ã€ŠReincarnated with the authorã€‹


 CH 1

    A black-haired college student can be seen holding his phone while crossing the street with earphones on. Countless people tried shouting at him to get out of the way but it was too late. The bus crashes through his body and kills him on the spot. The next moment, he found himself staring at an unfamiliar ceiling made of marble with a large crystal chandelier fixed to it. He closed his eyes again hoping that it was just a dream. Praying to god, he opened his eyes again only to see the same ceiling. A loud and long sigh escaped from his mouth.

    ¡®Don¡¯t tell me i was <mark>isekaid</mark>? How did i die? Oh wait, i see. So the truck of countless worlds killed me while bashing that stupid author for making the op main character become stronger. To think i died like that¡¯

    A sigh escaped on once again. After reading countless transmigration novels, he wished to be one of those main characters who go on adventures with beautiful women. He walked out of bed to gaze at the mirror. In the reflection, a red-haired handsome youth with pale skin and deep blue eyes can be seen. His face turned grim.

    ¡®To think i was reincarnated in the novel as one of the side villains that will offend the <mark>mc</mark> for being too arrogant. The Swordsman of End. A novel where the main character gains a system to defeat foes who looked down on him and take revenge on the <mark>Swordwin</mark> Empire. The strongest empire on the continent. A pretty cliche and self-fulfillment novel where the main character is continuously looked down upon and underestimated only to get slapped in the face. I am Lawrence <mark>Von</mark> <mark>Aenir</mark>. The next heir of the <mark>Aenir</mark> Family with a high affinity for light magic and proficiency in spear arts. To think that i will be one hit by the main character in the future.¡¯

    A soft knock on the door ranged out as a maid slowly entered the room with her head gazing to the floor. She trembled when Lawrence gazed at her.

    ¡°Young Master Lawrence, y-your father is waiting f-for you¡± she stammered before bowing and leaving hastily. Not only is Lawrence arrogant, he also looked down on commoners and for his bad luck. The main character is a commoner.

    ¡°I really hope that i didn¡¯t offend Cain yet¡± he muttered to himself before walking out the door. Oddly enough, he remembered everything about Lawrence¡¯s life like his life on earth was a dream but he shakes his head. Heading to the living room, he saw his father and mother eating silently. Sitting in his designated chair, the maids started serving him food as he ate with manners befitting a royal despite never eating like this on earth.

    ¡°Your father has arranged your bride,¡± his mother said as Lawrence wasn¡¯t surprised at all.

    ¡®It seems that Lawrence didn¡¯t meet Catalina yet meaning i didn¡¯t offend Cain as by that time, he has already proposed on her¡¯.

    Seeing his mother staring at him like she¡¯s ready to refute him if he disagreed. He smiled handsomely before nodding.

    ¡°Yes, Mother¡± before turning his head to face his father

    ¡°Thank you father¡± A sense of respect and reverence can be felt within him once he saw his father. He¡¯s a large man with red hair as same as him with muscles bulging across his shirt. Leonard <mark>von</mark> <mark>Aenir</mark>, one of the weapon saints in this Kingdom. The Kingdom of <mark>Rebia</mark>, the third strongest nation on this continent. A gentle smile appeared from his father before disappearing and being replaced by a stern expression.

    ¡°She might be a genius in fire magic and fist arts but you¡¯re a genius in spear arts and light magic. Both of you are meant to be son¡± Lawrence nodded as they started talking casually about random things from a piece of jewelry that shines in the dark to a towering flower that emits a strong fragrance smell. It didn¡¯t seem like he replaced Lawrence but instead, he is Lawrence. Like he just unlocked the memories of his previous life. Strange but he knew he didn¡¯t have the answers yet so he shrugged it off for now.

    ¡°You will be meeting her this afternoon to get to know each other¡± his father said casually as Lawrence nodded. After eating, he left to go back to his room.

    ¡®Since <mark>i¡¯m</mark> already here. I should get some artifacts and luckily the author describes the places thoroughly where they can be found. In the basement where the prison is located. After offending Lawrence, he was hoisted to their prison. With the help of his system, he found a small pendant without a chain buried in dust and trash that grants anyone invisibility for 30 seconds and enhances the next attack they do. A perfect assassins artifact but after that, Cain never used it anymore since he didn¡¯t like relying on artifacts to fight. It¡¯s not like he¡¯s relying on a system to fight right?¡¯

    Lawrence shakes his head before going to the basement as every maid bowed their heads to avoid meeting with his eyes. Once reaching the gates, two knights are stationed to protect the prison as they saw the young master walking. They are confused but they didn¡¯t ask any questions as they merely opened the gates. With a confident stride, once he entered the prison. An <mark>unbearing</mark> smell assaulted his nose as his expression twisted in disgust before grabbing a handkerchief from his pocket to block his nose from smelling that foul stretch. In the cells, prisoners with lifeless eyes can be seen but he wasn¡¯t disturbed in the slightest. He was even surprised to himself that if it¡¯s the previous life, he would get out of here immediately. After reaching the furthest cell, there was no one there except a pile of garbage. He was about to head inside and scurry around to find it but his mouth started twitching.

    ¡°Knights, come here immediately and start looking for a small pendant. It¡¯s in the pile of garbage as i didn¡¯t want to dirty my hands¡± he said with authority as the knights started running towards him and basically put their hands in the pile of garbage according to their young master¡¯s wishes with a hint of fear in their eyes. Even Lawrence was surprised to hear words spoken out from him unconsciously. He tried stopping them but instead.

    ¡°Stop dilly-dallying and finish it quickly so i can return to my room¡± he bellowed as sweats started appearing in the knight¡¯s forehead as they hurried. A sudden shout erupted as one of the knights was able to grab a small gem with runes scattered all over it.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    ¡°Young Master, should we clean it first before delivering it to your room?¡± the knight asked as Lawrence nodded before heading outside the prison and back to his room.

    ¡®What the hell was that?! Why am i still arrogant? Shouldn¡¯t it be the start of the previous young masters changing for a better to be kind and gentle? Is the real Lawrence still inside? no, <mark>i¡¯m</mark> Lawrence. I didn¡¯t replace him then why? What is happening?¡¯

    A gentle knock on the door can be heard as the door slightly opened. A brown-haired maid entered before offering him a proper pendant of the artifact.

    ¡°Young Master, here it is¡± she bowed as Lawrence grabbed the pendant and gestured the maid to get out. Even his body movement is arrogant, a headache is starting to form in Lawrence¡¯s head as he already saw the future of him offending everyone including the main character.

    ¡®No choice but to grow stronger i guess. Besides in 5 years from now, the chaos portal will arrive and bring destruction to the whole continent.¡¯ He put the pendant on and started engulfing it with <mark>mana</mark> as it glows. With the intent of going invisible. He walked towards the mirror to find no one in the reflection. A smile crept on his face as he is satisfied with the artifact with less than an hour and basically no effort, he already possessed a strong artifact. After thirty seconds has passed, the invisibility started to wane as he saw himself in the mirror.

    ¡®Now, what should i do next? I should probably head to the training grounds to train myself. To familiarize with fighting in this body. In this novel, there is no leveling system. It¡¯s only for the main character.¡¯

    There are warriors, mages, and paragons. Warriors are the people that only have weapon proficiency and they trained their weapon arts and body to grow stronger. From one star to seven stars as every star represent the number of meridians unlocked. The more meridians unlocked, the more powerful their bodies are and the more aura they possessed. His father is a sixth-star warrior with a speed 3 times faster than the fastest train and with a body that can survive a nuclear bomb with small injuries. A monster.

    While Mages has affinity from either elemental or another type of magic such as summoning and necromancy. Instead of meridians, they turned their heart to a <mark>mana</mark> heart that strengthens every time they learned a magic spell or mastering one. There has only been one seven-star mage named the sage of wisdom that can probably destroy the military on earth with ease. They learn magic spells and master them by battling monsters and humans. Same as warriors, they range from 1 star to 7 stars. Usually, mages are stronger than warriors when they fought in the same level of stars but it still depends on one¡¯s battle capabilities. Neither their meridians nor magic heart can help if they don¡¯t know how to fight properly.

    Lastly are the paragons, the rarest of the kind, and treated as heroes everywhere they go. They both have weapon proficiency and magic affinity. Because of that, they connect their meridians to their <mark>mana</mark> heart to create a body that is able to use both <mark>mana</mark> and aura. They are stronger but it¡¯s extremely harder to be stronger itself. Since they have to not only unlock their meridians but also strengthen their <mark>mana</mark> heart since if a paragon only focused on one, they are likely to turn in either a mage or warrior or worse be crippled with no hope of getting stronger anymore.

    A sigh escaped from Lawrence¡¯s mouth as being a paragon is a pain in the ass. He¡¯s already 16 but he has the body of a man but he only unlocked two of his meridians and strengthen his <mark>mana</mark> heart two times. He¡¯s a two-star paragon. After reaching the training grounds, he saw some knights training with their weapons while some are teaching squires younger than Lawrence. The sun is beaming outside as the clear sand beneath his feet is quite annoying to train with. The knights tried ignoring the young master as they won¡¯t go near him unless he needed something. They feared annoying him as they might get fired and punished. Ignoring every knight glancing at him. He picked a metal spear as it seems to be weightless. A couple of swings confirmed to Lawrence that his body didn¡¯t forget the movement of his spear as he stabbed and slashed with <mark>furiousity</mark> and light-speed attacks.

    ¡®It seems that i trained specialized spear art for speed. Let¡¯s see what magic spells i have.¡¯

    Pointing his finger forward. A white beam courses his finger towards the training dummy as a small hole appeared in the middle of the forehead. It was fast and hard to dodge as it¡¯s nearly instantaneous and the activating time is half a second only. It seems that Lawrence trained this to mastery level.

    There are levels in both weapon arts and magic spells. From beginner, adept, mastered, and perfected. While Lawrence knows there is another level on top of perfect which is the apex but it would take a long time before he reached that level in both of his spear arts and light magic spells. Another spell of his is the light spear which as the name of the spell says creates a spear made of light that he can control in the air freely. It wasn¡¯t fast at all and although sharp, almost any person can dodge it. It was only at the beginning level as Lawrence sighed. To think his parents called him a genius is saddening. The true genius would have perfected his weapon arts and has 5 spells in a master level before reaching two-star that even a three-star warrior or mage would lose against. Such genius is <mark>Catalinna</mark>. His bride-to-be is a true monster as even in a two-star paragon, she probably can take on 5 of himself. It explains why Lawrence is extremely proud of himself while being arrogant. His parents didn¡¯t want to hurt their son as they probably knew that he only has an average talent and the only redeeming part of it is he is a paragon. He gritted his teeth as his fist shakes in frustration. Pain assaulted his hand but he stayed standing and just glared at the training dummy. He started devising a plan using his memories from reading this novel.

    In the middle of the novel, Cain was able to find rare spear art that incorporates the use of light to confuse the enemy while creating spears made of pure light as every swing would make it seem like five spears are swinging continuously and when stabbed forward, 4 spears of light would appear surrounding the original spear as 5 holes in his enemies would appear as every strike is at near speed of light. Creating the luminosity of multitude spear arts that with the help of the system was changed to sword art. It was guarded by the spirit of the creator of that spear arts. It would be impossible for Lawrence to defeat that spirit right now but with the help of his father, it might be too easy to grab it as a devious grin appeared on his face.

    He was about to return to his house when he saw an out-of-this-world beauty with skin pale as snow and lips with the color of cherry. With luscious white hair running towards her back. She looked like a cold but prim lady with mannerisms the same as the queen of this country. Despite one of her eyes covered with her white hair, she gazed at Lawrence with anger and despise written in her expression.

    ¡®What did i do to her? she might be cold but she is extremely stubborn and hard-headed that in the novel, she leaves her family to head to the north where furious monsters would knock on their walls every single night just so she can fight. A proper battle junkie. She also said to Lawrence that she will never marry a man weaker than her which humiliated Lawrence after he got one hit by Cain and was instead defeated by Cain and since then become one of his harems.¡¯

    It was alright for him to agree with his parents to marry her as it would never come true anyway and he can instead find a woman to love and take care of for the rest of his life.

 CH 2

    Within a second, she appeared in front of Lawrence before staring at the pendant hanging on his neck.

    ¡®Shit! i forgot to hide it, don¡¯t say that it¡¯s hers or some bullshit.¡¯

    ¡°Where did you get this? it isn¡¯t supposed to be with you¡± she said without caring for Lawrence as anger swelled in his heart but his face remained stern

    ¡°I found this in the market yesterday and i liked the design so i bought it¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> continued staring at it before muttering ¡°impossible¡± so weakly but Lawrence still heard it.

    ¡®Don¡¯t tell me she also transmigrated? she doesn¡¯t appear to have changed though. I should get away first.¡¯

    ¡°I shall go Miss <mark>Catalinna</mark> as i have a couple of things to do¡± he started walking away only to be stopped by <mark>Catallina</mark> as she grabbed his wrist.

    ¡°Leave that- i mean let me see it first¡± she said

    ¡®No way in hell women and get off me¡¯

    ¡°Please, <mark>i¡¯m</mark> busy. We can continue speaking later afternoon to discuss our marriage. As it seems that you¡¯re too early, i suggest you take a stroll around our humble abode¡± he smiled

    ¡°I¡¯m quite unfamiliar with this place, can i come with you?¡± he nearly choked himself when he heard a cutesy voice coming behind him.

    ¡®Damn these women, she¡¯s clearly eyeing for this necklace¡¯.

    ¡°Then follow me Miss <mark>Catalinna</mark>¡± he smiled while <mark>Catalinna</mark> followed behind him. Once they entered their house, he found out that there are no maids around him as aura started emerging behind him. With no time to think he quickly activated the pendant. A yell of surprise can be heard behind him as he already dodged the incoming hand covered with fire. He started running away as he cursed himself.

    ¡®She¡¯s fucking crazy, who would attack someone in their house and especially the heir of <mark>Aenir</mark> Family.¡¯

    ¡°Don¡¯t leave or else <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> burn your face¡± she threatened but Lawrence was already gone. ¡°Fuck! to think that wastrel was able to find that pendant. It was supposed to be for my baby Cain and not for that extra¡± she gnashed her teeth before walking deeper in the <mark>Aenir¡¯s</mark> mansion. She was also confused when she wake up in the body of <mark>Catalinna</mark> after dying in the hospital from her illness. She thought it was a dream at first but when he found out Cain was here. Her eyes widened and a plan was started to be constructed.

    ¡°To think my novel become a reality¡± she smiled just thinking about following Cain in his adventures is too exciting compared to being stuck in bed writing a novel to pass time. For now, she needs to grab that pendant to give it to Cain, its rightful owner.

    ¡®To think that woman has a screw loss and the worse is the fact that she seems to be a <mark>transmigrator</mark>. Why is she so focused on my pendant that even without it, Cain would still kill the Demon King and Chaotic One by the end?¡¯

    Inside his room, he chooses to ignore the <mark>Catalinna</mark> problem, for now, and instead he sat in his bed and started to think about what to do next as he can¡¯t just tell his father that there is a cave near the roads connecting the <mark>Swordwin</mark> Empire and the Kingdom of <mark>Rebia</mark> containing a treasure spear arts that specifically is perfect for him. For now, the spear arts he¡¯s training are furious spear arts. Which is strong by itself but he won¡¯t grow as strong as he wants using it as it¡¯s still in the adept stage. Movement arts and body arts would be helpful as well.

    Light sky step arts is the one he wants to get right now since if he reach mastery perfection in it, he can create light disks in the air to step on, allowing him to run through the sky and maneuver easily. No one uses this as light mages don¡¯t have the speed to run in the air while warriors didn¡¯t have any light affinity. It¡¯s only usable to paragons and even a light paragon is rare that except for Lawrence, no paragons has the light affinity in the novel except for that old man but he¡¯s just a guardian. For body arts, he would need the double body arts which allow the user to have another clone with half the power, and the spell grants affinity which allows the user to pass their own affinity to their clone, <mark>golems</mark>, slaves under their control. This spell was created by the 6-star mage named the sage of the water. That used his great affinity for water to allow his <mark>golems</mark> to cast large water spells with ease. Allowing him to create an army of <mark>golems</mark> that can create tsunamis and water dragons with their <mark>mana</mark> crystal. This spell was banned and no longer in circulation but in the black market, Lawrence knows how to buy one. This is only a plan of his as a knock on the door followed. A maid entered as she saw Lawrence sitting while contemplating something.

    ¡°Young master, Miss <mark>Catalinna</mark> is waiting at you at the garden.¡± she bowed before leaving. Lawrence clicked his tongue as he didn¡¯t realize it¡¯s already in the afternoon. With heavy steps, he made his way to the garden to see a white-haired lady staring at the flowers with a smile on her face.

    ¡°It seems that i have to burn your face off¡± she said without taking her eyes off the flowers.

    ¡°Oh, what transgression did i do to warrant such contempt on a beautiful lady¡± Lawrence mused before heading to a small chair with a circular marble table in front of him. There, tea and different kinds of cakes can be seen laid out as he calmly sipped his tea. His eyes glancing at the knight patrolling the gardens.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t think a trash can have a way of words¡± she smiled before walking towards the table.

    ¡°At least this trash doesn¡¯t have a crude tongue comparable to the barbarians¡± he chuckled before a grin appeared. <mark>Catalinna</mark> gritted her teeth before sitting at the table to face Lawrence.

    ¡°That pendant of yours belongs to the hero of this world. You need to offer that to him or else i will burn you to ashes¡± she warned while glaring holes at Lawrence.

    ¡°Then i shall give it to him when the time comes. We never know who these so-called heroes of yours. Are you sure he isn¡¯t some womanizing arrogant man instead?¡± the temperature around Lawrence started heating up as flames can be seen flickering behind her.

    ¡°You¡¯re nothing but trash that would be a stepping stone for him in the future¡±

    ¡°Then i would like him to try¡± Lawrence grinned as <mark>Catalinna</mark> smiled too.

    ¡°Oh you will, and you will regret it¡± she said with satisfaction in her eyes.

    ¡®Hmm, why does she seems so attached to the main character? is she a fan of him? Luckily, i have a knight patrolling the area, or else i wouldn¡¯t be so arrogant¡­well my mouth would still be arrogant no matter the odds. Still, this confirmed that she is a fellow <mark>transmigator</mark>. Is there more? what would they do? Shit, they might be already eyeing for the artifacts¡¯.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    ¡°I have no time to waste talking to a babbling baboon in heat¡± Lawrence abruptly stands up before leaving <mark>Catalinna</mark> who was about to grab him in anger only to vanish once more.

    ¡°Dammit! Just you wait¡± her eyes full of anger and frustration. Just when he was about to enter his room. A large arm grabbed his shoulder. Although it was gentle enough not to hurt him, he still can¡¯t move.

    ¡°Son¡­why did you say those things to your soon-to-be-bride¡± his father sighed as Lawrence turned around to face him.

    ¡°She was disrespecting me calling me trash. I have no time to waste on such a woman. father.¡± his father just sighed once more.

    ¡°She would be a great boon for our family. She has the same influential family the same as ours and she¡¯s a genius paragon just like you.¡± his father said but Lawrence stared at him deeply before nodding. His father never liked forcing things like this especially marriage where both parties need to live together for the rest of their lives. Still, he doesn¡¯t have a choice on the matter. He already promised the already deceased head of the <mark>Velcos</mark> Family that their son and daughters would marry.

    ¡°So how about this, tell me anything you want and i will get it for you¡± his father said with a gentle smile.

    ¡°Father i would like to get the light sky step movement art and double body art¡±

    ¡°I see..It shouldn¡¯t be too hard. Why would you like to get those books? i understand the light sky step movement but it doesn¡¯t provide any speed enhancement, unlike our rushing dragon movement art? and double body art, why? clones aren¡¯t as useful as <mark>golems</mark> and it would only have half of your strength¡±

    ¡°I know what <mark>i¡¯m</mark> doing father. Once i complete learning all those arts, i would like to spar with you to see if i wasted my time or not¡± Lawrence smiled as his father nodded with a proud look on his face but a hint of sorrow flashing past his eyes can also be seen. Lawrence didn¡¯t comment on this as he <mark>bided</mark> his father goodbye and entered his room. ¡°To think my father can still hear me despite how far he was at the garden. Warriors are indeed amazing¡± he muttered before sitting on his favorite chair.

    ¡®I only have 2 months before the academy starts again. God, i have to socialize with those privileged haughty people once more is gonna be irritating. I should be in my second year at the academy. According to the novel, Lawrence will meet Cain there and start looking down on him since he¡¯s a peasant. With my arrogant mouth, i doubt i won¡¯t ire his anger. Then there¡¯s that woman. What am i supposed to do to her? Once she finds out <mark>i¡¯m</mark> eyeing the luminosity of multitude spear arts. She would probably demand me to hand it over.¡¯

    For the following days, he did nothing but sit inside his room thinking about what to do next. He didn¡¯t train as he didn¡¯t see any purpose in training something that he would discard later but he still trained his light beam in hopes it would reach the perfected stage. In the afternoon, a maid entered his room to tell him that his father is calling for him. Reaching the office, a man can be seen sitting in his chair staring darkly at a piece of paper. There are shelves full of books on each side and a couch on the side of the office. There, Lawrence sit waiting for his father to finish reading the parchment as he sighed before gazing at Lawrence.

    ¡°Your fiancee wanted you to come with her to the north this week for training¡± his father¡¯s words were like a drop of ice hitting his neck as he shivered the thought of going alone with her on the north. The most dangerous part of the nation.

    ¡°I refuse, i don¡¯t have any time to waste¡± Lawrence said as his father grew silent.

    ¡°I won¡¯t give you the arts you wanted if you don¡¯t go¡± his father said sternly.

    ¡°Forgive me father but i don¡¯t want to go. I have no plans dying to the north¡± ¡°Nonsense! No harm will fall upon you. I have given you two 3 star warriors and a 3-star mage as your escort¡±

    ¡°Forgive me once more, i don¡¯t like relying on others for protection¡± Lawrence bowed before leaving.

    ¡°Are you disobeying me?¡± his voice is tinged with anger as Lawrence stopped on his tracks

    ¡®Fuck! what am i supposed to do? i can¡¯t disobey father but <mark>Catalinna</mark> will probably torture me just to get the pendant. As long as she won¡¯t kill me personally, she can just blame it on the monsters and instead kill my escort as proof. There is an item that can lure monsters towards a specific spot and her family creates those products. What should i do?¡¯

    ¡°Fine father, this helpless son of yours won¡¯t disobey the great sword saint¡± a hint of anger, despise, and frustration can be heard in Lawrence¡¯s tone but he didn¡¯t care. He wanted to let his father know that he¡¯s forcing him.

    ¡®If only i have the power to disobey, to not live in fear, and be free. This wouldn¡¯t happen¡¯.

    He left the room full of frustration as his father can only sigh. In the note, the issue of challenge can be seen as it was once again his rival. The duel doesn¡¯t result in death and at most only injuries. The only thing he can¡¯t bear is his son losing against his rival¡¯s son as his rival would boast openly about how amazing his son is compared to his. He gritted his teeth knowing what happened as it already happened before. He knows his son isn¡¯t talented in the spear or magic.

    Still, he doesn¡¯t want to see his son be disappointed in himself and lose hope. He ordered his butler to take the book arts to his son¡¯s room as he hoped that his son isn¡¯t that frustrated in him. A pouch full of gold totaling to a hundred is also given to his son. Inside his room, a knock followed as he saw his father¡¯s butler appearing. Giving him both book arts that he requested and a pouch full of gold.

    Without wasting any time, he started reading the light sky step movement art before going to the double body art.

    3 days later, the day he most hated. Monday, appeared <mark>Catalinna</mark> with a big grin on her face with the carriage they would be using. Despite those 3 days, the light disk can¡¯t support his body while his clone can¡¯t even form properly and become a muddled slime instead. He barely slept and he still didn¡¯t get any progress. With his escort riding his horse, he rode the carriage with <mark>Catalinna</mark> inside. His red shaggy hair and bloodshot eyes surprised <mark>Catalinna</mark> but she didn¡¯t care and instead started looking for the pendant. No matter how she gazed at him, she can¡¯t find it. Annoyed, she grabbed Lawrence by the collar while glaring at him.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the pendant trash? i swear if you lose it, i will personally cremate you¡± Lawrence just gazed at her before kicking her arms away with the full strength of his two-star body, rattling the carriage and smashing <mark>Catalinna</mark> towards the other side of the carriage.

    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me, i don¡¯t have the energy to entertain your <mark>disrespectfulness</mark>¡± he glared full of hatred before crossing his arms and closing his eyes. Humiliated, her hands burned brighter but as she was about to pounce on Lawrence. The small window opened beside Lawrence as his escort looked inside to see what¡¯s happening.

    In an instant, the fire in her hands was gone as she sat silently. Luckily, her arms didn¡¯t break but it was bruised from the full impact of Lawrence¡¯s kick. Throughout, the journey not once did Lawrence wake up and <mark>Catalinna</mark> just sat there silently with anger growing stronger every time she gazed at Lawrence who looked completely defenseless.

    ¡°Young Miss and Master, we have arrived¡± the coachmen announced as <mark>Catalinna</mark> stared at the snow with the same color as hers and her mother¡¯s hairs. A gentle smile appeared on her face. She can¡¯t wait to meet her here in the north to introduce his..she looked at Lawrence who had already woken up and went off the carriage with a calm demeanor. A light disk appears in his steps.

    She was curious why he¡¯s using the light sky step movement when in the novel she wrote, he didn¡¯t use it even once but now he¡¯s learning it. She also knows that he wasn¡¯t a genius like his father said he was since after losing to Cain. He never appeared in the novel since he¡¯s fated to get stuck in 2nd-star paragon for the rest of his life. This confuses her but she snorted before gazing at the white snow.

    Meanwhile, Lawrence keeps on using the light sky step to raise its stage forcefully. He might be exhausted after this but he didn¡¯t care. He needed to grow stronger as soon as he can.

    Luckily, he¡¯s nearby a plant treasure named the moonlight crystal flower. It can change his attribute from a normal light affinity to moonlight affinity. Which infuses his light with the power of the moon that allows it to have a freezing effect and reflects anything allowing him to ricochet his light beam making it more unpredictable. He entered the large house in the middle of nowhere with its black exterior creating a terrifying aura like the demon¡¯s king castle with ice rose flowers scattered everywhere. Both he and <mark>Catalinna</mark> entered while being followed by their escort. This castle is the place where the Ice Monarch lives that guarded the north together with the three 6 stars warriors and mages. She is the mother of <mark>Catalinna</mark> and his mother-in-law in the future.

    Waiting for them is a woman in her mid-twenties with white braided hair reaching her ankles in a white gown. He knew she¡¯s already 40 plus years old but she still has a youthful expression on her face.

    ¡°Mom!¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> shouted with excitement on her face as she embraced her mother tightly as a chuckle escaped from her mother.

 CH 3

    ¡°You¡¯ve finally become a lady. I thought you still would be a brat¡± she smiled proudly while patting <mark>Catalinna¡¯s</mark> head. She gazed at everyone before stopping at the shaggy-haired man with a tired expression but handsome nonetheless.

    ¡°You must be my daughter¡¯s fiance¡± she smiled brightly as Lawrence smiled politely ¡°Yes madam, <mark>i¡¯m</mark> Lawrence <mark>von</mark> <mark>Aenir</mark>. I¡¯m quite lucky to be <mark>Catalinna¡¯s</mark> fiance¡± he smiled gently at <mark>Catalinna</mark> as <mark>Catalinna</mark> herself was shocked at how shameless he was after kicking her in the arms without holding back. There was no sense of deception on his face as his face is full of love and happiness when staring at her with a slight blush on his face. It was like her body was thrown in a pit full of worms as her face contorted in disgust and repulsion. Still, she hid it from her mother. Her mother instead smiled widely as she was reminded by her deceased husband who was gazing at her like that when they first meet up.

    ¡°You¡¯re also lucky to have him, <mark>Catalinna</mark>.¡±

    ¡°Of¡­course mother¡± she sighed

    After that, all of them were invited inside her castle as the inside was covered with black chandeliers as maids and butlers continued on cleaning and the chefs are cooking a large feast. In the meantime, each person was assigned in their own room except for <mark>Catalinna</mark> and Lawrence but they didn¡¯t know it yet as Lawrence was in their room first while <mark>Catalinna</mark> was in her mother¡¯s room. Inside the large room, he started jumping continuously as a light disk appeared before his feet before breaking into small particles of light. He continued doing this non-stop until a knock on the door can be heard. He opened the room to find <mark>Catalinna¡¯s</mark> mother gazing at him coldly.

    With no hesitation, he activated his pendant and vanishes before kicking the window that started to freeze over as countless ice spikes exploded inside his room.

    ¡°I won¡¯t kill you but <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> only break your arms. The audacity to lie to me¡± she coldly said and with a wave of her hand. Ice exploded upwards from the floor but luckily his light disk activated and it didn¡¯t break. A flash of happiness appeared in his face before a large ice crystal was hurling towards his light disk. He dodge by stepping in the light disk beside him that has already formed where his feet landed as the window was destroyed by the ice crystal. With only 10 seconds remaining in his invisibility, he jumped towards the broken window before creating a light disk path in the air towards the forest. Lawrence¡¯s escort was about to head towards his room only to be stopped by countless ice spikes floating in the air that is surrounding them. The Ice Monarch stared at them coldly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, <mark>i¡¯m</mark> only testing the boy. I won¡¯t kill him¡± she smiled but it didn¡¯t convince his escorts but what can they do. Inside the forest, <mark>Catalinna</mark> can be seen crossing her arms and waiting for Lawrence to appear. Yes, she told everything that happened to them, and she devise a plan to act as if she¡¯s just teaching him a lesson but she already planned to kill him inside this forest after grabbing the pendant. Lawrence dying wouldn¡¯t affect the story in any way and it would give her the freedom that she wanted. Besides, he¡¯s just an extra and a nobody. The invisibility has gone off and despite the fatigue and tiredness that¡¯s he¡¯s feeling, he still has some <mark>mana</mark> left. As the last light disk appeared, it breaks as he falls to the ground. Luckily, it was not too far from the ground as he didn¡¯t injure his legs. He didn¡¯t have a weapon and he¡¯s dead tired. If a monster appeared right now, he shakes his head and focuses on his surroundings. He gulps as he just lived for a couple of days here only to die. ¡®It was the fate of the weak i suppose¡¯, he chuckled before a lady with white hair appeared with a beautiful smile plastered on her face. He sighed

    ¡°If only you weren¡¯t crazy i would have been happy to spend my time with you¡± he smiled as <mark>Catalinna¡¯s</mark> smile twitched before gazing at him with disgust.

    ¡°Only crazy ones would spend her time with you¡± she snickered before revealing a claw of a monster that seems to resemble a bear.

    ¡°So you¡¯re really planning on killing me?¡± Lawrence stared at <mark>Catalinna</mark>

    ¡°Yes¡± she said solemnly unlike before.

    ¡°What can i do for you to not kill me?¡± he asked

    ¡°Nothing¡± she said coldly.

    ¡°Hmm..that¡¯s a problem because. I can¡¯t die yet¡± he vanished once again before a light beam appeared and crashed towards her forehead, she tried turning her head away but a large wound appeared on her cheeks as she screamed in pain before another light beam appeared behind her, piercing her shoulder as she tried dodging it again. She waved her arms to the side as a fire wave appeared rushing in that direction but there was no reaction. A finger suddenly appeared in front of her as Lawrence materialize with his finger touching her forehead. When Lawrence was about to fire a light beam, his body freezes from where he is standing. He bit his lips as he forcefully shot the light beam but it only hit the snow as <mark>Catalinna</mark> was scooped by her mother. It was too fast for him to realize as he can only gaze at his sideways to see the injured <mark>Catalinna</mark> being held by the Ice Monarch before being locked in ice. His cold stare remained the same as he really tried to kill her but his body isn¡¯t listening anymore.

    ¡°I¡¯m disappointed with the both of you¡± it was the last thing he heard before losing consciousness.

    He woke up to find himself tied to the bed as he tried breaking out. The ice shackles were too tough for him to break but he didn¡¯t give up.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    ¡°Stop that unnecessary movement. I¡¯ll release you after the both of you have done answering me¡± a woman¡¯s voice rang in the room.

    ¡°Forgive me madam but <mark>i¡¯m</mark> trying my best to survive you see.¡± he continued on trying to break the shackles until he was too tired to even move. There¡¯s movement beside him only to find out it was <mark>Catalinna</mark> who is starting to wake up. Her arms and legs are also locked with ice shackles as she tried breaking the ice shackles and even activating her fist arts and fire affinity together. Still, there were still no signs of melting as a loud sigh interrupted her.

    ¡°Both of you are trying to kill each for what exactly?¡± the Ice Monarch asked

    ¡°Mom! he kicked me in my arms that it bruised. He¡¯s abusive, i don¡¯t want to marry him¡± she said while sobbing but the Ice Monarch stared at her silently before gazing at Lawrence.

    ¡°She wanted my necklace so he can offer it to Cain <mark>Falmos</mark>. To hopefully join his harem¡± Lawrence sighed as disappointment can be fully seen in the Ice Monarch¡¯s face. ¡°Harem? have you no respect for yourself? men and women should be equal in love and not share it with their other ladies. I¡¯m extremely disappointed in you. I guess leaving you there was the wrong decision¡± the Ice Monarch sighed

    ¡°No, mom you¡¯re wrong. He¡¯s the hero who¡¯s gonna save the world. It¡¯s my fate to follow him in his adventures¡± she blurted out in panic.

    ¡°Then you have to wait for my death before you can join him. I¡¯ll be taking off your enrollment from the academy and you will not leave the north¡± she said sternly as <mark>Catalinna</mark> can only cry in her predicament.

    ¡°And you young man, you didn¡¯t even hesitate on killing her. She was your soon-to-be bride. If i wasn¡¯t there, she would be a cold corpse right now and you would join my ice sculptures in the basement¡± Lawrence grew silent before nodding.

    ¡®Killing isn¡¯t always the answer, i should have just run away but my anger got the best of me. Blinded by rage, my body was consumed with killing intent that i didn¡¯t even realize the consequences.¡¯

    A sigh escaped from his mouth as he gazed at the sobbing mess that is <mark>Catalinna</mark>.

    ¡®By now the Ice Monarch would have contacted father about what happened. I would not be surprised if my father decided to remove my enrollment in the academy. At least i won¡¯t have to waste my time socializing with my fellow nobles and subjects that won¡¯t help me. I can just focus on growing stronger here. My goal is to live freely without the shackles of society and power. So this bullshit won¡¯t happen again.¡¯

    The annoying sound of crying is driving him insane as he shouted

    ¡°Shut up! if it weren¡¯t for you i wouldn¡¯t be stuck here. Besides, you have the audacity to kill me? you¡¯re lucky your mother was there because you would not be laying in bed but in a casket¡± <mark>Catalinna¡¯s</mark> eyes widened and she stopped crying, she just started staring at Lawrence.

    ¡°Tell me, why are you fixated by Cain? If it weren¡¯t for his system, he would be a lowly peasant right now¡± Lawrence¡¯s anger added with his original hatred of peasants gushing out as he glared at the woman who tried to kill him.

    ¡°How-how do you know about his system? Don¡¯t tell me¡± her eyes widened more as shock and disbelief is written on her face

    ¡°Yes, <mark>dumbass</mark>. I¡¯m a <mark>reincarnator</mark> like you. You think the novel Lawrence would enter that foul-smelling prison just to have fun and check the place out?¡±

    ¡°Then you should know that every artifact is supposed to be his. He¡¯s the hero who would save us. What chapter are you in the novel?¡± she grew serious as her previous emotions were thrown out the window.

    ¡°Chapter 521, the death of the Chaos One¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re missing two hundred chapters. There is a third disaster after the chaos one and it¡¯s the emerging of the hell dimension and heaven dimension.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean, are telling me the story didn¡¯t end there?!¡±

    ¡°I died before i finish writing it so i need to strengthen Cain and help him as i don¡¯t know what will happen¡±

    ¡°writing? you¡¯re the author?!¡± Lawrence¡¯s mouth was agape before shaking his head. It wasn¡¯t important now, the important thing is the author is more knowledgeable than him.

    ¡°Then we need to grow stronger¡±

    ¡°we? sorry to say this but Lawrence isn¡¯t talented. I¡¯d rather you give that necklace to someone who can use it and save the world¡± <mark>Catalinma</mark> sneered

    ¡°Him? save the world? tell me. How many people did he save, a single person cannot save this continent alone. Besides, in the novel. You followers of Cain were greatly shadowed by him that he never needed your help. I have things i want to protect, you¡¯re free to stop me but you already know what¡¯s gonna happen if you do. " Lawrence warned as <mark>Catalinna</mark> bit her lips in frustration.

    ¡°You¡¯re selfish¡± she muttered

    ¡°You¡¯re delusional¡± Lawrence scoffed before the both of them grow silent. They stayed there for hours without talking or creating a sound. Lawrence started training his light sky steps as he wanted to master them. He can feel the steadiness of the light disk but if he stomped his feet, it cracks and breaks. While <mark>Catalinna</mark> started burning the ice shackles with her fire fist. Both of them trained for hours without speaking a single word. Finally, after 5 hours stuck in ice shackles. The door opened to reveal the Ice Monarch sternly gazing at the both of them.

    ¡°As compensation for the damages you suffered, <mark>i¡¯m</mark> willing to hear any of your requests as long as it isn¡¯t outrageous¡± she stared at Lawrence waiting for his answer. ¡°Give me the moonlight crystal flower and a shard from bones of the ice dragon¡±

    ¡°It seems that you have found out about the death of the ice dragon.¡± her eyes widened before looking at him with suspicion

    ¡°I can only give you the moonlight crystal flower and a bone of a frozen <mark>wyvern</mark>.¡± she added as Lawrence nodded. With a wave of her fingers, the ice shackles vanish as Lawrence gazed at <mark>Catalinna</mark>.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be monitoring this room and if the both of you still decided to fight then <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> throw the both of you to my prison¡± she sternly added before leaving the room. An awkward silence emerged as the both of them tried to kill each other earlier. Lawrence gazed at the window before punching it only to find out he can¡¯t break it. There wasn¡¯t even a scratch. ¡®She actually let me out as she knew i can¡¯t break the window to leave the premises. I¡¯m too weak, too weak¡¯. He gazed at <mark>Catalinna</mark> who sat in the bed with her arms hugging her legs. Small droplets of tears can still be found falling towards her cheeks but Lawrence didn¡¯t care.

    ¡°You should look for the gauntlets of <mark>ignis</mark>. Cain won¡¯t use it anyway¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s his and i won¡¯t take it¡± she replied

    ¡°Then it¡¯s your choice, <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> take what i need. I don¡¯t rely on others to survive¡± he scoffed before leaving the room. Only to find out that it was locked as it was cold to touch. Probably locked in ice on the outside

 CH 4

    ¡®Seeing as there is no way out, i might as well train¡¯.

    Train as he did. He practiced the light sky step with vigor as he walked in the air until he collapses. He tried speeding up but it always caused him to misplace the light disk resulting in him falling down.

    After that, he started practicing his spell light beam. It¡¯s a concentrated light that is traveling in a straight light to pierce the enemy. It was a terrifying attack but it has a major weakness as he needs to point his finger to the target to activate the spell. The pointing of a finger is noticeable as the enemy can predict where the light beam is coming from and unlike a fireball, its attack is too small that a slight movement of the body can dodge it completely. Still, it¡¯s perfect when used while invisible that even <mark>Catalinna</mark> was helpless against it. He tries to change its activation passage instead of his finger to his surroundings meaning he can surround the enemy with light beams.

    Still, it¡¯s extremely hard that he can only generate a small flicker of lights behind him after an hour of trying. After hours of practicing, his <mark>mana</mark> was depleted as he lay on the cold floor staring at the ceiling. Frustration is started to well in his heart as he tried it once more. Two spheres of light appeared in front of him as it concentrated until it was blinding if he gaze at it. With the last push of his <mark>mana</mark>, it exploded before he can move it by an inch as the room was engulfed with a blinding light that even <mark>Catalinna</mark> yelled in surprise. After emptying his <mark>mana</mark>, he loses consciousness as <mark>Catalinna</mark> gazed at him like he¡¯s a crazy person. For days, both of them were locked in a single room as the Ice Monarch periodically brings them food. Lawrence continued on improving his technique while <mark>Catalinna</mark> usually sleeps the whole day or just stared at Lawrence who trained like a madman. Either he loses consciousness from emptying his <mark>mana</mark> or from fatigue. He was like a man with the only purpose in life was to train.

