《Demon God》


 Chapter 1: Birth

    [Desire has been born!]


    [Desire has the protection of -]


    What? I think I heard a voice inside of my head but I can''t identify the voice. Am I awake? I can''t move my body. It seems like only my consciousness have taken shape.


    "What''s happening?"


    I don''t know where I am and who I am. Even if I try to open my eyes, it just feels like I have done the action but I still can''t see.


    I can also move my arms though it just feels like I''m doing it.


    Thump.


    What?


    What is this? I can feel a beat. It almost feels like its drumming to form music.


    The sound is very gentle for me; it''s like beating just for me... Is this my heart?


    After realizing that the source of the sound was my heart, I lost consciousness.


    ****


    Ba-dum. Badum.


    It''s loud. It looks like I''ve been woken up by the beating of this sound. Hmmm? I can move my arms. I kind of feel small. Am I a small creature?


    Oh, it looks like I can also open my eyes. Wait?! What the hell is that?!


    The moment I opened my eyes, I saw a scary face. It looks like a big spider but the upper half of its body was a human.


    Was it a monster? If it is a monster, it''s fine. It looks super scary though.


    My consciousness once again fades...


    ****


    [Dungeon 00 is being attacked.]


    What? Someone spoke to me. It feels like the voice that I heard the first time but it sounds different...? Is it not the same voice?


    Gurururu.


    What? I can hear another sound but it is not the beating. What is it? Eh?


    My vision is getting blurry...Am I shaking?


    Ow! Something hits my head and my vision goes blank. With that, my self-awareness goes with it.


    ****


    [Desire has lived for 1 month!]


    [Desire will gain body control skill!]


    Desire was in a deep sleep and was once again woken up by a mysterious voice. Normally, when one gets woken up suddenly they''ll lash out or get angry over it. That didn''t happen however.


    "What''s body control skill?"


    Desire was currently busy investigating this body control skill that he gained while he was sleeping.


    "If I think about it, isn''t it giving me my control? Why is it a skill? Is it that hard to move your body?"


    He didn''t know what it was like to move his body before but he tried doing it now as he gained the skill. Surprisingly, he could move.


    "Whaa! It seemed like a difficult task before but I really can move now. Wait, why is it so dark?"


    He let out a happy sound when found that he could move now but his happiness didn''t last. He found himself unable to see even though he could feel that he opened his eyes.


    "It''s not that I can''t open my eyes... so is it dark?"


    [Desire has gained light skill!]


    [Light skill is an active skill. Mana will be represented by numbers.]


    [Mana: Cannot be calculated]


    "What? I thought the voice was a person so it was just the announcer of the system."


    System.


    System is something that is given to anyone. It is engraved on everyone''s mind and anyone could utilize it. It is said that System was given by a God to overcome past difficulties.


    "Still, my mana can''t be calculated? What does that mean?"


    Mana.


    Mana is something that everyone has but not everyone could use it. One must have a talent and natural born gifts to use it.


    "Anyways...Light."


    In the blink of an eye, something appeared in Desire''s hand. It was a small light that can''t light anything. Still, he felt grateful at the fact that he gained it right now. He immediately put his hand in front.


    "What...? Rocks?"


    In front of him, the only thing he could see was rocks. Even if he moved his hands to search for other places, rocks seemed to be the only thing in here.


    ''Well, damn.'' This is the only thing Desire could think of right now.


    "Anyways, I''m small aren''t I?"


    Desire''s body is definitely small. His body and face is exactly what you''d expect from a newborn baby. He had gray hair and piercing blue eyes. If one saw this scene, they will probably get scared rather than worry about this baby walking on his two legs.


    "This is a problem isn''t it...How will I survive?"


    I''m trapped here. It looks like the rocks are firmly shut and I don''t think even air can go in...


    Desire was just born but it seems like he was born under an unlucky star. How could he not think that? He is just a baby with no way to get out of here and now it looks like he''ll die here before he gets to do anything.


    And then, it suddenly happened when he was in a state of despair and he felt that he was the unluckiest guy alive. He heard the voice of the system in his mind.


    [Desire was given the excavator skill!]


    [Excavator Skill: No explanation.]


    "What? What does excavator do?"


    He immediately questioned the excavator skill. He didn''t know what it means. It''s already a crazy thing that he knows a lot of things as a baby but it''s out of this world to expect that he knows all things.


    Wait... if I heard it right, I was given...? What is that supposed to be? Am I cursed or something?


    He sighed. It looks like his life will be hard if it keeps going on like this.


    "Anyways, time to test it out. Excavate."


    The rocks suddenly shook and a hole opened up! It was such a mysterious event but Desire wasn''t happy. After all, the hole was even smaller than him.


    "How is this supposed to help?"


    He decided to just use the excavator skill continuously. Time passed but surprisingly, Desire wasn''t hungry. In fact, he felt even more energetic!


    "I finally made a hole big enough for me to cross over!"


    [Excavator skill leveled up!]


    [Excavator will rank up from G to F]


    "Woah, so I can level up skills."


    He used the body control to move his legs that shouldn''t be able to move at his age and passed through the hole. When he went through it, there was a path.


    "What is this?"


    The path was small. It was perfect for the size of Desire. He walked towards it while holding the Light skill. After some walking, he was able to see its end.


    It was a space filled with darkness and he felt that it was small too but it was perfect for Desire. It fit his size. He moved as he stretched his hand. He tried to see something but still, the light skill was so small that it didn''t let him see past his hand.


    Bang!


    "What was that?"


    He fell down after colliding with something. He stood back up and held his hand in front to ascertain what it was.


    And there he saw, an altar. It had dignity and divinity coming out from it. It''s just that...


    "The altar is as small as me..."


    Looking around the altar with the light skill applied on his hand, Desire was thinking about it.


    "Why would an altar of this size be created? Is there a God of smallness?"


    If you think about the circumstances, it is definitely weird to be able to find something like an altar. On top of it, this place is a godforsaken one. Isn''t it weird?


    "An altar of my size..."


    An altar of the size of a small child that sprung up in his path, no matter how you think about it, it''s too suspicious.


    As Desire was investigating the altar, he came across upon something hard. It was protruding from the altar.


    "What''s this?"


    He questioned but of course, no answer came. He pushed the object that was hard then he heard the voice of the system.


    [Desire gained the skill Summon Familiar!]


    [Summon Familiar skill.]


    - Skill use: This skill lets the user call on familiars. As the proficiency of the user rises, the stronger the familiar will be.


    - Skill rank: G


    "Eh? Summoning familiar?"


    All of a sudden, he learned a new skill. Desire couldn''t quite understand his situation. He thought hard about it but it really makes no sense.


    It makes no sense however he doesn''t have the time to think about it.


    Dududu.


    The pillars that supported the space crumbled down and rocks fall from above. Although Desire couldn''t see it clearly due to the darkness, he could still feel it. In a sense, he is a genius.


    "Crap, I gotta go!"


    He said in a hurry and turned around only to fall.


    Bam!


    "Ah, I forgot I am a baby!"


    Genius...


    "What do I do?!"


    In such situation, he did whatever he could. He stood up and tried to use his body control skill but it was to no use. He tried using his excavator but it only created holes with twice the size as of before.


    In a pinch, he tried using his new skill, Summoning familiar.


    "A-ah, Summon!"


    He shouted out with everything that he can.


    As he said that, the light skill applied to his hand was broken. He couldn''t see if he did summon a familiar but he could feel it.


    A being has appeared in front of him but it didn''t move.


    As the cave-like space continued to crumble, the being that was supposed to be Desire''s familiar didn''t move a single spot.


    However Desire knew that it was protecting him in that way. As if the noise and commotion from before was a joke, he couldn''t hear it anymore. He reached out but he felt something hard.


    He didn''t have his light skill on so it was dark.


    He knew that the hard thing was something that the familiar used to protect him.


    And as he breathed a sigh of relief, he felt sleepy. A voice was talking to him within his mind.


    [Summon Familiar has put a burden on Desire''s body.]


    [Life force is dropping.]


    As the voice affirmed what was happening in his body, he fell asleep in the cold, hard floor.


    -------------------------------------------------------


    New skills


    -Light skill


    -Excavator skill


    -Summon Familiar skill

 Chapter 2: Status

    Desire opened his eyes slowly.


    As he took in what was on his surroundings, he stood up.


    "Wow!"


    That was the first word he let out after waking up again.


    "This place is...pretty."


    He was standing in an open land and his surroundings was full of flowers and grass. If one looks further, trees can be seen and the singing of the birds can be heard.


    For Desire who gained his first consciousness on a desolate place, this place with its simplicity is just the best place for him.


    He looked up at the sky and covered his eyes with his hand.


    "The sky too is pretty."


    He looked at them with his sparkling blue eyes. His expression is as if he gained a new toy though if you consider his age, it fits too well.


    "Something''s...missing."


    As he looked on the beautiful land, he felt like there''s something missing in it.


    "What could it be?"


    He asked himself, wondering while wandering.


    "Ah!"


    As he walked on through the grass land, he suddenly remembered something.


    "Where is the summoned familiar?"


    He looked through his surroundings but he couldn''t find a shadow let alone a body.


    "I think I heard the system before I-? W-what?!"


    As he was talking, something suddenly appeared in front of him, no, it is more correct to say that something appeared within his mind.


    [Status]


    [Name: Desire]


    [Race: Human]


    [Age: 1 month old]


    [Rank: Cannot be identified]


    [Title: None]


    [Divine Protection: Cannot be identified]


    [Attributes]


    -Life force: 50


    -Mana: Cannot be calculated


    -Strength: 50


    -Speed: 50


    -Intelligence: 50


    -Energy: 50


    [Active skills]


    -Light skill: G


    -Excavator skill: F


    -Summon Familiar skill: G


    [Passive skills]


    -Night Vision: G


    -Life Force Regeneration: G


    -Body control skill: No rank


    [Super Skills]


    -None


    "Wow, so this is the Status. Still, I wonder why it popped out."


    He looked through his status page with amazement and his face immediately hardened though it looked cute as he was but a baby.


    "My race is a human?! What the hell?!"


    He noticed the race section and there it was stated that he was a human.


    "Why the hell am I a human? I''m pretty sure I''m a monster! I also saw a monster before!"


    As he said, he saw a monster for a moment before while he couldn''t control his body.


    "What the hell! Are my parents a monster and a human?"


    He sighed. He tried to calm down as he let the air flow in and out of his body.


    "If my parents are a monster and a human then I guess it''s fine but damn. I just had to take the genes of a human."


    He wanted to complain all day long but he knew that it''s no use. The system recognized him as a human. There is no denying it. As he reluctantly accepted it with a broken heart, he continued on.


    This time, his face was of shock. It''s quite amazing that he went through an angry face to a shocked one.


    "I have a divine protection? What''s more is that it cannot be identified by the system..."


    Ridiculous, that''s what Desire thought. According to his general knowledge, system is known to all, humans and monsters alike. The Gods were the one who created the system. There is no way the system couldn''t recognize one.


    He closed his eyes and rubbed it. He opened it again just to close it one more time.


    "I-it really doesn''t have a name... What kind of a God is he?"


    His face clearly shows his amazement. If a God cannot be identified by the system, which means it is a God with a status above of the one who created it.


    Desire didn''t know who created the system though.


    He clapped his hands to form the figure of a praying person.


    "Dear God, please bestow me skills, one more time as you did with the excavator."


    Desire said that with eyes full of sincerity and the corners of his mouth was lowering as if to make a pleading face.


    "..."


    "Dear God, please bestow me skills."


    ...He repeated it with the same tone and same face.


    As he gained the body control skill, he produced tears-like fluid to flow down from his eyes. He held his hands tightly and made a crying face.


    "Dear God, please bestow me skills!"


    He changed his tone, his face and said it with conviction. Still, nothing came.


    As if his crying face was nothing but a fake, it was immediately replaced with an expressionless face as if to indicate that he give up.


    "I can''t fool a God after all..."


    He said that while holding his arms up high in the sky. After realizing that nothing''s happening, he sat down.


    Desire sighed.


    "Anyways, let''s get on with it..."


    He put on a bitter smile on his face as he read the rest of his status page.


    "My mana still can''t be calculated."


    "Oh! My basic attributes are all the same."


    "Woah, I also have Passive Skills!"


    He spent time checking his details as the status page was literally information about him. He couldn''t be careless about it when he mostly doesn''t know anything about himself.


    "Ah! That''s right! I passed out when I used summon familiar skill. Is it because my body couldn''t take it?"


    Desire made an exclamation about the events from yesterday. He remembered passing out after hearing something like his skill put a burden on him.


    He realized what that means so his face paled. His eyes were wide open and his jaws were hanging.


    "D-does that mean I can''t use it...? H-how am I supposed to live as a baby then?!"


    Desire''s situation was a bad one if not the worst. He was a baby and he couldn''t possibly wander around in the forest. Even before, he was saved because he had summoned a familiar. Without that, Without doubt he would probably have died back then.


    "I-isn''t it that after a trial, you get stronger?! Yup! That''s definitely it! I''ll summon another familiar!"


    He put his hand out in front and he readied himself, both mentally and physically.


    "It''s fine! I won''t pass out! You can do this, Desire!"


    "Summon!"


    Black fog was crawling out from the ground and it swirled furiously. The black fog was covering the entire area and it soon coagulated on a single spot.


    As the darkness subsides, a form can be seen within. A tall man wearing a robe and a hood over his face emerged from the darkness.


    His skin, other than the skin on his face, couldn''t be seen at all. On top of that, his face was pale as white.


    The tall man looked down on Desire and spoke in a light tone.


    "You called?"


    However Desire wasn''t paying attention to him. He was currently looking at his stats.


    Stats are vague numbers imprinted on his mind where he can see if his attributes have run out such as life force, mana and energy. The other attributes is placed on his body so it doesn''t run out however.


    As Desire was currently ignoring him, the tall man decided to just wait.


    After a few seconds, Desire shouted out.


    "I didn''t pass out!! Eh! Are you my familiar?!"


    Finally noticing him, Desire asked a peculiar question. The tall man answered him as if he was irritated.


    "Haaah. You are the one who summoned me."


    "Ah! Hm! Hm!"


    Realizing that the man in front of him was his summoned familiar, he closed his eyes and let out a cough while straightening his posture.


    "You are... the familiar?"


    "Indeed. So, what made you call me again?"


    "Again? Are you the same familiar?"


    The tall man nodded and gave a comment about his summoner.


    "It looks like your life force has stabilized by itself."


    "Y-yeah anyways thanks for yesterday."


    The tall man didn''t answer. Instead he tilted his head as if to question why would he give thanks to him.


    Desire, noticed that the man didn''t understand, spoke to clear misunderstandings.


    "You saved me so you deserve thanks."


    "You are a weird one though the fact that you are a baby capable of summoning is already out of this world."


    "Anyways why is it that I used life force to summon you? Isn''t it mana is the element used to use skills?"


    The tall man stopped for a moment and then spoke with a fed up tone.


    "You probably don''t have mana yet. I mean, a baby who already manifested mana...Think about the world for a minute would you."


    "I see. Well I guess being able to talk and walk with my body like this is... Anyways, how long can you stay?"


    "Hmmm, about time I guess."


    This time, the one who tilted his head is Desire. Out of curiosity, he asked.


    "What do you mean by that?"


    "I''ll be going now, farewell!"


    "Eh?"


    The black fog which disappeared from the emerging of the tall man has appeared once again and soon, it went out by the passing of the wind.


    "Ehhhhhhhh?"


    Desire, left alone in this beautiful land with no way to defend and eat, shouted out.


    "Have some pity on me will you!"


    ****


    The sun was setting and it gave off an orange light. Desire was looking on that light and a noise from his stomach disturbed him.


    "I''m hungry..."


    As if to support his statement, his stomach made a noise once more.


    "How am I going to eat now¡­"


    Desire grimaced from remembering what happened in the afternoon. He sighed.


    "Why is it that my mana can''t be calculated..."


    He was in despair after knowing that he had to use his life force every time he summons a familiar. Indeed, if only Desire can use his mana perhaps he would be able to make his familiar stay much longer than with his life force.


    Desire collapsed on the ground with his face down. Surprisingly, he didn''t even get a single scratch.


    "Haaaah. Am I going to die after all?"


    After some time, he fell asleep. Even if he is conscious of himself and had a general understanding on things, his body is still a baby. There''s no way he could stay awake all day. He even overdid himself with the summoning.


    It is not strange for him to get tired easily.


    And while he was sleeping, a shadow descended on his harmless body. The shadow was bizarre. It had six arms and the head couldn''t be described.


    The shadow spoke with a feminine tone.


    "Fufufu, I''ll eat this guy up!"

 Chapter 3: Village

    Smooch.


    "Smoo...ch?"


    Smooch.


    Desire who was sleeping soundly until now was suddenly disturbed from the loud noise of smooching.


    He tried to stand as he opened his eyes but he felt something heavy...


    He directed his field of view towards the place where he felt the weight and there, he found something placed on top of him.


    As he was but a baby, it was placed on top of him mostly.


    "Uwaah!!"


    After finding the cause of the weight, he was shocked cause...


    "A monster!"


    He said that with a tone full of expectations, not one of fear.


    Smooch.


    However the monster didn''t move as it continued to smooch him. After some time it let out a noise of "Hmm~!" and turned its head to Desire.


    It was still dark so he couldn''t see it entirely but as the moon decided to help him out, he saw the monster''s form.


    The monster had a beautiful face with red lips; her skin was white and transparent. She had some branches sticking out from her back, a total of seven branches.


    With her verdant hair touching her waist and her eyes, which had the same color as her hair, that was laminated by the light of the moon, she was quite a sight.


    "Um, why are you smoching me...?"


    "W-why are you still alive?!"


    Realizing that her victim was still alive, she was shocked. She didn''t seem to mind that Desire was a talking baby though.


    "Ah were you attacking me?"


    Desire understood the question but really, he couldn''t bring himself to be scared or hate the action done to him. For him, it was but a harmless prank as it didn''t seem to bring any real harm.


    "Y-yes, your mana was so delicious that I didn''t notice you."


    "Eh? Mana?!"


    "Y-yes!"


    Without minding the girl''s flustered voice, Desire immediately went to check his status page. There, he could see the state of his mana but...


    -Mana: 1/1


    Was all he saw.


    He became dejected from the fact that he only had one mana. As if noticing something went wrong, the monster girl spoke up.


    "Um...Your mana was delicious!"


    Clearly, she doesn''t know how to console someone.


    Desire heard what she said and sighed.


    "Since when have you been sucking up my mana?"


    "Since afternoon."


    "Eh?"


    The two tilted their heads at the same time. Silence descended down and the one who broke it was Desire.


    "Afternoon? I only have one mana though...? And wait, my mana is delicious? Do mana even has a taste?"


    "That''s impossible, I thought you had a high amount of mana so I decided to dig in then I found out yours was heaven''s taste! Normally, one would die from having their mana sucked out by a Suckus..."


    "Woah, are you a Suckus?!"


    Suckus.


    Suckus is a monster originating from the succubus who had a child with a Dryad. Normally, a child wouldn''t be born between two women but as the parents of the race of Suckus was both highly capable individuals, Suckus was born.


    "Y-yeah! My name is Lyra! Sorry for sucking your mana. I thought a bad human had come here again."


    Lyra seems to be the type to become easily flustered. With her facial features, she could only look beautiful while being bashful.


    "A bad human? What do you mean?"


    "Well, the forest was under attack by the humans days ago. I thought that you were one of them so I..."


    "There''s no way a baby could attack a forest, is there?"


    "Oh...you''re right."


    She really doesn''t seem to mind that he''s a baby.


    "Anyways, I am Desire. It''s nice meeting you Lyra."


    "Yes. Um, can I have some more...?"


    "Ah yes, please do."


    Lyra immediately pounced on Desire''s body as if she was a starving beast.


    While having his mana sucked out, Desire was thinking.


    ''Having a monster nearby is the most relaxing feeling...''


    With that, he spent his night together with Lyra.


    ****


    "Are you sure about this Lyra?"


    "Yes, as thanks for letting me suck your mana I''ll bring you to my village!"


    Desire thought for a moment before answering.


    ''Well, I don''t have a place to stay and it would be hard for me to live alone. What with my 1 mana. Haah''


    "Alright, thanks!"


    Lyra picked Desire up, bringing him close to her face. While thinking ''I''m sure the people in my village will enjoy! Fufufu'', she headed towards a nearby tree.


    She placed her back against it and then a magical thing happened.


    Her branches that stuck to her back were merging with the tree bringing her along with Desire into it!


    "Woah! What happened to your branches?"


    "The tree is the entrance to the village and the branches serve as the key. With this we''ll be going in a bit. Hold tight, Desire!"


    Desire, as instructed, held tight. A sight of a beautiful girl with a baby is probably a sight to die for, more so if the beautiful woman is butt naked...


    Soon after, the tree enveloped them whole and the surroundings passed by so fast that Desire felt the need to vomit.


    Lyra didn''t feel such a thing as she was used to this ''transportation'' however.


    After some time, the scenery calmed down and it changed to a place full with huge trees. The trees had different colors in their leaves such as green, pink, yellow, red.


    It''s as if the seasons of the world were in one place.


    Desire, who was the first human to have seen such scenery, was amazed.


    "I-is this your home Lyra?"


    "Nopee~ we still have to walk to the center where the village is."


    "I see. Bring me down, I can walk"


    "No. I''ll carry you, okay?"


    While feeling shy, Desire reluctantly gave up on the idea of walking on his own.


    On the other hand, Lyra was happy with her carrying Desire, her food pack.


    After walking some time, they finally reached the village of Lyra.


    Contrary to the flashy surroundings, the village itself was plain. It didn''t have the feel of the forest but one could see how lively it was judging from the moving silhouette.


    "Won''t you let me down now?"


    Desire asked, feeling shy of being seen by people while carried by a girl.


    "Not yet, we''ll be meeting my mother!"


    Lyra suddenly jumped up, not giving Desire a chance to ask her about anything.


    The tree that was full of colors extended their branches out to form stairs on the air.


    Lyra jumped over it easily as she had the experience necessary to make a smooth travel.


    Soon, she reached the end of the path and found herself in front of a door.


    She put her hand in front and a green light glowed from the door. The green light dimmed as the door opened.


    Desire was on the verge of vomiting from the hugging of Lyra and the jump.


    As if not to give Desire a rest, Lyra immediately went in and said.


    "Mother, I have come back!"


    Afterwards, a green light appeared from within the room and from it, a woman appeared. She looked just as young as Lyra and they even looked similar.


    "Just where do you think you have gone to?! Do you understand that the outside is a dangerous place?!"


    They didn''t have the same temperament, it seems.


    Lyra offered her objection.


    "It was safe! There were no bad humans and I even found a good one!"


    She said that while pushing forward Desire like a toy.


    Desire, as he was naked, was letting out everything.


    "N-noooo!!"


    He is a shy guy.


    "A baby¡­? What''s more is that it''s talking?! What have you brought here, you daughter of mine!?"


    The woman, the mother of Lyra and the village head of the village, Liya shouted out.


    Noticing late that Desire was a shy guy despite being a baby, Lyra procured some clothes to hide his thing. As she was putting up clothes on Desire, Desire spoke.


    "Ah, hello I am Desire. Your daughter tried to eat me so she brought me here as a way of making apology."


    "E-eat you?! My daughter has become such a barbarian?!"


    "N-no! Mother! I sucked his mana out but¡­"


    Liya noticed that something was wrong, put on a serious expression and asked.


    "But?"


    "He somehow didn''t run out of mana and for some reason, it was deliciously good!"


    As Lyra said that, she had a face befitting of her ancestor.


    "Delicious?! What the heck are you talking about?!"


    Liya was close to losing a screw on her head. She tried to smack Lyra with the staff that she was holding but she was stopped by Desire.


    "Um, why don''t you taste some then?"


    Desire said while holding his tiny hand out.


    The moment Desire said that, Liya felt something pump on her chest. She started to feel hot as her face reddened.


    Well, of course she would react that way because¡­


    "Wow! Desire, you proposed to mother!"


    Lyra shouted out.


    It seems like Desire had to learn a bit more before doing anything stupid while staying here.

 Chapter 4: Fire

    Desire awoke to the room that he was sleeping in. It was a simple room decorated with wooden door, wooden walls and wooden roof¡­ basically a wooden room.


    "Yawn~"


    As Desire was letting out a yawn of relief, he remembered what happened yesterday.


    He was brought to the village of the Suckus and there he met Liya, the mother of Lyra. Although she was much older than Lyra, she looked just as young and beautiful as her daughter.


    Due to his not knowing the tradition of the Suckus, which is that if one offers up mana to suck on to a Suckus, he suddenly proposed to Liya.


    There were a lot of problems regarding that tradition but it did happen so it was a trouble.


    Desire tried hard to explain that he was but a baby so he couldn''t get engaged to a woman at his age but¡­


    "It''s fine! A Suckus lives more years than a human so mother will be able to wait for you."


    Said Lyra.


    That''s not the issue here, is it? Was the first thought that Desire had on her statement.


    And so, while he was reluctant to accept this turn of events, he was engaged to Liya.


    What''s more troublesome is that¡­


    "What? Hahaha! Congrats, Liya!


    "Have a happy wedding, you two!"


    "When''s the wedding anyways?"


    The people in the village accepted the engagement so easily. Even though he was but a child, what he had as a response was


    "Wait, isn''t that a child?"


    "Does it matter to us if he is?"


    "Guess you''re right!"


    ¡­the laughter of the people as they talked about how it didn''t matter if he is.


    Desire sighed.


    "Why did that happen?"


    "Hmm."


    While he was contemplating about what happened yesterday, he heard a noise from his right side.


    The body of a woman was shown as she turned around to hug Desire.


    This is probably something to die for most men but definitely not for Desire.


    "At this rate, I''ll just become a member of their village isn''t it?"


    Although he didn''t mind becoming one because he liked monsters, if it meant that it would bring to a halt for his growth then that changes things. If his growth was stopped, that would mean his future as well.


    After all, he is but a weak child who only has one mana.


    One mana that doesn''t seem to run out no matter how much Lyra, a Suckus, sucks.


    That doesn''t mean it''s bad to stay a few years here to grow up but¡­


    "I''ll become attached to them that I won''t be able to leave."


    Indeed. The problem was Desire''s own feelings. He knows how easily attached he is to a monster. What a loving child he was.


    That is why he set a goal for today.


    That is to sort out the loose ends that had happened yesterday.


    "I will tell them about how I want to go out!"


    He will tell them.


    ****


    On a place where the trees of various colors were abundant, there was a meeting taking place.


    Ten women were sitting across each other with the roots of the trees as their chairs.


    They had beautiful appearances from body to face. They also had various colors when talking about their hairs.


    The woman who was leading the meeting was Liya. She spoke.


    "That child was delicious."


    She said that with a vicious smile spread all over her face.


    "W-was it that delicious? I heard he was heaven itself!"


    One of the women asked.


    The other women got their interest pique, expecting an incredible answer.


    "It was. He was incomparably delicious to any other child. I wish I could have more!"


    Liya spoke with saliva flowing out of her mouth. One could indeed say that she was from a race originating from a succubus.


    "I wish I can have a taste of his mana too! I wonder if he will let me?"


    "If he did let other women have a taste, we wouldn''t be having this meeting."


    "Indeed, just hearing it from someone who tasted it is already as good as a human''s food!"


    The women here were talking about their newfound taste of mana of Desire.


    As his mana was truly delicious, it wouldn''t be weird for them to lock him up and have him serve as a food stock.


    "Ah! If I am to compare it to¡­"


    The women continued their discussion. After some time, the meeting ended and each of them went their own ways.


    Liya, the one who looked over the meeting, was walking by herself.


    It happened when she was about to jump to the stairway made of the vibrant trees.


    "Liya, may I have a moment?"


    She was suddenly stopped by a voice. The voice had an adult-like tone contrary to the owner''s young body.


    Liya spoke.


    "Yes. What is it?"


    "It''s about our marriage. You see, I can''t stay in here for a long time."


    Liya spoke immediately in a carefree tone.


    "Oh it''s fine. Suckus'' women usually have children with males from other races so we don''t really mind it. "


    She shrugged her shoulders and she continued with stars sparkling in her eyes.


    "What''s more important is your mana! Can''t you just stay here to let us eat it?!"


    Desire sighed inside his mind.


    In truth, he already expected this. Judging from the reaction of Lyra and Liya, he guessed that the usual taste of mana is bad.


    When Desire asked why they have to eat mana, Lyra answered as thus.


    "Mana is essential to us Suckus. As we are a race born from a Succubus and a Dryad, we are, if you simplify it, life forms that are weak. That''s the reason why we can''t stop eating mana."


    From the response of Lyra, Desire tilted his head.


    "Don''t you have mana? I mean, you can use magic."


    "That''s different. We have our own mana, that''s correct, but the mana that we eat from another is one that helps us restore our life force."


    With that explanation, he concluded that he will be wanted and needed in any village of Suckus.


    Desire answered Liya''s question with a hardened expression. Liya couldn''t read his facial expression though.


    "I can let you eat it but I can''t stay here for long. I''m grateful that you are willing to let me stay but I want to meet more monsters!"


    He would be satisfied with his life in the village but the reason of his growth being stopped¡­That was a lie, of course. Desire thought.


    He knew that he wanted to meet more monsters. He wanted to learn more about them. He wanted to get to know each of their individuals. His passion as a monster lover, despite being human, was as hot as the blazing sun.


    At that moment, various calculations were being calculated in Liya''s mind.


    ''W-what do I do!''


    ''How do I make him stay?''


    ''Is he leaving now?!''


    When she finished, she arrived at the answer of "I have to ask him if he''s leaving now!"


    "S-so are you leaving now?"


    "No. I''m thinking of leaving after some time."


    "I-I see. That''s good then."


    Desire thought that Liya was acting strange.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "Well, I have to thank you somehow for staying with us."


    "Ah it''s fine since you''re letting me live here as a baby."


    Liya thought that was wrong since she and her village will be eating his mana. Even if the action seems easy, the burden of having lost some mana is huge, especially so if it is a child.


    "I insist! How about I teach you some magic? Times are dangerous in the forest as some humans are burning it so I will teach you water magic!"


    Desire widened his eyes. Teaching someone magic is definitely something one wouldn''t do just because there''s some money in it. Magic is a way of life for some, a passion for many.


    And Liya was saying that she''ll teach him magic just because he''ll let them eat his mana¡­ Even for Desire who only had monsters on his mind, this was too shocking of an event.


    "Okay! Please do!"


    He said with a slightly higher tone than usual.


    "Okay then, we''ll do it tomorrow. Let''s have breakfast first."


    At the mention of breakfast, Desire was sure that he saw some smile that had hidden intentions behind it on Liya''s face.


    Deciding not to think about it, he followed after Liya''s footsteps.


    ****


    "Get the barrels!"


    "Go go!"


    "We''re done here!"


    The sun was still up in the sky as numerous men were bringing barrels of something in the forest.


    The man who was overlooking such an operation had a plump belly and his neck couldn''t be seen from the fat.


    "Sir Tell!"


    A loud voice rung out from the surroundings and the fat man, Ted Tell, moved his entire body just to face the man.


    "What is it?"


    "We have finished our preparations."


    "Good! Good!"


    Tell gave out a compliment for his subordinate that has done his work magnificently. He soon looked over the forest and said with drool slipping out of his mouth.


    "With this, I will be able to have as many of them as I want!"


    As he said that with a voice full of lust, the man who reported to him was disgusted to the end of his bones. He thought that many men were far more deserving of his position.


    ''All this work just to satisfy your tiny little thing¡­''


    Indeed. All of this was being done at the words of Tell who wanted a night with a Suckus. All of the work was being done with that in mind and many people had discontent about it but they couldn''t voice it out.


    As Ted Tell was a baron from their nation, they could only suck on their thumbs.


    As the man changed his field of view, the barrels of water¡­no, oil was seen. It was thrown to the ground. The barrels lined up in a horizontal line and they numbered many. It wouldn''t be strange to say that this is a waste of resources.


