said. Level Meditation may be the best idea for you, but you are already overly addicted to your crafting as it is. I think its something we may need to discuss with Mal. <em>But it is ultimately her decision. This system must pick that age to unlock it for a reason. </em>Really, it will be up to you, though.


    Brandi nodded seriously.


    So, you know all about Meditation, right? Derek asked.


    It lets me get my Mana and Stamina back quick, and makes me less tired. Brandi said.


    Derek nodded. That, and the higher you level it up, the better it functions. Faster regeneration, and it works better at relieving tiredness. At higher levels, Ive meditated for well for a really long time, all in one sitting.


    Days? Brandi asked.


    Derek sighed. Months years even.


    Really? Why? Brandi asked.


    Thats something for another time. Derek avoided going into his past inside the void. What Im getting at is that it can be a perfect recement for sleep, and at a higher level, you would end up with almost no downtime. So, using the points on the skill, may be no is probably the best option.


    Brandi nodded.


    The other thing is that the skill upgrades once it hits max level. Derek said. It turns into Greater Meditation. Im sure youve heard me talk about it before. Derek wasnt exactly secretive with the skill. He had told Leon and others about it.


    She nodded again.


    Well, with Greater Meditation, youre able to use the skill while moving. My Greater Meditation is at level 9, and I can move almost half as good while using it as I could without. My guess is that when it hits level 20, you can basically use it like a passive regeneration skill that has no adverse effects on your movement.


    Does it still help with sleeping? Brandi asked.


    Derek furrowed his brow. It does I think. When I need to rx, but not sleep, I still meditate while still, and lose some of my senses. Im never fully in the trance where I lose all my senses anymore, though, so I think it works.


    I need it. Brandi said.


    I think so too, but I also think we should talk to Derek stopped as he watched Brandi close her eyes, then open them and reveal a big grin. What did you do?


    I have Greater Meditation level 3 now. She cheekily said.


    Derek facepalmed. <em>Ive created no Ive evolved a monster.</em>


    <em>I told you. Maniac. </em>Silvis voice chimed in Dereks head.


    <em>Indeed. </em>Derek sent.


    <em>Shes scary. </em>

 Chapter 204: Suite

    Chapter 204: Suite


    Derek woke up the next morning after discussing multiple things with Brandi. The kid was going to grow to be a monster, that was for sure. He also wanted to find a way to help her separate her stats a bit, so she wouldnt have to experience the pain of facing multiple breakthroughs at once.


    Luckily, with her first ten levels, she had skewed her stats more toward Dexterity and Endurance, so those two stats were separated from the other four. Endurance was most likely the most painful and unbearable of the bunch, and also the best stat to breakthrough to prepare for the other breakthroughs, so she already had that going for her.


    Still, he would have to see about helping her get an Award that gave free stat points so she could space other stats apart. Some of the small Void Beasts blood and a meal from the Crown could also help, too. All in all, it shouldnt be too hard of a task.


    Derek sat up and rubbed his eyes. It was a good nights sleep, but he still woke early. He got out of bed and moved down the hall to the bathroom. When he opened the door, he smiled. His shower was installed. <em>Geoffrey does quick work. </em>Derek thought. The door closed behind Derek, and he locked it. He hadnt had ns to shower, but when in Rome.


    The shower was glorious no it was beyond glorious. Geoffrey had outdone himself. The heat adjustment runes were much more potent than Derek ever dreamed of. If he were to sell these showers, they would have toe with a warning. The water was actually able to reach such a high temperature that it was almost as hot as the golems from the dungeon.


    Geoffrey had also made it where one could reverse the rune and turn the water cold freezing cold, even. That was perfect. Nothing was better than a long, hot shower, followed by a st of cold water to wake one up.


    Once Derek dried and dressed, he headed to the dining room and kitchen. Sure enough, Malorie and Silvi were already hard at work making breakfast.


    Wee back, Derek. Mal said, not too surprised to see him. Silvi told me you made it backst night. Was your trip sessful?


    Very much so. Derek nodded. Is Brandi still in the basement?


    Malories eyes shed in frustration. She pulled another all nighter. What do I have to do to get her to realize that her body wont hold up if she doesnt get some proper sleep?


    Derek rubbed the back of his neck and looked off to the side. Well about that


    What? Mal asked.


    Well, we discussed some things about her ss and suchst night when I came in. Derek started.


    And?


    And we talked about resting and skills and such. Derek said.


    So? What does that matter? Malorie asked with a confused look.


    Derek tilted his head. She didnt tell you about her ss upgrade?


    She did. I was very proud. Malorie said. But I didnt push for details. sses and advancements should only be told to those who need to know. As long as shes doing well, I wont pry too much. Why? she asked worriedly.


    Ah I see. It is her choice. Derek said. Lets just say she now has a skill that well pretty much eliminates the need for sleep. Shell probably go weeks without sleep and still have more energy than most people.


    Malorie lowered her head in defeat. What do I do now? Shes growing so fast.


    Malorie Derek said. Shes going to keep growing even faster. She has the drive and passion for her crafts, and now she has resources. And after today Derek said. There will most likely not be a limit on the resources that can be provided to her. He thought about all the Void Beasts he was currently carrying.


    Malorie looked at Derek quizzically, but didnt ask what he meant. I just wish I could do more for her.


    Derekughed. Youre her mother. Youve already done and will continue to do more for Brandi than anyone else in the world. He said, then, with a twinge of sadness. Nothing means more to a child than the support of their parents.


    Thank you. She said.


    Dont mention it. He replied. He nced behind Malorie to see multiple Mage Hands cracking eggs over a mixing pot while their shells unceremoniously floated into a trash bin. Silvis Mage Hand and General Telekinesis skills had grown tremendously. Unfortunately, I have a long day ahead of me, so I dont think Ill be able to grab breakfast.


    Malorie flicked her wrist and a te of bacon, eggs, and toast appeared. We tend to make too much, so we always have some food stored. Take this with you.


    Derek took the te. Thanks! Ill see youter. Tell Thomas Im looking forward to see how much hes grown with Shaes training over thest couple weeks. He turned and left while munching on a piece of bacon.


    By the time he made it to the first floor, he had already finished everything on the entire te. After casting Cleaning and putting the te in his storage ring, he pulled out a red crystal and sent mana into it. <em>I hope its not too early.</em>


    <em>Derek! Its so good to hear from you. Ive been looking forward to seeing you. When will you be back? </em>nahs alluring voice popped into Dereks head.


    Derek smiled. <em>I got backst night, actually. I thought it best we meet this morning. I have some things to discuss with you and Ste. Are you free now?</em>


    <em>For you? Always. </em>She sent back. <em>You havent done anything to upset the entire Kingdom this time, have you?</em>


    Derek thought about the possible economic repercussions that introducing numerous Void Beast products into the world all at once would have. <em>Who says we have to release them all at once? </em>He thought. <em>No? </em>he sent back.


    <em>You dont sound so sure of yourself. </em>


    <em>Well, where can we meet? </em>Derek asked.


    <em>Private meeting? </em>


    <em>Very. </em>


    <em>Very well. Come to the hotel. </em>She said.


    <em>See you soon. </em>Derek stopped transferring mana to the crystal, and the connection cut off. He put the crystal away and headed toward the center of the city, where the Crown Hotel was.


    It wasnt long before Derek made it to the city center and was walking through the doors to the Crown Hotel. Surprisingly, as soon as he stepped inside, he was greeted by one of the workers.


    Master Derek. The youngdy said. Mistress Swan has instructed me to bring you to her. If you would follow me, please.


    Derek nodded and followed thedy through the lobby and up the stairs, then up more stairs, then more. Before long, they had walked all the way up to the top floor of the building. <em>I bet its the suite reserved for when the big bosses to town. </em>Derek chuckled lightly, which caused the youngdy to shoot him a confused look. Derek waved her off.


    Standing in front of one of the few doors on the top floor, the youngdy straightened her posture and made sure she was as tidy as could be before she lightly knocked on the door. Derek watched her closely as she proudly stood before the entrance. Soon, the nob on the door slowly began to turn and a look of excitement shed in her eyes.


    The excitement in her eyes was immediately drained when Stes form appeared before them. <em>Ah, she was hoping to make an impression on the big boss, but instead she only got to see the little boss. </em>


    Derek,e in. Ste motioned to Derek. Thank you, Jen. That will be all. She dismissed the youngdy just like that.


    Derek walked through the door as Ste closed it behind him. The room was magnificent. It was almost as big as his entire shop. It waspletely open. There was a sitting area, what looked to be an office area, and a full kitchen that looked as good, if not better, than the one in his shop. Along with that, were two doors leading to what Derek assumed would be a bedroom and bathroom, respectively.


    Derek could do without the emerald green and white designs throughout the room, but it was the official color palette of the Crown, so it made sense to be there. It wasnt a color scheme that he would personally use, but it wasnt bad on the eyes. His thoughts began to wonder as he thought about what logo and colors he should use on his business. <em>Well, I guess we still need to name it first. I wonder if Brandi and them havee up with anything yet.</em>


    nah will be out momentarily. Ste said to the gazing Derek.


    Derek broke out of his thoughts and nodded at Ste.


    You can sit anywhere you want. Ste said.


    Derek looked all around the room. He didnt see any seats that looked particrlyfortable, so he chose to go sit on a couch. It looked to be the mostfortable thing in the room, yet it was still pretty ufortable. <em>Im going to have to provide nah with some of my dining room furniture. </em>He thought.


    After just a few minutes of sitting, Derek heard the click of a door opening. He turned and looked over his shoulder as he watched one of the most stunning and beautiful people hed ever seen in his life walk out.


    Derek, dear! Its so good to finally meet you.

 Chapter 205: First Meeting

    Chapter 205: First Meeting


    Derek stood from the couch and openly gawked as nah walked out of her bedroom. Finally, he knew why the Crown chose emerald green as the primary color for its palette. The womans lush green hair flowed just down past her shoulders. Derek could just make out a pointed ear hidden underneath. An ear that reminded him almost of the elves he saw, but more closely resembled a half elf.


    nah was taller than most women hed seen, human or otherwise. Derek may have been taller by an inch or so, but that was it. Her sparkling green eyes matched her hair and gave off an aura of mischief. She wore a sleeveless white mini-dress with straps on the waist tied to fit her form. The dress was simple, but nah made it look priceless.


    Derek, dear. The beautiful woman spoke again. Are you finished staring?


    Derek snapped back to the real world. S-sorry. He said. That was rude.


    Not at all. Its actually a little ttering. nah replied as she stepped forward. Sit, sit. We have so many things to discuss. She walked past the couch and sat on the chair across from him. Ste followed her lead and sat on the other.


    Derek waited for bothdies to sit, then sat back down on the sofa. It is nice to finally meet you in person, nah. I have to say, you look a little different from the picture I had of you in my head.


    nah giggled. Ill take that as apliment.


    Derek nodded. Very much so.


    Now, first off all. nah leaned forward. Tell me, are my presence and words having any adverse effect on you right now? Do you feel a pull, or the need to do anything I say?


    Derek thought about the question. When he first began chatting with nah through themunication crystals, he would asionally feel a tug on his consciousness. But after so many conversations over thest month or so, that hadpletely gone away.


    She had also told him that meeting her in person would cause the effect to be amplified. However, it seemed like he didnt have to worry about that now. He shook his head. No, actually. It feels like Im just talking to a regr person.


    Oh, thats just wonderful. nah sped her hand in her fist and pulled them to her chest. Finally, someone I can talk to without having to wait. Someone other than Edwin and Avery.


    Derek smiled. Im d.


    A light shined in nahs eyes. Derek, dear. Would you mind if I used a skill on you? Just to see the extent that you are able to withstand my ability?


    Derek hesitated, but shrugged. Just dont make me do anything embarrassing, like strip naked and hop on one foot.


    nah covered her mouth and chuckled. I would never.


    Ste rolled her eyes and muttered. Yes, you would.


    Well I wont right now. nah said. Are you ready?


    Derek nodded. He was staring deep into nahs eyes. Soon, her iriss expanded and the whole of her eyes turned green. It was like when Derek used his aura. Then he felt something trying to invade his mind. The pressure was intense. He fought back, eventually even using Greater Meditation to focus and clear the hold trying to form on his mind.


    Stand. nahmanded.


    Instantly, all Derek could think about was how much he wanted no how much he needed to stand. But, with his focus and willpower, he was able to for his legs to stop moving to stand up. It was hardinsanely hardbut he was able to keep it from happening.


    Soon, the pressure went away, and Derek rxed. He looked back up at nah to see her eyes back to normal.


    Oh. Now, isnt that something? Either your willpower is terrifying, or youve had a second breakthrough in Wisdom or both, actually. Im quite sure thatmand would have been hard to counteract with just Wisdom alone. nah said, then turned to Ste. You can sit now, Stel.


    Ah sorry. Ste sat back down.


    It took Derek a moment to gather himself. That was intense. He said. What happened to you? he asked Ste.


    Because she was so close to us, she was caught up in my aura. She didnt get hit with the ability, like you, but she still has a way to go before she can function ideally beside me. The half elf exined in her stead.


    I see. Derek had a thought just then. nah, I believe you are most probably the most powerful person I have met, correct?


    nah smiled wryly. You are most likely correct.


    Would you allow me to use a skill as well, just as a test? I need to know its limits. Derek said.


    Oh? I would be delighted. Does it have to do with your element? She asked.


    nah was one of the few people who knew that Derek used the void element. She had put everything together after he brought the Void Beasts to the Crown.


    It does. He said.


    Then, by all means.


    Derek prepared himself, then entered Void Shift. He had used it against many of beasts, but he had yet to find its limit. Shae had been able to reflexively track him while he used it, but he was unable to do anything about it.


    Derek pulled himself off the sofa and moved toward nah. As he slowly moved closer, he focused intently on the womans face. <em>Hmm it looks like she doesnt sense anything that cant be right. </em>


    When he was only a few feet away from the woman, her head turned. She looked him dead in his eyes and smiled brightly. He watched, terrified, as she slowly brought her hand up and snapped her fingers. A sonic wave sted out in a circle just big enough to epass herself and Derek.


    The moment it hit Dereks ears, he lost control of his skill and moved back to reality. It was a shock to his senses. Usually, when he enters Void Shift, all sound is muddled, like he is moving underwater. How nah was able to direct such sound into Dereks ears while he was shifted, he didnt know.


    When Void Shift broke, Derek had quickly righted himself as to not fall. Whatever nah did only messed with his active skill, it didnt affect his bnce. It did, however, leave him with ringing ears, and if he hadnt already broken through in Endurance, he was sure hed be bleeding out of them.


    That nah said. Was a most fascinating skill.


    Even though his pride was a little hurt, Derek was thankful to nah. Now he knew that Void Shift wasnt the be all end all of skills. It was better to find out that there were those who could counter it while in a friendly setting than while in battle.


    I would love to know how it works. She said.


    Derek walked back over to the sofa and took a seat. That was unexpected. Derek said. But thank you.


    What happened? Ste asked. You were just on the couch, then you were falling in front of nah. What exactly did you do? Was it teleportation?


    No. nah answered. It wasnt teleportation. He was between. Here without being here.


    Thats Derek said. Probably a good way to exin it. Actually, Im not sure if I could exin it better. I just wanted to see what type of limitations it may have against someone with a high strength. Thank you for showing me.


    Well. I dont think you have to worry about too many people or beasts being able to truly dismantle your skill. Like I said, it was quite fascinating. I just so happened to be one of the few equipped with a way to deactivate certain skills. nah exined.


    Derek nodded. I see. I used it against Shaethe Savannah Adventurers Guild Masterand he was able to keep track of me, but he wasnt able to do much else.


    Yes, he would be able to. With his Dexterity, he would certainly have the reflexes, but he would still be defenseless depending on how your skill works when you attack. Its those with high Wisdom or Intelligence that you will have to worry about. They would truly be able to see you. That skill of yours would be the bane of physical based sses, but magic based sses could find theyre own ways to counter.


    Derek agreed. He was still unsure of nahs power, and whether he would find others as powerful, but he would keep this experience to heart.


    Well, I know why I wanted to see you. nah said. But why have you requested a meeting so early this morning?


    Derek looked at nah, then at Ste. Ste didnt exactly know what his element was, unless nah had told her. He thought about it for some time beforeing to the conclusion that he was strong enough to protect himself, and he trusted Ste enough.


    As you know he said to nah. I use the void element.


    I knew it. Ste said, garnering her a look from him. What? It just makes too much sense.


    Derek shrugged and stood. He walked over to the side of the sitting area where there was some free space and put his hands together. Then he ripped the void open, showing the contents of his Void Storage to the room.


    I happened toe across a few extra materials.


    Oh, my god. Derek what the-? Ste said.


    Language, my girl. nah chided before giggling. Derek, my dear. You really know how to make a presentation.

 Chapter 206: Presentation

    Chapter 206: Presentation


    Derek smiled and sat, leaving his Void Storage open. Inside it were the over thirty Void Beasts he hunted, along with dozens of mana cores from the golems.


    So, this is what you were doing while you were gone? Ste asked.


    More or less. Derek answered.


    How many? nah asked.


    There are thirty-five Void Beasts in total. They range from weak beasts to strong ones. I would say Silver Ranked to Onyx Ranked, with one being intelligent and three being small ones with the Vitality boosting quality. He answered.


    So many Ste muttered.


    Derek shrugged. I had some free time, so I decided to go hunting.


    What do you n to do with them? nah asked. Im not sure we have enough time to prepare all the Void Beasts for this auction, but I doubt you would want to do that, anyway.


    Derek nodded. It would be best to space them out. We wouldnt want to flood the market, even though demand will most probably not drop even if there is a lot because of what the meals offer. Its best to keep the product scarce.


    nah agreed with Derek. So, how would you like to y it? she asked.


    Derek smiled. Well, Ill give you the majority of them. Of course, you will strip the material from each one and provide Roman with what he needs for his potions. Then, its up to you to auction and sell them as you see fit. Of course, I would like to receive a good portion of the meals created.


    That can be arranged. nah said. Is there anything in particr you would like us to trade for?


    Derek thought about the question. If all went well, he would bemissioning a high-quality ive from one of the top cksmiths in the Kingdom after the auction. Other than that, he couldnt think of anything that could directly benefit him. In actuality, the meals and potions that would provide him with extra stats would be worth more than just about anything else to him.


    Then he thought about Brandi. Once she leveled enough, he would basically have the Kingdoms best crafter in his corner. He also thought about the early payment Malorie said they received.


    He looked at Ste. I was told that you deposited a payment while I was gone. Wasnt it a little too early for that?


    That would be because of me. nah said. I felt the need topensate you a small amount because of the changes made to the auctions. We were set to use one auction as an advertisement for the bigger, but because of the changes, there is a chance that not all members will be able to attend.


    Ah I see. Derek said. In that case, I need materials. He looked deeply at Ste and nah. He had never openly exined the situation with Brandi to either of them, though he did give nah some details a while back. He did, however, trust both nah and Ste as business partners, but more importantly, he trusted their character.


    We can do materials. What kind do you need? Ste answered.


    If he was going to have them provide a stream of materials for Brandi, they would need to know about her. What do you know about Brandi?


    The crafter girl? nah smiled. The one who does Alchemy, cksmithing, Leatherworking, Tailoring, and Im sure many other crafts? That girl?


    Dereks jaw dropped slightly. You knew?


    Well, you already told me she was special. Then there was the kidnapping debacle, though Im sure they didnt know the extent of her crafts. Also, youre wearing a fine shirt made by her, as well. She studies under Roman Pascal, yet her mother has bought a decent amount of materials for cksmithing. For someone close to you, it is not hard to figure out. nah exined.


    Have you told anyone? Derek asked.


    nah shook her head. Of course not. Only Ste, who came to the conclusion on her own, myself, and Avery, know about the girl.


    I see Derek said. <em>I guess I dont need to tell them about Brandi after all </em>He thought. In that case, I need a steady stream of materials for crafts level 25 and up. Plus, books on Runesmithing would be great, along with any other books on different crafts that you know of.


    You are investing a lot in the girl. nah said. Is she worth it?


    Derek nodded. Yes, one hundred percent. She has the work ethic and passion to be the greatest crafter in the Kingdom.


    In that case, I will see to it that she gets all the material she needs. We will keep everything between myself, Ste, and Avery. If anything specific is needed, your manager, Malorie, can ask Ste any time. nah said, and Ste nodded.


    Thats great! Derek smiled. Now, do you have space avable to take these Void Beasts off my hands?


    Of course. Ste said.


    Derek stood back up and walked over to his storage space. One by one, he pulled the Void Beasts out while Ste stored them in her own storage rings. He chose to keep a few beasts for Roman. Im going to keep these three beasts for Roman to work with. Hes never worked with a whole Void Beast, yet he was able to create such a good potion with just leftovers. The beasts he kept were the most average Void Beasts he fought.


    Fair enough. nah said.


    Im going to go get started on these Void Beasts. The window is tight, but we should be able to prepare a few extra between now and the auction. Once Ste was finished collecting the Void Beasts, she left the room to Derek and nah.


    Derek closed his storage space and sat back down.


    What were those round objects inside your storage space? I believe the void was interfering with my Identify skill and would not allow me to get a read on them. nah asked.


    Ah, those? Those are mana cores. He didnt exin how or where he got them from, because it would be like him admitting his low level.


    nah shrugged and didnt ask anything else about them.


    Now, I have a very important question for you. Derek said.


    Oh? What might that be?


    What do you know about the cap on stat points, and the question marks that appear when you add more to the stat? Derek asked.


    nahs eyes widened. So, you have actually hit 1,500 points in one of your stats? That is impressive.


    Derek saw the genuine surprise in her eyes. Is it really that surprising?


    It is. Im sure you received the notification that very few achieve that feat. She waited for Derek to nod. It is not an exaggeration.


    So, do you know about the question marks?


    I am among the few who do. nah smiled. Through the Great System, one can only boost a stat to 1,500 points. Of course, this is extremely difficult because in order to get a stat to 1,500 by max level, most will have to neglect their other stats, which can be deadly.


    Derek nodded for her to continue.


    Unless someone is extremely lucky and obtains a mythic ss early on, it is impossible to get each stat to 1,500 she started, but Derek cut in.


    Mythic ss? He asked. He had his suspicions that legendary wasnt the highest ss rarity, and now nah had confirmed it.


    Yes, it is the highest ss rarity ever recorded. She exined. Now, theoretically, someone who receives a mythic ss at level 50 could max out every stat, depending on how many stat points he received for his beginning levels. Though, nothing of that sort has been recorded. At least nothing that Ive heard of.


    I guess that makes sense. Derek said.


    Now, you must understand that most people who obtain max level have epic sses toward the end, usually obtaining them at level 200, or in some lucky cases, level 100. Which is why those who can attend the Academy are so special. An early rare ss is highly sought after, and an early epic ss well, there are few.


    Derek nodded along with her exnation.


    Now, take King Edwin, for example. He has a good mixture of stats, which is needed, but it also leaves him looking for extra Endurance and Vitality stats to increase his lifespan. Thats where the meals, and now, Romans potion,e in. She exined.


    That still doesnt tell me anything about the question marks beside my stat. Derek said.


    Patience Im almost there. nah said. The meals and that potione from a Void Beast, which is a creature not made or enhanced by the Great System. So, the stat increases are from outside the Great System, as well. The Great System will show the stat increases up to 1,500 points because that is the max that can be obtained through the Great System. Anything extra will have question marks, because it can no longer be calcted by the Great System.


    I was able to put five stat points into my stat after it reached 1,500, shouldnt the system have stopped me? Derek asked.


    nah shook her head. I assume the five points came from the potion you tested from Roman? She asked and got a confirmation. Then, no. You can consider those five points as filler for stat points given by the Great System. They work the same, and even work with breakthroughs and thresholds, but the stats are still power granted by something other than the Great System.


    So, if I had 300 stat points in say, Vitality, just from consuming products made from those small Void Beasts, and my Vitality was at 1,500, I could still put 300 system given stat points into Vitality, essentially giving me 1,800 points? Derek asked.


    Essentially, yes. But those extra stats may not work the same after 1,500. nah said.


    What do you mean?


    There isnt much research done on the subject. Very few people hit the stat cap, and even fewer find a way to increase their stats outside of the Great System.


    What about you? Derek asked.


    nah covered her mouth in faux shock. Now you wouldnt be asking ady about her stats, would you? That could be considered very rude. She waved thement to the side. The best way to understand would be for you to experience it yourself, which you have already begun. Plus, you seem to have no problem finding non-system material how frightening.


    Derek shrugged. Everyone had their secrets-he was no different.


    Just know that every entity of the Great System can be strengthened by the Great System up to the strength disyed by 1,500 stat points. Thats ANY entity-whether it is beast, human, elf, modified entity any entity. So, if you have max stats with some points not given by the Great System and you use given stats to increase your stats, the Great System will essentially rece those stats, leaving you with extra, incalcble stats.


    Think of the extra stats as ceholders until the Great System stats arrive. nah exined. You would think that once the Great System reces the non-system stats, the non-system stats would disappear, but for some reason, the Great System allows, and maybe even helps, you absorb the non-system stats.


    Derek shook his head. I feel like my brains going to explode.


    Basically, I dont even think of the extra points in terms of stats. I think of them as extra strength. Its easier to wrap your head around it that way. nah exined.


    So you do have some max stats. Derek smiled.


    She smiled back. I never said I didnt.

 Chapter 207: Tier Four

    Chapter 207: Tier Four


    Derek still couldnt quite wrap his head around the system and its stats. <em>Maybe this system isnt as stingy as I thought it was. </em>He shook his head and inwardly sighed. <em>Its just something Ill have to figure out for myself, just like nah says.</em>


    So. Derek shifted the conversation. I know youve moved the auction up and evenbined them, but nobody has told me why. What happened?


    I was wondering when you were going to bring that up. nah said. This is only known to a few of the higher ups in the Kingdom, but there is a new dungeon that needs to be cleared.


    Derek shrugged. Whats so special about that? Why all the secrecy over a dungeon?


    Its because of the type of dungeon. It is both a raid-type dungeon and time distortion. nah exined. If it were just one of those, then there wouldnt be much of a problem, butbined, we end up in this situation.


    How many people? Derek asked.


    Twenty-five people. She answered. But thats not the worst part. The time distortion in that ce is big. By the calctions of those who went in before, its at least one to twelve. With each day spent inside, twelve passes on the outside. Because its a max level raid dungeon, it could take months inside to finish.


    The reason why it was a big deal clicked for Derek. So twenty-five of the Kingdoms elite have to run a dungeon that could take years on the outside. Which means Cydaria will lose much of its military power while the dungeon is beingpleted.


    Hence all the secrecy. nah said.


    And you pushed the auction up because they n on starting this raid soon.


    nah nodded. Exactly. The team ns to enter the dungeon a week after the auction.


    I see Derek rubbed his chin.


    Mhm. The times are quite interesting. nah said. Now, hand me your membership card. Shemanded out of the blue.


    Huh?


    Your Crown membership card. Hand it to me. She reached out with her hand.


    Okay. Derek searched through his storage bracelet until he found the white membership card Ste had given him. With a flick of his wrist, it appeared in his hand. Here. He handed the card over to nah.


    Derek watched as nah looked over the card, then began injecting her mana into it. He saw as the card changed from white to blue, then eventually purple, before finally settling on ck. The golden logo of the Crown shined brightly against the ck background. nah flicked the card back to Derek. He fumbled with it before he finally caught it.


    Congrattions. nah said. You are one of the very few who has a tier four membership. Now you can enjoy heavy discounts on lesser tier services, including hotel stay, along with being able to book suites and dine off the upper tier menus in the restaurants. You get VIP treatment in all Crown locations and auctions.


    Thanks? Derek shrugged and put the card away.


    You know that people would kill for that, right?


    Aye, but killing for a membership card would be a sure way to not be eligible for a membership card. Derek smiled.


    True.


    Derek stood. nah, it has been a pleasure finally meeting you. But I have to go give a halfling a heart attack, and the sooner I do it, the better.


    nah stood as well and nodded. Oh no, the pleasure has been all mine. She gave him a radiant smile. Its not often I get to talk with someone without holding back my emotions. Its freeing. You cane by anytime.


    Ill hold you to that. Derek began to turn to leave.


    Oh, before I forget. nah stopped him. Im holding a pre-auction dinner with a few guests in two days. I hope you will attend.


    Just send me the details. I wouldnt miss it.


    After that, Derek left his first meeting with nah and headed over to Romans shop. He was right, the halfling almost had a coronary after receiving the whole Void Beast carcasses. Then, when Derek told him that the Crown would be supplying him with multiple sets of materials for his new potion, he freaked out even more.


    The glint in the halflings eyes when he received the whole corpses was scary. Derek couldnt imagine what kind of experimentation the man was going to get up to in theing days and weeks.


    After visiting Roman, Derek dropped by Geoffreys business to thank him for the showers. The seedy looking man was more than happy to discuss them and the business he thought they could bring. Unfortunately, there was nothing like copyrights and trademarks in the Kingdom, so they were both sure that it wouldnt take long for the design to be copied bypetitors. Still, it was always better to be first to the market.


    Once he was finished with all his tasks for the day, Derek spent the rest of the day rxing in his shop and talking about managing the business with Malorie. Rayna and Jacks came backte after training for the day. Jacks was much more happy ever since his son visited. Rayna was as focused as ever at bing stronger.


    Thomas dragged his tired body back to the shop just in time for dinner. Shae was still driving the teen hard.


    Shae told me that he was only going to be able to train me for a couple more weeks. Thomas said.


    Why is that? Derek asked.


    Thomas shrugged. He wouldnt tell me. He told me I was ready to go to the Academy, though. I just need to gain the extra levels to be qualified.


    Derek nodded. It wouldnt be hard for him or Jacks to help Thomas gain the extra levels. <em>Though, the two weeks notice is oddly specific. I bet Shaes going to be part of the team that raids the dungeon. I wonder what Judy has to say about that. Him leaving her alone with all the paperwork for the guild for that long isnt going to make her happy.</em>


    The more Derek thought about the dungeon, the more interested he became in it. <em>What would the rewards for such a dungeon be like? Even the most stingy of systems would have to reward something like that with something great. </em>Derek shrugged. <em>Oh well its not like it concerns me. Im more concerned about that meeting in a couple of day.</em>


    <em>Who is important enough for nah to invite them for dinner? Better yet, who is strong enough that they wont be affected by her passive charisma? Maybe Ill finally get to meet Natalie. Surely she is important enough being the City Lord of Savannah and all. </em>Derek snapped out of his thoughts and continued his conversation with Thomas and the others.


    So, what have you been working on while Ive been gone? He asked Thomas.


    Shae has had me focusing on my main skills. Mostly my Soul Spear and Flurry. Spear Specialist levels up as long as Im using a spear. He said that the skills will level up much slower with just our sparring, but that it was good to learn to fight against other people. Thomas exined.


    Hes right. Derek said. Youre equally likely, if not more, to die by another person than a beast in this world. Thats just how it is.


    A distant look shed through the boys eyes. Yeah


    After dinner, Derek went down to the basement to check on the noticeably absent Brandi. Again, he waited for a break in her crafting as to not distract her.


    You missed dinner. He said.


    The girl startled and turned around. Oh, was it dinnertime already?


    Derek rolled his eyes. Youre going to drive your mother crazy.


    I know. I already talked with her today. Brandi said. Greater Meditation is amazing


    It is, but dont forget about everything else.


    She nodded. I wont. Its just so good that I can keep going as long as I have materials.


    Speaking of which Derek said. I made another deal with the Crown, so you will have all the materials you need. You just need to tell your mother what you need and shell get it for you.


    Really? Her eyes lit up.


    Yup, but Malorie is in charge of it, so you better listen to her. Derekughed at Brandis pout. Thats right, no more skipping dinner. You need to be at least a little sociable.


    Fine.


    Derek flicked his wrist, and a spherical object appeared in his hand. It was one of the mana cores from the golem dungeon. He tossed to the girl.


    Whats this? She asked.


    Derek went on to exin to her what it was and how he got it. Including how it powered the golems of different elements. Her face brightened more and more as she listened. Then, when she found out he had thousands of the cores, she went giddy with excitement.


    Thousands? You have thousands of them?


    Yes, and theyre all yours. But you have to be careful. In fact, it would probably be beast if you didnt work with them until you level up more a lot more. They are all from golems at level 160 or higher, and they pack a punch when they explode. He exined. It may even be a good idea to talk with nah about getting some defensive runes installed down here that could withstand an explosion of that sort.


    Ill be careful. Brandi said.


    You better. He said. Though I dont think they are dangerous until they are filled with mana. And I got the notifications for killing the golems, so I dont believe they will reform an enemy golem if you can get them working again. Though it would be best to have someone powerful down here, just in case.


    Brandi nodded hard and stored the core inside her ring.


    When I get some extra storage rings, Ill give you the rest. Derek said, before turning to leave. Remember, be careful.


    I know, I know. You dont have to keep telling me.


    Yes, I do. Derek smiled. Im going to sleep.

 Chapter 208: Alanahs Gathering

    Chapter 208: nah''s Gathering


    Are you sure this is a good idea? Ste rushed back and forth, making sure everything in the room was prepared for suchpany. They had decided to use the top, most private, floor in the Crown Restaurant to host such an evening.


    Oh, no. nah smiled. Its most definitely a terrible idea. But it will no doubt be fun and eventful.


    Why not just wait until the auction? At least then, they will have something else to focus on. You know very well how Derek feels about the King. Ste asked.


    Thats why were doing it tonight. I know you couldnt tell, but Derek is strong very strong. nah exined. Its better to get the introductions out of the way now, since everyone is already in the city.


    Ste shook her head. But the City Lord is alsoing. That means that, including yourself, three of the people who control the most power in the Kingdom are going to be under one roof, in the same room, having a meal.


    Mhm. nah nodded. It should be quite fun. I havent been this excited in a long time.


    Ste rolled her eyes and continued preparing the room. She could only pray that the evening stay peaceful, but with both nah and Derek there, she knew that wouldnt happen.


    ***


    Derek stood in front of the mirror in his bathroom. He was wearing his finest t-shirt, jeans, and boots-which is to say he was wearing his usual clothing. There was no way he would be dressing up in one of those itchy, ufortable tunics and pantaloons, even if his Endurance was way past allowing something so minor to actually cause him any difort.


    He had been invited to a gathering by nah. He had no idea who all would be there, and she was being cheeky and not telling him. She only told him that it would be fun. He trusted her, so maybe it would be fun. Still, he wasnt much of a fan of formal gatherings, no matter how much he might have changed since being trapped in the void.


    He could honestly say that he was looking forward to meeting Natalie Savannah and hoped she would be there. From everything he heard about her, and what hed seen in the city so far, she was a great City Lord-much more capable than that ipetent King.


    Derek ran his hand through his hair onest time to make sure it wasnt aplete mess, then walked out of the bathroom. If he left now, he should be able to get to the gathering a little early. It was always best not to arrivete when you didnt know whatpany you were going to have.


    He walked downstairs and told everyone he was leaving, and asked Silvi if she wanted to join him. However, the bunny was too busy with a baking project and didnt wish to leave. Not even the allure of Crown prepared food could get her to leave her home with her kitchen. She had be a house bunny. A very dangerous, deadly, house bunny.


    Just like nned, Derek arrived at the Crown Restaurant a bit earlier than requested, and he was soon led up to a floor that only tier four members were usually allowed to ess. <em>Tier four members like me. </em>He smiled, remembering his membership card nah had updated two days ago.


    This is as far as I can go. The man who led him to the floor stopped before the door to a room. Derek noticed the nervousness he disyed the entire time he was walk walking behind the man.


    Derek nodded. Thanks.


    The man nodded back, then practically disappeared from his sight. If Derek didnt know any better, he would have thought that the man used some movement skill to get away from him or the room at a faster pace.


    Derek shrugged it off and opened the door. The first thing he notices was that the room was nowhere as big as he was expecting. Thats not to say it was small, but inside, only sat a single dining table with six chairs-two on each side, and one on each end.


    The walls were covered in runes that Derek didnt recognize, along with a few he did, like the light and air cycling runes.


    There were already four people inside the room when he entered. Two of which he already knew. An old man with gray hair and a pristine robe sat at the head of the table. He and nah were chatting when Derek came in.


    A sullen looking, but well-dressed Edgar was leaning against the wall on the left side of the room, it looked like he was being pestered by a man who looked almost just like him. If Derek had to guess no, he didnt need to guess. He was sure the two people he didnt recognize were the King and the Crown Prince.


    He hadnt expected the King, though he should have. Of course, he would be here for the auction. And after seeing how old and frail the King looked, Derek knew there was no way the man would miss a chance to get any extra Endurance and Vitality.


    However, the person he was expecting, Natalie Savannah, was not there. At least she wasnt there yet.


    Everyone nced at Derek as he stepped inside and shut the door behind him. Edgars face brightened, and he hurried forward to greet him,pletely ignoring his brother in the process.


    Derek! I didnt know you were going to be here. This dinner may not be so bad, after all. He walked forward and pped Derek on his shoulder. When did you get back? Were you sessful in doing what you needed to do?


    Derek smiled at Edgar. It seemed that even being in the presence of the King and nah didnt affect the man. Though why would it? He was a prince, after all.


    I got back a couple of days ago. Derek answered. And yes, my trip was quite sessful.


    Thats good! Edgar said. Then, he got in close to whisper, even though everyone in the room could no doubt hear him. That guy with the stick up his ass is my brother, Edward. He pointed at Edward, whos jaw slightly dropped when he heard the introduction. And he Edgar began to introduce the King, but was cut off by Derek.


    He must be the King Ive heard so much about. Derek said as he shrugged Edgar off and walked forward. A man who is second to none in the entire Kingdom. He pulled out the chair opposite the King and sat down. Second to none in ipetence.


    Edgar was fine. Derek liked Edgar. The man didnt seem to be politically motivated, and from Derek could discern, he did what he thought was right. Derek couldnt say anything about the Crown Prince, as he had not met the man until now.


    The King, however anyone who would allow someone like Gerald to be his right hand, yet not see what he was doing behind the scenes or knowing what he was doing, yet not taking issue with it, was a man who Derek held no respect for. And it wasnt in Dereks nature to feign that respect and be a kiss-ass.


    Derek looked at nah as the Kings pale face began gaining color. She shot him a look back, not one of anger or shock, but one of amusement. <em>She nned the meeting to go this way. What a sly seductress. </em>Derek thought.


    Derek quickly nced at Edward, who had started to walk over toward the King. His smile had vanished and turned into an angry frown. Then Derek nced over his shoulder at Edgar.


    He was staring in rapt attention with a twinkle in his eye. He was also doing his best to fight a smile-doing his best, but losing. Derek could see the beginning of a grin breaking out on his face. The only thing he needed toplete his look was a bucket of popcorn.


    What Did You Say? The King spat out each word, one by one.


    What? Derek asked with a confused look. Did I say something wrong? Are you not ipetent?


    Ipetent? Edward was now standing beside the King. Who are you to say such things?


    Derek looked over at nah, in faux shock. Is this man not the King? Did I get it wrong? Derek shot a look back at the King and bowed. Im sorry, sir. I thought that since the both Prince Edgar and Crown Prince Edward were here, the only possibility was that you were the King of Cydaria. Im sorry for mistaking you for such a fool. I have disrespected you. Derek actedpletely sincere with every word he said.


    You! The Kings face was nowpletely red in anger. He jumped to his feet, sending a pulse of lightning out of his body in the process. The chair he was sitting onpletely disintegrated from the lightning that hit it.


    Thats when Derek realized the King was already pouring out his aura, directing it entirely at him. It tickled.


    Derek nced at Edgar again, in concern. He was standing almost directly behind Derek, so he would be subjected to the aura almost as much as Derek was. However, to Dereks surprise, and actual shock, Edgar had at some point summoned a beverage and was sipping on it as he watched the festivities. He wasnt affected by the aura of his father at all.


    At that point, he also saw another figure standing behind Edgar, quietly closing the door behind herself. Derek had to rub his eyes because if not for seeing the door move, he would havepletely missed her. She was short, but not a halfling or dwarf.


    She was maybe five feet tall. She had hair that was as dark as Dereks own that came down to her shoulders. A pair of big, red-rimmed sses sat on her cute button nose. But what drew most of Dereks attention was her eyes. They were white. White like his were purple.


    Dereks thoughts were interrupted as he heard the sizzling sound of electricity. He turned his head back to the King, only to see a ball of electricity gathering on the mans palm. Derek nced at nah once again. The woman didnt seem to think anything of the situation.


    You should stop, Edwin. The feminine voice came from behind Derek as all attention fell on the short, schrly woman. She continued to walk to the side of Derek and take a seat beside nah. She stared the King up and down, her eyes glowing slightly, then she looked at Derek.


    Her eyes traced his body. For the first time in this world, he felt utterly exposed. He felt naked in front of her gaze. Though, when she finished, she frowned slightly and turned back to the King.


    Thats a fight you cant win. She said.

 Chapter 209: Bad Guy 101

    Chapter 209: Bad Guy 101


    The room went silent, though, other than the buzzing sound of electricitying off of the King, there wasnt much noise to begin with. The King only shifted his gaze from Derek to the recent addition to the gathering.


    Miss Savannah. The Kingposed himself, but still narrowed his eyes. What do you mean?


    The small woman tilted her head sideways while looking at the King. Its just as I said. Its a fight that you will not win. You must face it, King Edwin, when ites to aura the womans gaze shifted between everyone in the room, her eyes lingering on Edgar for a moment longer than everyone else. You and the Crown Prince are the weakest in here.


    That means? The King fished for more details.


    That means that you have fewer stat points than anyone in this room other than your son, the Crown Prince. How they are arranged, I do not know, but trying anything with Mr. Hunt would be a big mistake and I would think that Mistress Swan feels the same way about fighting in her restaurant as I do about fighting in MY city. Natalie exined.


    nah just shrugged, not giving a clear agreement one way or another.


    Natalie shifted her gaze back to Derek. Mr. Hunt-


    Derek cut her off. Please. Call me Derek.


    She stared at him for a moment before nodding. Derek was it not immature and impulsive to provoke the King of the Kingdom you currently reside in?


    Derek looked Natalie in her white eyes, eyes that were beginning to give off a subtle glow. I dont know. Is it not ipetent to allow a trafficker, both adult and child, to not only live, but be one of the most influential people in the entire Kingdom?


    Interesting. Natalie muttered after a moment before looking back at the King. Without saying anything, she took out a bluemunication crystal and ced it on the table in front of her. She ced her hand on top of the crystal.


    What are- The King started, but stopped when a voice came out of the crystal.


    Your orders? Miss Savannah. The voice said.


    Marcus. Natalie began. From henceforth, Gerald Torith and all immediate rtions are banned from entering or doing trade with those inside the city. If a business is caught in a rtionship with them, they will be immediately exiled from the city. Am I understood?


    Yes, Maam, I will ry your orders and send the notice out to all citizens of Savannah.


    Good. You shall give them two weeks to end all rtionships with the family.


    Very well. Marcus said.


    That is all. Natalie removed her hand from the crystal, ending the call. She then ced it back in her storage.


    What? the King stared at the woman, mouth wide open. Why would you do that? Do you know the consequences of what you just did?


    I will not have my city or its merchants associated with a child trafficker. She stated sinctly.


    He has bad blood with House Torith. How do you know he is not just making things up? The King questioned again.


    I felt the truth in his words. Natalie said with glowing eyes. And I saw where the truth came from. Do you doubt my evaluation?


    I n-no The King finally managed to say. I didnt know.


    You didnt want to know. Derek spoke up. Hence, ipetence.


    I am sorry, Edwin. nah finally spoke of the situation. I have to agree with my friend Derek on this one. Your blind faith in the man who once saved your life has caused you to trust in him too much, and has allowed him to gain enough power to be a threat to both you and the Kingdom. Though, his actions are discreet and near impossible to unveil unless you are specifically looking into him.


    The King, deted, fell back into his seat. A seat that, if not for Crown Prince Edwards fast maneuvering, appeared underneath him just in time for him to copse in.


    Derek looked at nah. <em>Was this her n all along? And Natalie how scary must her ability be to see what I envisioned when I spoke? nah knew that getting the three of us in a room like this would end this way. She read us like a book.</em>


    At that point, Edgar walked around Derek and sat in the chair next to him. Ignoring the situation his father found himself in, he changed the subject. So, you are stronger than both my father and brother? I never knew. Thats great!


    And you. Natalie said quietly.


    What was that? Edgar asked.


    His aura is also stronger than yours. Natalie spoke aloud.


    Oh Edgar looked over Derek, studying him from head to toe. Well, thats even better! He finally said. So much better, in fact. There is something we need to discuss in private once this gathering is over.


    Derek shrugged. Okay. He still felt Edgar was a bit odd. Not in a bad way, just odd. Hisck of reaction, orpletely opposite reaction to what Derek said about the King, his father, was interesting. He would have to bring it up when they spoke in private.


    Father. The Crown Prince finally spoke. What are we going to do about Gerald Torith? I do not doubt Miss Savannahs intuition, but we do not have any evidence. Still, we must do something.


    The King took in a deep breath and sighed. You are, of course, correct. The King turned his gaze upon Derek, this time, not angrily. Mr. Hunt, I do apologize for my outburst. I have made a fool of myself, both today, and in my dealings with Gerald.


    Derek kept his eyes trained on the man across the table from him, waiting for him to continue. When he didnt, Derek spoke, Im not going to disagree with you, if thats what youre waiting for. Get on with it.


    Edward clenched his fist, but the King stopped him from saying anything. You are correct in you bluntness. I have previously suspended Gerald from his duties after finding out about his harassment of your friends. Now, it seems I must order his imprisonment while we search for his wrongdoing. Though, that will be hard to do with the power he has gained. Ive still no idea how he has so many nobles on his side.


    ckmail. Derek said. Its pretty obvious. Learn about everyones dirty little secrets, secrets that would ruin an entire Noble House, then use them as ckmail. Set up some failsafes that will leak any and all information you have if something were to happen to you, and make sure those you have ckmailed know of them. That way, you have people who will both follow your orders and do whatever is possible to keep you safe from harm.


    Everyone, even nah, stared at Derek, dumbfounded.


    What? Derek said. Like I said, its obvious.


    It is. nah said. I just didnt expect you to talk about it so thoroughly or casually.


    Its bad guy 101. Derek said.


    What?


    You know. A bad guy ckmails a bunch of lesser bad guys, creating a bad guy alliance that does bad guy things and tries to protect the interest of the main bad guy. That is, until one of the more motivated, lesser bad guys finds out where the main bad guy is keeping all the ckmail. Then, the lesser bad guy steals the ckmail and gets rid of the main bad guy, bing the new boss of the bad guy alliance. Derek said.


    <em>Well, thats daytime television for you. </em>Derek thought. <em>Hell, I cant even count the number of times Ive seen that exact scenario happen on a tv show. </em>Derek shrugged. The cycle continues until the heroes along and cleans house, resulting in theplete copse of the bad guy alliance.


    And youre the hero in this scenario? The King asked.


    Derek shrugged. Not really. Im just a guy that the bad guys identally pissed off. A guy that doesnt care about the consequences. Derek said. Also, if you are going to do something about Gerald, you should probably get to it. You wont have much time once Miss Savannahsmand is carried out. Hell probably know something is up the second themand goes out.


    King Edwins eyes opened wide, and he nodded. He quickly took a red crystal out of his storage and injected mana into it. After a moment, he frowned. As time passed, his frown grew wider and wider. Soon, he put the crystal away and sighed.


    What? Derek asked.


    Hes gone. The King said.


    Where did he go?


    Im not sure. He was seen leaving the castle hours ago, and has yet to return. The King said.


    Derek frowned. So, now you have a boss bad guy in hiding. One who will find out soon that the Kingdom is on to him. He surely has back up ns upon back up ns for situations like this. Now Im going to need to be extra vignt with my friends.


    They are safe as long as they are in my city. Ill see to that. Natalie said and took out a red crystal. After a moment, she nodded and kept the crystal. Marcus was still drawing up the orders to the citizens. They have yet to go out. I have dyed them.


    Did you tell the person you talked to about the situation? Derek asked the King.


    The King shook his head. I did not. I only asked about Geralds whereabouts. I have yet to give the order to search for him.


    Good. Derek said. Maybe theres still a chance. If you capture him, dont bother with your prison or dungeon. ording to you, he has too much power. Hand him over to me. I have the perfect ce to hold him.

 Chapter 210: Return

    Chapter 210: Return


    Three hooded figures walked out of a warehouse located in one of the city-sized viges outside of the Cydarian Capital. Left behind in the warehouse were two men. One stood tall in te armor, lingering half a step behind the other.


    The other was a middle-aged man with long, flowing golden hair. He had half a smile on his face, almost a smirk. Gerald Torith looked ascent as ever as he watched his guests leave the warehouse.


    Ever since his bumbling idiot of a son had stumbled in on one of his meetings, he had been even more careful. It had taken months, but he had finally managed to make a properly concealed teleportation circle connecting from inside the capital to this vige outside. The hard part was finding the proper runes to conceal any mana fluctuations both in the vige and in the capital.


    Then, he had set up multiple teleportation circles within the capital to keep his movements a secret. The whole process was a costly one.


    However, since doing so, his meetings had been even more secure. And everything would still be going as nned if not for his idiot of a son once again. Just the thought of his ipetence was enough to cause Geralds blood to boil. If that madman, Derek Hunt, hadnt killed him, Gerald would have done so himself.


    Hell, Gerald hadnt even been able to receive any benefits from the idiots death. He ended up embarrassing himself in front of nah, and was then suspended from his duties by the King. The suspension was the real killer.


    Because of it, he had to speed up his ns. But, he had found out about the dungeon only yesterday, by chance. If he werent suspended, the King would have sought his advice on how to handle it long ago, but instead, he had to find out about it from one of his informants who was picked as one of the members of the raid party.


    Still, because of it, he was able to get away with moving his ns forward. And if all goes well, Torith wouldnt be the name of some backwater city at the edge of the Kingdom anymore. No, it would serve as the name of the ruling family of the entire Kingdom.


    And as for heirs-the loss of his son and grandson didnt mean much. There were many potions avable that he could easily get his hands on to conceive more. Once he was King, he would have all the time in the world.


    Come on, Cliff. Gerald said to his bodyguard as he turned to go deep into the warehouse, underground, to a secret room concealed by multiple runes. He needed to get back to the castle before he was gone long enough for his absence to turn into suspicion. He ignored the shouting and cryinging from the cages as he stepped into the teleportation circle and activated it.


    He had already set the ball rolling. All he needed to do now was sit back and watch as everything unfolded.


    ***


    While I appreciate the sentiment, I dont think it would do us well to allow an enemy of the Kingdom to be ced in the hands of someone not of the Kingdom. The King shot down Dereks request for Gerald. But I see the reasoning behind holding him somewhere other than the Royal Dungeons. As we all know, he may have many people behind him that we may not even know of, including guard and soldiers.


    In that case, might I make a suggestion? Natalie drew the attention of the room. I prefer to avoid sticking my nose in matters unrted to my city. However, I believe there is a good chance that this matter affects Savannah, as well as the rest of the Kingdom. Therefore, it is perhaps something I should see to.


    Then you The King said.


    Natalie nodded and adjusted her sses with her pointer finger. We shall imprison him here, in Savannah. Then, I will see to it that any and all information he has bes ours. Well start with the ckmail, if any, then work our way through everything else.


    And youre capable of doing that? Derek asked.


    Natalie turned her head toward him and smiled. Of course. It will take some time, but within a few months I will have all the important information, and within a year, there will be nothing about Mr. Torith that I will not know.


    Derek shrugged. I guess thats fine, then.


    Natalie turned her attention to nah after that. That is, unless you would like to do it instead.


    nah shook her head. No, thats fine. Your way will get results and possibly even better ones than I may get. We must remember, Gerald may not be the strongest in the Kingdom, but that is because he is solely focused on his longevity. I am sure he has maxed his Vitality stat by now.


    Oh? You think? The King asked.


    nah nodded. I may have made him slit his own throat recently, and at the rate that it healed, its definitely a possibility.


    Derek looked over at nah and sneakily gave her a thumbs up.


    Besides, unless I convert him to a Deathsworn, it would take me just as long, if not longer, to get all the information out of him that I can. And I am unable to get around oaths and contracts as easily as Natalie. nah said.


    I only make it look easy. It is by no means an easy thing to do. Natalie replied.


    Wait, you both can get around oaths and contracts? That was news to Derek. Was nothing sacred?


    There are ways. nah said. They tend to be more trouble than theyre worth, though.


    Natalie nodded. I can peer into the time when the oath or contract is created. If I am lucky, I may be able to see the reason for said oath or contract. Sometimes, it takes multiple tries, and it is very draining. Which is why Ill start with information about the ckmail, then information not locked away via oath or contract.


    The Kingdom will be in your debt. The King said.


    The Kingdom is already in my debt. Natalie looked at the King with glowing white eyes. Please be sure not to default on your loans.


    The King sat back and blushed a bit from embarrassment. I ahem that goes without saying.


    If thats so, why do you attend an auction which you know will have bids in the tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of gold? Shouldnt you put that gold to better use, like paying me back?


    Well the thing is The King started, but Natalie waved him off.


    It is fine. It is better for me if you continue your monthly payments, anyway. Interest and all that. Natalie said.


    Derek nodded fervently at that. Interest was something he knew of well. And the fact that Natalie had the King over a barrel when it came to finances made him happy. He was truly beginning to admire the scary small woman.


    He couldnt help but wonder about how much she had seen when she used those glowing eyes on him. <em>Hopefully it was only of the scene where Malcolm was spilling his guts out. </em>Thats how it sounded when she said she had seen it, anyway.


    Alright. Derek said. So, the matter is settled. You will capture that bastard, then Natalie will lock him up and extract information. And at the same time, my friends wont have to look over their shoulders at all times because of him, and I wont have to do a thing. I like those kinds of ns-ones that allow me to not have to do anything. Though I would still like a piece of the man.


    Natalie looked at Derek when he called her by her first name, but she didnt protest, so he took it as her allowing him to do so. Everyone around the table nodded in agreement.


    Now that we have that matter out of the way, lets get to the more important dealings. nah quickly used a red crystal and the doors to the room opened, revealing multiple waiters pushing in tons of dishes spread out on carts. Its time to eat.


    ***


    With a sh, Gerald and his bodyguard appeared atop a teleportation circle. They walked over and activated another circle, and disappeared again. This routine happened multiple times before they finally stopped and exited a basement.


    The teleportation sequence was a sort of maze that allowed for Gerald to get around without having to worry about being caught.


    After the two walked out of the basement, Gerald made sure Cliff properly hid the entrance to the teleportation room. It was impossible to be too cautious in his type of business. After that, the two moved to the lobby of the building, which happened to be a restaurant that many people, including noble, were regrs.


    It was a ce that no one would think twice about if they saw Gerald or Cliff exiting. Hell, along with Gerald, many other nobles had their own private rooms, so if anyone questioned him, he could just say he was in his room.


    When the two exited the restaurant, Gerald nodded to Cliff, and they went their separate ways. Gerald to the pce, and Cliff to his own residence. The man was the first son, and heir, of the third most powerful Noble House in the Kingdom, after all.

 Chapter 211: Confrontation

    Chapter 211: Confrontation


    The group all ate and had pleasant conversation, much more pleasant than their introductions had been. Of course, Derek still wasnt a fan of the King. Even so, with such a spread made by the best chefs from the Crown, it was hard to not be happy.


    Though the dinner was mostly under a cheerful atmosphere, there was still the problem that was Gerald Torith hanging over everyones heads well, some more than others. And that problem looked to solve itself when their feast was interrupted by the King receiving amunication via red crystal.


    Gerald was back in the pce.


    The King turned to Edward. Go. Hemanded.


    The Crown Prince stood and thanked nah for the wonderful dinner before rushing off. The Teleportation building was just across the way, and he would be in the capital in minutes. Hopefully, he would make it to the pce in time.


    Is he going to be okay alone? Derek asked.


    The King nodded. He will have his guard and the Pce Guard to assist. It will be more than enough.


    Derek let out a sigh. I hope youre right. Gerald doesnt seem like a person to go down without a fight.


    The King grabbed a ss of wine and drained it. Edward is more reliable than you think.


    Derek turned his head and looked Edgar in the eyes. Edgar shrugged. He should be fine. At least hes not a pushover.


    Derek looked over just in time to see a red crystal vanish into nahs storage ring. She smiled at Derek, but said nothing.


    <em>I guess I dont have anything to worry about.</em>


    ***


    As Gerald made his way into the pce and toward the wing that was considered his, he noticed some unusual activity by the Kings Pce Guard-specifically, Brandt, the head of the Pce Guard, and the man trusted with the security of the pce while the King was away. The Kings personal guard was with His Majesty in Savannah, after all.


    No, what Gerald noticed was not too suspicious, actually. Ever since his suspension, the guard had kept a closer eye on him. However, Brandt seemed in a hurry once he saw Gerald arrive back at the pce. It was concerning, but not too out of the ordinary. Just in case, Gerald summoned a privatemunication crystal and sent a couple of messages.


    Gerald moved back from his wing to find some of his people. Of course, they were all employed by the pce and Royal Family, but they were still <em>his </em>people.


    As it turned out, Brandt had been extra vignt all day after having a conversation on a privatemunication crystal. And, though Gerald didnt see it himself, when Brandt seen Gerald arrive, the man had moved to send amunication out as soon as he was out of sight of Gerald.


    That caused all kinds of rms to go off in Geralds head. Gerald, deciding to y it safe, turned and headed back out from the pce with an excuse of having another meeting. It shouldnt be unbelievable that someone of his status had multiple meeting to attend in a single day.


    ***


    Minutes after the King received themunication, Edward was back in the capital and moving toward the pce with three of his personal guard. As they came up on the entrance to the pce, Edward noticed Brandt waiting at the gates. Edward and his retinue stopped.


    Is he inside? Edward asked.


    Brandt nodded. He is. Hes only been here for a few minutes.


    Edward looked through the gate, only to see Gerald making his way down the steps onto the pce courtyard. It looks like I got here just in time. He was relieved. It may have been better for him to havee back to the capital as soon as they made their decision, but that risked the chance of Gerald bing suspicious.


    Edward was supposed to be in Savannah for the next few days, so him appearing back in the capital out of nowhere could have alerted Gerald. Luckily, their ns seemed to have paid off, and the Crown Prince made it back in time to capture the man while he was still there.


    The Crown Prince walked through the gate and met Gerald in the middle of the courtyard with his four guards. Neither was in a rush, and both were casual with their statements.


    Prince Edward, what are you doing back so soon? I thought you were to be in Savannah for the auction for the next few days. Gerald asked with a smile.


    Oh, you know, politics. Edward answered. Actually, I wouldnt mind getting your advice on some things. Would you mind following me back to the pce?


    Gerald frowned slightly. Is it an emergency? I am already runningte for a meeting, and you know I hate to keep people waiting.


    It is rather important. Im sure whomever you are meeting would understand your dy. Edward showed Gerald a winning smile.


    Geralds eye twitched, but he eventually smiled back. Of course, Crown Prince. Please allow me to reschedule my appointment. He smiled the whole time as he withdrew a red crystal from his storage ring and sent amunication.


    The older man put the crystal away and turned back to the pce. I guess Ill lead the way. Gerald said as he took a step forward.


    Edward began to take a step, but kicked off the ground instead, shooting straight up into the air. He looked down at where he was just standing and was appalled by what he saw.


    Shadows stretched out through the courtyard, eventually wrapping themselves around his personal guard and Brandt. The shadows ran up to their waists, immobilizing them all at once. Edward would have been in the same situation if not for his instincts and literal lightning reactions.


    Unfortunately for the guards, it didnt end there. From the ground in front of them, four spears made out of what seemed like vines shot up. They tried to block the spears with their arms, but were still cut and prated. That alone wouldnt have been enough to seriously injure the four guards, but what came next was.


    A seven foot tall stone wall rose both behind and in front of the guards. Both walls wereyered with stone spikes. If they hit, there was no way his team woulde out safely. Edward surveyed the surroundings, unable to find the man with the shadows, but made out a figure with his hand on the ground controlling the earth, a figure he recognized. Behind the earth user was another person, one in a cloak who Edward did not recognize. It had to be the vine user.


    The earth user was Cliff Aarden, the first son of House Aarden, and one of the strongest families in the Kingdom. Cliff, himself, was no slouch. He was currently said to be the strongest member of the Aarden family, even stronger than his father, the patriarch.


    The problem was that he was the perfect counter to Edward. He was one of the few men that Edward believed could take him in a fight, and he was here, attacking him and his team.


    Everything happened in a sh. Edward, with his high Wisdom was able to make out everything in an instant, but he was not fast enough. Using everything he had, he flung himself at Cliff. With his sword in hand and it radiating lightning, he stabbed out the same time that Cliff pped his hands together.


    The sword almost made it to the mans armor, but he just smiled as a vine appeared and wrapped itself around the de. Cliff then reached out with a hand coated in earth and tried to grab Edwards wrist, but the Crown Prince was too quick. He yanked the sword back, slicing the vines in half and avoiding the earth user.


    Edward took in his surroundings once more. His guard, for all intents and purposes, was out of the fight. Two were dead, and the other two, including Brandt, were in a dying state. The walls retracted, showing holes stabbed everywhere in his guards.


    <em>Dammit! </em>Edward cursed. In less than a minute, his men were ambushed and all but dead. Edward tried to summon a crystal to call for backup, but as soon as it appeared in his hand, a shadow fell over him. He looked up, only to see a figure wreathed in shadows with tworge wings radiating from its back.


    The shadow struck out and knocked the crystal out of Edwards hand. He was alone. The strongest of the guard was with his father in Savannah, and he had no way to call for help. The remaining guards in the pce were no match for Cliff and the shadow wielder. Edward had a sneaking suspicion of who the shadow wielder was, but he hoped he was wrong.


    Keep him busy while we escape. You can catch upter. Gerald calmly told the shadow figure.


    Edward tried to fly down to stop Gerald, but the shadow moved in front of him. Sorry, I cant let you do that. A feminine voice warned, all but confirming Edwards suspicions of who his opponent was.


    Why is the Assassins Guild protecting Gerald Torith? Youre not bodyguards, youre assassins. Edward shouted out.


    The shadow covering the figures face slowly receded, showing a pale woman with ck eyes and ck hair flowing down her back, writhing like the shadows around her.


    That is for me to know. She smiled.


    Edward tried to get around the Vice Leader of the Assassins Guild, but she was too fast. Her figure would fade out of existence, then appear directly in front of him. However, she didnt attack. It seemed her objective was not to kill the Crown Prince, but to dy him while Gerald, Cliff, and the vine user escaped. The fact that she was as fast, if not faster than Edward, meant she would be able to escape at any moment.


    His lightning may be a decent counter for the shadows, but at this rate, Gerald would get away. At least thats what he thought until he saw an arrow covered in a dark gray aura practically sprout from Geralds back. Gerald flew back from the momentum of the arrow, leaving a trail of blood in the process.


    Edward traced the trajectory of the arrow until he saw a man standing between the open pce gates. A sense of relief washed over the Crown Prince as he recognized the man.


    Now Gerald. The man said. I must insist that you exchange some pointers with this humblemoner. The man also looked over at Cliff. You and your friend can join if you want, Mr. Aarden. Its been a while since Ive had a good fight.


    With that, the man took a step forward-bow in hand and daggers ready at the waist. Most people knew the man as Avery Swan, the Crown Restaurants number two. Most people had never seen or heard of him fighting. But there was a reason he was almost always by nah Swans side, and it certainly wasnt for his cooking skill.

 Chapter 212: Avery Steps In

    Chapter 212: Avery Steps In


    Avery stepped forward, activating some skills in the process. His excitement was palpable when nah contacted him to keep an eye on the situation with Gerald Torith. He had hoped that the man would give him reason to step in. The man was an absolutely disgusting individual. And that was Averys take before he found out about some of the things he had done.


    Just the way he talked to and about nah had already rubbed Avery the wrong way, so when his powered arrow pierced through the mans chest and out of his back, it felt good.


    As he continued toward Gerald and his men, he loosed another arrow. The arrow split in two, then four, then eight, all with the same gray aura. An aura made out of pure Stamina, because unlike most, Avery didnt invest much in Wisdom and Intelligence.


    His build was that of Endurance. Endurance and Dexterity. If most people heard about his stat point distribution, they would be shocked. Yes, he had very little Wisdom, but was able to serve by nah Swans side.


    Well, Avery had been with nah for decades, and was proof that an individuals willpower was a strong defense against mind controlling magics and skills. It still took him a small amount of time to get limated to nah if they had been separated for a long while, but he was faster than most people who had heavily invested in Wisdom.


    Endurance was the first stat Avery maxed out, followed by Dexterity. Of course, he didnt ignore Vitality or Strength. In actuality, Wisdom was his lowest stat. Which was good, because he didnt have a single skill that used mana.


    However, the advantage he had over everyone else was his rtionship with nah. In his decades of being by her side, he had gotten his fair share of meals crafted with Void Beast materials. Even though he didnt invest heavily in Strength, with it being the easiest gained stat from Void Beasts, hed gotten over 200 extra points in the stat. Bringing it to over 1200 points.


    He was able to save some of his stat points in Endurance as well, because of the Void Beasts. He gained over 150 extra stat points that way, which let him invest more in Dexterity. He also had a small amount of Intelligence, as well, but that was just because of the stats provided by the meals.


    Unfortunately, Void Beasts were a rarity, and extreme rarity, before Derek came along, and Avery only got a meal here and there. Then there was the quality of the Void Beasts, which were not always the best. But still, through nah and her generosity, he had gained over 400 extra stat points in the stats he actually used.


    Because of nah, he was able to get two of the stats maxed, while also breaking through the second threshold with two more. There werent many people in the Kingdom who could say the same. Yet he did it while also only having an epic ss. It was a great epic ss that he got early, and it gave more stat points than normal, even so, it was only epic. And for that, along with everything else, he would always be eternally grateful to the woman.


    Avery assessed the situation as his arrows flew forward. Edward was in the sky, trying and failing to get past the Shadow Witch. Honestly, that was the biggest surprise out of everything Avery walked into. The Shadow Witch being there didnt make sense, but there she was, the Vice Leader of the Assassins Guild in all her glory, flying high and toying with the Crown Prince.


    She would be a problem for Avery. Shadows were known for having many crowd controlling effects, but if Edward could distract her long enough, nah had promised that reinforcements were on their way. All Avery had to do was dy the other three people in front of him.


    Cliff Aarden wouldnt be a problem for Avery. He was a slow, but powerful earth user. On the ground, Avery would run circles around the man. As for the nt user, Avery had no clue who it could be. The cloak covered the figures entire body, so he didnt even know if it was male or female.


    He chose to be cautious around the nt user. Against an unknown entity, it was best to be cautious and learn about them.


    As for Gerald Avery didnt care about the man. He could beat the walking sack of meat and blood with his eyes closed. No, he would only have to be warry of Cliff and the nt user. He would specifically have to look out to not get entangled with any of the vines. If he got caught up in the vines, it would make Cliff and his earth skills a credible threat.


    Still, Avery was not sure about his ability to beat the three of them together. He could take out Gerald one on one. That would be easy. He may even be able to get the upper hand against both Gerald and Cliff. But adding another person to the mix, one who he was sure would be every bit as hard to deal with as Cliff, made things harder. Especially since the threat was aplete unknown.


    No, he probably couldnt win. But he could hold out. Hell, he only needed ten minutes or so. He just hoped the Shadow Witch didnt get bored of ying with Edward. She was a problem, one he didnt have the confidence in beating one on one, much less in a group. She was just too fast while in the air, and she had skills to slow him down.


    While thinking of a strategy to dy the group, his multi arrow shot arrived. Cliff erected a thin wall of sand between himself and the arrows, causing them to lose momentum before falling helplessly to the ground.


    The nt user, to Averys surprise, danced through the arrows that went his way. Of course, the arrows werent anything special. They just carried a bit of Averys concentrated aura. They werent like the Powershot he hit Gerald with at the beginning.


    Of course, the first thing to do when you are biding your time is taunt the leader of your enemies. Nothing makes a man forget about escaping like the perfect taunt.


    Wow, Gerald. I didnt think one arrow would be enough to do you in. Who knew that not only were you a coward, you were weak as well? He said before looking at Cliff. And another thing I cant believe is that someone supposedly as strong as the great Cliff Aarden would be willing to ve for such a weak man. Its kind of pathetic, isnt it?


    Gerald coughed as he stood. He grabbed the end of the arrow sticking out of his chest and ripped it out. Cliff Aarden began to move forward in anger, but Gerald stopped him. He is just trying to provoke us. Dont fall for it.


    Gerald leaned over and whispered something into Cliffs ear. Avery was still too far away to hear what was said. Cliff nodded his head. Gerald flicked his wrist and a full set of gaudy gold ted armor appeared on his body, covering him from head to toe. On his arm appeared a thick ck tower shield adorned with a golden trim, and in his right hand, a bastard sword.


    Avery snorted. A bunch of gear thats never seen battle.


    When Avery was about halfway between the trio and the gate, he stopped. He wanted to be close enough to the group to close in and stop them from escaping, but far enough where he could trouble them with his bow. Of course, he had no problem going in for a melee, but he would rather gauge their strengths, especially the nt users, before he did so.


    During his taunting, he activated multiple skills. Eagle Eye increased his uracy, Aura of Persistence increased both the strength and durability of his arrows whether the arrows were summoned or physical, and to top it off, he used Piercing Radiance, which increased the sharpness of the arrowhead.


    His skills werent strictly rted to archery, either. Most were usable with his melee weapons as well. Avery was good in both ranged and close battles, actually, he preferred to fight up close in personal.


    Go! Gerald shouted.


    Cliff pushed out with his palms open, conjuring an array of earth spikes to shoot out from in front of him while the nt user touched the ground and sent a tide of vines flowing along the surface. The n was clearly to trap Avery in the vines while they tried to escape.


    Averyughed and kicked off the ground. As the first spike arrived, his footnded on it and he moved to the next. Moving from spike to spike, he loosed arrow after arrow at the trio, specifically targeting the nt user. Both Cliff and Gerald were defensivebatants, and the nt user seemed either offensive or support. It was always best to take out the support first.


    Oh no you dont. Avery muttered as he saw Gerald trying to sneak off to the side. He shifted his focus to the armored man, bombarding him with aura infused arrows while shifting back and forth between spikes.


    Unfortunately, his armor wasnt just for show. Even with Piercing Radiance and Aura of Persistence, Averys arrows were only able to leave small indentations in the te-which just meant that Avery needed to use more skills.


    With his other skills still active, Avery used Overdraw and Powershot. The time it took to draw and loose an arrow increased, but so did the power of each arrow. Two arrowsnded back to back, the first hitting the small gap in Geralds leg armor, piercing a good half inch into the mans leg. The second arrownded just beside the first.


    The small gap in the armor was widened by the first, allowing the second arrow to drive in deep. Gerald let out a loud grunt and grasped at the arrows as he fell to a knee.


    Everything happened in seconds, as Cliff already realized his spikes werent doing anything but giving Avery the ability to dodge the vines on the ground. The heir to House Aarden stopped his skill and moved toward Gerald.


    With his footholds disappearing, Avery kicked off thest spike andunched himself toward Cliff. Averys foot touched the ground, just outside the range of the vines, and he disappeared, almost instantly appearing behind the earth user.


    In the time it took to move from his position to behind Cliff, Avery stored his bow and drew both daggers. He stabbed one dagger into the back of Cliffs knee, slicing into and through some tendons and cartge, just before a wall of sand moved up to block. Cliff grunted, but held firm, not falling.


    Avery moved away from the spikes that appeared almost instantly underneath him and cut Gerald off in the process. He stared at his three enemies, two already injured, then looked at his Stamina pool. His actions were draining, but that was okay. He summoned a yellow-green potion out of his storage and drank it down. Perhaps he would be able to handle the situation, after all.

 Chapter 213: Three vs One

    Chapter 213: Three vs One


    Of course, nothing could ever go as nned. Gerald was already standing, no worse for wear. There was something to be said about having 1500 point in Vitality. He may not be strong in a fight, but he could definitely take a beating. Other than the light damage to his armor, his wounds werent even bleeding anymore.


    Plus, Averys dagger wasnt enough to cause any real harm to Cliff, either. The heir to House Aarden must have invested a good amount into Vitality or Endurance to go with the natural defensive abilities given to him along with the earth element.


    Avery rushed in, both daggers drawn. He would get a few good hits in on Gerald before the others could make a move. The former advisor was slow and clumsy in a fight. At least it seemed that way to someone with speed like Avery.


    Avery strafed around the mans tower shield, stabbing and piercing every visible joint in the mans armor. Within seconds, Gerald was more of a pin cushion than a person. He was almost a fountain of blood. Even with his visible healing, Avery was able to cut enough that his shiny golden armor had turned bloody.


    Gerald mmed his shield into the ground, causing Avery to leap back to avoid the impact. Avery wished he knew if he was even making a dent in the others HP. But it didnt matter. The more he harassed the group, the longer it would take, and the sooner his reinforcements would arrive.


    Avery wasnt sure who all wasing, but if nah showed up herself, the fight would be settled in a matter of seconds. Everyone except for maybe the Shadow Witch would fall to hermand. Even so, he felt it was underneath nah to personally get involved in something like this. Therefore, he would jump on any opportunity he found to strike.


    He only had one order - to keep Gerald alive. That meant that the other two enemies were fair game, which is why when the vines grew up around Gerald and stone pellets shot toward Avery, he used Burst Step as soon as his foot hit the ground, and appeared next to the nt user.


    Avery stabbed right at the back of the nt users neck. Somehow, the person managed to shift their body just enough to avoid critical damage. Averys dagger still managed to dig deep into the persons shoulder, and he wasnt finished yet. He jerked his arm, dragging the de across the nt users back, cutting them from shoulder to shoulder.


    However, just as Avery went for another stab, he saw the persons aura begin to condense. Getting a bad feeling, Avery kicked the ground and shot backward just as the persons aura exploded, sending a mass of spores covering the area.


    With the explosion, Avery finally got a good look at the persons face. To his surprise, it was a half elf man with short green hair and a pointed nose. Avery didnt recognize him at all, but the situation kept getting more and more strange.


    Out of the few noble houses in the Kingdom that were made up of half elves, none seemed to have a member like the person in front of him. Sure, being an elf, or even half elf, seemed to make it easier to have an affinity for nts, but Avery was well versed in the hierarchy of the Kingdom, and still couldnt ce the face or the power.


    Avery had to jump back once more to avoid the spores. When the spores stopped spreading, it covered a radius of around fifty feet around the half elf nt user. Both Gerald and Cliff were caught up in the spread, but neither showed any adverse effects. In fact, Cliff almost seemed to be relieved.


    This was bad. With the cover of the spores that Avery dared not touch, he couldnt physically move in to stop the trio from retreating. He could st the group with arrows, but with their defensive skills and armor, he wouldnt do enough damage to keep them from moving.


    Of course, he wouldnt allow them to move out of his vision. He could tail them no matter where they went, as long as they didnt teleport away. But he would never put it past Gerald to have some secret way to escape that nobody else was aware of. The man had stayed hidden for far too long to not have any backup ns.


    Avery checked his system time and frowned. Hed been fighting for all of three minutes. He nced in the air to see Edward struggling and sweating, while the Shadow Witch toyed with him. While she smiled and evaded, he went all out against her. It wasnt looking good.


    Finally making a decision, Avery summoned a potion and drank it down. It was an antidote that worked against a myriad of different poisons for fifteen minutes-more than enough time. At least with this insurance, he could step into the spores with a bit more confidence.


    However, it seemed that the antidote was unnecessary. The spores werent a poison or toxin at all. They were a field debuff. Avery let out a sigh of relief. This he could handle.


    He felt like he was moving through a swamp. All his actions were heavy, and he was slowed by at least thirty percent. So, he did what anyone in his situation would do - he used Advanced Haste. A basic evolved skill that increased all his movements by twenty percent. The skill Haste evolved at level twenty to Advanced Haste.


    Advanced Haste decreased the Stamina drain of the skill with each level. Eventually turning the skill into a passive skill that could basically be active at all times without worrying about cost. Averys Advanced Haste wasnt leveled too high. Skills that could evolve were rare, and the ones that did took forever to level once they evolved.


    With the skill activated, he didnt lose much speed by moving around in the area of the spores. So, he rushed in to continue his assault. Immediately after rushing in and attacking Gerald, he noticed another problem.


    Yes, the cloud of spores debuffed his speed, but at the same time it seemed to increase the speed of its allies. He noticed this because Gerald was almost able to keep up with his ten percent debuffed speed almost.


    Avery slid the dagger in his left hand down the de of Geralds bastard sword, then dove in under his arm. Gerald tried to draw in his sword arm, but was toote as Averys second dagger was driven deep into his underarm. Avery hoped the dagger went in deep enough to make contact with the mans heart, but knew that probably wasnt the case.


    The dagger was initially slowed by whatever flexible armor the man wore underneath his te armor, then it had to get through the mans Endurance, which wasnt near as good as his Vitality, but, being a tank, it would have been stupid if the man hadnt put at least some points into the stat. There was also a good chance that Gerald had stumbled across some Void Beast meals in the years that nah had been active in Cydaria.


    The dagger bit deep and Avery twisted it as he pulled it out-he wanted to cause as much damage as possible before he had the avoid the iing Cliff.


    At this point, Avery knew Gerald was bing tired of being picked on by Avery. The man was the biggest sitting duck among all his enemies, and also the only person he couldnt let escape. So, if an opportunity came up to take out or seriously damage one of the others, Avery would take it, but if not, he needed only harass Gerald until backup came along.


    Averys foot hit the ground, and he used Burst Step to get away once again, wincing at the cost of the skill. It was a fascinating skill, but the drain on his Stamina with each usage was severe. Avery popped the cork on another Stamina Potion and gulped it down. Avery frowned at the waste of gold.


    Stamina Potions, especially the ones good enough to restore the amount of Stamina he used, were very expensive. With almost forty thousand Stamina, a normal Stamina Potion wouldnt even be a drop in a bucket for Avery. No, unless the potions were at least Major or Greater Potions, they wouldnt be worth Avery using.


    Avery sighed as the trio finally grouped up close together. It took them long enough to do so. He guessed there would be no more easy shots. So, he put his daggers back on his hips and drew his bow once more. He would move around them while peppering them with arrows and avoiding the vines. That way, he wouldnt need to use Burst Step often, and could save on Stamina. He only needed to hold on for about six more minutes.


    But Gerald wasnt having any of that. Vanessa! Stop fucking around and help!


    The Shadow Witch scoffed, but acted. The next thing Avery knew, Edward was sent shooting to the ground, creating a small crater in the earth.


    Fine. The Shadow Witch spoke.


    Immediately, the sky turned dark and a shadow dome fell over the battlefield, epassing all six people within it. Avery felt his moves turn even more sluggish. Not only was the shadow another debuff, but it stacked with the spore cloud released by the half elf.


    <em>Dammit. Things are about to get rough.</em>

 Chapter 214: First

    Chapter 214: First


    Minutes earlier


    Crown RestaurantSavannah


    nah stored hermunications crystal in her storage ring and sighed. That was Avery. She looked pointedly at the King. Edward has been ambushed and lost all of his men. He avoided the attack, but is currently tied up with another enemy and unable to restrain Gerald.


    What? The King stood. But how? Did he know we wereing for him?


    I doubt that. Gerald is one to have preparations upon preparations. nah said. I have asked Avery to step in to keep Gerald from escaping, but the enemies are a handful.


    Who? The King asked.


    Edward is being contained by what looks like the Shadow Witch from the Assassins Guild. Clifford Aarden has made an appearance and is protecting Gerald, and there is an unidentified person by their side as well. You know the strength of the Shadow Witch and Clifford Aarden, so it would be for the best if we stop chatting and send help. I believe in Avery, but the deck is stacked against him right now. nah answered.


    Edgar stood. Ill go. He turned to leave, but a hand grabbed his shoulder as he took a step.


    Iming too. Derek said. I shouldnt have left it up to the Royal Family, anyway. He snorted.


    Edgar nodded, and the two left the dining room.


    Will the two of them be enough? The King asked, now unsure about the entire situation.


    Natalie took her sses off and began cleaning the lenses with a cloth. They should be more than enough. She spoke. Your boy there is much stronger than you think he is. He puts the Crown Prince to shame. And Mr. Hunt Natalie shook her head. They will be fine.


    No doubt about it. nah smiled. I have a couple of Deathsworn on their way, as well. They should get there a bit after Derek and Edgar. And I trust Avery more than enough to stall that group for some time.


    Natalie looked at nah and nodded. It has been some time since Ive seen Avery. Is he still as fast as he was before?


    nah smiled. Faster.


    ***


    Edgar and Derek were out of the restaurant and running toward the teleportation building in seconds.


    Anyone I need to know about? Derek asked as he kept stride with Edgar. He could tell that the man wasnt moving at his top speed, so Derek could keep up.


    The Shadow Witch, Vanessa Hodges. Shes the Vice Leader of the Assassins Guild. Level 250, and fierce. Uses shadows obviously. A lot of controlling effects and offensive power. Probably has great defensive or life saving skills as well. Edgar said.


    Derek nodded. And this Clifford?


    Comes from House Aarden. He looked at Derek, but saw that the name didnt register. The third strongest noble house in the Kingdom. Cliff is considered the heir to the house, and one of the strongest toe out of House Aarden in decades, if not centuries.


    He is an earth user. From what I know, he has mixed skills using stone, sand, and other types of earth. Very defensive in nature, but dont underestimate his attack power.


    And Gerald? Derek asked.


    Edgar shrugged as they arrived at the building. Meat shield. He said. Just one of those guys you can pound on while they keep healing. Makes for a great punching bag.


    Derek smiled. Good to know.


    They soon stepped inside and moved past a small line of people. Tavors was manning the building once again, as they came to the counter.


    Were going to the capital teleportation circle. The private one. Edgar said, as he showed the clerk some kind of badge.


    Tavors nodded gravely. Follow me. He said. Whats going on that first the Crown Prince was in a rush, now you? He asked. Apparently, he was on more friendly terms with Edgar than the rest of the Royal Family.


    Too much to exin at the moment. Im sure youll hear all about it in the next few hours. Edgar said, as they followed the man.


    Before long, they were standing on the teleportation circle and Tavors was sending them away. With a sh of a light, Derek blinked and was in a different room.


    Come on. Edgar said.


    They ran out of the teleportation room and through the building. A building that looked surprisingly simr to the one in Savannah.


    Edgar didnt bother greeting anyone as he led Derek out of the building.


    When they stepped outside, Derek took a quick look around. So far, hed been in Torith, Wilmette, and Savannah. The distinct city smell that he smelled when he first got to Torith invaded his nostrils once again. It was a smell that had surprisingly been absent in Savannah.


    But he could notpare Savannah to what he was currently seeing. The buildings were wall to wall, and the people were walking shoulder to shoulder. People of all sizes and races. Big, small, elves, dwarves, halflings the ce was crowded.


    While Savannah was known for its luxury, the capital was not. It was known for its poption. Hell, when Derek was traveling to the dungeon outside of Savannah, hede upon towns that were close in size to Savannah itself, and even bigger than Torith had been.


    But all that paled topare to what Derek now saw in front of him. Unfortunately, Derek didnt have a lot of time to sight see. He was there on a mission.


    Lets go. The Teleportation Building is pretty far away from the pce. The capital isnt built like Savannah. I wont be slowing down anymore. I know that Avery is strong, but my brother took shortcuts to power. Its best to get there as soon as possible. Edgar said. Normally, its frowned upon to move in the air while in the capital, but this is an exception.


    Derek nodded as he watched Edgar shine whitish-blue for a moment before shooting into the sky.


    Its a straight shot that way. Edgar pointed, then turned into a streak of lightning and vanished.


    <em>Damn </em>Derek thought. <em>Hes fast. </em>However, not to be beat, Derek jumped into the air and got his footing with Void Steps. Then, when he got his bnce, he used Void Shift. It would be very mana intensive, but he had just broken the second threshold of Wisdom. Plus, he had Greater Meditation and multiple Major and Greater Mana Potions hed received from the Golem Dungeon because of his Repetitive Dungeoneer Award.


    He had more than enough resources, and if he yed his cards right, he may even be able to beat Edgar to the battle. That way, he would get to pick his opponent first.


    Derek smiled and focused heavily on his Void Sense as he pulled himself through ripple after ripple. To himself, it didnt seem like he was moving fast, but while shifted, everything else moved at a literal crawl, even Edgar or the lightning ball that Derek believed was Edgar.


    The ball of lightning was still moving rather quickly ahead of Derek, even while Derek was using Void Shift. Derek was faster by a bit, but would soon have to stop the skill and refresh his mana. Unfortunately, he was unable to use potions while in Void Shift. If he could, wouldnt have toe out of it, and could just keep going.


    Soon, he pulled himself ahead of Edgar by a decent amount, but his mana was nearly drained, and Derek didnt feel like getting a mana headache at this time. He came out of Void Shift and immediately pulled out the best Mana Potion he could find and chugged it down. The potion restored 10,000 mana, which was two-thirds of his MP.


    Derek saw Edgar reform his body and stop midair. He gave Derek a stunned and incredulous look. Derek saluted and entered Void Shift once again. Yeah he was going to get there first.


    ***


    Edward slowly made his way to his feet. His head and neck were aching and his health was extremely low. It sat at less than thirty percent. He felt ashamed of himself. He was one of the strongest in the Kingdom, yet he was toyed and yed with by the Vice Leader of the Assassins Guild.


    Sure, she was also considered one of the strongest in the Kingdom. Actually, she was close to the top of the strongest in the Kingdom. Still, his lightning should have countered her shadow. Or at least not been as suppressed as it was.


    As Edward got his bearings, he blinked the blurriness out of his eyes and focused on the fight in front of him. The Shadow Witch was close to the top of the strongest in the Kingdom, but so was Avery. However, very few had seen the man fight. With what Edward was seeing in front of him, he would be able to confirm the mans strength.


    The man moved at wicked speeds even in the weird shadow dome, and even in the clouds of pollen? Edward didnt know. He only knew that the half elf nt user had released them, and Avery had been cautious of them.


    Still, Avery shed in and out, avoiding vines, trying and failing to trap his feet and legs, while dodging whips of shadow and flying spikes all at once. The scene was fascinating. Edward couldnt believe that anyone could be that fast. And the fact he was doing it while already being slowed made the feat even more impressive.


    Unfortunately, Edward knew that the speed couldntst. Avery was drinking Stamina Potions constantly, while dripping with sweat. Yet, he was able to counterattack asionally-mostly hamstringing Gerald every chance he got. If his fathers former advisor didnt have an arch enemy before, he would once this fight was over.


    It was the smart move, though. Keeping the one they needed to capture immobile while dancing and dodging all the attacks was just about the only thing that could be done. Edward winced as he used three different types of potions.


    His Health, Mana, and Stamina were all low, and it hurt even to move. He would have to get back into the fight. Averys showing was impressive, but he was only one man, and he had a limited supply of Stamina Potions.


    Edward would have to recover so he could provide Avery with support. If he could just take care of one, Avery would be in a much better situation.

 Chapter 215: Struggle

    Chapter 215: Struggle


    Chapter 215: Struggle


    Ugh! Edward grunted as a shadow protruded from his stomach and shoulders, severing both arms from his body and dropping his HP back to critical.


    Be still. Move again and Ill end you. The Shadow Witch said.


    End him now! Gerald shouted.


    You The Shadow Witch paused her attacks on Avery and pointed at Gerald. Do not get to tell me who to kill. I am here to provide support and help you escape. Dont forget it.


    Edward coughed up some blood and fell back to the ground. His wounds wouldnt be fatal if treated in time, and he could reattach or regrow his limbs. He was happy to see some dissent in the group, but sadly, it meant nothing to him in his current situation, as he was out of the fight. He would be useless for some time. He could only watch as Avery dodged and twisted, avoiding vital attacks by a hairs width.


    He couldnt help but feel a pang of regret when the man faltered and was cut on the arm by one of the shadows. Well he was hit on the arm. The shadow didnt seem to leave a cut.


    Even so, nahs right hand seemed to begin to slow ever so slightly as the fight went on. He may have had the Stamina or even Mana to keep all his skills active, and Edward was sure he was using a plethora of skills, but doing so at such a high rate of consumption would still take a toll on the user, both physically and mentally.


    Edward groaned and rolled slightly, getting a better angle of the action. All he could do now was believe in Avery and hope something changed. For now, it wasnt looking good.


    Avery bounced back and forth between opponents, not caring who he attacked, as long as he could get in some damage. The mental fatigue of keeping all of his buffs up was starting to weigh on him. It was getting pretty bad.


    Fortunately, his high Endurance made for excellent defense. That, plus the armor he was wearing, which didnt look like much because of how light it was, made it much harder for any attack thatnded on him to leave more than a scratch.


    He remembered the feeling and breakdown of his body when his Endurance hit 1500, and it was one of the worst things he had ever experienced. The itching, the shattering of bone, and the feeling that he was being torn apart from the inside was something he never wanted to experience again. Well, he wouldnt mind if it came with the same upgrade in power that he received before.


    Another shadow fell on his arm as he stabbed one of his daggers at the nt user. The dagger was blocked once again, but the shadow left nothing but a light scratch on Averys arm. From what he could tell of the fight and his opponents, he would be able tost a few more minutes as long as he wasnt bound by the nt users vines. Which is why he focused most of his efforts on avoiding them.


    This time, the shadow that hit him left more than a small scratch. The shadow was thicker and wasnt transparent at all, unlike the previous attacks by the Shadow Witch. <em>Looks like shes finally getting serious. </em>Avery sighed and made a mental note to avoid getting hit squarely by one of her shadows. Within seconds, his wound began closing as he dodged more iing attacks.


    During his short battle with the four enemies, Avery had already ranked them by how difficult they were for him to deal with. Coming in at number one was the Shadow Witch, of course. She was definitely one of the strongest opponents hed ever fought, though he believed he could take her if he didnt have to worry about anyone else.


    Which led to number two on his difficulty chart-the nt user. Avery didnt know what kind of skill the spores or pollen the nt user used were, but it was still active after all this time. It was honestly really annoying, and seemed to get stronger as time went by. After this long, even with his mental fatigue, he shouldnt be making the small mistakes he did. Therefore, his only conclusion was that it was part of the nt users skill.


    Surprisingly, after the short amount of time, Avery actually put Geralds threat level above that of Cliffs. Not because Gerald was stronger, but he was much more cunning. Cliff was very straightforward with his attacks, and didnt seem to have too much practical experience. Gerald, on the other hand, avoided the battle and watched, givingmands here and there.


    Enough! Gerald shouted. Cliff. Do it.


    Cliff nodded slowly, then reached down and ced his hand on the ground below. Suddenly, the ground began shaking. The Shadow Witch flew into the air with her shadows, and the nt user jabbed his vines into the ground, lifting himself up in the process. A small pir of stone rose underneath Gerald and Cliff.


    As for the rest of the ground, the ground Avery was standing on, it slowly turned to quicksand. <em>Fuck! </em>Avery inwardly cursed. <em>I would end up fighting an entire team of people with skills that slow me down. </em>As he flipped away, Avery took another Stamina Potion out of his ring and drained it. He was actually worried about running low, especially now that the ground was turning into quicksand.


    The quicksand meant he would have to activate yet another skill, draining even more of his Stamina in the process. Currently, all the buffs he was using were already expending his Stamina like crazy. Now, he had to use Physical Repulsion, which would drain his pool even faster.


    Avery sighed and activated the skill. A gray aura gathered around the soles of his feet and projected itself an inch or so outward. The skill allowed him to step close to any physical object without actually touching or disturbing it. It was a skill that, if pushed far enough, would let him even use particles in the air as stepping stones. It was his only way to fight in the air.


    So, the skill was also the perfect counter for something like Cliffs quicksand. Like that, Avery kept battling like nothing ever happened. In fact, because of how Cliffs skill worked, his enemies all spread out a bit, allowing Avery to focus more on individuals.


    Unfortunately, Averys relief was short lived as Gerald ruined his ns.


    Vanessa! Gerald yelled for the Vice Leader of the Assassins Guild to get her attention. Fly me out of here.


    The Shadow Witch clicked her tongue. Fine.


    Averys heart dropped to the pit of his stomach as he heard the n. If Gerald abandoned all his colleagues and escaped, it would mean he failed the mission given to him by nah. That, and just the thought of letting Gerald go, left a bad taste in his mouth.


    In an instant, Avery changed his target. The most mobile person in the entire area was the Shadow Witch. If she chose to escape, there was nothing he or Edward would have been able to do. Well, Avery could keep up with her, but he doubted he could do more than that.


    So, if she picked Gerald up and left, Avery would have no choice but chase after them, leaving both Cliff and the unknown nt user free to escape, or even finish off the Crown Prince. Therefore, his decision was to target the Shadow Witch, and to do so in the air. Avery apologized to his Stamina as, along with Physical Repulsion, he used Burst Step back to back.


    In an instant, just before the Shadow Witchs shadow wrapped itself around Gerald, Avery was above her. With as much force as he could muster, and hopefully before she could block or turn her body intangible with her shadows, he flipped in the air and used another Burst Step tounch himself at the woman.


    Sure enough, she wasnt expecting his all out attack. Avery wasnt messing around. He aimed to end her, the Vice Leader of the Assassins Guild, in one strike from above while she was distracted. Fortunately for her, she didnt be the Vice Leader for no reason. At thest moment, she saw the attack and shifted her body.


    She did a half flip backwards, just moving her head and heart out of the way of the attack. Averys attacknded just under her chest, on her left side. His dagger prated first, but that wasnt all. With his momentum, his hand followed. Following the puncture caused by his dagger, his fist prated through her abdomen and out her back.


    Then, along with his attack, the two shot like a cannon toward the ground-the ground covered in quicksand. Just before they hit, Avery moved his repulsion to his hands. He pulled his arm out of the Shadow Witchs abdomen and used his repulsion to flip himself back upright before moving it back to his feet.


    He looked down to see the woman halfway sunk into the sand. It was a hell of a hit to take. It would take a minute for her to recover.


    Avery saw his Stamina dangerously low after the rapid uses of his skills and summoned another potion out of his storage ring. He uncorked the vial and went to drink it, but as he was moving his arm, it stopped.


    He looked down to see a small, thread-sized length of shadow wrapped around his forearm. Then, the shadow began growing rapidly. He traced the shadow all the way to the half buried Shadow Witch and sighed. He quickly flicked the vial from one hand to another and drank it.


    Stop the fucking quicksand! The Shadow Witch shouted. I got him.


    The quicksand quickly lost its magic, and the shadow user dug herself out. She looked rough. A giant hole that everyone could see through appeared in her abdomen and blood dripped from her mouth as she spoke.


    Get him! She shouted at the nt user.


    Avery tried to escape the shadow, but a vine quickly wrapped around his foot and made its way up his leg. Soon, his entire lower body was wrapped up in vines, and his upper body was wrapped in shadows. He smiled bitterly as he was dragged to the ground.


    Fuckin hard to kill piece of The Shadow Witch muttered incoherently under her breath as she took a health potion out of her storage and drank it. The hole in her abdomen healed slowly before everyone.


    Gerald hopped down from his pir and walked close to Avery.


    Thats what you get. He spat. Thinking you could go up against me and alone at that. Geralds glove covered fist flew at Avery and hit him in the cheek.


    It didnt hurt at all it wouldnt even leave a bruise. Averyughed. Youre so fuckin weak.


    Is that right? Gerald pped him. I may be weak, but youre going to die.


    Avery stared fiercely into the mans eyes, then looked over his shoulder and smiled even wider. His vision, enhanced by all his buffs, including Eagle Eye, caught sight of the edge of the shadow dome, and looked somewhat through it.


    There, he saw two unrecognizable figures standing just beyond the dome. No I dont think I will. In fact, I think I did my job perfectly. He said, as he saw one of the figures put a hand on the outside of the dome. Sparks of electricity began flying where the figure touched. A passage just big enough for two people opened up, and the figures stepped in. Avery smiled in recognition.

 Chapter 216: Reinforcements

    Chapter 216: Reinforcements


    Derek moved quickly through the void, gradually getting more and more of a lead on Edgar. He was shocked at how fast the prince moved as lightning. Derek was still faster, though, even if he had to drink thousands, if not tens of thousands, of gold worth of potions. It didnt matter to him <em>Still faster. </em>He thought, smugly.


    Soon, Derek arrived a good distance away from what seemed to be a giant ck dome around an area. <em>That looks like the perfect ce for some showdown between good and evil. </em>If he was a betting man, which he was depending on the circumstances, he would say that was where Gerald was.


    As he got closer, he realized that he really couldnt see through it. It was just ck. Currently, there were a bunch of gathered a good distance away from the dome, watching it closely. Nobody seemed keen on getting any closer.


    Derek didnt mind them as he exited Void Shift andnded just in front of the dome. He waited for a handful of seconds until a ball of lightning hit the ground beside him, then turned into a man.


    Must be the Shadow Witch. Edgar said as he drank a Mana Potion.


    Yup. Derek said as he uncorked another Mana Potion and drained it. He turned his head toward Edgar and smiled. I won.


    What?


    You said you werent going to wait for me, but I beat you here. I won. Derek said.


    Edgar rolled his eyes. How was I supposed to know you had some weird fucking teleportation type of ability?


    Derek shrugged and looked back at the dark dome. Should we make our entrance?


    Edgar nodded.


    Okay. Derek ced his hand on the dome, but nothing happened. The dome was physical, and it moved with his hand, but he couldnt push through it. He punched it a couple of times, but nothing happened. Just when he was getting ready to move through the void and just appear on the other side, Edgar spoke up.


    Let me.


    The prince stepped forward and ced his palm on the dome. From there, he closed his eyes and began channeling his aura. It was damn near the strongest aura Derek had ever felt. Derek couldnt help but be impressed by the prince over and over.


    Soon, the princes white hair fluttered and rose into the air. His body began projecting sparks of electricity. Then, all the lightning flowing through the mans body converged onto the palm of the hand touching the dome.


    The electricity poured out of his hand and into the dome, eating away at it as it passed through. A small hole opened up before bing bigger and bigger. Soon after, it was big enough for the duo to step through and see what was inside.


    The two walked forward, and the electricity faded out of existence, allowing the dome to close behind them. Derek inspected the scene before him to get a good idea of what had happened.


    The first person he saw was the Crown Prince lying on the ground with blood flowing from where his arms used to be. He was in bad shape, but Derek knew if he had enough Vitality, he would survive the current blood loss.


    Then, in the distance, was a group of five people. There was a pale woman in a ck robe standing while clutching her abdomen while some blood was rolling down her chin. Then, there was a figure standing in some of the most ridiculously gaudy armor that Derek had ever seen.


    In front of the armored person, who Derek could only assume was Gerald because he seemed to have the same taste in armor as y had, was a man wrapped from the waist down in vines and from the waist to his shoulders in some ck substance, which Derek guessed was shadows considering they were going against someone called the Shadow Witch.


    The man was dressed in a loose fitting tunic and pants, and had a medium length brown hair that was a mess. His clothing was the same colors as the Crown Restaurants. The mans nose had a slight break to it, but otherwise, he could only be described as handsome. Derek instantly thought of Avery.


    Then, looking on at the scene, were two more people. One, a half elf controlling the vines that wrapped around Avery, and another, a near giant of a man, also wearing heavy te armor, but was nowhere near as shy as what Gerald was wearing.


    So Derek said to Edgar. Whats the n?


    Edgar didnt answer him, though. He was busy staring at his brother lying on the ground. Edgar instantly shot forward like a bolt of lightning and was next to Edward. He kneeled down and grasped Edward in his arms. Derek ran forward to catch up.


    Who did this? Derek heard Edgar ask as he made his way to the brothers.


    The Shadow Witch. Edward replied and nodded his head toward the pale woman in the ck robe. But shes strong really strong.


    Edgar seemed to not care about Edwards words as he force fed him a Health Potion andid him back down. He stood up and red daggers at the Vice Leader of the Assassins Guild. At that time, Derek arrived by his side.


    So, whats the n? Derek asked again.


    Im going to take out the Shadow Bitch. Edgar pointed at the woman, then said in a low tone, Dont kill Gerald or Cliff. I dont care about the other one.


    Derek stared at Edgar. Shadow Bitch? Really? You can do better than that. He shook his head. Fine, I guess we can make this fight an even three on three.


    Edgar frowned. What?


    Derek didnt answer. Only a few people other than Edgar had ever seen him use Void Shift. At that moment, he revealed it to everyone under the dome, and that wasnt all he nned to reveal. His priority one was to not let Gerald Torith escape. If he could catch him now, he wouldnt have to worry about looking over his shoulder because of the man. Plus, he could rest easy, knowing his group would also be safe.


    Immediately, Derek moved toward Gerald while in the void. His enemies were all near frozen, all disying various emotions as they looked on and listened to Derek and Edgar. But the Shadow Witch was quick.


    As Derek moved through the void, her eyes tracked him, and her body moved too. Not as fast as Edgar or as easily as nah, but she was the real deal. It didnt matter to Derek, though. Edgar said he would deal with the woman, and after feeling his aura earlier, he had faith in the man. Edgar must have noticed what was happening too, because as soon as the woman began moving, he moved as well.


    Derek shifted out of the void the moment he was between Avery and Gerald. As soon as he had full control of his body again, he channeled the void into his fist and used Multi-Strike as he threw a short,pact punch right into Geralds armor covered gut.


    His fistnded on the armor and a dull ring sounded out. Everyone looked down at Dereks fist. Nothing happened. Gerald even cracked a smile.


    Is that it? The man taunted.


    Derek just grinned. His void punch seemed to have that same dyed effect on everything he hit with it. Derek only hoped that using Multi-Strike with it this time wasnt going to be too much for the former advisor to live through. They said he had a ton of Vitality, so he should be fine he hoped.


    Then, after a couple of seconds, Gerald doubled over and it seemed that a waterfall of crimson flooded out of his mouth. The man then fell to his knees and continued vomiting.


    While everyone was stunned, Derek showed off his next trick. Faster than ever before, he ripped the void to the side of him open and pushed open a door. He grabbed the injured Gerald by the back of his neck and tossed him inside. Quickly, he pulled the door shut and closed the void. It was almost like there was never anything there.


    Derek looked around. What? I told you all that this was going to be a fair fight. Three on three thats what I said.


    He looked over his shoulder at Edgar, who was one of the only two who hadnt been shocked silent. The man had triggered his movement ability just behind Derek and moved between him and the Shadow Witch, blocking her from stopping whatever Derek nned on doing.


    The two remaining enemies chose that moment to react. Vines shot up and wrapped around Dereks lower body, and sharp spikes of stones hurled through the air at him. Derek knew making his move would leave him wide open to attacks, but he trusted in his Endurance and Vitality.


    However, Derek was not strong enough to break the grasp of the vines yet. He made a mental note to work on that, and to watch out for crowd control skills in future battles.


    He wasnt worried, though, because the instant that Edgar began his battle with the Shadow Witch, she had to break her hold on Avery. The man may have had trouble with the shadows holding him in ce, but as soon as they were gone, his daggers made short work of the vines.


    Derek allowed the spikes to hit him, choosing only to cover his face and chest with his arms. He wanted to protect his vitals, just in case the attack was stronger than it seemed. It wasnt.


    In a sh, Avery was in front of Derek and the vines holding him in ce were destroyed. Derek smiled at Avery and nodded. Thanks.


    No problem. The man said. Ill take care of the half elf. He shed away and began his assault on the nt user.


    Derek nodded and focused on the earth user. Looks like its you and me, big guy.

 Chapter 217: 3v3

    Chapter 217: 3v3


    The earth user clenched his fists and growled. What did you do to Gerald?


    Oh, if you want him back, all you have to do is beat me. Derek stepped forward. The second his foot touched the ground, spikes shot up from below him. They tore through the soles of Dereks shoes, but werent even strong enough to make his feet bleed. That tickled. He smiled. Inwardly, he was fuming. <em>Now I got to get another fucking pair of shoes. </em>Luckily, good shoes werent as hard for him to find as good pants or shirts. As long as the boots werefortable, he didnt care how they looked.


    The man stomped on the ground, and the sand beneath Derek began flowing. <em>Ah, so he can turn this sand into a quicksand of some sort. </em>Derek began sinking into the ground. He thought about his skills <em>Im sure Absolute Nullify would make quick work of this, but Ill just go with the ssics.</em>


    He shifted into the void and pulled himself out of the sand. Then, he moved to behind the earth user and came out stopped the skill. With the void flowing through his left hand, he tapped the man on the shoulder with his right. When the man turned, Derek let his fist fly.


    When he was aiming not to kill, the stomach was the perfect ce for his void covered fist tond. If he hit in the right spot, there werent and major vital organs he had to worry about destroying. This, in turn, allowed Derek to strike without worrying about an instant kill.


    Overall, his strikes werent much stronger than they were when he sparred against Shae, but his opponent was tougher and had better defenses than the Savannah Adventurers Guild Master. Dereks Multi-Strike was still on cooldown, so he waited to see what kind of damage a single void fist would cause.


    Apparently, not a lot. It was enough to cause Cliff to groan and let out a cough, but not much more than that. When the strikended on Gerald, it was stacked four times with Dereks newly increased level in Multi-Strike. Plus, while Geralds Vitality may have been high, Derek was unsure if his Endurance was better than Cliffs.


    Dereks next strike flew at Cliff once again. This time, he wasnt taken by surprise, and a thinyer of sand formed in front of Dereks fist and blocked the attack. Well, that was the thing about Dereks void enhanced strikes. Even when you blocked them, you really didnt.


    A second passed after Derek pulled his fist back, and the man let out another grunt. Derek smiled. If Cliff wanted to block his strikes, he would have to do more than a smallyer of sand.


    As Derek was fighting the heir to House Aarden, Avery was bored. The nt user was awful in a one-on-one battle, especially against someone like him. The half elf was currently nted face first into the ground, unconscious.


    Avery was standing next to Edward, feeding the Crown Prince Health Potions and reattaching the mans arms. The rogue really wanted to fight against the Shadow Witch, but it seemed Edgar had a bone to pick with her. He understood it, as seeing your brother in such a helpless situation would cause any person to react that way.


    Once Edward was taken care of, Avery went over to the others, who were all caught up in the initial ambush by Geralds team. He sighed, as all but one were dead, and the other didnt have much time left in his dying state.


    Avery took a scroll out of his storage and channeled mana into it, bringing the guard out of the dying state. Edward, now with both arms, soon walked over to Avery and the other man. The other man was now unconscious and no longer in danger.


    Thank you for that. And foring here. Edward said as he approached.


    Avery nodded. Of course. Mydy asked me toe, so I did. Plus, that first shot with my bow felt good really good. He smiled. It was a memory he would cherish. Even so, he thought he went overboard at first and killed the man in one shot. He was happy when he stood.


    Come on, I dont want to be too far away from that elf when he wakes up. Avery said as he led Edward, who was now carrying the unconscious guard, back to where he had deposited the nt user.


    Should we help them? Edward asked.


    Avery scoffed. Do they look like they need help?


    Derek, that madman, was toying with Cliff. Derek didnt even try to dodge a single attack from the man. He just took it and punched back with a fist covered in a purple glow. Then, every time the mans fistnded, there was a dy before Cliff staggered back or coughed blood. If Avery didnt know any better, he would say that Derek was beginning to look irritated.


    I guess not Edward muttered.


    After arriving back at the body of the unconscious nt user, Avery sat down and began picking at his fingernails with his dagger. Dereks fight with Cliff was boring, so he shifted his attention. The real battle was taking ce in the air sky above them.


    The sky below the shadow dome lit up with each collision of lightning against shadow as Edgar shot himself into the Shadow Witch. His lightning didnt seem to work as well against the shadows as light would, but as Edgar collided with her, the shadows gradually began to be more and more transparent.


    The second prince wouldnt allow the woman to heal up or use any kind of potion. He stayed next to her the entire fight. He had actually zapped multiple attempts of her trying to use a Mana Potion. That, plus the fact that the woman still hadnt healedpletely from Averys final attack against her, made the fight even more in Edgars favor.


    At that moment, Avery heard a loud groan, then a crash. He moved his gaze from the battle above back to Derek and Cliff. Derek was standing over Cliffs unconscious body, a pool of blood poured out of the heirs mouth.


    Derek kicked the man onto his back and force fed him a Health Potion. Then he looked up and around, spotting Edward and Avery off to the side. Derek grabbed Cliff by his right pauldron and dragged him over to the rest of the group.


    Took you long enough. Avery said.


    Derek tossed the man next to the half elf and sat next to Avery. Fucking guy wouldnt go down. Had to wait for a skill cooldown to knock him out. I didnt want to hit him in a vital spot and instantly kill him. Edgar said he was part of some big noble house, so I thought I would be political for once.


    Averyughed. He is, but hes also one of the strongest from that house.


    Heard that, too. Derek said. So, hows Edgar doing? he looked up at the battle in the sky. From Dereks perspective, it didnt look like the second prince was going to need any help.


    Hes fine. Avery said. It would have been a much better fight if Vanessa was fresh, but she was still healing up when the two of you got here.


    Derek nodded. You did pretty good fighting all of them like that. It would have been a pain in the ass getting caught by shadows and vines at the same time.


    Yeah, I had to take the chance. Gerald was about to escape with the Shadow Witch I couldnt let that happen. Avery replied.


    Derek pped Avery on the back and focused on Edgars battle.


    Edgar bolted forward and swung his Lightning de at the womans shield of shadows one more time. This time, instead of stopping, it dug in and cut the shield in half.


    Give up, youre done. Edgar said.


    The Shadow Witch panted heavily and spat out some blood. She grinned, revealing a bloody smile. Come on, little prince, is that all youve got?


    Edgar chuckled and shook his head. No, actually. Ive been holding back quite a bit. Would you like me to show you what Ive got?


    How about you just let me leave here? We can forget this ever happened. You wouldnt want the Assassins Guild as an enemy, would you? She said.


    Oh, I dont have to worry about that. I can guarantee this mission was sanctioned by the guild. Even if it was, when an assassin dies on the job, the guild doesnt retaliate. Its the assassins fault for being too weak. Dont think you can trick me with that. Edgar said, then pointed at the ground next to Avery and Derek, where his brother was sitting. Plus, youre the one who hurt Edward. I cant let you get away with that.


    The Shadow Witch clicked her tongue. Maybe, but I didnt kill him, did I? In fact, I refused to kill him. Just ask that damn rogue.


    Edgar frowned, but finally made up his mind. Then, I wont kill you. Ill take you back, then Ill let someone else figure out what to do with you.


    With that, he didnt allow the woman to say anything else. He used Ethereal Spark, bing lightning once again. He zipped forward, cutting straight through the womans hasty attempt at defense, thennded on her body.


    He said he wouldnt kill her, so he didnt. Instead of going for the heart or brain, he kept his attack external. He dealt just enough damage to take her out of the sky.


    Like a bird with broken wings, the Shadow Witch plummeted to the ground. When shended, she wasnt unconscious, just badly injured.


    Edgar was standing next to the woman. He had beaten the woman to the ground, actually. When shended, he flipped her over, then removed anything that looked like it could be a storage device from her. He couldnt have her healing up and escaping, after all. He pocketed the items, then dragged her to her feet by her arm.


    Come on.


    Edgar walked over to Derek and the others with the Shadow Witch in his grasp.


    What now? Derek asked.


    Now, we go back to Savannah. Edgar said. We can let everyone else sort this out.


    Derek nodded and opened his Time Prison back up. When he opened the door, Gerald tried to rush out, but was met with a swift kick from Avery. Derek looked over at the man.


    What? Hes fun to hit? Avery shrugged.


    Derekughed and tossed both the earth user and nt user inside. Then he looked at Edgar.


    Go on. Edgar pushed the Shadow Witch forward.


    The woman sighed, but walked inside. As soon as Derek closed the door, what little was left of the shadow dome around them disappeared. He pulled the void back together and let out a deep sigh. He could finally be done with his Gerald problem atst.

 Chapter 218: Sabrina Elras Part I

    Chapter 218: Sabrina Elras Part I


    Five Years AgoKingdom of Indria


    It was a normal morning for Sabrina. She woke, bathed, was dressed by her servants, and left her room to have breakfast with her father, the Duke, her mother, and her younger brothers. When she arrived at the dining room, only her father was there waiting for her. She looked around, and could find nobody else, not even a servant.


    Father. She said. Is there something wrong? Where is mother?


    Her father smiled at her. They will join uster. There is something we must discuss first. He snapped his fingers, and a barrier went up around them. This way, nobody would be able to listen in to their conversation.


    Sabrina frowned. This was weird. She had never been in a situation like this with just her and her father. It felt almost like an ambush. What was going on? What was so important that they needed a sound barrier around them?


    Her father let out a long sigh. The King has sent for you.


    Sabrina felt the weight of the bombshell her father had dropped on her. She had met her uncle, the King of Indria, only twice in her life, and she was much too young to remember the first time. For him to summon her out of the blue like this, she was at a loss for words.


    B-but why? She managed to squeak out.


    Honestly, my daughter I do not know. I can think of a few reasons, but I dare not specte. He wants to see you in the Throne Room this evening, therefore, you will be there. Her father said.


    I very well. Sabrina said.


    Remember your etiquette. Do not speak unless spoken to. Her father cautioned. He is your uncle, and he loves you, but he is also the ruler of the greatest Kingdom on this continent. Do not embarrass him or me.


    Sabrina nodded slightly. I will do my best, father.


    Her father nodded. Good. He snapped his fingers once again, and the sound barrier disappeared. He pped his hands and their servants began bringing in their breakfast. Sabrinas mother and brothers soon joined. Eat well, you have a big day ahead of you.


    <em>A big day, indeed</em> Sabrina thought. She did not eat well that morning. She lost her appetite the moment her father told her about the summons. Her father only met with the King, who was his own brother, a few times each year, and that was to report on thends that he ruled as a Duke. Sabrina had no clue what the King could want with her.


    She wasnt going to take over once her father stepped down. No, that position would go to her older brother, who was in the army. If it was him being summoned, she would be able to wrap her head around it, but she was non-important.


    As the daughter of a Duke, she had more status and opportunities than most, but really, her job should be to marry into a strong family in the Kingdom to strengthen the bonds between the Royals and the other nobles. Its one of the reasons she focused more on her studies and propriety than her own strength.


    Sabrina picked through her meal. <em>Maybe this is about marriage. </em>She thought. <em>I am thirty-five years old this year thats not too young to be given away. </em>She was still young by Elven standards. Her race was notoriously infertile, but made up for it with their lifespan. Even without increased Vitality and Endurance from the Great System, a pureblooded elf could live for hundreds of years. That was more than long enough to produce an heir or two, especially with the addition of alchemical potions.


    Just look at her parents. Sabrina was the second oldest of four siblings, and the only daughter. Her eldest brother was already in histe seventies, and her younger brothers were twins, and both sixteen. Her eldest brother wasnt even born until her father was in his two-hundreds


    <em>Maybe it is time </em>It wasnt the worst thought. Shed prepared for it for most of her life. In fact, the longer she thought about it, the more she was looking forward to it. If it was a match that even the King was involved in, then maybe she would meet the perfect suitor.


    Sabrina retired from breakfast in a much better headspace than she was in previously. As she pushed open the door to leave the dining room, it knocked into one of the servants carrying tea.


    Sabrina snapped at the servant. Watch where youre going!


    Y-yes mdy. The human fell to her knees and began to frantically gather up the spilled tea.


    Hmmph. Sabrina snorted. I should have you flogged, but youre lucky Im in a good mood today. Get this mess cleaned up and I better not see you again today. She half skipped to her bedroom. Not even an inept ve could ruin her good mood today.


    Sabrina and her father arrived at the pceter that day. Throughout the day, she had convinced herself more and more that today was going to be the day that she met her betrothed. She could barely keep the smile off her face, no matter how many times her father told her to remove it.


    Her father led her to the Throne Room to finally meet her King, and hopefully, her intended. Once they stepped into the hall, she noticed a problem. It was quiet there was nobody there to announce their arrival.


    She looked up and around. There was only her uncle, the King of Indria, sitting on the throne. There were no advisors, nomanders, no guards just him, her, and her father.


    About that time, her father nudged her, breaking her out of her thoughts. She hurriedly gave the King a proper bow, then waited. The King looked her up and down. She waited. His eyes met hers and he smiled. She waited.


    Finally, after who knows how long, the King spoke. Brother. He said.


    Yes, Your Majesty. Her father replied.


    You are dismissed.


    Her father opened his mouth, but couldnt find any words. Finally, he bowed once again. Yes, Your Majesty.


    Sabrina was in a panic. Her father had abandoned her alone in the pce with the King. She wasnt prepared to meet the King alone. What would she say? What should she do? <em>Why </em>was she here? Obviously, it wasnt to meet a suitor. Or maybe it was, and her uncle only wanted to ask her about it in private before arranging it. She could only hope.


    Sabrina correct? The King asked.


    Y-yes, Your Majesty. She replied.


    The King nodded. Good very good. He said. I have not seen you in what has it been? Twenty years? You have blossomed into a fine young maiden.


    T-thank you, Your Majesty.


    I am sure you have many questions about this meeting. Rest assured, you are in no trouble. In fact, the Kingdom needs your help. The King exined.


    Sabrina looked at the King, confusion written all over her face. My help? She asked, then stammered. Your Majesty.


    It is just the two of us. There is no need to be so proper. The King said. You are my niece, after all. He smiled a brilliant smile.


    King Elras of the Indria Kingdom was one of the most stunning looking elves Sabrina had ever seen. For being centuries old, the man looked no older than herself. He had the same silver hair and emerald green eyes that were prominent among the Elras lineage, but his hair glistened and eyes sparkled just a bit more than any other she had seen. It could have been just her imagination because of his status, but she doubted it.


    Sabrina gave a shy smile and looked back up at the King. Yes uncle. She waited for the reprimand, but it never came. It still seemed odd that someone of such status, who was known to be a champion of propriety, would allow such a casual shift, even if they were the only two. She didnt question it, though.


    We have been in talks with the Kingdom of Cydaria and havee to a conclusion that it is time to send a royal envoy to <em>strengthen </em>our ties. The mission willst for around five years. The King exined, then motioned Sabrina toe closer. She hesitated, but stepped forward. Soon, the King erected a soundproof barrier around the two of them. Of course, that is just what you will be doing on the surface.


    The King then went on to exin that he had assets in the Kingdom of Cydaria, ones that would report to her. It was hard to get proper reports because messages via crystals could be easily intercepted by certain figures and were never secure. He exined that there was a human who yed a big role in supplying the Kingdom with its servants, and that he would be her inside source. Her role would be to gather as much information about the inner workings of Cydaria, then report back.


    She was chosen for this task because of her status within the Kingdom. She was the niece of the King, an important figure in the Indria Kingdom. Sending someone of her status would show how seriously Indria was taking the situation.


    Sabrina was taken aback. Bing an envoy, no a spy, was thest thing she thought she would be summoned for. Still, it was a mission from the King himself, and she could not refuse. Well, she could, it would be allowed. The King made sure to emphasize that she didnt have to take it on, but she would ept it. For herself, her father, and her King she would do it.


    I ept. She said.


    Wonderful. The King said. Now, there are some very important things you must know. He flicked his hand and summoned a ne. First, you must wear this at all times.


    She took the ne. It was quite mundane, just a round emerald sitting on a silver chain. Nothing fancy. She carefully ced the ne around her neck.


    That ne is a powerful artifact. The King exined. There are two people who live in the Cydarian Kingdom that you must be wary about. The first is Natalie Savannah. You will be spending much of your time in Savannah, so it is only natural that you wille across the City Lord.


    Sabrina nodded along as she listened with rapt attention.


    She has some kind of appraisal skill that allows her to see the history of objects and people. The ne will protect you from that kind of invasion.


    Sabrina clucked the emerald in her hand as she listened.


    The second person is a half-elf. Not much is known about her other than the fact that she settled down in Cydaria decades ago and started up the most popr and sessful business in the entire Kingdom. Even her passive voice controls weaker people. If she actively uses her skills, then even the strongest have theply with her demands.


    Her name is nah Swan. She is the owner of the Crown Restaurant. Hopefully, the ne will protect against her as well. Though, I dont suspect you will have many, if any, interactions with her. It is best to avoid her, as I do not know what protection the ne will provide against her. The King exined.


    Sabrina took everything in. Five years. She needed to gather information for five years. She wouldplete this task to the best of her abilities.


    The King kept Sabrina for hours longer, giving her information that she would need. She also had to swear a system oath, but that wasnt a big deal for something as important as this. By the time they were finished, it was past midnight. She stayed in the pce that night.


    The next morning, she met her guard. They werent the strongest fighters, but they were some of the most loyal. She happily informed her father of being selected as an envoy to another country and expressed her excitement at being chosen.


    Three weekster, she entered the Capital of Cydaria and was greeted by the Crown Prince and Princess of Cydaria. She held back the disgust she felt at greeting humans as equals and fell into her role. She would make her King proud.

 Chapter 219: Sabrina Elras Part II

    Chapter 219: Sabrina Elras Part II


    Present DayKingdom of Cydaria


    Sabrina and her two guards walked out of the warehouse where she had met Gerald Torith. If she ever had to rank humans based on the ones she met, she would rank that man as the lowest of the low. He was greedy and maniptive, and had no care for those of his own race. If things worked out, she would never have to meet the man again, and that would still not be long enough.


    Luckily, her five years as an envoy had passed, and it wouldnt be strange for her to leave at any time. In fact, she nned on leaving earlier, but she had met that weird man who had turned out to be Onyx Ranked back in Savannah.


    She spent some extra time focusing on that man, but other than his odd behavior, dress, and rudeness, she didnt find much else about him. When she found out he was a friend of nah Swan, she gave up looking deeper into him. She had managed five years without running into the woman. She would hate to mess that up thiste into the game.


    Fortunately, her dying her leave because of her curiosity had paid off. Gerald Torith contacted her, and told her he had important news, and she must say, after five years of information gathering, the news she just received from the slimy man was the most important news shed received yet.


    Sabrina had an extra pep in her step as she made her way back to the Cydarian Capital. They didnt rush, they moved at a slow, natural pace. Today was a great day. She was going toplete her mission soon. She would finally be able to see her family and kingdom again, and she did it all without being found out.


    She even gave the human guard an uncharacteristic smile as she and her guard reentered the city. It was enough to cause the guard to blush. Happily, she and the two guards made their way to the Teleportation Building. Shed had all the relevant paperwork finished for some time, and all she had to do was hand it in and she could be sent to the border.


    From there, it was a few days journey to an Indrian city with a teleporter. Within a week, she would be back home. She couldnt wait.


    As the trio approached the Teleportation Building, she noticed amotion up ahead. Two men, who she recognized, rushed out of the building. One was Derek Hunt, the subject of her recent interest and fascination, and the other was Prince Edgar. They made for an appealing duo.


    She had no clue what they were doing. She stepped forward to get a closer look, but before she even realized it, they were gone. Prince Edward disappeared in a bright sh, and Derek Hunt just disappeared. She stared at where they used to be standing, ck jawed.


    Now, she was in a predicament. Does she enter the Teleportation Building and make her way home, or should she wait around and try to find out what was going on? The information she currently had was more than enough to call her mission sessful.


    After thinking, she decided to leave. Derek Hunt and Prince Edgar had caused so muchmotion already that gossip would surely spread. Whatever happened would surely be gossiped about soon, and not secretly either. She entered the Teleportation Building with her twockeys.


    Good evening, Miss Elras. The elf at the front desk greeted her. He was one of the only workers she enjoyed talking to. He was full blooded, and he always talked to her with respect. How may I help the envoy today?


    Sabrina shed the man a bright smile. Im finally going home. She summoned her papers and handed them to the man.


    Has it been five years already? The man asked.


    She nodded. It has. Actually, its been a little over.


    You must be excited, then.


    Very much so. Sabrina confirmed. Ill finally be able to see my family again. Letters and missives are no substitute for the real thing.


    I understand that. The clerk said as he read through her papers. Everything seems to be in order. If you will, please follow me.


    Sabrina followed the Elven clerk through the Teleportation Building, asking about what she had seen along the way.


    Was that Prince Edgar I saw before I came in? He seemed to be in quite a rush. She said.


    It was. Him and hispanion appeared to be in quite the hurry. I have no clue as to why, though. The worker said. However, not long before those two arrived, the Crown Prince and his guards arrived, too. They were also in a rush. Something big must have gone down.


    I hope everyones okay. Sabrina said.


    Im sure everything will be fine. The Elven clerk said. Soon after, they arrived at a teleportation circle. Here we are. Step in and we will get the three of you on your way back home.


    Thank you. Sabrina and her two guards stepped inside the teleportation circle and waited for the clerk to activate it.


    Now, Im sure you already know this, but you will be teleported directly to Fort Bris. It is the closest circle to the border between Cydaria and Indria. Once there, you will be escorted outside the fort and to the border. From there, the journey is in your hands. I hope youve had a great time in Cydaria, mdy. The clerk said.


    It was a pleasure. She replied.


    Not long after, she and her guards were teleported to the fort, and within a couple hours, she was standing on Indrian soil for the first time in five years.


    Just over the border, there was a group of escorts waiting for her arrival back to Indria. They had been stationed there, waiting for her arrival for months, so when they saw her, there was a bit of a celebration.


    The journey from the border to a teleportation circle wasnt short, but Sabrina didntin once. She was just happy to be going home. After a few days, she arrived at a city, then immediately chose to teleport directly to the capital.


    The second she stepped outside in the capital, she took a deep breath in. No longer did the air reek of filth and garbage. No, it was the sweet smell of nature. Indrias cities were built much the same as Cydaria, but for one ring difference, the care taken.


    The buildings were made with the best woods avable, instead of the stone buildings most humans opted for. Each building was decorated with vines and flowers, each giving off pleasant smells. Every city had positions avable for cleaners. There were no slums in Indria, at least not in the same sense as the ones in Cydaria. Of course, there were many more cities spread out through Indria, and the poption was much less than those in Cydaria.


    After taking a moment to bask in the floral smells of the city, Sabrina moved directly toward her own home. She needed to report to the pce, but there was no way she was going to stand in front of the King wearing the same clothing as she had traveled in.


    The gate guards at her residence immediately recognized and greeted her. She exchanged some pleasantries, but rapidly moved through the courtyard and gardens to her home. Inside, she was met by her mother, who was a force to be reckon with.


    Oh! Sabrina! Youre back. Im so happy. She rushed forward and scooped Sabrina into a giant embrace.


    Im happy to finally be home, mother. Sabrina said, holding back tears. Unfortunately, I can only stay here long enough to clean myself. I must report to the pce posthaste.


    Oh? Her mother put her at arms length to examine her. I see. You must dress properly if you are to visit the pce. Come,e. Her mother led her to the baths to have a proper cleaning.


    It was the first real bath Sabrina had in five years. Unfortunately, she was on a time crunch and was unable to enjoy it. <em>Tomorrow</em> she said to herself.


    Your father is already at the pce. I have sent word that you havee home. He will meet you there. Her mother ushered her back out of their house. Go. You mustnt keep the King waiting.


    Before long, she was with her father, waiting to be summoned by the King. She was more nervous this time than she was the first.


    You may go in. A servant called for her. Just the girl. He stopped her father from going into the Throne Room with her.


    She understood. This was a private mission. Her father hadnt known about it, at least, <em>she </em>hadnt told him about it before she left. Whether the King had informed his brother, she didnt know.


    She walked into the Throne Room to the same scene as five years ago. The King sat alone in the room, on his throne, looking not a day older than when theyst met.


    Sabrina walked closer and bowed. Your Majesty.


    My niece. It has been five years since you left as an envoy. I trust you had a pleasant time in the Kingdom of Cydaria. The King greeted her.


    Yes, Your Majesty.


    The King motioned for Sabrina to walk closer, and just as she had thest time, she did. Then he erected a soundproof barrier over them.


    Tell me, Sabrina. Did you learn of anything important over thest five years? Anything not safe formunication crystals or our other spies? The King asked.


    I have learned much. As for the usefulness of what I have learned, that can only be determined by Your Majesty. She replied.


    Then let us begin.


    Sabrina took in a deep breath and began pouring out all information she learned, down to the tiniest detail. She told the King of which nobles were loyal to the Royal Family, and which were unsatisfied. Which wanted a new regime and which could be bought. She had information on guards from the different cities, and as much military information as she could gather.


    She hadpiled a list of all the strongest people in Cydaria, both known and unknown to most. In fact, just recently, she added another name to that list. The King and Sabrina spent hours going over everyst detail. By the end of her report, her King might have known more about most of the dungeons in Cydaria than Cydarias own King.


    Finally, she moved on to the final report she received by Gerald Torith, the man who had provided the majority of the information she had gathered in the first ce, before she left.


    And after the auction, the Kingdom has decided to send a number of high-level personnel into this dungeon. This is a list and known levels of the current members of the team. She handed the King a list of names.


    Interesting. The Kingmented as he looked over the list. Though there seems to be a few names missing.


    That is correct. She replied. When I received the list, Prince Edgar had yet to decide on the final members of the raid party. I suspect the undecided members will be even stronger than those currently listed.


    I see. The King looked up at Sabrina and smiled. You have done well.


    Thank you, Your Majesty.


    You have even gathered a small amount of information that I did not have before. That is remarkable, indeed. The King said.


    Sabrina froze. Was the King saying he already had all of this information?


    Rx, girl. He smiled. This was a test. It proved your loyalty and capabilities. From what our other spies gather, other than a single urrence, no suspicion was even cast upon you, and you yed your role as an envoy well. For that, you have done admirably.


    A single urrence? She asked.


    This Derek Hunt. He seemed to take a small interest in you before forgetting about it. Nothing you didnt already know, or report. He is a bit of an enigma, though. He came out of nowhere, then was in business with the Crown Restaurant and nah Swan. Its fascinating.


    Yes, Your Majesty.


    Also, you have gathered the information about the new dungeon and the team before any of my other spies. For that, you will be properly rewarded. The King said.


    I do not need any rewards, Your Majesty. She replied.


    Yet you will have them. He spoke. The King then snapped his fingers, and the barrier broke. You may now leave. You will stay in the pce tonight. Please send your father in behind you.


    Yes, Your Majesty. She turned to go, then remembered the ne. She made to remove it, but was interrupted.


    Keep it. Think of it as part of your reward. It is a valuable thing. You may have use for it in the future. He motioned for her to continue.


    Sabrina left the Throne Room. She wasnt sure what to think about everything that had transpired. The King had already known everything she told him, other than small tidbits about servants and such. Other than the dungeon information, she had provided him with what? The favorite color of the second daughter of House Aarden.


    Of course, he already knew everything. He was the King of an entire country. He had spies much more capable than a young elf like her. What was the point of this all? Why had she spent five years of her life doing that? She thought of countless questions as she found her father and directed him to the Throne Room.


    Back in the Throne Room, King Osian Elras sat on his throne in contemtion. The information the girl arrived with was new, and more important that she had believed. He stared at the paper with the list of names.


    If this many powerful people will be away from Cydaria for at least three years, how much will their military force be weakened? While he was deep in thought, his brother walked into the hall. Brother! He greeted. Come, sit. Have a drink. We must toast to your daughterspetence. She has done the Kingdom a great service. King Osian stood from his throne and ced a table and chairs down in the room.


    I knew she would. His brother said as he moved closer. She has the mind for it. And at her next ss change, she should also have the skills for it. He took one of the chairs and sat. She need only stop thinking about marriage. She is much too young to worry about that.


    Mhm But werent you her age when you met your wife? The King asked as he took out some wine and poured drinks. If anyone other than his brother had seen him doing this, they would be shocked and appalled.


    I am not her. His brother said.


    That is true. King Osian tipped his cup forward. To Sabrina Elras. For not being as ipetent as my little brother.


    His brother snorted. She takes after her mother.


    The two brothers had a goodugh at that before King Osian got serious once again. He erected a soundproof barrier over them.


    Oh? His brother said.


    We have much to discuss. You daughter really did bring me interesting news this time. King Osian said.


    And what news did she bring?


    I think. King Osian took a sip of wine. It is time.

 Chapter 220: Loose Lips Sink Ships

    Chapter 220: Loose Lips Sink Ships


    With their enemies taken care of, Derek and his group made to leave the pce courtyard. The entire area was a mess with splotches of sand, unlevel earth, deep cut in the ground, and general destruction, but that had nothing to do with him. The King could figure all that stuff out when he got back home.


    Edward called on one of the servants left in the pce and handed the surviving guard, Brandt, off to him. The guard was only unconscious now. He would wake in time. Avery had <em>revived </em>him, and Edward pumped him full of potions afterward. He just needed some rest.


    We can go now. Edward said, and they all began their trek back to the Teleportation Building under the murmurs and gazes of onlookers. What happened here today would surely be gossiped about for a while, or at least until something else big happened.


    Avery left the group about a quarter of the way back. He had to get back to the restaurant and his recruits. He had left the two boys in the middle of training without giving them much of an exnation. Derek couldnt help but smile because the mans eyes lit up just like his voice did when he talked about them. It seemed the man really enjoyed having disciples.


    Well that was uneventful. Derek said as they walked through the giant city.


    I know. Edgar replied. I really expected more out of the Vice Leader of the Assassins Guild. I didnt even get to go all out. It was all too easy.


    She seemed a bit worse for wear because of Avery. It would have been a better fight if she was fresh. Derek said.


    Are the two of you crazy? Edward cut in. Uneventful? Easy? Do you know what I just went through? Do you know what its like to have both of your arms cut off?


    Yes. Edgar said.


    Kinda. Derek replied.


    Y-you do? Edward was bbergasted.


    Unlike some member of my family, I dont take it easy when Im training. Edgar said.


    Derek nodded. You get your best skill ups when youre in real fights. He looked at Edgar. You had both of your arms cut off?


    Edgar nodded. Yeah. I was in a dungeon a couple of years ago. Have you fought any of those Mantiss with the scythe-like arms?


    The wind ones? Derek asked.


    Yeah, those. Edgar confirmed. I was fighting a boss type, and lost an arm early on in the fight. Then at the end, I gave up my other arm to finish it off. My team was there to help put me back together, though. What about you?


    People. Derek said. People are the worst.


    What happened?


    Ambush. Derek began. I walked straight into it. One of those mistakes you dont make twice. Usually, you dont get to make it once. I got lucky. Its one of the reasons I love my Endurance and Vitality so much. Lost my arm in the ambush. When I finished the fight, my remaining arm had multiple fractures. It was a pain, and <em>I </em>didnt have a team to help put me back together.


    Yeah the two of you are insane. Edward said. Howe I never heard about you losing your arms? he asked Edgar.


    Loose lips sink ships. Derek answered.


    I like that. Edgar said. Never heard it before.


    Its a saying where Ie from. Derek said. Like snitches get stitches.


    I like that, too. Ill have to remember those. Edgar said. But to answer your question, brother. My team knows when to talk and when to keep their mouths shut.


    The three continued their small talk all the way back to Savannah. It took much longer to get back when you werent guzzling Mana Potions and using skills. By the time they made it back to the Crown Restaurant in Savannah, it was dark out.


    The three men were escorted back up to their original room where the King, nah, and Natalie were still waiting for them.


    You took your time getting back. nah said. Avery reported in over an hour ago.


    Derek smiled. Well, we werent in a rush this time, and I wanted to see a little bit of the capital.


    Wait. You knew? The King butted in. Why didnt you say anything?


    nah shrugged. You didnt ask. Im surprised your people hasnt sent you anything.


    About that. Edward said. Brandt is probably still unconscious. He was beaten pretty good. Hes lucky Avery showed up when he did.


    Thats good. I was worried. The King replied. So, what happened? Did you capture Gerald?


    Of course we did. Edgar pulled out his seat and flopped down. He grabbed a fork and dug into whatever was in front of him. Actually, it was a letdown. Too easy.


    Oh, here we go again. Edward facepalmed.


    What? The King asked.


    Edward sighed. I got my ass kicked, is what. I was nothing more than a spectator while Avery fought three people, then when the Shadow Witch got bored with me, Avery had to fight four people.


    That doesnt sound like it was too easy. The King said.


    Well Edward started. Then these two showed up. He pointed out Derek and Edgar. Derek had taken his seat at this point and was working on finishing a ss of wine. He didnt really like wine. Instantly, they took Gerald out, then Avery got loose again. After that, it was over. I didnt even see Avery beat his opponent. One second he was cutting himself out of some vines, the next second, I blinked and he was reattaching my arms.


    Reattaching your arms? The King let out a gasp.


    Yeah. The Shadow Witch cut them off so I would stop trying to help Avery. Edward said. As if he needed it. He muttered under his breath.


    That damn Assassins Guild. The King clenched his fist.


    It was strange, though. She wouldnt kill me even when Geraldmanded her to.


    After that, Edward described everything that went down in full detail. He was there from the beginning and hadnt missed anything.


    So, where is Gerald? The King asked. You didnt put him in the dungeon, did you?


    Derek raised his hand. I have him and the others.


    You have them? What does that mean? King Edwin asked.


    Do you want to see? Derek smiled and stood.


    nah already knew, and Edgar and Edward had watched him used Time prison. Derek felt confident enough in his own strength to reveal more about himself. Plus, now that Gerald was captured, he didnt need to worry as much about hispanions anymore.


    Derek walked to an open space and ripped the void open, revealing the door to his Time Prison.


    nah. Derek said. It would be best if you came in and stopped Gerald from contacting anyone. He still has all his storage rings and stuff. When I open the door, Im pretty sure he will be able to use hismunication crystals.


    How interesting. nah stood and walked beside Derek.


    Derek reached out and opened the door. The light from the room shined into the Time Prison, illuminating the dark lobby. As soon as the door opened, two heads turned to look at the new arrivals.


    After you. Derek said.


    nah shrugged and walked inside. If that wasnt a disy of trust, Derek didnt know what was. He could basically close the door and trap her, yet she walked in without any questions. Derek followed.


    The Shadow Witch and Gerald jumped to their feet.


    Stop. nah said, and Derek felt it.


    He had the urge to stop moving, but he could fight it. The Shadow Witch also fought it after some time, but Gerald was frozen.


    nahs gazended on the Shadow Witch. You go wait at the side.


    The pale woman frowned, but moved to the side. Derek smiled, then walked over beside the Shadow Witch. Not because some of nahsmandnded on him, but because he wanted to make sure she didnt try something, like contacting her guild. Definitely not because of nah nope.


    Shes pretty scary, isnt she? Derek whispered to the woman.


    The woman clicked her tongue, but didnt answer.


    So, do you think you could have beaten Edgar if you werent injured or fatigued? He asked.


    The woman shot Derek a nasty look. If looks could kill, he would be dead. She closed her eyes and let out a sigh. No.


    Surprisingly honest. Derek said.


    I may have been able to escape. She continued. What was that skill you used when you arrived? How did you move like that?


    Trade secret. Derek smiled. From what he gathered, the woman, even though she was an assassin, hadnt actually killed anyone. Cliff and the nt user was responsible for the deaths of Edwards guard, even if the Shadow Witch had immobilized them in the first ce. And when it came to killing Edward, she refused. He was interested in hearing her side of things.


    Done. Derek heard nah say.


    He looked over and almost burst into a fit ofughter. Gerald was standing in front of nah, naked except for a piece of cloth wrapped around his waist. nah was shuffling multiple storage rings in her hand.


    Good talk. Derek said to the pale woman as he walked toward nah.


    Follow. nah to Gerald, and he fell in line behind her as she led him out into the restaurant.


    Catch youter! Derek shouted at the Shadow Witch as he closed the door behind himself.


    Neat trick. Natale said. Her eyes glowed as she watched Derek close the tear in space. Void?


    <em>Damn, that woman is scary. </em>Derek thought as he looked back at her. He shrugged.


    More and more interesting. Natalie said before shifting her focus to the near naked Gerald. Now, what do we do with you?

 Chapter 221: Lock Up

    Chapter 221: Lock Up


    Derek took his seat and sat back to watch everything y out. His job waspleted. It was now up to the rulers of this Kingdom and city to figure out what to do with their new captive. Of course, he would chime in if something didnt set right with him. If the King decided to be lenient with Gerald, Derek couldnt think of a better time for there to be a new King.


    Of course, he seriously doubted the King would go easy considering his eldest son had quite literally been disarmed because of Gerald. Plus, he was with both nah and Natalie, who seemed to be in even better situations than the King. Derek found that funny. If nah and Natalie teamed up, they could control the Kingdom. Actually, either one of them could probably take over if the other didnt oppose.


    The room waited for nahs control over the half naked Gerald to wane. Finally, after some time, he broke out of his trance.


    Wha- Gerald started, but was interrupted by the King.


    Silence! He shouted. Gerald. I am disappointed. You have yed me for a fool for far too long. Edwin started. Im afraid I have been too tolerant and forgiving over the years due to our rtionship. I never thought you would be the one to put me in such a situation. Frankly, I am embarrassed as both a King and a human. My judgement has been clouded by our frankly, one sided friendship.


    Edwin? Gerald looked confused. What is going on? Why was I attacked out of nowhere?


    The King shook his head. There is no point in pretending, Gerald. I already have more than enough evidence He nodded at Natalie before continuing. To call for an immediate execution. This is not a situation you can talk your way out of. It is pointless to try. Just listen.


    But-


    No. The King held his hand up to stop him from continuing. You are a trafficker, and that is enough to warrant the execution. You also ambushed the Crown Prince and his guards, killing good men in the process. There is nothing you can do or say to be forgiven. The King turned to Natalie and nah. Ms. Savannah, Ms. Swan, I am tired. I will leave everything else to you. Use your best judgement, as mine has failed me.


    King Edwin sighed deeply and stood. The two of you may do as you wish. He told Edward and Edgar. Im going to retire for the evening.


    Edwi- Gerald started again.


    Stop talking. nahmanded, sending the half naked man back into a trance.


    Derek watched as the King walked toward the door with slumped shoulders. It was the form of a defeated and betrayed man. However, when he reached the door, he tidied himself up and stood straight. Those in the room may know what was going on, but he couldnt allow others to see his defeated form. He was the King. He couldnt show weakness to his people.


    Edgar grabbed a drumstick from the dining table and stood as well. Well, none of this has anything to do with me. Politics suck. He turned, but before he left, he spoke to Derek. That was fun. We should do it again sometime actually, Im going to stop by your ce after this auction. We need to talk. He smiled, then left behind his father.


    Edward sighed. I think I need to stay here to know exactly what happens. Somebody from my family has to.


    Derekughed. Well, you are the Crown Prince. He looked at the now closed door. And you will probably be King sooner than you think.


    That seems to be the case. Edward sighed again.


    Could you put him away? Natalie pointed at Gerald while asking Derek.


    Derek shrugged. Sure. He opened his Time Prison again.


    Go inside. nahmanded Gerald, and he marched back inside.


    Derek closed the prison once again. What now?


    It is good that you have this ability. Natalie said. It means we can move the captives to my dungeon without any more rumors or fanfare.


    Derek nodded. We can do that.


    Good, then follow me. Natalie hopped from her chair and began toward the exit. nah, will you be joining us? She asked before she left.


    nah smiled. Not tonight, Natalie. I have much to do to prepare for the uing auction. Busy, busy.


    Indeed. The small woman nodded.


    Derek stood and gave nah a half bow. Dinner was great, and there was some really good entertainment. Well talk again soon.


    With that, he and the Crown Prince followed Natalie out of the room, through the restaurant, through the city, and to the City Lords Manor.


    When they arrived at the Manor, a middle aged man was waiting for them.


    Mydy, about the earlier matter. He said cautiously.


    Marcus. This is Derek Hunt, and you know Crown Prince Edward. Natalie spoke. As for the matter, ignore it. It has been taken care of.


    As you wish, mydy.


    Now, if you would follow me. Natalie motioned for Derek and Edward to follow, having Marcus trail behind as well.


    She led the group through the Manor, to the back. Then, they came upon a locked door covered in runes, which Natalie activated. The door slid open, revealing a set of stairs behind. Derek watched with interest.


    After passing through multiple rune locked chambers, Natalie began her exnation. When you can see as I do, you find that there are few that are truly trustworthy. They continued through more rooms and down another set of stairs.


    All Derek knew was that they had to be deep, deep underground. And with all the runes he kept seeing, the ce was a fortress.


    Yes. Natalie said. It is a bit of overkill. But you do not get to where I am without making enemies, and execution is almost never the best option. At least not at first. Some people are even redeemable. You would never know that if you didnt try.


    Derek nodded along. I can get that. But only someone with your skills would be able to easily find that out.


    Oh, no. You are mistaken. Natalie corrected. Even with skills like mine, it is not an easy task. I dare not say how long it will take to get all the relevant information out of Gerald Torith. He has been in his position for some time, and he will have secrets upon secrets. The problem will be working out which secrets to fish for first.


    Like you previously said, finding if there is any ckmail material would be for the best. And if you do find any, it will make the decision of what to <em>fish </em>for easier. Derek said.


    And that is the n, if I can find any. If I cannot, I will have to go about everything blind. Finding that material will allow Edwin to gain some of his dignity back. Weeding traitors and those revolting individuals out of the Kingdom will do well to heal his ego. And a King needs a bit of an ego. She looked pointedly at Edward. You would do well to learn that.


    Finally, Natalie stopped behind onest door. When she opened it, Derek saw the cells inside. It was like her own personal dungeon. Edward wasnt surprised, and the King had known about it, as well. <em>I guess all the greats have some kind of private prison. </em>


    Natalie led them inside. Derek examined the surroundings as they walked. Most cells were empty, but asionally, he would find one that was upied. Doing some quick math, he supposed there were around fifty cells in total, and ten or so prisoners.


    None of the prisoners made any noise as they passed by. They also didnt look much like prisoners. Seemingly knowing what Derek was thinking again, which was very creepy, Natalie spoke to his thoughts.


    Torture does nobody any good. And until their fate is decided, it is only right to treat them with dignity, even if they have none themselves. I will not lower myself to their standards.


    I see. Derek said. And he did understand her reasoning. Derek didnt know if he would be able to do the same with those who offended him in such a way. His usual response was to kill them-until he got his Time Prison, but then again, the prison didnt allow him to make any extra decisions. They didnt need to eat or drink, and the prison was a different form of torture than most. His only decision was whether he should subject someone to the prison, and for how long.


    After seeing how y was once he was released, Derek wasnt sure how he felt about his Time Prison. He would make his next decision when Bones and Ogre were released. Of course, Gerald was a different story. If he were asked to toss him in and lock away the keep, he would have no qualms.


    Natalie finally stopped in front of a set of cells. She walked to each of them and opened them. The cells on the end are made to hold more powerful people. She exined. Once activated, the runes will seal most elemental abilities and weaken physical strength. Even if they didnt the material that makes up the cells is strong enough to withstand even the most powerful of people.


    What about abilities rted to the material used? Derek asked.


    Youre thinking about Clifford Aardens ability to control earth and minerals? Natalie asked rhetorically. The runes make the materials unresponsive to mana signatures other than my own and my trusted few. And that is only needed if the runes do not weaken the abilities enough to begin with, which they always have.


    Sounds good. Derek said.


    Please bring out the captives.

 Chapter 222: We Have Arrived at Your Destination

    Chapter 222: We Have Arrived at Your Destination


    While Natalie walked around and opened four cells, Derek opened his Time Prison yet another time. He opened the door and poked his head in.


    We have arrived at your destination! He half shouted.


    If looks could kill, Geralds face would have Derek dead multiple times over. But they couldnt. They only made Gerald have an even more punchable face. Avery was right. Just looking at the man made a person want to beat him.


    Speaking of Avery, the nt user that the man knocked out was still unconscious, along with Cliff. Derek knew why Cliff was still out because of how hard his final hit was, but what did Avery do to the other guy? His fight was well over before Derek finished his.


    Derek walked inside and stood in front of Gerald.


    You can either follow me, or- he lifted his void covered fist into the air. We can do it the easy way.


    Apparently, the previous punchnded on the former advisor was still fresh in his mind, because but for a few grumbles and death stares, along with trying to shrug Dereks hand off the back of his neck, Gerald followed Dereks directions. The man did seem like one of those cowards who would do anything to survive. Derek still felt it weird that he would be a tank and produce a line of tanks.


    However, the more he thought about it, the more it made sense. For someone afraid of death and injury as much as Gerald seemed to be, building into Vitality for the increased longevity and health recovery made more sense. Derek wondered if the tank had even ever truly tanked in his life.


    As he forcefully pushed Gerald ahead of him and toward the exit of the Time Prison, Derek looked back over his shoulder at the others.


    Hey, Vanessa. He called to the Shadow Witch. Hed heard others use her name instead of title a few times, and it was just easier. Grab those two and follow me, will ya?


    The woman rolled her eyes, but still moved forward and grabbed the two unconscious minions by the scruff of their shirts and began dragging them toward the exit. Yet again, Derek wondered about the womans involvement with Gerald. He shrugged. Natalie would figure that out in time.


    When Derek and Gerald finally made their way out of the prison, Derek looked at the empty cells. As Gerald was alreadypletely unequipped, Derek just pushed him into one and waited for Natalie to close the cell.


    Once the cell was locked, Gerald began yelling what Derek could only assume was scathing insults, but his voice was dampened and cut off by whatever runes were attached to the cell.


    Neat trick. Derek said.


    It is a punishment. Natalie replied. It is not a social visit.


    Vanessa soon stepped out of the prison behind Derek, along with the Geralds two grunts. She dropped them onto the floor and looked around. Finally, she sighed and began removing multiple storage rings and equipment from her person.


    Derek gave her an odd look.


    She rolled her eyes once again and snorted. No sense in fighting it, and Id rather keep some clothing on than lose all my dignity like him. She reached out and dropped the rings into Natalies hand.


    Do you even know why we went after Gerald? Derek finally asked.


    Vanessa looked at the cell the man was locked up in and shrugged. Nope. Just that I failed my contract, and this is the price.


    Derek nced over at Natalie.


    I will check into that. The small woman said. Is that everything? She asked the Shadow Witch.


    I swear on the Great System that there is no storage ormunication equipment currently left on my person. Vanessa was quick to make the oath and get things over with. Considering nothing untoward happened to her, she was telling the truth.


    Pick a cell. Well will talkter. Natalie said, and the Shadow Witch walked to a cell and sat on a cot inside.


    Edward and Marcus moved to the two unconscious people and began removing their equipment. They were getting the same treatment as Gerald, because nobody could be bothered enough to wake them up. Before long, Natalie had all the storage equipment, and all four enemies were neatly tucked away in their prison cells.


    Natalie held on to the storage devices so she could go through themter and look for any other clues or information they may contain.


    Thanks for your hard work. Edward said to both Natalie and Derek.


    Ill let the two of you know as more informationes to light. Again, I dont know how long it will take. I could get everything out of him in a week, or it could take months or years. There is really no estimating something like this. Natalie exined.


    Derek shrugged. Im fine as long as he is out of my hair. My friends and myself can go about hunting and training without having to constantly look over our shoulders. Thats all that really matters to me. Just keep me informed if you find out anything that affects me or my people.


    Natalie nodded. I will.


    Oh. Derek suddenly thought of something. If you have a chance, try to find out if he was the one who ordered the kidnapping and murder of Jackson Herretts son and wife. Im basically one hundred percent sure of it, but I think it would give the two of them closure to know for sure. I know they will be happy to know that he has been captured and will be punished.


    Ill look into that.


    After that, Natalie checked over each cell one more time before leading Edward, Marcus, and Derek out of her dungeon. It was quite the fascinating ce with all of its safeguards. Hed have to look into getting him one of his own. Sometimes, its better to not have to wait for the sentencing to finish before being able to bring out a prisoner. That was his biggest gripe about his Time Prison.


    It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Hunt. Natalie said as she led him out of her manor.


    Likewise even if you are one of the scariest people Ive met. He shed Natalie a smiled. Her eyes shined white, and he backed away and put his hands up. Please! No!


    Her eyes dimmed, and she smiled as well. I would really like to discuss you and your powers more. They are much more intriguing that anything else Ive seen in quite some time. My doors are always open.


    Miss. Marcus said.


    Well as long as you have an appointment. I am rather busy. Natalie sighed. But you may schedule an appointment with Marcus whenever you wish.


    Will do.


    Crown Prince, it was a pleasure, as always. Natalie nodded to Edward.


    The pleasure was mine, Miss Savannah. Edward gave the woman a slight bow.


    Derek exchanged hismunication runes with Marcus, Natalie, and Edward then. It would be good to have a direct line to both hisndlord and the Crown Prince of the country he was in. Always good to make connections with seemingly decent, powerful people. After that, he and Edward took their leave.


    Im happy thats over and done with. Edward said as they made their way through the city.


    Derek shrugged. It was a bit anticlimactic.


    Yeah to you and my brother, maybe. Edward replied. Do you have any clue what the ramifications of what happened today will be? How they are going to affect the Kingdom moving forward?


    Thats not my problem. Doesnt really have anything to do with me. All I know is that I got rid of a thorn in my side and my friends can safely live in Savannah and train. You know, Im not the King or Crown Prince of any Kingdom or anything. Derek said.


    Yes you are lucky.


    Maybe. Derek said. I dont have it in me to care about a bunch of people I dont know. I have my hands full with the few friends Ive made since arriving here. I definitely couldnt run a city, much less an entire Kingdom. I think Ill focus on making a halfway decent shop and leave it at that.


    I envy you.


    You could always opt out of taking the throne. Derek said.


    Edward snorted. And what? Leave it to one of my brothers? Im sure Edgar would love to be King. Or, I could give it to my sister. Her firstmand as Queen would be to see which nobles could throw the best balls. He shook his head. No Ive studied for it and prepared for it my entire life. It is a responsibility that rests squarely on my shoulders.


    Well it was just a suggestion. Derek said. You <em>would </em>be better than your father. At least from what Ive seen.


    Edward sighed again. I dont guess you will ever change your opinion of my father?


    I dont know. Not any time soon, at least. Derek said. As mistakes and ipetence go, Gerald was a pretty massive one. There is no telling how deep his roots are in your Kingdom. nah told me that his connections were deep, but its probably worse than any of you ever thought it would be.


    Edward didnt say anything about his father after that. Finally, they arrived back at nahs hotel.


    Ill take my leave. Edward said. I am very grateful for your help in all of this. If there is anything you ever need, dont hesitate to call on me.


    Derek smiled. Be careful with favors. He said. Thats probably how your father got in the situation hes in. Still, he shrugged. But it cant hurt to have a Crown Prince in my pocket.


    Edward shook his head and walked away.


    Derek turned to head back home. He needed to find Jacks and let him know what happened. He hoped that learning about Geralds capture wouldnt take the drive out of the man. Hed been pushing himself for revenge. Now that his goal had been captured, Derek hoped he would still keep up the good work.


    Well Derek could tell that the man enjoyed his role as well. So, he probably wouldnt have to worry about him.

 Chapter 223: Making Rounds

    Chapter 223: Making Rounds


    Indeed, Derek didnt have to worry much about Jacks. When he got home, he pulled the man to the side and told him about everything that had happened. When Jacks learned that Gerald had been captured and Derek had asked Natalie to learn more about the death of his wife, Jacks was more relieved than anything else.


    I wasnt sure what kind of reaction you were going to have to the news. Derek said. Im honestly a little surprised.


    Jacks smiled and shook his head. Im relieved because I dont have to worry about Jake going out and doing something stupid. He can slow down and enjoy life a bit more now. He doesnt have to rush to level and be stronger. He can take it slow and build his foundation.


    I see.


    That doesnt mean that I wouldnt like to personally get my pound of flesh out of the man. A glint shed in Jackss eyes before he continued. But this is for the best. Ill be able to learn the truth and move on. Its all I can ask for. Thank you, Derek. Thank you so much for everything.


    Derek didnt know what to do when the strong, scarred mans eyes began tearing up. He simply took a step forward and pped Jacks on the shoulder. Youre a good guy, Jacks, and your son seems to be good as well. Im d I could help a little.


    Jacks shook his head. You didnt help a little. You gave me my life back gave me my son back. Then you went out and did what you did today. I can not thank you enough. I will forever be in your debt. You have a guard or trainer, or whatever you need me to be, for as long as I breathe.


    I dont know if I deserve that much, but Im certainly not going to turn downpetent help. Derek beganughing. Soon, Jackssughter followed.


    Derek was happy that the day that started with him stressing over nahs gathering had such a happy ending. That night, he went to sleep with a smile on his face.


    Over the next few days, Derek did his rounds through his shop and the city.


    He passed on the majority of the mana cores to Brandi and had multiple talks with her about her crafts. He looked forward to seeing what the girl would create with the mana cores. She was very excited as well.


    ording to the maniac crafter girl, Greater Meditation was the greatest thing she had ever seen. Brandi was now able to get more done in a single day than she could in three. Derek was still worried about her nutrition because she didnt currently have the extra Vitality or Endurance topletely go with it, but he trusted Malorie would make sure she ate regrly.


    Speaking of Malorie, she had taken to management like a fish to water. She ran her legs off all day, making connections and obtaining supplies for Brandi at a low cost. She was impressive, to say the least. Derek felt that he could leave the running of the shop in her hands with no problem.


    Thomas continued his solo training. He didnt miss a day in the training room. Derek went with him once to check on his progress, and he had to give Shae some credit. Thomas was much better with a spear than he had been before. He was also more fierce and decisive. All that, after such a short time, truly impressed Derek. Thomas would be turning heads once he enrolled in the Academy. Maybe he would even get a higher rarity ss at his next upgrade.


    Jacks and Rayna continued training and leveling outside of Savannah after Gerald was caught. Rayna, especially, seemed to be much more confident than she was before. Derek wasnt surprised though, her new ss was great, and she had a fantastic training partner in Jacks.


    Silvi was Silvi. She spent almost all of her time in her kitchen working on different dishes. She was even to the point where she would cook without eating and just store different dishes because she wanted to try something new. Half of Malories running was because Top Chef Bunny wanted more or different ingredients, and just like with Brandi, Malorie would do everything she could to find a supplier.


    Derek chatted with Roman multiple times while he was recovering from making potions. The halfling was probably one of the busiest people in Savannah over thest few days. As nah and Ste provided him with more and more materials, he worked almost nonstop on creating his new potions.


    Derek dropped off his remaining mana cores with the Alchemist. Roman was intrigued, but too busy to try anything with them for now. He had to pump out as many Potions of Physical Permanence as he could before the auction started. It was crunch time for him, and he didnt yet trust anyone else with his recipe.


    Ste was too busy for Derek to even meet with. She was being run ragged organizing the auction. She was just as busy, if not more than Roman. Other than a couple waves and nods, Derek had no other interactions with the woman.


    He had a couple of friendly visits with nah, as well. She was busy, but had no problem putting something else aside to chat with Derek. They talked more about the Great System and stats. He even learned a few personal things about the half elf business woman. Things like the fact that she wasnt even from the continent they were on.


    She was one of the very few that traveled over the oceans. He didnt ask her why, because he noticed the look she had when talking about where she came from. It was the same look Derek would get talking about his family back on Earth. If she ever wanted to talk about it, he would be there to listen, but he wouldnt push.


    On the day before the auction, Derek dropped by the City Lords Manor to visit with Natalie about Gerald. She hadnt made much, if any, progress with getting information out of the man. Currently, she was looking into the Shadow Witch, Vanessa. She didnt seem against spilling what she knew about Gerald, which turned out to not be too much.


    Natalie hadnt even been able to get a word out of the nt user. His lips were the tightest out of the bunch. Cliff was actually the one that was closest to letting Natalie in on his secrets. She figured his defenses would go down soon enough.


    Derek was more and more curious about her power, so he finally decided to ask her about it.


    How is it that you were able to see into my thoughts about Malcolm Torith so easily, but its so hard for you to see into Gerald? He asked.


    Natalie shrugged as she took a sip of tea. Certain things are much easier. When you were thinking about Malcolm Torith, you wanted others to see what you saw. You subconsciously gave me permission to see it. There is a great difference between that and what I am trying to do with Gerald. The man doesnt want to give away any of his secrets, so he is sealed tightly, and I have to work my way in.


    Derek nodded. I guess that makes sense, but how were you able to know what I was thinking all those times before? And what about you knowing how strong I was?


    Well, Im sure you have heard, but I am an Appraiser by trade. As for what you were thinking, Im very good at reading people. Its hard to hide emotions in your eyes and on your face. She smiled. And for knowing how strong you are I simply appraised you. I can see the fluctuations of your aura, and I do not see many auras as strong as yours.


    Derek was surprised. Natalie was very forting about her skills. He had prepared himself to be scolded for asking about her skills, but she didnt.


    If you were to put a bit of effort into looking for information about me, you would have found out everything that I have told you today. I havent shared anything with you that others do not already know. I still have my secrets. She took another sip of tea.


    There you go again, reading my mind.


    It was written all over your face.


    So exactly how much stronger am I than the King? Derek smiled.


    Your stats are better. That is all I will say. She shrugged, then looked at Derek with her piercing white eyes. How about you? How did you manage to obtain a ss with such affinity to the void element?


    Derek tapped on the table while thinking about his answer. He was strong now, stronger than most people in the Kingdom. He was also a resident in the city that Natalie controlled. He probably shouldnt go into a ton of detail, but he was confident enough to reveal more about himself. Still, himing from Earth was a secret he would probably keep for a long time.


    I spent a lot of time in the void. He finally answered.


    Natalies eyes widened. Oh my. How did that happen? If you dont mind me asking.


    Portal. Derek replied.


    Portal? The highly restricted skill?


    Derek nodded. I guess the person casting it ran out of mana or was interrupted while I was inside.


    I see. That is definitely one way to get acquainted with the void. I have heard of that happening to others, but I have never heard of anyone reemerging. I cant think that it was easy. Natalie said.


    Derek shook his head. No, it was neither easy nor painless. It sucked.


    I imagine so. I am sorry.


    Eh, it is what it is. Its part of the reason Im here, so it wasnt all bad.


    After that, the two continued discussing other things. Natalie didnt ask any more questions about the void, and Derek was happy to not bring it up again. He could feel the shiver going down his spine when he thought about the time he spent trapped inside.


    Before long, Derek left and went about his day. Tomorrow, he had an auction to attend.

 Chapter 224: Day of the Auction

    Chapter 224: Day of the Auction


    Derek got up the next morning, ready for the auction. It was apparently a really big deal. Even though only a certain select group of people could take part in the auction, the city had been flush with activity for the past week.


    To dress properly for the auction, Derek put on his best ck t-shirt and blue jeans, and his least worn-out pair of boots. He looked the same as he would have any other day. He looked in the mirror and shrugged. He wasnt nning on making any bids or purchases today. His only reason for going was to see what all profits he would make. He would be getting plenty of gold and, hopefully, some good equipment.


    Over the past few days, after he handed off all his Void Beasts to Ste and Roman, they all amended their contracts for the auctions. Not all the meals or potions would be auctioned off in a single auction. They would spread them out over time to keep demand, which would always be high due to the rarity of obtaining permanent stat boosts, even higher.


    Because of the amount of materials provided by Derek, nah insisted on increasing the percentage of sales he would get from twenty percent to twenty-five percent. He would be getting many more prepared meals from the Crown, as well.


    Based on the sizes of the Void Beasts he turned in, each one would make between five to fifteen meals of varying stat allotments. The prices could go from tens of thousands of gold coins to hundreds of thousands. Then, there was the Vitality Elixir, which is what nah was calling the blood from the undeveloped Void Beasts, and the potions created by Roman. There was no telling how much those would go for, but he knew it would be a lot.


    Derek checked the system time. There were a few hours left before the auction was ted to begin, and it would be an all day thing. He headed over to the dining room, where everyone else was already waiting at the breakfast table.


    Not everyone gathered for breakfast all the time, especially now that Rayna and Jacks hunted a lot, and Brandi couldnt be bothered to be pulled away from her crafts, but they were all here today.


    As Derek grabbed a few dishes, he spoke. So who wants toe with me to the auction? Im going to y by the rules and only bring two people, even though nah said I could bring anyone I want. He waited for a reply, but there wasnt one. Everybody just looked at one another.


    Silvi? He asked.


    Her voice came through hermunication crystal. Itsts too long. Im staying here to cook. Just got fresh ingredients. You will bring meals back.


    That sounds like amand. Derek chuckled. Jacks? Rayna?


    While everyone else is busy today, many of the popr hunting spots will be open. We should be able to make a lot of progress without interference today. It would be more productive if we used the day for training. Unless you wish for me to go along with you. Jacks answered. If Derek said so, the man wouldnt hesitate toe along.


    No, thats fine. You guys go train. Derek said.


    Ill go. Rudy said. I would like to see how the Crown holds their auctions and handles their contracts. It will also let me mingle with some possible new clients. He had been busy. His contract business was already up and running, and he even had a few customers. Contracts by Rudy hadnt even done any advertising, but it was spreading by word of mouth.


    Is it okay to leave your shop for the day? Derek asked.


    I will be fine. Ive only had a few customers, and I can just put a sign up toe back tomorrow. Most contracts arent exactly urgent. Going to the auction will be better for me. Rudy replied.


    Thats one slot. Derek said. I dont even think I should bother asking Brandi. He looked at the girl with her head down, shoveling away her breakfast as fast as she could.


    Brand looked up from her te. I just started another project.


    Derek shook his head. Thomas, what about you? You busy today?


    The boy hesitated. I wont be of any use. It would be better if I used all the time I have to get ready for the Academy.


    Fair enough. Derek smiled. I figured it would be like this. He looked at Malorie. You good to leave Brandi alone all day?


    Malorie stole some nces at her daughter and sighed. It <em>would </em>be for the best if I went, since I am technically the manager of your shop. Brandi will be more than safe here with Silvi. Today would be the longest amount of time shed spent away from Brandi since her vige was attacked.


    Derek nodded, then spoke to Silvi and Brandi. If anything happens while were gone, and I mean anything, either inform me through our link or amunication crystal. Ill be here in seconds.


    Brandi looked up again and nodded. Silvi just continued to dig into her meal.


    Soon, Brandi finished her meal and hopped up from her seat. Bye! Have fun at the auction. She said as she rushed downstairs back to her workshop.


    Malorie shook her head and looked pointedly at Derek. I should strangle you for telling her about Greater Meditation.


    Derek rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment. It was probably the best choice she could have made.


    It was. Malorie sighed. That doesnt mean I still shouldnt strangle you.


    Soon, everyone finished with their meals and headed out. Silvi went back to the kitchen, and Derek was left with Rudy and Malorie.


    I guess we better take off. Its a bit of a walk from here to the hotel.


    His group moved through the crowded streets of Savannah. Just one auction announced by the Crown was enough to create a festival type atmosphere in the city. More vendors than ever were set up on the sides of the streets, which also led to more and more guards controlling the area. Derek even looked off a couple of would be pickpockets on his way to the hotel.


    They made it to the hotel in just over an hour. Because of how crowded everything was, they werent able to move through the city at their usual speed. Still, they left the shop with plenty of time, and they still arrived well before the auction was to begin.


    Two guards Derek hadnt met before were standing before the entrance of the hotel. Derek sized them up. His Identify skill was unable to produce any details on the guards, but that didnt mean much, as most higher level people were able to block Identify by either having their own Identify skill at a high level, or by having some other skill.


    Needless to say, the two guards were strong, as expected of Ste and nah for such an event. Derek and his group walked up to the entrance.


    Membership. The guard to the right announced.


    Derek pulled the ck card with the shining golden Crown logo out of his storage bracelet and handed it to the guard. Multiple gasps came from the surroundings when onlookers noticed the membership card he took out. The guard took hold of the card, and his eyes widened in surprise.


    After scanning the card, the guard quickly handed it back to Derek and bowed. Esteemed guests, you may enter.


    Derek took his Tier Four Membership Card back from the guard and nodded. Thanks. He said. Keep up the good work. With that, Derek led Malorie and Rudy into the Crown Hotel.


    Stepping inside, three individuals stood in a line in front of Derek. Theyout of the hotel had been changed from how it was before. Instead of being greeted by the giant open floor of the lobby, a reception room was set up just inside the entrance. The receptionist took the membership card of one of the guests and scanned it.


    Soon, the three people walked through the door leading out of the reception room, and Derek heard a booming male voice ring throughout the hotel. Tier Two Member Craig Allister, his son Tristan Allister, and daughter Teresa Allister have arrived.


    <em>I guess theres no secrecy here. </em>Derek thought as he walked up to the receptionist.


    The woman smiled brightly at Derek andpany as she asked, Membership, please.


    Derek handed his card to her, eliciting another surprised expression. She scanned the card with her mana and handed it back.


    Mr. Hunt, would you like to hide or reveal your information to the guests? She asked.


    Oh, we get a choice? Derek asked.


    She smiled. Tier Two and above, get the choice. Most enjoy the entrance.


    You can announce us. Derek said.


    The woman looked over at Rudy and Malorie and nodded. I just need your guests information.


    Soon, everything was settled and Derek and his group walked through the door out of the reception. Derek took in the sights before him. If the Crown Hotel was beautiful and extravagant before, it could only be called stunning today.


    Tier Four Member Derek Hunt, Malorie Fields, and- The voice paused for a moment. Rudolph Mckinney, of Contracts by Rudy, have arrived.


    Derek and Malorie rolled their eyes while Rudy was all smiles as every head in the hotel turned in their direction.

 Chapter 225: Like Father, Like Son

    Chapter 225: Like Father, Like Son


    Derek was taken aback by the renovations that had taken ce in the hotel over the past few days. Ste had been a very busy manager. Where there were multiple tables set up for breakfast, many more had been added, and there were even multiple booths along the walls. At the end of the lobby, a stage had been erected.


    The enormous lobby and dining area of the hotel had turned into a genuine auction house in a matter of days. It was impressive.


    Derek looked around until his eyes finally found nah and Ste talking beside the stage.


    You guys can go mingle. Im going over there. Derek told Mal and Rudy as he made his way to the two women.


    Youre here early. nah greeted Derek in a hushed tone. I have to keep my voice low. I dont want it to affect the guests.


    Derek nodded. Got it, he said. I wasnt sure how long it would take us to get through the city with it being as crowded as it is, so we left a bit early. Im d we did, because it really was packed full.


    Ste smiled. Its always like this during the auction week. Because of the announcements this time, though, its even more crowded. Thats how we know its going to be a good auction.


    That, and the fact that we allowed members to invite others this time. Ive never allowed that before, but because of the urgency, it was best to try something new. Well see how it goes. nah leaned in, and with an even lighter whisper said, Especially since we have so much more stock than we ever had or ever thought we would have. She smiled and nodded at Ste.


    Here, take this, Ste handed Derek a ring.


    Derek took the ring and viewed the contents. To Dereks surprise, there were at least two dozen stored Void Beast meals, a dozen vials of rainbow colored potions, and multiple vials of red liquids, which Derek assumed was the blood of the small Void Beast.


    Wow, Derek said. I didnt expect to be getting this much.


    Youll have that and much more. We did not have enough time to process the entire inventory of Void Beasts yet, this onlyes from the ones we have. Once the others are processed, you will have many, many more, nah exined.


    I look forward to it.


    So. Your guest had quite the introduction. nah changed the subject.


    Yeah, Rudy is like that. Hes a pretty decent fellow, but had a bit of an odd personality.


    Yeah, HE has an odd personality. Ste cut in.


    What? Derek shrugged. I am the epitome of perfectly normal.


    Ste snorted. You keep telling yourself that.


    nah ced her hand over her mouth and let out a light giggle before adding, Being normal is overrated.


    I bet Rudys wishing we would have leftter, so more people would have been around for his <em>ingenious </em>introduction, Derek said.


    He drew quite a few eyes, nah replied. Hell get a decent amount of attention out of it. It will definitely be something that is talked about long after the auction. He is the first person to tantly advertise his business at one of my auctions.


    The three of them continued chatting while more and more guests poured into the hotel. Derek asked about a few of the people he sawe in.


    One family of guests piqued Dereks interest. It was the Allister family that had arrived just before him and his group. All three members of the family shared the same tinum blond hair color. The color of their eyes was almost as white as Natalies, but with a slight gray twinge. At least, both Craig, the father, and Tristan, his son, had white-gray irises.


    Craigs daughter, Teresa, seemed to not have yet advanced far enough into her element to have the elemental eye color. Instead, her eyes were still the light blue that she was born with. It made sense, as she looked quite young, maybe sixteen or seventeen.


    The Allister family was a mid tier noble family in the Kingdom. Though only considered mid tier nobles, they were well respected by everyone. The reason for that was their elemental affinities and generosity.


    Derek and nah had discussed before that many of the nobles who showed generosity on the outside were corrupted on the inside. That wasnt the case with House Allister. Most of the family members in the direct line worked toward obtaining a light affinity and used that affinity as support instead of strength.


    The only reason they werent a powerful, high noble family was because they focused on healing instead of fighting. They were one of the families that lived in the capital. They were so well received because they only charged other nobles and the wealthy for their services. For others, their healing was given out free of charge.


    So there are no nefarious deeds being covered up by their family? So hidden dungeon where cruel experiments take ce? Derek asked, half jokingly.


    None that I have ever found, and I do extensive research before giving a membership, and even more before upgrading it, nah replied.


    I havent been around here long enough for you to do extensive research on me, Derek said. And I already have the legendary Tier Four Membership.


    nah snorted. I have done more research on you that you think. She smiled coyly. Plus, the way you acted with and around poor vigers, the way you reacted when the girl and her mother were taken, and the way you reacted when you found out about Gerald, all give me a pretty good idea about you. Then, in such a short time, you be the leading benefactor of my business. If not you, who else would I give a Tier Four Membership to?


    I guess I am pretty awesome, huh?


    Well, youre not exactly generous, for generositys sake. Youre actually quite selfish, but in a good way. That is why its even easier to judge you. You dont try to hide your selfishness from the outside. You do what you want, and so far, the results Ive seen have made this Kingdom better off.


    Stop Youre going to make me blush.


    How about both of you stop? The auction is drawing closer and we still have preparations. Ste cut in. Come on. She grabbed nah by the wrist and dragged her away. She turned back and pointed at one of the booths. Thats your booth. It has multiple runes built in for privacy.


    Derek nodded. Got it. He watched as the two beautiful women disappeared into the hotel.


    After the hosts disappeared, Derek moved around the lobby, casually avoiding being dragged into annoying conversations. He would let Malorie and Rudy take the lead on all of that. He knew that the first thing anyone would bring up would be his Tier Four Membership, and he didnt feel like spinning a story about how he got it.


    He was definitely not about to go around saying, Oh, I just delivered a few dozen Void Beasts to nah. No big deal. No, he would leave that to the guests imaginations. At least there was no shortage in the amount of attention Rudy was getting because of the announcement. Every time Derek caught sight of the man, he was talking to another group of people with a big smile on his face.


    Malorie looked like a deer in headlights at the beginning, but as time passed, she became more and more confident in her dealings. Derek just leaned back beside his private booth and observed. She was doing well. She would have no problem running his shop when it came to it. He continued to observe until the booming voice announced the arrival of someone Derek was familiar with.


    Tier One Member Walter Gracefall, his son Jensen Gracefall, and niece re Gracefall have arrived. The booming voice announced.


    A giant smile fell over Dereks face as he pushed himself up off the wall and made his way to the new arrivals. Hed talked with Walter asionally, but he had no idea that the man would being to the auction. He knew he had a Tier One Membership, but he doubted the man would have enough money topete against the nobles here.


    He didnt care, though. It was always nice to see someone who he considered a friend. Even if that friend was the father of one of the first people he killed when he got to Cydaria. Derek decided he would not bring that up today, especially since the man had brought his other son along with him.


    Little re was the first person to recognize Derek walking their way. She immediately broke out into a sprint after seeing him.


    Derek! Youre here, too! She ran up and hugged his waist.


    Derek ruffled her hair a bit, but was careful not to make it too messy. He pushed her off and put his palms out. Show me what youve got.


    re immediately fell into a brawling stance and began throwing punches as Derek moved his hands faster and faster as designated targets. She was just as passionate as ever to spar.


    Okay, thats enough. Walter stopped re mid swing, causing her to frown. There are people watching.


    Derek waved him off. Who cares? Let them watch. Im more interested in how much progress re has made since Ive been gone. He chuckled. Well go to an Adventurers Guild training roomter. How about that?


    re nodded seriously. Yes.


    So, you finally chose to go after a membership to the Crown? Derek asked Walter.


    I did. After thest meal that we ate, and the possible benefits that go with being a member, I reached out to Emily and learned what I needed for it. It wasnt much, so here I am.


    Derek thought back for a moment until he remembered who Emily was. She was the boss of the Torith Crown Restaurant, who took back over once Ste left.


    Thats good, Derek said. So, no Bronson?


    Walter shook his head. No. I needed somebody to stay back at the manor to make sure things ran smoothly. I trust him the most.


    I see well, tell him I said hi when you get back.


    Will do.


    About that time, the third member of Walters group made his way over to them. Jensen stood a little taller than Walter, and look just like him, except younger.


    You must be Jensen. Derek turned and put out his hand to shake.


    Jensen took his hand and stared deep into Dereks eyes. And you are the man who killed my brother.


    <em>Ah Like father, like son. </em>

 Chapter 226: Honor

    Chapter 226: Honor


    Derek felt Jensens hand tighten on his as they stared each other down. The young man exerted more and more strength by the second. Derek just waited. He would let the man take out some of his aggression.


    Eventually, Jensen sighed and let go. He took a small step back and slightly bowed his head.


    Father has told me of all that happened. I will not hold it against you. I do not believe I could ever be friends with you, but you do not have an enemy in me, Jensen finally said.


    Derek nodded. For what its worth, I am sorry about your brother. Though I doubt I would have handled it any differently, even if I knew your father beforehand. Your father is a good man, and from what hes told me about you, you seem to be heading in the right direction. Your brother, however, was not. Could he have changed his ways? Maybe I dont know. But I doubt he would have chosen to, at least from the little that I saw of him.


    Thank you, Jensen said.


    At that moment, Derek noticed re moving her head back and forth between Jensen and himself. Her jaw was hung open, and she had a look of shock in her eyes.


    What? Derek asked the girl.


    That thats what happened to Wace? she finally asked.


    Walter reached forward and ced his hand on the girls head. Im afraid so.


    That makes so much more sense, she said. He was always so mean to us. I knew he couldnt have done something so great.


    Thank you for that, as well, Jensen said. He did not deserve the honor you allowed him to have with his death, yet you did it anyway.


    Derek shrugged. He really hadnt done it for Waces sake, or House Gracefall. It was only part of his n to hide his involvement in the death of a noble. A n that failed stupendously, at that. But there was no reason to change the story, so he could have that <em>honor </em>in the afterlife.


    So Walter. Derek got the older mans attention. Did youe here to try to get some Void Beast food?


    I wish, the man chuckled. No. Im afraid my funds wont allow me to purchase something as grand as that. Our finances are not what they once were. Besides, it wouldnt do me any good, anyhow. If I had the opportunity, I would like to buy one for Jenson or re in the future, but for now, I just wanted to get away from Torith and show re around. The city has been in an uproar since the Malcolm incident.


    I can understand that, said Derek. Well, it should at least be a good show,


    I hope so. I havent have much fun recently.


    Derek, Walter, Jensen, and re continued chatting until another announcement was made.


    Tier Two Member King Edwin, Crown Prince Edward, and Prince Edgar have arrived.


    Derek almost couldnt hold back hisughter. After everything, the King only had a Tier Two Membership. Should he rub it in? Point andugh? He fought back the smile on his face, then formed an idea.


    He waved his hand up in the air, catching Edgars attention. Edgars deadpan face lit up when he saw Derek. He said something to Edward and Edwin, then he practically rushed over to great him.


    Oh, man. Youre a sight for sore eyes, Edgar said as he arrived.


    What? Did you have a busy few days?


    Busy? That doesnt even begin to describe it. This he looked around conspiratorially and leaned in to whisper. Raid business is no joke. I think Im going to die with this much responsibility. Nope, just send me into a dungeon with a small team, any day.


    Derek pped him on the back. Im sure youll do just fine. Then he pointed out Walter and the others. This is my friend Walter Gracefall with his son Jensen and niece re.


    The three bowed deeply and Walter spoke. We greet the Prince.


    Now, now, none of that. Any friend of Dereks is a friend of mine. Besides, Im not in to all that Royal and noble bullshit, said Edgar.


    That left Walter and Jensen at a loss for words.


    Edgar squinted and looked closer at Jensen before a trace of recognition shed across his face. Oh, you were at the Academy.


    Jensen, to his credit, answered calmly. Yes, I will graduate soon.


    Thats right. You were in one of the younger sses while my pal, Jake, was attending the Academy, said Edgar.


    Jensen took a moment to think, then, realization shed on his face. Jake Herrett? The one who created the incident? That Jake?


    <em>Im really going to have to get all the details about this incident. It really seems like a big deal. </em>Derek thought.


    The one and only. Edgar confirmed.


    Anyway now that introductions are out of the way, Derek said. Could you run fetch your father? There is something that I need to talk to him about.


    Edgar gave Derek a suspicious nce. You want <em>me </em>to fetch <em>my </em>father? You want him toe over here to you? You dont want to go to him? Edgar asked, then shrugged. Sure. Gimme a sec. He turned and took off through the crowd to find the King.


    His father? Walter asked. You mean the King of Cydaria? That father?


    <em>Like father, like son. </em>Derek mused. The one and only.


    Then we will take our leave so you may have a proper conversation with the King, said Walter.


    Huh no, no. Derek grabbed onto Walter as the older man began to turn away. The three of you can stay. Trust me.


    Walter and Jensen fidgeted nervously as they awaited the arrival of the King. They both looked like they wanted to throw up and run away at the same time. re just continued looking around the auction area and back and forth between Derek, Jensen, and Walter.


    Soon, Edgar came back with a drink in hand and his father and brother trailing him. The King was properly dressed as a ruler today, crown and all. If Derek was to describe it all, it would be <em>very tacky</em>.


    Edwin Edward, nice to see you. Its been a minute. Derek started with a greeting. One must always greet a King and Crown Prince properly by not including their titles and not bowing.


    As for the others, Walter and Jensen had their eyes firmly nted on the floor. Walter even went as far as to push res head down to make her bow as well. Derek could only chuckle at their reaction the reaction that the vast majority of the Kingdom would have when facing the King.


    Still, it didnt seem like the King minded Dereks antics and disrespect. Why would he? He already owed the man more than he repay-especially since Derek wasnt in need of anything he could give.


    Derek. It is a pleasure to meet you in a more festive atmosphere without any dark clouds hanging over our heads. The King greeted back. The dark cloud he was talking about was, of course, Gerald Torith and his retinue. How may I help you?


    Ah, well, you see here. Derek looked over at the Gracefalls and snapped his fingers for them to bring their heads back up. He shook his head when they finally got the message. You see, my friends happened toe to the auction today, and it gave me an idea. I was wondering if you could do me a solid.


    A solid?


    A favor. Derek rified.


    Of course. King Edwin practically jumped at the opportunity to get a little out of Dereks debt. What do you need?


    Derek almostughed. No matter how or what one said, someone with such a status as the King would hate being in anyone elses debt. Being indebted to Natalie was one thing, but being in debt to someone like Derek, who practically came out of nowhere, was an entirely different matter.


    Do you know my friends? Walter, Jensen, and re Gracefall? Derek asked.


    I do. I am very familiar with House Gracefall. In fact, I can recall stamping a letter about a young Jensen Gracefall some years ago.


    Jensen bowed deeply at that. Your Highness. I cannot express my gratitude for you allowing me special enrollment to the Academy.


    Nonsense. King Edwin waved away the praise. A boy with your aplishments and talents deserved the chance to prove himself. How has the Academy been?


    It has been an extraordinary experience. I graduate next month and am looking forward to joining the Kings Army, Your Highness.


    It will be a pleasure to have you. Edward cut in. He wasmander of the army, after all.


    Thank you, Crown Prince. Jensen replied.


    Alright, alright. Enough with the formalities. About that favor. Derek said, regaining control of the conversation.


    Yes, Derek? What is it?


    Yeah, so I dont know how this works or anything, but how about you change their noble house name back from Gracefall? Derek asked.


    That drew a look from everyone. Walters eyes went wide and Jensen was speechless. The Kings eyes narrowed, while Edward wore a surprised expression and Edgar snickered in the background. There was even an audible gasp from some of the crowd who had not so subtly moved in close enough to spy on whatever conversation the new guy with a Tier Four Membership was having with the King of the country.


    You want me to remove the dishonor from House Gracefall? Do you know what you are asking? The King asked.


    Your Highness. Please excuse Mr. Hunt. Hes new to our Kingdom and customs. Walter tried to save the situation.


    Let me ask you a question. Derek said to the King. Whatever <em>dishonor</em> was caused, and whoever caused it. Are they still alive? Has Walter and Jensens actions over the past years not recovered some of the lost <em>honor </em>of their house?


    No. Those who dishonored the Kingdom are well gone. The King replied. And Walter, and even Jensen, have done well restoring the honor of their house.


    Well then? Derek said.


    However. The King continued. I know for a fact that there are still some degenerates among their house. Take Wace Gracefall, for one. Do not think that his misdeeds never reached my ears. He was indeed a miscreant until he met his untimely demise in that dungeon.


    Derek almost couldnt hold backughter at the intense stares he got from Jensen and even Walter. <em>His untimely demise was because he met me. </em>He couldnt believe that the King wasnt informed otherwise. <em>I guess he hasnt looked into the situation. He just took it as a bad person dying.</em>


    Oh. And you can say that there arent any noble houses without disgrace that dont have a bad apple or two? Derek asked. Hmm let me pick a couple houses at random. Lets see. Do you think I could find a <em>degenerate </em>in House Aarden? Or maybe lets go with House Torith. Do you think there may be one there?


    Or, let me go find nah and see which nobles keep trying to obtain a membership, yet never seem to get one. Im sure we could find a couple of degenerates among them. Derek continued. By the way, Walter. How did you get in here? Oh, thats right you have a membership silly me.


    Edwards eyes couldnt get any wider after Dereks rant. Edgar hadnt been able to control himself and was doubled overughing. He had even stored his wine mid rant, so he didnt spill it.


    Point taken. The King finally said. He had some fury raging in his eyes, but also a look of defeat. He leaned in closer to Derek. I wish we could have had this conversation in a more private manner.


    Derek shrugged. I dont. I would like to have witnesses to something as big as a noble house being restored. Besides, it would make a great pre-show before the auction.


    I still do not believe that is enough, though. The King spoke.


    The slight hope that had appeared in Walters eyes disappeared.


    Ah, but there is one more <em>honorable </em>deed that Walter has done that you may not know of. Derek said.


    And what is that?


    His actions are some of the main reasons why I was here, in this city when I was, and why I found out about certain <em>dark clouds</em> when I did. He may not be directly responsible for my actions, but he is more than rted to them. Derek exined.


    It may not have been weeks or even months before he walked into the Crown Restaurant in Torith. If not for Bronson leading him to the noble area, how long would have it taken for Derek to get there? If not for his son, Wace, going out and making an enemy of Derek, would Bronson have evene?


    No, if not for all of that, Derek wouldnt have been there to expose Gerald, at least not as quickly as he did. If not for Walter, Malcolm wouldnt have taken an interest in Derek like he had and offended him. Thomas would have never met Alicia and got caught up with y. Sure, it may have been a string of coincidences, but it was all caused by House Gracefall.


    I think House Gracefall has restored all of their honor, and then some. Derek said.


    The King was quiet for some time, thinking about what to do. Before he could make his mind up, nah walked over to their little group and whispered something in the Kings ear, causing his eyes to flutter, then he nodded his head.


    Very well. The King said. I will begin the process to restore honor to House Gracefall nay, House Searidge.


    Derek nced at nah. <em>I wonder what she said to him.</em>

 Chapter 227: Regaining Honor

    Chapter 227: Regaining Honor


    Derek moved away from the King and Walter, as he was unsure what kind of process they would need to go through. He didnt know if it was just going to be a formality or some kind of decree, or what. He walked over and stood by nah.


    So, what did you say to him to get him to agree? he asked in a whisper.


    I told him that you were correct, nah said. That he would be even more foolish than he has been if he let his stubbornness keep him from this opportunity to gain or increase the loyalty of a powerful noble house, especially with the uing turbulence that whatever information he receives from Gerald will cause. You know that it is going to cause a great shake up in the noble houses of the Kingdom.


    Is that all you said?


    It is all I needed to say. He would havee to the conclusion himself in time, but I do have an auction to run and all. He would have most likely agreed to your request without any problems if you had gone about it in a more political manner or at least a little less rudely. nah exined.


    Derek snorted. Maybe but he hasnt earned me being less rude or more political yet. He may in the future, but until then, he is just an inept ruler who has let atrocities happen on his watch. Hes misjudged situation after situation.


    That may be so, but


    If not for you sending Avery, or Edgar and myself arriving when we did, what do you think would have happened? Even after what he found out, he still underestimated Gerald, or overestimated Edward. He continues to make poor decisions. I will be respectful when he earns it, he replied. He respected the hell out of nah, and knew she was only trying to stick up for someone who she considered a friend, but he didnt need to be friends with all of her friends.


    I understand. nah sighed. I will not push it.


    Thank you. Derek nodded. Now, about gaining the loyalty of a powerful noble house. What did you mean by that? From what Ive seen, Walter isnt all that strong. Hes nice and wise, but not strong.


    Do you know how old Walter Gracefall is? she asked.


    I dont think hes ever brought it up with me.


    Hes almost 170 years old, she exined.


    Derek didnt know what she was getting at. He knew that Vitality and Endurance slowed the aging process, so Walter being a couple hundred years old, wasnt exactly surprising to him. Though, he did only look like a middle age man, maybe slightly older than that. Old age with the system was weird, so he paid it no mind.


    So? he asked.


    Hes not too much younger than Edwin is.


    That was a revtion for Derek. The King looked ancient, and he was constantly looking for ways to obtain more Vitality and Endurance. What kind of stats and skills did Walter have?


    So, what youre saying is? he asked.


    Just watch. She pointed at the two men. Its starting.


    Derek turned his head from nah to Walter and Edwin. Edwin was standing before Walter, and Walter was kneeling.


    Do you have it? The King asked Walter.


    I always carry it with me, Your Highness, Walter replied. He then flicked his wrist, and a paper appeared.


    Do you promise to serve the Kingdom of Cydaria? To uphold justice and set an example of how a noble house in the Kingdom should act? Do you swear to continue your path of righteousness so that one day, the disgrace that your house oncemitted will be forgotten. The King began.


    I do, Your Majesty. I swear on my life, Walter said.


    Derek found it odd that the King wasnt requiring the man to make an oath to the Great System, but it was better that way, so he left it alone.


    The contract. The King reached his hand out.


    Walter took in a deep breath and handed the paper to the King.


    When the King received the contract, power rushed from him. His eyes turned the color of his element, and a contained, but powerful, aura flowed from his person. The blue of mana flowed into his hands, then into the contract.


    Wow! someone at Dereks sidemented in awe.


    Derek turned to look and saw Rudy standing there, watching in amazement. What is it? he asked.


    Thats a soul contract, Rudy said.


    A soul contract?


    Yes. Rudy confirmed. You have bonded with Silvi, correct? She is not just a contracted beast.


    Thats right.


    The bond to a beast affects the soul of the user. Thats why, if something happens to the beast, the user is affected on a system level. Your stats will be crippled until you earn them back. That is, in essence, the system repairing your soul. Rudy exined.


    Then, this soul contract?


    It works in much of the same way. Except for crippling the soul until repaired, it restrains it until the contract is lifted. I dont know to what extent, as all contracts are different. Its what we, as contract makers, one day strive to be able to do.


    So, you cant create a soul contract? Derek asked.


    Oh, Gods no. Perhaps if my ss rarity increases one day, but until then, I am just amon contract maker, Rudy said.


    So, Walter has his stats restrained, then? Derek asked.


    At the minimum, Rudy replied. There could be all kinds of other terms and conditions in his contract. I did not know that this was how the Kingdom punished a noble house like House Gracefall. It is fascinating. And to be able to see the contract being released with my own eyes. I cant thank you enough for bringing me to this auction.


    Derek chuckled. Im just d somebody knows what the hell is going on.


    Its starting. Rudy whispered, then focused entirely on the happenings in front of them.


    The Kings mana slowly seeped into the contract, gradually turning the papers blue. Once the contract was filled with mana, it exploded into thousands of tiny blue fragments. The fragments formed back together, appearing in the form of chains wrapped around Walters torso.


    Derek watched on in astonishment as the chains began disintegrating from the bottom up. Slowly, but surely, the chains wrapped around the man ceased to exist. When the final link disappeared, Walter jumped to his feet.


    An aura exploded out of the man, which he was quick to contain. When he opened his eyes, they shone the deep blue of an ocean. The blue aura radiated off his skin as the man trembled in excitement.


    Judging from the st of aura Derek felt, and the remaining aura he could sense, he could make the assumption that Walter was now much stronger than he was when they had dinner long ago. From the aura, he wouldnt ce him as strong as the King, or Edward, but he wasnt a slouch.


    At that time, Walter nced over, and he and Derek made eye contact. Tears streaked down the older mans face as a genuine smile appeared on his face. He was about to say something, but Derek nodded, then nodded in the direction of the King.


    Walters eyes shot back over to the King, and he hurriedly fell back to one knee. Your Majesty. I thank you for showing this humble servant such grace and kindness. I will strive to keep my house honorable for as long as I shall live.


    The King let out a breath and smiled. Rise, Walter of House Searidge. The debt and disgrace caused by your uncle shall no longer be held against you and your line. Be proud, for you have earned it.


    Walter rose and bowed deeply once again. Thank you, Your Majesty.


    It is not I who did it, but you. Your actions have restored your houses honor. The Kingdom needs more nobles like yourself. The King said. I will leave you to adapt to your recovered strength. Please, enjoy the auction. We shall meet again once this is all over.


    With that, the King turned and walked away. Derek watched as the man approached one of the booths, walked inside, then sat. Soon, a sort of privacy shield fell over the booth, and Derek could no longer see inside.


    He has to rest now, nah said. Removing that kind of contract is quite draining. Whether you are level 50 or 250, the results are the same. It will take some time for him to recover. That is also one of the reasons this is best done in private.


    I dont think so, Derek said. Letting all the nobles here witness it and the grace of the King is a good thing. They will talk about it for a long time. It may even overshadow the fact that <em>someone </em>is missing.


    Maybe. nah conceded.


    Derek turned to say something to Rudy, but the man was just standing there, staring into space. That was when he remembered the effect that hearing nah speak caused. Also, Rudy wasnt exactly a strong person with a strong will, so he didnt know how long it wouldst. He chuckled and turned back to nah.


    Sorry about that, nah said.


    It cant be helped.


    He can move to your booth until he recovers. nah said and waited for Derek to nod. Go to your private booth over there until you recover. Activate the privacy rune once you enter. She pointed at the booth.


    Like a zombie, Rudy turned and made his way to the booth. Soon, he disappeared inside.


    It looks like you havepany. I will talk to youter, once the auction begins, nah nodded at Walter and smiled before she dismissed herself.


    Next, Walter, Jensen, and re all stood before Derek. Walter was radiating joy, and even though Jensen looked a bit conflicted, he couldnt keep the smile from appearing on his face. re continued to look a little confused, but she could read the atmosphere, so she was happy as well.


    Congrattions. Walter Searidge.


    Walter took Dereks hand and bowed deeply. I will never be able to repay this kindness.


    Dont worry about it. Thats what friends are for.

 Chapter 228: Favor

    Chapter 228: Favor


    Derek brought Walter over to his booth as Jensen and re went out to mingle. He was curious about everything that he had just seen. Rudy had exined the nuances of a soul contract, but Derek was more interested in House Gracefall or now, House Searidge.


    Derek opened the door to the booth to see Rudy standing inside silently. He snapped his fingers in front of Rudys face a few times before the man came to.


    Huh? What wow. That was ufortable, Rudy said.


    Youll have to work on your Wisdom stat if you want to be able to hold a proper conversation with nah, or if you want to break free of her passive skill sooner, Derek said.


    How long was I like that?


    Derek shrugged. I dont know. Ten, fifteen minutes. Youre lucky she only talked with her passive skill. You probably would have missed the entire auction if she would have put a little magic into her words. You need to work on leveling.


    I know. Rudy sighed. Its hard when you have to rely on making contracts and you dont have many customers.


    Well, your advertisement earlier should help a little.


    I hope so. I could go with Rayna and Jacks to hunt some monsters to level, but then I wouldnt get the experience for my skills and I would be missing out on getting a better contract ss.


    Its better to wait. You have plenty of time, Derekforted.


    Rudy nodded. I guess so.


    Now, get out and go drum up some more business, Derek said. I need the booth for a little while.


    Rudy looked up over Dereks shoulder, and only then did he notice Walter standing behind.


    That sounds like a great idea. Rudy said with bright eyes and moved past Derek. When he made it to Walter, he stopped and greeted him. Mr. Searidge. Congrattions!


    Walter nodded. Thank you.


    Rudy then continued on and disappeared into the still gathering crowd of nobles and other Crown members.


    Come in, have a seat. Derek motioned to the bench inside the booth and Walter sat.


    The inside of the booth was quite basic. In the front was a ss screen with multiple runes drawn on the surface. Derek recognized a couple of the runes as the same ones he had installed in his basement. They filtered the air and kept the room at the users desired temperature. Until he knew their official name, he would call them thermostat runes.


    Along with those runes he recognized, there was another which was currently glowing. He leaned forward and inspected it closely.


    Its one of the privacy runes. Walter spoke. Its the rune that blocks the view from outside the booth. That one over there. He pointed at another rune Derek had seen. That one controls the sound. If you activate it, you can adjust how much sound is leaked out from the booth, so you can keep your conversations private. It should be able to work the other way, as well. If its too noisy outside, you can filter what is let inside.


    Derek nodded. That rune would be called the volume control rune. The other one-way mirror. He liked that. He praised himself for his naming sense, then sat back on the bench beside Walter. He winced at the hard surface. <em>Would it kill nah to provide some cushions? I swear half the people in this Kingdom are going to die from splinters and ass sores.</em>


    Other than the bench, there was a small table sitting in front of them. Derek kicked his feet up and got asfortable as he could.


    So. He finally said. Are you happy you came to the auction?


    More than you could ever imagine. Walter burst outughing. And to think I almost didnte. It really was ast-minute thing.


    Well, its nice to see another friendly face. Dont tell anyone, but I dont really like being around all these high-ss people. Put me in a field full of monsters with nothing but a ive and some healing potions, and I can go for days. Put me in a room full of high society with a necktie and a winess, and Im tapped out in minutes. Derek shook his head.


    Speaking of high society, Walter said. Is it really okay for you to speak to King Edwin the way you did? He granted your wish, but I know I saw irritation in his eyes.


    Derek waved his question off. That mans got a long way to go before he could consider us even.


    Even after restoring my house?


    Your house has done more for this Kingdom than you know. He would have been an idiot if he hadnt done that. Hell, restoring your house will help him more than anyone else other than you, that is.


    I dont understand, Walter said.


    There are things you dont need to know. At least not yet. Derek shrugged.


    What exactly did you do to earn so much favor with him? Walter finally asked.


    Derek showed an evil smile. Well, lets see. I kind of saved his son, the Crown Prince one, from certain death. He put one finger up, then continued. There is a good chance that I save the King from having to deal with an imploding Kingdom, maybe even a civil war. He raised the second finger. And, he knows that if he pisses me off, he aint getting any of my Void Beasts or should I say, I provided him with the chance to obtain more Vitality and Endurance from Void Beasts. He raised his third finger. So, how much favor do you suppose this earns me with the King?


    Walter was ring at Derek with his jaw touching the floor. Eventually, he picked it up off the ground and spoke. Is everything you said true?


    I cross my heart, Derek said as he ran his finger over his chest in a cross pattern.


    If that is truly so, then not only is King Edwin indebted to you, the entire Kingdom is. Saving Prince Edward is one thing, but preventing a civil war is on another level. Youve possibly saved countless lives, both noble andmoner alike.


    So youre saying I should have earned what? A fuck-ton of favor?


    Walter stared at Derek for a moment before nodding seriously. Maybe even a fuck-ton and a half.


    They both stared at one enough before bursting out in a fit ofughter. After they both eventually calmed down, Walter spoke.


    So, what was it about the Void Beasts? Is this the auction for the ones you made such a show out of in Torith? You know, everyones still talking about you whipping out a Void Beast and throwing it on a dining table.


    Hah! Yeah, you should have seen the look on some of their faces. It was priceless. Derek grinned. But yeah. All the shit from this auction pretty muches from my Void Beasts. nah and I have an understanding. So, if I asked her to keep the King out of the auction, she wouldnt like it, and would argue against it, but Im pretty sure she would do it.


    Walter shook his head. Its been what? Months since you left Torith, now youre here getting favors from the King. I dont know what to say, Derek. My house was truly unlucky for the longest time, but since you appeared, it seems our luck has turned around.


    Nah, you would have gotten there eventually.


    Maybe but you made it happen much earlier than it would have, if ever. Walter sighed. You know, the stuff with Wace he shook his head. I lost him long before he died. Still, I wasnt sure I would be able to get past his death. But meeting you for the first time, I realized that you did right by your friends, and even gave my son some honor in his death. If left alone, he may have brought destruction to my house. I should have done better.


    Derek pat Walter on his back. I am sorry for his death. Not for killing him, but because he was your son.


    I know I know


    Do you miss him?


    Walter sighed again. I dont miss the person he became, but I miss the little boy that used to beg me to show him my water magic. Heughed. I gained more control in my skills showing off in front of Wace than I did sparring.


    The two sat in the booth, and Derek listened to Walter reminisce about Wace and Jensen. It seemed to do the old man some good.


    So, about that soul contract? Derek started. That was something. I didnt know your punishment went that deep. What was that about? You dont have to answer if you dont want.


    No.. no its fine, Walter said. My uncle was a former patriarch of my family. Back when we were still House Searidge. He wasnt a bad man, actually, not in a general sense, at least.


    What do you mean?


    Well, he never went out to do bad things. He was a good noble. Walter continued. You know that our family usually has an affinity for the water element, right?


    Derek nodded.


    Well, because of our elemental affinity, it makes us particrly suitable for being defensive healers. We dont have the defense of an earth affinity, or the healing capabilities of someone with light affinity, but we are quite decent in both. We are even better at curing toxins and poisons than most with light affinity. Walter exined.


    Right. I guess that makes sense. Water is pretty bnced.


    Exactly, and that is why we were a high noble house. We werent top, but we were considered strong. Because of our healing, we were vital when it came to dungeon parties, or especially raids, when they were avable.


    You always need a good support, Derekmented.


    Unfortunately, that was our undoing, as well. You see, my uncle was a kind man and a good healer. He was also afraid of death, and a coward. He raised his stats by always ying it safe and never getting into danger. Walter sighed. One day, a raid dungeon popped up, and my uncle was selected as one of the supports for the mission, along with other noble houses and even the Kings brother, who wasmander of the Kings Army at that time.


    Oh Derek said. He could see where this was going.


    ording to the survivors, the raid was going well until their formation broke midway through. Still, everyone was calm and reacted quickly everyone but my uncle. He panicked. To make a long story short, because of his actions, half of the raiding party was wiped out, including the Kings brother. The survivors retreated back to the checkpoint, then abandoned the raid. Walter exined.


    Derek wasnt sure what the differences between a raid and a regr dungeons were, other than length and difficulty, but he didnt want to interrupt Walters story.


    When they got out, my uncle knew what he had done, and tried to flee the Kingdom. He was captured and eventually executed. That is also how we earned the Gracefall name.


    All that because of one person? Derek said. Walters uncles mistakes werent that of the entire line, but that of one person.


    It would have been different if he hadnt been the Patriarch. But, as his position was so high, the King, who was young at the time, used him as a lesson to other nobles. Cowardice will not be tolerated. If you are not cut out for dungeons, dont drag others down because of it. Because of it, we have more crafters and lifestyle users than ever before. So, I cant fault the King for his decree. I only wish that it wasnt my house that caused it.


    I see, Derek said. Well, that is all behind you now. Its time to get back to being a high noble house. God knows this Kingdom needs some proper nobles.


    I cant argue with that.


    By the way, Derek said. Exactly how strong are you?

 Chapter 229: Change of pace

    Chapter 229: Change of pace


    How strong am I? Walter asked. Well, thats kind of a hard question to answer, because I really dont know.


    Well, to your best estimate, said Derek.


    Thats still hard to judge. The soul contract I was under as the patriarch of the family both crippled my stats and halted my leveling. Youve told me some of your secrets, so I wont bother to hide anything from you.


    For decades now, Ive been stuck at level 199, but with the stats of someone in the lower to mid 100s. However, with any free time I managed to find myself, I worked on my skills. This all could be a blessing in disguise, as I will soon be allowed to upgrade my ss at level 200. If what we discussed earlier and applied to re and Brandi is true, it is possible that I am in for quite an upgrade. Walter exined.


    If its like that, you may be right, Derek said.


    As for how strong I am now I switched from a rare ss to an epic one at level 100, so I have those stats. You would still be able to get me with your disappearing trick because I allocate heavily into Vitality and Wisdom. I am a support ss, so dont expect too much offense. Those I do believe that even as a support ss, I could handle Gerald Torith. Walter smiled.


    He is just a walking bag of meat. Derek agreed.


    Thats what happens when you are power leveled to 250. You end up all stats and no skills. Not very good stats, either.


    Well, in any case, Derek said. Im happy for you. What do you n on doing now? You going to go out and grab that level so you can upgrade your ss?


    You know I think I may just do that. I have spent so long staring at the same status that it will be a breath of fresh air to see some different numbers, Walter said. However, I need to get rid of this patriarch title first.


    What do you mean? Derek asked.


    I kept the title for so long because I didnt want the soul contract to restrict others. Granted, with the limited support and exile to a sub-city, most of my family hasnt grown strong over the years. Now, though, since the contract is up and our honor is restored, I think its time for a new patriarch or matriarch to step up to be head of the family. Walter exined.


    I see.


    I am tired, Walter sighed. I am tired of being stuck in the same ce doing the same thing over and over. I loved adventuring in the past I loved everything about it. Bonding with your squad, life and death situations everything. I think its time for me to do something for myself for a change. I want to live again. There are a number of candidates that can take over the family. Im going to focus on myself.


    Thats good to here. Derek agreed. Youve been at it for so long, you need to rx now. And nothing is more rxing than fighting for your life.


    Laughing, Walter said, It may not sound rxing, but the change of pace will definitely be. It is something that I look forward to.


    The two continued chatting as more and more people poured into the auction. Walter pointed out a few different people he believed Derek should at least take note of during their talks. Soon, thest person was announced and the moment they had all been waiting for drew closer.


    Well, Derek, said Walter. It has been great catching up, and I thank you for everything you have done for me and my family.


    It was fun. Much better than mingling with other nobles. Derek agreed.


    It looks like the auction is about to begin, so I will go take my ce beside my family. Ill have to treat you to a mealter, Walter said as he stood from the bench and made his way out of the booth.


    Ill hold you to that, Derek said.


    After that, Derek rxed in his private booth as he watched all the guests move to their seats. Not long after watching another group be led to one of the other private booths, a light knock sounded on the door of his own.


    Its ope- he started, but realized that the privacy runes were still activated. Therefore, no matter what he said, whoever was outside of his booth would not be able to hear him. Instead, he walked over and opened the door.


    To his surprise, instead of Rudy or Malorie, nah stood waiting.


    Well, are you going to invite me in? she asked.


    Of course, Derek said. Come on in.


    She stepped inside and closed the door behind her. Then they both took their seats.


    What are you doing in here? Derek asked.


    What? You didnt expect me to sit and watch the auction all alone, did you? she asked.


    Well, I figured you had a bunch of other stuff you needed to do, so it was a surprise seeing you here.


    Derek, dear you are quite literally one of the few people in this auction that I can chat freely with. Of course I am going toe here. It was either you or Edwin and the Princes, and that would just be boring. She exined.


    What about Malorie and Rudy? Derek asked.


    nah pointed toward a table. Derek followed her finger and saw Rudy and Malorie sitting at a table, along with Roman and Freia.


    Huh? he muttered.


    What? nah asked.


    I didnt think Roman would be able to drag Freia away from her notes for the auction. I was just surprised, Derek said.


    nah chuckled. Im sure she knows that whatever happens with the potions today will benefit Roman, and ultimately, her, in the future.


    Thats probably it. Shes probably excited to see how much money they will end up getting. The more money they receive, the more experiments they can do, and the more she can study. I dont think Ive ever seen anyone as studious as that woman.


    Its not a bad thing, nah said.


    So, besides being able to talk with me, is there another reason you are here? Derek asked.


    nah shrugged. I can leave if you would like.


    No, no, no. Derekughed. Im more than happy to have you here. I was just curious.


    I figure it would be the most fun this way, nah replied.


    How do you mean?


    Well, only you and I have nothing to do during this time. Neither one of us has any need to bid during this auction. Who else better to spend the time with? she exined.


    I guess thats true. He agreed.


    All we need to do is sit back and see how much profit we will be receiving. Whether that is in gold or in items. It really is the most fun part of an auction. And we can see old rivalries ir up. Thats fun, too. Nothing makes old men and women act like children more than an auction.


    I didnt think about that, Derek said. Maybe this auction wont be boring after all.


    nah giggled. Dear auctions are never boring.


    Derek snorted.


    So, did you have a good chat with Walter? I bet he was very thankful to you.


    I did. He is a very good man. Im d I could help.


    Out of all the people Ive met since I came to Cydaria, he has always been one of the most honorable, nah said. Which is ironic since he was the patriarch of a dishonored noble house.


    Those with chips on their shoulders always have more to prove. You either end up bing someone like Walter, or you be someone like his son, Wace, Derek said. It was truly his houses good luck that Walter became the man he is.


    nah nodded deeply. So, what does the patriarch of House Searidge n to do now that his honor and power is restored?


    Derek chuckled. Of course, he ns on stepping down from being patriarch. He wants to go back to adventuring. It seems like he misses it dearly.


    A glint shed through nahs eyes. Oh, really? That is quite interesting. You know, his house used to be one of the best support houses in the Kingdom. I wonder if he ns on continuing that legacy.


    Who knows? All I know is that the old man is finally free to do what he wants, and he couldnt be more excited.


    Good for him, nah said. One of these days, I would like to get some free time and go adventuring once again.


    I seem to recall a dungeon you wanted to run with me, Derek said. Has that n changed?


    Oh, no. nah waved him off. We are most definitely going dungeon diving together. I just fear that with the two of us together, it wont make for much of a challenge.


    That may be true. Derek sighed. But it could still be fun. I look forward to it.


    As do I nah trailed off. Oh, its finally starting.


    Derek moved his focus away from nah and back to the auctions stage, where Ste was walking up to. The beautiful red head shined as the lights dimmed and all eyes fell onto her. She was a prime example of a kingdom toppling beauty at the moment. All kinds of tropes fell into Dereks mind as he watched the woman prepare herself. Then he nced back at nah and sighed. <em>Of course, she isnt outdone at all.</em>


    A hush fell over the crowd as Ste took center stage.


    Her amplified voice boomed throughout the hotel. Please take your seats. The auction will begin momentarily.


    Once everyone was finally seated, her voice sounded out again. Ladies and gentleman. I am honored that all of you would take time out of your busy schedules to attend the Crowns auction.


    Both Derek and nahughed at the same time.


    As if anyone in their right minds would miss such an opportunity to be stronger or get acquainted with such esteemed guests. nah scoffed.


    Without further ado lets begin!

 Chapter 230: Auction

    Chapter 230: Auction


    Both Derek and nah settled into their seats to watch the proceedings morefortably. If Derek had any questions or concerns, nah would be there to answer them. It paid to share a booth with the owner and host of the auction.


    First and foremost, we will certify the authenticity of our auctioned items. Stes voice boomed over the room. Usually, we would do this with oaths or contracts, but for todays auction, I am pleased to announce that all items have been authenticated by City Lord Natalie Savannah and have earned her seal of approval. Miss Savannah, if you would do the honor.


    Natalies petite figure stepped forward from the side of the auctions stage, and she walked up the steps to stand beside Ste.


    Thank you, Miss Brighton. Natalie stepped forward as Ste bowed, all eyes focused on her. Over thest few days, I have had the chance to examine all items rted to this auction, and I can, in good faith, announce that each item nned for auction today is authentic and provides the benefits that will be listed.


    Then Natalie flicked her wrist, and a contract appeared in her hand. This is a written and signed contract from the Crownmissioning my services. If any item auctioned here today has not been verified by myself, the contract will dissolve before everyones eyes.


    Natalie then moved to the back wall and ced the contract where everyone could view it at all times. It was quite the disy. Derek had to praise nah and Natalie for using this method. With the Crowns reputation and Natalies identity, there would be no issues going forward. He doubted any would have arisen anyway, but this added an extrayer of certainty.


    I didnt expect Natalie toe aboard to verify the goods, Derek said.


    It wasnt easy, but this way, there will be no room for dissent. Normally, it wouldnt be needed, but since everyone was allowed to bring guests, I thought it better to be thorough. nah exined.


    Good thinking. Derek agreed. What did it cost to get Natalie to do this?


    She was paid with one of the potions and one of the lesser meals. Unfortunately, her powers do not benefit greatly from the meals, as Wisdom is her main stat. Still, it is very hard to resist the appeal of free stats for such little work. Even if she is a very busy person.


    Even more so with her ongoing interrogations. Derek agreed.


    Indeed.


    Are there any questions about the authenticity of our items today? Ste asked. She waited for a few moments to give everyone time to process everything. Since there are no questions, City Lord Savannah may return to her booth.


    After that, Natalie walked back off stage, then headed to one of the private booths. Ste waited for her to go in and close the door before continuing.


    We will now bring out the first set of items. Ste motioned to her left, and a Crown worker came in with a cart of three dishes. She pushed the cart to the center of the stage. Ste gave the woman a nod, and the woman removed the lids from all three dishes.


    On each te was a small serving of what looked like processed meat thered in a thick gravy. To Derek, it didnt look appetizing at all. There were herbs of different colors and other vegetables and sides to make the meal more ptable, but the main part of the dish did not set well with him.


    He hadnt actually inspected any of the meals he was given earlier. Derek flicked his wrist and one of the meals he had received earlier appeared in his hand. He removed the lid covering the te and examined the contents. It was the same as what was on stage, except it did not have any of the extra garnishments. It was just the overly processed meat and unappetizing, gravy-like substance.


    Derek took a deep breath of it and was pleased that it at least had a quality aroma. He still had a hard time getting past the appearance.


    It is not easy to squeeze the full potential out of one of the dishes. nahmented from the side as Derek put the dish away. You know the size of the Void Beasts, yet they only provide a few dishes of that size.


    I guess Derek said. I wasnt reacting to the size of the dish, though. It was the look. Im just so used to seeing beautiful and perfect meals prepared by the Crown Restaurant, so when looking at this highly processed dish, it took me by surprised.


    Yes. Because of how much of the Void Beast we have to condense to draw out the full effects, the resulting look of the dish is unappealing. For the auction, we do our best to dress it up with garnishes and sides, but for the meals you received, and those I keep, we only provided what was actually needed for the stat increases. nah exined.


    I see, Derek said. Well, its not like I canin. At least it smells much better than it looks.


    It also tastes phenomenal, nah said. You couldnt tell by the way it looks, but it is one of the most delicious and hearty dishes I have ever eaten.


    Thats good to know.


    With nahs exnation finished, Derek turned his attention back to the auction. The crowd was staring with wide, hungry eyes at the three dishes being presented.


    That is one of the weaker Void Beasts that we processed, nah said. Its stat increases will not be much, but will still draw in quite the profit. I expect even more profit with the extra people we allowed to attend.


    Derek nodded at her exnation as he listened to Ste on the stage.


    First up is a dish from a low strength Void Beast. Said Void Beast was able to provide us with three meals, and the stat distribution for each meal is as following: 4 Strength, 2 Endurance, and 2 Intelligence.


    Murmurs spread throughout the crow as they discussed the information they received.


    This stat distribution may not seem like a lotpared to past and possible future dishes, but it is still close to buying an entire level worth of permanent stats with just a paltry amount of gold coins, Ste announced to the crowd.


    This is good, Derek said. There are many people who came here just to watch the show because they were sure they wouldnt be able to afford anything. With such a set of meals, it will allow them to possibly walk away with something.


    That was the n. nah smiled.


    We will start the bid at 500 gold coins and each bid must be increased by at least 100 gold coins. Ste announced.


    Only 500? Derek asked.


    Indeed. nah nodded. You dont have to worry. These meals will set the tone for the future of the auction. Eight stat points is eight stat points, and we have allowed members and guests to buy more than one meal each, this time. With all that known, these small meals should sell for much more than theyre worth.


    Derek sat back and watched the action.


    Begin. Stes voice boomed over the floor.


    500. A man holding a paddle with the number 28 etched into it shouted.


    Thats 500 gold coins from number 28. Ste said.


    600.


    700.


    1,000.


    1,000 gold coins for number 17.


    2,000! Number 28 shouted once again.


    2,000 from number 28. Going once


    2,500 gold coins. Number 17 shouted.


    Derek watched the antics from thefort of his booth. None of those that Derek knew had plenty of money to spare had jumped in to battle this time. He didnt recognize number 17 and number 28, but he was sure they were both from lower noble houses, or may have even beenmoners.


    After some time, the very first meal of the auction was sold to number 28 for 7,500 gold coins. It was very impressive. He was offered 25,000 gold coins for the very first Void Beast he presented to Ste, and it was many times better than the one used to make the three small dishes.


    Im guessing that is a good price? he asked, just to make sure.


    That is a very good price for such a low quality dish. nah confirmed. Anything over 3,000 gold coins could be considered a good price, actually.


    Great! Derek leaned forward, excited.


    Now its time for the next dish. We will once again begin the bidding at 500 gold coins.


    Soon, all three dishes were auctioned off. The second dish fell into number 17s hands for 6,000 gold coins, yet the third dish reached 8,500 gold coins. Scarcity definitely yed a big factor in its pricing, as those who werent exactly flush with gold did not know when the next opportunity to buy such a thing woulde, and they knew they wouldnt be able topete for the better dishes.


    The Crown worker stepped back onto stage and took the cart containing the dishes away. They would distribute the dishes to the winners at the end of the auction.


    Another worker quickly brought another cart onto stage. This time, it was a singr te with a lid. Ste walked forward and shot the crowd a beautiful smile.


    Our next item is something only recently discovered. She reached out and removed the cover. Three vials sat upright on the te. Each vial contained a constantly changing rainbow colored liquid. The sight was fascinating, and something only a few people in the room had ever seen before.


    This new item is called The Potion of Physical Permanence. Ste announced as hushed whispers fell over the crowd. What does The Potion of Physical Permanence do? Well, it gives permanent stat increases just like the previous meals. She exined.


    The rowdy crowd fell silent. They were almost disappointed in the statement.


    However, unlike the meals we prepare, this Potion of Physical Permanence does not increase Intelligence. Instead, it increases Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, and Vitality. She dropped a bombshell on the crowd. An item that actually increased Vitality, plus, it increased Dexterity along with it. Finally, with a knowing smile, she said, It is also a potion, so you can obtain the benefits of it without spacing out consumption.


    With that, the crowd went into an uproar. The auction was about to get interesting.

 Chapter 231: Auction II

    Chapter 231: Auction II


    So, Derek began. I havent talked much with Roman about his potions. Was he able to make potions of varying stats, or do they all give five points to each increased stat?


    Just watch and find out, nah replied.


    Derek smirked and turned his attention back to the auction.


    Ste waited for the crowd to settle down before she began her next pitch. Each of the three vials in front of you contains a Potion of Physical Permanence that increases Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, and Vitality by three points each. That is a total of 12 stat points. It is on par with a full level from an umon rarity ss.


    So everything does depend on the Void Beast used. I bet those potions were made from the same Void Beast used to make the earlier meals, Derek said.


    Your bet would be correct, nah replied.


    Now Ste continued. As this is a new product of high rarity, and because of the severely limited quantity avable


    Derek snorted. Severely limited quantity, my ass. I dont know how many potions he had the time to make, but the materials he has are definitely not severely limited.


    I beg to differ, nah disagreed. With the number of ingredients he has avable and potions Roman has been able to make,pared to the number of people who would want to buy in the entire Kingdom, not to mention continent severely limited isnt an exaggeration at all. In fact, I think that is being lenient overall.


    Derek couldnt argue with her counter. Yes, he provided dozens of Void Beasts, which would create materials for dozens, if not hundreds, of meals and potions, butpared to the size and number of people on the continent, it would really be just a drop in the bucket.


    Touch, he said. It is very limited overall, but here, currently, I could say that we are even overstocked. Still, Ste did not lie, only slightly deceived.


    Besides nah said. Its not like everything we have is being auctioned off today, in one auction. What we are selling today is limited. Very much so.


    Ste continued. Because of the severely limited quantity avable, we will begin this auction at 5,000 gold coins. She waited for everyone to take in all the information before speaking again. Begin!


    This time, those lesser houses and members who had bid on the early Void Beast meals werent even able to fight for crumbs. The heavy hitters came in right off the bat.


    5,000.


    Thats 5,000 gold coins from number 45, King Edwin. Ste announced.


    Im sorry for the insolence, Your Majesty, but this one cannot pass up this opportunity. A man spoke up. I bid 6,500 gold coins.


    Hahaha. The Kingsughter rang out from his private booth. Lord Allister, I would not have it any other way. 7,500!


    Thats 7,500 gold coins from King Edwin.


    8,500!


    Craig Allister and King Edwin went back and forth with their bids for some time. Both seemed to be enjoying themselves, and neither wanted to let up.


    When the price hit 17,000, Derek spoke to nah. I dont know if that potion is worth that much.


    It is worth however much they want to pay. It is an auction, and the potions are new and shiny. They do not know if there will be moreter on, or if the quantity is limited to the three vials shown right now, nah replied.


    Does House Allister really have enough money topete with the King? Derek asked.


    More than enough, actually, nah responded. They may be a mid-sized noble family, and may give many of their services away for free, but dont for one second think they arent wealthy. Going on dungeons for the Kingdom pays quite well, as does healing other noble houses. Just because they are generous, doesnt mean they dont know their worth.


    I see. I guess being a healer can be quite the lucrative profession.


    Yes! Just think about their umtion of wealth over the generations. Not only are they the number one pick for healers in the Kingdom, they are also sought out when ites to dealing with dungeons and beasts of the dark affinity.


    I bet the undying dungeon close to Torith would be a great ce for them, Derek muttered.


    They have already profited a substantial amount from that dungeon. Ever since that dungeon guide was presented some time ago, House Allister has been sending their forces. They have obtain more storage rings from that dungeon than any other house thus far. They are a near perfect counter to the bats, skeleton, and the boss Lich in the dungeon. They only have to be wary of the ghouls. nah exined.


    Derek inwardly smiled. He was the one who presented that person with the dungeon guide. So really, he could be the one to me for some of the recent profits for House Allister. He turned his attention back to the battle taking ce in front of him. Now, with a new outlook, he was rooting for Craig Allister.


    Eventually, to Dereks dismay, the King won the first potion for 23,000 gold coins. Potion number two was auctioned off shortly after to Craig Allister for 21,000, which meant that Craig Allister still got thestugh. The final potion sold to a noble named Svena Greend.


    The woman was the head of the high ranked House Greend. A house known for its affinity to both earth and wood, producing heirs with great support and defensive skills. Their healing wasnt as good as House Allisters, and their defensive skills werent on par with House Aarden, but their overall ability wasnt much weaker than either house.


    Svena Greend was one of the few Cydarian Nobles of Elven descent. She was tall, even taller than Derek. Her light pink pixy cut hairplimented her soft green eyes. Her short hair did wonders at drawing attention to her Elven ears. She had no shame in her race, and instead of the uppity, conceited attitude towards other races that Derek had noticed from some elves, she was quite kind to everyone, even during her bidding war.


    The auction quickly fell into a pace as more meals were carted out. Old rivalries sparked up and new animosities blossomed. It was a much more fun event than Derek had imagined. It was especially interesting when a guest of a House Geiger began hurling insults at multiple bidding noble houses.


    The patriarch of House Geigers face turned a very particr shade of red as the guest that apanied him continued to embarrass both himself and the patriarch.


    Derek actually enjoyed watching the guest hurl insults. Apparently, he was a good friend of Mason Geiger, the head of House Geiger. The guest was a high-ranking member of the Adventurers Guild named Keith Burnes, but was not a noble.


    The man reminded Derek of Jim, one of the well-known leaders back on Earth. He had founded a city called Muscle Town that developed into one of the foremost cities in what used to be the United States. He was what one would consider a muscle head. He had bulging muscles, a round face, and very bad case of balding.


    The man was one of the nicest people Derek had ever encountered. And he was genuinely nice, as well. He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it, but you would only have one chance with him. Betray his trust once, and you were dead to him.


    Keith and Jim were the spitting images of one another, at least from what Derek could remember about Jim. If Keith would have had a southern ent, Derek could have believed they were brothers. He was a rowdy man, and everything he said was all done in good fun. Derek could tell there wasnt any actual spite in his words, no matter what he said.


    Most everyone else seemed to know that as well, as they either yed along or just ignored the man.


    ording to nah, the man was well known in the Adventurers Guild. He hadnt obtained a membership to the Crown Restaurant yet, but that was only because he had yet to try. She seemed to quite enjoy his antics, as well. Apparently, he even had a decent amount of money saved, as he was able to bid and win one of the better Void Beast meals being offered.


    Every time the man bid on an item, Derek inwardly cheered for him. After a while, the man actually won another auction. This time, it was one of the potions made by Roman.


    Derek couldnt even keep track of the amount of money he was bound to make. Some of the higher tier meals even broke the 100,000 gold mark. Those who attended the auction were truly cash cows. Finally, a worker carted out yet another covered te.


    Our next auction is special, as it will not be auctioned for money, but for trade, Ste informed the crowd. She uncovered the te, and a single meal sat in the middle. This meal was prepared from a special Void Beast. Though not the strongest we have ever encountered, it was up there.


    A hush fell over the crowd as they listened with bated breath.


    As for the stat allotment she drew the silence in before continuing. 28 Strength, 18 Endurance, and 16 Intelligence. Ste smiled as the crowd drew in a collected breath before going crazy. She put her hand up to silence them. For this Void Beast meal a meal that provides a whopping 62 extra stat points. We are looking for a weapon.


    That statement caused most in the crowd to frown. What kind of weapon would be worth that many permanent stat points?


    Now, now Ste started back up. We wouldnt be doing this if we didnt believe someone could provide this weapon.


    What kind of weapon? someone from the crowd shouted the question.


    What we are looking for is a ive. At that, Ste flicked her wrist, and a ive appeared in her hand-Dereks old ive. This is the model for the ive we want. This is just a reference. As long as the ive is of good quality, it will be considered.


    Derek sat up in his seat. This was the part of the auction he was most excited about. Forget about the money and fame, what he wanted was a weapon that could withstand his void powers. He was tired of using his fists. It was time for him to get back to his old fighting style.

 Chapter 232: The Walking Forge

    Chapter 232: The Walking Forge


    Oh? nah said, seeing Derek lean forward, turning all of his attention onto the current auction. I dont think Ive ever seen you quite so anxious.


    You wouldnt understand, Derek replied. Im a ive user by trade, but dont have a ive that can withstand my skills. Every fight I get into its like Im fighting with one hand behind my back. This is what I wanted the auction for.


    Well, it was one of your first conditions in your contract. Its no wonder you would be so anxious, nah said. So youre saying youve been fighting basically crippled without your weapon?


    Not crippled, just not at full power, he answered.


    I see. With that, nah pulled out a red crystal from her storage. When Derek looked at her in confusion, she said, So Ste can know if the offer is good enough. Another reason Im in your booth instead of my own.


    And here I thought I was special. Derek chuckled as he turned his attention back to Ste and the auction.


    Must the weapon be a ive? One bidder asked.


    nah looked at Derek for his confirmation.


    ives first, but if there are none, or none of good enough quality, I could settle on a very good halberd. But the halberd would have to be exceptional. I much prefer the de on a ive to the axe on a halberd. Though, I understand a halberd is most likely moremon for some reason that Ive never been able to get my head around.


    nah nodded at Derek and poured mana into hermunication crystal. On the stage, Ste flicked her wrist and an identical crystal appeared in her hand. She closed her eyes for a moment before continuing.


    I have been informed that the ive with take priority, but if there arent any of high enough quality, we can ept an exceptional halberd in its stead. Ste informed the crowd. If you have a weapon that you are willing to part with for this extraordinary opportunity to gain stats, please rise and form a line in front of the stage. We will examine the goods then.


    Derek watched with anticipation as a handful of people rose from their seats. After a few minutes, a line of seven individuals formed in front of the auction stage. Derek clinched his fists as Ste stepped forward.


    City Lord Savannah. She announced. If you would be so kind as to help us with the examination.


    The door to Natalies private booth opened up and the petite woman walked out, back to the stage. Soon, she was standing next to Ste in front of the bidders.


    The first person, a dwarf with a full beard and long salt and pepper hair tied in a bun, stepped forward. nah leaned closer to Derek and began telling him about the bidder.


    That is Mr. Gregory. He is a prominent smith in the capital. Though he is one of the best smiths around, I am afraid the weapons he makes are more standard, as he is one of the smiths who outfit the army. He doesnt take many custom requests, so I do not know if he will have anything worthy of you.


    I guess were about to find out, Derek said.


    Soon, the dwarven smith presented Natalie with two halberds, both identical. I do not have any custom halberds or ives, but these two halberds are sturdy and durable. I am willing to offer both of them for the Void Beast meal.


    Natalie took the two halberds, one in each hand, then, as she examined them, a white glow covered both of her eyes. Finally, the glow faded, and she shook her head. I am sorry. I cannot deem either or both of these weapons worthy of this item. She handed the weapons back to the smith.


    Mr. Gregory bowed his head. Thank you for your consideration. Then, turned and walked back to his table.


    The next person in line was someone Derek was very familiar with. It was Prince Edgar. Hede out of his fathers private booth when the announcement was made. Surprisingly, when he presented his weapon, it was actually a ive.


    Natalie examined the weapon, then whispered something in Stes ear. Soon, nahsmunication crystal activated, and she ryed the message to Derek.


    Natalie said that she wouldnt even consider the weapon if not for it being a ive. nah exined. She said it would make for a great weapon for those level 190 or lower, but she does not believe it to be able to endure your void affinity for long.


    Derek thought about her words. Really, he didnt even need some super high quality ive, just one that could hold up to his affinity and enemies without breaking. Unfortunately, this did not seem to be the one. He shook his head and nah ryed her message.


    Thank you for the offering, Prince Edgar, but unfortunately, this ive does not meet the minimum requirements, Ste said.


    Edgar took the ive back and shrugged with a smile. It was worth a shot. He moved away, back to his booth.


    After Edgar left, two people left the line as well. They must have known that their offerings werentparable to the ive Edgar had presented, so they chose to not waste everybodys time.


    As the presentation went on, Derek got a sinking sensation in his gut. <em>Im still not going to be able to get a new weapon, am I? </em>He looked over at nah with a frown.


    Be patient. This is only the beginning, sheforted.


    As the final bidder was dismissed, Natalie went back to her private booth and Ste stepped forward once more.


    As no ive or halberd of high enough quality has been presented, we will move on to our other option. This option is specifically for the cksmiths who have gathered here today. We are willing to part with this meal for a contract with a smith to create a quality ive. As for the smiths here who can create such a quality ive, Im sure you know who you are, she exined.


    There are two, nah said.


    Two? Derek asked.


    Yes, two smiths who I believe have the skills to create a ive good enough to be considered by you. One is that Dwarven smith from before, Barsic Gregory, his focus is on quantity for the Kingdom, but if he epts the custom request, I believe he could make something to your standards, she exined.


    And the other? Derek asked.


    The other is tricky. She pointed at a specific table.


    There, a burly giant of a man with pale, scarred skin, sat alone. Without seeing him stand, Derek couldnt be sure, but he would put him at seven feet tall, at least. His rugged face sported dark ck stubble, and his ck hair was shaved almost bald. He looked rather worn down. His ck iriss stared at the Void Beast meal as he had a contemtive look on his face.


    How is he tricky? Derek asked.


    Well, when I first thought of a smith to make you a weapon, it was him who came across my mind. If you canmission him to make a weapon, you are guaranteed to have something of the highest quality. He is the best smith in the Kingdom, after all. His is The Walking Forge Tyron cksteel. nah exined.


    Oh, he even has a nickname like that? Whats so special about him? Derek asked.


    Well, he is a smith who fights.


    What do you mean?


    From what I can gather, his ss is both abat and crafting ss. He doesnt rely on anyone else for materials. He has no problem going out and getting them himself. He is one hundred percent self-sufficient.


    Sounds like a hell of a guy. Derekmented.


    Indeed.


    Still, why is it tricky to get him to do it?


    That would be because of the new raid dungeon that recently appeared. He has decided to join in as the cksmith on the mission. He cant pass up the opportunity to obtain materials from such a dungeon.


    I see Derek said. So he will be away and not able to create the weapon any time soon.


    Precisely.


    Derek sighed and watched as Mr. Gregory stood back up from his seat.


    I am willing to sign such a contract. I can guarantee a quality weapon within two months. It will, of course, take me some time to gather the proper material. The smith announced.


    Thank you for your offer, Mr. Gregory. We will take it into consideration, Ste said. Now, is there anyone else who would like to make an offer? As she said thest sentence, her eyesnded on Mr. cksteel. What about you, Mr. cksteel? Im sure you have the ability.


    Soon, the giant man stood from his seat. Derek was correct, he was at least seven feet tall. With a deep voice, he said, Of course, I would love to make such a contract. However, I do not believe I have the time to do so. As Mr. Gregory has said, it would take time to gather such materials, time that he looked around. Due to certain circumstances, I will not have. It would most likely be a few years before I am able toplete the contract.


    Ste nodded at the man. That is unfortunate.


    Unfortunate indeed. Mr. Gregory said with a big smile. Does that mean I may have the honor of this contract? he asked with greed in his eyes.


    However. Smith cksteel continued. I would like to make an offer, nheless. The giant walked to the stage and presented Ste with a grand halberd. It was at least eight feet long and thick very thick. The smiths hands fit around it perfectly, like it was made for him. This is a halberd I once made for myself when I was but level 220. I do not believe it to be worth the Void Beast meal, so I did not present it earlier.


    I see, Ste said. If you do not believe it worth the meal, then


    I offer this halberd, plus a contract, the man exined. The halberd with be a down payment, and when I be avable once again, I will create a ive to the best of my capabilities. What say you?


    nah gave Derek a questioning look. Mr. Gregory or Mr. cksteel? Its your choice.


    Derek chuckled. Isnt it obvious?


    To me? It is. nah smiled back. Mr. cksteel?


    Mr. cksteel, Derek nodded.

 Chapter 233: Auction Finale

    Chapter 233: Auction Finale


    nah sent another message through hermunication crystal to Ste after Derek selected Tyron cksteel. Something about the man just made Derek want to choose him. He seemed formidable, respected, and very reasonable. Barsic Gregory did not at least not to Derek. Sure, he would probably make an eptable ive, but with Tyron, Derek could sense he would be getting something of incredible quality.


    Ste held her crystal and nodded multiple times before making the announcement. Mr. cksteel, your offer has been epted, and you have won the bid. Congrattions!


    The giant mans eyes widened slightly. Really? he asked. Even with the dy in forging?


    Mr. Gregory huffed from his position, but chose not to speak.


    Yes, sir. It seems your abilities have left you with a great reputation, Ste said. You may return to your seat. We will settle everything after the auction. She handed the halberd back to the man.


    Thank you. Tyron bowed slightly, then excused himself back to his seat.


    Next, they wheeled the auctioned item off the stage and another up.


    Now, we have a special treat for all of you. In all the years and Void Beast meals we have auctioned, the next set is the highest quality item we have ever had. Ste walked forward and revealed the three meals on the tray. Each of these three meals will provide a whopping 42 Strength, 30 Endurance, and 24 Intelligence for a total of 96 stat points.


    She waited for the crowd to quiet down before continuing. Now, I know you all know the worth of such an item. So I hope to hear noints when I start the bidding at 250,000 gold coins or items and materials of equivalent value. Each bid must be at least a 10,000 gold coin increase.


    Abined hiss came from the crowd as multiple people drew in their breaths at the same time. The starting bid was basically unheard of, but such a never before seen item deserved a never before seen price, and everyone knew it.


    Derek let out a whistle from inside his booth. How much you think it will go for? he asked.


    That is something not even I have an answer to, nah answered. We dont have any data for something as good as this, but we have sold multiple at 200,000+ gold coins, so there isnt any chance it wont be sold.


    Derek looked over at the booth the King was in. The man was probably more nervous than any other person in the room. He was also probably one of the few people who could bid on the items.


    Lets start the bidding! Ste announced.


    Instantly, the Kings voice sounded out of his booth for the 250,000 gold coins.


    275,000. Natalies voice rang out from her own booth.


    Derek could almost feel the Kings heart drop to the bottom of his stomach when Natalie bid against him. By far, she was the person with the money to work with. If she really got into it, there would be nothing the man could do. Plus, he was still in debt to her which would be rather embarrassing.


    285,000. A strained voice came from the Kings booth.


    Natalie instantly replied with a bid of 300,000.


    The two went back and forth in a bidding war for the first meal for some time. Finally, the King had to give up. Derek, of course, hoped the bidding war would continue indefinitely. After all, he would be receiving a cut of all proceeds from the auction.


    Our winner for the first item is City Lord Natalie Savannah, for a total of 725,000 gold coins. Congrattions! Ste announced. Now for the next meal. We will begin the bid again at 250,000. Begin!


    The King started the bidding once again at 250,000, and once again, Natalie didnt give anyone else a chance.


    500,000. She instantly doubled the beginning offer.


    550,000. The Kings muffled voice rang from his booth. He was obviously holding in his anger. There was nothing he could do about it.


    600,000.


    625,000. The King answered back. Miss Savannah, do you have it in your heart to show this old king some mercy?


    No 700,000. Natalie answered immediately. I dont attend many of these auctions, so it would be a waste if I dont do everything I can to get what I want.


    Fine 725,000. The King bid, matching the price of the previous item.


    Unfortunately, 725,000 was too rich for his blood previously, but it wasnt even close to what Natalie was willing to bid, which was obvious when her voice sounded from her booth once again. 750,000.


    Natalie! The Kings tense voice sounded again.


    What? If you have the money, I will be more than happy to concede. But items such as these donte often. I would know better than most.


    Fine! You can have this one, but dont even think about taking the next!


    Uh-oh. nah said next to Derek.


    Derek was enjoying the show. He didnt see a problem. Whats wrong? he asked.


    I think Edwin just assured that he wont win anything else.


    Whys that?


    Natalie may not look it, but she is verypetitive. You dont earn the amount of money and resources that she has without being ruthless to thepetition. Now, Edwin has publicly stated that she wont win the next one. Hes probably kicking himself for that outburst at this moment. She exined.


    I see Derek replied and waited.


    Now for the final meal of the night. Ste announced. Let the bidding begin at 250 she began.


    One million. Natalie bid.


    We have one million gold coins from Natalie Savannah. Is there anyone else? Remember, a chance like this may not happen again.


    Derek heard a loud bang sound out from the Kings booth. Edwin wasnt currently using the privacy rune for sound, so everyone heard it. Derek did his best not to chuckle, but couldnt help himself.


    You werent wrong, Derek said.


    I rarely am. nah chuckled. Dont worry about the King, though. Natalie knows everything we are auctioning, so she nned on winning all three of those meals before the auction even started. Usually, we would limit the amount one person could win, but this is a special asion. She also knows what ising next, and will let Edwin take it after some bidding war unless he decides to put his foot in his mouth once again.


    Luckily for the King, he did not decide to put his foot in his mouth. He kept it shut and waited.


    Now for our final auction of the night. Ste waited for the worker to roll out thest item.


    Its the blood, right? Derek asked.


    Yes. nah nodded. I was able to concentrate the blood into a liquid that provides a very beneficial boost to Vitality.


    Oh? How much? Derek asked. He had eight vials of the blood on him right now.


    Well, the ones that you have each provide a total of 20 points to Vitality.


    Damn.


    Damn indeed, nah agreed. What we are auctioning off, though, is different. The blood works more like potions than the meals, so you dont have to limit your intake. Of course, that is only after it is concentrated. We are selling one giant portion tonight.


    Giant portion?


    Yes, one portion that gives 80 points to Vitality.


    Back on stage, Ste finally revealed the container filled with red liquid. For the final item of the night, we have a new product. An extremely rare product. We have given this product the name: Vitality Elixir. As for what this product does, well it increases Vitality. Inside this container is enough Vitality Elixir to provide 80 points of Vitality permanently.


    The contract hung on the wall behind Ste showed no signs of disruption, which meant that every word out of Stes mouth about the product was the truth. A product that permanently increased Vitality by 80 points was unheard of. Before this auction, actually, there werent any products they could buy that even increased Vitality.


    Now, everyone had been introduced to the Potions of Physical Permanence. On top of that, they were all now looking at a super elixir than only increased Vitality. This was an auction night for the history books.


    Once everyone settled down, Ste continued. We will begin the bidding at 500,000 gold coins or items of equivalent value. Lets begin!


    Immediately, the bidding war started. This time, more than just the King and Natalie made their bids. The Allister family and Greend family both came in with bids of their own. Everyone wanted more Vitality. As popr cksmiths, Barsic Gregory and Tyron cksteel were both flush with gold, as well.


    In mere minutes, the price of the Vitality Elixir was raised to 1,250,000 gold coins and showed no signs of slowing. The previous meals were rare, but it was hard to justify spending so much on them, as they, or meals like them, showed up for auction from time to time. But nothing like the Vitality Elixir had ever been seen, and there was only one avable for auction.


    Once the bidding hit 1,500,000 gold coins, however, most of the other participants backed down. While the product may be worth every coin, theses noble houses and cksmiths werent willing to bankrupt their family or businesses for individual gain.


    1,750,000 gold coins. Natalies voice sounded from her booth.


    I thought you said Natalie was going to let the King win this one, Derek said to nah.


    nah shrugged. She will probably. As long as the elixir reaches an appropriate value. She certainly isnt going to let it go for any less than its worth.


    <em>Im going to have to remember to thank Natalie for that, then. </em>Derek thought.


    1,500,000 gold coins and three skill scrolls of your choosing from the royal collection. The King finally choked out.


    What is that worth? Derek asked.


    I dont know. I dont know what skill scrolls they have. However, with the hesitation Edwin showed, there must be some of fair value. Resistance skills and passive skills are the most expensive, as they dont appear often.


    Ste put the auction on hold to confirm the value of the Kings offer. King Edwin, what price would you ce on these three scrolls?


    Depending on the skills chosen 500,000 at the minimum, he replied.


    Very well. The Crown will take you at your word and increase your bid to two million gold coins. Ste confirmed.


    They all waited for a counter offer that never came. It looked like the bid had finally reached a price that Natalie wasfortable with. An audible sigh escaped Edwins private booth once he realized she would no longer be bidding against him.


    Congrattions to the winner of the final auction of the night, King Edwin. Ste announced. Thank you all foring out. If you were a winner tonight, please stay behind to make your transactions. Anyone else may leave if you choose so. Again, the Crown thanks you for your patronage.


    With the final announcement, the tension that permeated the air through the entire auction finally released. Many of the guests made their way out of the hotel while discussing the days events, while others hung back to receive their wares or watch. Those in private booths began exiting one by one.


    Derek watched on as Natalie exited her booth. She had the same impassive face she always had on. She certainly didnt look like she had spent over two million gold coins.


    When the King exited, he couldnt help but show a look of giddy excitement. He was like a kid in a candy store. Derek didnt know if he would consider the King the big winner of the day, but the King obviously did. Derek was more interested in the skill scrolls. Based on his contract, he would be getting at least one of the three scrolls.


    It had been an eventful day. Much more entertaining that Derek had expected. Entertaining and profitable.

 System Change (System Universe Book 1) Announcement! Now Available!

    System Change (System Universe Book 1) Announcement! Now Avable!


    Hey everyone! Im super excited to finally officially make this announcement.


    System Change is officially being published! Today marks theunch of <strong>System Universe Book 1: System Change</strong>! Its now avable through <strong>Amazons Kindle Unlimited, Kindle, Paperback, and Audible</strong>.


    Im also excited to announce that it is being narrated by Adam Verner! For those of you who dont know him, he is quite the well-known narrator who also did the Painting the Mists series. Im very happy to have him along for the ride.


    You can get it here:


    <strong>Ebook:</strong> System Change (System Universe Book 1)


    <strong>Audible:</strong> System Change Narrated by Adam Verner


    I honestly never thought Ide this far. Its a super exciting time for me. From just throwing up a couple chapters of my fic on a whim without thinking it would go anywhere, to hopefully a goodunch on Amazon! I cant thank you all enough.


    Now, as for how people can support the release, there are a couple things:


    <strong>-Ratings and Reviews: </strong>On Amazon (Also, keep in mind that anything below a 5 is basically bad because of how their rating skew) ratings and reviews are the biggest help for authors. Also, you dont have to buy the book to rate it, which is good because you most likely already read it here. Though, I would for sure love for you to pick it up again on KU or Audio to get in on some of that good editing and narration. XD


    <strong>-Kindle Unlimited Downloads: </strong>With the way Amazons algorithm is, reading the book on KU or even just downloading it helps a ton. The more downloads/reads, the more Amazon likes the book.


    Now, about some things that have changed in the book:


    For the most part, everything is pretty much the same, besides patching up some minor inconsistencies and changing some things with the status sheets to make them more presentable in ebook form.


    I guess Awards have been changed to Achievements because well why the hell did I call them Awards in the first ce? I was just trying to get away from Titles from the Universal System to The Great System. How my brain thought of Awards before Achievements, Ill never know.


    Also, the series name. After thinking long and hard about it, I decided to go with System Universe as the series name. System Change was a great name for the first book in the series, but as a whole, especially after Ive expanded on (in my outlines/in my head/etc) how everything is going, System Universe just made more sense.


    Anyway, enough of me yammering on and on about it. I really cant contain my excitement.


    Also, did you know that 60% of those of you who watch my You wait a minute wrong tform Uh Please read, rate, and review.


    As always,


    Thanks for reading!!!

 Chapter 234: Transactions

    Chapter 234: Transactions


    Derek and nah both waited in their booth until most of the participants cleared out. Some timeter, other than a few people, only those who had won an auction, and those who were with them, remained.


    nah and Derek chose then to leave their booth. Derek needed to find Malorie and Rudy, while nah had a whole load of things she needed to take care of as the host of the auction.


    Once nah left his side, Derek looked around at all those remaining. Finally, he caught sight of Malorie and Rudy standing together, close to the exit. He soon squeezed through the few remaining guests and made his way to his people.


    When Malorie saw Derek approaching, her eyes lit up, and she moved to meet him, dragging Rudy along behind her.


    Wow! Derek thats was amazing! she said as they drew close.


    It was a lot more entertaining than I thought it would be. Especially learning about the prices of everything. Derek agreed.


    The Soul Contract was much more special than the auction. Rudy did his best to ruin the mood. Auctions happen all the time. Do you know how rare it is to see a Soul Contract be undone?


    Oh, so youre saying that auctions that sell items for one million gold or more happen all the time and are verymon? Malorie chided.


    Well obviously, the auction was special. Rudy conceded.


    Yeah, and had some of the most powerful people in the entire Kingdom as participants. The King was here, for heavens sake, she continued.


    Derek snorted. Thats the least special thing that happened today.


    For you, maybe, Malorie shook her head. I grew up in a small vige. Now Im in the same room as the King and sitting at the same table as nobles. I dont even know what to say. They dont even seem to look down on me, either.


    Are you d you came? Derek finally asked.


    Of course! Malorie said. I met so many people and learned a lot. Ste was amazing!


    You know thats going to be you next, right? Derek said. When Brandi starts pumping out amazing items, you will be the one in charge of everything. Remember, you are our Ste.


    Derek let her have a moment to process before shifting his focus to Rudy. What about you? You think you may have increased your business today?


    I cant know for sure, but I tried my best, Rudy replied. Though I worry that all the advertising I did was lost after such an auction took ce.


    That would make sense, Derek said.


    That is why we are by the exit. I made sure to get here first so my face will be thest face people see before they exit the auction. Surely that will help them remember. Rudy grinned.


    Always thinking about business.


    Of course! How could I let this opportunity slip?


    Thats fine, I guess. Derek rolled his eyes. Anyway, I have to stay behind and take care of some things, so you two can go back whenever you want. Dont wait for me.


    While everyone was leaving the hotel or going up to their own rooms, Ste had made her way to a private room set up for the sole purpose of fulfilling all the auction agreements. She was doing her best to remain professional, but it was hard not to think about the auction. Sure, all the auctions she and the Crown had hosted before were big, but rarely did an item get sold for more than a few hundred thousand gold.


    But this auction had items, not just one, selling for over one million gold coins. It was ridiculous. She had maintained her cool out in the open, but when the King offered his price for the Vitality Elixir, she had nearly gasped. Luckily, she didnt. She was a professional through and through.


    It was now time for Ste to exchange items with the guests. She began by having the Crown workers direct the participants to her based on what item they won. The line was moving at a rapid pace, as most of the participants, especially the early bidders, were anxious to get their winnings and go.


    As one of the participants exchanged their gold for one of the lesser meals and left the room, she was surprised by who came in next. The small stature Natalie stuck her head in the door, then walked in, closing the door behind her.


    Ste was sure that there should have been many guestsing before her. Miss Savannah, youre here much earlier than I expected. She wasnt quite prepared for someone like Natalie yet. She would be less nervous around the King. When she was around Natalie, she always felt the same way as she did when she was around nah before getting to know her.


    Mhm. Natalie mumbled as she hopped in the chair on the opposite side of Stes desk. Ive many things that need my attention, and I dont have time to wait in line. The auction took too much of my time away from me than I would have liked, so I wont stay here longer than Im needed.


    Ste nodded her head. Natalie was a busy woman. She would have to be to keep a city such as Savannah running as well as it does. nah only had the restaurants and a few hotels running throughout the Kingdom, and she had Ste and Avery to help her, and they were still far more busy than anyone would expect.


    With the amount of businesses Natalie has to keep up with, plus all her other endeavors, she was probably the busiest woman in the Kingdom. Ste couldnt fault her for skipping ahead, and she doubted anyone else would, either. Well, anyone other than nah and Derek. She heard Derek wasnt a big fan of people cutting in line.


    Very well, Ste said as she pulled out the three meals Natalie had won. Your total is 2,475,000 gold coins.


    A card appeared in Natalies hand and she tossed it over to Ste. Its all on that card. She reached over the table and stored her meals before hopping back up out of her seat and waiting for Ste to verify the transaction.


    Ste picked up the card and verified the numbers were correct. Thank you for your patronage. She nodded at Natalie.


    It was a good auction, Natalie spoke before she turned and left the room.


    Ste sat back in her chair. She wasnt cut out to deal with people like Natalie Savannah. One nah was more than enough. At that moment, she decided that it was time to start her leveling process once again. She had put it off in favor of her skills for years.


    Being around nah for so long had tempered her willpower, and her most used skills were all on the higher end. Yes, she would need to put a dungeon team together. But first, she would need to request for some time off.


    Derek watched the door to the private room open and Natalie walk out. She still had her same stoic demeanor, but he could tell she was walking with more pep in her steps. She had, after all, been what he would consider the biggest winner of the auction. Not only did she win those three meals from the intelligent Void Beast, but she also was paid for her role in verifying the authenticity of all the auctioned items.


    Derek and Natalies eyes met, and she shed a quick smirk, one thatsted for such a short amount of time that Derek wasnt sure if he actually seen it. Then she moved toward him from across the room.


    That was a very worthwhile auction, said as she drew close to him.


    I thought so, he replied.


    I would love to stay and chat with you, but I have been gone from my manor almost all day today. I shudder to think of all the paperwork that has umted while Ive been gone.


    Well I would hate to keep ady from her paperwork, Derek said.


    That quick smile appeared on Natalies face for a split second before she dismissed herself. Remember, you are wee to visit me at my manor anytime. Now, I must take my leave.


    I will remember that, Derek replied. Have a wonderful evening.


    Once Natalie left, Derek waited alone in the lobby, watching as the participants entered the room, then left in a rush. Obviously impatient to get back and use their precious goods. Luckily, the line dwindled quickly and when there were only a couple of people left, nah found him.


    Come on, she said. Its best if you are there for the remaining winners.


    And it was, as the next person in line was Tyron cksteel. The contract to make the ive would be with Derek, not the Crown.


    Derek nodded at King Edwin as he walked past the royal and into the room, where Ste waited with Tyron. The giant of a man turned and frowned when he heard the door open behind him, but smile when he saw nah.


    Miss Swan. It is a pleasure, as always, the smith said.


    Tyron, no need for pleasantries. We are all friends here, she replied.


    The cksmith then eyed Derek. You would be Derek Hunt, correct?


    Thats me. Derek smiled. Tyron reached out with his bearlike paw and the two shook hands. I see those muscles arent just for show.


    Tyron snorted. One day I will hopefully get a chance to invest some into Dexterity to lean myself out. But until then, muscles it is. Both Derek and Tyronughed as nah and Ste rolled their eyes.


    Anyway, Mr. cksteel, Ste cut in. Derek is the person who requested the ive, so your contract will be with him.


    I see I was wondering what the Crown wanted with a ive. Tyron nodded. Then he flicked his wrist, and the halberd appeared in his hand. He handed it over to Derek. Go ahead and take this for now.


    Derek gripped the halberd. The shaft was a little thicker than he would have liked, but that made sense, seeing how it was made by Tyron for Tyron. It was a hefty polearm, but Derek didnt have any problems swinging it around. It was also a tad be long, but that was okay.


    Good weapon, Derek said.


    I would hope so. It was mypanion for many high-level dungeons, and I have upgraded it over time.


    Now that you are finished with that, lets sign the contract, Ste said.


    No need, Derek replied. I trust in nahs judgement. If Tyron is good enough for a membership to the Crown, then I trust him to make a proper ive when he is able. I would rather he not rush through his uing trials because of a contract, and have an ident.


    Ste looked at nah and nah nodded nonchntly.


    Very well. Ste pulled the meal out of her storage ring and slid it over to Tyron. Here are your winnings. Thank you for your patronage.


    Tyron took the meal and turned to Derek. I will begin work on your ive the moment I am able.


    Derek waved him off. I just got a nifty new-to-me halberd. Theres no rush.


    With that, Tyron cksteel left the room. All that was left was the King and his Vitality Elixir. Derek looked forward to choosing a new skill.

 Side Story: Silvi Jacobs

    Side Story: Silvi Jacobs


    Silvi stared in front of her at where her portal used to be. It had closed before Derek could make it out. What could she do? Was he even still alive? Question after question poured through her mind as she stared into the distance in front of her.


    Derek had saved Allison and Gerard, but he may have sacrificed himself in the process. No, he didnt sacrifice himself. This was her fault. As Silvi thought of the implications of one of the strongest people on Earth being done in by a portal by her portal she shook her head as tears began to build up in her eyes.


    Gerard ced his hand on her shoulder. Is there anything you can do? Maybe he didnt actually go inside, and he is still battling on the other side. I would be money he could take on every one of those invaders and stille out alive.


    No Silvi sniffed. He made it inside the portal, but it closed just before he came out. Hes stuck there, alone if he is even alive.


    Silvi stayed in the exact same spot for over half an hour, enough time for her mana pool to regenerate enough to open another portal. She had a vain hope that when she opened it, Derek would be waiting, and he would just hop right out.


    Allison hadnt spoken a word since she came to the realization that John was gone and nevering back. It would have been hard enough for her to lose Andrea, who was one of her best friends in the world, or to lose John, who she had been with since before the system came, but to lose both her best friend and her boyfriend at the same time Silvi didnt know if the girl would ever be okay.


    Finally, Silvi had enough mana to use Portal and keep it open for a short time. She stood and wipe at the tear marks imprinted on her face before focusing ahead. In the same exact spot she had previously erected a portal, she summoned a new one.


    The portal begin to take form. Wisps of purple mana exploded out as an inky ck interior formed inside the portal. She even connected it to the same ce it had been connected to before. Damn the consequences if an invader traveled through it.


    Silvi waited, but felt nothing. There was no one inside. All the hope she had drained out of her as she realized the truth. Derek Hunt, one of the strongest users on the entire Earth, was gone. He was gone, and it was all her fault.


    Silvi disconnected her mana from the portal, and it blinked out of existence. She fell back to her knees with her face in her hands, and she cried. After heaven knows how long, Gerard ced his hand on her shoulder once again.


    There is nothing we can do about it. He saved both Ali and my life. Our lives may not be worth nearly as much as his was, but we can live, so his sacrifice was not in vain. First, we need to go back and report what happened. After that, we will figure it all out.


    Gerard was right, of course. They couldnt bring Derek back, but they could grow stronger, so something like this never happens again. Silvi wiped the newly formed fresh tears off her face and stood. She turned and looked in the direction of the city. Gerard bent down and picked the unconscious Allison up of the grown.


    Silvi looked over at Gerard. He was her protector before the system came, and even now, after the rest of her family was gone and he was no longer being paid to do so, he stayed. She relied too much on the man, she knew, but she couldnt help it. She gave him a sad smile. Lets go. With that, the broken team made their silent journey back to the city, back to report what had happened, what she had done.


    ***


    Nothing went as nned for Silvi and her broken team. Once the rumors spread, nobody would allow her to join their team. She was considered bad luck, and nobody would have her. Gerard stayed by her side, never wavering, not even when tempted with fantastic offers.


    Allison never recovered from the loss of John and Andrea. Not long after they got back, she vanished without a word. Both Gerard and Silvi did everything they could to find her, but they couldnt. She was gone.


    Eventually, an entire year after Dereks disappearance, Silvi came to terms with her reality. Both she and Gerard had been ostracized by all other adventuring teams, and couldnt even make a small team with enough people to take a mission. They even moved cities in the hope that they wouldnt be recognized, but the rumors had spread far and wide.


    They couldnt take on missions, and they werent confident enough to level safely with just the two of them. Eventually, they went back to Charlotte.


    Silvi spent much of her time researching Portal, the skill that had been the undoing of Derek Hunt. When she discovered the disaster that was called the Void Beast, that the skill could cause, she almost fainted. If she had done the research before, she would have never picked the skill, and none of the terrible things would have ever happened.


    She once again fell into a depressive spiral. Everyone in the entire city was lucky to be alive. She had almost gotten an untold number of people killed, all because she didnt read instructions. Instructions that were provided at an extremely low cost through the system store.


    Finally, she gave up. There was no joy left in her life. She couldnt hunt, she couldnt do missions, she was a useless person. She tried time and time again to send Gerard on his way, but he would still not leave her. She was a rotting limb that he refused to amputate.


    Eventually, she came across an old closed down bar and gathered what scrap she could and, using her remaining system credits; she bought the ce and turned it into one of the most mediocre bars in the city.


    There, she spent her days like a robot. Mechanically repeating the same actions over and over. Serve drink, wipe counter, clean ss Over and over, the days past. This was her punishment. Infinite amounts of wondrous abilities, numerouss that would one day be open for Earthling to explore, and she was relegated to a bartender. A bartender in a dying bar because as adventurers grew stronger, so too did their tolerance for alcohol.


    She wondered when she would end up out on the street. But at least she still had Gerard.


    ***


    A bit over a yearter


    Silvi stood staring at the door as it closed behind the mysterious man. He had said that Derek was still alive, which meant she hadnt killed him. A light that hadnt shown in ages returned to her eyes as she yed through everything the man named Kelvin had said over and over.


    She had given up before, but now, now that she knew Derek was alive. Where and how he was alive, she didnt know, but he was. That man was strong. There was no point in him lying about anything.


    Silvi turned to Gerard, and for the first time in a long time, she smiled. Gerald let out what could only be considered a sigh of relief when he saw her.


    Hes alive, she said, and she couldnt hide her smile.


    It sounds like that, Gerard answered.


    We need to go.


    What? Gerard asked, confused.


    We have to get stronger. The introduction is over, but there are the post introduction bonuses we may still be able to im. Im not staying at this bar for one second longer.


    Gerard smiled. Okay. Let me gather my things.

 Chapter 235: Skill Shopping

    Chapter 235: Skill Shopping


    Derek stored his new weapon, leaned against the wall to the side, and waited quietly in the room with nah and Ste. Not long after the cksmith left, the door opened once again and one of the Crown workers let the King, Edward, and Edgar inside.


    Ste had gotten up and allowed nah to have the main seat behind the desk. The red-haired woman stood behind the green-haired half elf as the King took the seat on the other side of the desk.


    Edward kept his position behind the King, while Edgar locked eyes with Derek and leaned against the wall beside him.


    That was a pretty neat auction, Edgar whispered to Derek.


    It was at least a little more interesting than I thought it would be. Derek agreed.


    The King shot Derek a quick look and slightly frowned before turning his attention back on nah.


    King Edwin. nah began. Congrattions on your wins today.


    Thank you, the King answered. Though I feel like I should have walked away with a little more. I let my excitement get the best of me out there. He chided himself.


    Well the items were quite rare, nah said. Theres no shame in getting overly excited about them even if it did mean losing them to Natalie.


    The King showed a self-depreciating smile before continuing. It was unfortunate, but at least I came away with a few smaller items and the big finale. Thats what matters the most.


    And for the payment? nah asked.


    Of course.


    First, the King transferred funds from one of his cards to nahs own to take care of the part of the payment required to be paid in gold. Then, he sighed as he took a thick book out of his storage ring and sat it on the desk in front of nah.


    This is? she asked cautiously as her hand fell onto the book.


    That is the inventory of all the skill scrolls currently being held by the Royal Family. Listed is the name of the scroll and the worth in gold of each. I know I said three skills, but to make sure the total is correct, you may choose any amount of scrolls as long as the total equals 500,000 gold or less. That way, neither of us is cheated. Would that be fine? the King asked.


    nah flipped the book open and read over the first couple of pages. I see. You have some very good scrolls in here. If I were to pick the top three, you would be losing out by quite a bit. She then flipped to the back of the book and raised her eyebrows. You also have regr scrolls listed as well?


    Like I said, that is ALL the skill scrolls we have avable. Minus what my children may have on their persons, the King exined.


    Hmm nah hummed as she flipped through the book. That is fine by me. I have no need for any of those expensive scrolls. Then she looked over to at Derek. Is that okay with you? she asked.


    Derek pushed himself off the wall and walked over behind the desk, beside nah. He leaned down and looked at the first page of the book. The top skill was worth 350,000 gold, at least ording to the book, and seeing how nah seemed to ept it, it was actually worth that price.


    The skill was called Gravity Domain. And the short description of the skill basically said that it increases the gravity a certain diameter around a person by X percent based on the skill level and Intelligence. The user and anyone designated by the user are unaffected by the skill. The skill also affects objects and spells as well.


    It was a fantastic skill. Not only would it help in a physical fight, arrows and spells would be weighed down by the gravity and fall as well. Derek could think of many uses for such a skill.


    Why would you not use skills like this? Edward certainly could have used something like this when he was fighting against Gerald and his people, Derek asked.


    What kind of King would I be if I used all the Kingdoms skills and scrolls only to empower myself or my family? Usually, the items listed here, along with others, are used as gifts and rewards for those loyal to the Kingdom. the King answered.


    Yet you are giving them up for an increase in your own Vitality? Derek asked. It seemed quite hypocritical to him.


    The King must have known exactly what Derek was thinking, as he exined. Yes, I am a hypocrite. However, I am so close to a breakthrough in my Vitality, and the elixir will push me past that point. Plus, I have been fairly frugal when ites to spending on myself or my children. Even with my current spending, I will still be far behind the selfishness of other Kings or nobles. Including my own father and grandfather.


    Derek shrugged. In reality, he didnt care about any of that. If the King wanted to give Derek the Royal Familys hard-earned money and items, who was he to stop him?


    Whatever Derek said. Its fine by me. He handed the book back to nah to let her have her picks.


    nah took the book and began flipping through the pages once again. Finally, her gazended on a certain skill scroll and she touched it with her finger. I want both of these.


    The King looked over at what she was pointing out and winced slightly. Very well.


    Derek leaned over her shoulder to see the skill scroll. It was Mental Resistance. The Kingdom had two of the skill scrolls in stock, and nah wanted both of them. It was understandable. The woman needed more than just a few people to talk to.


    With these skill scrolls, she would be able to invest in the future of some others, while also taking away the possibility of the Kingdom giving the opportunity to resist her skills to someone else. Derek was sure she was thinking about both of those things.


    Each of the Mental Resistance scrolls was worth 145,000 gold coins. Just like that, nah spent 290,000 of the 500,000 allotment. Then, surprisingly, she handed to book over to Derek.


    The rest is yours, she said.


    Really? he asked, and she nodded. But thats over 200,000 worth.


    I already got what I want. Now you get what you need.


    Okay. He took the book and began rifling through it. Both Edward and Edwin stared daggers at him as he went through the list. Edgar was still leaning against the wall and had summoned a dagger to pick at his fingernails.


    Honestly, Derek wasnt finding many of the more expensive skills worth it. Passive skill wise, there were quite a few. The more expensive ones were the general resistance skills like Physical Resistance, Mental Resistance, Magical Resistance, and Toxic Resistance. Then, there were specific resistance skills that were cheaper.


    Skills like Lightning Resistance, Fire Resistance, and Water Resistance cost around 50,000 gold coins each. Revive skill were also listed for an enormous price, not much less than the Gravity Domain skill. There was one revive skill that could actually revive as long as the person hadnt been dead for longer than an hour. It was the second most expensive skill.


    Other revive skills were for those who were in the dying state. They were still expensive, but nowhere near as costly as the full-on resurrection skill scroll.


    For a split second, Derek thought about grabbing multiple resistance skills to stack on top of his physical and magical resistance skills. That would go a long way in making him a pure tank. Instead, he decided to go in another direction.


    The problem with skill scrolls was that even if you had the money, there wasnt always a supply. That was true for both the rare skills and themon ones. Derek flipped to the back of the book and began examining the moremon skills. Things like Cleaning, Repair, Telekinesis, and Telepathy.


    Derek wasnt in need of many offensive or defensive skills, as he already had both Channel Void and his resistance skills, on top of his extremely high Vitality and Endurance. So instead, he thought about his people, and the skills they may need.


    First, he found the Telepathy skill scroll. The Kingdom had dozens of the scrolls, and it was one of the cheapest skill scrolls in the book at 2,500 gold coins. He wanted seven of those scrolls. That skill woulde in handy for everyone.


    He took out a writing utensil and paper and began making a list. After the Telepathy skills scrolls, he wanted to buy some appraisal and lie detection scrolls for Malorie. Both of those would be perfect for someone in a managerial position, such as her.


    With those in mind, he asked for Stes advice. She flipped through the book and pointed out the ones she thought would be best and most cost effective for Malorie. That took another 100,000 of his gold, as those skills werent cheap at all,nding between 10,000 and 35,000 each.


    Honestly, he couldnt think of much for either Rayna or Jacks, or even Rudy for that matter. Fortunately, all three of them already knew what they were doing and had the skills for it. Brandi was another one that he chose not to find skills for. The only thing he could think she could make use of was Fire Resistance, but as long as she was careful or wore proper clothing, she wouldnt need it.


    Silvi, of course, got upgraded versions of Mage Hand and Telekinesis, along with Enhanced Cooking. And with the remaining gold allotment, he made sure everyone would have Basic Repair and Cleaning, and grabbed a few cheap to mid-range spear skills that Thomas would be able to use. He even picked up a few cheap skills for re to use when she unlocked the system. Nothing special, just Meditation, Unarmed Combat Mastery, and a couple base water skills to use.


    At the end of his spending spree, he had spent a total of 205,000 gold coins. So, being the nice person he was he crossed out the seven Telepathy scrolls and turned it into a nine. He had 210,000 gold to spend, and he wasnt going to waste a cent.

 Chapter 236: Wrapped Up

    Chapter 236: Wrapped Up


    After Derek finished checking over the list of skill scrolls he wanted, then double checking, he nodded his head and handed the paper he was writing on to nah. nah calmly took the paper and looked it over before a small smile fell over her face. She slid the paper forward to the King, who then began reading the list over.


    As the King read Dereks selections, his eyes grew wider and wider. This are you sure these are the skills you want? From the entire royal treasury, these are the ones you would like to pick?


    Im sure, Derek said,


    Very well. The King stored the list into his ring, then stored the book, as well. Dare I ask how many skills did you choose for yourself?


    Derek thought for a moment before replying. Just the two. Basic Repair and Telepathy. I didnt have them yet. Cleaning is one of my favorite skills, so I figure Basic Repair will be almost as useful. Especially now that I own a shop here in Savannah.


    The King nodded. You never cease to surprise me. I should be thankful to you for taking the skills you did.


    Derek shrugged. Those were just the skills I needed. Dont think anything of it. He really didnt do it for the King. The skills he chose would help everyone.


    Very well, the King said. I will see to it that your skill scrolls are delivered first think in the morning, if notter tonight.


    Ste then walked over and presented the items Edwin had won, including the Vitality Elixir. When the elixir appeared on the desk in front of the King, Derek could tell it took all of his power to not jump up and grab it.


    nah looked on with an amused smile. Go ahead, they are yours.


    The King hurried and yoked everything up. Once everything was stored, he flushed with a small amount of embarrassment. Ahem Excuse me for that.


    Edwin then stood and gave his farewells. We have been away from the capital for far too long. That, plus everything else that has happened he shook his head and sighed. Im afraid there is much work to be done.


    Yup all kinds of work, Derek said. Right after you gulp up all that elixir.


    The Kings face turned a deeper shade of red as he continued. Thank you, nah. It was a phenomenal auction. Thank you, as well, Derek. I know this wouldnt have been possible without you, even if Im not entirely sure how.


    Of course, Derek knew the King already had an idea. Natalie wasnt exactly quiet when she blurted out that he was using the void element at their dinner. What they didnt know that nah did was the how he used it.


    Derek nodded along. I gained just as much as anyone.


    Next time you have such a delicate matter to discuss with me, Edwin said to Derek. I would appreciate it if you came to me privately.


    The King was talking about what happened earlier with Walter. Derek thought about it for a moment. The King had taken a few losses today. First with his interaction with Derek earlier in the day, then losing to Natalie multiple times. The King didnt quite have his respect, but at least he hadnt snapped or showed any ill will.


    I will do that, Derek agreed to his request. To be entirely honest, the idea hadnt even urred to me until I saw Walter today. And I still think it was best done in public. At least, best for House Searidge.


    That may be so, the King said. However, we could havee to an agreement in private that would have been just as good, if not better.


    Derek may be right, though, nah cut in. It may have been for the best to have happened this way. Being caught off guard didnt look good, but what followed showed sincerity and generosity to those in the Kingdom that matter.


    Derekughed at that.


    What? nah asked.


    Its nothing. He waved her off. Just the way you said it.


    The way I said it?


    Yeah, like only those who were invited to the auction mattered enough to see it happen. Derek rified.


    Isnt that the case? nah smiled. Very few noble houses matter to me as much as those who attended today. Of course, there were a few who were unable to attend. But for the most part, everyone who I think is worthy to have my attention was there. At least, they had a representative there.


    I guess. Derek shrugged.


    The King finally excused himself and made way to the door. Edward turned to follow, and Edgar walked over to Derek, cing his hand on his shoulder when he arrived.


    Ill see you tomorrow, Edgar said before following his father and brother out.


    <em>That was weird, </em>Derek thought. Of course, Edgar could just be the one bringing the skills over to Derek. That man would do anything to get out of political stuff. <em>Im sure he doesnt want to spend one extra second in the capital if he can help it.</em>


    Well that was pretty eventful, Derek said.


    And extremely tiring, Ste replied. nah. I think Ill be putting in for some leave.


    What? nah looked at Ste in shock. You literally just got back. You havent even been to the capital restaurant yet.


    I know, but there are some things I have decided I need to do. Well talk about itter. Ste put an end to the discussion.


    It was odd for Derek seeing someone speak to nah like that. He secretly gave Ste a mental thumbs up.


    I guess I should be heading back as well, Derek said. Im sure everyone will have question for me when I get back.


    Ill transfer your funds to your ount first thing in the morning, Ste said.


    I dont think Ill be hurting for money for quite some time.


    You never know, nah said. It never hurts to have extra gold lying around. Just ask Natalie.


    I guess so, Derek agreed. But there are still Void Beasts that need to be prepared and auctioned, and the revenue from the coffee. Im sure Ill have quite the continuous flow of profits for the foreseeable future. Unless your business goes bankrupt, but I dont see that happening any time soon.


    nah snorted and Ste shook her head.


    Have a good time sorting out all your money. Derek moved back around the desk and headed for the door. Well talkter.


    Have a good night. nah called out as he opened the door and walked through. Derek held his hand up in a wave behind himself as the door closed and he left.


    Soon, Derek was walking down the street at a leisurely pace toward his shop. He pulled hismunication crystal out of his storage bracelet and injected some mana into it to make a call. Soon, Walter answered.


    <em>Hello? </em>


    <em>Heya, Walter. Bad time?</em> Derek asked.


    <em>Not at all. I was just surprised you were contacting me so soon after the auction, </em>Walter replied.


    <em>I was just walking home and remembered that I never set a time to spar with re. I was thinking we could meet up at the Adventurers Guild at around noon tomorrow. What do you think?</em>


    <em>That would be great. Even after such an auction, all re has been able to talk about is sparring with you again. I think you have a fan. </em>Walter chuckled.


    Derekughed. <em>In that case, Ill see you then. </em>


    After that, Derek put his crystal away and continued his slow trek back home.


    He arrived at his shop sometimeter. When he opened the front door and walked inside, a fragrant smell wafted through the air and into his nostrils, immediately causing Derek to realize how long it had been since he had eaten, and how hungry he was. He hurriedly marched upstairs to the dining room and was greeted by a table full of dishes.


    Silvi had gone all out while they had been away. Everyone was already sitting at the table and digging in when they saw him. Of course, the glutton bunny had the biggest te out of the bunch. It would never get old seeing the bunny eat more than her weight in food, then hop around like an inted balloon after.


    I see yall started without me, Derek smiled as he sat in one of his seats, one of hisfortable, cushioned seats.


    We didnt know how long you were going to be, and you know how hard it is to get Brandi up here for dinner, Malorie said.


    Derek nodded in agreement. The small girl was rushing through her meal. He wondered if she was even bothering to chew her food before swallowing. Well, at least she was eating. He began to question his decision to let her know about Greater Meditation.


    As he began his meal, he let them know about everything that went on, and hinted about some surprises tomorrow morning. Thomas and Jacks both seemed very happy about the Walter situation. They were the two that actually knew the man. Thomas had been there with Derek when they first met, and Jacks had met him numerous times while being the Guard Captain for Malcolm Torith.


    Both knew of his character and knew he deserved to have his house restored. Then Brandi asked a question that Derek had no clue how to answer.


    How much gold did you earn from the auction?


    I have no idea. I didnt ask. It will be deposited in our ount tomorrow. Malorie can go to the bank and find out if she wants. I trust nah enough not to scam me.


    After that, they settled in and finished their meals. The auction had been an all-day event. Derek retired to his room and slipped into Greater Meditation to pass the time until morning, while everyone else cleaned up and went about their business. Derek made sure to tell Rayna and Jacks not to leave so early in the morning to go for training.


    He hadnt gotten those two much, but the handful of basic skills like Telepathy and Basic Repair would be useful to them.


    The next morning, Derek got up and ventured downstairs before anyone else. Surprisingly, when the King said first thing in the morning, he meant it. Not long after Derek went downstairs, a knock sounded at the front door.


    When Derek opened it, he found Edgar standing there with a shit-eating grin on his face. The prince let himself in and spoke.


    Its time we had that chat.

 Chapter 237: Edgars Request

    Chapter 237: Edgar''s Request


    Here, Edgar said, as he flicked a storage ring into Dereks hands.


    Derek caught the ring before checking out the contents. Inside was every skill scroll he had put on his list, nothing more, nothing less. He nodded and quickly pocketed the ring. He would sort everything outter. First, he had to see what this Prince wanted to talk about.


    What do you want? Derek asked.


    First off do you have a private ce to talk? Edgar asked.


    Is it that serious?


    Edgar shrugged. Not really, but I would rather do it in private.


    Whatever, Derek said. First, he thought about taking Edgar down to the basement, but he could almost guarantee that Brandi was still working down there. Plus, even if it wasnt as tight as a secret as it used to be, it was still better to keep as few people in the know about Brandi as possible. Follow me.


    With that, Derek led Edgar to Rudys office. Surprisingly, Derek hadnt been the first person up this morning. Rudy was actually sitting at his desk going over a stack of papers, which caught Derek off guard.


    Derek wasnt the only one caught off guard. When the door opened out of nowhere, Rudy almost jumped out of his skin.


    Oh Derek, Rudy started. I know this is your building and all, but I beg of you, please knock.


    Derek rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment and shed an awkward grin. Sorry about that, Rudy. I didnt think anyone else would be up at this hour.


    Of course Im awake. Do you know how much possible business I drummed up yesterday? Hmm? the contract writer asked with wide eyes. I dont either. But I have to be prepared just in case.


    Derek nodded. I understand that.


    So what are you and Rudy nced over Dereks shoulder and saw Edgar standing behind him. His eyes widened even more, as if that was even possible. And the Prince doing here? Of course, Rudy wasnt as surprised as he let on, as he already knew that Derek and Edgar had some awkward type of friendship. Hed met the man multiple times already.


    We Derek started toe up with an excuse, but Rudy waved him off.


    Sorry. That is not a question I should ask.


    <em>I cant just kick Rudy out of his own office. </em>He thought before almost kicking himself. He had the perfect ce for private meetings. And to make it easier, Edgar had already seen the ce.


    He shook his head as he ripped open the void in the corner of the office. Behind the rip appeared the door to his Time Prison.


    Dont let this interfere with your work, he said to Rudy. Just think of it as another door leading to my own office.


    Rudy made an awkward face and shrugged as Derek led Edgar into his Time Prison.


    So this is what its like in here. Edgar looked around the darkened area. Cant really see anything.


    Soon, he summoned a glowing orb out of his storage ring and sat it down in the center of the prison. It was a nearly identical, if not smaller, version of the rune imprinted streetmps Derek had seen in the city.


    <em>Ah why do I always forget to find some lights for this ce? </em>Derek thought as he mentally putmps for his Time Prison on the top of a list of things to do.


    This Edgar said as he looked around after the ce was lit up. This will be perfect.


    That was confusing. Perfect? For what? Derek asked.


    Edgar raised his finger. One second he walked over to the entrance of the prison. Can we close this door with you inside, or can it only be closed if youre outside? He reached forward to try to pull the door closed, but it wouldnt budge.


    Derek walked over and grabbed the door, not closing it just yet. I just have to be the one in control, he said casually.


    And does it cost mana to keep the whole thing active? Edgar asked.


    You sure are asking a lot of questions about my personal skills. I dont know if I should answer you, Derek replied. Though he really didnt have any reason to keep mum about the Time Prison, it was one of his skills that many people already knew of. <em>Speaking of which, its about time I updated those oaths. Ive grown much more powerful, and other people have learned things about me. I would hate to have Thomas or Malorie break an oath by ident. </em>He moved that up on his mental list of things to do, right beside lights.


    Ah Edgar grinned, a little embarrassed. Sorry its just this is such an amazing skill.


    If anything, Derek thought Edgar would have been much more interested in his Void Shift skill that allowed Derek to race with him to the pce not the Time Prison skill. But the man seemed very intrigued by the skill. Derek wondered why.


    Derek shrugged once again. Letting the man see a few more things wouldnt hurt. With his hand gripped tightly on the door handle, he pulled, shutting them inside.


    As soon as the door was closed, Edgar opened his eyes wide in shock. Woah is this real?


    Yup Derek answered. Youre basically cut off from the Great System until the door is opened once again. I can also adjust the flow of time to be either faster or slowing in here than on the outside.


    Edgar clicked his tongue. So you cant use this as a sort of training space? One to level up skills while time passes slowly on the outside?


    Hahaha Derekughed. That was one of the very first things I thought about when I received this skill. Could you imagine how broken it would be if I could do that? Especially for crafting types.


    Edgar nodded gravely. It definitely would have been an oversight by the Great System if it didnt have some limitations. Still, its perfect.


    There it was again. What was it perfect for?


    Edgar walked over to one of the cells. And these are your prison cells?


    Yup. Derek answered. I can adjust their time flow each separately. And when someone is inside the cell, their metabolism is put into some kind of stasis. Im not sure how it works, but even if they dont have enough Endurance or Vitality, they will not starve or die of thirst.


    The Princes eyes soon fell on two of the cell doors that were closed. These are active?


    Bones and Ogre, Derek replied.


    Ah I guess those two assassins bit off more than they could chew. Serves them right. Edgar nodded and moved back to the center of the room before taking out a couple of seats from his storage ring and sitting in one, gesturing to the other for Derek to have a seat.


    Derek sat. So, why is my Time Prison perfect? Whats going on inside your head?


    Thats easy. Edgar gave Derek a big grin. Youre going toe on the raid with me.


    I am now? Derek rolled his eyes. And what makes you think I would do that especially with you putting it that way?


    Well, when we first met, I knew you were different. Good different, by the way. I liked that. Edgar began to exin. Then I got pushed into leading this raid. Normally, I would have jumped at the opportunity, but it meant that I had to power level. Edgar spat.


    And you dont like power leveling?


    Fucks with your skills. Its easier to gain skill proficiency when you are at a lower level, you know? Edgar confirmed something Derek already theorized.


    Derek shook his head. Gotcha.


    So I had to power level to get my level up to lead the raid. Luckily, I put most all of my and my teams focus on leveling skills, so, while it was a bit of a blow to me personally, it wasnt crushing. However, of my team, I was the only one I felt could safely take that blow without it crippling my growth too bad, so I refused to let any of the rest of my team power level with me. Thus, those I trust the most will not be able to go on the raid with me. Edgar exined.


    I see. Derek respected Edgars decision. He cared more about his people than his own safety. I would have done the same.


    Exactly Edgar said. Then, I saw you again at the dinner. To my surprise, Natalie Savannah said that your aura was stronger than my own. That was after I finished power leveling to 250. Imagine my surprise. That was when I decided to ask if you wanted to be on the raid team.


    Ask? Derek asked. Because Edgar sure hadnt asked before. He practically told him he would be joining the raid team.


    Yes Edgar smiled. Then we had to go save my brother and capture that meat sack. From that, I saw some of your power with my own eyes. After that, I needed you on the raid team. Youre someone who could watch my back. Someone who can keep up. Im not sure how your void powers work exactly, but from what I saw, you have decent offensive capabilities.


    And as for some of the blows you casually shrugged off when fighting Cliff Aarden, your defensive capabilities are even higher. Edgar continued. Then Ie in this prison. You realize this is a mobile safe zone, right? If it cant be opened from the outside, its basically a cheat for a raid dungeon.


    Derek thought about that. He still wasnt sure what exactly a raid dungeon from this system entailed. But he could see how the prison would be useful.


    Does it cost mana to maintain? Edgar asked once again.


    Finally, Derek shook his head and answered the question. No. It only costs mana to open initially. Once it is open, it is stabilized and does not cost mana to maintain.


    Edgars eyes sparkled at that. Then you must go on the raid with me.


    Derek sighed. What is the difference between a raid dungeon and a regr dungeon? he finally asked. Hed wondered about the raid ever since he heard about it, but since it had nothing to do with him, and everything to do with the King, he hadnt bothered about it.


    Have you never been to a raid dungeon before?


    Derek shook his head.


    Then you are in for a treat. Edgar grinned widely.

 Chapter 238: About a Raid

    Chapter 238: About a Raid


    Derek leaned forward in his seat, waiting for Edgar to begin his exnation.


    First, as you know, a raid dungeon requires a party of up to 25 people. This already makes it very different from your run-of-the-mill dungeons, whether average or elite. Edgar stated.


    Derek nodded his head. I know that much already. One of the few things Derek already knew was the number of people allowed to enter a raid dungeon. The other thing was the supposed length of the dungeon. He kept hearing that they would take a few months toplete.


    Now, the thing about raid dungeons is the size of the dungeon. By that, I mean that raid dungeons are like their own small world inside, yet they are fortunately still somewhat linear.


    So its easy enough not to get lost, Derek said.


    Exactly, Edgar replied. Still, the size of the dungeon, plus the usual high amount of enemies, traps, and puzzles, usually make the average raid dungeon take at least a few months toplete. That is, of course, with a highlypetent party.


    Derek nodded while listening along. So far, Edgar hadnt spoken about anything game-changing to him.


    Unfortunately, there are very few who have experience with raid dungeons. The Kingdom only has a few raid dungeons, and they activate very seldomly. Edgar continued.


    Wait Derek cut him off. What do you mean they activate seldomly?


    Once a raid dungeon ispleted, it bes dormant for a set amount of time. Nobody knows how long the dungeon will remain dormant, so we always have some stationed by the raid dungeons checking on them asionally. Its really a good thing. Its not easy to get a group of 25petent people together toplete a raid dungeon. Edgar exined. If a raid dungeon were to overflow, it would be disastrous.


    I see Derek nodded.


    Even if you can get a team together, afterpleting the dungeon, most people in that team will have leveled up past the level requirements. So, its a blessing that raid dungeons go dormant.


    Have you been to a raid dungeon before? Derek asked.


    I ran one when I was younger. It was level 125 and had a water theme. I was chosen because of my lightning attribute. You see, lightning does wonders against water type elementals, Edgar replied. It was a pretty tame raid dungeon, though. It wasnt considered elite, and we made it through with only a small number of casualties. Still, it took us around four months toplete it.


    So three months is the fast estimate? Derek asked.


    Yes and no, Edgar answered. We went a little slower than we could have and set up camp and rested a lot. We werent on a timer, so we were being safe. It was everyone in the partys first raid.


    Derek nodded. And you were the raid leader?


    Oh, no. I was just one of the grunts at that time.


    I doubt a Prince of the Kingdom would be considered a grunt, Derek snorted.


    Well, maybe not a grunt, but no, I wasnt in charge. But, because of it, I do have a small amount of raid experience. Which is why I think your prison will be a game changer.


    Why is that?


    First, we will have a portable safe zone, and even if we cant ess our skills when the door is closed, it seemed like my stats still worked like normal. Almost like it would be if you were an Oathbreaker. So, it will allow for our party to safely use our natural regeneration. Then, if you leave the door open, we could still use our skill, I think, at least. That way, we would only need one person standing guard preferably you and all you would have to do is close the door if danger approached. Edgar exined.


    Derek could see where this was going.


    Second, the time distortion you have. That seals the deal. If you control the time in your prison, we could rest and recover without time passing. Which, for a raid dungeon that already has time distortion, would be vital. Hell, a quarter, if not more, of the time spent in a raid dungeon is spent on rest and recovery. With you there, the time it takes toplete the dungeon could be cut down significantly.


    Thats if the Time Prison works in the raid dungeon the same way it works everywhere else, Derek said.


    True Edgar agreed. But its something we need to see. If anything, even if you cant control the time while in the dungeon, it is still a mobile safe zone.


    And are rewards for raid dungeons good? Better than regr dungeons? Derek asked.


    Edgar shrugged. That is both subjective and to be seen. Like I said, we dont have many raid dungeons in the Kingdom. Those we do have are low level. So, while the rewards may be grand for the level they are, to us high level people, they arent much. Honestly, if I wouldnt have had to power level to lead the raid, I would have jumped all over the chance to be the first toplete a new level 250 raid dungeon.


    Speaking of that Derek said. You talk about not taking your own team in so they didnt lose the ability to train their skills easier. What about me?


    What about you? Edgar tilted his head in confusion.


    Yes Derek said. Wont going into such a high-level dungeon mean that I will basically be power leveling myself without raising my skills? he asked. This would let Edgar know that Derek wasnt yet at level 250, but it wasnt really something he needed to hide anymore.


    You Edgar muttered. Youre not level 250 yet?


    Nope.


    Edgars mouth fell open in shock, then he began chuckling before doubling over in a full fit ofughter.


    What? Derek asked.


    Edgar raised himself back up and leaned in his chair with his hand covering his belly. I didnt think you would have a legendary ss, is all.


    <em>That was some pretty quick deduction. </em>Derek thought. Why would you think I have a legendary ss? Derek asked.


    Edgar leaned forward conspiratorially and motioned Derek to do the same. In a whisper, Edgar said, Because I also have one.


    Dereks eyes widened in surprise. Really?


    Yup sure do. Youre actually the first person to know. Well, I have a nagging feeling that Natalie Savannah also knows, but she hasnt said anything to anyone, so thats fine. Thest thing I want is for my family to find out, then bug me to write some logs about everything Ive ever done. I just want to adventure and grow as strong as possible. Edgar exined.


    I see


    The fact that your aura is stronger than mine, yet you arent at max level yet means that you must have gotten your legendary ss at an even earlier level. Lucky! Edgar praised. Unless youve been eating Void Beast meals since you were an infant. Doesnt matter either way, I guess.


    Derekughed. <em>You dont know the half of it. </em>Nobody would ever think that he technically started off with the stats of someone level 70+. But still, Edgar was on the money. He had gotten his legendary ss at an earlier level.


    So, you see my dilemma? Derek asked. About the whole leveling thing?


    I do, but I dont think you need to worry about that, Edgar said.


    And why is that?


    Youll be going into a dungeon with 25 other people. The experience will be massively split. Its not like you need to rush in and do everything yourself, either. Hell, you could hang back and protect the healers and mages. Also, depending on the enemy, there could be some great skill leveling opportunities as well.


    Derek thought about that. It was true that if he didnt do all the damage, he would split the experience points with everyone who did along with the healers and support sses. Going in without knowing if the rewards were going to be good would also be a gamble. Though,tely, he didnt know what to do next.


    He had Brandi set up with everything she needed. He had also just gotten everyone different skills that would allow them to grow however they wanted to. Still, he wasnt sure about leaving them all alone, now.


    I dont know, he finally said. We just got settled into Savannah. I dont know if I should leave so soon.


    What is there to worry about? Edgar asked. That boy Thomas, right? Yeah hell be leaving for the Academy soon. Enrollment is in a couple months. Plus, Gerald is taken care of. Wasnt he the only reason any of your people were in danger? That entire family will be kaput soon. They have much bigger things to worry about like surviving. So you dont have to worry about their safety.


    Thats true


    And always being around them will make you their crutch. Especially that boy. I dont know the rest of your people that well, but its good to let them go it alone for a bit. Youll be surprised by how much they grow when they dont have you to rely onpletely. At least thats what Im expecting of my team Edgar smiled.


    Your people live in the richest city in the Kingdom. It also happens to be one of the safest ces in the Kingdom. So I know youre not worried about that. What is it thats holding you back? Edgar asked.


    That Derek couldnt answer that question. Everything Edgar said was true. What was holding him back? <em>No I know what it is Ive finally gottenfortable. </em>He thought. He had a ce of his own, and some people he cared about who depended on him. It was a nice change.


    At the same time, he was always itching for adventure. Plus, he was excited to see what kind of changes Brandi and Thomas would show in a few years. If he went into the raid dungeon, then he would be able to see those changes even sooner. Well not for them, but for him, at least.


    Derek shook his head and sighed. I dont know. Give me some time.


    I can do that. But know you will be making the raid much easier for everyone involved if you go. Even if you sat back and did nothing, your mobile safe zone would be more than enough of a contribution. Edgar stood and stored his chair, then, after Derek stood, he stored that one, as well. Then he pulled a badge out of his storage ring and handed it to Derek.


    Whats this? Derek asked.


    Its the badge of the royal family, Edgar replied, like it meant something to Derek. He sighed. You can use it to teleport to the capital any time you wish.


    Oh


    Edgar rolled his eyes. The raid team will be meeting at the pce in five days. I hope youre there.


    Well see, Derek said.


    After that, the two left the Time Prison and Edgar went on his way. Derek stood in the office, silent, in deep thought.


    Uhem A cough suddenly broke Derek out of his thoughts. Rudy was sitting at his desk, smiling awkwardly. Im not sure what that was about, but uh you standing there like that is kind of distracting.


    Ah sorry about that. Derek apologized. Anyway, follow me. Its time for gifts.

 Chapter 239: You Get a Scroll, You Get a Scroll!

    Chapter 239: You Get a Scroll, You Get a Scroll!


    Derek waited as Rudy reluctantly packed away his stuff and stood up to follow behind him. He could see that while the contract writer may have been excited about receiving a gift or two, he was still more interested in working on his business. Derek didnt care, as he all but dragged him upstairs into the dining room.


    When they arrived at the dining room, Derek heard the familiar ttering and nging of pots and pansing from the kitchen in the room over. Either Silvi or Malorie, or perhaps both, were already up and preparing breakfast.


    He soon found that it was only Silvi, as Malorie came into the dining room from the door opposite the kitchen. Soon, everyone was awake and had gathered in the dining room with him and Rudy. Well, everyone aside from the chef bunny and Brandi. The girl was sure to still be mindlessly working on something in the basement.


    Malorie soon sighed, then disappeared out the door. She reappeared a few minutester, dragging a bedraggled Brandi along behind her. Derek smiled awkwardly when he saw the state the girl was in. Oils and greases dirtied her still short hair, while stains from coal were smeared on her clothing and face. Still, although she looked like an orphan from the slums, a fire rampaged in her eyes, and Derek could see a slight annoyance on her face from being dragged away from her work.


    <em>Were waiting for you, </em>Derek sent to Silvi, who was still in the kitchen.


    All he got back was a sigh and some rumblings about being busy. But soon enough, the door to the kitchen swung open and the purple silver ball of fur soon stood next to Derek on the table.


    Alright, thanks for joining me this morning. I know everyones busy he looked pointedly at Rudy, Brandi, then at Silvi. So Ill try to make this quick.


    First things first, Derek said. The auction was a huge sess. Im not sure of the number, but the amount of gold we received will be enough for rent and any material or staff rted problems for the foreseeable future.


    Derek waited for anyments, but everyone only sat and listened intently.


    That means that neither Brandi nor Silvi will have to worry about materials or ingredients for your respective crafts, he exined, finally getting small reactions from the two. Just get with Malorie, and she will see to it that you have whatever you need. With that, both Silvi and Brandis gazes locked onto Malorie. They looked like predators stalking their prey.


    Malorie fidgeted a bit under the intense gazes of her daughter and the murder bunny, but stared back. Which means that both of you will have to do a better job listening to me, she said.


    Indeed, Derek agreed. Malorie can giveth, and Malorie can taketh away. He chuckled. Derek then looked over at Jacks. You can talk with her about your sry as well. A promise is a promise, and now that things are settled down, you can work out your contract and schedule.


    Jacks nodded and Rudy perked up at that. Any mention of contracts was enough to get his blood pumping.


    Now to the fun part, Derek said as he ced the storage ring containing all the skill scrolls in front of him on the table.


    Whats that? Thomas asked.


    Instead of answering, Derek smiled and began divvying out the skill scrolls around the table. First, everyone received a Telepathy skill scroll, along with Basic Repair and Cleaning. Then he started handing out the personal scrolls that he picked out.


    Silvi received an Advanced Telekinesis scroll and Advanced Mage Hand, which would help her around the kitchen. Thomas was given a few decent spear skill scrolls to help him with his training. The vast majority of scrolls ended up piled in front of Malorie.


    She received Item Appraisal and Advanced Lie Detection along with Insight and Evaluation. Item Appraisal was the perfect skill for her to use as a shop manager. Combining it with Insight would allow her to set appropriate prices for anything Brandi made based on her experiences. The more data Malorie gathered through Evaluation, the better her Insight and Item Appraisal would work.


    Those three skills, ording to Ste, would work great in tandem with each other. As each skill increased, the ability of the other. Advanced Lie Detection was pretty self-exnatory. It would allow Malorie to recognize behavioral patterns such as increased heart rate, sweating, eye movements, and other such things to distinguish between lies and truth.


    Other than the basic skill scrolls, Rayna, Jacks, Rudy, and Brandi didnt receive anything. Still, they were more than happy with what they did get except for Brandi, as she was still in a working state. She was either thinking about materials to beg Malorie for, or whatever she was working on downstairs.


    Malorie was flustered as she stared at the small pile of skill scrollsying before her. Are you sure about all this? she asked.


    Of course. Ste helped me pick them all out. They should go a long way in helping you find a more suitable ss at your next upgrade. Everyone else has pretty much found their paths already. Thomas, even though it took some beating it into him, has found that he is most suited to the spear. Derek nodded at the boy.


    Thomas blushed and slightly nodded.


    Rayna has blossomed into a hell of a magic swordswoman focusing on wind, while Jacks chose his path long ago. Derek continued. I dont have anything to say about Brandi or Rudy. They are both waiting for this to be over just so they can get back to work. Even Silvi has her cooking. Though, it is a shame that we cant change her ss to something to support her wants. I will continue to look for other scrolls and skills that would help with her cooking.


    So, with all that said, you, Malorie, are the one in most need of some upgrades. Derek finished his exnations. Nobody had anything to say to that. Everything he said was true. Jacks and Rayna were leveling and training together, both improving with flying colors. Thomas was working hard in preparation for the Academy. Brandi, Silvi, and Rudy all had their own crafts they were well suited to.


    I see, Malorie nodded. Her eyes were a little watery, but she held back her tears. I wont let you down. She reached forward and stored all the scrolls inside her storage ring. She knew that she would have plenty of time to learn the skillster.


    Derek smiled, then began his next round of gifts. First, he focused on Brandi. He took out one of the best Void Beast meals he had received, the same type that caused amotion during the auction, and slid it over in front of her. Then, he took a small vial of the Vitality Elixir, and a Potion of Physical Permanence out from his storage and pushed them to her as well.


    Eat the meal first, then the potions. He instructed. We should be able to stagger your stats out a bit with them, so you dont have to withstand multiple breakthroughs all at once. Just getting a single stat past 1,000 hurts enough. Its best that you dont break through multiple thresholds in a single level.


    With the way her ss worked, dividing her stat points equally with each level she gained, she would eventually hit multiple thresholds all at once. This way, her stats would be separated enough to avoid that unless she gained multiple levels at once, but there was nothing Derek could do about that.


    Everyone at the table eyed the items. Especially Rudy and Malorie, because they were present at the auction and actually knew the value of what Derek had just handed out to the little crafter. He wasnt finished, though.


    Everyone received one of the better Void Beast meals. He wasntcking in them. He also gave Rayna and Jacks a Potion of Physical Permanence each, and gave Thomas a vial of Vitality Elixir along with a potion. The elixir was the item that he had the least amount of, so he was more stingy with it. Vitality was his favorite stat, after all.


    Neither Rudy nor Malorie needed the extra stats, as they werentbat sses, so he made do with just giving each of them a good Void Beast meal. Derek wasnt sure about how things would work with Silvi, so he decided to hold back on her meals and potions. He wanted to wait until he increased his stats as high as possible before he used the items himself, and he would do the same with Silvi, as her stats increased based on his own.


    Silvi stared at him with squinted eyes because she didnt get one of the meals, but he only shrugged and smiled. <em>They may be wasted if we use them on us right now. Dont worry, you will eventually get some. For now, you can just have Mal get you whatever you want to cook with. </em>He sent to the angry bunny to try to cate her.


    She didnt seem happy, but also didnt refuse his bribe.


    Are you sure about this? Jacks was the one to break the silence this time. I have an idea of what this is worth. Is it really okay to just give it out like this?


    Its more of an investment than anything, Derek said. The more you all improve, the less I have to worry about you. Its a win-win situation. Who better to use them on than my ownpanions and friends?


    Nobody knew what to say to that.


    Speaking of which since I have you all here. Derek started. You dont have to worry about your oaths and contracts to me anymore. I trust you to keep the secrets, but you dont need the oaths hanging over your heads.


    Once he made that announcement, he could feel the oaths between him and the ones in the room dissipating. It was an odd sensation, like someone snipping a small thread that was connecting them together. He also received multiple notifications stating that his oaths had been fulfilled.


    Derek waited for everyone to calm down before talking once more. Now, there is onest thing I would like to have your advice on.

 Chapter 240: Go

    Chapter 240: Go


    After handing out the scrolls and removing oaths from everyone, Derek went on to tell them about Edgar inviting him to go to the raid dungeon, along with everything else it entailed, including the fact that he could possibly be away for two or three years. The table was silent for a while once he finished his exnations.


    Go. Malorie spoke up as the non-official second inmand. Well, maybe she was the official second inmand. You have already done so much for each and every one of us. If it is something you want to do, nobody here will tell you not to do it. And by the way it sounds, its an opportunity that doesnte around often.


    Derek looked around the table to see everyone nodding their heads along with Malories words. He didnt quite know what to say.


    Make sure you bring back a lot of really cool materials. Brandi spoke with a sparkle in her eyes.


    Ill do my best at the Academy while youre gone. You dont have to worry about me, Thomas said.


    Then Derek shifted his attention to Jacks and Rayna.


    If not for everything that has happened over the years, leaving me at such a low level, I would do everything I could to go on an adventure like that. Jacks sighed. Unfortunately, Im still a ways away from my strength reaching where it would need to be.


    I guess Im not as needed as I thought I was, Derek chuckled.


    Thats not it at all, Rayna hurriedly interjected.


    I know. I was just joking. He smiled. Looks like Im going on a raid he said. <em>At least this way, I can make sure nothing happens to Tyron cksteel. He owes me a ive. </em>


    Bring back good meat, Silvis voice came from the crystal on her cor.


    Derek looked at the bunny. Arent youing with me? You wont take up a slot, and it would be nice to have somebody there to watch my back.


    And leave my kitchen? For years Silvis voice was aghast. I just got it. Cant do that. So many things to eat she rambled on. Ill stay. Need to keep everyone safe. Thats it. Cant leave beautiful delicious friends


    Derek did his best to hold in hisughter as he listened to Silvi make excuse after excuse not to go on the raid with him. He couldnt fault her. He knew she enjoyed fighting and hunting, but she had found that she really enjoyed cooking more than even that. He didnt want to take her away from it, so he didnt push.


    Thats good, Derek said. Youre strong. It will put my mind at ease if youre here to make sure everyone is safe. He gave the bunny an out.


    Thats exactly what I was thinking. Silvis childlike voice rang out once again.


    Well be in your care, Malorie smiled at Silvi, causing the small bunny to puff up her chest.


    Youll be safe with me, the bunny said.


    Derek pped his hands. Good. Im d thats settled, he said. Now, Im starving. What do we have to eat?


    With that, Silvi and Malorie broke out dish after dish and everyone sat and had a breakfast fit for a king while idly chatting away. Once the meal was over, Derek stood.


    That was delicious. It would be amazing if you could make a few things for me to take with me on the raid, he told Silvi. That would more than make up for your absence.


    The bunnys eyes shone purple, and she quickly hopped off her perch on the table. Ill get right to it. In a sh, the silver-purple ball of fur was gone, and the door between the kitchen and dining room was swinging shut.


    After that, Derek checked the system time to see that it wasnt quite time for his meeting with Walter and re at the Adventurers Guild, so he decided to head back to his room to sort through his things before the raid. He stood up and began to leave, but before he left, Rudy grabbed his attention.


    If you need a contract made for going into the raid dungeon with everyone, let me know. That should be worth some good experience, the man said.


    Ill be sure to think of you if I need something like that. But I dont really think Ill need to sign anything with Edgar being the leader, Derek replied. Rudy nodded, and Derek left. He went to his room, sat down, and began sorting through everything.


    Close to noon, Derek left his shop and headed toward the Adventurers Guild to meet with Walter and re for some sparring. He arrived directly at noon to see the old man and girl waiting outside the guild for him.


    Am Ite? Derek asked as he walked up to the duo.


    Not at all. re was so excited, so she dragged me here too early. Walter answered.


    Derek looked at the young girl, who lowered her and looked to the side. If I would have known that, I would have gotten her earlier. He pat the girl on the head, then motioned for them to follow him inside.


    The inside of the Adventurers Guild was less popted than normal, as the city was still in an uproar and more interested in the previous days auction. Still, there were a few people inside looking for or turning in missions. However, everyone was gossiping about the auction.


    Immediately after entering, Derek led re and Walter up to the receptionists desk, where Judy was going over some papers.


    Hey Judy! Derek said, causing the woman to look up.


    Mr. Hunt, Judy said. How are you today?


    Were good. How are you and Shae? Derek asked, and Judy rolled her eyes. <em>I guess Shaes still in the doghouse after all that drinking, </em>he thought.


    We are fine, she finally said. What can I help you with today? She looked behind him. Thomas isnt here with you today?


    Nope. Im not sure of his schedule. Hes been handling it quite well by himself, Derek said. Anyway, I need a room for a couple of hours. Any room avable is fine.


    Any room? Judy verified, and Derek nodded. Room 28 is avable. Its not overly equipped, though.


    Thats fine. Well take it.


    Very well. That will be eight gold an hour.


    Derek threw twenty gold coins on the desk with her. Well take it for two and a half hours. It was a very good rate based on the prices hed seen. <em>I guess being onyx-ranked is good for something </em>After paying the money, Derek led re and Walter to the training room.


    Derek walked to the center of the room and turned to re. Alright show me what youve got.


    Without any hesitation, re leaped forward. Because of the height difference, her first punch went directly toward Dereks midsection. It was a very sharp punch. For someone who hadnt even unlocked the system yet, re was surprisingly nimble.


    Derek moved his hand down and blocked the first punch with the back of it. When her fist was stopped, re pivoted and threw a spinning kick aimed at Dereks chest. Once again, Derek was taken aback. Before, she was a very scrappy fighter with just her fists, now she was throwingbos with her feet.


    After getting her foot pushed away, re fell back into a fighting stance. The two continued sparring like this for some time. re actually fought for much longer than Derek expected before she ran out of steam.


    Okay, stop. Take a break, Derek said. He led her over to where Walter was standing, watching.


    re sat with her back against the wall, gasping for breath. Since she didnt have an unlocked system yet, she wasnt able to use Meditation to recover after fighting.


    Shes good, Derek said to Walter.


    She has improved much faster than I thought she would. Walter agreed. She is very impressive.


    Derek then turned to re. Your Endurance is higher than ten, isnt it? he asked.


    Its 13. she managed to say through her deep breaths.


    Derek nodded, then held out his hand toward her. In the center of his palm was a storage ring. It was the ring that Edgar left with him when he gave the scrolls over. It wasnt a big storage ring, only providing a few square feet worth of space, just enough to hold all the skill scrolls Edgar had to deliver.


    re looked up while panting and saw the ring on Dereks palm. Take it, Derek said, and she did.


    Even without the system unlocked, one could channel enough mana into a magic tool such as the storage ring, or the mana clippers that Thomas had previously used, so it wasnt odd for her to have a ring.


    Have you ever used a storage ring? Derek asked, and re shook her head. Concentrate, channel your mana into it. He walked her through activating the ring. You will also get better at controlling your man by using a storage ring. Amunication crystal would work as well.


    re nodded and began intensely concentrating. After a few seconds, she smiled, then her eyes went wide. She whipped her head over toward Derek. This? These are mine?


    All yours, Derek replied.


    What is it? Walter leaned over and asked.


    Inside the ring he prepared for the girl were the same things he gave to everyone else. There was a decent Void Beast meal, a Potion of Physical Permanence, and six skill scrolls. He had given her Cleaning, Basic Repair, and Telepathy, just like everyone else, but he also gave her a fewbat scrolls.


    The most expensive one was called Aqua Veil. It was a water based defensive skill. When used, a thinyer of flowing water appeared as sort of a second skin over the user. This water would then redirect and absorb both physical and magical attacks, lessening damage.


    He also provided her with Geyser and Heavy Blow (Unarmed). They were both pretty basic skills, and he got them for cheap.


    re took out the items from the ring one by one and examined them.


    Im not sure if its better to use the meal and potion now or after you unlock the system. I doubt it would make a difference, so it may be best to use them sooner rather thanter, so others dont get any ideas. As for the scroll, youll have to wait until you unlock the system. Derek exined.


    At that point, even Walter was staring wide eyed at the items. Are you sure about this? he asked. Youve already done so much for us.


    Derek shrugged. I have the things to spare, and re has been working very hard. She should be rewarded. Dont think anything of it.


    With that storage ring, everything he wanted to give out had been gifted. He still kept many potions and meals in his storage for himself and Silvi, though. He wasntpletely selfless.


    After re put everything away, the two of them continued sparring until their training room time was up. re had a beaming smile the entire time.

 Chapter 241: Final Preparations

    Chapter 241: Final Preparations


    After sparring with re and giving her some gifts, Derek made his rounds to everyone else. nah was very much for Derek going to the raid. In fact, it seemed like she was even a bit jealous. Obviously, if she didnt have such a business to run, she would have wanted to go herself.


    Still, she couldnt leave the Crown for such a time. It wasnt like she was Avery or Ste, who, although would be missed, could leave for some time and the Crown would still function because of nah. She was an umbre covering the entire enterprise. Her presence was required, and she couldnt step away for more than a few days at a time.


    Derek was thankful to the woman, though. Along with her urging him to go, she made sure to tell him that she would look after his group. With her oversight, there would be nothing more for him to worry about. She also mentioned something about not wanting to miss out on the opportunity of possible rewards.


    Apparently, she had been trying to get Avery to take a step back from Zac and Lukes training and go on the raid as well. He had done all he needed to do for the kids. They had their weapons, elements, and the environment needed to move forward. She even nned on giving them the Mental Resistance scrolls she got from the King. Averys part was done. It was entirely up to the boys now.


    The same was true for re, as well. Whatever happened with her would be based on how much effort she put in from now until she unlocked the system, and her mindset when she finally chose a ss.


    Derek thought Avery would be a very wee addition to the raid group, especially after somewhat seeing him in action. He was sure that Edgar would have no problem adding another powerhouse to his force.


    After chatting with nah, Derek left with a much lighter weight on his shoulders. He wouldnt have to worry about everyone with nah there. He could breathe easily.


    He then headed to Romans shop. The halfling was running around in a frenzy after receiving his money from the auction and all the extra Void Beast materials. Derek didnt want to disturb him, so he told him about going on the raid before leaving. Roman did, however, inform him he was working on something new, and to stop by the day before he left to see if his new creation was finished.


    Derek was hesitant. His previous round of potion testing was technically a sess, but he definitely didnt enjoy it. Still, he agreed and hoped Roman would have something good prepared. Derek would also use that opportunity to buy some good healing, stamina, and mana potions from the halfling at a discount.


    After leaving Romans shop, Derek next headed to the City Lords Manor, where he was quickly let in and led to a private courtyard out back. He soon found himself sitting at a small table surrounded by a beautiful garden with a cup of coffee. He wasnt surprised that the product had made its way to Natalie. It was a few minutes before the small framed woman arrived and hopped in the seat across from him.


    Derek, Natalie said. I didnt expect to see you so soon after the auction. She had left him with a standing invite to drop by at any time, but it hadnt been long at all since hest met with her.


    I hadnt nned on disturbing you so soon, but something came up and I figured it would be best to talk with you sooner rather thanter, he replied.


    Oh? What can I help you with? she asked.


    First, I wanted to thank you for your work at the auction yesterday. Im sure everything went much smoother with you there to verify everything.


    I was more than adequatelypensated for my role yesterday.


    Thats good, Derek said before moving on to the real reason he was there. So, I was invited by Edgar to apany him on the raid in a few days. Im sure you know all about it?


    Of course. Natalie smiled. I take it you have decided to go?


    Yes.


    Thats good. It is a great opportunity for someone like yourself.


    Which brings me to the reason Im here Derek started, but was soon cut off.


    You dont have to worry about your people. As long as they are in or around my city, no harm wille to them. At least not from any people, Natalie said.


    That pretty much took the rest of the weight off of his shoulders. He knew what she meant by saying that no person would harm them. They would be on their own when it came to training. Any interference in that could do more harm than good. One couldnt always rely on others in everything.


    Thank you, Derek said. If you ever need anything from me, just ask.


    Well Natalies eyes sparkled. Now that you mentioned it, I wouldnt mind getting my hands on this coffee of yours. The Crown has the monopoly on restaurants, but I am much more suited to distribute it throughout the Kingdom. Also, the potions and elixirs that were avable at the auction are also something that I would be interested in.


    Derek did his best to remain calm, but the amount of information the woman in front of him had was staggering. Though, it didnt take a genius to draw the conclusion that all the Void Beast items wereing from him, especially after she put it together that he was using the void element. He even wondered how much she already knew about Brandi.


    That Derek started. That is something you will have to discuss with nah. She is the sole distributor for the coffee, but Im sure the two of you could work something out. Derek wasnt about to get into negotiations with the woman in front of him. He really liked his shirt, and he was sure that if he tried negotiating with her, he would lose it.


    Thats unfortunate, she said. What about the potions and elixir?


    Thats nah, too. Derek replied. That wasntpletely the case, as Roman had more to do with the potions than nah, but they had signed a contract with the Crown for the distribution. In fact, Roman wasnt able to sell the potions himself. They would always go through the Crown.


    It was for the best, as this gave the halfling ayer of protection. Plus, with the Crown doing all the heavy lifting with distribution and sales, it gave the halfling more time to work on his Alchemy, which he truly enjoyed. He wasnt too keen on the idea at first, but he hade around. And now that the auction was over, he was even more taken to the idea.


    Natalie clicked her tongue in disappointment. I just cant believe the luck of that woman. Maybe I should expand my business ventures more into some of those backwater towns like Torith. What good fortune she has.


    Obviously, there was a bit of apetition between the two women. They were two of the most powerful figures in the Kingdom and both owned thriving businesses.


    In that case, you must promise me something. Natalie continued.


    What is it?


    If youe upon any more opportunities, such as the coffee, potions, or elixirs, you must think of me first. Its never a good idea to have all your eggs in one basket. Natalie answered.


    Of course, she wasnt wrong. As it currently stood, Derek was already relying too much on nah and the Crown. It wouldnt be a bad idea to have business ventures with both Natalie and nah. Maybe he could set something up with her and Brandi. His shop was in Natalies domain, after all.


    I will definitely do that, Derek agreed without hesitation.


    The two continued to chat for another half hour before Natalie sighed and had to get back to work. Derek was thankful he didnt have much to manage and actually could go away on a raid if he wanted to. It all seemed like way too much dull work to him.


    Derek excused himself and began to think about what he may need for his uing adventure. In a stroke of genius, he decided to leave Brandi with one of his old shirts and pair of jeans, in the off chance she found some material that could mimic cotton and denim. He liked the bat silk shirts she had crafted for him, but they just werent the same.


    Since they nned on spending a lot of time in the lobby of his Time Prison, he decided to go to Geoffrey to buy some amenities and furniture. There, he spent over 10,000 gold coins onvish chairs, beds and bedding that could fit in the cells, standing rune lights, and other specialty items. He was even able to obtain a few more prototype showers to set up.


    Along with that, he made sure to get some inscribed tubs that could self-drain and clean themselves. Who better to market the shower to than some of the most powerful adventurers in the Kingdom?


    Like this, he spent the next few days going over things he needed, training with Thomas, and chatting with everyone else. Soon, it was the day before the gathering, so he went back to Romans shop to see what the halfling had prepared.


    Come,e! As soon as Derek walked in, Romans voice shot out from the back of the store and Derek was rushed to the same room he tested potions in asst time. Freia was already waiting, notebook in hand.


    I take it you seeded? Derek asked, as he found a spot to sit. He looked around and noticed that there were more health, mana, and stamina potions sat out thanst time. It seemed that the near brain explosion and Derek bleeding out of every orifice on his head had caused the halfling and his assistant to be even more prepared thanst time.


    Of course it is, Roman said with a smug smile. Freia!


    Freia disappeared and soon came back with a new potion in hand. She carefully sat it on the table in front of Derek.


    This Derek stared at the vial. Inside was a liquid which slowly changed color. One second, it was solid red, the next, it was transparent, then orange, then transparent once again the color kept changing as it cycled through multiple colors. It was almost like the Potion of Physical Permanence, but instead of it being a constant circting rainbow of colors, it stopped on a solid color before quickly changing.


    Ive never gotten the chance to experiment with the other ingredients from a Void Beast, but Ive had many ideas since my sessst time. Since you gave me those whole corpses, Ive been able to put my ideas to the test. This is my first possible sess. Roman exined.


    Derek shrugged. Well should we get to it?

 Chapter 242: Potion of Mental Permanence

    Chapter 242: Potion of Mental Permanence


    Finally, Derek reached forward and grasped the vial in his hand. Then, he popped the cork and brought it up to his nose and wafted the scent toward himself. Unsurprisingly, like with most other potions, the vial he held had next to no smell. It was like taking a breath of regr air.


    He shrugged and let out his breath. Well here goes nothing. Derek brought the vial to his lips and tilted it back, causing the liquid to rush into his mouth.


    Just like with the scent, the liquid had no taste. Well if he had to describe it, it was cold. No taste, but the liquid made his entire mouth cool. Like how chewing certain mint vored gum would leave ones mouth, but without the taste of mint.


    As the liquid traveled down his throat, coolness spread throughout his body. Finally, it reached his stomach, and his whole body soon went cold. It had sort of the same feeling as when he upgraded his Wisdom stat. The coolness in his head created a kind of acute sharpness to his thoughts. It was rather rxing.


    Just like with other unknown potions, it would take a short time for any type of prompt to appear. Derek didnt mind, as he just sat back and enjoyed the feeling as a small smile grew on his face.


    Well? Freia leaned forward with a gleam in her eyes and her notebook in her hands. Whats happening? Is it good?


    Finally, the potions effect kicked in and a notification appeared in front of Dereks eyes. Before he could even read it, he knew it was good based on the reaction of the little halfling next to him. Roman nearly jumped out of his shoes in excitement when Derek received his notification. Clearly, the alchemist had also received some kind of notification for sessfully making a new concoction.


    Derek viewed the notification.


    Unknown Potion Ingested


    +5 Points to Intelligence


    +3 Points to Wisdom


    He nearlyughed when he saw the notification. Roman had done it. He managed to create potions that increased every stat type. Though, it was a smaller increase in Wisdom than in the other stats. It was still the only thing Derek had seen that could actually increase Wisdom.


    What is it called? Derek asked the halfling.


    Of course, its called the Potion of Mental Permanence, the alchemist replied.


    Of course it is, Derek said. If the other one was known as a Potion of Physical Permanence, then why not have this new one follow suit?


    Anyway, it was a good thing. Wisdom was a stat that was nearly as important as Vitality, as it increased a persons magical skill usage. It also increased a persons thinking speed. It wasnt an extreme increase, but it was definitely something Derek could feel.


    So how much did it increase your stats? Did it increase Wisdom and Intelligence? Roman finally asked.


    Three in Wisdom, five in Intelligence. Derek answered. There was no reason to keep anything from the halfling.


    Freia quickly scribbled some notes down as she listened.


    Thats pretty good, Roman said. I made sure to start my experimenting on the weaker Void Beast materials, so I think we will be able to increase the effectiveness of the potion by quite a bit with the stronger beasts.


    Derek nodded. Thats good.


    Whats good is the fact that I didnt have to use any of the Void Beast materials for the Potion of Physical Permanence in the creation of this new potion. That means that with each Void Beast, I can create both potions. Roman spoke with excitement.


    Well, did you get anything good for creating another new potion? Derek asked.


    Romans eyes stared into space for a moment before he gave Derek a huge grin. I obtained another instant level up, and the Award I receivedst time increased in its tier. My potion stability is now increased by eight percent instead of five. Its not a huge increase, but every increase is helpful.


    Derek was surprised. So, your Award leveled up with just the creation of one extra potion with materials outside of the system?


    The Great System. Roman corrected. But yes. And I would expect it to increase with each one I make. Making these types of new potions isnt something just anyone does. The fact that Ive created two like this is already a miracle.


    I guess


    Of course, I have many more ideas for these materials, so hopefully, I can make something else. The halfling said.


    Derek nodded. Oh, by the way he started. Before I forget, for this potion, set up some kind of deal with Natalie. I promised her that I would think about her with anything new I get. This counts. You dont have to worry about nah, she will understand. Just make sure that the contract we get isnt anything less than the one we have with the Crown.


    Roman frowned. Cant you do it?


    Do you have any more of these potions? Derek asked.


    Roman shook his head. I dont. Not yet. Didnt want to make more until I knew for a fact that it was worth making.


    Well Derek began. When you make your next one, go to Malorie. Shes in charge of all that, anyway. Ill let her know about it before I leave. It will be good for her to rub elbows with Natalie, anyway.


    Roman nodded. Very well he agreed.


    Freia stood. If thats all for today, I have important documents to get to. She made her excuse and left the room.


    Romans eyes gleamed as well. Thank you for your testing. And for the Void Beasts especially for the Void Beasts. I have so many other ideas to try out. Roman turned and ran into his crafting room without even saying goodbye.


    Derek shook his head and stood. <em>I guess Ill just let myself out. </em>He thought. But before he left the room, the door swung open again, and Roman came running back.


    I almost forgot, the halfling said, and he waved his hand in the air. Instantly, multiple barrels appeared on the floor in between the two of them.


    What is this? Derek asked.


    It is Romans Potions and Brews did you forget about my brews? The man gave a cheeky grin. Since youre going to be away for some time, take these. Im sure your party will appreciate it. Theyre all of different strength, but not everyone is a monster like you.


    Oh?


    The halfling walked over to one of the barrels. This one is good for those with Endurance at 999 or less, though I wouldnt rmend anyone with less than 700 trying it. The threshold at 1000 is hard to make alcohol for, but I doubt too many people, even at level 250, will have that high of Endurance. He then moved to the next barrel. This one is for those from 750 to 500. And this one is for those with under 500. Though, at around 400, it may be best to add a drop or two of the previous one in. Though, I doubt you have to worry about anyone with less than 500 Endurance in such an elite party.


    It was a surprising gift. Derek hadnt expected the halfling to do anything like this for him.


    Thanks! Derek said, as he stored the barrels of alcohol. Im sure this will be quite the boon for us.


    Roman nodded, then took out a small jug. He leaned in conspiratorially. This is my new brew. Its the first one that I know for sure will work with those past the 1000-point threshold. I made it especially for you.


    Derek smiled regrettably. Unfortunately, he had passed the 1500-point threshold since thest time he tried any of Romans brews. He doubted it would be able to do anything for him, but he graciously thanked the alchemist and took it anyway. It would be worth a shot. If nothing else, maybe Avery would like it if he chose to apany them on the raid. From what Derek had seen, that man had to have a decent amount of Endurance.


    I look forward to seeing how far you can progress in the time Im away, Derek said.


    Oh in three years Ill be the King of Alchemy. Romanughed.


    Derek reached out with his hand, and the two of them shook. Just try not to blow yourself up, Derek said.


    No promises. The alchemist answered.


    And look after Brandi. Shes really taken to alchemy.


    Of course.


    After that, Derek raided a few of the alchemists potion supply, making sure to grab a few Potions of Resurrections while at it. Of course, he used his Savannah Bank card and paid for them; he wasnt going to steal from a business partner especially after the halfling gave him all that free booze. Then, he said his goodbyes.


    Next, he went back to his shop and exined everything about the new potion to Malorie. She was hesitant to make such a business decision with the City Lord of the richest city in the Kingdom, but after some prodding, she was up for the challenge. She would also try to use Rudy, as well. Surely, such a business contract would be good for both him and his business.


    Derek then rxed for the rest of the day while hanging out with everyone. It would only be a few months until he saw them again, but for them, it would be years.


    The next day, Derek woke up and made sure he had everything he needed. After a gourmet breakfast prepared by Silvi, and after receiving a storage ring full of dishes the bunny had prepared him, he set off to the Teleportation Building.


    Just like Edgar had said, when he shed the token the man had given him to the clerk, he was immediately led to the same teleporter they had taken before when they went to save the Crown Prince.


    Before long, he was standing in the middle of the circle. The next thing he knew, his vision went white. When the world came back into focus, he was back in the Teleportation Building at the capital. For the second time, he would be in the capital of the Kingdom, and not be able to enjoy it.


    Both times he hade here, he was on a mission. The first was to save Edward and capture Gerald, and now it was to meet the raid team and set off toward the dungeon. He made a mental note to set aside some time to explore the capital once he got back. Out of everything, he really wanted to see the Academy and the Crown Restaurant in the capital.


    But s, it was not the time. Derek made his way to the pce. At least this time, he wasnt in such a rush that he had to use his skills to get there in time. He was able to leisurely take in the sights while heading there.


    Soon though, he was back at the entrance to the pce. In the huge courtyard, the one where the fight had taken ce, dozens of people were standing around. Surprisingly, even with all the destruction that had previously taken ce not long ago, the courtyard was perfectly fine. There werent any signs of battle left.


    Derek took another look at the crowd, then let out a breath. <em>Im already here theres no backing out now</em>

 Chapter 243: Setting Off

    Chapter 243: Setting Off


    Derek settled his nerves and walked forward toward the crowd. Among those gathered around, he recognized a few. Unsurprisingly, the easiest person to spot was Tyron cksteel. The man towered over everyone else by arge margin, and the fact that he was off to the side, made it even easier to spot him.


    The burly man was fiddling with a well-crafted chest piece in his hands. Obviously, the chest piece wasnt for the smith, but for someone else. The chest piece would have been about four sizes too small for the man. Unless, of course, it had some properties that allowed it to change size to fit the user. Derek could see a man of Tyrons capabilities making something like that.


    However, that theory was soon quashed, as he held the te armor up, and a man moved from the crowd and bowed to the smith as he received the armor. Based on the mans actions, he seemed extremely grateful to Tyron. Tyron waved him off, and the man scampered away, putting the armor on in the process. Derek guessed that one of the members of the raid team took the chance to have Tyron repair his armor before they set out.


    Derek shifted his focus back to the crowd to see if he recognized anyone else. Sure enough, he saw the same three members of House Allister he had seen at the auction. They were well known for their healing, so it made sense that they would be selected for the raid. Though there was no way all of them would be going.


    He couldnt think of any reason Teresa Allister would go. She was obviously well under level for the dungeon. He guessed she was only there to see the others off.


    Another surprising addition to the party was Shae. He stood chatting with another man, who was decked head to toe in typical mages garments. The man had a hooded robe, along with an odd circlet with a multicolored stone sat in it.


    Derek wasnt sure if Shae was going on the mission, but him being here exined Judys behavior when he met her at the guild the other day to spar with re. She had hesitated for a bit when he asked how the man was. Also, Thomas had said that Shae was preparing for something and wasnt able to train him as muchtely. So, the guild master being here would make sense of everything.


    Obviously, most of therge crowd here wouldnt be going on the raid. It was capped at 25 people, and there were well over 40 people in therge courtyard. Soon, Derek caught sight of Edgar, who smiled widely when he noticed Derek.


    Derek moved forward to meet the prince.


    Im so d you decided toe. You areing, right? Not just here to see me off? Edgar asked, still smiling.


    I am Derek answered. It took a bit to make up my mind, but apparently, this is an opportunity I dont want to miss.


    Damn right. Edgar nodded before turning to a certain guard in the crowd. Max, youre off the hook. You get to stay here with the rest of the army.


    Derek watched as the guard let out a sigh of relief, and any nervous tension he had before disappearedpletely.


    T-thank you, Prince Edgar, the man said. If you will excuse me, then.


    Edgar waved the man off, and the guard left in a hurry. His wife just had a kidst week. A little boy. I didnt want to take him away from his family, but I trust him. Youing means he doesnt have to wait three years to see the boy.


    Derek nodded. Hell get less sleep in these three years than we will in three months. Heughed.


    Thats for sure. Edgarughed with him. By the way, there was something I was hoping to ask you about.


    Oh? What is it?


    Edgar led Derek off to the side, away from earshot of anyone else. Walter Searidge.


    What about him? Derek frowned.


    He wants toe along on the raid. Something about adventure, honor, and glory. I dont know him well, but you do. I know he is over level 200 now after dad annulled the contract. What do you think? Its always good to have an extra healer. Edgar exined.


    Derek furrowed his brows beforeing to a decision. I trust him enough. He may be rusty after such a long time, and his level is lowpared to most others but he wont be dealing damage, and most healing and support skills are percent based. I also know that he is quite good when ites to poisons and toxins. I say bring him.


    I was thinking the same. I honestly dont want to bring so many of the kingdoms guards along with us. Not that they arent worthy, but they are my brothers people. I prefer adventurers. Thats why I asked the two Adventurers Guild Masters toe along. Edgar pointedly nodded at Shae and the man he was standing next to.


    <em>I guess that answers that question. </em>Not the Guild Leader? Derek asked.


    No. Edgar shook his head. Its hard for the leader of such an enterprise to get free time. Losing a couple Guild Masters for a few years is one thing, but losing the boss hell, if we could do that, Id be on my knees begging for Ms. Swan to tag along. Heughed.


    Ha Derek chuckled. Speaking of the Crown, is Averying along? nah told me she was nudging him in this direction.


    I hope, Edgar replied. I told him to meet us here today if he decided toe. We still have a bit before we set off, so well see.


    Derek nodded as Edgar brought out amunication crystal. After a moment, he put it away.


    Walter Searidge will be joining us soon, Edgar said.


    Thats good.


    Oh, and apparently, Avery will be joining us as well. Edgar suddenly said.


    What?


    Edgar nodded towards the gate, and Derek looked to see Avery leaning against the entrance. Derek waved him over. After that, Edgar left for a moment to dismiss two more kingdom elites. Since both Walter and Avery were going, they were no longer needed.


    So, nah convinced you toe after all? Derek asked as Avery approached.


    Yeah she convinced me toe. Avery snorted. More like forced me.


    Didnt want to leave the boys? Derek asked.


    That and the business. I dont know if you heard, but Ste is going off to gain some levels, as well. It will just be nah, alone. Well she has those Mental Resistance scrolls she ns on giving the boys when they unlock the Great System. Avery exined.


    I see. Derek nodded. Well, it will be good for you to get away for a while. And nah is a big girl. She can handle everything by herself. Avery was the epitome of loyal toward nah.


    I guess Avery relented. It will feel good to hunt some things again. That fight was the most entertainment Ive had in quite some time.


    Mhm Derek muttered. Gerald was very fun to punch.


    The twoughed and continued to chat for some time before Walter arrived. The older man was giddy with excitement. He looked like a new man.


    So, youre tagging along, huh? Derek asked.


    After so many years I cant wait. Walter said, excitedly.


    What about re and your family? Will they be good for the next three years? Derek asked.


    I already made arrangements for my family and selected a new patriarch. I finally get to hold an elder position. Its all on the next generation now. As for re, she is with Jensen for now, until Bronson arrives. He will take over her training and be her protector. She knows what to do. Walter answered.


    re? Thats the young girl thats undergoing some of the same training as Zac and Lucas, right? Avery suddenly asked.


    Derek nodded. Yup.


    One second. Avery took out hismunication crystal and made a call. A couple of minutester, he put it away. My mistress is willing to take her in to help in the process, if you would like. The three children are from the same generation, so it will be good to form bonds early on. Of course, her protector is wee, as well.


    Really? Walters eyes lit up at the suggestion.


    Of course. Avery answered. Adding another sparring partner of the same level to the mix would help them all. Its just unfortunate that my mistress doesnt have more Mental Resistance skills currently.


    I would be an idiot not to ept such an offer. If Lady Swan is serious in her offer, then I ept.


    Great! Avery smiled before taking the crystal out once more. Once he put it away, he spoke again. Ste is still in Savannah for now. I have informed her of the situation. Have re go to the Crown Hotelter, and she will take it from there.


    I am in your debt. Walter bowed deeply before taking out his crystal to make the arrangements. Thank you, the man said once more, once he was finished.


    At that time, Edgar made his way to the steps of the pce and cleared his throat to gather everyones attention. It looks like everyones here. Please say your farewells, as we will be away for some time.


    The crowd buzzed as people hugged and said their goodbyes. Soon, Edgar made another announcement, and only the 25 people going on the raid were left.


    I have personally selected the 24 of you to go on this adventure with me. I hope I wont be disappointed. Im not much for speeches, so, lets get to it. Please follow me.


    After that, Edgar led everyone through the pce to a room with a private teleportation circle. It wasnt a secret that some people would have their own teleportation circles. It was costly, but ultimately, not too umon.


    The circle was small, though, too small to fit all 25 party members. Well be traveling to one of the outposts closest to the raid dungeon from here. Edgar stated. Please enter the circle in groups of five. Once you arrive at the outpost, quickly move off of the circle to make way for the next group.


    Soon, group after group teleported away, and it was Dereks turn. He was part of the final group, along with Avery, Walter, Edgar, and a hooded person in a ck cloak who looked oddly familiar to Derek.


    It took a couple of seconds, but it finally clicked. The Shadow Witch? Derek blurted, causing the others to turn to look.


    Sure enough, when the person removed the hood from their head, it was Vanessa Hodges, also known as The Shadow Witch. Derek stared at the woman, dumbstruck.


    Edgar stepped forward, scratching the back of his neck. About that Ms. Hodges here is now under contract to the Kingdom.


    Really? Derek asked, skeptically.


    Really the woman sighed. I can no longer go back to the guild, and it was a good offer. Well it was better than rotting away in that cell.


    Derek shook his head.


    Ms. Savannah already made it clear to us that Vanessa didnt have anything to do with Geralds activities. She was only hired help from the Assassins Guild well it was off books, but she was only there as a protector. Her contract to the Kingdom is quite stringent, as well. And she has also made an oath to the Great System. There is nothing to fear from her. Edgar exined.


    I guess it really doesnt have anything to do with me. Its your choice.


    Edgar nodded, then stepped forward. Lets go.

 Chapter 244: Participants 25/25

    Chapter 244: Participants 25/25


    Next, they stepped out of the teleportation circle at the outpost. Everyone was already standing around waiting for them.


    Alright, Edgar said, pping his hands. This new dungeon is a ways away. Lets get to it. Soon, the prince led the group of 24 of the kingdoms elite out of the outpost.


    Even though everybody in the party was power, they still set a medium pace that no one had any problems matching. With the dungeon having such a time dtion, it didnt matter if they arrived a few hourster or earlier.


    The march was long, but Derek upied himself by taking in the changes in his surroundings. When they first left the outpost, there was just tnd and dirt paths. As they continued on, they moved closer and closer to the coast.


    He wondered how the ocean of this world would look, and when they arrived at the coast, he wasnt disappointed. Currently, the azure water was as smooth as ss, and stretched out beyond what his enhanced eyes could see. There were nond masses in the distance, just the ocean. Hed been to the coast back in his world, and while it wasntpletely different, there were definitely some differences.


    First, no one dared to swim here. Then again, he guessed nobody was swimming in the oceans back on Earth anymore, either. He hadnt been since the system took over, so he guessed that wasnt much of a difference anymore.


    There were also no boats or other vessels in the water, though they did pass multiple sentries stationed by the coast to keep watch. Apparently, beast tides werent too umon, and they were very destructive.


    But the thing that stuck out the most as they traveled close to the coast was the enormous creatures that asionally leaped out of the water at a distance. Once second, the water was still, then the next, a monstrous beast would fly high above the ocean before crashing down, causing a mini tidal wave in its wake. It was an eye-opening experience.


    He wasnt sure what the level of such a beast would be, but he knew he didnt want to fight it. Even if it was weak and easily defeated, the cleanup would take ages. For the first time since learning about the dungeon, Derek knew what type of monsters he didnt want to fight inside.


    Other than the constant surfacing of one creature after another, and the ruckus that followed, the trip to the dungeon was quite tame. Of course, there were plenty of beasts that werecking in themon sense department that tried to attack the party on the way to the dungeon, but if a troop of regr high grade soldiers were able to make it there in one piece, how could they possibly cause any problems for such an elite force.


    With a single point of his finger, Edgar would zap a beast, or a sudden spike of shadows would erupt from the ground, leaving a hole where a creatures heart or brain should have been. Nobody hesitated when they were attacked, they just kept walking. It was like an egg sttering against a rock. Derek never had to make a move. Luckily, all the beasts in the ocean seemed to want to stay in there.


    Finally, after half a day of travel, they arrived at their destination. In the distance, there was a small, rocky alcove just off the coast.


    Edgar pointed at it. The dungeon is in there, he said.


    Thats small. Tyron said with hesitation. The man was huge. Derek doubted he would be able to squeeze into such a tight space.


    Dont worry, its a proper cave on the inside. Just got to make it past the entrance. If we have a problem, we can always make the entrance bigger. The only reason we havent yet is because the dungeons somewhat of a secret, Edgar said as they walked forward.


    Sure enough, the entrance wasnt even big enough for Derek to squeeze through, much less the giant of a cksmith. However, that problem was quickly solved with a little earth magic. Derek didnt recognize the elf who walked forward, but he went all out, quickly turning the boulders into steps and hollowing out the small tunnel that led inside, making it a proper entrance.


    Once again, Edgar led the way inside. Just as he said before, after a short distance, the tunnel opened up into a giant cavern where three guards stood ready for battle. There was nothing quiet about terraforming an area, so they were easily alerted when the party member began moving the earth and stones.


    When the guards saw Edgars face, they calmed down and put their weapons away.


    Prince Edgar! One of the guard saluted. We werent expecting you until muchter.


    We made good time, Edgar answered. Any changes?


    The lead guard shook his head. Its been the same as always. No fluctuations or increase in vtility. We should still have some time before it overflows.


    Edgar nodded. Thats good, he said. Please wait outside while we prepare to enter. Once we are away, you can renovate the entrance back to how it was. Some of us had some problems fitting into the tight space. He dismissed the guards as he nced at the smith.


    Once the guards were gone, Edgar had everyone gather around. Alright, so this is it. We dont know what kind of enemies we will encounter inside. We dont even know what kind of raid dungeon it is. It could be as simple as fighting waves of enemies for a while, or we may have to solve a ton of heaven forsaken puzzles.


    Everyone nodded in understanding before he continued. Almost everyone has already been introduced when we met earlier. There are only a few who arrivedte.


    He then introduced Avery, Walter, Vanessa, and Derek to the rest of the group. He made sure to point out that Derek was there as a support for their travels, specifically mentioning a dimension they could use for rest and recovery, and that Walter was another healer.


    When the group learned about Dereks purpose, it turned some heads. Everyone knew of Derek, but not really who he was. Like Edgar said, they were all pleasantly surprised and happy to learn about his ability.


    Avery didnt need much of an introduction, as he was already well known. Everyone knew who Vanessa was, as well, but were all pleasantly surprise when they found out she now worked for the kingdom.


    Derek learned about the man who restructured the cave as well. He was a member of House Greend, whos matriarch Derek had noticed at the auction. His name was Victor, and he was there, along with his cousin Asana.


    The man who Shae had been with for most of the time was the Guild Leader of the Adventurers Guild in the capital. He was an elementalist mage called Cain Ibarra. He also got to know a bit about the rest of the party.


    In total, there were twelve damage dealers, all with a mix of physical and magic attacks. There were also four support sses that focused mostly on buffing their allies and debuffing the enemies.


    There were also four healers. Tristan Allister, the son of Craig Allister, Walter, a man named Jasper, and a woman called Elena.


    Then there was Derek, Edgar, Tyron, Avery, and Vanessa. Who all had free rein to fight as they wished. With Derek being the exception, he was stationed as the support for the support, after all.


    The group was a mix of human, elf, and dwarven races. Derek looked closely, but he didnt see any halfling like Roman.


    After introductions, everyone gathered around the dungeon orb. This orb was unlike any other Derek had seen before. First, it was giant-well over twenty feet in diameter. It was also aqua blue and pulsating. It gave off an odd, but familiar aura.


    As this is a raid dungeon, all you need to do is gather around the orbs area of influence. Ill take care of the rest, Edgar said as he walked forward toward the orb. Everyone took a couple steps closer, as to make sure they were in the area of influence, then Edgar ced his hand on the side of the orb. Derek soon received a notification.


    Max Participants Reached


    Participants 25/25


    Edgar Cydaria: Level 250


    Elena Webb: Level 250


    John Newman: Level 222


    Vanessa Hodges: Level 250


    Tristan Allister: Level 240


    Victor Greend: Level 250


    Asana Greend: Level 250


    Layne Marshall: Level 232


    Jasper Ross: Level 250


    Louise Boni: Level 215


    Walter Searidge: Level 204


    Avery Swan: Level 250


    Shae Holmes: Level 225


    Cain Ibarra: Level 250


    Ciera Cook: Level 224


    Felix Ay: Level 220


    Tara Perez: Level 240


    Kieron Dawson: Level 245


    Timothy Nash: Level 223


    John Doyle: Level 219


    Ray Fergus: Level 228


    Sachiko Sato: Level 232


    Scarlett Mason: Level 230


    Tyron cksteel: Level ???


    Derek Hunt: Level ???


    Please Choose an Option Below


    View Dungeon


    Enter Dungeon


    Leave


    Derek quickly looked over the names and levels of everyone he was going to spending time with for the next few months. The average level was quite high, but there were still some closer to level 200 than to 250. Walter was especially out of ce, only being at level 204, but Derek was actually impressed. He had gained a few levels in just a handful of days since having the contract annulled.


    Another thing that caught his attention was Tyron cksteel. His level was hidden. This meant he either had the Solo Diver Award or some other Award like it. If he had that one, Derek would bet he would also have the Repetitive Dungeoneer Award, as well. It made sense, as nah had said that he preferred to go out and gather his own materials for crafting. So he must frequent many dungeons.


    He probably had Awards rted to dungeons that Derek didnt even know about. Dereks gaze soonnded on the giant of a man, and they both smiled knowingly. Of course, Derek was sure that Tyron was actually level 250, or at least very close to it, while Derek hadnt even made it to level 200 yet. But nobody else needed to know about that.


    He soon focused on viewing the dungeon status.


    Raid Dungeon Status


    Dungeon Level


    250


    Dungeon Type


    Time/Enemy Unknown


    Dungeon State


    Unstable


    Dungeon Rewards


    Unknown


    Max Participants


    25


    Sure enough, it was a max level raid dungeon with unknown qualities.


    Is everyone ready? Edgar asked. Seeing as nobody objected, he continued. Okay, get ready. With that, the countdown timer began, and Derek waited to be whisked away into his first raid dungeon in this world.

 Chapter 245: Trials

    Chapter 245: Trials


    The next moment, the team appeared in a nearly identical cavern. The only differences were the exit on an opposite side, and the dungeon orb no longer being there. As everyone was getting themselves oriented, Derek pulled up his stats.


    Status


    Personal Information


    Name:


    Age:


    Level:


    Experience:


    ss:


    Race:


    Derek Hunt


    30


    171


    649,500,625/5,025,000,000


    Legend of the Void (Legendary)


    Human (Modified)


    Health:


    Mana:


    Stamina:


    37500


    15045


    37500


    Stats


    Strength


    Dexterity


    Endurance


    Vitality


    Intelligence


    Wisdom


    Stat Points Remaining


    825


    825


    1500 (???)


    1500 (???)


    830


    1003


    108


    Contracts


    nah Swan (Crown Restaurant)


    Silvi (Bonded Beast)


    Ste Brighton (Crown Restaurant)


    Francesco Jobs (Torith Adventurers Guild)


    Rudolph Mckinney


    View Contract


    View Status


    View Contract


    View Contract


    View Contract


    Skills


    Absolute Nullify Lv. 11, Basic Repair Lv. 1, Chain Lightning Lv. 13, Channel Void Lv. 16, Cleaning Lv. 9, Cure Toxin Lv. 4, Dismantle Lv. 12, Enhanced Movement Speed Lv. 1, Greater Meditation Lv. 9, Heavy Weapons Mastery Lv. 18, Identify Lv. 16, Magic Resistance Lv. 20, Multi-Strike Lv. 10, Physical Resistance Lv. 20, Rejuvenation Lv. 14, Sweeping sh Lv. 19, Time Prison Lv. 4, Unarmed Combat Mastery Lv. 14, Void Call Lv. 4, Void Sense Lv. 15, Void Shift Lv. 7, Void Steps Lv. 13, Void Storage Lv. N/A


    Skill Points Remaining: 17


    Skill Upgrade Points Remaining: 7


    Awards (Achievements)


    Greater Giant yer, Jack of All, Lesser Dungeon Explorer, Lesser Dungeon Traveler, Lesser Enigma, Lesser Enforcer of Oaths, Repetitive Dungeoneer, Minor yer of the Unknown, Solo Diver, Magical ss Cannon, Meat Shield, Lesser Explorer, Offensive Powerhouse


    After admiring his high stats and low level, Derek dismissed his status and turned his attention to Edgar.


    Okay. We dont know what dangers lie outside, so were going to move slowly. Vanessa, me, and Avery will go out first to check things out, Edgar announced.


    Edgar had the ability to be intangible in with his lightning form, at least from what Derek had seen. Vanessas ability with the shadows would make her just as elusive, and Derek knew that with the way Avery moved, he wouldnt have any problems going out first.


    Everyone nodded along as Edgar stepped forward to remove a boulder blocking the entrance. They were in a safe zone made by the system, so no matter how much mana someone like Victor Greend put into it, he would not be able to alter the entrance.


    Soon, the boulder slid out of the way and revealed a scene all too familiar. They were on a beach with waves crashing onto the shore. Edgar stuck his head out and looked around before turning back to everyone and shrugging. Then he took the first step outside.


    Nothing happened to him, so he began walking forward slowly, prepared for an attack toe at any time. But no attack came. Avery and Vanessa then followed him outside. Soon, all three of them left the view of the raid party.


    After a dozen minutes or so, Derek saw Edgar walking back to the cavern with a slightly bewildered look on his face. He soon walked back inside.


    So? Tyron asked when Edgar stepped inside.


    Theres nothing. At least nothing anywhere close. I have an idea of what kind of dungeon this is going to be now. It could be considered either a blessing or a curse if Im correct, the prince exined.


    What kind of dungeon do you think it is? Derek asked.


    Trial Edgar simply answered.


    A couple of sighs came from the crowd, but others, like Tyron, had their eyes light up. Of course, Derek had no clue what Edgar was talking about, so he just stayed quiet and listened.


    We wont know until all of us leave the safe zone, Edgar finally said. But, lets wait for the other two to get back first.


    After that, they waited for a few more minutes until Avery returned, soon followed by Vanessa. They had all gone in different directions to see if they could find anything, but they all came back with the same answer.


    Okay. Lets go. Edgar stepped out once again, this time followed by the rest of the group. Soon, all but one person was outside. Everyone looked on anxiously at the final person. She soon stepped past the entrance to the safe zone and was outside.


    As soon as her body passed through the entrance, thend began shaking uncontrobly. Derek turned back and looked at the cave, which slowly disappeared into the ground. It was the first time hed seen a safe zone disappear. Quickly, the entire safe zone was gone, and they were left with only sand. Thats when a notification popped up before his eyes.


    Complete the trials within the time allotted.


    Time Remaining: 167 Days 23 Hours 54 Minutes


    After some quick calctions, Derek noticed that the system had given them around six months toplete the trials, whatever they may be. Hopefully, it wouldnt actually take that long, as three years on the outside was already pushing it. He didnt want them to wait six years.


    The ground began rumbling again as seven orbs that looked like dungeon orbs appeared before the group. There were six smaller ones in front, then one around the same size as the raid dungeon orb in the back.


    Edgar looked over at the orbs, then turned back to the rest of the group. Well looks like weve got ourselves a trial dungeon.


    Apparently, Derek wasnt the only person not in the know, as one of the others, a mage named Felix, stepped forward and asked what a trial dungeon was.


    A trial dungeon is exactly how it sounds, a dungeon full of trials. Edgar began. The mostmon type of dungeon, especially raid dungeons, takes you through weaker enemies until you get to a mini boss, then does the same thing multiple times until you get to the final dungeon boss. Its probably theyout you are most familiar with.


    With that, everyone nodded. That was basically how the majority of dungeons Derek had been to were, the only obviously different one being the Golem Dungeon, where he was teleported from zone to zone instead of moving forward.


    The next mostmon type of dungeon takes you from zone to zone, where you fight against a single type of monster in each until going to the final zone and taking on a final boss, Edgar said, basically exining the Golem Dungeon. From there, we also have beast wave dungeons where wave after wave of enemies charge at you, each wave strong than the one before. All you have to do is fight until no enemy remains.


    After that, there are defense type dungeons. Those dungeons are usually simr to beast wave dungeons, except you are given the task of protecting something from the beast wave for a certain amount of time instead of exhausting the waves. Of course, if you are strong enough, you can do both. Finally, we have puzzle dungeons, my least favorite. There is usually no fighting, just problem solving.


    Derek nodded along with Edgars exnation. He hadnt run into any of the other dungeon types, but they seemed easy enough to understand.


    Which leaves us with trial dungeons, Edgar said. Trial dungeons can be considered a mixture of all other types. The orbs before us will each have a different trial we must undertake. Usually, a trial dungeon has two or three orbs, maximum, and the timer is only a week or so. The trials are rtively easy, and each trial rewards those whoplete it.


    So, each one of those orbs will have a reward? Felix asked for rification.


    Precisely, Edgar confirmed. Though, I have never seen a raid dungeon be a trial dungeon.


    What happens if we dontplete it in time? Another voice rang out, and Derek listened closely with interest.


    Thats the bad news. Unless you have an escape scroll, you are basically toast, exined Edgar. The dungeon copses with you inside, and there really isnt anything you can do about it. And as you all know, escape scrolls are not easy toe by. I have only brought a few with me to use in case of emergencies.


    Ah, its not as bad as that. Just think about the rewards were going to get. Tyrons gruff voice broke through the slight murmurings of the crowd.


    The problem Edgar said as he looked at the smith. Is that we are going to have to rely more on each other than we originally nned. I assembled a team that was perfect for the moremon type of dungeons he then walked over to the first orb and ced his hand on it, after nodding, he moved on to the second, then the third, until he finally viewed all the trials.


    Each trial is different. Edgar spoke again. We can only move on to the next one after the previous one ispleted. And we must choose our members wisely, as not all trials allow for all 25 of us. Which means we need to have a certain amount of faith in each other.


    Interested in what Edgar was saying, Derek stepped forward and ced his hand on the first orb.


    Dungeon Trial


    Trial Type


    Beast Wave


    Participants


    10


    Trial Difficulty


    Umon


    Please Select Participants


    0/10


    So, only ten people would be allowed to take the first trial, but the difficulty was only umon, which Derek figured meant could easily be taken care of by those with a decent amount of stats. Overall, it shouldnt be too hard. He then moved on to the next trial orb.


    Dungeon Trial (Locked)


    Trial Type


    (Locked)


    Participants


    (Locked)


    Trial Difficulty


    (Locked)


    He moved on to each of the remaining trial orbs, just like Edgar had done, and they all disyed the same. They were all locked. It was unfortunate, because it meant that they couldnt do multiple trials at once.


    I guess this means that those who arent chosen for the trial are going to have to wait out here with nothing to do? Derek asked.


    It seems that way, Edgar answered.


    Everyone else soon took their own turns looking over the different trial orbs. Finally, when everyone was finished, Edgar spoke once again.


    Who wants to do a dungeon wave? We have ten spots. I think that, since it is of lower difficulty, we should choose some of our lower levels to go, along with one or two of our level 250s. Edgar exined.


    Derek agreed, but some of the others did not. Not being selected for the trial meant missing out on both materials and the reward at the end. However, he didnt mind that, as the less difficult trials would surely have the worst rewards.


    A few of the more well-known raid members, like Cain Ibarra, the Guild Master at the Adventurers Guild in the capital, and Tristan Allister both stepped forward to agree with Edgar, quieting most of the dissent. Avery and Vanessa stayed quiet, as they seemed to be both just along for the ride.


    Derek still noticed a small amount of disagreement in the crowd, and some looked at him and Tyron as well. After thinking about it, Tyron was well known for his strength in the kingdom, and Dereks status had disyed the same as his, showing that they both had some unknown way of hiding their level.


    Finally, he decided to see if he couldnt help Edgar out a little, as well. And maybe help Walter a bit in the process.

 Chapter 246: The First Trial

    Chapter 246: The First Trial


    He stepped forward and spoke in agreement with Edgar. Since its a low difficulty beast wave, it is the best opportunity for levels. It will be good for those of a lower level with decent AOE attacks. I say we choose those, along with a high-level healer and support. I think Vanessa should takemand. Her shadows are flexible. She should be the more than capable of keeping watch over everyone.


    After that, there was another small discussion and Vanessa, Elena Webb, and Kieron Dawson were selected as the high-level participants. Elena Webb was a level 250 healer, and Kieron was a level 245 support. The remaining participants were all level 230 or lower and included both Shae and Walter.


    Soon, with everyone in agreement, Vanessa stepped forward and touched the trial orb. Were off, she said, then ten people disappeared from the surroundings.


    Edgar and Derek then looked at one another.


    What now? Derek asked.


    Edgar shrugged. I guess we should set up camp.


    ***


    Vanessa couldnt help but wonder how she ended up in the position she was in. No, she wasntining; she was actually happy about finally being able to disconnect herself from the Assassins Guild. The guild had treated her well, and she had worked her way up to the top, but because of the contracts, the freedom wasnt really there.


    Being captured so swiftly, like she was, she was then thrown into that forsaken prison to be interrogated by that monster who had easily gotten around her contract to the Assassins Guild. And, since she had done everything she could to avoid capture before giving up, the contract that was broken didnt cause any sequ. She was also lucky, as her contract didnt have as many conditions as most members because of her status in the guild.


    As long as she didnt speak of any of the internals of the Assassins Guild to anyone, now that she wasnt a part of it, she would be fine. Luckily, that monster of a woman didnt seem too interested in the Assassins Guild, only that creepy old man.