    Lawrence can be seen standing up while closing his eyes. Both of his arms are stretched forward as 3 spheres of lights are floating behind his shoulders. Gritting his teeth, he started to slowly let the light particles inside the sphere move forward. While fully concentrating, three light beams started crashing towards the window at a speed slower than a toddler¡¯s walk before vanishing mid-air. A genuine and proud smile appeared on his face as it was a success. Calling it a success is quite embarrassing as even hitting a stationary target would be hard but it was progress nonetheless. His knees felt weak but he didn¡¯t fall to the floor this time. He slowly makes his way to the bed as he didn¡¯t mind the glare he got from <mark>Catalinna</mark>. After of days staying here, he didn¡¯t care what she said or what she thinks of what he¡¯s doing. He doesn¡¯t have the time to waste on a lady who lazes around despite knowing the end is near. This frustrated him to no end as she just wanted to rely on the main character she created to save the world.

    ¡°How¡¯s it like wasting your time? you¡¯ll never even be 1/10th of Cain¡¯s power¡± she sneered but he just ignored her. A knock on the door followed by the opening of it got his attention as he saw the Ice Monarch despite it not being lunch yet. His eyes wandered towards the wooden box she¡¯s holding with a chilling aura surrounding it.

    ¡°Here is the compensation you wanted¡± she simply said before putting it on the table before leaving. Even with an overwhelming need to rest, he slowly trudged towards the box to open it. Upon opening it, his face nearly froze off as a white crystallize flower can be seen shining and reflecting the light around it. To gain its properties, he just needs to ingest the whole flower. A simple and efficient method but overwhelming pain would follow after eating it. He gulped in nervousness as his hands are shaking.

    ¡®I will ingest this later after i have rested.¡¯

    He makes his way to the other side of the bed and started sleeping. A few hours later, a yawn escaped from his mouth as he rubbed his eyes. With eyes full of determination, he grabbed the ice flower with his bare hands before gnawing it with his teeth before swallowing the whole flower. He sat in a lotus position before breathing slowly and periodically. Continued grunts of pain can be heard as he felt like he swallowed a thousand needles prickling his whole body. Agony is seen in his face but he gritted his teeth. Despite his body temperature falling to the negatives, sweat started rolling from his forehead. 15 minutes later, the pain subsided as he opened his eyes. The floor was covered with his sweat as he trudged towards the bathroom to take a bath.

    After taking a bath, he looked pale and sickly but with a proud smile on his face. He activated the light beam to see it turning into a grayish color from the usual white color. He willed it to turn to the right and slowly it bent towards the right wall. It wasn¡¯t a sharp turn but more of a bend but his control over his element improved. Again he rested in the bed to recover his energy.

    The next day, he can now use two moonlight beams without pointing his finger at a speed comparable to a one-star warrior or 20 kph. Fast but can be easily dodged by two-star warriors. He tried by targeting his arm to see if it hurt but instead of wounding it, it melts with his skin. There were no injuries whatsoever. He tried three moonlight beams but it only moved at <mark>10kph</mark> before vanishing in the air without even hitting the window. The window has been his target dummy as this is where he aims his light beams most of the time. The door burst open as Lawrence saw the Ice Monarch followed by the northern knights as she gazed at the both of them. <mark>Catalinna</mark> woke up from the door slamming the wall as she stared at her mother with confusion in her eyes.

    ¡°Both of you will participate in defending the 4th wall of the north¡± she said with no emotions as <mark>Catalinna¡¯s</mark> face paled as Lawrence accepted his fate. The infamous wall of the north consists of 5 walls each separated by kilometers of land. Each wall is made of metal and ice combined as it was the first bastion against the monster waves from the northeast part of the continent. This part of the continent is where the demon king castle is situated in the most north of the continent. No one has come back from going there as it was one of the forbidden areas of the continent. If this wall is broken, three kingdoms would suffer tremendously and the loss of lives would reach millions. With the help of the <mark>Swordwin</mark> Empire, the three kingdoms decided to create these five walls, and every year they would give a large amount of gold and soldiers to defend it. With the only fifth wall with a sustainable food source, the other four walls depended on the kingdoms to send them food and supplies. The first wall is defended by only the selected five-star soldiers with each battalion guided by a six-star soldier. The second wall is a mixture of 4-star soldiers and 5-star soldiers. The third wall is only defended with 3-star soldiers and the fourth wall is defended by the 2-star soldiers as the fifth wall isn¡¯t for defending but for gathering supplies and acts as a garrison in an emergency. Each wall has a magical barrier that stops only the stronger monsters and it allows the weaker monster to pass through the large wall. It created a perfect training ground for the academies and for the military to train their students and soldiers. In the first wall, only four-star and below monsters can pass through and in the second wall, only the three-star and below monster can pass through and it goes back towards the fourth wall to defeat every monster that passed through sometimes totaling to thousands. Making the fourth wall the most tiring wall to defend against for a large number of monsters they have to kill. The highest death rate is the fourth wall followed by the second wall making it the most dangerous wall ever.

    ¡°Both of you will head there in a month.¡± she said before gazing at <mark>Catalinna</mark>

    ¡°As for you, <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> train you to make sure you won¡¯t die out there¡±

    ¡°Mother, <mark>i¡¯m</mark> fine i-¡±This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    ¡°Nonsense, you can¡¯t even defeat a tired Lawrence who is only at the middle stage of second-star paragon unlike you who have reached the high stage of second-star paragon¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> bit her lips in frustration as she glared at Lawrence before nodding at her mother.

    ¡°Lawrence, you¡¯re being sent home but i will send you straight to the fourth wall in a month whether you¡¯re ready or not¡± she sternly said as Lawrence nodded. After that, the Ice Monarch grabbed <mark>Catalinna</mark> by the wrist before dragging her out of the room. In the corner of his eyes, he saw something wrapped in cloth as the table was slowly freezing and breaking. When he touch it, he didn¡¯t feel any cold as he unwrapped the cloth to see a sharp-pointed bone that shines a blue hue occasionally.

    ¡®With this, i can forge a spearhead to attach to my spear. I¡¯m sure that the blacksmith in the city can do something with this material. The next thing i need to do is to convince father to head near the cave where the luminosity of multitude spear art can be found. For now, <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> stop training my double body since i need to boost my power in a short duration of time. This means <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> be fighting with the moonlight beam, light sky step movement art, and invisibility from the artifact. The only thing left is my spear art.¡¯

    After eating his last dinner in the Ice Monarch¡¯s palace, he bid her goodbye before entering the carriage sent by his father. It was a slow and boring ride as every monster was slain by his escorts and guards. He stared outside the window to see the never-ending snow blanketing the land. In a few weeks he stayed here, he nearly died but he gained a few things that is detrimental in his way of gaining power. Meanwhile, in a gate of the academy where Lawrence was supposed to go. A young black-haired man with a cold look in his eyes can be seen entering the gate not as a first-year but as a second-year student for his tremendous talent in the way of swordsmanship. Not only is he a peasant but he skipped a year instead, angering the nobles for his audacity. Still, Cain didn¡¯t even look bothered as he knew they weren¡¯t his match. The strong rule the weak and they will start to know what this truly means.

    As Lawrence arrived at their mansion, he was suddenly hugged by her mother as he was embarrassed. He tried pushing her away but she just hugged him tighter.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine mother, <mark>i¡¯m</mark> not that easy to kill¡± he grinned as his mother gazed at him before nodding and backing off. A gentle smile appeared on her face as Lawrence scratched his cheek in embarrassment. He saw his father beside his mother with a grim look on his face.

    ¡°Forgive me son, it was my fault for forcing you to go there. It wouldn¡¯t happen if i accepted your answer¡± He said with a tone full of guilt. Lawrence nodded as he smiled at his father.

    ¡°I¡¯ll forgive you father if you¡¯re willing to follow me somewhere¡± his father contemplated for a second before receiving an elbow to the side by his wife as he smiled awkwardly at her before nodding at Lawrence.

    ¡°Great, thank you, father. I¡¯m gonna take a rest for today¡± as Lawrence stayed in the mansion for a day to laze around and train his moonlight beam in the training grounds where the knights were astonished by the chilling aura coming from the young master¡¯s light beams but no one has the audacity to ask what happened as they only glanced at him occasionally.

    ¡°Is it true that my son survived an attack from the Ice Monarch and nearly killed her daughter despite having a little <mark>mana</mark> left?¡± his father asked to a hooded figure in the corner of the office.

    ¡°Yes, Duke Leonard. I saw it with my own eyes¡± Leonard smiled proudly before gazing at his son training through the window of his office.

    ¡°He will be next heir of the <mark>Aenir</mark> Family, Shades..I decided i will fully support him from now.¡±

    ¡°But sir, your second brother has a talented son. Yes, he¡¯s only a warrior but he¡¯s already a third-star warrior despite being only older by Young Master Lawrence by a year¡± Leonard looked at Shades with a grim expression.

    ¡°I have seen the boy, he has already perfected 5 sword arts and indeed a talented young man. I know there shouldn¡¯t be any bias in choosing the next heir but i believe my son will achieve greatness in the near future¡±

    ¡°Sir, forgive me for my shamelessness but i don¡¯t think young master can even reach 4-star paragon. He still hasn¡¯t perfected his spear arts and he only has two spells in his arsenal both of which didn¡¯t even reach a perfected state.¡±

    ¡°Then how did my son survive the attack from the Ice Monarch and nearly kill her daughter?¡±

    ¡°He can turn completely invisible for a total of 30 seconds which he used to escape and ambush miss <mark>Catalinna</mark>¡±

    ¡°Oh? interesting¡­do you know how he was able to use such a high level?¡±

    ¡°I think he has an artifact, a necklace to be exact¡± Shades reported as Leonard stared at his son.

    ¡°Relying on an artifact huh¡­Anyways, my son will head to the fourth wall next month. Continue to observe him and save him only if he¡¯s about to die.¡±

    ¡°Yes Sir, <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> guarantee young master¡¯s life even if i have to use my life¡± Shades bowed before melting towards the shadows.

    ¡°I hope you can pass my little test¡± he gazed lastly at Lawrence before sitting back on his chair as a mountain of parchment is laid on his table. A helpless smile appeared on his face as he goes back to his work.

    The rest of the day was the same, most maids were scared even to meet his eyes as he sighed. Again, his words twisted with full of arrogance once it was someone with a lower standing than him, unlike the time he spoke with his family and the Ice Monarch. He trained continuously until the moon is already in the sky. When he tried to use 3 moonlight beams, it doubled the number of spheres of light before crashing towards the dummy at frightening speed as 6 holes appeared on the dummy before he can even blink. This astonished Lawrence greatly as he tried it once again with the same outcome. Now, the dummy has 12 freezing holes in its body. It didn¡¯t strengthen the individual beams but it doubled the number of beams he created as it was at least 30% faster than normal. He tried it but instead of the usual six beams, only three materialized as he looked in the sky to see the moon is covered by clouds.

    ¡®So it only works when the moon isn¡¯t blocked. Meaning, i will gain an advantage at night as long as the moon isn¡¯t covered. A quite strict requirement to buff my moonlight beam but it¡¯s better than nothing. I should probably return back to my room. This mansion is indeed luxurious and large but except for my parents, no one is willing to talk to me, or at least i can talk without being overbearing and arrogant. I guess training myself is the only thing i can do.¡¯

    Returning back to his room, he takes a quick bath before heading to his bed. He gazed at the ceiling thinking about his past. He was an orphan that needs to work just to enter college. He never met his parents as he was sent to an orphanage as a baby. He never knew if he was abandoned or his parents died. The door of his room opened as he saw his mother bringing a metal bracelet with runic language sculpted in it.

    ¡°Son¡­take this just in case okay?¡± she patted his head as he nodded to hide his embarrassment as a chuckle escaped from his mother¡¯s mouth as she smiled gently.

    ¡°Your life is more important than anything in the world. Remember, me and your father will always accept you even if the world betrays you. We¡¯re always here for you okay?¡± Lawrence nodded as a small tear run through his cheek. He was washed with gratefulness and care as he smiled brightly as his mother chuckled again.

    ¡°You¡¯re still a crybaby but it¡¯s alright, <mark>i¡¯m</mark> always proud of you¡± she stands up before waving him goodbye as she closes the door gently. He didn¡¯t even notice the bracelet was already hanging on his wrist as he slept with a smile for the first time in his life.

    The next day, Lawrence knocked on his father¡¯s office as it opened slowly. There he saw his father and a couple of people including a general, a merchant, and a magistrate. He knew them instinctively just in their clothing alone. The general was wearing a full plate of armor except for his helmet while the merchant is wearing silk clothes and jewelry covered his body, as for the magistrate, he was wearing a black suit with a small cloth attached to his chest with the kingdom¡¯s insignia. Once Leonard saw his son, he smiled briefly before gesturing for his son to come near him. Seeing this, Lawrence walked towards his father as the three people scrutinized him.

    ¡°Good morning Young Master Lawrence, <mark>i¡¯m</mark> Diego of the <mark>Lugard</mark> Merchant¡¯s Guild¡± the chubby man said with a jolly smile before going for a handshake as Lawrence gazed at him before shaking his hand with a stern look on his face.

    ¡°I¡¯m General <mark>Hermon</mark> Richards, nice to meet you Lawrence¡± Lawrence glanced at him before nodding.

    ¡°Nice to meet you Lawrence, your father has spoken a lot of praises about you. I hope you won¡¯t disappoint us¡± he smiled with hidden intention but Lawrence just glanced at him before gazing at his father.

    ¡°Alright, well discuss this later¡± Leonard spoke as the three man bowed before leaving the room.

    ¡°What is it son?¡± Leonard stared at the bracelet hanging on Lawrence¡¯s wrist as he sighed inwardly.

    ¡°There is a cave near the main road towards the <mark>Swordwin</mark> Empire containing specific spear art that i want¡± Leonard contemplated with suspicion in his eyes before nodding. A huge smile appeared on Lawrence¡¯s face.

 CH 5

    ¡°Is it here?¡± Leonard asked while surveying the nearby area. He willingly followed his son to find out where he got such confidence about a mysterious spear art but they are still looking for it for over an hour.

    ¡°It should be around here¡± Lawrence used an ordinary spear to cut the bushes and grass to reveal a dark hole in the ground. With no hesitation, he jumped down as Leonard can only follow his reckless son. Inside the hole, stone bricks covered every single area of the cave as fireflies illuminated the darkness. There¡¯s only one passageway as large columns made of stone bricks lined side by side. Their footsteps are the only thing they hear as they walked silently and are ready for battle.

    After walking for an hour in a seemingly endless passageway. They saw an apparition of an old man carrying a spear with his back resting on a cold wall.

    ¡°Have you come to take my treasure?¡± the apparition asked as Lawrence nodded. An indescribable and immense pressure fall on him like his inner organs are crushed and his muscles tensed as he was forced to the ground. With no hesitation, his father was already swinging his bastard sword towards the apparition carrying a wind so strong that everything is getting sucked towards it. A loud boom followed as a massive cloud of smoke appeared where his father and apparition were. The cave shakes violently as the columns are starting to break.

    Luckily, the rumbling stopped as he saw his father gazing at the apparition with interest and intrigue. The old man ignored Leonard as the sword just passes through him. In a second, thousands of wind sword cuts crashed towards the old man as the cave rumbled once again but the old man wasn¡¯t even injured.

    ¡°Impressive, to find an apparition capable of ignoring my thousand wind slash¡± his father smirked as the old man nodded.

    ¡°I have no reason to fight you nor do i have a way to fight. I¡¯m merely an illusion created a hundred years ago.¡± the old man said wistfully as Lawrence was quite confused. ¡®Then how was Cain able to fight the old man, both of them have the same strength and speed. Both of them just fought with techniques and arts to see who¡¯s better. With the help of Cain¡¯s system, he has already amassed a hundred sword arts but he nearly lost to the old man. What is happening?¡¯

    ¡°As for you young man, my spear art might be suitable for you but that spear art is for someone else¡± Lawrence gritted his teeth in frustration but breathes slowly and calmly. He gazed at the old man before nodding with disappointment in his eyes.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry young man, i sense that you have the power of light and moon in you. This spear art is perfect for you¡± the old man gestured to come near him as Lawrence gazed at his father as it might not be safe. His father nodded as he sensed that the old man has no ill plans. Grabbing the small book with the symbol of the half-moon and small spears surrounding it. Lawrence tilted his head as the old man laughed loudly.

    ¡°It¡¯s a spear art created by my friend a long time ago with a help of a mysterious book he found on the demon¡¯s lord castle. That madman, if he was a little slower, he would have been gutted like a fish by the demon lord¡± the old man reminiscent before chuckling.

    ¡°Are you talking about the Dawn of Moonlight <mark>Lucarius</mark>?¡± his father asked with astonishment and disdain in his voice as the old man nodded.

    ¡°He was even faster than me, what a monster honestly. Both of us are light paragons but i focused on illusions and light manipulation while he focused on reflection and gravity manipulation¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t there supposed to be trial or a challenge to get treasures like this?¡± Lawrence asked as the old man looked stunned before laughing loudly

    ¡°Young man, the trial itself is in that book. According to <mark>Lucarius</mark>, it isn¡¯t completed yet as he asked me to find someone to solve it for him¡±

    ¡°I see¡­¡± he stared at the book in his hand as he has never heard of such treasure in the novel.

    ¡®I should ask¡­ never mind. She probably won¡¯t answer. Damn, why is the author so useless.¡¯ ¡°Well, i have no treasures other than my book but you can always come here if you want¡± the old man smiled as Lawrence nodded. Suddenly he found himself in a patch of grass as he looked around to see that they¡¯re already outside of the cave. Besides him is his father who grew silent as he contemplated something.

    ¡°Father?¡±

    ¡°Son, i request you to not learn that book¡±

    ¡°Huh? Why father?¡±

    ¡°Since <mark>Lucarius</mark> is a traitor of mankind¡­. and that old man should be the wandering <mark>spearman</mark> who killed him.¡± This shocked Lawrence as he looked at the book once again. Traitor of mankind, only given to the foulest criminals akin to natural disasters. They are the human¡¯s strongest that use their powers for evil. There are only have been 3 traitors of mankind mentioned in the novel with one of them the right hand of the demon king who fought with Cain.

    ¡°The moniker Dawn of Moonlight is given to him as he usually signals the end of days. He was invisible under the moon and it¡¯s still a theory how the wandering <mark>spearman</mark> killed him which happened a hundred years ago.¡±

    His father grew serious before glancing at the book.

    ¡°Every time a traitor of mankind is killed, they are erased in history so everyone would forget them and for them to lose their influence and legacy that might create more evildoers in the continent. It¡¯s normal to have never heard of him.¡± he explained as he saw the confusion in his son¡¯s face

    ¡°There¡¯s a theory that after escaping the demon king¡¯s castle. He was cursed by that demon king to do his bidding resulting in destruction.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll still learn it. He used it for evil but <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> use it for good. I promise you father that I will never become a traitor of mankind¡± Lawrence boasted as his father sighed before smiling

    ¡°I¡¯ll look forward to that my son. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be stronger than <mark>Lucarius</mark>¡± he said as they saw their carriage as they rode in it back to home.

    Once reaching the house, he greeted his mother before locking himself in bed. Seemingly excited about the spear art. After reading it for hours, he understood the basics of spear art. There are only 4 movements in spear art as it was normal for weapon arts to have 5 movements. The first movement is reflection which by its name can reflect any weapon art movements and spells back at the enemy. The second movement is absorption which absorbs any <mark>mana</mark> and aura from the incoming attacks to replenish his own <mark>mana</mark> and aura pool. It nullifies any attack to a certain strength. The third movement is gravity enhancement which applies a strong gravity towards the blade of the spear which can pull enemies towards the spear and it can increase the weight of the spear by infusing additional <mark>mana</mark> in it. The last movement is called lunar enhancement which can only be used at night. Every swing would have a moon-like <mark>shockwave</mark> crashing towards the enemy with every movement of the spear. According to the book, <mark>Lucarius</mark> can use this to attack a large number of enemies as he can infinitely use it as long as it¡¯s during nighttime.

    ¡®This is broken, why did the novel never mention this nor <mark>Lucarius</mark>. I have to ask that woman even if i have to force her. Still, this might be broken but all of the movements consume a large amount of durability from the weapon itself. I should practice reflection and absorption first as this will help me in endurance fighting which will happen in the fourth wall. Besides, there should be no event in the novel as most of it will start at the academy. I can just practice continuously but first, i should go to a blacksmith. There should be a legendary blacksmith hiding in this city¡¯.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    The next day, after taking the carriage towards the residency where peasants lived called the lower stratus by the kingdom. He made his way towards the dilapidated house with a broken sign in front of it. With a slight push of the door, he saw a large burly man with his back facing the door swinging his hammer repeatedly with a certain rhythm in it. ¡°I don¡¯t accept orders from a noble¡± the man said with a tone full of hostility and disdain without taking his eyes off from the anvil.

    ¡°Sir <mark>Advuis</mark>, the heir of the dwarf king. What would the kingdom do if they found someone like you¡± Lawrence sneered as the large man glared at him.

    ¡°Are you threatening me?¡± his tone akin to growling as Lawrence smiled before bowing.

    ¡°I¡¯m not, i just wanted to find a reliable blacksmith that can forge anything no matter what kind of material i bring¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re just a 2-star paragon, any blacksmith can forge you a weapon with whatever material you bring¡± Lawrence shakes his head before revealing a pointed bone of the ice <mark>wyvern</mark>. The man raised his eyebrow before inspecting the bone.

    ¡°You¡¯re a rich noble eh? fine. What weapon do you want?¡±

    ¡°What is the most durable ore you have?¡± Lawrence asked as the man rubbed his chin before pointing at a table. There is a wood that looked like it was burned for hours. Lawrence touched it to find it more durable than he thought. No matter how strong he pushed, it didn¡¯t even have a dent before smashing it with his moonlight beams but it didn¡¯t even have a scratch. The dwarf hiding as a man showed a grim expression before scratching his head. A sigh escaped from <mark>Advius¡¯s</mark> mouth as Lawrence didn¡¯t see his expression. Hesitation can be seen in his face before determination followed.

    ¡°It¡¯s the cursed wood given to me by the elves after fixing their legendary weapon. It only absorbs the element of the moon which means it¡¯s as useless as a durable stick for others¡± the man informed

    ¡°Ever since that event, no one wanted to have the powers of the moon. Although his history was erased, the myths of his power still lingered in everyone¡¯s mind. You would have a harder time in life but you¡¯re a noble so it shouldn¡¯t be a problem for you¡± the man continued as Lawrence nodded.

    ¡®It seems that this dwarf prince knows a lot about traitors of mankind¡¯

    ¡°Give me a week and i will create you a weapon suitable for you. Just give me a hundred gold¡± Lawrence¡¯s mouth twitched as it was the total amount of his money. With a heavy heart, he gave a large sum of money to the blacksmith. <mark>Advius</mark> was surprised by the amount of trust Lawrence has given to him but he hid it with his stern expression. If Lawrence didn¡¯t give him a hundred gold, he would only ask for a total of 15 gold as the cursed wood is worthless to him but now that he was given a hundred gold, his conscience would not allow him to make a mediocre spear. Seeing Lawrence leaving, a heavy sigh escaped from <mark>Advius¡¯s</mark> mouth as he might have to work day in and day out.

    For a week, he would ask the maid to bring him food only once as he concentrated on training his spear arts. His light sky steps improved as even when running, he won¡¯t fall anymore or miss a light disk. For the moonlight beam, it didn¡¯t improve as much as he wanted as achieving the fourth beam is too hard for now. So he only focused on the first movement and second movement of his spear arts. He still didn¡¯t know what¡¯s the name of this spear art as he only called it moon spear arts. After the week, he was only able to improve in reflection. He can reflect a two star¡¯s attack as he asked some knights to attack him.

    A fireball crashed towards him as he activated reflection. His spear brightens with a gray aura as he smashed it towards the fireball. The fireball was reflected back but at half of its strength as the knight was able to dodge while Lawrence suffered from the attack. He would receive half of the damage and reflect half of it back. The knight panicked as Lawrence didn¡¯t even glance at him, contemplating what he did wrong a sigh escaped from his mouth. ¡®I probably need a whole month just to be able to reflect attacks completely. For now, i should head back to the blacksmith.¡¯

    After getting healed from their personal healer mage. He rode the carriage towards <mark>Advius¡¯s</mark> house. There he saw a young black-haired man with black eyes talking to <mark>Advius</mark>. Beside him is a short lady with pink-haired double twin-tails.

    ¡°As i said, <mark>i¡¯m</mark> currently tired from making a weapon. Come back next week¡± <mark>Advius</mark> said as black circles can be seen in his eyes. He looked fatigued and exhausted.

    ¡°Please, I need a suitable weapon. Most weapon in the academy is worthless to me¡± the black-haired youth pleaded but <mark>Advius</mark> was not having it.

    ¡°Are my weapon finished?¡± Lawrence asked as the black-haired youth squinted his eyes.

    ¡°Yes, i hope you are happy¡± <mark>Advius</mark> said with sarcasm and anger in his voice before entering his house as Lawrence was about to follow him, the youth blocked his way with a friendly smile

    ¡°Pleased to meet you, I¡¯m Cain¡± Cain introduced himself as Lawrence glanced at him. ¡°Move¡± Lawrence answered with disdain before shoving Cain away from the door.

    ¡°Hey! How dare you do that Lawrence?!¡± the pink-haired girl yelled while glaring at him.

    ¡°Miss Katherine? I¡¯m surprised to see you wandering around with garbage beside you¡± Lawrence sneered as Katherine was enraged.

    ¡°Garbage? <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> show you who¡¯s garbage!¡± she yelled as she was about to attack Lawrence only to be stopped by Cain.

    ¡°Stop <mark>Kath</mark>, don¡¯t embarrass yourself. Forgive me for intruding upon your way great noble¡± Cain smiled but a glint of disdain appeared before his eyes.

    ¡°At least a garbage <mark>know¡¯s</mark> his status¡± Lawrence chuckled before entering the house. ¡°Why did you stop me?¡± Katherine angrily asked but Cain patted her head as a slight blush appeared on her face.

    ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be you who humiliates him. I should be the one to do it¡± Cain chuckled as Katherine tilted her head

    ¡°How? You do know that he¡¯s not in the academy right?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not? What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Are you living inside of a rock? You know what, don¡¯t answer that. He and <mark>Catalinna</mark> nearly killed each other when they went on the north. As punishment, both of them are gonna be sent in the fourth wall.¡±

    ¡°What a shame, anyways. He¡¯s arrogant <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> give him that but he just shoved me. It¡¯s less than what others did to me.¡±

    ¡°You just wanted to fight him. I can see through your stupid face¡± Cain can only chuckle awkwardly as both of them decide to leave for now. Inside the house, Lawrence decided to sit on the nearby chair as <mark>Advius</mark> went to his room to grab the spear.

    ¡®Now i have done it, i tried speaking politely but my mouth once again twisted my words. Oh well, i guess i can only avoid Cain. Damn, <mark>i¡¯m</mark> training too much that i even forgot about this event in the novel.¡¯

    ¡°Take this and leave¡± <mark>Advius</mark> puts the weapon on the table as Lawrence grabbed it.

    ¡°If you want to improve that spear, just bring me the bones of ice monsters and the pearl of the soul¡± <mark>Advius</mark> grumbled before entering his room and slamming the door. A second later, loud snoring can be heard as Lawrence gazed at his new weapon. It was a black spear with vein-like blue lines seemingly scattered around the spear. It looked messy with random blue lines running through from the tip of the spear to the shaft. He tried breaking it in half with all of his strength but it didn¡¯t even budge. He tapped his finger in the pointed tip as blood started leaking. There was no resistance at all as Lawrence was amazed. The pain of losing a hundred gold started to heal as he gazed at his weapon with excitement.

    ¡®Now, i can fight properly. The only problem is where in the living hell would i get the pearl of the soul. Did he think <mark>i¡¯m</mark> that rich?!¡¯ Lawrence walked slowly outside as he contemplated on what to do about the pearl of the soul. It can be bought at usually a thousand gold but a thousand gold can already feed a village with a thousand people for three years. It can be created by infusing a hundred monster cores by an alchemist. The monster core is already rare enough as it only appears in 1 in 10 of monsters. He sighed while looking in the bright sky. He entered the carriage silently as it moved towards his mansion. It was a peaceful ride as he glanced at the people minding their own business. Some were working, some were drinking and some are just chatting with their neighbors. This peace would imminently crumble as the need for power courses through his mind.

    ¡°I should try to reach the high stage second star paragon¡± In the seven meridians, each meridian has three parts inside. Each part should be filled with an internal aura before breaking through. The most common way of gaining an internal aura is moving the body. The easiest way is through fighting and battling. The harder the fight is, the more internal aura one can get. This is why breaking through usually happens mid-fight or during the battle.

    However, it is the opposite for the <mark>mana</mark> heart. One would need to use their own <mark>mana</mark> to strengthen it slowly and safely as they would sit and focus solely on improving their <mark>mana</mark> heart. The faster it happens, the worse the foundation would be. Mages would lock themselves for days just to improve their <mark>mana</mark> heart by a little bit. Lawrence planned to lock himself to strengthen his <mark>mana</mark> heart. He¡¯s already 75% in the way to successfully strengthening his <mark>mana</mark> heart.

 CH 6

    For the remaining weeks, Lawrence nearly strengthens his <mark>mana</mark> heart to reach 3-star mage as he can only wait for the meantime as he mainly focused on getting used to his new spear.

    He also continuously trained both the reflection and absorption. As the knights of the <mark>Aenir</mark> Family would always be anxious since no one wants to fight the young master for reasons such as injuring him severely or getting caught holding back. Lawrence would always challenge a knight to fight with him as he only used reflection and absorption to fight.

    He would always lose and would usually stay at the healer¡¯s room to get treatment. Despite his mother trying to stop him, he only explained that he should train in real battles so he would be ready in the fourth wall. His mother would reluctantly agree as she can only sigh at the sight of his son fighting and getting injured. Getting injured was painful but his face wouldn¡¯t show it. There was even a time where a sword was accidentally stabbed towards his stomach as he only winced before glaring at the ground. Still, it improved his control over the reflection and absorption as the last day, he can fully reflect and absorb anything a low stage three-star knight can throw at him. Still, to activate both spear movements. He would need the attacks to hit his weapon as the knight was faster than him. He still loses from receiving the attacks that he can¡¯t react to or sense.

    After that fight, he went to see the healer once again before heading to his room. He ate the food that was laid on his table before taking a shower. Inside the shower, the water was warm and relaxing as he stands there with his eyes close. He started thinking about tomorrow as he will finally head to the north. Oddly enough, he wasn¡¯t scared or worried. He was confident in his chances to live and grow stronger. He stayed there for an hour before deciding to turn off the water rune that activated the shower. While donning his robe, he went outside the shower as he saw the shocked <mark>Catalinna</mark> staring at him. His relaxed expression turned grim as he ignored her while looking through his clothes in the closet.

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± He asked

    ¡°My mother brought me here to visit you while she talked with Duke Leonard for tomorrow¡±

    ¡°I see..¡± He silently grabbed a normal white tunic and black pants before entering the bathroom to change. Once finished changing, he gazed at <mark>Catalinna</mark> who looked fatigued and sleepy.

    ¡°Then why are you in my room?¡±

    ¡°Since you weren¡¯t responding to me as i was bashing the door¡± there was a hint of anger before a tired sigh escaped from her mouth.

    ¡°Can we not argue right now? I¡¯m fucking tired <mark>ok</mark>?¡± she glared as Lawrence shrugged. Lawrence sat beside <mark>Catalinna</mark> who was sitting on his bed.

    ¡°You do know that i can kill you for what you did to me right?¡± Lawrence¡¯s cold voice echoed in the room as <mark>Catalinna</mark> smirked

    ¡°You can certainly try¡± she chuckled. Lawrence tilted his head.

    ¡°Your invisibility won¡¯t work against me anymore you bastard¡± she said with a sleepy tone. She seems to be really tired as if she hasn¡¯t rested for days. Her usual furious tone of speaking was gone.

    ¡°Can i¡­fuck why do i have to do this¡­can i sleep here. My legs hurt when i move..please?¡± she said with pleading eyes as Lawrence coldly looked at her.

    ¡°No¡±

    ¡°Dammit, my mother forced me to walk from the north towards here as ¡®training¡¯. I¡¯m really tired <mark>ok</mark>? can¡¯t you be more considerate to beautiful girls?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m usually considerate to beautiful girls¡± he said as <mark>Catalinna</mark> smiled

    ¡°But you¡¯re neither beautiful nor a girl in my eyes¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> grits her teeth as she glared at Lawrence. In protest, she just lay on his bed without caring what Lawrence said. Lawrence was about to kick her off his bed just to be reminded that his father and Ice Monarch can probably sense what¡¯s happening here.

    With a sigh, he just lay near her. A sudden yelp comes out from <mark>Catalinna¡¯s</mark> mouth as she hides her face.

    ¡°I have a question¡±

    ¡°hmm?¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> responded with a sleepy tone.

    ¡°Do you know who¡¯s <mark>Lucarius</mark>?¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> quickly stared at Lawrence with confusion in her eyes.

    ¡°How do you know him?¡± she asked

    ¡°So you do know him..¡±

    ¡°Well yes¡­he is the creator of celestial domination spear style or the initial successor of it. The second successor would be the final boss of the novel. Who improved the celestial domination spear to another level. He¡¯s as strong as Cain as the fight would kill¡­me and all of Cain¡¯s followers¡± she replied as Lawrence got a chill running through his spine. If what she said is true then he will be the final boss. He was relieved, he would rather trust himself with this power than a nobody. He contemplated on whether to tell this to <mark>Catalinna</mark> or not. He shakes his head as the fourth wall is too dangerous to hold back by not using the spear art as it would still be discovered if he used it secretly.

    ¡°By the way, how did you know about him? He should be erased in history by now.¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> asked

    ¡°Will you allow yourself to die against the final boss? I know that the Ice Monarch will die in the next year in the first wall right?¡± Lawrence ignored her question as she looked torn about what to say. She was emotionally attached to her mother no matter how strict she was. She was always worried about <mark>Catalinna</mark> that¡¯s why she was being trained like a spartan.

    ¡°I¡­don¡¯t know.. I¡¯m willing to sacrifice ..no..i don¡¯t.¡± she didn¡¯t finish her words as she went silent.

    ¡°See? Don¡¯t you want to protect your mother? It¡¯s the same with me. I want to protect my family and if Cain stopped me. I won¡¯t hesitate to kill him¡±

    ¡°¡­but Cain is the destined savior of this world. We are just intruders in this world. What if he failed? What do we do?¡±

    ¡°Then <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> step up to protect this world. This is my world now and as i said I don¡¯t like relying on others for my protection¡±Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    ¡°And if i failed, i can only blame myself for being weak. At least I did something¡± he said solemnly as <mark>Catalinna</mark> stared at him.

    ¡°I guess so..maybe i can grab the treasures that were found by the villains. Then, i can strengthen myself to help Cain without weakening him!¡± she nodded at her plan as she stared at Lawrence awkwardly.

    ¡°By the way, <mark>i¡¯m</mark> the successor of <mark>Lucarius</mark>¡± Lawrence said with a grin as <mark>Catalinna</mark> hurriedly raised her torso before glaring at Lawrence. She was in pure disbelief. Flames flickered in her arms as if she¡¯s about to attack him. Lawrence saw this but he¡¯s guaranteed to live even if she¡¯s gonna attack him. His father would reach his room faster than <mark>Catalinna</mark> can swing her fist.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± she said seriously with the same anger as before.

    ¡°Then you better grow stronger as you might be killed by me¡± Lawrence grinned as <mark>Catalinna</mark> rubbed her forehead before laying back to bed.

    ¡°Congratulations, you¡¯ve fully convinced me to grow stronger. I hate you. I will..stop..you ¡± she glared before yawning as she can sense her eyes getting heavier before falling asleep peacefully. Lawrence chuckled before sleeping in the same bed with her. Not minding the fact that they are sharing a bed.

    ¡°Did you understand what they said?¡± Leonard asked the Ice Monarch who is sipping tea while gazing at the moon through the window. As the moonlight entered the darkroom.

    ¡°No¡­but if what your son said is true. I guess there is something big that¡¯s gonna happen next year to guarantee my death¡±

    ¡°You believe him?¡±

    ¡°By the way of how <mark>Catalinna</mark> reacted. It seems to be true. She would ridicule Lawrence immediately if she didn¡¯t believe him¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m more worried about this Cain and the alleged final boss. Cain is the most talented swordsman in the history of the academy so it wouldn¡¯t be a surprise for him to become strong enough to be called a savior¡± The Ice Monarch added before gazing at Leonard ¡°Then does that mean your son is the final boss?¡±

    ¡°I guess so¡­whatever that means¡±

    ¡°We both know that he has the spear art of <mark>Lucarius</mark> right?¡± Ice Monarch asked as Leonard nodded.

    ¡°Yes..<mark>i¡¯ll</mark> make sure that he wouldn¡¯t stray from the right path¡±

    ¡°Right path? Leonard, there are no right paths anymore. Only greed and power to conquer or protect. You know that¡­we both know that¡± Ice Monarch said solemnly as Leonard¡¯s face is full of anger.

    ¡°Richard wouldn¡¯t like seeing you like that. It has been years since he passed and there¡¯s nothing we can do..¡± The Ice Monarch glance at him with sadness in her eyes before leaving the room.

    ¡°Dammit¡­¡± he muttered as he sighed. He gazed at a picture frame with both her wife and son smiling together as he calmed himself.

    ¡°It was the right choice¡­it was the right choice¡± he muttered like a mantra before sleeping at his desk.

    The next morning, Lawrence wakes up first as he went to take a bath to remove any drowsiness he¡¯s feeling. After finishing to take a bath, <mark>Catalinna</mark> was still asleep. He didn¡¯t bother waking her up as he walked outside fitted with a black suit and simple red long pants.

    What he didn¡¯t know was that <mark>Catalinna</mark> was already awake but she pretended to still be asleep to avoid an awkward conversation this early in the morning as she checked herself to see if something happened while she was asleep. Thankfully, she was still wearing the same clothes.

    Walking outside, Lawrence saw the Ice Monarch eating with his family at the dining table as he greeted her with a slight bow.

    ¡°So did anything happen last night?¡± his father asked while grinning before getting elbowed by his mother.

    ¡°Nothing happened Father¡± Lawrence replied casually.

    ¡°You¡¯re not married yet, so i forbid doing such acts for now¡± the Ice Monarch said as his mother nodded as she agrees with her decision.

    ¡°That¡¯s true Lawrence, i know you¡¯re excited to do those stuff but don¡¯t be <mark>hasteful</mark> okay? I have some medicine that can help avoid pregnancy.¡± his mother smiled as Lawrence nearly choked at the food he¡¯s eating

    ¡°Y-yes mother. I¡¯ll keep that in mind¡± he replied awkwardly as he started eating silently. <mark>Catalinna</mark> arrived with a polite smile as she greeted her mother, the duke, and duchess. She was invited to eat with them as she accepted with a wide smile. She eat with grace and gentleness that Lawrence gazed at her as if she¡¯s the <mark>Catalinna</mark> he has known. After eating, the Ice Monarch bid her farewells together with Lawrence and <mark>Catalinna</mark> as they set off for their journey to the fourth wall. The carriage become smaller and smaller as both Leonard and <mark>Sharina</mark> gazed with worry as Leonard hugged his wife¡¯s back tightly to calm her down.

    ¡°It¡¯s gonna be alright. He¡¯ll return safely. I promise you that¡± Leonard said gently as <mark>Sharina</mark> nodded slightly.

    ¡°You even gave him the treasure you gave me when we got married¡±

    ¡°I know¡­it¡¯s just..would it be enough?¡±

    ¡°Of course, it has the ability to absorb any attack from an enemy stronger than Lawrence. Also, i have guards protecting him from the shadows.¡±

    ¡°¡­fine..you win..I guess i was just overthinking it¡±

    ¡°Of course honey¡± Leonard smiled easing <mark>Sharina¡¯s</mark> worries.

    After traveling for hours, Lawrence saw a large wall made of metal that is being covered with snow and ice. He saw barracks and different houses scattered around the snowy plains as 3 gates opened to let the warriors get out from their gate, ready to face the incoming monsters. The Ice Monarch walked off as the nearby knights saluted with their fists on their hearts. A large muscular man with a large blade behind his back can be seen running towards them before bowing at the Ice Monarch.