    "Lit the fire!"


    Despite his inner thoughts, he still did his job diligently and he watched the forest burn brighter than the sun.

 Chapter 5: Water

    Desire was sitting on the ground while looking up with an aloof expression.


    He was thinking about the magic session that he will take part.


    As his teacher wasn''t here yet, he spent the time trying to solve his problem.


    The problem that he was thinking about was the fact that he had one mana. He called his status page as to ascertain it once more.


    [Status]


    [Name: Desire]


    [Race: Human]


    [Age: 1 month old]


    [Rank: Cannot be identified]


    [Title: None]


    [Divine protection: Cannot be identified]


    [Attributes]


    -Life Force: 60


    -Mana: 1


    -Strength: 55


    -Speed: 55


    -Intelligence: 60


    -Energy: 55


    [Active skills]


    -Light skill: G


    -Excavator skill: F


    -Summon Familiar skill: G


    [Passive skills]


    -Night vision: G


    -Life Force Regeneration: G


    -Body control skill: No rank


    [Super skills]


    -None


    He mulled over the details of his status. He still only had one mana. As a person (baby) who will be undergoing a training session of magic, that amount of mana is just too little.


    Well, it seems that his other attributes have increased but it still doesn''t amount to much. The only thing that could be called as his real skill is the Summon Familiar skill that uses his life force to maintain the familiar.


    "Haaah."


    Really, Desire''s life was full of troubles, even though he should have none of it at his age.


    "Desire!"


    A voice called out to him from a far while he was contemplating. The voice had a tone that any man would want to listen to.


    He looked at the caller and spoke.


    "Lyra, why are you here?"


    "I''m the one teaching you. You know that you can''t go straight into advanced magic right? So, instead of mother I will be teaching you the basics first."


    Desire found that reasoning reasonable so he nodded his head but there''s something that caught his attention. He asked,


    "By the way, do your people not wear clothes¡­? I''ve been here for at least a week now but it seems to me that you don''t wear one?"


    Indeed, everyone in the village didn''t wear clothes. Even Lyra didn''t have something on her when they first met. So he was curious about it.


    "What''s this? Are you perhaps¡­?"


    Lyra responded with a mischievous smile but Desire didn''t seem to understand.


    "What is it?"


    Lyra sighed, thinking that Desire was too oblivious for that topic. After all, the only reason Desire asked is because he was interested in the way of life of Suckus.


    "It''s nothing¡­ I''ll teach you the basic water magic: water."


    As Lyra said that, she held out her hand in front and water began spouting out from her palm. Water was flowing out calmly until it ran out.


    Desire''s reaction in his mind was¡­"That''s the basics of the basic isn''t it?!"


    Of course, he couldn''t show it on the surface as that would disrespect her.


    Lyra had a difficult to read expression on her face as she struggled to omit her thoughts that she had on Desire''s mana.


    "But¡­I think that you won''t be able to learn magic at all. In fact I have no idea as to how to teach you. "


    "What do you mean?"


    "I mean, you only have one mana right? Even this basic magic needs tens of mana. I believe that you can only learn magic as you grow older as that will help to increase your mana."


    Desire hung his head. It seems like he really wouldn''t be able to learn magic, what with his one mana.


    But Desire hasn''t given up. He wanted to try for now and if it doesn''t work then that''s fine.


    He asked Lyra to continue on about her lessons.


    Time passed as Lyra was explaining on how to use mana in order to manifest the magic.


    It was finally Desire''s turn to try it out.


    Lyra spoke with an expectant tone. She wanted to see if a baby could perform magic.


    "Now then, try it. Use the same method that I told you to so you could have your mana flow smoother."


    Desire stepped up and held out his tiny hand. He was feeling anxious as he tried remembering the details. He knew that it would be fine if he failed here but it seems the pressure of not being able to use magic was greater than he thought.


    He directed the mana to flow out of his body but soon he felt strange¡­


    ''It''s indicated that it''s only one mana but why do I feel that it''s huge?''


    As the mana started to flow out of him, water sprung out.


    However it wasn''t like Lyra''s. The water was cutting through the dirt as if it was a sharp blade and it made a mark on the ground. Even now, it was still protruding out of Desire''s palm.


    Startled by this, Lyra jumped back and asked.


    "What''s happening?! Desire!"


    But Desire couldn''t hear her. Desire was having a hard time regarding his magic.


    ''I-it''s hard to control! Just what is happening?!''


    He couldn''t control the magic that he used. In the midst of all that, the women started to notice the ruckus and even Liya has come. She asked Lyra.


    "What happened here?!"


    "I-I don''t know! Desire was using the magic: water but as you can see, the result is that¡­"


    Lyra tried her best to answer as calmly as she could but she is as confused as them.


    As if indicating that Desire''s repertoire of mana has started to empty out, the water has stopped being a sharp blade and soon, the water stopped leaking.


    They started to ask questions about it from the baby himself but he was just as confused about it.


    While speaking to the women, he heard a voice. The source of the voice was not from the women but from the inside of his head.


    [Desire has gained the skill: Auto Mana Regeneration]


    It was joyful news for any other magician but for Desire, it wasn''t anything important.


    The people started to disperse after the event and Desire was brought in the house where he was currently staying in.


    Liya and the others decided to let him rest and ask questions later. After all, the poor boy only had one mana. If it runs out, he''ll pass out and furthermore they won''t be able to eat it.


    Desire was lying on his bed as he recalled the events that occurred earlier.


    "Just what happened¡­After I used the magic, the supposed to be basics of the basic was that strong. The strange thing is that I didn''t even run out of mana¡­"


    After the water subsided, he immediately checked his mana and he found out that it didn''t run out.


    He could only feel weird about this turn of events.


    He felt stupid. He felt useless.


    He could only feel that way as he didn''t know anything about himself. His mana that''s supposed to be low didn''t run out after using magic that requires tens of it. His being able to become conscious as a baby, even the summoning skill that he got was strange.


    He was supposed to know everything about himself but he didn''t even know a single thing about himself.


    Desire let out a breath of regret from his mouth.


    ''I can only wonder¡­''


    While Desire was questioning himself, a meeting was taking place in a desolate land.


    Its weather wasn''t the best and the surroundings had the terrifying feel to it.


    The ground was colored red and many bones were lying on it.


    Three men have gathered here in this place and each of them is leading a powerful faction on their back.


    The tall man that was wearing a robe over his body and a hood over his face was standing in the center. The only skin that was visible was the skin around his mouth. One could see that he was pale. No, it would be more correct to say that he is white.


    The tall man spoke to the other men.


    "I can''t think of him as the one in the prophecy though it is indeed weird that he is able to summon us."


    "It would be for the best to keep an eye on him. The clue that we only have about that person is that he is capable of summoning. It is said that he can even summon beings from other worlds."


    The one who replied was a man who had a large build and a horn growing out of his forehead as if to pierce the sky. He wore clothes that were in contrast to the tall man. The clothes that He wore were showing skin as much as possible. Thanks to that, his muscles were in public view.


    "The pressing matter is that the queen is becoming weaker by the day, if it goes on like this¡­this world will collapse."


    The other men nodded their heads at the words of the third man. Man may be the word but he wasn''t one. He was a small bird flapping his small wings to stay afloat.


    "I also have information that a traitor is among us. I don''t know his identity yet but he is influential. Not as much as us, of course."


    "What?! Traitor? What kind of fool is it?!"


    "Calm down, the guy just said he doesn''t know the identity yet."


    The large man immediately corrected his tone after being reprimanded by the tall man.


    "If that traitor exists and he does something funny¡­ just the thought sickens me."


    "Indeed. Anyways keep an eye on the individuals that you think might be the one. Make sure to be tedious about the details¡­"


    The meeting continued on for hours as they still have many topics to talk about their world.

 Chapter 6: Determination

    On the night with the moon hiding behind the clouds, it was unusually bright. The trees that were full of life were splattered across the ground.


    The splash of light that comes in and out was seen from afar. From a normal human''s view, it could be interpreted as a bonfire or something but from the Suckus'' view who could see as well in the night as the day, it was a terrifying sight enough for them to cower not in fear but in anger.


    And funny enough, there was a Suckus watching this right now under the brilliant sky of dark.


    The said Suckus was, as expected, shaking with anger. She was using a lifetime''s worth of patience to hold herself back.


    She was trying her best to not lose herself to anger. Finally letting loose some of that rage, she shouted with all her might.


    "Fire! Damn humans! They are burning the forest!"


    Indeed, what she was watching was the fire burning down their land with no mercy. The storm of fire was as ferocious at it could be. The trees were catching the fire left and right with the speed unthinkable for a normal fire.


    However it wasn''t as if the Suckus'' life was in immediate danger. The forest was huge and this particular Suckus was gifted with her eyes as she can see at long distance. It wouldn''t be an exaggeration if her village were to declare her as the best eyes of the Suckus. That is the reason why only she could see it.


    "We''ve been going in and out of the village to make sure no fire happens again but to think they started at the edge of the forest!"


    Though she said at the edge of the forest, the fire is already closing in their home which was in the deeper parts of the forest. This forest was huge but it didn''t have any monsters strong enough to calm the fire down. If it had a monster like that, the Suckus won''t be living here. As such, the only race that could stand up to the human''s fire is the Suckus but the situation has already escalated to the worst possible one.


    "We won''t be able to put that out! I have to report to the village head!"


    Her voice was full of worry but her feet were full of life. She raced to the designated ''door'' to the village as she thought of how they need to change homes now.


    ****


    Desire awoke to the very familiar smooching sound.


    As he opened his eyes, the emerald hair of Lyra came to view. She was sucking mana out of Desire''s body.


    Noticing Desire has awoken; Lyra stopped and looked at Desire.


    She asked with a tone that couldn''t be read as worried or excited.


    "Desire! Are you okay now? What happened yesterday? That water you shot out was amazing!"


    "I''m fine. Wait, don''t ask so many questions at once."


    "O-oh sorry. So what happened? Mother''s worried too, you know."


    Desire sighed as he sat on the bed. He was the one who wanted to know about that more than anyone. It was quite hard for him to accept that he couldn''t answer her question about himself.


    "I don''t know either. It just happened. I was overwhelmed by it and that was the result."


    "I see. Well, there are a lot of cases where beginners use a lot more mana than they intended and cause accidents."


    "B-but you see, I only have 1 mana. Isn''t it weird in the first place that I was able to use magic?"


    Lyra touched her chin with her index finger as she thought about it.


    ''It''s definitely weird but maybe his mana is special? That explains why it is delicious and all¡­''


    Thinking that her conjecture was more or less on the mark, she provided an answer to the fidgeting Desire.


    "Maybe that''s just your mana being special as it is. I mean, there are a lot of weird things about you. I never heard of a baby that could talk and walk on his own. I did hear that babies could somewhat talk but your speech is so fluent, right?


    Whether satisfied by her answer of just dejected by the fact that he was the weird one, Desire hung his head.


    Desire''s circumstances are so rare that it doesn''t have a precedent. He doesn''t know where to ask or who to ask about himself. He had no parents and even the all-knowing system couldn''t provide accurate information about him.


    Desire sighed and with that, the atmosphere of the room became dark all of a sudden.


    Lyra was perhaps too bright or just oblivious to this as she continued talking.


    "That''s why I''m so excited to know more about you! You''re different from the rest and that''s clear as day."


    Desire couldn''t understand her why she was so enthusiastic with him being so different. Desire''s idea on different is that it''s bad. As he started alone, he wanted to have a reference for him to grow into. If possible, he wanted to have someone to rear him so that he can just grow up with no problems.


    "Isn''t different bad? I mean if by some chance that the usual magic that you use isn''t useable for me; it would be bad won''t it?"


    Lyra immediately answered to his question.


    "And that would mean that the magic that is useable to you is unusable to us. That''s what makes you special! Being different isn''t bad. You are you, Desire and it doesn''t matter if you''re unlike the rest of the people though in your case, that''s the humans."


    At that moment, Desire''s eyes widened. Desire felt like the fog clouding his thoughts has cleared. It probably feels for him that some shackles have been unchained.


    "R-really? Even if teaching me will prove to be troublesome due to my being different, it''s not bad?"


    "That''s right. There''s no need to rush is there? You just have to find the one that suits you as you age. You''re a baby so don''t worry about it so much."


    As he started to question himself, he thought that it would be for the best if he wasn''t so different. Unknown to the man himself, he wanted to have something to go back on when it comes to survival so he was that desperate.


    Listening in to the voice that had the answers to his question, Desire couldn''t help but tear up a little. To him, those words meant the world.


    He looked down to avoid being seen by Lyra and then he spoke with a low voice.


    "T-thanks."


    An awkward guy, he is.


    "What?"


    It seems like Lyra didn''t hear it as she urged him to say it again.


    Desire wiped off his tears then he looked up at Lyra with a smile.


    "Nothing. By the way, when will be the start the lesson for today?"


    "Hmm¡­I have to attend the meeting as the village head''s daughter for today so there won''t be any. Just practice the water magic that you learned from yesterday."


    Desire nodded his head as determination started to fill him up to the brim.


    ''I will definitely find the one thing that''s best suited for me!''


    He promised to himself.


    ****


    In front of the place that used to be forest is Ted Tell and his adjutants that serve as the knights of his house.


    Seated on a chair, Ted adjusted his fat body to seat more comfortably. The knights looking at him all had the same thoughts.


    ''The house has fallen so low¡­''


    The Tell House that they serve is a military family that serves on the battlefield. The family head has always stood on the frontline and has attained a baron rank in just a single generation. But all that work of his is about to be destroyed by his son, Ted.


    First generation''s brilliance is the second generation''s trash. His dead father will probably arise from his coffin if he learns the state of the house that he worked so hard to gain.


    "Just what is happening here?! We made sure that the fire won''t go out for a week and even now, not a single sighting has been reported!"


    The man that yelled is the target of scorn of the knights, Ted Tell.


    "They are probably hiding underground, Sir Baron!"


    "I''m sure that they are in the deeper parts of the forest, sir."


    "Yes we just have to be¡­"


    Many of his men started to offer excuses based on facts and based on their imaginations. Amidst such bantering, one man''s opinion stood out. He said,


    "Aren''t they dead from the fire?"


    He stated it in a manner of fact tone. He''s probably sure of it.


    The surrounding men started to panic at the words of the man and they yelled at him.


    "What nonsense are you spouting here?!"


    "That''s right! There''s no way they could die from a level of that fire!"


    The funny thing, this is the only moment that they agreed on something as if they were waiting for his words beforehand.


    The man started to panic and tried to take back his words but¡­


    "Mayo! Kill him."


    "Yes, my lord."


    A voice resounded out confirming the man''s death and the light of a blade radiated. Just with that, the man''s head that shouted ''nonsense'' fell to the ground. And the killer couldn''t be seen at all as he already went back to his lord''s side.


    "Good work, Mayo"


    "Such is my responsibility."


    The man Mayo is the captain of the knights and the strongest one in here. It wasn''t bad for one to be with a strong man in the forest that is full of dangers but¡­He is excessively loyal to Ted. For that reason, they didn''t even speak a single bad thing about Ted and his strange fantasy. If a rumor started up about Ted when a person like Mayo is around, heads are sure to fly just like that man.


    "This meeting''s over. Just make sure the fire is still ongoing."


    "Yes sir."


    The men who were shouting their lungs out sighed in relief. Relief at the fact that the man had not been them, they waited for someone to say some words that indicate the demise of the Suckus.


    ''I''m glad it''s not me today.''


    Such thoughts were prevalent in the people as they started to search for the location of the village of the Suckus.

 Chapter 7: Ball?

    With the sun shining so brightly at the sky, the humid wind passes through the gaps in the leaves, making them move as if to partner them with a dance.


    In the forest where only the sunlight could pass through the gaps in the leaves, there was a child or rather a baby humming.


    "Hmm~"


    The tone was somewhat joyful and all but there was nobody to listen to it. As the child that wore clothes that hang around his waist, he looked like a baby version of barbarians. The child''s skin was white and he had gray hair to go with his little blue eyes.


    Although to the people that lived in this colorful forest was familiar with him, thanks to his delicious mana, the people of the outside world will definitely be shocked when they see a baby like him.


    After walking for a while, the child that was humming a joyful tone came to a stop. The land that he stopped on was the same place where he made a mark on the ground, the place where his training began.


    Training might be the word but he only had one day experience under his belt so he didn''t really know what to do.


    The child''s teacher, Lyra, wasn''t with him today to help him as she was taking part of the meeting as the village head''s daughter.


    The child, Desire, began to wonder about whether to continue learning the magic: water or another magic altogether. As he was having a problem deciding, he remembered the words of his teacher or rather, the person that was becoming special for him after she said those words.


    "I just have to learn the magic that suits me."


    Desire nodded his head and soon he began his thinking on what kind of magic will suit him.


    "I don''t have one, don''t I?"


    Indeed, even if he wanted to find something that suits him, there''s no way he would find it that easily. After all, he was only baby, a one month old or something at that. There are no memories of him using something that felt natural to him.


    "Ah!"


    Then suddenly, he remembered he had something that he could call his own.


    "Summoning!"


    Summon Familiar is a skill that he gained after coming across a small altar. It was a skill that came in with its own advantages and disadvantages as it uses his life force. Simple as it may be, he didn''t see someone use a summoning skill so he thought that perhaps¡­


    "I haven''t considered using it as it uses my life force but even though it''s small, I have something that could be called as mana now."


    The reason why Desire put off the use of his summoning despite knowing that it saved him is that, for him the summoning isn''t really reliable. Taking his life force, he would collapse after its use.


    The most likely biggest factor of why Desire didn''t use it since then is that the familiar took on a human''s form.


    ''There''s no way I would use that when it is a human!''


    Are his true thoughts on the familiar.


    But now¡­


    "I just have to confirm it with him don''t I?"


    Having learned his lesson of not all monsters look like one, what with his environment of Suckus, he decided to just confirm it with the familiar himself.


    Having hardened his resolve, he held out his hand in front. With the help of the system that manages the skills, he knew how to use it even in sleep.


    He shouted out,


    "Summon!"


    Right after that, the ground in front of him produced a black smoke thick enough to suffocate any man.


    The black smoke swirled in front of Desire but unlike before, it wasn''t large enough to encompass the entire area. Instead, this time''s black smoke swirled only in front of Desire and soon it formed a shape.


    The black smoke that formed the shape soon changed into a blue color. The blue color then parted and with it, emerged a blue ball large enough to match Desire''s height¡­


    The ball may be as tall as Desire but¡­


    "Grrr!"


    It immediately let out a menacing growl with its mouth nowhere to be found. The blue ball, as bouncy as it may seem to be, looked around with its non-existent eyes.


    Desire who summoned it was shocked. Shocked at the fact that¡­


    "Whoa! A monster! "


    A monster has come out to answer his call.


    "Hey, can you talk?"


    "¡­"


    The blue ball didn''t answer but Desire felt the blue ball was ''looking'' at him. He could instinctively feel it. He began inspecting the blue ball with his fingers, poking here and there but the ball didn''t react.


    "So you can''t? Hmm that''s troubling¡­"


    It was troubling for Desire that the ball couldn''t talk. After all the reason why he summoned a familiar was so he could ask about his race and try out his limits. Even the baby who would usually give his all attention to a monster couldn''t help but feel bad about it.


    As if to console Desire, the blue ball expanded and pulled Desire inside its soft and fluffy body.


    Desire didn''t resist the pull of the mysterious creature; he knew that it is his ally. He thought that the system is convenient in so many ways.


    Surprisingly, Desire didn''t find the inside of the ball as suffocating or uncomfortable at all; in fact it was relaxing.


    The ball then bounced off with Desire in his body. He was twice his original size now with Desire inside him but it didn''t seem to disturb him at all.


    "Hahaha this is fun!"


    With his speed, they went around the forest and Desire was laughing. He found it to be fun to see the world while inside a monster.


    ''It''s almost as if I''ve gone back in time!''


    Desire also remembered the feeling and the sights that he used to see before. He felt nostalgia at remembering the fleeting moments that he used to have while inside his mother''s womb.


    ****


    While Desire was having his fun, the village was proceeding their meeting smoothly. The village head, Liya and her daughter, Lyra was sitting on the center while the women talked in front of them.


    The topics were mostly about the necessities that they don''t have anymore and also what they should do as a village and the all-important marriage of Liya.


    "What will we do about the marriage?"


    "Although we would like if the village head gets married as soon as she likes, the danger still exists."


    "That''s right. We have to be wary."


    Liya sighed. She didn''t think that the village will strongly support her marriage with Desire even though he was but a baby. Their village doesn''t really do marriage as they just take the seeds of men from other races. The only ones who do marriage are those that could be called as a representative. In her village, that would be her daughter, Lyra.


    "Lyra, you''re the one who brought Desire here didn''t you? Why don''t you marry him?"


    "But you''re the one he proposed to, mother. I can just be his second wife you know?"


    As a race, they aren''t that strict with marriage. With their origins being a succubus, one could guess how they view marriage.


    As the women were talking about the marriage of their village head, the sound of the branches of the tree expanding could be heard. The rustling of leaves was brought by the wind. The village head''s house was the one closest to the colorful trees, with the house resting on the trees themselves.


    The women who were talking shut their mouth as the door glowed a green light. After some time, the light dimmed as it opened.


    "T-terrible!"


    A Suckus came running in with her out of breath. The surrounding women tried to calm her down and the woman expanded her lungs as she took in and out the air. As soon as she finished, she spoke.


    "Fire! The humans are starting the fire again! It''s already in the rivers and it''s so big it engulfs the sky from here!"


    The news she brought put pale faces on the merry women who were just discussing a marriage. Even the village head Liya had her face without the usual color. As she repeated the words spoken by the woman, she gave orders.


    "Look for the humans responsible for this and see if we could put out the fire! Hurry!"


    The Suckus were always hunted down by humans with the pretext of being abominable creatures. As such, they know how to handle this kind of situation. The women soon got their wits back as they responded to Liya''s words.


    "Y-yes! I''m sorry but you will guide us there!"


    "Call for the others!"


    "Gather the ones who were hunting and have the whole village meet up at the plaza!"


    The women who could be called the pillars of this village gave out their orders to the younger ones. The ones who received the order moved their feet as fast as possible for every second counts.


    Lyra as well has been mobilized to gather the village at the place which they call the plaza. At this busy meeting of the women, one woman had a dark expression on her face.


    It was the woman most trusted by the villagers and the most powerful of them all, Liya.


    She remembered the time when she used all of her mana just to calm the fire the humans have set before and now, without even a month passing, another one has started.


    ''Will I be able to put out another great fire?''


    She thought to herself as the possibility of her failure comes to her mind.

 Chapter 8: Colors

    Desire was on his way back after he had his fun with his familiar when it happened. He suddenly felt something tugging at him. It was barely recognizable but he was sure of it.


    Desire looked back to see nothing. He didn''t even have clothes to tug onto. As he looked back to his original destination, he felt the feeling of tugging again. It was pulling him and it was saying something to him.


    Desire didn''t find this unknown something to be annoying or fearful. Instead he even felt it to be familiar and if it was a voice, it was a voice relaxing enough for him to sleep with it.


    "What''s happening?"


    He asked himself. There are so many strange happenings with him that the general knowledge that he was born with wasn''t useful. As he contemplated about the feeling, he spotted the village from far away or to be exact, he became aware of them. Without knowing it, he came near the village.


    "H-huh? Did I walk here? Anyways¡­What''s happening?"


    He knew for sure that while he was thinking, he wasn''t walking and yet for some reason, here he is. And what''s more is that the village got rowdy and even though he was still quite a distance away from the village, he could hear voices here and there.


    He ventured towards the noisy village to know what happened and he saw that the people were moving frantically about almost everywhere. It was messy but when one looked from above, they were following certain patterns. Desire couldn''t see that though as he was looking from the ground.


    As he looked at them, he soon saw a familiar face. That was Lyra, the girl that brought him here. She was talking to some other women and after some talking; the women quickly went on their way. Desire walked on her direction and he raised his voice to call Lyra.


    "Lyra, what''s happening?"


    "Ah? Oh, Desire. So you were here?"


    "I just got back."


    Lyra was surprised at the sudden voice of Desire as she focused all of her attention towards the impending crisis. Desire wasn''t on her mind at all.


    "I see. Well, it looks like you might have to leave here after all."


    "Eh? What do you mean?"


    "¡­Humans are attacking. To be precise, a huge fire has been set by the hands of humans."


    Hearing that, the expression on Desire''s face crumpled and changed to a hateful one. He asked in a low voice.


    "Humans?!"


    "Y-yeah that''s right."


    Lyra didn''t expect that Desire will react that way. Though she found it cute that Desire was a straightforward guy when it comes to things like expressions.


    She spoke to advise him once more.


    "The fire is already nearing our home. I''m afraid that the scale of it is already big enough for mother to not be able to put it out. That is why, while it''s still safe you should get out of here."


    Once more, the expression on Desire''s face changed from a hateful one to a worried one. It seems like he really couldn''t help but show his emotions on his face.


    "W-what will happen to you guys? I mean, can''t you run too?"


    "We can''t. In the first place, there''s no other forest besides this one. If we run, we''ll only be hunted down."


    Indeed, there''s no other forest. That means there''s no other place that they could create a home to. Even if there was another forest in the vicinity, they''ll have to get out and defeat the humans that are laying in wait for them.


    Desire couldn''t give a reply to that one. He wasn''t worrying about losing the home that he found or losing the teacher that will guide and teach him about magic. What he was worried about was that the Suckus will lose their home. For him, the Suckus losing their home is just unfair. The world may be where the strong stands on top but he didn''t want to accept that. That was why¡­


    "T-then I''ll help too! I mean, any drop counts right?"


    He will help. For Desire, that was the only thing he could do. As little as he may be, he wanted to help protect the home of his beloved monsters.


    "Are you sure about that?"


    "I am."


    Though Lyra wanted to stop Desire, she couldn''t give him any preferential treatment. Their lives were at stake here and she thought that if the situation gets bad, at least she''ll help him escape. That''s why she replied with a yes.


    "Alright but if you want to run, you can. Technically, you''re a human so maybe they won''t kill you."


    "I won''t run."


    Lyra wanted Desire to run and Desire wanted to protect. That resolute attitude of Desire was as hot as the sun at the thought of defending the Suckus'' home. The woman and the baby were talking with their eyes.


    If one looked at this, one could only laugh at the woman for even talking to the kid at this dangerous time.


    Lyra walked towards Desire and picked him up. At the same time, the people in the village finished their preparations and Liya walked down the stairs of branches with her group.


    Lyra spoke with a low voice and a worried tone.


    "I hope you won''t regret this, Desire."


    Whether hearing it or not, Desire didn''t respond. He was looking at Liya who was brimming with the color of green. The green was flickering with a span of a second and soon it stopped. After the flickering, Liya shouted.


    "Treeport!"


    And the bodies of the women glowed with the color of green. Desire that was held up by Lyra was also glowing in a similar fashion. As if it wasn''t enough, the branches of the trees and the colorful leaves and the sky soon glowed with the color of green.


    Then suddenly, they were in a different place. The leaves that had a variety of colors was now colored with one; the color of green. The spacious space that was the village couldn''t be seen and the trees crowded between them.


    Desire was shocked about this and asked Lyra.


    "What happened?"


    "Mother used Treeport: An advanced Dryad magic that lets them teleport all at once, any number. And since we are a descendant of Dryad, we are capable of using it."


    Perhaps the shock that came to him was too strong as Desire only nodded his head to respond.


    And then one of the women spoke. It was the one who spotted the fire.


    "This way, it''s still ongoing."


    And they raced off towards the fire¡­


    ****


    The sun was still up and about in the sky but the heat wasn''t coming from the sun; it was coming from the fire. It was still far away and they could only see it yet they could already feel the heat. One could imagine how strong that must be.


    "That''s¡­a great fire."


    Desire muttered as he looked over the fire that was eating the forest as if its sole purpose was to destroy. He was getting worried. The fire in front of them was as tall as the sky and the wind wasn''t making the situation any better.


    He couldn''t think of a way on how to stop that.


    As they neared the fire, Liya gave out the orders.


    "Spread out! The moon formation!"


    "Yes!"


    The women immediately got to work and went on to their planned positions. They don''t number many, about only eighty. Over half of them went on to put out the fire and the others were positioned in a semi circle.


    Without taking a break from their run, they immediately got to work and started their preparations.


    The women whose work was to put out the fire started their chanting of magic with the direction of Liya.


    "Great waterfall!"


    The women shouted. The sky that only had the color of fire was soon dyed with the flag of water. It was a grand sight for Desire as he looked at it. Fire and water were elements that had zero affinity with each other, from the knowledge that he had.


    Desire and Lyra wasn''t working yet. It looks like Lyra was stationed in the semi circle and so, Desire was in that semi circle.


    "U-um¡­Why are we positioned this way?"


    As he got his wits together, he found the formation strange. He was thinking why all of them aren''t working towards to putting out the fire. If they all work together, the fire will be put out a second faster. And so, he asked the person holding him.


    "It''s because there are outside factors. Listen, humans made this fire so of course, humans will be near. If we use all our manpower to put out the fire, we would get taken out by them. That''s why some are guarding while the majority is putting it out."


    Lyra answered as such. Desire looked around and saw that the women were keeping watch of their surroundings.


    ''Humans again¡­''


    He once again evaluated of how much he hated humans. The humans who started the fire and the humans who will take advantage of the fire, he hated them. And as if fate was playing a trick on him as one of the women shouted out with a desperate voice.


    "Humans are here!"

 Chapter 9: Grand magic

    In the human''s camp, there were various men gathered. Knights, soldiers, slaves and magicians were working underneath the hot sun. The various types of men all had their own roles, guarding, numbers, labors and force. The man binding and holding these men was the newly appointed Baron of the Haroldus kingdom, Baron Ted Tell.


    They lit a fire so great that not even they can put it out. Their purpose was of course to smoke out a Suckus but it wasn''t all so good. Even after a week of sustaining the fire, no one has reported that they spotted a Suckus.


    And since a long span of time has passed and not a single result has come out, Baron Tell, the person who initiated this troublesome task, was close to reaching the limits of his patience.


    He called for a meeting to confirm the reports all over again. The people that did so probably don''t know how many times they had done this now.


    "Sir¡­It is still the same as before."


    "No sightings¡­"


    "We have monitored the fire all day long but there really is nothing."


    As his subordinates reported once more to him, the face of Ted Tell has flushed the color of red from his anger. He couldn''t take the report as a reality. He was blinded by his lust.


    He was about to burst out in rage once more but before he could raise his voice, a man has come out of the forest shouting something. He was running and that led to his shortness of breath. After going in the tent, he let the air flow in and out of his lungs.


    After he got his breath back, his voice reverberated in the camp. He shouted.


    "They are out! The Suckus has been sighted!"


    Baron Tell jumped out in joy and ordered his men to get to work.


    "Get ready at once! Capture them at all cost!"


    His subordinates breathe a sigh of relief at the possibility of this hunting coming to an end and they immediately got to work. They prepared for this event a hundred times. They already knew what to do and they were waiting for it and now, they will bare their fangs.


    Amidst that entire ruckus, a man who was hidden muttered under his breath. As he was in the shadows, none of the people present could hear it.


    "Finally, we found him."


    He said¡­


    ****


    From the west, a number of humans have come popping out of the forest. The woman who spotted them has already retreated to the back.


    The humans numbered 300. That was a scale only appropriate for a forest of this level but if it were any other forest, they would probably be annihilated.


    With a majority of the Suckus, to be precise 60, concentrating their attention to put out the fire, only 20 are guarding them. One couldn''t underestimate those 20 women as they are the elites of the village.


    After seeing the humans, Lyra put Desire down and cautioned him.


    "Go help the others put out the fire. If the situation calls for it, I''ll at least help you run."


    Desire didn''t answer. He only nodded his head and turned his back, to go help at the front.


    Lyra watched Desire''s small back with a faint smile.


    "Capture them!"