    Vanessa hadnt looked too deeply into any of her clients. Its not good for an assassin to be nosy, after all. However, hearing what that old codger may have been a part of even left her disgusted. As an assassin, she didnt have any qualms about killing for money, as long as the target was of age, but trafficking was another story.


    <em>Leave it to the assassin to draw a moral line in the sand. </em>She thought to herself as she appeared with the nine others in a deste field.


    She was now part of the kingdom. She had some pretty heavy oaths and contracts, but she felt as free as she ever had. This was her first raid dungeon ever, and her first dungeon in quite some time. She was honestly a little excited, even if she did her best not to show it.


    The fact that she had been given the task as the leader for the first trial was surprising, but she was up for it. She needed to prove her worth to the young prince. She was d that the odd man was the one who made the suggestion, as well. He seemed to have quite the pull with the young prince. Other than her few interactions with Derek Hunt, she didnt know too much about him. But after seeing just a bit of his power and skills, she knew he was dangerous.


    She quickly took in her surroundings. There was nothing. Just an empty battleground with barely any flora. She waited, as vignt as ever, before the notification finally appeared.


    Trial #1


    Survive the beast tide for ten days.


    Time Remaining: 9 Days 23 Hours 59 Seconds


    Form up! She yelled at those around her. Tank up front, followed by melee damage, then ranged. Support and healers, stay in the back. Shemanded as a pair of shadow wings formed on her back and she took to the skies.


    She flew in circles over the battlefield, waiting for the appearance of the beasts, all the while keeping an eye on the trial timer. It was still ticking down, so the beasts woulde any time now. Finally, in the distance, she saw a group of around two hundred wolves spawn out of nowhere. Vanessa quickly looked around everywhere else, just to see if they were going to be surrounded.


    It looked like the first wave was just that group of wolves.


    Look alive! Wolves at 12 oclock! Finally, Vanessa flew close enough to the beasts to use Identify, and let out a sigh of relief before flying back andnding with the rest of the group. The first wave is level 165, she announced to the group.


    Everyone else seemed to let out a sigh of relief, just like her.


    Its not all a good thing, she said. The levels will surely grow, and were going to be here for a week and a half. Well be fighting level 250 hordes in no time. Prepare yourselves for a long fight.


    <em>We should have brought that monster along. With his mobile prison, he would have been able to all but ensure the survival of everyone.</em> Vanessa thought before quickly removing it from her head. He wanted this trial to be used to help the lower level fighters grow, and she was sure it was a test for her, as well.


    Brace yourselves! she yelled as the wolves approached. There is no retreat on this first wave. Dont worry about your backs, just focus on the front. With that, Vanessa took to the skies once more and swiftly summoned a shadow wall behind the fighters. There was no way a few hundred of such low-level beasts would be able to breach her wall.


    Sure enough, the wolves that found themselves moving around the tank and damage dealers to nk the group couldnt even move an inch through her shadow wall. At first, the group hesitated, unsure of whether the wall would hold, but as they saw it not only hold, but not even shake, they became more confident in focusing on the fight ahead.


    Vanessa then chose to float above the battlefield and observe. First, her eyes fell on the tank.


    Sachiko Sato was a curious person. Standing just over five foot three, she was a full-on tank. Once the trial started, her head full of short brte hair was covered by a worn looking, but well maintained, te helm. Once the helm was on, her entire body was covered in the heavy armor. She held a kite shield as tall as she was on her left arm and had a longsword gripped in her right hand.


    Obviously, she had faith in Elena Webb, as she was a level 250 healer, because as soon as Sachikos taunt was off of cooldown, she would cast it again, keeping dozens of the beasts on her at all times. Though, she wasnt struggling and Elena wasnt actually doing much to help out, currently.


    Healing the tank had actually fallen to the old disgraced nobleman well, formerly disgraced nobleman. And he was doing quite the job. He would send an asional single target heal onto Sachiko as she took damage, but would also drop an area heal asionally when one of the damage dealers, particrly Ciera Cook, a dual de swordswoman, moved in too close and got injured.


    It seemed that the healer, known as Walter, also had some other interesting skill and spells to his repertoire. When Ciera moved in too close and a wolf bit right between the joints of her light armor, a pretty bad bleed status appeared on the woman. The bite itself wasnt too bad, but Vanessa knew how grating the bleed status could be.


    Surprisingly, with a quick flick of his wrist, the bleed healed before it could cause any real damage or difort. Vanessa guessed that the old man had some kind of status heal as well, along with regr heals. If he could pump up his level and get some more stats into Wisdom and Intelligence, he would be a very wee member to the raid.


    <em>Its no wonder he was allowed to join, even with such a low level. </em>Vanessa inwardly praised the man.


    Of course, those two werent the only ones doing their jobs, just the standouts. Wolf after wolf fell to the spear of Shae Holmes, but Vanessa would expect nothing less of the Guild Master of the Savannah Adventurers Guild. If he couldnt do this much, even at his rtively low level, he wouldnt have that position.


    Felix Ay bombarded the wolves with fire magic, as expected from a pure fire mage. He was neither unimpressive nor outstanding, just a pretty average fire mage that was good at following orders. The same was true with Louise Boni. She was a good archer, but she hadnt shown anything great yet. Though the battle was still young and there were ten days of fighting to be had.


    Kieron Dawson was a level 245 support ss, and he went ahead and buffed up the whole party before the battle before standing back and allowing John Newman to focus on dishing out debuffs to the wolves.


    Overall, the group had little to no problems dealing with the first wave of wolves. Which was good, because the second thest wolf fell, another group was summoned and began their charge. This time, they were at level 170 and the pack wasrger than the previous.


    Still, the wolves were like an egg hitting a brick wall. They did nothing more than leave the battlefield messy and most of the fighters bloody. Fortunately, once the second wave of wolves were dealt with, nothing else came.


    Those of you who have spent Stamina, Health, or Mana, meditate and recover. Those who have not, remove the corpses from the battlefield. Whether you choose to incinerate, store, or move them to the side, that is up to you. Just do it quickly, we dont know when the next wave ising, Vanessa gave themand, and the group got to work. If you have leveled up, I suggest using your stats now. None of you are new to this. Im sure you know what you need to do.


    Five minutester, and the battlefield was clear. Nobody thought much about the corpses of level 170 and lower wolves, so they left the job of incinerating them up to the fire mage. They would obviously fight higher level monsters that were worth much moreter.


    Fifteen minutester, Vanessa spotted the next wave of beasts appear. Mentally, she noted that they had received twenty minutes of rest between waves before she began tomand once again.


    Ready!

 Chapter 247: Jace

    Chapter 247: Jace


    Darvin sighed again as he flipped through pages and pages of data. He had been doing that a lot recently, sighing. Since Kelvin hadnt brought back any useful information, at least no information useful to him, Darvin had taken it upon himself to look deeply into the matter.


    There had been others who ventured off outside the system while Darvin was a System Watcher, but the system had never acted this way about them. This led the Mxi to a theory that the system wasnt actually after Derek Hunt. The human must have stumbled upon something, and the system had enough of a connection with the man to notice.


    But, no matter how deep Darvin searched in his collective memories, or how deep he dived into the systems database, he came up short. Still, he refused to stop searching. He had nothing better to do, anyway.


    Since the expansion of the system began skewing in one direction, not a single new habitable had been found for integration. Darvin had no tutorials to initiate, nor new users to keep an eye on. And since most of the more powerful systems users had learned of the anomaly, everyone was more well behaved than normal. He wasnt the only one anxiously awaiting whatever the system had in store for them.


    That was one silver lining that came with the anomaly. If the situation continued the way it has been since it appeared, then Darvin would have more month, if not years, depending on how long it takes the system to get to where its going, of free time where he didnt have to settle disputes and monitor everything.


    Still, he had a sneaking suspicion that he would find something if he just dug deep enough, so, while everything was calm, that was what he was going to do. He would be the most informed System Watchers in millennia.


    Well, these were his ns, at least. <em>But things never go ording to n </em>he thought as he looked up from his research to a screen to see the teleporter activating. Of course, only the council members had ess to the teleporter, so it was limited to a select few people, and Darvin had an inkling of who wasing though.


    Sure enough, when the teleporter shed, and a figure appeared, Kelvin was standing there. With a determined look on his face, the man on the screen marched forward, off the teleporter, toward Darvins personal office.


    Darvin sighed once again as he knew he was about to getpany he didnt want. He swiftly closed the information, making sure to save his progress so he wouldnt lose his spot when he continued researchingter.


    Soon, a loud knock sounded on his door.


    Come in, the System Watcher groaned in an annoyed voice.


    The human threw the door open, then marched inside with purpose.


    Tell me this isnt about that newly initiated human again, Darvin was fed up with Kelvins antics. He was a council member for systems sake, yet hed visited multiple timesining about a recently initiated human from Earth.


    Just give me permission to eliminate him. I beg of you, as part of the council. That man is going to cause more trouble than hes worth.


    Isnt that what the previous council members said about you? Darvin asked.


    They did, but this is different. I was overly excited and eager to distinguish myself. That man just wants to fight and kill. Hes crazy. He doesnt care about gaining merits a standing, he only wants to kill. Kelvin pleaded.


    You know I cant do anything about it. The man was ranked second on C-186. The system designated this as his reward, and it will be done. He is under your care, and you will do well to see that hees to no unnecessary harm. If he gets himself killed in battle, then that is on him, but if he dies by scheming, you will be punished. Not by me, but the system, Darvin exined.


    As System Watcher, surely you have the power to change the reward just this once. At least send the menace over to one of the other councilors.


    He is a human from your sector, thus, he is your problem. I will not use my status to alter such a tiny fate and reward. Now please leave. I am finished discussing this matter with you. I have much more important things to do.


    But- Kelvin started, but was instead cut off.


    Now! The Mxi was over Kelvinsining. He would not hear it any longer. And donte back unless there is something else. I will not talk about Jace Whitaker again.


    In a huff, Kelvin turned around and stormed out, just as he had done the previous times. Of course, Darvin had told him not toe back with the same issue those times, too, but Kelvin was hardheaded, and wouldnt listen. He would be back. If not in a week, then in a month. That man from C-186 had truly gotten under the mans skin.


    Darvin did have to admit it, though Jace was weird. He wasnt a psychopath, not necessarily, but he had an unbridled need for killing, which was made all the more obvious by his ss, Agent of ughter. But the system had given him the ss, then chose to reward him with off training. The man had epted, so he was now Kelvins problem.


    With a roll of his eyes, Darvin flicked his wrist, and the door to his office shut. He pulled his research back up and began digging in. It wasnt fun, but surely, it would be rewarding.


    ***


    Kelvin activated the teleporter to go back home. He wasnt finished with that damn Mxi. He would be sure to give the small man another earful about that kid. Because thats what Jace was, a child. Hed never met someone so immature and selfish.


    When Kelvin stepped out of the teleporter, he left for the training ground. Hopefully, the human didnt cause any problems in the short amount of time Kelvin was gone.


    Unfortunately, his worry was justified because as soon as he walked through the tunnel and onto the outside training ground, one of his lieutenants was standing on the throat of a bald manying on the groundughing uncontrobly.


    To the side was another trainee kneeled over, grasping at his stomach, trying to keep his innards from spilling out.


    Dammit! Kelvin screamed. I was gone for ten minutes at most, and this is what Ie back to! What the hell is going on here? Where the fuck are the healers?


    Soon, a woman in a bloodstained healers garb came running out of the same tunnel Kelvin had juste from. Her healers robe was usually white, but it apparently she had been busy.


    Sir! she gave a nod to Kelvin before rushing to the fallen trainee. With her hands over his sliced open belly, she cast a healing spell. Once the wound was closed up well enough for the man to stand, she gave him her shoulder to lean on and they walked back by, heading toward the infirmary.


    Bracen! What happened? He asked his lieutenant once again.


    Sir! the man saluted, but didnt dare remove his foot from the neck of the man on the ground. He did it again. He wanted to go out, to aary battle, but you were gone, so I sent him to the training grounds to spar. Bracen hesitated.


    Kelvin rolled his eyes. He! He pointed at the man. Is not allowed to spar without supervision of a lieutenant or higher. Didnt you get the memo?


    I was to be the supervisor, sir. Bracen admitted. I sent him ahead of me by no more than a minute. In that time, he severely injured two trainees.


    I didnt kill them. The man on the ground finally stoppedughing long enough to talk. I promised that I wouldnt kill while in the headquarters, and I wont. But these recruits are soft. They need some real experience. An enemy isnt going to withdraw their de because you get scared.


    Kelvin couldnt disagree with Jace, but the young man was still making his life a living hell. He and his lieutenants had better things to do than constantly monitor the psycho.


    Let him up. Kelvinmanded, and Bracen removed his foot from Jaces throat, letting the young man stand.


    Jace gave Kelvin a toothy grin as blood leaked from his mouth. I am a lower level than both of them, yet they cant beat me two on one. How is it they got the same reward that I did? This isnt even fun anymore, he said as he brushed the dust off of his tank top, which didnt really do anything, considering the blood stains.


    Its not supposed to be fun! Kelvin grunted. It is training. Were teaching you how to survive in the system universe. If you go around offending everyone you meet, youre not going tost long.


    So what if I die? Jace spat. That just means that I wasnt strong enough. But Ill get there. Ill have your position soon enough. Youll be the one bleeding on the ground calling for help. Just give me a year no give me six months.


    With that attitude, you wont make it six months. Lieutenant Bracen spat.


    Get your shit, and follow me. Kelvin said, directed at Jace. You wanted to go to aary battle? I got the perfect one for you.


    Surely, nothing would happen to him if Kelvin did as Jace asked and dropped him off in the middle of a war-zone. It was the kids request, after all. Kelvin wouldnt have to protect him there, and he was tired of watching over him in the facility. The kid would either die or he would get his wish ande back stupidly strong. Kelvin hoped for the former.


    Jace was giddy with excitement as Kelvin led him through the tunnel to one of the teleporters. Jace was too strong for the lower-level battles, and the system would allow Kelvin to throw him into a high-level battle. It would basically be tossing him to his death. He would send him off to a high mid-level battle. That, he could get away with. If the battle were to turn into a high level one, that was just bad luck.


    You got everything you need? Kelvin asked.


    Jace raised his right arm, showing the man his storage bracelet.


    Good.


    Soon, they arrived at the teleporter, and Kelvin punched in some coordinates. He sent a few messages on hismunications device, then turned to Jace. Step in. Youll get your orders on the other side. Dont cause problems for the lieutenant over there. Ive made sure that he will send you to highly vtile areas.


    Jaces smile stretched from eye to eye as he nodded excitedly.


    I hope you die. Kelvin said. Now, piss off. With a swift boot, he kicked the man into the teleporter, then deactivated it. He turned around and let out a sigh. <em>I really hope he dies.</em>

 Chapter 248: Making Camp

    Chapter 248: Making Camp


    Back outside, in front of the trial orbs, Derek and the others worked on setting up their camp. Well, Derek wasnt so much setting up the camp as watching the others set up what they had brought. They hadnt known about Dereks Time Prison, and with the way the dungeon ended up being, he didnt know exactly how much use they would get out of it.


    Of course, he would get all the use out of it that he could. It went everywhere with him, and he already had everything set up inside. First, he wanted to look around at the others, especially Tyron.


    When they called the man The Walking Forge, they werent kidding. In the short couple hours since Vanessa and the others went into the trial, Tyron had basically set up a high-quality functional smithy. Hell, his temporary one looked better than Brandis permanent one. Of course, that should be expected of a smith at his level.


    Finally, Derek decided to walk over and get to know a bit more about the giant of a smith. Tyron was precisely positioning a furnace, and looked up as he approached.


    Hey, Tyron. Hows it going over here? Derek asked.


    The man shifted the furnace into the ground a bit before nodding and speaking. Nothing toin about. Thought I was going to be doing more monster hunting and weapon repairing than actual smithing. Was hoping to get some good materials.


    Derek nodded. Im sure you still will. From the look of the dungeon, its going to get more and more difficult as we move along. The stronger of us will need to take part in the trials sooner orter. Plus, youre the cksmith here and Im sure those who take the trials are going to need some help from you. And Im sure they will have collected materials from their trials


    Tyron gave Derek a knowing smile. Thats the ns at least, he said, confirming Dereks suspicion that he wasnt actually too broken up about not fighting. Isnt that every smiths dream? To swing a hammer while others go out and collect high level materials. Dont get me wrong, I love to swing my hammer at both metal and beasts, but my first love is smithing.


    I can understand that. I think I know someone with that same mindset. Its hard to even get them to stop to eat, much less go adventuring, Derek said.


    A young one? Tyron asked.


    Yeah. Just starting out. Ive never seen such a gleam in someones eyes as hers when she talks about crafting or is actually doing it, Derek replied, but then also thought about how re looked when they were sparring. I take that back. Ive met one other child that has that same look, though its for fighting, not crafting.


    I see, the smith said. Well, if they choose to walk the same path as me, and fight for their materials themselves, its going to be a long, hard road. Unless they are one of the Noble crafters, in which case, they will be fine without fighting.


    Shes not a noble, but she wont have to worry about materials any time soon. If ever.


    Thats good. Will let her focus on her crafting and not have to take a hybrid path. Though choosing this path was the best choice I ever made, it hasnt been an easy one. Lost some friends, made some enemies you know, the typicalmoner adventurers problem. Add to that splitting your time between hunting and crafting, and its even tougher. Tyron exined with a somewhat weary look in eyes before it vanished like it had never been there.


    I get that. Derek understood it. He had lost people. Not really after the system came, since he hadnt really gotten that close to anyone, but before, and he was sure it hurt just as bad, if not worse. When he learned what had happened to Rayna while they were still in Torith, that pain hade back for a sh.


    Now that he had people who he cared about once again, even if it wasnt the same type of care as he had before, how would he handle it if something did happen? That was the question he kept asking himself, and the reason he was so hesitant toe along on the raid.


    Bah the smith eximed. Enough talking about sad pasts and bad memories. Lets talk about your ive. I seem to havee upon a little extra time to smith, and lo-and-behold, my client is already here.


    Derek chuckled. Now thats something I can get behind.


    Since were doing nothing else, let me get your measurements. Stick your arms out to the side and stand still, Tyronmanded.


    The smith obviously knew what he was doing, so Derek wouldnt argue. He did as he was told. The giant man moved closer and began measuring his extremities and feeling his arms and legs. It was almost like a massage, but still pretty awkward. Derek wondered why this was needed for a weapon.


    Soon, though, a green glow fell over the smiths hands as he took Dereks measurements. It made everything feel even more soothing. Derek even spaced out for a moment, but just as soon as the soothing sensation came, it stopped.


    Derek shook his head and snapped back to reality. What was that? he questioned the man before him, who was looking at him like forging material.


    Hmm Tyron hummed before answering. Oh, that? His hand shone in a green glow once again. Its a skill that allows me to discern characteristics of my clients. He answered, as if Derek knew what that actually meant.


    And by that, you mean?


    Well, take your Dexterity and Strength, for example. I dont know how much you have, but I can tell that they are rtively simr because of your build and the way your muscles feel, the smith exined. I know it seems a bit invasive, but I only getparisons. Whether your Strength and Dexterity are 500 or 1200, I wouldnt be able to tell you. At least not by that skill.


    I see.


    However, I can tell that your Endurance is either maxed out, or close to it. But thats not from any skill, thats just from experience.


    And how does any of this help to create a ive? Derek finally asked.


    I was getting to that part. No sense being impatient. Weve got time, the smith chided. Do you n on keeping your Dexterity and Strength close together? To keep that form-not overly bulky, but not as skinny as a stick?


    Derek thought about it for a moment before nodding. He nned on getting all his stats as high as possible. The Void Beast meals may mess with that n a little, but he could always throw some spare points into Dexterity to make up for it.


    Good thats good. Tyron said. If thats the case, then I can make you a ive more suited to your stats.


    Derek nodded, seeing where this was going.


    Take that halberd you got earlier, for example. Its a great weapon, sure, but it was made for me, not you. While I have plenty of Dexterity to do anything I need to, I am skewed greatly toward Strength, as you could probably tell. That weapon is much more suited for someone with Strength stats than Dexterity.


    If you were to take two heavy weapon users, one who focused in Strength, and one who focused in Dexterity, and give them that halberd, the Strength user would wield it much better than the Dexterity user. But, give the Dexterity user a smaller and shorter halberd made out of lighter materials, and that user would shine. Switch weapons again, and because the Dexterity weapon doesnt have a good amount of weight to it, the Strength user would struggle.


    I see I guess that makes sense. But you should probably tell someone about that before you get so handsy, Derek said.


    I like seeing their reaction. Its fun watching people squirm, Tyron said. Plus, its better if they dont know beforehand. I can get a more realistic read on them. If they know the skill ising, then they may do something to avoid it. Which would end up with me making them an inferior product.


    I doubt you would make an inferior product.


    Even if the weapon is extraordinary, if it goes to someone who is unfitted to wield it, it is an inferior product. Especially if I made the weapon for a client. The man exined, and Derek couldnt find any reason to dispute him. He was the smith, after all, and his words were sound.


    Alright, then, so what now? Derek asked.


    Now, you answer a couple more questions.


    What?


    First, and one second. Tyron quickly fished out some papers out of his storage ring before presenting them to Derek. This is a contract stating that I will not reveal anything I learn about you in the process of making your weapon to any other, and I will not use anything I learn about you to purposely hurt you or those around you. Pretty simple stuff, but usually needed.


    Derek took the contract and looked it over. It was exactly as the man exined. He quickly signed it with his mana signature, and soon, a new contract appeared on his status screen. He didnt want a contract with a time frame hanging over the mans head while he was in a dungeon, but something like this was more than appropriate.


    Okay, shoot.


    Will you stats increase in the future? Specifically Strength and Dexterity? Tyron asked.


    Wait if you were just going to ask me these personal questions, why bother with the weird fondling? Derek asked.


    Because everybody has different bodies. 500 Strength on you may look and feelpletely different that 500 Strength on someone else. Im a prime example of that. Like I said, I skew in favor of Strength, but I have quite a lot of Dexterity. Most people would be slimmer with the ratio I carry, but not me. Its gics. Tyron exined.


    Huh I never thought about that.


    So can you answer my questions? Tyron asked again.


    Derek relented. He knew that if the man could guess his Endurance, he had to have a good idea of what those two stats were at as well, and they werent that high, all things considered.


    I do. I will at least break the second threshold in both of them, he answered honestly.


    Good good. Ill be able to pick a good material based on that, the smith said. And your Intelligence and Wisdom? How conductive would you like the weapon to be? he asked, but seeing Dereks frown, he continued. How easy would you like it to be able to channel your element? Basically, if you have skills that are channeled through a weapon, it will need a higher level of conductivity based on the skill strength and your Intelligence.


    The same as with the other two stats, Derek said, indicating that both would be over the threshold, even though his Wisdom was already there. And very conductive.


    Tyrons eyes widened. Is that so? I wont ask you about how you n to do that, but that is some stat spread youre aiming for.


    Yes it is. Derek smiled. Do you need anything else?


    I willter, when I begin the process of forging it, but for now, I will just work on the design. The one I was shown before was decent in design, but I think I could do it better. Would you rather that design, or let me have my way?


    You do you. Derek said. You are the expert, he finally spoke aloud what hed been thinking all along.


    Very well.


    If thats everything, Im going to go find Edgar. Ill be anxiously awaiting the results.


    You wont be disappointed.

 Chapter 249: Grand Tour

    Chapter 249: Grand Tour


    Once he was finished talking with Tyron, Derek ventured away through the camp. Everyone was doing their own thing. They were all veteran adventures, so they didnt need any help from anyone when it came to setting up.


    Derek found Edgar standing in front of the trial orbs, looking them over once again. Derek walked up behind him.


    Any changes? Or does it still just show the same thing? Derek asked.


    Its all the same, Edgar sighed. It doesnt look like well be able to see any progress from here. We wont know anything until they eithere out or dont.


    Derek nodded. Oh, theylle out. I may not trust Vanessa, but you should know better than anyone else how strong she is. Derek wasnt joking. The prince was the one who had fought the Shadow Witch, after all. Even if everyone else dies, she wont.


    Yeah, yeah.. Edgar muttered, then turned away from the orbs. It just sucks because I picked out almost everyone here, yet we ended up in a trial dungeon where we cant all coborate.


    You win some, you lose some. Derek shrugged. Theres nothing you can do about it right now, anyway.


    Youre right, Edgar smiled, and his usual nonchnt attitude came back like it had never left. How about you show me what you did with your prison?


    I thought you would never ask, Derek smiled. Follow me. Lets go somewhere less crowded. With that, Derek led Edgar away from everyone else to an open area.


    Well, the entire area was pretty much open, aside from the ocean on one side. An ocean that seemed entirely different from the one outside. The water was as calm as ss, and there werent any beasts or monsters sshing around in it like there was in the ocean on the outside.


    Derek made sure to take note of that. It didnt seem like there was any wildlife other than regr nts around. The entire ce was barren. Derek mentally shrugged and continued on.


    Once they were a small distance away from everyone, Derek stopped. It wasnt that he was hiding anything from the others, he just wanted Edgar to take a look inside and give his thoughts about it before opening it up to everyone. Who knows, the prince might have a few suggestions to make it more hospitable. He may have even brought some extra amenities.


    Actually, Derek would bank on Edgar having brought some stuff of his own. The man wouldnt have given him such a knowing look while he was asking about the prison if he hadnt had some form of n.


    Okay this is good, Derek said. Then, he ripped a tear in the space in front, revealing the entrance to his Time Prison. He opened it and stepped inside. He was quickly followed by Edgar.


    I love what youve done to the ce, Edgarmented as he looked around the wide open area.


    Everything was so easy to see now that Derek had taken the time to buymps and ce them around the area. It was still a bit dark and brooding because of the solid ck walls, ceiling, and doors, but there wasnt much Derek could do about that.


    <em>I guess I could have bought some paint and given it a shot.</em> He thought, but eventually decided that it would be pointless. There was no need for something like that.


    Edgar continued running around like a kid in a candy store, peeking his head into each of the open cells, and finding beds ced in each one.


    Wow! You really went all out. I dont know if well be able to convince anyone to use one of the bed in a cell that you could lock someone in at any time, but hey, its the thought that counts, Edgar said with a smile.


    Derek agreed. He doubted he would trust someone to not lock him in a prison cell if he was sleeping inside, so he wouldnt particrly feel bad if the others chose not to use the rooms hed made up.


    Still Edgar continued. This entire open area with the tables and chairs will be more than enough. We wont have to feel like second-ss citizens eating on the ground and sleeping in tents.


    Thats good, Derek said, then nodded to the back wall, where he had set up his makeshift showers. Edgar looked where he nodded to and walked that way in interest. Derek followed closely behind.


    What is it? Edgar pulled the curtains away, revealing a tub with runes and Dereks prototype shower hanging on the wall. It was basically the same setup he had back in his shop, only more portable. A bathtub? Edgar nodded in appreciation.


    Not only that, Derek said, and he took a step forward and ced his hand on the base of the portable shower. Injecting mana into it, he activated the rune, and a jet of water sprayed out. This is a shower. A new product Ive been working on with a builder. Derek then went on to exin how the shower worked.


    Interesting. Edgar moved over and yed with the shower some. Turning the power of the stream to high and low, and changing the temperature. He seemed to be enjoying himself. This is very nice. It will sell well. Ill have to buy a couple for father at the pce.


    Derek then showed the prince that the showers could be removed and ced anywhere with an attachment rune on the back. I was thinking about using these for adventurers, and making more luxurious, permanent ones for residences.


    Its great. Youll do well. It will for sure be something that no adventuring team would want to do without once they learn about it. That is, if the price is good. Edgar said.


    After the prince examined the showers, he moved back to the middle of the prison and ced down a nice-looking couch and some better lights andmps than the one Derek had used. He also ced what turned out to be a recording crystal that was loaded with different songs, which was great, because Derek hadnt heard much in the way of music since he arrived in Cydaria, and he was sorely missing it.


    The two then left the prison, and Derek closed the void behind them before they moved back closer to camp to look for a good ce to re-open it. Soon, they found a ce that was out of the way, yet not far from the base camp.


    They hadnt been too far out of view before when Edgar wanted to see the prison before everyone else, so when Derek used the skill this close to camp, there were already a bunch of people wandering closer out of curiosity.


    Edgar then called to everyone close by and began to exin the skill.


    This is the special skill that Mr. Hunt has, which is why I wanted to bring him along this time. If it had been a normal raid, then this skill would have been extremely vital. However, with a trial dungeon such as this one, the special space isnt as needed as it would have been.


    Now, with that said, I imagine everyone here is going to be pleasantly surprised when you step inside. Derek has gone out of his way to make the space asfortable as possible. There are rooms with beds, dining tables, couches, and even bathing stations inside. Though, do note that the small bedrooms are actually functioning prison cells, and it will be up to you whether you choose to trust Derek not to lock you away. Edgar chuckled a bit, then looked at Derek and got a nod in return. You may enter and exit as you please.


    Soon, eleven of the remaining fifteen adventurers all flooded into the space, curiosity overtaking their cautiousness. Though the prince of the country did vouch for Derek, so that must have lessened their hesitation.


    Left outside were Derek, Edgar, Avery, and Tyron. Avery had gotten a quick look inside before, when he booted Gerald back inside, and Tyron had actuallye back over to Derek to discuss something.


    So, I was thinking about something like this, but I dont have the materials on me, the smith said as he pulled out a blueprint for a ive from his storage ring.


    The look of the ive was still simr to Dereks old one, but the staff was a little bigger round, and there was a slight hook on the backside of the de. The hook would typically be used for parrying blows. Derek nodded in appreciation.


    The color and overall look will rely on the materials we use, but this is basically it. If I use the materials I brought with me, it wouldnt be as durable as I imagine you need it. Im sure you want a weapon that could stand both your channeling and smashing against high-level defensive creatures.


    Derek looked over the ive and nodded. This will do fine. Ive went this long without having my preferred weapon, so I canst a bit longer. Who knows, maybe they will bring back some good materials from their trial.


    Nice weapon! Avery said. He and Edgar had both looked over Dereks shoulder as he examined the blueprint, and had both drawn the same conclusion.


    Im a bit jealous, Edgar said. My sword is amazing, but it wasnt made specifically for me. And definitely not by someone like Mr. cksteel, here.


    Tyron snorted. Ive seen the sword you use, young prince. I dont believe you have any right to be jealous. It may not have been made specifically for you, but it suits you well enough. If I had the same material that was used to craft it, could I make it more suitable for you? Maybe but I dont even know what metal it is made out of.


    Edgar smiled, but didnt say anything else.


    I do believe that I could make you a nice set of daggers, though, Tyron then said as he spoke to Avery. I dont do bows, but your daggers could use an upgrade. They are nice, but not well suited for you. You should see about hiring me.


    Avery rolled his eyes. Like we havent tried to hire you. If it was that easy, you would have already made me a set. He then walked inside the Time Prison, and the othersughed before following him inside.


    Derek almost couldnt believe his sight once he was back inside. It had been minutes, and the ce already looked like a ce that had been lived in for decades.


    A group of four sat around a table ying some card game while drinking something, and two others were lounging on one of the couches Edgar had brought. Another two were at the back, looking over the showers. One of those two, however, had a frown on his face and was drenched from head to toe.


    The remaining person stood outside the cell which held Ogre inside and looked at it, then an empty cell with hesitation.


    Hmm thats nice. Derek heard Tyrons deep voice and turned, just to see himying back in one of the beds in a cell, his feet dangling off the end because of his size. That seemed to help Timothy, the man contemting beside the cell, to make a decision. He also entered a cell and took a load off.


    I knew this would get plenty of use, Edgar said.


    I guess so, Derek replied.


    Yall up for a game of card? Avery asked.


    Edgar nodded at the man, but Derek shook his head. Im going to stay outside for a bit and watch the trials. We should always have at least one person out there in case something changes.


    Suit yourself, Avery said, then sat at the table with the game going on.


    Hah suit yourself Edgar snorted, then went to the table as well.


    Derek shook his head and exited the prison. Only once did he have the idea to shut the door to y a prank well maybe twice. But he chose not to. No point in risking the trust of the others over something so silly at least not until they had this raid figured out.

 Chapter 250: Osian

    Chapter 250: Osian


    Osian leaned back in the seat of his throne as he waited for his brother toe in to make the report. It was around the time that their scouts and spies had reported that a number of the Kingdom of Cydarias stronger forces would be away in a raid dungeon, one that could take years, if the reports were correct, which, he was sure they were.


    After waiting for sometime, his brother, Ryven, entered the throne room, alone. His brother was one of the few people Osian trusted with his life. If someone else, he would not hold these meetings alone.


    Osian stood from his throne and walked down the steps to meet his brother, and soon, they found themselves sitting at a table sipping good wine.


    So, the reports? King Osian asked.


    They are true. A small force of elites left for a raid dungeon, one with time dtion. I dont know if it was fortunate or unfortunate, but one of our spies was kicked off the team before they left, his brother exined.


    Oh? What did they do?


    It was nothing of his doing, his brother exined. There were somest-minute additions to the time. A few elites, apparently.


    Then it is a good thing, King Osian said. The more elites that are gone, the better.


    His brother nodded. I agree. One of those who join at thest minute was the Derek Hunt that Sabrina reported to us. It looks like we wont have to worry about him after all.


    Thats good. Osian took a sip of the wine before him. What of the other countries?


    Everything is advancing smoothly, his brother confirmed. It is how we hoped with Vallum. They will not interfere in anything. Astrus has also agreed to our ns. We only await your orders to march. Cydaria will not know what hit them.


    Very good, Osian said. I am surprised that those Dwarves chose to sit at the side. They have been trading partners with Cydaria for quite some time.


    They are also trading partners with both Indria and Astrus. They are simply picking the option with the highest chance to seed, his brother exined.


    It still leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth to fight alongside Astrus. They are no better than those from Cydaria, the King said. If anything, there are more of those like Gerald Torith in Astrus than there are in Cydaria.


    It is something we must do. Astrus is always looking for a reason to go to war with Cydaria. Once Cydaria is taken care of, we can turn our sights on Astrus. Though, I suspect they n on doing the same to us, the duke replied.


    Well, Ryven that will be left for you to deal with once the war is over. You will be in charge of everything on the battlefield.


    I understand, the kings brother nodded gravely. I will see to it that our forces are more preserved than those of Astrus. It shouldnt be too hard to control the bunch. They are itching for a fight. It wont take much prodding to get them to lead the charge.


    Just make sure our elites keep Cydarias elites tied up until we properly understand the power of their forces. We may have the advantage of being two countries against one, one that iscking many of their elites, but do not underestimate them, the king warned his younger brother.


    Do not worry, I wont, Ryven replied. But, speaking of Gerald Torith, we have lost contact with both him and our half-elf spy. Im afraid they have both been captured.


    The king took in the information for a short time before finally shrugging. That man no none of our real secrets. He may have guessed that we might invade, but it is all mostly his own conjecture. He was delusional, as well-thinking he would be ruler one day. Besides, he is bound by oaths and contracts. It wont be easy to learn what he knows, and they will most likely focus on the ve trade and their own kingdom before anything else. We should have plenty of time before they learn anything useful.


    I agree. He is not worth concerning ourselves over.


    What of the spy? Does he know anything? Osian asked.


    No. Ryven shook his head. He is half-elf, wanting to be part of the kingdom. He doesnt know where his orderse from, and he is bound by an oath of silence and contract if he is caught. If he breaks either of those, I will know. Thus far, they are both still intact.


    Very well, King Osian replied. As for Natalie Savannah and nah Swan, do what you can to avoid offending either of them. Do not break into any of nah Swans establishments, dont touch any of the employees, and stay away from Savannah, Osian warned once again.


    I have already drafted a letter and contract for Ms. Swan and Ms. Savannah. Once the invasion begins, they will receive the correspondence. What they choose to do after is up to them, Ryven exined.


    Very good. Make sure to stress that if they choose not to get involved, they will have a ce in the new kingdom, Osian exined.


    It is already included here. Ryven took a contract out of his storage ring and handed it over to Osian to read.


    Osian looked the contract up and down. It seemed that his younger brother had already thought of everything.


    This is good. nah holds no real allegiance to Cydaria, and Natalie Savannah has created a kingdom of her own inside of Cydaria. Her city is part of the kingdom only in name. Hopefully, they wont make things difficult.


    Indeed, Ryven agreed.


    Enough about the uing war. How is that brat doing? Has she taken to her training? King Osian was asking about his niece, Sabrina. Since she returned to the kingdom, she had been put into an intensive training program for her uing ss upgrade. If everything went well, she would make a fantastic intelligence officer in the future.


    She has taken to it like a fish takes to water, Ryven replied with a hint of pride in his eyes. She is doing better than either of us expected. She will surely make great strides in the uing months.


    That is great to hear! King Osian raised his winess and saluted to his nieces progress.


    Ryven raised his ss and touched it to his brothers. The two brothers talked about the kingdom and the uing war for over an hour while drinking and being merry. It was really one of the few times a king like Osian could let his guard down and rx. Finally, King Osian sighed.


    We will begin the invasion in around three months. I want to first make sure that those who went to the raid are really in a dungeon with time distortion. I believe what Ive heard, but I would rather not take any risks. If possible, I would also like to learn where the raid dungeon is located. I know its location is a secret that only a few know of.


    We are searching, but we do not want to give ourselves away. The group was too high a level to follow, but we know which outpost they teleported to from the capital, so it should be in that area, his brother agreed.


    Good good. If we cant locate it before the invasion, that is fine, as well. There will be plenty of time to gather the information once we take control of Cydaria.


    My thoughts exactly, Ryven said.


    Now, what do we know about this auction in Savannah so many have heard about? It must not be private, as everyone seems to know of it, King Osian asked.


    As you already know, it was an auction thrown by the Crown Restaurant. Particrly, one organized by nah Swan, herself, and hosted by Ste Brighton, who you would know as nahs right-hand woman, Ryven began to exin.


    And what exactly was so different with this auction than any of the previous ones hosted by the Crown?


    From the reports we have gathered, there were quite a few spectacles that day. First, the Crown Restaurant sold items never before seen. Not only were there meals made with Void Beasts, but there were potions that gave permanent stat boosts. There were also elixirs that increased the users Vitality stat. Of course, those elixirs were bought by King Edwin at great cost.


    That the king started, but he couldnt find the words. More than ever, they needed to make sure not to do anything to outright offend nah Swan. <em>If she has the method and means to create such products, then </em>Osian could only shake his head. The invasion was more important, but they would do everything they could to stay on good terms with the Crown. She was half-elf, at least. Maybe that would y a part in them gaining her favor.


    Exactly. That is why I believe that, while Natalie Savannah is most definitely worrisome, nah Swan should be a priority.


    I agree, King Osian said. What were the other matters?


    The main one has to do with that Derek Hunt once again. Ryven started.


    Oh? What is it this time? Why does his name keep popping up so suddenly? I hadnt even heard of him before Sabrina came back. Now I hear it constantly. Osian asked his brother.


    As far as I can tell, he just came out of nowhere. His first ounting is of him dropping off a Void Beast at a Crown Restaurant in one of Cydarias sub-cities. Then, from there, he just kept appearing in important matters. His rtionship with nah Swan is not simple, and it also seems like he has some sort of rtionship with King Edwin. Though I do not know what kind.


    What do you mean?


    Well, during the auction, Mr. Hunt was able to speak to the king and have the man release someone from a soul contract. The king apparently didnt look too happy about it, but he did it anyway. Also, Mr. Hunt never seems to bow to anyone, not even the king, Ryven exined.


    Interesting very interesting. Make a note to find out more about the man. Who are his allies? Who are his enemies?


    Ryven nodded. I am already on it. He is most likely the supplier of the Void Beast products auctioned off by the Crown.


    Then I leave it all to you.

 Chapter 251: The Void Emporium

    Chapter 251: The Void Emporium


    Natalie watched as the woman disappeared through the halls of her manor. Thedy had brought her a very interesting, very profitable opportunity, all because of the short talk Natalie had with Derek Hunt before he left for the raid.


    She was doing her best to wrap her head around the new contract she had just signed. It was so good that she jumped at the opportunity. Apparently, it mirrored the contract that Derek Hunt had signed with nah for the new potion he and Roman Pascal produced.


    Now, however, Natalie had sole rights to sell the newly created potion. A potion that would permanently increase ones mental stats. As there were no ways other than special dungeon rewards to obtain such an item to increase ones Wisdom, it would be highly sought after. It would likely be just as wanted as the other potion that increased Vitality as well as the other physical stats.


    Natalie was delighted as she examined the vial containing the magical liquid. It constantly changed from transparent to a solid color, then back again. The potion she was given as a sample was made from one of the weaker Void Beasts, as Mr. Pascal was still perfecting its craft, but she was promised that other, stronger potions woulde soon. For that, she couldnt wait.


    Natalie didnt need to use auctions to show her power and status. She had a list of preferred buyers, and she would likely get much more for the potions than that nah had at her auction. Natalie could practically see the gold coins raining down on her.


    Soon, the petite woman stored the potion and took out another item that the woman called Malorie had left with her. It wasnt much, just an odd blueprint connected to Geoffrey Tate and Derek Hunt. Apparently, they had created some device for bathing, and Malorie had talked with Geoffrey about letting Natalie in on the product in order to expand their possibilities.


    Natalie had to admit that the shower product was genius in its simple design. She especially liked the portable design for travelers and adventurers. Though, they would have to find a way to prevent knockoffs and also make it so the shower wasnt easily fixed, and lost durability with use.


    They would need to make it have a limited number of uses. That way, they could keep selling it. If everyone bought one, and it never broke, what use would that be? They were trulycking business sense, but thats what she was for. And now that she was a partner in the business, she wouldnt allow Dereks people to wander around blindly.


    In fact, she would whip that Malorie into shape before Derek got back from the raid. It was the least she could do for someone who had been so quick and true to his word. She respected that.


    A gleam fell over Natalies eyes as she thought about training someone in the way of business. It had been far too long since she had done so. The next three years would be so much fun.


    Finally, the woman stored the blueprint back inside her storage ring and took a final sip of her coffee, which she found she enjoyed with just a touch of honey, but she also like it ck. She sighed and sat her empty cup back on the table before hopping out of the chair and walking away.


    She was on the verge of getting some good information out of Gerald Torith. She just knew it. The half-elf didnt know much of anything, and the brute from House Aarden was just that, a brute. She had wasted her time on the other two. She should have spent it all on breaking through the old mans barriers.


    Instead, she thought she may get a good starting point from the other two captives, but she was wrong, unfortunately. She would talk to nah soon about what to do with them. Her job with the two was over. It would be up to that woman now. Cliff Aarden had done some terrible things, maybe not enough for nahs mind trap, but she had to admit, he would make a great Deathsworn.


    Natalie really did hate having to do all this interrogating. It was taxing on her mentally, and because of the time it took her to recover, her work piled up and she was slowly falling behind, which had left her in a constant state of tiredness.


    Before she exited her courtyard, she had a bout of inspiration and took the Potion of Mental Permanence back out of her storage ring. With a single motion, she popped the cork and downed the liquid. If the potion increased the mental stats permanently, then maybe it would work on her mental fatigue, as well.


    It was an extravagant use of the potion, but it wasnt like she was wasting it. Any extra Intelligence or Wisdom would be a boon, even for someone like her with both those stats maxed out.


    She soon felt a calming rush, then smiled when she saw the notification. It wasnt a lot of stats, but every stat counted. She was also pleasantly surprised that the potion did indeed clear her of most of her mental fatigue. Maybe she would get some extra work done after all.


    ***


    Malories meeting with the City Lord wasnt anything like she expected it to be. In fact, it went much better than she thought it would. Natalie Savannah wasnt as intimidating as nah Swan had been. She didnt know if it was because the woman was absolutely adorable. The small stature woman just looked like she didnt have a mean bone in her body.


    Malorie soon made it back to the shop. Once she got to Rudys office, she sat down across from the man and pulled out the contract. The contract wasntpleted just yet, but it was in a state that nobody could make any changed to it any longer, since Natalie had already signed it.


    There were two things still needed. The first was Natalies signature as Dereks proxy, and the second was the name of the business. The first part was easy enough, as she had already been given all of those rights along with ess to Dereks bank ount.


    Unfortunately, Derek hadnt named his business before he left. Malorie had a sneaking sensation that he had done it purposefully, so he would have to be the one to do it. And her hypothesis had to be correct, as he had left her the power to it. He had basically left everything to her. She wasntining, as he was forward with her and she had epted.


    She just didnt think it would all happen so suddenly. She only had a few weeks notice. Now she was basically running a business with ties to both Savannahs City Lord, and the owner of the Crown Restaurant. She waspletely out of her depth, and mostly alone.


    Her daughter had holed herself up in the basement, working on something new. Malorie hated to go down there mid project, as she was worried about distracting Brandi and causing an ident. If she were to inadvertently harm her child, she didnt know if she would ever forgive herself.


    Really, the only ones left with her at the shop were Rudy, Thomas, and Brandi. Rayna and Jacks had continued their adventuring together. The surprising thing was that Ste had actually joined them. Their group of two was now a group of three, and they couldnt be happier to have her. With her along, and the amount of people who know who she was, it should keep any would be viins away, and they would only have to worry about beasts and their missions.


    Thomas was pretty down after both Shae and Derek left for the raid, but all that changed with a box from the Carrie, the dwarven cksmith, arrived at their door. Apparently, Derek had put in amission with the cksmith before he left, and it had only beenpleted yesterday.


    Thomas spent all day yesterday and today training with the spear and admiring it. She had to admit; it was a good spear. It could easily hold up to level 125 beasts or higher, and he wouldnt need to rece it for quite a while. She wasntpletely sure about the kids skills, but ording to him, he was able tounch his best skills even faster and more efficiently than he could with his other spear.


    Finally, Malorie handed the contract to Rudy for a once over. Natalie had drawn the contract up on the spot, which Rudy would surely take offense over, but whats done was done. She still wanted him to examine it to make sure everything was above board.


    Rudy took the contract from Malorie and examined it with a frown. After giving it a once over, he looked it over again before nodding. He put the contract down on his desk and looked Malorie square in the eyes.


    You should have brought me, he said with a pout.


    I didnt think we were going to get as far as drawing up contracts today, but she made one on the spot and I didnt want to refuse it, Malorie answered.


    At least you didnt sign it before letting me look it over, the contract maker said.


    Does that mean you found something wrong with it? Malorie sat forward with wide eyes. I looked it over multiple times, but I didnt see anything. What is it?


    This. Rudy mmed his index finger down on the contract. Will give me a good amount of experience and skill even if I wasnt the person to draw it up. Just imagine all that wasted experience if you would have signed it there. We got lucky.


    Malorie leaned back in her chair and rolled her eyes. Of course, he was worried about himself and not about the contract. So, theres nothing wrong with the contract?


    No. He injected a bit of mana into the contract before sliding it back over to Malorie. Its a good contract. The City Lord even allowed it to be more favorable than the one we signed with the Crown. Though I believe those two have some type of hidden rivalry, so I wouldnt think much of it.


    What was that? she asked about the mana injection. She already knew from Derek that Natalie and nah had a habit of one-upmanship with each other.


    Just marking it with my mana to show that I was a part of the process.


    Of course


    So have you thought about a name? Youre going to need that toplete it, as it is for the business, not just the person, Rudy informed.


    Derek seemed to like things being somewhat simple, but with the magical setting created by the material used to make the shop, and his reputation, I was thinking of something wondrous.


    Rudy nodded. I have an idea if you dont.


    Oh? What are you thinking?


    First, how many people know that Derek uses Void? He took all the restrictions off of us before he left, so he shouldnt be that worried anymore, right? Rudy asked.


    Malorie frowned. Im sure many rumors have already spread, and he is already connected to the Void Beast, plus, we have connections with the Crown, the Royals, and Natalie Savannah, so even if people found out she trailed off.


    Thats what I was thinking, Rudy said. How about we call it The Void Emporium? We can just use it for the private contracts and wait for Derek toe back before we advertise the name. Besides, unless Brandi has a breakthrough, we wont be doing business out of the shop any time soon.


    Malorie thought about it before agreeing. Finally, she signed the contract with her mana signature and filled in the business name. For now, the business would be called The Void Emporium.

 Chapter 252: No Free Meals

    Chapter 252: No Free Meals


    While everyone was inside the Time Prison, Derek walked over to the trial orbs. There wasnt much he could do at the moment. He didnt have a craft like others, and its not like there were any television or novels for him to read. <em>Though, I never did search any libraries. Maybe I should have. </em>He thought.


    No, he was stuck waiting for everyone to finish the trial. <em>Maybe I should volunteer for the remaining trials. I can say that since I have the Time Prison, and Im neigh invulnerable, it would be safe for whoever goes into a trial with me. </em>Soon, he shook his head at the thought. Hed seen how some of the others reacted when they werent allowed to enter the first trial. How would they react if he entered all the rest of them?


    Finally, Derek sat in his most used meditative position and closed his eyes. If nothing else, he was sure he had more experience passing time by meditating than anyone else in the raid, and probably anyone else on the entire.


    He soon closed his eyes and slipped into Greater Meditation. He kept his Void Sense active and made sure he still had plenty of awareness of his surroundings, but like this, he was able to make time pass in a blink of an eye.


    It wasnt long before he was broken out of his trance by a notification. What if the ten people who went in had wiped? Was the difficulty much harder than expected? He quickly examined the notification and breathed a sigh of relief before a strange smile appeared on his face.


    A contract with Natalie Savannah including Roman Pascal and Geoffrey Tate has been formed through proxy Malorie Fields and the entity Unknown.


    See proxy for contract details.


    <em>I wonder what they named the entity? </em>Obviously, entity was talking about the name of the business, whatever Malorie had chosen to name it. Unfortunately, it seemed that the actual details of the contract was cut of from him while he was in the dungeon, and he could only see those who had entered into it.<em></em>Malorie hadnt taken her job lightly, as she had already set up a contract with Natalie. Derek was impressed.


    Finally, he read over the summary of the contract to learn the details.


    <em>Wow. Not only did she get Roman to go along with the potion contract, but she even got Geoffrey to agree to a deal. With Natalie supporting the new showers, I dont have to worry about any of it. Way to go, Mal!</em> He knew he was making a good decision when he chose Malorie to be the manager of his business. She would go far.


    Derek then exited the notifications and slipped back into Greater Meditation for a bit longer before he was once again interrupted. This time, it wasnt a notification that interrupted him, but a bored Edgar looking for something to do.


    Lets spar. Was the first thing the prince said after making his approach. Im sick of cards.


    Why dont you try meditating? Derek asked. Its a great skill to improve. It has unimaginable benefits.


    You think I dont know that? Edgar chided. Of course I know the benefits of Meditation. But my skill leveling speed is atrocious since bing level 250. Meditation already leveled slowly. Now I dont know if Ill ever get another level in it.


    Sure you will. Just need to use it a bit differently than usual, Derek said with a smile. Just jump into a beast horde, sit down, and meditate. Easy. Everything levels up easier when youre under stress.


    Sounds like a really good way to die.


    I didnt say you wouldnt die. Just that the skill would probably level quickly. Derek snickered.


    Suddenly, Edgars eyes gleamed. What if I do that, but you protect me while Im meditating? You wouldnt let me die, would you? We can try that. Im willing if you are.


    Youre fucking crazy, Derek said. He knew that he would be considered crazy just for being a tank and preferring to take damage to deal it. But Edgar was something else. If he was serious, his crazy was on an entirely different level. Youre serious, arent you?


    Edgar nodded. Worst-case scenario you cant handle it, and I stop the skill and fight with you.


    So, your skill is already at a decent enough level to sense your surroundings? Derek asked.


    Oh, its well past that, Edgar confirmed. Now about that spar?


    With his meditation interrupted, and the young prince bored, it didnt seem Derek would be getting back to his trance any time soon. He might as well see how he faired against Edgar. Natalie had said that they were simr in aura, but Derek beat him out by a bit.


    Why not? Derek finally said. Is there a good ce around here to spar? Should probably look for somewhere big, and well away from the prison space.


    I just figured we would walk that way for a few miles, and that would be good. Edgar pointed past the trial orbs into the distance. It was just a deste, beachy area for as long as the eyes could see.


    As good a ce as any. Derek shrugged.


    Great! Just give me a minute. With that, Edgar hurried back to the prison space and soon walked out with two people in tow. One was Jasper Ross, the level 250 healer, and the other was the level 219 wind mage, John Doyle.


    Derek frowned when Edgar approached with them. He nodded at them, then to Edgar.


    Jasper is going toe with us in case anything goes wrong. It never hurts to have a healer with you, especially with sparring between to powerhouses. Besides, it will be a good idea to have him with us to get used to our fighting styles, Edgar exined.


    Okay. That makes sense, I guess What about him? Derek asked about John.


    Hes just here to watch over the trial orbs. Like you said, we should always have at least one person watching them at all times. Edgar exined.


    Thats fine, then, Derek said. Lets go.


    Wait, wait, wait! A voice called out, and Derek looked back over at the prison. Avery came running out with the giant-like Tyron following behind. You dont think you two can go have fun and not invite me, do you? he said when he got there.


    Uhem Tyron cleared his throat. It would also be advantageous if I were to see you fight a bit before making your weapon. Research and all that


    Im sure thats why you want toe, Derek snorted. Oh well, it doesnt matter. The more the merrier I guess. Lets go.


    With that, Derek, Edgar, Tyron, Avery, and Jasper all moved past the trial orbs and into the distance at the brisk pace of a sports car from Earth. It was no biggie, being able to run at such speed. If Derek had to guess, he was probably the slowest in an out right sprint between the three of them.


    He wasnt exactly sure, but he knew Avery could pass him easily, and Edgar most likely had a lot of Dexterity as well, considering the way he wielded his sword. Tyron probably had max Strength and enough Dexterity to support that, so the lumbering giant wouldnt be slow at all.


    The healer was the only person who Derek was quite sure he could take in a straight up race. The man obviously sped into Intelligence and Wisdom because of his ss. They were the two best stats for a healer to focus on. Derek doubted the man had much Strength and Dexterity at all. His theory was proved quickly, as he began to fall behind right off the bat.


    Healers Tyron chuckled as he lifted the iling healer over his shoulder and caught back up with the group.


    Of course, Derek could always enter Void Shift at anytime and move far ahead of anyone here. Well unless one of them had a way to break him out of the shift like nah did, which he wouldnt put it past any of them. They were all some of the strongest figures in the kingdom.


    Heres good, Edgar stopped after a few minutes of running. We shouldnt have to worry about any battling disturbing the trial orbs or the prison back there Edgar then frowned for a second before turning to Derek. How far can you get from the prison before it closes? I never asked.


    That was a question Derek had never thought about. He never figured he would be away from the prison when it was up, so he never tested it. Uh he muttered. Give me one second.


    He then quickly used Void Shift and made his way back to the prison. Luckily, when he got there, the prison was still up and showed no signs of going away. At least he was fine at the distance that the spar was going to be away from the prison. Still, just for fair warning, he exited Void Shift and poked his head inside and gave everyone a heads up.


    Just letting everyone know Im moving away from the prison. I dont think it will be an issue, but if it closes, just know Ill be back to get you out shortly. He wasnt sure everyone heard him, but plenty did by the wide eyes he received. <em>Good enough. </em>He thought as he backed away and turned back to the sparring position.


    He quickly entered Void Shift once again and made his way back to the others. When he got to them, he canceled the skill and reappeared he had previously been.


    That skill Edgar frowned. He, of course, recognized it as the skill Derek used to beat him to the fight with Gerald.


    The prison was fine. It doesnt seem like this is enough distance to do anything to it. Ill have to remember to test it when we are finished here, Derek informed. Are you ready? Me versus Edgar, right?


    Sounds good to me. Edgar licked his lips in anticipation before looking over at Avery and Tyron. Then the two of you will provide us with some entertainment. There are no free meals. If you are going to watch, youre going to have to participate.

 Chapter 253: How the Turns have Tabled

    Chapter 253: How the Turns have Tabled


    Averys eyes gleamed in excitement as he looked at Tyron, and the smith shrugged. It looked like neither of them had a problem with going after Derek and Edgar. Tyron didnt look too excited, but he agreed nheless.


    Soon, Derek followed Edgar a bit away from the others, so they wouldnt get caught up in anything. Of course, Jasper stuck close enough where he could intervene if necessary. There was no point in bringing a healer if you werent going to make use of them, after all.


    Are you ready? Derek asked Edgar.


    Hold on, Edgar said. We need to make a few rules first. We dont want to go all out and end up killing each other.


    Agreed, Derek said. What did you have in mind?


    First off no using that weird teleporting move of yours.


    What? Why not? Its a regr part of my moveset, Derekined.


    Its odd, and Im afraid Id have to bring out some skills I dont want to use on anyone who is not an enemy to counter it, Edgar exined.


    Derek thought for a moment before shrugging. Okay, but you cant turn into that ball of lightning.


    Edgar grinned. That was one of the skills I didnt n on using, so dont worry. Another rule, if we hit below 30% health, we call out, so the other can stop attacking. 30% seems like a good threshold.


    Thats fine, Derek said. Anything else?


    Other than the standard dont aim for vitals, I think thats it.


    Alright, good, Derek agreed, then stored his shirt in his storage bracelet. There was no sense in ruining a good shirt for a spar, and since Edgar was fast and used lightning, he was sure his clothing was bound to get destroyed. He hesitated before deciding to leave his jeans on. He had given Brandi the task of making something like denim before he left, so hopefully she would have something waiting for him when he got back.


    Edgar gave him an odd look before shrugging. Okay, well start in five seconds. Edgar shed away, putting some distance between the two of them. Five four three he counted down and went silent at two.


    <em>Two one go! </em>Derek finished in his head. At the same time he finished counting, Edgar drew his sword and began walking around Derek.


    Okay, Im not going to go easy, Edgar said before he released his aura, causing his eyes to turn light blue, and his white hair even took on an electric shimmer. The aura was palpable and pushed into Derek even more than Silvis had.


    Derek grinned. <em>Two can y that game. </em>He thought as he let the void flow through his body and released his own aura. With his aura on full st, it pushed any hinderance caused by Edgars aura to the side. As their auras shed, Dereks came out on top, but not by a high margin. What aura was left was not enough to affect Edgar in any meaningful way.


    Miss Savannah wasnt joking when she said you had stats that were higher than mine, Edgarmented as he slowly drew closer to Derek. Very interesting


    With about fifteen feet between the two, Edgar pointed his sword forward, causing the sword to radiate a blue gleam. Suddenly, the energy around the sword concentrated into the tip of the de before a stunningly powerful bolt of lighting shot out a Derek at an iprehensible speed.


    Dereks stats werent nearly high enough to dodge the full blow at that speed, and he had agreed not to use Void Shift during the fight, so he was basically a sitting duck waiting for the skill to hit him. As fast as he could, he activated Greater Meditation and pushed himself as hard as he could to at least try to block the blow.


    Luckily, Edgar wasnt aiming for any ce that could have been fatal, so, even though Derek was barely able to move, the bolt of lightning struck him just above his hip. Derek waited for the pain toe, and it did.


    The pain felt like he just stuck a fork in an electric outlet. It radiated throughout his entire body. Derek nced down at where the bolt had hit him to see a quickly closing charred hole. The shock and attack dealt a decent amount of damage to him, doing over 7,500 damage in one hit. But, with his Vitality and the regeneration increase caused by Greater Meditation, it was nothing, and in a handful of seconds, his health was back to full.


    Derek wiped the residue from his previously charred skin off of his side as he looked up and smiled at Edgar. I hope you can do better than that.


    Edgars eyes were wide as he had stood back and waited to see the damage caused by his strike. Derek didnt know exactly how powerful that skill waspared to others, but he imagined it was up there. The skill had eaten through over twenty percent of his health in one shot, and it had taken time to charge up.


    If it werent for Dereks Magical Resistance skill and his staggeringly high Endurance stat, there was no telling how much damage a skill like that would have caused. The only reason the shock from the skill didnt seem bad to Derek was because of how itpared to breaking the 1,500 point threshold in Endurance. Whenpared to that, burning alive probably wouldnt feel too bad.


    By the look on Edgars face, Dereks guess was most likely correct. Soon, though, the young prince broke out of his daze and continued with an onught of attacks.


    Derek couldnt name the skill, but a cowl made of pure electricity formed over the princes body, and his already fast speed increased even more. There really wasnt much Derek could do in the fight, as he was slow and clunky without his Void Shift ability, a problem that he nned on remedying as soon as he got the chance.


    Edgar soon vanished from the spot he was standing, then appeared just in front of Derek with a sh. Derek raised his arm just in time to have the de dig into his forearm, stopping halfway through the muscle and sending another shock throughout his body. The shock wasnt as intense as the previous one, but he didnt have time to wait it out before the sword was ripped out of his arm and redirected to his side.


    The wound in his arm cauterized as the sword was torn away, and by the time the sword was stabbed into his abdomen, the wound in his arm was already partly healed. Derek hadnt dared to cancel his Greater Meditation skill.


    This onught continued for over a minute before Edgar shed away and appeared a dozen feet in front of him once again. And once again, the lightning energy gathered into his sword before forming on the tip and shooting out. This time, however, the already powerful bolt of lightning was even stronger.


    Derek put two and two together and realized that whatever the skill was that covered Edgar in lighting had increased more than just his speed. It had also increased the damage he could deal with his element.


    The bolt shot out even faster this time, hitting Derek directly in the center of his abdomen. The st still didnt rip all the way through him, but both the shock and hole that it left was a sight to behold. The st made it at least halfway through his body this time, and the jolt that arrived at the same time as the st felt even worse.


    It was still not up there with the Endurance threshold, but it had greatly closed in on it. It may have even surpassed the pain from passing the Vitality threshold.


    Edgar didnt give Derek the time to worry about his wound this time, as he quickly shed in and began the assault anew. While doing his best to endure the blows, Derek moved his left hand over the burned hole in his stomach and cast Rejuvenation. Instantly, the perpetual shock lessened and the skills ability coordinated with his regeneration abilities and began healing the wound at an rming speed.


    The attack had dealt nearly fifty percent of Dereks health pool in one hit, thenbined with the rush from Edgar, not even his regeneration could keep up. If not for his Rejuvenation ability and the fact that the wound didnt actually bleed, Edgar would have been able to chip away his health until he lost.


    However, that was thest time Derek would let Edgar use that move. The first time was a surprise, and the second was a test to see how much it affected him. There wouldnt be a third. Sure enough, Derek ousted Edgars assault once again, leading to the prince shing away and charging yet another lightning bolt.


    This time, Derek used Absolute Nullify and the wall of void sprang up in between them, shocking everyone. With its damn near maic effect on all things magic, Derek wouldnt have to worry about the ability again as long as he stayed close to the wall, which he did.


    It also seemed like Edgar couldnt move much while charging his skill, so he was stuck shooting it off at the wall of void. When the bolt of lightning hit the wall, the walls energy fluctuated a bit before settling down, like nothing happened.


    Fucking cockroach! Edgar let out a defeated sigh as he appeared next to Derek once again. You win.


    I havent even attacked yet, Derek said with a smile. Inwardly, he was relieved. Edgar was the real test of how far he hade. <em>If I ever see that damn lunatic Jace again, Ill leave him beaten in a pool of his own blood for once. Oh, how the turns have tabled.</em>


    But Im out of Mana and almost out of Stamina and you you dont even have a bruise, Edgar whined.


    My pants are in pretty rough shape. Derek touched multiple ces where his jeans had caught on fire and burned to his skin from Edgars sword. Besides, it would be different if you had gone for my throat or head. I dont think I could have stopped the attack without using my other ability.


    A win is a win, Edgar said. No vital attacks were part of the rules. If I would have attacked your head or throat, I still would have lost. Now I need to get rid of this damnable mana fatigue. Edgar took a blue potion out of his storage ring and drank it before he and Derek walked over to the audience.


    I thought youd be a better version of a punching bag than Gerald, but this is much better than that, Avery said once they got close. I want to fight you after the big guy.


    Edgar plopped down on the ground and began meditating with his eyes open, showing that his skill was very high level. He was already at the point where he could see all of his surroundings while in the trance, which Derek saw as only having a couple levels left in the skill before he could transform it into Greater Meditation.


    Derek looked at the other two. Well, go ahead, we dont have all day well, we do, but you should still hurry.


    Shall we do this? Avery asked the cksmith.


    Tyron grunted, then began walking out to where Edgar and Dereks battle had taken ce.


    You didnt even use an attack skill, Edgar muttered from his sitting position, clearly agitated enough to break his trance andin.


    Derek shrugged. Didnt need to. Heughed. Probably couldnt have hit you with anything even if I did. Not without my other skill.


    Edgar sighed. 1500 gold on the small one.


    Hmm Derek looked over at the two. He figured Tyron would be in the same situation as he was against Edgar, but without the regeneration to get through it. <em>Still why not? </em>Ill take that bet.

 Chapter 254: Planetary Siege

    Chapter 254:ary Siege


    Jace sat in the briefing room, incredibly annoyed. Hed been promised battle and ughter, but what he received were lessons aboutary battles and the system. Sure, it was all interesting and would eventually lead to his ughtering of the beasts that had overrun the, but for now, this new Lieutenant Hobbs was slowly working his way up Jaces to kill list.


    When Jace was unceremoniously booted through the teleporter, he expected to be thrown into battle as soon as he arrived. Instead, he was picked up by Hobbs and forced to undergoary education. This included invasions, system tutorials,ary battles, and other.


    For the most part, Jace zoned out during most of the exnations. He was a sword; he didnt need all this information. All they had to do was point him in a direction and tell him to kill. Did that make him a dog? He didnt care. Once he ughtered enough, he would be able to freely move around and ughter even more.


    Now ughter may not be the right word to exin it. While his ss was Agent of ughter, he didnt actually need ughter. He was more concerned about satiating his battlelust. ughter just happened to be the most convenient way for him to do so. But he didnt have to kill.


    He would be more than happy with some good fights. Nobody had to die. Well they didnt <em>have </em>to die, but they most likely would. Itd been boring since his good friend disappeared from Earth. At least when Derek was around, he would always have someone to have a good fight with.


    Sure, the man called him crazy, and acted like he didnt like fighting to the brink of death. But deep inside, Jace knew that Derek Hunt enjoyed it. Why would he have chosen such a ss if he didnt like to fight and feel pain?


    Of course, Jace had hunted the others on Earths leaderboard, but Derek was the only one who stood his ground and had a fight without any interference every time Jace showed up. He was truly a friend. That group of people who had caused his friend to disappear was lucky Jace didnt take his frustrations out on them. His friend seemed to be on good terms with that Silvi girl, so Jace chose to spare them.


    That bastard in the top spot of the leaderboard, however, was nothing but a bloody coward. He seemed to know every time Jace went to seek him out, and would disappear. The others either werent strong enough and would set ambushes or would try to escape before he arrived. Thats why when he was offered this opportunity off, he took it.


    Still, Jace had heard through that bastard Kelvin that Derek was alive, out in the universe somewhere. Jace just knew his friend was out living life and fighting to his hearts content. He knew Derek was growing stronger and stronger, so Jace would have to do the same. Thats why he chose to listen to Hobbs when he finally began his exnation ofary battles.


    Now that you know about all of that, including the tutorial, its time to talk about the differentary battles and sieges, Lieutenant Hobbs said.


    Of course, if the lieutenant knew that Jace hadnt been listening much up to this point, he would probably blow a gasket. ording to the lieutenant, he was doing it for Jaces own sake, as it was his first time on a real mission. Considering that there were no others in the briefing room, he was the only new person here. Which made sense, as this was not a low-levelary battle.


    Jace perked his ears up in anticipation for the first time in the lesson. If Hobbs was finally talking aboutary battles, then his own battles were drawing near. Once the man finished this less, Jace would be free to satiate his battlelust.


    There are a handful of oues that a may face at the end of the introductory phase of the system, also known as the tutorial, Hobbs exined. The two mostmon oues are either the local intelligent species on the grow powerful enough through the tutorial boosts to im and protect their, or other, appropriate leveled system users, who you know as invaders, take charge of the and make it part of their territory.


    Of the two of them, the first oue is the most usual, as the system does not allow invaders with vast level and power differences onto a newly initiated. The mostmon reason the second oue happens is when a with no intelligent species is there to take control. There is also the possibility that the intelligent species on the are pacifists and refuse to fight. Though most organizations see the invasions as a way to temper their young, the actual reason is to avoid fallens, Hobbs continued.


    Jace killed his fair share of invaders. He was very thankful to them. If not for them, the majority of people on Earth wouldnt have been able to even scratch his itch in the slightest. He honestly didnt care about the reason they were there. Most of this information was lost on him, and he knew it. Still, he listened.


    This leads us to two otherary oues. First, a is full of life, but none of it is intelligent enough to properly use the system. When the beasts take over the, we call it aary siege. We usually monitor theses and designate them as trainings for our youths. asionally, a beast will evolve into an intelligent being and begin to take control of the. Those beasts provide special Titles and other bonuses, Hobbs exined.


    For thoses, we do not have full scale war and annihtion. We are there to maintain the and keep the training grounds viable. Some beasts on these types ofs are even allowed to grow without restriction to allow for elites to temper and test themselves.


    However, somes are too valuable to be left to beasts, such as the we are currently on, A-73. As you know from earlier,s are ranked based on their size and quality. Your, C-186, is a mid-sized supporting both intelligent life and beasts, along with a decent proportion of valuable materials. Its value is average to most organizations, and not many would be willing to offend others to im it. Thus, no young elites were sent as invaders, and it was easy enough for your people to take control of it at the end of the tutorial, Hobbs informed.


    Jace nodded along to everything, even though he was only half paying attention. His thoughts were more centered on what kind of beasts he would be fighting in theing days.


    Then can we go? This is boring, Jaceined.


    Almost. We are finished with the exnations, now for the rules.


    What rules?


    Under no circumstances will you attack any person from our sector. Basically, if it is intelligent and not an evolved beast from this, you will not attack it, Hobbs warned.


    What if they attack me first? Jace asked.


    They wont, Hobbs said. They have the same rule they must follow as you do. You will be wearing this bracelet, and your actions and whereabouts will be tracked at all times. Same with the otherbatants. Hobbs reached out and grabbed Jace by the wrist before strapping a bracelet not unlike the one he already wore on his left him. The bracelet made a clicking sound, then lit up.


    Only a lieutenant or higher ranked officer can remove this from you, Hobbs said.


    What if I see someone who is not wearing one of these bracelets? Jace asked.


    It is slim, but there is a chance that a few natives survived the beasts until now. Always err on the side of caution. You will be rewarded if you lead any natives back to the base.


    <em>Unlikely. </em>Jace thought, but outwardly, he nodded. Okay. Can we get going now?


    Youre going to be just as troublesome as themander said you would be, arent you? Lieutenant Hobbs let out a sigh. Other than our people, you dont have to hold back. You are free to go wherever you want. Any high valuable material collected while you are out must be turned in upon arrival at the base. You will be searched. There will also be rewards based on any material you bring back.


    <em>So, if I find anything usable, its best if I use it right away instead of bringing it back. Got it. </em>Jace inwardly thought before he looked pointedly at the lieutenant.


    Fine, fine. Follow me. Hobbs moved over to the door to the briefing room, then walked out with Jace following along. The bracelet is also amunications device. If you run into any trouble, inject your mana into it to activate it. A screen wille up. If there is immediate danger, push the emergency button at the bottom right of the screen. You can figure the rest out on your own.


    Got it, Jace answered while shifting back and forth. He needed battle, and he needed it now.


    The lieutenant tapped his own bracelet and moved some things back and forth before Jace felt his own new bracelet release a pulse into his arm.


    Ive sent your device a map of the area. You can see the full map of the from the scans we took before arriving. The clear parts are fully explored areas, and the gray parts are unexplored. If youre looking for a fight, the unexplored areas are where to look, the man exined.


    Jace fiddled with the new bracelet until he found the way to the map. It was just like the old video games he yed as a kid. There was a fog over unexplored areas, though he could still see the terrain, and anything else that had been visible from the scan.


    With that, Lieutenant Hobbs gestured around them. Youre free to do as you wish. You can head to the barracks and look for a team, or to the shops for some extra gear or potions. Or, you can just go solo. Youre free. Dont get yourself killed or do Id probably get a raise if you do. Hobbs smiled and turned back to walk away.


    Jace watched the mans back for a moment as he left, then he looked at his map once again. It seemed like the area to the east had yet to be cleared out yet, so he would be the one to do it. He looked over at the temporary buildings that were the barracks, then at the temporary town center that had a system hub and multiple soldiers peddling their wares. He rolled his eyes and turned to the east. There was a battle to be had.

 Chapter 255: Jace II

    Chapter 255: Jace II


    Some timeter, Jace viewed his map again. He had finally entered unexplored territory well, unexplored by anyone else who hade here. He had received a ton of looks from people who saw him venturing out alone. He only snorted and continued along the way. People who didnt want to be strong werent worth his time.


    Soon, he entered a forest, and he was far enough from any civilization that he could almost feel the beasts drawing close. His heart beat harder and harder, and his uncontrolled aura began to manifest on and around him. It was pure adrenaline, one of the best feelings in the universe.


    He would always get reprimanded for not controlling his aura, but he didnt care. The main reason for a hunter to control their aura was to set up an ambush, and ambushes were for cowards. He liked to fight head on. Plus, he could control it just fine. He just chose not to. It did the job of scaring away anything that wasnt worth his time fighting, leaving only the fun beasts and users.


    When he finally heard the first roar, he smiled a deadly smile and his aura congealed into almost a red mist. His irises were already blood red, but soon, the whites of his eyes shifted to the same color. Jace thought he looked rather cool in this form-others called him a demon. Well, he didnt mind.


    Jace brought his arms out to the side and summoned his weapons from his bracelet. Hed yet to see another prefer his weapon of choice, but to him, nothing could beat them. In each hand, a custom made kukri appeared.


    His kukri were slightly longer by a few inches than the typical kukri. The machetes were curved and notched in the back side in case he needed to use it for something other than killing. The notched also worked quite well for parrying other des.


    Hed been asked why he didnt just opt for daggers or short swords, but something about how his kukri felt when cutting into flesh had kept him from switching. It was an almost euphoric feeling.


    With both weapons summoned, Jace red ahead and waited for the attack. In seconds, three ck shes appeared in the corner of his eyes before turning solid. He didnt bother to Identify the beasts; they were already too close for that. However, they reminded him of extrarge panthers.


    Each of the beasts was at least as tall as he was. They were the size of horses. Each tooth he saw from the snarling form of the panther was razor sharp, and their fur stood almost like needles. Their eyes were green with diamond shaped iris, and saliva dripped from their maws.


    Jace licked his lips in anticipation as the panthers stalked closer, sizing up their prey. Finally, the lead panther pounced. Jace sidestepped and turned his right wrist before swiping vertically. The razor sharp w of the panther just caught his cheek and left a gash, but the panther was much worse off.


    His kukri caught the panther mid leap and gutted it from groin to sternum. Its innards hit the ground before its body, and it copsed in a heap, not moving. The first panther was dead. A burst of energy rushed into his body and the wound on his face began healing at a visible pace. His passive skill, ughterer, had activated, increasing his regeneration and fighting abilities for some time after each kill.


    The other two beasts didnt take kindly to their apparent leader being gutted and pounced at the same time. Jace weed the challenge. His smile grew even wider, and he licked his lips once again, this time tasting iron from the blood that had dripped down his cheek before his wound had healed.


    He ducked out of the way of the first beast, then blocked a swipe from the second one. He spun with the from the momentum from the attack of the second panther and cut out with his second machete, hamstringing one of the back legs of the first beast before falling back into his fighting stance.


    One of the beasts may have been slightly crippled, but a panther such as these on three legs was just as dangerous as one on all four. Jace continued his slow and precise dismantling of the panthers. In a matter of minutes, the battle was over. Jace stood in the middle, no worse for wear, while the three beastsid around him unmoving.


    Each cut the beasts took was precise. There were no artificial wounds on the three panthers. Each attack Jace made had a reason for and took something from the beasts. His first strike was fatal, the second hindered one of the beasts movement. He was an expert in killing and rippling.


    The forest went quiet once again, and he withdrew his aura. The battle didnt take much out of him, only resulting in a slight loss in Stamina, but, although people may call him battle crazy, he wasnt stupid enough not to rest back to 100% after a battle. While waiting for his passive skill to finish regenerating everything, he viewed the notifications that had appeared.


    <strong>Level 186 Obsidian Ash Panther in</strong>


    <strong>Level 183 Obsidian Ash Panther in x 2</strong>


    <strong>625,757,440 Experience Gained</strong>


    <strong>1,854,266,420/4,050,000,000 to Level 177</strong>


    Jace grinned as he swiped the kill notifications away. These beasts from the forest were apparently called Obsidian Ash Panthers, and they seemed to be of the perfect level to satiate his battle lust. Soon, the poption of said beasts would be severely depleted. He walked over and began dismantling the beasts. It wasnt something he really enjoyed doing, but equipment, potions, and repairs werent free.


    After finishing, Jace stretched and yawned before sheathing his kukris on his hips. He opted not to store back inside his bracelet for now. The Obsidian Ash Panthers seemed to be stealthy, and it was possible that the ones he just encountered were some of the lower-level beasts in the forest.


    Jace kept his aura ready and his muscles tense as he crept through the forest. Soon enough, he was ambushed by another trio of panthers. They seemed toe in groups of three, which was odd, as the panthers he knew of were solitary creature, usually not forming packs or prides like wolves or lions. This second battle was less intense than the first, as he had a good understanding of the panthers attack patterns. He sliced and diced his way through the beasts and continued on, making sure to dismantle and store the corpses as he went.


    His guess was correct, as the further he moved into the forest, the more and more powerful his prey got. Though, the more he killed of the Obsidian Ash Panthers, the easier it was for him. His ughterer buff could grow to crazy heights, especially when focusing on one species of beast. As long as he didnt wait too long in between fights, he could keep the buff for whole days.


    Of course, sometimes, the battle would be tough, but rewarding, and he would lose his buffs while waiting to get back into fighting shape. But that was just another fun challenge.


    Jace was soon fighting panthers at level 200 plus. They still came in groups of three, but even with his pattern recognition and familiarity with the beasts, their crazy stats made it hard for him. They were the perfect opponents. Ones where he was constantly threading the needle between life and death.


    These were the types of battles where he grew stronger. Battles where he was able to push his skills to the max, and then some. These battles were the ones he wanted when he agreed to join in under Kelvin, and the ones he would seek out once the man no longer held any power over him.


    Jaces blood-red eyes gleamed as he thrust his left arm into the maw of an overly powerful panther. It was a near suicidal move, one where he could easily lose his arm, but with a quick flick of his wrist, the de of his kukri appeared from in between the panthers eyes, causing instant death.


    He didnte out unscathed, though, as he quickly let go of the machete and kicked the ground, moving out of the way of another beast. When he got a good look at his arm, he found a mangled limb. It had been cut up badly by the razor-sharp teeth of the beast when it entered its mouth.


    Still, it was worth it. His arm may have been near unusable now, but he had also rid himself of the most powerful beast in the group. The remaining two were smaller and weaker, and he had already hunted enough of them at their strength to know that he wouldnt have much of a problem dealing with two, even if he fought one armed.


    Those thoughts ended up correct as he flipped over the first one to charge, his left arm dangling uselessly, andnded kukri first into the second remaining panther while they were still stunned by the death of their leader. Half the panthers face slid off as the kukri cut clean through it.


    Another rush of energy entered Jaces body, and he even began to get feeling back in his mangled arm, which wasnt ideal, because with the feeling came an intense pain. But he could handle pain. Jace grit his teeth and fought the final remaining panther until only he remained.


    Overall, he would give the fight a high grade. It was fun, and he had even leveled up a couple of his already high-level skills in the process. It was also the closest he had been to being critically injured in some time, which he cherished. Still, he was no fool, and he was bleeding heavily.


    For the first time since beginning his hunt, he brought out one of his expensive healing potions and chugged it. His already visible regeneration speed from his passive skill increased and his arm was soon in fighting condition.


    Sure, everything would have healed just fine on its own without the potion, but he was deep within enemy territory and wasnt sure he could handle another group of panthers at the same level as the previous one in his condition. Plus, he was bleeding pretty heavily, which would attract beasts even better than releasing his aura. Who knew how far away the panthers could smell blood from?


    While he was healing up, he retrieved his second kukri from inside the leader or alpha of the group. He wasnt quite sure what to call it. He cleaned it off on some nearby grass before sheathing in on his hip once again. Then he took his other kukri and began the arduous task of dismantling corpses once again.


    With that finished, he waited to heal back up and continue on his journey. He didnt n on going back to the encampment until he hit level 200. Especially not with all the fun to be had.

 Chapter 256: Avery vs. Tyron

    Chapter 256: Avery vs. Tyron


    Avery and Tyron squared off in the same area where Edgar and Derek had sparred. Much of the ground was destroyed-a good portion of what grass there was had been singed by the lighting that had radiated out from Edgar or had been loosed from his attacks. There was also a small portion of the ground covered in blood from some of the cuts Derek took that hadnt immediately been cauterized or healed on the spot.


    The two fighters stared intensely at one another, neither wanting to make the first move. Finally, Tyron grinned. Come on, little man. I dont have all day for this. I need to get back to my work.


    Avery shed the giant of a man a smile, then kicked back off the ground, creating more distance between the two of them. Lets see how you defend this. With a flick of his wrist, his bow appeared in his hand, followed by an arrow coated in a grayish aura.


    Are you sure you want to bet on the big one? Edgar asked from beside Derek, obviously recovered enough not to need to focus on Meditation any longer.


    Derek shrugged. Its only 1,500 gold. Plus, I think well be in for a surprise. Nobody really seems to know all that much about Tyrons fighting style. Just that hepletes dungeons solo with no problem for materials. At least from what Ive heard about him.


    True enough, Edgar said, then they both focused their attention back on the two others. Jasper was still around, just in case something went wrong.


    Avery loosed his first aura infused arrow from a distance. The arrow raced rapidly toward Tyron. Tyron, however, didnt move. Instead, his own aura exploded out. It was a dark metallic color, Derek didnt recognize it. He looked questionably over at Edgar.


    Metal, Edgar answered. He is The Walking Forge


    Derek nodded and said nothing.


    Instantly, the aura covered the giant of a man before forming into a sort of flowing steel armor around him, leaving only a few parts on his face uncovered. He looked like a walking tank. <em>No wonder he can solo dungeons by himself. With such defenses </em>Derek couldnt help but think.


    Just as the armor appeared, the first arrow arrived. With a resonating ng, the arrow struck the chest of Tyron before falling harmlessly to the ground. The area where the arrow hit stopped flowing for a moment, causing a disruption in the armors pattern before the flow continued. It was like a self-healing flowing armor.


    Avery clicked his tongue and summoned multiple arrows, firing them one after another. Each flew from his bow with impable uracy, hitting the same point on Tyrons armor. With each collision from the arrows, the armor was disrupted further and further. Soon, the eighth arrownded, and a hole finally opened up in the armor.


    Tyron wasnt a slouch, though. Before the next arrow arrived, his forearm moved in front of the hole, deflecting the next arrow and allowing his armor to heal once again.


    Thats got to cost an arm and a leg to maintain, Derek thought out loud. He saw the power contained in those arrows, and while nowhere close to the energy in the lighting used by Edgars skill, it was fierce. Adding on the fact that multiple arrows of the same calibernded within seconds of each other, and he knew it was a deadly skill. If it was even a skill to begin with. For all he knew, Avery was just channeling his aura into his arrows before firing them. Which would be sort of like his own Channel Void skill.


    Yet, it took multiple arrows to create a chink in the armor that was then easily repaired after a few seconds. Derek wondered what kind of offense Tyron would have after disying such defense. Luckily, he didnt have to wait for long.


    I figured that would happen, Avery said before putting his bow away and drawing his daggers.


    The number two from the Crown then raised his foot off the ground and took a step forward. With that single step, he disappeared from Dereks sight, putting even Edgars previous speed to shame. Instantly, he appeared behind Tyron and swiftly stuck out with his daggers. It was all a blur.


    asionally, one of the strikes would disrupt the armor to create an opening, which Avery had no problem taking advantage of. When that happened, blood would fly from Tyron before the armor closed once again.


    Avery was just too fast for the giant.


    Told you, Edgar said from the side.


    Its not over yet, Derek muttered.


    With those words, the metallic aura around Tyron began to rapidly heat up, taking on an orange glow. Then, a hammer appeared in his right hand. It was a typical smithing hammer. One that seemed just like the one in the set of smithing equipment he had gotten for Brandi.


    The handle was made out of wood and the head had one rounded side and one t. It looked almost like a ball-peen hammer from Earth that Derek had seen hundreds of times, whether on tv or in most garages. The hammer was small inparison to the cksmiths body, but that soon changed.


    The small cksmiths hammer grew near instantaneously into a giant hammer suitable for the man who wielded it. Then, a near transparent image of an anvil appeared behind the man.


    Unsure of what was going on, Avery disappeared from beside the smith and reappeared a distance away. However, that didnt seem to make a difference to Tyron as he swung his great hammer down and struck the ground in front of himself.


    A crisp ng rang out, and giant molten sparks flooded out in every direction. Derek could feel the heating from the attack, as could Jasper and Edgar. In fact, Derek chose not to chance it. Edgar could handle himself whether he was fully recovered or not, but Jasper was only a support. He wasnt sure what kind of defense the healer had.


    Derek summoned his Absolute Nullify wall once again so they wouldnt be affected by the attack, which turned out to be the correct decision as sparks and moltenva covered the area, soon reaching the trio even with as far from the battle as they were. The flowingva had lost some momentum already, and waspletely halted by Dereks skill, causing Jasper to let out a sigh in relief.


    In front of them, the spar continued. Avery had somehow gotten even faster. He was nowpletely covered in the same aura he had used to cover his daggers and arrows. Derek would catch a glimpse of the man, then he would disappear just as fast as he appeared. Whatever skill he was using seemed to need some kind of contact with something in order to be used, causing him to appear asionally.


    Unfortunately for Tyron, he didnt seem to have many other attacks up his sleeves, and Avery was too fast o be hit by any of his moves since he could even withstand the battlefield wide area of effect.


    The battle soon came to an abrupt end when Avery appeared once again, this time on Tyrons shoulders, and both of his daggers entered the eye slots of Tyrons moving armor. Of course, with Averys precision, he stopped his attack just before they actually prated the smiths eyes.


    Tyron raised his left hand. You win, he announced to Avery. Then his armor disappeared, along with the rest of his aura.


    When the aura left, so too did the sparks andva that had permeated the battlefield, leaving the entire area a barren wastnd.


    Avery hopped off the mans shoulders, swiftly patting out the fire on his charred behind before it could do any more damage to his clothing. Apparently, touch Tyrons armor while it was heated up wasnt the best idea.


    Derek flicked his wrist and one of the lesser Void Beast meals he still had on him appeared in his hand before he handed it over to Edgar. It was worth well over 1500 gold, but he wasnt taking much of a loss. Besides, he didnt actually have 1500 gold on him at the moment, and he didnt feel like messing with the card he received from the bank while in a dungeon if it could even be used in a dungeon.


    Seriously? Edgar asked, but had already grabbed the meal from Derek before he even had a chance to respond.


    Derek snorted and shrugged as he watched the two fighters make their way back over to them.


    That was fun, Avery said. We should do it again, sometime.


    Hmm Tyron scoffed. Youre lucky Im more of a crafter than a fighter.


    <em>That</em>, Derek pointed out. Is what you call being more of a crafter than a fighter?


    Tyron shrugged. Most of my skillset is skewed toward crafting. I wouldnt have it any other way.


    What about all the solo dungeons you clear? Derek asked.


    I choose them carefully, of course.


    That seemed to make a lot of sense to Derek. If the man had the Solo Diver Award, it wouldnt be a stretch that he also had the Repetitive Dungeoneer Award. In fact, it would make even more sense for the cksmith to have such an Award. The dungeons he runs may give materials as rewards, and the Repetitive Dungeoneer Award would allow him to have chances to receive the rewards multiple times. Hell, He may even have the Award at a higher rank than Dereks own.


    That was fun and all, Jasper cut in. But can we get back now?


    Derek really didnt have anything to add. He had gotten to see everyones fighting style, and was even more impressed than he thought he would be. Especially by Avery. He was very calm the entire fight, even with the surprise skills that Tyron showed.


    Speaking of the smith, he would be a fantastic addition to any fight with multiple enemies. Not only was he able to change the battleground for his own benefit, the sparks constantly shot out and theva continued to flow. It would be devastating to big groups.


    When they arrived back at camp, Derek wasnt surprised to see everyone waiting around outside of his Time Prison. The quick little announcement he made before he went back to spar, was more than enough to scare them out. He inwardlyughed as their eyes fell over his small group. <em>At least I know that the range on the skill is at least as far as the distance from here to the sparring ground. </em>He thought.


    Still, Derek could see the boredom radiating from the group. It hadnt even been that long, but this group of elites hade to the dungeon expecting constant fighting. At least, he knew he sure did. But now, they were to sit on their hands and wait for the other group to get back before they had a chance to do something. It may only be a few days now, but if the dungeonsted for months like expected, it could get rough. Not everyone had been trapped in the void and cultivated their patience as much as him.


    All of this gave him an idea. He looked over at Edgar, Avery, and Tyron. Avery and Tyron were both well respected, and Edgar was the leader of the raid. He smiled.


    Do you trust me?

 Chapter 257: Trust Me

    Chapter 257: Trust Me


    Do we trust you? Edgar repeated Dereks question.


    Yes, do you trust me? Derek asked once more.


    Edgar shrugged. I trust you well enough to invite you to this raid with me. It takes a lot of trust to leave my back to someone he said.


    Mistress Swan trusts you, therefore I have no reason not to, Avery spoke up. They were around a bunch of people, elites even, so he made sure to use honorifics for nah, even though they were not needed.


    You need a weapon, and Im the one who has to make it. Tyron smiled. I doubt you would do anything to jeopardize that. Why do you ask?


    Well I have an idea that you all may like. Derek then proceeded to tell them all about what he wanted to do.


    He wanted to send everyone but himself into the Time Prison, then close the door. He would then adjust the time on the inside so it would pass slower than on the outside. That way, they would only be inside for minutes or hours, even if the ones inside the trials were gone for days. It would solve the problem of people getting antsy, and should prevent any other problems that could arise otherwise. And he would at least feel useful.


    Plus, there was another thing he was thinking about, but he didnt say it to the others. He wanted to know what a few days with such high-level people inside his prison would do for the skill. If its leveling speed would increase even though they werent locked inside the cells. It was another good experiment for him to run.


    The only thing was that it would be up to the others to ept or not. That is why he told Edgar and the others first, before tossing the idea to the rest of the party. It would be up to those three to convince everyone else.


    As it turned out, Edgar was very much on board with the idea, and Avery was indifferent. Tyron was the only person who didnt want to do it. Well, he didnt think it was a bad idea. He just wanted to spend the time crafting instead. He didnt want to waste time like that when he could be improving his craft and creating useful things.


    Derek could understand where he wasing from, and epted it. In fact, it was actually perfect. He figured everyone else would be more assured if someone stayed outside with him. It might as well be Tyron.


    When he suggested that, everyone agreed, and Edgar went off to convince the others. There were surprisingly fewints. They were all just curious. Most people wanted to get the raid over with, or at least get their own turn inside one of the rewarding trials as quick as possible.


    They had all already seen the inside of the prison, and it was well equipped forfortable living. Besides, one could only y cards for so long before getting bored, and Derek didnt want to bring out his alcohol just yet.


    The hardest thing for them to ept was that they wouldnt be able to ess any of their abilities once the door closed. However, Edgar made a show of it to allow Derek to shut him inside, then came out and exined everything that happened.


    After that, a few people at a time went inside to experience it before they agreed that it wasnt too bad. With that, it was settled. Everyone except for Derek and Tyron would go inside the Time Prison to pass the time. It may not actually decrease the time they would spend in the dungeon, but it would feel that way to them.


    Derek went inside and made sure everything was perfectly set up before going back out. Then everyone else went in. He made sure everyone was okay with it onest time before shutting the door. Then he made sure to adjust the time before pulling the void shut.


    He and Tyron both looked at where the prison had been before turning and looking at one another. Derek smiled, then went over, closer to the trial orbs, and sat down to meditate. He had plenty of practice passing time. Tyron shrugged and went back to his temporary crafting facility and began his work.


    Derek closed his eyes and slipped into a deep meditation, one he hadnt done since he unlocked Greater Meditation. Though, he made sure to keep his Void Sense as active as possible. He wasnt alone, after all, and he needed to be aware when the otherspleted the trial. Like this, days passed.


    Before long, it had been seven days since the others had entered the trials.


    Derek couldnt help but grin as he looked over his skills list.


    Skills


    Absolute Nullify Lv. 11, Basic Repair Lv. 1, Chain Lightning Lv. 13, Channel Void Lv. 16, Cleaning Lv. 9, Cure Toxin Lv. 4, Dismantle Lv. 12, Enhanced Movement Speed Lv. 1, Greater Meditation Lv. 10, Heavy Weapons Mastery Lv. 18, Identify Lv. 16, Magic Resistance Lv. 20, Multi-Strike Lv. 10, Physical Resistance Lv. 20, Rejuvenation Lv. 14, Sweeping sh Lv. 19, Time Prison Lv. 8, Unarmed Combat Mastery Lv. 14, Void Call Lv. 4, Void Sense Lv. 16, Void Shift Lv. 7, Void Steps Lv. 13, Void Storage Lv. N/A


    Skill Points Remaining: 17


    Skill Upgrade Points Remaining: 7


    It wasnt a ton, but in just seven days, his Time Prison skill had increased from level 4 to level 8. On top of that, he had even gained a level in Greater Meditation and Void Sense, proving that using the two skill simultaneously was the way to go.


    He had even paused a couple times to reopen the void leading to the door of the prison to adjust the time. He didnt actually open the door, as all he needed was to touch it. At this point, it would be even faster for those inside.


    Tyron had given him an odd look when he first did it, but after a light exnation, he understood. It made sense to the smith that a skill such as Time Prison was low, as there had only been two cells upied when he had explored it. The fact that it was leveling fast also made sense with the average level of those who were inside.


    Of course, Derek didnt let on that it had leveled four times already, as he had only gotten up to adjust the skill time distortion twice, and Tyron didnt need to know it was already level four when they started, either.


    Like this, Derek went back to his sitting position once again to meditate. All the while wondering how everyone else was progressing.


    ***


    Brandis eyes gleamed as she held the sword high and jumped up and down in celebration. It may have been foolish, the work she had decided to do, but she had finally seeded once. In her hands was the culmination of all her hard work.


    She was d she had sound dampening runes on the walls of her work-basement, as the sounds of her celebrating surely would have drawn her overprotective mother down to check on her. Which would have also led to her seeing the state Brandi was currently in.


    She was covered in soot from head to toe, and her hair, that had grown out a little over thest couple of months that Derek had been gone, had almost beenpletely burned off. That failure had led to her having a realization. It would be better to work with one of the water or earth cores instead of the fire or wind ones. Those two were just too powerful.


    Luckily, once she learned enough Runesmithing, she went around and meticulously reinforced her entire basement with fortification runes. At first, she thought it was overkill, but she still did it because it helped raise her skill levels. Now she was d she took the time to do it.


    Still, even with the slight injuries, her Greater Meditation skill being at level five was more than enough to cope with them. She only wished the skill regenerated her hair and eyebrows as well. She would have to ask her mom to look for some kind of skill that would help with that. She would surely help, too what mother would want to walk around a city like Savannah with a bald and eyebrowless daughter?


    Brandi chuckled at the thought. She honestly didnt mind, as it was even easier to craft when her hair wasnt there to get in the way. Plus, she preferred to stay in and work on her smithing, alchemy, or Runesmithing than going out with others.


    Speaking of Smithing, Alchemy, and Runesmithing, those were the three crafts she had worked on the most and enjoyed the most. She thought Leatherworking would be her favorite, as it was the first craft she had taken up, but it turned out that she was wrong. She still enjoyed it, but she preferred the others.


    Her favorite was Smithing and working with different metals and materials. Runesmithing was the perfect support skill for Smithing, so she made sure to focus as much as needed to keep the craft on par with her others. Alchemy had turned into somewhat of a refreshing distraction when she needed to think.


    It was just fun. It allowed her brain to reset. She found if she focused too much on one craft, she would eventually hit a wall. However, she also found that if she changed craft after hitting the bottleneck, it would be much easier toe backter and break through.


    She had also focused some of her time on her Brewing skills, as she wanted to surprise Derek when he got back. Though she didnt particrly enjoy it, and it was hard for her to know if what she brewed was good or not. It all tasted bad to her, and she had gotten into trouble when she showed her mom.


    Still, she found that it mixed with Alchemy almost as well as Runesmithing mixed with Smithing. So that was something to look forward to.


    Even so, Smithing was her go to craft. Which led to her snapping out of her thoughts and looking once again at the precious sword she held in her hands.


    It wasnt the best looking sword by far, and she had onlye up with the idea on a whim after hearing Rayna talk about how much mana some of her skills cost. In fact, the sword was quite terrible looking. The edges werent sharp, hell; they werent even that even. But she didnt care about any of that.


    What she was focused on was the mana core situated in the hilt of the sword. To an ordinary person, it would look like a small blue gem in the sword handle. Something that was there only for decoration. But Brandi knew better. She knew the power that rested in the gem.


    So do did her ss. The experience she gained when finallypleting her craft had rocketed her level all the way to level 50 and a ss upgrade, which she had ignored thus far.


    She had managed tobine one of the mana cores that Derek had left her into her craft. First, she had to use her Runesmithing to adjust the size of the mana core, which was a pain in itself, then she had to find a way to allow the resized mana core to channel its mana into the sword.


    It took a lot of Runesmithing research, but after such a long time, she had finally found the correct runes. Then, it was just a matter of adjusting everything ever so slightly to increase the stability. But, after weeks of grueling work, she had done it.


    She only needed someone with an affinity for the water element to test it. If her theory was correct, they could charge the mana core. Then, when in battle, if they activated their water-based skill while using the sword, it would pull mana from the core instead of the person.


    Luckily, she knew just the person to test it.

 Chapter 258: All Smith

    Chapter 258: All Smith


    Of course, the person Brandi had in mind to test her new invention wasnt around yet. They were still out with Rayna, Jacks, and Ste. In the months that Derek had been gone, Ste had joined the hunting group with Rayna and Jacks. Jake, Jackss son, also joined themter on, then they ended up picking up Jensen, Walters son. They had a full five-man team now, and could run even harder dungeons.


    Though Jensens level was lower than the rest, since he was more of a support healer, he was able to keep up. Theirposition wasnt the best, so they still had to be choosy when picking dungeons, and Raynas level stillgged behind the other three as well. But Brandi never heard anyoneining about that.


    The man had graduated from the Academy, and chose to take some time off before deciding if he wanted to take a spot in the Kings army or not. It worked out perfect because the man was a water element user, just like his father, which is why he would be the perfect test subject for her new creation.


    Still, it was possible that she would have enough time to make a wind one for Rayna or a fire one for Jacks or Jake before she met them again. They were always busy with dungeons and beasts, especially since Jake had joined.


    The young man had be somewhat of a makeshift leader of the temporary team. He had a lot of experience while running dungeons with Edgar, and he knew a lot, even more than his own father. He had stressed the importance of skill level over their actual level, and everyone listened carefully.


    Though Brandi had also listened to him, it didnt really help in her situation. She gained experience with every craft, so it was hard to limit her experience while increasing her skill gains. Though, she found that working on the high-level mana cores had catapulted her skill levels even with failures.


    Then again, when she finally had a sess, her new level caught back up instantly, and maybe even more so. She would probably even get more levels as soon as she upgraded her ss. That was the only thing that had paused her level gains.


    With that in mind, she looked over her new stats at level 50.


    Stats


    Strength


    Dexterity


    Endurance


    Vitality


    Intelligence


    Wisdom


    165


    185


    185


    165


    165


    165


    Her stats had grown quite well since she got four stat points each time she leveled. Now, she was facing the excitement that came with another ss upgrade. She was hoping that her epic ss would upgrade to legendary. She knew the chance was quite low at level 50, but she could dream.


    Sure enough, the upgrade didnt happen. Her All Smith ss remained at epic rarity, and nothing else in her selection was even worth pondering over. It would all be a giant leap down from an already epic rarity growth type ss like All Smith. It was too much to hope for receiving two actual ss growths rarity upgrades in a row.


    Still, she was happy with the upgrade. Unlike other sses, she didnt receive new skills with the upgrade; she got Skill Upgrade Points. This time, she was rewarded with 25 upgrade points. Last time, it was 20, which meant that as her ss grew, so too would the amount of upgrade points she would receive.


    Unfortunately, she didnt get an increase in stat points. She still received the base four points to each stat. That wasnt a bad thing, as even if she was stuck with four points per stat per level for the rest of her leveling, she would be close to breaking the 1,000 point threshold Derek had talked about with every stat.


    Plus, she still had gifts Derek had given to her before he left. The Void Beast meals and potions would provide her with many more stat points. And she still had a chance to get an even better ss upgrade at both the level 100 upgrade and the level 200 upgrade, so she wasnt sweating it.


    The real problem she was facing was what she should do with all the Skill Upgrade points. Her first thought was to dump them into Greater Meditation and get it to level 20. However, the skill already did everything she needed it to do. With it, her regeneration was already out of this world, and since she kept it almost constantly active, it would surely level fast enough.


    Which led her to her other skills. First, she crossed off a good portion of her skills. What was good about her ss was the amount of skills and the crossover they had. Some Leatherworking skills worked on cksmithing, some Alchemy skills worked on Brewing she had many skills like that.


    So, the skills from crafts that she found she didnt enjoy, and that didnt cross over to other crafts, were immediately crossed off her list. It still left her with a daunting number of skills to choose from, but it was much more manageable.


    However, she was gaining skills pretty rapidly as it was, so using her new points right away probably wouldnt be the best idea. Skills got harder to level the higher they got, and if Jakes words were correct, it was even harder when your actual level was higher.


    After that round of thoughts, she chose to save her points for now. She would focus more on what seemed to be her best skills for Smithing, Runesmithing, and Alchemy, and only use her points when those skills became difficult to increase. There were also a few crossover skills she would focus on as well.


    After those thoughts, she looked to see that her level had actually shot all the way up to 56 after epting the ss upgrade. That was another 24 points into each stat. She viewed the sheet once more.


    Stats


    Strength


    Dexterity


    Endurance


    Vitality


    Intelligence


    Wisdom


    189


    209


    209


    189


    189


    189


    She closed her stats with a thought. She would use the gifts Derek had left with her when she closed in on her next ss upgrade. That would be right before she hit the first threshold at 500 points. She wanted to make sure she crossed them all individually, and didnt want to risk a ton of stat points being dumped on her all at once. She would also slow down on her crafting and craft lower experience items as she drew neared to the ss upgrade. With any luck, she would be able to stagger them all out.


    With that, she put her head down and began working on another mana core empowered weapon. She pulled out an earth core and got busy. She still wasnt nning on working on the wind core for Rayna or the fire core for Jacks and Jake until she was certain of sess. She had already learned that lesson the hard way.


    Another week passed as she perfected her technique to craft the mana core powered weapons. Raynas team was scheduled toe back today, and she had finally made a decent wind empowered sword.


    She had also failed to hide her new style from her mom for long, as she had made Brandi take off the cloth and goggles she was wearing one night while they were eating dinner. It wasnt a fun experience the moment it happened, but the look on her moms face was something she could already look back on andugh at.


    Another event was happening as well. It was time for Thomas to move on to the Academy. He was leaving the next day. Jake and Jensen, as Academy graduates, had actually offered to take him to the Academy and get him enrolled. It was much appreciated by everyone.


    For Brandis part, she had painstakingly crafted him another set of leather armor, this one much better than thest. The armor still looked basic, but it was durable enough to provide defense against creatures and beasts in the mid-90s. Her skills made it where she could craft items of a much higher level than herself.


    Speaking of level, she had gained another four over the course of the week. Using the mana cores provided her with tons of experience and skill gain, even if it was much less than she got the first time she sessfully crafted the weapon.


    Still, she was a little sad to see him go. He was her best friend, even if they didnt see each other as often as before. He was constantly training with his spear and she was always crafting. Her thoughts became gloomy as she thought about the emptiness of the building once Thomas left.


    With Rayna and the others always going out, and now Thomas leaving, it would only be Brandi, her mom, Rudy, and Silvi left in the building. And Rudy was always so busy that he barely had time to eat anymore at least from what Brandi saw when she remembered about food or her mom dragged her upstairs to eat.


    She wasnt sad for herself, but for her mother. At least she also kept busy with running everything after Derek left, so there was that.


    Brandi came back from her thoughts and picked up the wind empowered de thaty on her crafting table. This de was nice. She had actually focused on making a top quality sword along with the mana core this time, and it showed.


    The sword handle was made out level 130 Spiker Boar tusk, and the de was made with a high mana conductivity ore called Melcium Ore. There were other materials, but those were the two most important. Both materials were chosen for their high conductivity properties. They meshed well with the mana cores.


    In the handle, the small greenish blue gem sat in ce. Intricate carvings ran from around the core and were etched deep into the handle and de. These were the runes she had worked so hard on perfecting. The runes, that with one small error, could evaporite an unsuspecting girls eyebrows.


    In herter creations, she nned to find elemental based material to go with the mana cores as well. She was sure the effect of the core on a de with the affinity of the corresponding element would be even better.


    Finally, she heard the door to the basement creek open and watched as her mother slowly and carefully crept down the stairs. When her mom saw that she wasnt in the middle of anything, her speed increased and she soon stood before her.


    You wanted to know when everyone got back her mother said. They are all here. Silvi just made dinner, you should join us.


    Okay! Brandi smiled and put her new weapon inside her storage ring before following her mother up the stairs. Her mom was the best. She understood everything she needed, and didnt smother her, even if she was overprotective sometimes.

 Chapter 259: Weapon Testing

    Chapter 259: Weapon Testing


    The dining room was lively for the first time in some time. Along with Silvi, Rudy, Thomas, herself, and her mother, they were joined by Jacks, Jensen, Rayna, and Jake. Unfortunately, Ste had quite a bit of stuff to take care of at the Crown, so she wasnt able to join.


    For the first time in a while, Brandi was entirely present in the moment. She didnt have any projects in progress that she needed to focus on, and she hadpleted the project shed been spending most of her time on. Like her mother kept telling her, it was good to take a break every now and then.


    Brandi and everyone else ate another fantastic meal cooked by Silvi. She had to hand it to the bunny; she was getting better and better. Nothing Silvi made tasted bad. She was a natural talent when it came to cooking.


    After dinner, her mother, Malorie, took all the dishes and put them away somewhere in the kitchen. Either she or Silvi would use Cleaning on themter. Now that everyone was finished eating, it was time for her to give out her own gifts. First was Thomas.


    Since youre enrolling in the Academy tomorrow, I made you something. Brandi blushed as she ced each piece of the leather armor on the table. Its not the best, but it should be good for you for a while. By the time its not good enough, I should be able to make even better things. You can always bring it back so I can adjust it as you grow.


    Thomass eyes widened, and he reached over the table and grabbed the chest piece, pulling it in close and examining it. The others at the table were looking intently at the armor, as well, most likely using various skills like Identify to learn about the armor.


    Good armor, Jacks said. It will suit him well. Everyone else nodded in agreement.


    It doesnt look like much from the outside, Jake said as he turned one of the bracers over in his hands. But it is actually very high quality. I may have to put in amission with you soon.


    With the support of nah and Natalie, Brandi had been a bit more open about her ss. Nobody other than Derek knew the specifics, not even her own mother, but she felt that she could trust everyone at the table. Of course, the most they knew was that she was a cksmith who had some insights into Alchemy, which, while rare, wasnt too unheard of.


    Brandi smiled at thepliment. It shouldnt be too long before I can make some things suitable for everyone, she began. In fact, I have a couple of new creations that I would like some help with. If its not toote, I would like to rent one of the Adventurers Guilds training rooms, if you dont mind.


    She had made her decision. The best ce to test the weapons was one of the training rooms at the guild. Not only would the rooms surely be able to handle it if something went wrong, but there would be more healers other than Jensen around if something bad happened.


    Now Im interested, Rayna said.


    An hourter, Raynas party, Brandi, and Thomas found themselves in a high-quality private training room inside the Adventurers guild. It was one of the more expensive ones, but they didnt need to rent it for a long time just to test her new weapons. Rudy, Malorie, and Silvi had chosen to stay behind at the shop.


    So, what is it? Rayna asked.


    Brandi smiled widely before bringing out the first sword. It was the one with the water-based mana core imnted inside. The sword itself left much to be desired, but it was just a prototype, so that didnt matter.


    Jensen, can you help me with this? Brandi asked as she held out the sword to the water user.


    Okay? Jensen stepped forward and took the sword in his hands. He looked it over with a frown. What do I need to do? Jensen didnt use swords, so it wasnt natural in his hands.


    I need you to focus any of your water-based skills into the sword and try to cast them. I dont think it needs to be an attack, but we will find out, Brandi said.


    Jensen shrugged, and his aura began to glow blue. Soon, it moved through his arm and into the sword. He pointed the sword at Rayna, and soon, a protective film of water appeared around her. It was one of his support skills that added an extrayer of defense.


    Huh Jensen said.


    So did it do anything? It was the first time this particr creation had been tested, so Brandi was excited. She already received the experience for the creation, so she knew it was sessful, but she had yet to see it in action, so she couldnt be sure that it did what she wanted it to do.


    Did it do anything? Jensen repeated her question as he stared at the sword in fascination. It reduced the mana cost of my skill by a quarter. How did you make this? Ive seen wands and staffs that increase spell power, but reducing mana cost is rare.


    Brandi balled her fists in excitement. It had worked. Though it didnt reduce the cost as much as she wanted, but that could be due to multiple factors, including skill type. His protection skill wasnt one that was usually channeled through a weapon, so that may have had some effect on the oue.


    If they knew how many of the cores Brandi had and how many weapons she would be able to make with them, they would be stunned. Also, him mentioning staffs and wands gave her even more ideas. She may be able to create a healing staff that reduces the cost of mana and increases the power of the healing skill at the same time. The gears in her head were spinning rapidly.


    Thats a secret, Brandi said. I think this is going to be one of my specialties for some time. She would eventually run out of mana cores, but not for a long while. With the amount Derek had left her, that would take years, even if she was wasteful.


    If you sell this, youll make a killing with mid-tier adventurers, Jensen said. Im not sure if high-tier adventurers would use it because of the weapon quality, though. Though maybe some mages who dont rely on weapons would still choose to buy.


    Brandi nodded. That was just the first prototype, she said. The overall weapon quality will be better and better. Look at this one. She pulled out the wind-based de that she made specifically for Rayna.


    The quality of the de could be said to be dozens of levels higher. In fact, it wasnt too much worse than the one Rayna was currently using. Though she hadnt spent much on her weapon after she outgrew the one Derek had given her because of the speed at which she leveled. She was still trying to figure out the perfect sword for herself. Brandi decided she would be the one to create that perfect sword.


    Here. Brandi held the sword out to Rayna, who took it before giving it a few swipes. I want you to use one of your mostmon attack skills. Like the Wind de that requires a weapon, or that one that sharpens your sword.


    Rayna nodded silently before charging up her attack andunching a Wind de across the room and into the wall. The de left a long cut on the wall before the repair runes went into effect, closing the cut.


    Wow Rayna muttered. The cost was almost half of the usual. After that, Raynas blue-green aura covered the de, creating even more of an edge on it. Razors Edge takes even less mana to maintain per second. This is amazing. Are there no downsides?


    There are, Brandi said. Do you see the crystal in the handle? she asked.


    Rayna looked closely at the sword before nodding as her eyes fell onto the greenish crystal. I do.


    That crystal holds wind-based mana. So, when you use a skill, it takes some of the mana out of the crystal to supplement your skill. Though each crystal contains a high amount of mana, it is finite, Brandi exined.


    Oh so its a consumable weapon? Jacks asked, with a bit of disappointment in his tone.


    Yes, and no. It can be recharged. You just have to channel your mana into the hilt, and it takes some time to recharge. As long as you charge it up when you arent using it, it will be fine.


    Oh, thats amazing! Rayna said. Can you make them for each element?


    No. Brandi shook her head. I can currently only do water, earth, wind, and fire.


    You can do fire? Jake and Jacks spoke up at the same time.


    Yes, Brandi said. Though I havent worked much on the fire version yet. She pointed at her eyebrows, which were very thin and only just beginning to grow in again. Water was much less explosive.


    Everyone had a goodugh at her expense.


    I bet it was, Jacks said.


    Anyway, I would appreciate it if you two would keep those and test them in realbat for a while, then report back to me. I need to know what I can improve other than the quality of the sword, and if there are any ws in the crystals. Like, if it will break after a certain number of charges, or how durable it is.


    Id be happy to, Rayna said. Jensen also nodded.


    Great, Brandi said. Ill work on a couple of fire ones next. It would be best to have multiple tests going on at once. After that, I will work on improving my sword crafting. <em>And staff making, </em>she thought secretly.


    Fantastic, Jacks said.


    I guess I can count this as a sess! Brandi said as she pumped her fist.


    Ill say, Jacks said. We should be getting back now, though. Thomas has a big day tomorrow.


    With that, everyone left the Adventurers Guild and headed back. Raynas party would be taking Thomas to the capital city tomorrow, and Thomas needed to get however much sleep he could manage.

 Chapter 260: Welcome to the Academy

    Chapter 260: Wee to the Academy


    Are you ready, kid? Jake asked Thomas once they were all finished eating breakfast.


    Thomas well, he was a nervous wreck. He had waited for this day for months, ever since Derek had brought it up to him. So, was he ready? No, he wasnt. But he would go and do whatever he could to not squander this amazing opportunity.


    Im scared, but its really exciting, Thomas answered. I think I know what to expect, because of the stories Ive heard from you and Jensen, but Im not really like either of you.


    You just need to find your own way, Jensen said. Im a healer, so it was pretty easy to get along with people, even with the state of my family at the time. Jake well, hes a legend.


    Yeah, one who spent most of my time alone because everyone was too scared of me. Jake snorted.


    Anyway, Im sure youll do fine. Ive seen your ability with the spear, and some of your skills. Its great. You have all the qualifications needed to enter the Academy, so theres nothing you need to worry about. Its a time to form connections to like-minded people, Jensen said.


    That was all true. Not long ago, hed gone out with their group, and they helped him gather the remaining levels he needed to enroll. During that time, he fought as best as he could, and listened to any tips the others had. Jake and Jensen were proper graduates of the Academy, after all. It was surreal being in a party surrounded by people he looked up to.


    It left him with a sense of what he wanted. He wanted that for himself. A group of people who trusted and relied on one another. They hadnt been together for long, but they meshed so well together. Hopefully, Thomas would be able to find that at the Academy. Or maybe Raynas group would have a spot avable for a spearman once he graduated.


    I imagine this years nobles are going to be even more subdued in the Academy than usual you know, with whats been going on in the kingdom recently, Jake said.


    Thomas shuddered at that. It started out as a rumor, but was eventually proven true. Multiple noble houses had fallen, somepletely wiped out, while others were relegated to a status as bad, if not worse, than the previous House Gracefall.


    There were also rumors as to why it was happening, but nobody seemed t know for sure. Well, Thomas and those around him knew, as Derek had yed a big part in it. City Lord Savannah had been gathering information from that evil man, and the Royal Family had been acting on it.


    It had calmed down after the initial waves, and like Jake had said, many noble families were acting much more carefully. Nobody wanted to be the noble family that just vanished overnight.


    Are you ready? We need to leave now if we dont want to miss anything, Jake said.


    Thomas nodded. Im ready.


    After that, the three headed downstairs. To Thomass surprise, though he probably shouldnt have been, everyone else was waiting in the lobby for him. Everyone said their goodbyes, and Malorie even teared up and cried a little. Thomas could feel all the love they radiated.


    Then, out of nowhere, a purple blur flew into his chest, causing all the air to leave his lungs with his gasp. Ugh Thomas heaved.


    Tell me if anyone causes you problems! The bunny loosed a small amount of her aura. Ill take care of them. Nobody picks on mou er Thomas, but me.


    Thank you, Silvi, Thomas said as he ran his hand down her fur. Ill be okay.


    Ill get better at cooking. Make you big meal next time. With that, Silvi hopped out of his arms and moved to the side. Thomas looked at her with a small smile.


    The next thing he knew, he was lifted off the ground and was spinning. Be careful!


    I will, Thomas said as Brandi sat her down. She was stronger. Much stronger than he had expected. She nearly squeezed the life out of him with that hug.


    Make some good new friends, too.


    Ill try.


    A couple of hourster, Thomas was walking down the streets of the capital alongside Jensen and Jake. Savannah was already a wonder of a city, but it was small inparison to the capital. Thomas couldnt believe his eyes or his situation. Less than a year ago, he was a small vige boy who had been to Torith with his grandfather a couple of times.


    Now, he lived in the greatest merchant city in the kingdom, and was about to attend the Academy in the kingdoms capital. That, on top of the fact he had met princes, city lords, and the owner of the Crown Restaurant it was like he was living a fairy tale.


    Unfortunately, Thomas didnt have the time to enjoy the city. They were in a rush to get to the Academy. Though, ording to Jensen and Jake, he would have plenty of time to explore the capital during his off time at the Academy.


    The two alumni soon took him past the most magnificent building hed ever seen. It was, of course, the Royal Pce. The Academy had a good portion of the giant capital to itself, and it wasnt too far past the pce.


    They soon arrived at another wall with a gaudy gate being guarded by two armored men. There was an enormous crowd gathered around the gate when they got there. It was full of those entering the Academy and their families. Though most of the families didnt seem like nobles. It was, after all, a much bigger deal for the children ofmoners to be epted into the Academy than it was for the nobles.


    Uhem! After waiting for some time, one of the guards cleared his throat, causing the lively crowd to draw silent. Please have your papers ready. We will be opening the gates soon. Only enrolling students may enter.


    This is as far as we go, Jensen said. Its up to you from here.


    Remember, Jake started. Dont listen to a word Edgar said. In fact,pletely forget about anything he told you. Go in and be you.


    Thomas smiled wryly at the man with one of the most notorious reputations at the Academy, but he took his advice to heart. Jakes situation was much closer to Thomass own. He was the son of an adventurer, where Edgar was the son of the King. They may say that the Academy doesnt distinguish between upbringing, that Thomas wasnt fool enough to believe that in its entirety.


    Thanks for bringing me, Thomas said.


    Its no problem, Jensen answered. Do you have everything?


    Thomas did onest check in his storage ring. Inside was his new spear, old spear, and new leather armor Brandi had crafted him, along with all the essentials he needed, including clothing that would help him look like he belonged there instead of his normal vige garb. He also found the eptance letter he had and the contract he had signed.


    He would have to present both in order to enroll. The eptance letter was just that, a letter of admittance. The contract was a simple contract stating that the information he provided was correct. Basically, an easy way for them to confirm that he met the requirements to enroll.


    The gates suddenly began to swing open. The first glimpse Thomas got of the Academy was that it was like an entire city. There was a massive building dead center, along with smaller buildings on each side. All of it was surrounded by a behemoth of a courtyard. Everything was meticulously cleaned and nothing was out of order.


    Amazing, Thomas whispered.


    Those of you enrolling, please line up single file. Everyone else, this is as far as you go. The same guard as before announced.


    Everyone quickly shuffled around, Thomas included. Soon, he found himself in the middle of a line that was actually quite shorter than he originally thought. There couldnt be more that forty students. The massive crowd was apparently made up almost entirely of family.


    Multiple people ran to the line and gave students onest hug or kiss. Many had wet eyes, but all looked very proud. Thomas felt a slight pain in his chest and wished his grandpa and grandma were here to see him off.


    A young man with gray hair, wearing a red robe, suddenly appeared from beyond the gate. Is this everyone? he asked the guard, who nodded. Very well. He looked at the students. My name is Chandler Thompson. I am the supervisor in charge of this years recruits. You will be under me for your stay at the Academy. Prepare your paperwork and follow me.


    With that, Chandler led the new students through the gates, which slowly closed behind them. Thomas turned and gave Jake and Jensen onest look. They both nodded at him. He turned back around and followed.


    Thomas found himself in an enormous lecture hall with his peers. Surrounding them were hundreds of people of different ages. He could only assume they were the current students and instructors of the Academy. Chandler Thompson stood close to his group, but a couple of steps away, showing a clear separation between himself and the new recruits.


    The hall was rowdy and loud, but soon, silence fell over everyone. If you listened closely, you would be able to hear a feather fall to the floor. Thomas turned his attention to the stage in front and instantly knew what was going on.


    The Crown Prince, Edward, made his way to center stage. His long flowing silver hair matched the silver and blue te armor he was currently wearing, along with the crown on his head. Thomas knew Edgar, but had only seen Edward a couple of times. Neither time was he dressed in such an outfit.


    I am sorry to disappoint you all, as my father will not be able to give the new student address this year. Therefore, asmander of the kingdoms army, the task falls to me, Edward began.


    <em>Thats why hes dressed the way he is. Hes here as themander. </em>Thomas thought. It all made more sense now.


    Im not much for big speeches. Just know this. The kingdom is watching you. If you are one of those who makes it all the way through the Academy, there will be a ce for you. A ce in my army. I look forward to seeing all of you progress, and hopefully stand beside me on the battlefield one day.


    Your instructors are the best the kingdom has to offer. It will do you well to listen to them. They know what they are doing. This is the beginning of your life in the Academy. Take this chance and grasp it. You will not receive a better opportunity. Edward spoke. Wee to the Academy!


    He was right; it wasnt much of a speech, but he said everything that needed to be said. Apuse and cheers erupted from the audience, students and instructors alike. Today was the day Thomas began his life at the Academy.


    ***


    King Edwin, nah, and Natalie all sat in a meeting room in the pce. The King hated to miss the new student address, but it was good for Edward to do it. He would be King soon, after all.


    What have you learned? the King asked. The time to discuss the future had finallye.

 System Universe Book 2: Torith is finally out!

    System Universe Book 2: Torith is finally out!


    Hey everyone! Its time for my second book in my series tounch.


    Today marks theunch of System Universe Book 2: Torith. Its now avable through Amazons Kindle Unlimited, Kindle, Paperback, Audible, and even Hardcover.


    Adam Verner continues to bring life into the characters via Audible.


    Now, I was going to write something funny about book 2 being the perfect Valentines Day gift whether youre single or in a rtionship, but Im not feeling well enough to do that. Sorry!


    Avable through these links:


    Ebook: /amazon/B0BKNSTM49


    Audible: /pd/Torith-Audiobook/B0BS73P4YF


    Now, as for how people can support the release, there are a couple things, if you were here for thest announcement, you already know this:


    -Ratings and Reviews: On Amazon (Also, keep in mind that anything below a 5 is basically bad because of how their rating skew) ratings and reviews are the biggest help for authors. Also, you dont have to buy the book to rate it, which is good because you most likely already read it here. Though, I would for sure love for you to pick it up again on KU or Audio to get in on some of that good editing and narration. XD


    -Kindle Unlimited Downloads: With the way Amazons algorithm is, reading the book on KU or even just downloading it helps a ton. The more downloads/reads, the more Amazon likes the book.


    Woot! Woot! Here we go!


    <strong>New system? Check. Companions? Check. An idental soulbound murder bunny with aspirations of bing a chef? Check.</strong>


    Its not easy being a System Traveler. Well, the traveling part is hard, at least. But once Derek got his feet under him, he hit the ground running, saving an entire area from a massive dungeon overflow in the process. He even found somepanions to help ease the massive hole inside him formed from spending decades alone in the void.


    Now, its time to move on to another adventurefrom small viges to a city.


    His only experience with a noble left a bad taste in his mouth, and cities are full of them. Hopefully, that experience was an outlier. Surely his view of nobles is just swayed by tropes beaten to death in popr fiction, right?


    Well, hes about to find out as he takes a step into his first city in Cydaria, Torith.


    <strong>Dont miss the continuation of Dereks adventure with a new System,plete with the uniquebination of LitRPG, <em>isekai</em>, and slice-of-life genres. Just what is an overpowered protagonist to do with a foreign System in foreignnd? Whatever he feels like.</strong>


    I want to thank everyone who read book 1 and left me kind reviews and messages. You are all awesome!


    And as always,


    Thanks for reading!

 Chapter 261: Future

    Chapter 261: Future


    I believe I have gotten everything out of Gerald Torith that I am going to be able to, Natalie said. I have seen most of his dealings, and we have already gathered all his ckmail materials. He has some kind of partnership with Indria, but I dont think he knows how high up it is. Hes made some assumptions, but I have not been able to find anything pointing to how deep it goes.


    We are on rtively good terms with the Elves. I dont think they would risk making us enemies for some ves. Edwin sighed. As for those involved in the kingdom, we have taken care of the majority. Some fled when they got wind of noble families disappearing, but theres nothing much we can do about those. Its been tough.


    The death toll weighed on Edwin. He had ordered the annihtion of multiple noble families, roots and all. It was something no sane man would ever want to do, yet they had forced his hand. He could not have such people living in his kingdom, especially those in high positions.


    House Torith was no more, along with a handful of minor noble houses with deep associations with it. The Aarden family was disgraced and had be a low tier family once all those involved were executed, including Cliff Aarden, the now former heir to house Aarden. The nobles in Savannah were almost entirely untouched, which showed how well Natalie ran her city.


    It also pained Edwin to no end that there were multiple guards and soldiers whom he trusted involved. It had been an intense few months, and there were more people involved than he would have ever imagined.


    What should we do with Gerald? Natalie asked. She looked over at nah, who had been quiet thus far. What do you think? Would you like a go at him to make sure there is nothing else? Would he make a good Deathsworn? Death seems too good for him at this point.


    I will take a run at him I wont hold back. He wont be of any use after that. Hes not worthy of bing a Deathsworn, anyway, she replied. After that, we should execute him. There are also a couple people I would like there for the execution. They are friends of Dereks.


    Edwin winced at the thought. He almost felt sorry for the man, almost. nah was going to break his mind before executing the man. Edwin couldnt imagine the pain of such a thing. He knew it would be bad, as it was something nah shied away from, and wouldnt do unless absolutely necessary.


    He also knew of whom she was talking about. It had been proven by Natalie that Gerald was behind the murder of Jackson Herretts wife and the kidnapping of his son, along with many others. Edwin would like the family of the others to attend the execution to obtain some sense of justice, but they were keeping everything secret for now.


    He hated to admit it, but the current fear the nobles felt would keep them in line for some time. Eventually, the rumors would spread, as not all noble houses involved were eradicated, some were only crippled, those left over having nothing to do with anything. The leaders of those families were made aware of their members atrocities, and they would do their best to keep the embarrassment from spreading, but it would only hold for so long.


    Very well. You have free rein. We will schedule the execution for the day after tomorrow. Is that enough time for you to do what you need? the King asked nah.


    More than enough, nah said.


    The King sighed once again. Alright, then Gerald Torith will be executed in two days.


    Is there anything else? Natalie asked. She seemed anxious to get back to her city. She had been pouring a lot of time into interrogation, and was most likely falling behind on her City Lord management.


    There is one more thing, Edwin said. I will be stepping down as King once Edgar gets back from the raid dungeon. Edward will be crowned, and Edgar will take control of the armies. I cannot find it in myself to continue to rule after such events.


    Edwin looked at his hands and balled them into fists. His trust had inadvertently caused so much blood and tragedy over the years. Then, with the new blood on his hands, stepping down was the only choice he had.


    Neither Natalie nor nah objected, showing that they agreed with his decision.


    I hope the two of you will continue to support Cydaria and my son.


    nah nodded, and Natalie spoke. As long as he keeps up on your payments, she said, both to lighten the mood and in all seriousness.


    Edwin let out a chuckle. You may go now. Ive a lot to discuss with my son, and he should be getting back from the Academy soon.


    ***


    The next day, nah headed to Savannah to have her final chat with Gerald. She doubted she would gain anything, but it would be good to make sure.


    It wasnt the first time shed been to Savannahs dungeon, so she wasnt surprised as she walked past all the cells, some upied, but most empty. Finally, she arrived at the cell holding Gerald with Natalie.


    The old mans eyes were bloodshot, and he had a frown on his ragged face when she got there.


    Hello, Gerald. She spoke from the other side of the cell, emotionless.


    The mans gazended on her, unfocused, already under her influence.


    I havee to inform you that Natalie is finished with you. She believes she has gotten everything from you, nah said. Has she?


    Geralds eyes continued unfocused, and he let out a sound that may have been a growl. He wouldnt stay under such basicpulsion for long.


    Im sure youve seen your contracts disappearing over thest months.


    Yes he said.


    So, is there anything else you havent let slip? she asked onest time.


    Again, the man resisted the urge to speak past any of his oaths or contracts.


    nah sighed. Stand up, shemanded, and the man stood. Now,e over here.


    Gerald then walked to the edge of his cell. Only the bars separated him from nah and Natalie. nah looked at Natalie and nodded. With the palm of her hand, Natalie reached out and ced it on a rune, deactivating the security measures on the cell, then, she opened the cell door.


    You may want to move away, nah warned the City Lord, who took her words into consideration before backing away some distance. Come closer, nahmanded Gerald. He took the two steps that were left between them and was soon face to face with the half-elf siren.


    nah reached out and ced a hand on each side of the mans face while looking deep into his eyes. For the first time in what seemed like forever, she channeled her hated aura. A silver-gray glow fell over her body and her eyes glowed. Visible ripples appeared around her as she activated her skill.


    You will answer every question I ask, no matter the consequences, she said.


    I will answer every question, Gerald repeated.


    Has Natalie learned of all nefarious connections with you? she asked.


    No.


    Has she learned of all the important ones, all the nobles?


    Yes.


    nah nodded. There were bound to be lower-level people with ties to him, ones that he never met personally, or even may not have known their name. It was something they couldnt do anything about.


    Is there anything you know that hasnt been revealed that will have a detrimental effect on the Kingdom of Cydaria? she asked.


    Gerald paused before answering. Blood began to drip down his eyes and ears. Not that I can think of, he finally answered.


    His answers wereing slower. The longer her skill was in use, the more severe the damage, and it wasnt something that could just be healed, even with the system. There would be permanent memory loss and other side effect.


    How likely do you believe Indria is to attack Cydaria? she asked the question that she was most concerned about. Ever since she heard about it from Natalie, she had wondered.


    I think there is a small chance they will attack, he answered after another long pause.


    nah frowned.


    When do you believe the attack will ur? Soon?


    I have no idea, he answered.


    What makes you believe there will be an attack? she asked. He could only give direct answers, and wouldnt offer any extra information with the use of her skill.


    If they epted the human trafficking like they did, and the higher ups in their kingdom did nothing to stop it, then they must not be scared of making an enemy out of Cydaria. Therefore, they may try to attack.


    So, its nothing but conjecture? You have no proof? Just theories?


    Yes.


    What was your ultimate n? What did you expect to gain from your dealings? she asked herst question.


    I was going to be King.


    So that was it nah muttered. One thing Natalie couldnt get through her method was his thoughts and reasoning. With all the ckmail material, and the amount of noble houses he had in his pocket, it wasnt a stretch to say he would have been able to take over the kingdom after some time.


    He probably had years to go to get to that point without doing anything drastic, but it would havee. Especially considering the house heirs who served him, those like Cliff Aarden.


    Finally, nah released Gerald from her skill. The man fell to his knees, then forward. nah took a step to the side to avoid getting blood on her shoes as he began to fall face first. He hit the ground andy there, unconscious.


    Thats a rough skill, Natalie said as she approached. Even I could feel the influence from that far away. I had to move back even further to limate to it.


    nah looked at the petite woman and nodded. Did you hear everything?


    I did. To think he just wanted to overthrow the kingdom. Theres no profit in running a kingdom.


    nah snorted.


    It seemed like he didnt know anything else. What do you think about Indria? the City Lord asked.


    I dont know, but I cant shake a bad feeling. Im going to send a few Deathsworn to the borders to patrol, just in case. Losing a few wont hurt for now, especially with so many fewer nobles around to investigate.


    You mean to spy on, right? Natalie smiled.


    Same thing, nah said. Do you have this? I need to get back to the capital.


    Go ahead. You know the way.


    With that, nah left Savannah.


    ***


    The next day, the King held a private execution of Gerald Torith in the throne room of the pce. There were only a handful of people in attendance, including Jackson Herrett and his son Jake.


    When they marched Gerald out, he hadnt even began to recover from nahs skill. His eyes were vacant and drool dripped from his mouth as he kneeled on the ground.


    Gerald Torith, for the murder of countless civilians, human trafficking, and betraying your kingdom, I sentence you to death. The King announced in a sad, deep voice.


    The King wasnt one to shy away from things. He was the one who ordered the execution of his once believed friend, and he would be the one doing the deed.


    He stood before taking the steps down from his throne. Before long, he was standing in front of the kneeling man.


    Edwin ced his hand on the mans head. An overbearing aura poured out and sparks flew as he channeled his lightning from his body and into the man before him. After a short while, the aura disappeared, and the man fell forward.


    The crowd stood in silence as they all looked down at the smoking corpse of Gerald Torith.


    Edwin finally looked up, then turned to his personal guard. Burn the body.


    With Gerald Torith dead, the Torith line waspletely eradicated. There would no longer be a House Torith in Cydaria.

 Chapter 262: It Begins

    Chapter 262: It Begins


    A weekter, nah stood at the window in her office alone. With Gerald and the other nobles dealt with, she was finally able to take a breather. The death of the nobles may have taken a toll on Edwin, but nah had been personally involved in a number of the executions. Well, the Deathsworn shemanded had been responsible for carrying out some of the trickier assassinations.


    The work was split into three trusted groups. nah and her Deathsworn, Natalie and her trusted warriors, and the Kings Royal Guard. So, while Edwin may have ordered it, Natalie and she had both taken part in it. What concerned her the most, though, was that she hadnt felt much of anything giving the orders. The world was harsh, and she knew this better than most.


    She let out a deep breath as she looked out her window at Zachary, Lucas, and re training with the Searidge butler, Bronson, in the courtyard and smiled. <em>Those children are going to give Avery a big surprise when he gets back,</em> she thought.


    re had fit right in with the two boys. They were all around the same age, and would be unlocking ess to the Great System close to one another. It was a shame that Avery would miss that, because it was something that even someone at her age was excited about. Just what sses would the three children gain ess to?


    She envied the three of them, as they were already forming the bonds needed to create a strong group. They would need to pick up a couple of others along the way, but she could almost see their future together as she watched. She never had anything like that and had to rely only on herself. What would her life had been if she had made those connections?


    She sighed and returned to her desk. She was still ying catch up after stretching herself too thin over thest months. Actually, she had even thought about bringing in a Deathsworn to take over some of her tasks. They were the epitome of loyal, but the thought of seeing one on a daily basis didnt sit well with her. Each Deathsworn had once been someone absolutely vile.


    While she was flipping through some paperwork, multiplemunication crystals began buzzing both in her desk drawer and in her personal storage ring. She frowned as she pulled one of them out and quickly connected to one of the Deathsworn on the other end.


    As she listened to the report, her frown grew deeper. Then she disconnected and grabbed another. As she moved through the crystals, a sense of dread flooded into her. Finally, she quickly put all the crystals away and channeled her aura before activating her skill.


    The pupils of her eyes disappeared, reced by a silver-gray glow, and a pulse of energy rippled out of her body through the kingdom. In an instant, she found herself looking through the eyes of one of her Deathsworn. One who she had ordered to patrol the border.


    She watched from a hidden vantage point as soldiers, mostly elven and human, but she also made out a few other races, appeared outside a fort just inside the borders of Indria. In moments, she put together what was going on. Not only was Indria attacking, but they had allied themselves with Astrus. It was the only possible conclusion.


    At first, she had wondered how so many people could appear out of nowhere, but then she saw the portals. Multiple forbidden portals were opened up, allowing thousands of soldiers to flood out.


    At that moment, she left her Deathsworn with amand and ended her skill. She soon found herself back in her own body. It took a second to reorient herself, then she pulled out all hermunication crystals. Her first call was to the King. She didnt bother staying connected, and just told him what she had seen, then disconnected.


    She did her part. Now she needed to protect her people. Her first priority was to contact all her managers in the main cities and get her employees to the capital or Savannah. She had enough room in her hotels to house them all between the two cities.


    Unfortunately, those in many of the sub-cities would not be able to get to one of the cities with a teleporter fast enough. Many would most likely be caught out in the open by the opposing army. So, she grit her teeth as she sent her Deathsworn out to protect those Crown Restaurants that wouldnt be able to evacuate.


    Next, she needed to contact Natalie to inform her of everything, but before she pulled out the crystal containing the womans rune, a frantic knock sounded on her door. She almost turned the person away, but before she could say anything, the door swung open and one of her employees rushed in.


    Mistress? she said as she moved closer. She held out a red crystal toward nah. I was ordered to give this to you.


    nah reached out and grasped themunication crystal. As soon as she had it in her possession, the womans eyes dimmed, then returned to normal.


    She looked around. I I what. Oh, Mistress Swan. I am so sorry. I dont know


    Its fine, nah said. Her voice causing the youngdy to pause. Where did you get this crystal? she asked. Randi, the woman, was unable to resist her voice, so she had been under her skill from the moment nah spoke.


    I dont know. Randi answered. I left the Crown to run some errands, then the next thing I knew, I was in your office.


    nah nodded. Its okay. You can have the day off. You may go.


    Randi mechanically turned and walked out of the office, not even bothering to close the door behind her. It would be some time before the effects of nahs words wore off. Someone with a mental skill had obviouslymanded Randi to pass themunication crystal to her.


    nah stared at the crystal in her hand and hesitated for a moment before flooding it with her mana. Whoever was on the other side had better hope theyre strong, because if they werent they would be in for a world of hurt.


    <em>Miss Swan I presume? </em>A voice sounded inside her head.


    <em>And who do I have the pleasure of speaking with? </em>she asked.


    <em>My name is Ryven Elras, </em>the man on the other end said.


    <em>Duke Elras?</em>


    <em>Thats correct. </em>He confirmed.


    <em>Well, Duke Elras, what is it that you need? Im sure you know that I am extremely busy, </em>she sent.


    <em>Ah yes. I will make this quick. I assume you have already been informed of the current situation?</em>


    <em>I have.</em>


    <em>That makes things easy, then. As long as you do not personally get involved, I give you my word no harm wille to you or those under your protection. </em>Ryven exined.


    <em>As if any of you could do me harm, </em>she spat.


    <em>That, I hope, we will not have to find out. But your people are another matter. </em>


    nah paused. The man was basically threatening her with her people. She didnt take kindly to coercion. Currently, she didnt have enough information to make an informed decision.


    <em>As of two minutes ago, we have already captured multiple small cities and many viges. Some of those cities are home to your business. No harm hase to those inside yet. </em>Ryven continued.


    nah clinched her fists. If she didnt restrain herself, themunication crystal in her hand would have already turned to dust.


    <em>You need not answer me right away. I will give you time to think. You may contact me anytime. I look forward to hearing from you. However, dont take too long. I am a patient man, but these are not patient times. </em>With that, themunication between the two ended without her even saying another word.


    She was furious. She had half a mind to go out herself and show Indria and Astrus her power. But she calmed down. They already had hostages, and she couldnt allow her temper to be the cause of their deaths. She needed to think.


    ***


    A cloaked man with silver-gray eyes jumped over the wall to the vige. Neither of the guards overlooking the area spotted his arrival. The man quickly moved through the vige, being noticed by nobody. The vige was busy, and the man zigzagged in and out, avoiding contact with any of the vigers.


    Soon, he arrived at a small vige house made his way in. Four older vigers were sitting inside having dinner, what seemed like a stew. Upon the creaking of the door, all four gazes turned to the cloaked man.


    The couple on the left both jumped to their feet in rm, while the other did the same, just a fraction of a second behind the former.


    I mean you no harm, the cloaked man said.


    Who are you? the older man on the left asked.


    That is not important, the mysterious man said. What is important is that Richard and Delh follow me. I have been given a take to escort you to Wilmette, then to Savannah. We do not have time for discussions. You may bring whomever you wish. Ill give you five minutes.


    Not until you tell us Richard began, but the man released some of his aura, causing all four vigers to fall to fall to their knees.


    It is for your own good and the good of Derek Hunt and Thomas Stewart, the man said, before drawing back his aura. Five minutes, go!


    Ten minutester, seven people were already over a mile away from the vige on their way to Wilmette.


    ***


    Derek continued waiting for Vanessas party to get back from the first trial. It had been eight days since they went inside, and the orb hadnt shown any signs of them appearing. He closed his eyes and waited, the sounds of hammering still ringing out in the background.


    At the end of the tenth day, Derek smiled as he felt the fluctuation of the trial orb in front of him. He stood from his seated position and took a few steps back.


    Shortly after, a blinding light shed around the orb, and numerous figures appeared. The first trial was finally over, and by the look of things, it wasnt easy.

 Chapter 263: Trial One - Complete

    Chapter 263: Trial One - Complete


    The team standing before Derek was a shadow of its former self. All ten members had made it back, but other than Vanessa and Elena, everyone else looked bad really bad. Derek opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off before he could.


    Where is everyone? Where is Tristan Allister? We need him, Elena Webb, the groups main healer, said.


    Sensing the urgency in her voice, Derek didnt dally. He moved a bit away and quickly opened his Time Prison. Which caused an entirely differentmotion.


    What is this? He heard from inside the prison.


    Did you get the notifications too? someone else asked.


    He would figure out what they were talking aboutter, but now wasnt the time. Derek poked his head inside and, with a loud voice, said, They are back! The trial isplete. Tristan Allister, Elena said she needs you, quickly.


    Everyone inside quieted down at the sound of his voice and realized what was going on. Soon, they all came rushing out.


    Tristan, the healer with the light element, was among the group. He swiftly moved through everyone else.


    What is it? he asked, but after taking a look, and before Elena could answer, he immediately got to work.


    When he saw what was going on, it all clicked for Derek. Tristan was reattaching limbs. Louise Boni, the archer, and John Newman, a support ss, were both missing an arm. Luckily, they had managed to keep the detached piece and Tristan had quickly stitched them back on with some form of light based stitching.


    The same couldnt be said for Ciera Cook, the dual de swordswoman. Both of her legs were cut, or rather bit, off at the knees. Shey unconscious, tourniquets strapped around the stumps to stall the bleeding.


    What about her? Derek asked Elena, who was working on the woman.


    Its going to be a lot harder for her, Elena said. We dont have her limbs to reattach, so Tristan will have to work overtime to regrow them for her. Its not something thats easy, and most healers dont have that ability. If a regr healer closed the wounds, she wouldnt be able to regrow them anymore, so I had to tourniquet them during the battle.


    Tough decision, Derek said.


    If the fight had gone on any longer, I would have been forced to heal her. Being crippled is still better than losing your life. She continued. Im d I didnt have to, though.


    Derek nodded. She had done the right thing. It was a blessing for Ciera that they managed toplete the trial in time. Derek also made a mental note to not lose any limbs. Though, with his Vitality and Endurance, it was possible they would regrow themselves. He didnt want to take that chance, though.


    That trial was only an umon ranked one, right? Derek turned to see Edgar standing next to him, with a slight worry in his eyes.


    Yeah, Derek said.


    Edgar and Derek then stepped back and let the healers do their work. They werent needed in all the fuss. Finally, after over thirty minutes, everyone was at least stable and had calmed down. Nobody was fully healed, but they no longer had to worry about anyone losing their lives. Ciera was, however, still unconscious, and Tristan was working himself to exhaustion by helping her slowly regrow her legs.


    The process was gory, even for Derek. There was just something about the wriggling flesh knitting itself back together as the bones, veins, and arteries slowly grew back into ce. That could cause even the most iron stomached person to feel nauseous.


    It will take about a week, but there shouldnt be any permanent loss, Tristan said as he ced bandages over his work. Cieras legs had grown back around an inch or two since he began his work. I need to refresh my mana and my mind before I continue.


    The young man wiped the sweat off his forehead and headed off to the outside camp to rest. He needed it. He would be busy for the foreseeable future. Derek was just d that a healer with such a specialization had joined the dungeon team.


    Once everything was taken care of, Edgar had everyone gather around for a report. So. What exactly happened during the trial? he asked Vanessa, who had been the leader of the first trial.


    As you know, it was a trial with beast waves, she said, and received a nod in return. What the trial orb didnt say was that it had a timer, which was for us to survive for ten days. The first five days werent too bad. We spent most of it getting those of us at lower level some experience points. Things were going well up until the sixth day.


    What happened on the sixth day? Edgar asked.


    That was when a few of the party members began receiving the system notifications. Vanessa eyed everyone around. They caused a bit of a panic, but we were able to get back under control pretty quickly.


    System notifications? Derek asked.


    Ill exin in a minute, Edgar answered. He and Vanessa apparently knew something that he did not. Continue, he told Vanessa.


    Anyway. Once we got all that under control, everything proceeded smoothly for the next few days. But today, the final day of the trial, things heated up. She continued to exin. At the beginning, there was 20 minutes of rest between beast waves, and the waves werent too hard. They were mostly one type of beast wolves, bears, boar, the usual. The first wave of a beast type would start at a lower level, then increase as time went on.


    Thats basically what I expected of an umon beast trial, Edgar said. Nothing too terrible. So, what happened? It certainly doesnt look like you had it that easy.


    The final day happened, Vanessa exined. On the final 12 hours, the rest time disappeared. Waves began spawning before the previous one wasplete. The beasts alsobined, so strategy became much more difficult. It became an all out ughter where we couldnt get any rest. Were lucky we had so many potions between us.


    Then, during thest hour, an elite, max level beast of each species spawned as a boss. When that happened, I had to fight them myself, and could no longer look after the rest of the party. If I had split my attention, it would have been a disaster.


    Well, at least you got out without anyone dying, Edgar said.


    Were lucky the boss monsters were still of the umon variety. If they had gotten elemental abilities, I dont know if we would have been able to make it. Combined beast waves of level 250 monsters being led by elites are not an easy task to manage. Especially when youre so tired after fighting for nine and a half days. She sighed.


    Thats true Edgar said. Was it worth it, though?


    Finally, a smile broke out on Vanessas face. In my opinion, especially since we didnt have any casualties, it was one hundred percent worth it.


    What did you get? Derek asked.


    On top of whatever beasts we looted at the end, which will provide a good amount of gold as a reward itself, we all received 25 free stat points.


    Derek frowned. 25 free stat points didnt seem like such a great reward to him. Then again, his view on things may have been skewed because of his cheat like beginning and legendary ss. Not to mention a buffet of Void Beast for stat enhancement.


    However, it didnt seem to be that way with anyone else, as even Tyron had a glow in his eyes. He hadnt even stopped hammering when the team had appeared, but when he heard the reward, he was all ears.


    That is a great reward. Especially for those already maxed out. Edgar agreed. And if that was the reward for an umon trial It was true that the only way to obtain stat points after maxing out a ss was from Achievements (Awards), Void Beasts, and very, very rare dungeon rewards.


    Exactly. Vanessa agreed as she looked back at the trial orbs.


    Out of the six trial orbs up front, the first one had gone dim, and the one next to it had an increased glow. It even looked like it was surging. It was all Derek could do to not to go forward and examined the next trial. Still, he was more concerned about whatever system notifications they were talking about.


    Now, what about the system notifications? he asked.


    That would be my fathers doing, Edgar replied before bringing his finger up, telling Derek and everyone else who had begun to chatter to calm down. Once everyone was quiet, he began. Im sure there are a few of you who know, Vanessa and Avery included, why received the flood of messages when Derek opened his prison for us to leave, and why the others received the notifications five days into their trial.


    First, as it has been said, Dereks skill cuts off our contact with the Great System when we are inside. So, really, we would have received the notifications at the same time, but since we were cut off, we didnt get them until it was opened. And then, we got them all at once. Edgar began to exin.


    Derek still had no clue what he was talking about, but what he said about his skill was true. However, Derek hadnt received any concerning notifications. The only ones he had gotten was rted to his skill level increasing multiple times. Still, he stayed quiet and listened.


    Who all here received a notification about a contract being broken or annulled? Edgar finally asked. With that question, just over half the participants raised their hands. The likely scenario is that those you were contracted with are now dead.


    That statement brought up another round of chatter. Edgar waited for everyone to quieten down again before he continued.


    Before we left, the Royal Family, nah Swan, and Natalie Savannah, along with Derek here, all worked together to stop Gerald Torith. It was found out that he had done many despicable things, along with many others in the kingdom. I will not go into detail. But, needless to say, the kingdom has been working hard to cull any of those deeply involved in his schemes.


    <em>Oh </em>Derek thought. It now made sense why he hadnt received any notification. He only had a few contracts, and they were with trustworthy people. Well, all but his Adventurers Guild contract.


    So House Aarden? A voice called out from the crowd.


    Cliff Aarden was captured alongside Gerald Torith, Edgar exined. I personally do not know how deep it all runs. We will not know until we finish this dungeon. Natalie Savannah has been hard at work obtaining information. As I have been in the dungeon with you all for what amounts to around four months on the outside, I am not privy to that obtained information yet.


    For now, we need to look forward, to the next trial. This is not a chance we need to miss. With that, even though everyone may not have epted everything, they pushed it to the back of their minds. There was nothing they could do about what was going on outside.


    When Edgar exined what was going on, Derek made sure to examine everyones reactions closely. From what he could gather, though he was no professional in judging people, it hadnt seemed like anyone was worried about being associated with Gerald. Everything seemed good, at least for now.


    Derek watched as Edgar took the first step forward to the second dungeon trial. He ced his hand on it, then let out a giant sigh.


    Well thats just great.

 Chapter 264: Trial #2

    Chapter 264: Trial #2


    What is it? Derek asked as he walked up beside Edgar. Everyone was focusing on him after his remarks. They had heard about the trial rewards, so everyone would want in on the next trial. Well, depending on what it was.


    Take a look yourself, Edgar said, and stepped away, giving Derek room to ess the orb. He ced his hand on it and pulled up the information.


    Dungeon Trial


    Trial Type


    Battle/Survival


    Participants


    5


    Trial Difficulty


    Legendary


    Please Select Participants


    0/5


    Uh Derek said, smartly. I guess this dungeon isnt going to slowly work its way up in difficulty, huh?


    I had hoped it would, Edgar replied. But this shows that its probably going to be random.


    What is it? someone from behind them asked.


    Edgar turned back to the team, his eyes falling on the recently returned members. They were all in a rough state, and that was from an umon difficulty trial. Derek could tell that Edgar was thinking the same thing.


    A sigh escaped the princes mouth. Were going to go with myself, Derek, Avery, Jasper, and Edgars eyes moved around until they fell on a middle-aged elven woman with dark skin and auburn. Tara, are you up for it?


    Derek recalled that Tara Perez was a level 240 support type ss. She wasnt the highest level support ss. That title would go to Kieron Dawson, but he had just gotten back from the previous trial and looked exhausted. Next up would be Tara.


    Whats the trial? she asked.


    Battle or survival trial Edgar began. Legendary difficulty.


    What? another voice called out. Did you say legendary?


    Yes, which is why I chose the people I did. Edgar exined.


    Then we should go. Two elves stepped forward, one male and one female. Both had simr features. It was the cousins, Victor and Asana Greend. Both level 250 mages of their respective element.


    No, Edgar said straight up. The team I picked can cover all areas. What happens if we go into battle and whatever we are fighting is immune to magic? Can either of you make up for the loss of Averys physical attacks? And we have to have a healer and support.


    What about him? Victor pointed at Derek.


    What about Derek? Edgarughed. If you can find someone who has better defense than this man, I wee them to try. No, Derek is even more needed than Avery. Which leaves me. Would either of you like to take my spot?


    Victor and Asana nced at each other, hesitating. Finally, their eyes fell on Tyron. He was another member of the party who was considered one of the strongest, and he hadnt made a sound after Edgar announced the team. Then, they looked at Cain Ibarra, the leader of the Adventurers Guild in the capital.


    He looked like he wanted to say something, but he remained silent. He was an elemental mage, and probably one of the strongest in the kingdom, if Derek had to guess. But, considering Edgars exnation, the only position he could try to take would be his own.


    Derek mentally apuded the man. It wouldnt look good having one of the strongest mages in the kingdom challenging the prince over a trial. Especially a prince who was in charge of the mission.


    Still, Derek wasnt entirely on board with being selected out of the blue. Though what Edgar said wasnt wrong, so he didnt speak up. It looked like his dreams of getting through the raid without leveling too much wasnt going to happen. He could now only hope that there wasnt going to be an insane number of enemies in the next trial.


    After waiting for a bit, and seeing that nobody else nned to speak out, Edgar looked at each member he had chosen and asked if they were okay with the arrangements. Avery looked excited. Jasper had be serious. Edgar himself seemed to be almost as excited as Avery. Derek was nonchnt, and though she seemed very nervous, Tara didnt seem willing to back down and give her spot away.


    Good, Edgar said. Tyron, you and Vanessa are in charge while Im away. Are there any objections?


    Why the Shadow Witch? Asana Greend questioned.


    Because she is under oath and contract to the kingdom. She must act in ordance with her contract. And Tyron is probably the man who is most trusted among everyone else here. Plus, Ive seen him fight. Any more questions?


    Alright, Edgar said once everyone agreed to his arrangements. Its best that we do the trials sooner rather thanter. Are the four of you ready? he asked his team, who all nodded.


    With a sh, a full set of armor appeared on the prince. The armor was silver te, and Derek could see his element flowing through it along the extravagant runes carved in the metal.


    Uh why didnt you already have your armor on? Derek asked.


    Edgar snorted. Because the runes on the armor are a constant draw on my stamina, and its gaudy. I only use it in extreme circumstances, like entering a legendary trial. He answered, then, he moved back to the trial orb and ced his hand on it. Soon, Derek received the prompt.


    You have been selected for a Dungeon Trial.


    Trial Type


    Battle/Survival


    Participants


    5


    Trial Difficulty


    Legendary


    Participants Selected


    Edgar Cydaria: Level 250


    Avery Swan: Level 250


    Jasper Ross: Level 250


    Tara Perez: Level 240


    Derek Hunt: Level ???


    Confirm Entry: Yes/No


    Derek mentally selected yes and waited. Soon, everyone else confirmed their own entry, and they vanished in a sh of light.


    When he next opened his eyes, Derek found himself together with the other four in the ruins of an old city. Buildings were crumbled on the ground, which was beset with scorch marks, and any walls surrounding the city had fallen long ago. The surroundings looked as if they had been deserted for centuries. There were no signs of life, neither monster nor intelligent.


    Well, this isnt promising, Edgar said as they waited.


    After a few seconds, he received the notification.


    Trial #2


    Survive the attacks from the enemy champions for ten days or defeat them within that the timeframe.


    Time Remaining: 9 Days 23 Hours 56 Seconds


    Is that good or bad? Derek asked. There were two ways toplete the trial. They could beat whatever it was they were facing, or they could just survive for ten days. Derek believed he wouldnt have any problem doing thetter. If all else failed, he could shove everybody else in his Time Prison and survive alone. That was if his prison would be allowed during the trial.


    Both? Edgar answered, unsure. Its good because we can turtle up if needed, but bad because the Great System feels that us just surviving is worthy of passing the trial.


    Derek grunted in agreement.


    Everyone be on guard. We dont know what were up against. Edgar warned, though he didnt have to. Everybody was already extremely vignt.


    They stood in formation for over half an hour without anything happening.


    What do we do? Do you think we need to leave these ruins? the healer asked.


    I dont see any point in that. If nothing attacks us, then we can justplete the trial by waiting. Sure, ten days is a long time with the time dtion, but its nothingpared to free rewards from a legendary trial. However, I doubt well be allowed to do so. Edgar exined. But I would rather wait here prepared than wander around and chance getting caught up in an ambush.


    Finally, after over an hour of waiting, something changed. An ear piercing roar sounded out from the distance, then another one, then another. Three of the same type butpletely different pitched roars that were enough to shake the earth beneath their feet and cripple most people in fear drew all their attention toward one direction.


    They heard the beasts, the champions of the trial, before anyone managed to spot one, even Avery, with his eyes. But soon, they could make out three rapidly approaching dots floating in the air at a distance. With each second, the figures becamerger andrger until they could finally make out what they were about to be up against.


    Dragons Derek muttered. It was his first time seeing one of the legendary creatures in either his old world or this new one.


    Wyverns. Edgar corrected as the dragonkin flew closer and closer.


    Derek was able to get a better look after a moment. Edgar was right, they were wyverns. Their front legs were fused to their wings, showing the clear difference between dragons and wyverns. However, each of the three dragonkin were massive. <em>If wyverns are this big, what are proper ancient dragons going to look like? </em>Derek thought.


    Each wyvern was distinctly different. One had red scales covering its reptilian body, one had blue-green scales, and one had ck. Each had a tail with a dagger-like point at the end. They were simply giant beasts of pure destruction.


    Edgar let out a deep breath. This is going to be fun, hemented with a big grin on his face. Derek, can you and Avery hold the ck and blue ones off with the support of Tara and Jasper?


    Derek and Avery looked at each other and shrugged. I guess, Derek said.


    Edgar nodded seriously. Good. I want the red one. Tara, do not cast any support spells on me. Jasper, dont heal me unless Im critical or ask for help. Got it?


    Everyone, including Derek, looked at Edgar like he was a madman. Of course, Derek had always believed he was a madman, but it was different seeing it for himself. But before he could say anything, Avery spoke up.


    Youre going to tame it. It was more a statement than a question.


    Im going to try. Its not every day you have a chance to get a legendarypanion. Especially a dragonkin. I cant miss this opportunity.


    But, your ss, Avery said.


    Is legendary. If I can get it down, I have a chance. Edgar dropped a bomb on the members of the party, announce that his ss was legendary instead of epic as most had been led to believe.


    Avery clicked his tongue. Im jealous. I doubt any of these beasts would submit to me with my ss. It would be almost impossible for me to tame one.


    What about you, Derek? Edgar asked.


    Me? I already have the best beastpanion. What would I want with some pathetic dragon? Im good, he said, but deep down, he was imagining himself riding on the back of a dragon, causing mass destruction. But could a dragon make him delicious steak and potatoes? No. He would stick with Silvi. Besides, he didnt have another scroll, even if he wanted to.


    And he wasnt as suicidal as Edgar. He would for sure take all the buffs Tara could offer.


    Soon, the three wyverns closed in. They were even more massive than Derek first thought.


    Protect the support, Edgar told Derek. Im off. With that, Edgar transformed into a ball of lightning, then vanished.


    Iing! Avery announced.


    The three beasts flying just overhead opened their colossal maws and energy began to gather. Fire, wind, and something else appeared in the mouths of the beasts.


    Get behind me! Derekmanded, and just before the creatures released their attacks, a wall of Absolute Nullification appeared in front of the group.


    Three beams shot down at them,bining together as they flew forward. Derek pulled the healer and support into his embrace and ducked down, making himself as small as possible. He was putting all his faith into his defensive skills. He didnt need to bother with Avery. The man had already disappeared just seconds after Edgar.


    Derek felt his back heat up and his silk-like shirt melt into his body. The heat was intense, but not unbearable. Soon it stopped, and Derek looked up to see the three wyverns continuing on past them. They had survived the first attack, but the battle had just begun.

 Chapter 265: The (Real) Legendary Beasts

    Chapter 265: The (Real) Legendary Beasts


    The heat may not have been unbearable, but that didnt mean Derek woulde away unscathed. The breath from the wind wyvern had amplified the breaths from the other two. And he still wasnt sure what element the ck wyvern was using, and a quick Identify didnt help. He turned around to look at the three beasts, brushing away the level up he received in his Absolute Nullify skill.


    He hadnt expected to find a monster he wouldnt be able to Identify with it at leave 16 and him at level 171, but he found one, it was a real legendary beast. His only guess was that the ck fire-like breath it shot out had some sort of weakening effect, as the heat had blistered his back, and it didnt seem like he was healing as fast as usual.


    Unfortunately, he didnt have time to contemte everything, as the wyverns were circling around, preparing for another strafing run.


    Derek hurried and ushered Jasper and Tara around to the other side of his Absolute Nullify shield. Once everyone was safe, Derek focused on the three beasts, if he could even call wyverns beasts.


    Do you have regeneration, defensive, and speed buffs? he asked Tara, who was at his side, also looking at the iing wyvern.


    I do, she answered.


    Cast those on the three of us. I feel like well need them, he said, and she began casting the spells.


    Soon, a green light fell over them, followed by a brown, then a yellow one. Derek could feel a sort ofyer around the outer part of his skin.


    I went for magical resistance instead of physical. I can cast the other, but I want to preserve some mana, just in case, Tara answered his question before he asked.


    No, this is fine. I think they n on hitting us with magic to test us out. Do either of you know how smart wyverns are?


    I know that ancient dragons are as intelligent, if not more intelligent, as us. I doubt wyverns would be too far off, Jasper answered.


    Thats what I was thinking. They are only prodding us to see how we react, Derek said. Get in close to my barrier. That heat is not something we want to deal with.


    Fortunately, they didnt have to worry much about the heat from the fire wyvern. In the distance, Derek saw a sh of blue, then a screech as the red wyvern veered off to the side. Edgar had begun his assault.


    With the destructiveness of thebined assault from the fire and wind wyverns lessened, his Absolute Nullify was able to block the next attack even easier. He covered the other two in the same way and only felt some light cuts appear on his back. With the regeneration spell Tara had cast on him, those minor cuts healed up without him even having to meditate. The burden was greatly lessened.


    The trio moved around to the back of the shield once again, just in case the two creatures came back, but they didnt have to worry, as a flurry of arrows pierced through the sky,nding directly on the blue wyvern. None of the attacks pierced the scales of the beast, but the attack was enough to draw its attention.


    The blue beast roared and shot out like a bolt of lightning in the direction of wherever Avery had fired from. That left him and the two support to deal with the ck wyvern.


    Im not able to hold this shield up forever. It rapidly drains my mana, so Im going to open my prison for the two of you to hide in. Be prepared toe out and heal at a moments notice, though. We may need you, and Avery didnt get the buffs that I did. Derek didnt bother waiting for their replies. He wasnt asking them to hide in his prison, he was telling them to.


    He had more than enough confidence to take care of himself, whether he could beat the wyvern or not, but he wasnt so sure he could do it while looking after the two nonbatants. The two others didnt disagree with his ns, so, before the ck wyvern could make its way back, he opened his prison and allowed them inside.


    He closed the door behind them, making sure to adjust the time to a one-to-one ratio, including the tear in the void. It would take more mana to open the void again to bring them out that way, but it was better to keep the prison with him, rather than in a static location. He was unsure if he could move the Time Prison from one ce to another without having closed the tear in the void on the first one. He made a mental note to run an experiment with that the next time he was free.


    With the healer and support tucked away safely in his Time Prison, there was no need for Derek to keep his Absolute Nullify skill up and running. It was a constant drain on his mana, even with his regeneration. He canceled the skill and focused on the iing wyvern. He nned to make this fight as quick as possible so he could go help Avery with the wind wyvern.


    With a flick of his wrist, the halberd that was at least two sizes too big for him appeared in his hand. He rested the butt of the staff on the ground, the axe-end towered over his body. He switched on Greater Meditation to build up as much mana as he could before the dragonkin came in range.


    When the wyvern opened its massive maw tounch another one of its breath attacks, he began. He instantly entered Void Shift and pushed Void Sense to its limits. His surroundings paused and the ripples in the void became even more apparent.


    <em>Time to get to work,</em> he thought as he pulled himself through one ripple, then out of the next. He continued this process a few times before he was floating directly in front of the ck wyvern. His next move was to get to the back of the wyvern before releasing his skill. From there, he would put everything he had into his halberd and attack the wyvern.


    That was his n, at least. That did not end up happening. No, what happened was the wyverns eyes red directly at him when he appeared in front of the beast, just as nahs had when she broke him out of his shift. Then, the next thing he knew, he was sent flying into the ground by a wing. He had finally met the second thing that could break his skill, and this time, it was an enemy.


    Derek crashed into the ground with enough force to cause a mini crater around him. Both the initial hit and thending had taken the air out of him. His health even dropped by fifteen percent, which was a lot considering the amount of health he had and his Endurance stat. Plus, it was all from blunt damage, which was his least favorite type of damage to receive.


    Somehow, through all of that, he managed to keep his grip on his oversized halberd. Ity in the crater along with him. Derekid on his back, dust surrounding him, as he stared up at the dragonkin hovering in the sky above, preparing to unleash another attack. <em>Did I just get punched by a fucking dragon? </em>With all the thoughts flowing rapidly throughout his head, thats the thought that made its way to the front.


    <em>Okay </em>he pushed the random thought out. <em>Void Shift isnt going to work for a one hit KO this time, it seems. Which means Ill have to Ill have to fuck what the hell am I supposed to do? </em>His go to strategy was to survive a lot of hits, then Void Shift into a good position for a void enforced Multi-Strike.


    He had to admit; he was pretty much a one-trick pony at this point, but his one trick had always worked, until now. Before, he wanted to take care of his own wyvern, then go help Avery. Now he was hoping Avery would take care of his, thene help him.


    Still, he couldnt justy in the crater and wait to be ravaged by the wyvern. He kipped up to his feet and began to move. He still wasnt sure of the exact nature of the beast above. <em>Its got to be darkness, or death, or something. Death would be my best guess, based on the weakness I felt with thebined attack.</em>


    Derek took to the air with Void Steps and charged at the dragonkin. The beasts maw was open wide and energy gathered inside. Derek stopped a few thousand feet away from the wyvern and waited for the attack.


    The dark beam of fire exploded from the mouth of the beast and was on him almost instantly. In that short time, Derek void shifted and moved away. He only stayed shifted for a second, but it was enough to see that the attack hadnt been stopped, only slowed by a factor. Still, it was slow enough that it allowed him to dodge through a void rift.


    He needed to see how the beast attacked. Was the wyvern able to control the breath while it released it, or was it like Edgars beam? He soon got his answer, as the wyvern turned its head and the dark beam followed.


    Derek kicked the void below him and tried to close the distance between them while circling to avoid the beam. Luckily, after ten seconds or so, the energy in the beam lessened before disappearing.


    <em>Alright! </em>Hoping that the dragonkin would be tired after using its breath attack, Derek shifted into the void once more for another attempt. This time, instead of appearing directly in front of the wyvern, he pulled himself through the void tear connected to another behind the dragon. If he couldnt approach it from the front, he would try from the back.


    Derek pulled himself forward. <em>All I need to do is grab hold of the tail.</em> He moved as fast as he could while shifted. However, it wasnt to be. As soon as he closed in on the beast, it broke through the Void Shift once again with a roar.


    This time, unlike with the dragons wing, he saw the tail. He saw it as it directly crashed against him. He moved the halberd in front of his chest to block, and he was d he did. The tail packed much more of a punch than the wings did.


    Derek was sent flying once again. This time, he skidded against the ground, smashing through multiple building remnants as he did so, leaving a Derek shaped trail along the ground. That was another twenty percent of his HP gone, and that was after blocking. <em>Damn. Now Im wishing I would have pushed Tara for the physical buff as well.</em>


    Mentally, he moved dragons to third on his list of things not to fuck with. The list now included Natalie Savannah, nah Swan, and dragons. But, as of right now, he didnt have a choice. He only hoped the other two were faring better than he was.

 Chapter 266: How to Control your Dragon

    Chapter 266: How to Control your Dragon


    Edgar winced as he saw the small dot that was Derek leave a dust trail as he was smashed into the ground and surrounding broken buildings. He didnt know if he would even be able to take one of those hits. But that was no less than the second time he saw a cloud of dust form from the battle Derek was having. At least it seemed like Edgar was having a bit more luck than the tank.


    He flew in front of the fire based wyvern with his wings of lightning. His first attack was well nned, and was able to wound the wing of the beast, which had slowed its speed greatly. Still, he had to keep the pressure up, as the hole in the wyverns wing continued to regenerate at a speed visible to his eyes.


    But Edgar was faster than the dragonkin, which meant he had a chance, even if the wyvern out statted him in every other aspect. He even suspected he would be slightly faster with his enhancements against the creature, even if he hadnt wounded it with a surprise ambush.


    Was his n to tame a wyvern insane? Yes, yes it was. The onlypanion close to a wyvern he had ever heard about was someone taming a drake, andpared to the three legendary beasts they were now fighting, the drake was like a puppy. Yet, in the annuls of history, the man and drake were feared for their strength.


    So, this was an opportunity he would be a fool to pass up. Once the raid was finished, it would go inactive for an unknown amount of time. Who knows if he would ever get another chance? Luckily, he had brought multiple beast contracts with him. In fact, he always carried them on his person. He had been looking for the perfectpanion ever since he received his legendary ss. Now, he had finally found one.


    His choice of the red wyvern wasnt random. He nned to not only tame the beast, but form a bond with it as well. The wind wyvern may be a more suitable match for his lightning, but he wasnt sure he had the speed to deal with it, and he wasnt sure what type of wyvern the ck one was. Besides, once the soul bond was finished, the wyvern would evolve based on his own legendary ss.


    Edgar strafed around to the side, dodging the breath of fire with no problem. In his mind, he had already formed a n of how to ground, then tame the dragon. He just needed to watch its attack patterns and movement to make sure it was viable.


    With a sh, he disappeared while the dragonkin was upied spitting fire. He appeared under the belly of the beast and released a striking sh from his sword. He needed to test the durability of the scales. With his lightning enhanced strike, his sword bit into the beast and left a light white scratch and no real damage.


    He quickly dodged the spiked tail as it swung down. He moved back out front, and uncorked a stamina and mana potion, downing them both at once. The battle was going to wreak havoc on his reserves, but it would be more than worth it.


    Avery clicked his tongue as another arrow failed to prate the wyvern. His attacks were nothing more than a nuisance to the wind wyvern. At least he hadnt be a human arrow like Derek had. It served him right for sending the support mage away just as Avery was making his way over to be buffed. Though, that may have been a little bit his own fault as well for leaving the way he did.


    If he had to ssify his current battle, he would use the word boring. The wyvern was fast, most likely faster than the other two, but so was he. And, because he had no way to fly like Edgar or conveniently stay in the air like Derek, he was forced to stay on the ground. His only skill that would allow him to get close enough to make the battle a melee consumed way too much stamina, and he didnt know how long the battle was going tost.


    He also didnt have any grand ns like Edgar. Was it possible for him to tame one of the wyverns? Yes, it was technically possible. But the odds of being sessful with only an epic sspared to the legendary status of the beast were so small that it wasnt worth considering.


    Thats not saying he didnt carry any beast contract scrolls with him. So self respecting adventurer would venture into a max level unknown raid without one unless they already had apanion. But using his scrolls here would most likely just waste them. The raid had already shown that it had legendary beasts, so the chances of one of the next trials providing an epic trial were high.


    Maybe he could get a roc, or a drake. Flying was definitely high on the list ofpanions. Maybe a wind elemental or sylph would work. Hed just have to hope it kept most of its form during the bond evolution. Since he didnt use any magical element, it shouldnt affect the final form all too much.


    While deep in his thoughts, Avery kicked off the ground, avoiding multiple wind desing from above. In response, he nocked and loosed another flurry of arrows, each of which crashed into the near indestructible scales of the wyvern, leaving nothing more than a scratch.


    If he poured everything he had into it, he believed he could do some damage to the beast, especially if he targeted the wings. And if he needed to, thats what he would do. If he could ground the creature, it would give him the best chance of beating it solo. He wasnt delusional, but he believed he had a chance.


    But that would take a lot of effort and resources, and for now, he wanted to wait and see how everyone else was doing. He was in no harm as it was, and it seemed like Derek could get back up no matter how hard he was hit, so Avery would wait for one of the others to finish their fight ande help. He could keep up his current rate for hours, maybe even days, as long as he didnt activate all his enhancements at once.


    And he didnt have a reason to do that this time, as he wasnt trying to keep his target from escaping. At first, he thought the trial was going to be extremely difficult, but since it allowed the option to just survive toplete it, that difficulty was greatly lessened. Besides, if the struggle became too much, couldnt they all just escape into Dereks space and wait the trial out? That man was a living cheat.


    For the fourth time, Derek hit the ground. No matter what he did, he couldnt make it to the back of the beast. His skills list just didnt allow it. He went through his skills one by one, looking for something that could work. He certainly couldnt clean the wyvern to death, and Void Shift had been relegated to dodging. At this point, he had done his best not to get hit by the breath attack of the wyvern, and he really didnt want to see how well his Magic Resistance would fare against something like that.


    At least he knew for sure that his Physical Resistance passive worked well. Hell, it was currently working overtime, along with his Greater Meditation. It seemed like everything he tried ended up with him on his back, staring up at the creature.


    Finally, his eyes fell on a skill he hadnt been able to think about much since his ive broke and he outgrew any weapons he could find. Sweeping sh was sitting at level 19. Its cost and cooldown were both minimal, as the skill was almost maxed at level 20. In fact, he only had to wait a short 15 seconds between uses of the skill.


    Now that he had a weapon capable of withstanding his power, he could put the skill to use inbination with it instead of just his hands. He also had his Heavy Weapons Mastery at level 18, which would augment the skill even more if used with the halberd. In his head, a new n started to form. First, he would need the wyvern to use its breath attack again to see how viable it would be.


    With a groan, Derek pushed himself back up off the ground and dusted off his pants. He bent his knees, then jumped back up into the air once again, using Void Steps to stay afloat. Soon, he found himself a few hundred feet in front of the ck wyvern once again. This time, he gripped his halberd tight and prepared himself.


    Sure enough, in the same situation as before, the wyvern opted to st its breath Dereks way. The instant the energy appeared in the beasts gaping maw, Derek shot out a vertical sh with his halberd, using Sweeping sh along with the movement.


    To his expectations, when the arc of energy met the darkness breath, it cleaved right into it, splitting it as it moved forward. Thatsted all of a few seconds, as his Sweeping sh lost energy and dissipated inside the darkness before it could make it the full distance of the attack.


    That didnt worry Derek, as that was only the first experiment. Next, he needed to see how well channeling the void into the attack would affect the oue. So, he quickly used Void Shift before pulling himself away from the darkness energy and canceling the skill. Soon enough, the 15 second cooldown was up and his skill was once again ready.


    For the first time, he didnt try to go in for an attack on the beast after its darkness breath. He hung back, waiting for another attack, which didnt take long for the beast tounch. Dragons may be smarter than the average beasts, but they were still beasts. What Derek had found throughout his adventures was that beats didnt have a ton of skills to rely on.


    So, he wouldnt be surprised if the dragon didnt have many skills other than its breath and physical attacks. He was sure there was something he hadnt seen yet, but he doubted there was much.


    With his halberd coated in void energy, he shed out with Sweeping sh. This time, the arc of energy had a purple tint to it as it sliced into the wyverns energy. And, thankfully, the energy from the skill, enhanced with the void, was able to cut through the dark energy all the way until the skills natural end. Which still wasnt even close to the wyvern, but it was a promising start.


    Derek hung back once again after dodging the st from the beast with Void Shift. His next attack would decide whether or not he could do this.


    But the wyvern had something else in mind. With a thunderous roar, it pped its wings andunched itself toward him at a blistering speed. It opened its mouth, which gave Derek a front-row seat to the razor sharp fangs it called teeth.


    To the beast, Derek was barely the size of a breath mint, and now its new n was to eat him. So, he entered Void Shift and yed keep away. Keep Derek away from the gaping maw of death, that is.


    Hed baited the wyvern to use its breath attack so many times that he now wondered if it was running low on mana. <em>Is that a thing? How long have I been fighting this? </em>he asked himself. After a quick look, he realized that it had been almost an hour. That was reassuring, because he could still asionally see a sh of blue or an explosion from the sides where the other two were fighting.


    It seemed everyone had paced themselves.


    Finally, the enraged wyvern stopped in front of him. He could see the fury in its eyes. It was going to release its skill again. Derek gripped his halberd tight in preparation. It was finally time. He was going to put all his skills to use in one kamikaze attack.


    The wyvern lifted its head and opened its maw. It took a deep breath. Derek prepared a Void Shift. Then the dragonkin roared. The roar was the loudest hed heard. The sound from the roar was almost enough to knock him off his perch on the void.


    Suddenly, two more roars sounded out. One from each of the other wyverns. Then, in amazement, Derek stared as the wyvern pped its wings and shot to the sky. The two other following closely behind. Soon, they were nothing but small specks on the clouds.


    <em>Whats going on?</em>

 Chapter 267: The Next Attack

    Chapter 267: The Next Attack


    As the trio of wyverns vanished, Derek moved back to the ground. He had so many questions. Soon, both Edgar and Avery appeared beside him, both with questioning gazes. Before saying anything, Derek opened his Time Prison and let Jasper and Tara out. The duo exited, then looked around curiously.


    So, what do you think that was? Derek asked as he closed the prison and zipped up the void.


    I was going to ask you that, Edgar said.


    Wait, what happened? Where are the wyverns? Did you beat them? Jasper asked.


    No, they left after an hour of fighting, Edgar answered.


    I think the one I was fighting was running low on mana. Do you think thats why they left? Are they smart enough to escape when the fight isnt looking favorable? Derek asked.


    They are legendary beasts, so I wouldnt put it past them, Avery said. Besides, when the one you were fighting didnt have you on the ground, it was spitting that ck shit constantly.


    <em>Damn Avery and his eyes. I thought I was far enough away that he might not have seen that. </em>Derek thought.


    Yeah. You definitely made some pretty big dust clouds. Edgarughed. But in all seriousness, I almost had mine. Im kind of pissed that it left.


    Me too, Derek said. He wasnt actually sure if he almost had his, but he at least had an idea that may have worked. I was getting ready to take it out. After that, they both looked at Avery.


    He shrugged. I was ying tag. Doubt I could beat one on my own. I may have been able to ground it by sting apart its wings, but after that, I dont know if I could do enough damage through its scales. It would be a challenge. So, I was just waiting for one of you toe help.


    Derekughed lightly. After his Void Shift failed, that had been his n as well. At least until he thought of a different strategy.


    My question is, will theye back, or will the champions be different? Edgar let that hang in the air. I really do hope they just retreated for a bit to gather their mana back.


    I dont know, Derek said. The prompt only said to defeat the champions or stay alive. We could end up having even more wyverning at us next time. It could get increasingly harder as the days pass. We may have missed our best chance atpleting this trial quickly.


    Edgar nodded. Thats what Im worried about, he sighed. Were going to have to act quickly based on what happens next.


    Who knows, maybe it will just be the three of them again. We can at least talk about strategy for that oue, Derek said. I was thinking, he said as he turned to Avery. Do you have any attachments to that wind wyvern? Or could I take it off your hands?


    Why? Avery asked. Its the fastest out of the wyverns. Are you sure you can handle it?


    Im confident in my ability to survive a straight up attack from the wind element, specifically its breath, but Im not sure I want to get hit straight on from the ck wyvern. I think its a death attuned wyvern. I dont want to find out what that will do to me. Plus, I dont think you will have a problem dodging it with your speed.


    Avery shrugged. Thats fine by me. Just dont identally get yourself killed.


    I would much rather take on the fire one, but I think Edgar chose that one for a reason.


    I think the fire one will be the easiest for me to down without any help or buffs from others. I think I pretty much have all its attack patterns down. Edgar exined.


    Speaking of attack patterns, were they all the same? Derek asked. For the most part, as you saw, my wyvern was spitting that death stuff like crazy. Was also pretty quick to throw a wing or tail if I got in too close. Very fast reaction speed for something that big.


    The wind one has a sort of cyclone breath. Like a terrible gust of wind with des inside, at least from what happened to the buildings after I dodged. Avery began. But it also had a very wide attack it could use with its wings. Both multiple smaller wind-based des or a singrrge one. I would guess it could choose the size it wants.


    The fire one was pretty much the same as the death one. I doubt its used everything in its arsenal. Ill find out. Edgar said.


    So what do we do? Tara asked from the side. We cant do much inside that space, but Im unsure what else we can do.


    Thats it, Edgar said. Its best if the two of you retreat to Dereks space after you cast your buffs on the two of them.


    I definitely want a buff this time, Avery said as he red at Derek.


    Derek rubbed the back of his neck. Maybe you shouldnt be so quick to run off. He smiled while Avery grinned back.


    So, thats what well do. Stay alert, and when we catch any sign of a monster, Tara will cast her buffs on Derek and Avery. Then Derek will open his space for Tara and Jasper to retreat to. Does that sound good to everyone? Edgar asked.


    Everyone seemed to agree and nobody spoke out against his n. Afterward, Edgar put his armor away and let out a breath. Can finally rest for a second


    At least you have armor. Derek snorted.


    It pays to be a prince sometimes. Edgarughed.


    I bet. Derek chuckled.


    After that, he even chose to pass around a few of Silvis home-cooked meals with those around him. They werent exactly to Edgar or Averys standards, being a prince and the right-hand man of the premier restaurant in the entire kingdom, but they all appreciated the gesture, and evenplimented the cook. Silvi would be proud.


    I hear something, Avery said out of nowhere.


    Dereks eyes snapped open from his meditation and he looked around, but he couldnt see or hear anything. Are you sure?


    Yes. He confirmed with no doubt. Get ready to cast the buffs, he said to Tara, who stood up nervously in preparation. Everyone else followed suit.


    Derek checked the time. Almost eleven hours, he said. I guess its on a twelve-hour cycle. Fight for an hour, retreat for eleven, thene back.


    Maybe, Edgar said, as his armor appeared back on his body.


    Its getting closer, Avery said. The grounds shaking. Cast the buffs, now.


    Tara looked over at Edgar, who nodded, then began her casting. This time, she didnt hold back on her spells. Both Derek and Avery received stamina, speed, strength, regeneration, and defensive buffs. As soon as the final spell fell on them, they were hit by another green light. It was Jasper casting something.


    It onlysts for 30 minutes, but its a great health regeneration skill. Its all I can do He looked apologetically.


    Better than nothing, Derek said as he tore apart the void in front of himself and opened the door. Hop on in. Jasper and Tara stepped inside before Derek closed it and prepared for battle.


    A couple of minutester, Avery pointed into the air. They wyverns are back.


    Derek followed the direction he pointed out, and sure enough, he could just barely make out the three small dots in the distance.


    They arent alone, either, Avery said.


    Derek focused, but couldnt see anything else. But soon, he began to feel the rumbling Avery had spoken about earlier.


    Its underground. Avery said what he was thinking. And getting closer.


    Well, Im not going to sit here and wait for something to pop out of the ground and eat me. Being some monsters lunch just doesnt sit right with me. Edgar chuckled as the electricity began to spark off his armor. Im going straight for the fire wyvern. Be on the lookout for anything else, we dont know whats going to happen. Remember, this is a legendary trial. Dont let your guards down. And Derek, dont die. I dont want to lose a good healer and support. They arent easy to find. And like that, the prince was gone.


    And I dont do well in the air, Avery said. Ill distract the ck wyvern. You got the wind one. He began to take off, but stopped and a huge grin broke out on his face. Looks like they got epic ranked reinforcements, and I have my pick of beasts. He let out two chuckles, then vanished from where he was standing.


    Derek hoped the man wouldnt get distracted by whatever he was seeing, and would take care of the ck wyvern. He didnt have much time to think about it, as the shaking ground soon intensified, causing him to kick off the ground and jump onto a void ripple with Void Steps.


    He was d he did. As almost as soon as his foot left the ground, the earth below exploded and another creature appeared. He used Identify, and this time, he received something back, along with another level in the skill.


    Young Earth Wyrm


    Level 245


    A limbless and legless member of the dragon family. Exquisite control of earth skills. Has yet to mature into the legendary Wyrm.


    <em>Holy shit! Thats a young wyrm? How big would a fully mature one be? </em>He was in awe of the size of the beast. The overall height wasnt as tall as the wyverns in the sky, but its length was at least triple their own from head to tail, probably even more, as the scaled creature had yet to unveil its full length.


    Derek swallowed and looked up. Unfortunately, he didnt have the time to spend on this new creature. Avery and Edgar had already run off after their wyverns, and if those beasts had more reinforcements, like the wyrming, he would need to step up his game.


    Sorry, I dont have time for you, maybeter, he said to the now roaring creature before kicking off the void and dashing away in the air. The wyrm wasnt having that, though, as it slithered on the ground at a speed just as fast as his own, while boulders flew out from the ground in Dereks direction.


    He clicked his tongue and entered Void Shift, annoyed. If nothing else, his next move would let him understand more about his own strength. He quickly pulled himself through one of the void ripples and appeared directly above the wyrm. At this distance, the wyvern had been able to break his skill if it chose to do so, or it could allow him to get close enough before swatting him down like a fly.


    The wyrm, however, did not break him out at this distance. So, he moved in closer-close enough that he would have had a face full of wing from the wyvern. At that point, the world around him began shaking, and the void ripples distorted. The wyrm was fighting against his skill.


    He didnt risk going through another ripple or staying any longer in Void Shift. He shifted his body slightly before deactivating the skill. The instant the world around him began flowing naturally, his halberd appeared in his hand, and as quick as he could, he channeled the void into its de while activating his level 19 Sweeping sh, all the while hoping he was faster than the dragonkin below.

 Chapter 268: First Contact

    Chapter 268: First Contact


    The wyrm whipped its head just in time to see therge crescent sh fire out from Dereks attack. This time, because it was infused with void energy, the half-moon attack carried with it a purple hue. Without any more time to react, the wyrm faced the attack head on with a roar.


    Time seemed to slow as Derek watched on in anticipation. He wanted, no, needed to see how well this current attack worked on an epic ranked monster. This would go far in determining whether his reckless n for the wyvern would be feasible.


    In an instant, the wyrm steadied itself and lowered its head, and the attacknded. The enormous creature, to its credit, barely moved as it tanked one of Dereks most powerful attack. Soon, the energy de dissipated and Derek closely focused on the dragonkin to see the oue.


    The wyrm was unmoving. Derek could see a current of blood flowing out from its maw. The physicality of the attack had actually managed to prate its thick scales. That was a surprise, a happy one, to Derek. However, the de of energy had not dug in, as the cut was only a few inches deep at most. But it was much better than nothing. If nothing else, it showed that his level 19 Sweeping sh, augmented with his level 18 Heavy Weapons Mastery, made for one hell of abination. Especially considering his rather middling Strength stat.


    But no, what he was most interested in was how all that affected the void energy he had channeled into his attack. It had done something, something big, as the wyrm had not moved for seconds after taking the attack. His hope was the void would reach far enough past the beasts maw tond on its brain, and considering its state, it had.


    He hadnt, however, received a notification about ying the beast. It was still alive. Stunned and injured, maybe, but alive. Just the fact that his attack was able to hit the wyrm hard enough to cause such a reaction was enough, though. When he attacked the wyvern, it was going to be with a much more potent attack. Even if it only stunned the wyvern, like how the wyrm was reacting, it would be enough for him to cause massive damage.


    Most of all, he was happy that he knew for certain that attacksced with void energy at his level could prate the scales of a dragonkin. From what he knew, which was just based on myths or legends-things hed only read about in his old world-dragons and their kin had very high magical defenses. So, it was a weight off his mind when the attacknded.


    Having already wasted too much time on one of the lesser monsters, Derek chose not to stick around. He kicked off a void ripple and started back toward the wyverns.


    A few seconds after his departure, an infuriated roar resounded out from behind him. He looked back, only to see the wyrm had finally regained its rity. The wyrm slung its head in Dereks direction, then began the chase again. At least, it tried to chase him.


    It seemed that the wyrm didnt quite have a proper bnce anymore. It would slither directly in his direction for a moment, then veer off course, the next. It also dropped its head to the side, front, and back multiple times. It was struggling to get, anyway. <em>I I think its erratic movements have actually increased the distance between us. </em>


    Derek continued ncing back at the creature while moving toward the wyverns. After a few more moments, the wyrm ceased its chase andy on the ground, unmoving. It seemed it had given up and finally decided to focus on regenerating its own health. Derek smiled and faced forward. He had a dragon to y.


    Avery was in quite the predicament. On one hand, he needed to distract the ck wyvern so Derek could take care of the wind one. But on the other hand, this was a prime opportunity to get his hands on apanion of his own, and he had the pick of the litter.


    With his sight, he was able to make out the entire small army of beastsing at them for round two. Included in that army were drakes, and even some kind of winged serpent. Other than the wyvern, which he would have next to no chance of forming a contract with, the rest of the attackers were all epic ranked beasts, and best of all, many of them were capable of flight.


    In the back of his mind, he already wished he hadnt received a buff from Tara. Having that kind of help from another person would make it multiple times harder for a beast to ept a contract, though his chances would still be much better than trying to contract with a beast of a higher rank. With it being epic, even, his chances may be better than Edgars chances of contracting with one of the wyverns if he is able to bring it down.


    Who knows, at the end of the trial, he and Edgar could both end up with epic ranked beasts. It would certainly be a bit of a loss for the prince, but a drake is nothing to scoff at.


    First, though, he needed to figure out what to do. It wasnt like he could just ignore everything and go tame a drake. He had told Derek he would take care of the death attuned wyvern, and thats what he would do. Besides, he had 30 minutes before some of the buffs wore off of him. Losing them would make taming a drake that much easier.


    So, Avery rushed forward, toward the iing wyverns, his sights set on the ck one. The most pressing issue, other than window shopping for the best beast to tame, of course, was figuring out a way to deal with the wyvern while simultaneously distracting the other beasts as well. He wanted to keep those away from Derek too while he dealt with the wind wyvern.


    Additionally, it wouldnt hurt to figure out the rhythm of the other beasts. One of them was going to be a life-longpanion after all. He wasnt going to pick out a dud. The first thing he did was cross all the wingless drakes off his list. If the monster was on the ground, then he would avoid it.


    It was too bad Gerald Torith wouldnt be there when he got back from the dungeon. He would have made the perfect chew toy for his futurepanion.


    Along the way, Derek decided it was best to use Void Shift to catch up to the others. He had plenty of mana potions, so it was worth it. While in the void, he was even able to make out Avery running ahead of him after a while. Even with his skill activated, the man was slowly moving forward. He didnt doubt that nahs second inmand would be able to break him out of Void Shift just as easily as the wyrm, if not the wyvern.


    Soon, Derek shifted out of the void and appeared rtively close to the wyverns. It didnt take long, as the three beasts were alsoing at him at full speed. Just after he appeared in front of the wyverns, Edgar appeared in the air next to him with a sh of light, and Avery kicked up dust below him as he slid to a halt.


    They each looked at each other and nodded. No words needed to be said. They all had their own targets and their own mission. This time, they would bring the fight to the wyverns.


    Once again, Edgar was the first to act. He had the most to gain from this fight. He vanished in a streak of lightning and shot forward. Not to be outdone, Derek gripped his halberd tightly and kicked off the void.


    Just likest time, Edgar appeared next to the red wyvern and released one of his skills, drawing the attention of the monster. The wyvern released a soul rending roar and shifted all its anger onto the man who had irritated it before.


    Derek shifted in and out of the void, avoiding a few creatures that were flying ahead of the wyverns in the process. Aftering out of the void close to the wyverns, he downed a mana potion just to top off. His skill wasnt free, after all.


    Just in front of Derek were the two wyverns, along with a slew of other beasts. He counted at least 15 lesser dragonkin altogether.


    Both wyverns opened their enormous maws and energy began to gather. But at that time, a massive st came from below, sting the bottom of the death attuned wyverns maw, causing it to shut its mouth and cancel the charge.


    With more anger than Derek had seen when fighting it before, it swooped down at the bow wielding Avery. Before it got close, a multitude of arrows struck all the smaller beasts in the area. Derek looked at Avery with wide eyes, and the man gave him a sly grin back. After that, he very nearly disappeared, leaving a trail of dust in his wake.


    One thing was for certain, these beasts were easy to provoke. They seemed to hold grudges.


    Derek quickly shifted his focus back in front of him, void shifting once again to avoid a tornado-like attacking from the wyvern. When he broke from his skill, the wind wyvern quickly shifted in his direction and pped its wings, sending multiple intense gusts after him, followed by dozens of wind des.


    The speed of the beasts attacks was off the charts. It was everything he could do to avoid the attacks while looking for an opportunity. Finally, Derek shifted back in front of the beast. He kept a rtively safe distance away from the beast so he wouldnt be knocked out of the void. He had figured out this distance when fighting the ck wyvern, and hopefully, it would be the same for his new opponent.


    That seemed to be the case, as his skill hadnt been broken before he came out of his own power. He sighed. <em>At least that seems the same. </em>


    With his grip tightened on his halberd, he charged forward, the purple aura flowing from his body to his weapon.


    The wyvern shrieked and released a number of wind des at him. Derek struck one wind de head on with his halberd while avoid the others around him. He needed to take the most direct path to his enemy.


    His attack was just enough to cancel out the single wind de that reached him, but it all but caused him to lose his entire momentum. Still, once the attack dissipated, Derek continued on. In that short second, the wyvern had already shifted from one attack to the next and was charging up another st.


    This is what he was waiting for. Derek kicked off the void and began slowly approaching the beast in a circle. The st was loosed and Derek barely avoided it while dodging to the side, all the while closing in on the wyvern.


    Soon, he was on a couple dozen feet away from the wyvern, and because of his closeness, he was no longer fast enough to dodge the attack. The tension built in him as he moved all the void energy in his body to his halberd and charged in.


    He held his left forearm up to protect his eyes while he gripped his halberd tightly. Just before the attacknded on him, he released a void empowered Sweeping sh, along with Multi-Strike. The energy from the surrounding beast halted instantly as his own attack cut through the beasts st like a knife through butter. It was like he was in an eye of a storm.


    Still, the wind from the beast hadnded on him for just a moment before his own attack went off, and he had lost at least an eighth of his HP. He shuddered to think of what it would have been like if it had been the death attuned attack.


    But he didnt let those thoughts stop him. He charged in directly behind his own attack as it moved closer and closer to the beast ahead. In seconds, his attack reached the maw of the dragonkin, followed closely by Derek, who had already channeled the void into his halberd once again, ready for another attack.


    His Sweeping sh struck the beast in the face, sending the beast into an uproar. It slung its head and the beam of wind followed. Derek couldnt let this chance pass him by and rushed in. The side of the wyverns head was just in front of him.


    With both hands on his weapon, had swung down as hard as he could. All his skills were still on cooldown, but he still had the void, plus whatever effect his Sweeping sh had left over when itnded on the beast.


    With all the might he could muster, his strikended on the side of the beasts head, causing a metal on metal nk to resonated from the blow. Still, not taking any chances, he dove onto the beasts head and gripped tightly. If his previous attempts hadnt been enough to take care of the wyvern, then he wasnt about to let go of this one chance to get in and stay in close. He almostughed at a thought. <em>I may not be taming a dragon, but Im going to be the first to ride one.</em>

 Chapter 269: Stunned

    Chapter 269: Stunned


    Derek felt tion as he held on to a protruding scale on the wyverns upper neck, where it meets its head. The wings of the beast had stalled after his attacknded on the side of its head. Just as he got a good grip on the beast, it began to plummet to the ground. Derek held on for all he was worth.


    With the beasts wings being outstretched when it began to fall, it plummeted at an angle, almost in a glide. Derek hadnt received a notification, so he knew he couldnt hope for the beast to be dead. It had to be stunned, just as the wyrm had been. Still, he couldnt let this opportunity pass him by.


    With a quick thought, Derek sent his halberd back into his storage bracelet. It was much too bulky to do anything while in his current situation. Gripping the scale tightly with his left hand, he transferred all the void energy he could to his right, and pounded down on the back of the beasts skull with a hammer fist. Still unable to quicklyunch attacks with the same hand over and over, Derek immediately shifted the void energy to his left hand while grasping for a scale with his right.


    Once his right hand gripped the scale, he removed his left and let another fist fly. In the five or so seconds it took for the wyvern to begin its fall and finally reach the ground, Derek managed to strike the beast six times. He stopped his attack at that moment and held on with both hands, bracing himself for impact.


    The wyvern hit the ground and skid forward hundreds of feet on the ground, demolishing what was left of the already destroyed rubble. Dust shot up around him and the monster, but as soon as he stabilized even a little, he went back to pounding on the back of the beasts head. <em>Its got to be doing something, right? </em>He thought as he drew back andunched another attack on the creature.


    <em>Of course its doing something. If it wasnt, this damn dragon would have broken out of its daze and at least tried to throw me off. </em>As the wyvern slowed to a halt, its head and body fell to the side, causing Derek to have to shift his position. He was back to the side of its head, where his attack with the halberd had made direct contact. There wasnt even a scratch on its scales.


    Derek inwardly cursed at the beasts insane regeneration speed. Even if had only healed a slight white mark on its protective scale, it had done so in less than ten seconds. <em>Is this what its like fighting against me? </em>He questioned himself. It made him feel a slightly sorry for both Shae and Edgar, both of which had sparred with him in the past, but only a little.


    He mostly felt sorry for himself, as he was able to get a good look into the beasts eye, which was open and staring out into space with a distant look. The eye was as big as half his body, and the beast was obviously still stunned, but he couldnt find a trace of blood from the wyvern at all.


    At best, his current strikes were rattling the brain, disrupting the beasts ability to move, like a boxer getting caught in the chin by a light strike. But his attack was constant. The beast was going to have one hell of a concussion if it made it out of its current situation, which Derek didnt n on letting.


    Finally, his cooldown with Sweeping sh was over, and he re-summoned the halberd in his dominant hand. This time, after striking the beast with his left fist, he channeled all his void energy into the de of the halberd and used Sweeping sh as he mmed the halberd into the wyverns temple.


    With such a strike on a still target, the de of the halberd dug into the scales behind where the arc of energy from the skill created a small cut. Even so, the physicality of the attack was not enough to draw blood. But the result from the void energy released with the skill gave him a wee surprise.


    Slowly but surely, the already dark sclera of the wyvern became tinged with a red hue, and a rtively small amount of blood flowed from the beasts ear, indicating that the attack had at least caused some amount of damage. If nothing else, it created some hope that Derek would be able to finish the job he started. He only needed to wait for Multi-Strike toe off cooldown, and pray that Avery was able to keep the attention of the other wyvern and all the lesser monsters while he yed it.


    Derek continued pounding away on the beast. To his dismay, even with the continuous strikes, the blood in the eye of the wyvern actually began to recede and soon, there was no trace it was ever there. He shook his head out in consternation. His previous one punch kill move had be relegated to nothing more than a stun-locking skill. <em>At least it</em><em>seems to be an infinite stun-locking skill. </em>


    After a few minutes, his Multi-Strike skill came off of cooldown. With a great deal of excitement, he gripped his halberd in both hands, sent everyst drop of void energy he could muster into the de, brought the weapon high above his head, and shed down as hard as he could onto the beasts temple.


    It was by far his most lethal attack,bining Multi-Strike, Channel Void, and Sweeping sh along with his Heavy Weapons Mastery. But he didnt let up after that. He focused on the beast as he began alternating hits between his fist and his halberd.


    As usual, it took a moment for the seriousness of the void damage to take effect. Underneath Derek, the wyverns body, head, wings everything began twitching uncontrobly. He had to forgo one of his punches to hold on to the beast again, so he wouldnt fall off.


    <em>This is it! </em>He happily thought. He could finally put an end to the damn wyvern, then go help Avery with everything else. Once one wyvern was down, the others would follow quickly. He had no doubt that if both he and Avery worked together, they wouldnt have a problem taking down any one wyvern.


    Derek rode the spasming out, hanging on for dear life. It was quite rough, and he respected cowboys, back before his world turned to shit, even more while he was at it. Finally, after some time, all movement from the beast ceased, and Derek let out a sigh of relief and nced at his notifications.


    To his horror, he had multiple notifications, but they were all notifications for skills leveling up. Nowhere in the list was the kill notification he had expected. Blood was gushing out of every orifice on the wyverns head, but it still wasnt dead.


    He looked deep into the wyverns eye. It still had a far off look, but its focus seemed to being back. In a panic, he struck down on the side of its head once again. And he continued and continued. For ten minutes, he pummeled the beast to no avail. He used his skills the second they came off cooldown, but he just couldnt kill the beast. He triedbining Chain Lightning with Channel Void to get some sort of Void Lightning ability like Silvi had, but it didnt work. He even switched it up and tried attacking at its eye.


    That actually proved worse than the side of its head, as it regained its consciousness during the attack and almost threw him off. He was barely able to subdue the beast once again by hitting it in the temple. He didnt know what to do now. He had no clue if the beast was healing as fast as he was damaging it, or if he was slowly chipping away at its health.


    The protection and defense of the wyvern had was surreal. But the skills he was using were rapidly leveling as well. In fact, it all seemed even faster than when he was fighting the golems at a low level. This put him in another predicament.


    He had no clue how long Avery would be able to hold everything off, but it had already been at least 15 minutes, and that was pushing it. But the greedy side of him wanted to continue training his skills until he couldnt anymore. Channel Void had hit level 18, Greater Meditation, which he used for recovery, even leveled once and was now level 11. Unarmed Combat Mastery even hit level 17.


    Multi-Strike was level 13 now and had an even shorter cooldown. If that continued, in two more levels, it would add another hit, which could possibly even be enough to finish the fight. Both Heavy Weapons Mastery and Sweeping sh hit level 20, but that wasnt a surprise. They were both already close when the fight started, especially Sweeping sh, which was already well into level 19.


    What was surprising was the notification he received when Heavy Weapons Mastery reached level 20.


    Heavy Weapons Mastery ready for specialization.


    Spend 1 Skill Point for specialization?


    It was different from the preview notification he received when Meditation hit level 20. It wanted him to specialize and not upgrade. Still, Dereks theory that General Skills could upgrade and ss skills couldnt, had been reinforced by the notification.


    However, he left the skill alone for now, as he wasnt exactly sure what it meant, and didnt want to risk it while in his current situation.


    Finally,ing to a decision, Derek decided to try something different. He would try to rely on another person.


    <em>Edgar, can you hear me? </em>he sent out through Telepathy. Honestly, he was quitete to the game on that skill. Pretty much every high ranked adventurer already had it. He wasnt sure if he was close enough to the prince for it to work, however. He was really banking on Edgars own Telepathy making up the difference.


    <em>Kind of busy, </em>Edgars voice came through.


    <em>This will only take a second. Just listen and tell me if its possible, </em>Derek said. <em>I have downed the wind wyvern, and Ive had it stun-locked for over 15 minutes, but I dont have enough offense to finish it. Is there any way you can get away from your wyvern long enough to use that lightning skill on this one? I think if webine attacks, it will die. </em>


    Derek waited for a few seconds before Edgar finally responded.


    <em>Do you have any extra mana potions? If I leave this now, Ill be starting from ground zero again, and Im sure Ill be running low before Im finished.</em>


    <em>I do. You can have some after we deal with this, </em>Derek said, hope renewed.


    <em>Fine. Let me lead this dragon further away, so I can get a far enough away to use the skill.</em>


    <em>Got it. This wyvern is on its side. There should be a clear shot to its heart from underneath, where there is less defense. </em>Derek exined.


    <em>Ill be there in a minute. </em>


    Derek waited, continuing with his relentless attacks on the wyvern. His Multi-Strike skill came off of cooldown during that time, but this time, he didnt use it.


    Soon enough, he saw a sh of light, and Edgar was there. He pointed his sword down at the wyvern, and the same beam shot out directly at the beast. This time, though, the beam looked even stronger than the one Edgar had used against him. Which led Derek to the question: How much had Edgar been holding back in their spar?


    The beam prated the beasts underside and continued. Derek let out a breath. It looked like it was working. For hopefully thest time, Derek raised his halberd, and released his most lethal attack on the beasts head.


    In a distance, Derek heard a roar. The fire wyvern was closing in, along with a few smaller beasts that had been interfering in Edgars fight.


    The twitching of the beast started, but stopped much sooner than usual this time. Derek looked into the wyverns eyes as Edgars beam disappeared. The light in its eyes had dimmed. Derek punched one more time for good measure, and a notification appeared.


    This time, it was the notification he was expecting. The wyvern was dead.

 Chapter 270: Shared Experience

    Chapter 270: Shared Experience


    Derek didnt have too much time to view all the notification he received, so he only nced at the kill notification before dismissing it.


    You have assisted in killing level 250 Adult Wind Wyvern


    11,100,000,000 Experience Gained


    Level Up


    Level Up


    1,175,500,625/6,100,000,000


    Whew Derek rubbed the sweat off his brow. Just the one kill, split four ways between himself, Edgar, Jasper, and Tara, had given him just over two levels. <em>There goes my trying not to level </em>He also felt that the wyvern he killed gave more experience points to him than a regr beast at level 250, but that was the first one he had in, so he wasnt sure. He would, however, find out soon enough.


    Derek nced indecisively at the corpse of the wyvern underneath himself. He wanted so much to dismantle the beast and store it in his storage devices. It was too big to store as a whole, and he wasnt even sure he would be able to drag it into his Void Storage even if he wanted to without dismantling it first.


    Unfortunately, he didnt have enough time to do any of that. Edgars wyvern was already upon them, and when it saw its brethren lying dead on the ground, it let out a resounding shriek, which caused all the other surrounding beasts to do the same.


    He checked his time. They had just over 40 minutes left to finish the fight if everything was the same as before.


    <em>Ill get the attention of the lesser beasts, so you can take care of your wyvern, </em>Derek sent to Edgar, who still floated above, preparing for the iing wyvern.


    <em>Sounds good! </em>the prince sent back.


    With that, Derek entered Void Shift once again. This time, he didnt need to bother about the adult wyvern. He could focus on all the other beasts.


    He suddenly appeared before a group of 5 drakes flying behind the wyvern. To draw their attention, he didnt need to do much, so he called upon an old skill he rarely used: Chain Lightning. The lightning surged from his fingertips and hit the leading drake before bouncing to the other drakes behind.


    The skill didnt do much, but it was enough for him to receive a deadly re from each beast. Derek smiled and entered Void Shift again.


    Edgar had already intercepted the fire wyvern and begun his struggle to tame the beast while Derek collected all the additional monsters in the surrounding. Once he was sure he had the ire of each beast, he turned and fled, leaving Edgar alone with his wyvern.


    <em>Good luck! </em>he sent to Edgar. <em>If you need help, let me know.</em>


    <em>Will do, </em>Edgar replied.


    Now, Derek had a n for the couple dozen monsters he had in tow. It was a n that Avery probably wouldnt be too fond of. The man was already dealing with dozens of beasts, including a wyvern, on his own, so a couple dozen more shouldnt hurt, right?


    After his sess with the previous wyvern, he was more confident in dealing with the death attuned one. He was sure he wouldnt have the ability to kill it by himself, but hopefully Avery would have an attack good enough to pierce its heart, just as Edgar had done.


    Derek decided against using Void Shift to make his way to Avery. He didnt want to chance one of the beasts breaking off from him and heading back to Edgars fight. It was, however, a long way to where Avery was. The man had chosen to lead his opponents far away from Dereks own fight, which Derek appreciated.


    At his top speed, without using Void Shift, Derek was able to get within the range of Averys battle in around three minutes.


    <em>The wind wyvern is down, </em>Derek telepathically sent to Avery when he saw him.


    <em>And you decided it was a good idea to bring what is that? 27 more monsters my way? </em>Avery replied.


    <em>I figured you needed more of a challenge, </em>Derekughed.


    <em>Whatever whats the n? </em>Avery asked. Derek could tell that he was actually relieved that Derek had finally arrived.


    Derek ryed his n to Avery, adjusting for having another person to help. Once he was finished, Avery was quiet for a bit before he replied.


    <em>I can do that. </em>


    <em>Great!</em>


    The two party members then set their n in motion. Avery stopped on the ground, surrounded by a mob of monsters. He took a second to charge an arrow, then loosed it at the ck wyvern above. The death attuned wyvern took this chance tounch one of its own breath attacks back at Avery.


    Derek watched in awe as the enhanced arrow Avery hadunched at the beast disintegrated before reaching the wyvern. He swallowed heavily, d he had switched opponents before trying his old n.


    Avery had obviously done this maneuver against the massive beast many times, as it yed out like an act. Avery would shoot an arrow from a stationary position, the giant wyvern wouldunch a ck beam of death attuned energy at the archer while all the other beasts closed in on his position, then Avery would disappear and appear on the other side of the horde.


    The wyvern would then abruptly cancel its attack to avoid killing itspanions, then it would all start over again. Derek watched the y a few times while dodging in and out of the lesser beasts with Void Shift. He wanted to time everything just right.


    Finally, he saw his chance. Every attack he had was off cooldown. He was ready.


    Avery once again shot his arrow at the wyvern, which caused another breath attack to materialize from the beasts maw. As soon as the beam was shot, Derek entered Void Shift. The dragonkins attention was on the ant pestering it from the ground, and was mid attack, if he approached from the side, just right, he should be able to get close enough to cancel his skill, thenunch an attack before the beast breaks his Void Shift.


    As quickly as he could, Derek pulled himself through the void ripples before finally appearing perpendicr to the firing wyverns head. He saw the beasts eyes begin to turn his way, but he was already closer than ever before.


    He instantly came out of Void Shift and loaded up his most deadly attack. Not to be outdone, though, the wyvern whipped its head faster than ever before, while simultaneously continuing with its attack. From no more than 25 feet away, Derek swung his halberd down with the power of Sweeping sh, Channel Void, and Multi-Strike while being enhanced by his newly level 20 Heavy Weapons Mastery.


    However, just before his attack hit the dragonkin, the breath attack just reached him. For a split second, the wyverns attack connected with his right arm holding the halberd, sending the oddest sensation that he had ever felt up his arm. Just as the wyverns attack reached him, so to did his attack on the wyvern.


    The empowered Sweeping sh connected perfectly on the right side of the wyverns face, causing the wyverns attack to shoot downwards before petering out. Derek took this opportunity to step forward and grab onto the wyverns head just after sending his halberd away.


    He tried to grip a scale with his dominant right hand, but noticed he barely had any control of it. Still, without checking it out, he grasped the wyvern with his left hand instead and prepared for the fall, which came next.


    During the few seconds that it took for the wyvern to fall, Derek nced at his near unresponsive hand. To his horror, from his elbow to his fingertips, was immensely atrophied. His arm looked to be that of an extremely elderly person with bad nutrition. When he tried moving it, he could, but it took a lot of work for the arm to react to his brainsmands.


    Secondster, the wyvern crashed into the ground. Because of the way it fell, the death attuned wyvern hit the ground much harder than itspanion had, nearly knocking Derek off in the process. As soon as he was able, Derek punched the wyvern with his good hand. He had to think of a way to keep it stun locked. First, he cast Rejuvenation on his arm, but it didnt seem to have any effect, he hadnt actually lost any health from the beasts attack.


    His next instinct was to use his legs and feet to knee or kick the wyvern, but his position on the wyvern didnt allow for that. The best he could do was wait for his good fist to be ready again, and keep attack over and over with his left hand. He thought about channeling his inner Silvi and head-butting the beast, but decided against it because he hadnt practiced transferring the void to his forehead like he had to his fists.


    Derek hit the beast in the temple, then quickly turned and threw up Absolute Nullify over his head, stopping any magical attacks from the lesser dragonkin from hitting him. He turned, then hit the wyvern again before tearing a space behind him with his Void Storage for extra protection. He hit the wyvern again, then tore another space open on the side of himself, covering himself even further with an unopened Time Prison.


    Boxed in, he summoned a mana potion from his storage, but failed to grip it with his right hand. He barely caught it before it crashed onto the wyvern. Then, he gulped it down, restoring much of the mana he had used to on the three skills, especially Absolute Nullify, as it was a constant drain.


    Just then, from the one side he hadnt covered, the side showing the body of the beast; he saw a giant drill-like attack hit the body of the wyvern, aimed directly at where its heart should be. The attack stopped as it hit the softer scales covering the wyverns underbelly, but it continued spinning rapidly.


    Derek punched the wyvern again. This time, he could see the light and focus beginning to reappear in its eyes. Hisbination attack was finally wearing off.


    The drill-like attack actually broke through the dragons underbelly, surprising Derek. Unfortunately, the attack lost its steam and began to slow. Then, much to his delight, another of the same attacks followed in behind the first, creating an even bigger wound. After a few seconds, blood began gushing out of the injury.


    Derek summoned the halberd and caught it with his left hand before channeling the void into the de and using Sweeping sh. The de connected, the skill went off, then; the de shattered. Derek felt his heart drop from his chest as pieces of the halberd began to fall like dust all around him. He didnt have another heavy weapon that could withstand his channeling. The extra damage from Sweeping sh would be rendered basically useless.


    He looked over to the attack from Avery, and saw the man in the distance with his bow drawn and aimed at the wyvern, another drill forming from it. He moved side to side, avoiding a wyrm that erupted from the ground beside him.


    Avery seemed to see what happened with Dereks weapon, and their eyes met. Avery gave Derek a toothy grin and ran his tongue over his top teeth. Then, his bow disappeared from his hands, losing the built up energy in the process.


    The next thing Derek knew, Avery disappeared from his sight. Derek stared at the spot where Avery had just been standing, but he was gone. Derek had no way of tracing his movement when he used his max speed.


    Multi-Strike was still half a minute from cooldown, and Derek didnt have anything he could do other than keep the beast stunned for a short amount of time longer.


    But, because Avery was gone, there was nobody to distract the other beasts around, and multiple attacks flew at Derek from the side he hadnt covered. Luckily, Absolute Nullify had a maic property that pulled most of the attacks toward it, causing them to miss Derek. Still, he was peppered by multiple mes.


    Finally, the wyvern awakened with a roar, his single-handed attacks no longer able to keep it stunned. Derek kicked off of its head and moved in the direction of his Void Storage. The wyvern flung its head in his direction, and Derek moved.


    By some form of luck, and the wyverns rage at being stun locked, his backup n, if one could call it that, worked. The creatures head disappeared into his storage, and Derek quickly pulled it shut like curtains.


    It didnt have the effect he wanted, though. He hoped beyond all hope that it would cut the beasts head off, but it hadnt. At most, it had caused the beast to be stuck.


    Derek entered Void Shift and disappeared into the air high above to get away from the multitude of lesser dragonkin that were closing in on him. Then, he canceled Absolute Nullify and watched the wyvern in awe.


    It jerked and kicked and pped its wings, trying to get unstuck, but it couldnt. For a split second, Derek thought it would be trapped there, and after the hour was up, if all the monsters left, it would be a sitting duck. Those thoughts were soon destroyed as Derek saw something all too familiar to him.


    The space around the Void Storage began to splinter. Then, cracks spread out like cobwebs. The wyvern was breaking through the void just like a void beast.


    Derek took a deep breath and looked at his arm, which was looking slightly better. He tried to close his fist, and it did, though slowly. It would take some time, but it would heal.


    The wyvern jerked its body onest time, and the cracks spread even further and began to fall. Derek prepared to enter Void Shift, but then the wyvern rag dolled and fell to the ground, lifeless.


    The next moment, a dagger appeared from the wyverns belly and cut. Soon, Derek realized where Avery had gone. The man stood dripping, covered in viscera, next to the beast. He looked up at Derek, then startedughing. Derek couldnt help but smile. That man was crazy.

 Chapter 271: How to Tame Your Dragon

    Chapter 271: How to Tame Your Dragon


    After a couple of looks back and forth, Derek telepathically sent to Avery, <em>What now?</em>


    Avery looked around the area, blood still dripping from his body. <em>Theres still some time left with these buffs, </em>he sent back. <em>Lets take care of some of these little guys. </em>Then he pointed to a certain beast hovering in the air above. <em>Dont touch that one, though. Its mine. </em>


    Derek looked up at the creature in the air, surprised that it was the one Avery had chosen, but he didnt say anything. The man had been fighting with and distracting all the beasts for such a long time that he had to have his reasons. <em>Alright, </em>Derek replied as he dodged an iing attack from one of the drakes. <em>I dont have much offense without my weapon right now, though. </em>


    <em>You just need to stun them. Ill do the rest, </em>Avery sent back while dismissing his daggers and pulling his bow back out from his storage ring.


    After that, the two men got to work. The other beasts werent as hard to deal with as the wyverns were. Sure, they were still deadly, and could probably deal massive damage to even Derek if he was caught off guard, but with thebined might of both himself and Avery, they didnt stand a chance.


    It was almost mechanical. Derek would appear from the void above a dragonkin that was focused on Avery, then smash down with a void covered left fist. It didnt do much in the way of damage, but it briefly stunned the monster long enough for Avery to ground the beast. From there, it was only a matter of time before one of Averys arrows finished it off.


    After another ten minutes of fighting the lesser dragonkin, Dereks right arm was back to good enough shape to fight with again. It wasnt 100 percent, but it was usable. Once that was the case, he could stun lock the drakes, wyrms, and other beasts once again.


    Their killing speed picked up greatly from that. Derek was even able to get a couple killshots himself when Multi-Strike was off cooldown.


    Just over 45 minutes after the wyverns had once again appeared, Avery began his next move.


    <em>The buffs are gone, </em>Derek heard from Avery. <em>Can you draw the ones that are left away? </em>he asked Derek.


    <em>No problem. </em>Derek agreed. With that, Derek changed his attack patterns and began drawing the ire of all the surrounding beasts. All but the one Avery was focusing on.


    While Derek was attracting the anger from all the other beasts, Avery turned his attention to his soon to bepanion. In the air, above all the other drakes and dragonkin, was a winged serpent that was a size or two smaller than all the other creatures.


    Avery had watched the dragonkin for some time now. It always hung around in the back, and never attacked on its own. However, it wasnt cowardly. In fact, the few times where Avery was caught off guard, it had been in no small part due to that beast. Its intelligence was higher than the other beasts around.


    In fact, against almost anyone other than himself or Derek, the amphithere above him would have caused massive damage to any team, possibly even ending up causing a party of adventurers to wipe. Unfortunately for the beast, it had to run into a man that spent almost all his time around nah.


    Avery noticed early on that the dragonkin above was using a rare psychic type controlling element. More than once, he felt the same prodding sensation he used to feel on his mind when nah would talk. Fortunately for him, he had so much practice withstanding controlling aspects of nahs voice that when the amphithere actively tried to control him; it failed.


    However, it also gave Avery the perfect target for apanion. The beautiful, winged serpent had a long body and bird-like feathered wings and crown on its head, with a tail that came to an arrow-like point. The scales and feathers were white on the bottom before transitioning into a light pink on top.


    Compared to all the other beasts, the winged serpent he had chosen was cute. He was sure hed end up getting teased by some others for his choice ofpanion, especially by Edgar if the prince was able to tame the fire wyvern, but he hadnt made this decision on a whim.


    The amphithere was on his shortlist ofpanions already, but when he and Derek brought the death wyvern very much in part due to Dereks ability to stun the monster, it allowed him to make his decision. If hebined his strength with a beast able to send mentalmands, his fighting strength would increase many fold.


    And from what he could tell of the beast, its stats were skewed toward intelligence and wisdom, the two stats that he had almost none of. So, when he contracted with the beast, it would gain a portion of his own physical stats while keeping its magical stats. It was truly the perfectpanion for him.


    In next to no time, Derek had drawn all the other beasts away, leaving Avery alone, staring down the legless winged serpent. The beast stared daggers at him from a distance, refusing to rush in, but Avery could asionally feel a tug on his mind from the dragonkin trying to break through. But he wouldnt allow it. He had too much practice for that.


    Seeming to realize that its attacks were futile, the amphithere let out a high-pitched screech before pping its wings and retreating. That was another sign that the monster was smarter than the others. It knew it was outmatched, and wasnt letting its rage and anger ovee itsmon sense.


    Avery kicked off the ground and began the chase. He had to be careful; he wasnt sure how strong the defenses of the beast were, and he didnt want to identally kill it. One thing he was sure of, though it wasnt as fast as some of the other lesser dragonkin were. He was able to keep up with it from the ground with rtive ease.


    While running, Avery focused closely on the monsters wings, learning their patterns as they moved up and down, carrying the beast higher and further away with every p. Once he learned the pattern, his grip on his bow tightened and he drew multiple arrows from his storage.


    Nocking four arrows at once, Avery drew on his bowstring and breathed. With each breath, he channeled more and more energy into the arrows. On his fifth breath out, as the amphithere flew even higher, he let go and loosed his arrows. He watched closely as the four arrows took flight, near invisible to anyone elses eye.


    He grinned as the arrows made it halfway to the beast; he knew they would strike true. When he had time to properly aim, nothing could escape his arrows. Running away and releasing him from all pressure was a mistake that most would never get a chance to make more than once.


    Sure enough, with no surprise to him, Averys arrows allnded perfectly on the beast, sting holes in both the top and bottom portions of both wings. From the distance, the amphithere shrieked in pain, and began to plummet from the sky.


    Avery quickly dashed over to where the beast would fall, then waited. Soon enough, the amphithere crashed into the ground with a devastating force. Avery took that time to capitalize on the beasts circumstances.


    Putting his bow away, he drew both daggers and disappeared from where he was standing. The next second, he appeared next to the dragonkin.


    Sorry buddy, he said as he dug his daggers into the side of the amphithere, causing the beast to let out another pained roar.


    He continued this for a couple minutes, avoiding strikes from the beasts tail and maw, while simultaneously ignoring the desperate attempts of the beast to take over his mind. He chose not to cut deep, and made sure to keep its wings clipped, as they were already healing, though not at the same pace as the wyverns had.


    After some time, he had enough. He loved a good fight, but took no pleasure in torturing the beast. If it didnt allow him to have a higher chance of seeding in contracting the beast, he wouldnt do it. He felt bad for what he was currently doing.


    Instantly appearing in front of the beast, he reached out and put his hand on its head before pulling the beast contract scroll out from his storage. The amphithere hissed and tried to bite at him, but he easily side-stepped the attack. Finally, he tore the scroll open, holding it out to the beast with both hands.


    Contract with me! hemanded. Contract with me and leave this dungeon. Come to the outside world and explore and fight by my side. You will not regret it! Then he activated the scroll, receiving the notification, and waited.


    You have initiated a contract and requested that the Level 249 Immature Psychic Amphithere be your contracted beast. Please wait while it makes a decision.


    The dragonkins eyes zed over for a moment when he initiated the contract before regaining focus. It hissed at Avery again, but the contract scroll hadnt failed yet. It was thinking.


    Not only will I contract with you, but you will also be my bondedpanion. You will grow with my own strength. I promise you will live a much better life than you are currently fated to. He pushed the contract closer to the beast as he spoke. Be mypanion!


    Again, the beast hesitated, but didnt reject the contract. Avery waited. Finally, after what seemed like forever, the amphithere let out what seemed to be a sigh and lowered its head before stretching out and touching the contract with its head that was the size of Averys entire body.


    Finally, the scroll split in two, one half flowing into him and the other going inside the amphithere. A notification of his sess soon followed.


    Congrattions! You have sessfully made a contract with Level 249 Immature Psychic Amphithere. As part of the contract, you are required to name the beast.


    Avery smiled happily and rubbed his hand along the side of the dragonkins head. After contracting the beast, he learned that it was female, so he would need a great name for it. He had half a mind to name her Lana, but felt that nah wouldnt find that funny.


    What do you think about Lily? he asked the dragonkin, who shook her head. <em>Okay not Lily. </em>Chloe? he asked, but the beast seemed even more against that.


    I know, he finally said. How about Lyra?


    The beast seemed to think about it before she nodded. It had epted the name.


    Level 249 Immature Psychic Amphithere has been named Lyra.


    Next, Avery looked around to make sure they were alone, and initiated the bond that one could only do once.


    Bond initiated. Please share your blood with the contracted beast.


    With a dagger in his right hand, he cut into his left, through his massive endurance. He held his palm out, and Lyra licked.


    Without moving her wings, Lyras massive body floated off the ground into the air as a massive gray sphere began to form around her. The sphere grew bigger and bigger until it was at least the size of one of the wyverns they had faced.


    Finally, it stopped and Avery gotfortable. He didnt know how long it would take, but his part in the raid was finished. Derek wouldnt have any problem handling the other lesser beasts or supporting Edgar if he wasnt able to tame the red wyvern. No, Avery would not leave his newpanion. He would stay here and make sure nothing happened to Lyra.

 Chapter 272: Blitz

    Chapter 272: Blitz


    Meanwhile, while Derek and Avery were facing the death attuned wyvern, Edgar was going through his own troubles with the fire wyvern. At a certain point, the wyvern seemed to have had enough, and summoned a massive fire tornado around itself, preventing Edgar from safely rushing in a getting close enough to enact his n.


    The ground beneath them was setpletely aze, and smoke covered the area. The fire was so hot that it somehow set even the stone from the crumbled buildings ame.


    At this moment in time, the prince was uncertain about what to do. If Avery and Derek were able to take care of the death wyvern, yet he failed to contract with the fire one and it got away, what would happen in twelve hours when their enemies came back? Would they be stronger? Would there be more wyverns this time?


    Any way he looked at it, he was in a dilemma. He could settle for one of the lesser dragonkin, but it would be such a waste with a legendary beast right in front of him. Finally, he made a decision. If he hadnt downed the wyvern with at least five minutes left in their attack, he would call for backup, and he and Derek could take out the beast just as they had done with the wind wyvern.


    He had around 30 minutes to tame a dragon. It would be tight, but he believed he could do it. The wyvern had to be rapidly expending its mana by producing such mes, so, sooner orter, it would have to let up. At that time, it would present the perfect opportunity for him to attack. He just needed to be patient.


    So he waited. He dodged iing fire attacks that shot out of the ming cyclone at him easily, and did his best to conserve his mana and stamina, drinking a potion here and there so he would be ready when the time came. There were a couple of times when he thought about charging through the fire and risking the damage so he could get in close. He had some high-quality regeneration potions to get him by if he did that, but he put that option in the back of his mind and only nned to use it as ast resort.


    As the clocked ticked down, his mana potions dwindled even further. Sure, it was easy for him to dodge the wyverns attacks, but that was assuming he had enough mana to activate his skills to increase his movement speed. Still, he waited.


    When the clock hit just around ten minutes left in the battle, he finally got his chance. The tornado whirling around the wyverns massive body abruptly stopped, and the beast hovered high in the air. It looked almost like it was panting.


    The beast locked eyes with Edgar and pulled its head back, drawing in an enormous amount of energy before spitting out a wave of fire even bigger than the usual one. Edgar breathed in deep and went for it.


    In a sh, he activated every skill he had to enhance his movement speed and shot up in the air, avoiding the wave of fire in the process. When he was level with the dragon, he exploded toward it, aiming for where its back met up with its neck. That seemed to be a particrly safe ce, as he had seen Derek in that exact position on the wind wyvern.


    All he had to go on was the wind wyvern and what he saw when he arrived to help Derek. His attack hadnt instantly killed the beast from a distance, and Derek had already immensely injured the beast before he unleashed his own attack, so he hoped his attack would be the same against the fire wyvern. Dealing an almost fatal blow, but still survivable.


    An instantter, he was above the beast, which was still sting fire out from its gaping maw. With a smug smile, he shed away andnded directly on the beasts upper back, grasping for anything to hold on to, and finally finding a part of the beast, maybe a scale, that he could grip his hand around to stabilize himself.


    At that point, the wyvern realized something was wrong and cut its attack short. Then it began bucking fiercely, trying to throw the small human off its back. But Edgar held on as best as he could. Then, recognizing that the human wasnt going to be flung off so easily, the dragonkin beat its wings, then shot down toward the still ming ground.


    Seeing that he didnt have long, Edgar uncorked a mana potion and turned it up, allowing the contents to slide down his throat. He then took multiple other mana potions and prepared them for consumption. He poured the liquid from one in his mouth, but didnt swallow, and held two other bottles under his arm.


    Then, with his mana nearing full, he took his sword and struck down on to the beasts back, using as much force as he could muster with his single dominant hand.


    The sword dug into the beast maybe an inch, not enough to even draw blood from the wyvern, but that was enough. Holding tightly to the beasts back with his left hand, and gripping the hilt of his sword with his right, he drew on the lightning and channeled as much energy into his de as possible. Then he released his attack.


    The sky was soon epassed by a striking blue glow as the concentrated lightning met with the armored scales of the beast. The beam of lightning struggled to pierce through the scales, but he was prepared for that. As long as he had mana, he could keep his skill activated.


    When his mana dropped below half, he swallowed the potion he was holding in his mouth and restored it to near full. He then tucked his head down and grasped another potion with his mouth.


    Finally, the beast let out a pained roar just before it hit the ground. It reared its head back which caused its previous nned crash into the ground to change course, and instead of mming Edgar first into the ground, it struck the ground with its belly and slid through the mes.


    The surround fire peppered Edgar as they slid, but as long as he didnt directly touch the me, he could grit his teeth and endure the heat.


    At the sound of the roar, Edgar felt a give beneath his sword. His attack had destroyed the defenses directly underneath his de. With a surge of power, Edgar jammed the sword further into the beast, now piercing through flesh instead of scales.


    With his sword now firmly imnted into the wyvern, he loosened his grip with his left hand and brought it to his sword as well, increasing the pressure to the beast. His sword bit further and further into the back of the wyvern, all the while his lightning drilled through and caused an unknown amount of damage to the beasts internals.


    Edgar tilted his head back and gulped down the potion he was holding in his mouth, restoring even more of his mana. Then, he freed his left hands grip from his sword and grabbed thest potion he had prepared, cing it in his mouth as well. With the ability to freely move one of his hands now, he didnt have to worry about prepping more potions in advanced. He was in the endgame.


    The wyvern finally came to a stop, the dust that shot up around them smothering some of the surrounding fire in the process. The wyvern slung its head from side to side and even tried and seeded at rolling.


    But Edgar hung on. The pressure from the beasts weight on him hurt like hell and even took a good portion of his health away, but he never loosened his grip. In fact, when the creature rolled, it pushed his sword even deeper into its flesh. The wyvern screeched in pain, but didnt dare to roll again.


    Edgar continued with his relentless assault. He was beginning to feel lightheaded from all the mana he had expended, but he still held strong. His lighting was inside the beast, and it was ravaging it.


    Finally, the beast faltered and began shaking, the lightings paralyzing properties finally taking hold on the wyvern. It no longer hadplete control of its own body. Its feet slid out from under it and it fell onto its belly.


    Edgar allowed a small smile to fall over his face for the first time in the battle. Holding strong with his left hand, he released his sword with his right and pulled a scroll out from his storage ring. He slung his arm out, causing the scroll to unravel. Then he pped the scroll onto the side of the beasts back and activated it.


    Be mypanion and the pain will stop! he yelled, hoping the wyvern could understand him through the ravaging effects of the lightning. If you dont, you will die! Just like the others. This is your only chance to live!


    But the wyvern refused. Edgar tried again, but the wyvern refused again. This time, the contract scroll was destroyed in the process. His heart sank. He thought he had it in the bag once he brought the beast down, but no, it was going to be harder than that. Still, being the prince of a kingdom came with its perks-one of which was ess to multiple rare scrolls like the beast contract scroll.


    However, he didnt instantly pull a new scroll out and initiate another contract. Instead, he waited. There was no doubt that the wyvern respected his power, but a legendary beast wasnt something so easy to be tamed.


    While the beast had sumbed to his power, it held a great amount of hate toward the prince. There was no way Edgar would be able to convince the beast to be his contracted beast through words. He would have to give it no other option than to join him. And that meant bringing the beast close to its final breath.


    The beast was currently downed and under immense pain, but his attack hadnt yet inflicted enough damage for it to truly be scared for its life. But Edgar was willing to expend every mana and stamina potion he had on him for this chance. He could continue at this pace for at least a dozen more minutes if he needed, and based on the look of the beast, he would probably need to.


    This also left him in awe of Dereks attack with that massive halberd. How much damage must of his attack to the death dragons brain inflicted? He knew his own attack was fierce, but it was more damage over time and not instantaneous damage.


    Soon, an hour since the three wyverns arrived passed, and the beast below him was struggling to keep consciousness. Edgar looked around and saw Derek sitting on one of the burning buildings, watching with curiosity. The man held his right arm out and patted the bracelet he always wore with two fingers from his left hand in a gesture Edgar didnt understand.


    Edgar ignored the man and focused back on the wyvern below him. Finally, before the beast died or fell into unconsciousness, he pulled out another scroll. He ced it on the beast again and injected his mana into it, activating the contract.


    This is yourst chance. If you wait any longer, you will die, and you know it. After this, I am more than willing to contract with a different beast. End your stubbornness! Once again, the young prince waited for the beasts response.


    However, instead of a notification of rejection or the scroll being destroyed by the will of the wyvern, it epted its fate and agreed to end its suffering. It agreed to be the princes contracted beast.


    Congrattions! You have sessfully made a contract with Level 250 Adult Fire Wyvern. As part of the contract, you are required to name the beast.


    Edgar instantly ended his skill and pulled out a health potion, pouring it into the open wound of his contracted beast. He put his sword away and let out a sigh of relief, and leaned back on his newpanion.


    Knowing what he already knew of bonds, he ran his hand down the side of the wyverns neck affectionately. You will forever be known as Blitz! Bonded beast of Prince Edgar. The wyvern purred beneath him, epting the name.


    Level 250 Adult Fire Wyvern has been named Blitz.


    Edgar was thrilled. All that remained was to initiate his bond.

 Chapter 273: Post-Fight

    Chapter 273: Post-Fight


    Derek walked over to Edgar and his wyvern once he saw the contract was finally formed. It was a pretty amazing sight, watching someone tame such a beast. It was entirely different from what he had experienced with Silvi. Still, Edgar was lucky the beast hadnt tried to make him its contracted beast like Silvi had Derek. Then again, he hoped Silvis personality would never change. Its what made her the best bondedpanion of the bunch.


    You did it, Derek said to Edgar when he finally reached him and his newpanion. Congrattions. That looked pretty tough.


    It was both harder than I expected, yet easier in multiple ways, Edgar replied, then smiled evilly. I cant wait to see the look on everyones face when Ie out of the trial with a fucking dragon. How jealous do you think theyll be? Oh, I bet Edward is going to regret not leading the raid now.


    I can only imagine their reactions. Derek walked forward and was finally able to get a good look at one of the wyverns up close without immediately being punted to the ground. They are magnificent creatures.


    Edgar ran his hand along the side of the wyvern. Indeed, they are.


    So, did you name it? Derek asked.


    Of course I did. Edgar nodded passionately. His name is Blitz!


    Blitz, huh? Derek thought about the name for a bit before agreeing that it would be a good name once the dragonkin evolved into the lightning element to fit Edgar. Good name for a lightning beast.


    I thought so. Edgar stopped petting the wyvern and turned back to Derek, looking at him. So, how did everything else go? Did Avery get him a <em>baby</em> dragon? Did the two of you take care of all the small ones?


    Derek couldnt help but chuckle at Edgars question. Yes, Avery contracted an interesting beast. It is currently evolving over by him. We took out all the other small dragonkin. It was tough when I was left alone, but once I saw Avery evolving hispanion, I brought them back over to him and we made short work of those that were left.


    Hes bonding with his beast already? Here in the trial? Edgar scratched his chin. Do you think thats why the trial wasntpleted?


    I was wondering about that, too, Derek said. But I think it probably has more to do with you and your wyvern still being in battle when the hour was up. I think we need to take care of everything within that time frame. Though thats only a guess.


    Thats probably it, Edgar agreed. I guess we should all gather again, and prepare for the next wave if there happens to be one. The trial may just finish as soon as the eleven hours are up.


    Derek nodded. Follow me. After that, he led Edgar and his newpanion over to where Avery was. Blitz still had some injuries, so they didnt rush as fast as they could have, even though the beast wouldnt have had any problem withstanding it.


    The archer-assassin was actually sitting on some crumbled rocks, staring deeply at his evolving beast when they arrived. When they arrived, Avery looked over the two of them, then behind them at the wyvern. He looked it up and down, then nodded.


    You did it, he said, directed at Edgar.


    It wasnt easy.


    I would guess not, Avery agreed, then turned back to Lyra, who was still evolving.


    Derek almostughed. There actually wasnt a hint of jealousy in Averys words or eyes. The man seemed to be more than happy with his choice ofpanion. Derek nced over at Edgar, who actually seemed a bit sad that the interaction hadnt gone as nned.


    Theres always the Crown Prince and the king, Derek said to cheer the young prince up.


    But Edgar wasnt finished, yet. He still had one more move up his sleeve. Saying nothing, Blitz moved out away from them, then, a bolt of lightning struck the beast out of nowhere. Then another, then another.


    Soon, the fire wyvern was covered in an endless stream of lightninging from the sky. Soon, the lightning formed a sphere around the beast, and began to float in the air, eventuallying to a stop. The two spheres of evolving beasts werent far away from each other, one covered in a grayish hue, and the other shining blue with sparks of electricity flowing off it.


    Surprisingly, both spheres were the same size. Derek had seen the size of Lyra, Averys amphithere, and it was nowhere close to the size of Edgars wyvern. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that they were both dragonkin, or maybe it was the level of their bonds. Derek didnt know.


    He could only shake his head as he watched Edgar move to another pile of rubble beside Avery and plop down on it before staring at his own evolving dragonkin. Derek rolled his eyes, then turned around and opened his Time Prison up, letting the two others out.


    Needless to say, when Tara and Jasper came out of the Time Prison and were greeted by the enormous orbs containing the two dragonkin that Edgar and Avery had contracted with, they were stunned. They both stood wide-eyed, mostly watching the orb crackling in lightning, but asionally shifting their gazes to the other, more dull evolution orb.


    After a few moments, Derek closed the prison door and cleared his throat. Its not polite to stare.


    That was enough to break the two out of their reverie.


    Jasper quickly got ahold of himself and looked over at Edgar and Avery before turning his attention back to Derek, who was standing beside them.


    So, they did it? he asked.


    Yup, Derek replied nonchntly. Pretty cool, huh?


    But we didnt clear the trial? Tara, the elven support mage, asked. I only ask because I just leveled from level 240 to level 250 in that short amount of time, and my buffs even received quite the boost in levels, as well.


    Were not sure of that, Derek said. Then he went on to exin to the two his and Edgars guesses on what was going on, and why the trial hadnt beenpleted.


    I see. Jasper nodded. Youre right, I think due to the final wyvern not dying or being contracted with before the hour passed is the most probable cause. That, or it was never supposed to end with only the three wyverns.


    After that, they all moved closer to the two others and sat around, waiting for thepanions to evolve. Derek had to admit, he was just as excited as everyone else. While waiting, Derek viewed his stats. He expected quite the change based on the number of notifications he had ignored or dismissed during the fight.


    Status


    Personal Information


    Name:


    Age:


    Level:


    Experience:


    ss:


    Race:


    Derek Hunt


    30


    198


    54,550,000,000/66,000,000,000


    Legend of the Void (Legendary)


    Human (Modified)


    Health:


    Mana:


    Stamina:


    37500


    15045


    37500


    Stats


    Strength


    Dexterity


    Endurance


    Vitality


    Intelligence


    Wisdom


    Stat Points Remaining


    825


    825


    1500 (???)


    1500 (???)


    830


    1003


    918


    Contracts


    nah Swan (Crown Restaurant)


    Silvi (Bonded Beast)


    Ste Brighton (Crown Restaurant)


    Francesco Jobs (Torith Adventurers Guild)


    Rudolph Mckinney


    Natalie Savannah via Malorie Stewart


    View Contract


    View Status


    View Contract


    View Contract


    View Contract


    View Contract


    Contract Unavable


    Skills


    Absolute Nullify Lv. 12, Basic Repair Lv. 1, Chain Lightning Lv. 13, Channel Void Lv. 18, Cleaning Lv. 9, Cure Toxin Lv. 4, Dismantle Lv. 12, Enhanced Movement Speed Lv. 1, Greater Meditation Lv. 10, Heavy Weapons Mastery Lv. 20(Choose Specialty Path), Identify Lv. 17, Magic Resistance Lv. 20, Multi-Strike Lv. 14, Physical Resistance Lv. 20, Rejuvenation Lv. 14, Sweeping sh Lv. 20, Telepathy Lv. 4, Time Prison Lv. 9, Unarmed Combat Mastery Lv. 19, Void Call Lv. 4, Void Sense Lv. 16, Void Shift Lv. 9, Void Steps Lv. 13, Void Storage Lv. N/A


    Skill Points Remaining: 17


    Skill Upgrade Points Remaining: 7


    Achievements


    Greater Giant yer, Jack of All, Lesser Dungeon Explorer, Lesser Dungeon Traveler, Lesser Enigma, Lesser Enforcer of Oaths, Repetitive Dungeoneer, Minor yer of the Unknown, Solo Diver, Magical ss Cannon, Meat Shield, Lesser Explorer, Offensive Powerhouse


    Derek did a double, then a triple take at his status sheet. With over 900 stat points avable to spend, he had a ton of options. The first thing he thought about was maxing out another of his stats, but he hesitated. He was unsure what the best course of action would be.


    If the hour of fighting dragonkin taught him anything, it was that he wascking in attack power when his skills, specifically Multi-Strike, were on cooldown. From everything he knew, intelligence would affect how much damage his channeled void would do overall, so that was a must. It was the stat that he had mostly overlooked because he hadnt run into much that could defend against a pure attack on a vital organ.


    Well, he hadnt run into anything like that until now. And seeing how they were just in the second trial, there was a good chance that he would run into more and more enemies with defenses just as high. Honestly, he was still d he chose vitality and endurance as his focus, because those two stats allowed him to keep his fighting style and stay alive. Staying alive was the most important thing. It didnt matter how much damage you could output if you were dead.


    But now he had a decision to make, and he was leaning toward intelligence and strength. Intelligence would increase the magic damage of his attacks, and it may even increase the potency of Void Shift. He wasnt sure on that front.


    Strength would increase the amount of force he would be able to apply that magical damage with. The harder he could swing his halberd well, his fists now that the halberd was gone, the more damage his channeled void would be able to do when it connected. What he found that he wasnt reallycking, and was much less of a priority now, was his dexterity and wisdom.


    Wisdom was great, overall, but with his recovery due to Greater Meditation, having a ton of it wasnt exactly necessary. Sure, it allowed him to move his mana quicker throughout his body and allowed him to direct his void better, but currently, with it already having over 1,000 stat points invested into it, it was able to keep up in his fights. Even the ones with the wyvern.


    Dexterity spoke for itself. It was a stat he wanted a lot, but it was also the stat he knew he didnt currently need as bad as the other stats, minus wisdom. It would make him faster in both movement and attack. But it just wasnt yet a necessity.


    He also had Silvi to think about. Once he pushed a stat past a certain point, her stats would break through a threshold and she would have to go through the pain that came with it. It was a pretty bad situation because of the time dtion in the dungeon as well.


    He also didnt want to begin breaking through thresholds while in a trial surrounded by people. He trusted Avery and Edgar well enough, and Edgar even knew he wasnt at max level yet, but he didnt want them to know exactly how true that was.


    No, the first decision he made was to wait until he was back in the dungeon, then he would move far away from everyone before going through with the breakthroughs. And once he was able to, he would push both his intelligence and strength to the point just before it would push Silvi into her own breakthroughs.


    For now, he move all his stats to the edge. All of his stats, including dexterity. So, with a quick thought, he made the adjustments to his stats. He felt the increase in both his strength and his mobility almost instantly. Dumping over 170 points into a stat brought with it quite the noticeable change.


    After that, he checked his stats.


    Stats


    Strength


    Dexterity


    Endurance


    Vitality


    Intelligence


    Wisdom


    Stat Points Remaining


    999


    999


    1500 (???)


    1500 (???)


    999


    1003


    401


    He smiled as he closed his stats. They were looking good. If the trial didnt end when the next wave was due, he had no doubt that he would be gaining even more levels before it was over. With a sigh, he stood and pulled afortable chair out of his storage. If he was going to wait for dragons to hatch, he would at least befortable doing it.

 Chapter 274: Lyra

    Chapter 274: Lyra


    Out of the corner of his eye, Derek saw Edgars eyelid twitch as he pulled out one of his chairs and sat on it. The prince was also one who enjoyed a nice, cushioned seat, but it looked like he was too proud to ask-


    Hey! Give me one of those! Edgar finally broke.


    Derekughed, but in the end, he opened his Time Prison and allowed everyone to go inside and bring out one of the chairs they used for furniture. Still, those chairs werent asfy as the one Derek had stored in his storage bracelet, though they were still of a much higher quality than what most were used to.


    As they waited, Derek thought back to when he had first made his contract with Silvi. Once he bonded with hispanion, it had taken a few hours for the bunny to evolve. He didnt know what to expect with the wyvern and amphithere, however. Silvi may have taken so long because she was evolving from amon beast to a legendary one.


    On the other hand, her evolution may have been quick because of how low level they had both been at the time. He was unsure. But, six hourster, he found his answer as Averyspanion began to break out of its evolution sphere.


    The sphere surrounding the amphithere began to crack and light shone through. As the sphere splintered like an eggshell, Avery jumped up in excitement and ran forward, not able to contain himself. Everyone else also stood at that point. Derek moved forward, too, but stay a respectable distance away from Avery and hispanion.


    He was excited to see what kind of evolution the beast would go through. To be honest, Derek didnt know much about the beast, and he hadnt asked, as it wasnt his ce to do so. But from what he did see of the beast before he left Avery alone with it, it hadnt seemed all that impressive. In fact, it was the runt of the litter.


    It was much smaller than every other beast he had seen flying and roaming around in the sky and on the ground. So, he waited for the big reveal.


    Finally, the beast broke out of its shell and the grayish sphere disintegrated just like Silvis own void sphere had before. What Derek saw in front of him left him surprised to say the least.


    Before him wasnt the same small, winged serpent he had seen before, but a giant winged serpent, almost the same size as the wyverns they had faced. Honestly, he was stumped, and had no clue what was going on.


    Avery seemed surprised for a short time as well, but broke out of it as he ran forward and ran his hand along the side of the slithering beast that had justnded on the ground.


    Before, the beast was white with a pink shade around its extremities and on the crown of her head. Now, the bright white of the scales and feathers had faded into a dull white, not quite gray, but not white. Actually, if Derek had to say what color it was, tinum came to mind. On top of the white darkening, the pink shading had also changed into a sort of mutedvender coloring.


    The amphithere wasnt as cute and pretty as it was before, but what it lost in its cuteness, it gained in physicality and intimidation. Derek stood back and let the man and his new bondedpanion have a moment, while he thought about all the questions he wanted to ask.


    Edgar came over to him then. I didnt expect he could find such a beast that wasnt at legendary rank, he mused. I saw a bunch of winged serpents like that earlier when the fighting first began, but I never seen one anywhere that size.


    It wasnt that size, Derek answered as he stared at the beast and Avery. It was so much smaller than that before it evolved.


    Really? Edgar asked, surprised.


    Yeah, like a lot smaller. Smaller than any of the other winged serpents you saw before. Derek then went on to exin to Edgar what he saw of the beast when they were fighting and how surprised he was when Avery chose it to be hispanion.


    Thats crazy. I dont know if it was luck, or if Avery knew what he was doing, Edgar replied. He has certainly gained a lot from this trial.


    Derek could only nod and think about the meals he had in his storage bracelet that Silvi had cooked for him before he left for the dungeon. She was still the bestpanion. That was no doubt. <em>Yup shes the best. These dragons have nothing on her. </em>Derek really believed that, too. He wasnt trying to convince himself. He had not once regretted bonding to the murder bunny.


    Soon, Avery turned back to the group and walked toward them with a smile reaching his eyes. He was ecstatic.


    How did that happen? Derek asked. Like he thought before, it wasnt his ce to know, but he couldnt help himself anymore.


    It surprised me, too, Avery said. So you know how if you bond with, say amon creature, but your ss is epic. That creature bes an epic ranked existence?


    Derek nodded. That was exactly what he experienced when he bonded with Silvi. She had gone from the run-of-the-millmon Horned Rabbit to a Void Rabbit with the ss of Legendary Void Companion that gained three quarters of the stats as Derek.


    Well, it looks like when I bonded with Lyra, she evolved from a high epic ranked Immature Amphithere to the legendary Mature Amphithere that you see here. Unfortunately, I didnt receive 75 percent of her stats like she would have mine, but it dide with another amazing perk, Avery hinted vaguely.


    Everyone waited for him to speak, but he didnt. Finally, someone couldnt take it anymore.


    Well! What is the amazing perk? Edgar blurted.


    Hehehe Edgar chuckled. I got a new Achievement for bonding to a beast of a higher rarity than myself.


    But didnt you say she was an epic rarity when you bonded? Derek asked.


    She was, Avery nodded. But for some reason, maybe because she was level 249 before and basically hit level 250 when we bonded, or maybe because of her stats, or even my close to legendary stats, she matured into a legendary beast. Though, Im not entirely sure about that, as Ive heard stories of Drakes and other epicpanions, but never heard about them maturing to legendary status.


    Derek rubbed his chin in thought. If what Avery was saying was true, he was getting some ideas.


    What was the Achievements name? Edgar asked.


    Taming Up, Avery replied.


    <em>I guess thats like the punching up or punching down idioms from back on Earth, </em>Derek thought. It kind of surprised him at some of the simr sayings and things, especially Achievement titles, the system and even the world used. <em>Fortunately, it doesnt seem like meme culture had made it to this world yet. Thank God!</em>


    And what did it do?


    Avery grinned once again. You wont believe it. He teased.


    Just tell us already! Edgar near yelled.


    It raised the rarity of my ss from epic to legendary. Unfortunately, as I am already at level 250, I wont gain stats for leveling, but it allowed Lyra to gain 75 percent of my stats, and it came with a nifty 250 free stat bonus, he exined.


    Are you serious? Edgar was shocked. Thats like half of the stat points you would have gotten if you had unlocked a legendary ss at level 200. Giving your bondedpanion your stat boosts, which is why she is much bigger than before, I suspect, is already such a great reward for an Achievement, 250 extra stat points on top of that are just insane.


    Well, it is a non-upgradable Achievement, and those are usually pretty rare, Avery said.


    I guess. Its still amazing. Congrattions!


    Derek was slightly stunned to see that Edgar was actually genuinely happy for Avery. It seemed like the prince did have his own pride, and was quite a bit of a showoff, but was still able to humble himself and give praise andpliments when needed, especially to his friends and those he respected. And Avery was definitely someone he respected.


    Avery moved forward a bit more and got closer to Derek and Edgar. In a light whisper that everyone could still hear, he said, Thats not all, either. I got another Achievement, too. Its another one off.


    Really? What is it? Edgar asked.


    That you will have to find out yourself. I suspect you will be getting the same Achievement when your wyvern breaks out of its cocoon. Averyughed, then ran back to Lyra and jumped. In just a moment, he was standing on the back of the amphithere, and Lyra let out a roar before pping her massive wings and shooting off into the distant sky.


    Holy shit! Edgar cried. Thats fast!


    Indeed. Derek agreed.


    Derek sighed and went back to his chair and sat down, as did Edgar and the other two. Tara and Jasper hadnt said anything while they were discussing the Achievements, but they had obviously been listening attentively.


    After around ten minutes of silence, Tara broke it. Do you think I would be able to contract with an Amphithere?


    Everyone turned their heads and looked at the elven mage. She had stars in her eyes, she had clearly been taken aback by Lyra.


    What is your ss rarity? Derek asked.


    Tara lowered her head. Its epic.


    If you were able to fight the beast alone, you would have the same chances to tame one as Avery did, Edgar answered. But as a support ss, I suspect that would be hard. Very hard. Do you have many debuffs and crowd control skills?


    Tara shook her head slightly. I mostly focus on buffs. I only have a few debuffs and crowd controlling skills, and they are from earlier sses and not very powerful. She sighed.


    One of the curses of support and healing type sses, Jasper said. He was also a little down about not being able to contract with a creature of his own.


    Jasper, Derek said. A modicum of an idea forming. Do you have a lot of different healing skills and spells?


    Of course, the healer responded.


    You know, and this is on the off chance that this trial isnt going to end when our resting time is over, if there are more lesser dragonkining it, there is a good chance that one of them is undead, or death attuned. They may be susceptible to healing magic, you know? Derek smiled as Jaspers eyes widened.


    I didnt think of that! the healer nearly jumped out of his seat.


    Unfortunately, while it may actually be possible for the healer to find himself apanion, Tara was sulking even more. Derek felt sorry for the mage. <em>Maybe I should tell her about the wonders of horned rabbits. </em>

 Chapter 275: Dragon Rider

    Chapter 275: Dragon Rider


    Derek checked the system time as everyone went silent in thought. It had taken just over five hours for Lyra to finish her evolution from an Immature Amphithere to a Mature Amphithere. Blitzs evolution hadnt started too long after Lyras, so he expected the wyvern would finish evolving any minute now. Then, Edgar could finally figure out what Achievement Avery had been talking about, and Derek would be able to figure some things out as well.


    Sure enough, not thirty minutester, cracks began to form in the lightning sphere. Then, the cracked sphere started to fall apart while the pieces that fell off vanished into thin air, like they were never there. It reminded Derek of how the fragmented pieces of the sky fell off and disappeared as a Void Beast broke out of the void.


    In just a few minutes, Blitz appeared in all his glory. The formerly red wyvern was now a bluish-silver color, a color that also now epassed his massive eyes. Currents of electricity flowed through the legendary beast as he got his newfound powers under control. Taras hair actually stood up, and Derek could feel the hairs on his arms standing. Soon, showing more control than most humans, the electricity flowing off the beast vanished and everything stabilized.


    So thats what he meant! Edgar eximed. Avery still hadnt made his way back after taking his newpanion for a test drive, but Derek knew that was what Edgar was talking about.


    Well, are you going to leave us hanging? Derek asked.


    Its an Achievement called Dragon Tamer, Edgar said. You get it for bonding with a legendary dragonkin. It granted me the passive skill, Dragon Riding.


    <em>Interesting, </em>Derek thought. It really was interesting that bonding with a certain type of beast would allow for specific Achievements. That meant that it had to be incredibly rare to chance upon a legendary dragon, and even more-so to tame it.


    So, what does it do? Derek asked.


    It doesnt level, but it stabilizes the rider while on a dragon. Seems like it makes it almost impossible to fall off at least with how the wording is. It also increases the dragons speed while the rider is seated, and allows for increased uracy when battling from the dragons back, Edgar exined.


    <em>Holy shit! </em>Derek inwardly eximed, shocked. It was one hell of a skill. The only downside was that it was only activated while the user was on dragon back, but still. It provided so many passive benefits. Derek wasnt sure how much it would help Edgar, but for someone like Avery, who used a bow, it would be a game changer.


    Images of nahs right-hand man soaring through the air, loosing arrow after arrow from dragon back flowed through Dereks head. For the first time, he finally felt a tinge of jealousy purely based on how cool one would look while doing such a thing.


    Derek began to speak, but before he could, Edgar shed, then appeared on the back of Blitz. Before anyone said anything, they took off. Derek let out a sigh.


    Derek, Tara, and Jasper waited for half an hour, but there was still no sign of either Edgar or Avery. Derek was getting impatient. He needed one of them back to test something, but he didnt want to take away their training time with their new partners, so he didnt try to contact them via crystal or telepathy.


    Soon, Derek gave up and decided to do something he had been against before. He already had his vitality and endurance at the third threshold, so breaking through with the others shouldnt be too hard. His main problem was he didnt want to breakthrough while around others, so he had nned to wait until back in the main dungeon, then venture off a good distance away from the rest of the group.


    But the more he thought about that, the more he decided against it. Breaking through would take no more than a few minutes for each stat, and two of the four people he was in the trial with, he trusted. And he very much doubted Tara or Jasper would go against anything he said right now. Outside, there would be a much higher chance of someone getting curious and seeing what he was doing. Plus, he didnt really know what powers everyone else had.


    So, with his mind made up, he turned to the healer and support mage and said, The two of you stay here and wait for them to get back. I have something to do, and I need to be alone to do it. I should be back in less than an hour. If Edgar or Avery get back before me, tell them what I told you. Also, tell them not to leave again, because I have something I need to test before the next wave if there is one.


    The two could only nod, as Derek hadnt asked, but told. With a nod back, Derek kicked the ground and dashed away. He even used Void Shift to limit the amount of time it would take him. He also headed in a different direction than both Edgar and Avery had. He wouldnt really mind too much if either of them saw him, but he would rather not take that chance.


    Once he was more than a dozen miles away from their camp, he stopped. He also found a crumbling building that still had some structure to it and went inside, so he would have a bit of cover, at least.


    From there, he didnt waste any time, and began. Before anything else, he removed his shirt and jeans, wanting to avoid ripping and destroying them. Then, he put one stat point into strength.


    As soon as he spent the point, every muscle in his body swelled. Then, the muscles tore and rebuilt themselves. All in all, the pain wasnt unbearable. It was just a lot of popping, tearing, and repairing. This went on for a couple of minutes. It had nothing on the itching of increasing his endurance or the fire and pressure that came from his vitality. Though, those were both at the 1500 point breakthroughs, so he hadnt expected the 1,000 point breakthroughs topare.


    Finally, the tearing and repairing stopped, and Derek examined himself. He looked like a bodybuilder. Gone was his toned body. Instead, he looked like a man jacked up on steroids, and he felt slow. Needless to say, he hated it. So, he quickly put a point in dexterity, increasing it to the threshold as well.


    Again, the breakthrough wasnt bad. His tendons broke and repaired over and over, just as his muscles had before. On top of that, though, his strengthened muscles began to stretch and reform over and over again, until his mass decreased significantly. Once it was finished, Derek was still slightly bigger than before, but not by much. His body just had more definition to it than it had recently.


    Nodding, and thankful that he was no longer muscle-bound, he increased his intelligence.


    That hit him with another wave of fire. Almost exactly like what he had experienced when he broke the 1000 point threshold with his vitality. However, instead of it all focusing on his heart, it converged on his brain and caused a burning sensation in his head.


    Itsted another few minutes, and he withstood everything with no problem. His endurance was no joke. When it finished, he channeled his void throughout his body to see if there was a difference.


    There was. The purple aura that always flowed through him was now much darker and thicker. It was more pure. If before it was the consistency of a gas, now it could be considered a liquid. He could also sense that without a good amount of points into wisdom, it would be even harder to control that it was. As it stood now, he would need to practice with it, and he wouldnt be able to neglect his wisdom as he had nned.


    The same was almost true for dexterity, but he could deal with a bit extra mass from the strength stat for a while until he got his dexterity up to match it. If nothing else, this experience really showed him how much stats corrted with one another. It wasnt bad early on, but after breaking through thresholds, it became more and more obvious.


    Derek stood and brushed the dust off his body from where he had been sitting in the destroyed building. Then he put his clothes back on. Instead of summoning them through his storage bracelet like normal, he dressed himself so he could see the changes.


    His shirt was tighter than he liked it to be, but it still fit without threatening to rip. His jeans were another story, though. They were already a little tight in the waist from his previous upgrades. Now he was barely able to button them, and he felt that any sudden movements would cause the button to fly off and be a deadly projectile. <em>Maybe Tyron will have some tailoring skills and can help me with this problem. </em>


    Still, he chose to wear his jeans for now, but he summoned a pair of the shorts he used for training underneath them.


    Now, he didnt dare to put any of his remaining points into strength yet, but he wanted to make things as easy as possible for himself, so he threw 325 of his remaining points into intelligence. That would put the stat at 1325 points, which was just at the point where it wouldnt cause Silvi to break through.


    With that added, his mana became even thicker, but not to the extent that it had when he broke through. He had a feeling that as long as his wisdom was on the same threshold as his intelligence, he would be able to control it well enough with a bit of practice.


    With a frown, Derek checked to see if he had gained any Achievements after breaking through the 1000 point threshold with each stat, but he hadnt.


    Finally, before he went back, he looked at his current stats.


    Stats


    Strength


    Dexterity


    Endurance


    Vitality


    Intelligence


    Wisdom


    Stat Points Remaining


    1000


    1000


    1500 (???)


    1500 (???)


    1325


    1003


    73


    He nodded his head in appreciation, then let out a breath and slipped into the void before slowly pulling his way back to the group, hoping that either Avery or Edgar had returned.


    True to his word, Derek was gone for less than an hour. Actually, he was gone for less than thirty minutes. And in that time neither of the dragon riders hade back from their rides. With a handful of hours left before they found out whether there was going to be a next wave or not, Derek decided to give them three more hours, then he would have to call them back.


    Luckily, he didnt have to do so, as Avery came back just over an hourter with a giant grin stered on his face. Lyranded on the ground, then coiled up like a snake as Avery stroked the back of her head, then jumped off.


    That is exhrating! he said as he walked over toward everyone. I saw that Edgarspanion finished his evolution. Then, with a conspiratorial tone, he leaned in and whispered for them to hear, Me and Lyra are stronger than Edgar and Blitz. Heughed.


    The two men had obviously met each other and had a spar or something. It made sense, as Avery was built for and had a ss well suited for fighting on dragon back. Of course, Edgar wouldnt be a slouch with his lightning attacks at range, but with Averys range, he would obviously have the edge. Especially after receiving the extra stat points from his new Achievement and now legendary ss.


    Derek snorted at the thought that he may actually now be the third strongest in their current group. But he let that pass, as it wouldnt be that way for long. He still had over fifty levels to get.


    Avery! he said. I need Lyras help with something. Do you mind? Derek asked.


    Avery frowned, then looked at Lyra. Will she be in any danger?


    No, none at all. You can stay with her as well. Its just a thought that I had, but if it works, Im sure even you will be happy.


    Avery shrugged. Okay, what is it?

 Chapter 276: Dereks New Plan

    Chapter 276: Derek''s New n


    Follow me, Derek said to Avery and Lyra, then began walking a bit away, to a spot that had more of an open area for the massive winged serpent. A couple minutester, and he stopped along with everyone, Avery and the slithering serpent.


    He hadnt specifically invited the other two, so out of respect, he guessed, they hadnt followed him and Avery. He didnt actually care if they followed or not, though. Which was shown as he and Avery were still well within visual distance of the other two.


    Okay, Derek said. Ive only tried this on humans, a Void Beast, and my own rabbitpanion so far. What he was talking about was, of course, his Time Prison. If he was allowed to stash beasts inside, it didnt make sense that there was a size limit, and he had an innate feeling that he would be able to use it on anything he captured, not just things of correct proportions. Though, he did think that there may be some more limitations because of size.


    His Time Prison was currently level 9, which allowed for 45 prison cells. Two of those cells were still upied by Ogre and Bones, but he had enough control over the time dtion now that he could release them quickly if he needed to.


    So youre saying? Avery asked.


    Im saying that if I can fit Lyra inside my Time Prison, then I can fit more dragonkin in as well. Which means, if there is another wave of enemies, we can get in on a dragon taming business, Derek exined.


    Averys eyes widened at the thought. I could bring nah back a wyvern? And Ste a drake?


    Of course, the first thing he would think about was providing powerfulpanions for his own people. Derek had thought the same. As long as one of his people ended up with an epic ss, he could provide them with a dragon of their own. Whether that be an amphithere, drake, or wyrm or even a wyvern, if they were able to obtain a legendary ss. He was actually pretty certain that Brandi, at least, would end up with a legendary ss down the line.


    Exactly. Im not sure about breeding, but that could also be a thing, too. Though neither of us are reallycking for money at this point, and I doubt we will be any time soon.


    Avery thought for a second, then nodded. Well, we need to see if it works first. What do you want me to do?


    Just give me a moment, Derek said. He then turned and focused on the void in front of him with his Void Sense turned up to maximum. Everything seemed toe back to that basic skill.


    Time Prison used to take about a third of his overall mana to use, but since his massive increases in his mana pool, that cost had shrunk down quite a bit. Still, he focused. Usually, when he focused on ripping the void open and summoning forth his Time Prison door, he had the picture of himself in his mind. His new thinking was that if he willed it to, he could summon a prison that would fit an even bigger captive.


    Derek closed his eyes and put his hands into the void. Then he pulled them apart, ripping apart the void in the process. Finally, he opened his eyes and looked up, and a huge smile fell over his face. In front of him stood the same prison door, but this time, it was multiple timesrger.


    Lyra wasnt as massive as Blitz was, but she was much longer, and the prison door had grown enough that she would be able to slither in quite easily as long as she kept her over 100 ft wing span tucked in. The door was over 25 ft tall at the moment. To fit another wyvern the height of Blitz, he might have to make it even bigger. Which would be more challenging, especially during battle, as the current entrance took over half of his mana.


    Derek then ced his hand on the door and willed it open. The prison had grown as the door had, but not by as much as he had expected. Unfortunately, the cells hadnt grown inparison. Neither the doors, nor the amount avable. The furniture was still ced at the same spots as before, but now, the walls and ceiling were much further away.


    Derek walked in, the previous lights he had ced inside no longer to light up the entire area like they had before. Giddy with excitement, Avery walked in behind Derek and motioned for Lyra to follow. The long dragonkin poked her head inside and looked around before following herpanion in. Once her entire body was inside, Derek let out a sigh of relief.


    No matter what, it looked like he would be able to store some dragonkin in the prison itself, if not the cells. He wouldnt be able to store too many in the prison, and it would be hard to keep them in while trying to add more in the process, but he could at least cram a wyvern and a couple of the lesser dragons inside.


    Lyra, could you follow me? Derek asked the winged serpent, who then looked at Avery and waited for a nod. When he gave it, the serpent slithered up beside Derek and followed along. It was intimidating having a serpent with a head that was bigger than his entire body move alongside him.


    Derek and Lyra then walked up to one of the cells with Avery trailing behind. He avoided going to any of the cells close to the ones with Bones and Ogre inside. He made sure the cell door was closed, then Derek ced one hand on the side of Lyras head, and the other on the cell door in front of him. With as much focus as he could muster, and just as he had before, he willed the cell to grow.


    Before everyones eyes, the cell door did just that. It grew and grew, and looked like it absorbed the surrounding cells, as instead of pushing the cell door out, they disappeared. Derek stopped once the cell was big enough for lyra, then opened the door.


    Could you go in for a moment? Derek asked, then turned to Avery. Im going to close the door, but Im not going to activate the cell.


    With Dereks reassurance, Avery agreed to let Lyra inside, and the snake-like beast slithered her way inside. Derek closed the door behind and waited, but nothing happened. He hoped that the cell door would return to its original size, but it didnt. He knew that his void element was abination of time and space, so he had hope. Instead, he was slightly disappointed.


    For a cell big enough to hold Lyra, it had taken six cells along with it. And if things stayed the same, for a wyvern it would take six or more, and for the other, lesser beasts, it would take anywhere from three to five, depending on their size. He made a mental note to look for smaller beasts-beasts the size of Lyra before she evolved.


    Of course, there was still the slight chance that the cell would shrink back down once he set a sentence, but he wasnt going to rely on that happening. If it did, great. If not, he would stille out well ahead.


    Derek then opened the door and let the dragonkin back out. She quickly slithered out and nuzzled her head against Averys body.


    Help me store all this stuff, Derek told Avery. He was talking about all the furniture inside the prison. It would be hard to keep all of it from getting wrecked by the dragons they were bringing in, and Derek didnt want to destroy all of his precious furniture. He would have done it all himself, but his storage devices were all almost full because of the amount of materials he had gathered from the two wyverns and other, smaller dragonkin.


    After that, he and Avery went around the ce and stored everything from the tables to the shower curtains. Before long, the entire room waspletely bare, minus a few lights they had moved to the corners to light up as much of the area as they could.


    Now, Im going to leave this open. It takes way too much out of me to keep opening and closing it, unfortunately. Im also going to have to try to think of an easier way to get the beasts inside, Derekmented.


    Me and Lyra can deal with that Avery said as he pet the dragon once again. Cant we, girl? The amphithere actually purred like a cat with her snake-like tongue flittering out of her maw.


    Avery then exined a bit of Lyras powers to Derek, which instantly made him understand why Avery had chosen Lyra over all the other beasts. She was indeed quite the specialpanion, and if her controlling skills worked anywhere near as well as Avery believed they would, she would have no problem corralling the lesser dragonkin into Dereks prison.


    In fact, Derek only needed to sit back and adjust the cells as needed. He wouldnt need to do much of anything else. Of course, this would leave Edgar alone with Blitz to distract and keep all the other dragonkin busy while Avery and Derek did their work. Tara and Jasper would need to stay inside the prison with Derek, just in case anything happened.


    Derek was sure Edgar wouldnt mind doing the job they wanted him to. He had been the one to rely on him and Avery to do the exact same for him during the previous wave. And surely, the prince would want to test himself and Blitzs skills out against all the beasts.


    Still, this all only mattered if another wave came along. There was still the chance that the time would count down, then the system would hit them with a trialpletion notification. If that happened, Derek would be extremely disappointed. It would have been such a great opportunity missed.


    Derek, Avery, and Lyra finally left the prison and moved back to where Jasper and Tara were sitting. They didnt say anything about what they were thinking, and only waited for Edgar toe back. Jasper and Tara kept ncing over at the enormous open door to Dereks prison, but kept silent about it.


    The prince must have been enjoying his new Dragon Rider skill, as he didnt make it back until there was only one hour left until time for the next wave or time for trialpletion.


    When he arrived, though, Derek finally broke down everything he and Avery had discussed to the rest of the party. When he told them his ns, they all had the same reaction as Avery had, pure excitement. When he told them that he and Avery had tested whether it would work or not with Lyra, and it had, they could barely contain themselves.


    It was a bit of a bummer that they would only be able to get ten or so beasts depending on their size, but it was ten dragons, so there was nothing worthining about. Edgar happily agreed to the n. He just wanted to be able to keep one or two of the dragonkin for his own people.


    Derek didnt mind. That would still leave him with at least six, maybe even more, dragonkin. And Avery and Tara would be doing the lions share of the work. Jasper asked them to keep a death attuned dragonkin out of the prison so he would have the chance to tame it, and Tara asked if they would be willing to reserve her a drake for her son.


    Derek agreed to everything, exchanging hismunication rune with Tara and Jasper so they could get ahold of him if they needed to, and none of the others had any problem with it. They all also agreed to keep everything to themselves, at least until they were finished with the dungeon, knowledge that there were a bunch of dragonkin stored in Dereks prison would definitely cause disagreements with the raid party.


    It would be odd that Derek no longer allowed everyone inside to pass the time faster, but that couldnt be helped. Everything would just be spection, and if all else failed, he could just say that it was full of materials theyd gathered from the trial.


    Like this, they waited for the clock to tick down, minute by minute. Soon, only five minutes remained, and everyone tensed. In five minutes, they would either be ecstatic or terribly disappointed.

 Chapter 277: Gotta Catch ’Em All

    Chapter 277: Gotta Catch ¡¯Em All


    Thest few minutes passed at a crawl, with everyone waiting in anticipation. Everyone had something to gain from another wave of enemies, so they all hoped to hear the screeching of a wyvern or a roar of another dragonkin at least one more time.


    Just as thest minute passed, they heard it. Another almost deafening roar sounded in the distance, followed by a chorus of simr roars. With the sound of one beast, the tension between the five party members disappeared, and everyone rxed.


    It looks like luck is on our side today, Edgar said.


    Yeah, its a good thing you suck at taming beasts. Imagine if you would have finished contracting with Blitz any sooner. The trial would have been over at least, I think, Derek said. He really wasnt sure about the ending condition of the trial. It had been to survive for ten days or defeat the enemy champions, and he was almost sure that the wyverns were considered the champions.


    If they werent then he couldnt imagine what woulde next. Well, actually, he could. It would have to be some form of Ancient Dragon, and if the rarity of the current monsters were anything to go by, they would end up being at a rank higher than legendary. But that shouldnt be possible, as the rank of the trial they were currently in was only legendary.


    So, either they had to defeat a certain amount of wyverns, or defeat them within the time limit of the attack. The system hadnt exactly been clear on its conditions.


    Edgar rolled his eyes at Dereksment, and Avery snickered. It was all in jest and good fun. Who would actually taunt a person that had literally just tamed a legendary dragon species in only around one hour of fighting? Honestly, it was quite impressive.


    With everything prepared and the wave iing, Derek took the lead. Jasper Tara cast your buffs on everyone. Tara, avoid casting on Jasper just in case there is dragonkin out there that his healing is a perfect counter for.


    With thatmand, multiple auras of light fell around the group, including the new additions to the party: Blitz and Lyra. The two dragonkin being hit by the auras shined like a beacon of light on a dark night, even though it seemed to be in a constant dusk since they started the trial.


    Once all the spells were cast, even though Derek doubted anyone would actually need them anymore, especially with the two additional team members, he continued, Alright, now the two of you need to go inside the prison and get in one of the cells closest to the door. Well be taking the beasts to the back. That way, you will be out of the way and wont risk any injury if Avery and Lyra lose control.


    With no arguments, the two supporters made their way into his Time Prison. Of course, toward the end, they would have to leave the cells to make space for any additional beasts, but for now, it was the safest ce for them.


    Edgar, youre on tanking duty. Draw all the attention and kite err lead them around while Avery picks some out. Avery, get some good ones. If you find a nt-based wyrm, get it. Also, look for anything smaller, like we discussed. If its small, get it. Also, see if you can find something that may be weak against wind, he directed, and both Avery and Edgar nodded before disappearing along with their newpanions.


    Derek internally nodded to himself. If he could find some nt or nature-based beasts, he may be able to help Jacks out when he returned if the man was able to get an epic based ss, that is. And something weak against the wind element would give Rayna a good shot at obtaining a beastpanion.


    Thomas probably wouldnt need any specific type of beast, as his soul-based spear attack would most likely be able to handle most of the smaller dragonkin once he got strong enough. Same was true for Brandi. But she would be mostly physical and would have to fight like Avery. However, he was sure by that point in time, she would have made herself some phenomenal equipment to fight with.


    He also kind of wanted to get an extra wyvern on the high chance that Brandis ss upgraded to legendary. There was no doubt in his mind that the All Smith would get there. Hell, she may even end up with an even higher rarity ss by the end of everything.


    Once everyone was gone, he too went to his Time Prison, where he had prepared everything. The prison was now empty aside from the few lights still left to give the room at least a bit of a glow. But even with the lighting, it was still mostly dark.


    Derek moved to the back, where he had opened up the first cell to fit Lyra into. In the time they spent waiting, he hade back and opened a few more cells up at various sizes so it wouldnt be too time consuming to fit a new beast.


    Finally, he set out to wait for Avery, but to his surprise, only a couple minutes after he entered the prison lobby, he saw Avery leading Lyra back to the prison from outside through the door. What Derek then saw was quite chilling.


    Behind the pair was another small amphithere. It was bigger than Lyras previous form, but was still smaller than all the other ones he had seen. What sent a shiver down his back, though, was the dragonkins eyes. They were vacant and glossed over.


    The eyes looked the same as the ones on the beasts he had hit with his void channeled attack to stun them. The only difference was that instead of being stunned and standing stock still, it was gently following behind the human and dragon pair-both of which were casually walking toward the prison entrance as if they didnt have an untamed beast following behind them.


    He had learned about Lyras mental capabilities, but seeing them in action was something else. It seemed to be even more controlling than the few times hed seen nahs abilities take effect on people. Yes, this actively used and wrenched the control from anothers mind. He hadnt seen nah use her skills actively, directly on someone else, so how would he know what that would look like? She may have the same effect as Lyra.


    Soon, they made it to the prison, and Avery walked inside along with the captured beast. Lyra stayed outside, but kept her gaze locked on the amphithere slithering behind the archer. Derek hurriedly directed Avery to one of the open, but smaller, cells and the man led the winged serpent to it and it went inside with no problem.


    Once it was inside, Derek quickly mmed the door to the cell shut and set the sentencing timer to the minimum amount of time it could serve, before decreasing the speed at which it counted down. This way, he would be able to speed up the time and get the beast out swiftly if he ever needed to, but he could still keep it put away for a long time as long as he used the proper time speed.


    One down, Derek said.


    Avery nodded with a big smile on his face. That was even easier than expected. Then, he turned and looked at Lyra, who had turned around and was now guarding the door instead of leering inside. Though, Lyra will only be able to do that a few more times with the lesser beasts before she needs to recharge. It takes a lot out of her. And we may need your help with the wyvern when its time.


    Thats no problem. Just let me know when you need me, Derek said.


    With that, Avery turned around and jogged out of the prison, hopping on Lyras back and soaring off into the distance as soon as he got outside. Derek sighed and looked back at the cell door. He really did miss Silvi. <em>I should have forced her toe along with me.</em>


    He could onlyment and get back to work. With one of the cells now upied by a new resident, Derek put all his focus on it and tried to shrink it down. To his delight, it began shrinking. He was actually shocked that it was working.


    However, after shrinking for a few moments, and even unabsorbing one of the cells beside it, it refused to shrink any further. He then realized that he was at the smallest sized the system, or at least his Time Prison, would allow him to adjust a cell with a beast the size of the amphithere inside. It was still a sess, in his opinion.


    He wouldnt have to worry about proficiency. No matter the beast stored inside, he would be able to ce it in the smallest cell possible without too much extra hassle. On that note, he ran over to the cells that Bones and Ogre were in and were actually able to shrink the cell that Bones was in by a small amount. The same couldnt be said for Ogre, as the mountain of a man barely fit in that cell to begin with.


    The slightly shrunken cell didnt actually allow for much extra room for the cell beside it, but an argument could be made that every bit of space counted. So, Derek wouldntin. He actually agreed with that argument.


    Derek went back to the end of the lobby, next to the cell that now contained an amphithere. One other thing that he wasnt sure about was whether the imprisoned beasts would count toward the end goal of the trial, or if he would even be able to let them out of his Time Prison once the trial or dungeon ended.


    That had failed before doing the reverse with a Void Beast, but he hadnt tried to take anything out. Though, he suspect he wouldnt have much of a problem because of his encounter with the Acidic Ghoul back at the undying dungeon, and the fact that dungeon breaks were a thing. It meant that the system shouldnt have a problem with removing beasts from the dungeon.


    He also knew that he could put someone inside his prison and bring them into a dungeon, but that also hadnt beenpletely experimented with. He did, however, draw the conclusion that it was based solely on the number of people allowed in the dungeon.


    He still needed to figure out if that meant once the participant limit was reached, nobody would be allowed outside the prison, even if one of the original members died, or if it was less stringent and would allow him to sub people in and out like a basketball team. He imagined it was the former, and he nned on testing it one day, preferably with more people he trusted.


    Whether any of that was how it worked or not, he would have to find outter. Right now, Avery was on his way back with a drake, and Derek needed to prepare its new home. <em>We gotta catch em all. Well at least ten or so the rest have to be relegated to XP and material. I hope I can get a good ive out of this.</em>

 Chapter 278: Mission: Complete

    Chapter 278: Mission: Complete


    After loading the drake into one of the cells, Derek and Avery fell into a proficient rhythm. Avery brought in a small variety of different beasts, choosing from amphitheres, wyrms, and drakes. The amount of amphitheres outnumbered the other varieties because they tended to be a bit smaller than the others, and easier to squeeze into a cell.


    Luckily, there was a nature based wyrm that Avery found. Even though it was one of the bigger beasts, Derek epted it. He also found a lightning based drake, which wind should apparently be good against. It would work perfectly for Rayna. Thomas would have his own pick with his soul based attacks.


    After all that, the Time prison had managed to hold nine of the lesser beasts inside, and he still had two cells avable that would be able to take in wyverns. All in all, it to around thirty minutes to fill up the cells. It was much faster than Derek thought it would be, and that was even with Lyra resting a bit in between captures. She was already putting a Meditation skill to use. However, Derek didnt know if it was provided to her by Avery, or if she had it to begin with.


    He alsomended on Jaspers luck. There werent any undead monsters outside this time, but there was a drake with a darkness element. It wouldnt be as easy to deal with for the healer as an undead creature, but his light element was still a good counter. But the same was true for the darkness element against his light abilities. At least from what Derek understood about the darkness and light elements.


    So, the healer would have to be extra careful while fighting the beast. But he was adamant about giving it a try, so thats what he was doing. At least he should have the upper hand in the battle with his ability to heal himself if needed. Hopefully, if anything went wrong, Edgar would be hanging around close enough to cut in with speed and help, while Avery and Derek were preupied.


    Fortunately, nothing bad had happened to Jasper by the time Avery and Derek were finished with the lesser beasts, and the healer was still fighting the drake with his limited attack.


    Now it was time for Derek to help Avery. He finally left his Time Prison and followed behind Avery and Lyra, heading to where Edgar and Blitz were corralling all the remaining beasts aside from the darkness drake.


    That one, Avery nodded to one of the wyverns flying around. One of the <em>four </em>wyverns.


    Everything clicked at that point. Each wave got increasingly harder than the previous. The first wave was three wyverns. The second was the first wavebined with a small army of lesser dragonkin. And the third wave added four more wyverns and another, slightly bigger army of beasts.


    If they had just been hiding and running from fights, they would be up against seven wyverns and a bunch of lesser dragonkin. Passing the trial by surviving was looking more and more like a fools errand. By the tenth day, how many wyverns would be attacking? Their only choice would be huddling up in his Time Prison and waiting it out. If another team was inside, they wouldnt have that choice.


    Derek followed Averys gaze and saw an off yellow, almost brown, colored wyvern flying around.


    Thats the one we should get nah, Avery said. Should have great physical defense already.


    Is that earth based? Derek asked, to confirm his thought.


    Yup, Avery said. Saw it shaping the ground earlier while trying to attack Edgar.


    Derek nodded. nah had, for the most part, a wisdom and intelligence-based ss. At least from what Derek had guessed, so something with good physical defense would be better for her. Of course, she also probably had an insane amount of stats collected from Void Beasts. He still had no idea how old the woman was. All he knew was that she didnte from Cydaria.


    Can Lyra stun the wyvern for just a second? Derek asked. Even with his currently upgraded stats, he still doubted he would be able to perfectly go in for an attack with Void Shift. However, with Lyras help, that problem could be solved.


    Avery and Lyra traded gazes before nodding to each other. She should be able to daze it for a few seconds, but she wont be able to control it like she could all the other ones.


    That should be more than enough, Derek said. Im ready whenever you are.


    With that, Avery jumped on the back of Lyra and, with a p of the winged serpents wings, nearly vanished from his sight. <em>Dammit, theyre fast. </em>He had to shift into the void to regain his ground.


    Soon, they were all in the sky with the flying monsters, and Lyra stopped. Avery surveyed the surrounding area with his bow while Lyra red at the earth-based wyvern. The man was like a swivel. Nothing would be able to approach the duo while Lyra was focusing on her skill.


    Once Derek came out of Void Shift, he kept his eyes focused on Lyra, waiting for her attack. When it came, and he saw itnded on the earth wyvern, he made his move.


    He shifted and moved to the wyvern. This time, when he got in front of the dragons head, he was able to breathe out a sigh of relief when it didnt react to his presence. He canceled his shift and directed his void into his fist before bringing it down with Multi-Strike, along with his newly broken through strength, dexterity, and intelligence, onto the beasts temple.


    The attack had at least the same effect as his previous attacks with his now broken halberd, as the already vacant eyes of the beast zed over when his fist connected. With Derek holding on tight to the wyvern, they plummeted to the ground like a meteor. <em>Dammit! I should have been the one to get the dragon riding skill. Ive ridden them just as long as the others, and I did it without them being tamed.</em>


    Derek took a moment to nce to his left and see Avery and Lyra keeping pace with him, Avery with a wide grin stered on his face. Soon, they hit the ground with a crash, and Lyra and Avery were on top of them.


    This was as far as Derek had thought about the n. He had no clue how they were going to get a limp dragon the size of the wyvern to his Time Prison while keeping it stunned. He would have to stay on it and keep pounding away with his void covered fists just to keep it dazed.


    He soon found his answer as the end of Lyras tail wrapped around the wyverns leg, tipping it over to the side and allowing Derek an even better perch close to its temple. Then the amphithere began the arduous task of dragging the wyvern away.


    <em>So a tow truck </em>Derek thought, and let another fist fly into the wyverns skull. The ride was bumpy, but it didnt take too long. Lyra wasnt as fast on the ground as she was in the air, especially with a massive wyvern in tow, but she was still pretty quick.


    Finally, they arrived at his Time Prison and got the wyvern squared away. Derek shrunk the cell as much as he could and allowed the remaining cell to widen as much as possible.


    One left, Derek said. Lets get the one that looks like it has the best magic abilities. It was time to get Brandis beast.


    Hop on, Avery said, as he nodded.


    Surprised at the offer, Derek jumped onto Lyras back and the trio flew back over to the battle. It was exhrating, and he was even more jealous of Edgar and Avery and everyone else who was about to get a flying dragon mount.


    The next wyvern fell the same as the previous. It was ice based with a beautiful blue color. With Brandis ss, it shouldnt evolve into her element. <em>What would that be, anyway? Crafting? Is crafting an element? </em>


    Finally, forty-five minutes into the battle, Derek closed the Time Prison and canceled the skill. They had fifteen minutes left to mop up. They could allow the remaining wyverns to escape and see what came next, but they were pretty much finished with everything. They were all pretty much tapped out on room for materials.


    Three wyverns worth of materials were already going to allow for a ton of equipment made. But really, they all wanted to finish the trial and see what rewards they would get. There was always the possibility of getting better rewards forpleting it faster, though that was never specifically said.


    Derek and Avery branched out and began the cleanup. Derek also gave Edgar and Blitz the go ahead via telepathy. Edgar and Blitz went after one wyvern while Avery and Lyra took on the other. Derek thinned out the remaining smaller beasts with his newfound stats.


    The fighting onlysted ten minutes before Avery felled thest wyvern. There were still a few drakes and other lesser dragonkin left, but when the light in the final wyverns eyes went out, a dungeon orb, or rather, a trial orb, popped up close to them.


    The remaining lesser dragonkin all retreated, all except for the one Jasper was contending against. It tried to leave, but that had given Jasper an opportunity to cripple the drakes leg with a st of light. Then the healer was on top of its injury.


    Avery, Derek, Edgar, and Tara all looked at each other and shrugged. They promised him apanion if one was avable, and one was. They would wait until the fight was over.


    Jaspers usual pristine white robe was currently dyed a crimson red, as he had been able to fight the beast without taking much damage like Avery had, and he was nowhere as fast as Edgar was to be able to dodge all the attacks.


    In fact, this was the first time Derek had looked at their battle, and it had apparently been pretty even, maybe even being in the drakes favor, until it tried to flee, leaving itself open for a critical attack.


    Have you been watching that fight? Derek asked Edgar.


    Ive kept an eye on it. Wasnt about to lose our best healer. Thats why I kept the battle rtively close to theirs. I wouldnt have been able to keep him alive from any critical attacks, but anything else, and I would have been able to get there in time I think. Its what he wanted, Edgar exined. Plus, Tara stayed pretty close to him the whole time, within cast range. She could have done something to help if it was needed.


    That was reassuring. The risk of death had still been there for the healer, but it was limited by Edgar and Taras actions. Edgar really was a good leader, at least for a dungeon group. Now, the fight was a battle of will between the healer and the beast.


    The battle raged on for two whole hours before Jasper made a contract with the beast. The healer definitely had some stamina and strong willpower. He also got a small amount of help from Avery when his second beast contract failed and he had no more. The archer came in with the assist by tossing him one of his extra beast contract scrolls.


    Jasper opted to wait to evolve the drake until they were back in the main dungeon. He didnt want the rest of the group to wait even longer for him after they waited so long already. After that, they all went around and gathered as much of the remaining monster material that would fit inside Dereks Time Prison lobby, then set the time in the prison to move as slowly as possible to keep the materials as fresh as possible.


    Of course, the wyvern materials went in the groups storage containers where it would all stay fresh as long as it was inside.


    Finally, it was all over. Edgar stepped forward and touched the glowing orb. It was time to collect their rewards.

 Chapter 279: Hindsight

    Chapter 279: Hindsight


    Derek awaited the notification he knew he was about to receive with much anticipation. This was actually the first time he wasnt the person to initiate thepletion of a dungeon well, a trial dungeon, but a dungeon nheless. So, he wasnt sure about the prompts he would be getting from just being a member, and he had never questioned Thomas or any of the rest of his group that he speed ran through dungeons.


    Still, he didnt have to wait long to find out, as a notification simr to one he had seen so many times before shed in front of his eyes.


    Trial Complete


    Assigning Rewards


    Congrattions, you have received Skill Scroll: Dragon Fire


    Instantly, a scroll appeared in his hand, and he examined it.


    Skill Scroll: Dragon Fire


    Upon activation, the user will learn the magical skill, Dragon Fire. As this is a skill from a scroll, no skill points are required and it will not be forgotten upon ss change.


    He looked around to see that everyone else was holding a scroll simr to his, though he didnt know what skills they had received. To bepletely honest, he was let down by the reward.


    He was sure that a skill based on a legendary dragon would be amazing, and something almost anyone else would jump for joy at receiving, but to him, he just didnt have any interest in learning a fire-based skill.


    Speaking of people jumping for joy at receiving a skill. Everyone else was giddy as they looked over the scrolls they received.


    Did you all get dragon rted skill scrolls? Derek asked, causing everyone to shift their attention away from their rewards. Everyone looked at each other before nodding.


    <em>If all the skills are different, what if we took them all and gave them to one low-level person? Would they unlock some legendary ss as their first ss? What kind of monster could we create? </em>Those thoughts were the first things that went through Dereks mind after he got over his disappointment with his personal reward.


    So, he decided to voice his idea. Hey, if webine the scrolls and giv- He stopped all the sudden as Averys scroll unfurled and then crumbled right in front of their eyes. The man had barely waited a few seconds before learning his new skill.


    Derek was still looking at him with his mouth open.


    What? Avery asked. There is no chance in hell that Im giving this away. With that, a grayish-silver pair of dragon wings sprouted from the archers back, and with one thrust, he was hovering off the ground. A flight skill that takes stamina, Avery said. I love the Great System!


    The one thing Derek had heard Averyin about over and over while he had known him was his ability to fly or battle in the air, or in Averys case, hisck of that ability. It seemed the system had taken notice of that and had not only allowed him to contract with a deadly flying beast, but had also given him the only skill he really wanted as a reward.


    Derek felt cheated yet again. First, he didnt get nearly as many skills as others did when he upgraded his ss. Sure, his skills were powerful, but hed seen others with extremely powerful skills as well. Then there were the rewards he received frompleting dungeons. They always seemed to be disappointing and not something he ever really wanted. Sure, Cure Toxin was nice to have and may have even saved him once, but it really didnt add anything to his build.


    Honestly, he was starting to think that the <em>Great System </em>had a problem with either him or the element he was proficient in. Surely the system could have given him more than two skills at an upgrade, or at least a good skill reward from the trial.


    Hell, he would have loved those wings. He already had Void Step, but they drew on his mana pool, while the skill Avery had just received took stamina. And Derek had a ton of stamina. It also looked like the wings were going to be much faster than his own Void Steps.


    Without letting any of this thought leave his mouth, he moved on to the other three. Maybe they would be more approachable to his idea. But before he even spoke again, the scrolls in all three peoples hands unraveled and disintegrated in front of his eyes. He was stunned.


    Edgar looked at Derek with a small amount of guilt in his eyes. It was a good n, the prince said.


    I didnt even get to tell you my n, Derek replied.


    You wanted to give the skill scrolls to someone without a ss and see what kind of ss they would receive, right? Edgar asked.


    Derek sighed and nodded. Thats what I was thinking. Could have made for a very powerful ally. Especially for your family, Derek said. And it would have been a fun experiment to do. Yeah, that was his real thought. He wanted to experiment more with the ss system from the Great System. The more he learned about it, the better.


    I had the same thought too, initially, Edgar replied. But, like Avery said, the skill I received was too good to pass up. Im sure its the same for everybody. The prince looked around and both Tara and Jasper nodded excitably.


    Yes, Derek was being selfish. If he would have gotten a skill he actually wanted, he would have done the same as the others. He may have even learned the skill faster than Avery had. Especially with how starved for skills he was.


    So, are you going to show me what you got? Derek asked. He was over it. The system didnt like him and his cheat ss and stats. There was nothing he could do about it.


    Edgar smiled, then scales began forming on his body, covering him from head to toe. Dragon Scale Armor, he exined. Increases my physical defense by loads.


    <em>Another skill I would have killed for, </em>Derek thought. More defense on top of his already massive defense would have made him even more indestructible. He turned his head toward Tara with a questioning look, and she hesitated. Its fine, he said. If you dont want to tell us your skill, you dont have to. Nobodys going to think anything of it.


    After a short time, the elven woman shrugged and the same thing that happened to Edgar happened to her. Only, instead of scales covering her body, it was a leather-like skin, almost reptilian.


    Dragon Skin, she said. Defense against both magic and physical attacks. Though I suspect the princes skill will have a much higher defense against physical attacks than mine does.


    Everyone nodded. Support sses were known for being squishy. Tara probably had more defense against magic than she did physical attacks, but the skill she got would still serve her fine. It was also another skill that would have been perfect for Dereks ss.


    Finally, they all looked at Jasper.


    I didnt get anything as shy as all of you, the healer said. I got Dragons Regeneration. Passively increases my health, stamina, and mana regeneration.


    <em>Dammit! Another skill great skill. </em>His group was four for four on skills he would have loved to have received. <em>Maybe I got this skill because I need more offense? Better attacks? </em>He thought, but soon tossed that idea away. It would have been great if his void element could havebined with the skill, but he had already tested that with Chain Lightning.


    Plus, he still had a massive amount of stat points to obtain before he hit max level, and by his calctions, he was going to have stat points left over by the time he was maxed out. Hisck of offense was a problem that would be solved very soon, and easily.


    What did you get? Edgar asked. Why havent you used the scroll?


    Dragon Fire Derek muttered.


    And you dont want it? Edgar asked. From experience, I know that dragon mes arent anything to scoff at. He patted Blitz, who was standing patiently beside them all. The wyvern had been a fire type wyvern before they bonded.


    Just isnt the sort of skill I would usually use, Derek said. He also preferred close ranged physical attacks. And it looked like Dragon Fire was more of a mid to long ranged magical attack.


    So, what are you going to do with it? Edgar asked with a glint of greed in his eyes.


    Im sure I can think of something. Didnt you already get enough out of this? Derek said.


    Says the person with a stable full of dragonkin squirreled away. Edgar rolled his eyes and everyone chuckled.


    True, but you all profit from that as well. Derek smiled. But there are still five trials and whatever that big one at the end is, so theres still a chance for a good reward. Im hopeful.


    Damn right! Avery sounded out as he whooshed down andnded in the middle of the group. No point inining. We still have an entire Trial Raid Dungeon full of rewards to plunder. This is the best vacation ever!


    Derek couldnt help but break down and beginughing along with everyone else as he saw the crazy look in Averys eyes. The man had gotten a good fight, a goodpanion, and a good reward, and he wanted more. Who could me him? Someone of his nature shouldnt be cooped up doing business all day long. He needed to let loose.


    Well is there anything else we need to do here? Derek asked.


    I dont think so, Edgar looked around and nobody spoke up. We have two hours to leave the trial.


    Derek nodded. In that case. He pulled out five of Silvis prepared meals from his storage bracelet and handed them around. Might as well fuel up before heading out.


    Everyone was thankful for the food, and they all sat down to eat while talking about the trial. Avery recounted what it was like to fly with his new skill, and the way he described soaring and gliding among the clouds with child-like enthusiasm was something to behold.


    Edgar agreed with everything Avery said and told them all about how he flew away from the capital and stayed away for almost two months testing his flying skill once he got it. Flying in the sky just seemed more magic to Derek than skipping along in the air. Which was basically what he did with his Void Step.


    Before long, they finished their meals, and it was time to go. They all stood, and Edgar reached out and ced his hand on the trial orb. They were then epassed by a blinding sh, and when Derek opened his eyes once again, they were standing around the trial orbs in the dungeon.


    They were standing around the trial orbs, and everyone else was running around, yelling and preparing for battle. Derek got in a fighting stance and looked for an enemy, then he heard someone scream something about a dragon. Finally, he put two and two together and looked over at Edgar, who had a slightly embarrassed look on his face.


    Maybe we should have thought about how to introduce our newpanions before we came back? Edgar muttered.


    Hindsight, Derek said.

 Chapter 280: To Bribe a Smith

    Chapter 280: To Bribe a Smith


    Settling the people down turned out to be quite easy. Seemingly working together, Blitz let out an earth shattering roar, and a transparent wave pulsed out from Lyra. The roar caused all the party members to center their gazes on Blitz, while the pulse of magic used by Lyra momentarily silenced the area.


    From there, both Avery and Edgar appeared on the top of their dragons, which a few people began to notice. Once a few people noticed the two, it didnt take long for everyone else to see them as well. Everyone stood stock-still, looking at what they finally figured out was the trial team back from their mission.


    As you can see, Edgar started. We have finished the trial.


    That seemed to be an understatement, as it set off another round of moring from most of the party members. Derek rolled his eyes and looked out through the small crowd of people, searching for someone in particr. Soon, his eyes found Tyron, who was hammering away on something a good distance away from the trial orbs.


    It didnt seem like the smith was affected by the appearance of the wyverns. Or, at least, if he was, he quickly figured out what was going on and got back to his smithing.


    Derek tuned Edgars exnations to the party out and walked away from the small gathering toward Tyron. Hed let the prince deal with everything. For now, he had some urgent matters to attend to. All of which included the smith.


    Derek soon arrived at the area the smith had made his temporary workce in. Just as he respected Brandis smithing when she was working, he waited for Tyron to finish what he was doing and look up questioningly.


    If you dont mind, Id like you to follow me away from everyone and everything. I think I have some things that may interest you, Derek said.


    Dragon materials? Tryon asked and nodded in the direction of Lyra, Blitz, and Jaspers drake that had yet to be formally named.


    Something like that, Derek confirmed.


    Im definitely interested, Tyron said, flipping his hand, and the de he was working on disappeared into his storage.


    If you dont mind, you may want to bring your temporary workstation with you, Derek suggested.


    Tyron shrugged and stored everything inside one of his rings. He didnt show much emotion on his face, even with the allure of material acquired from dragonkin. It all fit his stoic character, Derek noted. Even with his spar against Avery, the smith had remained mostly calm and was evenposed in admitting his defeat. Though he hadnt been able to keep himself from quipping back at Avery that he was only a cksmith.


    It wasnt long before Derek and the smith were far away from their camp. Derek even chose to go further away from everyone than they had for the spars. Tyron was the only person he had decided to let in on everything that had happened during the second trial.


    Derek surveyed the surrounding area before deciding it was good enough, and the two stopped running.


    Okay, Derek said. First, I want to know what you can do with this. I have a few requests if you are able. With a flick of his wrist, the corpse of the death-attuned wyvern crashed onto the ground in front of them.


    When they were splitting the four corpses of the wyverns Derek had chosen the death-attuned one as his. Derek, Edgar, and Avery each received a whole wyvern corps, and the fourth was split between Jasper and Tara, even though they tried to turn it down. Derek, Edgar, and Avery had chosen to keep the overwhelming majority of the lesser dragonkin materials.


    For Edgar, the material would go toward the kingdoms army and equipment. Derek wanted it for both Silvi and Brandi. Brandi would be better off with quantity of material over quality for now, and Silvi would most definitely enjoy cooking dragons for a long time. Avery seemed to just go along with everything, but Derek was sure he would be seeing dragon steaks on the menu at the Crown Restaurant in the near future.


    Derek watched Tyron as he examined the wyvern. He was still serious and all business, but Derek could tell it was taking everything he had to contain himself. Finally, Tyron backed away, and Derek quickly stored the wyverns corpse. He needed to keep it as fresh as possible.


    How long would it take you to dismantle the corpse? Derek asked.


    The giant of a smith rubbed his chin in thought. Its the first wyvern Ive seen, so it will take longer than the second will, the smith said. Id say around five or six hours. Two or three after getting some experience.


    Derek thought about what he said for a minute, then nodded. Do you have any empty storage rings on you right now?


    Tyron reached inside one of his pockets and pulled out a surprisinglyrge pouch. Then he opened it and reached in, pulling out a handful of storage rings. I wouldnt be much of a cksmith if I didnt have a suitable amount of space to store materials. I brought even extra for the raid.


    <em>Well, that exins the rarity of storage rings and why they are so hard to find on the market. I bet this man owns arge percentage of storage items in the kingdom. I wonder if he has the ability to craft them, </em>Derek thought.


    Can you tell if anyone followed us out here? Derek asked. He hadnt sensed anyone, but that wasnt his area of expertise, so he couldnt know for sure, so he asked the smith.


    I doubt I could sense anyone you couldnt, the smith replied truthfully.


    Derek sighed, then pulled out a red crystal from his storage. The crystal had Averys rune imprinted on it. He decided that the crystal would be better to use instead of telepathy right now and wasnt sure it would even reach Avery if he tried. Soon, Avery picked up on the other end, and Derek vaguely exined what was going on.


    In less than a minute, Lyra hovered above both Derek and Tyron, which was surprising because Derek hadnt even said where they were. Avery was obviously showing off a bit to the smith.


    Hop on! Avery yelled from above.


    Derek moved quickly, and Tyron soon followed after a bit of hesitation. The trio soon found themselves soaring through the clouds at a speed Derek hadnt thought possible for a human or beast. They flew in a straight line for over ten minutes at that speed before they came to a gleaming barrier in the distance.


    Looks like this is as far as the dungeon goes, Avery said from a standing position as the amphithere slowed down before it crashed into the barrier. The man hadnt bothered to hold on or even sit on Lyra while going at such a pace while Derek was gripping a scale with one of his hands and a pale Tyron was holding on for dear life.


    Derek smile at seeing the way Tyron reacted to being flown around on the back of a dragon. It was nice to see something finally break the man, even if it was only for a moment.


    With a small p of her wings, Lyra floated down to the ground. Tyron was the first person to hit the ground. He looked quite thankful to be back on solid ground. What was more clich than a massive man with an affinity for fire and metal/earth to hate heights, even with as illogical as that fear was with their stats.


    Avery and Derek hopped off right behind the smith. Derek did a quick scan of his surroundings and nodded.


    I doubt we have to worry about anyone this far out, he said.


    It would take quite a bit of tracking to find us, Avery replied. We didnt exactly fly in a straight line.


    We didnt? That was a surprise to Derek. It felt to him like they had just picked a single direction and went that way. Though he wasnt really paying that much attention to it. Even though he didnt struggle like Tyron had, he did spend a good amount of focus on not falling off.


    Avery just shrugged.


    You dont have to stay here if you have something else to do, Derek said.


    Nothings going on for a while. The princeling is busy staving off questions, then hell need to figure out the next trial. Hell let us know if he needs us, Avery replied.


    Uhem Tyron cleared his throat. The color had returned to his face, and Derek was sure if he was imagining it, but it seemed like there was a bit of extra heating off the man. So, other than the materials, which you didnt have a problem showing me back when we were closer to the camp, what else is there? Why did we fly on that thing so far out here?


    Derek smiled and turned around. He reached into the void and pulled until a huge rip appeared in the air, showing the massive door to his Time Prison. First, I would like some help to store some of the materials so they wont spoil.


    He opened the door and a strong iron smell wafted over the trio and Lyra. The amount of blood and bodies inside his Time Prison was staggering. We ran out of storage containers.


    I can see that, Tyron said with a crooked smile. Give me a few minutes. With that, the smith stepped inside and began filling up his storage rings with carcasses of dragonkin. It took him fifteen minutes to clear out the entire lobby, and that was with him only having to touch a corpse to send it into the ring.


    Tyron came out of the Time Prison with over a dozen newly full storage rings. What about the cells? Are there more materials inside?


    Derek looked at Avery, and they smiled at each other. Well get to thatter, Derek answered. First, what do you think about dismantling all the materials and splitting everything up into corresponding storage rings?


    Tyron narrowed his eyes and shot a look at Derek. You want me, one of, if not the best cksmith in the kingdom, maybe even the continent, to spend who knows how much time dismantling hundreds of enormous beasts in a dungeon with trials that award rewards like this?


    Yes? Derek grinned.


    You know thats grunt work.


    I n on helping, Derek said. I need to get my Dismantle skill leveled.


    What do I get out of it? Tyron questioned.


    Materials?


    I think Im already going to be getting plenty of materials when all of you ask me to craft you weapons and armor. I may not even need that many materials, you know? And money is no issue for me. Tyron gave Derek a toothy grin.


    Nothing gets by you, huh? Derek smiled back. What did you think about Lyra? He looked at the amphithere coiled up at the side, seemingly sleeping.


    Cant say Im a fan, the smith replied.


    One second, Derek said, and went inside his prison. He walked over to a specific cell and ced his hand on it, increasing the speed at which the timer counted down, then walked back out.


    So thats why Avery muttered and nodded.


    So, what would you think about a flightless dragonkin? How would you like to bond with one? Maybe one that can easily traverse through the ground?

 Chapter 281: Agreement

    Chapter 281: Agreement


    It didnt take long for Tyron to put two and two together. So, those cells inside


    Derek nodded. upied by dragonkin. And theres a wyrm with your name on it if you want it. You just have to agree to Dismantle the corpses youve collected. Make me a ive and armor set out of the death attuned wyvern. And maybe make a few swords and a spear. Then, give me all the meat, and you can keep the remaining materials. Plus, you get a dragon.


    A wyrm not a dragon, the smith said.


    Technically a dragon. Its part of the dragon species, at least from what I know. But it is a wyrm yes, Derek replied.


    No flight?


    Not the wyrms we fought. Im sure some are able to, but not the one we caught for you.


    After a few more moments of consideration, Tyron held out his mammoth-like hand, and Derek took it. Youve got a deal, the smith said as they shook.


    Great! Derek said. Are you good to work here? What about the trials? Derek asked Tyron. If the smith began everything right now, he would surely miss out on a trial or two that was perfectly suitable for him.


    Im good here, Tyron said. Give me yourmunication rune.


    Derek took out hismunication crystal, and he and the smith traded runes. He would now be able to connect with the best smith in the kingdom whenever he wanted. He felt a bit special.


    Just let me know what each trial is. If its good for me, Ill go back and do it. Of course, Ill leave all the materials and creations Ive been working on with those materials with you on the off chance I dont make it back.


    That was a pretty reasonable request. One that Derek was very happy with. Perfect! Might as well start now. With themunication crystal still in hand, Derek pushed his mana through and tried to connect to the prince.


    After a few seconds, it connected. <em>What?</em> the princes annoyed voice came through inside Dereks head.


    <em>Having a hard time? </em>Derek asked.


    <em>Oh, you know. Everyone is pissed that they were left out of thest trial even though there were only five spots. And even though I believe the majority of them would have perished without Avery, you, and me and possibly Tyron, Cain, and Vanessa. I doubt anybody else would have had even the slightest chance at taming a dragon, either.</em>


    <em>Sounds like a problem, </em>Derek said.


    <em>Well, it doesnt look like the four of us, not including Tara because she didnt get a dragon, will be running a trial any time soon Compromises and such, </em>the prince said.


    <em>Seems like a great idea, </em>Derek snorted. <em>Sideline your strongest people and the best healer you have because youre jealous. Sounds like a good way to get dead.</em>


    <em>Yeah with most teams, at least. I think they will be fine, though. Ill still split the teams up, just dont expect any of us to be on them. Cain and Vanessa should be able to lead everyone well enough. Especially Cain. Hes very levelheaded. Didnt seem to care that we got dragons, either. </em>Edgar exined.


    <em>Sounds like qualities needed in the Guild Master of the biggest Adventurers Guild in the kingdom, </em>Derek said.


    <em>Yeah Anyway, did you need something? Im still pretty busy here. I may have to divvy up some of the lesser dragon materials I got. </em>The princes voice was tinged with bitterness. <em>Fucking children. </em>


    Derek snorted on the outside, then exined why he was contacting the prince. <em>Just wanted to check on what the next trial was. </em>


    <em>Its a rare difficulty puzzle-type trial with seven spots, </em>Edgar answered.


    Derek winced. He would be the first person to volunteer to sit out a puzzle-based trial. He had a ton of intelligence and wisdom, but those didnt seem to actually have much of an effect on his IQ. Sure, he could remember things a bit easier, and everything seemed clearer, but he was just as good at math right now as he was before. That is to say he was perfectly adequate sometimes.


    <em>Well. I, for one, am not going to be angry about getting left out of such a trial.</em>


    <em>Same, </em>Edgar agreed. <em>So, what are the three of you doing, anyway? You and Tyron just left, then Avery disappeared not long after. I figure youre together. </em>


    <em>We are. </em>Derek went on to exin his ns and everything to Edgar.


    <em>Im not sure about giving Tyron the wyrm right now. It wont be hard to connect the dots if he shows up with a dragon-typepanion after disappearing with you, </em>Edgar warned.


    <em>That has nothing to do with me, </em>Derek chuckled. <em>Its not like Im the leader of this raid or anything.</em>


    <em>Derek please dont. </em>Edgar was almost begging.


    <em>I figure he can keep the wyrm out here, since hell be spending most of his time in this dungeon making me armor and weapons as far away from everyone else as possible. If needed, we can store the wyrm back in my Time Prison or it can hide underground. Its cell will still be open inside. Besides, if I were a betting man, I would think that Avery was going to stay out here with Lyra, too. And hell know if anyone gets close. Especially after finding out hes banned from the trials. I dont think hell take that well, by the way.</em>


    <em>Okay just do your best to keep it out of sight. It may be best to keep it in your prison once Tyron contracts it. As for Avery he may end up in another trial. Im sure hell be able to persuade the others to let him join if one pops up that he wants in. </em>


    <em>Alright, well Ill let you get back to princing. Have fun, </em>Derek joked as he cut the connection off between them, then turned back to Tyron, who was already dismantling a drake corpse. The newest trial is a puzzle-type at the rare difficulty. Seven person limit.


    While running a de through the underside of the beasts corpse, Tyron stopped and raised one of his hands and waved Derek off. Im good, then. Puzzles are fun, but puzzles with multiple people are a pain in the ass.


    <em>Huh I didnt think he would be one for puzzles, </em>Derek thought. But the smith was right. Multiple people trying to solve a puzzle was incredibly frustrating. Especially when multiple people thought they knew how to do it, but each one had a different solution.


    Im out, too, Avery said from the side.


    Yes yes, you are. Derek smiled, getting a questioning look from Avery. Even Tyron turned around, wondering what he meant. He then exined everything hed just learned from Edgar.


    Avery spat on the ground. Ill let them do what they want with rare difficulty or below trials, or nonbat ones. But Id like to see them try to keep me out of another legendary trial. That was just too much fun to pass up.


    Thats what I was thinking, Derek said.


    Avery grunted. Though, if we let them do a legendary trial alone. I suspect we would be able to go do it after they get themselves killed. Or the few whoe back alive would at least be much more weing to us.


    <em>Note to self: Do not keep Avery away from a fight he wants to be in. </em>Derekughed and nodded. Well lets hope it doesnte to that. These are some of the kingdoms strongest adventurers.


    Avery shrugged. Edgars fine good guy. Edward is okay, and nah has history with the old king. Other than that, Im only beholding to nah, not the kingdom.


    Derek thought about that statement. Not only was it true for Avery, it was actually true for himself, as well. Though, he would still rather not see these people die over something as petty as a little greed. Avery was right, though. Them going in a legendary trial would make for a quick attitude adjustment. He only hoped they would live through it if that happened.


    But Derek only had his small group that he cared about and would actually do whatever he could to help them. Anyone else, he would help in passing if he could, but he wouldnt go out of his way. So, even though he would rather they not go in and die, he wouldnt try to stop them.


    Derek looked at Tyron and Avery. He would definitely count the battle maniac as someone he enjoyed being around. The man reminded him a bit of Jace, but much less psychotic. Avery was like if Jace had empathy. Definitely a good person to have on your side.


    As for Tyron, he seemed okay. The man was kind enough, even if he seemed more introverted than most. His number one priority was crafting, and Derek could respect that.


    For about an hour, Derek sat and watched Tyron work, and Avery enjoy ying with Lyra. The amphithere was majestic and noble, but Avery had a way to get her to y around like a pet in mock battle.


    An idea struck Derek after watching them for a bit, and he pulled out a scroll. It was a Telepathy scroll. Hey, Avery! Catch, he yelled and tossed the scroll to the archer.


    Avery caught the scroll and looked at it, then frowned. What do you want me to do with this? he asked.


    Derek furrowed his brows. I was thinking Lyra could learn it. That way, she would be able tomunicate with everyone.


    Avery looked at Lyra, then back at Derek, then back again before bursting out inughed. Derek stared at him in confusion. It even seemed like the winged serpent wasughing.


    Avery took the scroll and tossed it back to Derek. Thanks for the gesture.


    Derek caught the scroll and looked at Lyra and Avery with a frown before shrugging and putting the scroll away.


    <em>It was a nice gesture, </em>a haughty feminine voice resounded in his head. <em>But as you can see. I do not need it. Thank you, though. </em>


    Derek stared at the amphithere with his mouth open. Of course she already had Telepathy. She was a dragonkin with mental powers. It would be odd if she didnt have Telepathy. <em>What about Blitz? Does he have Telepathy? </em>Hed have to check on the lightning wyvern the next time he saw him.


    Speaking of the lightning wyvern. Not two hourster, its colossus shadow loomed overhead, and soon, the beast and Edgarnded.


    Theyve begun the next trial, Edgar said as he moved closer.


    Derek nodded at the prince and looked at Blitz. Hey, does Blitz have Telepathy? he asked.


    No, he doesnt, Edgar answered.


    Here! Derek pulled the scroll back out of his bracelet and tossed it to Edgar. This way he canmunicate with everyone. It will make things much easier.


    Edgar caught the scroll and looked it over. Hesitantly, he said, I think its best we dont.

 Chapter 282: Rocky

    Chapter 282: Rocky


    What? Why? Derek asked Edgar. Why would the man not want Blitz to be able tomunicate with anyone? It seemed like a waste. It was much better when he made Silvi thatmunication ne that let her speak out loud. If nothing else, it would make others feel morefortable around an intelligent beast.


    Blitz well Blitz is a bit different, Edgar exined.


    Different how?


    Edgar hesitated again and looked at Blitz before sighing. Hes not necessarily the smartest beast around. Blitz let out a snort, causing the prince to roll his eyes.


    So? Whats the problem? You shouldnt keep him from being able tomunicate because of that, Derek said.


    Like hes really really not smart.


    Thats fine. We can live with that. Just think of all the politicians and nobles out there. It wont make much of a difference, Derek said with a smile.


    Fine Edgar caved and held out the scroll in front of Blitz for him to use. Blitz stared at it for almost a minute before it finally disappeared.


    Once Derek was sure that the wyvern had learned the skill properly, he tried speaking to him telepathically. <em>Heya, Blitz. How are you doing?</em>


    Out of nowhere, the wyverns wings expanded and pped forward, pushing the massive beast back, away from them all. Then the beast began looking around, ready for a fight. <em>Who was that? Where are you? Youre not Eddie. </em>A deep voice sounded in Dereks head.


    Derek stared dumbly at the beast as Tyron scowled and picked up a few material pieces that were blown away by the sharp gust from Blitzs wings. Edgar facepalmed and Avery smiled and petted Lyra on the side.


    What did you say to him? Edgar asked.


    I asked him how he was doing Derek said. Then he got confused and couldnt figure out who was talking to him because it didnt sound like you.


    Edgar sighed. Do you know why I flew around so long on Blitz while we were in the trial dungeon?


    Because it was fun?


    It was but I figured out pretty quickly that Blitz was special. And I spent most of that time drilling into him that he just needed to listen to me and everything would be great. Now, other people with Telepathy will be able tomunicate with him, which is going to cause a whole slew of new problems.


    Then why did you let him have the skill? Derek asked.


    Because you were right. I shouldnt keep him from being able to socialize just because it will be easier on me. What kind of prince or leader would that make me? Were just going to have to do some extra training, is all. Edgar looked at Blitz with kind eyes. Theres nothing wrong with that.


    Edgar and Blitz stared at each other for a bit, the Edgar turned back to Derek. Try talking to him again.


    Derek nodded. <em>Hey Blitz, Im Derek. Eddies friend.</em>


    The wyvern eyed Derek suspiciously, then, his deep masculine voice rumbled in Dereks head once again. <em>Why did you try to scare Blitz like that? I almost hurt the little man, Derek.</em>


    Dereks eyelid twitched, but he pushed on. <em>I didnt mean to scare you. Im sorry. I just wanted to talk with you and see how you were doing is all. Are you enjoying being with Eddie? </em>


    <em>Eddie is great! So smart. I can fight so good with him helping. </em>


    <em>Thats good. He is a smart person. Its good to listen to him. Im sure youll have a ton of fun on a bunch more adventures, </em>Derek told the beast.


    <em>Me too! </em>


    Derek looked back over at Edgar. Hell be just fine. Hes a good boy. Honestly, Blitz reminded Derek of a big puppy. He even thought about ripping one of the giant trees out of the ground and ying fetch with the beast. He liked Blitz even more after talking with him. It was always easier to get along with good-natured people who werent exactly smarter than others.


    After talking a bit and making a new friend in Blitz, Derek gotfortable and waited the wyrms prison sentence out while watching Tyron dismantle all the parts and begin building a more permanent forging and crafting area. Soon enough, sixteen more hours passed, and Derek received the notification that the sentence was almost up.


    Are you ready? Derek asked Tyron after getting his attention.


    Tyron nodded.


    Alright, lets move a bit away from your crafting area so you dont identally destroy anything vital, Derek suggested, and they all moved. Edgar hopped on Blitzs back and Avery jumped on Lyras. They would easily contain the wyrm if it got away from Tyron, then Derek would toss it in the Time Prisons lobby if he needed to.


    While moving around, Derek got the notification that the wyrm had been released. Which meant it would be in the lobby once he opened the Time Prison instead of its cell. Finally, they made it to an area that they all deemed far enough away from both camps and got ready. Edgar was kind enough to give the smith an extra contract scroll if he needed it, but the man already had one, which would hopefully be enough.


    Derek tore the space open to reveal the door to his prison. Im going to need you to stand directly in front of the door, so it goes after you when ites out. As soon as I open the door, Im going to take to the sky so I dont get in the way. These things are pretty aggressive, so be careful.


    Tyron nodded, prepared for the battle. The dark metallic aura began to flow over the giant of a man and formed into a tangible armor around him. He also didnt hesitate to channel his heat into his aura to create a growing orange glow.


    When Derek assessed him and figured he was ready, he ced his hand on the door to his Time Prison and opened the door. As soon as he slung the door open, he kicked off the ground and into the sky. Then he looked down and watched.


    Within seconds of the door being opened, an enormous wyrm covered in a green moss came crashing out the door. Without waiting, Tyron took a step forward with both arms out and grabbed at the giant maw of the beast. The wyrm wasnt ready, as it hadnt even noticed Tyron standing in front of it before it was toote.


    With both hands digging into the face of the beast, and using its momentum against it, Tyron shifted his weight and lifted. Derek watched in awe as the massive beast was lifted off the ground, whipped over the smiths head, and mmed back into the ground behind him.


    <em>Of course, it was going to be like this, </em>Derek thought. When Avery fought against the lesser dragonkin, it was like an adult fighting against a child. Of course, it was going to be the same with Tyron. He was a man who went toe to toe with Avery and barely lost. And it hadnt been an all out fight, either.


    The wyrm crashing into the ground caused an immense rumbling to resonate through the area. Luckily, there was already precedent for such a noise, as Edgar had been flying Blitz around after the wyvern learned Telepathy and introducing him to the others. The wyvern had crashed to the ground more than once throughout the day.


    Once the wyrm was on the ground and stunned, Tyron brought out his hammer. In a moment, the hammer grow to a gigantic size and an anvil appeared behind the smith. With a swing of the hammer, itnded on the belly of the wyrm.


    A viscous yellow liquid flowed freely from the maw of the beast after the collision and walloping it took. Tyron kept his erged hammer pushing into the beast with one hand, then pushed out with his other. In seconds, the ground around the wyrm was covered in a moltenva, which caused a gut-wrenching howl to emit from the beast.


    Stopping there, he retracted theva and pulled out a scroll. Still holding the beast down with his hammer, he took the scroll and held it in front of the wyrms face. The man didnt even speak a word. As soon as the beast saw the scroll, it disintegrated and part of it flowed into Tyron, with the other part flowing into the wyrm.


    The eptance was instant. Derek didnt think that such a thing was even possible. Lyra probably took much longer than that to form a contract with Avery, and Blitz definitely had. Hell, even Silvi took longer to form a contract with Derek, but then again, Silvi was a sneaky little bunny.


    The fight onlysted a matter of seconds. Derek doubted a minute even passed from when he opened the Time Prison door and when the wyrm epted the contract. Derek hopped down from his perch on a void ripple andnded in front of the door, which he quickly closed and pulled the tear in space back together.


    Well, that looked easy, Derek said.


    Tyron put his hammer away and released his aura. The ground around was deste and burned, but thats all that remained of the fight. Well, the wyrm look like it had been hit by a truck.


    The smith shrugged. Its about what I expected. I have a rough estimate of the princes strength, and he subdued Blitz. If anything, I think it was an overkill.


    Well, it worked. Overkill or not. Derek nodded at the wyrm, which was cowing down in front of Tyron.


    Tyron shrugged again. We should get back. And Edgar should go make sure nobody heard themotion and is on their way here.


    Derek nodded, and Edgar flew off. Finally, the three human, Lyra, and the newly contracted wyrm made their way back to Tyrons new temporary crafting area. As soon as they were there, metallic fire began flowing around the wyrm and covered it in an enormous sphere.


    You dont waste any time, do you? Derek asked Tyron. That was the sign that he had formed a bond with the beast.


    No reason to put it off if its going to happen, Tyron said. The sooner, the better.


    Then they waited around. Derek watched as Tyron continued to ce things around his camp, getting everything set up perfectly for the crafting that was toe. Avery and Lyra flew off to y, and Edgar came back to let them know that he had taken care of everything. Even if he wasnt sure they all bought it. He had told them that Lyra and Blitz had sparred, and Blitz had gone a little overboard.


    The fact that they had met the wyvern personally now made it more easy to ept the exnation. Everyone with Telepathy had been introduced to the wyvern.


    Six hourster and the wyrms shell broke, allowing it to fall to the ground. The formerly moss covered wingless, limbless dragon, now shown in a dark metallic gray with orange veins running throughout its body its extremely small body.


    Derek did a double take. The wyrm was maybe five feet long and a foot tall and wide. How had the wyrm evolved into such a little thing? Its evolution was the exact opposite of Lyras.


    He looked questioningly over at Tyron, who was already beside the beast, nodding. The giant smith obviously wasnt disappointed in the oue. Finally, Tyron cracked a smile. Rocky has the same qualities as my bound hammer. He can change his size as needed, provided he uses enough mana.


    Everything then clicked for Derek. That was a great ability for the wyrm to have. I guess we wont have any problem hiding him, then.


    Nope, Tyron agreed.


    So, did his rarity change to legendary? Did you get the Achievement that Avery did? You dont have to answer me if you dont want to, Derek quickly added.


    Tyron furrowed his brows and frowned. Of course he became a legendary wyrm. Thats what happens when a beast bonds with a person with a legendary ss.


    Derek opened his mouth to speak a few times, but nothing came out. Tyron just admitted that he had a legendary ss. Of course, he did. He was a crafting ss with more fighting power than almost anybody. He should have guessed.


    Thats good. Does he need a Telepathy scroll? Derek easily epted what he just learned.


    Im going to get to know him more first, then Ill give him one myself, Tyron answered.


    Good deal, Derek said. Well, good luck with everything. Ive got some things to do. He needed to go prepare to level up. He would be upgrading his ss for thest time and he didnt want to take any chances.


    Alright. Ill let you know when I need you for your ive, Tyron said. Ill need you to channel your element into it while Im crafting it so it will be attuned to you and able to withstand your skills better.


    Sounds good. With that, Derek left to go find some privacy. It was time to level up.

 Chapter 283: Final Preparations

    Chapter 283: Final Preparations


    Derek finally found himself alone, in a secluded ce in a forested area. He cleared a spot underneath him and sat before going through his status.


    Status


    Personal Information


    Name:


    Age:


    Level:


    Experience:


    ss:


    Race:


    Derek Hunt


    30


    200 (Upgrade ss)


    455,360,884,250/???


    Legend of the Void (Legendary)


    Human (Modified)


    Health:


    Mana:


    Stamina:


    37500


    15045


    37500


    Stats


    Strength


    Dexterity


    Endurance


    Vitality


    Intelligence


    Wisdom


    Stat Points Remaining


    1000


    1000


    1500 (???)


    1500 (???)


    1325


    1003


    133


    Contracts


    nah Swan (Crown Restaurant)


    Silvi (Bonded Beast)


    Ste Brighton (Crown Restaurant)


    Francesco Jobs (Torith Adventurers Guild)


    Rudolph Mckinney


    Natalie Savannah via Malorie Stewart


    View Contract


    View Status


    View Contract


    View Contract


    View Contract


    Contract Unavable


    Skills


    Absolute Nullify Lv. 12, Basic Repair Lv. 1, Chain Lightning Lv. 13, Channel Void Lv. 18, Cleaning Lv. 9, Cure Toxin Lv. 4, Dismantle Lv. 12, Enhanced Movement Speed Lv. 2, Greater Meditation Lv. 10, Heavy Weapons Mastery Lv. 20(Choose Specialty Path), Identify Lv. 17, Magic Resistance Lv. 20, Multi-Strike Lv. 14, Physical Resistance Lv. 20, Rejuvenation Lv. 14, Sweeping sh Lv. 20, Telepathy Lv. 5, Time Prison Lv. 10, Unarmed Combat Mastery Lv. 20(Choose Specialty Path), Void Call Lv. 4, Void Sense Lv. 16, Void Shift Lv. 9, Void Steps Lv. 13, Void Storage Lv. N/A


    Skill Points Remaining: 17


    Skill Upgrade Points Remaining: 7


    Achievements


    Greater Giant yer, Jack of All, Lesser Dungeon Explorer, Lesser Dungeon Traveler, Lesser Enigma, Lesser Enforcer of Oaths, Repetitive Dungeoneer, Minor yer of the Unknown, Solo Diver, Magical ss Cannon, Meat Shield, Lesser Explorer, Offensive Powerhouse


    Derek nodded at his status. It was looking good, at least to him, especially with 1,000 stat points in every stat avable, and two at 1,500. There was also no telling how many more levels he would end up with once he upgraded his ss. But what he was focused on right now was that upgrade, and he wanted to do everything he could to get the best possible ss out of it.


    He had saved all of his Skill Upgrade Points, preferring to level the skills up himself and only use them when he really needed to. Now, he had decided that it was time, and he had seven of them avable. Obviously, the first thing he did was spend two points on his Channel Void skill.


    Channel Void was the most crucial skill he had, and it was also his most used. Since he only needed two points to get it to twenty, it was a no-brainer to pick.


    Congrattions


    Channel Void skill has reached level 20


    After waiting a moment and making sure no prompt to upgrade the skill came after leveling it, he dismissed the notification. He also tried to put another Skill Upgrade Point into the skill, just in case, but it wouldnt allow him to do so.


    Viewing his status sheet again, he had a decision to make. From his own conjecture and experimentation, he knew that the quality and type of ss and upgrade he would receive was based on something like his affinity for an element, or how he used it. Maybe even his will. Then again, the system could just consider life sses, crafting sses, and elementless sses as their own type of element or affinity.


    This let hime to a conclusion that it was best to advance those types of skills. So, Void Sense was next on his priority list. Void Shift may have been his go to battle ability, but Void Sense was used in almost everything he did, just like Channel Void, though it was passive in the background.


    The higher the level his Void Sense was, the easier it was to slip into the void with Void Shift or find a foothold when using Void Steps. So, for those reasons, and the fact that he could get it to level twenty, he upgraded Void Sense.


    Congrattions


    Void Sense skill has reached level 20


    Again, he waited just in case, then dismissed the window.


    He still had one more Skill Upgrade Point avable and a couple of things he could use it on. Mainly Multi-Strike, Void Call, and Void Shift. Multi-Strike most likely wouldnt do anything for him in terms of ss upgrade selection, but every level in the skill was more major damage he could output. But, he decided against it because he wanted to make sure everything he did went toward helping him with his upgrade.


    He could get Void Call to level five. It was definitely the hardest skill he had to level. But he couldnt see going from level four to level five making a big difference. Which left him with leveling Void Shift from level nine to level ten. For some reason, he just felt like it was the thing to do. So, thats what he did.


    Congrattions


    Void Shift skill has reached level 10


    After dismissing that window, he had two more decisions to make. He needed to see what it meant by choosing a specialty path for Heavy Weapons Mastery and Unarmed Combat Mastery. There was no sense in going into a ss upgrade with skill evolutions avable. So, he chose Heavy Weapons Mastery.


    Heavy Weapons Mastery ready for specialization


    Spend 1 Skill Point for Specialization?


    It was almost the same as when he upgraded Meditation, except for being a specialization instead of an upgrade. Anxious to see what exactly that meant, he mentally agreed to the specialization.


    Heavy Weapons Mastery Specialized


    Choose Specialization


    Next, he focused on the specializations.


    Weapon Specialization


    Axe, Club, Hammer, Pick, Polearm, Projectile, Shield, Sword


    <em>Huh that seems easy enough, </em>Derek thought, as he didnt even need to consider the options. He immediately chose Polearm.


    Congrattions


    You have sessfully chosen to specialize in Polearms.


    Heavy Weapons Mastery upgraded to Polearm Specialty


    Weapon Bond Avable


    When Derek saw that he could bond with a weapon, he immediately thought about what Tyron had said about his hammer. It was his bonded weapon. <em>Does that mean he maxed out abat mastery skill? It has to, right? </em>That was the only thing Derek could think of well that or it being a special skill that came with his crafting ss.


    He wished he could initiate a bond with a weapon now, but he didnt have any that suited him, and he wasnt sure if he would be able to undo the bond if he chose poorly. He would have to wait until Tyron finished with his new ive.


    But he still had Unarmed Combat Mastery though. And he really didnt care if he overly messed up that skill. Even though hed spent the majority of the time hed been on this world fighting with his fists, he still much preferred using weapons. So, with that in mind, he selected the skill, and it all appeared the same as it did when he selected Heavy Weapons Mastery. Though, the specialization choices were different.


    Weapon Specialization


    Bare Fists, ws, Gauntlets, Knuckles


    Obviously, Derek immediately chose the Bare Fists option.


    Congrattions


    You have sessfully chosen to specialize in Bare Fists.


    Unarmed Weapons Mastery upgraded to Bare Fist Specialty.


    Bare Fist Upgrade Avable


    Derek chuckled. <em>I guess I cant bond with my bare fists. </em>Since he didnt have to worry about that, he chose to look into the upgrade.


    Choose Upgrade


    Power, Swiftness, or Toughness


    <em>Thats straightforward enough. Speed, durability, or strength I guess. I dont really see myself using my fists all that much once Tyron finishes with my ive, so I guess toughness would be the best. If it works like I think it does, it should be like having extra endurance in my hands, allowing me to add to my defense even more. Swiftness would be nice, too. I wonder if the upgrades are active even if Im holding a weapon. I bet they arent. </em>


    Derek spent some time thinking about the options, but in the end, chose toughness. Once he made his decision, a metallic sheen fell over his hands before disappearing into them. It cause his hands to itch something fiercely for around thirty seconds, but eventually ceased. Derek pounded his fists together a couple of times and it seemed like he could feel the increased hardness that came with the upgrade. Though that could have just been his imagination.


    He viewed the notification he received.


    Toughness Selected


    Durability of your bare fists has increased by five percent. Continue to level the skill to select more upgrades.


    <em>Alright! Something to look forward to. </em>If that was how it was going to work with his bare fists, then it should work simr with his ive. If he could upgrade the durability of his ive, then that would be for the best. His number one priority would be keeping it from breaking on him when channeling the void through it.


    After finishing those upgrades, Derek tried to go into his General Skills and relearn Heavy Weapons Mastery and Unarmed Combat Mastery, but he was unsessful. It would have been too good to be true to be able to upgrade those skills again. Of course, the system had patched that exploit out early on, or never included it to begin with.


    Finally finished, he looked over his status sheet onest time before upgrading.


    Status


    Personal Information


    Name:


    Age:


    Level:


    Experience:


    ss:


    Race:


    Derek Hunt


    30


    200 (Upgrade ss)


    455,360,884,250/???


    Legend of the Void (Legendary)


    Human (Modified)


    Health:


    Mana:


    Stamina:


    37500


    15045


    37500


    Stats


    Strength


    Dexterity


    Endurance


    Vitality


    Intelligence


    Wisdom


    Stat Points Remaining


    1000


    1000


    1500 (???)


    1500 (???)


    1325


    1003


    133


    Contracts


    nah Swan (Crown Restaurant)


    Silvi (Bonded Beast)


    Ste Brighton (Crown Restaurant)


    Francesco Jobs (Torith Adventurers Guild)


    Rudolph Mckinney


    Natalie Savannah via Malorie Stewart


    View Contract


    View Status


    View Contract


    View Contract


    View Contract


    Contract Unavable


    Skills


    Absolute Nullify Lv. 12, Bare Fist Specialty Lv. 1 (View Upgrades), Basic Repair Lv. 1, Chain Lightning Lv. 13, Channel Void Lv. 20, Cleaning Lv. 9, Cure Toxin Lv. 4, Dismantle Lv. 12, Enhanced Movement Speed Lv. 2, Greater Meditation Lv. 10, Identify Lv. 17, Magic Resistance Lv. 20, Multi-Strike Lv. 14, Physical Resistance Lv. 20, Polearm Specialty (Choose Bond), Rejuvenation Lv. 14, Sweeping sh Lv. 20, Telepathy Lv. 5, Time Prison Lv. 10, Void Call Lv. 4, Void Creation Lv. N/A, Void Sense Lv. 20, Void Shift Lv. 10, Void Steps Lv. 13, Void Storage Lv. N/A, Void Travel Lv. N/A


    Skill Points Remaining: 15


    Skill Upgrade Points Remaining: 0


    Achievements


    Greater Giant yer, Jack of All, Lesser Dungeon Explorer, Lesser Dungeon Traveler, Lesser Enigma, Lesser Enforcer of Oaths, Repetitive Dungeoneer, Minor yer of the Unknown, Solo Diver, Magical ss Cannon, Meat Shield, Lesser Explorer, Offensive Powerhouse


    <em>I doubt Im going to be able to make it any better than this. I dont even think the system would allow me to go inside one of the trials with a ss upgrade ready. Id bet that the same rules apply to that as they do with regr dungeons. They wont let you inside with an upgrade avable because it would allow you to continue running a low level dungeon over and over. </em>


    Derek sighed and prepared himself. It was time for his final ss upgrade, and he hoped it would be something great.

 Chapter 284: Assistance

    Chapter 284: Assistance


    Finally, after preparing for it as best he could, Derek pulled up his status and focused on his ss upgrade. Like always, he began to skim through the options avable, on the off chance there was something that interested him more than his current ss. However, this time, the ss upgrade and changes were different.


    There were the normalmon, umon, rare, and epic sses that he was used to, but there were also a few legendary sses rted to time and space avable. There was the Time Lord and Ruler of Space legendary sses to choose from. The kicker was that both of these sses allowed for Derek to choose from a list of skills to rece the ones he would lose with the ss upgrade, and three new skills on top of everything.


    He could only stare dumbfounded at the ss options. First, he looked at the Time Lord ss.


    Time Lord


    You have reached an affinity with time that few ever reach. Time is nothing to you, and it is everything. Time is yours to control as you see fit.


    Time Lord is a legendary ss. Preferences for this ss are wisdom and strength. Three skills will be avable upon ss selection.


    Special: All lost skills will be reced by time skills of your choosing upon ss selection. Skill levels will be one, but you will be awarded 80 Skill Upgrade Points to use at your discretion.


    You will receive 31 free stat points for allocation for your choosing.


    Then, he checked out Ruler of Space.


    Ruler of Space


    You have reached an affinity with space that few ever reach. Go where you want, do what you want. No distance is too long. Nothing can contain you. Space is in the palm of your hand.


    Ruler of Space is a legendary ss. Preferences for this ss are wisdom and dexterity. Three skills will be avable upon ss selection.


    Special: All lost skills will be reced by space skills of your choosing upon ss selection. Skill levels will be one, but you will be awarded 80 Skill Upgrade Points to use at your discretion.


    You will receive 31 free stat points for allocation for your choosing.


    Not only would he get a full set of new skills. Skills that he could personally choose, he would receive enough upgrade points to fully level up three of them or spread around as he saw fit. Plus, after doing some quick math, he realized that the single increase in stat points he would receive per level would put him just over the 1,500 point cap with all his stats without him needing to use any outside methods like void beasts.


    Honestly, it was like the system was doing everything it could to get him away from his void ss and element. Really, both the time and space sses were almost too tempting for him to pass up. Especially the time ss. He was sure the ss change would let him keep some form of his Time Prison. Plus, there was something to be said about controlling time.


    The benefits of stopping time and training were hard to beat. What if he could stop time for a persons body and allow them to live forever? Would he be able to see into the future with a time rted skill? Yes, the ss change was very tempting. But, there was something else very strange with his ss upgrade and selection, and that was his void ss upgrade it was strange.


    ???? Void ????


    ss description unknown and unavable. Out of system purview. No details avable.


    Yes, the system had given him the two other options because it didnt want him to continue with the void. The question was: Was the system trying to help him by allowing him to choose another powerful ss or was the system trying to harm him by having him change from his void ss? It almost seemed too good to pass up.


    If the system, who Derek knew to be overly greedy and stingy, was offering something like this, something was wrong. Or was it offering something like this because it couldnt provide anything more from the void element?


    Thinking back, hisst two skills he received from a ss upgrade were Void Steps and Time Prison. Sure, Void Steps were most definitely closely rted to the void. It was in the name. But Time Prison was obviously more rted to time than space. Maybe the system had given him such a skill because it was out of void rted skills.


    So, with that in mind, what would happen if he selected to upgrade his void ss? He would be doing so blindly. Did he really want to take that chance when there were two obviously great routes out? Derek raised his hand up and pulled at his hair. He didnt know what to do. Hed always thought that the system didnt like him, but what if that wasnt it?


    <em>Still, couldnt it have rewarded me with a time or space-based dragon skill scroll at the end of that trial? That would have earned it a lot of goodwill from me. But it had to give me a dragon fire scroll. Honestly, I dont even know who would benefit from that skill. Maybe Jacks or his kid, but they are already too high a level for it to do them any good for sses.</em>


    <em>Maybe Brandi? Shell need an offensive skill to protect herself, and shell probably have some type of fire resistance from being a crafter, right? I would definitely be able to trade it, though. There were some interesting-looking skills that the king was offering for the Void Beast things. If I choose the void option and it doesnt pan out, I could trade that skill and some of the vitality elixirs for a slew of offensive skills topensate for myck of skills. I guess thats always an option.</em>


    <em>Ugh what do I do? This is harder than my initial choice back on earth and my first choice on this. </em>After what seemed like hours of hesitating and contemting, but really was only minutes, Derek decided to go with his gut. He liked just about everything to do with his void ss well, other than the whole being trapped in the void to begin with.


    But he didnt have to worry about that anymore. With his void ss, he could always get out of the void at any time. He was still a bit void phobic, but the more he used the void and got used to it, the more that lessened. In fact, he barely even thought about that anymore when using his skills.


    With a deep breath and the hope that he wouldnt regret it, he selected the unknown void ss.


    Would you like to upgrade your Legend of the Void ss to ???? Void ???? ss?


    This decision cannot be undone.


    <em>Y-yes. </em>He winced.


    Upgrading ss


    Error


    Void affinity out of system purview


    Error


    Requesting Assistance


    Requesting Assistance


    <em>What? What does that mean? Its requesting assistance? Requesting assistance from who? From what? Whats going on? </em>Out of all the possibilities Derek could think of, this was not one of them. He could do nothing but stare at the system notification as it kept repeating Requesting Assistance over and over. It seemed like this went on forever before something finally changed.


    Assistance Granted


    Please Stand By


    <em>Uh What? </em>Derek waited and waited. <em>Did did the system just put me on hold? </em>But finally, after an unknown amount of time, the assistance arrived.


    <strong>Scanning User</strong>


    <strong>Scanning User</strong>


    <strong>Scan Complete</strong>


    <strong></strong>


    <strong>Congrattions!</strong>


    <strong>Your affinity for your element (Void) has moved beyond the scope of your current system. As your affinity for your element (Void) has surpassed 50%, 5% higher than your current systems affinity, your current system is no longer able to support your ss. Resulting in your current system requesting assistance.</strong>


    <strong></strong>


    <strong>Congrattions!</strong>


    <strong>After scanning user, it has been detected that you have a high affinity for three elements: Void (Legendary), Time (Epic), and Space (Epic). </strong>


    <strong>Please choose affinity path.</strong>


    <strong>Void [Time/Space Combination]</strong>


    <strong>Time (Rmended)</strong>


    <strong>Space (Rmended)</strong>


    <strong>Selecting Time or Space will adjust your affinities correspondingly. </strong>


    <strong></strong>


    <em>W-what?! This this looks like the other system but its different. Its less mechanical. Whats going on? Is there another system? How did one system get assistance from another? What the fuck is an affinity path? </em>


    <em>What does it mean it will adjust my affinities correspondingly? Will I lose the other affinities, but increase my affinity with the one I select? What is my affinity with Time and Space? </em>Derek took a deep breath. <em>Well Ive already gone this far with Void. At least it doesnt say that its not rmended. </em>


    <em>I choose Void.</em>


    <strong></strong>


    <strong>Void Path selected. No affinity adjustments necessary.</strong>


    <strong>Implementing Void Path</strong>


    <strong></strong>


    <strong>Congrattions!</strong>


    <strong>ss has sessfully been upgraded to: Void Monarch</strong>


    <strong>As Void Monarch ss is out of current system purview, you have been awarded with the ss rarity: Mythical</strong>


    <strong> </strong>


    <strong>Commencing Evolution</strong>


    <strong></strong>


    <em>Evolution?! What? </em>But at that moment, the space behind Derek tore open and the purple of the void that he was all too familiar with began to condense around him. It was the same thing that happened with Silvi and the dragons. But this time, it was happening to Derek.


    He could only sit back and watch as the void swarmed around him into a sphere, blocking any retreat. Soon, the void was so thick that he could no longer see through it. Once again, for the first time since he arrived on this, Derek was in utter darkness.


    Derek breathed a shaky breath and focused inwardly, just as he had when breaking through thresholds. If there wasnt anything he could do, he would watch he would feel.


    What he felt was himself disappearing. There was no pain, just nothingness. Then, the void flooded into his body, or where it used to be, and his body began to conform to it. First, it rebuilt his heart, then his brain, then his other organs. Finally, it finished rebuilding his skin. He had no clue how long it had taken. He could have been in the void for minutes, or years. He had no way of knowing. Other than the intense focus on his self, he was shut off, almost back in the deep meditation he had used all that time ago in the void.


    Finally, he received another message from the strange system.


    <strong></strong>


    <strong>Bonded link found</strong>


    <strong>Sever link? (Note: Severing link will not harm bondedpanion. Bondedpanion will no longer grow with you. Without a bondedpanion, growth will be easier. Rmended to sever link.)</strong>


    <strong></strong>


    <em>It wants me to sever my link with Silvi? Fuck that! No!</em>


    <strong></strong>


    <strong>Bonded link maintained</strong>


    <strong>Commencing Evolution</strong>


    <strong></strong>


    <strong></strong>


    Back in Savannah, Silvi was warping around with her Active Void Shift to work on multiple dishes at once. She had five Mage Hands kneading dough and multiple knives hovering in the air above different vegetables, preparing for chopping. She was having the time of her life. This is what she lived for.


    Just as she closed the oven door after cing the cookies inside, she received a message. A strange but all too familiar message. But this time, there was no blue screen.


    <strong></strong>


    <strong>Commencing Evolution</strong>


    <strong></strong>


    <em>No! Dammit, Derek! Not now. Dont make me do this now. What about the cookies? </em>Silvi panicked as a tear in the space behind her formed. <em>What do I do? </em>


    With her genius and quick thinking. An idea formed in her head. It was the best she coulde up with on such short notice. Putting everything she could into her Telepathy skill, she shouted out.


    <em>Malorie! Malorie, help!</em>


    <em>Silvi? Whats wrong? What is it? </em>The beautiful delicious Malorie quickly answered back. She knew something was terribly wrong. Silvi didnt use the Telepathy skill often. Silvi didnt ask for help. Silvi asked for ingredients. But Silvi wasnt asking for ingredients this time.


    <em>Malorie! </em>Silvi screamed through her Telepathy skill. <em>Dont let the cookies burn! </em>With that, everything went ck. She was evolving.

 Chapter 285: Evolution

    Chapter 285: Evolution


    While wrapped up in the darkness, evolving, Derek asionally received messages from the strange new system. Thetest notification was about Silvis evolution. It hadnt seemed long after the previous message about his bonded link that the evolution had alreadypleted. Of course, that could have either been because of the time difference between the dungeon and the outside world, or just his skewed sense of time while evolving inside the darkness.


    But really, none of that mattered. He was just happy that Silvi had sessfully evolved.


    <strong></strong>


    <strong>Congrattions!</strong>


    <strong>Bonded Companion Evolution Sessful. </strong>


    <strong></strong>


    However, that was all the notifications he received about it. He tried to check his own status to view their bond, but he couldnt currently ess his current system, and the strange system didnt allow him to do anything with it. He just had to simply wait.


    So thats what he did. He waited for an unknown time while the void energies moved through his body. He was numb to the world and could feel almost nothing. Then, after an unknown amount of time, he finallypleted his own evolution.


    <strong></strong>


    <strong>Congrattions!</strong>


    <strong>Evolution Sessful.</strong>


    <strong>Race has been evolved to: Human (Void)</strong>


    <strong>Previous bodily limits have been adjusted ordingly. </strong>


    <strong></strong>


    <em>Well, thats something, </em>Derek thought. What he assumed that meant was that he was no longer limited to the 1,500 stat point cap. He wasnt yet sure how that was going to work, though. Would he be able to use stats gained through his current system to go beyond 1,500 or would he have to do that some other way.


    From all he knew, he would be stuck with almost the same amount of stats. Though, the extra points he got from the Void Beasts may now be visible to him. He would have to check on that once he regained control of his current system again. If he regained control of it, that is.


    While pondering the new notification, another one forcibly popped up.


    <strong></strong>


    <strong>Congrattions!</strong>


    <strong>For upgrading your ss to Void Monarch, you have received two new skills:</strong>


    <strong>-</strong>


    <strong>Void Creation</strong>


    <strong>The ability to turn the void physical. Can be used to conjure items from the void or to reinforce other items. You will never be weaponless with the void running through your veins. </strong>


    <strong>Hint: Can create temporary weapon or armor as long as mana is avable. The bigger the creation, the greater the cost. This skill is directly connected to Channel Void.</strong>


    <strong>-</strong>


    <strong>Void Travel</strong>


    <strong>Before, you could move through the void unscathed. Now, nothing can contain you. Instantly travel from one ce to another using the void. </strong>


    <strong>Note: This is a dangerous skill. Use with caution. Traveling with those not of the void is not rmended and could lead to physical or emotional damage. For best results, use alone.</strong>


    <strong>Hint: Not rmended stacking with storage skills or devices. This skill is connected to Portal.</strong>


    <strong></strong>


    <em>I could kiss this strange system. </em>Not only had he received two new skills that seemed to be great, but the system had given him notes and hints. Without even experimenting, he knew that he could create temporary weapons, armor, and most likely anything he could think of as long as he had mana with Void Creation.


    And the system saved him the trouble of identally killing someone with Void Travel. There was no doubt in his mind that he would have eventually taken someone along with him using the skill, resulting in who knows what kind of danger. It also warned him about storage skills and devices, which was a bummer, but because of the warning, he could test what it meant instead of taking everything he had on him and getting it destroyed.


    Maybe it only counted for living items. Maybe that was a warning not to throw someone inside his Time Prison and try to exploit the system. Any way he looked at it. He liked this new system.


    <strong></strong>


    <strong>Congrattions!</strong>


    <strong>One out of two requirements met for advancement!</strong>


    <strong>Meet more requirements for advancement.</strong>


    <strong></strong>


    <strong>Congrattions!</strong>


    <strong>Two Titles unlocked!</strong>


    <strong>User can not currently receive Titles. </strong>


    <strong></strong>


    That let a little wind out of his sails. He was familiar with Titles from his first system, so he knew that they were great to have. And he had apparently done something worthy of unlocking two of them with this new system, but he couldnt actually use them.


    He also had no clue what requirement he hadpleted for advancement, or even what the advancement was. It could be anything. He didnt have an inkling of a clue. It was just more questions he didnt have answers to. Though, if he had to guess, the Title or requirement, or both, probably had something to do with earning a Mythical ss or reaching a certain affinity in his element. The new system had really focused on his affinity.


    His thoughts were once again interrupted by another system message. A system message that he was not expecting.


    <strong></strong>


    <strong>Initiating forced system oath. </strong>


    <strong></strong>


    <em>What!? </em>Before Derek could move or make a sound, he felt a tearing pain deep inside himself. A pain that he felt deep within his soul. But the pain vanished just as quickly as it had appeared, and he instinctively learned a small bit about the system and knew that he could not speak of anything rted to it to anyone without consequences.


    He also got the feeling that, though not prohibited, he shouldnt speak of obtaining a Mythical ss to anyone. The system was notpletely altruistic. It had rules that needed to be followed, just like any other system.


    <em>It feels like if knowledge of this system got out, it may upset the bnce or something. It wants users to find out about it naturally, like I did. </em>As he was pondering the new information, he was pulled out of his thoughts by yet another system notification.


    <strong></strong>


    <strong>Congrattions on all your current aplishments!</strong>


    <strong>We eagerly await your future achievements!</strong>


    <strong></strong>


    <strong>You will soon be transferred back to your current system.</strong>


    <strong></strong>


    With that, a pressure that was inside Derek head that he hadnt even felt disappeared. Still floating in the darkness of his evolution sphere, Derek waited for either the sphere to disappear or for his current system toe back.


    His wait didnt seem long as before his eyes, web-like cracks began to form in front of and all around him, allowing the daylight from outside to shine in. The pieces of his evolution sphere soon began to fall and disintegrate before his eyes. In no time at all, the previous thick spear of void waspletely gone and Derek floated uncontrobly to the ground.


    The first thing he did was survey his surroundings to see if he had gathered a crowd, but nobody seemed to be around. He let out a sigh of relief. If nobody actually saw anything, or even if they did and decided to ignore it, which was something Avery would probably do, he wouldnt have to worry about anything.


    Next, he looked down at his body and hands and his heart dropped to his stomach. He was purple. His skin was the same color as the void-the same color as Silvis mane. <em>How am I supposed to exin this? </em>He wondered, but right in front of his eyes, the purple faded away and his slightly pale white skin was soon back.


    He breathed out a sigh of relief. Thest thing he wanted was to be a walking purple human. He definitely wouldnt be able to avoid questions then, and he would have to think of very novel ways to answer them.


    He also noticed, while cursing, that his clothing was nowhere to be found. Not only his clothing, but his storage bracelet and rings were gone as well. He panicked before looking at the ground and seeing all his storage items. Though his clothing was still gone, and after he re-equipped his storage items, he found out that none of it had been stored. He was down another pair of jeans and a T-shirt.


    Hell, he even lost the pair of shorts he had been wearing underneath his jeans in case his jeans werent able to hand his new physique after increasing his breaking through with his stats. He sighed and put on one of his final pairs of clothing. Well, he still had extra shirts because of Brandi, but he wascking in the jean department.


    The current pair of jeans he dressed in had holes in the knees and were scuffed throughout. But they would work. What he also noticed was his body had reverted back to his ideal size. He didnt know if that was just how the evolution worked, or if it had taken into ount his thoughts on the matter. Nevertheless, he was happy about it.


    Finally, he took a mirror out of his storage bracelet, one he had bought on a whim before leaving for the raid dungeon, and gave himself a once over. Again, he winced at what he saw. And it seemed like something he wasnt going to be able to change.


    His eyes still had the same purple coloring in his irises, but his hair had also changed. It wasnt a huge change, as if he didnt focus hard on it. It still looked the same coal ck as always, but if he looked hard, he could see that it was actually a very dark, deep purple color. It kind of had the same coloring as it did when he unleashed his aura, but now, it seemed to be permanent.


    <em>I guess I can exin that by saying I got a new skill, or an Achievement rted to my element. I should be able to get away without having to exin much. But before any of that, I want to check on Silvi, but I still cant ess the system, </em>Derekined.


    But ask and you shall receive. Not a moment after thinking about it, he was hit with a flood of notifications. They were all the usual notifications about upgrading his ss and such. He quickly looked over at them and dismissed them until he got to some of the ones he wanted. Of course, what he was most worried about at the moment was Silvi, and he finally got to those notifications.


    Congrattions


    Companion (Silvi) has evolved from Void Rabbit to Gluttonous Void Bunny.


    Companions (Silvi) ss has upgraded from Legendary Void Companion to Mythical Void Battle Chef.


    Due to reaching Mythical status, shared stats between bondedpanion and user have increased to full and you are now able to share two ss skills with yourpanion.


    Derek stared at the screen for ages before finally breaking out into a fit ofughter. He had called the bunny a glutton so many times. Now she really was one. He could only hope that it didnt change her much. She had also upgraded her own ss to a chef-type ss. That almost confirmed that her evolution had taken into ount her deepest desires.


    She loved to fight, but she also loved to cook. Then, there was the simple love of cooking beasts she defeated in battle. It was perfect for her. It was also kind of funny that her races had changed from a rabbit to a bunny.


    What he really knew, though, was that he had been right all along. Those damn dragons had nothing on hispanion. Silvi was the best!