    ¡°The great Ice Monarch, i am <mark>Legor</mark>. A fourth-star warrior and the general of the fourth wall. What brings you here?¡± he spoke politely

    ¡°I¡¯m here to let my daughter and Duke¡¯s son train here for two months. I believe that i have reported this to your superiors¡±

    ¡°Yes Ice Monarch¡± <mark>Legor</mark> turned his head to look at Lawrence who has a bandaged stick-looking thing behind his back. He looked dignified with his calm and cold expression with his fiery red hair and blue eyes exuding a terrifying aura around him. As for <mark>Catalinna</mark>, her long white hair reaching her waist and her hair covering her left eyes with an elegant look on her face captivated <mark>Legor</mark> as he stared away from her.

    ¡°Both of you follow me¡± he said, hoping for them to follow him as nobles tend to do whatever they wanted. He started walking towards the barracks that looked magnificent and luxurious as it was akin to a resort instead of a proper barrack.

    It was a white mansion with a colorful garden in front as <mark>Legor</mark> has only entered this mansion once when he escorted the students from the academy.

    ¡°This is where you¡¯ll be staying for the rest of your two months stay but i will call you if a monster wave happens as this isn¡¯t a vacation but a training ground. As one of the most dangerous training grounds, your life isn¡¯t secured here¡± he warned as Lawrence nodded while <mark>Catalinna</mark> ignored whatever he said. Seeing that at least one of them listened to him, he started walking away as he needs to report this to his superior.

    ¡°So what do we do?¡± Lawrence asked while gazing at <mark>Legor</mark> who is walking faster and faster.

    ¡°What do you mean what do we do? We stay here, wait for them to call us and then we fight. That¡¯s what we do or are you just scared?¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> replied with a grin.

    ¡°Wanna fight? I¡¯m still pissed at losing against you. I¡¯ll make sure <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> wipe off your stupid grin in the ground¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> smiled as Lawrence sighed.

    ¡°You do know i have his spear art right? That should warrant that i would win¡± Lawrence briefly said before turning around while carrying a large bag behind his bag with the spear inserted inside.

    ¡°<mark>Hah</mark>?! Do you think you¡¯re as strong as him? How about we do a bet?¡±

    ¡°Bet? Sure¡± Lawrence stared at her.

    ¡°If i lose, you can ask three questions and <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> make sure i can answer it. Pretty nice right? As you know, <mark>i¡¯m</mark> the author. If you lose, you have to be my servant for a week. Wanna bet?¡±

    ¡°I see¡­i won¡¯t lose anyways but we will fight later after i put my bag in my room. We should fight on there¡± Lawrence pointed at a large snowy plain far from the wall. There were some trees around it and the barracks are far from there. He doesn¡¯t want to accidentally destroy something on the first day. <mark>Catalinna</mark> stared at the place where Lawrence pointed as she nodded. Lawrence walked away as <mark>Catalinna</mark> stared at his back. White flame emanated from her palm as she smiled deviously.

 CH 7

    ¡°Hurry up, <mark>geez</mark> are you taking a piss?¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> asked with a sneer as Lawrence walked towards her. She was already waiting in the snowy plains with a confident look on her face.

    ¡°It¡¯s an honor to duel the daughter of the Ice Monarch and the Former Fire King¡± Lawrence bowed as <mark>Catalinna</mark> gritted her teeth.

    ¡°What¡¯s with the pleasantries? Let¡¯s fight already¡± with her arms covered with fire, she smashed her fist together as a fiery cape appeared behind her shoulders.

    ¡°Fine¡± Lawrence nodded as a scorching fireball crashes towards him. With no hesitation, he jumped to the side only to be met by <mark>Catalinna¡¯s</mark> flaming fist as he blocked it with his spear. He was pushed back in the direction of the fireball as his spear glowed with a gray aura and the fireball crashed towards it before being reflected back towards <mark>Catalinna</mark>. She smirked as the fireball smashed towards her body but instead of getting burned, she was unscathed. With an overwhelming danger that she felt behind her back, she twisted her body as 3 moonlight beams missed and fizzled to the snowy plains. Five shimmering lights appeared in all different directions as she gritted her teeth.

    She twisted and pivoted her body the best as she can but a moonlight beam caught her shoulder but it didn¡¯t penetrate through her skin as the fiery cape blocked the spell. She looked around to find out that Lawrence is nowhere to be found. With a slow sighed, she closed her eyes as she smashed her feet at the ground and a large blue circle covered the surroundings. Her aura spiked as she started sensing everything in a 20 meter radius around her. The fire in her arms concentrated on her fists as it glowed a fiery light ready to burn Lawrence to ashes.

    To think she already has a combo spell and fist arts. That circle is called Instant Aura Sense as it can sense everything in that area while giving a speed enhancement to the body while that fist art should be Plasma Fist that can burn through any metal. A touch of that and the affected area will turn to ashes. That fiery cape is also an artifact that nullifies attack.

    Upon a tree, Lawrence gazed at <mark>Catalinna</mark> contemplating what to do. He can bombard her with moonlight beams but its effective range is only 15 meters and any farther than that and it will be weak enough for the fiery cape to completely neutralize. He already tried it and as he suspected, it was completely engulfed by the cape.

    ¡°It seems that it¡¯s gonna be a waiting game. It should sap her aura and <mark>mana</mark> the longer she holds that position while i wait here conserving mine¡± he grinned as he sat at the branch of the tree with a relaxed expression. A minute later, the blue circle vanished as <mark>Catalinna</mark> opened her eyes.

    ¡°You coward!! Are you even a man?!¡± she screamed on top of her lungs as Lawrence nonchalantly walked towards her. With a glare that can kill, Lawrence just smiled at her as she bites her lip. She slowly breathes in and out before charging towards Lawrence like a bull as fire covered her body. Within 5 meters, she swiped her hands in the air as a fire wave come crashing to Lawrence as a silvery glow appeared on his spear as fire vanished once it touched his spear. They look at each other before <mark>Catalinna</mark> smashes her fists towards Lawrence while his spear was coated with a gray aura. A gray fist appeared in front of Lawrence as it smashes <mark>Catalinna¡¯s</mark> chest but she didn¡¯t flinch as her palm glowed a bright light before she pushed her palm forward slowly. Lawrence raised his eyebrow while blocking her palm with his spear.

    What happened next shocked him as it passes through his spear and successfully touched his shoulder. Before he can react, he flew in the air from the force behind it as his suit was burned with a palm shape hole in it. His skin was burned and marred as he activated light sky step to retreat. Pain assaulted his chest as he nearly crumbled from a single attack. He stood awkwardly in the air with a light disk supporting his weight. ¡°Gotcha, you think i didn¡¯t come prepared? Let me remind you something, my next attack will kill you¡± she grinned as Lawrence remained in the sky with a grim expression.

    <mark>Gahhh</mark>!! That was fucking painful!! Shit, i didn¡¯t expect she would already grasp plasma palm in a month. Dammit, she¡¯s right. One attack from her and i nearly passed out from the pain. What would happen if the next attack hits me. Calm down, Lawrence. You can do this.

    ¡°I see..then i shall go all out¡± Lawrence gazed in the moon before he pointed his finger towards <mark>Catalinna</mark> as eight flickering lights appeared in different locations before cutting through the air and aimed at <mark>Catalinna</mark>. She twisted her body and three moonlight beams missed but a fourth one crashes in her back as she grunted in pain. Two moonlight beams were coursing through the air as she was able to dodge one but the other one penetrated her left arm as she yelled in pain only to realize a black spear appearing in front of her as she moved her head to the left as the spear tip misses but a moonlight beam hits her right leg. The shaft of the spear was swinging towards her head but she blocked it with her arm but a stinging pain in her abdomen appeared suddenly as she gazed downwards to see a gash in her sides while blood flows through her shirt. Painting the snow red. She pointed her palm in front of her before a raging fire appeared and consumed everything but a silver glowing spear absorbed the fire. She gritted her teeth as her palm glowed a blinding white light while the ground beneath her feet exploded and she dashed forward with a frightening speed. The spear falls to the ground but she didn¡¯t sense anything with her palm as a sharp dagger is being pressed in her neck as Lawrence appeared beside her with a stern expression.

    ¡°Damn..you won¡± she glared before passing out in the snow as Lawrence falls to his knees. He breathes roughly as sweat covered his forehead despite the cold air. His chest was exposed as burn marks appeared everywhere. He only absorbed a small part of <mark>Catalinna¡¯s</mark> flamethrower-like spell with his spear as most of it burned his suit and his chest. If he¡¯s a normal person on earth, it would be a third-degree burn or he would have died immediately but his body is more durable than normal citizens. He deeply sighed as it was a very close match and a single mistake would¡¯ve burned him to death.

    <mark>Legor</mark> can be seen running towards them with a couple of people behind him. Panic and anxiety is clear on his face as he immediately checked their injuries.

    ¡°What happened?¡± he asked sternly while gesturing to the healers to heal their injuries. ¡°We were sparring but we got too excited and started fighting for real. Forgive me, i should¡¯ve dissuaded her but she¡¯s too stubborn¡± Lawrence lied with a straight face while sighing.

    ¡°Both of you are forbidden to spar for the rest of your training. You should fight against monsters and not waste your time on sparring. This is the last warning¡± <mark>Legor</mark> warned Lawrence as he nodded solemnly.

    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t happen again¡±

    ¡°<mark>Maki</mark>, heal Lawrence quickly¡± <mark>Legor</mark> commanded as a petite girl shyly nodded before stretching both of her hands towards Lawrence¡¯s chest as a green glow appeared on her hand. He didn¡¯t mind it as he was busy contemplating what mistakes he did. Absorption doesn¡¯t completely do its job against a continuous spell that has a large area of effect and he¡¯s still unskilled in hitting back after absorbing or reflecting an attack. He mostly relied on the moonlight beam to do any meaningful damage. He was also amazed by how <mark>Catalinna</mark> dodged the moonlight beams without even looking at them.

    After returning to his room, he decided to sleep only to be interrupted by a knock on the door. It has been an hour after he won the fight and he knew that <mark>Catalinna</mark> is still unconscious from losing too much blood. Gripping his spear, he slowly opened the door to see someone he didn¡¯t expect to see.

    ¡°Good evening Lawrence¡± a youth appeared in front of the door with his red hair in a ponytail and a confident smirk plastered on his face. It¡¯s none other than his cousin. His nemesis on becoming the heir of the <mark>Aenir</mark> Family. The ¡®true¡¯ genius and the follower of wind swordsmanship. The same swordsmanship as his father.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    ¡°What do you want?¡±

    ¡°Nothing~ <mark>i¡¯m</mark> just surprised that our ¡®genius¡¯ here has defeated the daughter of the Ice Monarch. Although i don¡¯t know what tricks you did, <mark>i¡¯m</mark> still surprised¡± he entered Lawrence¡¯s room nonchalantly with a smirk.

    ¡°Then you can leave, <mark>i¡¯m</mark> about to take a rest¡± Lawrence sighed as <mark>Loid</mark> chuckled before grabbing Lawrence¡¯s shoulder

    ¡°I just want to remind you that you will never become the head of the family and <mark>Catalinna</mark> is supposed to be mine!¡± he glared with intense anger before patting Lawrence on his shoulder. A fake nonchalant smile appeared on his face before he started walking away.

    ¡°Please. Keep you delusions away from me¡± Lawrence replied as <mark>Loid</mark> stopped on his tracks. He turned his head to face Lawrence with a forced smile.

    ¡°You think you have a chance against me?¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s you, then it¡¯s already set in stone¡± Lawrence snickered as <mark>Loid</mark> gritted his teeth before unsheathing his sword as the wind started converging towards its blade

    ¡°I¡¯m planning to kill you after i become the next head but your audacity and arrogance are already too much to bear.¡± he spitted each word with anger before dashing forward. A sharp whistling of the wind followed as blood started flowing to the floor as a scream echoed through the mansion. The furniture was <mark>unturned</mark> and all of the windows are broken. Lawrence¡¯s spear is coated with a gray aura before blood escaped from his mouth. A bloody grin appeared on his face as <mark>Loid</mark> falls to his knees while grasping his severed arm. He screamed in pain while glaring at Lawrence. It was too fast for him to react and he didn¡¯t know what Lawrence did. Fear crept into his heart as Lawrence started walking towards him with a spear in his hand. He tried backing away only to hit the wall. Lawrence was about to swing forward only to be stopped by <mark>Legor¡¯s</mark> blade.

    ¡°What the hell happened?¡±

    ¡°It-it¡¯s Lawrence. He attacked me out of nowhere. Please help m-me, i can¡¯t feel my arm¡± <mark>Loid</mark> pleaded as <mark>Legor</mark> aimed his sword towards Lawrence.

    ¡°Explain what happened¡± he demanded as Lawrence nodded. He explained thoroughly what happen but <mark>Loid</mark> barked his mouth off, denying everything that happened and proposing that Lawrence was lying.

    ¡°I have an artifact that can reflect an attack. Luckily, i was wearing it and activated it quickly once <mark>Loid</mark> attacked me. As you can see, that cut isn¡¯t possible with a spear and only a sword can do that¡± Lawrence lied to hide his spear art as he wasn¡¯t stupid enough to reveal it. Besides, even <mark>Legor¡¯s</mark> superiors can¡¯t confiscate artifacts, especially from the nobles.

    ¡°I see¡­<mark>Loid</mark>. I command you to return home to heal your severed arm. As for you Lawrence, you will guard the gate at night for 1 week as a punishment. "

    ¡°But he- <mark>Loid</mark> tried blaming Lawrence but <mark>Legor</mark> was not having it.

    ¡°If i say you return, then you return! Am i not your general?!¡± <mark>Loid</mark> weakly nodded before glaring at Lawrence with deep hatred as he was assisted outside with his escorts and healers.

    ¡°It has been only a day but you already created a lot of problems. I hope you don¡¯t continue this¡± <mark>Legor</mark> sighed while massaging his temple

    ¡°You can take the room next door as the maids will clean this place for now¡± Lawrence nodded before leaving the room to head to his new room. It was as clean as his room and there are no signs of use. He decided to take a shower to calm his mind and heart as he silently contemplated.

    I nearly died from that asshole. Luckily i was able to reflect the attack back but there might be injuries on my organs. I need to kill that guy as he¡¯s dangerous to be left alone. Still, this wouldn¡¯t happen if my mouth can just shut itself up. Why is this happening? As if someone insulted me, my mouth would move on its own and insult back. It¡¯s much worse on commoners. Heading outside the bathroom, he headed back to his bed and his drowsiness consumed him.

    The next day, Lawrence is getting healed with the Healer as he suspected to have some internal damages. Luckily, the healer was able to heal it easily. A healer can be both a mage or paragon. A mage is tested on what elements they have aptitude in and the healing element is one of the rarest. The academy trains these mages to become a healer for the battlefield or for hospitals. They usually train like doctors and they have intensive knowledge about the human anatomy and about the cells. They are more important than even paragons as they are targeted by assassins by the enemy during continental and kingdom wars. This is why healers can be usually found in garrisons and barracks away from the fighting. After leaving the healer¡¯s room Lawrence decided to look for <mark>Catalinna</mark>. While walking in the hallway of the white mansion, he saw <mark>Catalinna</mark> staring at the snow mindlessly.

    ¡°Are you here to gloat over your win?¡± she asked without taking her eye¡¯s off the snow ¡°No, <mark>i¡¯m</mark> here to take the rewards¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the first thing you want to do in the morning?¡±

    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be if you weren¡¯t unconscious after losing¡±

    ¡°You!¡± she glared at Lawrence.

    ¡°Listen, we need to work together. I can¡¯t have you biting me like a rabid dog¡± Lawrence sighed as <mark>Catalinna</mark> gnashed her teeth.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do my thing and you do your own thing. I don¡¯t! want to work with you¡±

    ¡°Fine.. .but you need to answer three of my questions¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> looked him in the eyes before nodding.

    ¡°Follow me¡± Lawrence walked away as <mark>Catalinna</mark> followed him behind. After passing his room, <mark>Catalinna</mark> grabbed him by the wrist

    ¡°Isn¡¯t this your room?¡± she asked with suspicion in her voice before Lawrence shakes his head.

    ¡°It was destroyed by my cousin¡± he didn¡¯t clarify it further as she just shrugs it off. Opening the door beside it, <mark>Catalinna</mark> entered the room before sitting on the bed while Lawrence sighed before grabbing a nearby chair. <mark>Catalinna</mark> is in her nightgown as Lawrence doesn¡¯t know where to look. She¡¯s wearing a white nightgown with her undergarments visible on the outside.

    ¡°What?!¡±

    ¡°You should wear proper clothes¡± Lawrence pointed out but <mark>Catalinna</mark> shrugged and just grabbed a nearby blanket to cover herself.

    ¡°Are you happy now? Are you a teenager?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m never happy when <mark>i¡¯m</mark> with you¡± Lawrence smiled as <mark>Catalinna</mark> nearly burned the blanket.

    ¡°If you¡¯re just here to annoy me, then congratulations. You just did¡± she said with a forced smile. Lawrence walked towards her before leaning forward. <mark>Catalinna</mark> was about to push him away but he whispered.

    ¡°It¡¯s not good to continue our conversation through speaking. I¡¯ll write it out on a piece of paper in English and you answer it there¡± he smiled charmingly as <mark>Catalinna</mark> nodded. A slight blush in her cheeks. Lawrence¡¯s smile widened before turning around and grabbing a paper from the table. He started writing as <mark>Catalinna</mark> remained sitting on his bed. She lightly slaps her face until the blush was gone and her eyes grow cold. Lawrence was amused by this but he continued on writing instead.

    [First Question, what is the name of the final boss and where is he currently?] Lawrence passed the paper towards her as she furrowed her eyebrows. She wrote something on the paper before passing it back

    [That¡¯s two questions so <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> answer just one. His name is <mark>Albier</mark> Devin Enoch. Why are you asking about his name?] Lawrence smiled vaguely before passing back the paper [Where is he right now?] <mark>Catalinna</mark> abruptly stands up while glaring at Lawrence. She crumpled the paper in protest.

    ¡°What are you planning?! i swear to god i will kill you if you want to pass your spear art to him¡± she warned with clear anger in her eyes. Lawrence sighed before grabbing another piece of paper from the table and started writing once more. After that, he passed the paper as she reads it immediately

    [I¡¯m gathering allies to serve as the shadow to kill dangerous monsters and support your <mark>mc</mark>. I remembered that Cain had a hard time fighting the royalty of the <mark>Swordwin</mark> Empire because of the sheer amount of money and the army they had. If there wasn¡¯t a civil war, Cain would die or at least be forced to retreat] <mark>Catalinna</mark> contemplated for a minute. She gazed at Lawrence before sighing. She wrote at the paper and passed it back to Lawrence.

    [He¡¯s in the streets of <mark>Kondar</mark> as a slave working on a black market] Lawrence nodded with a smile as he wrote once more before passing it back to <mark>Catalinna</mark>.

    [How did <mark>Albier</mark> do to improve the Celestial Domination spear art?] <mark>Catalinna</mark> smirked before writing and passing back the paper to Lawrence.

    [He went to the moon]

    ¡°How? It shouldn¡¯t be possible. Are you telling the truth?¡± Lawrence squinted his eyes with suspicion in his voice but <mark>Catalinna</mark> shrugs.

    ¡°I have no plan on telling you how. Figure it out if you want¡± she snickered before grabbing the paper from Lawrence and burning it to ashes.

    ¡°I also heard what happened to your cousin. Lord something, i don¡¯t know but his arms were cut off¡±

    ¡°What did you do?¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> asked ¡°

    He tried attacking me then i retaliated. My spear art is particularly deadly to anyone that has no idea what it does.¡± Lawrence replied

    ¡°Well, as long as no one knows about its properties and origin. I don¡¯t care. I¡¯ll leave now¡± she walked off with the blanket still covering her body, a chuckle escaped from his mouth before glancing at the shadow from the trees just outside before shaking his head.

    ¡°Am i still sleepy or did that shadow move? Nonetheless, i should start training¡± Lawrence grabbed his spear below the bed before practicing reflection and absorption.

 CH 8

    After an hour, there was a knock on the door as Lawrence stopped swinging the spear while sweat covered his body. Opening the door, he saw a maid standing in front of the door.

    ¡°Master Lawrence, breakfast is ready. Please head to the cafeteria¡± she said before leaving silently without waiting for Lawrence¡¯s reply. After taking a quick bath, he wears a red suit and black long pants, his usual clothing. It was quite plain but fashionable enough for Lawrence. Wondering where the cafeteria is, he decided to walk around the large mansion as he wasn¡¯t that hungry. It¡¯s also a great time to relax and rest.

    After wandering listlessly, he saw a group of youth talking to each other loudly. By the look of their posture, clothes, and faces. He was certain they were nobles.

    ¡°Is it true? Did <mark>Loid</mark> lose his arm?¡± a lady gasped as a muscular man nodded.

    ¡°How terrible! I wonder who did that to him¡± she said worriedly.

    ¡°It¡¯s his cousin. The son of the head of <mark>Aenir</mark> Family. He said that he was attacked suddenly¡± the muscular man replied with a grim expression

    ¡°How can he do that?! Now, what do we do? He was our leader. He¡¯s the strongest of our group. What if a monster wave starts?¡± a chubby youth whined while a lanky youth sighed. His squinted eyes glanced at Lawrence.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that him?¡± he whispered to the muscular man before he nodded. Anger is clear in his eyes. A saber can be seen hanging at his belt while he started caressing it. Seeing that this might result in confrontation, Lawrence coldly stared at them. His spear was left in his room but a black dagger is hidden inside a pocket of his suit. He decided to bring it just in case. It¡¯s also dipped in immobilizing and paralyzing poison. He just bought the dagger and the poison at the market and it might be sloppily made but it should work against this muscular man. He walked towards them without taking a glance at them as the nobles gazed and glared at him. After passing by, the muscular man hurriedly blocked his way with a forced smile. Beside him is the violet-haired lady gazing at him. A sigh escaped from Lawrence¡¯s mouth as he gazed at the man.

    ¡°What do you want?¡± Lawrence spoke with annoyance in his voice. The man was taken aback before smiling.

    ¡°You should be careful ¡®sir¡¯. Monsters aren¡¯t the only thing that¡¯s dangerous here¡± he smiled deviously. His large stature dwarfed Lawrence. Still, Lawrence calmly looked at his eyes.

    ¡°Other than monsters. There really seems to be only a couple of insects laying around here. There was even a red insect in my room. I cut one of his limbs and he started screaming. It¡¯s annoying really¡± Lawrence shrugged as the man glared. He breathes in and out before forcing a wide smile. Lawrence walked past him as the youths openly glared at him. His back is completely exposed showing his clear confidence in himself. The man can only curse inwardly before walking away followed by others. All of this time, sweat dripped on his forehead while Lawrence gripped the dagger hidden in his suit. Seeing that there was no confrontation. He sighs in relief before letting go of the dagger. Fighting against them would only result in his own beating. He knew the lanky youth and the muscular man is a high two-star warrior while the chubby man and the lady are both mid-two-star mages. He didn¡¯t know any of them which means that they are in the caste of lower nobles who is good at sucking up to families with higher status. He <mark>betted</mark> to the fact that they won¡¯t attack him openly since his prestige and status are higher than theirs.

    Is it possible that this world forces us to react accordingly to the character written in the novel? Since in the novel, Lawrence is extremely arrogant and only sees himself as the absolute best in everything especially fighting. He also doesn¡¯t hold back if someone insulted him while <mark>Catalinna</mark> is brash, aggressive, and quick to anger. Which correlates to how she acts. This might be true¡­ Still, I don¡¯t have any answers for now. Its a waste of time to ponder pure speculation

    Finally, he found the living room or a cafeteria. There¡¯s a lot of tables and chairs where the nobles sat while talking and eating food dripping with flavor and luxury. Chefs and maids bring them food with a simple gesture from the nobles as satisfied smiles and boasted talking is rampant inside. He glanced around to luckily find an empty table as he doesn¡¯t want to socialize with these nobles who only specializes in flattery and buttering up higher nobles. He doesn¡¯t plan on creating a large influence as he doesn¡¯t have any achievements yet.

    Just across his table, he saw <mark>Catalinna</mark> speaking with beautiful ladies with excited and hushed tones. She was surrounded by <mark>Katarina</mark> <mark>Bertia</mark> , the second princess of the kingdom, <mark>Lesha</mark> <mark>Laymore</mark>, the only daughter of the famous stonewall general guarding the north, and Melissa <mark>Lamy</mark>, the next <mark>saintess</mark> of the holy church. A lot of boys are secretly glancing at them with eyes full of admiration and love. They are the most influential people here as there seems to be a majestic aura surrounding their table that no one can come close to even talk to them. Even maids and chefs are reluctant to ask them what food they would want. They are third-year students of the academy if Lawrence remembers it clearly. It¡¯s the third year¡¯s turn this month to protect the fourth wall and next month would be the second year¡¯s turn to guard. Only the first years are exempted from this. The academy created this policy to train its students to fight a monster wave. Still, most deaths came from soldiers and knights as nobles usually have an escort to guard them. A chef walked towards Lawrence as he bowed before gazing at him.

    ¡°What food would you like Master Lawrence?¡± the man asked politely.

    ¡°3 servings of roasted steak of a <mark>wyvern</mark> meat and a glass of water¡± he replied. The chef raised his eyebrow before nodding.

    ¡°Ill take it here after we finish cooking your meal¡± the chef bowed while Lawrence gestured to leave him alone. An arrogant gesture but the chef wasn¡¯t offended.

    ¡®<mark>Wyvern</mark> meat is the best meat for stamina recovery and it¡¯s full of nutrients for the body. It tastes alright but it can fill my stomach quickly and more efficiently than different expensive foods. Dragon meat would be great but they are too expensive. <mark>Ahh</mark>, i wish i have a phone right now. Most of my ¡®friends¡¯ are second-year students. So i don¡¯t have anyone to talk to, it¡¯s too boring to wait for my meal¡¯A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    . Lawrence sighed. The sound of heels tapping the floor can be heard as he looked ahead to see the four ladies walking towards his table. Tilting his head, he saw <mark>Catalinna</mark> with a large grin on her face.

    ¡°You¡¯re Lawrence <mark>Von</mark> <mark>Aenir</mark> right?¡± Princess <mark>Katarina</mark> asked with a polite smile as Lawrence stands up, put his hand on his chest before bowing. A standard greeting to someone who has a higher status especially to the royal family.

    ¡°Yes, princess. I¡¯m honored you remembered my name¡± he spoke without taking his eyes off the floor.

    ¡°No need for such formalities¡± she chuckled.

    ¡°We are just trying to make a new friend¡± she added

    ¡°I see¡± Lawrence spoke calmly before sitting at the chair. His gaze focused on <mark>Catalinna</mark>. The four of them sat at the chair before gesturing to the maids to bring them food and drinks. Mostly cakes and tea

    ¡°So is it true that you severed <mark>Loid¡¯s</mark> arm?¡± <mark>Lesha</mark> spoke with eyes full of excitement. Seeing this, Lawrence nodded

    ¡°Wow! You¡¯re amazing¡± she smiled before showing a thumbs up

    ¡°He said that you ambushed him. Still, i don¡¯t mean to say that it¡¯s a cowardly act but ambushing a 3-star warrior is still amazing since you¡¯re a 2-star paragon¡± she added with a bright smile

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t an ambush. He attacked me first. I just retaliated¡± he replied casually. <mark>Lesha¡¯s</mark> mouth was agape before looking at <mark>Catalinna</mark>.

    ¡°It¡¯s true. He can indeed do that¡± she replied as <mark>Lesha</mark> looked at him with excitement while <mark>Katarina¡¯s</mark> eyes gleamed with interest.

    ¡°Wanna spar? Come let¡¯s spar!¡± <mark>Lesha</mark> grabbed Lawrence by the wrist.

    ¡°Forgive me but <mark>i¡¯m</mark> forbidden to spar with anyone else.¡± he apologized before <mark>Lesha</mark> looked at him with a pout

    ¡°Is it <mark>Legor</mark> that told you that? Come on, as long as he won¡¯t know it¡¯s fine. Besides, he can¡¯t really punish us¡± she protested

    ¡°Stop <mark>Lesha</mark>, you should really follow the rules sometimes¡± Melissa smiled while tugging <mark>Lesha</mark>.

    ¡°Fine..<mark>i¡¯m</mark> only listening because of you¡± <mark>Lesha</mark> pouted as Melissa chuckled before flickering her forehead. She tried hitting back as both of them tried to out flick each other ¡°Both of you please..stop..we¡¯re not kids anymore¡± <mark>Katarina</mark> sighed before showing a gentle smile.

    ¡°Please forgive them, Lawrence. They can be quite..childish at times¡± seeing that both of them didn¡¯t stop, <mark>Katarina</mark> gives up on stopping them and just apologized to Lawrence. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Lawrence replied but a second later. The sound of bells ringing echoed through the mansion as both of them abruptly stops fighting. A grim expression appeared on <mark>Katarina¡¯s</mark> face.

    ¡°Follow us. You should join our team temporarily¡± <mark>Katarina</mark> suggested

    ¡°Forgive me princess but <mark>i¡¯l</mark> fight alone. I¡¯m confident in my skills¡± Lawrence smiled ¡°Fine, seeing that you defeated <mark>Loid</mark> then <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> take your word for it¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be heading to the wall now¡± Lawrence bids them goodbye before leaving the cafeteria.

    ¡°How about you <mark>Catalinna</mark>?¡±

    ¡°Sure, <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> like to see how powerful a 3-star paragon is¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> enthusiastically replied as <mark>Katarina</mark> nodded with a proud smile

    ¡°I won¡¯t disappoint you¡± Outside the wall, the cold wind courses through his skin as his fiery red hair flows with it. He gripped the black spear tightly before seeing a large number of monsters running towards him. He¡¯s wearing a red suit that has been enchanted with minor protection and black pants with small blue runic letters adorned everywhere. Giving him a slight speed boost when running. This was given to him by <mark>Legor</mark> but he didn¡¯t specify where he got it from. He decided to think about the mysterious donor later and instead focused on the monsters ahead. He decided to fight alone somewhere close to the most western parts of the wall with a large forest beside him. No one can see him clearly as the closest group of knights is 250 meters away from him. They can see him but they wouldn¡¯t focus watching his every move when monsters started attacking. It¡¯s better to avoid suspicion and knowledge about his fighting skills as possible His plan would revolve around using the moonlight beam for attacking while using absorption and reflection once the monster is going for an attack. The loud howling of the snow wolves signaled the start of the monster wave. The monster wave consists of snow wolves, yeti, ice ogre, ice flame spirit, and mountain tigers. A snow wolf larger than a man started barreling towards Lawrence with a crazed hunger gleaming in its eyes. Before it reaches halfway, a moonlight beam pierces its mouth, belly, and brain killing it instantly. Lawrence lazily looked forward with moonlight beams raining towards any monster that heads towards his way. After 15 minutes of the continuous burst of 3 moonlight beams, he felt his <mark>mana</mark> is dropping to only 50% left as 5 ice flame spirits march towards him. They looked like floating blue flames that shoots out blue fireballs. A smirk appeared on his face as he readied his spear. They stopped 10 meters away from him before shooting blue fireballs towards his way. With his one hand holding the spear like a stick, a silvery glow emerged before smashing the shaft of the spear in the direction of the fireballs. Once a fireball was hit, it turns smaller and smaller before flickering out of existence. Still, some of the fireballs weren¡¯t absorbed completely but Lawrence made sure to dodge the remnant of the flame. It was easier to dodge since it¡¯s significantly smaller. He smash and smashed each fireball before the ice flame spirit retreated but Lawrence wouldn¡¯t allow that. With his <mark>mana</mark> completely full, beams of gray light rained on the spirits as they shrieked in pain before dying out.

    ¡®Hell yeah! That¡¯s what you call a combo. This is what the true <mark>isekai</mark> experience is about, slaughtering monsters with magical powers.¡¯

    For three hours straight, he continued on raining moonlight beams then absorbing the attacks from monsters to recover <mark>mana</mark> before raining moonlight beams again. Rinse and repeat. There were some close calls when Lawrence¡¯s arms started hurting from repeated swinging that he was hit by a fireball but it was weaker since he absorbed some of its <mark>mana</mark>. Still, it burned some parts of his skin. Another one was when a wolf pounced on him from behind, a wound appeared on his arm from the scratching of the wolf but it¡¯s already injured so with a quick stab and reflection on its desperate attack, he was able to kill it. He was extremely tired by the third hour as his arms are already numbed and intense fatigue was donned on him. His untreated wound is sapping some of his stamina. It was hell and a simple mistake can take his life. After seeing that all of the monsters has died, the snow was covered in red as incoherent screaming started emerging everywhere.

    Piles of carcass just laying in front of him, creating a small hill. A nauseating smell assaulted his nose as he started walking back inside the wall. He can see some soldiers and students getting carried by healers and he saw some youths crying and begging to go home. Corpses can be seen all around him as the reality donned on him. This isn¡¯t a novel he once knew. This is reality, sorrow and pain are clear in everyone¡¯s eyes as he sympathized with the dead soldiers. There was no cheering or celebrating but just an eerie silence broken by muffled cries and the wind blowing.

 CH 9

    After that monster wave. 11 soldiers while 3 students of the academy died in the attack. A normal number while defending the fourth wall. It can be even said as a success for killing a thousand monsters. A sacrifice that was needed but no one wanted. It has been a week after the monster wave and luckily there wasn¡¯t any after that. It has been a mundane week with Lawrence¡¯s training in the halt as he accumulated the internal aura that he got from the fighting. It wasn¡¯t enough to break through as he concluded that he needs to fight more monsters.

    Walking through the hallway to relax. Lawrence saw the soldiers¡¯ bodies in a casket getting sent back to their families. He doubted that they were sent back intact. The fellow soldiers stand there wistfully with clear sorrow in their eyes for their fallen comrade. Lawrence only hoped for the families to get the rightful compensation but he knew deep down that no gold can amount to anyone¡¯s lives. His determination grew stronger to protect his family.

    ¡®I have a lot of time but my light sky step and moonlight beam aren¡¯t improving anymore since both of them are in the perfected stage. Since i can¡¯t reach the mastered stage with my talent, training them now is fruitless. My spear art is also improving at an extremely slow rate. Should i get my hands on the enlightenment potion? I¡¯m still lacking some internal aura to break through but luckily my <mark>mana</mark> heart has reach the low third star mage. The enlightenment potion helps anyone reach a mastered stage on any spells and arts after consuming. This is created by Solomon the Alchemists King but his tomb isn¡¯t found out yet. It¡¯s nearby but i would need <mark>Catalinna¡¯s</mark> help since i can¡¯t fight the guardians of the tomb alone. There is also the poison of the colored dragon inside the tomb.¡¯

    While contemplating, he didn¡¯t see <mark>Catalinna</mark> walking towards him as he gazed mindlessly at the snow.

    ¡°Hey¡± Lawrence turned his head to find <mark>Catalinna</mark> beside him, looking for what he has been staring at mindlessly.

    ¡°What is it?

    ¡°Do you want to help me? i promise i won¡¯t kill you¡± she pleaded with a helpless smile as Lawrence thanked the lucky stars inwardly. Still, he can¡¯t trust her. Her second phrase is suspicious but he¡¯s confident enough to beat her. Killing her isn¡¯t beneficial as she is the author and one of the strongest paragons in the future.

    ¡°I want to hear it first¡± he replied as <mark>Catalinna</mark> nodded and passed him a piece of paper. [I want to head to the dungeon of the frost witch. Most monsters are only 2-star at best while the boss is the third star. It¡¯s where the Ice Witch of Malevolent got the cape of the icy snow. I want that cape]

    ¡°Hmm¡± Lawrence stared at the piece of paper for a minute. He has heard about the Ice witch of the Malevolent, a five-star mage hiding somewhere in the northern valleys. Anyone who trespasses the land was killed by ice monsters. The Ice Monarch tried to hunt her but it proved fruitless as the witch has already escaped. She is gonna join the demon king in the future and reach the pinnacle of ice magic. A dangerous ticking bomb waiting to explode. Killing the witch isn¡¯t possible as he has to wait to reach the four-star paragon to even have a chance.

    [Why? do you want to combine it with your cape of the fiery sun? Is that even possible?] <mark>Catalinna</mark> solemnly nodded. She didn¡¯t think Lawrence would remember such a small detail in the novel. It was only a passing myth spoken by an old man in the novel. That combining both capes would create a relic of the past that contains immense power.

    [No, it isn¡¯t possible.] Lawrence gazed at her to see if she¡¯s lying. Seeing that <mark>Catalinna</mark> seems a little fidgety and has a half-smile. Suspicion arise in his heart but he decided to hear her first. It¡¯s none of his business and although he doesn¡¯t trust her, he knew that she would use it for the good of mankind.

    [What can i get from it? there isn¡¯t any other treasure mentioned in the novel]

    [It¡¯s the ice dragon¡¯s lair. After the dragon died, most stronger monsters were also killed from the battle. The only ones left are the monsters that the northern knights deemed to be a waste of stamina to fight such as 2-star and 3-star monsters. Mother wasn¡¯t able to find the icy moon cape but with the carcass of the dragon secured, she gave up searching for it. The ice witch was able to find it through her dark magic and voodoo magic but my mother specializes in combat. It¡¯s normal the witch was able to find it]

    ¡°I know all of this. I ask what can i get. I don¡¯t do anything for free " Lawrence muttered and stopped reading the piece of paper. His face scrunched in impatience.

    ¡°Just continue reading it. Don¡¯t be so impatient¡± she harrumphed with her arms crossed.

    [Anything we found there will be yours]

    ¡°I can¡¯t help you on such shaky terms. What would happen if we found nothing?¡± he said coldly

    ¡°Fine! Tell me any item you want to find.¡±

    ¡®Any item..my main problem is my talent. For my average talent, i can¡¯t master anything. I already know where to find the enlightened potion but there are only three in the tomb. It only alleviates the problem.¡¯

    [Where is the mask of damnation?]

    [That¡¯s a cursed artifact and you know that right?] Lawrence gazed at the paper contemplating if he wants the artifact or not. Her tone suggests that she knows where it is. The mask of damnation is an ancient relic used by the six-winged <mark>seraphim</mark> to kill demons. There are two things it can do, imprison the soul of the slain foes and absorb the imprisoned souls to improve every aspect of a being. From their talent, body, <mark>mana</mark>, and soul. Every aspect imaginable at a cost of risking their humanity. Every time someone improves their very being, they would get an intense feeling of exhilaration and fulfillment to the point of being addicting. This would slowly turn them into chaotic beings with only madness in their mind. This was the artifact that created the chaos one. A normal man turned into a near-invisible being by the mask.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    I can¡¯t risk it, not for now. Fuck! I¡¯m just making an excuse. I¡¯m terrified, i don¡¯t want to turn into that thing. A thing only driven in madness, being tormented until its death. I wanna live¡­and die normally.

    Lawrence shakes his head before he started writing on the piece of paper. After giving it back to <mark>Catalinna</mark>. She raises her eyebrows before giving a slight smile.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t tell you where it is in the first place anyway.¡± she grinned

    ¡°If you¡¯re worried about your talent. You should get those potions. You know, Solomon¡¯s potions¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll do both the lair and the tomb and whatever we find. We split it. It¡¯s a good plan right?¡± she suggested with a bright smile as Lawrence nodded. The colored poison might be good but not as useful compared to the cape of the icy moon. Besides, every monster in the ice dragon¡¯s lair is an ice monster. So he can grab a lot of bones for his weapon upgrade. The only problem is where he would put it and how would he take the bones off properly. He isn¡¯t a monster hunter that specializes in killing monsters and skinning them for different uses and he doesn¡¯t have a space ring or space bag as both are extremely expensive.

    ¡®Wait, my father didn¡¯t give me any allowances?! Shouldn¡¯t every noble student receive allowances from their parents? How about me? Am i the first broke noble? and a duke¡¯s son at that.¡¯

    He gazed at <mark>Catalinna</mark> happily walking through the snow with excitement in her eyes.

    ¡®Huh? Where is she going?¡¯

    ¡°Where do you plan on going?¡±

    ¡°To the tomb, shouldn¡¯t we go there when it¡¯s early in the morning? I want to return before its night so hurry up¡± she looked at him confused as an overwhelming urge to facepalm tickled his hand.

    ¡°We will set out tomorrow and do you think they will let the Ice Monarch¡¯s daughter and the Duke¡¯s son leave the premises unsupervised?¡± Lawrence sighed

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, <mark>Katarina</mark> already allowed me to leave after seeing my amazing performance on the battlefield. Even <mark>Legor</mark> can¡¯t do anything.¡± she looked smug that Lawrence can¡¯t believe what he¡¯s hearing.