    Without noticing it, a human with a fat body has come out and ordered the other humans. Liya didn''t help out with the fire precisely because of this situation. The fire, more or less, could be put out after a great deal of effort but the humans will persistently pester them while doing so.


    In order to deal with that, Liya will put the humans out of the way first. She shouted to the ones in the semi circle.


    "Create the Wall!"


    "Y-yes!"


    Liya chanted for her magic and soon the others followed her. The humans were charging straight at them with magicians planning to intercept their magic. The humans only had to wait for the Suckus to fall. With a fire behind their backs, humans in front, they will be defeated in no time.


    Appearing out of nowhere, a wall of water erupted out from the ground. It was the magic of Liya and the others. The wall of water completely blocked the way and thus it needed to be destroyed.


    A leader-esque was thinking if the Suckus was buying time to put out the fire before fighting them but he shook his head at that thought.


    ''They can''t put out that fire.''


    He reached that conclusion after looking at the fire and water that seems to engulf the sky. He shouted out to his comrades.


    "Divide the wall of water! Use earth magic!"


    The magicians raised their hands and let their mana flow to cast their magic.


    "Hands!"


    "Mud worm!"


    "Greater wall!"


    One after another, magic shot out of the magician''s hands to form hands out of soil. Even a worm like mud came out of them to demolish the wall of water in front of them.


    The wall of water was easily destroyed by the magic but after some time, it regained its former appearance and it stood tall in front of the magicians.


    The leader-esque magician clicked his tongue. He showed his irritation at the proficiency of their enemies'' magic.


    He shouted out loud.


    "Again! Barrage that wall of water to dust!"


    While the humans were desperately trying to breach the wall, the Suckus were preparing a grand magic. With Liya at the center, they prepared for a magic that will let them kill the humans in a single go. The wall was just a means to buy some time while they are preparing. They wanted to end this battle in a single shot.


    "To our ancestors who have birthed us¡­grant us your power and may we prosper."


    Liya murmured silently with her eyes closed. The others were just to help her with the preparations, mana and chanting, as long as they could synchronize with the one using it they could help out in various ways.


    Liya was a pillar of the village and as she was the most powerful of them all, she was relied on most of the time. And so, while she was in the midst of preparations, she thought.


    ''This¡­is not so bad''


    ¡­she thought about how it was so reassuring to have allies who could help her.


    In the previous fire, the fire was great but it was still small so only Liya moved to put out that out. And now, she was being backed up by the members of her village. While it was only little, they helped remove a portion of the strain on her mana and body.


    Liya put a faint smile on her face as she opened her eyes. Around her were the precious members of her village¡­no, family. She looked at them and when her eyes looked in front, she saw her daughter.


    Her daughter that grew up without her knowing it had eyes that held strong will. Liya liked those eyes and then she nodded at her daughter''s direction. As if waiting for Liya, one of the women shouted out. That woman had tears flowing out of her eyes.


    "Preparations complete!"


    Liya looked around she saw the once chanting women had a sad look on their faces. To those crying women, she shouted.


    "Grand magic: The rising of Suckus!"


    She clapped her hands and soon her form or rather body changed. Her body that was once transparent now seemed like as if it was complete. There was a tail protruding out of lower back and a horn of a goat could be seen atop her head. The curves of her body that seemed to be innocent were now full of sexual allure.


    It''s the form originating from the ancestor that made it possible for a succubus to have a child with a Dryad, the form of a succubus!


    Liya could feel the strength coming from her transformation and soon she could feel her life force dropping at an extreme rate.


    ''I have to end it fast¡­''


    Any Suckus could use the grand magic but the price of using it was one''s life. The overflowing power coming from Liya was but a fleeting moment.


    She looked at the wall of water that has done its role. She held out her hand and stopped it from flowing. Just that was enough¡­ Overwhelming is the only word that could describe her right now.


    And soon, she walked out to meet the invading humans.


    ****


    Desire was using his magic, the one that he just failed in learning, to help out with the fire. The water that was flowing out of him was as sharp as ever and it cut the trees regardless of being in fire or not. The reason for the indiscriminate cutting was that they were trying to isolate the huge fire in just one area.


    If they succeeded, they would have an easier time of putting it out.


    Desire looked at the fallen tree in front of him before moving in front of another. He thought to himself.


    ''Why doesn''t my mana run out¡­?''


    He wanted to find out about it but he immediately put it in the corner of his mind.


    ''I can only be grateful.''


    That''s right. He could only be grateful at the fact that his mana wasn''t running out. As a result, he was helping well than any other women expected.


    He held out his hand in front and used his magic and then, a familiar feeling tugged at him.


    No¡­The feeling was tugging at him. This was the same feeling that he felt before he went back to the village.


    ''W-what''s happening¡­?''


    He thought about it. After all, that''s the only thing he could do.

 Chapter 10: Flood

    Burst of explosions rang out in every direction. With a feminine hand that seems to attract men, an array of magic comes forth to destroy her enemies. Fire, water, air, there''s even some of lighting mixed in but that''s the least of the problems for the enemy.


    While they were fighting, naturally people gets injured and some even died. Going by the minute, their numbers have lessened but the pressing issue is the fact that the blazing fire from the other side is going out much faster than they thought.


    Looking at it from the human''s side, Baron Ted Tell issued out orders. A scum he may be, he still inherited some of his father''s talent or so it seems.


    "Hurry out and take that witch down! If they successfully put out the fire, we would have to face all of them!"


    He spoke with a voice that seems uncertain. His expression was one where you can''t tell if the fear has gotten to him.


    "W-we''re trying sir! But it seems like she transformed and judging from her firepower, she is probably rank 4!"


    "R-rank 4?! That bitch!! She''s going to ruin this!"


    The house of Tell was, for better or for worse, an upstart. They don''t have the necessary numbers to take down a monster that boasts a great deal of magic power. They also don''t have the personnel who could take down such a monster. If they had to pick out someone, it would be¡­


    "My lord, I would like to request permission to take down that thing."


    Baron Ted Tell had a fed up expression when he heard that. He turned around to rebuke the man but¡­


    "Oh! Mayo! T-that''s right! I forgot about you. Go, Mayo! Bring me that bitch head!"


    After hearing the last of his lord''s words, Mayo disappeared. No, to be precise, he raced off so fast that it looked like he vanished.


    Noticing Mayo approaching, the monster who kept massacring the humans stopped. She looked towards the direction of Mayo and held out her hand.


    That action of hers confused the humans but soon, the clash of metals could be heard. Facing off against her palm, a sword has appeared.


    Unable to cut the skin of Liya, Mayo backed off. He held his hands out front to produce lightning. He shouted.


    "Thunderclap!"


    The magic then moved like a snake to fry Liya. Of course, Liya wasn''t going to allow that. She produced magic to counter the lightning given off by Mayo.


    "Rise, wall!"


    Arising from the ground, a wall of earth has made its appearance. A loud boom resounded out through the battlefield from the collision.


    Dust formed and pieces of the wall burst out from the impact. Frantically searching for her enemy, Liya narrowed her eyes while turning her head here and there.


    Then suddenly, a hand appeared from the dust, trying to grab the head of Liya. Liya''s reaction was late resulting in her hair being grabbed.


    The owner of that hand, Mayo, pulled it while positing his right hand to slice off her neck. The speed of his sword slicing through the air was just inhuman.


    But it''s not as if his enemy will just stay put. What he was fighting is a monster; a Suckus who used her race''s grand magic.


    Liya brushed his hand off by cutting her own hair. She is in a form greater than her former, wounds like that will heal in a jiffy.


    Simultaneously, she prepared a magic of water blade in her hand to pierce through his stomach. She thrust it to pierce through his stomach but she couldn''t. Mayo disappeared into thin air.


    She looked at the surroundings but Mayo wasn''t there. And then¡­


    "Naive!"


    A voice reverberated from her back. It was Mayo''s who was already in the position of slicing her neck.


    "You''re the one who''s naive!"


    An inch away from her nape, the sword was broken after slashing.


    "W-what!?"


    Mayo backed off from the result. A sword was broken after cutting? Such a thing wasn''t possible to happen however¡­


    "I-ice!?"


    Littered across the ground and on his sword''s fragments were ice. Liya looked back with her arms in front.


    "I can do things like this when I''m in this form."


    Beginning with her elbows, her frail arms were being covered with ice, ice that seemed impossible to break.


    Seeing that, Mayo sheathed his sword and closed his eyes as he spoke.


    "Then, I guess I''ll have to put out my all."


    Liya scoffed at his words.


    "Not just your puny strength but also your life!"


    But deep inside, she was worried. For a foe at his level appearing in this late of the game was but a troublesome existence. To Liya who had a time limit and the threat of other humans still there, she couldn''t help but be worried.


    She looked beyond Mayo; at the place where the numbers of her enemy were the thickest.


    ''I have to get them caught up in our battle.''


    She resolved herself once more¡­as her candle begins to burn out.


    ****


    Lyra was stationed at the back of the wall but life there isn''t so easy. While her mother, Liya, was fighting beyond it, magicians still attacked the wall of water.


    Desperately looking for weak spots, the wall of water isn''t as it used to be. It hadn''t even been 30 minutes yet since the start of the fight but the state of the wall was as bad as it could get.


    One of the women spoke to her.


    "Lyra, we won''t be able to keep this up any longer. The village head¡­your mother seems to be in a fight with a strong one. At this rate, we will be wiped out."


    The woman wasn''t wrong. They were counting on Liya to finish off the humans while they work on the fire. But with the entrance of Mayo, the plan was thrown off tracks.


    Despite that, Lyra spoke with full of confidence.


    "Don''t worry. Mother will be able to finish her task well. We also have to do our best here."


    "I got it but¡­what will we do? Do we continue reinforcing the wall or help out with the fire?"


    Looking at the fire with a conflicted expression, Liya was having her own thoughts.


    ''If now when we don''t have any casualty yet, it is possible to freeze the surroundings of the fire.''


    Indeed. With the work of Desire and the others, the fire has lessened not by much in the air but much in the land. With the trees cut off, preventing the fire from catching another, it''s only a matter of time for it to die down.


    But there is still a possibility of it continuing so they can''t neglect it. After sorting out her thoughts, Lyra spoke still with full of confidence.


    "We will attack them with the flood."


    "E-eh? At this point?"


    "That''s exactly why! We need only to disrupt their footing to let mother fight in ease. After that, we will focus freezing the fire."


    The woman seemed satisfied with Lyra''s explanation as she nodded her head a few times while saying ''Okay! I''ll tell the others!'' but before she could, a shot of magic pierced through the wall, splashing water on Lyra and the woman. Their look was fitting of their ancestor but that wasn''t a problem for them.


    "W-what happened?!"


    Lyra asked no one in particular but the woman answered her regardless.


    "T-the wall has been breached! B-but¡­"


    The one to continue her words was Lyra.


    "There''s no enemy? What''s the meaning of this?"


    Naturally, if their defense has been destroyed, people who specialize in close-quarters combat would have been swarming in but there''s no sign of that. Truly, what a mysterious event this was but of course, that''s the least of their problems.


    "W-we can''t stay here! Let''s go!"


    Lyra beckoned her ally as she started to run herself. They needed to at least cast the flood magic to buy some time if they don''t want things to turn for the worse.


    As they started to run, the women at the back have noticed that a part of the wall wasn''t regenerating. They met each other while running and without taking a break, Lyra gave her orders.


    "Prepare the flood magic! We will flood this area with water!"


    "W-what are you saying?! Flood this area!? Are you out of your mind?!"


    Of course, not all feel satisfied with her taking command. There were many who were stronger than Lyra but the reason why she held an authority like that was because of her mother.


    Lyra answered with a cold voice to that protesting woman.


    "Do you think we can win on even grounds against the humans? If we could, we would have taken them out first."


    "T-that''s¡­"


    The woman couldn''t give an answer. She knew that they couldn''t so it wasn''t surprising to see her bit her tongue.


    Lyra pressed on with her orders after seeing that there are no more objections.


    "We will cast the flood here! We are fine to some extent but don''t overflow it, just have them unable to move!"


    "Yes!"


    The women then started their chanting and soon a blue glint appeared from their hands. Grasping that blue glint and shoving it into the ground, they shouted at the same time.


    "First fall: flood!"


    Soon, water appeared out of nowhere and it flooded the area as they wished. The water moves with force enough to push a man to his bottom.


    The water spread throughout even more, with the water touching the waist of Lyra. After all, the Suckus'' affinity with water was high, being able to produce more when it comes to water magic.


    Knowing that the humans won''t be able to move with ease, Lyra was satisfied. She nodded and gave a few orders before turning to the fire.


    However the situation wasn''t that good. After all, there was a victim from their side¡­


    ****


    With the sound of someone drowning, a hand tries to pull itself out from the water. The efforts could be complimented; the person tried really hard to stop himself from drowning.


    "Kha! Kha!"


    Trying to breathe underwater, the person choked. Choking and unable to breathe; the person flailed his arms until it no longer moved.


    At the bottom of the not so deep water, Desire was drowning¡­

 Chapter 11: Percia

    The vast land which was once the home of trees was now but a desolated place. Bandits wouldn''t even come to live in here. That''s how bad the place was. Seeing a normal land was a minority; scorched up land was the norm. If you could spot a land where grass has made its home, it''s not an exaggeration to say that you used up your whole life''s luck.


    And now, as if a god has decided to save this land, water has started to flow. Flowing from a point unknown to some, it has started to become rough. At one point, it looked like one big wave from a coast.


    Taking this one was the humans who were completely helpless at the raging water. Setting fire to the forest to hunt their prey, their enemy used the same tactics to counter them.


    Unable to stand in this midst of this wave, humans who didn''t have a good footing lost their balance and fell. The ones who were lucky and used something to stand still were being gripped by some of their comrades.


    After the water completely went still, it reached an adult human''s chest. There''s no way the knights dressed with armors could fight on. The same was the truth with the soldiers. Magicians used earth magic to try and make some footing, saved their own skin and while they''re at it, they also saved their lord, Baron Tell.


    After stabilizing, they soon reached out to other humans. The one watching the humans from afar clicked his tongue.


    "Tsk! I blasted that wall of water for them yet they are so useless!"


    From his tone, one could perceive that he was annoyed and agitated at the humans who have failed to fulfill their role. At least to him, that''s what it looked like. Of course, none of the humans think they failed.


    "I kept supporting them but they can''t produce results at all. What the hell is Gregor doing? He''s supposed to be in the front!"


    His annoyance turned to anger after he voiced his comrade''s name who was supposed to be in the front. But after a moment of silence, he soon shouted.


    "Ah! That''s right; he''s fighting that woman. Good grief, I keep forgetting things."


    The man''s hands went into something that could be called a pocket but¡­the pocket was grabbed by his hands and after taking a look at it; the pocket burned to ashes.


    Seeing that, the man nodded as he muttered.


    "I haven''t seen the child yet so there''s the chance that he ran. That would mean¡­this whole maneuver is a waste of time?! God dammit!"


    Returning to his annoyed tone and rough voice, he talked with no one in particular as he watched the fight¡­no, farce in front of him.


    ****


    ''What''s that¡­''


    Desire talked to himself as he tried hard at keeping his consciousness with him. Water forced inside his nose, he couldn''t breathe. Feeling that it''s starting to run amok inside his body, he''s starting to feel weak.


    As strange as it may sound, Desire''s stats was as high as an adult. Even if his body was still that of a baby, he could survive for as long as an average man could underwater.


    Whether his eyes were playing a trick on him or not, he could see light. Light that wasn''t there before was shining so brightly before him.


    Desire thought.


    ''Is that heaven¡­I''m not ready for it¡­''


    Desire concluded that the light in front of him was the heaven. Considering his situation, it wouldn''t be strange for him to think that way.


    He closed his eyes for he started to feel numb all over his body. But¡­even after closing his eyes, he could see the light.


    ''W-what the hell?''


    He didn''t have the strength to cause a ruckus but it''s true that he didn''t have the time for that. As he stared into the blinding light, letters started to appear. The letters formed were something Desire could understand even though he didn''t study. It clearly stated that¡­


    [Desire''s vessel has reached the maximum limit that could be absorbed]


    [Desire has gained resistance to magic: Magic resistance G]


    [Desire has gained a sub-skill to the summoning familiar: Summon Aquatic Lords G]


    [To let out the water absorbed by Desire, Summon Aquatic Lords will be used]


    ''Eh? What''s that all about?''


    Was the first thought that came across Desire''s mind as he looked at it over again. It looks like the system used his sense of sight to tell him such matters as he was underwater or maybe not. He couldn''t correctly guess what happened.


    He regained his wits after feeling something that was not water. He opened his eyes and without him knowing it, the water that was drowning him wasn''t there anymore. Completely gone could be said about the situation.


    Desire breathe a sigh of relief at knowing that his surroundings became normal and he looked around him. The women that were working with him at putting out the fire weren''t there; it looks like he was washed out in a bit of a distance by the water.


    Noticing that he wasn''t saved by one of them, he didn''t become angry. He knew what this fight means to the Suckus. In fact, he was relieved that not one of them went to save him. If t hey did send one to save him, it''s still a big loss for the Suckus that were clearly short of hands.


    Deciding to hurry back to where he was before, he scrambled off to that direction. At the distance, he could see the fire still raging on but it wasn''t as big as before.


    He was about to go running when suddenly a voice stopped him. The voice was rough and all but it had a gentle side to it.


    "Wait!"


    Startled by the voice, Desire tried to see the owner''s voice but even after turning his head here and there, he couldn''t see it.


    "Fool! I am here!"


    Guided by the voice, Desire tilted his head. To be precise, he was looking up at the sky. There he saw the owner of the voice. Taking the form of something that looks like a bird, the creature before his eyes was swimming through the sky. It wasn''t large or anything; the size was exactly that of an animal bird. However what made it peculiar is that it had three heads connecting to the body. What''s more was that it had the shade of blue, dignity flowing out of its body.


    The bird talked without moving his mouth.


    "That''s right! I am the one who you summoned: Percia the king!"


    "Woah! A monster! What''s more is that you have three heads! That''s freaking nice!"


    Blinded by his love of monsters, Desire screamed out with all his might. The creature before him took all of his attention but of course, it''s not like he really forgot the situation with the fire.


    "Why is a human capable of summoning me? You sure are peculiar and your tastes for heads are weird too."


    "Wait! You just said I summoned you? I don''t recall any of it though¡­"


    "Idiot brat! Your body unconsciously did it because you were drowning! Though it seems like you used the water as a means to summon me."


    Indeed, the reason why the water subsided to the point that it vanished into thin air was that it was used to summon Percia. Hearing about the drowning and water, Desire finally brushed off the matter with the new monster and decided to go help once more.


    "Sorry but I have to go! Since I summoned you, you can do work right? Can you use water magic?"


    Percia scoffed at those words. It was quite a sight seeing all three of his heads move the same.


    "Who do you think you''re talking to?! You summoned me without knowledge?! You braaaat!"


    Angered at the fact that his summoner didn''t know a thing about him, he tried to lash out at him. A summoned being can kill its summoner. Summoning skills and magic doesn''t magically bind the summoned being to its summoner like a servant. That is why getting to be liked by familiars and such is quite a task. However¡­


    ''W-what''s happening¡­I feel disgust?''


    Trying to attack Desire, Percia suddenly felt weird. His instincts and emotions didn''t want him to attack the kid that seems so innocent. It felt like if he did it, he would regret it for the rest of his life. Noticing that there''s something about Desire, he decided to put it off.


    ''The moment I expressed my desire to attack him, I suddenly felt weird then when I stopped my malicious intent, it also stopped. What the hell is this brat?''


    He thought about the reasons but Desire talked to him.


    "Mind you, I am child! Anyways, if you can use water magic then help put out that fire. It''s a problem for the people that I am living with!"


    Being asked sincerely by the child in front of him, Percia couldn''t bring himself to deny it. In fact, he was delighted that the child was relying on him. There were many who tried to summon him and befriend him but not one of them could compare to the one before him.


    "Hmph! That''s a problem? In just but a minute, it wouldn''t exist anymore."


    Percia moved his small body and let off a blue shade of light. As his body was still glowing, he flapped his wings once and soon the weather changed to a rainy one. Waves of water greater than its precedent were forming. Coming from all four sides, the waves clashed with the fire.


    "Hmm? Oh, there''s someone who''s controlling the fire."


    Noticing that the fire wasn''t going out despite his work, Percia muttered.


    "Can you keep up?"


    Flapping his blue wings once more, Percia was creating a greater storm! Urged by him, the waves kept forming but as if it was all a joke, it didn''t touch the ground. After the second clash with the water, the fire finally died down.


    Percia spoke to Desire.


    "See that?! That kind of fire is nothing to me! Foolish brat!"


    Desire didn''t respond; finding it odd, Percia looked down. When he looked down, he saw eyes that were sparkling. The mouth of Desire was hanging and his small teeth could be seen. Then Desire shouted.


    "Wow! You can do that?! Wow, what kind of monster are you? You''re so much better than the previous guy I summoned!"


    The fire died down in the forest but a fire has been lit inside Desire¡­

 Chapter 12: Cute

    This was happening while Desire was drowning. A few minutes away from the present¡­


    Liya was fighting with Mayo, the strongest human there is in the forest. Even though Liya used the grand magic of her race, she still didn''t have an advantage over the man. She found it strange that there is a human of this level serving another.


    Liya knew that humans were greedy, wanting to place themselves at the top. That is why it is not strange to see strong ones crushing each other in the human''s world but¡­A strong one serving a useless lord? That''s just absurd.


    Liya knew that there were some special cases but due to her senses being strengthened, she knew there''s something in Mayo.


    While thrusting with the ice blade that she made, Liya had an expression that seems to not understand why.


    Mayo brushed off the strike with his spare sword. If one was watching this battle from start to now, one could easily find that their position have exchanged.


    Liya was winning in the earlier duration of the fight but now¡­Mayo was winning, dominating her even.


    Liya thought while producing another ice blade.


    ''It''s true that I''m running out but¡­It''s also true he kept up with me.''


    She withheld the ice blade and made it float in the air as she spoke with a hint of impatience.


    "Why is a strong guy like you under someone?"


    It seems like Mayo decided to partake in this conversation as he also eased up his stance. But¡­there are no openings for Liya to strike. She could now feel the difference in strength between them. Liya thought.


    ''Has he been toying with me from the start? It''s definitely suspicious but¡­I have to keep him here if that''s the case.''


    Even though Mayo said something like giving his all in this battle, it didn''t seem that way to Liya. Her enemy spoke.


    "Hmm, you''re better than I thought."


    Liya responded with a thorny voice.


    "What?"


    "Ah, it''s nothing. You asked why I am under someone, the answer to that is¡­"


    Mayo pointed his forefinger to the sky while smiling. It was a sinister smile no matter how you looked at it. And then, he continued while releasing his aura.


    "¡­Is because there is someone even stronger than me."


    As soon as he said that, his body started to glitter with light but¡­A great splash of wave came about and flooded the area. It was the magic of Lyra and the others.


    Liya instinctively knew that it was the magic of her villagers and so she calmly jumped out in the sky. If she forced herself, she could fly for a minute but she only needed to create a foothold.


    While doing that, she looked at the fire that has lost its fangs.


    She muttered under her breath.


    "The flood will definitely hinder the advance of the humans but¡­"


    Was it really wise? She couldn''t let it out. She didn''t want to voice a complaint now that she used a magic that costs her life force.


    It was time for the next generation to lead.


    As she realized who it might be the one who gave the order to use the flood magic, she smiled.


    And then it happened; a wave greater than before appeared while the sun that refused to hide no matter what couldn''t be seen.


    The clouds were getting gloomy and dark as rain started to fall, the waves gathering from all sides to splash on the fire but...it didn''t work.


    The fire held on and while it turned small, it was still on a scale that could be called a forest fire.


    Liya couldn''t understand what was going. She could sense magical power greater than hers in the clouds and in the waves but this forest didn''t have anyone like that, more so in their village.


    If there was one, this problem would have been easy to solve.


    That was the reason why all of them went out of their way to risk their lives in order to save their land. Though she was confused, she was relieved as well.


    If this someone continued to use that kind of magic, the fire will definitely be put out.


    And as she held hope deep in her heart, as if answering to her prayer, a greater storm appeared than before.


    It was strange for Liya that the water on the ground wasn''t increasing despite the waves and all but she didn''t have to mind that anymore.


    After the clash of the fire and water, fog rose. The fog and the clouds made the area blurry and the inside of the fog couldn''t easily be seen.


    Liya rushed off to where her comrades were and she planned on how to run from this place. If that someone was an enemy, she knew they wouldn''t survive.


    Ice pillars continued to appear beneath her feet, making a stable path for her to walk through the air.


    Mayo who was watching that clicked his tongue and turned around. The presence and the aura coming from the person who made that storm were strong enough to make him retreat.


    And so, the battle between the two came to a conclusion without a winner¡­


    ****


    "Mother!"


    Coming down from the ice pillars that she created, Liya heard the voice of her daughter, Lyra.


    It was a voice that she wanted to hear so much but now wasn''t the time and so she spoke harshly.


    "Why haven''t you given the order to retreat yet? The fire is out so we need only to prioritize our safety. Where''s the one who got the key with them?"


    The key.


    What Liya was talking about was the branches growing out of their backs. It isn''t a necessity for the Suckus to have them all the time so they could be put down.


    The key was only needed when one went out with no other and if were tasked to carry it with them.


    It was a gift given by the Dryad parent of their race in order to have homes like the Dryads.


    At those words of Liya, a woman stepped out with the conspicuous key. The woman spoke with a careful tone.


    "The preparations are underway but¡­There is a problem."


    "T-that''s right mother! Desire is missing!"


    Lyra explained the situation of how Desire was missing and all and how they weren''t able to find him despite their efforts.


    It''s not as if they wanted to stay here. The reason why they were being kept in this place was that Desire was missing.


    At the end of it, another woman spoke. It''s not visible from her skin and face but she was an elder of the village.


    "Even if he is missing, shouldn''t we be making our escape now? We already gathered the villagers. We don''t have to wait for him just to have disaster come."


    It seems like she had a few misgivings about the treatment that was being given to Desire.


    Even if he was someone who was accidently betrothed to the village head, his life doesn''t compare to the safety of the village. And it''s true that some were unhappy about it.


    "That''s right! What if that magic comes again? There''s no telling if we''ll be safe from it!"


    "We should hurry now!"


    It''s not as if the village as a whole was united under the sentiment of being kind to Desire.


    It''s been said that if there are three people in a group, factions and the like will naturally come out. That is exactly what is happening right now.


    Liya was having trouble deciding. While they were engaged by the Suckus'' tradition, she didn''t particularly have any feelings for Desire. No, it would be more correct that she only saw Desire as a food pot, she just didn''t know it.


    She was kind to Desire for he was her food pot, nothing more nothing less, though the person himself doesn''t mind it.


    Liya was having her own thoughts, oblivious to her own inner desires.


    ''W-what do I do? As a village head¡­''


    A few minutes passed while the women were bickering at each other. They were cleanly divided into two factions now. Lyra was leading the faction of waiting for Desire while the Elder was with the other.


    While they were unable to come to a decision, a voice that was clearly excited entered their ears.


    "Hey, you haven''t told me about you yet! What race are you, Percia?!"


    "Aren''t you getting ahead of yourself?! I have already answered plenty of your questions!"


    When they turned their heads to the source of the voice, they saw Desire and¡­the bird that has three heads, Percia. They shifted their gazes between the child and the strange bird and their expressions instantly crumbled.


    One of them spoke in a low voice.


    "Ravens!"


    "W-what?! Why is that here?!"


    "Why¡­"


    Instantly, the silence broke after the murmuring of ravens and the women talked amongst themselves. Fear and shock was evident in them, even Liya. That was how much influence the name ravens had.


    Then, Desire who was talking to Percia turned his head towards them and waved his hand.


    "Why are you guys here? Is it fine with the humans now?"


    "Can''t you see that the humans have run away! How stupid are you!"


    Desire turned his head to Percia and made a serious expression as he spoke.


    "You know¡­if it wasn''t for your mouth, you''d be the cutest bird there is."


    Everyone went silent at the words of Desire. Even the wind that carried his voice didn''t blow anymore. Then Lyra suddenly spoke. She couldn''t hold it in. She laughed as loud as she possibly can.


    "Haha! Cute? Desire sure says some funny things!"


    For a moment, only the laughter of Lyra could be heard as a vein pops in all three of Percia''s heads.


    With his power, it was easy to kill this Suckus that was rudely laughing at him but before he could make a move, he was stopped by Desire''s voice.


    "Eh? Isn''t he cute? Look at those heads!"


    Lyra slowly stopped and even Percia calmed down. They all thought about one thing.


    ''Isn''t there a screw loose in his head or something?''

 Chapter 13: ????

    Desire was sitting in a large stone with the vibrant trees still standing tall. Looking at them, Desire smiled.


    ''They were saved¡­''


    He was staying in the place where the village of the Suckus was located. He still doesn''t understand how it works but he was grateful that they were saved.


    Looking in front, he could see some women busily moving to restart their daily lives. Of course, the higher-ups were busy too planning countermeasures for when the humans attacked again.


    They don''t know the reason why the humans attacked but they would probably come back with a force greater than before. Desire was extremely happy about their safety.


    What''s more is that the women who didn''t want to wait for Desire apologized to him. Even though he didn''t know anything about it, they still apologized. That simple gesture shocked Desire and moved his heart.


    Of course, the reason they apologized was because they learned that Desire was the one who saved them. Technically speaking, it was Percia who was summoned by Desire.


    ''Liya is working hard too.''


    Desire remembered the event that happened after they went back. It was that Liya was out of time. He received information about it from Lyra so he was quite shocked that she used something like that.


    Liya''s body was crumbling, no¡­aging. It was the aftereffects of using up all of her life force. A Suckus'' body that didn''t even show their real age was aging in an instant. It was quite a shock for Desire but he couldn''t do anything about it.


    Sad he may be he isn''t a powerful being who could stop it. Hell, it was crazy that he was thinking of stopping a ''natural'' death even though he hadn''t even reached the age of one.


    However what happened next shocked all. Even Percia who was just silently flapping his wings in a corner was silent, unable to comprehend.


    Liya''s body that was aging suddenly shone light. It wasn''t part of the process so the women were nervous. Even though there were indeed factions within the village, they aren''t ambitious enough to kill someone.


    The light soon faded and it revealed the previous form of Liya. The face that Lyra inherited was still there; striking and beautiful. The hair that had the same color as her daughter was lying on the ground. She wasn''t on the form of a Succubus but instead of a Dryad.


    It was a phenomenon that was unbelievable to the Suckus. Of course, all of them were shocked but the most prevalent emotion was the sense of relief. They immediately started to check up on her but it turned out that she was fine.


    ''Even Percia was shocked.''


    Of course, Percia who probably had a lot of knowledge was flabbergasted about it. He probably knew about the price of using the grand magic.


    If one asked a Suckus about their strength, that Suckus would probably laugh at the questioner. The essence of a Suckus was frail.


    However it''s not all bad things for Desire. In this event, Percia answered a lot of his questions.


    ''My mana is probably the most mysterious thing about me.''


    The one thing that Percia couldn''t answer was Desire''s mana. When Desire said that he had only 1 mana, Percia smacked his head with his beak. He said with conviction.


    "There''s no way your mana will be that low if you can summon me!"


    Percia was a being who Liya, in her Succubus form, was scared of. He had a might great enough to push off a force of 300 humans and he was also powerful enough to deal with the fire that the Suckus, with their numbers, wasn''t capable of putting it out. The fire was even being controlled by someone with enough strength to keep it going, even with the help of various oils and magicians.


    It would be strange if one could summon a being like that with that kind of ridiculously low mana. It wasn''t even a joke; it was an insult to Percia! That''s why¡­


    "If you''re joking with me, I''ll kill you. Brat."


    Unlike his usual rough tone, Percia spoke in a low voice and a calm tone that it almost sounded a beast was growling. Of course, it wasn''t the intention of Desire to insult Percia. What with his love for monsters, there''s no way that would come to pass.