 Chapter 286: Silvis Evolution

    Chapter 286: Silvi''s Evolution


    The void matter began to fall away from Silvi. This evolution seemed different. She couldnt remember much about her first evolution, as she wasnt yet the amazing bunny everyone knew her as when she previously evolved. Still, this evolution seemed even more unusual, but she couldnt quite put her paw on what was different.


    Once all the void matter broke away and disappeared, she lightly floated to the ground. It was a shame that she couldnt keep any of the void matter her evolution shell. It could have made for a unique spice. Anything was worth trying at least once. She had learned that with the smelly onions.


    Raw and alone, they caused her eyes to tear up against her will, and the taste didnt suit her. But when she tried putting it in a savory soup, or when she sauted chopped onions on her stove, the difference was immense and vorful. Still, they would always be smelly onions, and because of the embarrassment her first one had caused her, she had made it one of her missions to find every dish that went well with them, and kill use as many smelly onions as she could.


    But that was forter. After her evolution, she only had one thing on her mind. The most important thing of all her cookies. She panicked and looked around at her kitchen. All the ingredients she was preparing and the dishes she was making were nowhere to be seen. The oven was off, and there was no sign of her cookies.


    <em>Malorie, </em>she thought. The beautiful, deliciousdy must have finished baking her cookies and stored everything properly so nothing would go bad. She was already showing her worth. Derek had done well choosing Malorie as the person in charge of fetching ingredients. <em>Shes much better at fetching ingredients than my mount Thomas is.</em>


    With an idea of where her cookies were, she thought about Derek. He would want her to figure out all the changes that her evolution had caused her. First, Silvi looked around her kitchen to make sure nothing was broken, and was confused when she saw a storage ring on the ground in front of her.


    <em>Why is there a storage ring here? Did Malorie put my cookies in it, then leave it for me? That has to be it. </em>Silvi took a quick hop to the storage ring and ced her paw on it before channeling her mana inside. Her confusion grew. The contents of the storage ring were all too familiar to Silvi.


    Silvi twitched her nose a few times and her eyes grew wide. It was gone. The storage ring on her nose wasnt there anymore. It was the storage ring on the ground. Why was her nose ring on the ground? <em>What about </em>Silvi moved her shoulders and panicked. She quickly hopped into the air and unleashed a perfect 360 degree spin. There was no flutter from her cloak. It was gone too. And her ne with themunication crystals wasnt on her neck, either. Everything but her storage ring was gone.


    A wave of sadness washed over Silvi. That cloak was the first piece of clothing shed ever had, and she cherished it. It was like her very own chefs hat. Nobody had anything simr to it. It was Silvis. But it was now gone. She inwardly cursed Derek for causing her to evolve and lose something so precious. <em>Will that maniac be mad? Will she make me a new one? </em>She would have to muster up the courage and talk to that crafting maniac. No, she didnt need courage she wasnt scared of Brandi. She was just perplexed at how the girl could work so hard without a tasty treat at the end of the day.


    She would also have to find a way to get a new ne. She didnt like people talking to her in her head. It was confusing and tiring. She needed her focus on what she was cooking, not on some voice suddenly appearing in her head. Thats why she didnt like the Telepathy skill. She much preferred the voices toe from outside her head, where they belonged. <em>Malorie should be able to handle that.</em>


    With that weight off her mind, and her relief that at least all the good ingredients and cookware in her storage ring were safe, Silvi did what Derek would have done. She checked her stats.


    Status


    Personal Information


    Name:


    Age:


    Level:


    Experience:


    ss:


    Race:


    Silvi Hunt


    7


    N/A (Bonded)


    N/A (Bonded)


    Mythical Void Battle Chef


    Gluttonous Void Bunny


    Health:


    Mana:


    Stamina:


    37625


    15045


    37625


    Stats


    Strength


    Dexterity


    Endurance


    Vitality


    Intelligence


    Wisdom


    1000


    1000


    1505


    1505


    1325


    1003


    Skills


    Active Void Shift Lv. 17, Advanced Cooking Lv. 7, Advanced Mage Hand Lv. 5, Advanced Telekinesis Lv. 5, Battle Chef Knife Mastery Lv. 1, Charge Lv. 12, Chop Lv. 1, Cleaning Lv. 15, Cook What You Kill Lv. 1, Cooking Lv. 18, Julienne Lv. 1, Mince Lv. 1, Void Creation (Cooking) Lv. N/A, Void Lightning Bolt Lv. 6, Mage Hand Lv. 16, Meditation Lv. 17, Telekinesis Lv. 15, Telepathy Lv. 2


    Shared Skills from Companion: None Active


    Skills Avable to Share (Please select two to share. These skill selections cannot be changed for one year): Active Void Shift Lv. 10, Battle Chef Knife Mastery Lv. 1, Chop Lv. 1, Cook What You Kill Lv. 1, Julienne Lv. 1, Mince Lv. 1, Void Lightning Bolt Lv. 6


    Silvi hopped up and down in excitement. She knew that evolution was different from before. It almost seemed like it cared about what she wanted. It didnt just take her and conform her to herpanion this time. It let her have some say in her path.


    She was officially a chef. She even had chef knife skills. She had the sense that all her new skills could be used with both cooking and fighting. Herck of thumbs was still a problem, but she could deal with that with her Telekinesis and Mage Hand skills. She had both the regr and advanced version of those skills.


    She also got a weird skill called Void Creation (Cooking), but she had no clue what it did, and the skill description was nk. It was also a ss rted skill that she couldnt share with Derek. She would have to experiment with it. It had cooking in the name, so it had to be an amazing skill. It was probably the most perfect skill ever created, and she had gotten it.


    She had been mad at Derek for making her evolve at such an inopportune time before. After all, you should never interrupt someone who is hard at work making cookies. That was just rude. But she would have to forgive him. Whatever he did allowed her to be a real cook, and she wouldnt have to give up fighting.


    Cooking and fighting were her two favorite things to do, and she had also gotten a skill that seemed tobine the two of them together. She was able to get a description about her Cook What You Kill skill. Anything she cooked that she personally slew would have an increase in its effects. Her mind instantly went to the Void Beasts that Derek kept hunting.


    She would have to tag along with him the next time he went hunting. She knew that those meals were both delicious and nutritious, and if she could steal find a way to borrow nahs recipe, the meals she cooked with them would be even more delicious.


    With all that in mind, Silvi looked at the new skill share thing, and the list of skills she could share. Some of the levels were different on the list than what they actually were, but that didnt matter. She would let Derek figure out what that meant.


    What she did know was that Derek didnt like the awesome cooking skills. So, she wouldnt share any of those with him. He wouldnt put them to good use, so he didnt deserve them. He also didnt use knives much. asionally, he would throw one and make a head explode, but that was it. He didnt chop or mince.


    He also already had a form of Active Void Shift that seemed to be better than Silvis own, but it was different. Maybe they would go well together. Making a smart decision that she would definitely be praised for, she shared with him her Void Lightning skill and Active Void Shift. She got the confirmation and dismissed it.


    She looked over her status once again. She now had the same stats as Derek. They were equals. Well, they were always equal, but now the numbers matched too. And looking at those absurdly high stamina and mana stats made the bunny very happy. She would be able to cook for a much longer time with her skills active than before. For once, she actually wished Derek would dump a lot of points into wisdom and increase the mana pool even more.


    She wouldnt even mind facing the breakthrough. She weed it. If every point he spent was equivalent to extra time using Mage Hand or Telekinesis, she would suck it up. Now, she had even more skills to focus on and level, so the mana was needed.


    Maybe she would go do a dungeon and get some good ingredients to level her new skills up. Derek liked leveling skills that way. He called it grinding. Maybe she should grind. Maybe she could find out if elves were tasty or not. She kept hearing about how they were being a problem for everyone. What would an elf burger enhanced with Cook What You Kill taste like? Would it be okay to eat an elf? Derek said she couldnt eat humans, but elves werent human, right?


    But all that was forter. Right now, she had many things to do. Most importantly, she needed to check on Malorie and her cookies. So, she reached down with her mouth and scooped up her storage ring, then hopped to the door and pushed it open. Luckily, she didnt have to go far, as Malorie was sitting at the dining table in the room connected to the kitchen.


    Silvi! Youre okay. What happened? What was that purple sphere? Malorie asked with wide eyes. And why do you look different?


    She hated to do it, but all she had tomunicate with right now was Telepathy. <em>I evolved, </em>she replied. <em>What do you mean, look different? Also, talk. Dont use Telepathy. </em>


    Oh, the woman said. I guess that makes sense. Your fur is shinier, I guess almost sparkly. And there seems to be a bit more purple to you than before.


    Silvi then told her that she needed a new cloak and ne. And that it probably wouldnt be possible to put the ring back in her nose, so she would need it on the ne as well.


    Ill get it done as soon as possible, Malorie said.


    <em>Cookies? </em>Silvi asked again, trying to get to the more important topic.


    Ah yes the cookies, Malorie said, then waved her hand, causing a tray of cookies to appear on the table.


    Silvi hopped onto the table to examine the cookies. Then she looked up at Malorie and squinted. <em>Where are the rest? I baked twenty. Why are there only eighteen? </em>


    Malorie blushed and looked down. I needed to make sure they were cooked well.


    <em>Why did you eat two? </em>

 Chapter 287: Skill Sharing

    Chapter 287: Skill Sharing


    Just as intrigued, if not more, by what he learned about Silvi, than his own evolution, Derek first looked over hispanions status. <em>Oh, when did Silvi turn seven? Well have to keep an eye on that once I get out of here so we can celebrate properly. Im sure she would like some cake. </em>


    After that, he moved on to see that her new ss and race were properly shown. He still worried a bit about her race having the gluttonous modifier, but they would cross that bridge when they got there. There was still a good chance that it didnt actually mean anything and was only there as a way of describing the bunny. She was gluttonous, after all.


    The previous system messages he received were true to their word, as she was sporting the same stats and pools that he was. <em>Actually Her endurance and vitality are both at 1505. Its adding the extra increase from the Void Beast stuff to it. Is that because of the evolution? </em>He made a note to look at that when he pulled his own stats up.


    He also went over her skills and saw plenty of new ones for the bunny. The knife skills rting to cooking stood out first, then his eyesnded on her version of Void Creation and the Cook What You Kill skills. Her Void Creation (Cooking) skill didnt have any information about it when he tried to view it, but the Cook What You Kill skill was amazing, and perfect for Silvi. He was sure she wouldnt be too pissed at him for causing her to evolve, no matter what she was doing at the time.


    Interestingly enough, he saw that she had already set up two shared skills from herself to him. It seemed he would have ess to a level 10 Active Void Shift and a level 6 Void Lightning Bolt. He looked forward to testing those two abilities out, especially Active Void Shift. He really wanted to know how much of a difference it was to his own Void Shift ability.


    Finally, he dismissed her status sheet and pulled his own up.


    Status


    Personal Information


    Name:


    Age:


    Level:


    Experience:


    ss:


    Race:


    Derek Hunt


    30


    202


    130,370,000,550/193,000,725,000


    Void Monarch (Mythical)


    Human (Void)


    Health:


    Mana:


    Stamina:


    37625


    15045


    37625


    Stats


    Strength


    Dexterity


    Endurance


    Vitality


    Intelligence


    Wisdom


    Stat Points Remaining


    1000


    1000


    1505


    1505


    1325


    1003


    203


    Contracts


    nah Swan (Crown Restaurant)


    Silvi (Bonded Beast)


    Ste Brighton (Crown Restaurant)


    Francesco Jobs (Torith Adventurers Guild)


    Rudolph Mckinney


    Natalie Savannah via Malorie Stewart


    View Contract


    View Status


    View Contract


    View Contract


    View Contract


    Contract Unavable


    Skills


    Absolute Nullify Lv. 12, Bare Fist Specialty Lv. 1(View Upgrades), Basic Repair Lv. 1, Chain Lightning Lv. 13, Channel Void Lv. 20, Cleaning Lv. 9, Cure Toxin Lv. 4, Dismantle Lv. 12, Enhanced Movement Speed Lv. 2, Greater Meditation Lv. 10, Identify Lv. 17, Magic Resistance Lv. 20, Multi-Strike Lv. 14, Physical Resistance Lv. 20, Polearm Specialty (Choose Bond), Rejuvenation Lv. 14, Sweeping sh Lv. 20, Telepathy Lv. 5, Time Prison Lv. 10, Void Call Lv. 4, Void Creation Lv. N/A, Void Sense Lv. 20, Void Shift Lv. 10, Void Steps Lv. 13, Void Storage Lv. N/A, Void Travel Lv. N/A


    Skill Points Remaining: 15


    Skill Upgrade Points Remaining: 0


    Shared Skills from Companion: Active Void Shift Lv. 10, Void Lightning Bolt Lv. 6


    Skills Avable to Share (Please select two to share. These skill selections cannot be changed for one year): Absolute Nullify Lv. 10, Channel Void Lv. 10, Time Prison Lv. 10, Void Call Lv. 4, Void Sense Lv. 10, Void Shift Lv. 10, Void Steps Lv. 13, Void Storage Lv. N/A, Void Travel Lv. N/A


    Achievements


    Greater Giant yer, Jack of All, Lesser Dungeon Explorer, Lesser Dungeon Traveler, Lesser Enigma, Lesser Enforcer of Oaths, Repetitive Dungeoneer, Minor yer of the Unknown, Solo Diver, Magical ss Cannon, Meat Shield, Lesser Explorer, Offensive Powerhouse


    <em>Huh. </em>Derek couldnt exactly say he was disappointed, but things were interesting. He swiped through some of the other notifications he had received, but they were just basically the same new skill notifications that he had received from the other system. He hadnt actually earned any new Achievements from the Great System, which bugged him a little.


    <em>Maybe it has something to do with going beyond the systems capabilities? </em>He shrugged. There was no use in dwelling on it. He noticed that his question marks beside his stats had also gone away, just like they had with Silvi. <em>That definitely had something to do with my Human (Void) race evolution. Maybe my body can hold more stats now? </em>


    Speaking of stats, doing some quick math, he realized that the two new levels that he had gained had given him 70 free stat points to use. Which meant that each level would grant him 35 free stat points. It wasnt as high as he had expected, but it was still more than his previous 30. Before, it would have been more than enough to max out all his stats, but now that he could go past 1500 points, he was slightly disappointed.


    He hadnt received any additional Skill Points, either. Nor did he have to spend his current Skill Points on his two new skills. The other system had just given them to him with no extra fanfare.


    And his two new skills, Void Creation and Void Travel, didnt have levels. They would probably work the same as his Void Storage skill. The higher his connected stats, the better he could use them. He also noticed that he was unable to share his Void Creation skill with Silvi and wondered if it was the same for her. Additionally, it seemed like shared skills maxed out at level 10 for both him and hispanion.


    Next, he dismissed his status sheet and began to think. His first priority would be to figure out which two skills to give Silvi. He had the option, so he wasnt going to waste it. Then, he wanted to bond with the new ive Tyron was making him, but he had no clue how long that would take.


    Derek brushed himself off and turned his Void Sense to the max. He wanted to test Silvis Active Void Shift. With his Void Sense at level 20, he could easily make out the ripples in the void, both near and as far as his eyes could see.


    <em>Lets see, when using Void Shift, I go into the void and either move faster than most can detect, or slow them down, Im still not one hundred percent certain on that, then I am able to go through one ripple ande out another. </em>Using that logic, and how he had seen Silvi move while using the skill before, he tried to activate his newly acquired ability.


    Nothing happened, but he got the sense of what he needed to do. He focused on one of the ripples off in the distance, then activated the skill again. In a disorientating blur of motion, he disappeared from where he was standing and appeared directly at the spot he was focusing on. <em>Woah! </em>he thought.


    <em>Its basically a teleportation skill. Its kind of like what most people think Im doing with my Void Shift, even though Im not. </em>What he also realized was that he kept up momentum when using the skill. So he didnt have to break himself out of the skill to release an attack like he did with his own skill.


    For the next half hour, Derek teleported from ripple to ripple, having a st. <em>Silvi sure did get the fun skill, </em>he thought. Instantly, he knew one of the skills he needed to share with Silvi: Void Sense. With Void Sense turned down as far as he could, Derek could only rely on Active Void Shift to move him in a much shorter range than with it turned up. Void Sense was truly the skill that connected with the others, especially Void Shift.


    Next, he yed around with Void Lightning, destroying some trees in the process. Overall, it was a fun skill with a small drain on his mana pool. It was nice to have another good void type attack to work with, even if it was only level 6. He wasnt sure if he could level the skill up, but he doubted he could. Silvi would most likely need to level it up herself for it to level for him.


    Honestly, he couldnt quite figure out which skill to share with Silvi. Though, at least if he made the wrong choice, it would only be one year before he could select different skills. Going over the avable skills, he quickly dismissed multiple of them.


    The first skill he dismissed was Void Call. There was no way he was giving Silvi ess to a skill that would bring super powerful ingredients directly to her. He trusted her, but not that much. And, after learning of another system and breaking through his previous stat restrictions, he had to wonder if there were even more powerful Void Beasts out there, as they werent connected to the Great System.


    So no, he would keep Void Call to himself for now. He also decided against giving her his prison for the time being. Again, she wasnt the most mature creature around. And even though he didnt think she would abuse it, he didnt want to take that chance while he was inside the dungeon for possibly years.


    He also crossed out Void Shift and Void Steps. He thought Silvi may have a hard time maneuvering in the Void Shift environment, and Active Void Shift was as good, if not a better movement skill than Void Steps. The only thing Void Steps had over it was the ability to stay in the air for as long as your manasted.


    This left him with Absolute Nullify, Channel Void, Void Storage, and Void Travel. Now that she had most of his defenses and she had the speed of Active Void Shift, he decided she didnt need Absolute Nullify. Hopefully, she wouldnt be doing much fighting, anyway.


    He got rid of Void Storage, as well, as the space inside wasnt as stable as a storage ring, and it was quite possible to ruin ingredients inside it. Its one of the reasons he didnt want to keep the dragon materials in Void Storage for long. Which left Channel Void and Void Travel.


    It was a tough decision to make. Channel Void was key in his own fighting, but would Silvi really use it? She didnt use weapons, and she had Void Lightning to go through her horn with her headbutting or Charge skill. Void Travel was an unknown, but the description made it seem super powerful. It also had a warning in the description that was even the description that the Great System provided.


    <em>She shouldnt get anyone killed with it, and it would act as a great skill for retreating, </em>Derek thought. <em>Its only for a year. If the skill doesnt work out, I can always give her Channel Void. </em>He made his decision. With a thought, he shared Void Sense and Void Travel with hispanion and let out a sigh.


    Now that the skill sharing was over, he needed to know exactly how long he had been out of it. If his system time was right, then it had only been around six or so hours. He just wanted to make sure. And he wanted to see how Tyron was doing with the materials. So, with that thought, he made his way back to the smiths temporary camp.

 Chapter 288: Circulation

    Chapter 288: Cirction


    Derek arrived at Tyrons workspace to find the smith still hard at work, dismantling all the beasts he had received. He noticed that there were multiple storage ringsying on his workbench, and after the smith stored another set of materials in one he was holding, he tossed that ring over to the bench along with all the others.


    By Dereks count, Tyron should be getting close topleting his task. Just a couple more storage rings full of materials, and he would be finished dismantling and could get on with the more interesting part, crafting Derek the perfect ive-one that he would bond with and hopefully would grow beside him. Because, of course, he still wasnt sure how bonded weapons worked. But a man could dream about never having to search for another weapon. Though he did have Void Creation to make up for hisck of weapons now.


    With nothing else to do, and not wanting to disturb the smith, Derek moved a couple hundred feet away and cleared out an area for himself. He put the table that used to be inside his Time Prison down in the clearing, then proceeded to set all his mostfortable chairs around it. Since he, Edgar, Avery, and Jasper were all pretty much banned from the trials for now, there was no sense in making his own camp close to the rest of the party.


    If Edgar or the others wanted to join him, or if Tyron wanted to take a break, this area would be open to them. He would even allow them to use hisfy chairs well, all but the one he was sitting in. It was his and his alone.


    Like that, Derek made some coffee and watched the smith in silence, asionally taking a sip. Time flowed, and soon, Tyron was finished with the materials. The smith brought six storage rings over to Derek and put them down on the table before taking a seat. Rocky wriggled his way over and dozed off under the table in the shade.


    This one has the wyvern parts, this one has the wyvern meat. Tyron slit two rings to Derek while pouring his own cup of coffee and taking a sip. The rest are assorted between the lesser beasts-all are separated by material.


    Thanks, Derek said. Its much appreciated.


    I think Im on the winning side of our arrangement, Tyron said as he summoned arge sheet of paper out of his own storage ring and unrolled it along the table. Heres what I was thinking for your ive


    The idea Tyron had for Dereks ive was quite simple. He would use bone from the death attuned wyvern to make the pole, while using abination of fangs and scales for the de, and creating dragon leather out of the hide to wrap it in. Of course, there would be other materials, ones that woulde out of Tyrons own personal stash, used to bind the ive.


    Like Derek was thinking, the ive would be simple, but it would be highly functional.


    Around seventy percentpetition, Im going to need your help to attune the weapon to you. I can do it myself and make a weapon that is a good fit for most, but if you help in that process, it will be perfect for you, Tyron exined.


    Sounds good to me, Derek said. I dont have anything else to do, so Ill just be hanging out around here for the time being. Just let me know when Im needed.


    Tyron nodded. Great. The smith took another drink of his coffee. I really like this stuff.


    Me too, Derek agreed.


    By the way, the smithmented. Did you know that your hair has changed colors? Its not a lot different, but its sleeker and seems to have a hint of purple.


    Unfortunate side effect of leveling one of my passive skills. Derekughed. Well worth it, though.


    Tyron nodded and didnt say anything else about it, which made Derek happy. The two continued chatting for a little over an hour before Avery joined them. It was a pleasant chat among what Derek would consider potential friends; he wasntpletely sure yet, but it was looking that way.


    Finally, Tyron excused himself to his workstation to begin work on his first project, Dereks weapon. Like that, Derek waited. asionally, Avery or Edgar would stop by to chat, and even Jasper came by with his newpanion once. Edgar was busy going back and forth between the two camps, keeping the peace, so to speak, while Avery was enjoying his freedom flying around on Lyra and getting to know his bondedpanion better.


    First, a few hours passed, then days. After ten days, Derek realized that he had yet to hear about the trial team returning from the puzzle trial yet. He also noted the growing concern on Edgars face each day that they didnte back.


    On day twelve, Tryon came to get Derek to help himplete his weapon.


    Im going to need you to hold the end of the ive at its base, and channel as much mana into it as you can. If you have an elemental channeling skill, use that. The more you pump into it, the better the cirction the ive will have when it is finished, the smith exined.


    Derek nodded seriously. So the stronger the mana I push into it, the better the oue?


    Yes, Tyron answered.


    Can we wait a few minutes for me to prepare? Derek asked.


    At this point, we can wait up to around five hours before it will affect the smithing process. Do what you need to get in your best shape, the smith suggested.


    Okay, Derek said as he turned around and walked off into the distance.


    He only went a few hundred feet out from the temporary camp before sitting in a meditation posture. Then, with an apology to Silvi, he pumped 175 stat points into intelligence. Almost instantly, the veins in his arms, legs, and rest of his body felt like they all exploded at once. But it wasnt his veins, it was something more ephemeral.


    His mana turned into what seemed like sludge and slowed to a near halt. Every inch the mana moved through him came with an immense pain. First, it started at the end of his extremities, then it worked its way to his core. His arms and legs were numb from the pain by the time the mana managed to crawl to his body.


    Finally, the slow-moving sludge of mana met in his center, just underneath his heart, then, with an explosion, the mana began flowing back normally. The pain disappeared instantly, and he was perfectly fine. <em>Endurance has to have something to do with the breakthroughs bing easier. That, or my new race or ss, makes it easier. </em>Derek shrugged at the thought before testing out his new mana after the breakthrough.


    It was rough. Using Channel Void wasnt as easy as before by a long shot. Before, he could almost instantly summon his mana, including the voidced mana, into one hand or the other, or direct it as if it was part of him. Now it was sluggish. He knew breaking through with his intelligence before his wisdom was a gamble, but intelligence would allow for a more powerful mana, which would allow his weapon to have better conductivity and be more suited for him.


    For whatever good it would do, Derek threw his remaining 28 stat points into wisdom. It really didnt make a difference, but it was the best he could do at the moment. It was the first time hed been without any stat points left on his status sheet for a long time, and it felt weird.


    Finally, Derek stretched and made sure he was good to go before walking back over to Tyron. Breaking through had taken him all of half an hour, and that was after he sat there for a bit practicing with his mana.


    You ready? Tryon asked.


    As ready as I can get at the moment, Derek replied.


    Good. Go ahead and grab on and start pumping your mana in. Its already quite conducive to mana because of the material, so it should ept it easily, the smith exined.


    Derek nodded gravely and began. With immense focus, he pushed the sluggish void through his body and into his right hand, which was grasping the base of the pole. With a thought, he pushed the void into the weapon until he felt that he could push no more, then held it.


    Holy- Tyron started to say something, but paused. Thats good. Keep at it. As we go, youre going to feel like youre able to fill it with more mana. When you can, do it. We are trying to get as much in it as possible. But keep an eye on your mana and stamina pools. If you run out, thats it. Thats as conductive as well be able to make the weapon.


    Derek, with his eyes closed in concentration, nodded and continued holding his mana steady inside the ive. He heard a nging ring out and opened one eye slightly to see Tyron sweating over the workbench, swinging his hammer. Each time the hammer hit the ive, Derek felt a little more space open up inside, and he pushed more mana in.


    Six hourster, the hammering slowed down. I cant do this much longer the smith panted as he swung his hammer.


    Derek had to agree. His stamina and mana were fine, as he had slipped into Greater Meditation early on to keep them up, but his mind was as fatigued as it had ever been. Honestly, it didnt feel unlike what he had felt back when he tested the mind potion for Roman. Still, he believed he could continue on for a few more hours at least, but if the smith couldnt then that was it.


    Thats it the smith said. Im going to seal it. Hold the mana steady. No more in, no more out.


    Derek listened to the smith and concentrated on keeping the mana inside the ive still. Watching the giant smith with one eye, he saw his hammer disappear into his storage ring. Then, the man pulled out a small stack of paper-like material, which he proceeded to grasp between his two hands, almost in a prayer-like gesture, and closed his eyes.


    All of the sudden, Tyrons eyes shot open, and he opened his arms wide. In between his hands, connecting his two palms, was a molten-like chain with runes unknown to Derek. Derek watched the best he could as he focused on holding his mana.


    Finally, the smith mmed both hands down onto the pole of the ive, and the chained runes wrapped themselves around it. Then, before his eyes, Derek saw the runes disappear into the weapon, almost like they had never been there in the first ce.


    With a sigh of relief, Tyron took a step backwards, then fell to the ground. He sat with his head in his hands, panting. He brought out multiple potions and drank them down one by one, before finally looking up at Derek.


    Monster he said, then breathed deeply once again. Im going to need at least two days to recover, then Ill finish it. Three days from now, maybe four, and you will have your new weapon. You can go now.


    Derek struggled with it, but after a few moments of hesitation, he released his grasp on the unfinished ive. With just six hours, he felt connected to it. <em>Well, it was probably because of all the void embedded mana I pumped into it;</em> he thought as he walked away, back to his area. He didnt say anything to Tyron or ask him about the skill he had used at the end. Those were his secrets. He wouldnt pry.


    Finally, Derek fell into hisfy chair. <em>Only three days to go.</em> Derek was excited.

 Chapter 289: Casualty

    Chapter 289: Casualty


    Derek patiently waited for Tyron to recover, the whole time wondering if Brandis style of crafting was going to be as arduous mentally for her as it seemed to be for Tyron. Then again, Derek didnt pretend to have not heard Tyron call him a monster. He guessed that the person the smith was crafting for usually ran out of mana to infuse into their weapon well before Tyron tired out mentally.


    Unfortunately for Tyron, and fortunately for Derek and his almostplete ive, Dereks mentality was tested against the void for all those years, and his willpower was pretty extreme, at least ording to nah. That, plus his wisdom being even better now than it used to be, made Derek terrifyingly proficient for the task.


    And thus, two days passed as the smith recovered, and Derek waited. He never once thought that the raid dungeon would have such long bouts of boredom for himself, but at least he was well prepared with beverages, food from Silvi, and Greater Meditation if he ever needed to pass the time quickly.


    Finally, Tyron stood from his sitting position and nodded at Derek, who had noticed the smiths movement out of the corner of his eyes. With a twinge of excitement, Derek watched the smith head back over to his temporary workshop. The man would be finished soon, and he would finally have a weapon suitable for his fighting style. At least, he hoped.


    A few hours passed, and Edgar showed up and seated himself across the table from Derek. The young prince had a grim and contemtive look on his face as he stared down at his hands.


    What is it? Derek finally broke the silence. It wasnt like Edgar to act this way.


    Weve had our first casualty, the prince said sullenly.


    What? Derek blurted. Someone died in the puzzle dungeon? Derek felt his heart fall to his stomach. Not because they lost someone, but because someone he considered a friend had gone into the trial.


    The trial had been a seven-person, rare puzzle-type trial. Along with Elena Webb, the groups number one healer, Cain Ibarra, the Adventurers Guild Master from the capital, had led the trial. With the two of them, they took Timothy Nash, a low level, by raid team numbers, support-type ss, Scarlet Mason, a level 230 archer-type ss, Louise Boni, another archer who had leveled up greatly from the first trial, Layne Marshall, a level 232 sword wielder and Shae Holmes.


    Shae was another that had leveled greatly from the first trial. It also made sense why Cain had chosen him to go along, as the two had a good level of trust and respect for each other. So, when Cain asked, Shae agreed. Of course, he would agree. The rewards were just too good to pass up.


    It was also in agreement that whatever the next trial was, the Greend cousins would take charge of it, as they still hadnt had a chance to go into any trial, and neither one of them was that keen on a puzzle trial.


    So, when Derek heard that someone had been killed in the trial, he instantly thought about Shae.


    The contract I have with Layne Marshall has disappeared. That he died is just about the only exnation for that, based on how the contracts are, the prince exined.


    Derek let out an audible sigh of relief, which caused Edgar to flinch slightly. Sorry, he said. Not to take the death lightly, but I didnt know the guy. I do, however, know Shae. So I was relieved when you didnt say his name.


    I know, Edgar said. I just hate losing a party member in a dungeon. I especially hate it because of the fact that I wasnt there to prevent it.


    Yeah, but there was nothing you could do about it. Everyone made up their own mind to join, and they all made their own decision to go into that trial. Besides, the Guild Master of the Adventurers Guild in the capital, and Elena went with them. Plus, it was only a rare trial. Who would have thought something like this would have happened?


    Edgar just sighed. So, hows the weaponing along?


    Happy for the change of subject, Derek replied, Its going well. Great, even. Should be finished in the next day or two. I cant wait.


    I can understand that, the prince said. Even though my sword wasnt crafted for me, I counted down the days until I received it. Theres nothing quite like getting a weapon after waiting for what seems like forever.


    Derek nodded.


    The next day, the trial orb from the puzzle trial acted up, and Edgar and Derek jumped on Blitz and took off toward the main camp. There were still a good dozen or so hours before Tyron said he would be finished with his weapon, so Derek wanted to go check on Shae and the others. He also wanted to know what happened in the trial.


    In next to no time, Blitz made it to the camp. The more Derek rode on the wyvern, the more he enjoyed soaring through the air. He wasnt able to stand without anything to stabilize himself like Edgar and Avery could, but he figured all that came with them being Dragon Riders now.


    When they arrived, they were greeted by a group of ragged adventurers. The entire seven well, six-man squad looked like they had been through hell. Cains robe was in tatters, and Elenas was singed terribly. Shae was sitting close to the trial orbs, meditating. He actually looked a little better than the leaders of the trial. The two archers werent too bad off, a bit more ragged than Shae. Timothy, the support mage, however, looked like he was on hisst breath.


    In seconds, Tristan left Cieras side, who he was still helping to grow back her limb, and rushed over to the support mage and began healing. Edgar and Derek hopped off of Blitz and the other bystanders split to let them through.


    What happened? Edgar asked. What he really meant, which Cain knew, was what happened to Layne?


    It was a maze, Cain answered. Each of us was put in a different starting position, and we had to make our way to the center. Then, from there, we had to race to the end within a time limit.


    But it was a rare trial. Was it that hard? Derek asked. He had personally experienced a legendary trial, and though it would have certainly killed most people, this trial was two ranks below that.


    At the beginning? No, Cain exined. It wasnt bad at all. Just a maze filled with hundreds of traps. Scarlet and Louise had it easier than the rest of us with their scouting skills. They avoided most traps easily. Elena tanked through the first part of the maze, healing herself along the way. Shae was too fast for most of the traps to do anything, and like you said, it was a rare trial.


    Derek and Edgar nodded along with the Guild Masters exnation. So far, everything he said made sense.


    For myself, Cain continued. It was a little harder. Im not very tanky, and I dont have the speed of Shae. Actually, I think I had the most difficulty out of the bunch in the first part of the trial. But I made it through fine, with only superficial wounds. Nothing Elena couldnt deal with. Layne also made it through that part easy enough.


    Still, the first part of the trial took us eleven days to all meet up. I was thest one there, embarrassingly enough. I was hoping the puzzle trial would actually be us solving puzzles. That would have been easy. I hate that it threw us in a cage full of traps. Just because its a maze doesnt mean its a puzzle. Cain spat.


    Doesnt sound very puzzle-like to me, Edgarmented.


    Anyway, once we made it to the center of the maze, we received a notification. Once we moved forward, we couldnt go back, and we had five days toplete it. For myself, that seemed like a death sentence, considering how long it took me to get through the first part.


    So, we rested up, got to one hundred percent, and began. We moved fast. With Scarlet and Louise. The second part of the trial wasnt too bad. At least until the maze started copsing onto us. The floors all around us fell, leaving nothing but giant holes of nothingness below. With a single misstep, Layne fell. I dove to try to get to him, but Im not fast enough with my flight skill. Unfortunately, it didnt seem like Layne had such a skill.


    We werent even sure he was dead until we made it to the end of the trial. As a warrior, he would have been able to survive any such fall, as long as he didntnd on a trap or something. Unfortunately, when we activated the orb, it verified that the entire party was there. And when we warped back here, he didnte with us Cain sighed and looked deeply at Edgar. I am sorry.


    Edgar stepped forward and put his hand on Cains shoulder. It seems like an ident, on top of the trial not being what any expected. Dont me yourself. Ultimately, it falls on me.


    Still for a puzzle trial to be like that. To have such a random possibility of death Derek muttered. What he didnt say was that if he, Edgar, or Avery had been inside the trial with them, even if someone had fallen, based on what Cain said, they could have easily caught them. Vanessa would have been able to, too. Apparently, flying-type skills were quite rare.


    Well have to rethink our lineups, Edgar said. Put someone like Vanessa in to cover more weaknesses. We also know that we cant trust the description of the trial.


    Everyone nodded. The crowd seemed much less enthusiastic about going into a trial now that they had their first casualty. Edgar should be able to use this, even as morose as it may be, as an excuse to send those powerful back in, even if they have already gotten great rewards.


    What about the rewards? Derek asked. If you dont mind sharing. If you want to keep them to yourself, thats fine.


    Cain snorted and flicked his hand, causing a small pile of potions to appear on the ground. Edgar whistled. Derek just looked at the potions, he was disappointed for them, but they didnt seem all that disappointed.


    They were pretty much random, but are all the highest quality Ive ever seen. No permanent stat increases, but plenty that could get someone out of a bind, along with high-quality resurrection potions, experience and skill increase potions, and much more. Its quite the haul. They will work as great mission rewards at the guild.


    Experience and skill increasing potion? Derek asked. Hed never seen or heard of one of those, at least not in anything other than games he used to y. But a potion that increased the rate of skill increases would be worth a pretty penny.


    Yes, Cain said. The experience potions are great and all, but the skill increasing potion can be considered rarer than rare. Other than something that permanently boosts stats for someone who is already at max level, I cant think of another potion that couldpete with it.


    <em>I cant either, </em>Derek thought. He was currently considering doing some trading now.


    We can talk about all thatter, Edgar said. We need to see whats next and prepare for it. A lot of time was spent on that trial. Weve been in here for almost a month now, which is a year outside, yet we arent even halfway finished.


    With that, Edgar walked over to the newly active trial orb and ced his hand on it. Fuck! he said.


    What is it? somebody asked.


    Its a duel. One person, epic trial

 Chapter 290: Void’s Harbinger

    Chapter 290: Void¡¯s Harbinger


    An epic duel? Derek asked. Isnt that good? Sounds like a pretty quick trial to me.


    Edgar looked at Derek, then at all the others behind him, waiting. Derek then understood who would be chosen to go into the duel. To guarantee sess, he, Edgar, or Avery would be the best for it, but, even though there was some trepidation out of the party after losing a party member, they were all professionals, and it wasnt like Layne was the first person theyd lost in a dungeon or fighting.


    Im going, a feminine voice sounded out from the crown. Derek turned to look to see Asana Greend standing close to them. We already made the decision that me and Vic were going to take lead on the next dungeon. Ill take this duel. Vic can have the next trial and take John and Ray in with him if its rare or easier. How does that sound?


    John and Ray were the two people, other than Tyron, who hadnt had a chance to go into a trial yet. Honestly, to Derek, her suggestion didnt seem too bad. She should be strong enough for an epic ranked trial. His only hesitation was how well would a wood-type mage, even an epic or better ss, work in a duel. <em>Then again, if she can root who or whatever shes dueling in ce, it shouldnt be too hard. </em>


    Derek turned his head and shrugged at Edgar. Honestly, he was more worried about his ive than this current trial. Besides, it wasnt up to him to make the decision, that fell on the prince.


    Thats fine by me, Edgar said. Is everyone else good with Asana taking this trial?


    Everyone nodded and agreed to her suggestion.


    Very well. Prepare yourself well before you go in. The duel is yours. Edgar stepped aside, leaving the path to the trial orb open. Then he walked away, and Derek followed.


    Looking back, Derek saw Asana Greend and her cousin Victor talking and exchanging items, obviously trying to stack the deck against the trial. He and Edgar waited for the elven woman to approach the orb and disappear before both of them hopped on Blitzs back.


    Good luck, Edgar muttered to nobody before giving Blitz themand to take him and Derek back to their other camp.


    The next day, it was finally finished. With onest resounding ng from the cksmiths hammer, a purple aura emanated from the freshly forged ive, and epassed the entire cksmith camp before shing back into the ive, like it had never been there to begin with.


    Derek, his patience finally spent upon seeing thepletion of his weapon, jumped up from his seat and rushed over to Tyron, who was wiping the sweat from his brow. With one look at the finished product, Derek fell in love.


    True to his word, Tyron had made the ive simple. It was a pole with a de at the end, with a slight hook on the back that could be used for parrying if needed. Both the butt of the pole and around three-quarters up it were wrapped in a ck leather made from hide from the wyvern, with the pole itself being forged from bone. The bone pole wasnt white like most bones, nor was it ck from the death attuned wyvern it was forged out of.


    It was a deep purple, so deep that it was almost ck, but once could still see the difference. It also had a spiral going from the base to the tip of the de that was a brighter purple, the same color as his void mana, in fact. It was the same pattern that Derek had seen on Silvis horn, and the same color. It was slightly dull, though.


    The spiral stopped where it connected to the de on the end, which was made from the wyverns fang and reinforced by its scales. The spiral connected to the top of the de, which gave the top half the same purple sheen that faded into a sharp metallic color as it faded into the edge of the de.


    She sure is a beauty, Tyron spoke with awe in his voice. Quite basic, yet the best weapon Ive ever forged. Even got an Achievement to prove it. Not often does a smith, even the best of them, forge a legendary weapon of the highest quality. This could put me in the history books.


    Derek heard him, but Tyrons words simply didnt quite register in his head. He was currently too fascinated by the weaponying before him. That was, until he felt a massive hand smack him dead on in the center of his back, which caused him to snap back to the present.


    Did you hear me? Tyron asked as he withdrew his hand.


    What?


    I said, its almost finished. You can go ahead and pick it up. It is still unnamed, though. Normally, I would name the weapon myself, especially something of such quality, but you provided the materials, and you provided the extreme amount of mana, so it is yours to name. Once you name it, it will officially beplete, the smith exined.


    <em>Oh, no!</em> Derek thought. <em>I have to name the weapon? </em>He didnt have such a great naming sense. He named Silvi, but she was actually named after the Silvi Jacobs he knew from earth because they exhibited some of the same qualities, like trying to kill Derek.


    What he needed was a name fit for a dragon of the void. But, even going through his list, though limited, of dragon names he could remember from his past, he couldnt think of anything. Thest thing he wanted to do was call it the Void ive or Wyvern de. So, he had to think, and think hard. ording to Tyron, it was a legendary weapon and thus, needed a legendary name.


    <em>Hmm my mythical sss name is Void Monarch. Maybe I can name it something after that? Or I could just call it Void, or Abyss </em>Derek thought. Names like Monarchs Abyss, and Fractured Void appeared in his head, but they just didnt seem quite right. The weapon was a legendary weapon, that was for sure, but by just looking at it, other than the glowing spiral, it was basic. No, the more he thought about it, the more he changed his mind. Such a weapon, even a legendary one, didnt need such a grand name.


    So, instead of thinking about it being made from a wyvern, or it being enforced by void, he thought about how the de would function-about his own fighting style with the weapon. He thought about how his attacks passed through most defenses and directly damaged vital areas.


    His ive would be the instrument used to deliver that direct damage. It would be the voids messenger of destruction. It would be the Void Monarchs Harbinger.


    Harbinger, Derek said. It was simple, just one word. His ive would foreshadow the iing, unstoppable attack. The attack would be from the void itself. The ive was just there to deliver it.


    Derek reached out and gripped his new weapon in his right hand and lifted it. He made a couple of shes in the air, then nodded. This ives name is Voids Harbinger.


    Very well, Tyron said, not asking for reasons. He knew that Dereks element was void, and that a massive amount of void energy went into making the ive. Its a good name. The smith then held his palm out. If you would.


    Derek nodded and held the ive out with both hands. Tyron ce one hand on the center of the polearm, then nodded. Your weapon will now be called Voids Harbinger, Tyron said, then broke out into the biggest grin Derek had ever seen on the man. Which, quite honestly, still wasnt that big. And another Achievement for that.


    Thank you, was all Derek could say after everything. Now, he was anxious to go test his new weapon, one that would hopefully be with him for a long time toe. He still had his other ive, and he nned on keeping it. That ive had been with him in his darkest hours while trapped in the void, so he doubted he would ever get rid of it.


    You can go now, Tyron said. I see that glint in your eyes. You want to go get acquainted with your newpanion. Go ahead. Im going to take a good long break before I get started on your armor. You can look forward to a very nice set of dragon scale armor soon.


    Derek nodded seriously and disappeared with his new de, Harbinger. Once he was in the forest, he began going over everything. He had his new weapon, now all he needed to do was choose it as a bond for his Polearm Specialty skill. But first, he wanted to get used to it.


    Obviously, the first thing he needed to do was test the weapons conductivity and durability. Its conductivity wasnt some that was visible to the naked eye. He would need to experience it for himself to learn more. However, he could see the ives durability and such by using Identify on it.


    Voids Harbinger


    Durability:


    1500/1500


    Voids Harbinger is the first high-quality legendary weapon created by an extremely talented expert cksmith. With the help from another, the smith was able to push the weapons affinity for the void element to an unheard of level. This weapon has acquired an innate ability upon reaching legendary status.


    Material Drain: Any material, organic or not, can be used to repair Voids Harbinger by using its innate connection to the void.


    Well, his first concern was quashed. With Material Drain, he wouldnt have to worry about taking his ive to cksmiths for repair. If it worked the way it sounded, as long as he had materials on hand, whether that be meat from a beast or hide from a dragon, he would be able to repair it if it lost durability. Now, how much it would take of different types of materials was something he would have to testter.


    Derek dismissed the information window and proceeded to his next test. Slowly, he focused on moving the sludge-like void mana from his level 20 Channel Void skill through his body and into his arm. To him, it felt like it was moving at a snails pace, but in reality, his control over his mana was still quite skillful.


    Soon, his mana reached his hand, and he projected it into Harbinger. To his surprise, instead of the purple aura surrounding the weapon like he was used to with his other weapons, it instead disappeared into the polearm. As he pushed his mana thought it, the dull spiral on the pole began to radiate void purple and glow as it filled up.


    The mana reached where the spiral connected to the de, and even the top gradient of the de lit up in a void glow. Derek still had his Void Sense activated at its highest capacity, and when all the parts connected with his voidced mana, he finally saw it. He saw the near transparent image of another de ovepping his own. The image was at least triple the size of his own de, and as he concentrated and pushed harder, it only grew.


    <em>So that must be a visible form of what Ive been doing all along. Well, visible for me, at least. </em>With Harbinger, he could easily control the size of the image, increasing and decreasing it at will. He could also choose to keep the size the same, but increase the quantity of mana inside, which caused the near transparent image to gain even more opaqueness. <em>I bet that will increase the damage of the attack. </em>


    Finally, Derek decided to test his theories byunching his most devastating attack. Controlling his mana, he made the void image around four times the size of his de, and poured his mana into it, almost ridding the image of its transparency. Then, he queued up Multi-Strike before striking out with a Sweeping sh.


    The results were immediate and ephemeral. When the crescent de shot out from Sweeping sh, another, muchrger image of a de flew too, ovepping the crescent energy. The original energy hit a grouping of trees and cut right through them, slowing by only a small amount in the process. However, the void imaged did not slow; it kept flying at the same speed as before, soon outpacing the physical attack.


    The energy from Sweeping sh soon dissipated after clearing dozens of trees in front of him and reaching its natural end, but the void energy kept going. It flew through tree after tree, causing no damage and not slowing one bit. Finally, at about twice the distance as the original de, the energy from the image disappeared.


    Even though it didnt seem like it caused any damage before disappearing, Derek knew better. If there was a person or beast standing before the void energy, they would be having a terrible day right about now. Actually, he wasntpletely sure, but if he had to guess, the trees that the void energy flew through were probably dead, too. A tree dying from internal wounds just wasnt as apparent as some other creature. If it was dead, though. <em>I bet the trees begin losing leaves soon, maybe a week or two, before dying. </em>


    Derek nodded and with a smile, rested Harbinger on his shoulder. This will do.

 Chapter 291: Weapon Bond

    Chapter 291: Weapon Bond


    With a vicious strike through the air, Harbinger cut into a tree, just missing the ducking Avery by inches. With the ive stuck, Avery dashed in and released a flurry of shes to Dereks abdomen, causing wound after wound to appear before regenerating at a speed visible to the naked eyes.


    Avery clicked his tongue, then jumped high in the air, pulling out and nocking an arrow in the process. By the time Harbinger was free of the thick tree, an all too familiar Drill Shot from Averys bow was already en route to Derek. Even knowing what the shot had done to the wyvern in the trial, Derek braced himself and crossed his arms over his chest-ive still gripped in one hand.


    The Drill Shotnded just as Derek got his hands up. The tip of the arrow slowly, but surely, dug into his naked forearm as he felt the pains from his back and legs sprout up. Pain caused by Avery moving behind him as soon as he released his shot, and taking his frustration out on Derek. Soon, a dagger found the back of Dereks knee and he fell.


    Now down on one knee, the blows began to get more fierce, now aiming for vital areas. But Derek had slipped into Greater Meditation the moment he got his guard up. Before, the healing was visible, but now, it was near instant. And with his armor-like skin caused by his over 1,500 points in endurance and whatever unknown increases his newly forged void body had given him, the healing was almost instant.


    Of course, this wasnt an all out fight. He and Avery had set some ground rules. For the spar, Derek wasnt using any void skills, and Avery wasnt using any of his overdrive skills, which is what Avery called his rapid stamina consuming skills he used. They were battling based on pure physicality. That was the best way for him to get used to his new weapon. Plus, it would be good to fight with someone that had such speed.


    Avery had agreed instantly when Derek asked to spar. He was bored with sitting around already, even though hed only been out of the trial for a couple of weeks. So, when Derek mentioned sparring, Avery had taken him up on it, and they were in the air looking for a good battleground almost instantly.


    Now, why was Avery aiming for Dereks vitals in a spar? Well, that was because Derek told him to. He had given the man one rule, and that was not to aim for his brain. Derek was sure he could heal from anything else, but he didnt want to risk his brain.


    So the two fought. Actually, they fought endlessly for almost an entire day. Derek was doing it all to learn more about his new weapon before bonding with it. Avery may not have been the perfect opponent, but he was all Derek had. The prince still had to go around and do princely things, and Tyron was busy crafting.


    Actually, if Derek could choose, he would want to fight against Tyron. At least he would be able to have a hit or twond on the man. But it was still good practice, and even though sparring didnt provide as good of skill increases as fighting for ones life, it was better than nothing. However, in the day of sparring, Derek hadnt gained a single level in anything.


    Whew! Avery said as he gasped for breath. How are you not even breathing hard? the archer panted like he was dying, pulling out some water and gulping it down in between breaths.


    Im built different. Derek shrugged with a smile. High endurance equals high stamina, Derek said. Besides, Im not the one dancing around and bouncing from tree to tree. I was damn near standing in that one spot all day. Also, you should really look into evolving your Meditation skill. It would do someone as stamina based as yourself wonder.


    Avery snorted. You dont have to tell me that. Ive been jealous ever since I found out about it. Ive been kicking myself for spending the few Skill Upgrade Points I had years ago. You know how hard it is to level Meditation especially when youre already sitting at level 250.


    Derek smiled. He was in a generous mood right now. If it was possible to use Void Call while inside a dungeon, he would think about bringing some Void Beasts inside so Avery could farm himself up some Skill Upgrade Points from the yer of the Unknown Achievement.


    <em>Actually, thats not a bad idea, </em>Derek thought. After learning about even another probably more powerful system in the universe, he wondered about the Void Beasts, and if it was possible to summon one that was much more powerful than the current power ceiling of the Great System. But if he brought Avery, Lyra, and Silvi along, surely they could handle just about anything that appeared.


    How about when we get out of here, we go on a little side quest to get some more ingredients? Derek asked, knowing full well that Avery already knew that Derek had a way to easily summon Void Beasts. Maybe you can get your yer of the Unknown skill up, which would, in turn, grant you some extra Skill Upgrades Points.


    Avery blinked rapidly for a few moments. You serious? he asked, still kind of stunned at the opportunity.


    As serious as Silvi when shes making breakfast, Derekughed.


    I dont know how serious that is, but yes. If you want to offer it, I would be a fool to turn it down. Ill just need to check in with nah when we get out-make sure there isnt anything going on that she cant spare me a bit more time, Avery nodded seriously.


    Good. Its set, then. Well go hunting once this dungeon is over.


    With ns made, the two went back to sparring well into the night and into the morning. Their former tree covered battlefield looked more like a diatorial arena now. With all the powerful and vicious blows by the two, an area of well over 3,000 square feet had been carved out in the earth.


    After over a day and a half of near nonstop fighting with his new weapon, Derek called for a break, and Avery went off to spend time with Lyra. He was pretty used to the weapon now, and he had already practiced moving his void based mana through it enough to be proficient in it, so he was ready to forge his bond. First, though, he wanted to test Harbingers ability to repair itself out.


    Harbinger hadnt lost much durability during the sparring sessions, but it has still dropped five points, down to 1,495. There werent any visible signs of damage, and it still pretty much looked like new. But with some durability off, he should be able to activate the skill.


    <em>Forgive me, Silvi, </em>Derek thought as he pulled a truck sized b of wyrm meat out of one of the storage rings Tyron had given him. He didnt want to waste any actual crafting material at this point, so he chose the lesser of the evils.


    Then, not knowing what else to do, and guessing, he stabbed the ded end of Harbinger into the thick b of wyrm meat. Hoping it was like using one of his own skills, he channeled his mana into the weapon and thought about activating Material Drain. Sure enough, it worked almost instantly.


    Within seconds, a portion of the giant b of meat was epassed in a deep purple sphere, almost resembling his Absolute Nullify skill. The sphere grewrger andrger before disappearing along with any meat it had epassed. Once the sphere disappeared, Derek checked his weapons durability once again. He smiled when he saw it was back up to 1,500 durability.


    He also let out a sigh of relief, seeing that Harbinger had taken only about a quarter of the meat to repair itself. It was still an awful lot, but Derek had been scared that it would actually take more than the giant b for five measly points of durability. He nodded internally and put the meat back into his storage ring.


    Now, with Harbinger fully repaired and his familiarity with the weapon increased, he sat crosse legged in the center of the dueling arena andid the ive across his legs. With a thought, he selected his Polearm Specialty from his skill list.


    Weapon Bond Avable


    Select Weapon


    He wasnt sure what the bond would be like, as when he upgraded his Unarmed Combat Mastery, he had gone the bare fisted route, and of course, he wasnt allowed to bond with his bare fists. Then, with a thought, Derek focused his attention on Harbinger,ying in hisp. A new notification appeared in front of his eyes.


    Weapon Selected: Voids Harbinger


    Is this your final decision?


    Note: Only one bond with a weapon can be active at a time.


    With another thought, he confirmed his decision. Instantly, Harbinger began to glow. It wasnt the usual purple glow Derek was used to seeing, but a bright, almost white glow. Then, the glow around Harbinger spread to himself. Finally, the glow disappeared, and Derek felt it. It was almost like the connection he had with Silvi, but much more faint.


    With their bond, Derek was able to locate Silvi by feel from a great distance, and that distance had only grown since they had been bonded. Now, he had the feeling he could do the same with Harbinger, only to a lesser degree. Of course, he couldntmunicate with the weapon like he could with Silvi. How did he know? He tried, then he felt silly for trying. Hed read way too many novels in the past.


    Next, he opened another new notification.


    Congrattions


    You have sessfully bonded with Voids Harbinger.


    With your bond, you have unlocked various upgrades for Voids Harbinger.


    <em>Okay This has to be kind of like the upgrades from my Bare Fist Specialty skill, right? </em>With that thought, Derek moved on to the next message.


    Please Choose Upgrade


    Durability, Heaviness, Length, Lightness, Merge, Size


    There were six upgrades that could pick from on the listpared to the three he had for his bare fists. Durability was just as it seemed. It increased the weapons durability by a certain percentage for each level he obtained in his skill; it was pretty much the same skill as Toughness. With the weapons innate ability, it made that upgrade next to useless.


    Next was Heaviness. That upgrade was basically an ability that allowed him to increase the weapons weight by a certain percentage, which was the same as Lightness, except with Lightness, he would be able to basically make the weapon weigh next to nothing at a higher level. He immediately crossed Lightness of the list, but Heaviness may end up good if there arent any better upgrades in the future.


    Length allowed him to extend the polearms length at will, and the length that he could extend it grew based on the skill level. It was an ability hed seen on TV and read about many times in fiction, though it usually came with a staff instead of a ive.


    Merge had him interested. It was basically two abilities in one. First, it allowed him to store Harbinger within himself instead of having to store it in a storage item. Next, since it became part of him, it would make it where no useful information would be given out when an appraisal type skill was used on the weapon unless the person using the skill was that much stronger than Derek. The higher the skill level, the easier it was to summon and unsummon the weapon. It was definitely the base upgrade he was leaning towards.


    Finally, was Size. It was the upgrade that Tyron had obviously chosen. He could select any part of the weapon and increase its overall size. The size increase grew proportionally. Honestly, it was a pretty great upgrade. Though, for him, he couldnt see using it much. He could already control the size of the void de that was generated when he used Channel Void.


    So, looking the choices over again, he made his decision and chose Merge.


    Merge Selected


    Ability to store Harbinger in your body has been unlocked. Harbingers status has been sessfully merged with your own. If information cannot be viewed about you, it cannot be viewed about Harbinger. Continue to level the skill to select more upgrades.


    Like that, with a thought, Harbinger turned into a sh of light and disappeared inside his chest, going to the same ce that contracts seemed to go to. With another thought, Derek held out his right arm and tried to summon the weapon. Harbinger then appeared in his hand. The speed of summoning the weapon was about the same as summoning it out of his storage bracelet. What he liked most, though, was that if his storage items ever got lost, destroyed, or taken, he would still have his weapon.


    With a sigh, Derek stretched and stood. He had finished just about everything he needed to. He would now go check on everyone else.

 Chapter 292: Contract Ended

    Chapter 292: Contract Ended


    So, like that, Derek once again fell into a routine of sparring with Avery, watching Tyron work, chatting with Edgar, and focusing on his meditation skill.


    In those days, Derek learned a bit more about the smith. Tyron didnt seem to be as talented in making armor as he was in making weapons. That didnt mean that he wasnt talented, though. No, that was far from the truth. The giant of a man just happened to be extra talented when it came to the forging of weapons. He was also faster when forging weapons than armor.


    Because of that, Derek didnt believe he would be getting a new set of armor any time soon, but at least it would be some very high quality armor. It just wouldnt be as high quality as his new weapon.


    Unfortunately, even with the level difference, none of Dereks skills leveled up when sparring against Avery, not even his freshly level 1 Polearm Specialty skill. He did manage to level his Telepathy skill up a couple of times to level 7 by chatting with Blitz. He was waiting for permission from Tyron to chat with Rocky, though, and the smith was pretty much always busy now.


    There was, however, a skill that seemed to be leveling like crazy. That skill was his Time Prison. Since leaving the second trial, his Time Prison had already made it to level 14. Having a bunch of level 250 dragonkin locked away in the prison seemed to be just the thing needed for the skill.


    He also slowly introduced Active Void Shift into his fighting repertoire. He and Avery had decided that he at least needed to use some skills to be able to keep up with the archer. Before adding Active Void Shift into the sparring sessions, Avery was beginning to lose interest, saying that it was like fighting a statue. So, with Silvis shared skill added to the mix, things got interesting once again.


    Unfortunately, things didnt stay casual and calm for very long. A handful of days after Asana Greend entered the dueling trial, Edgar sent amunication to him and Avery to meet back up at the main camp. So, dropping what they were doing, they mounted Lyra and left Tyron alone with Rocky to continue his craft.


    When theynded at the main camp, it was in an uproar. The biggest cause for the uproar was Victor Greend, standing inches away from Edgar shouting at the prince. The elfs usually pale face was red with fury.


    Im telling you! Theres no way shes dead. Your contracts must be wrong! I specifically gave her an escape scroll before she went into the trial. Besides, it was only an epic ranked trial. Theres no way she would lose her life to something in a trial like that, Victor yelled.


    Immediately, Derek knew what had happened, and his attitude changed to one ofplete seriousness. The same thing that happened with Layne must have happened with Asana. The contract Edgar had with her must have been broken. And the fact that the trial orb was active once again didnt bode well for the female elf.


    She must have broken the contract by using the escape scroll, Victor continued.


    No, my contracts are solid. Ive used the same ones dozens, if not hundreds, of times. Edgar sighed, finally cutting in once he saw Avery and Derek arrive. If she had used an escape scroll, I would have received a notification that the contract was broken. But I didnt get that notification. I got one saying that the contract had ended. In the contract, there are only two ways to end it. The first is bypleting the raid dungeon. The second is by death.


    Impossible! Asanas cousin yelled. Then he looked past Edgar at the trial orb and pushed the prince out of the way. If shes really gone, I have to see what did her in! he rushed to the orb.


    Avery! Edgar yelled. The next instant, Victor stopped in his tracks and stood stock still.


    Derek noticed Lyras intense focus on the elf. Edgar must have already beenmunicating with Avery while doing his best to exin things and talk Victor down. Unfortunately, it seemed that he had failed.


    Edgar sighed and grabbed the elf, tossing him over his shoulder, and moved away from the dungeon orbs. Everyone followed behind Edgar as he moved into the center of the camp. Once there, he nodded at Avery and Victor regained his senses.


    Wha-! What did you do to me!? Victor yelled at the prince once he got his bearings.


    I just had to make sure you didnt rush in and get yourself killed. You know I cant lose two Greends in the same dungeon, much less the same trial. You need to calm down and think. Something about this trial was able to take Asana out in a matter of days. Your earth element may make you a bit stronger than your cousin, but she was no pushover, Edgar exined calmly to the still seething Victor.


    Finally, it seemed that the elf caught his breath and his brain once again began working. So, what are you going to do? His face was still blood red in anger and emotion, but at least he wasnt running through Edgar to get to the trial orb again.


    Edgar sighed and looked around, his gazending on both Derek and Avery for a few seconds, then shifting his eyes again to look over the rest of the party.


    I know we had a deal that we wouldnt go into another trial unless absolutely needed after we gained the rewards from the dragon trial, but I think this may be the case where it is absolutely needed, Edgar exined.


    Ill go! Avery quickly stepped forward with his eyes shining.


    Derek couldnt allow that, though. He had a new weapon that needed to be tested plus he was bored. No, Ill go! He put his hand on Averys shoulder and pulled the archer back.


    Ill fight you for it, Avery said with a vicious tone in his voice.


    I dont think you really want to do that, Derek said. Besides, I didnt get anything from the dragon trial. I got a shitty skill. A single shitty skill that Im not going to use. Everyone else other than Tara got actual dragon mounts. Plus, you got good skills along with that. If anything, Id say I shouldnt be on the list of people that shouldnt be running dungeons.


    Derek could barely say what he just did with a straight face. Of course, nobody else knew that he had a stable full of dragonkin. They had all made a pact not to say anything to anyone but Tyron.


    Edgars mouth twitched as the prince tried to keep his face from breaking into a smile. Averys eyes widened at Dereks scheme, then he scrunched up his face. Derek could tell that the archer wanted to say something, but he knew hed been beat. Besides, Derek wasnt kidding when he said Avery didnt want to fight him.


    The archer may kick his ass every day when they spar, but Derek was quite sure if he used all his skills and abilities, it wouldnt actually be that hard of a fight.


    Derek patted Avery on the back. Besides, were still going hunting once we get out of here, right? He used his second card on the archer. The first thing he said was meant for the other raid members. They would be much less likely to object to Derek going into a trial if they thought about it like that. The second was to appease Avery.


    Fine, Avery clicked his tongue. You win. But next time something like thises up, Im going in.


    Derek shrugged.


    Of course, Edgar looked at Derek and Avery with a furrowed brow. They hadnt said anything about a hunt to him, so he had to be confused. But soon, the price shrugged it off.


    Is everyone okay with Derek going into the epic ranked trial? Or, is there someone else here, someone who thinks they are much stronger than Asana, that wants to give it a try? Edgar stopped Victor as he began to say something. Not you.


    Everyone mostly shifted their focus to Cain and Vanessa, but they all knew that Vanessa was under an entirely different contract than they were themselves, so they were all mostly looking at Cain.


    Im fine with Mr. Hunt going in, Cain said. I think it may be for the best. After experiencing thatst trial, I cant even imagine what happened that got Ms. Greend killed. Ive never seen him fight, but I know that Mr. Hunt is quite the tank, and he should have a great deal of offense as well. Hes a good choice.


    With Cains backing, nobody else spoke up to object. Edgar nodded at Cain.


    Follow me, Edgar said to Derek, and led him off to the side, away from everyone else. Are you sure you want to do this? Avery may actually be better suited for a duel than you. He gets to go in with Lyra, after all.


    Do we even know if were able to use contracted beasts, even bonded ones, in a duel like this? he asked. Besides, I doubt theres anything in this dungeon that I cant oust.


    Very well, Edgar sighed. Then, a scroll appeared in his hand and he passed it over to Derek. This is one of my escape scrolls. Use it if things go sideways. I would hate it if we lost all of your items because you died. Of course, the items Edgar was talking about were all the dragonkin and dragonkin materials he held.


    Derek was going to object, but he thought it would actually be good to have an escape scroll. He didnt know how his Void Travel skill would affect the dragons inside his Time Prison if he used it, but at least with an escape scroll, he would be able to get them out safely if he could use an escape scroll with his prison active. So, he put the scroll away, inside his storage bracelet.


    Thanks, he said. Im sure Ill be fine, though.


    Me too. Edgar nodded. I guess well see you when you get back. Try to be quick about it. Asanas death has taken a toll on both our morale and clearing speed.


    Will do, Derek said before they walked back to the gathered team members.


    Alright, looks like Im headed in, Derek said to Avery. Youre going to have to find yourself another sparring partner for a while.


    Dont die, Avery said.


    Dont worry, Derek replied. Then, he walked out of the middle of the camp and to the dueling trials orb. Next, he put his hand on it and viewed the trial information.


    Dungeon Trial


    Trial Type


    Duel


    Participants


    1


    Trial Difficulty


    Epic


    Participant 1/1


    He then went back to the previous screen and selected enter trial.


    Participants Ready: 1/1


    Derek Hunt: Ready


    Another notification came in next.


    Entering Trial in 3 2 1


    With that, a blinding light shed, and Derek was gone.

 Chapter 293: Trial Four

    Chapter 293: Trial Four


    The blinding light disappeared, and Derek found himself in the trial. When he looked around, he could barely believe what he was seeing. He instantly felt bad for Asana Greend. Hell, he was already starting to feel bad for himself. <em>Maybe I should have let Avery do this one, </em>he thought, and the archer may have been more suited for the trial if he was taking into ount the current environment.


    Derek was on an ind-if he could even call it that. The <em>ind </em>was maybe four hundred square feet in size maybe. It was really nothing more than a lump of dirt surrounded by an ocean for as far as his eyes could see. No tree or nt in sight. There wasnt even a de of grass.


    And the ocean? It was green and bubbling, and Derek didnt think that was from the heat. Instantly, Derek checked his skills to make sure his Cure Toxin and Rejuvenation skills were ready to go. He even felt a slight regret that he hadnt made Cure Toxin a priority when it came to leveling skills. It probably would have been easy to level it based on his endurance and vitality.


    What he currently knew was that he was stuck on a small ind surrounded by what looked to be an ocean of toxic water, and he was waiting for something he was going to have to duel. The only thing that calmed him down was knowing that the trial was only epic ranked, and that he had already both survived and flourished in a legendary ranked trial.


    After a few more moments, he finally received the system notification.


    Trial #4


    Defeat the Caustic Whale of Pestilence


    You have entered a duel. Two enter, but only one can leave. All routes to escape have been blocked. Win the duel to finish the trial.


    What the fuck?! Derek muttered as he read over the trial task. <em>So the whale is going to be what? Corrosive and toxic? Oh, and apparently, the system blocked any way to get out of here. Its no wonder that Asana died. Poor elf she couldnt even use the escape scroll that her cousin lent her. And she had to fight with a wood affinity in a ce with zero flora. </em>


    As his dancing partner had yet to make an appearance, Derek thought he might as well test out another one of his skills that he hadnt tested before. Honestly, this seemed like a great ce to see if Void Travel was as great as it sounded. In the description, it basically said that nothing could contain him if he wanted to escape with it. And it sounded like that meant this system, too.


    With some focus, he connected to the skill and instantly knew how to use it. Unsurprisingly, it wasnt much different from how he activated his Time Prison, though, he didnt need to pull the space apart like a set of curtains with Void Travel. With his mind on the skill, he focused on the void in front of him and cut down.


    A tear in the space in front appeared and grew wider and wider, until it was at least ten feet tall and six feet wide. Void energy sparked from the inside and ran around the edge of the tear. Derek inwardly got a sense of dread, but he also found a sense of direction. Like, if he wanted to, he could go inside and find his way to somewhere hed been before.


    He also realized one of the reasons that the other system had warned him against using this skill with others. The void energy inside was visible and sharp. He had no doubt that if someone other than himself got hit by one of the sparks, rips, or tears inside, they would be dealt direct damage, just like the things he attacked. He wasnt even sure he woulde out of the tunnel unscathed. It was connected to the Portal skill, but it was so much less stable.


    But he stepped inside, anyway. When the system didnt stop him, he knew he had a way to cheat the Great System. The skill the other system had given him was more than the Great System could handle. He smirked, then moved back inside the trial grounds, not wanting to stay in too long and possibly confuse the system into thinking he had died.


    With another thought, the portal closed, and Derek turned around. With the sense that he could leave the trial at anytime, most of his worries faded. <em>Besides, its only a whale. How hard can it be? I was a pretty good fisherman back in the day. </em>


    Seeming to react to his thoughts, an overwhelming noise that he didnt quite recognize rang out, causing enormous waves to form in the ocean, and the clouds in the sky begin to drizzle. A mighty gust hit him like a brick, then, the drizzle turned into a downpour. Only, instead of being regr rain, it was corrosive, like an extremely potent acid rain. With the first dropsnding on him, he resigned himself to losing yet another pair of clothing. What he hadnt been expecting, though, was his storage rings being corroded.


    Luckily, his storage bracelet seemed to be fine, and he was able to store the rings inside the bracelet. Otherwise, he would have to open his Void Storage or Time Prison and throw them in.


    Still, there was intense acid rain that was depleting his health. His natural healing and endurance was enough that his health was only being slowly depleted, but it still slowly ticked down. <em>If just this rain is enough to get past my natural healing, how must of it been for Asana? What kind of fight did she put up to havested in this atmosphere as long as she did?</em>


    Instead of starting up his meditation tobat the rain with his regeneration, he insteadbined his uses of Rejuvenation and Cure Toxin. Cure Toxin seemed to be a catch-all for poisons and toxins, and that included acid-like abilities.


    Still, the whole time hebatted the rain, he had his head on a swivel, looking for signs of where the whale might appear. <em>It sure is taking its sweet time, </em>Derek thought. <em>Is it just sleeping underwater or something? </em>Dueling his opponent underwater, especially in whatever type of water this ocean was, was thest thing Derek wanted, but if he had to, he would do it. It would be a struggle, and he would probably have to rely heavily on his Void Shift skill, but if it came down to it, he trusted in his own bodys regeneration, especially if used in tandem with Greater Meditation.


    Fortunately, and unexpectedly, that didnt end up happening. Far in the distance, the whale began to make its appearance, not from the ocean, but from the sky. Derek watched in awe as a sickly green whale, six, maybe more, times the size of thergest whale hed ever heard of on Earth, slowly floated down through the clouds.


    <em>Holy shit! That thing is like the size of three American football fields, </em>he thought in amazement. <em>And how big around is it? How the hell am I supposed to fight something like this? </em>He summoned Harbinger into his hand and looked at the de. The length of the de was only a couple of feet long. Two feet wouldnt be able to do anything, and he was unsure if his void attuned attacks would be able to travel deep enough into the whale to do any significant harm.


    Finally seeing the whale, Derek realized what the sound was. It had to have been the sound of the corrosive water being spouted out through the whales blowhole. His theory was soon proven correct as the rain soon subsided.


    As Derek readied himself for the battle, and the whale slowly crept closer to him and his small ind, Derek went over everything he knew about whales, which wasnt much. What he did know was thatparatively to theirrge size, their brains were small. What he wasnt actually sure of was the exact location.


    <em>Now, its heart should be pretty huge, at leastpared to its brain, and shouldnt be too hard of a target. At least if whale anatomy is the same here as it was back on Earth, </em>he thought.<em> Uh Im going to have to cut through so much blubber, arent I? </em>One thing was for certain, if his void attacks werent able to do enough damage from the outside, he would have to somehow attack its vitals from the inside. <em>Who knows how potent the toxins are going to be on the inside?</em>


    Derek checked his weapons durability to see how well it survived the downpour of acid rain and was relieved to find that it had only lost a couple dozen points of durability. With its innate ability, it would be able to gain that back rather easily. So, thankfully, he would be able to fight all out with Harbinger without worrying too much about it. Finally deciding on a n a, and not wanting the whale to get close enough to destroy the only piece ofnd in the area, Derek kicked off the ground and jumped into the air. He would meet his opponent head on. He didnt have much of a choice.


    The whale turned out to be even further away than he had originally estimated, its size even more robust than he imagined.


    Derek drew closer and closer to the massive creature, then, all the sudden, he disappeared. He was banking on the rarity difference at the moment, and used Active Void Shift. With his Void Sense turned up as high as possible, he had been able to make out a ripple in the void almost perfectly overhead of the whale. When he saw the chance, he took it.


    The thing about giant creatures such as the whale is they move slowly. So, even though it sensed his appearance as soon as he came through the ripple, it wasnt able to do much of anything other than release another sprout of toxic water out of its blowhole and send some kind of toxic wind his way along with it. This gave Derek time to charge up an attack.


    In the moment, he had decided to try to go for an instant kill or at least give it a serious injury by estimating where its brain would be and hitting it with the power of his full force. It took quite a while, at least in terms of fighting, to channel the void into Harbinger and create as big and solid of a projection of a de as he could. He was at it for almost ten seconds before he was satisfied with the oue.


    He also noticed that the corrosive wind was even more potent than the rain had been. Blisters slowly formed over his body in those ten seconds, and he even lost a small portion of his health. But, ignoring the pain and stiffness caused by the blisters, Derek kicked off the void andunched himself down at the creature.


    With the ive in both hands, and his position as close to where he thought the creatures brain would be, he shed down with all his might while heading head first into the whale. Of course, he didnt forget to activate Sweeping sh and Multi-Strike along the way.


    His attack perfectly timed, the visible Sweeping sh bit into the creatures surprisingly soft flesh and left a wide wound. A wound that Derek ever so gracefullynded head first into. Jumping up quickly, he wiped as much of the whale off himself as possible and tried to use the Cleaning skill to remove chunks of skin and blubber, blubber which happened to have an even higher toxicity than the wind.


    Jumping out of the wide wound formed by Sweeping sh, Derek listened to the whale release an agonizing groan. Now, he needed to wait for his void energy to do the rest of the work. Hopefully, he would be out of the trial soon, because even if he liked fishing, a toxic blubbering whale was just a little too much, even for him.

 Chapter 294: A Whale of a Battle

    Chapter 294: A Whale of a Battle


    Unfortunately for Derek, after the initial roar of pain from the whale, nothing more happened. The only exnation was that his void infused attack missed any vital areas of the whale before dissipating harmlessly.


    <em>Fuck! </em>Derek yelled inwardly. His one good n of action had failed, just like that. Another thing he noticed was that his Cleaning skill hadnt worked the way he had hoped. It cleaned him of the basic blubber and blood from the creature, but anything carrying toxin remained. He had to either remove the toxic material the old-fashioned way or choose to ignore it for now.


    Now, out of good ns, he had to move on to a bad one. <em>Do I go from up here at the top, or should I try going in from underneath? </em>His actual n, and the one he expected he was going to have to do from the beginning, was, unfortunately, killing the whale from the inside. He needed to channel his inner Avery. He needed to go inside the well somehow, find a vital spot, and attack it until he got a notification of victory. Just as Avery had done with the wyvern back in trial two.


    After going over his options, his eyes fell on the whales blowhole. <em>That should connect to the lungs. The lungs may not be as vital as its brain or heart, but I should at least be able to cause massive damage there. </em>


    Before diving head first, though, Derek looked back at the wound left behind by his Sweeping sh. Before his eyes, the tissue was already connecting and healing. This showed that the whale had an enormous amount of vitality, even if its endurance may not be anything special, as indicated by how easy it was for his sweeping sh to leave such a gaping wound where it did.


    Finally, Derek gripped Harbinger tightly with both hands and took off running to the whales giant blowhole. In moments, he reached it. Without stopping or looking inside, he jumped. Geronimo! he yelled as the flesh disappeared beneath him and he was left in a free fall.


    The inside of the blowhole was dark, and Derek couldnt make out anything except for the bit at the entrance that was illuminated by the outside light. As he fell, Derek kept a close eye on his own health, so it wasnt a surprise to him when he saw that it began rapidly decreasing the further down he fell. He had figured that the lungs would be where much of the toxins were stored. So, the concentration of the toxin being higher the further down he dove was expected.


    He only hoped his tankiness would be able to withstand it. He still had Greater Meditation on the table. It would be troublesome to fight with it active at all times, but against one enemy, and inside it at that, he shouldnt need to worry about his reaction time that would be limited while using the skill.


    Derek soon hit a curve in the tunnel and his back fell against the slimy wall. Still at a high speed, he slid. Weee! he shouted in glee as he traveled down the worlds most disgustingly slippery slide.


    Then he felt the wind pick up. <em>Uh-oh! </em>he thought. The next thing he knew, he was hit with an amount of wind that seemed to be almost solid, and his direction reversedpletely-from traveling downward at the speed of a sports car to instantly moving upwards at an even faster speed.


    Oh, shit! Derek took tightened his grip on his ive with both hands and performed somewhat of a flip. Facing the wall that was to his back before, he stabbed the ded end of Harbinger into the nasal wall of the whale, hoping to slow his ascent. The move partially worked. He once again heard a pitiful groaning from the creature as he split the nasal passage in two while being blown back up.


    However, with a twist, he reversed his de, causing the dull side of the de to tear and rip at the passage instead of the neat slicing of the sharp side. His momentum slowed greatly, and he hung on to Harbinger for dear life.


    With nothing more to do other than wait for the massive wind gust to subside, Derek checked back in on his and Harbingers health. He was still holding up quite well all things considered. The wind and traveling down had taken twenty percent of his HP, so he cast Rejuvenation on himself and also threw out a Cure Toxin for good measure.


    Unfortunately for Harbinger, thebination of the breath and the corrosive toxins from cutting into the whale had done a number on it. Its durability was already down over two hundred points. But Harbinger was self-healing, and he would deal with that issue when it came.


    Finally, the gust settled down, and Derek found himself about halfway back up the nasal canal. He wondered if the brain was located somewhere up against the nasal passage, but hisck of whale anatomy knowledge was making everything tricky. His only certainty, he hoped, was that the nasal passage was connected to the lungs and that if the lungs were too big or healed too fast, the heart wouldnt be far from them.


    So, he ripped Harbinger out of the whale and dove once again, hoping that the corrosive breathing skill the whale used had some kind of cooldown on it. He still asionally felt a gust of breath going up, but it wasnt anywhere near as powerful as the other one. He guessed it was part of the whales typical breathing routine, or it was doing what it could to try to slow Derek down.


    One thing he knew, this fight would have been absolute hell for Asana. He wondered what she had tried against the whale before sumbing to it. He could only imagine that she died a horrible death due to the sustained toxinsing from the whale.


    Seconds passed and the curve in the whales trachea began to level out, causing Dereks uncontrolled slide to slow. Eventually, he lost all momentum and hopped up and began to run on his own. The passage was slimy, and his now bootless feet slipped and slid as he pushed on.


    <em>This fucking sucks, </em>he thought. Apparently, when he was inside such a creature, there werent any void ripples around for him to connect to, thus causing both Active Void Shift and Void Steps to be next to useless. Void Shift could still have a small effect, though. He couldnt use it to travel from ripple to ripple as before, but he could still shift into the void and slowly move himself along.


    But doing that would be even slower than slipping his way forward, as he was now. <em>Why couldnt one of the skills I got have been Void Lightbulb? Maybe I should have looked for some glow-based skills before I left the city. Maybe I should use the dragon fire skill </em>In fact, it wouldnt be a terrible idea to take that scroll and use it.


    Releasing a dragon breath attack while inside the whale would probably do massive damage. Derek tossed that idea to the back of his mind, ssifying it as a backup n.


    Derek continued forward for a few more seconds before the floor beneath himpletely disappeared with no warning. He soon hit another wall behind him and went into a short slide beforending in a pool of the slimy substance. He also notice that the wall hended on had a different feel to it that the nasal passage hed been in before, leading him to believe that he had made it to the lungs.


    He wanted to reach out and touch the wall behind him to feel if it had a spongy feeling like hed always heard that lungs had, but instead, he had to focus his attention elsewhere. The lungs were cramped and stuffy, but that wasnt the problem. The problem was that the concentration of the toxins where hended was much more intense than anything hed felt before.


    He could feel the liquid corroding his feet up to his knees. He could feel his flesh being devoured by the acidic toxin. Without much thought, he sent Harbinger away for the time being and reached forward and ripped the void open. Quickly, he pulled his storage bracelet off and tossed it inside his Void Storage before mming the space back shut.


    He wasnt sure if the toxins would be enough to corrode his bracelet, but he didnt want to take that chance, especially when he could see. He also knew that Harbinger would be losing durability pretty rapidly in this situation, so he put it away for the time being. <em>What now? </em>He hadnt expected such a concentration of toxins inside the lungs.


    It was an epic beast, after all. <em>But who knows if the beast was made specifically when the trial started? What if its been alive all this time, and the stored toxins have been bing more potent? </em>It was something he would probably never know, but it was a thought he couldnt help but think.


    So, Derek used Greater Meditation to even out the damage caused to him by the toxins. Even with the skill active and his recovery, though, his HP slowly ticked down as long as he was standing inside the pool of toxins. Fuck! What am I doing?


    He couldnt help but shout out loud when he realized hed been a bit of an idiot when dealing with the toxins. With a thought, he focused on his legs. Soon, a thin, glowing purpleyer appeared from his thighs down. It was his first real use of Void Creation.


    It was minimal, but it seemed to do the job. <em>As expected from a skill this system didnt give me, </em>Derek thought. It was a drain on his mana, that was for sure, but because he was only covering a portion of his legs and not his whole body, Greater Meditation looked like it could keep up with the drain. So, he decided to push it even more and re-summoned Harbinger.


    He focused on adding another thinyer of protection to the ive, and one soon appeared. Now, even with Greater Meditation, his MP ticked down a bit faster than it could fill. But that was fine. His mana pool was quiterge, and he could always put Harbinger away for a bit if he needed to regain mana.


    With his legs protected and no longer being damage, and Greater Meditation active, his HP finally began going back in the right direction. <em>I wonder if the whale can do anything to me in this situation. </em>After making it to the lungs, Derek hoped nothing more than a battle of attrition. Surely the whale would sumb to him before he sumbed to it. After all, he had chosen his stats based entirely on that, and they had never failed him.

 Chapter 295: Don’t Whale on Me!

    Chapter 295: Don¡¯t Whale on Me!


    The Caustic Whale of Pestilence released roar after roar as Derek continued to whale on it. Strike after strike from Harbinger soon had its lungs and, what could only be described as air sacs, yed open and bleeding at least from what Derek could tell with the extremely small amount of light offered to him by the dark glow of the veils created from Void Creation.


    Plus, it was easy to see that its lungs were filling up with more fluid over time. Fluid that Derek could only assume was from the bleeding he had caused. Still, there was no way to know what kind of actual damage he was doing to the whales health overall. With its size, the damage caused by him may have only been a drop in the bucket.


    <em>Who knows what kind of health pool such arge creature has?</em> Even his long cuts of ten feet or more would only amount to a small scrape based on its size. <em>This is where death by a thousand cuts starts to make sense, </em>Derek thought as he kept swinging away.


    The whale, to its effort, was constantly trying to remove Derek from its insides, but he wouldnt let it. Its cooldown for the toxic wind attack seemed to be a little over a minute, and Derek was ready for it every time the whale used it-and the whale used it as often as possible.


    But the whale wasnt the only one who used their skills when they came off cooldown. Every time Sweeping sh or Multi-Strike was ready, he used them. He also mixed in Void Lightning and Chain Lightning as well, with the thought that he might as well use everything he could.


    A couple times, after the whale used its toxic wind, the veil surrounding his ive and legs broke, and Harbinger lost a bit of durability while Derek tried to keep himself from being sted back outside. He would then have to use Void Creation again once the whale was finished with its attack.


    Through everything, his Cure Toxin and Rejuvenation were making vast strides. Cure Toxin, in the few hours hed been inside the whale, had already leveled from level 4 to level 9, and Rejuvenation had even gained two levels, making it to level 16. Chain Lightning even hit level 14, but overall, the skill was pretty much useless based on how the whale reacted.


    So, in short, the whale may have actually been a great sparring partner for his skills if he wasnt on a time crunch. Then again, Derek still wasnt entirely sure how he was going tond a killing blow on such a beast, so it was entirely possible that he was going to end up with even higher skill levels. He didnt know if the fight would end up taking a few more hours, or even days.


    They had been well ahead of the time allotted for them toplete the dungeon, then there was the third trial incident and the wasted fourth trial effort. One of the reasons Derek wanted to do this trial was because he had faith in his skills toplete it quickly. Now, he was sure that Lyra would have been best suited for the trial.


    The wyvern would have been able toe in and break the whales mind in seconds. But because of the type of trial it was, he wasnt actually sure that the wyvern would have been able to enter the trial with Avery. If she couldnt, then Avery would have had a very hard time. And with the way the trial blocked escape scrolls, the chance that Lyra wouldnt have been allowed in was not on the small side.


    So, Derek continued to assault the whales lungs for at least three more hours. The amount of viscous liquid in the lungs had to be trying for the whale. In fact, the lungs were getting so full that, if something didnt change for it soon, Derek believed that the whale could possibly end up drowning in its own blood.


    Even with it working to empty its lungs with its skills, it couldnt keep up with the damage Derek was unleashing. <em>If only I could see a health bar, </em>Derekmented as he jabbed Harbinger into the sponge-like flesh and sliced.


    Finally, after his next attack, something finally did change. Derek felt the gravity underneath him lessen, and he was thrown against the side of the wall. His first thought was that the whale had used another breath-based skill like the one before, but then he realized that wasnt it. It didnt take him long to realize what was happening.


    The whale was in a free fall. No, it was rushing down to the ocean. For the first time, the aquatic creature was about to hit the water. Derek did his best to brace as the free fall came to a sudden stop. He neednt have worried, as he was thrown into the ceiling of the lung, which did absolutely no damage. Theposition of the lungs made it for one of the safest rides hed ever been on.


    However, what he did have to worry about was the massive amount of toxic water that was just rushing into the lungs with him. <em>Is the thing crazy? Pulling water into its lungs, its going to drown. </em>But it didnt stop. Derek took a deep breath in before he was submerged in the toxic liquid.


    <em>Fuck! How long can I hold my breath with my stats? </em>He wondered. It was something he never really tested, something he never needed to test, and something he never wanted to test. But now, he needed to know. <em>Can I even die from suffocating or drowning with my new body? </em>If nothing else, then this whalesst-ditch effort was extremely inconvenient for him.


    He had multiple ways out, from his Void Storage to his Time Prison. But stopping his onught for even a minute would allow the creature to regenerate an unknown amount of health, and he didnt want that.


    He even thought about trying out his Void Travel skill and seeing what kind of damage it would do if he used it while inside the whale, but the fact that his void skills like Void Steps didnt work inside the whale made him toss the idea for now. It was a skill for traveling, after all. If it ended up not working, it would just be time that he allowed the whale to heal.


    Being submerged in water, his thrusts and slices werent as sharp as before, as the liquid made his movement sluggish. On top of that, the veil around his legs and Harbinger shattered once again, and with his full body immersed in the toxic substance, it was draining his resources even faster.


    With a quick nce at Harbingers status, he saw that the ives durability had fallen below half. <em>Shit! </em>he cursed inwardly. <em>What now? I dont have the time or materials to repair Harbinger while in here! </em>But with that thought, something clicked for Derek.


    With a quick nce, he went over Harbingers Material Drain ability once again. <em>Nowhere in that description does it say that the material cant be part of or connected to a living entity. Whelp! Here goes nothing! </em>Derek thrust his ive as deep as he could into the whales lungs, then, with a thought, activated Material Drain and waited.


    The same deep purple glow of the sphere that he was ever so familiar with began to form around the de of the ive. Soon, the sphere started to grow. First to five feet, then ten. Finally, it stopped growing. Derek checked the status of the ive once again. <em>Only ten points recovered? </em>Derek frowned at first, then his face broke into a smile.


    He pushed forward. Just as he hoped, the void sphere on the end of Harbinger moved with him, and dug into the whales flesh, leaving behind a ten-foot diameter tunnel formed from it in the process. So, Derek went wild. With Harbinger acting like a drill, he began to systematically destroy the lungs.


    It wasnt long before he found the thickness of the lungs. It was just over fifteen feet. So, Derek erased as much as he could. Because thats what it felt like he was doing, erasing.


    Not long after he started using Harbingers ability to punch holes in the whales lung, he felt a somewhat simr sensation as before. Except, this time, he didnt feel like he was weightless; he felt pressure. The whale had changed ns once again. This time, it was rushing up at a breakneck speed.


    Soon, the water inside the whale flooded back through its nasal passage as it was spewed out. In a rush, the water also carried Derek with it. He stabbed forward, but with Material Drain activated, Harbinger wasnt able to bite in to slow his ascent. So, while dragging a ten-foot-wide void sphere with him, Derek destroyed what he could of the whales nasal passage as he was pushed up and spouted out of the whales blowhole.


    Damn it! Derek shouted as he found himself in the air with Void Step above the whale. It took a moment for his eyes to get used to the daylight after being in pitch ck darkness for hours.


    He looked down from his perch to see the enormous whale beneath him still spouting out liquid. But soon, the liquid being spouted out changed from the dark murky color of the toxic ocean to a deep red, almost ck liquid. It was blood. And based on the amount that just kept pouring out of the creature, Derek had dealt massive damage to it.


    With a shrug, Derek used Active Void Shift and made his way closer to the back of the giant mammal. Once he was close enough, he canceled Void Steps andnded on its back. Then he ran toward its blowhole to try to get a good look. He was prepared to jump back in.


    But before he made it to the blowhole, he came up short. Stopping to stare inside the blowhole, he saw something he hadnt expected. First, from what light made it inside, he saw the wound he made with Material Drain as he was being carried up the whales nasal passage before being spouted out.


    Compared to the entire whale, it wasnt big, but the odd thing was that it didnt seem to be regenerating. He thought back to how fast the opening wound he had inflicted on the beast had begun repairing itself. This was nothing like that. There was no sign of healing at all. <em>Maybe its body is focusing on healing the vital areas first? That would make sense. </em>


    But with the amount of blood that was being pumped out with every breath the whale tried to take, he wasnt so sure of that. Finally, he looked at Voids Harbinger. It was back to its normal appearance, as he had canceled Material Drain the second he was out. <em>Did the ability stall the healing? Is it because of the void? </em>


    <em>Wait a second, </em>he thought. <em>If it only takes materials to repair the weapon, that means I should be able to find something with a high vitality, like one of the wyverns, and I could continuously allow the beast to regenerate itself before using that same spot to continue my repairs. What if </em>Derek stared wide-eyed at Voids Harbinger. If what he was thinking wasnt wrong, then he had no doubt in his mind why Voids Harbinger was considered a legendary weapon.


    <em>If whatever material from a living creature cant be regenerated, or is extremely slow to regenerate </em>he thought as he shook his head in awe. <em>But that makes sense. The system wouldnt allow such an exploit, even if it had to make such a powerful skill to get rid of it. Thats why its a legendary ability. </em>


    With the new information about his ive, Derek smiled widely and checked its durability. <em>1326, </em>he thought. <em>I have just under two hundred durability left to use Material Drain to finish this thing off. Though, by the looks of it, it may just bleed out soon. </em>With a kick, Derek jumped up and headed back to where his initial strike had been.


    <em>Theres no way I was that far off from the brain. </em>Using Harbinger like a drill, he stabbed it into the whale and activated Material Drain. Then, he pushed not down, though, no; he pushed it along the whales hide. He was perfectly in the center of it, so he used Harbinger like a vegetable peeler, going back and forth in a wide area, trying to unearth the brain.


    It didnt matter how long it took him. The whale didnt seem like it was up for fighting anymore. No more toxic spouts came from the blowhole. In fact, it was doing its best just to stay afloat.


    With only a small amount of durability left, Derek found the brain. When he did, he nearly facepalmed. <em>Im so fucking stupid, </em>he chided himself. His first attack could have been perfect if he would have been on the other side of the blowhole. Though it did seem to be deeper than he thought it would have been.


    With a click of his tongue, Derek,pletely covered in the ick and goo from the bleeding whale, channeled the void into Harbinger. Opting for quality, by the time he was finished, the energy de was as visible as the ives own de. Then, with all his might, he swung down with Sweeping sh and Multi-Strike.


    The energy arc from Sweeping sh hit the whale where the brain was just visible and continued on to split it in half. <em>Oh I guess that was overkill. </em>With onest groan of pain, the Caustic Whale of Pestilence whined and plummeted toward the sea. Derek jumped into the air and watched as it fell.


    Just as it hit the water, Derek received a notification, but didnt view it. He knew it was dead, and he knew the trial was over. But he couldnt help but think of what a shame it was that one of their party had died while facing such a beast.


    With the proper equipment or element, the whale wouldnt have been all too difficult to deal with. Unfortunately, Asana just wasnt a good counter to the creature. Derek shook his head and made his way back to the little ind, which, surprisingly, hadnt been destroyed.


    When hended, he looked at the trial orb that had reappeared. He sighed. They were halfway through with the dungeon, and they had lost two people two elites. After what hed seen from the two trials hed been inside, he knew one thing Edgar needed to do away with the democracy and take full charge of the dungeon. If he didnt, there was no telling how many more casualties they would have before it was all over.

 Chapter 296: Unfortunate Return

    Chapter 296: Unfortunate Return


    Lieutenant Hobbs sat back at his desk with a sigh. Theary Battle on A-37 was moving along nicely, especially considering its size. If things continued to go the way they were, Commander Kelvin would surely reward him with a promotion. Perhaps he would even get promoted to one of thosefymand positions back at base. A man could dream.


    But soon, all his hopes and dreams were dashed by a ring rm going off on his bracelet. He had set that rm around a year ago and hadnt bothered with it since. In fact, he had put it out of his mind. But the rm meant one of two things. Either themander was going to be extremely pleased, or he was going to be extremely pissed.


    Praying for the correct oue, Hobbs slowly raised his bracelet up and punched in a fewmands. Then, all the air left him as his face fell into his palm and he began to shake his head. It was the wrong oue-the one he hoped and prayed it wouldnt be. That bastard didnt die. He didnt die, and he was on his way back.


    Just then, a quick series of knocks rang out on his door, causing him to sit up straight and swiftly fix his previously bedraggled hair before uttering, Come in! With his deep voice.


    The door to his office swung open and a woman with dark skin and fiery orange hair strode in.


    What is it, Sergeant Trusk? Hobbs asked.


    Commander! There is amotion at the east gates that may require your attention, the sergeant spoke.


    Of course, he could already guess what sort ofmotion she was talking about. The only person who had been exploring to the east was that man. On top of the rm he had set to go off whenever that man entered a certain distance from the camp, Lieutenant Hobbs knew exactly who was the cause of themotion. He only wondered what that man was doing.


    Hobbs almost let out another sigh, but caught himself. He didnt want to look or sound defeated in front of one of his sergeants. So, instead, he stood, looked at Sergeant Trusk, and said, Very well, lead me there.


    Yes, sir!


    As Sergeant Trusk led him out of office and through the barracks, Hobbs couldnt help but think about the man. <em>In around a year, nobody has heard anything from or about that man. Weve also kept soldiers from venturing out east, just because of him. But that area is full of the Obsidian Ash Panthers, including their leader. Did he manage to survive alone against them for all this time? I dont even think I would be confident to survive an entire year alone in that area without backup. </em>


    <em>Just what is it with him? Did he hide for a year? </em>Hobbs couldnt help but think. But hed met the man before sending him east of their camp. <em>No. He didnt seem like the type of person who would hide. If nothing else, he was a fighter. </em>


    <em>But I havent heard anything from any of the camps to the east of us, so he couldnt have made his way all the way through. He surely would have met other soldiers mapping out the forest to the west of them. </em>So why hadnt anyone contacted him? Surely Hobbs would have gotten some kind of message from one of the other camp lieutenants.


    Continuing to follow the sergeant, they finally arrived close to the east gate entrance. When they got there, they were met with quite the sight. All the guards and multiple soldiers were positioned around a man. They were ready to battle at a moments notice. Some used swords, some used guns, but all weapons were pointed at a man in the center.


    The man, of course, was Jace the person Commander Kelvin currently hated more than anyone. Hated might have been too strong of a word, if anything, themander was more or less extremely annoyed with the young man that came from C-186, also known as Earth.


    Jace cut quite the figure. Like Hobbs thought, the man hadnt been back to civilization in a year, and his appearance showed that. Normally, the Earth soldier sported a bald head so his hair couldnt get in the way of his fighting, and wore light leather armors that were easy to move in and provided minimal protection.


    But the Jace in front of him looked nothing like the man Hobbs had met briefly before sending him into the forest. No, the man before him had shaggy dark brown hair matted in blood, and was wearing nothing but a hastily patched together dried ck skin around his waist to provide some protection for his dignity.


    The man had previously been pale white, but it seemed after spending a year outside on A-73, he seemed to have gotten a bit of a tan. Though it could just be caused by some of the blood and mud that adorn his skin. Speaking of his skin, from his neckline down to his waist, there wasnt an area that wasnt covered in scars both deep and shallow. He even had three scars in a line on his left cheek that looked like some beast had swiped him with its ws across the face.


    Hobbs couldnt help but wonder what all Jace had gone through over thest year. When hest met the young man, he used two machete-like des, but what he currently held were two short spears, one in each hand. <em>I guess his weapons must have lost their durability after all this time, and he didnt feel likeing in to have them repaired. </em>


    All of those things may have been different from what Hobbs had previously seen, but the rm he had gotten, the bracelets on the mans wrists, and the bloodcurdling aura emanating from the man was enough to prove it was Jace. Hobbs hadnt experienced his aura first-hand, but he was close enough to feel it when Jace activated it when he first entered the forest.


    Everyone, stand down! Lieutenant Hobbs ordered, causing many of the soldiers to flinch and shift their attention to the approaching lieutenant. I said! Stand. The. Fuck. Down! Hobbs ordered again, this time loudly, as a few of the soldiers were too intimidated by Jaces aura to hear his firstmand. That was finally enough for everyone to recognize that a lieutenant had arrived on scene.


    Jace, wee back. It seems you have had a tough year, Hobbs moved on to addressing Jace. Once the soldiers knew that the man was a known entity and not some surviving native from the, a lot of the tension left the area. It would be best if you put away your weapons, Hobbs said.


    Jace turned his gaze from the soldiers to Hobbs. When Hobbss eyes met the blood-red eyes of Jace, it caused a chill and shiver to go down the lieutenants spine. It was like he was looking at a blood thirsty animal that couldnt even be bothered to feel threatened by him. <em>Just how much has the man grown? </em>At this point, Lieutenant Hobbs questioned if he would even be able to put up a fight against Jace if it came to it.


    <em>Such growth in just a year. Just how much time did he spend fighting and increasing his skills? Surely, with all of those scars, he had to take breaks to recover. Commander Kelvin is not going to be happy about this, </em>Hobbs thought.


    Wheres the barracks? I need a shower. Jace dropped his makeshift spears and stepped forward. The sea of soldiers parted before him, and soon he was standing in front of Hobbs and Trusk. Barracks? he repeated.


    Uh sir Trusk started, but was visibly shaking under Jaces intense stare.


    Control your bloodlust! Hobbsmanded, hoping Jace would do as he said.


    Jace shifted his eyes back to Lieutenant Hobbs and tilted his head. If I wasnt controlling my bloodlust he took another step forward and was soon eye to eye with Hobbs, only inches away. Hobbs did his best not to flinch, but his body betrayed him at the sight of the other mans blood colored eyes. You would know.


    Doing his best to keep from losing even more face in front of so many soldiers, Hobbs cleared his throat and turned around. The barracks are this way. He began walking toward one of the barracks, hoping Jace followed behind, but not daring to look. <em>Yup Kelvin is going to be royally pissed. </em>


    A short walkter, and the three of them were standing next to the entrance of one of the barracks. Trusk had calmed down and followed as well.


    Here they are. Im sure you can find the showers yourself, Hobbs said. When you finish, meet me at my office. There is a lot for us to discuss.


    Jace didnt bother with a reply, and strode forward to the entrance to the barracks. But before he opened the door, he paused and turned back around, looking at Hobbs and Trusk. With a couple motions, he held his wrist out and nodded to the bracelet.


    Understand what he was hinting at, Hobbs reached out and took themunications bracelet off of his wrist and moved back. Then, Jace pulled the other bracelet off and tossed it to him as well.


    Theres your map. Sell everything in the other one for system credits. And have somebody bring me a change of clothes.


    Hobbs looked down at the blood covered bracelets in his hand and nodded. The next moment, Jace disappeared into the barracks.


    Is he really a soldier? Trusk finally asked, breaking Hobbs out of his thoughts.


    Hobbs snorted. Only in the faintest sense. Hes someone themander sent here to die, but apparently that didnt work. Now I have to be the one to report it to Commander Kelvin. The lieutenant shook his head and turned to go back to hismand center.


    Once back in his office, after giving Trusk the order to find Jace a spare uniform, he leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. <em>Hes even less sociable than when I saw himst. And that bloodlust. What did he go through thisst year? </em>Finally, took the time to inspect the two bracelets Jace had tossed him.


    First, he connected his own officer-grademunications bracelet to the one Jace had been issued and transferred all the data it had collected to his own. Without hesitation, he began his inspection. The more information he found, the more surprised he became.


    <em>He actually mapped every corner of the eastern forest. Almost up to the other camp, even. How did nobody see him? </em>That was the main issue tugging on Hobbss mind. If a man like Jace got that close to another military encampment, surely someone would have noticed him.


    But soon, he found his answer. At one point a few months ago, Jacesmunication bracelet came into contact with three other bracelets. But just as they came into contact, those three bracelets disappeared. <em>He killed them? But there arent any demerits. That means of course. </em>The three soldiers who met Jace in the forest must have attacked the man first. <em>Who wouldnt attack when meeting someone like that in the middle of a forest? </em>


    There really wasnt much Hobbs could do about it if the other three had attacked first. The best-case scenario was a light reprimand for not holding back in his attacks. But that wouldnt do anything. Finally, he finished going through all the new data collected by Jace. If nothing else, the man had been extremely thorough. He had collected as much information about the eastern forest alone as an entire squad would have.


    Next, he moved onto the mans storage bracelet to see what all he wanted to sell. The number of Obsidian Ash Panther corpses was staggering. His eyes widened in shock when he found the queen and king panther corpses among them. He also sighed when he found the bodies of three soldiers, all neatly taken out with a single sh.


    Once more Hobbs sat back and sighed. It was a rough day for the lieutenant. For over a minute, he fidgeted with his ownmunication bracelet. He had to make a report. <em>I hope Kelvin doesnt take this out on me. </em>With a deep breath, he finally made the call.

 System Universe Book 3: Savannah is out!

    System Universe Book 3: Savannah is out!


    Hey everyone! Book three of my series releases today!


    Today marks theunch of System Universe Book 3: Savannah. Its now avable through Amazons Kindle Unlimited, Kindle, Paperback, and Audible.


    Adam Verner was and still is amazing in the narration.


    Its pretty surreal that I now have three novels avable on Amazon!


    Avable through these links:


    Ebook: /amazon/B0BT5WF624


    Audible: /pd/Savannah-Audiobook/B0C5Y5Y375


    Now, as for how people can support the release, there are a couple things, if you were here for thest announcement, you already know this:


    -Ratings and Reviews: On Amazon (Also, keep in mind that anything below a 5 is basically bad because of how their rating skew) ratings and reviews are the biggest help for authors. Also, you dont have to buy the book to rate it, which is good because you most likely already read it here. Though, I would for sure love for you to pick it up again on KU or Audio to get in on some of that good editing and narration. XD


    -Kindle Unlimited Downloads: With the way Amazons algorithm is, reading the book on KU or even just downloading it helps a ton. The more downloads/reads, the more Amazon likes the book.


    Here we go!


    <strong>So... the first city he traveled to on a new world wasnt exactly what he expected....</strong>


    House Gracefall wasnt anything like what Derek had imagined it would be. Instead of rage and anger at the loss of one of their young masters, House Gracefall showed humility and even apologized.


    Despite one noble house exemplifying honor and nobility, another awaited to reinforce the negative stereotypes that Derek had been anticipating all along. Somehow, out of all that, Derek made a new friend, a new business partner, and learned some secrets, while Silvi got her first taste of the real world of cooking and loved it.


    With his sess rate of meeting nobles being at 50-50, Derek andpany have now ventured forth to a new city. What will await them there? What are the odds that he can go two-for-three on noble families? Will Silvi get her own kitchen?


    He ns to answer these questions and more as he and hispanions enter Savannah, the business capital of the Cydarian Kingdom.


    <strong>Dont miss this next chapter of Dereks adventure in a new world with a new System, with the uniquebinations of LitRPG, <em>isekai</em>, and the slice-of-life genres. Join Derek and hispanions as they continue to explore this old but new world.</strong>


    I want to thank everyone who read book 1 and left me kind reviews and messages. You are all awesome!


    And as always,


    Thanks for reading!

 Chapter 297: War Efforts

    Chapter 297: War Efforts


    Border of Cydaria


    Indria-Astrus Alliance Base Camp


    Dammit! Ryven Elras crushed the goblet in his hand and threw it with enough force that it ripped through the tent wall and continued on. Its been a whole year, and this is what we have to show for it? Are the both of you this inept?


    Ryven had been mademander of the alliance between Indria and Astrus. He dly epted the position, as the war was nned to be a very short, sure thing. But then, he had been embarrassed around every corner.


    First, he had chosen his nephew, Orion, as one of the armys captains. Orion Elras was the second prince, and the one who would most likely takemand of the kingdoms military once his brother took to the throne. Ryven had figured that this would be a great learning experience for the young prince. Before the war, other than practice and sparring, hed yet to have any real battle experience. This year, the boy would be in his mid-30s, so it was more than time for him to step up.


    As for the second captain, that wasnt his choice. The crown prince of Astrus, Titus Sinir, took it upon himself to volunteer for the position, and as both countries supposedly had an equal stake in the war, Ryven had to ept him. The man had been even more useless than his nephew.


    The two boys seemed to take pride in one-upping each others ipetence. Just looking at the two sent a burning rage through Ryvens body.


    Dont answer that! he hushed his two captains when they tried to speak. It was rhetorical. Of course you are. If not, then you would have been able to capture more than one city in the entire year I gave the two of you control. A single city, and five sub-cities all in the same area. Are you not ashamed? No, no, youre not. The two of you stand there proud. Proud because youve destroyed countless backwater viges Ryven shook his head. If your fathers could see you right now


    Uncle Orion began, but Ryven quickly cut him off.


    Commander! I am not your uncle on the battlefield, and you will not refer to me as such. Youve already had enough special treatment. You will have no more.


    Commander Orion said. There was no way we could have known that Cydaria would put up such a resistance. And that woman just how much money does she have?


    The woman his nephew was referring to was Natalie Savannah. When Ryven first dered war on Cydaria, he reached out to two people. The first, nah Swan, and the second, was Natalie Savannah. Negotiations with nah Swan had gone well enough.


    She seemed to care deeply for her own, so she hadnt made a move since learning that their army had captured three of Cydarias sub-cities, each housing one of her lesser Crown Restaurants. The woman was reluctant to have her own people ughtered along with other Cydarian leadership. So, since the beginning of the war, Ms. Swan had been quiet.


    However, the same could not be said for Natalie Savannah. Hismunication with the woman had been brief, but he learned all he needed to know. That woman refused to bow down to anyone. She would serve nobody but herself. And she had the funds to do so.


    Just going by elite forces, she controlled at least half of what Cydaria had been able to muster in defense. If not for her, they surely would have already taken over the capital. But every battle, every skirmish, elites would show up, bearing her symbol. It was mind blowing. Still, even with her cooperation, there was no way Cydaria should have still been putting up a struggle after an entire year.


    What Ryven was most worked up about was the batch of elites who had entered a raid dungeon, one which he and his army had yet to find the entrance to. Edgar Cydaria was leading the raid, and through some means, they had found out that neither Edwin, nor Edward, could be considered the strongest of the Cydaria family. No, that title went to Crown Prince Edwards youngest brother, Edgar.


    If they could take over the country before the raid dungeon finished, they would have more than enough time to prepare for the prince. But, if he were to appear as it was now, things could get dicey. With control of only one city and a handful of sub-cities, that wasnt near enough to feel confident if twenty-five elites joined the fight against them.


    He had given his nephew and the Astrus crown prince a year to y. But now it was time for him to take over. He felt uneasy about how Cydaria and Natalie Savannah had been able to defend against them, even if it was against his inept captains.


    The two of you are now captains only in name. From now on, you follow my orders. You will not sway from my orders. Is that understood?


    Im the crown Titus began, but was interrupted by Ryven.


    I dont care if youre the king of this entire continent. You will follow my orders, or you will be sent home. Im sure your father would be proud of your return, Ryven said. Now, have I made myself clear?


    Yes, sir! Both men shouted at the same time.


    Good! Ryven waved the boys away. You are dismissed.


    Once the two useless princes were gone, Ryven walked forward and looked over a table that housed a very detailed map of Cydaria. The map included locations of troops, both elite and other, of both sides of the war. With his index finger, he traced a line out on the map.


    Here, he said to nobody. This is where I start the attack. When he removed his finger from the map, his eyes fell on the city of yton. It was a city that would not be expecting an attack so soon after the fall of Wilmette. It was where his war would begin.


    ***


    Savannah


    Natalies Residence


    nah moved the cup from her lips and gently ced it back down on the table. She hade to very much enjoy experimenting with coffee. Unfortunately, there wasnt much joy in her current mood. She had been boiling with rage for months, and if not for the loyalty shown by the members of her restaurant, and not wanting to put them in harms way, she would have already taken to the battlefield and shown those assholes who they were really messing with.


    But she calmed down. She was currently doing everything she could, short of fighting herself. Of course, only a few people in the kingdom knew what she was doing, and one was sitting in front of her.


    Your Deathsworn have really helped over thest few months, Natalie said as she eyed nah.


    Its easy enough to hide them among your mercenaries, nah said. She might not be able to take to the battlefield, but that didnt mean she was helpless. She had many Deathsworn, each an elite in their own right.


    With mercenaries, it wasnt hard to slip a few Deathsworn into their ranks without them knowing what was happening. All Natalie had to do was suggest that shed paid another elite to join them and that was that. With that nature of mercenaries, that was enough. So, with thebined efforts of nah and Natalie, they had been able to weather the war for a little over a year. But something was bound to give. She just didnt know which side it would be on.


    Giving up Wilmette was the best course of action, Natalie said. We minimized damages before breaking off the teleporter.


    I wish we could have evacuated more of the surrounding sub-cities before they got hit. The best I could do was direct some important or loyal families to my restaurants in the sub-cities. nah sighed. Im worried that something big is going to happen soon.


    I agree. Its been five months since we gave the Wilmette. Its about time for them to show their true colors. Im surprised Ryven has let those two y at war for this long. Hell take over soon, thats to be sure, Natalie said.


    Of course, Natalie had many people on her payroll, including spies in the enemys camp. She had learned long ago that two princes had been directing their army since Ryvens initialmunication with her. The man was known as a fierce warrior, and an adept strategist when needed. Though strategy was seldom needed when you had overwhelming strength.


    But, fortunately, Cydaria, Natalie, and nahs reserves were enough to counter, albeit barely, thebined armys overwhelming strength. Which is why after the sub-cities fell, Edwin, Edward, Natalie, and nah all agreed to slowly lose control of Wilmette while maintaining as few casualties as possible to allow the prince duo a win. They wanted to keep those two in control for as long as possible. And so far, it had worked.


    Were both ying at the same game, nah said. Were waiting for Edgar, Avery, and Derek to return to tip the scales, or at least even them out, and Ryven will soon push forward. Hell want to finish things before they get out.


    They have to know something is happening by now. A portion of their army finally pushed forward and captured Torith, or Searidge.


    Unfortunately, I wasnt able to save all of Walter Searidges family. Our building in Torith wasnt big enough for everyone, so they had to choose, and most of the elders of the family chose the younger generation. It was a good thing some were already in the capital when the invasion started. nah closed her eyes and sighed again.


    Were able to keep everyone fed and healthy through our material teleporters, but those in the restaurants around Wilmette are getting restless. The enemy army has been pretty restrained with nonbatants so far, but we dont know when thats going to change, nah said.


    If the situation changes, you may have to step in, you know. Weve been able to evacuate most of your employees and their families, leaving only those in the captured sub-cities and Wilmette. I hate to say it, but you are the most deadly weapon in the kingdom, currently. At least until Mr. Hunt gets back, that is. I think hes going to surprise us, Natalie said before taking a sip of her own coffee.


    nah balled her fists, then loosened them. You dont have to tell me. Though, if I am forced to attack, they better pray to the Great System they are able to escape before I get my hands on them.


    For now, Ryven thinks he has you contained. I know it will be hard to lose your own. But if you do have to act, I dont envy Ryven and his army.


    nah finished her coffee and stood. Its been a pleasure. She smirked. And I agree. Derek had yet to reach his full potential whenst I seen him.

 Chapter 298: The Bigger They Are

    Chapter 298: The Bigger They Are


    Derek sat next to the dungeon orb, topping up on his health, mana, and stamina before leaving. He was also doing some thinking. What he was hoping for most was that he would actually be rewarded forpleting the trial. With histest interaction with the other system, he thought there might be a chance that he would no longer be rewarded for doing things inside his current system. Well, things other than levels up to 250.


    With the trialplete and nothing pressing to do while he recovered, Derek began going through his notifications.


    You have killed level 250 Caustic Whale of Pestilence.


    236,550,000,000 Experience Gained


    Level Up


    173,919,275,550/212,325,000,000


    Derek smiled. Even with the amount of experience points he needed to level, he was still able to get a bit more than an entire level for one fight. It was also nice to see that the level hadted him 35 stat points to use at his discretion, instead of his previous 30. It wasnt a huge upgrade, but stat points were stat points, and now that it looked like he could go beyond the 1,500 stat point cap, every point mattered. After dismissing the kill window, he viewed his now status sheet.


    Status


    Personal Information


    Name:


    Age:


    Level:


    Experience:


    ss:


    Race:


    Derek Hunt


    30


    203


    130,370,000,550/193,000,725,000


    Void Monarch (Mythical)


    Human (Void)


    Health:


    Mana:


    Stamina:


    37625


    15465


    37625


    Stats


    Strength


    Dexterity


    Endurance


    Vitality


    Intelligence


    Wisdom


    Stat Points Remaining


    1000


    1000


    1505


    1505


    1500


    1031


    35


    Contracts


    nah Swan (Crown Restaurant)


    Silvi (Bonded Beast)


    Ste Brighton (Crown Restaurant)


    No Proxy (Torith Adventurers Guild)


    Rudolph Mckinney


    Natalie Savannah via Malorie Stewart


    View Contract


    View Status


    View Contract


    View Contract


    View Contract


    Contract Unavable


    Skills


    Absolute Nullify Lv. 12, Bare Fist Specialty Lv. 1(View Upgrades), Basic Repair Lv. 1, Chain Lightning Lv. 14, Channel Void Lv. 20, Cleaning Lv. 9, Cure Toxin Lv. 10, Dismantle Lv. 12, Enhanced Movement Speed Lv. 2, Greater Meditation Lv. 10, Identify Lv. 17, Magic Resistance Lv. 20, Multi-Strike Lv. 14, Physical Resistance Lv. 20, Polearm Specialty Lv. 2 (Voids Harbinger), Rejuvenation Lv. 16, Sweeping sh Lv. 20, Telepathy Lv. 7, Time Prison Lv. 14, Void Call Lv. 4, Void Creation Lv. N/A, Void Sense Lv. 20, Void Shift Lv. 10, Void Steps Lv. 13, Void Storage Lv. N/A, Void Travel Lv. N/A


    Skill Points Remaining: 15


    Skill Upgrade Points Remaining: 0


    Shared Skills from Companion: Active Void Shift Lv. 10, Void Lightning Bolt Lv. 6


    Skills Avable to Share (Please select two to share. These skill selections cannot be changed for one year): Absolute Nullify Lv. 10, Channel Void Lv. 10, Time Prison Lv. 10, Void Call Lv. 4, Void Sense Lv. 10, Void Shift Lv. 10, Void Steps Lv. 10, Void Storage Lv. N/A, Void Travel Lv. N/A


    Achievements


    Greater Giant yer, Jack of All, Lesser Dungeon Explorer, Lesser Dungeon Traveler, Lesser Enigma, Lesser Enforcer of Oaths, Repetitive Dungeoneer, Minor yer of the Unknown, Solo Diver, Magical ss Cannon, Meat Shield, Lesser Explorer, Offensive Powerhouse


    During the entire fight that he used Harbinger, his Polearm Specialty had leveled up a single time, which Derek believed to be pretty great progress. It was an evolved skill, after all. Greater Meditation was not an easy skill to level, so he was already prepared for Polearm Specialty to be the same. Especially with skill leveling speed somewhat dependent on level.


    Cure Toxin had also made it to level 10 at the end, which was great. The skill was finally useful again. If nothing else, it was good to have. Everything else seemed to be around the same as thest time he had checked his sheet. Well, all but one thing.


    Derek studied his contract list with a frown. Francesco Jobs was no longer listed as the proxy to the Torith Adventurers Guild contract he had signed back in Torith. <em>Does this mean that he died? Or did he break his contract with the guild? </em>A number of scenarios ran through Dereks thoughts. <em>He was the Adventurers Guild manager in Torith. He could have had some connection to the Torith family. IF thats the case, it would make sense that he died. </em>


    But Derek frowned. <em>Surely they wouldnt have taken this long to eradicate those with close ties to Gerald. Its been like a year since we caught him. It just doesnt add up. Ill have to ask Shae and Cain when I get out of here. Maybe those two or Edgar will have a clue. I cant say that I liked the guy, because I didnt. But Im not sure he would be involved in something like that. I thought he was just an elitist jerk. </em>Still with a frown, Derek dismissed his status sheet.


    Next, he stood and walked to the edge of the small ind. <em>Since Im not using the Time Prison as a hotel anymore, I dont think Ill be needing these. </em>With a flick of his wrist, a storage ring appeared out of his storage bracelet and he put it on. Then, with a wave of his hand, two bathing tubs appeared next to him. Then, he took one and dunked it into the toxic water, then did the same with the other.


    He was sure that the water would probably eat through the tubs rather quickly, so he swiftly stored them back in a storage ring where the destruction would halt until he removed them. His thought was that at the very least, Roman or Brandi might find the liquid interesting. If nothing else, he wasnt against using the water to increase both his Cure Toxin and Rejuvenation levels. He wouldnt enjoy it, but he would do it.


    Finally, after viewing his status once more to make sure he was topped off, he moved back to the trial orb and ced his hand on it. Then, he was hit with thepletion notification.


    Trial Complete


    Assigning Rewards


    Assigning Rewards


    Err


    Assigning Rewards


    Congrattions, you have received an Achievement: The Bigger They Are


    <em>What? </em>The notification he received was the oddest one hed gotten. It seemed like his hunch that he would have a hard time getting rewarded by his current system wasnt terribly far off. However, the system had somehow pushed through and given him an Achievement. Yet, he didnt know if that was the same one he would have gotten before the other system interfered.


    Still, he received something. And with the name of it, it was most definitely rted to the trial he undertook. So, he dismissed thepletion notification so he could view the next one.


    The Bigger They Are


    3% increase in all stats per magnitude in weight when battling an enemyrger than yourself. Max increase in stats is 15%. Stats cannot increase greater than the system limit.


    <em>Now thats an Achievement. </em>In fact, his new Achievement reminded him much more of the Titles he used to get from his former system. For the most part, when he received Achievements from The Great System they were always stat points, skills, or the like. He hadnt really received one that had a percentage increase other than his Solo Diver Achievement and Repetitive Dungeoneer Achievements which conditionally increased stats in dungeons or possible reward percentages for dungeons.


    But, those only worked in dungeons. And the one that increased his stats had the caveat that he had to be in the dungeon alone. He hadnt actually checked his stats while fighting the whale, but he hadnt felt any increase in his usual stats, so it was likely that it hadnt activated in the trial as it was a part of the dungeon which had multiple participants.


    But, he was very content with his new Achievement. He seemed to be fighting enemies that were much bigger than himselftely, so the extra stats would surelye in handyter on. <em>Its definitely a better reward for me than the skill scroll. But I wonder if its an Achievement I could have obtained by fighting massive enemiester on. </em>


    With a shrug, he dismissed his new Achievement. Then he ced his hand back on the trial orb and prepared himself to go back. After getting a couple tubs full of the corrosive water, he thought about trying to salvage some of the whale, but for some reason, it didnt float, and had already sunk deep down into the ocean, and he really didnt feel like diving in water like that, so he gave it up.


    With a thought, he selected to leave the trial, and, as always, a bright light shed over him. The next thing he knew, he was standing next to the row of trial orbs and was being surrounded by the rest of the raid party.


    Before he could even get his bearing, he was rushed by Victor Greend, Asana Greends cousin. The elven mage grasped Derek by the shoulder and red deep into his eyes.


    One day!? the elf half yelled. How is it that my cousin died, and you came back fine in not even one day? Tell me! What happened in there?


    Derek could tell that the man was half angry and half confused, and he couldnt me the guy. Victor and his cousin, from the little that Derek had seen, had a pretty good rtionship. They stayed together for the most part, and both had close to the same personalities.


    Derek grabbed the mages arm and removed it from his shoulder. He wasnt a big fan of being touched unwarranted. Then, before the man could speak again, Derek held his hand up. Give me some time to get oriented, he said. Well wait for Edgar to get here, too. I dont feel like exining myself twice.


    Derek saw Victor ball his hand into a fist a couple of times, but, in the end, the seething elf chose to stay quiet. But he didnt have to wait long, as Edgar, Avery, Blitz, and Lyra arrived together less than thirty secondster.


    Already? Edgar asked as soon as he hopped down from Blitzs back.


    Derek nodded. Yeah.


    Was it that easy? Avery asked. He was more interested in the fighting than anything else, especially after being couped up in the capital with nah helping to take care of her business.


    Not exactly, Derek said before recounting everything he went through. Of course, he held back exactly how he defeated the whale, but he exined everything else, like the system banning the use of the escape scrolls when the duel started, and the literally toxic fighting conditions the trial had. Once he finished, he watched as Victors rage left him and his head fell.


    She never had a chance. I doubt I would have had a chance. Damn it! The elf stomped the ground before he strode off. Everyone left him alone. It looked like he needed some time to grieve.


    Sounds like quite the battle, Edgar said.


    Seems easy enough, Avery chirped. It wouldnt have been a problem for Lyra and me.


    If the system allowed you to take her with you, Derek pointed out, and Avery frowned. Then he turned his attention back to Edgar. Youre going to have to take control of the raid. If the Great System is going to keeping up with tricky trials like thest two, were not going to be able to half-ass it anymore. Unless you want half the raid party to die.


    Derek made sure to speak to Edgar loud enough for everyone to hear. Perhaps his words would have some effect on them, and would make it easier for Edgar to assert control. Of course, he could do so any time he wanted. It would just be better if everyone was on board when he did.


    Im starting to think the same, Edgar sighed.


    Anyway, theres something I want to talk to you about, Derek said, then he looked into the group and signaled for Shae and Cain. I need to talk to all of you.


    Is this about Torith? Edgar asked, causing Derek to frown.


    What? Derek asked. The proxy to my contract with the Adventurers Guild disappeared. It was through the manager at Torith, so I guess? He wasnt a very likeable guy, so I thought he may have had some dealings with Gerald. Was that not the case?


    That was when Derek noticed that, along with Shae and Cain, Walter had alsoe forward.


    Walter? he asked.


    It seems something major has happened in Torith, the older healer sighed. And we dont think Gerald is the reason.

 Chapter 299: Broken Contracts

    Chapter 299: Broken Contracts


    Okay, Derek said after taking in what Walter had told him. So, what do you all think is going on? Is it only happening in Torith? Derek and the bunch still called the sub-city Torith even though its name had most likely been changed already, seeing how that surname was now a stain on the Cydarian Kingdoms reputation.


    One moment, well talk about thister, Edgar said. Lets see what the next trial is going to be. Id like to get this raid over quickly now that things are bing odd. The prince next headed to the orb that had activated once Derek returned and ced his hand on it. After a few seconds, he nodded and moved back.


    Avery, Victor, Vanessa, Shae, Elena, Tristan, and Kieron, Edgar said loudly, getting the attention of the seven raid members, including Victor, who made his way back once he heard his name called. Were not taking any chances anymore. The next trial is a simple tower trial. Usually, that means that you clear a number of floors of lesser beasts, then fight a boss-type beast at the top. But, like I said, that is what usually happens. This trial is epic, just like thest one.


    With this setup, you have two healers, one support, and four damage dealers, both physical and magical, closebat and ranged. The lowest level in the party will be Tristan, who is a level 240 light healer. Avery will be in charge of this team Victor stepped forward to say something, most likely to dispute the leadership, but Edgar just continued on. With this team, you should be able toplete a legendary trial, much less an epic one. Now, Victor Edgar looked directly at the elven mage who had just lost his cousin. Will you be a problem? Do you need to be reced for this trial?


    Derek saw a sh of anger, then eptance show on the elfs face. No. Ill be fine.


    Good, Edgar said. Are there any questions?


    Surprisingly, Tristan Allister was the one to step forward with a question, or rather, a request. You should swap me out for Jasper or Walter. Ciera is still in the process of healing, and I would like to stay with my patient to make sure nothing goes wrong.


    Edgar scratched his chin, then looked at Jasper and Walter. After his eyes met Walters, they moved back to Jasper, then his dragonkinpanion. Walter, are you up for another trial? Of course, the old healer had gained more than most in the first trial. With however many levels he gained in the trial, plus the experience and skills he already had, he had already be one of the most capable healers in the kingdom.


    Walter closed his eyes for a moment and seemed to hesitate. Finally, he reopened his eyes and nodded. It would be my pleasure.


    Good. In that case, Avery, Victor, Vanessa, Shae, Elena, Walter, and Kieron, with Avery as raid leader and Elena second-inmand, willplete the tower trial. Are there anymore questions or concerns? No? Good. Get to it and please make haste. Edgarmanded. John, Ray I know the two of you have yet to have a go at a trial. Ill do my best to let you in one, but I make no promises.


    Edgar was talking about John Doyle and Ray Fergus, who Derek remembered were a wind mage and earth mage, respectively. They were lower leveled than the rest, and didnt get the opportunity to enter the first trial like many of the other lower leveled participants participants like Shae and Walter. Both of who were now either close to level 250 or were already level 250. So, Edgar was still trying to help them out, but they were most likely at the bottom of his list of things to worry about.


    After hismand, he walked toward Derek and put his arm around him, which made Derek a bit ufortable, but he allowed it. Come on, we need to have a discussion.


    Derek only nodded and fell in line with the prince, who shot a look at Cain. When their eyes met, Cain hurried over and began to walk in stride with the duo. When they were a bit away from the others, Blitz came forward and allowed the three of them to board. With onest nce at the trial orbs, Derek saw Avery ce his hand on the fifth one, then the seven members that made up the trial team disappear. He heaved a sigh of relief when he saw Lyra disappear along with the rest of them.


    Finally, Derek adjusted himself on Blitz and grabbed hold tightly. With that, the wyvern beat his wings once, and they were in the air, then, they were off.


    A few minutester, Derek, Cain, and Edgar were all sitting around the table close to Tyrons temporary work area. So, can we talk now? Whats going on? Derek asked.


    Well we dont really know, Edgar sighed. But we have a few usible ideas.


    And those ideas?


    Well, as you know, quite a few of the raid members found some of their contracts being broken soon after entering the dungeon. Based on when they were broken, it is reasonable to suspect that those people were eliminated by my father for having rtions with Gerald Torith and his dealings, Edgar exined.


    That, plus who those people were, could almost confirm this theory, Cain continued where Edgar left off. Most of those who were eliminated were higher ups in the kingdom and from major cities. So that is safe to assume.


    Derek nodded along. This is what they had all suspected to begin with. They knew the king would be removing threats to the kingdom as Natalie learned about them.


    After the initial culling, if you will, the contracts stopped breaking for a while. Not necessarily a while inside here, with the time difference and all, but weeks and months on the outside. So, it is also safe to assume that most or all of those associated with Gerald were eliminated, Cain exined.


    Which leads us to the other contracts that have been broken, Edgar said. There have been a few here and there that weve learned about, but its not umon for a few deaths to ur in a year. Its more than natural. In all honestly, it wasnt until Walter Searidge came to me that I realized something big may have been going on.


    Something big? Derek asked.


    Yes. Edgar nodded gravely. Not long ago, he came to me with a report that many of the contracts he had with his family members, mostly the elders of his house, had been broken and disappeared. However, the few that he had with the younger generation seemed to still be active.


    That could have been written off as a strong personing around and getting revenge on his family for some reason. Not all of Walters family was kind and benevolent, Cain said. Especially after they became House Gracefall long ago.


    Derek could only nod as he thought about Walters youngest son, Wace. That man could have gotten his entire house eliminated without anyone else lifting a finger. He was definitely a rotten apple.


    However, Walter also had multiple contracts with others in Torith, and, along with those of his family, most of those contracts broke as well, with just a few exceptions. He also had a contract with Francesco Jobs, who you know what the manager of the Torith Adventurers Guild. And, as you saw yourself, the contract with our guild has changed, Cain exined, then looked over at Edgar.


    So, I started going around and putting things together. Not everyone reported their contracts absolving or breaking. But when I asked, and confirmed them all, I noticed a pattern, Edgar said. The city of Wilmette and the surrounding sub-cities have all had many people lost, ording to the contracts. Neither me, nor Cain noticed this before because I dont have many contracts myself, and Cain is too high up in the Adventurers Guild to have needed to have personal contracts with those managers and adventurers in sub-cities.


    Also, I do have a contract with the Guild Master in Wilmette, and he is still alive, as far as I know, Cain said. And as far as we could find out, while there have been contracts broken with people from Wilmette, there have been many more broken from the areas surrounding it.


    This leaves us thinking that Wilmette was evacuated via teleporter, and they werent able to evacuate the sub-cities around it, Edgar said.


    Derek winced. Thomass family was from that area in one of the small viges. Were they okay? <em>re should be in the capital, and Bronson was supposed to have headed that way as well. So those two should be fine. Plus, Im sure Walter has a contract with Bronson, so he will know if hes dead, </em>Derek thought. It was no wonder Walter hesitated to go into the trial this time.


    So, what do you think is really going on? Derek asked, yet again.


    We have a few theories, Edgar said as he pulled out a map and ced it on the table. The map was littered with markings. Edgar pointed at a spot at the southwest of Cydaria that was circled in red. This is Wilmette. As you can see, its both close to the Astrus border and the ocean.


    Derek nodded. He hadnt ever seen such a detailed map of the kingdom before, so he didnt know where all the cities and sub-cities were located. He still wasntpletely sure of the size of the kingdom. Wilmette was about the same distance away from Astrus as it was to the southern coast. While he had the chance, Derek also looked for Torith, which he found.


    It was a bit closer to the coast, which made sense since it was once known as Searidge. He also found the forest that he found Silvi in, which seemed even bigger than he once thought. Finally, after perusing the map for a few moments, he lifted his head and looked at Edgar to continue.


    So, our first theory, and the one I believe is least likely, is that there was an uprising after Geralds capture and the elimination of multiple nobles and perhaps even their entire houses. I doubt this is what has happened because we would be seeing deaths across the entire kingdom, not just the southwest.


    My second theory is that some kind of beast has arrived from the ocean and is wreaking havoc on the surface. I find this exnation quite possible because of the ces that it has hit. However, the theory that Im leaning towards is the next one Cydaria has been invaded by Astrus.


    Derek frowned. Hed heard that the border with Astrus and Cydaria was tense, and they were always ready for something to break.


    If they found out that a bunch of us, especially you, went into a dungeon and wouldnt be out for some time, it would be a good chance to attack, Derek said. It wasnt hard to connect those dots.


    Exactly, Edgar replied, then frowned. But Im still not sure about it. I dont believe Astrus has the might to be confident in an attack. Its why they havent attacked so far.


    Derek thought for a bit. He had limited knowledge of everything and barely knew anything about Astrus, Indria, and Vallum. Could they have help?


    Edgars frown deepened. I want to say no. Weve been on good enough terms with Indria for a while now. We even have their kings niece as a diplomat, and I doubt Vallum would ever pick sides with anyone. They would prefer to stay back and do nothing.


    Derek shrugged. Well, what do you want to do?


    Right now, I think its best that we have everyone keep a close eye on their contracts. I have to trust that my father and brother have things handled. They were obviously able to evacuate most of Wilmette, so we should just believe in them. For now, however, I think we should focus onpleting the dungeon as soon as possible. Just in case, Edgar exined.


    Derek and Cain both nodded, and Derek said, Then well do just that.

 Chapter 300: The System Laughs

    Chapter 300: The System Laughs


    Derek was reminded of an old adage he used to hear all the time back on Earth both before the system arrived and after, Man ns, and Godughs. Sitting at the camp, nothing quite described their current situation better than that. Before, both he and Edgar had wholeheartedly agreed to put all the politics aside and do whatever they could to finish the raid as fast as possible.


    Once that was decided, Edgar went around, telling everyone his n. Even when a fewined, he shut them down fast, finally putting his foot down as both prince and party lead. His new attitude may have rubbed a few the wrong way, but hadnt cared. He was uneasy about the information they had gathered, and his kingdom and family meant more to him than their current raid.


    The only reason the prince hadnt used one of his escape scrolls, Derek ascertained, was because of the off chance that either nothing was wrong, or it was a situation that was currently being or had already been handled. His current duty to the kingdom was toplete the raid. If he showed up back at the kingdom, having left the raid early and nothing was wrong, it would embarrass both him and his royal family.


    Derek, on the other hand, wasnt as worried as Edgar. Whether the kingdom was under attack from a giant beast or another kingdom didnt matter. There were only a few people in the entire kingdom that he cared about, and they were all in either Savannah or the capital. Even Bronson and re were in the capital. Though, he did feel for Walter, having known that the older man had most likely already lost some of his family.


    But Derek didnt care too terribly much about the kingdom as a whole, just some of those in it. Plus, Silvi was with pretty much everyone he cared about, and after hisst ss-up, it would take one hell of a force to get through her. Well, that or a perfectly cooked piece of fried chicken.


    Derek snorted at the thought, drawing questioning eyes from the prince who was sitting across from him. Its nothing, Derek said. I just thought of something kind of funny.


    Edgar rolled his eyes and didnt say anything. He just kept tapping his fingers on the table.


    Derek let out a sigh and thought to himself, <em>I guess its really more like, Man ns, and the systemughs</em> After all that preparation toplete raid at record time, they had been left waiting for over four days. With the team he assembled for the trial, Edgar, along with everyone else, fervently believed they would be back in just a couple of days, maybe even less.


    However, it was closing in on the end of the fourth day of the fifth trial, and they had heard nothing from the trial team. Edgar was checking his contract list over and over, waiting for the inevitable break in one of their contracts. But that had yet toe. Which meant that all the team members were at least alive.


    Derek could only lean back and think about entering meditation. It would at least let him pass the time a bit faster. So, thats what he did.


    However, it wasnt more than a couple of hours before he was broken out of his meditation by the presence of someone approaching them. Derek opened his eyes to see the giant smith walking their way with a sly grin on his face. Dereks heart jumped at that.


    Is it? Derek asked before Tyron even had a chance to say anything.


    Without a word, and with a wave of his hand, the cksmith pulled out a full piece of chest armor. Then, with a smile, Tyron reached Derek and held the item out for him to inspect.


    Derek promptly snatched the armor piece away from the smith and looked it over. It was ck, the same color as the wyvern it was made from. Whereas his weapon was made mostly from the bones and fangs of the beast, with just a touch of the hide, the chest piece was made with the ck hide and scales.


    The hide from the wyvern was turned into a leather that worked as the base and padding of the armor, while the scales, which were noticeably smaller than they were on the beast, were arranged in ovepping rows throughout the piece.


    The first thing Derek noticed when looking the armor over was its flexibility. He could quite easily bend it, so it would also be easy to move in it, unlike the armor he had brought from Earth and hadnt worn in ages.


    How did you make the scales like this? Derek asked. It was because of the scales small size that the armor could be so flexible. But surely the smith hadnt cut up the scales just to be able to make it like that. That would definitely damage the structure of the scales, and thus, the armor. At least from what very little he knew about smithing.


    Im a cksmith, the smith said. I have smithing skills. Tyron looked down at Derek like he was dumb, which caused him to flush in embarrassment.


    The image of the mans hammer growing and shrinking appeared in Dereks eyes. He really did feel dumb, then. No matter what the man had done to the scales, he was too good of a smith to do something that would damage the structural integrity of something he crafted.


    Ah yeah. Sorry. Derek apologized. So, how good is the armor? he asked, because he couldnt tell at all.


    Finally, Tyrons face brightened up a bit before he began. Its a great set of armor! the smith said. Unfortunately, Im unable to bring out the materials full capabilities, but I can also say that I doubt anyone else in the kingdom would be able to, either. If you want something like that in armor, youll have to take your materials to Vallum and plead with some of those dwarves to give it a shot, as I specialize in weapons.


    Derek nodded. Even after the smith finished with the armor he was crafting him, the death attuned wyvern would have tons of leftover materials. So, that wasnt an issue at all. He was only sad that the armor didnt have a repair function like Harbinger did.


    So, the smith continued. It came out to be a high-epic ranked piece of armor. Which is honestly better than I expected. I just hope I can do the same for the remaining pieces.


    Derek nodded. This is more than enough, Tyron. Thank you.


    Youve already paid for everything. Its nothing special. The giant of a man went back to his normal dull demeanor. Now, I got to get back. It shouldnt take as long for each of the other pieces, the man said as he turned around to head back to his forge.


    With giddy excitement, Derek stored the armor piece, then flicked his wrist to make it automatically appear on his body. The fit was perfect. It was asfortable as one of his own shirts. He called the armor a chest piece but in reality, it covered his entire upper body, even a portion of his arms, down to his elbows. It was basically a thick, snug, t-shirt with a ton of defense, just like Derek had asked for.


    The smith was initially taken back when Derek said he didnt want a clunky set of te armor, but something more like the medium or light leather armors that he saw archers and assassins wear. The smith was taken aback, but also saw it as a challenge. And Derek had to say, he was quite pleased.


    From across the table came a whistle. Its like you forgot that I was even here, Edgar said.


    Haha Derek rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed again.


    I cant me you. You dont get such good gifts often. I would be excited, too, Edgar said with a smile, but Derek could still hear the nervousness in his voice and see it in his eyes.


    Yeah


    How is it?


    Its pretty amazing, Derek said excitedly as he moved his arm about. I have full range of motion and everything.


    Hows its durability?


    Cant you tell? Derek asked. The armor didnt have any type of ability to hide its information like Harbinger did.


    Its pretty usually for people to use Identify or other appraisal skills on one another, but it is considered very bad form to inspect a piece of someone elses armor or weapon. Its one thing to inspect someone as a whole, but another to try to find out the fine details. Though that doesnt stop everybody. The prince exined.


    Go ahead. Derek gave him permission.


    You dont have to tell me twice, the prince said, then squinted his eyes. Hmm Dark Wyvern Scaled Armor and epic ranked with 1200 durability. Very nice. That limits the number of people who can inspect it. The names kind of generic, but Im sure most people who are able to get details from it wont think that with wyvern in the name. He smiled. Looks like Im jealous again.


    Derekughed. Have you seen your armor?


    Well, yeah Edgar said. But I also like new things.


    Derek snorted, then put the armor away. It would look better as a full set, so he nned on being patient and waiting for it to be finished before wearing it again. Finally, he leaned back in his chair and the two of them fell silent once again. Now it was time to y the waiting game.


    ***


    Cydarian Kingdom


    Fort Belrus


    As the sun rose, Edward was pacing around the fort, making sure his elite squad of 50 men were ready at a moments notice. Fort Belrus was a fort set up near the capital. It was one of the forts with a teleporter connected to the other teleporters around the kingdom, so they could get anywhere they were needed as quickly as possible.


    Just then, the crown prince felt the buzzing of one of hismunication crystals inside his storage ring. Instantly, he pulled it out and activated it. <em>Yes? </em>


    <em>Commander! Weve just received information that a portal has appeared around 25 miles north of yton. The enemy army is currently pouring out! </em>the voice on the other end said shakily.


    <em>Got it, </em>Edward said to the scout. <em>Anything else?</em>


    <em>Nothing, sir! </em>


    With that, Edward dismissed the scout and disconnected from him. After that, he began sending outmunication to everyone who needed to know. Then, he gathered his elites. They lost Wilmette, but there wasnt anything he could do about that. But yton, that was a surprise.


    He wouldnt allow them to take a city so close to the capital. <em>Why would they even attack a city so close to the capital? It doesnt make sense. Is it still those two inmand? Are they getting impatient? </em>But Edward couldnt dwell on the many questions he had. What he knew for a fact was that an army was organizing outside of yton, using portals.


    He needed to get to the city and judge the situation for himself. So, thats what he would do.


    In mere minutes, he had gathered his men and directed them to the teleporter. Dent, Jones, Valerus, and Poole, with me! Everyone else, follow behind, five at a time. With thosemands, Edward, along with Dent, Jones, Valerus, and Poole, stepped on the teleporter and activated. With a sh, they disappeared, then reappeared in the Teleportation Building in the city of yton.

 Chapter 301: Clayton

    Chapter 301: yton


    Edward looked around to see nothing out of the ordinary, just the person there to receive them. At this time, the teleporters were only avable for a select few, and were shut down for everyone else as security measures.


    Without a word, the crown prince took a step down from the teleportation circle. But, just as his foot hit the floor, he felt an odd magic permeate through the air. With a feeling of dread, he rushed out of the building. At a first nce, he didnt see anything. But, with a little more focus, he saw them.


    Holy shit! a voice sounded from the air, but soon, a young man with dark, almost ck hair, and even darker eyes, and a pointed nose appeared from nowhere. Damn, Orion! Your uncle was right. He came, just like that.


    Just then, another man appeared. It was an elven man with silver hair and emerald eyes. Instantly, the face of Sabrina Elras came to Edwards mind. <em>Orion? </em>With those two clues, Edward immediately put together who was in front of him. It was Orion Elras, one of the princes of Indria, which meant that the other young man with ck, no extremely dark blue hair was Titus Sinir, the crown prince of Astrus.


    He still wasnt sure what was going on, but Edward quickly drew his sword, and the four members of his party were all prepared for battle. With some hesitation, he nced over his shoulder at the entrance to the teleportation building.


    Nobody else ising, the elven prince said, seeing Edwards gaze. All teleportation andmunication to this area he gestured around him, and Edward could see a flutter of an almost invisible barrier set up around the building. Im afraid, has been locked off.


    With a sigh, Edward clinched his fist around the hilt of his sword, and a spark of electricity shot off from it. Prepare to fight!


    <em>Poole </em>Edward sent mentally, and was relieved when he received a reply back. That proved that they could stillmunicate telepathically while inside the barrier. <em>When the fighting starts, do everything you can to escape the barrier and notify the king.</em>


    <em>Will do! </em>the man replied.


    But just as Edward was about to attack, Orion Elras snapped his fingers and a veil lifted, causing at least twenty more people to appear out of nowhere, the crown prince not seeing them before because his focus was on the two princes in front of him. <em>Im sorry. </em>He said internally to himself. Hed led four of his people into an ambush. An ambush that used thebined forces of two countries to make. They were going to need a miracle to get out of this mess.


    As quickly as possible, Edward sent what little of a n he coulde up with telepathically to the squad that had apanied him through the teleporter. Surrounded by so many people, there wasnt much of a chance. Even if Poole was able to break out of the disruption barrier set up by Orion Elras and get a message out, Edward doubted it would do much good.


    Fort Belrus was already one of the closest locations with a teleportation circle to yton already, and it would take an hour, if not more, for someone who specialized in speed to make it to yton on foot. It was unrealistic to think that anyone would be able to save them. But, at least they could get word out as to what was going on.


    At the moment, Edward was both happy and sad that the streets of yton were still mostly unupied because of how early it was. Hopefully, no civilians would be hurt because of what was going on, which made him happy. But, at the same time, it also meant there was nobody there to witness and report what was happening on their behalf. That was even <em>if </em>people would be able to see through the barrier set up by Orion. Which he highly doubted.


    Edward red at the human prince, Titus, with disgust. Hed heard rumors about the young man, and none of them had been very good. On top of that, the young crown prince seemed more than happy to string them all along and toy with them. On one hand, Edward hated it, but on the other, the longer the man gloated, the higher the chance of something going awry with their n. So Edward set his eyes and red at the man.


    I really cant believe you fell for it. All it took was a portal and moving some soldiers through it, and you came running. When Ryven told us that we were going to be capturing a prince, I almost couldnt hold in myughter at how confident he was now The man shook his head. Now I just cant believe how well it worked.


    Titus. Hurry up, please, Prince Orion said. Both maintaining such barriers like the invisibility one and the one currently cutting the teleporter off couldnt be very cost efficient. I cant do this all day, he said, but after that, a blue potion appeared in his hand and he gulped it down. And these things arent cheap. If you keep babbling on, youre going to pay me back for all the potions I have to take.


    <em>Damn! </em>Edward inwardly cursed. The one thing he was counting on had just been thrownpletely out the window.


    Fine Titus answered Orion. In that case The prince looked Edward dead in his eyes and showed him a toothy grin. Everyone attack! Leave only the prince alive! With that, everyone around them took action.


    Flood! Edward shouted. At the same time, Pool broke off and nearly disappeared from sight as he tried to leave the barrier while Jones and Dent retreated back onto the higher steps of the teleportation building and Valerus released a torrent of water all around her.


    Edward was fast, he it wasnt just once or twice that he thought about escaping. His current squad definitely wouldnt me him, but at the same time, there was no doubt in his mind that Orion would have something else up his sleeve to stop him. So, instead, he attacked.


    His armor appeared over his clothes, and a pair of vibrant wings made purely out of lightning sprouted from his back. He was at least more prepared this time than he was back when he fought Gerald. In an instant, he took to the air.


    With both hands, he summoned a surge of electricity and directed it at the ground. He didnt need to hit anyone with it, he only needed it to go through the flood of water created by Valerus and stun as many attackers as possible. And, to a certain extent, it did.


    But as quickly as he flew to the air, Titus and three more of the attackers followed in suit. Flight was a rare skill, after all. One man had mesing from below his feet, something had hed seen before in many fire users who were lucky enough to get a flying skill. One seemed like he was floating on nothing, so Edward couldnt really ascertain what type of skill it was. An elven woman actually had vinesing from her back.


    She wasnt actually flying, though, as her vine were connected to the ground, lifting her into the air instead. Titus, though, he was flying, and he seemed to be very adept at it. Edward, even being more than a dozen feet away from the man, could feel the chill in the air from the dark ice and frost permeating from around the man.


    Edward always said that the wings he, and the majority of the rest of the royal family, used to fly were beautify, but the raven-like wings created by the dark ice, glistening in the morning sun, could easilypete with their own.


    With a quick nce, Edward looked down and saw that the sneak attack from him and Valerus had actually worked on the majority of the attackers. The attack hadnt dealt much damage, but it was enough to stun more than ten of the enemies for a few seconds. And Dent and Jones didnt let those few seconds go to waste.


    Two of the attackers looked to have suddenly sprouted arrows from their eyes from Joness attack, and Dent, in heavy ted armor, had summoned his greataxe and cleaved through one of the defenseless enemies and dealt massive damage to another two. Just like that, the ambushers had been ambushed themselves and lost five capable fighters.


    Honestly, it wasnt a lot, but it was something. Something that gave Edward a spark of hope that he didnt have before. But that spark was immediately extinguished when he heard a yelp and looked towards it. It was Poole.


    The speedy man had made it to the barrier. Half of his body wasying inside and the other half was outside. The problem was, neither side was still connected to the other. It was a gruesome sight. Edward could even see the redmunication crystal resting in his limp hand on the other side of the barrier. It was fatal. There was no way to survive something like that, at least not for Poole.


    As to what happened, it was easy to put together. Orion had made a move on Poole after avoiding the lighting and water attack by rising just off the ground on another barrier he created. Poole hadnt no, nobody noticed when Orion moved a razor-thin barrier his way at an even faster pace than Poole was moving. It didnt even look like Orion had actually attacked with it. By the looks of it, he had simply moved it in ce in front of Poole, who had run straight into it, severing him in half.


    But while Edward was distracted by his mans death, another yell came from below him. With a look of horror, he realized his mistake. Theirbination attack had worked well in their favor, but it had also worked against them.


    The pool of water, which the current of electricity had now flowed out of, had been frozen solid. Which, yes, was bad for many of his enemies, but more than that, it was terrible for his own team. Both Valerus and Dent had been caught in the ice in the time he looked away toward Pooles body.


    He could only watch on in horror as frost slowly made its way up both of his squad members legs, to their waists. With fury, Edward released a bellowing cry and shot himself at the culprit, Titus Sinir.


    The three others moved to intercept him, but he was seeing red. With small adjustment to his flight path, his lightning covered sword ripped into the leg of fire user, and in the instant it was in contact, he pushed as much lighting into the man as he could, causing him to fall to limply to the ground, his only movement being small twitches all over his body where the lighting had invaded.


    Next in his path was the elven woman with the vines. At this point, Edward had already reinforced his body and attacks with Lightning Shroud, causing a rapid drain on his man, but it was all or nothing. The woman moved in front of him, expecting him to change his path once again, just how he had with the fire user, but he didnt.


    Instead, he flew straight at her and collided with her head on. She was able to block his de for a few moments, but when his hand grasped her throat and he squeezed while pushed through as much lighting as he could into her, she went limp for a moment, stunned. Instead of dropping her, he took his now free sword hand and separated her head from the rest of her body just in time to be hit head on by the other enemy.


    Even after being hit, he had no clue what it was the man was using. What he did know, though, was that he was unstable in the air. So, when he directed a surge of lightning at the man, he wasnt able to dodge. That was when he figured it out. The man was a metal user; he had to be. With the way his lightning hit and flowed through him, that was almost the only exnation.


    It also exined why the man fell like a rock when his skill was interrupted. Edward didnt take time to revel in his small victories, though, and he was sure only the vine user was dead. What he needed now was to take out one of their leaders. His eyes fell on Titus, who, despite the loss of some of his own men, still had the same grin stered on his mouth.


    With the airspace now much more open, Edward rushed toward the ice user. He had to be careful, as, while water may not be good against his lighting, ice was a different story. Still, while Lightning Shroud was still active, and Edward was still in rtively good condition, he had to try.


    But the blue-haired man continued floating there without a care in the world, his eyes locked on Edward. Then he cast a look at the ground and his smile widened. At the same time, Edward heard another scream, and try as he might, he couldnt not slow down and look. Where Dent had previously stood, now there was nothing but a pile of broken, bloody ice and his te armor. Dent was dead, that was for sure, and Edward was almost certain that there was no way they were going to get out of this.

 Chapter 302: Pressure

    Chapter 302: Pressure


    Another round of rage poured through Edward, and he threw caution to the wind and charged at full speed to attack Titus. Once he was within striking range, Edward prepared the same attack as he used before, head on. With a yell, he thrust his lighting covered sword forward with all his might but it hit something and bounced off.


    Still carrying the same momentum, his body crashed into what he realized was another barrier, but one he couldnt even see. Coming to such a stop, it took a second for Edward to get his bearing back. But in that time, Titus had already moved forward and grasped him by the wrist,pletely ignoring his lighting covered body.


    And just like he had done so many times with his own lighting, he felt the coldness begin to flow inside himself. He fought with his own mana, pushing back, but soon, it was overpowered by the ice. Soon, his hand waspletely frozen, even through his armor. Then, to his horror, he felt it, a surge of energy, and his everything from his wrist down shattered inside his armor, just like Dent had. His sword fell swiftly to the ground. And he was next.


    Edward felt, rather than saw, a blunt hit on the top of his head, after which he flew to the ground and hit with a thud. With his good hand, he pushed himself up, anger still covering his face. This time, it was directed at Orion. The man hadnt been in the fight, but he had controlled it.


    <em>Youre faster in the air. Get out of here. We cant lose you now. </em>


    His thoughts were interrupted by Valeruss voice appearing in his head. He nced over at her and saw she was still frozen, but only up to her knees. She was fighting the ice with her own water skills. Specifically, the ones that released heated water. Jones was still in the background, keeping attacks from closing in on her with his arrows.


    Since most of the focus was on Edward, the enemy hadnt yet moved in full force against his remaining two squad members.


    <em>But </em>he started.


    <em>Go! </em>she yelled at him telepathically.


    <em>Ill pay them back tenfold, </em>he sent to the woman.


    Then, with his wings reappearing on his back, he flew. Not up, he guessed another shield or barrier would be waiting for him. No, he flew close to the ground, down the street opposite where Poole had run to. With a sh, he was at the barrier that was interrupting the teleporter. Then he was through it.


    He made it a total of around two feet past the barrier before he mmed into another one. It turned out, not only had Orion set up a teleportation barrier around them, he had ced another shield-type one on its outside. Edward knew he would be able to break it from either side, and it probably wouldnt even take a lot of time, but that was something he didnt have.


    He flew up and around, but it was dome-shaped, then, all the sudden, it began closing in.


    Two minutester, Edward found himself standing in front of Titus and Orion, ice up to his knees.


    Oh, man Titus said. And they call me the evil one. What, you set that up outside the other to give them hope, then you crush it. The Crown Prince of Astrus snorted, then turned to one of the others and said, Gains, why dont you go heal the prince? We wouldnt want him to suffer too much from that wound.


    Edwards eyes widened. No! He pulled his arm behind his back. But, since he couldnt move, it was in vain. The man reached him and directed a healing energy to where his right hand had been. Edgar felt in horror as the wound closed, leaving him nothing but a stump.


    Actually, Titus said. Our orders are only to take you alive. Im sure you dont need that other hand either, right? With the same crooked smile, the man slowly approached Edward.


    Hurry up, Orion said. Its been less than ten minutes, but Im sure they have people on the way already.


    Without a teleporter, nobodys going to be here for at least twenty minutes. Calm down, I just want to have a little more fun. Titus snorted and took yet another step. Isnt this fun? He called out to Edward as he took another step.


    Fuck you! Edward yelled, but Titus onlyughed and took another step. Edward grit his teeth and nced over at Valerus. The soldier looked back at Edward with tears in her eyes. She had run out of mana, and Titus had stopped the frost at her chest.


    Oh, should I deal with her first? Titus asked. Or should I deal with that one? He pointed at Jones, who was syed out on the steps of the teleportation building. I think hes still alive.


    Just take me and go. I wont resist, Edward said, but he knew it was futile.


    Nah, I think Ill take care of her first. Titus took another step. But then he paused and looked to his left with a frown.


    Edward sensed it, too, but he couldnt ce it. It was disturbing his mana, and he felt something pushing on his mind-a pressure hed never felt before. He nced at Orion, who was also looking in the same direction, with a frown. Soon, everyone could feel the disturbance, and all eyes were focused on it. Had someonee to save them? Another spark of hope appeared in his mind.


    But he had never felt anything like that. The energy was weird. And how was it appearing inside Orions barrier? Teleportation was cut off, so it couldnt be that. But Edward didnt know anyone who had an ability that allowed them to teleport long distances, and nobody in the kingdom used Portal, so everyone who had the skill still had it at a very low level.


    But finally, something happened.


    What is that? Both Titus and Orion said at the same time. They were just as confused as everyone else. What was going on?


    ***


    Earlier The Void Emporium


    Ste sat across the dining table from Malorie. The two had be fast friends during the times Ste stopped by to help Malorie to be a great manager. After that, Ste made sure toe by the store asionally to sit and chat whenever she had time which wasnt too often. Especially with the war raging on like it was.


    This time was both a personal and business visit. Reaching into her pocket, a storage ring appeared in her hand and she slid it across the table.


    nah is sorry that it has been taking so long, but here is another order of the prepared Void Beast items, the beautiful red-haired woman said in apology.


    Its fine, Malorie replied as she took the ring from her and began transferring the items to her own storage rings, so she could give the ring back. We all decided not to do anything with the new ones until Derek got back, so theres no rush. Besides, I know how busy the two of you are. She quickly finished the transfer and tossed the ring back to Ste, who caught it and put it back in her pocket before leaning back in her chair and cracking her neck.


    Its just so tiring. Derek and Avery need to hurry up ande back especially Avery. I dont know how much more of this double duty I can take. I hate that I wasnt able to level up enough to withstand nahs casual powers before the invasion started. I cant stay away from her for long until I lose my limation. At least it doesnt take quite as long anymore, though If I could get my hands on that Osian Ste clinched her fists tight.


    Malorie chuckled. It was nice seeing her friend like this. She guessed it was a side she didnt show many people. Im sure theyll be back soon. And Im sure once they are, this stupid war wille to an end.


    Malorie especially hated the war going on, but not for the same reason as everyone else. Her main concern was, of course, Brandi. She didnt think her daughter could work any harder than she had been, but when she heard about the war, it was like she found a new gear. She wanted to grow strong enough to provide items to the higher ups in the kingdom, but she still had a ways to go before she was useful to the elites.


    But, at the rate at which she was progression, Malorie was sure she would get there much sooner than most would think possible. Malorie sighed and let herself drift back into her chair as well. The two just sat in silence, sipping their beverages and taking this short amount of off time to rx.


    Unfortunately, the rxing atmosphere was broken rather quickly as Stes eyes widened for a second and she produced a redmunication crystal out of her personal storage ring. Malorie watched as her face scrunched and a frown formed from her mouth as the woman listened on. Finally, she put the crystal away and shook her head.


    What was it? Did something happen? Malorie asked. There wasnt much that could cause such a look to appear on the business womans face.


    That was nah. Apparently, the king contacted her in a panic. The Astrus and Indriabined armies were seen using a portal to move close to the city of yton, so Edward motioned to move his elites to the city to prepare for them. After the crown prince and four others stepped through the teleporter to the city, the others were unable to follow.


    Something happened to the teleporter? Malorie asked after sitting straight.


    More like someone, Ste sighed. A short whileter, a message came through from one of the soldiers who entered the city at Edwards side. The message was cut short, but he managed to report that there was an ambush and they were in trouble


    Thats awful!


    It gets worse. Nobody has anyone strong enough in that area to make a difference. Fort Belrus, where Edward was stationed, was already the closest location to yton, and it will take some time for anyone to arrive at yton from there.


    The king wanted to know if there was anything nah could do if there was any way she could get there in time to save Edward.


    Can she? Mal asked.


    Ste shook her head. No. Even if she teleported to Fort Belrus first, it would take at least half an hour for her to get there. Avery may have been able to, but not nah. And unfortunately, neither the Adventurers Guild Leader nor Natalie were able to help, either. nah was hisst option.


    Thats


    I know Ste sighed and fell back into her chair once again.


    The one time Malorie had met the crown prince, even if it was very briefly, the man seemed like a decent person. He wasnt as jovial as his younger brother, who she actually met on multiple asions before he left for the raid, but he was, as Derek would say, good people.


    However, before either one of the women was able to say anything else, a crushing weight fell onto their consciousnesses. It was a pain like Malorie had never felt before. She managed to reach up and grab at her head, and at the same time look forward at Ste.


    The Crown woman wasnt in as much agony as Mal, but her eyes were wide and her eyes were on the verge of shutting. She was obviously in pain, too. What? she started, but as soon as the words left her mouth, the pressure disappeared like it had never been there in the first ce.


    The door to the dining room swung open and Jacks and Rayna ran in, weapons at the ready. Whats going on? What was that? It felt like it wasing from here. Jacks half shouted in a panic.


    I dont know, Ste said in confusion.


    Malorie stood quickly and turned to the connecting door to the kitchen and opened it. Silvi, did you feel tha she started, but paused mid-sentence. Silvi? Then she turned and ran back to the dining room. Has anyone seen Silvi? Shes not in the kitchen.


    She asked, but everyone just shook her head. Then her thoughts went to Brandi. What if she was hit with the same pressure while working on one of her dangerous weapons? Without a word, Malorie rushed out and was relieved when she got to the first floor only to see the door to the basement opening and her soot covered daughter walk out.


    Mom? What was that? Is everyone okay? Brandi asked. She seemed perfectly healthy.


    Everyone seems fine, but Silvi is missing.

 Chapter 303: Void Travel

    Chapter 303: Void Travel


    Silvi willed the giant tear in the void closed behind her. She had no idea the skill was going to be so big. She could only hope that in the brief time it was open, it hadnt caused any harm to her precious kitchen. Then again, if her kitchen was damaged, it would make for the perfect excuse to get the upgrades she had been wanting. Especially if the reason for the damage was because she was saving the little sparky fellow.


    Lately, she felt like she needed to find more, and better, ingredients to cook with. She was spending hours each week researching foods at the Crown Restaurant, and experimenting with her own different dishes, making some amazingly delicious food, but at the same time, making some dishes that just well, they were still okay, and it wasnt in her nature to let the food go to waste so she sent those to the academy with mount. Let no one say that she wasnt a thoughtful bunny.


    Also, in the previous months, she had taken to listening in on the conversations Malorie had with others in the dining room that was connected to her kitchen. Silvi had missed all the loud chatter she had gotten to experience back when she was learning at the restaurant back in Torith. So, when she wasnt cooking anything super taxing, she would listen in to keep herself entertained.


    Mostly, though, it was dull stuff about invading countries, people dying, and the kingdom losing cities. That was just a bunch of stuff she didnt care about. Still, she listened. She learned a lot of things that way without having to be part of the conversation. It was the best of both worlds.


    She learned things like the kind of food people enjoyed the most, the type of materials Malorie was buying and how much of them were ingredients for her, and even how the restaurant owner liked to take her coffee. That was the really important stuff. Which is why when she heard about the delivery of foods created from Void Beast ingredients, her ears perked up and she began listening intensely.


    Unfortunately, the important conversation about the food hadntsted very long, and soon shifted to less important things like the crown prince, little sparky, being ambushed. So, she started to tune out the rest of the conversation, but then she heard the king was in a panic because of it. And if the king was in a panic because of it, then didnt that mean that he would be willing to give ample rewards to someone or somebunny who saved the day?


    So for the good of her belly uh, the kingdom it was up to Silvi to take action. Shed never used the Void Travel skill shed received from Derek, but based on the description, it seemed to be just the thing she needed.


    So, she had willed the skill forward and waited. Then, a giant tear formed in front of her, a rip in the void of a size so unexpectedly big that it made her pause for a moment. The skill also came with a weird feeling, too, but she hadnt cared, and just jumped it. Then, she closed it behind her because of the description saying that only she and Derek should go inside. She was a thoughtful bunny and didnt want to identally hurt the wonderful, beautiful, deliciousdy or the others.


    Now she sat back, surrounded by nothingness, trying to figure out what to do. After a few seconds, she thought of that other, confusing skill that Derek had given her, Void Sense. It had taken her forever to figure out how to control that skill and make all the wavy ripples disappear. <em>Maybe thats why he gave me that skill. </em>


    So, she pushed the intensity at which Void Sense worked up. The results were perfect. She felt that if she concentrated hard enough, she could feel many of the ces she had been before, and when she concentrated harder, she got the sense that she may even be able to feel the locations of people she had met.


    Silvi also sensed a weird sensation all around her. She could guess that the feeling was the altered flow of time caused by the void that she inherited from Derek. That hadnt happened before. Maybe it was from the skill as well. Brushing those thoughts off, she focused harder, as hard as she would have if she was working on an extra difficult recipe.


    Silvi felt a bright, surging aura off in the distance, one she immediately recognized as Dereks own. And, if she could feel Derek, then surely she could sense the locations of others she had met. And she had met the little sparky prince a few times at the Crown Restaurant in the past year. He would asionally be seated on one of the lower floors while Silvi went to the much better floors to research the more delicious meals and beg negotiate for more recipes.


    Her awesome negotiation skills had gotten the restaurant owner to make an exception for her to use Dereks membership as her own. She was his bonded soulpanion, after all. Unfortunately, Malorie had put a limit on the number of times she could go research at the restaurant in a month. But she didnt need to think about that right now; she needed to find her meal ticket.


    So, she thought deeply about the man, trying to remember what his aura felt like. There was a reason she called him little sparky. She could feel the electricitying off of him. Soon, shetched onto the subtle, familiar aura and twitched her nose. It had to be him.


    His sparky aura wasnt the only one she found, she found another one close by that was about the same, but that was in an area she had been before when she asionally went to the capital, and she hadnt been to the city of yton. There was another aura by Derek, a more potent one. But she could only feel it because of how close it was to Dereks own. That had to be big sparky, the stronger prince.


    It had been a long time since she had faced realbat, and she hoped she wasnt rusty. She needed to keep herself sharp, just like one of her knives. So, with her destination in mind, she looked at her status sheet to make sure she was prepared.


    Status


    Personal Information


    Name:


    Age:


    Level:


    Experience:


    ss:


    Race:


    Silvi Hunt


    7


    N/A (Bonded)


    N/A (Bonded)


    Mythical Void Battle Chef


    Gluttonous Void Bunny


    Health:


    Mana:


    Stamina:


    37625


    15465


    37625


    Stats


    Strength


    Dexterity


    Endurance


    Vitality


    Intelligence


    Wisdom


    1000


    1000


    1505


    1505


    1500


    1031


    Skills


    Active Void Shift Lv. 17, Advanced Cooking Lv. 8, Advanced Mage Hand Lv. 6, Advanced Telekinesis Lv. 5, Battle Chef Knife Mastery Lv. 4, Charge Lv. 12, Chop Lv. 5, Cleaning Lv. 15, Cook What You Kill Lv. 1, Cooking Lv. 19, Julienne Lv. 3, Mince Lv. 3, Void Creation (Cooking) Lv. N/A, Void Lightning Bolt Lv. 6, Mage Hand Lv. 16, Meditation Lv. 17, Telekinesis Lv. 15, Telepathy Lv. 3


    Shared Skills from Companion: Void Sense Lv. 10, Void Travel Lv. N/A


    Skills Shared to Companion: Active Void Shift Lv. 10, Void Lightning Bolt Lv. 6


    Avable Skills to Share:


    Active Void Shift Lv. 10, Battle Chef Knife Mastery Lv. 4, Chop Lv. 5, Cook What You Kill Lv. 1, Julienne Lv. 3, Mince Lv. 3, Void Lightning Bolt Lv. 6


    Silvis eyes brightened when they fell on her intelligence stat. When she first used her skills after the stat increase, she had unfortunately spoiled multiple dishes. Her mana consuming skills, especially her Telekinesis and Mage Hand skills, had be hard to control. She had to spend a lot of time on beginner level dishes to get her control back. She couldnt wait until Derek put some more points into wisdom.


    Now she had to battle with it. She knew it should make her skills stronger. She just hoped her battle skills wouldnt be as hard to control as the fine movements from her other skills were. With all that in mind, Silvi dismissed her stats and hopped forward to the familiar aura.


    ***


    Traveling through the void was hard and scary. Without the skill Derek gave her, Silvi wasnt sure if she would have ever made it to the right spot. One small hop seemed to cover an uncountable distance. She would have to be very careful with the Void Travel skill if she chose to use it to go ingredient hunting in the future. She would have to make sure Derek didnt take the Void Sense skill away from her. It was too dark inside the void without it. She couldnt imagine how hard it would be to cook in such darkness. She wondered if a fire would even burn in such a ce.


    Finally, she arrived close to where she felt the weak prince. <em>Kay. What now? Do I use the skill again? </em>That was the only thing she could think to do, so she positioned herself where she was almost right on top of the prince and used the skill. Sure enough, she was correct yet again, just like always. The void began to open up and the extremely too big tear in it opened wider and wider.


    As the void opened, the outside finally became visible. She took a good look at what was going on. There were a bunch of people, and the ground looked slick, like ice. Her heart raced when she looked to her right and saw a person with very pointy ears standing beside a human with a very pointy nose. <em>Thats a real elf. It has to be, </em>she thought.


    She knew the restaurant owner woman was kind of an elf, but her ears werent as pointy as the one before her now. <em>Its pretty skinny, though. I dont think Id be able to make many burgers out of it. </em>But she continued looking on, analyzing the situation like Derek would have. <em>Theres more than one! </em>She almost squealed with joy. They would be perfect for her Cook What You Kill skill.


    Silvi also noticed that all eyes were on her. Everyone was staring wide-eyed, looking at her greatness. So, she took a hop forward and exited the void. Then, she canceled the skill and the void soon closed behind her.


    What is that? the pointy nose guy, and the elf said at the same time.


    Silvi tilted her head and saw her new cloakying against her pristine fur. Its a new cloak, she said through hermunication crystals. Its not as light as my old one, but I was told by the mania I was told that it would be able to take a lot more abuse. Its growing on me. She almost told them about the maniac. She was d she caught herself. They werent supposed to talk about her to other people at least she thought. She wasnt sure anymore.


    She was in an exceptionally good mood after encountering a rare ingredient, so she decided to be nice and tell them about her new cloak.


    Did I am I seeing things? the pointy nose man asked the elf.


    Do you see a talking rabbit that appeared out of a Portal-like rip in space? the elf asked back.


    I guess Im not seeing things the pointy nose man said.


    But, Silvis happy mood only went so far. Her paws were starting to get cold from the ice. So, she tilted her head again, this time to look at the kneeling prince. Little Spark uhem Crown Prince Edward. Im here to save you.


    You Youre Dereks petpanion? the sparky one stammered. Silvi was a kind bunny, so she wouldnt fault him for calling her a pet at least not right now. She would take that out on the king when she was fleecing negotiating for her reward.


    You? A pet bunny is going to save him? the pointy nose fellow snorted andughed.


    Silvi narrowed her eyes. She would kill him third. After she killed the two best looking elves. She couldnt allow them to get away.


    If you can do something about him, the crown prince lifted his arm and pointed at the first elf with his arm. The barrier will disappear and my reinforcement cane.


    <em>What happened to his hand? Hes down to one opposable thumb. I hope he has Mage Hand. </em>She felt sorry for the prince, but at least he still had one thumb. Silvi shifted her attention to the elf. Then, with a sneak attack, she shot off her back paws while using Charge and channeling Void Lightning into her horn. She would hunt him first.

 Chapter 304: When Bunnies Attack

    Chapter 304: When Bunnies Attack


    Edwards eyes widened as the bunny attacked without another word. Derekspanioning to save him was something he would have never expected in a million years, but there she was, flying at a tremendous speed toward the prince of another country.


    However, Edward still couldnt put much faith in the little thing. How strong could a beastpanion really be? Especially one that had most likely been bonded when it was still at a low level. This Silvi obviously wasnt a normal bunny, but she clearly showed some of the features of the widespreadmon Horned Rabbit. He would be shocked if that wasnt what she had been before she evolved from a bond.


    So, sure, Derek was strong, but as a bondedpanion, she could have, at most, what? Three quarters of his stats, if he had a legendary ss. Natalie Savannah had let it slip that Dereks stats were actually higher than Edgars, so him having a legendary ss was probable, especially since Edward suspected that his brother also had one.


    No, Edward didnt put much hope in the bunny dealing with the situation alone. What he was hopeful for, however, was that she could damage or surprise the elven prince enough that he lost focus and dropped the barrier ced around them. If that were to happen, Edwards reinforcements would file through the teleporter the second the barrier dropped, and there would be a good chance to reverse the situation.


    So, Edward followed the movements of the small bunny as best he could. The amount of power she used tounch herself off her back legs was staggering. <em>Her strength stat must have broken through the second threshold, and the way she left the ground. Is her dexterity close to that as well? </em>He thought.


    But in that split second she was in the air, possibly not even that long, she had made it to the front of the young elven prince. Somehow, during that extremely short amount of time, she had begun glowing a deep purple, leaving a streak of purple behind her.


    Edward clenched his remaining hand tightly. This was it. Both princes were caught off guard. He could tell by the look in their eyes. <em>If she can just damage </em>he started to think, but before he could finish the thought, the flying bunny crashed into a barrier just in front of the elven prince and Edwards heart fell. Even with such a surprise attack, he was ready.


    <em>Fucking barriers, </em>Edward inwardly cursed as he watched the bunny, no longer glowing, kick off the barrier andnd back exactly where she had first appeared. The bunny shook her head violently for a second before ring at the elven prince and his barrier.


    Edward shifted his focus back to the prince, and was surprised when he saw the shield in front of him flicker in and out of visibility. When it was visible, Edward actually saw a spiderweb like crack flowing through it. But if that wasnt enough to shock him, what happened next was.


    The elven prince staggered on his feet before violently spitting up multiple mouthfuls of blood and grasping at his chest. <em>What the hell happened? Did his shield getting damage also damage him? That doesnt make any sense. What good would such a shield be if that happened. But why is he like that? </em>The prince continued to cough violently, half the bloodnding on the ground and half on the back-side of the shield barrier.


    With the blood running down the barrier, even when it was flickering invisible, the shield could still be located. Edward wasnt the only person who was stupefied. Everyone around them had the same dumbfounded look on their faces. A small bunny had head-butted the prized skill of the royal family of Indria, and not only had the skill cracked, but the user had been damaged.


    All this came with a realization for Edward. With his personal barrier so damaged and flickering, along with the elven prince obviously being damaged, how much longer would he be able to control the antimunication and teleportation barrier?


    Drink this, hurry! Before she attacks again! The voice of Titus broke Edward out of his thoughts as the man shoved an expensive-looking potion into the elfs hand.


    Orion took the potion and started to uncork it, but before he could, the bunny made her next move the same move. Sheunched herself off the ground again and began to glow. She was like a life seeking magic missile.


    It cant Orion began to say. Obviously, he meant that his shield wouldnt be able to take the same attack again. His hands were shaking, and he still had yet to drink the potion.


    <em>Go! </em>Edward cheered the purple blur on. But before she made it to the shield again, Titus made his own move.


    A thick wall of dark ice instantly sprouted up in front of Orions shield barrier. Edward clenched his fist again. That wall of ice didnt look like it would be something easily broken. But, to his surprise, just when the missile bunny was about to hit the thick wall of ice, she disappeared.


    In the next instant, Edward saw and heard multiple things he couldnt exin. First, he heard what he could only describe as the sound of someone smashing a melon with a hammer. That came along with blood flying into the air, going even higher than the ice wall, high enough that Edward could see it even though he was on the opposite side.


    The next thing he heard and saw was the shocked yell of Astruss Crown Prince and the look of shock on his face, apanied by a smear of blood dripping down his forehead. The final thing he heard was the sound of ice crumbling, and the final thing he saw was the ice shattering, leaving a bunny falling to the ground from around six feet in the air.


    My horn got stuck in the stupid ice, the young, feminine voice sounded out from where the bunny was sitting. I dont like that. The bunny turned her head and eyed Titus with a tilted head. Blood continuously dripped down her horn all the while.


    But everyone else was too dumbfounded to react and where was the elven prince? <em>Even if she somehow killed the prince, his body would still be there. Surely, he didnt just explode into nothingness. What kind of skill would she have to have to do something like that? </em>


    Edward was just as stunned as everyone else, but he was easily broken out of his trance as he saw the surrounding dome barriers both flicker a few times before disappearing once again. <em>Yes! </em>he cheered inwardly. With the barriers gone and something happening to Orion, in seconds, his reinforcements would arrive.


    O-Orion! What the hell? W-what Titus shouted out in confusion before his own eyes moved to the ground to focus on the bunny once again the bunny who was once again violently shaking her head, this time, the scene was much more gruesome than thest because of all the blood and gore flying off her in every which way.


    When the crown princes eyes locked with the bunny, she disappeared once again. In a panic, more walls of ice appeared, and Titus yelled, Attack!


    This time, the ice appeared both behind and in front of the man. He wasnt going to allow the bunny to have any chances at him. But, to Edwards surprise, once again, the bunny did somethingpletely unexpected.


    The cry of a woman sounded out behind him. When he heard it, he first thought about Valerus, who was still trapped in the ice behind him. He quickly turned his head. But instead of seeing Valerus in even more trouble, he saw one of the hooded figures, a female elf, with about an inch of the bunnys small horn stick out of the center of her chest.


    Then, the horn disappeared, and Silvi reappeared in the air above the woman. The woman clenched at the hole in her chest. It was definitely a critical wound, but it wasnt life threatening if she were to drink a potion or be healed soon. But none of that ever got the chance to happen. Instead, the bunny in the air glowed that same purple.


    This time, since the bunny was static in the air, Edward was able to see what was really happening with the purple energy. All of it gathered at the tip of her bloody horn, then, just like one of his own attacks, a lightning bolt made of the deep purple energy shot out of the bunnys small horn andnded directly on the female elfs head.


    The woman looked up at the bunny in confusion, as if the attack had done nothing to her. Silvi disappeared once again, this time avoiding a flurry of arrows and spells in doing so. Then, out of nowhere, the woman fell to the ground and spasmed a few times before stilling. A pool of blood then began to form around her head and chest areas.


    <em>She shes a killing machine. The rumors I I thought she only liked to cook and eat. </em>Edward made sure to make it a priority to learn more about the bunny no Silvi. Derekspanion he would never call her a bunny or his pet again. She was too monstrous to risk offending <em>If shes hispanion and already this strong then Derek Hunt </em>Edward breathed in a deep breath and turned to watch the rest of the battle.


    What happened next well he wouldnt call it a ughter. Titus and his remaining men, now on guard and having seen how Silvi fought, fought back. But, Silvi was too fast not physically, but whatever teleportation skill she used made her extremely hard to pin down.


    What stunned Edward even more was when Titus seemed to catch on to how her skill worked, or made an extremely lucky guess. When she appeared behind one of his men, she was met by an icicle hurtling through the air. The long icicle directly hit Silvi on the side of her small body with enough force to send the small thing flying into the teleportation building.


    She crashed through the wall and disappeared from everyones sight, and Titus snorted.


    She may be fast, but with her size shes probably already on the verge of dea he began, but was immediately cut off by the appearance of the bunny above him.


    Her cloak had a hole in it, but she didnt have any blood or wounds on her at least she didnt have any of her own blood on herself.


    How? Astruss Crown Prince muttered as the same, now ominous, purple energy began to gather on her horn once again.


    Four walls of ice were what Titus decided was needed to avoid the weird lighting attack. It seemed to work, too, as Silvi snorted and disappeared to attack one of the other ambushers. They stood their ground after figuring out Silvis attacks, but her early assault was demoralizing.


    While Silvi was busy attacking one of his team members, Titus phased through the ice wall and yelled out, Retreat!


    At the same time, a squad of five elites rushed through the exit of the Teleportation building. <em>Its barely been that long? </em>Edward was stunned at how short the fight had actually going on, but since his reinforcements had finally arrived, he heaved a heavy sigh of relief. They would actually be okay <em>Well the survivors will. </em>He looked at the fallen bodies of hispanions and sighed before turning back to the scene ying out in front of him.


    With the call of retreat, the ambushers instantly used every movement skill they had, and were neigh impossible to catch. But that didnt stop Silvi. As Titus and his team rushed down the street, which now had numerous onlookers gathered at themotion now that Orions barriers werent there to obstruct them, Silvi disappeared and continued her own attack.


    Prince! Are you okay? What happened? One of his men rushed to his side as more and more elites spilled out of the Teleporation Building.


    Im okay Edward said, but looked at his right bracer, which was now missing a hand. Ill be okay.

 Chapter 305: Are You Safe Now?

    Chapter 305: Are You Safe Now?


    Minutester, Edwards entire squad had crossed through the teleporter and made it to yton. It was still staggering for Edward at how long the enemy team had actuallysted before retreating once Dereks bondedpanion made her move. The fight couldnt have gone on for more than a couple of minutes at most before Crown Prince Titus called for a retreat.


    While sitting on the steps to the teleportation building and feeling sorry for himself, multiple scenes shed through his head. First was the scene of the blood spattering everywhere from behind the ice wall, then the elven prince mysteriously vanishing. Then, there was the weird lightning bolt Silviunched, and dyed reaction that urred in those that it hit.


    Overall, it seemed like Derekspanion only had a few moves in her arsenal, but thebination of them and her small size made her exceptionally difficult to target, much less hit. Then, there was the fact that she had actually been hit dead on by Crown Prince Titus once he figured out her movements and patterns, and the hit had done next to nothing to her. If anything, it angered her because of the hole he put in her cloak.


    After that hit, she had be even more unpredictable and deadly, which is what led to the retreat. That, and the fact that Orions barrier was down and reinforcements were beginning to arrive. Edward shook his head, then stared intently at the stump on the end of his arm where his hand used to be.


    Unless they were hidden, he couldnt think of a single healer in the kingdom that could restore and regrow a limb that had been healed. Edward clinched his remaining fist until his knuckles turned white and vowed to get revenge on the Crown Prince of Astrus. The man was just cruel.


    On top of that, Edward was feeling more useless than ever. In fact, his current thoughts were that he should have led the raid team instead of Edgar. At least his brother would have been able to do something against the ambush.


    Finally, a question that hadnt really crossed his mind during all the chaos hit him. <em>Why had Derekspanion been the one toe and save him? Was she answering a request from my father? No theres no way anyone knew of the kind of power she has. Especially the power to teleport into an area controlled by one of the Elrass blocking barriers. </em>


    Those thoughts led him to another thing he was currently avoiding. He needed to contact his father and let him know what had happened. Themunication crystals in his storage rings were constantly buzzing as it was. <em>I really should answer one of them, </em>he thought, but he couldnt bring himself to. Surely, someone else had already done so.


    Edward slumped further down on the step and sighed. Then, all the sudden, he staggered back in a panic. The small bunny had suddenly appeared just underneath him out of nowhere, her purple-ish fur covered in dried blood.


    Where is she? the child-like feminine voice chimed from the blood covered crystal ced on Silvis cor.


    Where is who? Edward managed to get his senses back and asked.


    The elf. The one I killed with my Void Lightning. Where is she? Shes gone. Did you take her? Silvi asked. My kill.


    Edward saw something dangerous sh through the eyes of the small beast and he shivered. This was someone he couldnt afford to offend. Of course, he knew exactly who she was talking about. When his soldiers came through, after making sure the area was secure, they began cleanup, which included the bodies of the fallen.


    I Im not sure, he began, but shortly after, a bit of an aura leaked out of Silvi, and he hurriedly continued. One of my men must have moved the body for cleanup. Ill find it. Just stay right there. Ill be back in just a second.


    Kay! The aura disappeared just like that, and the voice chimed once again, this time with a delighted tone, as if she hadnt just about made Edward wet himself.


    <em>Yeah father can wait. I have to find where that body went immediately, before everyone dies.</em> Edward jumped up and rushed around the area, inquiring about the corpse of the female elf. It took him a good five minutes, but he finally found the soldier who had all the bodies stored set up inside the teleportation building. With a quickmand, he had the soldier to transfer the corpse to his storage ring. He also made sure to find the storage ring that she was wearing when she died. That took a bit longer.


    Quickly, he rushed out of the building and ced the corpse in front of the nowpletely clean Silvi, who was sitting patiently on the step. As soon as the body hit the ground, it disappeared once again. Then he held the ring out for Silvi. She would surely want that, as well.


    Surprisingly, an extremely agile Mage Hand snatched up the ring and stored it in what seemed to be a pocket on the inner side of her cloak. He heard a slight ng, showing that it wasnt the only storage ring being kept in the pocket.


    You can do it, too, the voice chimed again.


    Do what? he asked, confused. What else did this killing machine want with him?


    Get Mage Hand, she said.


    Edward gave her a questioning look. Mage Hand? he asked. He had just seen her use the skill, but other than surprising him a bit, he didnt understand what she was getting at.


    To rece your lost thum hand. You can get Mage Hand. Then you can cook just as good as before.


    Edward could have sworn he saw a smug look cross the face of the bunny, like she had just given him sagely advice. She was proud of herself. Edward opened his mouth once, then twice, but he couldnt form any words.


    Well, are you safe now? Silvi asked out of nowhere.


    Am I safe? Edward looked around at his men, most patrolling the area, but a few gathered close, just in case they were needed. I Yes, I am safe now. Thank you very much for saving me. He nodded gravely. He was, after all, extremely thankful that this small savior appeared out of and saved him and what was left of his squad.


    Good. Ill go now, she said, then hopped to an open area.


    Hold on one second, Edward ran to her and shouted. What happened to the rest of them? Did they escape?


    Silvi tilted her head in the weird way once again, then her voice sounded from her crystal. I got one more. The rest got away. It got boring.


    Oh uh good job. Was it the ice one that you got? Edward asked. He didnt know what answer he wanted to hear. If she said yes, that would take a powerful person off the board, but if she said no, he would be able to get revengeter on.


    Pointy nose? No. Another elf, she answered, then straightened her head. Back up.


    She didnt have to tell Edward twice. He backed away. Then, that same dreadful feeling began to put pressure on his psyche as he watched a huge rip appear in space and Silvi hop inside. The feeling continued on until the rip closed. Edward shuddered. That was another skill that worried him.


    Edward stared intently at the spot where Silvi disappeared from with a frown on his face. The longer he stood there, the deeper his frown was. <em>I think she only killed elves. </em>He thought about everything he saw. <em>Im sure of it. She only killed three people, but they were all elves. Was that a coincidence? Does she have something against elves? </em>


    ***


    Silvi closed the tunnel behind her and concentrated on her gains. She had managed to get an extra elf after all her efforts, so she was in a pretty good mood. She also got three storage rings that she vowed to look throughter. She wanted to see what kind of treats elves liked to eat. It would be like a treasure hunt.


    She hadnt had such a draining in a long time. She was a little disappointed that she was only able to take out three of the enemy, and she wasnt able to kill the pointy nosed human like she wanted to either. Inwardly, she sighed, then focused on her next task. With a few hops, she appeared close to the ce she needed to go next and willed the void open.


    ***


    Cydarian Capital


    Great Hall


    Edwin sat on his throne, surrounded by his most trusted guards and advisors. He needed to figure out his next actions after learning not long ago that the two princes who had been leading thebined forces of Astrus and Indria had ambushed his son and nned on kidnapping him. He was still reeling that the only reason Edward got away was because of the bondedpanion of that man, Derek Hunt.


    The king doubted he would ever like the arrogant man, but it seemed he and the kingdom would always be indebted to the man, no matter what. Hed saved Edward, revealed the truth about Gerald Torith, took on a raid dungeon with Edgar, and now hispanion had saved Edward. Edwin had to begrudgingly admit that he had respect for the man, if nothing else.


    He needed to speak with nah and Natalie. Apparently, the elven prince, Orion, had been killed in the ambush. There may be an opportunity for them to counterattack while thebined enemy forces were still feeling the loss of such a figure. Also, Edwin knew that both Ryven and Osian would be angered just as he would have had their n to capture Edward seeded. Actually, they would be even more angered by the fact that Orion had died in the attack.


    They also had a new piece on the board that thebined enemy forces would have to be warry of. That piece was, of course, Silvi. Edwin doubted he would ever be able to make her do anything she didnt want to, but his enemies didnt know that. <em>In fact, after such a loss, this could be the perfect</em>


    While he was thinking about everything, he was hit by a pressure unlike anything hed felt before. Not only him, it seemed, as two of his guards were even forced to their knees while holding their heads in pain. His remaining guards drew their weapons and looked around on guard. Edwin felt he would have been in the same position as the two kneeling guards if not for his wisdom. Other than the dreadful feeling that appeared with it, it also had some of the same feeling as he would feel when talking with nah.


    Edwin stood from his throne, drew his sword, and began channeling his element. If someone was ambushing him, he would make them pay for it.


    But suddenly, the space in front of him in the middle of the Great Hall began to open. The tear in the space continued on until it stretched to ten feet or wider. Then Edwin noticed the figure sitting in the middle of the odd portal. It was a small bunny with purple fur, wearing a purple cape with a hole in the side, and a cor with two crystals on the front, acting as studs, and a ring in the middle.


    The figure took one hop and gracefullynded on the rug in front of him. The odd portal slowly closed behind it, and the pressure lessened until itpletely disappeared, allowing everyone to take a breath and the two straining guards to stand. <em>So this is Silvi. Derek Hunts bondedpanion. The beast who saved my son. </em>


    Stand down, Edwin ordered his guards, and took a seat himself after storing his weapon. We have a guest.

 Chapter 306: Make a List

    Chapter 306: Make a List


    Not a sound could be heard in the Great Hall once the kingmanded everyone to stand down, but his guards were still tensed up after the unexpected arrival of the bunny, not to mention the way she arrived.


    You must be Silvi. Edwin gave the bunny a deep nod. Mr. Hunt is extremely fortunate to have a bondedpanion such as you.


    I agree, a childlike voice chimed out from the crystal connected to her cor.


    The king was taken aback by her immediate agreement, but quickly brushed it off. I have to say, I was not expecting you to save the day. My family and I are in your debt.


    Great! the voice chimed again, this time very enthusiastically. Do I get rewards?


    Uh the king frowned for a moment, then his smile returned. Of course you will receive a reward. Its only proper. Though, Im afraid Im not sure what kind of reward


    Ingredients! The voice cut the king off in the middle of his reply. I want ingredients.


    Ingredients? the king asked. Like for crafting? Alchemy ingredients? Ingredients for Alchemy wasnt a bad reward, actually. The king was beginning to think that there was even more to the bunny sitting in front of him. So far, nobody had been able to gather much about her. She was Derekspanion. She seemed to dine at the Crown Restaurant quite often, which he did find weird, but who could resist the food there? And now, he had only just learned of her battle ability.


    With the right Alchemy ingredients, she, or Derek more likely, would be able to hire an Alchemist to concoct extraordinary potions. Not to mention, Dereks association with Roman Pascal was well known, and that halfling was a very skilled alchemist that even the royal family used from time to time. <em>So, the bondedpanion is thinking of Derek. They must have a very good rtionship. Though it would be weird for soulboundpanions to not think of one another. </em>With all that in mind, the king began to nod his head, but he was interrupted once again by the small voice.


    I havent tried Alchemy ingredients yet. Do they make for good meals? Hmm Actually, I think there are some nts that I got that I had to share with the mani that I had to share. We can add some of them to the reward, Silvi said.


    Make for good meals? the king asked. You dont want them for Alchemy?


    Alchemy? Do I look like an Alchemist?


    Well no. Not exactly. Edwin answered.


    Thats right. Im a cook. The voice rang with such finality that Edwin didnt know what to say or do.


    She didnt want Alchemy ingredients for Alchemy she wanted ingredients because shes a cook? <em>With such talent in fighting? Whats going on here? </em>


    So you want cooking ingredients, then? the king hesitantly asked, making sure he was correct in his thoughts.


    Exactly! But you can add the Alchemy ones, too. Well just nts and meats and stuff. I dont think ws in horns would make for very good meals but they could add to the texture. That would be interesting


    The king continued listening to the bunny rattling on about the possible different uses for ingredients. It was all so surreal. At first, she didnt seem like she wanted to talk much, but when she began talking about ingredients, it took her a while to stop. But, finally, after stunning the entire room with her rambling, she seemed toe back to reality.


    Anyway. You just make a list of what ingredients you have, and Ill stop byter to pick it up. Thats all I need for a reward. Easy, right? I have more things to do. Dont forget!


    Then, without another word, or a reply, the same pressure fell on the entire Great Hall once again, and once again caused severe difort in some of the kings guards. The portal-like skill activated again, and a rip in the space behind the bunny appeared. She hopped into it, and the tear closed in on itself.


    Everyone stared at the now empty space in stunned silence. Finally, Phillip Musgrave, currently the kings only true advisor, spoke. Your Majesty what was that?


    The king quicklyposed himself and looked directly into his advisors eyes. Phillip! You heard Silvi. Go to the kitchen and take inventory. Also, take an inventory of all our Alchemy ingredients, the kingmanded. Go on! Make haste!


    Edwin didnt know when the little beast would be back, but if all she wanted was cooking ingredients, maybe having her as a friend woulde in handy in the future.


    ***


    Slightly Earlier


    Raid Dungeon


    Derek and Edgar were sitting at the table beside the cksmiths temporary workshop and discussion the trials and the possibilities of what was currently going on in the kingdom while they waited for Avery and the others to return from their trial. Derek was also waiting in anticipation for Tyron to finish his leg armor as well.


    I just think they should have been back by now, Edgar said, still visibly anxious after all of their guessing and theorizing.


    Yeah, but Avery is with them. Theyll be fin


    But, all the sudden, Derek was hit by a flurry of notifications, and stopped talking mid-sentence to view them. After all, he hadnt done anything to receive any new notifications, and if it was his Time Prison leveling again, there would have only been a single notification.


    Your Bonded Companion Has Killed level 250 Elven Barrier Mage


    239,750,000,000 Experience Gained


    Level Up


    Your Bonded Companion Has Killed level 250 Elven Archer


    Your Bonded Companion Has Killed level 250 Elven Warrior


    120,750,000,000 Experience Gained


    Level UP


    85,550,775,550/235,550,800,000 Experience to Next Level


    Derek frowned as he read the notification the kill notifications. He tried to wrap his head around what he was seeing. Obviously, something had happened that caused Silvi to react, and react in a big way. Three people <em>No Three elves killed all at once. What happened? Does that mean that the elves are part of whats going on? </em>


    What is it? Why are you so spaced out right now? Edgar asked worriedly.


    I think I may have just figured out whats happening in the kingdom, Derek said.


    What? How?


    I just received notification of three kills. Kills made by Silvi.


    Shes fighting? What did she kill? Edgar leaned forward in his seat.


    Thats just it its not what its who, Derek said.


    So, not monsters. Then Cydaria has been invaded and we are at war, or there was a noble uprising?


    Derek shook his head. She killed three elves, he said. All level 250. There was an Elven Warrior, an Elven Archer, and an Elven Barrier Mage.


    Edgar had stayed calm as Derek exined what happened, but as soon as he mentioned an Elven Barrier Mage, his eyes widened and he sat back in disbelief. It was now Dereks turn to be curious.


    Do you know what that means? Derek asked.


    I do Edgar nodded gravely. From what I know, most of the royal line of elves in Indria uses barrier magic. Of course, its entirely possible for someone not of the royal family to luck into the magic, just like it is possible for someone other than us to end up with lightning magic. But, the fact that yourpanion killed not only an elf with barrier magic but also two other level 250 elves


    Indria is part of the attack. Derek finished the princes sentence.


    Edgar could only nod.


    And if Silvi has taken action, then Savannah


    Edgar jumped up from his seat. I didnt think of that. She wouldnt have any reason to leave Savannah?


    No. I dont believe so. Derek shook his head.


    That means that Savannah is already under attack! Edgar flicked his wrist, and a scroll appeared in his hand. Blitz! he called for his bondedpanion.


    Derek knew exactly what was going through the princes head. In fact, he was a little worried, as well. Silvi had just been in a battle, after all. He stood, and was about to talk-to tell Edgar to calm down for a moment, but before he could get a word out, he felt something in the air. Something that felt familiar. It felt like the void, and it was rapidly closing in.


    Derek was the first to feel it, but soon, Edgars eyes shot to the same ce Derek was currently looking, and his grip loosened on the escape scroll. At that time, Blitznded behind Edgar. Dammit! Whats going on? Edgar shouted, the new urrence stopping him from ripping the escape scroll in his hand.


    In the next instant, Rocky and Tyron were standing beside Derek and Edgar, both on guard, Tyrons hammer now giant, along with Rockys body. But something was beginning to feel very familiar to Derek. <em>No It couldnt be. Were in a dungeon, </em>he thought.


    But soon, he saw a scene that hed saw once before-inside the duel trial where he fought the whale. He had made the same rip in the void that was currently appearing before his eyes. The tear grew bigger and bigger. Instantly, Derek knew it was Silvi. She had somehow forced her way into the dungeon by using Void Travel.


    The next thing he knew, though, Silvi was hopping out of the portal and Blitz roared loudly, lightning energy forming in his maw.


    Edgar noticed it, too, and he had also noticed the appearance of Silvi. Blitz! Sto- he began, but it was toote.


    In the next instant, Silvi was beside the wyvern, crashing into his side with a charge. He also saw a sh of purple, letting him know that she had activated Void Lightning as well. But, it looked like she had taken in the situation as soon as she arrived, and had forgone hitting the wyvern in any vital area, which made Derek let out a breath.


    Just after the crash between her and the wyvern, Derek felt a lightweight appear on his shoulder, and turned his head to look into hispanions eyes.


    <em>Can I kill that? It looks delicious! </em>her childlike voice rang in his head through their bond.


    <em>Close the tunnel, </em>Derek said, ignoring herment about eating Blitz for the time being.


    <em>Oh, right. I forgot. </em>


    Finally, the tear in the void closed and everyone came back to their senses. Blitz eyed Silvi with fire in his eyes, and lightning still being channeled through his body.


    <em>What about the giant noodle? </em>Silvi asked. <em>Can we eat it? </em>


    Derek frowned, but soon realized she was talking about Rocky. He was a giant wyrm. Derek gave the wyrm a quick looked and did everything he could to keep the smile off his face. <em>No! These are my friendspanions. No eating them! </em>


    <em>Fine. </em>Silvi huffed. <em>But that big chicken better stop looking at me like that or Im going to fry him. </em>


    Derek looked at Blitz, who wasnt really hurting well, except for his pride. Then he looked at Edgar. Understanding crossed the princes eyes, and he ced the hand that wasnt currently holding the escape scroll on Blitzs side and calmed him.


    Uhem Tyron grunted to get everyones attention. This is?


    Oh, Tyron, meet Silvi. Shes my bondedpanion, Derek introduced her to the smith.


    The smith took Silvis appearance in for a moment before slowly nodding. I see he said. Then his eyes brightened. That is a nice cloak, and the cor very good idea. Using it to keep the storage ring and themunication crystals so she canmunicate out loud. Very smart.


    Thats when Derek noticed that the ring was no longer in her nose, but instead on her cor. <em>Was her evolution the same as mine? Actually, now that Im looking at her, she is a bit different. She has more of the purple on her fur. Wait </em>


    <em></em>Silvi, how no why are you here?

 Chapter 307: Just Somebunny

    Chapter 307: Just Somebunny


    Border of Cydaria


    Indria-Astrus Alliance Base Camp


    What happened to my nephew!? Duke Ryvens voice echoed from his tent throughout the base camp. Inside the tent floated six people, each pinned between two barriers created by the ragingmander. One of those people was Titus, the Crown Prince of Astrus, and the other five were the remaining elves from the ambush party that had set out to capture the Crown Prince of Cydaria.


    Of course, Osian would have been notified of his sons death by now. Underneath Ryvens rage was also a shame that he let one of his brothers sons die while under his care. No, he wasnt necessarily under his care. Before the war began, Osian had told Ryven to avoid helping Orion too much, to let him learn and face dangers himself.


    No, his brother wouldnt me him for the death of his son. Thats just the type of man his brother was. Put, before it came to that, Ryven had to figure out what happened so he would have a proper exnation for his brother, his king, when he came asking.


    Ryven injected more mana into his skills, and the barriers and the barriers holding the six squeezed just a little bit tighter. Answer me! Now! All five elves groaned in pain as the barrierspressed around them.


    To Tituss credit, even with the two barriers, one at the front of him and one at the back, sandwiching him, his face remained passive, and he didnt show any fear, and he didnt even release a groan like the others had. <em>The boy is vile and ipetent, but at least it seems he has some kind of a backbone, </em>Ryven thought as he stared deep into the boys eyes. <em>No thats not it.</em>


    Ryven snarled. The boy wasnt putting on this faade because he wasnt scared, no; he knew that Ryven couldnt do any real harm to him. Doing anything extreme would be throwing away the already shaky alliance with Astrus. But Ryven had just lost a nephew-his king just lost a son.


    It wasnt our fault. If anything, it was yoursmander, the young man spat back.


    At that moment, Ryven wanted nothing more than to just squeeze with all his might. Perhaps if the boys head popped like a melon, it would give him a bit of relief. But he restrained himself. My fault? I gave you the perfect n. Cydaria moved, just as I predicted. They were nothing more than puppets! So, tell me, how did you fail at such an easy ambush? Did you toy around with your target so long that backup arrived?


    Tituss faade faltered for a moment, but he ignored the final question and yelled back, oh, it wasnt easymander. Apparently, you didnt do enough research on the kingdoms elites. No! Your nephew, Orion, his body isying headless in a storage ring somewhere in Cydaria because you didnt do your job spymaster. The boys words wereced with vitriol.


    Ryven clenched his fist. At those words, the shame he was feeling underneath the rage and loss reared its head. He may have been themander of the joint army, but he had also been their kingdoms spymaster for the better part of a century. If the boy wanted to hit him where it hurt, he had achieved his goal. This oue waspletely out of his expectations. He felt he had nned for everything. Even if something did go wrong, the nine now five elven squad members all had costly escape scrolls on them, and were prepared to sacrifice themselves to save Orion.


    Of course, he hadnt known that. And by the looks of the shamed guards, it didnt seem there was anything that they could have done to prevent his death.


    Then tell me. What happened? What did <em>I </em>miss?


    You missed a monster!


    A monster? Was it one of their elites? Was their strength more than I calcted? Did that woman finally act? Was it nah?


    No! It wasnt no damn woman, or a human or elf! You missed a literal monster, Titus spat. The Cydarian Kingdom has a monster working for it. It showed up via<em></em>teleportation <em>after </em>Orion had already used his interference skill. It just ripped open the space in front of us and ho stepped out. It was calm, not like it was on a lifesaving mission for a crown prince. It was like it was just another Tuesday for the beast. And once it attacked, we threw everything we had at it.


    I even hit it directly with a Darkice Spike. You know how strong our Darkice Spikes are, right? How much mana goes into creating a single one of the spikes? Do you know what it did to the beast? It didnt do anything more than tear a bit of its clothing. Thats it not a scratch or even a mark left on its body. You couldnt even walk away like that if you got hit with that skill. And after that, it seemed more annoyed that its clothing got scuffed than anything else.


    Ive never seen anything like it. It used, at most, three moves the whole time. It wasnt even that it was fast, it was just constantly teleporting and charging into our ranks. And its third skill whatever it was. It didnt even have to hit us to injure us. As long as we were close to it, and in its line of attack, whether we blocked it or not, it hit. It hit on the inside. Its attack could hit the opposite side of my Darkice Wall, and whatever it was would still reach me. I had to summon multiple walls just to get out unharmed. The beast was a thing of nightmares, Titus exined.


    What? Ive not heard of any monsters working with their kingdom. What kind of monster was it? Did it use the spatial element? Did its attack slip by because it was using space? Tell me, what did this beast look like? Ryven was still livid about the loss of his nephew, but if Cydaria had such a weapon waiting to be loosed on them, he needed to get every detail he could about it.


    <em>Plus, it was able to somehow teleport into Orions Discement Barrier. His skill level isnt close to my own, but it should have at least been at level 10. With that, plus his intelligence stat, nothing should have been able to get in. </em>Ryven was going over everything he could think of in his head.


    <em>No thats not right. If were talking beasts, a Void Beast could have broken through. Discement Barrier may not be able to block that. It also seems like the attack Titus is talking about could have been one made from void energy. That element is mysterious. </em>


    Ryven fidgeted with the storage ring on his hand. Inside contained the corpses of the two Void Beasts he had killed during thest year. One of them was vicious, even saying a few words to him before he trapped and beheaded it. <em>Could the Cydarian Kingdom have control over a Void Beast? And not just any Void Beast, but an intelligent one with strength on par with myself or Osian? </em>He shuddered at the thought. Still, he waited for the boy to continue, to either confirm or, hopefully, dispute his suspicions. But the boy only stared at the ground silently, in his own thoughts.


    Well? Spit it out. Give me its description. Its not fast, but elusive, and it charges and uses some type of defense ignoring skill. But what does it look like? We need to know. Maybe Orions death wasnt for nothing. This information could be vital to the war effort. Ryvenmanded.


    Well it it was Titus started, his eyes meeting Ryvens own, but as soon as they connected, the boy shifted them back to the ground and closed his mouth. It didnt seem like he was going to be able to get anything else out of him.


    <em>Was it that terrifying? What could make a Crown Prince like him so scared? But he doesnt look scared, though. What is it? Is that shame on his face? Why was he perfectly fine exining everything else, but falters a describing the beast? </em>Seeing that he wasnt getting anywhere with Titus, Ryven shifted his attention to the five elves he had dangled in the air, crushed between the two barriers.


    Elmar! Ryvenmanded.


    Yes, Sir! The man tried to snap a salute on instinct, but failed to with his arms trapped. Ryven loosened the barriers around the man, allowing his arm free so he couldplete the salute.


    What was this beast? Do you know? What did it look like? It seems the prince has lost his ability to speak, Ryven asked one of his own soldiers. Maybe he could get more out of him.


    It uh she seemed to be apanion to someone in the Kingdom of Cydaria, Elmar said.


    Apanion? Ryven asked for confirmation. <em>Thatplicates things. If its a soulboundpanion, and has such strength, then what about the person she is soulbound to?</em>


    Yes sir. And she didnt seem to put the Crown Prince Edward in her eyes. In fact, she seemed quite rude to the crown prince. I think she even started to call him Little Sparky.


    Wait, she could speak? <em>And she wasnt respectful to the crown prince of the kingdom? </em>He didnt say it, but everyone could see he was surprised. Even in Cydaria, disrespecting the royal family was a big mistake.


    Uh yes, sir. She used twomunication crystals. One to send the message, and one to transmit it out loud. Elmar exined. Oh, and when she arrived, Edward seemed as shocked as everyone else. He mumbled something about apanion and the name Derek.


    Thats interesting but, once again. What did the beast look like? He wasnt lying. How the beastmunicated, how it reacted to the crown prince, and the fact it was a female were all interesting things, perhaps even vital information, but it seemed that everyone was having a hard time describing the beast itself.


    <em>Wait, </em>what the man said just seemed to spark a memory for Ryven. <em>That name, Derek. Derek Hunt? Could it be? Thats the man that Sabrina seemed to have an unusual fixation on. If its him, though, wasnt his pet-</em>


    Um sir she she was a bunny.


    ***


    Raid Dungeon


    At the same time


    Why are you here? Derek asked Silvi. Everything else was interesting, but she had just killed multiple elves, then she showed up in the dungeon, all the sudden. <em>Well have to talk about that skillter. I cant believe it could bring her from outside to inside the Raid Dungeon, one with a time distortion, no less. And what about the warnings on the skill? Her storage ring still seems to be intact. </em>Derek shook the thoughts out of his head and focused back on thepanion who hadnt seen him in around a year.


    Instead of answering, though, a body appeared on the ground between everyone-a headless body. No, that ones no good. Lets use this one. Silvis voice chimed from her crystal and the body disappeared again, then another one appeared. This one was of a female elf. Looked too much like a human without a head, Silvi said as she stared at the body in front of her, then looked up at Derek and met his eyes.


    Derek frowned. Hispanion was staring at him with her earsid back and an almost begging look in her eyes. <em>Why is she giving me puppy dog eyes? </em>Dereks own eyes narrowed in turn at Silvis antics.


    Silvi, what are you doing? Derek asked.


    This is an elf, Silvi stated the obvious.


    Yes? Derek replied. <em>What is she getting at?</em>


    Can I eat it?

 Chapter 308: Can You Eat It?

    Chapter 308: Can You Eat It?


    Can you eat it? Derek stared at hispanion with his mouth hanging open. Everyone else looked on in silence. Everybody has been worked up about what could have been going on in the kingdom, especially Edgar, yet, when Silvi, who should know exactly what is happening, arrived, she wanted to know if she could eat an elf? Honestly, the fact that she wasnt worked up over anything else had calmed the prince, and he seemed much more content.


    Yes, can I eat it? Silvi asked again, withplete seriousness.


    Derek facepalmed and shook his head. <em>What is wrong with my soul bond? </em>Feeling embarrassed because of Silvis antics, he said, No, Silvi, you cannot eat the elf.


    But why? she asked, obviously saddened by the response. You said we couldnt eat humans. Its not a human, its an elf. Then, the bunny took a small hop andnded beside the elfs head. See see the ears? Not human? We eat?


    Derek wanted to cry. He didnt think he would have to exin something like this to her. And if he needed to do it, he would have preferred to do it through their bond link, but since everything else was already said out loud, it was better to continue that way. Plus, when he looked up and saw Rocky and Blitz, he noticed that both of the dragonkin seemed to have changed from their alert status and were listening in rapt attention. It was something that they should probably learn as well. Especially Blitz, since he was a bit off.


    Silvi, Derek said, and she looked up at him with puppy dog eyes that looked as if tears were going to start forming if he said the wrong thing. He sighed. When I said that we didnt eat humans, I meant that more, as in general. We dont eat human-like beings, either. That means no elves, dwarves, humans, halflings, or any other dominant sapient beings on the.


    No, Silvi said, causing Derek to frown.


    No, what? he asked.


    That doesnt make sense, she replied.


    What doesnt make sense about it?


    We do eat those types of beings, so youre wrong. Which means we can eat the elf, she said matter-of-factly.


    Where do you get that idea? Derek was very confused. What beings that were like humans <em>Oh </em>he thought to himself.


    The Void Beasts, she answered. You said that the Void Beasts could even talk and think. Just like elves. And we eat them well I havent got to yet. But Ive seen the others eat them, and they look delicious.


    Derek tapped on his chin in thought. <em>How am I going to exin something like this without sounding like a hypocrite? </em>After some moments of deliberation, he realized that he couldnt. The lesser Void Beasts were sentient, sure, but he had encountered ones that were sapient as well. And, though he was yet to enjoy a meal make from one of those, he had used things made from the other Void Beasts he killed. Things like the potions that Roman made.


    Derek really couldnt find the words to dispute Silvi. He was drawing a nk.


    Void Beasts arent part of the system, Edgar cut in. We think thats the reason they give permanent stat increases when prepared properly. They are also mindless beasts until they be particrly strong.


    Well, the exnation was better than what Derek could think of at the moment. He looked back at Silvi to see if she would back down.


    Hmmph she snorted, but made sure the sound also came out of themunication crystal. That doesnt seem right.


    Think about it like this, Edgar said as he pry Blitz on the side of his leg. We eat boar, bear, wolves, and other beasts, right?


    Yes? Silvis eyes lit up at the mention of all the different kinds of food.


    But if one of us were to form a soul bond with one of those beasts, they would end up just like you or Blitz here. And we dont want to eat someone like that, do we?


    Silvis eyes turned toward the wyvern and narrowed. It didnt seem like she was buying what the prince was selling. If given a chance, she would definitely have a wyvern leg roasting over a spit. Blitz looks tasty. Was all she said.


    Edgar looked exasperated. He shrugged and looked back at Derek.


    How about this, Silvi? If you think youll be able to make friends with it, and its sapient, we dont eat it. And if youre unsure about it, youe ask me, just like you did with the elf. You did a good job asking me before eating it, by the way, Derek exined.


    Fine! Silvi humphed and hopped back onto Dereks shoulder after depositing two more bodies on the ground beside the other elf. I dont need those, then.


    <em>I have something for youter. Some new ingredients we found in the raid, </em>Derek sent to the bunny to calm her down a bit.


    <em>Really? Good ingredients? </em>she asked.


    <em>I think so. I havent tried them yet. Ive been waiting to give them to you. Now that youre here, I hope you can make them into something good for us. </em>


    <em>I got this! </em>she half squealed in Dereks head. He smiled.


    Thats Derek was broken out of his chat with Silvi by Edgars voice. The man was kneeling down, examining the bodies that Silvi delivered.


    What? Derek asked.


    This crest. Edgar pointed at a shield oveid onto a tree that was etched into the arm of the armor that the headless body was wearing. That is the crest of the Indrian Royal Family.


    Edgar stood up and looked at Silvi. Silvi, was this the person that used barriers against you in a fight? he asked, but obviously already knew the answer. He was just double checking the facts.


    A barrier? Silvi asked. The invisible wall that made me dizzy? Yeah, thats what he used. Its why I killed him first that and he looked delicious, she said thest with a pout.


    So it is the Indrians that are attacking us. I just cant believe it. Astrus, sure, but Indria? We havent been on too terrible of terms with them for thest few decades. Why would <em>they </em>be the ones attacking us? Edgar muttered out loud.


    Theyre attacking with Astrus, Silvis voice chirped out at Edgarsment.


    Edgar looked up and widened his eyes. Of course, it was probably a thought that crossed his mind, but it seemed more imusible than Indria attacking at all. Silvi, do you mind telling us what you know?


    With that, everyone there moved to the resting area by Tyrons forging space. Once everyone was settled, and Silvi pulled a bunch of meals out from her storage ring for everyone to eat, they began their discussion.


    So, whats going on outside? Edgar asked.


    I dont know, Silvi said as she took a sip of a steaming soup that sat on the table in front of her. Thats this tastes funny, she said as shepped up another bit of the soup.


    Derek frowned and took a spoonful of his own soup, and found she was correct. The soup had a slightly sour taste to it. It didnt taste bad, per se, but it just didnt pair that well with the rest of the taste of the soup. <em>Maybe its one of her earlier dishes. </em>Derek shrugged and took another spoonful.


    What do you know? How long have Indria and Astrus been attacking? Edgar asked.


    Um like a year or something I guess. I dont know. Didnt seem important, Silvi said and took another sip and shook her head. This isnt the soup I made.


    Theyve been at it for a year? Did they take over Wilmette? he asked.


    Sounds familiar, Silvi said. Think thats the town everyone left and Sparky gave it up.


    Sparky? Derek asked.


    The king, Silvi said. Hes more sparky than Little Sparky, and less sparky than Big Sparky here.


    Derek nodded along. He was fine with those nicknames. He would be sure to use them from now on. Honestly, he was fine with most of Silvis naming sense. It was rude that he called Thomas a mount and Brandi a maniac, but he still couldnt say she was wrong. They honestly probably seemed that way to Silvi.


    Big Sparky Edgar mouthed, then shook his head. Nevermind, that. So, we gave up Wilmette? What about the other ces in that area?


    Dont know, Silvi said. Stopped listening. Was baking a cake.


    Edgar sighed.


    What about Thomass family? Derek asked. And Walters family and the people from the Crown Restaurant?


    Silvis eyes lit up. Crown people are safe. Restaurant owner was smart. Made a deal to keep the cooks alive.


    Derek furrowed his brow. What deal?


    Shes not fighting, so the cooks can stay alive. Very smart.


    Derek nodded slowly and locked eyes with Edgar. So, she agreed not to interfere, and the enemy agreed not to attack her restaurants?


    Exactly, Silvi said.


    Derek couldnt really me nah. It always seemed like she cared a lot about her people. Doing something like that must have been extremely hard and annoying for her, but he could see her doing it. Well, unless the enemy pushed then, they would be in trouble.


    And Thomas and Walters families?


    Dont know about Walter. Restaurant owner brought mou Thomass grandparents to the capital. So theyre safe. Silvi spat out a mouthful of soup and a Mage Hand swept across the table, knocking all the bowls of soup off. This is shit! Its garbage. I would never make something like this.


    After that, a few more tes appeared in front of everyone. This time, it looked like juicy steaks and potatoes. A ssic dinner.


    Derek watched as two small Mage Hands very gracefully gripped a small fork and knife and began cutting into the steak sitting in front of Silvi. Derek grabbed a fork and knife and did the same, but quicker. He brought a piece of the steak up to his nose and took a sniff, then ced it in his mouth and chewed.


    Once again, he frowned. Something was off. The meat didnt taste rotten, burned, or undercooked, it just tasted weird. Actually, there wasnt much of a taste at all. It was just nd. Like he was chewing on air. <em>I think I know whats happening, </em>Derek thought, but didnt voice his opinion yet. Beside him, he watched as Silvi finally put the small piece of steak into her mouth before spitting it out in disgust.


    Whats going on?! I just cooked this yesterday. And I ate it yesterday. It didnt taste anything like this, Silvi growled. She was very vocal when it came to her food. She looked at the fork in her Mage Hand, then the small piece of meat that was still on it, then back at her mage hand.


    Oh, yeah! she said, and focused her attention back to Edgar. Little Sparky is going to need to learn Mage Hand. You can tell him that its not so bad. See how easy it is for me? At those words, Silvi summoned multiple Mage Hands and shuffled all the dishes on the table around. Its just as easy as with regr hand I think. Never had a real hand.


    Edgar frowned. What are you talking about? Why would Edward need to learn Mage Hand?


    So he can eat and cook better now that he only has one, Silvi answered. It will take some getting used to, but its worth it. He could also get Telekinesis. It helps a bunch, too?


    What? Edgar asked with wide eyes. What do you mean, he only has one?


    His hand. He lost it fighting against the elf, Orion, and the guy with blue hair and a pointy nose. So hell need to learn Mage Hand, Silvi helpfully exined.


    They took his hand? Edgar asked with fire in his eyes. He may not want to admit it, but he was very protective of his older brother. Derek could tell that when they had gone to rescue him and capture Gerald back in the capital. And you said Orion?


    Thats what the pointy nosed man yelled when I killed him, Silvi took another dish and tasted it, then knocked it off the table. What is going on?


    So you killed a prince not just a duke or count but a prince. The royal family is going to be livid Edgar said, but then looked at his own hand, one that was now holding the escape scroll once again. But they deserved it, and theyre about to get so much more.

 Chapter 309: Stop!

    Chapter 309: Stop!


    Savannah


    After Silvi left the pce


    So, she killed Prince Orion? Natalie stared into nahs eyes as they sat in her courtyard drinking coffee and tea. After nah nodded, she continued, You know what that means, dont you?


    Why do you think Im here instead of in the capital? nah asked with a sigh. Silvi showed her strength.


    Theyll be scared, Natalie agreed.


    Yes, but not of Silvi, of Derek. And theyll use the death of Orion as the reason. Theyre going to do everything they can to kill her before Derekes back. If they can, then he will be consumed by soul-sickness and his strength will be crippled, nah said.


    Is she back yet? Natalie asked.


    No. nah shook her head. She has that strange teleportation skill. All I know is that she showed up and saved Edward, then visited Edwin before leaving. That was almost an hour ago. Theres no sign of her. I have Ste stationed at Dereks shop to let me know if shees back.


    Where will they attack? Natalie.


    Either here, where they know Silvi stays, or yton. If they dont know that she left the city after saving Edward, they will attack there, but I doubt it. Still, Edward and his men are all there, ready for a fight, and the kingdoms army is en route, nah exined with a sigh. Battles were much simpler when we didnt have to worry about the enemy using Portal to attack.


    So yton gets the army and the kingdoms elites, and I get you, Natalie smiled and took a sip of her tea. Seems like a fair distribution of power to me.


    Theyre ready to teleport here on a moments notice, but if Ryven is leading the attack this time, the Discement Barrier is going to be muchrger. Theres a good chance he can cover the teleportation building from outside the city with his. Hes strong, nah said. I doubt Ill be able to hold off both he and the rest of their army.


    He is strong, Natalie said, then her eyes began glowing the off-gray color as her aura spread slightly through the courtyard. But Id still put my money on you. The petite woman gave nah a small smile. Ill also be here to help.


    If they attack here, Im going to lose a lot of people. Its what Ive been avoiding all this time. Dammit, where is that damn bunny? With that ability of hers, shed be able to go save at least some of my people, nah cursed.


    Lets hope that Ryven takes you as seriously as he should, Natalie said. If he does, then there wont be many men guarding your restaurants. Ive already sent my mercenaries spreading out between them, and Im sure you have some of your Deathsworn mixed in as well.


    I do but not a lot, said nah as she took another sip of her coffee. Ive withdrew the strongest. They should be arriving in Savannah soon. If I have to face an army alone, Im not going to do it by myself. nah halfughed at her own joke.


    Dont forget, though, Natalie said. Im not as useless as people think I am and neither is Marcus.


    You just make sure all your people have orders to keep mine safe. Depending on the size of his barrier,munications will be down for as long as they attack.


    They already know, Natalie replied, then, the two went back to idle conversation, waiting for the other shoe to drop.


    ***


    Gather everyone! Ryvenmanded, then turned to Titus. Including all of your men!


    What are we doing? the young crown prince asked skeptically. The boy was still wary from the failed ambush, followed by Ryvens own interrogation.


    Were attacking Savannah in full force.


    What?! Why would we do that?


    Because you and your men know how thatpanion bunny attacks and what to look out for. Its the best time to strike. It has already used its strange teleportation power to leave yton, so it must have gone back to its home in Savannah. We need to take it out before Derek Hunt gets back. If not, that man will cause us a whole slew of problems, Ryven exined.


    But, even in full force to attack Savannah with Natalie protecting it Titus started, but was cut off by Ryven.


    Which is why I will be leading the army this time. Their kingdoms army is on their way to yton, and most of their elites are already there. Natalies mercenaries arent currently in the city. Its not a bad time to attack. Ill close off themunications and teleportation around the whole of Savannah. Then, you will Portal the entire army over when I give you the signal.


    Ryven stepped through a small Portal, then stepped out on the other side. He appeared many miles away from Savannah, but close enough that he would be able to get there in no time. As the Portal closed behind him, Ryven summoned his Illusion Barrier and wrapped it around himself, creating a veil of invisibility to cloak himself with.


    Then, he summoned a Soaring Shield and stepped onto it. It wasnt a skill that was meant to be used in the way he was, but with enough intelligence and wisdom, it worked wonders as an impromptu flight skill. With a quick look around, Ryven oriented himself to Savannah, then pushed his Soaring Shield onward.


    The duke cut through the air at a blistering pace. If anyone, even with the best eyesight in their own kingdom, looked directly at where he was, they wouldnt be able to tell that anyone was there. At best, they would see a slight blur and think their eyes were ying tricks on them. But only the best of their archers would be able to see through his level 20 Illusion Barrier that well. The rest well, they would see a thing.


    Ryven flew over small viges, and even some towns that were almost as big as some of the sub-cities they had conquered in thest year. Nobody suspected a thing.


    Before long, the wonderful city of Savannah was in his sights. He slowed down a bit, as to not disturb or kick up any dust that may reveal him. Then he slowly circled around, looking for a good ce to drop his barrier. Unfortunately, he couldnt find any one ce that was better than another, because from what he knew, Savannahs teleportation building was located in the central part of the city. So he decided on a frontal attack.


    Ryven dismissed his Soaring Shield, then pulled two potions out of his storage ring. One was a regr high-quality mana potion, and the other was an extremely rare high quality mana regeneration potion. The regeneration potion would all him to use his Discement Barrier for an hour and keep his mana pool topped off.


    If that wasnt enough, he could always use Greater Meditation. But he would only do that if there were no enemies around, as, at level 2, it greatly diminished his ability to react to his surroundings.


    Ryven quickly gulped down the mana potion, then, when his mana was topped off, he swallowed the mana regeneration potion. Seeing his mana pool no longer decreasing while he kept his Illusion Barrier active, he sighed and pushed as much of his mana through his body as possible.


    When he felt like he was about to explode, and there was no longer a way to hide his aura from anyone in his surroundings, he dropped the Illusion Barrier and cast Discement Barrier and pushed. At once, over 75% of his mana pool was depleted. It was the biggest Discement Barrier Ryven had ever used in abat situation.


    The barrier that was only visible to himself moved forward, out of his hands until it epassed two-thirds of the entire city of Savannah. With a heavy breath, Ryven removed his hand from the barrier and fell to one knee before taking out another mana potion and gulping it down.


    Now that the barrier was made, maintaining it was the easy part. He watched his mana pool as the potion did its work. Once his mana was fully regenerated, it would tick down by one point, then immediately be restored. The regeneration potion was doing its job as well.


    Still mentally spent from creating such a barrier, the duke pulled amunication crystal from his ring and sent Titus the message and waited. Just under a minuteter, a few thousand feet behind him, and in front of Savannah, a dozen or more Portals opened and his army began spilling out. For this attack, they had gathered everyone.


    Their priority was to take out a small bunny, which, even after hearing the stories, seemed insane. But it was something they had to do. Their secondary objective was to eliminate Natalie Savannah. She had refused their offer to y nice, and instead sent her mercenaries in to bolster the Kingdom of Cydarias forces.


    Without those mercenaries, Ryven believed that even Titus and Orion could have conquered the entire kingdom by now. But because of that woman, they had been unable to. So, while they were in Savannah, he would make sure to make her pay.


    Finally, if there was still time after aplishing those two tasks, they would take the city itself. Savannah would make a much better outpost than the one he was using. Plus, knowing that the top city in your kingdom fell so easily would greatly reduce the morale of Cydarias soldiers.


    As Ryven continued to watch his soldiers pour out of the Portals one by one and begin their trek toward the city, he suddenly felt a tingle run down his spine. Quickly, he turned around, but didnt see anything. Then he looked up.


    Hovering above him and the rest of his army was one of the most beautiful women hed seen in his life. She had emerald green hair flowing in the breeze. asionally, he could catch a glimpse of her ears, showing him that they were not that of an elf or of a human, but ears of a half-elf.


    On her head, she wore a small tiara-like band with a brilliant emerald jewel set in the center. Her skin was pale, yet wless, and her eyes shone a deep emerald, radiating an intense power. A silver-gray aura emanated from her body, enveloping her in an ethereal glow. Her body was d in emerald green armor, which glimmered in the sunlight. Despite its seemingly teposition, the armor looked remarkably lightweight. The exposed tes of the armor were etched with intricate runes, adding to its mystical allure.


    The instant the woman appeared, Ryven knew who it was. He opened his mouth to speak, but the woman spoke first.


    Stop!

 Chapter 310: Alanah

    Chapter 310: nah


    nah floated above the soon to be battlefield while wearing the battle armor shed not had a reason to wear for well over a decade now. It had been a while since she had to personally get her hands dirty, and even longer since there was someone strong enough as the opposition that she actually had to take the fight seriously.


    Unfortunately, the entire royal family and their barrier magic was a counter to some of her most powerful skills. In the next moment, after she shouted hermand, a sound barrier went up around herself and Ryven, who was now slowly ascending on to reach the same height as herself.


    nah was more than content to wait for the man to arrive, so, before the fighting started, she nced over her personal information and stats.


    Personal Information


    Name:


    Age:


    Level:


    Experience:


    ss:


    Race:


    Requirements For Advancement:


    nah Swan


    223


    250


    N/A


    Dawn Siren (Legendary)


    Half-Elf


    1/2


    Health:


    Mana:


    Stamina:


    18075


    37500


    37500


    Stats


    Strength


    Dexterity


    Endurance


    Vitality


    Intelligence


    Wisdom


    Stat Points Remaining


    1500(???)


    1106


    1500(???)


    1215


    1500(???)


    1500


    0


    Looking over her stats, nah couldnt help but sigh. She hadnt beenpletely honest with Derek when they discussed the system. Not because she didnt want to be, but she had to be very careful with her words ever since she capped a fourth stat and met a requirement for advancement, whatever that was.


    She suspected it had something to do with the level 250 level cap, but she couldnt be sure. After years of trying to figure out how to unlock the second requirement, she came to the conclusion that it was most likely locked behind her remaining two stats. She had given up on advancement until Roman that little alchemist, came along and was able to create a potion that had a permanent increase in a persons dexterity, and Derek brought back the Void Beast that allowed her to refine Vitality Elixirs.


    Still, she had held off on monopolizing the potions and elixirs because she wasnt sure if she even wanted to advance anymore. She was getting old, and even with her naturally high longevity and increased endurance from all the Void Beast meals she had consumed over the years, she would probably only have 50 to 100 years left. It was better to give what she could to Avery and Ste. Maybe those two would be able to figure out what advancement was. She knew it was only a matter of time before Derek did.


    nah Swan, Ryvens voice called to her, causing her to focus more on the man. You shouldnt be here, themander of thebined army said as he reached the same height as her.


    Im afraid that is not an option I have, nah said.


    Ryven Elras frowned deeply and said, What do you mean by that?


    I vowed to keep some people here in Savannah safe well before you attacked with your little army. She gestured to the crowd below, which was in chaos after hermand. Soldiers were exiting the Portals only to run straight into other soldiers who werepletely still. Im afraid I have to abide by that vow, she continued. Of course, she had told Derek she would take care of his people if he left. However, she hadnt made an oath or contract to do it, but Ryven didnt need to know that.


    The elvenmander furrowed his brow. How about you gather up those you need to protect, then be on your way? I promise nobody in this army will try to stop you.


    That wont be possible, nah said. I doubt you sing the same tune after learning of those I have to protect.


    It was easy enough for Ryven to piece together what she was saying. So, you are bound to protect the rabbit who killed my nephew?


    You dont have to act like youre here for Orion. Its just the two of us up here, she snorted.


    Nevertheless, that creature has to die today, Ryven said.


    That is unfortunate, nah said as a long, needle-like rapier appeared in her hand. I really wasnt looking forward to fighting today. She lied. In fact, she was very much looking forward to having someone to take her frustrations out on.


    I agree. Ryven pped his hand to his chest, then pushed them out, causing a near invisible barrier to appear and cover a sizable area around the two. It is very unfortunate.


    nah inspected the barrier that now surrounded her. <em>This is exactly why Ryven is going to be a problem for me, </em>she inwardly sighed. What Ryven had created around them was a sound barrier. Normally, it was a barrier that wouldnt be very useful in a fight, but against someone who relied on sounds like nah, it was almost the perfect counter.


    <em>I guess I should have had them all attack each other instead of just stopping, </em>she thought. <em>Going so long without battle has made me soft. </em>She chuckled. <em>Time to rectify that.</em>


    What are youughing about? With us up here, theres no one below to stop my army from invading the city.


    <em>Thats where youre wrong, </em>she thought, but didnt voice it. Its just been a little while since Ive had a good battle. Remember, your army is safe from me for now, but you are trapped in here with me. Do keep up. With that, she took her finger and flicked the de of her rapier, causing an extremely sharp hum to radiate from the weapon.


    Ryven grit his teeth and his eyes turned dark as the vessels inside them began to burst. Then blood began to flow from his ears.


    I hope this isnt all youve got. Channeling her aura into her rapier, immeasurable vibrations began to flow through the weapon, causing it to be nothing but a blur. The sharp hum from the de increased, causing the elven general to bleed even more profusely.


    Ryven screamed out and shed his arm through the air. nah didnt see anything, but she didnt need to. He was in her domain. Anything that affected the sound in the area was something that couldnt escape her. So, she didnt see the barrier barreling at her, but she could feel it. In an instant, she brought her rapier up to block.


    The barrier crashed against her rapier, but, with her strength stat, and the vibrations behind her holding her steady, she didnt budge an inch. In fact, once the barrier lost all momentum, she struck forward, sending the attack back at Ryven even faster than he had sent it at her.


    Ryvens eyes widened as he canceled his skill to avoid being sliced in two. How how are you this physically strong?


    nah rolled her eyes. For such a smart man, you sure are an idiot. It wouldnt take much to connect her strength with the permanent increases that Void Beasts brought her. And she had been consuming the stuff for over 150 years.


    After a second, she saw it click for the man. Well, it doesnt matter. It looks like the majority of my army has broken out of your trance. I dont have to beat you, just stall you. At that, he hit his chest once again, and another barrier formed. This one, though, stayed small and even conformed to him. There was less than an inch of separation between him and his newly created sound barrier.


    nah clicked her tongue and didnt respond. She would have, but she knew it would be pointless with that barrier up. Nothing she said would be able to get through it. Still, she kept her Sonic Vibration skill active because it was a great counter to his almost perfectly invisible barriers.


    nahunched herself forward and stabbed out with her de. She couldnt count on her element, so she would count on her experience and stats. A barrier appeared before her, and her rapier stabbed right through it, causing it to flicker and appear before falling apart from her attack. She continued on, destroying barrier after barrier, encroaching on the duke more and more with every attack.


    Finally, she was close enough to attack the man instead of his skills. She stabbed out, and another barrier appeared. However, when her de hit the barrier, instead of breaking through, it nced off, and she felt a sharp pain in her chest. <em>A fucking Deflect Barrier? </em>Growled internally before taking an attack to her head.


    The barriers attack power was diminished greatly by her headpiece, but it still managed toe through and hit her. She did a backflip before righting herself. She reached up and touched the area between her nose and headpiece. When nah pulled her hand away, it came back bloodied.


    She looked up and sneered. Ryven was floating in the distance with a shit-eating grin on his face. nah cast Cleaning on herself to remove the blood from her head. When it was gone, so was any sign that she had ever been attacked. The cut hadnt been very deep after being weakened by her headpiece, then her high endurance was more than enough to stop it from breaking through any bone.


    With that, she saw the smile on Ryvens face disappear and he grit his teeth. He motioned to attack again, but before he did, nah nced down at the front gate and smiled. Then she pointed.


    Ryven nced down, and they watched together as the front gate to the city opened slowly. Once it was open, a middle-aged man wearing sses walked out, and behind him was what looked almost like a short statue. nah would have thought that was what it was if not for it walking slowly behind him.


    The statue was very short and had no openings. nah did her best to keep from feeling secondhand embarrassment for Marcus. Because, behind him, in the thick suit of armor with no openings, was Natalie. She was basically a walking tin can.


    However, the slow-moving suit of armor wasnt anything to scoff at. In her decades in Cydaria, she had witnessed the small woman personally fight exactly one time. And she still shuddered to think of it even now.


    Once the duo exited the city, the gate closed behind them. The two stopped before the approaching army and waited. Once the army was within a couple hundred feet of the duo, it began. Marcus ripped a scroll in half andpletely vanished from everyones sight, and the golem-like Natalie raised her hands.


    Then, out from the dozens of storage rings built into the armor, spell scroll after spell scroll poured out and activated. One second, it was an army of hundreds versus two people, the next, the army was doing everything they could to block the fireballs, icicles, lightning strikes, flying boulders, and every other attack one could buy or find in the kingdom.


    The amount of money the woman was using each second was staggering. And, as the scrolls activated, enhancement runes on the suit of armor, a suit that had been personally created by the greatest dwarven smith in Vallum, activated and made each spell that flew forward all the more powerful. As ridiculous as it may look, that suit of armor, and the person inside, were crazy.


    nah turned her head back to Ryven, who was frowning as he looked up from the chaos below with a frown. Your move. She mouthed.

 Chapter 311: Marcus

    Chapter 311: Marcus


    Marcus stood invisible a few feet behind Natalie and her giant hunk of armor and watched the expenses pile up as she unleashed spell scroll after spell scroll on the enemy army. She hadnt done much damage altogether, but she had practically halted their advance by throwing money at them. He couldnt help but shudder at the thought of the bill he was going to have to write to the king once the war was over.


    <em>Cydaria is never going to work their way out of House Savannahs debt if this keeps up. </em>Unfortunately, Natalie already had too much invested in the kingdom to allow it to change hands. Otherwise, he would have pushed for her to take a neutral stance. But, the decision in the end went to her, the current head of the family. His job was just to follow orders once given.


    Which is what led him to the position he was in. The Scroll of Obscurity she had given him to use was one of the rarest scrolls she had in her arsenal, and she only had the one and it onlysted thirty minutes. Sure, he was invisible, but the scroll also blocked any leakage of his aura or magic. His presence, and the presence of anything attached to him, was basically gone.


    <em>Im way too old to be doing stuff like this. Work as an administrator for Natalie, they said. Put your talent to use in the world of business. Dammit! </em>Marcus sighed and summoned some talismans from his storage ring and ced them on his body. The instant he activated them, he had five minutes of perfect flight, and his defense skyrocketed for the same time. Which should be just enough time to do what he needed to.


    Next, he shifted his attention to the battle above, where nah was battling themander of the joint army. From what he could see, they were pretty evenly matched, but it looked like the elven man was slightly ahead. Natalie had told Marcus that the mans skills would be a direct counter to her, and that seemed to be the case.


    With a long sigh, he gently pushed himself off the ground and began his ascent up to the two fighters. He stayed behind the elven man as he floated up, and he kept a slow but steady pace. Everyone had seen hime out with Natalie, then vanish, so they would be looking for him, which is exactly what Natalie had nned.


    He kept his attention focused on the battle in the sky that he would soon be joining, if only momentarily. He couldnt make heads or tails of what was happening. nah was swinging her small de with wild abandon, and asionally, he would see something flicker around her before disappearing. He guessed that those were some of the barriers that the duke had used to attack.


    From the reports he read, Marcus found that the Royal Family of Indria were all very talented in the use of barriers. He also learned that from what had been gathered about the skills they used, there really werent any that were made specifically for offense. So, it was all the more impressive that the man was able to keep the Dawn Siren at bay for as long as he had.


    However, as he approached their fight, he could tell that neither nah nor Ryven seemed to be tired. They looked more like they were just going through the motions-like they were just testing each other. <em>Or, they found that there isnt much they can do against each other and are just trying to wait for the other to slip up. </em>


    On the bright side, though, the elvenmander never really moved from his spot in the sky. He basically stayed still and let his barriers and shields do all the talking. Which was great news for Natalies administrator.


    Marcus continued to creep up ever so slowly, and soon, he passed through something that caused all the sounds of the battle below to instantly disappear. No longer could he hear spell bombardments from Natalie, and soldiers running around givingmands to defend and counterattack.


    No, now what he heard was a terrible screech. As he stilled, he felt that the sound would scramble his brains if he stayed too long. So he pulled out another talisman. He stuck it to his chest and activated it. A rush of power flowed through his body as his defenses hardened even more. He focused much of that power on his head and ears. With that, the intense screeching around him lessened. It wasnt able to fully rid him of the screeching and the pain caused by it, but it had certainly dampened it.


    With that taken care of, Marcus continued to watch the two battle from a distance. Once he confirmed that neither had taken any notice of him, he continued on his way toward the enemymander. He inched closer and closer.


    At one point, he could have sworn he saw nahs eyesnd on him, but she quickly shifted them away and continued on with her battle. <em>Did she see me? Can she sense me while Im in this terrible noise thats radiating out from her? </em>Marcus swallowed hard and continued his approach.


    Ten or so secondster, he found himself in position behind Duke Ryven. At this point, he hoped beyond all hope that the Scroll of Obscurity was as good as Natalie had said it was. He moved thest few feet, making sure to stay a little above as to not touch the barrier the man was floating on.


    Finally, he was within arms reach of the man, who didnt react at all. As gentle as he could be, Marcus removed a handful of his talismans from his storage ring. Grabbing one with his dominant hand, he slowly reached out and lightly stuck the first talisman to the mans armored back. <em>Wow it worked, </em>he thought.


    With the first talisman ced, he became more confident and ced the remaining four. As long as the user didnt attack physically or magically, the Obscurity skill, which he was using from the skill scroll, should stay active. He had confirmed it when he first used his flight talisman after activating the scroll.


    Unfortunately, Marcus didnt have any talismans that could kill or really harm the man in front of him, but what he did have were loads of debuffs. With the talismans ced, Marcus slowly floated away. Once he was sure he was out of the range of the barrier the man was standing on, he sped up. He didnt have long before his flight talisman was out of magic. Once it went out, his other ones, the ones keeping him from being shredded by nahs sounds, would also disappear.


    Exiting was much faster than entering. Before his flight skill ran out, he had slipped out of the sound barrier and the noise of the chaos caused by Natalie and the army engulfed his ears. With that, he went into a dive and slowed beforeing to a stop behind Natalie. <em>Its done, </em>he sent her telepathically.


    <em>Good. Now its time for your next job. Be quick about it. You only have twenty-five minutes. You better get to it, </em>Natalie sent back.


    <em>Yes, mam! </em>he said, but inwardly he was cursing his boss. He considered his first mission hard, but he didnt know how his second would y out. With a deep breath, he began to move directly at the army ahead.


    He soon arrived and began slipping in and out of the army. Yells and screams of the leaders getting control back of the rest sounded out. It wouldnt be long before they reformed and regrouped and realized that as long as they were cautious, they could slowly make their way through Natalies spells and eventually reach and breach the city.


    <em>It should be about now </em>Marcus thought as he nced back up at the battle between Duke Ryven and nah Swan. And, just as his eyesnded on the man, he saw a small light from the distance, verifying that his talismans activated just as nned. With a smiled, he said a little prayer for the man.


    Any one of those talismans may not have made much of a difference, but all of thembined should work wonders. Marcus couldnt help but think about the mans reaction when he was hit will all the debuffs at once. Every stat he had would be weakened for some time, and his armor would be weighing in at ten times the weight of what it was previously.


    He was also very happy about the regeneration talisman he had made or, anti-regeneration as it was. It was short, only working for three minutes, but with the amount of mana it looked like the man was using, it should do just fine. He also sneaked an experimental talisman into the bunch. He called it his Anti-Absorption Talisman.


    If it worked as nned, then the mans body would have a hard time absorbing any potions he consumed for the next five minutes. Normally, the talisman wouldnt be worth it, but fighting a monster like nah while keeping so many barriers active was already hard enough. Finding out that your potions werent working as nned mid-fight that would be rough.


    Marcus couldnt help but let a smile form on the corner of his mouth. If nah could pull it off, he would have yed a very big role.


    But they were depending on nah for almost everything. Everything woulde down to whether or not she was able to win against Ryven now that he was debuffed. But there was nothing else for Marcus to do there, so he continued bobbing and weaving his way through the mass of soldiers. Soldiers who seemed to be bing more and more organized as he moved further in.


    Soon, Marcus was where he needed to be. He was standing directly in front of one of the Portals that soldiers were still pouring out of. With onest breath, Marcus took a step and entered the Portal.


    Everything shed by in an instant as the scene in front of him grewrger andrger, then he was spat out on the other end. Marcus quickly activated another flight talisman and floated into the air so he wouldnt collide with anyone.


    After surveying around, he could tell that only half, maybe not even that many, of the army had made it to the battlefield. He had work to do, and he had to be fast about it.


    The problem with using the Portal skill, other than the risk that you summon a vige, or even city destroying cmity that is the Void Beast, is that when you have it activated, you cant move. You have to hold it open the whole time. You cant just activate it and leave it open.


    Which meant that it wasnt hard for Marcus to pick out every mage that was using Portal. <em>Hopefully, these Portal mages are just that, Portal mages. </em>He was counting on all the mages to have less than extraordinary senses. He even hoped that they werent at max level. He wanted to Identify one of them, but he was afraid they would feel it.


    So, instead, he just flew from one to another, cing talismans on them. He tried his best to ce the talismans in ces that would be hard to see, as once they left his hands, they became visible again. Once they were all ced, he went back for another round, but this time, it was far more risky.


    For his next talismans, he ced them at the nape of their necks. He actually managed to ce six talismans before the seventh person felt something and scratched the back of her neck with her free hand. When she pulled it back, she had the talisman in hand. Marcus kept his attention on her as she panicked, but didnt seem to know what to do.


    She couldnt just close the Portal with people inside, after all. So, he kicked it into another gear and became much less stealthy. After sticking thest talisman, he shot up into the air and began flying away. Multiple mages had discovered the talismans there at the end, but he didnt care. When he felt he was far enough away, he manually activated them all at once.


    His hope seemed to be proven correct, as with the explosions came the blinking out of Portals. In the distance, he could see legs and limbs flying. He also saw a couple of heads. Obviously, the Portal mages had next to no endurance, which is what Natalie was hoping for.


    Still, he didnt want to stick around to figure out exactly how much damage he caused. So, he flew vertically, then took off into the distance, activating another flight talisman on the way. His job was over. The entire army wouldnt be able to attack anymore. At least, not as quickly as before. It was now up to everyone else to do their part. <em>Maybe I can get a vacation out of this.</em>

 Chapter 312: Kill

    Chapter 312: Kill


    A few minutes earlier


    Ryvenunched attack after attack at nah. After he caught her off guard the first time she charged in, she didnt allow it to happen a second. Instead, the two got in a rhythm with Ryvenunching one barrier after another at her, and nah blocking or sending them back at him with her rapier.


    The elvenmander was more than happy to stall for time, so nah didnt push the issue. She was actually there to do the same thing. Though, her n or Natalies n had more moving parts than the dukes. He was content to just dy long enough for his army to finish arriving through the Portals, then overrun Natalie, and thus Savannah, once they did.


    nah, on the other hand, had to hope that Marcus was able to execute his part of the n wlessly. Speaking of Marcus, it wasnt long before she thought she felt something enter her domain. But, as soon as it did, it felt like the presence vanished.


    <em>That scroll is supposed to be the best Natalie has, </em>nah pondered as she deflected another barrier from Ryven. At the moment, her focus waspletely on themander, and thus, the space near him. So, though hard to miss, when the same presence entered her focus range, her eyes shot to just behind themander before focusing back on him. <em>That was a close one, </em>she thought.


    Marcus was definitely up there with them. Now it was his job to tip the scales in her favor. She only hoped that the man wouldnt feel Marcuss talismans when he ced them on his armor.


    Just to help with the situation, nah put on her best acting face and did what she could to show a slight hesitation in her face as she blocked another attack. She didnt slide back or act like the attack caused her any damage all the sudden, no, she just subtlety let it show that the attacks were getting to her. And in that moment, she saw a glint sh in Ryvens eyes, and the barriers began toe at an even quicker pace.


    On the outside, she was frowning, but inwardly, she was smiling. She noticed the slight presence that was so close to the elvenmander before, disappear. If that meant what she thought it did, and she wasnt just feeling things that werent there, then Marcus hadpleted his first task, and she needed to be ready.


    Shed already flown around a bit and tried to escape Ryvens sound barrier, but he had attached it to himself, so as long as he followed her, she wouldnt be able to use her skills on the army. And, he was so intent on keeping her away from them that when she tried to dive bomb them once, he used his body and multiple barriers to stop her. She almost got cut again by doing that.


    But, just a short timeter, her senses proved correct. Multiple shes of light came from Ryvens back, and his eyes widened in panic. A smile broke out on her face and she muttered, My turn.


    With Ryven distracted, nahunched herself forward with as much speed as she could muster. The elevenmandeered noticed her attack only just before itnded. His reaction in that short of time was just enough to shift his body slightly, narrowly avoiding a rapier to the throat, and instead catching it in his shoulder.


    nahs rapier was one of the sharpest weapons in the entire kingdom, which was shown to Ryven before by the way it prated Ryvens Shield Barriers. Of course, this was with her sounds and vibrations from her Resonating de skill increasing her rapiers functionality in every way. Now, when faced with a light-looking metal covering the shoulder joint, it slowed for just a moment before digging deep into the armor, then through his flesh.


    nahs 1500 plus points of strength werent just for show. Once her rapier made it all the way through and out the other side, she pushed her vibrations and sounds as hard as she could. The man couldnt set up a Sound Barrier inside himself, after all.


    At this moment, nah had two choices to make. She could either slice upward or downward. If she cut upward, the man would likely lose most mobility in his arm until healed properly. If she cut downward, she could remove his arm almostpletely, and his arm would be inoperable, guaranteed.


    However, slicing down with her rapier came with more difficulties. When she stabbed into his armor, it was at the joint, and thus a weak spot in his armor. If she pushed down, she would run into his armor in full and wasnt sure if her rapier, even with the vibrations, would be fast enough to go all the way through before the man recovered.


    Unfortunately, she didnt have more than a split second to debate. The n they had drawn up ran through her mind, and she made her decision. She wasnt looking to kill the man at the moment, just disable him enough to break away and do some crowd control. So, with all her strength, she pulled up on her rapier.


    Blood spurted from the enormous wound in the dukes shoulder, and the man instantly reached to it with his functioning hand. But nah continued her onught, and didnt allow him to staunch the bleeding.


    Watching the rate at which the blood flowed and the feeling of how hard it was for her rapier to prate through his shoulder gave nah a good hint of how high the mans vitality and endurance were.


    Elves didnt have the same vitality problem as humans when it came to longevity. They would naturally live a couple hundred years after only breaking through the first vitality threshold. She also received a good portion of that longevity by being half elf, but not as much. So elves werent in a rush to dramatically increase their vitality.


    Especially elves like the duke, who focused on barriers. nah would bet, after feeling the durability and physicality of his barriers, that the mans intelligence and wisdom were both capped at 1500 points. There was also a good chance that his Shield Barrier and the one he used to attack with were both at level 20.


    You dont live as long as Ryven without maxing out some skill levels, and the duke was alive even before nah arrived at Cydaria. The slowdown of skill gains didnt matter much to species who had such longevity. That longevity dide at a cost, though. And that was drastically reduced fertility that even the best alchemist potions could only slightly increase.


    Ryven drew back fast and nah followed close, not letting themander escape her while he had so many debuffs stacked onto him. In a short amount of time, she sted through many of her skills, looking to increase her onught more and more, if only a little. Marcus had made sure to rify that his talismans didntst long, just a few minutes, maybe even less.


    She had to take him out of the fight long enough to draw in close to his army and give them amand. And she had to do it while close, as she didnt want hermand to be heard by those inside the city and cause chaos. It was the reason she chose to stop the army earlier instead of making them kill each other. She always had to think of the possible casualties when using her power. It was one of the many reasons that she hated her ss and element.


    Blood rained down from the dukes body as her rapier thrust forward and back in rapid session, prating any barrier he produced as she attacked. She punched hole after hole into the man, yet he refused to fall or release any of his barriers. In fact, during her onught, he had calmed instead of panicking. This calmness allowed him to concentrate enough to deflect any of her attacks enough that each thrust thatnded hit a part of his body that was non-vital.


    He seemed toe to the conclusion that all he needed to do was endure her attacks for a short while, and the debuffs would wear off. nah huffed inside. She hated fighting smart enemies. She much preferred battling idiots. Of course, idiots were easily controlled by her skills.


    Realizing that she wasnt going to be able to kill the man during her assault, nah had to change up her n. At this point in time, they didnt need to kill orpletely defeat thebined army. It would be more than enough to force a retreat, one on foot and not by Portal if Marcus aplished his final task.


    At that stage, Edward and the kingdom would be able to bring in their forces and pick off as many enemy soldiers as possible before they could get close enough to their remaining army. But that all depended on how long it would take for Ryven to call a retreat, and how well Marcus aplished his task.


    So, instead of going for the kill, nah slightly shifted her attack. Now, ever so slightly, her attack came in angled upward. The sound barrier was connected to Ryven, after all, and not static on the army. It was a good idea when he was mobile enough to stick to her, but with his current problems, she should be able to use it in her favor.


    Their battle went on for a bit longer before, out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of one of the Portals created by the enemy wink out of existence. She did her best to hide her smile and continued her attack. Surely there was a mass amount of chaos below, but because of Ryvens sound barrier, they could hear none of it.


    She only wondered how long it would take for someone to get control of themselves and send Ryven a telepathicmunication. That wouldnt be blocked after all.


    The other Portals soon followed suit until there was only one remaining. The final Portal didnt seem like it was going to be going anywhere. <em>Damn so close to all of them,</em> she thought. <em>Still, being able to cause all but one Portal to disappear was more than I was expecting. It will take way too much time for the rest of their army toe out of a single Portal, and even longer for them to retreat through it if that timees. </em>


    Speaking of which, the distance between their fight and the army below seemed to be more than enough by now, and it didnt seem like Ryven was any the wiser. After one final assault on the man, one where she used everything she had once again, she enacted her n. This time, when Ryven fell back a little after the attack, instead of pushing in and adding more pressure, she shifted the vibrations that were keeping her afloat.


    She moved all her vibrational propulsion above her and rocketed down to the ground. nah did let up on her speed, which meant she was going to hit the ground at full force in the middle of the army. She didnt care one bit about thending. She was sure it was going to hurt, but her bodys endurance was stronger than the ground, so she was also sure she could take it. What she needed was to break far enough away from Riven and his sound barrier.


    Maybe a couple dozen feet before she hit the ground, the chaos of what was happening hit her ears. She was out of Ryvens barrier. She didnt even wait tond. As soon as the sound hit her ears, she released a yell of her own. A single word with as much of her skills power as she could manage and hopefully at a loud enough volume to epass the army with reaching the city.


    Kill!

 Chapter 313: Alanah vs...

    Chapter 313: nah vs...


    nah crashed into the ground, creating a small crater around her. Luckily, her assessment was correct. Other than some slight jarring to her organs, the impact was nothing. Her endurance was more than enough to keep her safe, even at high velocity falls reinforced by her vibrational propulsion.


    She was also lucky that she was able to get hermand off, as just when she hit the ground, the sound barrier fell back over her as Ryven descended. But the elvenmander was toote. Every soldier of his without an abundance of wisdom or some experience that strengthened their willpower had fallen under her killmand.


    The already chaotic battle had been ticked up a notch, and she hadnt left any leeway in what she wanted them to do. It was an indiscriminate kill order, and when the enemy outnumbered them hundreds to one, the most likely target of that kind of kill order was the person standing beside you.


    But she wasnt finished yet. Her deathsworn had been waiting all along, and her order was their trigger. From behind the enemy army, five of her strongest began their attack. However, she wasnt able to focus too much on them entering the battle. She dodged to the side, narrowly escaping Ryven as he crashed into the ground where she had been only moments before.


    The look on the mans face said it all. He was pissed. He was bloody and battered, but mostly, he was angry. nah finally let her face slip into a smile. She just couldnt hold it back anymore. Now that her sudden change of ns had seeded, she decided it would be best to carry on down that path.


    Instead of charging ahead at the seething man, she began her assault on the army. In the chaos and destruction around her, especially when she didnt have to worry about friendly fire, she was death. The only person who could possibly stop her current assault was Ryven, and he was still slowed from Marcuss ambush earlier.


    She wouldnt pass this chance up. She moved through the army like a knife through hot butter, not bothering for any non-fatal hits. nah aimed only for the vitals, either piercing the enemies hearts or brains, or slicing at their necks. With her vibration fully activated, she made quick work of any elite that hadnt passed their second threshold in endurance.


    This meant that she focused mostly on the magic users and those dressed like ranged fighters and assassins. She also wasnt discriminate toward thebined army of mostly humans and elves, she cut each person down equally. Man, woman human, elf there were even a few halflings and dwarves mixed into the army. She had to adjust her strikes to treat them equally, but she managed.


    All the while, Ryven was trailing behind her, dodging the corpses and heads that fell before him. Two minutes and dozens of killster, it seemed that most of Marcuss effects had worn off of themander, as he was finally closing the distance between them.


    Hed tried multiple ways to stop her ughter, but with her resonance activated, and barrier or shield he cast was easily dodged. But now that he was back and building to full power, that would change. This was all proven secondster as nah felt three barriers form around her before they copsed in on her.


    Instantly, she took back to the air to avoid being trapped. In that moment, she realized that she had a new annoyance that she didnt know she had fighting against someone wrapped in a sound barrier. And that annoyance didnte from not being able to use her power on him, either.


    As she floated in the air and pped away a couple stray sts of magic from the battling army, she looked down at the ragingmander. And he was raging. He was yelling, and it was surely directed at her, but she couldnt hear it. She also couldnt quip back, at least not in any meaningful way. She expected the mans counter to her skills to be annoying, just not in that way.


    nah rolled her eyes as she shifted away from another barrier, trying to trap her. At this point, she wished she had a more physical way of attacking at a distance. More than once she thought about throwing some knives from her storage, but all she had were masterworks, and she didnt really want to chance losing them. What if one of the soldiers made it back through the remaining Portal with one of her knives in his ass?


    Ryven took flight and went all in. Wave after wave of barrier appeared in all directions around nah, and she dodged each by a hairs width. There wasnt any room for error. Also, more than once did she see the giant barrier around most of Savannah flicker. Having his Portal mages taken out and half his army fighting itself really made him lose his cool.


    So much that he hadnt yet realized her deathsworn were plowing through the backside of the army. Who would be able to pick out a few people killing people in the middle of a group of people killing people, anyway? They blended in quite nicely, actually, and nah made sure not to let her eyes linger on them.


    More than once did she think aboutmanding one or more of her deathsworn to make their way through the Portal and take out the remaining Portal mage, but these were her elite deathsworn, and sending them through was a guaranteed way to lose them. She would do it if she had to, but she didnt need to yet.


    Unfortunately, while dodging all the attacks from Ryven, she found that the army was very well matched against each other. There were definitely casualties, especially around her deathsworn, but for the most part, those who were able to resist her influence had done a good job of avoiding dying and keeping others from killing one another. Still, the amount she killed herself,bined with those who died by their own allies hands, was not small.


    So, nah fell back into her rhythm of dodging attacks from Ryven and making her own counters. The man was going full offense, so there were many more opening than there were before. However, there was a much higher chance of messing up and getting trapped by one of his barriers. He also no longer tried to hit her with the sharp barriers, everything he threw at her was meant for trapping.


    He definitely realized that killing her, or even wounded her enough to take her out of the fight, would be next to impossible, so he changed his strategy as well. Again, she wasnt fond of fighting smart enemies, especially in silent battles such as this.


    Their fight in the sky went on for at least five more minutes before many of the enemies below began breaking out of her influence. This was the second time shemanded the army. Even if she could slip Ryven again, which was unlikely since hed already gotten himself back to full power with potions, anothermand wouldnt work as well. The time it took to prepare for themand wouldnt be worth the gains from it.


    Regrettably, she wouldnt get her chance at that, as something had gone unnoticed by her just as her deathsworn had gone unnoticed by Ryven. She didnt notice it until it happened. She charged in with another thrust, and just caught the elvenmander in his side, missing any vital organs and only leaving a small cut in his armor and flesh.


    Just as before, three barriers, which seemed to be the max Ryven could use with full control in the current situation, came in from her sides and back, and she moved to pull her rapier back and dodge upwards. But as soon as the barriers came, she felt another disturbance in her domain.


    Both above and below her, the air rapidly froze at a rate she wouldnt think possible, and a dark, almost ck ice formed. <em>Fuck! </em>She inwardly cursed and sent as much of her aura and vibrations into her sword as possible before fully retracting her sword and stabbing upwards at the ice barrier.


    Her sword easily prated the ice, and almost instantly cause it to crack and shatter, but the dy was just enough to allow two of Ryvens barriers to close in. She felt the pressure as the two barriers just mmed together around her knees and all her upward momentum was stopped.


    However, that didntpletely stop her. She channeled everything into her legs and began to slip through the barriers. But, at the same time, more barriers reinforced the others, and everything stabilized. Barrier after barrier formed around her and pressed in. Soon, she was covered up to the neck in barriers and immobilized.


    She didnt give up, but for every barrier she destroyed or slipped with her vibrations, another two appeared and locked her down even more. nah cursed herself for not thinking about Astrus Crown Prince and his ice. She shot a nce down and saw the man standing at the side of the army, out of the range of the sound barrier, with a sly grin on his face.


    Then, she looked back up and saw Ryven with a smile on his face, as well. He floated forward and pulled out a redmunication crystal from his storage ring, then put it away. In silence, he pointed at the single remaining Portal.


    In front of her eyes, the Portal blinked out, then a few secondster, another sprung up then another, and another. Before long, there were twenty barriers up, even more than originally, and the army was pouring out just as before. <em>They had backup Portal mages, and he kept them in reserve instead of creating as many as possible to send his entire army through. This old bastard!</em>


    Quickly, she sent her deathsworn away as stealthily as possible so they didnt get caught up in the fully reformed army. Shed have to wait for another opening, but that crown prince really ticked her off. She would make sure he got hister.


    But now, nah was trapped, and it was Natalie against an army. Ryven wouldnt be able to y any more parts in this battle if he wanted to keep nah in ce, though. She didnt panic, her safety wasnt in question. She doubted the duke had any real means to harm her with her vibrations and endurance.


    The real question was, what else did Natalie have up her sleeve, and would it work? Surely, she would pull something out before Savannah was lost, right? nah wouldnt have to do all the work, would she? There was that skill she really didnt want to use if she didnt have to; the skill she hadnt used since before she came to Cydaria. And hopefully, it wouldnte to that.


    ***


    Blitz! Edgar yelled while gripping the escape scroll in his hand. The wyvern was next to him almost instantly. Its time to go!


    Stop! Derek shouted, causing the prince to look over and frown. I dont think youre thinking this through.


    What do you mean?


    What I mean is, who is going tomand the raid if you leave? I doubt they will listen to me or Avery. Plus, I really would rather not have to lead a raid. Besides, you heard it yourself. Your brother may have lost a hand, but he is still alive and well.


    You dont get it, do you? Edgar questioned.


    Dont get what? Derek asked.


    That they are about to attack somewhere in full force, and if I dont leave this instant, with the time difference in the raid dungeon, the attack will be over by the time I get there, Edgar exined.


    What? Why would they do that?


    Because you are in here, Edgar said, causing Derek to frown. Think about it. Silvi was strong enough to kill a prince and two of his elites while chasing off an entire ambush team.


    Yeah?


    I dont know whats going on, but somehow, I dont think Silvi only has 75% of your stats. I think she has more. But, theres no way a regr Horned Rabbit could have had that many stats, even if you bonded when she was level 250, which we all know you didnt. Most Horned Rabbits die before level 25.


    Derek raised his eyebrows at that. So?


    So they should also believe that, but not the 75% of your stats part. They will think that Silvi was able to do all of that with just a fraction of your stats, which will make you a monster in their eyes. They will be out to kill her so they can cripple you before you return from the raid. If she dies, you will have soul-sickness.


    Im not sure what skill Silvi used to circumvent the Great Systems regtions on dungeons, but they most definitely do not know about it. So, at best, they think shes still in yton, at worst


    Shes in Savannah Derek finished.


    Exactly, so Ive already wasted enough time. I have to go. You do what you can to get everyone to follow you. Beat them down for all I care. Im done with this.


    Wait! Ill go Derek yelled, but before he could, Edgar had already torn the scroll in half and was surrounded by a bright white light. Within seconds, the prince and his wyvern were gone. Fuck!

 Chapter 314: Metamorphosis

    Chapter 314: Metamorphosis


    Inside the cave that held the entrance to the raid dungeon, two mid-tiered guards stood. They had been stationed there since not long after Prince Edgar led the raid team inside. Honestly, their station in the cave had been more of a blessing than a curse. Because of it, they hadnt been involved in any of the fighting since the invasion began.


    In fact, it seemed more like the kingdom had forgotten about them. They did feel ashamed for a time, but when they contacted theirmander, he had told them that it was more important for them to stay there and contact them again if they felt that the enemy kingdoms were on the verge of finding the cave entrance, and thus, the raid dungeon orb.


    Luckily, both had been picked because neither of them had a family to worry about, so they wouldnt be missing much if they were stationed somewhere long term. And they made sure to keep up with whatever ongoings in the kingdom that they were privy to.


    It looked like the two guards were in for another long, boring day in the cave, so they settled in with a deck of cards and began ying. If things went on like this, they would be some of the best card yers in the kingdom. Well, that wasnt true, as they only had each other to y against, and neither were particrly good at cards.


    When do you think the raid team will be back? the first guard asked.


    You ask that question every day. I know just as much as you do, the second answered.


    And you give me that same answer every time I ask. The first guard grinned andid his cards on the table. Two pair. Sevens and twos.


    Really? the second guard asked him in a deadpan voice. Sevens and twos? Are you ser


    Before the second guard could finish his question, the dungeon orb, which had the faint glow indicating that there was a team inside, began glowing brighter. I think theyre finished, the man said with wide eyes and a smile on his face.


    What? the first guard asked. Finished? Who? His back was to the dungeon orb currently, and he hadnt saw the change in it.


    The second guard pointed. The dungeon orb, its glowing. That means theyvepleted it, right?


    With that, the first guard jumped out of his seat and turned to face the orb. It really is, he said with giddy excitement. But why is it taking so long? Shouldnt it be instant when it starts?


    The second guard shrugged and continued to watch. A few momentster, the cave began to shake. It was bad. It felt like a massive earthquake was beginning to form. Then, in front of them, beside the orb, a man faded into existence. A man they recognized. Not from personally knowing him, but from seeing him from far away when he visited, or was forced to visit, his brother. He had the same look as the rest of the royal family.


    The first guard was ecstatic, and took a step forward to greet the prince, but the second guard held his hand out and stopped him. What?


    Dont get in the way. The rest will being out, too, he whispered.


    Oh right.


    But the rest didnte out. Instead, the already massive earthquake grew in power. Soon, the stctites growing on the cave ceiling began falling and ttering on the ground. Neither guard could figure out what was happening.


    Where are you? the guards heard the prince whisper, but it didnt seem like he was talking to either one of them.


    Then, just as the prince had slowly faded into existence in front of them, something else did as well. Something big no, something huge. It was so big that both of the guards were forced back and had to hug the wall to avoid being crushed by it. The rumbling grew even greater in power as whatever it was came to form.


    Then, all at once, the thing was there, and the cave exploded. Whatever just appeared was massive, much bigger than the cave, and hadnt been able to fit its body inside. By some miracle, both guards had made it out of the cave explosion with minimal scratches. It wasnt really an explosion, after all, just a cave falling down on their heads.


    There wasnt any deadly force or magic in the destruction of the cave. It was something that any user of the Great System would be able to withstand with just a small investment into their endurance.


    Are the two of you okay? a voice let out, but neither could find where it wasing from. Up here, it said.


    The two guards stared up at the prince, ck jawed. Eventually, the first guard managed to nod his head in affirmation.


    Good! the prince yelled from high in the sky. Im off. You take care of the dungeon, here. I expect the rest of them will be back soon. Ive got some business to deal with. Then, the prince was gone.


    The first guard saw something deadly sh in the princes eyes before the man was carried away carried away by a


    Dustin the second guard said. The first guard, Dustin, turned his head to meet the seconds eyes. W-was that a dragon? D-did the prince just appear on a dragon?


    Dustin opened his mouth to talk, but he couldnt find the words to speak. Eventually, he could only nod. The prince had, in fact, appeared from the dungeon orb and left on a dragon. Who were they to report to on this? What were they supposed to say?


    Dustin took a redmunication crystal out of his storage ring and tried contacting his direct superior, but he received no response. Then, he moved through a few different contacts, but couldnt get through to anyone. He really hoped nobody med them for not reporting it when the prince of the kingdom shows up wherever hes going on a dragon.


    ***


    nah hovered in the air inside her nice, cozy sleeping bag. Not really, but thats what it actually felt like. Ryven had tried to squeeze it a few times, but failed to cause any harm to her. In fact, it just made the feeling a little morefortable. She rolled her eyes at the man as he attempted it again.


    His barriers that he attacked with were extremely weak currently. She guessed that was because of all the energy and mana he had to used to keep her locked inside the barriers. And, from what she gathered through their fight, Ryven wasnt exactly physically strong to begin with. So, she may have been captured but he couldnt do anything with it.


    Something impacted the back of her head and she flinched. It was one of those dark ice bolts from the Crown Prince of Astrus. Those were getting annoying. They were strong enough to make her bleed a little, but the boy couldnt attack fast enough with them to ovee her own natural healing. Plus, she had her headpiece that lessened the force of his attack before it hit her.


    She shot the boy a re. She would make it fast when she killed him. He wouldnt suffer, he wouldnt even know he was going to die before he did. The boy was also the person who had crippled Edward, so nobody, except for maybe Edward, would care when he died.


    You cant do anything anymore. Its only a matter of time before we overrun this city. Give up. Make a contract with me that you will stay out of any further conflict, and I will release you and we wont bother any of your people. Ryven finally decided to weather her resonance and brought his personal sound barrier down to talk.


    nah snorted. Silvi is part of my people. Ive already told you that. Besides, you do know that she isnt even here in the city, right? She smiled. And when Derek gets out oh you and your army, no both you and your nation are going to be royally fucked. And I mean that literally. Indria and Astrus will be holding events to elect a new royal family, because neither of your countries will have one any longer.


    Ryvens face went ashen. Is he that strong?


    nah rolled her eyes. Normally, Id tell you to fuck off, but Im feeling generous today. Yes. He is that strong. No, hes even stronger than you think. She actually wasnt sure of his strength, but she was having fun toying with the duke. ording to what she knew, Derek was gaining strength at a rapid pace. And ording to Natalie, it shouldnt be long before his overall stats caught up to nahs own.


    That was, of course, if he continued to grow at his oundish speed. She couldnt help but wonder how many levels he had left until he hit the cap. She would also like to know which ss upgrade it was when he received his legendary ss. He must have gotten it very early on to have such stats at his level. He wasnt that much stronger than Shae Holmes when he first arrived at Savannah, after all.


    <em>Are you going to do something, or is it really up to me? </em>While she was talking with Ryven, she focused her Telepathy skill and send a message to Natalie. Ryvens sound barrier didnt prevent telepathic messages, and Natalie had slowly moved as she attacked and was no longer inside the elvenmanders barrier that disruptedmunications and teleportation.


    She actually wasnt sure if the barrier would block Telepathy. She hadnt tried before Natalie made it outside of it. She shrugged and waited for a reply.


    <em>Do you know how much money Ive already spent? If I go all out, the expenses will be astronomical. What will it cost you to do your thing? You know, Ive heard about it. Heard about the stories from the other continent. The ones about the Dawn Siren. It cant be that bad, </em>Natalie replied back. <em>Besides, other than expending some mana, its free, right? Ill pay you in mana potions. Dont make me waste more money. Its your fault for letting yourself get captured, after all.</em>


    nah couldnt stop herself from rolling her eyes. She didnt know that Natalie had gathered information about that about her. About one of the biggest reasons she left and started over on this continent, in Cydaria. But, of course, she had. The woman had as much, if not more, money as anybody from over there. It would be easy enough for her to find the information if she looked. nahs actions over there werent exactly subtle.


    What? Ryven asked and broke her out of her thoughts. Why did you just roll your eyes?


    I was just chatting with Natalie. She has that effect on people, nah answered with a smile.


    You two think you have time to chat with each other? In this situation? Ryven sneered.


    Ryven, let me ask you a question, nah said coyly. Exactly how strong do you think your barriers are? Specifically, your sound blocking ones? In her adventures, nah had learned some things about sses, even legendary ones. Usually, you received a bunch of skills with each upgrade.


    That was especially true for the more rare sses. An epic ss could sometimes get six or more skills with the upgrade. But, sometimes, someone would get a high rarity ss, but only receive a few skills with the upgrade. Those skills, however, were very stronger. Three skills at a level 200 epic ss upgrade could be vastly stronger than thebination of six skills at a level 200 epic ss upgrade.


    nah was in that boat with her skills. Well, she had gone through her epic upgrades quite normally, getting four skills here and six skills there. But, at her level 200 ss upgrade, the upgrade that she received her legendary Dawn Siren ss, she only received one skill with it. And it was a skill she detested and hadnt used since her days overseas.


    My barriers are more than enough for anything you can produce. I think weve figured that out by now, Ryven replied.


    <em>If Im going to do this, you better retreat back to the city and use what ever defenses you can. Im not sure if I can control it. Its been a while, </em>she sent back to Natalie. She had yet to use the skill after increasing her wisdom or intelligence stats to such levels. Things could either go much better than she remembered, or much worse.


    I hope you dont regret that. I really do. Though, I probably wont be able to recall whether you do or not. nah looked inward and focused on her skill before. The one skill she received after getting her legendary ss. The skill simply called Metamorphosis: Dawn Siren.

 Chapter 315: Dawn Siren

    Chapter 315: Dawn Siren


    nah felt the connection to her skill form. She kept the connection and waited for Natalie to retreat. The woman was slow, but she was doing her best to do so without causing much suspicion. Once she was well and good back into the barrier that blocked teleportation, nah looked around. There were many people much closer to her than Natalie and Savannah. She should be okay,


    She looked up again just to see Ryven frowning. She smiled. Well here I go.


    nah grasped the skill and activated it. Her mind went hazy. <em>Please be better than I remember. </em>The skill took over.


    Ryven looked at the beautiful half-elf with furrowed brows. <em>What did she mean? What is she doing? </em>He watched as her eyes lost focus, then her aura started to spill out. Quickly, he moved back and activated his personal barrier. <em>Better safe than sorry. </em>


    The womans aura continued to spill. Eventually, it just disappeared. It was like all the aura left her body like she had no mana left to control it. It soon faded away.


    But then a new aura rose. Somehow, her already strong aura hadpletely changed forms. The aura seemed evil. It left Ryven with a sense of darkness and foreboding. The atmosphere shifted to apany the malevolent aura; the clouds shifted in the sky to cover the sun, and shade fell over the area.


    Ryven didnt know what to expect. The senses hed spent centuries developing told him that it was bad very bad. Once again, he tried to crush the woman, hoping that with her aura spent and rebuilding into whatever evil aura it was, she would be weakened. But he was wrong. Not only was she not weakened, she seemed even stronger than before.


    Then, to his horror, she began to change physically, just as the aura had. Her beautiful, emerald green locks shifted and lost their luster. The luminous glow that once adorn her darkened more and more until the green was so dark that it seemed ck. The once perfectly woven and maintained hair split and became wild and unruly.


    But that wasnt the only change. No, her change was just getting started. The beautiful woman was already pale, but her skin took on an even paler tone. One that was almost ghoulish. Instead of her previous smooth and supple skin, she looked sickly.


    Her eyes they seemed dead. They had taken the color of her aura, a dark, malevolent shade of gray. Her hands opened, and she let go of the hilt of her rapier. Ryven took in her hands as the new power formed at her fingertips. Her previously delicate fingernails elongated and grew into sharp, deadly weapons. Ryven gulped. This was something hed never heard of before. Such a transformation.


    Finally, his eyes traced back up her form, and once againnded on her face. She smiled, not the coy and seductive smile that shed been giving him all along. No, this smile was something different, something malicious. Her smile widened more and more until it revealed her teeth. Her sharp, pointy teeth that reminded him of the maw of many beasts hed fought in his younger days.


    The woman in front of him no, the beast in front of him tilted its head. He reinforced his barriers. He imed that his barriers were enough to counter anything she did, but he wasnt expecting something like this. He just hoped that the change didnte with some extraordinary power boost.


    The creature in front of him ran her tongue over her razor-like teeth. Then it frowned. After that, it looked around at its situation, then back at Ryven. It smiled at him once again, but this time, it almost seemed like the same smile hed received from the woman before this transformation. Still, even with the eyes, fingers, teeth, and sickly pale skin, the nah was still beautiful. He had to admit that. Even such a transformation couldnt destroy her beauty.


    The creature in front opened its mouth once again and said something. Something he couldnt hear because he was still surrounded by his barrier. But, by the shape its mouth made when talking, he guessed it was something along the lines of, this is going to be fun.


    Her vibrations started once again, but this time, they were on a whole other level. One by one, the barriers trapping nah cracked and shattered. As her rapier fell from the barrier, she caught it, and it disappeared. Thats right. With those hands of hers, she no longer needed that sword. However, with the disappearance of her sword, so too did the resonance that rang through it disappear.


    The creatures smile widened even more as Ryven stood stock still. Then her gaze turned and looked down. He followed it. Her eyes were ring at Titus. The boy wasnt even paying attention to what was happening above him. He was more concerned with Natalie and her retreating? Form. <em>Why is she retreating? Is is nahs transformation that bad? </em>


    His eyes turned back to the beast and their eyes met once again, then, she disappeared. No, she didnt disappear. She just moved so fast that it seemed like she did. He could track her, barely, but there was no way he could catch up to her, or whatever it was she nned to do. Still, he tried.


    But he was toote. Before he even closed half the distance, she was standing behind Titus. The scene was graphic. She stood, one hand sticking through his back and protruding from his chest, the heart in her grip beat one extra time before stopping. Her other hand sat on his shoulder, where it rested after ripping through his throat.


    It was an instant kill. The boy didnt even know what hit him. The death seemed painless. But it was going to be everything but for Ryven and Indria as a whole. A prince not in line for the throne, a prince like Orion, dying was one thing. But the crown prince of an entire kingdom would make waves. It was the reason the order was to capture Crown Prince Edward, not kill him.


    But now, a crown prince was dead. It wasnt even a glorious death. He had been killed instantly, without even being able to defend himself. Ryven swallowed hard once again, the lump in his throat growing bigger and bigger.


    How long could nah stay shifted like this? Would she eventually run out of power or mana and go back to her other form? Hed seen some transformations, none as absurd as the one he was currently being shown. But, all of those transformations had the same weakness, they didntst long. They were a terrible drain on mana, and usually, mana potions didnt work on those who were transformed. Surely such a strong transformation would have an equally strong weakness, right?


    But if she could take Titus out like that, then what about him? What about the rest of his army? Could a thousand elite soldiers hold their own against a single transformed half-elf long enough for her transformation to run out?


    He didnt have the time to think any more than that, as the woman disappeared again. This time, she reappeared before him and opened her mouth. Instead of biting with her razor-like teeth or thrusting into him with her ws as she had done with Titus, she screeched.


    At first, Ryven heard nothing and his Sound Barrier held. He reinforced it with as much power as he could spare. All the power that had gone into the barriers used to trap nah had been put in his single, personal barrier.


    But the screeching continued, and after five seconds just five seconds, his fully enforced barrier shattered. Then the sound hit him. The shrill shriek jumbled his insides and his brain split in two. He reached up and grasped at the pain in his head. When he pulled his hand away, it came back bloodied. Then the beast backhanded him, and everything went dark.


    When Ryven awoke, he was back in his base camp,ying just outside where his Portals had been set up, surrounded by healers. He looked up and tried to speak, but he couldnt get any words out. A healer brought him a ss of water and he drank, and he drank. He was so thirsty.


    W-what happened? he managed to squeak out.


    One moment,mander, the healer said. He couldnt quite remember her name. Let me go get someone.


    Soon, Elmar found his way over, led by the healer. Commander, its good to see you well.


    Elmar, Ryven said before going into a coughing fit. He took another drink of water and continued. What happened?


    You were knocked out, sir. After that, Captain Jaris called for a retreat. There was nothing we could do. We had to get away from it. Elmar looked down at his feet in shame.


    Where is Captain Jaris? Ryven asked.


    He didnt make it, sir. He stayed back so more could retreat through the Portal. Soon after, people stoppeding through, so we closed it, Elmar exined.


    How man? Ryven asked. How many did we lose?


    Elmar took in a deep breath, then let it out. Altogether, at least two hundred. More than one hundred and fifty on the battlefield, and we dont have the exact count of those we lost when the Portals vanished. Our estimates are in the fifties. So, two hundred soldiers, including Captain Jaris and Crown Prince Titus, sir. Those are our losses.


    Ryven closed his eyes and let his head fall back to the ground. This was a failure, and an epic failure on all fronts. They lost not a small percentage of their army to two people. <em>No, there were three. There was that man who came out with Natalie. He was the one who sneaked through and destroyed our Portals. </em>


    And the loss of Titus. That was either going to be a major blow that soured the already unstable rtions with Astrus, or it was going to light a fire under their king and they would put even more into this battle. This battle that has a killer bunny, the stronger women hed ever seen in his life, and a mysterious man who, by everything hes learned, was going to be as hard to manage as nah.


    Ryven slowly brought his hand up and clutched at his forehead. The pain from the womans shriek was still there, it was lessened after all the healing, but it was still there. He closed his eyes and shook his head. <em>What am I going to do?</em>


    ***


    Edgar raced through the air on Blitz. He was almost there. He was almost to Savannah. They just needed to hold on for a few more minutes, and he would be there. Using everything he had, the two pushed on as fast as possible.


    Soon, he saw the city in the distance, but he didnt see any smoke or signs of destruction. That was good. He pushed forward. Half a minuteter, he hovered above what could only be described as a brutal battlefield.


    Body parts were strewn everywhere, apanied by a river of blood. Surveying the battlefield, Edgar couldnt find anyone left standing. <em>Just what happened here? </em>He thought. But soon, his eyes fell onto a single figured. She was on her knees and her arm was clutching at her chest.


    Edgar gave Blitz a quickmand to stay there and jumped off. Then he zipped to the ground andnded in front of the figure. When he got close enough, he recognized her. It was nah.


    She was covered in blood from head to toe, even her face was smeared with it. He took a step forward and ced his hand on her shoulder. nah, are you okay? What happened?


    nah looked up and met his eyes with her own piercing emerald ones. She smiled and chuckled, then her chuckle becameughter. Then she lost herself in it and even shed a few tears because of it. She looked back up at him. Yourete, she said, then she fell forward.

 Chapter 316: Dreams of the Past

    Chapter 316: Dreams of the Past


    nah woke from a nightmare with a start. No, it wasnt a nightmare she was having; it was her dreams taking her down memoryne. She didnt know how long shed been out of it, but it was long enough for her mind to force her to relive every aspect of her former life. She tried to not think about those memories, but now, after using that skill, she couldnt stop.


    Her dream started with her small vigeher mother and herself being isted and hated ever since she was bornno, ever since her mother became pregnant. Her small vige, and her country in general, was very biased and discriminate against humans and every other non-elf species. In that sense, it was about like Indria, maybe even worse.


    Her father wasnt exactly the personification of a good human, either. No, he was just about as bad as theye. But that didnt matter to the vige. What mattered was that her mother was carrying a child fathered by a human. Her dream took her through that entire pitiful childhood existenceone she only wished she could put behind her.


    shes of images yed through her mind as she remembered other parts of the dream. Of her vige being raided by a band of angry humansones that probably had a reason for their hatred, to be honest. Images of her mother dying in front of her. Then, of her escaping to what would be her home for the next decades: The Echoing Abyss.


    The Abyss was a danger area that nobody from her part of the country dared to enter. It was a ce that few of even the strongest made it out alive. If the voices, vibrations, sounds, and overallck of sleep because of them didnt drive you crazy or kill you outright, then the overwhelming amount of rabid beasts with their minds long gone from living in the valley would.


    And when she entered the valley to escape from the human raid, she wasnt even old enough to have ess to a ss yet. She shook as she remembered going crazy anding back to on multiple asions, only to somehow still be alivethe hunger and starvation she felt on a regr basis when she wasnt hiding or on the runnot knowing how to escape.


    She remembered finally getting a ss that allowed her to dampen the noise, then somehow living long enough to upgrade the ss over and over until she had enough power to escape from The Echoing Abyss decadester.


    nah also had some fond memories, short as they may have been. Memories of joining up with some teams and adventuringtaking the Cooking skill and learning as much as possible about it so she never had to experience the hunger and starvation again. But those memories didntst long because of another ss upgrade.


    She already had some control through sounds and vibrations, but that ss upgrade had taken that control away from her. You couldnt get a power like she had gotten without terrible side effects. After that, she was no longer wee in parties. She was forced to adventure on her own. With that istion came the shes of her she had grown up.


    With that istion came anger and violence. In Cydaria, she was known for her recipe to turn Void Beasts into permanent stat boosts. But she hadnt been the creator of that recipe, and she wasnt proud of the way she got her hands on it. But that was something she refused to think about. Others had done things much worse than her, but that part of her life was an embarrassment.


    She really didnt even have a want or need to use the recipe. She had no way of finding Void Beasts, and she wasnt strong enough to think she could handle it if a powerful one was to appear. No, she just wanted the recipe because she found it interesting. So, she took it.


    That recipe did be vitalter on, after her final ss upgradethe one that had given her the legendary ss, and that skill. She had been ecstatic seeing a legendary ss appear. With the extra stats and skills, she thought she may be able to find a way to control her passive effects. She would be able to talk with people again.


    But that couldnt have been any further from the truth. With the Dawn Siren ss, came even less control. Her passive effects became even stronger. And when she used the skill, she was met with an all too familiar feelingone that brought her back to when she was young and living in The Echoing Abyss.


    When she used that skill, she would go crazy, and wouldnte to for days. She could barely remember what she did when it was activated, but from what she did remember, she didnt gopletely berserk. She didnt kill anyone and anything she saw, just the ones who tried to stop her. She wasnt exactly fun to be around.


    But with a skill so powerful, there were multiple asions where it saved her life. And the higher the skill leveled, the more she could remember, and the more control she felt she had. That could have been a ceboshe was still uncertain.


    What she did realize was that her wisdom stat did increase her control, and her legendary ss gave her all the free skill points she needed for that stat and controlbut only if shepletely ignored her other stats.


    That was where the recipe she had stolen came in. That was also when she went looking for a ck market Portal skill that paired well with a Deathsworn. Like that, she spent decades of her life alone. Summoning and fighting Void Beast after Void Beast. There were so many of them.


    She chuckled at that thought. At the time, there seemed to be so many of them, but then Derek Hunt had brought to her in days what it took her almost a century to farm herself. She couldnt help but chuckle at the irony.


    But she was able to drop all of those stat points in wisdom because of the recipe. She used it to shore up her weaknesses, even if she did have to run away from more than a few Void Beasts she couldnt handle. Then, she left her homnd to explore the continent. Unfortunately, her reputation proceeded her. Everyone on the continent knew about the beastly Dawn Siren.


    Her half-elf appearance, radiant emerald hair and eyes, and her beauty made her very easy to recognize. So, she was back to being isted once again, even though it had been decades since herst use of that skill. In fact, she hadnt used that skill since well before she capped her wisdom stat at 1500. Thats why she didnt know what would happen if she used it again.


    But she was tired of the istion, so she chose to go overseas. The journey took ages and wasnt safeat least for those she met on the way. Her endurance was high enough to see her through almost any situation. But, after all that time traveling, she finally made it to another continent.


    First, she visited Astrus. It was a breath of fresh air being somewhere where nobody knew who you were. She didnt stay in that country long, and eventually moved on to Indria, the kingdom of elves. She left that country even fasterit reminded her too much of her home.


    After that, she visited Vallum. The dwarves were rude, but not in a discriminate way. They talked to everyone like that, even their own kin. They didnt treat anyone differently. She actually ended up staying there for some time. She also met some dwarves that managed to withstand her passive control, and she made friends.


    She came out of Vallum with her beautifully crafted armor and weapon. After that, nah moved on to Cydaria. She enjoyed the blend of different cultures, and the fact that the royal family didnt put any one race above the other, even if the elves she met were snobbish.


    She settled down there. She chose to create a business there with all the recipes she hadobviously, she hadnt taken just the Void Beast recipe. That was where she met a young bumbling prince that pestered her to no end, even though he couldnt withstand her talking with him at the time. And that was where she met a young orphan boy and a young girl many yearster. The rest was history.


    So, even though most of the memories were bad or outright terrible, she still had a few good ones. Because of that, she couldnt call what she had just had a nightmare. It was just a very unpleasant dream of things that happened.


    While nah was deep in thought, the door to her room opened. Speaking of the young girl, Ste stuck her head in. Before nah could utter a word to the woman, the butcher was already beside her bed, enveloping her in a massive hug. She even saw a few tears fall from Stes eyes.


    Im okay. Im okay, reassured nah, her hand gently tracing circles in the middle of Stes back in aforting manner.


    Ste pulled herself back and gave nah a evaluating look. I wasnt sure how long you were going to be out. What did you do? Ive asked Natalie, but she refused to give me any information about what happened.


    nah shrugged. She was thankful that Natalie hadnt said anything about her use of her Dawn Siren power. It would be something she would prefer to personally exin to Ste and Avery now that she had to. But, with the thought of the power, she smiled. She had been able to control it fully.


    There were some bestial inclinations during her use of it, and her personality was still a bit shifted in the form, but she didnt ck out. She didnt forget anything. And most importantly, she hadnt been taken over by the ability. She was even able to shift back using her own will when the army had retreated, though that took a lot of effort, and drained whatever reserves she had at that moment.


    It was a pretty draining skill, nah answered. Its one I dont like to talk about because it turns me into something I hate. It was a skill I havent used for decades, maybe longer. But Im d everything worked out. nah looked up at Ste. It did work out, didnt it? How long have I been out?


    Ste waved away her concerns. Its been a little under two days. Everything has been fine now that Edgars back with his dragon.


    <em>Well, thats another thing I dont have to be concerned with, </em>nah thought. <em>The dragon I briefly saw was real. Im d I wasnt hallucinating. </em>What about the enemy army?


    We dont know the full details yet, but they havent made any moves. You you hit them pretty hard. Its probably going to take them a long time to recover. And thats if they choose to continue their attack after seeing what you can do, and hearing the rumors that Edgars back with a dragon.


    nah chuckled. Ste was having a really hard time admitting that the young prince had somehow managed toe out of a dungeon with a dragon. What about the rest of the raid team?


    Uh Ste looked as if she didnt know how to exin something.


    What is it?


    Well, Edgar used an escape scroll. The rest of the dungeon is still there. Apparently Avery was currently leading a trialits a trial dungeon by the wayand theres one more and the final boss fight after that. Edgar passed lead to Derek and left when Ste let out a deep breath. When Silvi showed up in the Time Distortion Raid Dungeon out of nowhere and asked if it was okay to cook and eat an elf.


    nah stared at Ste in shock. She didnt know what to say. For the first time in a very, very, long time, there were no words that wanted to leave her mouth.

 Chapter 317: Readying

    Chapter 317: Readying


    nah managed to pick her jaw up off the ground after hearing about Silvis antics with the elves. <em>What would she think if I told her that recipes for elves, dwarves, humans</em><em> everything were included in the giant lot of recipes I brought with me? </em>nah shuddered at the thought. She did have some extravagant recipes, but they were ones that she would never think of sharing or actually using. Hearing about the little bunny only reminded her of them.


    That was my reaction, too, Ste said, breaking nah out of her thoughts. She is quite the interestingpanion.


    Thats putting it lightly, nah said. In the corner of her vision, she had notifications waiting for her to open, so she decided to dismiss Ste while she sorted herself out. You can head back down. Ill be down in a bit, then we can figure out what were going to do.


    Alright. Ste nodded and left her room.


    Once the door to the room closed, nah began rifling through the new notifications. Instantly, she dismissed all the kill notifications. There was no point in looking at any of those. She had long since capped out her level, and any experience points gained were just wasted numbers.


    The next notification caught her attention. She read it over a couple times, then nodded in satisfaction. Her Metamorphosis: Dawn Siren had been hanging there at level 19 for the longest time. Seeing that it had finally leveled to 20 made her happy. It also gave her hope that she may even be able to control the skill even better the next time she used it. <em>If there even is a next time, </em>she thought.


    She had basically fought off abined army of two kingdoms by herself. She felt great about being so strong in that form after increasing her stats like she had, but would there be another reason to use the skill? <em>Whatever, </em>she thought. <em>It</em><em>s a great trump card, no matter what. Maybe I should just go take the fighting to them. </em>She smiled at the thought of showing up at thebined armys camp and just cutting loose. <em>I bet it would be cool fighting alongside a dragon, too. </em>


    She thought about the creature she had only just seen before passing out. <em>In all my time on this world, I</em><em>ve yet to see anything more than a drake. They must have really struck it rich in that dungeon. Maybe I should have gone. </em>She shook her head. If she had gone, then nobody would have been here to defend the city, and there was no telling what kind of state the kingdom would have fallen to by the time she got out.


    Finally, she dismissed the congrattory skill leveling window and moved to the next. When her eyes fell on it, she frowned. Then she reread it again, then again. Finally, she shook her head, closed the notification, and stood. She had to get to work. She was going to be very busy for the foreseeable future.


    ***


    Are you almost finished? Derek was standing by the forge next to Tyron.


    Twenty more minutes, Tyron said. It would be even faster if you would leave me to it. Derek nodded and went back to their makeshift campor, what was left of it.


    Once Edgar so rudely left him to lead the raid dungeon, Derek became antsy and anxious. So, he began packing up. If he was going to lead the rest of the dungeon, he was going to do it his way. Sure, he wouldnt make any friends that way, but he had already made enough. He didnt need anymore.


    Was he going to possibly offend some prominent people in the kingdom? Sure, he was, but he nned onying all that me on Edgar. It was his fault, after all. And if the rest of the raid party got snippy, he had a bunny that was just waiting to put some people in their ce.


    Speaking of Silvi, she was still sitting on thest vestige of furniture at their makeshift camp. She was currently staring death and daggers at a piece of pie sitting on the middle of the table. The pie wasnt bad. It tasted just like a regr apple pie back on Earth before the system came. But that was the problem. It wasnt a regr pie made from regr ingredients back on Earth.


    This was a pie made from a recipe received from the Crown Restaurant. Its taste was supposed to be superb, but it was just regr. Silvi was a pissed off bunny. One who adamantly refused to return to Savannah to help in the case of a battle breaking out. There were two reasons for her refusal.


    The first reason was that he told her of his theory that the Void Travel skill had done something to the ingredients in her food. It had said that not even things ced in spatial storage would be safe, after all. He couldnt quite point out exactly what was wrong with them, but if he had to guess, he would say that some of the ingredients, even post cooking, had aged, while others had stayed the same, or maybe even reversed their aging.


    And the fact that all the ingredients were very specific, the disruption caused by Void Travel had caused all the voring to be off by a bit. But that was just his theory, one based on the time aspect of the void. The space aspect could mean many different things. Things that hadnt affected the ingredients and would instead only affect living creatures and people.


    If he was going to test it, Bones and Ogre wouldnt make the worst test subjects. They had both killed dozens of people just for money, but then again, so had Vanessa. The world really was different from how it was before. <em>Well</em><em> Earth had assassins and hit men before the system, as well. </em>But they had tried to kill him, and that was personal, so they would make good test subjects.


    However, he couldnt do that yet because of the dragonkin he had stored inside his Time Prison. He wouldnt want to risk something happening to them after all the hard work he and the others put into capturing them for everybody.


    Derek nodded with his thoughts and looked back at Silvi. The other reason she had chosen not to go home, even after Derek offered to keep hold of her storage ring until he got back, was because of all the good food she was missing out on. She had been jealous when seeing the dragonkin, and when he showed her some of the meat hed saved for her.


    She was even more so when she realized that a bunch of her items were spoiled, at least by her standards. After that, she had been very insistent that she finish the dungeon with him. She seemed to be very excited about the prospect of leveling up her Cook What You Kill skill, especially after being thoroughly disappointed after learning that she wasnt allowed to eat the elf. Those elves had been the only things shed really killed after obtaining the skill.


    So, knowing that Derek was about toplete more trials with a bunch of possibly tasty enemies inside, Silvi couldnt miss the chance.


    You should put that away and get ready. I dont think Avery will be inside that trial much longer, Derek said to the angry Silvi.


    <em>All that work and now it</em><em>s gone. Just no good, nasty food, </em>Silvi sent back via her telepathic bondtoozy to activate hermunication crystals at the moment.


    Just think of it this way. Derek started. Now you get to prepare even more dishes to rece the ones that have gone bad. He really didnt agree with her that all she had left was no good, nasty food. The food really was good, and many people who didnt have the opportunity to eat at ces like the Crown Restaurant would appreciate it. But he wouldnt argue with her. It was like an artist made a masterpiece, then, it somehow got turned into a printed picture, and the original was no longer there. It was still pleasant to look at, but didnt have the same effect.


    After a couple more minutes of death stares at the pie, it finally disappeared into Silvis storage ring and she hopped off the table. After that, Derek stored the table and their entire makeshift camp was gone, leaving almost no signs that there ever was one. Finally, man andpanion walked over close to Tyron, but not close enough to get in his way, and waited for the smith to finish his current project.


    That was soonplete too, and Derek had a pair of leg armor to match the one for his upper body. It was made the same, and fit over his jeans nicely, and would even work well over his bare legs. The smith had used the wyvern hide for the leather and small versions of the scales for the outer armor. His new armor didnt limit his movement one bit.


    Thanks, Derek said to the smith. Theyre perfect.


    Are you sure we need to go now? Tyron asked back after nodding. I still need to make the gloves and boots. The gloves wont take as long as the rest. I can at least make them now. The usual stone-face Tyron let it show how much he was enjoying working with all the new dragon-based materials.


    Unfortunately, no, Derek said. This will have to do for now. But, hey! Derek reached up and pat the giant of a man on his shoulder. You wont be bored for a very long time once we get back to Cydaria. And, after you finish up my gear, youll be able to create anything your heart desires with the remaining material.


    Tyron snorted and tore himself away from Derek to begin loading up his own area. During the process, Derek heard the man mutter something along the lines of needing to finish Dereks items now, so he hadplete freedom once leaving the raid.


    Derek only smiled and didnt say anything. He felt like he was taking the best smith in the kingdoms favorite toy away and wasnt going to allow him to y with it until his room was tidy.


    Loading up an area with storage rings turned out to be much faster than initially creating an area. In storage rings, it didnt matter where everything wentthere was no specific order to thingsone could just toss everything in and sort it all outter. So, the smith was finished in minutes.


    Finally, they left the area and headed back towards the main camp. The biggest reason Derek wanted to leave so quickly was because neither of their transport beasts were left. Lyra was currently in the trial with Avery, and Blitz had disappeared along with Edgar. They could technically use Rocky and have him plow through things and take them there, but they were still keeping him a secret, so he stayed in his noodle form, as Silvi called it.


    Neither Derek nor Tyron were slouches, though. It took them a good while, but eventually they made it back to the main camp, where they were met with Cain, who had gone back earlier, before Edgar left, to help handle any dissent among the party.


    Whats going on? the elementalist asked. Where are Edgar and Blitz? And what was that weird feelinging from the other camp a while ago? It took everything I had to keep everyone from finding out.


    The weird feeling was, of course, Silvi appearing through the portal created from Void Travel and whatever weird feelings came with it. Well, about that Derek started, then soon described everything that had happened to the Guild Master, who stayed emotionless all the while.


    Impulsive, Cain said once Derek was finished. The only thing that had thrown the Guild Master off slightly was when he talked about Silviing from Cydaria to the raid dungeon, but he quickly regained control of his facial expression. Cain shook his head. This is going to be a problem.


    No, its not, Derek said.


    It is, though, Cain replied. After learning what may be happening outside, many have been hesitatingthose who managed to bring escape scrolls with them have been considering using them.


    Oh? Dereks eyes lit up. Thats perfect. Let them use them. That will make things much simpler.


    But Cain started, but Derek interrupted.


    Look, Edgar left me in charge for better or for worse. Looking at the trials, there hasnt been a single one that I havent been able to do solo. He wasnt kidding. He would have been able to meet the survival limits on the dragon trial with ease. And now that he had powered up again, that trial would be even simpler now. And now that mypanion is here He nodded at Silvi. I wont have any problems at all. So, let the ones who want to leave.


    Cain was silent for a moment, but eventually conceded. Fine. Lets go tell them of the situation outside.

 Chapter 318: Mines Better

    Chapter 318: Mine''s Better


    Derek may have agreed to go tell everyone of the situation, but in reality, he just stood back while Cain did his best to exin everything. It wasnt going that well, as there was a lot of screaming and a bit of threatening involvedbasically, it was just about everything that Derek expected woulde out of it. After he gave Cain enough time to try, and fail, at calming everyone, he stepped forward himself.


    Everyone shut up! With the yell, he let the floodgates on his aura flow for the first time since his evolution. He was honestly surprised at the result, because it felt like there was an almost qualitative leap in the power. Even some of the elites that werent at max level yet fell to one knee.


    Derek hadnt bothered with directing the aura, so it let it spill out like a nket. Out of the corner of his eye, Derek saw Tristan Allister step out of a tent with a frown on his head and sweat dripping off his forehead. Seeing that, and knowing that Tristan was still working on regrowing a limb, Derek directed the aura at those in front of him instead.


    This ended up putting even more pressure on them, and some of the even stronger party members struggled to stand. They had all already unleashed their own aura as a defensive measure, as well. Derek half grinned at the defiance in a few of their eyes, and was also kind of thankful that the most defiant person, Victor Greend, was currently in a trial.


    In the face of the resistance, even though auras wouldnt actually do any real damage to elites like this, Derek only did one thing. <em>Silvi. It</em><em>s your turn. </em>


    Silvis aura was near identical to Dereks, with just some slight alterations. His aura was pure void, but, though her aura was mostly void, there was something else in ithe could only guess that it was from her cooking abilities. If he was going by the weird system that had appeared and left him with a lot of questions, he would say that her affinity was split between void and cooking.


    But the aura was just as intense as his own, and when ovepped with his, it crushed all others. That was enough to get everyone to back down. Auras blinked out of existence one by one until there was only his own. Finally, he let his go, as well.


    Now that the surrounds were quiet enough that one could hear a pin drop, Derek nodded and spoke. Now, Im sure people are no longer wondering about how I was able to take on that dueling trial alone when Asana Greend died so easily. Avery, Edgar, even Cainnone of them have ever been the strongest in this party, not even with their dragons.


    That statement got a lot of murmurs. But when Derek red at them, they stopped speaking again.


    I joined this raid because I was asked to as a favor for Edgar. I consider <em>that </em>prince to be a friend. He made sure to put emphasis on that. It showed he was doing it as a favor for a friend, and not because the kingdom asked him to. Unfortunately, word has gotten to us through special means, and we have learned that the kingdom is under attack by thebined forces of Astrus and Indria.


    This was already exined by Cain, so the reaction was minimal at the moment. This time, however, the group didnt go into a panic like they had before because Derek had control after showing his power and acting the part.


    Now, Edgar decided to y the dumb idiot and rush out with an escape scroll before letting you know of the situation. If you ever wonder why he chooses to be an adventurer instead of getting into politics, then theres your answer. Its not a bad thing, but because of it, he left me to clean up his mess. I would much rather sit back and let someone else take charge.


    Unfortunately, I have friends and other people I care about in the kingdom, so I cant do that anymoreespecially after Edgar left me in charge. So, were going to do things my way, no questions asked. Derek waited, and seeing that there werent any major reactions, he continued. You currently have two options. First, you fall in line and do as I say. Im not here to make friends, so I couldnt care less if you find that option not to your liking. The second option, and this is only avable to a few, is that you use your own escape scroll and leave this dungeon. What you do after that isnt my problem.


    Louise Boni, one of the top archers in the party, stepped forward and began to speak. What if


    I said no questions. Derek cut her off. Those are your two options well, there is a third, but that involves fighting me, and Id be more than happy if you wanted to take that one. What do you say? To the surprise of no one, nobody stepped forward to challenge Derek. Good.


    With that, Derek, with Silvi on his shoulder, walked over to the trial orbs and took a seat. He would meditate until Avery and the other came back. Hed said everything he needed toif Cain wanted to add anything, that would be up to him.


    Around eight hourster, and everything waspletely calm once again. Only one person had chosen to take Derek up on leaving with their escape scrollsit probably would have been more, but the scrolls werent that easy toe by. Tara Perez, the support elf who had entered the second trial with Derek, did some negotiating and traded an escape scroll she had brought with her to Louise Boni, the archer who seemed to not like the way Derek handled things.


    The few others who looked ready to leave were those that were still low level and hadnt gotten a chance in any of the trials yet. Now, with Derek in charge, they assumed that they would have even less of a chance to gain any trial rewards. But, since none of them had an escape scroll or any way to obtain one, they had to stay. There was one silver lining for them all, though. Even if they didntplete any of the trials, there should still be a dungeon reward at the end that everyone, no matter their contribution, would receive.


    Also, in the short time that Derek stayed in the main campnow the only camphe realized that Tristan Allister and Ciera Cook, the woman who he had been treating since the end of the first trial, had grown quite close to one anther. It was no wonder that the man had chosen to stay back instead of going on the fifth trial with Avery and the bunch. He just didnt want to leave her side.


    While he and Silvi, who was meditating atop his head, were waiting for the others toe back, Derek was thinking. After going over his options, he finally made a decision. See, in the first trial hepleted, he had been rewarded with the Skill Scroll: Dragon Fire.


    Ever since then, he had wondered exactly what to do with it. His first thoughts were to give it to Jacks or his son, since both of them used the fire element. But dragon fire seemed to be different from regr fire, and since learning a bit about the whole affinity thing, he wasnt sure that would be the best option.


    He had also thought about just saving it to sell or trade for something he may needter. However, hed quickly thrown that option out the window because he already had the Void Beast items he could sell or trade with. In fact, it would probably be easier to deal with those than it would with the dragon fire skill scroll.


    So, after all that thinking, and finally seeing Silvi again, he came to a decision. <em>Hey, Silvi, </em>he sent to hispanion.


    <em>What?</em><em> </em>she chimed back.


    <em>Do you think food would taste different if it was cooked in a different type of me?</em><em></em>


    <em>Of course it would, </em>she replied matter-of-factly. <em>Everything matters when cooking. One small thing can destroy a whole delicious meal. Just like that stupid void.</em><em> </em>She was obviously still bitter about losing meals and ingredients to Void Travel.


    <em>So do you think dragon fire would make things more or less tasty? </em>Derek asked.


    <em>Dunno. Never cooked with it.</em><em></em>


    <em>Do you want to?</em>


    <em>Want to what? she asked. </em>


    <em>Want to try cooking with dragon fire?</em>


    Silvi hopped off of Dereks head and looked up at him. Then she turned and her eyesnded on the drake that Jasper had finally decided to bond with at some point. The drake drenched in darkness was now a pristine white color, as it had be the light element after Jaspers own.


    <em>I dont know. It doesnt look like it could make a proper fire. And the noodle doesnt look like it could make fire at all, </em>Silvimented after inspecting the drake and pointing out what she thought about Rocky after their initial meeting. When it came to food, she was very serious.


    <em>Well, you see. </em>Derek pulled out the skill scroll from his storage bracelet andid it on the ground beside Silvi. She took a small hop and ced her paw on it. <em>I got this</em><em> </em>Before he could finish, the scroll had already turned into motes of lights that were disappearing.


    Congrattions


    Your beastpanion (Silvi) has learned the Dragon Fire skill.


    <em>Well, I guess that settles that. </em>Derek brushed the notification aside and looked at Silvi. <em>So, what do you think?</em><em></em>


    <em>Give me meat. Dragon meat, </em>she demanded.


    Derek chuckled and fished out a piece of drake meat he had stored in one of his rings, then handed it to her. She reached out with a Mage Hand and took the meat before hopping past the trial orbs and testing out the new skill. Derek watched as she worked.


    It looked like she didnt trust many of the ingredients she had stored, so she only pulled out some simple salt and pepper. And she didnt dare use those even until she sniffed and tasted each one. She quickly put the pepper away and shuffled through different spices until she found one that she seemed to deem okay. After a nod of her head, Derek guessed she had her ingredients.


    He also noted down that it didnt seem like the salt had been affected by the Void Travel skill, but it seemed that the herbs and spices had. <em>Maybe it</em><em>s because salt is a mineral? </em>He shrugged the thought away and went back to watching.


    Silvi gentlyid the cut of meat on a tray and began seasoning it. She also did some weird knife work with the cut. Derek was unsure what it would do, but he wasnt a cook. Finally, she tested the dragon fire.


    The first test couldnt have gone how she had nned. It sure surprised Derek and the others that had turned their attention to his chef bunny. She wouldnt dare cook with a new skill before testing it out, so she had hopped away and turned her head toward the sky.


    What came next was a stream of dragon fire so powerful that it made Derek think back to the wyvern fire from the ones he had fought. No, it may have been even stronger. That was the power of having such a high intelligence stat.


    Luckily, the skill didnt seem like it was all or nothing, and Silvi quickly got a handle on it and began adjusting it. After a while, the me only seemed like a mini methrower. It shot out only about six feet from Silvi, and it wasnt near as big. Derek still couldnt get the image of such a small creature producing a me that was so many times bigger than herself out of his head.


    Finally, she moved back to the seasoned drake meat and held it out in front of her with what Derek could only assume was Telekinesis. Next, she let the me rip and gently brought the meat to it. She didnt let the cut touch the me directlyshe kept it a small distance away. The meat slowly rotated in the air.


    Before long, the smell wafted over to Derek, and he couldnt keep his mouth from watering. Such a simple roasting process, and yet it produced such a delicious smell. Some timeter, the me disappeared, and the meat floated over to the tray and rested.


    Soon enough, Silvi, with the tray floating above her, hopped back over to Derek and ced it on the ground between the two of them. The juicy meat was already cut up and ready to eat. Ready? he asked her out loud.


    Without a reply, a piece of the meat floated toward Silvi, and she tore into it. Derek took that as his cue and grabbed a piece before tossing it into his mouth. The lightly seasoned drake meat was sulent and tender, and Derek yearned for another piece as soon as he swallowed the first.


    When he looked up, he saw that Silvi was already a quarter of the way finished with the meat, so he hurriedly took another. The culmination of dragon fire and Silvis culinary prowess had resulted in something of a masterpiece. It was so simple, but so good. Instantly, he knew he made the correct decision to give Silvi the skill.


    When they finished eating, Derek looked up. It seemed that the previous gazes of anger and reluctance from his party members had changed to ones of jealousy. He could only chuckle. The simple recipe was enough to give him a decently sized boost in stamina regeneration. Few foods could do such a thing.


    Derek held himself back fromughing at the bunch. It must have been torture on them. Even Tyron was looking over with some envy. <em>Mypanion is better than yours, </em>he thought, and most definitely meant it.


    <em>Dragon Fire gives very nice vor,</em><em> </em>Silvi sent as she cleaned the tray and put it away before hopping back atop Dereks head. <em>We need more wisdom. Fire hard to control.</em><em></em>


    <em>Its the next thing I n on increasing, </em>he said back.


    Silvi didnt bother to reply, and the two of them slipped back into meditation. A few hourster and the trial orb became active. Avery and the others were finally back.

 Chapter 319: Kind of a Big Deal

    Chapter 319: Kind of a Big Deal


    The trial orb glowed brightly before spitting the seven people who went in out. Well, the seven people and the massive creature that was Lyra. Derek did an extra count to make sure that everyone who went in made it out alive, and was relieved to find that they were all there. Actually, none of them, except for maybe Walter, looked any the worse for wear.


    Victor was wearing a constipated look, but Derek couldnt know if that was because he was annoyed at the trial, pissed off about his cousins death, or if that was just his normal because its Tuesday look. Honestly, it was probably thetter.


    What took so long? Derek asked from behind them. Im pretty sure Edgar sent you in because he thought you would make it quick.


    Avery rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment. Well it turns out that giant amphithere arent great in tower trialsespecially when one of the floors turns out to be very small. That was the fifth floor. We ended up having to leave Lyra there while we finished the rest of the tower. Avery looked a little annoyed at that.


    Derek shook his head. Of all the things he would have thought of, being too big to climb the tower wasnt the one he expected. But he shrugged and walked over to the sixth and final trial orb and ced his hand on it. Soon, he pulled up the information about the trial.


    Dungeon Trial


    Trial Type


    Elimination/Survival


    Participants


    10


    Trial Difficulty


    Epic


    Please Select Participants


    0/10


    Hey, wheres Edgar? Avery asked as he walked over to Derek.


    Well talk about thatter. Dont worry about it, Derek replied as he manually selected the members he was choosing to enter the trial with him.


    Soon, the next message popped up.


    You have been selected for a Dungeon Trial.


    Trial Type


    Elimination/Survival


    Participants


    10


    Trial Difficulty


    Epic


    Participants Selected


    Derek Hunt: Level ???


    Avery Swan: Level 250


    Jasper Ross: Level 250


    Shae Holmes: Level 250


    Cain Ibarra: Level 250


    Victor Greend: Level 250


    Tyron cksteel: Level ???


    Vanessa Hodges: Level 250


    Tara Perez: Level 250


    Walter Searidge: Level 250


    Confirm Entry: Yes/No


    Derek quickly confirmed his own entry, then looked out at everyone. Hurry up. We aint got all day.


    There was a reason he picked who he didwell, a reason other than only tant favoritism. He truly believed the team would be able to take care of anything. First, he picked everyone who had apanion, which would add even more support. Because of that, he included Jasper in his list.


    Most of the others spoke for themselves. Tara was the best support member in the party. Victor just happened to be there, and Derek knew he was at least a really strong earth mage, and Walter well, Walter was pure favoritism. He wanted the old man to have the reward for another trial, even though he just finished one. Elena probably would have been the better choice for a second healer, and he didnt have any problems with her, but she had run three trials already. Walter only had two.


    Derek actually looked forward to seeing Shae battle after the man reached level 250. It had been a whilenot since their spar back in Savannah. How well would Thomass trainer fight now?


    I said hurry up, Derek called out again. Everyone quickly went along with himwho wouldnt want the extra rewards from a trial? Victor frowned, and was thest person to not ready up, but those same thoughts soon must have crossed his mind as well, because it didnt take long until he confirmed his entry.


    With no more words, the glowing white light of the trial orb passed over them all, and they soon vanished. When Derek opened his eyes, he found himself standing in the middle of an open in. There were a few small hills, but it was mostly t for as far as his eyes could see.


    So, what was all that about? Avery stepped beside him and asked.


    Edgar left with an escape scroll to go help protect Savannah. He left me in charge. I decided it was best to move quickly and stop wasting time, Derek replied.


    Are you going to exin how shes here? Avery asked, his eyes looking at Dereks shoulder, where Silvi was currently sitting.


    Derek shrugged. New skill. Silvi wanted to know if it was okay to eat the elf she killed, so she came to ask. Then, she saw the dragonkin and decided she wanted to gather some more ingredients. Pretty basic stuff.


    Yeah basic Avery shrugged and walked back over to Lyra.


    <em>Winged noodle!</em><em> </em>Silvis childlike voice rang out in Dereks mind in glee. <em>I bet that tastes good!</em><em> </em>


    <em>No eating Lyra, </em>Derek said. <em>She</em><em>s Averys bondedpanion. </em>


    <em>Thats no fun. </em>


    <em>Who knows? You may find something good in this dungeon. Thest one that had survival as one of the conditions brought a ton of dragonkin. We may get lucky again. </em>Derek exined. Then, the trial notification appeared.


    Trial #6


    Eliminate all the beasts or survive for ten days.


    Beasts Remaining: 2,500


    Time Remaining: 9 Days 23 Hours 45 Seconds


    <em>Huh</em><em> isnt this basically the same trial that I did before? Only with beasts and no champions? Well I guess it is only epic ranked, so I shouldnt be expecting too much. Though, 2,500 beasts sure does seem like a lot. </em>


    Before Derek could think of anything else, a blinding sh emanated from all around him and his team. Far off in the distance of each direction, masses of monsters began spawning in.


    Is that a Griffin? Derek heard Avery mutter to himself. Dereks own eyes followed where Avery was looking, and he got a good look at what the man was talking about.


    In the lead of a group ofrge feline-like monsters with yellow coats that seemed to be crackling in electricity, there was a massive griffin with feathers that looked like they were constantly shifting colorfrom blue to white as the clouds passed overhead, like its color was mimicking the sky.


    The beast didnt have anything on Lyra, but it was quite a spectacle seeing such a mythical beast in the flesh, especially since Derek would have thought it to have been legendary ranked, and not epic. But Derek was more focused on the Thunder Lynx being led by the griffin.


    There had to be about five hundred of them. The massive amount of lighting they were generating cause Dereks hairs to stand, literally.


    Derek did a quick one-eighty to get a sense of what they were dealing with, and to use Identify on everything he could. The griffin was called a Zephyr Griffin. On the opposite side of the griffin, there was arge group of Astral Vipers being led by a Nether Wyrm.


    It seemed that Silvi would get her wish and be able to use her Cook What You Kill skill on her very own noodle. She would be a very happy bunny. In fact, he could hear her heart loudly pounding next to his ear. She was just waiting for the start of the battle.


    It seemed that each army had a mini-champion. There were the Zephyr Griffin, Nether Wyrm, Terra Stag, Crystal Basilisk, and Frost Warg leading armies of Thunder Lynx, Astral Vipers, Vortex Drifters, floating octopus-like creatures, ze Skitters, six legged insect-like creatures covered in mes, and Tide Trudgers, frog-like creatures carrying heavy shells on their backs and controlling the water in the air.


    If Derek had to pick which army he liked the least, it would be the insect hey just gave him the creeps. However, if he had to pick which army hed have the easiest time against, he would probably also choose the insect one. They were creepy, but small. And he had no doubt that the embers on the wouldnt be able to even leave a mark on his new armor.


    Avery, you and Lyra take to the sky and take out that griffin and the lynx that its leading. Tyron, you and Rocky take a run at those frog things. They look like they have to stay on the ground, so you should be good. Victor, you and Walter go after those insects. I know you have some offensive water abilities. They shoulde in handy against those mes. Vanessa, youre on seafood duty, the octopi are yours. Cain, Shae the two of you go and see what you can do about those snakes.


    Jasper, you and Tara stay here in the middle with your bonded drake to support you. If things get bad, shoot me a telepathic message and Ille with my prison. I dont want to use it unless I have to. Silvi and I are going to go after the leaders first, then well go help whoever needs it. Everyone got it? Derek finished hismands.


    Whos Silvi? Victor Greend asked with doubt in his voice.


    Derek pointed to the bunny resting on his shoulder. This is Silvi, my bondedpanion. You dont have to worry about her.


    Victor snorted. A fucking bunny. Pathetic


    A hint of anger roared to life in Dereks eyes, but he only looked at the elf with a menacing grin. Silvi, go get your noodle.


    In an instant, Silvi disappeared from Dereks shoulder and reappeared far in the distance beside the Nether Wyrm and the Astral Vipers. From where Derek was standing, she was nothing more than a small dot. Derek squinted his eyes and tried to watch, but all he saw was a couple shes of purple, then the Nether Wyrm disappeared. In the next instant, Silvi appeared above Derek, thennded on his shoulder.


    She faced Victor with a smug look on her face. Derek looked at the elf, who seemed to be frowning. Well, what do you think?


    About what? She can disappear for a second? Big deal. At that time, Avery tapped Victor on his shoulder and the turn to face him. What?


    Avery pointed to where the wyrm was. You see over there? Where all those snakes are? he asked.


    What of it?


    Do you see anything missing? Avery asked with a slight smile.


    Victor squinted. The wyrm, where did it go?


    At that moment, Silvi disappeared again, but this time appeared just out of the way of everyone. Then, the now dead Nether Wyrm appeared on the ground below her and shended on it before looking at Victor and cutely tilting her head.


    Yeah, so she really is kind of a big deal. Avery patted Victor on his back, then jumped onto Lyra. Were off, he said. Dont die. Then, with a single thrust of her wings, Lyra and Avery shot into the air and made a beeline straight for the Zephyr Griffen and its army.


    Yeah. Im kind of a big deal, Silvis feminine, childlike voice rang out from hermunication crystal on her cor. And now I have a noodle.


    So, like I said. Silvi and I will take care of the leaders, then jump in and help where we can. Any objections? No? Good. Lets get to it!

 Chapter 320: Fight!

    Chapter 320: Fight!


    The Nether Wyrm beneath Silvi disappeared back into her storage ring, and she disappeared. Derek wasnt about to let herpletely outshine him in such a fight, so he also used Silvis Active Void Shift and moved toward his own target.


    Of course, Dereks opponent that was chosen for him ended up being the Crystal Basilisk. Avery would deal with the griffin, and Silvi had already dealt with the wyrm. She was now on her way to the Terra Stag. It wasnt hard to guess why she chose the stag as her next opponent. It did look like it would have the tastiest meat out of the bunch.


    The Crystal Basilisk was a gigantic lizard-like beast with a body made from sparkling, razor-sharp crystals. Derek would put the beast at the highest threat level out of the bunch because of its hardened defense and what was probably a fantastic physical offensedepending on how the crystals were used.


    When Derek reappeared above the Crystal Basilisk, it seemed that it was already ready for him. The quick death of the wyrm must have put the generals on high alert. As soon as he appeared, the light reflecting off the basilisks crystals formed into what seemed like aser beam and sted directly at him. Along with theser, multiple crystals broke from it and began swirling around in the air.


    Soon, the crystals stopped and directed all the light back at the ground. To Dereks surprise, multiple Crystal Basilisks appeared where the lights hit. While attacking, the basilisk had created multiple illusion copies of itself.


    Derek held his arms up in a cross pattern and directly took the blow of theser. He had yet to receive the gauntlet part of his armor, so he took the full brunt of the damage on his naked forearms. It was hot. Theser burned into his arms, and his skin darkened and steam flowed off, but other than some light second-degree burns that would heal as soon as the beam moved, it didnt do much.


    With his arms still crossed, he focused on Harbinger, and the ive appearedgrasped in his right hand. The three other copies of the basilisk begin firing their ownsers at Derek at that time. At first he was surprised that they were able to attack, but then he realized that even illusions could reflect and concentrate sunlight.


    Unfortunately for the basilisk, he had begun pumping void energy into Harbinger as soon as he summoned it. When around a third of the maximum amount of energy he could channel into it was channeled, he kicked off the void with Void Steps.


    He changed his directions multiple times on his way down, avoid the beams of light, which were quite sluggish and couldnt keep up with a target moving at his speed, even if he wasnt the fastest person. With Harbinger gripped in both hands and a giant, near transparent image of the de ovepping it, he swung down on the lizards golf cart sized head and activated Multi-Strike just before the de hit.


    The end of his dended directly on one of the crystals covering the basilisks forehead. When the de hit, it bit into the crystal a small amount, then, the force of the Multi-Strike hit behind it, and the crystal protecting the basilisks head spider-webbed then shattered. Of course, that wasnt the true damage of Dereks strike.


    The ovepping image of the projected void energy had continued on into the beasts head instead of stopping along with the weapon itself. It was Dereks first real time using everything in a setting where he could actually see things happen before his eyes. He didnt count the giant whale because of its massive size and the odd way he had to use Harbinger to deal with it.


    With the Crystal Basilisk, he got to see everything happen close up. As the projected de disappeared into the skull of the beast, the basilisk went still. Next, the beasts ser ball-like eyes began to fill with a crimson hue. Then, the illusions of the basilisks surrounding the real one faded, causing the crystals that formed them to fall out of the air and plummet to the ground, shattering on impact after losing their magical hardness.


    Finally, the bus-sized creature went limp and fell to the ground. With one of his mostly empty storage rings, Derek collected the corpse of the beast and jumped into the air with Void Steps before scanning the battlefield. In the short minutes that his fight took, the entire area had turned to chaos.


    Silvi was just too tough to be stopped. She had somehow already taken out the stag, and was fighting with the Frost Warg that was leading the octopus-like creatures. To his surprise, the ice-covered wolf was holding its own quite well against hispanion.


    The wolf was throwing up ice shields as faster than was visible to Dereks eyes, and ice shards chased Silvi through the air. Derek couldnt tell if his chef bunny was having fun in the battle or getting fed up that her Void Lightning skill was being so effectively blocked. But he soon found outshe was definitely getting annoyed.


    In the next instant, Silvi appeared dozens of feet in the air above the warg. Then, her little mouth opened, and a wave of heat poured out before she rained down Dragon Fire from above. In that instant, Derek actually felt bad for the Frost Warg. The creatures entire body had been made out of ice. Now it was met with such a devastating fire attackhe could only shutter at the thought of what the beast was feeling.


    Obviously, Silvi didnt have any qualms about finishing the warg off like this. Since it was made of pure ice, there was no meat or ingredients for Silvi to harvest after the fight. Maybe the water from the ice melting would have been good to use in cooking, but Derek doubted they would find out. He could only imagine what the Dragon Fire skill would be like once it got a few more levels into it.


    The waves of heat sted off the ground and even spilled out onto the battlefield with the Vortex Drifters, swallowing them whole in the destruction of the mes. Derek and Silvi both knew at the same time that the warg was finished, because they both received the notification, which Derek proceeded to swipe away without checking.


    After the notification came and went, the mes slowly retreated. Once the mes hadpletely disappeared, Derek looked at where the Frost Warg had been standing. All that was left was a small puddle of water that hadnt quite been vaporized yet.


    The mes had taken a lot out of hispanion. In the next instant, Silvi teleported over to where Jasper and Tara were and sat still in meditation. Derek wondered exactly how much of her mana pool had been used in the attack, but felt hed already spent too much time watching her battle, and didnt bother checking her status.


    Instead, he turned his head to the rest of the battlefield. Walter and Victor were doing quite well against the ming bugs. Walter didnt have much in the way of offense, but he was directing waves of water at them, which nullified their me. Then Victor woulde in and crush them with his own earth based skills.


    Vanessa was hidden in the shadows somewhere and had only started acting again once Silvis Dragon me died down. Derek was d she hadnt gotten caught in the fire while she was fighting the octopi. Derek watched as dozens of shadows burst out of the ground and either rooted or skewered the Vortex Drifters through their middle.


    Seeing that Neither Vanessa nor Walter and Victor needed any help, Derek turned his sights to Tyron and Rocky. Those two were fighting the frog-like Tide Trudgers just below him. And, if Vanessa, Walter, and Victor were doing well enough to not need any assistance, then Tyron and Rocky were doing even better. Rocky had shifted from his tiny noodle form to an even bigger noodle form than he first appeared.


    He was thrashing about, ttening and squashing frog after frogasionally snatching one up and gobbling it down whole. Tyron, on the other hand, was much more calm in his approach. He had his hammer formed into a massive weapon, and was casually going in behind Rocky and taking care of any stragglers. The two worked like a well-oiled machine, and Tyron wasnt even straining himself yet.


    The two Adventure Guild Masters were also holding their own against the snakes. Though, Derek could see that the fight there would be the first one he was going to have to intervene in. Those snakes were weird. Each one seemed to have the ability to slip in and out of existence.


    With one strike, Shae would pierce directly into the brain of a viper, putting it down for good, but the next strike, his spear would go straight through the head and he would have to do everything he could to dodge the iing counterattack from the snake.


    Also, Cain was raining down every basic element he could, but they all seemed to work just about as well as the other, and when the snake was in what Derek wanted to call its astral form, not even the elemental attacks could hit it.


    On the bright side, the snakes didnt seem overwhelmingly strong in their attackswhich is what was keeping the two Guild Masters in the fight. The duo had fallen into a rhythm. Shae protected the ss cannon Elementalist from any snakes that came close, and the Elementalist chose whatever skill could do the most area damage to the highest number of snakes possible.


    Derek did see a couple of snakes manage to get through Shaes attacks and bite him. In return, Shaes movement slowed, and he had to shake himself out of a daze before continuing on. It wasnt enough to cause major harm to them, but it did disrupt their rhythm. Derek nned on heading that way soon, but first, he wanted to see how well Avery and Lyra were doing.


    They were doing fine? The griffin was nowhere to be found, but they were struggling with the mass amount of electric felines. Avery and Lyra both had the same problem in a fight that he and Silvi had well, Silvi and Derek used to have before she became able to emit massive amounts of me. Derek was okay at group battles because of his Sweeping sh, but they were still a weakness.


    They were great in one-on-one situations, but neither had any real area of effect skills that worked onrge groups of beasts. The reason Derek said that they were fine was because both the archer and his dragon had taken to the air and were pelting the Thunder Lynx with attacks. Each destructive arrow and each mind st took out a single feline, but there were just a ton of them.


    The duo dodged the lightning bolts shooting up from the ground at them easily enough, but they were slow in halting the charge of the beasts. The Thunder Lynx were the closest army to where Jasper and Tara were in the middle of the battlefield.


    Before Derek made his decision on who to go help, Silvi appeared on his shoulder. With her back in the game, it wouldnt matter which way he went, she could go the other. <em>I</em><em>m going to go help Avery. You go</em>


    <em>Get some octopus for some good seafood dishes? </em>she asked.


    <em>No, you gowell</em><em> it has been a while since Ive had Takoyaki. Go ahead. Just watch those snakes and Shae, and if it starts looking bad, Active Void Shift over and give them some help, </em>Derek replied. He couldnt believe he was getting caught up in Silvis shenanigans, but after eating that dragon steak, he was all for some more delicious cooking.


    <em>Got it,</em><em> </em>Silvi said, then disappeared off his shoulder.


    With that, and with all the army leaders out ofmission, Derek and Silvi jumped back into the battle.

 Chapter 321: Meatshield

    Chapter 321: Meatshield


    Without looking back, Derek Active Void Shifted directly in front of the army of Thunder Lynx, taking them from surprise. From behind, the group of cat-like creatures were falling one by one at a pretty rapid pace due to Avery and Lyras attack, but they had still made it closer to the middle than any of the other groups of monsters.


    When the lynx noticed his appearance, they shifted all their attention to him. They all seemed to have the same idea at once, and collectively, they let out growls, and lightning shot up, then down directly at him. Avery and Lyra were staying high enough in the air to dodge any lightning attack easily, but, being this close, that exact strategy wasnt doable for Derek.


    Instead, he leaned on Active Void Shift once again and shifted into the middle of the pack before channeling the void through one of his Sweeping shes and striking out. The mass of lightningnded harmlessly on the ground in front of the mob as Harbinger connected with multiple Lynxsplitting them in half. Then, the energy arc reached those cats even further in and bisected them. Finally, the channeled void reached even further, and more lynx fell over deadnot even knowing what hit them.


    In a single moment, Derek counted that he had rid the area of at least twenty lynx. Now, however, his Sweeping sh skill was on cooldown, just as his Multi-Strike had been before the attack even. So, he shifted back to the front of the army and began his one by one ughter.


    While keeping the void channeled through Harbinger, he was still able to take out a couple lynx at a time because of the density of the groupthe lynx were fighting shoulder to shoulder, or paw to paw. He also experimented with Void Lightning Bolt.


    It wasnt easy casting it at the same time as he channeled the void through Harbinger, but it got easier as time went on. Soon, he was able to do both simultaneously without thinking about it. <em>I really am going to have to increase my wisdom to keep up with intelligence. </em>He already noted that using the skill inbination with his ive would have gone much smoother with an increase in the wisdom stat.


    After battling at the front line for a bit, his Sweeping sh and Multi-Strike were off of cooldown. He didnt instantly use his go tobo, though. Instead, he began intensely channeling his void energy into Harbingerhe wanted to release the biggest sh he could once in battle.


    Soon, the projection of the ovepping ive grew clearer and less transparent. After a bit, the image lookedpletely tangible. Then he pushed his energy into it hard. The ovepping image grew and grew until he felt the strain on both himself and Harbingerhe knew it was finally ready.


    A multitude of lightning strikes fell on Derek, but they caused nothing more than the feeling of dozens of wasp stings that went just as fast as they appeared. With the pain and suffering Derek had gone through before, a few wasp stings were nothing. He was, however, thankful that the lightning stopped skin deep and didnt run through his system, causing paralysisthat was his only concern when he decided to tank the attacks so he wouldnt have to disrupt his charging by dodging.


    Standing at the front of the army of Thunder Lynx and unleashing his most potent area of effect skill caused massive damage to them. The few lynx that his ive and the energy arc from Sweeping sh and Multi-Strike had killed were nothingpared to the devastating effect the void arc caused. The arc was bigger and shot further into the crowd of beasts than ever before.


    And because of thepounding effect of Multi-Strike, there was no dy of when the arc hit the beast and when the beast died. This also caused the arc tost longer before going transparent and fading away. When all was said and done, Derek was standing on the battlefield and there wasnt an moving, living lynx within a hundred or more feet from him.


    The destructive hit had also caused a lull in the battle. Even the lynx that werent hit by his attack had paused to look at the destruction. The only thing or person in the current battle against the lynx that hadnt slowed was Avery. Lyra was hovering above the army, but otherwise still, looking down on Derek. Avery, with his dragon wings, continued to flutter about, raining arrows on the group from behind.


    After giving the battle one more look, Derek decided that he had done more than enough to help Avery and Lyra. With well over a hundred lynx to his credit, they wouldnt have a problem picking the remaining ones off.


    Now, he decided to shift his attention to Silvi and her quest for seafood. The view of that battle ended up being quiteical. It seemed that Vanessa had taken it as somewhat of a challenge to not let Silvi out do her. Silvi and Vanessa were hitting the floating octopi in a sort of pincer attack. Derek watched a bit of the battle, amused.


    Vanessa was winning the battle of kills handedly, but Silvi was no slouch. Plus, what made things even more funny was that each time Derek saw a sh from Silvis side, he saw one of the Vortex Drifters disappear. She was carefully collecting each octopus she killed, and she was using Void Lightning to kill each one with the least amount of damage possible. She wanted her seafood pristine for cookingter.


    Derek rolled his eyes and looked over to where Shae and Cain were fighting. They were still having a hard time against the Astral Vipers. It also seemed that Shae had taken more wounds than he had before Derek left to help Avery contain the lynx. So, with his decision made for him, he shifted into the void and reappeared next to Shae on their battlefield.


    Having some trouble here? Derek asked.


    Shae nearly jumped out of his shoes as he shot a quick nce at Derek before calming himself. These bastards have some kind of incorporeal body skill. Only about one of every three attacks I make actuallynds.


    I saw that, Derek said. The Astral Vipers were small creatureswell, smallpared to the rest of the beasts on the battlefield. They were about six feet in length and a little bigger than his forearm around. If the grass was any higher, or if they were green instead of a blueish color, it would make it difficult to even see them. Any tips? Derek asked as he prepared his ive.


    A viper struck forward at Shae at that time, passing through his spear in the process. Just before the snake reached the mans body, Shae snatched it out of the air, choked up on his spear, and stabbed it. Yeah, they have to be corporeal in order to cause us any damage. So they tend to reform just as their attack is about tond. Thats how Ive killed most of the ones I have. Though I missed a few of them in the beginning. Shae pointed at the few bite marks that hadnt yet healed.


    Whats the damage like? Derek asked as he shed out with his void channeled Harbinger.


    Minimal, Shae replied. It would take a swarm of them all at once to cause any real damage to someone with a good amount of endurance and vitality. The problem is the effect the bite causes.


    Oh? Derek said. He watched as his void channeled strike cut one snake in half, then watched hopefully as the near invisible void projection passed through one of the incorporeal vipers. Shae watched as well. He was the only person who had really experienced Dereks void attack personally, so he had an inkling of how it worked. Unfortunately, the void passed through the snake and caused no harm to it.


    Derek clicked his tongue in disappointment. I really thought that would work.


    I had hoped, Shae agreed but continued to exin about the snakes attack. Anyway, the bite sends your mind wandering. Its like it projects you into another ce, almost like an out of the body experience. Basically, it gives you mass hallucinations. But it seems that the more times you get bitten, the less it works. I was only gone for a few seconds thest time I was bitten. The first two times, Cain had to step in to keep me from being overwhelmed.


    Speaking of Cain, he was still raining down spells. Fire seemed to be the one he settled on after testing everything out. If the grass caught fire, then even when the snakes became corporeal once again, it could still manage to hurt them a bit.


    Thats interesting, Derek said. He then caught a snake that was about to hit his jugr and brought its fangs to his uncovered hand. The snake bit down, but its fangs were barely able to pass through his skin. He felt a slight tug on his brain, but that was it. It wasnt anywhere near close to nah actively trying to control him. He nodded, then sent a small Void Lightning Bolt through the snakes brain. That was disappointing, he said. His health had decreased maybe a hundred points before recovering instantly.


    Either his pretty high wisdom stat or his extremely high intelligence stat had caused the venom to be ineffective on himthat, or his willpower blocked it just as it had blocked nahs skill. <em>Though, I guess this attack may actually be pretty good. My wisdom stat has broken through the 1,000 point threshold since thest time I</em><em>ve been hit with any mind type skills.</em>


    Derek dropped the snake onto the ground, then sighed. This is going to be a pain in the ass.


    What is? Shae asked.


    Its going to take forever to kill all these things in a reasonable amount of time, Derek said. So, youre going to need to kill them as they attack me.


    What?


    Well, Im going to stand still. They are going to bite me. When theyre in their physical forms, take them out. Easy peasy, he exined.


    But, what about the Shae shook his head and stopped. No, I guess that wont be a problem for you, will it? Your skins almost impervious to their bites, and you didnt even lose yourself for a second.


    Exactly, Derek said, then walked forward. Plus, they cant even bite through my armor. But try to keep them off my head if at all possible. I wont be able to move quick enough to do much. Derek activated Greater Meditation as snake after snakeunched at him. He covered his face and parts of his neck with his hands and forearms. Youre buying me a drink when we get back, he said, muffled.


    Hah, you wish! Derek felt gusts of wind caused by Shaes spear passing by him. Even with as much time thats passed while in this dungeon, Judy wont have forgotten what happened thest time we went for a drink. Why do you think I jumped at the opportunity to go on this raid? She needed some time to cool down.


    Fine, Derek said. Drinks are on me. Maybe Roman will have something good cooked up by the time we get back.


    Now thats more like it, Shae said, and Derek swore the mans speed increased twofold. He had to have been holding back before. Its a promise!


    Derek was really putting his old Achievement to use now. He was back to being a proper meatshield.

 Chapter 322: Breakthroughs

    Chapter 322: Breakthroughs


    The fighting still ended upsting longer than Derek would have liked. This wasnt because of the strength of the enemies, but more because of the elusiveness of the insect creatures and the snakes. As it turned out, the insects, even though they were fire based monsters, were very good at staying alive underground.


    So, because Victor had trapped countless of them under the earth, he had to slowly sense their movements and crush them one by one once all the surface monsters were taken care of. As for the Astral Vipers, those were justplete pains in the ass. Even after all other beasts were taken care of, the Astral Vipers subsisted. At the end, the entire group was all fighting the viperschasing down any stragglers and putting an end to them. Even Lyras mind sts didnt work when they were in what Derek came to call their astral form.


    That took even more time on top of the hours they had already spent fighting. Then, to top it all off, Shae had decided to take the final Astral Viper as apanion, which took another chunk of time. He wasnt sure yet if he wanted to bond with it, but he seemed to like the beast.


    Finally, once all the monsters were dead and gone, which they were able to know for sure because of the monster counter in the trial notification window, they had to wait until a trial timer counted down. Which turned out to be what was left of the day.


    During that time, Derek tabbed through all the notifications hed received during the battle. All the kill experience was considered shared experience. This was mostly because of the buffs that had been cast on him and Silvi, but some of the kills he obtained were split more than just two ways. He could tell that because of therge differences in the amounts of experience he received for kills.


    Finally, he swiped away the kill and level notifications and viewed his new and improved stat sheet.


    Status


    Personal Information


    Name:


    Age:


    Level:


    Experience:


    ss:


    Race:


    Derek Hunt


    30


    222


    885,684,550,000/1,180,000,000,000


    Void Monarch (Mythical)


    Human (Void)


    Health:


    Mana:


    Stamina:


    37625


    15465


    37625


    Stats


    Strength


    Dexterity


    Endurance


    Vitality


    Intelligence


    Wisdom


    Stat Points Remaining


    1000


    1000


    1505


    1505


    1500


    1031


    700


    Contracts


    nah Swan (Crown Restaurant)


    Silvi (Bonded Beast)


    Ste Brighton (Crown Restaurant)


    Francesco Jobs (Torith Adventurers Guild)


    Rudolph Mckinney


    Natalie Savannah via Malorie Stewart


    View Contract


    View Status


    View Contract


    View Contract


    View Contract


    Contract Unavable


    Skills


    Absolute Nullify Lv. 12, Bare Fist Specialty Lv. 1(View Upgrades), Basic Repair Lv. 1, Chain Lightning Lv. 14, Channel Void Lv. 20, Cleaning Lv. 9, Cure Toxin Lv. 10, Dismantle Lv. 12, Enhanced Movement Speed Lv. 2, Greater Meditation Lv. 11, Identify Lv. 18, Magic Resistance Lv. 20, Multi-Strike Lv. 16, Physical Resistance Lv. 20, Polearm Specialty Lv. 2 (Voids Harbinger), Rejuvenation Lv. 17, Sweeping sh Lv. 20, Telepathy Lv. 8, Time Prison Lv. 14, Void Call Lv. 4, Void Creation Lv. N/A, Void Sense Lv. 20, Void Shift Lv. 10, Void Steps Lv. 14, Void Storage Lv. N/A, Void Travel Lv. N/A


    Skill Points Remaining: 15


    Skill Upgrade Points Remaining: 0


    Shared Skills from Companion: Active Void Shift Lv. 10, Void Lightning Bolt Lv. 10


    Skills Shared to Companion: Void Sense Lv. 10, Void Travel Lv. N/A


    Skills Avable to Share: Absolute Nullify Lv. 10, Channel Void Lv. 10, Time Prison Lv. 10, Void Call Lv. 4, Void Sense Lv. 10, Void Shift Lv. 10, Void Steps Lv. 10, Void Storage Lv. N/A, Void Travel Lv. N/A


    Achievements


    Greater Giant yer, Jack of All, Lesser Dungeon Explorer, Lesser Dungeon Traveler, Lesser Enigma, Lesser Enforcer of Oaths, Repetitive Dungeoneer, Minor yer of the Unknown, Solo Diver, Magical ss Cannon, Meat Shield, Lesser Explorer, Offensive Powerhouse, The Bigger They Are


    Derek ignored his stats for now and focused on his skill levels. He had received a single level in Greater Meditation, a level in Identify, two levels in Multi-Strike, one level in Polearm Speciality, a level in Rejuvenation, a level in Telepathy, and a level in Void Steps.


    Out of all of that, Derek was most pleased about receiving a level in his Polearm Speciality skill. It wasnt an easy skill to level up, after all. Plus, each level he got in the skill, the closer he was to unlocking a new upgrade for Harbinger. He figured the next upgrade woulde at level 5.


    As for everything else, it all made sense. He used Greater Meditation while he was acting as a meatshield against the Astral Vipers, he used Multi-Strike every time it was off cooldown, he constantly used Void Steps, and he had even healed himself a few times with Rejuvenation throughout the battle, even though he didnt really need it. On top of that, Identify had leveled after using the skill on all the different types of monsters, and he talked with people via Telepathy while he was tied up with the Astral Vipers.


    Finally, after going through all of his skill levelswhich he found to be pretty good for a single battlehe looked at his stats. He had earned a whopping 17 levels during the battle, and he had a decision to makenot a tough one because he knew exactly where he was putting his now 700 stat points, but whether he should do it now or wait untilter. He checked the time remaining on the mission, and seeing that there were still over six hours, he decided on not wasting the time.


    Derek stood from where he was sitting and walked over to Silvi. He had to stop her before she started making snake ramen because she would be affected by his stat increase, too. <em>Put all that away, we</em><em>re going to go get our wisdom up, </em>he sent to her, causing her to look up and give him what he could only consider was a scowl.


    <em>But I was just starting,</em><em> </em>she whined.


    <em>Yeah, that</em><em>s why Im here now, so you wont start yet. You can cook as much as you want while we wait for the dungeon timer to count down. Plus, with the wisdom increase, it should make everything easier, just like you wanted, </em>Derek replied.


    <em>Fine</em><em> </em>Silvi put away the giant pot and all the ingredients she was preparing and hopped onto Dereks shoulder.


    After that, Derek turned and looked at the rest of the party. Silvi and I need to go test some things. You all behave while were gone. Walter, youre in charge. Walter was the best choice for the short amount of time he was going to be gone. Avery was the strongest, but Derek could see a fight club forming if he left him in charge. Tyron could have been a good choice, but he was more focused on extracting materials from beasts for now.


    Wait! You think Victor started, but after receiving a re from Derek, he stopped.


    Yes, I do think, Derek said, then he vanished, followed by Silvi. He was using Active Void Shift to its fullest and pushing it as far as his Void Sense could take him. After ten shifts, he figured he was far enough away from the group to experience whatever the wisdom breakthrough would do to him. A few secondster, Silvi appeared beside him.


    <em>No fair!</em><em> </em>she sent to him. <em>You can go further with my skill. It</em><em>s no fair!</em>


    I may have a greater distance because of my Void Sense, but you are much more agile and quicker when using it because of your level with it. I still have to consciously pick out where I want to go. You seem to be able to do that instinctively, Derek said, not bothering to use their bond to speak. He much preferred to talk out loud.


    <em>Hmph, </em>he heard Silvi harrumph inside his head.


    Okay, Derek ignored her and said. We have 700 free stat points to spend. Were going to use 469 of them to increase our wisdom to 1500. Where do you want to put the rest? I say we spread the rest out evenly between strength and dexterity. What do you think?


    <em>Of course,</em><em> Silvi sent. Need to keep dexterity and strength the same. I dont want to be fat. </em>


    She was talking about the effect it would have if they were to lopsidedly invest into strength over dexterity. As for her getting fat, even though she was a Gluttonous Void Bunny, she hadnt gained any weight, even though she was constantly cooking and eating. In fact, he didnt know what possible side effects her race would have, so that was something he wanted to watch carefully.


    Well, thats sounds good to me. Are you ready? he asked and when Silvi agreed, he put the points into wisdom.


    Just like all the times before, there was a dy, then the pain came. Though, this time, the pain wasnt as bad as it had been previous times. It was actually about the same as when he took that poison potion back when he was testing potions for Roman.


    Basically, he felt a snap in his brain, then was flooded with enhanced senses and a massive headache. Everything was bright and loud, his head pounded, he felt like he was having a stroke. And at his level and ability, having a stroke was nothing at all to him.


    As he waited it out, he felt the speed at which the mana flowed through him increase, increasing the pain in his head, but also removing the sluggishness from the mana. After a couple minutes of everything, the pain began to fade and everything turned back to normalwell, enhanced, but normal.


    Everything seemed so much more clear. His thoughts flowed faster, and his senses were sharper. It felt like he had a better perception of the things around him. But the mana and the speed at which he could channel it was the true gain. He would no longer have to take attacks from enemies in order to charge Harbingerat least he wouldnt for near as long as before.


    He would have to test it out soon. Also, after this huge increase, his mana pool had finally caught up to his health pool and stamina pool. He would need to use Greater Meditation even less in the future. Derek looked at Silvi, and she looked back. She looked confused. He could understand what she was thinking.


    First, intelligence hadnt been terrible to go through, but he could write that off as his endurance and vitality making the density of the mana expanding in his body not hurt as bad. But wisdom was all magic. There wasnt any physical pain involvedeven though it sure felt physical. So endurance shouldnt have affected that. Derek shrugged. Maybe its our upgraded races, he said.


    He was about to speak again, but he was hit by a notification that he couldnt control.


    Congrattions!


    Four stats have reached. Error


    Requirement. Error


    Advanc Error


    System Interference


    And just like that, the system notification had disappeared just as fast as it had appeared. Its disappearance left Derek sitting, staring into space in stunned silence. <em>What the hell was that? </em>It wasnt the first time hed gotten errors in his messages.


    It first happened when the system was rewarding him forpleting the whale trial. Now, it had happened again, but this time had given him more of a clue. <em>What kind of system interference is it? Is it system interference from Earth</em><em>s system or is it from that weird other system? Obviously, I was receiving something for advancing four stats all the way to 1500, but something stopped it. </em>


    Derek frowned and continued sitting there, thinking. He wasnt angry, just disappointed with the Great System once again. Yet again it tried to reward him, but left him wanting. Fortunately, this time didnt hit as hard as the other times because he hadnt even known he was working toward anythingthough he had thought there might have been an Achievement or something for getting four stats to 1500. At least now he knew that there was something, just not what.


    He shrugged his disappointment away and divided his remaining stat points between strength and dexterity. Once again, he decided to put the things he had no control over to the back of his mind. He was sure that one day, hed figure everything out, but unfortunately, that day wouldnt be today.

 Chapter 323: One

    Chapter 323: One


    Derek took one final look at his stats once everything was said and done.


    Stats


    Strength


    Dexterity


    Endurance


    Vitality


    Intelligence


    Wisdom


    Stat Points Remaining


    1115


    1115


    1505


    1505


    1500


    1500


    1


    Happy with his current stats, he dismissed the window and looked at Silvi. That better? he asked.


    <em>Much,</em><em> </em>she replied.


    Alright, lets get back to the rest of the group. You can do some cooking while we wait for the dungeon timer to run down, Derek said.


    Without hesitation, Silvi disappeared from in front of him. Derek smiled and turned toward where the group was. In an instant, he was gone. He couldnt let Silvi beat him back now, could he?


    They got back pretty quickly after not being gone for long.


    Are the two of you finished with your super secret meeting? Avery asked with a smirk.


    Yeah, Derek said. We were just discussing who would get to eat some of Silvis cooking. It doesnt look like you made the cut.


    Avery rolled his eyes. I dont know how Ill ever survive. I guess Ill just have to wait and eat all that mediocre food from the Crown in the capital.


    The two joked back and forth for a bit, then everyone settled in. That was when Derek chose to fill everyone in on exactly what happened, since there was no longer a rush and there wasnt anything left for him to do but wait. They all took it quite well, and Walter even seemed pretty relieved that Edgar had rushed out like he had.


    While everyone was waiting to leave the trial, Silvi got to cooking as best she could without a stove and other appliances. Derek was hesitant to try the faux octopus, but when he finally did, it was delicious. He could see many different dishes being made out of it in the future, and he would definitely be urging Silvi to cook it in as many ways possible.


    Silvi was even nice to the rest of the group and gave everyone a piece of the octopusa single piece. It was enough to get everyone drooling over the rest, but she felt she had shared enough. After that, the same scene that took ce with the rest of the raid party happened. Though, this time, she chose not to give Derek an equal amount. She said she had fought hard and needed to refuel, and she didnt want to cook another of the creatures when she didnt have all her cooking tools with her.


    Finally, not long after Silvi finished up her food binge, the trial orb appeared. Everyone was excited to receive their reward, and Derek just wanted to get it over with so he could check on everyone he left in Savannah. So, Derek walked up to the orb and ce his hand on it. Then he received a notificationone he was not expecting.


    Trial Complete


    Assigning Rewards


    Assigning Rewards


    Error


    Assigning Rewards


    Error


    Unable to Assign Rewards


    System Interference...


    What the actual fuck!? Derek cursed out loud, causing the rest of the group to look at him curiously.


    Whats wrong? Avery walked up and ced his hand on Dereks shoulder. The rewards arent amazing, but for a trial that took us less than a day, or a day counting the trial timer, a few Skill Upgrade Points and free stat points are nothing to scoff at. Personally, I can use the extra stat points. In my position, theyre the best thing I can get.


    Wait, Derek said. You got rewards?


    Yes? Avery furrowed his brow. I received 20 stat points and 2 Skill Upgrade Points. Why? What did you get?


    Dereks frown deepened. The system had to be toying with him, right? First, there was the interference with the system was trying to reward him with something for his stat points, now this. He took a moment to think, then thought of the reward screen that popped up after fighting the whale. It also seemed to try to error out before rewarding him with an Achievement.


    Now he was wondering if that Achievement was even what he was supposed to get forpleting the trial. Hed spent so much time in this Trial Dungeon, now he wasnt even being rewarded for it. Everything seemed to be off since that third system appeared. First, he evolved like Silvi had when they first formed their bond. Then there were the cryptic notifications he received. Now, it seemed to be interfering with the Great System, but only when it came to him.


    <em>Did I do something to piss that other system off? Is it because I refused to break my bond with Silvi? </em>But none of the notification he got seemed to be angry. In fact, if anything, all the messages seemed to be in good spirit. <em>What did it say? It eagerly</em><em> no THEY eagerly awaited my future achievements.</em> And on top of everything else, there was also the weird requirement for advancement that he met that hadnt been given any further exnation.


    Derek Derek Are you okay? Avery stood, looking Derek in his eyesa worried expression on his face. Whats wrong? What is it?


    Derek broke out of his daydream and shook his head. Sorry about that, I was thinking. Somethings going on with he was going to say that something was going on with the system, but he stopped. He was under a forced system oath by that other system, and he didnt know what all would be considered a part of the oath. If it was why all the weird stuff was happening, then it was possible he would be breaking or at least bending the oath by talking even a little about it. Its nothing dont worry about it.


    <em>What about Silvi, though? </em>He thought. <em>With everyone else getting these free stat points, she</em><em>s sure to be curious about why I dont spend them. But we are bonded, and bonding supposedly connects the two souls together, or something like that. Maybe theres some wiggle room between us since were bonded, share stats, and we both went through the same evolution.</em>


    Speaking of Silvi, at that moment, she hopped onto Dereks shoulder and looked at him with her head slightly tilted. <em>What</em><em>s wrong? </em>


    Derek took in a deep breath, then let it out. <em>We didn</em><em>t get any rewards, </em>he sent through their connection, and was happy that he didnt feel anything indicating he was close to breaking his oath. He really didnt know much about itif there would be a warning or something when he was on the verge of breaking it, or if it would just happen.


    <em>No rewards? Why?</em><em> </em>Silvi asked.


    <em>I</em><em>m not sure, the system says that its unable to assign rewards, but that seems to be specific to me or us. I have no clue what that means, </em>he replied. <em>I think it has something to do with our evolution. But that</em><em>s all Imfortable saying right now.</em>


    <em>The evolution?</em><em> </em>Silvi asked. <em>The one caused by the messages not from the Great System?</em><em></em>


    Dereks eyes went wide. Of course, she had received messages from the same system he had. <em>Shh</em><em> </em>he tried to hush her thoughts. <em>Didn</em><em>t it make you take an oath? </em>


    <em>No, it made us take an oath. We are bonded, we are one, </em>she sent back, like it was the mostmon thing in the world.


    Derek let out a sigh of relief. If nothing else, he still had Silvi, and he was thankful for that. <em>I</em><em>m happy that youre here. </em>


    <em>I know, </em>Silvi replied smugly. <em>I make all the best food.</em><em> </em>


    <em>Yes, yes, you do. </em>Derek reached up and ran his hand through the fur on the back of Silvis head and gave her a little scratch. She shivered and shook a little in delight, and her foot even kicked his shoulder a bita kick that had enough force that it would probably dislocate the shoulder of anyone who hadnt made it through the first threshold in endurance. He mentally made a note to keep the pretty bunny away from children and weak adults.


    Thest thing he wanted was to be responsible for the loss of an arm because somebody helped Silvi scratch an itch. He shivered at the thought. He also decided that he needed to do better by Silvi. Sure, hed given her everythingwell, most thingsshe wanted in rtion to cooking, but he hadnt actually spent much time with her since they bonded.


    Thinking about it, he spent more time with her back when she was ying head-butt the human in the forest with the Undying Dungeon. That was before he got the beast contract before Silvi tried to make him her beastpanion and before he identally initiated a bond with her. <em>Yeah, we</em><em>re definitely spending more time together once we get out of this dungeon. Maybe I can pick up the general Cooking skill and she can teach me some stuff.</em>


    But no, he immediately nixed that idea. He remembered how she was after spending just a few weeks with those chefs back in Torith. It seemed she had grown out of that since her time away from them, but he couldnt help but wonder what it would be like working with her in the kitchen.


    So, are we just going to stand here, or are we going to get the fuck out of here? Victor said from behind everyone. I have to arrange a funeral when I get home, so I would appreciate it if you would stop spacing out and get us the hell out of this trial.


    Silvi shot Victor a re and the elven man shrunk back. With a smug snort, she turned back and faced forward.


    Derek couldnt keep a grin off his face. Ever since she dropped the wyrm in front of him, hed been pretty cautious around hispanion.


    Alright, is everybody ready to go? Have you all spent your stat points and whatnot? Derek asked. He was sure that every level 250 knew exactly where they would put any stat points if they ever obtained extra ones. Seeing everyone nod in agreement, Derek stepped forward. Here we go. Its time to finally get this thing over with.


    Derek walked forward and ced his hand on the trial orb once again. When the menu appeared asking to leave the trial, he selected yes. Finally, a bright light shed, and the party disappeared.