    ¡°First, I need my weapon and second we need supplies¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah, i forgot. You can¡¯t do anything without a weapon¡± she snickered

    ¡°And besides, i was given a space ring by the princess as a gift. I can¡¯t really understand friendless people like you. I guess <mark>i¡¯m</mark> just more influential¡± she grinned before shrugging with a smile

    Damn. The princess already has eyes on <mark>Catalinna</mark>. She wants to slowly egg her on to support her once she fights for the throne. She probably has eyes on me too. Both of us are paragons and come from influential families. In the future, she would win with the help of Cain, the <mark>saintess</mark>, and by the <mark>Ignis</mark> Family which is <mark>Catalinna¡¯s</mark> family. Fighting for the crown should happen next year after the queen retires.

    ¡°Sure. She probably wants your family¡¯s support and not yours¡± Lawrence replied as <mark>Catalinna</mark> just faked her smile to appear less affected by his statement before she grew silent.

    ¡°I¡¯ll..just wait for you here. Yeah¡± she said solemnly and without energy like usual. Lawrence felt bad but didn¡¯t retract his sentence. He told her the truth and it¡¯s not his fault. He walked towards his room without turning back.

    Meanwhile, her eyes glistened with tears, and she hiccups. ¡°I know..they were just using me but <mark>i¡¯m</mark> sure they¡¯ll change their mind..yeah. Don¡¯t be affected. I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll be my friends, my true comrade in hardship and in glory.¡± she wipes her eyes before smiling enthusiastically as if nothing happened.

    After grabbing the spear under his bed, he changed his clothes for the enchanted suit and pants for protection. He inserted the dagger in the secret pocket of his suit and he walked outside. Waiting outside of his room, he saw Princess <mark>Katarina</mark> smiling amicably. He greeted her with a smile.

    ¡°What are doing near my door, is perhaps the princess need some assistance?¡± he flashed a charming smile as <mark>Katarina</mark> chuckled. She waved her hand dismissively

    ¡°I have no need of assistance but thank you nonetheless¡± she smiled gently

    ¡°It¡¯s just <mark>i¡¯m</mark> worried about <mark>Catalinna</mark>. I know both of you are strong but she can be overly confident in herself. You¡¯re his fiance, right? Bring her back alright? You can even knock her out if she gets too reckless. If you can do that, <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> allow you to enter the royal library for a day¡±

    ¡°Of course, she¡¯s important to me¡± he said with a calm look but deep inside. He¡¯s already celebrating. The royal library contains some art and spells that are not even in the novel. He might get his hands on some valuable information. He needed to suppress his grin as he nodded

    ¡°Thank you. I tried offering her my help but she refused. Well, I should go. Let us meet again¡± she waved goodbye before walking away. It seems that the princess really sees <mark>Catalinna</mark> as a precious friend. She is just good at hiding how she feels behind her amicable smile that no one knows if someone is important to her or not. In the novel, both of their friendship wasn¡¯t that deep since after becoming the queen, Cain, Katherine, and, <mark>Catalinna</mark> followed by the <mark>saintess</mark> went on adventures through the continent to get stronger. Luckily for them, they missed the descent of the heavenly generals of the demon king that destroyed the five walls of the north. By the time they went back, it was too late. The Ice Monarch died and half of the 6-star combatants of the kingdom perished.

    Lawrence gazed at the sky, he remembered that the sky was blood red when the heavenly generals descended in the first wall. Out of nowhere, his senses trembled and he found himself staring at the dark sky with the moon much closer than before. A red-haired man is floating in the sky with a black jagged spear. Incoherent screams rang in his head as he falls to his knees, he gazed upwards to see the man smiling at him. A chill runs through the back of his head before he finds himself surrounded by corpses of dead warriors. Their mangled limbs and seared body full of holes is evident in each one.

    A jagged spear penetrated his heart and his back as blood started spurting out of his mouth. The man is in front of him with a friendly smile. Seemingly unbothered by everything

    ¡°Not now¡± the man muttered before Lawrence was back outside of his room. Sweat traveled through his forehead and his hand shakes uncontrollably. A terrifying smile is plastered on his face as he chuckled coldly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that¡¯s me in the future¡± he said trying to pass it off as a joke but the longer he thinks about it, the longer it¡¯s convincing.

    ¡®Shit, what happened? The pain¡­it was real¡­is it an illusion. Then who would do that? and why did the man look like me? What happened?! I¡¯m so confused right now. But why did I see sorrow behind his smile? Maybe the world or the one who put my consciousness here is reminding me what would happen in the future. Is someone gonna die? Fuck, it seems that I need to hasten my plans.

 CH 10

    ¡°Why do you look pale?¡± she asked seemingly wondering what happen. Lawrence¡¯s grim expression hardened as he sighed deeply.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine¡± he lied

    ¡°You don¡¯t look fine. I swear to god if you lose consciousness or are beaten back and blue. I am not gonna rescue you¡± she crossed her arms before walking in the direction of the tomb. It¡¯s a two-hour walk as the sound of snow getting crushed under their feet and the howling wind is the only sound both of them hear. It was quiet as they passed through a forest full of trees with no leaves. No monsters or anything as Lawrence grew suspicious of the surroundings. He caught a glimpse of a shadow moving from tree to tree as two-sphere of <mark>grey</mark> lights crashed towards the moving shadow. A sizzling of the snow followed but there wasn¡¯t any reaction.

    ¡°What are you doing?! We need to conserve our <mark>mana</mark>.¡± she reminded Lawrence but he didn¡¯t listen. He only pushed his senses to the limits as he surveyed the place. After a minute of waiting, there wasn¡¯t any movement.

    ¡°I saw a shadow moving through the trees. I don¡¯t know if they¡¯re allies or enemies yet.¡± he muttered to <mark>Catalinna</mark> who looks understandably confused. She was at the front while Lawrence is in the back and he saw the shadow moving through the trees just beside him.

    ¡®This is dangerous, people who usually use shadows tend to be assassins. Is it the black syndicate? Why would they target us? If it isn¡¯t them then who?¡¯

    The black syndicate is one of the organizations running the black market. The one who supplies information and assassination. The organization is neutral and would only work for money. Most kingdoms usually use their services to remain anonymous in killing their targets from nobles to knights. There is only one thing they wouldn¡¯t do and it is working for a demon. That¡¯s why they weren¡¯t hunted by continental powers seeking justice and the good of all.

    Arrow whistled past <mark>Catalinna</mark> and hits a tree just inches away from Lawrence¡¯s face. A letter is attached to the shaft before he grabbed it and started reading. <mark>Catalinna</mark> hissed in anger as flames started converging all around her arms.

    ¡°We meant no harm. We are just passing through. We won¡¯t attack as long as you won¡¯t¡± He reads it before it was caught in flames. <mark>Catalinna</mark> gritted her teeth as fire danced in her back before the cape of the fiery sun manifested its majestic form.

    ¡°I¡¯ll fucking kill them¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t! There might be more of them. It isn¡¯t worth it fighting against an unknown amount of enemy with an unknown strength. Besides, we don¡¯t get anything from fighting¡± Lawrence reminded <mark>Catalinna</mark> who stared at him before flames flickered out of existence.

    ¡°<mark>Hmph</mark>, if you¡¯re scared. Don¡¯t use any excuses. I can see right through your facade. Damn, let¡¯s go¡± she¡¯s still angry but at least she wouldn¡¯t fight them, a sigh of relief washed through Lawrence. His grim expression hardened before shaking his head.

    ¡®It isn¡¯t the time to think about this.¡¯

    After an hour of walking, Lawrence saw a valley of snowy mountains and hills. <mark>Catalinna</mark> hurriedly walked towards the largest mountain before melting the ice and snow on the base of it. Flame courses through her hand and to the snow as it melted in a puddle before turning into steam. A minute later, a stone staircase heading downwards appeared. Lawrence went in first as it was a small corridor with unlit torches in every wall.

    ¡®I can¡¯t see shit, why am I heading first?¡¯

    ¡°<mark>Catalinna</mark>, use your fire and head first.¡± he commanded but <mark>Catalinna</mark> didn¡¯t respond. Turning his head, he saw that he was alone in the corridor as a sense of dread welled inside his heart. He went back up but he felt something is looking behind him. He hurriedly look back but there was only darkness and a stone stair heading downwards. Gritting his teeth, he went to confront whatever is looking at him. A hideous chuckle emerged before a sharp claw darted in front of Lawrence. With enough time to react, his spear glowed a <mark>grey</mark> light before blocking the strike. A similar claw materializes in front of Lawrence facing the monster before stabbing forward. A shriek followed as the creature scurried back to darkness. A line of black blood can be seen as Lawrence understood what¡¯s happening.

    ¡®I¡¯m in an illusion. Dammit, so this is what Cain felt. During their fight in the novel, the point of view went to his followers fighting the tomb guardians of Solomon. Once they went inside, Cain suddenly went limp and the guardians started attacking. It means that <mark>Catalinna</mark> is fighting alone¡¯

    This is why the tomb is impossible to attack alone. One of the adventurers would be trapped in an illusion and it would usually target the stronger person in the group. The illusion worked on Cain so that¡¯s why Lawrence didn¡¯t attempt on attacking it alone. In the novel, during their expedition after the monster wave. Cain and his sidekicks would accidentally find the tomb and go inside for adventure. This is supposed to happen next month once it¡¯s the second-year student¡¯s turn to defend the fourth wall.

    ¡°I have no time to waste¡± he started dashing deeper into the dark corridor before smashing into a wooden door. He tumbled across the floor before standing awkwardly. He¡¯s lucky no one saw his embarrassing display of agility.

    Inside the room, there are torches fixed in the nearby wall and he can finally see the creature. There are approximately 20 large rat monsters with claws larger than a sword. They are wearing dilapidated clothes and their back are hunched.

    They charged towards Lawrence while screeching as he aimed the moonlight beam towards the rat-like monsters. 3 gray beams darted in front and hit one of the rats. Instantly killing it with three holes in its body. He clicked his tongue in annoyance as 3 gray beams from the ceiling emerged before smashing to the floor. Accurately piercing 3 rat beasts to their back before slumping to the cold floor. Two rats clawed their way towards him before swinging forward. With fast movement, the gray aura of the spear accurately blocks their attack before manifesting their own attack and stabbing their throats. With six down, Lawrence jumped back and runs back to the corridor.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    There, only one rat can pass through as a cold smile appeared on his face. He started barraging the rats with moonlight beam as a single hit would injure them severely or outright kill them. The rats tried charging but every time they went to the corridor, their carcasses would slide back down to the room with freezing holes covering its body. After 3 minutes of relentless charging of the rats, none would head back up. Terrified to be next, five rats remained in the room as Lawrence went inside the room with black blood all over his shoes and pants.

    ¡°It¡¯s a shame it¡¯s only an illusion¡± he muttered before blasting the rats with 3 moonlight beams before stabbing the remaining two in the head. The surrounding breaks apart like mirrors as he found himself in a room full of torches lit and in the center is a golden tomb. Shelves full of books and scrolls can be seen behind the tomb and in front of the tomb is a wooden chest containing the colored poison and 3 enlightenment potions. <mark>Catalinna</mark> is fighting two stone <mark>golems</mark> with her fist digging into their bodies only to regenerate by absorbing the nearby stones in the room.

    ¡°Finally!¡± she beamed with a big smile before smashing her fist to the <mark>golem¡¯s</mark> chest penetrating it before taking it out as the <mark>golem</mark> regenerates.

    ¡°It¡¯s not there?!¡± her face contorts in confusion and anger before backing up. Seeing that Lawrence is gaining consciousness, she smiled before gazing at him sternly.

    ¡°Help me find the core! It¡¯s somewhere in their body!¡± she yelled as stone spikes emerged from the ground as she dodged and weaved each spike with her quick movement. Lawrence nodded before 3 moonlight beams striking to the head, chest, and stomach of the <mark>golem</mark>. It staggered before it opened its mouth as a white orb of energy materialized in front of it aiming at <mark>Catalinna</mark> who is distracted by the other <mark>golem</mark>. Stone shackles appeared in every corner of the wall as she smashes each one with her fist before charging forward.

    With no hesitation, he dashed in front of the <mark>golem</mark> charging an energy blast with the gray aura covering his spear. The <mark>golem</mark> lets go of the energy blast as it blasted towards Lawrence who blocked it with the shaft of his spear. He felt an immense force pushing him away as he crashed to the walls. A similar-looking ball is seen barreling in the direction of the <mark>golem</mark> as it tried dodging the reflected attack but it was too late. A bright flash of light followed by a rumbling explosion echoed through the room.

    He opened his eyes to see the <mark>golem</mark> disintegrated with some of its stone limbs resting in the ground. A blue line suddenly appeared as <mark>Catalinna</mark> closed her eyes. Once the <mark>golem</mark> entered the circle, she vanished before appearing beside the thigh of the stone <mark>golem</mark>. With a quick stab of her fingers, the gold core breaks before the <mark>golem</mark> falls to the ground seemingly turning back to a normal rock.

    ¡®That¡¯s amazing..ow my back. It hurts. Damn, i hope my spine isn¡¯t broken¡¯ he cursed inwardly as he sat on the ground with a tired expression. Reflecting that energy blast consumed almost half of his <mark>mana</mark> and the force behind it injured him. It wasn¡¯t a clean reflect but it did the job. <mark>Catalinna</mark> looked like she was beaten into a pulp. Her arms and legs are bruised and some of her clothing is torn. Her hair is covered in dirt and sand while a fatigued expression is clear on her face. She sat beside Lawrence while panting and breathing heavily.

    ¡°What are you looking at?¡± she snapped like a rabid dog as Lawrence stared at the wooden chest.

    ¡°You can have the potion, i don¡¯t need it. <mark>Haah</mark>..<mark>haah</mark>.Fuck. I¡¯ll get the poison instead¡± she said while gasping for air before Lawrence nodded

    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t head to the lair right now.¡± he said casually

    ¡°I know i overestimated myself but the stone <mark>golem¡¯s</mark> core should be at their chest. Why is it in random?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­no alchemist would put the <mark>golem¡¯s</mark> core in their chest as it would be obvious once it started regenerating. It might be that everything you wrote in the novel is adjusted to suit reality¡±

    ¡°Maybe¡­. but as long as my knowledge remains true. It shouldn¡¯t be that big of an issue¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± he started standing up and he felt his knees giving up. His back hurts and he can¡¯t stand straight at the moment but he still walked towards the wooden chest. Opening it, he saw three potions and a vial full of liquid. The blue mixed with violet should be the enlightenment potion while the liquid that changes color every second is the poison. After grabbing everything, he passed the vial to <mark>Catalinna</mark> while he pocketed the rest. It was uncomfortable putting in on his suit as the potion bulged outside of the pocket. He decided to hold on to the dagger and the spear in each hand.

    ¡°We should rest. It still isn¡¯t the afternoon.¡± he suggested

    ¡°I guess so. Hey, do you want to push the lid off the tomb¡± she smiled cheekily at him

    ¡°No, <mark>i¡¯m</mark> sure Solomon would reawaken then fight us for disturbing his tomb¡± he sneered

    ¡°It isn¡¯t like that, do you believe that the king of alchemist would be buried somewhere unknown with only the lowest type of stone <mark>golems</mark> guarding his tomb? Of course not, this is only one of his treasure rooms for adventurers to discover. His main body is in the hall of heroes guarded by the <mark>Swordwin</mark> Empire. If you open this tomb, you¡¯ll only find nothing¡± she informed as Lawrence nodded.

    Solomon the Alchemist King was a 7-star mage that uses poison and potions to empower his army of <mark>golems</mark>. He himself has a weak constitution but every single one of his <mark>golem</mark> can fight a 6-star warrior or even higher. He created the institute of alchemy in the <mark>Swordwin</mark> Empire and he is one of the heroes of humanity for thwarting the attack of the demon army 50 years ago.

    Meanwhile, the hall of heroes is where the resting place of the heroes of humanity. Only 7-star mages, warriors, and paragons can be buried there. Every artifact they owned is buried with them with their stories popularized across the land. It¡¯s beside the palace of the empire where only the monarchies and nobles can enter. It is heavily guarded as it is littered with godly artifacts and relics. It is also symbolized as the pride of humanity to remind every race and demons what humanity can achieve and do.

    ¡°Hall of heroes¡­i remember that half of those ¡®heroes¡¯ committed heinous crimes behind the scene. Some would attack elf villages to sell them to slaves owners, steal the dwarf¡¯s sacred weaponry for their own plans, kill the innocent people or some would even do experiments on other races and even humans. Now that this becomes the reality¡­did I do that? Am I the one who ruined lives just because I wanted to write an evil character in the novel? Is it my fault that people suffered under their hands because I wrote a single sentence in a novel?¡± she said solemnly and her eyes glistened with tears. She tucked her legs on her chest as she stared at the ground. Trying her best to hide her face.

    Lawrence didn¡¯t know what to say. She is the author of this world, the creator. No one expects their novel to turn into a reality. It wasn¡¯t her fault but she was the cause and every character was affected by it.

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t your fault¡± he replied with a smile. Deciding after contemplating about it.

    ¡°The one who created your novel into reality is the one at fault. Don¡¯t be regretful of what you¡¯ve done. We are here to save the world and remove the mess your characters created.¡± he added as <mark>Catalinna</mark> stared at him before nodding. She smiled sweetly at him but Lawrence didn¡¯t see her expression.

    ¡°So you aren¡¯t an obnoxious condescending asshole. Well, thanks for the advice.¡± she replied as Lawrence gazed at her with annoyance on his face.

    ¡°There you are, I thought you¡¯re possessed or something¡± she said cheekily before heading back to the surface through the stairs heading up. He can only shake his head as the clicking of the potion brought a large smile to his face.

    ¡®Well, at least it¡¯s a success. Time to master my light sky step and moonlight beam. I can¡¯t help but get excited!¡¯

 CH 11

    ¡°How did this happen¡­¡± General <mark>Hermond</mark> muttered with a grim expression. He decided to visit <mark>Loid</mark> after the incident and what he saw shocked him. His arm is completely separated from his body with a clean cut. He knew it was a strike from a sword by how it was cut. A spear can indeed cut enemies but it wouldn¡¯t be as clean and sharp as the sword. According to <mark>Loid</mark>, he was attacked by Lawrence but <mark>Hermond</mark> knew it wasn¡¯t possible.

    ¡°He¡¯s merely a 2-star paragon and it¡¯s clear that the attacker used a sword. Still, what <mark>Loid</mark> did is extremely risky for our plan. If Lawrence was injured or died, he will be pinned and blamed for the crime. Besides, no matter how useless Lawrence is, the duke still cherishes him. What should I do¡­¡±

    ¡°How about killing Lawrence while he¡¯s in the fourth wall?¡± a seductive voice echoed in the room as <mark>Hermond</mark> gazed at a beautiful woman smiling at him. She is wearing an audacious red gown with her black flowing hair reaching her waist. Her sweet red lips turned into a big smile as she gazed at <mark>Hermond</mark> lovingly.

    ¡°Amanda, I know what you¡¯re thinking but it¡¯s too risky. We can¡¯t use the black syndicate because the duke has a close relationship with them and he has some allies in the organization that we can¡¯t compete against¡± he sighed before caressing her back with lust filling his body.

    ¡°How about using my connections~¡± she whispered as <mark>Hermond</mark> smiled deeply

    ¡°The red syndicate? How?¡±

    One of the organizations running the black market together with the black syndicate. The organization specializes in seduction for information gathering and for assassination but it has been changed by the current head of the syndicate to focus on wealth and political power. While the black syndicate fights in the dark, the red syndicate lures in the light. With their business in every corner of the continent, they amassed a large number of customers and wealth that they are near untouchable even in the <mark>Swordwin</mark> Empire. Their main agenda now is influencing the nobles and the higher-ranking officials to do their bidding and amass more wealth.

    ¡°He¡¯s a teenager with certain ¡®needs¡¯. We know that at his age, he has a lot of passion~¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re thinking of doing a honey trap? Indeed, he has been caught in the red-light districts doing business before but how would it be possible in the fourth wall?¡±

    ¡°I have some girls in the fifth wall offering service to the poor soldiers. You can use that general in the fourth wall to give Lawrence the mission of heading to the fifth wall to get the supplies.¡±

    ¡°Even though the duke detests the red syndicate, he will still know if his son is assassinated by one of your girls. Don¡¯t underestimate the duke Amanda, it might be our downfall¡± he said seriously as Amanda chuckled before leaning towards him.

    ¡°Who says about assassinating him? One of my girls can seduce him and overwhelm him with passion and lust that he will never think of becoming the head of the <mark>Aenir</mark> Family and instead would become a wastrel spending time in the red light district and wasting his money on alcohol. I also have some ¡®medicine¡¯ that can increase the pleasure by a multitude if ingested during intercourse. " she smiled seductively as <mark>Hermond</mark> grabbed her by the waist as the moonlight is the only thing giving light in an otherwise dark room.

    ¡°I knew I married a smart woman¡± he nodded

    ¡°Only smart?¡±

    ¡°and of course beautiful¡± he teased before embracing her.

    In the morning after the exciting night, Amanda attached a letter to the crow¡¯s feet before shooing it away. The letter would arrive at the girls she put in the fifth wall before they would pass it to <mark>Legor</mark>. The bringing of supplies such as food, armor, cleaning products, and basic needs to the soldiers usually happens in the first week of the month that would last for 2 months for usage and consumption of the soldiers. This is usually guarded by the fourth wall soldiers since they are the nearest to the fifth wall and no one would attempt to rob such cargo without being hunted by the three kingdoms and by the empire.

    After their tomb raiding, Lawrence and <mark>Catalinna</mark> were able to head back to the mansion without any interruptions. There were no monsters that attacked them and there were no travelers to talk to. He bid her goodbye as he hurriedly went to his room. Excited about the prospect of mastering a spell.

    In his room. Lawrence can be seen sitting in a lotus position with the potions beside him. He gazed at the potion before opening the lid and drinking it. Cool air entered his body as his eyes glowed with a bluish light. It was an amazing feeling, he felt like he can solve every problem if he thinks hard enough. Not wasting any time, he started thinking about how to master the moonlight beam.

    Suddenly, he found himself in a white room. He looked around but as far as he can see, there was nothing. Suddenly, the sky went dimmer as he gazed upwards to see the moon almost covering the sky. The sound of shoes tapping in the ground can be heard as he saw a red-haired man with his hair reaching his waist. He is wearing a red suit torn in different places and his black pants have different holes with blood spots in some parts. The jagged black spear he¡¯s holding is glowing with a bluish light. A grin is apparent on his unkempt face.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Lawrence asked while readying himself to fight. With his fist bawled, he would punch the man if needed to escape. This wasn¡¯t supposed to happen and he has no idea why this is happening. It¡¯s clear to him that the man has the same facial features as him but he didn¡¯t lower his guard. This might be just an illusion.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you already know¡± he grinned as Lawrence gazed at him with suspicion.

    ¡°Man, I can¡¯t believe you are the one who is controlling my body. Well, it doesn¡¯t matter. I¡¯m here to teach you how to master the moonlight beam.¡±Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    ¡°You¡¯re Lawrence? I mean the true Lawrence??¡± his mouth is agape as he surveyed the man.

    ¡°One and only baby! Yeah, after we-¡± he stopped himself from talking before glaring at the sky.

    ¡°I can¡¯t even talk to the one who controls my body. What a pain in the ass. Stop asking questions man, you¡¯re not gonna waste the enlightenment potion on talking to me. Besides, don¡¯t worry. I can¡¯t affect your world in any way¡± he smiled before stretching his arms.

    ¡°Fine. Perhaps you¡¯re right¡± Lawrence gave up questioning the man as he knows there is a higher power preventing the true Lawrence from giving any substantial information.

    ¡°So first, to properly master moonlight beam. You need three things. A moon ore, a 3-star <mark>mana</mark> heart, and fighting with only the moonlight beam during nighttime¡± he explained

    ¡®Huh, why is it so weird? To master a spell, one would need to remodel the magic node of the spell and use it every day until the mage is comfortable using it without taking too much focus¡¯

    In the world of this novel, to learn a spell. One would need to get the book of that spell and study the magic nodes to be able to use it. Once knowing how the spell¡¯s magic nodes are, one would need to weave the <mark>mana</mark> to that specific pattern of the magic node to activate the spell. Usually, it¡¯s a pattern but as one would use it continuously. That magic node of the spell would be memorized and would activate instantly once the mages wills it using his <mark>mana</mark>. For the creation of new magic, it¡¯s a lot more complicated than usual that only the child of <mark>mana</mark> or people with extreme talent in magic can do.

    Finally for mastering a spell, one would need to remodel the magic node by either changing the pattern or adding new lines inside the pattern to alter the original spell. Such example is the famous fireball, some mages would remodel it by <mark>themself</mark> while others would only copy in the books. Some fireballs explode, some fireballs move like they¡¯re alive and some fireballs would stick to their target and slowly melt the enemies. This would usually create stability problems inside the magic node but as long as the mage is determined and continually experiment. One can master a spell. Of course, the more complicated and lines the spell has, the more <mark>mana</mark> it uses to be activated.

    This is why Lawrence only focused on one spell and it was one of the basic ones. It was easy to use and it doesn¡¯t have that many lines inside the pattern of the magic node so he can use it continuously and without using too much focus on activating the spell.

    ¡°You have a weak connection to the moon to properly use the moonlight beam that it even hurts to see your pathetic attempt on using it. Sorry, no offense <mark>hehe</mark>.¡± he chuckled as Lawrence already knows it. Although the moonlight crystal flower indeed change its attribute to moonlight, it didn¡¯t give him a connection to the moon.

    ¡°Of course, it was commendable that you ate that flower without any preparations. But it isn¡¯t enough to have a strong connection to the moon. That¡¯s why you can¡¯t practice the lunar and gravity enhancement¡± he explained

    ¡°Wait, how long have you been stalking me?¡±

    ¡°Stalking? That isn¡¯t the right word. It¡¯s checking up on you so you wouldn¡¯t die. Anyways, in short. You need to establish a proper connection to the moon to properly use the things given to you.¡±

    ¡°How do you know all about this? The true Lawrence didn¡¯t train and only use the light magic¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t answer man. The moon is gazing¡± he vaguely replied as Lawrence can only sigh before shaking his head

    ¡°Fine, but where do I get a moon ore? What even is that?¡± Lawrence asked. There wasn¡¯t anything in the novel that mentioned a moon ore.

    ¡°In the moon, you can get plenty but only the moon diamond is the best moon ore you can get. Give me a thousand gold and ill give it to ya¡± he grinned

    ¡°Huh?! Wait, how can I even give you gold if <mark>i¡¯m</mark> Lawrence. Are you in the different d-an unbearable pressure crushes Lawrence to the floor as he can¡¯t even breathe. Blood started spurting from his mouth as he gritted his teeth. He felt his body getting squeezed to a bloody paste. He tried hiding his screams of pain but it was for nothing. He felt like he will really die.

    ¡°Stop!¡± the true Lawrence shouted as the pressure was removed and Lawrence sat on the floor with his expression drained and full of fatigue. He breathes roughly as he gazes at the true Lawrence. Questioning what happened.

    ¡°Don¡¯t question anything anymore. I have warned you already¡± he said grimly as Lawrence weakly nodded.

    ¡°Anyways, it will appear in your room once you woke up. You just need to ingest it. Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s smaller than a pebble. Next would be fighting in the night only with the moonlight beam. Seeing you like this, its better if you rest first.¡±

    ¡°Lastly, never question why <mark>i¡¯m</mark> helping you, where I am from, what happened to me, and never speak of what you see. That illusion that you saw of me stabbing you is just as it is. An illusion of my past in the eyes of the hero¡± he waved his arms as Lawrence suddenly jolted awake. He glanced at the window to see it¡¯s already nighttime as his stomach growled. He walked towards the table with some food he got from the cafeteria earlier and started eating silently.

    ¡®What the hell was that? Does that mean that I just pushed Lawrence¡¯s soul out of his body? And how did he gain such powers, we have the same moonlight affinity and everything. If he isn¡¯t the future me then how? Did we exchange souls? That isn¡¯t possible, <mark>i¡¯m</mark> sure I was hit by that truck. Ah. just thinking about this annoys me already. Besides, what does he mean by the illusion of my past in the eyes of the hero? Does he mean Cain and why did he tell him not now? I have too many questions with no answers given. What should I do?¡¯ he sighed as his head started hurting. A cold chill descended in his body like he was trapped in ice. He gazed at his hands to see them covered with frostbite. He dropped to his knees as he feels like a thousand daggers is stabbing all around his body. He shivered like a possessed man and his heart felt weaker and weaker. The plate smashes to the ground and the food laid waste on the floor.

    ¡°Damn¡­it¡± he said behind his gritted teeth as he slowly felt sleepy and drowsy. A scream escaped from his mouth as he dropped to the ground. He <mark>spasmed</mark> likes a poisoned animal. The door busted open as in the corner of his eyes, he saw <mark>Catalinna</mark>. He didn¡¯t know what to do, he tried asking for help but what escaped from his mouth is an incomprehensible mess of gurgling and vague words. He didn¡¯t expect to rely on someone to survive right now, if he can chuckle he would from the irony but he can¡¯t. <mark>Catalinna</mark> is understandably confused and worried? Lawrence can¡¯t make out what she¡¯s saying or what expression she¡¯s making. His eyelids grew heavier and he wanted to pass out but he can¡¯t. It was pure agony.

    Suddenly, <mark>Catalinna</mark> ripped his suit open and flames started converging in her fist. She gritted his teeth, her eyes looked pensive while her fist is shaking. She looked lost and stumped by what she saw. With a deep sigh, she raises her fist before smashing it beside Lawrence¡¯s face.

    ¡°I hope i don¡¯t regret this¡± she muttered before Lawrence loses consciousness. Unbeknownst to him, a symbol of the silver half-moon appeared on his chest. Seemingly tattooed out of nowhere. <mark>Catalinna</mark> looked torn but she already made the decision. She can only hope that this decision won¡¯t be something she will regret in her life.

    Somewhere in the dark cave, a woman wearing a black cloak with her face hidden by a silk mask laughed joyously. Her eyes are full of madness and her laugh contains a hint of excitement. Her hands are in the air before bowing to the moon.

    ¡°The successor of the silver moon has appeared¡± she muttered like a mantra before heading back to the cave.

 CH 12

    Waking up with a headache, he looked around to find no one around his room. Still, he was laying in the bed instead of on the floor. His suit is ripped open and a symbol of the half-moon is etched in his chest. It was like a silver tattoo as he tried to rub it off.

    ¡®What is this? Did the true Lawrence put the freaking moon diamond on my food?! Why the hell would he do that? and what is this tattoo?¡¯

    The door opened as <mark>Catalinna</mark> walked towards him solemnly. He gazed at her with confusion in his eyes as she grabs a chair and put it beside the bed. A sigh escaped from her mouth before gazing at the silver tattoo on Lawrence¡¯s chest.

    ¡°You are the successor of the silver moon..¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°The silver moon organization is a cult of moon believers that worships the moon goddess. They are a terrorist group that thinks that <mark>Lucarius</mark> is their hero. They¡¯re full of mad people with innate hate for society and the monarchy. Their goal is the collision of the moon and the continent so their goddess can descend. Practically, they want to destroy the human continent and conquer the whole world with their goddess.¡±

    ¡°And the successor is the one chosen by the moon goddess to do her bidding while giving them a part of her powers. She will start to influence your behavior, beliefs, and even your emotions the longer you use moonlight. Basically, you will surely turn into the final boss no matter what you do as long as you have that silver tattoo¡± she informed as Lawrence nodded. He didn¡¯t know any of this. Most of this happened in the third boss of the novel in which Lawrence didn¡¯t read. He looked at the silver tattoo once more before sighing deeply.

    He knew he fucked up, he shouldn¡¯t have trusted a man who stabs the hero and has a violent and spoiled persona in the novel. He was too blinded with greed for power that he didn¡¯t think the possibility that true Lawrence would use him for his motivations. He didn¡¯t trust the man but he actively agreed and he ate the food without checking it. It was his fault.

    He realized that <mark>Catalinna</mark> wanted to kill him upon noticing that he has the silver tattoo but she didn¡¯t do it. Knowing this, he decided to trust <mark>Catalinna</mark> before thinking about what to do next. In the novel, there are three huge arcs which are the demon king invasion, the chaotic one¡¯s rampage, and the convergence of heaven and hell. Lawrence only knows what happen in the first two arcs and there wasn¡¯t anything mentioned on the silver moon cult and the moon goddess in both arcs. There isn¡¯t even an artifact that can help him get rid of the tattoo. His only way to solve the problem now is <mark>Catalinna</mark>. The creator of this novel.

    ¡°What can I do to remove her control over me? When I drank the enlighten potion, an older me appeared claiming to be the true Lawrence and he guided me on how to reach mastery on the moonlight beam.¡± he informed <mark>Catalinna</mark> who has a grim expression.

    ¡°Older you who claims to be the true Lawrence? that shouldn¡¯t be possible. Dream conversion only happens when someone reaches the height of power in this continent to speak to a god but instead of a god, an older you appeared. Usually, Gods can only use their champions to do their dream conversion when recruiting a talented warrior that has a low star. That is why it isn¡¯t possible, you are Lawrence. I see you right now. It shouldn¡¯t be possible that an older you are the champion of the moon goddess. Champion of the gods means they are the strongest member of their religion that enforces the rule of their gods to the mortals. Even gods can¡¯t control time¡± confusion is clear on her face as Lawrence started to get a headache about this too. If that isn¡¯t possible, then what and who did he perceive in that dream?

    ¡°In the novel, is a different dimension a concept or a reality when you wrote it?¡± Lawrence asked

    ¡°No, I figured that it would include Cain going to different dimensions to kill monsters and new enemies. It would be boring with no end to the adventure. That¡¯s why there wasn¡¯t a part of the story where Cain went to hell or heaven before the convergence.¡± she answered

    ¡°Let¡¯s change this topic, with our current information. We wouldn¡¯t reach a conclusion. The novel become the reality so it isn¡¯t an impossibility anymore that different dimensions exist or there is a god that can control time. For now, we need to solve this.¡± Lawrence pointed at the silver tattoo

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you wouldn¡¯t want me to become a final boss right?¡± he smiled weakly

    ¡°It¡¯s true, you¡¯re more dangerous as a villain since you have a lot of information that can derail Cain and everyone¡¯s fate. I¡¯m warning you. I will hunt you until I die if you become a traitor of mankind¡± she stared at Lawrence deeply before she shrugs

    ¡°For your problem. Grab the mask and it would solve your problem temporarily¡±

    ¡°Temporarily?¡± he asked

    ¡°Yup, you¡¯ll be hunted by the- a glint of dagger appeared besides <mark>Catalinna¡¯s</mark> neck as Lawrence grabbed her by the wrist and yanked her towards him as the dagger missed. She was about to yell but she felt an overwhelming feeling of danger before flame raged in her arms. With a quick turnaround, she punches forward as fire engulfed the attacker or hope she would be able to but a rustling sound followed as a man wearing a cloak suddenly appeared in front of both of them. An insignia of the black syndicate can be clearly seen in the man¡¯s cloak as dagger twirled in his fingers. Without speaking a word, the man rushes forward.

    Five spheres of light surrounded the cloaked man before rushing towards him in different directions. Lawrence was about to grab his spear only to find his vision robbed. With no way of seeing, he was like a headless chicken. Unable to do anything, he decided to shout for help but his mouth wouldn¡¯t move. His mouth is completely shut. It¡¯s like his body doesn¡¯t allow him to shout for help. A yell in pain rang beside him as someone crashes into the furniture.

    ¡°Forgive me duke but this is for the good of mankind¡± the cloaked man muttered before grabbing Lawrence by the collar. He¡¯s helpless in this situation. His eyesight is gone and his body wouldn¡¯t move. There wasn¡¯t fear in his heart but disappointment. He would¡¯ve done a lot more but because of a single mistake. His life is forfeited.

    ¡°Ask for my help and I¡¯ll give you the power to get away of this¡± a woman whispered in his ears. Her majestic voice is laced with poisonous intonation. Her tone of amusement and nonchalant annoyed Lawrence. He¡¯d rather die than side with the moon goddess who tricked him. A chuckle emerged from the disembodied voice, still full of amusementYou could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see if you can keep your useless bravado~¡±

    ¡°How did you become the successor of the silver moon and what do you know about them?¡± the man asked coldly. There weren¡¯t any emotions leaking in his voice.

    ¡°I was tricked by the moon goddess. I don¡¯t have any information other than the one you have heard from us.¡± he said calmly

    ¡°Then I shall kill you now¡± the man replied before swinging the dagger towards Lawrence¡¯s neck. He waited and waited but nothing happen. A sudden clanging appeared as the man tried swinging the dagger over and over again. The nonstop clanging is getting louder and louder before an earth-shattering explosion pushed back Lawrence and the cloaked man. Injured and with all of his dagger shattered from the weird golden bubble that surrounds Lawrence. He can only click his tongue in annoyance before vanishing into the shadow. Lawrence regains back his eyesight as he saw he is inside a golden bubble full of runes floating on the surface of it. With a gentle push, the bubble shattered into golden pieces before vanishing. The bracelet cracks as it stopped glowing.

    ¡®Isn¡¯t this what my mom gave me? What is this item? I have never seen an artifact like this that summons a golden bubble to protect the wearer. Just what is happening?!¡¯

    ¡°Stop gazing at your bracelet¡­and help me asshole¡± <mark>Catalinna¡¯s</mark> weak voice can be heard behind him as she is full of wounds around her body. A particular large gash caught his attention as it¡¯s just above where her chest is. A skilled assassin especially in the black syndicate wouldn¡¯t miss their target¡¯s heart. This means that the man stopped going for the kill once he realizes it was <mark>Catalinna</mark> after the initial strike. With a sigh, he helped her to his bed as <mark>Legor</mark> opens the door with his weapon drawn. He surveyed the room as there is a clear sign of battle. He hurriedly called the healers as they rushed to heal <mark>Catalinna</mark>. Lawrence also hid the silver tattoo with the blanket to avoid trouble.

    ¡°What happened?¡± he asked with a sigh. Every time something happened in the mansion, it was always this two.

    ¡°There was a cloaked man who tried to attack us but luckily my artifact saved us.¡± he told the truth but he didn¡¯t say that the attacker is from the black syndicate. He figured it was one of his father¡¯s subordinates.

    ¡®I¡¯m sure he¡¯s the one we met at the snowy plains. That means that either he has been spying on us or protecting us. It seems that he works for father. Once i go back home, i have to ask father about this. No¡­if my father decided to kill me for becoming the successor of the silver moon, it would be a stupid mistake. I can only wait for <mark>Catalinna</mark> to recover to find out where the mask is¡¯

    Lawrence went outside of his room as he passed <mark>Katarina</mark>, <mark>Lesha</mark>, and Melissa. Worry covered their faces as they rushed towards <mark>Catalinna</mark> once the news reached them. With how loud the battle is, it wasn¡¯t unusual for those nearer to the room to hear it. Gazing at the snow, he pondered on what to do.

    ¡®I didn¡¯t think that someone can even know who the silver moon cult is. They didn¡¯t even appear in the novel until the death of the chaos one according to <mark>Catalinna</mark>. This means that the black syndicate knows about the cult and actively hunts them. Getting hunted by the black syndicate would mean that I can¡¯t enter any kingdoms that are controlled by humans. Should I go to the west continent where the beast tribes live? or to the middle continent where the exiled and criminals live?¡¯

    In the world of The Swordsman of the End. There are five continents each controlled by other races except for the middle continent. The north continent is controlled by the humans, the western continent is controlled by the beast kin, the eastern continent is controlled by the elves, and the southern continent is controlled by the dwarfs. These are the four major races in the world of Terra. Ever since the war of the four races a thousand years ago in the middle continent, a peace treaty was signed that the four races control the remaining four continents while the other lesser races can live in each continent freely and without prejudice.

    After the war, the middle continent isn¡¯t suited for living for the destruction made on the land. Only the criminals and the exiled live in the middle continent to avoid prosecution. It became a lawless continent where no one cares what happens to anybody. Multiple atrocities are made in the middle continent every day from killing, experimenting on human lives, the frequent use of dark magic, and everything in between. Still, the silver moon might have a base there so it isn¡¯t an ideal place to hide and grow stronger. He needs more information and he has less time than he hopes.