    Desire tried hard in convincing Percia and that he even stated that he could kill him if he was lying. There were quite a few ways to tell if someone was indeed lying but in the end, without doing anything, Percia just said ''alright, I''ll believe you for now.''


    ''Still, Percia was quite a weird one.''


    Even though Desire was always bombarded with his loud voice and his swearing, Desire was actually quite happy meeting Percia. That happiness became intense that it could be called euphoria when he heard the question to how he summoned Percia.


    "Ha! You really are foolish. There''s only one reason why you would be able to summon me. Possibility or rather, the potential of yours called me. I don''t know how your subconscious did it but I can''t think of any other reason if not that."


    Desire found it weird that Percia phrased it as possibility but he didn''t mind it that much. He was happy that Percia basically said that he had potential, great enough to be able to summon a strong monster.


    Though it was indeed weird how his subconscious did it since he didn''t have many experiences. He asked Percia of how he was able to stay for a long time despite nothing was happening to Desire.


    "That''s because ''you'' used a medium to summon me. That was the water that you were previously submerged in. Still, I can''t believe that was enough to cause my stay longer¡­"


    Desire was smiling after remembering his conversation with Percia. That was how happy he was at the thought of having potential especially after being lost with magic.


    Desire stood up and with a look of determination, he shouted with his fists clenched near his chest.


    "I''ll try summoning another guy like Percia!"


    As he tried brought his palm out in front, he shouted with an ever louder voice.


    "Summon Aquatic Lords!"


    Then, as if responding to his cry, a great mass of water appeared out of nowhere. It spiraled around Desire and soon coagulated in a single spot.


    Appearing from it; jumping with great vigor was a great fish! Squirming on the ground, it splashes the water on its body with such strength!


    Desire looked down on it as he muttered.


    "Eh? Isn''t¡­this a normal fish?"


    With the size of a fish that you could see on any market and with the color of ordinary all over its body, it screamed the word normal with its squirming.


    "W-what happened? Why, a fish has been summoned?!"


    Desire bent a knee to look all over the fish. He couldn''t believe the sight in front of him. He thought that, at the very least, a monster will come out but¡­an ordinary fish?


    "I-it died."


    After the fish struggled on the ground, it stopped moving. Then he heard the voice of the system.


    [Desire doesn''t have the necessary qualifications to use the skill: Summon Aquatic Lords]


    [To use Summon Aquatic Lords, Desire must be one with the water]


    [Current progress of being one with the water: 5%]


    Desire froze in shock after hearing the message of the system.. After being told that he had potential, he was looking forward to testing the summoning skill. That''s why he thought this summoning too will work out but of course, life wasn''t easy.


    As he was still in shock, Desire didn''t notice the water that didn''t disappear even after spouting out the fish.


    Within the water that was still as the sky, a gaze was directed at Desire as if he was a prey¡­


    ****


    Liya woke up in her usual bed, in her usual room. She was carried here by her daughter as she passed out yesterday.


    "W-what happened¡­?"


    She touched her head to see that her horns weren''t there and she also couldn''t feel her tail.


    "D-didn''t I die?"


    Liya knew that if a Suckus used their grand magic, they would die. She also knew that she was no exception to that rule. That''s why she prepared herself for her death to come but she was still alive.


    Not being able to believe it, she stood up and approached the door. She tried to push it aside but it suddenly opened and the face of her daughter appeared beyond it.


    Lyra spoke with a delighted tone while hugging Liya.


    "Mother! Are you alright now?"


    Liya reciprocated her feelings as she pat her daughter''s back.


    "Y-yeah, what happened?"


    "I don''t know. To be honest, all of us don''t know. After the¡­process of aging, your body shone light and you were the same as before."


    Liya moved from her daughter''s arms as she thought about it.


    ''Light? What does that mean¡­?!''


    As she was contemplating, a voice disturbed her thoughts.


    [The God, ????, has given you their divine protection]


    [????''s blessings will help Liya in surpassing her limits]


    [Change complete]


    Liya was flabbergasted but as soon as she heard the last of it, Liya checked her Status page and there, it was written.


    [Divine protection: ????''s blessings]


    ''W-what is this¡­what kind of god is-''


    "Mother?"


    She couldn''t continue her thinking as her daughter saw her troubled face. Liya answered her daughter with an ''I''m fine'' then she asked for water. Lyra immediately went for one and Liya was left alone in her room.


    Liya sat in her bed while her mouth was curled upwards to form a faint smile as she spoke.


    "What is happening¡­"


    She closed her eyes as she waited for the water.


    -------------------------------------------------------


    New skills


    -Auto Mana Regeneration: G


    -Magic Resistance: G


    -Summon Aquatic Lords: G

 Chapter 14: Magic

    Desire went back to the village after the fish died. Surprisingly, he didn''t feel tired or his life force sucked out. Desire really couldn''t get a feel when it comes to his mana.


    When he was in the village, he quickly looked for Lyra. The system told him that he has to be one with the water to be able to use his summoning skill but he didn''t know how to be one. The first thing that came to his mind when it came to water was Lyra, who previously somehow taught him some magic.


    He couldn''t call her a teacher but a fellow student who was advising him about a particular lesson though he still felt grateful for it.


    After walking for a while, he found Lyra''s house at the top. He knocked and waited for a response. He wasn''t a Suckus to make the door move on his own so he had to wait for someone to open it.


    ''I should see Liya too.''


    For Desire, this was something that he needed to do. He was worried about Liya and he could ask about how she was doing. It wasn''t easy to remove the image of Liya aging in an instant from his memories.


    After a while of waiting, the door started to function and it opened to reveal Liya in her usual manner. She was looking down because she knew the only person who would knock was Desire.


    "Desire!"


    She greeted him with a smile. Of course, she would, he was the benefactor of the village and the one who chased away the humans.


    "Liya, how are you doing?"


    Desire spoke with worry evident on his face. His voice was shaking a bit and his eyes were focused on her.


    Seeing that, Liya couldn''t help but smile even wider. She led Desire into her humble home and she took something similar to water. The water was floating above her palm when a cup has appeared on the floor and she spoke as she filled it up.


    "I''m alright. Anyways, I haven''t thanked you yet for saving the village."


    Liya walked in front of Desire and straightened her back. She stood tall as she faced her benefactor. Dignity was flowing out of her and sincerity was expressed through her actions. She lowered her head in front of Desire as she spoke.


    "As the village head...no, as a monster living here, thank you."


    Desire didn''t speak a word to the graceful Liya. To be exact, he couldn''t speak a word at this moment.


    Only after a while could he mutter out a word to respond. He spoke with a flustered tone as he bowed his head. It wasn''t visible as he was but a baby.


    "A-ah¡­no, thank you!"


    The words spoken were of thanks and Liya...could not quite get why he was saying thanks so she lifted his head to look at Desire.


    "For letting me live here and letting me know your magic, thanks for that."


    "Haha. I should be the one thanking you."


    The merry atmosphere continued as they talked more and Desire was fed by Liya. He couldn''t eat meat or anything solid so he only drank water. Fortunately, the water had some flavor in it and it was tasty enough for Desire.


    "Oh yeah, I originally came here to ask Lyra about the system."


    "System? What''s wrong with it?"


    "I have a skill but I can''t use it yet. It says that I have to be one with the water so I came here to ask about that."


    After Desire leisurely brought up his issue, Liya''s eyes widened. She couldn''t believe the words coming out of his mouth.


    "D-desire¡­ you''re a human right?"


    "¡­"


    Desire was shaken up by the sudden question. That was the most sensitive issue that he had; being a human. His body started shaking but it soon stopped. After all, the one who asked it was a monster; a being that he loves the most. There''s no way he would get angry.


    "Yes, I am. Even my status says so¡­"


    There, Liya put her forefinger on her chin as if to indicate that she was thinking. Then, she spoke with a bit of amazement in her voice.


    "That''s weird¡­Being one with the water is being one with an element of nature. A human definitely can''t do that. Spirits and some monsters are the only ones who could be one with an element of nature. If a human could be one with nature, that being isn''t a human."


    "W-what did you say?! Is that true, Liya?"


    "Y-yes. What''s gotten into you so suddenly, Desire?"


    Liya was flabbergasted at Desire''s reaction. She didn''t say anything wrong. She only said the things that came to her mind when she thought about it. That''s why she couldn''t help but ask.


    ''Is he angry because I said that he might not be a human¡­?''


    Desire''s face was so unreadable right now that Liya thought that he was so angry at the possibility of him not being a human.


    ''W-well, I guess it''s reasonable for him to be angry if someone told him that he''s not a human.''


    Liya had her fair share of meeting humans. They always talked about how monsters such as her were disgusting and such so she thought that maybe she let her guard down too much around Desire.


    So she was about to apologize to Desire when she saw the change of expression on Desire''s face. It was a smile so wide that even his baby features didn''t help, making him look scary to Liya.


    Then he laughed. Desire laughed as he spoke.


    "Kukuku. Does this mean my genes have not abandoned me yet?! The system has answered my hopes!"


    Desire laughing with his tiny body gave goosebumps to Liya. A shiver went down her spine as she thought about it. Guilt and sadness took over her as she also forced a smile to show to Desire.


    "D-don''t worry. There''s the chance that I just don''t know much about it. It isn''t a clear indication that you are not human!"


    "Eh?"


    "That''s right!"


    Liya crossed her arms and nodded her head vigorously. Desire was making a blank expression on his face but that was Desire''s normal face. Looking at him, Liya could feel that she made the right choice of words.


    ''Whew! I thought he was really angry but¡­I''m glad.''


    Thinking that, she nodded her head once more, oblivious to what Desire was feeling right now¡­


    ****


    An extravagant house could be seen from afar. It had a backyard and a field that could be called a garden. Guards were stationed outside the house and people were passing through the roads.


    The city was entering another day at the same time the sun rose. Cheerful laughter was ringing out here and there as the kids playing was having fun.


    In contrast to that bright mood, the inside of the extravagant house had a gloomy atmosphere. The soldiers that were constantly patrolling had dark circles under their eyes and even their equipment was not in order. Hell, it would be not strange if one calls them bandits.


    And the one who lords over these people was Baron Ted Tell. The country he serves was small so a Baron house has a considerable amount of wealth and authority.


    "We already returned yet no one can give me an explanation about what happened?"


    The one listening to the calm voice of Baron Tell was his subordinates who returned with him. Some of them have bandages all over their body and some even missing a limb. Clearly, they haven''t rested even once when they returned here.


    They all have pale faces when listening to their superior, a man who cannot be reasoned with. Even though they were full of injuries, Baron Tell didn''t even have a single scratch on his body.


    "S-sir, as we have reported a monster capable of summoning a storm of that level was sleeping in there, and w-we accidentally woke him up."


    Baron Tell punched the table with his right fist as he shouted.


    "That can''t be right! Do you all take me for a fool?! We investigated that place beforehand with a Limiter!"


    Limiter.


    A Limiter is a device set up by a capable magician that makes them see the mana available in places, people, and items. Even a monster''s mana could be computed if they have one.


    And the mana that the Limiter informed them of was ridiculously low. They even thought that the Suckus living there were only small fry because of it.


    "But sir...If it isn''t because of that then that only means that the gods have decided to make the heavens rain."


    At those words, Baron Ted Tell faced the pale subordinate. He also turned pale at the thought of something. His shaking voice was heard across the room.


    "I-if the gods have decided that...will they punish me?"


    Punishment or divine punishment, whatever it is, it seems like it was enough to make the shameless Baron shudder in fear.


    Then the man who performed the best in the battle, Mayo spoke.


    "If I may be so frank, my lord, I think it is the former case and I believe it best that we subdue that forest. A monster that could instantly crush a fire of that scale...If that monster roams, the people won''t be able to survive."


    The gloomy mood has become even more gloomy. But...


    "T-that''s right! W-we have to subdue that!"


    An old soldier has shouted out loud. They all turned to him. Even Baron Ted Tell looked at him. He faltered from the pressure but he spoke again.


    "We have to gather more men and take that monster down! It is for justice! It is for the people! We must ask the surroundings lords to help us and even the church! We have to save our people!"


    Justice, a word that was so vague that it could be taken advantage of at any time.


    "M-my family is living near the forest..."


    "My sister''s family is also near there."


    "We must protect those innocent souls and make sure to kill any beasts stemming from that forest!"


    The old soldier protested even louder and then...


    "Y-yeah!"


    A single shout turned to many and soon all of the men were actively thinking of turning the forest upside-down.


    Baron Ted Tell was flustered about this change of events and without being able to do anything, he was convinced by his men. An unreasonable man was convinced... Of course, that was due to...


    "Fool''s been hooked. Mission accomplished!"


    Magic.

 Chapter 15: Rank

    Desire finished his talk with Liya with a bumpy mood. To be exact, they just moved somewhere else when Desire mentioned that he wanted to learn some magic.


    Desire thought that to be one with the water; he should be able to use water magic well enough to be called natural. Even if he is wrong, that''s the only clue he has.


    They were out in the grassland, where they will conduct the training session. This place was similar to the vibrant trees.


    Desire was looking at the grass which has various colors. It was colorful and beautiful but it was extremely unsettling for the eyes.


    Liya was fine with it but Desire was getting dizzy.


    "W-what is this place?"


    "Ah, this is defense magic set up by the previous head. Don''t worry, you passed through the proper entrance; you will get used to it soon enough."


    Desire just nodded his head. It was the first time he felt something like this so he didn''t know how to react to it.


    "S-so, will we be doing it here?"


    Liya turned around to face Desire and she spoke with a bit of a playful tone.


    "That''s right but first, since we don''t know if you are a human or not, we will try the monster-way-of-training."


    At those words, Desire''s eyes widened to the brim. He spoke full of energy. It''s as if he didn''t feel his head hurting.


    "Monster-way-of-training?! What''s that?"


    Liya nodded her head before continuing.


    "Do you know that a monster cannot get stronger?"


    A monster has a tremendous advantage just from its origins.


    A Succubus can kill any men if the man falls in love with her. A Dryad can sweep any human army if it is fighting in the forest. Goblins with their ridiculous reproductive capabilities can overthrow a kingdom in a single night.


    All of those have been decided by birth and all of them have incredible instincts that let them use their strengths in the best possible way.


    However, all of them cannot get stronger. Regardless of any monster race, this is true.


    A race that stems from a god, a race that originated from two different monsters like a Suckus... All of them cannot escape this hopelessness.


    A special monster that has a Grand Magic like the Suckus, which makes the monster stronger, is rare.


    "I don''t...but why do monsters cannot get stronger?"


    "I didn''t expect you to know it..."


    There, Desire tilted his head. Even though he is but a baby, it seems like he could think better than the average child.


    ''Then why did you ask?''


    Liya continued with a smile, seeing Desire tilting his head.


    "Well, it''s because we are monsters. Legends say that humans are the only beings occupying this world during its early age and we just somehow came to be."


    "Then, what do you mean by a monster way of training? If you cannot get stronger, there''s no point in training is there?"


    Liya grinned, her face looks exactly like a mischievous child that found a new toy.


    "That is only until recently. Though recently is the word, it is actually more than a thousand years ago. Some monsters back in the day found a way to get stronger. To be specific, they discovered how to increase our rank."


    Desire couldn''t help but get confused. How is increasing your rank equates to a monster getting stronger?


    When a monster is born, a rank is automatically given by the system.


    Until adulthood, a monster can increase their rank but when they hit the absolute peak of their race, they can''t get stronger.


    But because of those monsters in the legends...a new method was delivered to the society of monsters to help them surpass their limits.


    "You look like you''re not keeping up. Well, it''s better to just show it to you personally."


    After Liya said that much, the grassland that they were on started to emit light.


    The various colors were intertwining each other around Liya.


    It only lasted for a moment.


    The colors that have become white from their intertwining have dispersed and Liya emerged.


    Desire was stupefied from the event. To him, it only looked like a light has gone on and off and then it stabilized.


    "Well? Do you feel that I''ve changed?"


    "E-eh? No..."


    "Haaah. Why do I keep forgetting that you are a baby..."


    Liya sighed, walking up to Desire to touch his head with her palm.


    Then a magical event happened. Something far more mysterious than the one before.


    Desire''s body glowed with the light of green and he could feel something...


    ''W-what is this...? It''s familiar to me?''


    Liya then took off her hand and spoke with a wide smile on her face.


    "That was my magical energy from before the light flickered."


    "I-I see...it was stro-?"


    Desire looked at her with a bewildered expression on his face.


    "Before...? Ah!"


    "That''s right. The method that the monsters from before, which we call ''ancients'' now, came up with is this. A magic infusion and that came from this magical space."


    Desire could only nod and agree with her. After all, how does she expect a baby to understand what she was saying?


    Desire was only smarter than a child. Yes, a child.


    "Well, I''ll explain the specifics to you later. Go, try it out."


    Desire immediately ran forward to where Liya stood before.


    It seems that proving that he was indeed a monster was the most important thing rather than the facts or safety.


    Then after checking everything out, Liya raised her hands in the direction of Desire.


    Afterward, the same event of the light flickering happened with Desire.


    However, this time was a bit different.


    The colors¡­no, the color that rose to the air was the color of gray. It wasn''t like Liya''s that had various colors that became white.


    It twirled around Desire as it changes colors once more, this time to black.


    The black were complete darkness, Liya could feel that it was pulling her body but...


    The light changed once more, this time to the color of white. No, it was light itself.


    Liya could feel something happening within that light and then when she started to focus on it, Desire appeared.


    ''What happened?''


    Of course, even though Liya had superior senses, a blink of an eye was a blink of an eye.


    Unless she had the necessary brain cells to compute and analyze what happened in a blink of an eye, she wouldn''t be able to completely see what happened.


    To her, the scene just changed colors.


    "Desire?"


    She called for Desire after regaining her wits. She wanted to know if it was a success or not.


    "L-Liya¡­"


    "What is it!"


    Liya rushed to his side after hearing his weakened voice. Afterward, Desire limply fell to the ground. Unable to hold on to his consciousness, he passed out.


    ****


    "Uhh."


    A sound came out from the mouth of the baby; it was a soft and gentle voice.


    However, unlike his voice, his actions were not so gentle.


    The baby yawned and he got up without the help of another as he stretched.


    "Where am I?"


    That baby was Desire, who was able to talk and walk despite being a baby.


    "Wasn''t I with Liya...?"


    Fuzzy memories were filling up his mind and it cannot be helped.


    "Ouch!"


    Desire put his tiny hand on his tiny head as a severe headache came across him.


    "Aghhh!?"


    He started foaming on the mouth and with that as a signal; his eyes started to light up.


    The light from his eyes spread in his room and Desire couldn''t see anything.


    No, to be exact, he could see something. Something akin to letters was being written right in front of him.


    ''H-huh? Is that the system?''


    Despite his body shaking so furiously and his mouth foaming, he couldn''t feel it.


    Desire could only feel his head that is throbbing like his heart. It was getting louder and Desire could read the finished words. It said...


    [Dungeon 01 is being attacked]


    [The lord of the Dungeon 01, Lord Rakugei, has fallen]


    [Dungeon 01 will now be owned by the humans]


    ''W-what is this...?''


    Desire was dumbfounded at the sudden drop of a bomb. This was the first time he heard something like this.


    ''N-no...If I remember right, then?''


    At that moment, before he could finish his thinking, another sentence was finished but Desire could feel that it was different.


    [Desire''s mana has increased to 2]


    [Desire''s rank - Rank 1 has been updated]


    [Desire''s rank - cannot be identified]


    [Desire''s innate skill is being awaken]


    [Innate skill, waiting time 0/100 days]


    [Innate skill will be displayed as ??? for the meantime]


    Then, the light in his eyes disappeared and his body returned to normal.


    "Puff. Huff."


    What was that? He couldn''t bring it to words as he was too tired.


    His disordered breathing could be heard resonating throughout the room.


    He looked up to confirm once more but the letters weren''t there anymore...

 Chapter 16: Dream

    As soon as Desire got his breathing in order, he tried to stand to search for Liya. No...he tried to stand, but he couldn''t.


    The moment he spread his limbs to try to balance himself on the bed, his eyes widened to the brim. His sweat accumulated while he was in a ''bad'' state was dropping to the floor with a ''Plop!'' as he shook his head.


    He looked once more...to his limbs that were longer and firmer than before, albeit it was still small and smooth, it was definitely different.


    His eyes that held confusion as he stared at his arms were quivering fiercely.


    His arms that used to be so small now looked like proper arms. His dumbfounded face looked between his arms and his body.


    ''M-my field of vision has risen?''


    Indeed, when he looked in front, the same height he viewed the world before wasn''t the same. He was taller, and he could see a wider view.


    ''W-what happened?'' He thought as he wriggled his dexterous fingers.


    It was completely different from before when even opening his fingers seemed quite a chore.


    He brought his hand near to his face to feel it and became utterly flabbergasted.


    His small face was now larger, and his gray hair was now reaching his shoulders, swaying with his moving.


    After getting his wits together, albeit confused, he shouted out.


    "What the hell happened to my body?!"


    Indeed, a miraculous thing happened to his body. His body that used to be a baby couldn''t be seen anymore as it was replaced by a child''s.


    He tried standing up once more to find that his skill ''Body Control'' helped him as he suddenly gained a better balance.


    As he stood in his full glory, his height is that of a 5-year-old child, standing under 100 centimeters.


    He ran quickly to exit his room, but...


    "R-right...I can''t open a door here."


    As he was but a human, he couldn''t open a room to enter or exit a Suckus built. Only a Suckus could have opened it; that should have been the case, but...when Desire stood face to face to the door, it quickly slid open.


    "H-huh?"


    When he pushed forth to see outside, he found nothing. The darkness of the house that was made out of nothing but trees was preeminent.


    Thinking that something must have happened, he walked out. He wasn''t used to being alone in the house, so he was quite unsure of what he should do.


    "For starters, I should light it up..."


    Although he had the night vision skill, he wasn''t used to it. He could see, but the reason why he wanted to light it up was of his preference.


    He pushed out his hand and began to push forth his mana to activate the light skill, but then a familiar voice spoke to him.


    [Light skill has ranked up!]


    [Light skill: F]


    [Check your Status Window]


    At the same time, a light appeared in his hands. It lightened-up the surroundings greater than before. Though it wasn''t by much, he could now see in front.


    "Hmm, I wonder why it ranked up when I never used it again?"


    Indeed, he never once used it after he escaped from the place where it seems appropriate to call it underground.


    As he continued to walk, he found out that the house was only composed of two rooms: the meeting room where he first met Liya and the bedroom where the women and he himself sleep.


    But, never once has he encountered Liya or Lyra. Finding that fact strange, he took long strides as he hurriedly walked.


    ''It''s pretty big despite it being a house of two...''


    Of course, he knew that this house belonged to the village head, and that''s what he thought but...


    -You...It''s not time yet.-


    A voice suddenly spoke to him, a different voice than the system.


    It seems more correct to say it that it was talking to him...


    "Huh"


    -Go back; you are not qualified enough to use me.-


    "..."


    His steps suddenly came to an abrupt halt as he confirmed it that it was talking to him. He began to search around, his eyes looking here and there, but nothing came out.


    "Ha, hahaha. What''s happening?"


    Then, as if to answer his question, he heard it once more.


    -How foolish.-


    Then the house that only had Desire, darkness, and the light in his hands suddenly distorted right in front of him.


    It twisted and spiraled around in front of his eyes. It continued for a while, and when the ''house'' was as thin as a needle, it raced up to him.


    Startled by this, he put up his arms in front but...the ''house'' went right in his eyes.


    "Kuhaaaa!"


    Shocked and unable to bear the pain of something entering his eyes, Desire shouted in fear.


    ''W-what the hell is happening?''


    Was the only thought that he could think of. Numerous unknown events kept happening. First, when his eyes glowed up. Second, his body suddenly growing, and now, this...it''s only natural that he would get shaken.


    When the pain receded, his consciousness passed out, and he opened his eyes. It was quite a strange feeling, losing consciousness and opening eyes at the same time.


    ''T-this is...Am I back?''


    Looking around was the first thing he did when he opened his eyes, and sure enough, he was back. However, the changes that occurred remained the same.


    His body was now older, and while he didn''t notice it, his mind changed as a prerequisite of growing.


    "What..."


    And when he tried to get up, the sound of the door being opened entered his ears. He looked, and then he saw Liya and Lyra staring back at him.


    Their mounts agape, and their eyes widened to the brim as they just stood still.


    "Liya...what happened back then?"


    His voice was a little bit manlier than before entered the women''s ears, and only then did they clear their minds.


    "D-desire?! What happened...to your body?"


    The one who spoke was Lyra, who didn''t know what happened during their ''monster-way-of-training'' ran up to him.


    Liya slowly closed the door, for it seems like she already knew it, but she just couldn''t hide her surprise at the fact that Desire suddenly grew a few years in a matter of hours.


    "I-I don''t know either..."


    Of course, the youth himself didn''t know what happened. He was asleep when it took place, and he even had a weird...dream. No, it would be wrong to call it a dream as the experience remained vivid in his mind, and his body remembers the pain.


    Without noticing it, Liya has procured a chair for both of them, and she prepared the water that Desire ate.


    Offering it to Desire with her magic, Desire gratefully accepted it with his hands. Thanks to his Body Control skill, it seems to be no problem to move around.


    Gulping it down in one go, Lyra watched it all with still a shocked expression. It seems the thought of Desire ''growing'' so fast was that shocking.


    Desire then asked Liya the question that he wanted to know the answer the most.


    "So...what happened back then?"


    A sigh of weakness leaked out from Liya''s mouth before she answered.


    "When I brought you here, your body started glowing...and when some time passed, you changed."


    "Wait, how much time has passed since then?"


    "Two days."


    Desire didn''t seem to be too shocked about this. He carefully placed his hands below his chin as he contemplated.


    ''After I got that magic infusion, my body changed, and I had a dream...''


    Even though the change was shocking, it didn''t matter to Desire as this only meant one thing. His hopes were growing as he thought some more and more.


    ''D-does not this confirm that I''m not a human...?''


    Indeed, if one looked at his growth and magic, no one would think that he was a human. They would be more inclined to think that he was a demi-human born from a strong monster race.


    A smile crept up to his face as he couldn''t hide his emotions. The one who confirmed his suspicions was the one who shot it down before, Liya.


    "Desire, I''m sorry to say this, but I...think that you might not be able a human."


    ''Not a human.'' Those words continued to play in his mind as the expression of happiness was evident on his face.


    ''H-how joyful this day is!''


    It was an event that basically proved that his most hated being, a human, is not his race. He didn''t check it with the system, but he doesn''t need to do that.


    ''A monster is saying that I am a monster.''


    "It is shocking, but hey, there''s news that would be more fun for you, I bet!"


    Lyra spoke with a bit of playfulness in her face, her shock completely wiped off from it. Desire didn''t pay attention, and seeing this, Lyra threw some more words.


    "Hey, you sure you don''t wanna listen to me? You might be able to meet a monster more ug- ahem! beautiful than that Percia, you know~."


    "What is it!"


    "Well, you better listen..."


    Talking with him, a smile naturally formed on Lyra''s face while a sense of relief was washing over Liya.


    And a strange thought passed by Lyra''s mind as she talked with Desire.


    ''Is this guy a fool for a monster...?''

 Chapter 17: Monsters and humans

    As Desire opened his eyes, he could feel the warmth of the sun. The breezing wind brought music to his ears.


    It was quite a perplexing event to have nature shine here despite being a different space.


    Desire was standing in a grass field, similar to the one before, but it definitely felt different. If the colorful grassland was something that he couldn''t grasp, the grass field now was something he couldn''t even begin to understand.


    "You''re a lucky one, aren''t you? You are the first who is not one of the race, Suckus, to enter in that space."


    Standing beside Desire was Liya, who gave him a piece of advice.


    Desire just nodded his head before asking. It seems he was curious about something as his tone was just as questioning.


    "There''s something I don''t understand. Why is it that Lyra is the one who set this up?"


    Liya just tilted her head, seemingly unable to comprehend the question.


    Then Desire continued with a careful tone.


    "I mean...aren''t you the village head?"


    "Aha, so that''s what you are talking about."


    Liya tilted her head towards the sky before continuing. Desire could feel the mood going into a state of unknown.


    "I am no longer the village head."


    "..."


    "The moment I used the Grand Magic, I became ''dead.'' After all, no records have ever stated that a Suckus have lived after using it. Not even the First Suckus has survived after using it."


    Desire could only swallow his saliva after hearing something like that. He thought that it was only a light matter, but to believe that Liya would resign from her position even though she survived...


    Liya turned her gaze to the youth, worry evident in her eyes. Her eyes shone as she asked a question that was unlike her.


    "Desire, do you know the difference between a human and a monster?"


    "...!"


    ''Come to think of it...''


    I know nothing. Desire widened his eyes at the fact that he practically knew nothing about it. Monsters are monsters, but...does he really know one?


    Can he say he is a friend of the Suckus after what happened? Can he say that monsters are much better than humans?


    Desire shook his head to erase the thoughts looming on his mind, but he couldn''t. The more he tried, the more the dark ideas appear.


    ''And a human...?''


    Even the simple question ''What is the difference between a monster and a human?'' left him confused. His simple thoughts grew complex when a single ''what'' appeared.


    But...what would happen if he added a ''why?''


    ''Why do I hate humans?''


    Indeed, ever since he gained consciousness, he didn''t know why he felt extreme disgust at being called a human. No, even the existence of one makes his mood sour.


    However, why did he hate a human so? When he thought about it, the reasons he could come up with is...


    ''None.''


    And when he realized that, a hollow feeling entered his mind. He felt his existence took a blow. It wasn''t so bad, but the meaning of ''human'' and ''monster'' changed somewhat for him.


    He also felt something trying hard to force to calm his mind down, and even though he didn''t want to, he regained his calm.


    Whether knowing the youth''s problems or not, Liya continued.


    "You know, I think we are just the same. Humans and monsters..."


    Liya blurred the end of her sentence, making the youth more confused. Desire couldn''t help but ask.


    "What do you mean?"


    However, Desire couldn''t hear the answer. After all, a shadow came up to his side and asked with a playful tone.


    "Are you perhaps excited about this, Desire?"


    When the youth heard the voice and looked back, she found Lyra, in an unexpected outfit of wearing clothes, giggling to herself.


    Perhaps wanting to clear his head of the dark thoughts, he immediately struck a conversation with Lyra.


    Just because he regained his calm doesn''t mean that he wasn''t thinking about it, after all.


    "You haven''t explained anything and only talked about how we are going somewhere, so how can I be excited about it?"


    Lyra didn''t reply; she just smiled and looked at her mother. Seeing her mother nod, she too nodded her head.


    She opened her palms and moved her arms in a refined manner, and with a smile still plastered to her face, she began to draw slowly in the air. The figure that she drew was, of course, a key. Though it is called a key, it is just a T with an extra line.


    Despite her calm moves and posture, she was actually feeling nervous at this moment. After all, this was the first time she was doing something like this.


    The ritual needed to go to their ''home'' was something a village head could only do. And since she became one, only she has the right to open up the ''door.'' What''s more, she only became one a few days ago.


    It would be weird if she weren''t feeling any form of pressure right now.


    "Hey, what''s she doing?"


    "Ah, right. Lyra''s doing something that will unlock the lock."


    "Lock?"


    "Yes. This whole area is a lock that connects to another space, created by the current head of the Suckus. Though, she''s aged quite a bit by now."


    Hearing the phrase ''current head of the Suckus,'' Desire eyes shone with light in excitement. However, it soon died down. With what he realized just earlier, he knew that he shouldn''t let his emotions run him.


    ''I want to learn...about monsters and humans...about myself.''


    If there was one thing that he learned from those brief complex thoughts that surged up, it was that he knew nothing. If he knew nothing, then he only needs to know.


    ...About why he loves monsters, why he hates humans, and most importantly, why he is like that.


    ''There''s a lot of stuff I don''t know.''


    He realized the gravity of his being born literally alone. Even though he was lucky and all that he survived that he was now a ''child,'' his lack of knowledge, albeit he had a general one, was holding his ankles.