 Chapter 324: Countdown

    Chapter 324: Countdown


    The light dissipated, and Derek and his party reappeared in front of all the dungeon orbs. Everyone else looked at the returning group with different emotions ying on their faces. Some looked angry, some looked shocked, and some seemed to be content. However, the majority of them looked curious more than anythingand why wouldnt they be? Nobody learned of what the rewards were for the previous trial, and now another trial had beenpleted.


    Not only had another trial, the final trial, beenpleted, but it was another epic trial like the whale had been. With the amount of beasts, Derek could assume it was bordering on legendary, even. It was only moments before 19 of the 21 remaining members of the dungeon party were all gathered around.


    So? Elena Webb, the number one healer in the party, stepped forward. How was the trial? I actually expected you all toe back sooner.


    Derek liked Elena, and the only real reasons she hadnt been taken on thest trial with them was because Jasper had a drakepanion, and she had already been the healer on three of the six trials.


    We would have, Derek replied. It was kind of like the second trifter taking care of the enemies, we had to wait for the rest of the day to pass. We didnt have to wait too long, but still.


    And what of the rewards from it? she asked, drawing everyones attention to their conversation.


    Derek shrugged. Stat points and Skill Upgrade Points.


    Good rewards! she said.


    Again, Derek shrugged. He was still pretty bitter at not receiving the rewards that everyone else got. He had some theories bouncing around in his head, though, and he had some ways to test those theories. He just needed to get out of this dungeon and make sure Cydaria, but mostly his people, were no longer in danger.


    Are yall ready to get this over with? Derek half shouted at the group, so nobody had any difficulty hearing him. Seeing that nobody objected, and since their party had already recovered while waiting to leave the trial, he walked past the trial orbs and ced his hand on the bigger, now active dungeon orb. When his hand touched it, he received a notification.


    Dungeon Boss


    Boss Type


    Unknown


    Participants


    25


    Boss Difficulty


    Unknown


    Please Select Participants


    0/25


    Preparation Time Remaining: 1 Day 23 Hours 58 Minutes 27 Seconds


    <em>Now this is finally starting to look like a raid boss. </em>Derek smiled. When he first took up the task of going on the raid, a giant boss that required all members of the party to take down was what he imagined. It was what he had grown used to during his teen years when he yed a few popr video games.


    <em>Fuck the preparation time, </em>Derek thought as his eyes traced over it. He selected every remaining member of the raid party and tried to start it. Unfortunately, the dungeon wasnt having that, and he received a new notification.


    Dungeon Boss will activate in: 1 Day 23 Hours 58 Minutes 14 Seconds


    Please make preparations for dungeon boss. Dungeon boss will spawn in current zone.


    <em>Well, at least it doesn</em><em>t look like its the system trying to be a dick this time, </em>he thought. It was a bit too much time for him, but at least it would give everyone enough time to put away anything from their campanything they didnt want to get destroyed by the uing fight.


    Derek nodded and turned back to look at everyone.


    Okay. We have two days to prep for a dungeon boss. There isnt anymore information than that. Its difficulty and type is unknown. I would suggest resting for a day, then packing everything up. He gave his opinion, which may as well have been an order at the moment, to everyone. Youre wee to check the dungeon orb yourself.


    Derek let out a sigh and walked back to camp to find a good ce to rest. He was slightly exhausted mentally, so a break would be nice. Avery and Tyron fell in beside him. Seeing that he was finished with his announcements, everyone broke off to do their own thing.


    By the way, Derek said to Avery. I hadnt thought to ask until Elena asked about the trial rewards. What did you all get forpleting thest trial?


    Avery tilted his head, taking a bit after Silvi, then grinned. Well, it was only epic ranked, so the rewards werent as good as the dragon one, especially after being able to capture the dragonkin." Avery flexed his back, still proud of his dragon wings. "But they werent bad. We got some more potions and two Skill Upgrade Points each. Definitely nothing to scoff at.


    I see, Derek said. He might actually be the only person in the kingdom, or even on this entire, that wasnt desperate for stat points and Skill Upgrade Pointswell, some extra Skill Upgrade Points would have been extremely useful, but he still had more than enough levels remaining to hit the previous 1500 point cap on his stats. Unfortunately, if things were like he was thinking, he wouldnt have been able to receive the upgrade points, anyway.


    Derek found a nice clearing to wait out the timer and sat down. Avery fell in beside him, and Silvi went off to do a bit of cooking. She had decided not to overdo it without having proper ess to a kitchen and her herbs and spices. At the moment, the best she could do was some light spices that hadnt gone bad and meat.


    A couple of hourster, Derek had a thought. He stood from his meditation and opened a human sized door to his Time Prison. If he wasnt mistaken, his two inmates should be close topleting their sentences. Sure enough, they were. He went ahead and adjusted the time flow on their sentences, then exited the prison.


    Seventeen hourster, and he received the message that Bones was soon to be releasedOgre would be another hour or two. Derek smiled, then stood and went to look for Vanessa. He found the former Vice Leader of the Assassins Guild sitting alone a good distance off from the rest of the camp. Avery also seemed to be bored waiting on the preparation timer, and had decided to tag along as well.


    Hey, Vanessa. You got a minute? Derek asked.


    The Shadow Witch rolled her eyes and stood to face the iing duo at eye level. Like theres anything else for me to do. What do you want?


    I was actually needing your help on something, Derek said, then he turned and opened the human sized entrance to his Time Prison. Vanessa was unaware of the captured dragonkin, so seeing the giant cells would be surprising, but he wasnt worried about her giving anything away anymore.


    He no longer needed to worry about things like that. Plus, even if he did, Vanessa was bound to the kingdom now, and since Edgar had been a part of everything, she wouldnt dare let any of his secrets slip. Also, because of who she was, she was good at keeping secrets when needed.


    Follow me, Derek said.


    Vanessa groaned, but still followed. I hate this ce, she said. Shed never spent any real time insideat least not in any of the cellsbut she did spend a few hours in the lobby of the prison once, with Gerald Torith pretty much as her onlypany at the time. Thats new, she said, as she stopped and stared at the giant cell door to the side.


    Thats nothing for you to worry about, Derek said. Were here for another matter.


    And what matter is that? she asked.


    This. Derek walked to one of the remaining cells that was still human sized. When he stopped moving, everyone else stopped as well. Then he stood silently, waiting in front of the cell.


    So Vanessa started after waiting for a few minutes.


    Derek raised his right hand, and she went silent. Just a few more In his head, he counted down with the clock. <em>Three</em><em> two one </em>When the timer hit zero, the cell door to cell number 001 in front of them opened, bing slightly ajar. Derek waited, but Bones, who was inside the cell, didnt seem to have any intent of pushing the cell the rest of the way open.


    Derek was interested in seeing how the man had fared while inside the prison. The only ones he had to go by right now were the Void Beast he captured and put inside, and y Torith. The Void Beast was only in for a short time, and y Toriths oue was less than desired. Even with as terrible as the young man was, Derek still felt a bit bad about it.


    Seeing that Bones didnt n on leaving on his own will, Derek ced his hand on the side of the door and gently pulled it open. What small amount of light Derek had in his Time Prison at the moment crept in and slightly illuminated the inside of the cell.


    Sitting cross-legged with his back to the door, a shirtless man with raven ck and gray hair down to his shoulder des, and bones that seemed to almost stick through his skin, turned his head and met eyes with Derek and the others.


    Bones, Derek said cautiously. You cane out now.


    To Dereks surprise, the man sighed and began to stand. Derek winced as the mans bones made multiple cracking sounds as he stood. When he got to his feet, Derek noticed the shirt in his hand, and the man pulled it over his emaciated body.


    So, the monster has returned, Bones said as he took a wobbly step toward him. The man seemed to be much less disturbed by his prison than Derek had thought he would be. Are you to give us to the kingdom now? Has the guild made a deal to <em>take </em>us back? Maybe feed us to the dogs for our failure?


    After a few more steps, the thin man finally seemed to look behind Derekbehind him and at Vanessa Hodges, the Shadow With.


    With a sense of recognition, the skeletal mans eyes widened, and he fell to one knee. Vice Leader! I only jest.


    So, this is why you brought me here, Vanessa said. We all did wonder what had happened to the duo assassins. Though they were only mid-ranked assassins, they had a ster record.


    Whats your opinion on Bones and Ogre? Derek finally asked, letting the man continue kneeling on the ground.


    They were quite good at their job, Vanessa said. Both taken in by the guild at a young age and raised together, almost as brothers. Never took any missions against those who had yet to unlock the Great System. They preferred a challenge when picking their assassination targets, even from a young age. If they had been left to grow, they surely would have moved up in the hierarchy of the guild. Bones may have even made it to a head position. Ogre not so much. Didnt have the brains for it.


    You know more than I thought you would about them, Derek said.


    Vanessa shrugged. It was my job to keep an eye on talented individuals.


    Something in Vanessas words seemed to provoke a response from Bones. He looked up from the ground and met her eyes. <em>Was?</em><em> </em>he asked.


    Vanessa smiled wryly down at Bones. Yes was, she replied. It seems you and your partner are not the only ones who have fallen into harsh times by attacking someone you should not have attacked.


    B-but youre the Shadow Witch! Bones was beside himself. Youre power it its


    A lot of good it did me, the Shadow Witch cut him off. This is just what happens when you ept work from the wrong people


    So the Assassins Guild? Bones asked.


    No clue, Vanessa shrugged. Its been well for them, I guess its been well over a year since Ive been a part of the guild.


    A year? Bones asked, then looked at Derek. How long was I in there?


    Ah, Im d you asked, Derek said and took a step inside the cell and pulled the man up to his feet. But before that, I have some questions for you.

 Chapter 325: Bones and Ogre

    Chapter 325: Bones and Ogre


    You know, Bones, Derek said as he wrapped his arm around the scrawny man and walked him out of the cell. You sure are taking being captured and imprisoned well. Why is that?


    That Bones hesitated to answer as they walked. With the Time Prison being cleaned out for the dragonkin, there were no ces to have a proper conversation, so Derek pulled out a table and a few chairs and led the man to sit in one. Bones didnt put up any struggle as Derek had him sit downinstead, his eyes seemed to linger on Vanessa through the dim lighting.


    Dont bother looking at her, Derek said. Like she said, she is no longer part of the Assassins Guild. In fact, she works for the Kingdom of Cydaria now. Shes turned over a new leaf so to speak.


    Derek saw Vanessa roll her eyes as she also came to the table and took a seat. Avery also took up one of the seats Derek had ced. Though the archer did seem to be enjoying the show, he was still riled up after all the fighting, and anything else seemed boring to the man.


    Derek, of course, gave himself his specially crafted chair and had a seat. So, are you going to answer my question?


    Bones shot another nce over at Vanessa, and the woman shrugged. With a sigh, he began. We are taught very young about what happens if you fail a mission or are captured. We are in your hands now.


    In my hands? What do you mean? Derek asked.


    He means that because of his failure and capture, there is a price on his and Ogres heads. It would have been the same with me, but Im not worth the risk as long as I dont move directly against the guild, which, from my oaths from my previous position, I cannot. It doesnt hurt that it was the kingdom that I ended up working for, either. Vanessa answered for him. Those two, on the other hand, have no such protections. They are mid-level and while there may not be many, there are enough assassins ready to collect the bounty on them should it be known that they are in the kingdom.


    Actually, their best shot would be to leave Cydaria for another kingdom, or even cross the ocean to another continent, she continued. That or find a backer that the guild doesnt want any problems with. She eyed Bones to the side. The man was studying Derek and Avery intently. Finally, something seemed to click.


    Avery Swan? Bones blurted before anyone else got a chance to say anything. Avery raised an eyebrow at the man in confirmation. Then the skinny mans eyes moved back to Derek. Just who are you?


    None of that matters for now, Derek replied, ignoring the intense gaze from the man. What matters are the questions I have for you. First or I guess second, now why are you so unaffected after being imprisoned in my Time Prison for so long?


    Was it long? the man asked with genuine curiosity. I really could not tell. Stuck in darkness with no pain or hunger is not real tortureat least not after what we, as members of the Assassins Guild, had to go through to survive.


    Is that so? Derek rubbed his chin in thought. The man really didnt seem any worse for wear. In fact, he was even a little jovial at the situation, and it seemed that though all system ess was cut off, his body still healed itself while he was locked awaywhich seemed odd since his metabolism was kind of paused during his incarceration in the prison.


    Very much so, the man answered. Starving, whippings, fighting others to survive thats how all orphans who choose to join the Assassins Guild grow up if they grow up. A little sensory deprivation without pain was more of a vacation than anything.


    Interesting Derek said. He couldnt help but think of the difference reactions of Bones, a trained assassin, and y Torith, a young, pampered noble, to the prison. One came out happy and for the better, while the other begged for death. There really were all kinds of different qualities of human beings.


    So, youre now wanted by the Assassins Guild, not wee in Cydaria or probably any other kingdom on this continent that knows of you, and youre basically homeless. Is that right? Derek asked.


    That would seem to be the case, Bones answered.


    You also dont seem to be afraid of me, Derek said.


    What use would their be in being scared of you? You hold the life of myself and my brother in your hands. We will either live, die, or be imprisoned again. There is no sense in being afraid of something so far out of my control, Bones answered earnestly.


    This little meeting wasnt going at all the way Derek had nned. Though he had brought Vanessa with him to be somewhat of an icebreaker, it seemed that he hadnt actually needed to. Honestly, he could forgive the whole trying to assassinate him thing. Thats what oaths were for.


    From what little he found out about the pair of assassins, they were quite respectable in their field, and had growth potential. He would need to get some more specifics out of Bones, as from what he recalled of Ogre, he wouldnt get much out of him, but with Jacks falling into adventuring again and enjoying it, it wouldnt hurt to have an extra butler and security for his shop when he got back.


    So, is Bones your entire name? Or is it just something people call you because of your high amount of dexterity? Derek asked.


    Well it is what Ive been known as since as far back as I can recall. It started out as bullying from the other kids, but it ended up sticking. I didnt mind it, so that is what Ive been called ever since.


    <em>Damn. I was hoping his name was Alfred or Jarvis or Jeeves or something like that. It would have been destiny if that were the case. </em>Derek half chuckled to himself, drawing an odd look from Vanessa and Avery. He cleared his throat. Alright Bones, what would you say to a system oath of loyalty to myself and those I designate? Not very or anything like that. We can work out the details after youve decided.


    Hmm Bones hummed in thought. It would be our only option, which may count as coercion or duress and cause the Great System to not ept the oath. But, before I agree to anything, I must wait for my brother. Will he be freed soon?


    Yes. In less than an hour, actually, Derek said. Also, I thought you would jump at the opportunity to make an oath to me and my people to avoid death or imprisonment.


    Its just death. Bones shrugged. I have been prepared for death my entire life.


    I guess thats one way to look at it, Derek said. Well wait for Ogre to get out, then well talk more about it.


    Bones nodded in agreement.


    So, if you dont mind, would you be willing to take an oath of honesty for the next thirty minutes or so? So I can ask you a few questions. If it is a question that you are unable to answer without breaking another oath, you can just say noment. How does that sound? Derek asked.


    Bones thought about it for a moment, then nodded. That is eptable.


    After that, Bones made an oath to the system to answer any questions Derek asked that he was able to open and honestly. The rest of the hour passed with Derek asking the man questions about him and Ogrequestions that would decide whether they were worth saving or not.


    After all the questioning, Derek was convinced. The two had avoided any assassinations on targets less powerful than them. They had also surprisingly avoided any missions involving people who had done actual good. Thats not to say that they didnt assassinate good peopleno, they did that and more. But the duo assassins seemed to have their own set of morals.


    Derek couldnt see himself ever killing others for money, but he had killed others just because they overly pissed him off. Of course, he had his own set of justification for all of those that he killed, both in Cydaria and back on Earth after the system came. It was all about survival, after all.


    The rest of the hour passed, and it was time for Ogre to be released from his cell. Like before, Derek walked over to the cell, followed by everyone else, and waited. Soon, the timer hit zero and the door to the cell opened slightly. Again, just like with Bones, Ogre didnt immediately charge out, which was a surprise considering his demeanor thest time they met.


    Derek pulled the door open and everyone gazed inside. Instead of being met by a man meditating, this time they were met with a different sight. Derek guessed that Ogre just hadnt heard the door open or just hadnt been paying attention at all, because when the small amount of light hit him from outside, the giant man shot a disturbed look toward Derek and the others.


    Immediately, the man jumped to his feet and charged at Derek. Derek braced himself for impact, but instead of being bulldozed, the giant man stopped in front of him, grabbed him by the shoulders, and looked down into his eyes, pleadingly.


    Put me back, Ogre said.


    Put you back? Derek asked. Back in the cell? Why?


    Uhem Bones coughed from the side. I believe I know the reason.


    Everyone turned to look at Bones, including Ogre. In an instant, Ogre shoved Derek to the side and scooped up Bones while doing a little spin. Bones!


    Hey Oggy! Bones patted the giant man on the back. After a few seconds, Ogre set Bones down. Then Ogre backhanded Bones, sending the skeletal man flying.


    Bones hit the ground and bounced a couple of times before skidding to a stop. Standing up from his intimate moment with the ground, Bones rubbed his cheek and winced, then walked back over to Ogre. Ouch!


    Bones tried to leave Ogre! the ten foot tall man shouted, his voice reverberating throughout the lobby of the prison.


    It was a strategic retreat, Bones answered back. I would havee back for you. Besides, it didnt work out, now did it?


    Ogre looked around, his eyes falling on Derek once again, then on Vanessa. Shadow Lady! Even the dimwitted giant man seemed to know the difference in power as he bowed to the woman.


    You dont have to do that, Oggy. The Shadow Witch isnt part of the guild anymore, either, Bones said, not bothering to exin any more.


    Ogre seemed to take that in stride, as he quickly stood straight and ignored the former Vice Leader of the Assassins Guild. His eyes fell back to Derek, and he stared so hard that Derek could almost feel a hole burning in him. Put me back in room, he said.


    I cant, Derek answered. Once someone leaves the cell, they cant be sentenced again for two weeks. I dont make the rule. Besides, why would you want to go back in, anyway?


    You see Bones cut in to answer. When we were locked away in your prison cells, we didnt experience pain or hunger, like I said before. For me, it was like a vacation, but for Oggy, I imagine it was like heaven.


    Why is that? Derek asked.


    Well, Oggy has a condition thates with his race and ss that causes him to have a near constant hunger. It takes so much food or very costly, high-quality food to keep him full that we never had any extra coin afterpleting a mission. Everything went to our food bill. Though it was overlooked, we did choose some of our missions based on how much food we could appropriate during the mission.


    So, with your prison taking away the hunger, Oggy was able to live without the gnawing hunger pains for the first time in his life. Therefore, he would want to go back in, Bones finished with his exnation.


    Oh, Derek said. Well, maybe some other time. Like I said, I couldnt lock you back in for at least two weeks, even if I wanted to. But you said that high-quality food worked as well?


    Yes. Bones nodded.


    You two stay here and discuss what we talked about earlier, Derek said. Ogre! he shouted, getting the giant mans attention.


    Hmm?


    Have you ever eaten dragon?

 Chapter 326: Employees

    Chapter 326: Employees


    Derek left Bones, Ogre, and the others inside the Time Prison while he went out in search of Silvi. It didnt take him long to find her, as she was just sitting off to the side of the camp, cooking. When he approached her, he waited for her to finish making her food.


    After all, he didnt like distracting crafters while they were in the middle of creating something, even if that something was food. All that he knew was that whatever it was that she was cooking, it was delicious. It was easy enough to know how delicious it was going to be based on the nces those in camp kept throwing her way.


    Finally, after a few minutes, a portion of food that would have been enough for a single normal adult was prepared. That didnt seem like much, and to be fair, it wasnt, but it still looked like an extreme amountpared to the bunnys size. And the reason it was so little was because she was being careful and rationing her newly gained ingredients, because she didnt want to waste anything by using spoiled herbs or spices in the recipe.


    If youre done here, theres something I need to talk to you about, Derek told Silvi as she was tidying up her cooking area.


    <em>What? I</em><em>m busy, </em>she replied back via their link, seemingly annoyed that he was there, distracting her from the meal she was soon to be eating.


    Since she seemed to be in a bit of a hurry to enjoy her food, Derek quickly exined everything that happened with Bones and Ogre while they were in the Time Prison. To Silvis credit, she seemed very interested when he began telling her about Ogre and his situation.


    <em>So, he</em><em>s going to be my personal taste tester? </em>The murderbunny seemed oddly excited about having a taste tester. In fact, her excitement was enough to cause Derek to worry a little. But what could he do? It would be a good opportunity for Ogre, especially considering the predicament he found himself in. Still, he had a bad feeling about everythingSilvi had the same look in her eyes that Roman had gotten when Derek offered to test his potions.


    I mean, I guess you can look at it that way. Really, he just needs a lot of food to sustain himself and keep the hunger away. Whether or not ites from taste testing food, I dont think it matters, Derek said. Honestly, he was having a little trouble focusing with Silvi tearing into the delicious smelling meat in front of him. It was everything he could do to not ask for his own portion.


    Finally, Derek pulled himself away from Silvi and headed back to his Time Prison. He needed to see what decisions Bones and Ogre had made.


    Surprisingly, when he entered the Time Prison, it was a bit different from how he had left it. Instead of the dark lobby that had only been illuminated by the small amount of light seeping through the entrance, it was actually well lit. It seemed that either Avery or Vanessa had felt it necessary to provide the ce with proper lighting once again.


    With the lobby illuminated, Derek was able to take everything in even better. It was hard not tough when his eyes fell on the massive form of Ogre. Derek had left some extra chairs with the group before going out to find Silvi, and the giant man had chosen to upy one. Because of the mans massive size, he looked like an adult sitting in a chair made for a childa particrly small child, at that.


    Derek couldnt help but wonder about the strain that was currently being ced on the chairhe felt that if Ogre moved even slightly, the entire thing would splinter into thousands of pieces and the big man would crash to the ground. <em>At least if that happened, he would probably be at the same eye level as everyone else sitting around the table. </em>


    When they saw Derek enter, Bones and Ogre both made to stand, but Derek hurriedly stopped them. Thest thing he wanted was to see one of his precious chairs break because of formality. Its fine, its fine. Just stay seated especially you, he directed thest part at Ogre, who gave Derek a confused <em>or is that just his normal look? </em>He couldnt help but think. I would prefer it if all my chairs made it out of this raid alive.


    Wait, raid? Bones asked.


    <em>That</em><em>s right, </em>Derek thought. He had yet to inform the two assassins that they were currently inside a dungeona raid dungeon, no less. <em>Just more to put on the to do list.</em>


    Derek moved tot he head of the table and took his own seatthe seat he had prepared for him and him alone. Once situated, Derek went on to exin the current state of affairs to Bones and Ogre. He also mentioned that he had someone in mind that should be able to ease Ogres problems. Of course, he was talking about Silvi.


    That seemed to be the only thing that drew the massive mans attention. Any mention of food, and the giant was all ears. If they were talking about anything else it was a long shot whether or not the man heard anything being said. He was kind of like Silvi in that regard. So, while waiting for the bunny to make her appearance, Derek decided to get down to business.


    So, Bones have you decided yet? Will the two of you choose to make oaths of loyalty and join me? he asked.


    Bones hesitated for a moment before answering. I believe that it is something that we can work out. Even though we are not in a position to negotiate terms, there are some that I would like to requestotherwise, neither Oggy nor myself would be willing topromise. We are not afraid of death. After all, ites for us all, eventually.


    Of course. Derek nodded. Like I said, I dont n on this being a ve oath or contract. I would never do something like that. However, there are some things that I will not budge on, either.


    That elicited a smile from the skeletal man. Very well, he said. Then, shall we discuss terms?


    Around the table, Averys ears perked up, and Vanessa leaned forward. It seemed like everyone wanted to know exactly what Derek had nned for the two former assassins. He didnt make them wait long.


    As I said before, I want an oath of loyalty to me and those I designate as my people. That is non-negotiable, he exined. You will need toto the best of your abilityprotect those I designated and serve them to an extent. You will not knowingly work against or harm them purposefully. Of course, we will work out the specifics before the oath so you do not break it by identally. Though it seems that the system understands intentions quite well when ites to oaths.


    That is a basic oath of loyalty and expected. Neither I nor Oggy would have any qualms agreeing to such an oath. Bones agreed.


    Good, Derek said. Now, for what I would like the two of you to do.


    From there, Derek went on to exin to Bones and Ogre about his shop back in Savannah. When Bones offered protest, citing that neither of the assassins would be allowed into the city, Derek calmed him by dropping the bombshell that he was a good acquaintance of Natalie Savannah the city lord.


    After that, it didnt take much convincing, and Bones seemed to even allow himself to get a somewhat excited at the prospects of working in such a city. Ogres only contribution to the conversation was his own excitement at the higher quality foods he would be able to easily find in a city like Savannah. It seemed that if the food was high enough in quality, the massive man actually needed less to abate his hunger, and he could even go longer periods of time without the hunger returning. Derek made a mental note of that.


    <em>Actually, with that being the case, he and Silvi should get along great. </em>Though, with that look in her eyes when he mentioned a taste tester, he was still somewhat worried about the former assassin.


    Next, it was time for Derek to exin the jobs he needed them to handle when they got back.


    I dont need assassins, he rified before continuing. When you begin working for me, that part of your lives is officially over. There will be no more contracted killings.


    We do not have any problem with that, Bones said. Assassination was just a joba way to make a living and grow in strength during the process. It was also very high risk. He motioned to his surroundingsto the Time Prison. We would actually much prefer it that way.


    Great, Derek said. Bones, you seem well spoken and you are either more intelligent than the average person, or you are just really good at faking it.


    Ive picked up a few things during my years as an assassin, the scrawny man replied.


    So, for that reason, I would like you to be a sort of pseudo-butler. Actually, there is a man named Bronson who should currently be in the Capital of Cydaria if things are currently going well. I will try to set up a meet for the two of you and would like you to learn from him, Derek exined. If all goes well, after that, you will be working under a woman named Malorie. She is the manager of my shop and everything else.


    I can do that, Bones agreed. What about Oggy? I do not believe he would make for a great butler.


    I think youre right, Derek chuckled as he shifted his eyes to the enormous giant of a man. For someone with his distinct qualities I was thinking he could be the main guard for the shop. There wouldnt be any extra training involved, and all he needs to do is stand there and look menacing.


    We currently only have one other guard, and he needs to spend a decent amount of time adventuring to raise his skills and levels. Having an extra guard on staff would allow for the two of them to rotate. Of course, I do not expect either of you to allow your growth to stagnate, so you will have plenty of time to grow yourselves.


    That is fantastic. Bones showed more emotion with a single smile than he had since being released from his cectually, he showed more emotion than Derek had ever seen from the man, even during their battle and capture. That was going to be one of our main conditions.


    I figured, Derek smiled back.


    So, you need me to handle butlery duties and Ogre to guard your store. Is that it? Bones asked.


    For the most part yes, Derek said. Im sure that there will be other times when you are needed, but for the majority of the time, that should be it. Of course, the both of you will also receive a proper wage Derek sighed. To be perfectly honest, I dont know the current state of my shop or my people right now because of this raid. As he spoke, he let his thoughts drift to the others.


    Ogre gets food? From the side, Ogres deep voice brought Derek back to the present.


    Yes, I am sure we can find some food for Ogre, Derek chuckled, thinking about him being Silvis taste tester, before shifting his attention back to Bones. For now, I only want the oath of loyalty that we discussed. We can handle everything else through contracts when we get back. I have a person who specializes in contracts back at the shop. His name is Rudy.


    Just as Derek quit speaking, the table shook slightly and a small purple-white furry creature appeared on the center of it. It seemed Silvi had finally finished her brunch and was ready to meet her new employee.

 System Universe 4: Trials of Cydaria out today!

    System Universe 4: Trials of Cydaria out today!


    Hey everyone! Book four of my series released today!


    Today marks theunch of System Universe Book 4: Trials of Cydaria. Its now avable through Amazons Kindle Unlimited, Kindle, and Paperback with the Audible version narrated by Adam Vernering soon.


    Avable through this link:


    Ebook: /amazon/B0C4G3LPX1


    Now, as for how people can support the release, there are a couple things, if you were here for thest announcement, you already know this:


    -Ratings and Reviews: On Amazon (Also, keep in mind that anything below a 5 is basically bad because of how their rating skew) ratings and reviews are the biggest help for authors. Also, you dont have to buy the book to rate it, which is good because you most likely already read it here. Though, I would for sure love for you to pick it up again on KU or Audio to get in on some of that good editing and narration. XD


    -Kindle Unlimited Downloads: With the way Amazons algorithm is, reading the book on KU or even just downloading it helps a ton. The more downloads/reads, the more Amazon likes the book.


    Heres the blurb!


    <strong>He didnt know he was looking for a home until he found one.</strong>


    Savannah was unlike any city Derek had ever been to. For the first time since his arrival in Cydaria, Derek actually met a respectable city lord. Natalie Savannah and the city she ruled were much more than hed imagined.


    With thisbination, Derek made the decision to put down roots by building a shop from scratch and moving his people in. He was even able to get Silvi the beloved kitchen that she so desired, along with personally meeting nah Swan and learning new things about the new system he was thrown intothings that only someone who was truly strong would know.


    Not only that, but with his help, the Kingdom of Cydaria was able to find and deal with a threat from within in the form of Gerald Torith. With the threat of Torith now taken care of, Derek can finally rx knowing that the terrible man can never use those he cares about to get to him, and hopefully, the Kingdom of Cydaria will be able to use their new captive to weed out other threats to the kingdom.


    However, none of that has anything to do with Derek any longer. He lent his help and got the job done. Now, hes looking forward to the auction and any gains it may bring him.


    Maybe its time for him to rx; or maybe a prince has other ns for him. Maybe new trials await.


    <strong>Dont miss the fourth installment of Dereks journey in the System Universe. Join Derek in this uniquebination of the LitRPG, Isekai, and Slice of Life genres. He has friends, a bond that shouldst forever, and even a home. What more could our overpowered protagonist ask for?</strong>


    I want to thank everyone who read book my previous books and left me kind reviews and messages. You are all amazing! I hope you enjoy book four!


    And as always,


    Thanks for reading!

 Chapter 327: Two Peas in a Pod

    Chapter 327: Two Peas in a Pod


    Everyone at the table went silent as they took in the small bunny that had appeared out of nowhere. Silvi tilted her head and looked around the table until her gaze fell on the massive giant of a man sitting at the side of the table.


    Is this him? Silvis voice rang out from themunication crystals attached to her cor. The meatball?


    Yes, this is him, Derek said for all to hear. It seemed that Silvi had chosen this conversation to be a public one, so he would go along. Silvi, this man is Ogre. Because of his unique constitution, it seems that he needs to consume more food, or at least higher quality food, than a normal person.


    Hmm Silvis voice chimed as she looked the man over.


    Ogre, Derek said, turning the giant mans attention away from Silvi and back toward himself. This is Silvi. I have talked with her, and she may be able to help you with your food problem.


    Ogre frowned and looked back and forth between Derek and hispanion. Too small, he finally said. Ogre would still be hungry after eating.


    Derek stared at the man for a moment before what he was saying clicked. <em>He thinks Silvi is here so he can eat her</em><em> </em>At that moment, he almost burst outughing. <em>I think the two of them are going to make a great pair. I bet Silvi is currently assessing Ogre and wondering what a giant would taste like. Truly two peas in a pod. </em>


    Uh no, Derek said. Silvi is not here to consume. She is a chef, a very good one, might I add, and she has agreed to allow you to work with her. That means you will be consuming the food she cooks quite often. You can literally think of her as your meal ticket.


    Silvi snorted. As if the meatball could hurt me.


    Derek rolled his eyes. Anyway, I hope the two of you can get along in the future. If things go well, youll be spending a lot of time together.


    As soon as Derek finished his sentence, a variety of dishes appeared on the table in front of Ogre.


    Eat them, Silvi said.


    She didnt need to tell the big man twice, as he had already started for the food almost as soon as it appeared. However, after grabbing and stuff his face with multiple items at once, Silvi quickly shed over and kicked a b of meat out of his hand before he could cram it in his mouth as well.


    One at a time, her voice sounded out as she appeared back on the table. And wait at least thirty seconds between each item.


    Derek frowned and mentally asked Silvi a question. <em>What are you doing? Whats up with the food? </em>


    <em>Experimental recipes, </em>she replied. <em>Changed by stupid Void Travel. Want to see if poisonous.</em><em></em>


    Dereks eyes widened. <em>Of course, she</em><em>s the same as Roman. </em>Derek nearly facepalmed, but held back. Instead, he transferred a bunch of health potions from his bracelet to one of the rings on his fingers and slid it over to Silvi.


    <em>There are some very good potions in there,</em><em> </em>he said to her. <em>Dont let him die. </em>


    <em>I dont need this, </em>Silvi said, but didnt slide the ring back to Derek. <em>I am smart. I have my own.</em><em> </em>Still, Derek watched as the ring he had given her levitated in the air and was gently tucked away somewhere inside her cloak.


    After that, Bones and Derekid out all the terms of the oath Bones and Ogre would be swearing. It was quite simple and easy to understand. It was all very one sided in Dereks favor. Though, some of that would be remedied when they got back to Savannah and had Rudy draw up some contracts.


    Derek also made a mental note after seeing the way Silvi interacted with Ogre. There would have to be some use about idental injury caused by taste testing.


    Once Bones and Derek were through, Bones made the oath. After he made the oath, it was all Ogre could do to pull himself away from the great meal Silvi had prepared for him and make an oath himself. Finally, with all that settled, Derek moved on to the next thing he wanted to do.


    Follow me, Derek said to Bones, then stood from the table, taking his chair with him. He would hate it if Ogre decided to change seats while he was gone. Ill leave the two of you here, he said to Silvi and Ogre. You two can do what you want, he told Vanessa and Avery. Of course, he didnt need to tell Avery that. The archer was only tagging along as it was because he was bored.


    Derek then led Bones out of the Time Prisonor, at least, he tried to lead the man out of the Time Prison. Unfortunately, when Bones tried to pass through the exit, he was stopped by an invisible wall. It was the same as when the Void Beast tried to exit after he brought it into a dungeon.


    <em>Hmm</em><em> </em>Derek thought. <em>y didn</em><em>t have any problems exiting the Time Prison and entering the Golem Dungeon before. </em>He searched through his memories and thought about everything that had happened. Finally, he sighed. <em>I bet it</em><em>s because all the participant positions were taken when we entered the dungeon. Thats the only difference between now and what happened with y. </em>


    With y, Derek was the only participant who entered the dungeon, which left its capacity at one out of five when he entered. <em>I guess it doesn</em><em>t matter that Edgar left or that the others died. It must be tied to the participants at the start of the dungeon. </em>Derek clicked his tongue. <em>There goes that n. </em>He had hoped to allow Bone and Ogre to join in.


    Even though their levels werent up to snuff for the dungeon, they could have stayed back and contributed to the boss fight. He had hoped that they would get the dungeonpletion rewards and boss experience if they did that. Unfortunately, all that was dashed by what he could only describe as system fail-safes. <em>I wonder if that</em><em>s actually it, or if the system patched the bug I found after I left the Golem Dungeon. </em>


    He wouldnt put it past the system to do such a thing. Hed already assumed that the system was a living, thinking thing. And when the other system came in for his evolution, the final words that it left him with had pretty much verified his thoughts about it.


    <em>Whelp</em><em> theres no helping it. </em>Derek looked at Bones, who was still examining the invisible wall in between them. Did you get any message or anything from the system? he asked.


    Bones shook his head. I received nothing.


    It looks like I cant just bring a bunch of people into a dungeon and swap them out when they get tired. Thats too bad, Derek said.


    I can see why the Great System would not allow such a thing, Bones nodded.


    Do me a favor, Derek said. Use your skill and attack me from inside. Lets see if the attacks can actually make their way out. Since it was a specific direction given to attack him, doing so wouldnt break the oath that Bones made.


    Bones backed up, and Derek watched as a small spatial tear appeared behind the skeletal man. It was the first time Derek saw the skill up close. From the tear, various knives and des began to shoot out. Unfortunately, it seemed that the system knew what Derek was nning, and the weapons were stopped by the invisible barrier just as the man himself had been.


    It doesnt look like youll be able to get in on the uing fight, Derek said. Thats a shame, he muttered. He had hoped to at least bask in some rewards from his two loyal employees if the system didnt give him any after the fight. Still, he nned to leave the Time Prison door open in case anyone decided that the fight was too much for them and needed to run to a safe ce.


    Perhaps Bones and Ogre would get rewards for just being there with the door open. He could hope, couldnt he? But none of that mattered right now. Instead, Derek was still looking at the small spatial tear in the air behind Bones. After fighting the man once, he had wondered about the mans ss, but never got the chance to speak about it. Now that he knew about affinities, he wondered if Bones might actually have an affinity for space.


    Derek turned around and walked back inside the Time Prison with Bones. The two were alone by the doorway, it seemed that Avery was still intrigued with Silvi and Ogres interaction, so hed chosen to stay. Vanessa was also still sitting at the table, looking rtively bored.


    Not one to beat around the bush, at least not currently, Derek asked Bones his questions. You dont need to answer if you dont want, but I wanted to know a few things. He began, and seeing Bones nod, he continued. Do you use the space element? Also, how do you control so many weapons?


    Bones stayed silent for a moment, as if formting a response, then he said, I have a mark that leave on any weapon I want to control. When I mark it, a portion of my mana is tied to the weapon, which also decreases my maximum amount of mana avable. Fortunately, controlling the weapons after linking them isnt as costly as one would think.


    Derek nodded along with his exnation. It made sense. Most of the weapons that he used had a blue glow to them. He had gotten a decent look at them when he tried to attack from inside the Time Prison. He also made yet another mental note that Bones needed to upgrade his weapons. They honestly werent of very good quality. It seemed he had just marked whatever weapons he found.


    Derek would remedy that soon. Those weapons may have worked against the people Bones was used to fighting, but now that he worked for Derek, there was no telling what idiot might get it in their head ande after him. So, the man would have to be properly equipped. Luckily, just like they had a resident chef to take care of Ogres needs, they also had a resident smith. And Derek looked forward to seeing just how much she had grown since hed been gone.


    What about the element? Derek broke out of his daydream and asked.


    I can not say for certain, Bones replied. The Weapon Storage skill came with my ss, and I have since learned to use it in tandem while controlling my weapons. I am more drawn to the des, so I do not believe my ss is elemental based. Unless that element is purely the mana I use to mark my weapons.


    <em>Hmm</em><em> </em>Derek rubbed his chin in thought. <em>He may actually have a de or sharpness affinity. I don</em><em>t entirely know how affinities work, but I know it isnt possible for them to all be elements like void or lightning. If that was the case, people like Avery would never have the chance to increase it though, thinking about Avery, I would be that man has a stamina affinity. I think affinity is just what your subconscious is drawn towhether you want it or not.</em>


    That makes sense, Derek said. By the way, you said that Ogres hungeres from his race and ss, right? What is his race? If you dont mind me asking.


    Hes never concealed it, Bones said. He is a half-giant. I cant be for certain, but I believe there has to be a giant race somewhere out there on one of the other continents. If not that, then he was just born special. His mother died during birth, so too did any answers she carried with her. But, as you have seen, Ogre isnt one to dwell on such things.


    I guess he isnt, Derek agreed. Alright, Ill let you get back to Ogre. I have some things to take care of. If all goes well, we should be back in Cydaria in around two days. Derek was hoping that the final boss wouldnt take up much more of his time. With the time dtion, every minute counted.


    Derek left his Time Prison and headed back to camp. He was ready, and he needed to make sure everyone else was ready. He cracked his knuckles and went on his way. He was itching for a real fight, and couldnt wait to see what the system had in store for him.

 Chapter 328: Preparation Timer Depleted

    Chapter 328: Preparation Timer Depleted


    Derek moved over to the camp and looked at the surroundings. In the short time that he was dealing with everyone inside the Time Prison, everyone else had begun loading up all of their belongings. For a group of what was twenty-five people, they had brought much more than they could have ever possibly needed.


    But, now that they were closing in on the end of the dungeon, everyone was ready to leave. Only a few of the essentials werent yet loaded. Things like Tristans tent where he still worked on growing Cieras limbs back had yet to be packed.


    Derek nodded as he took in the view. It looked like he wouldnt actually need to go forward and make them pack up. He guessed that since they were all veterans; they knew better than to leave important things out before a boss fight. Stuff like that would probably be part of adventuring 101, after all.


    So, instead of going over and interacting, Derek found a nice, quiet area and waited. He nned to slip into a light meditation and rxedpreparing himself for the uing fight. He needed to be ready for anything that the system decided to throw at him. And looking at everything that had already happened, he had a feeling that the final boss was going to be much more difficult than all the previous trials.


    It didnt take Derek long at all to slip into a light meditation. He made sure to keep alert enough to notice any changes in the surrounding atmosphere so he wouldnt be surprised by anything or anyone. And like this, Derek let the time drift by.


    Derek opened his eyes with only a single hour left before the scheduled boss fight. During his meditation, he had felt Avery and Lyra move close to him before meditating themselves. After checking the dungeon time, Derek nodded and stood.


    Wake up. Derek walked over to Avery and said, causing the man to open one eye and look back at Derek. Its about time. I need you to help me gather everyone.


    Without saying a word, Avery stood and brushed off his leather pants with his hands. He gave Derek a slight smile and a nod, then took off. Derek shook his head. It was easy to see the twinkle in the mans eyeshe was looking forward to the boss fight more than Derek was.


    Almost everyone was already waiting near the trial orbs. Doing a quick head count, Derek counted seventeen peopleeighteen, if he included himself. They were missing Avery, Vanessa, and Tyron. Soon, that was remedied as Avery brought the two back with him.


    Finally, all twenty-one people in the raid party were gathered. They had started as a full team of twenty-five, but Asana Greend and Layne Marshall had fallen, while Edgar and Louise Boni had left using escape scrolls. Derek inspected everyone onest time before speaking.


    The entire party was antsywhether they were itching for a fight or just ready to get out of the dungeon, Derek didnt know. <em>Its probably both</em>, Derek thought. Next, his eyes fell on Tristan Allister and Ciera Cook, who were standing very close to one another. The fact that Ciera was able to stand at all after having her legs bit off at the knees by a group of wolves in the first trial said something about Tristans healing skills.


    Though Derek could see that the woman was still a bit wobbly on her new feet, so she most likely either wasnt used to them, or she wasntpletely healed yet. Tristans eyes locked onto Dereks when he looked their way, and the healer nodded. Derek nodded back and continued scanning the crowd.


    Victor Greend was in the middle of everyone, yet alone. People tended to give the elven man with a short fuseat least after Asana Greend dieda wide berth. Derek hadnt gotten to know the man much before his cousin died, so he didnt know how much of an asshole he really was. Still, he suspected that his normal behavior wasnt far off from what hed shown in their time together.


    John Doyle and Ray Ferguswind and earth mages respectivelywere the two people who had been left out of the entire dungeon thus far. Looking at them, Derek felt nothing, really. They were both under level 230, and no chances had reallye up for lower-level people after the first trial. They would still get rewarded with something for the full dungeonpletion, so he wouldnt worry about them.


    Finally, his eyes drifted over everyone else, one by one. Most of the people who had taken part in the dungeon had already hit level 250 or came very close, and they had been rewarded with something greatwhether it was rare potions or just extra stat points. <em>This group of twenty-one should be stronger than the group of twenty-five that entered the dungeon at the beginning at this point</em>. <em>Well maybe not</em>, Derek thought. <em>Id take Edgar and Blitz over the freshly leveled up people in the group any day.</em>


    I see that youre all raring to fight this dungeon boss, and get the hell out of here, Derek said, causing anyone who was chatting to stop and look his way. So am I. Seeing that everyone was quiet and now paying attention to him, Derek continued. Our n for this boss is going to be pretty simple.


    Myself, Avery, and Vanessa are going to take point and everyone else can join in the fight once we all figure out what were dealing with. The bosss difficulty level is unknown, which means that theres a good chance that it will be legendary rank or even higher.


    Higher than legendary? Someone muttered loudly from the crowd.


    Honestly, I wouldnt put it past the system to throw us all something weve never seen before. Thats kind of been the theme of this raid dungeon so far. I mean, we were fighting dragons in the second trial, so anything could happen. But thats not important right now. Whats important is that we receive no more casualties during this raid, Derek exined.


    So, while Avery, Vanessa, and me start the fight first, you all need to look out for the bosss mechanicsstudy its skills and movement. I dont want anyone getting hurt if we cant help it. And, speaking to that, I will be opening my Time Prison up near the battle area. If you get injured or if the fight bes too much for you, nobody will fault you for retreating into it.


    What happens if you die while were inside? This time, he knew the voice that spoke. It was Victor.


    I have no clue, Derek said. But I can tell you that if Im dead, everyone else will either already be inside my Time Prison or would have already been dead much longer than me.


    Youre that confident? someone else said.


    In my ability to survive? Yes, Derek replied. Anyway, lets get back on topic. If you retreat inside the Time Prison, it may look a little different from before. Also, I have a couple guests inside, and would rather you not attack them. I promise, they will not try to attack you, either. They just have a bit of a reputation, and Im sure some of you may recognize them.


    Seeing that nobody asked another question about it, Derek continued. So, when the boss appears, I want all the support sses to hit everyone with all the buffs they have and to hit the boss with all the debuffs in their arsenal. I want the healer with the highest level health regeneration skill to cast it over the party. Its all pretty basic and a bit cautious, but its better than being reckless.


    Archers and mages, you know the drill. You are ranged damage. Dont blow all your cooldowns all at once in the beginning. Youre all veterans. Ill trust that you all know how to fight. Derek looked over the group. He had felt a slight tension in the air ever since things went quiet. Are there any questions?


    How are we going to split the loot? Avery asked, still with that gleam in his eyes. The bosss corpse, that is. Averys eyes werent the only ones with a gleam in them. When he talked about looting the corpse, Tyron, as the party cksmith, also perked his ears up.


    Thats something well find out once the fights over, Derek said. We dont even know what the boss will be, so theres no sense in even talking about it. It could be a specter or something and leave no body behind when killed. Its pointless to talk about that until we know what were fighting?


    Any other questions? Derek asked. He was in a good mood now that it was the final day of the dungeon, so he was extra nice in allowing questions. However, it seemed like there was nothing else. No? Good! In less than an hour, we will be heading into the final fight of this raid. Be ready!


    With that, Derek left everyone to their own devices to prepare. He went to where his Time Prison was erected and took it down. It was currently too far away from the trial orbs to be useful in the fight, so he needed to move it closer. He probably should have stuck his head in and said he was moving the prison, but he shruggedBones and Ogre would get over it.


    Back close to the camp, Derek focused and opened the door to the Time Prison where everyone could see it and rush to it in time if needed. This time, he made the door a bit bigger than he would need for a single personhe hoped nobody would need to use it, but he would hate for people to die because they got stuck on the outside because it was too small.


    The Time Prison drew some more looks from the group, but since everyone already knew about it from the beginning of the dungeon, nobody bothered asking any questions or moving to check it out. Derek would still prefer that nobody ended having to use ithe didnt really want people meeting Bones and Ogre inside or seeing the giant cells holding the dragons. However, he was more than confident enough in his own powers now, so if they did end up learning of the captive dragonkin, it wouldnt cause too much of a problem for him.


    Every minute that passed felt like hours, but finally, the preparation timer the dungeon had given to them finally reached zero. Derek was going to move to the dungeon orb to activate it, but before he got a chance to, each one of the trial orbs shot to the air, then down and into the main dungeon orb. One by one the trial orb vanished and the dungeon orb grewrger.


    Finally, after the final trial orb was consumed by the dungeon orb, Derek received a notification.


    Preparation Timer Depleted


    Summoning Dungeon Boss


    Summoning Dungeon Boss


    Error


    System Interference Detected


    Dereks eyes widened, and he felt a chill go down his spine. Quickly, he looked over at Avery, who was still standing there, calm. Avery! Do you have a notification? What does it say?


    Avery looked back at him with a frown, but shrugged. Its summoning the dungeon boss.


    As countless thoughts were running through Dereks head, they were interrupted again by a notification.


    System Assistance Detected


    Please Stand By


    The same message appeared in front of him, but was quickly followed up by anotherone he hadnt expected.


    <strong>Summoning Dungeon Boss</strong>


    <strong>Summoning Sessful</strong>


    <strong>Prepare For Battle</strong>


    Fuck! Derek yelled. Support! Cast your buffs! Healers! Cast regeneration! His roar drew everyones attention. Why the fuck would the system need assistance from that other system?! Seeing how serious he was being, everyone did as told and the buffs soon fell upon him.


    Support and healers! he shouted again. Retreat into the Time Prison! Anyone with an epic or lower rarity ss at a lever below 250, retreat to the Time Prison! Most of the support and healers reacted, but the battle sses looked around, confused. I said fucking retreat! Now! He unleashed every ounce of his aura as Silvinded on his shoulder.


    What is it? she asked.


    I dont know, but I think were fucked!

 Chapter 329: Raid Boss

    Chapter 329: Raid Boss


    Dereks shout hadnt had the effect he hoped it would when he did it. Instead of everyone rushing to retreat into the Time Prison, there were some party members that had no business staying for the fight, who chose not to leavethey didnt want to be left out of yet another possible chance for rewards. Things may have been different if Derek had called out his warning once everyone got a look at the boss, but currently, it had yet to make its appearance.


    Since it had yet to be summoned yet, it gave Derek some extra time to prepare and think of a way to convince the others to retreat. However, just as Derek was thinking about what to say, he received another set of notificationsones from the other system.


    <strong>Boss Rank Outside Purview of Current System</strong>


    <strong>Reducing Stats</strong>


    <strong></strong>


    <strong>Stat Reduction Sessful</strong>


    <strong>Continuing Summoning</strong>


    Derek quickly looked around at Avery and Vanessa to try to get a read on the twohe wanted to know if they were seeing anything other than the messages from the Great System. Seeing that neither one of them looked out of the ordinary or confused, he was almost one hundred percent certain that he was the only person receiving the extra notifications from the other system.


    With a sigh, he surveyed the rest of his surroundings. Fortunately, all the healers and most of the support members of the party had heeded hismand. Elena, Walter, Jasper, and Tristan hadnt thought twice about retreating to the Time Prison when he called out, and along with them, Jasper took his Drake and Tristan brought Ciera with him. Her legs were healed, and looked to have beenpletely regrown for a while, but there still seemed to be some atrophy and she still wasnt steady on them. Basically, even if they were healed, they were new and she would need to learn to walk on them once again.


    For the support members, all but one had retreated into the prison. Leave it to the lowest level support member to throw caution to the wind. Timothy Nash had retreated, but still stood outside the Time Prison. Derek shruggedit was good enough probably.


    It was the fighters that were being pains in Dereks ass. There were five of them who didnt meet Dereks criteria to stay and fight, but only one had retreated and two had distanced themselves closer to the Time Prison. Derek was about to shout at them once again, but before he could, the notification he was dreading popped up before him.


    <strong>Summoning Complete</strong>


    <strong>Summoned Starfury Leonarus</strong>


    Along with the message came multiple bright, illuminating lights that started on the ground and made their way up. As the light traveled up the summoned creatures body, Derek took in its massive form. The beast had four legs, each ending in brilliant silver ws that looked devastatingly sharp.


    From there, the beasts legs were covered in midnight blue fur and speckled with shimmering star-like dots. As the summoning lights continued to move, Derek was able to see even more of the beasteventually, the long, whip-like tail of the same color appeared and was tipped with a crystal-like edge on the end.


    Next, the beasts mane came into view. The mane was a swirl of reds and purpleslooking almost gctic. It didnt take Derek seeing the rest of the beast to realize what they were about to face. It seemed a massive lion the size of two double-decker busses and just as long was going to be the final boss. And, ording to what he could see, the lion had some type of space or star affinity.


    His guess was proven correct as the beasts head finally made its appearance. The lions teeth and fangs were the same silver as its ws, and the beasts eyes shined a glimmering white that seemed to have gxies rotating within.


    What the Derek heard Averys voice sound out from beside him. He agreed with the archers sentiments.


    Maybe its not as strong as it looks? Vanessas unsure voice came next.


    No, Derek answered. Its going to be stronger.


    Once again, it seemed Derek was proven correct, because as soon as he finished speaking, the Starfury Leonarus finished its summoning and let out a devastating roar. When the wave of energy created by the roar hit him, he felt some of his buffs leave him one by one. It didntpletely rid him of all the buffs applied by the support members, but he only had a couple left.


    Forget the n! Derek yelled. Do what you can to fight and survive. Use your best judgement, hemanded.


    You dont have to tell me twice, beside him, dragon wings sprouted from Averys back and he took to the skies. Vanessa followed with her own wings of darkness.


    Rockys small form dove into the ground and disappeared while Tyron backed away slowly. Derek didnt have time to look for the rest of the party. It was time to move.


    <em>Looks like were hitting it first,</em> he sent to Silvi.


    With Harbinger in his hand, he loaded up his most fierce attackone that came so much quicker with his newly improved wisdom stat. With the attack ready, he disappeared. When he reappeared, he was directly above the massive beast with a near perfectly visible image of his de ovepping Harbinger. As Derek began the motion to swing down and activate Multi-Strikeas he had done countless timeshe was interrupted.


    He hadnt even noticed the tail arrive beside him before it crashed into his armor covered body. It was a direct hit that he hadnt seening, and it was overly effective. Not since the very first Void Beast that he fought had he experienced such internal distress.


    Even with the protection disyed by his Dark Wyvern Scaled Armor, the organs in his torso were made mush and he was sent flying. The pain he experienced was immeasurable and hurt even worse as his high vitality and endurance worked overtime to repair him.


    He didnt even know how far he had been sent flying, as he had spent the split second after hed been hit to activate Greater Meditation and increase his grip on Harbinger so as not to lose it. Derek didnt even have time to look at his health pool, as, before he hit the ground, the massive lion appeared out of nowhere and whipped its tail at him once again.


    Panicking, Derek activated Void Shift in hopes of avoiding the blow. The panicked move worked somewhat. It was enough for him to move himself out of the way of the tail strike before the beast broke him out of the void. It didnt give him a lot of hope, but it was something.


    Evading the tail also gave Derek a front-row seat to the massive Void Lightning Bolt that crashed down onto the lion from well above the range of its tail. It seemed Silvi had already realized Dereks mistake and chose to not make the same one.


    The lightning hit the top of the beasts head and stayed for a moment before vanishing. All movement in the lion ceased and a spark of joy ignited inside of Derek. Is that it? Derek loaded up his strike again, swinging it before it was fully charged because he didnt want to give the beast any extra time toe back to.


    But before his strike hit the beast, it let out another roar. It seemed that Silvis Void Lightning Bolt was only able to stun the beast momentarilyan even shorter amount of time than he had been able to with the wyvern when he hit it with his unenhanced void covered fist.


    This time, the roar caused a rift to open in the space in front of Dereks attacka rift that swallowed both the physical arc and the void arc that followed. As soon as the spatial rift closed, Derek heard a scream from behind him, and a notification alert appeared. He didnt have time to look at it, but from a quick turn of his head toward the scream, he saw Ray Fergus motionless on the ground in front of his Time Prison.


    It didnt take much for him to connect the dots and realize that the Starfury Leonarus had swallowed his attack with its spatial rift and redirected it at one of the fleeing members of the party. He also realized that if he opened the notification, he would see a kill notificationone for Ray Fergus.


    Fury zed through Dereks body as he tightened his grip on Harbinger and vaulted off the void using Void Steps. The beast looked directly into Dereks eyes and he could almost swear that he could see a smirk on the corner of the massive maw of the beast. Dereks rage increased even furtherthe lion was enjoying the fightit was enjoying the hunt.


    But Derek wasnt alone. As the lion prepared another attack for him, shadows shot out from the ground and wrapped themselves around it as the earth beneath it softened, then began heating up. The shadows pulled and pulled until they dragged the gigantic beast knee deep into the loosened, nowvaced earth.


    Derek continued his dive toward the beasts head, and he channeled as much void energy into Harbinger as he could. Unfortunately, the lion didnt seem to be in a panic. It continued to lock eyes with Derek, then opened its maw once again. But this time, as soon as its teeth parted, gray-ish drills appeared almost out of nowhere and shot into its mouth.


    The unexpected weapons caught the beast off guard and caused its next attack to falter. For the first time in the quick fight, Derek saw a dribble of blood flow from its mouth as Averys drill shots tore through the inside of its throat.


    Derek, with Multi-Strike already spent, came down as hard as he could onto the beasts head. And just like when Silvis attack from before hit it, his strike caused the beast to be stunned. Just after the attack connected, Derek felt the hairs on the back of his neck raise along with a massive amount of heat. At first, he thought the heat wasing from theva below, but then realized it was much too hot for it to be that.


    Not taking any chances, Derek used Active Void Shift and moved himself at least fifty feet away from the beast and the heat. But soon, his confusion turned into a smile as he saw the enormous flood of dragon fire raining down from the sky abovea flood of fireing from the smallest spout possiblea spout by the name of Silvi.


    He and the others all watched on as the fire drowned the whole of the beast in its intense mes. No one dared get close to the me. Only Derek knew that the dragon fire being spouted by Silvi was backed by both 1500 wisdom and 1500 intelligence. It was truly a trump card for the murder bunnyone that she would only use when absolutely necessary.


    The reason for this wasnt because of how much it took out of her. No, it was because if she ended up killing something with the dragon me, then the body of the whatever was hit by it would usually turn to ash and there would be no ingredients left after the fact. It was truly a hard decision to for the chef bunny to make, but she had sensed the power of the monster before her and chosen to use it.


    Her me also continued to asionally get stronger the longer itsted. Derek knew that this was because of the low level it had started at. Using it on such a monster would rapidly increase its levels, even if it was a skill that was hard to level. In the short time the skill was being used, Derek counted five times that the power of the me increased.


    Derek continued channeling the void into Harbingereven as long as Silvis skillsted, he had yet to receive the kill notification and was starting to get worried. He could see the same worry on the others faces, too. Soon, Silvis me died downher mana was almost spent. In an instant, she appeared on the ground next to the Time Prison.


    <em>Your turn,</em> she sent, then vanished inside the prison.

 Chapter 330: Starfury

    Chapter 330: Starfury


    Seeing Silvi disappear into his Time Prison to take a break was Dereks cue to unleash his currently held attack. Avery, on the other hand, had never let up with his own attacks. Even while the beast was being engulfed in Silvis fires, he was loosing drill shot after drill shot at it. If those arrows hit and actually did any damage, or if they even made it through the mes, Derek didnt know.


    Derek rushed forward through the smoke and into the slowly calming fire. He didnt know what he was rushing into, but he needed to act quickly. He swung a void infused Harbinger down at full force with his right arm and shot out a Void Lightning Bolt with his left hand.


    Just after his attacksnded, the smoke and mes were pushed away from above, and Derek felt pressure falling onto him. He looks up only to see a rapidly advancing shadow in the sky. At first, he thought Vanessa was doing something else with her shadows, but then he realized that the silhouette he was seeing was that of an enormous ball-peen hammer crashing down onto the beast, and thus, him.


    Once again, Derek made his retreat as quickly as he could with Active Void Shift. He appeared back a distance away from the smoke only to see a hammer the size of the beast itself falling onto the smoky area. A loud crash rang out as Tyrons hammer hit home and pounded into the creature.


    Derek hadnt been able to see the lion hed hit for all the smoke, so he still didnt know what state it was currently in. There was no way he would believe that the beast wasnt hurting. From above, Avery kept releasing arrow after arrow, and drinking potion after potion. Since this was the final fight, the archer didnt look like he was going to hold anything back.


    Suddenly, Derek felt a warmth flow over his body. Turning to look at the Time Prison, he saw Elena and Kieron standing just outside of it, casting their buffs over the fighters in the party. He nodded at them, then they disappeared back into the Time Prison. That skill really is a cheat, he thought.


    Derek looked up at where Silvi had originally been, and taking her ce was Cain Ibarra. At the moment, he was channeling his own mes and wind. Then, he unleashed the wind backed mes down at the beast. Everyone was truly going all out.


    From the side, Victor pped his hands together, and Derek felt the ground move. He didnt know what the man did, but it had to have been some form of an attack on the beast. Derek slipped into Greater Meditation to keep his reserves refreshed, and began firing bolt after bolt of void lightning at the beast. Something had to givehe was in utter shock that they had yet to receive a kill notification, and a sense of urgency was slowly filling his body.


    Finally, out of nowhere, the mes produced by Cain appeared behind Avery. Luckily, Avery was fast, and avoided being hit by them by the skin of his teeth. Cain stopped his skills, and the fires vanished.


    Then, a roar came from the charred areaa roar that held within it a great amount of pain, but even more rage and anger. A pulse of midnight blue energy shot out from the beast, and all traces of smoke and fire were blown away in an instant.


    For the first time since Silvis attack, Derek got a good look at the Starfury Leonarus. The lions formerly beautiful mane waspletely missing, and scorch marks littered its body. The previously prideful lion had turned into a burned, hairless cat. But Derek wouldnt take the beast lightly. On top of the charred flesh, small punctures adorn the top of its body.


    Apparently, Averys arrows were doing something. Derek focused on the wounds, and he could see a very small amount of blood dripping out of each one. Each singr attack may not have been doing much, but with them allbined, the damage and blood loss should surely add up.


    Tyrons hammer strike had knocked the beast even further into the softened, heated ground, as the monster was buried halfway up his body. Well, the ground was now neither soft nor heated. It clicked with Derek that Victor had taken control of the ground after Tyron stopped his heating of the metals inside it and packed it in. This caused the ground to harden around the beast.


    There were also some earthen spikes surrounding the lion, but they hadnt prated the beast. Theyy broken around it. Because the beast was being held by the earth, Vanessa, wherever she was, moved her shadows around the beasts neck and was attempting to strangle it after finding that the shadows couldnt puncture its skin.


    Derek would give anything if the raid boss had a red health bar floating above its head. He needed to know how injured the thing actually was. He was also surprised that the beast hadnt teleported away from Silvis attack or out of its constraints. There were only a couple of reasons for that. The first was that its skill was still on cooldown from using it earlier. The second, and the one Derek hoped for, was that it couldnt teleport while it was being constrained.


    Whether that was because of Vanessas shadows or Victors earth, Derek didnt know. Still, he hoped that those were the reasons it wasnt teleporting.


    For some reason, out of everyone who had attacked it, and the variety of damage that had been cause, the Starfury Leonarus seemed to only have eyes for Derek. Even with Averys shots still drilling into it, the lion didnt react to them. Instead, it turned its head and looked directly at Derek. It was like it was on a mission or something.


    One thing was for certain, though, the yful appearance that its face had before waspletely gonereced with a look of fury. The beast finally broke contact with Derek and tilted its head down toward the ground, then took a deep breath in through its nose. Then, almost instantly, its head shot up toward the sky and it released a roar unlike anything Derek had heard before.


    The already taught muscles all over its body grew in sizethe massive beast growing evenrger. The shadows wrapping around its neck broke off and dissipated one by one. Averys arrows, now aimed at the maw of the beast, disintegrated before they reached flesh. Soundwaves caused by nothing more than the force of the roar hit Cain, who everyone thought was out of attack range, and sent him tumbling through the sky.


    And to top it all off, the ground where the beast had been stuck in began to crack and shatter. The beast raised its front right paw and sat it down on solid ground before doing the same with its front left one. Then it began pulling the back of its body out of the rubble. Soon, its back left paw was free and moving to a stable position. Finally, it started lifting its back right leg, but momentarily paused when the ground beneath it starting shaking.


    Derek looked over at Victor, but the elven man looked as confused as he did. The next instant, another beast almost as big as the Leonarus itself shot out of the ground underneath it. The beast was an earthen color with waves of red flowing through its body. It was Rocky, and he had changed himself into a gigantic form to join the battle.


    Seemingly understanding that it had the size, but not the power, Rocky didnt go straight for the lion. Instead, its maw came up directly underneath the other beasts legthe one that wasntpletely free yetand swallowed it whole. Then, Rocky mped down and began shaking its head furiously until the lions leg was ripped free of its body.


    The Starfury Leonarus released a pained roar, then swiped back with one of its remaining silver ws, connecting directly with Rockys back. Bright blood spewed from the wyrm, causing him to release a pained cry and dive back into the earth. Derek could only assume that Rocky went back to his small form, as other than when the wyrm dived into the earth initially, he couldnt feel any vibrationsing from the ground.


    Dereks eyes focused on the area where the beasts leg used to be. It was leaking blood profusely, but right in front of his eyes, it was regrowing. At the pace he was seeing, the beast would regrow its leg in mere minutesDerek didnt even know that was possible.


    He wasnt the only person whoid eyes on the scene, though. As Derek watched the leg regrow, he saw a swirl of water wrap around it, then move faster and faster until it vanished. What was left was a partially regrown stump. Derek looked back at the door to his Time Prison and saw the back of Walter disappearing back inside. He had healed the leg before it had a chance to regrow.


    This lost them the damage that would have been caused by the blood loss while it regrew, but it gained them the possibility of the beast having decreased mobility. It was a good tradeoff, in Dereks mind. But just as Derek thought things were really taking a turn for them, the lion had a different idea.


    Small pulses of midnight blue aura began flowing out of its body with each heartbeat. The sky darkened around the battlefield as it seemed like stars were pulled forwardcloser and closer. Everyoneid into the beast with their best attacks, trying to stop whatever it was preparing, but nothing seemed to work. As the surroundings darkened, more and more small specks of light began to appear around them.


    Then the destruction began. Each star shot forward at an unbelievable speedsome going after Avery and the others, but most aiming directly for Derek. In order to not be maimed, Derek used Void Shift back to back, over and over. He used the skill so much that he actually had to break out some of his mana potions and chug them.


    The stars didnt just shoot straight at a target, then dissipate. No, if they missed, they looped back around and continued their chase. Derek allowed the stars to chase him, though. He moved further and further away from the battlefield with the stars right on himdodging by mere inches with Void Shift. When he was far enough away, he pushed Void Sense as hard as he could, then appeared directly underneath the beast with Harbinger gripped firmly in his hands.


    The beast was concentrating hard, directing its skill, so it was only able to pull some stars off of the others andunch them at him. But Derek had already thrust a nearly fully void channeled Harbinger directly into the beasts torso, backed by both Sweeping sh and Multi-Strike. This time, there was no shot the beast could dodge or redirect his attack.


    His attacknded just as the starsnded on Derek. The first softball-sized star hit him at the base of his right knee, shattering it and taking most of his flesh with it as it blinked out after the hit. The second almost took him at the hip, but a quick summon of Absolute Nullify on the ground was enough to pull it off course and cause it to miss. The same happened for the third star, but it didnt misspletely. Instead of hitting Derek directly in the chest, the maic effect of his nullify skill caused it to veer down and hit the bottom of his left lepletely removing his entire foot in the process.


    But Derek was willing to make the trade. After being hit by the stars, he knew he was the only one would would be able to take them head on and survive. Well, Avery and his endurance may allow him to survive as well, but he would still be much worse off than Derek. But Derek was the only one who would be able to trade such a blow with the beast.


    Speaking of which, Derek looked up. In the background, the starry sky began flickeringlight shone through one second, and darkness covered the area the next. Next, a massive amount of liquid poured out of the lions mouth, and Derek took a deep breath in. Did that do it?

 Chapter 331: Wearing Down

    Chapter 331: Wearing Down


    Dereks attention was drawn to the distant sky where each star created by the Starfury Leonarus began to blink out, one by one. While he was distracted by the slow loss of power of the beasts skill, the others in his party were not. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a blur speed by, then, as he followed the movement, he saw Avery appear on the beast with his daggers in hand.


    Avery thrust each dagger into an already weakened part of the flesh of the beastknowing that it would be hard to make fresh wounds with his close attacks, the archer chose to cut into the portions of the monster that his Drill Shots had already cut open. To Derek, it looked like Avery was trying to save some of his stamina while still inflicting as much damage as he could. It was a good strategyespecially since they didnt know how much more damage the beast would be able to soak up.


    With Avery attacking the beast, Derek broke out of his daze. Even though he knew it wasnt much, he shot out a Void Lightning Boltdirectly behind where his Sweeping sh hadnded. Following his attack, earthen spikes appeared from the ground around him and shot up toward the beast with staggering force. Instead of hitting the monster and breaking, this time they struck with precisionthe tip of each spikending on an already vulnerable area of the beasts flesh. It seemed that Victor had taken after Avery and traded quantity with quality with his attacks.


    Derek wished he could get a good look at the massive beasts face just to see how much light was left in its eyes, but his position underneath the beast was just too much to pass up. If he could continue underneath it until his major skills came off of cooldown, he would be able to inflict another major injury on it. So, getting a good look into the creatures eyes just wasnt currently possible if he wanted to stay in his current position.


    He was, however, growing more and more confident in theirbined attacks as the rays of light slowly crept in and the range of the starry night sky above them diminished. If the beast wasnt in good enough shape to keep its skill active, even if it wasnt on the verge of dying, the fact that the skill was disappearing showed that it was at least weakening.


    By continuing their onught of attacks, they would surely whittle the creatures health down, bit by bit. The Starfury Leonarus may have been a beast from another system or world, or even something else entirely, but with theirbined might, unless the monster was overwhelmingly strong and was just toying with them, Derek didnt believe they would be defeated.


    At this point, Derek had been waiting for the perfect opportunity to use his trump card. Feeling that it was the perfect time, and he was in the perfect position, Derek gripped Harbinger tightly and inspected the durability of the weapon. It hadnt lost a lot, but just over twenty durability had disappeared from the ive due to his attacks on the otherworldly beast and its high endurance.


    He wouldnt be able to keep the skill active long, but Material Drain should be able to cause a massive amount of damage in the short time it would take to repair itself with the beasts material. With both hands gripping Harbinger, Derek willed the repair skill to activate.


    Slowly, the skill formed into that of a small, deep purple ball on the end of Harbingers de. With a deep breath, Derek thrust his weapon upwardinto the chest of the beast. If he could take out its heart in one go, that would be for the best.


    Derek focused on the end of his de as he waited for Material Drain to begin and the flesh of the beast to vanish and be used as fuel to fix his ive. However, as seconds passed, and with him applying more and more pressure, the area covered by the deep purple ball at the end of his de never moved forward, and the flesh never disappeared.


    Derek examined Harbinger once again and frowned. Not only had the beast not been hurt by Material Drain, but Harbinger hadnt gained a single point of its durability back during its use. In fact, Harbingers durability had actually decreased by a single point.


    Derek cursed inwardly and put every bit of strength he could muster into pushing his ive into the beast. Still, it showed no signs of working. <em>What the hell is going on? Doesnt the description say that it works on ANY material? It worked just fine on that big fish and even the materials from the wyvern. Why isnt it working on this asshole? </em>


    With a curse, Derek withdrew Material Drain and charged up another of his normal void channeled attack inbination with a Void Lightning Bolt. The attacks, even inbination, wouldnt do fatal damage to the creature, but surely they would cause some harm. Maybe they would even help keep the beast stationary long enough for Multi-Strike toe off cooldown.


    As he attacked, he wondered why Material Drain wasnt working. He didnt know if it wasnt functioning properly due to the monster not being from the Great System, or if it was because the beast was a higher tier than Harbinger. If he had to guess, he would go with thetter.


    Harbinger may have been a legendary weapon, but after seeing the notification that appeared from the other system when the Starfury Leonarus was being summoned, he was pretty sure that the beast was either mythical rank or very close to it. Material Drain not being able to work on living beasts of mythical rank would just make sense.


    Dereks brows furrowed as he unleashed another attack on the beasts sternum. Even though he and the others were hitting it with everything but the kitchen sinkwell, Dereks kitchen sink proved ineffectivethe lion hadnt moved or attacked. In fact, it had been just over a minute since Dereks main attacknded, and the stun surely should have worn off by now, but the beast still hadnt moved an inch. Other than its chest moving in and out, the rest of its body was basically static.


    <em>Why would anything stay this still for this long and just let its enemies attack? </em>With that thought, a feeling of dread came up from nowhere and washed over his body. Trying to find what was causing the strange urrence, Derek ventured another peek at the sky. What he saw caused him to curse.


    <em>If the stars had continued disappearing at the rate they were before, they would almost bepletely gone by now, and there would most likely not be anymore darkness covering the sky, </em>he thought as he surveyed the scene. The disappearance of the stars had slowed dramatically in the dozen or so seconds hed looked away from the sky.


    But more and more light still made its way through the darkness. <em>What the hell is this thing ying at? </em>The dread that came before grew even stronger as he tried to figure the beast out. <em>If I didnt know any better, Id think the beast was oh, no! Its using Greater Meditation, or at least Meditation, to tank everything, isnt it? Dammit! </em>With a thought, Derek disappeared from under the belly of the beast and appeared directly above itlooking down on its face. Sure enough, the eyelids of the beast were shut, and it was breathing calmly.


    <em>Dammit! </em>Derek plunged a void infused Harbinger down directly into the center of one of the beasts eyes, but it didnt seem to have any effect, and the beast kept with its peaceful breathing. <em>Is this what its like to fight me? </em>For an instant, he felt sorry for some of his opponents. <em>What the hell am I supposed to do? </em>


    Derek went through his entire list of skillseven the ones he hadnt bothered using in a long timeones like Chain Lightning. But no matter the skill, he couldnt see any of them helping them out of their current situation. Chain Lightning not being from his ss, or just a physical attack he could use his buffs on, killed its attack power. Before, he hadnt really understood why, but now, he knew a bit about affinityand his was for the void, not lightning.


    He did, however, use Void Creation to dig in and rece his foot and stem the flow of blood a bit. He kept the wound from closing or healing with Void Creation so his high vitality wouldnt identally close it up and leave him with a permanent stump.


    The only people out of the bunch who seemed to be able to do any kind of substantial damage to the beast were Avery, Silvi, and himself when his cooldowns were finished. Unfortunately, Avery looked to be running low on stamina potions, and he hadnt seen Silvi since she disappeared into the Time Prison to regenerate her mana.


    Currently, it was a race whether they could output more damage than it could heal. <em>Silvi! Are you finished regenerating you mana yet? </em>he asked hispanion. If they were going to win this fight, they needed her.


    <em>Uh yeah I am, but </em>she answered, but she seemed hesitant about something.


    Derek didnt have time to deal with whatever she was hesitant about. <em>We need your offensive power, </em>he said.


    <em>Mhm, </em>she gave a nonmittal answer.


    <em>Silvi! We need your help! </em>He half shouted inwardly at Silvi as he swung Harbinger down at the beasts forehead once again. He was doing his best to disrupt the beasts Meditation with his attacks. If nothing else, maybe he could slow its healing process by a bit.


    <em>Shut up! Im busy! </em>Silvis reply threw him for a loop. He wasnt expecting her to get testy with him, especially not in the middle of such a big fight.


    <em>Youre bus </em>he tried to ask, but was cut off by hispanion.


    <em>I said shut up! Busy! </em>


    Dammit! Derek shouted as he swung his ive over and over at the beasts skull.


    Once again, with Derek out from under the beast, the ground grew around ittrapping it inside just above its legs. Victor was doing what he could to keep the beast tied up, just in case it decided to break out of its trance and attack.


    <em>Whats going on? </em>Averys voice came through via Telepathy.


    <em>The fuckers meditating, </em>Derek replied. <em>It looks like no matter what we do, its regeneration is able to keep up with our damage. On top of that, I dont know what the hell Silvis up to. </em>


    <em>I see, </em>Avery replied. <em>How long until you can do that big attack again? </em>


    <em>Not long, </em>Derek sent. <em>But it wont matter if its already healed itself past where it was before myst onended. </em>


    <em>If we need to retreat, are you confident in keeping yourself alive if the others have to move into your space? </em>Avery asked. His tone was serious, without a hint of the usual fun he had during fights. If he was making ns for retreat, the situation was even worse than he thought.


    <em>I am. I also have a way to get out of here if an escape scroll wont work. Though Im unsure what it will do to everyone else. </em>


    <em>That will be ourst resort, </em>Avery said.


    <em>Got it, </em>Derek replied. <em>Until then, we need to keep at it. Maybe its more injured than we think. </em>


    With that, Derek attacked again, and Avery changed his fighting style back to his bow, but continued to stay in close range. Along with that, Derek tossed the man whatever stamina potions he could spare. It was getting down to crunch time, and they needed to be as fresh as possible for whatever came next.

 Chapter 332: Final Moves

    Chapter 332: Final Moves


    As Derek and Avery continued trying to wear the boss down, Vanessas shadows seemed to be trying to force themselves into the beasts mouth, eyes, and ears. But, for some reason, the shadows just couldnt find their way insidethe usual weak spots on such a beast looked to be closed tight and highly defended. Even one of Averys drill arrows did nothing more than leave a small mark on the beasts eyelidone that nearly instantly disappeared.


    On top of her shadows not being able to sneak inside the boss monster, they also appeared to be weaker than they were at the beginning of the fight. Eventually, Vanessa gave up on whatever she was trying, and her shadows receded and disappeared.


    Derek looked around the battlefield for her, but she had been hidden well, and he didnt know where she was acting from. However, her shadows didnt make another appearance once they recededshe was most likely running low on mana or willpower, even though they hadnt been in battle long. Using the shadows to constrain the beast at the beginning, along with them being hit by Silvis dragon fire, had to have taken a toll on the woman.


    On top of that, throwing everything she had at the enemy and nothing being effective was probably a mental blow to the former Vice Leader of the Assassins Guild. But Vanessa wasnt the only one whose attack seemed to be ineffective on the beast.


    Derek had barely seen Lyra doing anything during the fight. He realized why when the amphithere dove down and hovered directly in front of the meditating beast. The winged serpent stared daggers at the beast, but nothing happened. It looked as though her mind sts and other mental attacks were having no sess against the summoned beast.


    Finally, Lyra turned her massive head, and Derek saw into her eyes. Averyspanion looked exhausted. He wondered how much her attacks had actually done to the boss monster. It was possible that it was her mental attacks that kept the beast from unleashing its full power. Derek nodded at Lyrashe was trying her very best.


    Derek and Avery continued their close-range fighting for a little longer. They were doing everything in their power to out damage the beasts healing. Lyra pitched in with her mind attacks, but at best, it was helping Derek interrupt the bosss regeneration through Meditationat worst, the beasts mind was shielded and it wasnt doing anything to harm it, and Lyra was exhausting herself for nothing.


    Suddenly, Derek felt before he saw almost all the darkness above him disappear, causing him to heave a sigh of relief. If the skill was finally broken, it meant that their attacks were working. However, when he turned his head to nce up, instead of only seeing the clear blue sky that he expected, he saw a ck sphere the size of a giant beach ball with bright, glittering white lights rotating inside.


    At that point, he realized that the beast hadnt been losing control of its skillit was condensing it. Wide-eyed, Derek watched as the sphere began to rotate one way faster and faster, while the condensed stars inside the sphere spun the opposite.


    The surrounding space close to the sphere began to warp and split and a light gravitational pull began to form on the outside of it. The faster the sphere and stars rotated, the stronger the pull, and the more distorted the surrounding space became.


    At first, Derek wasnt overly worried about the sphere. It was far away, and didnt move. However, once the rotations reached a certain speed, the sphere began to move. Though slow for now, with the amount of spatial distortion caused by the sphere, if it happened to get close to anyone in the party, that person wouldntst a second before <em>Im not sure what would happen if someone was caught up inside a spatial distortion.</em>


    In a split second, Derek had to make a decision. He didnt know how much bigger the sphere would be, how much more dangerous it would be, or if it would begin moving faster, but it was making a B-Line straight to the Starfury Leonarus. If it closed in, both he and Avery would have to retreat, which would give the beast even more opportunities to heal. And this was just as Averys close range Drill Shots were starting to add up after Derek gave him his supply of stamina potions.


    So, instead of focusing his attack on the beast along with Avery, he put his trust in the archer and moved to intercept the giant ball of death. With his only real damaging move on cooldown, he was built to defend against things like this. Derek faced his whole body in the direction of the sphere, put his ive away, and cast Absolute Nullify with as much energy as he could muster.


    Immediately, the skill appeared in front of the sphere, and the two shed. On one end was the cosmic and spatial energy created by the Starfury Leonarus, on the other was the nullifying properties of the void. Each skill pulled the other towards it before they collided and stuck together like mas.


    Derek kicked off the void using Void Steps with his void prosthetic and moved closer to the sphere, allowing him a closer distance to dump his mana into Absolute Nullify. At the same time, he reached for a mana potion from his storage device and gulped it down.


    For the time being, he was able to halt the other skills advance, but he didnt know how long it wouldst. With Absolute Nullify absorbing some of the other skills energy, the growth of the skill slowed, but it wasnt enough to halt the growthpletely. With each passing second, the cosmic sphere grewrger and the danger to everyone increased.


    While stalling the other skill, Derek once again felt a sense of dread overwhelm him. But the dread wasnting from the sphere, and it was no longer just a feeling he was gettingno, he realized that the dread he kept feeling was actually emanating from the Starfury beast itself.


    <em>Now whats it going to do? </em>Derek slowly turned his head while keeping as much focus as he could on Absolute Nullify. When his eyes finallynded on the beast, he was surprised to see the lions own eyes snap open. Derek tensed, and just in the corner of his vision, he saw Avery blur and vanish in an attempt to flee from whatever the beast was about to unleash. <em>Dammit! </em>He inwardly cursed.


    At the beginning of the fight, everything seemed to be going their way. They just didnt have enough firepower to finish the job. Derek cursed at the system for giving him utility skill after utility skill. Even his main attacking skill wasnt actually an attack skill, it was just a way to channel his elementand the other skills he relied on the most?


    One was Sweeping sh, which was a skill he earned through an Achievement that was upgraded because of a simr skill he had purchased from the other system. The other skill was Multi-Strike, which he earned through the same Achievement as Sweeping sh. The majority of his offensive power actually came from the Offensive Powerhouse Achievement, not from his own ss.


    On top of that, the only reason they worked as well as they did was because Multi-Strike was very versatile and had greatpatibility with all his attacks. He was lucky that he could use both it and Channel Void at the same time. Missing either one in his attack would cripple his offensive power against any powerful enemy.


    Derek couldnt help but think of these things as he frantically tried to figure out what to do. He was currently missing a foot, and his other leg was a mangled mess. However, he wasnt worried about himself, and he had no doubt that Silvi would be able to escape with Void Travel. But what would it do to the others if he took them inside the void with him?


    His previous conversation with Avery had him thinking. Would something happen to everyone inside the Time Prison if he closed it and used Void Travel? Would the results be the same as some of the food and ingredients that Silvi brought through? He was happy that he was given a warning, but really wished it wasnt so vague.


    As he was staring down at the boss monster and running through the options in his head, he noticed the look in the Starfury Leonaruss eyes change. Gone was both the toying look of a predator ying with its food and the anger once it realized that its prey could fight back. Instead, if Derek had to describe what he was seeing <em>Is is that fear? Is it scared of something? </em>For some reason, the beast looked afraid.


    <em>But why? Weve thrown everything we have at it, and it still standing. No, its doing even better than that. </em>The beast had basically ousted them, and Derek was even thinking about a way to retreat.


    But as he was thinking, the dread that had washed over Derek for some time now instantly vanished. Not only that, but momentster, he noticed that Absolute Nullify was even beginning to overpower the beasts sphere. Confused, he turned his attention back on his skill, but as he did, the boss monster roared louder than ever before.


    Dereks eyes quickly shot back to the beast, and he looked on as it madly broke itself out of the ground and shot into the air with enough force to crumble the earth beneath. From there, it shot back to the ground and crashed into it with a heavy thud.


    On the ground, in a crater of its own making, the beast rolled and thrashed about. Spatial arcs formed and shot out in all directions, destroying the surroundings even more. The power unleashed by the beast was devastating, and the entire area was beginning to resemble a wastnd.


    Finally, the beast paused and fell to its back. Derek watched in awe as the beasts razor-like silver ws clutched at and dug into its own chest. Blood and goremore than Avery had been able to cause the entire time with his daggersshot out from the boss because of its own attack. Whatever it was doing wasnt enough.


    The Starfury Leonarus slowly rolled over, its chest dripping blood, and limped up with its three remaining legs and paws. It tilted its head into the air and its chest began to expandgrowing bigger and bigger, like a giant balloon. Derek tensed in anticipation of the roar that he knew wasing. But when the beast opened its maw, a torrent of me was released into the air.


    Even after a minute, the me continued to pour out of its mouth and into the sky. The beasts legs were shaky, and it looked like it was taking everything it had just to stay upright and release the mes. Finally, its three remaining legs couldnt take it anymore, and the beast fell to the ground face first. The pressure from the me continued, but without its open mouth to release it, small amounts of smoke and fire seeped out while its body expanded again.


    <em>Attack it! </em>Silvis weak voice chimed in Dereks head.


    Without questions, Derek summoned Harbinger and shifted directly above the beast. He allowed Absolute Nullify to blink out, but the other skill had already lessened so much that he was no longer worried about it. His Multi-Strike still had a short cooldown left, but Sweeping Strike was ready to go. So, with as much void energy he could channel into his ive, he reared back and just as he was about tounch the attack; he was met with a notification that stopped him in his tracks.


    <strong>Congrattions! You have in the Starfury Leonarus</strong>

 Chapter 333: Starfurys End

    Chapter 333: Starfury''s End


    Dereks attack died on his de before he even released it. He canceled out Void Step and fell to the ground,nding just in front of the swollen beast. Secondster, Averynded beside him, followed by others who were in the fight. They were all speechlesseach of them must have gotten a notification stating that the beast was dead.


    What happened? Avery asked. He was as surprised as anyone else.


    Derek, of course, knew exactly what happened. He just didnt quite believe it. It all came to him the moment Silvi told him to attack through their bond. The dread that he felt, it was verymon with something elsethe feeling of the portal from Void Travel opening up beside him. <em>How did I not recognize it to begin with? </em>He was too focused on the rest of the fight to really put two and two together until Silvi reached out to him.


    The first light feeling of dread was most likely her opening the portal from somewhere in the distance. Then thest, more heavy feeling of dread had to havee from her literally opening the portal directly inside the Starfury Leonarus. He felt dumb for not instantly recognizing the mes that the beast began spewing, too. They were obviously the dragon mes that Silvi had used in front of him a few times already.


    Silvi happened, Derek answered. He was proud of his smallpanion. She had thought outside the box for her final attack. He was no longer irritated that she had cut him off. He would have done the same if he was setting up an attack like that.


    Silvi? Where is she? Vanessa asked.


    Derek pointed at the beast which was slowly deting. After a few more moments, it had returned back to its previous size, which was still massive, but it was no longer inted. Finally, the beast started shaking, which caused almost everyone to take a step back. Eventually, the shaking made its way to the head, then, the mouth openedrevealing a small, soot covered beast.


    Silvi was well, she was naked. Gone was her cloak, cor, and storage rings. Derek even noticed that some of the dark spots on her fur werent actually soot, they were burn and singe marks. <em>She must have injured herself while burning the beast up from the inside. </em>Mostly, her small muzzle and nose were nothing but scarred, burned flesh. But the flesh was slowly repairing itself right in front of everyones eyes.


    Derek felt bad. Hispanion was beat all to hell. He quickly searched in his storage bracelet to find the best healing potions he had, then unstoppered it and ran over to Silvi. He kneeled before holding the vial out. Here, drink this. Silvi tilted her head back, and Derek poured the liquid into her mouth.


    Combined with her endurance and vitality, the healing properties of the potion didnt take long to kick in. She had also closed her eyes and began meditating to expedite the process. Soon, she was technically back to one-hundred percent. Her fur still needed to grow back. Derek would have to ask Roman about a potion for that when he got back. He still wasnt sure how stats affected hair. It was something he never thought about.


    I cant believe that you did that, Silvi, Derek said. I dont know whether to thank you or scold you for putting yourself in so much danger.


    At that time, Walter came running out from where the TIme Prison was. He was carrying Silvis cor and rings. When he arrived, he handed the equipment to Derek, who reached out and put the cor around her neck. With the cor around her neck, Silvi opened her eyes and her cloak magically appeared back on her back. Put my rings in my pockets, she said.


    Derekughed and slowly dropped her extra storage rings inside her small pockets sewn into her cloak. There you go, he said. Now, why did you do that?


    It deserved it, she replied seriously. Then, the old Silvi came back and her eyes brightened. And I get to cook it, right?


    Derek couldnt help butugh. Everyone was fighting for their lives, and she was worried about doing the final bit of damage so she could use her skill on such a monster. If he was being honest, he looked forward to seeing what she could create from the lion. <em>I</em><em>ve never had lion before. I never would have thought Id ever want lion before. </em>But after seeing and tasting the in steaks from the wyvern, he couldnt wait to see what she made out of the lion.


    Oh, no! Walter called out, then ran over in one direction.


    What? Derek frowned and followed the healer with his eyes.


    Soon, Walter stopped, then a flood of water poured out of his hands. Derek watched as the man lifted a body into the airit was Cain Ibarra, the Guild Master of the Adventurers Guild in the capital. Derek had wondered what had happened to the guy. He had taken Silvis ce when she went to regenerate, but Derek hadnt heard from him since the boss began shooting stars.


    Derek rushed over and sighed in relief. The man wasnt deadjust unconscious. Somehow, he had survived having half of his side blown off. Luckily, the attack didnt seem to have hit his heart, brain, or limbs. And because Walter got to him before he was thrown into a Dying State, the man should be fine after a while.


    That was a close one, Derek said as he walked up to Walter.


    I thought we lost another one, Walter said with a sigh.


    Another one? Derek asked. What do you mean?


    Just Walter started. Go look inside your space. Its not good. That ability


    Dereks eyes widened, then he turned to rush to his Time Prison. When he got there, he was met with a chilling sight. Five bodiesy arranged neatly on the floor inside the Time Prison, while others were currently being healed by Elena and Tristan.


    What happened? he asked, but he could already guess the answer.


    Elena turned her head from Kieron, one of the support members, and spoke. That attackthe one that cked out the sky and shot out all those lightssome of them came inside this space with us. They didntst long, but they dealt a lot of damage.


    Five people? Derek asked.


    Yeah. We managed to save everyone else who was injured. We were lucky we had all the healers in here when it happened. The ones we couldnt save most died instantly.


    Derek sighed heavily and moved closer to the corpses on the floor. It seemed that even though he retreated, John Doyle had joined Ray Fergus in death. The two hadnt listened well at the beginning of the fight, and Dereks own redirected attack had actually killed Ray, whose body wasying with the other four. His body waspletely unscratchedhed been done in by the void attack on his vitals.


    Looking at the other three, Derek recognized Sachiko Sato, the sword and shield user who had taken part in the first trial. He bent down to get a closer look; she was missing a leg, an arm, and she had a massive hole in her chest where one of the stars must have passed through.


    Shes the reason a lot of us are alive, Elena continued while healing Kieron. The attack lost a lot of momentum after hitting someone. First she sacrificed her arm, then leg, then she tried to block one more with her shield. But her shield wasnt durable enough, and the attack cut straight through, killing her instantly.


    Derek nodded solemnly, then moved on to the remaining two dead bodies. They were of John Newman, another support ss, and Scarlet Mason, the archer. John also had a hole through his chest, but Scarlets body was worse. The attack must have it her in the head. He could only recognize her by her clothes and the bowying next to her.


    Dammit! Derek cursed. I should have closed the Time Prison.


    Its not your fault, Elena said. We had more than enough power in here to have blocked off the entrance. The support could have cast Barrier. The mages could have put up their own magic barriers, especially John and Ray, with their wind and earth magic. But Ray didnt listen to you, and everyone else was busy watching through the door. We may not have been able to block all of them, but we sure as hell could have slowed them down. This is on me.


    No, its on me, Derek said. I may not have asked for lead of this damn raid, but it was given to me. <em>Not to mention the fact that the boss probably would have been much easier if I hadnt been here. Surely the Great System wouldnt have summoned something like that normally unless it would have, and since Im connected with the other system somehow, I was just able to see it.</em>


    No, you did your job. You beat the boss and finished the dungeon. I was de facto leader of everyone in here. They would have listened to me, she replied.


    Derek just shook his head and changed the topic. How is everyone else?


    Theyll be fine, she said. Tristan is going to have his work cut out for him. I imagine his skills are going to level like crazy after this.


    Derek threw a look at the light healer and almostughed. He was currently healing someones leg Ciera Cooks leg, to be exact. She lost her legs again?


    This time only the one, Elena half smiled. Speaking of which, what about you?


    What about me? he asked, then recalled that he was still standing on a prosthetic created by void. I guess Ill have to hit him up as well.


    Let me look at it, Elena said. Kierons healed. She was in a Dying State earlier, so she just needs some rest and shell regain consciousness.


    Sure Derek said, and sat beside the top healer. Then, with his leg stretched out, he undid his Void Creation. The prosthetic instant vanished and blood begin to pour out.


    Huh Elena blurted out. Fascinating. She stared at his missing foot in awe.


    What is it? he asked.


    Hold on, she said, then, she reached out and held her hand over his leg. Green light spilled from it, and he watched as his foot began to regrowand fast. What!?


    What is it? Derek asked. I thought only Tristan had the ability to regrow limbs.


    He is the only person who can regrow limbs she muttered. But your body its like it has its own memory and its regrowing it for you. Im only helping with the healing.


    Derek frowned. Could it be because of my endurance and vitality? Theyre maxed well, over max.


    The question marks? Elena asked.


    Something like that, Derek said. He actually didnt have the question marks beside his stats anymore.


    No, she replied. That cant be it. Ive healed people who have broken through the final threshold in either endurance or vitality. Neither showed signs of regrowing their own limbs. They didnt have both maxed out, but surely one would have shown something.


    <em>It</em><em>s got to be the evolution. My body waspletely rebuilt by the void. It even changed my race. </em>Derek didnt know what to tell her. <em>I</em><em> dont think I can tell her about the evolution without messing with that forced oath. </em>I guess Im just special.


    Sure Elena said as the rest of his foot regrew. Then, she moved on to his battered knee on his other leg and healed it up. Everybody has their secrets.


    Derek nodded. Thanks. He rubbed his knee, and wincednot because it hurt, but because of the massive hole in the armor hed just received. <em>Tyron</em><em>s going to be pissed. </em>


    Im going to go help Tristan. Everyones stable now. We just need to keep some wounds from healing over. The others are fine. Elena got up and walked away.


    Derek also stood and went and examined everyone else. <em>Wait, where</em><em>s Bones and Ogre? </em>He hadnt seen them since he came in. Finally, he looked over at the cell that Ogre used to stay in, and the door was shut as tight as it could be without actually being shut. He walked over and tugged on it. After a slight resistance, it opened.


    What are the two of you doing? He asked once he saw that they were both untouched.


    Well, Bones began. I thought it best for us to stay away from your other visitors for the time being, so before they arrived, we moved to a cell. From themotion outside, I am happy we did.


    Me too, Derek replied. Good job.


    Bones nodded.


    The boss is dead. All thats left is going to the orb andpleting the dungeon, Derek said. Then we can get out of here.

 Chapter 334: Post Fight

    Chapter 334: Post Fight


    Derek left Bones and Ogre in their cell and turned to walk out. The two former captives had decided that they might as well stay in the cell until everything waspletely over. There was no sense in leaving it if they couldnte outside, anyway. <em>Actually, would they be able to leave the prison once we gather the rewards and the dungeon isplete?</em> He wondered. <em>I may have to try it once weplete the dungeon. </em>


    With that thought, he surveyed all the injured and dead once again and sighed. Then he turned back to the door to the outside and began to walk forward. But no sooner than when he took his first step, he was interrupted by a frantic Silvi.


    <em>Derek! Its awful. Its terrible! </em>Silvis childlike voice rang out in his head. Hed never heard her so panicked. <em>Hurry! I need help!</em><em> </em>


    Without any dy, Derek rushed forward, out of the Time Prison, then he shifted into the void. He quickly pulled himself through a rift and appeared next to Silvi before canceling Void Shift.


    Silvi, whats wrong? Is everybody okay? Is there another monster? Derek frantically looked around at those who were not in the Time Prison and their surroundings.


    Help! Make it stop! Silvi cried out once again, this time through her cor with hermunication crystals.


    What is it?


    At that time, Avery walked forward and tapped Derek on the shoulder. Derek looked at him, then, without saying anything, the archer pointed toward the motionless body of the Starfury Leonarus. Derek followed the direction and his eyesnded on the beast. He frowned. What is it? he asked.


    However, before anyone responded, Derek saw that dark blue and ck specks of light were detaching themselves from the corpse before floating up into the air over the dungeon orb and disappearing into it. <em>Is it? No! </em>That was his and Silvis loot. Hed been screwed out of rewards too many times, and he doubted the final dungeon reward would be any different. Plus, he wanted to know what Silvis Cook What You Kill skill would do for such a beast. He was already looking forward to the meal. He couldnt just let it disappear.


    Derek rushed forward with the intent of storing the remaining corpse into his storage ring.


    Weve already tried to store it, Avery said from behind him. Nothing worked.


    Dereks hand went directly through the corpse and he couldnt put it in the ring. <em>What about my bracelet? </em>His bracelet worked a little differently than the ringsit could even store spatial rings, so maybe it could stop the nonsense ying out in front of him. Derek put his hand, and bracelet, through the incorporeal beast and willed it to go inside his bracelet. Once again, he was let down.


    <em>This isn</em><em>t over. </em>With onest ditch effort, Derek tore a hole in the space directly over the beast. If normal methods of storing it didnt work, the maybe Void Storage would be able to. s, he had no way to move the incorporeal beast into the Void Storage. He even tried shifting into the void to see if he could gain purchase on the corpse that way.


    With his final attempt at saving the materials from the Starfury Leonarus thwarted, Derek walked back to Silvi, defeated. Theres nothing I can do, he said. Derek was actually much more disappointed with himself over losing the materials for Silvi than he thought he should have been. It hit him in the gut almost as bad as losing five members of the raid party.


    Hispanion had given so much in the battle, and risked her life at the end to defeat the beast, yet the only thing she wanted from doing so was disappearing in front of their eyes. <em>And it</em><em>s all my fault because the stupid system seems to want to screw me over time and time again.</em>


    Im sorry, Derek said to Silvi as he reached down and ce his hand on her head. Well have to find some other things for you and your skill. Once everything is over here and in the kingdom, well go find some good dungeons or something.


    Silvi wasnt looking so good. She was totally healed, other than the few missing patches of fur, but she actually looked worse off right now than she had when she had made her way out from inside the beast.


    Promise? she asked.


    I promise, Derek said. It is close to the top of our to do list.


    With that promised, Silvi disappeared and reappeared on Dereks shoulder. For the next five minutes, they stood and watched the remainder of the boss monster disappear from in front of them. Nobody else chose to speak during the sightit was a solemn moment.


    Finally, the corpse of the beast hadpletely disappeared into the dungeon orb, and the orb began glowing brighter and spinning. It just sat there spinning, doing nothing else. <em>I guess that</em><em>s it, </em>Derek thought. <em>Time to be ripped off again. </em>


    Is everyone ready to finish this dungeon and collect our loot? Derek asked.


    The mood around him shifted to excitement at the mention of finishing the dungeonor, more likely, collecting the loot.


    Okay, here I go. Derek, with Silvi still perched on his shoulder, moved in front of the dungeon orb, then ced his hand on it and waited for thepletion status. Soon, the notification he had been both waiting for and dreading popped up.


    Dungeon Complete


    Assigning Rewards


    Assigning Rewards


    Error


    Unable to Assign Reward


    System Interference Detected...


    Assigning Rewards


    Error


    Unable to Assign Reward


    System Interference Detected...


    Assigning Rewards


    Error


    Unable to Assign Reward


    System Interference Detected...


    Congrattions, as you are one of the first toplete this dungeon, rewards are doubled


    Derek took a deep breath in, this notification was something he''d been expecting since it seemed like the other system had been interfering or something ever since his evolution. It looked like there were three rewards forpleting the dungeon, and he wasnt going to receive any. Just before he let out his anger at the sense of injustice he felt, a new notification appeared in front of him. But this one came from the pesky system that seemed to keep interfering in his rewards.


    <strong>Challenge Complete</strong><strong></strong>


    <strong>Rewards Received: Starfury Boots, Skill Scroll of Spatial Redirection x2</strong>


    <strong>Congrattions!</strong>


    <strong>Title Unlocked!</strong>


    <strong>User can not currently use received Titles. </strong>


    <em>Holy shit! I got something! I got two</em><em> no, three somethings and a Title! </em>Derek had immediately been disappointed when the first notification said that it was unable to assign a reward, but then something magical happened. The other system had appeared and saved the day. <em>Saved the day after probably being the reason I gained nothing from some of the other trials. But still</em><em> I really did need a pair of boots. </em>Derek looked at his feet. One foot waspletely bare, and the other was wearing a shoe that was beat up and almost out ofmission.


    Seeing that he was being rewarded, Derek held out his hands and felt the two skill scrolls fall into them, and he instantly tucked them safely away into his storage bracelet. Next, a pair of midnight blue boots with sparkling white patterns on them appeared. Instantly, he threw the pair of boots inside his storage bracelet, then, with a thought, he removed his single remaining shoe and directed his new pair of boots to appear on his feet.


    With his eyes now on his newly equipped pair of boots, Derek smiled. <em>Damn, these boots will go really well with the material I used for my shop. </em>Other than his boots, he also received two skill scrollsscrolls that he knew exactly what the skill did. He was happy with the skill, as there was no doubt in his mind that it was the skill that the beast had used to intercept his attack and redirect it into one of his party members.


    It was bitter sweet that he had just obtain two skill scrolls of the skill that had been used to kill one of the raid members. He was a little sad that he hadnt gotten a domain type skill like the one the beast had used. It had darkened the area and summoned stars to fire at enemies. It was purely offensive, something he was entirelycking.


    But, even as much as he would have like to shoot stars at people, he would take his redirection skill. If used correctly, it could easily be used offensively.


    Here, Derek told Silvi as the extra scroll appeared in his hand. Its not much, but its at least a constion prize.


    Without saying anything, Silvi ced her paw on the skill and learned it. Immediately after, the scroll disappeared. Next, Derek took out the remaining scroll and focused his mana on it.


    Skill Scroll: Spatial Redirection


    Upon activation, the user will learn the skill, Spatial Redirection. As this is a skill from a scroll, no skill points are required, and it will not be forgotten upon ss change.


    Would you like to learn? Y/N


    <em>Yes. </em>He mentally agreed.


    Congrattions


    You have learned the skill, Spatial Redirection.


    Derek inwardly jumped for joy. On the outside, he couldnt keep a smile from appearing on his face. To be honest, it was another defensive type or utility type skill, but it still fit perfectly with his meatshield defensive build hed had since the system arrived on Earth. <em>I wonder if it will be affected by my affinity. My affinity is void, which seems to be abination of space and time, so maybe</em><em> </em>


    He thought that, but he couldnt really see how affinity would help with a defensive skill such as Spatial Redirection. <em>Maybe it will increase the power of the attacks that can be redirected or something. </em>Derek shrugged. He would look over the skill, his stats, and upgradester. For now, he wanted to move on to what was next.


    <em>That</em><em>s the third Title Ive received from the other system, and also the third Title that I couldnt have. </em>He wondered if those titles were things that were now just in the wind and forgotten, or if the other system was saving them and he would eventually get to a point where he could receive them. <em>No use thinking about it right now. </em>Instead, he turned and looked at the others.


    Each one of themfrom Avery and Vanessa to Walter and Shaehad dumb grins on their faces. They had all obviously received something great. Though it didnt look like any of them had received items or skill scrolls like he had.


    So, what did you get? Derek asked Avery, who was the closest person to him other than Silvi.


    Avery broke himself out of his stupor and looked Derek up and down, his eyes eventually falling on his new boots. Nice boots were those your reward? he asked quizzically.


    Yup, Derek said.


    Hmm I cant Identify them. Strange


    Derek shrugged. He hadnt bothered to try to Identify them yet, either. For now, he only knew that they werefortable as hell. What about you? What did you get?


    This raid dungeon has been pretty good in terms of physical growth. And the three rewards forpleting the dungeon are enough to make even nah somewhat jealous, Avery said.


    Oh?


    You really dont get the same rewards as others, do you? Avery frowned. I thought you were acting weird in thest trial. Now I know. Dont worry, I wont ask for details about it or anything.


    Derek nodded. Thanks. I couldnt give you the details, even if I wanted to.


    Well, Avery started. First were the stat points. 75 free points to put anywhere. Thats pretty damn good, all things considered. Next, we received 4 Skill Upgrade Points, which are always useful. Finally, and I think we all received it, we got an Achievement forpleting a dungeon at maximum rarity. All dungeons have a 5% chance of rewarding higher rarity rewards at the end now.


    Hmm Those rewards were good and all, and Derek would very much like the Achievement and Skill Upgrade Points, but, being overstatted as he was, he actually preferred his rewards. <em>I still have plenty of Void Beast meals to increase my strength, and can get more any time I want. Plus, Roman should have a lot of the potions made in the time it''s taken toplete the dungeon. Those even give dexterity.</em>


    Oh, Avery said. And all of that was doubled since we were the first ones toplete the dungeon. 150 stat points, 8 Skill Upgrade Points, and the Achievement even gives a 10% change to upgrade the rarity of rewards.


    <em>Dammit! </em>Derek inwardly cursed. <em>8 Skill Upgrade Points would have</em><em> ugh </em>He really was still missing out. But this time, at least he was going to walk away with something to show for it.


    Congrattions! Derek said, able to keep any of the bitterness out of his words.


    Avery nodded. Edgar is going to be pissed.


    Derekughed. At least he could takefort in the fact that he wasnt the only person who didnt receive the personal rewards. Yes, yes, he will be.

 Chapter 335: Leaving?

    Chapter 335: Leaving?


    With all the rewards for the dungeon divvied out, and everyone who was outside going around happily discussing them, Derek was left with only a couple of things left to do. First, he looked around, and was happy to see that there was nothing left that needed to be packed by anyhey had done a good job of storing everything before the boss fight.


    So, with that in mind, before they left the dungeon, he only needed to get everyone out of his Time Prison. He also wanted to see if Bones or Ogre would be allowed toe out now that rewards had been given.


    Derek, Silvi, Avery, who seemed eager to leave after bragging about his rewards, and Walter, who had finished stabilizing Cain and left him with Shae before catching back up with Derek and the others, all turned away from the rest and moved back to his Time Prison. If he had tested it before, Derek wouldnt have been worried about just closing his skill and leaving the dungeon with everyone still inside. In fact, that would have been better because of the number of injured or unconscious people still inside.


    He didnt know what they were going to be getting into when they appeared back at the dungeon entrance in Cydaria, so having them in his Time Prison would keep them safe. Unfortunately, because he hadnt experimented with putting anyone in while inside a dungeon, then taking them out once they left it, he didnt want to risk getting them stuck in his prisonthe system was fickle.


    So he needed to move everyone out, whether they were healed or not. After the short walk, Derek reentered his Time Prison and headed directly toward Elena. When the woman saw him enter, she turned her head toward him and the others and gave them a nod and a smile as they approached.


    Did everyone in here received the rewards? Derek asked. He hoped that being inside the Time Prison hadnt cut everyone off from the system and kept them from being rewards.


    We did, Elena nodded. They made for quite the power boost in stats and skills. A reward fitting for such a terrible dungeon.


    Especially if you add the other rewards for the trials, Avery said.


    Yes, Elena replied. She then turned her head and nodded solemnly at Tristan Allister. It seems the Allister boy is making the most use out of his rewards. I believe he spent every Skill Upgrade Point he received leveling his special healing skillthe one that allows him to regrow limbs.


    Derek looked over at the young man. He actually didnt know how old anybody in the dungeon was except for Silvi and Edgar, who had left, so he didnt count. Elena calling Tristan the Allister boy made him wonder about his age. He also wondered if Tristan spent his skills just to be a better healer and of more use, or if he did it so Cierra wouldnt have to wait as long to bepletely healed this time. <em>Why can</em><em>t it be both? </em>Derek shrugged.


    Shrugging the thought off, Derek asked Elena, Is everyone ready to leave the Time Prison so we can go homback to Cydaria? Derek caught himself before he called Cydaria home out loud. He had built his shop and did consider it home, but it was hard for him to say it aloudespecially with the promise hed just given Silvi. Who knew where they may have to go to get her some good ingredients?


    Elena looked over at everyone and frowned. Almost. I wanted to wait for everyone to wake up naturally before taking them out.


    Ill help, Walter said, then, when Elena agreed, walked off and began going over everyone with his own healing skills. It was odd seeing the different types of healing all in one room. There was light healing, water healing, and there was even healing that used a green auraDerek guessed that was the wood element or something close.


    In that case, Ill be waiting outside for you. Do your best to get them ready as soon as possible. It may be best to force them conscious if you can do it without hurting them, Derek said. Every second counts. It always did, but now, the dy is on us. Who knows whats going on outside right now?


    Give us ten minutes, max. If we cant slowly bring them to, I have a way to forcefully wake them. Its just really disorienting, especially if youre waking from being in a previous Dying State, Elena replied.


    Good enough, Derek nodded, then went over to bones cell while Avery exited the Time Prison.


    Bones, Derek said when he opened the door. Hop up and follow me. I need to see if you can leave my skill now that rewards have been given. By the way, you didnt happen to receive any rewards, did you?


    Bones stood up and walked out of the cell, leaving Ogre sitting alone. I did not, but it seems that the rewards were quite well received. Even in the state some of the people in here are in, they couldnt hold back their excitement.


    Yeah, they were okay, I guess, Derek replied. After a short while, Derek passed through the threshold of the Time Prison, then turned around to look back at Bones. Well? Can youe out?


    Lets see, Bones said. He then took a step forward and frowned slightly. Then, he moved his hand forward, and it stuck on an invisible barrier. It was the same one that kept him or his skills from leaving the Time Prison before. It seems that Ogre and myself must remain inside here until you leave the dungeon, after all.


    Thats unfortunate, Derek said. But very informative. Thank you. You can go back to your cell. Everyone should clear out of there within the next few minutes. Well be back before you know it.


    Then Ill take my leave, Bones said.


    Derek snorted. Youre already acting like a butler.


    No time like the present, sir. Bones bowed and turned. If theres nothing else.


    Go ahead. Derek dismissed the man with a chuckle.


    After that, he and Silvi waited. During the wait, Derek decided to check out his new skill.


    Spatial Redirection


    Intercept an attack and redirect it to a different position at an amplified power.


    Current Attack Strength: 100% of Original


    Cooldown: 2 minutes


    Mana Cost: 7000 mana


    Increase the level of the skill to increase attack strength and decrease cooldown.


    <em>Wait, so as I level the skill, the power of the attack I intercept will increase? I wonder what the attack strength will look like at level 10 or 20. </em>In a daze, Derek thought about the different ways he could use the skill. Finally, he had an idea. <em>Can I redirect my own skill with it? </em>


    If he could increase the level of Spatial Redirect, thenbine it with hisbination attack. What kind of damage would it cause? <em>If it can grow all the way to 200%, would I have been able to one-shot the Starfury Leonarus? </em>Thinking about the boss monster, Derek swallowed hard. <em>What if the beast would have redirected my attack at someone else instead of Ray? What if the attack had been directed at Silvi? </em>It was a morbid thing to thinkthat one life was valued higher than anotherbut Derek didnt really know Ray, and hed choose to save Silvi over him 100% of the time.


    Dismissing his skill window, Derek next checked out his boots. Using Identify on them, he frowned because Identify didnt seem to want to work on the boots. <em>Avery did say that he couldn</em><em>t Identify them, either, but I thought it was different for things youre currently wearing. </em>Derek tried his skill out a couple more times and was surprised when he received an odd notification.


    Information Received


    Disying


    Starfury Boots


    Durability:


    2500/2500


    The Starfury Boots were created by ****** ****** from the essence of a legendary beast from **********. Within these bootsy a power used exclusively by the Starfury species.


    Starfury: Unleash an attack with the fury of a star.


    Bound to User


    <em>Unleash an attack with the fury of a star. Right, very helpful. </em>Derek chuckled. <em>At least I know where the corpse of the beast went to. The other system must have used it to make the boots, and probably the skill scrolls, as well. Now</em><em> how do I use these things?</em>


    Derek focused on the boot on his right foot, and nothing happened. Then he thought about how he activated Material Drain with Harbinger. He felt a tuge from the bootlike it needed something else. With realization, Derek slowly began channeling some of his mana into the boot.


    Intensely, he watched as the more mana he channeled into the piece of equipment, the faster the stars floating on the boot became. It was just like how they had been spinning inside the beasts final attack that was stopped before it had a chance to do any damage. <em>Is that the attack these boots received? </em>


    The longer he channeled mana into the boot, the more heat came off of it. Derek nced up for a moment and saw that most of the party members were staring at him and had begun to back away. <em>Yeah, probably not the best idea right now. </em>Derek stopped the flow of mana and canceled whatever skill he was teeing up. He had an idea about what the boots would do, and he was excited.


    The other system had given him a piece of equipment that he was pretty sure would unleash a pretty devastating attack. <em>The only problem is that its power is basically capped where it is right now. I certainly can</em><em>t increase the level of the boots. I dont even know if Tyron would be able to repair them, either. Not to mention that the boots are bound to me. I guess the other system didnt want anybody else getting their hands on them.</em>


    That was interesting, Avery walked over and said as he stared down intently at Dereks new boots. I take it theyre pretty good?


    I cant know for certain, Derek shrugged. But I think they may be okay. He inwardly grinned. He really wanted a ce to use them just to see.


    I guess its finally time to go back, Avery said as he looked over his shoulder.


    Yeah. Seven losses are rough, though, he replied. He turned to see what Avery was looking at and saw the remaining party members making their way out of his Time Prison. Some looked fine, but some acted a little groggy.


    Believe it or not, its better than most new dangerous dungeons. At least percent wise, Avery said. Some elite dungeons have been known to take out multiple full parties before onees back with apletioneven if the party is full of elites.


    I guess. Derek shrugged. Finally, Elena walked out with a very groggy Kieron Dawson, leaning on her as they moved forward. With that, it was everyone.


    Derek quickly moved and passed by everyone on their way out. He ducked inside the prison for a moment and gave it a quick scan. Seeing only Bones and Ogreing out of the cell, Derek ducked back out and closed the door before ending the skill.


    In a few moments, Derek was back at the dungeon orb with everyone around him. Is everyone ready?


    Can we wait just one more minute? Jasper asked. Terry couldnt fit inside the spaces door, so I had him run far away.


    <em>Terry? </em>Derek thought, then remembered the manspanion. <em>I guess that</em><em>s its name. </em>Not long after, Terry made its appearance, and everyone was ready.


    Ready? Derek asked, and everyone nodded. Remember, we dont know whats waiting for us on the other side. Be prepared.


    Derek ced his hand on the dungeon orb and chose to leave the dungeon. One by one, the light washed over all the party members, and they disappeared from the dungeon.


    Derek blinked as his feet found solid footing. He was finally out of the dungeon. However, something was wrong. He wasnt in the cave they had originally found the dungeon orb in. Instead, he was in an empty room with gray walls surrounding him.


    Confused, Derek looked, but couldnt find anyone other than Silvi, who was still on his shoulder. <em>What</em><em>s going on? </em>He was about to move to look around, but was halted by a voice.


    Mr. Hunt Silvi its nice to finally meet you?

 Chapter 336: Dave

    Chapter 336: Dave


    Derek drew his ive and Silvi tensed on his shoulder. There was a voice, but nobody visible. In fact, Derek couldnt feel the presence of anyone or anything. Whos there?


    No need to be so anxious, the voice said. Im not here to hurt you.


    That didnt help Derek rx at all. He was supposed to be in Cydaria with the rest of his party, but he and Silvi had been what? Intercepted? By someone or something? So no, he wasnt going to rx.


    Fine, fine, the voice chuckled. Out of nowhere, a figure began to fade into being.


    Derek watched as the figure solidified right before his eyes. Silvi grew even more tense on his shoulder where she was sitting. After a short amount of time, a fully solid figure was standing before them.


    How is this? the figure asked.


    Derek took in the sight in front of him. The figure seemed to be a young member of the elven race. From his feet to his neck, he was covered in a brown robeon which matched his medium length brown hair and deep brown eyes. The person in front of him had the same trademark pointy ears as all the other elves Derek had met. The elven man was about half a foot shorter than Derek, maybe 56 or 57, and he stared at the twopanions with questioning eyes and a half smirk.


    Other than that, his features were basic. Derek had seen some elvesactually, all elves that Derek had the pleasure of meeting had been much more beautiful than the one standing in front of him. If anything, he would say that the elf in front of him was more like an elf with human featuresother than the ears. He had a in face and a slightly pointed nose. Nothing really stood out about the elf.


    In fact, nothing at all stood out about the elf. Derek could feel no energying from the young looking elven man. Even if he focused hard, if he shut his eyes, it was like there was no one standing there. Forget rxing. This made Derek even more anxious.


    Who are you? Derek cautiously asked.


    Who am I? the man asked as he took a step forward, causing Derek to take a step back. Thats not of real importance right now. Were here to talk about youyou and yourpanion. But, if you need a name, you can call me Dave. Hmm yes, Dave will work. The man smiled as he took another step forward. Now, have a seat. Weve things to discuss and little time to do so.


    Derek took another step away from the man, but to his surprise, he tripped over something and fell backinto a recliner. <em>What the!? </em>He couldnt help but look around in awe at the chair he was in. It was thread for thread, identical to some of the reclining chairs Derek had seen or even used back on Earth. This was not something hed seen since arriving in Cydaria. They had some cushioned seats, especially the ones hed gotten for his shop, but never had he seen such azyfortable chair.


    Coffee? the man asked, and before Dereks eyes, a coffee table appeared next to him with a steaming cup of coffee sitting directly in the middle. It is a very good beverage, might I add?


    Feeling overwhelmed and struggling to keep up, Dereks body reacted on its own as he reached out and took the handle of the coffee cup and brought the drink up to his nose. It was a heavenly aroma of the smoky and earthiness thates with a perfectly brewed cup of dark roasted coffee.


    Hey! Stop it! Silvis wordsing from her cor broke Derek out of his thoughts and he sat the cup back down without taking a sip. Derek looked over to his shoulder, thankful to hispanion for seeing that he was out of sorts. Wheres mine? then he nearly facepalmed as she requested her own treat.


    Of course, I wouldnt leave you out. How rude of me would it be to not offer my other guest refreshments? Instantly, another table appeared on the opposite side of the coffee table. This one, however, had a cushion on one side and a few dishes and bowls of liquid sat out in front of it. The cushion was perfectly sized for the small bunny, and she knew it.


    Before Derek could stop her, she was sitting on the cushion and sniffing at the bowl, then, she gently stuck out her tongue and touched it to the liquid inside. She drew back and closed her eyes before opening them and looking at the elven man who had somehow found his own seat while Derek was distracted by Silvi. Yum. Very sweet. Give me the recipe.


    For someone who says we dont have much time, you sure are taking your own, Derek said before the man could respond to Silvi.


    Discussions are much smoother when everyone isfortable. The man shrugged.


    Okay Dave. What do you want? Where are we? Where is the rest of my party? Derek put his ive away.


    You do not need to worry about any of that. Everyone is safe, and you will soon be back with them. The man waved Dereks questions off. Im sure you have other, more relevant questions. Particrly, questions about your evolution and the other system.


    Dereks eyes widened. How?


    How can I talk about it? What about the oath? The man chuckled. I have no oath. And it wouldnt matter if I did because it is something we both know of. I may know more, but it is all something you will learn in time. The Origin System may be harsh, but it isnt nefarious or evil.


    Derek continued to stare, not saying anything.


    Now, I have been watching you since you appeared on here attached to a Universal System. That was very interesting, by the way. Not unheard of, but very interesting. And congrattions on surviving the transition between systems. The man Dave, stopped talking as Derek gave him an intense re. What? Dont me me. Your level was low, and your stats were high. It was rtively safe. Its not like youre the first person its happened to.


    But my life was at risk? Derek asked.


    Only a teensy bit, the man said. But would you have preferred the alternative? Being stuck here without ess to any system at all? We even did you a favor and rolled some of your titles into your transition.


    <em>This man talks like he has some control over the system. </em>Who are you? Derek asked once again, this time with even more suspicion. Are you like a system admin, or a moderator or something? Derek alwayspared the systems to that of video games from Earth, and those are the terms hed use in those circumstances.


    Something like that, Dave replied, but didnt borate. Now, let me ask you a question. How long were you trapped in the void?


    Dont you know? Two years. Derek said smugly. He was 27 when he went into Silvi Jobs Portal, and when he finally came out, his new system said he was 29. Of course, he was 30 now, so it may have been more like two and a half years.


    No. Not how long your body aged physically, but how long were you in there? The man reiterated.


    <em>What the hell? Why not answer? He seems to know everything else, and by the looks of it, he could crush me with a finger. </em>I dont know. I meditated for such a long part of it. It wasnt like I had a calendar to keep track of the days as they passed. If I had to guess, I would say 100 years or more, maybe a bit less. But it was a long, long time.


    I see, the man said as he took a sip of a cup of coffee that hadnt been in his hand a moment ago. That would exin your extremely high Meditation skill. Especially since it was basic meditation under no threats, multipliers, or system assistance with essence. He nodded. Very interesting.


    Okay what does me being in the void have to do with anything? Derek asked.


    Well, it has everything to do with everything, Dave answered. You see, no matter what you may think right now, I am not a mind reader. But I believed you were highly exaggerating how long you spent inside the void the couple times that you hinted at it.


    <em>Okay, not a mind reader, but definitely a voyeur. I don</em><em>t know whats worse. </em>Oh, and now you dont? Derek asked.


    How could I? Especially after you reached a high enough affinity to evolve and get the Origin System to pay attention to such a ce? In fact, I believe you have been severely underestimating the length of your stay in the void.


    Derek leaned forward. These were answers to some of the questions hed been repeatedly asking himself. What does that mean? he asked.


    It means that your body naturally reached an evolution point with its affinity, and assistance had to be requested to help in the evolution. But instead of the assistance I wanted, the damn Origin System came and assisted. For the first time, Dave seemed to get heated about something.


    Why is that a bad thing? Derek asked.


    In the long run? It isnt at least not for you, Dave replied after calming. In the short term? You can no longer be rewarded internal rewards in this system. That means no direct stats, no direct skill points, no direct upgrade points


    Why? Derek asked.


    Dave gestured wide at the surroundings. Because your body has evolved past the point of interference from us.


    If thats so, why am I still able to obtain experience points or increase my skill levels? Derek asked. And what about my durability? Shouldnt have that increased? That beast didnt have a problem taking my foot off, after all.


    Thats gathered essence quantified into something easy to understand, not directly increasing your level and skills. And the evolution has increased the amount of essence your body can absorb to fit with your high affinity. But Dave waved that away. But that is neither here nor there. The problem is that once the Origin System came, it became interested.


    And what does that mean? Derek asked. <em>He did have some questions about experience points, but he would let the man finish what he wanted before he asked.</em>


    With it there, the Great System Derek didnt miss the man rolling his eyes at the name of the system. Defaulted to its basics and we could no longer interfere.


    You interfered before? Derek asked.


    Of course I interfered before. I made sure you received the best offensive skill in the reward pool after the second trial. But did you use the Dragon Fire scroll? Nope. You just stored it away. At least it ended up going to someone who can make use of it. The elf looked at Silvi, who was still munching away on her refreshments. But then you evolved.


    What about the Achievement from the whale? Derek asked. That was after I evolved.


    That wasnt a dungeon reward, Dave replied. It is a universal title or achievement.


    <em>Oh</em><em> </em>Derek thought. <em>Then the Achievement everyone got at the end of the dungeon was specific to the Great System and its dungeons. Avery said that it was forpleting a dungeon at the highest difficulty. I guess difficulty is relevant based on the system. Just how many systems are there? </em>Hed finally gotten some system names, though. <em>There</em><em>s the Great System, the Universal System, and the Origin System.</em>


    Well thats answers that question, Derek said. Now, I somehow got to the point to evolve, but the current system couldnt handle it, so it requested assistance. Then, instead of whoever was supposed to help came, this Origin System decided that I was interesting and decided it would help. What else?


    The man sighed. Because part of it was interested, instead of helping you through the evolution and going on its way, it decided to keep an eye on the dungeon. Then, it decided to test you with a little challenge. I admit, I am not thrilled about lives being lost due to the Origin Systems whims. But there is nothing I can do there.


    Derek snorted. <em>Hypocrite. You just confessed to doing the same thing with me when I arrived. </em>


    The elven man looked amused by Derek. May I continue?


    Go ahead.

 Chapter 337: Dave II

    Chapter 337: Dave II


    Luckily, once you passed whatever test the Origin System gave youwhich I assume had to do with that Starfury beastthe system only lingered for a short time longer before disappearing when you left the dungeon. Thus, giving us the opportunity to have a chat, Dave exined.


    So how is knowing this supposed to help me? Derek questioned.


    Ah, you see. Knowledge is power. As I said before, in the long run, everything will be for the bestat least for you. In the meantime, knowing what has happened to you may allow you to prepare for what maye.


    Still, Derek had some things about experience that he wanted to know. The talk of essence had bugged him a bit. Okay, I understand that, but I have some questions. Will you answer them?


    Maybe, the man replied. Questions about what has already happened to you I will answer, but other questions well see.


    I want to know about experience. You said that experience is essence thats quantified into numbers, which makes it easy to understand? Then why do some sses give fewer stat points per level than the other if our bodies are able to hold the same amount? Derek asked.


    Quality, Dave answered. A beast at your own level that you y tends to give around ten percent of their total unabsorbed essence, that is, for a regr system user with amon ss. For rarer sses, which, if you havent guessed yet, are earned from higher affinity, systems helppress the essence into a morepatible form for your higher affinity. Thus, causing higher rarity sses to need more essence to level up.


    I see


    The same is true for skills, except they absorb the natural essence around you. Naturally, this causes some problems.


    What do you mean?


    The two skills you received from the Origin System. I am unable to see them, but I imagine they dont have a level? the man asked.


    Yes, they say N/A, Derek answered.


    That is because the natural essence in this system isnt of high enough quality to support and enhance them. The one that allows you to move freely anywherewhich apparently included in my dungeonswould not work as well in a system with more dense, high-quality essence. But, it would be able to level and reach that stage and more. Its a very interesting skill. Dave nodded.


    Void Travel, Derek said. And I was wondering about that. The description says that it may cause harm to things in separate spaceslist storage rings and possible my Time Prison. And Silvi experienced that first hand with her ingredients.


    Awful, terrible skill, Silvi chimed in.


    How would that affect a person? Derek asked.


    I dont know, Dave replied. I know little about the void or its inner workings. That will be something for you to find out. Perhaps when you level the skill, it will allow you to bring others along without harm.


    What about Void Storage? Derek asked, remembering that it said N/A, too.


    Ah, that was a basic void skill that I had ess to. It grows with your affinity and intelligence. The higher quality essence used to level, the better for skills like those.


    Which brings me to my other questionskills, Derek said. Why are my skills so utility?


    I want to say that utility is the nature of the void, but I cant. Void affinity skills are controlled and not easy toe by. As are time affinity skills, and a few others. The skills you have been awarded are the skills we have. And we pushed it a little with Void Call and Time Prison, he exined.


    What do you mean? Derek asked.


    Well Void Call is a skill that can bring disaster when used until youve reached a high enough level in it, yet has to be used constantly to level it. Even in this system, you will find that there are a few Void Beasts that are close to their own evolution. They may be a small amount weaker than you are now, but if one of them would have gotten the call, so to speak, when you were farming them, you and many cities would have been in real trouble.


    As for Time Prison, it leans much closer to a time-based skill with limited space capability. And they arentbined enough to be considered void. It was a stretch giving it to you, but we were low on allowed void skills, Dave finished.


    Derek nodded along with everything, and his mindnded on Void Beasts. Thats something else I wanted to know. Void Beasts. Why are they able to give direct stats?


    When prepared correctly, you are directly absorbing already processed essence from the beasts. Void Beasts have no system that I am aware of, so the essence they absorb is immediately processed into one of their stats, as far as I know. As for the freshly created Void Beasts, the theory is that an abundance of vital essence is used to create a Void Beast from nothing, and thus, its blood holds that until it is absorbed into the rest of its body. Of course, your body will only be allowed to absorb so much because of its limits. You can forcefully push your body past the stat caps, but there will be massive diminishing returns once you do.


    So if I were to consume more Void Beasts?


    Ones from here? Without your limits, you could easily increase your strength and dexterity, but your other stats are beyond what a Void Beasts body would be able to process. So, you would still get stats for a while, but I couldnt tell you how many.


    It still freaked Derek out that the elven man was able to so easily look and talk about his personal stats. But Derek had gotten answersreal answersto many of the questions that had been guing him, so he couldntin.


    The fascinating thing is that while you were trapped in the void, your body must have begun to absorb essence like a Void Beast. Otherwise, your Meditation skill without any multipliers wouldnt have had such growth. Its a shame that your body didnt absorb and process it like your skill did. That would have been fascinating. Dave smiled. But that is that. Do you have any other questions?


    Derek thought about it. Will you tell me about other systems? Are there more than the Great, Universal, and Origin Systems?


    No. Youve learned more than anyone in your current system just by knowing those three names, Dave replied.


    Hmm <em>Ah, that</em><em> </em>Derek thought. If I were to go back to the what was it? Universal System? When Derek spoke, Dave nodded his head. Would I transition between systems once again?


    No, you would not. Dave answered easily. A Universal System focuses on quantity, spreading out through the universe and bringing as many people ands into its folds as possible. Because of that, it cannot focus on individuals, which makes higher affinity users lessmon, and gives it a limited range when a user is outside of its domain. The Great System, on the other hand, is more of a quality system. It focuses more on the individuals. This leads to fewer users, but users of higher affinities. Other than that, I will say no more.


    Derek nodded. It was more system information than he thought hed get out of him. What about the notification I almost received when I upgraded my wisdom stat to 1500?


    Not telling. You can figure that one out.


    Okay Derek snorted. I cant think of anything else, then. <em>Dammit, I wish I had an entire day to think about questions. Why doesn</em><em>t this guy work on a schedule? </em>


    Great! Dave took a sip of his coffee. Now, for the real reason that I called you here. Lets talk about rewards.


    Rewards? Dereks eyes lit up. He really liked loot, and he had been getting screwed out of it for far too long. Sure, he liked the boots and spatial skill, but while any starving man would like a package of crackers, they would choose a full course meal over it any day.


    Lets see Dave began. You missed a total of 210 stat points, 12 upgrade points, and a system specific achievement from the dual, battle, and final boss. You got a pair of shiny boots with a skill that shouldnt be in this system attached, and a peak system spatial skill.


    Derek sat in silence as Dave did his calctions. He didnt know what the man was calcting, but he wasnt about to interrupt. It was nice to know that the boots may have been better than he thought, though.


    Okay, so heres the deal. As you know, I cant do anything about the stat points, upgrade points, or the achievement. However, with your current mythic ss, you will have more than enough stats when you level to break the thresholds for strength and dexterity, the man said, and Derek took it as more of a hint of what he needed to do. Also, with the mythic ss, the quality of essence absorbed is increased even further, which will allow your skills to level up more easily.


    The man then touched a ring on his finger and began fidgeting with it. There are many skills that I could have imprinted on you as rewards, but that is no longer possible, so we will have to make do with skill scrolls. Those choices are more limited.


    Derek nodded. <em>I wonder how limited they are.</em>


    Your build has been a very defensive build that is neigh unkible and uncapturable in this system. There is nothing wrong with that, but as you tend to prefer solo fights or ones with just apanion or two, you need some offensive skills.


    Exactly, Derek said. Hed been thinking the same thing.


    First, Ill give you this to help round out your current build, then we can discuss other skills. In the mans hand, a skill scroll appeared. This had all the signs of iting from his storage ring instead of fading into existence out of nowhere. He tossed the scroll to Derek and he caught it.


    Derek gave it a cursory look and nodded. It was a Skill Scroll of Mental Resistance. <em>So by round out my current build, he meant in resistances. With this, I</em><em>ll have all three. Though, this is something I could have gotten eventually by trading with the royal family.</em>


    Learn it, the man said. Youre not passing things I give you personally off to others.


    He didnt need to be told twice. Derek quickly ept the confirmation and learned the skill.


    Resistance skills are lower tier skills, but are rare everywhere, as they work on all levels especially if you have all three.


    Derek nodded. I see


    Now for the offensive skills. As I said before, time affinity and void affinity skillsespecially so in the form of scrollsare very controlled and limited. That leaves us with the space affinity if you want skills that arepatible with your void affinity. I do have a nice peak space affinity skill scroll for this system, and it is verypatible with your ive. Another scroll appeared in the mans hand and he tossed it to Derek. What do you think?


    Derek raised his eyebrows at the name of the skill. <em>Spatial Rend. </em>Seems violent, he said.


    Very much so, the man agreed. But isnt that what offensive skills are for?


    What does it do?


    Its an unpredictable attack that appears where you direct it. It is very hard to stop by normal defenses, and cuts created contain the attacks properties, which makes the healing process much moreplicated, Dave exined.


    Ill take it, Derek said with a smile. That was something he was going to need if he had to fight more enemies with high vitality and enduranceor upgrade meditation skills. An ability that hinders regeneration and healing would be perfect for him. <em>He definitely watched the Starfury fight. </em>


    Lets see I have some spatial teleportation and storage skillsincluding the spatial skill used to make storage ringsbut you already have skills like those. And no, you are not getting that skill to give it to that little crafter girl. Barrier constriction movement no infusion? no, not as good as Channel Void ah how about Spatial Copse?


    What does it do? Derek asked.


    Its the ability to copse space around a target. The skill starts small, but gets better. It is a skill inbination with the gravity affinity, but it is still mostly space. For some targets, the skill would mean instant death, others may have the strength to withstand it, and it will just hinder their movements with the pressure from the copse.


    Derek thought about it for a bit. They are both ranged skills, arent they?


    Yes, that is what you need.


    Ill take it, too. Derek agreed, and the man tossed him the other scroll.


    Now, what to give your other half?


    Silvi looked up from her meal and licked her lips. Recipes! Ingredients! Opposable thumbs!

 Chapter 338: Dave III

    Chapter 338: Dave III


    Recipes, ingredients, and opposable thumbs? Dave questioned with augh. I think I can do something about those first two requests, but thatst ones a bit much. There are some transformation skillsnone of which I havethat could grant you opposable thumbs for a certain amount of time, but I cant seem to recall any turning a beast into a human or human-like being.


    Youd most likely be turning into a different beast that happens to have thumbs, and I cant imagine that transformation from your current form being easy or painless. Besides, if you truly wanted changes with your current self, then your evolutionthe one assisted by the Origin Systemwould have helped build you a body that matches your ideal form. Instead, it helped you move away from pure void into a hybrid crafting ss, and it even changed your race, but your form barely changed at all, the man exined.


    Derek took it all in. This Dave was extremely knowledgeable and much too generous. He had taken the time to exin some things that had been guing Derek since he arrived in this world actually, even before that. Hed answered questions hed had ever since the system first came to Earth. And now, he was even going out of his way to help Silviif she was even paying attention to his exnationit didnt look like she care much about what hed been saying. So, while he would receive the items hed been given, he was still waiting for the other shoe to drop.


    Then ingredients and recipes! Silvi said, seemingly not too upset about his exnation.


    If Derek were to be honest, he preferred Silvi the way she was. If she wanted to change that, it would be fine, but he just couldnt imagine her being some type of bunny girl orheaven forbidsome transformed bunny ape just so she could obtain a pair of opposable thumbs. <em>How would that even work? Would she be considered some beast chimera if she transformed like that?</em>


    Recipes and ingredients I can do, Dave said, drawing Dereks attention back in.


    The fact that he nned on giving Silvi any rewards at all was interesting. That was one of the upsides and the drawbacks that hed always known about their bondthey count as one person in a dungeon, but at the same time, they only get rewarded as one.


    For recipes, there are a few that I can think of which you may find interesting, Dave said. One is for your precious Void Beasts. With it, you will be able to squeeze more out of the prepared meals than some of the other recipes floating around on this. It may not be very helpful to you currently, but it could end up being very handy in the future.


    There are two others which are personal favorites of mine. Ill have to change some things around so they work with the materials you currently have ess tothe benefits may be dramatically reduced, but the taste should still be quite good.


    With that, instead of taking out a scroll or something, Dave brought out some paper and a writing utensil. In seconds, he wrote down some recipes on the paper, then handed them off to Silvi. Here you go. As a chef, Im sure you can change the recipes to suit your own taste. They are yours to do with as you wish. As for ingredients, I believe you wont have any problems finding base ingredients such as meats and the like, so I have some seasonings that could work. Its best to use them sparingly. Too much can ruin a dish and may even cause harm.


    Two small containers full of spices appeared in the mans hand. The first container had a ky red-colored spice or herb in it, reminding Derek of some of the crushed red peppers hed always enjoyed, but a bit more slivery than crushed. The other container contained something he really couldntpare with anything he could remember. It was an extremely fine green powderlike if garlic powder or even cinnamon powder was green.


    As soon as the mans grip loosened on the two containers, they both quickly floated up and swiftly moved in front of Silvis eyes. After a short time, it seemed Silvi figured out how the containers worked, as part of the top of the green powder opened, and she brought it to her nose. She took in a deep breath, then released it happily before storing the powder.


    Next, the same thing happened with the container with the red spice, but, when she took a sniff of it, she began uncontrobly sneezing and went into a coughing fit. A short amount of timeter, Silvi nodded and stored the spice, much to Derek and Daves amusement.


    With augh, Dave said, I should also warn you not to serve any meals created with those two spices to anyone who hasnt broken through the proper thresholds. They are both quite extreme. The first is zest from a Pyroburst nt. If you really want a spicy kick to a dish, a dash will go a long way, even for an extreme quantity of food. Keep it away from anyone who has yet to break through the third threshold in endurance. The other is Sylvan Leaf Powder, extracted from a type of mystical tree that many elven races consider sacred. Be careful not to let anyone under the third threshold in wisdom get hold of it.


    The powder will give any recipe a light earthy vor with subtle floral undertones, while also having significant calming effect. Its a very refreshing spice, especially after a heavily seasoned meal, and can even help improve ones gains in mental skills for a time, depending on the recipe used. Again, use sparingly and avoid giving to weaker people, Dave finished exining. Then, after tinkering with a storage ring that appeared out of nowhere, he tossed it in Silvis direction, too. Theres nothing special in therejust basic seasonings that you would easily be able to obtain in this system. I figure since you somehow ruined your own because of that skill you used, youd like some more.


    Silvi took the ring with her telekinesis and in moments, it was in one of her pockets with the other storage rings she kept on her person. After the ring was stored, Silvi ducked back down and happily finished thest bite of a pastry that had been presented to her earlier, along with everything else, with tears in her eyes from the Pyroburst zest.


    For the final gift I give to you, Dave smiled. I will allow all those dungeon monsters out of your separate space and into the overworld this one time, and one time only. Dungeon monsters should stay in dungeons unless bound or contracted.


    Oh Derek said smartly. He wasnt sure if he would be able to take the beasts out of his Time Prison before, but now he knew. <em>Though, I guess I could just have someone go in to tame one with the door open</em><em>if it would work like that.</em> How does that work, anyway? Ive tried some experimenting with my Time Prison skill.


    Dont we know it? Dave rolled his eyes. You can take anyone into a dungeon and let them out as long as the participant limit hasnt been met and they are of proper level for the dungeon. Dungeon monsters are monsters spawned only for dungeons, and unless nobody has allowed the essence to recycle, and its just built up for ages causing an overflow, they should and will stay in dungeons. Contracting a beastpletely stops its growth and bonding creates an essence link, which you know.


    <em>Well, that answers those questions. y must have counted towards the participant list. The Void Beast wasnt part of a system, and the maximum participants had already been reached and I couldnt let Bones out, even if some of those participants had died. </em>


    Speaking of which, Dave continued. Imend you on keeping your ties to your bond even while going through such an evolution. The extra essence its going to cost the two of you will be much greater the stronger you grow, but I do like seeing that loyalty. You two are on slightly different affinity paths, and those are still individual, so your bond wont hurt thatit may even help it.


    Thanks? Derek said, unsure. Were in this together.


    Thats good. Keep it that way. Making someone you can have absolute faith in is not an easy thing to do, especially in the System Universe. Some may live thousands of years only to have friends who will discard them at the drop of a hat just for a small boost in their own power, and few choose to ept the responsibility thates with a proper beast bond. Remember that.


    I will, Derek said firmly. He couldnt say it about anyone else, but because of the bond he and Silvi sharedeven though she was a selfish, gluttonous bunnyhe knew shed have his back no matter what. Some of that may be directly from the bond, but he could also get a general sense of her feelings toward him, and they were the same he shared about her. Everyone else may leave, but she would stay. And even if they were apart for years at a time, those feelings and bonds wouldnt change.


    Though I imagine essenceor levelgrowth will be the least of your problems in the future. Thats the easy part for everyone. Affinity is the problem. Dave gave Derek a knowing look, but Derek didnt really get why.


    Sure, it seemed that him reaching 50% or even higher in his Affinity seemed to be something impressive. <em>Otherwise, why would this Origin System take so much interest in me? Going as far as to give me a challenge toplete in the process. </em>What do you mean? Derek asked.


    Dave waved the question off. Youll find out sooner orter. For now, it seems that our time hase to an end. With a swipe of his hand, everything other than where Derek and Silvi were sitting disappeared. Much longer and your raid party may find you missing. Now, hurry and learn those two skills before I take them away.


    Derekughed and injected his mana into each of the two skill scrolls Dave had given him. First Spatial Rend was consumed, then Spatial Copse. He was excited to try out his new skills, and he also wanted to level up his new Mental Resistance skill as fast as possiblehe had the perfect person to go to for help, too.


    Good, Dave said Up, up. The man waved his hand, and both Derek and Silvi raised off their seats, then were gently ced how they were when they camewith Derek standing and Silvi sitting on his shoulder.


    Then, before his eyes, everything else in the room disappeared, and Derek and Silvi were left standing there aloneeven Dave had disappeared from the room. Derek searched, but there was no sign that anyone was or had ever been in the space with them. <em>Is that it? </em>Derek thought. <em>After all that, that mans just going to send us back to the party without anything else? Hes just that kind? What? He felt bad about the Origin System interfering? I dont buy it.</em>


    But soon, Derek didnt have to think about it anymore. He got his answer.


    Oh, and Mr. Hunt, the mans voice called out from nowhere.


    Yeah? Derek asked, looking up and around, but still not able to find even a trace of Dave.


    One day soon, Ill need a favor, the voice said and Dereks heckles rose.


    Here ites, Derek said. There are no free meals. I knew it was all too good to be true. You even made me use the skill scrolls so I wouldnt throw them in your face he said on the outside, but inwardly, he had already epted that there was no way he was getting all this information and skills out of the kindness of the mans heart.


    Dont be like that. What I ask of you will be beneficial to you, as well as me. A blinding white light washed over Derek and Silvi as Derek heard the man say onest thing. I do hope you ept, for both of our sakes.

 Chapter 339: Return

    Chapter 339: Return


    Once again, the light faded from Dereks eyes, and when he opened them, he saw the sight he had expected beforewell, somewhat. First, all the party members faded into existence at around the same time he did, actually, he and Silvi may have beaten them by a few moments. Once everyone appeared, then the three new bonded beasts appeared all at the same time.


    What surprised Derek the most was that he had nned oning to in half a cave or a giant area of nothing but rubble because he knew that if Blitz appeared in the small cave when he and Edgar escaped the dungeon, the wyvern would have destroyed it just because of its sheer size alone. Instead, what met him and the others after their exit from the dungeon was a much more calm and controlled dungeon orb area.


    The cave waspletely goneactually, everything around the dungeon orb was gone. There were no boulders, or remnants of the cave, just sand from the beach. Speaking of the dungeon orb, it had lost all vibrance, and at the same time, stopped moving and fell to the ground, dark and inactive. <em>It looks like the raid dungeon will be inactive for a long time toe, </em>Derek thought about what hed learned about that type of dungeon since joining the raid.


    Finally, after taking onest nce at the inactive dungeon orb, Derek took in the rest of his surroundings. Where the cave once connected to the water of the ocean, there was nothing but sand and the dungeon orb. Not far away from them, further ind, was what seemed to be a very small outpostone that reminded Derek of the camp that had been set up once the Undying Dungeon was found and the Adventurers Guild took it over. <em>It seems that things are going well here, then</em><em></em>


    Not long after Lyra, the biggest of thepanions, made her appearance, multiple peopleguards, it seemedcame rushing over from the new outpost. The amphithere was definitelyrge enough to draw some attention to the party.


    See Dustin! I told you the orb activated again, and look, theyre all back this time, too! The first guard shouted over his shoulder as he approached the group. It seemed that Lyra hadnt been what had drawn the guards attention. Apparently, the guard had been watching the dungeon orb and had gone to get the others when it showed signs of activating.


    Martin! Your station. You are in front of the kingdoms elite, the trailing guardDustin, by the sound of itchided the first guard.


    The first guard, Martin, came to an abrupt halt and his hand went to his forehead in a salute just before the second guard crashed into him. Derek and the others all stared at the two guards and their antics, while they took in everything else.


    <em>With the way they</em><em>re acting, I guess the kingdom isnt in as bad shape as I thought it could have been. I wonder if Edgar has something to do with that. </em>Derek couldnt help but think about the information Silvi had brought to them, then Edgar leaving in a hurry to save his kingdom. This was not what he expected when he got out.


    Ugh, the second guard grunted as he stood. I apologize um Sirs Maams


    Derek took a step forward, as the guards didnt seem to know who to speak to, but he wasnt really trying to help them. He was waiting for the third person heading their way. It was an older man with long dark blond hair and gray-blue eyes. He was a handsome man for his older age. Instead of a frantic run like the other two, this man was approaching at a brisk walk. He wore a well-worn set of te armor on top of leathers and had a longsword strapped to his hip.


    Get back to camp you two! the manmanded the two watchmen as he stepped in front of them.


    Sir! the two men saluted at once, then ran back toward where they came.


    I apologize for the two of them. They have been stationed at this dungeon for much longer than intended, and we have only recently been afforded the time toe bring proper management to the dungeon once it was revealed. The man bowed slightly to Derek when he finished speaking.


    Its not a problemrefreshing, even. Makes it seem like things on the outside arent as bad as I had imagined. Derek said with a smile.


    You must be Mr. Hunt, the man stated with a slight nod.


    Guilty, Derek said, his sense of urgency to race to Savanna calmed by the previous interactions with Dave, then with what he was met with outside the dungeon.


    The man nodded. Wee back, Mr. Hu he started, but was soon cut off.


    Oh, I know you! Derek said as the mans face and appearance clicked in his mind. Youre the guy from the Adventurers Guild! The one who was over at the Undying Dungeon.


    Uh yes? the man said. I was stationed there for a short amount of time to verify the dungeon details. Though I dont believe weve met.


    Sure we have, Derek said with a smile. When I gave you the dungeon guide for the Undying Dungeon.


    You! You were the one in the mask? the mans eyes widened as he looked Derek up and down. Unfortunately for the man, Derek was not dressed the same way as he had been back then. He was currently wearing his light armor made out of the dark wyvern.


    Nathan! A voice came from behind Derek and drew the attention of the man before he asked Derek any more questions.


    Derek turned to see Cain approaching with a smile while leaning against Walter and Shae.


    Cain! It looks like youve seen better days, the old man, Nathan, broke out of his stupor from Dereks reveal and spoke back.


    I see that the guild still has you doing grunt exploration duty, Cain chuckled. You should really take a Guild Master position somewhere. I suspect Savannah will be in need of a new one once Judy kills the current.


    At that, Shaes happy attitude vanished and his head dropped ever so slightly before he muttered, Dont remind me.


    Everyoneughed, and the old man, Nathan, replied, You know I enjoy my job. I wouldnt be doing it if I didnt like it. Plus, the better I do, the less young adventurers we may lose to a new dungeon.


    Fine, fine you dont want a different job So, why are you here, anyway? This isnt the typical new dungeon Id expect to see you at, Cain asked, now standing next to Derek, but still half a step behind him in respect. Neither Derek nor Nathan failed to notice that.


    I was free, and they needed someone to set up camp after the prince returned with a dragon. They broke the cave all to hellrevealing the previous hidden dungeon orb to all who ventured byso we went ahead and made it a proper outpost. From what the prince has said, this could be a very lucrative dungeon to watch overwe just need to find out how long it will stay dormant.


    How is Edgar? And Savannah? Derek asked.


    The prince is fine, and Savannah is even better. I wasnt able to see it personally, but Ms. Swan caused the invading army to retreat with their tails between their legs, Nathan spoke with respect. If his words werent enough, then his eyes said it all, he was impressed with whatever nah had done in defense of the city.


    Hmph, a snort from Avery came from Dereks other side. It seems Mistress Swan let them off lightly if they were allowed to retreat.


    You oh! Mister Swan! Actually, Ms. Swan copsed just as the prince arrived on his dragon. It seems the fighting was actually quite taxing on thedy.


    What! Avery stepped forward, and Lyra pped her wings once. How dare they? Ill make them wish they were never born!


    Its fine. She recovered quickly, so I hear, Nathan quickly exined to calm the man. Ever since she awoke, Ms. Swan, Prince Edgar, and his dragon, Blitz the Magnificent, have been pushing and harassing the invading army. Actually, they have almost been pushed out of Cydarian territory altogether. Its truly something worth celebrating.


    Blitz the Magnificent? Dereks jaw dropped.


    Yes, that seems to be what the dragon calls himself, the man confirmed.


    <em>I bet hes already regretting giving Blitz the Telepathy skill</em><em>. </em>Derek half chuckled.


    Is there anything else? Cain asked. Anything more on the topic of the war?


    Just that while Prince Edgar and Ms. Swan are able to harass and keep the army back, they arent causing great losses. I believe its too risky for just the two of them to initiate a battle. So, it seems like they are doing their best to give Cydaria a chance for a breather. Other than that, I dont know anything else, Nathan replied. Im just an old man from the Adventurers Guild, after all. I dont have a high enough ce to know more than the rumors that Ive already told you.


    That still doesnt make sense, Avery replied. Mistress isnt so sympathetic to risk herself like that with Edgar. Defending Savannah is one thing she promised to keep Dereks friends safe, after all. But risking her own neck for the kingdom as a whole? I dont get it.


    As I said, Mr. Swan. I do not know any more than that. From the rumors, it seems that she is selflessly protecting the kingdom, Nathan reiterated. If you want to know more than that, I suggest speaking to her or King Edwin.


    <em>King Edwin! </em>Derek was startled by Silvis voice suddenly appearing in his thought. <em>That Old Sparky is waiting for me. I almost forgot. We need to go see him!</em><em> </em>


    <em>What?</em><em> </em>Derek asked.


    <em>The reward for saving Little Sparky. I bet he</em><em>s gathered it by now. We need to hurry. </em>


    <em>Oh</em><em> that, </em>Derek almost chuckled. Derek nodded to Nathan. Is there anything you need with us? Or are we free to go as we please?


    Ah, yes, Nathan replied. It would be very helpful if I could get a recounting of the dungeon in as much detail as possible for our records and future attempts. And we are able to offer some aid and rest in the camp if you would like.


    Sure, Derek said, then turned around and looked over the rest of the group, who were listening attentively. Finally, his eyesnded on the person he was looking for. Elena. You and Jasper go with Nathan and give him the details of the dungeon. Between the two of you, you experienced all the trials except for trial four.


    Okay, Elena replied and Jasper nodded. And well take Nathan up on that rest, too. System knows we need it.


    Great, Derek said, then turned back to Nathan. As for trial four, Ipleted it myself. It was an epic rarity duel against a big ass swimming and flying toxic whale with either insane regeneration or its regeneration only seeming insane because of how big it was. It was basically an entire ind of nothing but whale. Once in the duel, the escape scrolls were inactive. We lost one of our members because of that.


    I would suggest mental attacks, or maybe lightning. Anyone who relies on being on the ground is a sitting duck, Derek finished.


    While Derek was talking, Nathan had already found his way to a notebook and was frantically scribbling down notes. And how did you defeat it, if I may ask?


    I out survived it and killed it from within, Derek answered. I dont suggest that as a way to deal with it, though. I just happened to be suitable for such a fight.


    Got it, Nathan said. Anything else?


    Thats it. Elena and Jasper know the rest, Derek replied. Is there a working teleporter anywhere around here?


    Unfortunately, there is not, Nathan said. Most of the kingdoms teleporters are still inactive due to the current invasion. Only a few of the main cities still have active ones.


    I see Derek replied, then turned to his right and looked at Avery. Any chance me and Silvi can catch a ride to Savannah? Its about time we get back. Derek smiled as he looked off in a certain direction. It was time to go home.

 Chapter 340: Kelvins Complaints

    Chapter 340: Kelvin''s Comints


    Dammit Darvin! Im telling you, the kids not cut out for it. If you do this, youre basically sending recruits out to die. Theres no way hes fit for a leadership role. Kelvin burst through the door to Darvins office and began his tirade before the Mxi even had time to look up from his screen.


    Kelvin! What did I tell you abouting to me over this matter? Darvin looked up from the studies he was working on and shouted at Kelvin. He was sick and tired of the man always bothering him over the growth of the new human recruit. The kid has the stats, levels, and skills to be one of your Lieutenants already. Not to mention the Titles he received from the system during the tutorial phase for his.


    Like hell I would ever give a soulless psychopath like Jace the rank of Lieutenant. In fact, I want him out of my army. Send him to that fucking bug, Xephos, for all I care. He just about has the emotions of an insect, Kelvin fell into the seat opposite Darvin.


    You know the Uloc do not ept other species into their tribe, Darvin said.


    Exactly! Kelvin said. If you send him to them, theyll have him killed in a matter of days. Then hell no longer be my concern. Its a win-win, really. If you do that, then you wont have to listen to mein about him. Hell, Ill even owe you one. What do you say?


    No! Darvin had almost had enough of Kelvin.


    Well then send him to Briya or Amelia. Those two are close enough humans. They even have humans in their armies. Hed do just fine there, Kevin said with a small amount of hope, then muttered almost silently, He may not die, but at least hed be out of my hair.


    Kelvin Darvin spoke lightly as he stared directly into the humanmanders eyes.


    Yeah?


    If you dont drop this subject and treat Jace just as you would any other system reward given person, I will strip you of your rank and be done with it.


    What? Kelvin shot to his feet. If you do that, then Ill be


    Thats right. The oaths you made will be broken and you will be hunted down. You wouldnt want that, now would you? Darvin was serious. Kelvin had made a greatmander and a decent council member, but Darvins hands were tied when it came to Jace. For cing second on the C-182s leaderboards, hed earned everything he was getting. It was possible for Darvin to pull some strings, but that would possibly hurt his own status with the system, and he couldnt have that, especially when he had the feeling something big was about to happen.


    You would do that to me?


    You would do that to yourself! Darvin yelled and released his aurasending a mystical blue wave out from his body. What is the phrase that the humans from C-182 said? Suck it up and act like a man. Quit whining and do your job.


    Hmph Kelvin fell back into the seat, defeated. It was worth another try


    No, it wasnt. At this point, you are not trying to rid yourself of Jace No, youre trying my patience, and this is thest time.


    But to give him amand


    Kelvin, Darvin said, causing the man to go silent. Amand is the next step in his progression, correct?


    Yes, Kelvin answered.


    It does not matter the size of themand, though, Darvin continued.


    But the next step is for Lieutenant.


    No, youre wrong. Darvin shook his head. That just happens to be the step that is tradition. System rewards do not specify the size ofmand a person is to be rewarded. You can give the kid a small squad to start with, then go from there. If he does well, promote him, if not, then that small squad is as high as he will be able to get, and he will never be in a position to fight for a council position.


    A small one the red humans eyes widened and brightened at the same time. I could do that. Thats what? Five people hmm hed have to pick the squad himself but that could be doable. I could at least get a few months break from the bastard.


    Kelvin, let me ask you a question. The System Watcher broke the red human council member from his thoughts.


    Yes?


    You say that Jace is a psychopath and soulless, correct?


    He is. Have you not seen him? Kelvin answered.


    I have, but I do not believe you are correct, Darvin answered. How many people under yourmand have he killed?


    How many has he killed? Kelvin repeated back. Three of our own have fallen to him.


    Three? The Mxi smiled. He is a soulless psychopath, yet has only managed to kill three soldiers in the entire time hes been under yourmand?


    Well yes


    And those three people? Did he go out of his way to murder them cold-blooded?


    Uh no. After the investigation, it was determined that they attacked him first, Kelvin answered.


    And if you look at his records from C-182, while he has quite a high body count, moste from those ssified as invaders. True, he has killed others from Earth, but I do not see a pattern of him needlessly murdering people for no reason.


    That


    Im not finished, Darvin warned. You also say that hecks emotions? Yes?


    Very much so, Kelvin replied.


    Did you not see that he considered the anomaly a friend? And yet, he did not murder the person responsible for the loss of his friend. If I recall correctly, everything about that would be considered emotional reactions. Especially having or considering a person a friend, Darvin finished exining.


    But the bloodlust in his aura. Ive felt it. It may not be too strong now butter.


    The aura is a gift we all received from the system. You, of all people, should know that. I believe you have been under the incorrect assumptions of Jace since you first met him. Yes, he enjoys fighting and killing. However, he does not wantonly murder, whether that is because of a moral code or because hes followingmands, I cannot say. But we have both seen real psychopaths in the system, and he is not one. In fact, I believe that the so-called bloodlust aura that you feel from him is really battlelust.


    Well see Kelvin stood back up. I guess Im off to give that bastard his firstmand. Its going to be a loss of some good people, if you ask me.


    But nobody did ask you. Now go! Darvin flicked his hand once Kelvin walked out and the door to his office mmed shut behind the man. Finally, he brought his bracelet up to his mouth and said, Greta, remember my open door policy for all council members?


    I do, a feminine voice came back to him.


    Cancel it starting today. If a council member wants to meet, then they must schedule an appointment with you.


    Yes, sir.


    Oh, and Greta.


    Yes?


    Make sure that whatever they have to say is worth my time. Ill leave it at your discretion. Darvin smiled. Kelvin had been the only council member to take him up on his open door policy to the point where Darvin found it annoying. But the others also like to have it as an option. Now that it was gone, they would be mad. And if anyone needs to know why the policy was canceled, you have my permission to direct any and all me toward Kelvin.


    Got it, Greta sent back. Is there anything else?


    No Greta, thats it. Thank you. With that, Darvin pulled up the files he was so eagerly going over before he was interrupted by Kelvin. He had been digging deep into the history of the system, and he seemed to be getting close to learning some truths. Whether those truths were deliberately hidden, or had just happened such a long time ago, he didnt know.


    But he had stumbled on some things, and he was beginning to get an idea of where the system was going. If what he was thinking was correct, things were about to get very chaotic.


    ***


    You are to pick five members for your new squad. No more, no less. Do you get it? Kelvin stared daggers at Jace, who had a freshly shaven head, so his hair wouldnt get in the way of his fighting.


    The man had also upgraded his armor and weapons. Instead of keeping his weapons inside his storage bracelet, the young man had chosen to wear his kukri in a cross pattern on his back. His armor was mostly basic leathers, but now of high quality. It seemed that his time on A-73 had paid off for the man, both literally and figuratively.


    I dont want a squad. I work better alone, Jace replied monotone, and looked directly into Kelvins eyes. They will just get in the way.


    Kelvin swallowed. The look in the young mans eyes was that of a predator examining his prey. The only thing was that the person he was treating as prey in their current situation was Kelvin.


    Kelvin squeezed his fists. I dont care what you want. You can choose to pick a squad, or you can go back to your precious Earth and enjoy being a big fish in a small pond. Besides, dont you want to take my position someday? You cant get a spot on the council without showing leadership capabilities.


    Thats not what I want, Jace replied. You are what Im after. If I have to take a stupid seat on some council to get to you, I will. And someday, I will get what I want. Iming for you. The young man gave Kelvin a wide grin and licked the top row of his teeth.


    Well, you cant do any of that without making a squad first. So, pick. Kelvin felt some shivers go down his spine. The kid was creepy and would eventually be a problem for the entire system. He just knew it. And none of that had to do with the fact that he seemed to have an obsession with bing strong enough to take on Kelvin at least thats what he told himself.


    Fine, Jace said, but it sounded more like a grunt. I can pick any of them?


    As long as you pick five, Kelvin replied. <em>I pity the poor souls who get chosen by this monster.</em>


    Jace stepped forward and walked through the passage to a room full of higher-level recruits. They were soldiers of all different sses, and there were over 300 of them currently in the room waiting for their next assignment. They were told that there were five spots avable for a special unit, which would be a promotion. Technically, it was true. If they functioned well, the height they could achieve would be limitless. Unfortunately, none of them knew whator rather whothey were getting into.


    Listen up, soldiers, Kelvin cleared his throat and began to speak. I want to introduce you to Jace For the first time, Kelvin realized that hed never bothered to find out the mans name. Kelvin turned his head to look at the young man in question.


    Just Jace, he answered.


    Kelvin drew in a deep breath. This is Lieutenant Jace. It was all Kelvin could do not to spit out the words. He did, unfortunately, have to give the man the rank of Lieutenant. He hated it, but at least he wouldnt be in charge of anything important. <em>Other than five people</em><em>s lives. </em>He is looking for five candidates for his special squad. If you are chosen, you will be under his care. Then he looked back at Jace. Go ahead.


    Are there any smiths? Jace asked before anything else. Of course, there were a couple of crafters among the soldiers. As soon as a hand went up, Jace continued. Do you work with metals? Weapons? He took one of his Kukri off his back, and the man he was talked to nodded. Good. Get over here.


    Jace continued this way until he had picked out five people amongst the candidates. In total, he had picked one smith, one healer, two ranged, and a support ss. The setup wasnt too bad, if a little odd. With the squadposition, it would have only a single close ranged fighter. <em>I guess that</em><em>s what hes going for </em>The kid honestly chose his squad better than Kelvin had predicted. <em>Maybe Darvin was on to something</em><em> </em>Kelvin thought. Then he looked back at the five soldiers standing in front of Jace. <em>No</em><em> hes not. I just hope their deaths arent too painful.</em>

 Chapter 341: Hitching a Ride

    Chapter 341: Hitching a Ride


    Sure, Avery said and nodded toward Lyra in the distance. We were just about to head that way.


    Great! Derek replied, then turned to the rest of the party. It was good meeting and working with you all. Im sure well see each other again soon.


    After that, Derek turned back to Avery, and the two of them walked over to the clearing that Lyra was waiting in. With a quick kick off the ground, Averynded on hispanions back and gave her a pat, then, Derek, with Silvi still resting on his shoulder, followed suit, and soon, they were all three on the amphitheres back.


    Wait! a voice cried out as Lyra was getting ready to take off.


    Derek looked down to see Shae, Walter, and a hesitant Tyroning over as well.


    Mind if we join you? Walter asked.


    Avery shrugged. A few extra peoples not going to make a difference to Lyra, he said. But you better hold on tight. Were not going to slow down just because you cant stay on her back.


    Derek nodded at the trio as they made their ways up. It was obvious why Shae wanted to catch a ride to Savannahhe was the Adventurers Guild Master in the city, and his wife was waiting for him to get back. There was both excitement and fear in the mans eyes. He was excited to get back to his wife, but also scared of what she might do to him for leaving her with all the guild work for such a long time.


    For Walter, it would probably be the best way for the old man to get information about his family. They all knew that the city formerly known as Torith had been hit during the war, and Walter had mentioned that some of the contracts he had with his family members were dissolvedmeaning that those on the other end of said contracts had most likely perished. On top of that, re and Bronson should be in the capital and Savannahs teleporter would definitely be one of the few there were still active in the kingdom.


    He imagined that Tyron was just looking for a way to get to a big city with an active teleporter to get to wherever he wanted to go. Derek didnt actually know where Tyron was from. Most likely, as the best smith in the kingdom, his forge was probably somewhere in the capital.


    Once everyone was mounted on the back of Lyra, with a strong p of her wings, and after kicking up a sandstorm, they were off. Derek held on tightused to the pressure caused by the rapid increase in speed. The other three had a harder time, but managed to hang on without much of a problem. Tyron had less of a problem than the other two, but he still looked sick to his stomach. He really wasnt much for flying or being off the ground in general. Avery stood closer to the front with his arms crossed and eyes closed. The man looked like he was deep in thought.


    In a matter of seconds, everyone they left behind looked like ants, and soon, they were no longer visible. Derek had to hand it to the Avery and Lyra, they were a very fast bonded pair with Lyra dipping into Averys obviously high dexterity and endurance stats. They really did work well together.


    Once Derek got limated to being on the back of a flying beast, he let go with his hands and got back to his feet before taking a few steps and arriving next to Avery. Whats on your mind? he asked.


    Like I said before, Avery started. Somethings not right. I dont think nah would just go out and fight a war alone, just out of the goodness of her heart. Something must have happened that really pissed her off. It also doesnt help that I cant reach either her or Edgar with mymunication crystal. Either they are out of range, which is possible, or something is blockingmunications.


    Did you try contacting Ste? Derek asked.


    I am now, Avery replied.


    Derek nodded and waited. He didnt want to interrupt him while he was talking to Ste. Instead, he looked at the man and tried to read his reactions. Avery was pretty stoic for the most part, nodding his head asionally in reaction to whatever information Ste was providing. However, at one point, Derek saw anger sh through the mans eyes, then disappear as quick as it came. Soon, he put hismunication crystal away and sighed.


    Well? Derek asked.


    She is indeed angry, Avery replied, and clenched his fists. After or even during her defense of Savannah, a few of our lower tier restaurants in some sub-cities were annihted. She was able to save most, but didnt have enough Deathsworn to protect them all. Luckily, most of the invaders had withdrawn to join the all out attack on Savannah. It wasnt a big loss, definitely not as big of a loss as thebined army suffered at her hands, but it was her people, so shes not going to take it sitting down.


    I see, Derek said, and he did. He didnt know nah all too well, but she seemed to be a rather lonely person who cared about her people. So, even the most minor of losses for her would hurt her.


    All of your people are safe, Avery continued.


    Oh? Derek had been thinking about contacting Malorie soon, but it seemed like Avery had asked Ste about them already.


    Yeah. The man nodded. Theyve all stayed inside Savannah for the whole war, and mostly stayed inside the Void Emporium. After nahs attack, there isnt a safer ce to be in the kingdom than Savannah. Plus, Natalie is still there, and she and Marcus also put a major dent in thebined armys capabilities.


    Void Emporium? Derek asked.


    Apparently, its what they decided to name your shop while you were gone.


    <em>Void Emporium</em><em> I like it! </em>Derek was happy that he allowed them to have the job of naming the shop. Not a bad name.


    Its a little shy, Avery replied with a smile.


    Says the guy with a winged serpentpanion, Derekughed back. So Natalie and Marcus fought, huh?


    Yeah. Ste didnt say much about it, but while nah was fighting the armymander, Marcus somehow took out a good portion of the enemys Portal Mages.


    Thats good, Derek said.


    Also, Avery said. Your boy is still at the academy. Its been on lockdown since the war began, so they havent been able to go out and do the usual dungeons for tests. I imagine there has been a lot of sparring and learning, but none of the real life or deathbat that the academy likes to put its recruits through.


    Thomas? Shae asked from behind them. That kids got the heart of the spear. Hes going to go far. Hes probably already top of his ss. Havent seen a better spear user since myself.


    Haha, Derekughed. Hopefully, the kids found some trustworthy friends there. He hasnt had the best track record with that. After hisst attempt, Im not sure hell even try to put himself out there again. At least not for a while but I cant me him.


    You live and learn, Shae said. Im sure hes fitting in just fine. Just got to prove to everyone his strength, then theyll go flocking to him in troves.


    Derek nodded and focused his attention back on Avery and Lyra. After hearing about nah and Edgar, he was getting an idea, but he wasnt sure if hed be able to pull it off. If here were going to, hed need Averys help. Hey, Avery.


    Yeah?


    Do you think Lyra would be able to control all the dragonkin with her mental abilities? You know, the extra ones? Derek asked as he mentally counted the number of dragonkin in his cells. <em>Let</em><em>s see, we have four amphitheres, one of which is meant to go to someone of Taras choosing. </em>He nodded along with his thoughts as he continued.


    <em>Then there are three drakes, including a lightning drake that Rayna will hopefully be able to tame. After that, we have two wyrms. One of them is nature, so Jacks shouldn</em><em>t have a problem fighting one of them with his fire, I just hope he ends up with a rare enough ss for it. Then we have nah and Brandis pair of wyverns. Though, with how Lyra and Avery bonded, Brandi could try for any one of the bunch. By the time shes ready, her ss will surely already be a legendary one.</em>


    Avery frowned and crunched up his brows before shrugging. She said that she doesnt know. The lesser ones would be fine for a while if she didnt have to takeplete control, but the two wyverns would be a bit much. It would be hard to control everything without identally killing one of them.


    I thought so, Derek sighed. He still hadnt used his Void Travel ability, and thest thing he wanted to do was possible harm all the dragonkin they painstakingly collected by using it. <em>Looks like I</em><em>ll have to think of something else.</em>


    Why? Avery asked.


    I had a way that I think I could get to nah and Edgar quickly after settling everything in Savannah, but theres a possibility that it could harm or even kill everything inside my prison, Derek exined. Thats not a chance I want to take after all that effort we put into catching them.


    Hmm Avery put his hand to his chin. I guess thats the skill that caused Silvi to give all her stored food to that assassin? There are what? Nine of the lesser dragonkin and two wyverns, right?


    Yeah, Derek answered.


    What were there? Two wyverns and abined nine drakes, wyrms, and winged serpents?


    Derek nodded. Yup.


    Lyra could probably handle the drakes and such, and I could constrain the magic based wyvern pretty easily. Im not sure about the second, though Avery seemed lost in thought for a second. We could get Edward and Edwins help, but Im sure they would want one in return It seemed that Avery very much liked the idea of Derek going to find sooner rather thanter. Seems like too much work to just give another one away to the Royal Family.


    M-me and Rocky can do it Tyron shakily muttered from behind them, causing both Derek and Avery to turn toward him. No problem.


    Great, its settled. Well do that, Avery quickly agreed. I even know just the spot close to Savannah for us to keep them.


    Derek nodded. Sounds good. Thanks, Tyron.


    Of course, Tyron said, but the man looked like he wanted to throw up.


    Derek couldnt help but chuckle again. Apparently, all the stats in the world couldnt help someone get over heights or being thousands of feet in the air, moving at a rapid pace on the back of a monster. Hey, Tyron?


    Yeah? the big man answered.


    Are you going to be okay?


    Well be fine, Tyron said, motioning to Rocky, who was curled up around the smiths feet doing its best to stay as close to the back of Lyra as possible. If we were meant to fly, wed have wings, he muttered.


    I do have wings! Avery cut in and turned before a magical pair of dragon wings sprouted from his back. See?


    Derek and Tyron rolled their eyes as Avery put his wings away.


    You know, Tyron Derek started. You could have just gone into my separate space and I could have let you out when we got to Savannah.


    Oh the giant of a smiths eyes widened in regret. Can we


    No, its a static door. Wed have to stoppletely. Looks like youre stuck up here with us. Derek smiled and turned back around to look ahead. <em>Not long now.</em>

 Chapter 342: Back Home

    Chapter 342: Back Home


    With the speed at which Lyra was flying, it really didnt take them all too long to make it back to Savannah. Soon, Derek could see the thriving city slowly growingrger in the distance. Seeing Savannah from such a distance and so far above was an eye opening experience. Even knowing that it wasnt thergest city, the sheer size was something else.


    Everything seemed crammed together with open spaces in the center for all the main buildings. Luckily, in a world full of stats where people could move faster on foot than he would have been able to move in a car, the size andck of wide roads didnt matter much to the citizens. Hell, in a merchant city such as Savannah, they didnt even need wagons because you could bet that those who could afford to do business there would have storage rings.


    You really could spend your entire life walking around a few cities and never see every part of them, Derek muttered to himself.


    Or just the capital, Avery heard him and replied.


    On top of everything thing else Derek was seeing, there was the miles of expansion the city was currently going throughlike in the area where Derek had put his own shop. How much more dense will the city be when all the newly created space is bought and filled in?


    Not longter, Lyra slowed her speed as they approached the edge of the city.


    This is close enough for me, Derek said. Ill jump off here. Where do you want to meet upter?


    Everyone meet at the Crown in thirty minutes or so maybe an hour? Avery asked.


    Sounds good to me, Derek replied, and Tyron nodded.


    Ill be going to the capital from here, Walter spoke up. He didnt have a part to y in keeping the dragonkin docile. Instead, he looked more anxious than anyone else.


    Ide help too but Shae started.


    Yeah, we get it, Averyughed. You dont need to exin it to us.


    Yeah, Derek said. Enjoy the paperwork and the couch.


    Shae winced. Dont remind me


    Alright, Im off. Ill see you two shortly, he said to Avery and Tyron. And Ill talk to the two of youter. Im looking forward to seeing res progression. Ill be sure to drop by the Crown in the capital soon.


    With that, Derek, with Silvi on his shoulder, jumped off of Lyras back and kicked the void. Lets go, he told Silvi. With Void Sense pushed as far as it could be pushed, Derek used Active Void Shift and began blinking toward his shop. Since they couldnt move together, thezy bunny had to follow behind on her own power. Derek imagined the words she was probably muttering to herself about the injustices of the world.


    In seconds, Derek and Silvi avoided the guards and the gate, and passed them by without any of them being any the wiser. Of course, all of them were more focused on the giant winged serpent making its grand entrance to notice Derek and Silvi blinking into the city. <em>I</em><em>m sure Natalie wont mind us skipping the annoying entrance process. </em>


    With a few more shifts, Derek was standing before his shop. A couple secondster, and he felt a small amount of weightnd on his shoulder as Silvi too made it back.


    Derek smiled as he surveyed his building. Where there wasnt anything before, now arge sign hung at the front of the shop with the words Void Emporium in an almost neon purple lettering. It really would blend in well with the mystical feel of the materials used to build the ce.


    With a nod, Derek took a step forward, reached out, and pulled the door to the Void Emporium open. Finally, after what seemed like forever, he took a step inside his home.


    Good afternoon, sir! Wee to the Void Emporium. a young male voice rang out from the side, behind the counter. If you are looking for an Elemental Sword, we are unfortunately sold out for the time being. A new batch should be ready in a week, but they wontst long. Other than that, is there any way I can assist you?


    Derek looked the boy up and down. He didnt recognize him at all. He had dark brown hair, green eyes, a slightly pudgy face, and looked to be around 16 or 17 years old. Funnily enough, the teen was wearing a nice set of dark purple jeans, a white t-shirtalmost like the shirts that Derek always woreand a purple vest that matched his pants.


    Derek smiled awkwardly at the boy. Is Malorie around? he asked.


    Im sorry, Ms. Fields is currently busy at the moment. Would you like to make an appointment? I believe she has some free time next week.


    About that time, a pattering of footsteps sounded out from behind Derek, and he turned to see another person dressed in the same garb as the teen behind the counter. This time, it was a young girl with her ck hair tied up in a bun and dark brown eyes. <em>Looks like they hired some help to run the store once it got up and going. I wonder if these two are orphans like the Runners I met when we first arrived in Savannah.</em>


    <em>Do you know these two people? </em>Derek asked Silvi.


    <em>Nope,</em><em> </em>she replied nonchntly.


    <em>It looks like we</em><em>re finally in the process of hiring employees for the business, </em>Derek said.


    <em>That means I can get some</em><em> assistants for my kitchen now? </em>Silvi said with excitement. <em>Assistants and a taste-tester!</em><em> </em>


    Awe! What a cute little bunny! The girl finally made it to them and spoke. Whats its name?


    Her names Silvi, Derek said. Do you want to hold her?


    Immediately, Silvi hopped off of Dereks shoulder and into the waiting arms of the youngdy. Silvi still very much enjoyed scratches and being pampered by people. Derek really didnt give her enough attention in that regard.


    Derek watched the youngdy and Silvi for a moment before turning back to the young man. <em>What am I supposed to do in this situation? Just say, hi, I own this ce that you</em><em>re working at. Actually thats probably what I should do. </em>Luckily, before Derek had to do or say anything, he saw a familiar figure walk through the doors to the back.


    <em>I was wondering if it was just these two or if my guard was around. Avery did say that they haven</em><em>t been able to leave the city, so I figured hed be here. </em>The moment Dereks eyesnded on Jacks, the man also realized who he was looking at. In an instant, Jacks was in front of Derek with a wide smile.


    That took you long enough, Jacks said. When did you get back?


    Hey, I was only going for like a month and a half, Derekughed. Sure, it may have seemed like a year and a half out here, but whos counting? Oh, and we got back a couple of hours ago. You can cover a lot of distance when youre traveling on the back of a winged serpent.


    Of course, Derek, Jacks, and the two employees werent the only ones in the shopthere were some other customers browsing the wares. <em>I have to give it to Brandi. If this is all her, she</em><em>s done a hell of a job stocking the shop. </em>Sure, not all the items avable were of high level, but there was a good amount of diversity around. There was a potion section, weapon section, armor section, and even a regr clothing sectionone that had an abundance of t-shirts and jeans.


    I see Jacks muttered.


    So, who are the kids? Derek asked the man.


    These two? Jacks nodded at the employees, who apparently just realized that Derek was someone important. Thats Dina and Lance. Malorie hired them a couple weeks ago when she decided the shop was full enough for a grand opening.


    Damn Derek said. I missed the grand opening of my own shop. Some businessman I am.


    That was enough for it to finally click for the two workers. Y-youre Mr. Hunt! they both half shouted at the same time.


    Thats me, Derek said.


    Then this Dina looked down in horror. It seemed to her that she had gone from holding the most preciously cute animal in the world to a viper waiting to strike, or a bomb about to explode. Shes <em>that </em>Silvi With her body tensed up, Dina mechanically lowered Silvi onto the ground and backed away. Im sorry Ms. Silvi


    Silvi snorted, then was instantly back to her rightful ce atop Dereks shoulder.


    You two get back to work, Jacks said to the two stunned employees. Malories over at Rudys ce dealing with some contracts. Im sure they wouldnt mind if you interrupted.


    Derek nodded, and he was soon led through his own shop by Jacks while leaving the two new workers alone with the other customers. Once they were out of the main shop room, Derek asked, So, hows things been running since the shop opened? Has there been any trouble? Any need for you as a guard?


    Nothing troubling yet. Ms. Savannah runs a pretty tight ship, and you dont want to be caught causing trouble especially at a shop with both her and the Crowns backing.


    Oh? Their backing? When did that happen?


    Its nothing official, but the rumors have already circted. The Void Emporium is pretty much designated off limits for any untoward antics, Jacks exined as they stepped through one of the door.


    I see, Derek said. And how is everyone else? Im sure Ill see them soon, but are they all doing well?


    Much better than most. With the war going on, the kingdom is pretty tense. Even with Ms. Swan and Prince Edgar taking the fight to thebined army, it will be a while before things settle down. At least here, we dont have to worry about anything happeningwell, at least nowhere near as much as others do. Especially those in the smaller cities and viges, Jacks exined.


    Hmm Derek scratched his chin as he wondered about some of the vigers he met at Thomass old vige. <em>I wonder if his grandparents are okay. </em>It was another thing he needed to worry about. Hopefully, the war will end soon.


    We can only hope, Jacks said. There are too many monsters and backstabbing adventurers around to have to worry about entire kingdoms as well.


    Finally, Jacks opened thest door separating the Void Emporium part of the shop and Contracts by Rudy. When the door opened, Derek noticed that there was nobody in the lobbyit actually seemed like the store was closed by the look of the entrance door.


    Is he closed? Derek asked.


    Yeah, Jacks replied. Todays the day that he and Malorie go over things each week, so he keeps his shop closed for the day. Hes the only contract maker working here, after all.


    Hows business been doing for him, anyway? Derek asked.


    His business got a big boost after the auction, then even more when those backing rumors started flying around, Jacks said. Really, hed probablyin and tell you that hes being worked to death. But truthfully, hes loving every second of it.


    Yeah, that sounds about right, Derek replied. This was perfect. Rudy was one of the first people he wanted to check in with. He needed Bones and Ogre out of his Time Prison and under contract. Theyd already sworn their oaths, but they were general oaths.


    Jacks took a couple steps forward and raised the counter separating the room in half and walked through. Derek followed along until they were at the door to Rudys office. After a couple of loud raps on the door, Jacks opened it and stuck his head in.


    Jacks, is something wrong? Derek could hear Malories concerned voiceing from behind the door.


    At that, Jacks pushed the door the rest of the way open and stepped in. Derek followed behind, and both Malories and Rudys eyes quickly found him.


    Derek took a step forward and sped Jacks on the shoulder before giving the two shocked business managers a big grin. I hope Im not interrupting anything important. I cane backter if you want. It was nice being home.

 Chapter 343: Finally Back

    Chapter 343: Finally Back


    Derek! Rudy called out. Youre back!


    Derek looked over the two people having a meeting and found it kind of funny. Malorie was sitting behind the desk like it was her office, while Rudy was in a chair opposite her. It was in to see the hierarchy in the room.


    Derek! Youre finally back, Malories eyes shined. I was beginning to think you were never going to get back here.


    If you think about it, Mal we actually finished the dungeon much quicker than nned, Derek said. How have things been on this side? At least for the business and such.


    Im going to get back to the shop, Jacks said, dismissing himself from the room. Derek looked at him and nodded.


    Awful, Malorie said once Jacks closed the door behind him. Do you know how much work you left me with? Oh, and thats on top of making sure my daughter doesnt forget about eating and doesnt kill herself in an explosion. By the way, what were you thinking leaving those mana things with her before you left? Do you know how irresponsible that was?


    <em>Uh oh. Mal</em><em>s gone into mom mode. </em>Derek slowly backed away and held up his hands. That youre probably right about the mana cores, actually. She promised she would be safe with them, and I trust her. Why? Did she get hurt trying to use them as materials?


    Well no Malorie said. Not really. But but Ive gotten more used to seeing her without eyebrows than with them. Thats just not right.


    Oh Derek couldnt stop himself from breaking out in a smile. Is that it? Eyebrows are overrated, anyway. Ites with the territory of being a crafter.


    Hmph Malorie snorted. She even has facial protection and goggles, but she forgets to wear them half the time when she gets excited. No matter how many times I tell her she breathed out in a harrumph.


    Ill uh let you two catch up, Rudy made to leave, but Derek stopped him.


    Actually, Rudy. I needed to talk with you right now.


    Me? Rudy asked. Why?


    Im going to need a couple of contracts prepared and signed in a moment. Im on kind of a tight schedule, so I needed to get this done before anything else.


    Both Rudy and Malorie gave Derek a questioning look. What kind of contracts? Malorie asked.


    One second, Derek said, then turned to a free corner of the room and opened up his Time Prisonhe made sure to make the doorrge enough for Ogre to pass through.


    Next, he opened the door and took a step inside. Finally inside, he found Bones and Ogre sitting alone in the middle of the lobby. Bones, of course, noticed instantly when the door to the outside opened and the scrawny man was already looking in Dereks direction. Is it time? Are we out? he asked.


    Yup, Derek said. Were in Savannah alreadyback at my shop. I just need the two of you toe meet with Rudy and well get the contracts all set up.


    Very good. Bones stood with a bow. Come on, Oggy, its time to start out new lives as store workers.


    Derek snorted. Indeed. From there, Derek went out changing the time on all the other cellsthe ones holding all the dragonkin. It was the perfect time to do so. He wanted to set them to open close together, but not all at the same time. They needed to be staggered just in case things became iffy with Avery, Lyra, Rocky, and Tyron trying to keep control of the beasts.


    That way, if the n failed, Derek coulde back inside his prison with time to spare and slow the rate at which their sentences released them. Hopefully, he wouldnt have to do that. Finally, Derek walked back out of his Time Prison and looked up. Im d I decided on tall ceilings he muttered.


    Next, the skeletal like Bones stepped through the passageway from the Time Prison and into Rudys office before looking around. This may be a little crowded he also muttered to himself before moving further awayclose to the opposite wall as Ogre stuck his head out of the passage.


    These two are the assassins? Right? Malorie asked.


    Former assassins, Derek rified. They have been reformed.


    Finally, the half-giant Ogre took his first steps into the outside world after being locked away for some time. With a frown, he said, Small room. Can Ogre go back?


    Derek shook his head, and Bones gestured for Ogre to stand by him. Unfortunately, Ogre, my Time Prison will be off limits for some time, he said as he shuffled past the big man so he could shut the door and close the rift in the void <em>or is it space? </em>He questioned.


    Once all that was finished, Derek introduced their two new guests. Malorie, Rudy, this is Bones and Ogre. Im sure you can tell which ones which. Bones, Ogre, this is Malorie and Rudy. Rudy is going to help you with your contracts, and Malorie is in charge. Anything she requests, you can think of it as a request from me. Got it?


    Yes, sir, Bones did his best butler bow.


    Malorie, Derek said. Bones will basically be the butler of the house and shop. After signing the contracts, I n on sending him to the capital to train with Bronsonif the man agrees to itthen he wille back to work. Ogre will hold two positions. First and foremost, he will be Silvis taste-tester. Derek felt Silvi nod from his shoulder. When he is not doing that, he will be a guard for the shop.


    After that, Derek went on to exin all the details of the contracts he wanted Rudy to draw up and the oaths that the two new additions had already taken. Finally, I expect the two of them to grow stronger, just like everyone else. They are currently very underpowered, and I hope to remedy that as soon as possible.


    Got it, Rudy said.


    Derek was amazed while speaking and watching the man draw up two contracts simultaneously. Once he finished speaking, it took Rudy another half minute before he finished up and held the contracts out for Derek to take. Derek shook his head. Just have Malorie do it. Shes going to be seeing them much more often than me, anyway.


    Rudy nodded and made a couple of quick changes to the contract before handing them to Malorie.


    Great more paperwork, Malorie sighed and took the contracts. She didnt even bother reading them and injected her mana into them.


    Finally, Rudy took the contracts back and looked them over before handing them to Bones and Ogre. If you two will just imprint your mana into those contracts, Rudy said. They have been drawn up just as we discussed, but feel free to go over them.


    Ogre stared at the contract in his hand like it was some foreign object while Bones quickly flipped through his. Finally, with a nod, Bones injected the contract with his mana. Seeing what Bones had done, Ogre did the same, and soon, both had signed their contracts, then, both contracts turned into energy and flowed into Malorie, Bones, and Ogre.


    Great! Derek said. Bones, Ogre you two can make yourself at home. Malorie, could you let Natalie know that Bones and Ogre work for me now? I would rather them not be arrested or killed as soon as they leave the building.


    After that, Derek gave Ogre another look up and down. Also, Mal Could you look into buying the lot next door? I think we may need to make a separate living quarters for our two new recruits.


    I think you may be right, Malorie agreed. Ill head over to the City Building tomorrow morning and get things settled. Would you like to use the same contractor?


    Yes, just use Geoffrey, Derek replied. Do we have enough capital for another lot and building to be built? he asked.


    Yes, Malorie chuckled. We have plenty. Would you like to go over your finances?


    Derek almost bolted out the door right then and thereit took every ounce of willpower he had not to. He frantically shook his head. No, Ill leave all that to you. I trust you.


    Of course you do, Malorie rolled her eyes.


    What? Derek knowingly smiled. You seem to be doing a great job. Not sense fixing whats not broken.


    Its like you havent even been gone for almost two years Malorie shook her head. Is there anything else? You didnt conquer a country that you would like me to run while you were out, did you? Maybe have some dragons you would like me to take care of?


    Actually Derek started.


    Dont you even, Malorie warned.


    Uhem Derek stopped before he was reprimanded again. Besides, he already had a n for the dragons, and it was a good n. So instead, he took a step forward toward the desk and began removing each of his storage rings one by one.


    He didnt want to risk anything being damaged while in the void, and who better to leave his items with than Malorie? Finally, he fidgeted with his bracelet before removing it, too. It was a very odd sensation, being without his storage bracelet for the first time in <em>I don</em><em>t even know how long. I had it for a couple of years on Earth, then all that time in the void. </em>He felt kind of naked without it.


    Whats this? Malorie asked.


    These are all my storage items and everything. He didnt even n to keep a potion on him. There was no telling what a healing potion would turn into. Potions seemed like the prime candidates for going bad from the use of his skill. Theres something I have to do soon, and I cant take my storage rings along.


    Why would you not be able she started, but eventually just epted it. What do you n on doing?


    I heard that Edgar and nah are out fighting. I thought they could use some backup.


    Oh, Malorie nodded and pulled all the storage items to her.


    Do you have any empty storage ring? Derek asked.


    Middle drawer, Rudy cut in. I keep some just in case.


    Malorie nodded and pulled out one of the drawers, then gave Derek the rings.


    Great, Derek said, then he opened up his Void Storage and began emptying it out. He had a lot of dragonkin meat and materials stored in. If he was going as far as to give up his storage items, he wouldnt trust his Void Storage space either. He would experiment with itter, but now wasnt the time.


    Once he emptied out his Void Storage and handed over those rings, Silvi hopped off his shoulder and onto the desk. These are mine, her voice chimed out as all of her storage items floated out of her pockets from her Telekinesis. Dont look in them. Private things.


    Ill do my best not to let my curiosity get the better of me. Malorie smiled at Silvi.


    Derek obviously knew what the woman was thinking. Why would she want to look in storage rings that she knew contained only food and ingredients? Finally, Silvi took off her cor as well. It was created with some storage rings interwoven into it, so she would be unable to take it with her. That also meant that she wasnt going to be able tomunicate outside of Telepathy.


    Derek took sce in the fact that Silvi had obviously decided that going with Derek to fight was more important than whatever deal she had with the king. She was a truepanion.


    <em>Thanks for deciding to help,</em><em> </em>Derek sent to hispanion.


    <em>Of course, </em>Silvi replied. <em>And then maybe we can try an elf burger?</em><em> </em>she asked with hope.


    <em>Maybe,</em><em> </em>Derek replied.


    <em>Really?</em><em> </em>the excitement in her voice was palpable.


    <em>No! No eating elves. </em>


    <em>Meanie, </em>she sent back.


    <em>Just use your helping his other son to try to sucker more ingredients out of the king,</em><em> </em>Derek replied.


    <em>Deal!</em><em></em>


    Okay, Mal, Derek said. Well have to catch upter. Im going to stop by the basement, then we have to go. Well be back soon.


    Be careful, Malorie replied.


    With that, Derek dismissed himself and left Rudy and Malorie to take care of Bones and Ogre. He needed to check in with Brandi, then he had some dragons to deal with.

 Chapter 344: Deal!

    Chapter 344: Deal!


    Derek made it to the door leading to the basement while Silvi continued to perch on his shoulder. As soon as he opened the door, he could hear the pounding and nging of a hammer on metal. The sound of the hammering was somewhat nostalgic for Derek, and it brought a smile to his face as he stepped down the stairs one by one. He made sure to close the door behind him so that the sound wasnt able to escape the soundproof basement.


    Finally, he made it to the bottom of the stair and looked over to where Brandi was working. Currently, the young smith was hunched over an anvil with a hammer in her hand, intently focusing on her work while pounding away on what looked to be a de for a sword.


    Derek almostughed when he saw how the girl was dressed. From the bottom up, she was wearing a pair of well-worn boots, then what looked like a full set of dark purple coverallssomething he couldnt remember seeing yet in this world. The coveralls were long-sleeved, and the end of the sleeves were covered by a pair of work gloves. <em>I bet those coveralls were Malorie</em><em>s idea, and that they have tons of protection built into them as well.</em>


    <em>They really are going all in on the purple void coloring for everything, aren</em><em>t they? </em>First, the two new employees were wearing matching uniforms with the color. Now he was seeing their resident smith wearing the same colors, but in the form of coveralls. Dereks smiled grew wider as he waited for the girl to finish what she was doing. He hoped she would be done soon, because there wasnt a lot of time left before he needed to meet Avery and Tyron.


    Brandis hair, for the first time since Thomas got ahold of it with the Mana Clippers, was finally somewhat grown out. It was still pretty short, but it had grown out at least four or five inches since thest time he saw her. Of course, her hair was very bedraggled, messy, and pushed back by the pair of goggles that she wasunlike what Malorie had saidwearing for eye protection.


    As for the tools Brandi was using, they werent the same set that Derek was used to seeing. <em>It looks like she finally started making her own sets of tools. Those look to be a much better fit for the current version of her. </em>Obviously, the tools were basically the same as before. Only, they were smaller and fit the young girls form much better. However, her current tools were already well worn, and Derek suspected that it was almost time for her to be making another set soon.


    But as he waited, Derek felt the time go by slowly. After a bit over ten minutes passed, he was thinking about leaving Brandi to her work and going to meet Avery at the Crown. However, just before he left, the nging of Brandis hammer ceases and she raised the de up in front of her eyes with a pair of tongs.


    He watched as the young smith nodded her head, then ced the de back down on the anvil. Finally, she pushed her goggles back, revealing the rest of her soot covered face. Derek inwardlyughed. It seemed that out of all the professions that she had ess to, she preferred the smithing side. Just about every time Derek had visited her while she was in the middle of a craft, she was smithing instead of leatherworking or doing alchemy or something else.


    A new weapon? Derek asked as he took a step forward.


    Brandi looked over Dereks way, then back to the de, then, as if something clicked, her head whipped back in Dereks direction and she yelled, Derek! At that, she threw the gloves off her hands and kicked off the groundclosing the distance between the two of them in an instant.


    Derek soon found himself wrapped up in a huge hug. He actually felt much more pressure from the girl than he was expecting. <em>I wonder just how high her strength stat is right now. </em>Derek reached down and pat the young girl on the top of the head, just as hed always done. Hey Brandi, he said. Your eyebrows arent anywhere near as non-existent as Mal made them out to be.


    Thats not funny! Brandi said in a muffled voice from her hug. Youre back? Brandi asked as she broke the hug and backed away a couple of steps before looking up at him and rubbing her hand over her eyebrows. For good? The dungeon is finished?


    Im back, Derek replied. I cant say that Im back for good because I need to go help Edgar and nah here in a bit. But Im out of the dungeon, and I dont think Im going to be going to another time altered dungeon any time soon. Well, unless the time is backwards from how it was in the raid, then that wouldnt be so bad. I also think Im done with raid dungeons for the time being.


    Thats good, Brandi said as the tears that had begun to build up in her eyes when she first saw Derek finally fell down her cheeks, leaving a couple of tear lines in the soot covering her face. This stupid war needs to be finished. Everyones so worried and depressed.


    What about your sales? Derek asked. Isnt the war good for those?


    It doesnt matter, Brandi said. Im only one person. I doubt I would be able to keep up with the customers regrly, much less right now with the war going on. There is also a shortage of crafting materials She pouted. Nobody wants to take the chance to gather materials while theres a war.


    <em>So that</em><em>s the real reason, </em>Derek thought. He turned his head and looked at Silvi resting on his shoulder, then looked back at Brandi. <em>Silvi only calls her a maniac because she crafts items and not food. Really, they are mostly the same. </em>I see, Derek said. I did bring back some pretty good materials for you to use, but I dont have them on me right now to give you.


    Really? Brandis eyes lit up even brighter. You always bring back the best materials.


    I think youre really going to enjoy what I have this time, Derek then summoned Harbinger and held it out. They were used to make this weaponVoids Harbingerand the armor that Im currently wearing.


    Wow, Brandi said as she turned the ive over in her hands and examined it closely. This level of smithing is amazing. Whoever made this for you just wow.


    Yeah, it was Tyron cksteel, the smith known as The Walking Forge. For one of the Void Beast meals at the auction, he said he would craft a new ive for me. Then, we ended up going on the raid together, and when I got the materials, he made Harbinger right then and there, Derek exined. Hes a great cksmith, but Im sure youll catch up to him soon enough. Then you are going to have to worry about crafting all my stuff.


    That will be no problem. As long as you bring the materials. Deal? Brandi smiled as she handed Harbinger back to Derek.


    Derek stored Harbinger away and said, Deal!


    Ill also have to repair your equipment, too, Brand said as she motioned to the knee that took one of the Starfury Leonaruss star attacks head on. Your armor just doesnt look as good as it should when you have parts of your bare leg showing.


    Yeah, Derek said. If I werent so busy, Id see about having Tyron fixing the armor. But for now, Im about to go help nah and Edgar, so this is much better than nothing.


    When do you n on leaving? Brandi asked with a slight frown.


    I need to meet Avery in a few minutes, Derek replied. But when I get back, I want to talk about how youve been progressing and everything else youve been up to while Ive been away.


    Im doing so soooo good! Brandi said. You wont believe it.


    I look forward to seeing, Derek replied, then sighed. Oh, by the way, what is the Elemental Sword that those kids up front were talking about?


    Oh. Brandi jumped in excitement as she ran over to one of her worktables and opened a drawer. Then she pulled out a storage ring of her own. After that, a sword appeared in her hand and she brought it over for Derek to inspect.


    Derek took the sword in his hands and turned it over a few times while closely examining it. It was a nice, sharp sword with a de about three and a half feet long. The de of the sword was set into an almost typical cross-guard, however, where there would normally only be decorations and gems for nobles and the like set in the guard, there was a small blue gem-like stone set in the middle.


    After that was the rest of the hilt. There was a regr grip, like hed seen in most swords, and a small pommel on the end. After turning it over onest time, Derek used Identify on the weapon.


    Elemental Sword (Water)


    Durability:


    250/250


    This Elemental Sword is a weapon created by an aspiring young cksmith. With an original set of runes and a certain umon material, the young smith has found a way to store mana of a certain type (water) into the sword, allowing users of the element (water) to cast elemental (water) based skills without drawing on their own Mana Pool.


    Elemental (Water) Charge: 6500/6500


    Wow, Derek said as he turned the sword around in his hand again, then bringing the hilt of the sword closer to his eyes for further inspection. <em>This really is one of the mana cores, just much smaller. </em>Were you able to take a piece of the core and use it to create this mana battery? Derek asked.


    No, Brandi smiled. Thats the whole core! She seemed very proud.


    What? Once again, Derek looked harder at the small blue gem set in the hilt. How did you manage that?


    It took a lot of work, and in the end, I wasted a bunch of the water mana cores, but I was finally able to create a set of runes to shrink the core while maintaining a good portion of its mana storing capability, the smith exined.


    Oh? 6,500 extra points of mana isnt bad at all. How much of the cores capacity did it retain? Derek asked.


    It should be just over forty percent. Most of the mana cores can hold around 15,000 points of mana. Im still slowly working on my runes and increasing the capacity. Hopefully, Ill be able to get one hundred percent one day. But I think thats a long way away.


    This is a fantastic product, Brandi. Great job! Derek praised, and he meant it. He had also had the thoughts about using the cores as sort of mana batteries, but he had no clue how to do it. Brandi actually took what he was thinking and made it possible. Theres so much you could do with this. Im looking forward to seeing what else youe up with.


    Brandi beamed at Derekspliment. Thank you! Derek handed her the sword back, and she put it away. Finally, she frowned slightly. How much longer until you leave? she asked with a pout.


    Not long, unfortunately, Derek replied. In fact, I should probably head out soon.


    Be careful! Brandi said, then embraced Derek once again.


    I will I will. Derek pat her on the top of her head again. But I guess I really should get going. Ill be back in no time.


    Fine It seemed hard, but Brandi was eventually able to peel herself away from Derek. Just hurry.


    Ill try, Derek said, then smiled. By the way. All that material I said you could have


    Yeah?


    Its with your mom. You can tell her that I said you could go through my storage items and get what you want out of them.


    Really?


    Really, Derek said. Be careful with them, though. Im not sure youre at a high enough level that you should be working with them yet.


    I will! Dont worry!


    With that, Derek and Silvi left Brandi standing in the middle of the basement, salivating at the thought of getting her hands on such a great material.


    <em>Malorie</em><em>s going to kill me</em>

 Chapter 345: Dragon Ranchers

    Chapter 345: Dragon Ranchers


    Derek walked out of The Void Emporium, with Silvi still perched on his shoulder, then gave it onest look and smiled. <em>It</em><em>s good to be back. It was only a handful of weeks for me, but everyone and everything else grew so much. </em>Derek was, of course, talking about the store already being open and him missing the grand opening, and Brandi having grown so much. He really did look forward to having one of their chats about sses and levelster. <em>Huh, back on Earth, I don</em><em>t think Id have ever looked forward to something like that. </em>


    <em>I wonder how things are back on Earth. </em>Where he was hadnt mattered much to him. Derek didnt have any attachments left on Earthany that he had disappeared well before the system came. Derek sighed as he turned back and looked ahead, toward the path to the center of the city where the Crown and the Crown Restaurant were. <em>No sense thinking about it now. </em>


    He actually had some attachments in Cydaria, and those attachments had been threatened while he was gone. Now that he was back, hed see to it that those threats were dealt with. With that decision in his mind, Derek took a step forwardit was time to meet up with Avery.


    Derek made short work of the long distance between his shop and the city center. The distance was nothing when someone had skills like Active Void Shift and didnt care about etiquette keeping him from using them in the city. He was sure Natalie wouldnt mind him doing so, anyway. It was for a good cause, after all. The worst thing about using the skill in the city was the pissed off bunny who had to also use the skill to keep up. <em>Such azy bunny when she wants to be.</em>


    <em>Are we supposed to meet at the hotel or the restaurant? </em>Derek inwardly questioned. He looked back and forth between the two businesses and shrugged before walking toward the restaurant. Derek opened the door and walked inside before getting the attention of the hostess.


    Wee to the Crown Restaurant. May I see your membership? the woman asked.


    Derek actually didnt have his membership on him at the momentit had been left with Malorie, along with the rest of his items. Im not here to dine, Derek replied. Is Avery here? Im supposed to meet with him right about now.


    Avery? the woman asked, then her eyes widened. You mean Master Swan? The woman shook her head. Master Swan is currently away.


    Gotcha, Derek said. <em>I guess he</em><em>s at the hotel. It looks like he hasnt made himself known to many people yet. </em>He turned and left the restaurant before making his way to the hotel. However, before he made it there, he saw Tyron and Rocky walk through the doors to the hotel, followed by Avery. <em>Right on time, </em>he thought.


    Perfect timing, Avery waved as Derek approached them. Are you ready to go?


    Yup, Derek said. Did you get everything taken care of?


    Ste has everything under control. Im not really needed. I just need to go check on the boys at some point. I cant wait to see how theyve progressed under nahs care.


    Yeah, everyones grown a lot, Derek replied. By the way, wheres Lyra?


    Shesing, Avery answered and pointed straight up into the air.


    Derek looked up and saw it. The winged serpent was barely a dot in the sky, but as he stared and she approached, Lyras figured grew at a rapid pace.


    Not again Tyron sighed.


    Im afraid so, Averyughed. We dont want hering too close to the city, so we need to go to her. I assume you wont have a problem getting to her? he asked Derek.


    As Avery was speaking, Lyra slowed her descent until she eventually stopped high in the sky. <em>I guess that</em><em>s as close as Averysfortable letting Lyra get to the middle of the city. </em>She was still at a distance where she couldnt really be seen unless someone was really looking for her. I have no problem getting up there.


    What about you, Tyron?


    Do I look like I can fly? Were meant to be on the ground. The smith grunted.


    Well meet you up, Avery told Derek. Grab Rocky, he said to Tyron.


    Tyron sighed and Rocky wrapped himself around therge smiths shoulders.


    Here we go, Avery said, as his pair of dragon wings sprouted out from his back. Derek watched with hope that he was going to princess carry the giant smith, but to his dismay, Avery picked up the man by the waist and began his ascent. It wasnt what Derek had hoped, but the scene still made him chuckle.


    Derek began to channel his mana to activate Active Void Shift, but was stopped before he activated it by Silvi.


    <em>No! You use Void Steps.</em><em></em>


    <em>Fine </em>Derek replied. It would take a short time longer, but he couldnt level up Active Void Shift, and he still had some levels to go with Void Steps. He should probably be using his own skill more often, anyway. But having a quick teleportation-like skill was just too fun.


    Derek kicked off the ground and flew into the air. His foot found purchase on a void ripple, and he pushed off it again. One jump after another, Derek and Silvi made their way higher and higher into the air, closer to the flying Lyra. Finally, with onest hop, theynded on the back of Averyspanion.


    Took you long enough, Avery said.


    I had a disgruntled passenger, and had to provide some customer service, Derek chuckled as he nced at thezy bunny, who was motionless on his shoulder. Anyway, are we ready?


    Was just waiting for you, Avery said. Hold on. Lyra, lets go. With that, Lyra pped her enormous wings, and the group sped away.


    In minutes, they were hovering over an open clearing that spanned for miles. This is it, Avery said. There are nothing but a few low-level beasts around. Easy enough to clear out, or even feed the dragonkin with if needed.


    Derek nodded. Sounds good. I wont be able to put them back in cells for a week, but if it turns out that you and Lyra cant handle them for that long, I can still put them inside my Time Prison. If ites to that, hopefully they wont end up killing each other inside.


    Avery pat Lyras back a couple times, then she swooped down toward the ground. Before Derek even realized it, she hadnded. Tyron and Rocky were the first off. There was no way he was staying on the back of Lyra for a second longer than he needed to. Everyone else followed.


    When were finished, Im walking back, Tyron said.


    Fine by me, Avery replied.


    Is everyone ready? Derek asked. If so, Im going to go start bringing them out one by one.


    Start with the winged serpents, then go from there. Lyra wants to see how much control is needed to just keep them all settled without them trying to escape or fighting back, Avery exined.


    Will do, Derek said, then moved over away from everyone and channeled what mana he could into his skill before ripping the space open. It took a lot of focus and mana to make the Time Prison passage big enough to bring all the dragonkin out.


    With the door open, Derek walked inside and straight to the cells, where some of the amphithere were locked away. He ced his hand on the door and sped up the countdown timer as much as he couldhed already adjusted them back at the Void Emporium, so it wouldnt take long for each of their sentences to be up when he adjusted them again. It also helped that his Time Prison had been leveling like crazy since putting the dragonkin away.


    The countdown timer quickly hit zero and the enormous door unlocked, then shot open. As soon as the door swung open, a gigantic head shot out and tried totch onto Derek with its maw. Derekughed and jumped backwards. Soon, the rest of the winged serpents body was out of its cell and chasing Derek. Derek casually made his way out of the Time Prison while leading the serpent behind him.


    As soon as the winged serpents head made its way out of the Time Prison, it froze. Lyra was ready and had immediately stopped it once it was out. Once she was in control, she had the rest of its body move out. Finally, it seemed that she had lessened her control by a great deal.


    The serpent no longer seemed mindless, but just much less aggressive. It no longer tried to bite or snap at anyone, and didnt try to cast any skills either.


    How is it? Derek asked.


    Lyra put a suggestion that this is its home and everyone here currently is its allies. Lyras ability is straight mind control, so it should work longer than nahs maniption thates with her voice. Shell have to refresh themand asionally, but this clearing being their home should stick for a whileespecially on the ones like this one, without a lot of wisdom to help fight the control, Avery exined. I also raided the Crown and brought a lot of Mana Potions for Lyra, so she shouldnt have a problem.


    Great, Derek replied.


    It would be best if we could start having those who n on contracting the beasts toe out and do so. Each one would be one less that she would need to control.


    Derek nodded. He didnt know what levels Rayna or Jacks were. <em>I should have asked Jacks about it when we talked. It</em><em>s been a long time, but with the war, Im sure they havent leveled up a lot. It could be a good idea to give Bones and Ogre one each once they level, too. But that will depend on how well they do. Then theres Thomas one, and Tyron already got Rocky. </em>He was sure that Brandi wasnt ready to tame one, though. You should contact Tara and have her send her son here to tame his drake. Surely hes a high enough level, right?


    Ill contact herter and see, and he cane pick it up whenever. Avery said. There are what? Four dragonkin that dont have nned bonds? Any idea what you n on doing with those?


    Three, Derek said. And weve got to give Edgar one of them. You and Lyra did most of the work, and were giving one to nah and Ste. Anyone else who should take the final ones? <em>If not, then Bones and Ogre really might not be a bad idea.</em>


    Not that I can immediately think of, Avery said with a shrug. But Ste seemed kind of jealous of Lyra. Once this war is settled, Ill put her through some training and make sure shes capable enough to tame one, so she can im hers quicker. She may also want one of the winged serpents instead of the drake.


    Derek nodded in agreements. I was also thinking about finding someone with a tamer ss, Derek said. Not to give any to, but maybe they would be able to help with controlling them, or even breed them. It would be quite the profitable business. But wed have to use nahswork because I wouldnt want to sell any to bad owners.


    Maybe, Avery said. I doubt dragonkin have a high fertility rate. If they did, wed see more of them and the world would probably be much more dangerous.


    True Derek agreed. It still may be worth it looking for someone with a tamer ss but thats all in the future.


    Ill look into itter, Avery said.


    Is Lyra ready for the next one? Derek asked.


    Just waiting on you, Avery said with a smile.


    Alright then. Lets do it. With that, Derek went back into the Time Prison and began pulling the dragonkin out one by one. Not longter, there were only a couple smaller dragonkin left, and the two wyverns. It was time to see if their n was possible.

 Chapter 346: Traps

    Chapter 346: Traps


    Lyra wants us to move away from her and the smaller dragonkin before we bring out the wyvern, Avery said after Derek brought out thest couple of drakes from his Time Prison. Shes got them under control for now without having to use too much mana, but shes afraid that seeing one of the wyverns will influence them and set them off. Right now, she only has to use suggestions, and they think they are in their territory.


    Okay, Derek said. Well do that. How far away do we need to go?


    Not far, Avery replied. The other side of the clearing should work. And if we act fast, we should be able to keep them contained before they are able to do anything to draw much attention over there.


    Sounds good, Derek said. Lets go.


    Derek, Avery, Tyron, and Rocky moved to the opposite side of the clearing, leaving Lyra alone with the other beasts. Avery made sure to leave Lyra with plenty of Mana Potions on the off chance that something was to go wrong. Finally, Derek opened his Time Prison once again, except this time, he made sure to make it even bigger than beforethe wyverns were massive.


    Which one do you want to deal with first? Derek asked.


    Avery looked over at Tyron and Rocky and rubbed his chin. I think the earth element one should be the easier one to deal with. Rocky and Tyrons own elements should be able to overpower that wyvern pretty easily. What do you think? Avery asked Tyron.


    Shouldnt be a problem, the big smith answered. Give us a couple minutes to prepare and we should be able to trap it.


    Derek nodded and watched as the ground on the outside of his Time Prison began to change. The earth slowly moved away and was soon reced by a bubbling, dark metallic liquid. <em>Oh</em><em> hes going to trap the earth wyvern inside a metal casing. If he can do it enough to limit all its movement, that should work great. </em>


    Do you think one of them will be able to survive inside this? Tyron asked. It didnt hurt thatst monster in the raid that much.


    That thing was abnormalextremely abnormal, Avery replied. As I am now, I could take out one of the wyverns by myself. But I think this should work just fineespecially if you are able to trap it all the way up to its neck.


    Derek couldnt help but agree. Also, the fact that Tyron had ample time to prepare his trap, and didnt have to preserve his mana for a drawn out fight, instead of just casting it on the fly like he had before should make it much more efficient to use against one of the wyverns. <em>Depending on how it holds, it could work on both of them, actually, </em>Derek thought.


    A few minutes and a couple of potionster, and Tyron was finished creating his trap. The two of you just need to get it to fall into the pool instead of flying on its way out. Can you do that?


    Shouldnt be a problem, Derek replied, then looked over at Avery. Are you ready?


    Lets do it, the archer said and moved into position above the giant pool of liquid metal to keep the wyvern from flying on its way out. Hopefully, the roars dont interfere with the lesser dragonkin too much.


    With a nod, Derek headed inside his Time Prisonmaking sure to avoid the trap by using Void Steps. Soon, he found himself at the very back of the prison, looking at thest two doorthe two massive closed cell doors. <em>Okay</em><em> now which one was the earth one and which one was the pure magic one? </em>Derek ced his hand on the one to the left, then adjusted the sentence speed and backed away.


    Soon, Derek was standing with his back to the exit, so he would only need to kick back off the ground to leave the prison. Finally, the massive door unlocked, and as soon as the notification popped into Dereks head, the thing swung open with such force that someone not heavily invested in endurance would have had a hard time surviving if hit by it.


    With the cell door open, a colossal roar resounded from the cell and echoed throughout the entire Time Prison. Then, the massive brown wyvern appeared in all its glory. Not waiting for a prompt, the wyvern charged out of the cellcrawling on its two legs and wings. <em>Well, it seems pretty angry. </em>Derek smiled. In a near instant, the wyvern was on him.


    Derek kicked backwards off the ground and sent himself flying out of the time prison. He made sure to keep as level with the ground as possible, with the hope that the wyvern would continue its charge straight into Tyrons trap.


    And he was pleased when the wyvern did just that. The prison passageway wasntrge enough for the beast to initiate its flight before making it out, so it had to stay on the ground while it passed through. Unfortunately for it, even though it spread its wings in preparation to take off as soon as its body cleared the passage, it still dipped down ever so slightly and found itself up to its knees in boiling metal.


    Next, like a rocket, Avery basically shoulder tackled the beast from above, sending it even deeper into the trap. With his hit, the wyverns wings found themselves covered in the liquid metal as well.


    Deciding to helpplete the trap, Derek appeared right above the beasts head and punched down with a void covered fist. It was just enough to stun the beast for a moment and allow it to sink even further into the metal. Derek repeated this action a few times until the beast finally sank far enough that over half of its neck was covered in the metal.


    That was when Tyron decided it was time to harden the surrounding metal. Keep stunning it! Tyron called out.


    Without asking any questions, Derek continued pounding away. He had done so many times before, so it was basically second nature to him by now. He wasnt sure what else the smith had nned, but he trusted him.


    Soon, once the metal was hardened, and the wyvern was trapped in a massive block of it, he figured out what the smith was trying to do. An extremely long string of liquid metal rose from the ground and began wrapping itself around the massive maw of the beast, searing into its skin in the process. In front of Dereks eyes, the metal began being woven in an almost braid-like pattern, then hardening.


    It was a smart move, as it would keep the wyvern from both roaring and using its elemental dragon breath. Derek just wasnt sure if it would be able to hold that long. It was metal created and hardened by a level 250 smith, but there wasnt anything really special about it other than that. He had faith that the metal trapping it would hold just because of how big and how much metal was used in said trap.


    However, the smith wouldnt be able to put that much metal into the muzzle he was creating. Though, the pattern should at least increase its strength somewhat. Soon, thest bit of metal that the man prepared was wrapped around the beasts mouth.


    Okay, you can stop now, Tyron said. The man was sweating profusely at the moment after manipting so much boiling hot metal.


    Derek almostno, he did feel a little bad for the wyvern. The pain should have gone away and it should have already begun the healing process as soon as the metal hardened, and there was a good chance it hadnt felt much of it since it was stunned most of the time, but being burned was not a good feeling.


    With the beast no longer stunned, it began whipping the uncovered portion of its head and neck around. The ground around them began to vibrate, but any try in manipting the earth was instantly shut down by the small wyrm sitting on the ground in front of it.


    Other than the basic earth maniption, the wyvern didnt have any other skills that it could currently use in its situation. Most of the skills that the wyverns used against Derek and the others had required the use of either their ws, wings, or mawall of which were either trapped by tons and tons of hardened metal, or tied up.


    Derek watched closely at the metal wrapped around the beasts mouth. He winced when the beast stopped moving and tried with all its might to open its maw. To his surprise, its mouth did open ever so slightlyand by ever so slightly, he meant about a foot because of how massive its head was. But even more surprising, the metal actually stretched with its mouth.


    Then, as if not able to open its maw any further, the beasts mouth snapped shut, and the metal retracted back to its original form. Derek smiled. Tyron had made the metal slightly stic so the beast wouldnt be able to just snap it by force.


    Whew Tyron sighed. That should hold for a bit. It wontst a long time, but it will give me enough time to create something that will, he said. Though Ill probably have to use some of the wyvern materials to create such a thing.


    Ill make sure topensate you well when I get back, Derek said. Well get you some more materials and maybe a Void Beast meal or two.


    Tyron nodded at that. Okay, I need some time to rest and recover, then we can do the same with the other wyvern.


    How well will it work on the other? Its pure magic based, Derek asked.


    It should be easier, Tyron said. This one is earth based, so it has a very small amount of control over the metal, which made it harder for me to manipte things. Luckily, it was only earth based, though, and was countered pretty easily by Rocky. With one of a different element, it shouldnt be a problem, and Rocky wont need to provide support like he is right now.


    Gotcha, Derek said. Just say when, and well move to prepare another trap.


    Okay, Tyron nodded, then sat down in meditation after drinking another couple of potions.


    Soon, they had another trap prepared, and Derek moved the entrance to his Time Prison over the new trap. The second wyvern fell into the trap even easier than the first, and everything went even more smooth than before. They had yed a dangerous game, trapping and corralling all the dragonkin, which is why they chose the position they did and did it all one by one.


    If anything had gone wrong, Derek, Avery, Silvi, or Lyra would have been able to control the situation. But everything seemed to work even better than Derek expected. <em>It</em><em>s nice for things to go as nned for a change, </em>he thought.


    Hows Lyra doing? Derek asked Avery.


    Shes fine. A little tired, but recovering. The wyverns roars from inside your space made it out into the open and riled the rest of the dragonkin up, so she had to expend some more resources to get them back under control, but now that the wyverns are trapped and silent, their back to grazing like normal. She should be able to keep herself in good enough shape to control any problems that may arise, Avery exined.


    Thats great, Derek said. Thanks for all the help. And thank Lyra for me, too.


    No problem.


    Derek looked at the ground below himthe massive metal ground. <em>I</em><em>m definitely having Tyron create the foundation for any other buildings I need to make. Well after Bones and Ogres bunkhouse is created. Tyrons going to be busy here when Mal goes tomission that building. </em>Derek looked over at Tyron, who was already creating himself a mobile smithing area so he could create some proper equipment for trapping the wyverns.


    If any problemse up, Derek started. Dont hesitate to call in a reinforcement or two. We have a couple dragonkin to spare if we really need to.


    I will, Avery said. Now, dont you need to get to nah? The sooner the better.


    I was thinking the same thing, Derek smiled. But first, theres onest thing I need to do.

 Chapter 347: Void Travel

    Chapter 347: Void Travel


    Onest thing? Avery asked.


    One second, Derek said. Ill be right back.


    From there, Derek jumped high in the sky with Silvi still sitting on his shoulder, then, his foot found a void ripple and he went even higher. Finally, well above the massive clearing where they decided to relocate the dragonkin, Derek got to work exploring.


    The clearing was pretty much clear of any monsters other than the dragonkin. If the lesser dragonkin didnt make it so, then the roars from the wyverns had caused everything to run off. So, Derek took off in a random direction. He was soon over a small forest of trees, and still scanning his surroundings. After searching for a couple minutes, his eyes locked onto what he was looking for.


    There you are, he said aloud. Im void shifting, Silvi, so you can eithere with me or just go back and wait with the others. Derek heard a snort from his shoulder and smiled before using Active Void Shift and appearing directly next to a monster.


    He wasnt looking for any specific beast, so he picked the first ones he saw. What he ended up finding was a flock of flightless birds that looked like giant turkeys, but with forest green colored talons and beards. Derek cast a quick Identify on the flock of beasts and found them to be level 145+ monsters called Avethorns. <em>They will work just fine, </em>he thought as he reached out with both hands and wrapped them around the creatures necks.


    He only needed two, which was good because as soon as he made his move, the others scattered in all different directions. Of course, he wouldnt have had any problem catching them, but it would have been a bit of a hassle, nheless.


    With the two turkeys in hand, Derek jumped back up into the sky and made his way back to the clearing with Void Steps, where he was met by a waiting Silvi and the rest. During the short distance between where he captured the beasts and the clearing, the two creatures tried their best to do damage to him and escape, but the vines and thorns they cast at him wasnt able to break his armor, much less his skin.


    Thest thing you needed to do was go catch some Avethorns? Avery asked, deadpanned. Are you nning on having Silvi make you a poultry dish before you go?


    Derek rolled his eyes. The monsters dont matter. I just needed two of anything, he said. Then, Derek opened his Time Prison once again. This time, though, he kept the passageway at a regr human height. Once the passage was open and he opened to door leading to the lobby, he tossed one of the turkey-like creatures inside before closing the door and pulling the void back together. I needed them to run an experiment, Derek said.


    If he was going to be using Void Travel, he wanted to see what kind of effect it had on both creatures or people stored inside his Time Prison and those who went into the void with him. This would allow him to find out exactly how safe it would be to take others inside. The two beasts that he captured werent exactly high stat creatures, especially in the endurance department, but they were better than nothing. Depending on the effect caused by the Void Travel, he would know what other types of experiments to try.


    I see Avery said.


    Okay, Silvi, its time to go, Derek said as he looked around at the presentpany and all the dragonkin in the distance. I think were going to go off a distance before I use the skill. I dont want it spooking everything and causing them to break out of Lyras effects. Shes already got a hard enough job as it is.


    Then go kick some ass, Avery said. Dont let that princeling beat you.


    Dont worry. Im sure Edgar will be relieved to get some more backup.


    With that, Derek and Silvi moved far away from everyone in the clearing before Derek focused on his skill and finally used it. It was only the second time for him to open the tunnel-like skill, and it would be the first time for him to actually step inside and use it. Luckily, he had an expert on the skill with him. Silvi had already used it multiple timesshe even used it to sessfully appear inside an enemys belly.


    <em>Okay,</em><em> </em>Derek sent to thezy bunny perched on his shoulder. <em>How does this work?</em><em></em>


    <em>Open the portal. Go inside. Close portal. Find Big Sparky. Hop to him. Open portal. Exit. </em>The bunny gave him short, but concise, instructions on how to use Void Travel. He didnt exactly know how he was going to Find Big Sparky but he was sure hed figure it out once he was inside.


    So, while drawing on the skill, he opened the void in front of him. The weird feeling of dread appeared when the skill activated, but he was used to it by now. Finally, with Silvi still on his shoulder and the second turkey-like beast in his grasp, he stepped inside. Surprisingly, once he was inside, the dreadful feeling he got by standing next to the entrance on the outside left him.


    Not wanting anything or anyone to stumble upon the entrance and end up hurting themselves, Derek did as Silvi instructed and closed the portal behind him. He was then left in the near pitch ckness of the void. It brought back memories that he would rather not remember. The only saving grace was that he was with Silvi this time and not alone.


    He also felt a multitude of different auras around him in each direction. <em>So that</em><em>s what she meant by Find Big Sparky, </em>Derek thought as he pushed Void Sense to the maximum and each aura grew, and he could even get some distinct feeling from each one.


    Right next to him, he could feel a sense of endurance, and with his eyes closed and him concentrating on the endurance, the aura that he was feeling turned gray in his mind. Directly beside that aura was one of intense heat and earth. Focusing on it, he found that it was a metallic color with a sharp reddish-orange glow. Derek instantly knew that those two auras belonged to Avery and Tyron.


    He also felt Rockys aura, which was like Tyrons but weighted more heavily to the earth side than the fire side. The wyrm had transformed, but hadnt gone entirely to Tyrons metal affinity. That was interesting. Lyras aura was a mystical pink aura that he didnt even want to get close to. It just felt weird when he concentrated on it.


    Having figured that part out, Derek also felt that he could travel to certain ces that he was very familiar with without having to focus on a persons aura. First, he found his Void Emporium before he even searched for the auras of Mal and Brandi. <em>Interesting</em><em> </em>he thought. <em>If I can feel the Void Emporium and Savannah</em><em> then </em>


    In an instant, he focused hard, and his mind wandered. Far, far in the distance, after searching as hard as he could, he could feel a very slight connection. <em>No way</em><em> </em>he thought. The ce that he felt, if he wasnt mistaken, was the location back on Earth where his old cabin was. The one he had moved into to be alone well before the system took over. <em>Does that mean</em><em></em>


    He kept his focus on that area and tried to expand it from there. Eventually, he found a near faded purple-pink aura. It was so far away that he could barely feel it, but it was there. It was like the mes on a candle flickering out; he had to expend all his focus to keep it in view.


    However, after focusing on it for a second, he was hit with a massive headache and lost his concentration. Quickly pulling up his status, he saw that his mana had bottomed out and hit zero. <em>Dammit, </em>he thought. He didnt even know that the skill took mana with its use. He at least hadnt felt it draining when he was focusing on Avery and Tyron. <em>Maybe it was because of the distance. </em>


    Derek kept his eyes closed and focused hard on meditating and recovering his mana. After some time, he opened his eyes, but kept with his active meditation. Finally, he remembered about the passenger he had brought with him. With Void Creation, Derek made a small ball of glowing purple and held it close to his other hand before looking down at the creature he was holding.


    To his horror, the turkey-like creature had turned into an abomination. The bottom half of the creature had grown and grayedlike it had aged hundreds of years in the short time that hed been inside the void. Some of the top half, however, looked young and vibrant, like a chick that had only just recently hatched from its egg. On top of that, there were many small holes in the creatures body.


    It was like something had just taken whole chunks of the Avethorn body out all at once. The disappearance of the flesh actually reminded Derek of when he used Harbingers Material Drain skill on something. Needless to say, the beast he was carrying was no longer moving. Derek didnt even know how long it had taken for it to die.


    Dereks eyes shot open and in a panic, he reached over to his shoulder and turned his head. He sighed in relief when his own eyes met Silvis. She had her head tilted and was looking at Derek with a tinge of concern.


    <em>Never bringing ingredients in here again,</em><em> </em>Silvi sent to him after also taking a good look at the creature hed dropped. <em>That could have made some good chicken</em><em></em>


    <em>Yeah</em><em> </em>Derekughed, happy that Silvi was with him to help ease the tension he was feeling. <em>That was unfortunate,</em><em></em>he said to her. <em>It looks like it</em><em>s being affected by both the time and space elements at the same time. Some of it aged and some of it even grew younger, but the whole time, space was eating away at its body. </em>


    <em>Looks that way, </em>Silvi agreed.


    With his makeshift light in his hand, the two continued to watch the Avethorns body change right before their eyes. After a couple of minutes, the space aspect of the void had eaten away the entire body of the beast. <em>I wonder what</em><em>s going on with the one I locked away inside my Time Prison.</em>


    Derek let the void ball in his hand die out and allowed his mana to finish recharging. He reached out once again into the distance. He just wanted to see. This time, he kept an eye on his mana. The further he reached with Void Sense, the quicker the mana went down. With that, it was confirmed. Finally, he made it to his old cabin once again, then he began looking for the only other person hed had a decent amount of contact with back on Earth.


    He was pretty sure that the pink-purple flickering aura he had found belonged to Silvi Jobs. The only other aura he knewand knew better than Silvi Jobss aurawas Jaces. However, he couldnt find it anywhere near Silvis. <em>Did</em><em> he die? </em>The thought actually saddened Derek a bit. He never really cared for the man, and even went as far as to call him a psychopath, but he had to admit that at a certain point, he looked forward to Jaces visitseven if they did end up with him getting his ass kicked and being on the verge of death.


    Derek sighed and began to pull his senses back. He didnt want his aura to bottom out once again. However, as he was pulling back, he felt it. A very solid red colored aura way away from Silvis on Earth. <em>Is that</em><em> him? That doesnt make sense. </em>The aura was so far away, there was no way that it was on Earth. But it had to be Jaces. <em>Did he leave the? </em>


    Derek didnt have time to think much about it. But he did feel relieved at sensing the aura he was looking for. <em>Maybe I</em><em>ll be the one to visit him one day, and hell be the one to get his ass kicked. </em>With a smile, Derek pulled his aura backpletely, then reached out for the one he needed to find. It was so much easier to find Edgar, Blitz, and nahs auras after searching for the distant one.


    There you are, he said. <em>Now, I just need to</em><em> hop to them. </em>Derek rolled his eyes. <em>Nah</em><em> I think Ill walk.</em>

 Chapter 348: Retreat

    Chapter 348: Retreat


    In the skies above Indria, a battle was taking ce between nah and four others. nah had already changed into her Dawn Siren form to be able to keep up with everyone. Apparently, when the eldest heir to the throne of a country is killed before the eyes of the entire army, the king of that country doesnt look kindly upon the person who did it.


    nah, Edgar, and Blitz had pushed thebined Astrus and Indria army all the way past the Cydarian border, and now the fight was in Indrian controlled territory. Since moving into their territory, none of nahs or Edgarsmunication methods had worked when trying to connect back with those in Cydaria. It was like the entire country was somehow locked down in the same way that Ryven had locked down Savannah when they invaded the city.


    But they had ignored that fact and continued routing the opposing army with the near unrivaled power of the three of them. That was until backup forces arrived on Ryvens sideforces that Ryven himself seemed surprised to receive. The King of Astrus had taken it upon himself to avenge his in son, and he had brought his brother and army general with him, and this was the second time she had shed with the four.


    nah had to immediately call upon her Dawn Siren transformation to survive the initial onught of the four enemies the first time they appeared, and now that they were fighting again, she chose to transform before the fight even began. Any one of them, and she could have taken them out easily enough, even if it was only the king and Ryven, she would have been able to deal, but with the four of them, even in her Dawn Siren form, she was just able to produce a stalemateactually; she was a bit on the losing end in their exchanges.


    It was the opposite for Edgar and Blitz. While nah was fighting against the leaders of the two countriesminus King OsianEdgar and Blitz were off tackling the rest of the army. It was a very slow going process for the two of them, but they were on the winning side of their exchange, if only by a bit. The army had quickly put counters in ce against the two after their many exchanges, thoughmostly using earth-based skills to block and absorb their lightning attacks.


    Still, the wyvern and princebination was fast, and still managed to pick off the asional soldier before one of their defenders were able to block. That was the problem with fighting with elemental abilitiesthere was always a counter. There was also no way the two would be able to survive an all out battle with the entire army, which is why they were sticking with guerri tactics and resting when needed.


    It at least allowed the two of them to keep the army focused on them instead of on nahs battle. Edgar and Blitz were strong, but they werent strong enough to take on an entire army by themselvesespecially once Blitzs intimidation factor had worn off. They were lucky that both of them were aerial fighters, and that flying abilities werent exactlymon.


    The army had already nixed the idea of sending those who could fly up to deal with Edgar and Blitz. Those people were easy pickings for the two when they separated from the rest of the army.


    However, as Edgar and Blitz chipped away at the army, Edgar made sure to take a look to see how nahs fight was progressing. He was under no illusion that they would be able to continue their push once those three men showed up for the fight. They all fought almost to a standstill before he and nah had to retreat the day before, and it was looking like it would soon be their time to retreat again. nah was getting better and better at using that form of hers, but it still took a toll on her body and was limited in the time she could keep it active.


    And because of the fact that she had to shift into the scary figure as soon as the battle started after being ambushed the previous day, that time would be getting close to its end. <em>I guess it</em><em>s almost time to pull back and call our own army up for the fight. There will be a lot of casualties, but it would be enough to allow me and Blitz to enter the fight with the leaders and tip the scales back in our favor. </em>


    The young prince had also thought about calling for peace talks with the opposing leaders, but he quickly dismissed those thoughts. First, there would be no peace after what they tried to do to his brother, and what they eventually ended up doing to them. And that was just on his side. He knew that there was no the other side would go for a peace treaty, either.


    They may have explored the idea before Derekspanion had killed the Indrian prince, or even after that. But there was no way in hell they would consider it after nah ripped the Crown Prince of Astruss heart out of his chest in front of the entire armys eyes. But Edgar didnt me nah one bit for that act. He would have done the exact same thing if he was in her position. Though, instead of the man losing his heart, Edgar probably would have fried his brain.


    So no, there would be no peace talks between the three nations. Unless Vallum got involved or one of the countries was pushed to the brink, it wouldnt happen. So, with a sigh, Edgar dismissed all diplomacy and decided that it was going to be an all out war until the end. And that was a shame because the soldiers that he and Blitz were killing were only doing asmanded. It wasnt their fault, but they and their families were the ones paying the biggest price. But it was war.


    Edgar looked back at the opposing army and Blitz, who wasing in for another bombing run. The massive wyvern opened its wingspan to its fullest and began to allow the lightning to channel through his entire body. Then, as he lined himself up with the army, the lightning shot off of him and to the ground. Bolt after bolt fell from the sky.


    Some connected, but most fizzled out when they hitbined shields of earth. Still, Edgar received a couple notification that showed that hispanion had at least been sessful in ying some enemies. With thebined army focused on Blitz in the sky, Edgar charged up his own attack as he fell to the groundlevel with the army.


    By the time he hit the ground, his skill was ready, and he thrust out his swordsending a concentrated beam of lightning directly into the heart of the army. He felt it as his mana rapidly dropped, and soon he had to cancel his skill so he would have enough mana to escape to the sky once the army began their counterattack. His attack was also able to devastate a small portion of the vanguard of the army. There wasnt much a person could do when a foot wide beam of lightning burned directly through their torso or chest. And even less when it hit their head.


    Edgar chugged a mana potion, then formed his lightning wings on his back before taking back to the skies and meeting Blitz, who was just finishing his bombing run. Hended on the wyverns back and took a seatcalling for Blitz to circle around the army, but to stay close, so they didnt get any ideas to interfere with nahs battle.


    The opposing army would still be hunkered down for a while, recovering from Blitzs bombardment. So, Edgar kept an eye on nah and her battle. The two of them didnt have any problemmunicating while inside the border of Indria. They just couldnt contact anyone on the outside. He didnt want to disturb her during her battle, but theyd already been at it for so long, and he knew that while it looked like it, she didnt haveplete control while in that form of hers. She could still get caught up in the fighting.


    <em>nah! Should we retreat?</em><em> </em>he sent to her telepathically, but didnt get anything back. <em>nah!</em><em></em>


    <em>What!? </em>she finally answered, and the intent behind her message hit him like a ton of bricks. Even telepathically or throughmunication crystals, the control she could gain through her voice was something else while she was in that form. Out loud, it was an even greater force to deal with. It was the reason that Ryven had been relegated to keeping sound barriers up over each of her attackers.


    <em>We need to retreat,</em><em> </em>he sent back once he regained his bearing.


    <em>Not yet,</em><em> </em>she replied, this time not as angrily. <em>I can get this bastard.</em><em></em>


    She was talking about the general that the King of Astrus had brought with him. He was a full on close range physicalbatant and was also the one she was shing with over and over. If not for the ck ice and asional barrier distracting and wounding her, she would have made quick work of the man.


    Edgar shook his head and was about to send her another message about retreating when the heckles on the back of his neck began to stand. He looked away in a panic and even Blitz roared loudly and changed their direction. Whatever was going on, hispanion felt it, too. No longer worried about nah, Edgar and Blitz looked back in the direction where they just were once they were a safe distance away from whatever it was that caused that immediate sense of


    <em>Wait a minute, </em>Edgar thought to himself. <em>I</em><em>ve felt that feelingthat sense of dreadbefore. It wasnt near as strong as what I just experienced, but I know it. </em>That sense of dread was the feeling he had gotten when Derekspanion, Silvi, had somehow made her way into the dungeon with them before she revealed the news of the war. <em>Did you recognize that feeling? That sense of dread? </em>he asked Blitz.


    <em>What dread? Was just getting a better look of battlefield. Whos scared? Im not scared. Youre scared, </em>Blitz replied.


    <em>I didn</em><em>t say anything about being you know what? Nevermind. </em>Edgar shook his head. He should have known better than to expect a proper response from Blitz. Hed regretted going along with Derek and giving hispanion the Telepathy skill ever since the first day Blitz was in Cydaria. <em>But that feeling, it</em><em>s definitely close to the same. Did Derekspanion decided to leave the dungeon ande help? With her help, we may be able to</em>


    Keeping his eyes peeled on the space that sent that dreadful feeling, Edgar watched as a massive rip in space slowly appeared. He wasnt the only one to notice it, either. The feeling emanating from it was intense, and once the rip appeared, it grew even stronger. <em>Just like what happened before. </em>Edgar was getting excited. <em>Maybe we won</em><em>t have to retreat after all. Apparently, Silvi has a vendetta against Elves. Maybe she could take that duke out while nah deals with the others. And shell probably be out for revenge after the man wanted to eliminate her. Even if she wasnt there when it happened. </em>


    Speaking of nah, her fight had slowed as well, as everyone was now focusing on the tear in space. Edgars heart races as the tear in space began to open a massive passageway into a deep dark nothingness. Then, he couldnt fight the smile from appearing on his face when he saw the bunny. But what he was more excited for was the man whos shoulder she was resting on.


    With an odd pair of ck boots that seemed to have a constantly moving pattern, and a near full set of what looked like dragon-scaled armorminus a big chunk missing from one of the legsa man with dark as night ck hair with an odd purple tint and deep purple eyes took a step out of the portal. <em>Well, this changes everything, </em>Edgar thought. Derek and Silvi had both arrived.

 Chapter 349: Overwhelming Force

    Chapter 349: Overwhelming Force


    Derek took a step through the exit portal and into the open sky. Everything had gone exactly ording to Silvis cliff-note exnation. Edgars aura while Derek and Silvi were inside the unstable space created by Void Travel seemed quite distant. However, when Derek took a small step, it was like he covered a ton of ground. The battle really would have been just a short hop away if he had gone that route.


    Of course, Derek knew that traveling in the space would have been much harder if he had decided to travel between his current and Earth. The distance and focus alone was enough to make him wonder about if he even could do it. But that was neither here nor there. Right now, he was exactly where he wanted to be.


    Derek, with Silvi on his shoulder, was standing over an enormous army of elves and humans, along with a few other races that he spotted. He didnt bother trying to count the exact number or even try to get an estimate. The emotions of the soldiers below looked to be a mix of fatigue, worry, and resistance. Derek watched as walls and domes of earth slowly crumbled, revealing the rest of them.


    It seemed everyone was honed in on his entrance to the battle as well. <em>Damn, that feeling that Void Travel causes really is about as subtle as a punch to the face. </em>Apparently, the warning that he wasing was so much that the entire battlefield had stopped what they were doing to try to figure out what was happening.


    As Derek surveyed the area, his eyesnded on one face that looked extremely excited and happy to see him. Edgar, sitting atop Blitz the Magnificent, was grinning from ear to ear, and as soon as he locked eyes with Derek, the young prince disappeared into a ball of lightning, then in almost a sh, reappeared hovering in the air with his lightning wings next to Derek.


    Is it finished? Edgar asked. Is the raidpletely over, or did you decide to leave early toe fight with us?


    Its over and done, Derek replied. Everyone who survived is out. Just finished earlier today, actually. After making an appearance in Savannah and taking care of a few things, Silvi and I came straight here.


    Edgar frowned for a second, then nodded. Thats the best news Ive heard in a month.


    So, whats the n? Derek asked as he nodded down at the army below, then looked over to where the small battle in the air had reignited. Are we hitting them all, including the army below, or are we going straight for the leaders? He nodded at the battle with what appeared to be a very odd looking nah. Also, are those the leaders?


    If Derek was to be honest with himself, he didnt exactly like the idea of killing the army below. He wasnt a pacifist by any means, and after the death and destruction hed seen and even caused ever since the system arrived on earth, he probably wouldnt lose much sleep over it, but there tended to be multiple ways to end wars, and a couple less royal families around would probably work for this one. Though, it might not be enoughthats why he was asking Edgar.


    Ive been wondering that myself, Edgar said with a sigh. The conclusion I came up with was a bit of both, and now that everyones back, I think we can pull it off. I want to hit the army hard, and with overwhelming power, so they dont resist after we take out the leaders. I think if we can get Tyron and Avery toe help with Rocky and Lyra, that will be enough. Then we can put all our focus on those guys, Edgar exined as he nodded at nahs fight, too.


    Who are those guys? Derek asked.


    Youre not going to believe it, but along with Ryven Elras, who is the Duke of Indria and the kings brother, the other three are the top people from the Kingdom of Astrus. Thats the King of Astrus, his brother, and their top general. It really was a shocker to Derek that the king hade to fight in his own battle. While he was thinking this, Edgar continued. Are you going to close that thing? Its making me nauseous.


    He was, of course, talking about the portal that Derek had let remain open even after he stepped out from it. No, I was thinking about leaving it open for now. Its pretty unsettling, right? Derekughed. Besides, maybe someone will try to use it to escape that would be interesting. Also, dont try to use it to escape. It wont end well.


    Derek didnt see a point in closing the portal for the time being. It was a nice, efficient way for him or Silvi to escape if they needed, and it didnt take any mana from him to stay open once it already was. It also seemed like a good ce to chuck some leaders if it came to it.


    You dont have to tell me twice, Edgar said. So, whats the n? How far away is everyone else?


    Oh, nobody else ising, Derek said. Tyron and Avery are babysitting, and the rest of the raid party are licking their wounds back at the dungeon entrance. Looks like youre going to have to make do with me and Silvi.


    Oh Edgar looked a little disappointed, but nodded. It should be good enough to tip the scales back into our favor, at least.


    Well, you said we needed to show some overwhelming force, right? Derek nodded down at the army. I think we can do that.


    With that, before Edgar could say anything, Derek gave amand to Silvi, and they both disappeared from where they were. The next instant, Derek was standing on the ground a short distance away from thebined army of the Indria and Astrus elites.


    He took a deep breath and stepped forward as he channeled mana directly into both of his boots. This time, he didnt take his time, and pumped as much mana into them as quickly as he could. In seconds, both of his legs were on fire and his enormous mana pool was almost drainedpletely. Immediately, he has happy he topped his mana off before leaving the void.


    With each step he took, the next became hard and harder. It was like there was a gravitational force trying to hold him still. He looked down, and the stars on the boots were rotating faster than hed ever seen before. After one more step, everything clicked in his head, and he knew the skill was ready.


    Derek leaped high and into the air, and a small ck ball no bigger than a basketball appeared beneath his left boot. Then, while maintaining his bnce on the small sphere, he reared back and kicked the sphere with his right boot. Instantly, the stars transferred from his boot to the small sphere, and they both began rotating in opposite directions.


    The same scene as before yed out directly in front of his eyes, but this time, Derek was the one to produce it. The small ball traveled slowly at first toward the army, but picked up speed as it grew. Once it was half as big as the one the Starfury Leonarus had produced at firstabout twice as big as a basketballit stopped growing and sped up. In at least a ten-feet radius around the sphere, the space had an almost invisible distortion and small tears in said space were being produced.


    Derek really didnt know what he had just unleashed on the army, but he wasnt going to stand there and find out. Instead, with what little mana he had left, he shifted back in front of his portal and began meditating to recover a portion that he just used. He had no idea that the skill was going to be that costly to perform, but he was anxious to see what the skill that Silvi had basically protected the entire raid team from would have donewhat kind of damage it would have caused.


    The skill didnt seem all that deadly at first, which turned out to be a costly mistake for the front of the army. It was only a decent sized ck sphere with a bunch of lights in it, after all. It looked like they didnt notice the distortion until it was toote.


    The ball hit the front of the army and passed directly through the earth shields and barriers cast to stop it. Derek watched in horror as people were sucked in by its gravitational force and bent and broken in every which waytheir own bodies distorted with the distortion of space.


    The ck ball of death traveled about a quarter way into the army, then stopped. Everyone looked panicked and relieved, but then the stars were unleashed. In a ring around the ck ball, small stars circled and expanded almost instantly. Like a saw, the stars bit into and cut everyone even remotely within the range of the sphere. Blood and chunks of body parts began to fly, then, something even worse happened.


    The stars retracted themselves in an instant, and the sphere exploded. A ck dome spread out from the center of the sphere and covered a quarter of the army. The dome stayed static for around five seconds, then copsed in on itself before imploding. When the dust cleared, there was nothing leftno blood, no body parts nothing. A giantperfectly roundedcrater was left in the shape of the dome from above. It had created a perfect sphere, and anything that was inside was now goneand that included a not small portion of the enemys army.


    But, unfortunately, Edgar said he wanted overwhelming power, so they werent finished. Derek shed back down in front of the army and took a step towards them. He didnt have enough mana to do what he just did again, not to mention that the stars on his boots were now static, and he had no clue how long it would take before he could activate the skill again.


    But he didnt need to do any of that. Two steps were all it took for the army to panic and lob spells at him before turning and running for their lives. Derek allowed a couple of fireballs, some stone spikes, and a few arrows to shatter on his armor as he continued forward. This time, however, Derek wasnt the armys problemit was Silvi.


    With the army retreating away from Derek, it gave Silvi the perfect opportunity toe in hotquite literally. A massive jet of mes appeared out of nowhereor, if you had extremely good eyesight or some vision skillsout of a very small figure positioned just above the rear of the army. The mes hit the ground and sted outward as Silvi slowly raised her head and directed the mes to move through the rear of the army.


    Derek moved back to his resting ce in front of his portal and watched on as the army panicked and ran into each other while looking for a way out. Soon, the army waspletely busted and everyone scattered in different directions. <em>Thats enough, </em>Derek sent to Silvi. He knew she still had plenty of mana left, but Derek believed that the two of them had made their point.


    He hadnt expected the skill on the boots to be as effective as it was, so that was both great news, and a bit somber when he thought about it. He wasnt nning on killing so many people or in such a brutal wayhe had nned to show them overwhelming might, just not that much. With a thud, Silvi appeared back on his shoulder and the mes from the sky disappeared at the same time.


    Edgar, who was still standing by the portal when Derek got back for the second time, was staring at the destruction that had just been caused below.


    Is that overwhelming enough? Derek asked.


    That should do it, Edgar replied.


    Good, Derek answered mechanically. Im going to go help nah now. She looks like she could use it.

 Chapter 350: Joining the Fray

    Chapter 350: Joining the Fray


    Silvi hopped off of Dereks shoulder and onto Edgars. Derekughedshe hadnt left the poor prince a choice. Obviously, she knew that Derek was about to teleport away once again, and if he did that, she would be stuck in the air with nowhere to go. So, she had chosen the best of the avable options and picked a new mount for the time being. Derek knew that they were very rare, but he would have to look into getting her a flight, or at least a floating skill, in the future. Using her dragon me as propulsion just wasnt a viable option.


    She was very agile while fighting in the sky, but she didnt have any way to maintain her position without using either her Dragon Fire skill or Active Void Shift. <em>I guess I could get her a lid from a pot and she could use that with her Telekinesis skill. It would definitely fit her. </em>Derek made sure to make a mental note that if he couldnt find a proper flight or hover skill for hispanion, he would at least get her a very well crafted pot cover.


    Derek looked the prince in his eyes onest time and said, The three of you need to keep an eye on the army. Dont let them regroup.


    Got it. Edgar nodded. He did not look the least bitfortable with Silvi perched on his shoulder.


    With Silvi off his shoulder, and his mana slightly recovered, Derek slipped away from the prince with Active Void Shift and appeared next to the odd-looking nah. With his appearance at the other battle, their fighting ceased once again, and Derek gave a quick look at his new opponents.


    The elven one, who he assumed was Ryven Elras, did not look happy at the moment. He kept ncing at Derek, then back over to Edgar. <em>No</em><em> hes looking at Silvi, isnt he? Oh, yeah. Edgar said something like he would probably issue amand to kill Silvi, and the fact that they did indeed attack Savannah means that he really did. </em>At that thought, Derek stared daggers at themander of the army. The elvenmanders eyes also asionally fell on his now scrambled army.


    There was a look of uncertainty in the mans eyes, but Derek didnt see anything like fear, or even anger. Even with everything Derek and Silvi had done once they made their appearance, the man still looked pretty calm. <em>Either he</em><em>s very calm and collected, or hes just really good at not letting his emotions show.</em>


    The elvenmander looked rather young, but Derek knew that the mans age and his looks didnt have much to do with one another. He was a full-blooded elf, and they aged at a much slower pace than humans, and lived longer as well. The man had long silver hair pulled back into a ponytail, and had a striking pair of emerald-green eyes. Derek couldnt help but think back to the rude elven girl hed encountered when he first arrived in Savannah.


    <em>Wait, what did Shae say about her? She was a duke</em><em>s daughter sent to Cydaria as a foreign dignitary I think. What was her name Sarina no, Sabrina. That was it. This guy looks a lot like that girl. I wonder if this duke is her father. I didnt ask Edgar if the king had more than one brother. </em>After thinking about it for a moment, the simrities between the duke and that girl were too much to be anything but father and daughter.


    Moving on from the elvenmander, Derek next checked out the three humans. Two of the men both had very pointy facial features, like their chins and noses, and just gave Derek a slimy feeling. What caught his attention the most was the odd shade of hair that they shared. Derek reached up and ran his fingers through his own hair. <em>Is that what mine looks like now that it</em><em>s tinted a bit by the color of the void? </em>What he was thinking about was the extremely dark blue hair that would have looked ck if he wasnt closely inspecting the two. <em>So that</em><em>s the King and Duke of Astrus. </em>


    It wasnt hard for him to make that educated guess. The two men both shared simr features, including the dark blue hair, though one wore it long and loose, and the other had it closely shaven, and they both had little glistening crystals circling around them. Both men were ring at Derek, and the one with the short hair looked to even be shouting something at him. However, no sound seemed to leave the mans mouth. Derek shrugged and looked at the final person.


    Thest man was heavily armored from head to toe. <em>If it is even a man, </em>Derek thought. <em>With armor like that, it</em><em>d be hard to tell until they lift their visor or lost their helmet. Definitely carries himself like a man, though.</em> The person was wearing a dark gray set of te armor and wielding a longsword with minimal decoration. <em>Is he a tank, or super offensive and wearing armor like that to boost hisckluster defense? </em>Derek wasnt sure which, but he was sure he would be finding out soon.


    Finally, Dereks eyes fell on the emaciated-looking nah. That was the only way to describe what she looked like. It was like she had gone weeks or even months without any sustenance or sleep at all, and her body was punishing her for it. He did like the ted armor she was wearing, though, and he found it interesting that she used one of the smallest ded rapiers hed ever seen, and hed seen at least two or three.


    At first, he was a bit worried about her, but decided that she wouldnt look like she did without a reason. <em>Not to mention the overall change in the aura she</em><em>s letting seep out of her, </em>he thought. <em>The odd aura that I felt while inside the void was definitely hers. </em>Derek looked her up and down, and it looked like she was waiting for him to speak first, so he did.


    Did you do something with your hair? Derek finally asked,menting on the dark, less vibrant, hair that she currently had.. nah smiled, and when she did, it revealed some fang-like teeth inside her mouth. Derek widened his eyes. <em>That</em><em>s something you dont see every day.</em>


    I did do something to my hair, nah said.


    The instant the words left her mouth, Derek momentarily felt like he was hit in the head with a ton of bricks before he snapped back to. Whatever the form she was in now did, her voice was much harder to deal with than it was before.


    Another signal that what he was thinking was true was the fact that his new Mental Resistance skill had leaped all the way from level 1 to level 3. Just casual conversation with her in her current form would be enough to train that skill. <em>Two whole levels in a single sentence from her. Awesome. </em>He was definitely going to use her to level his skill. <em>It</em><em>d be better than asking Lyra to help me with it. Shes already doing enough babysitting all those dragonkin.</em>


    It was kind of you to notice, she continued. Her voice was slightly deeper and more sultry than he remembered, along with everything else. There was also an edge to itlike one wrong word or question would set her off.


    <em>It seems that she may not have total control of whatever skill it is that shes using</em><em>, </em>he thought. Derek also realized why no words wereing out of the other men, even though they had been shouting at him before. <em>They must be using some skill to keep her voice away from them, but it also makes it where we can</em><em>t hear them, either. </em>It definitely wasnt a bad move when dealing with someone like nah.


    Of course, Derek said. I havent been gone so long as to not recognize when you changed something up. And it looks like you got a manicure, too.


    nah held the hand that she wasnt using to hold her rapier up in front of her face and examined it. It would seem that way, she said. The fingernails, or ws really, looked sharpmaybe even as sharp as the sword she was holding.


    Derek was about to tell her that she needed to work on getting more sleep, and possibly run ab through her hair, but the man who was trying to shout at him before cut their reunion short. The next thing Derek knew, a massive spike of what looked like ck ice was rapidly closing in on him. Derek was about to dodge the attack by slipping into the void, but he thought better of it. Not knowing how hard his new skill was going to be to use, Derek stopped Greater Meditation so he would have greater control over his own body.


    After that, he quickly waved his hand, and a rip in space appeared in front of him just before the ice reached him. It was the first time hed used the new skill, so Derek stalled for a moment while figuring out what to do next, but the next instant, he felt, more than realized, what he needed to do next. With another wave of his hand, although he figured it could actually be done with a thought if he practiced and leveled the skill enough, Spatial Redirection instantly opened another tear in space and the ice appeared once again.


    Well, that worked, Derek said as he looked at the doubled over elvenmander who had just taken arge spike of ck ice to his gut. Some of it even managed to break through his armor and prate into his stomach. Fortunately for the man, he had reacted quickly and was able to slow the spike enough with his hands that it didnt go all the way through him.


    Derek turned to look at nah again to see what to do next, but it seemed that the woman wasnt going to let this chance to attack the enemy pass her by. She had disappeared without him even noticing. <em>Damn, she must be fast.</em>


    Derek quickly nced at his still recovering mana and sighed. Hed had Greater Meditation active for most of the time, other than when he quickly dropped it to be able to react fast enough with Spatial Redirection. <em>Looks like we</em><em>re doing this whether Im ready or not. </em>


    With a thought, Harbinger appeared in his hand and he kicked off the void toward the leaders of the army. nah was already on the armored general, attacking him while dodging everything that got close to herand there was a lot trying to hit her.


    On top of the general swinging his own sword, the two royals from Astrus were shooting ice pellet after ice pellet her way while trying to circle around their fight to get a better angle. nah did a great job of keeping the man she was attacking between her and the ice attackwhich also made the king and duke have to be more precise, and thus slower, with their own attacks.


    Seeing the three of them upied, Derek decided to deal with the man hed already started attacking. Duke Ryven seemed to have the same thought, as he wasnt even looking at the fighting going on next to him. His focus was on the approaching Derek.


    <em>I guess I would be like that too if someone had just ced arge icicle in my gut. </em>It was a split second decision, but Derek thought that taking out themander first would be the best decision. From what Silvi had told them, the royal elf she killed had used barriers of some kind, and since it seemed like most families passed down affinities, even if they didnt know that was what they were doing, it was a safe bet that he was the reason that nahs voice didnt affect them. If not, then taking out themander of the army would still be the best thing to do.


    The ice mage had already removed the icicle from the elvenmanders gut, and he was well on his way to recovering. But Derek had some other things he wanted to try out, and a shiny new training dummy to try them on. If the duke wanted to me anyone for what was about to happen, he could me himself because it was his own fault for ordering his army to attack Savannah.

 Chapter 351: Derek vs. Duke

    Chapter 351: Derek vs. Duke


    Derek and the duke squared off in the airDerek using Void Steps to keep himself in the air, and the duke looking like he was standing on nothing. Derek wasnt exactly sure what the mans method of flying was. <em>Probably something to do with his barriers. </em>It was easy to tell how the two royal members of the Astrus kingdom stayed afloat, though. They werent big, but obviously it had something to do with the near static wings on their backs or the small blizzard orbiting around them or both.


    As for thest personthe general that the two royal members brought with themDerek had absolutely no clue how that person was able to stay in the air. <em>Maybe there</em><em>s something underneath all that armor theyre wearing. Come to think of it, how is nah flying? Ill have to ask her about itter. </em>


    Wings seemed to be the normal skill method for most peoplewhether it was wings made out of ice or fire or electricity. Some wings, like the ones that the pair from Astrus were wearing, seemed to only be there for a visual effect, and didnt require any movement from them at all to keep the users in the air.


    While Derek was slightly lost in thought, he saw the duke finally make a move on him, which was exactly what he was waiting for. Dereks overall fighting style hadnt changed much. He still liked to figure out what kind of damage an enemy could output before going all in. Of course, after a couple of realizations, he chose to go about this a little more carefully than before by doing his best to avoid getting hit in the head or heart. <em>Actually, with the way my foot healed, it</em><em>s possible that hitting my heart wouldnt be as bad anymore. </em>


    Derek wasnt sure what the man was doing, so he raised his left arm in front of his face to protect that vital area as best he could. Almost as soon as he brought his forearm up, it was hit by something. Derek was pushed back in the air a couple feet and had to adjust his Void Steps again. Once he was stabilized, he brought his arm out and examined where he was hit.


    On the side of the left forearm of his Dark Wyvern Scaled Armor, there was an indent, and a white mark around half an inch wide and three inches long. Derek quickly switch Harbinger to his other hand and rubbed at the blemish on the armor. The mark faded some, but it looked like it was there to stay. The small sacrifice made from his armor let Derek knew that if whatever the man just used was his best attack, he was in no danger of being hurt.


    He wasnt entirely sure, but he put his own skin close to the same level of protection as the armor itself, and since his evolution, he had a feeling it may be even better than he thought. The only real attack hed taken after the evolution was from the Starfury Leonarus, and he couldnt count that as a real testthe thing wasnt from the Great System, after all.


    Derek looked up from examining his armor and smiled at the duke, who almost looked surprised. While he was smiling, he was hit three more times by whatever attack the man was using. Two hit his chest, and the other hit the palm of his hand as he raised it just in time to block his head from being hit. On his palm, he was left with what looked like a paper cut that barely went deep enough to cause him to bleed. Before his eyes, it healed almost instantly. <em>Dammit, I hate paper cuts. Bastard</em><em>s sting like a son of a bitch. </em>He shook his hand and met the eyes of the duke once again.


    This time, the elvenmander was actually surprisedhis eyes were round as saucers. Taking a hit to armor was one thing, but taking it with a gloveless open palm and only shaking the sting off afterward was another. Dereks smiled grew even wider. It looked like he wasnt a very good match for the duke. <em>I bet he</em><em>s not too great against nah, either. With all that endurance from the Void Beasts, plus the strength, I bet shed overpower him pretty quickly in a one versus one situation.</em>


    Derek switched Harbinger back to his dominant hand and mouth two words at the duke. My turn. He knew the man couldnt hear him, but those words were pretty easy to understand.


    Today was a day of firsts for Derek. It was the first time he used his new Spatial Redirection skillwhich worked pretty well, all things considered. The two-minute cooldown timer on it kind of sucked, but hopefully that would get better as he leveled it. Now, it was time for a different first: Spatial Rend.


    This skill only worked with a ded weapon, which was perfect for Derek. He searched for the skill and activated it, then channeled the void into Harbinger for a little extra attack power. He didnt have a ton of mana, so he went easy. Then, he felt how to use the skill, and shed out with Harbinger. What he noticed when he used the skill was that his void was still inside Harbinger. It hadnt been unleashed with the attack. The attack didnt actually start at Harbinger, and more so appeared out of thin air.


    As Derek grinned at the duke, the duke red back at him with confusion in his eyes. To the mans eyes, it probably looked like Derek was taking a light practice swipe with his ive. However, while the elven man was staring at him, Derek pointed over to nahs battle.


    His first real attack in their fight hadnt actually been directed at the elvenmander. Derek figured nah could use a little help in her fight, and it looked like those two royals were being pretty annoying by buzzing around so much. So, he helped her. The man with the short hairthe one who had been yelling at Derek, even though no words came outseemed like the perfect target. Hed already been so kind as to lend Derek an ice spike to use, so why not return the favor?


    As it was his first time using the skill, Dereks aim wasnt all too good at the moment. So, instead of going after somewhere vital, he instead had directed the attack at the mans body. Luckily he did, because it still almost missed. Instead, once he made the attack, Derek watched out of the corner of his eye as what looked like a small tear in space appeared almost directly on the man, then traveled forward just enough to catch him in his side.


    A six inch long and maybe two inch wide space was taken out of the side of the armor the man was wearing, along with the chunk of flesh the same length underneath. The mans flesh and armor wasnt cut, like it would have been from a de, but just removed. With the removal of part of his armor and flesh, the man began bleeding profusely. Drops of blood flowed out of the newly made space in his armor before freezing and dropping to the ground like little blood icicles.


    Derek couldnt see the wound all too well, but after focusing hard, he thought he could see an odd darkness around the edge of the hole he put in the mans armor. <em>That must be what Dave was talking about when he said the wound wouldn</em><em>t heal as easily as others. </em>Overall, Derek was satisfied by the attack. He had another ranged attack to work with now, which was something he had needed. He still had Spatial Copse to use, but he didnt really have a guess on how that worked yet, so he would save his mana for now.


    With some of his void still channeled into Harbinger, he went ahead and pumped more into it, causing the void image to appear over it, making it visible to all. That was enough to bring the dukes attention back to him. <em>Edgar basically told me to not worry if I killed anyone of these leaders, so I guess I shouldn</em><em>t hold back. </em>


    Derek kicked forward off the void and charged toward the elf. After pushing off three separate void ripples and drawing close to themander, he was stopped by what felt like an invisible wall. <em>What now? </em>Derek wasnt a big fan of invisible attacks. Of course, he didnt really know he wasnt a fan until now, though. So, Derek pushed Void Sense back to its limits, which he had adjusted once he exited from the portal made by Void Travel.


    It was his only sensory type skill, and the only way he would be able to maybe see the mans iing attacks. Surprisingly, it workednot great, but it worked. All the void ripples became much clearer to him, but if he looked through the invisible wall before him, they were slightly distorted. He wouldnt be able to see things perfectly, but with this, he could at least get a general sense of when the man attacked and where they wereing from.


    At that time, Derek felt another invisible wall crash against his back. <em>Oh, so he</em><em>s trying to trap me now. </em>The two walls pushed together harder and harder, squeezing him ever so tighter in the process. It was another attack that didnt do much against him, but annoying, nheless. Derek raised his head from examining the void ripples through the barrier in front of him and stared at the elvenmander with a skeptical look.


    Finally, he used his Telepathy skill to try to connect with the duke. Telepathy wasnt an attack skill, so it wasnt something one could force the other intowhich is why nah hadnt already made a mess out of everyone with hers. It was like a phone call from Earth. A person didnt have to answer the call if they didnt want to, and they could even block the attempt from certain people with a thought.


    Derek had pretty much always kept his Telepathy skill wide open. Anyone who tried to connect with him would instantly be able to get their message to him. It was a good idea, especially in battle against beasts. He and his raid team had used the skill often during their time together. Now, Derek was trying to connect with the duke.


    Answer, Derek mouthed at the duke. Then, with his trapped hand, he pointed at his own head a couple of times. Surprisingly, after getting another re from the elvenmander, he felt his skill go through. <em>Oh, wow,</em><em> </em>he sent to the man. <em>You actually picked up.</em><em> </em>


    <em>Im not worried about your mental skills. Youve already shown what attacks you possess, </em>the man said.


    <em>True,</em><em> </em>Derek replied. <em>Anyway, let</em><em>s get straight to it. Youre themander of the army. The army is scattered. Our entire raid team is back, and are all somewhere around the same strength as Edgar. Youve already lost, so you should give up. </em>


    Derek waited for a reply while the walls continued to squeeze him. Finally, after some time, the man spoke. <em>The war is not lost. We still have the numbers. Do you think that</em><em>s our entire army? Once the Dawn Siren is taken care of, the war will be over. But it will be our side that wins.</em>


    <em>Youre pretty delusional, arent you? </em>Derek said. <em>Reminds me of your daughter. I thought something was up with her, but she was the first elf I met, so I didn</em><em>t think anything of it. All of you have some sense of superiority to humans, but she and you seem to have it worse than the others that Ive met. </em>


    <em>Sabrina did say she met you briefly, </em>Ryven replied.


    <em>She also stalked me a little, too,</em><em> </em>Derekughed. There were a couple of times in Savannah when he caught the elf staring at him from a distance. He always ignored her for the most parthe didnt consider her worth his time.


    <em>Stalked? How dare you!</em><em> </em>


    <em>What? She did. </em>Derek shrugged his trapped shoulders as best he could. <em>Anyway, like I said. You should surrender now, and maybe I can talk Edgar into letting your countries off with a less harsh punishment.</em><em> </em>


    <em>And like I said. Youve only a couple people that we need to immobilize and the war is ours. We have the numbers, </em>the duke replied.


    Derek sighed and used Active Void Shift to appear directly behind the man. <em>You don</em><em>t seem to get it, </em>he sent to the man as he shed out with his void covered ive. His attack bounced off of another one of the shields, but he knew that didnt matter. Silvi had killed one of their princes, and Derek was quite sure that the shield wouldnt block his void energy.


    Sure enough, the void attack passed through the shield andnded on themanders torso. Whatever skill the man was using broke and Derek heard a sounde from the man for the first time in the form of a grunt, before a mouthful of blood poured out of him and he began to fall to the ground.


    <em>You</em><em>re only alive because I havent killed you yet, </em>he sent to the fallen man. <em>Damn, its fun to fight against people who can talk back again.</em>

 Chapter 352: The Normal Spiel

    Chapter 352: The Normal Spiel


    Dereks void attacks were great, especially against people who didnt have high endurance and vitality. From what he could see from the way the elvenmander reacted to his attackand how long it took the area where the ice had prated his abdomen to heal beforethe elven man didnt have a high focus in either of those two stats. His defense might have been very high, but that was only because of his barriers. Without thoseor against someone who could ignore themhe was a sitting duck.


    If Derek had to guess, he would say that the man had a decent amount of stat points dumped in his wisdom and intelligence stats. Why wouldnt he if he had multiple kinds of barriers that could block just about any kind of damage from reaching him? Intelligence and wisdom would be the prime stats. Intelligence to increase the skills powerwhether defensive or attack powerand wisdom to increase the length at which he could maintain the skills, and how well he could control them.


    It really wasnt a bad build for someone. Unfortunately, the man ran into Derek, who happened to be a pretty big counter to him, if that really was how he built around his skills. And that was why Ryven, the Duke of Indria, was sprawled out on the ground, breathing heavily with his eyes unfocused. But fortunately for the man, Dereks attack hadnt straight up killed him. <em>Well, whether he</em><em>s fortunate or not isnt decided yet. </em>


    With that thought, Derek shed down to the ground next to the reeling man, and opened a rip in the voidrevealing his Time Prison. Derek grabbed the man by the top of his chest armor and lifted him up.


    I I the man tried to say something, but didnt quite have enough focus or breath left in him to talk.


    You you Derek said, imitating the man. Were wrong. And now youre really sorry, and hope I wont kill you, and also hope that we wont take everything out on your kingdom or the rest of your family? Thats usually the normal spiel thates out of the mouth of someone like you whos just gotten his ass kicked, right?


    Derek didnt wait for the man to gather himself enough for a reply. Instead, he did a quick search and grabbed what storage rings he could find on his bodywhich turned out to be two, but he doubted that was all the man had, however, he didnt have enough time to do a thorough searchthen pushed the door to his Time Prison open.


    As soon as the door opened, and before Derek even threw Ryven inside, he saw the corpse of the turkey-like creature he had thrown in before. It hadntpletely disintegrated like the previous one, but it hadnt fared much better. It was missing multiple parts of itself, and also looked old on some parts of its body, yet young on others.


    Two experiments, and only one inside his Time Prison, werent enough for him to know if the Time Prison had actually shielded the beast somewhat from the space in time, or if it had just gotten lucky. He would definitely have to run more testster. It was all pretty interesting. <em>What if I used Void Creation and created ayer of void around something, then tried to take it through the tunnel? </em>It was a very interesting idea, and he made a mental note to find some more beasts. <em>Using the cells may work, too. Ill try that sometime, as well.</em>


    Finally, Derek tossed the wounded man inside the prison. Try your best not to die, he said. Im sure Edgar would like to have a word with you if youre still alive once we finish here. After that, he closed the door and pulled the void back together. He didnt have enough time to go inside himself and arrange a nice room for the man to stay inhed have to make do without the status effects the cells have built into them, and try to survive on his own. Also, he should be cut off from any relevant healing skills that he might have.


    <em>Okay</em><em> whats next? </em>Derek thought as he looked back up at the battle going on. His little interference with Spatial Rend was enough to give nah a pretty good advantage by taking one of the annoying flies off her for some time, it seemed. The armored person wasnt looking so hot, and just couldnt keep up with nahs rapid fire attacks.


    In fact, nahs rapier must have found multiple gaps in the persons armor, as there was now a lot of blood flowing out of it from the waist down. The man who Derek hit with his skill looked like he still hadnt been able to heal the wound he caused. <em>That seems really promising, </em>he thought. He still couldnt see the wound well, but by the ck ice pushed into the gap in his armor and his hand resting on its location, he could tell that the man was still hurting.


    The other royal continued to attack nah as she ignored him and focused most of her energy on the armored guy. As for the wounded one, while his hand was focused on his injury, his eyes were wide and focused on Derek. Derek grinned at him and gave him a quick wave as he hopped into the air once again.


    Weve got to retreat! the wounded man yelled at his twopanions, causing the one that was focused so hard on nah to falter in one of his casts and turn to look at the other man. Unfortunately, the armored man didnt have such a luxuryhe had to put every bit of his own focus and energy into not allowing nah to kill him.


    What? the man said as Derek rapidly closed in with Void Steps. Then he noticed something, too. He was speaking out loud and everyone could hear him.


    Derek was able to see the exact moment when the realization shed through the long-haired royals eyes. If everyone could hear them, then that meant that everyone could also hear nah. nah, for her part, seemed to have noticed before everyone elseprobably as soon as Derek knocked themander down.


    She had kept her calm and didnt reveal anythingthough the sounds of swords colliding and metal on metal should have caused everyone to realize it earlier, everyone was probably used to fighting with sounds that they hadnt thought twice about the battle noises.


    Oh, no! the long-haired man continued. Lets go, now! The small ice wings on the back of the two royals sprouted and grew even bigger than before as they both turned to flee.


    Stop! nahsmand came the instant they decided to escape.


    Derek felt themand and even faltered for a moment. But it was nothing like what happened to everyone else. The person in the armor had immediately gone still, and before he was able to break out of nahsmand, her rapier had prated the gap between his helmet and body armor. With a flick of her wrist, the mans head separated from his body and flew higher into the air as the rest of the body began its freefall to the ground.


    The two royals must have had pretty high wisdom, or at least a strong will, as they were only frozen from hermand for a short second or two. By the time the body of the general hit the ground, they were already fleeing and had traveled a decent distance away from nah and Derek.


    nah and Derek locked eyes and nodded at one another. Derek was now much closer than before to her, and could see that she was looking very fatigued. The light in her eyes and the thick aura she had when he first moved next to her were both fading.


    <em>Which one</em><em>s the king? </em>Derek asked nah before he made any actions.


    <em>The one with the long hair,</em><em> </em>she replied.


    <em>I</em><em>ll get him. If the other one escapes for now, it wont matter. I can always find himter, </em>he sent. <em>Quite easily, too. </em>He was thinking about Void Travel. He was basically a wolf that had picked up the other persons scent, and since he had focused on it, it would be even easier to find it if he looked for it with his Void Sense.


    nah nodded, and Derek stored Harbinger before he used Void Shift. He opted to go with his regr Void Shift rather than Silvis Active Void Shift this time for a couple of reasons. First, his Void Shift still needed to level quite a bit, and no matter how much he used Silvis skill, it wouldnt go any higher. Also, he could gauge what he needed to do easier from within his shifted state, and he doubted the two royals would have enough stats to break him out of it when he got close.


    They would probably be able to detect him if they focused enough while trying to escapemaybe somewhere within the realm of how Shae had when they first sparredbut he doubted they would be able to do much else. <em>Though, you never know, </em>he thought. If nothing else, he would learn more about his skill. He hadnt really given it much use since he increased both his intelligence and wisdom to their 1500 point breakthrough.


    Derek pulled himself through void ripple after void ripple with his focus on the fleeing pair the whole time. They were still moving, but their speed wasnt as fast as Edgars was back when they were racing to save Edward and capture Torith back in the capital. The young prince was built for speed, but the two ice users were not. If they continued to flee side by side, though, he would have a much easier time getting to both of them instead of just one.


    Derek looked behind him to see how nah was doing, and to his surprise, she was moving even faster than Edgar had. She was crazy fastDerek thought it may have just been her dexterity and coordination that made her movements so fast during her battle, but she clearly had fantastic straight-line speed as well.


    Luckily for Derek, though, the two royals werent anywhere near the distance that he and Edgar had to travel from the teleporter to the castle back then. Hed had toe out of his Void Shift and gulp down some mana potions to keep going back then. But now, even with his current reduced mana pool, he still shouldnt have any problem getting to them in time.


    He continued to pull himself toward the duo. During his time shifted, they had looked behind themselves and saw nahand maybe himcharging forth, and had chosen to split up. Derek clicked his tongue and focused on only chasing the one with the long hairthe King of Astrus. Hed have to find out the mans nameter. He didnt really like just thinking of him as a king.


    Soon, Derek was behind the man. He quickly pulled himself through another ripple and found himself in front of him by ten or so feet. The mans eyes fell onto Derek, and his face slowly fell into a confused look. <em>He definitely can see, or at least sense, me, </em>Derek thought. He did a quick look at his mana pool after that. <em>That took a little less mana than using Active Void Shift would have. But that</em><em>s only if I dont stay in here any longer. </em>


    With that, Derek deactivated his skill and appeared in front of the king. In an instant, the man came to a halt to avoid running into him. Who would want to run straight into a person that had basically tanked everything the elvenmander had to throw at him? <em>Well, that</em><em>s if he was watching at all. He definitely looked over when I hit his brother with Spatial Rend. </em>


    Where do you think youre going? Derek asked.


    Move out of the way, the king yelled back and a giant wing made of ice came forward to hit Derek.


    It reminded him a bit of his fight with the wyverns. Hed been hit by a wing before, and that was another attack that he found out he wasnt a big fan of. However, even though the wing was big and, while it wasnt exactly slow, Derek was able to easily dodge it by increasing his elevation with his Void Steps. And if it came to it, he could still Void Shift.


    That was your one shot, Derek said, and Harbinger appeared in his hand before he struck down with it. You better hope youre more tanky than the duke was. Youre going to need to be.

 Chapter 353: Ice

    Chapter 353: Ice


    With a thought, Derek activated Sweeping sh after quickly channeling what void energy he could into Harbinger in a short moment. The duke hadnt been able to take a regr strike to his organs well, and now the King of Astrus was in prime position to take a full on hit with Sweeping sh. Derek was still going for the capture route, but he wouldnt be too broken up if his attack identally killed the king.


    The arc from Sweeping sh shot out toward the king, who was still in very close range. The king, to his credit, saw the attack and managed to bring up his own defenseputting one wing up, then another in an attempt to block. The king was able to block the blow, though, that wasnt the only thing that came with Dereks use of part of his favoritebo. He knew that even with the multiple feet of ck ice, the energy from the arching sh made out of the void would still find its target.


    To his surprise, however, Derek didnt hear any of the noises or see any of the scenes from behind the wings of ice that he had expected. Usually, when his enemies were hit with the void, theyd at least cough or groan from their internal organs being shaken up or destroyed, or even blood would fall to the ground from their mouths. Even the most powerful of beasts showed signs that theyd been hit by it. He was confused for a second, but momentster, he saw the reasonor at least what was most likely the reason.


    First the front wing opened up, then the other, making the pair of wings move back to their normal ce behind the king. In the middle, Derek found a very interesting scene. Before, the wings connected to the mans back and into his normal human fleshif Averys dragon wings were anything to go off of. Now, the wings of ice connected to even more ice. Other than the mans clothes, his entire body was a dark crystalline blue colorincluding his face and hands.


    <em>Now this is something new, </em>Derek thought. <em>I wonder if all his organs have turned into ice as well. Hmm</em><em> I never did get to see what my void infused Sweeping sh did to those trees back in the raid dungeon. Unfortunately, our sparring and training ended up decimating the entire part of that forest before I got to see if they survived or not. This situation is different, but surely not too different. </em>


    <em>Both he and the trees are alive I think, but both of them are mostly solid now. Well, at least much more solid than a normal human. Interesting. I wonder if his organs are going to rupture when they thaw out. </em>Dereks grip tightened on Harbinger and he smiled. After getting four of his stats to the 1500 point threshold, he had believed that other than some abnormality, like the Starfury Leonarus, he would be able to crush most people from Cydaria and the surrounding kingdoms quite easily.


    This was further proven when he had his quick fight against the elvenmander of thebined armies. One good swipe with a void infused Harbinger, and one of the strongest people in Indria had been incapacitated so badly that their skill had even stopped functioning. <em>Well, I assume he</em><em>s close to the top when ites to people in Indria. Then again, I could probably take Edward and Edwin out with rtive ease how I am now, but there are still people in Cydaria like Edgar, Avery, and especially nah. </em>


    Thats a pretty neat trick, Derek said. I wonder how much damage it really negated. Whats going to happen when you thaw out and you need your blood to start pumping again? <em>What if his full ice body is acting like pure armor, and my skill justpletely passed through it without causing any harm? Just like it would have normal armor. It could be like attacking golems anywhere other than their energy filled cores. Does he have a core in this form that I could hit? </em>


    That is not something you need to concern yourself with, Mr. Hunt, the king replied with a toothy, frozen smile. His voice was very muffled, and it sounded like someone was speaking through a pillow.


    Im ttered that you know my name. No, really, I am. Ive literally never met anyone outside of Cydaria, other than the dukes daughter, that is, yet the king of a country that Im not one hundred percent sure what the name is actually knows who I am. Its Asterisk? Right? Or Astrus or something. Im close, I know I am.


    The man did not look amused. It is Astrus, and you would do well to remember it.


    Im not so sure about that. Derek shrugged. I think Asterisk would be a much better name for your country. You know, because thats the only way its going to be mentioned in the history books, as an asterisk. This country was formerly known as Astrus until its royal family got greedy and bit off more than they could chew. You know? Something like that.


    No, I dont know, the king spat. Im sure the history books wont even remember your name at all.


    Fine by me, Derek said. Im not one for all that honor and glory for the ages and all that crap. Who cares if someone remembers me a millennium after Im dead? Ill still be dead. Anyway, Im tired of thinking about you as the King of Astrus. Since you know my name, how about you tell me yours?


    My name? You do not know my name? The King of Astrus red at Derek in silence for some time. Actually, it was long enough for his Spatial Rend toe off of cooldown and for him to regenerate a decent chunk of his mana through Greater Meditation. I am Tivarian Sinir, the King of Astrus and soon to be ruler of this entire continent.


    Ty, huh? I thought you seemed more like a Gerald, but I guess thats whatever, Derekughed. You have quite the ambitions for a man thats not going to make it through the month. <em>What day in the month is it, anyway? Wait, what day is it?</em>


    You will not cause me to lose my cool with words. I am no fool, Tivarian said.


    You did that on purpose, didnt you? Derek asked. There was no way that pun was unintended. Also, didnt you literallye to the front lines of a war that will bepletely lost if something happens to you just because you were angry?


    That


    See, Derek said. You are a fool.


    You The man started, but instead of saying anything else, he attacked.


    The pair of ice wings pped hard behind his back, creating a freezing gust in their wake. Tivarian shot forward with his fist draw back to punch.


    Derek quickly raised his left arm to block the attack that wasing and prepared to Void Shift if the situation called for it. He hadnt thought the man was going to have many tricks up his sleeves, but hed already surprised Derek once. He wouldnt let himself be caught like a deer in headlights.


    The mans fist rushed forward, but then it stopped inches from Dereks guard. Hmph, the man snorted. Then he opened his fist and reached out to take hold of Dereks empty hand.


    What? Unexpectedly, Derek was grabbed by the king instead of attacked. As the mans hand made contact with his own, Derek felt a blistering chill radiate through his pinkywhere the mans grip was focusedthen to his hand and up his arm, stopping just at his elbow. He tugged backwards hard a few times, but the kings grip was like a vise. Soon, Dereks eyes found his pinky, and he saw that it had turnedpletely blue. <em>This may be bad.</em>


    He wasnt overly worried, as his pinky wasnt a vital part of his body, and from the crease in the ice statue-like mans brow, whatever he had nned hadnt happened the way hed expected it to. With onest tug, Derek finally freed his hand from the man, before kicking off the void and gaining distance between the two of them.


    Unfortunately, his pinky hadnte along with him and was still in the grasp of the king. The king smiled at Derek, which Derek found quite creepy looking. Then, with both hands, he crushed the pinky.


    <em>Shit! </em>Derek inwardly yelled. <em>I just grew back my foot, now I have to grow my pinky back. And that pinky was my second favorite. Also, I wonder if this guy would be able to survive inside the void from Void Travel in his ice form. </em>Derek held his left hand out in front of his eyes. His enormous vitality and endurance had already started working on his wound before he even stopped moving backwards.


    The chill in his arm had already subsided, and Derek could even see the makings of new flesh starting to grow from the rapidly healing frostbitten flesh of his hand. Derek frowned and looked past his hand and into the dead-looking eyes of the king. Then he pointed Harbinger at him and fired off a shot of Void Lightning. The lightning crashed into the mans chest, but he just smiled.


    <em>Damn. He</em><em>s got to be basically a living inorganic object. Wait, would my void abilities have trouble fighting against robots and stuff? </em>That was definitely one thing Derek didnt want to test out. Though, he couldnt think of a robot being able to harm him with his pure stats. <em>Damn. </em>Derek shook the irrelevant thoughts out of his head. He needed to focus on his current fight. <em>He shouldn</em><em>t be able to keep that form for long. </em>


    So, you see your mistake in making me your enemy? Tivarian said.


    Uh. You made me your enemy, not the other way around, Derek said. Its you and Indria that attacked where I live. Then, Derek held his hand up and showed the man his pinky, that was already at least twenty percent grown back. And no, I dont regret it. You cant do anything to me that I cant fix, and the second your ice statue skill runs out, youre dead or at least capturedjust like the duke.


    The eyes on the mans statue face widened at Dereks regenerating limb. One digit was much easier to grow back than an entire foot and ankle, and even without a healers support, it was growing back at a rate visible to the human eye.


    You! The man shot forward once again.


    This time, Derek covered his hands and every other unarmored part of his body, even his head, with ayer of void armor he made from Void Creation. He didnt know how well it would work, but when he used the skill to make armor, like when he was fighting the whale, the void became physical. So, it should provide at least some protection.


    Before the man arrived, Derek sliced Harbinger through the air and activated Spatial Rend. Instantly, the space opened and moved rapidly toward the iing man beforending on his shoulder. Derek cursed his inuracy, but the attack still caused damage. His energy based void attack may not have caused damage, but when the physical properties of spacended on the mans shoulder, it immediately vanished a big chunk of ice from him.


    The man stopped and shouted painfully before clutching his new wound. This time, Derek was close enough to see the lingering effect caused by Spatial Rend. Small things that he could only call spatial tendrils looked to be wriggling around the edges of the injury. It was not a pretty sight.


    Derek wasnt going to let this opportunity with the man, currently unmoving and clutching his injury, pass him by. With his left hand, he focused and activated Spatial Copse. He had an idea of how it worked, but Daves warning that it started small was still ingrained in his mind. <em>A hand for a pinky, </em>Derek thought. Soon, a very small transparent ck cube appeared on the mans current immobile hand.


    It was only about two inches by two inches. <em>Okay, a pinky for a pinky, then. </em>


    Tivarian noticed the small spatial attack toote, and by the time he went to move his hand from the cubewhich Derek felt he could easily break it out ofthe trapping part of the skill changed to the copsing part. Instantly, two fingers of the mans left hand shattered, and some even disappeared with the space. Derek was happy that he had two skills that worked quite well on the ice man before him, but he had one more trick up his sleeve that would work even better.


    <em>Edgar,</em><em> </em>Derek sent, but he had traveled too far away from the prince to reach him with his low level of Telepathy. <em>Dammit. </em><em>Silvi, can you hear me? </em>


    <em>What? </em>her voice came through, which made Derek happy.


    <em>Yay for bond Telepathy over my normal, low-level Telepathy, </em>he thought. <em>Could you ask Edgar if it</em><em>s okay to kill this king, or if he would rather we capture him? </em>


    A reply didnte for a short time, but finally, she got back to him. <em>Kill him. Big Sparky said you got the shield guy. He</em><em>s enough.</em>


    <em>Great, </em>he sent. <em>Can youe do it? I</em><em>m pretty sure hes not so good against fire.</em>

 Chapter 354: Ice and... Fire?

    Chapter 354: Ice and... Fire?


    Tevarian clutched at his now shattered fingers in pain. <em>It</em><em>s good to know that he somehow feels pain in this form, at least. </em>Derek was intensely taking mental notes in case he ended up fighting an enemy with an ability like the one the King of Astrus was showing in the future. His void channeled attacks worked well on flesh and energyif thats what he could consider was in the golems mana coresbut didnt seem to work well onpletely solid objects.


    Also, seeing that the man could still feel pain even though his entire body was solid ice, gave Derek something to think about. His nerves and pain receptors should have been frozen solid, as well, but clearly, the system wasnt allowing such a thing.


    Ill tell you what, Derek said. I have a separate space that I can open, and if you go inside without causing a fuss, I wont kill you here and now.


    Hmph, the man snorted while still clutching one hand with the other. Its true that you may be stronger than me and even have some insane healing ability. But I dont believe you would be able to kill meespecially since I know what to look out for now. Those skills take too long for you to cast. You wont hit me with them again.


    Thats funny, Derek replied. I hadnt nned on using them again. I have a much better, and easier, strategy to take care of you. The offers avable for the next ten seconds. And know that even if I cant kill you in that form, there is no way you can escape me.


    There is always a way to escape, the man said. Did you think that I came to the front lines without being prepared for something to go wrong?


    <em>6</em><em>54 oh, shes here early. </em>Derek was counting down in his mind as he let the king bber on. I dont think you understand, Derek said. You could teleport to the other side of the world, and I could be beside you in a matter of seconds. You could go into a dungeon, and I will still appear. There is no escapenot from the Cydarian Army, or Edgar, or nahbut from me.


    Lies! the angry king shouted as he flicked his wrist and a scroll appeared in his hand. I dont believe you. Lets see if what you say is true.


    Wait! Derek held his hand out for the man to stop.


    I knew it. Tevarian smiled. Theres nothing you can do to stop me.


    No, thats not it, Derek grinned. Its a pity to destroy a teleport scroll like that. Im assuming thats what that is.


    A pity? Using such a scroll to preserve ones life is never a pity.


    Thats not what I was talking about, Derek said. I was just waiting for her to get into position.


    Wha Tevarian started, but was immediately hit by a terribly hot wave of dragon fire.


    The scroll in his hand had instantly burned up upon impact, and there was nothing he could do to activate it any longer. Soon, Derek heard a thud as his ice body crashed into the ground from the force of the dragon me. But Silvi didnt let upthe massive flood of fire continued to pour from just outside her small mouth. It wasnt until Derek received the kill notification that the fire stopped.


    Your Bonded Companion Has Killed 250 Ice Mage


    850,000,000,000 Experience Gained


    Level Up


    281,255,550,000/2,100,000,000,000 Experience to Next Level


    Derek quickly swiped the kill notification away after checking on the experience from it. The amount of experience the king had given him was much greater than any of those he and Silvi had taken out from thebined armymany between level 230 and 250. <em>People with higher sses really do give much more experienceor should I call it essence nowthan others. That</em><em>s the most Ive gotten. Im sure the Starfury Leonarus would have been much more if not for having to share the experience with everyone.</em>


    However, Derek didnt have a lot of time to dwell on the kill notification or check his stats, as nah was still battling. Derek gave a thankful nod to Silvi.


    <em>Going to see if storage rings survived, </em>Silvi sent to him. <em>Hate fighting icy things. Never leave any good ingredients.</em><em> </em>


    <em>You do that, </em>Derek said. <em>I</em><em>m going to check on nah after I gather a bit more mana. </em>


    With that thought, Derek reactivated Greater Meditation. He was getting pretty good at switching the skill on and off during a fight. Its the only reason he hadnt run out of mana during his short battle with King Tevarian. He was also thankful that humans, or sapient beings, in general seemed to enjoy talking and spouting insults during a fight. This allowed him to regenerate even more mana during the battle. Every extra second that he could keep the skill active was vital.


    <em>It really is easier and more fun to fight against people than beasts. Especially spoiled nobles who arent used to being talked down to. Well, maybe there are some beasts out there smart enough to be distracted by words, too. At least I know that there are Void Beasts out there like that. </em>Derek didnt waste a lot of time, though. As soon as he deemed his mana good enough, he stored Harbinger and activated Void Shift and began moving in the direction that nah and the duke had.


    They had traveled a longer distance away from everyone than Derek had expected. He thought nah would have caught up to the man much quicker based on the speed that she had possessed back then. However, when he arrived, he realized what had happened.


    nah was back to the old nah. Her hair shined emerald, her body no longer looked malnourishedshe was just back to the regr, beautiful owner of the Crown Restaurant. However, she had broken out in an intense sweat, and it looked to be everything she could do just to stay in the air and block the iing attacks from the duke.


    Her skill had run out, and she was dealing with whatever effects came from it doing so. Still, she had apparently refused to let the man before her escape and was fighting him tooth and nail to keep him thereeven if she was losing quite badly.


    The duke, on the other hand, had activated what looked to be the same skill that his brother had used. Though, his skill didnt seem anywhere near as stable or effective as the kings. In fact, while the skill seemed to cover his hands and head, Derek could immediately see that it stopped at the mans neck. Which meant that there was a good chance that it wasnt covering what was beneath his armor.


    When Derek saw the man slowly turned slightly while still shifted, he found that his guess was correct. The wound that he had inflicted on the man with Spatial Rend before was still there. It was covered by ayer of ice to staunch the bleeding, but if that part of the mans body had solidified into the pure ice statue that his brothers had, there would be no need to keep the extrayer of ice there.


    Derek moved just a bit closer, then canceled Void Shiftappearing almost equal distance away from the man as nah was. His appearance was enough to cause the duke to shoot backwards, but nah just looked his way and nodded.


    Its about time, she said.


    Sorry Imte, Derek replied. His asshole of a brother used that same skill, although he was able to use it on his entire body and not just partially. It took some time to kill him.


    You killed? the muffled voice of the half-covered ice man said. Theres no way.


    Well I guess <em>I </em>didnt kill him, Derek replied, still giving the man a good inspection. <em>Yeah, I think my void should work well against him.</em>


    Thats what I thought.


    Oh, no. Dont get me wrong. Hes dead. Im just not the one who did it. That would have been a pain in the ass. Surely you have some contracts or notifications youve been ignoring during your fight with nah. Go ahead, check them out. Ill wait. <em>I bet the army received notifications or canceled contracts, too. Should make it easier to end the war.</em>


    The mans eyes unfocused for a moment before he turned his head back toward Derek and shot him a re. How dare you!


    See, told you, Derek said. Then, with a thought, he pulled out Harbinger and gripped it tightly. After that, he began to push void energy through the weapon. The mans entire head was covered by ice, and it was possible that his heart or other organs were, too. There was still a chance that his insides were solid and it was only the outside flesh that wasnt covered.


    With a kick off the void, Derek dashed toward his new opponent. The mans wings quickly wrapped themselves in front of the duke in anticipation of his attack. With his free left hand, Derek held it out and cast Void Lightning exactly where he knew the mans stomach would be, behind the wings. Just before Derek arrived at the wings, Derek heard a grunt, and the mans defenses lowered ever so slightlyjust enough for him to get past them. <em>Thats what I like to hear.</em>


    That grunt was enough to allow Derek to know that the man wasnt as indestructible as his brother had been. It also gave him a target. With a horizontal sh of Harbinger, Derek activated Multi-Strike, and the attacknded almost perfectly on the dukes side.


    Secondster, the ice wings broke into thousands of small pieces and began to fall to the ground. The ice on the mans hands and head slowly began to retract, and as soon as his mouth was uncovered, a mass of blood began to pour out of it. He doubled over in pain and began to fall.


    Derek didnt allow that, though. He quickly moved forward and caught the duke by his neck before lifting him up. The mans eyes werepletely shut. Derek stored Harbinger, then took his now free hand and lifted the mans eyelids. He waspletely out and unconscious. In fact, when Derek used Identify, he found that the man was in a dying state.


    What do we do here? Derek turned and asked nah, who was slowly moving closer to him. When she got there, she put her arm around Dereks shoulders to stabilize herself. With her arm wrapping around him, he could feel a weird, slight vibrationing from her.


    Hes dying? she asked. She seemed much more calm and level-headed now that she wasnt in that form of hers. nah raised her other hand and tapped her cheek. Lets do this since the king is dead. With a flick of her hand, a potion appeared in it. Here, give him this, then throw him inside your space.


    Sure Derek said, as he took the potion. Seems like a waste, but its your potion.


    You have one duke, you might as well get the pair, nahughed. It will be easier to stop the war with a captured high royal. Astrus isnt like Cydaria, theyre much more of a warmongering kingdom. A public execution will go a long way with them. They respect power.


    Okay, Derek said as he poured the unstoppered potion into the mans mouth before handing the empty vial back to nah. Then, he activated Time Prison and tore the sky open with his free hand before opening the door behind.


    He half expected to see the other duke fly out, but he didnt. Ryven was still on the ground in a fetal positionblood still leaking from his mouth. He wasnt in a dying state, but he didnt look to be faring well. Should we Derek started as he tossed the now only unconscious man in beside the other duke.


    Let him be, nah said. Hes not worth a healing potion. You can manipte the time of your space, correct? Just make it so not much time passes while they are inside. If Edwin wants to use a potion of his own, he can.


    Sounds good to me. Derek closed the door back and slowed the time inside the prison. They wouldnt exactly be safe from their wounds, but Derek and the others would be wherever they were nning to go well before their injuries caused them death. Finally, he closed the tear in space and looked at nah.


    I like you better this way, Derek said with a smiled. Less Im going to kill you vibes.


    Me too nah said. Me too


    Lets go find Edgar and get the hell out of here.


    With that, Derek held nah tight and kicked off the void. The first phase of ending the war was over. It was time to see what Edgar nned to do next.

 Chapter 355:

    Chapter 355:


    Because of how far away they were from where they left Edgar and the Void Travel portal, it took Derek and nah a lot longer to get back via Void Steps. Derek didnt mind, though, it gave him ample time to view his entire status sheet.


    Status


    Personal Information


    Name:


    Age:


    Level:


    Experience:


    ss:


    Race:


    Derek Hunt


    30


    227


    881,200,550,000/2,100,000,000,000


    Void Monarch (Mythical)


    Human (Void)


    Health:


    Mana:


    Stamina:


    37625


    37500


    37625


    Stats


    Strength


    Dexterity


    Endurance


    Vitality


    Intelligence


    Wisdom


    Stat Points Remaining


    1115


    1115


    1505


    1505


    1500


    1500


    176


    Contracts


    nah Swan (Crown Restaurant)


    Silvi (Bonded Beast)


    Ste Brighton (Crown Restaurant)


    No Proxy (Torith Adventurers Guild)


    Rudolph Mckinney


    Natalie Savannah via Malorie Stewart (Void Emporium)


    View Contract


    View Status


    View Contract


    View Contract


    View Contract


    View Contract


    Skills


    Absolute Nullify Lv. 13, Bare Fist Specialty Lv. 1(View Upgrades), Basic Repair Lv. 1, Chain Lightning Lv. 14, Channel Void Lv. 20, Cleaning Lv. 9, Cure Toxin Lv. 10, Dismantle Lv. 12, Enhanced Movement Speed Lv. 2, Greater Meditation Lv. 12, Identify Lv. 18, Magic Resistance Lv. 20, Mental Resistance Lv. 4, Multi-Strike Lv. 17, Physical Resistance Lv. 20, Polearm Specialty Lv. 2 (Voids Harbinger), Rejuvenation Lv. 17, Spatial Copse Lv. 1, Spatial Redirection Lv. 1, Spatial Rend Lv. 2, Sweeping sh Lv. 20, Telepathy Lv. 8, Time Prison Lv. 15, Void Call Lv. 4, Void Creation Lv. N/A, Void Sense Lv. 20, Void Shift Lv. 10, Void Steps Lv. 14, Void Storage Lv. N/A, Void Travel Lv. N/A


    Skill Points Remaining: 15


    Skill Upgrade Points Remaining: 0


    Shared Skills from Companion: Active Void Shift Lv. 10, Void Lightning Bolt Lv. 10


    Shared Skills to Companion: Void Sense Lv. 10, Void Travel Lv. N/A


    Skills Avable to Share:


    Absolute Nullify Lv. 10, Channel Void Lv. 10, Time Prison Lv. 10, Void Call Lv. 4, Void Sense Lv. 10, Void Shift Lv. 10, Void Steps Lv. 10, Void Storage Lv. N/A, Void Travel Lv. N/A


    Achievements


    Greater Giant yer, Jack of All, Lesser Dungeon Explorer, Lesser Dungeon Traveler, Lesser Enigma, Lesser Enforcer of Oaths, Repetitive Dungeoneer, Minor yer of the Unknown, Solo Diver, Magical ss Cannon, Meat Shield, Lesser Explorer, Offensive Powerhouse, The Bigger They Are


    First, he went over his skills. Absolute Nullify had leveled after the fight with the Starfury Leonarus, which made perfect sense, as it was vital in keeping the things ultimate attack at bay while Silvi got into position to roast it alive. Hed also gained another hard-earned level in Greater Meditation during the fight with the King of Astrus. Every time that skill gained a level, he became one step closer to being able to use it without it hindering his movements and reactions at all.


    His new Mental Resistance ended up at level 4 after everything. <em>Not a bad gain for a skill in such a short time. I</em><em>ll have to thank nah for that. </em>With that thought, he looked over at the woman he was carrying. It seemed she was doing everything she could to keep her consciousness. She wasnt in any condition to talk at the moment. Her health and even mana could have been full, but whatever her transformation skill did, it took a lot out of her mentally.


    Derek faced forward and continued going over his skill gains. Unfortunately, those three skills, and Spatial Rend leveling once, which was a happy coincidence, seemed to be the only ones to level since thest time he checked. He had hoped to see Spatial Copse or Spatial Redirection gain a level, but hed barely used the new skills, so it wasnt enough.


    From there, he looked up and saw his new level. When he left the raid, he was level 223, so thebined experience he and Silvi gained from those in the army theyd killed and the king gave him enough experience <em>or essence</em><em> </em>to level up four times. Those four levels tranted to 140 extra stats points to use, leaving him with 176 after the level he gained from the Starfury Leonarus.


    Derek went ahead and dumped 175 points into dexterity, leaving him with a single free stat point left. Hed throw his next few levels worth of stat points into strength to keep a good bnce. Min-maxing was a great option with the system if you went endurance and vitality early on, but Derek had been noticing more and more that bncing his statsat least some of themseemed to be the better option as he grew stronger and met stronger people.


    Nodding at his new stats, he continued down to look over his contracts. Most of them were all unchanged. He still had both his Crown Restaurants with nah and Ste since he made them separately. The Torith Adventurers Guild contract was nk since the death of Francesco Jobs. He wasnt really sure what that meant. <em>Can the contract be nullified or something now? </em>He shrugged.


    At the end of the contracts list, he found that the one that Malorie had made with Natalie finally showed the name of his shop, and he could also view the details if he wanted.


    With onest perusal of his status sheet, he stopped on his experience. The amount of experience he was needing was growing exponentially each level he gained. <em>That</em><em>s over two trillion experience needed per level, and for killing someone like the KING of an entire country with a definite high rarity ss at level 250, I gained less than one trillion experience. This may take a while to hit level 250 now. Wait is level 250 still even my cap? </em>


    He still had a lot of questionsnew questionsthat he would like to ask Dave about. But after his cryptic farewell, Derek wasnt sure he was ready to meet the man again anytime soon. With a shrug, Derek closed his stat sheet and focused on moving forward. Hed been able to get all his mana back in the time hed been carrying nah to their destination, and his finger was evenpletely regrown. And because his fights werent too draining, he was close to 100% mentally, too. Hed be ready to go again whenever needed.


    <em>I wonder if any of the king</em><em>s gear survived Silvis fire. I bet he would have had something good inside any of the spatial rings he was carrying. But knowing the power of her fire, I doubt it. </em>Derekmented as he kicked off the void once again and continued his way to Edgar. Onest look at nah, and he realized that she had fallen asleep. <em>If</em><em>s shes asleep, I guess she wont mind this. </em>With that thought, Derek picked her up in a princess carry and continued moving. <em>That</em><em>s a much morefortable way to carry someone as long as it doesnt end in death or torture afterward. </em>


    Shortly after, Derek finally came in view of his portal hed left active. And beside itbut at a very safe distance away from ithe saw Edgar standing on the back of Blitz, hovering in the air. When Derek got even closer, he realized that Silvi was actually sitting directly on top of the wyverns head with a smug look in her eyes. Blitz, however, didnt look very happy about it, but also didnt seem to be willing to do anything about it. <em>My small little bunnypanion is a bully, </em>Derek thought as he approached the trio.


    Howd it go? Edgar waved Derek over as he drew close.


    Dereknded on Blitzs back without ceremony, then gentlyid nah down before looking back up at Edgar. Im sure youve heard by now, Derek said, shifting his gaze to Silvi, who hadnt turned around. But Silvi took care of King Tevarian. So Astrus is now without a king.


    She did mention that, Edgarughed. I had to pry it out of her, though.


    nah beheaded the general, so he or she is dead now, Derek said.


    Matthew Whitaker, Edgar replied, confirming that the general was a male. He was well known for his thick armor and quick movement in it.


    Well he wasnt quick enough, Derek said. Especially after I broke whatever spell the Indrian Duke was using to keep her voice from reaching them.


    I see, Edgar nodded. And the two dukes? You captured them?


    I did, Derek said. They are both in my Time Prison. Neither one of them is exactly doing well, but they should stay alive long enough for you to figure out what you n to do with them. Oh, and you owe nah a Potion of Resurrection. She used it on the Duke of Astrus to keep him alive.


    We owe nah a lot of things. Edgar looked down at the unconscious half-elf woman. She has fought harder for the kingdom than anyone thought she would, including my father. I know they made her mad after what they did at some of the lesser Crown Restaurants, but after her showing in Savannah, I believe she could have sat back without worrying about anything else happening to her people.


    At that point, Im sure Duke Elras would have deemed her and her associates off limits. But instead, she came to the front line and has been pushing herself harder and harder. Before, she would pass out as soon as she transformed back from a Dawn Siren. Now, shes gotten so used to the skill in our battles that she rarely loses consciousness afterward.


    Hmm Derek rubbed his chin. Maybe you could make her Queen of Indria. A half-blooded elf who is looked down upon by the full-blooded ones running an entire kingdom of them. Theres a certain sense of irony in that.


    Im sure my father would have no problem with doing that, Edgar said. And the prince started, with his eyes shining. We could make you King of Astrus. If theres one thing those people respect, its strength. Youd be absolutely perfect for the job.


    Do you want another war? Derek asked, deadpanned. There was no way in hell he would take on the responsibilities for an entire kingdom. He wasnt even sure he was doing good enough with the few people he had with him. How would he manage an entire kingdom? <em>Well</em><em> I guess Malorie could do all the heavy lifting. </em>


    And nah would be the same. Ive spent enough time with the two of you to know that theres no way either of you would want to control a kingdom. That would be a burden for you instead of a reward.


    Exactly, Derek said. Though I wouldnt mind raiding whatever Astrus has in their kingdoms storage. And nah can have whatever Indria has. Those wouldnt be bad rewards whatever they are.


    Maybe Edgar chuckled. For now, we need to think about how to end this war. Weve taken the first step by routing their army and killing or capturing the majority of their leadership. Theyll be reeling soon, so well need to strike hard when we decide to do it.


    That shouldnt be a problem, Derek said. Ive never been there, but Im pretty sure I can open a portal directly into their capital city. At least, if thats where the dukes daughter lives. Derek had once unleashed his aura on the elvendy, so he should be able to find her if he focused enough. <em>Should actually be much easier to find her than it was to find the old Silvi. </em>


    That could be a good n, Edgar said. But I take it that you cant bring anyone else with you if you do it that way?


    Right now no, Derek said. At least, nobody but Silvi. But I think I may have an idea that could work, and if it does, then I think me and Silvi would be able to bring one or two people with us. But thats all theoretical for now.


    I see, Edgar replied. Well keep that n in our pocket for now. I think its best to go to the pce and have my father and brother figure out what to do next. Im good at fighting, but dammit, do I hate the politics of everything.


    I canpletely understand where youreing from, Derek said, remembering all the times he refused to create a safe zone or town back when Earth was initiated into the system. He wasnt about to rule a town then, and he wouldnt stick his nose in politics now. Well, he wouldnt actively try to, at least. If whatever he does ends up have political repercussions then thats for Edwin, Edward, and Edgar to deal withnot him.


    Finally, Derek willed his portal closed and found himself afortable seat on Blitz next to nah. He didnt want her falling off, after all. Then, Edgarmanded Blitz forward, and they set flight back to Cydariato the capital.

 Chapter 356: Slanderous Accusations

    Chapter 356: nderous usations


    As they rode on the back of Blitz, Edgar kept hismunication crystal in handhe wanted to contact his people as soon as possible, and whatever it was that was disrupting the crystals ability to reach the outside was still active even though the duke had been captured. So, whatever it was, it was not Ryven who was controlling it. Derek wondered if the block spanned the entire kingdom or just portions.


    Blitz was fasteven faster than Lyraand it wasnt long until Edgar smiled and the crystal in his hand lit up. Soon, he put the crystal away and turned to Derek.


    Theyre reactivating one of the teleporters in one of our outposts for us. That way, it wont be hours before we get back, the young prince exined.


    Sounds good to me, Derek said. What about Blitz, though?


    He knows his way back to the capital. He very much enjoys it there, Edgar patted a part of Blitzs neck as he continued. Blitz is too big for any regr teleporterespecially the one in the capital. Hell have plenty of fun on his way back. He knows what he should and shouldnt do. Besides Edgar let out a deep sigh. Hes very good with childrenhe likes to spin tales of his grand adventures.


    Oh, yeah Derekughed. Blitz the Magnificent, right?


    Yeah Edgar rolled his eyes. Blitz the Magnificent. Anyway, he wont cause too much nuisance on his way back to the capital, and it wont hurt him to get some rxing fresh air instead of rushing to one battle after another.


    Yeah, Derek replied. It sounds like the boy needs a break. Everything that Edgar said made total sense to Derek. I may not have actually been that Blitz was dumb, but he may actually just be immaturelike a child. He couldnt help but wonder about how age affected dragonkin. <em>Is there even an age for them since they were basically spawned in a dungeon to fight? </em>


    <em>Just more things to think about, </em>Derek thought. <em>Silvi was six years old when we bonded. Now she</em><em>s seven, probably almost eight. But she was a beast who lived on the overworld instead of inside a dungeon. </em>He shrugged. It was hard to tell how mature Silvi actually was. He mostly just chalked her attitude up to just not caring about things she wasnt excited about. She could be very smart about things, but she was very selective about those things.


    As for what maturity level she was at Hed maybe put her at mid-teen. She was a bit rebellious sometimesespecially after spending too much time with other chefs. <em>Maturity levels are hard to judge in a world with a system. Though, this system unlocks at 13 years old</em><em> for humans, at least. I guess the system choosing that age to allow people to shoot fireballs out of their hands is kind of a sign. </em>


    Derek nced up to the back of Blitzs head where Silvi was still sitting motionlessly and shook his head. <em>I guess I don</em><em>t have any room to talk. I may have overdone it with the trash talking earlier </em>He knew that he wasnt exactly the most mature person aroundespecially when fighting sapient creatures. Trash talking just seemed to throw everyone off their game so much that it was a hard habit to stop.


    Maybe he could have been less immature when meeting all the nobles and royalty. However, during the early days of the system on Earth, he was able to see firsthand how the majority of those that were powerful enough to establish settlements treated others. So, his expectations when meeting rulers or nobles was low to begin with, then the first noble he met when he arrived at Cydaria still failed to meet those low expectations.


    Still, he was able to find some people who really were good examples of nobles. <em>Well</em><em> I guess nah and Ste arent nobles </em>But Walter had been decent, even if he may have been toox on his son, and so far, Natalie Savannah had lived up to her name and title well. Finally, Derek nced at Edgar. <em>And he should be the one to be king. </em>


    What? Edgar said. Do I have something on my face?


    No, Derek chuckled. I was just thinking about how good of a king youre going to make.


    You should stop with such nderous usations, Edgar mocked betrayal. Some people might take offense at such words.


    Very well, Your Majesty, Derek bowed.


    Stop that!


    Derek continued to tease Edgar a bit before stopping and waiting for Blitz to get them where they were going.


    Close to an hourter, Blitznded outside an outpost not unlike the one close to the raid dungeon. The wyvern was much toorge and too big of a distraction tond inside. Plus, though they should have been informed that Edgar was on his way, there was always the dragon surprise that could cause widespread panic when seen swooping down at you.


    Everyone got off of Blitzs back. Derek carried nahthis time with just her arm over his shoulder and his over hers. They were at one of the military encampments and Derek wouldnt disgrace her by picking her up in a princess carryeven if she was still unconscious. Silvi waited for Derek to get everything settled, then hopped on his head, as her normal resting ce on his shoulder was already taken.


    The wyvern lowered his head to ce it beside Edgar. The young prince ced his palm on the wyverns cheek and said, Meet us at the capital. You can take your timehunt, eat, have a little fun.


    He could also go help Lyra if he wants, Derek said, and he could have sworn he saw therge lightning wyvern shudder at the thought. Shes out controlling the other dragonkin. Im sure it wouldnt hurt to have an extra dragon around.


    Blitz said that hes tired and thinks he needs a rest for a while, and that its definitely not because hes scared of the mind controlling dragon. Edgarughed. And hes also not scared of what? Okay okay I wont say anything.


    Edgar removed his palm from the wyverns cheek and Blitz brought his two massive wings down before shooting into the sky. The dust and even some of the surrounding grass blew away with the strength of the gust caused by his wings. The wyvern must have been in a hurry to take a break. Derek watched as the draconic figure grew smaller and smaller in his eyes, until it eventually moved far enough away to disappear altogether.


    With Blitz gone and everyone on the ground, Edgar led Derek, Silvi, and the unconscious nah to the entrance of the outpost. As Derek suspected, the outpost was very ready to receive them. They didnt even have to wait at the gate before it opened to let them in. A man in medium te armor ran and met them as they entered the outpost.


    Prince Edgar! The man hurriedly bowed before looking at the odd figures that were Derek, nah, and Silvi. Still, he bowed at them as well. Mr. Hunt!


    At ease, Edgar said.


    Yes, sir! The man saluted before standing straight-backed, extremely tense.


    Edgar sighed. I take it you know why were here?


    I do, sir, the man nodded. I was instructed to lead you to the teleporter once you arrived. We got a temporary one working about half an hour ago. If youll follow me.


    Good, Edgar said, and everyone followed behind the soldier stationed at the outpost.


    Soon, they were in the middle of the outpost in an open area. What looked like a makeshift version of all the other teleporters that Derek had seen waited for them at the very center. The teleportation circle was about half the size of all the other ones hed seen. <em>Yeah, there was no way that Blitz would have been able to use this thing. </em>


    This teleporter is good for a single use to the capital. Its only connected there, and the capital has shut down ess to any other teleporters at the moment, so there wont be any interference. We are ready to activate it at any time, all you need to do is step inside the circle. The soldier motioned his hand toward the circle.


    Sounds good, Edgar said. Are you ready to go? he asked Derek.


    Any time, Derek replied.


    Finally, Edgar was the first to step over the outer edge of the circle and make his way to the middle. Once he was settled, Derek followed him with nah and Silvi, and soon they were all ready.


    Are you ready, Sir? the soldier asked.


    Go ahead, Edgar said.


    The soldier then called two other people to him, and they all stood around the teleportation circle. Each took a knee and ced their hands on a certain part. <em>I bet Brandi would find all of this interestingespecially with her runesmithing skills. </em>


    From the outer edge, the circle began shining the bright blue that indicated pure mana. The light traced the outer edge, then moved inward. Soon, the entire circle and all the runes inside were shining.


    Be safe! Derek heard the soldier call out before the blue light engulfed them all and they were gone.


    The time it took for them to teleport from where they were to the capital took a little longer than any of the other ones hed ever used. Usually, the teleportation was instant. This time, Derek was able to feel a little time pass while they were between ces. It was an odd feeling, but still not as odd as being stuck inside the void with no way out.


    Luckily, the time between teleportation circles onlysted a handful of seconds before they appeared on the one inside the capitals teleportation building. The arrival was actually a little jarringlike the feeling one would get when a roller-coaster begins its descent. <em>I thought I was over things like that, </em>Derek thought with a smile.


    Sometimes, it was nice to know that the system didntpletely take away some of the old sensations he used to feel. <em>I guess it</em><em>s kind of like Tyron with heights or is it because hes not connected with the ground? </em>Derek shrugged and focused on his surroundings.


    Umph. Derek heard a grunt as he looked around the building. His eyes soon locked onto nah, who was in the process of slowly opening her own. What was that?


    Were in the capital, Derek said. Just used a temporary teleportation circle to get here.


    Soon, nah regained her bearing and removed her arm from Dereks. She stumbled a little and Derek caught her, but quickly got her bnce, leading to Derek letting go, and she soon carried herself like usual. Thanks for taking care of me while I was out, she said.


    No problem, Derek replied. It was only a couple of hours, and most of that time was spent on Blitzs back.


    I guess they didnt have enough mana to make the teleport smooth? nah asked to nobody. I havent used a teleporter like that in quite some time.


    No, Edgar said. There were only three of them using their own mana for it. Just a bit more than enough to make using the temporary teleport circle safe.


    Thats fine. nah nodded. At least it woke me up. A couple of hours isnt bad. I havent exerted myself that much since the fight in Savannah. And it took much longer for me to regain my consciousness after that. It seems Im getting more and more proficient in using that ungodly form.


    I was going to ask you about that, Derek said.


    Later, nah replied. I need to talk to you, anyway. Once this idiotic war is over, well talk.


    Sounds good, Derek said.


    Lets go, Edgar said. To the pce. Time to figure out the best way to end this.

 Chapter 357: Palace

    Chapter 357: Pce


    Derek and the others adventure through the capital wasnt quite what Derek was expecting. At least in the capital, it seemed that it was business as usual for the most part. There was absolutely no tension in any of the children running aroundit seemed they didnt have a care in the world, just how it should be. The adults didnt seem too worried about matters, either, but he guessed they were just doing their best to keep up the front in front of their children.


    When he first stepped out of the teleporter building, he had expected a quiet and solemn city. But when he saw everything, he was happy that quiet and solemn was not what he was met with. <em>And soon, even the underlying tension in the adults will be gone, </em>he thought, knowing that he just may have two keys to end the war stored inside his Time Prison.


    Derek, nah, Silvi, and Edgar made haste through the city and soon arrived at the front of the pce gatesa ce that looked all too familiar to Derek. No matter how many times he saw it, and how instant it was, it still stunned him that the carnage from the fight with Gerald Torith had beenpletely erased even before he had left on the raid.


    The three people and one bunny were instantly greeted when they arrived, and quickly brought to the Great Hall where Edwin, Edward, and a young woman who looked much like the two royals waited. There was also an older man dressed in a dark gray robe. Derek could only assume that the man was Edwins other adviserthe one who was cocky andcent, but hopefully had no more simrities to Gerald Torith, and wasnt aplete and total idiot.


    Finally, Natalie Savannah was seated off to the side, minding her own business with amunication crystal in her hand. She casually looked up when they all walked in, and her eyes met Dereks own. After a smile and a slight nod, she went back to whatever business she had on the other end of the crystal.


    Father, Edgar said, as the giant doors behind them were closed by the guards on the outside of the Great Hall.


    King Edwin waited until the doors werepletely shut before replying. Edgar! Youve done well, very well! The king seemed ecstatic, and for good reasons. Hed been informed viamunication crystal before they even arrived. nah, Mr. Hunt, Sil Ms. Silvi the kingdom owes the three of you a debt of gratitude for all that you have done for it. Really, words do not even begin to express how grateful I am to the tw three of you.


    Derek didnt bother with a reply, and nah was still recovering. However, what was surprising was that Silvi hopped off of Dereks shoulder and onto the bottom step in front of Edwin. The two locked eyes for a few moments, and Derek wondered what kind of exchange they were havingSilvi didnt currently have any of her bluemunication crystals with her, so any speaking she did had to be done through Telepathy.


    Of course, of course! the king said with a big smile. When I heard you wereing, I had it all brought to me. No point in decorum with just us in here. Please take it all. With that, the king reached into one of the pockets on his robe. When he brought his hand out, there were two storage ringsying on his palm.


    With a flick of his wrist, the two rings flew over to Silvi. Before they hit the floor, they were caught by her Telekinesis and hovered in front of her. Derek watched as she touched one ring with a paw for a few moments, then moved onto the other. Finally, it looked like she was satisfied.


    <em>Pockets,</em><em> </em>she sent to Derek, then, before he couldment, the two rings came flying his way.


    He caught them and stuck them inside one of his pockets without bothering to check them out. <em>Got it,</em><em> </em>he sent back.


    I am d that the rewards are to your liking, Ms. Silvi. If there is anything else you have need of, dont hesitate to ask, the king said.


    <em>Don</em><em>t, </em>Derek said, as he knew that Silvi was getting ready to make all sorts of demands. He knew that the king was just speaking in titudes, but Silvi either didnt, or she didnt care. So Derek decided to stop her before she ended up owning the kingdom or something. Silvi listened to Derek, and in the next instant, she appeared back on his shoulder.


    Now, the king cleared his throat. Shall we begin?


    I take it thats my cue? Derek asked.


    If you would be so kind, the king replied.


    Finally, out of the corner of his eye, Derek saw Natalie put away her crystal and stand before walking over next to him. It seemed that she was finally showing some interest in the proceedings.


    Derek turned around and took a few steps away from everyone, so there was ample space to work with. With a thought, he activated Time Prison, then ripped the space in two with his hands. Finally, he opened the newly revealed door, and inside, everyone could see the two captives.


    He had adjusted the flow of time inside the prison so that as little time would pass as possible for the captives while they traveled. So, it wasnt surprising when both Ryven and the Duke of Astrus looked to have barely moved an inch since theirst meetingthe one where they were unceremoniously thrown inside the prison and locked in the darkness.


    The Duke of Astrus waspletely immobile, still unconscious from his near death. Duke Ryven, however, appeared to be doing his best to hide his agony as he stared daggers at Derek, but the constant flow of fresh blood pouring out of his mouth didnt do his stoic look any favors. Dereks attack hadnded on, and possibly destroyed many organs inside the mans body, and he was still feeling the brunt of it.


    However, even in unbearable pain, the elven man continued to hold himself to a higher standard. <em>Well, I guess you</em><em>re first since youre awake, </em>Derek thought as he took a step in and grabbed the duke by the cor of his shirt before tossing him out into the Great Hall with everyone else.


    Ryvennded with a thudthe force aggravating the internal injuries enough for the bleeding to redouble its efforts. The man struggled to push himself up, but eventually managed to roll himself over enough to get a view of his surrounds. The look he gave everyone once he realized where he was at was priceless.


    B-but how? Ryven managed to get out a couple words before he choked on his own blood once more.


    I told you, didnt I? Derek began as he walked out of his Time Prison, causing Ryven to turn his head far enough to see him. You never had a chance. Youre alive because I didnt kill you. Do you understand now? Derek closed the door behind him, but kept the tear in space active so they could move on to the other duke whenever they were ready.


    Before the man could say anything to Derek, Edwins voice sounded out throughout the Great Hall. Ryven Elras! You dare attack my kingdom after the history we share! Why?


    Ryven finally managed to turn himself around and prop himself up on his knees before finally meeting the kings eyes. You he started, but instead, began a coughing fit and couldnt continue.


    Give the man a potion. I want to hear what he has to say, the kingmanded no one in particr.


    Edgar went ahead and force fed the duke a healing potion, which started to work almost instantly. The blood falling from his mouth slowed to a trickle, and his coughing fits ceases. The potion wasnt enough topletely heal the elvenmander, but it was more than enough to allow him tomunicate without a problem.


    Now, answer my question. Why did you attack us? And why align yourselves with a kingdom like Astrus? Edwin asked again.


    You you were weak, Ryven spat. Many of your best, including the only strong member of the royal family, it seems, left and weakened your kingdom. You were left with few epic or higher level 250s. It would have been a pity to let that go to waste.


    And that clearly worked wonders for you, Derek chimed in. Did you hear that, Edwin? They didnt want to waste this advantage.


    It was an advantage! Ryven snapped. If not for that that his eyesnded on Silvi, who was sitting on Dereks shoulder still. That damn rabbit and the siren!


    Youre the one that chased Silvi back to Savannah, Derek said. So its your fault. She just wanted to extort uh save Edward and receive a reward from Edwin. If you would have left her alone after that, nah probably wouldnt have even interfered. Seems like poor decision making all around, really. I mean, who drops everything just to chase a rabbit? Derek shook his head. But still, you didnt answer the kings question. Why did you attack in the first ce.


    The elven man stared dumbfounded at Derek with his mouth hung wide open. Then, before he came back to, Natalie walked in front of him.


    Look at me! she halfmanded, getting the mans attention enough so that he turned and met her pale gray eyes.


    Derek watched as Natalie did the same witchcraft on Ryven that she had done to Derek when they first met to find out if he was lying about Gerald Torith or not. Just seeing her eyes like that and the skill active again sent shivers down his spine. Soon, she was finished and walked away, shaking her head.


    Pathetic, she muttered as she sat back down in her seat.


    What is it, Natalie? Edwin asked. What did you find out?


    Its the same pathetic excuse almost every war begins with. Jealousy of your resources, especially the dungeon here in the capital. Superiority over the other races that are a part of Cydaria. Ease with which they would be able to sway Astrus into helping them, and opportunitywell, apparent opportunity we all know how that worked out.


    There was nothing special they nned to do, Natalie continued. Rule over those of less dominant races and use your dungeon to power level an army of umon and rare soldiers. And they knew that if they split Cydaria, it was only a matter of time before they could betray Astrus and control most of the continent, aside from Vallum. They seem to have no ns for the dwarfs.


    So they threw away all those decades of peace and prosperity for greed, Edwin sighed and slumped back in his throne a bit. Youre right, Natalie. It was pathetic.


    Seems to check all the boxes when ites to starting a war, Derek said. The time-tested excuse of we want what you have. Derek shook his head. He really couldnt say that it was pathetic, as it was one of the mostmon reasons that a war would be fought, and with a system where might makes right, it was probably the top reason, actually.


    Indeed, Edgar agreed. So, father. What do you want to do with the captives?


    Show me Duke Terrin, please? Edwin asked Derek.


    Is that his name? Derek muttered before opening the door to his prison and grabbing the unconscious ice duke before tossing him beside Ryven. Here you go, he said, and this timepletely closed the Time Prison behind him.


    Ive given this a lot of thought while you were traveling here, Edwin said with his hand on his chin. Indria, I believe we may be able to offer terms to, but Astrus, they are a rabid animal and need to be put down. That much was shown in how easily they were swayed into joining a war.


    For Duke Ryven, we will keep him alive for now, the king continued. As for Duke Terrin, he is of no use. Its time for a new royal lime for Astrus to begin anew.

 Chapter 358: Kingdoms Plan

    Chapter 358: Kingdom''s n


    I could take care of that right now, Derek said, motioning to the still unconscious duke. With someone who had no way out of dying, Derek thought it would be the perfect opportunity to perform his second test with his Void Travel skill. The duke was rtively powerful and would be perfect.


    No, the king said, disappointing Derek. We will go with Edgars n. A public execution of the second highest power in the Kingdom of Astrus should have the desired effect, especially after they have learned of the death of their king. Which, might I ask, is there anything left of him?


    Derek looked over at Silvi, but she just stared back, sullenly. No, I dont believe there is, he said.


    Thats unfortunate, but it wasnt a necessity. It would have been better to have something, but we can make do with just Duke Terrin, the king said. I am sure that many in the kingdom have already learned of the death of their king.


    Then what will we do first, father? Edward asked.


    First, the king began. Your brother, Ms. Swan, and Mr. Hunt, if they are willing, that is, will invade the capital of Indria and bind the royal family with a soul contract. Indrias royal family will be bound to Cydarias royal family, and thus, Indria will be a vassal kingdom to Cydaria. Too many have perished already, and it would be best to end this war with as little bloodshed as possible.


    What about Astrus? Edgar asked.


    Once Indria is taken care of, myself and, hopefully, King Osian will execute Duke Terrin in the Astrus capital. Post that, we will establish a new royal family with soul contracts as well, making Astrus a vassal kingdom, the king exined.


    So, basically, Derek started. You are going to do to the other kingdoms what they wanted to do with Cydaria?


    No, Natalie chimed in from the side. They wanted to eliminate the Cydarian royal family and anyone close to it and force many of the citizens into servitude that may not have been much better than very. With Edwins n, Astrus and Indria will both continue to exist, just with new rules andwsthe rules andws of Cydaria.


    Speaking of very, how deep does whatever Gerald was doing go? Was the royal family involved? Or was that just some side project for him while he fed them information? Because if they were behind it, your n may need some adjusting, Derek said to the king.


    Unfortunately the king started with a sigh. The overwhelming majority of those we found involved in Geralds <em>business, </em>were actually noble families from Cydaria. As far as we have been able to tell, he may have initiated some trades with some Indrians, but he never had actual contact with the royal family. At least not that he knew of.


    Well, I guess I can always find out more once we get to Indria Derek shrugged. Whatever, he said. Im in. When do we leave?


    Wait, wait, wait, Edgar cut in. If its the three of us going, then how are we going to initiate the soul contract? That would require either Edward or you, he asked his father.


    Brother, Edward stepped forward and held up his arm that was missing his hand and much of his forearm. I have failed too many times. It seems that at every move that I make, I am being saved by you or others. Father and I have discussed this much over thest weeks. You have proven your strength andmitment


    No! Edgar t out stopped Edward, then he shot Derek an annoyed re.


    <em>Told you, </em>Derek sent Edgar via Telepathy. <em>My Liege.</em>


    I refuse to be king, Edgar said. In fact, if you insist on it, once everything here is taken care of, I will leave to go explore the rest of the world. But I will not be king.


    But King Edwin began.


    No buts, father. It is impossible.


    I have a suggestion, Derek said, and everyone looked in his direction. We all know how I feel about how Edwin has run his kingdom. I havent exactly been silent about it. However, Edward has seen his faults, and seems to be of the right mindset. So what if he lost an arm? Edgar brought him a dragon. Or, your daughter could be queen, Derek said as he looked at the woman, who had been quiet all this time. The dragon doesnt exactly have to be Edwards. But I dont know much about her.


    I am Elouise Cydaria, Princess of Cydaria, the youngdy stepped forward. And unfortunately, I am no more cut out for bing queen than Edgar is for bing king.


    Then Edward it is! He smiled at Edgar, who was looking at him thankfully. If you have been discussing it, then I imagine you are nning on stepping down as king? he asked Edwin.


    I do, Edwin replied. I n on giving up my throne as soon as this war business is settled.


    Great, Derek said, then looked at nah. nah, how long do you need to recover?


    I should be 100% in around another three hours, she replied.


    Good, that will give me enough time to experiment, Derek replied. Do you have any live beasts in the pce? Of any kind? he asked.


    Uh yes? the king replied, confused. There are always multiple live beasts avable for the kitchen to prepare fresh. May I ask why?


    Theres something I need to do, Derek said. Something I need to try out, and I would rather try it on a beast instead of a person.


    Very well, the king said. Phillip, go fetch Mr. Hunt a beast from the kitchen.


    Bring back a couple, Derek half yelled at the adviser as he bowed and left the Great Hall.


    Minutester, Phillip came back with three cageseach with a boar-like creature inside. <em>Everyone loves bacon, </em>Derek thought as he looked at the beasts. Great, Derek said, then walked forward and took one of the cages. <em>Silvi, make a Void Travel portal, </em>he said to Silvi. Could you hold these? he asked nah before tossing her the storage rings hed been given.


    In the middle of the Great Hall, the dreadful feeling came crashing down on everyone in the room, then the space split open, revealing the void tunnel. Instantly, the doors to the Great Hall swung open and multiple guards came rushing in.


    Leave us! the king yelled,manding the guards back out.


    Once the doors were shut, Derek opened a cage and took one of the boars in his hand. It was the first time for him to use Void Creation on something other than himself, so it took a lot of focus. Soon, a thinyer of void energy epassed the creature. With a nod to everyone, Derek stepped inside the portal.


    He watched the boar attentively, not taking his focus off of it for a second. Slowlyvery slowlythe boar began to change. <em>Its much slower than it was with the turkey. And the boar isnt as high level as the turkey was, either. Plus, its still alive. </em>It seemed that covering the beast with his Void Creation skill was working, even if notpletely.


    Derek waited, and noted down that it took almost five whole minutes before the boar died inside the tunnel. It was a good experiment, and show that the two skills he had received from the Origin System for his evolution, Void Travel and Void Creation, worked well together.


    Finally, he removed the void from around the creature and watched as it rapidly aged and disappeared. The rate at which it happened with and without his void covering it was like night and day. After that, Derek stepped out from the void tunnel. Everyone had been watching him in rapt attention, and they all witnessed what happened with the boar.


    Without saying a word, Derek reached into the next cage and pulled out another boar. This time, he spent a great effort and amount of time to fully cover the beast in the same void armor that he used on himself. The longer he held it, the easier it was to use. With the creature covered and his mana only maintaining the void armor instead of building it, Derek turned back around and walked into the void tunnel.


    This time, even after ten minutes, Derek didnt detected the boar being hurt at all. <em>Oh? I actually may have found a work around. However, I dont know if I can do this for a whole person. </em>The armor wasnt nearly as easy to create around the beast as it was himself.


    He waited another ten minutes, then walked back out. Once out, he removed the armor, and to everyones surprise, the beast was perfectly intact. It showed no signs of harm at all.


    Your turn, Derek turned to Silvi.


    <em>What? </em>hispanion asked.


    <em>You have the skill, too, </em>Derek sent.


    <em>For cooking, </em>she sent back. <em>Not for armor. </em>


    <em>Hmm what can you make with it? </em>


    <em>Just cooking things. Pans, forks, spoons, knives</em>


    <em>Pots? </em>Derek asked. <em>With lids? </em>


    <em>Yes! </em>


    Derek watched as Silvi quickly created a big pot with a lid out of the void. The pot was big enough for the whole boar, and then some.


    <em>Put it in, put it in! </em>


    She didnt have to ask twice. Derek grabbed the lid, which surprisingly felt and weighed just as much as he would have expected a real one to. Then, he put the boar inside. Instantly, the pot lifted into the air and hovered above Silvi as she hopped into the void tunnel.


    However, Derek watched in dismay as the lid slightly lifted up once they were inside, then fell back shut. The boar had opened the lid, and had been hit with all the void from the tunnel. The current experiment was a bust, and even Silvi knew it. She hopped back out and ced the pot on the ground.


    Derek opened it and looked inside. Sure enough, in that split second that the lid was opened, a chunk had disappeared out of the boars head.


    <em>Try the other one, </em>Silvi said, and chucked the body of the dead boar out of the pot.


    <em>Sure, </em>Derek agreed, and soon he had ced the third boar inside.


    This time, along with telekinesis carrying the pot, multiple Mage Hands floated around it, holding the lid down. Silvi also waited twenty minutes inside. Then, when she hopped out, she opened the lid, and every looked on with bated breath. Finally, the boar jumped out of the now open pot and began running around the room. It had worked. The boar was still alive.


    <em>How big and how many of those can you make? </em>Derek asked.


    <em>Just one. And not too much bigger than that. </em>


    <em>So I can take one person, hopefully, and she should be able to carry one maybe two. Interesting. </em>


    Derek turned to the king and asked, Do you have anyone scheduled for execution or the like?


    Multiple conspirators from some of the great houses, the king replied. We have performed most of our public executions. The others will be taken care of once this war is finished. We have not had the time.


    Great. Take me there, and give me someone who knows who is to be executed and why, he said. Then he looked at Silvi. Lets go. Close the tunnel.


    Phillip. The king turned to his adviser. Please escort Silvi and Mr. Hunt to the dungeons and help him with anything he wishes.


    Yes, Your Majesty. The adviser bowed. Mr. Hunt, if you would follow me.


    With that, Derek followed behind the Kings Adviser and was soon led to the dungeon below. It wasnt as nice as the one under Natalies residence, but it seemed to work just as well. The cells all had many of the same runes on them as Natalies, preventing any of the prisoners from escaping or using much of their powers.


    We are here, Mr. Hunt, Phillip said.


    Do I know anybody? Derek asked.


    I do not believe so, Mr. Hunt, the adviser answered.


    Alright, then, just pick someone. Someone whopletely deserves to be executed. He wasnt sure how much pain being inside the space would cause, and he wasnt one for torture. So, he wanted to make sure that whoever he experimented with really deserved it if it didnt work and ended up being extremely painful.


    Phillip opened up a cell, and a middle-aged man appeared.


    What did he do? Derek asked.


    He was one of the people Gerald trusted to supply him.


    Got it, Derek said. He would feel nothing if the man ended up dead from the experiment. Silvi, if you would.


    Silvi opened the portal, and once again, they began their tests.

 Chapter 359: Tests

    Chapter 359: Tests


    The tests that Derek and Silvi ran went off without a hitchactually, they went ever better than Derek had been expecting. Of course, the test subject, Maxwell, did end up dead at the end of the process. Though, that was neither his nor Silvis fault.


    At first, Derek had covered the man in a full set of void armor. This had allowed him to lift the man and enter the void with no side effects. It was very straining for Derek to do this for someone the size of the man, but he had done it.


    After that, Silvi had made a massive pot with a lid and crammed the guy inside. It went just as well as it had with the third boar. She did, however, make sure to put pressure on the lid to avoid iting open. After that, Derek told her that she could probably imagine mps for the lid to connect to the pot, and that worked even better.


    For their final test, Derek actually held the man and moved through the voiing out at a different portal he made by the Golem Dungeona ce where he suspected there would be nobody around. Then, they came back, and Maxwell, an in between for Gerald and certain unsavory elves, came out of it alive and kicking with no signs of any harm.


    The death of the man urred from a slight oversight on Derek, Silvi, and even Phillips part. When Silvi came back from moving through the void with the man, she opened the lid to show that he was fine. Then, she dismissed the pot altogether, and the triomostly Derek and Phillipbegan a short discussion on the results. During that short amount of time, Maxwell was free, with nobody holding him captive.


    He took it on himself to try to escape via the void tunnel created by Silvi. To his credit, he made it about five steps inside before he realized something was wrong and turned back. Three stepster, the man died. Derek also took note that since Void Travel wasnt an attack skill, and things were killed naturally inside it, he and Silvi didnt receive any experience points. They didnt with the turkeys either.


    Another thing that Derek noticed was that the man didnt seem to die in pain. It looked painful, but the man made no sounds and his eyes didnt look to be in pain, either. He also noted that Maxwell had been lucky and hadnt been hit by the consuming aspect of space, and instead seemed to die of old age at least on the upper half of his body.


    All in all, the tests took less than the three hours that nah said she required to be back to 100%. And now, Derek and Silvi found themselves being led back up to the Great Hall by Phillip Musgrave, the kings only remaining adviser.


    Dereks initial thoughts about the adviser once they were alone together were that he was arrogant. However, though he was arrogant, he didnt seem like a bad personat least he was much better than Gerald Torith, but that wouldnt take much. The man was very knowledgeable in most things Derek asked about the kingdom, and actually seemed to have worked for his position as adviser instead of lucking into it, or creating a circumstance to luck into.


    And if that was so, Derek couldnt me him for being arroganthe certainly wasnt going to me himself for being arrogant. He even asked the man about releasing his aura in Torithone of the few or the only story hed heard about him. He just replied that it was something people expected and that it would give the lower ss something to keep them upied with for a time. It also didnt hurt that it prevented beggars from begging him for things afterward, either.


    Finally, after the long walk from the dungeons to the Great Hall, they made it back. In the time it took for his experimenting, nah, looking much better than before, had joined Natalie at her small table off to the side. Elouise had disappeared somewhere, and the prince and king trio were up, speaking silently by the throne. The two captives were bound in opposite corners, being watched over by some guards.


    Derek did notice that everyone in the room didnt take their eyes off of the captives for long, though. They were ready in the off chance that they tried something, which could have also been why Elouise had left the Great Hall.


    When Edgar noticed Derek and Silvi make their entrance, he quickly bounded down the steps from the throne and rushed over to him.


    So, what were the results? he asked. Everyone else dropped their conversations and turned to listen in.


    Better than we could have hoped for. It looks like Silvi and I will have no problem taking two other people with usthree if two of you dont mind being crammed inside a pot together. Well, we didnt test that, but I figure it would still be the same, Derek answered.


    So, there were no casualties? Edgar asked.


    Sir, there was one, Phillip answered for Derek. However, it was not Mr. Hunts nor Ms. Silvis fault. It was my oversight that led to the man trying to escape through the portal that they had been testing.


    Ouch, Edgar replied.


    Indeed, Phillip answered.


    We also came to the conclusion, Derek started, getting the attention back to himself. That if we cover the storage rings along with everything else, that the contents inside should be safe, as well. Though we didnt test it, and Silvi is adamant about not bringing her rewards along with us to find out. So, I will leave it up to you whether you want to risk bringing perishable contents along in your storage rings or not.


    Thats good. I have a few things inside my own that I wont mind losing, Edgar said.


    I imagine it will be safe. At least, all signs point to it being safe, Derek said, and internally thought, <em>Though, I dont know how to make the same thing true for either my Time Prison or my Void Storage. Maybe those are considered a part of me, and if I cover myself in the void, it will also cover the things inside? Just another thing to test, but I doubt thats the case. It would be too broken.</em>


    With all that said, everyone rxed and waited for nah to reach full power. She sat with Natalie, sipping on a special tea prepared to help calm and rx her mind. Apparently, because of how often shed been using her transformation skill, she had prepared a lot of it.


    Edwin questioned Derek about the end of the raid and everything that had happened after Edgar and Blitz had made their exits. He even went as far as apologizing to Derek for his son putting him in that position, and made sure to state that none of the deaths were his fault. They were titudes, but Derek epted them. He and Elena had already gone back and forth on whos fault it was, but really, there wasnt anything either one of them could have done to avoid them.


    Soon, another hour and a half passed, and nah stood.


    Are you good to go? Derek asked when he saw her walking over.


    I am, she said.


    At that, Silvi hopped over to him, and Edgar came over as well.


    Alright, Derek said. So, we are going to, hopefully, portal to the capital of Indria. Then, either we sneak or storm our way into their castle or pce or whatever they have. Finally, we find the king and are you all sure this is a good n?


    Edgar shrugged. We have Ryven, and youre basically a counter to their barriers that they are so proud of. It shouldnt be hard to get to the king if we make it into the city. I doubt there is anyone who can stop any of the three of us at least speed wise. By now, they should have heard about the terrible defeat they suffered in thest battle.


    Sounds good to me, Derek said. But I have one very important question.


    Whats that? Edgar asked.


    Who is traveling inside the pot?


    ***


    Sabrina Elras had a very stressfulst few months. Everything had been okay until her father had attacked Savannah, earning the ire of nah Swan, the Dawn Siren. Ever sincepleting her mission to Cydaria, her uncle Osian, the king, had brought her in on various goings ons in the kingdom. She still wasnt entirely sure why, but she could make some guesses.


    She hadnt been blessed with the same barrier type ss choices as the rest of her family. Instead, all of her upgrade choices at level 50 were rare, but basic. Then, the same thing happened for her level 100 ss upgrade. All hope was on her achieving a useful ss at level 200, and she had a feeling that her uncle was leading her to some ss that he hadnt yet deigned to share.


    However, she would follow orders and hope that her father could somehow find a way to seed with their current attack. Because, if he failed, nothing shed been doing would make a bit of difference. But for now, she would put all those rampant thoughts to the back of mind and enjoy the one time at the end of the day that she could rx.


    Sabrina lifted her leg up out of the bath water, then brought it back down. The bubbles were running low, and the water was bing cooler. Jessica! Bring more soap and a bucket of hot water.


    Yes, maam! her servant squeaked and ran out of the room. Momentster, she came scurrying back in with a giant bucket and a handful of her scented cleaner. With a flick of her hand, her servant tossed the scented soap in the bucket, then poured the entire thing into the tub at the foot of the bath.


    Instantly, the cool water took a refreshing turn and warmed. Sabrina sighed and sunk back down into her bath. Leave! shemanded before lowering her head under. There was nothing as refreshing or sacred as a nice, warm bath.


    Suddenly, her stomach turned, and she began to shiver. She shot upright in a sitting position and looked around. Her servant, Jessica, was standing in the corner of the room, where she was supposed to be, shaking. She didnt look well at all. An overwhelming feeling soon took hold of Sabrina. She couldnt exin it.


    T-towel! Sabrina stood from her bath andmanded, but there was no answer. She looked over again, and Jessica was on her knees, frozen. J-Jessica! T-towel n-now! but she didnt move.


    Sabrina raised her leg and took a shaky step out of the tub, then clumsily made her way over to Jessicaor the towel hanging beside her. She soon made it and was barely able to wrap the cloth around her body when the overwhelming sensation turned into anxietyinto dread. <em>Whats going on? </em>


    Maam! Is everything alright in there? One of the house guards pounded on the door.


    Sabrina didnt know what to do. They didnt need to see her in such a state. <em>Where are my storage rings? </em>She had given them to Jessica, but she was near catatonic.


    I-its fine, she managed to get out.


    Are you sure?


    Yes, donte in here. She could not allow them to see her in such a state of undress.


    However, the dreadful feeling finally subsided, and Sabrina was able to take in a full breath. Jessica also gasped in a deep breath of air.


    Give me my storage rings! Sabrinamanded, but her servant still wasnt answering. No, she was staring wide eyed at the opposite side of the room. <em>What is she looking at? </em>Then, all of the sudden, she heard a thud behind her, causing her to turn, but she stopped her motion when she heard somebody speak in a low voice.


    Looks like we came at a bad time.

 Chapter 360: A Bad Time

    Chapter 360: A Bad Time


    Derek and Silvi were extra careful when transporting nah and Edgar. Derek made sure to hold nah with both hands, one gripping the top back of her te armor, and the other on her side. While Silvi was able to make her void creations without having to be in contact with them, Derek had yet to try, so he was very focused on not breaking contact with nah when carrying her through the void.


    Silvi, on the other hand, had still chosen to mp the top of her pot lid down, just on the off chance that something happened and it tried toe off.


    The whole time they spent traveling between the Great Hall of the pce, and their destination was mere minutesmuch less time, and much shorter distances than they had traveled while doing their experiments. Soon enough, Derek created an opening, and they quickly stepped out onto a beautiful wooden floor. Making sure that they were all clear, Derek closed the opening behind them, then removed the void covering from nah.


    Silvi did the same with Edgar, but in a more unceremonious way. Instead of removing the lid and allowing the prince to climb out, she just dismissed her creation altogetherleaving the man to fall on his backside from a few feet in the air. Derek looked over and hid a smile that was trying to form. It was quiteical.


    Finally, he took in hisplete surroundings and realized that they had ended up exiting the portal and entering what looked like a bathroom. In front of them was a woman turned around and shouting something about storage rings at another quivering woman crouched down in a corner of the room.


    Derek looked over at nah, then back at the scene and half whispered, Looks like we came at a bad time.


    Y-you! The woman managed to turn around and pointed at Derek. Her face was a flurry of emotionsfear, embarrassment, anger it seemed she couldnt settle on one.


    Yes, Derek said lightly. Me. And there is also nah Swan, Silvi, and Edgar Cydaria. You should know them. They are quite famous.


    Y-you wha how? the elven woman managed to squeak out. Surprisingly, she had yet to scream or shout loud enough to draw attention to their arrival.


    How about you put some clothes on first? Its rather indecent for a woman of your standing to be addressing her guests in nothing but a towel, nah chimed in. And a short one, at that.


    Finally, with her embarrassment and nahsmand, Sabrinas face went red as her eyes went distant. She turned back to the woman on the ground, who now seemed to be back in control of herself, at least a little, and held out her hand, requesting the storage rings once again. The human woman patted her pockets, then produced two rings and handed them to the elven woman without saying a word.


    Momentster, Sabrina Elras was dressed in a gold-trimmed green robe and a pair of sandals. She faced Derek and the others once again, but before anyone could speak, they heard footstep a rapt knocking sounded from the door next to her.


    Miss Elras, a mans voice came through. Are you sure everythings okay? We felt something. Now its gone. Did you see anything?


    Sabrina, eyes still distant, stood stock still and quiet, but nah quickly shed over to her and whispered something in her ear. Surprisingly, after the woman ground her teeth, she spoke up and said in a half yell, I told you that everything is fine! Leave me be while I bathe!


    Y-yes, maam. Sorry, maam, the voice apologized, then stopped.


    Everything was going much better than Derek and the others had expected. Worst-case scenario, they expected toe out of the void tunnel in a room full of people and instantly draw rm. Instead, they appeared in a secluded bathroom with a woman who seemed to be too emotional and confused to sound an rm or give them away as soon as they entered. Then nah was able to take care of the rest.


    Derek waited a few moments to give the person on the other side of the door enough time to leave before saying, Its been a while, Sabrina. You look good. At least a lot better than your father did thest time I saw him.


    nah whispered something else into the womans ear, and she spoke. My father? the elf answered mechanically and at a low volume. When did you meet my father? No, how are you out of that dungeon?


    I told her to answer as she normally would, but to keep her volume down, nah moved back over to Derek and told him.


    She seems to be quite uninformed, nah said as she took a step forward. I guess Osian is trying not to create widespread panic. She looked over at Sabrina. Have you heard nothing about the raid party returning, or your father losing on the front lines? Or of Astrus losing their king?


    I have heard nothing of the sort, Sabrina said, eyes still distant. And there is no way my father could lose? He is much too good of amander for such a thing to happen.


    She definitely has faith in her father, Derek said.


    Yeah, and it was probably warranted, Edgar spoke since the first time after standing and brushing himself off. That is, until you two monsters joined in.


    Derek shrugged. What do we do now? Its been a lot smoother than I thought it was going to be.


    nah looked around, then her eyesnded on the woman in the corner. She moved forward, then crouched before her. Tell me your name.


    Jessica, the woman said.


    And what is it you do here?


    I am Miss Elrass personal maidservant.


    nah nodded, then stood. After that, she moved back over to Sabrina. Tell me. She started. Do you have a way to bring us before King Osian without rousing any suspicion?


    I do not, she answered mechanically.


    Do you have a way to bring us close to the king? nah asked.


    I do, she answered.


    How?


    If youe as my servants or guards, I can bring you into the pce. But you wont be able to enter the Throne Room, the elf answered.


    nah turned and looked at Derek and Edgar. Sound good?


    If she can do it, Derek said. Thats more than enough. If we can get close enough to the throne room, theres nothing or nobody that could stop us from entering. You may even be able tomand the guards to let us the rest of the way independing on their ranks and levels.


    Thats what I was thinking, nah replied, then turned back to Sabrina. Sabrina, how would we present ourselves as guards and servants?


    Soon enough, Derek and Edgar found themselves in servant garbs, walking behind Sabrina and nah with their heads down. Since both Derek and Edgar were human, it was only natural for them to pretend to be servants. As for nah, she had covered herself in a robe and walked half a step behind Sabrina. She also kept her head down slightly, but not as much as Derek and Edgar.


    Jessica, Sabrinas personal maidservant, had beenmanded to go back to her business in the manor and act like nothing was out of the ordinary. Considering the difference in strength between nah and the servant, themand couldst for hours. As for hermands on Sabrina, nah had reinforced her voice for them. She would eventually break out of it, but it shouldst long enough for them to make it to the pcethey hoped.


    Sabrina led the trioand Silvi, who were hiding inside nahs robeout of the backside of her manor. Going this way, they didnt run into any of Sabrinas other family members, and only passed by a few servants who wouldnt even meet their eyes, much less ask any questions.


    The group soon found themselves walking along the streets of the Indrian Capital, which Derek had only recently found out was named Eloria. When Derek first stepped outside of the elven womans home, the first thing he noticed was the refreshing fragrance that wafted into his nose. It was a nice floral scent, and was in great contrast to the smells of the various cities hed been to during his stay in Cydaria. The entire city almost smelled like nature.


    As he looked around, he believed that he had to have been in the rich part of the city, as everything was sparkling clean and beautiful. The city itself wasnt so different from Cydarias Capital, aside from the cleanliness, rich fragrance, building material, and space between buildings. However, as he traveled behind Sabrina, he began to notice that no matter where he looked, he found that he couldnt find an area that wasnt taken care of.


    Sure, he managed to see some older buildings, but they were just as clean as everything else. And it even looked like some of the older buildings were in the process of being renovated. He had to admit, if not for the ridiculous elitism shown by the majority of elves he met, he could get used to living in a city like Eloria.


    They continued this way for around half an hour as Sabrina led them through the streets. Luckily, the Dukes Manor wasnt extremely far from the pce, and they eventually arrived without drawing any untoward attention to themselves.


    Just like the rest of the city, even the pce was made from trees and wood. Other than some of the partially shaped stone streets leading to the pce, it seemed the entire city was built with different types of wood and nature. <em>That would exin the pleasant scent throughout the city. Especially if they</em><em>ve somehow kept most of the material alive. </em>


    Sabrina led them through the gates to the pce, and none of the guards even batted an eye at her. It seemed that she had done the same thing often enough that it wasnt unusual for them to see her strolling in with her servants. She was even able to lead them through many parts of the pce beforeing to a halt in front of a certain man standing between two guards.


    Jerum, she casually spoke to the elven man.


    Miss Elras, what brings you to the pce thiste in the evening? the man asked.


    Ive important news and must report it to the king immediately. If you would, please inform His Majesty that I need to meet him in the Throne Room.


    Miss Elras, the man began. Im afraid the king is not currently avable.


    Of course he isnt, Sabrina said. It iste. I would not expect him to be in the Throne Room. Im saying that I have information that he needs to hear. Otherwise, it could have waited until the morning.


    No, Miss Elras. Jerum shook his head. That is not what I mean. His Majesty is in the Throne Room, however, he is not epting visitors at this time. He is very busy.


    Oh? Sabrina said. Then he is inside?


    Yes, maam, Jerum said.


    Once that was confirmed, Sabrina turned to nah and mechanically said, This is as far as I can take you.


    Sabrina? Jerum asked with concern.


    Silence, nah spoke with amand for Jerum and the two guards next to him. Do not move. Then she looked at Derek, and he nodded.


    Derek quickly opened his Time Prison, and before the guards or Jerum could break out of nahsmand, he and Edgar quickly tossed them inside before closing the door and space. Then, the three of them removed the servant and guard disguises they were wearing. That done, Silvi hopped from nah and onto Dereks shoulder.


    That went better than expected, Derek said.


    Keep your guards up, nah told Derek and Edgar. We dont know who Osian is meeting with. They could be powerful.


    Derek and Edgar nodded, then, they all stepped forwardSabrina still in the lead. The elven woman ced her hands on the two giant doors leading to the Throne Room, then, with a push, they swung open. Every head in the room turned to the arrival of their new guests. Derek smiled as he looked around. Things were about to get interesting.

 Chapter 361: Meeting

    Chapter 361: Meeting


    Derek counted six elves sitting around a long table that had been ced in the center of the Throne Room. There were four men and two women. Three of the male elves looked somewhat simr with their long, flowing silver hair and emerald green eyes. If he had to guess, Derek would say that one was the king, and the other two were his sons. <em>Hmm</em><em> how many sons does this king have? </em>He thought to himself. <em>It looks like they</em><em>re having ate meeting. I bet I can guess the subject. </em>


    Sister, one of the male elves jumped to his feet. What is the meaning of this? Why are you here?


    <em>Oh, so at least one of them is Sabrina</em><em>s brother older, I guess? Its hard to tell. </em>Even though the man had called out to her multiple times, Sabrina didnt answerno, she couldnt answer. After all, nah hadnt allowed her to.


    Sabrina! her brother yelled once again. Answer me!


    Settle down, Laeryn, another young looking elfthe one sitting at the head of the tablespoke in a light tone. It isnt that she will not speak, its that she cannot speak. Likely, your sister has not been in control of her actions for some time now. Isnt that right? The man stood and gave a light bow to Dereks group. Ms. Swan.


    Swan? another one of the men asked, then hushed murmurs fell around the table. Father You cant mean


    It seems my reputation proceeds me, nah said as she walked forward, stopping a good ten feet away from the table full of what seemed to be Indrian royalty. Derek and Edgar followed closely behind. Unsurprisingly, everyone at the table seemed to be unaffected, or at least affected very little, by nahs casual speaking. Osian, I believe that this is the first time weve had the pleasure of meeting in person.


    Around the table, everyone except for one woman jumped to their feet and drew their weapons. However, the man who nah was speaking to, apparently the King of Indria, held up his hand and motioned for them to stop.


    Im afraid its toote for that. Put your weapons away and sit down, King Osianmanded with a sigh, and everyone but him fell to their seatsthough not without some hesitation. If Ms. Swan is here, then by that white-silver hair and blue eyes, I assume I am also in the presence of a Cydarian royalI would guess Edgar Cydaria. Which means that the remaining man must be Mr. Derek Hunt and hispanion, Silvi.


    You assume correctly, nah said. And I assume you already know why we are here.


    I have an idea. Though I had imagined we would have a bit more time before you arrived, and I didnt believe your arrival would be so sudden. I guess I can just add that into the growing list of miscalctions made by myself and my brothers part, the king sighed.


    Miscalctions indeed, Edgar stepped forward and spoke. Now, I believe its time to discuss the terms of your surrender.


    Surrender!? King Osians son jumped out of his seat once more. With the three of you, you expect us


    Silence! Olivar! Osian shot his son a re before turning his head back to Derek and the others. Come, have a seat.