    ¡®There might be multiple assassinations while i stay here and the ice monarch might hunt me if the information reaches her. It should be by tomorrow that the information reaches my father and the rest of the black syndicate. Should i leave now or should i wait? This is a gamble, I don¡¯t have 2 months to stay here. The black syndicate might not give the information to the public but that assassin will tell father about the information. There¡¯s a chance father will hunt me or will question me first depending on how he cherishes his son. Still, i don¡¯t want to take any chances. I¡¯ll leave this place in midnight and grab the unfinished rebirth potion¡¯

    During the night, Lawrence decided to leave the fourth wall. <mark>Catalinna</mark> didn¡¯t wake up yet and the feeling of imminent danger is wrapping around his neck. He knows he needs to leave, with the spear in his hand and the ring he took from <mark>Catalinna</mark> while she¡¯s sleeping. He¡¯s ready to brave to woods and head to the northern valley to reach the previous hideout of the ice witch of calamity. The first thing he needs to do is get his hands on the rebirth potion which changes his affinity randomly. There is an unfinished rebirth potion in the witch¡¯s hut. The rebirth potion only changes his affinity and doesn¡¯t affect his low 3-star <mark>mana</mark> heart and high 2-star meridians meaning that he doesn¡¯t need to cultivate again. He needs another source of power since using the moonlight affinity isn¡¯t beneficial at all. Even the Celestial domination art uses the moonlight to channel its powers. It will hopefully fix the problem temporarily as long he doesn¡¯t have the moonlight affinity anymore.

    He knows all of his time training is useless, he¡¯s deeply frustrated but what can he do? He can¡¯t continue using it both the spear art and the moonlight beam. Even the light sky step shouldn¡¯t be used. Walking for two hours straight, he grumbled like an old man on how frustrated he was and how stupid most of his decision is. He should¡¯ve listened to his father and not trained the spear art. He was too optimistic to think that nothing is gonna happen. With a sigh, he gazed upwards to see hills and valleys stretched throughout the land.

    ¡°Since i am gonna be running away from the black syndicate, i can only rely on <mark>Catalinna</mark> to guide Cain and to oversee the whole plot if i messed up the fate of someone important. I hope this doesn¡¯t have any complications in the near future¡± after climbing the tallest valley for three hours straight, he sat at the top panting and breathing heavily. He glanced at the nearby surroundings to find an old wooden hut with some of its parts covered with snow. Walking forward, he opened the door slowly to see the dark interior of the hut. Breaking the floorboards, a large opening appeared as he walked calmly inside the cave. Inside, there are bottles of potions laid on the ground. Checking each one, he grabbed only the health potion, the unfinished rebirth potion, and three of the appearance-changing potions. He left the remaining potions as he doesn¡¯t need anything other than the five potions he grabbed.

    Luckily for him, the witch has to hurriedly leave her hut to avoid getting hunted by the ice monarch. This is why there is no protection on the hut or even in the potions. With one of the things he needed, he went outside just in time to see the sun peeking on the horizon. He smiled briefly before breathing in the cold air. The feeling of solace welled in his heart as he sighed deeply and started heading back to the bottom of the valley.

 CH 13

    ¡°Duke Leonard..your son is the successor of the silver moon. We will take appropriate actions for the sake of mankind.¡± Shades told Leonard who sat at his chair fuming with rage and disbelief. His eyes were full of anger as he glared at the shadowy figure in front of him.

    ¡°Appropriate actions? Do you think I don¡¯t know what your organization does? If you lay a finger on him, I will kill everyone in the black syndicate¡± his voice trembled with rage as ravishing wind circled around <mark>Shades¡¯s</mark> body. Shades trembled in fear but he gazed forward, he knew he might die but he needs to warn the duke.

    ¡°I¡¯m warning you, Duke Leonard. If you don¡¯t want your family to be erased, you will stay and won¡¯t interfere with us.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re warning me?! You think! You can warn me?¡± Leonard stands up and walked towards Shades. He dwarfed Shades as he looked down on him. <mark>Unbearing</mark> pressure falls on Shades as he falls to his knees.

    ¡°Leonard, I advise you to not make that decision¡± a woman¡¯s voice rang in the darkroom as ice crystals can be seen floating around her. Her icy gaze landed at both of them.

    ¡°Nina¡­¡± Leonard glanced at the Ice Monarch.

    ¡°Do you have proof?¡± The Ice Monarch ignored Leonard and asked Shades who in turn nodded. He takes out a blue pendant and holds it out. A holographic screen appeared and it showed Lawrence laying on the bed with the silver moon tattoo on his chest. Upon seeing this, Leonard gritted his teeth while Nina calmly looked at the screen.

    ¡°Did you hear what they were saying?

    ¡°By their conversation, it seems that Lawrence was tricked by the goddess. <mark>Catalinna</mark> and Lawrence are looking for a mask to temporarily remove the goddess¡¯s control over him. For what mask she¡¯s talking about, i have no information regarding that¡± Shades replied

    ¡°Then that means my son isn¡¯t at fault¡±

    ¡°It is but sadly the higher-ups don¡¯t like to take any risk and are sending a squad to hunt Lawrence¡± Shades replied as he crashes to the wall before getting kicked out of the window. Leonard rubs his temple to calm himself as he walked towards the hole where Shades flew from his kick. Below, Shades coughed up blood and his legs are both broken. Both of which are facing a different direction.

    ¡°Leonard..there isn¡¯t a point of killing him. We can only wait for the news. I¡¯m sorry¡± Nina sighed

    ¡°Bunch of hypocrites. Just because the empire gives them a lot of gold for each moon cultist they kill, they don¡¯t care about others that got tricked into joining¡±

    ¡°What did you expect from that greedy organization? It¡¯s all about the money for them.¡± Nina replied

    ¡°Especially in the case of the successor of the moon. Anyways, don¡¯t worry, the silver moon cult will protect your son. He¡¯s important to the silver moon cult that they will guard him to reach their base.¡±

    ¡°I guess that¡¯s true¡­still, i can¡¯t help but feel anxious. I know my son, he won¡¯t betray humanity¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t know. I have seen what your son has done for the past years. Parental love is fine but make sure it doesn¡¯t make you blind¡± she said before bursting into snow crystals. Leaving Leonard sitting on the chair with his fingers interlocked. The door opened ajar as he smiled the best as he can to ease her wife¡¯s worry.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry..<mark>i¡¯ll</mark> fix this¡± he said with a gentle smile

    Meanwhile, in the fourth wall. <mark>Catalinna</mark> wakes up and notices that her ring is gone. She went outside and talked to the princess to find out that Lawrence has been missing for a day already. Inside her room, she contemplates what to do.

    ¡°I can follow him or stay and keep my eyes on Cain¡­ugh why did he leave and not wait for me. He¡¯s gonna start getting influenced by the goddess and once he gets his hands on the mask. I don¡¯t know what he will be anymore. Dammit, <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> look for Lawrence to make sure he doesn¡¯t become a villain¡± she sighed before leaving the mansion while making sure that she isn¡¯t spotted.

    While walking through the snow, she started thinking about where Lawrence might go. After thinking of every possibility, she is sure that Lawrence will go to the <mark>Swordwin</mark> Empire to finish the rebirth potion. Which is the only thing that will allow him to have a different affinity so he can still fight without needing to use his moonlight affinity. Still, she doubts it will remove the silver tattoo but it was enough for now.

    With her space bag full of supplies, she is determined to find Lawrence in the <mark>Swordwin</mark> Empire as she heads deeper into the northern valleys which is the fastest way of reaching the Empire.

    For an entire week, Lawrence was hunted by the black syndicate and it would always result in running and using the invisibility necklace. He knows he can¡¯t risk using his moonlight affinity as it hastens the moon goddess¡¯s control on him. Sometimes, he can even hear whispers coming from her, teasing and beckoning him to enter her cult.

    In the dark sky, the majestic moon seems to be bigger than normal as he sighed deeply. It was pure hell, one wrong move and he¡¯s dead. He has barely slept at all and his muscles ache even when moving an inch. He can¡¯t even grip the black spear properly. Sitting on a flat stone, he started checking the space ring for food.

    Out of nowhere, a small dagger flew towards him aiming for his neck as he quickly dodges and runs away. In the corner of his eyes, he saw a shadowed figure following him with a long sword in its hand. He clicked his tongue and activated his necklace before jumping to the side as three daggers penetrated the snow where he was just a second ago. After that, he just sat in the light disk and didn¡¯t move as the shadowed figure passes him. Seeing that the shadowed figure is gone, he walked back to where the stone is and went in a different direction.

    He has developed this strategy to shake off any pursuers as no one expects him to not run away. When he runs, he doesn¡¯t activate the light sky step but when he goes invisible, he uses it to float to give the illusion that he vanished mysteriously as the pursuers don¡¯t see any movement in the snow. Since snow caves in when someone steps in it. After a week of running away from pursuers, he found out that the light sky step uses light and not moonlight which the moon goddess can¡¯t use to control him and he can turn it invisible. This is why he barely had any injuries and he can get away <mark>scot-free</mark>.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    Also, the assassins sent to hunt him only work by themselves as the black syndicate works just like an adventurer¡¯s guild. There will be a mission posted on the board and anyone can take the job with minimal information about the target. Although he is a priority target, the black syndicate wouldn¡¯t request a death squad on a second-star paragon as they think that a normal assassin can easily kill him. This is why he was fatigued from running away and not from injuries. He was severely underestimated.

    Gazing at the map, he can see that there is a village just an hour away from where he is and it has transportation directly to the <mark>Swordwin</mark> Empire. While biting a sandwich he made, he walked through the snow with ease in his mind as he just slept inside an empty cave after running away from that assassin. He was able to finally rest with his mind clearly awake. Suddenly, a hand grabs his shoulder as he immediately turns around and was about to activate the pendant only to see someone he didn¡¯t expect to see.

    ¡°You bastard..it took me a week to find your sorry ass and I thought you were already dead¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> panted as she glared at Lawrence.

    ¡°Why did you follow me?¡±

    ¡°Of course, I have to follow you. Do you think I would allow you to be free from my sight? You must be dreaming¡± she grinned as Lawrence rubbed his temple in annoyance

    ¡°What about Cain? You¡¯re gonna leave him alone?¡±

    ¡°You think he¡¯s a snowflake? He has a system that would adjust to make sure he becomes the strongest. My <mark>mc</mark> isn¡¯t that weak that he needs my support¡± she looked at Lawrence like he¡¯s stupid for worrying. Cain in the novel was a cold, calculative, and ruthless character that would kill anyone if it suits his goals. He will appear like a naive, reckless, and fight-addicted character to his friends but he is paranoid beyond belief. He even used a soul bind, a dark magic that binds the soul of someone to their master. Basically making someone their slave.

    ¡°I guess your right¡± he replied as <mark>Catalinna</mark> nodded with a slight smile

    ¡°Still, I have a way to escape assassins while you have none.¡± he added

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me..i can handle against assassins. Besides, they wouldn¡¯t attack a lady without any bounty in her head and additionally. I¡¯m the ice monarch¡¯s only daughter.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­it¡¯s your choice anyway to follow me.¡±

    ¡°So what is your plan?¡±

    ¡°Plan? Finish the rebirth potion then find the perfect art suitable for the new affinity. I need a new weapon too¡± Lawrence gazed at the spear he has been gripping tightly. Its blue vein running through the cursed wood in the shape of a spear is the only thing he can describe it. It doesn¡¯t have any conventional design but it was enough for him before he sighed. Its unbelievable toughness and sharpness are something he would surely miss.

    ¡°How did you track me?¡± he asked

    ¡°I didn¡¯t..i just followed a straight direction towards the <mark>Swordwin</mark> Empire. In this large plain of snow, <mark>i¡¯m</mark> surprised you didn¡¯t get assassinated yet. I can even see you a kilometer away.¡±

    ¡°I expected someone would attack me by now in this large open snowy plain but there isn¡¯t anyone yet except for last night. I wonder what happened.. ¡± he glanced around but he can only see himself and <mark>Catalinna</mark> in the vast plains covered with snow.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure there shouldn¡¯t be any events in the novel right now.¡± she said

    Before he can reply, he saw a chain wrapping around his chest and arms before getting yanked into a large blade appearing beneath the snow. He gazed calmly at the blade before bringing his feet in front and summoning two light disks as his foothold. With his feet planted on the two light disks, he stopped the chains from dragging him to the blade before landing on the snow, a slow clap emerged just beside him.

    ¡°Impressive¡­¡± a white-haired man smiled before stretching his hand as the blade went to his hands and the chain dragged Lawrence through the snow before he stomped Lawrence¡¯s head deeper in the snow. Oddly enough, his head didn¡¯t hurt but he¡¯s still angered by this man¡¯s attitude.

    ¡°Brother?¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> asked as the man gazed at her with a warm smile.

    ¡°Mother tasked me to grab you since you ran away from the fourth wall. I just didn¡¯t expect you to follow the successor of the silver moon.¡± His hair reaches his shoulder as he casually brushes it off before gazing at Lawrence beneath his feet. With the end of the chain on his left hand, he raises it as Lawrence flew in the air like a <mark>ragdoll</mark> before sharp icicles formed in the snow. Its razor-sharp tip shone menacingly as it¡¯s aimed at where he will land. The man smirked before yanking the chain downwards as his body flew to the icicles.

    ¡°Lawrence!¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> yelled in panic but before she can run to help him, her body is locked in place with ice chains wrapping in her wrist and legs.

    Meanwhile crashing down, he summoned a single light disk beside him as he kicked the light disk as hard as he can to change the direction of his body as he landed away from the icicles. He doesn¡¯t want to risk his life to find out if his light disk can hold his weight and the strength of a man that can throw him around with a single hand.

    The man laughed before removing the chains from Lawrence and <mark>Catalinna</mark> as the icicles shattered into nothingness.

    ¡°<mark>Ohhh</mark>¡­it is indeed true that you were tricked by the goddess. I would¡¯ve expected that a silver moon believer would save you or at least protect you but I didn¡¯t sense anyone other than the both of you. Well, it¡¯s not my problem. Good luck on your travel¡± he helped Lawrence to get up from the snow before glancing at <mark>Catalinna</mark>.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to come back home, it¡¯s fine. Mother just wanted to make sure you¡¯re safe. Here¡± before throwing a necklace to <mark>Catalinna</mark> who in turn caught it.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It won¡¯t trace where you are but once you are in trouble. Our familiar will arrive to save you. You know, that flaming elemental wielding a large flaming sword. It will appear immediately. So you better keep it safe.¡± The man patted <mark>Catalinna¡¯s</mark> head while smiling gently

    ¡°Well, I gotta go. I have a separate mission. Have fun¡± a sudden gush of snow circled around him before he vanished. <mark>Catalinna</mark> sighed in relief before she hurried to check if Lawrence is alright. There aren¡¯t any injuries other than a bruise in his back from the chain as he looked at her with a smile.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine..It will heal. So that was the ¡®Ice prince¡¯ Jack. I assume he¡¯s at low-four star warrior right?¡±

    ¡°Yes, you would¡¯ve died immediately if he went serious¡± she replied

    ¡°As long as we don¡¯t reach three stars. We would only be cannon fodder to most threats in this world¡± he sighed

    ¡°Well, <mark>i¡¯m</mark> sure I will reach it. I have reached a three-star meridian already, just missing the three-star <mark>mana</mark> heart before I will be officially a three-star paragon.¡± she boasted with a smile as he can only nod.

    The first three-star is what are called the development stages. The first star and second star only give a strengthened body or <mark>mana</mark> heart for better control over <mark>mana</mark> and magic nodes. The three-star warrior gains a <mark>qi</mark> which can be coated over their body or weapon to make elemental attacks. This doesn¡¯t require any aura to activate and depending on the element, some can coat their body in metal for higher defense and enhance physical attack while some can coat their weapon in the fire to deal flaming attacks that can burn their enemies. While three-star mages can gain runic knowledge, spiritual knowledge, <mark>magitech</mark> knowledge, enchanting knowledge and etc. Their minds would gain random bits of magical knowledge from the god of magic but no one really knows where it comes from. It¡¯s akin to enlightenment but different enough since it doesn¡¯t come from the mind of mages but from a different entity.

    The reason why Lawrence and <mark>Catalinna</mark> didn¡¯t get any of this since they need to reach both of their meridians and <mark>mana</mark> heart to three-star to allow any of these changes to happen. This is called the equilibrium according to the paragons. Both parts of their warrior side and mage side need to be equal to allow the change to happen. This means that once a paragon reaches both 3-star meridian and <mark>mana</mark> heart, they will be given <mark>qi</mark> and magical knowledge.

    Lawrence gazed at the map before walking towards the village with <mark>Catalinna</mark>. Hoping that there aren¡¯t any assassins or crazy brothers trying to kill him

 CH 14

    Reaching the village, he gazed at the villagers minding their own business. The village is quite small with a hundred or so people living in it. Before he can reach the gate, he was stopped by a guard. The man is wearing full plate armor with a helmet on with the sword hanging on his belt.

    ¡°What¡¯s your business in our small village?¡± the man asked while surveying both <mark>Catalinna</mark> and Lawrence. His commanding voice annoyed Lawrence which is weird as he has never felt this before. A woman¡¯s chuckle resounded just beside him as he turned around to find <mark>Catalinna</mark> staring at him confusedly. He sighed before gazing at the armored man.

    ¡°I am Lawrence <mark>von</mark> <mark>Aenir</mark> and this is <mark>Catalinna</mark> <mark>Ignis</mark>. We are tasked to monitor this village for its annual checking of the taxes¡± he lied with a straight face as <mark>Catalinna</mark> tried her hardest to make a poker face. It¡¯s usually the nobles that check the taxes of different villages and most of it is done by their son or daughter for the experience they gain. Usually, it is passed to the heir to do the checking of the tax.

    ¡°Hmm..but where is your escort? it should be quite a dangerous travel.¡± the man asked with suspicion in his voice but Lawrence shrugged.

    ¡°I have no reason to answer your question. If you continue to block our way, it will mean that you and this village defy the king¡¯s wishes and I cannot have you doing that¡± Lawrence grinned with arrogance in his tone. His wicked smile like he¡¯s asking for a fight and his boasted pose symbolizes every arrogant young master that the man has seen before. With a sigh, he bowed and went back to his post. A sneer appeared from Lawrence¡¯s mouth as he gazed at the man.

    Once inside, the villages raised their guard and bowed to their knees once they meet both of them. Fear is clear in their eyes but a forced smile appeared to hide their turbulent emotions. They brought their kids inside the houses while the others stopped working just to bow to both of them. <mark>Catalinna</mark> looked visibly disturbed by all of this but Lawrence coldly gazed around the village, scanning for any carriage. The mayor of the small village is a frail old man with a cane as he walks towards them. He bowed deeply as Lawrence gazed at the old man. Gazing at the frail old man bowing to him with difficulty, he asked.

    ¡°Where is the carriage heading to the <mark>Swordwin</mark> empire?¡±

    ¡°Young Master¡­they will arrive in a minute. About the taxes¡­because of the monster attacks last month. We weren¡¯t able to hunt as much as we were able to..Please give us more time¡± the old man begged as Lawrence glanced at the old man before walking around the village.

    ¡°Sure¡­but you better make the quota next time. I will not be as lenient if you still can¡¯t give me the tax¡± Lawrence replied as the old man raised his head with a smile.

    ¡°Of course young master!¡±

    Just in time, a small wooden carriage arrives in the village carrying all sorts of supplies. The old man hurriedly went to the merchant and whispered something. The merchant glanced at both Lawrence and <mark>Catalinna</mark> before nodding at the old man. Seeing this, Lawrence went to them as the merchant bowed before smiling brightly.

    ¡°Young Master, I can bring you to the Empire if you want. Forgive me if I cant bring the luxurious carriage that my boss has. I just didn¡¯t expect that nobles would reach here¡± the merchant said with an apologetic tone.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine, me and my companions are in a hurry. I¡¯ll pay you 10 gold if you bring us to the empire¡± Lawrence replied as the merchant hurriedly nodded and started talking to the old man.

    ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s fine to act that we are the tax collectors?¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> whispered as Lawrence nodded

    ¡°I¡¯m already a hunted refugee. It doesn¡¯t matter¡± he replied before seeing the merchant walking towards them.

    ¡°Young Master Lawrence and Lady <mark>Catalinna</mark>. The carriage is ready¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go then¡± Lawrence said before entering the wooden carriage followed by <mark>Catalinna</mark>. The wooden carriage is heading towards the <mark>Swordwin</mark> Empire as he gazed at the surroundings with determination in his eyes. His annoyance and anger are greater than before as he can feel the moon goddess¡¯s control over him slowly starts to unravel.

    ¡®Just you fucking wait¡­¡¯ he cursed inwardly

    Meanwhile in the Ice Monarch¡¯s palace. Jack can be seen bowing on his knees as the Ice Monarch gazed at him atop her frozen throne. A snarling beast made of ice encircles Jack who smiled awkwardly.

    ¡°Sorry mother, she was too determined. You know <mark>Catalinna</mark>..she can be too stubborn¡± he smiled as the ice monarch sighed in annoyance.

    ¡°Why is she following the successor of the silver moon? Did you ask her at least?¡±

    ¡°<mark>Ummm</mark>¡­ the funny thing about it is, i forgot¡± she sighed once more as she massaged her temple

    ¡°What did you do? Can you tell me?¡±

    ¡°I fought Lawrence and he didn¡¯t fight back, another thing is. He only used a light disk and there wasn¡¯t any silver moon cult following him or protecting him. I was honestly about to kill him if he wasn¡¯t able to stop my attack¡± he shrugged

    ¡°It is indeed true. Oh well, i hope Leonard wouldn¡¯t head to the black syndicate to create trouble. We need to get ready for next year¡± the ice monarch commented as Jack tilted his head.

    ¡°Next year? What would happen?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll die¡± she replied casually

    ¡°Huh?! What do you mean mother?¡±

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s my fate. Oh well, you have to be strong enough to become the next ice monarch¡±

    ¡°No mother¡­what do you mean you will die?¡± Jack worriedly asked as her mother didn¡¯t even glance at him

    ¡°Ask your sister¡± she smiled as Jack nodded with his eyes full of determination before vanishing.

    Heading down the wooden carriage after giving the 10 gold to the merchant, Lawrence went to a nearby forest while <mark>Catalinna</mark> stayed beside him as he ingested the appearance-changing potion. His red-haired changed to an aging gray hair while a mustache appeared. His well-defined face and pale skin color changed to a more tanned and quite bony face. He looked like an old butler that works for a noble family as his demeanor changed completely. He gazed at <mark>Catalinna</mark> before kissing her hands with a smile.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    ¡°Lady <mark>Catalinna</mark>, I am at your service¡±

    ¡°No need to be such a creep. So you want to act as my butler?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I have a quite average face that can blend in the crowd. It should be easier to move around without getting caught. It will only last for 48 hours so we need to move fast. " Lawrence touched his mustache and his face before nodding to himself in satisfaction.

    ¡°I have to get a phoenix¡¯s feather and the potion of the dead river. With those, we can combine it with a rebirth potion and finally finish it.¡± he informed

    ¡°Phoenix¡¯s feather is hard to find. Luckily, they have a supplier of that feather that is regularly put in the auction. Still, it¡¯s too expensive for us to buy. The potion of the dead river is a banned product that can only be found on the black market.¡± she replied

    The phoenix feather can be found from a phoenix. The feather then is put into eternal ice to allow it to solidify since the phoenix is just a bird made of fire. This allows alchemists to use it for their potions as it contains the medicinal benefit of the phoenix such as life extension, intense healing, and fire boaster. The elixir and higher health potion both have phoenix feathers inside in them. Even the phoenix feather can be used for metallurgy for weapons that boost someone¡¯s fire attack and artifacts that can contain fire boosting capabilities for both fire mages and fire warriors.

    While the potion of the dead river is made from collecting the liquid secreted from a thousand dead corpses. During wars or an event that has a lot of deaths, typically reaching a thousand. A river of black blood will suddenly appear in the middle of the battle or massacre and it will flow continuously until it creates a river surrounding the corpses. No one can explain why this is but it is theorized to be the god of death absorbing souls and throwing away the sins. This is the major reason why the middle continent is almost uninhabitable, all rivers are made of black blood. There are literally swamps everywhere with only black blood inside. The smell of it is horrid and putrid just like the smell of congested corpses. Weirdly enough, it only affects the environment and not any living beings.

    Someone can swim in a pool of black blood and they will get out safely. Of course, no matter how much someone washes their body, the residual smell will stay. It can¡¯t be affected by any magical attacks using <mark>mana</mark>, or weapon attacks using an aura. It can be only cleaned by water coming from holy places such as the pool of birth, the world¡¯s tree, the river of two ancestors, and the molten mountain. These holy places can be found in each continent controlled by different races.

    It is used for necromancy and dark magic as a catalyst. A lot of black markets have a supply of these potions inside a special bottle that can block the smell of the liquid. It can improve the body of a <mark>lich</mark>, skeletons, and other <mark>undead</mark> as it is perfect for a necromancer, create deadly curses and poisons, and for rituals and sacrifices of different cults.

    Gazing at the large wall that is covered with magical spells and runes that can even be seen from a kilometer away. It can even block an attack coming from a 7-star mage with how magically protected and powerful the wall is. Lawrence and <mark>Catalinna</mark> can be seen heading to the guard post. A golden knight stopped them in their tracks as he slams the end of the spear in the ground creating a small trembling in the ground.

    ¡°Halt! Who are you and what are your purposes?¡± the golden knight commanded

    ¡°I am <mark>Catalinna</mark> <mark>Ignis</mark>, from the <mark>Ignis</mark> Family of the Kingdom of <mark>Rebia</mark>. My purpose is a simple visit in the capital¡± she informed as the golden knight¡¯s visor of his helmet emits a red glow before nodding. Lawrence also stayed beside her with a polite smile like an old butler following her lady. The red glow in the visor of the knight is the spell, eyes of truth which can detect if someone is lying. If the target is weaker than the user of the spell, they can detect it accurately. Every helmet of a golden knight that is routinely guarding the gate is enchanted with this spell to stop impersonators of high-ranking officials and nobles to pass through the golden knight.

    ¡°You may pass but i warn you, do not create any trouble¡± the golden knight stopped blocking the small gate where the nobles can enter beside the large metal gate where a large line of carriage and common people can be seen entering and exiting the capital with the normal guards stopping each one for the proper identification and purposes. The capital can¡¯t have criminals entering the glorious heart of the human continent although it doesn¡¯t stop the black market and other atrocities that are happening inside the capital.

    ¡®The poisonous capital and the hypocritical empire. Such nickname is quite accurate¡¯ Lawrence inwardly chuckled as they pass through the gate to be greeted with luxurious houses and the bustling feel of a city with people coming from different walks of life. After walking inside to the market of the capital. Different kinds of foods, items, and souvenirs can be found. Checking for anything interesting to buy, Lawrence hoped that something unexpected can be found that would be cheap and helpful to him just like the novel where the main character finds an artifact that only he can identify the usefulness of it and decides to buy it. With a sigh, he didn¡¯t find anything remotely useful as he saw <mark>Catalinna</mark> inside the luxurious restaurant ordering sumptuous meals from a waiter.

    Entering the restaurant, he sat in the chair facing <mark>Catalinna</mark> who ignored him and continued on ordering.

    ¡°What are you doing here? Go now.¡± she said while she looked at Lawrence confusedly as he passed her a paper containing words in English as she reads it with her eyes.

    ¡°What? You can do your stuff while I explore the capital. It¡¯s quite amazing to be honest if we ignore the dark side of it¡± she smiled as Lawrence sighed before heading outside the restaurant.

    ¡®Damn woman, I thought she would at least help a little. She was just following me because she felt bored. <mark>Aghhh</mark>, I should start looking for the black market first. Where is the black market?¡¯ he looked around for a bit before thinking hard to remember where is the black market in the capital. He is sure that there is a black market here but he doesn¡¯t know where. Without a single clue, he went to the outskirts of the capital. After walking randomly for an hour, he headed to a dark alley before being stopped by a drunken man sitting on the floor wasted in alcohol.

    ¡°Hey! Don¡¯t¡­.go there! YOU shouldn¡¯t ¡­you¡¯ll¡­regret¡­it¡± the man slumped to the cold floor before snoring. Heading deeper into the dark alley. He only found a wall but he didn¡¯t stop walking before passing through a fog-like area and stepping to the black market. It was like a normal market but inside a room with chandeliers fixed on the ceiling providing light. Everyone is wearing a mask as he touched his face to find a mask attached to his face already. It¡¯s like a villain¡¯s house party with a dark interior and everyone is wearing a mask and luxurious clothing from red gowns to black suits. Shadowed figures can be seen putting their artifacts and goods on tables as the buyers walked around gazing at each one. The masked people are the buyers while the shadowed figures are the sellers. Privacy is the most important part to continue business inside the black market.

    One of the rules of the black market is no fighting inside and absolutely no stealing. Each transaction is private and no one can ask where the artifact comes from and how the seller got it. Looking around, he found some cursed artifacts but no relics in sight. Banned materials such as drugs and aphrodisiacs can be seen in tables with questionable items that Lawrence wants no part of. On one of the tables, he noticed a potion of the dead river together with bundles of hair and a cursed armor screeching at the passerby. The shadowed figure is sitting on the floor with its head facing down. No wonder its table isn¡¯t popular, who would want the bundle of hair and a cursed armor while the asking price for the potion is too high. He looked around before calming himself.

    ¡®Fuck it, the black syndicate is already hunting me. Why should the black market matter besides <mark>i¡¯m</mark> using an appearance-changing potion. I can do this¡¯ his eyes burned with determination before grabbing the potion and turning invisible.

 CH 15

    Running through the masked individuals, he can feel the mask slowly clamping to his face. If he doesn¡¯t take it off, it will attach to his skin and it will be impossible to remove without cutting his face off. Taking it off while he is invisible is the best solution for now as weapons made of steel started crashing towards him with no mercy. Many masked individuals are confused as they wielded their weapons thinking that something is happening. Taking this opportunity, he dashes forward as spears made of spiritual beings are getting closer and closer. If it will hit him, it will knock his soul out of his body, allowing the black market to imprison his soul for their soul-seeking buyers that use the dreaded soul magic. This happened in the novel and Lawrence certainly doesn¡¯t want his soul to be sacrificed to an evil god.

    ¡°Glory to the Moon Goddess!¡± he shouted to confuse everyone that the silver moon cult is attacking as everyone¡¯s aura raised to new heights. Scared of being attacked first, some masked individuals started attacking other people.

    Clicking his tongue, he decided to use the moonlight beam to let it reflect around the room to create the illusion of the silver moon is really attacking the black market as there might be some people that have doubts. Mayhem ensued as a dragon made of fire can be seen flying the air, breathing flames below. Weapons have been wielded and crossed and magic is being thrown all over the place as destruction reined. A loud boom echoed as a large man jumped in the air before slamming the large hammer to the ground, creating a <mark>shockwave</mark> that knocked anyone near him. Despite being far from the large man, Lawrence can feel his ribs shaking just from the <mark>shockwave</mark>

    ¡°I WILL KILL EVERY SCUM MOON BELIEVER IN THIS ROOM! DIE!¡± he shouted as he winds up his hammer before smashing into a nearby masked individual. Another loud explosion happened just beside Lawrence as the force of the impact pushed him before smashing into the wall. After standing up, he gazed at the room to see it as if a war is currently happening, different colors of the elements are just smashing and destroying everything. Blood is slowly getting spilled as screams in pain echo in the room as Lawrence once again dashes to where the portal is.

    Seeing the violet portal, Lawrence runs towards it but is stopped by a blade crashing towards his face aiming to split his face into two. With a quick crouch, he dodges it before jumping to the portal. The spear of the spiritual being stabs his leg but he was already outside of the portal and back to the dark alley as he felt his soul tremble. Luckily, it doesn¡¯t damage his physical body as he decided to run away as fast as he can before entering the nearby inn.

    He was invisible the whole time inside the black market. That is why he was able to run away as the silver weapons and spears of spiritual beings are having a hard time locking his position added by the chaos and carnage that made it possible to escape after stealing the potion. He was lucky enough that the potion isn¡¯t as far as he thought.

    Walking inside the inn, he was greeted by a middle-aged lady sitting behind a wooden desk.

    ¡°Good Morning good sir, are you here for a room?¡± the lady asked with a polite smile as he nodded while putting both of his hands in his back as he started shaking the space ring as a couple of coppers and silver falls to his other hand. Space items like the space ring and space bag are a luxury that even nobles can¡¯t buy easily. There¡¯s a high chance that he will be robbed or attacked if he is seen carrying a space ring. Although it only looks like a normal piece of a golden ring when seen by normal people.

    ¡°One night with a full meal is two silver, just one night is one silver and 30 coppers¡± she informed as Lawrence handed her a silver coin and 30 coppers. He doesn¡¯t want to try the food of normal people as it is quite bland and he can¡¯t trust an establishment like this for his meals. Besides, he¡¯s not lacking in money. After getting the key for his room, he headed to the second floor and opened his room. It was clean, to say the least. It¡¯s a normal room made of wood with a closet, a bed, a table, and a chair. It doesn¡¯t smell and it¡¯s enough for Lawrence. Opening his suit, he saw that the silver tattoo on his chest grew larger than before. Symbolizing that the control the moon goddess can assert is stronger than before.

    ¡®Oh well, it¡¯s a risk <mark>i¡¯m</mark> willing to take¡¯ he sighed before laying on the bed. Him shouting that glory to the moon goddess is something he shouted on spot to confuse the masked individuals to think that the silver moon is attacking but he didn¡¯t expect it to hasten the control of the goddess over him. Everything was all according to the plan but it was still a close call. His plan only revolves around his invisibility and to hopefully confuse everyone that the silver moon is attacking. It was a risk since he didn¡¯t know if the silver moon cult attacked the black market before and if there is even a single one that¡¯s gonna know who the hell the silver moon is. Luckily, there seem to be individuals with a personal vendetta against the cult. Especially that man with a hammer.

    ¡®I can¡¯t continue using this appearance. I might have been invisible but they have other ways of knowing what my face looks. The auction starts tomorrow night so i have this afternoon to go looking for any artifacts in the novel. Hmm¡­let¡¯s see what the artifacts that Cain was able to find in the capital¡­¡¯ Lawrence went downstairs before seeing a cloaked woman hiding her face. Her figure is definitely that of a woman but Lawrence can¡¯t see her face since she¡¯s hiding it with the hood while gazing at the stairs. Quite weird but Lawrence didn¡¯t care about the woman as he proceeded to walk away.

    If he has seen her face he would¡¯ve known who she was but it was a shame as the woman removes her hood to reveal a face akin to a goddess of beauty. Her long blonde hair flows that looks like sparkling gold, her red lips can stimulate any male, and her pensive eyes can pull anyone to listen to her woes. The personification of beauty itself. One of the villains in the novel, the poisonous angel <mark>Vania</mark> but for now, she is just a simple woman with no control over her own life as she escaped from the noble that wanted her to be his slave for specific purposes. Her body is covered with lashes and bruised as she entered her room before breaking into tears. Hoping for a day for her revenge.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    While all of this is happening. Lawrence is walking around the capital looking for <mark>Catalinna</mark>. The artifact that he wanted is in the sewer with a lot of monsters below. He can¡¯t fight right now and it would be helpful on his auction stealing. In the auction, he also plans on grabbing a cursed artifact that would serve as his weapon and companion.

    ¡®The ring of the soiled one and the tablet of the wanderer of the shadow. The ring of the soiled one can allow me to shoot a ball of fog on a certain area that can temporarily impair the senses of everyone below the fifth star. I can only use it once every three days but it¡¯s enough to create chaos while I steal the phoenix feather and the tablet. Am I getting greedy? Hmm¡­oh well. Stealing is great. I don¡¯t have to pay and I can get a lot of items. I hope I can awaken a shadow affinity so I can steal easier¡¯ he chuckled as he walked around to find <mark>Catalinna</mark> walking towards him with a nonchalant smile.

    ¡°Did you get it?¡±

    ¡°Yes¡± he simply replied

    ¡°Here. This should help you on your next ¡®job¡¯.¡± she winked before giving Lawrence a steel ring. He gazed at for quite some time but he¡¯s still confused. It still looks like a normal ring with no magical capabilities. He heard a sigh as <mark>Catalinna</mark> went closer.

    ¡°It will allow you to teleport¡± she whispered

    ¡°How do i know if you aren¡¯t lying to me. One small mistake and <mark>i¡¯m</mark> dead¡±

    ¡°<mark>Hmph</mark>! Why are you so suspicious of me? Aren¡¯t i a trustworthy ally¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not¡±

    ¡°Then don¡¯t use it! <mark>Geez</mark>, here i am helping you but you wouldn¡¯t even appreciate it. Never mind, just return it to me¡± she was about to grab the ring from Lawrence¡¯s palm but he suddenly closed his palm.

    ¡°How can i activate this?¡± he asked

    ¡°And now you¡¯re willing to listen to me? Anyways, just say teleport and think of where you want to go. Of course, it can only go up to a kilometer but you can use it three times¡±

    ¡°Use it first¡± Lawrence throws the ring back as she grumbled before muttering teleport. Suddenly she vanished before Lawrence can feel someone poking his back. Turning around he found <mark>Catalinna</mark> poking Lawrence¡¯s back with her finger with a cheeky smile.

    ¡°Neat right?¡±

    ¡°It will indeed be useful. Thank you. Now, what do you want in exchange?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean~ I¡¯m just helping a fellow friend do his mission. There¡¯s nothing wrong with that¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> smiled awkwardly as Lawrence stared at her with clear suspicion in his eyes.

    ¡°Not here, let¡¯s go somewhere private¡± she whispered as Lawrence nodded as both of them went to a nearby dark alley with no one in sight. After checking that no one is nearby or no one can listen to them. She inched closer to Lawrence as he gazed at her suspiciously.

    ¡°Get me the flaming gauntlet of the dwarf king. Please, i need some additional firepower since <mark>i¡¯m</mark> planning to hunt the fire <mark>wyvern</mark> in the dungeon below the capital.¡±

    ¡°One of the failed series of the dwarf king¡­i guess you can awaken it by killing a fire attribute and a dragon attribute monster. The fire <mark>wyvern</mark> is perfect for that. Still, isn¡¯t the <mark>wyvern</mark> a 4-star monster?¡±

    ¡°The one below is starved so it¡¯s basically a 3-star monster. I just need to strengthen my <mark>mana</mark> heart to reach 3-star but to be safe. I would like you to help me¡±

    ¡°Sure but this isn¡¯t enough if you want me to join you on killing the <mark>wyvern</mark>¡±

    ¡°I know, i know. You¡¯re too much of a greedy asshole to even do anything for free. "

    ¡°I can do some things for free. Just not for you¡± he chuckled before leaving as <mark>Catalinna</mark> glared at him before shaking her head. She knew he was teasing her as she believes that Lawrence will die if he did anything for free in his entire life.

    With this ring, he won¡¯t need the ring of the soiled one but since they will be hunting the fire <mark>wyvern</mark> that is imprisoned below the capital for a sacrifice. He can probably grab it after killing the king rat. He has a lot of free time but most artifacts that Cain was able to find in the capital are in the palace of the empire itself. No matter what plans he can make, he can¡¯t steal anything inside the palace. The faking of the silver moon cult attacking won¡¯t work since the palace is littered with <mark>sigils</mark> and runes that detect anything that enters the palace. Despite the necklace having what is called true invisibility, it would still be impossible as he can¡¯t run away in just 30 seconds unlike in the black market as the palace is humongous.

    True invisibility is the peak of hiding abilities as it literally erases the presence of the user to the outside world. It cannot be detected by any means from heat-seeking, by smell, magical sense, soul sense, and temporal sense. It can only be countered by true sight and god sight that can see all. Both of which are extremely rare and usually, people with this sight either die before becoming stronger or lose their sight completely from overusing their eyesight.

    After eating in a nearby restaurant, the moon has already risen as he might have eaten too much as he can barely even move from stuffing himself with food because for an entire week, he ate nothing but sandwiches with different meats and vegetables while munching on crackers from the rations he found in the space ring.

    Walking through the market to look around. The lamps powered by <mark>mana</mark> crystal provided light to the sellers and to the customers buying some cheap snacks and food. He checked any shop that sells an antique for a chance to find a hidden artifact just laying around but still no luck. After an hour of checking every antique store in the capital, he decided to head back to the inn. It was oddly quiet as he walked alone in the road. The chilling air gently blows in his skin as he shuddered. He looked downward to find a dagger sticking out of his chest as blood slowly falls from his lips.

    ¡°Quiet stupid of you to steal something from the black market. I don¡¯t know if you¡¯re brave or just plain reckless¡± a man¡¯s voice echoed behind him as he turns around to find a black-haired young man with his eyes shut with a grin attached to his face.

    ¡°Stupid huh¡­¡± Lawrence muttered before pushing the dagger back as it flies backward towards the young man who flawlessly dodged it with minimal movement before slashing Lawrence across his back. Activating his invisibility necklace, he started running away desperately as blood is covering his suit. The young man chuckled before opening his eyes to reveal a red diamond pattern in his eyes. Realizing that the assassin has true sight, Lawrence activated the teleportation ring as he vanishes before the assassin can go for the kill.

    ¡°<mark>Awww</mark>¡­i thought it was his only trump card.¡± the young man sounded disappointed before getting swallowed by the darkness.