    ''But...where do I learn?''


    If there were a problem, that would be his lack of a place to learn something.


    He thought he could use Suckus as a reference for monsters, but he soon shook his head.


    In his life, he only met the race of Suckus and a monster named Percia. He also met various other monsters in the forest. In his unborn life, he met another monster.


    Using just one of them to get to know monsters? That would be too unfair to other monsters.


    That''s why he thought that he should meet more races of monsters. That way, after he finished, he could genuinely say that he ''loves'' monsters with all of his heart.


    ''Humans...I''ll think about it later.''


    Of course, even though he changed his ''view'' about humans, that doesn''t mean he looks at them favorably now.


    It would be correct to say that he decided to learn about humans to prove his point, that he was right in hating them. Even though it is biased, it is an excellent step for Desire, who only thought of humans as nothing.


    Having decided on his goals for the moment, Desire looked ahead with a look of resolution.


    After a while, Lyra finished the ''key'' in the air, and after she said some incomprehensible words, the key glowed in a golden color.


    "Is it finished?"


    "Don''t talk, Desire. Lyra needs to maintain concentration to use the key."


    Desire shut his mouth after hearing the words of an experienced Suckus.


    She knows more than anyone how this works, so Desire thought it wise to follow her words.


    As she said, Lyra didn''t move an inch from her current spot, but the key was...swimming through the air.


    After it swam for a minute or so, Lyra clapped her hands loudly, and afterward, the space shattered.


    Desire could only gasp at the ''world'' shattering. The area around him that was basking under the sun was now in a deep purple.


    "Wow!"


    Even though he was feeling a bit down earlier, he couldn''t help but be amazed at the sight.


    The purple sky had numerous lights shining in them, most likely, stars. As he looked around, his jaw dropped to the floor.


    He couldn''t even hear the voices of Liya and Lyra that was calling him.


    The trees that were familiar to him disappeared without a trace; the trees here were so tall that it''s a joke to be compared with the village, and the leaves of the trees had the color of green shining so brightly.


    The distant graceful rays of green light shone even from where he was, and that wasn''t all. The purple sky that was deeply ingrained in the sky was slowly moving.


    Desire couldn''t see where it was going, but he also couldn''t see the beginning of it. As this common-sense breaking scene played out in front of him, he suddenly caught sight of Lyra. The wind brought her words to his ears.


    "Welcome to the world of Suckus, Skinjur."

 Chapter 18: Suckus

    "Ah, I have to go somewhere. Take Desire for a tour, Lyra."


    "Got it, mother."


    While Desire was stupefied about the beauty of the world of Suckus, Skinjur, Liya quickly excused herself.


    It seems she was badly needed to where she had to go as she didn''t just walk. She used magic to make herself faster.


    "Desire, let''s go. I''ll take you around."


    "Y-yeah."


    Desire nodded his head before running to Lyra''s side. His shocked expression didn''t recede at all, even though he snapped back to reality.


    That was how beautiful the sight is.


    "Come to think of it, why didn''t you just take everyone here?"


    Desire asked, remembering the forest fire and the fight with the humans.


    If they could escape in Skinjur, instead of fighting, that would be the best choice.


    After all, they didn''t know that Liya would survive and most importantly, Percia coming to rescue was in the realm of imaginations within imaginations.


    The fact that they could prevent losses is just as alluring as their body features.


    "Not all Suckus could come here."


    "...Why? I mean, if you could bring me here, then surely a Suckus would be fine?"


    What Desire said was right. A human coming in the world of Suckus, and yet they can''t take a member of their own race?


    That would be comparable to saying that fish doesn''t belong to water.


    "Well, there''s an incident where a Suckus allowed an enemy in, so there''s an order that all visitors must be thoroughly checked before being granted entrance. Being in our situation before, there''s no way all of us would be allowed in."


    "Then, why am I allowed to come here?"


    Lyra had a bitter smile on her face before answering.


    "We wanted to repay the favor to you, seeing how you react to monsters. But of course, a human cannot just barge in here even if we are indebted to you."


    Desire just tilted his head and asked again. After all, what Lyra said didn''t answer his question.


    "Ah, they are interested in you. Magic Infusion works on you, and then your body showed growth of years in just a single night, worked wonders."


    While they were talking, they quickly reached the entrance of the village. Unlike the flamboyance of the world itself, the residence in which the Suckus stays was quite simple.


    Seeing the big tree that serves as a gate, Lyra added some words.


    "Do you have some more questions?"


    Desire was about to say ''None,'' but after remembering what he just reflected on before entering Skinjur, he quickly asked something bugging on his mind.


    He wanted to take this chance to know more about the Suckus race.


    He hesitated slightly because he knew that what he was about to ask was extremely rude, but he still spoke with a resolute tone.


    "W-why didn''t you run? During those dangerous times, there were plenty of chances to run. Forget about you and Liya; even the women back in the village didn''t run..."


    Indeed, even though they could just lay low while the fire was still ongoing, they wouldn''t be met with danger.


    If Liya wanted to, she could even escape to Skinjur. Lyra didn''t mention it, but a village head could go in and out of Skinjur, albeit she still has to be under surveillance while inside.


    The simple act of not running, to be honest, Desire couldn''t get it. Even if Lyra told him that they would only be hunted down if they run, if they were able to slip out in the forest, at least they''ll live.


    To Desire, who loved monsters as a human, that was an act he couldn''t understand. After all, if it comes down to it, Desire is a human too.


    He saw things from a human''s perspective, values, principles, and emotions.


    However, contrary to Desire''s hesitation, Lyra spoke immediately after hearing the question.


    "That''s what you asked? That''s simple, you know."


    When Desire looked at her with passionate eyes, waiting for the answer, Lyra gave a coy look before continuing.


    "The Suckus is born through the love of two women. The absolute love that gave birth to us...If we, the product of that love, turned our backs to our fellow Suckus, that would be a shame to our ancestors."


    "Ah..."


    The reason why they fought...


    "To protect each other?"


    ...the hard battle is because of each other.


    Desire was completely taken aback; he fought to protect their home because he thought it was unfair. His hate for the humans that told him to take action...


    He didn''t expect an answer like that. After all, he didn''t know what values the Suckus practices.


    Even though they both took action to protect and fight, the meaning of the reason why they did so was different. And the weight of that difference is heavy.


    ...It would be correct to say that Desire''s thoughts were unnecessarily rude.


    "That''s right. Anyways, here we are."


    Completely immersed in their discussion, Desire didn''t notice that they were right in front of a huge tree.


    Lyra stepped up and spoke.


    "Village head Lyra and the human, Desire."


    "We have been expecting you."


    A voice suddenly answered Lyra, but wherever Desire looked, there were no signs of a person.


    The trees in front of them and the surroundings were the same. The land that he was standing on was clear of anything.


    "Enter."


    As soon as the voice ended, the tree in front shone strong enough for Desire to squeeze his eyes.


    It didn''t last as long as it quickly dissipated. The trees returned back to how it was.


    Still has his eyes closed, Desire heard the calling of Lyra to enter.


    "Let''s go."


    Nodding his head while walking, Desire felt a burden was lifted off his shoulders when he heard Lyra with the same tone of voice.


    To be honest, he never expected Lyra to remain as she was when he asked a rude question.


    He could only be thankful.


    ****


    A magnificent building was standing tall on barren land. It would be more correct to say that it is a palace, one used for royalty.


    The land didn''t have anything except for that building.


    No trees, no people, no other signs of civilization...it was as creepy as it can be.


    However, the inside of that palace was quite noisy. That was because of a man who was being pulverized one-sidedly by a seemingly charming woman.


    "How many times do I have to tell you?! You showed up outside with your true form?!"


    The man didn''t answer despite the insistent questioning of the woman. His body that was full of shallow wounds, reminded him not to provoke the woman any longer.


    "So, you''re not gonna answer? Is that it? Huh? You finally got balls?"


    When the woman spoke in a low and calm voice, the man flinched.


    As he was used to being beaten by this woman, he knew what that kind of tone means.


    "N-no! Sister! I was just summoned abruptly by some kid!"


    The woman called sister by the man was a beauty; her well-shaped face could only be sculpted by a god. Her oval eyes that had the color of the ocean was as deep as it could be.


    Her lips were alluring, and her blue hair that touches her bottom adds a dignity that couldn''t be explained.


    However, if there was a strange thing on her, that would be her ears had feathers growing on them, making her look like an elf.


    "Did you go outside with your three heads out, Percia?"


    She spoke with a nonchalant tone; her face was emotionless.


    Sensing the change in the woman''s mood, Percia decided to play dumb and laughed awkwardly.


    "W-who knows. Hahaha."


    "Who knows?! I know, you half-wit!"


    "N-no! Anyways, the kid that summoned me was strange!"


    Perhaps the woman was interested as she didn''t refute Percia''s changing of topics. Nevertheless, nothing changed about her being mad.


    "Y-you know? The one that summoned me was a human baby! I also don''t understand. Furthermore, when the magic circle appeared, it just sucked me in! It didn''t even ask for my permission."


    "Oh? A baby? And it didn''t give an offering of such? You expect me to believe that?"


    When a summoner summons something or someone, the summoner must present an offering and must get its consent for it to show itself.


    If the summoner tried to force a monster like Percia, it would undoubtedly die a pitiful death.


    That was common knowledge, yet Percia talked about something that will never happen; of course, the woman won''t believe such things.


    In Desire''s case of summoning Percia, none of that common knowledge happened. He just used the Flood Magic as a medium to summon Percia without asking questions.


    "Y-yeah. Anyway, sister, let''s train now! I think I''m gonna become a High Ranker soon!"


    Perhaps the topic Percia talked about was a frustrating one for the woman as a vein popped on her forehead.


    Without realizing it, she struck her brother once more as she scolded him.


    "You''ll die before you become one! You fool! Showing your true form outside, forget reaching rank 8, you won''t even reach rank 7!"


    Only the voice of the angry sister could be heard in this desolate palace.


    "Ahhhhh! Nooo! Forgive me!"


    And the cries of the mighty Percia, of course.

 Chapter 19: Three reasons

    When they walked into the village, Desire was quickly met with a variety of women.


    He talked with them about the forest fire and Percia. After all, they were very curious about the child who saved a member of their race.


    Surprisingly, when Desire was talking with them, he noticed that some women were wearing proper clothes.


    It was quite a surprise, being in a village wherein most of the residents were naked.


    He also quickly found out that there was quite a variety of hair colors among the Suckus.


    Within the village of Lyra, all of the women had the color of green for their hair. It was to the point that when he first went there, he couldn''t tell who is who.


    He also learned that the residents of the Skinjur were the village heads of the scattered villages of the race, Suckus.


    Considering that many of them live here, it could be surmised that the number of villages was a lot.


    Desire also learned of the fact that there were a lot of forests in the world. What with a single forest consists of a single village rule of the Suckus.


    It seems that was established to prevent infighting and to procure males for every member of their race.


    When Desire felt that it was now night time, which he couldn''t feel or see because it was always the deep purple sky, Lyra guided him to a house.


    Lyra said that it was the knowledge of the Suckus that have stockpiled during the years. It was quite big, and when he entered, all kinds of books were stationed on a shelf.


    Although the place had many books, it seems he was only allowed to read one book.


    That book was about humans. It was because of the kindness of the daughter of the head that he was allowed to read.


    The reason being why was because they learned that Desire didn''t know anything about his race. After all, he came upon Lyra when he was a baby and was brought to her village.


    Reluctant as he was, Desire was in the process of reading it. He always mentioned his reflection back then every time he thought about how humans were nothing, making him read about half of the book.


    There were three things that he learned about humans. All three of them were great enough to influence how his life will be, considering how he hates them.


    ''Country...''


    The first thing was that humans formed countries all over the land. Unlike the monsters which only roam around in their natural habitats, humans always go beyond theirs, looking and hoping to cultivate the land, making it their own.


    Even with his general knowledge, he only knew that humans formed groups and societies. He didn''t know anything about countries and how much land they had.


    He also learned of a country that seems to be the culprit behind the forest fire, Haroldus kingdom. He wasn''t sure of it, but according to the book, that was the kingdom nearest to the forest.


    And because of how countries and kingdoms are all over the land, Desire was bound to interact, one way or the other, with them.


    ''It''s not like I can avoid them.''


    Desire knew how unrealistic it was, hoping to avoid humans during his life. The probability of him meeting some humans was high. And this leads to the second thing that he learned that would affect him.


    ''Anyways, rules and regulations, huh.''


    Humans in their countries have rules and regulations, order, or law to preserve peace¡ª the king of a kingdom or lords of the area handed down these laws, making matters worse for Desire.


    As a human, Desire needs to follow them. No, he is forced to follow them. After all, if he does whatever he wants in a place under the influence of a big shot, he would die.


    Killing a human wandering in the forest or a city, stealing from humans and disrupting order in places...Once he gets found out, the situation would soon turn dire.


    As a child with no means of protection, he can''t have those kinds of attention to himself. Meaning, if he ever meets a human and kills them and continues to do that, people in charge would soon hunt him down to apprehend or even kill him on the spot.


    ''It''s not as if I even want to meet them in the first place.''


    Even if Desire meets them and is forced, just like in the previous occasion, to make a move, humans or kings wouldn''t acknowledge his reason.


    He can''t just say, ''I hate humans, so I killed them.'' in front of the authority. And Desire understood this, having read the book about humans.


    Desire stood up from his seat and stretched up his arms while yawning. He put the book to where Lyra got them and soon walked away while thinking about the third reason.


    ''I guess I should be happy about it, ranks...''


    The third and most important thing that he learned was about ranks. It applied not only to monsters but humans also. He already knew that but what was important was that it decided the humans'' pecking order.


    Even though Desire doesn''t know the inner workings about it, he knew that he would get stronger as long as he increases up in ranks.


    It was different for both humans and monsters, but if he could rise in ranks and make a name for himself, humans wouldn''t carelessly touch him.


    The forest fire could be prevented by just saying that he owns that land. That was how he interpreted the knowledge in the book.


    ''Hah. But, humans...''


    And this was the reason why Desire was also troubled about it. If he wished to make a name for himself, he needed to live in human society.


    If he lives in human society and able to reach the pinnacle of ranks, he doesn''t have to worry about attacks anymore. After all, who would dare attack a person sitting at the top?


    The issue relies on Desire''s hate for humans. He would rather live in the forest with the Suckus than living with humans. But then again, if he wants to protect them, it doesn''t need to be said what must be done.


    Desire also knows that from the bottom of his heart, and his worries don''t stop there. He read about how the humans rank up, and he compared it to how he ranked up.


    ''It was different.''


    Humans rank up from ''experience'' accumulating from battles and training. When one reaches the pinnacle of one''s rank, he would naturally reach the next stage.


    However, the same isn''t true for monsters.


    Liya taught him the monster-way-of-training, and that was how he got his first rank.


    The method was Magic Infusion; though Desire didn''t know how Magic Infusion works, it wasn''t a method for humans who gains ''experiences.''


    ''No...I am different.''


    The system has identified him as a human, and yet the Magic Infusion worked on him. Clearly, Desire was the one out of the norm.


    And thanks to his growth, Desire knows that if he nonchalantly walked in human territory and people saw him growing like the one from before...he would be questioned and, in the end, be killed.


    Thinking about how his future seems to be so bleak, he couldn''t help but give a self-deprecating smile.


    His shoulders slumped down from exhaustion, and he reached out to open the door.


    Standing beside the door was Lyra, who was waiting for him. She wasn''t allowed in because she wasn''t granted permission to read. Desire could be said to be a fortunate fellow.


    "Lyra, are you alright?"


    Seeing her face drenched in sweat and a look of exhaustion over it, Desire quickly asked.


    "Y-yes. It''s just..."


    "Just?"


    "You stayed for too long! A day has already passed, you know!"


    Desire tried to look up to see if the sun has risen in the east, but he couldn''t get the answer that he wanted. After all, there''s no sun here, and only the moving purple sky could be seen.


    "Has it been that long?"


    "You weren''t aware? I''m surprised you could last that long without eating."


    "Now that you mention it...I do feel hungry."


    Rubbing his stomach with his right hand, Desire said with saliva dripping from his mouth.


    "I''m appalled with you. Not even me could last for that long...Anyways, let''s go."


    "Go where?"


    "Miss has arranged a dinner with you. She said that after you finish that book, she wanted to see you. I bet she hasn''t expected that you''ll finish after a day, though."


    Lyra said that while gesturing for Desire to follow.


    Desire didn''t reply and just nodded his head while walking. He already received a heads-up about who wanted to meet him.


    It was the one who arranged for his entry and the one who allowed him to read a book...it was the daughter of the current head!

 Chapter 20: Varyce

    Walking in the plaza where the time of the day couldn''t be told just from the sky, Desire could be seen vanishing in the blink of an eye.


    His companion, Lyra, also vanished. A light swallowed both of their bodies at the same time.


    Even though people were missing, the ones watching them weren''t throwing a fit.


    These people were Suckus who already know what''s what.


    Seeing the duo ''enter'' an unknown space, a woman whispered.


    "Isn''t this just like how the head met her lover?"


    But, even though she said it in a small voice, whether it was because they were monsters who have heightened senses, some heard it loud and clear.


    And one of those women who heard it replied in her own small voice. With a finger on her chin, a grin on her lips, she spoke.


    "I hope he survives that little girl!"


    She laughed with a hand over her mouth, and some of those near her joined her with her boisterous chuckle.


    ****


    While the women were giggling amongst themselves, Desire and Lyra have arrived at their destination.


    The place wasn''t grand or large; it was just a simple home, a home that could be counted as one of the many houses in the Skinjur.


    ''It''s thick...''


    That was the first impression Desire got when he laid his eyes on the scenery. He couldn''t tell what, who, or how was thick.


    "Let''s go. She''s waiting."


    "Got it."


    Desire walked off together with Lyra. The distance wasn''t far, but it would still take time to reach it.


    The surroundings of the house were full of flowers and grass. They were placed in a systematic way that could only be seen in a garden.


    But, what Desire could feel wasn''t a garden or anything. In fact, he feels that the flowers were arranged by nature itself.


    Curious by this, he asked Lyra.


    "Hey, is this a garden?"


    "Well, you could call it that. Miss made this place, so it''s better to ask her if you want to know that bad."


    "Made? What do you mean?"


    Lyra shrugged her shoulders before answering.


    "I don''t know the specifics myself. I became the village head just days ago."


    Desire didn''t answer anymore. After all, they were right in front of the cabin.


    When Desire was about to ask how they will go in, the door burst open while the wind pushes them from behind. No, it only pushed Desire in the house while leaving Lyra behind.


    "W-what?!"


    Desire was shocked, seeing that he was the only one going in, and when he looked back, he saw Lyra waving her hand at him.


    Bam! The sound of the door closing shut was heard, and darkness quickly crept over Desire''s vision.


    Sweating buckets at the unexpected hospitality, Desire talked.


    "U-uh...hello?"


    His voice echoed out in the room until it could no longer be heard, but no voice answered him back.


    When he walked, the floor gives in a little and echoes a creepy sound whenever his foot pushes off.


    Alone in this dark and quiet room, Desire was feeling the pressure weighing on his tiny shoulders.


    ''Why? Why is this...so suddenly?''


    Desire knows no reasons for the person living here to do something like this.


    ''D-did I do something to make her mad?''


    He knew that the person he was about to meet was the head''s daughter, and this is where she was located, but...never once has he met her before.


    Meaning...


    ''I didn''t do something to make her mad.''


    If they haven''t met yet, there''s no way he''ll be able to make her mad.


    "Hehehe."


    At that moment, as if to prove his thoughts wrong, a chilly voice resounded out in the room.


    "W-who are you?!"


    "Hehehe."


    Desire tried to probe his counterpart, but only laughter could be heard. That laughter couldn''t be discerned where it came from.


    It came from all sides in this room, and that made Desire go weak in his knees.


    It was faint, but Desire could definitely feel...


    ''Mana!''


    Desire realized that Mana was imbued in the laughter. Thanks to his ranking up, he was better at sensing something like this.


    But, even if he could tell that there was indeed mana in it, there''s nothing he can do.


    He didn''t even know how to imbue mana in his voice, don''t even mention dispelling it.


    "Kuh!"


    A groan escaped from his mouth as the pressure increased. The laughter didn''t stop, and it continued to torment Desire.


    Unable to bear this, Desire...ran. He ran forward, hoping to make it to the end. After all, he already experienced something like this back then when he was dreaming.


    Even though he wasn''t aware, in the dream where he talked to something, the very whole place was filled with mana.


    In this case, only the voice was imbued with mana, so naturally, his body, which experienced this before, has developed to somehow defend against it.


    Although the effects were only minimal, it was still enough to keep him running.


    As he continued to run with no end in sight, Desire could still hear the laughter ringing out.


    ''Damn it!''


    Was he really invited for a meal, or was he invited for him to be the meal?


    Desire couldn''t tell.


    He only ran and ran, trying to escape the hideous laughter when suddenly, a light appeared in front of him.


    It was faint, but there was light.


    ''Hope!''


    Desire thought that the light was hope. In this pitch-black darkness, the ray of light could only be seen as a hope for Desire.


    Making the light as his goal, he powerfully kicked off the ground to run faster.


    However...as if it was all a joke, the moment he decided to run faster, the light disappeared.


    Desire''s eyes widened to the brim. He thought that he could finally escape this ''hospitality,'' but that thought was wiped off his brain cleanly.


    "Hehehe."


    The laughter contained with unknown emotions continued hysterically.


    At that moment, Desire stopped running. He could feel his frustration quite literally as veins popped out in his forehead.


    Although this place was indeed scary and menacing, in the end, he knew that a Suckus was doing this.


    In that case...


    "Hey, why are you doing this?"


    "Hehe?"


    The same laughter that continued to ring out has shown a reaction. It only went a tone higher for a second, but Desire didn''t miss it.


    "I thought you invited me for a meal?"


    "..."


    The laughter stopped while Desire continued, seeing an opening.


    "If that''s how it''s going to be, I better go back."


    Desire turned around, still unable to see anything. But, as he ran just in a straight line, he was able to find his way through the place.


    Though it seemed like he was running for hours, it actually didn''t last for 10 minutes.


    That''s why he was able to see the door rather quickly. The darkness seemed to have subsided a little while he was walking, and he could see here and there.


    ''I wasn''t able to see anything before, but...isn''t this too easy?"


    If before was when he had to be on guard at all times, now he could even take an arrogant attitude like he was taking a walk.


    Of course, this was all due to...


    "Wait!"


    A voice resounded out from behind, but unlike before, it was a beautiful one, alluring even.


    And when Desire looked back, he saw the cabin''s owner appearance and immediately, his jaw dropped to the floor.


    ****


    "He entered, Varyce."


    "I can see that, Liya."


    Two women were talking in a house where there is no roof, making the sky as their background.


    One of the women was Liya, who came with Desire in the world of Suckus.


    The other is the current head of the Suckus, Varyce Welfreim.


    As the Suckus doesn''t show their real age on their bodies, the woman looked young. However, comparing it to other Suckus, one could tell that she was ''old.''


    The color of purple crowned her hair and eyes. Her nose bridge was tall, and her pink lips were alluring. Her jaws were strong but not masculine; in fact, that only served for the woman to look as ''delicate.'' Her skin was smooth and had the charm of a mature woman.


    She was wearing simple clothes that only has a hood as a feature and its longness that reached the ground. Surprisingly, Liya was wearing the same clothes.


    Looking over Varyce with worried eyes, Liya asked.


    "But, is it really alright for you to use magic like that? I know that you wanted to repay him for saving your people''s lives, but..."


    "What are you saying? It''s my fault that your strength and rank diminished; repaying him when he saved you and your village is the right thing to do."


    Varyce said as if she was reading a script on a paper. She was sitting on a chair across from Liya. She then took a glance at the night sky before continuing.


    "Besides, all I did was have a look at him. That wasn''t even enough to consider as repaying."


    "I know, but...if you were going to help, what''s with the question?"


    Liya was talking about the question Varyce told her to tell Desire, the question of '' knowing the difference between humans and monsters.''


    Varyce sighed in an enervated manner.


    "When I looked at him...only the ''love'' for monsters could be seen. He was so open that he didn''t even have any guards on. That was why I thought it would be not good for him if he continues like that."


    "...I still don''t understand, but if it''s you, I know you have something else in mind."


    "Yes. Yes. Anyways, look at my kid; she''s pranking him."


    "What do you expect when you are her mother?"


    The two ''old'' women joyously talked with each other as they watched the two young ones'' meeting in a crystal ball.

 Chapter 21: Jarina

    "Wait!"


    As Desire turned back to look at the person calling him, his eyes widened, and his jaws dropped to the floor.


    A figure of a girl takes his vision. A girl of tall stature was walking down the path where he just left, her purple hair swaying in the air.


    As Desire focuses his eyes, he could see the simple clothes wore by the woman. If put in nice terms, a simple white dress, if in a frank way, a white long rag covers the woman''s body.


    The rag was long enough to drag as she continues to run. The woman''s facial features could be seen as she neared Desire.


    "Wait! Don''t leave!"


    A thin jawline adorns her face, as her mouth forms an odd shape as she continued shouting.


    "Waaaaaaaaait!"


    Of course, Desire wasn''t moving at all. Despite that, she shouted and shouted, making Desire to think that she was an exaggerated person.


    The woman finally caught up to him, and she put her hands on her hips as she talked.


    Her small, pale lips continued to move articulately as she spoke.


    "What do you mean by leaving! I invited you here, yet you''ll leave?"


    Her purple eyes continued to pierce through Desire as if she wouldn''t allow any answer besides a positive one.


    "Uhm, who are you?"


    The woman was so beautiful that Desire couldn''t take his eyes off of her. Her innocent charm as she spoke with an innocent face seems to have hooked Desire''s interest.


    The woman snorted and made a ''Hmp!'' sound as she tilted her head up.


    "I am the one who called you here!"


    "B-beautiful."


    Desire nodded his head with a dazed look on his face. However, he soon shook it, thinking that this was wrong.


    ''What am I saying?! She''s the one who played me, but...''


    Indeed, if she was the one who invited Desire here, then that means she was the one who was playing him earlier.


    Desire didn''t like that kind of treatment, but of course, none of that matters as he is a monster lover.


    Desire could forgive something like that in a blink of an eye.


    What matters is that Desire could feel something within him rising. Something hot and passionate was glued to his eyes as he looked at the woman.


    "You better not leave, okay! Follow me, I will take you to the real house!"


    The woman said as she turned around, gesturing for Desire to follow behind her.


    Desire stood still for a moment as he continues to marvel at the woman''s beauty.


    When he finally took a step, Desire felt that it was hard for him to move.


    When he looked down, something small was growing out of him and pointing in the woman''s direction.


    "What''s this?"


    He said as he touched it. He soon took his hands off it as he felt weird doing so.


    "A human''s body is hard to handle...Oh, wait."


    [Skill: Body Control skill!]


    Using this skill to control his body, he forcefully made the once growing small thing into its original size.


    "Whew."


    He sighed in relief as he wiped the sweat off his forehead.


    Now ready to take another step, he lifted his foot once again, but...


    "I-it''s there again?!"


    The small lump of meat has now grown into something sharper, still pointing at the woman''s direction. The shape of it was truly grotesque.


    "W-why you!"


    Sparks flew around Desire as he continued using the Body Control Skill. It seems the little thing doesn''t want to go back.


    A harsh push and pull battle was currently ongoing within and outside of Desire. And because of that, the woman noticed that he wasn''t moving.


    "Hey, I said to follow me!"


    The woman seemed to be still angry, judging from her harsh tone of voice.


    "A-ah, sorry!"


    And so, Desire ran while using the Body Control Skill to make sure that thing never grows again.


    ****


    "Let''s introduce ourselves to smoothen out the talk, shall we?"


    The woman with Desire talked as they entered the real house and saw some chairs and tables with some food.


    The food was hot as smoke was still being emitted out of them. This would be Desire''s first real meal.


    As such, his attention was completely on the deliciously looking food.


    "Ah, those are the meal that we will be eating. Don''t worry, there are lots of it."


    He swallowed some saliva down his throat as he imagined himself thinking about eating those foods he hadn''t seen before.


    "A-anyways, I am Desire."


    The woman who kept walking then turned around to Desire as she bowed down like a graceful woman. Her fingers pinched a piece of her white dress as she lifted it up.


    "I am Jarina Welfreim. I am pleased to meet you finally."


    "Y-yeah."


    "What''s wrong?"


    Desire hesitated, seeing the innocent look on Jarina''s face. Her face was something one wouldn''t expect from someone who has the blood of a Succubus running in her veins.


    Her aura and the dignity flowing out of her was just like an innocent princess.


    "I-it''s just you changed so suddenly?"


    Jarina smiled, knowing the meaning behind those words. However, her eyes were definitely not smiling.


    "Please, take a seat."


    Trying to change the subject, Jarina pointed to the table and the two chairs.


    She walked off to one while gesturing for Desire to sit on the other.


    However, as Desire could be described as someone from the woods, Desire didn''t know her intentions.


    While walking towards the seat quite awkwardly because of holding the small thing down, he talked with a worried tone.


    "Are you perhaps sick in the head? Are you okay?"


    "..."


    Jarina couldn''t answer the question. The worry was evident from his face and tone, and Jarina could quickly pick those signs up.


    ''He''s not messing with me? I thought this was payback for before...''


    Jarina picked up a cup and swirled the contents around before answering.


    "I am fine. I just played with you before. Besides, the things that we will be talking about are official matters."


    "Official matters? What do you mean?"


    "Well, let''s eat first, shall we?"


    Desire readily nodded his head. In fact, he was waiting for those words to come out of her mouth.


    That was how much of an appeal the food have to him. As a baby, the only thing that he could ''eat'' was flavored water.


    This time is a variety of meat, soup, bread, and even some fishes. He didn''t know any of these, but all of these could only taste good to his tongue.


    As he looked over the food on the table, he noticed something else.


    "Uhm, Jarina. What''s this?"


    He said as he picked the odd thing. It was a metal that was shaped like a stick.


    "That''s a spoon, you know. It''s a tool made by humans to help with eating."


    Desire knew about this as he read this in the book, but he never expected that the Suckus has something like this.


    ''Humans have their uses, don''t they?''


    While being completely shameless, Desire happily took the spoon and ate.


    They exchanged some small talks while eating, but it wasn''t anything big. They were just asking each other: why did Jarina do something like that, what happened to Desire, something along those lines.


    It was a joyous moment for Desire and also for Jarina as she wanted to know Desire.


    "By the way, Desire, there is someone interested in you."


    Jarina''s questions seem to be out of the blue, but in truth, Desire has already expected this. Lyra told him that people in the Skinjur were interested in him.


    "Who is it?"


    "A human."


    "No."


    Desire narrowed his eyes, which are looking straight at Jarina. He didn''t expect to hear the word human here.


    Desire''s reaction was one thing that Jarina knows all too well. Her mother, Varyce, has already told her about the special ''feelings'' of Desire.


    "Well, don''t be like that. He is human, but to be precise, he has some monster blood running in him."


    Then, as if a switch has been turned on...


    "What kind of monster is he?!"


    Desire asked happily with his body leaned forward. It seems he took great interest in that the person has some monster blood in him.


    "Haaah. I know it''s not my place to say something like this, but...you won''t live a long life if you''re like that."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Even if you hate or like something or someone, you mustn''t show it on your face, your words, or even your actions. Because¡­"


    Jarina put her index finger up and pointed it to her neck. She was expressionless as she continued talking.


    "You''ll die on the very first day you set foot on a country."


    She then drew a line with her finger, which made a faint light in the air with some magic.


    An eerie silence ensued, and in the midst of all that, Desire''s throat was busy swallowing his saliva.

 Chapter 22: It tastes good!

    "I''ll die? What do you mean?"


    "Hmm? You don''t know what I''m talking about?"


    Jarina was about to drink a cup of tea but stopped when she heard Desire''s answer. She then looked straight at Desire and asked.