    The table where the royal family was sitting had multiple empty seats on one end. Edgar gave both Derek and nah a look, and they both shrugged. Fine, he said before walking forward and sitting at the opposite end of the table from Osians position. He was the Cydarian royal in their current situation, and thus, would be speaking for the whole of Cydaria.


    Once Edgar was seated, Derek and nah took their own seats to his right and left. Sabrinasince she hadnt beenmanded by nahcontinued to stay back, not moving.


    Seeing his niece still standing there, King Osian looked at nah and said, May I be so rude to ask you to release my niece from your control?


    nah looked back at Sabrina, then at the king, and shrugged. Thats not something I can control. Shell break out of it when she breaks out of it. Finally, looking back at the girl onest time, nah said, Sabrina, go sit with your family.


    The elven woman mechanically walked over to the empty seat next to her brother and sat. She didnt say a wordonly staring directly ahead.


    It shouldnt be too long now, nah said. I half expected her to break out of it on our way over here. She must not have a lot of points invested in wisdomeither that, or she has horrendous willpower. Thats something shell really need to work on.


    And will she get to? Osian took that chance to jump in and ask a question that had to have been on his mind for some time now. Will she have the chance to work on her willpower?


    Thats not up to me, nah said with a shrug. Itd be better if you asked Edgar.


    Everyone in the room, aside from Sabrina, Derek, and Silvi, turned their heads to see what Edgar had to say. Derek, on the other hand, was busy trying to guess the age of the elves at the other end of the table. <em>I didn</em><em>t think that the youngest looking guy in here would be the king. Damn </em>he thought. Then he turned his head slightly to look at hispanion. Silvi well, Derek didnt want to guess at what Silvi was thinkingbeing in a room full of elves and all.


    That, Edgar finally began. Will entirely depend on how negotiations go.


    Father, Olivar leaned forward, and in a hushed whisper, which did nothing to hide what he was saying, spoke to the king. There are only three of them. Why must we do this? Has the war really be that bad?


    Hah! Derek snorted, causing everyone to look at him. You havent told him yet? Have you?


    Told me what? Olivar furrowed his brows. Father. What is this man talking about?


    No, Mr. Hunt, Osian said. Im afraid your group arrived before I had a chance to exin the current situation to everyone other than my wife and adviser. The king looked over at the elven woman who had remained sitting throughout everything. It was no wonder why, other than the king, she was the only one not to act rashly and draw their weapon.


    Exin what? Olivar continued to ask.


    Go ahead, Edgar said. Things will be easier with he began, but was cut off by Sabrina, finallying out of her trance.


    Wha With a panic-stricken face, she shot to her feet and looked around. Where am Uncle Your Majesty. Even in her panic, she managed to recognize her king and bowed deeply to the man. Then, her face flushed and she quickly looked down and pat her robe before sighing in relief. Finally, she looked around at everyone, and her eyesnded on Derek. You!


    Me again, Derek answered with a chuckle.


    Sister, her brother, Laeryn, said, getting her attention. Please, get control of yourself and sit. Uncle is about to exin to us what is going on.


    Finally, she seemed to realize her situation, and silently fell back into her seat beside her brother. Still, she asionally stole nces at Edgar and Derek, her face blushing more and more with each one. Her eyes shot to nah, and, in recognition, a in-looking ne with an emerald stone appeared in her hand and she put it around her neck.


    As I was saying, Edgar continued. Go ahead and exin the situation. I believe things will be easier once everyone has an understanding of what has happened.


    Very well, Osian said, then he waited until he had everyones attention before continuing. Earlier this afternoon, I was informed of losses suffered by our army inside the border.


    But didnt King Tevarian and Duke Terrin, along with General Whitaker, join the army days ago? Olivar asked. The only enemies they needed to deal with were the prince looked at Edgar and nah, but then his eyes widened and they fell on Derek, then Silvi.


    Yes, Olivar, Osian continued. It seems that either Mr. Hunt has left the dungeon they were in, or they havepleted it much earlier than we assumed.


    The second one, Derek interrupted with a yawn.


    Everyone looked at him, but then focused back on the king and his exnation.


    Well, it seems that theypleted the raid much sooner than we anticipated, and Mr. Hunt, along with hispanion, joined the fighting not long after Tevarian and Terrin did. And as a consequence from what I have heard, mind you, our army suffered massive losses.


    And King Tevarian? Olivar asked.


    What about my father? Sabrina looked at Osian with tears in her eyes.


    That, Osians eyesnded on Derek, then quickly moved to Edgar. I am not certain of the fate of themanders of the army. Ryven seems to still be alive, but I do not know his state. Prince Edgar my brother


    Hes alive and in no danger, Edgar answered. For now.


    Osian sighed heavily in relief. Good good. And those from Astrus? King Tevarian?


    A puddle, Derek answered. To his right, on his shoulder, he heard Silvi snort.


    <em>Stupid ice enemies. Leaving no ingredients,</em><em> </em>Silvi sent to him.


    <em>Exactly, </em>Derek replied. Silvi was sulking from identally destroying the kings storage ring with her dragon fire. She was also still salty about the Frost Wargs she had fought in the raid, not leaving her anything but buckets of water.


    A puddle? Osian asked hesitantly.


    He turned into pure ice and was a pain in the ass to fight without killing. So he died, Derek exined. The general guy is dead, too, but the two dukes, your brother included, are currently alive.


    The king looked from Derek to Edgar, and Edgar nodded. Its as he said.


    The king slumped back in his seat and sighed. It seems that it really is our defeat.


    Like I said. Edgar leaned forward. Were here to talk about the conditions of your surrender.


    The room went quiet for what seemed like an eternity, but was really only a few minutes. Finally, Osian nodded to himself and spoke once more.


    I beg of you to release my brother. Allow my remaining children and family to live, and you may take my life. I will admit to my folly as a king to my people and urge them to foster no hatred. I will take all the me, for it is mine, and mine alone.


    Father! Olivar struggled toe up with words. N no! You cant do that.


    It must be done! Osian raised his voice and red at his son. It is the price for failure.


    Actually Edgar began, getting everyones attention once more. Your son is right. You cant do that. Your life is both too much and not enough.


    Too much and not enough? Osian looked on, confused. What do you mean?


    I mean that weve already made our ns. The death of a king will not be enough to satisfy our kingdom. Our losses have been too great, and our citizens have lived in fear of your army for too long. That, and we all know what would have happened to Cydaria had you and Astrus aplished the task you set out for.


    Then what will happen?


    You will not die, Edgar said bluntly. Ryven will not die. None of your royal family will die.


    What?


    No, you will not die, but your kingdom must change, Edgar said. You and your family will continue to rule Indria. However, Indria will be a vassal of Cydaria. Unlike what would have happened had you won this war you started, however, Cydaria wont mass execute or enve your people. They will be able to go on living their almost normal lives.


    A vassal kingdom Osian looked down. My grandfather would be ashamed.


    Were not done, Edgar said, and Osian looked back up. Your royal family will form soul contracts with Cydaria. The details will be discussedter. But, obviously, your rules andws, especially how you treat others of different race, will have to change. But you and your family will live.


    Osian was quiet and didnt speak for some time.


    Impatiently, Derek decided to speak up. You do have another option. There is also option two, he said.


    Osian looked up with hope.


    Oh, I dont think you will like option two, Derek said with a menacing grin. Its the option where I lead the counterattack on Indria and Astrus, along with a dozen dragons and dragon riders. Youve heard of Edgars dragon, right? Well, I brought more. Derek stared intently at the man. Option two is also the option where none of you make it out of this room alive today, and Indria will be nothing but a footnote in the history books. Derek took a note out of Tevarians book. But go on take your time. Im sure its a very difficult decision.

 Chapter 362: Decision

    Chapter 362: Decision


    The king and everyone else on the opposite side of the table stared at Derek ck-jawed after he made such a deration. What? he asked. Dont think I cant do it. I want all this bullshit over and done with so my people can go back to living their normal lives. This stupid fighting has dyed their growth long enough. I dont care about your petty feuds, but when they start affected me and mine, then we have a problem.


    Hes right, nah said. And Ill be happy to fight alongside him. It is best you take this chance to keep your country alive. It is more than you should receive after your cowardly attacks on my people.


    And dont think that we wont be able to do it, Derek said, then, with a quick telepathic message to both nah and Silvi, he asked them to fully release their auras. Soon, the entire chamber was filled with an aura so heavy that it felt almost physical.


    Sabrina was too weak to even handle the aura of one of them, much less all three, and as soon as the aura fell over her, she fell unconscious. It was the same thing that happened with the young Torith noble, though. She was still stronger than y was. And, after waking y up, Derek knew that it would only take another shock to ones system to wake up others affected the same way by aura.


    He actually didnt know if it was possible to straight up kill with an aura, but he did know that if someone was weak enough, it could prevent them from breathing, and it was possible for them to suffocate. Still, he focused most of his aura directly on the king, and the other two did the same.


    I understand, the king said hesitantly. The two of no three of you are beyond our ability to defy. We have indeed kicked a hos nest this time. Please retract your aura. Youve made your point.


    At that, Derek and nah retracted their auras. Silvis aura lingered on the king for a few moments longer before receding as well. With all of their auras in check, Derek surveyed the roommaking sure to look over each individual.


    Both the kings nephew and son were doing their best to stay calm, but it wasnt hard for Derek to see the shakiness in their hands. Olivar, the prince, was even clutching one hand tightly with the other to try to keep the shaking from showing. Both men had their heads down.


    The kings wife was still just as calm as ever. She had only widened her eyes initially when they had released their auras. It was more of an expression than shed shown ever since they walked into the Throne Room uninvited.


    Other than Sabrina, who waspletely knocked out with her head on the table, the other elven man seemed to be having the hardest time. He was visibly shaking, and clearly almost passed out at the initial release of the aura. However, other than the king and his wife, the other womanthe one who had been silent the whole timeseemed to be taking it better than anyone.


    <em>She</em><em>s definitely a warrior, </em>Derek thought. <em>Then I would guess that the other weak guy has to be the adviser that Osian mentioned. </em>


    So, Edgar broke the silence once everyone calmed down enough to continue discussions. I take it you have made your decision?


    Yes, Osian sighed. I we will sign your soul contracts and Indria will be a vassal kingdom to Cydaria.


    Great! Edgar pped his hands, then looked at Derek. Derek, if you dont mind, would you bring my brother and the duke here?


    Your brother? The duke? the king asked, confused. They are here? Where?


    Just a second, Derek said as he held his pointer finger up. I need to remove some weight first. With that, he stood from his seat and walked a good distance away from the table and everyone else before opening his Time Prison and tossing the three people theyd thrown in before out to the ground.


    Derek still had the prison set where the time inside passed much slower than outside, so the two guards were still stunned from nahs initialmand, and the third seemed to just being out of his daze. <em>Huh, </em>Derek thought. <em>That guy might actually be stronger than I thought. </em>The man, who Sabrina had called Jerum, quickly got his bearings and jumped to his feet.


    Your Majesty! The man was quick to take in his surroundings. These people, they


    Its okay, Jerum. You may stand down, Osian said and put his hand up in a halting motion. You may as well be here, too. Take a seat. The king moremanded than asked, then, he turned back to nah. Ms. Swan. If you would be so kind as to send my guards out.


    nah chuckled, but nodded. Sure, she faced the two stunned guards. You two, get back to your stations and guard the entrance to the Throne Room. Instantly, the two men jumped up and ran out of the room and closed the door behind themselves. They hadnt even given Derek so much as a nce as they ran by him.


    Alright, since thats over with, I guess its my turn. Derek quickly closed the door to his prison, then pulled the space shut before channeling his energy into Void Travel. He looked over his shoulder at everyone. This may feel a bit odd. Oh, and whatever you do, dont get too close. With that, he tore the space in front of him once again, but this time, it opened up into pitch ck nothingness.


    A couple of people behind him drew in deep breaths, and someone even let out a gasp. Derek quickly looked back again, and was surprised to see that the feeling from the tunnel had actually woken Sabrina up from her impromptu slumber. <em>Huh. I guess that works. </em>Without saying another word, Derek stepped inside the tunnel and quickly disappeared from everyones sight.


    Inside the tunnel, Derek instantly locked onto Edwins aura and moved to it before opening in and appearing back in the Great Hall of Cydarias pce. Everyone was still where hed left them. When Derek stepped out of the tunnel, he looked around and said, Negotiations went pretty well. They agreed to the contracts and to be a vassal kingdom.


    Great! King Edwin said.


    Are you ready to get on with it? The king over there seemed pretty hesitant, but I gave him a little nudge, Derek said.


    Of course, Edwin said. We mustnt wait. Edward, are you prepared?


    Yes, father, the one armed crown prince replied.


    Good good, the king said. Mr. Hunt


    Call me Derek, Derek said.


    Derek, Im afraid were going to have to trouble you to take Edward, thene back and get Callum. He is our contractor, and will be here any moment. He wasnt in the city before, but hes just arrived through the teleporter.


    Sure Derek said. You ready? he asked Edward.


    As ready as Ill ever be, the crown prince said.


    Alright, try not to move.


    After those words, Derek picked Edward up by the back and sidejust how he had carried nah throughand moved back into the void tunnel. He had kept the previous ess point open, so, when he entered the tunnel once again, it hadnt taken him any time to move back to Indria with Edward. He also didnt have to break any of his concentration by having to open another portal.


    Soon, Derek stood beside Edward next to the opening of his void tunnel. This time, however, they were in Osians Throne Room instead of Edwins. All the Indrians stared wide-eyed at Derek and Edwards arrival. Derek smiled to himself, as he knew that they were realizing the ramifications of his ability to travel seemingly anywhere almost instantly.


    I have a drop off, Derek said, then he turned back to his portal. Got another pick up. He took a step and entered the tunnel. But behind him, before he was out of audible range, he heard Osian speak.


    He can only bring one at a time?


    Before he heard anyone answer the kings question, he freely moved back through the void and soon appeared in the other pce. <em>This pce hopping is tiring. </em>Of course, it wasnt tiring, but it had been a long day. They had gotten out of the raid dungeon that morning. Then, a few hourster, hed left Savannah to go help out Edgar and nah.


    That fight hadnt taken too long, so, a few hours after that, and he was in the pce discussing what to do with the pair of dukes. After that, hed waited a couple hours for nah to recover, and finally, theyd arrived in Indriate that evening. Now, it was the middle of the night, and he was moving back and forth between two pces of warring kingdoms. <em>Good thing I</em><em>m strong, </em>he thought. <em>Otherwise, I</em><em>d end up as a glorified taxi. </em>


    When he stepped out of the tunnel this time, the man who he was waiting for still wasnt there. Shrugging, he went and took the seat nah had been sitting in across the small from Natalie. Without saying a word, the petite woman poured Derek a cup of tea, which he didnt really enjoy, but appreciated the sentiment, and they sat in silence while waiting. Luckily, it was only a bit over ten minutester that a frazzled-looking, middle-aged man arrived.


    The man was skinny, not Bones skinny, but he definitely looked like he could use a meal or two. He had very messy light brown hairit looked like hed just gotten up and hadnt taken the time to brush or even pat it down. Over his eyes, he sported a pair of thick, round sses, and he wore a ck and gray robe. Derek couldnt tell if this was his sleeping attire or something he normally wore, but he didnt really care.


    Your the man kneeled and began to speak, but yawned deeply after just one word. Your Majesty. You have need of me?


    Yes, Callum. Thank you foring on such short notice. There is a situation, and we are in need of a soul contractor multipleurgently. You neednt worry, as you will bepensated quite well for your time and inconvenience.


    Yes, my king, the man said as he continued on one knee. But multiple soul contracts in a row that may be difficult.


    I know of the strain a soul contract put on you, and I wouldnt ask you if it wasnt of utmost importance. Trust me when I say, I will owe you a great favor once this is all over and done. We are on the brink of ending this war that had dragged on far too long.


    Derek noticed that Edwin made sure to say that hed owe the man, and not the kingdom. And since hed be giving up his seat as king very soon, having the former king owing you a favor wasnt as good as the current king. <em>That sly old man, </em>Derek thought.


    You may stand, Edwin finally said, and after he stood, he continued. Do you ept this request?


    To have a role in ending this war? he asked, wide-eyed, and Edwin nodded. Of course, I ept. I will do my best.


    Good! Edwin chuckled. Now, Im sure you are wondering about that dreadful portal in the room.


    I wasnt going to say anything, but


    Well, Im sure youve heard of Derek Hunt, he is the man sitting with Natalie Savannah over there. Edwin pointed to their little table off to the side.


    Nat Callum shot a look over and stuttered when he saw the two of them sitting there. He hadnt noticed them when he came in. He had been very fixated on the portal, then on the king.


    Well, this portal was made by Mr. Hunt. He will take you through it, then, you need only follow the instructions of Edward, who is already on the other side.


    But a portal


    Dont worry, Derek Active Void Shifted and appeared next to the man instantly. It was a poor use of the skill, but it made for good theatrics. Its not that kind of portal. This is the kind that you die instantly when you go in if Im not with you. Its not one of the bad ones that summons Void Beasts.


    T-that


    Lets go. Derek grabbed the man by the back of his neck and steadied him with his other hand. Soon, a thick armor made of void appeared around him. Be careful not to move. We wouldnt want you disappearing on us. Finally, he lifted the now stiffened man and took a step inside.

 Chapter 363: Soul Contracts

    Chapter 363: Soul Contracts


    For Derek, the rest of the night went by in a blur. As soon as Callum stepped foot in Indria, he went to work without asking any questions about what exactly was going on. Basically, to the man, what he was seeing seemed to be way above his pay grade. He knew what he was needed for, and thats what he didnot more, and no less.


    The process was both simple and borate in many ways. It was simple in the fact that when Callum was writing up a contract, it didnt look much different from how Rudy had done many times before. However, once that part was finished, the real fun began.


    On one side, every royal in the room had signed it, and Derek was even tasked with going back to Cydaria and bringing back Duke Ryven just for the contract to hold even greater weight for the royal family. Before, with Walter, he had taken the burden of his soul contract on his own, and it would pass down to the next patriarch of the family if it was still active when he gave up his position or died.


    However, Edwin wasnt just going to forgive those who initiated a war against his country and his people. This contract affected all the royal families in the kingdom. And by that, it meant that it affected the king and the crown prince, and the duke and his eldest son. Sabrina was added into the contract along with the adviser, general, and the guard named Jerum, that was in the room. They acted more as witnesses to the contract, but were still affected by it.


    Callum, though, had limited power, and wasnt able to add everything into a single contract. The first contract hindered the royal familys growth by cing restrictions on the heads and immediate heirs to the family so that they must be either equal or less powerful than the opposite contract holder unless otherwise specified by said holder, which, in this case, was Edward.


    That meant that without Edwards direct approval, the heads of the family would undergo a considerable debuff and stay that way unless something came up and Edward needed their power for something.


    When the soul contract went into effect, Derek watched as it separated in two. One contract went to Edward, while the other burst into mana and formed multiple sets of chains. The first, and biggest, set of mana chains wrapped themselves around King Osian and slowly sunk into his body before disappearingpletely. The same thing then happened with Dukey Ryven, then their sons. Small fragments of chains then shot into Osians wife, the general, his adviser, and Sabrina.


    It all happened in the reverse manner of what happened with Walter at the auction. The chains restricting him hade out of his body, and the contract held by Edwin was used as sort of a key to remove them. This meant that the part of the contract that Edward received would also act as the key to Indrias restrictions. It would be a heavy burden to bear.


    After the restriction came the other soul contract. It was the one that set forth the terms of Indria bing a vassal kingdom under the rule of Cydaria. It also stated that the country would aid Cydaria with anything they needed, especially if it came to battle. Thews and new rules of the kingdom would be writtenter and enforced through regr contracts, though the soul contracts would see to it that they were enforced.


    At the end, on his own initiative, Osian even made an oath to the Great System to abide by Cydarias rule as best he could. The oath was just a cherry on top, or icing on the cake. Honestly, it didnt really mean anything in the grand scheme of things. The man knew how to make an oath, and the phrase as best I can that he used could be used to find plenty of outs. But it was still seen as an act of sincerity and loyalty.


    Derek could understand that. Cydaria now had all the power, and it wouldnt take much to absolutely decimate Indria and their royal family, yet they had given them a way out of the mess they created. In fact, life wouldnt be too much different for Indria after everything. Sure, they would lose any ves or servants who didnt want to be there. The royal family did their best to make it clear that the humans werent ve contracts, but servant contracts.


    Nobody was really buying it, but Sabrina did produce the contract between her and her personal maidservant, Jessica, and, while the terms werent good for the servants, they really werent ves. Still, they werent going to let the technicalities slide. He was sure that while they might not be ves, they were probably still treated as such.


    The servants would be one of the first issues that would be taken care of under their new rule. Even though they werent ve contracts, because of the poor terms, Edgar nned to make sure that the current servants would get more favorable contracts if they chose to keep serving at all, and future servants would start with such contracts. He would have Callum created a new temte for servant contracts in the future.


    The process took the entire night, as Callum had to wait a long time in between each contract he made. By the time everything was finished, the contract maker looked even more ragged and bedraggled than he had before. It was a miracle that the man was able to stand on his own two feet. Derek quickly zipped him back to Cydaria before he fell unconscious in the middle of the pce.


    Though the man did still end up falling unconscious in the middle of a pce, at least it wasnt the one in Indria. However, King Edwin didnt mind one bit, and even had some of their servantsones with proper contracts in cetake the man away and see that he got properly rested. The king was in much too good of a mood, even after a sleepless night, to let anything get to him. Though, at their levels, sleep was something none of them really needed to do unless they taxed themselves mentally.


    Derek stepped back through the void tunnel and moved back over to Indria. Now that all the contract signing and oaths were taken care of, he would ask the questions that he really wanted to. Technically, Cydarias side of the contract stated that Indria would also be under Cydarias protection since bing a vassal of it, but that was also limited.


    If Derek asked his questions and was given answers he didnt like, Cydaria wouldnt protect the royal family from himthey wouldnt be able to. Strength was everything. He realized that the only person who would give him and Silvi any type of issue would be nah, but he doubted she would see anything different from him. In fact, she would probably step up to fight beside him if he so chose. Though, as he listened to the negotiations and contract making, he got the feeling that the answers he received wouldnt be as bad as he had expected beforeing to Indria.


    Ahem, Derek stepped out of the portal and cleared his throat, gathering everyones attention. For the first time in a while, he closed the portal behind him, as it wasnt going to be needed any time soon. Everyone was gathered at the opposite end of the table, around where the royals had been sittingeveryone other than nah, who was still seated in the same seat shed taken at the beginning of their negotiations. It was where the previous contract signings had taken ce, and they all still lingered there.


    Derek pulled out the chair at the opposite head of the tablethe one that Edgar had sat in earlierand took his seat. He looked around and met eyes with everyonemost stared at him in confusion.


    Mr. Hunt, King Osian said. He had seated himself back down after signing the soul contracts. His face was paleeven more pale than usund he was still recovering. Is there something else? he asked.


    Theres just one small matter that I wanted to discuss once you all got all the contracts and loyalty stuff squared away with Edward, Derek said. One of the main reasons he waited until it was all finished was because he figured theyd basically have to be truthful with Edward about anything and everything he or Cydaria wanted to know. Sure enough, the contracts covered, and they couldnt hide anything from them anymore if asked. There may still be some wiggle room to withhold non-harmful information if not prompted, but that was it.


    And what is that? the man asked.


    Edward and Edgar both looked at Derek. They knew what he wanted to ask. Theyd been there when Derek told Edwin that it was possible that they might have to change ns depending on the answer.


    So, you obviously know knew Gerald Torith, Derek stated. He didnt think there was anyone in the room that would refute that. However, he was wrong.


    You are incorrect, the king said. We knew <em>of </em>Gerald Torith, but, other than my niece, nobody here had ever spoken to the man.


    Obviously, Derek said. But you know what I mean.


    I just wanted to get the facts straight. Most humans are lowly, but he was the lowest. I would rather not be used of <em>knowing </em>such a vile human being.


    Oh? Derek raised his eyebrows. And why is that?


    I can already see where you are going with this. You want to know how involved I the king looked around. We were in that mans business.


    Read me like a book, Derek said. So? How involved were you?


    We werent, Osian said. Did we know of his business? Sure, weve known for years. It really wasnt hard to find out about if you were looking. It was surprising that it took so long for Cydaria to catch on when it was you who was most affected by it. Osian looked directly at Edward, who lowered his head in shame. Surely you wont fault me for not acting against someone that has nothing to do with my kingdom.


    And what about the people who were sold to Indria? Derek asked. Edwin had said that the majority of people were traded within Cydarian borders, but that still meant that some still went to Indria. If you knew about him, then surely you knew about that, too.


    We did, Osian said. Believe it or not, Mr. Hunt, we do not condone very. It is obviously against the wishes of the Great System, or it would allow coerced oaths to be made. Yes, we have servants, and yes, we prefer to keep our bloodlines pure. The king nced at nah. And while our servant contracts may favor us considerably more than the human, halfling, and dwarf servantsalong with other non-elven races who reside in our kingdom, they are not ve contracts even if some immature elves use that derogatory for them. I can assure you that many, if not the majority of our human servants, are happy with their contracts.


    Derek noticed a blush appear on Sabrinas face as she lowered her head, but he ignored her. Is that so? he asked. He wasnt exactly buying it, but the fact that Osian didnt seem wary at all about the line of questioning had him wondering.


    It is, Osian continued. Look around, Mr. Hunt. Look in our citieson our streets. Our poption isposed of more than eighty percent elves. Rarely will you ever run upon a beggar or homeless person. In the grand scheme of things, even servant-wise, there are few humans. Speaking of humans, do you know where most of our human servantse from?


    Where? Derek leaned forward.


    Astrus and Cydaria, Mr. Hunt, but mostly Astrus. The tales of how terrible non-elves are treated and how much those of my kind look down on others are spread wide. And all of that is true. I will not deny it, and I will not admit fault with or apologize for it. It has served us well for thousands of years, onlying to an end because of my folly. And for the most part, it keeps visitors out of ournds, other than traders. But when one of your humans is desperate and has nowhere to go and no other options, it ismon for them to venture forth into Indria.


    And what happens to those people? Derek asked.


    It depends on the person, Osian answered. Oathbreakers are killed on sight. Many are offered contracts, others are turned away. But, one thing most who sign a contract have inmon is that when the terms of their contracts are up, they willingly sign a new one. They are atrocious contracts, but if you ask a servant, they will tell you that its much better than what they experienced in your human cities.


    What about the people who Gerald traded here? What about the citizens of Cydaria? What were you going to do once you took the kingdom?


    If you must know, Mr. Hunt. The reason that your vile human conducted so little of his other business over here, and the vast majority of it in Cydaria and Astrus, is because he ran out of elves willing to trade with him. As I said, we do not allow ve contracts or ve trade, and I tend to actually pay attention to what my people are doing. He looked at Edward once again. Though I can see how that is easier with a much smaller poption.


    So youre saying Derek started.


    Those elves are dead or imprisoned. As for the ves they bought, you will find them in Cordonia. Gerald Torith did what he did for years. Many of the trafficked humans are servants, and the others are taken well care of. Vile man that he was, Gerald Torith was also a well of information, so we couldnt have those people getting back to you, you understand?


    Though, in hindsight, we should have paid more attention to the man and asserted more influence on him. I imagine our ns would have worked out much better if he hadnt been captured and caused most of those noble families who were dissatisfied with their rulers to be caught up in everything. It would have helped if we would have had more people on the inside.


    So, if you must kill me for not doing your kings job for him and taking advantage of his ineptitude, then go ahead. But dont lump me in with humans. Humans are far worse to their own kind than we are to them.


    And for the citizens if you won the war? Derek asked.


    It is war, Mr. Hunt. Osian shrugged. It is all spection now, as it is not going to happen. I suspect many would have died, especially your loyal nobles. Of course, we would also take many in as servants. The poption of an entire kingdom is too vast, and our elven poption is too small. I imagine most of the citizens would have fallen in line under our rule once the noble houses and royal family fell. As for what Astrus would have done youd have to ask them.


    Derek scratched his chin and hummed. It seemed that, though he didnt like their methods, killing them would be too harsh and would screw up everything Edward and Edwin had nned. <em>I guess them practically being controlled by Cydaria is enough punishment for now. This is more politics than anything else, and I dont want to get into it. </em>


    So, Mr. Hunt, the king said, breaking Derek out of his thoughts. Was my answer eptable?

 Chapter 364: Concessions

    Chapter 364: Concessions


    So, Derek said. If I go out and look, youre telling me that Im not going to encounter a single person who has a ve? In the entire kingdom?


    I didnt say that, Osian replied. I said that we make very illegal and punishable. By that, I mean that if any elf is caught doing business with vers or using a non-standard servant contract on a new servant, then they are punished. And, because our poption is small, and our monitoring is quite good, most elves would never even think to try it.


    With the servant contracts so readily essible at any Kingdom Supplier Store, it doesnt even make sense for an elf to try it. Those contracts are much less expensive than hiring a contract maker to create a personalized one. Plus, the contract maker would be taking a great risk as well.


    But there are ves? Derek asked.


    Of course there are, the king replied. We cannot do anything about oaths, and what is a system oath of loyalty and servitude with no restrictions if not a ve oath, but with a prettier name? But with that example, the oath is given freely and usually to a person who has done the other a great service. There are elves who take this oath. Do you know no one who has taken such an oath?


    Derek thought about Bones and Ogre. I have a couple of them, actually, he said. But I put restrictions in ce on them. They are treated more as well-paid employees than ves. And they have their own conditions, too.


    But that isntmon, Osian said. Most oaths like that are made one-sidedly by the oath takers, and do not usually involve restrictions. As for straight ve contracts it had been a long while since we have seen one. Im sure if you turn the entire kingdom over with a fine-toothb, you will find a couple, but you will find more in Cydaria and vastly more in Astrus where it is not controlled. Though, I doubt you will find any in Vallum. So, I ask again, is my answer eptable?


    Derek furrowed his brows. <em>I don</em><em></em><em>t know why I</em><em></em><em>m so invested in this. It</em><em></em><em>s not my problem to deal with. </em>Honestly, it wasnt something he thought much about until Brandi and Malorie were capturedthen it became personal. After that, he followed that thread all the way to Gerald Torith until that problem was taken care of. But, since he was invested, hes see it through.


    Sabrina, Derek said, getting the girls attention. Give me that servant contract that you showed Edgar earlier. He trusted Edgars words, but he wanted to see the contract for himself.


    Y-yes! The girl quickly produced the contract and ran it over to Derek.


    Derek took the contract and began reading it over. It was a simple but atrocious contract. He couldnt believe that anyone would sign it on their own free will. But Edgar was correct. It really wasnt a ve contracteven if that was only so via technicality.


    Obviously, Indria knew of the technical misconception about very in their kingdom, but didnt bother to reject it. In fact, they seemed to prefer others to think of them that way. Like they said, it meant fewer immigrants and much easier control.


    Derek tossed the contract back to Sabrina. Thats definitely going to have to change. A lot, he told her. One thing he did see was that there was a limit on punishment that could be given. <em>That</em><em></em><em>s something</em><em></em><em> I guess.</em> Thats basically a ve contract all but in name <em>I also want to go to this Cordonia and see what</em><em></em><em>s going on there, and I want to speak privately with one of these </em><em></em><em>servants.</em><em></em><em> But for now</em><em></em><em></em>It wasnt his problem, but he at least wanted to see it through.


    Derek sat across from Osian and stared deeply at him. He had made his decision, but decided it was best to let the king and his family sweat for a bit. Finally, after some minutes had passed, Derek sighed. I guess that will work for now. No sense killing a bunch of people who are already bound to another and will have no choice but to change their ways. Id hate to see all that hard work that Callum did go to waste. But if you find some loopholes and step out of line, just remember that youll have me to deal with. And this is your only warning.


    All at once, the members of the Indrian Royal Family let out a collective sigh of relief. It was like his words were like a weight lifting from their chests. It was exactly what he wanted to see. With them still in his sight, Derek let a half smile y over his face before turning to Edgar, who had made his way back over to their side of the table, taking a seat in Dereks former ce at the table, during his and the kings stare down.


    So, what are we doing now? he asked the prince. Technically, he should have been asking Edward, but he much preferred to talk with Edgar, and he didnt care who knew it.


    This was really as far as I had nned, Edgar answered with a shrug. I guess its time to talk about how were going to deal with Astrus.


    Father should be involved in these talks, Edward said from his standing position.


    I dont think so, Derek said, then grinned. Youre basically the King of Cydaria now, Edward. This would be a good opportunity for you. Besides, I doubt that the old man would want to risking through the void with mehes much too worried about clinging to lifeand it would be a pain in the ass to take everybody there only to have to bring every back again. Im not a taxi.


    Edgars brows furrowed, but he shook it off. Hes right, brother, he said, backing Dereks opinion. Father has made the decision to give you this role. He probably expects it from you.


    Edward closed his eyes, then took in a deep breath before letting it out slowly. When his eyes opened, he looked over at Edgar and Derek with resolve. Okay, he said. We will do it that way. Edward then walked around the table and took a seat beside Edgar. He didnt even bother asking Derek to give up his seat at the head of the table.


    If I may, King Osian spoke up, causing everyone to look in his direction.


    Go ahead, Osian. Edward motioned for him to continue.


    Thank you, Osian said with a nod. Before we worry about Astrus, I believe that we need to find a way for my kingdom to ept their new circumstances. I know my citizens, and they will not ept such a drastic change so suddenly, even if I take the me and you show your strength. While you may be able to rule by strength and fear alone, it is better to have the trust and respect of your citizens, and after this folly, I will have lost much of that.


    Thats true, Edward said. Especially with those at the top of the hierarchy. I know that our nobles wouldnt be mollified by words.


    Which is why most of the nobility is eradicated at the end of such a war, Osian exined.


    Im open for options and opinions, Edward said. As it stands now, strength and fear, along with whatever amount of loyalty you can muster, are the best we have without taking drastic measures. And weve already agreed not to do such things.


    This is an unprecedented situation, Osian said. One that I can not recall from any of the history books from our continent.


    What about just announcing it as a peace treaty and an alliance? Derek asked. Only the few of us in here know exactly what went on. As for the terms of the contract, you can just add that they were conditions for the alliance. They dont need to know about the soul contracts and things. Let the loss of the army shock everyone and believe that the worst-case scenario is happening, then, a peace treaty and alliance will seem like a good thing. It will look like its mutual, and that you werent forced into it.


    That Osian started as he ran his thumb and forefinger over his perfectly unblemished chin in thought. That could work. Though, the conditions may be a bit too one sided to convince everyone.


    If your contracts for servants are how you say they are, Derek said. Then everyone shouldnt have much of a problem with that change. And as far as I know, for now at least, that is the only direct change that will affect everyone immediately. Plus, the strength and fear will already be there to nudge everyone along. Especially once they learn about the royals from Astrus or rather,ck thereof.


    Besides, Edgar said, entering the conversation for the first time. While it may be a peace treaty and alliance, they will know that we negotiated from the side of power, and thus, should have the better end of the deal.


    Exactly, Derek said with a smile. You are the servants in this contract, after all.


    Possibly Osian said.


    It could work, Osians wife chimed in for the first time, causing everyones eyes to shift to the usually quiet woman. But the people, especially the nobility, will still be looking for something for us to gain from the deal. It wouldnt have to be much, just a constion prize, if you will. Just something to say that we didnt walk away empty-handed. A token of goodwill from Cydaria to show that you value the alliance as much as we do.


    The elven queen spoke the truth. Even if it went down as a peace treaty instead of a surrender, if the terms were too lopsided, it would arouse suspicion and dissent. It really didnt have to be much, but it had to be something.


    I believe Cynthia is right, Osian agreed with his wife. This way, it will go down much smoother than defeat, even if everyone knows what it really is. The king turned his head and looked at the woman who had yet to speak or make a move. General Nira, Jerum.


    Yes, Your Majesty. Both elves spoke at the same time.


    Leave at once and begin spreading the news of our joint armys defeat. Make it known that the King of Astrus has died and his brother has been captured. Duke Ryven made it back but is grievously injured. Embellish the story. Speak of dragons and


    Exploding ck holes that can devastate an army. Ryven stared at Derek as he spoke up and everyone looked at him. Derek smiled when he heard what he said. And a rain of fire that can eat through any earthen shield.


    Its dragon me, actually, Derek said with the grin on his face. She uses it for cooking.


    Ryvens jaw fell open, and he looked up at Silvi, who had taken her ce back on Dereks shoulder. She was firmly nodding along with Derek since she didnt have hermunication crystals to agree for herself. She even opened her little mouth and breathed out a very small stream of me that only shot out about a foot or two. With that small pulse of dragon me, the rooms temperature drastically rose.


    Uh yes, Osian nodded and continued speaking to his general. Speak of the powerful attacks that devastated the army.


    It was just two, Derek reiterated.


    Speak of the two attacks that devastated the army, Osian said with a sigh. Spread the news of the defeatof Mr. Hunt, Edgar, and nah Swans strength. And get inmunication with the remainder of <em>our </em>army and have them withdraw back to the capital. Keep the teleporters open to them. By the time they get back, they will unknowingly help with the spread of the news.


    Yes, Your Majesty. With that, General Nira and Jerum both bowed and exited the Throne Room, leaving everyone else to their discussion.


    That should help, Derek said, then looked over at Edgar. What if you allowed them ess to your power leveling dungeon in Cydaria? he asked.


    Everyone on Indrias side of the table looked up, hopeful.


    No, we cant do that, Edward answered instead.


    Why not? Derek asked. It doesnt do anything but strip those who use it of their future power. Edgar can attest to that. You dont have to open it up to everyone. It could be a reward for people.


    Thats not a bad idea, Edgar agreed.


    Its not that. Its the location. We wouldnt want foreigners wondering around in the depths of our pce, Edward said.


    Then have them sign a contract. Make a direct path to it and make sure that nobody wanders. Derek rolled his eyes. Its not hard, and if they want to use it bad enough, Im sure theyd jump at the chance.


    Ill think about it, Edward said. If we cannot think of anything else. The dungeon was something they wanted badly and wasnt an insignificant part of this war. I wouldnt want to concede something like that.


    Derek shrugged. He gave them his two cents. Other than the dungeon, he didnt really know what else Indria would want that Cydaria had. He wasnt very worldly when it came to his current world, but dungeons and their rewards seemed to be the biggestmodity controlled by a kingdom. Equipment and items were crafted by individuals, so that wasnt something Cydaria would or could give.


    As long as Indria had things to trade, they could try to make deals with any crafter they met. <em>But as a whole</em><em> </em>What about increasing trade between the countries? I know that you already have some trade, and you even sent Sabrina there as an envoy, so starting that back up and maybe even increasing it could help with the alliance.


    True, Osian said. But I imagine that was already a given. It would look bad if we didnt continue trade after forming an alliance.


    Edward nodded his head like it was obvious. Derek half chuckled. <em>Okay</em><em> tell me Im dumb without telling me Im dumb, </em>Derek thought. It seemed that the king, and probably Edward, had already wordlessly agreed to trade between kingdoms. It was obvious that it would be one of the first things considered in a peace treaty and alliance.


    Well, Derek said. I really dont have any other ideas. Im not one for all this political stuff. Give me a target and tell me to smash, and Im good. Making peace between nations? Forget about it. Derek sat back and crossed his arms.


    Derek listened to everyone float different ideas back and forth, but Edward was pretty strict on the terms. This was technically his first act as king even if it wasnt really, and he didnt want to lose out or give them too many concessions after what theyd done.


    That was understandable. If Derek was in his situation, he would probably do the same. Sure, the soul contracts were a massive hit to the royal family already, but that was more of a private punishmentthe kingdom needed to know their ce a little, too. It may have seemed counterproductive, seeing how they were looking for a way to appease nobles, but it wouldnt require a lot, and all the suggestions seemed to be over a mental limit that Edward had set.


    nah looked to be in the same boat as Derek. Neither one of them had anything to do with the peace treaty or running the kingdom. They were just there to stop the war and maybe enact a little justice during the process. Either way, it seemed that the royals in the room, including the Cydarian ones, werent making any progress.


    After what seemed like half an hour, Derek heard somebody mumble something, but wasnt quite sure what was said over all the arguing back and forth. <em>Did she say what I think she said? If so</em><em> </em>A lopsided grin fell on Dereks face and loudly cleared his throat. Ahem!


    The room went quiet and everyone looked over at him.


    What is it? Edward asked.


    I think Sabrina had something to say. Isnt that right?


    Everyone looked from Derek to Sabrina, and the young elvendys face went crimson as she looked down and fidgeted with her hands. W-what about marriage?


    Standing behind Osian, a mentally exhausted Ryven facepalmed. Not this again.

 Chapter 365: Marriage?

    Chapter 365: Marriage?


    What was that? What did you say? Osian leaned forward and looked at his niece.


    I I said that we could h-have a m-marriage between our two kingdoms. The longer she spoke, the more confident Sabrina seemed to be. Yes, a marriage. Wouldnt that solve all of our problems. It would tie our family to Cydaria. Its the perfect solutions. What better way to c-consumma Sabrinas face instantly turned crimson once again before she continued. What better way to solidify our agreement than through a marriage?


    Huh Osian leaned back in his seat and ran his thumb and forefinger over his chin, thoughtful.


    Brother, Ryven said. Youre not taking her words seriously, are you? They are just the idle fantasies of a young womanone who has been talking about marriage for decades, mind you.


    That may be so, brother, Osian replied. But you must admit, it is not a bad idea.


    Derek leaned back in his seat as well, though he wasnt thinking about it. Instead, he was just enjoying the show. Specifically, he was enjoying the frantic look in Edgars eyes as he thought about the implications of what the young elven woman had said.


    Derek couldnt be entirely sure, but there were only three royals from Cydaria ready for marriageEdward, Edgar, and Elouise. And, since Edward was about to be crowned king, that would put Edgar in the hot seat. Elouise, from what Edgar had told Derek about her, seemed to be cunning enough to get out of any proposal thrown her way. She was a bit of a daddys girl, and Edwin wouldnt dare force her into a marriage if she didnt want it.


    Though Derek hadnt asked or heard of anyone mentioning any dukes in Cydaria, it was still possible that the king had a brother or sister who had unmarried children. Edgar had also never talked about his mother, but she could have also had brothers or sisters. There was no reason that a marriage had to be between princes and princesses. Any two people with high statuses in their respective kingdom would work.


    But Edgar hadnt seemed to work all that out yet. Considering he looked to still be in shock, it seemed he was still frozen on the fact that his bachelor days could being to an end. Derek swore he could see steam flowing from his head as his brain began to malfunction.


    Edward, however, didnt have the same panicked look on his face as his brother. Instead, he was lost in thought, just as Osian had been. <em>It seems the future king is weighing the pros and cons. It really isn</em><em>t a bad idea, especially if the two parties agree to it. </em>


    Dereks eyes met nahs, and he could see a sparkle in them. Before, she had been just as bored as Derek was, but now, things had gotten interesting. <em>Who doesn</em><em>t like a good royal wedding? Back home, they ount for arge number of romance movies. </em>


    The main thing, other than the union between two kingdoms, that a wedding between Cydaria and Indria would show would be the Indrian Royal Familys new stance on races other than elves. Any children from the union would be half-elves, and they wouldnt be born out of wedlock or be bastards, they would be fully recognized children of the upper echelon of both kingdoms.


    <em>If nothing else, it would make the new changes to the way other races have to be treated easier to swallow. </em>In fact, now that Derek thought about it, a marriage would solve many of the problems they were facing. <em>Is she actually that smart, or</em><em> </em>He looked over at Sabrina, who seemed to find an empty spot on the table in front of her extremely interesting. <em>No</em><em> Ryven is right. She just has marriage on the brain. </em>


    Edward, Osian finally spoke, breaking everyone out of their thoughts. This idea of a marriage. What do you think? Its a good idea, no?


    That Edward sighed. I can find no w in it. A marriage between a high ranked human and elf. It would certainly solve many of our current issues. The only question is, who would be wed?


    Indeed, Osian said. I imagine that we could rule out both you and my son Olivar. The two of you will be kings in the future, and because of our racial differences, we wouldnt want my son out living his queen by decades or centuries or your queen outliving you.


    Very true. Edward agreed. It may be best to exclude all immediate members of each royal family.


    With those words, Derek immediately saw Edgars eyes brighten. The man leaned forward and began to fiercely nod along with his brothers statement.


    <em>Well</em><em> that was fun while itsted, </em>Derek thought. Picking on Edgar had be a bit of a fun pastime for Derek over thest few days.


    Agreed, Osian said. In that case, does anyone have anybody in mind?


    Me! Sabrinas voice squeaked out and everyones gaze fell onto her.


    Again, Ryven rolled his eyes. But Sabrina all the hard work youve done over thest year. He really didnt want his daughter to be a part of this, but it seemed that she had her mind set on it.


    Sister, Laeyrn said. With the way you feel about human


    What do you mean? She shot back at her brother. I feel no way about humans. Whats wrong with humans? Ive spent years in Cydaria. Its only right that I am the one who is chosen.


    Derek rolled his eyes. He hadnt been able to see Sabrinas rtionship with her female maidservant because of the dreadful pressure exerted by his Void Travel skill, but he was sure that they werent the best of friends. He shook his head. <em>Looks like marriage brain trumps prejudice. </em>


    Edward, as you can see, my niece is excited about the possibility of marriage, Osian said as he chuckled a little. Can you think of anyone suitable for my niece? They must be nice, strong, and loyal.


    Hmm Edward rubbed at his chin. I have a few people in mind


    I know! Sabrina blurted out once again.


    Oh? Osian raised his eyebrows. Did you perhaps meet someone during your stay in Cydaria?


    This is the first Im hearing of it, Ryven said and crossed his arms.


    Who did you have in mind? Edward asked. Perhaps they would be willing. Are they a noble?


    He hes really strong and he seems to be very loyal, Sabrina said as she blushed.


    Who is it? Osian asked.


    Derek leaned forward. It was getting good again. The woman hed run into in Savannah didnt seem like someone who would have paid a human any mind. But now, it turned out that there was someone shed even want to marry.


    Sabrina smiled and began to turn her head. Slowly, her head moved until her eyes locked with Dereks. Derek tilted his head in confusion.


    <em>Oh, hell no! </em>Derek internally panicked. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught Edgar snickering.


    Just as he thought, Sabrina raised her hand and pointed at Derek. Him!


    Sabrina, you Ryven began. You want to marry Mr. Hunt?


    She nodded fiercely. Yes! Nobodys ever talked to me the way he did.


    Suddenly, realization kicked in. The scenes of Sabrina looking at him from a distance began to make more and more sense. <em>She really was stalking me! </em>He cried out mentally. <em>Is she a masochist? I definitely wasn</em><em>t nice in our exchange in the City Building. </em>


    I dont believe that will work, Osian said, and seemed to tear away all the joy from Sabrina. After all, while Mr. Hunt is strong and has one of, if not, the strongest auras that I have ever felt in all my centuries. He is not a noble.


    <em>Yeah! You tell her. I</em><em>m not a noblenever will be. Theres no chance for the two of us. Youre just too far out of my league. </em>Derek nodded. King Osians correct, he said. In fact, Im not even from Cydaria. He added, just to make sure that everyone was clear. <em>Got to let her down easy. It</em><em>s not that I dont want to, its that wee from two different worlds literally.</em>


    Actually Edward cut in and Derek felt a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. Derek is well knownat least among the remaining noble houses in Cydaria. And it is within my power to make him a duke of the kingdom. In fact, my father was just talking about rewarding Derek with a title and his own fiefdom.


    Dereks face went stone cold, and he stared at the side of Edwards face. Unknowingly, Edward shivered, and he turned his head from Osian, eventually looking Derek in his eyes. <em>Im going to kill you, </em>he sent to Edward telepathically. <em>I</em><em>m going to open a portal, cover everything except a single foot in my void armor, and let the energy eat away at you, finger by finger, toe by toe. Then, when nothings left but your head and torso, Im going to give it to Silvi and have her cook it up nice and good and force feed it to your father.</em>


    <em>Silvi, </em>Derek sent to hispanion.


    <em>What?</em><em></em>


    <em>Look at Edward and lick you lips, like youre about to eat a tasty elf burger, </em>hemanded. He didnt need to ask his gluttonous bunny twice. In fact, she even added in a little drool for extra effect. <em>Good, that</em><em>s enough. </em>


    Edwards entire face was pouring sweat, and he looked like hed seen a ghost. He clutched his remaining hand tightlytrying to keep everyone from seeing his obvious shaking.


    <em>Fix it!</em><em> </em>Derekmanded.


    A-actually Edward swallowed hard. D-Derek has already refused any titles ornd. I had hoped he would reconsider, but he isnt one for politics. I doubt even marriage to such a wonderfuldy such as yourself could sway him.


    He doesnt have the time, either. For the first time in the discussion, nah spoke up. Mr. Hunt and I have made ns for after this war is settled, and I do not n on putting them off.


    <em>ns?</em><em> </em>Derek asked. He wasnt sure if she was just helping him out, or if she was serious.


    <em>Of course. You promised me that we would go dungeon diving when you got back. Do you not remember? Also, I would like to catch a few Void Beasts if you don</em><em>t mind, </em>she replied.


    <em>Oh, that. Of course. I can</em><em>t wait. Actually, Im supposed to take Avery to hunt a few Void Beasts, as well, </em>he said. <em>Thanks for the backup. I don</em><em>t think Ive ever been in that much danger. </em>


    nah smiled at him. <em>You know, you could have just refused, right? </em>


    Derek looked at nah, dumbfounded. That didnt even cross his mind. He was so taken off guard that hed been dealt a critical blow and didnt know how to respond. <em>Poor Edward oh well, at least he wont try anything with me again. I guess its better this way. Are excuses better than t out refusal? He wasnt sure. </em>Derek silently chuckled and shook his head as Edward continued.


    Ah yes, Edward said. We wouldnt want to keep Mr. Hunt and Ms. Swan from their ns, now would we?


    No, no we would not, Osian agreed. Is there anyone else? Sabrina, would you agree to wed someone other than Derek, or was he your only choice?


    Sabrinas eyes broke away from Derek, and she pouted. However, she soon got a hold of herself and raised her head. I will have to meet some suitors, then I will decide.


    <em>Well, that was a quick turnaround, </em>Derek thought. <em>That was almost painful, seeing her flip that switch like that. </em>Of course, there was no way he would ever marry, or even date, someone like Sabrina. <em>Well, I can</em><em>t say never, </em>he thought. <em>People can change</em><em> especially with the system. Not to mention, everyone has a past. She may have just been unlucky in the fact that I met her in her viin arc. </em>Derekughed to himself.


    Finally, his fate was back in his own hands. Derek sat back and listened to Edward go through a list of high-ranking eligible bachelors in the Cydarian Kingdom. As it turned out, he did, in fact, have a couple of cousins. They just stayed away from court and lived more simple lives. They were put at the top of the list of candidates, along with a few other nobles from the remaining high-ranking noble houses.


    Uh, you can remove Tristan from that list, Derek said as he noticed Tristan Allisters name had been mentioned. Im pretty sure hes taken. The healer hadpleted the raid with him, so they were technicallyrades. It was only right that he protect the man from all this nonsense.


    The discussion continued until everything was settled. Sabrina would soon be taken back to Cydaria to meet the list of her potential suiters. Hopefully, everything would work out.

 Chapter 366: Taxi

    Chapter 366: Taxi


    With all the nonsense about marriage settledWell, it wasnt nonsense until Derek had been included in the talks; before that, it had been funeveryone made quick ns about what was going to happen next. Derek would take everyone he needed to back to Cydaria, including Sabrina. Also, it seemed like nobody wanted the pleasure of being carried around in a pot. So, he would have the privilege of being a taxi after all.


    No matter how much he wanted to stuff Sabrina in one so he wouldnt have to deal with her looks of resentment, embarrassment, and flurries of other emotions she apparent felt toward him. So, Derek was going to have to make multiple more trips than expected.


    While the Cydarians were getting everything ready on their side, Indria would be doing the same. Their next mission would be abined assault on Astrusleading up to the execution of the captured duke. Both Ryven and Osian would take part in the assault, and it would be one of the situations outlined in the soul contract where Osian would be able to use his full power. The whole thing with the soul contracts was rather interesting to Derek.


    Unfortunately, Derek didnt have any way to bring anyone to Astrus, so they would have to travel the old-fashioned way on dragon. He thought about sending someone he knew over there, then locking on to them and using Void Travel, but he decided against it. Dragons were much more intimidatingespecially when they came with somewhat of an army.


    Derek began taking everyone to Cydaria, one by one, until finally, there was only Sabrina left. Well, Sabrina and her maidservantwho she had managed to bring over while Derek was carefully taking people through the portal.


    Right then and there, in front of King Osian and Sabrina, he made Sabrina remove any contracts and oaths that Jessica had with her. This, of course, caused the servant to pale and panic, but he had chosen to question the maidservant without any constraints. Both Jessical and Sabrina objected, but he was insistent.


    After that, he took the dukes daughter through the void, careful to keep her at arms length and not create any unnecessary contact. She did her best to avoid looking him directly in the eyeshe didnt know if that was from their earlier interactions or because of Jessica, but he didnt mind. He didnt want any misunderstanding after what he just went through.


    Then, he came back for her maidservant newly uncontracted maidservant. Hopefully, she would be able to shine just a bit more light on everything.


    Hey. Derek snapped his fingers in front of the young womans face multiple times until she broke out of the daze shed been from not only being in the pce, but also being in a room with the king. Dont worry about him, Derek said. Its just you and me in here. Actually Derek looked at Osian and gestured toward an exit with his head. Give us five minutes.


    Very well, Osian sighed and walked out through one of the side exits.


    Y-you King Osian he listened to you? Jessica stuttered through her words.


    Yeah, Derek said. I have that effect on people.


    The girl looked toward where the king was just standing, then at Derek, then at the open portal, then back at Derek. She chose not to say anything.


    There are a few questions I have that I would like for you to answer truthfully, Derek said. Can you do that?


    I can, she said. Especially with the b-broken contract


    Do you enjoy being Sabrinas maidservant? he asked right off the bat.


    Enjoy? she asked.


    Yes.


    I not all the time. But other times it can be nice.


    How so? Derek asked.


    The young woman paused, as if she was collecting her thoughts.


    You dont have to worry about anything you saying back on you, trust me. They wouldnt have the courage to do anything about it, he said with a reassuring smile.


    Shes better when we are alone and she hasnt had a stressful day. She treats me almost as a friend especially aftering back from her trip, she answered.


    And does she abuse you? Hurt you?


    Oh, no! Sabrina quickly replied. That is against the terms of our contract. Her words can be hateful or hurtful sometime, but she has never physically abused me. She the woman paused as if there was something she wanted to say, but didnt dare to.


    What?


    She tends to threaten other servants with punishment when they make a mistake but I dont believe she has ever followed up on it.


    Hmm Derek rubbed his chin. What she said went along with the limit on punishment that could be given in the contract he looked overthe only real saving grace in said contract. Would you prefer to be free? You no longer have any contracts or oaths. You could choose whatever life you want starting now.


    Jessicas eyes went wide, and she backed away. No, no I dont want that, she said with tears threatening to pour out.


    Calm down, Derek said. Im just asking the question. Why would you want to stay a servant when you had such terrible terms? He was beginning to wonder if there was a bit of Stockholm syndrome going on with the maidservant.


    Theres nothing terrible about it. She countered. I Im from Astrus, she said. From a city called Ampshir, close to the border. It was awful. My friends and I were always beaten and nobody did anything about it. I she began to cry. One day, one of my friends was beaten so badly that he died right in front of us and all we could do was watch we were twelvewe didnt even have the Great System unlocked. So we left


    And you came to Indria? With all the rumors of very and such?


    We were twelve and focused on surviving. We didnt have time to pay attention to rumors. She shrugged, still sniffling at the trauma brought up. Ampshir wasnt far from the border, and it only took a couple days of walking to get here. As soon as we crossed the border, some elves found us and asked us a lot of questions under oaths, then they took us away. We were fed and clothed and moved to a city with other races. When I was fourteen, and had unlocked the Great System for a little over a year, I chose to be a maidservant, and I was brought here, to the capital. Thats where I met Mistress Sabrina.


    <em>Either this is rehearsed, or Osian really was telling the truth, </em>Derek thought. What happened to your other friends? he asked.


    Oh, Robin is the servant to a cksmith! her eyes lit up. He got toe to the capital, too. We get to chat when we have time off. I dont know too much about Gary and Rose, though, just what Robin has told me. They were already older when we came herealready sixteen when I was brought to the capital. I think Gary is still in the city, and helps take care of other refugees. Rose epted a servant contract, but I dont know which city she went to.


    And what do you get paid? Derek asked.


    Paid? Jessica looked at him in confusion. Why would we get paid? We get food and a ce to live. And we dont have to worry about being beaten or killed everyday. Robin gets to work with metal sometime, though! Hes been steadily increasing his cksmithing skill over the years.


    I see Derek said. <em>It</em><em>s definitely exploitative But, Osian was right, they are happyish. </em>Derek looked into the womans eyes. Well, some of that is going to change soon. Jessica winced, but he continued. If you want to stay with Sabrina, youll have to sign a new contract. Youll get a sry and more time off. And youll be able to do anything you want with it. Its how a real servant contract should be.


    But


    Its not just you, Derek continued. Youre probably going to have the first one, but its going to go into effect for every servant in the kingdom. You can talk about it more with Sabrinater. Those in Cydaria will be there to make sure the contract is no longer so close to very.


    Jessica nodded her head in understanding, but stayed quiet. A couple of minutester, Osian walked back into the room.


    Were finished, Derek said. Im going to take her through now.


    It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Hunt.


    Im sure it was, Derek chuckled. I guess the next time we see each other, well be on our way to Astrus.


    That seems to be the case, Osian replied.


    Without anymore words, Derek covered the young woman in a thickyer of void armor and stepped inside the portal with her. When inside, he closed it and moved to Cydaria. Before long, they were standing in the Great Hall of the Cydarias pce. Derek dismissed the armor from around the girl and willed the portal closed behind him. Almost instantly, a light weight appeared on his shoulderSilvi had taken up her normal position.


    The girl saw Sabrina in the distance and ran off to meet up with her. Sabrina, on the other hand, looked at Derek, then quickly turned her head away, firmly ignoring him. Then, the two women were taken away by one of the pce servants so they could get settled.


    Derek hadnt needed to question the girl about everything, but he wanted to get a better feel for everything and just make sure that Osian hadnt slipped anything by him. And from his quick discussion with Jessica, it seemed that her life was closer to most peoples lives back before the system. She worked all the time just to have shelter and food, and very little free time.


    It really reminded him of most young adults back in the states. After the initial deaths from the systeming to earth, it provided a lot more freedom and opportunity, but with a tremendous amount of risk. So, in a ce where a system had existed for countless years, he could understand some people just wanting a rtively safe ce to live, especially after growing up mistreated, as she had been.


    So, Derek decided to let everything go for now. He would check back on thingsteronce all the new contracts were made. He definitely wanted to see how all the other houses in Indria reacted to the new regtions. But all that was now going to be under Edwards control. That prince sure was going to have his hands hand full in the future. <em>Edgar really dodged a bullet there.</em>


    Speaking of Edgar, he and his brother were currently busy filling Edwin in on everything that went on during their time in Indria. Edwin was nodding along as they spoke. Derek looked around, but nah had disappeared, and Natalie had been gone for some time. They were both very busy people, and he was sure they had plenty of work they needed to catch up on.


    He expected nah was on her way to Savannah to see Avery. During all the contract signing, Derek had told her about everything, and she knew where he and Lyra were keeping the dragonkin. She actually seemed pretty excited to meet Lyra, but she didnt seem all too thrilled when he told her that theyd brought a wyvern out of the dungeon for her.


    He wasnt sure why, but it seemed something strange was going on with her. Once she was fully recovered, when they talked, she seemed a bit anxious. He wondered if it had something to do with her transformation skill, or if the war and all the killing was weighing on her.


    Youve both done a fantastic job, Derek heard Edwin praise his sons from atop the throne. You negotiated well with the soul contracts, and the marriage idea is not a bad one at all.


    Thank you, father, Edward said. Edgar didnt look like he cared much about being praised by his father, but Edwards eyes shone with happiness.


    Derek, Edwin called out.


    Yeah? Derek asked.


    I know we may have gotten off on the wrong foot, and I havent exactly lived up to my status as a king, but you still helped the kingdom when you were needed. For that, I am grateful. King Edwin actually stood from his throne and bowed. He then raised his head and said, Without your aid, not only would this war have dragged on for an unknown amount of time, but Edgar would still be inside the raid dungeon, and unable to provide his support.


    In fact, while Im not certain, I do not believe Cydaria would have been able to weather such a storm in the long run. Even nah, for all her strength, would have eventually exhausted herself. Actually, Im not even sure if she would have fought at all, if not for you. So again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.


    Derek shrugged. I didnt do anything for you, he said. It was for my people.


    Still, you have my gratitude, the king said. And are you sure you do not wish to be a duke? The kingdom will back you in whatever you choose to do. You could, perhaps, build a new, prosperous city. Im sure citizens would travel far and wide to be residents in a city controlled by Duke Hunt. The king smiled.


    Yeah Im good. Derek shook his head. You dont know how many times Ive turned down the offer to start my own city. I dont think Im going to start epting it now. He inwardlyughed. <em>At least this time it isn</em><em>t the system requesting me to build a city. </em>


    Very well, Edwin replied. I will not ask again.


    Good.


    Now, with one kingdom down, I assume you n on helping with Astrus as well? the king asked.


    Thats the n, Derek said.


    Then I would suggest you prepare yourself, Edwin said. Our journey begins as soon as Edward tames his dragon! The king was all smiles and Edgar rolled his eyes.


    Oh? Youreing, too? Derek asked.


    Im old, Mr. Hunt, Edwin said. I dont believe I will have another opportunity to subdue a kingdom on a dragon. That is the thing of legends, and I wouldnt miss it for the world.


    Derekughed and shook his head. Come on Edward, he said. Taming a dragon aint easy, and you dont have a lot of time to waste. With that, Derek, with Silvi perched on his shoulder, pulled Edward into the void, and they headed off to tame another dragon.


    ***


    Osian looked at the space where the portal just disappeared from and sighed. Well, brother, he said to Ryven, who had made his way back to the Throne Room. Our father would be disappointed.


    We took a gamble on what should have been a sure thing, and it blew up in our faces. The fact that we are still alive at all would make father proud even with what we are going to have to endure under the rule of another kingdom, Ryven answered. I am sorry about Orion.


    Osian clenched his fists and sighed again. That wasnt your fault. It was just the start of the house of cards falling. I will miss him, and unfortunately, he will never be avenged.


    That man and hispanion are anomalies. I doubt the Dawn Siren would even be able to hold her own against either of them. Everything was our fault, and Orion was the first to pay the price. Now its our turn, Ryven replied.


    Osian nodded. Retake yourmand. Gather the soldiers and capture those remaining from Astrus. They no longer have a leader. The soldiers had scattered after Derek and hispanion attacked, but both parts of the army was still in Indria.


    If they took care of the soldiersby capturing, not killingthen all they would have left to deal with was the nobles. And Osian doubted that even the strongest of the nobles in Astrus would be able to contend with thebined force of nah and Derek. Plus, he would be there, too, and he was looking forward to letting some of his frustration out on Astruswhether they deserved it or not.

 Chapter 367: One Down

    Chapter 367: One Down


    It wasnt hard for Derek to find the area that he originally left fromnear where they were holding the dragonkin. He could see Tyron, Avery, and surprisingly, nahs aura all close by, but he chose to appear a good distance away so his skill wouldnt spook any of the dragonkin. He was surprised that nah was already there because she couldnt have left much earlier than he had. <em>She must havee straight here without any stops, </em>he thought.


    Derek opened the portal and stepped out with the prince in hand and Silvi on his shoulder. He made sure to quickly close the portal behind him to keep its effects to a minimum.


    Come on, Derek said to Edward and began to move toward where he had left the others. Edward followed along without saying a word.


    They soon broke out of the surrounding trees and into the giant clearing that Avery had picked for their ventures. To his surprise, as he wasnt really looking before, there were two other people standing around. One was Tara Perez, the elven support who theyd promised to give a drake to. Which meant that the tall elven man standing next to her was most likely her son, who hade to tame his newpanion.


    Hey! Derek shouted from the side, getting everyones attention. Tara! I didnt think youd already be here. I figured that you would all still be resting at that outpost.


    Everyone waited for Derek to get close, then Tara replied, King Edwin began reactivating most of the teleporters in the kingdomst night, and we were able to teleport out of the area at the same one that we used to get there. Im sure that by now, everyones already settled in. As soon as I got home, I got a message that Avery was waiting for me, so I picked up Trent and headed right over.


    I see, Derek said. Did you pick out which drake you wanted? he asked the young elven man. The lightning one is reserved, but either of the other two is good to go.


    I think Im going to try to tame the elementless one, he said. Its smaller, and I think it will be easier than the earth one. Im not really suited for fighting things that can alter the ground and cast area skills, and I havent reached max level either. Would that be okay?


    Go for it, Derek said. Its yours whenever youre ready. You dont have to get it first try, either. Especially right now that we have a bunch of people here.


    Trent nodded seriously.


    Lyra is sending it this way. She made sure not to do anything to it that will affect it in a fight, so it shouldnt change any of the chances of a contract working, Avery said.


    Soon, a gray-ish brown drake appeared in the distance. It reached everyone, including the two wyverns, and ignored them. The drake kept walking past everyone until it stopped alone in the distance. It looked up, confusedlike Lyra had broken off any and all control from it.


    You better get going, Avery said. Lyras not controlling it anymore. Id hate to see it escape.


    Yes! Trent half shouted and began running in the drakes direction. The young elf was wearing a set of medium te armor trimmed in silver and green. As his speed increased, three buffs fell over him. One of haste, one of strength, and one of mana regeneration.


    Derek looked at Tara, but saw that she hadnt been the one to cast it. She looked back and smiled.


    He started out as a support ss and was able to keep many of his basic buffs as he switched. It was surprising, really, she said.


    I see, Derek said. Then his current ss?


    Just watch, Tara replied.


    As the group watched on, a pair of short-swords appeared in the young mans hands. <em>So some time of swordsman? </em>Derek wondered. At about that time, the drake noticed the elf running toward him and turned to face the man.


    Derek waited in anticipation of seeing what the young man was going to do, and when it happened, he wasnt let down. Trent took a step, then doubled. Instantly, there were two of the man, but it didnt stop there. With each step he took toward the drake, the number of Trents doubled. After four steps, there were sixteen of the young elven warrior.


    Illusions? Avery asked from the side.


    Yes, Tara said with pride. But they are special.


    How so?


    Keep watching. She smiled.


    The sixteen Trents circled the drake and caused not a small amount of confusion. It didnt know which to go after first. Then, two of the Trents began to attack. The Trent on the far side jumped into the air and tried to bring his swords down onto the drakes back, but the drake noticed this and quickly swiped its tail at the elf. However, the drakes tail went straight through the manit was an illusion.


    The Trent on the opposite side found himself under the head of the distracted drake and thrust his swords up into its lower jaw. His swords struck true, and although they didnt cut too deep, they still prated and drew blood. The drake roared and slung its head from side to side,unching Trent and his swords into the air. Then, it readied itself to go after the man, but instead, something strange happened.


    The illusion that the tail had gone through drove his swords into the back leg of the beast pulled them through its flesh, creating a long cut in its leg. The creature roared again in anger, then the rest of the illusions struck.


    Are they actually illusions? Derek asked. Or are they clones? It looks like he can clone his weapons and armor as well.


    No, Tara answered. They are illusions. There is always only one real Trent, but he can switch ces with each illusion at will.


    I can see how that would be a pain to fight against, Derek said. But I imagine that it would take a lot of hard work and time to control.


    You dont know the half of it, Tara said. If the boy isnt recovering, hes training. You dont know how hard it was for me to pull him away from his training just toe here. It wasnt until I mentioned that having such a goodpanion would make for the perfect training partner that he stopped and agreed toe.


    Theres nothing wrong with that, Derek chuckled. That just means that hell be ready when the timees to fight. And, since he isnt yet max levelthough it doesnt look like hes far off from itit should be easier to increase his skill levels.


    The talking soon ceased, and everyone watched the illusionist and drake go at it. Derek had to agree that choosing the smaller drake with no element had been the correct choice for the man. While it seemed like he was overwhelming the confused drake, his blows werent actually causing a great amount of damage.


    But luckily, the young man was able to keep his buffs upincluding a stamina buffand keep going. It took a long while, but eventually, the young man was able to hamstring the beast and immobilize it. Then, after a few more attacks to make a point, he broke out the contract scroll and tried his luck at taming it.


    Derek could only imagine how cool the drake would be if it ended up with the same illusion affinity and skills that the young man had. He still wasnt entirely sure about how the evolution process workedit seemed to have something to do with both the will of the beast and the person. In fact, he had a theory that if Edgar had wanted to keep Blitz as a fire affinity wyvern, he could have willed it, and it wouldnt have changed so much.


    He had this idea after Silvis ss changed from pure void to a void and crafting hybrid ss. She clearly enjoyed using the void, but her focus was on cooking, so when she evolved for the second time, the evolution had taken that into ount, and she came out as a Gluttonous Void Bunny. <em>Oh, yeah</em><em> she likes eating as well</em>


    The young elven warrior seemed to luck out as the drake epted the contract on the first try. Then, in typical fashion, the young man initiated a bond, and the drake was covered in its own evolution sphere. Soon, an exhausted Trent walked back over to everyone else.


    Good job, kid, Derek said. Then, he thought about how elves and humans aged and realized that there was a very good chance that the kid he just congratted was much, much older than he was.


    Trent didnt seem to mind. He was probably used to his mother calling him a boy, so he just nodded and smiled. Thank you, he said. I thought I was done for a couple times back there. I think I got lucky. The beast had a lot more stamina and regeneration than I expected.


    You did so good! Tara came over and yoked the young man up in a big hug. Im so proud of you!


    Soon, everyone congratted the young man on his aplishment.


    Youll have to stop by the restaurant one of these days, nah said. You can have a meal on me. That was quite the show.


    Another tell that the boy was actually strong or had very high willpower was that other than an intense blush at nahs words, he hadnt lost himself. Of course, she wasnt trying and didnt put anything extra in her voice, but it was still impressive that it didnt have any kind of mental effect on him.


    Alright, thats one down, Derek said. Thats going to be tough to follow, but we need to do it as soon as possible. Are you ready for your turn, Edward?


    Edward let out a sigh, then nodded. I am.


    Okay, Derek said. There is one drake and two amphitheres left I think. He looked over at Avery, and the archer nodded. Which do you want?


    Ill take the winged serpent, the crown prince answered. I need something that can fly. I cant be too outdone by my little brother.


    <em>Toote, </em>Derek thought, but didnt let his thoughts escape his lips. Do you care which one you fight? he asked.


    No, he replied. Just send whichever you think is best over.


    Derek looked at Avery, and the man nodded.


    Lyras sending another over. Wait until she lets it loose before you attack, Avery said.


    Will do.


    Soon, a medium-sized amphithere flew over from where Lyra was keeping the lesser dragonkin. It was bigger than Lyra was initially, but that didnt mean anything. Derek actually hoped that Edwards ss would upgrade just like Averys had. He wasnt sure of what conditions it would take, but being at max level seemed to be one, and he was sure that the crown prince had enjoyed at least some Void Beast meals in his time.


    The winged serpent flew overhead, and a pair of lightning wings appeared from Edwards back. He shot up into the sky to meet the beast.


    <em>Poor guy, </em>Derek heard Silvis voice in his head.


    <em>Why is that?</em><em> </em>he asked.


    <em>He used to have two thumbs. Now he only has one. He doesn</em><em>t know what he lost, </em>Silvi said.


    Derek rolled his eyes, not deigning to give hiszypanion a reply.


    Soon, the telltale sign of the beast breaking out of Lyrasmand happened, and it began to look around in confusion, just like the drake had. Edward, with his sword in his only remaining hand, charged at the beast before it could get its bearing.


    The creature noticed Edward at thest second, and the two shed. It was the second time Derek would see a prince battle with a dragonkin. This time, though, it was a lesser prince battling against a lesser dragonkin. But, after everything that had happened, he was still rooting for Little Sparky.

 Chapter 368: Ill Tame It

    Chapter 368: I''ll Tame It


    Edward and the amphithere shed over and over, neither giving the other any leeway or backing down. Even with the crown princesck of power, Derek had to admit that he was still very fast. It was no wonder that the royal family had chosen the lightning element to pass downhowever they did that. Derek wondered how close Edward, Edwin, and Edgars sses really were to one another while he watched Edward try to tame the winged serpent.


    For well over half an hour, he watched the two collide in the air. But, slowly, Edward was getting the better of the amphithere. While the winged serpent may have been physically stronger than the young crown prince, Edward had the edge in speed. He also had what seemed like an unlimited supply of mana and stamina potions to drink.


    Derek made sure to note down that the mans potions were working perfectly even after going through Void Travel with Derek. That meant that as long as the rings were covered in his void armor, then anything inside of them should make it through the journey just fine. <em>If only I could find a way to keep the Time Prison or my Void Storage covered as well. </em>Next time he went through, he decided to cover himself in the void armor made by Void Creation and move through with another beast inside his Time Prison. <em>Maybe that will be all that it will take. </em>He shrugged and continued watching the fight above.


    He knew that Edgars abilities far outstripped the three other members of the royal family that he had met. ording to Silvibecause of her nicknamesEdward was the weakest of the three males. He wasnt entirely sure how strong Elouise was, but based on what little aura he sensed from her, she would most likely be called Littlest Sparky by Silvi. <em>Or maybe she</em><em>d call her Sparkette. </em>


    As he was thinking this, Derek finally saw Edward make what looked to be the deciding move in the fight. The crown prince sh behind the amphithere and stabbed his sword into the back of the beastright in between its wings. He had faked going for a move that the beast had countered multiple times, then used whatever movement skill he had to surprise the beast. From there, a massive amount of lightning pulsed through his sword, and the winged serpent went limp. Soon, the two were plummeting toward the earth.


    <em>He</em><em>s not bad in a one-on-one fight, </em>Derek thought as he watched the man and beast crash into the ground. From what he knew of the times hed had to be rescued, they were because he was ambushed or had to fight off multiple enemies at a time.


    Once the battle made it to the ground, Edward didnt let up. He sent pulse after pulse of lightning through the beasts bodykeeping it locked in ce through the paralytic effect that lightning had. It reminded Derek of himself when he was fighting the wyverns back in the raid. He was able to keep the beasts stun locked just as Edward was.


    Slowly, Edward moved towards the dragonkins headmaking sure to keep his glimmering sword touching the hide of the beast the whole time. When there was any reaction from the amphithere, he made sure to send out another pulse. Derek hadnt believed that the man would have any problems with one of the lesser dragonkin, and he had been correct.


    The prince hadnt been as good or as fast as Avery was against Lyra, and it didnt look like he had held back like Avery had. The archer had to make sure he didnt identally kill Lyra, while Edward had gone all out at the beginning, then caught the beast by surprise attack to gain the advantage.


    However, now was the hard partmaking the beast ept Edward as its master. Because of how close the fight actually was, Derek expected the process to take more than one try. Thinking about that, Derek couldnt help but think about Trent. The young elven man had pretty much dominated the drake during the fight and contracted the beast very quickly. At least, that was how it seemed, but Derek knew the young man had walked a tightrope with his illusion skills. One bad hit could have created a much different ending.


    On top of Edwards fight being closer, his lightning may have stunned the beast, but it didnt look like it had injured the beast all that much. And when he pulled out a scroll and activated it, Dereks thoughts were confirmed. Almost as soon as the crown prince activated the scroll, it disintegrated in failure. Derekughed, then turned back to everyone elsehis eyes finallynding on nah.


    You ready for yours? he asked.


    What about the crown prince? Tara asked from the side.


    Hes got the kingdom backing him, Derek replied to her. Theres no way he doesnt have dozens of contract scrolls on him. Sooner orter, the beast will agree. I dont want to sit here and wait for that.


    Oh.


    So, what do you say? He asked nah, who was frowning. Are you ready to go get your wyvern?


    Ill tame it, she finally said after a long time of hesitating. But Im not bonding with it.


    Why not? Derek asked, confused.


    Itsplicated, she replied. But Ill at least tame it to help finish this war. After that, Ill figure something out.


    Okay Derek shrugged. Follow me. He decided not to pry into the womans affairs. If there was a reason she didnt want to bond with the beast, it wasnt any of his business. If nothing else, after the war, there may just be an extra wyvern to bond with. <em>I wonder how breaking the contract and stuff works, </em>he thought.


    Derek led nah to where they had trapped and confined the earth-based wyvern. In the short time that hed been gone, Tyron had actually created a proper muzzle for the beast instead of the makeshift one he had wrapped around its maw before.


    There it is, Derek said. We can have Tyron let it loose, then you can do your thing.


    nah snorted, then, without a word, she began walking toward the beast.


    Wait, Tyron started. Dont you need me to


    nah held her hand up, and the smith went quiet with a shrug.


    Im sure she knows what shes doing, the smith said.


    Im sure youre right, Derek agreed.


    They all watched as she approached the angry beast. The massive dragonkin turned its head as much as it could and saw the half-elf woman walking toward it. Fury zed in its eyes as it watched her approach. As she drew closer and closer, she started to transform into the same form shed been in when Derek joined the battle against the army. He knew exactly how powerful she was in that form. And soon, she was standing directly in front of the beast with her tainted aura unleashed.


    Instantly, a scroll appeared in her hand, and she ced her other hand on the side of the wyverns snout. She spoke some words that nobody could hear, and Derek saw the eyes of the beast go distant. It was the same look that most others got when they were controlled by her voice. Soon after, the beasts eyes changed back, and it looked around in rm. <em>Huh, that didn</em><em>tst as long as I thought it was going to, </em>Derek thought. The beast was only out of it for seconds. But he didnt have time to think about it, because what nah did next caused his jaw to drop.


    nah said something else. Then the contract glowed. Instead of crumbling in failure, it was a sess. To everyones surprise, even Averys, nah had tamed the wyvern with little to no effort, and she had done it while it was already under constraints of another person. It went against everything Derek knew about taming.


    nah turned back and released her form before walking back over to the group. You can release it now. Its done.


    Y-yes, Tyron quickly said, then hurried over to the trapped beast and began to remove its constraints.


    What the hell was that? Derek couldnt help but ask. It wasnt even that easy for me to contract with Silvi. And how did you get around it already being constrained by someone else?


    Overwhelming power, nah said. Dragonkin are smart beasts, she continued. And, since they are currently free and no longer trapped in a dungeon and forced to be aggressive, I imagine they are much easier to tame than they were when Avery and Edgar contracted theirs. So, when the wyvern felt my aura, it automatically knew it couldnt beat me, then, with a little convincing and demonstrating my power, it epted. This was even with the Great System forcibly breaking it out of my abilities, so I couldnt just control it to ept the contract.


    I see, Derek said. I didnt know any of that was possible.


    It is much more difficult that way, but since my ss is of the same rarity of the beast, and my power was much higher, the usual process could be somewhat ignored. I doubt anyone would be able to do the same if their ss wasnt at least the same rarity or highereven if they had overwhelming power. Youd most definitely have to prove your worth in battle. It probably wouldnt be possible in a dungeon, either.


    Thats good to know, Derek said. <em>Maybe Brandi and Thomas will be able to train</em><em> tame their dragons sooner than I originally thought. I need to spend more time with them to see how theyve progressed. I especially want to know the full extent of how Brandis ss has grown. </em>


    Thats two dragonkin down, Derek said, then looked back to where Edward was still trying to coax the amphithere into contracting with him. And soon to be three, hopefully. Once Edward tamed his, there would be six lesser dragonkin and a single wyvern left to be tamed. He was sure that with the two lesser dragonkin being contracted right now that Lyra would already be having an easier go at keeping them all in check.


    Actually, Derek really would like Lyra to go with them to Astrus. No offense to Blitz, but Derek found Lyra to be much cooler looking and more intimidating. Maybe Blitz looked more intimidated initially, but seeing thebination of Lyra and Avery made Derek lean heavily toward thatbo instead of Blitz and Edgar.


    Avery, Derek said.


    Yeah? the archer replied.


    Ask Lyra if she thinks the lesser dragonkin will go crazy and kill each other if we load them up in the open area of my Time Prison. I think it would be best if the two of you joined us in going to Astrus. Im sure nah has already filled you in on all the details, Derek said, then looked at nah, who nodded.


    She has, and I would very much prefer doing that over staying here and babysitting no offense, Tyron. Averyughed. Let me see what she thinks.


    Tyron rolled his eyes. I would much rather babysit the remaining wyvern than ride countless miles on the back of one of your beasts again. The giant of a man shivered at the thought.


    A few momentster, Avery said, She said that it shouldnt be a problem. Shell push some thoughts into them, then, you just need to adjust the time in your space ordingly so the time they spend inside doesnt seem as long to them as the time that passes out here. She said she didnt think they would hurt each other to begin with. Like nah, Lyra thinks that they are much less aggressive now that they are out of the dungeon. Its why she hasnt had any problem controlling them so far. They are happy to be out.


    Great! Derek said. That just leaves Edward. Hopefully, we can be up in the air by the end of the day or noter than tomorrow.

 Chapter 369: Taking Off

    Chapter 369: Taking Off


    They, unfortunately, were not up in the air by the end of the day. The problem wasnt in how long it took Edward to contract with the amphithere; it was in how long it took for the dragonkin to evolve. It seemed like it teetered on the cusp of evolving just like Lyra hadwhich most likely would have brought Edwards ss rarity up a notch and rewarded him with some stat points just as it had Averyhowever, it didnt quite get there.


    The amphithere, who Edward ended up naming Voltmuch to Dereks dismay, as he had suggested to call it Spark or Sparkyhad grown, though. It was already big for one of the lesser amphithere, and after the evolution, it was almost the same size as Lyra. It ended up being quite the beautiful winged serpent.


    Volts scales had all turned a shade of dark blue trimmed in the vibrant blue of Edwards lightning element, causing each scale to look as if it was glimmering in the sun. Its body and feathers were a majestic silver, and it all culminated with the amphitheres sliver-blue crown. All in all, it was fitting for a crown prince of lightning.


    And, since it wasnt too much smaller than Blitz and Lyra, it wouldnt be easy for others to tell that it was actually of a lesser rarity than them. Everyone wouldpare Edgar and Edward, which now included their respective dragonkin. The two dragonkin being almost simr in size would allow Edward to save a bit more face than he would have. Though not many people would disrespect someone with a dragonat least, thats what Derek thought.


    So, during the time it took for Volt to evolve, Derek and the others loaded up all the dragonkin back into his Time Prison. He couldnt put them in any of the cells because of the cooldown, so he just put them inside and shut the door. After that, they all went over to make sure that the pure magic wyvern was still trapped with no problems. Tyron and Rocky opted to stay with it while everyone else invaded Astrus.


    Finally, they all waited, and it wasnt untilte in the night that Volt had evolved into the beautiful creature he currently was.


    Great, Derek said. Lets go.


    Ille too, just in case you need some support, Tara said. Trent, you take your newpanion and go back home. Im sure everyones waiting to see why I had you rush off so suddenly.


    Yes, mother. Trent nodded and left. His drake had also evolved, but it hadnt grown in size. It was still the same, but it changed to a light blue colorindicating that it had also taken on some of the illusion properties that the young elven man had. Derek couldnt help but wonder about the skills the previously non-elemental drake would now have.


    Ready? Derek asked everyone and received a nod from them all. Were off, then, he said to Tyron. You two take care.


    Hurry back, Tyron said. Ill be working on a decent pair of gloves for you. Looks like you dont need boots anymore.


    The group soon made it back to the capital. It was quite a sight, seeing the wyvern and two amphitheres flying in formation over the city beforending and taking up so much space in the pce courtyard. Even though it was the middle of the night, and the guards were prepared, it caused a greatmotion. Luckily, many of the people already knew of Blitz and Edgar, so they werent too panicked with the arrival of more dragonkin.


    The fact that none of the beasts made any moves to harm or intimidate any of the citizens didnt hurt, either. The children were more curious than anything after getting to know of Blitz, and many of them were awakened by the excitement and ran out of their homes to see the spectacle.


    This time, Derek had opted to ride on the back of nahs contracted wyvern instead of Lyra, as the wyvern was in the front of the formation. The earthen wyvern didnt have the human-like intelligence that the amphitheres had because it wasnt a bonded beast, but it behaved well and did whatever nah asked it to do. Even if they werent bonded, the contract was still binding.


    The five people jumped off the backs of the dragonkin and made their way into the pce, where Edwin and the others were still up and waiting. Soon, they were back in the Great Hall.


    Is Blitz still not back? Derek asked Edgar, who had been chatting with his father.


    Well meet him on our way to Indria. I teleported to one of the cities he was close to and got within range of him and told him of the n. He was a little disappointed that his rest and rxation was cut short, Edgar replied.


    Hell be able to rest as much as he wants once this is finished, Derek said. What about you? He looked at the king. Are you ready? Are you sure you want to leave the capital?


    Of course! Edwin said with a smile. How often does a king get to invade an enemy country while on dragon back? It will be the perfect end to my reign.


    Whatever. Derek shrugged, then pointed at Tara. Tara was retrieving her dragonkin for her son and wanted toe. We thought itd be a good idea to have a decent support ss with us, just in case.


    Thats fine by me, Edwin said. It is nice to see you again, Mrs. Perez.


    The elven support mage bowed slightly. Its nice to see you, too, Your Majesty.


    I take it Natalies staying back? Derek asked.


    Ms. Savannah has gone back, the king replied. She said she has a lot of work to catch up on.


    Well, then it looks like its just us, Edward said. Is everybody ready?


    Receiving noints, the crown prince led everyone back out of the pce and back to the courtyard. The ce was already surrounded by a medium-sized group onlookersnot unlike how it had been when they fought there previously. Vanessas skill had drawn a lot of attention back then, but not as much as the trio of dragonkin was now.


    When the three royal family members came out of the pce, the group cheered.


    Do they know what were doing? Derek asked from behind the three.


    No, Edgar answered. But its not hard to sense that somethings going on.


    Derek shrugged, then he and Silvi jumped onto the back of the earthen wyvern alongside nah. Next, Avery and Tara jumped to the back of Lyra, then finally, the royal trio, in their full battle gear, leaped onto the back of Volt. When the royal family all mounted Volt, the cheers of the crowd increased. Even though they didnt know what was happening, the citizens, with all the tension that had arisen over thest months, gave them a good and proper send offeven if it was in the middle of the night.


    Edward walked forward until he was standing on the top of Volts head, then motioned with his arm for the crowd to quiet. Derek nodded. The man was going to take over as king soon, so this was the perfect opportunity for him to make a showing. Even if the crowd wasnt nearly as big as an official gathering would have been, it was big enough to spread the word throughout the kingdom.


    Everyone! Edward projected his voice out where it could be heard by all around the pce. I am proud to say that the war with Indria is over and we have made peace!


    With that, the group cheered once again. It was possible that announcing what was going on right now would lead to Astrus getting wind of everythingif they already hadntand preparing for their arrival. That was fine by Derek and the others. If Astrus prepared a force to fight against their small retinue, then their position would be all the more solid once they took care of it.


    After some time, the crowd quieted once again. Now! the crown prince shouted. It is time to end the war with Astrus, with my royal family leading the charge! Everyone cheered again. Then Edward nodded to the entrance of the pce, and a group of guards walked out, escorting the captured Duke of Astrus. Seeing the new addition, the group of peoplewhich was steadily growing in size due to the uproarquieted and began murmuring among themselves.


    The guards quickly brought Duke Terrin atop Volt, and Edgar took him off their hands. After that, the younger prince brought the duke to the forefront so the group would be able to get a better look in thentern lit night. From behind them, Derek noticed Edwin smiling like a kid in a candy shop. He was enjoying the show his sons were putting on.


    Many of you may not know who this is, but no doubt, some of you do, Edward motioned to the duke, who was beside him being held by Edgar. This man is Duke Terrin of Astrus. The murmurings grew louder after that, and half the crowd looked on in shock. Many things have happened over thest few days. In particr, we have executed King Tevarian and his general, captured Duke Terrin, and made peace with Indria.


    With Tevarian Sinir, the King of Astrus, gone, and his brother soon to be executed, we, with the aid of the elves of Indria, will end this war with Astrus and rece those in power. Our people will soon know peace once again, and Cydaria will be the foremost kingdom of our continent! Edward pumped his fist in the air.


    The gathered crowd cheered once again, but this time, Edward didnt bother quieting them. Edgar took Terrin back down to the back of Volt and secured him.


    Tonight! Edward shouted over the loud crowd. We go into battle! Expect great news in the uing days! Volt! Lets go! With his final shout, Volt pped his wings and the winged serpent lifted off the ground.


    Derek soon felt himself being lifted into the air on the back of the earthen wyvern, then he looked back at Avery. The archer rolled his eyes, but Lyra soon joined the other dragonkin in liftoff. The dragonkin trio shot straight up into the air with the cheering crowd below themtheir cheers continuing even while they were pelted with the intense gusts of wind created by the wings of the beasts.


    Because of how fast and how vertical they had risen, Derek had to reach down and grab onto one of the wyverns spikes to ensure he didnt fall off. When he looked ahead of him, he saw Edgar doing his best to hold both Edwin and Duke Terrin in ce. The man was a Dragon Rider, after all, so he had perfect bnce on the back of any dragonkin, not just Blitz.


    When Derek looked back, he saw theical sight of the elven support mage holding onto Averys arm for dear life. No part of her body was in contact with Lyra. If not for the archer holding her, she would have already fallen. Soon, they leveled out, and everyone made themselves morefortable.


    Was that really necessary? Derek yelled over to Edward. It was hard to speak over the distance between them.


    I thought it best to give the people a spectacle to be excited about. I think it worked, dont you? Edward yelled back.


    Derek shrugged. Well see he said to nobody in particr.


    They had onest stop to pick up some extra firepower in Indria, then, they would head straight to the capital of Astrus. <em>I wonder how much more powerful Osian is than Ryven. That will be interesting to see.</em>

 Chapter 370: Prepare for the Worst

    Chapter 370: Prepare for the Worst


    The flight from capital to capital was long, to say the least. Without the ability to teleport from city to city throughout the kingdoms because of the massive dragonkin, they had to fly the entire way. Just as nned, Blitz met the group before they even left the Cydaria border, and Edgar moved to his ownpanion from Edwards, leaving the king and crown prince to take care of babysitting the Duke of Astrus.


    Even with the straight line speed that the dragonkin all flew, it took over a day and a half to get to the elven capitalonce again proving how good Void Travel could be. When they arrived, the Indrian retinue was already waiting for them.


    It would have been a bit faster and easier if Derek would have used Void Travel to bring Indrias party to Cydaria for them all to leave from there, but, the decision was made that it would look better to the Indrian people of the capital to see their own leaving side by side with Cydaria. On top of that, the royal family had much to do in the two days leading to the departurespecifically, dealing with thebined army that was mostly still located in their borders.


    Derek and nah stayed circling in the air on her contracted wyvern, and Avery and Tara did the same on Lyra, while Blitz and Volt took the royal family and Duke Terrin down to the pce. It seemed that the Indrian royal family had called for a gathering for the event, as there were many more peoplemostly elvesgathered around.


    There was another speechthis one abination of Edward and Osianfor the people of Indria. Derek tuned most of it out, as he had already heard the gist of it before when they left Cydaria. The group did a little show with Duke Terrin and, though the cheers were more subdued than those of the Cydarian citizens, the people of Indria eventually got behind everything.


    Finally, a handful of Indrias peopleincluding the king and dukejoined Edward, Edwin, and Edgar on the backs of their bonded beasts and they lifted off to scores of apuse and cheers from the crowd.


    Derek waited for a bituntil they all got a decent distance away from the citythen looked over at nah. Ill be back in a few. Seeing her slight nod, he looked over to Voltwhere the Indrian royals, Edward, and Edwin were gatheredand, after having Silvi hop off his shoulder and onto the back of the wyvern, he used Active Void Shift and appeared just a few inches above the flying beast, thennded on its back.


    Ryven winced, and the crown prince jumped away before panicking and trying not to lose his bnce on the back of Volt. Osian, to his credit, only turned his head slightly to look Derek in the eyes. Edward and Edwin seemed to be bing immune to Dereks antics, and did not show much of a reaction to him appearing out of nowhere without any warning.


    So, Derek said to Osian. Did you bring enough people? he asked as he ignored everyone elses stares. He was talking about the five elves who had boarded the back of Blitz instead of Volt. One of which he recognized as the female general, Nira, who was in the meeting the other day. All in all, there were nine people from Indria and eight people from Cydariaif he counted himselfgoing to Astrus. That was if he wasnt counting the dragonkin and Silvi. If he did that, Cydaria massively outnumbered Indria.


    The King of Indria looked around at Edwin, Edward, and the others.


    Im talking to you, not them, Derek said. You know more about whats going on with your side than either they or I do. I want to know what we should expect once we get there.


    Finally, Osian nced over at the other flying dragonkin, specifically Blitz, and all the people on his back, and nodded. We had to make a good showing, he said. After our announcements, we had to show that we were inplete support of one another.


    Announcements? Derek asked. What did you tell everyone?


    Not much, yet, Osian replied. Mostly that we have withdrawn our support from Astrus and joined forces with Cydaria. The rest will be announced in due time. For now, they know everything they need to know. There was less pushback from some of our elders than I thought there would have been, too. So, that is good.


    Elders? Derek asked.


    What we could consider our patriarchs of what you would call noble houses. Speaking of the elders, Osian continued with a nod to the elves on the back Blitz. Four of them have joined us today. They wanted to see for themselves the might of Cydaria.


    Derek nced over at the five elves on the back of Blitz once again. <em>So, aside from General Nira, the other four are all the leaders of the top noble houses in Indria. That should be good</em><em> should make things easier if they support Osian early on. </em>Derek noted that there were three men and one woman among the elders.


    The woman and two of the men all looked rather young. If he were topare them to humans from Earth before the Universal System arrived, he would put them in theirte thirties or early forties. Knowing how elves aged, this could mean that they were ancient. However, the remaining elder was different than the others. He looked like Edwinlike he already had one foot in the grave.


    In fact, taking a closer look, the man looked even worse off than Edwinlike he was going to keel over and die any second. Are you sure that guys going to make it there? Derek pointed to the older elf. Riding on the back of a winged serpent isnt exactly smooth.


    Of course, Osian said with a scoff. Marrick is one of, if not the, oldest living elf in Indria. He is also one of the strongest.


    Yet he didnt help you in the war Derek said.


    He was against it to begin with, Osian exined. And he is not part of the royal family or associated with our armies. He is more like Ms. Swan, the king said. An entity that has grown strong enough to do what he wants.


    And he wants to fight Astrus? Derek asked.


    He has some grudges against the Astrus royal family well, not any of the current living royal family, but Duke Terrin and King Tevarians grandfather and a former king of Astrus. The man has long since died, but grudges dont necessarily die with them.


    I see Derek said. So, hes here to fight, then?


    If the former king stands in the way, yes, Osian replied. And Im sure now that both his eldest son and grandson have been in, he will not just roll over and ept his fate.


    <em>I didn</em><em>t think about it much back then, but the King of Astrus didnt look nearly as old as Edwin. It turns out that his father is even still alive. </em>Well, if nothing else, Ill get to see a cool fight, Derek said as he looked over at Duke Terrin, who had clearly seen better days. Assuming he uses the same type of ice that both of his sons and apparently his grandson did.


    The Indrian King didnt seem amused by Dereks pun, but still answered anyway. Yes, he does. Though, Im not sure of his overall strength. Tevarian was said to be one of the most talented users to appear in ages, so I dont know if he was stronger or if his father was.


    I guess it really doesnt matter, Derek said. <em>If ites to it, ice melts</em><em> </em>he thought. So, what do you think well be looking at once we get there? he finally asked the question he was most concerned about. Osian was literally just allied with the other kingdom, so he should know more about them than anyone elseespecially if he kept an eye on things as well as he said he did. Is the father the biggest threat?


    In terms of the ability to gather supporters in a short amount of time, yes, Osian answered. I would expect that by now, all the most powerful know of the kings demise and that we are on our way. So, either the former king, Traven, will take his mantle back, or Tevarians wife, Queen Cassandra, will be in charge.


    Is she strong? Derek asked.


    She is known to be, Osian replied. Not as strong as Tevarian, but from what Ive heard, shes no pushover.


    So, you think these two will be able to convince everyone to fight us?


    I cant imagine why or how they wouldnt, the Indrian King replied. Almost all the witnesses to your battle with the army, then Tevarian, have been captured and are being held here in Indria. That is what my brother and I have been doing since you left the pce that and speaking to the elders.


    They will only have what rumors have spread there from Cydaria and previous battles. With the lockdown of my kingdom, it is not easy for information to spread outside of Indria currently. So, its possible they may not even know that you are back. Even if rumors did manage to find their way out, they arent that believableespecially when ites to yourpanion.


    You seemed to believe them easily enough, Derek said. Osian was quick to recognize Derek when they invaded the pce and act ordingly.


    I had reports from my brother about yourpanion already, and Ryven wouldnt lie to me. And when your son dies in a battle, you tend to take it seriously. Even if it was against a horned rabbit. The king clenched his fists, then unclenched them with a sigh. Plus, like I said, everything that happened when you joined the war happened inside my kingdoms borders. So, I doubt they have any first-hand ounts of what actually happened.


    I see, Derek said. Themunication lock that Indria had over their kingdom really could end up being helpful to their current situation. Just because Tevarian and his brother were so high up politically didnt mean that they were the strongest in Astrus. The prime example of this were Edwin and Edward. The father and son duo were most definitely stronger than the average person in the kingdom, but there were many others who were stronger than the two of them. <em>Though, from what Osian said, it does seem like Tevarian was up there.</em>


    So, with all that in mind, Derek didnt expect to just go in and have everyone roll over for them. He expected a fightand not an easy one. He would allow the leaders of the two kingdoms and their people to take action first, as it would be more impactful that way, but if he was neededwhich he was sure he would behe wouldnt hesitate to jump in.


    So, we go in hoping for the best, but expecting the worst, Derek said.


    Yes, Osian replied. That pretty much exins the situation and life in general.


    <em>Yup, </em>Derek thought.<em></em>It was an idiom that Derek had heard his whole life back on Earth. And it never applied more back then than it had ever since the system came. Derek had specd into vitality and endurance back then because he was prepared for the worst, and it had helped and saved him countless times.


    Good chat, Derek said, then turned and looked at Edwin and the others, who had been listening in, but hadnt interrupted their conversation. Did you all hear that? he asked.


    We did, Edwin spoke up. It is as we expected.


    Good, Derek said. Im going to head back over to the less crowded wyvern. I look forward to seeing you all fight. Heughed and disappeared with Active Void Shift before they could say anything. The next second, he was standing next to nah.


    Learn anything new? she asked from her seated meditation position.


    Just that we should be able to watch a pretty good fight between senior citizens, he replied with augh. And hopefully, there will be a good fight for us as well. With that, he sat down and slipped into his own meditation. They didnt have long to go, and he wanted to be as fresh as possible just in case.

 Chapter 371: Icecrest

    Chapter 371: Icecrest


    Were almost there, nahs voice sounded out from beside Derek.


    Derek noticed when she had stood from her meditation long ago, but he remained seated and continued his own meditation. He knew that she would let him know if something came up, and now she was. Derek instantly broke out of his meditation when he heard her voice. He opened his eyes and stood before looking around. The dragonkin were all flying rtively close to one another, and he could see that some of the people on Blitz and Volt seemed to be much more nervous than they were when he visited them.


    He also saw that both nahs contracted wyvern and Lyra had fallen to the back of the formation they were flying in. This left the two dragonkinBlitz and Voltthat were holding the representatives of the two kingdoms to fly in front.


    After that, he looked down at his surroundingsseeing if he could find a difference in Astrus, Cydaria, and Indria. There really wasnt much of a difference in thend of Astrus and Cydaria. Indria was the only one that stood out from what little he had seen. The cities they flew over or by were more nature-based than what he had seen in Cydaria.


    As for Astrus, it was just regr viges that hed seen everywhere he wentnothing special. Then again, he wasnt expecting anything different to begin with.


    Did anything happen while I was meditating? he asked, wondering if shed seen anything in the time that shed been aware. He could sense his immediate surroundings and a bit more when deeply meditating, but that was it. Of course, he could just regrly meditate like he did in battle or while moving, but the sense of time passing quickly didnt happen when he did that, so it was pointless considering that was exactly what he was using it for.


    Its quiet, nah replied.


    Quiet? Derek asked.


    Yes. The cities weve flown over or close to all seem to be too quietespecially for the current time. Theres just no activity, she exined. The viges all seem to be normlbeit quite scared when they see us, but, the two cities we came close to, there was nothing.


    Derek looked around and realized that it was close to noonof the next day. <em>No wonder everyone on the other dragonkin is looking anxious. They</em><em>ve been thinking about the battle toe for over an entire day. And the more you dwell on something, the more anxious you get. </em>


    So theyve most definitely prepared.


    Looks like it, nah replied. Whether it was from leaks in Cydaria or they were just really quick to notice us and prepare when we crossed the border, who knows?


    Derek nodded. How long until we get there? he asked.


    We should be able to see the city within the next hour or two, she answered.


    Good. Derek cracked his neck in anticipation.


    A little over an hourter, Derek saw the massive Capital of Astrusing into view. Hed yet to see the Capital of Cydaria from such an angle, but he doubted it was as big as the one he was seeing. The Indrian Capital that he saw from the same vantage point hadnt been, but Indria had a smaller poption overall, so that made sense.


    Damn, he said.


    Thats Icecrest, the secondrgest city on the continent, nah answered.


    Really? Derek asked with confusion. If thats the second biggest, then what is the first?


    Stonehelm, nah answered. The Capital City of Vallum. It spans throughout an entire mountain range. Ive been there and I still dont even know how big it is.


    Sounds easy to get lost in, Derek said.


    You dont know the half of it. The whole thing is like a maze and very dimly lit, yet dwarves have no trouble navigating it.


    Well, it makes sense, since thats where they grew up, Derek said.


    No. nah shook her head. Even dwarves from other cities have no problem in the capital.


    Then its either some innate ability they have, or all the underground cities they have areid out the same, which makes it easier to go from one city to the other, Derek said.


    Exactly, nah agreed.


    By the way, are there any above ground cities in Vallum? Just curious, he asked.


    Of course, nah answered. They do a lot of trading, and most merchants prefer to stay above ground. So, there are plenty of full-sized cities scattered throughout Vallum. The city designs are a bit like Savannahseparating living and business districts, and putting all the most important buildings in the middle.


    I see, Derek said. Ill have to visit there some day after the war is over. Sounds like an interesting ce, and so far, I havent met a dwarf that I didnt like. Though Ive only met a couple.


    They are a very terse race. It almostes off as condescending. Just know that they dont mean disrespect by it. The ones who run the cities above seem better because theyve adjusted themselves to make foreign merchants morefortable, but if you go to the capital or one of the other underground cities, youll be lucky to get more than a few words unless youre drinking with them. nah exined.


    So I need to bring some of Romans Brew with me when I go, Derekughed. Got it.


    That should help you out immensely, nah agreed. Though make sure whatever you bring wont kill them. Or, at least, warn them of the effects first. Ive heard stories about Romans Brew


    Will do, Derek said, and mentally made a note to visit Vallum when he got a chance. <em>Maybe I can take Tyron there, too. I</em><em>m sure hed do much better underground than he does in the air.</em>


    Look, nah said, breaking him out of his thoughts. She was pointing in front of them at the city that was growing bigger and bigger as they drew closer.


    What is it? Derek looked where her finger was pointed, and eventually, he saw what she had.


    They are no doubt prepared for us, she said.


    What he had taken as part of the city beforewhen it was much further awayactually turned out to be quite the massive standing army. Of course, Indria and Astrus wouldnt leave themselves defenseless by sending their kingdoms entire armies against Cydariaespecially when they thought what they had sent would be more than enough.


    It looked like whoever had taken charge had gathered guards and soldiers from around the entire kingdom. They werent close enough to see the quality of the gathered army, but Derek would bet that a good portion of it was as strong or stronger than those from the army he and Silvi had routed days ago. Of course, he also believed that there were definitely guards and soldiers that were there just to make it look more intimidating. Unfortunately for them, numbers werent something that would work on the invading group.


    In front of the army was another group of people. They werent close enough for Derek to count the number, but it was vastly smaller than the army. <em>Probably those in charge</em>, Derek thought. <em>Damn</em><em> I really dont want to have to deal with another army again. Thats way too much death that could be avoided. </em>


    As the formation of dragonkin drew closer and closer, they began to slow. Eventually, they were all close enough where Derek, and everyone else for that matter, could see exactly what they were facing off against. Instantly, he could pick out the lower level guards and soldiers mixed within the army. They were the ones who were visibly shaking at the sight of four massive dragons heading their way.


    The other soldiersthe veteran soldierswere much more calm. Though Derek could still see uncertainty guing many of their faces.


    Finally, Edward directed the dragonkin to stop andnd. The sight of the four beasts allnding at oncestirring up dust and destroying parts of the grassynds in the processmust have been something. Once the dust settled, Derek could see that much of the opposing army had gone much more pale than they had been before.


    With the dragonkinnded, the army and those in front of it showed no sign of attacking. They all just stood at the ready. Derek looked over and saw that Edward, Osian, and everyone else on Blitz and Volt began to dismount. He and nah exchanged looks. Then Derek shrugged and hopped off the back of nahs contracted beast. nah followed suit.


    Eventually, Derek and nah fell in beside Avery and Tara, who were both trailing the group of royals and their retinue by a short distance. It was enough to say that Derek, nah, and Averywith Silvi on Dereks shoulderwere there with Cydaria and Indria, but werent to bemanded by them. Tara stayed with them because she was only a support ss with no real attacks, and obviously she knew she was safer with those three than the others.


    After some discussion on the opposite side, the group of a few dozen people began to slowly walk forward, too. Derek scanned the crowd containing the Astrus leadership, and his eyes soon fell on the person he would assume was Tevarians father. He actually wasnt the oldest person in the group, as there were a few people who actually looked to be as old as if not older than Edwin. Though nobody looked as much like a walking corpse as the elven elder, Marrick, did.


    Derek was able to recognize the person by the deep ck hair that held a blue gloss to it. It was the same color hair that both the duke and the king had. There were others with the same hair color and shimmer, but they seemed to be much younger. <em>Probably the current princes</em><em> </em>The man also happened to be walking at the very front of the group heading their way.


    He was actually walking in stride with a sullen middle-aged woman dressed in a ck robe with blue trim and active runes sewn into the fabric. It was easy to tell that she was Tevarians widow. The two seemed to bebining their efforts to lead the others.


    Everyone else fell in behind the duo. Derek didnt fail to notice that many of the around 35 people had uncertain looks on their faces. <em>Those must be some of the stronger noble houses that are loyal to the crown. Though, I bet their loyalty only goes so far.</em>


    From there, Derek looked at Cydarias own groupspecifically, he looked to see if he could find Marrick, the old elven elder. He was actually quite easy to spot; he was wearing a green robe and was hunched over walking with a cane. However, Derek had to hold himself back fromughing, as it seemed to be all the old man could do not to pass Edward and Osianwho were leading the groupand run ahead. The elven elders cane wasnt even touching the ground when he walked.


    Finally, the group came within range of one another and everyone from both sides stopped.


    Osian! You traitorous bastard! The man leading the other group began by yelling at the Indrian King. How dare you show your face here after betraying Astrus? Have you no shame?


    Traven, Osian said, just loud enough for everyone to hear him. You know as well as I that when King Tevarian rushed off and recklessly died, our contracts and agreements died with him. So no, I am not traitorous, nor did I betray you. If you want to me anyone, me your own son. You did not see me rush off to the battlefield when I received news of my own sons death, did you? No, I had a country to run and people to keep safe.


    Bah! a withered voice sounded out from behind Osian. The entire Sinir line is all the same. Acting without thinking, not caring who they offend.


    You! Traven called out when he saw the person who was speaking. You old man! How dare you step foot


    Is that all you can say,d? How dare you this how dare you that youre getting too old for all that. Of course we dare. We wouldnt havee if we didnt, Marrick took a step forward to stand beside Osian and Edward, then cut the former king off before he could speak again. What are you? Teenage noble who just unlocked his first ss? Grow up and act your age. Youre making us old folk look bad.


    <em>I kind of like this old man, </em>Derek thought. <em>He took the words right out of my mouth. </em>Derekughed inwardly as he stood back and watched the show. <em>It would probably be rude to pull a chair out, wouldn</em><em>t it?</em>

 Chapter 372: Not Giving a Damn

    Chapter 372: Not Giving a Damn


    Okay, everyone, calm down. Edward motioned with his one hand, trying to get a little control of the situation.


    And why is the crippled crown prince here? Traven rolled his eyes at Edwards gesture, but did seem to calm down some afterward. Seriously, Edwin? Youre going to let this failure of a prince take charge? Pathetic.


    And how is your crown prince doing? Marrick cut back in. The old mans former hunched posture was now nowhere to be seen. He was standing straight-backed and actually had a few inches of height over Edward. The former feeble old man waspletely gone. I heard he just didnt have the heart for battle.


    To Dereks side, he heard nah let out a small gasp, then a slight chuckle before she covered her face. <em>What is it?</em><em> </em>he sent to her telepathically.


    <em>I</em><em> uh I ripped the Crown Prince of Astruss heart out in front of thebined army, </em>she answered. <em>It was right after I transformed for the first time in decades. He</em><em>d kind of struck a nerve Wait hes</em>


    Before anyonealmost anyonerealized it, a piercing sharp spike made of ck ice flew from the former king and at Marrick at a blinding speed. Derek, wanting to make sure that nothing happened to the old coot, quickly shifted into the void and began to make his way toward the man. However, before he even moved a muscle, he saw that the old man had everything in his control.


    From his ce, and while still shifted into the void, Derek watched the spike of ice travel inch by inch toward Marrick. The old elf didnt look scared at all, and just as fast as the piece of ice was moving, earth and sand was beginning to rotate around the elfs feet and move up his body.


    Soon, the earth and sand formed into a small shield that moved just in front of the old mans forehead. Derek continued to stay shifted just to make sure that the small earthen shield was enough to protect the man. His worries were unfounded, because the spike soon hit the shield of sand. The sand stretched an inch or soallowing an impression in the sand of the ice spike to move within an inch of the mans forehead.


    Then, the ice stopped, and the sandpletely epassed it. The sand then began to rotate around the dark ice spikelike a grinder grinding the ice. Soon enough, the sand spread out and rotated back around the old elfs bodythe ice had disappeared like it had never existed in the first ce. The whole while, the elven elder stood with a half smirk on his facenot batting an eye.


    Everything happened in an instant, but because Derek had used Void Shift, he saw the whole proceedings in an almost slow motion. Derek shook his head, then moved back out of the void. nah looked over at him with a sly grin on her face as well.


    <em>It looks like you werent needed after all, </em>she sent to him.


    <em>It sure seems that way,</em><em> </em>he sent back. He looked back at Marrick and silently chuckled to himself.


    He had known that nah had been the one to kill the crown prince, but he didnt know the exact details. Damn<em></em>Derek thought. <em>This old guy really doesn</em><em>t give a damn. </em>Derek wasnt the only person stunned speechless by Marricks deration, then the attempted attack. Even Osian and Ryven were looking at the old man in shocknot to mention the former king, and the crown princes mother, along with all the other nobles on the other side.


    In such a serious situation, the elven elder had made such a joke that caused the entire area to go silent and the former king to instantly send out an attack. When Osian first told Derek about Merrick, hed expected the old man to be a sullen elf in thest stage of his life, hell bent on getting revenge for whatever happened before. To a certain extent, he may still be that. <em>Except for the sullen part, </em>Derek thought.


    From Dereks viewpoint, he saw Edward, with his wide eyes, turn and stare directly at the old man, then at the fuming king whod failed a surprise attack. The old man looked back and squinted his eyes before rolling them.


    You want to try for a peaceful resolution with these Astrus bastards? The man is much too impulsive. You just saw it with your own eyes, the old man spat out. Dont tell me youre up here because Edwins already unofficially made you king, because that is the second stupidest idea Ive ever hearde out of the mouth of a king.


    <em>I wonder what the stupidest idea he</em><em>s ever heard of is, </em>Derek thought. In that instant, he almost went ahead and brought his chair out to sit on. The old man and the former king had already thrown away any decorum, so it probably wouldnt be too rude to do so.


    However, he decided against it. <em>When things go bad, I dont want to risk some of my good furniture getting destroyed. </em>And he was sure that things were eventually going to go sideways. <em>Hell, the old king guy already attacked once, </em>he thought. Soon, though, the elven elder continued speaking and Derek tuned back in.


    Its second only to a young and dumb king deciding it was a good idea to form a partnership with a kingdom like Astrus, he pointedly looked at Osian. Your father and grandfather wouldnt have been angry with you for allying with Cydaria like you have to survive, but allying with Astrus when you know the history between our kingdoms he shook his head. Your grandfather would have stripped your ass bare and bent you over his knee. Ive half the mind to do it for him when we get back to Eloria.


    Even Derek couldnt help but enjoy the show that the old man was putting on. With every word the man spoke, he scored more and more points in Dereks books. <em>Id pay to see that. </em>He inwardly chuckled at the thought of Osian being reprimanded like a toddler. <em>I have to pick this guy</em><em>s brain when we get back. Ive never wanted to listen to an old man tell me back in my day stories than I do right now.</em>


    Wanting to make a peaceful resolution while this family is still in charge of Astrus Marrick lightly muttered just loud enough for everyone to still be able to hear him. What a load of rubbish.


    Be that as it may! Edward spoke up and projected his voice loudly, for everyone, even the army, to hear him. I would still like to do this with as little bloodshed as possible.


    Derek did have to nod along with that. Hed already taken out more soldiers than he would have liked, and he didnt really want more blood on his hands if he could help itat least not the blood of soldiers who were just following orders and wouldnt even be able to defend themselves against him. If they wanted him to fight against a few of the high-level nobles they could point him in their direction and he wouldnt have a problem with that.


    The former king had all but already signed his death warrant with hisst move. Derek knew that there wasnt going to be a way to peacefully resolve the issueat least not one that would go as peaceful as the talks with Indria. No, while they would hopefully get by without any deaths from the weaker soldiers, he was certain that some of those standing in front of them were going to have to die.


    Marrick snorted onest time, then took a step back to stand behind Osian and Edward. From there, he hunch back over and ced his cane on the ground. The cane shook as his hand trembled, and the old man looked worse off than Derek had ever seen himlike everything that he just did took everything out of him. The mans hood had fallen off his head in the verbal exchange, and Derek finally saw more than just the mans crinkled old face.


    His hair was almostpletely white, with just a few patches of brown here and there. It was also thinning quite badly with a bald spot threatening his crown, but he had still chosen to keep it longshoulder lengthand in a ponytail. Derek could also see the mans eyes from this tilted head, which were the same brown color as the few patches of colored hair he had left on his head.


    At that time, Marrick turned his head ever so slowly, and his own eyes met Dereks gaze. The old man grinned devilishly, then winked before changing his expression back to stone and facing forward. <em>What an interesting geezer, </em>Derek thought.


    The old bastard is correct! a different voice finally spoke up. Derek saw that it wasing from the woman who was standing by his sideTevarians widowCassandra. We didnt gather here to negotiate. You murdered my husbandthe king of this entire country. For that, youre all going to have to pay. You may think youre stronger than us and that wed cower in fear of some wyverns and winged serpents, but youre wrong.


    Everyone here is the strongest in Astrus, and youre outnumbered three to oneincluding your dragons. If they were so weak that youa crippled princecould force one into a contract, then there is nothing for us to worry about. We have the support of an army behind useven if youre stronger individually, the numbers dont lie.


    <em>Well</em><em> I mean they do, really, </em>Derek thought. He couldnt help but wonder how strong the best in Astrus were, though.


    <em>Derek,</em><em> </em>Edwards voice interrupted his thought, and he turned to meet the crown princes eyes. <em>Could you and Sil</em><em>vi </em>he sighed, then continued.<em> I hate constantly relying on you, but could you and Silvi unleash your auras and direct them at the group in front of us, then at the army? I dont believe that every one of them is willing to throw their lives away for this. </em>


    <em>I really didnt want to get involved this early, but I guess it cant be helped, </em>he sent back to Edward. He had wanted to wait until they actually needed him in a battle, but it seemed from the fact that Astrus hadnt outright attacked yetother than what Traven did to Marrick, but that seemed personalthat not everyone was firmly behind the former king and current queen. If using his aura early on would be enough to scare some of them and keep those weaker soldiers from dying for no reason, who was he to say no?


    Derek looked over at nah, but she shrugged. It didnt seem like she nned on getting involved yet, either, and it looked like Edward hadnt asked her to do anythingwhich was probably smart considering she was the one to kill the former kings grandson, and the queens son. With a half snort, Derek began walking and moved between the small group of people who were in front of him.


    When he took a step beside Marrick, he pped the old man on his hunched back. It was like hitting steel. Youre much more sturdy than you look, hemented quietly as he took another step and soon found himself standing beside Edward and Osian.


    And who the hell are you? former king Traven shouted at Derek as soon as he made it to the front. Wait that bunny. Its the pet that killed your son, isnt it, Osian? Travens scowl turned into a toothy grin. And youre working with the pet and its owner? Truly a traitorous bastardeven to your own kin.


    Osian kept his face set in stone and didnt respond to the other mans jabs. Silvi, on the other hand, didnt seem to enjoy being called a pet over and over. Derek could feel her shaking with excitement on his shoulder.


    And what was your name? Derek something or other? What do you want? Traven shouted again.


    Im just here to let everyone know exactly what theyre up against and why youre going to die, Derek said, then, he and Silvi unleashed their auras.

 Chapter 373: Trigger Happy

    Chapter 373: Trigger Happy


    Thebined might of Dereks and Silvis auras first fell over the small group of nobles and top brass of Astrus. Derek and Silvi made sure to control the aura and focus it directly on those in front of themcareful not to let it spill over. He wanted it to be as concentrated as possible for the former kings group.


    All was quiet when they first unleashed their aurasthe only exception was the collective audible gulp that sounded out from a few of the opposing force. A number of the group slowly backed away with shaky legs, though, he believed that those of the group who were on shaky footing were only like that due to shock, not their ability to withstand his aurasurely they wouldnt be in such a group if they were that weak.


    As the others gawked and reached for their weapons, the former kingas quick to the draw as he wasswiftly fired out another one of his ice spikes. This time, it was directed at Dereks forehead instead of the old elfs.


    Derek still wasnt into letting an attack crash into his headhe wasnt sure how his vitality and endurance would affect his brain, after allso, he raised his ungloved hand up quickly and managed to bring his palm up in front of the spikes flight path just before it hit. The sharp point drove into his palm and spun almost like a drillhe felt it when it broke his skin. Derek quickly reached over with his free hand and clutched it until all movement from the spike ceased.


    After that, he took the cold spike and held it in front of his eyesexamining it. The tip of the spike was tinted slightly with blood. Then, in front of everyone, he held the palm he used to shield his head from the attack in front of his face to see what kind of damage the ice spike had done. It turned out that it was not much at all. A small droplet of blood had rolled down a part of his hand, but that was it.


    The spot where the ice spike had punctured his skin was already almost healed, and the signs of frostbitebluish skin and some tinglingwere on the verge ofpletely clearing. In fact, after Derek balled his hand into a fist and opened it a couple of times, all signs of any damage other than the small streak of blood werepletely gone. And with a quick cast of his Cleaning skill, even the blood disappeared.


    Derek had felt safe using his hand to block the attack. Hed seen dozens of the ice spikes being used as attacks from Tevarian and Terrin before, when they were fighting against the transformed nah, and Derek believed his defenses were at least as good, if not better than her defense.


    In that moment, the only thing he felt he had to be cautious about was if the former king turned his arm into ice and tried to grab hold of him. Hed already experienced that once, and he didnt want to make a habit out of having to regrow limbs and fingerseven if he could do it.


    All through the attack and Dereks sessful block of it, he and Silvi had never wavered with their auras. Slowly, Derek turned his head to look over his shoulder and he found the already fully hooded Marrick looking his way. After a grin and a wink back at the old man, Derek focused back on the happenings in front of him.


    Dammit, man, Derek said, speaking to the former King of Astrus. You really are trigger-happy, arent you? First you attack Marrick after he says a few words, then you attack me when all I did was show everyone what theyre getting themselves into. Its no wonder everyone hates Astrus. You bunch of royals arent doing anything to help yourselves out at this point.


    Before anyone could speak, Derek sent to Silvi, <em>Active Void Shift to in front of the army with me and hit them with your aura.</em>


    Without waiting for a reply from hispanion or anyone else, Derek withdrew his aura and disappeared from in front of everyone before reappearing directly above the army. Being only a dozen or so feet above the army, he unleashed his aura once again as soon as he felt the light pressure of Silvi appearing back on his shoulder. In order for the auras to epass the whole army, Derek and Silvi werent able to concentrate it, so by the time it reached the edges of the army, it had diluted somewhat.


    Even with the wider range of their auras, the army didnt fare as well as the other group had. While the majority of the former kings groupother than the few who backed away on shaky legshad managed to keep their positions and only give away their true feelings by the looks on their faces when they were hit with the aura, the army was not as lucky or as prepared.


    It was easily shown that the army that Traven and the others had gathered was not the cream of the crop. In fact, it looked to be more diluted than his and Silvis auras were by the time they reached the edges of it. It seemed that for every twopetent, high-leveled soldiers, there was one that was either a rookie or was just hastily added to bolster the numbers. Like that, an entire third of the opposing army was sprawled out on the ground, either unconscious or just without any will left to get back up.


    <em>Theres no way that those soldiers are</em><em> over level 150, </em>Derek thought. Anotherrge group of the army had fallen to one knee, but managed to keep conscious, and the final group, the group that Derek now regarded as the strong groupwho he figured were mostly the private guards of those dozens of nobles and high-ranking members of Astrusmanaged to remain standing. Some were on shaking legs, and some remained stoic, just as the former king had.


    And you want to fight? For people who wouldnt think twice about throwing you at me? Derek spoke loudly, for all to hearexcept for those who were unconscious, but he didnt think they were the ones he needed to worry about. Silvi, he said. Your turn.


    With that, the weight from his shoulder disappeared along with Silvis aura. Derek also withdrew his own aura and shifted back to his ce beside Edward. The crown prince and King Osian both looked at him with questioning gazes, but instead of answering, he pointed into the air.


    Immediately after he pointed, the raging dragon mes crashed down onto the ground. With the wisdom and intelligence stat both through the third threshold, Silvi had no problems finely controlling the fire. Silvi drew a line of mes in the groundseparating the army from the top ranking people in Astrus.


    It never ceased to amaze Derek how hot the dragon fire was, and it was only bing more and more terrifying as Silvi leveled the ability. <em>I wonder if her fire is considered part of a cooking affinity. </em>He could feel the blistering heat from where he was. In fact, it was so bad that he actually feared that some of the weaker soldiers might even be done in by just the heat, but he hadnt yet received a notification for a kill.


    <em>Thats enough, </em>Derek sent hispanion. <em>You don</em><em>t want to waste all of your mana at once. You may need itter. We were going for shock and awe, and I think weve aplished that. </em>


    The stream of fire dissipated at once and the weight of Silvi appeared back on Dereks shoulder. The ground separating the army from the others continued to burn onthe fire was not willing to be tamed so quickly, even after most of the fuel was burned away. To the armys credit, less than half seemed to have had enough of the proceedings and began to flee. However, when some of the unconscious ones woke up due to the intense heat caused by Silvis mes, they soon followed suit.


    <em>That</em><em>s what I figured, </em>Derek thought. <em>The majority of the army were just bodies, and weren</em><em>t even contracted to be part of anything. They probably werent under any contracts other than basic city guard contracts, so fleeing right now wouldnt hurt them at all. </em>That was pretty much what Derek was hoping for when he unleashed his aura and had Silvi unleash her me.


    If things went the way he believed they would, he would much rather fight against the strong than the weak. At least that way, nobody could say he was picking on the weak <em>Well</em><em> At least not picking on the super weak. If youre level 250 and still weak, thats just bad luck and bad training. And if someone is like that, they have no business being here, anyway.</em>


    As Derek looked over the small group in front of him, he found that they were much more divided than they had been before. It seemed that he and Silvis disy of their aura, then her drawing a line in the sand with her dragon me, really left a mark on everyone. The nervousness in everyones eyes was running rampant.


    So, you see what youre up against now? Derek asked those behind the former king and current queen. Usually, its enough if you have the numbers. You can wear down whoever youre fighting, and eventually, if you throw enough people at the problem, youlle out victorious. However, Im sure that most of you have realized by now that Im one of the exceptions. You can throw your entire kingdom at me and still lose.


    Im not saying this because Im cocky well, not only because Im cocky. Im confident. Edward and Osian are trying to end this with the least amount of bloodshed possible. I would suggest you listen to them. With that, Derek turned around and began his walk back to where he and nah were to begin with.


    That was some show and a riveting speech, Marrick whispered as Derek walked past him.


    I do what I can, Derek whispered back, and continued on his way.


    So much for staying back and not getting involved until they needed you, nah said as Derek returned by her side.


    Well, Edward asked, so technically, he needed me, he replied. Besides, it felt good to stretch my legs a little after being couped up on wyvern-back all that time.


    And Im sure that showing off in front of an entire capital citys worth of people had nothing to do with it. nah rolled her eyes.


    Youre just jealous he asked me instead of you, Derekughed.


    If Id have gone up there, there wouldnt have been any talking, nah said. Queen Cassandra has been eyeing me since we arrived. I am the person who killed her son, after all. Shes doing what she can to hold back, I can tell, but as soon as the fighting starts, shell being after me. Just look at her.


    Derek did look at the woman. She was having a very hard time keeping her eyes away from nah, just like she had said. Thats rough, Derek said. First, her son was killed in front of an army, then, her husband was killed by a very small bunny with a cooking addiction, now, if she attacks you first, shes going to be throwing her life away without even the slimmest chance of getting any revenge Derek shook his head.


    <em>Im not addicted! </em>Silvi sent to Derek, but he ignored her and focused back on the proceedings in front.


    He and Silvi had done a great job of setting things up. Now it was up to Edward and Osian to decide how much blood they were going to have on their hands by the end of the war.

 Chapter 374: Watch

    Chapter 374: Watch


    As you can see, Edwards voice sounded out, once again, he projected it so that all could hear over the remaining crackling of the dying dragon mes. We came prepared. The dragons? Theyre all for show. The real threat is in those we brought along. Mr. Hunt has proved time and time again that one person, if strong enough, can outdo armies Speaking of armies Edward looked over at Osian.


    Speaking of armies, King Osian took over from Edward. Ourbined army he gestured at Traven and the queen. Was nearly destroyed by just Mr. Hunt and hispanion. After that, he took out my brother, Tevarian, then Terrin. And from the reports Ive seen, he didnt even break a sweat doing it.


    <em>That</em><em>s not true, </em>Derek thought. <em>Silvi</em><em>s fire that took out the king was really hot. Surely I broke a sweat then.</em>


    Along with Mr. Hunt, Osian continued. You have no doubt noticed the attendance of Mr. Marrick, too. Now, Ive not had the pleasure of seeing him in battle, but I have heard storiesspecifically, stories of your father trying to ambush him and barely escaping with his life. And, Im sorry to say Traven, but you are neither your father nor your son, and Mr. Marrick has had many years to grow even stronger since then.


    And you, Queen Cassandra, Osian directed his words at the woman standing next to Traven. Im sure you havent let it escape you that Ms. nah Swan, also known as the Dawn Siren, has been nice enough to provide us with her help. I understand that you may hold a grudge against her, but do you really think that grudge is worth more than just your life?


    So, former King Traven Queen Cassandra, Edward began. Think of your kingdom for once. Surrender now so that the others may live.


    Surrender? You want us to surrender our lives? Queen Cassandra yelled. Without my son and husband alive, Id rather see the kingdom burned to the ground than surrender to you. No! I will not surrender! WE will not surrender. So what if that man and his pet have strong auras? Aura means nothing without strength. And you think were scared of a little fire? How much mana did something like that take? How long is its cooldown? Dont think we dont that it was all a show.


    Were not going to believe your stories either, Traven continued after the queen. They are just three people and a pet. You think youre one of the exceptions? The former king pointedly looked through the crowd until his eyesnded on Derek and Silvi. Thats true for everyone of us you see standing here, too. Exceptions are all around you. You can manage to beat three exceptions? Then well send six or eight. The man turned his attention back to Osian and Edward. You should have brought more people.


    Do you all truly believe that? Osian said, speaking to those behind the former king and current queen. Do you believe that Indria would ally with Cydaria so easily after waging war against them if there was another way? Even a kingdom such as Astrus is getting the opportunity to survive, just as Indria did, yet youre throwing it away. If Cydaria wanted to, they could just take and destroy everything without you being able to do anything to stop them, yet Crown Prince Edward is being magnanimous.


    We will give you onest chance, Edward said. Back away. Take yourselves out of this battle and you may yet live. You neednt fight for Cydaria and Indria, but you must not fight for Astrus.


    The time for talking is over! Traven shouted.


    The former king seemed to know that if he allowed anymore discussion, he would lose much of his support. Unfortunately, he was toote to realize it, and as he shouted, a few people broke away from his group. With them, Derek noticed thatthrough the lessening smoke behind themmany soldiers slowly backed away, too.


    It seemed that those soldiers really must have been guards and employees of some of those up front. He could only imagine the relief that those soldiers were currently experiencing, and the sorrow of those whose employers seemed to choose to fight alongside Traven.


    Garrett! Finn! You dare betray your kingdom? Traven turned and yelled at some of those who had decided to withdraw. When this is over, I will personally see to it that your house is removed from the roots if you donte back.


    <em>That</em><em>s smart, </em>Derek thought. <em>It</em><em>s always a great idea to threaten someones family who is apparently quite strong if everything that the former king has said holds weight. Its especially a great idea if they had decided to just not interfere instead of actually turning on you. Thats a great way to get them to fight for you instead of against you. </em>Derek rolled his eyes as he watched the childish former king throw a fit.


    <em>I wonder if he</em><em>s normally like this or if the pressure is getting to him, </em>he thought. <em>Or maybe it</em><em>s just because of Marricks earlier words that have him riled up and not thinking straight probably abination of both.</em>


    Enough! Queen Cassandra shouted and grabbed the former king on his shoulder. If you do not wish to fight alongside us, then go! she said to the retreating figures. Your families will be safe.


    It seemed that at least one of the leaders, though still raging mad, had some sense left in them. The queen realized the situation Traven was putting them in and was trying to lessen the damages. Nothing would be worse than being attacked from behind once the fighting began.


    Traitors Traven muttered under his breath, but allowed the group to leave, nheless. In fact, after his outburst before, another two members of their exceptions chose to withdraw themselves from the battle as well. Travens fists clenched into tight balls and the man was shaking in anger, but said nothing else.


    So, the rest of you refuse to surrender? Edward asked lightly.


    Attack! Instead of answering, Queen Cassandra tried to take advantage and catch everyone off guard with a surprise attack.


    Unfortunately, this surprise attack didnt work as well as she believed. A rapidly rotating arrow suddenly appeared in the chest of one of the men who rushed forward with his weapons drawn, and he fell to the ground. He wasnt dead, but the Drill Shot would have him feeling the wound for some time. The man would no doubt be out of the battle for the foreseeable future.


    As Osian, Ryven, Edgar, and Edward shed with the other group, Derek turned and looked at Avery. The man was standing with his bow held loosely in his left hand. Just had tond the first attack, huh?


    Avery shrugged. Ive been waiting all this time. I was actually hoping the old man would throw another ice spike at someone nned on answering back. But I guess this works, too.


    Derek smiled and shook his head. It seemed someone else had a case of an itchy trigger finger, as well. <em>Not going to lie, though. I was pretty close to attacking after he threw an ice cube at me, too. </em>For now, though, Derek sat back and watched the sh to figure things out.


    If he were being honest with himself, he believed that with nah, Avery, and Edgarand now Marrick and Osianthat Cydaria and Indria wouldnt have a problem dealing without him. If they needed it, they also had plenty of reinforcements to call on if necessary. The dragonkin would make quick work of everything, but, other than Lyra, they may also cause more destruction than is necessary.


    After being used as a deterrent, Derek felt kind of odd letting everyone else fight and staying back, but for now, he decided hed watch over everything and provide assistance when needed, or wait until the remainder of the army joined in. He was sure they would have second thoughts if he and Silvi showed up in front of them just as they began to move. At those thoughts, a flurry of needles shot past him and at nah.


    Derek began to move, but it wasnt needed. nah dodged every needle easily, then looked over at Derek. I guess thats my cue, she said. I knew there was no way the battle would start without her trying to attack me.


    Dont go easy, Derekughed. The sooner you finish it, the better.


    With a nod of her head, nah all but disappeared from his sight. In the next instant, the half-elf with the beautiful emerald green armor appeared in the middle of the battle, directly in front of Queen Cassandra. The queen, in her ck robe with blue trim, had activated all the runes outfitted on her robe.


    The runes were glowing a sickly green color, and the same color bled down through all the runes etched in her sleeves and into the back of her hands. The sickly green then spread out like veins and eventually found its way to the needles that the woman was holding between each of her fingers.


    <em>Is she using poison needles? </em>Derek wondered. He wasnt a big fan of fighting poison, toxin, or acid usersespecially acid users after his encounter with the ghouls from the Undying Dungeon, and the massive whale from the raid dungeon. He had back luck with them ruining his clothing and armor. It was even worse now that he was running low on the majority of the clothing items hed brought from Earth. <em>I</em><em>m definitely bringing it up with Brandi once this is over.</em>


    As he was watching the two powerful women face off, Derek felt a cool breeze from beside him and saw that Avery had made his move as well. He appeared in the back of the battle between two men that Derek hadnt gotten the names of. Hed already put his bow away in exchange for daggers, and he was going to work on his opponents.


    Just then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw a man with ice wings take off into the sky. Following the former king was the old man, Marrick. He had his handsced behind his back and continued to stand hunched over, but under his feet was a cloud of sand lifting him into the air.


    Soon enough, everyone else went their own way so not to interfere with each others battles. It seemed that the poison queen didnt have the ability to fly, so nah had been kind enough to charge into her and carry her a great distance away from the center of the battle.


    Another two people focused theirbined efforts on Avery, and he slowly moved backwards, bringing his four opponents with him. As for Edward, he was standing beside his fathernot currently embroiled in any battle. It wasnt because he wasnt prepared or was running away, though, instead, Ryven and Osian were working together to contain ten men and women themselves.


    Which left Edgar. The young prince was having a field day. It seemed hed gotten used to his previous tactics during the war, and he was shing between multiple enemies, peppering them each with bits of lightning, one at a time.


    However, the other side wasnt kidding when they said that their people were exceptional. The remaining elves and humans on Cydarias and Indrias sides were all fighting one on one, and being pushed back from the opposing forces. And that still left a handful of fighters on the opposing side that were free to fight whomever they wished. If they did it right, they would easily be able to take care of Cydaria and Indrias other forces, one by one.


    Beside Derek, it seemed like Tara hade to the same conclusion, so she quickly raised her hands in the air and began casting her buffs on everyone who looked like they needed it. With her buffs cast, she looked over at Derek. Im going back to the dragonkin so you dont have to protect me. Im useless in a battle like this once Ive done my job.


    Go to Lyra, Derek said. Shes smart. Just tell her what youre doing.


    Okay, Tara said, and began her run to the dragonkin.


    After watching the support mage to make sure she arrived at Lyras side safely, Derek turned back to the battle. It seemed the remainder of the army was preparing to make their move. <em>If Queen Cassandra was nah</em><em>s cue, I guess thats mine. </em>


    <em>Silvi, you remember back by Torith when fought an army, and I told you not to kill those that didnt attack? </em>he sent.


    <em>Yes?</em><em> </em>she replied.


    <em>Try to hold back a little more this time.</em><em> </em>With that, Derek took a step forward and disappeared.

 Chapter 375: Charge and Chop

    Chapter 375: Charge and Chop


    Derek reappeared in front of the remaining army. He was standing between them and the line of fire that Silvi had made that had finally begun to calm down. As soon as the soldiers up front saw him appear, they came to a rapid haltsome even crashed into the others. The next instant, Derek felt the light weight of Silvi appearing on his shoulder once again.


    Im telling you, Derek said to the soldiers in front as he cracked his knuckles and began to walk forward. The second I see one of you trying to slip by to join the other fights or you target anyone other than me or mypanion is the final second you will spend in this life. However, if you step down and go back to your city or homes, I wont stop you. It would be better for you that way. He gave them a warning that he hoped they would understand. If they needed to fight to not default on any contracts or oaths, that was fine. However, if they tried to get past him to join the other fights, hed show no mercy.


    Unfortunately, it didnt look like there were going to be any takers. Many people looked around nervously and some seemed to want to retreat with all their might, but it seemed like they were unable to do so without serious consequences. Derek shook his head in disappointed, then, with his right arm stretched out by his side, Harbinger magically appeared in his hand. He spun the ive around a couple of times and shed the air before resting it on his free shoulder. Well, what are you waiting for? If you kill me or mypanion, you can go.


    <em>Remember, Silvi. Try to hold back no instant kills if you can manage it. Though dont put yourself in a bad situation by trying to hold back. If ites to that, youre free to do as you wish, </em>Derek sent to Silvi onest time.


    <em>Got it,</em><em> </em>she sent back, then the weight on Dereks shoulder disappeared.


    The leading soldiers and guards all looked at one another before nodding in agreement. All at once, those with close ranged weapons began to charge and those with ranged fired their attacks at Derek. Others from the group of soldiers and guards cast buffs all around, and Derek was even hit with a few debuffs.


    <em>That</em><em>s a new feeling, </em>he thought as he felt his strength lessen and his mana grow heavy. With whatever skills he was hit with, it felt like hed gone back to the days when his wisdom wasnt quite caught up to his intelligence. Hed trained and fought plenty while like that, so it didnt seem like it was going to be too much of a burden for him.


    Silvi, however, was fortunate enough not to be hit by any debuffs. She had disappeared just before any of the spells went off. Before the first close ranged fighter even shed weapons with Derek, soldiers in the back began to cry out.


    Derek half-smiled, then reached down with his left hand and grabbed hold of the end of his ive. With both hands now gripping Harbinger, he prepared for the uing assault.


    The first soldier arrived ahead of all of his alliesboth hands grasping the hilt of his greatsword. With a heavy swing down, the de of the sword fell onto the middle of Dereks ive. When the de crashed down, Dereks legs bent at the knees and his arms almost buckled. If he had to guess, the man leading the charge was built up a bit like Averywith all his stat points pumped into his physical stats.


    At least, Derek was confident that the mans overall strength was higher than his owneven without the debuffs. The man leading the charge was a human with a rather big build. It was safe to say that hed probably broken through the third threshold in his strength stat. Though, his disproportionate build also seemed to suggest that he hadnt quite made it there with his dexterity.


    Seeing his attack work and that Derek was even being pushed back, the soldiers eyes gleamed and a small grin broke out on his face. Derek knew the lookit was the look that seemed to think that everything had been for show and that he wasnt actually as strong as he led them to believe. With a light snort, Derek opened his left palm.


    The slight shift caused him to be less braced from the weight bearing down on him, but that didnt matter. Opening his palm freed most of his hand up, and soon, his hand glowed purple before a lightning bolt came shooting out and into the big mans chest.


    <em>I hope he can withstand it, </em>Derek thought. <em>I</em><em>d hate to give that speech to Silvi, then be the first one to identally kill someone. </em>He was banking on the man having a high vitality and endurance to go with his close range fighting styleit wouldnt make sense if he didnt. Hopefully, since he was using Silvis Void Lightning Bolt instead of his own max level Channel Void, it wouldnt be fatal.


    Like always, Dereks opponent looked down in confusion at where the lighting had entered his chest. Not seeing or feeling anything wrong, he tightened his grip on his greatsword and pushed harder. But just as his reinforcements arrived to help in the assault, all the weight bearing down on Harbinger disappeared.


    A spear and a second greatsword came swinging down at Derek, but only managed to hit air as he disappeared. Reappearing ten feet away from the attack, Derek focused on the big man with the greatsword. Hed fallen to his knees and was clutching at his chest. Other than the extreme difficulty that he seemed to have breathing and the blood running down his face from his mouth, the man seemed to be entirely not dead.


    Not two seconds after the man fell, a green glow appeared around him, and his heavy breathing lessened while the blood pouring out of his mouth slowed. <em>Looks like they have some healers who are able to keep up with everything, </em>Derek thought. <em>That</em><em>s good. That means I wont have to hold back as much.</em>


    <em></em>


    Behind the army, an entirely different scene was ying out. While Derek enjoyed fighting up close and slowly in the beginning to get a feel for his opponent, Silvi did not. No, hispanion much preferred the tactic of hitting hard and hitting fast. Staying in one spot too long meant that her cloak risked getting damaged, and she didnt have the seemingly endless amount of clothes that Derek did.


    If it was more than a Cleaning skill could handle, Silvi had to go to Brandi to get it fixed or even to get a new one made. Silvi hated going to the maniac crafter for favors. Maybe she could ask that big cksmith to make her a cloak out of that dragon material. He seemed much easier to talk to.


    So, while Derek yed around up front, Silvi sped around the back of the army, terrorizing anyone she came across. Silvi, however, was a smart bunny. Derek had told her to hold back and try not to kill, so thats exactly what she did.


    There was no doubt in her mind that if she used her Void Lightning skill on an enemys head or even their heart, that they would die. Her skill was, after all, not locked at level 10 like it was for Derek, and shed recently gained a few levels in it. So, with her smart thinking, she thought about the pretty elf man that nobody would let her cook.


    All it took was a well ced Charge attack to the back of his head, and it had exploded. Who was to say that she couldnt do the same things with limbs? And carrying people around in her void created pots had given her a bunch of ideas. If she could make pots and pans, why wouldnt she be able to create knives and cleavers?


    Not to mention, Silvi didnt need to be touching anything or anyone to use her Void Creation skill. So, with her Telekinesis and Mage Hand abilities, she had everything she needed to Charge and Chop. Unfortunately, this was another battle that she wouldnt be able to use Cook What You Kill. One day, and hopefully soon, she would be able to find out how good that skill actually way.


    So, with her strategy set, Silvi used her powerful back feet and sprang off the ground with an immense amount of momentum. A perfectly shaped cleaver appeared horizontal, to her side, grasped in the perfect sized Mage Hand, and she disappeared just before a fireball hit her. In the next instant, she appeared behind the fireball caster and used Charge to increase her speed even more.


    She aimed her horn at the back of the hooded mages knee and the void created cleaver at the other. Just before her horn hit the mages limb, she activated Chop. The cleaver pulled back and swung forward. Her horn was the first thing to hit.


    The mage wasnt wearing much in terms of armor, and Silvis horn prated the back of her kneeripping through tendons and ligamentsbeforeing out the other side. Just as the horn prated all the way through, her void created cleaver made contact with the other leg.


    The cleaver didnt cut as smoothly as Silvi would have liked, and got stuck about midway through the shrieking womans leg. Luckily, her Charge had been more than enough to lightly explode thedys leg, so she hadnt gotten stuck in the woman like she had the stupid ice wall. Fortunately, her cleaver was still being held by the Mage Hand, so with another thought, she activated Chop again.


    That Chop and a level in the skillter, and Silvi had managed to remove both limbs of the stupid fire mage without overly harming her or putting herself in too much danger. She was happy that she found a less fatal way to fight in such a battle. Derek would be proud of her. She was also very excited that she was able to level up her cooking skills while fighting. She never thought that shed be able to do that. Cooking really was the root of everything.


    Silvi quickly dodged an arrow as a bunch of the fire mages friends ran over to help the not dead woman that Silvi had graciously gone easy onIf she could level her Chop skill up a few more times, it would be even easier on the mages. She didnt even mind the names they were calling her. In fact, she knew that she was a beast, and many would even consider her a monster, so she didnt take offense at it.


    It was being called a pet that she truly didnt like. She wasnt a pet; she was apaniona bondedpanion. She was equal to Derek. If he wasnt her pet, then she wasnt his pet.


    If Derek would have let her, she would have been fighting that stupid icicle man, not the sandy old elf. Then she wouldnt have had to hold back. That was one of the people that everyone said needed to die.


    Silvi teleported back and forth as she watched the fire mages friends wrap her stubs in cloth. One of the bigger, tougher looking men in armor charged at her with an axe, but Silvi fired a quick Void Lightning Bolt at his belly, then shifted away. From above, she saw the man fall over, clutching his stomach, but he was okay too. For the stronger-looking ones, Void Lightning Bolt would do if she made sure to only aim for the belly.


    A light healer had already started to attach one of the fire mages legs back, toothe one that was cut off with Chop. The womans other leg was a bit worse for wear, but as long as Silvi didntpletely destroy it and only exploded it a little, they would be able to reattach itit just might take them a little more time and effort.


    Another attack flew by Silvis head, and she dodged easily. She knew that her small size was an advantage in fights like this, so as long as she kept moving and using Active Void Shift, it made it hard for anyone to keep up with her. Finding the person who just attacked her, she set her sights on a new mage. Mages were squishy, as Derek called them, and they were the perfect target for her new set of skills.


    The more time everyone spent defending and healing the helpless mages, the better. They were, after all, just biding time while everyone else fought against the real opponents.

 Chapter 376: Marrick

    Chapter 376: Marrick


    While a battle of dismemberment and destructiontwo versus manywas happening on the ground, an entirely different kind of fight was urring in the air. An old elven man with a hunched back was standing steadily with a cane atop a cloud of sand, and across from him, another old man with ice wings sprouted from his shoulder des had his body almostpletely transformed into solid dark ice.


    Oh? Marrick stared down the angry former king. It seems you have better control over that skill than your father had back in the day. Isnt that something? What was that? Two-hundred years ago? Give or take a decade or two? He made sure to speak just loud enough so that his opponent could hear him. You can hear, correct? I know your brain doesnt work well as it is, but does it being frozen make you even dumber?


    Yes, I can hear, you old codger! The former king spat out in a muffled voice. Its your fault that father was the way he was with us. Now, I get to have my revenge.


    Wait Marrick opened his eyes wide and blinked a few times. Youre saying that your father treated you poorly because of me? That it was my fault that I didnt die when he ambushed my granddaughter? That him barely making it out alive and losing most of his men against a single old elf was my fault? Boy, what kind of fantasynd do you live in?


    If you would have just given him what he wanted, everything would have been fine! Instead, when he came back, he was more angry than ever, and he took it out on me and my siblings. Traven clenched his icy jaw.


    Then its a good thing you killed him, isnt it? Marrick chuckled and when he saw the surprised look on the other mans faceas surprised as an ice statue could look at leasthe fell into a fit ofughter. What, you thought nobody knew? Your father dying of a fast acting mystery poison while in a dungeon, then, a couple decadester, your son is betrothed to the daughter of the matriarch of House Ileal. It doesnt take much to put that together, boy. Your men and citizens just fear the royal house too much to say or do anything about it.


    You


    But hey, your elder brother ended up dying on that same expedition, didnt he? What a coincidence. Luckily, you were there to take up the heavy responsibility of bing king. Marrick finished with a crooked grin still stered across his face.


    Its still your fault, you old bastard!


    He wanted my granddaughter, Marrick said tly.


    He loved her!


    Hed never even talked to her, and she was already to be married which your father took issue with. Marrick rolled his eyes. You know, I didnt really like that boy if Im to bepletely honest, but she did, and thats all that mattered. Then, your father tried to kidnap her while she was still grieving. He deserves everything he got and more. How shameless can one royal family be? He was already married to your mothertheres no way a descendant of mine would y concubine or second wife.


    Fun story, though, the old elf continued. Did you know that Auna still doesnt know that it was your father who ambushed us or what actually happened to her betrothed? And she thinks that shes just lucky that I happened to decide to go along that day? How convenient was it that I was there? After being couped up for years, that was the day I decided to spend some time with her. Very very convenient.


    You!


    I was more than enough for your father and his little squad back then, and I am more than enough for you today. Nothing you say or do matters anymore. For this is the final day that House Sinir of Astrus exists as the world knows it. And in a few weeks, Im sure nothing will exist of the Sinir name, and that House Ileal will follow soon after.


    Even if I die, Ill be sure to take you out with me, Traven half shouted in his muffled voice.


    Oh, I sure am d I decided to take it easy for thest couple of decades. I doubt I would have lived long enough to enjoy this, otherwise, Marrick said with a toothy grin. His eyes still shone strongly. He was ready for a fight. Well, boy? Are you going to show this old man what you got or are you going to sit there like a statue until you wither away?


    Hmph! Traven snorted. Ive been waiting for this for a long time, too.


    With that said, the former king spread his arms wide, causing a blizzard full of snow and ice to form around him. The blizzard was so dense and rotated so fast that it was almost impossible to make out the man made of ice that floated in the center. Finally, the next instant, Traven pushed his hands forward and all the razor sharp ice particles exploded out toward Marrick.


    Marricks smile grewrger, and he waved his hand in front of himself. A singleyer of sand formed in front of him just as the pieces of ice hit. Every piece of ice left arge indentation in the sand wall, but not a single piece managed to make it through.


    Youre just like your father, Marrick said. Always so forceful when a little bit of finesse is all it takes. The ice on the opposite side of his sand wall was let to slip in further, then anotheryer of sand formed on the outside. Soon, every piece of the st had been ground into fine particles and fell helplessly to the ground.


    After that,rge ck ice spikes began rapidly firing toward Marrick. The elder elf, just as casual as always, directed his sand to catch and trap every spike before finely breaking them up. The former kings ice just didnt seem to be working against the old elf.


    Youre probably realizing it by now, right? Marrick paused the grinding to talk. I know more about your family than you do, and that includes all your skills. I think once your entire line is wiped out, it will be a good time to let Auna know what happened. What do you think?


    I think you talk too much, old bastard. And because of that, I think youre about to die. In front of Marricks eyes, the ice figure crumbled to pieces, and the next moment, Traven appeared directly next to Marrick and grabbed the old elf by the forearms. You know about my family? Then you know what happens when we get close enough to touch you.


    That was a neat little trick, Marrick said, still nonchntlike he wasnt being held by a person who could freeze entire bodies in the matter of seconds. It looks like your skill is actually well above your fathers. You can actually transform fully and even use some kind of what was that? A cloning ability? Substitution?


    The dead dont need to know, Traven smiled an awkward smile with his frozen face as he looked down where he was gripping Marrick. But soon, a frown fell over his face and he mechanically creased his brow in confusion.


    Youve got it wrong,d. In this case, the dead is the one with the information I asked for. How dumb can a former king be? Did your father tell you nothing of our battle? He may not have had as good control over this ability youre using, but did you seriously think he didnt try the same thing you are?


    But Traven tried to pull his hands back, but to his horror, they were quickly locked down by Marricks sand.


    All you did was save these old bones of mine the pains of moving. I thank you for that, Marrick said with the smile that had yet to disappear from his wrinkled face. It seems like I wont be getting an answer, after all. Such a shame. It seemed like such a neat ability. The old elf spoke into the air to no one in particr.


    Soon, a whirlwind of sand appeared below Traven, who was still struggling to get free. It started at the mans feet and slowly worked its way up. The former king cried out in agonizing pain as he fought with everything he had to stop it. His snow and ice shed with the sand, but every time, it was overpowered and the sand continued to creep up.


    It looks like whatever that ability was, you cant do it again in such a short time frame. Its a pity. You could have used it to buy a little more time in this world, but such is fate. With the smile still on his face, Marrick let the sand continue grinding through the statue in front of him without letting go. Even when Traven broke his own arms off, Marrick just used the flexibility of his sand to trap him once again.


    Soon enough, the screaming stopped when Traven realized that it was his final moments. The sand had made its way to the bottom of his chest, and his heart was next.


    You get it now? Marrick asked. You didnt stand a snowballs chance in hell against me. But to be fair, I doubt many would. The old elf nced over the battlefield and his eyesnded on quite a gruesome scene.


    At the back of the army, or what was left of it, was an excessive amount of scattered limbs and mages on the ground. Actually, now that he looked closer, it seemed that every one of the detached limbs was a leg. Not a single army detached in the bunch. The old man didnt quite understand, but he couldnt help but find that manspanion to be interesting with her peculiarities.


    Hmm Marrick said and raised his now free handnow that the entire arm of Traven had been ground to icy powderand scratched at his chin. It isnt a bad strategy, especially for a beast. Remove the arms, and they cant attack, but remove the legs, and they lose all mobility. And if she isnt worried about any of their attacks, then the only real choice is to go after the legs. She may be quite the intelligent beast.


    His eyes then fell to the other side of the battle with the armywhere the man he would call one of the few who could fight against him was. The man was a walking meatshield. He had the same qualities as hispanion, though in different ways.


    While the young bunny dodged every attack that got close to hitting, the man allowed many tond. Though, those attacks thatnded didnt seem to have much of an effect on the man. If ever an attack broke skin, the wound was healed almost instantly, and with the armor the man was wearing, not many attacks had that chance. Looking the man over, Marrick noticed a part of the extremely durable leg armor was actually badly damaged.


    I wonder what kind of attack was able to do that, he said to himself. Interesting very interesting. Derek Hunt also seemed to have chosen a simr strategy to hispanion. Every once in a while, he would swing his ive in a horizontal arc and a crescent de would form, cutting many off at the knees before they even realized it. Sometimes, the arc would hit a powerful soldier and stop, then it was like it hit again and again until it made it through. Though he didnt seem as choosy as hispanion, as he had cut a few arms off as well.


    It looked like the two were going for as few casualties as possible, but also seemed that he had killed a few soldiers in the fight. There were a handful of dead bodiesying between him and the fighting between the others from the three kingdoms.


    Oh? Over already? Marrick asked to nobody as his sand ran out of material to grind and he received a notification. He might not have gotten anything from the notification, but just hearing it and knowing what caused it was a great feelingone he hadnt experienced in a long, long time.


    After dismissing the notification, Marrick looked down at his arms where a very thinyer of sandalmost invisible to the naked eyewas constantly revolving around. He should have known better than to try to freeze sand containing no moisture. Poor delusional man An idiot to hisst breath. Like father, like son, like grandson


    The old elf then gave the battlefield one more cursory nce. Lets see should I lend someone a hand? Soon, his eyes fell on the Dawn Siren. Well she sure as shit doesnt need it.

 Chapter 377: Cassandra

    Chapter 377: Cassandra


    nah and Queen Cassandra had been fighting for some timeif one could call what they were doing fighting. At the very beginning of the battle, Cassandra had tried striking first and catching nah off guard by throwing dozens of poisonced needles at her. nah had, of course, easily dodged the needles before returning the favor.


    Once the fighting began, nah kicked off the ground and, to Cassandras bewilderment, grabbed hold of the queen and carried her into the distance at her full speed when she wasnt in her Dawn Siren form. The queen was quite shocked at what happened and before she realized what was going on and tried to counter, the two had already moved quite the distance away from everyone else.


    The reason for all of this was because nah knew that Queen Cassandra was a user of poisonsome would even call her a poison master. nah didnt want their fighting to spread to any others. It would only take a poorly blocked needle or Cassandra releasing an area of affect poison and there would be more casualties than needed.


    Another reason that nah dared to be so bold as to directly charge at the woman was because she was confident in her stats and abilities to negate or at least slow the spread of poison within her own body if she was affected. nah was, after all, very prepared. She has dozens upon dozens of potions in her storage rings, and a good portion of those potions were anti-toxin, anti-poison, and anti-venoms.


    She had dealt with poisons beforemultiple times, in fact. Poison was the one element that she refused to allow Zac and Lucas to train in when Avery brought them to her restaurant in the capital. She hated it, and wasnt very fond of people who used it, either. Poison was good for one thing, and one thing only: Killing.


    Sure, killing was a big part of the Great System, but nah, after so many years of being hungry, had a certain appreciation for good food. If a beast was poisoned to death, there was a good chance that it would no longer be edible. That wasnt the only reason she looked down upon poison usersshe wasnt a big fan of how it was used to indirectly kill people.


    Maybe she was a hypocrite, though. She had used her own Deathsworn to kill others, and technically, that would be considered killing indirectly, too. Maybe her overall reason that she hated poison was just because shed had to deal with it so many times in the past, and barely got away with her life on multiple asions. She could only scoff that she had ended up having to fight against a person from a house known solely for their poisons.


    <em>That</em><em>s what I get for using that ability when I wasnt sure if I could control it, </em>she thought to herself as she backed away from the poison master. The first thing she did when she transformed was rip the heart out of Cassandras son. It had taken her a short time to get control after she transformed, and by the time she was in control enough, the guy was already dead. <em>I doubt I would have done anything differently, though. </em>


    The Crown Prince of Astrus had interfered in her fight with Ryven and had already greatly irritated her. She most likely would have taken him out either way because of how annoying hed been without worrying one bit about the consequences.


    So, there she was, squaring off against the queen of a country while everyone else was in their own battles. Well, everyone other than that old elf who had fought against the former king. In the short time that it took nah to move her battle away from the others, then the time she spent dodging attacks from Queen Cassandra and learning more about how her opponent fought, she noticed that a once potent aura that she had felt had simply disappeared.


    For a short time, she took her eyes off of Cassandra and nced up at the sky where Marrick and Traven had taken off to have their fight and noticed that the old elf was the only one left in the air. He was floating on a small cloud of sand, hunched over with his hood up and fingers inteced behind his back while looking over the rest of the battlefield.


    nah had believed that the man would be strong just because of how he talked to the leadership of the other country and his age, but she had no clue he would be that strong. She actually didnt know much about the man, which was rare considering how much information shed gathered in the time that shed been on the continent. She knew of the name, but there really werent many stories or rumors going around about him, and she mostly focused on information rted to Cydaria.


    In fact, his granddaughter was much more well known than he was because of her tragic love story before she eventually found another love and had children and grandchildren of her own. <em>Just how old is Marrick? </em>nah couldnt help but wonder. The elven man seemed to have surpassed the usual longevity limits of even an elf.


    Unfortunately, she didnt have the time to think of the old man, as Cassandra just wouldnt leave her alone long enough to do so.


    Just stop moving and die already! the queen yelled from her position over a dozen feet away from nah, then produced multiple needles dripping with green liquid between each of her fingers before whipping her arms forward andunching them in nahs direction.


    nah took one step to the side, then ducked before spinning around and avoiding each of the needs with little room to spare. The more she dodged the other womans attack by a hairs width, the more and more angry Queen Cassandra became.


    You deserve death after what you did to my son! And in front of everyone, at that. You could have at least let him die a dignified death! sheshed out and continued her attacks.


    He interfered in a battle that he shouldnt have after attacking a city he should have never attacked, during a war he was stupid enough to be a part of. On top of that, he was part of the armys leadership. Every one of those reasons was enough for him to diedignified or not, nah calmly exined to the woman.


    No! thedy screamed once again and continued her assault. nah moved back and forth, gracefully dodging each poison coated needle the queen threw at her. Why did Ryven, that elven bastard, make it out alive? Why didnt he end up like my son? Its not fair!


    Really? nah tilted her head questioningly. Not fair? Do you think this life is fair? Hah! She snorted. Try going through what I did. You would have been dead a dozen times over. You want fair? Go be a middle tier crafter and keep your head down. Then you can have fair. nah shook her head. And why did Ryven live? Because he made me less angry than your son did. If you really want to get into that, you could say that Titus was the one who saved Ryvens life.


    Bullshit!


    I can see youre grieving, nah said. The loss of your eldest son must be hard to bear. Unfortunately, you wont have any more time to grieve him, but you can take sce in the fact that you will soon be joining him. You knew the second we arrived what your fate would be, and you knew what would happen when you singled me out to attack.


    nah really didnt take any pride in fighting the grieving woman. Sure, she may have been powerful in her own right, but after the short exchanges they had, nah knew that shepletely outssed the poison master. Even if she would have been even stronger, her emotions caused by the loss of her son and facing the person who did it had overwhelmed herjust like how seeing Marrick had caused the former king to react.


    Still, both the queen and the former king knew that they had no chance in the fight, yet they still chose to fight. They wanted to strike a blow to some of Cydarias and Indrias strongest people before they took theirst breath. Unfortunately for the two of them, they chose the wrong people to try to strike down as a final desperate action.


    Yes, Cassandra was strong, much stronger than the average level 250 fighter. Just the fact that she never once faltered when nah spoke with forcenot even a littleshowed that she had wisdom that was probably through the third threshold. And her training and use of her poison and needles proved that her dexterity and intelligence werent anything to scoff at.


    Under her robe, nah could see that Cassandra had a very slim build, which let her know that her stats were heavily skewed toward dexterity over strength. Also, when dealing with poisons, it was a death sentence if you didnt have high stats in either vitality to regenerate your health or endurance to resist the poisons, so thedy had to have at least one of those stats pretty highif not both of them.


    Still, those physical stats were nothing to naheven when not transformed. For the first time in the fight, she held her hand out and her rapier appeared in her grasp. She held the weapon vertical in front of her body, then, with her free left hand, she flicked the de, causing it to vibrate.


    nah looked around and hoped they were far enough away from everyone so that the high pitch of her skill didnt bleed over into any of the other fight, but at the same time, she was aware that everyone battling were truly elites. <em>Everyone other than the soldiers that Derek and Silvi are entertaining, but it doesn</em><em>t really matter if it reaches them, it wont have any effect on those two anyway </em>She thought. So, even if her sounds and vibrations reached them, she was sure they would be able to withstand it.


    Cassandra winced when the vibrations began, and a small droplet of blood even fell from her nostril. She reached up and wiped her face with the sleeve of her robestaining a couple of active runes in her own blood. The woman sneered and, instead of retreating, actually rushed forward to meet nah.


    Surprised by the womans actions to get close to her, nah shrugged and kicked off the ground. As a sign of respectwhat little she had for the queenshe had chosen to keep the fight grounded since it appeared that the woman did not have the ability to fly or battle in the air, at least not easily.


    She was like Avery in that aspect. <em>At least, she was like how Avery was. </em>nah thought about the dragon wings that he had told her about and was happy that he finally received an ability that helped negate his biggest weakness.


    Soon, the two met, and they shed. nah ducked under a set of wed desced with poison and drove her rapier directly into the heart of the Queen of Astrus. The battle was over in an instant.


    I got you the woman muttered while breathing heavily. Then, a massive green cloud exploded from under her robes. You shouldnt have gotten close.


    No nah said, standing directly in the cloud. You didnt even get close. From there, she increased the vibration of her body, and blew the poison cloud away with it never having reached her.


    Panting heavily, Cassandra tried to wipe away more blood that had fallen out of her mouth this time, but her arm fell just as she tried to raise it. I guess not.


    Queen Cassandra took one final deep breath in, then nah finished the fight. With a flick of her wrist, her vibrating de, which had been driven through the other womans chest, cut through her body horizontally before soon cutting directly through her right arm. nah ceased her vibrations and her de appeared solid in front of her againnot a drop of blood staining it.


    Cassandras arm fell to the ground just before her body fell over. Soon after, nah received the notification.


    Good fight, nah muttered quietly.


    The Queen of Astrus was dead, and with Traven being taken out just before, Astrus was left with no rulersunless they counted a captured dukewhich she didnt. With the foundation destroyed, it was only a matter of time before the rest of Astruss leadership copsed.

 Chapter 378: One By One

    Chapter 378: One By One


    Derek had noticed a significant decrease in the number of soldiers trying to fight against him when he felt the icy aura that was emanating from the former king Traven disappear. He had done his best to see what caused the change, but when he found the old elven elder, the other man was nowhere to be seen. It didnt take a rocket scientist to put together that the former king had died already, and that those who were directly under hismand took that chance to get out of the dire situation that they found themselves in by going up against he and Silvi.


    More soldiers fled from the battle not long after, and he found the reason was because Queen Cassandra had also met her demise. It didnt seem like nah had gone easy on the queen. Though Derek was surprised that her fight actuallysted longer than Marricks.


    When he noticed the odd reactions from the soldiersand the glee they had in their eyes when they realized that it was no longer their fightDerek had quickly looked around to find out who had died. There, he saw a cloud of putrid smoke or something surrounding a silhouette. For a moment, he was actually worried that something bad had happened to nah, but then, the cloud dissipated and he saw the half-elf standing next to the corpse of Queen Cassandra and realized that he had been worrying for nothing.


    With his focus back on the remnants of the army in front of him, Derek sliced out with another Sweeping shed enhanced by Multi-Strike. He aimed the skill low, only a foot or two above the ground. This was so that when the skill hit, it would hit his enemies legs instead of anywhere that could cause fatal damage. He had gotten the idea from Silvi earlier in the fight. There were plenty of healers around, and since they werentpletely destroying the limbs, it wouldnt be hard to reattach them.


    It also took soldiers out of the fight for far longer than a normal wound. His Void Lightning Bolt to a mans chest, then another to a womans stomach, had caused massive damage to both of them, but it let them keep their mobility and it didnt take long for the healers to fix them up.


    So, though extremely bloody and quite terrifyingly, he had chosen the same option as Silvi. He felt a little bad about it, but they were soldiers and guardshe was sure theyd experienced moderate to severe pain before. If they hadnt, then that was just bad luck. It was his best course of action that halted the army from joining in the fight against the leadership while creating as few casualties as possible.


    Unfortunately, even after his announcement that those who tried to get past him to join that fight would die, multiple soldiers still did so. He didnt go easy on those soldiers. He had warned them before, so he would feel no remorse over their deaths. Seven people had chosen that route, and seven bodiesy dead between his battle and the one with the leadership.


    Youve gone with an interesting strategy, a female voice sounded out from behind Derek as the soldiers in front of him scattered to do their best to avoid the giant arc of energy from Sweeping sh.


    Derek turned his head to see nah standing there with a half smile on her face. He shrugged. It was the quickest and easiest method I could think of to stop the army from advancing.


    And the dirtiest, shemented.


    Well, we all werent able to have an easy one-on-one fight against a member of the royal family, now were we? he asked with a snort.


    Nope, nahughed. Im going to go join in on the fun, she said. It looks like we may be able to get out of this without any casualties.


    You better hurry, then, Derek replied. With that, nah disappeared. I pity whoever she goes after first he spoke to no one before getting back to his own battle.


    One by one, minute by minute, the soldiers that Derek was facing either threw down their weapons or ran awaysome did both. nah, joining the fight on the other end, had given Cydaria and Indria an overwhelming advantage.


    Soon, another soldier fell in front of Derek. When he looked up from the soldier, he realized that there werent any moreing at him or trying to get around. Silvi must have recognized the same thing, as Derek quickly felt the light pressure on his shoulder signifying Silvis return to her usual resting ce.


    Derek looked out over the destruction he and Silvi caused over the army. Everywhere he looked was a mess. Fortunately, there were still plenty of soldiers that hadnt been injuredthey were lucky in the sense that the leadership they had contracts or oaths with had fallen before they reached Derek or before Silvi reached them.


    Letting out a deep breath, Derek turned to look at everyone else. Marrick never actually joined the fight again after taking care of Traven. The old man still floated above the battlefield on his cloud of sand. He looked like a wise old sage with his robe on and hands behind his back while looking down at the battle from abovelike he was studying the battlefield.


    Derek rolled his eyes and focused on the rest. If Derek and Silvis fighting area was messy, then the one that Osian and Ryven had made was downright gruesome. He couldnt even count how many people they had been fighting against because of how bad things were.


    <em>It</em><em>s definitely not their first time fighting together, </em>Derek thought. Every person that was between them waspletely crushed t. <em>So that</em><em>s what they try to do when using those shield barriers. </em>Derek shivered just thinking about what their enemies feltthe invisible walls closing in until there was no room between each other, then, the walls closing in even more. It must have been agonyboth the pain and the slow realization that they were going to be slowly crushed.


    Avery, on the other hand, was standing with three men fallen at his feet. The archer covered his yawning mouth with his hand, then noticed Derek looking at him and winked. <em>I guess I should have guessed that</em><em> </em>The archer didnt have a single wound or even a scratch on his leather armor. Unfortunately for the three enemies who chose to fight him after seeing him shoot an arrow through another person, Avery was just as deadly up close as he was at a distance.


    Edgar had taken out his fair share of the Astrus leadership, too. Charred bodies and detached headsid around the young prince. However, unlike Avery, Edgar had taken a couple of hits and his gleaming silver armor showed damage. There were scorch marks and even a couple of dents on his armor. It didnt look like any attack actually made it to his body, though.


    Edwin and Edward looked like they were still standing in the same position as before. Edwin had a proud look on his face as he stood behind Edward and looked at Edgar.


    As for everyone else, it looked like there had only been one casualty on Cydaria and Indrias side. An elfy dead where a big battle happened between everyone. He was one of the older elves who was riding beside Marrick on the way to Astrus. Derek never got the mans name. The fact that nah had joined the fight rather quickly, and Marrick had ended his fight even faster, meant that the one casualty on their side must have happened very early on in the fighting.


    From there, Derek gazed over where the battles had happened and his eyes finally found the dragonkin, Tara, and Duke Terrin. The duke looked distraught as he kneeled on the groundhe had emotion on his face that hed never shown before, not even when he was captured. Hed just recently lost his brother, and now, in such a short amount of time, he also lost his father. The realization that hed also lost his kingdom was probably hitting him at the moment as well.


    As he was about to join everyone else to celebrate their victory and figure out what to do next, Derek noticed Terrin stand. To his surprise, the dukes hands, which were supposed to be in a pair of bracelets that had runes to dampen his power, were free. From the tips of his fingers, the dark blue ice began to slowly move up his hands, then his face started to transform. The next instant, he jumped at Tara, who was not paying any attention to the prisoner beside her.


    Derek made to use Active Void Shift to swoop in and save Tara, but before he could, a massive tail blindsided the duke and he wasunched flying through the air. Tara may have taken her eye off their prisoner, but Lyra had not. Lyra didnt move to continue her attackkeeping Tara safe was good enough. Lyra was probably one of the most patient and smartest beings there at the moment. She knew that the one tail whip was all that was needed.


    As everyone else turned to look at themotion, Derek finally used Active Void Shift. The next instant, he appeared in the flight path of Duke Terrin, who had already sprouted wings on his back and was working on using his momentum to escape. Derek couldnt have that.


    With as much void as he could pump into Harbinger in such a short amount of time, Derek swung down vertically with Sweeping shed enhanced with Multi-Strike. Terrin saw the attacking, and his eyes widened as he tried to avoid it. Unfortunately for the duke, Derek wasnt finished.


    With another swipe of his ive, Derek activated Spacial Rend. Derek couldnt really see the effects as he had aimed the skill to attack the duke from behind, but he did see the signs of space tearing open, then, the duke let out a gasp and his right wing fell limp. Derek had hoped to hit Terrin directly between the shoulder dessending him forwardand had somewhat aplished his goal. He still didnt have the best aim with his new skill.


    The attack didnt end up pushing the man towards Dereks other attack, instead, it crippled his movement for a short time. That was all his main attack needed tond vertically on the mans chest. Now, from his experience, Derek knew that his attack wouldnt do any damage to the mans head, as it was transformed. However, also from experience, he knew that his organs were still normal.


    For the second time, the dukes wings shattered, and he fell to the ground like a puppet with no strings. This time, however, the duke wasnt as lucky. The first time hed been hit by Dereks attack was without him adding Sweeping sh to it, and it was on the side. Even then, the duke had entered a dying state, forcing nah to waste one of her precious potions to keep him alive.


    This time, Derek received the notification of his death before he even hit the ground. Shortly after, Derek moved tot he ground and stored the dukes corpse in his storage bracelet before moving back to where everyone else was. When he arrived beside nah and Avery, he dumped the body out with the rest of Astruss dead leadership. He also noted that there was no sign of former king Traven.


    <em>Just what did that old coot do to that man? </em>Derek wondered, but didnt voice his question. So uh we dont still need the duke alive or anything like that, do we? Derek ran his hand over the back of his neck. He hadnt thought about it when he seen the man attack Tara then try to escape, but the n had been to hold a public execution of the duke.


    No I dont think that would be necessary anymore, Osian said as he walked up with his brother. We have the soldiers, a couple of nobles who opted not to fight, and whoever was watching from the city to spread the news. We should be fine without a public execution. It is good that his corpse is easily recognizable, though. Osian nced up at Marrick, who was slowly floating down. It is good to have it if it is needed.


    Good, Derek said. What now? he asked to nobody in particr.


    Now, Marricks almost fragile, but excited, voice sounded out as hended beside Derek and stepped off of his cloud of sand. We take the capital then Astrus is no more.

 Chapter 379: What Now?

    Chapter 379: What Now?


    You sure sound awful excited about everything for someone who just floated in the air and watched almost the whole time, Derek said with a chuckle.


    I did what I came here to do, Marrick said. Nobody needed any more help but that.


    That guy, Derek said, and pointed to the body of the dead elf. Would probably disagree.


    Raphi was unlucky. Another of the elves that Derek didnt know the name of stepped forward and spoke. He was the first the man started, but then looked at the enemy that Avery had hit with his Drill Shot at the beginning of the battle. He was the second person to die. Raphi was old and tired and entered the fight very aggressively without heeding his own health.


    He really did some damage to the enemies we had to face. More may have died if not for his reckless use of his skills at the beginning. It let us fight on equal grounds, even outnumberedat least until the Dawn Siren joined us. Then the battle was heavily in our favor.


    Old bastard was at the end of his natural life, Marrick said, exining the situation. He had less time to live than I doseems like he wanted to go out fighting. Cant me the old fool. The elder then reached down and stored the elf known as Raphis body in his storage ring. Least we can do is give him a proper sendoff


    Derek nodded at Marrick, then turned his attention toward Osian and Edward. So, what are we doing? Are we going to hop on dragon back and storm the city? Kick the gate open and charge in on foot?


    I dont think that will be necessary, Osian said, then pointed into the distance behind Derek.


    Derek turned and followed the direction until his eyes fell on three people who were standing out of range of the battle, with a group of guards behind them. The guards were ones who were happily able to retreat early on when the three members of the leadership backed out of the fight. The guards standing behind the two men and one woman each wore very relieved expressions as most of them nced at Derek and the others, then toward the battlefield where the rest of the soldiers were still healing up at.


    It was easy to recognize two of the three as Garrett and Finn, the two men Traven had pronounced traitors and threatened before charging into battle. There was an older woman who had silently backed away with them, and Derek never caught her name. The same relief their guards had was stered on the faces of those three as well.


    Osian turned his hand over, then gestured for the group toe their way. They hesitated momentarily, but eventually it was in their best interest toply with the King of Indrias request. Their guards began to move with them, but the three turned and said something, resulting in their guards stopping and staying in their current position. It seemed like they didnt want to present themselves as threatening or rock any boats.


    When they arrived, Osian began to speak. Your name is Garrett, and your name is Finn, correct? he asked the two men, then turned his focus to the older woman. I am sorry, but I didnt catch your name.


    My name is Diana. I am the matriarch of House Reeves. Garrett is the patriarch of House Rivia, and Finn is the patriarch of House Barro. Thank you for allowing us the chance to be spared if that offer is still on the table. Diana bowed deeply to Osian and Edward, then turned to Derek and nah. Mr. Hunt, Ms. Swan the rumors have not done the two of you justice.


    Its good to be underestimated sometimes, Derek said, then looked back at Osian. It isnt always as fun when people believe everything they hear about you.


    Not fun but lucky for those people, Edward chimed in.


    Indeed, Osian said. Now, would the three of you care to exin what prompted you to withdraw yourselves from battle? Why you chose to stand down and not fight next to your former king and current queen? Some may say that doing so showed ack of loyalty.


    That Finn stepped forward and spoke. I cant exactly speak for Mrs. Reeves or Mr. Rivia, but my House Barro has never been on quite the same page as the royal family, if you will. We have be a powerhouse in Astrus by keeping our heads down and staying out of politics for the most part. This being an exception, of course.


    And why was this an exception? Osian asked.


    Well because the kingdom was at stake. I owed it to my house and even the kingdom as the patriarch of one of the more powerful houses to ascertain what was going on. I knew that there were two oues. Either Traven would somehow find victory, or the kingdom would be lost. With you arrival and pure confidence, I knew that the kingdom was lost.


    When you offered the chance for me and my house to live, I knew that I had to take it. Most would pull every major noble house out from the roots without a second thought when taking over a kingdomI dont doubt for a second that Traven or Tevarian would have done the same. Just giving my house the possibility of living was enough.


    I see, Osian said. And the two of you?


    Unlike House Barro, House Reeves has always been very political and involved, Diana said.


    Youre alway causingmotion because of your butting heads with the royal family, nah said. I know your house quite well. Its hard to keep things like that private.


    Yes, Diana replied. That is correct. Very seldom did Tevarian and I see eye to eye. This war was a prime example of that. I was very much against it, so much so that I forbade my house from participating. Though my grandson couldnt wait to make his mark and he joined the army against my explicit instructions speaking of the remainder of the army She looked at Osian. How are they?


    Those who did not die have either been captured or are still wandering around Indria, but I believe we found almost everybody and are holding them. They knew of their kings demise and have been quite passive afterward. My brother and I gave specificmands not to harm them and to take care of them for the time being in hopes that we would be able to release them soon, the king answered.


    Thats great news! Diana perked up after hearing that. I know that he is not dead, as his name continues to be on contracts. When if hees back, Ill give him a good beating for not listening to his matriarch and grandmother.


    Derek giggled at hearing that. He wondered if she would have been the type of grandma to have her grandson go out and pick his own switch for his punishment. Of course, with the system and everyones endurance, a regr switch would do nothing these days. <em>She</em><em>d have to have him go pick out a quarterstaff or a club maybe even a sword for his punishment. </em>


    He couldnt helpugh a little out loud at the thought. Her words reminded him a bit of his own childhood. His grandma had sent him out into the woods to pick out his own switch before. That was the worst part of the punishment, the mental aspect. The light strikesing from the frail olddy on the back of his legs never really hurt, but the experience of choosing his own switch stayed in his memories.


    Then, that would always cause a spat between his mother and grandmother because his mom was very much against any kind of corporal punishment to her children. Derek actually held those as some of his fond memories. Hed always see how hard he could push his grandma before she had enough. He wasnt exactly the best child, and he still preferred what his grandma did over the spankings he would get in school. <em>Im going to have to try to get back to Earth once this is over to see whats happened since I left</em>


    Everyone turned to look at Derek because of his short outburst ofughter. What? he asked. I was just imagining what kind of punishment she was going to give her grandson.


    And it was funny? Diana asked. What did you imagine, exactly?


    Well Derek shrugged. I kind of imagined you sending him into your treasury to pick out which weapon he wanted you to beat him with.


    Interesting the older woman said. It could be punishment and training. Not a bad idea.


    Uh how old is your grandson? Derek asked.


    Hes almost 40, she replied.


    This caused Derek to snicker once again, but he didnt say anything else.


    Uhem Osian cleared his throat. Can we get back on topic? he nodded his head pointedly toward Garrett.


    Oh, well I can only say that I chose to retreat from the battle for the chance at my houses survival. There was no other reason. It didnt take you showing up on dragons to know that winning against your two kingdoms was a fools errand then you showed up on dragons so Garrett answered.


    And you ranking inside the kingdom?


    Oh, House Rivia is one of the major noble houses in the kingdom, just like House Reeves and House Barro. I uh Im the new patriarchthe former patriarch, my father, recently died three years ago.


    I see, Osian said. So, as three major noble houses in the Kingdom of Astrus, what would you suggest is the best approach now?


    Its simple, Diana said. Eradicate the royal family, then thin the houses that went against you. Once all the royal family is gone, appoint a new king or queenessentially establishing a new royal line.


    And that will go over well with the kingdoms citizens? Osian asked.


    Most of themoners dont care one bit about who is king or queen. As long as their daily lives dont change much, they wont be a problem. As for the middle and minor noble houses with our three houses standing behind youassuming you allow our houses to survivethey will fall in line. Maybe with a new ruler we can make some proper changes to this kingdom she muttered thest bit.


    Well, there are definitely going to be a good number of changes, but that can wait until we have control of the kingdom. As for a new king or queen Osian looked around. His eyesnded on Derek, but he was quick to turn as soon as Derek narrowed his own. As for a new king or queen, we will figure that outter.


    So, Marrick spoke up. Shall we finish conquering a kingdom?


    Edward and Osian looked at each other and nodded.


    If the three of you would be so kind as to escort us into the city, Edward said. I believe that will make things much easier.


    Soon, Derek found himself walking in the middle of a group toward the city of Icecrest, the Capital of Astrus. In the front were the three surrendered leaders of major noble houses, followed by Edward and Osian walking side by side, then everyone else from Cydaria and Indria. The guards from the three noble houses followed closely behind.


    It was agreed upon to leave the dragonkinpanions outside the city, so as to not overly scare any of the citizens with their massive sizes and vicious looks. Finally, they reached the gigantic gated entrance to the city, and dozens of guards looked down at the group, unsure what to do.


    Open the gates! Finn shouted from below. Do it now! You saw what just happened. Stop wasting time!


    After some discussion between the gate guards, the gates finally opened. Everyone stepped through. They had finally made it to the Capital of Astrus. Derek took in a deep breath.


    He was already beginning to miss Indrias capital city, Eloria. <em>They</em><em>re definitely going to have to take some cues from Indria and Savannah. Im tired of most of the cities I go to smelling terrible.</em>

 Chapter 380: Blow it up?

    Chapter 380: Blow it up?


    Derek and the others were escorted through the gates of Icecrest by the leaders of three of the most prominent noble families in the entire kingdom of Astrus. As they walked through the gates and entered the outer part of the city, their group was met by numerous lower-level guards with their weapons raised and uncertainty in their eyes. It seemed that the people of Icecrest didnt quite know what to make of the situation.


    <em>How could they? </em>Derek thought. <em>I</em><em>m sure this kind of thing is unprecedented. Of course they werent expecting to lose the king of the kingdom so suddenly or for the war they initiated to take such a sudden turn. Now, those same people who were likely responsible for the change hade to their capital and killed most of the leaders of important noble families well, Im assuming those that fought beside the queen and her father-inw were leaders of noble houses.</em>


    <em>On top of that, those same people were just escorted into their city by three more well-known noble families and their guards. It doesn</em><em>t take a rocket scientist to figure out what is going on, but Im sure theyre all still in shock more than anything, and they just havent quiteprehended the situation yet. </em>Dereks eyesnded on many of the flustered guards and citizens behind them as the three noble heads scurried forward to speak to them.


    Stand down, everyone, Diana, the matriarch of the Reeves family,manded.


    Again, the guards didnt seem sure what to do, but after one person lowered their weapons, the rest followed quickly. Finally, one guard, presumably whichever one was left leading the remaining guards while the stronger ones went out to fight, took a small step forward and saluted.


    Maam, the guard said, speaking directly to Diana. What what are your orders? the man looked past Diana and onto the group of people from Indria and Cydaria before gulping and turning his attention back to the older woman. It looked like after some mental gymnastics from the impromptu guard leader, he made the decision to default to the leaders of the major noble houseswhich was exactly what everyone was hoping for.


    Diana turned back and looked at Osian and Edward before nodding seriously and facing the guard once again. Please spread the word that there will be an announcement in three hours at the royal pce. Activate the teleporters and send word to each major city. It is highly suggested that each noble familyfrom high to lowbe at the gathering. I will also send word to others to help in this. For the time being, teleportation will be free for anyone who wishes to attend. We will also be activating the backup teleportation circles to amodate all of our guests.


    The woman spoke very loudly so everyone in the surround area could hear it. The crowd of gathered people on the outer edges of the city was massive. There would be no problem getting the news out.


    Yes, maam. We will see to it immediately, the guard saluted firmly once again.


    Also, Diana spoke again before the guard could run off. Summon any avable healers and support sses. I want them to go out and help the injured. The sooner everyone is healed up, the better.


    Maam! The man nodded, then turned to the other guards and began issuing orders to all those who were following. Quickly, multiple people ran past Dereks group and out of the cityhealers anxious to help the other wounded soldiers and guards. There were even a couple of regr citizens that took it upon themselves to rush out behind the guards to give their help.


    <em>Looks like they</em><em>ve beenmunicating this whole time and already have some kind of n ready, </em>Derek thought as he stared at the back of the crown prince and king. <em>And I</em><em>m sure that highly suggest actually means mandatory. It will definitely allow Edward and Osian to get a feel of how the nobles view everything. </em>


    Follow me, Diana turned and said to the group. Ill take you to the pce. Its well, it should be almostpletely empty aside from servants and a few others. All the pce guards were in the battle.


    Everyone nodded and followed the woman. Surprisingly, instead of leading them through the city, she took them to a building not far away and brought them inside.


    Its much too far of a walk, and I imagine you need time to prepare yourselves for your announcementster, Diana said. Icecrest has a number of teleportation circles connected to different parts of the city.


    Thats convenient, Derek said. It would make rushing to the pce much easier. He smiled at Edgar as the prince looked at him.


    We have weighed the pros and cons of doing the same back in Cydaria, Edwin replied. We always found too many cons in having such a system in ce though, after thest two years, it seems that many of those cons would happen with or without quick ess to different parts of the city.


    I told you, nah said. Ive been telling Edwin to do this for ages. It should be amon feature within all major cities in a kingdom. Time is valuable, after all, and the extra ie generated by people choosing to teleport over traveling by foot would increase the kingdoms coffers. nah grinned at the king when he looked at her. You might even be able to use it to slowly dig your way out of the debt you have with Natalie.


    Edwin winces at that. Maybe


    Its certainly something we shall discuss when we get back to Cydaria, Edward said. Now, are we ready? How many people can be transported at once?


    Oh, theres plenty of room for everyone here, minus our house guards, Diana replied. Speaking of which, the matriarch of house Reeves pointed at one of the guards that had been trailing behind everyone the whole time. Dustin, go back to the family and exinin detaileverything that has transpired from the beginning of the battle until now. Tell my daughter that she is to meet us at the pce as soon as possible.


    Yes, mdy. The man at the front of the guards bowed deeply, then gathered up the rest of House Reeves guards and left.


    Once they were finished, Garrett and Finn proceeded to make their own arrangement with their guards. Soon, only Cydarias group and the three heads of the noble houses remained. It could be seen as a gesture of good faith that the three leaders sent their guards away while they remained.


    If everyone would gather on the tform, Diana said. Once everyone stood on the tform, she spoke to ady who had been standing off to the side behind a counter, curiously taking everything in. If you would be so kind as to send us to the Central District.


    Yes, maam, thedy said.


    Oh, and you may want to call in some extra help. Youre soon to receive a notice, and all the teleporters in the city are going to be very busy over the next few hours. Id hate to see you fall behind.


    Of course, maam. Thedy bowed and soon, she had the teleporter activated. You will be transported in 3 2 1


    With a sh, everyone vanished, then reappeared on a tform identical to the one they were just standing on. This time, they were greeted by a man standing off to the side behind a counter.


    Lady Reeves, Sir Rivia, Sir Barro wee, the man said with surprise as he scanned everyone with his eyes. Is there anything I may help you with?


    No, were fine, Diana said, then went on to exin the same things to the current attendant that she had the previous one.


    The man bid them farewell after her exnation, then pulled out amunication crystal in a rush and began making his own arrangements.


    The pce isnt far from here, Diana said, then led them out of the building.


    Outside of the building, there actually werent very many people aroundat least, there werent nearly as many people as there were in the outer part of the city. <em>I guess everyone was gathered around the gate area because of the fighting just outside of it. That would be the best ce to get information. Though, I</em><em>m surprised there were so many people. Actually</em>


    Hey, uh Diana, Derek said.


    Yes? the older woman turned around and answered.


    If you knew we wereing, why didnt you evacuate the city? Wouldnt that have been the smart thing to do? You know just in case we werent friendly after the battle.


    Another thing me and the royal family didnt agree with, she replied. I suggested we do just that, but Traven and Cassandra refused. Actually, not only did they refuse, they shut down all teleportation to outside the city.


    <em>Oh, so that</em><em>s why she told the guards to activate the teleporters. They had actually been deactivated by those two. </em>I see


    The hubris of that family. I dont know if they actually had confidence or just didnt care, Marrick spoke from his position in the group. At least they truly got a fitting end.


    Diana nodded, but didnt say anything to the old elf. Instead, she turned back around and began walking. From where they were, it would have been a piece of cake for anyone to get to the pce, as it stood out like a sore thumb.


    Though it was behind multiple buildings and still a bit far away, the pce towered over everything in its surroundings. If Derek had been looking hard enough, he would have been able to see the pce from in the air when they first arrivedinstead, he was just distracted by the pure size of Icecrest.


    They walked down a street, then turned onto what could be called the pce streetit was a wide street that led directly to the pce. The pce was the same tacky dark blue of the ice that the noble family used. On either sideconnected to the wallswas a guard tower. The courtyard itself was at least double, if not triple, the size of the courtyard in Cydaria.


    Yeah Derek said. The dragons would have had plenty of room if we would have brought them with us.


    Youre not joking, Avery replied, then he nced at nah. You just thought Edwins pce was gaudy.


    Theyve definitely added on to it since thest time I was here, nah said. It was just as ugly, but only about half the size back then. I wonder if it was Traven or his father who did it.


    So youre saying that seeing this pce doesnt change your mind about getting one of your own? Avery snickered.


    Again if I ever truly suggest building or buying a pce, you have permission to p me across the face as many times as you need to get me to change my mind. nah shook her head.


    If not for the color and guard towers connected at the front corners of the massive pce, Derek would say that it looked almost like a certain pce in London back on Earth before the system came. <em>Well, it</em><em>s wider and taller I think. </em>Hed never actually seen that pce in personjust pictures.


    Were here, Diana said to the group as they opened the gates and let themselves in. As she had said, nobody was left guarding the ce. What would you like to do? she asked Edward and Osian.


    Blow it up? Wipe it off the face of this? Derek answered and got a side eye from everyone. What? I just said what everyone else is thinking.


    That may be so, but I think she wanted to know how we would like to prepare for the uing event, Osian answered.


    Indeed, Diana replied, and Derek shrugged.


    Really? nah asked in a whisper, but being so close, everyone could still hear if they tried. Blow up the pce?


    Hey, Derek replied in a whisper back. The wars basically over. No need to be serious all the time anymore. You can rx now maybe blow up some ugly pces while youre at it.


    If only nah replied with a sigh, then looked up with a smile. The remodeling alone would cost a fortune, and Im definitely not going to pay for it.


    Were not blowing the pce up, Edward cut in. We need to gather all staff and anyone else who is residing in the pce, then we need to prepare to receive all the nobles who choose toe. I want everything done outside so the civilians can hear, too.


    Great, Diana replied. Garrett, you gather all the staff. Finn, see if the remainder of the royal family is still here or if they fled, you shouldnt have any problems. Everyone else, follow me.

 Chapter 381: Try This

    Chapter 381: Try This


    Finn and Garrett quickly entered the pce to handle the tasks assigned to them by Diana. It was interesting for Derek to see how the two other leaders of major noble houses quietly took orders from the olderdy without any questioning or concerns. It went to show that either her family was that much more powerful than theirs, or she justmanded a lot of respect.


    With those two gone, Diana then chose to escort Dereks group into the gaudy structure. Derek fell in behind everyone else and walked up the steps to the pce entrance. As they entered, he hoped to see something different, but as Diana led them through the halls and toward the Great Hall, Derek realized that once he had seen one pce, hed seen them all.


    <em>Well, the one in Indria was nicer, but that was more about the nature aspect than anything else. The inside design was still pretty simr, </em>he thought to himself as he followed behind the group. Soon, they reached the typical massive double doors leading to the Throne Room or Great Hall. <em>Yup, always the same</em><em></em>


    The difference was that there were no guards standing outside the giant doors this time, as they were all most likely still gathered outside the city, recovering from their injuries. Diana reached forward to the right side door, allowing her hand to rest on it, then, she pushed. The door slowly opened with a loud screeching noise. <em>Damn</em><em> they really need to do some maintenance. </em>


    As Derek was thinking that the Great Hall was going to be simr to the other two hed seen, he caught sight of the one in front of him and couldnt help butugh. On either side of the long hall up to the throne were sculptures of what he could only guess were previous rulers and possibly other members of their royal family. His guess was proven correct when heid eyes on one of the closest statues and recognized it as Tevarian.


    Then, he looked to the opposite side, and sure enough, there was a sculpture that looked like a very young version of Traven. Beside each of those statues was a womanone was Queen Cassandra. Derek had never seen the woman on Travens side, but it didnt take much for him to guess that it was the mans wife.


    Oh wow Avery muttered from beside nah. I didnt think it could get any worse, but I stand corrected.


    Youre telling me, Derek replied. I think we may need to push the minor events of conquering a kingdom down the list of things to do, and set getting rid of these eyesores as the new number one priority. I doubt anyone could get any work done in this ce with those things staring at you the whole time. Its unsettling.


    Avery, do you remember when I told you to p me upside the head if I ever mentioned building my own pce? nah asked from between Derek and Avery.


    Yes? Avery answered.


    Good. Add making statues of myself to that list as well, nahmanded.


    Yes, Mistress Swan, Avery replied with a smile.


    Stop that, the woman said. I thought we were finally over that Master Swan.


    Avery winced. Fine, fine


    But you just must keep the decorum up in such a ce. Derek did his best mock impression of a proper gentleman, which he was not. Lord Avery and Lady Swan.


    Not you too nah rolled her eyes.


    But in all seriousness, Derek said, this time speaking loudly so everyone would hear him. You are all going to have to do something about those statues. Theyre seriously creepy.


    Agreed, Edgar said from up front, then veered off course and ran to one of the statues before cing his hand on it. Its melded into the ground. I cant store in my storage ring.


    Whelp there goes the easy way, Derek said.


    Alright, enough with the statues, Edward finally said when they were close to the throne. Well deal with thoseter. We have much to discuss and little time to do so.


    Everyone stopped where they were standing, but Derek continued forward. Soon, he reached the small steps, then the dais where the throne set. Finally, he walked around the throne, getting a good look at it, before sitting down. He moved left and right, and wriggled around, trying to find afortable way to sit, but he was unable to. With a sigh, he stood and walked back down with everyone else.


    What? he asked, as everyone was staring at him. Ive been in three different pces and never sat on the throne. Seeing how I dont n on bing king of anything or anywhere, I thought Id check to see what all the fuss is about while we were in a kingdom that doesnt have a king anymore.


    And? Edgar asked.


    And I now understand why Tevarian and Traven were so cranky. If thats where I had to sit to conduct all my business, Id probably go fight in a war, too, he exined as he stepped past everyone to move to a more open area. With a wave of his hand, a table big enough for everyone appeared in front of him. It was just one of the tables hed prepared for his Time Prison long ago. Its not really pce or royalty worthy, but itll do.


    With that, he walked to the end of the table and pulled his chair out of his storage bracelet before taking a seat. Oh, thats so much better. With a wave of his hand, two more chairs appeared on either side of him. nah was quick to snatch one of them up, and, to his surprise, old man Marrick beat Avery to the other one.


    Oh, that is nice, the old man said as he settled into the chair.


    If you think thats nice, try this. Derek stood from his personal chair and Marrick moved over to it.


    Oh? Marrick muttered as he sat. I think I could live for another decade if I had something like this. Why did I never think to invest in such seating?


    Right? Derek nodded in agreement. Everywhere I go, even the Crown Restaurant, they never have reallyfortable chairs. You should see some of the ones where Im from. In fact, I was recently reminded of one not long ago, so when I get back to Savannah, Im going to put my chair guy to work.


    Derek didnt have a chair guy but he was talking about Geoffrey, the slimy-looking contractor who built his shop and had helped him obtain the chairs he currently had. And the new chair he was talking about, that was a recliner. When he met with Dave, the mysterious elf had summoned a reclining chair out of nowhere, reminding him howzy andfortable sitting could be.


    Now, get up, Derek said. Thats mine. You can use the other one.


    Marrick hesitated for a moment, but soon sighed and resigned himself to sitting on the lessfortable seat. Fine, the old man said. But youre going to have to introduce me to your chair guy.


    Will do, Derekughed and took his seat once again.


    It seemed like everyone had their own seats stored within their storage rings, as it didnt take long for every to pull something out and sit around Dereks table. Edward sat at the head of the table opposite Derek, with Osian on his left and his father on his right. The seating arrangements definitely showed the pecking orderat least at that end of the table.


    Diana was still standinguncertainty written on her face. Do you mind? she hesitantly asked.


    You may, Edward answered. It will be good to have your take on the matters at hand.


    The matriarch of House Reeves had been helpful so far, and there werent any reasons to keep her from the discussionsat least not in Dereks opinionand it seemed like Edward agreed with him on that. Diana produced a chair for herself and sat.


    Do you believe all the noble houses will turn up? Osian led off the conversation. Three hours isnt much of a notice.


    No, Diana replied. I suspect there are already families fleeing the kingdom as we speak. Specifically, the ones from the families who just lost their leadership. Some will risk showing up, though, as there arent many ces to run to that will not soon be under your control. Those that run will have to either be weed into Vallum or constantly be on the lookout.


    They could chance crossing the sea, nah said. Go somewhere where few people even know the names Cydaria or Astrus.


    Not if they value their lives, Diana replied. I would sooner risk my life here than try to take my entire family across the sea. How many people die each year with fancy ideas about establishing a trade with those other kingdoms? Or leave and are never seen again. You have to be crazy to do it.


    I did it, nah said.


    And how many people survived the trip here? Diana asked.


    Derek leaned forward. Hed wondered about the sea and what was on the other side, but hed never asked about it. Wrapping his head around one new kingdom and continent was already hard enough. But hed be lying if he said he wasnt curious about nahs origins.


    Me and two others, nah. If youre strong, its not a problem. It just takes a lot of time. But the sea monsters are no joke and attack often. And you need a flying skill for when your ship is inevitably destroyed, plus multiple other water crafter to allow you to rest and recover after long days of flying.


    Like I said youd have to be crazy, Diana repeated. Well, that or strong. However, going as a strong individual is one thing. Taking your family with you is another. I can see a few people going by themselves, but none would be so cruel to try to bring their entire family with them.


    <em>I bet I could do it, </em>Derek thought. <em>Rather easily, too. Toss some people in my prison space, then borrow a dragon. Wouldn</em><em>t even need a boat.</em>


    Okay, Edward said. So, we should expect many of the noble houses toe with representatives, but not all. Diana, would you be able to take note of any and all noble families who dont present themselves at the announcement?


    Sure, the woman replied. That wont be a problem at all. I have an idea of who wille and who will not. I suppose you should expect a representative from each of the minor houses, as they werent part of the group you fought outside. As for the middle and major houses, it should be mixed. I do believe that more wille than will not.


    Plus, Osian said. Its a long way through Indria if one wishes to get to Vallum, and they wont have ess to any teleporter there, either.


    Now that you mention it, Diana replied, and summoned a redmunication crystal out of her storage ring. I can give the instruction to shut down all teleportation in the kingdom to anywhere other than Icecrest.


    Do it, Osian replied after getting a nod from Edward. It should increase the amount of nobles thate. If they have no quick alternatives, they may take their chance.


    If you dont mind me asking, Diana said. What is your n with those noble families? Will you destroy them?


    We will set up a thorough investigation, Edward replied and pointedly looked at nah.


    No, nah said. You can ask Natalie. Im sure shell offer her services at a reasonable price.


    Unfortunate, Edward said. But we have pulled many noble families up by the rootstely, so to speak. We will be less harsh on those from Astrus, but with some caveats. It will all depend on our investigations.


    At that time, the screeching of the doors sounded again, and Derek turned to look. It seemed that Finn had finished his task and was escorting a young man and woman into the room.


    Speaking of noble families, Diana said. It seems that Finn has found Tyler and Tevara Sinir, of the royal former royal family.

 Chapter 382: Fate of the Siblings

    Chapter 382: Fate of the Siblings


    The young man and woman staggered inside the Throne Room as they were pushed forward by Finn. Derek eyed each one. Both siblings took after their father, and it seemed that each had the same dark ice affinity that Tevarian, Terrin, and Traven had. Derek had half expected the girl to have some sort of poison rted ss like her mother had, but that didnt seem to be the case.


    Both siblings looked to be confused, angry, and afraid. The confusion probably came from the fact that one of the high nobles they knew was giving themmands, and the anger and fear was obviousthey were angry at those now in front of them, and they feared at what was likely to happen.


    Ill kill you all! the young man, who couldnt be much older than twenty, let his anger win out when he heard Dianas announcement. Finn no longer had to push him forward, as ice crept up his hands and stopped just past his wrists as he shot forward.


    Tyler! No, stop! the young woman cried out as she watched her brother attack a room of quite possibly the strongest people on the continent, if not the. She reached forward to grab him, but her hand found nothing but empty spacehe had already left her range.


    Derek blinked as the young man drew close to him. A quick Identify as the man rushed forward showed Derek that he was only level 145. He was actually surprised that Tyler was such a low level for his ageit showed that either he, or his father, cared more about skill levels than actual levels. <em>Unless his skill levels are also low, then he could just bezy. </em>


    It took a second, but Derek finally realized that the prince was actually heading straight toward himhe was the target. Obviously, the young man wasnt thinking straight, and he chose to go after the closest person to him.


    Derek let out a soft sigh as the man arrived with his ice covered hands. Tyler lunged forward with both palms open. Derek, on the other hand, simply raised his arm to blockhed fought against Tevarian, and knew exactly what the man was going for. Unfortunately for Tyler, Derek wasnt much scared of his fathers ice abilities, so why would he be afraid of the same skills, but from a person who was just over half his fathers level?


    The young mans palms fell over Dereks armor covered forearm, and he squeezed. Dereks Dark Wyvern Armor was well insted, and even though water vapor from the cold ice the young man applied rose from his hands, Derek didnt even feel the least bit cool underneath.


    Finally, Derek looked around, but saw that nobody had bothered to do anything about the young mans attack. Having had enough, with his free hand, Derek pushed his own open palm forward and hit the man in his midsection. Tyler let out a loud gasp and his grip loosed from Dereks arm as the rest of his body flew backwards half a dozen feet before hended on his back on the ground. Tyler then rolled over onto his knees and abruptly lost his lunch.


    It was a light strike, so no real damage should have been done, but it dide from someone as powerful as Derek. Even though his strength and dexterity stats still werent through the next threshold, they were more than enough topletely overpower someone at the princes level.


    Tyler! the youngdy yelled and rushed forward to her brothers aid.


    Like father, like son, Marrickmented from beside Derek. Acting withplete disregard for the consequences. Hes a spitting image of his grandte grandfather.


    Both siblings soon raised their heads up to look at the old elf. It seemed that after a literal gut punch, the prince hade back to his senses. It also seemed that they finally began to realize the direness of their situation. Derek wasnt even actually sure that they knew that the rest of the royal family was gone. Tyler could have been acting out of impulse solely based on the fact that he knew someone in front of him was responsible for his fathers demise.


    So, Diana spoke from her position near the center of the table. May I ask what it is you wish to do with them?


    Bah! Marrick snorted. Better to send them to their fathermake it a clean sweep. Theyre old enough that we neednt lose any sleep over it. The grudge has already been set. Take it from someone with experience. Thats not something that will go away with time. Besides, this continent will be better off with the surname Sinir disappearing from it.


    Derek found the words a little harsh, but he had been under no illusion when he came to Astrus that any member of the royal family would survive. If they were children, that could have been another story, but the two were well into adulthood. Actually, they werent much younger than he was ording to his status page. Besides, whether to let them live or not wasnt up to him. It was a decision for the rulers of the kingdoms to make.


    Edward looked over to Osian, but the elven king shruggedleaving the decisionpletely up to the crown prince. The crown prince frowned and scratched his chin. He had just pronounced that he nned on going easyor at least being less harshon the current noble families. Now he had to make a decision about the remainder of the noblest of families, the royal family.


    Please, Tevara stood from her position beside her brother and walked forward. Allow me and my brother to live. We have had no say in anything our parents, grandfather, or Titus have done. Forgive my brother for his outburst. You may believe father, mother, and grandfather are evil, but they are still family and he is grieving. Allow us to live and we will swear oaths that we will never go against Cydaria or Indria, nor will we try to spread dissent into any children we may have.


    Derek raised his eyebrows at her plea. It looked like she had given thought to what she nned on saying. He wondered if that was something she had nned beforehand, just in case something happened, or if she made it up on the spot. She was also veryposed and, though he could see the sadness in her eyes, she held herself back from shedding any tears.


    Hmph Marrick snorted, then finally turned his head to look at the young woman. Seems you have some intelligence in you, after all. I never expected someone from a rabid family like House Sinir to beg for their lives. Did you know that your grandfather never once pleaded for your lives? Not even when he realized there was no way for him to win as I held his life in my handseven after I told him I would destroy his entire family line.


    I the young woman opened her mouth and closed it multiple times, but no words came. Instead, a single tear rolled down her face, and she quickly wiped it away with the back of her hand. Her brother, on the other hand, clenched his jaw and balled his hands into shaking fists, but he chose to stay on the ground.


    Her mother care deeply for her children. I dont believe the care she showed for Titus to be any less than what she would have shown for Tyler and Tevara. on Dereks other side, nah finally spoke. But she was too blinded by grief and rage to properly show it. I fought her, I felt it. Even in her anger, she allowed some of her people to retreat from the fight and promised not to harm their families. nah then turned her head and met eyes with Marrick. It is not necessary to provoke the children after what theyve just learned they lost. I believe that is beneath you, Mr. Marrick.


    The old man red at nah, then looked at the young woman who was doing her best to keep herposure, before turning back to nah. With a sigh, he said, You are correct, Miss Swan. It seems my old bones can still find themselves riled up after a fight with such consequences. Then, he looked down the table at the others. Edward, Osian do what you wish with the young ones. I will not object.


    The room went silent for a long minute or two before Edward finally spoke. I cannot make a decision this minute. It is no surprise that I also have a bit of a personal grudge with House Sinir, as it was their older brother who took my arm from me, he said. Under those circumstances, I will try to make the best decision I can. Titus Sinir seemed a cruel man, and I would like to know if these siblings have the same character. It seems that we will have no problem finding that out if Miss Swan would be so kind as to help.


    What Edward was talking about was the fact that the two siblings were currently staring off into space after hearing the words from nah. Because of their low levels, they could not withstand the passive effects of her voice, so they were currently in the same trance that so many others had been in before.


    Very well, nah said with a shrug. Then she turned to the two siblings. Both of you,e stand before me, shemanded.


    Tevara arrived before nah almost instantly because of how close she was, and Tyler quickly shot to his feet and followed in turn. The two siblings stood before nah like the statues on either side of the hall.


    Tevara, nah said, and the young womans zed over eyes moved down to look at nah. Did you consider your older brother cruel?


    Yes, the young woman answered mechanically.


    And what about him was cruel?


    He enjoyed causing and watching the pain and suffering of others.


    And are you the same? Do you enjoy watching the pain and suffering of others? nah asked.


    No.


    Did you ever try to stop Titus from hurting others?


    I did not.


    And why is that?


    It was not my ce to do so. He was much stronger than me.


    How do you treat your servants? nah switched her line of questioning.


    I believe I treat them fairly, Tevara answered mechanically.


    And why do you treat your servants fairly?


    Because I do not want to be like my brother.


    What about your parents? How did they treat their servants?


    They treated them like servants. Not good, but not badly.


    I see nah said. And what of the war? What did you think about it when you learned of it?


    Nothing.


    Nothing? nah asked in surprised. You had no thoughts about it? Why? Answerpletely.


    It was none of my business. I had no part in it. I had no thoughts of it other than I hoped Astrus would win.


    Okay nah said. Do you consider yourself a good person?


    I Even in the trance, the young woman hesitated. I dont know.


    Why dont you know?


    I try to be good, but I am also selfish and conceited, she said.


    And your other brother, Tyler, nah said. Is he a good person? Exin clearly.


    He is better than me, Tevara answered. But he does have a temper and sometimes acts without thinking. I do think he is a good person. He tried to stop Titus once by telling father, but was ignored andter beat up by older brother.


    Tyler. nah shifted her focus to the other sibling. Do you agree with what Tevara has said? Exin clearly.


    I do, but I am also selfish and conceited, the young man answered.


    Is there anything that you want to ask? nah turned and asked Edward, and the crown prince nodded. Answer Edward as you would me, she said to the siblings.


    Will you truly be able to put your hatred of us behind you and go on with your lives? Would you be able to if you didnt sign a contract or swear an oath?


    Yes, Tyler answered first.


    I will try, Tevara answered. Surprisingly, it seemed that the young woman who was soposed earlier had more hatred in her heart than her brother who attacked Derek did.


    That is all, Edward said.


    Go stand by Finn, nahmanded the two.


    With the questioning finished, every waited for Edward to make his decision. Soon, he did.


    I will allow the two to live for now. We will have the oaths and contracts, and I want them to stay in the pce to support the next king and queen.


    Everyone nodded along, and like Marrick said before, he didnt object.


    Now, on that topic, Edward began. Who shall be the new rulers of the kingdom?

 Chapter 383: New Leadership

    Chapter 383: New Leadership


    They finally made it to one of the topics they needed to discuss before announcing to all of Astrus that it was going to be under new leadership. The new king or queen, or both, would y a part in how everyone felt about such changes.


    I believe that with Tevara and Tyler staying on and standing beside a new ruler, it will make the transition go much smoother, Edward said. Allowing the people to see leniency even with the former noble family will calm some nervesespecially to some of the noble houses. Do you agree, Diana?


    Actually, I do, the head of House Reeves said. In fact, I can speak for myself as the head of a powerful house that seeing the two not only live, but also be kept in the fold, has certainly what was it you said? Calmed my nerves? It has certainly done that.


    And what about you, Mr. Barro? Edward asked the man who had brought the two siblings in. And please, have a seat and join this discussion.


    Finn bowed deeply to Edward and moved to take a seat beside Diana. The two siblings, still in somewhat of a trance, stayed where they wore, inactive. I agree with Diana, Finn said. Allowing the two to not only live, but possibly thrive, will go a long way in easing the other noble houses into the situation. It will show that you are thoughtful about circumstance and will not unjustly eradicate whole families.


    Derek nodded along to what Finn said. He liked that. It reminded him of the term guilty by association that would be tossed around a lot in his old world. Just because one apple was bad did not mean that all the other apples were, too. It was considered a facy for a reason. Though, it was good to quickly remove those bad apples, or actual guilty ones, as it wasmon for the rot to spread.


    He wasnt around to see it, but Derek knew that Edwin had taken another approach when weeding out the bad actors in Cydaria. Instead of removing the bad apples, he burned down the entire trees. He wasnt exactly certain of the timeline, but if Edwin had taken the time to go through each associated person one-by-one, their position would have been very unstable when Cydaria was attacked, and susceptible to attacks from within.


    These decisions were another reason Derek refused all the chances to create bases, outposts, and towns back when the other system arrived at Earth. Hed turned the offers many times. It took all that time alone in the void for him to even get behind the possibility of being responsible for just a handful of people. And the number of people under his care was already at the limit of what he feltfortable with.


    Good, good, Edward said. Thats good to hear. After that, he turned his focus on everyone who was not from Astrus. I have some ideas in mind, but I would like to get everyone elses opinions on who shall be appointed leaders of this country.


    I dont think it matters all too much, Derek was the first to reply. As long as they are high-ranking people from Cydaria or Indria, it should work. They are going to be Derek looked at Finn and Diana, then shrugged and continued. They are going to be nothing other than figureheads or managers for now, right? The real decisions will being down from the top. <em>Just like Indria, </em>he thought thest part, but did not speak it. Diana and Finn didnt need to know that Indria was actually just a vassal kingdom like Astrus was about to be.


    That is true, Edward said. But its possible that it wont always be that way.


    Then its simple, Derek said.


    Oh?


    You said you have some rtives who you consider good people, right? Cousins, if I recall correctly.


    I do. They have lived simpler lives and prefer to stay out of politics, Edward said.


    Thats good, then. That means that at least for this generation, if you appoint one of your cousins, you dont have to worry about them going against your policies or anything like that. The perfect puppet politician, Derek replied. And throw Sabrina in as the queen, and you have one person from Cydaria, one from Indria, and the two former royal siblings in ce as the leadership of Astrus.


    What? Ryven choked out. I dont think we should consider making my daughter a queen. Thats she is much too immature.


    What does it matter? Derek asked. Shes got plenty of time remaining. Shell learn. And like I said, she wont actually be making any decisions.


    Thats not a bad idea. Edwin, who hade along to watch how Edward performed and had mostly been quiet throughout everything spoke up. And we could hold the marriage ceremony here at Icecrest we should also do something about renaming the capital


    That would be perfect, actually, Osian said. We could gather the nobles from each nationwe could even invite those from Vallum. Then, we could have the ceremony here and start these uing peaceful times off with a big celebration. It is indeed not a bad idea.


    But Sabrina Ryven muttered again.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any urrences.


    She will be thrilled, brother, Osian pped Ryven on his back. You know as well as I do that Sabrina wants nothing more than to marry and have a big wedding. Ive certainly heard youin about her enough.


    But she will outlive the king, Ryven said.


    She will, Osian said. But she was very excited to marry a human, if you recall. They will have half-elf and half-human heirs. Who better to rule a country of our two allied kingdoms?


    It may also help change the way Indria sees half-elves and other races in general, nah spoke on the subject. She did have a lot of experience being a half-elf, after all. That will be good for your kingdom.


    What do you think of that, son? Edwin turned to Edward and asked.


    Actually, Edward smiled. Sabrina and Robert was thebination that was at the top of my list. Robert was also the number one pick of suitable bachelors on the list that was made for Sabrina. Also, Robert is smart, and I believe he will make the most out of the situation.


    And he will be happy with an arranged marriage? Derek asked. He wondered how that all worked on thisor at least in Cydaria.


    Theres no reason he wouldnt be, Edward answered. He has been waiting for quite some time. Actually, Robert is like Edgar, in a sense, or even Taras son that we met the other day. I believe that arranged marriage is the only way that he would marry. I certainly dont think hes one to go out and seek a rtionship.


    I see, Derek said. And hes your cousin?


    Once removed, Edward replied. He is one of myte uncles grandsons and a few years younger than Edgar.


    I had my children veryte, you see Edwin cut in. In my early years, I was enamored by a certain somebody, and I chose to forgo marriage to chase after that person. In the end, she did not feel the same way, and I became a very old father.


    I told you it was never going to work out, nah said. But you still showed up every week. Nobody likes a beggar, Edwin.


    Derek looked back and forth between the old king and nah. <em>Now that would have made for an interesting pairing. </em>Many things started to click with how the two treated one another.


    Great, Edward said. We will push for Sabrina to wed Robert when we go back. Hopefully, they have already met one another and have already hit it off. They will make the perfect pairing.


    Now, what shall we do about the kingdoms name? Will we leave it as Astrus and the capital as Icecrest? Or will we change it? Edwin asked. He had brought up the naming of the city earlier.


    Thats simple, too, Derek said, drawing everyones attention once again. With a king from Cydaria and queen from Indria, and the fact that the kingdom was technically conquered by a Cydarian and Indrianbined force, its only right that you change the kingdom name to Indaria.


    I like it, Edwin said. And we can change the capital citys name to Indaria as well, just like we have in Cydaria.


    No! Derek said with force. Absolutely not.


    What? Edwin asked. Why not?


    Because itszy and confusing. When I talk about Cydaria, am I talking about the kingdom, city, or family? Your naming conventions in Cydaria are terrible. I dont have any stake in any of this, but Ill be damned if I let you do the same thing to another poor city. Honestly, I dont know how you havent thought of this before.


    Bahahaha, Marrick bursted outughing to Dereks left. Ive always said the same thing. While House Sinirs biggest problem was being rash and being overly sensitive to minor slights, House Cydarias biggest failures were their naming sense andck of noble oversight.


    But you all have a bit of the same naming sense, dont you? Derek asked Marrick.


    How so?


    Edwin Edward Edgar Elouise he said. Osian Olivar Orion Frankly, Im surprised Ryven got away without being named Oryven. He really lucked out in that sense. What was the former King of Indrias name? Owen? Oscar? Otis?


    Actually Across the table from Derek, Osians cheeks turned a blistering red in embarrassment. Our fathers name was Braxian.


    Oh Derek stared over at Osian, dumbfounded. So this naming sense is something that just started with you, then? Then he looked at Edwin. What about your father?


    My fathers name was Ethan, and my grandfathers name was Eric, he said smugly.


    Good to know Edwin did it out of tradition Osian did it out of ignorance or arrogance. Ill have to remember that.


    Uhem Edward cleared his throat. Now that the history lesson is over, can we get back to topic? I am more than happy to change the name of the kingdom to Indaria after changing leadership. As for the name of this city, lets keep some of the old with it and call it Crestfall. What do you think?


    Thats too disparaging, Osian said. I would go with something like Cresthaven or Silvercrestif you want to keep part of the old name.


    I like Cresthaven, Edward said. Is everyone good with this change?


    Derek shrugged. As long as Robertwhoever he wasdidnt change his surname to Indaria, then move to Indaria in the Kingdom of Indaria, he was fine with whatever else they chose. Everyone else seemed to agree, too, as nobody spoke out against it.


    Great, Edward said. Now, on to the next thing. I believe we should introduce and enforce the same servant contracts in Indaria that we did in Indria. These contracts will be the bare minimum any servant can start at. In fact, after mulling it over, I believe we should do the same in Cydaria by stocking the City Buildings throughout the kingdom with said contracts.


    That seemed like a good idea to Derek. Supposedly, Astrus had a good deal of ves. Introducing the contracts into the kingdom and banning very was always a good first step that hed never argue against.


    For the next while, Edward exined to Diana and Finn about the contracts and changes that were to be made in Indria. The two nobles easily agreed that the same thing should be done in Astrusor Indaria. However, they were quick to point out that there would be quite a bit of resistance. Edward, however, was also quick to point out that those who resisted would be some of the first to be culled, and that the investigations he was nning on doing dealt with many unsavory things, such as that.


    For the next couple of hours, the group talked about adjustments and changes that needed to be made in Astrus. Garrett arrived with the pce servants in the middle of the conversation, and Edward made sure to release each one from their servant contracts until they got everything changed. The servants were free to act as always after that.


    Tevara and Tyler also finally broke out of their trances, and that made it all the more easy to remove the contracts and oaths from the servants. The two siblings were relieved to have been allowed the opportunity to serve the kingdombut mostly, they were happy about not dying.


    Soon enough, the time they had given to everyone to gather for the announcements arrived, and everyone stood. Derek quickly packed up his itemsespecially his beloved chair. Finally, it was time to see who chose to attend the gather, and who chose to run.

 Chapter 384: Mandatory Gathering

    Chapter 384: Mandatory Gathering


    Derek followed along toward the backthe announcements were for Edward and Osian to make, and he didnt want to be anywhere near the front. Dianakeeping to her currently helpful rolechose to lead the part back out of the pce. Everyone agreed that as the leader of the highest noble house there, she would be the perfect person to introduce them all to the rest of the nobles of Astrusat least, the ones who chose to show up.


    Tevara had also readily agreed to her role as an adviser, and was walking with Edwin, Edgar, and a few others directly behind Edward and Osian. Her brother had also agreed to the advisers position, but he was still having trouble controlling all his emotions, so it was decided that it would be best if he stayed toward the back and only watched and listened.


    Finally, Diana took a step out of the pce entrance with everyone else right behind her. When Edward, Osian, Tevara, and a few others were outside, on the top stair, Derek was still standing next to the entrance. That was fine by himhe had a good enough view to see everything, and he wouldnt have to worry about hearing anyone because he knew they were going to be speaking very loudly. Plus, with his stats, hed have to actively not listen to be able to avoid hearing anything over a whisper


    The view they ended up having was insane. The entire back half of the courtyard waspletely packed full with people standing shoulder to shoulder. Derek looked at the way they were dressed and came to the conclusion that those in the back were very well offmonersmost likely merchants and well-paid adventurers. The rest of the courtyard was upied by what appeared to be the nobles.


    The nobles were too good to stand shoulder to shoulder like themoners, so, while still closer to one another than they seemed to enjoy, they kept as much distance between each other as they could. Derek wasnt familiar with any noble houses from Astrus, so he leaned in to hear what the others were saying.


    This is surprising, Diana whispered over her shoulder to Osian and Edward.


    What is? Edward asked.


    I see a higher up representative from almost every noble family in the kingdom. I have to admit, I did not expect that.


    Is that right?


    Yes, Diana answered sternly, then nodded almost imperceptibly toward a certain man in a ck robe with runes etched on it standing toward the front of the gathering. House Ileal didnt run. Or at least Cassandras brother came to the gathering. He could be stalling so the rest of his family can run, but I dont think Simeon Ileal is that selfless.


    So, the queens family is taking a big gamble by being here. Thats respectable, at least, Osian said. Also, did you see the relief on his face when he saw Tevara standing beside us? His shoulders are rxed, and hes finally remembered to breathe.


    Are there any families missing out there? Edward asked. If each only sent one or two people, then it looks like you have a lot of noble families here in Astrus.


    And that was true. Even with them only taking the front half of the courtyard, Derek counted upwards of fifty different groups of representatives from noble families. Some were alone, and a few groups had three people in them.


    From my knowledge, Im counting three, Diana answered. One family I expected not toe, but the other two they should be here. They are very minor noble families with no reason to run.


    We are a little early, Osian said. Perhaps they are just runningte.


    Perhaps, Diana replied. They are not higher ranked than a merchant family. Its possible that they are just in the crowd ofmoners out there.


    There is still time, Edward said. Well wait and give them a chance. If they are like youve said, they are already here and we just cant see them. If they still dont show up, well send someone to them and see if the families have cleared out or were here and just not seen.


    I expect it to be thetter with everyone but House Melton. I do doubt House Melton shows up, but I also doubted more that House Ileal would, and have already been proven incorrect on that front.


    Derek continued to listen to the three talk back and forth while waiting for the exact time toe. A representative of one of the missing minor noble houses actually ended up fighting his way out of the massive crowd ofmoners and made his way to the tail end of the noble houses. Seeing that, Derek believed that it was as Diana had saidthest minor noble house representative was most likely lost among the crowd ofmoners.


    Its time, Osian finallymented once the minor house representative got into ce. The crowd is getting antsy.


    He was right; the crowd was beginning to get very ufortable. The murmurings between one another continued to grow louder and louder until it was practically all anyone could hear. Finally, Edward took a final step forwardonto the edge of the tallest stepand held up his one good hand in a motion for silence. Not everyone saw him at first, but over time, the entire crowd soon grew silent.


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    Firstly, I want to thank you all for attending today, Edward began. I know that today seems crazy, and is certainly not what everyone was expecting, but here we are. Your rulers have made a grave many errors up until today and have paid for them with their lives.


    Another round of muttering went through the crowd after that. Edward did not rush everyone. Instead, he waited for the noise to die down naturally this time. It didnt take long because everyone was surely anxious or excited to hear what came next.


    That is correct, Edward said. Tevarian Sinir, Terrin Sinir, Cassandra Ileal, and a good deal of others who chose to fight outside the gates have all met their end today. We tried to end everything with less bloodshed, and to some degree, we seeded. However, no matter what was said or asked of them, those deceased rulers would not listen. They fought, and they came up short. After that, Edward turned to Osian and gave him a serious nod. The elven king stepped forward beside Edward.


    We are not heartless, though, Osian began. We have decided not to judge other based on problems caused by their parents or rtives. With that, he pointed toward Tevara. Take Ms. Sinir, for example. Investigations have shown that she is an upstanding citizen and a noble of decent characterthe same is true of her brother, Tyler. For that reason, we have chosen to bring the two former royals on as advisers to a newly appointed ruler.


    That got another, even louder pop from the crowd. Derek wasnt sure if it was the fact that they spared Tevara and Tyler, made them advisers, or if it was the mention of newly appointed rulers. It seemed that Osian was leaning toward thetter, as once everyone quieted down again, he continued speaking.


    Thats right, Osian said. We will be appointing a new king and queen to manage and rule this kingdom. There will certainly be changes, but nothing that will interfere in the overwhelming majoritys daily life. Most changes will be minimal, and those that arent will affect the higher ups more than themon folk.


    To show that were not singling Astrus out, these same changes are nned to ur in both Cydaria and Indria as well, Edward said to the crowd. New leadership and new rules andws will be a change, but they are all needed for the overall wellbeing and health of our nations. The majority of the nobility were quiet at this, but manymoners seemed happy about the uing change. It looked like they werent all too happy about how everything was with the old leadership. A lot of that may have been because of the warwars tend to make most of the poption very uneasy.


    Now, for our first announcement, Edward continued. As I said before, the nobility will be the ones affected the most by the changes. We will be conducting private investigations into each and every noble family in the kingdom. These investigations will determine the future of the noble housesand again, to show we arent singling anybody out, and that everyone will get a fair investigationwe will be beginning with houses Reeves, Rivia, and Barro.


    The leadership of these three houses has already been very helpful to us as we prepare to move forward, but, as I said, no house will be above these investigations. Edward then looked over at Diana. Diana, he said, and she nodded.


    As many of you know, I am Diana Reeves, of House Reeves. As the matriarch of the noble house, I have agreed to these investigations and will ept any oue or punishments that maye from them. I, for one, am in wholehearted agreement that we must clean up the kingdom so that we all may thrive together. After that, the older woman took a step back for the others to speak.


    Finn stepped forward and gave a near identical speech as Diana. Finally, Garrett came forward, and, though very nervous and uncertain, he gave his blessing as well. It seemed that the man had already epted that some parts of House Rivia would be in trouble.


    Edward moved to speak again, this time, he spoke directly down to the nobles up close. I thank all of you foring today, and hope we can all work well together in the future. His eyes then fell on the patriarch of House Ileal. Mr. Ileal, he said, getting the mans full attention. You have my condolences for your sister. It is a shame that things yed out as they did. However, I must thank and apud you for attending this announcement. It was the correct decision.


    The middle-aged mans hands tightened into a ball and he squeezed, but he held himself back from speaking or making any kind of scene. Edward wasnt gloating, he was being sincere in his words, and it could be felt.


    Everyone else who lost loved ones, today or any time during this ill-timed war Edward continued. You have my condolences as well. Again, this entire war and situation was a shame.


    After that, Edward went on to announce multiple changes that would be happening throughout all three kingdoms. Some nobles grew angry, and some became happynone stepped forward to speak up against anything that was said. Finally, once everything was said and done, Edward made onest announcement.


    To celebrate theing together of our three wonderful kingdoms, Edward started. We will soon hold a marriage ceremony right here in Astrus. The marriage will be between two individuals that have been chosen to supersede the former royal family and carry Astrus into a new, better future. The ceremony will be here, in the capital, in the pce courtyard. It will be a day of celebrations and history.


    It will be a kingdom-wide event, and all cities will be part of the celebrations. More details of what to expect will be provided soon. From there, Edward actually lightly bowed to the people before continuing. Again, I thank all of you foring, and I look forward to helping lead ourbined kingdoms into a great future of cooperation and alliance. Everyone may leave, but I would appreciate it if those representatives of the noble houses would stay. Thank you!


    Themoners in the crowd cheered heavily, but Derek believed it was most likely due to the announcement of a kingdom-wide celebration. Celebrations, as such, usually came with many free things and fun things to do. The leadership of the kingdom, after all, was way above the vast majoritys pay-grade.


    As the people cleared out of the courtyard and surrounding areas, all the nobles there chose to stay as Edward requested. The speeches and announcements had gone much smoother than they thought they would, as not a single noble challenged anythingwhether that was because they were too scared to or not, Derek didnt know.


    Finally, Edward and Osianwith Tevara trailing themmoved down to the courtyard. What happened next would be up to those two. But there was one thing left on Dereks mind. <em>I wonder where the treasury is.</em>

 Chapter 385: Treasury

    Chapter 385: Treasury


    Derek watched for a while as Edward, Osian, and Tevara made their rounds between all the nobles. Everyone was trying to be as cordial as possible to what was essentially the new leaders of the kingdom, so it didnt seem like he needed to worry about an attacking out of nowhere against Edward. As for Osian, he could take care of himself.


    Hed only gotten a few nces at Osian fighting, but from what he saw, the man was holding back quite a bit in order to mirror his brothers outputhis brother, who was considered to be quite strong. From what hed heard, Ryven had managed to only be slightly disadvantaged against nah in their initial fight well, until she transformed and mopped the floor with him. And even though shed said that he was a good counter to some of her abilities, it was still quite an aplishment.


    Even if some of the nobles did choose to attack, with Osian staying withing steps from Edward, Derek doubted the future king would have any problems. Besides, Edgar was watching over his brother like a hawkseemingly worried about the same things. With his speed and the short distance, Derek had no doubt that the young prince would be able to get between any attacks on his brother.


    On top of all that, nah, Avery, and Marrick were still around. That was a trio that even he wouldnt want to mess with. <em>Unless it was in a spar, then that could be pretty fun, </em>Derek thought as he slowly and quietly backed away further inside the pce. When hed told Edgar that he wouldnt mind raiding whatever Astrus had in their storage, he wasntpletely jesting.


    Of course, Derek wasnt a monster. He wouldnt take everything, but he would definitely choose some good things that Astrus no longer neededor that he decided that Astrus no longer needed. So, he wasnt going to rob them blind just a little blurry.


    After a few more slow steps away from everyone, Derek turned on his heel and began looking around. <em>Ugh</em><em> this ce is going to be a maze. </em>With a shrug, he chose a hall to the right and began walking. He only made it twenty or so feet down the hall before he heard the pattering of footsteps running behind him. <em>Damn</em><em> caught in the act. Who saw me? </em>


    Other that him, everyone else was focused on what was going on outside. Hed thought he had made a clean breakeven nah and Avery were off to the side discussing things as they kept an eye out. Derek closed his eyes and sighedhe really didnt want to share with anyone here other than Silvi, who was still perchedzily on his shoulder.


    Slowly turning to see who was behind him, Derek was surprised when he saw the still moderately angry prince moving toward him. <em>Oh? Tyler Sinir</em><em> this could be good. He definitely knows where the treasury is.</em>


    Where are you going? the man asked with some hostility in his voice as he approached.


    Tyler Sinir, Derek said. Just the person I was looking for. I need your help.


    What? the younger man stopped in his tracks, stunned. Why would I help you?


    Isnt it obvious? Derek said. Youre soon to be an adviser of the Kingdom of Indariaas soon as the change is announcedso I need you to advise me.


    This conversation obviously wasnt what the former prince was expecting when he began chase. You youre part of the group that killed my grandfather, father, mother, uncle, and brother. And youre not going to be the king. Theres no reason why I should help.


    I actually only killed your uncle, Derek rified. He seemed like a bit of an asshole, too. He tried to kill one of my friends while she wasnt lookingor at least take her hostage. Im not sure. I didnt let it get that far. So, do me a favor and help me out, will you? Besides, if you watched any of the meeting, then you already know that even Osian and Edward are deferent to me. Its basically the same thing as advising the new rulers.


    That Tyler lowered his head, took a deep breath in, and clenched his fists until they were shaking. Under his breath, he muttered, I promised Tevara I promised Tevara Finally, he loosened his hands and raised his head back up. What is it you need? he asked.


    Good, good Derek said, and patted the young man on his shoulder. Take me to the treasury room. You know, where your father kept all the good stuff. I need to take inventory.


    The young mans eyes narrowed his eyes in suspicion. Youre going to steal from it, arent you?


    Maybe steal is a nasty word Derek shrugged. You see, Im not really part of Cydaria or IndriaI just happen to live in Cydaria for now. Think of me like a mercenary who could wipe the floor with the kings of Astrus, Cydaria, and Indria all at once. Im sure they wont mind if I take a few things as my payment for helping out. In fact, I already told Edgarthe future kings much stronger younger brotherthat I was going to do this. Youll just be speeding along the process by taking me there.


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    Yeah okay. All three kings at once, huh? Im sure youre strong, but you dont have to lie


    Oh, Im not lying, Derek said. Id release my aura right now to show you, but that would draw too much attention. Not to mention Id have to wait around for half an hour for you to wake up. That would just take too much time.


    Tylers eyebrows raised in surprise before he frowned again. Youre serious, arent you? You actually believe what you said. Are you crazy or are you actually that strong?


    Ive been called both, Derek said. You dont get strength like I have without experiencing some things that will drive you a little crazy. He instantly thought about his time in the voidall those decades or maybe even centuries he didnt knowand shuddered at the thought.


    I want to see you fight, the young man said with fire in his eyes. Promise me that youll let me see you fightor at least spar with someone strong.


    Sure. Derek shrugged. If nah or Osian want to spar and can get some free time, you can watch. But if they dont want to, or are too busy, then thats just bad luck.


    If they dont, then at least hit me with your aura. I want to feel what the aura of someone who ims to be so strong feels like, Tyler said. And dont go easy. Use your full aura and direct it only at me.


    You could just ask about a third of those soldiers who tried to fight on the outside, Derek said. Im sure theyve woken up by now. Or, you could ask the rest of them. Me and mypanion Derek pointed his thumb at Silvi. Held back the army while everyone else fought their little one-on-one battles.


    Tyler looked Derek up and down, and Derek could have sworn he saw sparkles in the young mans eyes. <em>Oh</em><em> </em>he thought. <em>This guy is one of those princes, just like Edgar, but still a little younger. I bet he focuses hard on leveling his skills. He</em><em>s. Probably not going to make a very good adviser, but he could be a good member of the kingdoms army. Ill have to tell Edward about him. His sister is much more suited for an advisers role.</em>


    Fine, Tyler finally said. Follow me.


    With that, the young man walked past Derek down the hall. He was already going down. Oh, I was going the right way, Derek muttered.


    Not at all, the former prince said. I just dont want to go back the way we came and risk more people seeing us. This isnt actually official


    True, Derek said. After that, he just followed.


    The pce really was like a maze. About halfway to the treasury, Derek wished that pces had the same you are here maps on the walls of each room that the amusement parks back on Earth had. He didnt actually have a bad sense of directionhow could he with a skill that literally allowed him to go wherever he wanted with just his sensesbut he still felt like hed have to live in such a pce for years before he knew where everything was.


    Ten minutester, and Tyler led him to a closed door. Derek had a suspicion that the young man had actually toyed with him a bit by leading through ces that they didnt need to go, but he didnt say anything because it looked like he did at least end up bringing him where he wanted.


    The door in front of Derek was quite smallit wasnt the giant double doors that led to the Throne Room, or the medium-sized double doors that seemed to go to different bed chambers throughout the pce. No, this door was a single doorabout the size of his Time Prison door when he didnt actively expand it.


    What stood out about the doorand the surrounding wallwere the runes that were etched on and around it. They were all glowing different colors. Some were green, some were brown, but the majority were the blue color of pure mana.


    Derek looked over at Tyler. Well? he asked.


    Oh, Tyler said. I cant open it. It was set to my grandfather, father, and brothers mana. They were the only ones who could naturally get through all the runes. Of course, there is also a key.


    A key? Derek asked. Where is that?


    My father carried it in his storage ring. So, if you know where that is, you can open it.


    Derek closed his eyes and breathed deeply. Of course, he knew exactly where Tevarians storage ring and all the contents inside were. They had been turned into ashes and mixed with a puddle of Tevarian after Silvi was finished with them.


    What are the runes? Derek asked. He could identify maybe a handful of runes is all, and those mostly had to do with hot water, cold water, and draining. Are there any runes on there that will cause the destruction of everything inside?


    Tyler looked hard at the runes and shook his head. The green ones are poison runes. They will activate together with the brown ones if an intruder breaks through. The brown ones will seal the entrance again, and the green ones will fill the room with poison. The same ones are inside that you see out here just in case someone slips by them. The blue ones are all different types of locks. Of course, there are some runes that alert that there has been a breach. But those alert my father, grandfather, and General Whitaker.


    Hmm Derek rubbed his chin. <em>I definitely don</em><em>t need to worry about any of those three getting an alert. Ones a puddle, ones just dead, and the other had his head separated from his body by nah.</em> I think I can handle that. He nodded his head. <em>Silvi, melt the runes and door. Start small and only use what you need to. Try your best not to cause amotion.</em>


    <em>Kay! </em>With a single word of eptance, a very small lid made from void appeared in front of Derek and Tyler and Silvi hopped on it.


    <em>That</em><em>s new, </em>Derek sent. It seemed Silvi had finallye up with good ways to stay in the air. <em>Your cooking Void Creationbined with telekinesis?</em> he asked.


    <em>Yup, </em>she replied happily. <em>Could use Chop on people with a created cleaver. Why not fly on lid?</em><em> </em>


    <em>Very smart, </em>Derek praised.


    <em>I know,</em><em> </em>Silvi replied.


    Finally, from her perch atop the floating lid, Silvi took in a deep breath.


    Move back, Derek told Tyler. Were about to break in and you dont want to get caught in the attack.


    Not needing another warning, the former prince moved quickly back dozens of feet. After that, Silvi released her me.

 Chapter 386: Heist

    Chapter 386: Heist


    The heat was everything Derek hade to expect from Silvis mes. In fact, with it being so concentrated and on a small area, and the fact that this was pretty much the closest hed ever been to the mes, it may have been even hotter than usual. A bead of sweat even appeared on his forehead and he had to wipe it away with the back of his hand. After that, he decided it best to take a step back.


    Oh, wow! Tyler muttered from behind them.


    Derek turned to look at the former prince. He had actually already activated some of his skills. His handsup to his elbowswere made of solid ice, and he had a small blizzard circling around him. However, just as each piece of snow appeared, it melted just as fast. The young mans face had even turned a shade redder because of the heat Silvi was giving off.


    Whatever the entrance to the treasury room was made of, it was durable. Either that, or some of the runes did more than just lock the door. Silvi seemed to think so too, as another wave of heatan even stronger one that beforewashed over Derek.


    Finally, with that second effort, Derek saw the stone surrounding the door begin to melt. Soon after the stone began turning to magma and dripping to the floor, the doorwhich was some type of metalfollowed after. Together with the metal and stone, the runes deactivated before disappearing as well.


    Silvi continued to increase her fire output, and Tyler moved even further back from the me. Derek also took another step back.


    Soon enough, Silvis fire made a hole in the door and walls. Carefully, Silvi redirected her mes around the hole so they didnt go inside and ruin the treasures within. She wouldnt have that, not after the amount of possible rewards that shed already lost because of the me.


    Eventually, arge portion of the entrance was dotted with holes that led to them being able to see inside the room. Finally, Silvi stopped her skill, and the mes disappeared. Soon after, she moved back to Dereks shoulder, and the pot lid she had been standing on faded into nothingness.


    <em>That</em><em> was hard. </em>Silvis childlike voice rang through Dereks head. <em>Too much focus.</em><em> </em>


    <em>I know, </em>Derek replied. <em>But you did a great job.</em><em> </em>


    <em>Of course, </em>she replied, and Derek chuckled.


    First things first, Derek said and moved forward to where all the melted stone and metal was. It was all still in liquid form and steaming heavily. He turned around and looked at Tyler. Hey,e cool this down.


    The former prince broke out of his stunned daydream and rushed forward without a thought. Soon, he was standing over the pool of burning magma and releasing a stream of ice.


    Combined with the former princes ice, Derek reached forward and touched the rapidly cooling material. With a thought, he willed the stuff inside one of his storage rings. Surprisingly, it worked for the most part. The material was a sludgy consistency, and hadntpletely melded to the floor yet, and Derek was able to store about two-thirds of it. That was a win in his books.


    He didnt know how useful it would be, but it couldnt be too bad based on the fact that it had withstood Silvis mes for so long. <em>If nothing else, it will give Brandi something new to work with, </em>he thought. The rest of the material had, however, melded to the floor already, and he wouldnt be able to store it unless he either had Silvi melt it again or he broke the floor that it was stuck to up into chunks and stored it as well.


    Thats good, Derek said, motioning for Tyler to stop with his ice. Now Derek looked at the now quite thin walls and door to the treasury to decide what to do. With a nod of his head, he held out his hand and Harbinger appeared. Checking the durability on his ive, he smiled slightly. <em>It barely lost any durability, but it did lose some. It should be more than enough to make a hole big enough for us to go through. </em>


    Woah Tyler let out another word of shock at seeing Dereks ive. Now thats a weapon. I already thought your armor was amazing when I grabbed it but that weapon.


    Made by the best cksmith in Cydaria, Derek said. He made the armor, too, but he is specialized in weapons. You can do a lot with dragon bones and scales.


    After speaking, Derek thrust Harbinger forwardthe tip of the ded portion just entering one of the little holes that Silvi created. Then, he used Material Drain. The void colored sphere started at the point of the de, then grew. Soon, it was the size of arge beach ball. Derek quickly moved his ive down to take out more of the entrance.


    He only managed to move it down around a foot before Material Drain deactivated and Harbinger waspletely repaired. Derek pulled Harbinger back and looked at it. For a moment, he thought about letting Silvi hit it with some mes, but he decided against it. He had made a big enough hole in the entrance that they could all fit through. There was no need to make his ive suffer the wrath of Silvis Dragon mes.


    With a thought, Harbinger disappeared back into Dereks body. The hole in the wall was about three and a half feet wide, and, because he was able to move Harbinger down a little, it was about four feet tallmore than big enough for him to duck through.


    <em>Silvi,</em><em> </em>Derek sent through their bond. <em>Stay back for a minute. There</em><em>s going to be poison on the other side, and I dont know how long it willst. </em>


    Without a word of reply, Silvi disappeared and Tyler squeaked. Derek turned to see hispanion restingzily on the young mans head. With a small chuckle, Derek took a step forward, then maneuvered himself through the newly created entrance to the treasury.


    Once inside, he prepared himself. He looked around, but didnt see any runes like he thought he was going to, but as soon as he took a step forward, he saw them. Scattered on the floor and around the area was a bunch of green and brown runes. It seemed the room wanted the intruder to move inside far enough so they couldnt escape back out before they activated.


    A loud crash sounded behind him, and when he turned, he saw multipleyers of stone had fallen in front of the entire wall. They werent able to make it where the stone only trapped the ce the intruder went through, it seemed, so whoever did the runes had instead made them activate and block off the entire area of the wall.


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    Then, just as Tyler had said, the room began filling up with green mist-like particles. Derek took Harbinger out again, then channeled the void into it before using Sweeping sh on a cluster of the green runes that had appeared on the ceiling. He didnt know how long they would be activated for, but if he could destroy them, things would go more smoothly. <em>I really hope nobody</em><em>s on the opposite side of the ceiling.</em>


    <em>Damn, </em>he thought. <em>There are so many poison runes. </em>His strike finally met the green runes and caused them to flicker before going out. <em>Looks like they</em><em>re not that durable, </em>he thought. <em>That</em><em>s probably why there are so many. They wanted to fill up the room fast enough that even if the person who entered managed to destroy them, the damage would already be done.</em>


    With Sweeping sh on cooldown, Derek went around the area physically smashing the runes. He wasnt sure if it was his void disrupting them, his physical attacks, or abination of both, so he continued to channel the void into each of his basic attacks. During this time, the poison found him and prated his skin. He tried not to breathe it, but it looked like that didnt matter.


    Hisrge health pool of 37,625 rapidly decreased as the poison entered his bloodstream, but Derek activated Greater Meditation to help offset the decrease. However, even with the benefits of his meditation skill, the poison continued to eat through his healththough, at a much lesser rate one he wouldnt be too worried about. He touched his hand to his chest and cast Cure Toxin, then Rejuvenate one after the other as he continued to smash runes.


    Five minutester, and the green runes were ghe poison no longer appeared in the room. He continued to alternate his healing and support skills as he thought for a way to disperse the poison. <em>Wait</em><em> this poisones from mana from runes that were created with skills, so it would technically be considered a skill or spell, right? </em>With that thought, Derek activated Absolute Nullify, and to his surprise, it workedjust not as well as he thought it would.


    The mist wasnt really moving, so his skill only pulled the poison that was in close proximity to it. It wasnt a problem, though, just a little tedious. He had to move his skill around the room to suck everything up. <em>Maybe at a higher level, it will be more like a ck hole. </em>It took a bit longer to clear the room of the poison than it did to deactivate the runes, but he was soon standing in a clean treasury.


    <em>Burn through again, the danger is gone. Ill stand in front of where youre burning with my nullify skill so you dont have to worry about damaging anything inside. Just dont go too big at firstIm pretty sure the new stone is a lot less durable than the old stuff was, </em>he sent to Silvi, who was waiting on the outside.


    Soon enough, Derek felt the heat. He made sure Absolute Nullify was cast directly in front of the wall and waited. Silvi was through the roughly made trap wall in seconds, and her mes were eaten by his nullify skill. Silvi stopped with her fire, then Derek canceled his nullify skill, and soon, all three were inside the treasuryeven Tyler had chosen to go in.


    Derek was busy stopping the poison before, so he hadnt had a lot of time to examine the room, but now he could. In the center of the room, there were several ss casesalmost like the kind hed see at a jewelry store back on Earth. Each of those cases held a single storage ring. On the back wall were dozens of scrolls on shelvesalso covered by the ss.


    Interesting, Derek said, and stepped forward to the first case. He went to open the case, expecting it to be locked or trapped, but to his surprise, it easily opened. I guess they didnt expect someone to make it this far he said as he reached in, grabbed the ring, and began examining the contents.


    Here, take some of the stuff in here. Just leave at least half or more. It looks like alchemy or cooking ingredients, he said to Silvi as he tossed the ring on the ground in front of her. Well maybe take some more. You can share with Brandi.


    After that, he went from case to case and picked out some things. He knew that Silvi wouldnt want anything but the ingredients he found in the first ring, so he didnt bother with anything else for her. There were a couple of rings with what looked like crafting materials inside, so he took a portion of each of those for Brandi. He also ran into storage rings holding some very well crafted weapons and armors.


    <em>These will do great until Brandi can make something better, </em>he thought. He picked out a nice spear for Thomas, and swords for everyone else. He also made sure to grab a few spare swords, too, just in case. Unfortunately, it seemed that Astrus had the same thoughts about knuckle weapons as Cydaria did, and he couldnt find anything for re. All the weapons were much better than any of the weapons hed brought with him from Earth. <em>It looks like it</em><em>s about time to get rid of all of those. </em>


    After going through the weapons, he looked through the armors. He wasnt an expert on armor at all, so he just through in some leather and steel armor that looked pretty good. He doubted they would fit and everything would need to be readjusted.


    Finally, he came to one of thest storage rings and was happy that he finally found something that he was interested in for himself. Inside the ring, along with other potions, were two dozen of the potions that increased skill experience, and another dozen of the ones that increased ss experience. He didnt bother leaving any of those, and stored them in his bracelet instantly. He also took most of the Resurrection Potions as well.


    Here, Derek said and tossed one of the skill increase potions to Tyler. For your troubles.


    Finally, he moved to the back wall and began examining the skill scrolls. He was looking for something he could uselike an active movement skill he could level so he wouldnt have to rely on Silvis Active Void Shift so much. But he was also keeping an eye out for anything any of his people could use.


    Instantly, he yoked up all the passive resistance scrolls he came across. It wasnt many, a few Magic, Physical, and Toxic Resistance scrolls, and a single Mental Resistance one. He thought of how Brandi was probably constantly exploding things and losing her eyebrows, so he did pick up a Fire Resistance scroll this time then he grabbed another one then another. <em>I might need this if Silvi</em><em>s mes get any hotter she may need one, too.</em>


    Then, he came across a ton of ice rted skills and scoffed. In actuality, most of the wall of skill scrolls was littered with ice rted skills. He did take a couplehoping that re would be able to use them. Though she would be using water-based attacks, so he doubted she would want ice ones. <em>But this Ice Weapon</em><em>s skill could pair really well with her weapon of choice.</em>


    Finally, he did find a water-based skill scroll. It was actually a scroll that gave the Resurrection skillthe one that cost so much when he was going through Cydarias list of skill scrolls. There was no way he wasnt taking itit was free, after all.


    In the end, Silvi got a bunch of ingredients and a skill scroll for Physical, Magic, Mental, and Fire Resistance. The rest of his people would all be getting a little something, and Derek walked away with dozens of potions to help him build his skills, and three new skills.


    One was Powerstride. It channeled his mana into his feet and legs and would allow him to move a great distance. It reminded him of a skill called sh Step from one of his favorite shows back on Earth, though it did also require good strength and dexterity to work really well. Fire Resistance was another of the skills he found for himself, but that was just a preventative measure.


    And finally, he found a basic, but perfect attack skill. Hed used Sweeping sh so much that it was part of his favoritebo, so when he found Whirlwind sh, he had to have it. It didnt seem to be as powerful as Sweeping sh, but where the former only arced out in front of him, Whirlwind sh covered 360 degrees.


    All in all, he was happy with his heist. He would learn his new skills soon and then use his potions to help with the leveling. He was especially excited to see how Whirlwind sh paired with his void energy, and how Powerstride would work with Void Step. Hed be able to cover a vast amount of distance without opting for Void Travel.


    Derek let out a breath and smiled as he walked past the former prince, who was staring at him. With a pat of his hand on the young mans shoulder, Derek said, Its probably best if you dont take too much. Oh, and you should also get someone to fix the entrancecant have just any Tom, Dick and Harry running in robbing the kingdom blind, now can we? Then, he walked out of the treasury with the young man behind him muttering something about who Tom, Dick, and Harry were.

 Chapter 387: Efficient

    Chapter 387: Efficient


    Derek, with Silvi still perched on his shoulder aftering out of the vault, left Tyler alone in the treasury to clean up while he sneaked away. As for Tyler? The young man was still standing in the center of the room, staring stunned in Dereks direction as they moved out of his line of sight.


    <em>I</em><em>m sure hell figure everything out. If nothing else, it will give him something to do to get his mind off of everything that has happened recently, </em>Derek thought. It would be much better for the young man to focus more on the odd overpowered guy and acquisition of many of the items in the kingdoms treasury than the fact that hed lost almost all of his rtives in the span of a week.


    As Derek walked down one of the hopefully familiar halls on his way back to everyone else, he hummed a happy tune. It had been a while since hed aplished a task that really increased his mood. <em>More than anything, I can</em><em>t wait to try out these skill increase potions. </em>Those had been the items that hed been particrly jealous of when he saw some of the others in the raid dungeon be rewarded with them.


    <em>Now, thanks to Astrus</em><em>s abundant generosity, I have many times more than any of the others do. And here I was thinking about trying to trade some Void Beast stuff for some, </em>he thought. <em>Actually, it</em><em>s surprising that Astrus had so many of them. I wonder if they have a dungeon somewhere around here that can reward them as part of its loot. If there is one, itd be level 250, right? </em>If that was so, it would definitely be a dungeon worth running a few timesat least, depending on how the potions ended up working on the skills he wanted to level.


    While thinking of those skillsparticrly Multi-Strike and Greater MeditationDerek made multiple wrong turns and was lost for a bit until he found his way back to an area he had recognized from before. From there, he was easily able to navigate back to the pce entrance, where he hoped everyone would still be. <em>I wasn</em><em>t gone that long, was I?</em>


    He let out a silent sigh of relief when he made it to the entrance and he saw that nobody else had left. In fact, Edward and Osian were now standing in the middle of the massive courtyard with the representatives of all the noble houses surrounding themeach trying to ask questions or talk all at once. Really, it looked almost like a scene from Hollywoodtwo stars surrounded by a group of paparazzi who were all trying to get thetest scoop. <em>I</em><em>m sure they just want to bring as much information back to their families as they can.</em>


    As Derek was staring out over the group and thinking, nah caught his attention.


    Where have you been? her voice sounded as she walked over from the top step where she had still been chatting with Avery. Dont think I didnt notice you leave where did you go, anyway?


    Oh Derek said. I was around. Just went exploring, you know? he asked with a cheshire grin.


    Ah, nah said. I understand. You went <em>exploring.</em><em> </em>She emphasized the word. Ive been known to <em>explore </em>some ces as well. By the look of that smile on your face, I take it that your <em>exploration </em>was sessful?


    It was very sessful, actually, he replied.


    And is your sessful exploration going to cause a lot of problems for us in the future? she asked.


    For us? Derek questioned, then shook his head. No, its not going to cause any problems <em>for us. </em>What could really cause problems for us, anyway?


    nah snorted, then said, Youd be surprised but I understand your meaning. Something like that you were just getting what you were owed.


    Exactly, Derek said. I was just collecting on a little payment. Speaking of payment, you deserve some too. They have quite a bit of stuff left to explore if you want. If you dont like that, Id be happy to share what I found.


    Thats fine. nah waved the thought away. Thanks for the gesture, but I have more than enough. There are not many things that interest me.


    I see, Derek said. Well then more for me.


    Yes, more for you.


    Anyway. Derek began to change the subject. Whats going on down there? he asked. Are they still kissing hands and shaking babies?


    Shaking babies? Kissing hands? What are you talking about? nah asked with a frown.


    Oh its nothing, Derek answered. Its just something people used to say back where I came from. Well, the saying was a little different, but I like that one better.


    I see nah said. One day, youre going to have to exin to me where all these odd things you say and do and wear,e from.


    Sure, Derek said. And you can tell me all about yourself while we sit around a campfire roasting marshmallows and telling scary stories.


    Deal, nah said, catching Derek by surprise. Well schedule campfire cooking, scary stories, and spilling secrets between dungeon delves.


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    I he was going to say he was just kidding, which he already knew that she knew. <em>But really, what does it matter anymore? I really don</em><em>t think anyone would be strong enough to harm me, and I dont think learning that Im from another world and system would actually give anyone cause to, anyway. </em>You know what? Sure, lets do that.


    Great. nah smiled. Then well head off after the wedding.


    Derek shrugged. They had talked about going dungeon diving multiple times in the past and never got around to it. Hed want to stop and check in with everyone first before going. He didnt figure he and nah would be away for all that long, so another week or two after over a year and a half shouldnt hurt anything. The only thing hed really feel bad about was not staying with Brandi for a while after how excited she was when he came back.


    A whileter, most of the nobles began to clear out after having met with Osian and Edward and gotten whatever questions they had answered. Finally free, the two walked back through the courtyard and up the steps. Behind them were Edgar and Ryven, who had been watching close just in case anything happened. A few stepster, they reached Derek and nah.


    Derek, Edward said. May I ask you to do us one more favor?


    A favor? Derek frowned. Hed already done quite a lot. To be honest, hed been thinking that his role in everything was pretty much overotherwise, he probably wouldnt have gone looking for his reward just yet. What do you want? he finally asked.


    Well Edward started. Derek hadnt acted in the way hed expected. Weve kind of scheduled a date for the wedding while talking to the other nobles.


    Okay, Derek said. What does that have to do with me?


    Its supposed to happen in five days, and as you know, thats not enough time to prepare if we have to wait for all of our teleporters to be connected togetherwhich we are currently working onor if we return on dragon back.


    Oh, Derek replied. Now he knew what the crown prince was getting at. You need to use my traveling skill again


    That is correct, Edward replied. If possible, I hope you can take my father and Duke Ryven back to the Capital of Cydaria so they can prepare Sabrina and Robert for the event. Then, I would hope you could bring them all back. Hopefully, by then we will have most of the teleporters between the three kingdoms active and can bring some families from both Indria and Cydaria here as well.


    I mean I guess I can do that, Derek said. But Ill have to have Averys help if I want to.


    Osian and Edward looked at Avery in confusion.


    He doesnt need my help, Avery said. He needs Lyras help. Soon after that, the massive shadow of Lyra appeared over Icecrest. She was alonenone of the other dragonkin had followed. Slowly, the winged-serpent beat her wings and drifted down to the half empty courtyardmany nobles were still in the process of clearing out.


    Many of the nobles who were still in the courtyard panicked and tried to hurry out, while some of the others who had already left turned back in curiosity. Finally, Lyranded on the ground, away from everyone. With her sitting there, Derek walked forward.


    <em>Youre should charge the kingdom for all the babysitting youve had to do, </em>he sent to her. Hed not really talked with the serpent before, but, even though her affinity made him feel a bit weird, it was nothingpared to nahs, and they got along just fine.


    <em>They</em><em>ve nothing that interests me, </em>Lyra replied with her own Telepathy. The sound of her voice that appeared in Dereks head was feminine and slightly seductivealmost like that of nahs, but lower pitched. Her reply was basically the same one that hed received from nah, too.


    <em>Leave it to Avery</em><em> </em>Derek thought. <em>Well, I</em><em>m sure you could find something if you try hard enough. There are three kingdoms worth of treasuries that could have skills or potions or something that you may find interesting or that may help you. </em>


    <em>Maybe </em>she replied, then said nothing else.


    Okay, Derek said. Everyone stand back. Were lucky this courtyard is so big. <em>Though</em><em> I could have just done this outside the city but that would have taken too much work.</em>


    With that thought, Derek opened his Time Prison widerevealing the giant door once again instead of the small, human-sized one. Finally, he opened the door and the remaining lesser dragonkin he had stored rushed out one by oneeach halting and slowly moving to the side as soon as their eyes met Lyras. Soon enough, the massive courtyard no longer looked so big, as it was filled with dragonkin.


    Derek closed his Time Prison, then turned to his audience. Only a select few had seen his Time Prison in action, and even few knew that he had or could store dragonkin inside. Marrick was one who hadnt known, but the old man didnt look surprisedinstead, he looked to be evaluating Derek. On his face was a slight grin as his eyes moved from Derek to the dragonkin.


    That done, Derek moved back to nah and began removing his storage rings and bracelet. With them in hand, he reached out. Would you mind taking care of these while Im gone? Derek said. Hed trusted her with his items before, so hed do it again.


    Of course, nah took the items.


    Also, I doubt shes going to have any problems, as the remaining wyvern is still back in Cydaria, but if something happens and Lyra loses control, youre probably the best person to help wrangle the dragonkin back in, Derek exined.


    Its only natural, nah said with a smile. In the next instant, Silvi appeared on nahs shoulder, which caused the woman to flinch slightly, but that was all.


    Oh Derek began. And Silvi doesnt want to let go of her storage rings right now, so she wont being. It was a sign of respect that Silvi had chosen nahs shoulder to rest on instead of her head. Derek still wanted to try to cover his storage items in the void or in one of Silvis void creations and give that a try, but it wasnt the right time for that yet.


    Alright, Derek said. Are you all ready? If so, lets go to the Throne Room. I dont want to spook the dragonkin. Everyone agreed and soon they were all standing in the Throne Room. Derek directed Edwin and Ryven to remove any and all storage items that they were wearingwhich they did.


    Derek then used Void Travel and opened the tunnelcausing the feeling of doom and dread to fall onto everyone in the room. With his hand on Edwins back, he covered the king in the void and stepped inside. Soon enough, the two appeared inside the Throne Room in Cydariain front of Phillip Musgrave, who looked to have rushed over when he felt the dread from the portal opening.


    With the king dropped off, Derek went back to Astrus to get Ryven. Everyone watched as he stepped out of the portal created by Void Travel and gestured to the elven duke. With Ryven standing in front of him, Derek ced his hand on the elven dukes back and covered him with void.


    As they began to step inside the tunnel, one of the side doors to Astruss Throne Room swung open and a servant rushed in. Its terrible! the servant yelled. Someone has broken into the treasury!


    With that, Derek took hisst step into the tunnel then closed the portal behind themthey were gone. He was nothing if not efficient.

 Chapter 388: As Thick as Thieves

    Chapter 388: As Thick as Thieves


    With Ryven covered safely in the void, Derek carried him out of the tunnel formed by Void Travel and into the Throne Room in Cydaria. Once he made sure that the duke waspletely out of harms way, he released Void Creationcausing the void to be removed from the elfand made to shut the portal behind them. With that done, Derek let out a light breath.


    Wait From in front of Derek, Ryven turned and looked at where the portal once was. What was that? That servant he said that someone had broken into the treasury!


    What? Edwin came forward from his position beside Phillip Musgrave. What are you talking about? What happened?


    Ryven went on to exin thest few moments in Astrus before he was taxid to Cydaria. Edwin frowned, then they both looked at Derek. Should we go back? Edwin asked.


    Why would we do that? Derek asked.


    It sounds serious, Edwin said. If someone broke into their treasury while we were discussing terms with the nobles


    Sounds like they should have had better defenses on their treasury to me, Derek replied offhandedly. <em>I doubt that small amount of poison would be able to stop anybody who was already strong enough to break through whatever type of material it was protecting the room. </em>Besides, Derek started again. Were either of you the ones who did it?


    No, they both answered simultaneously.


    Then its settled. Derek smiled. You have a much more important task to do now. You can leave all that treasury nonsense to everyone remaining in Astrus. Speaking of tasks Derek looked past Edwin and at his remaining adviser. Where is Sabrina?


    Ah um The older man looked at Edwin for permission. Once the king nodded, he continued. Well the thing is Ms. Elras and Ms. Elouise they left the pce to go meet suitors, as they were tasked.


    Thats right, Edwin said with a nod. And how many have they met so far?


    I dont know, Phillip said.


    What do you mean, you dont know? Edwin narrowed his eyes.


    Well since they left, Elouise hasnt contacted me, and she will not respond to mymunications. Maybe if its Your Majesty


    I do not have my storage items with me. Which means that I am currently not carrying mymunication crystals, Edwin exined with a frown. Surely, nothing would have happened to them. Have you sent people after them? Did they leave the city?


    I have, sir, Phillip replied. All of the cities teleporters have been restored, too. But that makes it more difficult to locate them, as it appears that they have teleported multiple times. And since Elouise is the princess, he orders are currently higher than mine without you or Edwards explicit permission, and none of the workers want to risk offending her by giving her away.


    Leaving to that mischievous child to pull something like this. Edwin rolled his eyes and shook his head. Can she never take anything seriously? I let it slide when she pretended to fall in love to escape so many of her duties but this when the fate of three kingdoms is involved.


    Ill just go get them, Derek said, causing everyone to shift their attention to him. In fact, finding Sabrina would be the easiest thing for him. Hed already located and traveled to her from across kingdoms. If she was in Cydaria, itd be even easier thanst time.


    Ah yes, Edwin said. That would be for the best. Thank you, Mr. Hunt.


    Derek shrugged and turned around. With a thought and a wave of his hand, he created another tunnel in the void and stepped inside. He closed his eyes for a moment and used his Void Sense to pick out the elven woman. When he found her, he frowned.


    Leaning back, Derek poked his head outside the tunnel and looked over at Edwin. Theyre in Savannah, he said. Which one of the lists of suiters live there? he asked.


    Savannah? Edwin questioned. None of them live in Savannah They all do some business there, but none actually live in the city.


    Derek nodded and moved back into the tunnel. He was starting to get a bad feeling about this. He focused harder on his Void Sense and changed his target. Once he located that target as well, a shiver went down his back. <em>They</em><em>re too close together. What is Sabrina doing there?</em>


    With a shake of his head, Derek stepped forward inside the tunnel, covering the whole distance in that single movement. Then, he reached out and made to rip the void open.


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    When Derek stepped out of the void and into his shop, he noticed over a dozen people huddled in the corner, looking worried. His Void Travel ability seemed to have that effect on people. Even though he nned on traveling back to the pce as soon as he could, he went ahead and closed the portal so none of what looked like his customers identally found themselves dead just because they were a little too curious.


    Sir! A voice sounded, and when Derek followed it, he saw Bones standing just inside the sales area. The skinny man was wearing a ck and purple butlers outfit, and Derek had to admit, he was looking quite dapper. However, the bigger surprise was the man who was standing next to himhe seemed to be recovering from the feelings produced by Dereks Void Travel.


    Bronson! Derek rushed over with his hand out to give the man a big handshake. Its good to see you! Did Walter make it back safely?


    Ah yes sir, Bronson replied.


    You stop that, Derek said. Were friends, are we not? You can drop the formalities.


    Ah Bronson shook his head and finally fully recovered from Dereks abrupt appearance. Of course we are. He finally took Dereks hand and shook it. Master Gr Searidge made it Ms. Swans residence in the capital and chose to spend some time with young re. After that, Mr. Bones arrived for some training, but I thought it best to give Master Searidge some time aloneplus, it was just a good idea to train Mr. Bones here, where he will be spending most of his time.


    I see, Derek said. And how is he doing?


    Honestly, Bronson rubbed the back of his neck. I dont think he needs any help from me. Hes already more than capable as a butlerbetter than most who are already a part of higher noble houses.


    Is that so? Derek asked as he looked over at the Bones, who was standing with his handsced behind his back. Derek could see the slight smugness and a smile threatening to appear on his faceunless it was just his imagination. Well, thats good.


    Youre back. Suddenly, another voice sounded, and Derek nced over Boness shoulder to see Malorie walk through a door holding what looked like a clipboard. She had bags under her eyes, and it looked like she hadnt had any sleep recently.


    Were going to have to pump up your vitality and endurance, Derek said. Either that, or you need to get some proper rest.


    Tell that to Brandi. Malories eyes narrowed, and she stared at himthrough him. You just keep giving her things that cause trouble. I finally get her into a routine where she eats and asionally takes a break, then you just just ugh. Without another word, Malorie did a 180 and turned around to head toward her office.


    That Derek opened his mouth, but didnt know what to say. He did literally just leave Brandi with tons of dragon materials. He shook his head. <em>Well, I can worry about that some other time. </em>He turned his attention back to Bronson. Well, Bronson, it was nice seeing you again. Unfortunately, Im only here to pick something up, then I have to get back to saving the world and stuff. Ill treat you to a meal at the Crown once everythings over.


    Ill hold you to that, Bronson said with a gleam in his eyes.


    Well see what the best thing they can cook in the capital is next time. Derek grinned. But for now he turned around and focused on two hooded figures in the corner of the room. Hed noticed Elouise and Sabrina as soon as he stepped out of the portal. They were with the other customers who had huddled up when the feeling of dread appeared.


    Sabrina! Elouise! Dont make mee over there! He stared at the two with an intense re. He didnt dare release his aura, but he did do his best imitation of his grandma. Get over here. Now! With that, the two hooded figures looked at one another, then scurried to their feet and then hurriedly rushed over to Derek. <em>They seem as thick as thieves.</em>


    Once they were standing in front of him, Derek took a good look at them. Sabrinas usually pale face was that same crimson color hed seen so many times before. In fact, he was starting to wonder if her faces natural color was actually that crimson red. As for Elouise, she wouldnt even look at him. Her eyes were glued to the groundlike a child that knew what she had done was wrong.


    You know, Derek said. Im not even going to ask what the two of you were doing here. I dont even want to know. He had thought Elouise seemed to be proper and serious when he met her for the first time in Cydarias Throne Room, but after what Edwin had said, and the fact that the two women seemed to be blowing off their current duties for some reason, his opinion of her changed a little.


    It wasnt a bad opinion, actually, it changed a bit for the better. <em>At first I thought she was a female Edward. Instead, she</em><em>s just an Edgar who prefers having fun that doesnt involve fighting beasts and running dungeons. </em>In Dereks opinion, there was nothing wrong with that. There were spoiled rich kids everywhere. At least she wasnt one of the ones who got her kicks from torturing others. Right now, she just seemed like a girl who made a new friend and was having fun shopping. <em>Yes</em><em> thats what theyre doing shopping.</em>


    The two of you, Derek said. Give me all your storage rings unless you want them to be destroyed. Sabrina quickly handed Derek a single ring. She hadnt been able to bring any with her to begin with, so it seemed that she was using a loaner. Seeing Elouises hesitation, Derek got an idea. Actually, here, Derek said and tossed the ring hed received from Sabrina to Elouise. Im sure you can get back to the pce yourself. Sabrinas needed immediately. You can bring her storage ring to herter.


    I Elouise started.


    Nope, Derek cut her off. Im sure youre not in too much trouble fatherly love and all that stuff. But its be best for you to get back to the pce as soon as possible. He looked around the room and saw that the small group of customers had moved closer to them to see what was going on. Everyone, move back, he said. Im reopening my travel ability and its not safe unless you are being protected by me. Im sure you felt the pressure.


    With those words, everyone went back to their corners and the edge of the sales floor, but nobody chose to leave the shop. They may have been scared, but what was happening was too exciting to watch to not seeeven if it was scary and intense. Derek quickly opened the portal connected to Void Travel before lightly grabbing Sabrina on her shoulder and cing his other hand in between her shoulder desthe method hed figured out was the easiest for him, and thus, the safest for his passenger.


    With onest look to the side, he smiled. Bronson, it really was nice seeing you again. Bones, keep up the good work. With a thought, Derek used Void Creation and a thick film of void covered the dukes daughter and future queen of Indaria. With his smile even bigger, he moved them into the tunnel and closed it behind them. He couldnt wait to see her reaction to the news.

 Chapter 389: Of Course

    Chapter 389: Of Course


    Derek stepped out of the void, carrying a crimson-faced Sabrina. In front of them, Ryven, Edwin, Adviser Musgrave, and Sabrinas maid, Jessica, waited in anticipationRyven already had a stern look on his face. With a shake of his head, barely believing where and how he found Sabrina and Elouise, Derek let go of the soon to be queen and closed the void tunnel once again.


    Sabrina! Ryven spoke loudly to his daughter. Where have you been? You were sent here those days ago to get acquainted with your possible betrothed, yet we return and find that youve been missing all that time. What were you thinking? Did you not meet a single person during this time?


    I the blushing elf started, but couldnt seem to find any words as she tried to look back at Derek.


    Dont look at him, daughter. I asked you a question, and you will answer me, Ryvenmanded. I let your childish behavior slide before, but now, with such an important task, you must grow up. No more embarrassing your uncle or meor the kingdom. You must do your duty.


    Father I Im sorry, Sabrina finally pulled herself together enough to speak. Even with all that time I spent here in Cydaria before, I never truly got to experience the kingdomespecially with a friend. Elouise and I were mere acquaintances then, but now we have be good friends. Ive not known what it is like to explore a city or kingdom with a friend, so I thought to do so before I married.


    Speaking of your friend, Edwin cut in. May I ask where my daughter is? Half of the question was directed at Sabrina, but the other half was to Derek. He had, after all, gone to get the two of them, yet only returned with Sabrina and showed no intent on going back.


    Oh, I figured she wasnt as needed as Sabrina was, so I left her with Sabrinas items at my shop where I found them. Shes a princess, so I guessed that she wouldnt have any problem getting back, Derek replied. Besides, its better that way, as I dont know what kind of items they may have been carrying, and I would rather not leave them at my shop.


    Your shop? Edwin asked. Why would they be at your shop?


    As Edwin asked, Derek saw Ryvens own stern face began to turn a shade of redone most likely from either shame or embarrassment.


    Sabrina! Still, with this? Ryven asked. You have gotten your answer and you need to move on. After, Ryven looked past his daughter and at Derek. Derek I am sorry for my daughters continued infatuation with you. Please ept my apology.


    Whatever, Derek said with a shrug. Its only a minor inconvenience. Honestly, Im kind of used to her light stalking by now. Though, shes gotten a bit more daring since the times when she used to look at my shop from the distance. To think I found her inside this time. Truly brave.


    Sabrina! Apologize to this man.


    Its fine, Derek said. Like I said, its nothing but a minor inconveniencemuch less of an inconvenience than taxiing everyone around all the time. You better not get used to that, either. Once all this wedding stuff is finished and the kingdoms are united youll be traveling the old-fashioned way again. No more free lifts. Either that, or Im going to have to start charging you. And Im not cheap. <em>Just look at Astrus</em><em>s treasury. They surely know how expensive I am by now. </em>He thought, but didnt say out loud.


    Thats Ryven started. Very well. I will drop the matter. And thank you for all your help. Your traveling skill does make this entire process go much smoother. Derek only nodded in affirmation and chose not to reply. The duke then focused his attention back on his daughter. Sabrina, we havee back here with a slight change of ns.


    <em>Yeah</em><em> </em>Derek thought. <em>A slight change of ns. Instead of just marrying someone for the unity of two kingdoms and it only being for show</em><em> shes going to be marrying for three kingdoms and be a queen of the third one. Just a slight change of ns. Im sure there will be no problems with that.</em>


    A change of ns? Sabrina asked with worry. What does that mean? Am I no longer getting married? Oh, no.


    No, no, no, Ryven held his hands up to calm his daughter down some. Thats not it. Actually, you will be getting married sooner than we originally nned. After that, he went on to exin to Sabrinaalong with Phillip and Jessica, who were also in the roomwhat had gone on and their solution.


    M-me? Queen? Sabrina stuttered. I I I dont think I could do that. I wouldnt make a good queen.


    But just think of the big, extraordinary wedding, Derek leaned forward and whispered. All the guests and food cake, even. It will be the event of the decade, or even the century. And think of the clothes you will get to wear with all eyes on you. He repeated to Sabrina all the trope-like things he could remember from the romance movies hed watched before.


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    That Sabrinas eyes went wide as she thought about everything. I guess bing queen wouldnt be such a bad thing. You would be there for me, too? Right, father?


    Of course, my dear, Ryven agreed. Ill be there every step of the way.


    And after the wedding? When I be queen, Sabrina said. You will still be there? Will you stay in Astrus with me? I dont want to be alone.


    That well figure all that outter, Ryven said. Besides, by that time, all the teleporters throughout all the kingdoms other than Vallum will be connected and well all be but a couple of teleportations away from one another.


    That is true, Sabrina said. Then who am I to marry? You said it was Robert Cydaria? She looked past her father and at Edwin. King Edwins grandnephew? What is he like?


    If you would have followed your instructions, he would have been the first person you me, Ryven muttered where almost nobody could hear him.


    s, Edwin said. We will no longer be able to introduce the two of you like that. I have already sent for him and his family. They will be here soon.


    Not long after, Elouise came rushing into the Throne Room in a huff. She seemed a little put out, but ended up just ignoring and walking directly past Derek and to Sabrinawhere she gave the dukes daughter the storage ring she held for her.


    Derek once again got to be entertained as Sabrina told Elouise an abridged version of everything that was going on. Like Derek, Elouise didnt look one bit jealous. It seemed that the princess was opposite to Sabrina in that way. It also made sense that the princess would choose to take Sabrina exploring the kingdomeventually leading to Sabrina wanting to explore Dereks shopinstead of to the men on the list they were given.


    Another hour or so passed, and another group was let in by the guards at the double doors to the Throne Room. As the doors opened, Derek turned to see the neers. First was a middle-aged couple walking through the doors. The man had the same silver hair that each of the royal family members sharedthe woman, on the other hand, had her very bright blond hair in a braid.


    Behind them trailed a young man and womanboth of which seemed to take after the older woman in front, as they had the same blond hair as she did. The young man wore his hair in an almost buzz cut instead of the long hair usually worn by most people from the royal family. The girl imitated the woman and held her hair in the same single long braid.


    Once the four people were far enough into the room, the door closed behind them, and they each kneeled in front of Edwin.


    Get up, get up, Edwin said to the group. He hadnt bothered sitting on his throne all this time, either. There is no need for any formalities right now.


    Uncle, the older man nodded and stood. May I ask why you have summoned Robert to the pce? We were surprised to get your summons. Thest we heard, you had flown off on dragon back to finish the war. Edwin may have told him to not act formally, but his nephew seemed to have a hard time doing so.


    At the mention of dragon back, Derek, who was standing to the side of the room along with Ryven, Sabrina, and Jessica, saw the young mans eyes sh. <em>Definitely another person like Edgar, just like they said. </em>


    Well, Edwin started. I had a few questions for youspecifically Robertthat I wished for you to answer.


    Of course. The older man in front quickly grabbed the young man and pulled him to the front with him. Please, ask what you wish.


    First of all, I would like to know if there is a person you fancy, Robert? Edwin asked.


    Before Robert could answer, the young woman behind them snorted out loud before her eyes widened and she hurried to cover her face. Actually, Roberts mother had done the same, yet was much better at hiding it.


    No, Granduncle, Robert answered. There is nobody.


    Good! Very good! Edwin smiled. That makes this next question easier. Would you be willing to marry for a more political purpose? One that would greatly help me and the kingdom?


    Yes! Of course he would! The woman to the side couldnt contain herself and answered for her son. She looked to have no problem letting her feelings known or carrying on formallyespecially with the prospect of gaining a daughter-inw. Of course, Edwin. Robert would be more than happy with an arranged marriage. She seemed thrilled at the prospect. I could finally get some grandchildren!


    Beside Ryven, Sabrinas face turned red again.


    Do you also feel this way? Edwin asked Robert directly.


    I cant say that I am as excited as my mother, but it has always been my n for an arranged marriage. As long as the marriage is helpful to my family and doesnt limit my freedom too much, I am willing.


    Great! Edwin said.


    <em>He justpletely ignored the freedom thing, </em>Derek thought.


    Sabrina! Edwin gestured to the elven woman to step forward, and she did. Let me introduce the two of you. This is Robert Cydaria, my Grandnephew. With him are his parents, Hector and Ainsley, and his sister Juliette.


    To her credit, Sabrina bowed properly and said, It is a pleasure to meet you all.


    Robert, may I introduce to you Sabrina Elrasthe daughter of Duke Ryven Elras and the niece of the King Osian Elras of Indria. With her is her father, Edwin finished the introductions and Ryven came forward to stand beside his daughter.


    After that, Derek, for the third time that day, listened to everyone receive all the information about the marriage and why. However, when Robert heard that he was to be king, his only question was to whether or not it would interfere in his training.


    Of course not, Edwin said. In fact, you will have even more control. You will, of course, always have guards with you, but you will also have ess to many training aids and resources than you would normally. And most of all, you will have ess to all the dungeons in the three kingdoms. I just ask that you also properly do your job as king as well.


    In that case, I ept, Robert said. As long as Ms. Elras is willing.


    Sabrina nced over at Derek one more time, and Ryven pinched her on her back. She jumped slightly, but then smiled deeply. Of course I ept, she said. Actually, I cant wait.


    Oh, this is so exciting, Ainsley said from the side. And shes so beautiful. Come,e. The older woman walked forward and took Sabrina by the arm. There is much for us to discuss and so little time.


    <em>Whew</em><em> </em>Derek thought. <em>d I dodged that bullet. I don</em><em>t know what would have been worse. A marriage to Sabrina or inws.</em>

 Chapter 390: Silvi’s Initiative

    Chapter 390: Silvi¡¯s Initiative


    Derek watched Sabrinas future mother-inw drag her out of the Throne Roomher maid, Jessica, trailed behind, and Elouise soon followed. Soon enough, it was just the men left in the room. <em>Well</em><em> Ive done my part, </em>he thought.


    Okay, I have things to do, Derek said. Ille back to get you onest time for free if the teleporters arent connected by the time you need them. Make sure youre all ready by then. Who knows how long that he pointed at where Sabrina and the others had just gone. Is going to take. After that, he looked at the young man whom hed just met. Robert, you have my condol congrattions.


    Without waiting for anyone to reply, and to the shock of the two arrivals who hadnt yet met Derek, he opened the void with Void Travelwhich caused the new arrivals to go paleand exited the pce. His destination was back to Astrus now that there wasnt anything he needed to do for some timespecifically to get his items off of nah.


    He soon found himself back in the Astrus Throne Room, surrounded by everyone who had stayedwell, everyone aside from Silvi. To his surprise, he didnt see hispanion around, and when he tried to send her a message or find her through their bond, he couldnt reach her. All he could do was get a general sense of where she was. The only time that ever happened was when the two of them were very far away from one another.


    As he looked around, everyone looked back at him with different emotions in their gazes. Edgar was sitting at the end of a table and snickering, while Edward just sighed and shook his head. In the corner of the room, Tyler seemed to have found something extremely interesting on the ground and he was doing his best to stare a hole into it, and his sister red at Derek.


    <em>Well, it didn</em><em>t take them long to learn that I went ahead and received my rewards for a job well done, </em>he thought as he shrugged and looked over at nah. Where did Silvi go? I thought she would still be here with you.


    nah, Osian, and Marrick were the only ones in the room who didnt seem to care about the treasury one way or another. Marrick was Marrick and most likely because of his age and experience, it seemed to take a lot for him to be interested in things, Osian knew that what Derek did in Astrus didnt concern him one bithe actually looked more relieved than anything. <em>I bet that he</em><em>s just happy I didnt decide to do my exploring in his pce instead of this one.</em> nah, on the other hand, was the first to find out long before the othersshe hadnt even been suspicious, she just knew.


    She left nah replied with a shake of her head.


    She left? Derek asked. Where did she go? What exactly happened? Shes not exactly the type to take initiative to go do something unless it concerns cooking. Wait, it concerns cooking, doesnt it? With that question, he saw a couple of the elves Osian had brought with him wince. He hadnt bothered to learn their names.


    Well nah started. She told me she was bored. Then,ter on she asked me what a wedding was. It seemed that she hadnt been paying much attention to anything.


    Derek snorted. <em>That</em><em>s definitely Silvi for you, </em>he thought. <em>She</em><em>s been here the whole time, and never once actually learned what the wedding they were nning was. </em>And what did you tell her?


    I told her what it was, and that it was going to be a big celebration between the kingdoms, and how important it was going to be, nah exined. And she didnt care. At least, she didnt care until I told her about all the food that needed to be prepared for it. That seemed to have gotten her attention.


    Yeah, that would do it, just like I thought. Cooking, Derek said. But then she left?


    She did, but not before doing some testing. Actually, she called it experimenting and said that it was something she learned from you.


    Oh, what kind of experimenting?


    The half-elf grinned a little, then started to speak as her eyes drifted towards a few of the elves that Derek didnt know. She borrowed some items and an empty storage ring from some othersitems like potions and food things that were perishable. After that, she opened one of your portals and began her testing. Apparently, a few of the items were destroyed in the processnot a lot, and nothing of great value. She was just a little forceful in her borrowing. She pointed at the elves.


    <em>Ah</em><em> that sounds about right, </em>Derek thought. But really, he was excited to see what she found out. It seemed that Silvi did one of the experiments that he hadnt had the time to perform, and it was Silvi. She probably tested it very thoroughlyshe had lost the most due to the oddities of Void Travel, after all. Then what happened? he asked.


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    After moving in and out of the portal dozens of times, she would leave and stay gone for a while beforeing back. Shes not very good atmunicating, but it seemed that she was eventually satisfied with her results, and finally took her own storage items with her. She put them in a small pot with a very sealed lid on it. Then, she put that pot inside another then another. I think it would have worked with one, but it didnt look like she was going to take any chances. After that, she left and closed her portal behind her.


    To think that she only used a single pot when transporting me. What would have happened if something would have gone wrong? Edgar added from the side. He did have the distinct displeasure of traveling bunched up inside one of Silvis pots, after all. Am I really that much less important to her than whatever is in her storage rings?


    Derek looked over at Edgar. To her? He looked up in thought. Knowing the items she has in her storage rings <em>Specifically the spices that were given to her by Dave, </em>he thought, but didnt say. Id have to say yes. I dont think there are many things or people that she would want to protect more. <em>Probably me, Malorie, Brandi, and Thomas is all, now that I think about it. Actually, maybe not even me, because she knows that I can protect myself. </em>


    He knew that, though she never really showed it, Silvi had a soft spot for Brandi and Thomas. She may pretend to be indifferent toward them, but Brandi made her the first piece of clothing shed ever worn, and Thomas was her first mount. As for Malorie well she controlled the flow of items and ingredients Silvi received. She would put her life on the line to save her beautiful deliciousdyin fact, Malorie was most likely the most important person to Silvi at the moment.


    So, if she ended up taking her precious ingredients with her, then Im one hundred percent sure that it all worked. She wouldnt have chosen to do so if it didnt. Did she say where she was going? Derek asked.


    Apparently, Silvi is going to be catering the wedding. She seemed rather excited about it and was a little angry that we left all the important details of the wedding out until thest second. She had to rush back to her kitchen so she could begin all of her preparations, nah said. I told her that she didnt need to worry about it, and that the Crown Restaurant would take care of everything.


    What did she say to that? Derek asked.


    She said that the Crown should definitely still make all the food it could, but she was going to do so, too, nah replied.


    I see Derek said with augh. I would be worried if she turned down the Crown making food, too. She would never do such a thing. The more food, the better when ites to her.


    That seems to be the case


    Derek was d that Silvi had done all the guesswork in making storage rings transportable through Void Travel. It would make his current ns much easier. Still, her Void Creation skill worked a bit different than his did, so he would need to do a test of his own to make sure it worked the same.


    You still have my storage items, right? Derek asked nah. Silvi didnt take them, did she?


    No, she didnt. nah reached into one of her pockets and pulled out Dereks storage rings. Then, with a flip of her wrist, his storage bracelet appeared in her hands as well. Did you know that you can store this storage bracelet inside a storage ring? Ive never heard of such a thing. Usually, the Great System wont even let you try. Ive saw crafters try to force it, but usually, the space gets unstable and you end up losing everything.


    Ive never tried it, Derek said. But, I store rings in it pretty often, so I guess it makes sense that it works the other way around, too. He showed this by waving his hand and causing one of the rings hed just gotten back to disappear into his bracelet. Then, he thought of something, and tried to store his bracelet in a storage ring, but it wouldnt go. It doesnt seem to work if theres a ring stored inside the bracelet, he said.


    How peculiar, nah said. Still, its amazing that you have something that works like that. nah wasnt the only person who seemed to feel that way, either. Some of the others looked at his bracelet in envy. Hed been pretty mum about it in the past, but now, he was strong enough not to have to worry about people finding out.


    Derek nodded, then handed all but one storage ring back to nah. The storage ring he kept was one hed used to store a lot of the dragon materials in, and since hed given all that to Malorie, it was almostpletely emptyespecially since anything of importance, he kept in his bracelet. He did make sure to transfer over some food and a couple of regr healing potions, though.


    Since he never closed his tunnel, he went ahead and used his Void Creation skill to cover his hand, which was wearing the ring. <em>Actually, </em>thinking about what nah said about Silvi, Derek, instead of just covering the ring and his hand, formed a thinyer of void through his skill, and went ahead and wrapped the ring three times. It wouldpletely seal off the ring from everything that way. <em>Maybe the pots on top of pots did actually matter. </em>


    With the ring wrapped, Derek stepped inside the tunnel. He then moved around a bit, and chose to stay inside for a few minutes, too. Then he walked back out. Examining the contents of the ring once he was out, he smiled when he saw that everything looked good. Still, to make sure, he took a sandwich out and ate it. It was perfectly fine, with no weird tastes or anything. It was as impable as a sandwich could be.


    Great! Derek said, and took the rest of his items from nah. He made sure to store all his rings inside his bracelet, too. In that case, he said to everyone in the roomeveryone who had surprisingly not mentioned anything about the treasury since he returned. <em>I guess they understand the need for the reward after all I</em><em>ve done either that or they just know better. Besides, its not like I didnt tell Edgar about it after the first fight I joined. </em>Ill see you all at the wedding.

 Chapter 391: Stop Scaring Customers

    Chapter 391: Stop Scaring Customers


    Derek stepped out of his portal into the lobby of his shop. This time, he wasnt there for any specific reasonhe didnt have to fetch a couple of immature royalshe was there for himself. He couldnt remember thest time he was able to rest by doing more than just meditating. So, with the few days until the wedding, he nned on doing just thatresting.


    He breathed a sigh of relief when his foot touched the floor of his shop. After that, he closed the portal behind him and looked around. It hadnt been too long since he was therest to pick up Sabrina, but it seemed the shop had been very busy at that time. Now, it had mostly cleared outthere was only a couple cowering around instead of entire parties of people.


    <em>I like that the skill is really intimidating when I use it, but sometimes, it would be nice if it didn</em><em>t give off such a dreadful aura. Its one thing to scare the piss out of my enemies or people like Edward, but its different when the people are possible customers, </em>he thought to himself as he thought about what to say.


    Its okay, he finally said to the couple of people huddled up around a shelf of what looked like low to mid-tier swords. The two workers hed seen before were in the lobby, too, but they were staring at him from behind the sales counter. The skill just puts off a stupidly intense aura. Theres no actual danger from it. <em>Unless you happen to stumble inside without protection</em><em> </em>


    The couple soon looked at each other and seemed to decide that Derek was telling the truth. They both nodded and stood back up before looking at one of the swords. However, it didnt seem like hed done enough to assure them, as they soon decided that they didnt want anything in the shop and scurried out. Derek watched the door swing closed behind them, and he shrugged with a sigh.


    I wish you two would stop scaring customers, Derek heard Malorie say from the doorway to the back rooms and stairs. First youe and make amotioncausing everyone to realize that the princess was the hooded figure. That was finein fact, it was good for business. Now rumors are going to spread that Princess Elouise was caught shopping at the Void Emporium.


    So, theres nothing wrong, then? Derek said with a smile.


    I wasnt finished, Malorie rebuked. Not long after that, Silvi appears with a giant pot hovering over her head. You know how scary that feeling thates with that portal is. It chased out another number of customers, but she came back during peak hours, so dozens of people fled. Then, you appeared again, and you saw what happened. If youre going to use that thing toe back, you should do it either in your room, an office, or in the basement.


    I guess I should have thought of that, Derek smiled an embarrassed smile and rubbed the back of his neck with his right hand. I almost went to the basement, actually. But I didnt want to disturb Brandi if she was in the middle of crafting something.


    Hmm then just use Rudys office or your room. I already reprimanded Silvi. Shell be teleporting directly into the kitchen from now on.


    Ill try, Derek said. I think I can be that urate.


    So, why are you back again? Malorie asked. Did you forget something or someone?


    Nope, Derek replied with a smile. I am tired. I think Im going to go upstairs and sleep for three days straight. There hasnt been much time to rest since I got out of the raid, and there wasnt a whole lot of resting in there, eitherwell, I guess I could have, but I mostly meditated. And, Im sure you know, Meditation is not the perfect recement for actual sleep.


    I wish you would tell Brandi that, Malorie said.


    I have. Im sure she knows her limits. You can go a really long time on just Meditation. I dont know, but I could probably go a few more weeks if I avoided using my traveling skill so much. Its mentally exhausting.


    So youre just here to sleep? Thats it? Malorie asked, seemingly unconvinced.


    Thats it. Im going to rest up, then Ive got a royal wedding to attend, Derek said, then had a thought.


    A wedding? Is that why you popped up and kidnapped that girl? Malorie asked.


    I didnt kidnap her I had her fathers permission kind of, Derek said. Anyway, I guess you dont really know about it. Its all veryst minute. I expect Edwin to spread the news over the next couple of days.


    I see, Malorie said. And are we invited to the wedding? Where is it? Would it be good for business? Im sure Rudy would like to attend, and I havent been to a wedding in well, Ive never been to a weddingnot a real one, at least. We dont have big celebrations in the viges. We just kind of got Leons blessing, and that was it. Im sure a royal wedding would be amazingeven if it is rushed.


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    Actually, Derek started. He could see that Malorie seemed to really want to go. <em>I bet she</em><em>s itching to get out of here and do something other than business. She hasnt been able to leave the city in well, since the war started. Unfortunately </em>Youre going to have to sit this one out he said.


    Why?


    You asked where it was, Derek said. Well, its in what was formerly Astrus and will soon be Indaria. Its basically a wedding and a royal selection, too. They will be the next king and queen. Its also thest chance any of the noble houses, who are currently acting friendly, will have to get some revenge or pull something. Nobodys talked about it, but Im sure Osian and Edwin are thinking the same as me. <em>If not, the main focus would be on contracts and oaths. I</em><em>m sure theyre waiting to see everyones true selves. </em>


    So, I cant have any of you there if something goes wrong. Im not worried about myself, but you, Thomas, Brandi, Rayna I dont know if I would be fast enough to stop something happening that may instantly kill one of you, and I cant have thatone of the noble houses Im skeptical about is one that specializes in poison.


    Thats the reason Ive been doing all of this. Once this wedding happens, every system user threat on this continent to all of you will be taken care of. Bringing one of you only for something to happen to you would make things pretty meaningless, dont you think? he exined.


    Derek spilled what he had been thinking ever since he joined the war to Maloriethe person he trusted the most. He thought after creating his shop in Savannah and handing Gerald Torith off to the kingdom, while also being on good terms with Natalie, would make it where his people could do what they wanted and live their lives to the fullest without worryexcept for those who chose to battle monsters, but monsters were a much lesser threat than people. Monstersmost monsterswere unable to n or carry grudges. A monster would go after Derek, but a person would know they couldnt match Derek, and go after those he cared about.


    He felt that if his peoplespecifically Jacks, Rayna, and Thomaschose to run dungeons and something happened, then that was their fate. Obviously, he would feel terrible about it, but those were things he couldnt control no matter what he did. They would have to increase their strength on their own. If something happened because of something he did or something he could have controlled or prevented, that would be different.


    So, once he got everything built and ready in Savannah and helped take care of the internal threats, he was able to go into the raid without worrywhich turned out to be wrong. After that, when he got out of the raid, he decided that he wouldnt stop until everything was taken care of. He believed that once the wedding was over, new leaders were selected, and the three kingdoms allied under Cydarias rule, there would be no more problems from the continent they were on.


    From what he had learned about Vallum, they were a nose down kind of kingdom. Other than trade, they stayed to themselves in their own little crafting world. They werepletely neutral to everyone and everything.


    After the wedding, he truly believed he would have done everything he could for those under him. Thomas could focus on his studies at the academy, Jacks and Raynaand now even Bones and Ogrecould dungeon dive to their hearts content, and Brandi, Mal, and Rudy could do what they needed to. <em>I may have to visit the Assassin</em><em>s Guild because of Bones and Ogre, though. </em>


    So, Malorie said, breaking Derek out of his thoughts. Youre saying we arent strong enough? That were too weak to even go to a wedding celebration?


    Well not necessarily, Derek balked, and Malorie looked at him sternly. Well, yes.


    I know, Malorie said with a smile. I was just joking with you. Thats why youve helped us so much as it is, so we can be strong enough on our own in whatever field or craft we choose.


    And that is why youre the manager and I pay you the big bucks! Derek replied. Uh what do I pay you again?


    Pretty much whatever I want, Malorie replied. Which isnt a lot because Ive been so damn busy.


    Makes sense, Derek said. You should give yourself a bonus. Maybe buy a new pair of shoes or some skills or something. Im sure you could find something you want.


    Oh, dont worry. I n on taking a nice vacation just as soon as everything settles down, Malorie said. The two kids, Dina and Lance, do a pretty good job. Theyd be able to run the shop for a few days by themselves. And with the way Bones is progressing in such a short time, hell be able to take care of everything else.


    Derek took a quick nce behind him at the two workers that Malorie had hired before. They were doing their best impressions of being statues behind the sales counter close to the door. Finally, he turned back andughed. Thats good. Im happy that you found some good employees, and Im d that Bones is doing well. I really wasnt sure when I first decided to <em>What do I say? Take them in? Keep them? They aren</em><em>t pets </em>


    Allow them to live and employ them? Malorie finished what he was trying to say.


    Yes, that, Derek said. During their short talk, Derek had seen both Jacks and Bones appear for a moment, then disappear once they realized that they werent needed. Well, if you dont mind, there is a shower and bed upstairs with my name on them. I need to crash.


    Go ahead. Malorie nodded, then stepped to the side so Derek could get past her. As he walked through the hall to the stairs, he heard his manager from in the distance. You two, stop acting so stiff when Mr. Hunt is here. Hes not going to do anything to harm you. Hes a good man who just happens to have some scary skills. And the same is true with Silvi. If you pet her and give her scratches, shes not going to kill you. She enjoys it. And another thing


    Derek turned and made his way up the stairs as Malories voice got quieter and quieter until, finally, he could no longer hear her. Finally, he made his way to his bathroom, where he was able to have one of the greatest showers of his life because of how hot and pressurized the shower runes could make the water. <em>There</em><em>s just something about the Cleaning skill that just doesnt cut it. Nothing beats a nice hot shower. </em>


    Tossing all his previous gear inside his storage ring after drying off, he threw on one of his remaining pair of shorts and headed to his room to sleep. As soon as his head hit the pillow, he was out. It had been a long couple of months.

 Chapter 392: Singed

    Chapter 392: Singed


    Derek couldnt respect Malorie any more than he already did, but if he could, it would be because she was able to keep anyone from interrupting his beauty sleep. In the days that he spent doing absolutely nothing except for sleeping, eating prepared food he still had left from Silvi in his room, and asionally having to get up to go to the restroom, nobody bothered him.


    Once, on his way back to his bedroom, he saw Jacks going to his own, but the man did nothing but nod in his direction and carry on. It was obvious to him that Malorie had given everyone some type ofmand, or at least a stern talking to. Hed actually gone to bed expecting to be bothered about something, or at least expecting Brandi to visit, but not even she had.


    Needless to say, Dereks mental fatigue was lessened greatly after all the sleep hed received. That was one of the most amazing things about being part of a system and having high statshe never had to worry about feeling crappy after waking up from too long of a sleep. That just didnt happen anymore. With his stats and everything, he reckoned he could sleep for days or even weeks and just wake up feeling refreshed.


    He was no longer jealous of nah getting her hours of sleep after she used her odd transformation. Though, hed never actually exhausted himself so much mentally that he passed outat least not since the system came. If he was talking about pre-system in college, that would be a different story. What young man didnt spend days without sleep because a new game came out at the same time as finals?


    Derek let out a deep breath and stretched as best as he could whileying in hisfortable bed. Then, he sat up and threw his legs over the side and his feet hit the floor. <em>Okay</em><em> now that the mental fatigue is mostly gone and my heads clear, I can actually go over what Ive gained recently. It probably wont be too much, but I did have to take care of multiple level 250 soldiers the other day, and the battle with the rest of the army should have given me a decent skill boost.</em>


    Hed not been in a hurry to go over his new status while everything was happening. All he had done was dismiss the notifications as they appearedand couldnt be bothered to check them out. So, now that he was well rested and not in a big time crunch, he pulled up his stats sheet.


    Status


    Personal Information


    Name:


    Age:


    Level:


    Experience:


    ss:


    Race:


    Derek Hunt


    30


    229


    1,942,225,750,050/2,500,000,000,000


    Void Monarch (Mythical)


    Human (Void)


    Health:


    Mana:


    Stamina:


    37625


    37500


    37625


    Stats


    Strength


    Dexterity


    Endurance


    Vitality


    Intelligence


    Wisdom


    Stat Points Remaining


    1115


    1290


    1505


    1505


    1500


    1500


    71


    Contracts


    nah Swan (Crown Restaurant)


    Silvi (Bonded Beast)


    Ste Brighton (Crown Restaurant)


    No Proxy (Torith Adventurers Guild)


    Rudolph Mckinney


    Natalie Savannah via Malorie Stewart (Void Emporium)


    View Contract


    View Status


    View Contract


    View Contract


    View Contract


    View Contract


    Skills


    Absolute Nullify Lv. 13, Bare Fist Specialty Lv. 1(View Upgrades), Basic Repair Lv. 1, Chain Lightning Lv. 15, Channel Void Lv. 20, Cleaning Lv. 10, Cure Toxin Lv. 12, Dismantle Lv. 12, Enhanced Movement Speed Lv. 2, Greater Meditation Lv. 12, Identify Lv. 18, Magic Resistance Lv. 20, Mental Resistance Lv. 5, Multi-Strike Lv. 17, Physical Resistance Lv. 20, Polearm Specialty Lv. 2 (Voids Harbinger), Rejuvenation Lv. 18, Spatial Copse Lv. 1, Spatial Redirection Lv. 1, Spatial Rend Lv. 2, Sweeping sh Lv. 20, Telepathy Lv. 8, Time Prison Lv. 15, Void Call Lv. 4, Void Creation Lv. N/A, Void Sense Lv. 20, Void Shift Lv. 11, Void Steps Lv. 15, Void Storage Lv. N/A, Void Travel Lv. N/A


    Skill Points Remaining: 15


    Skill Upgrade Points Remaining: 0


    Shared Skills from Companion: Active Void Shift Lv. 10, Void Lightning Bolt Lv. 10


    Shared Skills to Companion: Void Sense Lv. 10, Void Travel Lv. N/A


    Skills Avable to Share:


    Absolute Nullify Lv. 10, Channel Void Lv. 10, Time Prison Lv. 10, Void Call Lv. 4, Void Sense Lv. 10, Void Shift Lv. 10, Void Steps Lv. 10, Void Storage Lv. N/A, Void Travel Lv. N/A


    Achievements


    Greater Giant yer, Jack of All, Lesser Dungeon Explorer, Lesser Dungeon Traveler, Lesser Enigma, Lesser Enforcer of Oaths, Repetitive Dungeoneer, Minor yer of the Unknown, Solo Diver, Magical ss Cannon, Meat Shield, Lesser Explorer, Offensive Powerhouse, The Bigger They Are


    Since thest time Derek checked his status, hed made some gains. He found that fightingor at least holding backan army was great for his skill levels. Since all the lower level soldiers had passed out from his aura early on, all that remained to stand against him were the higher level ones. Since those remaining had mostly been at a higher level than he was, it was easier to level his skills.


    On top of that, the soldiers who had tried to get past him so they could join the nobles fight were all at a high level, too. So, when he kept to his promise and voided them of life, they had given him enough experience pointsor essence, if he believed what Dave had told himto level twice and then some. This gave him an extra 70 stat points to work with.


    As for his skills, Absolute Nullify had gained a level while exploring the treasury. It had been able to suck up all the lethal poison caused by the traps. Hed even gained a level in Chain Lightning when he was fighting against the army and trying to figure out ways to restrain them without killing. Of course, he used his Cleaning ability all the time, so it wasnt a surprise that it had grown a level, too. <em>I wonder if I</em><em>ll feel fresh after using the skill once it hits level 20.</em>


    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the vition.


    Cure Toxin had gotten the same treatment as his Absolute Nullify skill did. He had used it every time it was off of cooldown while he was in the treasury, so the two levels he gained in it were quite nice. If nothing else, it would allow him to stand against poisons and toxins even better in the future. The same could be said for Rejuvenation, too, as it had gained a level in the treasury as well.


    Hed smiled a big smile when he saw that Greater Meditation had finally gone up another level to 12. Derek still deemed that skill the hardest one to level. It seemed that the easiest way to level it was to throw himself in the middle of an army and use it while they attacked him. <em>I may have to do that again, but with one of those potions active. </em>


    It was only natural that his Mental Resistance had gained another two levels. Just speaking with nah was more than enough to level that skill. He figured he would eventually be able to get it all the way to level 20 while never having to experience a real hostile mental attack as long as he hung around the half-elf for a while.


    Derek let out a sigh when he saw that Multi-Strike hadnt made any progress. <em>Well, I</em><em>m sure its made progress, just not enough to level. </em>It was one of his biggest trump cards and had a pretty long cooldown still. He also had to be very careful when using it if he didnt want to kill something or someoneespecially if hebined it with his void skills.


    Surprisingly, Void Shift had gained another hard fought level, too. He knew the exact moment it went upit was when he used it to appear in front of Terrin, the Duke of Astrus, as he tried to escape. It was at that same time that his Void Steps skill also gained another level.


    All in all, Derek considered his dust up with Astruss army a sess. He was at the point in his growth where it felt like every skill level was a grindespecially the ones that seemed to level at a much slower pace than the others. Finally finished reviewing his stats, Derek became curious and maneuvered his way to Silvis status and opened it.


    Status


    Personal Information


    Name:


    Age:


    Level:


    Experience:


    ss:


    Race:


    Silvi Hunt


    7


    N/A (Bonded)


    N/A (Bonded)


    Mythical Void Battle Chef


    Gluttonous Void Bunny


    Health:


    Mana:


    Stamina:


    37625


    37500


    37625


    Stats


    Strength


    Dexterity


    Endurance


    Vitality


    Intelligence


    Wisdom


    1115


    1290


    1505


    1505


    1500


    1500


    Skills


    Active Void Shift Lv. 18, Advanced Cooking Lv. 10, Advanced Mage Hand Lv. 10, Advanced Telekinesis Lv. 7, Battle Chef Knife Mastery Lv. 9, Charge Lv. 18, Chop Lv. 11, Cleaning Lv. 16, Cook What You Kill Lv. 1, Cooking Lv. 20, Fire Resistance Lv. 2, Julienne Lv. 4, Magic Resistance Lv. 1, Mental Resistance Lv. 3, Mince Lv. 5, Physical Resistance Lv. 1, Void Creation (Cooking) Lv. N/A, Void Lightning Bolt Lv. 14, Mage Hand Lv. 18, Meditation Lv. 18, Telekinesis Lv. 17, Telepathy Lv. 5


    Shared Skills from Companion: Void Sense Lv. 10, Void Travel Lv. N/A


    Skills Shared to Companion: Active Void Shift Lv. 10, Void Lightning Bolt Lv. 10


    Avable Skills to Share:


    Active Void Shift Lv. 10, Battle Chef Knife Mastery Lv. 9, Chop Lv. 10, Cook What You Kill Lv. 1, Julienne Lv. 4, Mince Lv. 5, Void Lightning Bolt Lv. 10


    <em>Whew</em><em> </em>Derek let out a breath. It had been a while since he looked over hispanions stats. She definitely hadnt been slouchingespecially in her cooking. He couldnt remember where everything wasst time he checked, but he was proud that her Meditation was drawing closer and closer to Greater Meditation, and he knew for sure that her Active Void Shift, Charge, and Chop skills had advanced greatly. <em>I only wish we could share skills with each other beyond the level 10 cap. </em>


    It also looked like she had already learned all the resistance skills she had gotten from the treasurynot only that, but he could tell that shed spoken to nah, as her Metal Resistance skill was already leveled to 3. Also, her Fire Resistance skill leveled, too. <em>I bet thates with the territory of cooking. </em>Of course, her stats were still identical to his own. Derek sighed and dismissed all the status windows.


    Finally, with a flick of his wrist, the three skill scrolls that hed chosen for himself appeared in his hands. With a thought, he learned all three: Whirlwind sh, Powerstride, and Fire Resistance. After learning the skills, he viewed them in their entirety.


    Whirlwind sh


    Your sh creates an arc attack 360 degrees around you, damaging enemies up to 3 feet away, causing damage up to 30% of your normal attack. Level the skill to increase damage and range and reduce the cost and cooldown.


    Cost: 3500 Mana


    Cooldown: 5 Minutes


    Whirlwind sh had a long way to go to catch up to his Sweeping sh skill. The mana cost was trivial for both skillsat least to Derek. While his new skill cost 3500 mana, and Sweeping sh cost 130 mana at level 20, it didnt matter to him at all. What he wanted was the increased damage and range, and the decreased cooldown.


    Sweeping sh had a cooldown of only 30 seconds at level 20, so he hoped Whirlwind sh would eventually get there as well. The same was true of its damage and range. Sweeping sh went as far as 30 feet with 100% power, and when he channeled the void with it, the void energy went even further than that. He hoped that the same would remain true for his new skill.


    Next, he checked out Powerstride.


    Powerstride


    By channeling your strength and mana directly into your legs, you are able to cover a great distance in an instant. Distance covered is based on mana channeled. Continue leveling the skill increase distance and lower mana cost and increase amount of mana channeled allowed.


    Cost: 3500 + Mana Channeled


    Just like with Void Steps, the skill didnt have a cooldown. However, even with his giant pool of mana, he would only be able to use the skill ten times in a row before it ran outand that depended on how much mana he channeled into his legs. Of course, that was at level one. He was sure the cost would greatly decrease as he leveled it. He was anxious to see how far he could travel. It was the first skill that hed obtained that required a cost and channeled mana. <em>That</em><em>s why it doesnt say the exact distance. I bet purity of mana from intelligence also ys a role in it, too.</em>


    After dismissing those two skills, he checked the Fire Resistance skill, too. It was nothing specialworking the exact same as Magic Resistance, except with just a single element. He dismissed the skill.


    Finally standing up, Derek stretched onest time before heading out of his room and into his bathroom for onest shower before he had to go. It was a nice few days, and he hated that he had to leave so soon, but he didthey wanted the wedding to happen quick, and it would.


    After his shower, Derek dressed in his best ck t-shirt and his pair of jeans with the least amount of holes in them. He wanted to look proper if he was going to a wedding. His boots still stuck out like a sore thumb with the flowing star pattern on them, but he wasnt about to not wear them after seeing what the skill infused into them could do. It was an army destroyer, after allthe perfect big weapon.


    Finally, he headed downstairs and into the basement to check on Brandi. When he got there, it was the first time in a long time that hed arrived when she wasnt in the middle of creating something. Instead, she was leaning against the wall while dressed in a pair of coveralls, and with her goggles resting on her forehead while she downed a container of water.


    Uhem, Derek cleared his throat to get her attention.


    Brandi looked over, then, after seeing who it was, quickly made her way to him. Youre finally out of your room! she said excitedly. Mom wouldnt let me see you. She said you needed rest and that I would be a bother. I told her you wouldnt care but she still said no.


    Haha, Derekughed and ruffled the girls hair. She was just looking out for me.


    So you have to go to a wedding? Brandi asked. Mom told me all about it.


    Yup, Derek replied. But I wanted to give you something before I left. With a flick of his wrist, the Fire Resistance skill scroll appeared in his hand and he handed it to the young smith, who took it.


    This Brandi smiled wearily and handed it back to Derek. I already have this skill. You should give it to someone else. Its a good skill.


    Oh I didnt know. Did Mal buy it for you? Derek asked.


    No Brandi looked down at her feet and her face turned a shade of red. Remember how I kept burning off my eyebrows? she asked, and Derek nodded. After the tenth time you identally explode yourself and the project youre working on you get an Achievement thates with that skill. Its called Singed.


    Derek couldnt help it. He fell into aughing fit, and Brandi looked at him with a scrunched-up face. I Im sorry. Its not funny its not funny. He tried to stopughing, but failed. Okay its a little funny.


    Hmph Brandi snorted. Thats why I didnt want to tell anyone.


    Well, I want to know more, Derek said when he finally calmed down. And when I get back from this wedding, youre going to tell me all about it. With that, Derek gave her another quick pat on the head and left. He was sure everyone was waiting for him at the pce.

 System Universe Book 5 is out today!

    System Universe Book 5 is out today!


    Hey everyone! After a six month wait, its finally time for my fifth book in the System Universe series!


    Today marks theunch of System Universe Book 5: System Interference. Its now avable through Amazons Kindle Unlimited, Kindle, Paperback, and Audible (narrated by Adam Verner).


    Valentines Day has been a pretty good day for me when ites to releases, so heres hoping for another good one! I mean what better gift for Valentines Day than a book?


    Avable through these links:


    Ebook: /amazon/B0CDJ566WS


    Audible: /pd/System-Interference-Audiobook/B0CSGCSTKV


    Now, as for how people can support the release, there are a couple things, if you were here for thest announcement, you already know this:


    -Ratings and Reviews: On Amazon (Also, keep in mind that anything below a 5 is basically bad because of how their rating skew) ratings and reviews are the biggest help for authors. Also, you dont have to buy the book to rate it, which is good because you most likely already read it here. Though, I would for sure love for you to pick it up again on KU or Audio to get in on some of that good editing and narration. XD


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    -Kindle Unlimited Downloads: With the way Amazons algorithm is, reading the book on KU or even just downloading it helps a ton. The more downloads/reads, the more Amazon likes the book.


    Heres the description!


    <strong>With those he cares about safe and sound in the city of Savannah, Derek sets off to help another.</strong>


    After a sessful auction, the young Prince Edgar requested Dereks help on an issue that concerned the safety of the entire Kingdom of Cydaria. A new, level 250 raid dungeon appeared, and Edgar needed the kingdoms elite to help clear it before the unstable dungeon overflowed, or even worse, broke.


    Leaving his shop in the trusting hands of Malorie, and with everyones insistence that he go, Derek agreed to the princes request and joined him and the others on the raid. However, the dungeon wasnt what anyone was expecting, and when they went inside, they found that it was a trial dungeon: A dungeon with various trials and obstacles one must ovee toplete it.


    Not only was a trial dungeon rare and virtually non-existent in raids, but the entire dungeon was also under a time dtioncausing the time inside the dungeon to pass at a different speed than the time outside.


    Now, with two trialspleted and another team working on a third, Derek was able to take time to focus on his own ss Upgrade. But after initiating it, he ran into a new problemthe Great System seemed unable to help and thus requested assistance.


    With another possible system in y, will it be a one-time assistance? Or will it stick around? If it does stick around, will it help or cause problems? And most importantly, what happened to Silvis cookies? Did they burn, or was Malorie able to save them in time?


    <strong>Find out in the fifth installment of Dereks journey in the System Universe. Join him and hispanions as they adventure in this uniquebination of the LitRPG, Isekai, and Slice of Life genres.</strong>


    I want to thank everyone who read and continue to read the series, and those who left me kind reviews and messages. You are all awesome!


    And as always,


    Thanks for reading!

 Chapter 393: Kennel

    Chapter 393: Kennel


    As Derek walked out the front door of his shop, he couldnt help but chuckle again at Brandi. The girl had been working so hard that shed exploded herself numerous times. <em>I wonder how long ago she got that Achievement? </em>He thought. <em>And how many more times has she identally exploded herself since then? That Achievement seems easy to obtain, but, if it only counts for idental explosions, it would be much harder than it seems. I</em><em>m sure the system can detect whether something is an ident or not. </em>


    Derek took his time as he walked through Savannah. There wasnt exactly a set time that he needed to be back, but he figured by now, if they werent already waiting for him, they would be getting close. He was sure that those that were in Astrus were well informed and prepared for everything that was toe. In fact, they were most likely only waiting on the teleporters to all be linkedhowever it was that they would aplish that he didnt know much about runes or teleporters.


    <em>Actually</em><em> </em>Derek stopped and turned around. <em>They can wait for a little longer.</em> For the next couple of seconds, he climbed into the air with his Void Stepit was very frowned upon in the city, but he figured hed get a pass. After that, he positioned himself in the direction he wanted to go, then activated his new movement skill to see how well it paired with Void Steps.


    With the skills activation, Derek felt the swift surge of mana flood through his body and into his lower limbs. His muscles tensed as it felt like they grewrger. With a breath, he stepped forward. The surroundings blurred as Derek moved through the air at a higher speed than ever before. The instantaneous travel from using Void Shift or Active Void Shift was nothing like what he was currently experiencing.


    With the speed he was moving in a single step came extreme disorientation. Because Derek was used to moving based only on his on physical stats or with his instantaneous skills, he wasnt ready for how his new skill was going to feel. Also, he imagined that the usual person wouldnt be able to flood the skill with as much mana as he did with it being such a low level. He had maxed out the allowed mana in his first use of the skill.


    As fast as the movement started, it stopped. Derek had to catch himself from falling to the ground by finding a ripple in the void to step onto. With the end of the skill, the pressure disappeared from his legs, and he was left with a tingling sensation. <em>With that much mana put into the skill, it</em><em>s going to be a while until I am able to control it well, </em>he thought.


    The disorientation that Derek felt had instantly subsided the moment the skill stopped, and he believed that the next time he activated the skill, there would be even less disorientationif any. <em>It</em><em>ll be best to start smallmaybe half of the mana that I just usedthen work my way up. </em>He had thought the skill was going toe just as naturally to him as Silvis Active Void Shift, but he had been wrong. <em>I wonder if that has to do with the nature of the skills, or if it has something to do with my affinity for the void.</em>


    After a few more thoughts about his new skill, Derek turned and looked back. He wasnt the greatest judge of distance, but with the single use of the skill, he was well outside of Savannah in mere secondsif that. <em>Not bad, </em>Derek thought. <em>This skill will definitelye in useful, especially once I get it leveled and am able to use it all the time without having to wait for my mana to regenerate. </em>Both the cost of the skill and the extra cost from the mana he channeled had eaten up arge portion of his mana pool.


    Luckily for Derek, he had Greater Meditation and a huge mana pool topensate for his use of the skill. With the amount of mana he just used, it had depleted his mana pool by a bit over twenty percent. With that, he would only be able to use the skill five times before he had to either drink a potion or wait for Greater Meditation and his natural regeneration to refill his tankswhich wouldnt take too terribly long.


    <em>Okay, let</em><em>s see if I can get the hang of this a little bit, </em>Derek thought as he activated the skill once again, this time without pouring as much mana as possible into it. Not longter, and after learning to use his new skill easily at around fifty percent, Derek reached his destination. As he stood in the air with Void Steps, he looked down.


    Tyron had been busy. In the time that theyd been gone, Tyron and Rockywho had been left babysitting the remaining wyvernhad built something of a stable for dragons. The area looked like the perfect ce for the dragonkin.


    How did Derek know that it would be the perfect ce for the dragonkin? Well, he knew because they were already there. It seemed like Avery or Lyra had taken it upon themselves to fly the dragonkin back since they were no longer needed and would just cause a ruckus if they stayed in Astrus. Derek looked around and was unable to see any sign of Avery, but Lyra was coiled on the ground just outside of the new dragon kennel.


    <em>Hey, Lyra! </em>Derek called out with his Telepathy skill to the resting amphithere. She had already spotted him and raised her head slightly, so he wasnt worried that she was sleeping. <em>I didn</em><em>t know you wereing back. What happened? Wheres Avery? </em>


    <em>I thought it better to bring the kin back here than have them there when all the festivities began, </em>Lyra sent back. <em>Avery and his mistress are </em>she raised her head higher and turned it in the direction facing the capital. <em>They are back in the capital sincest night. It seems that the teleportation between cities that everyone was so worried about has beenpleted.</em><em> </em>


    <em>Huh, </em>Derek sent. <em>I wonder why they didn</em><em>t contact me. </em>


    <em>Judging from Averys and nahs condition, </em>the lower-pitched feminine voice of the winged serpent sounded in his head. <em>I imagine the two of them are taking this time to rest and recover. Did you not do the same? You are looking much less ragged than thest time we spoke. </em>


    <em>Ragged? Was I looking ragged? </em>Derek thought to himself. <em>Well, I was wearing my armor with the knee out of it, and I could imagine the bags under my eyes from exhaustion, if not sleepiness. I never looked into a mirror, but I guess I could see myself looking ragged. </em>


    <em>I did, </em>he replied to Lyra. <em>You should, too.</em><em></em>


    <em>It is what I am doing, </em>she replied.


    <em>Oh</em><em> right, </em>Derek said. <em>What about all of this?</em><em> </em>he gestured with his hands at the massive area that was now home to his remaining dragonkin.


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    <em>The cksmith apparently chose to build a Dragon Containment Area or Haven for my kin while we were gone,</em><em> </em>Lyra said.


    <em>Dragon Containment Area</em><em>? Haven?</em><em> </em>Derek asked.


    <em>Depending on how you view it,</em><em> </em>Lyra began to exin. <em>It is a containment area if viewed with the idea that my kin are harmful to the humans and others, but a haven if viewed from the perspective of the others being harmful to my kin.</em><em></em>


    <em>It</em><em>s a dragon kennel, </em>Derek said. <em>Though, I would imagine thatwith the exception of the wyvernthe dragonkin would be in more danger from us than we would of them.</em><em></em>


    <em>My thoughts are the same, </em>Lyra said.


    <em>How is it working?</em><em></em>


    <em>Quite well, actually, </em>she gave him a surprising answer. <em>My kin seemed quite content. I have not had to exert my influence over them to maintain order since doing so the first time when we arrived, and once as we tested the facilities.</em><em> </em>


    <em>Thats odd, </em>Derek said. <em>I wonder why.</em><em> </em>


    <em>My kin over there are proper beasts and do not have much intelligence. They are essentially newborns or infants, as they were created for the sole purpose of the dungeon when you entered. And since they have not bonded with anyone, they are very instinctual. Basically, they want food. And since thatdy is here and giving them all the food they can eat, they are content. </em>


    <em>Lady? </em>Derek asked, confused. He didnt know whatdy would be bringing the dragonkin food.


    <em>I do not know her,</em><em> </em>Lyra said. <em>The cksmith brought her in to do so. I did not pry. She seems to be a beast master of sorts. She is easily able to exert control over the lesser beasts in the area for the purpose of food. If you fly overhead, you will even see an area that she has been preparing. My guess is that it is an area for breeding and nurturing creatures destined for sustenance.</em><em> </em>


    <em>I see, </em>Derek said. They had talked about bringing in a Beast Tamer or something along those lines, and it seemed that Tyron had decided to do that. <em>What about Tyron?</em><em> </em>


    <em>I do not know, </em>Lyra said. <em>After testing the</em><em> kennel, the smith and the wyrmkin left. He asked for me to watch over them until we see that everything is right and proper. </em>


    <em>Ah, gotcha, </em>Derek said. <em>And what is this testing that you</em><em>ve mentioned? </em>


    <em>Nothing much. I justmanded all of my kin to go all out and try to break the ce apart. They were unable to and their restraints held well, with no signs of giving. The cksmith and wyrmkin did a suitable job creating everything, and there are power dampening runes throughout the area as well.</em>


    <em>Thats good, </em>Derek said. <em>That</em><em>s much better than having to carry them around with me and losing my ability to travel without jeopardizing their health. </em>


    <em>It is also better than having to babysit my kin for hours on end, </em>Lyra agreed. <em>Though, it has been great training for my mental skills.</em><em> </em>


    <em>I would imagine so, </em>Derek said. <em>Hmm</em><em></em><em>How about hitting me with your best shot?</em><em> </em>he asked, not wanting to waste the opportunity to level his Mental Resistance skill up while nobody else was around. <em>Let</em><em>s see how powerful it is? </em>


    <em>You humans </em>Derek could practically hear the sighing from her internal voice. <em>Very well, but only once, and not at full strength.</em><em> </em>


    <em>Suit yourself, </em>Derek said. <em>I</em><em>m ready. </em>


    Derek watched intently as Lyra turned her head directly at him. <em>Smart thinking, Derek, </em>he thought. <em>You just recovered from being almost mentally exhausted. Now you ask probably the second strongest mind controlling creature on the continent to hit you with its</em><em> best mental skills. </em>He chided himself, but internally, he wanted to see what happenedwanted to experience a blow from the evolved Lyra.


    Lyras eyes met Dereks own, and slowly, they turned a pinkish color. Then, the aura that hed seen from within his Void Travel ability sprouted, and he was hit like a freight train. It felt like a professional boxer had punched right through his skull and into his brain. He stumbled a step back before catching his bnce. By the time he looked back at Lyra, her eyes were back to normal and the aura had receded.


    A quick check of his health pool showed that the attack had knocked him down over fifteen percent. It took over 6,000 health points away from him. <em>Wow,</em><em> </em>Derek said. <em>That was at half power?</em><em> </em>


    <em>It was, </em>Lyra replied. <em>You received the attack surprisingly wellespecially for what Avery would call a </em><em>kill shot.</em>


    <em>That was your kill shot? </em>Derek asked. <em>What</em><em> exactly does it do? </em>


    <em>It renders the target dead most of the time. It is my Psionic Surge ability. I do not use it often, as I do not enjoy killing. It is a skill that assaults the mind with raw mental poweroverloading it. You withstood it quite well. Congrattions on not being dead. </em>


    Hahaha, Derekughed out loud. He thought that the ability that Lyra was going to use would be some controlling ability, not pure attack ability. But his stats held strong, and he was already almost healed from the attack. On top of that, he gained a whopping two levels in his Mental Resistance skill, raising it all the way to level 7and that was truly what mattered. <em>Thanks for that. How often can you do that?</em><em> </em>


    <em>Once every six hours, </em>Lyra replied with no hesitation to reveal the truth.


    <em>I</em><em>m sure that the skill is almost instantaneously deadly to most creatures you fight, </em>Derek said. Fifteen percent of his health may not seem like a lot, but that was with his vitality, endurance, intelligence, and wisdom, all at 1500 points or greater. He felt like it was even more damage than one of Averys Drill Shots through his chest would do to him, and hed seen that skill kill many times before.


    <em>It is,</em><em> </em>Lyra said straightforwardly. <em>It would be better if I focused on leveling it, but as I said, I do not enjoy killing. </em>


    <em>Well, thanks for the enlightenment,</em><em> </em>Derek said. <em>I</em><em>m going to go check out this dragon kennel, then head to the capital. Take care. </em>In reply, Lyra only lowered her head and rested it back on her body.


    For the next half hour, Derek looked over the ce that Tyron had made for the dragonkin. It really was nice. Each dragonkin had its own stable, and the stable was made out of an obsidian-like material that Derek wished he could have built his shop with. As Lyra said, there were many of the same runes on the stables that hed seen when in Natalies dungeon before.


    Tyron seemed to be so sure of his work that hed taken the muzzle off of the wyvern, as well. <em>I guess with all the dampening runes and whatever those other ones are, it doesn</em><em>t really matter how strong the wyvern is, </em>Derek thought. After that, he met the Beast Master that was taking care of the ce. Her name was Lindsay, and it seemed like shed want to work there even if she wasnt being paid.


    Its truly an honor to help take care of such magnificent beasts, she said.


    Well, thanks for your help, Derek replied.


    After that interaction, he made a little more small-talk before he was interrupted by his storage braceletspecifically the redmunication crystal inside it. It was nah.


    <em>Hey nah, what</em><em>s up? </em>he answered.


    <em>Im surprised that you arent surprised that Im contacting you, </em>nah said from the other side.


    <em>I just finished chatting with Lyra here at the Dragon Kennels,</em><em> </em>he said.


    <em>Oh, I see,</em><em> </em>nah replied. <em>That</em><em>s good. That means youre already up and out of the house. Were you on the way to the capital? </em>


    <em>I was. I just wanted to check in on Tyron, but well, you know. </em>


    <em>In that case. Were at the pce waiting if you still wish to attend the wedding, </em>nah said.


    <em>I do,</em><em> </em>Derek replied. <em>So they really were already waiting</em>. There was no way in hell he wasnt going to make sure the wedding went off without a hitch after all the effort hed put into it. <em>I</em><em>ll see you there.</em>

 Chapter 394: Begin

    Chapter 394: Begin


    About an hour and a halfter, Derek walked through the front doors of the pce. Instead of using Void Travel, he had just gone back to Savannah and took the regr teleporter to the capital for only a handful of gold. The majority of the time he spent traveling was going through Savannah and waiting for his turn at the Teleportation Building.


    After he arrived in the capital, he had jumped into the air and made a beeline toward the pce with his new movement ability. Again, it was rude and very frowned upon going through the city like he did, but it was much better than using his ability on the ground while being in crowds of people. After all, he didnt disappear and reappear with Powerstride, he just moved extremely fast. Hed hate to see what would happen if his stat-filled body came into contact with someone else while he was using the skill.


    Derek was led into the Throne Room right away upon his arrival. Only a few people were there waiting for him. Both nah and Avery were there, along with King Edwinthat was it.


    Is this everyone? Derek asked.


    It is, Edwin replied. Everyone else has gone on ahead. We thought it best that the bride and groom be given extra time to prepare while in what will be their new homeeven if it is only a few more hours. We decided to wait for you.


    It took you long enough, Avery said from beside nah.


    Sometimes, its better to take your time and enjoy yourself, Derek replied with a shrug.


    And did you enjoy yourself? Avery asked.


    Oh, not at all, Derek said. Spent most of my time getting here waiting in line. Things like that have got to be what hell feels like. <em>Was totally getting some DMV vibes back there.</em>


    Well now that we have reopened all the Teleportation buildings in the kingdom and dered it safe to use them, there will be quite a bit of congestion until things settle down. Everyone has been stuck in one ce while the war was raging, so, now that theres no danger, everyone has flooded the buildings all at once, King Edwin exined.


    That makes sense, Derek said. So, how many people from each kingdom will be there? I imagine that, since it is taking ce in Astrus, they will make up the majority. Will there be a lot of Cydarians going since the teleporters are now working?


    There will not, Edwin answered. Robert and his family will be there, of course.


    Of course.


    But other than them, I have seen to it that it is just us higher ups in the kingdom. Us four, Edward, Edgar, and Elouise. Phillip will stay here to watch over things. I invited Natalie, but she refusedsaying that she wasnt needed for anything and it would be of no value for her to go. Our noble houses are still in quite the mess after the culling, and since the war began so soon after, we werent able to sort through everything. It will be one of the top priorities for meor Edward, actuallyonce things calm down.


    I see, Derek said. He could see that it was best to just go with the top because it would at least show that they werent ying favorites. Natalie would have been the only real exception, nobility wise, but she had refused. What about the Indrians?


    I have left that up to King Osian, Edwin replied. Sabrina Elras is the daughter of his brother, so I imagine he and his brother will want their families there for the asion. As for others, well just have to see. But, as you said, the majority of the noble houses of Astrus will have their heads and other families there. This is a celebration to calm those nobles, and the rest of Astruss nerves as a new power takes control.


    That sounds about right, Derek said. Are you sure its wise to bring your entire royal family?


    I have given instructions, Edwin said. Edward and Elouise are not to stray far from Edgar during the celebration. I have faith that Edgar can protect those two if anything goes wrong.


    And what about yourself? Derek asked and saw the old man wince.


    I am old, and I may not be as strong as the three of you or Osian, but Im no slouch. If I cannot protect myself, then so be it. Edward is ted to be king, anyway. Edwin said. I will do my part as the current king to establish good rtions.


    It seemed that Dereks thoughts were correct. Edwin was expecting something to happen as well. It was good that everyone was taking precautions. There was also the chance that they were all worrying over nothing, but it was better to hope for the best while preparing for the worst.


    Ive also sent an open invitation to Vallum, so its possible that a few of the dwarven people show up. However, they are a very private people, so I doubt it, Edwin said. Especially on such short notice.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    Derek nodded. He wouldnt mind meeting some of the higher ups from the dwarven kingdom. He still nned on visiting their capital one day, and maybe even taking Brandi with him if he did. She would very much enjoy exploring a crafting-centered society. <em>Or</em><em> she will refuse to go because it will interfere with her own crafting.</em>


    Are you all prepared? Edwin asked, causing Derek to break out of his thoughts and nod. If so, then we should get a move on. Were probably going to be thest ones there.


    <em>I wonder if Silvi is already there, </em>Derek thought, then focused on their link. If she was still in Savannah, he wouldnt have a problem locating her. After focusing on it for a second, he smiled. <em>She definitely went ahead. I wonder how weddings work here. Celebration, then wedding, or wedding, then celebration? Or, maybe even celebration, wedding, then another celebration. </em>


    With those thoughts, Edwin led them all to the pces private teleportation circle. With his exnation of all the other ones having so much traffic, even as royalty, it would be a hassle going through all the crowds. Plus, if you have your own private teleporter, why not use it?


    Soon, Derek found himself standing in the teleportation circle with everyone else, then, with a sh, they disappeared. He had been wondering earlier how they were linking the teleporters, and he soon found out. It wasnt all just one quick teleportation, instead, it was a bunch of jumping around. From the capital, there was on jump within the kingdom, then they went through Indria.


    There were three jumps in Indria before they made it to the first teleporter in Astrus. From there, Icecrests teleportation circle was only two teleportations away. Luckily, they had already prepared for everything, so the teleportation circles they were using were all clear of people and easily usedwell, that was until they got to the final one.


    The one in Icecrest was even more crowded than the one in Savannah that Derek had used. Fortunately, it was all traffic from peopleing into the city, and not going out of. It was a kingdom-wide celebration, after all.


    After they left the teleportation building in Icecrestthe one that was closest to the pce, as Icecrest had multiple teleportation points around the citythey moved to the streets. There, it was standing room only because they were so close to the pce. If Derek was worried that people werent going to have enough time to make it to the capital before, he wasnt anymore.


    After pushing their way through the crowds, and being hit with some unkind words and a few elbows from angry peoplewhich turned into people with pale faces when Avery got tired of it and let a small portion of his aura trickle out before he was chided by nahthey finally made it to the entrance to the pce courtyard.


    The courtyard was filled with chairs for wedding goers to sit, and a well-decorated tform to hold the ceremony. So all of those who came would be able to see, or at least hear, the ceremony, they had decided that it would take ce outside. Currently, the courtyard was clear of peopleaside from the few servants who were putting the finishing touches on the area. With a few words to a guard by Edwin, they were quickly let in and rushed into the pce proper.


    When a guard opened the double doors to the Great Hall, Derek was instantly able to see that Silvi had been busy. He turned to ask nah about it all, but was stopped by the announcement of their arrival.


    Ladies and gentlemen, please wee Mr. Derek Hunt, Mr. Avery Swan, Miss nah Swan, and the King of Cydaria, Edwin Cydaria, to the celebration! A herald shouted from beside the entrance to the hallgaining everyones attention.


    Derek couldnt help but feel a bit underdressed inparison to everyone else. nah was wearing a beautiful emerald green dress, and even Avery was wearing a luxurious tunic that looked to be made of a velvet-like material with emerald green trim to match nah, along with a nice pair of trousers toplete his outfit. Not just them, but everyone else he could see in the room was wearing something just as extravagant. Derek didnt sweat it, though. <em>At least my boots are better than anything anyone else is wearing. </em>


    After scanning the crowd, Derek quickly shifted his gaze back to the dozens of long tables adorned with an array of tantalizing dishes. Derek turned to nah and asked the question he had been preparing to ask earlier. Did you help with this? he asked in a whisper.


    Not much, nah said. I did have my people prepare dozens of dishes just in case, but it seems that Silvi didnt need any more help than what I gave her.


    What kind of help did you give her? Derek asked. Surely she couldnt have put it all together in just her kitchen. Its a big kitchen, but its smallpared to the amount of food Im seeing.


    She came back and asked if I could provide her with a kitchen, so I gave her the orders to take to my staff to allow her to use the main kitchen in my restaurant in the capital. She used both her kitchen and that one. ording to my staff after I returned, they were very uneasy with the open portal radiating that dread thesest days, but they eventually got used to it.


    Oh, Derek said as he thought about it. <em>Did I feel a portal from Silvi? </em>He couldnt really recall, but he wasnt near as affected by the feeling as everyone else. <em>Maybe I just got used to it. </em>Still, its surprising that she did so much. <em>It</em><em>s also surprising that she asked for help. I guess when ites to food and cooking, nothings off limits for her. I just hope that theres not any hidden elf steaks or elf loins among the spread.</em>


    It is surprising, nah agreed. But she did a very good job.


    Ill have to let her know, Derek said. Then he scanned the crowd, looking for hispanion. Finally, he saw her sitting at the head of one of the tables looking smug. Well maybe not. <em>Damn, </em>he thought. <em>Even she dressed for the asion. When did she find time to get a new cloak? </em>The cloak she was wearing was very simr to thest one, but it looked to be created with a finer material and what looked like a woven cor for her storage rings. <em>And when the hell did she find the time to get that little chefs hat thats covering her horn?</em>


    Uhem! Derek heard someone clear their throat to gather attention as he was thinking about hispanion. He looked up and saw that it was Robert Cydaria. Now that everyone is here, I would like to thank you all foring. Not far away from Robert, his mother was nodding along with what he said with a smile. Without further ado, if everyone could please follow the staff and take their ces outside, we will begin the ceremony.

 Chapter 395: Cook the Food, Wear the hat

    Chapter 395: Cook the Food, Wear the hat


    As Derek was following everyone back outside, he felt the lightweight that could only be Silvi appear on his shoulder. Heughed lightly, as he hoped that she would never change. She was still the number one beastpanion in his books.


    <em>They</em><em>re all stupid, </em>Silvi said to him through their link.


    <em>Why is that?</em><em> </em>he asked as they continued to walk.


    <em>All that food,</em><em> </em>she answered. <em>Now, its going to get cold. Idiots. Why put everything out, then not eat? Terrible terrible.</em>


    <em>I imagine they just want everything prepared for when the ceremony is over. You know, so they can get into the celebration faster. Plus, it all looked very good and decorative, </em>Derek said, then, he admitted it. <em>You did a very good job.</em><em> </em>


    <em>I know, </em>she replied smugly. <em>Need bigger kitchen. Like Crown one.</em><em> </em>


    <em>nah told me that you borrowed one of her kitchens, </em>Derek said. <em>I take it you liked it?</em><em> </em>


    <em>Mhm. Very good kitchen. </em>


    Finally, Derek and Silvi made it outside the pce and stepped down to where all the seats were. He looked around, and it seemed like certain people had designated seating areassuch as the families of the bride and groom being up front. It looked like others would be able to sit wherever they wantedwhich was just fine for Derek.


    As he walked down the center aisle, he passed every row of seats. They were all facing the pce steps where the ceremony would take ce. He continued on until he arrived at the final row of seats, then he walked a little further. After moving a bit past the end of the seating area, Derek and Silvi moved to the far left side. After finding the perfect spot, he pulled his own chair out and sat.


    He did this for multiple reasons. The first and foremost reason was that he wouldnt be caught dead sitting in one of those poor excuses for a chair that Astrus had arranged. At a distant second was the next reasonfrom where he put his own chair, he would be able to see the entire area. He would have a full view of all the guests and the ceremony. If anyone decided to try something, he would see it, and he could stop itdepending on what it was.


    This looks like as good a spot as any, an old withered voice that Derek could recognize anywhere sounded from beside him. I wasnt sure that you would being back here.


    Im surprised you stayed, Derek said as he waved his hand and another chairalbeit not one as good as the one he was sitting inappeared next to him. I figured that you would have left once the teleporters got connected. I didnt take you for the wedding type. Surely youve already got what you came here for, right?


    Bahahaha, Marrickughed at Dereks questions as he hopped into the seat hed been given. You dont see something like this wedding oftenfirst time, even for me. Two people from different kingdoms getting hitched to take over a third kingdom how could I miss that?


    Derek turned to look at the old man and smiled. It seemed that Derek wasnt the only one who didnt dress up formally for the asion. Marrick was still wearing his long robe, but at least his hood was down this time. You evenbed your hair, Derek said.


    The old man ran his hand through what little hair he had and scoffed. And you finally got rid of that leg armor with the big hole in it. Though Im not sure if your current attire is normal. Interesting pants, though, and that shirt looksfortable. Always interesting, you are.


    Oh, you wouldnt believe howfortable my clothes are, Derek said. I wouldnt be caught dead wearing one of those tunics and pantaloons? Trousers? Whatever theyre called. Id definitely get a robe before wearing any of that shit.


    Haha, Marrickughed, but it ended in a light coughing fit. Ugh he shook his head and continued. Robes are niceespecially at my age. Finally, Merrick looked directly into Dereks eyes, and his face turned serious. There is something that I need to ask you about.


    Oh? Derek questioned with raised eyebrows. What is it?


    Why Marrick started, and Derek leaned in a little. Why is yourpanion wearing that hat?


    Derek snorted and leaned back in his seat. Thats what you wanted to ask? I thought you had something serious to discuss he shook his head.


    Like I said before, Marrick countered. There arent many things that I havent seen in my long life. A wedding with the weight of this one is one of those things. Another is what I suspect used to be a Horned Rabbit that has evolved into a void based rabbit speciesand one that is wearing a white and purple chefs hat and well stitched cloak. So, you can see why I had to ask.


    Because, Silvis voice sounded out from hermunication crystals that she was finally able to wear once again. I am a Mythical Void Battle Chef. Mythical Void Battle Chefs need chef hats. Its natural. I cooked the food I wear the hat.


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    For the first time since hed met the maneven though it had been a very short amount of timeDerek finally saw real surprise creep onto his face. At first, Derek thought it was because Silvi was the one who answered him. Hell, Derek was surprised for a moment that Silvi fielded the questioneven if it was about her. But that surprise didntst long, as she had done all the cooking and she was, of course, very proud of her work.


    Myth Mythical? the old elf finally said, and everything clicked for Derek. Marrick looked hard at Derek again. Then you?


    Maybe Derek said. Hed stopped worrying about revealing secrets to people like nah or even Marrick anymoreat least secrets like his ss rarity or even where he came from. But nobody had really asked about thetter since he decided he was strong enough.


    He was also under oath not to reveal things hed learned about the other system, and obtaining a Mythic ss was loosely rted to that. So, even though he wasnt prohibited in talking about having a Mythic ss, he still had to keep tight about the specifics in how it was given to him unless he was speaking with someone who already knew the truthsomeone like Dave.


    However, that didnt mean he would go around telling everyone that he had a Mythical ss, but he didnt care about someone like Marrick knowing. <em>Ive been a decent judge of people, and the old elf seems like good people.</em>


    Bahahaha, after staring at Derek for a good deal longer, Marrick finally pped his knee and beganughing. I was wondering about that. When I was watching your fightif it could be called thatwith the army, I couldnt make out any disparities between your stats and yourpanions. I know the two of you never went all out or anything, and it was like two adults against a bunch of toddlers, but I can usually get a sense of someones stats, even in such cases.


    So, you know about Mythical sses? Derek asked.


    Just a bit, here and there, Marrick said. Well myths, really. Theres a story about an elf reaching that stage in our history, but you know how stories are. If it really happened, it was tens of thousands of years ago. Ive another question for you, then, the old man said.


    Go ahead, Derek replied.


    Are you really a human?


    Am I a human? Derek wasnt actually sure how to answer that question. Technically, yes, he was a human. He had just evolved and was now a void based human. I am, he finally answered. He did start out as a full blood regr old human back when the system first arrived on Earth.


    How old are you? Marrick asked.


    That is another interesting question, Derek teased. It was also another question that he really couldnt answer. His status sheet said he was 30 years old, but if he added the time he spent in the void, would he be decades older? Or maybe even centuries or millennia older. Finally, he just answered with his system answer. Not much older than thirty.


    So young? Fascinating, Marrick said. Id ask to hear your story, but now is neither the time nor the ceand that is if you are even willing to share it. I would not me you if you wouldnt want to. I dont know if I would, either.


    Maybeter, Derek said. For now, lets just say that how I obtained my ss isnt something that can be replicated, and there is much that I cant speak about.


    Very understandable. The old man waved his hand. I wasnt looking for tips on getting a Mythic ss, anyway, he shook his head. We cant even replicate legendary sses, and we can barely produce epic sses. Everyones path is different, and I believe that is truly what decides ss rarity past epic. So, no, thats not something I would try, or even have my kin try. But a story that can keep me entertained, that is something that I would like to listen to. This need not have anything to do with your ss, I am more interested in <em>your </em>story.


    But yes, it is better left to another time and another ce, Marrick continued. Weve a wedding to watch, and perhaps there will be some extra entertainment during the ceremony. Derek saw the old mans hand tighten on his cane.


    Ah, Derek said. So the truth finallyes out. Thats why you stayed.


    Oh, you can stop that, Marrick hushed. Is it not the same reason youvee back? The same reason youre sitting back here instead of up front with the other guests of importance?


    You got me, Derek said and raised his hands. That, and so I could use my own furniture. Did you see those seats they have up there? Purely decorative. Theres not much worse than having to sit in a chair that was made purely for decoration.


    Used to, I would have argued with you, the old elf said, then he settled himself deeper into the cushion on the chair he was using. But after meeting you, I have to agree. I cant believe I went all those years without thinking about it. Truly makes me wonder what I have been doing with my life.


    Haha, Derekughed. Yeah, I cant imagine being your age and having the misfortune of living my life with decorative furniture. Truly, not a life worth living.


    Thats not something youre supposed to agree with when youre speaking to the elderly, Marrick snorted. Youre supposed to give empty titudes about how sure you are that our lives were great.


    But decorative chairs Derek replied slowly.


    Again, Marrick said. You will introduce me to your chair guy after this ceremony. It is no longer a request.


    Yes, sir! Derek straighten and half saluted. Geoffrey will be happy to assist you. Im sure of it.


    Good, good the old man nodded.


    After that, Derek and Marrick continued their small talk for a while. Derek looked for nah or Avery to join them, but it seemed that they had found a pair of seats at the very front, with the rest of the guests of importance. That was good, though. That meant that if anything happened up there, nahwho was probably the fastest and definitely one of the strongest people at the ceremonywould be there to stop it. Derek had Void Shift and Active Void Shift, so he would be right behind her.


    Avery was sitting between Edgar and nah, and, by the way hed nced all the way back to where Derek, Silvi, and Marrick were sitting, he looked a bit envious.


    It wasnt too muchter that the final people were being guided to their designated seats. The seats at the back, which had no designation, had filled up quickly with the non-important people, but it had taken a while for the servants to guide all the others. Where they were seated at such an event looked to be very important for the heads of the noble houses that had chosen to attend the ceremony.


    Another thing that Derek was about to see as he watched everyone be seated one by one was the amount of people Indria had chosen to send. It looked likesince this was an event that was also meant to mollify his own peopleOsian had chosen to invite many of the top noble houses from his kingdom.


    Finally, thest person found their seat, and the servants scurried away. Then, from the entrance to the pce, King Edwin and King Osian walked out, side-by-side to begin the ceremony.

 Chapter 396: Ceremony

    Chapter 396: Ceremony


    I would like to thank everyone who has chosen toe to this event, King Edwin began projecting his voice so that everyone could hear him and began speaking as he and King Osian stood side by side on the top of the pce stairs. Both Derek and Marrick had gone quiet and were watching the proceedings intentlyjust in case. Todays ceremony is a monumental event that will change thendscape of our entire continent for generations toe.


    King Edwin is correct, Osian began his part. Today marks the day that our three kingdoms are united. It will mark the conclusion of the endless tension between our kingdoms, and through this new found peace, all of our kingdoms will prosper. Never in my long life did I think a great day like this woulde. Because of the rash decisions made by myself and Astruss previous rulers, I believed that all was lost.


    The statement caused many in the crowd to begin muttering to one another. Those who were watching and listening from outside the pce courtyard were the loudest. All of the nobles already knew what had happened at this point, but for the regr peoplethe regr citizenseverything had just been pure spection and rumor.


    However, Osian began, his voice carrying through all of his surroundings and reaching everyone in the areanear and far. Through the mercy and grace of Cydaria, an opportunity has risenan opportunity that will alter the course of our kingdoms. They have offered us not only mercy, but an alliance forged in unity. The marriage between my niece, Sabrina Elras, and King Edwins nephew, Robert Cydaria, is a union unlike any other in our kingdoms histories.


    This is a union that will transcend bordersa union that will bridge our nations together. With this marriage, we can hope for a future of peace and prosperity as Robert and Sabrina no as future King Robert and Queen Sabrina begin their rule of Astruswhich will from now on be known as the Kingdom of Indaria! Osian finished his speech and paused, giving the crowd time to apud.


    Derek had to say, hed heard Edward give many speeches over thest week, but he preferred the one Osian had just given. It indicated that Cydaria was being merciful to both kingdoms, even though they brought it all on themselves, but he also made it clear that what was happening would be beneficial for all parties involvedhopefully going even further to pacify his own nobles and those of the new Indaria.


    Thank you, my friend. King Edwin turned to Osian, and the two grasped forearms with each other. After a nod between kings, Edwin turned back to the awaiting crowd and continued. As King Osian has stated, I look forward to my children and their children seeing a peace thatsts long after I have died. For us under the Great System, war and tension have slowed our progress and diminished our numbersI hope that the future generations never have to experience such conflicts between our three kingdoms.


    Once again, apuse rang out from the crowd. Derek still watched closelyscanning the upied seats over and over to make sure that nothing seemed out of the ordinary. With the ceremony happening so quickly, it had given any conspirators less time to prepare their attacks should they choose to do so. In the back of his mind, Derek still hoped that everything would go off without a hitch, but he also know that the formal investigations hadnt been conducted yet, and that there were surely some noble houses that were hiding things.


    He also knew that many people who were precious to others had died, and he knew from experience that it wasnt easy to just ept the death of loved ones just like that. So, while Edwin and Osian spoke, he kept watch.


    Thank you! Edwin half bowed to the crowd, then continued. Now, I am sure that you are all tired of listening to a couple of decrepit old men Edwin looked over at Osian and dramatically rolled his eyes after scanning the elf from top to bottom. Well at least this old man. He muttered, but made sure that all could hear himhe got a light chuckle out of the crowd. Anyway, he said after theughter died down. Without further ado, let the ceremony begin.


    With that announcement, Osian moved to the left side of the pce stairs and Edwin moved to the right. Then, a lovely melody began ying, followed by Robert Cydaria walking out beside his father and taking his ce between both kings. His father turned and moved to stand behind Edwin, while Robert looked out over the crowd and took a deep breath in, then let it out. Derek could see his hand slightly shaking under the intense stares of all the nobles. The man clenched his fist tightly to stop the shaking.


    Next, Sabrina walked out from the pce doors being apanied by Ryven. Again, her father moved to take his ce behind Osian, and she stood in the middlenext to Robert. Her eyes wandered the crowd, and soon they fell on Derek, but she quickly adverted them.


    Beside Derek, he heard an almost inaudible chuckle, then a whisper. That could have been you up there, the ancient old man said.


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    Dont remind me, Derek said. I dodged that bullet. He muttered under his breath and turned his attention back to Robert and Sabrina.


    The two soon turned to each other, and Robert took Sabrinas hands in his ownthe music ceased.


    Finally, another manone who Derek faintly recognizedcame out and stood to the side of the bride and groom where someone there to officiate the wedding would stand. With a quick wave of his hand, a podium-like piece of furniture appeared, and he rested his hands on it. <em>Where do I know him? </em>Derek inwardly asked himself. Finally, it clicked. <em>Oh, wow. So that</em><em>s what he looks like without being dead tired and in sleepwear. </em>


    <em>What was his name again? Cal-something</em><em> Callum, I think? Yeah, that was it. </em>Derek was, of course, talking about the contract maker whom he had to fetch for Edwin back when Osian and the others had to make soul contracts. <em>I wonder what he</em><em>s doing here. Maybe marriage is a contract? That would make sense.</em>


    Speaking where everyone could hear him, Callum began, My name is Callum Taylor, Master Contract Maker from the Kingdom of Cydaria, and I have been honored with the task of binding Sabrina Elras and Robert Cydaria together in marriage. Now, we shall begin. Seeing that there were no objections, he continued. If you would, Robert.


    Uhem Robert cleared his throat before speaking. In the presence of our families and the citizens of three kingdoms, I, Robert Cydaria, pledge to honor you, Sabrina Elras, to the best of my abilities. I promise to listen to, support, and protect you. And if fate deems it, to love you.


    Very good, Callum said. And now you, Sabrina.


    I, Sabrina Elras, also stand before our kin and those of our kingdoms Um Sabrina stuttered and blushed, but soon shook it off and continued. With this bond, I offer you, Robert Cydaria, my respect and devotion. I pledge to honor, support, and protect you to the best of my abilities. And if we are so lucky to find it love you.


    Sabrinas vows werent quite as eloquent as Roberts, and she stuttered and trailed off a couple of times in the short speech. Derek could understand, though. Even though it was her idea for an arranged marriage, it had still happened much faster than she ever could have imagined.


    Good good Callum said once she was finished. Then, with a wave of his hand, what looked like a contract appeared on the podium he was standing behind. We have long since discussed the contents of the marriage contract, and it is a basic contract that all should be familiar with, so I will not bore you with the details.


    Now, if I could have you, Sabrina, and you, Robert, each ce your hand on the marker on the podium, Callum said, and the two each ced their palm on a part of the podium. Great! Now, if you agree to the terms of the contract, and agree to this marriage, please ce your mark into the contract.


    Sabrina and Robert looked hard at one another for a few seconds, then they both nodded. Soon, each one injected a portion of their mana into the podium, and the pure mana flowed into the contract. The contract rose into the air, then splitone part disappearing into Robert and the other disappearing into Sabrina. Finally, they removed their hands.


    By the power vested to me as Master Contract Makergiven to me by the Great Systemand the position granted by the Kingdom of Cydaria, I, Callum Taylor, now pronounce you husband and wife. May you find love and happiness in your new journey as one.


    With that, the crowd erupted, and everyone jumped to their feet. Dereks vignce hit an all-time high as he thought this would be the perfect opportunity for a strikewhile everyone is celebrating. But soon, the apuse died down, and everyone was directed back to their seats by Callum.


    Thank you for showing your support for the new couple, Callum said. But the ceremony is not over. Today is not only a marriage but also the crowning of a new king and queen. If there are no objections, I will begin.


    <em>Oh</em><em> </em>Derek thought. <em>So that</em><em>s how theyre going to do it, and thats why Callum is doing this. </em>Derek imagined that the contracts for bing a king and queen of a new nation ought to be much more intensive thanording to the mana basic marriage contract.


    Today marks the day that the new Kingdom of Indaria is formed. With the formation of the kingdom, new rulers must be named. These rulers are the newly wed King Robert and Queen Sabrina. As Master Contract Maker, it is my duty to ensure that Indarias rulers act in the best interest of their kingdom and citizens. As such, I have created soul contracts for each new ruler to sign, Callum informed the audience.


    Callum pulled out another contract from his storage ring and began. The terms of this soul contract are already known by the couple and have been agreed upon by both Indria and Cydaria. Included in this contract are both the alliance between nationswhich has previously been signed by Cydaria and Indriaand a set of changes that must be made for Indaria to have a more prosperous future.


    Crown Prince Edward, King Osian, if you would be so kind, Callum said while he once again ced the contract on the middle of the podium in front of him. From the side, Osian stepped forward until he was beside Callum, and Edward stood from his seat in the audience and walked up the stairs to take his own position. Good. Now, if you all agree to the terms as stated before the ceremony, please bind the contract.


    With that, the four of them all ced their hands on the podium and inject their mana into the contract. Because it was a soul contract, chains arose from it and began their binding. Four chainsone for each personwrapped around them and disappeared into their bodies. Then, the contract split, and a piece of it flew to each person. It was a bit different from the previous soul contract that Derek had seen, but it was also a different contract.


    This contract also included the alliance and other termssome of which Derek hadnt bothered to learn beforehand. He was sure that Edwin and Edward knew what they were doingespecially now that they had the support of King Osian.


    Great! Callum, who now looked quite pale, waved his hand and the podium disappeared. He took two steps forward and held his hands out, which were taken by Sabrina and Robert. For the first time as a couple, and rulers of Indaria, I give you, King Robert and Queen Sabrina!