 CH 16

    Opening the door of the inn, he stumbles upstairs as he applies pressure on the wound on his chest to slow down the bleeding. He accidentally <mark>teleported</mark> just in front of the inn as he doesn¡¯t have time to really think where he would teleport when he used the ring since he will surely die if he delayed it by a second. Gritting his teeth, he can barely keep himself upright. Using the walls to help him walk forward, he slowly inched to his room as his consciousness is starting to loosen.

    ¡°<mark>Wha-what</mark> happened to you?¡± a woman¡¯s voice surprised him as he looked backward to find the cloaked woman. If she would attack him right now, he would surely die.

    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business¡± he replied as he started walking towards his room.

    ¡°But..your¡­wounds..¡± she muttered but he didn¡¯t reply anymore as his consciousness is slipping again. Biting his lips, he jolted in pain as he started walking again. Suddenly, a searing pain arrived from the wound on his chest as he falls to his knees. The numbing effect of his adrenaline is sapping out of his body as pain riddled his body.

    ¡°I¡¯ll help you-you. If..you let me work for you..You¡¯re a noble right? I can clean and wash clothes and dishes. Just don¡¯t molest me! Oh sorry..<mark>i¡¯m</mark> talking too much. Please, please?? I also know how to treat wounds and poison.I am really helpful!.¡± she talked enthusiastically and excitedly but Lawrence can barely hear anything she¡¯s talking about.

    ¡°Help me and <mark>i¡¯ll</mark>¡­reward you¡± he sighed

    ¡°Yes! I mean, <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> do it. Do you have a potion? <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> grab it¡± he nodded as he decided to sit on the floor. Blood covered his suit and the floor as he gritted his teeth in pain.

    ¡°Here¡± Lawrence activated the space ring as a potion appeared in his hand.

    ¡°Thank you.. i mean¡­uh¡­please open your suit¡± she blushed sightly but Lawrence didn¡¯t care. Taking off his favorite suit, the woman can see the wound on his chest as she winces. Although it didn¡¯t hit his heart, it is still a mortal wound. Blood is practically oozing from this wound as this is the first time he has seen so much blood coming from his body. The woman opened the potion and started pouring the liquid into his wound as he winces in pain.

    ¡°Please¡­your back..¡± He nodded as she started pouring the rest of the health potion on the large cut on his back. After that, the woman hesitated for a second before sighing. Removing her cloak, she used it to cover Lawrence¡¯s torso as his eyes widen in shock. Her beauty captivated him before biting his lips as he is getting affected by her curse as he hurriedly looked down. He didn¡¯t expect to see her here as he massaged his temple. This is a huge problem as having her near him is detrimental to him. She is the poisonous angel <mark>Vania</mark> and she has a curse of beauty where any man will immediately, with no failure would fall in love with her obsessively. Although her simple clothes are shabby and worn to the point that it looks like a rug pieced together to make a cloth. It doesn¡¯t take away her otherworldly beauty and the aura of perfection.

    ¡°No-no..please don¡¯t look at my face..¡± she shuddered as Lawrence can understand her fear. She has probably been sexually assaulted by males and abused by women that are jealous of her beauty. Her trembling eyes with tears streaking in her face reminded him of a child that is staring straight at a growling and hungry wolf.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I know of your curse. It won¡¯t affect me as much as the common men. " he lied to ease her worries. Although it is a curse, she would eventually turn it into a deadly weapon and he wants her by his side on his plans. He just needs to find a mask that can block her face to stop the curse from affecting him.

    ¡°R-really? A-are you sure?¡± she tilted her head to gaze at Lawrence who in turn closed his eyes.

    ¡°I said it won¡¯t affect me as much, it doesn¡¯t mean <mark>i¡¯m</mark> resistant to the effects.¡± he sighed

    ¡°S-sorry..um..what work would you like me to do? and how much is my..um¡­salary?¡± she muffled with great hesitation in her voice.

    ¡°I¡¯m planning on creating an organization that would help every being from the incoming disasters¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure if I can help you with that sir..<mark>umm</mark>..you see¡­i don¡¯t have any powers. Although I can clean the headquarters if you want that sir.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t understand your potential. Your curse will help the world, trust me¡± Lawrence stands up while smiling at <mark>Vania</mark> with his eyes closed. He meant what he said. He felt pity for <mark>Vania</mark> when he read the novel as she only wanted someone to love her for what she is and not because of her beauty. To have friends and have a normal life. There was even a point in the novel where she tried disfiguring her face but it would always heal. Because of all the abuse and injustice that was caused by others, she hated humans and every single being as their destruction gave her an emotion she never felt before. Happiness and satisfaction.

    ¡°I-i don¡¯t know what you are talking about sir¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°I-i see..sorry sir for not understanding what you meant¡±

    ¡°Just bring me to my room. I need to rest¡± Lawrence sighed as he can see the insecurity and self-doubt leaking from the young woman. Reaching his room, he shakes his space ring before tossing the gold coin towards <mark>Vania</mark> who nearly dropped it on the floor.

    ¡°<mark>Woahh</mark>¡­thank you sir! I¡¯ll work hard from now on¡± she bowed as she closed the door before he can hear her humming happily outside before walking away. He chuckled before sitting on his bed.

    ¡®<mark>AHHHH</mark>, I nearly fucking die!!! Thank you for this fantasy world to have a potion to quick fix my injuries. That was painful. <mark>Aghh</mark> man, I didn¡¯t even sense that assassin. So they were just playing around for the last week. This is bad..<mark>i¡¯m</mark> extremely defenseless. Maybe i should¡­.No! This is too late to give up. I can do this¡­i can do this..<mark>huu</mark>¡¯ he laid down as he calmed his turbulent heart. Ever since he arrived in this world, he has had a lot more near-death encounters than he ever did on earth. Sometimes, he¡¯s happy that this body of his is always calm and collected while his mind would always turn no matter how many unexpected things happen around him. If he was the same as before, he wouldn¡¯t do anything dangerous and would likely be pushed around by events happening in the novel. He gazed at his hand contemplating if the determination he¡¯s feeling right now is even truly his.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    ¡°It¡¯s not the time to get sentimental about this. I need to rest¡± he said to himself as he lay on the bed before closing his eyes.

    Meanwhile, the black-haired youth can be seen walking around the road alone as he hums happily while twirling the dagger in his hands. After his boss shouted at him for failing to do the job, he hurriedly went back to look for his target. It has been an hour since he started walking around and his drowsiness is catching up to him. On the lonely road, he found a woman washing their clothes. Upon a closer look, the clothes are covered with blood. With no hesitation, he dashes towards the woman to interrogate her.

    Reaching her, a wide hiccup interrupted him as the woman gazed at him with his dagger raised in the air. Her blue eyes are covered with tears as she sniffled before bowing to the ground.

    ¡°<mark>Eeek</mark>! P-please don¡¯t kill me¡± she said hurriedly with fear in her sweet voice. What he didn¡¯t know is that his body wouldn¡¯t move. His face felt hot as he looked around his body if he got poisoned but it should be impossible. He¡¯s immune to any poison so why does the world around him feel slowing down and his heart beating furiously.

    ¡°No-no.<mark>i¡¯m</mark> not gonna kill you. C-calm down okay?¡± he replied with a weird tone as he even felt weirder the longer he stares at this woman. Deciding to take his eyes off this woman, he feels himself calming down.

    ¡°R-really?¡± she asked with her gleaming blue eyes staring at the black-haired man blushing intensely as her fear is changed to despair. She has seen this expression from the many men that have fallen for her. They would always make advances towards her with no regard for her emotions. The worse is, if she rejected them. They would always go violent. This man in front of her is someone she can¡¯t run away from. The aura around him reeks of death and she can sense an overwhelming void in his heart.

    ¡°I just want to ask why are you washing that bloodied clothes? Did something happen?¡± he said coldly as he can but a hint of worry is clear in his voice. He cursed himself inwardly.

    She tilted her head in confusion, she fully expected the man to flirt with her or at least do anything rather than questioning what she is doing. She gazed down at the clothes she¡¯s cleaning as she didn¡¯t expect someone to see her. It¡¯s midnight and she cleaned her boss¡¯s suit outside to avoid the smell of blood lingering in the inn.

    ¡°Oh..my boss was injured so I cleaned his suit. I don¡¯t know why but I just want to help him. Did you believe that he gave 1 gold for helping him! He¡¯s a great boss already¡± her smile beamed as she can sense no ill intent coming from this man.

    ¡°I see¡­say. Is your boss have gray hair and a mustache?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me, you are the one who injured boss. Don¡¯t kill him, please! He¡¯s my boss, he said i will help him create an organization that will save the world. I want to have a purpose in life..please¡± she grabbed the hem of his clothing as she gazed at him with her eyes glistening with tears.

    ¡°He stole something to the black market. He¡¯s dangerous and it¡¯s my job to kill him. Sorry¡± he sighed but <mark>Vania</mark> didn¡¯t let go.

    ¡°Please, let¡¯s hear him out. I know he¡¯s a good person. Please¡± she insisted with her eyes fixed in his as he felt his body locked in place. Unknowingly, he was already nodding that only when she smiled widely did he realize he agreed to her request. He knows an assassin like him has no time to waste time like this but every time she gazes at him, his body would freeze and a strange emotion welled inside him.

    Walking upstairs, she opened the door as he entered the room to find the middle-aged man sleeping in his bed. With a deadpanned expression on his face, he was about to dash forward only to see that man waking up and staring at both of them.

    ¡°Why did you bring an assassin here in my room?¡± Lawrence sighed as he didn¡¯t expect that <mark>Vania</mark> would bring the youth who nearly killed him. His eyes are still closed

    ¡°I suggested to him that he will hear you out¡± she smiled proudly like she did something impressive. He gazed at the youth to find him glancing at <mark>Vania</mark> a couple of times with a slight blush appearing on his face occasionally.

    ¡°Let me explain- before he can finish his words, the door opened slightly to reveal <mark>Catalinna</mark> walking through both <mark>Vania</mark> and the black-haired youth.

    ¡°Give me back the space ring, i run out of money¡± she blurted out nonchalantly as Lawrence sighed before gazing at her disappointingly. Trying his best to avoid seeing <mark>Vania</mark>

    ¡°<mark>Ohh</mark>, what happened to you? You looked like you¡¯re dying already?¡± she asked with a smile

    ¡°Yes..i can see myself. If you want your gauntlet tomorrow then forget about getting your space ring.¡±

    ¡°Who is this guys? What are they doing here in your room?¡±

    ¡°This is <mark>Vania</mark> and¡­the assassin that injured me¡± he sighed as <mark>Vania</mark> reluctantly bowed to <mark>Catalinna</mark> who gazed at her before forming a gentle smile. While she glanced at the assassin before revealing a savage smile as she dashes forward with her flames forming around her arms. Lawrence throws his spear in between them as it has a silver glow around the shaft as it absorbed the impact and the fire from her attack.

    ¡°Stop, I don¡¯t want for this inn to get destroyed.¡±

    ¡°Wait..how do you know my name boss?¡± <mark>Vania</mark> asked

    ¡°It isn¡¯t important. Both of you, I¡¯m here to offer you both a deal. Help me reach my goals and <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> give you everything you want¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s kinda suspicious if you tell me¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> chuckled as Lawrence ignored her

    ¡°How are you not¡­lying?¡± <mark>Vania</mark> asked, seemingly stunned while the youth¡¯s expression twitched before returning back to his deadpanned face.

    ¡°What is your goal?¡± the youth asked

    ¡°Save every living being from the disasters that¡¯s gonna happen in the future.¡±

    ¡°Is that even possible?¡± the youth smirked

    ¡°No, but I will do everything I can to reach my goal.¡±

    ¡°Can I even help?¡± <mark>Vania</mark> muttered softly

    ¡°Of course, you can. Trust me¡± Lawrence replied as she nodded hesitantly.

    ¡°Hmm¡­the assassin thing is getting too old. I guess i can just leave the black syndicate. They treat me like trash anyway. Here <mark>bossman</mark>, as long as this woman follows you. I¡¯ll follow you too¡± he pointed at <mark>Vania</mark> who in turn gazed at him confusedly

    ¡°I don¡¯t agree to sexual harassment and forceful advances to her if that¡¯s what you want¡±

    ¡°W-what d-do you mean! No..nothing like that.¡± he fumbled with his words as he looked at <mark>Vania</mark> worriedly. She just gazed at Lawrence before bowing.

    ¡°If i can bring this assassin to the organization with my presence..then <mark>i¡¯m</mark> willing to join as long as he doesn¡¯t touch me inappropriately¡± Lawrence can see the youth¡¯s expression didn¡¯t even change. It was like he wasn¡¯t offended by what <mark>Vania</mark> said. He doesn¡¯t know who he was and he never appeared in the novel. He¡¯s a talented shadow affinity warrior and has the rare true sight. He¡¯ll have to take a closer look at this youth for a few days before deciding what to do.

    ¡°I won¡¯t join your organization but <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> help you with ways I can only do so give me the damn space ring¡±

    ¡°What did you even purchase?¡± he sighed

    ¡°Rations and everything we need for travel. Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re planning to stay here?¡±

    ¡°Besides, what is your organization¡¯s name?¡± she asked

    ¡°<mark>Moirai</mark>¡± he smiled

 CH 17

    Inside the council room of the black syndicate. Leonard stands upright with his head held high gazing at the old man in front of him who smokes from a pipe. In the room, both of them are staring at each other without talking as the old man puffs the smoke out of his mouth.

    ¡°Tell me, why did you enter my headquarters?¡±

    ¡°I told you, my son isn¡¯t a threat. He¡¯s merely a 2-star paragon.¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t take any risk. You know what happened when a successor of the silver moon gets stronger?¡± the old man asked with a melancholic smile

    ¡°The goddess can descend in our world. It happened 500 years ago at the creation of the silver moon cult. According to the black syndicate¡¯s records. There was a sixth continent in this world that seemingly vanished. It has been theorized to be humanoids that are 20 times larger than humans and have divine strength. They are in the grasp of reaching ascension but the moon goddess doesn¡¯t want to compete with mortals that become gods. This is why the way of achieving the 8th star is locked behind god¡¯s control. They are already competing with the angels and demons, they don¡¯t want to compete with the mortals they created.¡±

    ¡°How do you know if the record is the truth and why did those humanoids didn¡¯t joined the war of four races. If they truly exist and are that strong.¡± Leonard asked as the old man looked at him pensively before huffing the pipe and blowing the smoke

    ¡°No one knows. Either they didn¡¯t see any benefits from letting themselves known or worse, they didn¡¯t see us as a threat. You need to know, the only evidence we have is the corpse of a giant and the beam of light that can be seen on every continent. Other than that, everything has been forgotten by the common masses.¡±

    ¡°I know it¡¯s hard to accept but there¡¯s nothing you can do. Leonard, you¡¯re my dear disciple. I don¡¯t want anything to happen to you and to your son but you need to understand. Continents and millions of lives are at stake. Forgive me but I cannot help you this time¡± the old man bowed before Leonard leaves the room angrily as the door slammed shut.

    ¡°Hunt that kid right now. I want his head this night¡± the old man said to the room as five shadowed figures manifested as the old man smiled thinking how much money he can get from killing the successor of the silver moon.

    ¡°Yes, master!¡± the five shadowed figures bowed before vanishing into the shadow.

    Waking up, he finds that <mark>Vania</mark> is already cleaning the room while the youth can be seen standing beside the door humming happily while twirling the dagger in his fingers. His name is Luke and he doesn¡¯t have a surname as he was never given one. Lawrence needs to keep an eye on him if what he said last night is true or not but Lawrence knew he¡¯s a dangerous fellow.

    ¡°What are you gonna do now <mark>bossman</mark>? any plans?¡± Luke asked nonchalantly

    ¡°Both of us will steal something in the auction¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not really suited for sneaking around. I¡¯m better at assassinating someone but if that¡¯s what you want boss, then I¡¯ll do it¡± Luke smirks before glancing at <mark>Vania</mark> whose dusting the dust in the cabinet.

    ¡°No need to clean <mark>Vania</mark>. This isn¡¯t my house, the innkeeper will keep this clean. Besides, we¡¯ll leave tomorrow¡±

    ¡°Yes, boss. If that¡¯s what you want¡± <mark>Vania¡¯s</mark> muffled voice through the mask comes out as <mark>Catalinna</mark> gave her a white mask to keep her face from being seen by others. This also helps Lawrence to avoid her passive charm curse. Although, Luke still glances at her occasionally with a slight blush on his face while not minding the mask.

    ¡°<mark>Umm</mark>..Luke. C-can you stop staring at-at me?¡±

    ¡°Uh, yeah. Sure. Sure¡± he replied awkwardly as <mark>Vania</mark> leaves the room before he slaps his face from embarrassment.

    ¡°Now that we¡¯re alone boss. Do you have an idea where to find the wolf¡¯s fangs dagger?¡± Luke asked with a cold expression on his face. This didn¡¯t surprise Lawrence in the slightest, although it might be a true reason for him joining the organization is simply admiration for <mark>Vania</mark>. He still has a reason for joining the organization other than that.

    ¡°The dagger? Depends if you are loyal to me or not.¡± Lawrence smirks as Luke clicked his tongue.

    ¡°Fine..in the name of my true ancestors. I swear fealty to the successor of the silver moon and the heir of the <mark>Aenir</mark> Family.¡± he bowed to his knees as an aura of a wolf appeared behind him howling in the air before gazing at Lawrence¡¯s eyes. Its red glowing iris burned a symbol of a wolf in the back of his hand, the same as Luke¡¯s hand. The aura vanished as Luke stands up.

    ¡°I¡¯m surprised you are willing to create a pact with the successor of the silver moon.¡± Lawrence smiled. He expected Luke to know who he truly is as he works for the black syndicate. The black syndicate would probably send assassins to kill him now.

    ¡°Of course, the world can burn for all I care. I just need to finish my promise to my father. " Luke grinned as Lawrence nodded. Whether what he said is true or not, he¡¯s a more trustworthy person now after creating a pact. Although it isn¡¯t as strict and dangerous as the soul bind. It¡¯s still a great tool to create trust as the one who breaks the pact gets crippled forcefully.

    ¡°The wolf¡¯s fangs dagger. What if I don¡¯t know where it is or any information?¡± Luke chuckled before opening his eyes, revealing the true sight. Lawrence felt like every secret he had is laid out in the open and he felt naked under the stare of such sight.

    ¡°I¡¯m not stupid¡± Luke closed his eyes with a nonchalant smile as Lawrence honestly wonders how he can still see despite his eyes being closed.

    ¡°Fine¡­as your reward for your fealty. That dagger is in the hands of a noble. Marquis <mark>Nole</mark> but i don¡¯t know where he hides it or if he brings it always with him¡±

    Marquis <mark>Nole</mark> is a treasure and artifact collector despite not being a warrior or mage. He only buys things that caught his eyes and he displays them in his mansion to show his massive wealth. His mansion is littered with warriors that protect his items since a lot of thieves occasionally sneak inside to steal some treasures. He is a corrupt man with the only thing running in his mind is money and treasure. He is blinded by his greed that when he offered Cain to be his personal guard. He was offended when Cain refused. After that, he would always try to stop Cain from buying anything in the auction. This angered Cain who retaliated by killing the Marquis secretly in his mansion. Cain was able to steal the wolf¡¯s fang dagger, that¡¯s why he knows who has it but he doesn¡¯t know where Cain found it.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

    ¡°Marquis <mark>Nole</mark>¡­he will be participating in the auction as he¡¯s one of the richest in the west of the empire. Killing him would be hard and risky but stealing should be possible¡± Luke muttered before nodding to himself.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be leaving now, <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> try to find the dagger in his mansion¡± Luke said as he opens the door before heading downstairs.

    With nothing to do, Lawrence decided to eat the rations in the space ring as he doesn¡¯t want to leave the inn right now. His injuries still hurt so after eating, he decided to take a rest as there is no entertainment in this world except for reading, plays, and sexual intercourse. With no entertainment available, he can only sleep to pass the time.

    Meanwhile, five cloaked individuals are walking towards the gate of the capital with relaxed expressions. Their job is simple, kill the silver moon successor. With every single one of them being 3-star warriors specializing in poison and assassination. Their target is only a 2-star paragon and they only need to find him and the assassin with a true sight that stopped sending reports. As the apprentices of the 9th shadow prince, they are confident in their skills as their kill number has reached a hundred.

    ¡°Is it really necessary to send all of us?¡± one of the assassins whined

    ¡°Are you doubting master¡¯s decision?¡± the leader asked with a glare as the one who whined smiled cheekily

    ¡°No, of course not. It¡¯s just anyone can kill the target easily.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a reason why Master decided to have the five of us assassinate that man¡± the leader replied as they passed through the golden knight as they didn¡¯t even check them. It was already reported to the golden knights so they didn¡¯t stop them knowing they might be important guests.

    ¡°Maybe he¡¯s strong?¡± the one in the back asked as one of them laughed

    ¡°Strong? Once we met that guy. I alone will kill that bastard. I can¡¯t wait to test my new <mark>qi</mark>¡± the shadowed individual that¡¯s larger than the rest of them remarked boastfully.

    ¡°Fine, just make sure you do it fast so we can leave¡± the leader sighed as they started heading to the black market to gather information.

    Once the moon has risen, Lawrence wakes up as he looked around his room. The moonlight entering his room seems ominous but he didn¡¯t care. He heads to the closet to find a simple white shirt as he wore it over his bandaged chest. A door opened as he saw <mark>Catalinna</mark> looking at him with an unease smile.

    ¡°You¡¯re ready? Remember, you only have one teleport left. Use it wisely¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> said as Lawrence nodded.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. Don¡¯t worry¡± Lawrence replied as <mark>Catalinna</mark> stared at him before leaving the room. He sighed, he needs to grab three items in the auction and he would need to do it with minimal contact with the knights guarding each item.

    After heading downstairs, he found Luke smirking at him with the wolf¡¯s fang dagger stabbed in the wooden table. He seems to be boasting but Lawrence didn¡¯t want to play games right now. His heart is beating fast like something wrong is gonna happen. Anxiety is creeping in his heart as he tightens his fist.

    ¡°It was quite easy, boss. Are you ready?¡± Luke flickered the dagger as it flips in the air before he grabbed it tightly.

    ¡°Yes¡±

    Heading to the auction house, both of them didn¡¯t speak as they scurried behind the large mansion to get a closer look. There are luxurious carriages parked outside with knights littered everywhere. People wearing sophisticated and elegant gowns and suits can be seen walking out of their carriage with smiles plastered on their faces.

    ¡°What items do you want me to find?¡± Luke opened his eyes as he surveyed the auction house.

    ¡°A phoenix feather, the flaming gauntlet, and a tablet¡± Lawrence replied

    ¡°Hmm¡­the phoenix feather and the flaming gauntlet is on the third floor, while the tablet is on the¡­¡± Luke trembled as his vision blurred. Sweat drips from his forehead as he can¡¯t believe what he saw. The tablet has a powerful abomination sealed inside it as a simple glance at it nearly destroyed his senses. The black demonic aura surrounds the auction house as the abomination gazed straight into his eyes. For a moment, he felt his eyes burning and the pain felt like a needle is inserted through his eyeball.

    ¡°What the hell is that..what are you planning on doing with that tablet?¡± Luke asked with suspicion

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, just tell me where it is¡±

    ¡°Fine, but if something breaks out of the tablet. I¡¯ll be bringing <mark>Vania</mark> with me¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be forceful about it, you can¡¯t even speak to her properly¡± Lawrence replied

    ¡°Shut it! The tablet is in the basement¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be going¡± Lawrence activated the invisibility pendant as he runs as quickly as he can while dodging and weaving the guest entering the auction house. Once inside, he went to the third floor as he decided to enter the bathroom to hide while the necklace is recharging. It was quite easy for now since the guards aren¡¯t actively hunting him. After waiting for a minute, he opens the door to leave as he started looking around. The auction is happening on the fourth floor while the third floor is where the items that will be sold are displayed for everyone to see. Sealed in glass, different items can be seen laying on the red pillow enhanced with magic to handle each item without even scratching it.

    Looking around, he saw the flaming gauntlet encased in a large glass as he started walking towards it. Once reaching the flaming gauntlet, he can see it closer than before. It¡¯s a single large red metallic gauntlet with brown fur attached to it. Fire is flickering around the gauntlet as he looked around to find a phoenix feather beside it. Before he can break the glass, his invisibility is starting to waver as he immediately went to hide near a large pillar in the side of the hall. Seeing that no one has seen him, he calms himself down before acting casually to avoid suspicion. Some nobles saw him but they didn¡¯t see him as someone with influence and wealth for them to mingle with.

    After waiting for a minute, he vanished after making sure that no one is looking at him. With a quick dash, he dashes towards the gauntlet before breaking the glass as he tried to enter the gauntlet to his space ring on to fail. The alarm ranged all around the hall as knights flooded every entrance.

    ¡°No need to be alarmed, the knights of the <mark>Swordwin</mark> Empire will handle this!¡± a man commanded everyone as his face is covered with scars running through his face. Lawrence didn¡¯t care anymore as he breaks the glass containing the phoenix feather as a spear landed beneath his feet.

    ¡°Criminal! You will atone for your sins with your death¡± the man shouted as spears rained towards every single part of the hall where Lawrence might be but he <mark>teleported</mark> away towards the basement as the man scrunched his face. The man grabs the spear of his comrade before winding it up and throwing it below him as it destroyed anything it touched as the floor trembled every time the spear penetrates the floor like butter. <mark>LLawrence</mark> gazed up wondering what is happening as he was pushed away before the spear smashes towards where he was just a moment ago. Luke panted from running as he immediately grabbed the tablet that is laying on the ground. Once he heard the alarm, he immediately went to the basement once every knight went to the third floor.

    ¡°That¡¯s my reimbursement for nearly killing you!¡± Luke grinned as both of them hurriedly went to the stairs towards the surface.

    Meanwhile, the man with scars stretch his hands in the sky as a flaming spear¡¯s shaft landed on his palm. The rooftop is currently burning from calling his weapon but as long as the criminals are captured. He¡¯s satisfied.

    ¡°Sir Roger¡­what should we do?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll kill them. Wait here and calm the people down¡± Roger replied before jumping down the hole he created from him throwing a spear.

    In front of the door leading outside, a cloaked individual with the black syndicate insignia on his chest can be seen guarding the door so no one can enter or leave. They determined that the target is the one causing the trouble in the black market and the auction hall after testing the blood he left when he was smashed to the wall during his escape in the black market. With no warning, the door opened as the assassin saw the target exiting together with Luke. A grin emerged from his face as he charged forward with his battle-ax covered with his newfound <mark>qi</mark>.

 CH 18

    ¡°27! What are you doing here?!¡± the assassin shouted but didn¡¯t stop his attack as Luke throws the tablet towards Lawrence before blocking the strike of the ax with his dagger. Surprisingly, the attack stopped but Luke¡¯s bones rattled as he coughs blood.

    ¡°You¡¯re too weak! Now die 27!¡± the assassin dwarfed Luke as he raises the ax high in the sky before slamming it down as Luke sidestepped to dodge as a large crack opened in the ground. Lawrence runs away as Luke was flabbergasted but he needs to focus everything he has to avoid needing to use his beast materialization. With a swift movement, he appeared behind the assassin as <mark>qi</mark> circled around his dagger. A wolf¡¯s head manifested as it opens its large jaws before crunching down. The assassin turns around only to see a wolf¡¯s fang crashing towards him as he held his ax up. With the ax blocking the fangs and his feet planted on the bottom jaw. Luke¡¯s dagger went straight to the assassin¡¯s heart. The assassin can only glare at Luke as he gets munched by the wolf¡¯s jaws leaving a half-eaten corpse in front of the auction house.

    It was an easy and swift fight for Luke who numbered 27 in the ranking of the black syndicate. In the black syndicate, there are two types of assassins. The one who relies on assassination jobs put on the board and the one who got assigned by the 12 shadow princes. The ranking is assigned based on how many hits the assassin did and their kill rate and not based on strength. Luke reached this rank by doing hits every time non-stop and with the help of his true sight, it¡¯s easier to see the target through walls and obstacles. His eyes can see everything that may harm him in great detail allowing him to enter guarded places with ease. The manifestation of the wolf¡¯s head comes from the wolf¡¯s fang dagger that Luke wields. It contains majestic powers that only a <mark>wolfkin</mark> can use. The spell inside the dagger is the fabled wolf manifestation <mark>Fenrir</mark> which allows Luke to summon the god-killing wolf at a cost of his lifespan. This is why he can only use small parts of the wolf¡¯s body to attack and to at least stop his enemies from attacking back as it¡¯s based on Luke¡¯s strength.

    He was about to run away but an immense danger can be felt behind him as he felt someone grabbing him by the wrist. His eyes saw the scarred man yanking him by the wrist with the flaming spear aiming towards his head. He was about to activate his beast manifestation but he knew it wouldn¡¯t help. The scarred man is too strong. He closed his eyes accepting his death but it never came. He opened his eyes to find a black shield stopping the flaming spear from killing him.

    ¡°You think you can stop me with this frail shield?¡± the scarred man asked before bursting in a pillar of flame as what emerged from it is a large dragon made of flames. It opened its jaws before breathing flames below towards the black shield as Luke knows that if the shield breaks, he would be burned to ashes. A sea of flame caused by the fire dragon surrounded the capital as the screams of citizens running away can be heard. Suddenly, the world got quiet as Luke opens his eyes to find the time stopping. He tried to move but his body wouldn¡¯t listen as he can only see around the place. A blind teen can be seen walking around nonchalantly with a smile while looking at the destruction. His brown hair and relaxed posture can be clearly seen. What¡¯s weird about him, is there is no aura and no <mark>mana</mark> on his body. He¡¯s like a normal teen walking around.

    Luke knows that this teen is dangerous as he closed his eyes and attempted to act like he¡¯s frozen in time but it didn¡¯t mean anything to the teen who slowly walks towards him.

    ¡°That¡¯s cute, no need hiding it to me you know¡± the teen gazes at Luke with a smile as his voice causes Luke to feel a shudder in his spine. Luke opened his eyes as the teen smiled at him

    ¡°Nice to meet you, Luke. My name is <mark>Oziel</mark>¡± the teen stretched his hands for a handshake but then he chuckles

    ¡°Forgive me, i forgot that you can¡¯t move or speak¡±

    ¡°You want to ask me what am i?¡±

    ¡°Of course, <mark>i¡¯m</mark> a normal teen. Oh, you know what, <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> bring your friends¡± he snapped his fingers as Lawrence, <mark>Catalinna</mark>, and <mark>Vania</mark> appeared beside <mark>Oziel</mark>. He clapped his hands so everyone can move their body. <mark>Catalinna</mark> only looked at <mark>Oziel</mark> with her eyes wide open while Lawrence surveyed the blind teen.

    ¡°What are you? I don¡¯t remember..¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> muttered as <mark>Oziel</mark> smiled at her.

    ¡°Creating me? Oh, <mark>dearie</mark>. You are so wrong. This reality isn¡¯t your story anymore my dear. I¡¯m sorry if you¡¯re disappointed.¡± <mark>Oziel</mark> chuckled

    ¡°What is this, what is happening boss?¡± <mark>Vania</mark> asked while looking around with fear in her expression.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, <mark>i¡¯m</mark> no demon or god. I¡¯m a simple and normal teen.¡± <mark>Ozial</mark> replied nonchalantly

    ¡°No ¡®normal¡¯ teen can stop time or teleport anyone easily¡± Lawrence glared at <mark>Ozial</mark> who in turn shrugged.

    ¡°You should thank me. I just save you all. Can i hear a thank you at least?¡± silence followed as <mark>Ozial</mark> laughed

    ¡°Not a polite bunch huh..it doesn¡¯t matter.¡± <mark>Ozial</mark> stretched his hands forward as Lawrence can feel his arm being twisted the wrong way as he gritted his teeth in pain. Luke didn¡¯t hesitate to summon the god-killing wolf <mark>Fenrir</mark> as he immediately falls to the floor. The 30-meter white wolf gazed at <mark>Ozial</mark> before bringing down its large claws as <mark>Ozial</mark> simply stretched his hands upwards before gripping the wolf¡¯s paw. A yawn escaped from his mouth as he gazed at everyone. The <mark>Fenrir</mark> tried biting <mark>Ozial</mark> off but an invisible barrier stops the large wolf from coming near him.

    <mark>Catalinna</mark> can¡¯t even move her body as she can only feel fear grappling her heart. Once Lawrence¡¯s arm is misaligned and facing the wrong way, the black shield changed to a floating liquid before moving towards his arms and fixing it. Changing his normal arm to an armored black metallic arm.

    ¡°Well, that should help you. Anyways, <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> give you each gift to provide me with entertainment and of course to save this world¡±This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> asked

    ¡°Of course, i can¡¯t have you dying right?¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> looked at <mark>Ozial</mark> confusedly as he gazed at Luke next before gazing at <mark>Vania</mark>. Seemingly doing magical that <mark>Catalinna</mark> can¡¯t see. She¡¯s sure that he doesn¡¯t use any <mark>mana</mark> or aura and even the law of no time stopping she created in the novel got broken easily by this mysterious teen. One thing is for sure, even the final boss of her novel can¡¯t fight against someone that can stop time.

    ¡°I must go now¡± <mark>Ozial</mark> bowed before the time returned to normal as the teen suddenly vanished from thin air. The <mark>Fenrir</mark> vanished too as the flaming dragon continued on spitting fire towards the four of them as Lawrence allows the black material attached to his arm to become a floating mass of liquid into the shape of the shield as it blocked the attack once again. He knows that as long as they won¡¯t get away right now, his <mark>mana</mark> would be gone and the black material would freeze and become a piece of useless baggage.

    <mark>Catalinna</mark> grabbed the gauntlet that is hanging at Lawrence¡¯s back as she calmed herself down. Dashing forward from the shield, she stretched her palm forward as the fire was absorbed towards her palm as the scarred man was surprised. Using this chance, she creates a large fireball that is larger than a house before throwing it towards the dragon.

    ¡°Hurry your ass up! Carry that guy and <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> carry <mark>Vania</mark>. let¡¯s go!¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> hurriedly carried <mark>Vania</mark> while Lawrence used the shield as a platform where he put Luke in.

    ¡°<mark>DONT</mark> LET THEM GO!¡± the flaming dragon shouted as knights dashed towards them with their weapons wielded.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the sewer¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> suggested as Lawrence nodded. Lawrence shakes the space ring as smoke bombs appeared in his hands. He immediately throws it towards the knights as smoke covered an entire alley. Up on the rooftop, three assassins from the black syndicate are running towards them as one of them throws a poisoned dart aiming for Lawrence. Luke wakes up from the noise as he realizes that he¡¯s riding a floating shield as a small dart is moving at a fast pace before he blocks it with his dagger.

    ¡°What the hell is happening!¡± Luke shouted as he stands up, ready to fight the <mark>asssassins</mark>.

    ¡°We are getting chased¡± Lawrence replied as Luke was about to reply only to hear an arrow whistling as he opens his eye to see the invisible arrow heading for Lawrence as he easily destroys it with a single swing.

    ¡°I¡¯ll cover your back! Just hurry up!¡± Luke shouted as one of the assassins jumped towards him with his sword glistening from the sheer sharpness of it.

    ¡°27! <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> kill you!¡± he yelled in anger as he landed on the large black shield. Both of them swing their weapon rhythmically creating sparks as their weapons slashed and stabbed to kill their opponents. Luke noticed that he can see what the enemy will do next as he blocked and retaliated with a swing, creating a gash in the arm of the assassin. Angered by this, the assassin quickens his swinging while making it unpredictable as Luke gets overwhelmed. His eyes can follow the swing of the sword but his body isn¡¯t fast enough to block every attack while swinging back. Creating wounds all over his body as he stimulated the <mark>qi</mark> to cover his arms with it, creating a fur armor capable of blocking the sword slashes as he raises it to block the incoming overarching strike from the assassin. With the successful block, he summons the <mark>Fenrir¡¯s</mark> claws as he swings it to the side as the assassin smashes to the building with a large gash in his chest.

    Lawrence can see the manhole in front of them as he throws the remaining smoke bomb all around the alley to cover their escape as <mark>Catalinna</mark> opens the manhole as she throws <mark>Vania</mark> inside before entering it as both Lawrence and Luke follow them before closing the manhole.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head to the <mark>wyvern</mark> below the sewer and leave through there¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> suggested as Lawrence nodded.

    ¡°Let <mark>Vania</mark> sit on the shield, <mark>i¡¯m</mark> fine¡± Luke jumps off from the shield as <mark>Vania</mark> reluctantly climbed the shield as she cursed herself for being useless.

    ¡°A-are you fine?¡± <mark>Vania</mark> asked with worry in her voice

    ¡°No¡­.I mean yes. Y-yeah, <mark>i¡¯m</mark> fine¡± Luke stuttered as <mark>Catalinna</mark> chuckled

    ¡°Let¡¯s go¡± Lawrence commanded before everyone headed deeper to the sewer to escape the assassins and the knight.

    At a top of the palace, a teen with his eyes closed can be seen smiling nonchalantly, not fearing the height or the emperor noticing him. Even if the emperor noticed him, it doesn¡¯t matter anyway.

    ¡°What a bunch of fun fellows, I wonder what they will do next¡± he chuckled as a woman manifested behind him with a veil covering her face.

    ¡°You cursed being! What did you do to my successor!¡± the woman shouted as <mark>Ozial</mark> turn his head with the same nonchalant smile.

    ¡°Nothing, just something interesting¡± he replied as the woman vanished with a frown through the veil.

    After running the whole day, they are covered with dust and dirt that no one is having a fun time. They are too tired and no one has the stomach to eat either. They are currently resting on the floor that is relatively clean as Lawrence prepares the rebirth potion. No one is talking as they looked at Lawrence with interest or boredom. <mark>Catalinna</mark> is pretty sure that there should be nothing wrong that is gonna happen. As they watch the potion mixed and combined to a colorful spectrum

    A phoenix cry echoed in the room as it signaled that the potion is finished and ready to ingest. As Lawrence opened the potion as the smell of washed lingered in the room as he prayed to God that this wouldn¡¯t blow in his face as he drinks it immediately as quickly he swallowed the potion without even tasting it. After ingesting it, he waited if something is gonna happen or not. He waited for an hour but nothing seems to happen as he looked at the bottle confusedly. There shouldn¡¯t be anything wrong with the potion but it¡¯s better to leave for now as they wasted enough time.

    ¡°We should leave for now. I doubt the knights won¡¯t realize where we are¡± Lawrence said to everyone as Luke groaned while <mark>Catalinna</mark> sighed. <mark>Vania</mark> looked around fearing that the knights will attack them again as they headed deeper in the sewer through stairs and cracks in the wall as they jumped to the lowest floor of the sewer to find a red <mark>wyvern</mark> chained to the wall. It¡¯s dark as <mark>Catalinna</mark> lit the torches stuck on the wall to give light in the room to see the <mark>wyvern</mark> with signs of fatigue and hunger on its body.

    ¡°I can fight this <mark>wyvern</mark> alone¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> smirked as a reddish-brown <mark>qi</mark> runs around her fist and into the gauntlet as it flickered with a bright flame. Covering her gauntlet with flames, she dashes forward as the <mark>wyvern</mark> opens its jaw in an attempt to bite her as she sidestepped, leaving a fire clone as the <mark>wyvern</mark> bites it before exploding inside the <mark>wyvern¡¯s</mark> mouth. She winds up her gauntlet as the flame surrounding it grew and grew into something larger before slamming it to the <mark>wyvern¡¯s</mark> neck. Creating a large explosion that swallowed both <mark>Catalinna</mark> and the <mark>wyvern¡¯s</mark> head as the walls shook violently from the sheer force of the explosion as dust and dirt flew all around the floor as the <mark>shockwave</mark> pushed others despite being far from the explosion.

    Leaving the bloodied and ripped carcass of the <mark>wyvern</mark>, she remained unscathed with a satisfied smile on her face. She stared at her body to find even the clothes remained untouched. Her <mark>qi</mark> makes her every fire attacks explode and the more <mark>mana</mark> or aura the attack was used, the bigger the explosion. Additionally, it seems she is invulnerable to fire and explosions.

    ¡°That was surprisingly easy¡± she boasted with a wide smile.

 CH 19

    ¡°My <mark>qi</mark> is quite satisfying to use.¡± she muttered with a smirk as she looked at the carcass of the headless <mark>wyvern</mark>. She can see aura flowing from the <mark>wyvern</mark> to her gauntlet as she focused on connecting the aura thread to awaken her gauntlet.