    "Weren''t you able to read? I thought you would get it since you are so smart..."


    "How does my being able to read connect to me being smart? You are weird, aren''t you, Jarina?"


    "I''m not; you are the weird one here."


    ''How could I be weird?'' Desire thought as he tilted his head.


    Desire doesn''t see that him being able to read weird. He was only able to read because he could do it¡ªnothing more, nothing less.


    For Desire, who wasn''t aware of how things worked in the world, he thought it was natural for all.


    After all, nobody would think that they themselves are weird. They only see their self on their perspective and think that they are normal.


    Of course, this is true for the individual called Desire.


    "Hmm. Well, let''s just go back to the topic. What do you want to know first about what I said?"


    Asked Jarina as she finally brought the cup of tea to her lips and elegantly drank from it.


    "Then, why do you say that I''ll die?"


    "It''s because you don''t know how to conceal your feelings. You show excitement at the mention of a monster, and you show disgust on your face when a human is the topic. Why do you think you''ll live a long life that way?


    Jarina''s harsh words brought confusion to Desire. However, it wasn''t as if she was rebuking him for something he did wrong.


    If anything, this was Jarina''s way of telling him to change his way, and Desire knows that Jarina holds no ill intentions.


    What Desire couldn''t understand is why he must die just because of showing emotions.


    Emotions are natural for any creature; even animals have their own emotions.


    It''s not like Desire could control those emotions.


    "You look like you do not understand what the point of all this is."


    Desire readily nodded his head. He knew how he knows nothing of the world.


    Sure, he was able to read a book, but he didn''t even finish it all. What he wanted to know the most was how, Jarina, the young lady of the Suckus, was acquainted with a human.


    A human and a monster were able to have a friendly relationship? Seeing how his first interaction with humans was with a battle, Desire couldn''t and doesn''t even want to believe it.


    Well, his hate for humans plays a part in why he doesn''t want to believe.


    Anyways, what Desire was thinking was that this was a chance to know of the things in the Skinjur and the wide world outside.


    After all, in his heart, what he wanted to do was already decided. If a monster like Jarina tells him that he''ll die, he could only believe it.


    "You openly favor the monster race, and you openly hate the human race. You''re fine because you''re in Skinjur and because we also know you personally, but what do you think would happen if a human could hear and see your thoughts unmasked?"


    "They''ll get mad and perhaps take action against me?"


    "That''s right. Well, to make you better understand these things, let''s have an example, shall we?"


    Jarina put her finger on her chin to indicate that she was thinking. She was swaying side to side, and Desire was watching her silently.


    Well, Desire was having a battle with his body after the meal was finished.


    As some time passed, Jarina was finally able to sort out her thoughts, and with a serious expression, she spoke.


    "Let''s take Suckus for the example. What do you think would happen if you say you favor the human race and despite the Suckus in front of me?"


    Jarina spoke those words without missing a single beat. Her face was showing a hostile look, and her innocent eyes sharpened as if she was looking at her prey.


    "To make it more realistic, what do you think I would do to you if you hurt one of mine in front of me?"


    She then raised her magic to increase the room''s temperature, and her aura that was kept under wraps was being released all at once.


    ''Kuh...!''


    Jarina is a rank 6 monster; her strength was second only to her mother, Varyce, while Desire was a rank 1 human.


    Right now, all of Jarina''s power was being transmitted to emit aura. There''s no way Desire could resist that. He couldn''t even whisper a moan of weakness.


    His bones were being pressured to dust, and his muscles were screaming at him. A crack has formed on his chair because of the pressure coming off of Jarina.


    And then, when Desire was about to lose consciousness, Jarina spoke.


    "I''ll kill you."


    "..."


    "Now, do you understand why you can''t do something like showing your emotions openly?"


    Only when Jarina withdrew her aura could Desire nod his head dazedly.


    Loving his reaction, Jarina put on a grin on her face. It seems she wanted to play with Desire.


    ''You think you can make me wait and escape unscathed?'' Jarina thought as she laughed inside.


    When she was about to pick up her cup of tea once more, a loud thump resounded out in the room.


    When she looked at the source of the noise, she found Desire on the floor.


    "Desire?!"


    Quickly making her way towards the fallen Desire, Jarina made the tableware fly in the air with her magic.


    "Desire!"


    Bending her knees, she checked Desire''s condition, and she found out that he was only unconscious due to her having ''fun.''


    "Whew."


    She breathed a sigh of relief as she put her hands on her chest with her eyes closed.


    "Hmm? What''s that?"


    When she opened them again, Jarina could see a small sword protruding from Desire''s lower body.


    Confused by the sudden entrance of this sword, Jarina touched it with her delicate hands.


    "It''s soft...and it''s hard?! And I feel good, too?"


    Due to Jarina being a bona fide pampered young lady of the Suckus and to some circumstances, she wasn''t allowed to go out.


    She didn''t even have an experience in bed yet, quite unlike for her race.


    That was why she didn''t know anything about the thing in front of her right now or what uses it has.


    Deciding to play with the sword, she moved her hands in the way her instincts told her to.


    "It''s hot! Do all men have something like this?"


    After some time passed, some kind of a liquid came out of it.


    "It''s sticky too...Uhm! It tastes good!"


    Greatly intrigued by the liquid, she tasted it only to find that it was a food much better than any dishes.


    "Gimme more!"


    Pouncing on the small sword, Jarina gave her undivided attention as she put effort into producing that liquid again.


    That was why she couldn''t see, see the blissful expression Desire had on his sleeping face.


    "Hmm!"


    A moan of unknown cause leaked out of Desire''s small lips. It seems Desire is in the process of having a good dream.


    ****


    The moon was out in the chilly night to light and guide the people who were crossing the forest.


    The group''s numbers weren''t many, but they looked like veterans in these kinds of jobs.


    They were walking towards a certain destination that they have already gone to before.


    As they already know the paths to take, their journey wouldn''t last long.


    "Hey, you''re new to this, right?"


    A middle-aged man asked the person who was walking beside him. Judging from his looks, he seems to be an easygoing person.


    "Eh?! A-ah, y-yes! I just started recently!"


    The one who replied is the youth next to him. The youth had the word ''Innocent!'' written all over his face.


    "I see. Well, this forest is famous for having weak monsters. You''ll only have up and up in here."


    "I-is that so? I-it''s rumored that there is a monster here that could fight a thousand men? Is that true...?"


    "Hahahaha, those are just rumors. Don''t believe them; besides, all we have to do is to escort that lady over there."


    The middle-aged man pointed at the front, where four more people were walking ahead of them.


    At the center of those four was a lady who was draped in a magician''s outfit.


    She wore a black coat while the hood was over her head. At the hand of the magician is a crystal ball waiting to be used.


    "Y-yes. I thought that it was best to experience the forest before going to hunt. So this job actually helps me quite a lot."


    "Hahaha, good for ya, young fella. Anyway, what''s your name?"


    The youth stopped walking for a moment when he heard the middle-aged man''s question. After a while, he moved forward, and he said as he approached the man.


    "I-i''m Raygar! How about you, senior?"


    "Kuh. Senior, huh? Well, they call me Rip."


    At that moment, a man walking in front of them suddenly stopped and said in a quiet but powerful voice.


    "The scout found it. We''ll walk faster here as planned."


    The other members found his words easy to accept as they talked about this beforehand. They all nodded their heads and walked faster.


    To be exact, they ran to catch up to the scout who sent the signal to the man who seems to be the leader.


    Soon, they were able to reach the scout and the one who was guarding him.


    The area was full of trees, but there was a particular spot where no grass, no trees, no anything was on it.


    That spot wasn''t large or wide. It was just enough to house a single person to step on it.


    "It''s here."


    "Okay, Grizelle, use the Limiter to ascertain this forest''s danger level!"


    The leader shouted their purpose out loud within the eerie silence of the night.

 Chapter 23: Baron Tell

    The leader called Grizelle, who was the magician and the most important person for this job.


    Grizelle was already on her way to the spot way before the leader instructed her to do so.


    The spot where Grizelle was standing was a spot that could be called the center of the land, not the forest. Meaning, they weren''t that deep inside the forest.


    "Spread!"


    An order came out, and the group, except for Grizelle, spread out in the area to keep watch of the surroundings.


    While they were busy scanning the area, Grizelle was already doing her job.


    The crystal ball on her hand was shining brightly, but her magic covered it. The magic was used to prevent leaks of light so the forest inhabitants wouldn''t find them.


    The leader was just watching her with calm eyes. Although on the outside, she looks like she''s doing nothing, this moment was actually the most crucial part in using the Limiter.


    The Limiter was a great creation of a renowned magician. However, not all can use it proficiently.


    It has many uses, but in the current times, it is mainly used for knowing a place''s danger level and knowing an individual''s mana pool.


    In this case, Grizelle was using the Limiter to know the forest''s maximum mana level. After all, mana is equivalent to an individual''s strength or rank, be it monsters or humans.


    Previously, when a magician used a Limiter to know the forest''s danger level, the mana was so low that you could count it as zero. However, a new threat has appeared in this place, making it dangerous.


    That''s not all. When the news was brought to the people in power in Haroldus kingdom, they were in shock.


    For many years, the forest was considered a low-level place, making it best for young ones to train here.


    No matter how much the upper ups of the Haroldus kingdom thought about it, the situation in the forest was strange.


    Furthermore, it was known to the locals that the forest had a village of the Suckus somewhere in it; however, the people only thought they were pushovers of their race and thought nothing of it.


    A member of the Suckus monster race is born as a rank 1 monster, and as they grow up, their ranks would naturally increase until they hit the absolute peak of their race, which is rank 4.


    That was why it was weird. There''s no way the pushovers would be the only ones inhabiting the forest when the Suckus was known to prioritize their own.


    They would undoubtedly have protectors who will be rank 2 or above. However, when a magician used a Limiter, they only found out that it was a weak forest.


    No matter how stupid or undeveloped a brain one has, one would find this fact weird and have some doubts about the forest.


    And the one to take action to confirm their doubts about the forest was Grizelle. Though she only accepted the job and found others who were like-minded.


    After some time passed, Grizelle was able to finish her job without having trouble.


    "I''m done."


    Grizelle spoke with a calm voice as her pink lips, which was the only part that could be seen of her face, moved.


    "So, how is it? Is it a rank 5?"


    "No."


    "T-then, rank 6?"


    Grizelle shook her head.


    "W-what is it? Don''t tell me, 7?!"


    The leader''s voice and body trembled in fear as he imagined meeting a rank 7 monster here in the forest.


    His eyes that were full of fear looked straight ahead at Grizelle, urging her to tell him already.


    "It''s not rank 4, rank 6, or even 7. It''s the same."


    "The same? What do you mean?"


    "Rank 0."


    Rank 0.


    This term is given to those who could be called as someone who is beneath the ordinary people. Meaning, they don''t even have any strength needed to live a poor life.


    "What? Didn''t they say a strong monster was living in here?"


    The leader was dumbfounded at this revelation of Grizelle. They were here to reevaluate the forest, to only get the same rank as the previous evaluation.


    It was an absurd situation, no matter how much the leader thought about it.


    "I don''t know. The Limiter could only detect monsters of that level in this forest. I don''t understand as well."


    Grizelle put the Limiter inside her clothes as she talked. She didn''t show any change of emotions at all.


    "Anyway, let''s get out of here. We already did the job and the Limiter still has the results on it."


    "G-got it."


    The leader man eyed the scout, and the scout gave some hand signals to warn the other members of their group.


    Soon, the group moved fast. Their speed was incomparable to the one they had when they were entering the forest.


    After just a few minutes, they exited the forest and went back to the town.


    ****


    The group got back in the town by morning. The forest wasn''t that dangerous, so they could go in and out as they please, but that isn''t the case for the roads.


    There were monsters and even humans who are waiting to attack people crossing the famous and unknown lands.


    Even the group had to be vigilant about it as one mistake can lead to one''s death.


    The town they went to was called Kardeum. Kardeum is the town where the house of Baron Tell governs. It was the center of many villages and some smaller towns.


    The group didn''t rest and immediately looked for the one who requested to have this job done.


    Needless to say, it was the house of Baron Tell.


    The group was waiting in a room full of chairs. It was quite the dull one, quite unlike for a noble house, but still, they were all able to sit down.


    Raygar and Rip were sitting beside each other when finally Raygar started a conversation with Rip.


    "Uhm, Senior, I heard that the lord of this house is quite the dangerous type. He doesn''t listen to Adventurers like us if I remember right."


    "Hmm? Ah, don''t worry. The guy leading us is rank 5, and what''s more, he''s a disciple of a Conqueror; they''ll listen to him, no doubt."


    In this world, being an Adventurer is an official job for men who have strength. Well, it all depends on a person''s rank, connections, talent, and so on.


    Basically, the standards are high for one to be an Adventurer. And the reason why the standards for Adventurers are high is because of the benefits given to one.


    Receiving advice and assistance in raising one''s rank, power and authority, extreme wealth, and fame, all these things are natural for Adventurers.


    There are also many other jobs related to strength and forces, but being an Adventurer is the most famous job or occupation.


    However, that is only because being an Adventurer gives one a better chance of becoming a Conqueror.


    Even though Adventurers have high standards, there are still many of them. It would be correct to say that there are countless Adventurers out in the world.


    Conquerors are different. If Adventurers are the stars, then Conquerors are the planets. Their strength is unfathomable, and their influence on the world is immense.


    The total number of Conquerors is unknown, but having a connection to one of them is an honor for most people, and it gives power and influence wherever one goes.


    Remembering what kind of existence Conquerors are, Raygar couldn''t help but agree to what his senior said.


    "So, I have done a job with a Conqueror''s disciple! Isn''t this job too easy for him then?"


    "That''s not always true. There are instances where even a disciple of a Conqueror would die on a job like this."


    "Instances? What do you mean by that, senior?"


    "Hahaha, nevermind it. You''re too young."


    Raygar smacked his lips when he saw the grin on his senior''s face. He wanted to know what could endanger a person who has the backing of a Conqueror.


    "Anyway, looks like he''s here."


    Rip spoke while looking at the door.


    "He''s here? The door''s not opening, senior...?!"


    Raygar opened his eyes wide when he turned his head back to the door. That''s because his eyes saw a person who wasn''t standing there before.


    He didn''t even hear any footsteps or the door opening, yet he was able to enter...


    ''A master!'' thought Raygar as he took the person''s figure from top to bottom.


    The master was wearing a military uniform. The uniform was crude, but it had the necessary appeal for people to think of him as a master of some arts.


    A slim body, but he clearly has some tough muscles under those clothes of his. He wore spectacles over his handsome face.


    Raygar was thinking about how he didn''t see this handsome guy when he was in Kardeum when suddenly, the man bowed slightly with his right hand over his chest and then spoke with an elegant voice.


    "Hello, everyone, I am Baron Tell."

 Chapter 24: Hidden Dragon

    "Hello, everyone, I am Baron Tell."


    Baron Tell''s voice resounded out in the quiet and dull room. The people inside all had a look of shock when they saw a person enter without any signs at all.


    After all, being able to do that means one is a master of some kind. Baron Tell was basically displaying his power and might in front of these people.


    However, flaunt as he might, there was one...two people who were unfazed by it. It was the veteran, Rip, and the other is of unknown origin.


    The leader of the group broke out of his stupefied state by shaking his head. The leader''s name is Gladior.


    Gladior stood up and walked towards Baron Tell and put his right hand in front, asking for a handshake.


    "Nice to see you, Sir Baron Tell."


    Baron Tell gazed down only with his eyes and on his face had a hint of annoyance. However, when he raised his eyes to look at Gladior, he spoke with a smile and shook the hand.


    "It is also nice to meet you, Conqueror''s disciple, Gladior."


    "Hahaha, nothing of the sort."


    "Well, please."


    Baron Tell gestured for Gladior to sit down at the chair in front of a table. Gladior sat with no hesitation and crossed his arms.


    He watched every movement Baron Tell was making as he sat in the chair across from him.


    Although he tried to hide it, Gladior had a look of indignation as he was quite upset at the fact that even he didn''t notice how Baron Tell was able to enter.


    After all, it means that he didn''t amount to much if a noble of a weak kingdom could escape his senses. It must have hurt his pride in being a disciple of someone powerful.


    ''Pathetic.''


    Of course, Baron Tell didn''t miss that look.


    "Now then, shall we talk about the results of your exploration?"


    Still has a creepy smile on his face, Baron Tell initiated the conversation with Gladior.


    "Alright, but first, let me call the mage, Grizelle."


    Gladior raised two of his fingers up towards the people sitting in the back. He beckoned the mage with it.


    Seeing the signal meant for her, Grizelle stood up and walked towards the table. Her elegant steps and unfazed face was something that could be considered an art.


    "I am the mage-"


    She tried to introduce herself, but Baron Tell''s harsh voice stopped her from doing so.


    "That''s enough. I''m not talking to you; just show the results."


    "What was that?!"


    Of course, because of that, someone who has the same status as Grizelle, an Adventurer, got mad. He retorted with a sharp voice.


    "Are you looking down on us?!"


    "Haha, that is not so."


    "Then, what''s with that look?!"


    Baron Tell''s face was looking down at the Adventurer who was making a ruckus. His face was clearly saying that he was talking to someone worthless.


    "I wonder what you are talking about."


    "You! Just because you''re-"


    Splash! With the sound of a huge amount of water dropping to the ground, the Adventurer''s voice stopped all of a sudden.


    "W-what...?"


    A weak voice came out from the group of Adventurers that was just watching the event unfold. It seems someone wasn''t used to seeing this sight as he vomited. It was Raygar.


    When Raygar looked up again, he could see the head of the guy who was arguing splattered all over the room. His blood was everywhere, and brain matter was clinging onto the attacker''s clothes.


    That attacker then said with a calm voice while swinging his sword that was dirty with blood.


    "My apologies, Sir Tell and Sir Gladior. Please continue your discussion."


    The attacker''s identity was Rip. He then went back to his seat as if nothing happened.


    "Clean."


    Grizelle muttered as she used her magic to clean the room of the disgusting corpse.


    The other Adventurers didn''t react as they just sat there. There were even some who treated it as a trivial matter.


    "What is your name, good sir?"


    Baron Tell asked Rip with an amazed look on his face. After all, Rip did him a service for killing that guy.


    "Hahaha, I''m no one important. They call me Rip."


    "I will remember it."


    Rip didn''t answer anymore and just bowed his head. Baron Tell, Grizelle, and Gladior started talking as well.


    And while they were talking, Raygar, who vomited earlier, and got better after calming himself, asked Rip with a small voice.


    "S-senior, why did you kill him?"


    "Ah. Sorry ''bout that. Forgot you were a newbie. Hahaha."


    "P-please don''t tease me. I got surprised when you killed him out of the blue."


    "Then, this senior of yours will teach you a few tricks to stay alive in this business."


    Rip said while crossing his arms. His face was serious as he turned his eyes towards Raygar.


    Raygar as well had a serious look on his face with the intention of listening well.


    "Unless you are sure of your strength and can crush any threats, you must never provoke anyone."


    "A-anyone?"


    Raygar asked with a hint of disbelief in his voice. After all, Rip emphasized the word ''anyone'' with a nod.


    "That''s right. Beggar, a housewife, an old man, even a young man like you. Do you know why?"


    Raygar took his time with a ''Hmm.'' before answering Rip''s question.


    "Is it because there''s a possibility that I might die if I provoke someone?"


    "It''s not a possibility because it''s a certain thing. What if that beggar was a master with a hidden mission? What if that housewife was a woman who retired from the frontlines? There are countless crouching tigers in the world."


    Rip shrugged his shoulders before continuing with a grim voice.


    "If you offend those kinds of people, you would die."


    Raygar gulped down some saliva in his mouth. He didn''t see things this way, so it was an eye-opener for him.


    He didn''t expect that the middle-aged looking man was a man of great knowledge.


    Raygar asked once more, hoping to get some more survival knowledge.


    "T-then, how is that connected to why you killed that person?"


    "That''s because that noble-"


    Rip pointed at Baron Tell before continuing.


    "-is a hidden dragon. If I let that guy continue yapping, we could have died. Look at them-"


    He then pointed at their comrades for this mission, the Adventurers beside them.


    "-no one raised a fuss when they heard what Baron Tell said, right? Because they knew better than provoking someone."


    "S-so, there was a possibility that Baron Tell would have killed us if that guy got on his nerves?"


    "It''s not a possibility; it''s a certain thing. If you want to live, you better make sure that you remind yourself that it is a certain thing."


    Raygar nodded his head strongly before murmuring the phrase, ''It is a certain thing...'' again and again.


    "Besides, if you''re gonna be an Adventurer, you gotta prioritize yourself and your loved ones. Got it?"


    "Y-yes, senior. Thank you for your advice."


    Raygar lowered his head. If he didn''t hear what Rip said today, he probably would have caused a problem somewhere and die in the middle of nowhere.


    It was a lesson for someone like him who was just starting.


    At the same time, Baron Tell''s voice was heard, interrupting the two.


    "I see...so the danger level is still the same."


    "Yes. Even the Limiter couldn''t confirm what you have detailed, so I would have to disappoint Sir Tell."


    "No, it''s fine."


    Baron Tell stood up from his seat and took out a pouch from his inner pockets. It was the payment for the job well done.


    "Here, as promised for the payment, 10 gold."


    Gladior also stood up and received the pouch with a ''Kaching!'' sound from the pocket resounding in the room.


    "I have confirmed the payment."


    After hearing Gladior''s words, Baron Tell vanished in the blink of an eye.


    Gladior also turned around to the group that he was leading.


    "Well then, let''s divide it."


    "I''ll have the gold!"


    "I''ll get the change then."


    When they heard Gladior''s words, the silent adventurers all turned into a rowdy bunch.


    It took quite a while for them to divide the loot, and it was after an hour that the group was able to exit the premises of Baron Tell.


    The one who led the adventurers recently, Gladior, was walking the streets for quite a while before arriving at an inn where he was staying.


    Entering the inn with a loud shrill, the innkeeper looked at him and nodded his head.


    Gladior didn''t react and just walked towards the stairs to go to the room where he was staying.


    Gladior arrived on the second floor in no time, and just before he entered the room, he knocked and asked with a small voice.


    "Milady? It is I, Gladior."


    "Enter."


    A voice came from the inside of the room. Having received permission to enter, Gladior opened the door carefully before enetering.


    As he closed the door, he turned his face in front of where the room owner was standing.


    He then kneeled and spoke with a quiet voice.


    "I am very sorry about the recent events, Milady."


    The owner of the room was wearing a magician''s outfit with the hood on.


    The owner of the room...no, Grizelle spoke.


    "It is fine."

 Chapter 25: Gladior And Rip

    "Stand up, Gladior."


    "Yes."


    Gladior stood up, but he didn''t move an inch away from where he was currently standing.


    After all, Grizelle is the master that he is serving. He wouldn''t dare intrude into her personal space.


    "We have enough gold now, right?"


    "Yes. But, I believe that we should not go to Vakigo kingdom right now."


    Then, before he continued, Gladior took a deep bow with his right hand over his chest.


    "Milady is still being targeted by that abominable Suckus. If you were somehow to get hurt, I wouldn''t be able to look at the old master''s face!"


    Gladior pleaded once more with ''Please reconsider!'' however, Grizelle didn''t change her mind as she spoke.


    "The enemy of my enemy is my friend. We should not waste time like this any longer."


    "I-I understand, but...your safety..."


    Grizelle shook her head, and for once...a change of emotion could be seen on her face.


    It wasn''t much, it was only a ripple, but it was still clear as she had the same face no matter what she said or did.


    "I know you care for me, Gladior. You always supported me from behind, and I am thankful for what you have done, but as long as I can get that bitch, I am satisfied."


    Gladior had a look of surprise on his face as he didn''t expect Grizelle to curse. It was sporadic for her to say things like that.


    However, that soon vanished as he gave up on persuading Grizelle. Ever since they left their home, Grizelle has always been like that.


    Cool and aloof, but she always gets heated up when it comes to a certain someone.


    ''In the past, she used to smile a lot, but now...'' Gladior thought as he raised his head.


    "I understand. I shall make preparations for us to go to Vakigo, but it will take some time. You must remember, milady, that if you reveal your identity, even my pretending cannot prevent them from targeting you."


    "I know. Go, do your work."


    Gladior just bowed his head and left the room. He didn''t speak any longer as the order has been handed down.


    Walking slowly across the hallway, Gladior''s courageous spirit as a warrior has been broken down a peg.


    ''I can''t even protect the young miss of my lord...''


    Lamenting at his lack of power, Gladior exited the inn in no time.


    ****


    Gladior walked around in the streets of the town.


    Kardeum wasn''t big nor small; it was just right. If it were too small, that would tarnish a baron''s pride, but if it were too big, that would make the baron eat more than what he could digest.


    The Haroldus kingdom was so small that it doesn''t deserve to be called a kingdom.


    The reason or the cause of how they were able to survive for a long time is a mystery even for the other countries considered a superpower.


    Anyway, Gladior found the place he was looking for. It was a pub where information could be gathered and where his friend was staying at.


    Shieeek. A shrill cry resounded out as he pushed the doors open.


    "We''re closed."


    The owner of the pub said as he cleaned some cups by the counter.


    As it was still morning, pubs were still closed during this time. After all, only drunkards would drink during the morning.


    Well, there''s one right there sitting at a chair.


    "What''s that, then?"


    Gladior pointed to a man who was chugging down an entire alcohol mug.


    Gulp! Gulp!


    His throat moved fast as if his only existence was to drink alcohol.


    "Puhaaa! Alcohol after a job is the best!!"


    Said the man as he slammed the table with the mug.


    "What?"


    The man felt the gaze coming from the owner, and when he looked at the owner, his finger was pointing to the door.


    "That''s why I told you to drink inside. Hmm? Rip?"


    The owner sensed something changed within Rip when he saw Gladior standing by the door.


    Of course, as he was the owner of a place where people come by and go, he was familiar with these kinds of situations.


    "Now, now. Just talk it out, no fighting here."


    "Rip. We need your help."


    Gladior cut to the chase and gave a profound bow as he spoke.


    "I know I did you wrong, but...please."


    His voice sounded weary and teary, but the owner couldn''t see as Gladior was still bowing.


    "Ha. I know. Well, since the owner is kind enough to remind me, why don''t we take it outside?"


    Rip let go of the mug that his hand was holding and stood up, walking towards the entrance.


    Gladior, with the same posture, put a hand over his face as if to wipe something off.


    "I-I understand."


    As Rip passed by him, Gladior still didn''t move a bit. After a few seconds passed by, only then did Gladior raise his head and covered his face as if his tears were shameful.


    His steps were rather quick, and as such, the two left the pub.


    "Haaah. I hope they don''t do it too much."


    The owner said with a sigh as he went back into cleaning the cups. Although he sounded as if he was worrying, he actually had a smile on his face as he found the situation fun.


    "I wanna see the action! Haaah. As if they''ll let me..."


    Another sigh escaped the owner''s lips.


    ****


    Gladior followed behind Rip into a suspicious alleyway.


    The area wasn''t crowded; in fact, there were no people passing by. Only the wind was moving here.


    It was the perfect place for one to beat someone up.


    And when the atmosphere was becoming tense, they finally reached a dead end.


    It was then.


    "What the hell is wrong with you? Why would you go, ''I know I did you wrong.'' right after you meet me?"


    Rip scolded Gladior with an almost mocking tone. However, he found the act quite funny.


    "Well, what do you know. I have to suppress any possible rumors from going out even if I have to make a fool out of myself."


    "Heh. Anyway, fill me in with the details. I''ll help you out if the reward is just right."


    "Don''t you know it already? I know the reason why you went with us."


    When Gladior said it bluntly, Rip scratched the back of his head as if it was embarrassing.


    "Anyway, the reward is getting to spend time with an old friend. Let''s see, the bonus is...hmmm."


    Gladior cupped his chin with his hands. He continued as if what he said was totally acceptable.


    "I know. How about me going to drink with you?"


    "I''m out."


    Rip walked off towards the exit, which was behind Gladior and his footsteps were faster than ever.


    It seems he didn''t want to get caught by his old friend.


    However, Gladior was faster than him as his shirt got tucked in by Gladior''s fingers, and he was pulled back.


    "I''m just kidding. You know how I play, right? We''ll go by the usual."


    "Tsk. I know you don''t have money, dumbass. How about owing me a favor? Your miss will likely be one of the strongest once she grows up; I''ll collect it by then."


    "By saying that you want the miss to owe you a favor, you know something, don''t you."


    Rip grinned before continuing. His face was so mischievous and annoying that a vein popped out in Gladior''s forehead.


    "Didn''t you say that I know already? Well, if you go advertising yourself as a Conqueror''s disciple, your former status, your old friend here will at least pick something up."


    Gladior coughed with his hands in front.


    "Don''t worry. This one is just an escorting job to the Vakigo kingdom. I have no plans in having you involved, so we''ll end it there."


    "Oy, oy. If I do something so little, your miss may not even remember it. I''ll at least guard you for two years. That will be enough time, right?"


    When Rip proposed that he''ll guard Grizelle for two years, Gladior couldn''t help but give a sad smile.


    "You never change, do you, Rip? Always kind..."


    He murmured those two words as not to let Rip hear it.


    The deal was so advantageous for Gladior''s side that they don''t have to give something up right now.


    If Rip was investing in the future Grizelle for a favor, Gladior could understand it. After all, Grizelle has an astonishing background and talent that a normal person could never get.


    However, the Grizelle now was like a pebble in the ground. What''s more, there were some looking for the pebble to crush it.


    Protecting Grizelle from dangers until she becomes a diamond...


    ''Hah, If only I weren''t so weak...''


    Gladior shook his head and spoke to Rip once more.


    "That''s alright. I''ll tell milady. We''ll leave tomorrow morning, so get your things done here."


    Rip answered with a ''Got it.'' before disappearing into the shadows.


    Gladior also left the lonely alleyway behind, where only the wind blows.

 Chapter 26: Sovereign

    Gladior took at least 3 hours in securing various needs to travel.


    It wasn''t many, but he had to hide his identity.


    As he introduced himself as a Conqueror''s disciple, he was quite famous for it.


    If he left traces that he was going somewhere as a Conqueror''s disciple, his hidden enemies might find it.


    Gladior had to be very careful in dealing with matters like these.


    Anyway, Gladior was about to go back to the inn where his milady resides.


    As usual, he exchanged glances with the owner, went up the stairs, and knocked on the door.


    "Milady, it is I, Gladior."


    As he waited for the response, Gladior only stood still until he saw the door open by itself.


    His eyes opened wide when he saw Grizelle opening the door for him.


    "M-milady? What are you doing?"


    "Shh. Come in."


    Grizelle pulled Gladior in. It was quite surprising that she was able to handle Gladior''s weight as a mage.


    Shiii. The door screamed silently as Grizelle closed the door gently.


    "W-what''s happening? Why did you come out, milady?!"


    As Grizelle''s identity must be kept secret, she wasn''t allowed to go out.


    She was able to go on a job or mission because the gold reward was needed.


    They wouldn''t do something that bold unless it was essential.


    After all, Kardeum has many people. Who knows if enemies are lurking in here.


    Even the risk of her looking outside through the window is high, more so if she was the one to open the door.


    "Shh! Quiet. I think I found something good!"


    Grizelle answered with a small voice. Her face was full of excitement, unlike her usual face.


    Her pink eyes were quivering slightly; her tall nose was breathing roughly.


    She didn''t have her hood on, so her blonde hair could be seen waving in the air.


    Of course, all this was quite unusual. At least, for Gladior.


    "P-please hide your face, milady! We don''t know who''s watching!"


    "I said, quiet!"


    With Grizelle shouting like that, Gladior couldn''t protest any longer.


    However, it was also because he saw what Grizelle was looking at.


    It was the Limiter, the crystal ball.


    Shooong! The ball was shooting out an intense light toward a certain direction.


    However, it couldn''t escape Grizelle''s magic. It was being held in place in the ball.


    The light tried to struggle, hoping to go to its destination.