 Chapter 397: Celebration

    Chapter 397: Celebration


    Everyone who was seated jumped to their feet in apuse as Callum presented the new King and Queen of Indaria. Behind him, the citizens who were watching from outside the courtyard were much louder than anyone inside. It was a surreal moment for Derekbeing witness to something that had apparently never happened in the history of the continent before. He also stood from his own seat and gave a round of apuse while keeping his eyes out for any threats.


    Callum released the king and queens hands and took a step back toward his podium. After that, he packed it up and disappeared through the entrance of the pce. Osian, Edward, and Edwin then came up to stand beside the newly appointed Royals of Indariawith Edward stepping up in between the two, where Callum had just been standing. Then he took another step forward until he was in front of everyone.


    Everyone, please! He started speaking while projecting his voice to gather everyones attention. The crowd soon quietened down, however, everyone remained standing. Thank you, nobles and regr citizens alike, for joining us on such a stupendous day. You do not know how much it means to all of us that you came. The crown prince looked over the crowd and nodded slightly. There is one remaining announcement I must make! One for the citizens of Indaria.


    Everyone looked at one another, but it didnt seem like they knew what else there was. Derek also looked over at Marrick, but the old man just shrugged and continued to look forward.


    I believe this is something you will all enjoy, Edward said, then continued. As today is cause for celebration, with some rules and regtions, all restaurants in the kingdom will be opened to the public to dine in for free. The nobles ahead of Derek didnt make much noise, but the regr citizens behind him went absolutely crazyeven louder than they had for the announcement of the new king and queen.


    Well, Derek said to Marrick. You just cantpete with free food.


    So it seems, Marrick agreed.


    Naturally, Silvi chimed in.


    Thats correct! Edward continued in his booming voice. For the remainder of the day, our kingdoms coffers will be footing the bill for all citizens of Indaria. This announcement will be made kingdom wide, so that all may enjoy todays festivities. The rules and regtions of todays festivities will be posted inside each restaurant kingdom wide. Please look out for them and obey. This is a celebration for all, not few. Edward waited a moment before finally yelling, Well? What are you all waiting for? Go celebrate!


    Damn, Derek said as he turned his head quickly to watch the crowd disperse. Thats one way to get everyone to leave as quickly as possible.


    Now, Edward continued in a less booming voiceone that only covered the courtyard. For you all, we have made arrangements in the Great Hall for all heads of the noble families and representatives. We have also opened up another dining area for everyone else.


    This had to be done because, while they could have probably fit everyone into the Great Hall, it would have been very cramped. There were obviously many more people seated outside than Derek had seen when he entered the Great Hall earlier. Many noble heads chose to bring more than just themselves and a representative or two. Some chose to bring whole families to the event.


    Now, if you would please follow us, Edward said, and everyone began to file back inside the pce.


    Not long after, Derek found himself as thest person to enter the Great Hall along with everyone else. He had packed up his chairs and followed at the end of the line beside Marrick. He was standing with Silvi on his shoulder and Marrick by his side, at the corner of the room on the same wall as the entrance.


    <em>Oh no! What did they do?</em><em> </em>he heard Silvi send to him through their link.


    <em>What are you talking about?</em><em> </em>Derek asked.


    <em>The food! It</em><em>s not how I ced it. How dare they!</em>


    Derek looked over all the tables and, though he hadnt exactly memorized the cement of everything before, it did look like a few things that hed noticed were in different ces. However, he also noticed something else.


    <em>Everything is arranged just fine, Silvi. It</em><em>s okay. And, if you look closely, </em>he said. <em>Youll see that some of the food is still steaming. They must have stored everything when we all left so it wouldnt get cold. Isnt that what you were worried about before? This is much better, right? </em>


    <em>Hmph </em>Silvi snorted both inwardly at Derek and outwardly. <em>Why even ce it out to begin with? Waste of time.</em><em> </em>


    <em>Maybe, </em>Derek said. <em>But they probably just wanted to always have it there for decoration whenever the nobles are in the hall. Just think of it as everyone getting extra time to admire your amazing cooking skills.</em><em> </em>


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    Derek felt the light weight leave his shoulder, then seen hispanion appear on a table beside what looked like a roast. Then, a knife and fork floated up and cut a piece of the juicy meat in half. After that, the newly cut piece of meat floated into the air for a moment before dropping into his awaitingpanions mouth. Finally, the light weight of Silvi appeared back on his shoulder once again.


    <em>It</em><em>s eptable, </em>she said smugly.


    She was the first to actually touch any of the food in the area. Everyone else was waiting for permissionor the start of the celebration after the ceremony. <em>Would this be considered a wedding reception? </em>Derek wondered to himself. <em>I really don</em><em>t think there is a name for a celebration that follows a wedding, crowning, renaming, and alliance ceremony. </em>


    Derek shook his head and scanned the crowd once again. <em>I thought we were thest ones in, </em>he thought. <em>Where are nah and Avery? </em>He looked over the room full of nobles multiple times, but still couldnt find the two. <em>Oh well, </em>he thought. <em>Whatever they</em><em>re doing doesnt really matter to me.</em>


    After that, he focused on the end of the Great Hall, opposite the entrance, at the dais where the newly crowned king and queen were standing. Beside the new rulers, their parents radiated happiness, enveloping them in embraces and showering them in congrattions. Both Sabrinas and Roberts mothers were especially happy. Ryven just seemed relieved that his daughter had finally marriedas was Derek. Now, he wouldnt have to worry about any stray bulletsing his way from Sabrina.


    Soon, everyone other than Sabrina and Robert left the dais. Then Robert announced, Let the celebration begin! The nobles in the room cheered, then, it was controlled chaos as they darted around the room chatting up other nobles and grabbing tes of food to sample. Derek watched it all from the corner of the room.


    Suddenly, one man went up to the newlyweds and produced an item, which he then gave to Robert. The man then took Sabrinas hand and, with a lowered head, kissed it, before speaking again to Robert and shaking his hand. After that, the man turned and went back to the celebration.


    Were we supposed to bring gifts? Derek turned and asked Marrick.


    Isnt it natural? the old man replied. It is a wedding, after all.


    Derek quickly shuffled through his inventory and thought about the two peopleabout what they may like. <em>They said that Robert is kind of like Edgar, so something that could help increase his strength without power leveling him would be best. If he</em><em>s like Edgar, then he would rather have something to increase his stats without increasing his level or something. </em>


    <em>I do still have some Void Beast meals on me, and kind of an unlimited supply of ingredients. And what about Sabrina? It can</em><em>t be anything too good. I wouldnt want her to get the wrong idea maybe Void Beast meals for the both of them? </em>Derek thought. <em>And speaking of Void Beast meals, now that I have the time, I should eat a couple and see how they react with my evolution and current statsespecially now that I no longer have question marks by the maxed out stats. We can even see what would happen if Silvi ate one, too. Would my stats follow hers if they increased?</em>


    Wondering about all that, Derek nodded his head silently. He knew what he would give the couple. <em>Though, with the amount of people going up there right now</em><em> I think it will be better to wait until things calm down. </em>He wasnt exactly someone who enjoyed standing in line. Derek kept watching as noble after noble walked up to the dais and gave the king and queen gifts. He watched Diana, Finn, and Garrett all follow along with the other nobles.


    Finally, after watching the show for so long, he saw something. Another noble was lined up behind others, walking toward the dais, just like all others had before, but Derek couldnt help but notice the mans hand. It was shaking slightly, and he kept balling it into and out of a fist. It was then that he recognized the man as the current patriarch of House Ileal and brother of the former Queen of Indria. <em>If I recall correctly, his name was Simeon Ileal. </em>Derek squinted his eyes in concentration and gave the old man beside him a light elbow to the shoulder.


    I see, Marrick said. Saw it before you. Been watching him all day. If anyone was going to do anything, it was going to be House Ileal. Maybe Ill be able to make good on some of my promise to Traven, after all.


    Simeon stepped forward, behind another noble. He slowly moved up, one by one. He may just be angry, Derek said. And hes doing that to hold it in. Theres a chance that hes decided to do whats best for his noble house instead of trying to get petty revenge.


    We can hope, Marrick said. But Im not about to bet on it.


    Yeah me neither, Derek agreed with the old man as he continued to watch. I imagine he knows that anything he does now is suicide, but that didnt stop his sister.


    Mhm Marrick muttered. Humans are emotional creatures.


    And elves arent? Derek scoffed.


    Did not Young Osian stand down when he knew he had been defeated? Did he not surrender the kingdom over to your people in order to prevent the death of more of his own? And was not his own son killed by yourpanion? Marrick said. His partnership with Astrus may have been dumb, but his actions afterward were not.


    Well I guess you have a point, Derek acquiesced. But that could also be because Osian is just like that. It doesnt mean that all elves are like that. A big counterpoint would be Sabrinashe hasnt been very rational in her judgment.


    Sabrina is still a child, Marrick replied. Honestly, I believe she was still too young and immature to marry, as does her own father. But it was her decision, and it was what would work best with the natural longevity differences between elves and humans.


    I guess Derek said. He also thought back to when he first met EdwinEdward had been quite emotional with Dereks responses to his father. Derek sighed and continued his observation. It looks like were about to find out.


    Finally on his turn, Simeon stepped in front of the daisin front of Sabrina and Robert. Derek saw him flick his left wrist, and an item appearedjust as had happened with so many before him. What hadnt happened before, however, was any of the other nobles right hands slowly turning a shade of green at the fingertips.


    As Simeon presented his gift with his left hand, causing Sabrina to reach out to receive it, his right hand started to spring forward. In that instant, Derek used Void Shift. In the slowed moments from Void Shift, Derek moved and was already centering himself down in front of Sabrinain between her and Simeon. With his feet back on the ground, Derek canceled his ability.


    As soon as Void Shift ended, three putrid green fingers plunged into his chest as Sabrina let out a screech as an invisible barrier erected by either Ryven or Osian pushed her and Robert backwards. Derek looked down at the hand prating through his skin and flesh, and at his shirt being corroded away from whatever acidic toxin the man was using, then back upinto the eyes of Simeon Ileal.


    Now, why did you have to go and do something like that? Derek asked. That just wasnt very smart.

 Chapter 398: Estimated

    Chapter 398: Estimated


    Derek gazed down at his shirt rapidly disappearing from the corrosive toxin, then, with a sigh, he reached down and ripped the shirt off. <em>Another one down</em><em> Brandis going to be mad at me over this one. </em>After that, Derek reached out and grabbed Simeon by the forearm so the man wouldnt be able to escape. Though, judging by the mans actions, it didnt look like he would even try.


    With a quick thought and a flick of his wrist, Derek reced his current pants with the armor Tyron had made for him. Since he currently had fingers prating the outeryer of his chest, he only summoned the pants. Derek nced up and looked at the pandemonium in the Great Hall. Some nobles were running and screaming, while others fought.


    Two sections of the massive room were currently filled with a green mist from two men who had exploded themselves with a poison skill. There were three others who tried to do the same, but they had been a split secondte on activating their skills, and had been ground into nothingness by Marricks fine sand. The old man still stood off in the corner as if nothing concerned him, but Derek didnt miss the sand moving through the air, creating a makeshift whirlwind to slow the spread of the poison and maybe even try to contain it.


    Ryven was currently moving Sabrina and Robert away from the action, toward himself and Osian with his invisible barriers, and Osian was watching everything carefully. Derek couldnt tell if the King of Indria was currently doing anything, as, if he was, he was doing so with invisible barriers like his brother.


    Not very smart? Simeon Ileal spoke. Says the one with my toxin spreading though his entire body. I know what Im doingsmart or not. What you didthrowing your life away for an impostor king and queenwas not very smart.


    What are you talking about? Derek asked in confusion. Who said I was throwing my life away? Im the one holding onto you. You think some puny little toxin is enough to do shit to me? Man I could tell you a story about a fish and you wouldnt even believe it. He did have to admit, though, the whale that hed fought before had a toxin that was much less potent than what the patriarch of the poison house was emitting. Derek had already activated Greater Meditation to work on offsetting the amount of health he was currently losing.


    With a flick of his free wrist, a potion appeared in Dereks hand, and he quickly gulped it down. Looking at the scene, Simeon scoffed, Big talk for someone who already had to drink a potion.


    It <em>was</em> big talk for someone who had to drink a potion. But Derek wasnt going to let this chance to train his skills pass him by. Somebody with the skill of the man before him would surely be a great opponent to level Greater Meditation and maybe even a couple of other skills. So, he had taken the skill potion the first chance hed gotten.


    So is this it? Derek taunted. He reached down and cast both Cure Toxin and Rejuvenation. The two skills and Greater Meditation were able to fight back visibly against the toxins that the man was emitting. If thats all, Im going to be disappointed.


    You! The man half-shouted and dug his fingers deeper into Dereks chest, finally hitting his sternum and stopping.


    Derek saw confusion written on Simeons face as his attackpletely lost all momentum when he hit bone. Even the toxin only stayed in his flesh and refused to spread into his sternum. It was one of the perks of having such high endurance, along with an evolution that Derek was still trying to understand.


    So that was it, Derek sighed.


    With his jaw clenched, Simeon tensed and Derek watches as the putrid green on his fingers began to spread up his arms. Once it reached his shoulders, it kept going. Soon, the man would be nothing but a walking, putrid ghoul.


    Getting the sense that this transformation wasnt unlike that which the former King of Astrus had done with his ice, Derek reached to the side quickly and opened up his Void Storage before tossing in all of his storage items and closing it. There was a good chance that something like this would be enough to destroy those items, and Derek didnt want to risk such a thing happening.


    Next, Derek turned his head and shouted, Osian! Cage! Both of us!


    But the king hesitated.


    Just do it!


    Derek didnt feel anything, but he did see a rising green mist begin to leave Simeons body. As it moved through his clothing, itpletely destroyed it. Soon, though, it hit the invisible barrier and stopped. By that time, Simeons entire body from head to toe had turnedpletely green, and had even changed its consistency.


    With his hand still wrapped around the poison mans forearm, Derek was able to feel just how much the man had changed. It was like he had lost all bones. Derek was still able to keep a tight hold, and he wasnt slipping, but, at the same time, his hand was able to be almostpletely balled into a fistthats just how fluid the mans body had be.


    <em>First nah, then Tevarian, and now this guy. Do all sses have some kind of transformation skill, or is it only a select few? </em>Derek thought about everything hed seen, then realized that technically, Edgar had also been able to transform into pure lightning at some points. <em>Though, he looked like it was a repeatable skill that he was able to use over and over instead of a single, consistent transformation.</em>


    Youre even more foolish than I thought, Simeon said in a garble voiceit was like he was speaking with a mouth full of water. First you save those two, and now you lock yourself in a cage with me. Ive heard stories of your aplishments, but you truly overestimate yourselfnot living up to expectations.


    Uh well you actually got something wrong, Derek said. I think I estimate myself just fine. And as for being locked in a cage with you, thats not right. No, youre locked in a cage with me.


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    With that, Derek swung his free hand out and stopped it just at the mans face. Then, he activated Absolute Nullify. With therge wall created by Absolute Nullify behind the man, Derek grabbed him by his throat and pushed him against it. Hed toyed with the idea of opening a portal with Void Travel and just tossing the guy in, but he would have missed out on a lot of skill experience by doing that. <em>Plus, I dont know if Id even get experience if he died inside. I didnt with those chickens.</em>


    Thats much better, Derek said, as he took in a deep breath. The wall from his skill hadnt done any harm to the man, but what it had done was absorb any and all of the poison mist radiating out from his body. Id rather not breath any of that shit in, you know?


    Ugh! Simeon grunted and summoned a ball of sludge with his free hand. He tried to push it forward, into Dereks stomach, but as soon as it formed, it was pulled into Absolute Nullify. Finding that his skill didnt work, he pulled his hand back and jabbed it into Derek just as he had with his other one.


    So, youre kind of a one-trick pony? Arent you? Derek said. You dont need to answer that. It was rhetorical. Derek released Simeons arm with his left hand, then channeled the void into it before crashing his balled fist into the mans chestwhere his heart should be. <em>If it</em><em>s the same as Tevarian, he wont be affected by this. </em>


    Derek didnt like the fact that it seemed that his void affinity seemed to have a weakness to fully transformed people, but he was happy he found out early enough so he would be able to work on remedying said weakness.


    After a dyed reaction from Dereks attack, Simeon let out a heavy cough, and his hand slipped out of Dereks chest in an attempt to reach for his own. Derek was seething with anger as he wiped the toxic goop from his face. Some of that got in my mouth! He spat on the ground to try to get the burning sensation to go away. He spat a few more times, then cast his Cure Toxin and Rejuvenation on his tongue and mouth to make it go away.


    Derek was surprised. He had expected his attack topletely fall t since the man hadpletely transformed, but it didnt seem that was the case. <em>I guess some affinities counter better than others? Thats good to know.</em>


    However, Derek knew that Simeon didnt seem to have all that much endurance and vitality, yet a full channeled void covered fist to his heart hadnt immediately sent him to the ground in a Dying State. Instead, it had only knocked the breath out of the man and caused him to go into a coughing fit.


    <em>I wonder how much damage that really did. </em>Derek, though, had taken the quick break to grab the mans other arm and rip his hand out of his stomach. There werent any bones protecting that area, and his hand had been getting deeper and deeper. With that stopped, he was able to watch his rapidly depleting health refill even faster than it was depleting.


    Before his very eyes, the gruesome scene of the toxin eating away at all the flesh on his torso was just as gruesome as it knitted itself back together in its recovery attempt. Derek had long since gotten used to even the most extreme pain, but the feeling of his flesh healing still gave him the creeps.


    Soon enough, Simeon let go of his own chest and eyed Derek once again. He looked down at his recovering torso and his mouth opened wide. After a moment, he closed his mouth and spoke. It matters not, he said. I dont need to defeat you. Keeping you busy while my people kill the traitors is enough. And from your attack, it may have stunned me for a moment, but it did nothing much of my health. Youll be here until I run out of mana.


    Dude Derek said. I could just teleport out of this cage and leave you in here. Then Osian could squish you, or whatever it is he does. That potion I drank before was a potion that increases the speed that my skills grow, not a health potion or anything. Do you honestly think I would be messing around in here if the outside wasnt under control? He was speaking the truth. Youre just a training dummy.


    Hed already seen the quick reactions of everyone, and while the poison explosions had hit a few nobles, they were all high-level nobles, and the poison didnt look anywhere near as potent as what Simeon was using.


    You think this is the only ce we attacked? Simeon said with an evil grin. The rest of the nobles families were in a separate celebration. With all the strong gathered in here, who is left to protect the weak?


    Uh she is? With his free hand, he pointed to the side where a transformed nah had appeared minutes ago. At her feet, there was a pile of bodiessome headless, some with gaping holes in their chests, all dead. Derek had wondered where she and Avery had gone off to, but shed been thinking two steps ahead.


    That the Siren? Simeons garbled voice came out.


    Yes, Derek said. The Siren. Derek still had a hard time wrapping his head around the actions of the man and his aplices. Why would you do this? You knew it was suicide. Surely it wasnt because of just the loss of your sister. Tevara and Tyler lost their entire family, yet they were still reasonable in this situation. Youre the patriarch of a noble house. Why lead your house to death like this?


    We will not serve under usurpers along with all these other traitors! the man spat.


    Oh, Derek said. So, along with the others that helped you, you did some shady stuff and know that your families arent going to survive the uing investigations. Why not try to run or even cross the sea? Thats what we all thought you were going to do.


    Oaths the man finally spat out after some time. We are bound to the eldest of the Sinir line. We cannot leave the kingdom with the oaths.


    So youre saying that because the siblings turned out to be decent people, you couldnt escape? Derek said with wide eyes. Now thats karma if Ive ever heard of it. Heughed as he watched Simeon grow more and more angry.


    You son of a bitch! the man exploded, then he stepped forward as best as he could. His head and neck stayed pushed against Dereks Absolute Nullify wall, but his body still moved forward a little as his neck stretched. The man wrapped his arms around Derek and squeezed. Lets see you survive this.


    Dereks eyes widened as the mans body began to swell. There was no telling how much damage Simeon would do at such a distance, and he didnt want to find out. You know, Derek said quickly. With your head still like that, its really hard to miss. Derek raised his hand, and as fast as he could, activated Spatial Copse.


    He couldnt see it, but he knew that the small box created by the skill had appeared and was inside the mans head. Simeons swelling had gone all the way from his feet to his waist when he felt it happen. Instantly, the swelling stopped, and the man began to revert back to his original form.


    Derek let go of his throat and canceled Absolute Nullify, causing the body to fall to the ground with a thud. Simeons eyes were empty and blood flowed from his ears. If that wasnt enough to confirm it, then the notification hed received was.


    You have killed level 250 Human Toxin Mage


    425,600,500,000 Experience Gained


    Derek dismissed the kill notification and then looked out at the crowd. It was mostly silence at this point. The only noise was the light ng of dishes as Silvi sat eating at a table as far away from the flowing poison and sand that was still permeating the air. The rest of the dishes had disappeared from the tables, as while everyone else was fighting, Silvi took her job as the head chef for the celebration seriously and shifted from dish to dish, storing them all so they wouldnt be contaminated during the fighting.


    What are you all waiting for? Derek asked the room. The sparring demonstrations are done for the evening. Lets get this all cleaned up and continue with the celebration. Dont think youre getting out of giving gifts just because of a little spat.

 Chapter 399: Its Good, Right?

    Chapter 399: It''s Good, Right?


    The next several minutes in the Great Hall were chaotic as servants rushed in and out as they cleaned the areaeven some of the nobles pitched in with the asional Cleaning spell here and there. While Marricks way of killing those who attacked left no trace of even blood, many of the other fighters werent so clean.


    One example was Ryven, who had not taken his daughter being attacked kindly, and went on his own spree. Marricks sand seemed to grind all matter away with how he used it, but when someone was squashed between barriers, it left quite the mess.


    The other obvious hindrance to resuming the celebration was the poison that still lingered in the air. That was promptly taken care of by abination of Derek and Osians efforts. Derek recast Absolute Nullify, and Osian was able to direct all the remaining poison into the skill, wiping it away. After that, Marrick chose to do a quick sweep of the area with his sand and sweep up whatever little poison was left into Dereks skill.


    Finally, after all of that, Silvi was able to begin redistributing her dishes throughout the Great Hall. Smugly, and proudly, she did so by cing everything down how she had originallybefore the servants had stored it all so it would stay fresh.


    With that, the celebration slowly resumed with an air of hesitation. Everyone was tense, and it seemed like nobody wanted to bring up the matter. There were some nobles who were still visibly shocked at what had happenedthey had been close with some of the attackers, and couldnt believe that it was their close friends who were part of the conspirators. Derek could understand their feelings.


    It wasnt something hed ever experienced himselfas ever since the system appeared, hed kept all his acquaintances at arms length until he arrived in Cydariabut he could imagine what it would feel like if someone like nah or Edgar turned out to be people who were totally different than they represented themselves to him. Seeing that everyone was still so on edge, Derek finally decided to take the first step in making it a proper celebration again.


    That first step was to present his own gifts to the newlywed couple, who had hesitantly taken their ce back on the dais. Just in case the attacks werent over, or something else entirely happened, Osian and Ryven had both decided to stay close by, standing on the dais with the couple and staying behind them. Derek walked forward until he was standing directly in front of the couple.


    At that point, he opened his Void Storage and brought out his storage devices that hed put inside to make sure they stayed safe from the corrosive toxins Simeon had been using. With them properly equipped, he flicked his wrist and two of the better Void Beast meals appeared in his hands.


    King Robert, Queen Sabrina, I hope you enjoy my gifts to you, he said as he made to hand each one a meal.


    This? Robert asked, unsure what it was he was being given.


    Ah, pardon me, Derek replied in his best noble response. These are Void Beast meals crafted by some of the finest Void Beasts to appear in Cydaria. Their quality has been personally verified by Natalie Savannah herself.


    With those words, Roberts eyes lit up, and he snatched the meal from Dereks hand so fast that one would think he was worried about Derek deciding against the gift. Derek could see the training addict that he was said to be showing. Next, his eyes nced over at Sabrina, who had yet to take her gift. The new queen was staring deeply at Derek with her face bright red.


    Derek tilted his head as he observed her, then realized that she was not looking at his face, but his chest. He looked down and realized that he was still shirtless. Whoops, he muttered, and with a flick of his wrist, another ck t-shirt that Brandi had made him appeared on his body. With the appearance of the shirt, Sabrina was broken out of her trance.


    Her eyes widened and her face turned even more crimson as she panicked. It seemed she was lost for words, so with a chuckle, Derek pushed the Void Beast meal into her arms. Finally, he gave Robert another quick nce, hoping that he wasnt angry or jealous because of how Sabrina had been staring at him, but it seemed he had nothing to worry about. The new king was staring at the meal in his hand with the same intensity that Sabrina had been staring at the half-naked Derek.


    Derek chuckled again, then with a half bow, he retreated to another corner of the roomone where Tyler and his sister, Tevara, were standing. The former princes eyes sparkled as he approached.


    That. Was. Amazing! the young man half squealed. You you just tanked everything he had. Everything that Simeon Ileal, the patriarch of House Ileal, and one of the strongest nobles in the kingdom had. How did you do it? What is your vitality like? Is this why those traps uh nevermind. The young man caught himself before he mentioned the traps in the treasure room. His sister, on the other hand, gave him a side-eye and rolled her eyes. Do you have some kind of anti-poison skills?


    Woah, woah, woah, Derek motioned to slow with his hands. Calm down.


    S-sorry, the young man apologized. Its just that it was so so wow.


    Well, you got to see me fight, Derek said. Does that count as my side of the agreement? he asked. For Tylers help earlier, hed agreed to find a spar with someone strong, like nah or Marrick. However, Simeon came along, and ording to Tyler, the man was strong.


    Y-yes! Tyler nodded furiously. That was great!


    Good! Derek smiled and pat the young man on his shoulder before turning his attention to Tevara. You make sure to take care of those two, would you? he asked. I think theyre going to need a lot of help in the uing years, and you have a pretty good head on your shoulders.


    Of course, the youngdy bowed. I will do my very best to see that King Robert and Queen Sabrina be proper rulers worthy of respect and honor.


    Great, Derek said. Then Ill leave the two of you to it.


    The rest of the celebration went off without a hitch. After Derek gave the new king and queen their gifts, the remaining nobles followed suit. After receiving the Void Beast meal from Derek, Robert became rather antsy and rushed the nobles along as fast as he could. It seemed that he couldnt wait to take his leave and consume the meal for himself.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Silvis food was a big hit at the party, too. Shed continuously worked on her recipes and cooking, and it was really beginning to show. Shede a long way since she roasted the not-skittle vored boar over an open me when she first learned about cooking food.


    On top of that, Derek soon found that Silvi had another surprise in store for him when she appeared back on his shoulder toward the end of the celebration.


    <em>Here,</em><em> </em>she sent to him via their link. <em>Eat this.</em><em> </em>A small te with a small piece of cake on it appeared in front of him and floated his way.


    The cake looked like a typical vani cake with white frosting and what looked like green sprinkles. Derek looked out over the tables and saw that it was the same as the cake that had been ced at the table closest to the newlywedswith the celebrationing to a close, and the main courses having been consumed for the most part, it was almost time for them to serve it. Derek was actually a little touched that Silvi had gone out of her way to give him the first piece.


    <em>Thank you,</em><em> </em>he sent back to hispanion as he reached out and grabbed the floating te. With a fork in his hand, he cut into it and brought a small piece to his nosegiving it a sniff. It smelled delicious. Finally, he opened his mount and ced it on his tongue.


    As soon as he closed his mouth, a flurry of sweet vors with a floral undertone assaulted hit taste buds. Itd already been such a long time since hed had a real cakeon top of that, it was the best tasting cake hed ever had. <em>Just what I would expect from the chef bunny, </em>he thought with a smile as he closed his eyes and basked in the vors. However, a few seconds into his revelry, he was hit with something else.


    Just like what had happened when increased his wisdom past the thresholds, or when he tested Romans neon blue potion that he dubbed a Potion of Assassination, he got an intense feeling that something inside his head was bursting. It caused him an intense pain that hed not felt since leveling his endurance up. This time, however, it seemed like the blood vessels in his brain werent actually exploding, and it was something else.


    Each time he felt the explosion, his mind cleared, and he lost around five percent of his health. Just in case, he activated Greater Meditation, and it began filling his health back up, but not quite as fast as whatever was happening depleted it. Another crazy thing was that hed leveled his Greater Meditation up in the fight against Simeon, yet after only a few minutes of using it, it level again to 14. He wasnt sure how much of its new level came from whatever Silvi had given him or how much was left over from the fight, but it was a nice surprise.


    <em>Ugh</em><em> </em>Derek inwardly groaned. <em>I wish she would have told me what I was eating before I ate it. </em>He wasnt in any danger because of the cake, but he would have rather eaten her gift while not in the middle of a party. At least he was able to think straight again.


    Finally, after a few more minutes, the cake wore off. When he opened his eyes, he noticed nah staring at him from across the room with furrowed brows. When he saw her, he half grinned and shrugged. He also saw Silvi floating directly in front of his face only a few inches away, staring deeply into his eyes.


    <em>Well?</em><em> </em>hispanion asked excitedly. <em>Its good, right? Soooooo much help with skills. </em>


    <em>Wait, have you tried it? </em>Derek asked.


    <em>Of course!</em><em> </em>Silvi said. <em>Looked too good not to. Hurt a little, but worth it.</em><em></em>


    Derek ended up being touched. He hadnt actually been the guinea pig for Silvished tested it herself before she gave it to him, so she knew he wouldnt have any problems handling it. <em>Still, it would have been nice to be prepared for it, </em>he thought, then looked at the te that was still in his hand and put it away in his storage bracelet. <em>I</em><em>ll save the rest forter. </em>


    <em>Yes,</em><em> </em>he replied. <em>It</em><em> was good. How did you make it? </em>


    <em>The spice that pointy ears gave me. Had to try it. </em>


    <em>Ah</em><em> </em>he said. <em>I see. How much did you use?</em><em> </em>He couldnt help but wonder, as she hadnt gotten a lot.


    <em>Barely any. Pointy ears was right. It</em><em>s going tost a long time. A dash is wayyy too much. I only used a couple of kes, is all.</em>


    <em>Great. It</em><em>s really good, </em>he sent to her again. After that, he looked up and noticed that within the minutes hed been dealing with the cake, everyone else had already gotten them a piece too. In fact, it looked like Sabrina was about to take her first bite. <em>Uh</em><em> Silvi. You didnt serve everyone that cake, right? The one theyre about to eat isnt special, is it? </em>It would be awful if theyd just stopped Simeon and his people from killing anybody just for hispanion to identallymit mass manughter to everyone other than Osian, nah, and maybe Edgar and Avery.


    With that thought, he was preparing himself to Void Shift away and knock the cake out of the new queens hand, but Silvis next words calmed him down.


    <em>I wouldn</em><em>t waste the Sylvan Leaf Powder on those idiots, </em>she replied. Pointy eared restaurant owner <em>could have a bite if she asked nicely, though.</em><em> </em>


    <em>How nice, </em>Derek teased.


    <em>Indeed.</em><em> </em>


    With that imaginary crisis avoided, Derek and Silvi rejoined the celebration with everyone else. Well, Derek talked to a few of the people he knew, but everyone else seemed too scared or hesitant to even try to introduce themselves, which was fine by him, so he mostly just stayed in the corner asionally chatting with nah, Marrick, or Avery.


    Derek counted the time until he could go home, and, after hours of waiting, Robert and Sabrina thanked everyone foring to their official wedding and crowning, and apologized for the unnned event that took ce before they sent everyone on their way. Finally, only the core peoplethose who fought in the battle outside the city, the newly crowned couple, and the former royal siblingsremained in the Great Hall.


    I would say that turned out better than imagined, Marrick said while Silvi put away any leftovers and dishes.


    I would have rather my daughter not been in danger, Ryven said.


    Bah, Marrick chided the man. She was never in any danger. You saw what happened. If Osian wouldnt have acted, Derek still would have been there. And if neither of them acted, I would have. They were fine.


    Indeed, they were, Osian agreed with the old man. I had wondered why they remained in the kingdom instead of trying their luck at crossing the sea. I thought that with Simeons power, he and his family would have had a good chance of crossing. To think they were oath-bound to you two siblings. Did you know of this? He shifted his gaze to Tevara and Tyler.


    N-no, sir, Tevara answered. We had no clue. Our parents never told us anything.


    How very ironic, Osian said. Sparing your lives forced them to stay and meet their demise. Traveling as oath breakers would be very difficult, even for someone as strong as Simeon and those following him. I shudder to think what our investigations will turn up regarding those noble houses.


    Its not going to be anything good, Derek said.


    No, it is not, Osian agreed.


    Anyway, Derek started. Do you all need me for anything else? Or is everything pretty much settled? What do you think?


    I think you have yed your part well, Osian said.


    Agreed, Edward said. With your performance here, in front of the remaining nobility, I think you, along with Ms. Swan and Mr. Marrick, have be quite the deterrents. I imagine everything there will be no more major problems cropping up.


    Great! Derek said. In that case, Im going to get out of here. Do your best not to need me anymore.


    Without another word, Derek turned and opened a portal from his Void Travel skill. After wrapping his storage devices in the void, he stepped inside. <em>I finally have the time to check on everyone. </em>With nothing other than a couple of promises he made to nah and Avery to make good on, Derek had time again. He closed the portal behind him and found his favorite location with his Void Sense: The Void Emporium.

 Chapter 400: Tick Tock

    Chapter 400: Tick Tock


    Kelvin sighed as he looked across the room at the returning teama team led by Jace, a human who showed him absolutely no respect. Once the rest of the team was through the teleporter, the leader came through. Jace stood with an indifferent, almost bored, look on his face. The man kept his head shaved for some reason, and wore nothing but a mid-tier set of leather armorit was almost like he enjoyed being injured.


    The armor had deep cuts that went all the way through in it. There was no way that whatever had caused the damage didnt also cut deep into the man. And the mans weapons of choicepletely baffled Kelvin. He wielded two short, slightly curved des that were actually wider on the end than the base. Not only was the fact that he used the weird weaponswhen a pair of nice swords or even sabers would be more efficientodd, but the fact that he kept them on his back at all times instead of in his storage bracelet was confusing. It was faster, after all, to draw a weapon from a storage device than to reach for it with it strapped to ones back.


    Kelvin shook his head at the weapon and continued examining the man. The tan that the young man had previously had already disappearedwhether that was because he hadnt spent enough time in the sun, or his stats had grown enough for the sun to no longer affect his skin, Kelvin couldnt say. He almost hoped that the young man hadnt grown that fast, but by the looks of him and his team, he doubted that was the case. Kelvin couldnt help but grumble at the thought of the man being one of his lieutenants.


    Lieutenant Jace, Kelvin spoke between clenched teeth. Report.


    Jace yawned and his eyes flickered over to one of his team membersarge human wearing a thick set of steel armor. He was the cksmith that Jace had chosen first out of his team members. Getting Jaces nod, the man stepped forward.


    Sir! The smith saluted. I am pleased to report that the mission was sessful.


    You are? Kelvin asked.


    Rodrick, sir, the smith answered.


    Fine. Kelvins eyes went from Jace, then back to the smith, and he sighed. Give me your report.


    Yes, sir! The man saluted again. The King Beasts of A-92 have all been in, and the remaining beasts currently pose no threat to soldiers who are stationed there. Operations have resumed, and the is ready for further development.


    Kelvin nodded slowly. Even with his dislike of the man, he had to give Jace credit. The elite team that he formed worked extremely quickly. His unit had be somewhat of a strike team that would go in and clear out any high-level beasts that were hinderingary development. This was the third mission that theydpleted in the short time since hed formed the team.


    Kelvin couldnt figure out how or why, but all of Jaces team members seemed to have the utmost respect for theirmander. Still, Jace seemed to have quite the problem with authority, and Kelvin needed to work that out of the man. He thought that the missions hed been sending him and his team on would be enough to humble the man, but he just came back even fiercer and stronger each time. In fact, Kelvin would say that it actually had the opposite effect on the bald man.


    Very good, Kelvin replied to the smith. In that case, you are all dismissed for the time being. Rest well and prepare. You will be receiving another mission soon.


    With the dismissal, all the members of Jaces team turned to look at him instead of Kelvin, which struck a nerve. Jace gave them a nod of approval, then his team left. As Jace took a step forward to follow, Kelvin held out his hand to stop the man.


    Jaces team continued on, and when they were out of the room, Kelvin said, I still need a word with you, Jace.


    Jace looked down at Kelvins hand, then back up into his eyes. What?


    You need to fix your attitude. It seems that its rubbing off on your team members, and thest thing we need is a team full of you. Fix it, or Ill fix it for you. Your aplishments from the tutorial wont protect you forever. Kelvin couldnt help himself, and finally told the man what was what.


    For a moment, Jaces eyes shed red, and an unrestrained aura of battle-lust leaked out and almost caused Kelvin to take a step backwards. Instead, he clenched his fists and stared the young man downneither flinching. The aura disappeared almost as soon as it appeared and Jace snorted.


    The young man stepped forward, beside Kelvin. Then, he ced his hand on Kelvins shoulder and in a whisper said, Dont take too long, Kelvin. Im not a patient man. Jace licked his lips and smiled, then removed his hand and took another step forward. As he left the room, Kelvin heard him speak again just before he disappeared. Tick Tock.


    Kelvin was left standing in the teleporter room alone and so angry that he was shaking. At least that was what he told himself. Surely, he wasnt scared of the new recruit that was rapidly increasing his strength. What kind ofmander would he be if that were the case?


    Stolen story; please report.


    With a sigh, Kelvin released his anger and unclenched his fists. It wasnt the time to waste his efforts on the young, unruly man. Jace would learn his lesson soon enough. He and the others on the council had a meeting with Darvin soon, and it seemed that it was importantof course it was important. That man almost never called for a full council meeting. Perhaps hed found out what was going on with the system.


    In any case, Kelvin turned around and left the room. It was almost time for the meeting and he didnt want to bete.


    ***


    Darvin was floating back and forthimpatiently waiting for everyone to arrive so he could share what he had learned over thest year. At first, he couldnt find anything to exin why the system was acting so weird, but as his search continued, he began to piece some things together.


    However, there still werent any records matching what the system was currently doingat least none that hed gone over, and hed gone over countless ones. But, he realized that just because the system had never acted this exact way, didnt mean that it wouldnt have if certain conditions were met. Now, he was anxious to let the council know his theory and get their opinions on the matter, because, if his theory was correct, they would need to do some preparing, and fast.


    Soon enough, everyone that hed called in for the meeting had arrived and were in their seats. It was only the second time in his long stay as the System Watcher that hed called a mandatory meeting for all council members to attendand it was over the same topic. This time, even Jakis, the six armed humanoid council member representing the Danari species, and Cuthos, a shark-like being representing the Zaahzu species, showed up. It would have been odd if they hadnt, considering the punishments they received after missing thest mandatory meeting.


    With everyone in their rightful seat, Darvin pulled up the hologram and expanded it for all to see. As you saw before, and as you see now, the system has continued to expand rapidly in a singr direction ever since the one known as Derek Hunt disappeared into the void. However, if you look here, the Mxi zoomed in closer to the outermost limits of the system and pointed. You will see that the system expansion moved in a strange manner before expanding its area, and has even somewhat slowed recently.


    What do you believe this to mean? Amelia, the nine feet tall, crimson-skinned Ascari, leaned forward to get a better look at the hologram and asked.


    Thats the thing, Darvin said. Ive gone through records left by hundreds of my predecessors over the years, yet I cannot find mention of this anomaly anywhere.


    So you dont know any more today than you knew at ourst meeting? Kelvin asked. Why are we even here? I have a pain in my ass that Im trying to figure out how to deal withone that you wont lift a finger to help me with, by the wayand you summon us to waste our time?


    Silence! Darvin half shouted at Kelvin. The human leader had gotten on hisst nerve because of the young man from Earth. I said I didnt find mention of <em>this </em>specific anomaly. I did not say that I didnt find other things.


    So, what else did you find? Ho, the other Mxi, and the one representing their species, asked.


    Before, Amelia had said that it seemed that the system was hunting, yes? Darvin asked, and they all nodded. I have found records of simr situations, but none where the system grew only in one direction. However, I found two reports where the system found Darvin paused for dramatic effect. Another system.


    What? Almost everyone asked all at once. Some even jumped to their feet.


    Thats right, Darvin said, his hands shaking. From what Ive gathered, there are other systems out there in the universe. I dont know how they are connected, or if they are connected at all, but they are out there. Thest mention of it was from a record kept by a System Watcher over 35,000 years ago.


    What did it say? Ho asked with bright, glowing eyes.


    Nothing much, Darvin sighed. It said that our system bumped into another while expanding and issued emergency orders to attack the other system.


    So they werent friendly? the insectoid Xephos asked.


    No, it seems like they werent, Darvin answered.


    What happen after the attack?


    Thats just it, Darvin said. Thats where the record ends. There is nothing about winning or losingin fact, after that, it seems like a new System Watcher was chosen.


    So, youre saying Kelvin asked. The human leader had regained his interest in the topic and didnt seem to be worrying about that young Earthling anymore.


    Something happened to him, Darvin replied. He could have died, been stripped of his ss, or a dozen other things. It happened so long ago, and no other records mentioned him. Either the next System Watcher in line wasnt able to record it, or they didnt even know about it. Our records go back millions of years, so, without a goal in mind, its not easy to find urrences like this.


    But you said that you found multiple records, Amelia pointed out.


    And that is true, Darvin answered. Yet, each record of another system ends suddenly with no other records about it. Its truly strange.


    It truly is, Ho echoed. So, you believe that we have another system in our midst?


    I do, Darvin replied. Its the only exnation I have been able to find.


    And what is your reasoning for the even more erratic behavior disyed by the system recently? Amelia asked.


    I think it has something to do with Derek Hunt. I believe he somehow ended up in proximity to another system, and our system was able to sense it and chase after it. The erratic behavior were seeing, I believe, has something to do with Mr. Hunt disappearing from our systems detection for a time.


    So you think that our system was moving toward him instead of the other systemthat he is like a beacon to the other system, and that when he disappeared, the system had to correct itself? Ho asked. Do you believe our system is still using him, or has it changed?


    I think that the reason it has slowed is that its no longer locked onto Derek Hunt, and that it is instead carefully moving forward now that there is no beacon. Perhaps he died, I do not know. It could also be that our system is drawing close to the other. Both reasons would exin the movementespecially the expansion of the search area.


    So, Kelvin leaned forward and licked his lips in an odd mannerDarvin had never seen him do that before. What youre saying is


    I think we should prepare our best for battle.

 Chapter 401: Back

    Chapter 401: Back


    Taking everything that Malorie had told him before into ount, Derek focused as best he could and opened his portal inside Rudys office instead of the middle of the main floor of their shop. If nothing else, the surprised look on the contract makers face more than made up for the extra focus it took for him to get the precise location down. Derek stepped out of the portal with a smile before turning around and closing it. <em>I need a boombox or something that I can y entrance music on, </em>he thought. <em>Seeing a portal appear out of nowhere, along with it producing a dreadful aura, has to leave an impression.</em>


    Heya, Rudy. Its just me. Theres no need to go breaking your furniture over it, Derek said.


    Youre already back? Rudy questioned as he pulled himself together, picked up his chairwhich had tipped over from his previous panicand sat down.


    Of course, Derek replied. It was just an uneventful wedding and a small celebration after. Why would I stay longer?


    I see Rudy looked at him with narrowed eyes. We just thought that you would be another few days taking care of things there.


    Nah. Derek waved his hand in dismissal. My work there is done. I was more of a hammer than anything else. Now its just the fine details left. All of that is up to those royal families to work out.


    Thats good, then.


    Oh, Derek said, thinking of something. You need to hurry up and learn how to make Soul Contracts. Theyre pretty cool when used correctlya good middle ground when you dont want to kill someone, but regr contracts and oaths just arent enough.


    What do you think Im working so hard for? Rudy pointed to the piles and piles of papers spread out on his desk. Once I gain that ability, my already popr contract store will skyrocket in fame. There arent many contract makers that are able to create Soul Contracts. Rudy licked his lips as his eyes shone bright. And I think Im close. I just know that my level 200 ss upgrade is going to give me the skill. Surely Ill be able to upgrade my ss to a high enough rarity to get it.


    Well, Derek said. Good luck, then. Dont work too hard. Its best to take breaks. He looked down at all the paperwork and a shiver went up his spine. All that paperwork was one of the main reasons that he chose not to follow in his mothers footsteps and be an attorney. There was just no fun to be had with that careerat least not to Derek, based on what he saw growing up. If you dont get the skill, Ill reach out to some people and see if a Soul Contract skill scroll turns up anywhere.


    Really? Rudys eyes shone.


    I dont see why not, Derek said. Ill have to look at our ounting, but Im sure I have more money than I know what to do with. And if money wont buy it, then weve got tons of items to trade for it. Derek thought back to his treasure hunt in Astruss treasure room. <em>Though they didn</em><em>t have anything like that in their treasury, so those scrolls may be ridiculously rare. </em>


    Well, Rudy began. Thank you in advance, but Im sure Ill be getting the skill. I just know it. Ive done nothing but level up off of contract creation since you gave me this opportunity, and my contract skills are leveling very quickly. Surely Ill be rewarded with even better skills at myst upgrade.


    Thats great! Derek said. I look forward to seeing it.


    Me, too!


    Now, is everyone here? I didnt really pay attention thest few days while resting and recovering, Derek asked.


    Ive been going over these contracts for thest Rudy raised his head and his eyebrows furrowed. Six hours, he said. Butst I checked, everyone was backother than Thomas, who is still at the academy in the capital. Though it iste.


    Ah Derek realized that the wedding and its celebration had taken the majority of the day. It is, isnt it?


    It is, Rudy said. But now that youre back actually back Rudy made clear. I think youre going to be in for a surprise, Rudy said with a sly smile. There have been some changes since you were gone, and you didnte out of your room long enough to see them over thest few days.


    Oh? Dereks eyebrows rose. Changes? Surprises? What kind?


    Youll see soon enough, Rudy said. Mal would have my head if I ruined it now.


    Interesting Derek said as he thought back to before. Other than the two new attendants at his shop, he hadnt noticed anything different. <em>Was it the uniforms? No, I</em><em>ve already seen those I guess Ill just have to wait to see. </em>I guess Ill head up if everyone else is already done for the night. It has been a long day, and an extra night of sleep wont hurt.<em></em>


    This tale has been uwfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Im sure Brandis still swinging away at a piece of metal or something down in the basement if you want to check in with her. She wont mind, Rudy said with a smile.


    She may not, but Mal may, Derekughed. What if shes actually resting and I wake her up? Imagine the wrath of Mal if I interrupted the ten minutes a week that her daughter sleeps. Of course, Derek was exaggerating. <em>Well</em><em> I hope Im exaggerating. That may actually be how it is.</em>


    That girl has a better work ethic than anyone Ive seen in my life, Rudy said, breaking Derek out of his thoughts. She may even be working too hard.


    Well, shes going to make one hell of a crafter, no matter what, Derek said.


    Thats for sure, Rudy replied.


    Well, it was a good chat, Derek said. Im d to see that youre doing well.


    It was a good break, Rudy said. Who knew that my announcement at the auction would make Contracts by Rudy so popr? Contract maker looked down at the contracts, then back up at Derek and gave him a nod. Its good to have you back.


    With onest wave, Derek turned around and left Rudys office. Derek looked around the empty contract shop when he exited and smiled. Rudy had done a very good job. Just like how there were ss cases with weapons and items in the main shop, the contract shop held the same thing, only with papers and scrolls. If Derek had to guess, he would guess that the contracts in the cases were basic contracts that people could just buy and usethings like employment contracts, or building contracts.


    Derek raised part of the counter and moved to the other side of the room. The door to the contract shop from the outside had a deep purplealmost neonsign with the word closed written on it. Derek smiled, then turned to the other doorthe one connecting the two shopsand left.


    As soon as he opened the door to the hallway, Derek was greeted by Bones.


    Sir, Bones said with a straight back. Wee back.


    Thank you, Derek said. Also, dont call me sir.


    That would be improper, sir, Bones said.


    At least when its just the two of us, Derek sighed. I really dont like that propriety stuff.


    Very well. Bones gave in easily, and his demeanor changed. He still stood straight, but he had an air about him. Bones was still an assassin that had yed many roles. Currently, Derek could tell that he was ying the role of butler, instead of just being one. Still, his acting as a butler was better than many people who were actually butlersat least considering the praise that Bronson had given him. So, the monster is back again, Bones said and a light smile found his lips.


    Its not a bad nickname, Derek said. Bones had greeted him with the same phrase that hed used when he was let out of the prison. But, I think I prefer Derek. Just go with that.


    Wee back, Derek, Bones said.


    Thats more like it, Derek replied. So, how are you liking it here?


    It is Bones paused for a moment. Easy.


    Easy? Derek asked.


    There is no danger involved, Bones exined. Coming from a background like the one Oggy and I came from, this is a vacation. A rxing vacation. There is no struggling for bread, or worrying about other assassins wanting our positions. Acting as a butler is easy.


    Youre not acting anymore, Derek said. You are a butler. And if its too easy, you can always take off and do some dungeon diving when you want. Just let Malorie know so she can make arrangements if needed.


    Im not sure about that, Bones said. There is still the Assassins Guild out there. While we are in Savannah, they wont attack, but Im sure that news has already spread, and they are just waiting for us to step outside.


    Ah there was that, wasnt there? Derek said. Well, there are a few things we can do about that. I can go have a chat with the master one day, but it may be awhile before I have the time to do thatits at the bottom of my list. The other thing is, you and Ogre could just get strong enough where they wont bother you. I kind of have ess to three kingdoms worth of dungeons now, so youd probably be fine going to Indaria or IndriaIndaria is the new Astrus, by the way.


    Oh I see, Bones widened his eyes. Im quite sure that monster still fits you better than Derek.


    Maybe Derek shrugged, but continued his suggestions. Thest thing is that you may be worrying over nothing. If rumors of you being alive and here have spread, then surely they include the fact that youre working for me. I very much expect that, over the next few weeks or months, more and more rumors are going to pop up, and theres a good chance that theyll just write you off as a loss so to not offend me.


    That is a possibility, Bones nodded.


    Apparently, killing kings and high noblessome of the strongest in the countrywithout taking any real injuries will do that, Derekughed. Did I mention that me and Silvi fought an entire army? Twice and won?


    The rumor of the first time has begun to spread wide. It is but a rumor though, from what Ive heard from your customers, not a lot of people believe the rumor, but it has increased business, Bones said. But I have not heard of the second.


    It will soon enough, and so will the number of people who believe it, Derek said. Especially now that all the teleporters are connected and there should be easy travel and trade between the three nations. Nothings going to spread a rumor faster than that. And there were quite a few witnesses both times, so


    I see Bones said again.


    Well, Derek said. Are you and Rudy the only ones still up?


    Young Miss Fields is in the basement, as always. She may be awake, but everyone else has retired for the night, Bones answered in his best butler voice. I felt your aura and came down to greet you, as a noble butler should.


    Gotcha, Derek said. In that case, you can retire, too. Ill see everyone in the morning. It will be nice having a real breakfast for a change.


    Bones gave a slight bow, then began his journey up the stairs. Derek chuckled a bit, then looked at the door leading to the basement. With a slight shake of his head, he turned and followed the same route that the butler took to the living quarters. He looked forward to being back actually backas Rudy had put it.

 Chapter 402: What Did You Do?

    Chapter 402: What Did You Do?


    The next morning, Derek sat up on the side of his bed and stretched. <em>That feels good, </em>he thought as he cracked his neck and back. <em>Let</em><em>s see what I ended up with after fighting Simeon yesterday. </em>With that thought, Derek pulled up his current status sheet.


    Status


    Personal Information


    Name:


    Age:


    Level:


    Experience:


    ss:


    Race:


    Derek Hunt


    30


    229


    2,367,826,250,050/2,500,000,000,000


    Void Monarch (Mythical)


    Human (Void)


    Health:


    Mana:


    Stamina:


    37625


    37500


    37625


    Stats


    Strength


    Dexterity


    Endurance


    Vitality


    Intelligence


    Wisdom


    Stat Points Remaining


    1115


    1290


    1505


    1505


    1500


    1500


    71


    Contracts


    nah Swan (Crown Restaurant)


    Silvi (Bonded Beast)


    Ste Brighton (Crown Restaurant)


    No Proxy (Torith Adventurers Guild)


    Rudolph Mckinney


    Natalie Savannah via Malorie Stewart (Void Emporium)


    View Contract


    View Status


    View Contract


    View Contract


    View Contract


    View Contract


    Skills


    Absolute Nullify Lv. 16, Bare Fist Specialty Lv. 2 (View Upgrades), Basic Repair Lv. 1, Chain Lightning Lv. 15, Channel Void Lv. 20, Cleaning Lv. 10, Cure Toxin Lv. 15, Dismantle Lv. 12, Enhanced Movement Speed Lv. 2, Fire Resistance Lv. 1, Greater Meditation Lv. 14, Identify Lv. 18, Magic Resistance Lv. 20, Mental Resistance Lv. 8, Multi-Strike Lv. 17, Physical Resistance Lv. 20, Polearm Specialty Lv. 2 (Voids Harbinger), Powerstride Lv. 1, Rejuvenation Lv. 20, Spatial Copse Lv. 3, Spatial Redirection Lv. 1, Spatial Rend Lv. 2, Sweeping sh Lv. 20, Telepathy Lv. 8, Time Prison Lv. 15, Void Call Lv. 4, Void Creation Lv. N/A, Void Sense Lv. 20, Void Shift Lv. 12, Void Steps Lv. 15, Void Storage Lv. N/A, Void Travel Lv. N/A, Whirlwind sh Lv. 1


    Skill Points Remaining: 15


    Skill Upgrade Points Remaining: 0


    Shared Skills from Companion: Active Void Shift Lv. 10, Void Lightning Bolt Lv. 10


    Shared Skills to Companion: Void Sense Lv. 10, Void Travel Lv. N/A


    Skills Avable to Share:


    Absolute Nullify Lv. 10, Channel Void Lv. 10, Time Prison Lv. 10, Void Call Lv. 4, Void Sense Lv. 10, Void Shift Lv. 10, Void Steps Lv. 10, Void Storage Lv. N/A, Void Travel Lv. N/A


    Achievements


    Greater Giant yer, Jack of All, Lesser Dungeon Explorer, Lesser Dungeon Traveler, Lesser Enigma, Lesser Enforcer of Oaths, Repetitive Dungeoneer, Minor yer of the Unknown, Solo Diver, Magical ss Cannon, Meat Shield, Lesser Explorer, Offensive Powerhouse, The Bigger They Are


    <em>Nice! </em>Derek thought. Killing Simeon didnt give him enough experience points to get to the next level, but he was very close. <em>I shouldn</em><em>t expect a single kill to all that much, anyway. </em>Hed noticed while holding back the forces outside of Astrus that now that he was closing in on level 250, each kill wasnt giving a ton of experience like before.


    Simeon was a prime example. At Dereks current level 229, it would take five whole Simeons worth of experience to gain an entire level. That wasnt bad, but Simeonsor beasts and enemies with his same strength or ss raritywerent just wandering around waiting to be farmed. He saw the same thing when Silvi took out Tevarian. He gave a good deal of experience, but some of the basic soldiers that were technically the same level as the deceased king only gave a fraction of the experience.


    <em>Still, it</em><em>s nothing that a little grinding wont be able to fix, </em>Derek thought. <em>nah still wants to take me dungeon running, so there will be plenty of experience points up for grabs then. </em>He then thought about the rest of the cake slice that he had in his storage. He wasnt even inbat, yet it had given him so much skill experience that hed gained another level in Greater Meditation after just gaining a level while fighting Simeon.


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    <em>That</em><em>s going toe in handy for getting the rest of my skills up to par. Maybe I should have asked Dave for some of those spices for myself. I wonder just how rare they really are. </em>Greater Meditation was known to Derek as probably the hardest to level skill he hadmaybe even harder to level than Void Call. So there was definitely something special about those spices.


    <em>I bet it will be especially useful in leveling my new Powerstride skill, </em>he thought. Since that skill was still at level 1, depending on how hard it was to level it, it would be possible to eat a little cake, then take off with it to rapidly increase its level. <em>I am anxious to figure out much easier to use that skill will get at around level 10. Right now, it</em><em>s still going to take some getting used to.</em>


    <em>Hopefully, we</em><em>ll be able to find some nice clusters of enemies for me to use Whirlwind sh on when we go into the dungeons. That, or I guess I could knock two birds out with one stone by summoning some Void Beasts down to fight. I still have a promise with Avery to keep, after all. </em>He was very interested in what it would look like when he leveled Void Call up some more. Hed neglected that skill for far too long.


    Moving back to the status screen hovering in front of his eyes, Derek moved down until he made it to his list of skills. The biggest gain of everything was his Absolute Nullify skill. It had gained three whole levels during the fight with Simeon. <em>Using Absolute Nullify as a backstop for the guy had been a great idea. </em>The whole time he held the man against the wall created by his skill, it was sucking in the magical toxin that was being produced by Simeons transformed body.


    That, on top of having drank the skill potions, made the skill skyrocket in levels. Hed not seen a good gain like that since he was grinding his skills on the golems in the dungeon outside of Savannah. <em>If he was still alive, I</em><em>d give him my thanks s </em>


    Moving on, his eyesnded on his Bare Fist Specialty. It had gained a level as well. It wasnt really something he focused much on, so gaining a level in it was just a little icing on the cake, so to speak. The skill didnte with anything special at level 2.


    However, Cure Toxin was a different story. That skill had also jumped up three levels, just like Absolute Nullify had. The whole time he was fighting Simeon, he was using the skill to lessen the damage being done to him from the mans toxin, and it showed. <em>If that keeps up, I</em><em>ll be the bane of poison users. </em>He was still very much against poison, toxin, and corrosive usershe still wasnt over the loss of the chest armor hed brought with him from Earth, even if it wasnt anywhere near as good as his current wyvern-made armor. <em>Plus, those fights are terrible for my clothing.</em>


    Derek had also gained some Mental Resistance levels, but most of those just came from being around and chatting with nah, and his little meeting with Lyra before the wedding. Still, the skill was up to level 8, so that was nothing to scoff at.


    Rejuvenation had hit level 20, so he now had a maxed out healing skill, and it was a great skillespecially when used alongside Greater Meditation. At level 10, the skill maxed out at 50% HP recovery over 30 seconds. Now, at level 20, it recovered 50% of his missing HP over 15 seconds, the MP cost was negligible, and it had a cooldown of only two and a half minutes.


    The best thing about the skillin Dereks opinionwas that it worked great when healing specific wounds, and he could use it on other people if he ever needed to. <em>I bet people would crap themselves if they saw me use it to heal apletely chopped off arm or something now that my body regrows things on its own</em><em> not that Im interested in getting any body parts chopped off still would be funny.</em>


    Derek chuckled at himself and moved on. <em>Spatial Copse worked great against Simeon, </em>he thought as his eyesnded on the attack skill. With the one cast against the poison patriarch, itd killed the man and gained two entire levels. It was turning out to be a great assassination skill, especially as he learned to control it. As it leveled, it would be easier and easier to use.


    Finally, Derek also gained a level in Void Shift when he took the poison w that was meant for Sabrina. The skill seemed to level best when he used it to put himself in harms way.


    After looking over everything onest time, he nodded his head and closed the screen. With onest stretch, Derek stood from his bed and left his room. After a quick visit to the restroom, he moved along to the dining areait had been too long since hed sat down and had a real meal with everyone. <em>If only Silvi was</em><em> </em>he started to think as he opened the door to the dining room and saw Silvi sitting on the table in her little cloak and chefs hat.


    Silvi! he called to hispanion, and she looked up at him. Youre back! He hadnt talked with hispanion when he left, so he didnt know what else she nned to do there. She definitely stayed in Indaria longer than he did, though. When did you get back? he asked.


    Latest night, her childlike voice rang out from hermunication crystals. Had to wait to collect my dishes. A bunch of slow eaters.


    I see Derek said and took a sniff of the aroma that filled the air. <em>That smells like bacon, </em>he thought as he involuntarily licked his lips. Did you cook breakfast? he asked.


    Almost, Silvi replied. Waiting for biscuits should be almost done. Without warning, Silvi disappeared from her spot on the table, and Derek saw the door connecting the kitchen to the dining room quickly open and shut. It would be a travesty to let the biscuits burn.


    Derek chuckled and pulled out the chair at the head of the table, and took a seat. It seemed that, although he and Silvi were thest to get in and go to sleepif Silvi even slept, that isthey were still the first up.


    In a normal house, the noise he made probably would have woke everyone up, as he hadnt exactly been quiet while leaving his room or going down the hall, but that was untrue for his shopeach private room had sound dampening runes inside that could be activated. So, no matter how loud the shop became, they could always retire to some peace and quiet in their bedrooms.


    Still, the door behind him opened as soon as he took his seat, and Boneswearing his deep purple butler uniformwalked in wordlessly, with only a nod to Derek as he moved directly into the kitchen. Malorie came in next, just trailing the assassin-turned-butler.


    So, the two of you are back? Malorie asked as she pulled out a chair and sat down to Dereks left.


    Thats the n, at least, Derek answered as Bones came back through the door from the kitchen with two steaming cups of dark liquid and gently sat them down in front of Derek and Malorie. He also brought with him multiple additives for the liquid. <em>Please be coffee, please be coffee</em><em> </em>Derek said over and over in his head before being hit with the aroma. <em>Woohoo! Coffee! </em>He quickly grabbed the cup and brought it up to his nose before taking a sip and sighing in contentment while slumping down in his seat.


    Great! Malorie said, ignoring his antics with the coffee. I need a vacation.


    Derek ignored her like a good boss should and changed the subject. So, Rudy told me that I would be in for a surprise now that Im back. What was he talking about? he asked.


    Tsk Malorie clicked her tongue as she mixed something into her coffee and took a sip of her own. He talks too much. Its not a surprise if youre prepared to be surprised.


    I promise, Derek said with a smile. Ill act very surprised. Just tell me what it is.


    Before Malorie could say anything, the door leading from the hall to the dining room opened againthis time, it was Jacksing in.


    Well, Malorie said with a sly grin as Jacks stayed at the door to hold it open. The surprise is


    Derek didnt have to act shocked when he saw who came through next. He hadnt seen hide nor hair of Rayna when he stayed in the shop for thest few daysin fact, this was the first time hed seen her since he left for the raid dungeon, and she was looking very pregnant.


    Jackson Reginald Herrett! Derek hissed out the mans full namewell, his full name if his middle name happened to be Reginald. What did you do?

 Chapter 403: Wouldnt Dare

    Chapter 403: Wouldn''t Dare


    I-I We? Jacks stuttered while he continued to hold the door open for Rayna. His face was flush in embarrassment, then he furrowed his brows in confusion. Reginald?


    The two of you must have had some very intense training if that ended up happening, Derek said with a straight face. I mean, really? I knew the two of you were getting oddly familiar with each other during your training trips, but this


    Jacks opened and closed his mouth more than a couple of times. He obviously had no clue what to say. While he was standing, stunned, Derek pulled a chair out for Rayna to sit. She hadnt said a word yet and seemed to be enjoying Dereks dressing down of Jacks. Surprisingly, she ended up joining in instead.


    I asked him if this training was really necessary, and he insisted, she said stoically. Who am I to refuse the tutge of such a veteran?


    I wouldnt Jacks twitched and looked around the room, lost. I didnt I would never


    Okay, the two of you, thats enough, Malorie cut in as Jacks seemed to be malfunctioning. Cant you see that his head is about to explode? Youve had your fun.


    Derek and Rayna looked over at one another, then both burst outughing. So, Derek said. This guy?


    Hes a little rough around the edges, Rayna replied. But hes a big softy when nobodys around.


    Did you hear that, Jacks? Derek looked at the man, who was still trying to put himself together. It seems that youre a big softy. We may have to cut your pay. I hired a scarred up, scary, gruff man to guard the shop. He looked back at Malorie. How much are we paying him again?


    More than we should, Malorie replied. Your name seems to be all it takes to guard this ce. And on top of having Ms. Savannahs blessing there has been almost nobody willing to make any kind of ruckus in here.


    I see


    No! Dont do that, Jacks quickly recovered and said. Ive got a child on the way. Do you know how expensive children are?


    Im just joking around, Derek replied. Sit. He motioned for one of the seats at the dining table. I still have a few questions. Once the man was seated, Derek asked, So, what did happen? Im curious. The two of you were already starting to act a little lovey dovey towards each other before I left hell, you wouldnt even go to the auction with me. What happened after that? Not just with the two of you, Id like to hear what else youve been up to since I left. Its been what? A year and a half for you?


    The two looked at each other, then Rayna decided to speak. Thats right, she said. We grew close while we were training, then even closer when I became strong enough to not be too much of a burden to him. After that, we began raiding some of the easier dungeon around the kingdom. Eventually, Ste, Jake, and Jensen joined us and we had a full five person dungeon squad.


    <em>There she is with the whole being a burden to others</em><em> thing, </em>Derek thought, but he didnt voice them. Instead, he stayed quiet and let her continue her story.


    Our levels were still pretty spread out, so we had to choose our dungeons carefully, but Jensen is a great healer, so we did well. Also, since we were going into dungeons that were too high of a level for me, I gained a lot of skill levels, and I leveled up quite quickly. Im feeling better and better when using my wind skillswell, I <em>was</em> feeling better and better when using them, she exined.


    <em>I bet she</em><em>s gottenfortable with them because her affinity has increased. Her weapons and style never fit her that well, but she was already too high of a level to start over. Maybe shes grown into her power, </em>he thought. What happened next? he asked.


    Well She started. Next, the war began, she said. Eventually, all the teleporters were locked down, and the cities soon followed. She sighed. Jake and Jensen went to the academy to help, and Ste, who only joined us asionally as it was, went back to work with Ms. Swan. At that point, our only training came from reserving rooms at the Adventurers Guild. Luckily, the woman in charge was very nice to us, and we found that we always had a room. She seemed to know you well, but we didnt ask any questions.


    Thinking of the brown eyed, tan receptionist at the guild, Derek couldnt help but wonder if Shae was still alive. He had left Judy with all the work when he left for the raid. Derek could only imagine the kind of life in the doghouse that he was currently living. Still, he was appreciative that she helped out some of his own people while he and her husband were away. Thats Judy, Derek said. Shes Shaes wife. Hes the Guild Master here, and he joined the raid dungeon with me.


    Oh. Rayna nodded. It makes more sense now. She smiled. Anyway, after that, we just ended up spending more and more time together. The shop wasnt very busy until Brandi started making those elemental weapons, and then it was only busy when we had them in stock. So, life became too routine and a little boring, and eventually she motioned to her big belly. <em>This, </em>happened.


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    I see! Derekughed. In that case, congrattions! Do you know if its a boy or a girl yet?


    Rayna tilted her head. How would we know that?


    Uh ah He was at a loss for words. <em>I guess they don</em><em>t have any ultrasound machines around here, do they? </em>Well maybe theres a mid-wife ss? Or someone with x-ray vision that could tell he was thinking out loud, drawing odd looks from everybody. That doesnt matter. He waved his thoughts and ignored the weird looks he was getting. Again, congrattions! Both of you.


    Thank you, Jacks said with a smile, and ced his hand on Rayna. I never thought Id have this again.


    Of course, Jackss previous wife had been killed by Geraldsckeys years ago, who then kidnapped his son, Jake. That had been what forced Jacks into his precarious situation before Derek met him, and was why it had been so long until he was able to meet his son again.


    And how is Jake? Derek asked. How does he feel about all of this?


    Hes been great about it, Rayna answered.


    Indeed, Jacks said. Hes happy that hes going to have a little sibling. He Jacks got a little choked up as he continued. He said that he was d that I found someone again.


    Good son, Derek said, then felt a bit of his own pain in his chest as he thought about his past. He shook his head and got rid of the negative thoughts. Im happy that everything has worked out for you. He then turned his attention back to Malorie. You seemed disappointed that you didnt get to go to a wedding. What about these two?


    Those two? A wedding? Malorie asked. You couldnt get them to have a ceremony if you tried and I have. They just did it the old vige wayexcept they didnt need any approval, as Rayna was technically the chief. Just a couple of vows under the Great System and that was it.


    And I missed it? Derek asked.


    We all did, Malorie said. They practically eloped.


    We are neither royalty nor nobles, Jacks said. There is no need for fancy contracts or celebrations when two such as us vow to be together. Mostmoners prefer intimate vows under the Great System.


    Oh Derek shrugged. That made him feel better about the situation. As long as the two of you are happy thats all that matters.


    We are, the couple both answered at the same time.


    Good, Derek said.


    Not too long after, Silvi came through the door to the kitchen and began serving out tes of bacon-like meats and biscuits, and eggs. Derek couldnt help himself, and tore one of the biscuits apart before cing eggs and bacon on it to create one of the greatest breakfast foods to ever exist. He bit into itthe crunching sound of his teeth breaking through the bacon ringing out.


    Small amounts of the runny yolk dripped from his bacon and egg biscuit andnded on his te. Everyone around him looked at him in shock, and he looked up. What? he said with a mouthful of food. His eyesnded on everyone elses tes, and he saw that they were all eating with forks and knives. <em>Prudes, </em>he thought as he took another bite and let out a deep, content sigh.


    About that time, the door swung open again, and Rudy came walking through. He looked around the table, and his eyesnded on Rayna, then on Derek. Aw I missed it, he whined as he walked around to the other side of the table and took his own seat. I thought I was going to get here early enough. With that said, Rudy did the same as Derek and piled his bacon and eggs on some biscuits and dug in.


    Mhm he said. I missed this I know that we have plenty of stored up meals that Silvi made before, and that the food stays as fresh as when it was initially stored, but theres just something better about food that has just been made that you know has never been stored.


    Derek had to agree. The only thing he could think of was that it was more of a mentality thingknowing that the food had been pre-made just made it less special. Soon, everything went quiet, and all that could be heard in the dining room was the sound of utensils ttering on tes, and the asional sip of coffee or tea.


    He had expected Brandi toe through the door to join them, too, but by the time they were all finished with their breakfast, and Silvi had cleaned up, she still hadnt arrived. <em>It looks like the best way to get any information out of her is going to the smithy, </em>he thought.


    With the table cleared, Rayna cleared her throat and got everyones attention. So, me and Jacks have been thinking, she said. With the babying along, I think it would be a good idea for us to get our own ce.


    Derek opened his mouth to object, but she raised her hand to stop him, just like he had to others so many times. He wasnt a big fan of it being done to him and decided he needed to do it more often.


    Its only natural, Rayna said. Plus, you have Bones here, and Ogre will be, too. This way, you wont have to build a special add-on to the shop.


    Even if they moved out, Derek still nned on making those two their own building, so what she said there didnt matter to him.


    We have been looking around in the residential district here in Savannah, and weve found a few different ces. I know it will be a ways away, but I think it would be best if our son or daughter grew up in the residential area where there are more children around. I want them to live a happy life as a childsomething that neither I, Jacks, or even Jake were able to do.


    Thats not to say that we wont be here oftenIm sure we will. It is Jacksons job, after all. Raynaughed. I honestly never thought I would have a family of my ownactually, I wanted one, but didnt dare to have one because of where I lived. But now, with the safety and security of Savannah, I can and am. Rayna stood from her seat and faced Derek directly, then bowed. And its all thanks to you, Derek. Thank you.


    Jacks stood from his seat and bowed, tooeven deeper than Rayna had. Thank you.


    Derek sighed. <em>How am I supposed to say no to that? </em>he wondered. <em>Obviously, it would be best for a kid to grow up around other kids instead of in a shop where the only child is a smithing maniac</em><em> well, she wont even be a child by the time their kid is of age to really startmunicating with other children, </em>he thought. Then, Derek sighed and said, Just dont let your kid turn out to be one of those spoiled nobles, and Ill be fine.


    Jacksughed at that. Dont worry, we wouldnt dare.

 Chapter 404: I’m Legendary!

    Chapter 404: I¡¯m Legendary!


    After giving it some extra thought, the small bit of sadness that had washed over Derek when he heard that Jacks and Rayna were moving out left him. They deserved a proper life, and where better to have it than in what was possibly the safest city in the kingdom? Well, Derek said. Iming to help you pick out a house, and were bringing Geoffrey with us, too. He knows what things are worth around here. So, with him, you wont be getting scammed.


    Of course! Rayna smiled a bright smile. We wouldnt have it any other way.


    At that point, Derek stood and did something very unnatural for himhe initiated a hug with both Rayna and Jacks. Im looking forward to meeting the little fellow, he said as he released the two from his embrace. From there, with breakfast over and the surprise news given, he dismissed himself and went down to check on Brandi. He was sure that she would have a lot to tell him.


    Derek slowly opened the door leading to the basement and began the short journey down the stairs. As he walked, he expected to hear the nging sound of a hammer meeting metal, or some other indicator that Brandi was in the middle of a craft, but instead, he found nothing but quiet. Frowning, he increased his pace a bit and was at the bottom of the stairs in moments.


    There, he found Brandi sitting at her workstation concentrating intently on some paper. <em>Are those blueprints for something? </em>Derek wondered as he walked towards her. Ahem, he cleared his throat lightly to grab her attention.


    Instantly, she must have known that he was there, as before her head could even turn, she had a massive smile stered on her face. Before he could even say anything, he was embraced in a giant hug by the girl. It was the second time in a span of minutes that hed been hugged, though this time, he wasnt the one who initiated it.


    Youre back already? Brandi asked as she let go and took a step away.


    <em>Yup</em><em> shes definitely been eating her vegetables, </em>he thought. Now that he was back, and had nothing else going on to take him away, he could finally see how her stat progression had been going. Im back, he said and ruffled up her hair.


    And you dont have anywhere else you need to go? she asked.


    Not that I know of, he answered with a smile. At least, not right now.


    Oh, good! Brandi jumped in the air and did a little fist pump. Then does that mean you have some time to spend down here? To help me with something? she asked.


    Of course, Derek answered. What is it that you need help with?


    With a quick wave of her hand, a little stool appeared, and she ushered Derek to it. Then she walked over to her workstation and pulled the stool she had been sitting on when Derek arrived over before sitting herself. The stool wasntfortable, and if it was anyone else, Derek probably would have reced it with one of his own chairs, but since it was Brandi, he didntin.


    Do you remember oh, wait! Brandi jumped up and ran up the stairs, then quickly came back down and sat. I had to lock the doordont want anyone to hear me.


    Oh? Derek said, intrigued. What was so important that Brandi needed to lock the door?


    Do you remember how, when you got back, you asked how I was progressing? And I said that you wouldnt believe it? Brandi asked.


    I do, Derek said.


    I did it, Brandi said. She was shaking in excitementlike she was finally getting to tell someone some very important secret.


    What did you do? Derek leaned forward and asked. Feeling her excitement, he was almost just as excited, and he didnt even know why.


    Im she looked around, then leaned forward, then in a whisper, said, Im legendary!


    Youre legendary? Derek half shouted in shock.


    Shh Brandi put her finger to her lips to shush Derek. Quiet.


    Haha, Derekughed. The basement has the sound dampening runes, and you also made sure to lock the door. Theres nobody else down here that can hear us, Derek said. Besides, Im pretty sure we can trust anyone around here, even if they heard us.


    Oh Brandi said as she leaned back on her stool. Im guess Im just so used to keeping it a secret.


    What did Malorie say when you told her? Derek asked.


    Brandis face flushed a little red, and she looked down at the floor and fidgeted with her hands. Well


    You did tell your mother, didnt you? Derek asked with a gulp. <em>If I</em><em>m the first person she told, and she hasnt told Mal shes going to kill me.</em>


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    No not yet Brandi said.


    Brandi! Derek half scolded. Are you trying to get me beat?


    No I Brandi tried to speak, but couldnt seem to find the word. I needed your help with something. So, I thought it better to just wait for you before telling anyone anything.


    Well Derek sighed, but couldnt help but be proud of the little smith. Congrattions! he said.


    Thank you! The smith perked back up after seeing that Derek didnt continue to scold her. And Im sure mom wont be too mad. Shell be way too happy knowing about my ss to be mad. Just you wait. Youll see.


    I hope so, Derek said. <em>What if she decides to take an extra long vacation and leaves me with all the running of the shop? </em>He shivered as he thought of the horrible predicament hed be in. Well, what is it that you need? You got a legendary ss, and now what?


    Remember how I used to get four stat points to each stat with each level when my ss was epic ranked? she asked, and Derek nodded. Well, now I get five stat points every odd level and six stat points every even level.


    Really? Derek asked in surprise. <em>That</em><em>s really good, </em>he thought. He then tried to run through the math. <em>If she got a legendary upgrade at level 100</em><em> wait </em>Youre already level 100? he asked.


    Of course I am. Brandi nodded firmly. Youve been gone for over a year and a half, and you left me with soooo many good materials. How could I not level up fast?


    Oh Derek said. <em>Poor Thomas. I hope he</em><em>s done well in the academy, or hes going to be left behind by this girl, </em>he thought. Then continued with the math. <em>She has 150 levels</em><em> that should be a bit over 800 stat points in each of her stats. From where she was before, she wont hit the final threshold on all her stats, but theyll all be at least very close to 1200 points or so </em>


    He knew that people would kill for such a stat spread, and he had ways to help her get to those thresholds, tooespecially the strength, endurance, and intelligence thresholds. Those stats could be increased with Void Beast meals over time. As Ste had told him when they first met, the one consuming the meals would need to space them so that their body could properly digest them and the person could get the most out of them, but Brandi was young and had a ton of time to do that.


    And, on top of that, Roman was able to create potions that permanently increased stats. Those would help the other stats that couldnt be increased by the Void Beast meals. It may be cheating, but with her current distribution of points, Brandi would be the perfect candidate to get her extra stats that way. He would make sure that she hit that third threshold in each stat.


    But, Brandi said with a sigh, breaking Derek out of his thoughts. Ive had to start crafting slowly and not finishing projects. Ive only been working on my smithing skillstely.


    Why is that? Derek asked.


    Well, Brandi said. When my ss changed oh, my ss changed with the upgrade, by the way.


    How did it change? Derek asked. Are you still an All Smith?


    Kind of, Brandi said. I could have stayed as an All Smith, but the ss would have stayed as an epic ranked ss. But I was also given a bunch of specialization All Smith sses to choose from, she exined.


    And you chose to specialize for the legendary upgrade, Derek said. I would have probably done the same. What did you specialize in? he asked, pretty much knowing the answer.


    Im sorry, Brandi said. I dont think Ill be able to brew you any alcohol, or make you potions.


    You dont have to apologize, Derek said. You did what was best for you. You chose cksmithing, right? Weapon making?


    I didnt have to specialize that much, Brandi exined. Its a general smithing specialization. But when I chose it, my ss removed the leveling ability of most of my skills that couldnt be made use of with smithing. I can still level my leatherworking, runesmith, and even most weaving skills, but I lost the ability to level a bunch of my alchemy and pretty much all of my brewing skillsalong with many skills I never used from other professions.


    So, how does that work? Derek asked. You still have some alchemy skills and leatherworking skills and such? Can you do the leatherworking and alchemy still?


    I can, but Brandi started. I dont get any experience points, skill upgrades, orpletion bonuses for those crafts.


    I see, Derek said.


    But if I use my leatherworking skills to make something, then use whatever I made as a material or as part of a cksmithing project, I get everything again, she exined.


    So, if you make say a sheath out of leather, thenbine it with a sword you make, youll get experience for it?


    Exactly, Brandi said.


    What if you make a potion for alchemy that you drink to help increase some part of your cksmithing skill? Derek asked. Like, if you make and drink a potion that temporarily increases your precision or strength, then smith something with it activated?


    I dont know Brandi said with her eyes shining. I havent tried that. She took a little notebook out of a storage ring and began writing it down. Im definitely going to have to try that soon, she said, but Derek could see that even more ideas were popping up for the girl. Maybe I can still brew, even.


    How so? Derek asked.


    Drunk smithing! she said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.


    Uh Derek stammered. I dont think thats a good idea. Youre way too young, and plus, I dont think drunk smithing will help you create anything better than what you would have created sober. Lets uh push that idea to the back far far back and not bring it up again until youre at least 21 years old. And keep it between us. Do. Not. Tell. Malorie. He shivered again at the thought. If she wasnt going to kill him before, finding out about that idea would definitely change her mind.


    Fine, Brandi pouted, but soon it passed, and she brightened up. But theres so many other things I want to try now.


    I bet, Derek said. But you still havent gotten to what you needed my help with.


    Oh, Brandi said. Sorry, I got distracted.


    It happens. Derekughed. It happened to him when he was thinking about different ways to use his skills, and he was sure that it would happen even more to someone with a more creative type of ss. So, why has your crafting slowed down?


    Well Brandi smiled. When I got my legendary upgrade and saw the stat points I was getting, I ate a Void Beast meal to spread my stats out like you said.


    Really? Derek asked. Thats good.


    Brandi nodded. But now, Im right on the cusp of 500 points in my endurance. Ill have it in either two levels or one more Void Beast meal, and I wanted to wait for you to be here before I did it. Thats why I need your help. Will you watch over my breakthrough and make sure I do it right?


    Derek smiled. Brandi continued to make decisions that made him proud. Other than some crazy ideas, she seemed to think things through very thoroughly. He was even sure that she would have decided against the drunk smithing idea when she actually thought it through. <em>Well</em><em> probably. </em>


    I would be more than happy to help you with your breakthrough.

 Chapter 405: Brandis Skills

    Chapter 405: Brandi''s Skills


    Okay, Derek said to Brandi, as the girl could hardly contain herself. How are you going to do it? Are you going to eat one of the Void Beast meals? You said youd need two levels, otherwise, right?


    I did, Brandi replied. Im level 115 right now, but Im really close to 116. But I dont think Id get the full value out of another Void Beast meal right now, so I wanted to level up to get it.


    I see, Derek said. Luckily, he had nothing else to do, so waiting on her to get two levels would be fhough he didnt think it would be possible for her to get the levels in a single day. Well, like I said, I have time now.


    Oh, we wont need much time, Brandi said with a grin. I have just the item to craft. Ive been waiting for a long time to make it because I know that its going to give me multiple levels once I doits already given me some levels when just from failing before.


    <em>That</em><em>s interesting, </em>Derek thought. What kind of item is it?


    Hehehe Brandiughed childishly. Youll find out soon. I cant wait. She clenched her fists in excitement.


    Fine, Derek said. Im patient. You dont know how long I had to wait for my ive to be finished. It was agony.


    I bet, the young smith said as she hopped over to her workstationdragging her stool behind herand pulled out a number of papers and began moving them around. Its been weeks since I figured out how to sessfully make this. Its been driving me crazy not being able to do anything but work on leveling up my skills.


    How does that work, anyway? Derek asked. Can you halt your leveling and upgrade your skills fast by working on high-level materials and never finishing the items to gain experience points? Couldnt you just fly through your skill levels?


    I wish, Brandi said. I thought it was like that at first, but the more I work with a certain material and the more proficient I be with it, the harder it is to use to level my skills with. However, when the rarity and level in a material is much higher than my own, it seems that the initial bonuses I get when learning to use it is much more thanmon material or things at my own level. Its exhausting, reallyconstantly having to think of new creations and new materialbinations to gain levels and skill experience.


    Oh, Derek said. That does sound exhausting.


    But I love it! Brandi said without bringing her head up from one of the papersying on her workstation. She took what looked like a pencil out of her storage, then scribbled something down. If all else fails with levels, I can always go out and kill stuff I think. I havent tried, but I think thats how it is. Of course, that would also make it where I would lose out on that bonus skill experience from materials that end up under my level.


    Yeah, Derek said. You wouldnt want that. Its always best to focus on your ss skills first and your base levelstunless you really need to, like Edgar had to do. I think hes always going to be mad over having to power level his base level over his skills.


    Mhm Brandi muttered in agreement as she continued to move things around. Okay! The smith hopped to her feet, then quickly moved to her little crafting area. In the next instant, she was covered from head to toe in gear and goggles. It seemed that she had learned her lessons, and there wasnt an inch of skin left uncovered. Im going to begin now.


    Go ahead, Derek said and waited for her to begin. As soon as she took out some material and began working, Derek slowly put away the stool and pulled out one of his own chairs. He didnt know how long it was going to take the girl to finish whatever it was she was crafting, but damned if he was going to sit on a wooden stool with no back or cushion the whole time.


    It was the first time Derek had ever really watched Brandi work, and he had absolutely no idea what she was doing. It felt just like when Tyron was making his ive and he was watching. Other than seeing the ive take shape, and some hitting with a hammer, Derek had been totally lost.


    So, for the next handful of hours, Derek watched as the girl banged on materials with a hammer, chiseled some stuff into whatever it was that she was working on, then continued with the hammer. She heated things and cooled things, struck things, and even moved whatever it was she was working on to other crafting areas where she used different skillsall the while, Derek was happy that he had chosen abat ss. All he had to do was figure out how his skills worked and hit things hard.


    Then, after another few hours, Brandi moved to her runesmithing station with an item that Derek could finally guess what was. She was meticulously etching runes on a small pair of boots. Her hands were so steady, and she was so focused, that Derek even held his breath so as to not disturb her rhythm any. From chatting with Geoffrey, he knew how delicate runes were.


    After some time, Brandi finished one boot and moved to the next, where she repeated the same process as before. Finally, she finished up, leaned back from the runesmithing station and let out a sigh. She turned to Derek. Ready? she asked.


    Yup, Derek said, finally breathed again.


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    Brandi nodded and leaned over the boots one more time. Then, with onest touch, she shouted, Done! Instantly, she jumped from her seat and turned to face Derek. Oh! Oh, ah! Woah. She shook a few times, and her eyes widened so big that Derek could even see them through the soot covered goggles she was wearing. Finally, she took in a deep breath. I did it? Was that it? No pain?


    Seems so, Derekughed. The first breakthrough wasnt anywhere near as harsh as the next ones. When a person hit 500 stat points in any single skill, it was nothing more than a quick, intense rush of strength, or mana, or ritywhatever the stat that they broke through in represented. In Brandis case, she was close to breaking through with her endurance.


    That meant that she would get a surge in her stamina recovery rate. If nothing else, she would feel like a normal human from Earth that just drank one too many cups of coffeeshed be a bit jittery.


    Wow! she said in excitement.


    What is it? Derek asked.


    I got five whole levels from finishing that. Thats way more than I thought.


    Oh, Derek said. Wait, then that means you got 27 stat points? In everything?


    Yup, she replied. I broke through in strength, dexterity, and endurance. And Im really really close with the other three, too. Only three points away for intelligence and ten for both wisdom and vitality.


    Huh, Derek said. Thats exactly what we were trying to avoid by separating your stats out with the Void Beast meals. Its a good thing it was only the first breakthrough, otherwise, you would have had to go through the process of the system rebuilding your bones, tendons, skin, and muscles all at once, and that would have been horrific. I couldnt even imagine doing all three at once at a lower level.


    Brandi reached up and pulled her goggles to the top of her head before looking at Derek in shock. Really? Is it that bad?


    Yeah, Derek said. Breaking through in endurance felt like millions of ants were crawling in my skin. It itched so bad that you wouldnt believe though, the pain from the strength and dexterity breakthroughs might actually be enough to take your mind off of the itching Derek ced his hand on his chin in thought. <em>That probably would have made it much more bearable for me,</em><em></em>he thought, but he wasnt sure that others would prefer the pain over the itchingit was just his personal preference.


    Youre definitely going to have to be here for when I do that, Brandi said. That sounds terrible! She visibly shivered.


    Thats a deal, Derek said. You have a long way to go for that, though. So you have plenty of time to prepare. Just make sure you let me know when youre getting close.


    Brandi nodded seriously, then looked back up at Derek with a frown. What skills should I pick? she asked.


    What do you mean? Derek asked, confused.


    I just got an achievement called Offensive Powerhouse for getting both my strength and dexterity up to 500 points. Youve gotten the achievement before, right? she answered.


    Oh, that. Derek nodded. <em>That was the achievement that got me Multi-Strike and Sweeping sh, right? Those two skills were great for me. I wonder if it gives the same options to everyone, or if it</em><em>s specific to the ss or person. Well, theres only one way to find out. </em>Do you have the option to pick Multi-Strike and Sweeping sh? he asked.


    Brandis eyes went distant for a moment, then she replied, I can pick Multi-Strike, but theres nothing about a Sweeping sh.


    Hmm Derek thought back and tried to remember the skills he had avable. It would be good for Brandi to have a couple really good offensive skills just in case she ever had to fight one day. She would definitely have the stats for it. <em>If I recall correctly, there was a mastery skill. It may not hurt for her to pick up an offensive hammer mastery. </em>Tell me what skills you have to choose from. Oh, and do you even have skill points to unlock the skills? He remembered that her ss rewarded skills automatically and instead gave skill upgrade points.


    I do. Ive gotten a few with different achievements. Just that Jack of All achievement gave me 15 points to all my stats and two skill points when all of my stats hit 200, she replied.


    Ah, Derek said. I had almost forgotten about that achievement. Thats good. Then you should be fine. What skills do you have to choose from?


    Brandi then read off the list of ten skills that she had been given to choose from. Included on it were Multi-Strike, Enhanced Strike, Rapid Movement, and a mastery skill. Derek remembered having those same options when he chose long ago. However, where the rest of his possible skills were piercing and shing skill like Sweeping sh and Lightning Pierce, hers were reced with blunt type skills that seemed to be made specifically for her hammer.


    <em>I wonder why I haven</em><em>t seen any people using Multi-Strike. Is it special? Maybe its just not something thats easy to make out to someone watching it. Its a fantastic skill. No matter how you look at it, </em>he couldnt help but think. <em>I</em><em>ll have to ask Edgar or Avery about it or even Jacks, actually. Surely theyve all received that achievement. </em>


    Out of the other skills that she read off to him, he was intrigued by one called Smiths Inferno, which was a skill that had her hit the ground with her hammer and release a wave of fire in all directions. There was another called Boulder Crush, which was just as it sounded, a heavily enhanced blunt strike. Other than that, she had an Augment Hammer option, which seemed like it converted mana into a shield to enhance the hammer as a whole.


    Derek thought that the augment skill sounded good for a smith, but Brandi was quick to shoot it down because she already had other augment skills. Another decent area of effect skill she had was called Seismic Impact, which was almost the same as Smiths Inferno, but caused an earthquake instead of a ring of fire. She also had one that reminded Derek of a skill hed seen Tyron use.


    It was called Anvils Wrath, and it summoned a massive, spectral anvil that fell from the sky and crushed any enemies in its targeted area. And finally, she had a skill called cksmiths Frenzy, which was basically an enhanced berserker skill that lowered her defense in exchange for pure offense. It was like the ss Cannon skill that Derek was initially offered.


    If Im honest with you, Derek said. I dont really know. What are you thinking?


    I like the sound of Anvils Wrath, she said with sparkles in her eyes.


    He, too, liked the sound of that skill. It seemed like a good ranged area of effect skill. Derek also thought that Rapid Movement would be good for her, but he didnt suggest it because hed seen quite a few movement skill scrolls that he could probably get for her. I would probably pick one of the area skills, like Anvils Wrath or Smiths Inferno. Then, I would also pick Multi-Strike. If it works the same way, you may even be able to enhance most of your other skills with it. It could even help in your smithing, actually.


    Great! Brandi half shouted with her excitement. Thats what I was leaning toward. Her eyes went distant for a moment, then when they focused again, she gave a big grin. I got them!


    Nice! Derek congratted her. Now about that pair of boots. Whats got you so excited?

 Chapter 406: Stand Back!

    Chapter 406: Stand Back!


    Oh! Come look! Brandi said excitedly as she held the pair of boots up. These are going to be soooo awesome!


    Intrigued, Derek walked over to Brandi and examined the boots without taking them from her. They look like metal boots, Derek said.


    They are! Brandi replied. But thats not what makes them special look here. Brandi turned the boots around where the heels were facing Derek. I was able to shrink the fire cores from the golems down, and I put one in each of the boots.


    And what does it do? Derek asked.


    When you charge the cores with any mana, it stores it and converts it to fire type. Its the same process as with the elemental swords that I made, she exined. But I got the idea for these boots from Jacks and his son.


    And what idea is that?


    Well you know how everyone wants to be able to move around in the air or fly? Brandi asked and Derek nodded. But not that many people are able to get sses with a skill like that, and the skill scrolls are super hard to find and expensive.


    Thats for sure, Derek agreed.


    Well, I asked around well, I asked Roman, and he asked around and there arent many other ways other than those. Ms. Savannahs aid is able to create talismans that allow him to fly, but those are one time use only, and even then, if he sells them, they cost way too much.


    I think I see where this is going, Derek said as his eyes went back to the boots and looked them over once more. Youre making equipment that imitates Jackss and Jakes ability to travel through the air? The little explosions that he does. Derek recalled when he and Edgar went to rescue Jacks and Rayna from those half-elf fanatics, and Jake followed.


    He wasnt as fast as Edgar or Derek, but Derek saw the way he used the small explosions to keep to the air and even propel himself forward. Jacks was able to do the same thing, though he was a bit better at it than Jake was. <em>Well</em><em> I guess he was a bit better at it. Jake could have caught up to his father by now.</em>


    Yup! Brandi bounced. See here. With her pointer finger, she traced multiple runes that she had inscribed into the pair of boots. They are all small explosion runes. It took me forever to get theyout right, but now, whoever uses the boots should be able to finely control the explosions. Its much easier for Jacks because hes using a skill and can cast it at whatever angle and power he wants. I wasnt able to do that with the boots, so I had to make up for it with the quantity of runes.


    So, you feed the mana into the mana core, then the runes draw the fire elemental mana from the cores and cause an explosion? Derek asked. Do you need the mana cores to do that? His own boots didnt have mana cores in themat least not that he could see. All he had to do was channel the mana into them, and the skill would go offwiping out dozens of enemies at once.


    You dont <em>need </em>the cores. It just makes it a whole bunch easier to use with the cores, Brandi said. With just your mana, the explosion rune itself has to convert it into mana suitable for activationwhich is fire mana. That takes time and consumes a ton of mana. With the cores, you bypass the conversion, making it almost instant, and its able to consume a lot less mana from the cores.


    Oh, Derek said. So the boots wouldnt be efficient enough to use without the cores. Thats why we dont see many boots that rely solely on runes in stores.


    Thats not to say that there arent any, though, Brandi corrected. I was talking about it the other day with Carrie. He said that he gets requests to make them. If its someone with a fire element ss, then you dont have to worry about the conversion of mana. But we dont see them in stores because they need to be specially made to suit the person whos going to be using it.


    I see, Derek said. Carrie was the dwarven cksmith with a shop close by. He was the person who gave Brandi her first set of smithing tools. If it came from him, Derek believed. In fact, it was the same with his Voids Harbinger ive. Tyron had basically attuned the weapon to him, and it took a really long timepart of that was because of Dereks mana regeneration and Greater Meditation, though. That makes sense. He nodded. But those boots they are for general use? Anyone can pick them up and use them?


    Hopefully, Brandi said. The Great System seems to think they are a good productbased on the amount of experience I got forpleting them. But we wont know for sure until we test them out. She looked at Derek with sparkles in her eyes.


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    Test them out, eh? He smiled. I take it you want to go do that now?


    Can we? she pleaded.


    Im actually surprised you took the time to exin everything to me, Derek said. If I were in your position, I would have already been out the door and on my way to a clearing somewhere. He chuckled as he saw Brandis smile grow wide. Besides I think your mom will like the idea of you getting away from your forge for a while.


    But I do get away, Brandi countered. I talk with Carrie I talk with Romanthough not as much now that Ive changed my ss up some. I still stop by and help with the alchemy some to keep up appearances.


    Well Derek said. Both of those things are work rted. Carrie is literally a cksmith, and Roman was technically your alchemy teacher. I guess testing the boots can be considered work rted too, but at least it will be fun work-rted activity. And the others can join, too. What do you think? Maybe Malorie would like to feel what its like to be able to travel in the sky without relying on anyone else.


    Sure! Brandi agreed.


    After that, the two headed back upstairs to gather everyone. In the end, only Malorie and Jacks decided toe along. Jacks wanted to see how much like his own skill the boots were, and Malorie just wanted to make sure that her daughter didnt blow herself up. It seemed like Brandi had failed to mention to her theical amount of times she had already blown herself upif not, Malorie wouldnt have been so concerned probably.


    As for Silvi, she couldnt care less about how Brandi figured out flying. She summoned her pot lit and demonstrated her amazing flying techniques for all to see, then smugly went back to her kitchen to continue with whatever it was that she was doing.


    Rayna just chose to stay back for no particr reason. She, too, already had the ability to fly with her wind skills, so it wasnt exactly exciting for her, anyway. Rudy still had stacks and stacks of contracts on his desk that he was working through, and said he didnt have any free time to go watch. Derek could definitely understand that.


    He even asked Bones if he wanted to go, but the skinny man preferred to stay inside Savannah while it was still possible for the Assassins Guild to be hunting him, and he didnt want to bring any direct danger to Malorie or Brandi by going out with them. Besides, his ce for now was inside the shop, perfecting his butlering abilities.


    So, the four soon found themselves at the gate leading out of Savannah. Derek usually didnt go in and out of the city using the proper means, but since he was with others this time, he figured he might as well actually go through the entrance.


    He and the others didnt have any trouble leaving, as Natalie had apparently already made him well known to the citys entire guard staff. In fact, they didnt even bother asking for any papers and notified him that they wouldnt have to pay the re-entry fee once they came back. <em>It pays to be strong, </em>he thought as he led Brandi, Mal, and Jacks outside.


    Half an hourter, and the four had made it to a clearing far enough outside the city that they wouldnt be bothered. It wasnt exactly something that exactly needed to be secret, but Derek figured that it might as well beespecially if Brandi nned to market and sell the shoester on. He had thought about taking them to the Adventurers Guildto one of the training roomsbut he figured that theyd need more vertical space than one of the rooms could provide, and there were too many eyes in the outdoor training area.


    Okay, Derek said, motioning for everyone to stop. Does this seem good enough? he asked Brandi. He made sure to find a ce with nice, not overly hard ground for when her face inevitably found the dirt.


    Brandi looked up at the sky and then nodded. This is perfect. A lot of space to move around.


    Great, Derek said. Would you like me or Jacks to give the boots a try first? Just to make sure they work well? My body can definitely take any idents that may happen. One of the idents he was talking about was if the boots fully exploded and took off a foot. He knew from experience that he would have no problem regrowing his own limb.


    Of course not! Brandi huffed. I made it for me, so Im going to test it. She bent down and began to remove her shoes and rece them with her new pair of boots.


    Are you sure theres nothing wrong with them? Malorie asked.


    Nope! Brandi answered as she slid a foot into one of the boots. Thats why we have to do testing. Just ask Romanits the same way for alchemy.


    Derek shivered at the thought. He was, after all, one of Romans guinea pigs when it came to testing his potions. Though, testing cksmithing gear seemed less random. Unless Brandi wanted to see if a pair of armor could stop a Drill Shot from Avery or somethingif that was happening, Derek would insist that he be the one to wear and activate whatever defenses it had.


    Just be careful, Malorie pleaded as Brand finished putting on the second boot.


    I always am, Brandi said, and Derek had to do his damnedest not to crack up or speak the contrary.


    Your eyebrows say different, Malorie said, taking the words right out of his mouth.


    Thats just because hair is easily destroyed, Brandi countered. The rest of my body is much stronger. Isnt that right? Her eyes met Dereks.


    She did breakthrough the first threshold in endurance today, Derek replied. So her body is stronger than your average person at her level.


    I also broke through in strength and dexterity, she said.


    All three? Already? Jacks chimed in for the first time. What level are you, exactly? No wait dont answer that. Thats none of my business. Congrattions.


    That was another reason that Derek brought them where he did. Not only did he want her to test out her exploding boots, but he also wanted to see her skills that she received with the Offensive Powerhouse achievementespecially the anvil one. He also wanted to see if her Multi-Strike skill worked with it, because if it did, then dropping an anvil like that would be a deadly ranged area of effect skill.


    Thanks! Brandi said to Jacks, then hopped up off the ground. Okay everyone, stand back!

 Chapter 407: One Was Enough

    Chapter 407: One Was Enough


    Derek took a few steps backward to give Brandi more room to work with, and Jacks and Malorie did the same. Derek was actually excited to see what kind of progress Brandi had made in her smithing, and what better way to show it than watching her test out a pair of rocket boots?


    Okay everyone. Here I go, Brandi said as she let out a big exhale. In three two one


    Derek watched the young smiths feet closely as she counted down tounch. Right after she said one, he saw the core in the heel of the boot glow red, then watched as it sent mana into the runes at an almost imperceptible rate. He was barely able to make it out as the rune on the front lit up brighter than all the others. <em>That doesn</em><em>t seem right </em>he had just enough time to think before the explosion happened.


    In utter fascination, Derek watched as the toes of Brandis boots exploded out with fire. The result of the explosion? Brandis head crashing into the ground as he feet were exploded out from under her.


    Brandi! Malorie called out as she ran for her daughter, who was in the process of pushing herself up from the ground.


    Whoo she started to speak, but was unable toplete the words as her mouth was full of dirt. After spitting a few times and then wiping away most of the remaining dirt, she continued. Whoops! she said as she heaved herself back up to her feet. They may be a little harder to control than I initially thought.


    Are you all right? Malorie finally reached her daughter and began examining her for injuries. Stay still! Mal half-shouted as Brandi tried her best to pull away from her protective mother.


    Mom stooooop, Brandi pleaded. Im fine. See? Malorie finally backed a step away and Brandi did a little spin to show that she was uninjured.


    Dont do stuff like that! Malorie huffed. You should have listened to Derek and let somebody else test those things. They are dangerous! Take them off, now!


    Nooo! Brandi whined.


    Haha, Derek chuckled out loud. Sometimes he could forget that Brandi was only a young teenager, and seeing this reaction between mother and daughter was truly priceless. <em>Wait</em><em> shes 14 now, isnt she? </em>He thought. <em>Looks like I missed a bunch of birthdays while I was goneI wasn</em><em>t even thinking about that.</em>


    What are youughing at? Malorie turned her attention to Derek. Youre just as much to me as she is. You shouldnt encourage her so much. See what happens?


    Again, Derek couldnt help himself and burst outughing. After a few moments of uncontrobleughter, he got a hold of himself and said something that should never be said to an angry mother. Calm down he caught it just as it came out of his mouth.


    Calm down? You want me to calm down? My daughter almost died and you want me to be calm? Her face was red in anger.


    Just look at her, Derek said once she finished berating him. He was still having trouble holding back hisughter. She has enough stats in her endurance that she doesnt even have a scratch, cant you see? Of course, Brandi had received a small injury. In fact, it looked like with the way shended and the force of the pulse from the rocket boots, she had even dislocated her pinky.


    But, while Malorie was rushing over to her in worry, Derek had seen the girl pop it back in ce without even a wince before her mother arrived. He also had the feeling that Brandi was using a Greater Meditation skill that may have been higher level than his own. <em>Just how many mishaps has this girl had in the basement?</em>


    Well Malorie finally showed signs of calming down.


    Yeah mom, Brandi said. And my vitality is good enough that even if I had lost some health points, I would have already been regenerated by now.


    And dont forget that Im here, Derek said. If she was actually in any danger, I would have For the first time in a long time, Derek slipped into Void Shift to demonstrate his power. Hed actually missed doing it. He stopped the skill when he was standing directly behind Brandi and continued speaking without even a dy. Stopped it.


    Thats always terrifying, Jacks finally spoke up for the first time since the ident.


    Derek just turned to the former Captain and mouth, I know.


    Well fine, Malorie finally acquiesced. But she shouldnt be the one testing those things.


    Derek moved to beside Brandi and bent down, examining the runes again. I dont know much about them, but by the look of those runes, I figured it wasnt going to be as easy as you were thinking. Theres just too many of them.


    Ill get the hang of it, Brand said.


    Here, how about this? Derek began. Why dont I take you into the air, then you can practice with them while I make sure you dont fall or hurt yourself? How does that sound?


    Brandi looked a little defiant, but when her eyes met Malories, she sighed. Fine. We can do that.


    Great, Derek said. Are you ready to go, or do you still need some time?


    Im ready, she replied.


    Alright. Derek grabbed Brandis shoulders, then leaped into the air before using Void Steps to stay afloat. How is this? he asked.


    This is good, she said.


    Good youre good to go, then.


    With the go ahead, Brand wentpletely still. Soon, an explosion rang out from the boot, and Derek decided he didnt want to identally destroy another pair of clothing, so with a twitch of his hand, his armorwhich was still in need of repair from beforeappeared on his body. <em>I</em><em>m going to have to get some regr clothes made of some high-quality material. Well even if she did destroy some, shes the one that makes it anyway, </em>he thought.


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    No longer having to worry about his clothing, Derek paid attention to everything Brandi was doing with her new boots. As the runes caused explosions, Derek let the momentum generated by them guide the way he was holding Brandiif she caused an explosion on the right side of the right boot, he allowed the force to turn Brandis body to lessen any possible damage from the force that may ur.


    I think Im getting it Brandi muttered as she continued on. Soon, the explosions lessened until, finally, they stopped. Okay Brandi breathed out a long breath. Its not actually thatplicated. I just needed to figure out how best to direct my own mana and the feel of where everything was located.


    So do you want to try again without the training wheels? Derek asked. Without me holding you, and just making sure you dont explode yourself directly into the ground?


    Brandi turned her head and looked at Derek behind her. She frowned, looked toward the ground at where Malorie and Jacks were currently standing, then back at Derek, and nodded firmly. Yes, but can you take us higher?


    So I have more time to catch you if you fall? Derek asked with augh.


    No, Brandi said. You could catch me easily from anywhere with that skill Jacks said was scary. I just want it to be harder for mom to make out whats happening while I try to get the hang of it.


    Fine, but well say its because I wanted to have more time to catch you if something happened, Derek said.


    Okay, she replied.


    <em>Am I a bad influence? </em>He mentally asked himself as he kicked off a void ripple andunched them even higher into the air. Is this good? he asked.


    A little higher, Brandi said after looking down again, and Derek jumped.


    What about now? he asked.


    This is fine, she said.


    Okay, Derek said. As soon as the first explosion happens, Ill let go and youre on your own.


    Brandi nodded, then she started. Soon, Derek felt the explosion, and he released the girls shoulders. Derek let himself fall a short distance, then kicked back to get a better angle to watch. From there, he was able to see everything.


    The young smith was unstable for the first few bursts. But after a couple minutes, she got used to using the boots with the training wheels. Derek smiled as he saw her face go from one ofplete and utter concentration to pure joy as the boots became easier and easier for her to use. Finally, she looked down and their eyes met.


    Brandi stopped using the boots and went into a free fall until she was level with Derek, then used the explosions to right herself and maintain her altitude. This is awesome! she shouted to him.


    It seems fun, Derek said with a chuckle. She seemed like him when he was first learning to use his Void Steps. He had gone stupid with the testing and ended up running out of juice while high in the air. That was the moment that he learned that his body would not have a problem crashing into the ground at terminal velocity on this. The only problem hed ended up with was having to dig himself out of the mud.


    Im going back down to reassure Mal now, he told the girl, and she nodded, but didnt make to follow. Derek canceled his Void Steps skill and fellreactivating it just before he hit the ground. The girl had him thinking about trying for a more sessful superheronding than the first time hed done it, but there were people around and he didnt want to embarrass himself if it didnt go well again.


    Shes a quick learner, Derek said as he made his way to Jacks and Malorie.


    She <em>is</em> my daughter, after all, Malorie snortedstill notpletely over her worry as she clutched her fist every time the girl looked like she was trying something dangerous.


    Those boots look like they work almost identically to my own skill, Jacks said as he continued to watch the girl bounce around in the sky.


    They look that way, but they a most likely a lot more limited than your skill, Derek replied.


    Still Jacks said. People would pay a fortune for a pair of boots like that.


    I bet, Derek agreed. It would be nice if we could find a good team at the right level to go out and farm more of those cores. I brought a ton back for her to use as material, but its a finite amount.


    Thats unfortunate, Jacks said. But you were the only person to be able to bring them back for a reason. Those golems arent easy to beat to begin with, but having to beat them in a special way would make it impossible for some, if not most, teams.


    I know, Derek said. Maybe I can talk to Edgar and Edward about it and they can put a team together for it. They would readily do it if it meant equipping the kingdoms army with a way for everyone to battle or even train against people in the air.


    Derek! Malorie shouted, causing Derek to turn his attention back up to Brandi, who was iling abouther boots only sputtering. Whats wrong?


    Looks like her boots are out of mana, he replied calmly. Or she may just be tired.


    Well do something!


    Its fine, he said. Ill catch her before she hits the ground. This is good experience for her.


    Malorie frowned, but said nothing more. It turned out that Derek was absolutely correct and Brandi was able to use the small sputterings from the boots to slowly guide herself to the ground.


    Whew Brandi wiped at the sweat from her forehead when she reached them. Im going to have to make them more efficientwhich I think I can do.


    But other than that? Derek asked.


    Other than that. Brandi grinned widely. They are a great sess!


    Congrattions on the working pair of rocket boots, boost boots, or whatever you n to call them, Derek replied.


    Thank you! They are awesome! Brandi said.


    Now, how about testing out that new skill? Derek asked.


    Can I? the young smiths eyes went wide.


    Of course, Derek replied. Its one of the reasons I brought you so far out here.


    New skill? Malorie questioned. What new skill? Jackss interest was also piqued, as he raised an eyebrow in question.


    Youll see, Derek said, then turned to Brandi. Okay, Im going to go over there, then you try to use both skills at the same time on me.


    On you? Brandi asked, concern in her voice. I dont think I want


    It will be fine, Derek replied, brushing off her concerns. Im much stronger than you think, and Im sure you already think Im pretty strong.


    O-okay Brandi finally said.


    After that, Derek moved away from the groupfar enough so the skill would only reach him. That was if it was anything like Tyrons skill. Okay! Derek shouted. Im ready.


    Here I go! Brandi shouted back.


    Soon, a shadow appeared above them and it seemed like transparent metals were all pulled into a single spot. Not long after, the metals formed into the shape of a massive anvil directly above Dereks head. It looked to be around the size of a school bus. Derek gulped at it. <em>Maybe she shouldn</em><em>t try using it with Multi-Strike. </em>


    The Anvil had an illusory bluish purple spectral glow to it. Then, without warning, the anvil fell. Derek raised his arms to guard himself as the skill hit him. The anvil crashed into him and lightly jarred his bodyhis least favorite type of damage to take was always blunt damage, and thats exactly what the anvil was. Fortunately, he hadnt underestimated his own body one bit.


    Just after he felt the first impact, he was hit with anotherconfirming in his mind that Brandi was actually able tobine her two new skills together. Derek smiled as the anvilor anvilsbared down on him. He held the skill above him with his arms crossed until they finally faded out of existence.


    Derek! he heard Brandis voice sound out and draw closer.


    He turned to look at her, then realized that he couldnt actually see her because he just happened to be standing in the center of a bus sized crater. Jacks reached the edge of the crater first, as he was the fastest, then Derek saw Brandis and Malories faces appeartearsing out of the young girls eyes and worry in her mothers.


    Derek quickly shifted into the void, then appeared right beside her. He ced his hand on her hair and ruffled it up a bit. Didnt I tell you that I would be fine?


    I dont know how Jacks was the first to replied. That skill


    Its a pretty good skill, right? Derek asked with a smile as Brandi calmed down.


    Youre really fine? the girl asked. Really?


    Theres not a scratch on me, Derek said, then spun around like Brandi had for her mother before. Didnt even cause a dent in my armor.


    Whew Brandi let out a big sigh. So, the skill is good? she finally asked.


    Thats what I said, Derek replied. It takes a little too much time to activate, but the damage it will cause once youre higher level will be devastating. I dont think Id want to be hit by it once you reach level 200.


    I wouldnt want to be hit by it now, Jacks replied with augh. And I thought one monster was bad enough

 Chapter 408: Research to be Had

    Chapter 408: Research to be Had


    After using her boots and learning what she needed to do to make them work more efficiently and better, then testing out her new skills on Derek, Brandi was beat. ving away in her smithy day after day was exhausting to her, but using the rocket boots and fighting skills required her to stretch muscles that she normally didnt useespecially when she had to continuously direct mana into the correct pathways to the runes on them.


    She was both mentally and physically exhausted when everyone got back to the shop that eveningso much so that instead of going directly back down to her workce and working on an even better version of her boots or writing down her current findings, she decided to head upstairs and have dinner with everyone. This seemed to help get Malorie over the bit of anger and irritation shed had during all the testing.


    <em>Nothing like having everyone at the dinner table to bring the mood up, </em>Derek thought as he served himself another helping of chilled zesty pasta that Silvi had prepared while they were gone. This normally wasnt a favorite dish for Derek, as he preferred his pasta hot or spaghettibut it seemed like Silvi could make even his least favorite dishes worth eating.


    And then I face-nted into the ground and mom almost had a heart attack, Brandi said to Rayna and Rudy as she stuffed her mouth full of the pasta.


    Oh, no! Rayna said. It didnt hurt too much, did it?


    Not at all, Brandi said, and her eyes shifted to Malorie before turning back to Rayna. I thought mom was gonna kill Derek though. It was bad. He told her to calm down.


    He didnt? Raynas mouth dropped, and she turned to look at Derek. You didnt really, did you?


    It just kind of slipped out. Derek shrugged. But she was perfectly fine. Whats a couple of bumps and bruises here and there, anyway? Its still much safer than running dungeons with people at her level. You should have seen Thomas in his first dungeon. He got hurt much worse than Brandi just did, but he came out of it with a much better mindset, and I think hes better off for it.


    Speaking of Thomas, Malorie said. When are you going to go see him?


    I was thinking about heading to the academy to give it a look sometime within the next few days, Derek replied. Im interested to see how hes doing and if hes made any real friends. Hes probably been a lot more cautious over things like that since the incident in Torith. Everyone at the table had already heard the story of what happened, and they could only nod their heads in agreement.


    Of course, Derek was talking about the boy befriending a girl and then being betrayed and almost killed by Malcolm Toriths son, y. There was no way that something like that wouldnt have longsting effects on a 13, now 14, year old boy.


    Im sure that hed like that very much, Malorie said.


    What happened to his grandparents? Derek asked. He knew that nah had gotten Delh and Richard to safety, but he hadnt looked any deeper into it. Do you know?


    They are fine, Malorie said. They stayed here in Savannah for a while, but after Miss Swan and Prince Edgar pushed back the armies when they tried to take over the city, she made arrangements for Richard and Delh to go to the capital to visit Thomas. Though Leon, Sana, Bart, and Laura should still be here in Savannah. Theye visit asionally, but mostly they are just enjoying the city, thanks to Miss Swan and Ste.


    I see Derek said. He remembered Leon and Sana, they were husband and wife and Leon was the chief of Brandis vige, which was destroyed, and Bart was the innkeeperor bartenderat Raynas vige. Connecting the dots, he figured that Laura was Barts wife that he only barely met when she examined the hide that he used to buy a room at their inn, but he wanted to make sure. Laura? he asked.


    Barts wife, Rayna confirmed. Shes never been too sociablewhich was always funny, considering her husband.


    I can see that, Derek replied with a chuckle. Bart was definitely something else. How about the rest of the vige? Do you know about it?


    Unfortunately, Malorie said. We dont. We dont get a lot of news herewere not exactly high on the list of people who need to know things. But, from what Ive heard, most of the people from the cities and viges that were either captured or destroyed are okay, at leastwith some casualties.


    Like Francesco Jobs, Derek said.


    Who? Malorie asked.


    Oh, he was the manager of the Torith Adventurers Guild. I had a contract with him as the proxy, but he disappeared from my contract list while I was in the raid dungeon, Derek exined. I wasnt sure if he was part of the Torith problem, or if got caught up in war. Im still not certain, but its looking more like it was because of the war.


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    I wouldnt know, Malorie said. You could visit Ste and find out.


    Maybe, Derek said. I didnt know him well, and he was a bit of an ass, if Im honest. Well until he saw me fight, then his personality did aplete one eighty. Ive got a lot of other things to worry about before I worry about him, though.


    Ha! Jacksughed loudly. I canpletely understand someone having a change of heart about you after seeing you in action.


    Hes scary, Rudy added from across the table.


    Derek rolled his eyes and continued with his pasta. The rest of the meal was spent in small talk and Silvi praising herself for a job well done. After that, everyone chatted for a little longer before retiring for the nighteven Brandi, to the satisfaction of her mother, chose to get a good nights rest after the day she had.


    Derek thought that it more so seemed that Brandi was trying to mollify Malory instead of really wanting to rest well. But he would take it, as by the end of the meal, Malorie waspletely back to her normal self and even more jovial. <em>I</em><em>m definitely going to have to have a talk with Brandi. It looks like she needs to spend more time with Mal. </em>He thought back to the way the mother doted on her daughter and smiled as he, too, made it to his room and went to sleep.


    The next morning, Derek woke up not really sure how he was going to spend his day. He wanted to go visit Thomas at some point, but he also wanted to visit Roman and Ste, too. Then, there was re, who was supposed to be in at the Crown Restaurant in the capital, that he nned on visiting either before or after going to see Thomas. <em>It</em><em>s nice not having anything urgent going on right now, </em>he thought as he made his way to the dining room for another lovely breakfast.


    After breakfast, Derek decided that Thomas and re could wait another day. He collected some of the wyvern and other materials that hed previously left with Malorie, and headed to Romans Potions and Brews. Once there, he opened the door, which made a ringing sound to alert the staff that a customer had entered, then walked inside.


    As for the staff that was alerted well, that was just Freia, Romans assistant and apprentice. You can examine our potions while you wait, Freias voice rang out in a monotone voice. She was not the best shopkeeper. Ill be with you soon. The woman was at a counter toward the back of the lobby with her head downfiercely writing in what looked like a notebook.


    Derek didnt bother looked at any of Romans wares, he wasnt exactly there to shop, and he wasnt in need of any potions at the moment. So, he instead just stood in the middle of the lobby and waited for Freia to finish whatever it was that she was doing.


    Oh? he heard Freias voice finally and looked up. Mr. Hunt! Youre back? It seemed that no matter who he ran into, they all had the same question for him.


    For the time being, he answered.


    Are you here to test some of the new potions? she asked with a gleam in her eyes as she quickly moved around the counter and made her way to himnotebook still in hand. Ive been able to produce some too, if you dont mind. Its not easy to find someone of your constitution to help with our research.


    I, uh Derek smiled and rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. I wasnt really nning on that.


    The excitement in Freias eyes disappeared, and she said, Oh how can I help you, then?


    Well he said. I was wanting to see Roman and talk with him about the permanence potions and give him a few other materials to work with. I think I have some that could help produce some great new potions.


    Really? Once again, Freias attitude changed, and another fire was lit in her eyes. What kind of material? No wait, dont tell me. We can find out together, thats much more efficient. Hold on for one second.


    Freia then sidestepped Derek and walked to the entrance to the shop. Just before she got there, the sound indicating a new customer was entering rang out. Derek turned and watched as Freia rapidly exined to the person that they were closing down for some time to take inventory, then hurried him back outside before closing the door, locking it, then cing a sign on the ss saying that they were closed.


    It was very entertaining, to say the least. Freia was another one of those people, like Brandi or Edgar. They were all dedicated to their craftor fighting, in Edgars caseso much so that it came first over almost anything else. And, like Brandi was with her smithing, Freia was like that with her alchemy research and herbology.


    Derek was actually a little surprised that she had made her own potions that needed to be tested. <em>Then again, </em>he thought. <em>I</em><em>m sure she has to level up and increase her alchemy skills, just like every other alchemist. </em>He just couldnt see straight up research being able to level. <em>Unless she actually has research skills</em><em> which would be interesting.</em>


    Okay, thats that. Follow me. Roman is in the back, Freia said as she walked back past him and through the door to the back of the shop. Derek smiled wryly and followed the woman. She wasnt one for mincing words, especially when there was research to be had.


    Freia led Derek to the same room they had been in when Derek became Romans guinea pig and tested his potions that would have killed a lesser person.


    Ill go get him, Freia said, then disappeared without waiting for a reply. Momentster, she re-entered the room, this time practically dragging Roman behind her.


    I said I wasnt finis the halfling half shouted at Freia as they entered, then he paused when he saw Derek standing there. Oh, Derek. Youre back! His demeanorpletely changed. Okay, okay. You can let me go now, he pleaded with his assistant, who finally did just that.


    That seems to be the case, Derek replied.


    Its good to see you again. Its been awhile, Roman said. I heard that youd made it back from the raid in one piece, then up and joined the shenanigans between the countries. So thats finished now?


    Pretty much, Derek said. Everyone else is still back there dotting the Ts and crossing the Is, but that paperwork stuff doesnt involve me, so I came back before them.


    I see I see, Roman said. Thats good, then. That war stuff wasnt good for anybody. Made it much harder to get materials. Luckily, I had already bought enough tost me a few years if anything happened. Its always best to be prepared.


    I agree, Derek said, then was interrupted.


    Tell him about the new materials, Freia said, one hand holding her notebook, the other a writing utensil.


    What materials? Roman asked, his eyes finally matching his assistants.


    Well Derek started. Have you ever worked with wyverns?

 Chapter 409: Roman and Freia

    Chapter 409: Roman and Freia


    I thought you would never ask, Roman said with a cheery grin on his face. When the prince came flying in on that beautiful beast, I just knew that there had to be more. And here you are!


    Go figure, Derek said with a snort. But yes, youre right. During the raid, we were able to get quite a few different types of material. He held up a ring that hed filled with an assortment of materials. This has some ws, hides, organs basically a bunch of different parts of multiple kinds of dragonkin inside.


    Both Freias and Romans eyes went wide, and Derek saw the halfling lick his lips in anticipation. Roman reached out toward the ring, but Derek pulled it back out of his reach.


    Not so fast, he said, to Romans dismay. I wasnt finished. It also has a variety of other materials from monsters in the dungeonincluding beasts like griffins and lynxes, along with a few other things. During thest trialthe one before they fought the Starfury Leonarus, theyd fought multiple beast types, and Silvi had been meticulous in collecting material from them.


    Basically, if she thought there was any possibility that a material could be used in cooking, then she was sure to have picked it up. To that end, shed already cooked up some of the weird octopus theyd fought during the trial, and it had been delicious. Unfortunately for Roman, Derek didnt have a lot of those materials, as Silvi was pretty serious when it came to her ingredients.


    Finally, after watching both alchemists stare at him like lost puppy dogs, Derek gave in and flicked the ring into the air. The halfling alchemist jump multiple feet off the ground and snatched the flying ring beforeing down and examining it.


    Oh Amazing Roman muttered as he went over the items inside the storage device.


    So, do you think you can make anything good with them? Derek asked.


    I dont know, Roman looked up and replied. You can never know whats waiting to be created until you run tests. But I can only imagine that materials from beasts such as wyverns or wyrms will be full of possibilities. Perhaps strength or vitality potions, even. I do doubt they will be able to help produce and fertility potions such a shame, considering those are best sellers. Dragonkin are well knownat least in legendsto have very low fertility rates rates even lower than full-blooded elves.


    Oh I didnt need to know that, Derek said.


    Everyone should know that, Roman said. Fertility rate is even worse once a dragon grows powerful. It is the same with all powerful creatures. The more power you gain through the great system, the harder it is to conceive. Of course, that power usually alsoes with increased longevity to counter that problem, and luckily, we can produce potions that increase the sess somewhat. Which is why, as I told you before, my virility andpetence potions are best sellers and allow me to afford materials for my passion projects.


    Still not something I need to know, Derek said.


    He is very proud of his virility potion, Freia said from behind Roman.


    And why shouldnt I be? Roman clicked his tongue and moved over to a table.


    Yes, yes, Derek said as he watched Roman pull out a couple of the smaller materials and set them on the table in front of him. Freia quickly rushed over with her notebook. We are all very proud that you can create potions that help old nobles create more snotty nosed heirs


    Not just nobles, Roman corrected as he took out a weird-looking lens and examined the materials more closely. Usually, if someone is powerful enough to need one of my potions, then they are easily able to afford it. So, though nobles create most of the market, as they are worried more about having heirs than most, there are many adventurers, both active and retired, that also have need of my potions.


    If you say so, Derek said. Anyway, what is all that worth to you?


    What is it worth? Roman looked up at Derek and blinked rapidly. You mean


    What? You thought I was just going to give it to you for free? Derek asked while shaking his head. You should know better than that.


    What do you want? Roman finally said after a few moments of silence.


    I dont know, Derek said. I certainly dont think I need any gold, though.


    No, I guess you would not, Roman said. What if I give you half of anything I produce from the materials?


    What happens if it all ends as failures? Derek said. Then I would just be out materials and cooking ingredients for Silvi with nothing to show for it.


    Hmm Roman bit his lips. Fine Half of anything I produce with your materials, and free production on a number of orders of any potions I can already craft as long as you buy or provide the materials.


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    How many? Derek asked.


    I dont know, Roman said. Each recipe is different, so some potions are much harder to produce than others.


    Alright, Derek said with a shrug. He really didnt care much about ithe just didnt want to lose in any deals.


    Really? Roman asked. Just like that?


    Yeah, Derek said. Why not? If you want, I can try to think of something to counter with


    No, no, no Thats good. Its a deal, Roman said as he reached out with his hand to shake Dereks.


    Good. Derek shook the halfling alchemists hand. Get with Malorie and Rudy and they can sort out all the details. I dont do any of that stuff, he said, but what he was thinking was, <em>At least until Malorie decides to take that vacation</em><em> I better get any deals done quicklybefore that happens.</em>


    Ugh Roman sighed. Cant we just do it here? With a basic contract? Those two are so difficult to deal with.


    Nope, Derek said. Either them, or I can take back the materials and you can pretend that you never saw them.


    Fine Roman sulked. Is there anything else you wanted?


    Other than that, Derek replied. How are things going?


    Were out of Void Beast material, if thats what youre asking, Roman answered. We made are final deliveries a while ago. Your manager should have all the ounting for it.


    Did crafting all that help you out? Derek asked.


    My skills and level have never been better. The halfling grinned. Crafting so many potions created by materials not of the Great System was a huge boon on my skill levels. And the experience was just as goodthough, I have hit the bottleneck on crafting such potions, so any leveling experience or skill experience I earn is almost nonexistent now. Still, those potions and the stats they give are more than enough to make up for no longer receiving experience for crafting them. And, since I have taken a break from creating those Potions of Permanence, there is a good chance that the next couple I craft will give me at least some experience again.


    Thats great! Derek said.


    Yes. Roman nodded. I am now level 235, and very close to achieving 236. And almost all of my main crafting skills have achieved the elusive level 20. For that, I am thankful.


    Then this new batch of materials


    Could be vital to my leveling, Roman said. Also, do you n on obtaining more Void Beast materials?


    Derek thought about his promise with Avery to take him hunting and nodded. I do. Im not sure when I will be doing it, but I definitely have ns to tackle some more Void Beasts. Why?


    I was hoping to get your permission to allow Freia here to try her hand on making the potions, Roman asked, and Derek saw Freias eyes widen in shock at the deration.


    I thought you were all about not sharing your recipes, Derek said.


    I am, but she is my apprentice. Since I have personally obtained all there is to out of the recipe, it is time to pass it on, Roman exined. Under a strict contract, of course.


    Of course, Derekughed.


    It is not usual that I receive enough of a single material to grind the experience into the ground, if you will. My n has always been to begin passing recipes down once I achieve level 250, but now is as good a time as any with Void Beast materials. Roman then walked back around the table, close to Derek, then leaned in conspiratorially and gestured for Derek to do the same. Finally, with Derek bending down and his ear close to Roman, the alchemist whispered, Not to mention her research has been vital in the creation of new potions. Her work with herbology is second to none.


    I see, Derek said as he pulled back away. Well, it will be a shame to lose materials, but that cant be helped. Who am I to keep your apprentice from increasing her skill level? Go ahead. What he didnt say was that Void Beasts were the easiest and most abundant material that he coulde by since he could summon them at will, and since hisst foray with his Void Call skill, hed be much stronger and was no longer scared hed call one that he couldnt handle.


    Great! Roman said.


    Just work it into the deal with Malorie, Derek said, instantly deting Roman once again.


    Very well, Roman replied.


    Now, Derek started. How did Brandi do while I was gone?


    She is a fantastic alchemist and a very fast learner, Roman said. She also has a multitude of alchemy skills that I have never seen before. Its a shame that she has been stopping by less and less. She seems to be intrigued by movement potionstelyas that is all shes questioned me about. Though, I have not seen her make any progress on that front.


    Roman still didnt know about Brandis real ss it seemed. It wouldnt be terribly hard for someone like Roman to find out about it if he really looked into it, as nah had done, but the halfling didnt have a reason to. And since she had sort of specialized her ss into smithing, Derek suspected Brandi would be spending even less time with Roman.


    Shes very into doing things on her own, Derek said.


    As I have found out, Roman replied. Still, she is an amazing talent. I even had thoughts about taking her in as a full apprentice instead of just a student, but I actually believe that would hinder her amazing progress. She has a talent for making unusual connections and instructing her in only in my process would hinder that creativity.


    Derek smiled. He enjoyed hearing one of, if not the, best alchemist in the entire kingdom praise Brandi for even more than her work ethic. Anyone could look at the time she spent crafting and know that he was a workaholic, but only someone who truly spent time teaching and observing her would see her creativity.


    Thank you for all youve done for her, Derek said with a bow. Ill make sure to let Malorie know to go easy on you during your discussions. Since Brandi is her daughter, Im sure shell do so.


    That would be great, Roman replied happily.


    Derek nodded, then decided it was time to leave. Well, thanks for the talk. You can go ahead and get started with those materials. I trust that you wont try to pull one over on me. Just go see Malorie whenever you have time.


    Will do, Roman said.


    Thank you so much, Mr. Hunt. Freia came forward with her notebook and bowed deeply. These new materials are much appreciated. She turned her head and eyed the ring on the table.


    Dont mention it, Derek said with a wave. Ill catch the two of youter. I look forward to see what new potions you create this time.


    With that, Derek turned and left the room. Behind him, he heard Freia half shout, Oh no! I forgot to have him test my potions!


    Then, Romans voice sounded out, Stop moving, dont chase him. Hell be back soon enough.


    Derek shook his head and smiled wryly. He really didnt feel like being a guinea pig today. Hed have to move his next visit to Romans Potions and Brews to the bottom of his list. <em>Unless he finds a way to make a new brew that will work for me. That would be nice, </em>he thought as he walked out the door to the shop. Where to next?

 Chapter 410: The Doghouse

    Chapter 410: The Doghouse


    It was still quite early in the morning when Derek exited Romans alchemy shop. It was always nice to visit Roman, but he preferred visiting him at his bar instead. Unfortunately, that wasnt in the cards as Derek was there to conduct a little bit of business instead of just chatting. <em>Next time, I</em><em>ll have to check when hes working at his old, run down bar and visit there. </em>He doubted Roman actually had a lot of time to work in his bar or sell his brews with all the Void Beast materials and other assistance that was provided by Derek and nah.


    The halfling Alchemist did, after all, only run the bar and sell his brews to help him be able to afford all the different materials and other items that he needed to progress in his real passion. It was the same as with all the virility and fertility potions that he had a knack for crafting.


    Derek shook his head at the thought of those potions, then looked around. After standing outside the shop for a minute, and thinking about the first time he met Roman, he figured out where he wanted to head to next while he was making his rounds after returning. With a smile on his face, Derek turned and began walking toward the center of the city.


    Not long after, Derek found himself outside the doors of the Adventurers Guild. <em>I wonder if Shae</em><em>s still alive. He seemed pretty scared toe back after leaving Judy with all that work for over a year, </em>he thought as he pushed the doors open and walked inside. Looking around, he was happy to see that the ce wasnt busy so early in the morning. <em>That actually may not be the case, </em>he thought. The ce was more than not busy. It was practically deserted. <em>I bet the guild has been severelycking in missions since the war startedthis could just be a result of that. </em>


    Shrugging, Derek walked over to the counter to the person that he was just thinking aboutthe person who single-handedly held the life of the Savannah Adventurers Guild Master in the palm of her hands. Judy still had her head down going over something, and hadnt looked up since Derek entered. He wasnt sure if she was ignoring him or if she was actually busy, but, being the polite person that he was, Derek waited. Soon, the woman looked up and met Dereks gaze with her own.


    Derek Hunt, Judy said, monotone. What can I help you with? She sighed, exasperated. Judy definitely saw him when he came in because she didnt look surprised to see Derek at all. And with her dry delivery, it didnt seem like she was all too interested in helping him, either. She obviously knew that Derek was there for Shae, and that he wasnt actually there for any Adventurers Guild business.


    Wow Derek said in mock shock. He looked around again, but at the moment, it was just Judy and him in the lobby. The customer service of this ce has taken a turn for the worse since thest time I was here. It must have really suffered while Shae was gone. Such a shame


    Yeah a shame, Judy said. Now, what do you need? Im busy, and as you can see, were shorthanded at the moment.


    Youre short customered, too, Derek said with a chuckle. Why is that? Surely its not just because its early. Is it because of the war?


    Yes, Judy confirmed Dereks suspicions with a nod. Since the war started, most adventurers either went on vacation or joined the rest of the army to fight. Because of that, the Guild Leader issued orders that missions requiring an adventurer to go outside the city walls were not to be assigned. So, all we were left with were bronze ranked missions inside the city. Other than some bronze-ranked kids looking to make a quick bronze or silver, the guild has been slow.


    Ah, I see, Derek said. And the Guild Leader hasnt changed those orders back yet? he asked. I dont know if you know this, but the wars over, and Indria, Cydaria, and Indariaformerly Astrusare even allied. I imagine youre going to be swamped with work any day now.


    No, Judy said, her face still impassive. But as you can see, even with very few peopleing here, I am already swamped with work because I am having to do everybody elses jobs on top of my own, the brown-haired woman exined. And no. The news of all that hasnt arrived yet. But seeing you here, it doesnt take much to figure it out. So now, I have to add more work to my list to make sure everything is up to date for when everyonees back. Though, it will be nice to call back the rest of the workers once we can post actually missions again. This ce is boring alone.


    Maybe try reading a book? Derek said with a smile as he remembered Nia from the Adventurers Guild in Torith and wondered how she was doing. Toriths Adventurers Guild was always pretty slow because of where it was and the fact that it wasnt a full city, so she always had a book ready to read. <em>I hope she</em><em>s still alive, </em>he thought. Nia had told him in the few times that they met that she enjoyed her job there because the pay was decent and she never had to risk her life for it. Now, he knew that her manager had died, so he wasnt sure about her status.


    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the vition.


    Im already staring at paperwork all day. Why would I want to stare at more words? Besides, like I said, Im busy. I wouldnt have time to read a book even if I wanted to, she said.


    But you have Shae back now. Surely hes taken some of the load off, Derek said.


    Yeah, Judy chuckled, almost evillyit was the most reaction hed been able to get out of her yet. Hes not going to be seeing the light of day for some time. He has very much work to catch up on.


    So youre saying he cante out to y? Derek asked. He wanted to see how Shae and his Astral Viperpanion were getting along.


    Not a chance Judy said. I didnt even let him leave home todaymade him stay home with stacks and stacks of paperwork that require the Guild Master to fill out instead of me. I made sure not to fill in any of that information for him, too. So he has to do more than just p his signature on things.


    Oh, Derek said. I can honestly say that I dont envy him right now.


    Its his own fault, Judy said. He volunteered for that mission, and so soon after spending all that money out drinking. She sighed. However, I can call him for you if you have proper business with which he is needed, she said, still the professional.


    Hmm Derek rubbed his chin in thought. No chance youve changed your policy or rules and are able to issue diamond-ranked badges yet, is there? Im pretty sure I wont have any problems getting one now.


    Actually, Judy started, almost mechanically. There is some paperwork that we received and Shae has to fill out that will give us the ability to issue diamond-ranked badges. The capitals Guild Master Cain Ibarra just sent it in. My idiot husband seemed to have impressed him during the raid, and since his strength has increased quite a bit, the Guild Leader agreed with Cain that Savannah should be able to issue all adventurer ranks as long as Shae is here.


    Oh, great, Derek said. Then, thinking back to his and Judys first introduction, he said, One diamond-ranked badge, please. He held his hand out with his index finger pointed up.


    I said he has to fill out the paperwork. Its just one of many things he has to do, Judy replied. At his current speed, I imagine it will be finished sometime within the next few weeks. You can eithere back then or go to the guild in the capital to earn it. Either way, its not something either of us can help you with at the moment.


    Dang, Derek said and snapped his fingers. He really didnt need the adventurers badge at all. There wasnt a reason for him to get it. He didnt need anything the guild or people issuing missions could offerespecially money.


    Derek was already friends with nah, and if there was something he needed, he was sure he could find a way to get it by talking to either her or Ste. Still, he kind of wanted the badge. He also wanted to finally meet the elusive Guild Leader. He didnt even know the persons name, but he could only imagine that the person was strong. I guess thats that


    Yes thats that, Judy said, her face still nk. Is there anything else I can assist you with, or will that be it for the day?


    Oh, I know, Derek said, then slightly leaked his aura a bit. Would you like to see how my aura has changed since thest time? I think youll be impressed.


    No! Judys eyes widened, and she held out one hand, palm forward, to motion for him to stop. Dont do that, please. Thest thing I need is to have to spend part of the day recovering my senses after a monster like you releases his aura.


    Derek withdrew his aurawhich he hadnt even released enough of to turn the whites of his eyes purpleandughed. Finally, he said. A bit more of a reaction. For a second, I thought you may have been reced by a machine or something. Its good to see that you can still act like that. I was getting worried.


    Youre an idiot, too, she said. Just like Shae.


    Its not terriblepany to be in if you think about it, Derek said. Hes a good idiot, at least.


    That he is, Judy sighed and finally let her face form into a soft smile. Is that all?


    Thats it, Derek said. Tell Shae I stopped by to say hi, will ya? And at least leave him some food and water before you go out. <em>The poor guy is perpetually in the doghouse. But I guess it</em><em>s his fault, </em>Derek thought. Shae was a man who enjoyed fighting and adventure, but he also fell for Judy, so he had to make some sacrifices.


    Sure Judy replied. Ill think about it.


    Derek chuckled. Then I guess thats it. You have a good day, he said before turning around and making his way back through the lobby, then through the door leading outside.


    As the doors closed behind him, he was surprised to see a young boy walk past him and enter the building. <em>Must be a bronze-ranked kid looking to get a mission, </em>he thought. There were only a few missions even posted on the mission board that he managed to sneak a peek at as he was leaving. <em>I bet those low ranked adventurers like it, at least. They don</em><em>t have to stand in line forever just to pick up a mission to go sweep Ms. Annes floors. </em>


    <em>Huh </em>Derek thought back to earlier at Romans shop. <em>I wonder if Roman had any of the same problems at his shop that the Adventurer</em><em>s guild has been having. </em>He did notice that the old man who worked as the shopkeeper for Roman hadnt been in, and Freia had taken his position instead. <em>If the old shopkeeper had been there, then Freia wouldn</em><em>t have had to rush that customer out, and the old man could have taken care of him.</em>


    <em>Well</em><em> it could have just been because of how early it was. Maybe he just hadnt arrived to work yet, or it could have been his day off or something. </em>The fact that Roman <em>did </em>have a customer so early in the morning showed that he probably wasnt hurting. <em>Then again, his business could be at an all-time high. He could have been selling tons of those </em><em>potions to bored nobles and people who had nothing better to do because they were trapped inside the city. Just look at Jacks and Raynathe prime examples. Ill have to ask Roman the next time I see him.</em>


    Derek chuckled and looked across the way from him. <em>I wonder what Ste is up to.</em>

 Chapter 411: Just to Say

    Chapter 411: Just to Say


    Derek first made his way to the Crown Restaurant, but left when the manager there informed him that Ste was at the hotel. <em>I should have guessed, </em>he thought as he walked into the hotel. From there, all it took was thedy at the front desk pulling out amunication crystal. Then he was soon led up to one of the rooms that Ste used as her office.


    After entering the room, Derek was left waiting for several minutes until Ste arrived. When she walked in, he noticed that she was dressed in a more adventurer-like style than normal. However, even though she was wearing what looked like a full set of leather armor, it looked almost formal. <em>It like she has to go to a business meeting, but she may need to kill some wolves on the way, </em>he thought as he chuckled.


    Whats so funny? Ste asked as she walked past Derek and sat behind her desk.


    I was just admiring your armor? It is armor, right? Its quite elegant, he asked.


    Oh, this? she motioned to the green fitted leather tunic on her upper body. While adventuring with Rayna and the others, I got used to wearing my leathers, and I havent felt the need to go back to dresses or skirts.


    And <em>that </em>is your armor?


    This? No, Ste said. It is a business attire I had fashioned from the hide of a Woond Serpenta level 210 creature that can be found in a couple dungeons in the kingdom. It has the feel and some of the protection offered by such a material, but with a more refined business look, she exined. Why? Do you like it?


    Sure, Derek said. He had a feeling that the reason she chose the creature that she did was because the emerald green color of the hide really entuated her crimson red hair and matched her green eyes quite well. Im all about whatever feels morefortableas you can see. He was, of course, wearing his ever familiar blue jeans and ck shirt. This, he motioned to his shirt. Was made out of some level 100 bat thing from that undying dungeon I cleared and crafted by a beginner crafter that had no business using materials of such a high level.


    Thats nice, Ste said. Anyway, what brought you here today? More items to sell? Business propositions? Void Beasts? Or have you done something outrageous again and what to see the look on my face when you show me?


    What? Cant I juste to say hi after being gone for so long? Derek asked.


    You can, but did you? she asked with raised eyebrows.


    Actually, Derek said. I did, he said. I had to go deliver some things to Roman, then I stopped by the Adventurers Guild. After that, I figured itd be nice to drop in and see what youve been up to. Its only been a month and a half or so since thest time we met for me, but that like, what? Over a year and a half for you?


    Something like that, Ste replied. So I was third on your list?


    Didnt really make a list, Derek said. I just knew I was going to deliver some materials to Roman today that was it. I didnt have ns for the rest of the day. Thought I would probably spend most of it rxing in my shop. Its nice to bezy for a change.


    Im sure it is, Ste scoffed. I miss the times when I took over as manager in Torith. I didnt have to do anything there. It was nice, she said, reminiscing. You know If not for you, I would still be there.


    No, you wouldnt, Derek said.


    I wouldnt?


    Nope, he replied. nah would have dropped everything and went and picked you up if you were still there when the war started, and you know it. So, you would still be here. Well, maybe not exactly <em>here,</em> but you wouldnt be there. Actually, with the way you work, you probably would havee back for the auction, and if not that, then you would havee back when Avery signed up for the raid. You wouldnt have left nah short handed.


    Maybe, Ste said. But would the auction have happened or would Avery had joined the raid if not for you walking into the restaurant that day?


    Yes, Derek said firmly. I know that nahs had eyes on me since before then. She would have found a way to meet, and we probably would havee to some of the same dealsespecially the coffee.


    Okay. Ste shrugged. You got me, she said. How are you enjoying being back?


    Its great, Derek said. I dont like the fact that I missed out on a lot of stuff, but thats something I knew was going to happen when I joined the raid. Though, I also thought it was going to take three months, so that would have been even worse. Oh, and have you seen Rayna? Derek motioned to his belly with his hands. I didnt expect that so soon.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    Oh, Ive seen her, Ste chuckled. But you expected it?


    Those two were getting along way too well when I left, Derek said.


    You should have seen them in the party, Ste said. Jacks does care a lot for her, though. Im happy for the two of them.


    Oh, dont get me wrong, Derek said. I am as well. I just figured they would you know get to max level or something before they settled down. And they probably would have if not for Indria and Astrus invading. Rayna had so much as told him so the day before.


    Thats true, Ste agreed.


    Alright, Derek leaned in. So tell me how well is Malorie doing?


    Shes a natural, Ste replied. Its a shame that she wasted all those levels in fighting sses. Shes like her daughter in that way. If she had been brought up in a city where she didnt have to worry as much about survival as she did in her vige, I have no doubt that she would have one of therger merchantpanies in Savannahand thats with her still being so young.


    I had that same feeling, Derek said. Its good to see that you think so as well.


    Hopefully, all the management skills that nah and myself supplemented her with will allow her to branch into a more management center ss once she reaches her next ss upgrade.  Ste exined.


    Are there any other management type skill scrolls that I need to look out for? Derek asked.


    Of course, Ste replied. Ive already put out the word that were in need of certain skill scrollsones that I was lucky enough to find for myself that I think would be great additions to the ones she already has. However, as you may have guessed, the supply of new scrolls has slowed greatly and we havente by any.


    That should be changing soon, Derek said. In fact, not only will things get back to normal, I imagine the supply of new materials and other dungeon items will increase by quite a bit now that the kingdoms are friendly.


    Yes, I imagine they will, Ste agreed.


    If you find any of those skill scrolls, just let me know. Ill be happy to buy them, Derek said. After looking after the shop for so long, she deserves them.


    Oh, I know youll be paying, Ste chuckled. Youve already paid quite a bit for the skills shes gotten. I bet you dont even know how much gold you have, do you?


    Not a clue, Derek said. Thats one of the things Ill have to check on sooner orter. But Id rather worry about getting her the right skills first. Ive found that money its not too hard toe by for me.


    Dont let the merchants hear you say that, Ste said while shaking her head. Though, speaking of skills, it is unfortunate that she had missed out on some ss specific ones that would have been avable early on. And since she doesnt have a management ss currently, she wont be able to get to that ss upgrade without fighting to earn the experience.


    Well, Derek began. Thats not a problem. I can just take her somewhere and let her poke some things with her staff before I finish them off. Im pretty good at hand-feeding people experience points. Also, you dont have a management centered ss, do you?


    That is true, and you are correct, Ste said. She held out both hands and a pair of shiny cleavers appeared before she spun them around, then stored them once again. I am working with skills given to me, or ones that I searched out through skill scrolls. I am quite good at my role here, but I am a fighter at heart. And, if you ask nah, Im sure that she will agree that my fighting talent is as good, if not better than my management talent even if my management skills have grown more than mybat skill over the years.


    What about Avery? Derek asked. Ive never talked with him about it, but he also manages things with nah, right?


    Avery isnt that great at that sort of thing? He gets half the amount of work done in double the time than it takes me when ites to managing the Crown Restaurant and Hotel, and hell tire himself outpletely to not fall behind, Ste said. Hes whats the best way to put it she tapped her bottom lip with her finger. Averys pledged his life to nah, no matter how against it she is. She saved him long ago, and his loyalty to her is unquestionable. I like to think that mine is, too, but Averys is on an entirely different level.


    Ive noticed, Derek said. He has a lot of faith in her.


    He does, Ste said. She is a good personeven after everything shes been through. Ste sighed. Avery is already one of the strongest people in the world at least, I believe. But if he were to focus more on himself, I can only imagine how powerful he would be. I was so happy when she finally convinced him to go on the raid with all of you.


    Even when everything is going smoothly, it is hard for nah to convince him to take a break from her side. She even had him recruit Zachary and Lucas so he would at least have something more to do. She hoped that training them would light that fire and allow him to be a little selfish for onceshe also wanted us to recruit some people to take the load off of our shoulders too, she continued. But it seems that what really did the job for Avery was when he joined that battle against Gerald and his grunts. Im happy that he has that fire again.


    Dont worry, Derek said. Your secrets safe with me.


    Good. Ste nodded.


    Anyway, Derek started. Avery said that you met Lyra.


    Thats right.


    What did you think of her?


    I think that it was surprising that he tamed a beast that ended up being so like nah, Ste replied. Their skills may bepletely different in how they work, but they have simr results. Though I didnt speak with the winged serpent, I could feel the tug on my mind just from being close and looking at her.


    I talked with her not long ago, Derek said. She is very strong. I think theres a good reason that Edgars Blitz goes running any time her name is mentioned.


    You mean Blitz the Magnificent? Ste asked with augh.


    Yes Blitz the Magnificent, Derek replied with a smile. Blitz had a really good personality. Anyway, you know that we brought you a dragonkin, too, right?


    Avery did mention that in the short time he visited before joining everyone else, Ste said.


    Well Derek began. Would you like to go see them?

 Chapter 412: The Problem with Bonds

    Chapter 412: The Problem with Bonds


    You want to go see them? Now? Ste asked with a frown on her face. How long will that take? she asked. Im not blessed with a lot of time these days.


    Well, that should change soonwhen nah and Avery get backso I dont think you have to worry about cking off for a day or two, Derek said. But to answer your question They are all just outside of the city. To make a long story short, we found a clearing, then Tyron cksteel made sort of a kennel for dragonkinwhich is now holding all the remaining ones.


    And you just trust that nothing will happen? Ste asked.


    Yes, Derek replied. Tyron didnt hold back with it all. There are power dampening runes among others keeping them inside. Plus, he recruited a Beast Tamer to take care of and watch over the ce. Her name was Lindsay? I think?


    Lindsay? Lindsay Barnes? Ste questioned.


    No clue, Derek said. I didnt get ast name.


    Well, it has to be, Ste said. Then, in a slightly lower voice, continued, I cant think of any other Beast Tamers named Lindsayespecially ones that would have the ability to even somewhat control some dragonkin.


    So you know her? Derek asked.


    Yes, Ste said. She is the daughter of the patriarch of House Barnes. They used to be a regr noble house.


    Oh? Dereks brows furrowed. Were they caught up in the noble purge? He didnt know much about what all Edwin and Edward did with their investigations after hed entered the raid and before the war. Edgar had said that there would be some sort of purge, but Derek hadnt asked since hed gotten backhe didnt consider it to have much to do with him.


    Oh gods no, Ste replied with a chuckle. Its the exact opposite, in fact. House Barness loyalty and character was proven to be above reproach, and Edwin chose to promote their houseamong a few othersas a reward for their steadfast allegiance and exemry service.


    And it doesnt hurt to show other houses what can happen if you are loyal to the crown and maintain a good character, Derek said. What happened with House Barnes would be the carrot, and what happened with House Torith would be the stick.


    Exactly, Ste agreed.


    What did happen with Gerald? I know that hes dead, but how was it done?


    He was publicly executed by Edwin with absolutely no dignity left intact, Ste replied seriously. By the time nah was finished with him, his mind was brokenhe couldnt even speak. Honestly, I believe the execution at that point was a mercy.


    Well, Derek said. Mercy or not, its good that hes gone.


    I agree, Ste said.


    Now about those dragons, Derek said with a smile.


    I guess it wont hurt anybody if I take a bit of time off today, Ste finally relented as she stood from her seat. Lead the way.


    After that, Derek led Ste through the city, out the front gate, then to where Tyron had built the dragon kennels. It took more time for them to get there than it would usually take Derek because he didnt use his Void Steps or Powerstride skills this timehe had a guest and he wasnt familiar enough with Ste to just pick her up and take off. Hed had to do that with nah back when she passed out after fighting, but that was apletely different circumstance.


    When they arrived, Derek was happy to see Lyra still lounging around outside the kennels. When they were within distance, Lyra nced over at them with one eye, then Derek heard her voice appear in his head.


    <em>Did youe back for another attack? </em>the friendly winged serpent asked, her voice sounded a bit resigned in his head.


    <em>Oh, nothing like that, </em>Derek said. Hed actually given some thought toing back to the area every six hoursthe time it took for Lyras Psionic Surge skill to cooldownbut he wasnt sure if the dragonkin who didnt enjoy killing would like that. The way he saw it, it would allow her to practice and hone her most deadly skill without having to worry about the target, and he would get to rapidly increase the level of his Mental Resistance skill. <em>I</em><em>ll ask her about itter, </em>he thought. <em>I came to bring Ste to have a look at the facility and the dragonkin that are stored there.</em><em></em>


    <em>Oh yes, I see, </em>Lyra said. <em>She is to receive one of my kin as apanion, if she so wishes. She seems a fitting partnerperhaps even more so than Avery. The kin she chooses would not have to worry about any mistreatment in her hands. Avery is quite fond of her as well. He views her as a little sister.</em><em> </em>


    Hello, Lyra. About that time, Derek and Ste made it close enough where Lyra would easily be able to hear them without shouting or telepathy, and Ste spoke. Its nice to see you again. We didnt formally meet. My name is Ste Brighton. As regal as could be, Ste bowed politely to the massive dragonkin.


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    <em>Yes,</em><em> </em>Lyras voice sounded in Dereks head once again. <em>I like this one.</em><em> </em>


    <em>That</em><em>s a point in her favor, </em>Derek thought. <em>Lyra</em><em>s not exactly the most sociable beastpanion out of the bunch. </em>He thought back to Silvi, Blitz, Volt, and Rocky, along with her. Silvi was very sociable under the right circumstances, and from all the rumors, Blitz absolutely loved to talk about himself. Hed never tried to contact Volt or Rocky. He didnt really care about the former, but he did want to try to speak to Rocky one day. He was a cool wyrm from everything Derek had seen.


    <em>Shes a pretty good person, </em>Derek replied to the serpent. <em>She wouldn</em><em>t be so close to nah if she wasnt. She has very high standards for the people that she allows to get close. </em>


    <em>She has great willpower, </em>Lyra replied. <em>Such a low level, yet she canmunicate so seamlessly with me.</em><em> </em>


    <em>Thats from hanging around with nah all the time, </em>Derek said. <em>She</em><em>s very used to certain controlling-type skills, so she wont have any problems with most passive suggestionsor, if she does, shell get over it soon enough.</em>


    <em>Good, </em>the dragonkin replied. <em>Very good.</em><em> </em>


    If anyone were to look at the three of them, it would be quite the scene. Derek and Ste were just standing close to the massive winged serpent, stock still, and with no movement. Lyra, on the other hand, was still coiled up in afortable position with only a single eye staring at the two. They were allmunicating telepathically, but Lyra was holding two different conversations at the same time.


    <em></em><em>Is the Beast Tamer still inside? </em>Derek asked.


    <em>She has not left since the cksmith called for her,</em><em> </em>Lyra replied. <em>It appears she is very dedicated to her duties. It seems she wouldn</em><em>t want to take a break even ifmanded. The ability she has to dedicate to her profession of Beast Tamer is quite admirable. </em>


    <em>She did seem to be quite the animal lover, </em>Derek said. <em>Perhaps she would make a good candidate for apanion to one of the extra dragonkin. What do you think?</em><em> </em>There were only two dragonkin that werent spoken forthree if nah chose to not take it any further with the wyvern that she tamedand he would rather them either be set free somewhere far away from people, or end up with apanion that would treat them well.


    Currently, he was thinking about Bones and Ogre, but those two werent exactly the most trustworthy people yet. Even with the contracts and oaths, they were still former assassins and, though they had certain codes, they had gone around killing for a living. With those two, it would take time to see how well they performed. Bones was actually performing quite well, but he hadnt seen Ogre in a while.


    So, with Lindsay Barnes being how she was, and with what hed just learned about her noble family, she didnt seem like a bad candidate if needed. Though he wasnt exactly in a rushnone of his people seemed even close to being able to tame their own. <em>Jacks is probably the closest one to having enough power to do so. And I hate to say it, but Brandi may be secondit all depends on what kind of wild things she ends up building next. </em>He could totally imagine the young smith falling out of the air in a full suit of armor rocking ck Sabbath or AC/DC.


    <em>Thomas, though</em><em> Im definitely going to have to take him sparring to get an idea on how well hes been doing since I left. Hopefully, hes been working hard on his skills, </em>Derek thought. <em>And I don</em><em>t think Jacks would like the idea of Rayna battling against a dragon while pregnant. I can only imagine the looks I would get from Malorie if I suggested that </em>he shook his head, but was broken out of his thoughts when Lyra answered.


    <em>Yes,</em><em> </em>she said confidently. <em>She would make a very goodpanion for one of my kin. I have observed her over thest few days, and I have learned some things. Though she is a Beast Tamer, as you say, she has not yet bonded with any beast. I do not know if she wants to avoid that because of the difficulties thate with it, or if she just has not found the proper beast for her. Either way, she would be a goodpanion.</em><em></em>


    <em>I see, </em>Derek said. <em>Do you think she would even want to if the reason is because of the problems thate with forming a bond?</em><em> </em>


    <em>Bonding to a powerful dragonkin eliminates much of those difficulties,</em><em> </em>Lyra started. <em>The biggest difficulty that I know of, based on my limited understanding and experience, is the problem that urs when either the bond or the bonded dies.</em><em> </em>


    <em>Yeah, </em>Derek said, thinking back to his conversation with Bronson when he identally bonded with the best and most fearfulpanion in the world a bunny. <em>Something about a soul-sickness. Sounds pretty badnot something I</em><em>d ever want to experience, </em>he replied. <em>Though</em><em> the loss of the bond would be worse than any kind of stat loss or sickness that happens because of it, </em>he thought, but didnt say.


    <em>Indeed,</em><em> </em>Lyra said. <em>And the loss of the bonded to the bond is more than that. From what I understand with my conversations with Avery, the loss can drive the beast madand that is terrible on multiple fronts.</em><em></em>


    <em>Especially if the beast is strong, </em>Derek said.


    <em>Yes,</em><em> </em>Lyra replied. <em>But both the beast and the person would eventually be able to get back to normal after the lossit will just take much time.</em><em> </em>


    Derek couldnt help but think about his evolution caused by the other systemthe Origin System, as Dave had called it. It had been pretty adamant about severing the bond between Derek and Silvi, but he had refused. <em>Thinking about it, would have it been such a terrible decision? </em>The Origin System had told him that with its help in severing, no harm would havee to either of them, and her growth would no longer be based on his own.


    <em>Would that mean that she would be able to grow on her own now? Like a regr system user and not a beast? </em>It had been such an unexpected prompt, and he had rejected it as soon as it appeared. Still, even if he had thought more about it, like he was doing now, there was no doubt in his mind that he would havee to the same conclusion and rejected it. <em>If the only problem other than the obvious is that growth will be a little harder, then that</em><em>s no problem, </em>he thought.


    Increasing his level was something hed not had a single problem with since he arrived in Cydaria. Hed even been able to increase his skill levels rtively quickly too, so why would he need even easier growth?


    Derek clicked his tongue and shook his head before getting back to Lyra. <em>Well, </em>he sent to the amphithere. <em>It</em><em>s not something to decide now, but its certainly an option that should be considered. </em>


    <em>Agreed, </em>the dragonkin replied.


    Thank you again for keeping Avery safe, Ste said out loud from beside Derek and bowed again before turning to him. Okay, she said. Lets go see them.


    <em>Good chat, </em>he sent to Lyra. See yater!

 Chapter 413: Crunching Numbers and Monsters

    Chapter 413: Crunching Numbers and Monsters


    So, what did you think of Lyra after finally talking with her? Derek asked Ste as they walked toward the entrance to the Dragon kennel. Lyra had already turned her head and was back to resting, or whatever it was that she was doing.


    She is an amazing beast. Ste said. Lyra is the perfectpanion for Avery.


    How do you mean?


    Well shes a very intelligent being, Ste replied.


    Which means? Derek asked with a chuckle, knowing where she was going.


    Well Avery isnt dumb or anything, but when he fightsactually fightshe gets wrapped up in thebat and doesnt always think things through. Lyra seems to be the exact opposite of that. She can keep him from going overboard in a battle. Its like he somehow picked out a beast copy of nah as hispanionits such an odd coincidence.


    I dont really think it was <em>that </em>much of a coincidence, Derek said. When we were fighting, and he was looking for apanion, he noticed Lyra right away. She was the smallest amphithere out of all of themactually, she was the smallest dragonkin in that entire trial as far as I know. But she stayed back,manding all the other dragonkin, which caught his eye. Once he noticed her, I think it was pretty much a done dealunlike Edgar and Blitz. I think Edgar saw fighting Blitz one on one as more of a challenge than anything else.


    I see, Ste said. So, because of his time spent with and around nah, he was drawn to Lyra and decided to make her hispanion. I guess that isnt such a coincidence after all. How many dragonkin were in the trial?


    Hundreds, Derek said. Im sure there was probably more than a single dragonkin with psyonic or other mental-type abilities, so him choosing her is still a bit of good luck. It seems that you never really know what kind of personality a bonded beast is going to have until after the fact, he exined, thinking that he would have never been able to guess what Silvi was going to turn out like. Then again, most of the dragonkin were your basic earth, fire, wind, and water elements. Even Blitz was a fire wyvern before Edgar bonded with it.


    I can understand that. You see those elements in sses much more often than you see others. It was lucky that Lyra was even among the others, Ste said as they grew closer to the kennel. Speaking of Lyra, what did the two of you talk about, anyway? she asked Derek.


    Youre right that Lyra is smart We were talking about bonds and what would be best for the remaining dragonkin once all the ones that are already spoken for are taken. She seems to have a very good understanding of bonds based on what limited information she has, Derek answered. What about you? What did the two of you discuss?


    We talked mostly about Avery, actually. We seem to have the same opinion on him, Ste replied with a half-chuckle. But I also asked her what she thought I should do regarding the dragonkinwhether I should bond with one or not, and when I should bond with one if I choose to do so.


    And what did she say? Derek leaned in to asked, he was interested in Lyras take on the question. She had already told him that she thought Ste would make a goodpanion for one of her kin. So he wondered what she had told Ste. If she were to ask Derek, then he would most likely tell her to go for it. He hadnt regretted bonding with Silvi at all.


    She told me not to rush into things, she replied.


    What do you mean?


    Well she said that it may be possible for me to tame one of the amphithere right now if I really wanted to and was willing to put in the effort. She also said that she would watch over me if I tried, so I wouldnt need to worry about things going badly. But she also thought that it would be best if I waited until I was stronger.


    She told me about the ss upgrade from epic to legendary that Avery received, even though he was already at max level. That was something I didnt know was possible. As I am right now, Im closing in on my final upgrade. I actually would have most likely hit it while partying with Rayna and the others, if not for the war. Im not sure if my epic ss will get that upgrade at level 200 to legendary, but odds are that it wont, she exined.


    Oh, I see, Derek said. So if you dont get the legendary ss upgrade


    Then I may be able to bond with one of the dragonkin like Avery did sometime after I hit level 250. Now, Avery has been level 250 for a long time, so I would need to work on my skills and such for a while after I hit it before I tried, to get the best chance possible, but its an option that I didnt have before, Ste exined. Before, I was more than happy with an epic ss of my own so early on in my levelinglike Avery. But now, it seems like there are more possibilities that I hadnt imagined.


    Maybe youll get a legendary upgrade when you hit level 200 and you wont have to worry about it, Derek said. I dont know how long its been since you reached yourst ss upgrade level, but Im sure you have leveled up tons of skills since theneven if they are supplementary ones to do with cooking and management. You never know what the system is going to see and reward you if thats how it works.


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    Maybe, Ste replied with a sigh. But I doubt it. I think that my focus on all the other skills may actually hinder my chances of getting a legendary ss. Its not like that rarity is easy toe by. If it were, then you would see more than a few people each generation with the rarity, but you dont. Actually, since you appeared here, there have been a lot of strange things happeninglike Avery getting an upgrade or Walter being let out of his familys soul contract. You certainly bring interesting situations with you.


    I dont know about that, Derek said. But I dont think all those other skills you have will hurt your chances in any way. I think that youll be given a lot of new options for entirely different sses instead, and maybe even some hybrid choices from your life skills andbat skills. Like a Combat ountant or something.


    Yeah, Ste snorted. Crunching numbers and monsters all at the same time.


    Exactly, Derek replied with augh. You have thebat part, which is something you said you really enjoy and are good at, then you have the management part, which is something that I <em>know </em>youre amazing at. I dont see why something like a hybrid upgrade cant be a possibility.


    Who knows? Ste said. Once nah gets back and everything is back to normal again, Ill have to work on getting my level and otherbat skills up.


    I would offer to power level you, but you know the importance of focusing on your skills first, Derek said.


    I do, Ste said. You dont have to worry about me, she continued. Ive had the path Im going to take nned for some time now. I may need to adjust it some, now that were allied with the other kingdoms. I imagine that will bring ess to a ton of dungeons that I didnt have before, and Im not afraid to lean on nah to get that ess.


    Nor should you be, Derek said. In a world like this, you have to do what you can to grow powerful, or youll be left behind or left for deadneither of those options are good.


    Within reason, Ste corrected. You dont want to end up like Gerald Torith or hisckeys.


    Well, yeah, Derek replied. That goes without saying.


    The two continued walking for a short amount of time, until they finally arrived at the stable areas for the dragonkin. The first set of stables held the smaller dragonkinthe amphithere. Once again, Derek marveled at the ck obsidian-like material used to create the stables. This time, he remembered to use Identify, and he received the name of the material: Shadowsteel.


    Wow, Ste said from the side. The Walking Forge really went all out with these stables, didnt he?


    Why do you say that? Derek asked.


    This entire thing is made of equal parts Shadowsteel and Abyssal Iron, she exined. Do you remember the Dragon-Formed Obsidian that our buildings in Savannah are made out of? she asked.


    Yes? He could distinctly remember her not wanting him to punch the wall to see exactly how durable it was.


    Well, these two materials are around two tiers higher than that, Ste said while shaking her head. The Shadowsteel had amazing durability against magical damage, and the Abyss Iron is the same, except for physical damage. I always wondered how rich The Walking Forge was, and this just makes me even more curious.


    Huh Derek ran his hand over the Shadowsteel and was surprised that, though it looked pretty rough, it actually felt like smooth ss. It makes sense, he said. Tyrons at the point where he only makes weapons for trades instead of money. And, he goes out and gathers a lot of his materials himself because of how powerful he is inbat, Derek continued. Its not hard to imagine him finding veins of amazing ores and other materials and just mining it. <em>It will be even easier now that he has Rocky with him, </em>he thought.


    I guess Ste muttered as she, too, felt of the materials in front of her.


    Plus, Derek started. Its not like hes not going to be getting all of this stuff back. These dragonkin arent going to be held here indefinitely or anything. In fact, there are only two beasts that arent already spoken for, and I dont think it will be hard to find someone to bond with one.


    Thats true. Ste nodded her head, then moved around the stable to the front, where she could finally see the amphithere resting inside. Thats interesting, Ste said as she looked upon a winged serpent.


    What is?


    It seems rxed, she said. Like its perfectly fine with being captured.


    Lyra actually exined all that to me before, Derek said. He then went on to tell Ste about the dragonkin all basically being newborns and infants, and how they were all just living by their instincts at this point. So, the only thing they really want or need is food, and they are getting that in droves.


    That is interesting, Ste said. That also makes dungeon breaks, and monsters that slip out just before a break, make more sense. With a dungeon break, the monsters just attack everything they seeno real thought involved. Its different from say a beast thats been living in a forest or something for multiple years.


    Exactly, Derek agreed. Now, was there a dragonkin that you had on your mind that you may want to bond with? he asked. Avery thought you would want an amphithere, like Lyra, so thats what we captured for you, but there is also a drake that isnt taken. It also doesnt seem like nah has any ns to bond with the wyvern she tamed. I dont know how those contracts work, but I guess it would be possible for you to bond with that if nah really chooses not to.


    Im not sure if I would be able to even bond with a wyvern without already having a legendary ss, Ste said. At least, it would be much harder, maybe even impossible, for me to do.


    Thats true, Derek said.


    From there, Ste walked through all the stables with Derek following her. They caught the eye of Lindsay, but the Beast Tamer only nodded at him and didnte over. Finally, after looking at the biggest beastthe wyvern that was captured for Brandithey stopped.


    Theres only one wyrm? Ste asked.


    Yeah, Derek said. We didnt get too many of those. Just RockyTyrons bondand a nature element, one that would be easy for Jacks to fight and contract with if he wants it. Which is why that was the only one you saw. Of course, you could talk with Jacks or Rayna, or even Brandi if you wantedyou all dont have to settle for the dragonkin that we picked out for you. You may find that the wyrm suits you and Jacks may like the amphithere, who knows?


    They really are magnificent beasts, Ste said.


    Yup, Derek replied. Just like Blitz.


    But I truly dont know, Ste said. Ill have to talk with nah once she gets back. I am definitely leaning toward the amphithere, though.


    I know what you mean, Derek said. Lyra really leaves an impression, doesnt she?


    Yes, Ste said as she turned her head to where the massive winged serpent was resting outside. Yes, she does.

 Chapter 414: Books

    Chapter 414: Books


    Ste continued to window shop for dragonkin for another couple hours. It was like visiting an exotic zoo back on Earthyou could spend hours there just watching the magnificent beasts. During that time, Derek found himself chatting with Lindsay Barnes about herself.


    They didnt go into anything personaljust her fascination with different beasts. Also, they were correct in assuming that she wanted to bond with a beast, but just hadnt found the right one yet. With her closeness to the animals, she wanted to find the perfectlypatible beast to be herpanion.


    The woman seemed to be a good personbeing on Tyrons speed dial was also another point in that direction. Derek knew the cksmith pretty well by now, and the fact that he asked Lindsay, and that she came so quickly, were good signs. The more he thought about it, the less he thought Ogre would be a good candidate for a dragonkinor any bonded beast, really.


    Bones had the organization and mental capacity to take care of a bonded beast, but Ogre was kind of a different story. The way the giant of a man was, Derek doubted he would even want to have a bonded beasthe was too worried about his next meal.


    Derek also thought the same thing about Silvi. <em>Good thing she didn</em><em>t get me with that contract trick when we first bonded, </em>he thought with a shiver. He couldnt even imagine the cooking affinity that he would currently have if that were the case.


    Finally, Ste finished viewing all the dragonkin, and was ready to go back. Overall, she was just excited to spend part of the day away from the business and customers. She hadnt gotten much rest since nah joined the fight and with Avery being gone.


    <em>I</em><em>m definitely going to have to let Malorie have a break, </em>Derek thought with a sigh as they passed Lyra on the way out.


    What was that sigh for? Ste asked.


    I was just thinking that Malorie was in sort of the same position as you, Derek said. Shes had to run everything since Ive been goneand since before I left, to be honest. So she probably needs a break like this as much, if not more, than you did.


    Probably, Ste agreed. But your little shop has nowhere near the amount of struggles that the Crown Restaurant and Hotels do. Once she bes fully acquainted with all the ins and outs of itwhich she is already pretty close to doingshell have the shop where it basically runs itself, and shell only have to focus on certain parts. It will be much easier for her as time goes by. And shell have the ability to manage things far better than I can one day.


    Thats good to know, Derek said. It was a nice feeling, seeing his friends all flourish in their lives. Malorie was shaping up to be a fine business woman, Brandi was well on her way to bing a crafter just as good, if not better, than Tyron, Jacks and Rayna were starting their own little family, and Rudy was Rudy. He was just happy that he was able to help them.


    After the long trek back to the Savannah, Ste visited his shop with him before she went back to the Crown. They enjoyed a veryte lunch created by Silvione that turned out quite delicious. Silvi had served them skewers of meat and vegetables. They hadnt known exactly what kind of meat they were eating until they asked after receiving a small increase to their wisdom once they consumed it.


    The meat was actually a mix of the octopus-like creatures and the Astral Vipers that they had fought against in the raid dungeon. It was the first real meal that Silvi had cooked with her Cook What You Kill skill, and whatever the skill did, it drew out the innate effects of the octopus that she had hunted herself. It was an intriguing skill and made Derek rethink his ns of only taking Avery along to hunt Void Beasts with. Silvi was definitely going to have to single-handedly hunt a few of her own just to try the skill.


    If it worked for regr beasts and recipes, then who knew what kind of gains a Void Beast meal created with nahs special recipe they would receive. Or if it would even receive any bonuses since Void Beasts werent part of the system ording to the achievement he got for killing them. It was something that they would only be able to find out by testing.


    Once the meal was over, Ste sluggishly and reluctantly left to get back to work, and Derek finally decided it was time to learn about his shop and how everything was doing.


    Follow me, Malorie said, then led Derek through the shop and into Rudys office.


    Do you need anything? Rudy said from behind his desk.


    Your office, Malorie replied.


    Oh Rudy said. Once second. He gathered up a few things into his storage ring, then left the room after giving Derek and Malorie a nod.


    I think we need to get you your own office, Derek said. Do you use Rudys often?


    asionally, Malorie said as she walked behind the desk and took over the seat where Rudy had been sitting. I mostly do the bookkeeping and inventory in my room or the dining room, but since its more than me this time, I thought it best to use an office.


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    Makes it more official, Derek said. But you do need your own office. I cant believe I never thought of that.


    I make do, Malorie said with a shrug. But I wont turn one down.


    Then, the next time I talk with Geoffreywhich will be soon because I have some ideasIll have hime by and figure out a good way to put something in, Derek said. We can afford a couple new additions to the building, right?


    Without a doubt, Malorie said, then pulled out a binder and pointed at some figured. As you can see, were quite flush. After the auction, we walked away with more than two million gold coins which is more than some of mid-tier noble houses have in total.


    Wow Derek said. I knew that we sold quite a few of the meals for over 100,000 gold each, on top of all the other, lesser meals, but I didnt think it was that much.


    It was, Malorie said, matter-of-factly. And, on top of that money, the amount of gold that the shop has begun to make on a monthly basis has be more than enough to pay for 5,000 gold monthly rent and many materials. We have essentially not touched any of the proceeds from the auction.


    Thats amazing, Derek said. I didnt know that Brandi was doing so well with more than just her research and leveling.


    It is amazing. Malories face finally broke into a smile at the mention of her daughter. As much as I hate seeing her work so hard on everything, I am a very proud mother.


    As you should be, Derek said. Youve done a great job in everything. Youve sessfully run the business alone, while continuing to be a good mom. Its quite the aplishment. Derek praised,ying it on thick. If it so happened that shepletely forgot about what happened when Brandi was testing her boots, or the fact that Derek kept bringing her more dangerous things to craft with, then, so be it.


    Thank you. Malorie blushed slightly before changing the subject. Theres something that I thought we should look into now that were flush with gold and on good terms with Miss Natalie Savannah. Its something I wanted to make sure you were okay with before I did it, so I was waiting until you got back.


    What is it? Derek asked.


    As you know, we are currently paying 5,000 gold a month on top of 13% of our profits at the end of each quarter, Malorie said.


    That sounds about right, Derek said. Hed have to look at the contract, as he didnt remember it off the top of his head, but if Malorie said that was what it was, then thats what it was.


    You also paid a first andst month deposit, and property taxes are built into the monthly rent, she exined.


    Derek nodded along.


    So, we have been offered a new contract from the city lord, herself. I imagine it is because you are close to her and because of the value she sees in you, she exined.


    I wouldnt say I am very close with her, Derek objected. But I doubt there are many people who are. I do have a decent amount of strength, though, so I could see me being valuable. He smiled as he flexed his right arm.


    Be that as it may. Malorie rolled her eyes. We have been given a unique opportunity for our business.


    And what opportunity is that? Derek asked.


    We have been given an execption to buy lot 33801 straight up, Malorie said.


    And that means


    That means that we would no longer have any monthly rent to pay, just our property taxes and taxes on profit, Malory exined. Also, if we choose to do so, the taxes on our profit will lower from 13% to 10%.


    I didnt think that was allowed under Natalies reign as city lord, Derek said.


    Technically, you are correct, Malorie said with a nod. However, the city lord makes the regtions. From what I have gathered, she is the first city lord that continues to rent her property like everyone else in the city. I imagine she does this to keep nobles from making a fuss.


    They cantin about it if its something the city lord does Derek said.


    Exactly, Malorie said.


    Then why make the exception for us? Derek asked.


    For you, Malorie answered. The exception is for you. If you ask me, it is because she sees the value in having you in her city for the long run. So, she has given you the opportunity to set permanent roots.


    Which would basically forceno, thats not the right word He shook his head. It would entice me to never move to a different city.


    Yes, Malorie said. I believe that is the goal. The offer only recently came, after all.


    Ah I see Derek said. The offer most likely came after he returned from the raid, then captured the two dukes. Natalie was at the pce to see that.


    What do you think? Derek asked. She was the one who ran everything, so he would follow her advice. What will it cost?


    The cost is quite steep, Malorie said. It is seen as more of an investment into the city instead of just a temporary residence or shop. She flipped through her binder to another page. For lot 33801, we can own it for 268,000 gold. This includes the lower quarterly tax rate of 10%. Once we own it, our only monthly cost will be the 250 gold per month property taxes.


    If you were to ask me, I would say that its a no-brainer, Malorie exined. You currently have more money than you know what to do with, and you have ways to make as much as you need. Investing it back into the city that you n on living in would be well worth it.


    Interesting Derek said. And what about the two lots beside us? Are those for sale? Part of the generous exemption offered by Natalie? When he first visited lot 33801, he liked it because it was between two unupied lots that he could possibly use in the future for expansion.


    I thought you would ask that, Malorie said with a smile. Once the Void Emporium starting taking off in poprity and people saw that it wasnt going to shut down like the previous business that upied this lot did, they started taking interest in the surrounding lots.


    I see Derek said. So theyve already been rented?


    They have, Malorie said. By me.


    Really? Derek asked with wide eyes.


    Yes, she said. Of course, I didnt know that you were bringing that giant of a man back to work for you at the time, but now that you have, I see that my instincts to buy the two lots surrounding the Void Emporium were right on target.


    Yes, Derek said. They were.


    Malorie then pulled out two contracts from her storage ring. I rented the lots under the name of the business since you werent here and I didnt want to put them under my name.


    Thats fine, Derek said. But the question is, are we able to buy the two other lots too? He would like to get started on building a ce for any workersincluding Bones and Ogrethat they ended up hiring. With the runners looking for different jobs, Derek knew that there would be plenty of people that would take him up on the offer of a live-in employee.


    Yes. They were included in the offer, Malorie said. But the total price for all three wille to just over 1.1 million gold. It is quite the sum.


    It is, Derek said. But moneys really not a problem for us, is it?


    No, Malorie said. No, it is not.


    Then buy them.

 Chapter 415: Not for Him

    Chapter 415: Not for Him


    Derek left Malorie to her Rudys office with a smile stered on his face. Hed have to go talk to Natalie about the property information and why he was given such special treatment when she didnt even give herself or her noble house the same kind of treatment. Of course, he wasnt going to look a gift horse in its mouth, which is why he told Malorie to go ahead and buy it all.


    To be fair, whether he rented or bought the property didnt matter much to Derek. It was all the same to him. Honestly, the biggest factor was that once he bought the property instead of renting it, Malorie would have less on her te to worry about. <em>It won</em><em>t be much less, but every little bit counts. </em>


    If not for that, with the amount of gold he already had, it was enough to rent lot 33801 and the other two for the remainder of his lifespanas long as he made it to the same age as Edwin. <em>I wonder if that evolution changed my longevity. Thats one of those questions I wish I would have thought about when I was speaking with Dave. I</em><em>m able to regrow limbs, so having a longer lifespan wouldnt be too surprising. </em>


    <em>What I do know, </em>Derek thought. <em>Is that Geoffrey is going to be a very busy man soon? </em>He halfughed to himself at the thought. The slimy businessman was his go to contractor, and with two more lots to work with, Derek would be building on them sooner rather thanter. Hed also just saw the materials that Tyron used for the dragon kennels, and he thought that those would make pretty decent material to build with. <em>On top of that, they seemed to take to being equipped with runes quite well. Hell</em><em> I love the mystical glow that the Void Emporium has, but it may be worth it to see about adding some of those other materials into the current shop as well.</em>


    Making the Void Emporium an indestructible fortress hadnt crossed his mind before, but since building it, the war happened, and he didnt know if something like that woulde along again. <em>At least we</em><em>ve pretty much secured peace throughout this continent. The dwarves dont sound like greedy folk, and I doubt that, even if they were, they would ever try to wage war against the other three kingdomsbined Still It wouldnt hurt to enhance the shopcreate a sort of fallout shelter just in case. </em>


    If he were to do that, then hed be able to leave for extended periods of time without worrying about his people. <em>It will make dungeon running with nah or farming Void Beasts with Avery much less stressful. </em>The only thing that he could think of that would help even more than that would be a way to alert him if something happened, no matter how far away he was. He was, after all, only seconds away with his Void Travel skill at any time.


    Derek shrugged as the door connecting Rudys contract shop to the hallway of the other shop closed behind him. Hed have to ask around about some kind of alert system, but he doubted it would be possible. <em>If it were, nah would already have one. </em>


    With that thought, Derek entered the main floor of his shop, then decided to help out for a while. He hadnt taken the time to see how his two employees ran things, and he didnt have anything better to do for the time being. It was toote to leave Savannah and head to the capital to visit Thomas or re, but it was also too early to head to bed or have dinner. <em>I bet Silvi wouldn</em><em>t mind making a second lunch, though, </em>he thought with a grin.


    So, like that, Derek lived out his dream of customer service. At first, the two kids, Dina and Lance, were extremely nervous with him working alongside them, but after a while, and after learning that Derek had absolutely no clue what he was doing, they started acting normally around him. It helped that Derek asked a bunch of questionseven very stupid onesand didnt treat them like they were beneath him.


    Finally, after a few hours of some of the most mentally draining and exhausting work hed ever done, the two employees closed up the shop and left. Hed never been a huge people person, though he was getting more used to it, so dealing with strangers all day was very much out of hisfort zone. <em>A century or two trapped in the void was more than worth not having to get a ss requiring retail or customer service, </em>he thought as he made sure the front door was locked.


    Malorie had told him that the store had gotten popr, but he hadnt realized how popr until now. Sure, it wasnt as crowded as some of the other stores or ces like the Crown, but the fact that so many people came to shop even though it was so far away from the center of the city, really showed that Brandi and Malorie were doing fantastic.


    Once finished doing his best job impersonating a retail employee, which he found out was very much not for him, Derek finished the day like normal. That included dinner with everyoneeven Brandi joined them againthen an early end to the night.


    The next day, Derek decided it was time to head to the capital. With Brandi being as excited as she was to see him, he was beginning to feel bad about not visiting Thomas yet. So, after a nice breakfast prepared by Silvi, he headed out toward the Teleportation Building. Sure, he could have used Void Travel and appeared in the capital, close to the academy. From what he gathered, it wasnt far from the pce, and he had the perfect spot in the center of the Throne Room to appear.


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    However, if he didnt need to use Void Travel, he wouldnt. Even after all the experimenting, he didnt trust his skill, and his ability to keep the items in his storage device from being affected enough to use it willy-nillyespecially when it was easy enough to travel between cities. <em>What</em><em>s an extra couple hours here and there when youre finally not in a rush? </em>


    So, with all that in mind, Derek entered the Teleportation Building and waited his turn. Soon enough, he found himself strolling down the capital streets just a little lighter in coin after paying the teleportation and entry fees. <em>It feels good to actually have to pay for something for a change. It</em><em>s like Im a regr person again. </em>


    Derek soon made his way past the capitals Crown Restaurant. As he walked by, he thought about dropping in and seeing what re and the others were up to, but decided against it. Next, he walked by the pce. Originally, it had been quite the marvelous sight, but since, hed seen other pces, and he preferred the nature type pce that formed the one in Indria.


    <em>It is a whole hell of a lot better than that thing in Astru</em><em> Indaria, </em>he thought as he walked by. <em>Okay</em><em> this is all new territory for me now.</em> Derek had never ventured past the pce beforehed only really ever gotten a good nce at everything as they were taking off on wyvern back.


    He didnt have to wait long to find the academyor at least the entrance to the academy. After passing the Royal Pce, he soon arrived at a wall within the city, with its own gate and everything. <em>This must be it, </em>Derek thought as he leisurely strolled forward before being met by two guards standing on either side of the gate. <em>I expected there to be</em><em> more, </em>he thought. <em>Maybe some parents waiting outside or studentsing and going. Not just</em><em> two guards.</em>


    As soon as he entered the guards sight, he saw them tracking him with their eyes. They stayed standing stock still, even as he approached. Soon, when he was close enough, one of them looked him up and down, then spoke.


    Halt. The guard on the right put his arm up, palm facing out. Derek did as he was instructed and stopped walking. What is your business at the academy? the guard asked.


    Im here to visit my Derek started. <em>What is Thomas to me? Apprentice? No</em><em> he would be Shaes apprentice. Id say he was my friend but that would feel weird. What about nephew no thats not right Oh, I know </em>he thought. Im here to visit my ward, Derek said. Thats exactly who Thomas was. He was a person under his protection, and he had promised his grandparents that he would take care of him. So ward was an apt description of what Thomas was to Derek.


    Your ward? one of the guards asked. Do you have your papers?


    Papers? Derek asked.


    Yes, the guard said with a sigh. Your visitation papers. Or any other documents allowing you entry into the academy.


    <em>Now why didn</em><em>t I think of that? </em>Derek thought. <em>And howe nobody said anything to me about needing documents to enter? Have they even visited him here? Or do they just wait for him to visit them? </em>Malorie had said that his grandparents, Delh and Richard, had been to the capital to visit him, after all. <em>Though, she did say that those arrangement were made by nah. I</em><em>m sure she went through all the proper channels for everything. </em>


    Yeah Derek began. I dont exactly have any of that. You see, I just got back from running a long dungeon, then taking care of some wedding stuff, so Im here to visit for the first time in about a year and a half.


    If you dont have the proper permissions, you cant enter, one of the guards said with a sigh. He seemed put out.


    And how do I get these papers? Derek asked.


    You can either take your ward to one of the City Buildings and submit an application with them there, or you can send an application to the academy and it will be verified by your ward, the guard exined.


    And those are the only ways? Derek asked. He could always just use Void Travel and appear directly next to Thomas, but he didnt want to give everyone in the academy a heart attack by doing so.


    Im afraid so, the guard said.


    <em>Well</em><em> I wanted to surprise him but oh well, </em>Derek thought. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he pulled out a bluemunication crystal and began channeling his mana into it. Hed already bought and given each of his people at least a blue crystal that he received from Geoffrey back when he was contracted to build the Void Emporium.


    Thats the guard said, pulling Dereks attention. Probably not going to work.


    And why is that? Derek asked.


    Because the academy has runes preventing mostmunication crystals from working. You need specific runes to get through, he exined. Those are used by staff.


    Dammit, Derek said. <em>Wait, maybe I can use the noble, </em><em>do you know who I am? line, and they will be forced to let me in. </em>He seriously thought about doing that for a moment before deciding against it. <em>No, I don</em><em>t want to cause too much of amotion. I would hate to embarrass Thomas in front of any friends or enemies that hes made. </em>


    The biggest problem Derek was having at the moment was that almost everyone was still in Indaria. <em>I</em><em>d prefer to contact Edgar or even Edwin, but I cant Maybe Natalie can help? </em>He thought, but decided against bothering her for the time being. <em>I guess it can</em><em>t be helped. </em>


    Ill be back in a bit, Derek said to the guards with a sigh before leaving.


    True to his word, Derek was back about half an hourter, and behind him was a very anxious Phillip Musgrave. Hed been left in charge while the royal family was at the wedding, so Derek figured hed be able to help. The adviser was more than happy to drop everything he was doing and follow Derek. Derek had even gone through the front entrance to the pce this time instead of appearing out of nowhere, just to be respectful.


    After a stern talking to and a light beratingwhich was stopped by Derek because the guards were just doing their jobsDerek was allowed entrance to the academy. Phillip even gave Derek a special token to show if anyone questioned his entrance.


    As the gate behind him shut, Derek turned around to Phillip and the two guards. Thanks again! he waved back. Once the gate shut, he turned back around and looked at the massive building in front of him. <em>Time to find Thomas.</em>

 Chapter 416: The Academy

    Chapter 416: The Academy


    Derek thought of the academy as a massive building, but that was an understatement. Yes, the building in the middle was enormous, but there was more than that. It was like an entire small city within the capitalone separate from everything else. And the giant wall epassing it made that all the more so.


    As he strode forward, Derek was at a bit of a loss as to how to find Thomas. The easy way would be to open a tunnel with Void Travel, then use his Void Sense to pinpoint the boys location, but that would also be the unwanted attention way. With a shrug, Derek continued forth to the massive building in the center of everything else.


    Before he arrived at a small bit of stairs going up to the entrance, he was met by another two guards. With a quick sh of the tokenor badgethat Adviser Musgrave had given him, the two guards bowed with respect, then allowed him inside without asking any more questions. <em>I may have to keep this, </em>Derek thought as he pinned the badge to the right arm of his shirt before walking through the double door entranceopting to wear it out in the open so he didnt run into any problems.


    Stepping inside and letting the doors swing closed behind him, Derek looked around. The room was empty of people. Instead, it had tapestries of a bunch of men that Derek didnt recognize on either side. However, they all looked slightly familiar. <em>There</em><em>s Edwin, </em>he thought as his eyesnded on what looked to be a much younger version of King Edwinhe looked almost identical to Edward on the tapestry.


    <em>Well, I guess it is referred to as the </em><em>Kings Academy for a reason, </em>Derek thought as he walked forward, then up one of the sets of stairs that were on either side of the entry room. He never liked the gaudy double stairs that led to the same ce, it just took up too much room for his taste.


    <em>I wonder if there</em><em>s a principals office or a receptionist or somethingan easy way to find out where the kid is, </em>he thought as he made it to the top of the staircase, then moved to another double door on the center of the wall. Opening the doors, he was relieved to see that it might not be so hard to find the boy after all.


    The answer to all his questions was sitting at a finely crafted wooden desk in the center of the new room, in front of a wall lined with shelve full of books and what looked like storage cabs. <em>Interesting choice</em><em> </em>In a ce where it wasmon for higher ups to have storage rings filled with any and all items, he hadnt expected to see actual bookshelves and cabs behind a receptionist. <em>I guess it does give it more of an academy feel. </em>


    Derek knew he was in the right ce, as the lobby had multiple gossiping students standing around, and a few even in line to talk to the receptionist. Derek looked the current students up and down. The ages of them had to vary greatly. Some looked as young, if not younger than Thomas did thest time Derek saw him. Then, on the opposite side of the equation, there were students who looked in the early twenties even.


    One thing they all had inmon, though, was the uniform they were wearing. Every student, male and female, wore a dark gray set of tunics and trousers ented throughout with blue patterns. The blue ents matched the color of the royal familys lightning almost perfectlythere was nothing subtle about it.


    Derek did notice that on the upper part of each students arm, there was a roman numeral. Most of the students in the lobbyespecially the younger oneshad a one stered on them. Though, the older kids had fours and there were even a five among the bunch. <em>I bet that</em><em>s what year they are. </em>


    Then, along with the blue ents and ss numbers, each student had a symbol on the left side of their chests. One student had a pair of crossed swords, while another had a shield. There was even a girl who wore the symbol of a literal heart on her chest. He finally realized what it all meant when he saw a person with a hammer and anvil symbol. <em>It</em><em>s showing what kind of ss they have. The swords would be offensive or attack, the shield would be defensive or tanks, I guess. As for the heart probably a healer. </em>


    After looking around the area and examining all the students, Derek looked at the multiple doors littered throughout the lobby. Some were adjacent to the receptionists desk, and some were on the side wallsnone werebeled.


    Finally, Derek stepped forward, drawing a bit of attention from the students, but when they saw the token pinned to his shirt sleeve, they backed away with raised brows. He settled in behind the few students in line and waited. The receptionist was pretty quick at handling each student, and after just a few minutes, it was Dereks turn.


    How may I help you? the man asked Derek, then, when his eyesnded on the badge, he hurriedly stood and gave him a small bow. Sir!


    Enough of that, Derek said, motioning the man down with his hand. Sit sit hemanded. As the man sat, he noticed that the man was wearing almost the same uniform as the students, but on his upper arm was a symbol of an open book and a crown. <em>I guess that signifies him as faculty or staff or something, </em>Derek thought. The man did not have a symbol woven into his chest like the students did.


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    Yes, sir! the man said as he retook his seat. What are your orders? Sir!


    No orders, Derek said with a slight shake of his head. Im just here looking for someone. Maybe you can help me out?


    Of course. The man nodded fiercely. Do you have a name? Is it a student or staff?


    Hes a student, Derek said. His name is Thomas Stewart.


    Without another word, the man flicked his wrist and a giant binder appeared in front of him on his desk. <em>Of course, </em>Derek thought. <em>All those books and storage shelves and cabs were definitely just for show. </em>He shook his head as he watched the man rapidly flip through the binder until he finallynded on a certain page and stopped. Then, he took his index finger and traced it down the page until he stopped on a certain line.


    Thomas Stewart you said? he asked for confirmation.


    Yes, Derek replied.


    A second year who is an offensive spear user, the man read off. Does that sound right?


    Thats him, Derek said.


    Very good. The receptionist closed the binder and put it away before looking up at Derek. The second years are currently in the academy arena doing their weekly random battle exams. If you would like, I can send someone to go fetch him.


    No, Derek said with a shake of his head. What kind of exam is it?


    Its a graded practice for dungeons. Its not weighted much, and they are graded on their improvement throughout the year, the man exined. They are paired with a random group made up of two damage dealers, a defensive tank, a support, and a healer. From there, a monster of a higher level than the group is released and they are to battle it while under the supervision of their instructors.


    I see, Derek said. From what the man was saying, it sounded like a good opportunity for the kids to learn coordination and increase their skill levels against a beast that was trying to harm them. <em>I wonder how fast skill levels increase if they know that no real harm cane to them. </em>Would it be okay if I went to the arena and watched?


    Of course it would, sir! The man enthusiastically nodded, then slightly frowned. Please excuse my ignorance, but I am familiar with all those who bear the kings token, yet I do not recognize you. If you wouldnt mind


    Derek waved off his question. You can call me Derek, he said.


    Derek? The man furrowed his brow, then a spark of recognition appeared in his eyes. Derek Hunt?


    Thats me, Derek said with a chuckle. I take it youve heard of me?


    Oh, yes! The man sprung from his seat once again and bowed. It is an honor. Ive heard about some of you aplishments and Ive seen the respect and skepticism that some of my superiors have for you. Last I heard, you and the others who joined the princes raid had returned. Then I saw you leave on Prince Edgars wyvernBlitz the Magnificent. Well I didnt <em>see </em>you, but I heard that you were up there.


    <em>Damn</em><em> he said that with a straight face. </em>Derek inwardlyughed. He was used to running around with the rulers and most powerful people on the continent, so they didnt exactly have the same reverence as everyone else did for Blitz the Magnificent. In fact, they were more likely to poke fun at him and Edgar about it.


    Skepticism is to be expected, Derek said. Its hard to believe some things without seeing them with your own eyes. He watched the receptionist nod heavily, then continued. Anyway, about Thomas?


    Oh, right! The man quickly pulled something out of his storage ring and ced it on the center of his wooden desk.


    This Derek looked at it, and it was a standing sign that said will return shortly.


    Oh, Im going to take you to the arena myself. Dont worry about the students, its mid-semester, theres nothing they need right now that they cant wait for. Theyre mostly all just looking for weekend passes and such. Also, theyre used to it, the receptionist exined.


    Well okay I guess, Derek said with a shrug.


    The receptionist then moved out from behind his desk and announced, Ill be taking a thirty-minute break. Please n ordingly. There were a couple of sighs that came from the students behind Derek, but they all epted everything rather easily.


    <em>I guess they really are used to it, </em>Derek thought.


    With the students informed, the receptionist had Derek follow him. He took Derek back out the central door and outside the way hed juste from.


    The doors inside all lead to the general ssrooms for each year. The buildings over here on the south side are the specialized sses buildings. Theres everything from cooking and alchemy to weapons and tactics, the man said as he led Derek between the specialized buildings and the main academy.


    I see, Derek said with a nod as he followed along.


    On the opposite side, the north side of campus, is the student and faculty dorms, along with stalls and buildings set up for purchasing items created by the crafting students. Its a good way to earn extra tokens and such since gold and regr coins isnt epted in the academy, he exined.


    Oh? Whys that? Derek asked. If you cant tell, I know absolutely nothing about this ce. Other than none of the students are supposed to get any kind of preferential treatment. Which is one of the reasons I sent Thomas to this ce.


    I wouldnt expect you to, the man said. Most dont have a reason to learn more about it than the requirements to enroll. As for the Academy Credit, they are used so everyone is on equal footing when they enter. Students are given a small amount during enrollment, then they must obtain more through sswork, battles, selling materials or crafted items. Though, it has been harder on everyone thisst year because the fighters arent able to go raid dungeons for materials, which leaves the crafters without as many items to sell.


    Well, that should change soon, Derek said.


    Seeing you here, I imagined that would be the case, the man said, then led Derek around a corner to the back of the campus, behind the academy. Here we are.


    Holy shit, Derek said as he looked over the enormous building. This is a coliseum.

 Chapter 417: Arena

    Chapter 417: Arena


    I wasnt expecting something so huge, Derek said to the receptionist turned guide.


    It allows for multiple teams to perform at the same time, the guide said. Otherwise, these lessons would take all day, or maybe even longer.


    I guess I can see that depending on the ss size, Derek said. From what hed learned, there wouldnt be many students with epic rarity sses, but he certainly didnt find it hard to believe that there could be a lot of students who met the rare ss at level 50, and under 16 years old requirements to enroll. It may have been very tough to reach formoner children and children of the lower noble houses, but he felt that might not be the case for the higher tier noble houses.


    Plus, with the number of people throughout the kingdom, even with the extremely low rate of rare sses, there would still be a lot of kids who reached it. After that, the academy and its enrollment requirements were well known throughout the kingdom, so it would make sense that if any viger ormoner had a child who reached such a requirement, they would be quick to try to enroll them into the academy.


    He also didnt know the graduation rate, or how long they were able to stay in the academy. So, it made sense that there could be sses with dozens, if not hundreds, of students.


    This allows the students to have their battles in the morning, then enjoy lunch before their afternoon sses, the man said as he led Derek through the entrance to the arena. It also allows for quite the massive audience when students have the asional tournament or exams that are open to the public.


    Oh? Tournaments? Derek asked. That sounds interesting.


    Yes, the man answered. We hold the asional tournaments for crafting and fighting. There are solo battles against other students, and team battles. Then there are team battles against monsters for the audience to observe. Those are where the support and healers really shine, he exined. Unfortunately, we were unable to hold onest year.


    That sounds cool, Derek said. He wondered about how other things were nned out, but he wasnt there for that. It was something he could find outter.


    It is, the man agreed. Now, how would you like to do this?


    Do what? Derek asked the man.


    Watch, of course, the man answered. We have booths reserved for the royal family and their menwhich you certainly qualify forwhich allow you to watch from above. The king and Prince Edgar like to asionally view the students practice without interrupting them. Those booths are private, and you can choose to make the ss transparent or not to protect your privacy. The default runes are set for one-way.


    <em>A bunch of voyeurs, </em>Derek thought with a chuckle, which got an odd look from the guide.


    Or, if you dont wish to use a booth, you can make your way to the stands. It will be less private, but odds are, the students wont see a someone sitting in the stands with how huge the arena is. The choice is up to you.


    Id hate to disrupt them, Derek said. I guess you can just take me to one of the booths.


    Very well. The man nodded. If you would follow me.


    The receptionist then took Derek through some areas underneath the stands, then up a set of stairs. After walking a little longer, they were met with a closed door with a symbol in the center.


    If you would, please ce the kings token on the rune.


    Derek reached over and removed the token from his right sleeve, then gently ced it in the center of the door, where the rune was. The rune soon lit up, then the door slid open. When Derek stepped inside, he was met with an even more extravagant booth than the one he and nah had used at the auction.


    Would you like me to show you how to use the runes, or do you already understand them? the man asked.


    Derek looked around the booth and found that most of the runes were the same ones that hed either learned to use in the Adventurers Guild training rooms, or the same ones that were in nahs booth at the auction. Happy with his familiarity with them, he said, Thats fine. I know what most of them do, and dont think Ill need to use the other ones.


    Great, the man said. Then, if you need nothing else of me


    Derek took a step forward, closer to the man, and put his hand out. Youve been very helpful he waited for the man to say his name.


    Anthony, he said. Anthony Onis, of house Onis.


    Youve been very helpful, Anthony. Derek took his hand and shook it.


    It was my pleasure, sir, Anthony said. And an honor to meet you. He bowed again.


    Derek rolled his eyes while the mans head was bowed, but nodded to him when he raised it.


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    Then I will take my leave. With that, the man turned around and left. Derek watched as he disappeared down a hall, then ced the token on the door again, causing it to close.


    <em>Onis, </em>Derek thought as he found a ce to sit in front of the ss, which was apparently one-way at the moment. <em>That</em><em>s a noble family name that I havent heard of yet then again I dont really know many of them. I could probably throw a rock in the academy and hit a noble student with a house that Ive never heard of. </em>As soon as he fell into the seat, he hopped up and pulled his own chair out of his storage bracelet while shaking his head. Im going to have to send Geoffrey out here to renovate this booth.


    With his butt nicely cushioned, Derek leaned forward and looked out the booths window to see if he could catch a glimpse of Thomas. The ss currently had three teams, all in different areas of the arena, fighting their own boss monster. An adult stood next to each group, watching closelymaking sure nothing went wrong during the battles. He was happy that it seemed that the academy was a safe ce for the students. <em>Maybe I was too hard on Thomas in that insect dungeon,</em><em></em>he thought. Then, <em>Nah, it taught him some valuable lessons. And who knows? The instructors may let some harme to the students before they intervene.</em>


    Speaking of students, Derek looked over each one that was currently in battle, but none of them looked like Thomas, especially the lone girl who was using a spear. <em>Unless Thomas grew his hair out really long and changed his hair color to red. </em>


    <em>I hope he hasn</em><em>t gone yet, </em>Derek thought as his eyes moved from the groups of students that were fighting the beasts and down into the stands where the rest of the ss was located. All he could see was the majority of the students backsother than a few who were turned around gossiping. It was hard to make out which one was Thomasif any of them actually were. For all he knew, Thomas and his group could be under the stands preparing for their turns.


    He quickly dismissed all the students that were wearing robes as their battle attire as likely candidates to be his ward, then also those in heavy te armor. After scanning the back of each persons head, he found a handful of people in leathers with sandy blond hair that could be him. Without being able to see much more, Derek shrugged and focused on the fights happening in the arena.


    The first beast to fall was a gori-type monster. A youth with twin daggers had danced his way behind it while the tank held its attention. Then, the assassin had cut vital tendons in its legs, basically hamstringing it, causing its legs to buck and it to fall forward. After that, the other damage dealer with a long sword rushed in and helped the dagger-wielder finish it off. While all this was happening, the healer was locked on to the teams tank, and the support kept their buffs up at all times.


    If Derek had to grade the battle on a scale of A to F, hed give them a solid B+. The assassin could have coordinated better with the rest of the group, and it seemed like the longsword user was a bit too cautious when attackingwhich led to it taking a little longer to fell the beast.


    The next fight ended a couple minutester with another longsword user driving the de into the back of the head of a giant armored spider. After watching the fight, he actually gave that group a higher score than the previous. Yes, the first group was faster, but the second was dealing with a spider that seemed to have a very high defense and quick movement.


    They coordinated very well, allowing the sword user to get a good chance to pierce an unarmored vital area of the beast. The archer was on point, tooreleasing arrow after arrow into the spiders many eyes, but not too many to take the attention of the spider off of the groups tank. As for the healer and the support, they did fine healing the team and keeping the buffs up. The support did seem to be a bit more attentive than the other teams support. Hed give them a solid A- for their battle.


    The other group didnt fare quite as well as the previous two. With the third group, Derek got to see how much damage the team had to take for the instructor to interfere. The answer: a lot. Unfortunately for the group, they were very uncoordinated and were fighting a giant wolf, which meant that it was even a bit quicker than the other two beasts. The way they fought made it seem like they werent even close to the previous teams league.


    The healer was dead set on healing their tank. The only problem with that strategy was that the tank wasnt able to keep the aggro of the wolf because the archer was loosing her arrows as fast as she possibly could without stopping. The support and spear user both seemed to be irritated at the other three members of their squad, and were busy shouting at them.


    Finally, the spear user decided to ignore the rest of her team and go in. Honestly, Derek couldnt me herhe wasnt one for fighting in a group, and if his group was so uncoordinated, he would do the same thing. The difference was Derek <em>could </em>do the same thing and fight it himself. As it turned out, the spear user couldnt.


    She got a few good licks in, and even drove her spear through the abdomen of the beast, which took some of the pressure from the tank and archer. However, she failed to remove the spear fast enough and the wolfs maw found itselftched onto her torso. She cried out in agony, but, other than taking a few steps closer, the instructor didnt take any action.


    The wolf shook its head back and forth and soon, the girl went flying through the air. Shended roughly on the groundher armor pierced through and blood slowly flowing out. The healer panicked and cast a heal on the spear user, but while he was distracted, the wolf pounced and swiped its w across his back.


    His healing skillnded on the spear user, helping with her wound, but unfortunately, the healer also found himself on his back with a snarling wolf looking down on him. When the wolf opened its maw and started to move toward the healers head, thats when the instructor acted. He was there in an instant and had the wolf lifted up by the scruff of its neck. Derek even thought he could hear the beast whimpering before the instructor put it out of its misery. The wound through its stomach looked pretty bad, and Derek didnt doubt that if left untreated, it would have bled out anyway.


    Once the beast was stored in the instructors storage ringwhich Derek noted that the other two groups had been able to keep the beast they had battledhe fed the healer a health potion, then collected the rest of the group. He seemed disappointed as he led the failed group back to the stands, talking to them the whole way. Derek could only give them an F+. The plus only being because the tank would have done quite well if the other damage dealers had paid more attention.


    Derek pulled out some steaming hot coffee and continued watching the exams. He watched six more groups before he finally recognized one with one of the boys hed picked out draw a spear from his storage ring. Everything had already been quite enjoyable for Derek. He thought about bringing Jacks to see it sometimeto be able to see what his son was up to during his time in the academy.


    Finally, the boy with a spear turned his head, and Derek saw that it really was Thomas. He moved into position with his group, and they all readied themselves for what wasing next.

 Chapter 418: Soul Spear

    Chapter 418: Soul Spear


    Thomas stepped forward with his team and waited for the other two teams to get into their respective positions. He looked around at his team members and was happy that Eric was selected alongside him. Eric was an elven earth mage who Thomas had been paired up with once before, and they worked well together that time. The elf wasnt much of a talker, but when it came to battle, he was great.


    The other three members were students that hed never been paired with during his exams, but hed watched them fight plenty. Their healer, Sandra, wasnt the best healer in his ss, but she was at least above averageat leastpared to the rest of them. Then there was Mark, the support mage. He wasnt as good as most of the othershe had a knack for panicking and even missing casts asionally. That was a shame, because, in Thomass opinion, he had some of the better skills from his ss.


    Finally, he was happy that Syd was selected as their tank. Hed proven himself time and time again to be one of the best tanks in the ss. As long as Thomas paid attention to his output at the beginning of the fight, and let Eric do his thing, Syd would have no problem keeping whatever beast was chosen for them to fight at bay.


    Thomas could feel the nerves and excitement that he got every week during this time. It was the only real time they got to fight enemies that pushed them. Most of his studies in the academy were just that: studies. Hed managed to run a single dungeon before the world shut down and the academy students were barred from leaving the city, and that dungeon was one of the easiest ones in the kingdomselected as a dungeon for freshmen to ease into.


    Habitually, Thomas ran a quick check of the items in his storage ring. In his hand was the spear that Derek hadmissioned for him, and that he received from the dwarven smith, Carrie. He treasured the spear in his handnot only because it was a well-crafted spear made specifically for him, but because Derek had thought about him and had itmissioned before he left on the raid.


    He was very attached to the spear, and even though he would outgrow it soon enough, he nned to at least keep it as a memento for the future. That wasnt to say that he didnt have other spears, though. In his storage ring, along with the many potions he hadwhich they were banned from using during the examwere a few backup spears just in case something happened to his main weapon. Those spears werent near as good, but they would do in a pinch.


    What he was truly waiting for was Brandi to be ready to craft him one specifically for him, but he had a hard time asking for such a thing. However, he knew that it was just a matter of time, and he couldnt wait to see it. Thinking about the girl caused him to feel a small amount of embarrassment inside, as he knew that she was already a much higher level than him, and was just getting even further away.


    Students ready! Thomas was broken out of his thoughts, and pulled his attention away from his storage ring as his Instructor Miles called out for them.


    Thomas felt the adrenaline pump through his veins as he waited for the instructor to introduce the beast they were to be fighting. He slightly bent his knees in preparation and watched the tunnel where the beast would soon appear. He hoped it wasnt another boar. Hed already fought countless of those, and they also gave him an unpleasant memory. Though, putting him up against one was like giving him an easy exam, so if he really cared about his ss rankings, a boar would be best.


    But Thomass ss ranking was fine. In fact, it was more than fine. While he wasnt number one, he easily made it into the top ten, and even the top five in most things. Before going to the academy, he had felt like he was far behind, but after a year in the academy, he realized that he was just used to hanging out with monsters like Derek and Brandi. So, though he felt bad about falling behind his friend, he couldnt really feel too bad. What would the other students think if that were the case?


    Luckily, his hope came true when Instructor Miles yelled, Fight! and the wolf appeared from the tunnel.


    It was the same kind of beast that Bretts team had been so careless against earlier in the day, and also one of the harder ones to fight because of its speed. However, instead of his nerves getting the better of him, when Thomas saw the beast, his anxietypletely left him and all he could do was smile. This would be perfect.


    Derek leaned far forward to where his face was almost touching the ss so he could get the best view of Thomass battle as possible. <em>Damn, </em>Derek thought to himself. <em>The boy</em><em>s shot up like a weed. How much is a teenage boy supposed to grow in just under two years? Hes what? 15 now? </em>Thomas was definitely a lot taller than Derek remembered. He had to be at least six inches taller, in fact. <em>We</em><em>re going to have to get him a longer spear.</em>


    After looking over Thomas, Derek had looked over the rest of his team. He was a little worried about what looked to be the support ss. The boy had a staff, and he was gripping it so tightly that Derek thought it would break any minute. However, the rest of Thomass team looked solidespecially the tank. The boy showed no signs of nerves as he stood staring into the tunnel that just produced a giant wolf.


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    Derek also quickly nced at the other two teams and saw them fighting a giant boar and another of the gori-like beasts before he moved his attention back to the battle that was about to beginwith his main focus being on Thomas. <em>I wonder if he still has any hidden trauma about the wolf that was stalking when I first broke out of the void, </em>Derek thought, but seeing the way Thomas calmed as soon as the wolf appeared, that thought quickly went out the window. <em>Guess not he looks a lot more confident than before. I wonder whats caused that.</em>


    With a loud howl, the wolf pounced forward. The tank took a small step forward, then smashed the pummel of his sword into the middle of the shield, releasing an aggro-type skill that drew all the attention of the wolf to him. About that time, the tank was hit by a couple of buff skills, too. <em>Betterte than never, </em>Derek thought.


    After the wolf crashed into the tanks shield, a green light fell over the boy from the healer. It didnt seem like a fast heal, but more of a slow regeneration skillthe perfect skill to keep the tank topped up and let the healer save her more powerful heals forter.


    What Derek did make note of was that both Thomas and the stoic elf stayed back and let the tank battle the beast for some time. Then, the tank gave a nod, and the two damage dealers made their moves.


    Thomas ran in from the left side of the beast with his spear ready, and the elf slowly raised his hands into the air. <em>Oh? An earth mage? Interesting</em>, Derek thought as he saw the earth from behind the wolf slowly risedoing its best not to draw the beasts attention. <em>Smart</em><em></em>


    Finally, Thomass body glowed yellow with his Haste skill, then he arrived at an all-out sprint. <em>He</em><em>s going a little too fast, </em>Derek thought, but was proven wrong when a silver-ish blue transparent copy of Thomas moved out from his body and slid under the beaststabbing upward at the same time with its spear. <em>Now that</em><em>s new, </em>Derek thought. Thomass ss was called Soul Spear, and before, Derek could remember him doing the same thing with his spear to extend its reach, but now it looked like he could make somewhat of a copy.


    <em>Interesting. </em>Instead of slowing, Thomas continued forward with his spear out, and the tip began shimmering with the same silver-blue color of his projection. The tip easily pierced through the side of the beast as his projection jumped to its feet and copied Thomas on the other side. At that point in the fight, the beast was nked on both sides and had a tank in front.


    Its only move would be to back away or go over, but as soon as it tried, it was met by a reinforced earthen wall that had been erected from behind while it was distracted. Finally, a quick, makeshift ceiling grew from the top of the wall and covered the wolf from the top as well. At that point, Derek knew that the fight would be over soon. The wolfs only option would be to go through Thomas, the tank, or Thomass projectionwhich would be easiest, but the elven earth mage was already preparing another wall behind the projection, stopping that.


    That only left Thomas and the tank, and it seemed that the wolf knew this. Derek clutched the mug of coffee in his hand and leaned even closer to the ss than beforeif that was even possible. The enraged wolf made its decision and broke the aggro from the tank to focus on Thomas.


    With a snarl, it swung its head in the boys directionits massive maw opened wide to bite down on Thomas. But Thomas held his ground. Just before the beast took a chunk out of the boy, he sidestepped and silver-blue projections of his spear formedcausing multiple wounds with each thrust.


    Thomas reminded Derek of Shae at that moment. He was built for speedat leastpared to the level of monster he was fighting and the ssmates that had gone before. It was like a dance as the spearman ducked under a w swipe and stabbed, then dodged its bit again and stabbed. The beast even saw a possible out to flee from, but Thomass projection disappeared, then split from the boy once againcovering the escape route.


    <em>I think he could have won by himself, </em>Derek thought as he watched Thomas dodge every attack from the wolf. His projection moved slower and its attacks were weaker, but that didnt seem to matter. Thomas was like a dodge tank himself with a crazy amount of damage output. <em>I wonder if those projections count as magical or physical damage. </em>


    If they counted as magical, then that meant that Thomas was outputting both types of damage at the same timemagical with the projections and physical with his spears. <em>That would be a bit overpowered, </em>Derek thought.


    At this point in the fight, the tank and Thomas had changed positions. The tank had already moved his shield to his back and was two handing his sword. It had a gray glimmer to it as he reinforced it with some other skill. The boy wasnt just a tank, his damage could keep up with the output of many of the students that specialized in damage that Derek had seen throughout the day.


    The beast let out onest whimper before falling at Thomass feet. Thomas continued to stand at the ready, but he soon rxed. <em>Must have gotten the kill notification, </em>Derek thought. The earthen wall fell back into the ground, and the elven mage slowly walked over to where the battle took ce with his hands in his robe pockets and a bored look on his face.


    Derek checked the other two battles currently going on and they werent anywhere near close to finishingat least they didnt seem like they were. <em>Damn, </em>Derek thought. Thomass group wasnt the fastest battle of the day, but it seemed to be the easiest. In fact, neither the support nor healer had to do anything other than cast a couple of spells. <em>Though that support should have buffed the rest of the party, too, </em>Derek thought. <em>Unless it was worked out beforehand. </em>


    The instructor soon walked over to the wolf and said a few words with a smile, then the tank reached down and the wolf disappeared. After that, the five students made their way back to the stands. The healer and support walked the fastest and were the first to reach, while the tank walked alone to the stands. At the back, Thomas happily chatted away at the stoic elf, as the elf only nodded and asionally opened his mouth to give the boy a short reply or two.


    Derek wiped the condensation off the ss in front of him, then leaned back in his seat. It was nice to see that the boy was doing wellvery well, it seemed.

 Chapter 419: Instructor Hunt

    Chapter 419: Instructor Hunt


    Derek continued watching the exam after Thomass team finished. The boy had gone to sit with the rest of his ss and teammates once they were through and continued watching the other students. Throughout each match, Derek was thoroughly entertained. In fact, after the next group finished, he got an idea.


    Looking down at the stands where the students were sitting, Derek picked out one of the instructorsa close oneand wanted to try to send him a telepathic message. He hoped the instructor would be able to receive it. Being an instructor in the academy, it would make sense that they would be open to receiving iing telepathic links just in case something happened.


    <em>Can you hear me?</em><em> </em>he sent, and was happy when the instructor he was sending it to began looking around. <em>I</em><em>ll take that as a yes, </em>Derek said. <em>Come to the king</em><em>s private booth. Theres something I need to talk to you about. </em>


    The instructors head then whipped toward the booth where Derek was sitting. The man stared deeply at it with wide eyes for a moment before turning back to another instructor and the rest of the students. After a few words, the instructor got up and headed underneath the stands.


    While waiting, Derek ced the badge on the door and opened it up as he leaned back and enjoyed the battles below. A few minutester, and he saw the instructor walking down the hall toward the booth. When he arrived at the entrance, he stopped.


    Derek looked at him with a smile and said, Come on in.


    The man hesitated, but when Derek raised his eyebrows and turned his shoulder toward himshowing him the kings tokenthe instructor stepped inside.


    Mr the man paused.


    Hunt, Derek replied. Derek Hunt. You may have heard of me.


    Ah of course, the instructor replied. He didnt seem as happy to meet him as the previous faculty member, but, even though he tried to hide it, his face still showed a bit of shock and surprise. Mr. Hunt. How may I help you?


    The students Derek started. The hopeful ones how is there willpower? How are they with aura? It was something that Derek wanted to knowhe especially wanted to find out how Thomass willpower waspared to the rest of the kids, because he had already proven that he couldpare with the top students when it came to battle prowess.


    At their current levelswhich were all just under level 100they should have simr stats. That meant that based on their stats, each student should technically be able to withstand close to the same amount of aura. However, those with real dedication and willpower would be able to take even more, and Derek wanted to test just which students were at the top. It would be good for them, too. He even knew that he could wake them up from aa if he identally released too much at once.


    How are they with aura? The instructor asked, then answered. A few seem to be better than others. We dont conduct much aura or mental resistance training until the students third year.


    I see, Derek said. And how are you and the other instructors with aura? Derek asked with a smirk.


    Us? The mans eye twitched. I figure were just about as good as any other elite at our levels.


    Like the ones who went on the raid with me? Derek asked. He noticed that this instructor didnt go out of his way to be overly polite or respectful like the other one had. He was fine with that, though. After all, he wasnt some snot-nosed noble yet.


    Well The man hesitated. Maybe not as good as those men and women. But we are still top tier in the kingdom. Otherwise, King Edwin wouldnt entrust us with teaching the kingdoms future like we do.


    Good, Derek said. Then you will all have a little training, too. The war is over and everyone is now allies. I imagine that everything will quickly change. Who knows? You may have foreign students and teachers entering your academy in the future.


    The man frowned, but didnt say anything.


    Okay, you can go now, Derek said. Just tell them that you received word that there was going to be a special training exercise once all the battles are finished. Make sure all the students are in their best shape before Ie down.


    Y-yes?! the man said with a frown.


    Yes, Derek said. You can take this order as if it were from the king. If you want, I could go get him for you.


    Of course. The instructor bowed. That wont be necessary.


    After that, the instructor turned on his heel and scurried off out of the booth and down the hall. Derek chuckled as he stood up and closed the booth door behind the man. <em>Now this is exciting. It should make for a hell of a surprise for Thomas, </em>Derek thought. <em>I hope he does well, though, because I</em><em>m not going to go easy.</em>


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    After the instructor left, Derek watched the remaining of the students battle. There were only four teams of five left, so it didnt take long for everyone to finish up. Once the exams were over, Derek saw the same instructor hed talked to take all the students to the center of the arena instead of out of itmuch to the confusion of the students and other instructors.


    Once the students were gathered, the one instructor huddled up with the five othersthere were six in total, and they switched out between every group that went up to battle. Derek saw the man point to the booth he was sitting in, then watched the surprised expressions appear on the others faces.


    <em>I guess that</em><em>s my cue, </em>Derek thought. Then, with another thought, he activated Active Void Shift and appeared on the ground in the middle of the arenadirectly in front of the group of around 150 students. Some of the students gasped at the surprise of a random man appearing in front of them, others just eyed Derek. However, most hadnt seen him yet because they were busy gossiping with the other kids.


    Ahem! Derek cleared his throat loudly to gather everyones attention.


    Thomas had been one of the students with his head turned when Derek appeared, but when he cleared his throat, the boys head whipped around and his eyesnded on Derek. Derek watched as Thomass eyes widened and his mouth broke into the widest smile Derek had ever seen from anyonemuch less Thomas. Derek smirked at Thomas, then shook his head just a bit to indicate to the boy not to cause a scene.


    Next, the six instructors made their appearance in front of Derek by lining up formally in front of the students. They all bowed, some much more deeply than the others, but it was about what Derek expected.


    Good morning! Derek greeted all the students and instructors. Ive been watching your exams from the kings booth since you began. Ive seen many talented fighters Dereks eyesnded on the tank that was with Thomass group, Thomas, and a few other students before he continued. And Ive also seen some not so talented ones today. Overall, I have been impressed by many of you. You show good coordination with team members that you are not overly familiar with.


    The few students that received a look from Derek stood a little straighter and wore a proud expression on their facesespecially Thomas. Even the stoic tank followed suit. <em>They don</em><em>t even know who I am, but I guess they all know what the token Im wearing stands for, so its not like theyre beingplimented by some random passerby which they really are. </em>Derek half smiled.


    Now, Im sure the overwhelming majority of you have no clue who I am, correct? Derek asked, and every student other than Thomas shook their heads. Well thats to be expected. Heughed. Lets see whats the best way to exin my current status in Cydaria?


    Derek rubbed his chin and tilted his head a bit before continuing. Oh, I know, he said as he raised his index finger into the air. My name is Derek Hunt. I am either the most feared or respected man among all the higher ups and royals in the three kingdoms. And the reason that isnt four kingdoms is because I have yet to visit the kingdom of the dwarves, Vallum.


    At that, one of the instructors snorted lightly, but caught himself when another gave him a stink-eye.


    Of course, you dont have to believe me, Derek said. But, I can pretty much guarantee that I am the strongest person here in Cydariaexcept for possibly nah Swan, or maybe the Adventurers Guild Leader who I have yet to meet, so I cant actually judge him.


    Youre stronger than Prince Edgar and his dragon? one of the students managed to speak out.


    Who do you think got him that dragon? Derek smirked. Edgar is a friend, and he is strong in his own rightone of the strongest in the kingdom, actuallybut the fight between us wouldntst long.


    Murmurs beganing from the crowd of students at that. Derek wasnt exaggerating. He was pretty sure he was the strongest in the kingdom, and he did believe that he could beat nah if they were both going all out. He knew that she couldnt hold that siren form for long, and his specialty was his battle endurance. So he wasnt just blowing smoke. He wanted the student to realize his strength, so they went all out to impress him when he tested them.


    Now, you may be asking yourself, why is he here? or shouldnt he be in Astrus with everyone else?, and the answers to those questions are simple. Astrus is now Indaria, and the war is officially over, with peace treaties in ce and everything. I decided toe back early while Edwin and the others finished up everything on that side, he answered.


    As for what I am doing here Like I said, I watched your battles, and I became interested. Im not someone who needs much of a reason for things, Derek said. But, I thought that since the kingdom as you know it will be changing soon with the alliance between three kingdoms, Id give you all a little test. That got the students to stir even more.


    The other kingdoms are sure to send some of their own students to the academy and maybe even foreign instructors, and I imagine more dungeons will open up for you students to explore than ever before. After all, the teleporters will be connecting all three kingdoms soon enough, so travel will be simple. So, I thought I would help you all to prepare a little, he finished. Then, he looked at the instructors one by one. Instructors if you would, please step to the side.


    Now, he said directly to the students. Im sure everyone knows how aura works. Its strength is determined by the totalbination of all your stats. Im sure that by now, many of you can release at least a bit of an aura, he exined and saw many of the kids nod their heads. What determines your ability to withstand an aura is your own stat enforced aura, and your overall willpowerwhich isnt something that is tangible.


    Today, I want to test everyones willpower and auras against my own, Derek said. It is possible to fight against someone much stronger than you and win, but that wont happen if you cant even withstand their aura. There could be a mage in front of you with absolutely no defense and his neck wide open for a vital hit, but if you cant move through his aura, you will still have no chance, Derek exined and saw even a couple of the instructors nod along.


    Now, how many of you received an epic ss at level 25 or 50? he asked, and a few students raised their hands. He saw that one of the students was actually the terrible support that hed seen earlier. <em>Really system? Really? </em>He inwardly questioned the systems sanity.


    Only three of you? Thats to be expected, I guess, Derek said. The three of you will have a small advantage over the others in this test, but dont get cocky. As for everyone else, I image that your stats are all at least somewhat simr. <em>Though Thomas may have a couple Void Beast meals in him too</em><em> He better do well, then. </em>Now, prepare yourselves! Instructors, please retrieve each student when you determine that they are unable to continue.


    With that, Instructor Hunt waited for them all to prepare, then unleashed his aura.

 Chapter 420: Test of Will

    Chapter 420: Test of Will


    ¡®Unleashed¡¯ his aura may have been an overstatement. What Derek did was more like letting it trickle out. In fact, he could count this ¡®exam¡¯ as one for him as well. Where he had been, there hadn¡¯t been much reason to hold back when using his aura, so he didn¡¯t have a lot of practice in it. He had gotten better and better at directing it, though, and it was showing as he could tell that with the small amount he was currently holding to, barely any was leaking out in the directions other than directly in front of him.


    Of course, he knew all that would change once he took it up a few levels. But none of that really mattered. And, on top of all of that, he chose a slower method because he <em>did </em>have more control. He didn¡¯t want to just drop it all like a bomb and have the whole academy rushing over, preparing for the worst. This way, he wouldn¡¯t have to worry about much¡ªif any¡ªof his aura leaving the arena.


    ¡°Good, good,¡± Derek said as he kept an eye out on all the kids. He would have disappointed if any of them faltered at such a low level of aura. Their average levels were just under level 100, after all. Thomas had definitely been growing a bit slower than Brandi had, but his skills had looked quite sharp in his previous battle, and Brandi had materials to craft with that would make even the most veteran crafters jealous. ¡°I¡¯m going to turn it up a notch.¡±


    With that, Derek concentrated deeper and sent another wave of aura out. <em>This should be somewhere around an average level 100</em><em>¡¯s aura, </em>he thought as he watched closely. <em>Since it</em><em>¡¯s so close to their own levels, none of them should have any problem what so ever moving or reacting in this small amount. It¡¯s when the level gap¡ªor stat gap¡ªis wide that it gets that gravity-like feeling and overwhelms one¡¯s senses.</em>


    Unfortunately, Derek did end up being disappointed. Nobody dropped out, but a few of the students began twitching, and a couple even started shaking. <em>If they</em><em>¡¯re like that after just this much¡­ </em>Derek shook his head.


    ¡°Another leveling,¡± Derek shouted. ¡°This one should be around level 150. Prepare yourselves.¡± With the warning, he saw a few students clutch their fists in preparation. Others, like the tank that was in Thomas¡¯s group, stood firm without batting an eye.


    Derek sent out another wave¡ªthis time to a few cries and grunts. Two of the students who were having trouble before fell to one knee. Derek inwardly shook his head in disappointment. They had plenty of stats to withstand the current level¡ªthey just needed a little willpower to reinforce themselves. Other than those two, many others were struggling, but at least they were all still standing.


    If a student remained standing at his next increase, then he would consider them passing¡­ barely. ¡°Herees an aura from your average level 200 warrior. At your levels, you may be hindered, but you should at least be able to keep yourself steady and maybe even move a little at this level. If you can keep yourself upright here, and not sprawled out on the ground, then in my eyes, you would at least be considered passing. Though, as academy students, I expect more than just passing.¡±


    <em>Hehe, </em>Derek snickered to himself. He was getting into ying the wise professor. He was correct in thinking that it would be entertaining. <em>Maybe I could do something like this once I retire</em><em>¡­ </em>he looked out over the kids. <em>Nah</em><em>¡­ too much work. I¡¯d rather just drop by randomly and take over a ss here and there. That¡¯s much more fun. </em>Finally, after giving the students ample time to prepare, he upped the aura he was using again. To him, this aura was nothing¡ªhell, he hadn¡¯t even pushed enough aura out for the whites of his eyes to turn void-colored yet. Though, in no world did he think that any of the students would still be standing once he went that far. And he did n on going that far if any of them were left after a couple more increases.


    Again, voices cried out. The two students that had been on one knee fell t to the ground. That was the point when the instructors that were on standby began moving in and pulling those students out. More and more students fell to a knee, and some even skipped a knee and fell straight to their face from standing. They had been fighting hard to stand, so when their legs gave out, they really gave out.


    The instructors continued to sh in and pull students out. ¡°Take the kneeling ones too,¡± Derek said. It was already a given on what would happen with those who were already struggling so much if he increased his aura once again.


    Included in those that were kneeling was the ¡®epic¡¯ ranked student¡ªthe awful support ss¡ªthat had raised his hand earlier. Derek clicked his tongue and shook his head. That student probably had more stat points than every other student in the ss, yet he was one of the first quarter of students to drop out. <em>Maybe he should try to change to a lifestyle ss or something. Unless something changes, he</em><em>¡¯s going to get someone killed. </em>


    Derek waited for the instructors to clear out all the students who were at their limits. Once they finished, about half the ss was gone. Some of the students who had only dropped to a knee tried to convince the instructors to let them stay, but they ignored the students and moved them far to the side, where Derek¡¯s aura wasn¡¯t prominent.


    As he prepared to unleash more aura, Derek looked over the remaining kids¡ªspecifically Thomas. The boy was doing well. He was clenching his fists and was a little shaky, but,pared to most of the remaining students¡ªand especially the eliminated ones¡ªhe was doing much better. Though there were a few monsters in the ss. The tank on Thomas¡¯s team was one¡ªhe seemed like he was still just casually standing.


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    The elf that was on Thomas¡¯s team was doing well, too. He still wore the same impassive facial expression as before, even though he was shaking almost as much as Thomas was. On top of those students, many of the other students that had impressed Derek in the previous battles were doing well, too. Even the tank from the worst team he saw was still standing. He was having a bit of trouble, but he was standing.


    The spear user who tried to take things into her own hands and ignored the rest of her team was also doing well, too. And that was after having been beaten up pretty good by the wolf. So, while she may have been impulsive and hard to control, she at least had a decent amount of willpower to back that up. She would either need to focus on going solo or learn to y well with others going forward if she wanted to be sessful.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Derek said. ¡°Here we go. This should be somewhere around an average level 225 to 250. I¡¯m not really exact on the level. Prepare yourselves.¡± With that, Derek poured out more aura¡ªprobably more than he should have. Instantly, the increase caused half of what was left of those standing to fall straight to the ground. <em>Whoops</em><em>¡­ </em>Derek thought. <em>That may have been a little too much of an increase. Probably more of an average level 250, and not level 225. </em>


    At the side, a few of the instructors sighed as they rushed in to remove the students. There were plenty of students who were still standing, though¡ªabout a third of what had been left from before. The other sixth of the students had all fallen to their knees, though.


    ¡°Those on your knees, but not on the ground. You did well. This is as far as you go, though. You should be proud of yourselves, at least. I¡¯d consider giving you all a B- if this was graded. As for those of you who are barely standing at all, I¡¯d give you a B+ even. Good job.¡± Derek said. ¡°Instructors, if you would please remove everyone who is not standing firm from the test. Use your best judgement.¡±


    Again, there was some fighting back from a few of the students¡ªespecially the ones who were removed, but were still standing, albeit barely. The impulsive spear user was one of them, but Derek could tell that she was going to fall to a knee at any moment¡ªeven before he turned up his aura. The aura he was currently using was about what he had dropped on Sabrina and her guards the first time they met.


    His level wasn¡¯t very high at that point, but because of his¡­ ¡®modified¡¯ status at the time, he was punching well above his weight ss. When the instructors cleared out the rest of the students, there were a total of twelve kids remaining. It was all Derek could do not to break out into a grin. Thomas was still standing.


    That showed that his willpowerbined with his stats and whatever extra stats he¡¯d been given from any Void Beasts he¡¯d consumed¡ªwas enough topete with the guards that had been with Sabrina at the time. Of course, those guards were hit unprepared by his aura with no warning, and the students had been able to adjust to the aura slowly. He imagined that none of them would have been standing if he would have started at the current level he was showing.


    Derek was d that none of the instructors showed any signs of slowing down when they moved in and out of his current aura. That wouldn¡¯t have been a good look for the academy if they had of. He figured that the six instructors were allparable to the members of the raid that joined who were around the 220 level or so at the time¡ªpeople like Ciera Cook or the deceased Sachiko Sato who sacrificed herself blocking attacks that invaded his Time Prison. He doubted they would be on Shae¡¯s level or Tyron¡¯s level once they reached level 250, but he was sure there would be at least a few who would be somewhere within the academy.


    ¡°Alright! The twelve of you have done a very good job up to this point. There would be no shame in stepping away now¡ªyou¡¯ve already proven yourselves,¡± he said, but seeing that nobody budged, he continued. ¡°The next raise in aura will surpass that of most level 250 warriors that you¡¯ll meet.¡±


    Instead of seeing fear, he saw excitement sh in all the remaining students¡¯ eyes. Even Thomas had broken out into a grin, and the impassive elf finally had some fire in his eyes. All the remaining students were already on shaky legs. Beside them, he heard some of the instructors whispering to each other¡­ wondering exactly how much stronger an aura could get.


    ¡°Onest warning. I have been known to send people directly intoas just from my aura alone¡­ nobody? Very well¡­¡± Derek said. Then he pushed. He finally got to the point where he felt his eyes constrict a little¡ªthat was the point where he knew that the void-color must be taking over the whites of his eyes. He couldn¡¯t help but feel a slight grin form on his mouth. <em>I warned them, </em>Derek thought. Then he pushed¡ªnot all out, but enough that he believed none of them would be able to continue.


    ¡°Ugh!¡± He heard groansing from each and every student that was still standing. He also heard a few cries from the side where some of the rescued kids caught a small portion of it that leaked out to his surroundings. The instructors moved quickly and pulled those students back even further as soon as they felt it.


    Derek nced over at the instructors once they were finished and saw that none of them could contain their surprised expressions. He wasn¡¯t sure if it was because there were still a few students struggling to stand, or if it was because of his aura.


    He turned and focused on the students. Finally, the final student¡ªthe impressive tank¡ªfell. However, he kept his aura up. He could see that there were some students struggling. Thomas was one of them. Clearly, the kid didn¡¯t want to disappoint Derek. However, to Derek, he¡¯d already proven himself more than capable at his level. Still, he wanted to see how far he would push himself.


    The tank managed to struggle up to one knee after a while, and still pressed on to try to make it back to both feet. The other students weren¡¯t so lucky. Thomas and two more had made it from a prone position back to all fours, but they looked to be at their limits. Eventually, the tank pushed back onest time, and found himself in a half-crouched position before falling back to one knee.


    Thomas tried his hardest, but he just couldn¡¯t manage to get to a knee. Finally¡­ Derek felt that it was enough and withdrew his aura. He could have gone even harder and further humbled the students, but he thought he¡¯d humbled them enough by this point.


    With the release of his aura, all twelve students¡ªwell, the ones who weren¡¯t already sprawled out on the ground¡ªfell limp. A cacophony of heavy breathing sounded out from the arena and Derek¡¯s smile grew wider.


    ¡°Those who fell, A-. Those who continued to struggle, A. And you¡­¡± Derek walked forward and stood over the tank, who had already managed to roll over onto his back. ¡°A+. Good job.¡±

 Chapter 421: Lesson for the Instructors

    Chapter 421: Lesson for the Instructors


    The tank slowly pushed himself back up to his feet. Once up, he stood directly in front of Derek. The boy even had the courage to look him¡ªa person who just imed himself to be the strongest person in the kingdom and who just put his entire ss down with an aura disy¡ªdirectly in the eyes. Derek held the boy¡¯s gaze for a few moments, then, to his surprise, the tank bowed deeply and said, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    <em>Holy shit, </em>Derek thought. He wasn¡¯t expecting the student to act the way he was. He¡¯d been pretty much at the forefront of everything, so he expected the boy to be haughty or something¡ªinstead, he seemed to be humble. <em>Thomas needs to make this boy his friend. They do work well together, after all. </em>


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Derek asked the tank.


    ¡°Syd,¡± the boy said, then caught himself. ¡°Sydney Ibarra.¡±


    ¡°Ibarra?¡± Derek asked with raised eyebrows. ¡°Any rtion to Cain?¡±


    ¡°He is my uncle,¡± the boy answered.


    Derek looked Syd up and down before shrugging. ¡°A tank, huh?¡± he asked. ¡°Not an elementalist or some other kind of mage?¡± Cain Ibarra, the capital¡¯s Adventurer¡¯s Guild Master who went on the raid with Derek and the others, was a high rank elementalist. Usually, it seemed that most children of noble houses followed the path as the elders¡ªwith some slight alterations as no two sses were the same. <em>Maybe Cain is the odd one? </em>Derek thought.


    ¡°I¡­¡± Syd looked around at everyone and hesitated.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to tell me anything,¡± Derek said. ¡°Whatever secrets you have aren¡¯t for me or anyone else to know. If you don¡¯t feel like sharing, nobody¡¯s going to think any lesser of you.¡± Derek still had some of his own secrets that he hadn¡¯t shared yet, so he would be a hypocrite if he forced the kid to do so. It wasn¡¯t like he hadn¡¯t been one before, but this was something he really didn¡¯t care much about. He just had a slight curiosity, and Cain had left a decent enough impression on him.¡°I just didn¡¯t take to magic very well,¡± Syd finally answered. ¡°Turned out that I was well suited for defense over everything else.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Derek said. ¡°Defense is the way to go.¡± Heughed. ¡°The only reason I¡¯m still alive to this day. Tank sses are the best sses, after all.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a tank?¡± Syd asked with wide eyes. At around this time, the instructors had begun discussing some things, and many of the other students, including Thomas, were beginning to stand.


    ¡°I started out as one¡ªa solo one, actually,¡± Derek said. ¡°Which meant I didn¡¯t really need any taunts or ways to control aggro,¡± he exined. ¡°But you know how ss upgrades can be. Sometimes you have to change down the line because you got a better opportunity, or you picked wrong in the beginning.¡± He looked past Syd at Thomas and grinned. Focusing back on the elite student, he continued. ¡°I still have all my tankiness, but now with a little extra oomph.¡±


    The boy seemed to be taking everything Derek said in. If he was the only tank in his family, then that meant he couldn¡¯t have had too much guidance in things¡ªof course, Derek was sure that wouldn¡¯t stop Cain from nurturing the kid. Derek was about to pat the kid on the shoulder and send him on his way, but some chatter he caught from the instructors made his eye twitch.


    ¡°What was that?¡± Derek asked as he turned his head. ¡°Acting big?¡± He hadn¡¯t cared all too much about them talking about him, but the students were also able to hear the gossip. All would be clear once everyone else returned, but until then¡­ who was he?


    ¡°Yes.¡± One of the bigger instructors stepped forward and spoke. ¡°You¡¯ve done nothing but show the children an amount of aura that any one of us instructors can unleash. You say that you are feared and respected throughout the kingdoms on our continent, yet I¡¯ve heard nothing more than rumor. You may have the king¡¯s badge, which may show that you are valued by the king, but does not the king¡¯s adviser and other such people also hold the same badge? So yes¡­ you are acting big in front of the children with no proof other than rumor.¡±


    <em>Actually¡­ </em>Derek thought. <em>The king¡¯s adviser currently doesn¡¯t have one of these badges. </em>He stifled augh at the thought. He expected that within the next week or so, those rumors that people have been hearing would be confirmed. Until then, though, he had nothing more than those rumors and whatever proof he could show on his own. The only real public fight he¡¯d had in the kingdom was against Gerald Torith, but that had been blocked out by Vanessa and her shadow dome. <em>As they say, seeing is believing.</em>


    <em>I was just going to hit the instructors with my controlled, but full aura. Instead¡­ I think they¡¯d wee a spar.</em> ¡°I guess I am acting big, huh? I haven¡¯t done anything to prove myself to you yet, after all.¡± Then, he gazed past a couple of the other instructors, then to the one that he had summoned to the king¡¯s booth earlier. ¡°I said earlier that these tests were going to be for more than just the student¡¯s right? That I¡¯ll give a lesson to the instructors, too?¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­¡± the man stammered. ¡°Y-yes?¡±


    ¡°I thought so,¡± Derek said and cracked his knuckles. ¡°I haven¡¯t had any decent practice in a while. I had an okay spar with Simeon Ileal a few days ago, but he ended up being pretty squishy and kind of died. Poor guy got trapped in an invisible barrier with me. It wasn¡¯t much of a spar. The lot of you ought to do much better.¡±


    Derek name-dropped the patriarch of House Ileal, as the Noble House seemed to be pretty famous among those in Astrus. He closely watched the look on all the instructors¡¯ faces. Out of them, four showed shock, and the color drained from three. The forth instructor, the bulky one who spoke earlier, initially showed a shocked expression, but soon that changed to one of skepticism. That was about what he was expecting. He didn¡¯t know if there were any political sses or sses on other countries in the academy, but he¡¯d gotten the reaction he wanted.


    The other two instructors looked at the others in confusion, but didn¡¯t dare to speak up.


    ¡°Really?¡± Derek heard from in front of him. Cain¡¯s nephew stood staring at him with a new expression on his face¡ªone he hadn¡¯t seen on the quiet kid before. It was a look of pure curiosity and¡­ envy. ¡°Did you really fight him? And you killed him?¡±


    ¡°Yup,¡± Derek said. ¡°I had an assist from Osian¡ªhe put the invisible cage around us. It just made it where he couldn¡¯t escape is all.¡±


    ¡°Trapped¡­ with a poison master?¡± Syd breathed deep. ¡°And you won¡­¡±


    ¡°Yup, yup,¡± Derek said happily. It was even less surprising that the nephew of the Adventurer¡¯s Guild Master knew about foreign noble houses. He seemed to takebat seriously. Why wouldn¡¯t he take other matters seriously, too? Looking over all the kids that had finally gotten back to their feet, then to the other ones off to the side, Derek nodded.


    ¡°Okay, students,¡± Derek pped his hands to make sure he got everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°Everyone head to the distant stands in the arena. Your instructors are going to put on a show for you.¡± His evil smile returned, and he looked back at the instructors. ¡°You¡¯re a healer, right?¡± he asked a female instructor to the right. He¡¯d seen her healing some of the students after their battles earlier.


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°Yes?¡± she answered.


    ¡°Good,¡± Derek said. ¡°Prepare yourself¡­ your colleagues are going to need you soon.¡±


    The instructors hesitated until one of the two who hadn¡¯t recognized the Ileal name spoke up. ¡°He¡¯s just one man. We¡¯ve already seen his aura. Besides, it will be good for the students to see how professionals work as a team.¡±


    Finally, the instructors stepped forward. Derek held up his hand to stop them from continuing. ¡°Wait until the children are clear,¡± he said. Then, once they were in the stands and far enough away, he held up his index finger. He was sparring, after all, so he nned on going back to his ssic sparring outfit. In an instant, his shirt disappeared and his jeans were reced by one of his remaining pairs of shorts. He¡¯d pretty much used them exclusively for sleeping since thest time he helped train Rayna.


    ¡°What¡­ are you wearing?¡± the lead instructor asked hesitantly.


    ¡°A pair of shorts,¡± Derek said. ¡°Everyone always asks that question.¡± He shook his head. ¡°Do you know what happened to thest person who destroyed one of my custom-made shirts? He died¡­ we were just talking about him, actually.¡±


    ¡°Arrogant,¡± the bulky instructor who had spoken before hissed from the side as he pulled out a sword and shield, and a bulky set of te armor epassed him.


    ¡°Maybe¡­¡± Derek shrugged. ¡°Or maybe I¡¯m just confident?¡±


    The other five instructors soon prepped for battle as well. The healer, who was standing at the back, changed into a bright white robe and what looked like an oaken staff appeared in her hand. The instructor who had visited him in the king¡¯s booth was soon covered in a medium scale-like armor¡ªit had some simrities to Derek¡¯s own wyvern armor, but it wasn¡¯t quite the same. <em>Snake? Maybe lizard? </em>Derek wondered. In the man¡¯s hand, two shortswords appeared, and he spun them for good measure.


    <em>Okay, a tank, DPS, and a healer. What</em><em>¡¯s next? </em>He soon found out. The other woman soon found herself wearing a robe not unlike the healer, and she had a small¡­ <em>is that a wand? </em>He thought. On her waist, two potions appeared tied to the robe. Derek waited for one of thest two guys to get summon a robe and staff, but it turned out they didn¡¯t have a support ss. Instead, one summoned some te armor just as big as the tank¡¯s armor, but instead of a sword and shield, he summoned a greatsword that would put Bronson¡¯s to shame, and the other a set of leathers and a bow.


    <em>I guess it</em><em>¡¯s not like they¡¯re an actual party or anything¡­ just a group of instructors, </em>Derek thought. <em>P</em><em>oor guys</em><em>¡­ </em>he inwardly muttered as he looked at the thick te armor on the two warriors. <em>That te</em><em>¡¯s not going to do them any good. </em>Derek held out his right arm to the side and channeled the void through him. It had been a minute since he fought barehanded, but it was natural to him. The void flowed through his body, then appeared as a deep purple glow on his right hand. With his wisdom as it was at 1500, he focused a small amount, and the void shot through his body to his left hand.


    He nodded, then moved it back into him and focused harder. Soon, it split in two and eventually, both of his hand showed the same deep purple glow. <em>Neat! </em>He inwardly called out. Derek had mostly gotten by with just instantly moving the void from one hand to the other, and he hadn¡¯t experimented¡ªor needed to experiment¡ªwith it because he had Harbinger. With the quality, thickness, and control now provided by his 1500 point intelligence and wisdom, and his maxed out Channel Void skill, he¡¯d learned that he could do more than just that. <em>And it</em><em>¡¯s not hard to maintain, either. </em>


    ¡°A pugilist?¡± the deep voice inside the tank¡¯s armor echoed out. ¡°No, you¡¯re not a pugilist, are you? I recall youmissioned a weapon at that auction. One from the Walking Forge¡ªit was news all over. Where¡¯s your weapon?¡±


    ¡°Trust me,¡± Derek said with a chuckle. ¡°You don¡¯t want me to use it.¡±


    ¡°Suit yourself,¡± the tank said.


    With the students far enough away in the stands, and his shirt and jeans tucked away safely, Derek held out his void covered palm and motioned for the instructors to e on.¡¯


    ¡°Argh.¡± The tank charged at Derek while the greatsword user and dual swordsman circled to the side and the mage and archer dropped back to get a better view of the field.


    ¡°Don¡¯t hold back,¡± Derek said as he sidestepped the greatsword and Active Void Shifted away from the dual swordsman.


    ¡°On me!¡± the tank shouted.


    Derek felt a light tug at his mind, but nothing more. <em>That must have been an aggro skill. I always wondered how they worked on humans and others with the Great System here. </em>It was nothingpared to nah or Lyra¡ªespecially if nah was just speaking normally, but in her siren form.


    ¡°That¡¯s not going to work,¡± Derekughed, then appeared directly in front of the tank anyway with a shift. ¡°Here I am.¡± With an open palm, he struck forward. His palm hit the tank directly where his armor covered his stomach. <em>Let</em><em>¡¯s see how that does. </em>He didn¡¯t want to hit a vital part or use Multi-Strike with his current amount of intelligence. He didn¡¯t know how much the instructors would be able to take.


    He¡¯d tried using Identify on them, but the skill was pretty much useless against anyone close to the mid 200s and with their own Identify skill leveled. Still, he doubted the academy would employ instructors that were lower than level 230 or so unless they had a high rarity ss or had somehow stumbled upon a great deal of stat points, so they should all have decent endurance.


    The dyed reaction that his channeled void was always fun for Derek to watch. As an icicle and an arrow crashed into his shoulder and side¡ªboth splintering upon impact and causing nothing more than a couple of white marks¡ªhe saw the tank clutch at his stomach and grunt. His knees shook a little, too. <em>I see</em><em>¡­ </em>Derek thought. He had just about figured how much strength he should use for the fight.


    With another sh from Active Void Shift, he appeared behind the mage and, with another palm, hit her in the lower back. <em>Say goodbye to your kidneys</em><em>¡­ and maybe liver¡­ and stomach¡­ </em>he thought with a shrug before appearing back in front of the tank.


    ¡°Hold him down!¡± he heard the dual swordsman shout. The man was sprinting back and forth with Derek¡¯s shifts. He was using some movement skills, but they weren¡¯t enough to keep up with how instant Derek was moving.


    Using both hands, he clutched them in fists and punched the tank in the same spot as before. At that same time, he heard the female mage cry out and saw her fall to the ground¡ªher wandying a few feet away. Instantly, a white light fell over her and she slowly began to stand.


    Derekughed and appeared behind the healer. With his hand, he reached out and clutched her by the nape of the neck. ¡°You¡¯re dead,¡± he said, then let go. ¡°No more healing for now, kay?¡±


    ¡°Y-yes, sir¡­¡± she mumbled.


    ¡°Good,¡± Derek said. ¡°You¡¯ll get your chance to shine soon.¡± Instantly, he appeared behind the archer andunched a void covered fist directly into his back. If he wasn¡¯t built like Avery, it would be more than enough to take him out of the fight for a while with their healer already down.


    The archer stumbled forward, then fell to the ground and Derek disappeared once again. With a chuckle, he appeared in the distance¡ªaway from everyone. Then, with a bit of focus, he created a small dagger out of Void Creation. He¡¯d gotten better with it since he had to use it as armor or a protective coating to transport people through Void Travel. With it in his hand, he flipped it over and between his fingers before lightly shing out toward the greatsword user.


    The man was slow, and he wasn¡¯t able to avoid the space that appeared beside him, then and cut him in his side. Derek had used Spatial Rend. The cut was big and basically disappeared the part of the armor that it touched. <em>Ah</em><em>¡­ I shouldn¡¯t have done that, </em>Derek thought. He knew how bad it felt to have armor destroyed, after all, and this was just a spar. He¡¯d also said he wasn¡¯t going to use his weapon, but he ended up creating one with Void Creation. He wasn¡¯t sure if that was going against what he said before, but it wasn¡¯t like it was a ¡®real¡¯ weapon.


    And on top of all that, the wound began to bleed profusely and the surrounding area had an odd dark color of space around it. <em>That</em><em>¡¯s going to be a pain to heal, </em>Derek thought. The man pushed on the wound, but he couldn¡¯t get it to stop bleeding. He was pretty much out of the fight. That left the tank, who was surprisingly still on his feet, the instructor who visited him in the king¡¯s booth, and the mage who had been healed.


    Derek shed back in front of the tank again. ¡°Resilient, aren¡¯t you?¡± he said as he closed his right fist, then drove it into his gut while activating Multi-Strike. ¡°That should do it.¡±


    While speaking, a massive ice bolt shot toward Derek at an extreme speed. Just before it arrived, he used Spatial Redirection and caught it out of the air mid-flight. Then, with a wave of his hand, the space opened behind the dual swordsman and crashed into his back. The man went flying andnded with a crash as the tank finally fell to his knees and vomited a mouthful of blood.


    With that, there was only the mage. Derek appeared behind her and grabbed her by the neck as well. ¡°You¡¯re also dead,¡± he said. Finally, he appeared back by the healer. He ced his hand on her shoulder and said, ¡°Okay¡­ they¡¯re all yours.¡± With that, Derek disappeared onest time and the next time he appeared, he was sitting beside Thomas in the stands¡ªhis usual jeans and ck t-shirt already on him. ¡°Well¡­ that was fun.¡±

 Chapter 422: What Did You Learn?

    Chapter 422: What Did You Learn?


    Half of the students around where Thomas was sitting and where Derek appeared jumped out of their seats. Derek held in hisughter, and Thomas looked down at his feet in embarrassment. ¡°Calm down, everyone. The fight¡¯s over. Now¡­ what did you learn today?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I learned that having a teleportation ability in a fight when those that you¡¯re fighting don¡¯t, is a very unfair advantage,¡± Syd replied from the front row of the stands.


    ¡°No¡­ well¡­ yes, that¡¯s true,¡± Derek said. ¡°As anybat ss, you should always keep an eye out for movement skills that work well with your fighting style or allow you the ability to escape. But that¡¯s not what I was going for. So, what else?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Thomas started. ¡°Uh¡­¡±


    ¡°That sometimes, no matter how good of teamwork you may have, you may end up against a monster where the only thing you can do is hope to escape with your lives,¡± a voice sounded from the distance and Derek looked up to see one of the instructors¡ªthe tank who had been quibbling the most about Derek only having rumors and no proof before the fight¡ªwalking toward them. ¡°And it¡¯s best to assume the rumors are true when the person is right in front of you and may take you up on proving them true. Especially if he shows no signs of hesitation.¡±


    ¡°Plus one for instructor¡­¡±


    ¡°Jeffords,¡± the tank said. ¡°Ryan Jeffords.¡±


    ¡°Plus one for Instructor Ryan Jeffords,¡± Derek said, then focused back on the students. ¡°You all seem to be doing very well in group and teamwork training, and I imagine that you will have no problem clearing any dungeon that is close to your level. You just have to always have it in the back of your minds that someone or something may be stronger out there. Dungeons of your own level are probably the safest way to gain experience, both skill and otherwise, because you never know when you¡¯re going to run into a ¡®monster¡¯ out in the open world. At least in dungeons, the strength of the monsters are somewhat controlled.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± Syd Ibarra said. ¡°We are currently in dungeon studies, and that is one of the main topics.¡±¡°Good,¡± Derek said with a nod. ¡°As it should be, but always be prepared for an anomaly, just to be safe.¡± He said as he thought about the interference caused by the Origin System.


    Then, he looked back to Instructor Jeffords, then past him to the other instructors who were standing by the battlefield or still being healed. His eyesnded on the man he¡¯d hit with his rend skill and the healer who was treating him. ¡°How is he doing?¡± Derek nodded toward the prone man. ¡°I feel bad about his armor. Injuring one¡¯s pride a bit is one thing. Damaging someone¡¯s armor in a spar like that¡­¡± Derek clicked his tongue and shook his head.


    ¡°Don¡¯t feel bad about any of that,¡± the outspoken Instructor Jeffords said with a chuckle. ¡°In fact, he couldn¡¯t be happier.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Derek asked in confusion. ¡°Why is that?¡±


    ¡°Whatever you hit him with is causing Instructor Bradford to level his resistance skills rapidly. I don¡¯t know if it is because of the skill or because of your abilities¡­ He even tried to keep Instructor Cruz from healing him¡­¡± The man shook his head. ¡°But she ignored him and concentrated on the wound, and, as it turns out, the difficulty of healing the wound is also helping her with her healing skills. Just what was that strike?¡±


    ¡°It was a spatial skill,¡± Derek answered. ¡°It leaves one hell of a wound. It¡¯s great for an extended battle because it has some anti-healing properties, so whoever you hit with it will have to fight with an open wound until the battle is over. The skill is especially nice in fights with multiple people. You¡¯re basically greatly impairing the ability of whoever you hit with it.¡±


    ¡°Good skill,¡± the man grunted in affirmation. ¡°So the rumors about you¡­ they¡¯re true? You¡¯re the strongest person in the kingdom? Possibly the entire continent?¡±


    ¡°One of¡­¡± Derek corrected. ¡°Like I said, I¡¯ve never fought against nah Swan, and I don¡¯t really want to find out which one of us is currently stronger. There are also people like Avery Swan and maybe Prince Edgar who could at least escape from me.¡± Of course, he failed to mention that with abination of his Void Travel and Void Sense abilities, he¡¯d be able to track them down easily enough.


    Derek could basically move as far as his Void Sense skill could sense, but Avery may even be able to move further than that in an instant if he were to go all out. But as far as he could tell, nobody he¡¯d met could truly escape him¡ªespecially if he¡¯d spent any meaningful amount of time with them.


    ¡°Well¡­ I believe it now,¡± the instructor said. ¡°You won¡¯t hear anything else from me. But I¡¯m not apologizing.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t expect you to,¡± Derek said. ¡°You had plenty of reason to doubt me.¡±


    Derek chuckled, then looked at the other instructors again. He sorted through his personal storage bracelet until he found some of the materials he¡¯d kept for himself to repair his wyvern armor when needed, then pulled out a couple of scales. In the next instant, he appeared beside the warrior he¡¯d hit with Spatial Rend and tossed the scales down to him.


    The man had a pleased and happy expression on his face while he chatted as the healer¡¯s hands hovered over his side and glowed bright white. When the wyvern scales hit him in the chest, he looked up at Derek, then down at the scales in confusion.


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    ¡°For your armor,¡± Derek said. ¡°It looked pretty expensive, but I¡¯m sure any smith you can find will repair, or even make you an entirely new set if you trade those wyvern scales with them.¡±


    ¡°I.. I¡­¡± the man muttered, but before he was able to say anything, Derek was gone and back seated in the stands beside Thomas.


    ¡°That should make up for the armor,¡± Derek said. After that, he chatted a bit more with the students, and the rest of the instructors came over once Instructor Bradford was finished being healed. Not all of them were as outspoken as Jeffords, and for the most part, they were silent. Bradford couldn¡¯t keep the grin from appearing on his face asionally.


    Instructor Bradford still had a small wound on his side, but it was no longer hindering the man. It seemed the healer and warrior hade to an agreement to let the wound heal naturally the rest of the way. Derek wondered how much that would help the warrior¡¯s skills. He also wondered what the warrior may have offered the healer to get her to agree to that.


    Finally, the instructors decided that it was time for the students to get back to the academy proper. ¡°Don¡¯t forget,¡± Derek said as they rounded up the students. ¡°You¡¯ll be able to run the dungeon again soon, so you all better be prepared.¡± The students and instructors all nodded, then filed out of the arena. Soon, all that was left was Derek and Thomas¡ªwho Derek requested to stay behind.


    ¡°So, did you miss me?¡± Derek asked the boy with a smile.


    ¡°I did,¡± Thomas replied. ¡°I¡¯m so happy you came back sooner than the three years we all thought you would be gone.¡±


    ¡°How have you beentely?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m good,¡± the boy said. ¡°I had really looked forward to running dungeons with the rest of the ss like they said we would at orientation, but after the first dungeon, we weren¡¯t allowed to leave the capital because of Astrus and Indria. It¡¯s really over? What you said is true?¡±


    ¡°Yup,¡± Derek confirmed. ¡°They¡¯re wrapping everything up as we speak. Like I said, the news wille soon, and you¡¯ll have more dungeons to run that you know what to do with.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± Thomas brightened up. ¡°I can¡¯t wait.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m impressed,¡± Derek said. ¡°You¡¯ve grown a lot since thest time I saw you. And not just in height, either.¡± He ruffled the boy¡¯s hair. ¡°Though you¡¯ve most definitely grown in height¡ªyou¡¯re like half a foot taller than you used to be. What are they feeding you here?¡±


    ¡°Mhm¡­¡± Thomas nodded. ¡°My spear seems to have gotten a little shorter, too.¡±


    ¡°Hah!¡± Derekughed at the little joke the boy made. ¡°Well, I may be able to help you out a little on that front. Of course, once you¡¯re able to get some custom made ones, those will suit you better, probably.¡± With a flick of his wrist, Derek pulled out the spear that he¡¯d¡­ permanently borrowed from the Astrus treasure vault.


    ¡°Oh, wow!¡± Thomas grabbed the spear and began turning it over in his hands, examining it deeply. ¡°This is amazing¡­ a little¡­¡±


    ¡°Gaudy?¡± Derek asked with a chuckle. It was a bit decorative, but what more would one expect from a weapon that came out of a kingdom¡¯s private treasury? Derek certainly didn¡¯t know how it was made, but the main shaft was made out of some extremely durable red wood with gems iid throughout, and about a third of the shaft¡ªwhere it connected to the spearhead¡ªhad a small ck metal bar on either side.


    Derek wasn¡¯t sure what the bar was for, but he could guess that it would make blocking blows from swords and other weapons less likely to damage the wooden shaft. The butt of the spear had what looked like a sharpened diamond on the end¡ªwhich would make it lethal from either side if needed.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Thomas said while touching the diamond-like gem on the butt of it. ¡°It¡¯s a bit decorative for my tastes, but it¡¯s so light and easy to handle¡­ ow!¡± The boy shook his hand as a small drop of blood fell from his finger.


    ¡°Careful,¡± Derek said with augh. ¡°But it¡¯s good that it feelsfortable to hold,¡± he continued, then gave the kid a warning. ¡°As you know, it would be best to only use that spear around people you absolutely trust,¡± Derek exined. ¡°Even if they know who I am and that you have a connection to me, some people will do extremely stupid things just because of greed.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Derek said, then gave the kid a warning. ¡°As you know, it would be best to only use that spear around people you absolutely trust,¡± Derek exined. ¡°Even if they know who I am and that you have a connection to me, some people will do extremely stupid things just because of greed.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Thomas nodded somberly. ¡°I¡¯m not going to make that mistake again.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of which.¡± Derek began. ¡°Have you made any friends? Found anyone that you think you can trust?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Thomas sighed. ¡°Not really¡­ no. At least not on the friend part. I am ¡®friendly¡¯ with some people, and there are a few that I do think I can trust, though, and we¡¯re on pretty good terms. And I think they like having me in their group when we do group training.¡±


    ¡°I would think that everyone likes having you in their group,¡± Derek said. ¡°You pretty much kicked everyone¡¯s ass out there. By the way it looked, I would say you¡¯re what? Top three in your entire ss? Maybe even higher?¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Thomas¡¯s face flushed in embarrassment. ¡°I do pretty good in the ssroom stuff, too, but there are others that do better. I do rank pretty highly inbat, though.¡±


    ¡°No need to be modest,¡± Derek said. ¡°You took my aura like a champ. The only person who did better was that Syd kid, and he¡¯s going to be a monster. I can tell that he has that chip on his shoulder because of the family he is from and the fact that he doesn¡¯t conform to their normal sses and fighting styles. Plus, he¡¯s got a lot of grit and isn¡¯t afraid to speak out when there is something he wants to know. Seems like a good kid. Is he one of the ones you think you can trust?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Thomas replied. ¡°Him and Eric¡­ Eric is the elven earth mage that was in my group today. They are too focused on their own strength and honor¡ªespecially after what happened after House Torith¡ªto care about the fact that I¡¯m using such a spear.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of Eric¡­ his surname wouldn¡¯t happen to be Greend, would it?¡± Derek asked. The boy reminded him of a certain cocky elf.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Thomas answered. ¡°Do you know him?¡±


    ¡°Not him, but someone that is part of his family,¡± Derek said. <em>Two people, actually, and Svena if I can count seeing her at the auction. I wonder if he knows about Asana yet and who she was to him. I hope she wasn</em><em>¡¯t his mom or sister or something. </em>¡°Is he always soo¡­ quiet?¡± Derek asked. If he wasn¡¯t, then that could be the reason that the boy didn¡¯t seem too conversational.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Thomas replied. ¡°He¡¯s always like that. He never says much.¡±


    ¡°And how is his temper?¡± Derek asked. Victor had one hell of a temper, but he also seemed to be able to calm himself when needed.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen him get angry or flustered,¡± the boy replied. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Oh, no real reason. Just that the man I know from his family can be a bit of a hothead,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Victor?¡± Thomas asked.


    ¡°How did you know?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s his brother. Probably going to be the next patriarch of House Greend. He talks about him asionally when I can get him to. He¡¯s a bit envious of him.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Derek said. <em>That would make Asana his cousin as well. </em>¡°He¡¯s quite a bit younger, it seems¡­¡± Derek said.


    ¡°They¡¯re elves¡­¡± Thomas answered matter-of-factly.


    ¡°Oh, yeah¡­ right.¡± Derekughed. Elves lived a long time and weren¡¯t very fertile. Having children with major gaps in ages made sense. ¡°Well, other than all that, how has life been as an academy student? What have you learned?¡±

 Chapter 423: Growing Up

    Chapter 423: Growing Up


    ¡°How has my life been in the academy?¡± Thomas mused to himself.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Derek said. ¡°How have you been? Other than the dungeon snafu, has it been as cool as you thought it was going to be? Were you let down? Are your instructors good people? You know, the usual. It¡¯s about a year and a half for you already. What do you think about it?¡±


    ¡°I guess¡­¡± Thomas scratched his chin. ¡°It¡¯s not been what I thought it was going to be, but it¡¯s been pretty fun.¡±


    ¡°What did you think it was going to be?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Well, I thought it was going to be what it was going to be¡­ you know¡­ before we couldn¡¯t run dungeons outside the capital anymore,¡± Thomas exined. ¡°From what I know, it should have been a bunch of hands on experience with dungeons and monsters outside the city, then reviews of dungeons and monsters, then more dungeons. Instead, there has been a lot more sparring with other students and instructors than usual. At least from what I¡¯ve gathered since I¡¯ve been enrolled.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Derek said. ¡°Learning to fight against other system users is a good thing, though. I¡¯m d you¡¯re at least getting a lot of that experience¡ªeven if your monster fighting experience is falling behind. We can always go out and find monsters for you to fight, but fighting against so many different students that are at you level and have different sses is very practical.¡±


    ¡°It is,¡± Thomas agreed. ¡°I wasn¡¯tining. I¡¯m d that they reworked some of the curriculum because of everything that¡¯s happened. It would have been boring if we just got free time when we were supposed to go fight monsters.¡±


    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be much of an academy at that point, would it?¡± Derek asked with augh.


    ¡°I guess not,¡± Thomas said as he continued to y with his new spear. ¡°As for the academy being cool¡­ it is. When we have free time and get to go into the capital, the looks of envy we receive by some of the children who haven¡¯t unlocked the Great System are crazy to me. Like¡­ I never thought someone would be looking up to me like that. You know?¡±¡°I can understand that,¡± Derek said. ¡°It makes perfect sense. To most younger kids, getting to enroll in the academy is something they can only dream about¡ªespecially themoners. Rare and epic sses still aren¡¯t that easy toe by.¡± Derek had seen many people with rare and epic ssestely¡ªjust about anyone he had any real interaction with had such a ss. However, those he met were just a drop in the bucket of the entire poption.


    ¡°That¡¯s true¡­¡± Thomas agreed. ¡°It is still crazy that everyone I walk by in the hallways or meet in a ssroom has a ss that could be just as powerful, if not more powerful, than my own.¡±


    ¡°I bet it helps motivate you to get better, though,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°It does. I can¡¯t help but want to prove myself against all the other students,¡± Thomas replied. ¡°But isn¡¯t it the same for everyone else, too?¡±


    ¡°Judging from what I have seen, that¡¯s only true for most of the students in your ss.¡± Derek exined. ¡°There are definitely some that have no business being in abat oriented role. There were a couple who would be a detriment to any group they were in. It would be better for the group to go into a dungeon a man down than to have them there to watch their backs.¡±


    ¡°I think I know who you¡¯re talking about,¡± Thomas said.


    ¡°If you were to go back to dungeon running, would those few be assigned to groups?¡± Derek asked. He really didn¡¯t want people like the one epic ss holder to be someone there to ¡®help¡¯ Thomas and the others.


    ¡°No,¡± Thomas said. ¡°Well¡­ yes, but no. For the dungeons where the instructors can¡¯t go in and make sure we stay safe, we are allowed to choose our own team. With their showing, I doubt anyone would want them on their team, so I won¡¯t have to worry about that.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Derek said. ¡°It may be mean, but I don¡¯t want you learning anything from those students, if you know what I mean. I would hate if some of their inability to make decisions rubbed off on you after all the growing you¡¯ve done in thest year or so.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that,¡± Thomas said with a blush. He wasn¡¯t used to beingplimented so fiercely by Derek, or probably by many others in that case. ¡°It¡¯s not mean,¡± Thomas said. ¡°I suspect that they got lucky with epic or good rare sses, but are only going through the motions so they can say they went to the academy. All the ckers have one thing inmon, as far as I know.¡±


    ¡°And what is that?¡± Derek asked, but he had a pretty good idea.


    ¡°They are nobles,¡± Thomas answered with the reply Derek was expecting.


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    ¡°And even after everything that happened, they still act like that. They have no drive to get better, or are too much of cowards to do so,¡± Derek said with a shake of his head. ¡°They should get some weeding skills or something. At least that way they could be a bit useful to society. Though that still may be a bit much for them to handle.¡± Inwardly, though, Derek made an internal note to talk to Instructor Onis¡ªthe man who had led him to the arena¡ªto see how what they did with those students. Do they end up expelled? Or do they be instructors? <em>They probably be influential people in the kingdom</em><em>¡­ </em>


    ¡°Mhm¡­¡± Thomas nodded in agreement. ¡°They certainly may have a hard time. But I think a couple of my ssmates who are at the bottom rank could be good fighters or good additions to any team if they could just get over their fears of being injured or their hardheadedness.¡±


    ¡°I guess that could be true,¡± Derek said. ¡°But still, it¡¯s not on you to help them through that. You¡¯re here to learn and get stronger. If at all possible, when you do get to go to dungeons, you should try to get people who you work well with on your team. People like Syd or even Eric. I think they can be reliable. They have family that is pushing them to be so, after all.¡±


    ¡°I will definitely try,¡± Thomas agreed. ¡°It is awesome having a good tank on your team.¡±


    ¡°I can vouch for that,¡± Derekughed in agreement. ¡°So, what else? What about your instructors? They seemed pretty good to me. Will probably be pretty strongter on.¡±


    ¡°They are great!¡± Thomas said. ¡°I really like Instructor Cruz and Instructor Jeffords. Instructor Cruz reminds me of Malorie and Instructor Jeffords is kind of like you, in a way. Well¡­ almost. The other instructors are all really good too. The six instructors you saw here today are our ss¡¯s primary instructors.¡±


    ¡°What does that mean?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°They were assigned to us the week we started at the academy, and they will be our instructors until we all either graduate or leave. Our primary instructors oversee ourbat training throughout our time in the academy.¡±


    ¡°What about the other instructors? I imagine if there are primary instructors, there are also secondary ones?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Thomas answered. ¡°The other instructors specialize in certain fields. Like, Instructor Mitchell teaches Dungeon Studies, but she teaches it for the entire academy. We go to her sses, she doesn¡¯te to us. Same for Instructor Brooks. He teaches Anatomy of Monsters to the academy¡ªI have sses with him every Monday and Friday.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Then there are the weapon instructors. I¡¯m under Instructor Ichida for my spear training. He¡¯s really good with the spear, but I think Shae¡¯s teachings are better suited for me. He¡¯s more hands on and doesn¡¯t hold back. I think training works better for me when there¡¯s a chance that I might get hurt.¡±


    ¡°I can see that,¡± Derek said with a smile. ¡°Well, on the bright side, if Judy doesn¡¯t kill him, Shae will be back at the Savannah Adventurer¡¯s Guild as soon as he finishes with all the tasks Judy¡¯s given him. And now that the teleporters are open, you¡¯ll be free to head there on your free days. I¡¯m sure he¡¯d love to see your current progress.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll definitely stop by the next time I go to Savannah,¡± Thomas agreed.


    ¡°He¡¯ll definitely be happy,¡± Derek said. ¡°And Judy may even take it easy on him for a bit if you¡¯re the one there asking about him.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Thomas said. ¡°Oh!¡± He turned his head quickly and looked at Derek with a smile. ¡°Grandpa and Grandma are here. They¡¯re staying for free at the Crown Restaurant. Miss Swan had one of her people bring them here from the vige before the attacks began on that side of the kingdom.¡±


    ¡°Malorie told me,¡± Derek said. ¡°I bet they¡¯re proud of you. How often do you see them?¡±


    ¡°I go see them every weekend when we get our free time. And they are very happy. Grandma won¡¯t stop fussing over my uniform. I like how happy it makes her, so I always make sure to wear it when I go out,¡± Thomas replied with a big smile. ¡°Grandpa can¡¯t believe the type of food he gets to eat every day. Every time I visit, he tells me about what dish he had each day of the week.¡±


    ¡°Haha,¡± Derek chuckled. ¡°I should take Silvi over there so they can discuss food. I bet she would enjoy that.¡±


    ¡°You should,¡± Thomas said. ¡°How is she doing?¡± as he asked the question, he instinctively rubbed the top of his head.


    ¡°She¡¯s doing fine,¡± Derek said. ¡°She supplied the whole royal wedding in Ast¡­ Indaria by herself. All her food was a hit with everyone, so I suspect she¡¯s going to be a little bit extra¡­ full of herself for a while.¡±


    ¡°So she¡¯s going to be extra Silvi?¡± Thomasughed.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Derek said. ¡°By the way, how are the cooking instructors? I heard that there are crafting students here as well? So I imagine there are cooking ones?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Thomas said. ¡°I haven¡¯t met them because I¡¯m not in any cooking sses. But, some of the cooking students make food to sell for Academy Credits. Why?¡±


    ¡°I was just wondering if they may need a special cooking instructor,¡± Derek said with a smile. He imagined Silvi with her little chef¡¯s hat hopping onto a podium and teaching a cooking ss. Then he remembered how she acted after cooking lessons in Torith and shivered.


    ¡°No,¡± both Thomas and Derek said at the same time.


    ¡°Yeah, that wouldn¡¯t be a good idea,¡± Derek said. ¡°Maybe she could audit one of the cooking sses, but I don¡¯t think it would be a good idea to put her in charge of any students.¡±


    ¡°Agreed,¡± Thomas said with a chuckled. ¡°But you should stop by and see Grandpa and Grandma if you get a chance. I¡¯m sure they would really appreciate it.¡±


    ¡°I will,¡± Derek said. ¡°If they are staying at by the Crown Restaurant at the hotel, I¡¯ll make sure to pop in when I got to check on re. She should be there, too.¡±


    ¡°She is,¡± Thomas confirmed. ¡°She¡¯s doing really well. So are Zachary and Lucas.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah,¡± Derek said. ¡°Avery¡¯s¡­ wards. I bet they¡¯ll be excited once Avery¡¯s back there full time. He certainly seemed to miss them in the raid dungeon. I look forward to really meeting them.¡±


    ¡°They are nice and hardworking,¡± Thomas said. ¡°But who wouldn¡¯t be with Ms. Swan there? Even if she can¡¯t speak to you.¡±


    ¡°They definitely have reasons to be stronger,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°The two of them would do great in the academy if they ever join,¡± Thomas said.


    ¡°With Avery as their teacher, I imagine they would¡­¡±


    After that, Thomas and Derek continued chatting for a good couple of hours. Derek was worried that he would be missing sses, but Thomas said he didn¡¯t have any until the evening. After a while, though, Thomas had to get to one of those sses. Derek apanied him outside the arena, and Thomas gave him a hug bigger than the one Brandi had given him.


    Derek smiled as he watched the boy walk away. He was definitely growing up.

 Chapter 424: Student Row

    Chapter 424: Student Row


    Once he watched Thomas disappear around a corner and out of his sight, Derek decided to explore a bit more of the academy before leaving. Instead of going back the same way that Anthony Onis had taken him, he chose to slowly make his way back through the north side of the academy. It was the side of the academy where Anthony had told him that the students had set up stalls to sell items for credits. It was also where all the student dorms were located. He decided to call it Student Row.


    Of course, Derek didn¡¯t have any Academy Credits to give out¡ªat least, he didn¡¯t think he did, but he wasn¡¯t actually sure if the king¡¯s token he was wearing would allow him to give some out. He hadn¡¯t really gone over the credit system too much with Anthony or Thomas when he was learning about the academy from them. He actually didn¡¯t know if they were physical tokens or umted on some sort of card like the bank in Savannah had given him.


    So, being that it had been a long time since he hadst eaten, it could have almost been considered torturous when he made it far enough down the street to start smelling the different aromas from the food items being prepared by the cooking students. For a moment, he thought about seeing if it would be okay to trade some of the things he had in his storage ring for a few credits of his own, or just a straight up trade for whatever the delicious smelling meat kabob was, but after a moment, those thoughts passed.


    He was literally in the city of the main Crown Restaurant, and he knew that the best dish he found at the academy probably wouldn¡¯t even be able to touch the food prepared at the Crown¡ªeven on the first floor. So, instead of continuing to slobber over all the different foodstuffs, he moved further down until he arrived at some stalls with crafted items.


    The badge on his shoulder did allow him some perks, as all the students tensed when he moved in front of their stalls. <em>I could probably take advantage of this badge and </em><em>¡®test¡¯ some of the food prepared by the students, </em>he thought, but didn¡¯t want to do that because it would literally be stealing from children, and he didn¡¯t see any instructors with stalls up. He couldn¡¯t rece any food he consumed, after all. However, all that was untrue for the other crafted items¡ªother than the consumables, of course.


    So, when he arrived in front of a small stall with a bunch of different small weapons¡ªweapons like daggers, knives, needles, and even a couple shortswords¡ªhe didn¡¯t hesitate to pick one up and swing it a few times. It wasn¡¯t like he was going to try to pump it with mana or test it on his own skin. A few swings and a quick Identify was enough for him to get the feeling of the weapon¡¯s quality.


    At one particr stall in Student Row, Derek picked up a halberd¡ªives still seemed to be an unpopr weapon choice, but there were plenty of other polearms¡ªand gave it a couple swings through the air. He thought back to his still damaged ive, and realized that the weapon he was swinging was already of higher quality than the one that had apanied back on Earth and through all those years in the void, before finally giving out on him in Cydaria.


    It was a bittersweet memory for him. His weapon had kept him sane¡ªwell¡­ less insane while he was in the void¡ªso it was a weapon that he would probably never discard, no matter how useless it became. Finally, he swung the halberd through the air onest time, then put it back in the open barrel that had been holding it before.


    ¡°What year are you?¡± Derek asked the young man, who was watching Derek with gleaming wide eyes.


    ¡°S-sir,¡± the young man stood straight. ¡°I am Christian Renault. I am a fourth year.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Derek said with a nod. ¡°Good, good¡­¡± he said with a smile. ¡°When did you create that halberd?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Sir!¡± the young man called out again before answering. ¡°I crafted that halberd three weeks ago, sir.¡±


    ¡°And its quality? Is that the best you can do, or do you have better?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°I have better, of course,¡± the young man answered with a serious nod. ¡°These weapons are those I deem worthy to sell to the underssmen, the best weapons I keep for myself, or trade with my fellow ssmates.¡± Then, the young man flicked his wrist, and a shortsword appeared in his hand. ¡°This is one of the weapons that I am proud of. I finished it three days ago.¡± He handed the sword to Derek.


    Derek examined the sword and gave it a few mechanical swings before he nodded and handed it back to the young man. ¡°Very good,¡± he praised the young man. ¡°Keep doing what you¡¯re doing. I suspect you¡¯ll be quite the smith when you are older.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, sir!¡± Christian straightened his back and did his best to hide the smile on his face and the pride in his eyes.


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    ¡°Carry on,¡± Derek said and turned to continue his stroll down the street. He was sure that the young man would be curious about the interaction, but Derek didn¡¯t n to say anything else. All that Christian would know was that someone in the king¡¯s favor came by and inspected his wares.


    But as Derek walked away, he couldn¡¯t keep a smile from forming on his face. <em>She</em><em>¡¯s already at the level of a fourth-year academy student with her legendary ss¡ªeven at a lower level, </em>he thought as he continued on. <em>Doesn</em><em>¡¯t look like there¡¯s any point in even mentioning the academy to her¡­ well¡­ there may be a library or rune books or something, </em>he thought. <em>But she pretty much has ess to anything she wants as long as she asks. I</em><em>¡¯m sure Ste could track down anything that this ce has for her. </em>


    Just before he got to the end of Student Row, Derek stumbled upon another very interesting vendor. It was interesting because it was another halfling alchemist who very much reminded him of Roman, and the boy was offering credits for students to use his potions instead of selling them for credits. There was also a small disimer hanging from the front of the table under the price, which mentioned that the ¡®stall owner is not responsible for any undesirable oues.¡¯


    Derek couldn¡¯t help but stop in front of the stall. There was nobody else around it, and it seemed that every other student was doing their best to steer clear. ¡°An alchemist, huh?¡± Derek said, getting the young halfling¡¯s attention, causing his head to slowly raise¡ªit seemed the boy was even nodding off. He didn¡¯t expect any ¡®customers¡¯ either.


    ¡°Huh? Yeah,¡± he answered.


    ¡°Do you know Roman Pascal?¡± Derek came straight out and asked.


    ¡°Do I know him?¡± the boy yawned. ¡°I know <em>of </em>him, of course.¡± The halfling¡¯s eyesnded on Derek¡¯s shoulder where the king¡¯s token was, but he didn¡¯t seem visible impressed by it¡ªjust a very slight raise of his eyebrow before he continued. ¡°He¡¯s a very popr alchemist known for his virility potions among the nobles. Why?¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Derek said. <em>I guess they</em><em>¡¯re not rted. </em>He¡¯d already met a couple of students who were rtives of people he knew, so he wouldn¡¯t be surprised to see another. The people that he¡¯d been aroundtely had all been some of the more prominent or stronger people in the kingdom, so it would make sense if their rtives were able to enroll in the academy. <em>I</em><em>¡¯ve probably already passed a bunch, actually¡­ </em>he thought. ¡°You just reminded me of him, is all.¡±


    ¡°Because I¡¯m a halfling who just happens to do alchemy?¡± the alchemist said, with a raised eyebrow.


    ¡°No¡­ well, yes, but not just that,¡± Derek stammered, then felt a bit of embarrassment from being called out by a boy. ¡°The first time I met the man in an alchemist sense, he had me test some potions for him. I saw your sign, so I decided to check.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ I see,¡± the boy said. ¡°Can¡¯t say I¡¯ve ever met the guy,¡± he answered with a shrug.


    ¡°Gotcha,¡± Derek said as he looked down at four potions ced on the stall. ¡°Want me to test a couple of potions for the mistake?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°<em>You</em> want to test some of my potions? For <em>your</em> own curiosity?¡± the boy looked around conspiratorially¡ªlike he was plotting something and didn¡¯t want anybody to overhear.


    ¡°Am I not supposed to?¡± Derek asked with furrowed brows. ¡°Are there rules against doing something like this?¡±


    ¡°None specifically stated,¡± the halfling said. ¡°At least none for someone like you.¡± The alchemist pointed at the token that Derek had pinned on his shoulder. ¡°You have that badge. I¡¯m sure <em>you</em> can do whatever you want. And if you want to sip a couple of potions, who am I to stop you? I doubt any of the instructors or the headmaster would punish me if it was for <em>your </em>own curiosity. In fact, I¡¯d probably be punished for not letting you do what you want.¡± The boy¡¯s eyes brightened as he spoke.


    ¡°You don¡¯t even know who I am,¡± Derek said with a half smirk.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter who you are.¡± The boy shrugged. ¡°I¡¯ve read all rules multiple times¡ªstudied them intensely. You have that badge. That¡¯s all that matters.¡±


    ¡°And why have you studied them so much?¡± Derek asked, but he knew the answer, and it wasn¡¯t so the boy would be able to avoid breaking any of them like a good student.


    ¡°I want to be the best academy student I can be,¡± the halfling said proudly.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ sure you do,¡± Derek snorted.


    ¡°And in order to be the best student possible,¡± the boy said as he leaned in and his voice quieted to almost a whisper. ¡°Then I need to be able to know which rules can bend and which ones cannot.¡± He pulled a notebook and a writing utensil out of his storage ring. ¡°And if I happen to overhear any details you find out from drinking my potions¡­ it wouldn¡¯t be student-like for me not to write them down.¡±


    ¡°Hah!¡± Derek chuckled. It was exactly as he expected. With a smile and a shake of his head, he reached out and took the first potion into his hand before gulping it down. After a few moments, he said, ¡°Very small endurance boost. Slows speed by a small amount, too.¡± As he spoke the words, the young alchemist furiously jotted down notes. Derek then turned the next potion up and swallowed. After seeing the effects, he sighed. ¡°Small increase in vitality for a very short amount of time. Will probably kill anyone who doesn¡¯t have a really good health potion on hand if they have less than eight thousand or so health points. I wouldn¡¯t rmend selling it unless it¡¯s to an enemy you want dead.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes¡­¡± The boy nodded quickly as he finished his notes, then looked at Derek with a pair of pleading eyes. Derek had offered to test some of the potions, but the boy had nevere out and asked him to, and it didn¡¯t look like he was going to. It seemed to be one of those ¡®bendy¡¯ rules.


    ¡°Nope,¡± Derek said. ¡°You only get two. One for me waking you, and the other for me assuming you knew Roman. That¡¯s it. Good luck with your alchemy,¡± Derek said with a chuckle, then left. He heard a sighe from the booth behind him as he walked away.


    Once he was a decent distance away from the alchemist and his booth, he turned his head to see that the boy had already sat two more potions on his stall to take ce of the two that Derek had tested for him. Derek shook his head. <em>Crazy alchemists. All the same.</em>

 Chapter 425: Cain

    Chapter 425: Cain


    Before Derek left the academy, he stopped back by the entrance where he had met Instructor Onis. Luckily, the man was still there, sitting behind his desk and helping what few students were still in the lobby. The man stopped everything and greeted Derek when he entered.


    ¡°Mr. Hunt,¡± Anthony said. ¡°Can I assume that you found everything you needed? Is there anything else I can help you with?¡±


    ¡°Everything was fine,¡± Derek said. ¡°I¡¯m all good. I just had a couple questions, so I decided to stop in and see if you were still here.¡±


    ¡°If you have questions, then I would be happy to answer,¡± the instructor said with a small bow.


    ¡°Great,¡± Derek said. Then, he asked the man what had been on his mind. ¡°How does the academy deal with students who are¡­ not motivated to get better? I saw a couple while watching over the exams today.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Anthony said. ¡°You¡¯re worried about the fate of a student if they are paired up with an under-performing student. There is no need to worry¡ªat least about that. When ites time for the dangerous things when the instructors can¡¯t be there to help, we take it very seriously. I can assure you that if there are ckers in the ss, they will not be allowed to jeopardize any of the other students.


    ¡°We have multiple dungeons that are perfect for the students at the bottom of their ss. They are very easy, and the casualty rate is almost zero. Besides, when ites to forming those teams, it is not random. The students will be able to choose their own teams¡ªso if there is a cker that has yet to be expelled or held back, they will surely avoid them.¡±


    ¡°And what if the ¡®cker¡¯ is part of a high noble family and they offer amoner kid riches or status to be part of their team? I know that status doesn¡¯t mean anything inside the academy, but on the outside, themoner still has family, and it would not be easy to turn down such offers,¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°It has happened, but very rarely, and it neversts long. We punish those who are found out harshly¡ªwith expulsion. If there is an <em>odd </em>pairing, we are sure to see it and investigate,¡± Anthony replied. ¡°As for the current cking¡¯ students¡­ they are still here because there have not been any danger to having them. Since dungeons have been closed and we had to revamp our curriculum, we¡¯ve allowed them to stay a little longer to see if they shape up. Before things go back to normal, I can assure you that there will be a massive culling throughout each ss.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Derek said. <em>I guess I don</em><em>¡¯t have to worry about Thomas getting paired up with those other students. </em>That¡¯s pretty much all Derek was worried about when he came to Anthony with his questions. <em>Though, I</em><em>¡¯ll definitely have to warn him about that alchemist, too.</em>


    ¡°Is there anything else?¡± Anthony asked.


    ¡°Nope, that¡¯s it,¡± Derek said. ¡°Thanks for all the help. I guess I¡¯ll get going now.¡±


    Anthony bowed again before going back to his desk and helping the student he¡¯d been with before. Then Derek turned around and took his leave. He¡¯d learned a lot during his day at the academy, and it was nice to see that Thomas was doing so well. He¡¯d also met a few interesting students and instructors. He smiled to himself as he made his way out of the academy doors and to the gate separating it from the rest of the city.


    Derek had the guards open the gate, and he walked through. With a quick wave and nod to the two guards¡ªwho were different guards than the ones who were stationed there when he first arrived¡ªhe left. As he was walking away from the academy grounds, he looked at the badge on his shoulder. <em>This dide in quite useful today, </em>he thought.


    For a moment, the thought of going back to the pce and giving the token back to Phillip crossed his mind, but then he decided against it. <em>That would be too much work, </em>he thought. <em>If he wants it back, he cane to me. </em>Derek shrugged, then pulled the token off his shoulder and stored it in his bracelet.


    Once Derek left the academy grounds, he decided it would be best to check on Cain Ibarra and see how he was fairing after his brush with death when they were fighting the Starfury Leonaris. <em>And if I happen to meet the Guild Leader ore away with a diamond-ranked badge, that will just be a bonus, </em>he thought as he made his way back through the city.


    Since he¡¯d never been to the guild in the capital, he didn¡¯t quite know where it was located, but that was remedied with a single question to a passing stranger. They may have looked at him like he was an idiot, but he still got the location. It didn¡¯t take him long to find almost an exact replica of the Savannah Adventurer¡¯s Guild building. The only differences that he could see was the slightlyrger size and the banners representing the capital instead of Savannah.


    <em>I wonder if this one is going to be just as deserted as the one in Savannah, </em>he thought as he walked through the pair of doors leading to the lobby. Sure enough, it was deserted. It wasn¡¯t <em>as </em>deserted as the Savannah one, as it had two workers instead of a lone Judy, and there was a young adventurer looking over the quest board with a frown.


    Uwfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    ¡°Wee to the Cydaria Adventurer¡¯s Guild. How may I help you today?¡± A tall blond elvendy asked Derek as he approached her desk. She was just as stunning as the other elves he¡¯d mettely, and her eyes glimmered with excitement.


    <em>It</em><em>¡¯s probably because she¡¯s had nothing to do all day and she¡¯s bored, </em>Derek thought as he shed her a smile. ¡°Hello,¡± Derek said with a nod. ¡°I¡¯m looking for the Guild Leader, is he in?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Ibarra?¡± the elf asked with raised brows.


    ¡°That¡¯s the one,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Um¡­ yes¡­¡± the woman hesitated. ¡°The Guild Leader is in his office. May I ask your reason for visit?¡±


    With a flick of his hand, Derek¡¯s onyx badge appeared in his palm and he sat it down on the woman¡¯s desk. ¡°I need to get this thing upgraded to diamond-ranked. The guild in Savannah still doesn¡¯t have the paperworkpleted to let Shae hand them out. So I think I have toe here and get your Guild Leader to do it.¡±


    ¡°That¡­¡± the woman stammered.


    ¡°You can get Cain if he can do it. I don¡¯t mind who gets me the diamond badge. I¡¯ve just been carrying around this onyx one for far too long when there¡¯s a much more shiny one out there for me to get,¡± Derek exined.


    The flustered elven woman quickly calmed herself and nodded. ¡°If you will, please wait one moment. I will go fetch them.¡±


    Derek watched the woman vanish through a door to the back. If it was the sameyout as the other guild buildings, then there would be multiple training rooms, then some offices for the managers to use. He took a step back from the desk and stretched his arms over his head, and yawned. Then Derek turned his head to look at the two other people in the lobby.


    The young man with a silver-ranked badge on his shoulder was looking at Derek with wide eyes. The near empty quest board was no longer of any interest to him. On the other hand, the man behind one of the center counters was eyeing Derek skeptically, but doing his best to not let it show. Derek couldn¡¯t help but wonder if it was because of what he said, or the clothing that he was wearing. <em>It¡¯s not my fault that I</em><em>¡¯m the only one in this kingdom who enjoysfortable clothes, </em>he thought. <em>Well</em><em>¡­ except for those robe wearing mages. I bet those could be prettyfortable as long as they¡¯re not too thick.</em>


    Derek didn¡¯t have to let his thoughts wonder much longer as the door that the woman had left through swung open and someone stepped out.


    ¡°Who could possibly be looking to get a diamond-badge at a time like¡­ oh¡­¡± Cain¡¯s eyes caught Derek¡¯s and Derek smiled widely at the Guild Master.


    ¡°So, this is your natural habitat?¡± Derek asked as the man walked past the counters and into the lobby to shake Derek¡¯s hand.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to see you so soon,¡± Cain said. ¡°We just sent the paperwork up to Savannah that will allow Shae to register members as diamond-rank just as soon as he fills them out, thenes here to get his own badge.¡±


    ¡°Judy told me,¡± Derek said as he gripped Cain¡¯s hand and shook. ¡°But I think that¡¯s going to be awhile. He¡¯s got a lot of stuff to catch up on before he can do anything.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re probably right,¡± Cain said, as he released Derek¡¯s hand.


    ¡°You¡¯re looking a lot better than you were thest time I saw you.¡± Derek looked Cain up and down. He was wearing a new robe of blue and red. <em>I think I</em><em>¡¯ll keep to my jeans and t-shirt, </em>he thought as he inspected the robe.


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Cain sighed. ¡°At least I was able to make it out¡­ I had to go inform Layne Marshall¡¯s family of his fate yesterday. Of course, they already knew of it, but I owed it to them to give them the details, since I was the one who led that mission.¡±


    Layne Marshall was, of course, the sword wielding warrior who had fallen in the puzzle trial that Cain had led along with Elena Webb. Edgar had told the Guild Master that it was on him since he was the prince and leader of the raid, but it didn¡¯t seem like Cain took that to heart.


    ¡°That couldn¡¯t have been easy,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°It never is,¡± Cain replied. ¡°But, unfortunately, in a life like we live, you get used to it sooner orter. I can¡¯t even count the number of adventurers I¡¯ve seen leave and nevere back. It¡¯s just one of the things you have to ept when you be an adventurer or warrior.¡±


    ¡°I guess¡­¡± Derek said. It had been a very long time since thest person he was really close with died. Seeing the death of strangers in his party was something that Derek had grown numb to over the years. But someone he was close to was another thing altogether. He wasn¡¯t sure how he would react if someone like that died again¡ªespecially now that he was powerful. ¡°So¡­ about that badge.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right,¡± Cain nodded. ¡°I don¡¯t think you need to be tested. We¡¯ll just wait for the leader to get here and he¡¯ll take care of that.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good.¡±


    After some time, the door swung open again, and Derek looked up from his conversation with Cain. He sighed a bit when it was just the elven womaning back to her station. But not long after the door shut behind her, it opened again and another person walked out.


    It was a dreary looking older man with dark blond hair and gray-blue eyes, wearing a set of te armor. Derek looked him up and down, then he realized that he recognized the man, it was Nathan. The same man who he¡¯d met at the Undying Dungeon, then again once they got out of the raid.¡± Derek looked to his shoulder and on it was a tinum badge where his gold one had been before. <em>It can</em><em>¡¯t really be him¡­ can it? He¡¯s not going to hit me with an ¡®ah-ha! I¡¯ve been the leader this whole time,¡¯ is he? </em>He wondered.


    ¡°You?¡± Derek asked out loud, and the man looked up.


    ¡°Huh?¡± the man grunted then turned his head to look at Derek¡ªrecognizing him almost instantly. ¡°Oh, Mr. Hunt. Nice to see you again.¡± He said as he bowed slightly. ¡°I must thank you again for that map. Before the war began, the sess rate of that dungeon had grown by leaps and bounds. I am still surprised that was you. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it,¡± Derek said. ¡°You¡¯re not¡­ the Guild Leader, are you?¡±


    ¡°Me?¡± The man pointed to himself, thenughed. ¡°Oh, heaven¡¯s no.¡± He looked over at Cain. ¡°Could you imagine me being the leader?¡± He looked back at Derek with a smile. ¡°No, I¡¯m just here because I hate senseless death, and even though I¡¯m not the strongest or the smartest, I can at least do my part to help prevent it.¡±


    ¡°No, Nathan isn¡¯t the Guild Leader,¡± Cain said with augh. ¡°He¡¯s here often because he specializes in collecting information on dungeons for the Adventurer¡¯s Guild. Especially any new dungeons. So, if you¡¯re in this particr Adventurer¡¯s Guild, you will see him often.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Derek said. ¡°My bad. I was seriously surprised for a second.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ he is not the Guild Leader,¡± Cain said. ¡°He¡¯s just really good friends with him.¡±

 Chapter 426: …and Whatnot

    Chapter 426: ¡­and Whatnot


    ¡°Whew¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°I thought Nathan may have been ying me for a fool this whole time.¡± Heughed. ¡°That makes much more sense, though.¡±


    ¡°Definitely not me,¡± Nathan said with an embarrassed smile. ¡°I¡¯ve had a hard enough time just working my way up to this tinum rank. I¡¯m not much for fighting, nor do I have the best abilities for running dungeons in a team. I¡¯m more of a cartographer and adventurer than a fighter. I¡¯m much better at gathering information from others than finding it out myself.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s being modest,¡± Cain interjected. ¡°Most of the best dungeon guides we have are written by Nathan. His talent lies in seeing through lies and deceit and piecing together wholes from just fragments.¡±


    ¡°So, I take it you¡¯ve written up quite the report or guide for the raid dungeon we just came back from?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°That is why I¡¯m here, actually,¡± Nathan replied. ¡°I¡¯m submitting my reports and the like. From everything I¡¯ve gathered, it was a very strange dungeon¡ªunprecedented, even.¡±


    ¡°It was,¡± Derek said, but he failed to mention that both Dave and the Origin System had their own parts in interfering with the dungeon, and that once it opened back up sometime far away in the future, it may bepletely different. ¡°At least you¡¯ll have enough information to prepare any other¡­¡±


    Derek paused mid-sentence as he felt an odd sensationing from behind him. Instantly, he shifted into the void and pulled himself through a ripple to appear closer to the entrance to the building. He watched with wide eyes¡ªwhile shifted¡ªas a shape began to form from the ground up, just behind where he was previously standing.


    Nathan was almost static as Derek looked over, but Cain seemed to still have a certain amount of awareness of Derek while he was shifted. The Guild Master¡¯s head ever so slowly shifted toward Derek, and his eyes squinted as he looked in his direction¡ªit was quite a bit slower than nah¡¯s reaction, then her ensuing ability that allowed her to knock Derek out of his own skill.


    However, neither Cain nor Nathan was what Derek really had his attention on¡ªit was the slowly forming body from where he was just at. <em>No, that isn</em><em>¡¯t slow, </em>Derek thought. <em>I</em><em>¡¯m void shifted right now, and it¡¯s forming at a speed fast enough to seem normal. If I weren¡¯t shifted, it would seem to be instant. Is this¡­ teleportation? Is it the Guild Leader? Does he actually have an affinity with space or time? </em>The thoughts ran rampant in Derek¡¯s head as the person finished forming.The man was standing facing Cain and Nathan, and would have been just behind Derek¡¯s back if Derek had not moved first. From the back, he was wearing a pair of brown trousers and a tunic with a gold trim throughout¡ªa golden trimmed belt was wrapped around his waist over his tunic. From the back, all Derek could see of his head was his dark brown hair with gray streaks through it.


    Feeling that he was at a safe distance, Derek shifted back to reality and out of the void.


    ¡°Wha¡ª¡± Nathan muttered as his brows shot up in surprise as he was now looking at the new arrival instead of Derek. ¡°K-us?¡±


    Cain¡¯s reaction wasn¡¯t as intense as Nathan¡¯s. He¡¯d been able to ¡®see¡¯¡ªeven if he couldn¡¯t keep up¡ªthat some things were happening. When his eyesnded on Derek, he nodded slightly, then turned his focus back to the man in front of him¡ªus. Cain gave the man a short bow.


    ¡°Damn,¡± the man¡¯s voice sounded out as he clicked his tongue and turned around. His eyes met Derek¡¯s own, and he shook his head. ¡°You¡¯re much faster than I expected you to be.¡±


    Finally getting a look at his face, he saw that the man¡¯s clothing was just as casual as it seemed from the back. He was only wearing a loose tunic over a pair of pants, and his hair was parted as if it had just fallen naturally after beingbed back. His eyes, though, they were what caught Derek¡¯s attention. When he first saw them, they were shifting from one color to the next. First was green, then was pink, now they were silver-blue, but they seemed to have finally stopped changing once theynded on the color.


    ¡°You¡¯re pretty quick yourself,¡± Derek answered casually. ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting you to appear out of nowhere. My focus was on the door¡ªwaiting for you toe out like a normal person. Well¡­ that is if you are the Guild Leader I¡¯ve heard¡­ not very much about.¡±


    ¡°You can call me us,¡± the man said with a slight bow, then he yawned. ¡°Excuse me¡­ it¡¯s been a long week.¡±


    ¡°Has it?¡± Derek asked. ¡°Has it been a long week for you? I¡¯m not sure I recall seeing you battling Indria and Astrus or creating new kingdoms with us. I guess you¡¯ve had other, more important things to attend?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t sell yourselves short, Derek¡ªI can call you Derek, yes?¡±


    ¡°Sure¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t sell yourselves short, Derek. I had all the faith that Ms. Swan and the young prince would be able to handle everything. Then you showed up with Ms. Swan¡¯s second and the Walking Forge, and¡­ almost everyone else who joined your raid. What would have been the point of me interfering at that point?¡±


    ¡°You could have interfered <em>before </em>we all got back,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Why?¡± us tilted his head and questioned.


    ¡°Because it¡¯s your kingdom?¡± Derek said and asked at the same time. The conversation wasn¡¯t going the way he expected.


    Stolen from its rightful ce, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°Is it?¡± us questioned. ¡°I am here to run the Adventurer¡¯s Guild, not fight wars. Are not those in my employ safe? Did I not issuemands to keep adventurers safe? Does the capital still stand? Did Ms. Swan personally join the battle early? No, she waited until the city with one of her most prominent restaurants was attacked.¡±


    ¡°What about Francesco Jobs?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Huh?¡± us frowned, then a hint of recognition formed in his eyes. ¡°The manager from the Tori¡­ Searidge branch guild?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the one,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Executed,¡± us said with a shrug.


    ¡°Executed? By whom?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡± us shrugged again and looked over at Cain. ¡°Whoever received my order.¡±


    ¡°So¡­ you¡¯re saying¡­¡±


    ¡°He was dirty. Not absolutely filthy, but very dirty. Edwin cleaned up, so I did too,¡± us said.


    ¡°So he was part of Torith¡¯s¡­ckeys?¡± Derek asked. The sub-city that Francesco worked in was named after the man, after all. If he ended up as part of it, it wouldn¡¯t be out of the ordinary.


    ¡°No, not really,¡± us said. ¡°Well¡­ he was in Gerald¡¯s son¡¯s pocket, of course. But he was not part of Gerald¡¯s ploys.¡±


    ¡°Then why did you execute him?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°What better time to get rid of the garbage than with the other garbage?¡± us asked. ¡°The guild could use a little shake up and restructure. He¡¯s not the only manager who either died or was stripped of his duties. Mr. Jobs padded his pockets, overlooked guild deaths on his corrupt city lord¡¯s orders, and was just a generally scheming member of the guild. Though, I don¡¯t recall him always being that way. Some people just can¡¯t handle promotions.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Of course, I left his family alive. I didn¡¯t go as far as to wipe out family lines or anything. Those from the guild that I took care of made their own choices. No sense involving their families¡ªthough, Edwin did wipe out a couple lines of some higher up guild members that weren¡¯t exactly connected with Gerald because other members of their family were, and it was very reasonable to assume they knew. Such is fate. It is barbaric, but efficient. Smother the spark so a fire won¡¯t spread and whatnot.¡±


    That was a topic that Derek hadn¡¯t gotten into and didn¡¯t really want to get into. All the Gerald Torith stuff was for Edwin and Edward to decide, as it was their kingdom.


    ¡°What about Nia?¡± Derek asked. He wasn¡¯t broken up about Francesco at all. The man didn¡¯t rub him the right way the first time they met, and only came around after Derek disyed his power. He was sort of helpful, at least as helpful as a manager from a sub-city guild could be.


    ¡°Nia?¡±


    ¡°She was one of the workers under Francesco,¡± Cain answered.


    ¡°Oh¡­ her,¡± us replied. ¡°You¡¯ll have to excuse me. I¡¯m terrible with names. There are just so many to remember¡­¡±


    ¡°And Nia?¡± Derek asked again.


    ¡°She¡¯s the new manager! A good apple, that one. She was due a promotion.¡±


    ¡°What about your other guilds? Were they affected by the war?¡± Derek asked. ¡°You said that your members are safe and the capital still stands. Is this true for all of them?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± The Guild Leader shrugged. ¡°For the most part. Some wear and tear, but few casualties, and only at a couple of branch guilds. Wilmette could have been bad, but we evacuated quite quickly. Other than that, the Crown was so kind in taking in refugees, after all. It may have been worse had Savannah not been attacked, but that attack changed everything. I was very surprised the Ms. Swan stepped up to defend. She¡¯s usually so¡­ neutral.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ see¡­¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Ah, but you¡¯re not here for any of that, are you?¡± us tilted his head and asked. ¡°You¡¯re here for your diamond badge. To be one of the very few to receive it. To be looked upon in envy by every other member of the guild, and whatnot.¡±


    ¡°I am,¡± Derek said, then he watched as us¡¯s casual expression he¡¯d worn the entire time faded away. Then the man disintegrated, literally. One second, he was standing there talking, the next, and he was in countless small orbs or molecules. After that, Derek felt the same feeling as he had before, and he shifted back over to Cain and Nathan.


    ¡°Damn,¡± us called out as his body instantly formed where Derek had just been. ¡°That¡¯s one hell of a movement skill. I can¡¯t tell if you¡¯re moving extremely fast, or if time is just slowed for you. Are you in another dimension when using that skill? Very interesting. The void is a wonderful element, is it not?¡±


    ¡°It is,¡± Derek said as he covered a fist in void, then used Active Void Shift to make his own appearance behind us. He pushed forward with a palm, aiming for the bottom of the man¡¯s back¡ªruptured kidneys were a pain to fight with. When his hand reached the man, it pushed through as if nothing was there. The small particles scattered out from his midsection, then the rest of him scattered before reforming in front of Derek.


    ¡°Wow!¡± us half-shouted. ¡°That¡¯s interesting. A very scary skill. No real strength involved, yet the damage urs at such a¡­ deep level.¡± He held his right palm up and a few small, inert balls of the matter that had scattered from Derek¡¯s attack fell into it. He tapped the matter with his left index finger a few times slowly, then faster, then even faster until, eventually, the matter rose, then shot into the Guild Leader¡¯s midsection.


    ¡°What the hell are you?¡± Derek asked in amazement. He reminded him of how Tevarian had changed his entire self into his dark blue ice or how Simeon had formed his body out of toxin, but still, the Guild Leader seemed different. A big difference was that Derek¡¯s void was still able to hurt him, as shown by what happened after his attack.


    ¡°Me?¡± us looked at Derek. ¡°I¡¯m the Guild Leader.¡±


    ¡°You know that¡¯s not what I meant,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°You should be more specific, then,¡± us answered.


    ¡°What kind of skills are you using?¡± Derek wasn¡¯t much of a science guy, but it seemed the Guild Leader could break his body¡ªand clothing¡ªdown into small balls of matter. He wondered how small he could go even. <em>Can he separate into molecules? Or even atoms? How would that work?</em>


    Instead of answering, us smiled, then walked over to one of the tables that adventure teams would usually sit at. He reached down and grabbed a chair.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do that¡­¡± Cain pleaded.


    usughed, then Derek watched as the wooden chair disintegrated, then formed back together. But this time, it was in the shape of a metal spear.


    ¡°What the hell?¡± Derek thought out loud. <em>Is he an alchemist? </em>He was really too dumb for whatever was going on with the Guild Leader. But he didn¡¯t have too much time to think, as the man soon threw the spear directly at Derek. Knowing that they weren¡¯t going all out or doing anything that would really hurt one another, Derek, instead of dodging, held his hand up and blocked the spear with his palm.


    The spear hit his palm, then stopped. Derek expected something insane to happen, but nothing did. Instead, once Derek caught it, it disintegrated once again. But this time, it didn¡¯t reappear¡ªnot as another spear nor as a wooden chair. It was just gone.


    ¡°Why?¡± Cain asked from the side.


    ¡°He wanted to know what my skill was¡­¡± us said with a shrug.


    ¡°And how does that help?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ that was Molecr Reconstruction,¡± us said, telling them the name of the skill.


    <em>So it can be at a molecr level? That</em><em>¡¯s way above my pay grade. </em>¡°Oh¡­¡± Derek said. Then, he caught another object flying quickly toward him and looked at it. It was a badge¡ªa diamond badge.


    ¡°You can give your other one to Cain. He¡¯ll take care of the rest¡­¡± us said with another yawn. ¡°Congrattions on bing a diamond ranked adventurer. May you be a shining example of what other adventurers¡­ yada yada¡­ and whatnot¡­¡±

 Chapter 427: Klaus

    Chapter 427: us


    ¡°Is that it?¡± Derek asked the odd man who had just thrown him a diamond ranked adventurer¡¯s badge.


    ¡°Is that it?¡± us echoed. ¡°What more do you expect? You¡¯re obviously at the level of one of those freaks like Ms. Swan. The little palm strike you hit me with was enough to actually do damage to me¡­ which isn¡¯t easy to do¡­ trust me. Would you like to take Cain to one of the back rooms and wipe the floor with his face? Would that make you feel more worthy?¡±


    ¡°I would rather not¡­¡± Cain said from the side.


    ¡°That¡­¡± Derek started, but he was at a loss for words. He didn¡¯t know what he was expecting. Hisst upgrade, he¡¯d had a pretty long spar with Shae. <em>I guess that little scuffle could be considered a test. </em>¡°Well¡­ whatever.¡± Derek shrugged, then took his onyx badge and moved toward Cain. ¡°Here you go,¡± he handed both badges to the Guild Master.


    After a short while, Cain finished up with the upgrade process, and Derek was finally a shining example and¡­ whatnot. ¡°That was easier than I thought it was going to be,¡± he said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why you thought it would be hard,¡± us said with a shake of his head. ¡°You know your strength. I know¡­ some of your strength. Much of the kingdom knows a bit of your strength. It would be weird if you weren¡¯t able to get the badge so easily. I guess I could send you on a mission to fight some legendary monsters¡­ but considering that little dragon pen you had the Walking Forge set up¡­ I think that would be a bit pointless¡­ and time consuming.¡±


    ¡°I guess you¡¯re right,¡± Derek said with a shrug. ¡°Just feels weird. I¡¯vepleted maybe a few Adventurer¡¯s Guild missions, and I¡¯m already at diamond rank.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to tell you,¡± us said. ¡°If you want a challenge next time, how about not getting so strong? Or go somewhere where you don¡¯t already have a reputation that is easy to find out about.¡±


    ¡°No, this is fine,¡± Derek said, then pinned the badge to his shoulder. <em>I might as well wear it while I</em><em>¡¯m in the guild, at least, </em>he thought. <em>I wonder what kind of discounts I could get from some building contractors now that I</em><em>¡¯m diamond ranked. </em>He remembered what the builders were willing to do with him only being onyx ranked. <em>I guess that</em><em>¡¯s pointless to think about, </em>he thought. <em>I already have that slimeball Geoffrey to do whatever I need. He</em><em>¡¯s been good to me, might as well stick with him¡­ as long as he can make some decent recliners. </em>¡°Hey¡­ you there?¡± us broke Derek out of his daydream with a couple snaps of his fingers. ¡°Good,¡± he said when Derek looked at him. ¡°Follow me.¡±


    Derek didn¡¯t have time to refuse or even react to the Guild Leader before the man had already left the lobby and the door to the back swung shut behind him. Derek looked back over at Cain, but the man gave him a shrug. ¡°He does what he wants,¡± Cain said.


    ¡°I can see that,¡± Derek replied, but still followed behind the man deeper into the guild. His curiosity outweighed any other feeling he had at the moment.


    ¡°Come on, I don¡¯t have all day. I¡¯m a busy man, and I¡¯m about to be a lot busier.¡± us stuck his head out of a doorway on the right side of the hall and spoke. He motioned with his hand to e on,¡¯ then ducked back inside whatever room he was in.


    ¡°Is this what it feels like dealing with me?¡± Derek muttered to himself as he continued forward. <em>Is this his ¡®entric mode¡¯ or is it just what he¡¯s like? </em>He wondered.


    Soon enough, though, he found himself in a private room, sitting at a desk full of paperwork, opposite us.


    ¡°What is this about?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Well, you seemed to want to know more about me, so go ahead and ask. I¡¯m an open book,¡± us said, then yawned again. ¡°But like I said, let¡¯s make this quick. I¡¯m sure we¡¯re about to get a flood of new quests and new adventurers signing up.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s probably true,¡± Derek said. ¡°I take it Cain let you know everything?¡±


    ¡°Yes, and I¡¯ve been keeping up with the other news too ever since the teleporters came back online,¡± he said. ¡°But enough about that¡­¡±


    ¡°In that case,¡± Derek said. ¡°Were you really not going to help with the war until they came to the capital?¡± <em>It would have made my job easier if you had, </em>Derek thought, but didn¡¯t say aloud.


    ¡°That was the n,¡± us said. ¡°It would have been pointless for me to do so. My abilities are purely defense and recovery for now. I could have maybe flown around Ryven for a bit and provided distraction or locked him down. But why provoke them by joining the fight?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°If you go look at the sub-cities and Wilmette that were taken over, along with most of the viges, you¡¯ll see that for the most part, all the regr citizens were left alone¡ªthis included my Adventurer¡¯s Guild staff. Most of the casualties came from soldiers, guards, and mercenaries. If I would have joined with my limited offensive power, what good would have that done anyone? By the time I wouldn¡¯t have had to worry about that anymore, you¡¯d already shown back up.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Derek rubbed his chin. ¡°I guess it makes sense not to join, but I¡¯m having a hard time believing that the Guild Leader of the Adventurer¡¯s Guild would be so weak. You moved fast enough, and I can imagine some very¡­ interesting ways to use those abilities of yours.¡±


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the vition.


    ¡°I may have tried back when I started the Adventurer¡¯s Guild,¡± us said.


    ¡°Wait¡­ back when <em>you </em>started the guild?¡± Derek questioned. <em>I had to have heard that wrong, </em>he thought.


    ¡°Of course,¡± us said. ¡°That was when Edwin¡¯s¡­ great¡­ great¡­ great grandfather was king. Somewhere around there. Time passes by pretty quickly, after all.¡±


    ¡°How old are you?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°I dunno,¡± us answered with a shrug. ¡°A couple thousand years¡­ give or take.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ what about your natural lifespan? Your longevity?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have one,¡± us replied. ¡°Well¡­ I do, but it¡¯s one of the things I can modify with my skills. Though, doing so is bing harder and harder these days, and leaves me crippled for much longer than it used to. The recovery is much harsher now. I imagine I only have a good thousand years left in me.¡±


    ¡°W-what?¡± Derek blurted out. ¡°So, you¡¯re older than Marrick?¡±


    ¡°Marrick? The Earth Sage Elf? I guess he did go to Astrus with everybody, didn¡¯t he? Yes, I¡¯m quite a bit older than that youngd,¡± us chuckled.


    ¡°Lad?¡± Derek said. ¡°Have you seen him recently? He looks like a goblin with only a few strands of white hair on the sides of his head.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ it¡¯s been a while,¡± us said. ¡°I¡¯m surprised he¡¯s not dead yet, honestly.¡±


    ¡°He looks like he is,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Is that it all you wanted to know?¡± us said. ¡°All your questions answered?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Derek said. ¡°I just got a ton more. You probably know more history about this world than any other living person.¡±


    ¡°Probably.¡± us shrugged. ¡°I¡¯ve been pretty static for thest few centuries, though. I¡¯ve pretty much relegated myself to watching young adventurers grow stronger. It¡¯s the only thing that really keeps me entertained.¡±


    ¡°What about rtionships?¡± Derek asked. He hadn¡¯t been in one in quite a while, or even had time to think about one, but he couldn¡¯t imagine the vast difference in longevity.


    ¡°I oust them,¡± us said with a shrug. ¡°I¡¯ve watched my children die a few times. It¡¯s not easy, so I stopped.¡±


    ¡°What about your skill? Can you not use it on them?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Unfortunately, no,¡± us said. ¡°There are limits. You saw the chair, right?¡±


    ¡°The one you turned into a spear?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s the one,¡± us said. ¡°I used Molecr Reconstruction on it. I am able to take any ¡®non-living¡¯ items and deconstruct them before reconstructing them in a different way¡ªeven to apletely different form or type of item. Like¡­ wood into metal. But you also saw that it disintegrated after you caught it.¡±


    ¡°I did,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°That¡¯s because its structure changed so much, and it couldn¡¯t hold its new form any longer without my mana flowing through it. But, because of the change, it didn¡¯t have a structure to revert to¡­ so it was destroyed,¡± us exined.


    ¡°I¡­ see¡­ kind of,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Some things work better, though.¡± With a flick of his wrist, us brought out a sword. Derek watched as, before his eyes, the de on the sword transformed into an axe-head. ¡°The form has changed, but nothing innate about the material has,¡± us said, then tossed the axe on a sword hilt to Derek to look over. ¡°That form can be held as it only changed shape. I didn¡¯t reverse any aging or change it to gold.¡±


    Derek flipped the axe around in his hand before handing it back. ¡°It¡¯s cool, though,¡± he said. ¡°Seems like a very convenient skill.¡± <em>I could make the fluffiest chair with that skill</em><em>¡­ </em>


    ¡°But you see the problem with what you suggested now?¡± us asked Derek.


    ¡°I do,¡± Derek said. ¡°But couldn¡¯t you continuously inject mana into a person until their¡­ molecules settled? Is that how it works?¡±


    ¡°No¡­ it doesn¡¯t work like that. Like I said, it doesn¡¯t work on ¡®living¡¯ creatures,¡± us said. ¡°And even if it did, other people don¡¯t have a Molecr Body like I do, so they would always revert.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ that sucks,¡± Derek said. It was pretty tragic if he thought about it. <em>Outliving multiple generations of your loved ones would be terrible, </em>he thought.


    ¡°It does, but if you live long enough, you learn to deal with ¡®suck,¡¯¡± us replied.


    ¡°So¡­ about your offense?¡± Derek asked, hoping to change the conversation.


    ¡°My offense? It isn¡¯t bad, per se.¡± us stored his axe-sword, then held his hand in the air, pulling the sleeve of his tunic down to his elbow in the process.


    Derek watched as the man¡¯s arm transformed into a sleek and shiny de. <em>That</em><em>¡¯s cool, </em>he thought.


    ¡°Touch the de,¡± us said as he ¡®reached¡¯ across the desk with his de-arm.


    ¡°Uh¡­¡± Derek felt a bit ufortable, but still reached out and ran his finger along the de. To his surprise, when he pushed down hard, the de was actually able to draw a little blood from his finger. The wound healed instantly, and he used Cleaning to get rid of the blood, but it had cut him. ¡°Wow,¡± he said.


    ¡°Damn,¡± us clicked his tongue. ¡°I thought it would do more than that.¡± He shook his head. ¡°This is my best de.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s some material,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°It is. And I can make it extremely sharp. The problem is that every time I restructure myself, I lose stats permanently. Not a lot, but enough that it starts to add up after all this time. So, I have a very good weapon, and quite a few skills I¡¯ve collected over the ages, but my stats aren¡¯t what they once were,¡± us exined. ¡°So, I¡¯m not as fast or as strong as most ¡®elites¡¯ these days.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°And the defense?¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ pretty much invincible,¡± us said with a grin. ¡°Though, that was the first time in my long life that I¡¯ve experienced such a void attack. You literally made my Molecr Body¡ªparts of it anyway¡ªinert. That was a first. I¡¯ve been frozen solid, fried by lightning, squished between barriers, trapped underground, and all sorts of different things, but nothing has ever affected me that way. It was very interesting.¡±


    ¡°Lightning¡­ barriers¡­ ice¡­¡± Derek muttered. ¡°Did you piss off every royal family on the continent at some point?¡±


    ¡°It was a different time back then,¡± us said.


    ¡°Why are you telling me all of this?¡± Derek asked. ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid I¡¯ll use it against you?¡±


    ¡°Why would I be afraid?¡± us asked. ¡°Your void caused a different reaction. I¡¯m not sure how bad it actually is. Besides, you asked. And if you wanted, it¡¯s not hard to find out about me if you ask the right people. I usually stay in the background, but ask Cain, or Ms. Swan, or Edwin, and they¡¯ll let you know. Nothing about me is a secret after being around so long.¡±


    ¡°Huh¡­¡± Derek said. <em>He</em><em>¡¯s at the point where secrets no longer matter to him. He doesn¡¯t have anyone close, and he¡¯s pretty much invincible¡ªording to him¡ªso why would he lie? </em>


    ¡°I also have a couple questions for you, if you don¡¯t mind me asking,¡± us said.


    ¡°Oh,¡± Derek said. ¡°That¡¯s why you so easily answered my questions. If you offer information on yourself, then maybe I¡¯ll do the same¡­¡± <em>There¡¯s always a catch with these old bastards, </em>he thought, then shrugged. ¡°But I don¡¯t care about hiding much these days, so I¡¯ll return the favor if I can.¡±


    ¡°Great!¡± us smiled, really smiled this time. Then, his eyes began shifting through multiple colors at a rapid pace, and Derek even felt some of his aura leak from him. ¡°Your body¡­¡± us began as he eyed Derek up and down with his ever-shifting eyes. ¡°It¡¯s different.¡±

 Chapter 428: Fascinating

    Chapter 428: Fascinating


    The way us was staring at Derek made him unconsciously tense up. It wasn¡¯t unlike how it had been when Natalie had basically looked through him and some of his experiences. It was always the unique abilities and skills that threw Derek off. He could handle physical and magical attacks¡ªhe could even handle mind attacks now¡ªbut mysterious, non-threatening abilities seemed to give him the chills.


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± Derek asked. Inwardly, though, he wondered if the man was able to see things that whatever the evolution he¡¯d gone through changed. He didn¡¯t know exactly how deep us could see, but it looked like he was about to find out.


    ¡°Your body¡­ your molecules¡­ their structure¡­¡± us muttered as he continued eying Derek up and down. ¡°It¡¯s all different from anything I¡¯ve ever seen.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that normal?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Well¡­ yes and no,¡± us took a deep breath and leaned back in his seat. After a moment, his continuously shifting eyesnded on a single color and stayed static. ¡°Everyone has a different structure, and by that, I mean that no two people are the same. Then there are the differences between humans, elves, dwarves, and other species, but there aremonalities among everyone. Especially in how theybine with their sses.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Derek asked, intrigued.


    ¡°Well,¡± us said. ¡°When I examine the makeup of someone who has yet to awaken the Great System, there is nothing very special about them. They have the basic structure that all others of that species have¡ªother than the small bits that make them unique. Then, they awaken the system, and the higher they level and more powerful they be, their structure changed. In most instances, one¡¯s structure is made of the basic structure of their species, but their ss adds to that structure. Let¡¯s take one of the more basic magic sses¡­ Fire Mage, for example.¡±


    ¡°What about it?¡±


    ¡°If I examine someone¡¯s molecules just after they get the ss, they are all pretty normal. But, if I examine them again, long after they¡¯ve obtained their ss and upgraded and grown stronger, I will be able to see the structure that represents their ss along with the structure that represents them, but, though the molecules representing their ss are there, they don¡¯t formallybine or blend together¡ªat least not much.¡±<em>It sounds like he may be talking about affinity, </em>Derek thought. ¡°What do you see with me?¡± he asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s the thing,¡± us replied. ¡°Your structures aren¡¯t separated. With everyone else, I can see that they are human or elf and are using fire or ice, or even sword or spear, but with you¡­ you are your element. You are void. There is no separation in you. Your human structure has blended so perfectly with your ss that I wouldn¡¯t even know where to begin. It¡¯spletely and utterly fascinating. I didn¡¯t even think it possible.¡±


    <em>It is definitely affinity that he</em><em>¡¯s talking about, </em>Derek thought. The word affinity hade up in his conversations with nah, Natalie, and even Walter, but it didn¡¯t have the same meaning behind it as it had when the Origin System stepped in to help Derek evolve. For them, it was just a word to describe someone¡¯s closeness or fondness to their ss or element¡ªwhich wasn¡¯t too far off. But as far as he knew, they didn¡¯t know that it was an actual calcted, quantitative thing. Because of the Origin System, Derek knew that his affinity with the void element was over 50%.


    Derek didn¡¯t know exactly what that meant, but his conversation with us was giving Derek a little more insight into his evolution. <em>Maybe reaching 50% with one</em><em>¡¯s affinity is what triggers the evolution and causes someone to actuallybine with their affinity. </em>It was a sobering thought that he was actuallybined with the void¡ªespecially after all the trouble it had caused him before.


    <em>I really am </em><em>¡®one with the void.¡¯ I wonder what he would see if he examined Silvi. Actually, this also kind of exins why some bonded beasts change to their master¡¯s element and others don¡¯t, especially with the system helping them along in their evolution. </em>In his mind, Derek visioned a beastpanion being forcefully invaded by ¡®molecules¡¯ of the ¡®master¡¯s¡¯ ss. <em>It certainly wouldn</em><em>¡¯t want to give a pig an affinity with a spear, so I imagine that¡¯s where the system¡¯s helpes in. </em>


    <em>Avery chose Lyra for her mind abilities and because she reminded him of nah, so her keeping that affinity makes sense. Silvi, on the other hand, was pretty mindless and had no real affinity</em><em>¡­ unless head-butting is considered an affinity¡ªif it is, her affinity would have been at 100%. But since it isn¡¯t, her picking up the void lines up.</em>


    Later on, as he knew with Silvi, the bondedpanions with full system ess¡ªmostly¡ªwould get a chance to help direct their own evolutions. If that wasn¡¯t the case, then Silvi would have continued to be that same full-on voidpanion instead of a void and cookingpanion. Overall, Derek had to agree. It was pretty fascinating. <em>And it</em><em>¡¯s also way above my pay grade.</em>


    ¡°There you go again,¡± us said. ¡°Deep in thought.¡± He snapped his fingers in front of Derek¡¯s face. ¡°Do people not call you out on that?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Derek said. ¡°Not usually.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ it¡¯s not noticeable to anyone who isn¡¯t studying you deeply,¡± he said. ¡°Anyway, in all my years and travels on this, I have never seen a specimen such as yourself. Simply amazing!¡±


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°Specimen?¡± Derek raised his eyebrows. He did not like the way that sounded to him.


    ¡°Poor choice of words.¡± us waved off Derek¡¯s concern. ¡°Though, I would be beyond happy if you would let me study you. There are so many possibilities¡­ if I could just understand what is going on inside your body. Perhaps¡­ I could find a way to renew myself without the destruction of my own stats, or even retrieve stats that I thought lost. It¡¯s all just so¡­ new.¡±


    Derek was getting the feeling that he was sitting across the table from Roman, and he was a never before seen, new material that would be perfect for making a new alchemy recipe. He wasn¡¯t a big fan of that feeling. He decided to change the subject a bit.


    ¡°So, you said before that you permanently lose stats when you revert your age, right?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡± us nodded. ¡°With each renewal, it seems that my capacity for stats diminishes. I see that most people are able to push a bit past 1,500 points in a particr stat before they cannot hold any more. Unfortunately, my capacity has lowered.¡±


    ¡°What about your thresholds? Do they revert back?¡±


    ¡°No¡­ luckily. The way my body is able to use stats is still the same as before I lost the capacity. So, I may only have¡­ let¡¯s say¡­ 1,300 vitality points, but each individual vitality stat is still counted as if I had broken through the third threshold.¡±


    ¡°So your 1,300 points are still much better than another¡¯s 1,300 since they have never gotten to the third threshold.¡± Derek nodded. ¡°I see¡­¡± <em>It feels like a reverse evolution, </em>he thought. <em>I evolved and, ording to Dave, my body can hold much more </em><em>¡®essence¡¯ than it could before. He devolves and loses his capacity. It would be interesting to see what he could do after ¡®studying¡¯ me¡ªif he could really modify himself, and only himself, on such a level. </em>Derek eyed us up and down, the same as the Guild Leader had done to him.


    ¡°You said before,¡± Derek started. ¡°You can¡¯t experiment on other people, right?¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± us said with a small nod of his head. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I just wanted to make sure that you weren¡¯t some evil scientist that was going to take what he learned and¡­ well¡­ I¡¯m sure you know how <em>that </em>story goes,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Ah¡­ yes,¡± us replied. ¡°There are those types of people. But I assure you, because of the limits to my ss, the only person with ess to the system that I can modify is myself. Even if I were able to do such things to others, I have to believe that I would not. At least not unless it was said person¡¯s idea, and they truly wanted me to.¡±


    ¡°In that case,¡± Derek said. ¡°If I were to agree to let you study a part of me, what would I get in return?¡± he asked. <em>Losing a pinky for a few minutes would be a good trade if I can get something out of it that I can</em><em>¡¯t get elsewhere. </em>


    ¡°What is in it for you?¡± us said and rubbed his chin. ¡°I know!¡± His eyes lit up. ¡°How would you like to be the new Guild Leader? I am old, and my strength isn¡¯t what it used to be. The guild needs someone strong and with¡­¡±


    ¡°Pass,¡± Derek said, without even letting the man finish his pitch.


    ¡°To be fair,¡± us replied. ¡°I had nned on asking you that question to begin with.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Well, maybe not to begin with,¡± us said. ¡°But after I examined you, yes.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°As I just said, I am old andcking in strength. I am still invincible, but I do not feel that my offensive capabilities are what they should be for a Guild Leader anymore,¡± he exined. ¡°But the biggest selling point was that I cannot see your age¡­ or should I say¡­ your capacity for longevity.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°As far as I know, with your blended or fused structure, your longevity could have extended beyond what the final breakthroughs in vitality and endurance can grant. But I can¡¯t be certain¡­ it¡¯s only a theory. I wouldn¡¯t know for sure without studying you.¡± us pointed at Derek. ¡°But, if I¡¯m correct, then having a Guild Leader that will be around for centuries or even millennia again would be a great boon. And as far as I can theorize, you won¡¯t lose your own capacity as you get older.¡±


    ¡°Huh¡­¡± Derek muttered. Once he saw that his vitality and endurance had surpassed the 1,500 point mark and had gotten rid of the question marks behind it after his evolution, he thought it may have been the case that his longevity could have been expanded. Still, though¡­ ¡°Just like I told the others when they asked me to be ¡®king¡¯ of Astrus after everything¡­ no. I¡¯m not bing the Guild Leader,¡± he said. <em>What</em><em>¡¯s the deal with everyone asking me to run things? That would just be so much more work for Malorie. </em>


    ¡°That is too bad,¡± us said with a sigh. ¡°I still have some centuries left to find someone, though. Perhaps I¡¯ll have better luckter, now that I am looking for someone.¡±


    ¡°Good luck with that,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± us nodded. ¡°But as far as things I can offer you, I do not think I have anything that would be of interest. I do not believe I have any skills or potions left that would be of benefit to you¡ªI have given many out as rewards over the centuries, and I haven¡¯t been out to collect more in some time. So, other than sharing whatever discovery I might make with you, I don¡¯t believe I have anything else to offer¡­ assuming you don¡¯t need any gold.¡±


    ¡°I definitely don¡¯t need any money,¡± Derek said. Then, with a shrug, he said, ¡°But I am interested in what is so different between me and others. And, it¡¯s probably not a bad idea to have the Guild Leader of the Adventurer¡¯s Guild owe me one.¡± He smiled.


    ¡°You can never have too many of those,¡± us said as he nodded, his eyes shining in anticipation. ¡°And I would definitely be in your debt.¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± Derek said. ¡°I¡¯m not going to make you take an oath or anything, but I would appreciate it if you do your best not to go telling anyone anything you may learn about me.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about that. I wouldn¡¯t dare unless I had explicit permission granted by you.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Derek said. Then, he held his hand out in front of himself with his fingers spread and focused on activating and aiming his skill. Soon, a very small cube appeared just over the final knuckle on his pinky finger. With a deep breath, Derek activated Spatial Copse.


    The skill didn¡¯t have the same anti-healing properties as Spatial Rend did, so he wasn¡¯t too worried about healing. He prepared himself for the pain, but it actually wasn¡¯t that bad. He¡¯d definitely been through worse. It wasn¡¯t even as bad as when he lost a finger to Tevarian, and he still hated blunt damage and his organs being jarred around much more than being cut.


    With a ¡®thud,¡¯ the top half of Derek¡¯s pinky fell to the table. The bottom half¡ªwith his knuckle¡ªvanished from the copse in space. Derek shook his hand a few times, causing blood to be strewn about.


    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± us said, half shocked, then a redmunication crystal appeared in his hand. ¡°I¡¯ll call for a healer.¡± He made to use themunication crystal, but Derek stopped him.


    ¡°Stop.¡± He held up his freshly wounded hand. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary.¡± Then, Derek activated Greater Meditation and focused on his missing finger. He wanted to be prepared to stop just in case his foot and other pinky growing back were just anomalies. Fortunately, they weren¡¯t. In front of his eyes¡ªand us¡¯s color shifting gaze¡ªhis pink finger grew back.


    ¡°Fascinating,¡± us said as he stared at Derek¡¯s fully healed hand. ¡°Truly fascinating.¡±

 Chapter 429: Great Team

    Chapter 429: Great Team


    ¡°That¡¯s just¡­¡± us looked down at Derek¡¯s severed pinkyying in the center of the desk, then up at his already fully recovered hand. ¡°Do you have a healing skill?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I do,¡± Derek replied with a smile. He was talking about Rejuvenation¡ªit really was a healing skill, however¡­ ¡°But I don¡¯t have one that can regrow limbs or¡­ fingers, if that is what you were asking.¡±


    ¡°So, your body can just regenerate like that? Naturally?¡±


    ¡°Apparently so,¡± Derek said. ¡°But you should really¡­ uh¡­¡± he pointed at the finger that was stillying in a small puddle of blood.


    ¡°Oh, right!¡± In a few seconds, Derek¡¯s finger had vanished inside one of us¡¯s storage rings. ¡°I am in your debt, really,¡± he said. ¡°But if you don¡¯t mind, may I ask you a few more questions?¡±


    ¡°I thought you didn¡¯t have a lot of time,¡± Derek said. ¡°Aren¡¯t you busy? Don¡¯t you need to prepare for the Adventurer¡¯s Guild to basically open back up?¡±


    ¡°For something like this? I have time,¡± us replied. ¡°When I first asked, I knew it would be interesting, but I didn¡¯t know how interesting.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll answer a couple of questions if I can,¡± Derek said. ¡°Just because they may help you with your research.¡±


    ¡°Your ss,¡± us started. ¡°It is legendary? Or is it¡­ mythical?¡±¡°What do you think?¡± Derek asked with a half-smile.


    ¡°Truly?¡± us widened his eyes, and Derek nodded. ¡°In my entire life, I have seen legendary sses. I, myself, have a legendary ss. But in all that time, I was never able to to witness someone break through and reach mythical. At least, as far as I know. There is still the off chance that I¡¯ve met others with mythical sses, but they didn¡¯t make it known. However, I doubt that is the case.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re probably right,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t mind¡­ how did youe upon such a ss?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Derek leaned back in his chair and stared at the ceiling. In his head, he was going over what he could and couldn¡¯t say. <em>Best to keep out the Origin System and even the evolution. us may actually be able to guess that there was an evolution involved, anyway. And probably shouldn</em><em>¡¯t talk about ¡®real¡¯ affinity for sses. </em>In the end, Derek told us pretty much the same thing that he and Silvi had told Marrick, which wasn¡¯t much more than the fact that he had a mythical ss and that there were many things that he ¡®couldn¡¯t¡¯ speak about on the subject. At least he already knew that speaking of that information wouldn¡¯t be breaking any forced oath from the Origin System¡ªanything else could get a bit risky.


    ¡°Then it is possible that this is just what the molecr structure of someone who has pushed themselves far enough to receive a mythic ss looks like,¡± the Guild Leader sighed deeply and rubbed his chin in thought. ¡°You know, there were rumors of an elf from Indria obtaining a mythical ss. It was still way before my time, but not so far away that it had been forgotten.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Derek asked. What us just told him lined up perfectly with what Marrick had said. Though Marrick spoke of it more as if it was a myth, where us seemed to genuinely believe the rumors.


    ¡°Yes,¡± us nodded. ¡°Supposedly, he was one of the greatest earth mages to exist on this continent, or even the entire world.¡±


    ¡°Do you know what happened to him?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t say,¡± us said. ¡°The rumors I heard all that time ago all ended with him just disappearing¡ªnever to be seen again. He could have just gone into solitude to die¡ªwhich happens more than you would think. That is what I believed, too. Until meeting you. If his earth ss changed his structure the same way that your void ss has, then I doubt he would have just died of old age¡­ interesting¡­ so interesting.¡±


    ¡°It is,¡± Derek agreed with a nod.


    ¡°This opens up so many possibilities that I¡¯ve never thought about before.¡± us shook his head. ¡°If only I didn¡¯t have the duties to the guild, I could put all my time and effort into this fascinating subject.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the Guild Leader, right?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Then¡­ isn¡¯t that what underlin¡­ er¡­ employees are for?¡± Derek asked. ¡°I know Shae leaves most of the boring stuff to his wife to handle. And I¡¯m pretty sure that she secretly enjoys it. But you, you have an entire guild of employees and members willing to help.¡±


    ¡°It is, but I have always been hands on. It is why I want to find a good recement.¡±


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    ¡°And you thought I would be a good idea?¡± Derek rolled his eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t even run my own little business and you expected me to run an entire guild?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps I let your strength and possible longevity cloud my judgement¡­¡±


    ¡°You think?¡± Derekughed. ¡°Just do a round of promotions for everyone. Call Cain up to be the new Guild Leader instead of the Guild Master of the Adventurer¡¯s Guild in the capital.¡±


    ¡°Cain is well behaved and a very good second,¡± us sighed. ¡°But I do not believe he has the strength needed for someone in such a position.¡±


    ¡°Then ask Edgar, or Avery¡­ or even ask Edward if they¡¯d allow Vanessa to switch teams. Hell, she¡¯s very strong, and she has management experience from the Assassin¡¯s Guild,¡± Derek rmended.


    ¡°All three are strong enough for the position. However, I don¡¯t believe any of the three would take it. And I wouldn¡¯t trust leaving it in the hands of a former Assassin¡¯s Guild Vice Leader.¡±


    ¡°Then the solution is simple,¡± Derek replied.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Do the round of promotions for everyone who was loyal during these ¡®tumultuous¡¯ times and give Cain the position of Vice Leader. A position thates with no real benefits and multiple times more work. I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll be thrilled,¡± Derek suggested.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see,¡± us said. ¡°There may be other solutions, but for now, I will at least leave the preparation for the iing wave to him, and recuse myself for some time to study this¡­ sample. I am interested to see how the sample behaves now that it is detached from the source.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Derek said. us was back to speaking of him like an experiment. ¡°That sounds like an idea. In that case, I¡¯ll leave you to it.¡±


    ¡°Thank you once again.¡± us stood and nodded to Derek. ¡°If there is ever anything that is within my power to help you with, please do not hesitate to ask.¡±


    ¡°Will do.¡± Derek stood from his own chair and nodded back before turning to leave.


    ¡°Oh, Mr. Hunt,¡± us called out.


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°Please inform Nathan that something hase up and that he should speak to Cain instead.¡±


    ¡°Will do,¡± Derek said with a shrug, then left the room. Soon enough, Derek was back in the lobby with Nathan and Cain.


    ¡°Wee back,¡± Cain said. ¡°I assume your impromptu meeting went well?¡±


    ¡°I guess.¡± Derek shrugged. ¡°He¡¯s¡­ different.¡±


    ¡°Yes, he is,¡± Cain said with a nod.


    ¡°But he isn¡¯t a bad guy,¡± Nathan chimed in. ¡°He¡¯s quite good, as far as I know. Even if he sometimes chooses to do things in a questionable manner.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not for me to decide,¡± Derek said. ¡°But he did tell me to tell you to that something hase up that has to take priority and that you should speak to Cain instead.¡±


    ¡°Oh, okay,¡± Nathan said. He didn¡¯t seem all that broken up about it. ¡°We were discussing creating a team of dungeon surveyors, since we¡¯re most likely about to have ess to a whole new range of dungeons.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like an idea,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°It is¡­¡± Nathan replied.


    ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll let you all get down to business.¡± Derek grabbed the diamond ranked badge from his shoulder and ced it inside his storage bracelet. ¡°Thanks for the badge.¡±


    Derek left the Adventurer¡¯s a diamond ranked badge heavier and with more questions if he ever had the chance to meet Dave again. ¡°Let¡¯s see¡­¡± he murmured as he looked around. It waste, but there was still a couple hours of sun left. <em>This is frowned upon, but oh well. What are they going to do? Arrest me? </em>He thought.


    Looking into the sky, Derek used Active Void Shift and appeared high up. <em>Okay</em><em>¡­ which way was it again</em>? He looked around until he found what looked to be what he was searching for. <em>There it is. </em>With another sh, Derek disappeared and reappeared in the sky over the Crown Restaurant and Hotel that he had passed by on his way to the academy. <em>Oh, good, </em>he thought as he looked down onto the courtyard separating the two establishments.


    In the courtyard, he saw four people training, and there was another off to the side. He recognized three of them¡ªre, Jensen, and Walter Searidge. The other two, he didn¡¯t know, but it didn¡¯t take a genius to guess their identities.


    With a smile, Derek shifted into the void and pulled himself down toward the action. It was easier for Derek to use Void Shift over Active Void Shift to get exactly where he wanted because he could precisely control himself and he was able to get a better feel for the situation since everything from his point of view seemed to be slowed to an extreme¡ªalmost paused even.


    Derek soon pulled himself through a ripple in the void and appeared on the edge of the building, looking down on everyone. From there, he looked at the situation happening in the middle of the courtyard. In the paused scene before him, he saw re in her brawling stance with a pair of knuckles equipped on her hands. However, on top of the weapons she was using, small streams of water coiled themselves around both of her arms.


    Other than re, there were the two boys. One of the boys wielded a shield bigger than his own body. He was covered from head to toe in thick, shoddy metal armor. <em>Why would he be wearing that? </em>Derek questioned to himself. On the other hand, the other boy was wearing a thin mixture of te and leather armor, and he was in the process of using a skill.


    He had his hand held out, palm forward, and yellow, sparking energy was gathering. <em>Lightning? </em>Derek wondered. That¡¯s what it seemed to be because of the spark, but it wasn¡¯t the same blue lightning that he¡¯d seen the royal family use on countless asions. <em>Interesting</em><em>¡­ I wonder if it has any different properties than Edgar¡¯s lightning, or if it¡¯s the same, just a different color. </em>


    As for the final person, Jensen, he was dressed in a light, ocean-blue robe with a white trim. He had a big smile stered on his face as he was in the process of side-stepping a shield bash from one of the boys. <em>So the three of them are sparring against Jensen. I wonder how they</em><em>¡¯ll do. </em>


    With that thought, Derek left the void and time resumed. He quickly used Identify on re to see if she was still doing as nned. She was still only level 7, so Derek smiled. <em>Good, </em>he thought. <em>She</em><em>¡¯s still working on her affinity before choosing a ss at level 10. </em>It was only natural that she had gained some levels along the way. There were some Achievements that she needed to get that would definitely level her up a bit, after all.


    The other two boys, however, had already chosen their sses, but they were still under level 25. The one with the shield was level 23 and the lightning wielder was level 22. It seemed that all three of the children seemed to be taking a very slow and methodical approach to training themselves with the system. If they continued like they were, who knew how high they would climb by the time they reached the level 200 ss upgrade? One thing was sure, though, he was looking at the makings of a great team.

 Chapter 430: Clare, Zac, and Luke

    Chapter 430: re, Zac, and Luke


    <em>They must have found re some decent skill scrolls to use before she</em><em>¡¯s able to unlock her own through her ss, </em>Derek thought as he watched the young, ssless girl, who was only level 7, weave streams of water around her body. <em>Looks like some kind of water maniption skill, </em>he thought. <em>Maybe the water equivalent of my Channel Void skill? Whatever it is, </em>he thought. <em>Having it should really help her once she</em><em>¡¯s finally able to choose a ss.</em>


    Whatever the skill was, re wasn¡¯t using it offensively at the moment¡ªwell, at least not exactly. Instead, she was focused much more on her brass knuckles and brawling style. While she was brawling, she had the water moving around her naturally¡ªproviding some extra defense. There were times when she even used the water as a tform tounch herself into the air, then catch her on her way down.


    Her main attacks and offensive power came from her physicality, and her water elemental affinity seemed to be used as a utility more than anything. <em>If that</em><em>¡¯s the way she¡¯s learned to use it, I can¡¯t knock it, </em>Derek thought. <em>She</em><em>¡¯s already really smooth with it, and it seems toe naturally. Not to mention that her fighting style already seems leagues above many other children at her same age. </em>Of course, those other children did not include Zachary and Lucas.


    Derek could already tell that the pair of boys would be great fighters if they continued on training in whatever ways that Avery and nah had set for them. <em>Hell, they could end up bing monstrous, even, </em>Derek thought. Now, he couldn¡¯t get a full read on the boy with the shield in such a spar¡ªother than the fact that, as far as Derek could tell, he was making all the right decisions for his team.


    However, that¡¯s what a group looked for in a tank. For a team, a tank being consistent and reliable was much more important than showing off and shy moves. It was also a reason why Derek was a great tank, but a terrible tank when it came to being in a group or on a team. Because of his ¡®lone wolf¡¯ style of surviving back on Earth, all of his skills were meant to help him, and him alone. He¡¯d even forgone any ¡®aggro¡¯ skills and instead chose to focus on skills like Imprable Skin and Wide Sweep¡ªwhich hadbined with Sweeping sh when he arrived in Cydaria.


    But the boy Derek was watching was different. If Derek had to describe it, he would say that the boy was a tank that wanted to protect instead of one like Derek¡ªone built up strictly for survival above all else. He was well on his way to being a true and proper tank. <em>He may even give Cain</em><em>¡¯s nephew a run for his money one day¡­ and speaking about giving someone a run for their money. </em>Derek did eventually catch something interesting about the tank, though. asionally, it seemed like the greatshield he was wielding would extend and block an attack that looked to be going around it. <em>Interesting</em><em>¡­ </em>he thought. <em>Is that a shield skill? Or maybe metal?</em>


    Derek focused on the lightning user. He was controlling and using the yellow lightning much in the same fashion that re was using her water. The only difference was that he was also peppering in a lot of offensive strikes with it as well. The boy also asionally timed one of re¡¯s defensive blocks and injected her water with his lightning, causing what would have been a very painfulbination for Jensen if the healer wasn¡¯t so much higher of a level than the children were. Derek got the feeling that he was watching a young Edgar learning to fight.


    As for Jensen, Derek had heard that he had joined Rayna and the others asionally, so he assumed the young man was a good healer. For the moment, he wasn¡¯t able to tell. <em>Him sparring with children isn</em><em>¡¯t quite enough to let me see what he¡¯s made out of, </em>Derek thought.


    For the next half hour or so, Derek continued watching the children and Jensen spar from his perch atop the building. During the children¡¯s¡¯ training¡ªboth Thomas¡¯s and re¡¯s¡ªDerek found out something about himself after being gone for some time. He really enjoyed watching those he¡¯d helped, and those he cared about shine in the field of battle.He hadn¡¯t given re as much help as Thomas or Brandi¡ªespecially Brandi¡ªbut to see what help he had given her, and the advice he gave Walter for her training, be put to good use was quite heartening. She was well on her way to bing strong.


    Finally, the training ended once the children began to run dry on mana and Jensen took them down one-by-one. It was a bit anti-climactic, but also just about what Derek expected to see. From there, the three children gathered in front of Walter and the old healer started walking them through their spar¡ªhighlighting what they had done correct, and what they should work to improve on.


    Derek smiled as he used Active Void Shift and appeared directly behind the children and Jensen, who were all facing toward Walter. He had to give the old man credit, even though Derek appeared out of nowhere, other than a slight pause and cough, the man had barely acknowledged his arrival and continued to go over the spar. <em>Dang, </em>Derek thought. <em>I was hoping for some kind of surprised reaction</em><em>¡­ </em>


    Uwfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    ¡°And Jensen,¡± Walter said. ¡°Next time you train with the children, I want you to lean on your water element during the spar. On top of physical fighting, they need to get used to fighting against magic attacks.¡± The old man¡¯s eyes then gazed over all four of them, beforending on Derek. ¡°What do you think?¡± he asked with a grin.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t have said it better myself,¡± Derek replied, startling the three children and causing them to jump before turning around to see who it was that spoke. Jensen was much less startled, but still quickly turned to see Derek before letting out a sigh.


    ¡°Derek!¡± re cried out, then took off running at him.


    Derek smiled, took two steps back, then held his hands up, palms facing forward. re, unlike Thomas and Brandi, greeted Derek with a mini-spar instead of a giant hug. She led with her right hand, then left. Derek blocked each thrown punch that came from the small girl. Then he almostughed when he saw a small stream of water wrap around his ankle.


    re swung wide, then the stream of water pulled hard, causing Derek to¡­ do nothing. It would have been a decent move if the girl was fighting against someone at or around her level. It would be perfect to pull someone¡¯s leg out from under them, then take advantage of their loss of bnce. It was a trick that would only work once¡ªunless the person she was fighting was extra dense. But against Derek, all it did was tug on his leg a bit.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, re,¡± Walter said, causing the girl to huff.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Derek said and ruffled the girl¡¯s hair. ¡°We can spar some other time. I¡¯m more interested in how you¡¯ve been doing over thest year and a half.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been doing just like you told me to,¡± re said proudly. ¡°I was able to get a couple of achievements that rewarded skill points, and I got Identify, Bartering, and Dismantle to go with Meditation and the other skills you got for me.¡±


    ¡°Bartering?¡± Derek asked. ¡°That¡¯s an interesting choice.¡±


    ¡°It seemed interesting,¡± re said with a big smile. ¡°If I¡¯m going to fight giant monsters, I need to be able to sell their parts for as much as I can.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t argue with that logic,¡± Derek said with augh. ¡°What about that Aqua Veil skill?¡± he asked. ¡°Is it any good?¡±


    ¡°It is!¡± re nodded fiercely, before concentrating. A thinyer of water then formed over her like a second set of skin. It reminded Derek of when he used his Void Creation skill to cover someone before they traversed the void with him. However, after just a couple of seconds, the veil shattered, and the water sshed onto the ground. ¡°It just takes soooo much mana.¡±


    ¡°I can see that being a problem for now.¡± Derek nodded. ¡°I didn¡¯t think about that when I got it at the auction.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s going to be real usefulter on,¡± re said. ¡°I won¡¯t have to rely so much on the Water Maniption skill that Ms. Swan got for me once I have a big enough mana pool to use Aqua Veil.¡±


    ¡°Oh? So it <em>was </em>Water Maniption?¡± Derek asked rhetorically. ¡°I thought so.¡± He nodded. ¡°What about Geyser and Heavy Blow? Are you able to use those?¡± Knowing that the girl¡¯s mana was bottomed out from the spar and trying to use Aqua Veil, Derek produced a lesser mana potion from his storage bracelet and handed it to the girl.


    Without any hesitation, re gulped down the potion, then stuck her hand out. ¡°Ready?¡± she asked excitedly.


    ¡°Ready,¡± Derek replied.


    A burst of steaming water soon shot out of re¡¯s small, brass knuckle covered hand. The water crashed into Derek¡¯s palm, then fell harmlessly to the ground.


    ¡°Good!¡± Derek said. ¡°Now, Heavy Blow!¡±


    re canceled her Geyser skill, thenunched herself forward at Derek. In her flight, she cocked her arm back and activated the skill. Derek saw the muscles tighten and veins appear throughout her small arm as she threw it forward into his chest.


    Her fistnded on his chest and Derek felt the jarring feeling thates from a blunt attack. Of course, what he felt wasn¡¯t much, butpared to her size, level, and age, her punch held a prettyrge amount of power.


    ¡°Great!¡± Derek said. ¡°You¡¯re well on your way to bing one hell of a fighter. Just continue what you¡¯ve been doing and don¡¯t let up, and nobody¡¯s going to be able to keep up.¡± He ruffled the girl¡¯s head again, then turned his attention to Zachary and Lucas. ¡°The two of you must be Zachary and Lucas,¡± he said.


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Both boys took a step forward and bowed slightly to him.


    ¡°I¡¯m Derek Hunt, but I¡¯m sure that you¡¯ve already gathered that,¡± he said.


    ¡°Yes!¡± they both replied in unison again.


    ¡°Excuse my ignorance,¡± Derek said to the boys. ¡°But¡­ which one of you is Zachary, and which is Lucas?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Zac,¡± the boy who had been controlling the lightning throughout the spar earlier took a step forward and introduced himself.


    ¡°I¡¯m Luke,¡± the tank said as he stepped up beside his friend.


    ¡°It¡¯s good to meet the two of you,¡± Derek held out his hand and the two boys shook it, one after another. ¡°It looks like the two of you have been training hard.¡±


    The boys nodded and did their best to hide the pride that was forming on their faces, but weren¡¯t able to.


    ¡°Zac,¡± Derek said. ¡°Continue to use lightning like that, and you¡¯ll be better at it than the royal family. You already remind me of Prince Edgar, so I expect great things out of you.¡± Zac blushed deeply, but finally nodded seriously. ¡°And Luke, you¡¯ve got the makings of one hell of a tank already. If you don¡¯t mind my asking, was that a shield skill that allowed you to extend your shield like that, or was it metal magic?¡±


    ¡°It was metal, sir,¡± Luke answered.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought,¡± Derek said. ¡°Very good. With your skills, if you keep developing the way you are, you¡¯re going to be an essential piece in any party you end up joining if you choose to go that route. But I also have no doubt that you¡¯ll be able to shift to a solo tank if you choose to.¡±


    ¡°No sir,¡± Luke said. ¡°I am my brother¡¯s shield, and he is the sword.¡±


    ¡°Ah,¡± Derek said. ¡°Gotcha.¡±


    After that, Derek nodded to Jensen and received a nod back, then he looked at the whole group. ¡°What say we all go get something to eat? I¡¯m famished!¡±

 System Univers Book 6 is Out Now!

    System Univers Book 6 is Out Now!


    Hey everyone! It¡¯s finally June, which means that my sixth book in the System Universe series is here!