    This is one of the game-like features she added in the novel to not <mark>overcomplicate</mark> awakening special items. Usually, there is a prompt on Cain¡¯s system to see how to awaken artifacts with quests such as killing a hundred specters or killing a shadow attributed entity. The special artifact would consume the aura, <mark>mana</mark>, attribute, and soul of the newly killed monster to awaken itself automatically but there¡¯s a catch.

    It must be killed and immediately start the aura thread and that the monster has the right requirements. Only Cain and some ancient blacksmith know about this information. It¡¯s quite a relief that awakening the artifact is still the same in her novel. It was terrifying that everything she created and knew was changed. The feeling of the unknown and unpredictability is foreign to her as she gazed at Lawrence who stared at her back silently.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Luke asked, seeming interested in what she¡¯s doing.

    ¡°I¡¯m awakening this gauntlet¡­i can awaken this artifact by letting the gauntlet absorb the fire <mark>wyvern</mark>¡± she replied as Luke nodded. Waiting for more explanation.

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother. Such awakening of artifacts are usually hard to do or near impossible without the right knowledge and privilege¡± Lawrence replied with hidden ire in his voice

    ¡°Well do you know how?¡± Luke asked as Lawrence stared at him before nodding

    ¡°I know how to awaken a few artifacts but <mark>Catalinna</mark> is more knowledgeable¡± he replied

    ¡°Hey wait! Why didn¡¯t you tell me that you¡¯re planning on stealing that cursed artifact?¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> yelled while pointing at the black material covering Lawrence¡¯s arms

    ¡°I figured that you would stop me. Besides, I got this artifact in control after that blind teen broke my arm¡± he replied

    ¡°Yeah who is that? That¡­whatever that was. It was too powerful¡± Luke pondered as both Lawrence and <mark>Catalinna</mark> had no idea who was that.

    ¡®Is he the one who put us in this world? By his strength, it might be possible. Dammit. What the hell is he.¡¯

    ¡°He said that he gave us gifts..do you guys know what it is?¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> asked

    ¡°I figured that my gift was better control over this cursed artifact. It didn¡¯t awaken its ego and consciousness yet.¡± Lawrence replied

    ¡°Mine¡­.there doesn¡¯t seem to be anything for me. No¡­it seems that my eyes changed. It¡¯s like I can see the future if I focused enough but only by a second. " Luke opened his eyes while looking around before nodding to himself. Before looking at <mark>Vania</mark> wearing a mask.

    ¡°I-don¡¯t know what gift he gave me¡­forgive me..i really don¡¯t know¡± she replied hurriedly once knowing that everyone is staring at her as <mark>Catalinna</mark> glanced at the gauntlet to find it melting to her forearm and hands as it sizzled but she didn¡¯t feel any pain. After waiting for a minute, the metallic gauntlet is gone and is replaced with a red pattern of a <mark>wyvern</mark> running from the back of her hand to her elbow as she flexed it to see if she feel anything weird but luckily, the pattern appearing is the only thing that changed on her arms as she felt that her right arm to be strengthened by three times and she has easier time letting the aura, <mark>mana</mark>, and <mark>qi</mark> flow in the parts where the pattern is located.

    ¡°Amazing¡± <mark>Vania</mark> muttered before hiding her face despite wearing a mask as <mark>Catalinna</mark> chuckled.

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s fine to gawk at my majestic physique and my flawless and beautiful face¡± she boasted with a huge smile

    ¡°and rotten inside..Let¡¯s go¡± Lawrence smiled as the effects of the potion of changing appearance vanished as his youthful and handsome face returned while his fiery red hair returned as the mustache was gone. He caressed his face for a bit before nodding to himself.

    ¡°How¡­you weren¡¯t an old noble?¡± <mark>Vania</mark> asked like her world was destroyed. She can¡¯t believe that her boss looks younger than her and he is probably younger. She shouted inwardly as she cowered. If she can hide in a hole, she would do it.

    ¡°I¡¯ll explain later¡­we should leave for now¡± Lawrence suggested as <mark>Catalinna</mark> nodded before hopping over the carcass and exploding the wall to reveal a secret room.

    ¡°What is this?¡± Luke asked

    ¡°Even you don¡¯t know about this?¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> asked back as she went deeper in the room as Lawrence followed her silently.

    ¡°No¡­there isn¡¯t a record of a room behind the <mark>wyvern</mark>¡­this seems to be an alchemist hideout¡± Luke replied while looking at shelves full of books and bottles littered all the room. There doesn¡¯t seem to be any light as a musky smell emanates from the rooms as if no one is cleaning the room for years.

    ¡°This is the experiment god¡¯s children¡­where they tried using the bodily fluids of the dead giant after noticing that no matter how much they cut the corpse, it would still regenerate¡± Lawrence replied with a frown as they found beds where small skeletons are chained to it and a couple of skeletons laying on the floor.

    ¡°Sick bastards!¡± Luke muttered angrily but <mark>Vania</mark> felt off from his anger. It seems fake but she shuddered to see a close-up look of a skeleton as she accidentally gripped Luke¡¯s arm after tripping as he shouted in surprise.

    ¡°H-hey¡­.if you¡¯re scared¡­you can use my a-arm¡± Luke replied awkwardly as <mark>Catalinna</mark> tried her best to avoid laughing.

    ¡°They would inject the fluids to a woman to see what would happen..¡± Lawrence stopped talking as <mark>Catalinna</mark> opened a metal room to find it littered with skeletons as they entered it.

    ¡°What happens to them?¡± <mark>Vania</mark> asked

    ¡°She would usually explode to become a gruesome abomination¡±

    ¡°<mark>Ughh</mark>..¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> trembled in disgust as she burned the skeletons blocking the room in the far north of the room.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    ¡°Although there were times where a child would be born. They would either die a second later or become a hero of humanity¡± Lawrence explained

    ¡°You mean, the undying barbarian hero of the north is a result of this experiment?¡± Luke asked as Lawrence nodded.

    ¡°Why did they stop the experiment?¡± Luke asked once more as <mark>Catalinna</mark> opened the door to find a spiral staircase heading upstairs in the middle of a large dark empty room.

    ¡°The giant¡¯s corpse released a deadly toxin that killed everyone. In an attempt to hide it, the empire walled off the entrance and blocked any information for getting out. For that <mark>wyvern</mark>, it was about to be sacrificed by the third prince to gain more power since his affinity is dark magic¡± Lawrence informed as all of them walked through the staircase leading up to the surface as they passed rooms upon rooms of unknown knowledge being left behind.

    ¡°How do you know more information than the black syndicate?¡± Luke suspiciously asked as Lawrence shrugged

    ¡°I have my ways¡±

    After walking for half of an hour, <mark>Catalinna</mark> opened the trapdoor as dirt and soil rained on her after forcing it open. Once leaving the sewer through the secret room, Lawrence can finally see the moon and the stars lighting up the dark sky. The wind blowing across his felt liberating until it turned to chilly air as he felt something stirring in his stomach. He felt something breaking inside him as he immediately loses consciousness as everyone panicked

    ¡°W-what happened! B-boss?¡± <mark>Vania</mark> hurriedly checked Lawrence but there wasn¡¯t anything wrong with his body. It¡¯s as if he¡¯s sleeping while Luke opened his eyes and he peered inside his dream to only feel his body weakening as he immediately loses consciousness.

    Inside the darkroom, Lawrence found himself sitting on a metal throne as spears rained towards his shadowed enemy as they were skewered and pinned to the ground as their screams in pain and asking for forgiveness seems like music to his ears. He yawned as he looked bored out of his mind.

    ¡°What a lazy way of fighting¡± a teen appeared beside the throne with an amused smile as Luke looked around to find himself beside the throne

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re here¡± <mark>Ozial</mark> looked at Luke who is confused about what is happening.

    ¡°Luke?¡± Lawrence gazed at him

    ¡°You¡¯re not supposed to be here~¡± <mark>Ozial</mark> smiled as Luke finds himself waking up with his eyes darting around to find himself near the trapdoor.

    ¡°What happened?¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> asked

    ¡°Lawrence is currently talking to that teen¡± Luke replied as <mark>Catalinna</mark> gulped. Whatever that teen is doing, she doesn¡¯t have any way of stopping him as she can only wait for Lawrence to wake up.

    Inside the dream, Lawrence didn¡¯t speak anymore as <mark>Ozial</mark> looked amused at the slaughter happening in his eyes.

    ¡°Have you never doubted yourself?¡± <mark>Ozial</mark> asked

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Have you ever thought that you are merely a vessel, flowing along with the fate with no real will?¡± <mark>Ozial</mark> smiled as Lawrence didn¡¯t reply as his smile widened

    ¡°Someone merely using someone¡¯s body to do things that they were never able to achieve normally?¡±

    ¡°Get to the point¡± Lawrence angrily replied as <mark>Ozial</mark> chuckled.

    ¡°No need to be angry. Have you never wondered what happened to the soul of that body? Why you were even here and how?¡± Lawrence jolted as <mark>Ozial</mark> smiled widely

    ¡°Why am I the only one getting this treatment? I¡¯m the same as <mark>Catalinna</mark>¡±

    ¡°Oh, perhaps¡­perhaps not. You see, she¡¯s important to this world as the creator of the idea of this world.¡±

    ¡°Idea of this world?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not gonna get an answer from me. I¡¯m not your guide. I¡¯m here for entertainment.¡±

    ¡°So why are you even here?¡±

    ¡°You see¡­after an eon. I got bored so once I found some interesting people¡­ I can¡¯t help but wonder what entertainment your small group can bring. I must say, I wasn¡¯t disappointed. "

    ¡°So you are not the one who brought us here¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t know that¡± <mark>Ozial¡¯s</mark> mischievous smile appeared on his face as he glanced at thousands of warriors impaled to the floor with spears in their corpses.

    ¡°If you aren¡¯t gonna be helpful then release me from this dream¡±

    ¡°Oh, but I did help you. You wondered why the potion didn¡¯t activate inside the sewer but once you went outside, you felt its effects. It¡¯s because the moon goddess is gonna forcefully force out the potion that you drank.¡±

    ¡°She can do that?¡±

    ¡°Of course, she has an influence on your body.¡±

    ¡°No need for thanks. I just don¡¯t want for you to crumble to her control¡± he added as Lawrence is getting annoyed. It means that without <mark>Ozial¡¯s</mark> help, he would¡¯ve lost his mind and been controlled by the moon goddess and his hardships would be useless from stealing the ingredients. He gritted his teeth in anger as he slammed his fist on the armrest of the throne. <mark>Ozial</mark> smiled widely once noticing this before returning to his smiley expression

    ¡°Oh well, congratulations. You have gained gravity affinity¡± <mark>Ozial</mark> clapped his hands as Lawrence immediately woke up.

    ¡°Boss! Are you alright?¡± <mark>Vania</mark> asked worriedly

    ¡°I¡¯m fine¡± Lawrence sighed as the anger in his heart vanished. Realizing that being angry isn¡¯t helpful. He needs to test his body immediately as he glanced at Luke training with his dagger on a tree. Lawrence motioned his hands in front of him as Luke felt his body getting tugged forcefully as he looked behind him to find Lawrence stretching his palm forward as he is getting sucked towards his palm.

    ¡°This is quite amazing¡± Lawrence stopped pulling Luke towards him as he tried repelling himself in the air by pointing his palm on the ground. With a small amount of <mark>mana</mark>, he can boost himself up before landing. It was crude as it gets as he forcefully uses the <mark>mana</mark> to repel and attract since he needs to create a proper magic node to make it more efficient and easier to use. Because of the inefficiency of his use of <mark>mana</mark>, repelling and attracting objects and people is too slow that it would be merely a small annoyance to his enemies.

    ¡°My back is nearly broken and that is how you treat me? Experimenting with your new affinity?¡±

    ¡°How do you know about my new affinity?¡± Lawrence tilted his head as Luke pointed at <mark>Catalinna</mark> who is preparing for a campfire as she snapped finger before the wood practically disintegrated from the strong fire as <mark>Vania</mark> chuckled softly while creating a fire by smashing sharp edges of stones to create sparks before it inflamed the balled up dry leaves while she carefully put small woods to fuel the ever-growing fire.

    ¡°What?!¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> snapped angrily once she noticed Lawrence staring at her

    ¡°I figured she would do that, anyway. Where are we?¡± Lawrence looked around to find he was surrounded by trees with a simple mat where he was sleeping from as the night sky still remained, giving light to the nocturnal forest as the sound of creatures can be heard practically everywhere.

    ¡®God..i hope there aren¡¯t any bugs here. The fantasy world doesn¡¯t have any <mark>mosquitos</mark> right?¡¯ Lawrence sighed inwardly as he remembered his time on earth where he was nearly bitten off by mosquitoes during camping.

    ¡°We are currently in a forest heading to the southern part of the continent. I suggested we head to <mark>Sekai</mark> Kingdom as it is far enough from the <mark>Swordwin</mark> Empire and it is where the hub of the ocean travel since they control the legal routes where ships can pass. Besides, it is one of the kingdoms where the black syndicate¡¯s influence is weak.¡± Luke replied while staring at the wolf fang¡¯s dagger.

    ¡°It would take us months before we can reach the <mark>Sekai</mark> Kingdom. Hmm¡­We are currently in the northern part of the continent but if we head to the <mark>Sekai</mark> Kingdom it would be too late before we can head back to the wall of the north next year.¡± Lawrence pondered

    ¡°What do you mean? Isn¡¯t it protected by six-star warriors and mages?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t understand. Next year would be the descent of the heavenly generals of the demon king from the northern continent.¡±

    ¡°That isn¡¯t possible, only lesser demons and monsters can walk in the continent? Are you telling me the sacrifice of the heroes didn¡¯t seal the demon king completely?¡±

    ¡°Sadly enough, they didn¡¯t seal the demon king but merely injured that monster. The weapons used by the heroes created by the holy church only slowed the demon king¡¯s regeneration. Still, it would take years before he can leave his mansion.¡± Lawrence informed with a grim expression

    ¡°How do you know all of this?¡± Luke opened his eyes as everything lay bare under his sight as Lawrence chuckled.

    ¡°I have my ways¡± Luke closed his eyes before leaving Lawrence alone with his back facing Lawrence.

    ¡°If you are indeed an enemy, I wouldn¡¯t hesitate to kill you¡± Luke replied as Lawrence laughed softly

    ¡°You aren¡¯t the first one to tell me that. I know¡±

 CH 20

    ¡°What happened?¡± General Roger asked his legion of knights as they didn¡¯t dare look into his eyes. They failed to capture three-star criminals even though they were knights with the weakest of them being a high three-star warrior. It should¡¯ve been easy to capture those thieves but they didn¡¯t expect to lose any of their traces once they entered the sewer. No footsteps, <mark>mana</mark>, and aura residue, and there aren¡¯t any signs of battle or movement. It¡¯s as if they vanished in thin air.

    ¡°General, once we entered the sewers. Their trace is gone. I suspect someone helped them escape¡± one of the higher ranking knights in the legion replied with no shame in his voice.

    ¡°So you¡¯re blaming a non-existent man and not on your uselessness?¡± Roger glared at the knight who shuddered in fear.

    ¡°Search for them. Post their faces in every adventurer¡¯s board and every town we can. Make sure by this week, you all useless knights brought their heads to me or you will face punishment¡± Roger threatened the knights who in turn nodded immediately before leaving them as he entered his quarters. His anger warped his expression as he can¡¯t believe one of the sealed cursed artifacts was stolen. If the emperor finds out, his head would be put on the chopping block

    The reputation of the auction house is at stake as this is the first time where something is stolen and they weren¡¯t able to capture the thieves immediately. He can already hear his enemies whispering about his failure as his expression contorted in contempt and displeasure.

    ¡°Lawrence <mark>Von</mark> <mark>Aenir</mark>¡­the ¡®talented paragon¡¯ of the <mark>Aenir</mark> Family from the Kingdom of <mark>Rebia</mark>. The successor of the silver moon and the thief of the black market and auction house. This rat bastard¡­<mark>i¡¯l</mark> kill you..¡± Roger crumpled the paper before burning it.

    Meanwhile in the forest. Lawrence realized that creating new magic is a daunting task. For the creation of the magic node for an original spell. He needs to create patterns to make a specific command. Attraction is a process of creating a heavy gravity towards his palm and to create this gravity, he needs mass and force. That means he needs to make his <mark>mana</mark> as heavy as possible and spin it at fast speeds to create a sucking force. Luckily, he has the gravity attribute which means, his <mark>mana</mark> can create gravity without needing to do all of that. After thinking of patterns he needs to create, an hour has already passed and he barely made a progress.

    ¡®Why is magic too fucking hard?! If I just create <mark>mana</mark> full of gravity on my palm, it would create a black hole that would suck me in too while using all my <mark>mana</mark>. I can¡¯t also use minimal <mark>mana</mark> since it would be useless. There are almost a thousand patterns and i expected myself to create a new magic spell? You know what, fuck it!¡¯ Lawrence annoyed by the lack of progress created a magic node composed of patterns from a similar spell he saw which is the engulfing wind that attracts the enemy towards the sharp winds to cut them in pieces. After adding a pattern that uses his hand as a trigger and a pattern that connect his mind and <mark>mana</mark> heart to his palm to quicken the triggering of spell and <mark>mana</mark> efficiency, he decided to put <mark>mana</mark> marks on items and people he wanted to control with gravity. Meaning, to be able to attract his enemies towards him, he needs to touch them first and apply <mark>mana</mark> marks.

    He also based the repelling spell on a spell called warding wind which makes it that everything in a 10-meter radius, he automatically pushes anything away with the use of his <mark>mana</mark>. It¡¯s weaker than the spells where he based on but as long as he levels up his spells. It would allow him more freedom in using it. Meaning, he has to fight with only two weakened versions of wind magic spells. At least, he can fight and it¡¯s important since he can feel himself reaching third-star warrior, he only needs a single fight to get more internal aura.

    ¡°Did you really wake up this early?¡± Luke yawned while gazing down below as he slept on the branch of a tree. The sun is only rising and the chirping of the birds woke him up as he stretched his arms.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Lawrence replied as he opened the space ring as a multitude of weapons fall in the mat where he is sleeping. The clattering of metal woke up <mark>Vania</mark> who opened the tent where she and <mark>Catalinna</mark> were sleeping. She didn¡¯t put on the mask as she rubbed her eyes.

    ¡°Your mask <mark>Vania</mark>..¡± Lawrence reminded <mark>Vania</mark> who hurriedly put on the mask

    ¡°S-sorry boss.. i won¡¯t do that again¡± <mark>Vania</mark> bowed as Lawrence nodded with a smile.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Lawrence replied before staring at the steel weapons laying on the mat as he slowly mark each weapon with his <mark>mana</mark>. With the slow and careful movement of his hand, he slowly wrapped each weapon with his <mark>mana</mark>. Still, despite only using small amounts of <mark>mana</mark> and with the basic knowledge of <mark>mana</mark> applications Lawrence learned in the academy. It will corrode the steel and lose its mark the more it is used. This is why Lawrence treated each steel weapon he has like its ammunition. He has a total of 5 steel swords, 2 battle axes, 7 small daggers, and 3 steel spears.

    ¡°What are you doing <mark>bossman</mark>?¡± Luke chuckled before landing beside Lawrence with his eyes gleaming with interest.

    ¡°You don¡¯t even know these?¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> replied instead as Luke shakes his head

    ¡°Nope, we¡¯re trained only to kill and collect information. The most they can do for us is how to write and read.I mean i was trained mainly on killing¡± Luke shrugged

    ¡°I see¡­<mark>i¡¯m</mark> marking my weapons with <mark>mana</mark> so I can control it easier when fighting¡± Lawrence replied

    ¡°It¡¯s my weapon <mark>assshole</mark>. Give me the space ring. We practically escaped the empire. I¡¯m not gonna take your ¡®we have no time¡¯ bullshit¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> glared at Lawrence as he sighed.

    ¡°You already have a space bag. Let me use this instead¡±

    ¡°No, give it to me. I¡¯m not budging from my decision. My stuff is mine¡±

    ¡°Fine..¡± Lawrence takes off the space ring before throwing it towards <mark>Catalinna</mark> who grabbed it with her hands. <mark>Catalinna</mark> decided that taking the steel weapons that she doesn¡¯t need is fruitless. She left the two youths with Luke smiling awkwardly.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    ¡°I¡¯m surprised the both of you are still working together¡±

    ¡°Well, what can i say. Beggars can¡¯t be choosers¡± Lawrence shrugged as he focused on marking each weapon as Luke decided to help the girls in cooking and taking care of the camp.

    After two hours of a slow and painful monotonous task. Lawrence is finally finished marking each weapon with his gravity-infused <mark>mana</mark>. Take a minute to relax and eat the food <mark>Vania</mark> made since <mark>Catalinna</mark> can literally burn every food she makes. Luke has to force her to stop cooking after Lawrence chuckled, hurting her pride. Sitting across Lawrence, Catalina glared at him while biting the chunks of meat in the stew.

    ¡°Ma¡¯am <mark>Catalinna</mark>¡­do you want more?¡± <mark>Vania</mark> asked with the pot as <mark>Catalinna</mark> bit her lips and nodded.

    ¡°You¡¯re quite good at cooking <mark>Vania</mark>, your skills are comparable to the cooks at my family¡¯s house¡± Lawrence commented

    ¡°Thank you boss but I was just too used to living alone that i guess i can do household chores easily. It isn¡¯t worthy of your compliment¡± <mark>Vania</mark> replied

    ¡°Worthy or not, <mark>i¡¯m</mark> only telling the truth¡± Lawrence proceeded to eat the food before Luke hurriedly opened his eyes while looking around.

    ¡°Guys, we are currently surrounded by bandits¡± Luke said quietly as Lawrence nodded. He walked slowly back to the mat where steel weapons are laid as he controlled, one, two, three, and up to 10 small daggers as he can feel the threads of <mark>mana</mark> connected to his palm. With both repel and attraction spell working, he can move all daggers all-around a ten-meter radius as he tried speeding each dagger which resulted in daggers lining each other and moving like a metallic worm that can slash anything. He can also control 10 daggers with both of his hands as the daggers moved individually in different speeds and directions like they are controlled telepathically.

    ¡°Nice party trick boy¡± a gruff voice emerged behind the tree as a large man wielding an <mark>axe</mark> smiled at Lawrence savagely like a predator watching a defenseless prey.

    ¡°Boys! We might make a good sum of money! They even have a beauty and a¡­masked one¡± the man shouted before giving a flirtatious wink to <mark>Catalinna</mark> who immediately rushed forward with her fist ready for a beating. The fire swallowed her arm as it turned into the shape of a tiger¡¯s head. Surprised by this, the man winds up his <mark>axe</mark> covering it with a green <mark>qi</mark> as he strikes forward. Meeting both his <mark>axe</mark> and <mark>Catalinna¡¯s</mark> fist as the fire blew away from the man, repelling it with air but the flames created a continuous explosion which pushed <mark>Catalinna</mark> forward as her fist linked into the man¡¯s chest before covering it with fire. Creating a massive explosion. Killing the man instantly with his chest caved open and <mark>Catalinna</mark> bathed in blood before it¡¯s boiled from the sheer temperature of <mark>Catalinna¡¯s</mark> fire.

    Meanwhile, Luke decided to protect <mark>Vania</mark> as he is surrounded by the bandit in every direction he turned around to parry a sword slash before turning around once more to dodge the spear aiming at his chest while making sure that <mark>Vania</mark> is safe. A blue <mark>qi</mark> surrounded the dagger as it multiplied into four creating a mirage of daggers stabbing forward. Creating a multitude of holes from one bandit as he used the magic spell inside the dagger as it summoned a wolf¡¯s head and together with each mirage dagger summoning a wolf¡¯s head. Four wolf¡¯s heads emerged before swallowing four of the bandits whole as the sickening cracking of the bones resounded in Luke¡¯s ears. His <mark>qi</mark> allows everything from a simple attack to his dagger art movements to multiply. He can only multiple every attack of his to four but he wonders if he can improve it in the future.

    After getting sidelined by <mark>Catalinna</mark> fighting the boss of the bandits by herself. Lawrence fought the right and left hand of the boss as both men each wielding a saber moved in and attack Lawrence at the same time he has to block each strike with the line of daggers moving around him in a quick burst of speed. He¡¯s getting pressured by their continuous dance of attacks as he can¡¯t even attack back. Still, slowly and slowly. He is getting accustomed to the daggers as he can start to move each of them individually as he continuously jumps back with both of his palm moving at a fast pace as daggers danced and moved unpredictably. The battle turned around as he willed the daggers to move around and slowly surround both of the men as they parried and blocked the daggers. Because of the large explosion, one of the men tumbled as Lawrence slammed down his palm. The dagger flying on top of the man crashes below as his head was impaled with three daggers sticking from his skull.

    ¡°<mark>Bael</mark>!¡± one of them shouted as the men looked at his comrade with sadness and anger before daggers stabbed and pierced his back, chest, and stomach. Creating large gashes in his body as he glared at Lawrence with indignant before slumping on the floor.

    ¡°Ugh..disgusting¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> scorned as she wipes her clothes off from the blood. Lawrence glanced at <mark>Catalinna</mark> realizing that she didn¡¯t seem to be affected by killing a man for the first time. Lawrence felt that he wanted to be disgusted by his actions or be guilty by taking a life but his mind would always whisper that it was the right thing to do. He felt disgusted by himself but deep inside, he realized that he has no pity on the bandits they killed like monsters. He can hear <mark>Ozial¡¯s</mark> chuckle as he desperately erases what that mysterious teen told him.

    ¡°That¡¯s right¡­i have no time for this¡± he muttered as he desperately tried drowning out <mark>Ozial¡¯s</mark> chuckle resounding in the back of his mind.

    ¡°He¡¯s only misleading me for his own amusement¡± Lawrence told to himself as he saw <mark>Vania</mark> shuddering. Noticing this, <mark>Catalinna</mark> tried to calm her down but she jolted and inside the mask, <mark>Catalinna</mark> saw her eyes full of fear like she is looking at a monster.

    ¡°S-sorry ma¡¯am..I was just <mark>su-suprised</mark>.¡± <mark>Vania</mark> chuckled to hide her fear as <mark>Catalinna</mark> nodded with a forced smile before leaving. As her face contorted with sadness and pain.

    ¡°So <mark>umm</mark>¡­where should we go boss?¡± Luke asked with an awkward smile upon noticing the atmosphere. For him, killing is the same as bathing. A necessary part of his life.

    ¡°Let me talk to <mark>Catalinna</mark> after she has calmed down. For now, we should head to a nearby river to wash off the blood on our clothes.¡± Lawrence commanded as Luke nodded. Not a patch of blood can be seen in his clothes as Luke is too proficient in killing. Luke called for both <mark>Catalinna</mark> and <mark>Vania</mark> as the group headed to the river to wash up. It was an awkward walk.

    ¡°Sorry, <mark>Catalinna</mark>¡­it¡¯s just that I got surprised. Seeing a woman younger than me killing someone easily is quite a shocking experience¡± <mark>Vania</mark> takes off her mask to give a sincere smile towards <mark>Catalinna</mark> as both boys are in the back.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay..I can be quite aggressive but i just don¡¯t want anything happening to you and to everyone.¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> gave a gentle smile

    ¡°I think you¡¯re aggressive but it might be because of you being overprotective to anyone you cared about. It¡¯s quite womanly don¡¯t you think so?¡± <mark>Vania</mark> replied as <mark>Catalinna</mark> blushed slightly in embarrassment.

    ¡°I guess <mark>hehe</mark>¡± she chuckled as Lawrence glanced at the two girls speaking like they have been friends for years.

    ¡°I mean Ma¡¯am! i sometimes forget that you¡¯re a noble¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine¡­nobility is something stupid anyway. Besides, because of that <mark>Ozial</mark>. They would know that i protected and helped Luke and that unreliable asshole. I¡¯m technically not a noble anymore. Just call me <mark>Catallina</mark>¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t call my boss like that..¡± <mark>Vania</mark> sighed as <mark>Catalinna</mark> chuckled.

    ¡°What? I¡¯m just describing someone accurately. If you heard how we met, you would agree with my sentiments¡± she snickered as Lawrence can only sigh.

 CH 21

    Reaching the lake, everyone except for Luke decided to wash off their bloodied clothes. Lawrence is amazed how <mark>Catalinna¡¯s</mark> clothes stayed intact despite always creating fires around her arms. She is currently guarding <mark>Vania</mark> who is bathing in the far end of the lake where both Luke and Lawrence can¡¯t see her. That means, he can¡¯t get clean clothes since all of his extra clothes are in the space ring. After hanging his suit on a clean branch, he decided to head towards Luke who is currently training with his dagger.

    ¡°What level does your dagger art?¡± Lawrence asked

    ¡°Mastered but my dagger art is just a basic one given to assassins in the black syndicate. It only works when <mark>i¡¯m</mark> in the dark or hiding in a shadow. How about you?¡± Luke replied without taking his eyes off from his training as his fingers moved so quickly that the dagger becomes blurry.

    ¡°Adept. It was the spear art of <mark>Lucarius</mark>. I can¡¯t use it since the moon goddess would be able to influence me¡±

    ¡°Really? That¡¯s a shame then. What are we gonna do for the next month or so? Don¡¯t say we don¡¯t have a plan¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m deciding whether we head to a famous dungeon or discover a new one. I have to ask <mark>Catalinna</mark> first¡±

    ¡°Famous dungeon? Do you mean the abyss dungeon?¡±

    ¡°Yes¡±

    The abyss dungeon is a dungeon spanning a thousand kilometers underground. No one has reached the bottom of it but it is theorized to have a hundred floors. Since its discovery, with the help of the <mark>Swordwin</mark> empire decided to create a town surrounding the entrance of the dungeon to help adventurers in exploring, buying rations, relaxing, healing, and everything a hopeful adventurer needs. The death rate of the dungeon has lowered tremendously by the town as everyone is working together to discover its secrets. Five years ago, a group of S-class adventurers was able to find a mystical relic that sold for a million gold. This solidified its image as the land of opportunity where anyone can get rich as the town advertised its dungeon while minstrels and bards sing its praises of heroes that emerged from finding a relic in the deep dark dungeon. It was only briefly mentioned in the novel as Lawrence has no idea if it¡¯s worth it exploring that area but it¡¯s best to ask the author itself.

    ¡°I can find you an appropriate dagger art if you want. Your talent is getting wasted by such mediocre art¡± Lawrence commented as Luke glanced at him.

    ¡°Maybe you¡¯re right¡­<mark>i¡¯m</mark> not an assassin anymore.¡± Luke stopped training as he smiled to himself.

    ¡°I have someone to protect already¡± he added as Lawrence nodded.

    ¡°Whose protecting someone? I¡¯m planning to train-what the hell, Lawrence! Wear some clothes!¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> appeared beside them as she shouted at Lawrence upon noticing that he isn¡¯t wearing anything to cover his torso.

    ¡°I would if you didn¡¯t take my space ring. Give me the space ring and me and Luke will use it for storage and the space bag will be used by you. " Lawrence replied before releasing a tired sigh as <mark>Catalinna</mark> contemplated for a bit.

    ¡°Fine, take this but you owe me one alright?¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> handed Lawrence the space ring as Lawrence nodded, agreeing to her condition. After shaking the space ring, a white clean tunic emerged as Lawrence wore it immediately.

    ¡°So what do we do boss <mark>Catalinna</mark>?¡± Luke asked

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°He means if we head to the abyss dungeon or head to a three-headed serpent dungeon that is close by¡±

    ¡°Oh, abyss dungeon is clearly the best choice but I think it¡¯s too dangerous to head there since the empire will try to hunt us.¡±

    ¡°I know, <mark>i¡¯m</mark> just asking if what we get there is worth the risk or not¡±

    ¡°No, it isn¡¯t worth it. Let¡¯s just head to the small dungeon but one of us needs to guard <mark>Vania</mark>¡±

    ¡°Let me do it¡± Luke immediately volunteered

    ¡°Hell no, it would mean i will be guarding her while both of you head inside that dungeon. I¡¯m gonna let <mark>Vania</mark> create her <mark>mana</mark> heart and strengthen it. " <mark>Catalinna</mark> replied as <mark>Vania</mark> arrives wearing a mask as her wet hair runs down through her back.

    ¡°Yes, <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> be determined <mark>Catalinna</mark>. I would do anything to get stronger¡± she declared

    ¡°You¡¯ll be alright. No need to get too nervous¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> replied with a smile

    ¡°So what are we waiting for, we are heading to the three serpent dungeon. It should be around here¡±

    ¡°It should be over that lake¡± Lawrence pointed in front as they saw a couple of rocks stacked with each other just across the lake.

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s really convenient boss. I would¡¯ve thought that you are planning to head to that dungeon¡± Luke jested as Lawrence nodded, agreeing to what he said

    ¡°Yes, i plan to head there since there are a couple of things that would especially help you¡±

    ¡°Really? I guess you¡¯re quite a good boss¡± Luke chuckled

    ¡°Besides, i need some internal aura to unlock my third meridian¡±

    After traversing the river, <mark>Catalinna</mark> groaned as her dress is wet once again as she realized that she didn¡¯t need to follow them across the river. But it was too late to head back as she can only sigh in frustration before both Luke and Lawrence removed the rocks blocking the dungeon entrance. After a couple of minutes, a staircase leading down appeared as <mark>Catalinna</mark> nodded.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about us, i will make sure that you guys will hear the explosions¡± she smugly smiled as Lawrence nodded

    ¡°Good luck boss and Luke¡± <mark>Vania</mark> waved them goodbye as Luke jolted before heading downstairs followed by Lawrence. Once reaching the bottom, there are three doors leading to different areas. Each one has a serpent symbol with different colors and written below is agony, terror, and joy.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    ¡°This seems..ominous¡± Luke chuckled

    ¡°Let¡¯s head first to joy. It will have a hallucinogenic serpent capable of creating illusions, warping our senses and perceptions. But physically, the serpent is weak compared to normal third-star monsters.¡± Lawrence informed. This dungeon is accidentally discovered by Cain¡¯s godly luck before they went to the <mark>Swordwin</mark> Empire. The three serpents are boss-like enemies since each one is hard to fight without any preparations. The risk is worth the reward since each serpent guards an artifact. The serpent behind the joy door is guarding a dagger that creates a clone of the user that can attack but gets destroyed once absorbing any damage.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be heading to the terror door¡± Lawrence said as Luke looked confused

    ¡°We take each door by ourselves? I guess that would make sense since i won¡¯t be affected by illusions¡± Luke replied as Lawrence nodded

    ¡°Good luck¡± Luke added before opening the door and entering inside. Meanwhile, Lawrence shakes the space ring as one by one. Steel daggers fall to the floor before levitating. Once all ten daggers are floating around Lawrence, he entered the terror room.

    Inside, a heavy fog covered his sight as a shadow of a large serpent crawling around the ceiling and walls can be seen. It hissed at Lawrence with its red eyes glaring through the fog. The chilling wind hits his skin as he shuddered. The terror serpent will grow stronger the more feared it was. Meaning, if someone entered this room and got scared, the serpent will be faster, stronger, and more resistant to attacks.

    With the stretch of his arms, the steel daggers crash towards the serpent¡¯s head as it shrieks before moving its neck to avoid the daggers. Seeing that the serpent is only dodging the daggers means it isn¡¯t resistant to the attack. Like a heat-seeking missile, the daggers followed the serpent relentlessly but it retaliates using its tail to bash the daggers away. Lawrence lets the daggers separate as he tries to stab the serpent on different sides before the serpent hissed in pain.

    The serpent realizes that the man is the one controlling the daggers as it charged Lawrence. Quickly, Lawrence recalled back the daggers as he created a line of them like a spear before repelling it using the most <mark>mana</mark> he can to speed it up towards the serpent. The serpent tried moving away but it was too late, one dagger broke off from its tough scale, another wounded it, the third one penetrated the wound, and the rest pierced its head. Killing it instantly as all daggers are covered with blood. Almost a third of his  is gone from repelling all the daggers in that speed that two of the daggers aren¡¯t usable anymore. Walking past the carcass, he opened the small wooden chest to find a single earring with a red crystal hanging on it. Immediately, he attached it to his ear before leaving the room.

    ¡°What is that?¡± Luke asked while pointing at the earring. It seems that Luke is faster than him. It makes sense since Luke is stronger than Lawrence currently.

    ¡°Earring of terror, it allows me to cast the spell forceful terror and forceful fear. I can cast it each one 3 times a day that lasts up to 30 seconds.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡±

    ¡°Yes, i need the other pair to get the full effect of the earring. Anyways, we need to kill the agony serpent.¡± Lawrence started walking towards the door as Luke followed

    ¡°The agony serpent can multiply the pain we are feeling and it can summon chains that will hold us in place. Make sure to not get hit or injured and dodge the chains. " Lawrence informed as he slowly opened the door to see a serpent with its scales full of scars and dents. It looked injured but it shouldn¡¯t be underestimated. It has a weaker scale than the terror serpent but once someone gets injured. It¡¯s already game over.

    The serpent looked at both of them with unbound ferocity as it immediately charged towards them. It opened its jaws widely before trying to bite Luke who immediately summoned the wolf¡¯s head. Both the serpent and the wolf bite each other off as a chuck of the serpent was chewed but it didn¡¯t stop on trying to bite Luke while Lawrence repelled the daggers to strike the serpent¡¯s exposed wound but it didn¡¯t even shriek or affected by pain.

    It was relentless as Luke molded with the shadows as he vanished. Quickly, the serpent changed its target to attack Lawrence. With the insane speed of its tail, it was about to hit Lawrence in the head if it wasn¡¯t for Luke¡¯s intervention. Shoving Lawrence away, both of them were able to dodge the attack. Lawrence recalled all of the daggers as the serpent charged once again. The serpent doesn¡¯t feel any pain and it appears to have lost its mind even though Lawrence¡¯s daggers dug deeper in the serpent¡¯s wounds. It didn¡¯t seem to have noticed. This is gonna get worse the longer this lasted since he already made a mistake. Chains emerged from the ground splitting both Luke and Lawrence as the serpent targeted Lawrence once more.

    ¡°I¡¯ll repel the serpent away to give you time to kill it in one strike!¡± Lawrence shouted as the daggers falls to the ground. He readied himself as he didn¡¯t take his eyes off the serpent barreling his way. Once the serpent is 4 meters away from him, he released almost half of the remaining <mark>mana</mark> he had as the serpent crashed the wall. Taking this chance, Luke used the ring as he created an illusion. With the <mark>qi</mark> covering both daggers, the illusion and Luke lunged forward. Striking the serpent¡¯s head with daggers and mirages. Creating eight holes all over the serpent¡¯s head. The serpent jolted before falling limp to the ground.

    ¡°That was close¡± Luke chuckled as he felt that his aura is almost empty.

    ¡°Thank you for saving me¡± Lawrence replied as he slowly walked towards the wooden chest. He lifted it to find a small jagged knife with a red tint as he wielded it for a while.

    ¡°No problem boss, I¡¯m just doing my job. Besides, what is that knife?¡±

    ¡°Knife of agony. Once stabbed to someone, the pain will multiply and render the enemy into a wriggling mess in the ground. A perfect weapon for the both of us.¡±

    ¡°You can have it, boss. I already have a weapon for killing.¡± Luke gazed at his dagger with a proud smile.

    ¡°I see..oh well. This dungeon has a secret boss but we can¡¯t kill it yet.¡±

    ¡°Why? We can take a rest and fight it tomorrow¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a hydra. It will slaughter us¡± Lawrence replied calmly as Luke gulped audibly

    ¡°A hydra? Do you mean a 7-star beast capable of razing a kingdom into destruction in a day?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, someone needs to kill the remaining serpents to summoned the hydra back.¡±

    ¡°How many serpents do, in theory, to summon the hydra. Of course, i wouldn¡¯t do it but <mark>i¡¯m</mark> just curious¡± Lawrence gazed at Luke with suspicion before chuckling.

    ¡°You would need to kill all of the serpents together at the same time. The amount of serpents someone needs to kill is 9. These serpents we killed are merely 3-star beasts but to summon the hydra. Someone has to find a way to summon all of the serpents together as a sixth-star beast.¡±

    ¡°So don¡¯t worry¡±

    Leaving the dungeon, they found <mark>Vania</mark> sitting in a lotus position on the patch of grass, and beside her is <mark>Catalinna</mark> waiting at the entrance.

    ¡°What is she doing?¡± Luke asked

    ¡°She is about to reach 1-star mage. So don¡¯t distract her especially you Lawrence.¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> replied

    ¡°That was fast¡± Lawrence said with amazement

    ¡°Yeah, she¡¯s really amazing.¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> commented. Reaching from a normal person to a 1-star mage is especially hard and takes a long amount of time because the body needs to slowly accept the changes happening in an organ such as the heart. This just shows how terrifying <mark>Vania</mark> is and how strong she will be. After a minute, <mark>Vania¡¯s</mark> <mark>mana</mark> slowly accumulated around her as she smells delightful and sweet. Lawrence immediately jumps back while grabbing Luke who panicked.