    It continued after a while until it finally calmed down.


    "Whew."


    Grizelle let out a sigh as she wiped the sweat that formed on her forehead.


    "That was intense!"


    "W-what happened, milady?"


    "Ahhk!"


    Because Gladior suddenly cut in, Grizelle was startled when she heard his voice.


    Her intense concentration was so high that she even forgot Gladior''s presence in the room.


    "It''s you, hah. You remember the mission that we took?"


    Gladior nodded his head. After all, it was only a few hours ago when they did that.


    There''s no way Gladior could forget it.


    "The Limiter suddenly changed. The rank that it gave I mean."


    "What do you mean...?"


    Grizelle held up the Limiter for Gladior to see.


    "Look. I told you that it was Rank 0 before, right? Now, it is Rank 1."


    "Eh? So what does it mean? It''s just Rank 1, isn''t it?"


    "Ah. I forgot you were clueless about things like these."


    ''Eh?'' Murmured Gladior as his face turned gloomy because he was just ridiculed by his milady.


    Well, it''s not as if Gladior was totally clueless about it.


    "Rank 1 is just Rank 1. It doesn''t necessarily change the threat level, does it?"


    "Yes, it doesn''t. After all, Rank 1 is basically the start of the Way. However, the fact that it changed means something else entirely."


    "It means something else entirely? What do you mean...?"


    Grizelle was a mage. She was interested in topics like these, where magical and mysterious things happen.


    After all, Limiter was already an ''established'' fact. The fact that it changed means something was there.


    And in all of the knowledge that Grizelle has, there were only two existences that could overrule a ''fact.'' A god or a...


    "Sovereign...!"


    Grizelle murmured silently as she arrived at this conclusion. However, because they were the only people in here, Gladior was able to hear.


    "S-sovereign?! A-are you sure about it, milady?! A Sovereign isn''t something we can just investigate!"


    Gladior, who was a former student of a Conqueror, was silently screaming at the mention of Sovereign.


    He didn''t expect a Sovereign would appear in a small kingdom like Haroldus.


    "Shh! As you said, we can''t investigate a Sovereign; however...why did he change it?"


    "C-change it? What do you...Ah!"


    It was then.


    Gladior finally realized what Grizelle meant when she said change.


    "D-do you mean...the Sovereign changed the Limiter''s results?"


    "Yes. It was initially Rank 0, yet it changed to Rank 1. Meaning, the Sovereign wanted us to see that he was there. What''s more, you saw how the light was trying to go back to its owner..."


    Gladior gulped down some of his saliva as he imagined how the Sovereign would react.


    Eventually, he couldn''t keep his calm anymore.


    "W-what do we do?! If the Sovereign found out that it was us, forget going to Vakigo, we won''t even be able to leave this inn!"


    "Wait! Keep quiet, Gladior."


    Grizelle said as she thought about the events recently.


    She remembered how the job came to be. It was because a baron went there and was repelled by a strong opponent.


    And then, because the baron had a grand pride like a lion despite being a rabbit, he proposed a job to Adventurers to find out the danger level.


    Since the Adventurers were able to use the Limiter while in the forest, it meant only one thing.


    "A warning! The Sovereign is sending us a warning."


    "A warning, m-milady? What do you mean by that...?"


    It was then.


    Grizelle, who was holding the Limiter in her hands, suddenly passed it onto Gladior.


    She spoke after Gladior took it dazedly.


    "Go, bring this to Baron Tell''s house later in the evening. We''ll escape right after you deliver it."


    Gladior knew what Grizelle meant by bringing the Limiter to Baron Tell''s residence. It means that if ever the Sovereign got angry, they won''t chase Grizelle''s group.


    Instead, the Sovereign would take revenge on Baron Tell, who persistently investigated the forest where it lives.


    Gladior understood this as he was quite familiar with politics and power struggles.


    "I understand! I will also inform the guy that I hired! I will be back by midnight, milady!"


    "Go! Make sure we can stay alive!"


    "Yes! I will do my best!"


    Gladior said as he left the room in a hurry. However, this time, his steps were much more efficient and quick. Silent but deadly, he left the inn.


    Determined to appease the Sovereign''s anger, Gladior released his power so he wouldn''t be detected when planting the bomb known as the Limiter.


    ****


    "Achoo!"


    Desire sneezed while sitting in a chair.


    ''Is someone talking about me?'' Desire thought as he wiped the snot with a cloth.


    Huuu! He blew the cloth with his nose to get rid of the remaining snot stuck in his nose.


    As he finished doing that, he heard a familiar voice. It was Jarina.


    "Hey! Are you even listening?!"


    She said as she slammed the table behind her.


    "Why am I even doing this! Do you think this is for me!"


    Jarina continued speaking with an angry tone. It seems she didn''t like how Desire wasn''t listening to her at all when she was helping him.


    "I just sneezed! I am listening to you!"


    ''Oh?'' Jarina said as she raised one of her eyebrows.


    "Then, what did I talk about? If you can say it to me as I said it, then you are indeed listening."


    She then crossed her arms, emphasizing her domineering attitude.


    However, Desire wasn''t fazed at all. He just answered nonchalantly.


    "Why am I even doing this! Do you think this is for me!"


    Bam! He then slammed his chair as he reenacted what Jarina said.


    "There, I said perfectly." Desire said with a mischievous grin.


    However, his grin soon faded as he felt the pressure coming from Jarina. It was the same pressure and aura that he collapsed from before.


    When he looked at Jarina, he saw the veins popping in her forehead and neck.


    Her bloodshot eyes were scary as hell, even for Desire.


    "H-hey! Why''d you have to do this?!"


    Desire shouted as he felt the pressure getting stronger.


    "It was your fault, you know! Playing with me just because I made you wait for a day!"


    It was then.


    The pressure suddenly lessened, and the blackish aura circulating Jarina subsided as a faint smile replaced it.


    Then she snorted while looking at Desire.


    "You think you could escape me? Let me remind you, Desire; you were the one who asked for this."


    Desire dropped his shoulders when he remembered what happened that led to this event.


    It was when he woke up after collapsing.

 Chapter 27: Smile

    Desire woke up while feeling the weight pressing on his body.


    "Hmm?! J-jarina?"


    It was Jarina, who was currently sleeping alongside him on her bed.


    He then moved her gently to the side as he stood up.


    Even though he just woke up, he could remember the events that happened just before he passed out.


    "Scary...!"


    And that was his most honest reaction about it.


    Even for the monster loving Desire, he couldn''t help but cower in fear when he felt the difference between him and Jarina.


    Well, it wasn''t as if he could help it.


    If you don''t consider his body that accelerated growth, his age is just one month old.


    A baby wouldn''t transform into a dragon overnight.


    "Anyway, I would get killed, huh. That sounds pretty bad."


    And because of what happened, the words spoken by Jarina was etched in his mind.


    He couldn''t forget it even if he wanted to. After all, face-to-face with Jarina was his first experience in coming into contact with death.


    And because of that, he knew firsthand what it means to insult someone.


    If Desire continued living his life normally, without changing his ways and improving himself, Desire would die somewhere down the line.


    "Emotions should be the first thing I take care of."


    If there were a thing that he gained from his conversation with Jarina, he now knew how to avoid desperate and dangerous situations.


    That is to hide his emotions.


    Desire wanted to be like Jarina, who could change her mood all of a sudden.


    However, because of that, Desire had a regret that he could only keep for himself.


    "Still, I wanted to see Jarina''s real self."


    Jarina told Desire that he should be mindful of his actions and emotions as if she could do it as well.


    And if she could do those things like hiding emotions and intentions, Desire probably hadn''t met the real ''Jarina.''


    He only saw and talked with the Jarina, who was the ''young lady of the Suckus.''


    Not Jarina herself.


    "Hah. Anyway, how should I go controlling my emotions?"


    Desire said as he walked towards the table. It seems the bed and where they ate were in the same room.


    Well, Jarina probably brought the bed here so she wouldn''t disturb Desire''s sleep.


    After a few steps, he reached the table and chairs and saw the food that wasn''t eaten when they talked.


    Desire took a seat where he saw before and ate the food that was still there.


    Munch. Munch. The food was cold now, but it was still delicious.


    After all, delicious foods are delicious, no matter if cold or hot.


    As Desire continued eating, he soon took notice of the utensils that he was using.


    Of course, he knew that it was something made by humans.


    "Humans, huh. Will I...?"


    Be able to hide my emotions?


    Probably not. Desire thought as he remembered the day when the humans came invading the forest.


    Whenever those times and images came into his mind, he would immediately be blinded with rage and hatred.


    Could someone like Desire be able to control his rage?


    Desire had no confidence in doing so.


    However, that is only if he did it alone.


    "Right, I should ask for a favor from her."


    Desire took a look at the sleeping Jarina.


    The dignity and pride coming from her couldn''t be seen as she slept.


    Her disciplined face was all loosened as saliva dripped from her mouth.


    Her eyes were crescent-shaped as if she were having the highlights of her life.


    It was a peaceful and beautiful face. However, that soon will fade as soon as she woke up.


    "She''s beautiful..."


    Desire said as he continued watching the lady sleep.


    His eyes were all over her, and even his focus loosened a bit in his control for his body.


    However, despite that, there was no small sword waking up today.


    After a while, Jarina woke up with a ''Yawnn~!'' as she raised her body up.


    She soon felt the gaze coming from Desire and turned her head towards his way.


    "Desire! Good morning."


    She greeted him with a smile quite unlike the face she made before.


    ''What happened?'' Desire thought as he spoke.


    "Good morning."


    Jarina then happily stood up and walked with light steps as if she was having the best day of her life.


    ''Hmm~'' She even hummed a playful tone as she then took a seat across from Desire.


    "Oh, you ate already."


    Seeing the clean plates devoid of any food, Jarina said as she looked at Desire again.


    "Why didn''t you wake me up? I could have made you a hot and nice meal."


    "You were so beautiful as you slept that I dare not wake you up."


    "Hehe. If you were a little bit older, I would have married you!"


    Desire then went, ''Ah!'' before speaking.


    "I''m engaged to Liya. Although the marriage never came to be."


    "Really? It''s just a matter of time, though."


    There, Desire coughed with his hands in front of his mouth.


    "Anyway, can I ask for a favor?"


    "What favor? Tell me; I''m in a good mood!"


    Jarina then pumped her big chest with her hands and tried to reassure Desire as she said, ''I''m in a really, really good mood today!''


    It seems what she did before sleeping was that good for her.


    She had a big smile on her face as she watched Desire hesitate for a moment before speaking up.


    Desire''s eyes stared straight at Jarina''s, speaking his determination to convey his will.


    "Can...you teach me how to control my emotions?"


    "..."


    Desire''s heart sunk, when after a few moments passed, Jarina still didn''t answer.


    ''Stupid! I''m asking for a favor, yet I''m speaking like her equal!'' Desire thought.


    Desire was the one asking for a favor, yet his tone was normal, and his actions didn''t seem to be sincere.


    There''s no way Jarina would accept something like that.


    After all, Desire, in Jarina''s perspective, was just a bug she can crush if ever she wanted to.


    Besides, Desire didn''t have anything Jarina would be interested in.


    It was then.


    Desire, having steeled his resolve, bent his back 90 degrees to the ground and shouted out loud.


    "Please teach me!"


    "..."


    Desire wasn''t a prideful individual who wouldn''t bow to others. In fact, he doesn''t even have any pride at all.


    What''s more, this favor that he was asking for was something that would save his life down the line.


    It was only right for him to take the right actions, words, attitude to ask for a favor of this level.


    The only people or race that he wouldn''t bow to is probably the humans.


    "Hah. Do you think learning how to do that is easy? You''ll have to stay here for at least 3 years. Do you think you could stay here for that long? You''re a human. Don''t forget that."


    "..."


    Desire didn''t move from his spot and kept his posture.


    Of course, he knew what Jarina was talking about. No matter how much Desire loves a monster, in the end, he was a human.


    He can''t stay in a world that he doesn''t belong to.


    Besides, all Desire could think of right now was to do something about his ''hate'' and ''love.'' If he doesn''t do it, once he starts walking out in the world, the only thing he can do is to die.


    And if he dies, he wouldn''t be able to meet Lyra, Liya, the women at the village, or even Percia.


    And even though they only met today, not meeting Jarina is a hard thing to accept for Desire.


    ''Even if I have to bend my back for days!''


    Even if I have to stay like this for months.


    Even if my back breaks from my bowing.


    Even if my life ends...


    Either way, Desire has no way out if he doesn''t learn right now.


    If he lives now, he would only die later. And that was a fact for Desire.


    As time passed on, the two stayed still as if they were part of a painting.


    Second by second...


    Desire could feel his back muscles hurt. He was going numb at the knees.


    Minute by minute...


    He could feel his bones screaming at him. His legs that support him were quivering as if it couldn''t stand anymore.


    Hour by hour...


    He could feel his strength and soul going out of his body, but he held on. No...he wasn''t even conscious anymore.


    Bowing his head and body for hours isn''t an easy thing to do. It wasn''t the natural posture for a human.


    It was amazing that he was even standing.


    He was that desperate.


    And just before a day passed, exactly at 1 second away from another day, Jarina finally spoke.


    She didn''t know if Desire could hear his words or not, for she knows how much it must hurt for him to stay like that.


    Either way, Desire also didn''t see, didn''t see the smile hanging on Jarina''s pink lips.


    "Fine. I''ll teach you."


    Because of Desire''s actions, Jarina was smiling from the bottom of her heart.

 Chapter 28: Body Control Skill

    Desire shook his head when he remembered how he got Jarina''s approval.


    He''s the one who wanted Jarina to teach him, so whining now and not listening is something disrespectful to himself.


    He''s the one who will benefit from Jarina''s teachings, after all.


    "Anyway, let''s get right into it! Our first lesson!"


    "Okay, fine. Well, let''s go outside. It''s too cramped in here."


    Jarina said as she moved things out of the way. She then gestured for Desire to follow her outside.


    Of course, Desire followed her without hesitation. It has already been a week since they met.


    They weren''t able to get right into the teaching because Jarina had to do something else.


    After all, Desire''s appearance and staying in the world of Suckus was sudden.


    No one predicted it.


    Even the women who came with him, Lyra and Liya, were shocked when they heard it.


    Well, they both said the same thing, ''Isn''t it fine?'' as they would be able to drink mana from Desire if he stays.


    As Desire stepped out of the house, he could see the garden he first saw when he stepped here.


    It was then.


    Jarina stopped in the middle of the garden and used her magic to pull a table and a chair, and a set of food and tea.


    Clang! Clang!


    They made some noise as they settled. It was done in no time, and Jarina gestured for Desire to sit across from her.


    After all, this wasn''t a lesson for fighting or using mana; it was a lesson for properly controlling one''s emotions.


    Meaning, it was to make Desire a cool-headed guy at all times and in any situation.


    As Desire took a seat, Jarina started talking.


    "Now then, first, let''s go over at the time we have."


    Jarina waved her hand in the air, and soon a number appeared. It was the number of 1.


    "Mama only allowed you one year of residence here. I can only teach you when you are here, so keep in mind we only have a short amount of time."


    Desire nodded his head. He was already thankful that Jarina accepted his offer, and now even Varyce was allowing him to stay.


    Desire was incredibly indebted to the race of Suckus that it wouldn''t be weird if he calls them his parents.


    Jarina coughed once to get the attention of Desire before speaking again.


    "Ahem! Anyway, I forgot to tell you this because you collapsed, but here''s a piece of advice. It would be best if you went together with the human that was interested in you."


    Desire tilted his head, expressing his confusion. Although he decided to be impartial, why would it be best?


    Desire wanted to find that out by asking, but Jarina was a step faster than him.


    "If you went with him, your status in the human world is basically guaranteed. He will always protect you, and what''s more, you would be connected with me!"


    "Connected with you? Why, do you contact each other often?"


    "Of course. After all, that man is my father!"


    Desire''s eyes widened when he heard Jarina''s answer.


    Desire could finally understand why and how a human and a Suckus had connections with each other.


    If he took his time to think about it, a human having a child with a Suckus isn''t rare.


    After all, Suckus takes in men from other races to procreate.


    "Fufu. So that''s how you look when you are surprised."


    Jarina laughed as she covered her mouth with her fingers.


    "What do you think? He''s strong, too! I don''t know his rank, but he''s probably at 7. His monster blood helps him as well."


    "Wait, why do you not know his rank? You''re his daughter, aren''t you?"


    "Ah, right. You don''t reveal your rank to anyone¡ªeven your family. If your rank gets publicized, people would be able to plan about how to deal with you."


    Jarina poured some tea into her cup as she spoke.


    "However, if people don''t know, you''ll be able to bluff about it. Well, there are some cases when you have to tell people your rank. But, those things will come to you sooner or later, so let''s leave it at that."


    Jarina then took a sip of her tea before continuing.


    "Let''s start then."


    Desire gulped down his saliva when he heard that they''d begin now.


    How will she teach me? What method will it be? I hope I can do it.


    All sorts of questions ran inside Desire''s head as the tension inside him rose.


    He was anxious about it.


    He wasn''t confident about being able to do it.


    Thinking back to his life, he didn''t do things on his own. Others always helped him.


    And now, someone like him wants to know about how to control his emotions?


    It may seem easy, but it isn''t. Emotions come as you experience things.


    As you think, you feel. As you breathe, you feel.


    It was then.


    Tap! With her hand stretched out to pat Desire''s head, Jarina spoke.


    "Don''t worry so much. You were sincere in requesting my help, so just be sincere about learning it."


    "T-thank you."


    "Alright."


    Jarina then withdrew her hand and continued speaking.


    "First, let me ask. Do you have skills regarding yourself? Body, soul, anything. It''s even if it''s just something unnecessary."


    "Ah, I do. It''s called Body Control Skill."


    It was then.


    Jarina threw the cup in her hand and slammed the table. Her eyes widened to the brim as she spoke.


    "W-what?! Y-you have that skill?!"


    "Eh? Y-yes. I have it ever since I was a baby."


    "W-wow. So people can be born with that skill."


    "W-what is it? You''re scaring me..."


    Jarina laughed a little, her hair waving in the air.


    "That skill is the highest level of skill regarding controlling a body. There are skills such as Eyeball Control, Finger Control, Hand Throw, but Body Control skill is the skill that rules over all of them. It is special."


    She then said, ''Why, you ask?'' as her eyes were full of sparks as if this skill was what she wanted the most.


    "It''s because you have total control over your body. Being able to control your body is an incredible task. You would be able to use your body in ways that you wouldn''t even be able to think of. That skill is great whatever race you are, however!"


    "It is useless if you don''t have the All Brain skill. The All Brain skill is a skill that lets you take in information at an incredible speed. It manages your Body Control skill, and it is what you use to control your body. Meaning, the skill, Body Control and the skill, All Brain, comes together for it to work properly."


    Jarina then stopped to take a look at Desire, who was nodding his head dazedly.


    It was reasonable. Desire didn''t have any idea that the Body Control skill is that incredible.


    System stated that Body Control skill had no rank, making it look useless.


    To think that it actually had a huge secret that even Jarina would want the skill for herself...Desire was incredibly lucky.


    "Well, you''re still too far before you can use both of them correctly. Now, the skill that I will teach you is part of the All Brain skill."


    "W-wait! You mean, there is a skill to control emotions?!"


    "Of course. What, do you think I could keep my emotions myself?"


    "I-i feel stupid for even worrying."


    "What?"


    Jarina snorted after hearing what Desire said. It was apparent that Desire planned to rely on the system to pick up the skill that he wanted.


    "You feel stupid? Do you think it will be easy? You would have to experience countless torture and be calm while undergoing it. You would have to face what makes you rile up the most and be still while facing it. If you think that''s easy, you won''t even need me to teach you."


    Desire shook his head. His face turned pale just from imagining it, so of course, he wouldn''t dare call it easy.


    "I''m not mad about what you said. Take that as an example. You said that because of your emotions, do you think you could have controlled yourself from speaking it?"


    "Now that you speak of it, I can''t...Wow, so it can help me prevent from saying those kinds of words?"


    "That''s right. Well, it is useful for fooling your enemies."


    Jarina then took out a book from out of nowhere as if it were normal and then presented it to Desire.


    The book was quite small; it only had 5 pages. And the title was...


    "Here, this is the skill. Cold-blooded. Read it before we start."


    "G-got it! Thank you!"


    Desire quickly took it and began to read. He was focused only on the book, for he only has a limited amount of time.


    After a while, Jarina left the child who was reading the book.


    She wanted to let Desire read the book himself and also because she had another thing to do.


    "I don''t understand mama''s intentions..."


    She said as she made her way towards her mother''s house.

 Chapter 29: Time

    Desire was reading the book Jarina gave him. He was diligent in reading it and was able to finish it in a few hours.


    And at the end of it, he had a question for himself.


    ''Now that I think of it, why was I able to read?'' He thought.


    He heard Jarina saying that it was hard to read. And just by being able to read, one would be called smart or a genius.


    However, his suspicion didn''t last long.


    "Why should I doubt myself? Whew." Desire sighed as he put the book down.


    The book wasn''t long or huge, yet it took him a few hours. Well, the reason was obvious.


    "I don''t understand anything..."


    Desire said as he turned his head upwards where the sky was still.


    "Cold-blooded skill, huh?"


    There were only two ways to practice the cold-blooded skill. That was to become cold-blooded himself or if he has the aptitude to practice it naturally.


    Of course, Desire didn''t want to become cold-blooded. He wanted to become like Jarina, who was able to control herself.


    "Jarina''s a natural." Desire said as he tried to measure himself.


    Was he a natural, or does he need to become cold-blooded?


    Either way, Desire didn''t have any intentions to become a real cold-blooded person.


    He just wanted to keep his emotions at bay so that he wouldn''t present trouble to himself.


    He wanted to remain calm at all times and calmly solve any problems that come to him at any time.


    "I''ll read it again." Desire said as he plopped open the book once he got had it in his hands.


    His eyes began reading the only line of the first page.


    "Cold-blooded TRAIT. One of the main functions of the All Brain Skill."


    Desire then turned to the second page with his tiny little fingers.


    He moved his eyes towards the text of the second page. This time was a little bit longer, but it wasn''t by much.


    "People who have a natural aptitude will naturally get the Cold-blooded trait, and those willing to become a cold-blooded person can practice this, huh."


    Desire nodded his head. Even though he knew nothing of this Trait this book was saying, he knew it was something important.


    "Is it part of the system?" Desire murmured as he called for his status to show up.


    [Status]


    [Name: Desire]


    [Race: Human]


    [Age: 5 years old]


    [Rank: 1]


    [Rank: Cannot be identified]


    [Traits: None]


    [Title: None]


    [Divine Protection: Cannot be identified]


    [Attributes]


    -Life Force: 100


    -Mana: 2


    -Strength: 70


    -Speed: 70


    -Intelligence: 80


    -Energy: 70


    [Active skills]


    -Light skill: F


    -Excavator skill: F


    -Summon Familiar skill: G


    Subskill: Summon Aquatic Lords: F


    [Passive skills]


    -Night Vision: G


    -Life Force Regeneration: G


    -Body Control skill: No rank


    -Magic Resistance: G


    -Auto Mana Regeneration: G


    [Super skills]


    -None


    [Innate skils]


    -???(Locked) 90 days remaining for it to be unlocked.


    [Special Status]


    -Current Progress with the unification with water: 5%


    After a long time, Desire was finally able to see his status. There were some parts here that Desire couldn''t remember.


    "The system sees me as a 5-year-old. Does this mean the change is because of it?" Desire thought as he shrugged his shoulders.


    His status changed, and there''s nothing he can do about it.


    But, what caught his eye was his two ranks.


    "Hmm, I ranked up because of the Magic Infusion. I don''t really get myself sometimes."


    Indeed. No matter what Desire did, the more he looks at himself, the more he feels he is looking at someone else.


    And finally, the trait. It wasn''t there before, so Desire could only guess.


    "I guess it is part of my growing up. This means that if I grow up, more options and status will be opened up?"


    If this change was related to his growing up, then Desire could probably see more on his status if he grows up some more.


    After all, that was the only significant change that occurred within him.


    He didn''t eat any miraculous pill, and he didn''t get any mysterious book, he didn''t get any life-threatening thunder tribulations to rain down on him.


    Desire was just living his life as a baby and now as a child.


    However, the real question is...


    "How do I get the Cold-blooded Trait? Why did she say that it was a skill if it was a trait?"


    Desire was lost. In the system and the book, Cold-blooded was called a trait. Yet, Jarina called it a skill.


    If he can''t understand the nature of the Cold-blooded, there''s no way he could use it.


    "Haaah." Desire sighed as he flipped the book once more.


    The third page was more or less, had a long message compared to the previous two.


    But, in short, what it said was...


    "''All Brain Skill is a very delicate skill. Once you get the Cold-blooded trait, the All Brain Skill, once you got it, will focus on your Cold-blooded trait.''"


    Desire put a hand on his chin as he thought about it. If there were a clue why Jarina said it was a skill, this must be it.


    After all, Cold-blooded stems from All Brain Skill.


    If Jarina meant to say that it is the starting step for Desire to use Cold-blooded to get the All Brain Skill, it would make sense.


    And the book also fully agrees with her in this aspect.


    But then, it also comes back to the main point of how Desire can achieve the Cold-blooded trait?


    Desire turned the page to the fourth page and looked at the text written here.


    There were detailed instructions on how to get the Cold-blooded trait.


    "A natural doesn''t need to be mentioned. And...the second way is to kill the person you love."


    Desire couldn''t understand this part. Why does he have to kill the person(monster) he loves just to practice this?


    Even if the Cold-blooded trait were a useful trait for him, he wouldn''t do that at his cute monsters'' cost.


    He wanted to gain this so he could protect his life better. Not to be some cold-blooded cruel murderer.


    "Hah. This is hard." Desire said as he flipped the page to the last one.


    This page wasn''t really connected to the Cold-blooded trait, but instead a recommendation.


    "If you practice the Cold-blooded trait, get the Three Laws of Mind for it to become the foundation of All Brain Skill."


    That was what it said.


    However, Desire didn''t pay any attention to it. What does he need the Three Laws of Mind for if he can''t practice the Cold-blooded trait?


    Either way, Desire only has a limited amount of time, and he put all of that into learning the mysteries of the Cold-blooded trait.


    Time passed, even without his knowledge.


    ****


    Jarina walked towards the house of her mother, the head of the Suckus.


    It was a simple home, but the aura and pressure coming from the house wasn''t something Jarina could ignore.


    But, since her mother knew that she was going to come here, she could enter her house.


    And as soon as she entered, Jarina shouted.


    "Mama! Why don''t you want me to help Desire? I thought you accepted me being his teacher?!"


    Varyce just glanced towards her child before turning her gaze to somewhere else.


    Her eyes were looking at Liya, who was sitting beside her.


    And when Jarina followed her eyes, she also noticed Liya.


    "A-aunt! Please tell me it''s not you!" Jarina shouted with a pleading voice.


    Although it didn''t sound too pleasant because of how high her voice is.


    "It''s me, Jarina." Liya said cooly despite Jarina''s piercing glare.


    "W-why? Isn''t it better if I teach Desire now?"


    "Do you really think that way? If Desire wanted you to set the foundation for him, he would''ve asked you from the start. It''s been two months already, yet he didn''t. You understand that, right?"


    Jarina could only nod her head.


    At first, she only gave Desire the book because of her mother''s orders. She actually wanted to teach Desire the ins and outs of the Cold-blooded.


    However, she didn''t have the chance to follow up because her mother and Liya stopped her.


    However, even after time passed, Desire wasn''t able to reach an answer.


    That was why Jarina was getting impatient. Desire only had a limited amount of time, yet, he was basically wasting it.


    And that was due to Jarina''s mother, who permitted his stay here.


    "But, what good will this do for him? I just don''t understand..." Jarina said meekly.


    At that moment, Liya had a weird look on her face. She then whispered something to Varyce.


    "Don''t you think you''ve been spoiling her? Why don''t you let her out to at least see the world?"


    "Don''t be stupid. People are targeting her because they can''t get my husband''s blood. Besides, I''m not spoiling her!"


    It was then.


    "Hey! What are you guys talking about?!"


    "Oh, nothing. Anyway, you''re not to interfere in this matter."


    When Varyce said it firmly, Jarina could only agree.


    This continued until a long time has passed¡­

 Chapter 30: Training

    Desire was sitting in the garden with his eyes closed.


    His hair has grown a bit longer, and his body was bigger now.


    This was proof that time was passing even in the world of Skinjur.


    However, for Desire, that wasn''t important.


    What he wanted to do was etched on his mind.


    It was to learn how to survive. After that comes whatever he wanted.


    In fact, Desire was so focused on learning the Cold-blooded trait that he never gave a thought about what he wanted to do in the future.


    Is he going to meet the human that wanted to meet with him? Will he beg Jarina to ask her mother for Desire to stay here longer?


    Either way, Desire only had one goal, one plan for now.


    And that was to leave Jarina''s garden while having the Cold-blooded trait.


    He spent days trying to figure out the first page. He spent weeks trying to understand the second page.


    He spent hours after hours trying to decipher what All Brain means on the third page.


    He spent months learning the Cold-blooded trait. He tried every method possible, except for the killing of the loved ones.


    His innate skill has developed and came out now, but Desire didn''t mind it.


    He promised himself that he wouldn''t take a look at another candy if he couldn''t even finish the lollipop in his mouth.


    He even put off the process of becoming one with the water just to learn it.


    After all, every time Jarina visited or rather went home to her home, she always reminded Desire of what he will become if he doesn''t finish this right.


    That Desire was powerless.


    That Desire was going to die.


    That Desire was going to end provoking someone he shouldn''t have provoked.


    ''I don''t want that!'' Desire thought every time dark thoughts came over his mind.


    To be honest, if Desire wanted to be himself, he just needed to become stronger. He didn''t need to take this roundabout way.


    He just needed to crush the guys that would dare attack him. There was this option too, however...


    ''I... I''m not strong enough.''


    Desire knew that he wasn''t strong enough. He couldn''t even protect himself when a threat comes, yet how dare he even begin to think he can crush the world''s top forces?


    What''s more, even if he does become the world''s strongest man, it would become useless if he ends up provoking everyone.


    The humans would gather their forces together just to kill him. Even if he did and treated the monsters well, after all, Desire was a human.


    Before thinking about the rosy future of becoming able to defeat anyone, Desire should just think slowly and surely take one step at a time.


    In that way, he would be able to live his life and perhaps achieve his goal too.


    His future goal of being able to destroy anything that would dare threaten his monsters.


    Either way, Desire has already invested a huge amount of time in practicing the Cold-blooded trait.


    There were many other things Desire could do, like completing the unification with the water, knowing the world, finding more monsters, but Desire decided to put all of his time into this one task.


    To make sure that his investment pays off, he needs to make sure that he achieves it.


    He needed to achieve it.


    But, alas.


    Every time he felt that he was about to get the trait, he always falls a bit short.


    ''Why?'' Desire thought as he concentrated deeper. His mind was clear of anything. Even Jarina, who was watching him intently nearby, wasn''t on his mind.


    He''s been stuck in this process for almost 6 months now. Time was quickly passing, and only half a year was remaining for Desire.


    It was then.


    While he was concentrating deeply on his mind, Jarina walked towards him and poked his side.


    "It''s time to eat, Desire."


    Jarina said as she gestured for Desire to follow after she saw that he opened his eyes.


    "Already? Hmm, I thought I had more time."


    Desire spoke with a parched voice. His whole body was sweating, and thanks to the clothes provided to him, his body was covered somewhat.


    "That''s right. Do you have any questions for me? I said I''d teach you, but I haven''t been doing it since day one."


    "It''s fine. I feel like if I don''t do it myself, I will get influenced by you. Besides, I''m already very thankful that you''re letting me stay here."


    Jarina had a bit of a disappointed look on her face before sitting down on the table she prepared.


    "So, do you think you grasped it already?" Jarina asked while proceeding to give the tableware to Desire.


    Desire accepted it without a problem and answered after sitting.