    Today marks theunch of System Universe Book 6: Indaria. It¡¯s now avable through Amazon¡¯s Kindle Unlimited, Kindle, Paperback, and Audible (narrated by Adam Verner).


    Avable through these links:


    Ebook: /amazon/B0CV28VP2W


    Audible: /pd/Indaria-Audiobook/B0D5YZHQB3


    Now, as for how people can support the release, there are a couple things, if you were here for thest announcement, you already know this:


    -Ratings and Reviews: On Amazon (Also, keep in mind that anything below a 5 is basically bad because of how their rating skew) ratings and reviews are the biggest help for authors. Also, you don¡¯t have to buy the book to rate it, which is good because you most likely already read it here. Though, I would for sure love for you to pick it up again on KU or Audio to get in on some of that good editing and narration. XD


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    -Kindle Unlimited Downloads: With the way Amazon¡¯s algorithm is, reading the book on KU or even just downloading it helps a ton. The more downloads/reads, the more Amazon likes the book.Here¡¯s the description!


    <strong>The raid did not turn out to be what he was expecting¡­</strong>


    After some unsettling news brought to them by an unexpected messenger, Prince Edgar fled the Raid Dungeon to hurry back to his kingdom, leaving Derek as the impromptu leader. Being concerned about his people on the outside, Derek chose to rule with an iron fist to finish the dungeon as soon as possible.


    This choice didn¡¯t make him any friends, but he didn¡¯t need any for it to work.


    By taking the strongest to battle, he was able to lead the remaining party members to a sessful dungeonpletion, though, not without casualty.


    Things are never easy. On their way out of the dungeon, Derek and Silvi were abducted by a strange elf of unknown power. This man, known only as Dave, was strangely helpful and shared much of Derek¡¯s own distaste of the system interference that had been urring ever since his evolution.


    Now, with more questions than ever before, and answers to questions that he¡¯d never thought to ask, Derek and Silvi head back to Savannah to lend their help. What has happened to Cydaria? Was Edgar and Lyra leaving the raid the correct decision? Did Cydaria even need the prince¡¯s help? What does dragon taste like when properly cooked?


    <strong>Don¡¯t miss the sixth installment of Derek¡¯s journey in the System Universe. Join Derek in this uniquebination of the LitRPG, Isekai, and Slice of Life genres. He has friends, a bond that shouldst forever, and even a home. What more could our overpowered protagonist ask for?</strong>


    I want to thank everyone who read and continue to read the series, and those who left me kind reviews and messages. You are all awesome!


    And as always,


    Thanks for reading!

 Chapter 431: Comfortable

    Chapter 431: Comfortable


    Derek smiled as he slowly strolled toward the Crown Restaurant with the five people in tow. Zac and Luke seemed happy enough at the prospect of getting dinner at the restaurant, but, being Avery¡¯s wards, Derek was sure that the two boys got to eat delicious meals at the restaurant often. re was also happy, but she was still preupied with her fighting, as she shadowboxed as they walked.


    Jensen and Walter, however, were visibly shaking in excitement. Just eating at the restaurant for normal civilians or even lesser nobles was a treat, and both Walter and Jensen knew that Derek was one of the very few that had a tier four membership.


    ¡°Ah,¡± Derek said, as he stopped walking. ¡°Do any of you know Delh and Richard Steward?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Thomas¡¯s grandparents?¡± re stopped her boxing and answered.


    ¡°Those are the ones,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°I know them,¡± re said with a nod. Zac and Luke also nodded their heads in affirmation that they knew them, too. ¡°Thomases by to see them every once in a while when he has a free day from the academy. Sometimes, he trains with us and they watch.¡±


    ¡°Do you know where they stay?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°They are in the hotel,¡± re answered. ¡°Their room is close to the one that I stay in.¡± She finished.


    ¡°Oh? Good!¡± Derek said. ¡°Would you mind running to fetch them? Thomas wanted me to check in on them, and what better way than to treat them to a meal with everyone?¡±¡°I¡¯ll go see if they¡¯re in the hotel,¡± re said, then turned to run the opposite direction, where the hotel was.


    ¡°We¡¯reing too!¡± Zac and Luke yelled out and then followed behind re.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°When those two get here, there will still be one person we¡¯re missing, and it will be a pain if I don¡¯t bring her along,¡± he muttered almost silently to himself, but Walter and Jensen still heard him because of how close they were. After that, he flicked his wrist and amunication crystal appeared in his hand. After just a few moments, it disappeared, and he smiled.


    ¡°Who ising?¡± Walter asked.


    ¡°You¡¯ll see in a minute.¡± Derek waved off the question. ¡°Have you been having a good time sinceing back?¡±


    ¡°It has been a great experience,¡± Walter said. ¡°I almost forgot what it was like to not have the burden of being the patriarch of a noble house. I no longer have to stay in Tor¡­ Searidge at all times, and I get to do what I want for the first time in ages.¡±


    ¡°How is¡­ Searidge?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Many of the people there were unharmed, at least during the invasion, so they¡¯re working on building it back up,¡± Walter answered. ¡°With a little help, we¡¯re going to make it a bigger sub-city with the hopes of it bing a true city one day. Though, it may still be a little too close to Wilmette for that to happen. Still, it¡¯s looking like it¡¯s going to be better than ever. I n on trying to speak with King Edwin when he gets back and seeing if we can install a teleportation building in the city.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll allow it,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Oh, I know he¡¯ll allow it,¡± Walter said. ¡°The question is if he¡¯ll fund it. Those buildings and circles are not cheap, you see.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Derek said with a shrug. ¡°Well, if he won¡¯t fund it, I¡¯ll talk with Malorie and see what we can do. I just recently learned that I am quite rich,¡± Derekughed and pped Walter on the back, sending him forward a couple of steps.


    ¡°Ugh,¡± Walter murmured, then a small stream of water circled around him before focusing on his back. ¡°Be careful,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯m still an old man.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Derek said dully. ¡°I saw this old man fight in the raid. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    After waiting for a couple more minutes, Derek felt something he¡¯d been expecting since putting hismunication crystal away. The feeling of dread washed over him, and Walter and Jensen looked over with wide-eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Derek said. ¡°It¡¯s just Silvi. She¡¯s not about to miss a good meal.¡±


    Sure enough, the void opened before the three men, and Silvi, wearing just her cloak, hopped out with a floating pot and lid hovering over her head. Once she was no longer in the void, she removed the sealed lid from the pot, and a slightly frazzled Rudy poked his head up. After that, he reached out with Silvi¡¯s cor and handed it to her.


    In the next instant, she slipped her head through her cor and her outfit waspleted. She then dismissed her Void Creation and Rudy fell onto his backside with a ¡®thud.¡¯ Silvi gave a look at the three men, then at Rudy, then turned back to Derek.


    ¡°Malorie was too good to ride in pot,¡± she said through hermunication crystal that was on her cor. ¡°You have to get her.¡±


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    <em>Ah, so that</em><em>¡¯s why Silvi didn¡¯t bother closing the portal, </em>Derek thought. ¡°Got it,¡± he said, then covered his own hand and wrist in a thinyer of void protection and jumped into the portal. It took Derek all of a few seconds to exit through the other side, which was the kitchen of the Void Emporium. There, Malorie was waiting in a beautiful ck dress.


    ¡°I think you may be a bit overdressed,¡± Derek said with a smile.


    ¡°If we¡¯re using your tier four membership to the Crown Restaurant in the capital, I might as well dress up. I¡¯ve been waiting for a good asion to wear this,¡± she replied.


    ¡°Then I may be a bit underdressed,¡± Derek said. He looked himself up and down, then, with a shrug, he cast Cleaning on himself. ¡°Better,¡± he said.


    Malorie rolled her eyes, then said, ¡°Are you ready?¡±


    ¡°What about Brandi, Rayna, and Jacks?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Brandi doesn¡¯t want toe. She said she¡¯s busy. Rayna and Jacks are still out. I sent them a message, but they said to go ahead without them.¡± Malorie shrugged.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s fine, then,¡± Derek said. ¡°Try to be as still as possible,¡± Derek told Malorie as he ced one hand in between her shoulder des, then another on her shoulder. After that, he created a thickyer of void around Malorie and stepped inside the open portal. Derek made sure to close the portal to the kitchen behind him, and he did the same with the one in the courtyard when he and Malorie stepped out.


    When Malorie stepped on the ground, all eyes fell on her, then they all looked down at how they were all dressed. Luckily, it wasn¡¯t hard for people with storage rings to change clothing, and in an instant, both Walter and Jensen were wearing pristine white and blue robes. Rudy didn¡¯t seem to be bothered by anything, and he was already dressed quite well in his normal working attire¡ªhe had to look good for his contract business, after all.


    Silvi suddenly appeared on Derek¡¯s shoulder, and she sent to him telepathically, ¡®<em>Come on! Let</em><em>¡¯s go eat! I¡¯m hungry!¡¯</em>


    ¡°We¡¯re just waiting for the kids to get back with Thomas¡¯s grandparents, then we can go,¡± Derek said, answering Silvi and letting everyone else know at the same time.


    ¡°What about Thomas?¡± Malorie asked. ¡°I¡¯m sure he would like toe, too.¡±


    ¡°He has evening sses today,¡± Derek said. ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to bring him on one of his free days.¡±


    Malorie nodded. ¡°He¡¯ll like that,¡± she said.


    It wasn¡¯t long before they all heard themotion of the three children kicking up dirt and running their way from the hotel. At a distance behind them, was both Richard and Delh. They weren¡¯t running like the kids, but they weren¡¯t taking their time.


    ¡°Derek!¡± Delh reached the group and gave Derek a giant hug, even lifting him in the air a little. ¡°It¡¯s so good seeing you again. Thank you for everything you¡¯ve done for Thomas. He¡¯s doing so well!¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a good kid,¡± Derek chuckled as the older woman sat him down.


    After that, Richard came forward and shook Derek¡¯s hand. He gave Derek a deep nod, which was all that was needed.


    ¡°We¡¯re sorry we took so long,¡± Delh said. ¡°When the children told us that we would be dining at the Crown Restaurant, I didn¡¯t know what to wear.¡±


    ¡°You look great,¡± Malorie said from the side. ¡°Besides, we¡¯ll be eating with this¡­¡± she motioned to Derek. ¡°Person with only one set of clothes, so any kind of dressing up will put you leaps and bounds above him.¡±


    ¡°Malorie!¡± Delh ran over to the woman and gave her a big hug, too. ¡°You¡¯re still so beautiful,¡± the older woman said before looking around. ¡°Where¡¯s little Brandi and Rayna? Are theying?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid not,¡± Malorie replied. ¡°Brandi¡¯s busy doing whatever it is she¡¯s doing now, and Rayna is out with Jacks.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a shame,¡± Delh said.


    ¡°Maniac,¡± Silvi¡¯s voice chimed out. ¡°Crazy to miss such good food.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t act like you wouldn¡¯t be doing the same if we were doing something other than eating,¡± Derek said. ¡°You¡¯d say, ¡®I¡¯m making a new kind of cookie, I can¡¯t go!¡¯ for anything other than a meal.¡±


    ¡°Mhm,¡± Silvi agreed. ¡°I do need to make new cookies.¡±


    Derek rolled his eyes and nearly facepalmed. Finally, he shook his head. ¡°Alright!¡± Derek said with a p of his hands. ¡°Now that everyone¡¯s here, let¡¯s go!¡± If nothing else, Derek was excited to try out what his legendary tier four membership card could get him.


    The group all fell in line behind Derek, and they followed him to the front of the restaurant. Once there, they all went inside and waited for a couple of groups in front of them to either be led upstairs or to be seated at the ground level. Derek¡¯s group got a few interesting stares and even a couple of scoffs when one of the more well-dressed customers looked over their ragtag group.


    The adults¡ªexcept for Derek¡ªmay have all dressed nicely, but re, Zachary, and Lucas were all three in the clothing they had worn during their spar, minus any armor they were wearing during it. They had all been gone over with a round of Cleaning, but their clothing was still basic. Plus, bringing beastpanions to such a restaurant wasn¡¯t exactly something that people did. However, Silvi saw the stares they were getting and just turned her nose up at them. They may have thought that Derek¡¯s group was beneath them, but Silvi <em>knew </em>that they were beneath her.


    Finally, after waiting for the next group to be seated at the base level, it was Derek¡¯s group¡¯s turn.


    ¡°Wee to the Crown Restaurant. My name is Ester. How may I help you today?¡± the hostess asked, but her eyes were switching back and forth between Silvi and Derek the whole time.


    ¡°Oh¡­ uh¡­¡± Derek muttered, then began looking through his storage bracelet until he found the ck card he was looking for. With a flick of his wrist, it appeared in his hand and he handed it over to Ester to take. ¡°My group is pretty big, so I think we¡¯re going to need one of your suites,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Mr. Hunt!¡± Ester said with a small bow before taking the card from his hand. ¡°I have been looking forward to meeting you.¡±


    ¡°You know me?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Our whole staff knows who you and yourpanion are,¡± Ester said. ¡°It¡¯s very nice to see you again, Ms. Silvi.¡±


    ¡°Hi Ester!¡± Silvi¡¯s small voice rang out from her crystal. ¡°I¡¯m here to eat today!¡±


    ¡°So it would seem,¡± Ester chuckled. ¡°If you will all follow me, you have a suite waiting for you.¡±


    To the amazement and awe of the other guests, Derek and his group was led past them, then up the stairs. Apparently, re had seen how everyone was staring, and when they passed by, she stuck her tongue out at the other guest.


    ¡°Stop that!¡± Walter whispered a reprimand to his niece. ¡°Just because they behave poorly does not mean you should, too.¡±


    Derek smiled as he heard Walter¡¯s light rebuke. <em>She</em><em>¡¯s going to grow up as a much better person than Wace was. It¡¯s good that he doesn¡¯t have to worry about being the patriarch anymore and can spend time with her and Jensen, </em>he thought.


    ¡°In here,¡± Ester said as they arrived at a closed door on one of the top floor. The hostess grabbed the handle, and the door opened¡ªrevealing a beautifully decorated private room with a singlerge table in the center that could seat at least 14 people. ¡°Please have a seat and I will be with you shortly with the menu.¡±


    With that, Ester bowed out of the room and everyone walked over to the table. Derek grabbed a chair at the head of the table, then took a seat. Immediately, he jumped up and looked down at the chair. ¡°Holy shit!¡± he eximed. ¡°It¡¯s actuallyfortable!¡±

 Chapter 432: All the Decisions

    Chapter 432: All the Decisions


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Malorie asked with some concern in her voice. ¡°It¡¯sfortable?¡± She looked from Derek to the chair he was just sitting in, then back at him.


    Derek stared at the chair again. ¡°It is,¡± he said, then slowly sat back down into the chair. When he was fully situated, he closed his eyes and sighed, then chuckled. ¡°I never thought I would see the day that I would sit in somethingfortable without having to have it made myself. I thought that this entire kingdomcked the concept offort and cushions.¡±


    ¡°Huh¡­¡± Malorie hummed, then took a seat herself on the right side of Derek. ¡°It is quitefortable,¡± she said. ¡°But it¡¯s not¡­¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Derek said, cutting her off mid-sentence. ¡°It¡¯s not quite asfortable as some of the chairs we¡¯vemissioned through Geoffrey, but still¡­ it¡¯s a very good start.¡± His favorite chair, the one he made sure to carry with him almost everywhere he went, was still the best.


    Soon, everyone else sat down. They all agreed that their seats were quite good, but none of them seemed to have the same reaction or happiness that Derek had when they sat. In fact, it didn¡¯t seem like they cared much at all.


    <em>They</em><em>¡¯re all barbarians, </em>Derek thought to himself as he saw them practically ignore the revolution that wasfort happening right before their eyes.


    Shortly after they were all seated, Ester came back with the menus and passed them out. ¡°What can I get you all to drink while you take a look at the menu?¡± she asked. Their orders included a variety of different drinks¡ªcoffee, tea, juice, and even water. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back with that,¡± Ester said.


    ¡°One second,¡± Derek said, stopping her before she was able to leave to go fetch the beverages.


    ¡°Yes?¡± she asked politely.¡°I had a question about these chairs,¡± Derek said, and the woman waited for him to continue. ¡°Why are these chairsfortable, but all the other ones that I have sat in when dining here are so¡­ not?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Well, Mr. Hunt,¡± she said. ¡°This is your private suite.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Derek said. ¡°It¡¯s the tier four private suite.¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡± she slowly shook her head with a sly smile. ¡°It seems you misunderstand. This is not <em>a </em>tier four private suite. This is <em>your </em>tier four private suite. Yours, and yours alone.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Derek said, slightly taken aback. ¡°So it is made specifically for me?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Ester said with a nod. ¡°You will find another just like it at the Savannah branch of the Crown Restaurant, as that is your current ce of residence. You also have a prepared suite in the Crown Hotel if you should ever need to use it.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ see¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°So these chairs¡­¡±


    ¡°Commissioned specifically for you. Mistress Swan noticed your¡­ peculiarities when ites to seating and had them created specifically for you. Of course, she hasn¡¯t had the chance to see them quite yet, as they were only finished a short while ago. However, I am happy that we were able to receive them before you chose toe dine with us,¡± Ester exined.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to give nah my thanks, then,¡± Derek said and gave Ester a smile.


    ¡°I am very happy you like them.¡± Ester bowed to Derek and the others. ¡°Then, if there isn¡¯t anything else¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Very well,¡± Ester replied. ¡°I will be back shortly with your drinks. Please excuse me.¡± The woman excused herself and soon after, she was out of the room.


    ¡°Huh¡­¡± Derek muttered once she was gone. ¡°You learn something new every day¡­¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t know about the private suite when you were given your new membership?¡± Malorie asked.


    ¡°Not really,¡± Derek said. ¡°nah kind of upgraded me on the spot. She mentioned ess to suites and stuff, but she didn¡¯t really go into detail about anything. Upgrading my card seemed to be more of an afterthought to her after I met her for the first time.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Malorie said.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Derek nodded while thinking back to exactly what she said. ¡°All she told me was that it included hefty discounts on the services from lower tiers and that I would get VIP treatment in all the Crown locations¡ªincluding during auctions.¡±


    ¡°I guess you know some of whates with that VIP treatment now,¡± Walter said from his position to the left of Derek. ¡°I wonder what it would take for me to get my membership upgraded now¡­¡± the man muttered.


    ¡°Hah,¡± Derekughed at the older man. ¡°I remember the first time we came to one of the restaurants together. You didn¡¯t have a membership, and you didn¡¯t n on getting one until you actually ate some of the food they served.¡±


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    ¡°Mhm,¡± Walter agreed with a nod. ¡°I finally asked Ms. Brighton about it after that meal and was approved surprisingly quickly afterwards. I¡¯m sure you had something to do with it, though.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Derek chuckled. ¡°But weren¡¯t you mostly concerned with your house going broke if you ended up with one?¡±


    ¡°I was,¡± Walter said. ¡°But since I am able to level once again, and I¡¯m no longer the patriarch of the family, I can earn ie from adventuring and dungeons that I needn¡¯t share with the family. The finances are now someone else¡¯s problem. Before leaving on the raid, I made sure to empty all my personal ounts into the family¡¯s funds. Now, I can use any gold I receive on personal items¡­ like dining here at the Crown.¡±


    ¡°Great choice!¡± Derek heard Silvi¡¯s voice chime in. ¡°Best way to spend money. Food and ingredients.¡±


    ¡°It certainly isn¡¯t a bad way,¡± Walterughed.


    ¡°Mhm,¡± Silvi agreed. ¡°Could buy ingredients and give to me. I make great food. Always need more ingredients.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to remember that.¡± Walter chuckled.


    ¡°Good idea,¡± Silvi said. ¡°Always remember ingredients. Very important.¡±


    Everyone had a goodugh after all of that, then they waited for their beverages to be delivered. Ester came back with another person in tow to deliver the drinks, and soon, it was time for everyone to order their meals. The menus were interesting to Derek, as before, when eating at a lower tier, it wasn¡¯t that big. However, it seemed that with each tier of membership, a new page was added to the menu, along with everything from the previous tier.


    It was not easy to decide what to order. Of course, he had to try the few items that were part of the tier four membership¡ªthat was a no brainer. But Derek really was hungry, so he went ahead and ordered a few things from the other tiers, too. Other than him, Walter, Jensen, Delh, Richard, and the children all seemed to hesitate when choosing what to order.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to hesitate,¡± Derek said. ¡°Right, Malorie?¡± he asked. ¡°I¡¯m sure we have plenty to cover everything.¡±


    ¡°Mhm,¡± Malorie agreed. ¡°Choose what you like. Don¡¯t hold back.¡±


    After some further coaxing, Derek and Malorie was able to get them to relent and pick items from the higher menus that they wanted. One person who didn¡¯t need any coaxing or prompting was Rudy. He was the first person to order, and he¡¯d selected many of the higher tier choice without holding back.


    Silvi was another that didn¡¯t hold back. Derek had to stop her after she called out every item from the tier four, three, and two menus. If he didn¡¯t, he was sure that by the time she was finished, she would have ordered one of everything, and to be honest, he couldn¡¯t me her. He¡¯d actually thought about doing the same thing when he was going over the menu.


    Malorie ordered for herself, but also ordered multiple things to go for Brandi. She was a mother, after all. Even if she couldn¡¯t get her daughter to go out and eat, at least she could take her some of the goodies back.


    ¡°Is that¡­ everything?¡± Ester asked with wide eyes that were mostly staring at Silvi.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t look like we ordered everything,¡± Derek said with augh as he pointed at the very few items from the menu that his group hadn¡¯t ordered. He saw Malorie roll her eyes at his stupid joke out of the corner of his own. ¡°But I think that¡¯s all for us.¡±


    ¡°Great!¡± Ester said, then went around the table and collected the menus. ¡°Your items will be out promptly. I do hope you enjoy.¡± Once again, Ester bowed and dismissed herself from the room.


    ¡°Meanie,¡± Silvi¡¯s voice chimed out from hermunication crystal. ¡°I wanted to try everything.¡±


    ¡°I know you did,¡± Derek said. ¡°But you know as well as I that the items you didn¡¯t order are things that you have already tried, or that you could easily create yourself. There was no sense in you ordering it all. I don¡¯t even know if you would even be able to eat it all.¡±


    ¡°Nothing wrong with leftovers,¡± Silvi replied. ¡°Food forter.¡±


    Derek shook his head at Silvi¡¯s antics, then shifted the conversation to the three children. ¡°So, the three of you,¡± he started. ¡°Do you n to be a team? Or are you just training together for now?¡± he asked.


    Zachary, Lucas, and re all looked at one another, then Zac, the lightning user, finally spoke up. ¡°We¡¯ve been training together for a long time,¡± he said. ¡°Me and my brother always nned on bing adventurers together anyway, and we¡¯ve had a lot of fun working with re since she unlocked the Great System.¡±


    ¡°We haven¡¯t decided yet,¡± re chimed in. ¡°But we¡¯ve talked about it. I really enjoy training with the boys and they are really, really good fighters. I definitely wouldn¡¯t mind being in a party with them.¡±


    ¡°First, we need to find out what Mr. Swan and Miss nah wants us to do. Mr. Swan will surely want to see what kind of progress we have made first. I don¡¯t know if they will send us to the academy or keep training us,¡± Zac exined.


    ¡°Thomas sure does make the academy sound like fun when hees around, though,¡± Luke said. ¡°I think I would like to go if Mr. Swan and Miss nah let us.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Derek said. ¡°I doubt it would hurt things,¡± he continued. ¡°But¡ªand I¡¯m sure you already know this, as you all seem quite mature¡ªyou shouldn¡¯t rush things. You need to keep growing slowly like you have been and work on your skills and¡­ elements. That should take priority over your levels.¡± All three of the children nodded seriously at Derek¡¯s words.


    ¡°Now, re,¡± Derek said. ¡°Speaking of ns, what are yours? With you levels and such.¡±


    ¡°I think¡­¡± re looked over at Walter and Jensen before continuing. ¡°We want to wait and train my skill levels for at least another six months before moving on to level ten and getting to choose a ss. Maybe even longer, depending on how hard they be to level.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ Skill levels be much harder to level the higher they are. And it¡¯s especially true when you can¡¯t really fight and y monsters because the experience will push you to level ten really quickly,¡± Derek said. ¡°I agree that once you start feeling like you¡¯re making absolutely no progress any longer, it will be time to think about getting a ss.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s just as we¡¯ve nned,¡± Walter said. ¡°I very much look forward to seeing what kind of warrior my niece will be in the future using this strategy. I have high hopes for her. She is the future of House Searidge.¡±


    ¡°But I don¡¯t wanna be the matriarch,¡± re cried out. ¡°I just want to fight and adventure. I don¡¯t want to have to run things. That¡¯s what cousin Jensen is for. He can take over. I¡¯ll be the muscle.¡± re punched the air a few times to make her point, and everyone had a good chuckle.


    ¡°We still have plenty of time to figure that out,¡± Walter said in between chuckles. ¡°You¡¯re not even level ten yet. For now, just focus on getting stronger.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Derek agreed. ¡°Like I said, don¡¯t rush things,¡± he said, then he sent re a message telepathically. ¡®<em>And once you be strong enough, you won</em><em>¡¯t have to take over House Searidge even if they want you to. After all, the strongest people are the ones who get to make all the decisions.</em>

 Chapter 433: Instructions Unclear

    Chapter 433: Instructions Unclear


    After the advice that Derek gave re through private telepathy, the young girl smiled at him and no longer bother to speak about bing matriarch of House Searidge¡ªor, in her case, <em>not</em> bing matriarch of the family. It also wasn¡¯t difficult for the others to see that Derek had secretly said something to her, as neither of them did anything to hide that fact.


    Soon after all of that, Ester and some other restaurant staff arrived with the first round of food. Even if they weren¡¯t hungry before, it was hard not to be so with the mouthwatering aroma of the culinary creations ced before them. The first round of cuisine was a hit and barelysted long enough for the next round to be prepared.


    Other than some sighs of satisfaction, gasps of pleasure, and many whispers of appreciation caused from the taste of the dishes, the group was quiet and focused all their attention on consuming what was in front of them. The next round came out soon after, and the same experience happened once again, then again. Finally, everyone other than Silvi had consumed every crumb of food that they had ordered. The only reason that Silvi hadn¡¯t yet was because the staff was still preparing and bringing out the items she had ordered.


    Silvi was not a happy bunny when Derek decided that it was rude for to still be dining while everyone else had already finished and made her split the remaining meals between everyone¡ªwho, despite already being stuffed full from their previous consumption, had no hesitation finding room for even more. Derek could have almost felt bad for the small bunny and the pouting faces she was making, if not for knowing how greedy she was being.


    Once again, Derek wondered if the ¡°Void¡± in the ¡°Mythical Void Bunny¡± part of her status sheet was an indicator of all the food she consumed just disappearing into the void. However, though she would never turn down a meal no matter how much she had already eaten¡ªunless, of course, the food sucked or had been damaged from Void Travel¡ªshe didn¡¯t seem to be ravenously hungry at all times or anything.


    Derek remembered reading about various all consuming creatures during his solitary time on Earth before the system came, but so far, Silvi didn¡¯t remind him of any of the descriptions just yet. She also¡ªluckily¡ªhadn¡¯t attacked or killed anyone for stealing the final slice of pizza yet. Though he could definitely see the temptation in that scenario. Still, he wondered what her future growth¡ªand possible other evolutions¡ªwould bring. He would actually prefer her affinity to steer further away from the void affinity and more toward her cooking affinity if at all possible¡ªand that wasn¡¯t entirely for selfish reasons, either.


    The final courses went by quickly, and soon, everyone was finished enjoying their food. It too¡­ a very long time for Delh and Richard to settle down ande back to once they received all the temporary buffs that the dinner had given them. Derek¡¯s stats, too, were receiving temporary buffs¡ªall of them. Even his stats with 1500 or more points received small stat increases for half an hour or more.


    He also had the same sort of feeling in his head¡ªalbeit much less intense¡ªas he did after being surprised with a piece of Silvi¡¯s special cake. ¡°Everyone,¡± he announced once he realized it. ¡°Use Mediation or any other skill that you want to level up while you have that weird feeling in your head. You should be able to gain skill levels must faster with it.¡±


    re, Zac, and Luke all looked at one another before turning to the adults. ¡°Can we leave? We need to spar,¡± Luke asked.¡°You better hurry,¡± Derek said. ¡°I don¡¯t know how long this effect willst.¡±


    The next moment, the children left and Jensen followed them¡ªwhether that was to also train or to watch and make sure they were okay, Derek wasn¡¯t sure. However, the young man would be missing out if he didn¡¯t do anything with the opportunity. Everyone else did their own thing, too. Malorie and Walter seemed to already be using Meditation before Derek even mentioned it.


    Rudy had already cleared the tes out from in front of him and had brought out multiple contracts to go over. Delh had her eyes closed, clearly meditating, and after some hesitation, Richard seemed to decide that Meditation was the simplest, but also an important skill to level.


    Derek, even knowing that it probably wouldn¡¯t provide near as much help for his skill as it did for the others, also decided to meditate. Greater Meditation was still his most used and useful skill in his opinion. However, because he had Greater Meditation, which allowed him to keep it active, and because the buff from the meal wasn¡¯t near as overwhelming as the one from the cake, Derek was able to work on multiple skills at once. There really wasn¡¯t much he could use while just sitting there and not fighting, so he decided on casting Absolute Nullify behind him, out of the way. At least that way, he could at least work on two skills.


    Instead of meditating like everyone else, Silvi also cleared the table around her and took out a bunch of ingredients. Using Void Creation(Cooking), she made multiple knives, and using Mage Hands and Telekinesis, she began to chop, mince, and cut up the ingredients in other ways. She was really making the most out of the temporary buff.


    The group continued their impromptu training until the buffs ran out. As to show her great timing, just after the buffs stopped, Ester opened the door and came in with a smile stered on her face.


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    ¡°I hope you all enjoyed your meals and their benefits,¡± the woman said as she strolled forward.


    ¡°It was very surprising,¡± Derek said. ¡°You should warn people about that buff before they eat,¡± heughed.


    ¡°Warn you?¡± Ester tilted her head in confusion. ¡°It was in the tier four menu. Did you not read it?¡±


    ¡°It was?¡± Derek asked and looked around the table. Malorie looked back at him with a nod, which would exin why she didn¡¯t have any hesitation when going into Meditation. Richard look a bit embarrassed as he saw Delh nod too.


    ¡°You have to always read everything,¡± Rudy said sagely. ¡°Whether it is a menu or a contract, you don¡¯t want to let any opportunities or tricks to slip by you.¡±


    <em>It looks like it was just Richard, Silvi, me, and the children who didn</em><em>¡¯t bother to read anything other than the food that was being served, </em>Derek thought, and his face flushed a little red. ¡°Oh,¡± he said. ¡°Sorry,¡± he apologized to Ester. ¡°I never was very good at following directions or instructions.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Ester touched her hand to her chin in thought. ¡°We never really have any tier four customers. Perhaps I should make a note to include the information vocally as well as on the menu for others. It seems that you were not the only one to¡­ miss the information.¡± As she spoke, she nced over at Richard as well, which made him look even more embarrassed.


    ¡°If you could get him to listen to any instructions, it would be a miracle,¡± Delh said with a cheerfulugh and elbowed her husband in the side. ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to for years with no sess.¡±


    ¡°Tell me about it,¡± Ester giggled toward Delh. From the side of Derek, even Malorie had a smile on her face.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say anything?¡± Derek asked Walter. ¡°You clearly knew, too.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s like Mr. McKinney said. Always read everything,¡± Walter replied. ¡°It¡¯s a tool you develop when you¡¯re a patriarch of a noble house¡­ hopefully. Especially after you¡¯ve had to sign a contract or two that is heavily unfavorable to you and your house. Though, that specific contract was one that was unavoidable for me and my family.¡±


    He was, of course, talking about the soul contract that he had to sign after the dishonor brought upon his family by his uncle. Derek could definitely see how having one of those contracts would make one careful of all future contracts, even if it wasn¡¯t something they had a choice in before. <em>Well</em><em>¡­ I guess he had a choice, and he chose the one that would at least allow the rest of his family to grow.</em>


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°I guess I¡¯ve never really signed an unfavorable contract. Though¡­ I probably should read things in more detail,¡± heughed. ¡°My mother would have been very disappointed in me,¡± he said, to the surprise of everyone who really knew him¡ªwhich mostly included Malorie and Walter. He¡¯d never really spoken about his family to anyone.


    ¡°Your mother?¡± Rudy asked.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Derek nodded. ¡°She did pretty much the same thing as you back where I was from. Dealt with a lot of contractw,¡± he said. His mother was an attorney back on Earth when he was growing up. She was like Rudy in the fact that she always stressed reading everything in a contract, and if he didn¡¯t understand something, to find someone who did. She was someone who would even read the End-User License Agreement if it was put in front of her.


    Derek smiled as he thought about her, but was quick to change the subject. ¡°So, what¡¯s the damage?¡± he asked Ester. ¡°What do I owe you?¡± Beside him, Malorie flicked her wrist and one of the cards issued by the bank appeared in her hand.


    ¡°Oh,¡± Ester said. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about that right now.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Ester said, and Derek was surprised. He didn¡¯t think he would be getting a free meal of such value. ¡°We will put it on your tab and take it out of your next contracted payment,¡± she exined. ¡°Unless, of course, you would like to pay for it right now. We can do that if you wish.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Derek said, his hopes of a free meal dashed. <em>Well, at least it</em><em>¡¯s money that we never saw. It will feel like I never had it to begin with. It¡¯s better this way, </em>he thought, delusionally. ¡°That¡¯s fine, then,¡± he said. <em>It</em><em>¡¯s kind of like credit. </em>¡°Go ahead and put it on my tab.¡±


    ¡°Great!¡± Ester said happily. ¡°Is there anything else I can do for you today?¡±


    Derek looked around the table and other than Silvi¡ªwho seemed to want to order even more food¡ªeveryone seemed good. ¡°That¡¯s it,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Great,¡± she said again. ¡°In that case, the room is yours. You may stay as long as you like and leave whenever you wish. You may leave on your own or call someone over to lead you down. The rune to do so is just beside the door there.¡± After that, Ester bowed once again to dismiss herself for the final time.


    ¡°Thank you for everything,¡± Malorie said to the woman before she left. ¡°It was very good.¡±


    ¡°It was my pleasure,¡± Ester said before leaving.


    ¡°Whew.¡± Derek leaned back in his chair and whistled before patting his belly. ¡°I¡¯m stuffed.¡± It was like a scene out of a family Thanksgiving.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t eat another bite,¡± Rudy said as he gathered up all the contracts he had been working on during the skill increase buff. ¡°Well¡­ I probably could if another dish was ced in front of me. It¡¯s just too good to let it go cold or go to waste.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Delh said. ¡°It was delicious. The best tasting food I¡¯ve ever had in my long life.¡±


    ¡°It looks like we owe you even more,¡± Richard said with a bow from his seat.


    ¡°Nonsense,¡± Derek said. ¡°It¡¯s just a little meal. And you don¡¯t owe me anything for bringing Thomas with me. He¡¯s a good kid and can already fend for himself¡ªas he¡¯s done in the academy so far.¡± Richard and Delh looked at each other and smiled, proud of their grandson.


    ¡°Still,¡± Delh said. ¡°It was delicious, and I¡¯m sure it wasn¡¯t cheap.¡±


    ¡°Hmph,¡± Silvi snorted, then, from hermunication crystal, said, ¡°Just wait until you try dragon. Sooo good. Getting better each time I make it.¡±


    Derek recalled the taste of the meat when it was only cooked with a little salt and pepper, then roasted with Silvi¡¯s dragon me. It was definitely something that could be prepared and would possibly be just as good, if not better, than any of the food they had just eaten. <em>And if she added some of those spices that Dave gave her</em><em>¡­ </em>Derek thought. <em>Then again, only a few people would be able to try it at that point. </em>


    ¡°Wait,¡± Derek said. ¡°How many times have you made dragon meat?¡±


    ¡°Dunno,¡± Silvi said. ¡°Whenever I want meat.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± Walter said. ¡°I, for one, look forward to tasting any of Ms. Silvi¡¯s cooking. She is a fine cook,¡± he praised the bunny. ¡°However, it is gettingte, and I must go find the children and make sure they¡¯re doing well.¡± He stood from his seat and bowed to Derek. ¡°Once again, Derek¡­ thank you for the meal.¡± Derek only nodded.


    After that, Delh and Richard dismissed themselves as well. Finally, all that was remaining was Derek¡¯s group. ¡°It is gettingte,¡± Derek said to them. ¡°I guess it¡¯s time to go home.¡±

 Chapter 434: Change in the Kingdom

    Chapter 434: Change in the Kingdom


    After Derek¡¯s long day of catching up, weeks passed in the blink of an eye. During those few weeks, almost everything that Derek thought was going to happen happened. The royal family, along with everyone else who had chosen to stay in Indria and help them get things set up, had returned. Not only had they returned, but they had allowed ess to the inter-kingdom teleporters to everyone.


    Of course, this meant that the security in and around the Teleportation Buildings throughout the kingdoms had been significantly heightened. However, nobody seemed to mind any of that, as they were all more interested in exploring new ces that they hadn¡¯t before¡ªespecially many of the lifetime adventurers.


    Not only were there adventurers looking forward to exploring the dungeons of other kingdoms, though. Just as Derek had suspected, the royal family had set up a sort of exchange program for students. In the few times that Thomas was able toe to Savannah for a visit, he excitedly told everyone about the new students and even the current students who had chosen to try their hands at some of the learning centers of the other kingdoms.


    Also, ording to the boy, after Derek¡¯s little visit, the academy instructors had stepped up their teaching. They weren¡¯t bad before¡ªby any means¡ªbut now, they were much more hands on, providing even individualized lessons to the students. It very much seemed that they didn¡¯t want their positions taken away by any foreign instructorsing in because of the alliances. That, or they wanted to make sure the academy looked as good as possible for the new recruits¡ªprobably a bit of both.


    Another thing that Thomas was able to do was talk Judy into letting Shae pick up their training where it left off. Shae, who because of all the shake ups going on at the guild, and Judy¡¯s punishments, was eternally grateful to the boy for helping to allow him some non-work-rted fun. Derek even sneaked into their training session and got to see that Shae was just as, if not more, proud of Thomas that he was.


    Other than all of that, nah and Avery hade back from Indria as well. However, they had gonepletely radio silent since their return¡ªSte included. It was odd¡ªDerek just couldn¡¯t figure it out. nah, and even Avery, was one thing, but Ste had always been happy to drop by from time to time. But, since their return, Derek had heard nothing.


    Even when he asked Thomas, the boy hadn¡¯t seen anything. Even though he asionally stopped by to visit his grandparents at the Crown Hotel and trained with the other children, he hadn¡¯t seen Avery¡ªwho Derek thought would be raring to see the progress that his two wards had made during his time in the raid and then in Indria.


    Derek could only chalk it up to nah nning something big with the Crown¡ªhe didn¡¯t know what else to think. He also didn¡¯t bother trying to visit ormunicate via crystal because he didn¡¯t want to disturb them if they were nning something. Their actions piqued Derek¡¯s curiosity, and he was anxiously awaiting anything that the trio might have in store for them or the kingdom¡ªwhatever it was, if it had anything to do with the Crown, it would be major.


    The royal family, on the other hand, had made another big ssh in the previous weeks. Edwin wasn¡¯t lying when he said he nned to step down as king. While the kingdom was happy and cheerful, Edwin took it as the perfect time to announce Edward as the next King of Cydaria. The announcement caused another wave of celebration to arise throughout the kingdom.Not only that, but they held the celebration and coronation soon after. Derek had avoided many invites to certain events, but he felt it was only right to attend that one. The event wasn¡¯t as eventful as the one in Indaria. Nobody tried to ruin the celebration or kill the new king. Edgar was giddy with excitement the whole time, though.


    It wasn¡¯t because the younger prince was happy for Edward¡ªwell, not <em>just </em>because he was happy for his brother. It was more so because he was happy that he no longer had to worry about Edwin and Edward changing their mind and trying to crown him king once again. He¡¯d finally permanently dodged that bullet¡ªat least if nothing happened to Edward in the future.


    It was the perfect time for Edward to take over, though¡ªDerek had to give it to Edwin. Taking over as king during such times of peace would allow Edward to dip his toes in the water and slowly be ustomed to it instead of diving in headfirst, so to speak. It also allowed him to focus on another thing that all kings had to worry about: finding a wife and creating heirs.


    Even with all of that, the only odd thing about the coronation and proceeding celebration was the fact that nah, Avery, and Ste didn¡¯t attend. Instead, nah sent her regards and one of the higher ups in the Crown came in their ce.


    Another happy¡ªbut kind of sad¡ªthing that happened in the weeks after Derek¡¯s return was Rayna and Jacks finding a home and moving out. That was another reason Derek was able to easily ignore nah and the others going silent. He had to make sure that the couple found a good home in the personal home side of the city.


    Uwfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Though the one that they picked out wasn¡¯t the one Derek would have¡ªhe had found an almost mansion-like home and tried to get them to rent it¡ªit was quaint and would be a very nice ce to start and raise a family. Honestly, most of the homes on that side of Savannah would be perfect for raising families.


    Overall, though, Rayna had the final say in choosing the home, and she picked it mostly because of the neighbors. That was something that Derek couldn¡¯t find any fault in. One of the neighbors looked to be just about as far along as Rayna was, so their little boy or girl would have a neighboring child around the same age to possibly grow and be friends with. Their other next-door neighbor also had a couple of children¡ªone which could have only been a few months old.


    As for work, Jacks still wanted to stay at the Void Emporium as a guard when he wasn¡¯t with his family or adventuring, and Derek had no problems with that. The man had big goals of growing stronger and stronger to support his family, and Derek was happy to help. He also knew that once the baby was born, and they got into a routine, Rayna wouldn¡¯t want to be left behind in strength, either.


    Also, if none of that worked out for Jacks, he had even been offered a position within the Adventurer¡¯s Guild. Before the whole fiasco with Malcolm Torith, the man had been a well-respected adventurer, and as the guild cleaned house, his name¡ªalong with his association with Derek¡ªhade up and the job was offered.


    As for Malorie, over the weeks, she had spent way too much time in talks with Roman, and if not Roman, then Freia. The alchemist and his disciple had really taken Derek¡¯s word to heart when he told them that they would need to ¡®get with Malorie and Rudy¡¯ to discuss details of their deal.


    One of the two seemed toe by weekly, if not more, to get materials that she controlled or to drop off potions that she had them craft as per their contracts written up by Rudy. It was another thing to add to her te, but the production of very high quality, but free, potions was too much for her to pass up and she rarely evenined about it.


    Brandi, on the other hand, had finallye out of her basement and rested for a few days afterpleting version two of her rocket boots. They had all gone back out and helped her with the testing, and to Derek¡¯s surprise, the boots were almost perfect. Other than the fact that they still drew a bit too much mana to work¡ªthough the mana they used was drastically down from before¡ªeverything else worked as nned.


    The girl actually had a perfectly function way to ¡®fly¡¯ without relying on a skill. To make things even better, it was a way that anyone who had a decentlyrge mana pool could use. If or when she massed produced¡ªbecause now that she¡¯d made them well once, she would be able to replicate them and the time to craft them would only get shorter and shorter as she did so¡ªDerek knew that the market would be all over them.


    With ess to Savannah throughout the continent instead of just Cydaria, the market for her boots¡ªand everything else unique that Brandi created¡ªwould soar. There really wasn¡¯t a ceiling on what she could get away with charging for her creations¡ªshe had the market, and she would be able to set the price. Heck, she could make them and only put them up for trade if she wanted.


    And speaking of Savannah, in the short time that the teleporters were open across the continent¡ªminus Vallum¡ªthe city had be extremely busy. It was already a bustling city with it being the capital of trade in Cydaria, but it was soon realized that not only was it good enough to be the capital of trade in Cydaria, but possibly the entire continent. With all that being so, Natalie was up to her eyeballs in her lordly duties.


    With therge amount of visitors to the city came extra problems. The city lord had to bolster the city¡¯s security and enact new rules and regtions. Before, Savannah was always a city that was in a slow expansion, but now that its poprity had sky-rocketed, Natalie had pushed the expansion into high gear. It seemed that every day the city became bigger and bigger. Derek reckoned that it wouldn¡¯t be long until Savannah was not only the most popr city in the kingdom, but the biggest as well.


    This once again made Derek thankful that Malorie had taken it upon herself to rent some lots around his shop while he was gone. He was also happy and thankful to Natalie for allowing him to break conventions and actually own said property instead of renting. Because, with the growth of the city, all the surrounding properties that weren¡¯t previously in use were yoked up extremely quickly. Hell, the Void Emporium even had visitors trying to buy the empty lots that they weren¡¯t yet using for outrageous prices. All of which Malorie politely refused.


    Derek had yet to go to Geoffrey and contract new buildings, as he¡¯d been enjoyingzing around and catching up far too muchtely, which was something he wouldn¡¯t have even dreamed about back on Earth after the system came, and even before it. However, seeing everything being rapidly bought up and the city expanding, he knew it would be better to do so sooner rather thanter.


    Geoffry wasn¡¯t exactly the most popr contractor in the city, but with all the new peopleing into the city, Derek was sure that the slimy-looking contractor would be booked up before long. He was sure that the man¡ªor probably any other contractor¡ªwould push any work that they had scheduled back for him and he¡¯d be a priority, but the man had been quite good to Derek, so he didn¡¯t want to put him in that situation.


    With those thoughts, Derek rolled out of his bed, totally refreshed after all the rest he¡¯d gotten over the weeks. He slowly stretched, got up, and got dressed, then walked over to his bedroom door. The moment he opened it, he saw a slightly confused, if not panicked, Malory reaching out to touch the soundproofing rune to his room¡ªthe one used to turn it off to allow noise, particrly a knock¡ªto get through.


    ¡°Malorie? What is it? What¡¯s wrong?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°There¡¯s¡­¡± the woman started. ¡°There¡¯s an old goblin downstairs asking for you.¡±

 Chapter 435: Old Goblin

    Chapter 435: Old Goblin


    ¡°An old goblin?¡± Derek asked, also in confusion. <em>I</em><em>¡¯ve not seen any goblins in this world yet. I wonder if there really are any outside of dungeons. Definitely had some lower-level dungeons filled with goblins back on Earth after the system, though. Maybe a dungeon break?</em> ¡°What do you mean? Wait, do goblins even have sentience? Are they like elves and dwarves?¡±


    ¡°No¡­ it¡¯s¡­¡± Malorie shook her head. ¡°He¡¯s not a goblin, but his looks¡­ he really does look like an old, pale white goblin. It¡¯s uncanny.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Derek said as he thought about what she was saying. ¡°Is he really short, hunched back with a cane, and wearing a robe that pretty much covers his whole body and head?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Malorie said. ¡°Though he took his hood off to ask for you. That¡¯s how I saw¡­¡±


    ¡°His pointy ears andck of hair? And his general goblinesque appearance.¡± Derek asked, deadpanned. He knew exactly who was there to visit him. The old man had said he would be paying Derek a visit. He just didn¡¯t know when. It looked like he¡¯d finallye to make good on his promise. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about him,¡± Derek said. ¡°He¡¯s harmless.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Malorie breathed out a sigh.


    ¡°Well¡­ he¡¯s not harmless,¡± Derek corrected. ¡°He¡¯s actually one of the strongest elves in the world, if not <em>the </em>strongest elf in the world. He is very harmful, in fact. Piss him off, and there likely won¡¯t be any of you left to piss him off any further.¡± Derek thought about the former king that had been ground to nothing by Marrick. ¡°But generally, he¡¯s a nice guy. You don¡¯t need to worry.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Malorie¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°I¡¯ll just tell him that you¡¯ll be down in a minute.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good to me. I¡¯ll be right behind you,¡± Derek said.After quickly washing up and sshing some cold water on his face, Derek walked down the stairs to meet the old elf. On his way down, he smelled something gooding from the kitchen as he passed.


    ¡°Derek!¡± the old elf said as Derek opened the door to the main lobby of the shop.


    ¡°Hey old man,¡± Derek said. ¡°I see you finally decided toe pay me a visit.¡±


    ¡°I did.¡± Marrick nodded. ¡°I would also like to visit this ¡®chair guy¡¯ while I¡¯m in Cydaria. It¡¯s been a while, so I may stick around for a bit.¡±


    ¡°Right¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°Well, do your old bones can make it up some stairs to grab some breakfast? If you can, it smells like Silvi is cooking up something good.¡±


    ¡°For some of her cooking, I can make myself,¡± Marrick said with a chuckle, then slowly hobbled forward with his cane.


    Derek did what he could to keep from rolling his eyes. He still wasn¡¯t sure if the cane and old man bit were for show or not. He¡¯d actually seen Marrick be quite agile before in his fights, but it was also true that at his age, doing all of that could take quite a bit out of him. <em>Then again, he did move pretty fast when he beat Avery to one of my chairs</em><em>¡­</em>


    ¡°Oh, wow¡­¡± Marrick said with a sigh as he situated himself into one of Derek¡¯s dining chairs. ¡°You just have these things all around, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°It would be dumb not to,¡± Derek said with augh.


    At that time, Silvi came out with her chef¡¯s hat on and started putting all her dishes on the table. She hesitated for a moment when she saw that they would be having an extra guest for breakfast, but relented soon after¡ªafter all, Rayna and Jacks weren¡¯t there and instead of making less food, the chef bunny had been making the same amount as before and giving herself an extra portion or two. But today, she would have to suffer eating only a bit more than a normal amount.


    Derek looked at hispanion and was thankful that her stats and the system didn¡¯t seem to allow her to get fat. Otherwise, there was no way she would still look like a bunny. At best, she would be a balloon with a pointy horn on it.


    Malorie and Rudy also joined them as usual, and Bones quietly stood in the corner of the room, watching and waiting to be called if anyone needed anything from him. In the past, he¡¯d tried to assist Silvi in serving the food, but she wasn¡¯t having it, so instead, he focused on beverages and just being there.


    Just before everyone began to eat, the door swung open and Brandi came in covered in soot and took her ce at the table. Derek heard Silvi let out a light sigh when she saw her¡ªit looked like that was another extra portion that the bunny wouldn¡¯t be getting. He figured that Silvi would soon be making extra just in case they had guests in the future.


    ¡°I just can¡¯t get those new gauntlets right,¡± Brandi said without bothering to look around the table. ¡°I try the same runes andbinations as I did with the boots, but they keep exploding. It¡¯s maddening.¡± The girl reached her dirty hand across the table to grab a roll, but Malorie swatted it away.


    This novel''s true home is a different tform. Support the author by finding it there.


    ¡°Manners,¡± Malorie chided her daughter. ¡°We have a guest.¡±


    ¡°A guest?¡± Brandi asked as she looked around the table. Her eyes finallynded on Marrick. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry.¡± The next instant, the young smith cast Cleaning on herself and it worked quite well. If nothing else, it allowed everyone to see that she was a young woman instead of an orphaned boy on the street.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, it¡¯s fine,¡± Marrick waved them off. ¡°I am the one intruding on your daily routine. There is no need to do anything special because I am here.¡±


    ¡°Choose your words better,¡± Derek told Marrick as he nodded toward Silvi, who was contemting something. ¡°That¡¯s a good way to not get a meal,¡± he said. ¡®Special¡¯ to hispanion would be giving someone who usually wasn¡¯t there food that she would have consumed herself. When it came to her things, she liked to take anything said to her literally if it meant she could get more out of the deal. If Derek wasn¡¯t there, then he pitied all the people who would offer her empty titudes that they would actually end up having to fulfill.


    However, she seemed to be catching on and was less likely to take from people she¡ªor at least Derek¡ªconsidered friends. Well, less likely to take more than she should, at least.


    ¡°So,¡± Derek said, reaching over the table and picking up his own roll and a little butter. ¡°I actually expected you toe much earlier than today. Did things in Indaria really take you that long?¡±


    ¡°Indaria? What?¡± Marrick looked at Derek in confusion before realizing what he was asking. ¡°Oh, no. I left that ce the same day you did. Honestly, I don¡¯t care much about what went on after we left. I went back home to visit my grandchildren and great grandchildren¡­ and great, great grandchildren¡­ and so on.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Derek said with a chuckle. ¡°And were they happy to see you?¡±


    ¡°Happy enough,¡± Marrick said. ¡°I don¡¯t see them often, and there were even a few that I hadn¡¯t met yet. More than anything, they were surprised. I guess I haven¡¯t been that great of a grandfather over thest decades. It seems that a couple of them were even growing up to be just as dumb as Ryven and Osian.¡± the old elf clicked his tongue. ¡°Took me a little extra time to instill into their parents that allowing them to continue that way wouldn¡¯t be a good decision. Especially with the alliances we will have going into the future.¡±


    Everyone else around the table was quietly eating and listening to Derek¡¯s conversation with the old elf. They hadn¡¯t yet asked who he was, and only Malorie knew that he was very strong.


    ¡°I see,¡± Derek said as he began to collect food for his te like everyone else had already. He didn¡¯t exactly want to know how the old man ¡®instilled¡¯ that wisdom into his kin, but he had a few ideas. ¡°So, what¡¯s your n now? Other than meeting my ¡®chair guy.¡¯ You still n to go back home and die? Just morefortably?¡±


    ¡°You know,¡± Marrick said as he, too, began to gather food from the table and eat. ¡°Delicious!¡± He nodded to Silvi. ¡°You¡¯ve outdone yourself once again,¡± he praised her, and she proudly sat up even straighter on the table before he turned the conversation back to Derek. ¡°I had actually nned to do that once I was finished with those Sinirs.¡±


    ¡°But something changed?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°It did.¡± Marrick nodded. ¡°I had fun. It had been a while since I had proper fun. I even got to meet interesting people¡­¡± he nodded at Derek and Silvi. ¡°So, maybe there¡¯s some more fun to be had or interesting people to meet¡ªespecially with the borders now open and the fact that I have easy ess to three entire kingdoms.¡±


    ¡°Oh? So what¡¯s your n?¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s why I visited all the young¡¯uns,¡± the old man said. ¡°I think it¡¯s probably going to be thest time I¡¯m able to do so.¡±


    ¡°Why is that?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°I think I¡¯m going to go out on one final adventure¡ªexplore some dungeons that I haven¡¯t before. Heck, I may even see if I can live long enough to travel across the sea and have a little fun on the other continent. I believe that dying at my age on an adventure is just about the best way to go out, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°I definitely can¡¯t argue against it,¡± Derek said. ¡°If nothing else, it beats sitting at home, waiting to die. Unless you¡¯re someone who is into dying beside your loved ones, that is.¡±


    ¡°Either way is fine,¡± Marrick said. ¡°But going out doing something interesting will be my way. It¡¯s much more fun that way. Besides, I¡¯ve already said my goodbyes, wouldn¡¯t want to be a hypocrite, now, would I?¡±


    ¡°I guess not,¡± Derek replied.


    ¡°Um¡­ excuse me,¡± Rudy said. It seemed he finally couldn¡¯t take it. ¡°Derek, would you mind introducing us to your friend?¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Derekughed. ¡°This is old man Marrick. He¡¯s an elder¡ª¡± he began but was cut off.


    ¡°Former elder,¡± Marrick said.


    ¡°He¡¯s a former elder from Indria, and I¡¯d say one of the top five strongest people in the kingdom based on what I know and have seen,¡± Derek exined. ¡°He is also someone who is in dire need of a hair transnt, less he is mistaken for a goblin.¡±


    Malorie choked and went into a coughing fit before staring daggers at Derek.


    To everyone¡¯s surprise, Marrick beganughing, then pulled out a mirror from his storage ring. He moved the hand mirror around so he could get a good look at his entire head. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± he muttered. ¡°I don¡¯t know about a transnt, but I guess I could go for a potion or two to regrow it. It¡¯s been kind of pointless to maintain it over thest couple of decades, but since I¡¯ll be going out again¡­¡± He looked over at Derek. ¡°Do you know any good alchemists?¡±


    ¡°I was joking,¡± Derek said. ¡°You could use your looks as a surprise attack. They¡¯d never expect anything from someone who looks like you. Or you could find a tribe of goblins and see what it¡¯s like to live like them. The number of things you could do with your looks is endless.¡±


    ¡°An alchemist?¡± Marrick asked again, ignoring Derek.


    ¡°I guess someone like you doesn¡¯t really need to surprise anyone in a fight,¡± Derek said with a sigh. ¡°Yes, I know a good alchemist.¡± Derek then exined to the man where Roman¡¯s shop was located, and Marrick decided to pay him a visit before leaving on his final adventure. Derek would be sad to see the old man go, but he knew he¡¯d lived a long life and there was nothing Derek could do to help him live even longer. At least not unless the old Guild Leader had a breakthrough and became able to use his abilities on others¡ªeven then, he wasn¡¯t sure if the old elf would ept.


    For the rest of the meal, everyone¡ªmostly Brandi¡ªchatted with Marrick. She asked him about his adventures and his life in general, and he seemed genuinely curious about her rocket boots and gauntlets. The two seemed to really hit it off once Brandi got over the shock of how strong the old man was¡ªshe didn¡¯t even bat an eysh at his goblin-like looks. In fact, Marrick even told Derek to use Void Travel to find him if he was still alive in a year or two, and he would give him any interesting materials he found to take back to Brandi. It was a better option than letting them all go to waste, after all.


    Finally, after a fun meal and chat, everyone finished.


    ¡°I¡¯m stuffed,¡± Marrick leaned back in his chair and pped his belly. ¡°Now, how about introducing me to your chair guy? If I¡¯m going on a final adventure, I want to do it infort.¡±

 Chapter 436: Alabaster homes

    Chapter 436: baster homes


    ¡°Now, I don¡¯t know if he¡¯ll actually be able to help us right this instant,¡± Derek said as he and Marrick slowly walked from his shop to the area where Geoffrey¡¯s was located. He motioned in front of himself, then all around. ¡°As you can see, Savannah is extremely busy right now because of the new alliance and open border policies.¡±


    ¡°I can see that,¡± Marrick said, then nodded to an earth mage who was slowly and methodically moving dirt and rocks out of an area of a lot that looked to be where a future shop would be located. ¡°That¡¯s something that I¡¯m d I never did get into. I wouldn¡¯t have to die of old age if I was nothing more than an earth mover for some two-bit constructionpany¡­ I would have already killed myself.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s still plenty of time,¡± Derek said with augh. ¡°Not to kill yourself, but to feel what it¡¯s like to work like your average, every day, run-of-the-mill earth mover.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me do it,¡± Marrick said as he raised his hand, palm facing up, and a small, spike-like object formed out of gathered sand and floated in front of the old man¡¯s head¡ªpointy end facing himself.


    ¡°Fine¡­ fine¡­¡± Derek said as he shook his head¡ªhe really enjoyed chatting with the old elf. ¡°But they really may need your help if everything keeps going the way it is. I¡¯d say that if nothing happens to sour rtions between each kingdom¡¯s citizens, Savannah will be double its size in one or two years. And that¡¯s me being conservative. I knew it would be popr, but I thought the other kingdoms would have a city like it that would draw some of the others¡¯ attention as well.¡±


    ¡°Young Miss Savannah has done quite the job with her city. Thest time I visited¡ªhowever long ago that was¡­ two¡­ maybe three lords ago¡­¡± The old man shook his head. ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter. Thest time I was here, it was nothing like it is now. All it takes is one kindhearted, greedy, charitable person with a knack for business as lord, and you get something like this.¡± Marrick motioned all around him with his arms¡ªhis cane somehow standing perfectly how it had been. ¡°It is quite the aplishment.¡±


    ¡°I guess so,¡± Derek agreed. Still, he¡¯d been to ces like New York City and seen many others back when he was on Earth, so, while he could agree that Natalie was running the city quite well, the buildings and style stillcked inparison. <em>Well</em><em>¡­ </em>he thought as he looked into the air. <em>The air isn</em><em>¡¯t smoggy and all water I drink from runes ispletely pure, so¡­ maybe it¡¯s better in that regard too. There wasn¡¯t even a proper New York City still standing after the Universal System came, anyway. I guess this is much more sustainable when there are monsters capable of leveling viges constantly at your doorstep.</em>


    ¡°This city could give Stonehaven a run for its money soon,¡± Marrick said, then, seeing the look of confusion on Derek¡¯s face, continued. ¡°Stonehaven is the above ground version of Vallum¡¯s capital, Stonehelm,¡± he exined.


    ¡°Stonehaven and Stonehelm¡­¡± Derek muttered.¡°Mhm¡­ Dwarves are second to none when ites to crafts, and they even flourish in business¡­ but they have the naming sense of¡­¡±


    ¡°A Cydarian royal family member?¡± Derek finished.


    ¡°No¡­¡± Marrick said seriously. ¡°They are at least still better than that.¡±


    The two men burst out intoughter at the royal family¡¯s expense as they continued their stroll through the city toward Geoffrey¡¯s business. The two made a strange sight to any passerby. Marrick, with his striking resemnce to an old goblin had he been green, wasn¡¯t the only thing that stood out, as Derek had also decided to p his new diamond ranked adventurer¡¯s badge on his shoulder and give it a test drive. So far, it was doing its job quite well, as, after a while, the two were able to make it to Geoffrey¡¯s ce with zero interruptions¡ªrunners, guards, adventurer¡¯s, and even regr citizens gave them a wide berth because they all knew what the badge meant.


    ¡°Here we are,¡± Derek said as the two of them approached baster Homes, Geoffrey¡¯s business.


    ¡°baster Homes?¡± Marrick asked, confused. ¡°I thought you were taking me to a furniture person, not a home constructor.¡±


    ¡°Geoffrey¡­ well, he kind of does it all. He¡¯s the owner, and he knows the people who are good at doing everything else. He did my entire shop for me¡ªfrom the kitchen to the bedrooms to the shop floor and even Brandi¡¯s basement.¡±


    ¡°I see. So he¡¯s a jack of all trades but focuses on the big business,¡± Marrick said. ¡°And he is the one who got you those chairs in your dining room?¡±


    ¡°He is,¡± Derek said. ¡°And if he¡¯s too busy and you¡¯re impatient, you can have one of those chairs. I have some new ns for things and will be updating soon.¡±


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see,¡± Marrick said as Derek led him through the door into baster Homes. ¡°But thanks for the offer. I don¡¯t believe I¡¯m going to have a hard time finding what I¡¯m looking for here, though.¡± The old man smiled when he got a good look around.


    Derek also gave the lobby of the building a good look. He hadn¡¯t been inside the ce before, as before. He had met up with Geoffrey and his people at the hotel and did all the paperwork there for convenience. The inside was pretty standard¡ªthe walls were made out of painted white blocks with pretty spiral designs adorning them.


    What he did find interesting was all the things in the lobby. The chairs arranged for customers to sit in were all good quality and looked quitefortable¡ªabout like what nah had in the suite for Derek. There was also some prime product cement, as a few different models of the showers he¡¯d worked Derek to design were hanging on the walls. What he didn¡¯t like was all the people who were either lined up to test the showers¡ªthey had tubs with runes to catch the water¡ªor the amount of people who were upying the seats. It was quite full.


    ¡°Wee to baster Homes, where your dream home is only a contract away,¡± a beautiful receptionist greeted Derek and Marrick with a gentle, but forced smile once she finished directing a different customer to one of the seats. ¡°My name is Jean, how may I help you tod¡ª¡± she started, but her eyes soon fell onto Derek¡¯s diamond badge and lit up.


    ¡°My apologies!¡± The woman shot to her feet and bowed. Now, with a smile that wasn¡¯t forced at all, and was actually quite seducing, she said, ¡°It would be my pleasure to help you today. May I ask what it is that you are looking for?¡±


    <em>Like Geoffrey, like employees, </em>Derek thought. He wouldn¡¯t expect anything less from the slimiest looking person he¡¯d ever met in Cydaria¡ªno, in the three kingdoms that he¡¯d had the pleasure of traveling to since leaving Earth. She certainly didn¡¯t recognize Derek, as, other than Geoffrey, he¡¯d only met a few of the people building the shop, but she did, however, recognize the badge. He wondered if knowing who he was would cause her actions to change yet again. He was sure that Geoffrey had at least told his staff about him.


    ¡°Hello Jean.¡± Derek took a step forward and gave the woman a slight bow, which caused her eyebrows to shoot up to her hairline and her cheeks to turn a shade of crimson. ¡°My name is Derek Hunt. I¡¯m sure you have heard of me from Geoffrey. He wouldn¡¯t happen to be in today by chance, would he?¡±


    ¡°D-Derek Hunt?! O-of course. Mr. Tate is currently in his office. Please allow me to go fetch him.¡± The woman looked left and right a couple times, then yelled for another employee toe and told her to watch the counter while she was gone. Then she disappeared into the building.


    ¡°Quite popr, I see,¡± Marrickmented after seeing the disy by the woman.


    ¡°It¡¯s mostly the badge,¡± Derek said, pointing at the diamond badge attached to his shirt on the shoulder. ¡°I guess us has really built it up over the years.¡±


    ¡°us?¡± Marrickmented. ¡°That old coot is still alive and kicking? Those powers of his must have done something to his brain if he still likes watching over all those young adventurers. He should just go adventuring and die like a real man.¡±


    ¡°He did say that he knew you,¡± Derekughed. ¡°But, from what I gathered, he has already done most all the adventuring that is avable here, and he does the Adventurer¡¯s Guild stuff because he¡¯s bored and it is entertaining to him watching the younger generations grow.¡±


    ¡°I guess¡­¡± Marrick said. ¡°I met the man in my middle age and he was already quite the character. I can only imagine he¡¯s certainly not changed for the better. Quite annoying, that guy. But I guess he has every right to be like that since nobody was able to do anything about it. I believe death is allergic to that man.¡±


    ¡°Hah,¡± Derek chuckled. ¡°That is certainly one way of putting it. And yeah, he¡¯s quite entric, but seems very smart with what his abilities can do. I¡¯m interested in any findings hees up with after the sample I gave him.¡± Derek held up his pinky finger.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t?¡± Marrick asked with wide eyes. ¡°I¡­ Well, I don¡¯t know enough about him to know whether I would trust him with such things or not. But be careful, I never cared much for the fellow.¡±


    ¡°Even if he makes a breakthrough, I don¡¯t think he could do me any hard,¡± Derek said with a smile. ¡°I have a way to deal with certain individuals who may consider themselves indestructible.¡± The first person who was like that was Tevarian¡ªthe former, now dead, King of Astrus. Opening the void via Void Travel and tossing someone in was Derek¡¯s trump card and his next step to deal with the ¡®genius¡¯ king if Silvi¡¯s dragon me didn¡¯t work¡ªunfortunately for him, he didn¡¯t get to test it out.


    However, it was better that way, as he was at least able to get the experience points for the kill when Silvi turned him into a puddle. He wondered what kind of effect dragon me would have on us as well. If he was able to survive it like Derek thought, though, the void was only a couple steps away, and he was certain that the man couldn¡¯t survive the rapid change in his body coupled with the crazy spatial energy ripping through it.


    ¡°If all else fails,¡± Derek chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ll just throw him in a hole.¡±


    ¡°Ah,¡± Marrick replied. ¡°I guess that certainly is something that you could do. I also imagine that if that didn¡¯t work, you could just close the <em>hole, and</em> we¡¯d never see hide nor hair of the person again¡ªwhether alive or dead.¡±


    ¡°That sounds about right,¡± Derek said. ¡°But I can almost guarantee that nobody other than myself and Silvi would be able to survive being in there for more than a few second or minutes without us being there to shield them. It is a pretty terrifying ce.¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± Marrick said. ¡°With the feeling that portal gives off when you open it, I certainly can¡¯t imagine it being sunshine and rainbows inside. Still, it is quite the convenient skill and a good ¡®out¡¯ if you need it. You may be just as slippery as us with that traveling skill.¡±


    ¡°Agreed,¡± Derek replied.


    After that, they waited a few more minutes, then Geoffrey finally appeared in his slimy suit with a big grin on his face. ¡°Mr. Hunt!¡± he greeted. ¡°And you have brought a guest?¡±


    The man looked down at Marrick, and Derek thought he could even see the shivering from the ancient elf¡¯s spine.


    ¡°Marrick,¡± the old man replied.


    ¡°Marrick¡­ I do believe I have heard of that name somewhere before, but I can¡¯t put my finger on it¡­ oh well.¡± Geoffrey shrugged. ¡°Mr. Hunt, Mr. Marrick, what is it that you are looking for today?¡±

 Chapter 438: Spoiled

    Chapter 438: Spoiled


    Marrick didn¡¯t have all that much going on for him while he was in Savannah waiting for his chairs, so Derek decided to show him around. One introduction that Derek made sure to make for Marrick was to Roman¡ªif for no other reason than to see if there really was something like a potion for restoring hair. Seeing the small elf and the halfling negotiating with one another was also something that Derek didn¡¯t know he would enjoy.


    Marrick¡¯s bluntness and Roman¡¯s eagerness for both money and materials¡ªplus his hardheadedness¡ªmade for an interesting scene. A scene which was made all the more entertaining because of the size of the two of them. If Derek didn¡¯t know any better, or if he was watching from a distance, he would say that it looked like two children fighting over some candy¡­ or a soda, in this case.


    It turned out that Roman did, unfortunately, have some potions of hair restoration in stock. When Marrick drank said potions, his hair dide back¡ªfully colored and everything. Now, why was that unfortunate? Because the hair didn¡¯t seem natural at all. It was way too ck and looked almost like a bad dye job. He could have just looked weird because Derek was used to seeing the old elven elder with almost no hair other than a few white and gray strands.


    It was just that very odd look that an older person, who everyone knew should have white or gray hair, had when they dyed it. It wouldn¡¯t have been so bad if it wasn¡¯t ck, either. But apparently, the old man¡¯s hair color in his youth had been just as coal ck as Derek¡¯s own before his void affinity gave it a purple tint.


    Marrick also felt the same way when he saw himself in a mirror, so he was quick to chop off his newly flowing locks. A few bottles of hair growth potions and multiple haircutster, and the effects of the hair restoration potion left, and all that remained were the few white and gray strands of hair that he¡¯d had before. Apparently, the hair restoration potions onlysted for a couple years¡¯ worth of hair before running out and reverting the hair back to its normal form¡ªwhich was great for the demand of the potions. Also, this could be hastened by the hair growth potions speeding the reversion up.


    After they left the happy Roman¡ªwho was so happy because he had sold an expensive hair restoration potion and multiple hair growth potions¡ªDerek decided to take Marrick to lunch at the Crown Restaurant. He needed to do something to see if he could help the old man¡¯s mood change back to how it was before the hair incident¡ªcranky Marrick was still fun, but not as fun as normal Marrick.


    Luckily, a pleasant lunch was all it took to have Marrick back to his normal self¡ªwhich, albeit, was still a bit cranky. For the rest of the day, Derek took the old man sightseeing around the city. Finally, he ended the day by taking him to the dragon kennels and letting him see the different dragonkin. He wasn¡¯t very impressed. The old man had lived a very long time and had seen many different kinds of monsters. And, since he¡¯d already seen Blitz and Lyra, the other dragonkin just weren¡¯t as interesting. Still, they had a fun day hanging out together.


    The next two days passed by in a sh. Derek refused to let Marrick stay at one of the hotels in the city and had him stay at the Void Emporium instead¡ªwhich the old man was happy to do because of the bunny prepared meals that came with the invitation. Out of everything¡ªDerek¡¯s mythical ss included¡ªMarrick was more interested in the fact that a horned bunny had be a proper chef. The fact that she, too, was technically sporting a mythical ss only added to his interest.


    Another thing¡ªor person¡ªthat Marrick found particrly interesting was Brandi and her smithing. Their bond had grown as the old man treated her more like one of his grandchildren than a stranger, and the young smith even found herself spending more and more time with everyone else instead of alone in her basement forge.¡°See, so you just channel a little of you mana¡ªany mana really¡ªinto these runes here, and the next thing you know¡­ bang!¡± Brandi said, imitating an explosion with her hands. ¡°You¡¯ll be in the air.¡± She was currently sitting at the dining table next to Marrick, exining and showing the old elf how her rocket boots worked. The young smith had taken to the old man, as he asked questions about her crafts as if he was truly interested¡ªwhich he actually did seem to be. He also had many years of insight and experience that had helped spark new ideas and answer questions she didn¡¯t even know she had when he spoke of them.


    ¡°They really are quite amazing, aren¡¯t they?¡± Marrick said as he examined the boots.


    ¡°They are!¡± Brandi agreed. ¡°And I can¡¯t believe I was so dumb about the gauntlets. Of course, they didn¡¯t need as much power as the boots do. They are mostly for stabilization. I¡¯ll have the new version of them finished in no time.¡± In thest two days, Brandi had made great strides in creating her new gloves¡ªhe had also adjusted their working name from ¡®rocket gloves¡¯ to ¡®stabilizing gloves.¡¯


    And, since the same force wasn¡¯t needed for the gloves, she even changed the cores and runes she was using for them. Now, she was using wind runes for them with the n that they would coordinate well with the boots. The boots would st off and thrust, while the gloves would make any minor adjustments¡ªthey would also allow the use of the wind to glide after initial propulsions provided by the boots.


    ¡°All great smiths make mistakes or don¡¯t see the obvious sometime,¡± Marrick said. ¡°You just need to keep at it, and eventually you will ovee whatever it is that you¡¯re struggling with. And let me tell you a little secret.¡± The old man leaned in toward Brandi conspiratorially, and Brandi leaned in as well.


    If youe across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡°What is it?¡± the young smith whispered.


    ¡°When you¡¯re stuck on one thing, all you have to do is work on something else and ignore the thing you¡¯re having trouble with, and the solution will usually appear out of nowhere,¡± he exined. ¡°So, there¡¯s no sense hindering your growth as a crafter by being stuck on one thing¡ªjust switch to another craft that interests you are enlightened. As a fighter, it may be different and those limitations may exist, but as a crafter, you will most probably not have them.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Brandi asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Marrick nodded seriously, then his eyes nced over to see Malorie at the end of the table, smiling at their interaction. ¡°And¡ªand this is something that most of the great crafters I¡¯ve met in my life have inmon¡ªyou have to take breaks. Meditation is great, but nothing helps solve problems like having a truly fresh mind focusing on them, and you can¡¯t have that fresh mind through just Meditation alone.


    ¡°The skill is a great boon to both fighters and crafters alike¡ªespecially the upgraded version of it¡ªbut it does not help with your mental fatigue. Spend time with friends and family, eat some good food, get a good night¡¯s rest¡­ you¡¯ll be amazed at what you¡¯lle up with after a refreshing break.¡±


    Derek saw Malorie smile even brighter, then he saw all traces of it disappear as Brandi turned her head to look at her mother.


    ¡°I tried to tell you,¡± Malorie said. ¡°But you can¡¯t listen to your dear mother¡­ I apparently don¡¯t know what I¡¯m talking about.¡±


    Brandi pondered on Malorie¡¯s words, then turned her head back to the old elf. ¡°You¡¯re not just saying that, are you? You¡¯re not just going along with mom?¡±


    ¡°I would never!¡± Marrick quickly leaned back in his chair and looked appalled. ¡°It¡¯s true that it is something that your mother would enjoy, but who wouldn¡¯t enjoy spending more time with their precious child? But the reality is that when ites to creative endeavors, such as crafting never before seen equipment, your mind truly needs to rest and rx¡ªand often.¡±


    Brandi looked at Marrick deeply, then turned and looked at Derek. If anyone would tell her the truth, it would be him.


    ¡°Can¡¯t really help you there,¡± Derek said with a shrug¡ªand he wasn¡¯t lying. ¡°I¡¯m not the creative type. I get punched for a living¡ªliterally¡ªalong with wed and bitten and¡­ all sorts of other things. But what Marrick is saying does make a lot of sense to me. I¡¯ve definitely heard the same before¡­ back where Ie from. They called it burnout there. I imagine it is the same here with all sorts of crafts.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct,¡± Marrick said. ¡°The Great System gives you plenty of skills and experience, and there is always a way forward even with this ¡®burnout,¡¯ but just because you can brute force it, doesn¡¯t mean you should. Sure, you will be a high level and very sought after cksmith with great standard equipment, but the truly great crafters create original piece after original piece, and don¡¯t level with just the standard blueprints and recipes. The greatest smiths are innovators, and to be one of the greatest, you have to quite literally forge your own path, and creativity is a major part of that journey.¡±


    Derek could see that Malorie was loving every word that wasing out of Marrick¡¯s mouth. He was definitely saying what he was saying for both Malorie and Brandi¡ªso they could spend more time together before Brandi was officially an adult. However, Derek also knew that what the old man was saying wasn¡¯t wrong at all. He wasn¡¯t leading her astray, but more so giving her advice that just happened to benefit everyone. And it was true. The advice was definitely easier for the young smith to hear when it wasing from someone other than her mother.


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ something I¡¯ll have to think about,¡± Brandi said after a long pause. ¡°It¡¯s almost theplete opposite of how I currently do things, and I haven¡¯t hit this so-called burnout yet. I do hit small walls asionally, but I¡¯ve been able to ovee those walls within a day or two¡ªthere hasn¡¯t been anything that has actually hindered me.¡±


    ¡°Children¡­¡± Marrick clicked his tongue and smiled at the girl. ¡°You have not experienced it <em>yet. </em>As a child, your creativity is at its peak. Many people lose some of that creativity as they grow older. It is those that can keep that spark of creativity alight that truly shine. But you will experience these problems. And when you do, I hope my lesson echoes in your head, and you remember. I hope you are one of the few who doesn¡¯t lose that spark and conform to the normal smithing standard.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t!¡± Brandi said seriously. ¡°Just crafting the same sword over and over because of how well they sell is mind-numbingly boring. Especially when Derek brought back sooo many awesome materials for me to work with. I understand the need to create what sells when you need the ie, but¡­¡± Brandi looked at both Derek and Malorie. ¡°I don¡¯t need it. It seems that my failures sell well enough. Besides¡­ I would rather craft weapons and armor for those close to me¡ªto help them live long and happy lives. That is why I wanted to be a leatherworker, after all.¡±


    ¡°Well said,¡± Derek replied.


    ¡°You spoil her,¡± Malorie said to Derek.


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Derek said. ¡°But until she loses that work ethic, is it really spoiling her? If she waszy, that would be one thing. But she hasn¡¯t let anything go to waste.¡±


    ¡°Derek does have a point. As a grandpa, great grandpa, great great grandpa, great gre¡­¡±


    ¡°We get it.¡± Derek cut Marrick off and spoke.


    ¡°Uhem¡­¡± Marrick cleared his throat. ¡°It is only natural for one to want to give their loved ones¡ªespecially the children¡ªwhat they didn¡¯t have growing up. But it is also your responsibility to keep an eye out and watch to make sure they are making proper use of what they have been given.


    ¡°You can take my family, for example,¡± Marrick continued. ¡°I don¡¯t think I did a poor job of raising my children and spoiling the next couple of generations. Unfortunately, in theter generations¡ªthe ones which I did not oversee during my self-istion¡ªit seems that things got out of hand. Luckily, I believe I was able to step in before things got too out of hand.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°The children you hadn¡¯t met yet.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Marrick said. ¡°But that is neither here nor there. My point is that I don¡¯t believe you will have any problems spoiling this youngss.¡± He pointed at Brandi. ¡°At such a young age, she is already so strong. I can feel it. And it¡¯s not that fake strength like some nobility has. It is a strength that she worked hard for. It may not be fighting strength, but it is there. Though¡­ I do not doubt that, if paired against any other child of simr age, she would win physically, too.¡±


    ¡°I agree,¡± Derek said. He believed she could at least give most of Thomas¡¯s ssmates a run for their money in an actual fight¡ªespecially with her new skills. ¡°She¡­¡± Derek was about to continue praising the girl¡ªwho was loving it¡ªbut a knock sounded on the door.


    ¡°Come in,¡± Malorie said.


    Behind the door, Bones, who had been downstairs watching over the shop all this time, stood. ¡°Please excuse me, but a guest has arrived,¡± he said with a bow.


    ¡°Who is it?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°It is Mr. Geoffrey Tate of baster Homes,¡± Bones answered. ¡°Would you like me to bring him up?¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡± Derek said, excitedly. <em>I wonder what the prototypes are going to look like.</em>

 Chapter 439: Delivery

    Chapter 439: Delivery


    ¡°Bring him up!¡± Derek finished instructing.


    ¡°Right away, sir!¡± Bones bowed and quickly dismissed himself, the door to the dining room swinging closed soon after.


    Derek was almost shaking in excitement. He looked over at Marrick, and the old man looked to be almost in the same state as himself. The difference was, the old elf didn¡¯t know what to expect, but Derek did. His bottom had been apanied by many cushioned reclining chairs back on Earth¡ªit had gotten opportunities to experience the best from all the biggest names back then.


    However, recently, it was able to experience abination of many of the best qualities of the brandsbined in the form of the chair that Dave had allowed him to sit in. Unfortunately, at that time, Derek wasn¡¯t able to properly enjoy the chair, as he had much more pressing and concerning matters to tend to¡ªlike finding out who Dave was and why he was doing what he was doing. He¡­ didn¡¯t really find out either of those things, and by the time Dave took his chair away, he had more questions than he did answers.


    But now, with the blueprints that Brandi helped him design, and Geoffrey handling all the logistics, he would at least have the chance to rectify his failure to really enjoy the chair Dave had.


    ¡°He¡¯s the guy who built the store?¡± Brandi asked, but more in the form of a statement.


    ¡°He is,¡± Derek said, a little surprised that the girl even remembered any of that. She had definitely heard of him before, and maybe even met him, but he figured since he didn¡¯t have anything to do with her crafting¡­ <em>well, I guess he did technically build her craftingir for her and got her most of her equipment. It makes sense that she remembers him, now that I think about it. </em>


    ¡°Is heing to build more things for us?¡± she asked with a sparkle in her eyes.


    ¡°I take it you have some adjustments you want to make to your crafting area?¡± Derek asked.¡°I do!¡± Brandi nodded hardily. ¡°I have some ideas to make it more efficient since I¡¯ve given up¡­¡± she paused and looked over at Marrick. Though they had spoken a lot, Brandi only spoke about her cksmithing with the old man¡ªshe never once slipped and spoke of any other craft that she could do other than that and the runesmithing to go along with it. But it was natural for a cksmith to also have some runesmithing skillster on, so the old elf hadn¡¯t questioned it.


    ¡°You can trust him,¡± Derek said. ¡°He¡¯s good at keeping secrets, and he¡¯s a trusted friend of mine. I¡¯ve even told him some things about myself.¡±


    ¡°In that case,¡± Brandi said as Marrick raised an eyebrow at her. ¡°Since I¡¯ve given up many of my other crafts to specialize in the ones with more rtion to cksmithing, I can get rid of that equipment and open the area up for more equipment for smithing. With what I¡¯m thinking, we may have to adjust the height¡­ or depth of the basement, and we will definitely have to add more utility runes.¡±


    ¡°Once we¡¯re finished here,¡± Derek began. ¡°You should go draw a blueprint of what you want your basement to be, and Malorie can add it to the list of things we need from him.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go do it now!¡± Brandi hopped up from her chair and began a mad dash toward the door.


    ¡°Woah!¡± Derek said as he caught the girl as she ran by him, then he pointed back at her vacated chair. ¡°Go have a seat,¡± he said. ¡°There is no hurry. Whether you make a blueprint now or tomorrow doesn¡¯t matter¡ªit will take the same amount of time either way. So, before you do that, I at least want you to see something else. Geoffrey isn¡¯t only here to talk about building, after all.¡±


    Brandi stood still in front of Derek for a few seconds¡ªlongingly staring at the door. Finally, she nodded and walked back to her seat at a cial pacepared to how fast she had left it. ¡°What is it?¡± she finally asked.


    ¡°You should already know,¡± Derek said. ¡°You¡¯re the one who helped make the blueprints for them.¡±


    ¡°The recliners!?¡± she asked excitedly. Brandi was eager to help Derek when he asked her to make the blueprints for the chairs, but she had not bothered to ask what he was nning to do with them or how long it would take for him to do something with them. She had probably known that Geoffrey also had most of the furniture in the shop built, along with much of the stuff in the basement, but her mind never lingered on that stuff because it didn¡¯t have anything to do with her own crafting. It was not important¡ªat least, that¡¯s what Silvi would say.


    ¡°Yup,¡± Derek said. ¡°The chairs.¡±


    ¡°Ohhh!¡± Brandi smiled wide. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say so?¡±


    ¡°I just did,¡± Derek answered, amused. ¡°I figured you would want to see the end results of your drawings.¡±


    Brandi just nodded quickly multiple times. Malorie rolled her eyes and shook her head, but the smile never left her face.


    Derek then looked over at Marrick, who he was sure had already pieced together a lot of what Brandi had said about her crafts. Derek had been watching him, and to the old man¡¯s credit, he had only raised a single eyebrow in contemtion before lowering it and seemingly epting what he heard. He¡¯d not bothered with asking any questions about it, and he still seemed much more excited about the possibility of having one of the world¡¯s mostfortable chairs that any particrs about Brandi¡¯s crafting ss.


    The group sat in silence for a short while longer before another knock came from the dining-room door. This time, Bons didn¡¯t wait for the okay to enter. After two knocks, he opened the door and stepped inside¡ªGeoffrey was right behind him.


    ¡°Mr. Geoffrey Tate,¡± Bones introduced the guest, then, after receiving a nod from Derek, backed away and left the room once again, closing the door behind himself.


    ¡°Geoffrey!¡± Derek called out happily. ¡°Please, have a seat.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± the suited man with slicked back hair said before walking around the table to an open chair and sitting in it.


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    ¡°So,¡± Derek said once the man got settled. ¡°What have you got for us today?¡±


    ¡°Well, I have brought multiple items,¡± Geoffrey answered. ¡°I do think you¡¯re going to like what I¡¯ve brought. In thest two days, I had my people working long and hard on the two prototypes youmissioned. I do believe that they turned out better than expected¡ªat least, better than I expected.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Derek¡¯s brows raised. ¡°Well, I¡¯m waiting on pins and needles. How about you show us?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Geoffrey took a storage ring out of his pocket and slid it across the table to Derek.


    Derek snatched the ring up and began going through it. To his surprise, there were more than the four prototype chairs that he expected. When Geoffrey saw the surprised expression on his face, he continued speaking.


    ¡°It took the longest to have the levers that raise the footrests to function properly, but after a small bit of adjusting, we made it work. Honestly, we were surprised at how precise the blueprints were,¡± Geoffrey said.


    As he was speaking, Derek saw a small, smug smile appear on Brandi¡¯s face. They had put the blueprints together, but they hadn¡¯t done any testing at all¡ªthat is why Derek could only hope that the chairs didn¡¯t take longer than Geoffrey thought they would. Luckily, it seemed that he and Brandi¡ªmostly Brandi¡ªhad gotten everything correct, or at least close enough.


    ¡°After the small adjustments, it was only a matter of time¡ªand not much time, may I add¡ªbefore we were finished with the order. I was actually finished with what you ordered around midway through yesterday, but I decided to do some extra experimenting myself. So, on top of four chairs you ordered, there are four more¡ªeach differing in the quality and type of material used. I only focused on the reclining chair and not the sofa chair, as the former was more original than thetter. I do hope that is okay,¡± Geoffrey exined.


    ¡°This is more than fine,¡± Derek said. ¡°You went above and beyond. With these, we¡¯re going to need a proper sitting area toze around in.¡±


    Geoffrey looked around and paused in thought for a moment. ¡°We can certainly discuss that.¡±


    Derek continued to look through the ring, but before he inserted mana and brought out one of the chairs, he noticed something else inside¡ªsomething small. With a thought, the small object appeared on the center of the dining table.


    ¡°Is this¡­¡± Derek was speechless. Before him sat a very small version of the rest of the reclining chairs.


    ¡°Ah¡­ yes,¡± Geoffrey said with a blush. ¡°I do believe that your smallpanion may be even more popr than you are these days. Stories have been popping up about how she¡ªas a small horned rabbit¡ªsaved a prince, decimated an army¡­ twice, and even created a delicious feast for a royal wedding. I thought it was only proper that she receives a chair as well.¡±


    Derek reached out and ran his palm over the small purple chair. The fabric used to create the upholstery was soft and smooth, and it was stuffed with material that didn¡¯t seem too soft or too hard. Derek was impressed.


    ¡®<em>Silvi,</em><em>¡¯ </em>Derek sent to the bunny via their link. He didn¡¯t actually know where hispanion had gone off after breakfast earlier in the day. However, she was still close enough to speak through their telepathic link.


    ¡®<em>What?</em><em>¡¯ </em>she answered back bluntly.


    ¡®<em>We</em><em>¡¯re in the dining room of the shop,¡¯ </em>he began. <em>¡®Geoffrey has brought my prototype chairs, but he has also brought you a gift, as well.¡¯ </em>


    The young bunny didn¡¯t even answer back. Instead, Derek felt the telltale feeling that Void Travel always producesing from the bunny¡¯s kitchen. Malorie and Brandi had felt the dreadful feeling many times before, so they were able to be this close to it without making much of a fuss, and it didn¡¯t have any effect on Marrick. Geoffrey, on the other hand, had already begun shaking and sweating bullets.


    Luckily for him, Silvi was quick with it, and the feeling disappeared as quickly as it had appeared. Before Geoffrey was able to ask any questions about what he just felt, the door to the kitchen swung open and Silvi flew through the air with her cloak and chef¡¯s hat beforending in the center of the table beside her new piece of furniture.


    ¡°This it?¡± her voice chimed out from themunication crystal on her cor.


    ¡°That¡¯s it,¡± Derek said, and he watched as hispanion slowly hopped around the chair¡ªinspecting every inch of it. Finally, she hopped up into the chair and scooched around in it until she seemed to find afortable position.


    ¡°This will do,¡± she said.


    ¡°Try the lever on the side,¡± Derek replied.


    The next instant, a small, almost transparent, Mage Hand appear beside Silvi and the chair, and it reached down and pulled the lever. With it, the back of the chair leaned back a small amount, and the footrest popped out from the front. Silvi leaned back a bit with the backrest, then she tried to kick her feet out to reach the footrest.


    ¡°Legs too short,¡± she said. ¡°Can¡¯t reach.¡±


    Derek almost burst outughing at the picture of hispanion sprawled out in the chair like somezy dogs back on Earth. Her little legs kicking in the air to try to reach the footrest didn¡¯t do anything to help the situation, either. Brandi was already sitting at the side of the table in a fit of silentughter, and even Malorie and Marrick had a small grin on their faces that they couldn¡¯t hide.


    Eventually, the Mage Hand pulled the lever back up and the footrest disappeared back under the chair. ¡°Good!¡± Silvi¡¯s voice chimed out once again. ¡°Veryfortable. I like. Can befortable while waiting for things to bake.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ am d you like it,¡± Geoffrey answered. He was the only one who wasn¡¯tughing when she was unable to properly use the chair. It seemed to have slipped his¡ªor the crafter¡¯s¡ªmind that she was a bunny and didn¡¯t have the same anatomy as a human.


    Derek had thought about asking the man to make a nice soft cushion for her toy on, but he felt that the ones he was thinking of would make her resemble a pet too closely. She already had a cor, but her cloak did a good job meshing with it, so it didn¡¯t look like a pet cor¡ªit was more like a utility cor. And since it had storage rings andmunication crystals imnted in it, nobody questioned it. But he really didn¡¯t want to get her what would pretty much be a dog bed.


    This chair had solved his little dilemma. <em>I</em><em>¡¯ll have to give Geoffrey something extra for his initiative, </em>he thought.


    ¡°Our turn,¡± Marrick said from the side once Silvi got back to her mostfortable position on her chair.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Derek replied, then all eight of the full size chairs appeared between the wall and the dining table.


    For the next ten minutes, Derek, Marrick, and Brandi hopped in the chairs and tested them out. Eventually, even Malorie stood and made her way to one of them. She seemed to enjoy it.


    ¡°Geoffrey,¡± Derek said from a chair that he found most to his liking¡ªa recliner that matched Silvi¡¯s own and seemed to be created with the same materials. ¡°You have outdone yourself.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Geoffrey said with a bow of his head.


    ¡°Have you found the ones you like yet?¡± Derek asked Marrick.


    ¡°I like them all,¡± Marrick replied. ¡°But I think I like this one the best. It¡¯s a shame about the color, though.¡±


    The chair Marrick was sitting in was one that Derek didn¡¯t really care for. It was a forest green color and was the softest of all chairs in the room. When he had sat in it, he sunk so deep that without the system and the stats it had given him, he would have had a difficult time getting up.


    ¡°Take what you want,¡± Geoffrey said from the side. ¡°That sofa chair is yours, too. I only created the two of them¡ªone for each of you.¡±


    With ease, the old man hopped up and walked over to a sand-colored chair and stored it into his storage ring. It was obvious that Geoffrey had made the initial prototypes for Derek and Marrick a color closely rted to them. Derek also hopped up, stored his recliner, then went over to store his purple sofa chair. Instead of storing his recliner, Marrick went back over and sat in it again.


    ¡°What are you doing with the other chairs?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°They are yours. Do as you wish,¡± Geoffrey replied. ¡°I have more of the being created for sale as we speak. I imagine they are going to be a very popr item.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Derek said.


    Finally, Geoffrey looked over to Malorie, who had taken her ce back at the table. ¡°Ms. Fields, shall we focus on business?¡±

 Chapter 440: Rude

    Chapter 440: Rude


    With his two new chairs packed away, Derek couldn¡¯t leave the dining room fast enough. Thest thing he wanted to do was get caught up in the negotiations he¡¯d arranged for Malorie. Apparently, Derek wasn¡¯t the only person with this feeling. As he rushed out the door and down the stairs, he noticed that Brandi was hot on his heels. Heughed as he stopped at the bottom of the staircase and Brandi crashed into him.


    ¡°Careful,¡± Derek said with a chuckle.


    ¡°Why did you stop?¡± the young girl asked.


    ¡°Because I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m going to do, and I¡¯m at the bottom of the stairs. Why would I keep going?¡± he asked.


    ¡°To get even further away from all that business stuff,¡± Brandi answered. ¡°She made me sit in on some of the negotiations for my equipment once. After an hour, my brain felt I¡¯d been using Greater Meditation for a whole month without sleep. Mom is scary,¡± the young smith exined.


    About that time, both of them looked up the stairs and saw Marrick turn the corner and slowly began walking down the stairs. With slow precision, the elven elder took step after step with his cane. When he drew close, Derek saw that he had a scowl on his face.


    ¡°That was very rude,¡± Marrick said.


    Brandi looked down in embarrassment, and Derek just inwardly chuckled. Malorie wouldn¡¯t mind the abrupt departure. Sheined a bit about all the business she had to do, but he knew that it made her happy. She was the most important person from the Void Emporium other than him, after all. The business part <em>could </em>function without her, but it would all be on Derek, and he for sure wouldn¡¯t get the best possible deals because of how much he didn¡¯t like that aspect of everything.


    ¡°The business part is Malorie¡¯s job,¡± Derek said to Marrick.¡°Huh?¡± Marrick frowned. ¡°Oh, that? I wasn¡¯t talking about that,¡± he said.


    ¡°Then what?¡± Derek asked, confused.


    ¡°You left this old man behind,¡± Marrick replied. ¡°That¡¯s what. Do you think that my idea of a good day is listening to mundane discussions about building addons to a store and constructing various buildings? No, it isn¡¯t. If I would have stayed any longer, I may have died before I had the chance to go out on my final adventure.¡±


    Derek chuckled. He couldn¡¯t have agreed more with the old man. Marrick truly was a man of great wisdom and taste.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to go draw up the adjustments I want to my basement,¡± Brandi said, then looked at Marrick and bowed. ¡°Thank you sooo much for all the help, Mr. Marrick.¡±


    ¡°It was my pleasure, child,¡± Marrick said as a warm smile appeared on his face and any trace of the scowl he had before disappeared. ¡°I predict that in a few short years, your name will be known all throughout this continent¡ªeven Vallum.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about all that,¡± Brandi blushed and rubbed the back of her neck in embarrassment.


    <em>Did she pick up that habit from me? </em>Derek thought to himself. Rubbing his neck was something he instinctively did when he was embarrassed, and he hadn¡¯t seen Brandi do it before. He shrugged to himself, then said to Marrick, ¡°Yeah, best not to praise her too much. Don¡¯t want her getting a big head. There would just be so much more surface area for the fire from the explosions to burn if that happened.¡±


    ¡°You!¡± Brandi looked affronted and punched Derek twice in the side.


    ¡°Ow!¡± Derek jumped back. ¡°I¡¯m just joking.¡± The girl stopped trying to hit him, then he continued, ¡°It¡¯s not like your head actually gets bigger pride, so the fire would just burn the same amount.¡± The girl punched Derek a couple more times before Derek put his hand on her head and ruffled her hair. ¡°You know I¡¯m just teasing. But Marrick is correct. You are going to be one hell of a force in smithing¡ªand soon.¡±


    ¡°Hmph,¡± Brandi snorted, then turned. ¡°I¡¯ll show you. The next time I make something with one of the fire cores or fire rted runes, I won¡¯t burn off a single eyebrow.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait,¡± Derek said, then Brandi walked off to the door leading to her basement, opened it, looked back at Derek with a small smile, and went inside. ¡°Good kid,¡± Derek said once she left.


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Marrick agreed.


    Next, Derek led Marrick outside, and they began a walk through the city.


    ¡°So,¡± Derek began. ¡°When are you leaving?¡± he asked. As far as he knew, Marrick hade to visit Derek for the chairs, and he had those now, so the old man wouldn¡¯t be staying much longer. <em>I think he also wanted to use the excuse to give a bit of a goodbye, even though he hasn</em><em>¡¯t known me for long.</em>


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    ¡°Either tonight or tomorrow,¡± Marrick answered, and Derek nodded.


    ¡°Do you know where you¡¯re going first?¡± Derek asked. He had told him that he was going to try to travel through the kingdom and maybe even cross the sea, but he hadn¡¯t given much specifics.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to Vallum,¡± the old man answered. ¡°There are some people I would like to visit there. Some grandchildren of some old friends¡ªI would like to see how they are doing before leaving for good. Plus, it¡¯s a great ce to update my equipment.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°After that¡­ I¡¯m not too sure,¡± Marrick said. ¡°I¡¯ll definitely look for some good dungeons around here before heading to the other continent. But I¡¯ve got no real aim or goal. Just going to y my part as the wondering old earth sage.¡±


    ¡°I bet you¡¯ll be able to y that role very well,¡± Derek said with a chuckled. ¡°You may need to work on being a bit crankier than you are¡ªabout how you were after the hair snafu. Then you will really be the epitome of the cranky old earth sage.¡±


    ¡°I can do that,¡± Marrick said. ¡°I can do that very well.¡±


    After a night of buying all of Roman¡¯s brew in his bar, Derek and Marrick left the shop and headed to the city teleporter. It had been a fun night. Though even the strongest of Roman¡¯s brew couldn¡¯t leave a dent on Derek and Marrick due to their high endurance, vitality, and, for Derek¡¯s case, possibly his previous evolution, it didn¡¯t have a problem getting everyone else drunk out of their minds.


    At one point during the night, while watching all the drunken shenanigans, one of the adventurers who was a little high on himself decided that he was strong enough to drink the brew that Derek, Marrick, and Shae¡ªwho was just able to get a buzz after all of his leveling when drinking the good stuff¡ªwere drinking. It had not gone well for the stubborn adventurer.


    However, it seemed like amon urrence in the bar, as Roman hadn¡¯t panicked and poured a nasty looking gray potion followed by one of the lesser healing potions he had in stock down the man¡¯s throat. The man was very relieved that he hadn¡¯t died, but then went through a few stages of grief after seeing the bill for the potions used to save his life. Thus, Derek found out another way that Roman added to his coffers for his material buying.


    Though unable to participate in the drunken shenanigans, Marrick had a good time watching everyone else make a fool of themselves. For Derek, it had reminded him of one of the rowdier parties he¡¯d gone to during his time in college¡ªalbeit with a lot more destruction of furniture and idental skill use.


    ¡°That man¡­ Shae¡­¡± Marrick started as they walked. ¡°He seemed to have been worried about something toward the end of the night,¡± he said.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Derek said with augh. ¡°He¡¯s still making some stuff up to his wife, Judy, so he had to sneak outst night. I¡¯m pretty sure he got a message through hismunication crystal there at the end. I have a feeling it¡¯s going to be awhile before I see him again.¡± <em>It</em><em>¡¯s also probably best if I don¡¯t go to the Adventurer¡¯s Guild here in Savannah for the time being. </em>


    ¡°Ah.¡± Marrick nodded. ¡°That would do it.¡±


    A short whileter, and the duo was standing outside the doors to the teleportation building. ¡°You better have as much fun as you can if you n for this to be it,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°I n to,¡± Marrick replied. ¡°Thank you for your hospitality and for helping me around the city. At least myst adventure is going to be one of utmostfort.¡± He rubbed the storage ring on his middle finger.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Derek said. ¡°My shop is always open to you, whether I¡¯m there or not. I¡¯m sure Brandi would enjoy seeing you again, and Malorie definitely took a liking to you after she heard all your suggestions for crafting.¡±


    ¡°Hah!¡± Marrickughed. ¡°A child needs to spend time with their mother whenever possible. Besides, it¡¯s not like I was lying. All the advice I gave her, I truly believe.¡±


    ¡°Me too,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°I do wish I would have been able to meet this Thomas boy that Shae was bbering about all night,¡± Marrick said.


    ¡°The academy is pretty strict, and his day off isn¡¯t until tomorrow,¡± Derek replied. ¡°He¡¯s very hard working. He knows that he may not be as talented as someone like Brandi, but he makes up for it with hard work. He really surprised me when I got back. And the thing is¡­¡± Derek paused. ¡°He¡¯s not near as talentless as he thinks he is.¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡± Marrick nodded. ¡°That young girl is a monster. There¡¯s no winningparing yourself to someone like that¡­¡± He looked up at Derek. ¡°It would be like anyone in the Kingdom of Cydaria trying topare themselves to you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about that,¡± Derek said as he rubbed the back of his neck.


    ¡°It would,¡± Marrick said with finality. ¡°The Dawn Siren is strong, but you are stronger. She is the only person who would be able toe close. Your Adventurer¡¯s Guild Leader wouldn¡¯t be able to fight this old man, much less you. The Assassin¡¯s Guild Leader is the same. Sneaky bastard, but even if he ambushed you, you have an unfathomable endurance. He¡¯s about the same strength as that bastard you killed at the wedding. So, I¡¯ll say it again, nobody in this kingdom¡ªor continent¡ªat least that I¡¯ve ever heard about, canpare themselves to you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll just take your word for it,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°But who knows?¡± Marrick said. ¡°Perhaps a genius has popped up across the sea. That would be something interesting.¡±


    ¡°I guess it would,¡± Derek replied.


    ¡°Well,¡± Marrick said, then held out his hand for Derek to shake. ¡°It really was a pleasure meeting someone like you after all these centuries.¡±


    ¡°Same,¡± Derek said, and he meant it with all that time spent in the void. It really could have been centuries, after all. He shook the old man¡¯s hand and said, ¡°This won¡¯t be thest time I see you, though. I¡¯ll check on you asionally. You¡¯ll be a single skill use away, after all.¡±


    ¡°That, I will!¡± Marrick said happily. ¡°Then, in that case, I look forward to our next meeting.¡±


    ¡°Me too,¡± Derek replied.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll be off.¡± Marrick pulled his hand away and turned to the building before strolling forward slowly with his cane. With onest look and a nod over his shoulder, the elven elder opened the door and went inside.


    Derek stared at the door for a few moments before letting out a sigh. He would definitely make himself remember to check in on the old man asionally to see how his adventuring was going. Derek would make sure that this wasn¡¯t thest time they met.

 Chapter 441: Antsy

    Chapter 441: Antsy


    Derek¡¯s day-to-day life fell into another lull with Marrick gone and Shae grounded¡ªthis time, possibly for forever. So, when Thomas came around, he jumped at the chance to help the boy out. Besides, training with the boy gave him something fun and entertaining to do¡ªsomething to keep him upied. He looked forward to every time the boy got a day off.


    After sparring for a while, Derek even took Thomas out to ¡®fight¡¯ monsters and beasts. It wasn¡¯t just any kind of fighting, though. Derek put Thomas up against beasts that the young teen could not possibly hold a candle to. It wasn¡¯t a punishment or anything like it, as the boy happily agreed to the idea, and was very excited about it. Derek was there for safety, and Thomas didn¡¯t have to worry about killing the monsters and increasing his level because he couldn¡¯t actually kill the monsters.


    Well, he wasn¡¯t supposed to have been able to kill them, but he somehow managed to down one of them. It was a Razorback Swine. Thomas seemed abnormally good when fighting against pig-type enemies. However, when Derek saw that the pig was about to bleed out, he hit it with a quick Spatial Rend to finish it off so Thomas wouldn¡¯t get the full experience points. The boy did, however, end up with quite the amount of skill level ups during their day hunting.


    None of this would have been possible for Thomas and Derek¡ªwell, it would have, but it wouldn¡¯t have been ¡®okay¡¯¡ªif not for the academy removing all the restrictions it had during the war, and even loosening up their former ones for the current students who missed a lot during that time.


    The biggest reason that Derek chose this method of helping to train the boy¡ªother than the experience of fighting something that was more powerful than himself, but not impossible to beat¡ªwas because the boy¡¯s second team dungeon wasing up soon. With the kingdoms¡¯ teleporters all linked and veryx, dozens of new dungeons in the level range of the students became avable, and it became easier to book dungeon runs for the sses.


    Thomas and his ss would have a very hectic schedule of dungeon diving soon. They were about to make up for all the dungeon time they had missed in the previous year.


    ¡°Remember,¡± Derek said as he walked the student to the teleportation building, causing Thomas to look up at him. ¡°Don¡¯t just ept anyone who wants you on their team. Choose your teammates wisely.¡± Derek knew that it wasn¡¯t something that needed to be said to the boy again, but he chose to say it anyway.


    ¡°I know,¡± Thomas replied. ¡°I¡¯ve already talked with Syd and Eric, and we are going to form a team. If we can find a decent healer who can work well with us, we may try to run some of the harder dungeons in our level range. I think we can do it, but if we can¡¯t, we will at least have the escape scrolls provided by the academy to those at the top who want to test themselves. Though using such a rare scrolles with its own set of consequences.¡±


    ¡°Mhm¡­¡± Derek agreed, then looked around the area before swiftly handing Thomas two escape scrolls that he¡¯d managed to get his hands on over thest few weeks. ¡°Just in case. I hope you don¡¯t have to use them.¡±¡°Thank you!¡± Thomas said with wide eyes.


    ¡°Can¡¯t have you dying on me because of something like picking the wrong dungeon, now can I?¡± Derek said with a chuckle.


    ¡°No, I guess not,¡± Thomas replied, then sighed. ¡°It¡¯s a shame that these scrolls are so rare,¡± he said as he put them away into his storage ring. ¡°There wouldn¡¯t be as many dungeon casualties if they could be provided to everyone.¡±


    ¡°There wouldn¡¯t, but at the same time, some students would probably misuse the scrolls and take them for granted if they were given out so easily.¡± Derek said and smiled warmly at the kid. Even after his experiences, Thomas was still a kindhearted boy. ¡°But I don¡¯t care about everyone else. You take care of yourself first, then you can worry about otherster. Remember what I said to you when we first met? One of the most important things about living in a world like this?¡±


    ¡°Be an asshole?¡± Thomas said with a grin.


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Derek replied. ¡°Be an asshole, get strong, <em>then </em>be a hero. You can¡¯t save anyone or anything if you¡¯re already dead.¡± <em>It</em><em>¡¯s good to see that my sage wisdom has been taken so seriously by the boy. He¡¯s going to go far.</em>


    ¡°I¡¯ll remember,¡± Thomas said. ¡°Me first, then whoever I can help after.¡±


    ¡°Good, good,¡± Derek said. ¡°Though I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll have to worry about any of that right now. You have a great foundation for a team with Syd and Eric. You just do your best.¡±


    ¡°I will,¡± Thomas said with a nod, then reached forward and pulled Derek in for a hug. Derek tousled his hair and hugged him back. Finally, Thomas let go and took a step back. ¡°I got to get back. Early day tomorrow,¡± the boy said.


    ¡°Go,¡± Derek replied, and the boy nodded before vanishing into the building. ¡°I wonder what I would have done with a system if I had gotten one when I was his age¡­¡± Derek wondered out loud as he turned back to make the trek home. He shook his head, then thought, <em>Nah</em><em>¡­ I¡¯d have gotten myself killed in about three seconds if it was a young me.</em>


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    After a while, Derek finally made it back to the shop. From a distance, he looked at it and released a breath. Due to the renovations, the Void Emporium closed its doors until they wereplete. Even in a magicalnd with a system, construction work was extremely loud and irritating, and the shop part of the building didn¡¯t have silencing runes built into it like all the bedrooms did.


    The construction that Malorie and Geoffrey had settled on was quite the undertaking. Derek could see the frame of another floor being built onto their current building, along with two other buildings on their connected lots being brought up.


    Malorie had decided, with good reason, to make the future top floor one that only contained bedrooms and bathrooms. Then, the floor under that¡ªthe second floor¡ªwould be converted to more of a rest floor. It would include an updated and much bigger dining room. A massively improved kitchen for their resident bunny, and a sitting room¡ªor as Derek called it, the living room.


    Rudy¡¯s contract store would no longer be attached to the main building. Instead, where his store was currently, was being converted into Malorie¡¯s office and a small storage room that¡ªonce Derek finishes using a favor or two¡ªwill be more protected than some kingdoms¡¯ main treasure rooms.


    Rudy didn¡¯t mind his shop being converted, though. One of the buildings being built was going to be for him and his shop as more of a standalone. It would be easier for people to see and get to because it would no longer be on the backside of the Void Emporium. He would have an even bigger office, and he was working with Geoffrey to make it perfect for what he needed.


    Another one of the buildings was an over-sized bunk house. It was pretty much made specifically for Ogre, as he was just too big for most of the other ces. Built into the ¡®bunk house¡¯ was also a ¡®tasting room.¡¯ Since Ogre was Silvi¡¯s official taste-tester, they needed a good ce to do their work. Derek also wanted to make sure the big man and his ¡®brother¡¯ werefortable, so he evenmissioned an extremely over-sized reclining chair and bed from Geoffrey, and he gave Bones a chair of his own since they had so many extra already.


    On top of the extra floor being added, the old building even got a makeover. Well, it wasn¡¯t a makeover per se because none of the visuals really changed. Instead, Geoffrey and Malorie decided to update it with higher tier materials and runes while keeping the unique outer and inner mystical looks. It was the reason that everything was taking a long time to be built.


    It was much harder for Geoffrey and his team to rece things that were already built than it was for them to build something new. However, that part of the construction was finished, so the remaining part would go by rather quickly.


    Derek gave his home onest once over before walking inside and going downstairs into the basement¡ªwhich was the first thing that had been updated. Honestly, to Derek, it didn¡¯t look much different from before. Mostly, Brandi¡¯s forge, anvil, and the majority of her cksmithing equipment had been upgraded and the crafting equipment that she didn¡¯t use was either taken away or moved to a small corner in the basement just in case she needed it for something.


    The floor had also been lowered another few feet, and the basement was expanded. It was actually bigger¡ªlonger and wider¡ªthan the base of the actually building now. Brandi was very happy with the results. However, she had already made it her own, and the entire thing was already a mess.


    Finally, Derek walked upstairs to see all the work being done there. Gone were all the bedrooms on his side of the floor. Derek had made sure that it was the first area that they worked with, as he didn¡¯t actually need any sleep, so it didn¡¯t matter to him if he no longer had a bedroom for a while.


    Luckily, it took them no time to create the sitting room, and Derek had already decorated it with all the extra chairs except for his own. There was an open space in the corner of the room specifically for him, which he walked over to and ced his chair. Derek popped the footrest up and leaned back to rx.


    ¡°You¡¯re getting antsy,¡± Malorie¡¯s voice sounded out as she walked through the door into the sitting room. She didn¡¯t bother keeping her chair stored, so she walked over and sat in it.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°You¡¯re constantly up and about looking for something to do,¡± she answered. ¡°This is the longest you¡¯ve stayed put since we met you, as far as I know.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Derek said. He couldn¡¯t disagree with the woman. He had such a nice ce in a nice city, but the longer he was there, the more anxious he became. He still had experience¡ªor essence¡ªto get and skill levels to earn. Even back on Earth after the system came, he went out hunting and fighting by himself very often and only stayed in his cabin to rest or to heal from a particrly hard fight¡­ or a beating from Jace.


    ¡°No maybe,¡± Malorie said. ¡°You are, and we can all see it. It¡¯s the same reason we told you to go on the raid. You were already running out of things to do in the city back then. You should go hunt, explore. Don¡¯t forget about that skill you have. You¡¯re what? Less than a minute away from your home, no matter where you are in the kingdom?¡±


    ¡°Something like that,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure you don¡¯t enjoy watching Brandi crafter her items near as much as you make it seem you do,¡± Malorie said. ¡°And I know Thomas appreciates the one-on-one time with you¡ªprobably more than either of us know¡ªbut, so what if you miss training with him asionally? I think he needs time to visit instead of justing from the academy straight to training with you. He definitely enjoys his time with you massively, but his grandparents also enjoy their time with them.¡±


    ¡°Ah,¡± Derek said. ¡°I guess that¡¯s true. I have been pushing him a lottely and hovering around Brandi, now that I think about it. They are both growing fast.¡±


    ¡°Yes, they are,¡± Malorie said. ¡°And that¡¯s all thanks to you.¡±


    ¡°I guess,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°So, why don¡¯t you go do something? Reward yourself. Have a little fun,¡± Malorie said.


    ¡°I will,¡± Derek replied. ¡°I¡¯ve made the ns, at least, but nah and Avery have gone dark.¡± Derek had made ns to go adventuring with nah and to hunt Void Beasts with Avery, and he was ready, but he hadn¡¯t heard from either of them since they got back. He didn¡¯t want to be gone if one of them came looking for him.


    ¡°That is my fault,¡± a seductive voice that he would recognize anywhere sounded from outside the door. ¡°I really like what you¡¯ve done to the ce,¡± nah said as she strolled inside with Ste on her hip. ¡°I think¡­ we need to have a chat.¡±

 Chapter 442: Merit

    Chapter 442: Merit


    ¡°nah!¡± Derek called out with a bright smile as he stood. Then, realizing something, he looked over to the chair that Malorie was sitting in and noticed that the woman was acting perfectly fine. Malorie had a decent amount of wisdom because of the skills and ss that she hoped to obtain in the future, but he wasn¡¯t sure that she had enough tobat the effects of even nah¡¯s casual speaking.


    <em>Maybe she</em><em>¡¯s had a massive improvement in her willpower as well during the time I¡¯ve been gone, </em>Derek thought to himself. <em>Or maybe nah</em><em>¡¯s just been here all day and Malorie has had enough time to get limated to her presence. </em>With that thought in mind, he looked past nah and saw Ste¡ªthat had been the method that she used when she was going to be around nah for any length of time, so it would make perfect sense if Malorie had already gone through the same process.


    Derek mentally shrugged and cast the questions out of his mind. In reality, it didn¡¯t matter how Malorie was able to sit there casually, just that she was.


    ¡°Derek, dear,¡± nah said with a smile even brighter than his own as she walked over to where he was sitting. ¡°It¡¯s been too long. I¡¯m sorry I was unable to visit until now.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re here now,¡± Derek said with a shrug. ¡°Take a seat. We have plenty.¡± nah nodded, then casually moved over to one of the chairs and sat down lightly. Ste took a seat in the chair next to her, then Derek sat back down. ¡°Nice, huh?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Quite nice, indeed,¡± nah answered.


    ¡°So, you wanted to talk?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°I did,¡± nah replied. ¡°But first, I have a question for you.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Derek raised his eyebrows. ¡°What is that?¡±¡°Are you ready to go?¡± she asked.


    ¡°To go?¡± Derek tilted his head in confusion and furrowed his brow. ¡°To go dungeon running?¡± It was the only thing he could think of that she would be asking about. That, on top of the fact that he and Malorie had just been speaking about it when nah arrived.


    ¡°Yes,¡± nah answered. ¡°There were many things that I had to take care of at the Crown.¡± She turned her head and looked at Ste, but the woman only sat there without a reaction¡ªalmost even avoiding looking at her. ¡°But now that I am finished with those tasks, I am quite ready for a little adventure. I¡¯ve even gone as far as to find information on some of the more intriguing level 250 dungeons.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Derek said. <em>Am I ready? </em>He asked himself. ¡°Well, I guess I¡¯m ready anytime,¡± Derek said. ¡°Like Malorie said, I¡¯m only a skill away froming back. Technically, I don¡¯t even need to tell anyone goodbye because of how soon I cane back. So yeah¡­ I¡¯m ready.¡±


    ¡°Great!¡± nah said happily, then quickly stood. With a flick of her wrist, a small golden badge appeared in her hand and she tossed it over to Derek, who easily caught it.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± he asked as he flipped it around in his hand a few times.


    ¡°That¡­ is an Indaria Token of Merit from the allied kingdoms,¡± nah exined.


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± Derek said. That exnation didn¡¯t help him one bit. ¡°And what exactly is it good for? What does it do?¡±


    ¡°Well, first and foremost, it is a sign of you status among the kingdoms. It is the highest merit that the allied kingdoms has chosen to hand out. But, I¡¯m sure that you don¡¯t care about any of that, am I correct?¡± nah asked with a sly smile.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Derek said. ¡°Though I have been getting used to people parting as I walk down the street because of my diamond ranked adventurer¡¯s badge. Will it have the same effect in the other kingdoms that the diamond badge has here?¡±


    ¡°Currently? Probably not,¡± nah answered truthfully. ¡°It is a new merit, and it will take some time for regr citizens to learn to recognize it. I imagine most of the noble houses¡ªat least the higher tier ones¡ªin the kingdoms and their guard will recognize it and act ordingly very soon.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Derek said. ¡°Then what else is it good for?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± With another flick of her wrist, nah pulled out another one of the tokens. ¡°The best part is that ites with unlimited free teleportations to any city within the three kingdoms, and we get to skip any pesky lines. I believe that it will be quite the boon for our little adventure. What do you think?¡±


    ¡°You should have led with that,¡± Derek said, then stored his Indaria Token of Merit into his own storage bracelet. ¡°Lines are the worst,¡± he said with augh.


    ¡°Indeed, they are,¡± nah said with a giggle, then turned to Ste. ¡°Ste,¡± she said, causing the woman to finally look up at her. ¡°I¡¯ll leave everything here to Avery. You may decide what it is you want to do from now on.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ nah,¡± Ste answered with a light nod.


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    Watching the interaction between the two women, Derek didn¡¯t know what to think. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder what exactly had gone on with nah and the Crown over thest weeks. It was definitely the strangest interaction he¡¯d ever seen Ste have with nah¡ªnot to mention that when not in private, Ste was very careful to call nah her ¡®mistress¡¯ instead of by her name. Since he didn¡¯t know how close Ste and Malorie had grown since he was gone, he could have just been overthinking things. Plus, it was a very casual setting and environment, and he knew that nah much preferred being called her name instead of any titles.


    ¡°Good,¡± nah said, then turned to Malorie. ¡°Miss Fields, as always, it was a pleasure speaking with you.¡±


    ¡°And you,¡± Malorie said as she stood and slightly bowed. ¡°Miss Swan.¡±


    Finally, nah turned back to Derek and opened her mouth to speak.


    ¡°Hold that thought,¡± Derek said and held his index finger up. After that, he rushed out of the room, then down to the basement where Brandi was working. He didn¡¯t need to tell anyone what he was doing, but since she was right there, and would probably be the one to take him leaving the hardest, he figured it was the best option, and that he should at least give her a head¡¯s up.


    Brandi took it quite well¡ªespecially once he mentioned that he would being back often with his skill. She gave him a light hug, and he tousled her hair before heading back up. But before he turned to go back to the sitting room, he stuck his head in the kitchen that was under renovation.


    ¡°Silvi,¡± he said, getting the bunny¡¯s attention. She had been staring hard at a stove, and Derek was unsure why.


    ¡°What?¡± she asked bluntly when she turned around.


    ¡°It looks like I¡¯m going adventuring with nah for a little while,¡± he said. ¡°Do you want toe?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Silvi said, then tilted her head. ¡°Come get me if you find any tasty ingredients to kill.¡± She nodded seriously. ¡°Or Void Beast. If you summon some, get me. Don¡¯t forget.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Derek said with a chuckle. ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to remember. You need to work on that skill of yours.¡± After that, he left and made his way back to the sitting room with.


    ¡°Alright,¡± he said to nah once the door closed behind him. With a flick of his wrist, his wyvern armor appeared over his body.


    ¡°You got the leg repaired?¡± nah asked as his eyes drifted down to the part of his armor that had been destroyed by the Starfury Leonaris before. He¡¯d fought with the damaged armor on ever since he came back from the raid.


    ¡°Yup,¡± Derek said. ¡°Tyron found me a couple of weeks ago with my gloves, then repaired the rest of my armor from there.¡± He held his arms up, showing the new wyvern-made gloves and light gauntlets.


    ¡°I see,¡± nah said with a nod. ¡°It looks much better without your bare leg sticking out.¡± Then, with a flick of her own wrist, her very own beautiful set of green te armor appeared over her body¡ªit was the same armor that she¡¯d worn the whole time, too. Though, it was much more polished and shiny and any and all of the blemishes caused during her past fights had been repaired and removed.


    ¡°Since we¡¯re doing this,¡± Derek started, then pulled out his diamond-ranked adventurer¡¯s badge before fastening it to his upper arm. ¡°Might as well look the part.¡± He then took his new token and put it on his other arm.


    ¡°Might as well¡­¡± nah said, and did the same¡ªcing both a diamond-ranked badge and the Indaria Token of Merit on the same arm, one right under the other.


    ¡°I should have figured that you¡¯d be diamond-ranked,¡± Derek said with augh.


    ¡°Never had cause to use it,¡± nah replied.


    ¡°Until now,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Yes.¡± nah nodded. ¡°Until now.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Derek said and turned to Malorie. ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t need me for anything?¡±


    ¡°Do I need you for anything?¡± Malorie asked, thenughed loudly. ¡°It seems like I end up with much more work when youe back and start making deals. I thought it was bad when you were in the raid dungeon, but now I believe that was all the struggles of getting the business up and running. I think I can handle everything while you¡¯re gone.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Derek said with a faux sigh and turned to nah. ¡°It seems that I¡¯m not needed here anymore.¡±


    ¡°That seems to be the case,¡± nah said, then, to Malorie, said, ¡°Don¡¯t start a full service business like a restaurant or hotel. You will never have any time if you do that.¡±


    ¡°Especially if it doubles as an information gathering business,¡± Derek chuckled.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Malorie said. ¡°We¡¯re going to stick strictly to retail for now. If Silvi wants to create a small restaurant or something, I will hire someone to manage it all, and Rudy is good at doing it all himself and just giving me reports.¡±


    ¡°That is the best way to do it,¡± nah said, then turned back to Derek onest time. ¡°Shall we go?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Derek replied, then quickly gathered up a couple of chairs in the sitting room. ¡°Just in case,¡± he said to Malorie when she gave him a deadpan stare.


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget toe back in two weeks to see Thomas,¡± Malorie reminded.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Derek said. ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to his tales of dungeon exploration just as much as I¡¯m looking forward to doing it myself.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Malorie said. ¡°In that case, you better get going before everything closes.¡±


    ¡°The teleportation buildings are never closed with these,¡± nah pointed to the merit badge on her arm. ¡°Another perk.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s something,¡± Derek said. <em>Though, once I go somewhere, I won</em><em>¡¯t need to teleport anymore because of Void Travel¡­ but still, I guess it¡¯s less exhausting. </em>Derek inwardly chuckled. <em>It</em><em>¡¯s kind of like unlocking fast travel locations. It¡¯s such a cheat. </em>


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± nah said.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Derek replied, then followed the woman out of the sitting room, down the stairs, then out the shop.


    ¡°So,¡± Derek started as nah took the lead¡ªbringing them to the teleportation building that Derek had dropped Thomas off at earlier that day. ¡°What¡¯s the deal with you and Ste? Seems kind of¡­ tense.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll get into the specifics of thatter when we get to somewhere more private,¡± nah said with a sigh. ¡°For now, just know that there are some changes that must happen, and that have happened, that not everyone is happy about.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Derek said. ¡°Well, it¡¯s none of my business, anyway.¡±


    ¡°It may be,¡± nah said, but then said nothing else. Derek didn¡¯t prod any further.


    Soon enough, the two easily made it to the teleportation building. Their looks and the badges on their arms made it easy to get where they were going without any interference what-so-ever.


    ¡°W-wee,¡± a worker in the building said with a stutter. It was the same man who knew Jacks when they first came to Savannah. Derek didn¡¯t know if the man was nervous because nah was in front of him, or because there were two people with diamond-ranked badges on their arms. ¡°Miss Swan.¡±


    ¡°Tavors?¡± Derek said, hoping he remembered the man¡¯s name correctly.


    ¡°Mr. Hunt?¡± the man questioned. He had much less trouble speaking to Derek than to nah.


    ¡°That¡¯s me,¡± Derek said. <em>Must have been because he was speaking to nah, I be she gets that everywhere, especially when in that armor, </em>he thought. ¡°Looks like we need to use your teleportation circle.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± Tavors replied. ¡°Where to?¡±


    Derek looked at nah, and nah looked back at him before turning her head to Tavors. ¡°Eloria.¡±

 Chapter 443: Eloria?

    Chapter 443: Eloria?


    ¡°Eloria?¡± Derek turned his head and looked at nah with confusion. ¡°Are there a bunch of good dungeons around the capital of Indria or something?¡± he asked. He thought that nah would probably take him around some of the dungeons in Cydaria before moving to dungeons in other regions, so he wasn¡¯t sure why they would start their little adventure in Indria.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± nah said. ¡°There are many decent dungeons around Eloria, but that is not why we are going there. There is something we need to take care of before doing anything else,¡± she exined, but didn¡¯t go into any further detail.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Derek said with a shrug. ¡°I¡¯m just a passenger on this trip. We¡¯ll go with what you have nned.¡± Though curious, it didn¡¯t make any difference where they went. He was actually just d to be out doing something. He felt like he was beginning to get back to being himself after all those decades or more trapped in the void¡ªalbeit, he was getting back to himself, but while actually having friends and people he cared about.


    After the system came to Earth, he spent most of his time alone, and only used his cabin for sleep and a modicum of safety. The rest of the time, he was always doing something like hunting monsters, grinding skills, or getting his ass kicked by Jace. So, after his longest stretch of being home in Savannah, it only made sense to him that he was getting ¡®antsy,¡¯ as Malorie put it.


    If nah wanted to go to Eloria to start the adventure, who was he to say no? <em>Besides, Eloria smells really nice. It will be good to get out of the </em><em>¡®aroma¡¯ of a regr city like this. </em>Natalie did a great job at keeping Savannah cleaner than any of the other cities in Cydaria that he¡¯d been to¡ªand the one in Astrus¡ªbut it still couldn¡¯tpare to the natural City of Elyria.


    ¡°There will be two teleports to get to Eloria,¡± Tavors said, breaking Derek out of his thoughts on the matter. The man reached out to hand nah something that looked like a small set of papers, then said, ¡°Once you arrive through the teleporter, give this to the clerk and they will prepare your next teleport. It should not take very long to get where you are going now that the kingdoms¡¯ teleportation centers are properly connected.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± nah said and took the papers that appeared to be Cydaria¡¯s interpretation of a traveling ticket.


    Derek looked at nah and Tavors strangely. Again, he noticed that something was off with her. She had spoken, and the clerk hadn¡¯t fallen under her passive skills. <em>Maybe clerks invest a lot in wisdom? I guess they don</em><em>¡¯t really need a lot else for what they do, </em>he thought, but inwardly, he knew that couldn¡¯t be the case. If it was, nah wouldn¡¯t have been so happy to have someone other than the elites of the kingdom to speak to when they first spoke.


    And, on top of all of that, nah seemed to be oddly cheerful and forting in her interactions. He <em>was</em> going to chalk it up to the excitement of going on an adventure, but now, he wasn¡¯t sure. However, Derek didn¡¯t make his suspicions known, and just went along with everything for the time being.<em>Now that I think about it, though</em><em>¡­ I don¡¯t think she¡¯s been too cautious about speaking to people for a while¡ªat least, not that I can think of. </em>Back at the Indaria wedding, she had spoken with Avery for a long time during the ceremony, and, while not overly loud, there had to have been people within earshot that would have heard her voice.


    <em>Then there was Tara</em><em>¡¯s kid when he contracted his drake, </em>he thought. Though, he wasn¡¯t sure about that one¡ªthe boy <em>was</em> very strong and his ss seemed to use a lot of intelligence and probably wisdom. shes of his time spent with the half elf went through his head, but he didn¡¯t have enough proof that something was different.


    <em>She seemed very much herself when we had </em><em>¡®meetings¡¯ with the rulers of the kingdoms, </em>he thought. <em>But it</em><em>¡¯s possible that she was leaning into her passive skills during that time as more of a way of intimidation¡­ and why wouldn¡¯t she? I wonder what all happened with her while I was in the raid dungeon¡­ </em>The problem was, other than during their little conquest once he left the dungeon and the short amount of time he spent with her before the raid, Derek still wasn¡¯t all too familiar with the woman. <em></em>


    nah noticed the look that Derek was giving her and Tavors, and sent him a half grin back. <em>Yup, </em>he thought. <em>There is definitely something up with her skills.</em>


    ¡°Please step into the teleportation circle,¡± Tavors said, and the duo followed his instructions. ¡°Please remain as still as possible.¡±


    <em>Yes, yes</em><em>¡­ </em>Derek thought. <em>Keep your arms and legs inside the ride at all times</em><em>¡­ if you experience a sudden loss of arms or legs, the Cydaria¡ªor Indria¡ªteleportation service will not be held liable for your misfortune. </em>


    Finally, the clerk began the process of sending the two away. ¡°3¡­ 2¡­ 1¡­¡± he counted down and the bright blue light associated with teleportation consumed the duo.


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    The next instant, Derek and nah were standing in the center of another teleportation circle with a different clerk looking at them with wide eyes. She was an eleven woman, which made Derek wonder if the first teleportation had already brought the two of them into Indria territory. He couldn¡¯t know for certain without asking, but the surroundings didn¡¯t look naturally made like he would think somewhere in Indria would look¡ªat least based on his short time in Eloria.


    ¡°M-ma¡¯am¡­ S-sir¡­¡± the elvendy stuttered as she greeted the two arrivals. ¡°May I have your ti¡ª¡± she started, but nah reached out with the papers that Tavors had given her and handed it to the clerk. ¡°T-thank you,¡± she said as she epted the ticket.


    ¡°Going to Eloria,¡± the elf said. She injected some mana into the papers, nodded, then handed them back to nah. ¡°Everything is in order. If you would please stay inside the circle without moving, I will have you to your next destination momentarily,¡± she said, then began the process. ¡°Runes ready, teleport in 3¡­ 2¡­ 1¡­¡±


    Again, the blinding blue light washed over the two, and the next time Derek blinked, he was in yet another room with a teleportation circle and a clerk. The difference this time was that the room was much more natural¡ªmade of living wood and some stone. He breathed a deep breath and closed his eyes¡ªtaking in the pleasant smell surrounding him. That was all the information he needed to know that they were already in Eloria.


    ¡°Wee to Eloria!¡± A male voice sounded out before Derek had a chance to open his eyes again.


    ¡°You know,¡± he turned to nah and said before the clerk could say anything else. ¡°I could have brought us here and it would have been faster. We wouldn¡¯t have had to go through the extra teleport.¡± He made to take a step out of the teleportation circle, but nah reached out with her arm, blocking his path forward and causing him to stop in his tracks.


    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t have been faster,¡± nah said, and a frown appeared on Derek¡¯s face. Then, she turned to the elven clerk, handed him their papers, then said, ¡°We need a teleport to Cordonia if that isn¡¯t too much trouble.¡± She slightly turned her body to show the badge and token of merit adorn on her arm.


    ¡°Y-yes,¡± the man said. ¡°Of course, right away. Anything for one with such status. It would be my pleasure.¡±


    <em>Cordonia</em><em>¡­ where have I heard that name before? </em>Derek thought, then it hit him. <em>Oh yeah, that is the so-called refuge for the humans that Indria couldn</em><em>¡¯t allow to go back home that I nned to visit at some point. </em>He looked at nah, who smiled at him once again. She knew that he nned on going to the city to take a look¡ªto make sure that those who were there had been treated well.


    <em>Now that I think about it, it</em><em>¡¯s probably a good time to visit the city sooner rather thanter. With all the other stuff going on, I doubt they¡¯ve had enough time to cover their asses if they were lying. Plus, with all the contracts, I doubt they were, </em>he thought.


    <em>Though, I do bet they have already opened the city up for any of the refugees to leave if they want. Still, it shouldn</em><em>¡¯t be too hard to find someone to let us know how they were treated. </em>He thought about nah again. <em>And we won</em><em>¡¯t have to worry about them lying. </em>Still, he was d that nah thought about going to the city before taking off. It would be one less thing he needed to do once they left there.


    ¡°Here you go,¡± the overly enthusiastic elven clerk handed the papers back to nah, and she took them. ¡°If you would please¡ª¡± he started, but Derek cut him off.


    ¡°Stand in the center of the circle and don¡¯t move,¡± he said with a smile.


    ¡°Yes¡­ that,¡± the man answered, then prepared to activate the circle. ¡°Teleportation ready. Activating in 3¡­ 2¡­ 1¡­¡±


    For the third time on their currently very short journey, the blue light washed over them and they disappeared. Derek had to say, he wasn¡¯t the biggest fan of these constant teleportations. He wasn¡¯t sure if it was because he didn¡¯t full trust them or the people activating them, or because he was just used to his own traveling skill. It did allow him to make a much more grand entrance, after all.


    Finally, the light died down and they were in yet another city¡¯s teleportation center. The look of his current surroundings made Derek think that the first ce they teleported to was either in Cydaria or very close to the border, because¡ªif they were in Cordonia like he thought¡ªit wasid out just like Eloria had been.


    The sweet smell of fresh flowers and nature wasn¡¯t <em>as </em>strong, but it was still there. Also, there were a bit more man-made items and flooring in the building, but overall, it was still mostly natural.


    ¡°Wee to Cordonia,¡± a feminine voice called out upon their arrival, and Derek took a look at the speaker. She was just about as beautiful as any other female elf Derek hade across. She also had a bright smile stered on her face that increased her beauty, but, once again, the smile fell away to shock, then excitement, once she saw the tokens pinned to their arms. ¡°How may I help such esteemed guests today?¡± she asked.


    <em>That</em><em>¡¯s two for two on the overly respectful elves, </em>Derek thought. <em>That first ce was definitely still in Cydaria. The clerks here in Indria must have already had these merit badges and proper treatment of those who wear them hammered into their heads. I</em><em>¡¯m sure everyone in Indria is on edge because of everything that happened. </em>


    ¡°Thank you for your concern,¡± nah answered to the woman. ¡°But we will be able to manage ourselves.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Madam,¡± the woman bowed deeply to the half-elf, then stepped to the side to allow a path out of the teleportation circle and through the building. ¡°Please do not hesitate to let me know if there is anything I can do for you.¡±


    nah nodded to the woman and stepped forward¡ªout of the circle¡ªand Derek followed. As they were walking through the building, nah whispered, ¡°From what little research I was able to do, I do not believe Cordonia is a veryrge city. It should be closer to one of the sub-cities in Cydaria, or even smaller.¡±


    ¡°That makes sense,¡± Derek said. ¡°Especially if it was just a ce to send ¡®refugees¡¯ from other kingdoms.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± nah shook her head. ¡°It is <em>still </em>a proper city in Indria, and Indrian citizens have chosen¡ªof their own ord¡ªto live here. It is not <em>only </em>a refugee city.¡±


    ¡°Well then, let¡¯s see what it looks like,¡± Derek whispered to her. ¡°Then you can tell me all about whatever is going on with you.¡±

 Chapter 444: Cordonia

    Chapter 444: Cordonia


    ¡°All in due time,¡± nah said with a chuckle as they continued to make their way through the building, then, with a whisper, she said, ¡°But let¡¯s focus on this city for now¡ªleave the questions and answers forter.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Derek said. Her reply had all but confirmed that there was something going on with her passive ability to control people. <em>Maybe it</em><em>¡¯s somehow changed from a passive ability that she couldn¡¯t turn off to one that she can? </em>He thought. <em>Or she could just haveplete control over it now. Did she evolve like me at some point? </em>He had many questions racing through his head, but she was right. It wasn¡¯t the time or ce to ask or answer those questions.


    Finally, the duo made it to the front of the building while being presented with bows from almost everyone they walked past. The only people who did not choose to bow were the ones who were busy cleaning or doing other tasks and didn¡¯t happen to see them. <em>These badges really make a guy feel like a celebrity, </em>Derek thought with a grin.


    ¡°Allow me,¡± one of the workers said as the two stepped in front of the exit. Then, with both hands, he pushed the double doors open¡ªrevealing the city behind.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Derek said as he fell in line behind nah and walked outside.


    ¡°This is it,¡± nah said. ¡°Cordonia.¡± She looked around where they were and up and down the streets.


    ¡°Looks pretty normal,¡± Derek said. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what I was expecting.¡±


    ¡°This is my first time here,¡± nah replied. ¡°But it¡¯s about what I was expecting if the information given to us by the royal family of Indria was urate.¡±


    The surrounding city was basically a mini version of Eloria, just like how the teleportation center was a mini version of the capital¡¯s teleportation center. Small children of many races were running up and down the streets¡ªall the whileughing and giggling.¡°That¡¯s a good sign,¡± Derek said, pointing to a pair of human children¡ªa boy and a girl¡ªthat looked well fed and happy. As they made their way past Derek and nah, Derek stopped them by holding out one of the very few silver coins that he was carrying. ¡°You can have this if you answer a few questions. What do you say?¡±


    ¡°Is that a silver piece?¡± the boy asked with bug-eyes.


    ¡°It is,¡± Derek replied.


    The boy hesitated and looked at the girl, who may have been a little older than he was. After a few seconds of looking at each other, then back at the coin, the girl answered, ¡°Okay, but we can¡¯t be long. Momma will be mad if we don¡¯t get back soon.¡±


    ¡°Great,¡± Derek said and flipped the coin with his thumb to the little boy, who quickly snatched it out of the air. Derek waited for the glee and excitement to leave the boy before beginning his round of questioning. ¡°How long have you lived here?¡± he asked. ¡°In this city.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t know,¡± the boy answered, then looked at the girl.


    ¡°We left with momma, then some elves brought us here. I was six then, I¡¯m eight now,¡± the older of the two children answered.


    ¡°Great,¡± Derek said, praising them for their answer. ¡°Do you like it here? Are you treated well here?¡±


    ¡°I love it!¡± the boy quickly answered. ¡°I have friends here. Momma has work. And we always have food!¡±


    ¡°Good, good,¡± Derek said, and couldn¡¯t keep himself from tousling the boy¡¯s hair like he always did with Brandi and Thomas. ¡°Nobody¡¯s ever mean to you or your momma?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Some of the other kids are mean to me,¡± the boy answered with a pout.


    ¡°He¡¯s not talking about the other kids, Paulie,¡± the girl informed her brother. ¡°He¡¯s talking about the elves¡ªthe ones that brought us here. Right?¡±


    ¡°Smart kid,¡± Derek said to the girl with a smile. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m talking about the elves who brought you here, or just the elves in general. Do they treat you well?¡±


    ¡°They don¡¯t treat us bad,¡± the girl answered.


    ¡°But?¡± Derek said.


    ¡°But they aren¡¯t very friendly,¡± she replied.


    ¡°How so?¡±


    ¡°We had a friend, but his daddy said he couldn¡¯t y with us,¡± Paulie, the young boy, answered, then a bright smile appeared on his face. ¡°But his daddy changed his mind, and he¡¯s able to y with us again.¡±


    ¡°When did his father change his mind?¡± Derek asked.


    The boy held out his fingers and began counting. ¡°Five days ago! When we had fish for lunch. I love fish.¡±


    ¡°Five days ago, huh?¡± Derek said while scratching his chin. <em>I guess Indria has had a long enough time to implement the new rules and regtion, and it has probably reached around the kingdom by now. </em>Derek knew that many, if not most, of the elves in Indria would have a hard time epting all the new regtions, but, if this first encounter was anything to go by, it seemed that they were at least slowlying to terms with and epting everything.


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    ¡°Mhm,¡± the kid answered with a nod. ¡°Five days!¡± he held up his right hand and showed all five fingers on it. ¡°Agnon is amazing, too! He has some of the coolest ears,¡± the boy said excitedly. ¡°They are extra pointy.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah?¡± Derek chuckled. ¡°Well, I¡¯m happy that you and your friend Agnon get to y together again.¡±


    ¡°Can we go now?¡± the young girl asked. She had seemed much more cautious and skeptical over the encounter than her younger brother. ¡°Momma will be mad if we stay out much longer.¡±


    ¡°You can go,¡± Derek said with a smile, and tousled the boy¡¯s hair again. ¡°Don¡¯t spend that silver all in one ce,¡± he said. ¡°Now hurry on before your mom gets mad. Nothing is scarier than an angry mom.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, mister!¡± the young boy yelled as he took off down the street. The girl hesitated again, then lightly bowed before taking off behind her brother.


    ¡°Good kids,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Most are at that age,¡± nah answered.


    ¡°I guess,¡± Derek said. ¡°Now¡­ let¡¯s see. Where is the building that is supposed to sell those standard servant contracts?¡± he asked nah. <em>What was it called again? </em>


    ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be too far from here,¡± nah replied. ¡°Would want it to be close to the teleportation buildings and centers.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± Derek said with a nod. ¡°I should have asked the kids before they ran off¡­¡± he trailed off as he looked around and his eyes found another person walking down the street. ¡°He¡¯ll do,¡± he said and ran towards the man to catch up to him.


    He was an elven man with blond hair and a very expensive-looking pair of clothes. He looked young, but that wasn¡¯t something he could actually tell with an elf. The elf very much looked the part of a noble. <em>If nothing else, it will be another good test, </em>Derek thought as he drew closer. Of course, it wouldn¡¯t be the best test, as both Derek and nah were wearing their impressive armor and badges, but he could at least get the feel of what a noble would think about a human and half elf.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Derek said to the man, causing him to turn around.


    ¡°Yes?¡± the man said with a slightly exasperated sigh. ¡°What do you need?¡± His eyes fell on Derek¡¯s ears and face, then trailed down his armor, eventually focusing on the badges on his arm. To Derek¡¯s surprise, his demeanor didn¡¯t change at all. He just kept his calm, but slightly ¡®put out¡¯ attitude.


    ¡°I¡¯m looking for your uh¡­ supply store¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°Like, the building where one would go to get basic supplies and, like¡­ standard servant contracts.¡±


    ¡°The Kingdom Supplier Store?¡± the man asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s it,¡± Derek said. <em>That</em><em>¡¯s what Osian called the stores in each city that offer the cheap servant contracts.</em>


    The man before him sighed, then pointed over his shoulder with his thumb. ¡°It¡¯s right there¡­ in front of you.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Derek said, looking past the man and seeing the sign that said ¡®Kingdom Supplier¡¯ hanging on the building just in front of them. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes,¡± the noble elf muttered. ¡°Is there anything else the two of you need? If not, I need to go.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Derek said. ¡°That¡¯s all I was looking for.¡±


    Without saying anything else, or even giving a ¡®goodbye,¡¯ the elf turned back around and walked off.


    ¡°Strange man,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Indeed,¡± nah agreed.


    ¡°But I¡¯m pretty sure he would have acted the same way no matter who it was that stopped him in the street,¡± Derek said. ¡°Well¡­ unless it was like¡­ Osian or something. I¡¯m sure he would have acted differently with the king.¡±


    ¡°That is probably so,¡± nah said. ¡°But at least I did not sense any animosity toward either your nor myself when he looked us over.¡±


    ¡°I guess that¡¯s the best you can hope for in some cases with nobles,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Yes,¡± nah replied. ¡°Neither overly good nor overly bad.¡±


    ¡°Mhm¡­¡± Derek agreed, then nodded his head at the store in front of them. ¡°Let¡¯s go check it out.¡±


    A few secondster, the duo of two of the continent¡¯s strongest people walked into one of the supply shops of the Indria kingdom. It was a regr-looking shop, not unlike his own¡ªexcept for the shop not having weapons or a cool ethereal glow because of the material used to build it. There were cases with items¡ªsome potions, essories, and other small items.


    There was also what looked like a chalkboard on the back wall behind the clerk¡¯s counter with a list of items and prices. On the board, Derek saw a category that said ¡®NEW¡¯ and underneath it, he saw the ¡®Standard Servant Contract.¡¯ Nowhere on the board did he see anything about the old contract, so that was good.


    The shop was surprisingly empty, with he and nah being the only two customers. Derek walked up to the counter, and a bored-looking elf finally looked up to see his new customers.


    ¡°Wee to the Kingdom Suppl¡ª¡± the man started, but his eyes went wide when they looked upon his and nah¡¯s gear. Then, though Derek didn¡¯t know it was possible, they went even wider when theynded on the two badges on their arms. ¡°Uhem¡­¡± the man cleared his throat and got a hold of himself. ¡°Wee to the Kingdom Supplier Store of Indria. How may I help the Honored Customers?¡±


    ¡°No need for all that,¡± Derek said, waving the man¡¯s decorum off. ¡°I just wanted to have a look at the ¡®new¡¯ servant contract.¡± Derek fished out another silver from his storage bracelet and tossed it onto the counter. ¡°Keep the change,¡± he said. <em>Osian wasn</em><em>¡¯t lying when he said that the contracts were cheap, was he? </em>Derek thought. The price next to the contract didn¡¯t even cost a single silver.


    <em>¡®I may need some of your magic in a second,¡¯ </em>Derek said to nah telepathically, and she just nodded from beside him.


    ¡°Here you go, Honored Customers,¡± the clerk said as he handed the scroll over the counter to Derek.


    Derek quickly took the scroll, opened it, and began skimming. <em>Well, all this looks pretty good, </em>he thought as he went over the requirements of the servant and theirpensation. <em>It</em><em>¡¯s like a real job or career now, </em>he thought.


    ¡°Great,¡± Derek said to the clerk. ¡°Now, do you have one of the ¡®other¡¯ servant contracts I can buy?¡±


    ¡°No, sir!¡± the clerk swiftly answered. ¡°We were made to destroy those contracts and are no longer allowed to sell them.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Derek asked, then looked at nah and nodded.


    ¡°Answer me truthfully, and add anything you may think relevant to your answers,¡± nah said, and for the first time, Derek felt the telltale tug on his mind thates from nah¡¯smands. ¡°Did you really destroy all the other contracts?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± the clerk answered with nk eyes.


    ¡°Why?¡± the siren asked.


    ¡°The penalty and punishment for carrying or selling those contracts is severe. I would not dare be caught with them,¡± he answered.


    ¡°Good!¡± Derek said. ¡°We¡¯re good, nah.¡± <em>Looks like she has no problem turning the skill on when needed. Interesting¡­</em>


    ¡°One moment,¡± nah said, then focused back on the clerk. ¡°Are there any ck markets around here that sell those contracts or do anything shady with non-elves?¡±


    ¡°No, not that I am aware of. Any such known organizations throughout the kingdom have been snuffed out over thest months,¡± the clerk said.


    ¡°Very well,¡± nah said, and Derek felt the tugpletely disappear from his mind.


    ¡°I think that¡¯s good enough,¡± Derek said to nah as he turned and left the shop. ¡°The kids seemed happy enough, and they have been here for a while, and it seems like the shops are on the up-and-up.¡±


    ¡°That seems to be the case,¡± the woman replied.


    ¡°Back to the teleporter?¡± Derek asked and took a step forward, but nah held out her arm and stopped him once again.


    ¡°Nope,¡± she said. ¡°You said your little smith like golem cores, right?¡±

 Chapter 445: Let the Adventure Begin!

    Chapter 445: Let the Adventure Begin!


    ¡°Golem cores?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± nah replied. ¡°Golem cores. I was going over the information I¡­ borrowed for our dungeon adventure the other day and came across a pretty unique dungeon close to Cordonia.¡±


    ¡°I knew there was more than one reason you would bring me here,¡± Derek said with a chuckle.


    ¡°More like I knew we needed toe here, so I looked around to find what else we could do around here so we wouldn¡¯t waste too much time,¡± the siren exined.


    ¡°In that case,¡± Derek said. ¡°Go ahead and lead the way. Brandi has been doing extraordinary things with the mana cores I got from those lower-level golems, so if we can get her some from some higher-level golems, then that would be amazing.¡±


    ¡°I thought that would be the case,¡± nah said, then began jogging down the street. ¡°I was able to examine one of her mana core powered swords. It was quite the piece of work. The quality isn¡¯t quite there yet, but the ingenuity is. One day, probably soon, she will give The Walking Forge a run for his money.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t let Tyron hear you say that,¡± Derekughed as he kicked off the ground and began running beside the woman. ¡°Imagine telling him that a fifteen-year-old girl was closing in on him just two years after unlocking the system.¡±


    ¡°Mhm,¡± nah agreed as she increased her speed. ¡°Though, once you get to the point where he is¡ªwhere¡­ others are¡ªthe smallest improvements be major aplishments. She will hit that wall once her level and skills reach a certain point. That is where you will find out what she¡¯s made of.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Derek said. ¡°I can see that.¡± Soon, the duo formed from thebination of two of the strongest people on the continent was moving at a blur to most other people. They were careful to avoid any pedestrian and did their best not to affect anyone on the street. What they were doing was frowned upon in most ces, but it was less rude than simply jumping into the sky and moving above the city. Besides, the majority of people was barely able to notice them before they passed.¡°If she chooses to, she can make a fantastic living anywhere on the continent by crafting bulk weapons for kingdoms and adventurers, and there¡¯s nothing wrong with that. But her growth and progression will halt or at least severely slow.¡±


    ¡°She knows,¡± Derek said. Marrick had given some of the same lessons to her before he departed. ¡°But I don¡¯t think we have to worry about that with her. She¡¯s not the type to settle like that. The only time I can imagine her bulk crafting weapons or armor is if it¡¯s for those she cares about¡ªwhich I still imagine she would put as much effort as possible equipping them¡ªor if it¡¯s for materials that she needs, or money to obtain them.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± nah said with a nod as they reached the gates to the city.


    ¡°H-halt!¡± an elven guard atop the wall half yelled as he breathed in a deep breath. There was no need for him to say or do anything, though, as nah and Derek had already stopped once they arrived at the gates.


    ¡°Ah,¡± Derek said. ¡°We¡¯re doing this all official-like.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s faster if we have toe back to use this teleporter,¡± nah said, then pulled the papers out of her storage ring and tossed them to the guard who barely had time to see and catch them before they hit him in the chest.


    ¡°Nice throw,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Uh¡­¡± the guard muttered before finally moving his eyes from the duo to the papers. ¡°Oh¡­ I see.¡± The man tossed the papers back to nah without doing anything else to them. ¡°The token?¡± he asked.


    Both nah and Derek turned their bodies a bit, just to where he could see the adventurer¡¯s badge and Token of Merit on their arms.


    ¡°Very good,¡± the guard said as he bowed. ¡°You may enter and exit any proper city within Indria. We have been made aware of the token¡¯s status. There is no need for any extra papers when entering and exiting our cities,¡± he exined. The guard pulled a crystal out of his storage and in the next moment, the gate began to open. ¡°I wish the honored guests luck in their adventures.¡± He bowed deeply once again.


    nah raised her eyebrows, then turned to look at Derek.


    ¡°Neat,¡± he said with a shrug. ¡°I guess Indria is really on top of their game. I wonder how far behind Indaria and Cydaria aregging when ites to the tokens.¡±


    ¡°Quite far, I would imagine,¡± nah replied, then nodded toward the guard and began walking through the gate at a slower pace.


    ¡°Probably,¡± Derek said as he followed beside her. ¡°Osian is pretty good about running a tight ship. It definitely makes more sense that Indria is already prepared. Though it does make me wonder if we came here toote.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± nah said. ¡°Like you said, those children have been here for a long time and seemed more than okay. And the shop clerk wasn¡¯t able to lie to us.¡±


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    ¡°True,¡± Derek said. With onest step, the duo made it outside the city gates and they began to close behind them. Derek looked back over his shoulder to see the tightly shut gates. ¡°It¡¯s even nice from the outside,¡± he said. The city had walls, but they were just raised stones from earth mages with vines growing all over them.


    ¡°Yes, it is. Most elven settlements have this inmon. They really are one with nature,¡± nah said with a wistful sigh.


    Derek nodded, then walked closer to the wall and ced his hand on one of therge vines. Instantly, a thorn grew and tried to skewer his hand. Of course, it didn¡¯t even leave a mark on him. ¡°I was wondering what would happen if someone or something just tried to climb the walls by using the vines¡­ now I know.¡±


    ¡°They definitely help keep out the mid to lower-level criminals and beasts,¡± nah said. ¡°But it can also help slow down those who aren¡¯t weak. Which can give the guards more time to prepare if needed.¡±


    ¡°I can see that,¡± Derek said, before turning back to nah. ¡°So, do you know where we¡¯re going?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I will,¡± nah replied, then, with a flick of her wrist, a map appeared in her hands. She unfolded it, then studied it for a short time. Finally, she folded the map back up and it disappeared back into her storage ring. ¡°It¡¯s that way,¡± she said as she pointed northeast of where they were. ¡°About five hours away at a brisk walk.¡±


    ¡°A brisk walk, huh?¡± Derekughed. ¡°That¡¯s like what? Half an hour for us at a medium pace?¡±


    ¡°Something like that,¡± nah replied as her body began vibrating at a speed that Derek could barely make out. Once it hit a certain speed, she didn¡¯t look any different from usual, but her body began to raise into the air. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± she said once she was a good twenty or thirty feet high.


    ¡°Race you there.¡± Derek kicked off the ground and activated Void Steps. With the skill going, he was able to stay in the air beside the woman.


    ¡°That wouldn¡¯t be fair to you,¡± nah replied. The next instant, she disappeared.


    ¡°Oh, shit!¡± Derek smiled widely. <em>She</em><em>¡¯s fast, and that¡¯s not even with her transformed into that other version of herself, </em>he thought. Finally, making sure he was facing the correct direction, he activated Powerstride and used it to its full potential.


    It took Derek a couple of minutes longer to arrive at the dungeon than nah had. She was already waiting for him when he got there. It wasn¡¯t exactly his fault that she ended up waiting¡ªher directions were slightly off, and he had missed it by a fair distance before he realized something was wrong. Powerstride was still not the easiest skill for him to control¡ªespecially at level one. But, on the bright side, on his way to the dungeon, he was able to bring the skill up a level to level two.


    Still, once Derek released he had to have missed the dungeon, he just opened a tunnel with Void Travel and sensed where the siren had vanished to before closing it and heading that way. It would have been a little quicker if he¡¯d just stepped inside and traveled to her that way, but he would prefer to use this time to level his under-leveled skills than using the ones that were already maxed out or didn¡¯t have levels to begin with. <em>Except for Channel Void, </em>Derek thought. <em>I</em><em>¡¯m definitely going to need that skill while inside this dungeon.</em>


    If what nah said was right, they would be entering a golem dungeon, and the best way to deal with those monsters was a nice punch to the core while channeling void energy into his fist.


    ¡°Took you long enough,¡± nah said once Derek arrived. She was standing by a light gray floating dungeon orb.


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised there¡¯s nobody around here,¡± Derek said as he surveyed the surrounding area.


    ¡°Golem dungeons.¡± nah shrugged. ¡°There aren¡¯t many people who enjoy them because they don¡¯t really give materials to use or sell, and, as far as I know, thepletion reward isn¡¯t worth the pain of dealing with golems or running the dungeon over and over for a small chance at more rewards,¡± she exined.


    ¡°They don¡¯t give materials for most people,¡± Derek corrected. ¡°But with my methods.¡± He covered his hand in purple void energy and punched out. ¡°They give some really good material,¡± he said. ¡°Besides, I¡¯ve not found a better opponent for leveling my skills yet. They don¡¯t drop a ton of experience, and there aren¡¯t too many of them, so you can focus on skill grinding with leveling yourself much.¡± That was his favorite thing about the golem dungeon outside of Savannah.


    ¡°True,¡± nah said. ¡°But for most people, to enter a level 250 golem dungeon without being level 250 would be tantamount tomitting suicide.¡±


    ¡°I guess that¡¯s true,¡± Derek replied. ¡°So, what is thepletion reward for the dungeon?¡±


    ¡°ording to this.¡± nah pulled out the map again. ¡°Thepletion reward is potions. Potions are verymon rewards for dungeons,¡± she exined. ¡°Looking at the map, I¡¯d say that at least thirty percent of the dungeons reward potions.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Derek said. ¡°I imagine that if you¡¯re looking for potions, there are much easier dungeons to take part in that offer them as rewards than this one?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± the siren agreed.


    ¡°Do you know anything else about this dungeon?¡± Derek asked. He wondered if it was going to be a multiple stage dungeon like the first golem dungeon he¡¯dpleted.


    ¡°I do.¡± nah nodded, then smiled widely. ¡°It seems to be a sort of wave-type dungeon with bosses.¡±


    ¡°Which means what, exactly?¡±


    ¡°It means that there will be multiple waves of golems with a boss golem included in each one, and there will be limited downtime between waves. Are you up for that?¡±


    ¡°Sounds pretty easy,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± nah chuckled. ¡°Easy for you and me.¡±


    ¡°True,¡± Derek replied with a nod. ¡°But it also seems kind of perfect for me, at least, if the waves of golems don¡¯t actually include hundreds of them in each wave.¡± If that was the case, then he would basically gain his remaining 21 levels to level 250 in just a couple of runs, and he didn¡¯t want that. He wanted to milk his lower level for skill gains as best he could. He knew it wouldn¡¯t be long before he was forced to hit level 250, so he was going to make the most out of what he could.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t.¡± nah pointed at the map. ¡°Looks like at least six regr golems in each wave, plus the boss, so seven enemies in each wave, minimum, but there shouldn¡¯t ever be many more than that. Though, what we get is a bit random.¡±


    ¡°That shouldn¡¯t be too bad, then,¡± Derek said. ¡°Does it say what kind of golems we¡¯ll be dealing with?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Nope.¡± nah shook her head. ¡°ording to this, it¡¯s random. If we run it more than once, it should be different every time. Max level dungeons usually have something extra like this to make them harder since we can continuouslyplete them for rewards.¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡± Derek nodded. ¡°A way for the system to stop or slow exploiting a single dungeon,¡± he said. <em>It</em><em>¡¯s probably also why most of the dungeons have lower tier rewards. I bet the dungeons with better rewards are much harder¡ªlike the raid ones.</em>


    ¡°Probably,¡± nah agreed, then took a step toward the dungeon orb. ¡°Are you ready?¡±


    ¡°Let the adventure begin!¡±

 Chapter 446: Duo Diver

    Chapter 446: Duo Diver


    ¡°Am I ready? To run a golem dungeon?¡± Derek asked with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m kind of a golem exterminator. I¡¯ve probably destroyed more golems than anybody on this continent. Just ask Brandi how many cores I brought her back.¡±


    ¡°Then, you¡¯re ready?¡± she asked again with a chuckled.


    ¡°Of course I¡¯m ready.¡± Derek snorted.


    ¡°Great!¡± nah said, then reached out and ced her hand on the dungeon orb. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Derek followed right behind her and ced his hand on the orb, too¡ªeven though he didn¡¯t need to do so since he was already within the area of the orb¡¯s influence. His hand was instantly stuck to the orb while he waited. It took a while, but he soon received the notification he was waiting for.


    Dungeon Countdown Timer Depleted


    Participants: 2/6


    nah Swan: Level ???Derek Hunt: Level ???


    Please Choose an Option Below


    View Dungeon


    Enter Dungeon


    Leave Dungeon


    It had been a while since he had to wait for a dungeon countdown timer because of his Solo Diver Achievement and the fact that the raid dungeon had the maximum number of people participating in it. ¡°Do you have the Solo Diver Achievement?¡± Derek asked nah.


    ¡°I do,¡± she answered.


    ¡°That¡¯s a shame,¡± Derek said. ¡°It doesn¡¯t look like we can just instantly start it up, even though both of us have the achievement. That¡¯s going to add a lot of time on each run¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not too bad,¡± nah said with a shrug. ¡°Maybe there¡¯s another achievement we can get for just the two of us¡ªa Duo Diver Achievement.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope so. That¡¯s like¡­ thirty seconds or something that we can¡¯t get back¡­ Which, now that I think about it¡­ really isn¡¯t anything,¡± he replied. ¡°Okay. Apparently, I¡¯m just impatient.¡± Derek shook his head, then mentally selected ¡®View Dungeon.¡¯ Another notification popped up in front of him.


    Dungeon Status


    Dungeon Level


    250


    Dungeon Type


    Rock/Elemental


    Dungeon State


    Approaching Instability


    Dungeon Rewards


    Potion


    Max Participants


    6


    ¡°Oh,¡± Derek said after viewing the status. ¡°It looks like we came just in time. We canplete it before it bes unstable.¡±


    ¡°There is plenty of time, actually,¡± nah said. ¡°Even if it was unstable, there is still a long time before it reaches overflow,¡± she exined, and Derek nodded. ¡°Anyway, are you ready?¡±


    Derek nodded, then another notification came.


    Participants Ready: 1/2


    nah Swan: Ready


    Derek Hunt: Ready


    He took in a deep breath, then:


    Entering Dungeon in 3¡­ 2¡­ 1¡­


    A blinding white light washed over the duo¡ªcausing Derek to instinctually close his eyes¡ªthen, they disappeared.


    Derek let out his breath as the light faded, then he opened his eyes. <em>Whew, </em>he thought. <em>I</em><em>¡¯m not in a room with a weird elf and a reclining chair this time. </em>


    Quickly, he looked around to get an idea of his surroundings. They were standing in the middle of what looked like an arena¡ªexcept without any audience stands or walls. There was nothing but t, hardened dirt beneath them, stretching a long distance in a sort of circle or oval. <em>Weird, </em>he thought, as he didn¡¯t see any type of safe room. <em>Maybe this is just a safe space, and the golems wille when we</em><em>¡­ </em>he was thinking, but he was soon interrupted with another notification.


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    Wave One Iing in 3¡­ 2¡­ 1¡­


    ¡°That¡¯s unexpected,¡± he said as he held his arm out and summoned Harbinger. ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting it to just¡­ start.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s level 250 dungeons for you,¡± nah said. ¡°Many still have the same safe spaces that the earlier dungeons have, but not all.¡±


    Once the timer reached zero, another blinding white light appeared all around them in the distance. When the light dissipated, what was left was a bunch ofpletely built up golems. <em>No assembly required, </em>Derek thought with a chuckle. Before, he was used to all the stones that built the golemsying on the ground then forming the golem when he got close¡ªthat apparently wasn¡¯t going to happen this time.


    Wave Two Iing in 5 Minutes¡­


    ¡°How do you want to do this?¡± nah asked from the side as her rapier appeared in her hand.


    ¡°Looks like we got five minutes,¡± Derek said. ¡°Let¡¯s take out the majority of them, then do some experimenting. What do you think?¡±


    ¡°That sounds like a n,¡± the siren replied. ¡°Start there¡­¡± she pointed in front of them. ¡°I¡¯ll work my way left and you work your way right.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Derek said, then kicked off the ground until he was in the air. Next, he used a much more controlled Powerstride to end up in front of the first golem. As soon as he appeared, he was hit by a jet of boiling water and dozens of razer-sharp leaves. <em>It</em><em>¡¯s a mix of a bunch of different element types. </em>As he held his free forearm up in front of himself for protection, he studied the surrounding golems. He saw a golem with the typical blue water core, one with the usual red fire core, and one with what looked like a green nature core.


    <em>That</em><em>¡¯s cool, </em>he thought. Thest golem dungeon was water, fire, wind, and earth golems. He¡¯d been in this level 250 dungeon for less than a minute and he¡¯d already ran into a golem with a different element. <em>Brandi</em><em>¡¯s going to love this. </em>Mentally, Derek marked the nature cored golem as the ¡®experimental¡¯ golem.


    Derek used Void Steps to jump higher into the air away from the attacks, then, with a flick of his wrist, a potion appeared in his hand and gulped it down¡ªit was one of the skill potions he¡¯d been¡­ awarded for all his hard work. As soon as he drank the potion, he felt a sort of Zen-like feeling of calm wash over him and he smiled.


    With the potion active, he focused his attention away from the nature golem and on the water one. <em>Seems like the perfect time to work on my uracy, </em>he thought as he reached out with his free hand and made a grasping-like motion. <em>Damn, just missed. </em>He watched as the small box representing his Spatial Copse skill took out a portion of the golem¡¯s torso just to the left of its core. <em>I</em><em>¡¯ll get it next time.</em>


    Derek kicked off a void ripple to dodge another jet of water, then winced as a huge explosion threatened to knock him out of the air. He looked over to where the fire golem was and saw nah floating above a pile of rocks. <em>That was fast, </em>he thought. nah then disappeared from sight and reappeared in front of another golem. Derek brought his focus back on the water golem he was fighting and continued.


    This time, he didn¡¯t miss. With a swipe of Harbinger, he activated Spatial Rend and a small space opened up directly in the center of the golem¡¯s torso, where its core was. The next instant, a portion of the core disappeared, and the core began to glow brightly. More and more cracks spread out through the core like spiderwebs, then the bright light shot out of the core like aser before a deafening explosion of blue light and shrapnel rang throughout the arena.


    Derek batted a couple of pieces of stone down with his free hand as he waited for the dust on the ground to clear. Once it did, all that was left was another pile of rubble and a crater in the ground. <em>Now she has one and I have</em><em>¡­ </em>he began to think but was interrupted by another explosion in the distance. <em>Like I was saying, now she has two and I have one. </em>


    He chuckled, then focused on an earth golem in the distance¡ªleaving the nature golem forter. For the next two minutes, he used Powerstride to move between golems, and used every unleveled skill he had when it came off cooldown. Because there weren¡¯t a ton of enemy golems, he took his time so he would have more opportunities to use his skills. This included Spatial Rend, Spatial Copse, Chain Lightning, Multi-Strike with Whirlwind sh, and even Chain Lightning¡ªwhich, unfortunately, didn¡¯t seem to do much to any golem other than water-based ones.


    It would be dumb to defeat all the enemies quickly¡ªwithout getting everything he could out of them. After all, each wave was timed and the next wave wouldn¡¯t start just because they defeated all the other enemies.


    With two minutes left until the next wave came, the entire area began to rumble as another golem¡ªthis one at looking to be at least three times the size of the others¡ªrose from the center of the arena. Once the rumbling stopped, and Derek was able to make out the extremely bulky enemy, he saw that it was a giant, earth-based golem boss.


    Derek licked his lips and prepared tounch himself toward the new threat, but before he was even able to activate a skill, he saw the cracks begin to spread out through its core as it prepared to explode. <em>What the hell, nah? </em>He clicked his tongue as the green-haired half elf appeared above the golem and she shot Derek her widest grin.


    With the boss of the wave defeated, there were only two golems left standing¡ªthe nature-based one that Derek had kept alive, and what looked to be a lightning-based golem that nah had found. Derek finally set his sights on the nature golem, but before he went to fight it, nah appeared next to him.


    ¡°I want to watch how you do it,¡± nah said when he looked at her questioningly.


    ¡°Fine by me,¡± Derek replied before kicking off a void ripple andunching himself at the golem. The next instant, Harbinger disappeared back into his body and he began channeling as much void into his fist as possible. A momentter and Derek was directly in front of the nature golem¡¯s core.


    He activated Multi-Strike, then, with as much strength as he could muster, he struck out with his fist. His fistnded directly on the middle of the core and it began to glow. <em>Dammit! </em>He inwardly shouted as the core prepared to explode. Quickly, he moved his void energy to his other hand and struck with a palm. A second after the palm hit, the core glowed brighter, then dimmed.


    The nature golem then lost all form, and the stones fell to the ground with a muffled thud. Derek breathed a sigh of relief as nah appeared next to him. ¡°That took more than I was expecting,¡± he said as he let the void energy fade away from his hand. <em>Next time I</em><em>¡¯ll try channeling the void into both hands and activating Multi-Strike, </em>he thought. When he was sparring against the instructors of Thomas¡¯s academy, he¡¯d found out that he could easily split and channel the void into both hands because of his high wisdom and intelligence.


    ¡°Interesting,¡± nah said from beside him.


    ¡°Do you think you can do it?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, maybe,¡± she answered. ¡°I don¡¯t have any dyed attack that¡­ it looks like¡­ hit the inside of something?¡± she both said and asked at the same time.


    ¡°Something like that,¡± Derek said. ¡°I¡¯m actually still not sure how it all works.¡± He shrugged. ¡°I just know that it does.¡±


    ¡°Interesting,¡± nah said again. ¡°That¡¯s something you should look into. If there¡¯s anything I¡¯ve learned recently, it¡¯s that you need to know the ins and outs of your own power.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not like I don¡¯t try,¡± Derek said as he watched the lightning-cored golem zip at them from across the arena. He looked at the countdown timer and they still had a short amount of time before the next wave. ¡°Void is just¡­¡± He sighed and shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s a mystery, really. At least I know a bit more about it after some recent fights, but I feel like I¡¯ve only just touched the surface. But I¡¯m definitely trying.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± nah shrugged. ¡°At least you have a goal,¡± she said. ¡°Now, let¡¯s see if I can match what you just did.¡±


    After that, she vanished from Derek¡¯s sight, and when he saw next, she was hovering right in front of the lightning golem¡¯s core. From the distance, he watched as she spread her arms out like she wanted to give it a giant hug, then she swiftly pushed them forward until they were resting on the front of the core.


    ¡°What the hell is she doing?¡±

 Chapter 447: Worth It

    Chapter 447: Worth It


    Derek stared in awe as the siren worked on shutting down the lightning golem¡¯s core like he had done with the nature golem. Still, he was unsure what her n was and what exactly it was that she was doing. All he could see from where he was at was her floating at its core height with her hands ced on the core itself.


    He may have been confused, but if the golems had emotions, the lightning one could be considered pissed. Derek winced as he saw a bolt of lightningnd directly on the siren¡¯s back. He expected nah to dodge or have some kind of reaction, but she seemed far too focused on the task in front of her to do anything else. <em>Maybe I should go tank some of the blows for her? </em>Derek thought to himself. <em>Nah. </em>He shook his head. <em>She said that she wanted to go see if she could do it on her own. Me helping would just be defeating the purpose. </em>


    So, instead of helping, Derek kept one eye on the ¡®fight¡¯ and another on the timer. There was less than a minute left until the next wave came. That didn¡¯t mean much to him, as he wasn¡¯t worried about it in the slightest, but he was concerned that the next wave would ruin whatever it was that nah was trying to do. <em>I doubt I can get rid of them all without any of them interfering. </em>


    Luckily, he didn¡¯t have to worry about any of that. Or, as nah might put it, ¡®unluckily,¡¯ because whatever she was trying failed after another bolt of lightning zapped her, then was followed by a massive stone fist. She kicked back from the core to dodge the fist¡ªfinally allowing Derek to have a good look.


    The core was brightening at a visible rate, and cracks began to spread throughout it. nahunched herself back to the core and reached for it, but a few seconds after she grasped it, the golem exploded just like all the other ones¡ªminus the one Derek deactivated with his void skills¡ªhad done.


    With dust and shrapnel flying all around, and some even reaching Derek in the distance, he lost track of the siren. Soon, however, she appeared next to him, not looking much worse for wear. Other than some slight golem dust on her face and a pair of singed hands that had finished healing before his eyes, nah was fine¡ªa bit dejected, but fine.


    ¡°That didn¡¯t work,¡± Derek said keenly.


    ¡°No¡­¡± nah replied. ¡°It did not.¡±


    ¡°Oh, well,¡± Derek said. ¡°I guess that means there¡¯s more for me.¡±¡°Don¡¯t get too ahead of yourself.¡± nah shook her head and smiled slyly. ¡°That was just my first practice round.¡± She raised her hands in front of herself, and Derek finally saw what she was doing.


    Or¡­ he almost couldn¡¯t see what she was doing. At first nce, her hands looked like they were static¡ªnot moving at all. But upon another quick inspection, he saw they were actually moving¡ªor vibrating¡ªso fast that they looked like they weren¡¯t moving at all. The movements were so small that it was almost impossible to see.


    ¡°Is that vibration how you fly?¡± he asked. He had wondered about her skills for a while now. Derek had seen her fight on a few different asions, but had never really gotten a chance to <em>really </em>watch her.


    ¡°There¡¯s a bit more to it than that, but the vibration ys a key role in most of my movement skills and many of my other ones,¡± she exined.


    ¡°Oh,¡± Derek replied. ¡°So, you were trying to push the vibrations through the core without breaking it from the outside¡ªtrying to shut it down before it exploded.¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡± She nodded. ¡°And I think I almost had it. I think that if I start slower, then ramp up the vibrations much quicker than I did just then, I¡¯ll be able to do so before it explodes¡ªand maybe even before it¡¯s able to unleash an attack on me.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Derek raised his eyebrows. ¡°You actually think you can do it?¡± he asked. If she was able to do it, then that would mean that there was hope that even more people would be able to do it in the future. <em>If both void and vibration can shut down the cores, who</em><em>¡¯s to say that some other elements won¡¯t be able to? </em>


    ¡°I¡¯m quite certain of it, actually,¡± nah replied. Then, apparently thinking along the same lines as Derek was, she said, ¡°And I¡¯m pretty sure that the lightning element will be able to do so as well. Actually, I think that it could work almost as well, if not better, than what I¡¯m doing.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Derek said. ¡°So basically, any element or way that can damage the inside without cracking the outside.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± nah said with a nod. ¡°But I also think that one could get away with a small crack in the core¡ªone just enough to get inside and disrupt the mana flow. And if that¡¯s possible, then perhaps even more people of other elements will be able to gather the cores. I especially think that¡¯s the case with darkness or shadow elements.


    ¡°Those elements are above most others when ites to restraint. If someone with enough control¡ªsomeone like The Shadow Witch, Vanessa¡ªwent in and tried, she could possibly find the golem a particr easy and profitable opponent. And, since she basically works for the royal family now¡­¡±


    ¡°Cydaria could profit heavily because of her,¡± Derek finished her sentence.


    ¡°Exactly.¡± nah nodded. ¡°Not to mention that the royal family is nothing but lightning users. With Edgar and Vanessa¡ªand possibly even Eloise¡ªthey could stock up on cores rather quickly.¡±


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    ¡°Maybe,¡± Derek said. ¡°I¡¯m not sure any of them other than Edgar would be able to tank an explosion like you just did and stille out unscathed.¡±


    ¡°That is their problem to deal with,¡± nah said with a shrug. ¡°If Prince Edgar wants, he can babysit them until they figure everything out.¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡± Derek nodded. ¡°Once they get the hang of it, it won¡¯t be a problem.¡± Derek was happy that they may have found a way for others to obtain the cores. That meant that he wouldn¡¯t have to be the only person who could supply Brandi. However, it also meant that Brandi could be looking at somepetition in that market soon. <em>I</em><em>¡¯m sure she¡¯ll wee it. </em>Derek shrugged. <em>Either that, or she</em><em>¡¯ll move on to even better creations. </em>


    ¡°Speaking of getting the hang of it¡­¡± nah said as the notification for the next wave appeared in their vision.


    Wave Two Iing in 3¡­ 2¡­ 1¡­


    ¡°Here we go,¡± Derek replied. ¡°Same as before?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Same as before,¡± nah said with a nod.


    ¡°Leave any exotic ones alive¡ªor at least another one for you to experiment on again,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°That¡¯s the n.¡±


    ¡°Great,¡± Derek replied. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    By the time they had finished speaking, the blinding lights of multiple golems being summoned in the dungeon had faded, and their enemies were on the move. With the skill potion still active, Derek shot forward¡ªtoward one of the golems¡ªwith his Powerstride skill. As soon as he stopped, Harbinger appeared in his grasp, and he swung it directly at the golem in front.


    Once again, Spatial Rendpletely devastated a golem. Before it had even had the chance to attack, Spatial Rend hadpletely removed a chunk of its core and it exploded. And, because the level of his skill had increased in the previous wave, the explosion caused by damage to its core was less than before. This, Derek assumed, was because of the fact that his skill had removed even more of the core than before¡ªleaving it with less power to use in the explosion.


    Next, Derek turned and reached out toward another of the golems¡ªthis one of fire. He clenched his fist, and smiled as he felt Spatial Copsend true. He couldn¡¯t physically see his skill activate because it hadnded almost perfectly in the center of the golem¡¯s core. However, his smile grew even wider as he watched the brightly glowing red core dim, then deactivate. <em>Huh</em><em>¡­ </em>he thought. <em>Does that prove nah</em><em>¡¯s theory? </em>


    He actually wasn¡¯t sure. Space-type skills were weird, to say the least. <em>It does prove that all that is needed to deactivate the cores is a strong skill that can disrupt the mana inside</em><em>¡­ I think. </em>If that was the case, then it was quite possible that the Cydarian Royal Family would easily be able to farm the cores. It also opened up a wide range of possibilities for other elements.


    While Derek was thinking, he felt a massive chilling from behind him, and turned in time to see what appeared to be a beam of ice rapidly approaching him. With a quick thought, he activated Spatial Redirection and directed the beam to the core of another golem¡ªa wind golem¡ªthat was close by. The beam continued for quite some time¡ªlong enough topletely freeze the wind golem¡¯s core, causing the golem tog in its movement until it stopped.


    <em>I guess that</em><em>¡¯s another way to disrupt the flow, </em>Derek thought. <em>Freezing may work just as well as lightning</em><em>¡­ maybe. </em>The frozen core hadn¡¯t deactivated or exploded¡­ just stopped. <em>If nothing else, it</em><em>¡¯s a way to bind some of the golems while others find a way to deactivate the core. </em>With a shrug, Harbinger disappeared and Derek activated Powerstride, almost crashing into the ice golem¡ªstopping just in front.


    With both hands, he channeled the void and began swinging as fast as he could. After three rounds, the core began glowing brightly¡ªan indicator that it was about to explode. However, instead of backing away, Derek continued beating on the core. All-in-all, it took him over five rounds of punches to get the core to power down, and he came very close to tanking an explosion just like nah had. But he was sessful in deactivating the core using none of his active skills¡ªother than Channel Void.


    <em>Nice! </em>He thought as he collected the core and brushed some frost from multiple attacks he¡¯d had to tank while punching it. <em>I don</em><em>¡¯t have to wait until Multi-Strike or Spatial Copsees off of cooldown to deactivate the cores. </em>With that thought, Derek went around and started collecting cores from each golem he came across, while also using any skills that needed leveling while doing so.


    This time, he had moved quicker than nah, and was waiting in the center of the arena for the boss of the wave to spawn. Surprisingly, however, from nah¡¯s side of the arena, he had only felt a couple of explosions during his whole time fighting. He looked it over and saw that multiple piles of stones were lying around¡ªstones that were whole and that had not been turned into shrapnel. <em>Looks like she figured out how to do it, </em>he thought.


    Soon enough, there were only two minutes left until the next wave, and Derek readied himself. Just as expected, another massive boss golem began to appear in the center of the arena. With a deep breath, Derek prepared to extract the core from the boss. He knew it would be much more troublesome than any of the others, so he had made a n.


    He would use Spatial Copse, then charge in with Multi-Strike and Channel Void. If that wasn¡¯t enough, he would continue pounding away. It wasn¡¯t exactly the best n, and it was very brute force, but it was the best he could think to do with the skills he had.


    Once the glow went away, the golem became visible. It was pure fire¡ªeven the stones that created it looked to be burning. <em>That</em><em>¡¯s¡­ going to be harder than I thought. </em>Derek let out a sigh. <em>What</em><em>¡¯s a little fire going to do to me, anyway? Nothing¡­ hopefully. </em>


    With his foot on a void ripple, he kicked off it toward the golem and started his n of attack. Spatial Copsended perfectly, and the next thing Derek knew, he was covered in mes and striking the core with all he had. The core started glowing, but Derek kept going. However, the glow intensified instead of slowing. <em>Dammit! I guess it</em><em>¡¯s not¡­ </em>he began to think as he pounded away, but just when he knew the core was going to explode, apletely transformed nah appeared next to him and practically hugged part of the core.


    Not hesitating, Derek struck out again, and it happened. The glow in the core dimmed slowly until it stopped altogether. The fire surrounding the golem disappeared and the multiple tons of stone that made up the enemy fell to the ground¡ªstirring up dust as itnded.


    All that was left was nah hovering in front of him, holding the massive deactivated core. With a creepy smile and a voice that was almost able tomand Derek, the transformed nah said, ¡°Next time, we do it together.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to tell me twice,¡± Derek said with augh as nah tossed him the core. <em>Even though you didn¡¯t wait for me for the first one¡­ </em>he thought but didn¡¯t say.


    With a quick peek, Derek looked over a notification that had continuously been updating during the fight andughed. <em>Ten whole levels in Fire Resistance. </em>Derek looked at the massive core in his hands and smiled. <em>Worth it.</em>

 Chapter 448: Skills

    Chapter 448: Skills


    ¡°Whew,¡± Derek said with a sigh. ¡°I should have left a smaller golem or two alive.¡± Unlike the first wave, Derek and nah¡ªwith her new found way to deactivate the cores¡ªeradicated all the golems that spawned well before the third wave began. Since he wanted to try to get one of the boss cores, he didn¡¯t bother leaving any alive to grind his skills on after defeating it. After all, he didn¡¯t know how long it was going to take to pull the core out of the boss.


    ¡°To work on your skills with?¡± nah asked.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Derek replied. ¡°I still have a lot that I need to level.¡±


    Now that he knew that he and nah could attack together and shut down a boss core without it exploding, he would be able to n better and grind his skills better in the uing waves and repeats of the dungeon. He figured that after they ran one or two more dungeons, they would be able to perfect it. <em>Well, it does still depend on how many times nah wants to do this dungeon before moving on. </em>


    Derek was fine running the golem dungeon as many times as she wanted. Golems, after all, were some of the better monsters for him to fight to gain skill experience without gaining too much experience toward his own level. And, since he was able to split experience with nah¡ªwho couldn¡¯t actually do anything with it as far as he knew¡ªhe would be able to fight even more golems before hitting level 250.


    ¡°Just how many skills do you have that you need to level, and can level, in this dungeon?¡± nah asked, while the countdown to the next wave continued to run. She continued to stay in her siren form that caused even him to feel the influence from her voice when she spoke. This, in turn, caused another notification to appear in the corner of Derek¡¯s vision.


    ¡°That I can level in here?¡± Derek asked as he swiped away the notification showing that his Mental Resistance increased to level 9. Then, after thinking for a moment, he gave his current skill sheet a cursory nce so he could properly answer her question.


    Skills Absolute Nullify Lv. 16, Bare Fist Specialty Lv. 3(View Upgrades), Basic Repair Lv. 1, Chain Lightning Lv. 17, Channel Void Lv. 20, Cleaning Lv. 10, Cure Toxin Lv. 15, Dismantle Lv. 12, Enhanced Movement Speed Lv. 2, Fire Resistance Lv. 11, Greater Meditation Lv. 14, Identify Lv. 19, Magic Resistance Lv. 20, Mental Resistance Lv. 9, Multi-Strike Lv. 18, Physical Resistance Lv. 20, Polearm Specialty Lv. 2 (Void¡¯s Harbinger), Powerstride Lv. 4, Rejuvenation Lv. 20, Spatial Copse Lv. 4, Spatial Redirection Lv. 2, Spatial Rend Lv. 4, Sweeping sh Lv. 20, Telepathy Lv. 8, Time Prison Lv. 15, Void Call Lv. 4, Void Creation Lv. N/A, Void Sense Lv. 20, Void Shift Lv. 12, Void Steps Lv. 16, Void Storage Lv. N/A, Void Travel Lv. N/A, Whirlwind sh Lv. 3


    Skill Points Remaining: 15


    Skill Upgrade Points Remaining: 0


    Shared Skills from Companion: Active Void Shift Lv. 10, Void Lightning Bolt Lv. 10


    Shared Skills to Companion: Void Sense Lv. 10, Void Travel Lv. N/A


    Skills Avable to Share:


    Absolute Nullify Lv. 10, Channel Void Lv. 10, Time Prison Lv. 10, Void Call Lv. 4, Void Sense Lv. 10, Void Shift Lv. 10, Void Steps Lv. 10, Void Storage Lv. N/A, Void Travel Lv. N/A


    <em>Damn</em><em>¡­ </em>Derek thought. <em>All that with just two waves of level 250 golems. </em>Looking at the skill list, he could see that his Bare Fist Specialty had increased a level due to the way he shut down the golem cores by striking them with his bare fists while channeling the void through them. Heughed a bit when he saw that Chain Lightning had gone up two levels, even though he only used it when everything else was on cooldown, and it did next to nothing to any golem unless it used the water element.


    He just didn¡¯t have the affinity for regr lightning element skills to do much. The fact that it actually did do some damage to water golems said a lot about his current intelligence stat.


    Moving down the list, he skimmed over a few of the utility skills he had, like Cleaning and Dismantle, until his eyes fell on his Fire Resistance skill. He could barely contain hisughter when he saw that it had jumped from level 1 to level 11 just from him standing in the boss¡¯s mes while trying to shut down its core. <em>If only all skills could level like that, </em>he thought. <em>Damn, I need to find every type of resistance skill I can and level them. Those, on top of Physical Resistance and Magic Resistance</em><em>¡­ I wonder if there¡¯s some kind of secret Achievement I can get from that.</em>


    After viewing his Fire Resistance skill, he moved to Greater Meditation, which had, unfortunately, stayed at level 14 even though he kept it active at pretty much all times during a fight. <em>This has to be the hardest skill to level</em><em>¡­ well¡­ maybe, </em>he thought. <em>Well</em><em>¡­ at least I gained another level in Identify by using it on the golems. </em>Usually, he didn¡¯t even bother to look at the information provided by Identify. He only continued using it to increase its level in hopes that it would work better on system users one day.


    After that, he saw that multiple other skills had increased a level. Mental Resistance gained a level from nah, and he knew that it was only a matter of time before it hit level 20 if he continued to run dungeons with her in her siren form. Multi-Strike¡ªanother one of the harder skills to level¡ªgained a level. Powerstride and Whirlwind sh gained two levels, and Spatial Copse, Spatial Redirection, Spatial Rend, and Void Steps all gained a level.


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    After going through the skill list, he closed it and looked over at nah. ¡°There are quite a few that still need to be leveled. To be more specific, I have over ten skills that these golems¡­¡± He paused for a second and mentally added, <em>And you</em><em>¡­ ¡°</em>Are currently helping me level.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± nah nodded. ¡°And they are all going faster because of your lower level? You are still under level 250, correct?¡±


    ¡°Haha,¡± Derek chuckled at her question. Him being under level 250 wasn¡¯t a secret¡ªat least not to someone with her resources. Multiple people had enough information to know that there was a high chance that he wasn¡¯t level 250 yet. That, or he had some kind of skill or Achievement that allowed him to enter dungeons that were at a lower level than himself. As crazy as it may have sounded, he figured that people would gravitate toward the former because of what having an Achievement like that would mean. ¡°I am,¡± he finally replied.


    Just off the top of his head, he could count at least seven people¡ªpeople who weren¡¯t <em>his </em>people¡ªwho should know that he was a much lower level than he seemed. <em>nah, Ste, Avery, and Walter all know or should have been able to guess because of the Undying Dungeon. The same is true for Cain, Nathan, and us¡ªif the Adventurer</em><em>¡¯s Guild Leader wanted to know, of course.</em>


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then I have some ideas that will help you level even slower while leveling your skills,¡± nah said. ¡°I will not ask what level¡­¡± she started, but was immediately cut off by Derek.


    ¡°I just hit level 231,¡± he said. ¡°With just the golems that I¡¯ve destroyed, I¡¯ve already gained two levels. It¡¯s moving a little faster than I would like, but there¡¯s not much else I can do. If you have any other ideas, I¡¯m all for them.¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± nah said. ¡°For the remainder of this dungeon, I¡¯ll make sure to at least damage each golem before you destroy it. That way, you¡¯ll only get half the experience points. Once we finish the dungeon and leave it, I¡¯ll be able to help you a bit more.¡±


    ¡°That sounds great,¡± Derek said before the next wave timer appeared in his vision.


    Wave Three Iing in 3¡­ 2¡­ 1¡­


    ¡°Let¡¯s do this,¡± Derek said as the blinding lights appeared and more golems were summoned to the surrounding area.


    With a seductive¡ªbut creepy¡ªsmile, nah drew her rapier from her storage ring. ¡°Cover your ears,¡± she said to Derek, but he didn¡¯t listen. ¡°Don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you.¡± With her w-like fingernails, she flicked the de of her rapier, and an extremely high-pitched sound rang out.


    Almost instantly, Derek felt one of his eardrums explode and for the first time in a while, his HP dropped a bit before his natural regeneration kicked in and healed him. He reached up and touched the side of his head with his hand. When he pulled it away, he saw quite a bit of blood in his palm. ¡°Holy shi¡­¡± he started, but was interrupted by two booming explosions in the distance.


    ¡°Seems like that was a bit too much,¡± nah said with a deep chuckle as she turned her head to face Derek. Her creepy grin that showed her sharpened, shark-like teeth disappeared when she saw the blood on Derek¡¯s palm. ¡°Are you okay?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Derek replied. ¡°Just wasn¡¯t expecting¡­ that.¡±


    ¡°Me neither,¡± she replied honestly. ¡°I haven¡¯t really done that while in this state,¡± she said. ¡°The Indrian Royal Family¡¯s sound barriers render that skill almost useless, so I didn¡¯t bother with it. And after we defeated them, I never had the need to use it¡ªwhich I am happy for. That¡­ could have done serious damage to both friend and foe alike.¡±


    ¡°You got that right.¡± Derek used his Cleaning skill and got rid of the blood on his hand, head, and armor. ¡°Neat skill, though. Definitely a trump card against multiple enemies.¡±


    ¡°Mhm¡­¡± nah only nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll tone the attack down for the next wave.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Derek said. ¡°Well, I¡¯m off.¡±


    The rest of the dungeon continued almost without a hitch. With nah¡¯s weird sound wave attack, Derek was able to fight his golems without worrying about getting too much experience. He slowed his fighting down and only went after the cores of the smaller golems when the end of the timer drew close. When the boss of the wave appeared, both he and nah stopped their fights and charged to the middle of the arena to focus on it.


    The third wave¡¯s boss didn¡¯t go down easy, as it was a metal element golem, and kept its core covered while attacking. Derek didn¡¯t have to worry about hitting the metal defense of the golem, as his void energy went right through it, so when nah was able to get her hands inside the metal golem¡¯s defenses, it fell quickly.


    After the metal golem, there were no more hups, and the duo finally made it to the final wave at the end of the dungeon. The final wave wasn¡¯t much different from any of the others. There were six normal golems and a single boss. Being the final wave, neither Derek nor nah held back. As soon as the golems spawned, they were on them collecting their cores. Once those golems were destroyed, they waited for the boss and easily double-teamed it.


    With the boss defeated, Derek and nah received their first clear rewards.


    Dungeon Complete¡­


    Assigning Rewards¡­


    Congrattions, you have received Potion: Skill Experience


    Derek stared at the notification, then at the potion that appeared in his hand. <em>You</em><em>¡¯ve got to be kidding me, </em>he thought. He wasn¡¯t angry at the reward. Hell, it was probably one of the best rewards that the dungeon could give. <em>My Lesser Dungeon Traveler Achievement</em><em>¡¯s 10% increase in dungeon reward rarity definitely kicked in on this one, </em>he thought. He also sighed in relief when no super beast from a different system was thrown at them for no reason. <em>I think I prefer not having any overt system fuckery. </em>


    He turned to look at nah, who had already dismissed her siren form and was turning a yellow potion over in her hand. Finally, she put it away, and Derek asked, ¡°Anything good?¡±


    ¡°Just a major stamina potion. Not bad, but not needed,¡± she answered. ¡°But I never expected to get a good reward from this dungeon¡ªjust the cores.¡±


    ¡°Same,¡± Derek replied. ¡°Well, and the skill levels.¡±


    nah nodded, then said, ¡°Again?¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡± Derek happily agreed.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get out of here.¡± With a swift touch of the dungeon exit orb, a wave of light washed over the two of them and they were gone.


    <em>Don</em><em>¡¯t be in a room with a weird elf, don¡¯t be in a room with a weird elf, </em>Derek inwardly chanted to himself as he slowly opened his eyes. Seeing that he was beside the golem dungeon¡¯s orb, he let out another sigh. Looking over to nah, he asked, ¡°So, what¡¯s this idea you have to help me level my skills?¡±


    ¡°Give me one moment,¡± the half-elf said, then her eyes went distant. When they finally refocused, she said, ¡°Okay. It will take an hour or so. We can run the dungeon again, or we can wait. It¡¯s your decision, though. If you wait, you probably won¡¯t have to worry about your level increasing much anymore.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m perfectly fine with waiting,¡± Derek answered, then pulled out a rug from his storage and ced his chair on top of it so it wouldn¡¯t get dirty. With a serious expression, he leaned forward and looked deep into nah¡¯s eyes. ¡°So, are you going to tell me what¡¯s going on with you?¡±

 Chapter 449: Secrets

    Chapter 449: Secrets


    Once Derek was seatedfortably in his chair, he went ahead and pulled another out and sat it across from him on the rug. nah half-snorted, then walked over to it and sat down. ¡°You and your chairs¡­¡± she quipped, but then sighed. ¡°Do I really need to do this now?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Derek said. ¡°Not at all. Whatever it is, it¡¯s yours to share or keep secret. If you don¡¯t feelfortable sharing it with me, then, by all means, don¡¯t. I wouldn¡¯t want you to do something you don¡¯t want to.¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡± nah sighed again and shook her head. ¡°There¡¯s no point in dying the inevitable¡ªI might as well tell you sooner rather thanter, so you¡¯re not wondering about it while we are running the dungeons.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s something important?¡± Derek asked. ¡°Is it bad?¡±


    ¡°That depends on who you ask,¡± nah replied. ¡°Personally¡­ I¡¯m quite thrilled. But also, I¡¯m sure there are going to be many, <em>many </em>people who are even more thrilled than I am about what is going on.¡±


    ¡°Ste didn¡¯t seem too thrilled,¡± Derek replied. ¡°She seemed pretty put off, actually.¡±


    ¡°Mhm¡­¡± nah nodded her head. ¡°She doesn¡¯t know the specifics¡ªI can¡¯t¡­ I can¡¯t tell her the exact specifics. But, it affects her and Avery the most¡­ well, other than myself. I¡¯m unsure if I¡¯ll be able to tell you the specifics, but something tells me that I¡¯ll be able to tell you more than I can most people.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Derek leaned forward. He was pretty interested in what had kept nah from visiting for so long, but with what she was currently saying, he was on the edge of his seat¡­ quite literally.


    ¡°Mhm¡­¡± she muttered again, then sighed for the third time. ¡°I think¡ªI¡¯m not sure¡ªbut I think that I¡¯ll be leaving soon.¡±¡°Leaving?¡± Derek furrowed his brows. ¡°We already left,¡± he said. ¡°We¡¯re not even in Cydaria anymore. Do you mean that you¡¯re leaving the continent¡ªgoing across the sea? That¡¯s where you¡¯re from, right? Is there something there that you need to do?¡±


    ¡°No¡­ well, yes, actually,¡± nah said. ¡°If we have time, I would like us to cross the sea and explore over there. And there is a ce that I would love to visit now that I¡¯m not a young girl. It¡¯s a ce that I spent a very long time in, and all I could do the whole time was try to survive. However, that is not what I¡¯m talking about.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Derek said. ¡°Well, I would be happy to check out the other continent with you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± nah chuckled. ¡°But what I¡¯m talking about is that I think I will be leaving everyone¡­ behind.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s the tricky part,¡± nah replied. ¡°When I try to say more than that¡­¡± she looked up into the sky. ¡°When I try to say more than that, the Great System¡­¡±


    ¡°Gotcha,¡± Derek said. ¡°It¡¯s a system oath.¡± It wasn¡¯t hard to figure out what she was hinting at. He also had a forced system oath that he had to abide by unless he was speaking to Silvi¡ªwho was kind of part of him¡ªor the weird elf, Dave. He knew that the reason he could speak to Dave about the other systems and everything else was because the guy was likely an admin for the Great System, so he already knew everything¡ªmost things¡ªthat was going on with Derek.


    ¡°Exactly!¡± nah said with a bright smile. ¡°I wasn¡¯t even able to get that far with my words when I was speaking with Ste and Avery.¡±


    ¡°So that¡¯s why Ste didn¡¯t seem herself,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Yes. I basically told her that I may be leaving, but I couldn¡¯t give her an actual answer on why. She isn¡¯t mad at me¡­ she¡¯s just mad at the world right now,¡± nah said.


    ¡°And Avery?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°He took it much better,¡± nah said. ¡°It was easier for him to understand that it is something that I must do. He was disappointed, of course, and sad. He has been with me since he was very young. He¡­¡± she chuckled again. ¡°He¡¯s like a son to me and my best friend. I practically raised him, so he understands me better than anyone.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Ste¡­ I met when she was still a young girl, but she was quite a bit older than Avery was when I met him. She also hadn¡¯t gone through quite as much as him. I helped her out a lot, and she ended up where she¡¯s at because she believed that she owed me a debt.¡± nah smiled warmly and shook her head. ¡°She didn¡¯t. She never did. But soon enough, she was always there. So, I took her in and gave her some duties¡ªwhich she aplished swiftly and perfectly. It was to the point where she even veered off of her preferred path so she could help me better.


    ¡°I told her time and time again that she didn¡¯t need to do anything for me, but she wouldn¡¯t listen.¡± nah chuckled loudly. ¡°That¡¯s pretty ironic, huh? Someone not listening? To me?¡±


    ¡°I guess it is,¡± Derek said with augh. ¡°There aren¡¯t many people who are able to not listen to you.¡±


    ¡°Too true,¡± nah replied, and let out a breath. ¡°Soon enough, I began to rely on her¡ªprobably too much. If Avery was my right hand, then she became my left. I began giving her more and more tasks because I knew she could do them better than anyone else¡ªbetter than Avery, even. Eventually, it was too much, and that¡¯s when she met you in Torith¡ªshe was taking a break from me.¡±


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡±


    ¡°To be honest, I was happy when she left without me telling her to,¡± nah said. ¡°Sure, it made everything much more lonely without her, but I thought that maybe once she got some time to herself, she would continue on her preferred path. Then she met you and she quickly switched back to being the manager of the Crown and that was that.¡±


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be,¡± nah replied. ¡°Because of you¡­ so many great things have happened. You took down the Toriths and made the kingdom safer. You lit a fire under Avery and he began doing things that he wanted to do instead of just being there in case I needed him. Even Ste got a lot of fight back in her¡ªso much so that she joined an adventuring party with your friends. You don¡¯t know how happy that made me.¡± Again, nah¡¯s smile turned warm. ¡°And that is all without mentioning fighting beside me and turning a war into aplete alliance.¡±


    ¡°I guess I¡¯m pretty awesome,¡± Derek said shamelessly.


    ¡°And then there¡¯s yourpanion, that horned rabbit,¡± nah said. ¡°In all my years, I¡¯ve never seen a bonded beastpanion be that unique. Most of the time, beastpanions do nothing but wait around for their bonded masters to need them. But, I believe, that since you do not actually rely on her strength, and instead treat her as family¡ªas an equal¡ªshe became something great. She is a beastpanion who could be independent.


    ¡°I also believe that Avery saw that, and Lyra is bing such a beastpanion,¡± nah said. ¡°She has taken to watching over those dragonkin. Not because she was ordered to, but because she wants to. I am indebted to you for allowing those two to meet.¡±


    ¡°Stop it,¡± Derek said and waved herments away. ¡°You¡¯re going to make me blush.¡± Heughed. ¡°It¡¯s too bad for Edgar, though. Blitz¡­¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± nah said. ¡°That dragon has a hard enough time flying and spitting lightning at the same time. If not for Edgar¡¯smands, he wouldn¡¯t know which way was up.¡±


    Derek and nah both had a goodugh at that. Once they were finishedughing, nah looked at Derek seriously.


    ¡°Now¡­¡± she began. ¡°Let¡¯s see how much I can actually tell you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m all ears,¡± Derek answered. He hadn¡¯t said anything, but hearing that she was going to be leaving everyone¡ªleaving him¡ªhad created a bit of a knot in his stomach. With the short amount of time they had spent together, he hade to recognize her as a very good friend, and someone who could possibly keep up with him¡ªsomeone who he wouldn¡¯t just leavepletely in the dust. And, by the fact that she had brought him out to dungeon dive privately with her, she thought of him in the same way.


    ¡°The¡­ system oath¡­¡± she said, testing it out on her tongue¡ªprobably to make sure that it wasn¡¯t a fluke. She smiled again when nothing happened. ¡°The system oath, it was¡­ forced.¡± She winced when she spoke, but her smiled brightened again.


    ¡°As I expected,¡± Derek said. ¡°I¡­ believe that if it is something that we both already know about or have experienced, we can talk about it,¡± he exined.


    ¡°In that case,¡± nah said. ¡°Let me start at the beginning.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°My Metamorphosis skill¡­¡± she said.


    ¡°The one that turns you into an actual siren?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± she replied. ¡°It is called Metamorphosis: Dawn Siren,¡± she exined. ¡°It was both an active and passive skill. My ss already causes my voice to have influence over others, but I had begun to be able to control that. Then, I received my ss upgrade, and with it, that skill. It was the only way I was able to survive like I did, so, even though I couldn¡¯t control it at all, I still used it.


    ¡°If we go to the other continent, I¡¯m sure there will still be horror stories being told of the Dawn Siren because of myck of control when I used it,¡± she said with a sigh. ¡°It wasn¡¯t especially bad at the beginning, but when it started out leveling my other skills and my wisdom stat, I began to lose more and more control. When it was at level 19, I crossed the sea. After that, I was more cautious. Nobody knew who I was. So I never had to use it again.


    ¡°Unfortunately, as the skill leveled, so too did the passive influence of it¡ªto the point where very few people would be able to hold a conversation with me. It took a very long time to gain what control I had and allow the influence to fade once someone was with me for a long period. That is also how I learned that there was something else other than wisdom that couldbat it¡ªsomething innate¡­¡± she exined.


    ¡°Willpower,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± nah said with a nod. ¡°Avery has more willpower than anybody I¡¯ve ever met¡ªanyone other than you. I believe that you may be the one person whose willpower may surpass his own.¡±


    ¡°I can see that,¡± Derek said. <em>I suppose you gain quite a bit of willpower being stuck in the void for decade or centuries</em><em>¡­ or millennia even. </em>¡°Or maybe it¡¯s my insanity working in ce of willpower,¡± he chuckled. <em>Maybe my mind broke so many times that it</em><em>¡¯s too fucked up for someone else to gain control over, </em>he thought, but didn¡¯t say.


    ¡°You¡¯re actually being serious¡­¡± nah said with raised eyebrows. ¡°I¡­ I want to know more¡­ butter.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Derek said. <em>It¡¯s about time I let someone know about me.</em>


    ¡°Anyway,¡± nah said before continuing her story. ¡°Because I was finally able to speak freely with Avery, I was terrified that if I ever leveled that skill again, I would never be able to speak freely with anyone again. So, I refused to even acknowledge its existence. But again, you came along. I used my full active voice on you, and you barely flinched. That gave me a bit of hope.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m here for,¡± Derek said with a chuckle.


    ¡°Yes¡­ I¡¯m sure it is¡­¡± nah rolled her eyes. ¡°But yes, when thebined army of Indria and Astrus attacked and things were looking grim, I was forced to use Metamorphosis once again. In my head, I prayed that I could use it just long enough to not level it, then your raid party would return and I wouldn¡¯t have to use it again. However, if it did level, in the back of my mind, I knew that I would still have you to speak to.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s putting a lot of faith in me,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not. You¡¯re strong. Stronger than me, and you aren¡¯t even finished growing.¡± She pointed at the dungeon orb. ¡°All of this is proof of that.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­ I probably would have been fine,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± nah said with a nod. ¡°So,¡± she continued her story. ¡°With all that in mind, I transformed. Surprisingly, I had much more control over the transformation than ever before. Of course, my wisdom and other stats had increased greatly over that time, but I have to imagine that my willpower did so too.


    ¡°I went all out in the fight. I drove back the entire army¡ªincluding Ryven and his barriers. Savannah was safe. Then I saw Edgar appear on Blitz. After that, I lost consciousness.¡± nah took another deep breath. ¡°When I woke up, Ste came in to speak with me. And when I spoke back, she was fine. So, I believed that the skill hadn¡¯t leveled during the fight.


    ¡°However, after she left, I looked over my notifications, and, to my shock and happiness, the skill had leveled. You do not know how immensely happy I was at that moment. My Metamorphosis skill had leveled to max, and Ste was able to speak freely with me as usual, without me putting in any extra effort to control it than usual.¡±


    ¡°I can imagine the relief,¡± Derek said, then waited for the siren to continue.


    ¡°The skill was level 20, and I could control it. Not only that, but I could also speak to my people like usual. Instantly, I knew that I had a trump card and that I, along with Edgar and Blitz, would be able to hold the army off until you and the raid party returned,¡± the woman exined. ¡°Then, however, I reached the final notification I had gotten once the fighting was over.¡±

 Chapter 450: Requirements

    Chapter 450: Requirements


    ¡°What notification was that?¡± Derek asked, still enthralled by the story the siren was telling.


    ¡°Do you know about the¡­¡± nah paused in preparation for what she was going to say next. ¡°The¡­ Requirements¡­ for¡­ Advancement,¡± she muttered, then clenched her fists in victory once she got all the words out.


    ¡°Do I know about them?¡± Derek asked rhetorically. ¡°I know of them.¡± <em>And I</em><em>¡¯m pretty sure that the stupid Origin System blocked them when I¡¯m going to receive one from the Great System, </em>he thought. <em>But I do have that one requirement met from the Origin System tucked away somewhere. </em>


    ¡°So, you know that one of the requirements is to¡­¡± She paused again. She seemed to do that every time she came upon something that she had never been able to say before because of the Great System. ¡°Get four of you six stats to 1,500 points.¡±


    ¡°Sure¡­ yeah¡­ that sounds about right.¡± He thought back to when the Origin System blocked the Great System when it gave him a notification about reaching a requirement for something. <em>So, it was the advancement, like I thought. That makes sense. It was when I increased my and Silvi</em><em>¡¯s wisdom stat to 1,500 when I got the system interference. Once I did that, I had endurance, vitality, intelligence, and wisdom all at or over 1,500 points. </em>


    ¡°Well¡­¡± nah looked at Derek with a frown, but continued. ¡°I have had four of my six stats at 1,500 points for decades. Which means that I have had the Requirements for Advancement row in my status sheet for decades. The two stats that I don¡¯t have up there are my dexterity and my vitality.¡±


    ¡°The two stats that don¡¯t really increase with Void Beast meals,¡± Derek said. He also found that it was interesting that gaining one of the requirements added another row to the status sheet. It was kind of like when he signed his first contract and got a ¡®contracts¡¯ tab. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder what else there was that could be added to the status screens. However, he didn¡¯t mention any of that, and continued listening.


    ¡°Exactly.¡± nah nodded. ¡°Well, except for the young Void Beast¡¯s vital blood, and now the potions that your alchemist friend is able to craft,¡± she exined, then continued. ¡°So, after such a long amount of time, I had given up on ever getting the second requirement. I assumed that it would take getting all six stats to 1,500 points or more. Which is why I was thrilled when I found out that you could practically summon Void Beasts. Then I was even more ecstatic when Mr. Pascal created the potion that gave a permanent boost to stats¡ªincluding dexterity. Of course, it was a small increase, but with time, I would have been able to get there and learn what the ¡®advancement¡¯ was before I died of old age.


    ¡°However, for some reason, when I got myst ss skill to level 20¡­¡± she paused again, but nothing happened. ¡°When I got it to level 20, I met the second requirement. I can¡¯t say for sure that the requirement was met because I got it to level 20, or if I did something else, but that seems to be too big of a coincidence for it not to be that.¡±¡°Probably,¡± Derek said with a nod. <em>Though, what if her affinity with her path reached a certain percentage once she got that skill to 20? It could be either of those things, </em>he thought. ¡°It would definitely make sense that maxing out all of your ss skills would get you some kind of reward. Why not advancement?¡± Derek thought about his own ss skills. <em>Will I ever be able to get Void Call to that level? </em>He wondered.


    <em>Time Prison, Void Shift, and Void Steps are well on their way to it. If I really just focus on them, then I</em><em>¡¯m sure I¡¯ll have them to twenty in no time. But Void Call¡­ And that¡¯s if it¡¯s even the case. I¡¯m sure that the requirements from the Origin System are different than the ones from the Great System. I mean, I unlocked a requirement from it before I even had the four stats to 1,500. </em>


    ¡°So,¡± nah said with a nod¡ªbreaking Derek out of his thoughts about his own skills. ¡°I leveled the skill, unlocked the second requirement, and received the notification for advancement.¡± nah was still hesitant about everything that she spoke of, but as she continued, she seemed to be less and less so as the system didn¡¯t take any action against her.


    ¡°And what was the notification?¡± Derek asked. ¡°What does it say?¡±


    ¡°This is what I¡¯m most unsure about the Great System allowing me to discuss¡­ but here we go,¡± nah exined after letting out a deep breath. ¡°Specifically, the notification said, ¡®Congrattions! You havepletely the requirements for advancement. Prepare for¡­¡¯¡± nah paused for a moment, obviously concerned about what she was going to say next. ¡°Prepare for ascension to a different system¡­¡±


    ¡°Ascension? To a different system?¡± Derek asked with wide eyes before she even finished, wincing when he realized he cut her off, but since he already had, he continued. ¡°Did it say to what system? Was it the O¡ª¡± he began to say ¡®Origin System,¡¯ but was immediately hit with an overwhelming sense of dread that if he continued on that path of speaking, something horrible would happen. ¡°Uhem¡­¡± he coughed. ¡°What about the Uni¡ª¡± he tempted fate by trying to speak about the Universal System, and was surprised when he didn¡¯t get the same feeling as before. ¡°Is it the Universal System?¡±


    Now, Derek very much doubted that would be the case¡ªas Dave had told him that the Great System was one of quality, and the Universal System was one of quantity. nah was nothing, if not quality. Not to mention that she had said that her notification read that it was an ascension, which meant it should be a higher system¡ªthe Universal System would be more of a horizontal move. But Derek also knew that the Universal System was huge, and there was probably a lot that nah could explore or Achievements or Titles that she could get by changing systems like that.


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Also, he already had massive doubts that it would be the Origin System because of how it reacted with his own advancement requirements. Why would it interfere in the Great System¡¯s advancements if they were both connected to the same ce?


    ¡°I see that there is a lot that you know that I don¡¯t, yet are unable to tell me,¡± nah said with a smile. ¡°Like this Universal System, I have never heard of it, but you are allowed to speak of it. Which is very interesting¡­ and no, it did not speak of which system the ascension would be to.¡±


    ¡°That seems that¡¯s the case,¡± Derek said. ¡°But, sorry for cutting you off. Please continue.¡±


    ¡°That is fine,¡± nah said with a chuckle. ¡°It is very intriguing, is it not?¡±


    ¡°It is.¡±


    ¡°Anyway,¡± nah continued. ¡°The notification ended with ¡®Prepare for to a different system from Davenresh System.¡¯¡±


    ¡°Davenresh?¡± Derek asked with a frown. <em>Davenresh</em><em>¡­ as in¡­ Dave? </em>He thought. <em>Is the system named after the person or family that are administrators of it? Or is it just a coincidence? Dave is a prettymon name. </em>That was pretty much the only thing that made sense. <em>Dave had been kind of flippant about people calling the system the </em><em>¡®Great System.¡¯ We also never knew what the other system was called, either. Just that it was ¡®the system.¡¯ I never saw anything about it being the ¡®Universal System.¡¯ </em>


    ¡°That is what it said,¡± nah replied. ¡°I find it quite funny now that I know the system¡¯s actual name. It makes all those years of speaking of the ¡®Great System¡¯ in reverence seem quite silly, does it not? I also understand why you never bothered addressing the system as such.¡±


    ¡°It definitely does seem a bit silly,¡± Derek agreed. ¡°And yeah, I never found a good reason for the ¡®reverence¡¯ that everyone shows. I¡¯ve certainly never done it, yet I was never struck down for my disrespect¡­¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡± nah nodded her agreement.


    ¡°So, did you get anything else after the notification? It said to prepare? What¡¯s that about?¡± Derek finally asked.


    ¡°Well, it seems that the system at least isn¡¯t heartless,¡± nah said to his question.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°It has given me some time to ¡®prepare¡¯ for the ascension. I have a couple months left of that time,¡± nah said, then shook her head. ¡°I am still astonished that I am able to speak of this with you with no consequence. I wonder if you will be able to take my words and exin it to Avery and Ste. I doubt that would be the case, though.¡±


    ¡°I can always try,¡± Derek said. <em>Maybe, after the evolution from the Origin System, I can at least speak about whatever I know about the Great</em><em>¡­ now, Davenresh System to others, without any problems. But I doubt that it¡¯s that easy, </em>he thought. ¡°So the system gave you a countdown, then?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± nah answered. ¡°Though it seems that I can activate it myself any time I want. If I choose to, I can ept the ascension right now.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Derek said. He wasn¡¯t sure what to think. The way it sounded, nah was definitely going to be gone before too long. <em>I wonder if I will still be able to locate her with Void Travel, </em>Derek thought. <em>I may be able to go get her when she leaves or maybe I could hide her in my Time Prison. The system is cut off there, I think</em><em>¡­ wait¡­ </em>¡°Are you looking forward to going?¡± he asked. ¡°If not, I may be able toe get you or keep you from going with my Time Prison.


    ¡°I am going,¡± she replied firmly. ¡°I have been stagnant in my growth for far too long. If this is an opportunity to grow stronger¡ªto live longer¡ªthen I would be a fool not to take advantage of it.¡±


    ¡°I guess you¡¯re right,¡± Derek said. Remembering that his stats used to have question marks to anything past 1,500 points until the Origin System came in and helped him with his evolution, Derek could almost guarantee that the siren would be heading to a system with fewer restrictions on strength.


    <em>Wait</em><em>¡­ </em>Derek knew that he could speak about ¡®essence¡¯ or ¡®affinity¡¯ if he used them as general terms, but if he used them more specifically, like how Dave had used with him, would he be able to? <em>Only one way to find out. </em>¡°Do you know about¡­ what about¡­¡± <em>Nope</em><em>¡­ </em>he thought when the dreadful feeling washed over him again. <em>Maybe it</em><em>¡¯s an Origin System only thing. </em>


    <em>Hold on</em><em>¡­ </em>Derek thought he might have a way to ¡®cheat¡¯ a little. He was, after all, able to help re with her training by basically telling her to get closer to her element. After that, Walter had even gone as far as to put her living quarters in the middle of a pond.


    ¡°Ran into another hup?¡± nah asked.


    ¡°I did,¡± Derek said. ¡°But maybe¡­ once you go, you should really focus on your training with your ss¡ªerr¡­ whatever makes you a siren. Try to get closer to it¡ªyou know, like how I had re training so she could get a better ss. ept it, don¡¯t reject it. And don¡¯t rely just on your given skills.¡± <em>That seemed to work just fine, </em>Derek thought. <em>And why wouldn</em><em>¡¯t it? It¡¯s something that I had already talked to people about while I was still ignorant of the importance that one¡¯s affinity holds.</em>


    ¡°ept it?¡± nah asked with a bit of a frown. ¡°So¡­ grow closer to my ss without only relying on my ss skills? Got it.¡± She readily epted his advice.


    A smile grew on Derek¡¯s face as he nodded with a smile. Derek thought about the times when he or others had used the word. Some people had actually used it like he was trying to¡ªboth Natalie and nah had. <em>Yeah</em><em>¡­ it seems like it¡¯s fine when you¡¯re actually ignorant of how valuable it is to know, but when you know the specifics, it bes taboo. </em>


    ¡°Great!¡± Derek said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll remember that once I leave,¡± nah said, then she turned serious. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be right behind me, though. But I was hoping you¡¯ll help take care of Ste while you¡¯re still here.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Derek replied, knowing that there probably wasn¡¯t a chance that he would be going to the same ce she was if he ascended. <em>She wants to get stronger, huh? </em>He thought. <em>I</em><em>¡¯m pretty sure when or if I ¡®transfer systems,¡¯ I¡¯ll be going to the Origin System¡­ wherever that is. And the way it sounded from Dave, it¡¯s kind of THE system. If I can find her with Void Travel once I get there¡­ I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll be happy toe back with me to an even better system. </em>Derek smiled on the outside, but inwardly, he was making new ns¡ªns that wouldn¡¯t leave anybody who wanted to grow stronger with him behind.


    The new revtion that one could just be ¡®transferred¡¯ to a better system once they reach a certain potential opened up many ideas for Derek. Right then and there, he made a decision¡ªhe would embrace the void. He would no longer be skittish about it. Because¡­ the void was his chance to grow, to protect his people, and to help them grow as well. <em>Who says you need one system</em><em>¡¯s help to change to another? I did it unknowingly with the void once. I¡¯m sure I can do it again.</em>

 Chapter 451: Derek’s Story I

    Chapter 451: Derek¡¯s Story I


    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± nah asked Derek, who was still lost in thought.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Derek came to and shook the thoughts out of his head. <em>All this system bullshit is future Derek</em><em>¡¯s problem. Present me should focus on making the most out of whatever time nah has left here. </em>¡°Oh¡­ nothing really. Just about the ascension and stuff. I wonder how close Marrick is topleting both of those requirements.¡±


    ¡°There is no telling,¡± nah replied. ¡°But surely he has gotten all of his ss skills to max level and received the one requirement.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Derek said with a nod. ¡°That is if that is the requirement, and it¡¯s not something else that you just happened to do at the same time.¡±


    ¡°That is true,¡± nah agreed.


    ¡°However,¡± Derek started. ¡°If it is one of the requirements, and Marrick does already have itpleted, then that means that he¡¯s onlycking in the stats department.¡± He could certainly see how hard it would be for someone other than himself, nah, or some others who had ess to Void Beast meals to gain the required amount of stats points to get four stats to 1,500 points each. It was something that very few people would be able to obtain.


    Even if someone began with a legendary ss¡ªwhich Derek didn¡¯t even know if it was possible¡ªone would still barely have enough stat points to get four stats to that level. And all that was assuming that the person received free stat points after each level, and none were automatically assigned. On top of all of that, the person would have topletely ignore the other two stats to do so.


    That meant that for a legendary ss, the user would have to be either all physical or all magical. The two stats that would have to be ignored would have to be either strength and dexterity, or intelligence and wisdom. There was no way¡ªthat Derek could see¡ªthat a person would be able to get by in a system world without having any vitality or endurance. They simply wouldn¡¯t be able to survive long enough to get all the levels. <em>Well</em><em>¡­ maybe a noble that waspletely spoon fed or a crafter like Brandi. But I can¡¯t see anybody who is spoon fed like that unlocking a legendary ss to begin with. Would you even be able to survive all the breakthroughs without those two stats?</em>


    Even Brandi¡ªwho had increased her ss tier pretty much at the same speed as Derek had¡ªwouldn¡¯t be able to reach the required points in those four stats without the assistance of Void Beast meals. It would be a different story if the girl received all the stats as free points, but her ss didn¡¯t do that¡ªinstead, it divides the stat points that she earns out for her. <em>Looking at it, she</em><em>¡¯ll have all stats at over 1,000 points by the time she hits level 250, but none will be at 1,500. </em>Luckily, Brandi had Derek and his ability to collect Void Beasts to give her a boost.The same was true for Thomas. His ss was one that wouldn¡¯t be able to ignore any stats. He would need to build himself up in a bnced way. He needed strength and speed for his spears and close range attacking, but he also needed intelligence and wisdom for many of his spear skills. And to top all of that off¡ªsince he was a close-range fighter¡ªhe absolutely had to invest in endurance and vitality so he couldst long enough and survive a few hits in the process.


    No, getting those four stats up to the right level would not be an easy task. After doing some thinking, Derek was almost certain that Marrick wouldn¡¯t have that requirementpleted. In fact, Derek wanted to travel to the old man that instant and stuff some Void Beast meals down his throat. But that probably wouldn¡¯t work either, since it takes time for one¡¯s body to process all the essence from the meal.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that even if that is the case, that old man would not be able to reach the required stats in time. It is truly unfortunate. He certainly seems like a decent man.¡± nah echoed Derek¡¯s own thoughts with her words. ¡°I suspect that the same is true for Edwin, as well. He was never the strongest, and though he has eaten his fair share of Void Beast meals, he has never had a ss rarity high enough to support the meals with its own stat points.¡±


    ¡°Hindsight is twenty-twenty,¡± Derek replied. ¡°It may not be something that we can help the past generation with, but the current generation and future generation are different.¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡± nah nodded in agreement. ¡°Avery and Ste already have great foundations for building their stats up. They will only need to work on their skills and continue a Void Beast meal regimen. I do hope you can help them with that.¡±


    ¡°That won¡¯t be a problem,¡± Derek said. ¡°I need to level that skill up¡ªespecially if it is what is needed for one of the requirements. It is harder to level than Greater Meditation, so I suspect I will be awhile if that is the case. By the time I am finished, Void Beast materials will be consideredmon material. There should be more than enough to support my people and yours. There should even be enough for those two kids that Avery speaks so highly of.¡±


    ¡°Then I am in your debt,¡± nah said seriously.


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    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Derek said and waved her off. ¡°Avery and I are scheduled to go Void Beast huntingter, anyway. And Silvi is going to need a lot of Void Beasts to practice her cooking with.¡± <em>She also has that new Void Beast cooking recipe that Dave gave her. I can</em><em>¡¯t help but wonder how much better it is than the one that nah has used for all these years.</em>


    ¡°That¡¯s great,¡± nah said. ¡°It really is. It puts my mind at ease that you will be able to support them while you are still here once I leave.¡±


    ¡°And even after¡­ if we can catch enough Void Beasts tost,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°I can only hope,¡± nah replied with a smile. ¡°Now¡­¡± she said, and her eyes went distant once again beforeing back to. ¡°It seems like there is still some time before we can go back into the dungeon properly. My n is taking longer than expected. There seems to be something holding it up.¡±


    Derek couldn¡¯t help but wonder what exactly nah¡¯s n was for helping him level his skills in the dungeon without gaining all the experience points for his levels. The woman was being rather mysterious about it, but he didn¡¯t bother asking¡ªhe¡¯d rather be surprised at whatever it was she had nned.


    ¡°What about you?¡± nah asked, and Derek raised his eyebrows. ¡°You don¡¯t have to answer if you do not wish, but there is time, so I thought I would ask. I know you are not from here, and from what I¡¯ve gathered, you are not even from any ce on this world. It is quite the interesting thought, and on many asions, I have wondered. Though, I guess I could be wrong.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°Well, you¡¯re right. I¡¯m not even from this,¡± he replied.


    nah just nodded along. It wasn¡¯t anything she didn¡¯t already suspect.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see¡­¡± Derek muttered. ¡°Where do I start? What exactly would you like to know? Think of me as an open book right now.¡± He leaned back in his chair and kicked his feet up on the footrest as he stretched.


    ¡°How did you grow up?¡± nah finally asked after waiting for some time. ¡°With you ss and stats, and just everything about you, you had to have had an intense upbringing before unlocking the system.¡±


    ¡°You would think that, wouldn¡¯t you?¡± Derek said with a smile. ¡°Let me let you in on my biggest secret,¡± he said conspiratorially. nah leaned closer in anticipation. ¡°Not long ago¡­¡± <em>ording to the age disyed by my current stat sheet, that is, </em>he thought, but didn¡¯t say. ¡°Not long ago¡­ less than a decade even¡­ the where I am from had never even heard of a system, other than in things like games and literature.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± nah asked in shock.


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Derek said. ¡°We were a system-less and magic-less world. All our advancements were in technology and sciences before the system¡ªthe Universal System¡ªfound us.¡±


    ¡°So you grew up without knowing what a system was? What was that upbringing like?¡± nah asked.


    ¡°My upbringing was¡­ ugh¡­ this pains me to say, but¡­ I was a bit like one of your spoiled nobles,¡± Derek answered. ¡°No, not the kind that looked down and spat on others, just in the fact that I was very lucky and privileged while growing up.¡±


    ¡°How is that?¡± nah asked.


    ¡°Well¡­ my parents were very wealthy,¡± Derek said. ¡°We didn¡¯t have a royalty system or anything like that where I grew up, but money really made the world go round. And the fact that my mother was a contract attorney at a giantw firm, and my father was a doctor¡ªa surgeon, to be precise¡ªmeant that we had a lot of it.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡± nah said with a slight smile. ¡°The noble Derek Hunt.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°It wasn¡¯t all sunshine and rainbows, though. I was your typical teenager, always butting heads with my parents. My father was stern, and everything had to be his way¡ªthis included my schooling, my friends, and pretty much everything. My mother also agreed with my father on most things. The only thing that really kept me from leaving sooner than I did was my sister.¡± Derek shook his head and sighed. ¡°I realize now that they just wanted what was best for me. I wish I wasn¡¯t so stubborn back then.¡±


    ¡°When the Universal System¡­ found you¡­¡± nah started cautiously. ¡°Did your parents¡­ were they¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ no¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°I was alone well before the system came.¡± He forced a smile. ¡°You see, back on Earth¡ªwhich is what we called our¡ªwe had many¡­ think of them as academies for adults. Schools that helped young adults figure out their paths in lives¡­ and take their money. Both my father and mother went to one of these schools called Duke University. So, obviously, I was expected to do the same. It was only natural¡ªbeing a legacy and all.¡±


    ¡°I can understand that,¡± nah said. ¡°Your parents went to this academy and their situation seemed to turn out good, so I can understand why they wanted you to do the same.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Derek replied. ¡°Well¡­ I was a stubborn asshole at the time, and I always butted heads with my father¡ªwho was an even more stubborn asshole with an ego. So, I took the one thing I was good at¡ªwhich was a sport we yed¡ªand when I turned 18, I secretly applied to other schools on the opposite side of the country in hopes of receiving a schrship.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± nah asked, and she seemed to genuinely want to know.


    ¡°Well¡­ I got one. A schrship, that is. What we call a ¡®full ride.¡¯ It meant that pretty much all the costs of schooling were taken care of. As soon as I got that letter in the mail, that was it. I was out of there. My father and I had onest huge fight, then I left for greener pastures¡­ in Arizona¡­¡± Derek chuckled. ¡°That fight was thest time that I got to talk to my father¡­¡± His smile turned into a frown, and it was all he could do to keep tears from forming in his eyes.


    ¡°Oh, no¡­¡± nah muttered.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Derek shook his head and took a deep breath to keep his voice from cracking. ¡°And that¡¯s not even the worst of it. Those four years in Arizona were some of the best years of my life. And, as it turned out, I was quite good at that sport. See, I was what was called a defensive-end in a sport we called football, and I got to hit people. And damn, did I enjoy hitting people? I racked up some school records, and it looked like I was even going to be able to go professional¡­ even from a university like Arizona State. So, when that became a possibility, my pettiness kicked in. I thought, ¡®That will show him that I didn¡¯t need any help from him to be sessful.¡¯¡±


    ¡°And did you ¡®go professional?¡¯¡± nah asked.


    ¡°No¡­¡± Derekughed a defeatedugh. ¡°The entire time I was in school, I only kept in touch with my sister and my mother on asion. Stace¡­ uhem¡­ Stacy, my sister, she was five years younger than me. She wouldn¡¯t have left me alone even if I wanted her to¡ªwhich I didn¡¯t. So, we talked weekly, all the way up until the worst day of my life.¡±

 Chapter 452: Derek’s Story II

    Chapter 452: Derek¡¯s Story II


    ¡°The worst day of your life?¡± nah asked¡ªshe was even bing emotional. It was easy to tell that she already had an idea about what had happened with Derek and his family.


    ¡°It¡¯s probably worse than you think,¡± Derek said. ¡°I guess my sister put in a lot of work and got my mother, and even my father, to agree toe to my graduation. But I didn¡¯t know any of this at the time and Stace never told me about it. I guess she wanted it to be a surprise.¡± Derek swallowed the lump forming in his throat.


    ¡°That day, I walked out with the rest of my ss and got my little rolled-up piece of paper, shook hands with the president of the university, then went back down. Finally, after four years, I was a college graduate with a degree in some that I would never use, and I had ns on bing a professional football yer,¡± Derek said. ¡°Then, when I got back to my dorm, I grabbed my phone¡ªamunication device¡ªand saw a bunch of missed calls.


    ¡°When I called the number back, it turned out that it was the hospital nearby, which confused me,¡± Derek said, and he took a deep breath. ¡°But after a minute, they figured out who I was, and I was connected to somebody else¡ªI don¡¯t even remember who. It was all a blur after I heard the words that my family had been in an ident.


    ¡°I mean, how could they have been in an ident in Arizona? They lived in North Carolina, and my mother, for as amazing as she was in her professional career, hated flying.¡± Derek shook his head as a tear finally rolled down his cheek. ¡°But no, they gave me my father¡¯s, mother¡¯s, and sister¡¯s name. It was them.¡±


    ¡°Oh, no,¡± nah muttered again, this time with her palm over her mouth.


    ¡°Apparently, they had driven through the night to get there in time for my graduation ceremony, but some kids who had been partying the night before decided that they were in good enough condition to go for a ride,¡± Derek said and clinched his fist. ¡°My family never made it to the university¡­¡± He took another deep breath in. ¡°When I got to the hospital, my mom and dad were both gone already¡­ and Stace was barely hanging on.¡± Derek gripped the arm of his chair and was barely able to keep himself from crushing it.


    nah just sat in silence, staring at Derek. It seemed she didn¡¯t really know what to say to him.


    ¡°I sat beside her bedside and hoped and prayed¡­ I held her hand in mine¡­¡± Another tear ran down Derek¡¯s face as he spoke. ¡°She opened her eyes, and for a second, I thought she was going to be okay¡­ I thought my prayers worked¡­ do you know what thest thing she said to me was?¡± he asked rhetorically. ¡°She gave me a weak smile and said, ¡®Looks like we missed your graduation¡­¡¯¡± Derek snorted and shook his head. ¡°That¡¯s just like her. She was so used to making light of everything to keep me and my parents from fighting¡­¡±¡°I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡± nah finally said. ¡°That¡¯s awful.¡±


    ¡°Mhm¡­¡± Derek nodded. ¡°And our world was rtively peaceful,¡± he continued. ¡°We didn¡¯t have monster attacks or anything like that. Sure, we had wars with other countries asionally, and there were always some bad apples out there prone to violence, but, at least where I grew up, you never woke up one day thinking that everything could turn to shit in an instant. Honestly, I had never lost anybody that close to me, other than my grandma, but we had time to prepare with her. With my parents and my sister¡­ I wasn¡¯t prepared.¡±


    ¡°And how could you have been?¡±


    ¡°So, no, I didn¡¯t go pro. I fell into a bout of depression¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°I moved back to North Carolina, but I couldn¡¯t stand to be in the house I grew up in, so I moved some of my stuff out to a family cabin we owned, and I just stayed there¡ªisted from the rest of the world. asionally, I made my way into the city to pick up some groceries or stop by a bar for a drink and a hotel afterward. Never once did I drive if I was even remotely not sober. That¡¯s something that sticks with you¡­¡±


    ¡°That sounds¡­ horrible,¡± nah said.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you had it worse,¡± Derek replied. ¡°Wanting to speak to people, but never being able to, no matter how much you wanted. That sounds like its own kind of horrible. Me? I just wanted to be left alone, and I was. I had my mother¡¯swyer friend take care of the estate and everything else, and I just left. I never talked to a single person from my old life again. Then, a few yearster, I was hit with a terrible headache, saw weird lights shooting down from the sky, then my vision was filled up with notifications about being inducted into a system¡¯s tutorial stage.¡±


    ¡°So, this Universal System just came in and took over your? And what kind of tutorial would a system use? It just all sounds so confusing,¡± nah replied.


    ¡°Oh, it was confusing. There was mass panic, and I don¡¯t know how many people died within the first week or two of the system taking over,¡± Derek said. He was more than happy to turn the conversation away from his family and toward his experience with the system. It had been harder to talk about everything than he had expected. It was also the first time he¡¯d spoken his sister¡¯s name out loud since the funeral.


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    ¡°I bet,¡± nah replied. ¡°I can¡¯t even imagine not having a system for everything. Everything we do is centered around the so-called Great System. We wouldn¡¯t even know which way was up if not for the system¡¯s support.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Derek said. ¡°I figure that Earth will be like that before long¡ªif it¡¯s not like that already. If I¡¯m not mistaken, the tutorial should be long over by now, and the should bepletely integrated into the system. Now, what would that look like? I have no clue. As far as I know or can guess, the Universal System spans wide throughout the universe and integratess and people into it as it goes. It seems to be quite a bit different from the system you have here.¡±


    ¡°I wonder what kind of system I will be ascending to,¡± nah said. ¡°Will it be like this Universal System, or will it be one simr to the Great System? I¡¯m scared, but at the same time, I haven¡¯t been this excited in a long time. Do you mind telling me what the big differences between this system and the one you used to have is? Or¡­ you do have the so-called Great System, correct? Or do you have the Universal System still, even though you¡¯re under this system?¡±


    ¡°Woah, woah, woah.¡± Derekughed. ¡°Slow down¡­ one question at a time,¡± he said. But he knew how interesting learning about all these things was. If he were in her shoes, he probably would have thrown out even more questions than she did. In fact, he had thrown out a lot of questions when he first met Dave. ¡°Let¡¯s start at where I left off with my story,¡± he finally said.


    ¡°Great!¡± nah said excitedly. ¡°I was wondering what happened next.¡±


    ¡°Well, like I said, the system came and started sending us notifications,¡± Derek continued. ¡°I guess I was lucky, but I had been in the process of killing a fish just as the system came, so, I was hit with the system and its notifications just as I was plunging a knife into the fish¡¯s skull, and when I did, I received a Title¡ªwhich is what that system had instead of Achievements¡ªabout being one of the first people on my to obtain a kill. It was called ¡®First of Many¡¯ and it gave a huge boost in stats¡ªa ten percent boost, in fact.¡±


    ¡°Percentage boost? In stats?¡± nah said, stunned. ¡°Now that is a rare Achieve¡­ Title. Rarely do you receive an Achievement that works on percentages. It¡¯s mostly just static increases in certain stats.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t I know it.¡± Derek said. ¡°But yeah, I¡¯m pretty sure that since we were in the ¡®tutorial phase¡¯ and newly introduced to the system, it was giving us special rewards to increase the rate at which we grew so by the time the tutorial phase was over, we would be ready to be introduced to the rest of those with the system.¡± <em>Now that I think about it, I bet that</em><em>¡¯s why when I focused on finding Jace, he didn¡¯t seem to be on Earth. The tutorial is over, and since he was strong and a fighter, he probably moved on to some ce different. He would get bored easily if there wasn¡¯t anyone on Earth to provide a challenge to him.</em>


    ¡°That makes sense,¡± nah replied with a nod. ¡°I can¡¯t imagine what would happen if it just threw you all to the wolves. There would be no surviving that. People are not so kind as to help you if someone tried to take over your ¡®Earth.¡¯¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Derek agreed. ¡°I doubt we would havested more than a week or two. I mean, we had a poption of around eight billion people when the system came, and with just the monsters that were made from the integration, I would bet that more than half of those people have already died. I would like to see the actual number one day, but I know it was basically something out of an apocalypse. Cities vanished overnight and bears, wolves, gerbils¡­ basically every type of animal we had was turned into monsters and roamed freely.¡±


    ¡°That must have been horrible. Living a rtively peaceful life, then thrust into a world full of monsters and magic,¡± nah said.


    ¡°For most¡­ it probably was,¡± Derek said with a real smile for the first time in a while. ¡°For me, it was perfect. I thrived in a world full of monsters. I fought without regard for my life because of what I was going through before it came. But I was good at fighting, good at hitting and being hit, and no matter how much the system threw at me, I somehow came out alive. In fact, the tutorial phase of the system introduction had leaderboards, and before I left the, I was one of the top ten strongest people on the. People would seek me out for help, invaders would run from me when I approached.¡± <em>Jace would seek me out and beat the ever-loving shit out of me</em><em>¡­ </em>he thought but didn¡¯t say. ¡°I was basically alive again after all those years of living in that cabin.¡±


    ¡°So the systeming gave you a new life,¡± nah said.


    ¡°It did¡­ sort of,¡± Derek replied. ¡°I still avoided people. It was much easier to just seek out beasts and monsters and grind levels that way. I still only went into town for food and drink¡ªor to exchange system credits at one of the hubs. Oh, that is something the Universal System has that this one doesn¡¯t¡­ system credits.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± nah raised her eyebrows in interest. ¡°What do those do?¡±


    ¡°Well, each system curated base or city would have a sort of system hub. Among other things, you could use it as sort of a digital shop with your system credits¡ªwhich was earned by gaining Titles, selling things on the hub, and even killing monsters. Though, it seemed like I was gaining less and less credits by ying monsters as time went on. But, you could take those credits and buy a lot of stuff. Food, drink,nd, buildings, armor, weapons, and there were even some skills. See, we didn¡¯t have skill points used to purchase skills like this system. We got the skills based on ss, and we could supplement those with other skills purchased from the system hub.


    ¡°Now, there was a lot of stuff that couldn¡¯t be purchased, or was way too expensive to purchase. It was basically an auction that was constantly running,¡± he exined. ¡°It made buying things much easier. And I never had to actually carry physical coins or money.¡±


    ¡°That sounds very convenient,¡± nah said.


    ¡°It was, though, only a few people ever had enough credits to make real use out of it,¡± Derek said, then pulled out his old ive¡ªthe one with all his memories. ¡°I special ordered this through some intermediate cksmith on the hub. I paid a pretty penny for it back then.¡±


    ¡°Interesting,¡± nah said as she looked over the ive. ¡°Maybe this new system I am going to will have something like that. That would make things much simpler.¡±


    ¡°Hopefully,¡± Derek said. ¡°And the best part about it was that you could sell things anonymously. You didn¡¯t have to worry about being killed because you sold something you shouldn¡¯t have.¡±


    ¡°That is always a pain to deal with,¡± nah said.


    ¡°I take it you¡¯re speaking from experience,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°More than you know,¡± nahughed before adding, ¡°So, the system came, you thrived, yet you still avoided people. So¡­ how is it that you ended up here?¡±

 Chapter 453: Derek’s Story III (Final)

    Chapter 453: Derek¡¯s Story III (Final)


    ¡°How did I end up here?¡± Derek asked back with augh. ¡°That¡¯s actually a funny story,¡± he said.


    ¡°How so?¡± nah asked.


    ¡°Well, as you know now, I stuck to myself, and rarely every interacted with anybody,¡± he started. ¡°There were a few teams of people who pushed hard enough, and through those years, I joined up with them for some things¡ªlike fighting hordes of monsters trying to overtake an outpost and things like that.¡±


    ¡°I can understand that,¡± nah said. ¡°You have to protect those hubs, I would assume?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Derek answered. ¡°But a couple of the teams were pretty extroverted and outgoing, and I ended up seeing them more often than I would have liked. I mean, I did actively try to avoid them, but they tried to speak with me enough for me to say that I was at least on friendly terms with them as acquaintances¡ªthough I didn¡¯t exactly consider them friends. I hadn¡¯t even bothered to learn all of their names.¡±


    nah nodded along, waiting for Derek to continue.


    ¡°So, I wasing back from a bar, and the leader of one of the teams was running around frantically. It was none of my business, so I just tried to blend into the surroundings and sneak by, but she ended up seeing me and rushing over,¡± Derek exined with a sigh. ¡°Still to this day, I don¡¯t know why I allowed myself to be talked into helping her.¡±


    ¡°What did she need?¡± nah asked.


    ¡°Well, her whole team was ambushed, I guess¡ªfighting for their lives. She had run back to search for some help because of it, then she saw me and basically dragged me along with her to save them,¡± Derek replied. ¡°Honestly, I could have turned around or said no at any point, and it wasn¡¯t like she¡ªor anyone else around the area, for that matter¡ªwould have been able to stop me.¡±¡°So, why did you help?¡±


    ¡°Not sure,¡± Derek replied with a shrug. ¡°Honestly, I was technically risking my life, but not really. Even at that point in time, I knew that there were very few people or things on the that could kill me, and even fewer that could keep me from escaping. Really, I guess I was bored and allowed myself to go along with her, even though I inwardlyined the whole time. Funnily enough, the only thing I was really concerned about was the Portal skill that she was using to send me to her team¡¯s location.¡±


    ¡°She was using Portal?¡± nah asked with wide eyes. ¡°On this with people that had only just gotten this Universal System? Surely there couldn¡¯t have been many max level people by then.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Derek replied. ¡°There were no people at max level by then. There wasn¡¯t even anyone with a level over 100 at that point in time.¡±


    ¡°Then using Portal could be devastating,¡± nah said. ¡°Even with her team in danger¡­ she would be taking a huge risk. Why would she even rely on a skill like that? One mid-tier Void Beast and the destruction it would have caused would have been unimaginable.¡±


    ¡°Oh, why did she have the skill, and why did she use it?¡± Derek asked back with a grin. ¡°That¡¯s easy. See, we Earthlings have this thing about reading directions and instructions. I know that on the Universal System hub we could buy booklets on many of the basic ss skills for next to nothing. I even seem to recall one that was always listed at the top of the list each time I scrolled through them. It was the cheapest thing on the hub¡¯s marketce that one could buy, actually. I can¡¯t remember the exact name of the booklet, but I remember it being something about not using Portal. I didn¡¯t know why back then¡ªI didn¡¯t have the skill. But I certainly know why now.¡±


    ¡°That sounds nice,¡± nah replied. ¡°Being able to learn about your skills as you get them instead of having to do things yourself.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Derek replied with a nod. ¡°The basic ones were sold by the system itself, but there were some advanced ones written by other users using their personal experience with the skills. That information was drastically more expensive, even with the saturated market.¡±


    ¡°I can only imagine,¡± nah replied. ¡°Learning like that would take months, if not years, off of learning your skills.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Derek said. ¡°So, obviously¡­ I never bought any for my own skills either.¡±


    ¡°Of course you didn¡¯t,¡± nah said while rolling her eyes.


    Derek pointed at himself and said, ¡°Not only was I an Earthling, but I was an American¡ªone of the countries on the¡ªand a man. That¡¯s a triple whammy when ites to following instructions.¡±


    ¡°Of course it is¡­¡±


    ¡°But, anyway,¡± Derek said, getting back to his story. ¡°The n was for her to activate a portal, me to jump in, get everyone back through the portal, then go through myself. It was a straightforward n and one I should have been able to aplish pretty easily.¡±


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    ¡°Sounds like it,¡± nah replied with a nod.


    ¡°But, if there¡¯s one thing that I¡¯ve learned throughout my life, it¡¯s that things never go as nned,¡± he said.


    ¡°No, no they do not,¡± the siren agreed.


    ¡°So, once I went through the portal, I noticed that some of their team was already gone, so there was nothing I could have done there,¡± he exined. ¡°I ended up gathering the ones I could save and taking them to the portal¡ªwhich ended up not being as easy as it sounded. But I managed to keep the ones who were still alive safe and eventually got them through the portal.


    ¡°Maybe I stayed back too long holding all the attackers off while the others made it through the portal, maybe it was as much my fault as it was hers, but, in the end, I tried to go back through the portal and it closed with me inside it,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°No!¡± nah took a deep breath. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ve seen that happen before.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Derek asked. ¡°So, I¡¯m not the only one?¡±


    ¡°Well, as far as I know, you are the only one who has survived,¡± nah replied. ¡°I¡­ uh¡­ I sent one of my Deathsworn in one and closed it as an experiment. I stayed connected with him for a while, but I felt him die soon after. And it was death. I didn¡¯t just lose my connection to him.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Derek scratched his chin. ¡°That makes sense. My circumstances¡­¡± <em>The odds of making it out like I did would be astronomically low, </em>Derek thought. ¡°I guess my circumstances were rare,¡± he said.


    ¡°So, what happened?¡± nah asked. ¡°How did you survive getting stuck inside?¡±


    ¡°Well, first of all, I was a tank with high vitality and endurance. So I was at the point where¡ªwhile I was able to starve¡ªI wasn¡¯t actually able to die of hunger or thirst. Even when I ran out of food and water, I stayed alive. It¡­ it was torture.¡±


    ¡°I can imagine,¡± nah replied. ¡°I have had to go weeks without meals before, too.¡±


    ¡°No¡­ I don¡¯t think you can imagine,¡± Derek said, and nah raised her eyebrows. ¡°You know how time is different in the void?¡±


    ¡°Sort of,¡± nah replied. ¡°We don¡¯t know all that much about the void. I just know what I¡¯ve learned by watching you and what bit of interaction I had with it when hunting Void Beasts with Portal. But with how that separate space of yours works, I can understand that.¡±


    ¡°Well, I was technically inside the void for only a couple of years¡ªording to the age listed on my status sheet,¡± Derek exined. ¡°But the time inside was so strange that I¡¯m not sure if I was actually in there for decades or centuries. Hell, it may have been even longer. But that¡¯s how long I starved¡ªhow long I was alone. I went crazy, brought myself back to sanity, went crazy again¡­ I continued that cycle I don¡¯t know how many times.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± nah looked at Derek with a bit of what looked like pity. ¡°That must have been awful¡­¡± she said.


    ¡°It was,¡± Derek replied. ¡°And do you know how I managed to escape?¡±


    ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°I guess there was a Void Beast here in Cydaria, and it broke through into my dark, little tunnel while escaping,¡± Derek exined. ¡°When I saw it, I took my chance and jumped out of the crack it had made to get inside. I didn¡¯t know if I was jumping into the abyss, another void tunnel, or what. Hell, I could have been jumping to death, and I would have happily epted it at the time.¡±


    nah nodded along with his exnation.


    ¡°But luckily, I ended up in Cydaria,¡± Derek said. ¡°I actually fell to the ground not too far away from where Thomas was. He was lost at the time, so it¡¯s good that I was there to help him out. With that, the boy helped me learn things that he knew¡ªor thought he knew¡ªabout the world here and the Great System.¡±


    ¡°That is quite the story,¡± nah said. ¡°And no, I can¡¯t imagine many, if any, other people could have the same luck you did in escaping the void. I imagine that if they do not die by starvation, thirst, suicide, or even Void Beast, they would spend an eternity inside suffering. That is a terrible fate.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, also, I believe that there areyers to the void,¡± Derek said. ¡°The Portal skill opened more of an outsideyer that messed with time and stuff, but my skill¡ªthe Void Travel skill¡ªI think it opens up a much deeperyer. One where space is more the focus, and time affects the being itself. It leads me to believe that there may even be moreyers.¡±


    ¡°It is certainly possible,¡± nah said. ¡°It is one of the most mysterious elements I can think of,¡± she exined. Then, tapping the arm of her chair with one of her fingers, she asked, ¡°Can I ask you one more thing?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Derek replied. ¡°Like I said, you can think of me as an open book right now. Well, an open book about anything that won¡¯t get me killed by the system.¡± Of course, he didn¡¯t say which system would be doing the killing.


    ¡°How did your Universal System react to all of this? And what happened when you were introduced to the so-called Great System?¡± nah asked.


    ¡°Oh, that¡­¡± Derek muttered. ¡°Well, at the beginning, the Universal System was there with me and helped keep me sane¡­ ish. I did nothing but train my skills and look at my stats and stuff. But eventually, I left the range of the system and lost ess to it¡ªthat was terrible. In between bouts of Meditation and craziness, I could only upy myself by continuing that ¡®training¡¯ without knowing if it was helping anything.


    ¡°When I made it here, though, the ¡®Great System¡¯ noticed me. It¡­ connected to me, noticed the other system, and it tried to eliminate any remnants I had of it. But that¡¯s the thing,¡± Derek said. ¡°It wasn¡¯t able to. All I know is that it suppressed it. From there, it pumped its systemnguage into my head so I can understand everyone here even though it feels like I¡¯m still speaking my ownnguage. Which¡­ is weird because I know that there should be no way you know what some words I speak are, yet everyone almost always understands. I¡¯ve just figured that the systemnguage trantes it to whatever word you would use for it instead¡­ unless it is something specific that isn¡¯t already here¡ªlike coffee¡­ or America.


    ¡°With the Universal System, we had to level up Linguistic skills if we wanted to speak othernguages on our own¡­ or buy a very expensivenguage skills from the hub¡ªwhich I guess may have done what the Great System did for me.¡±


    ¡°Uh huh¡­¡± nah said. ¡°I never thought about any of that. There are some legends aboutnguages that used to be here, but they are all dead and I¡¯ve never seen them. We¡¯ve all just heard fairy tales and myths about them.¡±


    ¡°Huh¡­ well¡­ no point in wondering about it,¡± Derek said with a shrug. ¡°It is what it is. System fuckery at its best.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ I like that,¡± nah said with a giggle.


    ¡°It¡¯s just how it works,¡± Derekughed. ¡°Anyway, after the suppression and being sted with a newnguage, I started over at level one, but I kept the stats I already had from the other system. That¡¯s how I was able to grow so fast. The ¡®Great System¡¯ evenbined simr skills with ones I received here¡ªgiving me a much higher starting point.¡±


    ¡°Interesting¡­¡± nah muttered. ¡°I can¡¯t believe something like that is actually possible, but here you are. Literally living proof.¡±


    ¡°Yup,¡± Derek replied with a nod. ¡°And as for the rest of it, I think you pretty much know.¡±

 Chapter 454: The Plan

    Chapter 454: The n


    ¡°Yeah, I know most everything else,¡± nah replied. ¡°And your story and exnations answer the other questions I would have had about your power. It also exins your void ss, since you spent an ungodly amount of time inside a portal, and it exins why you were insistent that I try to grow closer to my ss. And just to confirm¡­ You have a Mythical ss, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Sure do,¡± Derek confirmed her suspicions.


    ¡°Thought so,¡± nah replied. ¡°If nothing else, it is nice to know that such a ss rarity exists. For the longest time, I thought Mythical rarity was nothing more than¡­ well¡­ a myth. But many believe legendary rarity to be a myth, as well. And I know from experience that legendary sses exist.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯spletely understandable,¡± Derek said. ¡°It seems that only unique people end up with high rarity sses. You can¡¯t just go with the flow and expect to increase your ss rarity¡ªit takes willpower and unique situations. The best example for this would be the Cydarian Royal family.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you are correct,¡± nah said. ¡°Edwin, Edward, Eloise, and even the two youngest¡ªEliot and Everett¡ªwill most likely never gain a ss beyond epic ranked. But Edgar, and his personality that causes him to constantly push himself forward, has gone beyond that, and that is proof of your statement¡­ if you ask me.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Derek said. <em>Though I</em><em>¡¯ve never met these two ¡®younger brothers,¡¯ </em>he thought. He had heard Edward speak of his younger brothers, but Derek had never heard their names before. ording to what nah said, though, the two youngest took more after Edward and Eloise than they did Edgar, which was a shame. Just one of them pushing themselves like Edgar would take a lot of weight off of Edward and Edgar. ¡°I doubt it¡¯s easy for someone growing up in such luxuries to make themselves better.¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡± nah nodded in agreement. ¡°It is a problem that many noble houses end up having after a few generations.¡±


    ¡°You fight to get to the top,¡± Derek said. ¡°Then, once you get there, you let up to bask in your aplishments and your family ends up falling behind again.¡± He sighed. ¡°It seems like you just can¡¯t rx too long when you live with systems¡­¡±


    ¡°That seems to be the case,¡± nah replied.After that, the two sat around and made small talk for a good while longer. Soon enough, though, nah¡¯s eyes went distant again, and she said, ¡°Oh¡­ looks like it¡¯s time.¡±


    ¡°Time?¡± Derek asked as he looked around to try to see what the siren was talking about? ¡°Time for what?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll see very soon,¡± nah replied with a smile, and sure enough, a few minutester, Derek certainly did see what she was talking about.


    ¡°These are?¡± Derek looked around hesitantly at seven figures that all showed up one at a time. Each one of them was wearing a dark cloak, which he was unable to see under.


    ¡°These¡­ are some of my Deathsworn,¡± nah answered. ¡°I thought that, to eliminate the waiting period for this dungeon, that I could bring in some reinforcements. Also¡­ they should be able to help with your problem of leveling too fast.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°Then each of these people¡­¡±


    ¡°Are the worst of the worst. Some of the most vile people I¡¯vee across in my long life. Each one would be on the same level as Gerald Torith, if not worse,¡± nah finished.


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Derek rubbed his chin in thought. He hadn¡¯t thought much about nah¡¯s control power, but seeing the Deathsworn¡­ he couldn¡¯t help himself from having questions. ¡°What is going to happen to these guys once you leave?¡± he asked the main question on his mind.


    ¡°I do not believe I will be able to take them with me,¡± nah said. ¡°And it is possible that they would eventually break out of their trances if I am no longer around to reinforce them. If that happens, then they will create problems for the kingdom. Therefore, it is only right that I eliminate them before my ascension to another system. There is no way of getting around it.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Derek said. ¡°That makes sense. Each one feels rather strong¡ªnot strong like myself or you, but like¡­ Edward maybe. Maybe a little stronger, actually. Like someone with an epic ss, but who hasn¡¯t quite gotten all their skills up.¡±


    ¡°That is about their skill level,¡± nah replied. ¡°Some are a little more powerful, some a little less. But yes, it would certainly be a problem leaving them here. They have suffered inside their own heads for long enough. They have had their torture for many of the heinous deeds they have done. I shall finally end their suffering. It is a skill that I do not like, but one that was vital for my survival when I was younger and less experienced.¡±


    ¡°I can understand that,¡± Derek said. ¡°It is one particrly nasty skill.¡± He also had a skill that was quite nasty. That skill was his Time Prison¡ªunless it was used on someone like Ogre, who very much enjoyed, or Bones, who had already gone through suffering and was very resistant to being cut off from everyone and everything. It was one of the reasons that he didn¡¯t just go around stuffing all his enemies in prison. That and the fact that he couldn¡¯t use it and still move around with Void Travel without harming those inside.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    ¡°It is,¡± nah replied. ¡°And it is one that I hope I will not have to use ever again, but at the same time, it is there if I need it, and I have enough experience that I will not hesitate to use it. I will not hesitate to use any skill if it means survival and growth. I will never torment for the sake of torment, but if I find myself in certain situations, I will not hold back.¡±


    ¡°Nor should you,¡± Derek said. ¡°You don¡¯t live long in worlds like ours if you are full of hesitation.¡±


    ¡°Mhm¡­¡± nah nodded once again. ¡°It¡¯s good you understand.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Derek said. ¡°Now, what exactly are we going to do? Should we get back to the dungeon?¡±


    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s do that,¡± nah replied.


    From there, both nah and Derek stood and stored their chairs away. Then they walked closer to the dungeon orb. ¡°Looks like you brought too many,¡± Derek said when he remembered that the maximum number of participants for the dungeon was six people.


    ¡°The others have no problem waiting outside,¡± nah said with augh. ¡°I had seven of them that were particrly close, and I know that there are some dungeons that I n on running that require eight people, so I just had them alle here. Besides, we¡¯re even less likely to be slowed walking around with such a strong group than we are with just our new badges.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Derek said. ¡°I know that if I was an average or even above average adventurer and saw a group like this walking my way, I may just find something very interesting on the other side of the street or in a nearby alley.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± nah chuckled. ¡°Are you ready?¡± she asked as she put her hand on the dungeon orb.


    ¡°More than,¡± Derek said. ¡°Let¡¯s go kill some golems.¡±


    Instantly, Derek received the dungeon notifications. From there, he looked at the participants list.


    Participants Ready: 2/6


    nah Swan: Ready


    Derek Hunt: Ready


    Roger Simms: Not Ready


    Chandler Laurent: Not Ready


    Gianna Grant: Not Ready


    Francis Galloway: Not Ready


    ¡°That¡¯s an interesting set of names,¡± Derek said. ¡°I don¡¯t recognize any of the surnames there. I thought you would have some very bad nobles from Cydaria in your little group.¡±


    ¡°There have been times in which I almost did,¡± nah replied. ¡°But, as you know and can see¡­¡± all the Deathsworn around the two of them removed their hoods and Derek noticed something most of them had inmon. ¡°It¡¯s not a skill I like to use often.¡±


    Out of the seven Deathsworn, two were elves, one was what looked like a halfling, and the other four were human. Of them, the four humans were quite old. They were either as old as, if not older than, Walter¡ªanding up on Edwin¡¯s age even. Derek was pretty sure that the two elves were just as old, but not yet showing their age. The halfling woman seemed a bit younger, but still past middle-age. She didn¡¯t appear quite as old as Walter, but Derek didn¡¯t know what kind of skills or stats she had invested in.


    <em>Wait</em><em>¡­ how does that even work? Does nah just tell them to read their status sheet, then tell them what to invest into? </em>Derek shrugged at the thought. <em>It doesn</em><em>¡¯t really matter, anyway. </em>


    ¡°Most of my Deathsworn havee from the other continent. If or when we go there, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll recognize a few of the surnames you see on the list of participants. There are plenty of noble houses that may still harbor a grudge against the beastly Dawn Siren. In fact, the seven here are the strongest of my Deathsworn¡ªall level 250 with epic sses. And I suspect that a couple of them would have upgraded to legendary at their final ss upgrade if not for being controlled by me,¡± nah exined.


    ¡°I see,¡± Derek said. ¡°So, what you¡¯re saying is that if we go over to your home continent and don¡¯t hide, there will be a lot of fun to be had?¡± he chuckled.


    ¡°If that is what you would call it¡­ yes,¡± nah answered with a smile. ¡°Especially if the Laurent family learns of my appearance. They are one of the royal families, after all, and they wouldn¡¯t take kindly to one of their princes¡ªperhaps their most genius prince¡ªbeing under control of one such as I.¡±


    ¡°No¡­ I bet they would not,¡± Derek said with augh.


    ¡°Okay, are you ready?¡± nah asked onest time. Seeing that Derek nodded toward her, she continued, ¡°Great. Here we go.¡±


    With that, the list of participants showed all six people with a ¡®ready¡¯ status. As soon as thest one switched to ready, the entrance timer counted down from three, and they soon found themselves inside the golem dungeon without having to wait any extra length of time for not having the required amount of participants.


    As the blinding light disappeared from around them, Derek checked his surroundings. All the Deathsworn had raised their hoods back and were standing silently beside nah. ¡°Okay,¡± nah said. ¡°We¡¯re going to do it all different this time.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the n?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°All six of us are going to stick together, and we¡¯re going to go around taking out golems one by one. That way, each of us can get a hit on each golem that you¡¯re fighting, and you will end up with a sixth of the experience that you would have gotten by fighting alone,¡± nah exined.


    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Derek said. ¡°Anything else?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± nah replied. ¡°My Deathsworn, Gianna, is a particrly strong elven light mage that focused on battle skills instead of healing. She was cast out of her family because of her cruel ways¡ªusing light to bind and torture people. Her family was a very renown healer family with¡ªmostly¡ªkind hearts. So kind that they exiled her instead of killing her outright.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Derek said with raised eyebrows.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± nah said. ¡°I was in a party with her at one point and found her with one of our other party members¡­ it wasn¡¯t pretty. From there, she became one of my strongest Deathsworn. She is also one that I have no doubt would have received a legendary ss. Instead, I turned her focus a bit toward healing andbat arts instead of specificallybat. That way, I always had a healer with me if needed.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Derek said. nah didn¡¯t exin what the woman was doing with her party member, but it couldn¡¯t have been good¡ªespecially after exining her cruelty. ¡°So, what¡¯s the n?¡±


    ¡°I want to see if she can inject some of her light into a core and burn it from the inside out¡ªshutting it down instead of destroying it. I believe that it¡¯s quite possible,¡± nah exined.


    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Derek said. Then, the countdown to wave one began. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

 Chapter 455: Deathsworn

    Chapter 455: Deathsworn


    The first wave began and Derek immediatelyunched himself towards a corner of the battlegrounds where one of the golems spawned. Just like nah had exined, the four Deathsworn and nah all stuck by his side.


    ¡°I can gain just about as much skill experience fighting a single one as I would if I went through and fought against them all,¡± Derek said as they moved forward. ¡°So¡­ once everyone hits the one in front of me to reduce the experience points, you can all go do your own thing.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the n,¡± nah said as she traveled right beside him.


    Derek looked at nah and nodded, then back at the four Deathsworn. He realized he was speaking to them the same as he would have anyone else instead of only talking to nah. ¡°Can they¡­¡± he started. ¡°Can those four listen? Like, will they do what I say, or are they just on autopilot?¡±


    ¡°They will listen to you as long as it doesn¡¯t go against anymands that I have given them,¡± nah replied. ¡°You can even message them via the Telepathy skill if you would like. I have alreadymanded them to listen to you as they would me for now.¡±


    ¡°Great,¡± Derek replied. Finally, he reached what seemed to be a wind golem just as it finished putting itself together. ¡°I guess this one is mine,¡± he said.


    ¡°Go!¡± nahmanded her Deathsworn, and they all rushed in andnded a hit on the wind golem. Actually, they did more than justnd a hit. Each one unleashed what would have been a devastating attack if it had been against any enemy other than a golem.


    A blinding light appeared as an entire lower joint of the golem¡¯s stone base was melted away from Gianna, the light mage. Derek was even surprised when he saw a greatsword appear in the hand of one of the older men. <em>I guess I shouldn</em><em>¡¯t be, </em>he thought. <em>It only makes sense that she has outfitted all these guys with proper equipment¡ªincluding storage rings. </em>


    The man crashed down on the wind golem¡¯s shoulder with his greatsword¡ªcausing stone shards to fly everywhere as it crushed the rock beneath. The two other Deathsworn weren¡¯t as destructive as the first. One hit the golem with some debuffs, and the other whipped out a giant shield and bashed it against the golem¡¯s abdomen. Following her four fighters, nah appeared behind the golem and jabbed her rapier into its other shoulder. Then, with a flick of her finger, the golem¡¯s shoulder exploded more than the other had when her Deathworn crushed it with his greatsword.¡°That should be enough,¡± nah said as she appeared next to Derek, who was still hovering in front of the golem with his Void Steps skill.


    ¡°Yup,¡± he said to the siren. ¡°That should do it.¡± With a flick of his wrist, Derek summoned another of the skill experience potions from his storage and drank it down. ¡°I guess it¡¯s my turn now.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll go collect the other cores,¡± nah replied before vanishing once again. Behind her, three of the Deathsworn kicked off the ground and chased after¡ªthey were fast, but not as fast as Edgar or Avery. Surprisingly, the elven light mage shone brightly, thenpletely disappeared from Derek¡¯s sight.


    Derek looked in the direction that nah had gone while the wind golem worked on putting itself back together. Almost as soon as his eyes locked on to the siren, a bright sh caught his attention and the light mage appeared, floating in the air next to her. <em>Now that</em><em>¡¯s one hell of a skill, </em>he thought. <em>I wonder if it</em><em>¡¯s some type of teleportation skill, or if it¡¯s more like the one that Edgar uses with his lightning. Actually¡­ is she able to travel at the speed of light with that skill? How the hell was nah able to catch her? </em>He couldn¡¯t help but wonder, but shook his head. <em>No</em><em>¡­ I bet she didn¡¯t have a problem at all. </em>


    Derek quickly raised his forearm as a wind de collided with him. His wyvern armor shook the attack off, with nothing more than a light scratch being left. <em>Look like it</em><em>¡¯s ready, </em>he thought to himself as heunched himself forward and began his own duel.


    Once again, Derek fell into a rhythm of grinding skills through fighting golems. After everything that nah had told him, he focused much of his attention on Void Steps and Void Shift. Void Shift was a rtively hard skill to level, but in reality, he hadn¡¯t had the need to use it much recently. However, it was part of his ss skills, so it was definitely one that needed to take precedent over others.


    Void Steps would naturally level with anything else. It was a skill that he used alongside pretty much every other skill he had. He was sure that once all his other battle skills reached max level, he would also have Void Steps there, too.


    While shifting in and out of the void while fighting the golem, Derek asionally looked over at the other fights. nah was hovering in the air behind her Deathsworn with her arms crossed. Three of the four Deathsworn were distracting a golem, while the fourth one¡ªthe light mage¡ªwaited for an opportunity. Soon enough, nah shed forward with her rapier, then back.


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    As soon as the siren moved back, the light mage also shed forward. When she appeared next, she had her hand on the earth golem¡¯s core and began pumping what looked like light magic into it. All of this happened very fast, but since Derek was alternating between the void and reality, their fighting seemed to pause every so often¡ªallowing for Derek to get a good look at all that was going on.


    He smiled as he watched the earth golem fall apart and the Deathsworn appear next to nah with the core in her hands. <em>Looks like nah</em><em>¡¯s n really does work, </em>Derek thought to himself as he moved behind his Absolute Nullify skill to block a flurry of wind des directed at him. <em>These golem dungeons are going to be extremely busy soon. I better get what I need, because once everyone else learns of their value, I probably won</em><em>¡¯t be able to get back in without waiting for days in line. And I hate lines.</em>


    Derek saw a notification appeared when another wind de was pulled into his Absolute Nullify skill, and his smile grew even wider knowing that the skill had just leveled up. While moving in and out of the void with Void Shift and Void Steps, Derek did make sure to throw in any other skills he needed to level once they were off of cooldown.


    Soon, though, he received the notification of the boss appearing. With that, he pulled himself out of the void and rushed at the wind golem. A quickbination of Multi-Strike and Channel Void brought the stones crashing onto the ground. He picked up the inactive core, stored it, then slipped back into the void.


    After pulling himself through a few void ripples, he soon found himself in front of a quickly forming, boss rank fire golem. It was just what he needed to rapidly level his Fire Resistance skill. Derek swiftly deactivated Void Shift and let his surroundings fill up with me from the golem. The fire hitting him was a little toasty, but it was nothing that his Greater Meditation skill couldn¡¯t help him heal through.


    Once the fire golem finished building itself, Derek sent a quick telepathic message to the four Deathsworn and nah, asking them to go ahead and do some damage to the boss while he fought it. Momentster, the four Deathsworn stopped what they were doing to sh against the fire golem. After they all got a good hit or two in, they fell back to the remaining regr golems and continued their work.


    During his fight with the boss fire golem, Derek almostughed as he saw the notifications appearing one after another. His resistance skills were some of the easiest skills to level, but the Fire Resistance one was even more so. <em>I have got to raid</em><em>¡­ borrow some more resistance skills. If there is fire, mental, magic, and physical, then there has to be one for just about every element. Having all of those would be essential in surviving if all this ascending business leads to me being in a ce with stronger people and beasts. </em>


    He¡¯d seen some other resistance skill scrolls before, but didn¡¯t ce as much value on them as he did on the ones that acted more generally like Physical Resistance and Mental Resistance. He would have to remedy that oversight soon. Derek made a mental note to ask nah about those skills as soon as they finished their current dungeon. If anyone knew where he could quickly find some without it taking away from their dungeon crawling, it would be her.


    Another notification of his Fire Resistance leveling rang out, and he actually did chuckle. Once he¡¯d had enough of being toasted alive¡ªeven if it didn¡¯t hurt him much or leave anysting damage, it still didn¡¯t feel good¡ªhe shifted into the void and began using his usual skills on the boss. After a short time, the noises that he¡¯d been constantly hearing from other battles ceased, and he knew that nah and her four Deathsworn had finished collecting their cores.


    And sure enough, not long after that, he received the notification that a new wave of enemies would appear soon. ¡®<em>Let</em><em>¡¯s take this one out,¡¯ </em>he sent to nah. The siren didn¡¯t even reply¡ªinstead, Derek felt her presence appear next to him. He nodded, then shot forward with Void Steps until he was directly in front of the fire core. nah¡ªin Dawn Siren form¡ªappeared next to him.


    As he punched the core with his void covered fists, nah grabbed it and directed her vibrations into it. The golem was not long for the world as it soon lost all power and all of its stones fell to the ground¡ªsome even formal small puddles ofva as they melted from the residual fire. It was quite the sight, and Derek could barely even believe that his body was able to shake the heat at that level off so easily.


    Still, he had no doubt that if the fire golem had gotten a hold of him and hit him directly with its active skills, his Greater Meditation wouldn¡¯t have such an easy time countering the me.


    ¡°That¡¯s that,¡± Derek said to nah while wiping the sweat off his brow.


    ¡°Time for the next wave,¡± nah replied in the eerily seductive voice that appeared when she transformed.


    ¡°Same thing?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Same thing,¡± she answered.


    The rest of the dungeon was simple. It was easy for nah and Derek to fall into a rhythm as they cleared each wave. Derek couldn¡¯t help but notice how much easier and more rxing it was to run dungeons with someone like nah. He knew that she would be wherever he needed her, whenever he needed her. Sure, he trusted Avery and Edgar to have his back in a fight, but he felt that nah was much more¡­ natural at it.


    The final wave came with a surprise to both him and nah. They retrieved the inactive core from the boss golem, then looked at each other with raised brows. The surprise was that one of the types of golems they had fought before the boss appeared. His Identify skill identified the core of the golem as a spectral core. Derek thought it was illusion or something like that, but he was wrong.


    ¡°Do you mind if I take that core?¡± he asked nah once everything was settled.


    ¡°Of course not,¡± nah said, then tossed the spectral core to Derek. ¡°For Thomas?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Derek answered. As soon as he saw the core, he thought it would pair well with Thomas. His ¡®element¡¯ was soul, but from what Derek had seen, it wasn¡¯t too different from how the golem was fighting the Deathsworn before. ¡°I think it will make a great spear or piece of armor for the kid. Brandi will surely figure out something amazing with it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure she will,¡± nah replied. ¡°And maybe we¡¯ll find something even better for her to work on.¡±


    The two of them had known that all kinds of golems were able to appear in the dungeon, but getting such a core gave them hope for some even more rare loot. Derek took a cursory nce at his skills sheet and nodded. He still had a way to go, but he was getting the fast.


    He looked at nah and said, ¡°Again?¡±


    She, in her regr form, smiled back and replied, ¡°Again.¡±

 Chapter 456: Making Gains

    Chapter 456: Making Gains


    For the next while, Derek, nah, and her Deathsworn continuously ran the dungeon¡ªinstantly restarting it as soon as they came out due to having the correct number of participants. If Derek had to pick one thing about the dungeon that he wasn¡¯t a fan of, it would be the fact that each wave had a time limit. Sure, it was a minor thing, but he knew that if the waves ended as soon as all the enemies fell, they would have been able to farm many more cores than they were.


    Of course, the problem was really not a problem at all, as it forced Derek to focus more on his skill levels. However, with the assistance of the Deathsworn, even if they were able to run through the dungeon with no time limits, he suspected that it would be just fine.


    Speaking of the Deathsworn, while Derek was working on his own skills, nah was experimenting with her Deathsworn. Early on, she had decided to test out as many ways as she could think of to deactivate the golem cores before they exploded, and after some time, she had quite a bit of sess. A couple of times, she substituted the Deathsworn that were waiting outside for the ones that went in with her.


    Through this, she found differentbinations of attacks and elements that could stop the explosion of the cores. With those experiments came meticulous note taking, which was something that Derek hadn¡¯t really seen her do. When he asked her about it, she said that it would be easier to write the strategies down now, and just have one of her Deathsworn deliver those notes to the Cydarian Royal Family once they were through with the dungeon¡ªthat way, nah wouldn¡¯t have to waste any of her precious time on the matter.


    This was all well and good for Derek. Because of the timer, nah was able to do all of this without wasting said time. She was really packing everything into the short time she had left before ascending.


    Eventually, Derek lost track of how many times theypleted the dungeon. However, it had to have been a lot because for the first time in a long time, one of his Achievements leveled up. He hadn¡¯t even been sure that they would be able to after the interference of the Origin System, so when his Repetitive Dungeoneer Achievement turned into Major Repetitive Dungeoneer, he couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    The upgrade to the Achievement had given him an extra 5% bonus to obtaining reward whenpleting a dungeon he¡¯d alreadypleted before¡ªtaking the total up to an impressive 15%. Currently, he was receiving the reward forpleting the dungeon again, one out of every six or seven times. Of course, he wasn¡¯t getting the skill increase potion every time¡ªinstead, his loot was a mix of different potions. Still, every time he received a useful potion, he was happy.


    nah, on the other hand, already had Greater Repetitive Dungeoneer. With her age and experience, it only made sense that it was one of her highest tiered Achievements.


    Unfortunately, that Achievement increasing in rarity brought with it more questions. Dave had told him that he had received the ¡®The Bigger They Are¡¯ Achievement because it was a ¡®universal¡¯ Achievement. Now he wondered if the Repetitive Dungeoneer Achievement was considered a universal Achievement or if he was able to increase its level solely because it was one that he had already unlocked. Then again, it could easily be both.¡°I think I¡¯m through fighting golems for now,¡± Derek said to nah once they appeared outside of the dungeon again. ¡°You¡¯ve pretty much done all the experiments that you can think of already, so we¡¯re just wasting your time right now when we could be doing something to help you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind,¡± nah replied before bringing a chair out to sit in. ¡°The stronger you are, the better. I¡¯m pretty much capped out on what I can do for myself¡ªother than consuming Void Beasts. Really, I just need some time getting back into the swing of things again after not truly adventuring for quite the long time.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± Derek replied as he sat beside her in his own chair. The Deathsworn all stood around them¡ªthere wasn¡¯t a point in wasting fine seating on them. ¡°But there is plenty you want or need to do before you leave, and I can alwayse back here if I need to work on leveling my skills more or farming cores.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of cores,¡± nah said, then tossed Derek a couple of storage rings. ¡°I have so many, and really don¡¯t have a need for them.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Derek said as he checked out the contents in the rings. ¡°But if the system lets you take all these things with you, then you may be missing out on something. What if they don¡¯t know about the cores where you¡¯re going? They could fetch a great price¡ªkind of like my coffee.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I know,¡± nah replied, then held her hand out. It contained even more rings. ¡°But I have plenty, just in case.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Derek said, then flicked his wrist and stored the rings he was holding inside his storage bracelet.


    ¡°I also have other things that I n to try to take along that could help me get started somewhere else,¡± nah exined. ¡°However, I¡¯m sure my items and their rarity will be low if I end up in a ce with more powerful people and beasts. There is almost no way that I won¡¯t. It will be like starting over again¡ªthe thrill of fighting for your life. The excitement of surviving a battle that you shouldn¡¯t have¡ªof growing stronger than you ever dreamed possible.¡±


    ¡°You certainly make it sound exciting,¡± Derekughed.


    ¡°As I said, my growth has basically been stagnant for years now. Of course it¡¯s exciting,¡± she replied. ¡°Anyway, how have you progressed over thest week or so?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Derek rubbed his chin in thought as he pulled up his new and improved status sheet and took a quick nce.


    Status


    Personal Information


    Name:


    Age:


    Level:


    Experience:


    ss:


    Race:


    Derek Hunt


    30


    242


    762,866,481,050/7,900,000,000,000


    Void Monarch (Mythical)


    Human (Void)


    Health:


    Mana:


    Stamina:


    37625


    37500


    37625


    Stats


    Strength


    Dexterity


    Endurance


    Vitality


    Intelligence


    Wisdom


    Stat Points Remaining


    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    1115


    1290


    1505


    1505


    1500


    1500


    526


    Contracts


    nah Swan (Crown Restaurant)


    Silvi (Bonded Beast)


    Ste Brighton (Crown Restaurant)


    No Proxy (Torith Adventurer¡¯s Guild)


    Rudolph Mckinney


    Natalie Savannah via Malorie Stewart (Void Emporium)


    View Contract


    View Status


    View Contract


    View Contract


    View Contract


    View Contract


    Skills


    Absolute Nullify Lv. 20, Bare Fist Specialty Lv. 5(View Upgrades), Basic Repair Lv. 1, Chain Lightning Lv. 20, Channel Void Lv. 20, Cleaning Lv. 12, Cure Toxin Lv. 17, Dismantle Lv. 12, Enhanced Movement Speed Lv. 2, Fire Resistance Lv. 20, Greater Meditation Lv. 15, Identify Lv. 20, Magic Resistance Lv. 20, Mental Resistance Lv. 13, Multi-Strike Lv. 20, Physical Resistance Lv. 20, Polearm Specialty Lv. 2 (Void¡¯s Harbinger), Powerstride Lv. 7, Rejuvenation Lv. 20, Spatial Copse Lv. 7, Spatial Redirection Lv. 4, Spatial Rend Lv. 7, Sweeping sh Lv. 20, Telepathy Lv. 10, Time Prison Lv. 15, Void Call Lv. 4, Void Creation Lv. N/A, Void Sense Lv. 20, Void Shift Lv. 15, Void Steps Lv. 19, Void Storage Lv. N/A, Void Travel Lv. N/A, Whirlwind sh Lv. 8


    Skill Points Remaining: 15


    Skill Upgrade Points Remaining: 0


    Shared Skills from Companion: Active Void Shift Lv. 10, Void Lightning Bolt Lv. 10


    Shared Skills to Companion: Void Sense Lv. 10, Void Travel Lv. N/A


    Skills Avable to Share:


    Absolute Nullify Lv. 10, Channel Void Lv. 10, Time Prison Lv. 10, Void Call Lv. 4, Void Sense Lv. 10, Void Shift Lv. 10, Void Steps Lv. 10, Void Storage Lv. N/A, Void Travel Lv. N/A


    Achievements


    Greater Giant yer, Jack of All, Lesser Dungeon Explorer, Lesser Dungeon Traveler, Lesser Enigma, Lesser Enforcer of Oaths, Major Repetitive Dungeoneer, Minor yer of the Unknown, Solo Diver, Magical ss Cannon, Meat Shield, Lesser Explorer, Offensive Powerhouse, The Bigger They Are


    ¡°I¡­¡± He started. ¡°Well¡­ let¡¯s just say that golems have been kind to me.¡± Derek chuckled as he moved his eyes back to the top and began going over all his gains in detail.


    First off, he¡¯d gained 13 whole levels in the dungeon. <em>Or</em><em>¡­ I ¡®only¡¯ gained 13 levels, </em>he thought. If it was before the Deathsworn hade along, he would have been level 250 long ago. However, splitting every kill he made with five other people drastically slowed his base level, and he couldn¡¯t be more happy with it.


    There were still good things that came with his 13 new levels, and that was the over 450 new stat points that he received on top of those that he had yet to spend. He was currently sitting on a massive 526 stat points, and he knew exactly what he was going to do with them. Once he was ready, he would increase his dexterity to 1500 points, then toss the remaining points into strength.


    Strength was good and all, but he had to admit that he preferred the lighter feeling and easier movement that came along with increased dexterity. It was the same for intelligence and wisdom. He preferred the clear-headedness that came along with wisdom over the thick and strong magic density that increased with intelligence.


    After going over his stat points, he moved down to the real meat and potatoes¡­ his skills.


    First of all, Absolute Nullify had hit level 20 towards the end of the dungeon running. He now had one of the strongest defensive skills he¡¯d seen maxed out, and, after hearing nah talk about the excitement of new adventures, he couldn¡¯t wait to test it out in a situation where he actually needed it. Until then, he had it as a defensive ace in the hole.


    His Bare Fist Specialty had also leveled some, and he now had another choice to make. His previous increased durability from his first choice had jumped from 5% to 10%, and he was left with another upgrade option.


    Choose Upgrade


    Power, Swiftness, or Density


    <em>Huh</em><em>¡­ there¡¯s a new upgrade for it. I wonder what density will do. </em>He thought about it for a bit and decided that the most likely case would be that density would make his fists heavier and more durable, but would most likely decrease the speed at which he could swing them. Overall, he preferred density to power as his void element didn¡¯t have much need for the power in the punch, but he preferred swiftness even more. <em>The faster I can hit, the more damage I will be able to do with my void. </em>So, looking at the list, Derek chose to increase his bare fist¡¯s swiftness.


    Swiftness Selected


    The speed and quickness that you can use your bare fists have increased by 10 percent. Continue to level the skill to select more upgrades.


    Instantly after selecting the upgrade, Derek felt the skin on his hands grow taught¡ªso much so that he thought that there was a possibility that a bone or two was actually going to break, even with his durability. Soon, though, the tightness disappeared and his hands felt lighter. Derek balled them into fists and threw a few punches into the air. It was hard to notice the increase, but it was definitely there. <em>And it looks like the upgrades start out all at the same increase¡ªI just have to unlock them before I get them.</em>


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± nah asked as she looked at him with raised eyebrows.


    ¡°Fine,¡± he replied with a little embarrassment. ¡°Just checking out some upgrades.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± nah replied. ¡°Go on ahead,¡± she said, and he nodded.


    Pleased with his new punching ability, Derek continued his way down the list and snorted when he saw that Chain Lightning was maxed. It was such a cool skill that just happened to be almost entirely useless for him with his void affinity. Still, he had it, so why not level it? His Cleaning skill had also jumped a little because of all the dust he had to continuously clean off of himself, and his Cure Toxin skill had done the same when he fought against poisonous and toxic golems.


    <em>Whew</em><em>¡­ </em>Derek thought as his eyes found his Fire Resistance skill. <em>That was the easiest it</em><em>¡¯s ever been to level any skill to max. </em>It had reached level 20 all in a single dungeon¡ªran many, many times.


    Greater Meditation had also gained a level, and he was more happy for it than almost anything else. It had been a pain ever since he got it. Sometimes he wished he received all those upgrade points that Brandi got so he could just level it easily. <em>But I can</em><em>¡¯t even get those from this system anymore it seems. </em>With a shrug, Derek moved to Identify and was saddened that it hadn¡¯t changed to an upgraded form. <em>There</em><em>¡¯s still a chance, though, </em>he thought. <em>Maybe it just has to work its way through level twenty before turning into a level one Greater Identify or something.</em>


    His Mental Resistance gained four levels thanks to nah¡¯s assistance. He had told her about it, and she had asionally been sendingmands to him while in her siren form for him to resist so he could speed up the leveling process. It wouldn¡¯t be long until that skill was at twenty.


    Derek¡¯s greatest gains this time around came from Multi-Strike. It had finally hit level twenty and with it, his attack damage had increased greatly. His Polearm Specialty hadn¡¯t moved because he hadn¡¯t used Harbinger during the raids. He would be risking damaging the cores if he used it, but after seeing the upgrade for his fists, he wanted to lean on his ive a bit more in the future to gain those levels.


    After viewing all of that, he looked over his newest skills¡ªPowerstride, Spatial Copse, Spatial Redirection, Spatial Rend, and Whirlwind sh had all gained some levels. Unlike Chain Lightning, every level that those skills gained actually increased hisbat ability.


    Finally, the two skills that he was focusing on the most during the dungeon runs had made great gains. Void Shift¡ªanother one of the harder to level skills¡ªhad increased three whole levels, and Void Steps was only a single level away from level twenty.


    Happy with his gains, Derek closed his status sheet and let out a content sigh.


    ¡°Well?¡± nah asked.


    ¡°What?¡± he asked back before remembering. ¡°Oh, you wanted to know how much progress I made¡­¡± Derek then told her about all of his gains. ¡°Now all I have to really focus on is my shifting ability and my calling ability and I will be set,¡± he said. Naturally, Void Steps would hit twenty just because of howmon it was for him to use it.


    ¡°That¡¯s astounding,¡± nah replied. ¡°Your increased stats at level one that you had have certainly made it easier for you to grow powerful.¡±


    ¡°Indeed, they have,¡± he replied with a nod.


    nah looked around the area¡ªscanning their surroundings and her Deathsworn¡ªthen said, ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want to stay here longer?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure,¡± Derek said. ¡°Just give me a couple minutes to distribute some stat points, then we can go. Speaking of¡­ where to next?¡±

 Chapter 457: Priorities

    Chapter 457: Priorities


    Hearing Derek¡¯s question, nah quickly pulled out a map from her storage ring. After unfolding it, she marked some spots on it, then passed the map to Derek. Derek took the map from her and began examining it.


    ¡°These are¡­¡± he started.


    ¡°Those are the three dungeons that I wanted to run in this kingdom,¡± nah replied.


    ¡°I see,¡± Derek said. One of the dungeon that she had marked was the golem one that they just finished. So, ignoring that one, he looked at the other two. Surprisingly, one of them wasn¡¯t too far away from where they were, but the other was on the other side of the kingdom¡ªclose to the border of Indria and Indaria. ¡°Why these dungeons specifically?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Look at the reward for the closer one,¡± nah replied.


    Derek took a good look at the dungeon reward and almost snorted when he saw it. ¡°Really?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Really,¡± nah answered.


    ¡°Why?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Well, like you already know, I¡¯m not really doing these dungeons for me,¡± nah answered. ¡°There are no rewards in the dungeons worth my time, really. I¡¯m just doing all this to get back into the swing of things. So, the dungeons I have picked are the ones that may help you¡ªthink of it as me paying you for taking care of Ste while you are still here.¡°So, my standards for choosing dungeons this time are whether the rewards can help you, and whether the dungeon may be fun or challenging,¡± she exined. ¡°So, an avian beast dungeon that rewards ingredients would be perfect. Well, it may not be the perfect dungeon for you, but I can think of someone that would very much want the rewards from it.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ guess,¡± Derek relented. ¡°But if there are a lot of beasts, I may level too fast.¡±


    ¡°Who said you have to fight?¡± nah asked. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about any of the enemies. I will take care of them myself. They are all level 250, but this dungeon is ssified as one of the easiest max level dungeons around.¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s so easy¡­ won¡¯t there be a lot of people lined up to do it?¡± Derek asked. It was obvious that such a dungeon would be treasured amongst restaurant owners and those with cooking sses.


    ¡°It is¡­¡± nah replied. ¡°Usually,¡± she continued. ¡°However, I only need to send one quick message, and the dungeon will be shut down for two days. I thoroughly vetted all the dungeons in the days before I picked you up, so Ryven is standing by, waiting. As soon as he hears from me, the dungeon is ours.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ see¡­¡± Derek replied.


    ¡°You may consider this a slight abuse of my power¡­ and it is,¡± nah said. ¡°But I¡¯m probably not going to be here much longer, and, quite frankly, we deserve it.¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± Derek finally said. ¡°Why not¡­ I could go for some fried chicken¡­¡± he muttered almost silently to himself, causing nah to give him a side eye. ¡°What?¡± he said. ¡°Fried poultry is one of the greatest foods you can eat. And almost nobody would turn down the chance to have an infinite amount of it for whenever you get the hankering.¡±


    ¡°Whatever you say,¡± nah replied. ¡°Now¡­ you said something about your stats?¡± The siren¡¯s question reminded him of what he nned to do.


    ¡°Right!¡± Derek nodded, then, he looked at his stats, then his free stat points. With a quick selection, he tossed 210 of his 526 free stats into dexterity, then he confirmed his decision.


    Derek felt his skin, muscles, tendons¡ªalmost every ce in his body¡ªtighten once he epted the change. He closed his eyes, preparing for the pain, but it turned out not to be nearly as bad as he had imagined. A few of his bones creaked under the pressure, but they stopped just before they reached the point of cracking. His taught skin loosened back to its original tightness, as did his joints and muscles.


    Finally, the breakthrough ended anticlimactically. Just as he did when his bare fists received their swiftness update, Derek threw a few punches. This time, his shadowboxing included feet movement as well. He couldn¡¯t believe how light he felt on his feet. And the agility and reaction time felt like they had gone through a massive upgrade. <em>This is much more pronounced than just the swiftness upgrade. </em>Derek wasn¡¯t regretting his decision to level dexterity before strength one bit.


    ¡°Dexterity?¡± nah asked from the side as her eyes moved up and down his body as if examining him.


    ¡°Yup,¡± Derek answered. ¡°For having such a mild breakthrough, dexterity seems like ites with some of the best upgrades,¡± he said.


    ¡°Interesting,¡± nah replied. ¡°All my speed and agilityes from my ss skills and transformation,¡± she said. ¡°I very much look forward to one day breaking through with my own dexterity,¡± she exined. ¡°Though your body transformation doesn¡¯t seem like one of someone who has only just broken through with dexterity. You¡¯ve not done anything to offset theck of bnce between your strength and dexterity stats, yet your body seems to have gone back to how it was mere minutes ago¡­¡± she said. ¡°Or is your strength almost at the breakthrough limit already?¡±


    ¡°Nope,¡± Derek said. ¡°I haven¡¯t added to my strength stat just yet. I¡¯m about to though.¡± <em>Theck of much or any of a physical change is probably because of the void evolution thing that the Origin System did to me, </em>Derek thought, but he knew that talking about his evolution was one of the things that could get him in trouble. ¡°I guess I¡¯m just lucky¡­¡±


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any urrences.


    ¡°Lucky¡­¡± nah rolled her eyes. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t believe the things I had to do¡ªthe potions I had to find¡ªto get my body looking like this again when I broke through with my strength stat,¡± she said with a huff. ¡°I¡¯m usually not one to get jealous, but you are making that very hard for me right now. Even Avery had to go around as nothing but a twig when he broke through with his dexterity until he was able to get his strength stat to match it with free stat points and Void Beast meals¡­¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ nothing I can do about that,¡± Derek said with a shrug, then added the rest of his stat points into strength¡ªhis body fluctuated almost imperceptibly a few times, but that was it.


    ¡°I guess not¡­¡± the siren sighed.


    Derek threw a couple more punches and grinned like a kid in a candy store as he listened to the sound they made as they cut through the air. <em>Endurance and vitality were both really needed, and it</em><em>¡¯s pretty much the same for wisdom and intelligence, but man¡­ dexterity is definitely the fun stat¡­ </em>he thought.


    ¡°Are you almost finished?¡± nah asked with crossed arms.


    ¡°Almost,¡± he said, then threw onest punch and listened to the whoosh that sounded out. ¡°Okay¡­ I¡¯m done.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± nah said. ¡°Is there anything else you need to do before we leave?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Derek said. ¡°There are a couple of things, actually. Wait right here. I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    With those words, Derek opened a portal with his Void Travel skill, covered his storage items in the void, then jumped in. With a quick look via Void Sense, he found his destination and traveled to it. Finally, he opened another portal and stepped out.


    ¡°Derek!¡± Brandi called out as his feet hit the ground.


    ¡°I hope I didn¡¯t interrupt you,¡± Derek said as the girl gave him the ever familiar hug he always received whening home after being gone for a bit.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t,¡± she said. ¡°Besides, I¡¯m used to the weird feeling thates with you. I like it, actually. It¡¯s like an rm that lets me know you¡¯re back.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± He smiled.


    ¡°Why are you back?¡± the young smith asked. ¡°I thought you were going to be away for a long time. Or¡­ did you¡­¡± The girl¡¯s eyes brightened as she looked at him with greed in her eyes.


    ¡°Guessed it in one,¡± Derek said, then tossed the storage rings with all the high level golem cores to her. ¡°We just finished doing some golem dungeon runs. I thought you would like a re-up on your golem cores.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Her greedy eyes brightened even more. Then, she took one of the cores out and the greed turned into pure shock. ¡°These cores¡­ they¡¯re amazing. They are nothing like thest ones. I¡­ I don¡¯t know if I can do anything with them yet. I don¡¯t think my skills are high enough.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Derek said as he ruffled her hair. ¡°Just save them until you are able to. You can never have too many materials.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Brandi nodded with excitement. Then she ran to her workstation and put the rings away.


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t happen to have a couplerge, empty storage rings, would you?¡± Derek asked. ¡°Those are nah¡¯s rings, so I would like to return them.¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡± Brandi said, then took out some other storage rings from a drawer on her workstation. She then went about moving the cores from nah¡¯s rings to her own.


    Derek counted the rings. Obviously, they weren¡¯t empty, but the young smith had a lot of them. <em>Just how many storage rings has Malorie gotten for her? I mean</em><em>¡­ it¡¯s fine because I¡¯m sure they contain a lot of the gear she¡¯s made, but still¡­ that is a lot of rings. </em>Soon enough, the girl was able to move the cores over, then came running back and gave Derek nah¡¯s storage rings back.


    Derek wasn¡¯t all too worried about his own rings. He had Void Storage and other rings inside his storage bracelet. Besides, if he really needed to, he could just travel back to his shop at almost any time and exchange some rings with Brandi. <em>Actually</em><em>¡­ </em>¡°Hey, Brandi¡­¡± he said.


    ¡°Yeah?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Would you mind preparing some more rings? If you don¡¯t have any that you can spare, could you talk to your mom about getting more? Now that I think about it, we¡¯re probably going to need a lot of them by the time we finish farming dungeons. nah and I¡­ well¡­ we move pretty quickly through the dungeons, you know? So thates with quite a bit of materials and rewards¡­¡± he asked the girl.


    ¡°Sure!¡± Brandi said with a nod. ¡°That¡¯s easy! Well¡­ it¡¯s not easy because storage rings are still rare¡­ but it¡¯s also not that hard if you have enough money.¡± Brandi grinned big and nodded her head toward her workstation.


    ¡°You¡¯re pretty spoiled, aren¡¯t you?¡± Derek asked with a chuckle.


    ¡°Of course I am!¡± Brandi said. ¡°That¡¯s why I have to work even harder.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s one way to look at it,¡± Derekughed. ¡°Alright, you do that and keep up the good work,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°I will!¡± Brandi replied.


    Derek then decided to do the other thing that he came back to do. With a thought, he sent to Silvi, ¡®<em>We</em><em>¡¯re about to go run some bird dungeons with ingredients as the rewards if you want in.¡¯</em>


    <em>¡®Ingredients!?¡¯ </em>hispanion replied via their bond quicker than she ever had before. ¡®<em>When? Where? How many?</em><em>¡¯ </em>the bunny, who didn¡¯t really like speaking via telepathy, sent back question after question.


    ¡®<em>It shouldn</em><em>¡¯t take us too long to get there¡­ maybe half an hour or so. It¡¯s a dungeon in Indria¡ªthe ce with all the elves that you are not allowed to make burgers from. From what I know, it¡¯s a kill dungeon with a bunch of level 250 avian-type creatures. You should be able to get quite a bit of poultry,¡¯ </em>Derek answered each question in order, then added even more information.


    ¡®<em>How long will you be there? Baking cake. Can</em><em>¡¯t leave with Malorie to watch¡­ she¡¯ll eat it,¡¯ </em>Silvi sent back.


    ¡®<em>We</em><em>¡¯ll probably be there for a while. We¡¯ll definitely still be there by the time your cake finishes cooking,¡¯ </em>Derek responded.


    ¡®<em>Wille after cake finishes baking,</em><em>¡¯ </em>Silvi said.


    ¡®<em>Great,¡¯ </em>Derek sent. ¡®<em>I¡¯ll see you there.¡¯ </em>Derek shook his head. <em>d to see she has her priorities straight, </em>he thought before making to step back through his portal, but was interrupted by hispanion before he made it.


    ¡®<em>Warn me next time you upgrade,</em><em>¡¯ </em>Silvi said. ¡®<em>You said you would, but didn</em><em>¡¯t. Made me slice strawberry crooked. Had to eat it so nobody saw the ugly thing.¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®Sorry,¡¯ </em>Derek said. ¡®<em>I wasn</em><em>¡¯t thinking. It won¡¯t happen again. I¡¯ll do my best to remember ande to you before I breakthrough in our strength.¡¯</em>


    <em>¡®Kay,¡¯ </em>Silvi replied. ¡®<em>Bye.</em><em>¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®See ya,¡¯ </em>Derek said, then, ¡°See youter, Brandi,¡± he called out over his shoulder as he stepped through his portal.


    ¡°See you soon!¡± she called back.


    Finally, Derek closed the portal behind him and moved back through it beforeing back out by nah. When he stepped out, he saw a dead animalying in front of his portal with a rope tied around it. He looked up at nah and asked, ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°Saw a wolf and decided to see what happens¡­¡± the siren shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s not pretty.¡±


    ¡°No¡­ no it¡¯s not,¡± Derek said as he closed the portal. He could barely believe that the corpse he saw was that of a wolf. He shook the thoughts out of his head, then tossed nah¡¯s rings back to her. ¡°Here you go. I unloaded the cores.¡±


    ¡°Great,¡± nah said. ¡°You ready?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Yup,¡± Derek said as he put away his chair. ¡°Race you there!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re on,¡± nah replied, then transformed into her siren form.


    With his new found speed, Derek kicked off the ground and took off. He¡¯d see just how much faster his new breakthrough made him.

 Chapter 458: A Poultry Dungeon

    Chapter 458: A Poultry Dungeon


    ¡°You cheated,¡± nah said as they stood at the entrance to the next dungeon.


    ¡°Nope,¡± Derek replied. ¡°You didn¡¯t say I couldn¡¯t use Void Shift.¡± Somehow, nah was still faster than Derek, even with his increased dexterity and his Powerstride skill. However, this time, he was at least able to stay behind the siren without losing sight of her. When he saw the dungeon orb getting close, he shifted into the void and made his move before he was broken out of it.


    Even with all his stats and skills, his skill grew shaky when he got close to nah in her Dawn Siren form, and he was eventually broken out of it. It was a bit like when he was going up against the wyverns in the raid dungeon, but more intense. Though, he expected that which each level in the skill, it would be harder and harder to break him out of it. He was sure that if he entered Void Shift against the wyverns again, they would have a hard time stopping him from using the skill, or at least it would take them more than just focusing on his presence to do so.


    He couldn¡¯t help but wonder what the skill would be like when it hit level 20¡ªit was already level 15, so he wouldn¡¯t have to wait too long to see. He just hoped nah was still there to test it on once it did¡ªshe, and to a lesser extent, Marrick, were probably the only people on the continent able to counter the skill as it was. And he wasn¡¯t exactly sure that Marrick would be up to the task at the moment.


    ¡°I thought it was implied,¡± nah snorted.


    ¡°If my skill is banned, then I would have to pick a skill of yours that you can¡¯t use,¡± Derek tossed back. ¡°And I¡¯m pretty sure you know which skill that would be.¡± He was, of course, talking about her transformation skill.


    ¡°Oh well¡­¡± nah relented. ¡°Just wait until I get my dexterity up. Then, even with that cheat skill of yours, you wouldn¡¯t stand a chance.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll see,¡± Derek said.


    Once their discussion was over, the duo still had to wait for all of nah¡¯s Deathsworn to join up. nah¡¯s and Derek¡¯s speed was so fast that the first Deathsworn to arrive¡ªthe elven light mage¡ªwas multiple minutes behind the two. Derek could only guess that, while the light mage could teleport to ces almost instantly, she couldn¡¯t do it many times, or at least she couldn¡¯t go very far each time. He wasn¡¯t exactly sure, but those were his best guesses.¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± nah said as she stepped forward toward the dungeon orb. Derek looked around and realized that they were missing people.


    ¡°But all your Deathsworn aren¡¯t here yet,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°It¡¯s a four person dungeon,¡± nah answered. ¡°We only need the two extras.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    ¡°Besides, you aren¡¯t killing anything in this dungeon,¡± nah began. ¡°You are only here to leech the reward from it.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Derek said. Then, with a nod, he stepped forward and put his hand opposite nah¡¯s on the orb. It wasn¡¯t necessary for him to do so, but it felt right. He could have just stood around and waited for nah to select him. Instead, nah quickly selected two of her Deathsworn and all the dungeon notifications popped up. Derek quickly looked at the dungeon¡¯s status.


    Dungeon Status


    Dungeon Level


    250


    Dungeon Type


    Beast


    Dungeon State


    Stable


    Dungeon Rewards


    Material (Ingredients)


    Max Participants


    4


    Derek nodded. It was obvious that the dungeon they were about to run was one that waspleted often. There weren¡¯t any signs of instability, which was shown once he read the dungeon¡¯s state. With an almost imperceptible nod of his head, Derek exited the dungeon status menu, readied up, and waited for nah to start it.


    ¡°Ready,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Okay,¡± nah answered. Soon after, the countdown timer began, and once it reached zero, they were teleported to the dungeon.


    Once the blinding light disappeared, Derek looked around, only to find himself in a very familiar setting.


    ¡°Oh,¡± he said. ¡°So, this dungeon has a safe zone?¡± he asked. The four of them¡ªnah, Derek, and nah¡¯s two Deathsworn¡ªwere in a very small, cabin-like room. It wasn¡¯t decorated with anything¡ªit was four walls, a roof, a floor, and a door. There weren¡¯t even any windows.


    ¡°Like I said,¡± nah started. ¡°Some of the dungeons have a safe room and some don¡¯t. Usually, the easier the dungeon, the more likely it will have a safe zone for people to gather and prepare. They are great for freshly leveled level 250s to get the hang of higher leveled dungeons. There are also plenty of people who can only do this kind of dungeon because of the way they gained power. If nothing else, these dungeons keep the markets and shops stocked with items.¡±


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    ¡°I see,¡± Derek replied. He could definitely think of a few people who would need to stick to dungeons like the one they were currently in¡ªmost of those people were thezier of the nobles.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± nah said. After that, she walked forward and opened the door. Once she stepped outside, Derek followed behind her.


    ¡°Wait, are they noting?¡± he asked once he stepped outside and realized that the door closed behind him. After waiting for a moment, the door never opened.


    ¡°Nope,¡± nah said. ¡°I¡¯m going to show you how to ¡®farm.¡¯¡±


    ¡°Are you now?¡± Derek asked with a smirk. He was quite proud of his farming skills after all the years of practice. Usually, it involved gathering all the enemies and kiting them in a circle until they were all dead. ¡°We¡¯ll see,¡± he said.


    Almost as soon as he spoke, dozens, if not hundreds, of shes of light appeared out in front of him. It was aplete poultry-fest. There were both flightless and flying birds in the area¡ªan area which he just realized looked almost like a small farm. He could easily see multiple beasts that resembled chickens on the ground, and hawk and eagle-like birds in the air.


    He gulped as he even saw what looked like a bipedal-type bird flying. He thought it may have had some actual intelligence, but after further inspection, he saw that the bipedal bird was only a mindless dungeon beast after all. Removing his attention from the bipedal birds, he looked back at the ground. His mouth was almost watering at the sight of the chickens, but then his eyesnded on what looked like a penguin. <em>Nope! </em>he shouted inwardly shouted. <em>I am not eating a penguin. </em>He shuddered at the thought of it.


    With those thoughts out of his mind, he turned to nah, who seemed to be waiting on him while the avian beasts locked on to them as targets. ¡°Well?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I was just waiting on you,¡± nah said. ¡°You can cover your ears if you want.¡±


    Derek shrugged and didn¡¯t bother with covering his ears. Anything nah did that would also affect him would do nothing but help him level up his Mental Resistance skill. Seeing his shrug, nah turned back to the charging beasts.


    ¡°Suit yourself,¡± she said. Then she transformed back into her siren form and drew her rapier.


    Derek watched as nah held her rapier out in front of her. <em>This again? </em>He wondered. He¡¯d seen her flick the rapier multiple times as some kind of area of effect attack. However, this time, her dull aura built up around her hand and in her rapier.


    ¡°Remember how I told you that I lived much of my early life in a ce where it was all I could do to survive?¡± nah asked as she prepared whatever skill it was that she was using.


    ¡°Yeah?¡± Derek nodded. <em>Is this somehow like my Channel Void skill? </em>He wondered internally. <em>It looks like she¡¯s channeling her¡­ element into her hands, just like how I do. </em>


    ¡°Well, I was trapped there with nothing but rabid beasts¡ªbeasts that would attack anything and everything. They had been driven crazy by the sounds and vibrationsing from there. I, too, was driven crazy on multiple asions. Which is why I believe I unlocked the skills and ss that I did,¡± nah exined.


    ¡°I get that,¡± Derek said as he shifted his eyes toward the iing beasts. They were getting closer by the second, and they would be on them in mere moments.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± the siren started. ¡°It kind of rubbed off on me,¡± she said.


    Then, with a powerful flick of her finger, Derek watched as all the energy she had been building up in her hand instantly transferred itself to her rapier. After that, an almost silent ring was let out around them. Derek could barely hear it, but he actually felt his vision blur because of it. However, it didn¡¯t do much damage¡ªif anything, he would say it felt like a debuff that onlysted for a few moments.


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± he asked.


    ¡°It is tailored to and works better on beasts as those are what I grew up around,¡± nah said, then nodded ahead of her at the iing¡ªformerly iing¡ªavians.


    ¡°What the¡­¡± Derek muttered. The beasts hadn¡¯t all just fallen from the sky or died on the ground. No¡­ instead, every one of them had blood-red eyes, and looked like they had been driven insane. In fact, they had all turned on each other before they reached the duo.


    It was just as she had said. Her skills were all modified to suit the area in which she grew up. If she had been telling the truth about her circumstances¡ªwhich Derek had no doubt that she was¡ªthen what was going on was further proof of that, and a reason that she had an idea about affinity.


    It was a ughter. The thing was, it was like none of the creatures knew that Derek and nah were standing so close to them. As soon as they were hit with the skill, they had all gone to attack the closest living thing to them¡ªand since the duo was still further away than the avians¡¯panions, they could only attack each other.


    ¡°This is brutal,¡± Derek said honestly. He never expected to see a penguin-like bird p its wings and cut the head off a chicken, but it was something that he witnessed right before his eyes.


    ¡°It is,¡± nah replied. ¡°It¡¯s a shame that it doesn¡¯t work well on people¡ªor system users, I guess. Well, it works fine on anyone of lower level, but an actual intelligent being with more than 1,000 points invested into their wisdom¡­ you get nothing but blurry vision and a migraine for a while.¡±


    ¡°Still,¡± Derek said. ¡°You weren¡¯t wrong¡­ it is a fantastic way to farm beasts. If only they weren¡¯t tearing each other apart so badly.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the price for the power of the skill,¡± nah said with a shrug. ¡°I have a feeling that I¡¯m going to be needing it again soon, so I thought this would make the perfect ce to use it once again. It has been decades since I used Echoes of the Abyss on anything. It was my first skill to reach level 20 because of the chaos it caused.¡±


    ¡°I can see that,¡± Derek said. ¡°It is definitely a good skill to have in your bag.¡±


    ¡°Mhm¡­¡± nah nodded, then took a few steps forward.


    Derek looked out in front of them and noticed that only a single avian creature remained alive¡ªit was a falcon-like bird that was half the size of a car. After it won the fight, its attention moved to nah and Derek¡ªthe closest living things to it.


    Instantly, nah disappeared, then Derek saw a stream of blood fly out of the bird¡¯s head. The next instant, he saw the hole, and nah appeared back right beside him¡ªher siren form disabled.


    ¡°That was fun,¡± she said, then the door behind them opened and her Deathsworn ran out. ¡°I kept them back just in case my skill was much stronger than it was before because of my stats. I don¡¯t want to rid myself of the Deathsworn just yet.¡±


    Derek only nodded as he watched the Deathsworn go to work dismantling the corpses. ¡°Oh!¡± he half shouted, then withdrew a de from his storage and did the same. His level 12 Dismantle skill was an eyesore, and he figured that this would be the perfect time to get it leveled because of the creatures¡¯ high levels. He was also sure that Brandi could use a few feathers in her crafting if she ever decided to make arrows or something.


    Sure enough, by the time he was able to Dismantle what he could of the birds, the skill had already gained two levels. After that, nah walked forward and imed their rewards.


    Dungeon Complete¡­


    Assigning Rewards¡­


    Congrattions, you have received items: Frostmint x5


    Five small, leafy nts appeared in his hands. Derek moved the Frostmint to his nose and took in a deep breath. <em>Hmm¡­ it¡¯s kind of like menthol, but colder and stronger. </em>He nodded as he stored the nts.


    ¡°Okay, time to¡­¡± nah started, but stopped mid-sentence.


    A couple of secondster, a portal appeared and Silvi hopped out with a floating pot made of the void beside her. She quickly closed the portal behind her, then dismissed her creation¡ªallowing her to equip her storage items. The bunny frantically looked around, and when her eyesnded on the corpses that were too mangled to be worth saving, her voice chimed out from hermunication crystal, ¡°No! Am I toote? What happened to all the poultry?¡±

 Chapter 459: Juicy Birds

    Chapter 459: Juicy Birds


    ¡°Calm down, Silvi,¡± Derek said with a chuckle. ¡°You just joined at the end of the dungeon when we were about to leave, that¡¯s all. We¡¯re going to do the dungeon multiple times¡ªyou¡¯ll be able to get yourself a bunch of poultry.¡±


    ¡°I thought I would make it,¡± Silvi¡¯s voice chimed out through hermunication crystal. ¡°Even took the cake out a little early. It¡¯s very moist now, but still good.¡±


    ¡°You still have plenty of poultry to gather, Miss Silvi,¡± nah said from the side. Then, with a flick of her wrist, a few ingredients appeared in her hand¡ªaround her, her two Deathsworn did the same and ingredients appeared from them, too. ¡°Plus, we have decided that you will get whatever ingredient rewards we receive frompleting this dungeon.¡± She tossed the ingredients to the now not sulking bunny, and Silvi caught them before they even got close to the ground. The same happened with nah¡¯s Deathsworn.


    ¡°Well then, what are we standing around for?¡± Silvi asked in excitement. ¡°Go, go!¡±


    ¡°Very well,¡± nah chuckled before cing her hand on the dungeon orb again. Soon after, the group was taken out of the dungeon and back to the open world.


    When the blinding light disappeared, Derek saw that all the other Deathsworn had arrived while they werepleting the dungeon. nah made to reach out to touch the orb again, but Derek interjected.


    ¡°One second,¡± he said, then turned to hispanion. ¡°Silvi, do you see our level on your stat sheet?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Silvi replied. ¡°What about it?¡±


    ¡°I want you to be very careful when choosing which beasts to kill,¡± he began to exin. ¡°We don¡¯t have many levels until we get to 250. So, since it¡¯s unfair to you for me to only level my skills quickly, I want you to do so too. So, you can kill until you get to level 245, okay?¡±¡°It¡¯s not unfair,¡± Silvi countered. ¡°I have cooking skills. They level with cooking, but I don¡¯t gain experience with cooking like the mani¡­ Brandi does with crafting. It¡¯s perfect! Can use most cooking skills in battle, too. Like Chop!¡±


    ¡°Well, you still have to level your Cook What You Kill and your resistance skills in battle, so it¡¯s all the same,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°So, I have three levels to earn?¡± Silvi asked for rification.


    ¡°Yup,¡± Derek replied.


    ¡°Kay!¡± Silvi hopped up to sit on Derek¡¯s shoulder. She was very excited. ¡°I¡¯m going to find and kill the biggest, most juiciest birds in the dungeon. Then I¡¯m going to use those birds and bake, fry, roast, braise, poach, grill, smoke, and whatever other cooking technique I can think of to do with them. They will be delicious!¡±


    ¡°I hope you are kind enough to share with us,¡± nah said to the bunny.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Silvi replied. ¡°I am a kind bunny! Even fought those people without killing them, remember? All I had to do was chop and explode small parts of them.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Derek muttered. ¡°Very kind¡­¡± honestly, he couldn¡¯t say much about what she did. Those people may have suffered quite a bit, but, in the end, each one of them made it out whole because she ¡®only¡¯ exploded them a little.


    ¡°Mhm.¡± Silvi nodded in agreement. ¡°I wonder what ingredients we will be rewarded that will pair well with the juicy birds. Can¡¯t wait! Let¡¯s goooo! Hurry!¡±


    ¡°Very well,¡± nah replied, then stuck her hand on the dungeon orb. Soon after, they were standing in the safe zone again.


    Derek did notice that the previous two Deathsworn were reced with different ones. <em>Is it because they have a 100% chance to get the reward at the end of the dungeon? </em>He wondered. <em>That has to be it. </em>


    ¡°Okay, Silvi,¡± nah began. ¡°I¡¯m going to hit all the beasts with one of my skills. The Deathsworn beside you is going to stun them all with a st of light, and the one standing beside Derek is going to buff you. That way, you will have to split any experience you earn four ways¡ªeven though we cannot actually earn experience anymore. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°That means I will be able to gather more juicy birds?¡± Silvi asked with a sparkle in her eyes.


    ¡°Exactly!¡± nah replied with a nod.


    ¡°Thank you!¡± Silvi replied with genuine gratitude. ¡°I knew the beautiful, delicious restaurant ownerdy was kind! You have to be kind when you can make so much good food for everyone to enjoy!¡±


    nah covered her mouth and chuckled a bit. Derek even thought he may have seen a slight blush fall over her face. ¡°I do not believe anyone has ever called me kind with such sincerity before,¡± she replied. ¡°Okay,¡± the siren continued. ¡°Are you ready to go gather your juicy chicken?¡±


    Instantly, a pot lid appeared, floating in the air before them. Silvi hopped off of Derek¡¯s shoulder and onto it, then zoomed around the safe room a couple of times. ¡°Ready!¡± her voice chimed.


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    ¡°Let¡¯s do it!¡± nah opened the door and stepped out. As soon as she did, the dozens of bird-like beasts spawned.


    Silvi flew high into the sky and over the crowd of beasts. She adeptly dodged an iing eagle-like beast and continued on with it chasing her.


    ¡®<em>nah is about to use a skill that causes beasts to go mad,</em><em>¡¯ </em>Derek sent to hispanion via their bond. <em>¡®I don¡¯t think it will affect you very much because you are no longer a senseless beast, but just be prepared,¡¯ </em>he warned.


    ¡®<em>Okay!</em><em>¡¯ </em>Silvi replied. ¡®<em>Have the Mental Resistance skill I need to level. Will be good for me.</em><em>¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®Just be careful,¡¯ </em>Derek sent back. After that, he watched the beasts. Soon enough, nah drew her rapier, transformed, then used the skill. His eyes stayed on Silvi the whole time. His heart almost dropped as the bunny stalled in the air, and her pot lid flickered a few times. He let out a sigh of relief once it stabilized, and she continued on. His own ears were ringing, so he could only imagine what her¡¯s would be doing. <em>¡®Probably the same? Maybe¡­¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®Woah!¡¯ </em>Silvi¡¯s voice chimed in Derek¡¯s head once the skill was finished. ¡®<em>That was weird. I wanted to go kill all the birds for a second,</em><em>¡¯ </em>she said. ¡®<em>Woah! Look! My Mental Resistance is at level 7 already.</em><em>¡¯ </em>


    Derek did quickly pull up Silvi¡¯s status sheet to see, and sure enough, her skill had grown tremendously with the use of one skill from nah. ¡®<em>Good!</em><em>¡¯ </em>Derek replied. ¡®<em>It</em><em>¡¯s a skill you definitely need to level up as soon as possible.¡¯ </em>Then, he added, ¡®<em>Have you found your targets?</em><em>¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®Yes,¡¯ </em>Silvi replied. ¡®<em>Don</em><em>¡¯t want any of those skinny birds. Or the big muscled ones. There are a few with the perfectbination of meat and fat. Will be juicy and delicious¡ªI can already tell.¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®Great!¡¯ </em>Derek said. ¡®<em>Do you have any of those skill experience potions?</em><em>¡¯ </em>he asked.


    ¡®<em>A couple,</em><em>¡¯ </em>Silvi said.


    ¡®<em>Take one,</em><em>¡¯ </em>Derek replied. ¡®<em>If you run out, I still have some left. I ended up not using them all when I was leveling my own skills earlier.</em><em>¡¯ </em>


    ¡®<em>Okay!</em><em>¡¯ </em>Silvi said. Then Derek saw a potion float out in front of her while she was circling around the group of avian beasts. It tilted, then the liquid poured out of the vial and into Silvi¡¯s mouth. ¡®<em>Yuck! Need to add more vor. Anything you eat or drink should be tasty. Hate potions.</em><em>¡¯ </em>


    Derek inwardly shrugged, but didn¡¯t reply. Silvi was right, though. None of the potions really tasted very good. Some were better than others, but for the most part, they didn¡¯t have much of a taste at all. He wondered if potions that tasted good would sell better than regr potions. <em>I really don</em><em>¡¯t think that person who is bleeding out in battle cares whether the potion tastes like ass or candy¡ªas long as it keeps them alive. </em>


    ¡°Here we go!¡± From the side, nah yelled out¡ªactually, she yelled so loud that Derek was sure that Silvi heard her from up high. Almost as soon as her yell ended, a blinding sh fell over the gathering of birds.


    Derek hadn¡¯t been paying attention, but at some point, the elven Deathsworn with light magic had appeared in the center of the beasts, just above them. The light explosion made Derek wince and look away¡ªhis eyes felt like they were on fire with just the brief instant he saw the light. He quickly regained his sight and looked up at Silvi. She was a little wobbly, but otherwise looked fine. Even more so when she sent him a message.


    ¡®<em>Magic Resistance went up! These are some nice people. Should go do dungeon with you more often,</em><em>¡¯ </em>Silvi said. ¡®<em>I need to get a mobile kitchen. Like that big guy with the worm and his maniac crafting station.</em><em>¡¯ </em>


    <em>Are all cksmiths considered maniacs now? </em>Derek couldn¡¯t help but wonder as he saw the second Deathsworn jump into the air and make his way toward Silvi. ¡®<em>I</em><em>¡¯ll look into it,¡¯ </em>Derek send to hispanion. ¡®<em>I</em><em>¡¯m sure it can all be done with the proper runes¡­ for a price. And money is no problem¡­¡¯ </em>he said. ¡®<em>Tell you what. When you get back, tell Malorie to look into getting a full kitchen setup that you can keep on you person at all times. Or, we could set up a big kitchen in my Time Prison.</em><em>¡¯</em>


    <em>¡®Have her go to Geoffrey and see what he can do. Or, you can. He may be even more receptive if it¡¯s you that asks. You can even take him a nice meal or cake or something. If he can¡¯t do it, I¡¯m sure he knows someone who can. And if you don¡¯t want to, I will the next time I pop in to give Brandi more materials,¡¯ </em>Derek finished. ¡®<em>Sound good?</em><em>¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®Great! Can level skill and cook at same time!¡¯ </em>she sent back. ¡®<em>Will still cook in home kitchen some. Someone needs to protect mani</em><em>¡­ Brandi and beautiful delicious cookie stealingdy.¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®If you want,¡¯ </em>Derek said. ¡®<em>I</em><em>¡¯m sure there isn¡¯t much need for protection now that all the war is over.¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®Mhm,¡¯ </em>Silvi sent back, but didn¡¯t say anything else. Soon after, the Deathsworn made it close enough to Silvi, and held out his hand. Instantly, a yellow light fell over Derek¡¯spanion¡ªthe man had hit her with what looked like a stamina or speed buff.


    ¡®<em>Looks like you</em><em>¡¯re up,¡¯ </em>Derek sent. He didn¡¯t need to tell his friend twice. Silvi rocketed off on her pot lid and swooped down toward one of the fatter chicken-like birds. As soon as she got close, a spiral of purple void formed on her horn and gathered at the tip. The next second, a Void Lightning Bolt shot out and collided with the chicken¡¯s head. The chicken twitched for a moment, then looked around almost in confusion.


    Then, the chicken-like beast began spasming as Derek received the kill notification from Silvi¡¯s kill. Surprisingly¡ªor not¡ªthe chicken-like beast ran around for a moment after the notification until it finally fell. Derek didn¡¯t see much more, as Silvi swooped in and stored the beast in her storage ring as soon as she could. She obviously didn¡¯t want anything to happen to her kills.


    That was the reason that she had so meticulously used Void Lightning Bolt on the bird. That skill of hers¡ªwhich was much more powerful when she used it than when Derek did because of the level 10 cap on shared skills¡ªwas the best skill she could use to kill without causing much physical damage to anything. This was especially true if it was used on the brain. And the brain was the perfect part for Silvi to hit because it didn¡¯t have any ¡®tasty, juicy meat.¡¯


    Once the first avian beast was ughtered, more began dropping from Void Lightning Bolts until, eventually, Silvi circled back and floated between Derek and nah. ¡°All done!¡± Silvi said from her crystal. ¡°You can kill rest. Don¡¯t want them. Meat would be too tough or unvorful. Will get more next time.¡±


    With that, nah stepped forward and disappeared instead of just waiting for her controlling skill to finish the beasts off. It was probably because she wanted to end the fight sooner so Silvi could get back and do it all again before her skill potion wore off. Derek had to agree with Silvi on one thing. nah¡­ she was definitely kind¡­ kind, and scary.

 Chapter 460: 245

    Chapter 460: 245


    Watching Silvi as they continued to run the avian dungeon was a treat. Derek¡¯s little murder bunnypanion was basically in heaven, as she seriously selected the best birds for cooking during each entry. He had heard the phrase over and over back on Earth, but Silvi truly was like a kid in a candy store.


    Now, the avian dungeon was much simpler toplete and restart than the golem dungeon before. Since the golem dungeon had time limits on each wave, there was a minimum amount of time that they had to stay in the dungeon each time they entered. The avian dungeon, however, did not have any of those limits, sopleting it was all based on ability, and nah¡¯s ability to clear such a dungeon was second to none. Derek was sure that not even he could clear a whole dungeon as fast as nah could clear this one.


    All of that meant that the whole group was rapidlypleting the dungeon in minutes each time. And since each person who could gain the rewards had some version of the Repetitive Dungeoneer Achievement, it meant that the flow of extra ingredients for cooking almost never stopped. Silvi¡¯s already liked the siren, but the bunny¡¯s affection for the siren increased with every reward, as all the ingredients were given directly to her.


    However, all good things had toe to an end. nah was putting everyone else before herself, so when the time came that Silvi killed a bird and their level jumped to level 245, Derek had to be the bad guy and call it. They hadpleted the dungeon more than enough times. Luckily, thebination of nah and her Deathsworn had greatly increased the speed ofpletion, so by the time Silvi hit her limits, they hadn¡¯t yet stayed in the dungeon for as long as nah had nned.


    Derek was even beginning to feel bad¡ªlike he was taking advantage of the siren. It seemed like most of the dungeons the woman had picked out were all to help Derek or his people. She could say that she picked them because they were interesting, which they may have actually been, but they still all had the underlying effect of helping Derek.


    ¡°Okay, Silvi,¡± Derek said with a p of his hands after they exited the dungeon for what he nned to be thest time. ¡°You hit level 245. That was yourst dungeon run.¡±


    ¡°But what about all the chickens?¡± the bunny whined. ¡°Just think of the meals I can cook.¡±


    ¡°Look,¡± Derek continued. ¡°Your skill has already hit level 6 in this short amount of time. And your Void Lightning Bolt is only one level away from 20. Not to mention that your storage ring is already bursting at the seems with birds and other cooking ingredients. nah has been very kind and generous to us. It is time for us to do the same. Do you understand?¡±


    The little bunny pouted, but eventually nodded her head.¡°Besides,¡± Derek started. ¡°You have all those new ingredients, and all those juicy birds that you killed with your skill. Isn¡¯t it time that you go use some and see exactly what the skill does for you? I certainly wouldn¡¯t turn down any fried chicken if you were to go cook up some.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right!¡± Silvi¡¯s eyes brightened and all traces of sadness left her cute little face. ¡°I¡¯m going to go do that now! And I¡¯m going to talk to the beautiful, delicious cookie stealer about getting a portable kitchen.¡± She nodded seriously.


    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea,¡± Derek said. ¡°Definitely something you should do.¡±


    Derek instantly felt the dread that came from opening a portal with their Void Travel skill and realized that Silvi wasn¡¯t taking her time at all. Soon, the portal appeared behind her and Silvi conjured a pot with a lid out of her Void Creation skill. She tossed all her storage items in the pot and slightly lowered her body to prepare to hop inside.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Derek half-shouted before the bunny jumped in.


    ¡°What?¡± Silvi turned and looked at Derek.


    ¡°Well, we just made it to level 245. You know what that means?¡± There was another reason that Derek gave Silvi that particr level cap.


    ¡°What does that mean?¡± the bunny asked.


    ¡°It means that we just received 105 free stat points to use,¡± Derek answered.


    Silvi¡¯s eyes went nk, and she stared in the distance¡ªseemingly not looking at anything¡ªfor a moment. ¡°Oh,¡± she finally said when her eyes refocused. ¡°You want to increase strength before I start cooking.¡± She nodded seriously a few times. ¡°Good idea. Don¡¯t want to interfere in my fried chicken.¡±


    ¡°No¡­ well¡­ yes,¡± Derek replied. ¡°But it¡¯s more than just that.¡± His gazed moved over to nah, and since he had stopped keeping secrets from the woman, he continued, ¡°This will put all of our stats over the 1,500 point cap, and I¡¯m not sure what will happen.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± nah said as she lowered her head in thought. ¡°Well, it is something that you and you alone control, so if you are unsure, you could always wait to do so. Though, I have to admit, I am beyond curious as to what will happen myself.¡±


    ¡°Me too,¡± Derek replied.


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the vition.


    ¡°There is a possibility that you could quite possibly end up with another requirement and have to prepare to ascend as I have. It could also just be an achievement or some other increase.¡± nah let them know her thoughts on the matter. ¡°All of this, and you are still not even level 250. I would be shocked if you did not earn some kind of reward. I am not sure, but I believe that something like this has not happened before within the so-called Great System.¡±


    ¡°All of that is true,¡± Derek said as he rubbed his chin. <em>Am I ready to </em><em>¡®ascend?¡¯ Is there a way to take everyone with me? Can I actually do so with Time Prison? Where the hell is Dave when you need him? If I do gain the ability to ascend, could I just take nah with me, along with everyone else? </em>Derek¡¯s eyes brightened as he questioned everything. <em>I am sure that I would ascend to a different ce¡ªone controlled by the Origin System. There is no way that it wouldn</em><em>¡¯t be a better ce than wherever nah is ascending to. And I doubt her ascension will turn into a descension. </em>


    ¡°nah,¡± Derek finally said after giving everything much thought.


    ¡°Yes?¡± she answered.


    ¡°If I ascend, I am sure it will be different that your own. One to an even¡­ better ce.¡± Derek had a hard time exining it all without being able to mention the Origin System. ¡°I may have a way to take you and everyone else with me if I do. Would you be willing?¡± he asked. He also didn¡¯t want to get her hopes up, though. ¡°That is <em>if </em>this is one of the requirements in my advancement, of course.¡±


    ¡°Would I be willing?¡± nah repeated his question. ¡°Willing to go to a ce where I can gain even more power? To a ce where I can continue to stay with and help my friends¡­ and family?¡± After saying all of that, the siren chuckled to herself. ¡°Of course I would be willing to do all of that. That is sort of a no-brainer, is it not?¡±


    ¡°I guess it is, isn¡¯t it?¡± Derek said. ¡°In that case, there is no reason for me to hesitate.¡± Derek steeled himself. Then, under the gazes of both nah and Silvi, he distributed 69 stat points into strength to break through on his final stat.


    All of Derek¡¯s muscles bulged and tightened. He felt as if they were going to rip right out of his skin. He felt his body grow bigger and bigger¡ªhis clothing and armor bing tighter and tighter. While he still had his conscious mind, he hurriedly sent his armor into his storage bracelet. His clothing underneath had some stretch to them, so he didn¡¯t believe he needed to worry about those.


    As his muscles tore and restored themselves with every beat of his heart, he clenched his fists to make it through the pain¡ªand it was painful, but he¡¯d had much worse pain before. Breaking through in strength wasn¡¯t as bad as basically every part of his body being rebuilt when he broke through with his vitality and endurance. The fact that he already had those two stats at that stage may have helped, as well.


    He felt his body grow bigger and smaller over and over. If nothing else, this breakthrough was more tiring than the others. But finally, after what seemed like ages, the breakthrough stopped and his body went back to the size it was pre-breakthrough.


    Derek looked down at his hands once everything was finished, just to see that they lookedpletely the same. After a quick thought, he summoned his armor back onto his body, twisted around, and stretched to make sure everything fit the same. It did.


    When all was done, he turned his head and looked over at nah, who was staring at him with wide eyes. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked, scared that something had gone terribly wrong.


    ¡°N-nothing¡­¡± the siren said. ¡°It¡¯s just that¡­ both you and Silvi broke through at the same time.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± Derek said. nah already knew that was what would happen. ¡°What about it?¡±


    ¡°I was prepared to see the effects of you breaking through¡ªas a human¡­ but Silvi¡­¡± nah took a breath. ¡°She doubled in size multiple times¡­ became super¡­ muscled. She looked so¡­ strange.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Derekughed. Unfortunately, he was busy with his own breakthrough and hadn¡¯t been able to see what happened with Silvi. Actually, after nah mentioned it, he was disappointed that he hadn¡¯t seen what happened with Silvi at each breakthrough they had together. s, there was nothing he could do about it.


    ¡°Mhm¡­¡± Silvi¡¯s voice rang out from hermunication crystal¡ªwhich was on the ground with her paw on another. ¡°Didn¡¯t like that. Prefer small and agile. Being buff in the kitchen would make things¡­ harder.¡±


    At that, both Derek and nah burst outughing. ¡°You are right, Silvi. Being oversized with all those muscles just wouldn¡¯t be right for us.¡±


    Finally, he turned his gaze back to nah and took a breath.


    ¡°Well?¡± nah asked, the mood turning more serious than ever.


    ¡°Give me a minute,¡± Derek said. He saw notifications shing in the corner of his vision. It all came down to what they said. Would he be ascending? Or was it just another breakthrough? He took another deep breath, then opened the first notification.


    Congrattions


    You have brought your strength to the maximum system allotment. You are at the top of users in ¡®The Great System¡¯ in strength. Be proud of yourself as few users ever reach such heights.


    The first notification was the normal spiel that he had received and ignored pretty much every time that he brought one of his stats to the 1,500 point cap. Again, he ignored the general notification and dismissed it. The next notification was different, and it brought with it more meaning.


    <strong>¡­</strong>


    <strong>Congrattions!</strong>


    <strong>New Title unlocked!</strong>


    <strong>User cannot currently receive Titles. </strong>


    <strong>¡­</strong>


    That was a notification he had seen before, back when he evolved. He had other Titles waiting for him for whenever he advanced¡ªat least, if that was how it worked. The notification also showed him that, even though the Origin System seemed to have gone, it was still somehow watching Derek, even if it wasn¡¯tpletely focused on him anymore. Surprisingly, the next notification was from the Origin System, as well, and actually answered one of his questions.


    <strong>¡­</strong>


    <strong>Advance to receive unlocked Titles. </strong>


    <strong>One out of two requirements met for advancement!</strong>


    <strong>Meet more requirements for advancement.</strong>


    <strong>Congrattions on all your current aplishments!</strong>


    <strong>We eagerly await your future achievements!</strong>


    <strong>¡­</strong>


    Derek breathed a breath of disappointment. He just knew that getting all of his stats to 1,500 points was going to do it.


    ¡°Well?¡± nah eagerly asked again.


    ¡°No advancement,¡± Derek said, dejected.


    ¡°It was a long shot anyway,¡± nah said. ¡°Did you receive anything at all?¡±


    Derek moved his eyes to the final notification he hadn¡¯t opened yet. With a thought, he opened it¡ªit was an Achievement. As Dave had said, some Achievements and Titles were universal, and it appeared that he had just unlocked another one.

 Chapter 461: The Impossible

    Chapter 461: The Impossible


    Derek went over the new Achievement in front of him a few times¡ªnot really knowing what was going on. He understood that he had received an Achievement, but he had never had one that was so¡­ odd. Finally, he decided to go over it onest time just to make sure he wasn¡¯t missing something.


    Achievement ¡®The Impossible¡¯ Unlocked


    ???????


    Requesting assistance from another system¡­


    Requesting assistance from another system¡­


    <em></em>


    <em>What does all of this mean? </em>Derek had gained another Achievement, but it didn¡¯t seem like the ¡®Great System¡¯ was able to award him for it. However, instead of just ending in failure, it seemed that the Great System¡ªor maybe Dave¡ªwas opting to request help from another system. Derek wondered if it would even work¡ªwould the Origin System be the one to help, or would it be some entirely different system? <em>What happens if the request is denied? </em>


    ¡°Derek¡­ dear¡­ are you¡­ okay?¡± nah muttered almost silently from in front of him, like she was afraid to interrupt him if there was something important going on.¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Derek said, shifting his eyes from the odd message in front of him to the siren. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ the Achievement that I¡¯ve earned is nothing but a bunch of question marks. And it looks like the Great System is trying to¡­¡± Derek had to stop talking, as an immeasurable sense of dread overcame him. ¡°Sorry,¡± he said. ¡°It looks like that¡¯s about as much as I can tell you right now.¡±


    ¡°Now I¡¯m even more curious¡­ damn systems and their secrets,¡± nah said. She was obviously a little fed up with all the secrets she had to forceably keep¡ªespecially after not being able to exin to those she treasured why exactly she was going to have to leave them. And why wouldn¡¯t she be? She had every right to be.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Derek muttered back to her. ¡°Let¡¯s see¡­ what can I tell you? Uh¡­ It looks like it¡¯s going to take a minute for the Achievement reward to be given to me.¡±


    ¡°I have never heard of anything like that,¡± nah said. ¡°An Achievement that is given out instantly? That is so very interesting.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ sorry,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°No worries,¡± nah replied. ¡°There isn¡¯t anything you can do about it. It is just something that I¡¯ll have to try to find out on my own¡ªor maybe, if we are able to meet again after I leave, you will be able to tell me then.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll certainly see,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°I look forward to it¡­¡±


    <em>¡®Stupid Origin System?¡¯ </em>Derek received from Silvi, who had been silently listening to their conversation.


    ¡®<em>Seems to be,</em><em>¡¯ </em>he replied. ¡®<em>The Achievement is hung, and the Great System¡ªor even Dave¡ªis requesting assistance in rewarding me the Achievement.</em><em>¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®Well, tell it to hurry up,¡¯ </em>Silvi said. ¡®<em>I have chicken to cook.</em><em>¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®If only I could¡­¡¯ </em>


    After that, the three of them¡ªalong with nah¡¯s Deathsworn¡ªstood in silence for some time. Every once in a while, Derek pulled up the notification just to see if it had made any progress.


    Requesting assistance from another system¡­


    Requesting assistance from another system¡­


    Requesting assistance from another system¡­


    ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ll ever¡­¡± He was about to suggest they start heading toward their next destination when he noticed a change.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know if you¡¯ll ever¡­ what?¡± nah asked.


    ¡°One second,¡± Derek said, holding up a hand. ¡°It looks like something is happening with the Achievement.


    Requesting assistance from another system¡­


    Requesting assistance from another system¡­


    Connected to other system¡­


    Derek held his breath as he saw other notifications appear. He hurriedly opened the first one. Once again, he was hit by an all too familiar notification.


    <strong>¡­</strong>


    <strong>Request for assistance received</strong><strong>¡­</strong>


    <strong>Scanning request¡­</strong>


    <strong>Information obtained¡­</strong>


    <strong>¡­</strong>


    <em>This</em><em>¡­ It¡¯s definitely the Origin System again, </em>Derek thought. He figured it would be, but there was always a chance that it could have been some other system¡ªat least ording to how Dave had exined everything. When the Great System first tried to request assistance to help Derek upgrade his ss, Dave had meant for some other system to help, but the Origin System had interfered. Now, it was either interfering again, or it was actually the one he needed to help him.


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    Derek waited for a second, then the new notification changed once again.


    <strong>¡­</strong>


    <strong>Help requested in granting system (Achievement)</strong><strong>¡­</strong>


    <strong>(Achievement) Scanned¡­</strong>


    <strong>(Achievement) simr to received Title¡­</strong>


    <strong>Assistance Granted</strong>


    <strong>¡­</strong>


    Inwardly, Derek felt a surge of power wash over him. It felt like a marginal increase of strength throughout his body¡ªnot just a single stat, but all. <em>Whatever just happened, it certainly made a difference. </em>He wanted to go to his status sheet and check his stats right at that moment, but he held off as he received more notifications.


    <strong>¡­</strong>


    <strong>Title removed</strong><strong>¡­</strong>


    <strong>(Achievement) granted</strong><strong>¡­</strong>


    <strong>Congrattions on all your current aplishments!</strong>


    <strong>We eagerly away your future achievements!</strong>


    <strong>¡­</strong>


    <em>There that line is again, </em>Derek thought. <em>Who is </em><em>¡®we?¡¯ Are multiple people in charge of the Origin System? Or is like that weird ¡®royal¡¯ we? </em>He couldn¡¯t help but wonder, but he soon had to push the thoughts to the back of his mind, as more information from the Great System popped up next.


    Achievement ¡®The Impossible¡¯ Unlocked


    Permanent 10% or 150 Stat Points for Each Stat Received (The Lesser of the Two will be Rewarded)


    <em>Oh</em><em>¡­ </em>Derek looked at the reward. He finally understood why the Great System had to request assistance for it. Dave had told him that the Great System could no longer personally reward him with any rewards that would permanently modify him internally. Scrolls were the exception because the Great System was not rewarding the skill internally, but externally. It was a bit of a loophole, but one that the other system didn¡¯t seem to mind.


    But now, he had received an Achievement with a very high internal reward, and it was only possible to receive the reward with help from the other system¡ªthe Origin System, in this case.


    Derek moved his eyes to the next notification.


    The Impossible


    Awarded for reaching over 9,000 total distributed stat points before obtaining level 250. Throughout the Universe, this aplishment is known to be impossible and thus, only a select few have ever earned the right to bear the (Title) Achievement.


    You have earned a one-time, permanent stat boost of 10% of your distributed stat points, or 150 points into each stat¡ªwhichever is smaller.


    Note: This (Title) Achievement has been graciously granted by a stronger system, and thus, will be carried with you throughout your journey.


    Derek stared dumbfounded at the Achievement he¡¯d just received. After going over it time and time again, there was really only one thing that he kept thinking over and over. <em>Did I just get an Achievement because my stats are</em><em>¡­ over 9,000? </em>


    In his head, it made sense that such an aplishment would lead to earning an Achievement. After all, six stats that all have a breakthrough at 1,500 stat points do equal 9,000 points. But to think there was an Achievement out there for being over 9,000¡ªDerek thought the systems had to have been messing with him. <em>Or does it have a different description for other people? At least the Achievement isn</em><em>¡¯t called ¡®Over 9,000,¡¯ </em>Derek thought. <em>I don</em><em>¡¯t know if I could take my Achievements seriously if that was the case. </em>


    ¡°Well?¡± nah finally couldn¡¯t keep herself from asking again.


    Derek didn¡¯t know how long he¡¯d been staring in space going of his new Achievement, so he quickly closed the notification and looked at nah with a crooked smile. ¡°I got the Achievement,¡± he said.


    ¡°Can you speak about it?¡± nah asked.


    ¡°I think I may be able to,¡± Derek said. The Achievement was one that looked like it could be universally given, and if a system couldn¡¯t deliver it, it could always get assistance from the Origin System¡­ maybe. <em>Or, Dave could just be treating me special for some reason¡ªhe already has before. </em>With a mental shrug, Derek locked eyes with nah and said, ¡°It¡¯s an Achievement called ¡®The Impossible.¡¯


    ¡°Is it for having a breakthrough in all avable stats?¡± nah questioned.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s not that simple,¡± Derek said. ¡°It is not just about the stats. Apparently, you have to distribute over 9,000 stat points to get it. I don¡¯t actually think it has anything to do with a breakthrough in all six stats. I feel like I could have put all my stat points into vitality and still earned the Achievement.¡±


    ¡°Huh¡­¡± nah furrowed her brow. ¡°What about the question marks that stop your stat sheet from allowing any stats to show over 1,500? If they continue to block that, then how would you go over 9,000 and get to 9,001? You would be stuck.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Derek muttered. <em>What can I say about that? I got rid of those question marks at the same time that I got my mythic ss. But I also got them after I evolved, and I don</em><em>¡¯t think I can speak about the evolution. Is the evolution tied to getting a mythic ss? Or can you get one without evolving? </em>Derek thought about it for a minute, then said, ¡°I don¡¯t have those question marks. They were removed after¡­ I got my mythic ss.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± nah muttered and frowned.


    ¡°But,¡± Derek said, gathering her attention again. ¡°It¡¯s not something that most people should, or can, worry about.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Getting that many points was only part of the requirements for the Achievement. The other part is doing it before you reach level 250,¡± he exined. <em>I now have another goal for Thomas and Brandi, though. I</em><em>¡¯ll have to pump them so full of Void Beast meals that they¡¯ll dread the sight of them. But how do I push them to evolve? </em>


    Honestly, Derek thought that it wouldn¡¯t be too hard for Brandi to get to the point of evolution. Whether it was from earning a mythic ss or his affinity with his element reaching a certain level, Derek was sure that with the young smith¡¯s hard work and dedication to her craft, she would reach those points and evolve. The only question was whether she could do it before she reached level 250. She was taking close to the same route as Derek, after all. She already had a legendary ss. It was only a matter of time before she turned it to mythic.


    Thomas, on the other hand, was a different story. He would have to work his ass off to get to that point, and Derek didn¡¯t know if the boy would be able to. <em>How do you even increase your affinity with the </em><em>¡®soul¡¯ element? Does he just need to meditate for a few hundred years? Will that do it? Or maybe it has something to do with willpower? </em>Derek would need to talk with the boy about it, and they would have to experiment at some point.


    ¡°I see,¡± nah said. ¡°Having that as an additional requirement would make such a feat nigh impossible.¡±


    Derek couldn¡¯t help himself from grinning at the woman¡¯s words.


    ¡°What?¡± she asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s the name of the Achievement,¡± Derek answered. ¡°The Impossible.¡±


    ¡°Very suiting.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it?¡± he chuckled.


    ¡°Do you mind sharing your reward for earning it?¡± nah finally asked.


    ¡°Not at all, if it will let me,¡± Derek replied. ¡°Basically, when you unlock the Achievement, you earn 900 extra stat points. It says it rewards the lesser of 150 points for each stat or 10 percent of total distributed stats, but that basically means that it rewards 900 stat points.¡± <em>Which for me is</em><em>¡­ </em>Derek did some quick math in his head. <em>Almost 26 levels since I get 35 stat points per level right now.</em>


    ¡°I see,¡± nah said. ¡°That is quite the reward. It would take years or even decades of consuming Void Beast meals to earn that much, and that is if you space them far enough apart that your body doesn¡¯t build up a tolerance.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Derek said. ¡°I¡¯m notining.¡±


    ¡°I believe that it is impossible¡­¡± nah grinned when she said the word. ¡°¡­ that you are not the strongest person in this system or that other system you mentioned.¡± Once again, she thought of something else and her brow furrowed. ¡°If you don¡¯t have those question marks anymore, does that mean that your level cap isn¡¯t level 250 like the rest of us?¡±


    ¡°Actually¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°I¡­ have no idea.¡±

 Chapter 462: We Wait

    Chapter 462: We Wait


    ¡°It has certainly been something that I¡¯ve thought about since the question marks disappeared and I was able to see numbers above 1,500,¡± Derek exined to the siren.


    ¡°I would be the same,¡± nah replied. ¡°Currently, I am interested in what it takes to unlock such a possibility. Even though I am soon to ascend, I continue to have the ¡®cap¡¯ of 1,500 stat points in each stat. However, I know that it is one of the things which you cannot exin to me, and that reaching a mythic rarity ss seems to not be the real reason, so I will cease my questioning on the subject.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Derek said. It was easy enough for nah to read between the lines of his exnation and to know that there was likely more to it than just earning a mythic ss. Still, there was a chance that he unlocked the cap by obtaining the ss¡ªeven if it was much, much less likely than it being caused by the evolution. This was especially so based on the little that Dave had exined to him about essence. ¡°I am very anxious to raise my level to 250, but, at the same time, I don¡¯t want to rush and miss the opportunity to raise my skills at a faster pace.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it on my part,¡± nah said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Derekughed. ¡°I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll get there naturally while we run dungeons¡­¡± he continued. ¡°Speaking of which¡­¡± Derek nodded his head at nah to take out her map of the dungeons.


    ¡°Right!¡± nah nodded back, then, with a flick of her wrist, the same map as before appeared. nah held the map up and traced her index finger down it. ¡°I was thinking that from here, we can go to this dungeon here.¡±


    Derek walked over to beside the siren and studied where she was pointing. ¡°One in Astrus¡­ er¡­ Indaria?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± nah replied.


    As he continued to look at the dungeon and everything around it, he asked, ¡°Are you sure you want to go to this one?¡± The dungeon she had selected was decent, but it wasn¡¯t anything special. It was another one sort of like the golem dungeon, except with a low number of bigger beasts. As for the reward, it wasmon weapons¡ªsuch as bows, swords, and daggers. ¡°What kind of rarity are we looking at with the weapon reward?¡±¡°Nothing that you or I would use,¡± nah said. ¡°Nor any higher tier member of noble society.¡±


    ¡°Then why select this one?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°I figured that it would help with your skills while not providing a ton of experience points, and the reward can help you fill your shop with some mid-level quality weapons,¡± nah exined. ¡°It is a win-win.¡±


    ¡°And nothing in it for you?¡± Derek asked. He¡¯d already gone over this. ¡°Still just the ones that you selected to help me and nothing for you?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± nah started.


    ¡°That¡¯s a no, then,¡± Derek said. ¡°Go ahead and mark out any of the dungeons you are doing solely because of me or my people. Then we can choose what to do next.¡±


    ¡°About that¡­¡± nah went through and did as Derek had asked, and, in the end, there were only a few dungeons left. ¡°There aren¡¯t many.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine by me,¡± Derek said. ¡°You wanted to go to the other continent anyway, right? You¡¯re under a time crunch¡ªif we do all the ones you¡¯ve selected just for me, then we¡¯ll never make it there before you have to go.¡±


    ¡°I guess that¡¯s true,¡± nah replied.


    ¡°Okay,¡± from beside them, they heard Silvi¡¯s voice chime in. ¡°I¡¯m going to go cook chicken now. Be backter. If you find a juicy, tasty dungeon, don¡¯t forget toe get me.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Derek replied to his bunnypanion. ¡°I will.¡±


    After a nod of her small head, Silvi created a portal with Void Travel onest time. Then she eyed everyone again before hopping inside. Soon after, the portal disappeared, and Derek was left alone with nah and her Deathsworn. Derek and nah looked at one another.


    ¡°Very well,¡± nah said. ¡°We can just do these, then.¡±


    ¡°These remaining dungeons would be the ones that you think could be fun or challenging?¡± Derek asked once she had gotten rid of the ones solely chose to help him out.


    ¡°Yes,¡± nah said. ¡°Not necessarily challenging, but they could be fun.¡±


    Derek looked at the description of the remaining dungeons and snorted. She was right. The dungeons wouldn¡¯t be challenging, but for some, they could be considered fun. Derek was not one who would considered them fun, as all that remained were puzzle-type dungeons. Derek didn¡¯t voice his concern, though, and he just went along with the siren. <em>On the bright side, you only ever really need toplete a puzzle dungeon once to get as much </em><em>¡®fun¡¯ out of it as you can. </em>


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    For the next week or so, the duo, along with nah¡¯s Deathsworn, ran around the continentpleting ¡®fun¡¯ dungeons. By the time they finished thest one¡ªwhich they actually had toplete a puzzle for to finish¡ªDerek¡¯s brain waspletely fried.


    ¡°I think that is enough to get me used to all the different types of dungeons I may encounter once I leave,¡± nah said as they appeared outside a dungeon they had just finished in Vallum. It was a very unpopr dungeon, so the duo didn¡¯t have to wait for anyone to finish it before going in¡ªthey were able to just sign up and go straight inside. All the dungeons in Vallum were monitored, so this was the case for them all. Though Vallum only monitored, they did not disallow or force payment.


    ¡°I hope so,¡± Derek said. ¡°I don¡¯t think I could handle another brain teaser.¡± Derek looked at the light blue dungeon orb beside them and mentally crossed it off the list of any dungeons he may do again in the future.


    ¡°You¡¯re not <em>that </em>bad at them,¡± nah replied. ¡°Though I do finally know that you aren¡¯t the strongest when ites to everything. It is good to know that I am still better in some aspects.¡±


    ¡°And it¡¯s something that you will forever stay better than me in,¡± Derek said. ¡°It is something that I never n on wasting my time on to get good at,¡± he continued. ¡°Anyway, now that we havepleted your ¡®fun¡¯ dungeons, what next? Is it time to start traveling across the sea? Do you have enough time left for us to get there, even?¡±


    ¡°There is plenty of time if it is just the two of us,¡± nah replied. ¡°It may be a good distance away, but with our speed, we will have no problem,¡± she exined. ¡°But no, it is not time. There is something I would like you to do for me before we get to that.¡±


    ¡°What do you need?¡± Derek asked. If he could help her, he would.


    ¡°I know you n on taking Avery huntingter, but after thinking about it, I was hoping to get my hands on a few Void Beasts,¡± nah exined. ¡°But not just that, I mostly would just like to pacify my curiosity¡ªto see with my own eyes your skill at work.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°I see¡­ Well, that¡¯spletely fine by me. I have just the spot, but we¡¯ll have to leave your Deathsworn here because I don¡¯t want to have to go back and forth gathering them all up.¡±


    ¡°That is okay,¡± nah replied. ¡°I do not think we will need them anymore. In fact, I believe it would be best for this to be as far as my Deathsworn go.¡±


    With that, Derek saw the Deathsworn all circle around nah. He watched the siren¡¯s eyes get distant, then, almost out of nowhere, the Deathsworn surrounding the woman all fell limp to the ground. When it was all finished, nah looked over at Derek somberly.


    ¡°That was harder than I thought it would be,¡± nah said as she went around the circle of now dead Deathsworn collecting their storage rings. ¡°They were all some of the biggest scum I¡¯ve run into in all my years, but many among these Deathsworn have technically apanied me for decades.¡±


    ¡°Did that take care of all of them?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°No,¡± nah said with a shake of her head. ¡°There are still Deathsworn that are not here remaining. But these were the strongest¡ªand would have been the biggest problems of the bunch if they were ever to break away from my control. I will take care of the rest before I leave. Right now, they have been given themand to gather, so it will be easy for me to handleter on.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Derek replied as nah stored the bodies in one of her storage rings. ¡°I guess that¡¯s it, then.¡± With a thought, he summoned a portal through Void Travel, then, with Void Sense activated at its max, he locked on to where he nned on taking nah. ¡°Are you ready?¡±


    ¡°I am,¡± nah came forth and stood in front of Derek¡ªbetween him and the portal.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move,¡± Derek said as he ced his right hand on the woman¡¯s right shoulder, then his left on her side¡ªby her hip. Once he had a good hold of the siren, he slowly formed a thin armor of void around her. Derek went ahead and stretched it over himself, too, so it wouldpletely cover any storage items. Then, he stepped inside¡ªmaking sure to close the entrance once he did.


    Momentster, Derek walked out of the portal while carefully carrying nah. He closed the portal behind him, then looked around. They were in a very small clearing inside a forest. The clearing definitely wasn¡¯t natural and was something he¡¯d created a while ago.


    ¡°This is¡­¡± nah started.


    ¡°We¡¯re pretty close to Savannah,¡± Derek said. ¡°It¡¯s where I farmed a bunch of Void Beasts before. It may not have been such a good idea doing it at a ce so close to Savannah before, but now, I don¡¯t think we have to worry about that.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± nah muttered. ¡°So we are due east of that golem dungeon that is close to Savannah.¡±


    ¡°You really are well informed,¡± Derek confirmed. ¡°Give me one second,¡± Derek said. ¡°Then we can get started.¡± Derek jumped into the air with Void Steps and went higher and higher. The odds were that they were alone, but he wanted to make sure. He gave the entire area a few scans to make sure there weren¡¯t any people that could get caught up in their actions close by. Once he confirmed that they were alone¡ªat least as far as he could tell¡ªhe came back down.


    ¡°Are we clear?¡± nah asked, already knowing what Derek was doing.


    ¡°Seem to be,¡± Derek confirmed. ¡°Are you ready?¡± he asked. He sure was, though. After all, Void Call was the skill that he needed to level up the most, but also the skill that was hard to do so.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting to see this with my own eyes,¡± nah said as she took a step back to allow Derek to do his thing. ¡°I am ready.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Derek replied. Then, with his eyes closed, he thought about activating Void Call. He felt the void energy rush throughout his body as always, then it gathered toward the top of his head. He felt the void build and build until, after a bit, it was all gathered. Finally, all the void energy needed was gathered, and it exploded from him and shot into the sky.


    <em>That was much easier than any of the times before, </em>he thought. This time, the skill hadn¡¯t almost depleted his mana¡ªhe still had plenty left to work with. In fact, he had enough that he could use the skill again before it even regenerated any. Still, he made sure to keep Greater Meditation going for his mana to recover even quicker.


    ¡°There we go,¡± he said to nah, who had watched the beam shoot into the air until it slowly vanished.


    ¡°So it <em>is </em>more like a beacon that draws them to it,¡± nah said.


    ¡°Pretty much,¡± Derek replied.


    ¡°What do we do now?¡± nah asked.


    ¡°What do we do?¡± Derek mirrored her question. ¡°Easy¡­ we wait.¡±

 Chapter 463: The Real Beast

    Chapter 463: The Real Beast


    As Derek had found out before when he was farming Void Beasts by himself, the call to draw the beasts near was near instant, but their response was not. So, once he watched the purple beam of void energy disappear and focused on regaining his mana, he let out a sigh.