    ¡°What the hell boss?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t come near her for a while. She needs to control her <mark>mana</mark> or else we will be charmed.¡± Lawrence explained

    Slowly, <mark>Vania¡¯s</mark> <mark>mana</mark> returned to her body as she breathes roughly from fatigue. She stands up unsteadily as <mark>Catalinna</mark> hurriedly helped her.

    ¡°Congratulations <mark>Vania</mark>, you¡¯re finally a mage¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> informed her as <mark>Vania</mark> nodded happily. She removed her mask to give a gentle and thankful smile to everyone as Lawrence realized that he isn¡¯t getting charmed anymore. Meaning that she can finally control her curse.

    ¡°<mark>Heheh</mark>~ i can finally take my mask off boss¡± she informed happily as Lawrence nodded with a smile on his face.

 CH 22

    In the black syndicate¡¯s base. Three cloaked figures can be seen bowing with their knees on the ground as the old man gazed outside through a window. Stroking his beard, he appears to be contemplating as he looked at his disciples.

    ¡°Forgive us, master. We failed the mission. No. 34 and No. 46 both died in an attempt to kill the target. No 27 helped the target escape and directly killed both No.34 and No.46 during the scuffle. He appears to be helping the successor at escaping the empire for reasons unknown while the daughter of the Ice Monarch also helped.¡±

    ¡°I see..it¡¯s a shame but what can this old man do. Anyways, make sure to kill No.27 as it will ruin our reputation. Take this¡± the old man calmly said before throwing a badge in front of the leader who in turn brought it to his face to inspect the item.

    ¡°It will trace where that traitor is, so make sure you won¡¯t fail this time. Also, I¡¯ll assign a combat slave for you to control during your mission¡±

    ¡°Combat slave?¡±

    ¡°The alchemist department has finished their prototype for enhancing potions. So they will use a slave to check if there are any complications during a battle.¡± the old man smiled wickedly as the leader gazed up before nodding. With the power of the combat slave that would never be exhausted and fights without fear. It¡¯s the perfect killing machine.

    Meanwhile, Leonard is in his castle eating dinner with his wife who looked terrible with her expression full of worry. Seeing this, Leonard grabs his wife¡¯s hands gently before smiling. The wife takes off her hand from him as she continued eating silently.

    ¡°Forgive me <mark>Sharina</mark>¡­There¡¯s nothing I can do¡±

    ¡°I know..¡±

    ¡°I know you miss your son..i miss him too but we must stay strong. My son wouldn¡¯t die that easily.¡± He tried easing her worries but she merely nodded slightly.

    ¡°Duke! Duke Leonard! You gotta see this¡± one of the knights hurriedly runs over to Leonard with a parchment with the face of Lawrence painted in it with a 100,000 gold bounty in his head. It¡¯s a wanted poster from the empire as Leonard sighed. Abruptly, the door opened as General <mark>Hermond</mark> with <mark>Loid</mark> behind him slowly walked over.

    ¡°Duke! Your general is here. I have heard of the news! It seems that Lawrence has become a wanted person in the empire. A lot of our allies will abandon us if you won¡¯t denounce your son in the public¡± the general bowed and spoke with worry and sorrow in his voice. Leonard gritted his teeth as the general shuddered. Leonard knows what his general is planning but he can¡¯t refuse. He gazed at his wife who seemed unbothered by all this as he sighed once again. He doesn¡¯t want to do this, since denouncing Lawrence is basically removing his son from his family.

    ¡°I know your sentiment Duke Leonard but the other families will try to use this opportunity to shame everything your family has done for the kingdom. It will lead us to a decline.¡±

    ¡°Fine..if that¡¯s what everyone wants and benefits us. I¡¯ll do it¡± Duke Leonard gave up as he glanced at his wife to see her leaving the room. The general smiled mischievously inwardly as his job become easier than he has dreamed. Now, <mark>Loid</mark> will be the next head of the <mark>Aenir</mark> family.

    ¡°Does that mean that I will be the next head?¡± <mark>Loid</mark> gushed excitedly as Leonard glared at him as the general sighed.

    ¡°Forgive this child. He has only recently recovered from his injuries. He isn¡¯t thinking straight¡± the general hurriedly tried to diffuse the hostile atmosphere

    ¡°No..it¡¯s alright but you better won¡¯t disappoint me. You might be the son of my brother but you are far from getting ready to become the next head¡± Leonard stands up before leaving the dining room.

    ¡°Dammit!¡± <mark>Loid</mark> cursed as he bits his lip in frustration

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, your future is finally assured. Just don¡¯t get in trouble and become stronger than before.¡± the general warned as <mark>Loid</mark> nodded while tightening his grip on his sword.

    The next day, the news scattered throughout the kingdom and everyone was shocked by the news. The citizen was starting to gossip that the son of their duke was a low-life thief who stole something from the empire. The reputation of the <mark>Aenir</mark> family is at an all-time low as the other nobility families are starting to get worried about allying with the <mark>Aenir</mark> Family. Since it might affect them too.

    The merchant guild and the adventures guild are keeping an eye on what is happening as some merchants started to leave the dukedom. Knights of the <mark>Aenir</mark> family are getting worried about what might happen next. That afternoon, Duke Leonard announce that they will be holding a feast to address the topic as the majority of the nobility including the royal family sends their envoy to attend the feast.

    During the feast, a lot of nobility is present to see what the Duke will do. As one of the pillars of the Kingdom of <mark>Rebia</mark>, having the heir who is wanted by the empire is a sign of disrespect and may cause a war. It is vital to respect the Empire as it controls the majority of the human continent. The <mark>Swordwin</mark> Empire might appear as the protector and hope of humanity but it also acts as a judge of humanity as most nobles have witnessed what happens if you disregard their authority. One of the kingdom¡¯s sixth-star warriors was prosecuted and executed by the empire while the kingdom did nothing.

    Upon seeing the Duke, everyone quieted down. The duke looked determined and heroic to some as he gazed at everyone.

    ¡°I know this must be surprising to all of you but believe me. I was surprised too. I didn¡¯t know my son would do something that horrible. Please forgive me for raising my son like that but after this feast. I will denounce my son from my family.¡± there were a few gasps in the crowd but it wasn¡¯t surprising to few.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

    ¡°Please, continue the feast¡± Leonard added before leaving the hall as everyone whispered with each other.

    ¡°Is it possible for the duke to not know what his son is doing prior to the crime?¡± one of the nobles asked

    ¡°I hope the empire would be satisfied with that¡± another one whispered.

    ¡°Such a shame, a talented paragon is gone like that.¡± the magistrate sighed

    ¡°It¡¯s the empire, we can¡¯t do anything about it¡± the first prince drinks the wine as he stared calmly at everyone. There aren¡¯t any emotions on his face as he keeps on sipping on wine like he has nothing to do about what is happening currently. He¡¯s bothered by any of this as the magistrate gazed at him. Nodding to himself that this is how the next king should act. Neutral and calm to all problems.

    ¡°I know but it¡¯s a small amount to pay for this peace¡± the magistrate shrugged

    ¡°I agree¡± the prince replied mindlessly before leaving the hall.

    In the forest, Lawrence is sitting cross-legged. Internal <mark>mana</mark> is circulating around his veins as he can feel his 3rd meridian opening up. It was like he was swimming in cold water as he shuddered for a while. Within a minute, the third meridian opened up as he felt his body improving with every fiber of his body tightening. His muscles grew denser and he can control the daggers more precisely. The daggers are circling around his body as he can finally use his control over gravity to lessen his own weight allowing him to move faster than before. He can also lessen the weight of everything he wants as he can control spears and swords with ease as if they¡¯re paper. Out of nowhere, he randomly gained enlightenment as he passes out once more. Oddly enough, he didn¡¯t fall to the ground.

    Inside a white room, he found himself wearing nothing but a white tunic and white pants. In the corner of his eyes, he saw a statue of a teen he knew. It was a statue of <mark>Ozial</mark> staring at him with his expression full of solemnity and anguish. In his right hand is carrying an orb while the other hand carries a sword. His robe is torn and dirtied while scars run through his arms. It was different from the <mark>Ozial</mark> he knows.

    ¡°I have given you the knowledge of removing the need to use the magic node.¡± a gentle voice rang inside his mind as he looked around to find no one. Suddenly, the surrounding cracks like a mirror as he immediately wakes up to find he is still sitting where he is. It was random but a welcomed enlightenment nonetheless. Finally, enlightenment, where he doesn¡¯t do anything horrible or something horrible that will happen to him.

    The knowledge given to him isn¡¯t powerful nor does it change how he will fight in the future but the knowledge seems to only give him a shortcut. It¡¯s like the world has pity on him as there doesn¡¯t exist any gravity <mark>spellbook</mark> in the human continent. The knowledge given to him is that he can avoid using the magic node by using his <mark>qi</mark> to cast the spells. Meaning instead of <mark>mana</mark>, he will exchange it to have more <mark>qi</mark>. He closed his eyes as he used his <mark>mana</mark> to create more <mark>qi</mark> instead of aura as he opened his eyes to find a blue glowing string covering his body. He cast repulsion and it worked as intended, the force is stronger and it is much faster than before.

    ¡°You have a weird <mark>qi</mark>¡± Luke said out of nowhere before jumping off from the tree he¡¯s hiding in.

    ¡°It isn¡¯t for attacking nor defending. That really is weird..it¡¯s my first time seeing a <mark>qi</mark> manifesting as a string¡± he added

    ¡°It¡¯s a <mark>qi</mark> created by my <mark>mana</mark>¡­it doesn¡¯t do anything except that i can create spells easier and cast it using this <mark>qi</mark>.¡± Lawrence explained as he stands up

    ¡°Well, congrats. Wanna spar?¡± Luke asked with a smile as Lawrence nodded.

    ¡°You better be careful since i won¡¯t hold back¡± he commented before merging into the shadows of trees. Lawrence didn¡¯t move as he looked around calmly. Luke used this chance as he appeared behind him with the dagger aimed at his back but before it can reach Lawrence, it stopped midair and he can feel an invisible force pushing him away. Daggers flew towards him as he jumped back but suddenly, he felt a forceful tug on his body as he felt his body moving towards Lawrence as daggers are moving in. He parried each dagger with perfect timing but a fast-moving spear nearly cuts his face as he moved his head sideways. Lawrence turned around before dashing forward at a speed unnatural for everyone to do as Luke can only see a blur before Lawrence¡¯s palm is touching his chest as Luke was repelled forcefully where he crashes to a nearby tree.

    ¡°Dammit, how the hell did you grow stronger?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s stop the spar for now¡± Lawrence calmly replied

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°If we spar seriously, we might injure each other. We are currently not safe in this forest¡±

    ¡°Fine..i knew you just want to show off your new powers¡± Luke replied as both of them return to the make-shift camp they created.

    There, two tents are erected as a small campfire is situated in the middle. The camp they created is near the river so they have can easily find drinkable water. Lawrence saw that <mark>Vania</mark> is strengthening her <mark>mana</mark> heart with the help of <mark>Catalinna</mark> by her side. He didn¡¯t expect <mark>Catalinna</mark> to be good at this as he can see the tremendous progress <mark>Vania</mark> achieved. She¡¯s already at a mid-1-star mage. He didn¡¯t know what knowledge <mark>Catalinna</mark> gained but he was curious. Still, he can¡¯t ask her since she would probably not answer.

    Their plan, for now, is to stay in this forest to recuperate and get stronger. Gather artifacts and slowly gather allies. Their goal is to help the north in defending against the heavenly generals. For now, all of them will head to a secret place where they can meet an ancient bronze dragon. The bronze dragon is situated at the surface of the mountain range near this forest. It wanders around the mountain pretending to be an old man using a cane with difficulty in walking. No one can see through his illusion as he will only give gifts if someone in the group has true sight and identify him or did a great service to him.

    In the novel, Cain met this old man while he is getting hunted by the golden knights of the Empire after killing a noble. He was given shelter and has been taken care of by the old man who also gave him a relic.

    The difference between an artifact and a relic is that the relic has a history or a myth. Meaning that once the artifact is used by a powerful and influential person, it will turn into a relic containing some power of the original owner. Such example is the moonlight break spear used by <mark>Lucarius</mark>, it can allow the owner to be stronger during the night, gain attacks that can be launched, and use moonlight spells created by the <mark>Lucarius</mark>. Also, relics can choose their wielder and stopped anyone from using it.

    The bronze dragon might give them relics but Lawrence isn¡¯t fond of that idea. He wants more <mark>mana</mark> since he felt his <mark>qi</mark> dwindling faster than just using his <mark>mana</mark> to cast spells. That fight with Luke took a third of all of his <mark>qi</mark> meaning that it was too much for him to handle a prolonged fight.

    What used would be an item if he can¡¯t use it properly for the lack of his <mark>mana</mark> unless it uses aura, he has no interest in it. Another thing about the bronze dragon is that Cain was the only one who met it so it might not be there now or it¡¯s just because of Cain¡¯s godly luck that the old man is there.

 CH 23

    Reaching the base of the mountain range, everyone started looking for an old man. Lawrence decided to climb the mountain while Luke stayed at the bottom of the mountain. <mark>Catalinna</mark> and <mark>Vania</mark> decided to circle around the mountain range hoping to find the dragon. They searched for hours but there wasn¡¯t even a single living thing in the mountain range. Lawrence decided to walk back only to see a wooden cabin in the forest. It has a single torch outside and there are crops planted in front of the cabin. It doesn¡¯t look odd in any way and it¡¯s quite homely. Lawrence decided to take a closer look as he found Luke looking around the cabin.

    ¡°Boss! This cabin is weird¡± Luke commented

    ¡°What do you mean¡±

    ¡°When I open my eyes, I can only see the darkness inside the cabin¡±

    ¡°I see¡­<mark>i¡¯ll</mark> try opening the door¡± Lawrence replied as he opened the wooden door. He saw an old man sitting in the rocking chair with his eyes closed. He seems unbothered by Lawrence opening the door as Lawrence doesn¡¯t know what to do. The old man is the same as what is described in the novel. Gray hair running to his shoulder wearing a white robe and having a long beard. Wrinkles covered the old man¡¯s face as his bony arms rested on the armrest.

    ¡°Let¡¯s leave for now since we don¡¯t know what will happen if we wake him up¡± Lawrence whispered as Luke nodded. Leaving the strange cabin, they head back to the bottom of the mountain where they found <mark>Catalinna</mark> and <mark>Vania</mark> readying the camp. It¡¯s already night as the stars sparkled in the dark sky. With the moon shining its light on the world.

    ¡°Did you find the old man?¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> asked

    ¡°Yes but he appears to be sleeping. He¡¯s resting inside a wooden cabin. He didn¡¯t respond when we opened the door but we decided to leave for now.¡± Lawrence replied

    ¡°You do know dragons don¡¯t need any rest right? Their body is completely made of <mark>mana</mark>¡±

    ¡°Your right little lady¡± before Lawrence can reply, an old man appeared in front of them as <mark>Catalinna</mark> yelled in surprise while Lawrence jolted. Luke wielded his dagger while <mark>Vania</mark> stared at the old man. Seeing if there is a hint of malice but she didn¡¯t see any emotions inside this old man¡¯s heart.

    ¡°No need to keep your guard up. I¡¯m just here to talk. I do get bored staying alone in the mountains and I can¡¯t exactly stay at any kingdoms since there¡¯s a lot of fanatic dragon slayers.¡±

    ¡°<mark>Dragonslayers</mark>?¡± <mark>Vania</mark> asked as the old man stared at her before smiling gently

    ¡°Someone hoping to kill a dragon and possessing their innate powers by either drinking our blood or eating our flesh¡±

    ¡°Do they actually succeed?¡± Luke asked

    ¡°Depends what type of dragon and how strong they are. If they tried hunting me then it would take the whole of humanity their best heroes to have a chance of killing me¡± the old man smiled but everyone except for Lawrence gulped in fear.

    ¡®What the hell? So do you mean even 7-star warriors and mages can¡¯t even fight a dragon alone? Shouldn¡¯t we run away now since if this dragon got pissed, we are so dead that even the plot armor that Cain has would be useless right? Calm down, the dragon seems to be accepting of humanity and if it wanted to kill us, we would be already gone¡¯

    The old man glanced at Lawrence with a nonchalant smile. Lawrence hopes that the dragon doesn¡¯t have any mind-reading capabilities but he doubts it.

    ¡°Interesting, two intruders¡­the prodigal son of the wolf king and the manifestation of the goddess of beauty¡± the old man muttered

    ¡°You¡­¡± Luke glared at the old man as Lawrence noticed that Luke¡¯s hands in shaking and gripping the dagger tightly that blood is dripping from his palm. He seems agitated

    ¡°<mark>Ohohoho</mark>¡­forgive me. I have the¡­tendency to gaze at someone¡¯s soul to see who they really are.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by manifestation of the goddess of beauty?¡± <mark>Vania</mark> asked

    ¡°Oh, you see. There was a goddess of beauty responsible for creating anything beautiful and giving love. There was a time when she was tired of her monotonous life and decided to descend to this plane. She was immediately attacked by primordial dragons and phoenixes and she was forced back to the realm of gods. The battle also sucked a portion of her power which created her own manifestation with a portion of her beauty and charm. You girl has the most portion of her power I have ever seen.¡±

    ¡°R-really?¡±

    ¡°Yes, <mark>i¡¯m</mark> even surprised that these boys haven¡¯t done anything to you¡± the old man chuckled as <mark>Vania</mark> gazed at both Lawrence and Luke. Luke didn¡¯t take his glare off from the old man but Lawrence just stared at the old man.

    ¡°Are you a primordial dragon?¡± Lawrence asked but the old man simply smiled and didn¡¯t reply.

    ¡°No wonder you are so confident against the heroes of humanity. Your soul isn¡¯t in this plane meaning you are <mark>unkillable</mark> unless a large amount of <mark>mana</mark> is absorbed by a dimensional mage to hop to your plane. Despite all of that, it would be still a disadvantageous fight against the humans.¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> commented as the old man¡¯s eyebrow twitched. Surely surprised by her vast knowledge

    ¡°I see..You¡¯re quite knowledgeable. Yes, in theory, that would be possible but the effort isn¡¯t justified for the benefit.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re underestimating the human¡¯s greediness¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> replied before shrugging

    ¡°I don¡¯t know..i guess the novelty of killing a dragon is important to you humans. Now, let¡¯s get to the point. What is your purpose for visiting me?¡±

    ¡°Um¡­¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> awkwardly looked at Lawrence as they know that they can¡¯t just ask for relics or artifacts. Even for her, that would be extremely embarrassing.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    The old man simply laughed before glancing at everyone.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright to be greedy. It¡¯s inside the heart of every living being. I see that all of you have the potential to shake this world. Positively or negatively. This can be considered as a small push¡± the old man chuckled before manifesting a sword. It¡¯s a slim sword with unparalleled sharpness in it. It shone dangerously as everyone held their guard up.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, this is the weapon <mark>i¡¯m</mark> worst at. Besides, I will be limiting myself to a four-star warrior. Just survive for 5 minutes and I¡¯ll give you gifts suited for your needs.¡± the old man stretched his right arm while wielding the sword.

    ¡°Head back <mark>Vania</mark>!¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> shouted but the old man is already beside her with his sword swinging towards her neck. There wasn¡¯t any emotion on the old man¡¯s face but Luke already made his way towards <mark>Vania</mark>. With his dagger, he parried the strike but the bones in his arms rattled from the force of the strike as he grabs <mark>Vania</mark> by the waist before jumping back.

    Metal spears and daggers flew towards the old man who easily cut each weapon one by one with relative ease. Lawrence knew that this fight would take every <mark>mana</mark> he has for all of them to survive. With all of his steel weapons destroyed except for the axes, the only weapon he has is the cursed wood spear. Since he can¡¯t use it, he has to rely on his gravity manipulation and the black material he has covering his arm.

    The old man charged towards Lawrence but he reduces his weight by lessening the gravity holding him to the ground as he dodged easily the sword aiming for his chest by jumping to the side.

    ¡°Quite a talented fellow. You will surely become a shining hero of humanity in the future¡± the old man replied casually as Luke and <mark>Catalinna</mark> charged towards him.

    ¡°How dare you touch <mark>Vania</mark>!¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> shouted before wrapping her arms in a fire. With a supersonic punch, the flame consumed the old man before exploding in a destructive fashion. Luke¡¯s face is covered with deathly calmness as his <mark>qi</mark> circled in his dagger. It created four daggers which summoned four paws of the <mark>Fenrir</mark> which slammed into the exploding fire. The ground shook violently and it created a <mark>shockwave</mark> pushing everyone away.

    ¡°A four-star beast would die or get a huge injury from that coordination of attack. That means, <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> be shortening the time to 4 minutes¡± the old man replied despite being crushed by the paws of <mark>Fenrir</mark> and consumed by continuously exploding flames.

    ¡°Is this even possible?¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> asked while wiping her sweat.

    ¡°We just have to pin him down¡± Lawrence replied as the old man slashed the paws into pieces while walking outside of the range of the flames. There isn¡¯t a sign of injury anywhere that he can find.

    Luke didn¡¯t speak and just charge once again. Lawrence noticed something odd about how Luke reacts after the old man told everyone that he is a prodigal son of the wolf king. Although it isn¡¯t his problem, he can¡¯t help but be curious.

    ¡°What the hell is he doing?! We just need to retreat and not fight that old man¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> gasped but Lawrence dashed forward, shaping the black material on his arms into a spear. Luke attempted to strike the old man but it was useless. The old man easily parried each strike with ease before kicking Luke away as he crashes to the ground. Lawrence followed up with a fast stab towards the eyes but the old man grabbed the spear with his free hand before stabbing Lawrence on the stomach only to realize the spear he is holding melted and created a black shield. Protecting Lawrence from the sword.

    ¡°Impressive, you have quite a good control over <mark>Shadowbane</mark>. Although it isn¡¯t awakened yet, it is still useful¡± the old man commented as the both of them heard a low growl. There, they saw a black wolf wielding a large sword on its mouth. Blue <mark>qi</mark> circled around its body as it pounced towards the old man. The old man simply blocked the sword but another wolf appeared behind him. As it uses its high agility to spin in the air before slamming the sword towards the old man¡¯s back. Crashing him to the ground.

    ¡°Beast materialization..¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> muttered as Lawrence nodded. Three wolves circled around the old man as it mercilessly pounced and slashed with terrifying speed and strength. One of the wolves is the result of Luke¡¯s <mark>qi</mark> while the other one is the clone from the artifact Luke got from the three serpent¡¯s dungeon.

    Beast materialization is a spell that all beast kin can use but it depends on how talented someone is if the spell is useful or simply detrimental. Such example is the <mark>wolfkin</mark> which turns into giant wolves, they lose the ability to wield weapons but they gain immense strength and speed that balances the negative effects of beast materialization.

    With a quick spinning slash, a large gash appeared in Luke¡¯s chest as the clone and the <mark>qi</mark> manifested wolf vanished into a cloud of smoke.

    ¡°Hmm..you¡¯re quite talented in the wolf swordsmanship. Only the elite forces of the <mark>beastkin</mark> empire can wield weapons while in beast materialization. It¡¯s such a shame-before the old man can continue, Luke charged once more despite the blood covering his black fur.

    ¡°Luke! S-stop!¡± <mark>Vania</mark> shouted but the old man buried the sword towards Luke¡¯s gash with a simple stab before kicking him away as the beast manifestation spell was removed. Leaving Luke on the ground, grasping his chest and breathing heavily.

    Lawrence immediately made his way towards Luke but was stopped by the old man that even with the black shield, he was pushed away with a strike. Removing his chance to rescue Luke. He knew that Luke will surely die if they don¡¯t heal him immediately. He gritted his teeth before shaking the space ring, revealing a black spear with blue vein-like lines running all over it. Before he can move, his hand is grabbed by <mark>Catalinna</mark>.

    ¡°Are you crazy?! You know the consequences right?¡±

    ¡°I know but <mark>i¡¯ll</mark> shoulder it.¡± Lawrence tried shaking off her grasp but he realized that he can¡¯t move his arms. He gazed at <mark>Vania</mark> to realize that he was charmed.

    ¡°Stand down for now boss¡± <mark>Vania</mark> commanded with a shy voice but Lawrence gritted his teeth, trying his best to remove her control over him but her magic was too strong than he expected.

    ¡°I knew your weakness is mental-based attacks¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> smugly commented before smashing her fist together, revealing a fiery cape behind her back. Flames circled around her arms as they changed from red to white flames. Before, when using the white flame. Her skin would burn and she would be in a state of pain.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I got this¡± she added before dashing towards the old man. The old man swings his weapon in front of him but she immediately stopped before the pattern in her arms lights up in a blinding light. With a simple punch, all of the flames converged in her fist before creating a small ball of condensed white flame and explosion. The old man knew that he can dodge it if he removes his limiter to reach a 5-star warrior but he decided against it. The small ball hits the old man in the chest as the force of the condensed explosion pushed him far from where he stands. Immediately, <mark>Catalinna</mark> grabbed Luke only to realize that the gash on his chest is fully healed.

    ¡°<mark>Ohohoho</mark>, your friendship is quite wonderful.¡± the old man commented besides <mark>Catalinna</mark> as she immediately tried attacking only to hit an invisible barrier.

    ¡°No need to continue. I only tested to see if any of you would abandon each other. To see if you¡¯re willing to sacrifice your allies for your own. If your greed is stronger than your camaraderie. Although everyone doesn¡¯t trust each other, all of you are still willing to save your friends with no hesitation. Peculiar¡­¡± the old man added

    ¡°Forgive me boy for antagonizing you¡± the old man apologized to Luke who in turn nodded.

    ¡®I guess we won with the power of friendship¡¯ Lawrence chuckled inwardly as he glanced at <mark>Vania</mark> who profusely apologized for charming him.

    ¡°<mark>I-im</mark> sorry boss. <mark>Catalinna</mark> told me that it¡¯s bad for you to use your moonlight powers¡± she apologized

    ¡°It¡¯s fine, I can be quite reckless. Thank you¡± Lawrence replied

    ¡°So, who wants to be the first to receive their gifts?¡± the old man chuckled as everyone¡¯s ear prick up.

 CH 24

    ¡°Now, what gifts would you like?¡± the old man asked with a gentle smile.

    ¡°Can you remove the mark of the moon goddess?¡± Lawrence asked since he didn¡¯t know if the dragon can remove it or not. Still, he wanted to take the chances. The old man stared silently at Lawrence, seeming to ponder before ultimately shaking his head.

    ¡°Forgive me but it¡¯s ultimately impossible for me. Only a god can remove the influence of another god. You should ask the king of the dragons but I doubt you would meet him.¡±

    ¡°The king of dragons?¡± Lawrence asked. He has never heard of the king of dragons in the novel. Whether he died before the convergence or a new character, Lawrence didn¡¯t know. ¡°He meant the first dragon in existence. His name is <mark>Hadeon</mark> the Destruction but currently, he¡¯s imprisoned in the sun god¡¯s thousand golden spear prison for killing seven gods.¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> replied as the old man raised his eyebrows before nodding pensively.

    ¡°She¡¯s right, since then. We dragons has lose divinity and started falling from the realm of gods to this plane.¡± the old man replied with no anger in his voice but sorrow.

    ¡°Still, it isn¡¯t impossible. I advise you to destroy multiple churches of the goddess of light and the sun god and he will reward you.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> asked with suspicion as the old man nodded. ¡°I¡¯m not lying young lady. I am merely guiding lost adventurers to their goals. I have no desire for destruction nor revenge.¡±

    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll believe you for now.¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> walked away as the old man chuckled.

    ¡°What a hard-headed lady, so boy. What gift do you want?¡± the old man asked again.

    ¡°I am severely lacking in <mark>mana</mark> since i convert it to <mark>qi</mark> to even fight properly¡±

    ¡°I see¡­your affinity is ill suited in this continent. There¡¯s almost no gravity based spell books here but in the land of the elves. You would find what you would need but I doubt you will cross the ocean. Take this,¡± the old man grabbed a blue cube out of nowhere before handing it to Lawrence who gazed at it. Wondering what it does.

    ¡°It can absorb <mark>mana</mark> from its surrounding to fuel your own and you can charge it with your own <mark>mana</mark> to have an extra storage when you need to fight. " The old man explained as Lawrence can see it glowing while absorbing <mark>mana</mark> the old man exerts by simply standing there.

    ¡°Just smear your blood in the cube to bound it to yourself.¡± Without hesitating, Lawrence grabbed the broken shards from the ground before slashing his palm as blood dripped on the cube. It absorbed the blood before a red insignia of chains appeared on the cube. He can estimate the <mark>mana</mark> in the cube currently has. Once it¡¯s full, it has the same amount of <mark>mana</mark> that he has in his <mark>mana</mark> heart. Meaning if he converts all of his <mark>mana</mark> including the <mark>mana</mark> in the cube, he can fight for 20 minutes straight while using every gravity based spells he has. From repulsion, attract, lighten, and manipulation of weapons nonstop. The only thing missing is a spear and he can be a deadly foe to fight against. He glanced at Luke to find the old man handing him a book with its cover weathered and ripped. Meanwhile, <mark>Catalinna</mark> received a ring but he can¡¯t recognize what it is. A huge smile appeared on her face before heading deeper in the forest. He also saw <mark>Vania</mark> holding a red whip as both of the girls talked and laughed as <mark>Vania</mark> followed <mark>Catalinna</mark>.

    <mark>Vania</mark> is already holding her signature weapon in the novel, a whip that can turn anything hit with it in a crazed frenzy and absolute obsession over her. Although it wouldn¡¯t affect the Cain, since that man had no emotions to start with. It also wouldn¡¯t affect anyone with a higher star than the user.

    ¡°I would¡¯ve had thought that you would leave once you have received my gifts¡± the old man appeared beside Lawrence.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have anywhere to go. We¡¯re planning on heading back in the north next year to defend the walls from the demon king¡¯s general but we are being hunted by the <mark>Swordwin</mark> Empire.¡±

    ¡°I see, you can always stay here but just remember that i wouldn¡¯t provide any protection¡±

    ¡°I know¡± Lawrence simply replied. A dragon might provide gifts and boons but a dragon will not fight unprovoked. One thing about dragons is that they despise trickery and deception. They can detect lies and destroy any illusion cast upon them. If Lawrence attempted to lure the knights towards the old man or the house. The old man will despise him and the knights, killing everyone in the vicinity and moving once more.

    ¡°Do you know who <mark>Ozial</mark> is?¡± Lawrence asked out of nowhere as unparalleled anger bursts out from the old man as Lawrence¡¯s body hurts just from the immense killing intent. Realizing what the old man did, he removed the killing intent immediately upon noticing that Lawrence is having a hard time breathing.

    ¡°Forgive me, it¡¯s just a long time since i heard his name. I advise you to stay away from him. He is nothing but an abomination that brings despair and death¡± the old man suddenly vanishes as Lawrence wondered what happened between them.

    In a following week, <mark>Catalinna</mark> focused most of her time guiding <mark>Vania</mark> on reaching two star mage while Luke continued to practice the new dagger art he received from the old man. It has only three techniques that he already know but every time he reaches the next stage. He found his body moving faster and nimbler than before. His dagger strikes occasionally vanishes, appearing to have <mark>teleported</mark> together with his arm to deal a critical strike in the weakness of monsters he hunted. He has reached intermediate stage in a week, allowing him to strike enemies in vital parts without relying on stealth. Combined with his <mark>qi</mark>, he can take out a man while hitting every vital spot with ease. The three technique is <mark>teleporting</mark> strike, fan of knives, and heart shot. Luke glanced to find where Lawrence is since he want to spar with someone. He can¡¯t spar with <mark>Catalinna</mark> since either she blows him up or he strikes her. Besides, once <mark>Catalinna</mark> covers herself with that weird white fire, Luke can¡¯t approach her.

    Finding Lawrence, Luke immediately runs up to him. ¡°Boss, wanna spar? I gained a few techniques i like to try¡±

    ¡°Sure, i just finish creating a new spell. This would be beneficial for me¡± Standing just far enough from each other. Luke readied himself as he immediately vanished and appeared beside Lawrence with his dagger moving towards Lawrence¡¯s face. Lawrence was able to dodge but the dagger grazed him as a wound appeared on his cheek, Luke relentlessly used the second technique which created five knives before sending them towards Lawrence. With a simple gesture, both the knives and Luke were pushed back a few meters as he felt like he was punched in the gut but his flexibility helped stick his landing. A single dagger is circling around Lawrence as he cast lighten on himself and the dagger. In a quick burst of speed, he appeared behind Luke with his fist bubbling with <mark>qi</mark>. It grew heavier the closer it was to Luke. Feeling the danger from the fist aiming at his back, he tried to dodge but he felt an immense weight bearing on his body the closer the fist to him.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    He is getting locked in place from the sheer gravity of Lawrence¡¯s fist. Activating the first technique, he <mark>teleported</mark> behind Lawrence before jumping back. The fist slams in the air as he felt his body getting sucked towards the fist but its pull is weaker than before. With a loud boom, the ground shook violently before he found himself floating as if there isn¡¯t any gravity. Only to find Lawrence¡¯s fist barreling towards him once again. He knew that if he gets hit with that, his body would explode in a thousand bits from the sheer heaviness and gravity coming from it that contorts the area around the fist. Like a black hole contorting the space. He opened his eyes to dodge it but he can¡¯t move since he was stuck in the air floating. He can use the third technique but it might kill Lawrence.

    Luckily, the immense gravity and weight of Lawrence¡¯s fist are gone and a soft thump followed as Lawrence hits Luke with a soft punch.

    ¡°Impressive, if you intended to take my life, i would receive a heavy injury before getting punctured by the knives.¡±

    ¡°I guess so boss, what was with those punches. I thought you would kill me¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the new spells I created. Whirl and removal¡±

    ¡°Whirl and removal?¡±

    ¡°I want to keep my spells in one word, beside the names isn¡¯t important. The first one which is whirl creates a whirling gravity around my fist and the closer it is to the target, the heavier it becomes and the stronger the pull. While the second one, removal. It removes the gravity in a certain radius and absorbs it towards my fist. Allowing my enemies to float before slamming them with my fist.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s insanely strong¡± Luke commented

    ¡°Though it drains my <mark>mana</mark>, I can use it every minute with the use of the <mark>mana</mark> cube.¡± ¡°Wanna fight me next?¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> asked with a friendly smile as Luke shakes his head. The only way to fight against <mark>Catalinna</mark> is by using the advantage of range but even that becomes useless once she started throwing fireballs. Although she¡¯s slower than Lawrence using quicken, her fire can spread in large areas that dodging her attack would be difficult. ¡°I just fought¡± Lawrence simply replied

    ¡°If you¡¯re chickening out, it¡¯s fine. No need for excuses¡± she smirks

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t say that to boss,¡± <mark>Vania</mark> said shyly as <mark>Catalinna</mark> chuckled

    ¡°Come on, <mark>i¡¯m</mark> the strongest in this group. You can also call me boss from now on¡± she boasted

    ¡°Why would i call my friend, a boss?¡± she tilted her head as <mark>Catalinna</mark> chuckled

    ¡°I guess it¡¯s better to be friends¡± she shrugged with a smile

    ¡°All of us besides <mark>Vania</mark> are low three-star right?¡±

    ¡°Yes, boss¡± <mark>Vania</mark> replied

    ¡°What is your plan during the attack on the northern wall?¡± Lawrence asked <mark>Catalinna</mark> whose smile vanish.

    ¡°I want us to kill the sixth-star demon general. <mark>Worax</mark> the destroyer¡± She quietly said as Luke¡¯s closed eyes opened briefly in surprise while Lawrence sighed. <mark>Vania</mark> remained confused.

    ¡°It¡¯s impossible¡± Lawrence replied as <mark>Catalinna</mark> bit her lips. She knew that but she also knew that <mark>Worax</mark> was the one who killed her mother. That general is a frost troll infused with the blood of giants. It¡¯s immune to ice and capable of feats of strength no one has seen before. In the novel, after killing the fire demon general, she was ambushed by <mark>Worax</mark>. Where she died and her head was put on <mark>Worax¡¯s</mark> shoulder as a sign of force and pride.

    ¡°Not only does that giant use ice magic, but he will also be revived three times and each revival strengthens him. He also has tough skin and muscles stronger than steel. I doubt we would be able to wound him. Your fire might work but a single punch from that giant would crush your body.¡±

    ¡°So what do you propose huh?! I can¡¯t leave my mother to die!?¡±

    ¡°We need a plan. We need a poison that can eat through metal and steel. The Basilisk¡¯s Poison. It¡¯s what we need to weaken <mark>Worax</mark>. Still with that, a single strike from that demon, and we¡¯re dead.¡±

    ¡°We can use the curse of wither to sap away <mark>Worax¡¯s</mark> stamina and strength¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> replied as Lawrence nodded.

    ¡°Indeed..but a flower that produces that curse only exists in the central continent. Also, the basilisk poison is something no auction would sell since it¡¯s one of the ingredients for the elixir.¡±

    ¡°Dammit! What are we supposed to do then?!¡±

    ¡°We have to head to the kingdom port of this continent¡± Lawrence smiled

    ¡°Huh? Why boss?¡±

    ¡°Since the influence of the black syndicate is weak there, we can create an organization that will do the dirty deed¡± Lawrence smiled

    ¡°D-dirty deed?¡± <mark>Vania</mark> blushed

    ¡°He means assassinating, stealing, and extortion,¡± Luke explained

    ¡°Except for Luke, all of us have no experience in assassinating¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> pointed out as Lawrence nodded ¡°I know but did you forget how i stole two treasures from the auction and in the black market. Besides, <mark>i¡¯m</mark> planning on creating medicine for the red rot and <mark>maleosis</mark>.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure that there isn¡¯t any medicine for those sicknesses, boss¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve read some scrolls regarding those two sicknesses. There are such valuable scrolls laying around our family library. The dragon also imparted some of his knowledge in alchemy and brewing¡± He said both half-truths since there are indeed writings and research in the library but it lacks the information regarding the cure while a dragon did give his knowledge about alchemy but not to Lawrence but to <mark>Cale</mark>.

    In the novel, while healing the injured <mark>Cale</mark>. The dragon used herbs and healing plants to hasten the recovery. The dragon explained each plant and poison he used to heal <mark>Cale</mark>. With this knowledge and the talented green sage, the cure was created. Giving a massive wealth to the main character. <mark>Catalinna</mark> stared at him but she didn¡¯t say anything. <mark>Vania</mark> didn¡¯t seem to spot anything as she already lowered her guard around them with no hint of suspicion on her heart. Luke shrugged.

    ¡°Still, that kingdom is in the south while we are in the central part of the continent, boss¡±

    ¡°Besides, how are we even gonna reach there. By the time we returned, the northern wall is already destroyed¡± <mark>Catalinna</mark> angrily voiced out

    ¡°Calm down, i managed to convince the dragon. He will teleport us to the outskirts of the kingdom. Besides, here is the mask that we will be using to hide our faces.¡± Lawrence started handing white masks with different insignia and markings. For Luke, half of the mask is black while for <mark>Catalinna</mark>, a flame red insignia runs through one side of the mask. <mark>Vania</mark> has a pink rose etched on the side of the mask while Lawrence¡¯s mask is colored gray with a white spinning circle on the top. All of them looked at Lawrence confused about how he got this mask. Once Luke put it on, it stuck on his face before vanishing as if Luke didn¡¯t even put anything on his face. He tapped his face a few times to feel that there is indeed a mask on his face. It wasn¡¯t hard to see and isn¡¯t uncomfortable like the one he used before. ¡°How did you get this boss?¡± he asked

    ¡°It¡¯s my parting gift to all of you. I hope this would help in your future travel¡± the old man appeared beside him as Luke¡¯s mood worsened. A quiet clicking of his tongue emerged but the old man chuckled

    ¡°Young man, it¡¯s my advice to forgive and forget sometimes. The only one getting affected by your anger is yourself¡± Luke didn¡¯t respond but the old man didn¡¯t continue. Lawrence took notice of this but it didn¡¯t show on his face

    ¡®Luke¡­prodigal son¡­wolf king¡­revenge¡­trained in the black syndicate ever since he was a child..how? There seems to be a story here that Luke doesn¡¯t want to divulge.¡¯

    ¡°There seems to be a couple of enemies surrounding us¡± the old man revealed the assassins hiding in the bushes and trees as a low growl can be heard.

    ¡°Great Mage, we are not here to offend you. Our business is with these people. We are seeking revenge¡± the assassin in the front said, his killing intent rising in the sky. Eyes burning with rage.