    ¡°If we are going to be farming Void Beasts, shouldn¡¯t we message Avery and Silvi toe out? I¡¯m sure ourmunication crystals would work with us being this close to Savannah,¡± Derek asked nah, who was standing by, waiting for the Void Beast to appear. ¡°I doubt Silvi will like the fact that I didn¡¯t bring her out to do this with me.¡±


    ¡°I think it will be okay,¡± nah replied as she continued to look up at the sky where the energy had disappeared. ¡°I only want to do this to satisfy my own curiosity and because I suddenly have a little extra time to spare since we skipped so many of those dungeons I had picked out for you¡­¡± she continued. ¡°Besides, I only want a few of them¡ªenough to see how your skill works and to see if we can get one of the better ones. After that, we can cross the sea and I can take care of a few¡­ loose ends.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°But you have to tell Silvi that it was your idea if she asks. I would rather not spend my mornings eating burnt toast and scrambled eggs.¡± That was just about the only thing that Derek could cook, other than the usual steak and potatoes. He¡¯d also be quite proficient in frying fish before the system came.


    ¡°Silvi would never ruin food just for revenge,¡± nah said.


    ¡°No,¡± Derek replied. ¡°She definitely wouldn¡¯t. But she would refuse to cook for me, and then cook extra just so she could eat it in front of me.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± nah touched her chin in thought. ¡°Yeah, I could see her doing that.¡±


    As Derek was about to speak again, his Void Sense caused him to turn his head to look into the sky. Sure enough, he saw a fluctuation of void energy leaking out. And soon after that, the telltale sign of a Void Beast appearing began. A pounding sound like that of a hammer beating on a hollow drum began sounding out from the sky.


    ¡°This is it?¡± nah asked¡ªher eyes locked on the part of the sky where the pounding seemed to being from.¡°Yup,¡± Derek answered. ¡°It¡¯s the typical appearance of a Void Beast,¡± he exined. ¡°This is a pretty good-sized one, too.¡±


    ¡°You can see it?¡±


    ¡°I can see the energy it¡¯s emitting,¡± Derek replied. ¡°It¡¯s not the strongest that I¡¯ve seen, but it should be just a bit less powerful than ones that are able to speak intelligently. Actually, there¡¯s a possibility that it will be able to speak now that I think about it.¡±


    ¡°Exciting,¡± nah replied. ¡°What now? Will it just break out? Will it make a Portal ande out?¡±


    ¡°How did it work with that skill? Portal?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°There was no warning like this,¡± nah replied. ¡°The beast would just somehow find its way to the tunnel that connected both sides of a portal, then it woulde out of one of the exits.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°This looks like it is more like how they tend to escape when being chased by a being more powerful,¡± nah continued. ¡°How it shatters the sky, then jumps inside¡ªallowing the sky to heal behind it.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly it,¡± Derek said. ¡°Except¡­ backwards. Watch, you¡¯ll see.¡±


    nah nodded, then fixed her gaze on the sky. The pounding sound became louder and louder until, finally, a small crack appeared.


    <em>Hmm</em><em>¡­ </em>Derek thought. <em>Looks like this one took about three minutes from the time that the Void Call energy disappeared to the first crack appearing. That seems about right. </em>


    ¡°Fascinating,¡± nah muttered as the single crack formed into two, then the two into four, and so on until part of the sky looked like a giant spiderweb. Next, a piece of the sky fell. Particles flew off the piece like dust, and before it even reached halfway to the ground, it hadpletely disappeared. ¡°There it is,¡± nah finally said.


    Derek, who had been switching his gaze back and forth between the siren and the sky, turned all of his attention to the Void Beast¡ªor rather, its razor-like wed hand that reached out and grasped parts of the cracked sky. Just like all other beasts, the Void Beast began scraping and wing and pulling the sky away until a hole big enough for its body appeared.


    Once that happened, the Void Beast pulled itself onest time andunched its body from the void and into the world. Before the monster even hit the ground, the sky behind it already began the process of healing. Out of everything, Derek found that the most interesting. <em>How does the sky just naturally heal itself like that? And why does it heal so much faster once the beast is out? </em>But he couldn¡¯t think about any of that for too long, as the beast had finallynded.


    This content has been uwfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    It had been a very long time since thest time Derek summoned and fought against a Void Beast. <em>If I</em><em>¡¯m remembering correctly, I haven¡¯t actually fought one since my Void Sense hit level twenty. </em>With that thought, Derek pushed the passive ability of his Void Sense to its limit and inspected the beast. Doing so caused Derek to unintentionally release some of his aura along with the skill.


    Before, the beast was hissing as it focused on Derek and nah¡ªpresumably trying to figure out which of them would taste better. But after some of Derek¡¯s energy leaked out along with his Void Sense, it was like the beast hadpletely forgotten about the half elf, and all of its attention was focused solely on Derek.


    ¡°Is it¡­ scared?¡± nah asked from the side.


    ¡°I think so,¡± Derek replied. ¡°Let me see something. I have never unleashed all my aura against a Void Beast¡ªat least not since my total stat points were more than 9,000 total. Hell, now that I think about it, thest time I fought against any Void Beasts, I think my total stats were probably 6,000 or so. I¡¯m hovering close to 10,000 right now.¡±


    ¡°Do it,¡± nah replied. It seemed like she was just as interested as Derek about what would happen if someone with void energy and a massive amount of stats unleashed his full aura on a Void Beast.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Derek replied. ¡°You better prepare yourself.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± nah said.


    ¡°Okay¡­ here I go.¡± Derek took a deep breath in, then slowly began to unleash his aura. With that, the whites of Derek¡¯s eyes turned a shade of deep purple¡ªmatching the normal color of his irises. The purple tint in his coal ck hairpletely took over as all traces of ck were reced with void purple. With his aura fully unleashed, his body actually felt heavier, but not in a physical way. Actually, he felt as if he could move faster than ever before if he wanted to, but he also instinctively knew that doing so would take a toll on his mind.


    ¡°Wow.¡± Derek heard nah mutter from the side. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen that before¡­¡±


    Derek could barely hear the woman as he focused everything he had on controlling his aura and pointing it directly at the Void Beast in front. From the beginning, when he started to unleash his aura until now, he had been focused on the beast.


    He was able to watch as multiple emotions appeared on the savage beast¡¯s face throughout the process. At first, before Derek used even Void Sense, the beast looked rabid¡ªlike it wanted to kill anything and everything in sight. Then, when some of his aura leaked out with Void Sense, all of its focus was drawn to him, and it seemed like it wanted to do the same to him as the first intelligent Void Beast he fought did¡ªit wanted to take him out before he got too powerful.


    Then, when he began letting more and more of his aura seep out, he watched as the beast¡¯s anger and ferociousness changed to caution and hesitation. But Derek¡¯s aura continued to pour out and be stronger and stronger, which led the beast¡¯s caution to be reced by fear. Derek had never seen such a look of fear in a beast¡¯s eyes before.


    With that look of fear, the Void Beast no longer wanted to be there, and its body instinctively began to turn in an attempt to flee. Unfortunately for the Void Beast, Derek still wasn¡¯t finished unleashing his aura at that time. No, he pushed it harder and unleashed more until he could no longer do so¡ªuntil it actually became mentally draining to just direct it.


    At that point, the beast was no longer scared, cautious, or mad¡­ it looked¡­ emotionless. The beast was now standing stock still, and the look in its eyes disyed absolutely no emotion. It was like it had epted its fate that it was going to die, and now stood there, waiting for it to happen.


    With the intelligent and aware Void Beasts, it seemed they were able to instinctively feel or see the void running through Derek, as, thest time he faced off against one, it instantly tried to run as soon as its feet hit the ground. However, it turned out that the Void Beast, now in front of him, hadn¡¯t quite gathered such an amount of intelligence or awareness, and relied strictly on its emotions and instincts.


    ¡°I¡­ think it¡¯s catatonic,¡± nah said from the side, causing Derek to break out of his thoughts.


    ¡°That would seem to be the case,¡± Derek said. ¡°Let¡¯s see if it regains its vigor when I cancel my aura.¡± With those words, Derek withdrew his aura and even turned his Void Sense down a bit.


    ¡°Whew¡­¡± nah let out a breath from the side. ¡°That was a bit more than I was expecting.¡±


    ¡°I told you to prepare yourself,¡± Derek replied with a smirk.


    ¡°More than I was expecting, but not near enough to really affect me,¡± nah said. ¡°Even so, did you see your surroundings?¡±


    ¡°My surroundings?¡± Derek asked. ¡°I was focused on the Void Beast the whole time.¡± He nodded at the beast, which had yet to regain the light in its eyes, and was still staring nkly at nothing.


    ¡°Mhm¡­¡± nah nodded her head in confirmation. ¡°The surrounding space was distorted by your aura¡­ Like¡­ actually distorted. It even had a small amount of that dreadful feeling that your traveling skill has when you or Silvi use it.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ really?¡± Derek asked, but didn¡¯t wait for an answer. ¡°I don¡¯t know if that is a good or bad thing.¡± Many different thoughts ran through his head. It seemed like every time his power increased, he was left with more and more questions about it. ¡°If it¡¯s like inside the portal created by Void Travel,¡± he started. ¡°Then, what would happen if someone like¡­ Thomas was around me when I went full out? Would the void hurt him physically like it does inside the tunnel?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± nah replied. ¡°But I was standing this close to you, and I¡¯m no worse for wear.¡± The half elf siren turned her hands and arms over and examined them. ¡°Not missing any health points either,¡± she continued. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s just a visual thing? Or the beginnings of a natural evolution of your aura?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Derek said. ¡°But I¡¯m going to have to be very careful with it from now on, and only use it when there are no allies around.¡±


    ¡°That would probably be for the best,¡± nah agreed.


    ¡°Now¡­¡± Derek raised his hand again and pointed at the nearatose Void Beast in front of him. The beast was still showing no signs ofing to. <em>Am I the real void beast now? </em>He wondered, but didn¡¯t think too long about it. Instead, he shoved those thoughts aside and asked nah, ¡°What are we going to do with that?¡±

 Chapter 464: Unexpected

    Chapter 464: Unexpected


    ¡°Umm¡­¡± nah rubbed her chin in thought. ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± she finally said, after thinking for a few moments. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen a Void Beast so¡­ passive. They are usually either very angrily rushing toward whoever is closest, or very angrily running away because of their instincts telling them to flee.¡± The woman walked up to the beast, then, with her pointer finger, poked it on the back of its head, which was hanging toward the ground. Still, the beast made no attempt to move at all or any other reaction to nah. ¡°That was¡­ unexpected.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re telling me,¡± Derek replied with a frown. With the beast being one of the stronger ones, but still not quite there in the intelligence or sentience department, Derek thought of an idea¡ªespecially since it seemed the beast waspletely checked out. ¡°Do you mind if I keep this one?¡± he asked nah, since it was her idea to gather a few of the beasts. He had originally nned on waiting for when he and Avery went hunting to do what he was thinking, but since the beast was right there¡­


    ¡°Go ahead,¡± nah said, poking the beast once again, this time with more of a shove. The beast made to fall, but somehow righted itself before it did so. ¡°So¡­ it still has some reflexes and instincts¡­¡± nah muttered, then took her eyes off the beast and moved them back to Derek. With a shrug, she said, ¡°You summoned it. You¡­ well¡­ you disabled it. So, it¡¯s yours,¡± she exined.


    Derek took a small step toward her and the beast that she was standing beside. He cracked his knuckles and prepared to use a skill.


    ¡°Wait one moment,¡± nah muttered, stopping Derek before he could go any further. ¡°Can you do anything else with the beast? Can you control it?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± Derek said with a shake of his head. ¡°But not for theck of trying. I thought, and still think, that at some point, I will be able to do something with them. I don¡¯t know if it will be full control like you are able to do with your Deathsworn. I can feel¡­ something in the back of my mind when I focus my aura on the beast, but I just can¡¯t quite do anything with it¡­ other than, apparently¡­ disable the beastpletely. But I¡¯m not sure if that is part of the feeling or just because of how strong my aura has gotten. I also wonder if I¡¯ll be able to do the same with even stronger ones, or if this beast is my current limit.¡±


    ¡°Well, with the way the beast reacted, I think there is a good chance that you will be able to do much more, and to much stronger beasts,¡± nah replied. ¡°Even if it is only a reaction to your current aura, I think there is still quite the gap between most Void Beasts and the current you¡­ Now, what exactly are you nning to do right now, anyway?¡±


    ¡°Oh, well¡­ you see,¡± Derek began speaking, but also reached out and activated his Time Prison skill at the same time, ripping the space open, then opening the door leading to the lobby as he did. ¡°As you know, it seems that no matter what I do, unless I cover something or someone in a sort of void casing, they are pretty much destroyed when going inside the tunnel I create to travel with¡ªat least when ites to organic things. The same is true for when I put things inside my Time Prison and try to travel with them. I have yet to think of a way to keep them preserved inside the prison while I travel on the outside¡­ at least for the most part.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± nah said as she listened to Derek. ¡°So then¡­¡±¡°Well¡­ it¡¯s mostly just curiosity, but I want to see if a regr Void Beast is able to stay alive like both me and Silvi are when we are inside that part of the void. I¡¯m not sure what I will be able to do with the information I end up with, but, if nothing else, it will satisfy my curiosity, and perhaps even make it easier to level my Time Prison skill because I¡¯ll at least be able to keep a Void Beast inside without dying¡­ if it works.¡±


    Derek¡¯s current n, if he needed to move everyone all at the same time, was very dependent on howrge of a pot and lid Silvi could create with her Void Creation skill. If Derek couldbine her transport pots with his Time Prison, then it would make things even better. He could¡ªprobably¡ªuse his skill to make it where Silvi wouldn¡¯t need to keep her skill active for as long as he had to travel.


    No skills were able to grow when inside his Time Prison once the door was shut, but hispanion should at least still be able to shield the others with her skill while inside. Hopefully, after theirtest round of upgrades to their stats, the young bunny would be able to use Void Creation at an even higher level than before. However, the two of them still have a good amount of room left to grow stronger and enhance their current abilities, so even if hispanion couldn¡¯t yet, he suspected that she would be able to in the future.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Though he still wasn¡¯t sure about how the time difference would work once he entered the ¡®deeper¡¯ part of the void created by Void Travel. And that is where his n to toss a Void Beast inside came in. That, and, as he told nah, he hoped that maintaining a Void Beast or two inside his Time Prison would help him level it up since he very well couldn¡¯t keep normal system users or beasts inside without them dying.


    With the door to the prison open, Derek stepped forward, reached up, and ced his hands on the shoulders of the Void Beast. He half expected it to break out of its stunned gaze and attack, but it didn¡¯t move so much as a finger, with Derek standing right in front of it. With a shrug, he squeezed lightly on the shoulders, getting a good grip, then lifted.


    Surprisingly, the beast wasn¡¯tpletely dead weight. As he lifted the creature, it at least kept its body straight and stiff¡ªwhich exined why it was able to keep from falling when nah tried to push it over. It didn¡¯t matter much to Derek, as he would have been able to carry the Void Beast either way with his strength. It was just an interesting thing that he took note of.


    With a few steps, Derek reached the opening to his prison with the Void Beast in hand. Continuing to move forward, Derek stepped through the Time Prison opening and carried the beast deep inside. Once they were far enough in, he sat the beast down and turned around, walking back outside.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see what happens now,¡± he said as he closed the door and pulled the space back together, dismissing his skill in the process.


    ¡°What are you thinking?¡± nah asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m thinking, or rather, hoping, that it will break out of whatever state it is currently in once it has been separated from me and any remaining aura it may have felt.


    ¡°Oh,¡± nah said with a nod.


    ¡°That should be long enough,¡± Derek said, then reached forward and reactivated his skill. He opened the door, and the light from outside shined in. The Void Beast was no longer in the center of the lobby where he had left it. Instead, he saw it rushing forward from the side. Just as it stepped over the threshold of the prison to the outside, Derek balled up his fist, loaded it up with a bit of void energy, and struck it in its abdomen.


    The beast let out a shriek as it stumbled backwards, back into the prison. With a quick nod, Derek mmed the door shut and deactivated his skill¡ªclosing the tear in the space once again.


    ¡°Well¡­ that¡¯s¡­ good?¡± Derek said, not knowing exactly what it meant that the beast had broken out of itsatose state.


    ¡°Looks like they need to continuously be in your presence to keep whatever effect caused the beast to go dormant, active,¡± nah replied. ¡°If nothing else, it shows that whatever it is you did wasn¡¯t able to disable the beast for good. Take that information however you will¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I was thinking,¡± Derek said. ¡°I guess you could say that my voidced aura is kind of like a crowd control skill specifically made for Void Beasts. It should make farming them all the easier, at least.¡±


    ¡°Maybe¡­¡± nah replied.


    ¡°Why maybe?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know if your new, enhanced aura only works on Void Beasts,¡± she exined. ¡°Like I said, when I was hit with your projected aura¡ªeven though it wasn¡¯t aimed at me¡ªI felt it, and I mean REALLY felt it. It wasn¡¯t enough to hinder or affect my movements, but if you were to hit a normal person or beast with the same strength as that Void Beast with it¡­ say¡­ Ste, you may have ended up with the same results.¡±


    ¡°I guess that¡¯s true,¡± Derek let out an exacerbated sigh. ¡°Looks like it¡¯s just another thing I¡¯ll have to look into. I¡¯ll add it onto the ever-growing list of things I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°And that list will keep growing bigger and bigger,¡± nah replied with a nod. ¡°Just look at me,¡± she continued. ¡°I thought I was finished with my own growth, yet still had dozens or more questions I was never able to answer in my life. Then, I reached the second requirement, got an answer to one of my questions, then had to add even more questions to my list of ¡®things I don¡¯t know.¡¯ It seems that if you don¡¯t have a growing list like that, you have either given up, don¡¯t care, or arepletely daft.¡±


    ¡°Or you have made it all the way to the top and have had them all answered,¡± Derek chimed in.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ okay,¡± nah rolled her eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s something for you to aim for now that you know that this¡­¡± Derek motioned to their surrounding with both his arms sticking out. ¡°¡­ isn¡¯t the end of everything. Hell, it quite possibly could just be the beginning.¡±


    ¡°Oh, more questions,¡± nah said with a light chuckle. ¡°Just what I was looking forward to.¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡± Derek replied. ¡°Now, shall we get back to work?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s do it.¡±


    After that, Derek activated Void Call again, surprisingly leveling up the skill to level five from level four in the process. <em>I guess I was already pretty close to gaining that level, </em>he thought as he watched the beam of void energy dissipate into the sky. Soon enough, another Void Beast came knocking. This time, the Void Beast that was summoned was not a particrly strong one. So, Derek answered the knock by jumping into the sky and helping out.


    He ripped pieces of the shattered sky out and let them fall and disappear. Finally, he was able to make out some of the Void Beast inside. Instead of waiting and removing more and more of the sky with the beast, he reached inside and grabbed the creature with all of his strength, then he pulled. He ripped the beast out of the void and tossed it down¡ªdirectly at nah.


    With barely a movement, nah held up her rapier and the beast¡¯s head was impaled directly onto the de. Like that, the beast was dead and already stored inside nah¡¯s storage ring. Derek raised his eyebrow in question, but nah only shrugged.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t strong enough to be worth any extra effort,¡± nah said as Derek came down, allowing the sky to heal itself again. ¡°Can you go again?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Derek replied. ¡°It used to be a very taxing skill to use, now¡­ it¡¯s not.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± nah said. ¡°How about summoning multiple at a time?¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±

 Chapter 465: Its Your Show

    Chapter 465: It''s Your Show


    Derek closed his eyes and felt the void building up inside him once again. With another thought, he activated his skill, and the gathered energy exploded into the sky again. Instead of changing his focus to recovering his mana this time, Derek prepared Void Call again.


    Before any Void Beast made a move to break out of the void, Derek already had another beam of energy flying into the sky. But he didn¡¯t stop there. His natural recovery was amazing, and he¡¯d also already gotten used to keeping Greater Meditation activated whenever possible. So, he still had plenty of mana left to use the skill again¡­ and again.


    He was, after all, with probably the strongest person from his current system¡ªother than himself, of course. So, what point would there be in being careful? He did believe that there were Void Beasts out there who could give nah a run for her money, but he didn¡¯t believe that there would be any stronger than him¡ªat least not in his current system¡­ and not after many of the things he¡¯d learned.


    Specifically, he recalled Dave speaking to him about the ¡®level¡¯ of Void Beasts he would be able to call. The mysterious elf had been pretty confident that the strongest Void Beast that he could bring to him would be close to how strong Derek was at the end of the raid. Since then, he had increased his stats and skills by not a small amount, so, putting two and two together, he figured that, if he believed the elf¡ªwhich he did, at least about that¡ªthen there would be no worries for him and nah no matter how many he called at once.


    And, on top of all of that, it would give him a chance to see and prepare for whenever he did the same with Silvi and Avery. <em>A little preparation never hurt anyone, and I doubt I could find a better time than with nah right here by my side, </em>he thought to himself as he shot a third beam of void energy into the sky with his skill. With all that in mind, Derek went ahead and used his skill two more times before stopping when he heard a loud crashing from above that could only be a Void Beast arriving.


    In total, Derek was able to fire off five Void Calls before the Void Beast made itself known. Unfortunately for the beast, it wasn¡¯t even as strong as the previous one. However, before Derek jumped into the air to give it a hand with breaking out, nah disappeared and reappeared in the sky close to the cracks.


    ¡°It¡¯s not the first time I¡¯ve done this,¡± she looked down at Derek and shouted to him. ¡°Not all Void Beasts are even able to break through, so I¡¯ve had to ¡®help¡¯ my fair share back on the other continent. I can¡¯t let you have all the fun.¡±


    ¡°You do you,¡± Derek replied to the siren with a shrug, and the half elf did.


    Using her rapier as a sort of pry-bar, nah jammed it into one of the bigger cracks and went to work. Piece after piece fell out and vanished before hitting the ground, but soon enough, a disappointingly small Void Beast appeared. When it saw the person helping it out, it let out a loud roar.Derek considered the beast disappointing because it was small, but not small enough to be one of the Void Beasts that carried the vital blood. This also meant that it wasn¡¯trge enough to be a beast that would end up giving particrly good stats. Sure, nobody wouldin about getting a meal or potion made from it, but there were far better ¡®ingredients¡¯¡ªas Silvi would put it.


    The beast roared again, then vaulted out of the void. But, before its entire body even cleared the hole, it had grown its own hole in its head courtesy of nah¡¯s lightning quick rapier skills. Its roar was immediately silenced, and its body was stored in the blink of an eye. If Derek hadn¡¯t been watching closely, he may have even missed the death of the beast.


    ¡°That was disappointing,¡± nah raised her voice again and said to Derek.


    Derek began to reply to her, but before he did, he saw a giant w with razor-like nails reach out of the break in the sky and grab nah¡ªgripping most of her upper arm and a good portion of the armor on her shoulder. The siren¡¯s eyes widened, then realization struck her and she smiled. A massive Void Beast appeared behind the w, and just as it made to strike down on the siren with its other w, nah flicked the de of her rapier with her finger.


    The first w released the siren, then mirrored the second when the massive Void Beast reached for the sides of its head to protect itself from nah¡¯s attack. The next moment, the beast had six holes in its chest and it fell forward out of the void, flipping end over end until finally crashing into the ground. The beast hadn¡¯t died instantly, but not long after touching the ground, it breathed itsst breath.


    nah came down beside it and stored it in her ring. ¡°That one was much better,¡± she said as she walked toward Derek after storing the corpse.


    ¡°Should give good stats,¡± Derek agreed.


    Stolen story; please report.


    nah nodded, then shifted her attention back to the sky, where a final piece was restored¡ªcausing the sky to look like nothing had ever happened. ¡°So¡­ five uses of the skill, but only two beasts?¡±


    ¡°I guess¡­¡± Derek shrugged. Void Call was the skill he knew least about, and it was also the skill that had the least informative information on it when he checked. ¡°I figure some are close by when they hear the call, while some are farther away. Not ever use of the skill is going to draw one in. I don¡¯t know how they feel it, but I imagine that if they are too far away, they lose whatever feeling my skill gives them before they make it close enough to me to try to break out of the void.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough.¡±


    ¡°Yup,¡± Derek replied. ¡°But still, it¡¯s not a bad time to test it out.¡± With a smile, he stepped forward and loaded up another use of the skill. He wanted to see what exactly he could do with it¡ªand just how much it was going to take to gain another level or two. As the energy built up, Derek smiled, then pulled another skill potion out of his storage and gulped it down. <em>Here we go!</em>


    For the next hour or so, Derek relied on nah to take care of any and all of the beasts while he focused solely on using Void Call over and over. Even when the sky was broken and more than one Void Beast appeared, he continued to send his void energy into the air¡ªeven into the void tunnel that they were breaking out of¡ªjust to see how long it would take for Void Call to go from its current level to the next.


    nah stayed floating just in front of where the sky seemed to break each time and took care of each and every Void Beast before they were even able to jump out. A couple fell to the ground and died, and were just lying there after bleeding out, but the vast majority of them were killed so smoothly and stored before they were even able to fall.


    ¡°This is how it should be!¡± nah shouted down at Derek without turning to look at him. ¡°If I would have been able to draw Void Beasts to me so easily, I would have met all those requirements long ago.¡±


    Derek could even see a smile forming on the corner of nah¡¯s face whenever her head turned enough for him to see. <em>It looks like she¡¯s at least having fun here, </em>Derek thought as he shot another beam into the sky. <em>At least, she¡¯s having much more fun than she was when we were running those crappy dungeons. </em>The beam of energy narrowly avoided nah before dissipating into the void where he was aiming.


    Once, Derek fired off a Void Call and nah dodged a swipe from a Void Beast at the same time, causing the beam to pass directly through the siren. That had scared Derek. But he breathed a sigh of relief after a few moments with nothing happening to his friend. That was how he figured out that the skill had no attacking power. It really was just condensed energy that basically wasn¡¯t even tangible.


    nah had widened her eyes and looked down on Derek, too, expecting the worst. So, she was just as relieved as he was when nothing happened. However, Derek was sure that, based on the skill level and nah¡¯s own stats, she would have at least survived and healed up even if it was a damaging skill. But that ident allowed Derek to learn more about his skill, which was what he had been trying to do all along. Still, he would be careful not to directly hit the siren again.


    ¡°Keep theming!¡± nah shouted as she finished off the next Void Beast. ¡°If they keeping this fast, I don¡¯t have to worry about the sky healing and them having to break through again. It makes things much easier.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s your show,¡± Derek muttered, not sure if nah was even able to hear him. He directed his skill into the sky once again, then focused on Greater Meditation to bring his mana back up so he could continue doing so. The next time he used the skill, he was pleasantly surprised when he gained another level in it¡ªgrowing Void call to level 6.


    <em>A bit over an hour and a half of constantly using the skill to gain the level¡ªand that was with the potion¡­ Is it leveling quicker than it should because nah is fighting creatures not from this system and I¡¯m close by, technically having a part in the battle since I am continuously directing a skill in their direction? </em>There were so many things that Derek didn¡¯t know, but, like usual, he shrugged and continued.


    ¡°I just leveled the skill!¡± He shouted up at nah so she would be able to hear him.


    ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± she shouted back as her rapier pierced the skull of a particrly huge beast¡ªkilling it instantly.


    Once again, Derek fell into a rhythm with casting his skill, and nah fell into a rhythm ughtering. However, after another hour or two¡ªDerekpletely lost count after leveling his skill¡ªVoid Beasts stopped appearing in the sky. nah ripped at the cracks for a short while¡ªkeeping it open for any would be summoned beasts, but nothing ever came.


    ¡°Huh¡­¡± nah shrugged when shended beside Derek. The two watched the skypletely heal. ¡°Was that all of them? Surely not¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I doubt it,¡± Derek said. ¡°Maybe they got wise to what was going on, or you ughtered all of them that were kind of close by. Like I said, I don¡¯t really know the details of how the skill works. I¡¯m not sure if more wille here or not. And I¡¯m not sure that more wille if we leave Cydaria and go to¡­ Indaria and try there,¡± he exined. ¡°So, what do you want to do?¡±


    ¡°Well, I was having quite a bit of fun ying Void Beasts,¡± nah replied. ¡°There is just something about them that makes them very fun to fight. I¡¯m not sure if you noticed, but there were a few that could even talk in the bunch that I fought.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Derek asked, with brows raised. ¡°I didn¡¯t see them. You must have taken them out before they even poked their heads out of the hole.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± nah nodded. ¡°The first two, I was just mechanically killing, and barely heard them say a word or two before they died,¡± she exined. ¡°Thest one gave me the ¡®how dare you¡¯ spiel before it died.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ one of those¡­¡± Derek nodded.


    ¡°Should we go?¡± nah finally asked after standing silent for a bit. ¡°It doesn¡¯t look like¡­¡± she started, but was interrupted by a single, massive pounding sound from the sky where she just was at.


    Both Derek and nah looked up to see what was going on. Shockingly, instead of the sky breaking piece by piece, it spider-webbed, then, with another bang, an entirerge area of the sky was destroyed¡ªrevealing a Void Beast that was about the same size as Derek.


    ¡°Looks like the boss has arrived,¡± nah said as she pulled out her rapier and slowly began to transform into her Dawn Siren form. With her now unsettling, seductive voice, she said, ¡°This one is mine, too.¡±

 Chapter 466: New Boss?

    Chapter 466: New Boss?


    Looking up at the broken sky and into the void, Derek stared at the beast. The way it had shattered the sky and caused shards to fly at a nearly unperceivable pace automatically told him that the beast they were dealing with was one with intelligence. None that he faced, other than the ones that had this intelligence, had the ability and power to cause the sky to fracture and break out of the void in such a manner.


    Yet somehow, it looked different from any of the other Void Beasts he¡¯d seen sinceing to his current system. Mostly, that was due to its size, orck of, that is. Its body was almost identical in size to Derek¡¯s own body after he had gone through his evolution¡ªthe perfect body for him. And, from what he was able to tell from the distance, it was actually very close in height to him.


    But, after staring at it for a few moments, it finally clicked. <em>It has a sort of void aura that none of the other ones I¡¯ve me have, not only that, but its coloring is much closer to the void element. </em>All the Void Beasts he¡¯d fought so far had been very dark gray with various shades of void purple. However, with the beast in front of him, it no longer had that dark gray coloring¡ªits entire body was the same color as his own void energy.


    ¡°Hold on,¡± Derek said to nah as she prepared tounch herself up into the sky to battle the creature. ¡°Wait for a second before you attack.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± she half snapped back¡ªher siren form causing her personality to be on edge and icier than before. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s different, don¡¯t you see?¡± Derek replied. ¡°Just look at it.¡± He pointed at the beast above them. ¡°Look at the coloring, the size¡­ feel the aura.¡±


    ¡°Fine¡­¡± nah muttered, then closed her eyes for a moment before releasing her own terrifying aura¡ªcausing her own to sh with the beast¡¯s for a moment. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± she opened her eyes and turned her head to look at Derek after withdrawing her aura. ¡°Its aura feels very simr to your own. Not as¡­ intense, and not as controlled, but very simr.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Derek said. ¡°And have you noticed?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±¡°That it is studying us,¡± Derek answered. ¡°When have you ever seen a Void Beast break out of the void and not try toe out? Not to mention, you directly hit it with your aura just then, and it didn¡¯t do much more than wince¡ªI was watching it the whole time.¡±


    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t seen one of the beasts behave like this¡ªnot try to jump out of the portal, that is,¡± nah replied. ¡°Well, unless it is met with a power force before and killed before it is able toe out. But this¡­¡± her tone wasn¡¯t as icy as it was before when she was geared for a fight and had her guard up, but it still held the edge it always had when she was transformed.


    ¡°Not only is it intelligent¡­ it¡¯s cautious,¡± Derek said. ¡°I think it¡¯s more than just an intelligent Void Beast. I think it may be acting more like a person than a beast. Like it has much more control over itself. It is able to make the decision not to follow its bestial instincts.¡±


    ¡°So it does¡­¡± the siren replied, then closed her eyes again. Soon, what little aura she still had leaking out while in her siren form disappeared and her body changed back to that of a beautiful half-elf. ¡°What do you want to do?¡± she asked, her voice no longer biting, and the seductiveness toned down by a lot.


    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t know,¡± Derek said. It almost seemed to be a waste if he were to just kill such a beast without speaking to it first. ¡°I¡¯m going to go see if it will talk.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going too,¡± nah said.


    ¡°Fine by me,¡± Derek replied. ¡°Just stay a bit behind me. I don¡¯t want to spook it and cause it to attack instantly.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Derek prepared to jump into the air with Void Steps, but before he could make a move, the Void Beast beat him to it¡ªquite literally. It stepped out of the void¡ªallowing the massive hole in the sky to begin the process of repairing itself¡ªand continued stepping.


    <em>Is that¡­ </em>Derek thought as the beast traveled in the sky. <em>Holy shit! It¡¯s using Void Steps. </em>Unlike every other Void Beast that left the void and fell to the surface, this one remained in the sky and used a skill that Derek was very familiar with.


    Unable to contain himself, Derek kicked off the ground and flew into the air. Once he reached the same height as the beast, he stopped and stared at it. Then, slowly, he inched closer and closer until he was close enough to hold a conversation with it. He wanted to speak to it before, but after seeing it use one of his own skills, he couldn¡¯t wait. Void Beasts, as far as he knew, didn¡¯t have ess to a system, so when the one in front of him used Void Steps, it was doing so with no assistance from a system. <em>Now¡­ what do I say that won¡¯t make it immediately attack me?</em>


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the vition.


    ¡°Uh¡­ hi?¡± Derek said, with slight confusion written on his face. <em>Yeah¡­ good job Derek¡­ that was perfect. Nobody would attack after such an introduction.</em>


    Surprisingly, even after his idiotic opening, the Void Beast across from him didn¡¯t attack straight away, and it didn¡¯t even seem rage fueled like any of the other intelligent ones, instead, it narrowed its eyes and spoke back, ¡°Why¡­ why have you brought me hear?¡± The beast had the same serpent-like way of speaking as the other intelligent ones, but it was a little easier to understand. It formed its words faster than the others, and it was more¡­ casual.


    ¡°Oh¡­ well¡­¡± Derek was caught a bit off guard by the regr question asked by the beast. He rubbed the back of his neck and his gaze instinctively shifted to the ground below them¡ªthe ground littered with blood stains from other Void Beasts. The beast looked down when Derek did, then lifted its head back up to stare him in the eyes.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± the beast said. ¡°You are¡­ harvesting my them for their resources.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Derek didn¡¯t know what else to say. ¡°Uh¡­ sorry about that?¡±


    ¡°Why are you sorry?¡± the creature tilted its head. ¡°It is their fate for being weak and unable to evolve or¡­ for being unlucky.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Derek asked. ¡°You don¡¯t care about your kin?¡±


    ¡°Why would I care?¡± the beast asked. ¡°And why would you think them my ¡®kin?¡¯¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ because they are Void Beasts, and you are a Void Beast.¡±


    ¡°Do you care about all¡­¡± the beast looked Derek up and down. ¡°Whatever you are.¡±


    ¡°Human,¡± Derek said. Then he thought about what the beast asked. ¡°And no, I guess I don¡¯t care about every human. In fact, some are better off dead, at least in my opinion.¡±


    ¡°Then why would I, as this ¡®beast¡¯, care about others of my kind?¡± the beast asked. ¡°If not you, then those weak or unlucky would be consumed by their kind. It matters not whether it is you who does it or me. Death would have awaited them either way.¡±


    ¡°You¡­ well¡­¡± Derek was stumped. He was out of his depth. He thought that the beast would speak a few words, then do as all the others before it had done¡ªtry to kill the void user before it could ¡®control.¡¯ <em>It still may, but I¡¯m not sensing the rage and anger that the others have. It¡¯s just¡­ tense. </em>¡°You would consume your own kind for their resources?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Of course,¡± the beast answered like it was the most natural thing to do. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I?¡±


    <em>Hmm¡­ </em>Derek thought. <em>I guess cannibalism is just something the Void Beast would do. </em>It made sense. It really was natural for many creatures and insects back on Earth¡ªthings like certain fish, reptiles, or spiders were known to eat their own kind under normal circumstances. Even wolves and bears would do so if food was scarce. Some species even used cannibalism as a way to control overcrowding. So, if a beast could get stronger in conditions such as the one that Void Beasts live in by consuming each other, why wouldn¡¯t they choose to do so? It really did seem¡­ natural.


    ¡°I guess¡­ it does make sense,¡± Derek said after thinking about it. ¡°It is just something that, as a human, is extremely frowned upon, and only the worst of humankind would do such a thing.¡±


    ¡°More than you would think,¡± nah said from behind him, causing him to turn and look. ¡°What? You never know what kind of skills and sses one may get, so it isn¡¯t umon to notice people disappearing. I have wiped out a line or two that I learned was doing such things¡ªand many other individuals. I would bet that if you asked Edwin or even Osian, they have done the same.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± He hadn¡¯t even thought about sses and skills. What would it take for one to be given such a ss or skill by one of the systems? And, what kind of person would ept such a ss over other choices? Sure, he¡¯d read novels and such about characters that consume skills or strength from killing, and that made sense. It was kind of the same with the essence or experience he gained from killing system users, but to have to actually consume someone¡­ no, it was not something he would ever be able to do. However, it made him understand Silvi¡¯s obsession with elf burgers more. She was still a beast, after all.


    ¡°See? The pointed ear one understands,¡± the Void Beast said.


    ¡°And you¡­ being a Void Beast that is¡­ intelligent, don¡¯t feel or have any hesitation when doing so? There aren¡¯t any problems that ur by doing so?¡± Derek asked, still surprised that the beast was being as civil as it was. ¡°And you are just fine consuming your own kind?¡±


    ¡°Why would I have any hesitation? And ¡®my kind?¡¯ They are not my kind. They are only my kind in the fact that they look simr and be an existence in the same way, but they are no more than beasts. We are formed of the void¡ªeach of us is our own kind,¡± the creature exined.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± <em>That¡­ sort of makes things different¡­ I guess. I wonder if you took blood from two Void Beasts, if the DNA would show that they are even the same. The essence is what we are consuming¡­ I guess it¡¯s not necessarily from their blood or parts. It¡¯s just the essence that has been stored inside their muscles, blood, and everything. </em>¡°Well¡­ thanks for the information. You have given me some things to think about.¡±


    ¡°You asked, and I answered. That is all,¡± the beast said, still staring at the two of them with narrow eyes. With the way it was positioned in the air, it could likely attack at any given moment with no notice.


    ¡°So¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°Are you going to attack?¡±


    ¡°Attack?¡± the beast said, tilting its head once again¡ªkind of like a puppy would. ¡°Is there a need to attack? You did not attack.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Derek said. ¡°Then, you don¡¯t want to kill be because of my control over the void?¡±


    The beast looked deeply at Derek for a moment, then slightly shook its head. ¡°I cannot kill you. I can feel the void inside. Attacking would be nothing more than a death sentence, and I have worked too hard to throw my life away in such a meaningless struggle. Will you attack? Will you put an end to my progress and consume me? Like you will do to my ¡®kind?¡¯¡±


    ¡°That¡­¡± Derek turned and looked at nah.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me,¡± nah said. ¡°But I think I¡¯ve hunted enough Void Beasts for today.¡±

 Chapter 467: Asher

    Chapter 467: Asher


    ¡°You know,¡± Derek said to nah. ¡°I think you¡¯re right. We¡¯ll call it quits for Void Beast hunting today.¡± Then he turned back to look at the Void Beast in the air in front of him. ¡°Would you minding down with me and answering a few questions about the void and other things?¡± He asked because the beast didn¡¯t seem too opposed to having a conversation with a human, and he didn¡¯t know when he would get another opportunity like the one he currently had.


    The Void Beast shifted its eyes back and forth between Derek and nah, then, after a moment, it said, ¡°Very well.¡±


    ¡°Great!¡± Derek replied before checking their surroundings onest time to make sure that there wasn¡¯t anyone around. Then, he canceled his Void Steps skill and started his free fall to the ground. This time, the ground wasn¡¯t muddy, so when hended, it was perfect. Momentster, there were three reclining chairs¡ªone for each individual.


    ¡°This is interesting¡­ decoration,¡± the Void Beast said. It had sat down and even showed a hint of emotion on its face when it did.


    Derek had only smiled at this scene. There was nothing like a set offortable chairs to ease a tense situation. ¡°So, first thing I have to ask since I have you here and it seems that you are open-minded¡­ do you have a name?¡±


    ¡°A name?¡± the beast said back, then ever so slightly shook its head. ¡°No, I do not have a name. I have never had a reason to obtain one.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°It¡¯s odd calling or thinking of you as the ¡®Void Beast¡¯ or ¡®beast,¡¯ so I thought I would ask.¡±


    ¡°If it is better, you can call me whatever you like,¡± the beast said.


    ¡°Great!¡± Derek replied. ¡°I¡¯ll call you Asher!¡± He smiled widely when he said the name. It was true that the name didn¡¯t fit the Void Beast in front of him as well as it did the first beast he battled in Cydaria¡ªas this one was more of a pure void purple and not the ashy color of the others¡ªbut the name had been stuck in his head ever sense he met that Void Beast and thought it was his summoned creature, so he was finally going to use it.¡°Asher¡­¡± the beast muttered.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to use it if you don¡¯t like it,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°It is fine,¡± the Void Beast¡ªAsher¡ªfinally said after saying the name a few times. ¡°I do not hate the name.¡±


    ¡°It will also be good for you to have a name in case you run into any other person or intelligent Void Beastter on and don¡¯t want to get into a fight,¡± Derek said. ¡°Nothing breaks the ice and lowers one¡¯s guard like introducing yourself with a name.¡±


    ¡°Then you have decided to let me live?¡± Asher asked once Derek was finished.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Derek said. ¡°I would have let thest Void Beast that spoke to me live if it hadn¡¯t tried to end my life. I still don¡¯t know how I feel about eating meals made from Void Beasts after that.¡±


    ¡°Feel nothing,¡± Asher said. ¡°We ¡®Void Beasts¡¯ would not hesitate to eat you. Why should you hesitate to do the same?¡±


    ¡°I guess¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°Anyway¡­ the previous Void Beast was very concerned over its kind and was basically trying to kill me over it all. If I recall the words correctly, it said that I was the enemy of all your kind, that when I call you muste. It was very adamant about killing me before I gained control. However, you don¡¯t seem to have that same worry¡­ why is that?¡±


    ¡°A youngling¡­¡± Asher answered.


    ¡°A youngling?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Yes. The ¡®beast¡¯ you speak of must have been one that had only recently evolved its intelligence¡ªa baby, if you will,¡± Asher exined. ¡°Those pesky emotions are strong when one first develops intelligence. I did not have full control over my actions and thoughts when I first evolved my intelligence, either. Therefore, the beast must have either been a youngling or it could have been stupid and thought it could defeat and consume you. It could have been both.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ what about the part where you must call when Ie? It seems to have done the same with you, right? When I used my skill, you did show up. Isn¡¯t that something that you would want to stop?¡± Derek asked. For now, he ignored what the beast said about consuming him.


    ¡°It is true,¡± the beast said. ¡°When I felt the call, I had an urge to find it, so I did. But I am not a youngling. I do have control over my emotions. I may not have been able to resist the call, but it took dozens of them for me to arrive. If you would have stopped before, I would have nevere. Even still, the urge vanished once I broke the void and found you. I did not have to leave the void. I could have turned around and gone back because of my emotional control.¡±


    ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°You did not try to attack, and you stopped your pointy earedpanion before she could attack. After that¡­ I was curious, so I stepped out,¡± Asher answered.


    ¡°What about the control?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°That, I suspect, the other beast was correct about,¡± Asher replied. ¡°There is a deep sense of fear in me when I look at you. It sends shivers up my spine and through my bones. It is another reason for my curiosity. If you do not have the ability to control ¡®Void Beasts,¡¯ I suspect you will soon. How much control you may achieve? I do not know. But it is there, I can feel it. Just as I assume your previous foe felt it.¡±


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the vition.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Derek said. ¡°I get that sense. Would you mind if I unleash my aura? Would you let me know what you feel?¡±


    ¡°I am at your mercy,¡± the beast replied.


    ¡°Don¡¯t hesitate to have me stop if something feels wrong,¡± Derek said. After that, for the second time that day, Derek slowly unleashed his aura. Asher looked at him with squinted eyes that widened more and more as Derek¡¯s aura poured out. By the time Derek¡¯s aura was on full disy, Asher was literally shaking in his seat. In fact, and unfortunately, some of the cloth on the chair was damaged by the beast squeezing the arms tightly.


    Once Derek saw that, he hurried and reined his aura back in. Asher¡¯s grip immediately loosened on the chair. Derek chided himself for not thinking about his furniture before he proceeded with his experiment, and he hoped that his low-level Basic Repair skill would be enough to pull together the few rips in the chair arms. But, after all of that, he was impressed that Asher was able to hold itself back from unintentionally doing even more damage to the chair.


    Derek gave Asher a few minutes to calm down. The beast was a mess. It had gone so far as to close its eyes and breathe deeply¡ªalmost like it was meditating. <em>Wait, is Asher actually meditating right now? It certainly looks like it. If not, it is really close. </em>After waiting for the beast to open its eyes once again, Derek asked, ¡°Well?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ have never¡­¡± Asher breathed heavily while trying to answer Derek. ¡°I felt the need to bow down before you. It was all I could do to fight it. Any lesser beast and¡­¡±


    ¡°It would go catatonic?¡± Derek finished the beast¡¯s thought.


    ¡°Yes¡­ that¡­ I can only assume,¡± Asher replied.


    ¡°Did you feel the need to listen to me?¡± Derek asked. ¡°If I would have asked you to do something, would have you?¡±


    ¡°I do not¡­ believe so,¡± Asher answered, still struggling to regain his normal breathing. ¡°I was¡­ frozen. That is all. But if you learned to direct it, to control it, to finesse it¡­ I do not think it is impossible.¡±


    ¡°Good to know,¡± Derek replied with a nod.


    ¡°If you would please¡­ allow me to¡­ catch my breath¡­¡± Asher pleaded.


    ¡°Sure¡­ go ahead.¡± Derek nodded at the beast. After that, he turned to nah. ¡°We¡¯re not in a hurry, are we?¡±


    ¡°No, not at all,¡± nah replied. ¡°And if we were, it wouldn¡¯t matter. This is fascinating. A conversation with a Void Beast that doesn¡¯t end in blood and guts. Truly wonderful. I am beyond happy that I am able to witness this before I ascend.¡±


    ¡°Ascend!¡± Asher cried out at nah, causing both of them to turn and look at the beast. He was staring at the woman with wide eyes and seemed to almost be in shock. ¡°You are to ascend?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ yes,¡± nah said. ¡°That is what the system called it¡­ Ascension. Why? Do you know of it?¡±


    ¡°The system¡­¡± Asher turned its head and spat. ¡°Always the system with you others. Helps you do this, helps you do that¡­¡±


    ¡°But you don¡¯t have one?¡± Derek asked. Void Beasts were described as creatures ¡®outside of the system.¡¯ Derek was also starting to believe that meant that they were creatures outside of any system. And with the words of Asher, it seemed that they were creatures that either couldn¡¯t be brought into a system, or that no system would bring in. He wasn¡¯t sure which, but he hoped Asher would be able to shed some light on the topic¡ªone which he hadn¡¯t even thought of until the beast¡¯s reaction to nah¡¯s words.


    ¡°No, I do not have a ¡®system.¡¯¡± Asher, for the first time, looked genuinely pissed off. ¡°I must do everything on my own. There is no assistance to help me learn to control the void. I have had to struggle to and learn everything on my own for millennia¡­¡±


    ¡°Millennia? Like¡­ thousands of years? How old are you?¡± Derek muttered almost quietly to himself, but the beast heard him.


    ¡°I do not know my age. It is nothing more than a concept. I have partial memories of when I was nothing more than a rabid beast. Then, I never bothered to count once I gained my intelligence. What difference does it make whether I am four thousand years old or five?¡± Asher answered the question that Derek hadn¡¯t even meant to ask.


    ¡°I guess it doesn¡¯t matter¡­¡± Derek said. <em>Just how long would it take to have to do and learn everything on your own? If there are Void Beasts out there that do this, does that mean there are other beings that do the same as well? But¡­ about Asher¡¯s skills¡­ </em>Derek thought, then asked, ¡°So, you learned Void Steps on your own? That skill that allowed you to stand in the air with me.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ after much trial and error directing the void energy inside my body,¡± Asher said.


    ¡°Are there no Void Beast societies out there? Like, elders that can pass on skills to those who have recently evolved their intelligence?¡±


    ¡°Not that I have ever seen.¡±


    <em>Right¡­ it never needed a name. If there was such a thing, Asher would have needed some way to be addressed, </em>Derek thought.


    ¡°That is not to say that they do not exist, though,¡± Asher continued, and Derek listened intently. ¡°We can also ascend¡­ though, without the help of your systems. I do not know where we go or what happens, but I feel that I am close. Perhaps there is one of these ¡®societies¡¯ there. Only those with evolved intelligence are able to ascend, so I believe that it is possible.¡±


    ¡°Definitely,¡± Derek said with a nod. <em>I really do wonder why Void Beasts don¡¯t have ess to any system. Honestly, they don¡¯t seem to be too picky about who gets one. </em>Derek¡¯s thoughts immediately went back to Big Jim, who he¡¯d met on a couple asions. He had been a founder of one of thergest cities on Earth after the system came. He was a lovable big guy who called that city Muscle Town. <em>He¡¯s probably more like one of those emotional ¡®younglings¡¯ that Asher was talking about. </em>¡°Onest question¡­¡± Derek said. He was sure that there were things he was forgetting, but Asher had yed ball quite nicely, so he didn¡¯t want to keep him so long that others found him.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I know how I am able to understand nah. I grew up speaking a vastly differentnguage¡­ I think, and the system grants us the ability to understand each other and trantes concepts into things that we are each able to understand¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°How am I able to understand you and your kind?¡±


    ¡°How am I supposed to know that?¡± Asher asked.


    ¡°Gotcha¡­¡± Derek muttered. Then, almost silently, ¡°System fuckery¡­¡±


    ¡°Is there nothing else?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure that I¡¯ll think of something after you leave, but if it¡¯s too important, I¡¯ll just have to go find you to ask,¡± Derek said with a knowing smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure that I am the one who wille if you call,¡± Asher replied. ¡°But¡­ if you call enough, I am sure I will eventually hear it.¡±


    Derek turned to nah. ¡°Is there anything you want to know?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ there is,¡± nah said. ¡°What do you eat?¡±


    ¡°My kind¡­ and the void,¡± Asher answered. ¡°asionally your kind and whatever food you have at the time. But I must consume it quickly and cannot take it with me. Your food is destroyed by the void.¡±


    <em>If only Silvi would have met Asher before she tainted all that food¡­ </em> Derek thought with a slight smile.


    nah then produced a te full of steaming meat and vegetables. ¡°Would you like some of this? It is prepared by some of my best chefs.¡±


    Asher reached out and took the te, then opened its massive maw and threw the food into it, te and all. ¡°Delicious¡­¡± he said. ¡°Best I have ever had. Do you have more?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± nah then started producing meal after meal, only for Asher to put it away like his stomach was a ck hole.


    <em>He would give Silvi and Ogre a run for their money. </em>Derek inwardly chuckled, then he had another thought. ¡°Do you get stronger if you eat¡­ us?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Asher answered while shoveling the food into its mouth. ¡°Some more than others, but creatures that speak give the most.¡±


    ¡°Interesting¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°Very¡­ interesting.¡±

 Chapter 468: Survival of the Strongest

    Chapter 468: Survival of the Strongest


    ¡°So¡­¡± Derek started. ¡°Earlier, you mentioned that the other Void Beast may have been trying to kill and consume me.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± Asher tilted his head and answered.


    ¡°What kind of power boost do you think I would have provided the beast if it had been able to do so?¡± he asked.


    ¡°What kind of power increase?¡± the beast muttered. ¡°It is much too hard to tell. Was your power at that time as devastating as it is now, or have you grown since then?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ it was quite a bit less, actually,¡± Derek answered.


    ¡°But still of the void?¡±


    ¡°Yes, still of the void,¡± Derek said. ¡°I probably wouldn¡¯t have been able to beat you at that time. nah here¡­¡± He nodded in nah¡¯s direction with his head. ¡°She would have been able to wipe the floor with me at that time. It wasn¡¯t an easy fight for me, either. Well¡­ it <em>was </em>easy, but that was only because of my defense and regeneration. If not for that, I couldn¡¯t have kept up with it.¡±


    ¡°If that is the case¡­¡± Asher unconsciously tapped its razor-like w on the arm of the chair¡ªjust where the previous rips were. ¡°I can only assume that the beast would have received a boost about the same as if it had consumed another ¡®Void Beast¡¯ that was a little stronger than it was¡­ hmmm¡­ no¡­ that¡¯s most probably not correct,¡± the beast muttered at the end.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Derek asked. ¡°Why would that not be correct?¡± He was thinking the same thing when he asked the Void Beast the question. He figured that since he was sort of void like the creatures were, he would provide the same benefit. He could only imagine Ste serving ¡®Derek Hunt¡¯ meals at the Crown Restaurant. <em>I bet if Silvi didn¡¯t know me and she was intelligent like she is now, she would be the first in line for the special of the day¡­ the DH Burger. </em>A chill ran down his spine at the thought.¡°I mean that your void energy is much purer than any I have ever seen before,¡± Asher said, causing Derek to break out of his daydream. ¡°I have void energy that is quite pure as well. In fact, I have yet to see another ¡®beast¡¯ with energy that is purer than my own. And that makes sense, considering I believe I am close to reaching ascension¡ªor the next stage of my evolution.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°Then me¡­¡±


    ¡°If your energy was as pure back then as it is now.¡± Asher took a pause to think for a bit. ¡°If it was the same¡­ there is no way I would be able to calcte the potential benefits of consuming one such as you. It could be the same, or it could be outrageous. Who knows, it may have pushed the ¡®beast¡¯ all the way past me and into its next evolution just like that.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it was as pure as it is now,¡± Derek said. Back then, his hair was still coal ck and his eyes only turned void purple when he unleashed his aura. Now, his hair always had a distinct purplish shine that one could see if the sun hit it just right, and his irises were no longer the cool blue color that they had been. Instead, the color had been reced by pure void purple.


    ¡°I would say that his energy was a little less pure than yours currently is right now,¡± nah spoke up from the side. ¡°At least, ording to Ste,¡± she said to Derek with a shrug.


    ¡°Then that,¡± Derek said. ¡°If it¡¯s her, then she¡¯s probably right.¡±


    ¡°In that case,¡± Asher began. ¡°Then it would have gotten quite the boost¡ªwould have taken centuries off of training, at the very least. It would have been quite the boon for the ¡®beast.¡¯ I can see why it would be drawn to attacking you¡ªeven if it wasn¡¯t a youngling.¡±


    ¡°I guess¡­¡± Derek said with a shrug. ¡°I¡¯m beginning to think that you all have different personalities¡ªjust like everyone else. And your personality is¡­ how do I say¡­ uh¡­ self-centered or a bit narcissistic¡­ maybe. You seem to only think about yourself and not others. Whereas the other Void Beast was very emotional or empathetic, and, if nothing else, acted like it was fighting for a cause bigger than itself.¡± It was hard to say that without it sounding like an insult, but he had a feeling that the beast would understand what he was trying to convey.


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Asher nodded. ¡°I can understand this. That seems correct.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not mad that I called you a narcissist that only cares about yourself?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°No.¡± Asher shook its head. ¡°I believe that is an apt assessment. Power is everything in the void. The weak die while the strong live on. I do not want to die, therefore I do not want to be weak, so it is only right that I care about making myself stronger.¡±


    ¡°I guess that¡¯s true,¡± Derek said. ¡°Survival of the fittest¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes. Survival of the fittest, survival of the strongest¡­¡± Asher nodded as it took a small cup of some beverage that nah offered to him. Then Asher threw the entire drink into its maw¡ªcup and all. After munching the ss and drinking whatever was in it, the beast continued. ¡°That is very good¡ªvery urate.¡±


    Derek¡¯s eye twitched as he watched the beast dine. <em>Well¡­ I guess I shouldn¡¯t expect anything else. Asher is a beast, after all. </em>He mentally shrugged. With hisst questions answered, Derek couldn¡¯t think of anything else to speak with Asher about at the moment. Honestly, one of the things he was most looking forward to was seeing if he could track the beast down with Void Travel once it left. If he could, it would open up more opportunities.


    Once the beast finished everything that nah had given him, it looked back at nah with high expectations. However, Asher only received a shrug from the siren in return. ¡°Sorry, that¡¯s all I have that I can share with you.¡±


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    ¡°Then I shall not ask for more,¡± Asher said, but Derek could see some disappointment sh through its eyes. ¡°Thank you for what you have given me. It was fantastic.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m happy you enjoyed it,¡± nah said.


    ¡°Then there is nothing else?¡± Asher asked once again. It seemed the beast wanted to get back to whatever it was it was doing before it heard the call.


    Both nah and Derek looked at each other. Then each of them shrugged. It seemed like neither had a real question for the beast. ¡°I guess that¡¯s it,¡± Derek said. ¡°Thank you for answering what questions we had. It was very enlightening.¡±


    ¡°Mhm¡­¡± Asher nodded. ¡°And you have my gratitude for not killing and eating me.¡±


    ¡°That was no problem at all,¡± Derekughed.


    ¡°Then I shall bid my farewell,¡± Asher replied. After that, the beast stood from the reclining chair and began walking away.


    Derek also stood, then quickly stored all of his furniture¡ªhis heart only hurt a little when thinking about the rips identally created by Asher. But those rips were his own fault, so there was no reason to dwell on them any longer.


    Both Derek and nah watched the Void Beast¡¯s back be smaller and smaller as it walked into the distance. Then, it seemed that Asher found the perfect spot¡ªDerek was even watching the scene with his Void Sense turned on high, so he also saw that there were some more erratic ripples in the void where the beast had stopped. <em>Interesting¡­ </em>he thought. <em>I wonder if Asher has a way to see the ripples, or if the beast is relying entirely on its instincts. </em>


    However, Derek felt that he had already kept Asher away from its training for ascension for too long already, so he didn¡¯t bother running up and asking the beast about that. It wasn¡¯t like it mattered much as it was¡ªif the beast could see them, then it was just like how it was able to use Void Steps. If not, then it was instinctual.


    Finally, Asher stopped and looked around. The Void Beast seemed to be happy with the location it had chosen, as it finally reached out and ced a wed hand out in front. After that, Derek got to watch the beast channel the void into its hand, then push out with what looked like a palm strike. A crashing sound twice as loud as it had been when the creature broke out from the void sounded out¡ªalmost causing Derek to instinctively cover his ears, but he didn¡¯t.


    It was the first time Derek had seen this happening from the outside. Others must have based on the stories he¡¯d heard about other beasts escaping into the void after causing mass destruction, but Derek hadn¡¯t seen any of them, and the only beast that had ever escaped Derek was the one that he considered to be a bit of his savior¡ªthe one who had broken him out of the void and given him freedom after all those years trapped inside.


    It seemed that it may have been harder to break into the void than it was to break out of it, as Asher channeled the void once again and struck out. This time, the space in front of the beast shattered and pieces of it began to fall to the ground one by one.


    At that moment, something crossed Derek¡¯s mind, and he entered Void Shift. The next moment, he appeared next to the startled Asher.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡± Asher said with a bit of a shaky voice. ¡°Have you decided to not let me go? Have you changed your mind?¡±


    ¡°Oh, no¡­¡± Derek said and raised his hand in front of him. ¡°Sorry about that. I just had another thought and wanted to run it by you before you left, if that is okay.¡±


    ¡°That is fine,¡± the beast said, this time with a more stable voice. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Could you look at this and tell me what you think?¡± Derek walked a bit away from the beast, then he used Void Travel to rip open the space in front of him, causing the extremely dangerous part of the void to appear.


    ¡°This¡­¡± the beast was stunned silent. It stood stock-still for so long that the entrance to the void that it had made before was able topletely heal itself.


    ¡°Asher¡­¡± Derek snapped his fingers in front of the beast¡¯s eyes a few times¡ªfinally breaking it out of whatever daze it was in after the third snap.


    ¡°Oh¡­ sorry,¡± Asher said. ¡°This space¡­ it is amazing. I can feel my body reacting. The void is so strong.¡± As Asher spoke, it slowly walked toward the open space.


    ¡°Whoa there, big fe¡­¡± Derek said as he extended his arm to keep Asher from taking the final step inside.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Asher muttered. ¡°Will you not let me go?¡±


    ¡°This is a pretty dangerous ce,¡± Derek said. ¡°Other than myself and mypanion, any other living being that has gone in has died almost instantly¡ªand those deaths did not look pretty.¡±


    ¡°It is fine,¡± Asher said. ¡°I can feel it. It will not hurt me. It is¡­ deeper than I have ever traveled. I will be able to ascend easier if I go in.¡±


    ¡°Are you certain?¡± Derek asked. He wanted to know what Asher thought about the space, but he didn¡¯t want the beast to just walk inside and die, just like everything else.


    ¡°No,¡± Asher said honestly. ¡°Nothing is certain.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Derek rubbed his chin in thought. ¡°How about this?¡± He grabbed the beast¡¯s wrist, and before it could object, he used Void Creation and created a smallyer of void around the beast. ¡°This is how I let people travel with me. Theyer of void that I make acts kind of like a shield to protect them. We can walk in together and I¡¯ll slowly remove it to see if it will harm you. If it does, though¡­ you will most probably be left without an arm.¡± <em>Or you¡¯ll be left with a little baby arm¡­ </em>Derek thought, but didn¡¯t say.


    ¡°Then I thank you,¡± Asher said.


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go,¡± Derek replied, then took a step inside the void. Asher walked right beside him, step by step.


    ¡°This is amazing¡­¡± Asher muttered.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to slowly withdraw my void now,¡± Derek said. ¡°Be prepared.¡±


    Asher didn¡¯t say anything. Instead, it nodded its assent. Derek focused hard, then slowly pulled theyer of void protecting Asher¡¯s hand away¡ªall the time hoping that having a hole in the void wouldn¡¯t allow the effects of the space to enter the beast¡¯s body as a whole.


    Luckily, it didn¡¯t seem to do the beast any serious damage. ¡°You may let go,¡± Asher said.


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± Derek nodded and removed his hand from the beast, allowing all its whole body into the unprotected space all at once.


    ¡°Ugh¡­¡± Asher grunted and fell to its knees, but when Derek quickly moved to put ayer of void around it, the beast begged him to stop. ¡°No! Please¡­ let me do this.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± Derek muttered, but when the beast looked at Derek, he could see the resolve. ¡°Okay¡­¡± he relented.


    Derek watched as the beast¡¯s body moved and morphed¡ªit was like every muscle in its body was twitching like crazy. However, none of the typical things happened¡ªits body didn¡¯t reduce in age or instantly be older, and it didn¡¯t look like the space ripples made any devastating cuts on its body. <em>I guess¡­ it will be fine¡­ maybe¡­</em>


    Soon Asher made its way to its feet. This time, it turned to Derek and even bowed slightly¡ªshowing earned respect instead of only deference. ¡°Thank you for this¡­¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­ I didn¡¯t really do anything¡­¡± Derek said.


    ¡°With this, you have made my journey¡­ much easier, but much more painful¡­ but pain¡­ pain is nothing on the path to power¡­¡± Asher replied.


    ¡°Well¡­ That¡¯s good¡­ I guess,¡± Derek said. ¡°I take it you want to stay in here?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Asher said. ¡°From here, I will make my own way.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Derek replied. ¡°In that case, I¡¯m going to go. And you¡¯re one hundred percent sure you want to stay in this part of the void?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± the beast answered firmly. ¡°I will stay. It is¡­ survival of the strongest¡­ I¡­ will be strong.¡± It was hard for the beast to speak, as it seemed to be in intense pain the whole time. But its eyes and words were resolute.


    ¡°Then I will see youter,¡± Derek said. ¡°Have a good¡­ journey.¡±


    ¡°Mhm,¡± Asher grunted in pain. ¡°Farewell.¡±


    Derek chuckled, then turned around and stepped out of the space. <em>I hope something weird doesn¡¯t happen when I close it, </em>he thought. He took onest look behind him¡ªat the back of the beast¡ªthen, with a thought, canceled his Void Travel skill and closed the opening. <em>Good luck¡­</em>

 Chapter 469: Good Luck

    Chapter 469: Good Luck


    ¡°What was all that about?¡± nah asked as Derek came to stand beside her. They both stared at the spot where Asher had just disappeared from.


    ¡°I wanted to see what Asher thought about the space made when I Void Travel¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect the beast to have such a reaction to it.¡±


    ¡°So¡­ Asher is okay in there?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Derek said. ¡°He seemed to be in pretty excruciating pain, but he was also pretty adamant about not leaving. It seems that the beast took quite a liking to that space. He thinks that being in there will speed up his ascension. Hopefully, he¡¯s right, and he doesn¡¯t end up biting off more than he can chew.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ it was Asher¡¯s own choice,¡± nah replied. ¡°Anything that happens to him from now on rests solely on his own shoulders¡­ You gave him what he seems to see as a great opportunity. It¡¯s up to him whether he can grasp it or not.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Derek said. ¡°Well¡­ good luck to him.¡±


    ¡°Indeed¡­¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Derek said as he turned to nah. ¡°What now? More Void Beasts, or are you really finished?¡±


    ¡°I am fine with what I have for now,¡± nah said. ¡°I have more than enough tost me for quite some time. Hopefully, they will have the same effect on my body wherever it is that I end up.¡±¡°So, you¡¯re not freaked out about hunting and consuming them?¡± Derek asked. ¡°After meeting Asher?¡±


    ¡°Not really,¡± nah answered. ¡°Maybe if they were all sentient and intelligent, or were also system users¡­ But they are beasts before they are anything else. Their intelligence is only gained through this¡­ evolution.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ one way of looking at it,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Do you not see it the same way?¡± nah asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure what I think about it, really,¡± Derek said. ¡°Honestly, I¡¯ve kind of stayed away from consuming Void Beasts for the most part. I mean¡­ I haven¡¯t not consumed any, but I haven¡¯t actively sought it out. Not necessarily for any moral reasons¡­ just that I haven¡¯t felt the need to do so. I¡¯ve grown pretty strong without doing so, and I still have a lot of room to grow from here without doing so. Also¡­ I forget about it pretty often.


    ¡°It¡¯s probably hypocritical considering the fact that I¡¯m pretty much shoving Void Beast meals and potions down everyone¡¯s throats so they can grow faster and stronger without gaining levels¡­¡± he said with a shrug.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure about that,¡± nah said. ¡°At least with the Void Beast meals and potions, you are thinking of those you care about before yourself since you already have the strength. It will allow them to grow faster and not be as much of a burden to you¡ªnot that you seem to care whether they are a burden or not. Not to mention your earlier cheating when you changed systems¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ there is that, isn¡¯t there?¡±


    ¡°Yup,¡± nah said, mimicking Derek. ¡°Now, you asked me what I want to do now?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Derek said. ¡°What are you thinking?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have all that much time left here,¡± nah said with a sigh. ¡°I¡¯m not sure if we¡¯ll have enough time to both visit Stonehelm and travel across the sea, and there is something important I must do on the other side of the sea. I¡¯m hoping we can get back in time, but if not, you will have plenty of time to visit their underground city. The only real reason I wanted to go there was to speak to the family of the cksmith who crafted my armor and weapon and give thanks. The gear has apanied me for many years and has yet to fail me. Are you okay with that?¡±


    ¡°Fine by me,¡± Derek said. He wanted to visit the dwarves¡¯ underground cities. He also wanted to see if they could make him an even better set of armor, since Tyron¡¯s specialty was weapons, but he could do all that any time he wanted¡ªthere was no rush for him to do so. ¡°This is your trip¡ªI¡¯m only along for the ride.¡±


    ¡°Then, shall we get to it?¡± nah asked. ¡°Do you need to do anything in the city while we are close by?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Derek said. ¡°I¡¯m always close by. What about you? Is there anything you need to do?¡±


    ¡°I have already made all of my preparations, so I am fine,¡± nah replied. ¡°In that case, let¡¯s go.¡±


    For the rest of the day, nah took Derek through different cities¡¯ teleporters on their way to the sea. They didn¡¯t stop anywhere important, other than a few street vendors selling some food that Derek was unable to pass by, and the duo eventually ended up in a city near the edge of Indria¡ªjust beside the sea.


    After walking out of the city, the seemingly infinite sea came into sight, and the two turned towards it, then began walking that way. During the short walk from the city to the sea, as Derek was thinking about Asher and everything that happened with the beast, his eyes widened and he said, ¡°Shit!¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± nah obviously noticed that something was wrong with the way Derek was acting and asked.


    ¡°You remember that Void Beast I tossed in my Time Prison?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± nah muttered. ¡°I hadpletely forgotten.¡±


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    ¡°Yeah¡­ me too,¡± Derek said. ¡°With everything that happened with Asher, itpletely slipped my mind. I wonder if it¡¯s still alive.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°I¡¯m going to check on it real quick.¡± He didn¡¯t know what to expect when he opened the door to his prison. Whatever happened to Asher had hit the Void Beast pretty hard, and Asher was stronger than the beast he had captured by a lot. With a deep breath, Derek focused on the skill, then reached out and tore open the space, causing the entry door to his Time Prison to appear.


    Derek reached out and opened the door. He half expected the Void Beast toe running at him again, but it didn¡¯t. Instead, it was very quiet¡ªalmost ominously quiet. Derek slowly took a step inside, then looked around. Finally, his eyes scanned over what looked to be a shadowy lump in the center of the prison. <em>Is it dead?</em> He walked forward so he could get a better look at it in the nearly dark prison.


    ¡°Huh¡­¡± he muttered as he came upon the figure. With his right hand, he reached down and grabbed it, then he picked it up. Turning around, he walked back to the entrance of the prison, then outside. Once outside, heid the figure on the ground.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± nah raised her eyebrows.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°This is the Void Beast¡­ I think.¡± Before themy a dark gray and purple figure. It no longer looked like a Void Beast. Somehow, though, it was still breathing. As he scanned the beast, Derek gulped. One leg looked like it had before Derk had tossed the beast in. But the other¡­ it more closely resembled a chicken¡¯s leg¡ªit looked brittle. As for the beast¡¯s torso¡­ there was a giant chunk of flesh missing on its right side, and the skin on its left was loose and sagging.


    As ity there, its maw was open, and it was panting. The thing was, many of the fang-like teeth were missing. On top of that, one of its eyes had grown dim. Feeling sorry for the beast after speaking with Asher, Derek bent down and cast Rejuvenate on the figure. His skill stopped the bleeding in the beast¡¯s abdomen and closed the wound, but the chunk that was missing did not grow back.


    <em>At least its breathing got better, </em>Derek thought.


    ¡°What happened?¡± nah asked.


    ¡°This is what happens to most things that go inside that ce with me¡ªwhether they are beside me or inside my prison. Though it does seem that this Void Beast had at least some resistance to it. Any other beast that has gone in with me has been killed almost instantly, and I stood inside and spoke with Asher for a short time this time. Much longer and I¡¯m sure the beast would have died, though,¡± Derek exined.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± nah said with a gulp. ¡°What do you n to do with it?¡± she asked.


    ¡°There is no sense in it suffering,¡± Derek said. Then, he quickly thrust out with his palm¡ªaiming at the beast¡¯s head. His palm was infused with void energy, so when he struck, it only took a couple of seconds, then the beast was dead. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ rough,¡± Derek said. ¡°I think this is what Asher was going through, but his body was somehow able to withstand it. I wonder if it was because of the pureness of his void energy, or maybe the evolution of his body.¡±


    ¡°Maybe abination of both,¡± nah said.


    ¡°Probably,¡± Derek replied. ¡°Do you want this corpse?¡± he asked.


    ¡°No¡­¡± nah said. ¡°I don¡¯t think anyone should consume that. At least I wouldn¡¯t want to.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Derek said, then he bent down and stored the corpse in his ring. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it.¡± Derek¡¯s mood was a bit off after that. He had found a way to give his Time Prison a chance to level, but it seemed that it meant excruciating torture for the beast within¡ªand he wasn¡¯t one for that. He could pack it full of the strongest beasts he could find, and they would all have some sort of chance at living if he had to use Void Travel, but it just wasn¡¯t worth it to him.


    And it wasn¡¯t like he could just take the beasts out of the prison and tell them to stay there until he got back if he needed to use his Void Travel ability. <em>Or could I? </em>He thought back to the way the beast had acted before he put it inside. <em>No, </em>he thought. <em>I bet that as soon as I go into the void, the beasts will be active again. </em>He could test it out, and he would test it out, but he very much doubted that was an option. <em>No sense in dwelling on it for now, </em>he thought, then he raised his head up and looked forward. The sea was quickly approaching.


    ¡°What are we going to do from here?¡± Derek asked once they reached the edge of the sea that seemed to stretch on forever with no othernd in sight. Technically, they could have left the continent from many ces, but Indria was the kingdom closest to the other continent, and it was easier to travel bynd for as far as possible than to just head straight there.


    ¡°I was thinking that we could just go,¡± nah said. ¡°I have a small boat in my storage ring that we can use as a ce to recover when we get tired, but the fastest way would be for us to go as far as our mana can take us before doing so. It has been a long time since I crossed, and I did not do so easily, so I¡¯m unsure of how long this journey will take.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Derek said. ¡°And do you have a way to make sure we¡¯re heading in the right direction? It¡¯s not the easiest thing to do when you are surrounded by nothing other than water¡ªat least, it doesn¡¯t seem easy to me. I would hate to miss the continent by a few hundred miles, then end up back in Cydaria.¡±


    ¡°Mhm¡­¡± nah nodded, then pulled out what looked to be apass. ¡°Once we get far enough away from thisnd, and are finally closer to the other continent, this device will point us to where we need to go. We need only to check it asionally to correct our path. Though, I don¡¯t think we will have any problems as long as we just try to go in a single direction the entire time.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s convenient,¡± Derek said, talking about thepass. ¡°How does it work?¡±


    ¡°It is a device that seeksnd. So, it will always point to the closestrgendmass possible,¡± nah exined.


    ¡°Oh,¡± Derek said. It wasn¡¯t as cool as he had thought. He thought it was some kind of gps-like device, but it turned out that it was just something that sought outrge masses ofnd. Still, it was more than enough for their trip. As long as they headed in one direction far enough, eventually, once they were halfway there, the device would point them in the right direction.


    ¡°It¡¯s primitive, but you can adjust howrge of andmass you want to be directed to,¡± nah exined. ¡°That way, it doesn¡¯t take you to any small inds out in the sea.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Derek said. ¡°That¡¯s better than I thought. I didn¡¯t know you could adjust the parameters. It won¡¯t be too bad then.¡±


    ¡°It is quite amazing what abination of earth mages, runesmiths, and cksmiths can do together if they put their minds to it,¡± nah said as she put thend finder back into her storage ring. After that, she looked at her surroundings. In the distance, they could see a city wall, and even some of the guards stationed on top. nah sighed. ¡°I think I¡¯m going to miss all of this when I leave.¡±


    ¡°Hey.¡± Derek put his hand on her shoulder. ¡°If wherever you¡¯re going is anything like I think it¡¯s going to be, you¡¯ll be so busy growing more and more powerful that you won¡¯t even have the time to miss anything here.¡± He grinned at her. He knew it was basically a lie¡ªthere was no way that she wasn¡¯t going to miss all the rtionships she¡¯d cultivated over the years, no matter how busy she was.


    ¡°Sure¡­¡± she said, then, changing the subject back to their journey ahead, she asked, ¡°Are you ready?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s do it!¡±


    After that, two of the strongest, if not <em>the </em>strongest, people on the entire continent set off over the sea. Derek couldn¡¯t wait to find out what was waiting for them on the other side, and he also couldn¡¯t help but wonder what nah had to do over there that was so important to her. He certainly knew one thing, though. Whatever it was, as long as she would have him on her journey, he would be by her side.

 Chapter 470: Over the Sea

    Chapter 470: Over the Sea


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it have been easier if we had brought your wyvern along?¡± Derek asked as he sat down on the little boat that was nothing more than a dingy that nah had pulled out to rest on.


    ¡°Easier? Probably,¡± nah said. ¡°But it wouldn¡¯t have been nearly as quick. With our skills and stats, I¡¯m sure we are traveling twice as fast as that wyvern would have been able to. It would have needed breaks to rest too, and I do not have a boat that size.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°Speaking of the wyvern, have you decided what you¡¯re going to do with it? Are you going to bond with it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± nah replied. ¡°Thest thing I need with me if I¡¯m going to another system that could quite possibly allow for higher levels is a giant beast that would be easy to spot and kill by¡­ well¡­ a lot of things. If the level cap is higher there, then there could be level 400 gnats for all I know. Bonding with the beast would make me very vulnerable, and I can¡¯t have that. I¡¯d be a sitting duck if it was killed¡ªand that is if the soul sickness didn¡¯t kill me to begin with.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°I guess you¡¯re right. What do you n to do with it, then?¡±


    ¡°It can either go free or Lyra can take it back in,¡± nah said. ¡°I will annul the contract before I go, and it will be a free beast. From there, you can do what you want¡ªgive it to whomever you want.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°I¡¯ll have to think about it.¡± Having an extra wyvern back would be nice, but Derek honestly wasn¡¯t sure who would be able to contract with the beast other than nah. There really weren¡¯t many people on the same level as Edgar and Avery¡ªand even fewer that Derek would feelfortable giving a wyvern to. His first thought was Thomas, but he quickly dismissed that idea, as he wasn¡¯t sure that the kid would end up with a legendary ss. <em>re maybe? </em>He shook his head. <em>No¡­ it would take way too long for her to be able to do it, and that¡¯s IF she¡¯s able to get a powerful enough ss. </em>


    <em>Maybe Walter? </em>He thought, then shook his head. <em>I have a feeling that he¡¯ll eventually end up with a legendary ss, but he doesn¡¯t have the offensive power even if he did¡­ oh well¡­ I¡¯ll give it some thoughtter. </em>


    ¡°Are you disappointed?¡± nah asked.¡°No¡­ why would I be?¡±


    ¡°You went out of your way to capture a wyvern for me, yet I refused,¡± nah said.


    ¡°Well, technically, it was Avery who wanted it for you,¡± Derek said. ¡°I just happily agreed. And it¡¯s not like you don¡¯t have one hell of a reason for refusing. I¡¯m just worried about who to give it to.¡±


    ¡°Like I said,¡± nah replied. ¡°You could just release it out into the wild if you can¡¯t find anyone for it. I¡¯m sure it would be more than happy if you did that. And ording to Lyra, it seems that all the dragonkin are calming down and growing smarter as time goes by. Something about being out of the dungeon.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Derek said with a nod. ¡°She mentioned that they all basically had the minds of baby dragonkin instead of fully grown ones.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that the longer they are out and not contracted, the harder it¡¯s going to be for others to contract with them,¡± nah replied. ¡°The lesser dragonkin may not be too hard, but the wyverns may be another story.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not worried about that,¡± Derek answered back. ¡°Brandi won¡¯t have any trouble at all once she gets to a high enough level. As for the other one¡­ it¡¯s just extra for now.¡±


    ¡°You really believe in that girl, don¡¯t you?¡± nah asked.


    ¡°More than you know,¡± Derek replied. ¡°And it¡¯s well deserved. She¡¯ll be making me some of the best gear ever crafted soon enough. Just wait.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t doubt,¡± nah said with a slight chuckle.


    ¡°So¡­¡± Derek said, changing the subject. ¡°What about the other continent? Are we even still going the right way? Were we ever going the right way?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Derek¡­ we are still going the correct way,¡± nah replied with a slight sigh as she took out thend finder from her storage ring to show him. He couldn¡¯t me her. He¡¯d asked the same question more than once. ¡°See, it haspletely changed directions from the other continent. That means that we are over halfway there.¡±


    ¡°You just¡­ didn¡¯t make it sound like it was going to take so long,¡± Derek replied as he looked at the needle pointing straight ahead of them. ¡°Or that it was going to be so¡­ uneventful. I expected a bunch of legendary sea creatures jumping out of the water to try to eat us and terrible waves hundreds of feet tall. Not¡­ this.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not my fault that thest time I crossed was over a century ago and I wasn¡¯t as strong as I am now¡ªI definitely didn¡¯t have anyone as strong as you with me when I crossed, and those that were with me didn¡¯t fare so well. You can see how these things would make a pretty big difference, yeah?¡± nah replied. ¡°And there have been those giant waves. There was that hurricane just yesterday.¡±


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    ¡°Yeah¡­ but¡­ it just felt like a little wind and some rain¡­¡± Derek muttered. ¡°Rayna¡¯s wind is much worse than those winds fromst night.¡±


    ¡°Of course it is,¡± nah said. ¡°Not only is the wind she produces concentrated on a target, but she has grown quite capable with her skills. And the storm we encountered was just a wild, natural storm. It didn¡¯t have any mana or system behind it¡ªof course, it¡¯s going to be weaker than a burst of Rayna¡¯s wind. But that¡¯s not to say that it wouldn¡¯t have been able to sink a vessel full of people trying to cross the sea. It was more than capable of that.¡±


    ¡°Right¡­¡± Derek sighed. <em>Speaking of Rayna¡­ </em>he thought. <em>Maybe her son or daughter can have the wyvern. It would be a pretty good birthday present¡­ </em>


    ¡°And besides,¡± nah continued, bringing Derek back from his thoughts. ¡°If you want to fight some legendary sea creature, you can just hop out of the boat and take your chances underwater,¡± nah said and pointed down at the sea below. ¡°There are plenty of strong beasts under there¡ªthey obviously haven¡¯t attacked because we move too fast and don¡¯t sit still long enough.¡±


    ¡°You know¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°I think I¡¯m good. Not sure I want to try fighting underwater right now. Butter¡­ maybe.¡±


    ¡°Great,¡± nah said. ¡°Well, I¡¯m pretty much all charged up. Are you ready to go again?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been ready,¡± Derek said with a smile. ¡°You¡¯re the one who needs all these breaks.¡±


    ¡°Not all of us focused so much on our Meditation skills. Mine isn¡¯t quite at the same level as yours.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Derek said. ¡°It¡¯s not like you take an entire day to recharge or anything.¡± After that, both of them jumped into the air as nah put her boat away. She held thend-findingpass out in front of her, then they took off again.


    The two had already been traveling over the sea for the better part of a week. Derek was getting antsy again. He hadn¡¯t had a decent fight in quite a while, and the only skills that were really getting any attention during this time were Void Steps, Enhanced Movement Speed, Mental Resistance, and Powerstride. And soon, he knew that his Void Steps skill would soon reach level 20 and there would be one less skill to raise on their journey. asionally, he threw in a use of Void Shift just to feel like he was making more progress.


    <em>On the bright side, </em>Derek thought. <em>I won¡¯t have to worry about crossing this damn sea ever again. At least not from these two continents. Traveling is a one and done type thing when you have Void Travel¡­ </em>With his feet nted firmly on a void ripple, Derek tensed the muscles in his legs, then activated Powerstride using a full one-third of his mana pool in the process.


    He wasn¡¯t worried about him and nah bing separated¡ªthey already had on a couple of asions. When he found himself alone for too long, he would just tear some space open and Void Travel back to her. He also traveled back to his shop a couple of times¡ªgiving Silvi some freshly caught fish. It probably wasn¡¯t the smartest thing to do, using what little experience points he had left to kill some level 200+ fish, but he couldn¡¯t help himself on those asions.


    Still, his level was already above a lot of the fish and other sea creatures, so, with the diminishing returns given for killing beasts that were a lower level than him, it wasn¡¯t like he was gaining too much experience points in the process. <em>Besides¡­ that tuna-like fish was delicious once Silvi finished smoking it. </em>Derek had to keep himself from drooling at the thought as he continued on.


    Like this, the duo continued their traveling both together and separately, since Derek could find nah at will with his skills. Their journey continued for a few days longer before one of them finally caught sight of something other than water and fish.


    ¡°Is that it?¡± Derek asked out loud to nobody as he finally sawnd off in the distance. ¡°It has to be¡­¡± With that, he quickly used Void Travel, opening a space in the sky, then closing it behind himself. After that, he looked for nah¡¯s aura, only to see that it wasn¡¯t too far away. <em>Great¡­ I didn¡¯t stray too far away this time. </em>Derek quickly moved to nah¡¯s aura and opened an exit from the void.


    ¡°That was fast,¡± nah said as Derek stepped out of the void. She had stopped just like always when she felt the dreadful auraing from when he used his skill. ¡°You get tired or something? I guess that whale didn¡¯t put up much of a fight.¡± Thest time that the two separated, it was because Derek had caught sight of a massive whale jumping out of the water, and he had gone to ¡®investigate.¡¯


    ¡°No,¡± Derek said, canceling his skill and closing the space behind him in the process. ¡°I¡¯m pretty much an expert on whale anatomy these days.¡± He recalled the time spent inside the toxic whale during the raid. ¡°I gave it a couple of ps, then let it go. Didn¡¯t seem like it was going to put up much of a fight.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± nah replied. ¡°Then why are you back so soon? You¡¯re usually gone much longer.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Derek repeated. ¡°Because it looks like I got a bit ahead of you and I ran into what looked likend in the distance. So, I decided toe back so we can enter this newnd together.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± nah let out a sigh of relief when Derek nodded, then she took off again, in the direction that herpass was pointing. ¡°Finally. I was beginning to think that thend-findingpass was broken. I really thought we would make better time with as fast as we can both travel.¡±


    ¡°Hah!¡± Derek pointed at the siren as he followed beside her. ¡°So I wasn¡¯t the only one who didn¡¯t trust that thing¡­ though¡­ I guess it does work, after all.¡±


    ¡°Looks like it.¡± nah pointed out in front of her to the barely visible outline ofnd in the distance.


    ¡°You know,¡± Derek said. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll want to do any more sea crossing for a few years¡­ or decades¡­¡±


    ¡°Or centuries¡­¡± nah said. ¡°And I don¡¯t me you. At least on the ship I took when I first crossed¡­ well, the ship we had for a good portion of the trip, that is¡­¡± nah continued. ¡°On it, there were a few people to speak to, and a ce to sleep if needed. So it didn¡¯t seem as dull.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°Flying forward in one direction for days on end is something that I now know I¡¯ll never look forward to doing again.¡±


    nah nodded, but didn¡¯t say anything else. Instead, the duo focused on thend in front of them and put everything they had into getting there quickly. Before long, the edge of the continent was very visible, then finally¡­


    ¡°We¡¯re finally here!¡± Derek fell to his knees and scooped up a handful of sand, letting the grains fall from between his fingers.


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± nah replied as she looked out ahead of them¡ªa myriad of emotions shing on her face. ¡°We are here.¡±

 Chapter 471: My Dumb Friend

    Chapter 471: My Dumb Friend


    ¡°Hey!¡± Derek said, snapping his fingers at nah to get her attention after standing back up. ¡°You okay?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± nah shook her head quickly, like she was clearing out some thoughts. ¡°Oh¡­ I¡¯m fine. It¡­ it¡¯s just been a while. I wonder if themonpeople still remember me.¡± She let out a sigh. ¡°I <em>know </em>that there are some that will still remember me. There is no way they would be able to ever forget about me.¡±


    ¡°Left an impression, did ya?¡± Derek smiled.


    ¡°Something like that,¡± nah said, and her mouth curved into a slight smile. ¡°Well¡­ I doubt it matters, anyway.¡±


    ¡°Why is that?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°What are they going to do, fight us?¡± nah snorted. ¡°I¡¯m sure there are some strong people, but I very much doubt any of them can hold a candle to either of us¡ªespecially you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, stop it¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°You¡¯re going to make me blush.¡±


    nah rolled her eyes and shook her head. ¡°You know that it¡¯s the truth.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ it could be fun if everyone on this continent went on a witch¡­ siren hunt for you,¡± Derek replied.¡°Maybe,¡± nah said. ¡°But not everyone that hates me is bad. I wasn¡¯t exactly a shining example of righteousness back then. I did what I had to do to survive, and that hurt many people and families¡ªa fact that I am not proud of.¡±


    ¡°So we¡¯ll go easy on the good ones.¡± Derek shrugged. ¡°Now¡­¡± he nodded out in front of them. ¡°Do you have any idea where we¡¯re at?¡±


    ¡°Maybe¡­¡± nah replied, then, with a flick of her wrist, a map appeared in her hands. ¡°This is a very old map, and I¡¯m sure a lot of things have changed since I got it, but we should at least be able to use it to find our general location.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Derek moved over and stood to the side of nah and watched as she traced her finger over the map.


    ¡°I think we are somewhere around here,¡± she said as she pointed to one of the coasts. ¡°But we¡¯ll have to find andmark or something before I can know for sure.¡±


    ¡°We could¡­¡± Derek nodded, then said, ¡°Or¡­ we could just ask those guys.¡± He nodded towards two figures quickly approaching.


    ¡°What?¡± nah quickly whipped her head around to see the people. ¡°Oh. I guess that would work as well. I wasn¡¯t thinking about there being guards and outposts by the coast, but I don¡¯t know why¡­ obviously, they would have the same kinds of protections against sea beasts and other things that Cydaria and Indria have.¡±


    ¡°True¡­¡± Derek replied. ¡°What do you want to do? Do you want to go meet them?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± nah shook her head. ¡°Let theme to us. We don¡¯t want to seem like a threat, and us rushing up to them could be seen as such.¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Derek replied, then the duo waited for the two figures to get closer. When they were finally close enough for Derek to make out the details, his thoughts were confirmed. ¡°Yup,¡± he said. ¡°Looks like it¡¯s two guards from somewhere.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± nah agreed. The two approaching men were both wearing the same set of blue and white, medium te armor. Both of them were wearing helms that covered everything other than their faces, and each sported a white cloak trimmed in blue that matched the rest of their armor perfectly. ¡°That definitely narrows down the possible location where we are.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± nah said with a nod. ¡°The blue and white cloaked soldiers¡­ it¡¯s the color of the Dranthian Royal Family. Looks like we missed my target by a bit¡­¡±


    ¡°You have a history with them?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°I have a bit of history with pretty much every country on this continent. Dranthi, where we just happened tond is a very military focused country that isn¡¯t big on intruders¡ªespecially ones from afar. But they have always been on decent terms with the kingdom of Vorandell.


    ¡°Vorandell is a nation not unlike Cydaria in its ways¡ªother than their naming sense, that is¡ªand also the country where the family of my Deathsworn Gianna lived. Then there is Linderis. Technically, it would be considered my home country¡ªit¡¯s a bit like Indria in its prejudices¡­ maybe even worse. There are two other kingdoms on the continent, as well, Heir and Fitali, but there should be no need for us to have to visit them,¡± nah exined.


    ¡°I see,¡± Derek said. ¡°And you n on going to¡­¡±


    ¡°I have to go to Linderis, unfortunately,¡± she said. ¡°I¡¯m sure it will be the same as before, too, so it would be best if we hid ourselves¡­ or at least our ears, when we get there.¡±


    ¡°Even your ears?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a full blood elf,¡± nah answered. ¡°We are treated almost as poorly as humans are.¡±


    ¡°More very?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°No¡­ no very¡­¡± nah replied. ¡°I said almost as bad¡­ we arepletely shunned and have no real hope of bing anything there. Almost nobody would help a young, starving half-elf, and anyone who did would be ostracized.¡±


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    ¡°And the humans? Dwarves? Halflings?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Dwarves and halflings are treated about as well as half-elves¡­ maybe a little better. If nothing else, those from Linderis would help them leave the country,¡± nah exined. ¡°But humans¡­ well¡­ Linderis has a very troubled history with humans raiding the kingdom, and even though it¡¯s been forever ago, the hate for humans is still there. At least, it was when I left. Humans from other nations know not to step foot in Linderis unless they are a kingdom¡¯s envoy. Ones that are not¡­ well¡­ there are many that just kill them¡ªdoing so isn¡¯t exactly punished.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s no good¡­¡± Derek said.


    ¡°It is something that was started by humans because of elven beauty¡­ Linderis just holds a grudge that I doubt will ever go away¡­ at least, that¡¯s how the little time I spent there was,¡± she exined.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± Derek replied. He wasn¡¯t exactly sure what to say.


    ¡°No need to be sorry,¡± nah said. ¡°It was the hand I was dealt in life, and I made the best of it. Sure, I went through a lot of trouble in my younger years¡ªalmost torturous trouble even¡ªbut because of that, I was able to leave and find a new home with new friends and people I consider family. Honestly¡­ looking back¡­ even with all the pain and struggle I had to endure, if I knew this would be the oue, I still wouldn¡¯t change a thing.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good¡­¡± Derek said. It was also something that Derek wasn¡¯t sure he could say about his life. Obviously, there were things with his family that he wished he could change, and he doubted those regrets would ever go away¡ªno matter how good his life was. But, even with the regrets, he was living a life that he enjoyed and had people he cared about. It was impossible for him¡­ to weigh the life of his sister against those like Thomas and Brandi.


    He could never know for sure, but if his sister hadn¡¯t died that day, there was likely no chance that he would have ended up trapped in the void. Which meant that he would have never been able to save Thomas, Brandi, or Malorie. Still¡­ he knew that his sister would want him to live a good life, so that was what he was doing. He missed her dearly, and he doubted that the void in his heart would ever go away, but he would do whatever he could to not experience such a loss again.


    ¡°Here theye¡­¡± nah whispered to Derek, causing him to snap out of his thoughts and turn his eyes to the two men.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± The two men stopped around ten feet away from Derek and nah, and the one on the left asked. ¡°Why are you out here? This area is off limits to civilians.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ uh¡­¡± Derek rubbed the back of his head, not sure what to say.


    ¡°Sorry about that,¡± nah instead spoke up. ¡°Would you mind helping us? I¡¯m afraid we¡¯re lost. Is this still Vorandell?¡±


    ¡°Vorandell? You¡¯re from Vorandell?¡± the same guard asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± nah replied. It had to be known that both nah and Derek were in their armor instead of their normal clothes¡ªneither looked weak. ¡°There was a giant whale tormenting the coast, and we were asked to drive it off. Of course, we took the job¡­ you know, you gain some good experience for our skills by fighting such a giant creature. We thought we would go ahead and kill it instead of only driving it off. Unfortunately, the fight took us far out from our home and, since we were focused on fighting, we weren¡¯t exactly paying attention to where the fight was taking us.¡±


    ¡°And what of the whale?¡± The guard to the left narrowed his eyes in suspicion.


    ¡°It got away¡­¡± Derek chimed in. ¡°Once I blinded it in one eye and she began focusing her attacks on the base of its skull, I think it realized what kind of predicament it was in. It was bing pretty tired from breaching and diving to attack us and avoid our attacks. So, it seemed to turn all of its energy on fleeing instead of fighting.¡±


    ¡°We continued to chase it for¡­ well¡­ I don¡¯t know how long,¡± nah said.


    ¡°Too long¡­ apparently,¡± Derek replied, then shook his head. ¡°The thing had so much vitality and endurance that it wasn¡¯t even funny. It may not have been as strong as some of the others that I¡¯ve battled, but it could definitely oust them in a fight.¡±


    ¡°What kind of whale was it?¡± one of the guards asked.


    ¡°It was called a Maelstrom Whale,¡± Derek replied. He had been sure to use Identify on the creature he had yed with before they made it to the beach. Technically, <em>he </em>wasn¡¯t lying about much. He did fight the whale, and he did blind one of its eyes. Of course, by the time he let it go, the whale had already healed its eye. ¡°It was one big son of a bitch.¡±


    ¡°Bullshit!¡± The guard on the left stepped forward and clutched at the sword strapped to his waist.


    ¡°What?¡± Derek asked, confused.


    ¡°There is no way you met a Maelstrom Whale and got away,¡± the guard said. ¡°And not only did you get away, but you¡¯re also saying that you chased it off? Bullshit! Do you know how many elites it takes to push one of those whales away from our shores? Do you know the casualty rate?¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­ no?¡± Derek said. ¡°Two?¡± Derek saw the side-eye that nah gave him. ¡®<em>What?¡¯ </em>he sent telepathically. ¡®<em>How was I supposed to know that the whale that I went out to y with was some big bad monster?¡¯ </em>It was all he could do not tough. <em>If I had known that, I would have just jumped on top of it and rode it here, </em>he thought, but didn¡¯t say.


    ¡®<em>You¡¯re antagonizing the guard,¡¯ </em>nah sent back. ¡®<em>Dranthi may be a militaristic country, but it isn¡¯t bad. I don¡¯t want to hurt these guards. They are just doing their jobs.¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®I know,¡¯ </em>Derek sent back. ¡®<em>And we won¡¯t hurt them¡­ a little intimidation never hurt anyone, though.¡¯</em>


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    ¡°Please, sir,¡± nah said, holding her hands up. ¡°My friend is not lying. He does not mean to antagonize you. He is just a bit blunt and dumb. I¡¯m sure there was a better way for him to go about it, but¡­ like I said¡­ he¡¯s a bit dumb.¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± Derek blurted.


    ¡°Quiet¡­¡± nah said.


    ¡°Still¡­¡± It seemed that the man had calmed some, but he didn¡¯t believe their story. ¡°Just you two?¡±


    ¡°My name is Lana, and this is Derek. We are what the two of you would probably consider elite adventurers¡­ the elite of the elite,¡± nah exined. ¡°asionally, we take on tasks that others will not. And asionally¡­ my dumb friend likes to go chase around big monsters just for the fight.¡±


    ¡°Prove it,¡± finally, the other guard spoke up.


    ¡°Prove it?¡± nah asked.


    ¡°Prove that you are ¡®elite adventurers¡¯ that wouldn¡¯t instantly die to a whale capable of creating disaster sized whirlpools in an instant. That you would even have the strength to survive.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ that¡¯s easy enough,¡± Derek said, then he disappeared.


    ¡°Derek, don¡¯t¡­¡± nah said, but it was toote. Derek was already standing behind the two men, and he was lifting both up by the back of their necks. If she wanted him to y the blunt and dumb friend, then he would.


    Next, both men drew their swords and stabbed backwards into Derek¡¯s torso. However, the swords were barely able to leave a scratch on his armor. After that, he dropped the two guards, then disappeared again, standing beside nah in the next instant.


    ¡°Is that enough?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Did you have to do that?¡± nah asked.


    ¡°They wanted me to prove it¡­ what better way than to show them a little power?¡± Derek asked. ¡°See? Look.¡± He nodded his head in the direction of the guards. ¡°I think they believe me now. Don¡¯t you? Nobody got hurt, and everyone ispletely fine.¡±


    nah blinked a couple of times, then sighed. Finally, she bowed slightly and said, ¡°I am truly sorry about my dumb friend. He¡¯s¡­ well¡­ there is a reason I¡¯m the one who usually deals with other people.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± the guard on the left said once he got his bearings. The look after witnessing a portion of Derek¡¯s power had changed from one ofplete suspicion to one of hesitation, respect, and a little bit of fear. However, Derek had quickly withdrawn after giving them a little show and did not even leave a mark on them or hurt them in any way. With a sigh, the guard said, ¡°You have my sympathy.¡±

 Chapter 472: Modestest

    Chapter 472: Modestest


    ¡°Hey!¡± Derek said with false indignation as he took a step forward toward the man. He was, after all, ying his new role as the blunt and dumb friend. ¡°Your sympathies? What the hell is that supposed to mean?¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± The guard was slightly taken aback. ¡°I just¡­ I know the feeling,¡± the guard finally said¡ªhis eyes finding nah¡¯s and avoiding Derek¡¯s.


    ¡°Rx, Derek,¡± nah replied with a sigh as she reached out and grabbed Derek by his cor. ¡°The guard is only rting to our shared experience.¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± The other guard turned to look at the first. ¡°Who is your dumb friend?¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­¡± The first guard was at a loss for words. ¡°Ahem¡­¡± he cleared his throat then turned back to nah. ¡°So, the two of you are from Vorandell?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± nah replied, d to see that neither guard seemed to hold much suspicion toward them.


    ¡°I see.¡± After a moment, the first guard took a step forward and held out his hand for nah to shake. Not passing up the opportunity to get along, she took the man¡¯s hand and shook. ¡°My name is Jesse, and this is my¡­ brother Barry. We are guards for the Dranthian Royal Army stationed by the coast to watch for any high-level threatsing from the sea.¡±


    ¡°To watch?¡± Derek asked. ¡°Not to take care of?¡±


    ¡°Take care of?¡± Jesse asked back rhetorically. ¡°Oh, no.¡± He waved his hands back and forth. ¡°We are near the bottom in the ranking hierarchy¡ªlookouts, really.¡±¡°Oh¡­¡± Derek was a little disappointed, but it made sense, as the two hadn¡¯t even been able to react or leave more than a scratch in his armor with their swords. That meant that even with the small amount of strength he showed, neither of them would really be capable of telling exactly how ¡®elite¡¯ he and nah were. <em>They were probably level 250 rare sses at most, </em>Derek thought. <em>Maybe even umon sses until their final ss upgrade at level 200. </em>


    ¡°You seem disappointed,¡± Jesse said, not allowing Derek¡¯s words to go unnoticed.


    ¡°He just likes hitting things that can prove challenging for him,¡± nah answered in Derek¡¯s stead. ¡°Think of it this way,¡± she said. ¡°At least my friend won¡¯t be pestering you two for a spar.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­¡± Jesse¡¯s eyes nced over at Derek. ¡°That is good indeed.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± nah said with a nod. ¡°Now, if you will excuse my ignorance, would you mind telling me how the Noble Brandt family has gotten along? A very, very long time ago¡­¡± nah swept her hair back and pointed to her elven ears. ¡°When I was adventuring here in Dranthi, I met someone from their house, and we hit it off. However, after we separated, neither of us kept in touch with one another. And since I have not stepped foot in this kingdom since then, and I don¡¯t make it my business to keep track of politics and other nations, I have not heard anything about them.¡±


    ¡°The Brandt family?¡± Jesse asked with wide eyes. ¡°The Brandt family has grown very powerful under their family¡¯s patriarch.¡±


    ¡°Have they?¡± nah asked. ¡°And who is the current patriarch?¡±


    ¡°That would be Sir David Brandt,¡± Jesse answered.


    ¡°I see,¡± nah replied. ¡°It is nice to know that they are doing well.¡±


    ¡°They are indeed doing well,¡± Jesse replied, then his eyes turned serious. ¡°Now¡­ I have to ask, are you nning on staying here in Dranthi? Or¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± nah said as she waved him off. ¡°No, we are not. I would very much like to visit the Brandt family, but just knowing they are well is good enough for me, as, unfortunately, we must get back to Vorandell and report our sess in driving the Maelstrom Whale away, and our failure to y it. I wish that were not the case, but¡­ a mission is a mission, after all.¡±


    ¡°Indeed¡­¡± Jesse replied. His brother was still staring at him with daggers in his eyes after being inadvertentlypared to the ¡®dumb¡¯ Derek.


    ¡°I take it we can head that way,¡± nah pointed behind them. ¡°Along the coastline, and we will find our way back to Vorandell?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Jesse said hesitantly. ¡°You would be able to get back going that way, but it would be better for us to contact someone to escort you back via proper channels. If not, I¡¯m afraid¡ª¡±


    ¡°Oh, that won¡¯t be necessary,¡± nah replied, cutting the man off mid-sentence. ¡°I¡¯m afraid we are on a bit of a time crunch and going through the ¡®proper channels¡¯ would dy us greatly. On our own, we should be able to get back to Vorandell in hours, if not minutes.¡±


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    ¡°Minutes?¡± Jesse said, his eyebrows raising. ¡°You are quite the distance away, I don¡¯t¡ª¡±


    ¡°Did you not see how quickly my friend moved?¡± nah cut the man off yet again. The guard seemed to be getting more and more flustered. ¡°I am faster.¡±


    ¡°You cheat,¡± Derek said from the side.


    ¡°And you don¡¯t?¡± nah clicked her tongue but turned back to the guard.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± the guard muttered. ¡°Still¡­ if you would please¡ª¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± nah said, cutting Jesse off for the third time. ¡°We¡¯ll be off, then. Thank you for the information about my friend¡¯s family. Have a good day!¡±


    ¡®<em>Let¡¯s go¡­ now,¡¯ </em>nah sent to Derek telepathically. <em>¡®Before they react.¡¯ </em>


    Before either of the guards could say anything to stop them, Derek shifted into the void and pulled himself so far away from them that even with enhanced eyesight skills, they would have a hard time making him out once he deactivated his skill. nah, on the other hand, rocketed off behind him¡ªpushing as hard as her non-transformed state would allow.


    Once the coast was clear¡ªquite literally¡ªDerek deactivated Void Shift and waited a couple of seconds for nah to catch up. Soon enough, she was beside him. ¡°Why the sudden rush?¡± he asked. ¡°Did you notice something that I didn¡¯t?¡±


    ¡°Follow me,¡± nah replied as she turned and headed back out to the sea. She went far enough that they could still make out the coast if they looked from the sea, but also far enough away that if more guards were patrolling the coast, they would be unable to see them. And if they did, they would be unable to make them out as people.


    ¡°What was that all about?¡± Derek asked again once they were traveling normally.


    ¡°Nothing much,¡± nah replied. ¡°I just don¡¯t have the time to stick around in Dranthi if I want to aplish my tasks in Linderis before my time is up. They were two low-level guards, so they either won¡¯t report us for fear of being punished for allowing us to leave so easily, or they will, and our information will eventually reach the Brandt family¡ªeither is fine with me.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the deal with you and the Brandt family?¡± Derek asked. He had been wondering ever since she brought it up. He didn¡¯t know if she was just making things up to be more familiar with the guards or what. ¡°Is that one of the families that has it out for you or something?¡±


    ¡°Oh, no,¡± nah said with a shake of her head. ¡°It¡¯s nothing like that. In fact, David used to be one of my party members,¡± nah replied. ¡°We were actually quite good friends before my powers became too uncontroble. After that, I had to leave him. He was one person who was never afraid and never tried to run or hunt me. I am truly happy that he and his family are doing well. It would be great if the two of you could meet. I¡¯m sure you would get along well¡ªhe¡¯s not all that different from Avery, actually.¡±


    ¡°Oh, we¡¯ll see¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°So, if word of an extremely beautiful, green-haired half-elf who happens to be extremely powerful gets back to him¡­¡±


    ¡°Then he will know that I am still alive¡ªor, he will at least have suspicions,¡± nah replied.


    ¡°Won¡¯t he try to find you?¡± Derek asked. ¡°I take it you were¡­ close?¡±


    ¡°No, he knows me better than that. He¡¯ll know that if I want to see him, then I will,¡± nah replied. ¡°And yes, we were close. But no, we weren¡¯t intimate, if that is what you are asking.¡± She turned to Derek with a mischievous grin. ¡°Why? Are you jealous?¡±


    ¡°Me? Jealous?¡± Derek snorted. ¡°Who would ever be able topete with me? One little burst of aura and I¡¯m sure whoever was trying would go running for their momma.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re very modest, too, aren¡¯t you?¡± nahughed.


    ¡°The most modest! The modestest! Extremely humble, too,¡± Derek replied as they flew forward. ¡°I am also quite handsome, if I do say so myself. Quite the catch.¡±


    ¡°Eh¡­¡± nah shrugged. ¡°That is debatable.¡± She then brightly smiled again. ¡°I do, however, have it on good authority that I am extremely beautiful.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like a very smart, humble, modest, and handsome man,¡± Derek replied. ¡°I would like to meet such a character. I¡¯m sure the two of us would get along. We¡¯d be fast friends.¡±


    ¡°That would be¡­¡± nah sighed. ¡°If there were two of you¡­ just¡­ pure chaos. I don¡¯t even want to think about that.¡±


    ¡°Chaos? That sounds fun,¡± Derek replied, then the two looked at each other andughed. ¡°So,¡± Derek said once he finished chuckling. ¡°Are we really going to this Vorandell now, or was that something you just decided to tell those guards?¡±


    ¡°No, we¡¯re really going there now,¡± nah replied. ¡°It will be much easier to move around in Vorandell. Which means that we shouldn¡¯t have any trouble getting to the border with Linderis. Once we are there, however, that won¡¯t be the case. That is, unless any major changes have happened since thest time I was there.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m ready,¡± Derek said as he punched the air a few times.


    ¡°Let¡¯s try to get through this without too much killing,¡± nah replied. ¡°What do you say?¡±


    ¡°Fine by me,¡± Derek said. ¡°I do have a question for you, though.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± nah raised her brow. ¡°What question is that?¡±


    ¡°You could have justmanded those two guards to give you information, then forget that they ever saw us,¡± he said. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you? Was it specifically so you could get that vague message to the head of the Brandt family?¡±


    ¡°No, that was not the reason.¡± nah said. ¡°It was mostly because I¡¯ve always hated that about my ss¡ªcontrolling everyone that I speak to. It always pained me to do so to those who don¡¯t deserve it. Now that I am able to control it, I would prefer to only use it when absolutely necessary, or on non-intelligent beasts and such.¡±


    ¡°That makes sense,¡± Derek said. ¡°I am happy for you that you can control it now.¡± That was something that he wasn¡¯t really able to understand, and he hoped he would never experience. Having people be controlled just by interacting with him and he not being able to control it sounded awful, and he truly was happy for nah that she could control it.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± nah nodded. ¡°There is also the very slim chance that someone could be watching our interactions with others that we don¡¯t see. And if they interacted with two guards that don¡¯t remember us even though we just left, it would be easy enough to piece it all together and realize who I am. Right now, I¡¯m sure that only David would put together that fact, and only because I specifically mentioned his family. I am not the only green-haired half elf around, and most all people with elven blood are beautiful, after all.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ I guess that¡¯s true,¡± Derek said. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure you are the only half-elf with green hair that I¡¯ve met. Or at least the only one that I¡¯ve met that I¡¯ve bothered remembering.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll see many more here,¡± nah replied. ¡°Green hair color is quitemon around here¡ªat least more so than it was back in Cydaria.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait,¡± Derek replied, then the two of them continued on their way. Their next stop: Vorandell.

 Chapter 473: Knick Knack

    Chapter 473: Knick Knack


    ¡°There we go,¡± nah said as she stopped in mid-air and pointed toward the shore.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°We¡¯ve technically crossed over into Vorandell,¡± the siren answered.


    ¡°How do you know?¡± Derek asked. He looked toward the shore and squinted to see better.


    ¡°If you look closely, you can see the shape of those cliffs,¡± nah said before pulling out her out-of-date map. ¡°At least some things haven¡¯t changed.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Derek muttered, then looked from the map to the shore a couple of times. ¡°I think I see it. There are also¡­¡±


    ¡°The outposts?¡± nah chuckled. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s the other dead giveaway. There are two of them, and they are close together. Even without being able to see the people or colors in them, you would know that there is no sense for two outposts being built side by side.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ unless it was two separate kingdoms that made them.¡± Honestly, it was all quite blurry for Derek at their current distance away from thend, so he didn¡¯t see anything other than vague shapes of possible outposts and cliffs. But what nah was saying made perfect sense to him. If one kingdom decided to build an outpost close to the border with another country, then the other country was sure to build one of their own just as close. Even for allied kingdoms, this would probably be true¡ªwhether it was to not look weak, just to keep an eye on the other country, or for dozens of other reasons.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s the n from here?¡± Derek asked.¡°Well, we don¡¯t want to be seen going ind by either side. I would rather we not make a formal appearance in Vorandell until we are well within their borders. It will be easier to not draw attention that way¡ªeven though it doesn¡¯t really matter if we gather attention here. Unless, of course, if they somehow figure out who I am, but I doubt that will be possible unless I use my known powers wildly, which I will not. I am not dumb, after all,¡± nah said thest bit with a light jab at Derek.


    ¡°Psh¡­¡± Derek snorted at the joke. ¡°They didn¡¯t see any powers that I have,¡± Derek said. ¡°They only saw that I was behind them in an instant. I don¡¯t even think they saw when I moved back to you¡ªthey were much too busy panicking for that. Besides, I imagine there are dozens, if not hundreds, of different instantaneous movement abilities. They won¡¯t know if I teleported or just moved really fast¡ªof which I did neither.¡±


    ¡°I was just joking,¡± nah giggled. ¡°You are far from dumb.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Derek said. ¡°How do you want to do this?¡±


    ¡°How high into the air can you go with your skill?¡± nah asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Derek answered. ¡°I¡¯ve never tried to find out. Before, it was as far as my mana could take me, but now¡­ I have no clue.¡±


    ¡°I was thinking that, since this isn¡¯t Indria with all those pesky invisible rms and shields and such, we could just fly really high, thene down somewhere well within the boundaries.¡±


    ¡°Seems like kind of a basic n,¡± Derek said. ¡°You sure that will work?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure they have some kind of system in ce to alert them¡­ maybe,¡± nah said. ¡°But it isn¡¯t as easy to do as you would think. The price Indria has to pay to do it is outrageous, and their royal family is basically built for it. That is why they only use it during high tension times, or in small areas around the border.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡±


    ¡°And besides,¡± nah continued. ¡°It¡¯s us. We are just taking some slight precautions. If they do somehow sense us, it won¡¯t matter. You can just disappear from pretty much anyone, and I doubt any of the guards patrolling would be strong enough to even see me if I go all out¡ªmuch less make out any description.¡±


    ¡°Should we wear cloaks or something?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°No,¡± the siren replied. ¡°At least not in this kingdom. Our armor¡ªeven as outstanding as it is¡ªwill let us blend in better than covering ourselves up.¡±


    ¡°I do have some basic leather armor if you want to use that,¡± Derek replied.


    ¡°No.¡± nah shook her head. ¡°I would rather get a little attention and be perceived as powerful than have to deal with people thinking we are weak. It is a hassle having to deal with all the idiots trying to get my attention. At least this way, I will only have to worry about the high-level idiots hitting on me.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­¡± Derek muttered with a no. ¡°The disadvantages of being beautiful and handsome like us.¡± He clicked his tongue. ¡°It truly is a hard life we live.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± nah said as she rolled her eyes at Derek¡¯s antics. Then she shot higher and higher into the sky.


    ¡°Wait up!¡± Derek kicked off a void ripple and began his climb. nah was much faster than he was moving vertical¡ªand the only real way he couldpete with her was by using Powerstride or his Void Shift skills. But, at the moment, he didn¡¯t want to use Powerstride because it was still a bit random, and he didn¡¯t want to identally use it and end up in space¡­ <em>Would I be able to survive in space? </em>He wondered, but shrugged as he continued. <em>That¡¯s just another thing for the future Derek to figure out. </em>


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    Soon enough, Derek reached the waiting nah.


    ¡°We¡¯ll just head that way,¡± the siren pointed in a general direction that would take them what Derek imagined would be towards the center of the kingdom. ¡°If everything is still the same and no cities have been wiped out, we should be able to find one with a teleporter pretty close by if we head that way. Once we make it to a city with a teleporter, we can just use them to get to a ce close to the border with Linderis.¡±


    ¡°How are we going to pay once we get there?¡± Derek asked. ¡°Do they take the same gold that we have back in Cydaria?¡±


    ¡°Probably not,¡± nah said with a shrug. ¡°But I have plenty of items to sell to cksmiths, alchemists, or any other shop. It shouldn¡¯t be hard to get in anywhere. I¡¯m sure it¡¯s the same for you. And even if you don¡¯t, I can¡¯t imagine it would be hard for you to zip on back to Cydaria and get some.¡±


    ¡°Right¡­¡± Derek said, then the two of them took off ind.


    asionally, nah would swoop down below the clouds to get a good look below them¡ªlooking for signs of a city, vige, or any other kind of settlement that could point them in the right direction. The map she had wasn¡¯t exactly that great to be going off of.


    ¡°There!¡± nah halted after she came back up from swooping down to survey the area. They hadn¡¯t flown too far, as they weren¡¯t going at top speed because they didn¡¯t want to identally overshoot one of the cities or other settlements. ¡°There¡¯s a vige below us, I think.¡±


    Derek canceled Void Steps and began to fall. He didn¡¯t have any easy way to just swoop down then back up like nah could do, and he certainly didn¡¯t have an awesome pair of dragon wings like Avery had obtained during one of the trials in the raid. So, Derek¡¯s best way was controlled jumps and falls to near void ripples. Still, with his impressive stats and experience with his skill, he made it look easy.


    ¡°It¡¯s definitely a vige,¡± Derek said once what nah was speaking about came into sight. ¡°Maybe a town, but no bigger than that.¡±


    ¡°But they¡¯ll definitely know the way to the nearest city with a teleporter,¡± nah replied. ¡°And, while I¡¯m sure they don¡¯t have much to offer, we will be able to get a bit of money through trade just in case we end up needing an entrance fee to enter a city. We could try trading items to the guards to let us in, but if we can get some coin here, it will be best.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good to me,¡± Derek replied.


    ¡°Great,¡± nah said, then she pointed to a more obscured area far away from the vige. ¡°Let¡¯snd over there and go to the vige on foot.¡±


    Fifteen minutester, nah and Derek were walking side by side on a beaten path toward the vige. When they approached the open gate center in the wall that was not taller than the one set around Rayna¡¯s old vige, what looked like a patrolling guard saw them, then quickly moved to the middle of the opening.


    ¡°How can I help you?¡± the guard asked, his handying on the hilt of the sword tucked away in the scabbard on his side. The man obviously wasn¡¯t expecting guests.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± nah said as she flipped her hair, causing the guard to let out a gulp. ¡°Mypanion and I seem to have gotten lost after a hunt. Luckily, we came upon your vige. You wouldn¡¯t happen to have a merchant or trader in the vige, would you? Someone who could sell us a map or point us to the nearest city with a teleporter. We really must get back to the capital, so any help would be much appreciated.¡± Once she was finished, she giggled and shed the guard a smile.


    <em>Yeah¡­ she doesn¡¯t even need her damn controlling skill, </em>Derek thought. <em>She could get anything she wanted just by being herself. Though it does look like she¡¯s having fun doing it this way. </em>


    ¡°O-of course!¡± the man stuttered. ¡°R-right this way, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Such a gentleman,¡± nah gave the man another flirtatious giggle.


    It was all Derek could do to keep from rolling his eyes. Still, he must have twitched because the guard, seemingly for the first time, finally saw him. The man cast Derek a quick sneer, then turned his head back to nah with a bright smile on his face¡­ as if Derek never existed. Then, the man turned toward the vige and began leading them inside. This time, Derek didn¡¯t bother trying to hide his eye-roll.


    <em>¡®Stop that,¡¯ </em>nah sent to him mentally.


    Derek didn¡¯t bother responding. Instead, he fell in line beside the siren and marched behind the smitten guard.


    ¡°Here you go, ma¡¯am,¡± the guard stopped at a small building and pointed. ¡°This is Nick¡¯s Knick-Knacks. We don¡¯t have any true merchants or shops here in the vige¡ª¡®least none like you see in the big city. But Nick buys and sells everything. If there¡¯s a map in the vige, he has it.¡±


    ¡°Thank you very much,¡± nah said to the man. ¡°Mr¡­.¡±


    ¡°Lance¡­ you can call me Lance,¡± the guard said.


    ¡°Lance.¡± nah nodded seriously. ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to remember.¡±


    ¡°T-thank you,¡± the guard, Lance, mumbled. ¡°I-I have to get back to my post.¡±


    ¡°Well, Lance¡­¡± nah fluttered her eyshes at the man a few times. ¡°Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to help me. I wouldn¡¯t want you to get in trouble because of me. Have a good day. I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll see you again when we leave.¡±


    ¡°I-it was n-no problem, ma¡¯am.¡± The guard bowed deeply, then scurried away.


    ¡°Wow¡­¡± Derek muttered.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Are you sure you ever actually had mind-controlling powers?¡± Derek narrowed his eyes suspiciously. ¡°You sure you just don¡¯t run around seducing everyone you meet, then say, ¡®Oh goodness me. It¡¯s all my skills¡¯ fault. I just don¡¯t know what to do.¡¯¡±


    ¡°Hmph.¡± nah snorted and turned her head. ¡°Let¡¯s just go get a map and some money and get out of here.¡± Without waiting for Derek¡¯s reply, she pushed the door open and waltzed right into the store like she owned the ce.


    ¡°Oh¡­ wow,¡± Derek muttered as he stepped inside behind the siren. <em>Knick-Knacks was right¡­</em> Derek thought. The store¡ªif it could be called that¡ªwas wall to wall with junk. At least, as far as Derek could tell, most of the things he saw were junk. There were barrels with assortments of different junk weapons, shelves with jars full of¡­ stuff, and just¡­ junk everywhere.


    To top it all off, a short elf in a robe about six inches too long was running around putting more things on shelve, or on top of things that were already on shelves. Derek hesitated to distract the man as he was speeding around the shop muttering.


    ¡°No, no¡­ this goes over here¡­ yes, perfect¡­ Now this¡­ here and this here¡­ no¡­ over there¡­ yes¡­ perfect now this¡­¡± The man was muttering to himself faster than he was running around.


    It seemed that nah was also at a loss, as she hadn¡¯t moved a step since she entered the shop. If she wasn¡¯t moving, then Derek wouldn¡¯t either, so he just waited beside her.


    Soon, the elf noticed the duo standing there, and he tried to stop all at once. Instead, his feet got caught in his robe and he tumbled head over heels. Two jars that he was carrying shattered on the floor, and the man jumped back up to his feet. Acting like he hadn¡¯t just dropped anything, he stumbled forward and gave a quick bow.


    ¡°Wee to Nick¡¯s Knick-Knacks. My name is Nick, and these are my knick-knacks.¡± The elf motioned all around him. ¡°How may I help you?¡±

 Chapter 474: Never Again

    Chapter 474: Never Again


    ¡°Uh¡­¡± Derek muttered. ¡°Is all of that going to be okay over there?¡± He pointed at the broken jars and materials scattered around on the ground.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Nick turned and looked to where Derek was pointing, then said, ¡°How did all of that get over there?¡± He stared intently at the mess, then shrugged. ¡°Should be fine.¡± Finally, he turned back around. ¡°Now, what do the two of you fine customers need?¡±


    ¡°Well, sir.¡± nah stepped forward, shed the man a smile, batted her eyshes, and even went as far as flipping her hair. ¡°We were hoping you could help get us some information, and maybe even a map.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± The odd elf eyed nah up and down. Then he turned to Derek. ¡°Is your friend okay? She is showing some odd behavior. I may have a few potions in the back to help with those tics.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ she¡¯s fine,¡± Derek said as he did his utmost to hold himself back fromughing.


    ¡°If you say so.¡± The man shrugged again, then looked back at the now crimson face of nah. ¡°You need a map and information?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± the siren said through gritted teeth.


    ¡°Is that all?¡± the shopkeeper asked.


    ¡°I have some items that you may be interested in buying or trading,¡± nah said, no longer trying to charm the man.¡°It looks like your friend was correct,¡± Nick said to nah. ¡°Whatever was wrong with you seems to have cleared up on its own. Very intriguing.¡± Finally, he brushed that aside and continued. ¡°I¡¯m sure I can wrangle up a map or two. Would you like one of any specific location? Or will any map do?¡±


    ¡°Any¡­ map?¡± Derek muttered.


    ¡°Well¡­ yes.¡± Nick nodded. ¡°You said you needed a map, but you didn¡¯t specify what kind of map.¡±


    ¡°We need a map of the kingdom,¡± nah said.


    ¡°Which kingdom?¡±


    ¡°Vorandell¡­¡± nah muttered,pletely deted. She seemed almost exhausted after the extremely short interaction with Nick.


    ¡°Vorandell? A map of here? Well¡­ why didn¡¯t you say so?¡± Nick quickly turned, then stumbled on his robe before rushing off through a door. Momentster, he came scurrying back with a long rolled-up map. ¡°Will this work?¡± he asked as he unrolled the map and held it out in front of nah.


    ¡°Where are we on the map?¡± she asked.


    ¡°You¡¯re not on the map?¡± Nick peeked his head around the map to look at nah. He wore a very confused look on his face. ¡°You¡¯re in my shop.¡±


    ¡°Could you show us where this vige is located? And where the closest cities are in rtion to this vige? Show us by using the map?¡± Derek asked, trying to exin as best he could to not confuse the elf. He was really starting to wonder if the shopkeeper was okay.


    ¡°Oh! Of course,¡± Nick said. ¡°Hold this.¡± He handed the map to nah, then walked around the side until he was standing beside her and looking at the map. ¡°This is the area where our vige is located.¡± He pointed at a specific location near the edge of the map. ¡°And here is the closest city¡­ and here is the next to the closest. They are around the same distance away from our vige.¡±


    ¡°Do these two cities have teleporters?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Nick said. ¡°I think. I¡¯ve never used one.¡±


    ¡°Great!¡± Derek said. ¡°In that case, we¡¯ll take the map.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t do that!¡± Nick quickly pulled the map out of nah¡¯s hands and backed away from the duo.


    ¡°Why not?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°No stealing! You have to buy it,¡± Nick said.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Derek muttered. He was beginning to know what nah felt like. ¡°That¡¯s what I meant. We will buy the map, then take it with us.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Of course!¡± Nick quickly rolled up the map and handed it to Derek. ¡°Here you go.¡±


    Derek took the map from the man, then let out a long breath. <em>After all that, and he just¡­ hands the map to me before payment. </em>


    ¡°That will be¡­¡± the man began counting on his fingers while muttering to himself. ¡°Add the two¡­ carry the one¡­ no, not that way¡­ four, five, six¡­¡± He looked up. ¡°Two gold, 67 silver, and 32 copper. Or the equivalent in trade.¡±


    ¡°Right¡­¡± nah said. ¡°May we move over to your counter? I have some¡­ items that I would like to sell or trade.¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡± Nick replied before shuffling over to stand behind his counter.


    nah followed the man. Then, when she arrived at the counter, she flicked her wrist and multiple items appeared between the two of them. Derek saw a couple of high-quality pelts, along with multiple potions of differing colors. He recognized a major mana, healing, and stamina potion.


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    ¡°Oh, wow!¡± Nick held the pelt up and examined it. ¡°This is very nice. I don¡¯t even know the level of it.¡±


    ¡°Two fifty,¡± nah said.


    ¡°Wow¡­ a level two hundred and fifty pelt,¡± Nick mumbled. ¡°And these potions! Major Potion of Healing¡­ Major Potion of Stamina, Major Potion of Mana¡­ good! Very good!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you five gold for the lot of them, and I¡¯ll throw in that map for free!¡± Nick said.


    ¡°Five¡­ gold?¡± nah muttered, her brow twitching.


    ¡°That¡¯s all I have on me right now,¡± Nick exined.


    Derek had no clue how much all the things nah had ced on the counter would have gone for in another ce, but he was absolutely sure that the pelts alone would have gone for more than five gold each.


    ¡°One pelt,¡± nah said. ¡°For the five gold and the map.¡± She waved her hand over the items, and all but a single pelt disappeared.


    ¡°Two!¡± Nick countered.


    <em>¡®I¡¯m not haggling¡­¡¯ </em>Derek heard nah¡¯s voice in his head. It seemed tired¡ªif that was even possible for a voice via telepathy. <em>¡®You can if you want to.¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®I¡¯m good,¡¯ </em>Derek replied.


    ¡°Fine.¡± nah waved her hand over the counter and another pelt appeared.


    ¡°Awesome!¡± Nick nearly jumped for joy, then he quickly reached into one of his robe pockets and pulled out five gold and a few pieces of lint. After picking the lint out, he put it on the counter. ¡°Here you go!¡±


    nah quickly snatched the gold up, then turned on her heels and marched toward the exit.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Derek said to the overjoyed shopkeeper, then followed hispanion.


    ¡°I¡¯m so awesome!¡± Derek heard the shopkeeper say to himself as they walked away. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to show mom.¡±


    Derek turned, only to see the man rubbing the pelts on his face.


    ¡°So¡­ soft¡­¡±


    Derek quickened his pace until he was walking alongside nah, then walked through the door with her. Once they were outside, he and nah both released a long sigh.


    ¡°Never again!¡± nah said. She took the map, then highlighted the area where they were with red. After that, she wrote ¡®danger area¡¯ on it before putting it away.


    ¡°Why are most of the merchants and shopkeepers I meet so¡­ weird?¡± Derek asked himself, not expecting an answer.


    nah turned to him, then, with a deadpan face, said, ¡°Aren¡¯t you a shopkeeper, too?¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± Derek started, but realized he couldn¡¯t argue. Hell, he was probably just as weird as the elven shopkeeper was¡ªif not because of his personality, then because of the people he kept around him. ¡°Yes¡­¡± The two stared at each other for a few moments, then Derek finally cracked and beganughing. nah didn¡¯tst much longer.


    ¡°What do you say we get out of here before we realize we forgot something and have to go back to Nick¡¯s Knick-Knacks?¡± nah asked.


    ¡°Yes, please,¡± Derek replied.


    The duo then ventured back to the front of the vige, where they met the guard, Lance, once again. The man was already head over heels for nah, so leaving was pretty straightforward. Lance took it upon himself to escort the two out of the vige. Once they were quite far away, nah stopped and spoke to the man.


    ¡°I must thank you once again, Lance,¡± nah said.


    ¡°It has been my pleasure,¡± the guard said¡ªhis eyes fixated on the siren. The man showed absolutely no interest in Derek, and it even seemed like he didn¡¯t know Derek was there.


    ¡°This is more than far enough,¡± nah said. ¡°I¡¯d hate to take you away from your duties for too long. Mypanion and I can take it from here.¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s no bother at all. In fact, I could escort you all the way to Kyr City if you wish,¡± he replied. ¡°It won¡¯t be any trouble.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for the offer,¡± nah replied. ¡°But we will be able to get there just fine from here.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± The man slightly deted. ¡°If that¡¯s what you wish. But don¡¯t hesitate to stop by again.¡±


    ¡°If I¡¯m ever in the area, I¡¯ll make sure to stop in to say hello,¡± nah smiled and nodded to the man.


    ¡°Very well,¡± Lance replied. ¡°Travel safe.¡± He then looked over at Derek and narrowed his eyes. He stepped close to him, then, in a whisper, said, ¡°You better not let anything happen to her.¡±


    Derek¡¯s eyelid twitched as the man backed away. Derek only looked at the guard and shook his head before turning to nah. ¡°Are we finished? We could have been to the city by now,¡± he said, causing a look of confusion to pass over the guard¡¯s face.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be rude,¡± nah replied. ¡°But yes, we should get going.¡±


    The next instant, the two of them both shot into the air. Derek looked down to see the guard staring up with his mouth nearly touching the ground. Derek snorted, then kicked off the voidunching himself forward. nah looked down and waved to the man onest time, then she disappeared.


    Not long after, Derek stopped in the sky once he saw the outline of a massive city in the distance. It took a few moments, but nah soon stopped beside him. They had raced a bit in the final stretch, and Derek pushed his Powerstride skill to the limits of his mana¡ªallowing him to beat the non-transformed nah by a small margin. ¡°Looks like Kyr,¡± he said.


    nah pulled out the map she had bought from Nick and looked it over. ¡°I think you¡¯re right,¡± she said. ¡°At least, if that man sold us a real map. If not, then we lucked out and found a city.¡±


    ¡°He was odd, but I don¡¯t think he would try to pull one over on us¡­ well¡­ except for the price of those hides,¡± Derek said. ¡°I don¡¯t think all that was an act.¡±


    ¡°Maybe.¡± nah shrugged. ¡°But we¡¯ve definitely made it to a city. Let¡¯s go down so we don¡¯t draw too much attention on our way in.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Derek replied, then slowly jump down the void ripples until his feet touched the ground. nah gentlynded beside him, then they began walking at a brisk pace.


    Half an hourter and the duo found themselves standing in a small line waiting to enter the city. The line moved quickly, and soon it was nah and Derek¡¯s turn.


    ¡°Names?¡± The guard asked. ¡°First andst.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Lana Brighton and this is Derek Hunt,¡± nah answered for the two of them. To make things quick and easy to remember, nah chose to use Ste¡¯s surname as her own.


    ¡°Are you residents of Kyr?¡± the guard asked.


    ¡°No,¡± nah replied. ¡°We are from the capital and are on our way home.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± the guard said as he jotted down something on what looked like a clipboard. ¡°Entry for the two of you is ten gold.¡±


    ¡°Ten?¡± nah asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± the man replied. ¡°Five a piece.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I¡¯m running low on gold right now,¡± nah said. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t, by chance, be willing to take a trade?¡±


    ¡°A trade?¡± The guard looked up, then nced around. ¡°I cannot trade for you entry fee, but I could be willing to buy something from you for say¡­ five gold¡­ if it catches my eye, of course.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± nah said with a smile. It seemed that her charm didn¡¯t work quite as well on city guards who dealt with people all the time.


    <em>Nothing like bribing guards, </em>Derek thought.


    nah then flicked her wrist, and a set of potions appeared. It was the same three potions from before¡ªworth well over five gold a piece¡­ if the rate was the same as back in Cydaria. The man quickly took the potions, produced five gold, and handed it over the nah.


    She then went through the motion of paying the man the ten gold required for entrance.


    ¡°Enjoy your time in Kyr,¡± the guard said, then looked past the two. ¡°Next!¡±


    nah and Derek then walked through the doors to the city.


    ¡°We¡¯re finally back to civilization,¡± nah said.


    ¡°Indeed, we are.¡±

 Chapter 475: Border Town

    Chapter 475: Border Town


    As Derek and nah walked through the streets of Kyr, Derek took note of how much it resembled some of the cities in Cydaria. To be exact, the city very closely resembled Wilmette¡ªthe city, which was in the closest proximity to Torith, now Searidge. It wasn¡¯t a huge city like the capital, or a bustling business city like Savannah, but it still had the mix of people that one would see in any of the big cities in Cydaria. He passed humans, elves, dwarves, halfling, and mixes like half-elves.


    Honestly, it seemed like he was back in Cydaria and not thousands of miles away. Even the small vige with the odd shopkeeper reminded him of Cydaria and its viges.


    ¡°Are you sure we¡¯re really not in Cydaria?¡± he half snorted and asked nah.


    ¡°They are rather simr,¡± nah replied. ¡°I really enjoyed my time in Vorandell over every other kingdom on this continent. Everyone seems to ept one another¡ªunless it¡¯s a refugee from Linderis, then it may take them a while to be custom to such a diverse poption. But eventually, theye around and realize it is all for the best.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Indeed, it is,¡± nah replied.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s the n from here?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± nah sighed heavily. ¡°It seems I must find a shop to sell some of my items so we can have the funds to use the teleporter.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Derek replied. ¡°Well, good luck with that. I¡¯ll just wait outside for you to finish.¡±nah red at Derek, then eventually, both of themughed. Nick and his knick-knacks were still fresh in both of their minds. Thest thing either of them wanted to do was deal with another shopkeeper.


    ¡°At least we are in a real city now,¡± nah exined. ¡°I doubt we¡¯ll run into any situation like the one we had back in that vige. I don¡¯t think such a character would be able to survive running a shop in a full-on city.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ I imagine you¡¯re right about that,¡± Derek replied. ¡°Unless, of course, that person was somehow a hidden master or something.¡±


    ¡°Which Nick was not,¡± nah replied. ¡°He was only level 67,¡± she said. ¡°Just a non-regr, low-leveled viger.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Derek nodded, then the duo continued trekking through the city in silence. Soon, Derek stopped and pointed at a sign hanging over a door. ¡°Looks like you found your shop,¡± he said. They were somewhere around the middle of the city at the time, and the sign he pointed at was wooden, with a drawing of a pouch with a few coins spilling out of it.


    ¡°Either that or a bank of some kind,¡± nah said as the two approached the building.


    Once there, Derek looked in the windows and said, ¡°Definitely a shop.¡± The inside had the standardyout of a shop. There were shelves with items¡ªeach having a number marked below for the price¡ªand there were people wandering around inside looking at said items. There was also a person standing behind a counter and what looked like a well-equipped guard standing by the entrance on the inside.


    ¡°Looks that way,¡± nah replied, then stepped forward and ced her hand on the door. ¡°Are youing?¡±


    ¡°Nah,¡± Derek said. ¡°You go ahead. I¡¯ve had enough shopping for one day, so I¡¯ll just wait out here. I¡¯ll let you pay for all the fees for us since I am a gentleman like that. It is your adventure, after all.¡±


    ¡°Right¡­¡± nah rolled her eyes, then went inside.


    The siren didn¡¯t take long toe back out¡ªabout half the time it took in the vige. She came out with a slight smile and sighed. ¡°That was much easier.¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡± Derek asked. ¡°No problems?¡±


    ¡°None,¡± nah replied. ¡°It looks like our armor and gear actually mean something when we aren¡¯t in some backwater vige. None of the customers got in my way, and the clerk was all too happy to give me good prices without trying to haggle.¡±


    ¡°Now that¡¯s the way it should be,¡± Derek replied with a chuckle.


    ¡°Truly it is,¡± nah said.


    ¡°Are we finished here?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°We are,¡± the siren replied.


    ¡°Great!¡± Derek said. ¡°Now, where is the teleportation building?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s over here,¡± nah replied, then began walking. Derek hurried to walk beside her. ¡°The clerk was very forting with information once I told him it was our first time in Kyr. He was only too happy to point out the teleportation building, as he was counting out the gold to give me.¡±


    ¡°I bet,¡± Derek replied.


    Soon enough, the duo found themselves outside another building. They walked in and were met by a bunch of workers who directed them to the clerk in control of the teleporter. There was a short line that they had to wait in, but that was to be expected.


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    Once they made it to the clerk, Derek let nah do all the speaking, as she knew the area and had studied the map Nick had given her. Soon enough, both Derek and nah provided a magical imprint, paid the fees, and were allowed to step inside the circle. After the usual exnation of safety while using a teleporter, it glowed brightly, and they disappeared.


    When the glow vanished, the duo found themselves in a nearly identical room where they were processed before being allowed to leave. It seemed that Vorandell didn¡¯t have all the same security that Cydaria had when moving cities via teleporter. They didn¡¯t have to hold their hand on a stone and speak only the truth like one had to do in Savannah¡ªall they had to do was sign some documents, then inject their mana into them. It was rather easypared to the process in Savannah. It only took about half the time to arrive, pass the proper inspections, then exit out of the building.


    ¡°This¡­ is different,¡± Derek said as the duo slowly walked around the new city¡ªPurna. Unlike Kyr, the atmosphere wasn¡¯t nearly as easygoing, and Derek sensed that everyone around was rather tense.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± nah replied. ¡°It¡¯s only natural.¡±


    ¡°Why is that?¡± he asked, but before nah could answer, they heard a voice off to the side.


    ¡°I heard that they¡¯re really going to attack this time,¡± Derek turned to look at a small group of people standing around gossiping. He turned his head to listen.


    ¡°Bullshit,¡± a man¡¯s voice sounded out. ¡°They¡¯ve been ¡®going to attack¡¯ for centuries now, and they never have.¡±


    ¡°But my brother is a guard on the border,¡± the feminine voice spoke again. ¡°He said that even the higher-ups are wary right now. Plus, some of the other guards have gone missing.¡±


    ¡°Just another elven fanatic,¡± the male voice said. ¡°They¡¯ll catch him just like always, then everything will go back to normal.¡±


    ¡°But that would be the third this year!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve had years with more,¡± the male voice said.


    ¡°Well, we¡¯re moving away from here as soon as my brotherpletes his guard,¡± the female voice said. ¡°He¡¯ll be able to choose any station he wants, and he¡¯s taking me with him.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll never be able to find a city as cheap to live in as here,¡± the man said. ¡°You¡¯ll have to find work, too. There¡¯s no way that your brother will be able to support you and his family on a guard¡¯s sry in another city¡ªeven if he does get promoted. You might as well go live in a vige.¡±


    ¡°That wouldn¡¯t be so bad,¡± thedy replied. ¡°The viges around the capital are nice¡­ at least¡­ that¡¯s what I¡¯ve heard. And the capital keeps them safe.¡±


    ¡°Whatever, you do what¡­¡± the duo eventually moved out of earshot and too far away to make out the voices with ease.


    ¡°That is why,¡± nah said. ¡°Because we are in the city closest to the border between Vorandell and Linderis,¡± she exined. ¡°Even when I was on this continentst time, Linderis was constantly on the verge of invading¡ªor at least they made it seem that way. Any city or citizens close to the border were always on edge because of that, and it seems that nothing has changed since then. I was hoping that wasn¡¯t the case, but it looks like my hopes were for naught.¡±


    ¡°Did they ever actually attack?¡± Derek asked. ¡°Or was it always just the threat of attack? And why would Vorandell allow something like this for so long?¡±


    ¡°No, they never didn¡¯t anything more than have some light border skirmishes,¡± nah replied. ¡°At least not that I know of. asionally, a fanatic elf will cross the border a couple times a year and throw their life away in the name of elf superiority. That¡¯s probably what they were talking about with the disappearing guards.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe Linderis would be able to handle Vorandell if they tried. Vorandell has never done anything about it because Linderis never attacked. The Vorandell Royal Family are known to be kind and peaceful,¡± nah exined. ¡°If this was Dranthi, I imagine Linderis would no longer exist, or it would be vastly different from how it is right now, but Vorandell is not going to be the ones to start a war¡ªeven if provoked. Now, if Linderis ever did actually step foot in Vorandell and attack, Vorandell would not go easy on them. Honestly, Linderis is just full of a bunch of old elves set in their old ways, with nothing better to do than provoke other races.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like they all need a good ass kicking,¡± Derek replied.


    ¡°It certainly wouldn¡¯t hurt,¡± nah giggled. ¡°It is the same as always,¡± she sighed. ¡°This isn¡¯t the only border city, either. You¡¯ll hear the same conversations in any of the border cities that you go to.¡±


    ¡°Definitely doesn¡¯t sound like a fun ce to live,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°No, but like you just heard, the border cities are much cheaper¡ªespecially when ites to cost of living,¡± the siren exined. ¡°Plenty of people are willing to put up with the intense atmosphere and the asional psychotic elf to live well off in a real city. And it¡¯s not like other cities don¡¯t have crime and murder. Really, it¡¯s only the atmosphere that keeps people away. Nobody likes being on edge all the time.¡±


    ¡°I can understand that,¡± Derek said. ¡°Lots of people where I¡¯m from had to live kind of the same way. I don¡¯t think that¡¯s something that will ever change, no matter what system you¡¯re in.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± the siren said.


    ¡°One day,¡± Derek said with a slightugh. ¡°We¡¯ll find a kingdom ruled by elves that don¡¯t have that superiorityplex.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not just a superiorityplex,¡± nah said. ¡°As I¡¯ve said before, it¡¯s also the history of the elves and others. At one time, humans were the bogeyman that haunted the elves. Then, eventually, that shifted, and the elves were the bad guys. It¡¯s a cycle,¡± nah said. ¡°But Indria may end up being different. Give them a generation or two,¡± nah said. ¡°They are well on their way to getting there.¡± After that, she flicked her wrist and handed Derek what looked like a hooded cloak. ¡°Speaking of elves¡­ keep this,¡± she said. ¡°Once we get to the border, we¡¯ll need to wear them.¡±


    ¡°Won¡¯t that just make us more suspicious?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°No,¡± nah replied. ¡°Not at all.¡±


    ¡°Why is that?¡±


    ¡°Because at least with the hoods on, the citizens of Linderis won¡¯t be able to tell that you¡¯re a human,¡± nah replied. ¡°At least, they won¡¯t be able to tell until they get close enough or if you take it off. Not wearing one would let them know you were human right away. At least my ears are somewhat pointy, so from a distance they won¡¯t notice I¡¯m not full blood. And even if they did notice, they at least wouldn¡¯t try to harm me¡ªmost likely they would just ignore me.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Derek said. With a thought, he went ahead and stored the cloak in his own storage ring. ¡°I guess that makes sense.¡±


    ¡°Plus, there are plenty of people who prefer not to show themselves,¡± nah exined. ¡°We should be able to travel just fine outside of popted areas. And it¡¯s not like I¡¯m here to visit any cities or people specifically, so we won¡¯t be going to those areas. I¡¯d like to get to Linderis, head straight to my destination, then leave. I don¡¯t want to spend any more time there than I have to.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good to me,¡± Derek said as the two approached the gate leading outside the city. They walked out to some rather surprised looks¡ªit didn¡¯t seem like the guards saw too many non-soldiers or guards leaving the city.


    ¡°You know,¡± nah said, grabbing Derek¡¯s attention. ¡°If Linderis is even worse than it used to be, I know a way that may set them straight for a while.¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡± Derek asked. ¡°And what way is that?¡±


    ¡°I know of a certain chef who could cause a lot of mayhem if let loose in the kingdom. And I may or may not have some rather¡­ interesting recipes that she could use,¡± nah said as she gave Derek a big smile. ¡°It would certainly give the elves a new bogeyman to fear.¡±


    ¡°No, nah.¡± Derek nearly facepalmed. ¡°Silvi is not, and I repeat, not making elf burgers.¡±

 Chapter 476: Strange Gathering

    Chapter 476: Strange Gathering


    ¡°So¡­ that is your home country?¡± Derek asked. Both he and nah were already wearing cloaks, covering them from head to toe to hide their identities as a human and a half-elf once they passed through into Linderis. Currently, they were still on the Vorandell side of the border, but when they wanted to, it would only take them mere moments to move to the other, less amodating, country.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± nah replied. ¡°That¡¯s it¡­ the country where I was born, and where I spent the first decades of my life. Though, the vast majority of those years were spent trying to survive The Echoing Abyss.¡±


    ¡°Do you remember how to get to the abyss that you were talking about?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to,¡± nah answered as she flicked her wrist and pulled out another map. ¡°I thought it would be a good idea to ask about a map of Linderis when I was in that shop in Kyr, and to my surprise, they actually had one.¡± She unraveled the map, then she pulled out another, and held them up together. ¡°This is the city we just came from, so we would be somewhere around here,¡± she said as she nodded to an area on the map of Vorandell.


    ¡°I see,¡± Derek said. ¡°So that would put us¡­ there?¡± He pointed to a spot on the Vorandell map just a short distance away from the city of Purna. ¡°Then¡­¡±


    ¡°Then that would put us right around here.¡± The map of Vorandell disappeared, and nah pointed at a spot on the Linderis map to the far east side. If they crossed the border where they were, then they would step into the boundaries of the map and they would be able to go from there. nah then traced her finger to the west until itnded on a dark spot near the bottom-middle of the map. ¡°This is The Echoing Abyss, and our destination.¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Derek said with a nod. ¡°It doesn¡¯t look too far away¡­ at least it isn¡¯t on theplete opposite side of the country.¡±


    ¡°And there most likely won¡¯t be many settlements near it,¡± nah exined. ¡°The vige where I lived was an exception, and its proximity to the abyss is one of the reasons that it was invaded in the past. Since it was so close to the dangerous area, the humans who raided my vige¡ªwho killed my mother¡ªwere most probably traveling through that area to avoid any of Linderis¡¯s major cities or soldiers. Not many people go through that area, after all. Other than raiders, only some either brave or foolish people will take that as a shortcut. Even our vige was built on the far edge of what could be considered part of the area around the abyss.¡±


    ¡°And why do people avoid it? The surrounding area, not the abyss itself,¡± Derek rified.¡°Because, asionally, a high-level monster that was driven insane by the Echoing Abyss will escape and wreak on anyone around. However, in the years that I was in my vige, one never attacked us. I believe we were just far enough away to not have to worry about it,¡± nah exined. ¡°I believe that, before the creature would arrive close to our vige, they would have turned back to return home to the abyss. You see, once it grabs hold of you, The Echoing Abyss is very hard to escape.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°And you don¡¯t think we¡¯ll have any problems there?¡±


    ¡°I know for sure that I won¡¯t,¡± nah said. ¡°I already escaped its control¡ªescaped its control while being in the abyss. And you¡­ well¡­ I don¡¯t think you will have a problem with your wisdom stat and your willpower. After all, you can all but ignore my attempts at controlling you.¡±


    ¡°I think you would be able to at least stun me for a moment if you tried,¡± Derek said. ¡°And that instant of unguardedness is all it takes for most people to die.¡±


    ¡°Most people,¡± nah said with a chuckle. ¡°But you¡­ you are not most people, are you?¡±


    ¡°I guess not,¡± Derekughed. ¡°Still, I would rather not find out.¡±


    ¡°Same,¡± nah agreed. ¡°Now, shall we make our way to the abyss? The second most dangerous ce on the continent.¡±


    ¡°The second most dangerous ce?¡± Derek asked with surprise in his voice. ¡°If it¡¯s the second most dangerous ce, then what¡¯s the first?¡±


    nah paused for a moment, then stared seriously into Derek¡¯s eyes. ¡°Nick¡¯s Knick-Knacks.¡±


    The duo was able to pass over the border without much of a problem. To make things a little less of a hassle, the two had journeyed along the border between the two kingdoms until they got to a point where going to The Echoing Abyss would be a straight shot from where they crossed over. Along the border, they received many gazes of suspicion from Vorandell guards at multiple outposts, but since they never stopped and kept moving, the guards never got close enough to the duo to ask them any questions. It also helped that, though they were traveling on the ground, Derek and nah were setting a blistering pace.


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    Once they made it over the border, they followed their map closely so they would be able to avoid any cities orrger settlements. They made sure to steer clear of any of these by at least a handful of miles to not be discovered. To Derek¡¯s surprise, the n worked, and it worked well. It wasn¡¯t until they were closing in on the border of the danger area that they found trouble.


    ¡°Is that normal?¡± Derek asked nah. In front of them, there were what looked military-looking encampments or settlements all around the border of Linderis proper and what was supposed to be the beginning of the danger area¡ªthe area where it was considered possible for one of the beasts inside the abyss to escape to before being forced back.


    ¡°No,¡± nah said, her brow furrowed. ¡°This is definitely something new.¡±


    ¡°I would say that we should ask them all what is going on, but¡­¡±


    ¡°But there is no way for us to ask anyone without revealing that we are a half-elf and a human¡­ neither of which they will deign to answer, and one which they may try to kill on sight,¡± the siren said,pleting Derek¡¯s sentence.


    ¡°Right¡­¡± Derek muttered.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m not sure what to do here,¡± nah said. ¡°I¡¯d say we could just take to the sky and go over, but I¡¯m curious as to what¡¯s going on. I wouldn¡¯t want us to go in if something strange is happening. Sure, we can probably survive the abyss rather easily, but there are other possibilities that could be urring. I certainly wouldn¡¯t want to go inside just to get trapped.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure that can¡¯t happen,¡± Derek said. ¡°At least not with me here. Even if we were to get separated or something, I don¡¯t think I would have any problems getting to you.¡±


    ¡°That may be so, but what happens if we run into a phenomenon with some insane time dtion? Where you take five seconds to get to me, but for me and everyone else, those five seconds are days or weeks, and I¡¯ve ascended by then? For all we know, a new dungeon has spawned and taken over the danger area.¡±


    ¡°Have you ever heard of something like that happening?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Not that phenomenon specifically, but dungeons randomly spawning¡­ even you know about that,¡± nah said. ¡°But there are much stranger things that happen in the world every day, so we can¡¯t rule anything out¡­ After what you¡¯ve learned of the system¡­ or systems, what do you think is possible? And it has to be something major for so many settlements of such caliber to be here.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Derek rubbed his chin. He thought about Dave and how the elf had basically just kidnapped him right out of a dungeon and into a room with a crazy amount of time dtion. Finally, he sighed. ¡°I guess that makes sense,¡± he said. ¡°We could look for an opportunity and you could just quickly interrogate one.¡±


    ¡°We could, but the encampments seem to be quite well guarded, and I haven¡¯t seen anybody move by themselves¡ªeven the guards move in groups of a dozen or more. We can definitely try it if we can¡¯te up with something else,¡± nah exined.


    ¡°True¡­¡± Derek said, then an idea struck him. ¡°Wait¡­ I think I know what we can do.¡±


    ¡°You do?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°We just need an elf, right?¡±


    ¡°We do¡­¡± nah answered.


    ¡°Any elf?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Well¡­ oh¡­¡± nah said with half a chuckle. ¡°I see. I suppose it would be better if the elf was at least moderately strong.¡±


    ¡°I know just the person,¡± Derek said, then he and the siren took off¡ªmoving to a ce far enough away so that nobody would be able to see him and his skill or sense him or the dreadful aura that may be released.. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡± With a quick rip in space, he stepped through his portal, closed it behind him¡ªthe longer it stayed open, the more risk of someone finding it. Derek then pushed his Void Sense to the max and began searching. <em>Dang¡­ that¡¯s a bit further away than I was thinking it was going to be, </em>he thought. <em>Oh, well¡­ here goes.</em>


    <em></em>


    While waiting for Derek to get back from fetching whomever it was he was going to get, nah sighed. Her time on the and in her current system was almost up. As someone who was great at hiding her emotions and showing restraint, it was all she could do to not appear a mess on the outside because of her internal anxiety. The time it took to cross the sea took longer than she had expected¡ªshe honestly thought that, with their speed, it would take no more than a few days to make it across.


    <em>That was na?ve, </em>nah thought. <em>It¡¯s been ages since I made the journey. I can barely remember the events on the sea, much less how long it took me to make it across. Especially when one day begins to blend with another¡­ </em>she thought, but would she have done anything differently? No, most likely not. <em>I shouldn¡¯t have looked for Void Beasts, </em>she thought. <em>No¡­ then I would have never met Asher, and I wouldn¡¯t have learned so much about Void Beasts. </em>


    <em>It doesn¡¯t matter, </em>nah thought. <em>If I don¡¯t make it, I don¡¯t make it. I don¡¯t even know if anything is still there. It¡¯s my fault for putting off this trip for so long¡­ but how was I supposed to know I would end up having a time limit? </em>She sighed aloud. <em>I could always try to take one of the guards while nobody is looking andmand him to tell me what¡¯s going on. It would be a little risky, but if it¡¯s nothing major, we could just brute force our way through. We won¡¯t be followed deep into the danger area, and if we are¡­ </em>A glint of ruthlessness shed through nah¡¯s eyes. <em>There is no love lost between me and the people of this country.</em>


    About that time, the same dreadful sense appeared out of nowhere. <em>That was fast, </em>nah thought. <em>I wonder who he got. I hope it¡¯s not that cranky old man. He¡¯d start a fight trying to find out with his crassness. </em>


    She turned to where the sense was the strongest and waited a couple of seconds. Finally, a rip in the space in front of her appeared, and Derek stepped out carrying a man. <em>Oh¡­ I guess he¡¯ll do, </em>nah thought, then said, ¡°Duke¡­ it so nice of you to help us in our time of need.¡±


    ¡°What? Why¡­ Ms. Swan?¡± Ryven muttered, apparently shocked at the events taking ce.


    ¡°Did he¡­ did he just snatch you up without saying anything?¡± nah tilted her head and asked.


    ¡°They all seemed busy,¡± Derek said as he closed the portal behind him. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to distract them when I only needed one, and there were so many to choose from. I just grabbed the one closest to me. To tell you the truth, I was going to bring back Osian, but he seemed to be the busiest of the bunch, so I fetched the next to the best thing¡­ his brother.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± nah muttered. ¡°Osian would have been better,¡± she said. ¡°He is much more diplomatic.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought,¡± Derek replied. ¡°But I figured a duke would do.¡±


    ¡°A duke would do?¡± Ryven asked, confused. The man was obviously still trying to wrap his head around what was going on. ¡°Where are we?¡± He looked around. ¡°And what is this duke supposed to do?¡±

 Chapter 477: just Another Elf

    Chapter 477: just Another Elf


    ¡°Follow us,¡± Derek said, then took the lead and slowly moved back to within sight of the edge of the danger area where all the settlements were located.


    ¡°This ce doesn¡¯t look familiar¡­¡± Ryven said once they stopped, and he was able to get a good look around. ¡°We¡¯re definitely not in Indria, Cydaria, or Indaria¡­ at least I don¡¯t think we¡¯re in Indaria. I¡¯ve done quite a bit of studying the kingdomstely. Where exactly are we? It doesn¡¯t seem like a ce inside Vallum, either.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re in Linderis,¡± nah answered. ¡°The kingdom that I was born into.¡±


    ¡°Linderis?¡± Ryven frowned. ¡°Wait! Did you say we¡¯re in the kingdom you were born in? So¡­ we¡¯re on another continent, then?¡±


    ¡°Got it in one,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Your traveling skill works from this distance away?¡± Ryven stared at Derek with wide eyes.


    ¡°Oh, you don¡¯t even know the half of it,¡± Derek said. ¡°I could take you to ces you wouldn¡¯t even believe.¡±


    ¡°Monster¡­¡± Ryven muttered under his breath, but neither Derek nor nah said anything about it.


    ¡°Uhem¡­¡± Derek cleared his throat, getting Ryven¡¯s attention. ¡°We need a little help here,¡± he said.¡°What do you need?¡± Ryven asked with a sigh.


    ¡°You see,¡± nah started, then pointed toward the encampments. ¡°Linderis is an even less friendly kingdom to non-elves than Indria was before all the contracts and alliances. For Derek¡ªespecially this far in¡ªmost elves from the kingdom would try to kill him on sight, or, at minimum, report him. And nobody here wants a bloodbath.¡±


    ¡°And it would be exactly that¡­¡± Ryven said as he looked at Derek.


    ¡°That would be all up to them,¡± Derek said with a shrug.


    ¡°And¡­¡± nah continued. ¡°Half-elves aren¡¯t treated much better here. It¡¯s one of the reasons I left and only came back a couple of times before crossing the sea.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± Ryven said.


    ¡°Good,¡± nah replied. ¡°Now, this is a very dangerous area called The Echoing Abyss. All of those encampments are built around the edge of probably the most dangerous ce in this world. Last time I was here, people avoided this area like a gue¡ªonly asionally sending the strongest out to deal with a monster escape if it wasn¡¯t dragged back in.¡±


    ¡°So¡­ you want me to¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes. We need your help to see what is going on. I need to get close to the center of the area, and I want to make sure that nothing drastic has changed since thest time I was here. I can think of a couple of reasons for the encampments that would make sense, but I want to make sure that there¡¯s nothing that Derek and I should be worried about if we go in. And seeing that you are a rtively powerful elf, we thought that you may be able to provide a little help¡ªtouch up on your diplomacy, if you will.¡±


    Ryven looked toward the encampments, then back to nah. He did this a few times before sighing. ¡°Alright,¡± he said. ¡°Will they ept me just because I¡¯m a full-blooded elf?¡± he asked.


    ¡°If nothing else, their suspicions will be reduced drastically,¡± nah said.


    ¡°Just keep an eye out, and if things go south, be prepared,¡± Ryven said to both nah and Derek. ¡°I would like to live to see my daughter be a proper queen in the future and meet any half-elf grandchildren she may have.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure everything will be fine,¡± Derek said. ¡°And I¡¯ll definitely keep an eye on you. I can be by your side in an instant if needed.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± Ryven sighed. ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with. If I make it out fine, I¡¯ll meet the two of you back where you brought me after kidnapping me,¡± he said before turning and leaving on an invisible barrier floating extremely close to the ground..


    ¡°But¡­¡± Derek started, but there really wasn¡¯t anything he could say after the duke turned and gave him a look that said ¡®really?¡¯. Derek turned to look at nah, but the siren could only shrug and agree with the man. <em>It¡¯s not my fault that he¡¯s the one I grabbed¡­ well¡­ it is, but¡­ </em>Derek sighed, then inwardly chuckled at the ridiculousness of it all. <em>He can think of this as a mini-vacation. I bet he¡¯s the only one in his family who has traveled to another continent. He¡¯ll be the envy of the royals. </em>


    After that, Derek and nah watched as the duke went the wrong way for a ways, then dismissed his barrier, turned around, and headed toward the danger area. ¡°Smart,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Yes,¡± nah replied. ¡°He¡¯s approaching from a different position to not lead any of them towards us. And he used his barrier to keep any tracks leading to us away.¡±


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    After a short while, nah and Derek saw a sentry from one of the small settlements take notice of the approaching duke. Once that happened, all the settlements became quite active. A couple of people from multiple settlements came out and met together before moving to intercept Ryven. The duke decided that where he was would be a good ce to stop and wait.


    ¡°Good,¡± nah said to nobody. ¡°Let them be the ones to approach and initiate conversation.¡±


    The duo went quiet as a rtivelyrge group of elves approached Ryven. Derek was ready to Void Shift at a moment¡¯s notice to rescue the duke if needed, and he was sure that nah wouldn¡¯t be too far behind him if he did. But neither of them wanted that¡ªit would be best if they could solve this little mystery without giving up their cover.


    After what seemed like forever, the group of elves stopped just in front of Ryven. From there, it seemed like a discussion began. Derek let out a sigh when he saw the lead elf shake the duke¡¯s hand¡ªthat at least meant that the introduction didn¡¯t start on a terrible note. However, after that, the group of elves turned around and began a march back to one of the encampments¡ªwith Ryven in the middle of them all.


    ¡°Do we let him go?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°It didn¡¯t look like he was in any trouble,¡± nah replied. ¡°If he was, he would have at least signaled us.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ I guess,¡± Derek replied. ¡°It¡¯s not like he didn¡¯t know that we were watching.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± the siren said. ¡°Besides, while he may not be the strongest, Ryven isn¡¯t exactly a pushover. He¡¯s even a close match for me if I¡¯m not transformed, and he specializes in those defensive barriers. If something happens, he¡¯ll cause a big enoughmotion that we will know. If that happens, then we act. If not¡­ we wait and see what kind of information the duke can bring.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°But how long do we wait?¡± he asked. ¡°How long until you can¡¯t wait any longer?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I have a few days left,¡± nah said. ¡°At least. I have a few days left before I must get back to Cydaria no matter what. But my departure won¡¯t be long after.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Derek sighed. There wasn¡¯t anything else that he could say at that moment. ¡°I guess we cut it kind of close, huh?¡±


    ¡°One could look at it that way,¡± nah said. ¡°One could also say that we had some near perfect timing. Though I expected to arrive in Vorandell and not Dranthi, so that was a wee miscalction. More of Vorandell borders the sea, after all.¡±


    ¡°I may have to pay your friend a visit sometime after you leave,¡± Derek said. ¡°I wonder how an older version of Avery might act.¡±


    ¡°I wonder that too,¡± nah chuckled. After that, the two went quiet and waited.


    Almost an hourter, the duo saw movementing from the camps once again. To Derek¡¯s relief, he recognized Ryven as one of the first to step outside. He was then surprised that only a single other elf apanied the duke out of the encampments.


    ¡°Looks like things went well,¡± nah said.


    ¡°Better than well,¡± Derek said, then nodded to the two elves, shaking each other¡¯s hands and speaking casually. ¡°Is he¡­ smiling?¡± Derek asked. From their distance, Derek couldn¡¯t really make out everyone¡¯s facial expressions. He was just close enough to be able to seerge body movements, and that was it. But for some reason, he felt that the two elves were enjoying speaking to each other.


    ¡°He just may be¡­¡± nah said. ¡°Well¡­ it¡¯s better than the other possibilities were. Look at it this way, since it seems that they hit it off. Maybe he¡¯sing back with the information we need.¡±


    ¡°True¡­¡± Derek muttered. ¡°Looks like they¡¯re finished.¡± Finally, the escort turned around and began moving back to his camp. Ryven stood still for a few moments¡ªwatching his escort leave¡ªthen he too turned and began walking away.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± nah said, then the two of them moved back to where Ryven said he would meet them. They moved swiftly, and the whole time, nah kept a look out around and behind them. They were much quicker getting to the meeting point than the duke was. Obviously, it would be weird if he were to travel quickly¡ªand it would be worse if there happened to be someone tailing him.


    Once they were there, they eventually saw the duke draw near. From there, they paid even more attention to making sure that the encampments didn¡¯t send anyone to spy on him. They were also sure to cover the sky just in case they sent someone with flying skills. However, to both their surprise, it seemed that Ryven was able to leave without any tails, and soon, he made it to the duo.


    ¡°Well?¡± Derek asked impatiently.


    ¡°They were some very nice people,¡± Ryven said.


    ¡°You¡¯re an elf,¡± nah answered, deadpanned.


    ¡°Still¡­¡± Ryven replied with a shrug. ¡°It doesn¡¯t take away the fact that they treated me, a stranger, well, when they could have told me to leave or even resorted to violence.¡±


    ¡°Because you¡¯re an elf,¡± nah said again. ¡°Their views are so swayed that they are more inclined to trust their own kind than a normal person is to trust anyone else.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Ryven said with another shrug. ¡°But they gave me tea, and it was delicious.¡±


    ¡°Whatever¡­¡± nah muttered. ¡°Were you able to get any information out of them? Why there are so many encampments built around the border of The Echoing Abyss.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes,¡± Ryven said with a smile. ¡°You¡¯re not going to believe it.¡± He paused, and didn¡¯t say anything else.


    ¡°Spit it out,¡± Derek finally said. ¡°Or are you fucking with us because I¡­ borrowed you without your permission?¡±


    ¡°You really should ask next time,¡± Ryven said.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Derek said. ¡°Now, spill.¡±


    ¡°So, they told me about this monster from over a century ago,¡± Ryven started.


    ¡°A monster?¡± Derek asked. ¡°Is it the one that makes The Echoing Abyss what it is?¡±


    ¡°Oh, no,¡± Ryven said. ¡°It¡¯s much better than that.¡± Then, he gave the duo a wide grin and said, ¡°The monster was this evil half-elf with fangs and razors for fingers. She has dark sickly green hair, and with a single word, she can bring an army to its knees.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± nah said, stunned. ¡°Are you serious?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m dead serious,¡± Ryven replied. ¡°You are quite the legend around here. Oh, and they may treat humans and dwarves extremely poorly, but because of your legend, it seems that they don¡¯t actually treat half-elves as bad as they once did. There were even a few half-elf guards, and some of the full-blooded elves didn¡¯t give them disgusted gazes.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± nah muttered. ¡°Well, what do I have to do with why they are camped around the abyss?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the thing,¡± Ryven said. ¡°It seems that The Echoing Abyss has been turned into a training ground for adventures, nobles, and students. Elvese here to stay on the edge and move deeper and deeper just to train their Mental Resistance skill and their willpower. It¡¯s quite the idea, actually. Not a bad one, either.¡±


    ¡°Then that means that the people guarding here¡­¡±


    ¡°Are some of the strongest elves around. Instructors from schools are here to protect the students. Noble guardians are here to protect their lineage. And many high level guards are stationed here to help,¡± Ryven exined.


    ¡°Damn¡­¡± nah said. ¡°That¡¯s going to make sneaking inside very hard.¡±


    ¡°Not necessarily,¡± the duke said. ¡°I may just have a way to help.¡±

 Chapter 478: Borrowing the Right Elf

    Chapter 478: Borrowing the Right Elf


    ¡°You?¡± Derek asked. ¡°You can help us sneak through multiple encampments full of some of the entire kingdom¡¯s strongest guards and fighters? I¡¯m sure you hit it off with them, but I doubt they like you enough to allow you to bring a human through.¡±


    ¡°Oh, no, it¡¯s nothing like that,¡± Ryven replied. ¡°You forget, I am not only the Duke of Indria.¡±


    ¡°Mhm¡­¡± Derek nodded seriously. ¡°You are also a very bad militarymander.¡±


    ¡°That¡­¡± Ryven sighed. ¡°I am in charge of the kingdom¡¯s informationwork. But before that, I was part of the kingdom¡¯s informationwork. Like my daughter would have been had the invasion seeded.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re saying you¡¯re a¡­¡± Derek muttered.


    ¡°He was also a spy,¡± nah said. ¡°But I don¡¯t see how any of that helps us right now.¡±


    ¡°Well, as a spy, I would need a way to go undetected, right?¡± Ryven asked. ¡°Especially since I do have a very recognizable face.¡±


    ¡°And your way of going undetected?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Simple,¡± Ryven said. ¡°Reflective barriers and pass-through barriers. The Elras¡¯s barriers are useful for things other than defense.¡±¡°Yeah. Squishing people and containing lethal poison,¡± Derek replied.


    ¡°Well¡­ yes.¡± Ryven shook his head. ¡°But they are also fantastic for stealth. So, if you would like to jump on¡­¡± Ryven summoned an invisible barrier and hopped onto it. ¡°I would like to get back to Indria. That meeting was quite important, after all.¡±


    Derek and nah looked at one another, then both shrugged and hopped onto the invisible floating barrier, standing just behind Ryven.


    ¡°Great,¡± the duke said, then he moved his hands and summoned five more barriers. Soon, the trio was surrounded by barriers on all four sides, and their top and bottom. ¡°Now, if anyone looks at us, they will just see the reflection of what the barrier opposite it sees. It will be almost as if they are looking straight through us.¡±


    ¡°Nice trick,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Indeed,¡± nah replied.


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± Ryven said. ¡°If I move us slow enough, I should be able to pass us right over the top of their encampments without being found out. If I move too fast, then the barriers will get distorted, and someone may be able to see the odd anomaly in the sky. Plus, moving faster requires more mana consumption and risks the chance of someone feeling my aura.¡±


    ¡°Slow is fine,¡± nah said.


    ¡°I¡¯m also going to need the two of you to stand as still as possible,¡± Ryven exined. ¡°If you can do that, then we shouldn¡¯t have any problems getting through the encampments and closer to the center of this danger area.¡±


    ¡°Great!¡± Derek said.


    ¡°And Derek,¡± Ryven muttered.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Once I get the two of you where you need to be,¡± the duke began. ¡°Then, I would appreciated if you would take me back home, as I¡¯m sure the two of you will not have any more use for me.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good to me,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Mhm,¡± nah replied with a nod. ¡°You would only get in our way. It will be too dangerous for you if we don¡¯t protect you, so that will be for the best.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not weak,¡± Ryven replied.


    ¡°No,¡± nah said. ¡°But you are also not truly strong.¡±


    Ryven let out a light snort and a sigh. Then he shook his head. ¡°Well, whatever you say, ¡®oh great monster of Linderis¡¯. Now, I¡¯m taking us up.¡± The duke breathed deeply, then concentrated on moving the barriers.


    ¡°This is pretty cool,¡± Derek said, careful not to move anything other than his mouth. He looked down as the ground became smaller and smaller. ¡°It¡¯s like a two-way mirror. We can see everything on the outside, but we can¡¯t be seen from the outside. Good skill¡­¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡± Ryven nodded. ¡°Now, I would appreciate some silence as well. I must concentrate.¡±


    Derek nodded, then went silent. He kept his eyes peeled just ahead of them on the ground¡ªwaiting for their approach to the encampments. Ryven said he would be flying slowly, but in reality, they were going rtively fast. Soon they made it close to the encampments.


    ¡°Here we go,¡± Ryven said as he took in a deep breath.


    Derek noticed their momentume to a screeching halt. To get over the entire encampment, the duke chose to slow to a crawl. Derek guessed that from a certain distance out, the duke wasn¡¯t worrying about being detected, but now he was.


    Soon enough, they were directly over the encampments and Derek was able to look down on them all. They were flying low enough that he could make out all the figures running around in the camps. He also saw many people slowly moving further and further toward the center of the danger area. Derek had a few questions he wanted to ask, but chose to wait until Ryven said it was okay.


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    Eventually, they made it past all the encampments, and everyone let out a sigh of relief. It seemed that they weren¡¯t discovered by anyone.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Ryven said as he adjusted their speed a bit¡ªmoving faster. ¡°Now you can speak.¡±


    ¡°So, a different group led each of those encampments?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Ryven said. ¡°Each of those I listed before, the nobles, royals, schools, and anyone else, have their own camps. If you look down the line of camps, you¡¯ll see some much smaller camps. Those are the lesser school, nobles, and merchant families¡¯ camps. Anyone who is able toe here makes sure to do so. After all, none of the lesser nobles and such would want to miss opportunities when it is rtively safe because of all the strong guards.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Derek said, then he turned to look at nah. ¡°So, they are moving deeper and deeper into the danger area to increase their willpower and resistance skills, right?¡± Derek asked and waited for Ryven and nah to nod their heads. ¡°What is it that they are getting close to? What is increasing their skill levels?¡±


    ¡°The creature that controls The Echoing Abyss,¡± nah said. ¡°You¡¯ll feel it soon enough, then you¡¯ll see it. I¡¯ll make sure to point it out,¡± the siren exined. ¡°Now, Ryven,¡± she began. ¡°Did they tell you whether any of the people actually made is far enough to go into the abyss? It¡¯s basically a deep canyon, and the real threats lie inside.¡±


    ¡°They did not say,¡± Ryven replied. ¡°And I did not know what exactly to ask them. In fact, I didn¡¯t ask many questions at all. They had assumptions about why I was there, and I didn¡¯t bother telling them any different, so most of the information I received was freely given without me asking. I only asked a couple of questions, and they answered very thoroughly. So, I do not know how deep any of the people may venture into the danger area.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± nah said.


    ¡°I take it that you would like to get to the canyon. Or at least close to it?¡± Ryven asked.


    ¡°That would be ideal,¡± the siren replied.


    ¡°Okay. In that case, I¡¯m going to pick up speed. I believe that we are past the worst of it.¡± After that, Ryven slowly began increasing the movement of his barrier until he hit a speed that he thought was best. From there, they flew straight.


    During their flight, they passed over multiple small tents with people meditating inside or outside of them. At some point, Derek began feeling an odd vibration throughout his body. At first, he barely noticed it and didn¡¯t think much of it. However, it didn¡¯t go away. It continued to increase.


    ¡°So, it¡¯s this vibration that they are after?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± nah replied. ¡°It is near constant, and the closer we get to the source, the more severe it will be.¡±


    ¡°And you lived here?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°I did,¡± nah answered. ¡°Well¡­ not here, but I actually lived and survived as a young girl in the canyon itself.¡±


    ¡°No wonder you ended up with the ss and skills that you have,¡± Derek said. ¡°That must have been miserable.¡±


    ¡°It was,¡± nah replied. ¡°The vibrations kept me in and out of consciousness. The asional lucid moments I had was spent scavenging and scrounging for food or ways to help my survival chances. It wasn¡¯t like I was strong enough to go out and fight a single monster inside. It was pretty brutal, but my constant fight for survival kept my mind from wondering to other things. It was mostly a curse, but in some ways, also a blessing. I know that once I made it out, I was not the timid little girl I used to be.¡±


    ¡°I bet,¡± Derek replied. ¡°Going through that¡­ it must have been hard.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± nah replied. ¡°Later on, I paid the ce another visit. This was after I was grown and had a good grasp on my abilities. I also imagine that it is where the tales of the horrible monstere from. I wasn¡¯t exactly subtle on my way back to the abyss, and there was no love lost between me and my fellow countrymen.¡±


    ¡°I take it you didn¡¯t find what you were looking for?¡± Derek asked. Beside them, Ryven continued concentrating on their movements, but he was also listening intently.


    ¡°No¡­ well¡­ I did, but there wasn¡¯t anything I could do at the time,¡± nah replied. ¡°Even after all that time and all that power, I still wasn¡¯t strong enough. But now¡­ with you¡­ I¡¯m sure it will be fine.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ I got your back,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± the siren replied, then shifted her body and pointed out in front of them.


    When Derek turned to look, he frowned. ¡°That doesn¡¯t really look like much of a canyon. The way you were talking, I didn¡¯t think I was going to be able to see the other side.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t,¡± nah replied.


    ¡°I can,¡± Derek said and pointed at where he saw thend reappear. ¡°It¡¯s right there.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not thend,¡± nah said with a smile. ¡°That¡¯s the creature emitting the vibrations¡ªthe one in control of The Echoing Abyss.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a monster?¡± Derek raised his eyebrows. ¡°That has to be at least as big as that whale I was ying with¡ªmaybe even a bit bigger.¡±


    ¡°It is for sure,¡± nah replied. ¡°And there is no telling how old the creature is. As far as I know, nobody has been able to push through the vibrations to get close enough to attack it either.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t they just go at it from above?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Nobody would want to take that risk,¡± the siren said. ¡°Just think about how much the vibrations have increased since you first started feeling them, then think about how bad they must be when you get close. Better yet, just wait. You¡¯ll soon feel them yourself.¡±


    ¡°About that¡­¡± Ryven said, causing Derek and nah to turn to look at him.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Derek muttered. He saw sweat running down the duke¡¯s forehead and dripping down onto his clothing. ¡°How much more can you handle?¡±


    ¡°Not all that much,¡± Ryven answered. ¡°I will probably just be able to reach the edge of the abyss. After that, I will need my focus for the vibrations instead of the barriers, and I won¡¯t be able to fly us any farther.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve done more than enough on short notice,¡± nah said. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°It looks like I borrowed the right elf, huh?¡± Derek added. ¡°Who knew you would be so handy?¡±


    ¡°Hmph¡­¡± Ryven snorted, but couldn¡¯t keep himself from letting a small grin appear. ¡°It has been an interesting day, that is for sure.¡±


    ¡°See, it wasn¡¯t so bad,¡± Derek said. ¡°You got to meet some new people, explore a new ce, and you got to get away from that god awful meeting you were in. That did not look fun.¡±


    ¡°And they happen weekly,¡± Ryven responded.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ no thank you,¡± Derek said.


    After that, they flew silently for another short time. Finally, Ryven let out a deep breath. ¡°This is as far as I can take you. I just lost the top barrier. I¡¯m going to sit us down.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead,¡± nah said, and they began their descent. Eventually, they found themselves hovering just a few feet above the ground, then the barrier below them disappeared and they dropped the short distance down. ¡°Thank you again.¡±


    ¡°It¡­ was no¡­ problem¡­¡± Ryven heaved in and out, trying to catch his breath.


    Derek looked around and even jumped into the sky to check out their surroundings. Finally, he came back down. ¡°Looks like the coast is clear,¡± he said, then used Void Travel. He walked behind Ryven and ced his hand between the elf¡¯s shoulder-des. ¡°Are you ready to go home?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Derek sent a small film of void to epass the duke, then took him into the portal. He then found Osian and dropped the duke off with his brother. Before any questions could be asked, he jumped back into his portal and closed it behind himself. Finally, he made his way back to nah and stepped out, closing the entrance as well. ¡°Now what? We gonna go jump in?¡± he asked, and his words were met with nothing more than a smile from the siren. <em>Looks like we are.</em>

 Chapter 479: Echoing Willow

    ¡°Come on,¡± nah finally said. After that, the two of them walked the rest of the distance to the edge of the abyss¡ªwhere Ryven was unable to go. It didn¡¯t take very long before Derek and nah were standing at the very edge, looking down at the steep drop off.


    ¡°Whew¡­¡± Derek whistled. ¡°That¡¯s a long way down,¡± he said.


    ¡°Yes, it is,¡± nah replied. ¡°Close your eyes and listen,¡± she said. ¡°Do you feel how powerful the vibrations are just at the edge?¡±


    ¡°Let me see,¡± Derek said before closing his eyes and doing as he was told. The vibrations were certainly jarring¡ªeven to him, they were enough to make him a little more than uneasy. ¡°It¡¯s about at the point of your control when you try to give me amand when you aren¡¯t transformed. I¡¯d say that it¡¯s enough to really affect or harm any person under level 200, or even many over level 200 that don¡¯t have high rarity sses.¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡± nah nodded her head. ¡°That¡¯s about where I would put it, too,¡± she said. ¡°Using The Echoing Abyss to train up everyone¡¯s Mental Resistance and willpower was certainly a good idea.¡±


    ¡°I also didn¡¯t see any monsters around on our way here.¡± Derek pointed out. ¡°Do you think those strong guards and fighters have somewhat got them under control?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just about the only thing that makes sense,¡± nah answered. ¡°If there were still level 220 plus monsters roaming around the edge here, there would be more guards around the more talented heirs and students that are training close to the edge.¡±


    ¡°I guess that¡¯s true,¡± Derek said. ¡°I bet there¡¯s also someone who patrols the edge, too.¡±


    ¡°I would imagine so,¡± nah replied. ¡°And if there is, then they won¡¯t be your run-of-the-mill guard.¡±¡°Should we jump down?¡± Derek asked as he looked out over the drop off once again.


    ¡°Not just yet,¡± nah replied. Then she pointed at the monster that Derek had mistaken fornd earlier. ¡°The monster. What do you see?¡±


    ¡°That¡­ I¡¯m not sure,¡± Derek answered. ¡°It doesn¡¯t look like it¡¯s moving at all, and I think that, at its size, it would be easy to see even the subtlest of movements.¡±


    ¡°You are correct.¡± nah nodded. ¡°The creature is static. As long as I¡¯ve known it, it hasn¡¯t moved an inch from where it¡¯s at¡­ well¡­ that¡¯s not true.¡± She corrected. ¡°It has grown a bit, which means that I guess it has moved. But it hasn¡¯t moved based on anything other than growth.¡±


    ¡°What kind of monster is that big, yet doesn¡¯t move?¡± Derek asked. ¡°And is able to make an entire area a danger zone just by sitting there.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll never guess,¡± nah lightly chuckled.


    ¡°I¡¯m not even going to try,¡± Derek said. ¡°I would rather you just tell me.¡±


    ¡°Very well,¡± nah said. Then she pointed. ¡°You see that part that looks likend?¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°That is a very dense canopy,¡± nah exined.


    ¡°Really?¡± Derek asked. ¡°If that¡¯s a canopy, then that means that the creature is¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a tree,¡± nah finished his sentence.


    ¡°You¡¯re saying that the ¡®creature¡¯ that is feared throughout this kingdom, and that even you show signs of hesitation towards¡­ is a tree?¡± Derek asked. ¡°You¡¯re joking, right?¡±


    ¡°Joking?¡± nah looked straight into Derek¡¯s eyes and shook her head. ¡°No, I¡¯m not joking in the least. It is known as the Echoing Willow, and is also the reason that the area is called The Echoing Abyss. There have been people who have gotten close enough to Identify the tree to know what it is called. And there are many more who have gotten close to the tree and never returned.¡±


    ¡°How did you survive?¡± Derek couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°Mostly by luck,¡± nah answered with a shrug. ¡°During the periods that I was conscious, I was lucky enough tond killing blows on some very injured beasts roaming around the abyss. Like I said, it is chaos down there. Every beast within the willow¡¯s range has extended bouts of insanity¡ªI was no different.¡±


    ¡°And even though you would go¡­ insane, you were able to stay alive?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ I know it¡¯s hard to believe,¡± nah said. ¡°However, my weakness actually yed a big role in keeping me alive. On the edge, when I figured out what was going on, I was able to fashion traps that an insane me was not able to escape. I made multiple and had many fail-safes. Because I was weak, I was unable to brute force my way through, and the uncontrolled me was not very smart¡ªnor are any of the crazed beasts down there.¡±


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    ¡°I see,¡± Derek said. ¡°But you had to have gotten stronger to be able to get out.¡±


    ¡°I did,¡± nah said. ¡°I found out that once I became conscious again, I would have some time to do things. One of those things was to slowly venture out of my cave and look for those injured beasts. It took¡­ a long time for me to find on that I had any confidence in defeating. It was a beast that would have probably bled out and died in minutes had I not gotten there in time tond thest strike¡­ which may have done a point or two of damage at most. Honestly, it almost felt like the abyss felt sorry for me.


    ¡°I was unable to gain some of the Achievements for killing a beast so many levels higher than my own level because I didn¡¯t deal all the damage, but just getting a share of the experience points was enough to increase my level by a lot. The one kill was enough to obtain a ss. The first ss wasn¡¯t all that great, but the first upgrade came with help to resist controlling effects. On top of that, I believe that my willpower eventually grew to be monstrous. I am unsure if it has changed since I escaped though¡­ I may not have as much willpower as I used to.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Derek scratched his chin. ¡°I doubt you have lost much willpower,¡± he said. ¡°I don¡¯t even know how someone would do so¡­ I guess you may lose it if you becent¡­¡±


    ¡°And have I not?¡± nah asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ have you?¡± Derek replied.


    ¡°There¡¯s no way to find out,¡± nah said. ¡°With my ss the way it is now, I have no doubts that I will be able to stand next to the willow and not be affected by its echoes.¡±


    ¡°But what else can it do?¡± Derek asked. ¡°Surely it has something other than its controlling echoes to deal with enemies. How intelligent is it even? Does it release the echoes on purpose? Or is it just something that the tree does unknowingly?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± nah said. ¡°I¡¯m sure that if it is threatened, it will retaliate. Now, how may it go about that? I do not know.¡±


    ¡°And how do you n on taking something of that size out?¡± Derek asked. ¡°Against even those whales, I would have a hard time killing them because of their size. I have to somehow find the brain or some other organ and pound directly on that to do any real damage. Does this willow tree even have vital points?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if it has any vital points,¡± nah said. ¡°It may¡­ I doubt it would be easy to find out, though¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°Do you n on taking that tree out? That is why we¡¯re here, right?¡±


    ¡°It is one of the reasons,¡± nah said. ¡°If we are unable to defeat it, then that is just its good fortune. If we are, great¡­ that means I get to have some revenge. But the main reason I wanted toe here is because there is something I would like to retrieve down there. Something that I would like to take with me to wherever I end up going.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Derek muttered. ¡°Must be something incredibly valuable if you came all this way to get it.¡±


    ¡°Valuable¡­¡± nah tapped her finger against her leg armor. ¡°Yes¡­ it is something that I would deem very valuable.¡±


    ¡°Great,¡± Derek said. ¡°After we get this item, I think I may have a few ideas to try on that big piece of firewood out there.¡±


    ¡°Great,¡± nah said. ¡°My n is to challenge it with my own controlling powers. I may be able to beat it at its own gain at this point in my life. But if that doesn¡¯t work, I wee you to try whatever you can. I would hate to let these people of Linderis have such a good training area.¡±


    ¡°A little vindictive, are we?¡± Derek said with augh.


    ¡°Sometimes, it is okay to be petty,¡± nah replied.


    ¡°Can¡¯t argue with that,¡± Derek said. ¡°Now¡­ where is this item you¡¯re looking for? Let¡¯s go get it!¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± nah halted Derek. ¡°Before we go down there, I must ask¡­ are you okay with gaining experience points and increasing your level?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Derek frowned.


    ¡°Well¡­ once we get down there¡ªif it is anything like it used to be¡ªit will be hard to avoid fighting. Even close to the walls, the beasts go on rampages. And if we choose to go to the Echoing Willow, there will be more and more beasts there¡ªbeasts that the tree will be able to control. I can¡¯t imagine we will be able to get anywhere without you killing some beasts and gaining levels.¡±


    ¡°You have helped me greatly so far, and have made this trip fun,¡± nah continued. ¡°For obtaining my valuable, I, alone, will be enough. You do not need to follow me there. You can find a spot and hide until I return. After that, if we head straight for the tree, we should be able to avoid the monsters between us and the tree, but the monsters that are around the tree are a different story.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Derek said. ¡°I think a giant tree that can¡¯t move may make for one of the best training dummies out there. I only have five levels until I hit level 250, anyway. I¡¯m sure Silvi is itching at getting out there and leveling her own skills up.¡± Specifically, he was thinking about her Cook What You Kill skill. It was something that she hadn¡¯t been able to use much, and he looked forward to seeing what it could do¡ªespecially at higher levels.


    ¡°That is true¡­¡± nah muttered. ¡°And I should be able to take care of any of the beasts that aren¡¯t in the core region of the tree quite easily.¡±


    ¡°If I can make it to the tree with a few levels left to gain, then that will be more than enough for me,¡± Derek said. ¡°It will hopefully give my skills a small boost alongside the skill potions. Besides¡­ I¡¯ve been holding my level back for too long and now that I¡¯m so close, it¡¯s hard to not just push it right up there alongside everyone else.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ your level may be the same as everyone else, but with the quality of each of your levels, there will be a massive difference,¡± nah said with a smile.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have it any other way,¡± Derek said. ¡°I¡¯ll finally be at the point that everyone already thinks I¡¯m at. That means I won¡¯t have to shrug any questions off about it if anyone asks. And like I said, it will free Silvi up to go collect as much dinner as she wants.¡±


    ¡°If you say so,¡± nah replied. ¡°In that case, I must thank you once again for taking this journey with me. And seeing it through to the end.¡±


    ¡°Oh, stop it.¡± Derek rubbed the back of his neck. ¡°You¡¯re going to make me blush,¡± he said. ¡°Besides, we¡¯re way past all this decorum. I just did what a friend should do.¡± <em>Especially if said friend is growing antsy from sitting in a shop all day with nothing much to do there, </em>he thought, but didn¡¯t say.


    ¡°Still,¡± nah said. ¡°It is all the same.¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± Derek said. ¡°You are wee¡­ Now, let¡¯s go get you shit!¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ yes¡­¡± nah said. ¡°Let¡¯s go get my¡­ stuff.¡±

 Chapter 480: Dig

    nah approached the edge of the abyss. ¡°It¡¯s been a long time,¡± she muttered under her breath. ¡°I hope still remember where I¡¯m going¡­ and that it¡¯s still there,¡± she spoke lightly, but was easily heard by Derek.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll find whatever it is that you¡¯re looking for,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Only one way to find out,¡± nah replied. Then she took the final step and walked off the edge into the abyss.


    ¡°Here goes nothing,¡± Derek muttered, then followed suit.


    Many levels ago, a fall like the one they were experiencing would be enough to stter them on the ground, but at their current levels and stats, it was nothing more than a slightly invigorating jump. After falling for a little while, nah began to slow, and Derek passed by her. Secondster, hended on solid ground¡ªcreating a couple of holes where his feet were. nah floated down lightly beside him.


    ¡°Brute,¡± nah chuckled as shended gently on the ground beside him.


    ¡°I am the big dumb friend, after all,¡± Derek replied.


    ¡°Indeed,¡± nah replied.


    ¡°Now, do you have any idea where to go from here?¡± Derek asked.¡°Not a clue,¡± nah said. ¡°We¡¯re looking for a cave at the edge of the abyss. I am unsure where we came down in rtion to the cave, but it is along the abyss¡¯s wall here. There are some markers that I can recall like it was yesterday, so if they are still there, it won¡¯t be too hard to find as long as we stick to the edge.¡±


    ¡°Gotcha,¡± Derek said. ¡°Shall we?¡±


    ¡°Mhm¡­¡± nah nodded, then flicked her wrist¡ªcausing her rapier to appear in her hand. After that, she took off at a sprint. She ran just fast enough that Derek was able to keep up with her stride without using any skills to do so.


    The duo ran through and past overgrown forest, boulders, and even heaping clumps of moss that Derek could have sworn was alive. <em>Actually, it probably was alive¡­ </em>he thought. <em>If a big ass tree is the center of all this, then why wouldn¡¯t some moss be alive, too? </em>


    asionally, nah would slow to a halt and survey their surroundings. Then, she would let out a light sigh of disappointment and take off at a sprint again. This happened multiple times. The duo was also met with attacks from a multitude of different beasts that weren¡¯t nearly as docile as the clumps of moss they left alone.


    Derek didn¡¯t have to do anything in those instances, as the siren was quick to disappear a leave a hole in the head or heart of just about every beast that chose to attack. Derek was prepared tounch a void covered fist at anything that got by the woman, but, in the end, he didn¡¯t need to. nah was correct that the edge of the abyss was where the weaker, crazed beasts gathered.


    Some of the beasts they came uponpletely ignored the duo and kept fighting one another. One thing that each and every beast they came across had inmon was a pair of bloodshot eyes. It was obvious that none of the monsters really had any idea what they were doing and were just attacking anything that drew close¡ªwhich is why some of the monsters chose not to attack the duo¡­ they never got as close as the monsters that they were already battling.


    ¡°Stop!¡± After about an hour and a half of running along the abyssal wall, nah came to an instant halt and stopped Derek as well.


    ¡°Do you see something that you recognize?¡± Derek asked, hopeful.


    ¡°I do!¡± nah answered enthusiastically. ¡°Look at that.¡± She pointed at the wall.


    Derek looked toward where her finger was pointed and frowned. The only thing he saw was the rocky wall that looked just like the rest of the wall that they had been running alongside for the better part of two hours. ¡°What is it?¡± he asked. ¡°I don¡¯t see anything.¡±


    ¡°Look here,¡± nah said as she moved closer to the wall. ¡°See this indention? And this one, and this one?¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­ I guess?¡± Derek did see what she was pointing out to him. There were chunks out of the rock wall, but there wasn¡¯t anything strange about that¡­ at least to him.


    ¡°Look closely,¡± nah said. ¡°It¡¯s a happy face.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Derek squinted. He could vaguely see that the missing chunks formed something that may have resembled a happy face¡ªbut that was only if he were looking specifically for it. It wasn¡¯t something he would evere across and think of a happy face. ¡°If you say so¡­¡± he said.


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    ¡°I was young,¡± nah said. ¡°I was young and alone. I was only thirteen when I was chased and fell down here. Of course, I would seek something that made the horror just a little¡­ less.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Derek muttered. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± nah said. ¡°Now¡­ if this is the wall I¡¯m thinking it is, then my cave should be this way.¡± With that, nah took off once again, and Derek followed behind. This time, the duo didn¡¯t run very far.


    ¡°Here it is!¡± nah said.


    ¡°Where?¡± Derek asked. Once again, he wasn¡¯t seeing anything that nah did.


    ¡°Right here.¡± nah walked over to the wall, then crouched down. ¡°Great! Even after all these decades, it¡¯s still here.¡± The siren then began digging up and moving a bunch of fist-sized rocks that were pushed into the ground. One after another, she picked up a rock and gently ced it beside her. ¡°The only guarantee that I wouldn¡¯t be attacked by monsters¡ªand a way that helped to dampen the controlling effect of the willow¡ªwas topletely bury the entrance whenever I left or came back.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ I see,¡± Derek said. ¡°That makes sense, but how did you breathe?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s bigger down there than you would think, but I did almost suffocate many, many times,¡± nah answered. ¡°But it stopped being so bad once I got some stat points in me. Once you have enough, you just feel like you¡¯re suffocating, but your vitality will heal you and keep you alive. It¡¯s pretty torturous, but it allowed me to stay alive. Besides, I only had to feel it every once in a while. When the willow was really going at it, I didn¡¯t feel anything because I wasn¡¯t in control of myself.¡±


    ¡°That sounds awful,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°I imagine it was nothingpared to your starvation while trapped in the void,¡± nah said as she removed yet another rock and ced it gently at her side.


    ¡°Yeah, but you were just a child,¡± Derek said. ¡°I was a full-grown adult by that time, but doing it as a child?¡± He shook his head.


    ¡°When you¡¯re in that kind of situation, you grow up fast,¡± nah said. ¡°Especially when you¡¯repletely and utterly alone.¡±


    ¡°Ah, here we go,¡± nah said as she removed onest rock from the ground.


    Derek took a step forward and looked down. nah was hovering over a hole that was not much bigger round than a basketball. ¡°You lived inside there? How did you fit?¡±


    ¡°I was a child when I found it,¡± nah said. ¡°It was a hole made by a snake-like monster that I found dead. It was about twenty feet long and¡­ well¡­ this hole wide.¡± She positioned her hands at the side of the hole. ¡°Its body was sticking halfway out at the time, and its head waspletely gone¡ªmust have been killed by some other beast as it was trying to leave.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°It took me a long time, but I was eventually able to pull the rest of its body out of the hole,¡± nah exined. ¡°At that point in time, I was plenty small enough to go inside, and because of my diet¡ªorck thereof¡ªI was never too big for it. Not to mention that my dexterity grew faster than my strength did at that time, so it kept me very slim.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡±


    ¡°I could probably work my way into it right now if I weren¡¯t wearing my armor,¡± nah said. ¡°But there is no point in doing that¡­¡± she sighed. ¡°Could you help me make this entrance a bit bigger?¡± she finally asked Derek.


    ¡°No problem,¡± Derek said. He then summoned Harbinger and cut into the ground around the hole. It would have been a bit faster if his ive was currently damaged¡ªif it were, he would have been able to use the weapon¡¯s Material Drain ability¡ªbut it wasn¡¯t, so he had to go about it in a slightly slower way. He cut into the ground, then picked the chunks of ground up and tossed them over to the side. He wasn¡¯t nearly as gentle with the pieces that he moved.


    ¡°Just keep digging along the route if you don¡¯t mind,¡± nah said.


    ¡°I aim to please,¡± Derek replied with a chuckle, before continuing to use his legendary weapon as a makeshift shovel. The ¡®route¡¯ that had been dug out by the snake turned out to be very long. ¡°It¡¯s no wonder that nothing ever found you in here,¡± he said. ¡°Doesn¡¯t look much like a cave, though¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I was extremely lucky to find such a shelter so soon after my fall. If not for this ce, I would have been dead and monster food many times over,¡± nah said. ¡°And like I said, it gets much bigger eventually. It actually is a cave of sorts.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Derek nodded and kept digging. Eventually, he reached where the hole went underneath the wall of the abyss. Once there, he kept digging¡ªthis time, he began clearing an entrance in the wall as well as expanding the tunnel. His ive sliced through the wall and ground like a hot knife through butter. He even began storing the wall and ground in one of his storage rings because it was much faster and easier to do than try to move it out of the way. ¡°Where is an earth mage when you need one?¡±


    ¡°I think the old man would be the only earth mage I know who I would trust not to go crazy because of the willow,¡± nah replied. ¡°And I would rather all this be kept between the two of us. I wasn¡¯t exactly at my best when I lived here.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ if we did bring Marrick, I think he would have been able to fit in the hole and crawl all the way. He wouldn¡¯t even need to use his earth or sand or whatever it is that he¡¯s good with,¡± Derek said. ¡°But I get it. This is all very personal and probably bringing back some memories that you would rather others not know.¡±


    nah didn¡¯t say anything. She just stood behind Derek and let him work. Soon, he found that the tunnel he was expanding no longer needed expanding, and he was able to fit inside without even ducking. ¡°Looks like my part is done,¡± he said, then squeezed to the side to let nah pass him by.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± nah said as she took the lead and slowly walked forward. Soon, they were deep enough in that there was no lighting in from the outside. At that point, nah flicked her wrist and brought a runesmithed orb of light to brighten their way. ¡°So, this is what it looks like inside,¡± the siren muttered as she continued forward.


    ¡°Looks like a cave,¡± Derek said. ¡°I take it that you were stuck in here in the dark?¡±


    ¡°I was,¡± nah answered. ¡°But I¡¯d rather be safe and in the dark than in the light and in constant danger. At least in here, when I had control, I could rest.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± Derek said. ¡°Also, it really does seem like the controlling effects from the big piece of firewood aren¡¯t as bad in here. I mean, it is still pretty bad, just not as bad.¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡± nah nodded. After that, the duo silently ventured forth. Not long after, the tunnel opened, and they found themselves in what seemed like a room. It wasn¡¯t very big¡ªonly about the size of one of Derek¡¯s bedrooms back in his shop. Finally, nah took in a deep breath, then said, ¡°I thought it was bigger than this.¡±

 Chapter 481: What Was Left

    Derek opted to stay at the entrance and to not say anything as nah took in the cave where she spent much of her childhood and early adult life. As far as he could tell, with the cave being only dimly lit by nah¡¯s light orb, there certainly wasn¡¯t very much scattered around the area. But Derek was able to make out a few shapes lying around¡ªhe was unsure what they were, but they were definitely different from the rocks and dust that upied most of the cave.


    The siren slowly moved around the cavern from one side to the other. asionally, she would crouch down and pick something up before tossing it toward the middle of the room. Eventually, the woman made her way all the way around the cave and came to be standing beside Derek. After a short moment to breathe deeply, she turned to Derek and smiled lightly¡ªin the dim light, he saw a tear roll down the siren¡¯s cheek.


    ¡°Come here,¡± nah said. She waited for Derek to nod, then led him to the back side of the room. Finally, she kneeled down, sat the light orb off to the side, and began rubbing dust off of a certain area. ¡°Even after all these years, some of the stuff here is still intact. And if some of the thingsying out in the open are still whole, then what about something I took great care with?¡± she asked rhetorically.


    Again, Derek knew she wasn¡¯t waiting for an actual answer from him, so he stood silently behind her and watched. Eventually, a great deal of dust and dirt was removed from the ground, and Derek saw that there were actually some breaks in the rock beneath them. As it turned out, the cracks weren¡¯t natural at all¡ªthey made a rough rectangle in the ground and were obviously man made.


    Once the entire area was revealed, nah took a deep breath and tried to fit her fingers in the small cracks, but could not. ¡°My fingers aren¡¯t as small as they were when I made it, and I never increased the size of the cracks to amodate my adult hands. I used to use a rock to pry it up when I needed to get to it,¡± nah exined, after which she summoned a very normal-looking dagger from her storage ring. ¡°Now¡­ just have to be very, very careful,¡± she muttered to herself.


    Very carefully, nah wedged her de into the crack. With a slow and steady motion, she pushed down on the dagger and used it to slowly pry the stone up¡ªbeing careful not to let her current strength damage anything in the process. Derek guessed that this was why she used such a weapon to do the job instead of her rapier or another, sharper weapon¡ªmost of the stuff that they would use at their levels would absolutely devastate any normal ground or stone they even lightly touched. This could be seen in the way Harbinger was able to slice through the walls of the abyss.


    As soon as the dagger brought the side of the stone up, nah quickly grabbed the raised edge with her fingertips. Once she had a good hold on the stone, she took a deep breath and raised it up and out of the ground. It took a lot for Derek not to lean over the siren and get a peek at what was inside the storage hole that she¡¯d made when she was younger, but he was able to control himself and wait.


    nah sat the stone gently on the ground beside her, then she leaned forward on her knees and reached slowly into the hole. Being more careful and gentler than Derek had ever seen her be before, nah slowly raised something up out of the ground. Whatever it was, was wrapped up in an extremely tattered and dirty cloth.


    With a flick of her wrist, a stunningly regal and clean white sheet appeared on the ground in front of her, just on the other side of the hole. For the first time, Derek saw that nah¡¯s hands were slightly trembling while clutching the object. Lightly, the sirenid the object on the sheet¡ªafter which, she picked up and ced the stone back in the hole.¡°My mother was a seamstress for our small vige,¡± nah said, breaking the silence. She bent forward and took one edge of the cloth off of the object. ¡°Well¡­ she was until she became pregnant with me. After I was born, she was shunned, and it was hard for her to find any real work to do there. Even though she was far more talented than any of the other seamstresses, she only received work than none of them wanted to do.¡±


    nah continued to remove the tattered cloth from the item. ¡°Before our vige was raided, and I lost her, I think she was nning on bringing me out of Linderis and to one of the other kingdoms. But I don¡¯t think she meant to stay with me¡ªbut I¡¯m not sure about that. It¡¯s just a feeling I get. I believe she nned on finding a way to give me a good life away from Linderis, even if it meant giving me up.¡±


    Finally, nah removed thest bit of tattered cloth away. Delicately, she reached down with both hands and picked up the now unwrapped object. Derek saw a doll in her hands that was almost as tattered as the cloth it was wrapped in was. With a sh of light, all the dirt and grime were removed with the use of nah¡¯s cleaning skill.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    What was revealed was the figure of an elf with emerald-green hair. The doll was wearing a very ordinary white apron over what looked likemoner clothing. There was some stuffing sticking out where the years hadn¡¯t been kind to the doll, and a quick Cleaning couldn¡¯t fix. However, even with the damage, Derek could see the striking resemnce between the doll and nah.


    The siren held the doll with one hand and picked the light orb up with her other before standing up. Then she turned and looked Derek in the eyes. In the dim light, Derek saw both joy and sadness in the woman¡¯s eyes. Dust had also umted onto her face, and there were multiple tear streaks running down her cheeks.


    ¡°Thank you foring with me,¡± she said. ¡°Allowing me to retrieve this.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± Derek said. ¡°You only had to ask.¡±


    ¡°This¡­¡± She held the doll closer to Derek, but kept it very close to herself, like she didn¡¯t want to lose it. ¡°This is the only thing left of my mother¡¯s. It was the only thing I had with me when the vige was raided. I cherished it the entire time I was stuck down here in the abyss. I never left the cave without hiding it. Escaping the Echoing Abyss was unnned, so it was still in here when I left.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d you were able to find it,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°I had almost forgotten what she looked like,¡± nah said as she held the doll out and looked it up and down¡ªanother tear streaking down her face. ¡°She made it for me, so I¡¯d always have her by my side.¡±


    ¡°She was very good at her craft,¡± Derek said. ¡°I can easily see the resemnce between the doll and you, even in its current state. The fact that she could portray that in a doll is amazing.¡± He tilted his head and got a slightly better view of the doll. ¡°Your mother was beautiful.¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡± nah nodded. ¡°She was,¡± she said. ¡°But it was her downfall,¡± nah continued. ¡°If not for her beauty, I would have never been born, and she would have never been treated so poorly. Maybe she would have even moved from the vige to one of the big cities and she wouldn¡¯t have been there when they raided it. She was that good¡ªshe would have been appreciated anywhere she went if she wouldn¡¯t have had me¡­ or if she hadn¡¯t cared for me like she did.¡±


    ¡°She was a good person,¡± Derek said. ¡°That¡¯s obvious.¡± He didn¡¯t say anything about the circumstances that led to nah being born. Instead, he said, ¡°It¡¯s also obvious that she loved and cared for you deeply. She would be very proud of you¡ªof what you have be. Of the person you have be.¡±


    ¡°I hope,¡± nah said. ¡°I wasn¡¯t always the person I am now. There were times that I feel she would have been disappointed in me.¡±


    ¡°Look what you survived, though,¡± Derek said, motioning to the cavern surrounding them, then to his ears where a light vibrationing from the willow tree so far away from them still tried to seize control of his thoughts and actions¡ªtried and failed miserably. ¡°I¡¯m sure she would have understood anything that you had to do after what you went through. She would have still loved and understood you, even if you wouldn¡¯t have turned everything around and be the person you are today.¡±


    ¡°Mhm¡­¡± nah lowered her head, then brought it up and shed Derek a genuine smile. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Just telling you what I guarantee is true,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°I need to get this to Cydaria¡¯s best seamstress. I won¡¯t let them out of my sight until it¡¯s repaired.¡± nah said, turning the doll over and frowning at some of the damage to it. ¡°I¡¯m surprised it¡¯s still in as good of a condition as it is.¡±


    ¡°Like you said,¡± Derek replied. ¡°Your mother was great at her craft. Obviously, items she crafted¡ªespecially ones that she put her all into¡ªwould have great durability. I don¡¯t know what her level was, but even a lower-level crafter would have that increased durability.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what level she was either,¡± nah said. ¡°She never talked about levels or the Great System or anything. I think she nned to leave with me soon¡ªbefore I unlocked the system¡ªand didn¡¯t want to sway me toward any one ss or another, so she never talked about any of it. I feel like her n was to find a ce for me and let me unlock the system there¡ªwith help from people who knew more than she did.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how much copper, silver, and gold she had saved for me,¡± nah continued. ¡°We lived very frugally my whole life, and even though it was hard for her to find work, I know that she never spent everything she made. I also saw her putting some copper away once. For decades, I have been thinking about these things,¡± nah exined. ¡°If we would have left sooner, if my birthday had been earlier, if she would have gotten a few more jobs¡­ all the ¡®ifs¡¯ that I¡¯ll never know. It¡¯s useless thinking about them, but I can¡¯t help myself.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s only natural,¡± Derek said. ¡°We all have those ¡®ifs.¡¯ And even though there¡¯s nothing we can change, we can¡¯t help but think about it¡­ over and over.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ right,¡± nah said as she looked at Derek. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ I wasn¡¯t thinking¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Derek said. ¡°It¡¯s all those experiences that made us who we are today, and I have to say, we¡¯re pretty badass.¡±


    ¡°We are, aren¡¯t we,¡± nah chuckled.


    ¡°Yes, yes we are,¡± Derek said. ¡°I mean¡­ you¡¯re a living legend in this kingdom. A very horrifying, bogeyman, but a legend, nheless. I¡¯m pretty sure this entire continent is terrified of you. And then, if you go back to the other one, you are one of the most well-known and respected people of all the kingdoms¡ªespecially Cydaria. Like I said, pretty badass.¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡± nah nodded. ¡°And you¡­ well¡­ you are you.¡±


    ¡°Exactly!¡± Derek said, and at the same time, he felt the vibration pick up in his ear. He furrowed his brow and frowned. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    nah looked at the doll of her mother and hugged it tightly before storing it in her ring. Then she stored the tattered cloth that had protected it all those years and the sheet she¡¯d spread out on the ground. After that, she cast Cleaning on herself, then looked at Derek. ¡°That is our chance to take care of the willow.¡±

 Chapter 482: Assemble

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°The Echoing Willow always releases a few intense bursts of its power before going dormant for a short amount of time. Unless it has changed after all of these years, this doesn¡¯t happen often. We¡¯re lucky. It means that soon, the willow will lose control of the abyss for a short time.¡±


    ¡°And it will be vulnerable?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Not necessarily¡­¡± nah said. ¡°I¡¯ve never gotten close to it. It does, however, mean that it will lose control of all the beasts. In other words, the beasts will gain control of themselves for this short amount of time. They will all be busy gathering themselves and even trying to escape the willow. It will be our perfect chance to go there. They shouldn¡¯t attack us or anything else that gets close to them. This could be the best time for us to attack.¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯re sure you still want to do that?¡± Derek asked. ¡°Kill the willow?¡±


    ¡°Even if I wasn¡¯t before,¡± nah started. ¡°Knowing that the bastards in this kingdom are using the tree to grow stronger has made me sure. This horrifying bogeyman can¡¯t leave them without giving them onest parting gift, after all.¡±


    ¡°No, I guess you can¡¯t,¡± Derek said with a chuckle. ¡°Well, how are we going to do this?¡± he asked.


    ¡°You said you might have a n, right?¡± nah asked. ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting to get this opportunity¡ªespecially so soon. What are you thinking?¡±


    ¡°I think that neither of us are well equipped to fight against something as big as that giant tree seemed to be,¡± Derek said. ¡°I have a couple of attacks that may work on something of its size, but the rest of my skills are much more suited to fighting single opponents.¡±¡°That is true,¡± nah replied. ¡°I also have to imagine that my main controlling abilities will not be very useful in a fight with it. After all, our abilities are very simr. The Echoing Willow may be even less susceptible to my skills than I am to its skills. I do not know if the tree actually has a way of hearing me.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Derek said, agreeing with the siren¡¯s assessment.


    ¡°So, what do you think?¡± nah asked.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not like the two of us have to fight it on our own,¡± Derek said. ¡°Once I saw the thing, I started thinking about ways to defeat it.¡±


    ¡°Very true,¡± nah said. ¡°That is one of the things that makes your traveling skill so powerful. Who did you have in mind?¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, most of our friends will be too affected by the tree¡¯s abilities,¡± Derek said. ¡°You saw how much of a toll it took on Ryven just getting to the edge of the abyss.¡±


    ¡°Mhm. That <em>was </em>with him carrying us and not protecting himself with his sound barriers. The Elras family are quite good at countering sound-based attacks with those barriers,¡± nah said. ¡°Ryven still may not be too much help in the matter, but I imagine that Osian would be capable of withstanding the echoes with or without his barriers. I do believe that he is quite a bit stronger than his brother. We have never seen the king go all out, after all. And he could provide protection from the control to any others in the fight.¡±


    ¡°True,¡± Derek replied. ¡°He would definitely be good at crowd control of any beasts¡ªbut because of the current situation, we may not need anyone to control the beasts. And honestly, anyone who can¡¯t withstand the echoes on their own probably won¡¯t be much help against the willow. It also seemed like the elves were having a pretty important meeting. Borrowing a duke without permission is one thing, but borrowing king may be a bit much.¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡± nah nodded. ¡°Who else do you have in mind? Obviously, you¡¯re going to bring Silvi in. I know that those mes of hers are no joke. Shepletely melted the talented King of Astrus with those mes. Plus, you have been calling the Echoing Willow a piece of firewood for some time now.¡±


    ¡°Got it in one,¡± Derek said. ¡°I¡¯m also curious if one of her skills will work with firewood. Other than her, I think it would be a pretty good idea to bring Edgar into the fray. Where I¡¯m from, there¡¯s a lot of lore about lightning striking trees. We also know that he can withstand the echoes on his own, and he has mobility that is close to your own when you are in your siren form.¡±


    ¡°The prince would be a good choice,¡± nah replied. ¡°Do you think he would be up for the fight?¡±


    ¡°Obviously,¡± Derek replied. ¡°That guy really gets into it when fighting strong opponents. He also missed the fight with the final raid boss, so I¡¯m sure he¡¯s itching for some action. He¡¯s probably been drowned in politicstely¡ªhe¡¯d take any excuse to get away from that,¡± he exined. ¡°I¡¯m also thinking we should bring Avery along.¡±


    ¡°We should,¡± nah replied almost instantly. ¡°I would like to have one final battle with him by my side. He is also single target damage for the most part, so he may not be extremely useful, but I wouldn¡¯t want to fight without him.¡±


    ¡°Then it¡¯s settled,¡± Derek said. ¡°I¡¯ll go pick up Avery, Edgar, and Silvi. I¡¯d like to bring a healer or support just in case, but to do that, I think we would need Osian toe to protect them¡ªI¡¯m not sure if any I know would be able to withstand the echoes. I also think that our recovery stats are enough to get by, and we can always retreat if needed.¡±


    ¡°Those three should be good enough,¡± nah said. ¡°Too many more and it could get crowded. You should go get them. I will make my way out of the cave and will be waiting for you outside.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Derek replied. nah still seemed a bit wary about showing other parts of herself¡ªparts that would show her vulnerability¡ªso she surely didn¡¯t want them to gather in her former home.


    ¡°Then I will see you soon,¡± nah said. After that, the siren began a slow trek out of the cavern. Derek watched as the small orb of light she was holding moved further and further away. Soon, the light disappeared, and he was left standing alone in theplete dark of the room.


    ¡°I guess that¡¯s my cue,¡± Derek muttered to himself. After that, he activated his skill and stepped inside the void.


    This novel''s true home is a different tform. Support the author by finding it there.


    When Derek stepped back out of the void, he was inside Rudy¡¯s office¡ªor at least what used to be Rudy¡¯s office. There were walls knocked out, and there were also a couple of people that he didn¡¯t recognize huddled scared over in the corner of what was Rudy¡¯s shop. <em>Uh¡­ what the hell? </em>He thought before remembering that he¡¯d left Malorie and Geoffrey to work out details of different things to do. They had bought the extra lots, after all.


    ¡°Carry on,¡± Derek said to the two scared men, then walked through where the wall used to be. He took a quick look around and saw that the entire room was getting some kind of makeover. <em>And to think I traveled to Rudy¡¯s office so I wouldn¡¯t have to worry about scaring anyone. </em>Derek tisked before exiting the room and heading down the hall.


    It was easy to sense Silvi, but even if it wasn¡¯t, the bunny would be easy to find. All he had to do was find his way to the closest kitchen and, more likely than not, he would find the little chef bunny. Sure enough, when he made his way upstairs and to the kitchen, he found both the bunny and Ogre there. <em>He is way too big for this kitchen, </em>Derek thought, but didn¡¯t say anything.


    Instead, he watched as a piece of cake floated toward the giant of a man¡¯s mouth and he opened wide¡ªeating the entire big slice in a single bite.


    ¡°Good!¡± Ogre said. ¡°Weird vor, but good. Still hungry though.¡±


    ¡°Give it a few minutes,¡± Silvi¡¯s voice chimed out of hermunication crystal. ¡°You can have the rest if you don¡¯t¡­¡± The bunny then noticed Derek before she finished speaking. ¡°What is it?¡± she asked. ¡°Did youe to get me? More juicy chicken? Pigs?¡± her entire demeanor shifted when she saw him. He had told her that he¡¯de get her if he found something that she would like.


    ¡°Nothing like that,¡± Derek said. ¡°But there is an uing battle that we may need your help with. And I¡¯m not sure, but I think the monster may make for some good addition to your cooking,¡± he exined. ¡°But what was it that you were about to tell Ogre there?¡± he asked. He was very curious.


    ¡°Just making sure he doesn¡¯t die before eating too much of the special cake,¡± Silvi said.


    ¡°Uh¡­ do you two do this often?¡± he asked.


    ¡°We do,¡± Ogre answered. ¡°Ogre¡¯s belly don¡¯t hurt as much with Ms. Chef around.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Derek was almost speechless. ¡°Anyway,¡± he started. ¡°Just travel to nah whenever you¡¯re ready. But try not to be long, we¡¯re in kind of a time crunch.¡±


    ¡°Kay!¡± Silvi¡¯s voice chimed again, then she hopped onto a pot lid and floated directly in front of Ogre¡¯s head. ¡°Looks okay,¡± she said to nobody in particr. ¡°Can have the rest.¡±


    ¡°Cake!¡± Ogre muttered and took a single, giant step over to the counter with the cake on it.


    Derek shook his head, then activated Void Travel¡ªignoring everything else. Then he stepped inside and closed it.


    Next, Derek appeared in the Cydarian Throne Room. Edward was sitting on the throne, Edwin was standing close by, next to his former adviser, Phillip Musgrave, and Edgar was standing off to the side¡ªhis sister not far away from him. Phillip was shaking in his boots, and both the former and current king were staring at his arrival with frowns. Elouise was standing stiffly¡ªmost likely remembering thest time Derek appeared next to her with no warning. And when Derek looked at Edgar, the prince¡¯s eyes met his own¡ªthey had a sort of pleading look in them.


    ¡°Edgar,¡± Derek said. He was closest to the prince since he was the one who he targeted with Void Travel.


    ¡°Yeah?¡± he asked, hope in his voice.


    ¡°You want toe to another continent and fight an extremely strong monster with me and nah? We may need your help,¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Oh darn,¡± Edgar said to his brother and father. ¡°Looks like I¡¯m needed elsewhere. You all will have to continue this without me. If Derek needs help, then it must be something grave.¡± Without any more words, Edgar walked over to Derek and whispered, ¡°Please get me the hell out of here.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re off, then,¡± Derek said before anyone else could speak. Then he ced his hand on the prince¡¯s back and stepped inside his portal with him. He focused on nah, and soon after, ripped the void open and stepped out with the prince. They were at the entrance to nah¡¯s snake hole, but all the digging and the previous hole had already been covered up.


    ¡°Edgar,¡± nah said. ¡°Thank you for joining us.¡±


    ¡°No, thank you,¡± the prince replied.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you catch him up to speed,¡± Derek said. ¡°I¡¯m off to pick up Avery now.¡±


    The next time Derek stepped out of the void was in the Crown Restaurant¡¯s training ground¡ªwhere he had seen re, Zac, and Luke sparring before. This time, Avery was standing in front of the three of them. Again, Derek¡¯s arrival¡ªand the feeling caused by it¡ªhad shaken the three children. And it was still ongoing because he hadn¡¯t closed the portal.


    ¡°Derek?¡± Avery asked. ¡°What is it? What¡¯s wrong? Is nah okay?¡±


    ¡°I figured your first thoughts would go to her,¡± Derekughed. ¡°Yes, she is fine. But we need some help, so I¡¯m going around gathering people who might be able to.¡±


    ¡°The two of you need help?¡± Avery asked with a frown. ¡°With what?¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ there¡¯s a big tree that nah wants to kill,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Echoing Abyss?¡± Avery asked.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Derek answered.


    Avery then turned around and spoke to the three children. ¡°Your lessons with me end here today,¡± he said. They weren¡¯t able to respond, though, as the feeling that Derek¡¯s portal was emitting was just too strong. ¡°You can train how you like if you want or take the rest of the day off¡ªwhichever you all think is best.¡± After that, he turned to Derek. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Stand still.¡± As he did with Edgar before, Derek took Avery through the portal and out to nah.


    Once Derek withdrew his Void Creation shield from around the man, Avery walked forward and stood beside nah. ¡°Finally getting revenge?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± nah said. ¡°Finally.¡±


    ¡°Hey,¡± Derek said, causing nah to turn to look at him. ¡°There¡¯s a couple more people that I think would be good for this. I¡¯m going to go see if they want toe. Should be great for the roots.¡±


    ¡°Whatever you think is best,¡± nah replied.


    Derek nodded, then left once more.


    ¡°Fucking hell,¡± a deep voice sounded out as soon as Derek exited his portal.


    ¡°Ah¡­ sorry,¡± Derek said. Tyron was standing over an anvil with his ball peen hammer in his hand¡ªhis arm frozen mid-swing.


    ¡°Just eight hours of work down the drain,¡± the smith said, then with a sigh, asked, ¡°Can I help you with something?¡±


    ¡°You can, actually,¡± Derek said. ¡°Are you by chance in the need of some extremely high-quality wood?¡±


    ¡°High-quality wood?¡± The Walking Forge asked. ¡°I¡¯m always in need of high-quality materials. Why? Do you have any?¡± The smith¡¯s eyes turned from annoyed to hopeful the instant Derek mentioned high-quality materials.


    ¡°On me? No,¡± Derek said. ¡°But we are about to fight an extremely strong tree, and I thought you and Rocky may be able to help. I figure yourva or magma or whatever would be very good against such an opponent. Once we kill it, I¡¯m sure there will be plenty of wood to go around.¡±


    ¡°A battle, then?¡± Tyron asked.


    ¡°Yes, a battle.¡±


    Tyron cracked his neck, then reached out and cracked his knuckles. ¡°I guess I could take a break from the forge for a bit. What do you think?¡± At that, Rocky¡¯s worm-like form slithered out of the man¡¯s shirt and onto his shoulder. Tyronughed, ¡°Rocky¡¯s in. What do you need us to do?¡±


    ¡°I just need the two of you to stay really still,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°We won¡¯t have to fly, will we?¡± Tyron asked.


    ¡°No, no flying,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Good.¡±


    Next, Derek stepped forward and covered the two in his void. After that, he picked them up and walked into his portal¡ªclosing the opening behind him. He hadn¡¯t bothered closing the other side of the portal, so he soon stepped out next to everyone else again.


    ¡°That¡­ was almost as bad as flying,¡± Tyron said. ¡°There¡¯s no floor, but there is a floor¡­¡±


    ¡°Nothing I can do about that,¡± Derek said with a chuckle as he closed the portal behind him.


    ¡°Mr. cksteel,¡± nah said. ¡°Thank you for joining us.¡± After that, she turned to Derek. ¡°Yes, Mr. cksteel will be a great addition.¡±


    ¡°I thought so,¡± Derekughed. ¡°And hees with a dragon.¡± Rocky poked his head out of Tyron¡¯s shirt and gave a quick nod.


    ¡°Thank you for your help, too, Rocky,¡± nah said. ¡°Now, is there anyone else?¡± she asked.


    ¡°We¡¯re just waiting on¡­¡± Derek started, but felt the dreadful aura appear behind him. ¡°Nevermind,¡± he said.


    A few secondster, Silvi hopped out of the portal with a void created pot and lid floating above her. After she closed the entrance, she dismissed her pot and lid, and quickly re-equipped all her gear. She looked around at everyone, then, with a chime, said, ¡°Noodle!¡± Causing the dragonkin to quickly dive back into the safety of Tyron¡¯s shirt.


    ¡°Everyone¡¯s here,¡± Derek said with a chuckle. ¡°You have the lead.¡±

 Chapter 483: Approach

    Chapter 483: Approach


    ¡°Okay,¡± nah said, looking over the group. ¡°First thing that you all need to know is that the enemy, the Echoing Willow, is a monster unlike what any of us has fought yet¡­ well, unless you have fought me in my siren form, which none of you have.¡±


    ¡°What do we have to look out for?¡± Tyron asked. The cksmith was taking all the information in calmly.


    ¡°The main thing that I know of is the tree¡¯s controlling effects through vibrations and sound,¡± nah exined. ¡°I am confident that myself, Derek, Silvi, and Avery will be able to fight without being affected by its skill much, but the two¡­ three of you, I am unsure. I believe that you will be okay, Prince Edgar. As for you and yourpanion, Tyron, I¡¯m not sure.¡±


    Tyron closed his eyes and took a deep breath in. ¡°How much worse do you believe it will be once we get closer to the monster? As it is right now, it is no problem for me and Rocky.¡±


    ¡°I am unsure,¡± nah answered. ¡°Neither I, nor anyone I know of, have gone close enough to know.¡±


    ¡°And the controlling effect is only through the sound and vibrations?¡± Tyron asked.


    ¡°I imagine it would work via telepathy, too, but, unless you allow it in, you won¡¯t have to worry about that, so yes, it is the sound and vibrations that need to be watched out for,¡± the siren exined.


    ¡°In that case, if I dampen the sound that reaches me, then I should be okay?¡±


    ¡°If you are able to do so, then yes,¡± nah said.¡°Very well.¡± Tyron held out his hand, palm face up, and concentrated. Derek and the others watched as small grains of metal, earth, and other materials slowly rose out of the ground and began forming an object in the smith¡¯s hand. Before long, the Walking Forge had what looked like two ear covers connected to one another.


    <em>Did he just make some noise canceling earmuffs? </em>Derek inwardly chuckled.


    ¡°y is a good sound dampener,¡± Tyron exined. ¡°I mixed some of it with different metals. It¡¯s makeshift and not something that willst long, but it should get me through a fight or two.¡± With that, he slipped his temporary covers over his ear.


    ¡°How is it?¡± nah asked.


    ¡°What?¡± Tyron leaned in, then took the covers off. ¡°They havepletely eradicated the vibration that was reaching here, but I can¡¯t hear anything else with them on. During the fight, if you need me for something specific, you will have to reach out via Telepathy.¡±


    ¡°Great,¡± nah said. ¡°We will remember. Good idea, Tyron.¡±


    ¡°Edgar,¡± Tyron said as he turned to look at the prince. ¡°Would you like a pair?¡±


    ¡°Thanks for the offer,¡± Edgar replied. ¡°But I think I will be fine.¡±


    ¡°Very well,¡± the smith said. ¡°Anyone else?¡± He looked at Derek, Silvi, and Avery, but Derek and Avery only shook their heads, and Silvi ignored the manpletely.


    ¡°Will Rocky be okay?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°He¡¯ll be fine,¡± Tyron said. ¡°We¡¯ve already made a n. He¡¯s going to go underground and fight from there. I don¡¯t believe there is much out there with better underground control that Rocky. He¡¯ll have an entire ground¡¯s worth of sound and vibration dampening under there.¡±


    ¡°Good idea,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Okay,¡± nah said. ¡°Now that that¡¯s settled, is there anything else that anyone needs to discuss?¡± She waited for a bit, and seeing that nobody spoke up, said, ¡°Great! In that case, the willow should let out one more big burst of vibrations, then go quiet for a short time. We¡¯ll start making our way to it, and once the burst happens, we¡¯ll move as fast as we can.¡±


    ¡°Great,¡± Derek said. ¡°Do you have any ideas on strategies against the thing?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Not a single one,¡± nah said. ¡°It is a deeply rooted, massively sized tree. I doubt any of us have ever had to deal with such an opponent.¡±


    ¡°True,¡± Derek said. ¡°And I doubt there¡¯s any way to get inside it and kill it from the inside out. Will a tree even have a vital area like a brain or heart?¡±


    ¡°Doubt it,¡± nah said.


    ¡°Then I guess it alles down to the big hitters,¡± Derek said as he turned to look at Silvi, Tyron, and Rocky. ¡°You two burn it from the roots if you can, and Silvi can introduce it to some dragon mes. We¡¯ll see what happens, then go from there. Just wait for the signal before you begin attacking.¡±


    ¡°And what signal would that be?¡± Avery asked.


    ¡°You¡¯ll know it when you see it,¡± Derek chuckled as he kicked the ground.


    ¡°Alright, everyone,¡± nah said. ¡°Be careful during this fight. I don¡¯t want to lose anyone here.¡±


    From there, everyone other than Silvi and Rocky nodded. Silvi yawned, then jumped onto Derek¡¯s shoulder, and Rocky burrowed back down into the smith¡¯s shirt, as the smith slipped his ear covers back on.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    nah looked at the freshly packed soil beside them onest time, then turned. Now facing the center of the abyss, she took a step forward. The rest of the Cydarian elites followed suit, and soon, they were all meticulously making their way to the willow.


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    In only five minutes, Derek was d that they chose to bring Avery along. The archer yed the role of scout and executioner in the group. Any crazed beast that they would havee upon died before it knew what hit it. It seemed like Avery was working overtime to make the short journey as painless as possible for everyone¡ªespecially nah.


    A little whileter, another burst of vibrations traveled throughout the entire abyss. For the most part, everyone was fine. The only ones affected at all by the vibrations were Rocky and Edgar. Rocky poked his head out of Tyron¡¯s shirt and shook it, while the prince clicked his tongue and said, ¡°Looks like I¡¯m going to have to be a little more careful than I originally nned if that is what it can do from this far away.¡±


    ¡°The offer for a pair of these is still on the table,¡± Tyron said as he held up the ear covers.


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll be okay,¡± Edgar said. ¡°Can¡¯t have a proper fight without a little danger. If I ovee it, then it will show that my investment in wisdom wasn¡¯t for naught, and that my willpower is strong. If I don¡¯t¡­ then at least I won¡¯t have to worry about politics any longer.¡±


    ¡°If you insist,¡± Tyron said. Rocky moved back down into his shirt afterward.


    ¡°That was it,¡± nah said. ¡°Now is the perfect window to attack. We¡¯ll be able to make it there without any mental strain from the vibrations.¡±


    ¡°Always good to start a fight fresh,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± nah agreed. ¡°Okay, here we go,¡± she said. ¡°Do your best to keep up.¡± The next instant, the siren kicked off the ground and disappeared in front of everyone¡¯s eyes. A blue spark of lightning followed, and Edgar was gone. Derek never saw Avery, so he assumed that the archer had already left as well.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be there when we get there,¡± Tyron said as he put the ear covers back on. ¡°A bunch of speedsters¡­¡± he muttered.


    Derek gave him a quick look and a smile, then he too, disappeared with a quick kick off the ground, a well-ced Void Step, then an activation of Powerstride¡ªwhich he¡¯d had a lot more practice with since the first time he used it. He also had Void Shift in his back pocket if it was needed, but he didn¡¯t figure he¡¯d have to worry about getting lost on his way to the fight. After all, the Echoing Willow was more than massive¡ªits body took up an entire portion of the Echoing Abyss.


    As Derek used controlled Powerstrides on his way to the tree, he also activated Greater Meditation to keep himself as topped up on mana as possible since the skill took a rtivelyrge chunk of it with each use. He was getting much better at using the movement skill alongside his meditation skill.


    With everyone moving at such fast speeds, it didn¡¯t take long for them to be within range of the now silent tree. nah and Avery must have been first, as Edgar seemed to arrive just before Derek did. When Derek stepped out of the very thick forest, he was stunned by what he saw.


    Still a great distance away, he was able to see the trunk of the Echoing Willow. And on all sides of the tree was nothing but tnd and dead beasts. In fact, now that he was close enough to look, he realized what was actually going on with the tree, as did nah.


    ¡°So, it¡¯s not hibernating,¡± nah muttered.


    ¡°No, no, it isn¡¯t,¡± Edgar replied.


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ eating,¡± Derek said. What he was talking about, and they were all seeing, were vines or roots slowly appearing out of the ground, then wrapping themselves around dead animal carcasses. After which, the vines would tighten, then drag the beast down into the ground.


    ¡°So, it causes everything to go insane and kill each other around it, then uses the corpses as a free meal afterward,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°And those pulses must be what it does to personally kill any remaining close by beasts,¡± nah said.


    ¡°It may still hibernate, though,¡± Derek said. ¡°I know I like to after a nice big meal.¡±


    nah snorted and rolled her eyes. ¡°Let¡¯s just be thankful that we got here when it was hungry.¡±


    ¡°If you say so,¡± Derek said, before looking around. ¡°I¡¯m sure Tyron will be here any minute now.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll give him five minutes,¡± nah replied. ¡°If he¡¯s not here by then, he can join the fight in progress.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like a n,¡± Derek said.


    The five then waited for the smith to arrive with Rocky. The man was cutting it close.


    ¡°It¡¯s been four minutes,¡± Avery said. The Archer had both of his daggers gripped, and he was anxiously fiddling with them.


    ¡°Looks like¡­¡± Derek started, but before he finished, he heard rustlinging from the trees behind him. ¡°Right on time,¡± he said as he turned and saw the giant of a smith walk out¡ªhis face passive.


    ¡°Thanks for waiting,¡± Tyron said. He had removed one of his ear covers, and it was hanging down off the side of his head.


    ¡°I was afraid you were going to miss the signal,¡± Derek said with a chuckle.


    ¡°And what exactly is this signal¡± Tyron asked as Rocky hopped out of his shirt and burrowed into the ground.


    ¡°Just watch closely. I call this overwhelming force,¡± Derek said with a grin. At that, Silvi hopped off of Derek¡¯s shoulder and onto a void created pot lid, then hovered around the small group of elites. ¡°Now, don¡¯t fall too far behind.¡±


    Derek began walking toward the tree and a pretty quick pace. It was still a long way away, but it was in clear view, with nothing else around it for thousands of feet¡ªmaybe even miles. During his walk, he moved past a couple of roots wrapped around carcasses and was happy when they chose to stay focused on their meal instead of switching targets to him.


    Once Derek reached the halfway mark, he took a deep breath and slowed his approach. With his next step forward, he channeled his mana directly into his boots at a steady pace. This time, he didn¡¯t want to inject it all at once. He wanted a slower build up. He also did all he could do to keep Greater Meditation active.


    The more he walked, the more pain he felt in his legs. With less than a quarter of the way left to the giant tree, two vines shot out of the ground and wrapped around his aching legs. Before he was able to do anything about them, they were instantly split in two by a single arrow. He turned his head and nodded at Avery, who was following closely behind.


    With the severing of the vines came an overwhelming screech from the tree. The noise was painful in his ears, and he felt like he wanted¡ªno, needed¡ªto attack something close. But that feeling passed as soon as it appeared. Derek quickly looked behind him. Avery and nah didn¡¯t look any worse for wear. Edgar was frowning and pped himself in the face a couple of times, and Tyron was standing still, breathing deeply. A momentter, the smith opened his eyes and took a step forward with everyone else.


    Derek smiled¡ªhe doubted the screeches were going to get much worse than those. Sure, Tyron and Edgar would be in danger if they were fighting it alone, but they weren¡¯t. They could afford to be momentarily distracted¡ªespecially with Avery and nah there beside them.


    His smile then grew bigger as he felt everything click into ce¡ªhis armor¡¯s skill was ready. With as much strength as he could muster, Derek kicked off the ground and toward the Echoing Willow. As he moved through the sky, a ck sphere about the size of a bowling ball appeared beneath his left boot.


    No more than a couple hundred feet away from the tree, Derek halted himself with a Void Step. He looked down at the sphere, then at his right boot. Stars were rapidly circling the boot, and he smiled. With as much force as he could muster, he reared his leg back and kicked. The stars quickly transferred from his boot to the sphere, and the sphere shot forward¡ªtoward the willow at center mass.


    The sphere rotated one way, and the stars the opposite as he watched the ball fly forward. Derek canceled Void Steps and fell to the ground with the rest of his group. Edgar had seen him use the move before¡ªand he was pretty sure nah caught a glimpse of it while she was fighting the King of Astrus. But to Avery and Tyron, the skill was new.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± Avery muttered. ¡°The lion¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Derek said. ¡°It¡¯s the same skill.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Avery said. ¡°So that¡¯s why you called it overwhelming force.¡±


    If the Echoing Willow didn¡¯t know it was about to experience a full-on assault before, it would soon find out.


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 Chapter 484: Echoing Willow

    The Echoing Willow hadn¡¯t reacted much to Derek and the rest of his group¡¯s approach. Why would it? There was no telling how long it had lived in the abyss, and there was also no telling how long it had been since a legitimate challenger¡ªor group of challengers¡ªhad attacked. So, while it had tried a couple of times to wrap its roots and vines around Derek and the others, those times had been done very casually, like someone shooing a fly away from their food with their hand.


    There was no real intent in anything the willow had done so far. Yes, Avery¡¯s arrows had split a few roots, but, other than a quick, albeit overwhelming, screech, the willow tree had not initiated any real attacks. However, Derek knew that all of that was about to change as he watched the ball filled with stars and space fly slowly forward¡ªbing bigger and bigger as it built momentum.


    ¡°Prepare yourselves,¡± Derek shouted.


    ¡°Don¡¯t have to tell me twice,¡± Edgar replied, then jumped into the air with a pair of lightning wings on his back.


    ¡°Right behind you,¡± Avery said. A pair of dragon wings sprouted from his shoulder des, and the archer also took flight.


    ¡°Since I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯ll be able to provide adequate offense, I¡¯ll keep an eye out on everyone,¡± nah said, after which she slowly transformed before his eyes. Then, in her intense but sultry voice, said, ¡°If I see anyone in danger, I¡¯ll rush over to support them since I¡¯m the fastest here. I¡¯m also carrying arge supply of potions on me, just in case we need them.¡±


    ¡°Good idea,¡± Derek replied. With nah ying the role of support, he could rest easy knowing that he wouldn¡¯t need to worry about anybody¡ªnot that he thought he would need to, anyway. After all, he trusted everyone he brought with him to be able to take care of themselves for the most part. But there was always a chance that things wouldn¡¯t go as nned. ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll recover my mana, then go see what else I can do.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll go get a better view,¡± nah, in her siren form, said, then disappeared from sight.


    ¡®<em>Neat trick,¡¯</em> Tyron said via Telepathy, since he had his ears covered and was unable to hear anyone.¡®<em>It is,¡¯ </em>Derek sent back to the man. ¡®<em>nah¡¯s ying support and the other two are trying to figure out what they can do to help. I¡¯m about to do the same. I¡¯m banking on you, Rocky, and Silvi to be our heavy hitters for this fight. Hopefully, fire will work on this tree just like it works on all other firewood.¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®Rocky is currently setting up a parameter about 100 feet out from the tree,¡¯ </em>Tyron said. <em>¡®It¡¯s going to take him a while to make his way all the way around it¡ªespecially with all the roots down there that he has to avoid. But when he finishes making it, the monster will hopefully have to say goodbye to its root system. I¡¯ll act as soon as he is finished.¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®Great,¡¯ </em>Derek said. ¡®<em>In that case, looks like I need to go make myself a distraction.¡¯ </em>Without another word to Tyron, Derek jumped into the air. Momentster, his attack finally finished growing and sped up. In seconds, the giant ball of stars and space hit the body of the giant willow, and everyone held their breath. Slowly, the orb began sinking into the body of the tree until it stopped¡ªonly half of it was visible.


    <em>I guess the bark on the tree is sort of like armor, </em>Derek thought to himself. <em>The attack passed through it just like it did all the earth shields and barriers when I attacked that army with it. Interesting¡­</em>


    Once the forward motion of the attack stopped, multiple roots shot up out of the ground. They flew high until they reached the attack. The roots prodded and probed the orb¡ªit seemed like the tree didn¡¯t know what was going on or what it was hit with. The attack hadn¡¯t caused any damage yet. Just like the army before, the tree wasn¡¯t going to know what hit it until it was toote.


    That was when it all started. The gravitational pull of the attack began sucking in all loose leaves and even pulling a lot off of the vines. The outside bark around the attack also started peeling off and disappearing into the orb. The roots and vines that were prodding it before were sucked into it like a bowl of ramen. It was a sight to see.


    After that, the second part of the attack began. This was the part that Derek was excited about. He¡¯d only seen it once, but it seemed to be the perfect attack against such a monster. The small stars began circling in a ring around the ck ball of space. Then they expanded. Derek¡¯s mouth formed into a big smile as he watched the circling stars begin to cut into the tree like a giant chainsaw.


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    In the grand scheme of things, he didn¡¯t think the ability was doing all that much damage because of the size difference between it and the tree, but the attack was at least going to give his team a good idea of how to go about everything.


    Derek hadn¡¯t thought the tree¡¯s echoes would get much louder and more potent than they were after Avery shot it with his arrows, but he was wrong. It seemed like the Echoing Willow was able to turn its echoes up a notch when being hit with real damage. Unfortunately, there was no way for Derek to know how much damage the skill was actually causing.


    Finally, the stars finished their sawing and retracted back into the orb. From there, the ck sphere exploded, then expanded out, epassing a ratherrge portion of the tree¡¯s body. Then, after a few seconds of the ball staying static, it imploded into itself.


    After that, the screeching of the tree was turned up again. <em>This time, I bet that it¡¯s at its limit, </em>Derek thought as he turned to look down at Tyron, who was standing still with his eyes closed and breathing deep. The smith was affected by the tree¡¯s screeches, but it seemed that he was at least able to stay in control¡ªeven if he was rendered immobile for some time.


    Dozens of roots broke through the ground and shot at the smith in an instant, and Derek prepared to intercept the attack. However, this wasn¡¯t needed, as nah appeared out of nowhere and cut the roots dead in their tracks. Their eyes met, and they both nodded at each other. <em>Yup¡­ just like I thought. There was no point in worrying, </em>he thought to himself.


    ¡®<em>My turn,¡¯ </em>Derek heard Silvi¡¯s voice chime in his head as he turned to look at the destruction caused by his boot¡¯s ability. The ck hole had taken out an extremelyrge portion of the tree. Derek¡¯s smile grew wider when he realized that, though he could see the tree working on healing itself, lingering bits of space from his attack were keeping it from easily doing so.


    Derek finally saw Silvi zip by his head in her pot lid. He wasn¡¯t sure what her aim was, so he followed her with his eyes. Originally, he thought that the bunny was going to go straight in and hit the tree in the same spot that Derek had¡ªstacking all the damage in a single area¡ªbut it looked like hispanion had another idea.


    Once she got close to the tree, she changed her direction and shot straight up into the sky. Derek lost sight of her when she made it to the tree¡¯s canopy. ¡®Oh well,¡¯ Derek thought, then flicked his wrist and summoned Harbinger. If Silvi wasn¡¯t going to stack the damage, then he would just have to do so himself.


    He kicked off the void and shot forward. Mid-flight, he reached forward with his free hand and activated Spatial Copse¡ªaiming it anywhere within the tree behind where his first attack hit. With an opponent sorge, it was impossible for him to miss¡ªthough he did not see where the attack hit, either. He just knew that it hit somewhere inside the willow.


    If nothing else, then his use of Spatial Copse got the entire tree¡¯s attention. Before he was able to reach within twenty feet of it, he was pelted by a flurry of razor-like leaves. They circled around him like a tornado, and a few that reached his hands and face even left cuts on his open skin a little deeper than a paper cut. <em>I¡¯m d I¡¯m the slow one out of the bunch unless it¡¯s in a straight line, </em>he thought to himself as he activated Absolute Nullify and used it to redirect and nullify the attack. <em>If the others were slow, these leaves could prove fatal. </em>


    Once the leaves were thinned out, Derek deactivated his skill and continued on¡ªsecondster, he found himself standing inside the spot created by the spatial implosion. He activated Absolute Nullify once again and ced it behind him¡ªusing it as a shield to block any magical attack thrown at him while his focus was trained on the tree¡¯s inneryers.


    With his feet firmly nted, Derek let the void flow through his body and into Harbinger. If anything were to be able to find a vital area in a giant piece of wood like the willow, it would be one of his go to void attacks. Derek thought for a moment about using Whirlwind sh to increase the area covered, but doing so would miss a good portion behind him¡ªplus, this was a real fight, not one where he should be focusing on his unleveled skills. So, with that in mind, he activated his level 20 Multi-Strike, thenbined it with his level 20 Sweeping sh.


    Once as much of his void mana was channeled into Harbinger as possible, and the deep purple projection of his de was massive and almostpletely solid, he swung with all his might. The tip of Harbinger¡¯s de bit into the inner part of the tree in front of him and left a deep cut from one side to the other, and the de arcs from the skill followed in the de¡¯s footsteps and caused the cut to be deeper and deeper until it was multiple feet deep.


    The arcs of void energy had shot out and into the tree and disappeared. Derek didn¡¯t know what kind of damage they were doing¡ªif any. He hoped that they would find something important to sever, but there was no way to know for sure unless the Echoing Willow gave some kind of physical reaction.


    With a shrug, Derek continued to channel the void into Harbinger over and over, then activate any and all skills that he thought may be able to help¡ªthis included Whirlwind sh, Spatial Rend and Spatial Copse when it came off of cooldown. He hacked and shed away at the wood¡ªtreating Harbinger like a wood-chopping ax. As a backup n, he wanted to lose some of Harbinger¡¯s durability so he could repair it with Material Drain if things got hairy.


    And, if all else failed and he and hispanions weren¡¯t able to fell the tree, if he could get deep enough inside the thing, he could always channel his inner Silvi and create a void tunnel with Void Travel, and hope that opening the portal inside it would cause some kind of extra damage. Unfortunately, unlike the Starfury Leonaris, the tree seemed to bepletely solid inside, so it didn¡¯t look like hispanion was going to be able to just appear and cook it from the inside out.


    <em>Speaking of Silvi, </em>Derek thought. <em>I wonder how she¡¯s fairing up there.</em>

 Chapter 485: Ignite

    Silvi was having one hell of a time dashing and darting around on the pot lid she created with her Void Creation (Cooking) skill. Once again, she was happy that she kept her small form after her evolution. Opposable thumbs wouldn¡¯t have been enough to make up for the loss of her smallness and mobility created because of it.


    Before she left, she had thought the ground with all the noodle-looking vinesing out was going to be the dangerous and fun part of the fight, but once she flew into the canopy of the tree, she realized that wasn¡¯t the case. She zipped in and out with her giant void created cleavers and cut all the small limbs of the tree she could find clean off of it. And because she was such a smart bunny, she made sure to store any free-falling wood in her storage rings.


    Because, once they killed the giant toothpick, they would have to split all the material. So, if she took as much as she could during the fight without anyone else knowing, then she would be able to make a lot more meals with the wood. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder what that Noodle would taste like if skewered with an Echoing Willow stake and roasted over an open dragon me. But just like with the tasty-looking pointy ear people, nobody wanted her to eat the noodle, either.


    Speaking of Silvi¡¯s smartness, she had gathered over a dozen empty storage rings from Malorie before she left. Derek had said that the tree was big, but now she was wondering if she had brought enough. Luckily, she had her pot and Derek¡¯s traveling skill, so she could always go dump the wood somewhere safe ande back to gather more.


    After filling up her third storage ring, she decided that she had enough of the small sticks for the time being. After all, she knew that she was important in this fight and that everyone was counting on her, so she should only spend a small amount of time gathering material for herself. Yes, she was a very powerful bunny, so she should help Big Sparky and the others before they got themselves killed. Who knows? If she saves another prince¡¯s life, maybe she can con¡­ get rewarded with more ingredients from Sparky¡­ <em>No. Little Sparky is king now. He has the ingredients. </em>


    Silvi dodged another one of the pesky leaves that kept trying to chase after her, then changed her direction. She wanted to fly out of the tree¡¯s canopy to get a better look at the battle. Since she was smart, she should do smart things. She was no longer the small bunny who liked to head-butt everything¡ªno, that skill was reserved for the hardest of opponents.


    While making her way up and out of the canopy, countless small leaves finally surrounded her. They began circling around her in all directions¡ªtrapping her inside. Silvi¡¯s eyes widened, and she licked her lips in preparation. The sphere of leaves soon began to copse in, and the free space the bunny had to move began getting smaller and smaller.


    Once the leaves were finally within range, and one even made a cut in her cloak, Silvi acted. She went all in on her Chop, Mince, and Julienne skills. The sd thought it was trapping her, but in reality, she had trapped the sd. Once she filled an entire storage ring with greens, Silvi used Active Void Shift and left the rest of the angry leaves behind. After all, she wasn¡¯t the biggest fan of non-meat dishes, but others liked them. Plus, sometimes, the vegetables could be used as garnish and make the tasty dishes look even tastier.


    She found that, for some reason, a dish that looked delicious tasted even better than the same dish that didn¡¯t look as good. It was a mystery, but since it was like that, she made sure to make her delicious dishes look pretty whenever she could.With the sd confused at her disappearance, Silvi continued to make her way up. Soon, she and her pot lid broke their way out of the canopy and into the sky above. As soon as she was above the tree, she saw her two allies.


    Big Sparky was raining lightning down on the tree from above, and the restaurant owner¡¯s sidekick was doing the same with his arrows. It didn¡¯t look like either one was doing all that much damage to the tree¡ªbut some of that was because it was hard for them to focus because of the windstorms, limbs, and a weird green mist that kept chasing them. But the two were fast with their wings, so the attacks from the tree kept missing.


    <em>Let¡¯s see¡­ </em>Silvi thought. <em>Need to go up more. </em>With that, Silvi flew even higher above the tree. <em>This is good, </em>she thought. <em>Now, need to go over. </em>She flew off¡ªtrying to get herself floating above the center of the willow. <em>Good, good, </em>the bunny thought. <em>Now¡­ </em>Silvi took two potions out of one of her storage rings, popped the caps off the vials with her Telekinesis, and drank them down.


    One potion was a big mana regeneration potion, and the other was a big mana recovery potion. The tree was big, so she was going to need a bunch of mana if she wanted to kill it. Silvi had been pretty diligent in practicing her Dragon me skill. It left the perfect char on many meats, and she had figured out how to make it burn cooler and not destroy the meat instantly. It all took a lot of practice, but it was worth it. While cooking with it and turning ice cube kings into puddles of water, her level in the skill had reached level 9.


    She still had a long way to go with the skill, but it was a good start. <em>Need to get Derek¡¯s skill potions and roast pigs. That will level it up faster, </em>she thought as she prepared to do her job. With her four paws holding tightly to her void pot lid, Silvi angled herself down at the center of the tree. At her current distance, her Dragon me should be able to reach its widest spread before hitting the top of the tree¡¯s canopy.


    Silvi took a deep breath in, then blew.


    nah felt next to useless in their current fight. It had been a very long time since shest felt this way. It wasn¡¯t that the opponent countered her; it was just that she wasn¡¯t built for fighting giant creatures¡ªthe same was true of Derek and Avery. However, even though Derek wasn¡¯t exactly built for it, he was at least able to do some rtively good damage at the start of the fight, and he found a way to keep doing so with his abilities.


    The siren looked up at the crater in the tree that Derek had made with his ck hole skill. She couldn¡¯t see the man or what he was doing inside, but she was sure that he was giving it his all. He had used an ability that seemed to negate any of the magical attacksunched by the Echoing Willow. With that protecting his back, surely, he would make some headway.


    Once again, a root shot up and went after Tyron, and once again, nah shot down and cut the thing in half. Her job had been relegated to root duty, and if that¡¯s all she could do, she would do it as good as possible¡ªit was her fight, after all, so she couldn¡¯t sit back and watch as all of herpanions fought it for her.


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    ¡°Woah,¡± nah heard Tyron¡¯s voicee from behind her.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± she asked the smith. She was surprised that he was speaking and no longer had his eyes closed while fighting the echoes. She turned to look at the man and saw that he¡¯d even taken those weird ear covers off. ¡°Are you sure you should be doing that?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine now,¡± Tyron said. ¡°It just took some getting used to. One more loud screech like before, and I think I¡¯ll be pretty much immune to the thing for some time. Besides, Rocky is almost back¡ªit¡¯s almost our time to act.¡±


    ¡°If you say so,¡± nah said. ¡°I will trust you, and I will keep you safe as best as I can.¡± She wasn¡¯t sure if she believed that he¡¯d be able to withstand the screechespletely, but it did make sense to her. Being a smith and having the kind of ss he did, she was sure that Tyron had quite the high wisdom stat, and seeing how he was known to go fetch his own materials in dangerous ces and dungeons, she was sure he had good willpower and knew what he could or couldn¡¯t handle.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Tyron said, then another screech hit them out of nowhere.


    ¡°What the¡ª¡± nah muttered. Then she looked up and saw what had happened. <em>Looks like Silvi has begun her attack, </em>the siren thought. <em>I wonder what took her so long. I thought she would have gone quite a bit sooner. Oh, well¡­ It¡¯s better this way, anyway. Since Rocky is almost ready, the timing of their attacks will be good. </em>While she was looking up, she also saw that there was arge amount of green mist gather in and just under the canopy of the tree. <em>Is that poison being released? </em>She wondered, but shrugged. <em>It¡¯s not moving fast. We¡¯ll deal with it when it gets here.</em>


    Looking past the green mist, nah could see that the canopy was beginning to show signs of damage. ck and white ash was floating down, but the canopy was so thick that it was taking a long while for Silvi¡¯s attack to work its way all the way through.


    nah turned to check on Tyron again. Thetest screech seemed to be even a small bit more powerful than the one the Echoing Willow released when hit by Derek¡¯s attack because of what must be widespread damage being caused by the bunny.


    The Walking Forge¡¯s eyes were open wide this time. He was clenching his fists so hard that nah could hear his bones creaking because of it. The whites of his eyes were rapidly bing bloodshot as he fought to resist the echoes without any dampeners. Just as nah thought it was going to be too much for the smith, a metallic-like aura shot from his body.


    The bloodshot whites of his eyes from before slowly changed to a dark metallic color. Then, from the ground up, an odd set of almost liquid-like armor appeared on his body. This covered his entire body, and even part of his head and face. Once it covered his ears, he let out a sigh of relief.


    ¡°I overestimated myself,¡± he said to nah. ¡°The tree almost got me, but I will be fine now. My armor does not provide as much dampening as the covers did, but it is enough. I will no longer be affected by these screeches and echoes. You may do as you wish now. Rocky is ready.¡±


    At that moment, the ground began shaking, then a massive worm-like figure shot out of it in front of them. Rocky had shifted to what looked to be his normal size¡ªit was a sight to see. The wyrm dove in and out of the ground¡ªleaving molten trails in his wake. He was like a fish in water.


    After that, Tyron stepped forward until one of his feet touched a burning piece of ground. Then he stomped. All around the tree, geysers ofva sprayed up¡ªit was almost like a pure wall ofva forming, except for the fact that theva fell back to the ground and began flowing inwardly. Rocky continued to jump in and out of the ground, this time aiming for theva. The wyrm seemed to be having fun swimming in the moltenke that he and his master had created.


    ¡°This might go easier than I thought,¡± nah said.


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Tyron replied without turning around. ¡°But only because Rocky and I had enough time to set up.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to remember to not let battle crafters have that time if I ever run into one as an enemy,¡± nah replied.


    ¡°It would be for the best.¡± The giant of a smith then took another step forward, and the same thing happened once again, only this time, it happened closer to the tree.


    The Echoing Willow¡ªalong with its screeches¡ªbegan swaying. Burning roots shot out of the ground like tentacles, then fell to the ground, unmoving. Not only was the smith¡¯s and hispanion¡¯s skill working above ground, but nah could only imagine what it was doing underneath.


    Then, if the burningva didn¡¯t illuminate the dark area under the canopy of the tree before, then Silvi¡¯s Dragon me finally breaking through the top at that moment, would have. The entire canopy¡ªno, the entire willow tree¡ªnow looked like a giant torch lit on both ends.


    While all this was going on, a bolt of lightning zipped in and out of the burning canopy and soon arrived beside the siren, where it turned into Edgar. The prince stepped forward and let out a sigh. ¡°It¡¯s way too dangerous up there.¡±


    Averynded right beside the prince and retracted his wings before wiping a great deal of sweat off his forehead. ¡°That small creature is a monster. She¡¯s lit the tree up like a beacon. I don¡¯t think I could have stayed up there for another second without burning alive. It¡¯s probably visible from anywhere in this kingdom by now.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± nah said. ¡°I want them all to see their hope for withstanding my return burn before their eyes. It does give me a warm feeling inside.¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± Avery muttered, then he looked at Edgar and back to nah. ¡°I think you¡¯ve been hanging around Derek for too long.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± nah replied. ¡°This is just something I¡¯ve hoped for to happen for decades¡­ or even longer. I¡¯m just savoring the sight.¡±


    ¡°Whew,¡± Edgar whistled. ¡°Remind me not to get on your bad side.¡± Then the prince looked out over the field ofva. ¡°Looks like Tyron¡¯s making his presence known, too.¡± After that, he looked up at the wall covering part of the tree. It was sucking in falling embers and leaves. ¡°Silvi¡¯s got the top, Tyron¡¯s got the bottom, and it looks like Derek has the middle. I can¡¯t help Tyron or Silvi, but I may be able to help Derek.¡±


    With that, the prince shed away and appeared on the side of the tree at the same height that Derek was fighting at. He began directing bolt after bolt of lightning into the bark of the willow¡ªcausing it to crack and fall away.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to do the same,¡± Avery said, then disappeared, too. When nah next saw him, he was on the side of the tree opposite Edgar.


    As the tree burned from the top and bottom, and Edgar, Derek, and Avery wailed on it at center-mass, the attacks from it lessened greatly. The green mist that had begun gathering and floating down was no more. As soon as Silvi¡¯s me broke through, the mist had caught fire and exploded. It seemed that whatever it was, was very mmable.


    As the attacks from the tree lessened, so too did its screeches and echoes. nah almost felt bad for the thing as it wailed¡­ almost. Derek had gathered the perfect people for this fight¡ªshe was d she brought him. And even though she wasn¡¯t able to do much, she basked in the heat generated by the burning tree. Her job was done¡ªTyron was no longer in any danger. Any root or vine that tried to get at him was intercepted and burned down by Rocky, or just didn¡¯t make it through his area attack. With the momentum the smith had, there was no stopping him. He was like a metallic juggernaut¡ªperfectly built to fight immobile enemies.


    Soon, the smith made it all the way to the trunk of the tree. There, he ced his metallic covered hand on the trunk andva once more shot up out of the ground¡ªthis time, it pooled around the base of the tree¡ªfinally burning more than just the roots.


    Along with that, the fire from above had slowed in its burning. The Dragon me was so strong that the canopy of the tree was no longer there. All that was left was the main stem, or trunk, of the tree. Most of the limbs and branches had burned or were in the process of burning and falling. The thing¡¯s wailing got deeper as it burned.


    Finally, it also began to pale in the middle some¡ªwhere the others were. Then, with a boom that sounded more intense than any thunder nah had ever heard, the top half of the tree began to fall over. The tree slowly crashed into the ground¡ªleaving a giant crater and devastation in its wake. Once the dust settled, nah looked up.


    Derek, Avery, and Edgar were all standing on what was now the top of a giant stump. Derek held his ive forward, digging it into the tree and seemingly eating away at it. Momentster, nah received the notification.


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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 486: World Boss

    ¡°Looks like all that¡¯s left here is an Echoing Stump,¡± Derek said to Avery and Edgar, who were standing at his left and right, respectively.


    ¡°Uh¡­¡± Edgar muttered.


    Derek tilted his head in confusion. ¡°What is it?¡± He looked over at Avery and saw that the archer was looking forward with raised eyebrows and wide eyes. Avery met his gaze, and the archer smiled.


    ¡°Just check your notifications,¡± the archer said. ¡°I think you¡¯ll be pleasantly surprised.¡±


    <em>I guess there were a few notifications after toppling the tree, </em>he thought. He hadn¡¯t bothered checking any of them yet, but since it looked like there might be something good¡ªconsidering how his two friends were reacting¡ªhe guessed that he¡¯d go ahead and give them a quick browse.


    You have assisted in killing level ??? Echoing Willow


    8,800,000,000,000 Experience Gained


    8,800,000,345,850/11,600,525,450,650 Experience to Next Level    ¡°Whew.¡± Derek whistled. ¡°That¡¯s a lot of experience gained for a single kill¡ªespecially when splitting it between five people.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Edgar muttered. ¡°Ignore that. Check your next notification.¡±


    Derek shrugged. He wasn¡¯t exactly all that excited about checking his notifications. After all, in order for him to gain Achievements or Titles, he had to aplish a great feat that would require the Great System to request assistance from the Origin System to gain a reward. Now, the tree was tough and all, and he doubted he would have been able to beat it by himself, but he figured that he and Silvi could have taken it out as a duo. <em>Actually, Silvi may have been able to do it herself with enough mana. </em>


    <em>Oh well, </em>Derek thought before moving on to the next notification.


    <strong>¡­</strong>


    <strong>Congrattions!</strong>


    <strong>New Title unlocked!</strong>


    <strong>User cannot currently receive Titles. </strong>


    <strong>¡­</strong>


    <em>Now that</em><em>¡¯s a familiar sight</em>. Just like before, when he gained ¡®The Impossible¡¯ Achievement, the Origin System had made itself known before the Great System came in. He hoped that everything else would y out the same as before.


    <strong>¡­</strong>


    <strong>Advance to receive unlocked Titles. </strong>


    <strong>One out of two requirements met for advancement!</strong>


    <strong>Meet more requirements for advancement.</strong>


    <strong>Congrattions on all your current aplishments!</strong>


    <strong>We eagerly await your future achievements!</strong>


    <strong>¡­</strong>


    Looks like whatever this Achievement is going to be wasn¡¯t enough to push me through whatever the second requirement is. Oh, well¡­ Derek then moved to the next notification.


    Achievement ¡®World Boss¡¯ Unlocked


    ???????


    Requesting assistance from another system¡­


    Requesting assistance from another system¡­


    ¡°Oh, damn!¡± Derek blurted out.


    ¡°I know, right?¡± Edgar replied. ¡°I¡¯ve never even heard of a World Boss before.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Derek replied. He had heard of World Bosses before. Not through the systems, but from different video games from before the system took over Earth. <em>Looks like they got the same Achievement, </em>he thought. <em>But it seems like the Great System was able to reward them, while it has to request aid to reward me. Still, it</em><em>¡¯s a good sign, at least¡ªespecially since the Origin System has already sent a notification. Surely it will assist again.</em>


    Derek waited while the system requested assistance.


    Requesting assistance from another system¡­


    Requesting assistance from another system¡­


    Connected to other system¡­


    This time, it didn¡¯t take as long to connect to the other system as it had when he earned ¡®The Impossible¡¯ Achievement. <em>Does this mean that it</em><em>¡¯s not as good? </em>He questioned internally. <em>Honestly, permanent stats are a crazy reward. I doubt I gain anything like that again.</em> While he was thinking, an all too familiar notification shed in front of his eyes again.


    <strong>¡­</strong>


    <strong>Request for assistance received</strong><strong>¡­</strong>


    <strong>Scanning request¡­</strong>


    <strong>Information obtained¡­</strong>


    <strong>¡­</strong>


    <em>Here we go again, </em>Derek thought. Now, all he was waiting for was another line to pop up, showing that the assistance had been given. And he was not disappointed.


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    <strong>¡­</strong>


    <strong>Help requested in granting system (Achievement)</strong><strong>¡­</strong>


    <strong>(Achievement) Scanned¡­</strong>


    <strong>(Achievement) simr to received Title¡­</strong>


    <strong>Assistance Granted</strong>


    <strong>¡­</strong>


    This time, he didn¡¯t feel the increase in power wash over him like before. It looked like he wasn¡¯t gaining another permanent increase in stat points again.


    <strong>¡­</strong>


    <strong>Title removed</strong><strong>¡­</strong>


    <strong>(Achievement) granted</strong><strong>¡­</strong>


    <strong>Congrattions on all your current aplishments!</strong>


    <strong>We eagerly away your future achievements!</strong>


    <strong>¡­</strong>


    With all of that out of the way, Derek moved on to the next notification.


    Achievement ¡®World Boss I¡¯ Unlocked


    Permanent 5% of Total Stat Points Gained or 350 Free Stat Points Gained (The Lesser of the Two will be Rewarded)


    3 Skill Upgrade Points (Origin System) Received


    Oh¡­ wow, Derek thought. It actually did reward me stat points¡­ and free ones at that. He currently had 386 stat points sitting in his status sheet that he could distribute anywhere he wanted. It was hard for him to see his vitality and endurance stats sitting at 1655 and not adding 345 points to one of them just to see if hitting 2,000 in a stat would give him anything else. However, now was not the time or ce, so he held off.


    <em>It</em><em>¡¯s been a while since I saw Skill Upgrade Points, </em>he thought. <em>Though, the Origin System designation is interesting. Is that just something that Dave added on to show that he¡ªor the Great System¡ªisn</em><em>¡¯t the one that would be increasing my skill level? Could they be used for something else entirely? </em>He couldn¡¯t help but wonder what the difference was. <em>What if they can push skills over level 20? That</em><em>¡¯s definitely something to tryter. </em>


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± From beside Derek, he heard Avery mutter. ¡°I see now¡­¡± The man turned around and looked down at nah.


    ¡°What?¡± Derek leaned in and asked in a whisper. Avery looked around, and his eyes locked onto Edgar. He shrugged.


    <em>¡®Can you hear me?¡¯ </em>Avery sent to Derek via Telepathy.


    ¡®<em>Yeah,</em><em>¡¯ </em>Derek replied. ¡®<em>What is it? Why so secretive? I</em><em>¡¯m sure everyone got the same Achievement for defeating the World Boss, right?¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®Yes,¡¯ </em>Avery said. ¡®<em>Requirements</em><em>¡­ for¡­ advancement.¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®Oh¡­¡¯ </em>Derek replied. ¡®<em>I see.</em><em>¡¯</em>


    <em>¡®I distributed my points like nah told me to. I now have four stats at 1,500 points each,¡¯ </em>Avery exined. ¡®<em>So, the reason she</em><em>¡¯s in such a rush to do everything¡ªincludinging back here, of all ces¡ªis because of those requirements, isn¡¯t it? She has both of them met, doesn¡¯t she?¡¯</em>


    <em>¡®Yes,¡¯ </em>Derek answered. ¡®<em>But now that you have that unlocked, you need to speak with her. She should be able to tell you a bit more than she could before.</em><em>¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®So, you know all about it?¡¯ </em>Avery asked.


    ¡®<em>More than most,</em><em>¡¯ </em>Derek confirmed. ¡®<em>But there is a lot</em><em>¡­ and I mean a lot, that I can¡¯t speak about to anyone without pissing of a system.¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®I see,¡¯ </em>Avery said. ¡®<em>Thank you for looking after the Mistress. I</em><em>¡¯m d she found someone like you to help her.¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®It was my pleasure,¡¯ </em>Derek replied.


    ¡°I¡¯m heading down,¡± Avery stopped his Telepathy and spoke aloud. The next instant, he disappeared. Derek turned his head and looked down at nah and saw that the man was already standing next to her with a big smile.


    <em>Huh</em><em>¡­ Avery might get to her before I do, </em>Derek thought. <em>I</em><em>¡¯m sure he¡¯s not far away from whatever the other requirement is. Not bad for someone who only had an epic ranked ss when he first reached level 250. nah really pumped his stats up with all that Void Beast cooking, didn¡¯t she? </em>


    ¡°That was much more rewarding than talking politics with my family,¡± Edgar said from the side. ¡°250 Free Stat Points isn¡¯t bad, is it?¡±


    ¡°250?¡± Derek started. ¡°Oh¡­ you mean for the Achievement. Yeah, that¡¯s not bad at all.¡±


    ¡°And the two Skill Upgrade Points are awesome, too,¡± the prince said. ¡°Man¡­ my brother and father are going to be extremely jealous.¡±


    ¡°Just out of curiosity,¡± Derek started. ¡°How many stats do you have to 1,500 points?¡±


    ¡°Just the one right now,¡± Edgar replied. ¡°My wisdom stat. And I¡¯m about to have 1,500 in my intelligence stat once I distribute these points.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t?¡± Edgar asked.


    ¡°Edgar¡­ do you consider me a friend?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Edgar said. ¡°One of my only, actually. I mean, I have other ¡®friends,¡¯ but they are also my soldiers or trainees. It¡¯s hard to maintain friendship when you have more power andmand over people. I don¡¯t have to worry about that with you. I actually dropped in on my old team once the war was over. They¡¯re in good hands and are doing just fine without me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°It is what it is,¡± Edgar replied. ¡°Now, why do you ask? Do you not consider me a friend?¡±


    ¡°Oh, no¡­¡± Derek replied. ¡°I was just thinking about it, and I do. Both you and Avery.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± Edgar nodded.


    ¡°But if you consider me a friend, don¡¯t put those free stats in intelligence,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°But increasing my intelligence¡ªbreaking through with it¡ªwill put my strength on a whole new level,¡± Edgar exined.


    ¡°Yes, it will,¡± Derek said. ¡°But intelligence is one of the few stats that is very easy to get out of Void Beast meals¡ªalong with strength and endurance.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Edgar said with a nod. ¡°I¡¯ve had a bit.¡±


    ¡°Then let me supply you with those,¡± Derek said. ¡°Or, not that, necessarily. Talk with nah¡ªI think that she would be more than happy to give you the recipe now. Then we can go hunting.¡±


    ¡°You think she would do that?¡± Edgar asked with wide eyes.


    ¡°I do,¡± Derek replied. ¡°As long as you promise not to spread it. I¡¯m sure she trusts you to do the right thing.¡±


    ¡°Then I won¡¯t increase my intelligence,¡± Edgar said. ¡°Vitality it is.¡±


    ¡°That is a good choice,¡± Derek said. ¡°It¡¯s a hard stat to get¡ªalong with dexterity.¡± Derek liked Edgar. Like nah, both Avery and Edgar were able to fight beside Derek without being a hindrance. Of course, nah was on a different level, but Derek had a feeling that both Edgar and Avery could get to that level as well. As for Tyron¡­ Derek liked the smith, but he wasn¡¯t sure if he considered him a good friend yet¡ªmore like a friendly acquaintance.


    The man was too consumed with his crafting to really get to know. Besides, Derek was sure that he¡¯d be over the moon with his new stat points and materials from the tree. The Walking Forge really earned them in that fight.


    Derek and Edgar spoke for a few minutes, then they both came down off of the broken trunk of the former World Boss. Soon, everyone gathered at the base of the tree¡ªthe moltenva having finally gone away.


    ¡°We¡¯re taking this whole thing,¡± Derek said out of nowhere.


    ¡°The whole thing?¡± Edgar looked at the tree and took a deep breath.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Derek replied. ¡°Silvi,¡± he said.


    ¡°Yeah?¡± hispanion replied.


    ¡°Sorry to ask this of you, but are you okay being the workhorse for now?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a horse,¡± she replied.


    ¡°I mean¡­ nevermind,¡± Derek said. ¡°Are you good to transport this tree if we store it in rings? You can drop it all off by the dragon kennels.¡±


    ¡°Only if I can have a lot,¡± Silvi said.


    Derek looked around at everyone, and they all shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re going to have more than you would ever need,¡± he said. ¡°Can you do it?¡±


    ¡°I can,¡± Silvi said. ¡°Will need mana potions though¡­¡± the bunny tilted her head and looked at the giant dead tree. ¡°Lots and lots of them.¡± Instantly, everyone but Derek dropped a bunch of mana potions in front of the bunny. ¡°It¡¯s a start,¡± she said. Then she formed a portal, tossed all of her stuff in her pot, and made to hop in.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Derek said. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Storage rings full,¡± Silvi said. ¡°Need to go empty.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re full¡­¡± Derek muttered. ¡°You know what? Nevermind. Just do what you need to do.¡±


    Silvi nodded, then hopped inside her portal. She didn¡¯t bother closing it behind her. She was a smartpanion, no matter how dumb she might act at times, and she knew that it would be easier on her mana if she left it open. After all, she didn¡¯t have to worry about anyone going inside and dying at the moment.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Derek said. ¡°Now that transport is taken care of¡­¡± he looked at Tyron. ¡°Time for Dismantling.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll get on it,¡± Tyron said. He was obviously the best person for the job.


    Of course, that didn¡¯t mean that everyone else wasn¡¯t going to help. Everyone scattered and began dismantling the massive tree. It was going to take a while. Later on, nah emptied a few storage rings and handed them to Silvi so she could carry more. Both Edgar and Avery did the same.

 Chapter 487: Confrontation/Epilogue

    Chapter 487: Confrontation/Epilogue


    While everyone was working hard, Derek checked out the description for his new Achievement.


    World Boss I


    This Achievement (Title) is awarded for defeating the monster designated as a World Boss by a system. World Bosses are rare creatures that are known to devastate worlds if not defeated in a timely manner. These creatures do not appear often, and once defeated, do not respawn. It is impossible to know when a new creature capable of carrying the title ¡®World Boss¡¯ will appear again and receive the designation.


    Because of how rare these creatures are, few ever encounter them, and even fewer are capable of defeating them.


    For aplishing such a feat, you have earned a free stat point boost of 5% of your totalbined stat points, or 350 Free Stat Points¡ªwhichever is smaller. You have also received Three Skill Upgrade Points granted by the Origin System.


    Defeat more World Bosses to increase rewards.


    Note: This (Title) Achievement has been graciously granted by a stronger system, and thus, will be carried with you throughout your journey.


    <em>Oh</em><em>¡­ I get it now, </em>Derek thought. <em>This is something else I need to talk to Dave about if I ever see him again. Was he the one who designated the tree as the World Boss? Or did it just grow strong enough to automatically be given the title? </em>Derek shrugged. <em>I</em><em>¡¯m liking the fact that this is an upgradeable Achievement, too. </em>Derek licked his lips¡ªif anyone would eventually be in position to find and hunt World Bosses, it would be him with his traveling ability. <em>I wonder if there</em><em>¡¯s one on Earth, </em>he thought. <em>But that system epasses a lot more than just Earth, and it doesn</em><em>¡¯t sound like each world actually gets one. Oh well. </em>He shrugged. <em>I</em><em>¡¯ll find outter.</em>


    After going over everything onest time, Derek nodded. The journey with nah was well worth the small inconveniences. With it all over now, Derek looked at his status sheet to see all the gains he¡¯d had over that time.


    Status


    Personal Information


    Name:


    Age:


    Level:


    Experience:


    ss:


    Race:


    Derek Hunt


    30


    245


    8,800,000,345,850/11,600,525,450,650


    Void Monarch (Mythical)


    Human (Void)


    Health:


    Mana:


    Stamina:


    41375


    41250


    41375


    Stats


    Strength


    Dexterity


    Endurance


    Vitality


    Intelligence


    Wisdom


    Stat Points Remaining


    1650


    1650


    1655


    1655


    1650


    1650


    386


    Contracts


    nah Swan (Crown Restaurant)


    Silvi (Bonded Beast)


    Ste Brighton (Crown Restaurant)


    No Proxy (Torith Adventurer¡¯s Guild)


    Rudolph Mckinney


    Natalie Savannah via Malorie Stewart (Void Emporium)


    View Contract


    View Status


    View Contract


    View Contract


    View Contract


    View Contract


    Skills


    Absolute Nullify Lv. 20, Bare Fist Specialty Lv. 5(View Upgrades), Basic Repair Lv. 1, Chain Lightning Lv. 20, Channel Void Lv. 20, Cleaning Lv. 13, Cure Toxin Lv. 17, Dismantle Lv. 17, Enhanced Movement Speed Lv. 4, Fire Resistance Lv. 20, Greater Meditation Lv. 16, Identify Lv. 20, Magic Resistance Lv. 20, Mental Resistance Lv. 20, Multi-Strike Lv. 20, Physical Resistance Lv. 20, Polearm Specialty Lv. 3 (Void¡¯s Harbinger), Powerstride Lv. 9, Rejuvenation Lv. 20, Spatial Copse Lv. 9, Spatial Redirection Lv. 5, Spatial Rend Lv. 8, Sweeping sh Lv. 20, Telepathy Lv. 12, Time Prison Lv. 15, Void Call Lv. 6, Void Creation Lv. N/A, Void Sense Lv. 20, Void Shift Lv. 15, Void Steps Lv. 20, Void Storage Lv. N/A, Void Travel Lv. N/A, Whirlwind sh Lv. 11


    Skill Points Remaining: 15


    Skill Upgrade Points Remaining: 0


    Skill Upgrade Points (Origin System) Remaining: 3


    Shared Skills from Companion: Active Void Shift Lv. 10, Void Lightning Bolt Lv. 10


    Shared Skills to Companion: Void Sense Lv. 10, Void Travel Lv. N/A


    Skills Avable to Share:


    Absolute Nullify Lv. 10, Channel Void Lv. 10, Time Prison Lv. 10, Void Call Lv. 6, Void Sense Lv. 10, Void Shift Lv. 10, Void Steps Lv. 10, Void Storage Lv. N/A, Void Travel Lv. N/A


    Achievements


    Greater Giant yer, Jack of All, Lesser Dungeon Explorer, Lesser Dungeon Traveler, Lesser Enigma, Lesser Enforcer of Oaths, Major Repetitive Dungeoneer, Minor yer of the Unknown, Solo Diver, Magical ss Cannon, Meat Shield, Lesser Explorer, Offensive Powerhouse, The Bigger They Are, The Impossible, World Boss I


    He didn¡¯t know where to begin as he looked over the sheet. He¡¯d not been paying a lot of attention to any of the notifications he¡¯d gotten throughout the journey¡ªjust the main ones like his void skills that he¡¯d been focused on after learning how nah met the second requirement.


    Pretty much all of his skills that weren¡¯t already at max level had increased by a decent amount in all that time. His Mental Resistance had skyrocketed to level 20 during the World Boss fight because of all the echoes he had to defend against. His Void Steps had also reached level 20¡ªleaving him with Void Shift and Void Call left to level. He was sure that leveling Void Shift wouldn¡¯t be too hard, but it would take a while to do the same with Void Call. He would definitely focus on Void Shift first and often, as Void Call required a bit of setup and safety before he could use it¡ªhe didn¡¯t want to summon a beast within a town or anything, after all.


    Other than those, his Powerstride movement skill had increased a bit, too. He even gained another level in Greater Meditation and Polearm Specialty¡ªtwo skills that were insanely hard to level. His spatial attack skills had also gone up a small amount during his fights¡ªalong with Whirlwind sh. And finally, he was well on his way to maxing out his Telepathy skill. He was even thinking about solely using it for a while just to get it there, just to level it. <em>Once nah leaves, I</em><em>¡¯ll have to go hang out with Lyra at the kennels. </em>


    Derek took onest look at his stats, noting that his Health, Mana, and Stamina pools had all also gone up alongside his stat increase from his ¡®The Impossible¡¯ Achievement. It was nice to see that he was able to do so when everyone else was stuck with question marks after reaching 1,500 stat points in a stat.


    Finally, he closed the stat sheet and sighed. <em>I guess I should help a little, too, </em>Derek thought, but before he was able to make a move, an unfamiliar voice sounded out from behind them.


    ¡°What the fuck is going on here!?¡± Derek turned to see arge group of Elves marching toward their group. ¡°Did you¡­ the Echoing Willow¡­ how dare you!¡± the man in the lead shouted out¡ªseemingly unable to wrap his mind around what was going on.


    Derek, being the first person to notice the new arrivals, disappeared with Void Shift and reappeared directly in front of the group. He counted twelve elves and two half-elves in the bunch.


    ¡°What was that?¡± Derek asked, cupping his hand over his ear.


    ¡°Human!¡± another voice shouted from the group.


    ¡°Ah, yes¡­ that I am,¡± Derek replied. ¡°But to answer your first question¡­ ¡®what the fuck is going on here¡¯¡­ I needed some firewood, and my friend knew just the tree to get it from.¡±


    ¡°You!¡± The leader clenched his fist, then an enormous green aura exploded out from him, and targeted Derek.


    Derek picked his nose and yawned when he felt the aura. He was well past auras doing anything to him. ¡°That it?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Holly, Varias, Rentfield¡­¡± the leader said, and three people behind the man all released their aura as well. ¡°Kill this hum¡­¡± the man started, but was interrupted by nah appearing next to Derek. After the fight, she had transformed back to her normal self and was no longer in her siren form.


    ¡°The fourteen of you should leave,¡± nah said. ¡°Now.¡±


    ¡°A half-elf?¡± the leader muttered. ¡°Was this your doing, too?¡±


    ¡°It was my orders,¡± nah answered. ¡°I think I have every right to do with my former home as I please, do I not?¡±


    ¡°Former home?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± nah replied, then, her hair began to fade into a withered green, her nails grew long and sharp, and her teeth took on a ghastly appearance. ¡°My home,¡± she said, her voice now threatening in a way that sent a shiver down Derek¡¯s spine.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    ¡°The two of you need any help?¡± Avery asked as he and Edgar walked up from behind Derek and nah.


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure these guys were just leaving,¡± Derek said, then he looked at the leader and released his aura¡ªan aura made up of around 10,000bined stat points. Itpletely washed away the auras of the four elves and left them dumbfounded.


    Still, while the group was cautious around Derek¡¯s aura, their eyes were trained on nah.


    ¡°The Dawn Siren¡­¡± the leader muttered. ¡°You¡¯vee back.¡±


    ¡°I have,¡± nah said. ¡°And with allies who are no less strong than me.¡± Seemingly with perfect timing, in the far distance, a full-sized Rocky shot out of the ground and spewed moltenva everywhere. He¡¯d been doing so during the whole cleanup¡ªhe was young and bored, and was unable to help with the cleanup, so he¡¯d been entertaining himself. nah turned her head to nce at the dragonkin, then turned back to the group with a half grin. ¡°Do I need to add the lot of you onto my list of revenge?¡± she asked. ¡°I <em>was </em>going to leave it at the Echoing Willow, but I can make an exception if you wish.¡±


    ¡°N-no, ma¡¯am!¡± What looked to be the youngest elf in the group spoke up with a shout. ¡°I¡­ I mean¡­ Miss Dawn Siren.¡±


    ¡°Hush!¡± the leader turned and shouted at the young elven woman, who backed off and lowered her head. Then the leading man looked back at Derek and the others. ¡°I can¡¯t just let you destroy a precious training ground, then leave.¡± The man cracked his neck, then took a step forward. A set of vines shot out of the ground and began circling around him.


    ¡°This again?¡± Avery muttered, then nocked an arrow, imbued it with his stamina, and released it¡­ directly into the man¡¯s torso. The man¡¯s armor held for a moment before shattering¡ªAvery¡¯s Drill Shot continued on embedding itself into the man¡¯s stomach beforeing to a bloody halt. ¡°That was a warning shot,¡± the archer said as he stepped forward.


    ¡°Sir!¡± One half-elf and another full-blooded elf rushed forward and began healing the wound created on the leader.


    ¡°Ugh!¡± The leader spat out a mouthful of blood, then looked at Avery with death in his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m the weakest one here,¡± Avery said with a smile. ¡°And I could probably take at least two or three of you¡­ including you,¡± he said to the leader.


    ¡°You sure you want to kick this ho¡¯s nest?¡± Derek asked. ¡°By the way, I¡¯m the strongest here, and I¡¯m sure I could take all 14 of you without breaking a sweat. Could probably kill half of you in a single blow. So, like I said before, you were all just leaving, right?¡±


    Derek heard a collective gulpe from the group. Then, the newly healed leader said, ¡°You lie! There is no way that is true.¡±


    Derek rolled his eyes and sighed. ¡°Fine¡­ I guess I¡¯ll give you a little taste.¡± With his hand held out, he summoned Harbinger. Then, he injected as much mana into his ive as possible. ¡°Run,¡± he said. ¡°Or die¡­ it¡¯s your decision.¡±


    Multiple earth barriers shot up between everyone. The young woman who had spoken out of turn before ran off to the side¡ªseemingly believing Derek¡¯s words.


    ¡°Three seconds!¡± Derek shouted out as a massive geyser of me shot into the sky over the earthen barrier, then began crashing to the ground¡ªdirected at Derek and his group. With a wave of his hand, Derek summoned an Absolute Nullify wall over them, and when the fire got close enough, it was sucked directly into the wall.


    ¡°Two!¡± Derek said as more magical attacks shot out from behind the earthen barrier. He doubted the elves could even see what was going on, but he did look over to the young female elf¡ªwho was staring at him like he was some kind of monster¡ªand winked. ¡°One¡­ zero.¡±


    With Harbinger full of the void, Derek struck with a void channeled Sweeping sh. Though there was absolutely no love lost between him and the people of Linderis, he decided against adding Multi-Strike to the attack for now. He had given them multiple warnings, and they attacked. He even counted down after, yet they did nothing. So now, he was giving them onest chance after experiencing one of his attacks. If they chose to continue, his next attack would include Multi-Strike.


    Derek¡¯s attack hit the earthen wall and bit into it without cutting all the way through. The young elf to the side tilted her head in confusion. Derek smiled. Momentster, the wailing began.


    ¡°Sir! Are you okay!?¡± a voice called out.


    ¡°Lady Holly! Wake up!¡± another voice shouted. It was pure chaos behind the earthen wall¡ªan earthen wall which shattered when nah stuck her rapier in it, then flicked it with a finger.


    Finally, they could see what happened. Seven of the elves were sprawled out on the ground, unmoving. Of those six, they included the man who looked to be in charge, the three elves who had released their auras with him earlier, and the two healers. Four of the others were kneeling on the ground with massive amounts of blood pouring out of every orifice they had. Then there were three who didn¡¯t look too worse for wear. It seemed they took after the young elf and tried to escape at the first count.


    ¡°I told you,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Ugh¡­¡± the leader coughed up another mouthful of blood, then rolled over and tried to stand. He fell twice before making it to his feet. He flicked his wrist and drank down a red potion that appeared in his hand. He looked back and down at those on the ground.


    ¡°Looks like they are all still alive¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°For now¡­ though, those two seem to be in a Dying State. You may want to take care of that soon.¡± He nodded at one of the healers and the woman named Holly. ¡°You have onest chance to leave, or I¡¯m going to swing again, but this time, with full strength.¡±


    If looks could kill, Derek would have been dead multiple times over from the stares looking at him from the group from Linderis. The leader looked over Derek¡¯s group again, then at hispanions. Then, his gaze shifted to the Absolute Nullification wall hovering above Derek¡¯s group. Finally, he took a step back.


    ¡°Gather the wounded!¡± he shouted. ¡°We¡¯re leaving!¡± With onest look at Derek and his group, the man picked up the woman known as Holly, then left. He looked over his shoulder onest time and yelled, ¡°Don¡¯t think this is over, Dawn Siren!¡±


    nah, who was standing beside Derek, disappeared from his side, then reappeared in front of the leader. The next second, she disappeared again and was standing beside Derek once more. Momentster, the leader copsed onto the ground, his body rolling one way and his head the other.


    ¡°He gave you so many chances,¡± nah said to the group, who were stricken silent. ¡°You have lost your leader. What will you do now?¡±


    <em>Don</em><em>¡¯t piss nah off, </em>Derek thought. She didn¡¯t exactly have a very long fuse when she was in her siren form.


    One of the elves went and picked up the remains of the leader, then they all took off at a speed far greater than they had before. Finally, all that was left was the single young elf. She gulped audibly, then stepped forward.


    ¡°Please excuse my insolence,¡± she said, then bowed. ¡°It is an honor to meet the legendary Dawn Siren. You have my thanks for taking it easy.¡±


    ¡°I tried to, at least,¡± Derek said.


    The woman bowed deeper at Derek¡¯s words, then raised her head. ¡°If you will excuse me.¡± She turned around and left.


    ¡°Smart girl,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°I agree,¡± nah replied.


    ¡°Mhm,¡± Edgar muttered with a mouth full of some fruit. ¡°Pretty, too.¡±


    ¡°We should finish up here, then leave before they send a whole army after us,¡± nah said. ¡°A small group is fine, but I may feel bad if we have to destroy another army.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good to me,¡± Derek said. After that, they all turned back around and got back to work. It had been a busy day, and Derek couldn¡¯t wait to get back home and take a nice, warm shower.


    ***


    A few days aftering back home, nah woke up from a dead sleep and stretched. She had thought that there would be no way that she¡¯d get to sleep the night before because of what today would bring, but ever since she, Derek, and the others destroyed the Echoing Willow, she had slept like a baby. It was actually some of the best sleep she¡¯d ever gotten in her long life.


    Thest few days were nice. She had a very good conversation with Avery after they all earned the ¡®World Boss¡¯ Achievement, and she was able to tell him more about what was going on¡ªnot a lot more, but enough that the man was able to convince Ste that it was something that nah had to do, even though neither of them could go into details.


    nah threw her legs over the bed, sat up, then reached over to her dresser and opened a drawer containing a dozen storage rings of different sizes. She slid one on each finger, then attached the rest to a ne she was wearing. All the items inside were things that she thought she might need wherever she ended up.


    With a sigh, the siren stood from her bed. After that, nah went to her bathroom and took a very pleasant shower. She, too, was happy that Derek had brought the idea of showers to their world. In fact, one of her storage rings had a few different showers¡ªsome temporary, and some permanent. She also made sure that Natalie and Geoffrey didn¡¯t give her any of those damned things that broke after so many uses and had to be repaired.


    As nah walked down the stairs of her hotel for maybe thest time, she looked around and smiled¡ªshe had built herself a pretty good life in Cydaria. Her workers all gave her nods, waves, and smiles as she left. After that, she went to her restaurant to grab something good to eat before leaving.


    When she walked inside, she was met with all of her chefs, servers, and remaining employees on her main restaurant staff. Each and every one of them bowed and thanked her for everything. <em>Seems like they are all just trying to make me cry, </em>nah thought. Finally, her eyes found Ste.


    ¡°What is all of this?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I let the staff know that you would be going away for a while, and wasn¡¯t sure when you would be back,¡± Ste replied. ¡°They wanted to do something special.¡± Ste motioned all around her. ¡°What do you think?¡±


    The first floor of her shop had a delicious aroma, and on the tables were some of the restaurant¡¯s best dishes, and even some that she¡¯d never seen before. <em>Looks like they</em><em>¡¯re all getting creative, </em>she thought. ¡°It¡¯s nice,¡± she said. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    nah then sat down and had one of the best breakfasts she¡¯d ever had. She wasn¡¯t sure if it was the food or just the general thanks and love she felt in the air, but it was very nice.


    ¡°Thank you for all your hard work,¡± nah said as she gave her staff a slight bow before leaving. ¡°Come on,¡± she said to Ste, then left the restaurant.


    ¡°You sure you have to do this today?¡± Ste asked as they walked down the street.


    ¡°I could wait a little longer, but I want to do it on my terms,¡± nah replied.


    The two had already had the same conversation a few times since she and Derek came back to Cydaria. It always ended the same way¡ªwith Ste telling her that she would be missed¡ªand this time was no different. Once the conversation was over, they went silent and headed to their destination.


    It didn¡¯t take too long before nah and Ste found themselves outside the dragonkin kennel. It was a location far enough away from any of the cities to keep some things secret, and if something went wrong, maybe it wouldn¡¯t destroy the city from this distance.


    There weren¡¯t a lot of people gathered there, but there were more than she had expected. Edgar and Edwin were both there. nah smiled and nodded at the former king, who tried time and time again to gain her affection while he was young.


    Along with those two, some of Derek¡¯s people were there. Both Malorie and her daughter hade. The young girl looked like she had better things to do, but it looked like she was doing her best. nah giggled a little, thinking about the young smith and what she was going to make of herself in the future.


    Natalie Savannah had also dropped some things to make it. There were only a few people who knew a little of what was going on. The others hade only because they had been informed that nah would be leaving for some time. Even the Walking Forge hade by to see her off¡ªbut some of that was because he wanted to check the kennels, and hispanion was having fun with his kin.


    Finally, nah saw Derek, Avery, and Silvi waiting for her. nah looked at her friends, then over to Lyra, who seemed to be slumbering in the distance.


    ¡®<em>Lyra, can you hear me?</em><em>¡¯ </em>nah asked. If the dragonkin didn¡¯t answer, she wouldn¡¯t disturb her more.


    ¡®<em>I can hear you just fine,</em><em>¡¯ </em>the beast sent back.


    ¡®<em>Great,</em><em>¡¯ </em>nah said. ¡®<em>I thought you may have been asleep.</em><em>¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®No, not asleep,¡¯ </em>Lyra said. ¡®<em>What is it that you need?</em><em>¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®I just wanted to thank you for watching over Avery, and to ask that you keep doing so,¡¯ </em>nah said.


    ¡®<em>Of course I will,</em><em>¡¯ </em>Lyra replied. ¡®<em>You need not worry.</em><em>¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®Thank you,¡¯ </em>nah said.


    After that, the siren moved forward, closer to Derek and the others. Finally, she found herself just a few feet away from them.


    ¡°This is it?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°This is it,¡± nah answered. She looked behind them and saw that they had cleared out arge area for nah to do what needed to be done. ¡°You¡¯ve been busy,¡± she said.


    ¡°Not really,¡± Derek said. ¡°It didn¡¯t take too long.¡±


    ¡°Well, better get this started,¡± the siren replied. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t want all this work to go to waste.¡±


    ¡°You sure you don¡¯t want to try to trick it?¡± Derek asked. ¡°I could always put you in my Time Prison and close it until your deadline passes.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure,¡± nah replied. ¡°But thanks.¡±


    ¡°Anytime.¡±


    After that, nah turned to Avery. ¡°Avery, you take care of those kids. They need you. And do look after Ste until she¡¯s back to herself.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Avery replied with a nod. ¡°I¡¯ll do so until it¡¯s time for me to go find you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll get there before too long,¡± nah replied. After that, she turned to Silvi. ¡°You make good use of those recipes and ingredients that I help get you.¡±


    ¡°I will, I will¡­¡± Silvi¡¯s voice chimed from hermunication crystal. ¡°You sure you need to go? Will miss delicious restaurant owner.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sure,¡± nah replied. ¡°But I appreciate the care.¡±


    Once she finished with those three, she sighed. <em>I</em><em>¡¯ve been looking forward to doing this, but now that the time hase, I am quite nervous, </em>she thought to herself. <em>Better just do it before it gets worse. </em>Finally, nah looked at Derek once more. She walked forward and grabbed Derek¡¯s wrists with her hands. After which, she stood on her tiptoes and leaned forward. nah gave the clueless man a quick peck on his cheek, then whispered, ¡°When youe find me, you¡¯re taking me on a real date. No more of this dungeon running bullshit. I want food and candles, and you¡¯re paying.¡±


    ¡°You just remember your words,¡± Derek looked down at her and smiled¡ªcausing the siren to actually blush a small amount.


    ¡°Would never forget them,¡± nah. ¡°Just don¡¯t take forever.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dream of it,¡± Derek replied.


    ¡°Alright! Let¡¯s do this.¡± nah pulled back from Derek, then walked past him to the center of the cleared area. When she turned around to look, everyone had gathered on what could be considered the edge. ¡°Take care of each other,¡± she shouted out to everyone.


    <em>Now</em><em>¡­ let¡¯s see¡­ </em>nah opened her status, then focused on the part that showed that she had met the requirements for advancement. She focused on the tab and received a notification.


    Would you like to initiate advancement?


    Yes/No?


    Note: There is still time remaining before forced advancement.


    nah focused on ¡®Yes.¡¯ She looked up and waved at the group of her friends andpanions. They all waved back¡ªincluding Ste, who was very teary-eyed. With onest deep breath, nah selected yes. Next, she was enshrouded in a bright white light. After that, she was gone.

 Book 7 of System Universe is out today!

    Book 7 of System Universe is out today!


    Requirements (System Universe Book 7) Now Avable on Amazon


    Hey everyone! It¡¯s finally December, which means that my seventh book in the System Universe series is here! Just in time for the holiday season!


    Today marks theunch of System Universe Book 7: Requirements. It¡¯s now avable through Amazon¡¯s Kindle Unlimited, Kindle, and Paperback. Audible wille at ater date, hopefully not too far out.


    Avable through this link:


    Ebook: /amazon/B0D71QNNZY


    Now, as for how people can support the release, there are a couple things, if you were here for thest announcement, you already know this:


    -Ratings and Reviews: On Amazon (Also, keep in mind that anything below a 5 is basically bad because of how their rating skew) ratings and reviews are the biggest help for authors. Also, you don¡¯t have to buy the book to rate it, which is good because you most likely already read it here. Though, I would for sure love for you to pick it up again on KU or Audio to get in on some of that good editing and narration. XD


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    -Kindle Unlimited Downloads: With the way Amazon¡¯s algorithm is, reading the book on KU or even just downloading it helps a ton. The more downloads/reads, the more Amazon likes the book.Here¡¯s the description!


    <strong>Since arriving in Cydaria, Derek Hunt has been caught up in one fight after another, whether he liked it or not. </strong>


    Derek has saved viges and maybe even cities from overflowing dungeons. Heter helped with the capture of one of the most despicable noblemen in the entire kingdom. After that, he, at the request of Prince Edgar, helped prevent uing danger by clearing a raid dungeon and keeping it from overflowing into the kingdom.


    Then, he and Silvi joined a war effort that began while he was clearing the dungeon. With their might included in the efforts, Cydaria defeated the allied countries of Astrus and Indria¡ªallowing for a never-before-seen peace to wash over the entire continent.


    Now, with the war over, Derek¡¯spanions are finally safe, and he can stop worrying about forces threatening them. So, with his people no longer in harm¡¯s way for the first time, what will he choose to do next? Should he take a break? Should he try to learn more about the System Universe? Or maybe it¡¯s time to make good on some promises.<strong></strong>


    <strong>Don¡¯t miss the seventh installment of Derek¡¯s journey in the System Universe. Join Derek in this uniquebination of the LitRPG, Isekai, and Slice of Life genres. He has friends, a bond that shouldst forever, and even a home. What more could our overpowered protagonist ask for? </strong>


    I want to thank everyone who read and continue to read the series, and those who left me kind reviews and messages. You are all awesome!


    And as always,


    Thanks for reading!

 Chapter 488: Prologue Book 8

    Chapter 488: Prologue Book 8


    In a dark room, the silhouette of a humanoid figure slowly faded into existence. If Derek were to look at the figure, he would instantly recognize him as Dave. Once his figure was finished appearing, Dave walked forward. He went through the room he appeared in, then into another.


    The new room had one center, throne-like seat, and then was surrounded on either side by more, smaller throne-like seats. Dave continued walking forward until he reached the middle seat, then sat down.


    ¡°Report,¡± Dave said to nobody. However, as soon as he spoke, one transparent figure after another began appearing in many of the remaining seats. Finally, an elf at the side stepped forward and came before Dave.


    ¡°Master Davenresh.¡± The elf bowed. ¡°It is as expected. The siren has met the requirements and advanced systems.¡±


    ¡°Tsk¡­¡± Dave clicked his tongue. ¡°How lucky can my brother be? What terrible timing.¡± The elf shook his head. ¡°What else?¡±


    ¡°Well, before the siren advanced, she led a team to defeat the World Tree,¡± the man replied.


    Dave held his arm up¡ªcausing a holographic screen to appear. After that, he punched in a fewmands, then nodded. ¡°I see,¡± he said. ¡°I guess my brother doesn¡¯t have all the luck, after all.¡± He continued to read something on his screen, then raised his brows. ¡°The Origin System assisted again in awarding an Achievement? Very good.¡±


    ¡°It did, sir,¡± the other elf replied. ¡°Though I do not understand everyone¡¯s obsession with that man. You were well on your way; I do not understand why you decided to take that gamble.¡±


    ¡°Sereph,¡± Dave said, and the elf before him bowed once again. ¡°Let me ask you a question.¡±¡°Yes, master?¡± Sereph asked.


    ¡°Think of all the void-based users in the entire Origin System and below, how many can you name?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ There¡¯s the Void Emperor¡­ and¡­¡±


    ¡°And his subordinates?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡±


    ¡°Who else?¡± Dave asked.


    ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t think of any,¡± Sereph answered.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Dave replied. ¡°And do you know why that is?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ because of the Void Emperor?¡± the man answered with a question.


    ¡°Yes, because the Void Emperor does not allow any void users to live if he cannot control them,¡± Dave replied. ¡°Yet, because Derek Hunt has grown away from the Origin System, he is not yet known to the Void Emperor. The Origin System has also rewarded him with a skill that is unknown to me thatpletely disconnects him from the system when he uses it. It is almost like the Origin System is looking out for him.¡±


    ¡°But still¡­ because of that man, the Universal System will arrive well before we are ready,¡± Sereph said.


    ¡°And losing nah Swan was a blow to our preparations,¡± Dave said. ¡°However, Mr. Hunt is here, and because of him, that old Sand Sage has received a second wind. Not to mention the growth of those around him¡ªespecially that of Avery Swan and Edgar Cydaria. I was not expecting to see a World Boss Achievement be given out so soon.¡±


    ¡°Nor was I,¡± Sereph replied. ¡°World Bosses usually grow strong enough to cause great disasters before they are defeated. But the Echoing Willow was cut down soon after it received the designation.¡±


    ¡°That was pure luck,¡± Dave said. ¡°We are lucky that the siren had a bone to pick with the Echoing Willow. I had hoped she would take action against it before leaving, but I wasn¡¯t sure she would have enough time.¡±


    ¡°What are your ns with the void user?¡± Sereph changed the subject back to Derek.


    ¡°My ns?¡± Dave muttered and scratched his chin. ¡°Mr. Hunt is not the type of person to be controlled. We have watched him for some time, and that much is apparent.¡±


    ¡°Then why help him so?¡±


    ¡°Just because I cannot control him does not mean that I cannot make him an ally,¡± Dave replied. ¡°I actually like the young man and hispanion. They are very interesting. I believe I will offer him one of my remaining seats.¡±


    ¡°You would offer a whelp who is not even level 250 a seat?¡± Sereph stared dumbfounded at his master. ¡°Just because you like his attitude? Is that not a bit much?¡±


    ¡°Are you questioning me?¡± Dave looked Sereph in the eyes and waited.


    ¡°N-no¡­¡± Sereph finally spat out. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ it¡­¡±


    ¡°It took you thousands of years before you received the offer. Are you jealous of Mr. Hunt?¡± Dave questioned.


    ¡°It¡­ it¡¯s not that, master,¡± the man replied. ¡°epting a void user¡­ will that not put you at odds against the Void Emperor?¡±


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    ¡°So what?¡± Dave replied. ¡°If Derek epts, then I may even do something I would normally never do and ask that he be granted protection under my family. If that happens, then it will allow him to grow safely. And since he is from our system, there is not much that the Void Emperor will be able to say about it. Even he would not risk offending my family because of a single man. And if Derek can have my family¡¯s full backing, that is what he would be looking at if he chose to take action.


    ¡°Besides, I have a gut feeling that the man has the potential to be a greater void user than the Void Emperor ever dreamed of. He may even pass that hurdle that the Void Emperor will never be able to. I¡¯m sure that father would ept him if he chose to join us.¡±


    ¡°Do you believe he will ept?¡±


    ¡°No, no I do not,¡± Dave replied. ¡°I will offer, but I do not believe his character will allow him to ept a position under someone else. But that doesn¡¯t mean I will not offer it. Who knows? Perhaps he will have a change of heart.¡±


    ¡°Then¡­ what happens when he rejects your offer?¡± Sereph asked. ¡°What happens when he ascends to the Origin System? It is one thing to offend the Void Emperor on ount of one of your people, but to do so merely because you are his ally¡­¡±


    ¡°No, my father would not ept that,¡± Dave replied. ¡°There will not be much that I can offer Mr. Hunt if, or when, that happens. However, I will do for him what I can. Then, if he one day surpasses the Void Emperor, it will all be worth it.¡±


    ¡°If he survives,¡± Sereph reiterated.


    ¡°Yes, if he is able to survive.¡± Dave nodded. ¡°The Void Emperor¡¯s growth has stagnated. He has reached the end of his ability. He will most certainly mark Derek as a target the moment he learns of him. Thus, I expect everyone in this room to keep quiet about the up-anding void user. And that is not a suggestion, it is an order. Am I understood?¡±


    From around the room, each figure bowed their head and collectively replied, ¡°Yes, master!¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Dave said. ¡°I will do what I can to keep the Void Emperor from finding out, as well. I may not be able to offer Derek my family¡¯s full protection, but I can at least give him some support¡ªeven if in secret. If we can get him to Origin City before the Void Emperor finds out about him, that would be for the best. It all depends on what the Origin System is ying at.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± Sereph said with a nod.


    ¡°And Sereph,¡± Dave said.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be jealous,¡± Dave said. ¡°Jealousy is not a good look on you. Just because you were the first from my system to gain a seat does not mean that you have to be thest. You should know what to expect from people. If you could do it, then why would others be unable to?¡±


    ¡°I understand, sir,¡± Sereph replied. ¡°May I ask a question?¡±


    ¡°You may speak freely.¡±


    ¡°Why did you not offer the siren a seat before she ascended?¡±


    ¡°Ms. Swan does indeed have potential,¡± Dave replied. ¡°However, do we not already have Calyren? nah may have been immediately helpful, but I do not believe the acquisition would have been a good idea in the long run¡ªnot with the simrities between Calyren and her.¡±


    ¡°But what about your brother? Will he not make the siren an offer?¡± Sereph asked.


    ¡°He may,¡± Dave replied. ¡°And, as unfortunate as it is, nah Swan would be a perfect addition for Vincent. However, my brother will choose to observe and evaluate before acting on it. Ms. Swan will be in his sights, though, because, as you know well, it is not often that someone advances systems. I do not think I need to worry about her, though. In that regard, I believe she is somewhat simr to Mr. Hunt. For the many decades that we have observed her, she has never conformed to someone else¡¯s wishes.¡±


    ¡°That is true,¡± Sereph replied.


    ¡°Not to mention that my brother will have to go through the proper channels tomunicate with those under his system,¡± Dave exined. ¡°Mr. Hunt is a one in a billion exception¡ªno¡­ even more than that. He is under the Origin System¡¯s purview now, so I can speak to him without upsetting the bnce. Still, I must be careful about the things I choose to tell him.¡±


    Dave could tell that Sereph still didn¡¯t like speaking about Derek. The man really was jealous of the void user. But he was under Dave¡¯s orders, so it wasn¡¯t like there was anything that Sereph could do to hinder Derek¡¯s growth.


    ¡°Is there anything else that we need to discuss?¡± Dave asked.


    ¡°At the current rate that the Universal System is covering ground,¡± Sereph began. ¡°If something doesn¡¯t happen to slow its progress, I predict that it will reach the Davenresh System in less than a year¡­ maybe even months. Are you sure you are ready?¡±


    ¡°Am I ready? Of course not,¡± Dave said. ¡°It¡¯s not something one can truly ever be ready for. Do I like our chances? I do,¡± he exined. ¡°Besides, the worst-case scenario is that we fail, and I lose progress. I am already progressing at a pace that is faster than anyone else in my family¡¯s history, so if we fail, then I lose some progress and match my brother. However, if we seed¡­¡± Dave¡¯s eyes shined. ¡°If I seed, I will make history in my family.¡±


    ¡°But you would have made history had you not granted the void user those boons and caused the Universal System to take note,¡± Sereph said.


    ¡°That may be true,¡± Dave replied. ¡°But is it not better to seed in a spectacr way? And by doing so, leave nothing up for debate? If I fail, nothing really changes, and if I were to seed normally, it could all be chalked up to a lucky break. But to seed in such an overwhelming fashion¡­ I will be a legend in my own family. Bing the next patriarch would not be out of the question at that point.¡±


    ¡°I did not know that the master had aspirations to be the next head of your family,¡± Sereph said.


    ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t,¡± Dave replied. ¡°But, to see the look on all their faces when I¡¯m offered the position just to turn it down¡­ that is worth taking all the chances in the universe. Just imagine father¡¯s and brother¡¯s faces when the sibling who never takes anything seriously and who they said will never amount to anything sets family records. It would make all this hard work worth it.¡±


    ¡°Sir¡­ you can¡¯t be doing all of this just out of spite,¡± Sereph said.


    ¡°Spite? No¡­¡± Dave said. ¡°I¡¯ve never taken offense to anything anyone else has said. I am not that kind of person. They can call me the family screw up all they want, but this could be one of the biggest practical jokes in the universe. Besides, if I do so, I¡¯ll have enough status to call off that pesky engagement. Who would want to marry such an uptight noblewoman? I enjoy my freedom and peace of mind more than anything else, after all. And if I have to go through with that engagement, then I imagine I will lose both. So, it is all worth gambling on Derek Hunt.¡±


    ¡°If you say so, master,¡± Seraph sighed.


    ¡°I do say so,¡± Dave replied. ¡°Now, is there nothing else?¡±


    ¡°I believe that is it for now,¡± Seraph replied.


    ¡°Good,¡± Dave said. ¡°Continue to observe and report to me once Derekpletes his second requirement. When that timees, I think it will be time for another talk.¡±


    ¡°Of course, master,¡± Sereph bowed, then went back to his seat.


    ¡°Great!¡± Dave pped his hands, then stood. He walked to the entrance that he hade from, then turned around. ¡°Keep up the good work, everyone! If we get through this sessfully, then you will all be greatly rewarded.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Master Davenresh,¡± everyone shouted in unison.


    Dave nodded, then left the room¡ªmoving back to the dark room he usually entered from. With a bright smile on his face, he closed his eyes, and his body faded out of existence.


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 Chapter 489: Gone

    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Derek stared at the spot that nah had just been standing. Everything was so¡­ smooth. One second, she was there, and the next, she was gone¡ªonly apanied by a very short sh of light. There wasn¡¯t even as much fanfare in what just urred as there was when entering any dungeon. ¡°I¡­ was expecting more,¡± he said.


    ¡°As was I,¡± Avery stepped forward and looked to the same ce as Derek was. Then, he turned his head and whispered in Derek¡¯s ear, ¡°It seems like you have a lot to prepare for, so when you next meet her, you¡¯re ready.¡±


    ¡°That does seem to be the case, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Derek replied as he reached up to touch his cheek. The small peck on the cheek and the words that nah had told him didn¡¯t really catch him by surprise. The time he spent with the siren had been very fun, after all. If nothing else, he now had even more of a reason to figure out a way to the woman. ¡°Actually¡­¡± he muttered, then turned back to look at everyone. ¡°You all stand back.¡±


    Everyone nodded, and Avery also took a few steps back. Momentster, Derek activated Void Travel and stepped into the portal to the void when it appeared. Silvi, too, hopped up to his shoulder and went inside. Derek pushed his Void Sense as much as he could and searched for nah. Her aura was one of the bigger ones that¡¯d he had ever seen, so if he could find anyone, it would be her.


    To his dismay, as he pushed and pushed, he was never able to totally locate her. It was like he was on the verge of being able to feel the woman, but he just couldn¡¯t quite do it. Still, just that fact that he managed to feel anything while looking for her gave him hope. <em>I just need to get stronger is all, </em>he thought. <em>Eventually, I know that I¡¯ll be able to move to her. It will just take some time. I hope everything goes well on her end. </em>


    ¡°Do you feel anything?¡± Derek asked Silvi.


    ¡°Nope,¡± Silvi replied. ¡°Restaurantdy is gone. No trace left. Maybe she¡¯ll make more restaurants wherever she went. Very good at making restaurants and food.¡± It seemed that because Silvi only shared Derek¡¯s Void Sense with him, and she could only have it at level ten, she couldn¡¯t even feel the sensation that nah was still out there like Derek could.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Derek chuckled. ¡°She is pretty good at doing all that, isn¡¯t she?¡±


    Finally, while Derek was still inside his portal and he wasn¡¯t in any kind of rush anymore, he began searching for others who were far away. First, he thought about Silvi Jobs and pushed his Void Sense to its limits. He wasn¡¯t overly familiar with her aura, as he didn¡¯t have the senses back when he left Earth as he did now, but he was still able to see and feel her faint aura.<em>I think I would have to rest a few times if I were to go to her, but I can definitely do it, </em>he thought. That was another good sign. And Silvi still seemed to be in the same ce she was thest time he searched for her. After finding Silvi, he focused on locating Jace. His aura was even easier to find that Silvi¡¯s, as, even though he¡¯d never sensed much of it, he¡¯d fought with the man countless times.


    Once again, Jace¡¯s aura appeared arge distance away from Silvi¡¯s. Derek just knew that, with the auras so far apart, there was almost no chance that they were both still on the same. After that, just for giggles, Derek searched for some of his other acquaintances from Earth. Some were easier to find than others¡ªlike Big Jim and some of the other more powerful people he knew from Earth. But there were also a few that he couldn¡¯t find. Whether that was because he didn¡¯t really know them, or because they were already dead, he did not know.


    Honestly, he¡¯d not had much of a problem finding people through his Void Sense and Void Travel abilities, so he leaned toward the former exnation¡ªthat a few of those he looked for had gotten themselves killed somehow. It was a morose thought, but it was certainly a possibility¡ªactually, it was probably more probable than not. It wasn¡¯t like Earth was safe, after all.


    Derek let out a sigh and stopped trying to sense people. He stopped pushing on his Void Sense skill, then turned around and walked back out of the portal. After that, he made sure to shut it because of how dangerous it was.


    ¡°So?¡± Avery took a step forward and asked.


    ¡°I feel like I¡¯m really close to being able to sense her, but there is just something in the way. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s actually something blocking me, or if she¡¯s just so far away that I can¡¯t quite reach her yet. Either way, I can at least feel her¡ªsense that she¡¯s out there¡ªeven if I can¡¯t actually locate her.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Avery replied. ¡°That¡¯s all that we could really hope for. You¡¯re a monster that continues to grow, so I have no doubt that you will be taking her out on that date in no time.¡± Avery looked Derek up and down. He was wearing his normal outfit¡ªa pair of blue jeans, his boots he received from the Starfury Leonaris, and a basic ck t-shirt. ¡°I do believe that she would appreciate it if you showed up in¡­ something other than your usual garb.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about,¡± Derek said with a click of his tongue as she looked down at what he was wearing. ¡°This is some of my best clothes. In fact, I¡¯ve already talked to Brandi, and she¡¯s making me a few more sets out of higher quality material as we speak.¡±


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    ¡°Just¡­ think about what I said,¡± Avery sighed.


    ¡°Fine¡­¡± Derek relented. <em>I guess I could have her make a polo or something, </em>Derek thought. <em>With the correct material, I guess it could be almost asfortable as a T-shirt. </em>Derek mentally shrugged. That was stuff to think about at ater time¡ªand only something he¡¯d wear on very, very important asions.


    After that, Derek turned to look at everyone else. Not many showed too much of a reaction to what happened. Ste had many tear streaks running down her face, though. And it seemed like the person who was hit the second hardest was actually the former king. Edwin was slightly trembling and had his head down staring at the ground. He chased after the siren back in his day, and it most definitely seemed that he still had a lot of feelings for the woman.


    It was very likely that Edwin had seen the siren for the final time in his life, considering his rapidly approaching old age. So, Derek could understand someone like him being a bit broken up about seeing someone like nah leave, and for an unknown amount of time.


    Edgar also seemed a little sad, but he wasn¡¯t great friends with nah. The man mostly just appreciated the woman¡¯s strength and character. Natalie looked a bit sorrowful, as well. The two women were friendly enough with each other, at least based on what Derek had seen of their interactions. So, for her, he bet that it felt like a good friend saying goodbye for thest time. Overall, nah¡¯s departure was a blow for the kingdom as a whole.


    ¡°I guess that¡¯s it,¡± Derek said. ¡°We¡¯re all going to have to work hard to try to catch up,¡± Derek said. Not everyone knew why she left or anything, but by the way Derek put it, he was sure that those there would be able to piece a little together. Just to be sure, he added, ¡°I¡¯m sure she expects to see some of us soon. She has faith that each of us is capable of extraordinary growth, just as she was.¡± Derek¡¯s eyes lingered on the former king, as he was most likely the exception, but he didn¡¯t say anything. Edwin was already sad enough without Derek poking at the wound.


    Once everything was over, and since they were close to the dragon kennels, Derek walked over to Lyra, who it looked like nah spoke to before she left. Lyra always looked like she was sleeping, but Derek knew that she was probably the most vignt being around. Now that nah was gone for the time being, when Derek didn¡¯t have anything else to do, he thought about visiting with Avery¡¯spanion to help train his willpower and Telepathy asionally. Luckily, the Echoing Willow fight skyrocketed his Mental Resistance skill during the fight, and he no longer had to worry about leveling it.


    <em>¡®Heya Lyra,¡¯ </em>Derek said as he moved within a few feet of the massive beast. ¡®<em>How are you doing?¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®I am doing well,¡¯ </em>Lyra replied.


    ¡®<em>How is Avery?¡¯ </em>Derek asked. The man seemed to be fine on the outside, but Derek was sure he was a bit broken up on the inside.


    ¡®<em>He will be okay,¡¯ </em>Lyra said. ¡®<em>His mistress¡¯s departure has ignited a fire inside him. He wishes to not fall behind.¡¯</em>


    <em>¡®He¡¯s strong in both power and will,¡¯ </em>Derek said. ¡®<em>I look forward to seeing what happens.¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®Indeed,¡¯ </em>Lyra replied.


    ¡®<em>What about nah¡¯s contracted wyvern?¡¯ </em>Derek asked. In the recent days, nah had made sure to break the contract with the beast before she left. Since she had only contracted with it, and not bonded, doing so did note with many drawbacks.


    ¡®<em>He is doing well,¡¯ </em>Lyra answered. ¡®<em>He is a little sad and sullen that his former contractor has left, but his intelligence is not high enough to truly miss her. Though, with just his brief time contracted with her, his intelligence has increased at a much higher rate than the others.¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®Is that so?¡¯ </em>Derek said. ¡®<em>What should we do with him?¡¯ </em>he asked.


    ¡®<em>I believe that if someone with a legendary ss would try to tame him currently, it would not be too difficult,¡¯ </em>Lyra exined. ¡®<em>However, I also believe that soon, contracting with him will be very difficult. He is currently experiencing that loss and is mentally weak. Once he heals, he will be mentally stronger than before¡ªmore so than either I or Blitz were when we were contracted. At that time, it will not be easy.¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®nah told me that setting him free was an option if I couldn¡¯t find someone to contract with him,¡¯ </em>Derek said. He was having a difficult time thinking of someone who would fit the description. He was also in a bit of a hurry and worried because he was unsure how much longer he had left on his current world and in his current system. Seeing nah go increased that worry.


    ¡®<em>Allowing him freedom would not be a terrible option,¡¯ </em>Lyra said. ¡®<em>Avery¡¯s mistress has warned him against attacking people unprovoked, and I believe that warning willst. However, gaining said freedom would be lonely for such a wyvern.¡¯</em>


    <em>Hmm¡­ </em>Derek thought. There were still people, such as Brandi and Thomas, who needed to gain strength enough to contract some of the dragonkin if they chose to. <em>However, I¡¯m not sure that anyone else I know has or will have a ss of high enough rarity to make taming the creature possible. </em>With that specific wyvern, Derek was stuck.


    ¡®<em>Perhaps we let him have some freedom on a trial basis?¡¯ </em>Lyra asked. ¡®<em>I will keep him under control and close and see how he reacts. The option of contracting with him will always be there unless he leaves for good.¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®That is true,¡¯ </em>Derek replied. Out of the people he could think of, Vanessa, The Shadow Witch, came to mind, along with Marrick and possibly nah¡¯s old friend from way back, David. There was also Walter and possibly re, but he was sure that Walter wasn¡¯t strong enough¡ªespecially with his ss being mostly healing based. Plus, he did not have a legendary ss. He believed that re would eventually gain such a ss, but there was no telling how long that would take.


    Derek crossed Vanessa¡¯s name off the list pretty quickly. He wasn¡¯t actually sure, but he doubted that the woman had a legendary ss. It was a great ss, but he just wasn¡¯t sure how great it was. Marrick had already refused, so there was no reason asking again. <em>I am going to have to meet this ¡®David¡¯ at some point, </em>Derek thought. He could easily switch continents whenever he wanted, so he put that on his mental list of things to do.


    ¡®<em>We¡¯ll just do that,¡¯ </em>Derek said. ¡®<em>Allow him the freedom to roam around the area and observe his reactions. We¡¯ll think of something elseter.¡¯</em>


    <em>¡®Very well,¡¯ </em>Lyra replied. ¡®<em>Is there anything else?¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®That is all,¡¯ </em>Derek said. ¡®<em>Do your best to look out for Avery.¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®I will,¡¯ </em>the winged serpent replied. ¡®<em>Please take care and take care of him whenever you can.¡¯ </em>


    <em>¡®I¡¯ll do what I can,¡¯ </em>Derek replied. He patted Lyra on the side of her neck, then turned around. ¡®<em>I¡¯ll see you soon,¡¯ </em>he said before walking off in the direction of Savannah. It was time to really see what all Malorie had decided to build, and how Geoffrey was doing it.


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 Chapter 490: Renovations

    Derek enjoyed his slow walk back to the city alone. He may be restless and antsy after staying couped up in a city for a while, but it was nice to take a moderately long break after doing a raid or going on an adventure like he just had with nah. Sometimes, it was just nice to slowly take things in and be alone with his thoughts.


    And Derek did take his time. He was sure that everyone else who went to see the siren off had already made it back to Savannah by the time he entered through the city gate. He still wore the badges that he and nah had received on his shoulder, and the guards knew him, so he didn¡¯t have any trouble making his way inside on foot¡ªalso, nobody tried to stop him for a chat, and that was nice most of the time.


    Once inside the city walls, he leisurely strolled the outer region of the city until he made it back to his shop, which was still very much under construction. Derek stood outside the shop and examined everything in front of him. The lots around the shop were all being built up. On one of them, he saw what looked like a massively sized barracks. It was the bunkhouse that they had talked about building.


    The reason it was so big was because they had to make sure and make itrge enough for Ogre to live withinfortably. Derek ventured over to it and walked inside. The building wasn¡¯t finished by any means, but he could see exactly what they were going for.


    He thought of it as a bunkhouse, but it was really more of a massive building with apartment-like rooms. It was a one-story building with a ceiling tall enough to be the top of a two-story building¡ªthat was all for Ogre¡¯s sake. Geoffrey had gone above and beyond in the construction of the building, too.


    It was very basic, but also veryfortable. When he walked in through the central door, his first sight was that of a sort of living area with a small kitchen. It was very open, had sitting ces all around¡ªincluding some reclining chairs¡ªand the kitchen was equipped with a bar, stove, and his current world¡¯s version of a refrigerator¡ªwhich was a big box with cooling runes etched inside.


    After scanning the living area, Derek went on to check out the personal rooms. There were basically two wings of rooms¡ªone to the left of the living area, and one to the right. He opened the door to one of the rooms and nodded after giving it a quick look.


    Each room was actually bigger than the one he lived in at his shop and had a built-in bathroom. They were basically one-room studio apartments. The only difference was that they didn¡¯t have their own kitchen in each one¡ªfor that, the residents would have to use the central kitchen.


    For now, each room was bare¡ªGeoffrey and Malorie hadn¡¯t gotten around to furnishing all the beds and the rest of the furniture for each one. When Derek stepped inside the shower, he let out a slight chuckle. Since Geoffrey didn¡¯t know which room Ogre was going to choose, he made it so each room would amodate him. This meant that, just as the rooms and the building were, the showers were also massive.The shower head was very high up. Luckily, the rune to control it was in an easy to reach area for anyone. Derek stood to the side and turned it on. <em>Oh¡­ this is neat, </em>he thought as he yed around with the runes. <em>Looks like Geoffrey has been busy with upgrades. </em>The upgrades he was thinking about were different shower patterns from the shower head.


    There was the ssic jet patter, a massaging one, mist, rainfall, and a few others. There was also what appeared to be a warningbel on a couple of the patterns, and when Derek changed to them, he knew exactly why. <em>Whew¡­ this would take the skin off of someone without a decent amount of endurance, </em>he thought. He also found another rune he wasn¡¯t sure about, so he did the only thing one should do in that situation and activated it.


    To his surprise, the rune actually raised and lowered the shower on the wall. That was something he was wondering about because of how high it was¡ªit would be great for Ogre, but for anyone else, it was just too high. <em>Looks like they thought of everything, </em>Derek thought.


    Derek soon walked out of the building with a nod and a smile on his face. The ce would be perfect for Bones and Ogre and could be used for guests or any live-in workers that they may end up supporting. It would do just fine.


    After leaving that building, Derek walked over to another one. It was a smaller version of his own shop building. It was a building that Malorie was having built specifically for Rudy. Once he got to it, Derek walked inside. It was a nice, almost cozy, building.


    ¡°Derek!¡± Rudy said when he saw Derek enter.


    ¡°Rudy,¡± Derek replied. ¡°How are you liking this ce?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m going to love it,¡± the contract maker answered. ¡°Look over here.¡± Rudy walked over to the side wall. There was a ss disy case¡ªone that would be in some jewelry shops.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Once everything is finished, I¡¯m going to write up a bunch of specialty contracts,¡± the man exined. ¡°Then, I¡¯m going to put a temte for each one in these disy cases for people to peruse. If they find one that they like, they can purchase it for a price, or they can have me customize it to fit their needs for a price.¡± ?


    ¡°Good thinking,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°On this side,¡± Rudy said as he walked to the other side of the store. ¡°Are all the generic contracts. Things like your normal employee agreements, rental agreements, and various other service contracts. Of course, I¡¯ll also customize these within reason, as well, for a price. But I don¡¯t suspect there will be a need for much customization on these.¡±


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    ¡°I see,¡± Derek said. ¡°What about over there?¡± he asked as he pointed over to the main counter. It was just like the one in his previous shop¡ªwith another room behind it and everything. But beside that room was another that Derek was unsure about.


    ¡°Well,¡± Rudy started as he walked to one of the rooms and opened it. It was pretty basic, but had a desk for the man to work, and some veryfortable-looking seating for guests. ¡°I¡¯ve set this area up just in case I¡¯m able to upgrade in the future. I¡¯ll be able to draw up specific contracts in front of the parties for exorbitant prices. And hopefully, I¡¯ll be able to create soul contracts one day, then I¡¯ll really rake in the profits.¡± Rudy¡¯s eyes shone as he spoke.


    ¡°Good luck with that,¡± Derek said. ¡°Speaking of contracts, are you able to create beast contracts?¡±


    ¡°I am,¡± Rudy said. ¡°I¡¯ll sell them under the specialized contracts section. Though, that is just because of the pricing¡ªthere¡¯s not really anything you can change with such contracts. That would just be bad for the beasts if you were able to. It seems that the Great System keeps stuff like that in check¡ªat least it does with my ss. But still, beast contracts are very popr and not too terribly hard to create. They are best sellers for nobles who have too much money.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Derek said as he turned to leave the room. Once back out, he nodded to the other remaining room. ¡°What¡¯s in there?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s just my regr office,¡± Rudy said. ¡°I thought it would be better to keep it and the one I use for clients separate. It may be overkill, but I like it.¡±


    ¡°That makes sense, I guess,¡± Derek said. ¡°What¡¯s happening with your other shop?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Malorie¡¯s,¡± Rudy said.


    ¡°Your office is Malorie¡¯s?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°No¡­ well¡­ yes,¡± Rudy said. ¡°As far as I know, she¡¯s turning it into a waiting area, meeting room, and office. Along with a bit of storage, but that doesn¡¯t take up much space because of the spatial rings she has. It seems that she is having more and more meetings with businessmen and otherstely, so having an entire space for it is for the best.¡±


    ¡°Great!¡± Derek said. ¡°She needs that. Hopefully, it will make everything she does for us a bit easier.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure it will,¡± Rudy replied.


    ¡°Do you know when everything is estimated to beplete?¡± Derek asked. In the time he¡¯d been back, he hadn¡¯t asked much about anything. He had noticed that a lot was being done each day, so he was wondering what the schedule was.


    ¡°Oh,¡± Rudy said. ¡°Mr. Tate and his team have been working extremely fast and hard. Everything should be finished within the next couple of days.¡±


    ¡°Just a couple of days?¡± Derek asked with raised eyebrows.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Rudy said. ¡°Most of the construction is finished as you can see.¡± He gestured with his hands¡ªpresenting Derek the shop. ¡°I think all they have left are the smaller details and whatever furnishings Malorie chose to go with. They¡¯ve already begun furnishing some of the buildings, actually.¡±


    ¡°I saw,¡± Derek said. ¡°The central room in the workers¡¯ housing already has some chairs and things.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Rudy said with a nod. ¡°All that¡¯s left for my shop is a sign outside and some seats for waiting here in the lobby. Can¡¯t have people just standing around if I¡¯m busy with others in the back.¡±


    Derek nodded along with the man. ¡°Well,¡± he said once Rudy was finished speaking. ¡°Good luck with your new shop.¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡± Rudy said. ¡°And thank you for everything else, too. I would have never gotten to this point if not for you and the others. Hell¡­ there is a possibility that I would be a dead soldier at this point if not for you. So, I will always remember what you have done for me.¡±


    ¡°Maybe¡­ but we will never know,¡± Derek said. ¡°But that¡¯s enough with the gratitude. You just focus on your contracts. And try not to screw any people who don¡¯t deserve it, will ya?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best,¡± Rudy said. ¡°I have an image I must maintain.¡±


    ¡°Sure you do,¡± Derek snorted. ¡°Anyway, I¡¯ll see youter. Maybe for dinner or something.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be there,¡± Rudy¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°I heard that Silvi is nning on cooking something with that new wood she has and her dragon me. I¡¯m very curious.¡±


    ¡°Is she now?¡± Derek asked rhetorically. ¡°I¡¯ll look forward to that as well.¡±


    With that, Derek left Rudy¡¯s new building, then walked over to his own. Instead of entering the front, he entered through the door to Rudy¡¯s old shop. As soon as he walked in, he saw Malorie and Geoffrey discussing something.


    ¡°Derek,¡± Malorie said. ¡°It¡¯s good that you¡¯re back. Mr. Tate has been waiting for us to return for quite some time. He has something he wants to show you.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Geoffrey said with a nod. ¡°If you would follow me, please.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± Derek said, then followed the man.


    ¡°So, Ms. Fields said that you needed a space away from everyone else. Preferably one that would block auras, so I have been personally overseeing it,¡± Geoffrey said as he led Derek down the stairs to Brandi¡¯s basement. He opened the door and walked in.


    As soon as Derek stepped inside the basement, he was left stunned.


    ¡°Ah, yes¡­¡± Geoffrey started. ¡°We expanded the basement to cover more of yournd.¡±


    What he saw of the basement was at least a third bigger than it used to be. Along with that, there were shelves around that had crafted weapons and armor sitting on them. They were items that Brandi probably nned on selling soon. The rest of the area was arranged in a much more neat and tidy way.


    ¡°We also upgraded some of that young smith¡¯s equipment¡ªparticrly her furnace and the venttion runes. But that is not what I wanted to show you,¡± Geoffrey said. ¡°Come on.¡±


    Derek followed the man to a door that wasn¡¯t there before. Geoffrey opened it and they walked inside. The room was only around 150 square feet, but there were runes etched into every side, the ceiling, and the ground.


    ¡°All of these runes are used to dampen aura,¡± Geoffrey exined. ¡°With this, you should ¡®scare¡¯ any customers. Ms. Fields said that was an issue that you had.¡±


    ¡°It was,¡± Derek said. ¡°Leave the room. Let me see how well it works.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Geoffrey said, then quickly left.


    Derek opened a portal with Void Travel and stepped inside for a moment after covering all his storage items. After a couple of minutes, he stepped back out and closed the portal. He looked around and saw that many of the runes were glowing a bright blue color¡ªthe color of mana. With a shrug, he opened the door and walked out.


    ¡°So?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Geoffrey scratched his chin. ¡°Standing so close, I could still feel some ominous aura, but it didn¡¯t affect me much. I am surprised that it was able to leak out¡­ unfortunately, I believe that is the best we can do for the time being. I am sorry. Though I do believe that it will be enough not to affect any of the other floors.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s much better than nothing,¡± Derek said. ¡°Thanks for the room.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Geoffrey said with a wave. ¡°Now, if you will excuse me, I have a few more things to oversee.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Derek replied, then the man left the basement. Derek also took onest look around at the basement before leaving.


    Once back upstairs, Derek left the shop through the entrance this time. He walked a short distance, then turned around and looked at everyone all at once. Inwardly, he sighed. Everything was great, but if he met all of his advancement requirements, would all the building be for nothing? <em>It¡¯s not like I can take it with me¡­ </em>He scratched his chin. C<em>an I?</em>

 Chapter 491: Making Good

    Derek continued to stare at his property for a moment. <em>I think the Time Prison should be able to hold a bunch of it,</em> he thought to himself and nodded. <em>Yeah¡­ if it can hold all those dragonkin, surely a building or two will be fine. As long as I can figure out a way to move it. </em>With that decided, Derek went back inside with Malorie.


    ¡°Great job,¡± he said when he saw her in what would soon be herplete office.


    ¡°This should make things more streamlined,¡± Malorie replied.


    ¡°Yup,¡± Derek said with a nod. ¡°By the way, where is Brandi? I didn¡¯t see her when I went to the basement.¡±


    ¡°Thomas has a bit of free time this morning, and since we¡¯re doing all these renovations, I suggested that Brandi head to the capital to spend time with him and the other kids,¡± Malorie answered. ¡°Thomas is building quite the little friend group over there and spending a lot of time at the Crown¡¯s training grounds when he¡¯s not in school.¡±


    ¡°How did his dungeon running go?¡± Derek asked. Last time that he spoke with the kid, he was preparing to go with his ssmates toplete some dungeons and get some experience.


    ¡°He did well,¡± Malorie answered. ¡°His team had the fastest times and the best scores. None of them came back injured or even scratched up.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± Derek said. ¡°I¡¯m going to have to go celebrate with him and his team.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure they will appreciate that,¡± Malorie said.¡°Yeah¡­ it¡¯s not like I have much else to do¡­¡± Derek muttered. ¡°Anyway, what about the rest of their ss? Did you hear about any of them?¡±


    ¡°I think he mentioned that there were two teams who had to use escape scrolls, and three people came back critically injured,¡± Malorie answered. ¡°Fortunately, there weren¡¯t any casualties.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Derek said. He also had a guess about which team may have failed. <em>There was that kid who, despite having a great ss, just had no willpower at all, </em>he thought.


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to wait to celebrate with Thomas and his team, though,¡± Malorie said, breaking Derek out of his thoughts.


    ¡°Why is that?¡±


    ¡°The reason that Brandi went there this early is that, here shortly, the academy students will be going out again for more experience,¡± Malorie said. ¡°In fact, Brandi will probably be back very soon.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°Did she go to the capital by herself? I guess she is stronger than most people already, so I probably shouldn¡¯t worry.¡±


    ¡°Yes and no,¡± Malorie said with a slight smile. ¡°She¡¯s fifteen now, so she is old enough to go alone. And like you said, she is very strong for her age.¡±


    ¡°But?¡± Derek asked, knowing that there was one.


    ¡°But¡­ I did send Bones to keep an eye on her from a distance,¡± Malorie said.


    ¡°Of course you did,¡± Derek chuckled. ¡°I would have, too,¡± Derek replied. ¡°He¡¯s kind of perfect for that sort of thing.¡±


    ¡°He is.¡± Malorie nodded. ¡°He is doing very well as a butler, too. He takes on many tasks that a butler usually doesn¡¯t. Actually¡­ on top of those duties, he has be a bit of an assistant to me. Having him around has made my life much easier.¡± ??


    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear,¡± Derek said. ¡°And Silvi really loves having Ogre around, it seems.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ she does,¡± Malorie said. ¡°And Ogre really loves being around Silvi¡­ and her food.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d things are working out with the two of them.¡±


    ¡°Me too,¡± Malorie replied. ¡°But¡­ I think you need to go have a talk with the Assassin¡¯s Guild. I don¡¯t believe they are still after the two¡­ especially after knowing that they work for you¡ªwe haven¡¯t exactly been quiet about ittely. Still, Bones is on edge about going out with Ogre and training. On one hand, he wants to get stronger so he can be more helpful to you, but on the other, he is still scared that the Assassin¡¯s Guild may retaliate.¡±


    ¡°So, the two of them haven¡¯t gone out andpleted any dungeons?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°They have,¡± Malorie said. ¡°But only a couple. And they have been very, very careful when doing so. They went to Indria to do so. I had a chat with Olivar over there, and he was helpful in making everything go smoothly for them.¡±


    ¡°Olivar?¡± Derek asked. The name sounded familiar¡­ <em>Was that one of Ryven¡¯s kids? Or maybe Osian¡¯s?</em>


    ¡°The prince. King Osian¡¯s son,¡± Malorie exined.


    ¡°Oh, yeah,¡± Derek said. ¡°I remember him a bit. How did you end up talking with a prince of Indria?¡±


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    ¡°Well¡­¡± Malorie looked at the ground for a second. ¡°Your name goes a long way over there.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Well¡­ I spoke to Ste about it, then Ste spoke to Avery, and Avery spoke to¡­ the king¡ªwho got in touch with King Osian. King Osian then sent his son here to speak with me¡­ I was very surprised when the elf showed up at the door to the shop a few weeks ago,¡± Malorie exined.


    ¡°Huh¡­¡± Derek muttered. ¡°That¡¯s cool. And I guess it wasn¡¯t even too taxing because of the teleporters now.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Malorie said. ¡°He came here. We discussed options for Bones and Ogre for about half an hour. Then, the two left with him and came back a few dayster after running a couple of dungeons that the prince prepared for them.¡±


    ¡°Huh¡­¡± Derek rubbed his chin. ¡°Remind me to thank Osian for the help.¡±


    ¡°Will do,¡± Malorie replied.


    ¡°I should also thank him for letting me borrow his brother¡­¡± Derek muttered under this breath.


    ¡°What was that?¡± Malorie asked.


    ¡°Nothing¡­¡± Derek answered.


    Malorie looked at him like she didn¡¯t believe him, but didn¡¯t say anything in the end.


    ¡°Is there anything you need me for today?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°No, I have everything under control here,¡± she answered.


    ¡°Great,¡± Derek said. ¡°In that case, since there¡¯s nothing, I might as well go pay that Assassin¡¯s Guild a visit. I promised Bones a long time ago. It¡¯s about time to make good on it.¡±


    ¡°Bones and Ogre will appreciate it,¡± Malorie said.


    ¡°Well then, I¡¯ll be backter with some good news,¡± Derek chuckled.


    ¡°I look forward to it,¡± Malorie replied. ¡°I got to get back to work arranging things.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll try to be back for dinner,¡± Derek replied. ¡°I don¡¯t want to miss whatever it is that Silvi has in store for us.¡±


    With that, Malorie turned and started walking back to her office, and Derek went downstairs to the basement. After that, he went into his specially made Void Travel room and activated his skill. Once inside, he closed the portal behind him and began his search.


    <em>Where are you¡­ </em>he thought as he looked over the auras of people he knew. Finally, his sensended on an extremely dark aura. <em>Found you. </em>Derek stepped forward and appeared next to the aura. After that, he ripped open the space and walked out.


    When he appeared, he was once again in the Cydarian Throne room. Everyone was looking his his direction, waiting to see what made hime there today. He wasn¡¯t surprised to see Vanessa Hodges standing at the side, as she now worked for the Kingdom of Cydaria since her failed rescue mission a while back. <em>I guess that was like¡­ two years ago to everyone here except for myself and her. </em>Both he and Vanessa had been part of the raid dungeon with the time distortion, and it didn¡¯t seem like Edgar was currently with the rest of his family.


    ¡°Mr. Hunt,¡± King Edward said once Derek shut his portal behind him. ¡°What is it that we can help you with today?¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ I¡¯m just here to borrow the Shadow Witch for a little while, if you don¡¯t mind,¡± Derek replied.


    ¡°Me?¡± Vanessa tilted her head and pointed at her face. ¡°What do you want with me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell youter,¡± Derek said, before turning back to Edward. ¡°So, can I take her?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ sure¡­¡± Edward muttered.


    ¡°Great!¡± Derek opened a portal again, covered the Shadow Witch with his void energy, then jumped back inside. Soon enough, the two were standing alone in his Void Travel room.


    ¡°That was interesting,¡± Vanessa said. ¡°I would rather not do it again.¡±


    ¡°No promises,¡± Derek replied. ¡°Now that the raid is over¡­ what exactly is your role in the kingdom?¡±


    ¡°I watch over that spoiled princess for the most part,¡± Vanessa said as she rolled her eyes. ¡°Sometimes I do a little reconnaissance.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡±


    ¡°Now, what do you need with me?¡±


    ¡°Are you in that much of a hurry to get back to your babysitting role?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Not really,¡± Vanessa replied. ¡°But with you, it¡¯s never anything good, is it?¡±


    ¡°That depends on your definition of ¡®good,¡¯¡± Derek replied with a smile.


    ¡°That¡¯s a no¡­¡±


    ¡°Maybe¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°I need to speak with the Assassin¡¯s Guild Leader.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Vanessa¡¯s eyes opened wide, and she said, ¡°What the hell do you want with him?¡±


    ¡°Just a little meeting,¡± Derek said. ¡°How about you tell me where the guild is located?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ can¡¯t,¡± Vanessa said. ¡°I have oaths that don¡¯t allow me to do anything detrimental to the guild unless it acts against me first.¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t detrimental,¡± Derek said. ¡°I¡¯m a nice guy.¡±


    ¡°Sure you are,¡± Vanessa snorted. ¡°And I¡¯m the Queen of Cydaria.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure Edward is looking for a wife,¡± Derek said. ¡°I could probably make that happen. What do you think? Ya¡¯ll could have a litter of shadow lightning users¡­ is that a thing?¡±


    ¡°I would rather not joke about something like that¡­¡± Vanessa muttered.


    ¡°Fine¡­¡± Derek said. ¡°But about the guild leader. I need to talk to him.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t take you to him without his knowledge, but I may be able to get him to allow it,¡± the Shadow Witch said. ¡°If he does, then there will be no problem.¡±


    ¡°Then what are you waiting for?¡±


    ¡°Fine¡­¡± Vanessa then flicked her wrist, causing a red crystal to appear. Derek watched as she channeled some of her mana into it, and it began glowing.


    The woman¡¯s face went through a myriad of expressions as she spoke with whoever was on the other side¡ªpresumably the Assassin¡¯s Guild Leader. She even winced a couple of times at the very beginning. <em>I wonder what caused that. </em>The conversationsted longer than Derek had expected it to, but after a while, she stored themunication crystal and sighed.


    ¡°He¡¯ll meet with you,¡± she said.


    ¡°Great!¡± Derek replied. ¡°Where do I need to go?¡±


    ¡°The condition is that Ie with you,¡± Vanessa replied.


    ¡°So?¡± Derek asked. ¡°That¡¯s fine by me.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s probably going to try to have me killed once I¡¯m in his territory,¡± Vanessa replied. ¡°He wouldn¡¯t dare try to do so out in the open, but in his territory, where he controls everything and everyone, while it wouldn¡¯t be easy, it may be possible.¡±


    ¡°No, it won¡¯t,¡± Derek said. ¡°I¡¯ll be there.¡±


    ¡°And you will protect me?¡± Vanessa asked.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Derek said. ¡°You¡¯re doing me a favor. What kind of person would I be if I just allowed you to be killed after that? Plus, we go way back. We fought that big cat together, remember?¡±


    ¡°Big¡­ cat¡­¡± the Shadow Witch muttered. ¡°Yeah¡­ I remember that big cat¡­ the one that almost killed me and everyone else.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the one,¡± Derekughed. ¡°Also, you work for the Kingdom of Cydaria now. That¡¯s the better side.¡±


    ¡°The better side?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ I mean¡­ it¡¯s not necessarily the good side,¡± Derek said. ¡°I don¡¯t doubt for a second that Edward would use your skills to assassinate someone if needed. But Edward is a decent person, and you work for him now, so¡­ it¡¯s the better side. Much better than killing for money and protecting scum, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ never thought about it like that,¡± Vanessa said. ¡°But¡­ I guess.¡± She shrugged. ¡°So, what is it that is so important that you need to talk to the Assassin¡¯s Guild Leader?¡±


    ¡°Oh. I just want to make it clear to him that Bones and Ogre are off limits and that if the Assassin¡¯s Guild touches them, it will cease to exist within an hour.¡±


    ¡°You¡­ are going to tell him that?¡± Vanessa asked. ¡°I¡¯m not sure you should be meeting with him. And how would you destroy a guild within an hour?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ if I meet him, I¡¯ll always be able to find him,¡± Derek said with a big grin. ¡°Now, how about we go pay him a visit?¡±

 Chapter 492: To the Assassin’s Guild

    ¡°Oh¡­ now that sounded ominous,¡± Vanessa said and shook her head. ¡°Now, where is the nearest teleporter?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re in Savannah,¡± Derek said. Then moved over and opened the door to his private Void Travel room. After that, he led the Shadow Witch up the stairs, then out of his shop. ¡°Follow me.¡± He took a step and headed toward the Teleportation Building.


    ¡°I never thought I¡¯d end up going back to the guild¡¯s base of operations again,¡± Vanessa said as they walked,


    ¡°Why is that?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°For starters, it¡¯s part of my oaths and contracts with the Kingdom of Cydaria. I can¡¯t knowingly reach out to and associate with my former assassin acquaintances.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re doing it now,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°It¡¯s a special circumstance,¡± Vanessa replied. ¡°King Edward, through his intent, gave me permission to help you¡ªand since that help included contacting the Assassin¡¯s Guild, it is being allowed. As long as I am with you and we are not plotting against the kingdom, it will be okay. Surprisingly, the oaths and contracts are not overly convoluted and put great meaning in my intent. Since I have no intent on going against the Kingdom of Cydaria, there is no problem with me doing what I am doing now.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Derek said. ¡°That¡¯s good. That means that I don¡¯t have to take you back to the pce to get specific permission from Edward, so you don¡¯t break any oaths or anything.¡±


    ¡°It is because the new king ces a lot of trust in you,¡± Vanessa said with a nod. After a short while, the two made it to the Teleportation Building and Vanessa took the lead. Before long, the two were standing outside another Teleportation Building in a city known as Rivalt¡ªwhich was one of the more mid-sized cities in the kingdom¡ªand located in the west central part of the kingdom. It was a city that Derek had not heard anything about before.¡°I guess the Assassin¡¯s Guild does a good job of keeping their location a secret,¡± Derek said as he walked beside Vanessa through the city.


    ¡°They do a very good job. The guild even keeps Rivalt as average as possible,¡± Vanessa said. ¡°But the guild is not actually located in this city, if that is what you were thinking. It is also not the¡­¡± she started, then shut her mouth. ¡°Looks like I was on the cusp of giving out too much information about the guild.¡± She shivered. ¡°I cannot say that I¡¯m a fan of that feeling.¡±


    ¡°I certainly wouldn¡¯t want to be stuck between two oaths like that,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°It could be worse,¡± Vanessa replied. ¡°Neither the guild nor the kingdom are exactly at odds with one another. The assassins are punished harshly if caught, but unless the guildpletely oversteps, the kingdom does not go out of its way to hunt them down.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a sort of bncing act, then?¡± Derek asked.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Vanessa said.


    ¡°And you used to be second inmand, huh?¡±


    ¡°I did,¡± Vanessa said as she led Derek down one of the streets in the city, and eventually into an area that looked to be the slums. ¡°It was not a position I wanted, but it was more so forced upon me because of the death of the previous Vice Leader and a few other circumstances. That is why I tried to take some long-term missions whenever possible. It was always more work for me when I wasn¡¯t on a mission than when I was. And¡­ sometimes, I would do a little frencing once a mission was over, just to not have to go back as soon.¡±


    ¡°And that frencing is why you were with that piece of crap noble,¡± Derek said.


    ¡°Exactly.¡± Vanessa then turned a corner into an alley. ¡°This way,¡± she said. She looked at Derek and raised her index finger over her lips to indicate that they should be silent.


    Derek nodded and silently followed the woman down the alley. After a short while, Vanessa stopped, and Derek did the same. Momentster, multiple hooded figures stepped out of the shadows and in front of the duo.


    ¡°Well, if it isn¡¯t the witch,¡± what looked like the leader of the bunch said.


    ¡°Lazrus¡­¡± Vanessa muttered, unimpressed.


    ¡°When the leader said that you were going to be paying us a visit, I had to see it with my own eyes.¡± The hooded figure pulled his hood from his head, and Derek got a good look at him. ???


    The man was sporting a short mohawk with very dark red hair, along with matching irises. His skin was near porcin white, and very smooth with almost no blemishes, and he had piercings through both his right eyelid and the left side of his bottom lip.


    ¡°So¡­ are you here to show me around? To take me to your leader?¡± Derek asked with a half-chuckle. He was also unimpressed with the man named Lazrus. ¡°Also, could you give me the name of your hair stylist? I¡¯d like to know which ones to avoid in the future.¡± Beside Derek, Vanessa shouted and Lazrus narrowed his eyes.


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    ¡°You can¡¯t speak to our Vice Leader like that!¡± One of the other cloaked figures took a step forward and shouted.


    Lazrus held his hand out, stopping the other from taking another step forward. ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± He reprimanded his subordinate. ¡°Let them talk. That¡¯s all it is¡­¡±


    ¡°So, he made you the new Vice Leader?¡± Vanessa asked with a yawn, but didn¡¯t expect an answer. ¡°You always were jealous of my position in the guild. Looks like things worked out for you after all.¡±


    ¡°It should have been mine to begin with,¡± Lazrus spat.


    ¡°Yet the leader forced it upon me even though I didn¡¯t want it,¡± Vanessa said. ¡°That shows a lot of confidence in you.¡±


    ¡°You!¡±


    ¡°Are we finished with this?¡± Vanessa asked dryly. ¡°We came to meet with the leader, not talk to you.¡±


    ¡°Be careful, witch!¡± Lazrus said. Then, after seeing that neither Derek nor Vanessa said anything else, the man scoffed and turned around. ¡°Come on.¡±


    Lazrus led Derek and Vanessa through a myriad of alleyways and buildings before finally approaching another door from an alley. Derek thought it was going to be just like before¡ªhe was going to open a door, then lead them through to another alley, then so on and so forth. Fortunately, this time, it wasn¡¯t like that.


    Instead, Lazrus actually led the two of them and his few underlings¡ªwho made sure to keep behind the duo¡ªdownstairs once they entered the building. From there, he led them to a miniature teleportation circle.


    ¡°Come, step into the circle,¡± Lazrus said as he stepped into the circle himself. Both Vanessa and Derek stepped in with him, then his underlings activated the circle from the outside. The familiar white light of a teleportation circle washed over the three of them, then they all disappeared.


    Once the light disappeared, Derek found himself in a room almost identical to the previous one he was in. In fact, if not for the increased number of robed figures in the room, he¡¯d think that he hadn¡¯t even left it¡ªthat, and the fact that he was standing in the middle of a teleportation circle on the opposite side of the room than thest one he was in.


    ¡°Come on, I don¡¯t have all day,¡± Lazrus said as he walked out of the circle, then into another¡ªthis one was located at the same ce in the room as the previous had been.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who chose to escort us,¡± Vanessa said. The man was obviously angry that his appearance didn¡¯t get the reaction he was hoping for.


    Derek saw the man in front of them clench his fist, but, in the end, Lazrus didn¡¯t say anything. Derekughed internally. The man in front of them really was envious of Vanessa, and it seemed like he¡¯d volunteered to escort them just to rub in the fact that he had her old position and that she wasn¡¯t part of the guild any longer, however, none of anything that Lazrus did seemed to have any effect on the woman.


    The duo and Lazrus continued doing the same thing multiple times. They would teleport through a personal teleporter to one building, then move on to the next. After the sixth time, the blinding light left Derek¡¯s eyes, and he finally saw something different. No longer was he in a basement of a building in the slums. Instead, he was in an obsidian ck room built out of stone with a single center teleportation circle in the middle.


    In the low light of the room brightened only by the mana running through different runes, Derek saw ten new figures standing around. Other than those figures and the teleporter, the only thing left in the room was the door¡ªwhich had five of those standing figures on either side.


    ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± Vanessa whispered. Derek looked at her and saw her looking around. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder what was going through her mind at the moment. Did she miss being a member of the Assassin¡¯s Guild? How much did she regret getting caught by Edgar?


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lazrus huffed and walked out of the circle, toward the door. The ten figures in the room made no attempt at moving¡ªapparently, they were there specifically for the teleportation circle, and that was it. The new Vice Leader of the Assassin¡¯s Guild opened the door leading out, then walked out. The duo of Vanessa and Derek followed.


    ¡°What¡¯s the deal with all these damn mazes?¡± Derek asked as he followed the man through dimly lit hallways. After around the eighth turn, he stopped trying to keep track of where he was and how to get back. After all, it didn¡¯t matter if he could remember where the teleporter was or not, he had his own ways of leaving.


    ¡°It¡¯s all Assassin¡¯s Guild redundancies,¡± Vanessa answered. ¡°They can¡¯t make anything easy¡­ ever.¡±


    Eventually, Lazrus led them through what looked to be a train room for the younger recruits. All the recruits in there at that time were about Thomas¡¯s age, maybe a little younger. They were paired off and sparring with one another. They were being watched over by multiple cloaked instructors¡ªand the only thing that Derek had any problem with was the fact that the instructors let the sparring continue a little long for his liking. Instead of dering one of the recruits a winner when the situation was made obvious, they chose to wait to step in until the loser was no longer able to make any attempts at defending themselves or fighting back.


    However, Derek knew that the kids all chose to be there¡ªor at least, they ran out of other choices. It was the same way with Bones and Ogre. They were orphans who joined the guild at a young age, then made their way up through the brutal training. By the looks on the recruits¡¯ faces, they all knew what they were doing there. Derek wondered whether the Vice Leader took him through the training room for a reason, or if they actually had to go through it to reach wherever it was that they were going.


    In the end, Derek could only shrug and continue to follow. The Assassin¡¯s Guild training was none of his business¡ªit wasn¡¯t something he was there for. In his opinion, system worlds were brutal, and it wasn¡¯t like they were ves. Sure, they were all getting into something that they would never easily be able to leave, but it was a choice they made for themselves once they unlocked their systems.


    Kids with lives like the ones in the training hall had beforeing to the Assassin¡¯s Guild tended to mature fast. The system seemed to think that thirteen was the appropriate age for the children in the world to make the most important decision in their lives, and it seemed to be well epted by everyone. So who was he to say anything about it? In fact, he had to admit that he wasn¡¯t exactly easy on Thomas when he trained him in the beginning. He was actually pretty hard on the kid, but in the long run, he felt that it worked out quite well.


    Finally, Lazrus took Derek and Vanessa through onest corridor, then opened a pair of heavy double-doors. The doors creaked as they opened, and soon, Derek got a peek inside. However, before he could really scan the area, his attention was drawn away by a voice.


    ¡°Vanessa¡­ wee home!¡±


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