    "I don''t know...I don''t even know if what I''m doing is correct."


    Desire didn''t have any clue about how to go about it. However, Jarina once reassured him that what he is doing was correct.


    This made him more confused.


    Every time he was about to grab the trait called Cold-blooded just by concentrating and erasing everything about himself, Desire could feel that he was ''lost.''


    In fact, he only based his way on two things.


    One is the book, which said that Desire must kill one of his loved ones.


    He used that to ''kill'' his emotions, not just for monsters but also for humans.


    He erased everything regarding ''love'' that he basically achieved his goal of hiding his emotions.


    However, it isn''t perfect. Monsters like Liya, Lyra, and even Percia appear from time to time to disturb him, making him hesitate to erase his love.


    Even the one who saved him from way back then appears too.


    Anyway, the other one is based on what Jarina said, "It is a skill."


    The Cold-blooded trait is a trait, but it falls in the All Brain Skill in the end.


    As long as Desire could grasp even a fraction of the All Brain Skill, the Cold-blooded trait will soon follow.


    Using those two key points, Desire was able to advance in such a short amount of time.


    Even Jarina was impressed by his progress because Jarina took 3 years just to master this point.


    In fact, Desire could probably freely control his emotions so well now that he could go and live his life now without worrying about potential dangers.


    However, Desire wanted to have the system recognize that he has the Cold-blooded trait.


    In a way, he wanted to achieve what he has set out to do.


    Desire was focused and determined.


    "It''s alright. A trait is a part of your personality. No, it is correct to say that it is your personality. That is why it is only natural to get lost in it."


    "Hmmm. I understand that part, but did you really do this way? I can''t begin to fathom how you did it. It''s more normal to...lose your mind."


    Jarina laughed a little bit before answering Desire.


    After all, what Desire said was correct.


    The method she used and Desire was using was insane, that it wouldn''t be wrong to say that it is a suicide method.


    "Yes. I''m actually impressed by you. Well, I never told you about the danger and all, so maybe that''s why you didn''t mind it at all."


    "Now that I think of it...you didn''t tell me."


    Jarina raised an eyebrow as she heard Desire''s tone. Her expression showed interest, but that didn''t last long as she erased it.


    "Well, even if I do tell you, we have no other method than this. So you''ll eventually do this." Jarina said as she prepared the tea to drink.


    Desire was already eating without minding her. After all, this was for him.


    The Suckus had placed so many resources into him that Desire, even when he was in a state where his emotions were erased, was feeling embarrassed.


    No, he was already embarrassed since before Lyra took care of him.


    However, the debt that he has towards the Suckus couldn''t be denied.


    Even he was surprised that they were willing to go so far for him.


    What''s more, since Desire was practicing the Cold-blooded trait, he could just forget the debt he has whenever convenient.


    ''Aren''t they afraid?'' Desire always thought about this every time he was talking to Jarina.


    Well, Desire wasn''t that kind of person, and Desire plans to pay the debt that he has accumulated over the past months.


    However, now that Desire had begun to practice the Cold-blooded trait, his eyes were a little bit ''open'' now.


    That was why he thought that maybe the Suckus were stupid, but with Jarina with them, he could only shake his head.


    Jarina was a monster who has perfected the Cold-blooded Trait, according to her.


    There''s no way she wouldn''t know about trivial matters such as betrayals and forgetting debts and all.


    Anyway, Desire was just that grateful to them since they showered him with much trust.


    "I do get it. Anyway, I think I''m there. In another three months or so, I would get the Cold-blooded trait."


    "You sure about that? Don''t rush it, or you would get bitten."


    "I know, I know. I''m saying this because I''m confident."


    Jarina didn''t answer as she knew Desire wouldn''t boast about something like this.


    However, she just couldn''t accept it.


    ''He may be a human, but his talents are just monstrous.'' Jarina thought as she finished her tea.


    "Alright, I''ll look forward to it."


    Desire just nodded his head while eating his fill. After a while, he finished eating and said his thanks to Jarina.


    He went back to the garden where he was sitting and plopped down.


    Although he didn''t show it on his face, he was excited.


    "It''s time."

 Chapter 31: Blank

    How much time has gone by?


    Desire couldn''t tell as he focused only on himself.


    He just only sat down on the ground while erasing his senses.


    Erasing senses may be hard, but in all actuality, it was easy for Desire.


    The Body Control Skill allowed him to do it without difficulty.


    Jarina once explained that Body Control Skill is a miraculous one that could control one''s body in any way possible.


    Desire just took advantage of that fact.


    And as he erased his senses, focusing only on himself, Desire was swimming on his consciousness.


    He went here and there, trying to contain his emotions, and after his 6 months of effort, Desire could finally see his hard work''s results.


    However, this still wasn''t enough to get the Cold-blooded trait.


    Cold-blooded Trait is the nature or special quality of a person. Just because Desire was able to do something like that doesn''t mean he can suddenly become that kind of person.


    Change isn''t something that happens overnight. It happens gradually as Desire takes on the process of acquiring the Cold-blooded trait.


    Anyway, Desire spent his remaining time just sitting in front of those emotions.


    And as he watched them, he felt something was amiss.


    "Cold-blooded doesn''t really erase emotions..." Desire said meekly inside his mind.


    Well, he was in his mind right now.


    Anyway, what Desire said wasn''t wrong.


    Cold-blooded is just cold-blooded. Having the trait makes you cruel and savage while having no pity for your opponents as you kill them.


    Emotions may be hiding behind those cruel actions, but it definitely exists.


    There are different reasons why one chose to be cold-blooded both in the heart and action, but even so, emotions aren''t erased just by being cold-blooded.


    Jarina is a prime example of this.


    Desire has seen her many sides, and all of them contained emotions that were buried deep in her heart.


    Realizing this, Desire has come to a conclusion.


    "Doesn''t it mean that if I just lock them up, I''ll be able to get the Cold-blooded Trait?"


    Watching the abstract emotions of his, Desire was convinced of what he said just now.


    "So that''s why it took her a long time to achieve the trait."


    Desire could finally see why Jarina took at least 3 years in getting the trait.


    She spent minutes, hours, days, and years in here just to get used to the feeling of locking her emotions.


    And after that, she was able to perfect the Cold-blooded trait.


    Which probably means that she has control over her emotions while also having the necessary locks to prevent it from controlling her.


    "Is there something else in the Cold-blooded trait for it to be so simple?"


    Indeed. If what Desire speculated was all true, then the trait''s acquisition would be too simple for it to be connected to such an amazing skill called All Brain Skill.


    Well, it was only simple for him because he doesn''t realize how hard it is for normal people to practice the same way he is doing right now.


    Desire ''opened'' his eyes while being inside his mind to look at the emotions he gathered right now.


    They weren''t locked, but they were put into place where Desire could freely control them.


    "Hmmm. What would happen if...I were to destroy it?"


    Desire considered destroying his emotions sincerely. Although he didn''t know what would happen, it must be something far more interesting than just locking his emotions.


    However, he already ''killed'' the loved that he had, so these emotions were recuperating.


    After all, emotions wouldn''t be killed just because you killed it.


    From the various encounters one has experienced through one''s life, one would remember and feel how he felt during that time.


    This was true no matter who the person is.


    And as long as Desire lives, the emotions will always come back.


    He will feel new feelings if he encounters new experiences as he goes by his life.


    However, if he pushed his emotions to the extreme, Desire could risk becoming emotionless.


    That was something Desire didn''t want.


    "But, it should be possible...after all, this practice almost points to this outcome."


    If Desire considered how the practice on how to get the Cold-blooded trait was supposed to be done, Desire could say that its true purpose was to destroy the emotions.


    After all, nobody would create something like this just for some measly trait.


    In fact, the effort that the people who practiced the Cold-blooded trait have put into it is immense that the reward doesn''t seem satisfactory.


    Even if changes do not happen overnight, it should not take 3 years alone in this kind of ''room'' and with this kind of environment.


    After all, the risks it contains were huge that anyone could die any moment if their focus lapses even for a minute.


    "Should I try it?" Desire said as he weighs the advantages of doing it.


    There were no real advantages in doing it because it only has risks, and what''s more, the outcome isn''t guaranteed.


    There isn''t even any clue to what he will get by treading this path.


    And Dawn could tell that he was the first one to consider doing it.


    After all, if there were someone who did it before, Jarina would know of it.


    "Huuuu." Desire sighed a bit and returned to his body.


    He wanted to think about it while gazing at the sky.


    Even though he could stay there as if it were nothing, his stress is still immense.


    Desire opened his eyes and stretched his body as he felt stiff here and there.


    When he looked down, he could see the sweat that has accumulated.


    And when he looked in front, the same scenery welcomed his eyes.


    He walked towards the chair where he saw before and sat down to it.


    The table where he ate had no plates, but instead...


    "Date, huh. I only have one month left till my promised time."


    Because Desire always spent his time here trying to understand the Cold-blooded trait''s mysteries, Jarina was the one reminding him how much time he has left.


    Desire looked at the sky silently.


    His eyes were blank, as if he were thinking deeply about something.


    His arms were hanging from his shoulders, and he looked like a dead man.


    He stayed like that for hours as he continued calculating what to do.


    This was the longest time Desire has ever spent ''outside'' in the whole 11 months.


    "Haah. Should I just do it?"


    No matter what Desire decides to do, he already accomplished what he has set out to do.


    Although it didn''t reflect on his status, it did reflect on his mindset and calm emotions now.


    However, the reward isn''t so satisfying that Desire was seriously considering doing it.


    And that was why he decided.


    "Shit." Desire cursed as he walked towards the same spot where he was sitting on.


    He plopped straight down and used the Body Control Skill to force erase his senses and focused only on his mind.


    After an hour of focusing, he was able to enter the place where he was swimming.


    And, there he could see it. See the emotions which he bottled up.


    "Shit..." Desire said meekly as he raised his hand towards the emotions.


    As this was a place inside Desire''s mind, Desire was the strongest being here.


    Nothing could oppose him, and everything will go his way.


    Zhong! With the power of his mind, Desire used some a bit of magic. He wasn''t really using magic, but it looked that way.


    He created spears of water and spears of forest and surrounded his emotions.


    "!"


    He was about to strike, but then he realized something.


    "I-It''s possible..." He murmured as soon as he finished his thoughts.


    He then released his emotions and let it run rampant as he remembered the fight with the humans.


    And at the same time, his emotions started surging into a rage; the spears flew towards them.


    And before things turned into a mess, the spears pierced through the emotions.


    Desire imagined that the emotions would die after getting hit by it, so it was easy to destroy them.


    However, what happens next depends on what Desire does or, rather, what he can do while having his emotions ripped apart.


    "AHHHHHHHHHH!" Desire screamed as he felt his insides being destroyed internally.


    He already felt this before, but eradicating it was something else.


    It was then.


    Before Desire could lose his mind, he forced himself to ''feel'' things by remembering everything that transpired in his life.


    The underground, Lyra, Liya, the village, Percia, Skinjur, and then Jarina.


    All of them passed his mind one by one as he reminisced.


    "HaAAAAAAA!" He shouted to pump himself.


    However, his efforts weren''t enough. He wasn''t able to secure a single feeling, and his mind wasn''t able to hold on.


    His consciousness dissipated as if he just passed out.


    His sense of self was disappearing.


    He felt himself disappearing...


    Desire was now blank.


    Until a light appeared inside of that vacant, dark, and lonely room.


    It was the feeling of despair.

 Chapter 32: First step

    Huff. Puff.


    Desire breathed roughly as soon as he regained his consciousness inside.


    His deep blue eyes shined as soon as he opened them.


    As time passed, Desire soon calmed down.


    "What happened?"


    Based on what he could remember, Desire should have been eradicated by now.


    After all, his emotions were destroyed. His mind would soon follow, and eventually, his soul would get bitten down.


    However, he was here right after what happened.


    It was then.


    The voice of the system interrupted him.


    [Desire''s trait, Perfect State, has been acquired.]


    [Desire''s trait, Chaotic Mind, has been acquired.]


    [These two traits are compatible with each other because they are exact opposites. Adding them together...]


    [Desire''s trait, Heavenly Demon, has been acquired.]


    Then, something of a screen popped up in front of Desire''s eyes.


    [Stauts]


    [Name: Desire]


    [Race: Human]


    [Age: 5 years old]


    [Rank: 1]


    [Rank: Cannot be identified]


    [Traits: Heavenly Demon]


    [Title: None]


    [Divine Protection: Cannot be identified]


    ...


    [Special bonus of the trait, Heavenly Demon, the special Authority, Heaven''s Way, and Demon''s path has been unlocked in one of the floors of the Tower.]


    [The Heavenly Demon trait is forcing the System and the Monster''s way to combine.]


    [Monster''s way will be locked temporarily.]


    As soon as the message ended, Desire was left full of questions.


    However, because the base condition of getting the Heavenly Demon Trait is his perfect control over his emotions, he didn''t get too worked up.


    "Heavenly Demon...I guess that''s better than Cold-blooded Trait. But, how did I end up doing it?"


    And as soon as he said that, a scene showed up in his mind. It was the scene of a light showing up in a dark room.


    And Desire could feel it. No, rather he could understand why the scene showed up right now.


    It was because of the trait, Heavenly Demon. As long as Desire could feel, remember, see even a glimpse, his trait would basically help him see the full picture.


    And Desire could feel that the emotion of despair saved his life.


    It was because he was able to feel despair; all sorts of feelings that are connected to it rushed to him.


    "Ironic. Despair helped me regain my emotions."


    Desire didn''t plan to dwell on that too much. It was just something he felt at the moment, and it just saved him at the right time.


    He then looked at Heaven''s way and Demon''s path.


    "Hmm. It seems that it was because of my Heavenly Demon''s trait that this opened up. Is it that spectacular? What''s the Tower anyway?"


    Desire then shrugged his shoulder as he thought, ''Guess I''ll find out later.''


    He didn''t have to think about things he didn''t know, and he didn''t have to force his ignorant mind to know right now.


    Because of the Trait influencing him, or, rather, how he shaped his Trait, the Heavenly Demon, Desire''s mind was completely efficient.


    Well, if you put it into simpler terms, he was lazy to think about it.


    "Monster''s way...hmmm, I''ll find out later. The important thing is..."


    The System added the Perfect State and Chaotic mind together, creating the Heavenly Demon.


    However, now Heavenly Demon was trying to force this mysterious Monster''s way to combine with the System.


    Even the System wasn''t able to defend against it because it just straight locked up the Monster''s way.


    "So, the Heavenly Demon is much better than the System?"


    That''s what Desire came into. After all, it could force the system into doing something the system didn''t want to do.


    However, Desire could guess why and how Heavenly Demon could do it.


    "It''s probably because of how it was formed. Exact opposites, huh. It also means that...Some skills and traits whatnot aren''t really controlled by the system."


    And there was something to look forward to by just considering that fact.


    "Body Control Skill...Since the System couldn''t put a rank into it, it is that strong. Hmmm. I''ll have to find the All Brain Skill later."


    Desire stood up after organizing his thoughts.


    Just because he had a trait now doesn''t mean he is a completely different person.


    That was why he was extremely looking forward to meeting Jarina and the others.


    However, when he looked around, Jarina couldn''t be seen.


    Desire walked towards the table, yet the date that was written there was still the same.


    Although he didn''t think anything bad about it, Desire still had an inkling.


    Thanks to his trait that could be considered a one of a kind, Desire knew something was up just from the few hints that could be seen here.


    Dust that accumulated on the table, chairs that didn''t seem to have been replaced even though it was broken due to Desire''s thinking...


    Although it may seem like hours has only passed, it is not.


    A month or even two months have already passed because of Desire''s action of destroying his emotions.


    It only happened for a fraction of a second there, but it lasted for a month in real life.


    "Hmmm. Should I go out, now?"


    Desire was reluctant to go out without the room owner''s permission. However, seeing that Jarina isn''t going to come here, Desire quickly came to a decision.


    He moved to a spot where spare clothes could be seen, and he quickly wore it.


    Because of the time that has passed, Desire was taller now, and his face seems to be more masculine.


    He could now be seen as a youth even though his actual age is just 1 year old.


    Nevertheless, Desire walked towards where he entered.


    He hesitated a little bit, and he looked back towards the place where he stayed for almost a year.


    Even though he usually stayed in his head, he still had some feelings about it.


    However, as time passes, Desire naturally had to move on.


    "Hah. This isn''t like me."


    Desire put on a smile that fit the trait of a Heavenly Demon and said as he walked.


    "I can finally go out."


    It was Desire''s first step towards the human world.

 Chapter 33: Meeting!

    Desire stayed in the world of Suckus, Skinjur, for almost a year during his training.


    The cause of that was because Jarina notified him of something that could kill him immediately in the world of humans or any other race.


    It was his emotions which Desire frequently shows on his face.


    Desire understood what Jarina meant.


    Even if Desire thought of it as a minor problem, it would actually become a huge problem to society or people, whether monsters or humans, who were sensitive.


    Just one mistake of his could provoke someone, and it would lead him to his death.


    Jarina reminded him 11 months ago when Desire has just come into the Skinjur.


    And this made Desire to ask for Jarina''s help.


    After all, Desire, when he fought against the humans, was able to come up with a goal.


    No...perhaps it was in his nature that he wanted to come up with a goal.


    After all, he was but a baby. He didn''t know the pleasures of life, and he wasn''t corrupted with wants in the world.


    A baby doesn''t have the want to live. A baby only relies on his instincts to come up with the will to live.


    Meaning, Desire shouldn''t and couldn''t have been able to develop a goal when he didn''t even have any experience in the world''s mysteriousness.


    However, he still did it. This could only mean one thing.


    It was his instincts or nature as a person that made him think of a goal.


    His goal of being able to protect his monsters from anyone.


    And this goal coincided with Jarina''s point. The point of Desire staying alive even if Desire was to go into the human world.


    And so, Desire was resolute in asking for help from Jarina.


    At first, Jarina was reluctant to teach Desire because of his race.


    After all, Desire was a human, and he couldn''t deny it. No matter how much he hates it, Desire was bona fide a human being.


    However, because of Desire''s level of determination, Jarina reluctantly gave in.


    No, it would be correct to say that she happily gave in to Desire''s stubbornness.


    Well, Jarina just paved the way and told Desire the basics because Desire didn''t want to be influenced by Jarina.


    Desire could realize that trait was his personality, thanks to Jarina''s words.


    Well, it was actually in his first month of trying to understand the book that he was able to see the secrets of the Cold-blooded trait.


    And so, he practiced for 11 months until he came up with another trait.


    The Heavenly Demon Trait.


    Desire could feel that this trait was even better than what the Cold-blooded trait was and was very happy with the result.


    After all, he couldn''t feel any mismatch with the trait.


    The process of getting the Cold-blooded trait is actually a way to get another trait.


    Desire didn''t know if he got the right one, but from what he feels, the Heavenly Demon fits perfectly to what he practiced, felt, and done during the past 11 months.


    And so, after getting that trait, Desire took his first step outside Jarina''s home.


    ****


    As soon as Desire stepped outside of Jarina''s home, he could see the familiar purple sky of Skinjur.


    It was still the same when he left for Jarina''s home.


    "It''s empty..." Desire said meekly.


    He looked around to see that the place didn''t have any Suckus.


    It was literally abandoned as if the people left immediately after hearing or receiving some news.


    It was then.


    Desire, who was quietly looking around the place, suddenly felt a pair of eyes looking at him.


    He immediately turned around to see who it was and he saw Liya.


    Liya walked towards Desire with a grin and asked.


    "So? Did you finally do it?"


    "Yeah. Although I got something else."


    Desire answered coolly. Although he didn''t expect that the place would be empty, he expected someone to wait for him to go out.


    After all, Desire was an outsider here. Letting him free and loose may result in some troubles.


    "Let''s not talk about it here. Let''s go to where Varyce is."


    "Varyce? Who is that?"


    "Hmm? Did Jarina not told you? She''s the head of the Suckus."


    "Ohh. Right, I think she did tell me, but I don''t remember her."


    Desire never met Varyce before, so he didn''t know her.


    But of course, Jarina was her daughter, so Jarina had some stories for Desire to tell about her mother.


    But, she never told Desire about her name.


    "It looks like you properly have your emotions under control." Liya said with wonder in her voice.


    The Desire she remembered was one that would get excited just at the mention of other monsters.


    Whatever it would be, it was enough for Desire to get excited.


    That was why when she saw Desire''s reaction right now, she was shocked beyond belief.


    ''Is this really Desire?'' Was what she thought, but after all, the looks she remembers were the same as the youth that came out.


    She was quite proud of Desire as he was able to solve his problems properly.


    Although it may sound simple, solving problems on your own is difficult.


    Getting lost in the process, getting confused about the procedures, having no guiding hand, having no knowledge beforehand...all of those tasks are extremely difficult to accomplish.


    "Let''s go. Varyce also wants to meet you." Liya said while having a smile on her beautiful face.


    Desire didn''t say anything and just walked together with Desire.


    The duo soon left and walked towards the place where Varyce lives.


    ****


    Desire and Liya were able to reach their destination quite fast.


    After all, it was only a few meters away from where they were from.


    As they walked with each step, they were able to see Varyce''s house where she lives.


    ''...It''s just the same with what Jarina had as her home.'' Desire thought as he looked over the place with curious eyes.


    The place was just the same; a simple house, a garden in the back, trees in the background.


    If there were a single thing different, it was that Desire didn''t disappear from the middle of anywhere, and the house didn''t have a roof.


    The duo eventually reached the house after a minute of walking and entered the house without a problem.


    As they entered, they saw the woman who was likely to be the Varyce, the head of the Suckus.


    Her body was attractively sexy, and her mature face brings life to men''s fantasy.


    Her purple hair looks literally like the sky of the Skinjur.


    However, despite her looks, Desire didn''t have the same reaction he had when he first met Jarina.


    After all, what he felt back there were emotions, and Desire could control those emotions now.


    Desire bowed politely and was the first one to initiate the conversation.


    "Thank you very much for your help during these past months. I will definitely repay the debt that I have with the Suckus one day."


    It was then.


    The sitting Varyce used some of her magic to look at Desire, who had his head bowed slightly.


    Varyce was a strong monster that could be classified as one of the High Ranker in the world.


    She could be called a powerhouse, and with her army of Suckus, it was possible that she could destroy any small countries.


    In fact, when she was still wild in her past, she destroyed many countries that dared to attack some of her girls.


    Slavery and hunting for Suckus were quite famous for humans because of their alluring and sexy bodies that couldn''t be found on human girls.


    It was natural that Varyce would get mad.


    And that was also the reason why Varyce could use her power to look at Desire before.


    But, now...


    ''I can''t see through him at all...'' Varyce thought as her eyes closed.


    Impossible. Varyce deemed it so. After all, she could see through her daughter, Jarina, who practiced the same trait as Desire.


    So how come she couldn''t see through Desire?


    ''Did he gain something else...'' Varyce thought. However, there was no use in wondering about it.


    After all, she has no plans, or rather, she couldn''t ask Desire for it.


    If she did ask Desire for it, maybe Desire would give the answer because of his debt towards Varyce, who allowed him to stay and practice.


    However, Varyce couldn''t do it.


    ''That beats the point of sending him to my husband.''


    If Desire was able to repay his debts right now, he could reject the notion that Varyce has for Desire.


    And that would be a loss for Varyce.


    "It''s fine. My daughter asked for it too. Anyway, I assume Jarina has already told you about her father?"


    "Yes. If I may be so frank, may I meet with him?"


    Desire answered straight to the point, making Varyce nod her head.


    If Desire was able to gain something, then that was meeting with a human right now is an easy task for him.


    "Don''t worry, you can. Actually, he''s here right now."


    It was then.


    A shadow entered the house after Varyce said that, and an old, dignified voice rang out.


    "So, you''re the bastard that''s like me, huh?"

 Chapter 34: A New Beginning

    "So, you''re the bastard that''s like me, huh."


    The old, harsh voice resounded out in the room, and Desire turned his head towards the voice''s directions.


    When he did, he saw a man who was standing beside Varyce.


    He wasn''t there before, yet, in just a blink of an eye, he was able to stand there without Desire noticing.


    It was clear what that meant.


    ''Strong!''


    This man who appeared was strong. Stronger than any person Desire met.


    Desire spoke politely to the person who was the father of Jarina and the husband of Varyce.


    "Yes, I am. I have heard of you from your daughter."


    At that moment, the man turned his head to look at Liya and then to Varyce with a dumbfounded look.


    "Huh? Why is he this polite? Cold-blooded doesn''t make one polite, right?"


    It was then.


    The tightly sealed lips of Varyce opened wide while she has her hand covering her mouth.


    "Fufufu..."


    Her shoulders were shivering slightly as she tried to hold back her laughter.


    "Oy, Varyce! I thought I told you that I wanted him to become my disciple?!"


    "Eh? Disciple? What do you mean?"


    Desire interrupted the dumbfounded man by having a dumbfounded look on his face as he heard what the man said.


    After all, the man just came in and was already shouting how he was going to make Desire his disciple.


    Even for Desire, who was able to get the Heavenly Demon, this was a piece of shocking news.


    After all, this would change the course of his life in the human world, and also in his entire life.


    "Huh? You don''t know? What the!! I told Jarina to tell you!"


    The man''s angry face could be seen as he walked while stomping the ground with full force. However, due to Varyce''s magic, he wasn''t able to shake it.


    The man''s black hair could be seen, and his dangerously slit eyes were wide open.


    His face that could be categorized as a middle-aged man was still handsome, that Desire could understand how he was able to get Varyce.


    His long hair looks like a mane of a lion, expressing his dignity and proud blood.


    It was then.


    The laughing Varyce finally stopped laughing as she spoke while wiping the tear off her eyes.


    "S-she didn''t tell Desire. After all, Desire hates humans. I thought you already knew?"


    "Ah..." The man exclaimed with his mouth wide open.


    And while all this was happening, Liya was just watching with curious eyes, guessing what would happen now.


    "So, will I become this man''s disciple?" Desire said as he looked at the man with interested eyes.


    After all, if ever he did accept, this man would be his teacher, master, or even his benefactor.


    The man turned his fierce gaze towards Desire, who was basically like a puppy.


    "Hmmm. So, do you want to be? Let me remind you; you''ll be the very first disciple of this very Sir Lionel! Kuhahahaha!"


    Lionel laughed loudly as he proudly introduced himself.


    His hair that looked as if it were the lion''s mane shook roughly, and his flashy fangs showed themselves naturally.


    "This is also what I was about to talk with you before. But this guy suddenly barged in. So, what do you think?"


    Varyce spoke with a smile on her face. If Desire was to become Lionel''s disciple, she can be reassured that Desire would definitely repay his debt.


    Unless Desire had a thick face that would betray even his master, he would definitely put the race of Suckus as a race who helped him.


    Moreover, if Desire was able to become strong...The Suckus would get a man who could protect them from outside forces.


    Although Varyce seems to be cunning, this was actually normal in this world.


    If the Suckus didn''t have Varyce and Lionel, they would already have fallen from their high horse and be slaves to the winners who got them.


    Desire was just someone she invested in to protect her race.


    And, of course, Desire knows this as well. If he got a special thing from someone, that someone would definitely ask for a thing of the same value.


    Meaning, Varyce was basically asking for Desire to accept Lionel''s offer of becoming his disciple.


    Even if Desire has something else to offer, Varyce will reject it because of Desire''s potential.


    That was why Desire answered without hesitation.


    "It''s fine with me, but...can you even teach me how to become one with water?"


    "Ah...That''s right. You do have that with you...hmmm."


    Lionel eyed his wife, Varyce, with a grin on his face. He already had an answer to this, but he wanted to tease his wife because of what she did earlier.


    However...


    "Don''t worry, Desire. Jarina will teach you that."


    Varyce said with a rather proud face. Of course, since they were husband and wife, they knew how each other''s minds worked.


    "Tsk. Right, Jarina will teach you about that, so don''t worry about it. I''ll teach you how to become a High Ranker in no time."


    "Jarina? What do you mean? And what''s a High Ranker...?"


    "Oh. You don''t know anything about the outside world. I guess that''s reasonable since you were a baby before."


    Desire was born in an underground space and was transferred into this forest.


    He lived quite a harsh life before meeting Lyra, who brought him to her village of Suckus.


    He then met Liya and some other various events that led him here to his current situation.


    Anyway, the point is that there is no way, Desire, a baby who was just born, would know about the world or anything like that.


    The only time he was able to read or learn something was when he read a book about humans.


    "That''s right. Hmmm, so what will we do exactly if I ever become your disciple?"


    "You''ll know soon. So, it''s just yes or no!! What do you say!"


    ''What the hell is this person''s deal...'' Desire thought when he heard Lionel''s answer.


    After all, Lionel was basically keeping the important stuff as secrets and was just straight pressuring Desire to answer yes.


    Well, Desire was able to stay calm despite that because of his trait.


    ''It''s best if I do become his disciple. However...''


    Desire, after finishing organizing his thoughts, looked straight at Lionel as he spoke.


    "I can become your disciple, but. I want to have my freedom."


    For Desire, freedom is the most important thing. The reason why he practiced this Heavenly Demon Trait is to make sure that he wouldn''t get bound by guys who are the authority.


    He wanted to make sure that he could still do whatever he wants while avoiding people like Lionel.


    Even though the reason is not the same, becoming Lionel''s disciple will limit some of Desire''s freedom. His ability to do things would become bound to whatever his teacher''s way, principles, or teachings.


    Desire didn''t want that.


    After all, if he were to become bound to someone, why did he do all that training?


    Either way, Desire expressed his feelings to Lionel strongly.


    "Alright! I won''t bind you to me!"


    Lionel proudly declared. After all, it doesn''t really matter to him.


    Whether Desire follows his own principles or not, Lionel plans to teach him everything he knows.


    After all, this was the first time Lionel has met someone like him.


    Lionel was special in that he has some monster blood, but he was also a full-fledged human.


    He can also increase and improve his rank by using the monster''s way of increasing their strength and also accumulate experience to increase his rank.


    He lived his life lonely, unable to find someone like him.


    He was alone in the whole wide world where strength matters.


    People in the past bullied him for being weird.


    However, all that stopped when Lionel became strong.


    That was the ironclad rule of this world.


    That was why when he heard that someone like him was in Skinjur, Lionel couldn''t contain his excitement.


    Jarina was his daughter, but she inherited her mother''s blood. She wasn''t like Lionel, who was living in the line between humans and monsters.


    However, Desire was someone like him. A human, yet he could also train like a monster.


    That fact made Lionel want to take Desire in no matter what.


    He wanted to take care of him until he becomes strong enough to punish all those who dared make fun of him.


    He wanted to take care of a person that was like him.


    Because in the past, no one did that for him.


    And that''s why he was desperately dying to see if Desire will become his disciple.


    And...


    "...Okay. I''ll be your disciple."


    Desire has successfully become Lionel''s disciple. Or rather, Lionel has successfully recruited Desire.


    Either way, the point is the same.


    The Lionel of the Lion Clan has got his silent young cub.


    And this silent young cub was something Lionel the Lion King would put his entire heart on to teach.


    It was the beginning of the Young King''s road.

 Chapter 35: Three Things

    When Desire accepted Lionel''s offer to become his disciple, he was given many things.


    But, what really mattered were the three things Lionel has got for him.


    The first thing was the badge of the Clan Lionel leads.


    It wasn''t just something like a decoration; it was much more than that.


    The badge has something called the Magic of Identification.


    This Magic of Identification may be a simple thing because it just introduces Desire to someone who can inspect the badge, but it isn''t actually so.


    The Magic of Identification will let people know that Desire is one of the Lion Clan.


    They wouldn''t suspect his identity, and they wouldn''t dare make trouble for him if he is in a city or town.


    After all, the Lion Clan is one of the top-ranking clans.


    Besides, another secret hide within the badge.


    It is the magic called long-range communication where Desire could speak to where the magic is connected. It was convenient.


    In this case, since Desire is Lionel''s disciple, his badge directly connects to him.


    This would be pretty useful if Desire was put into a tight spot and was forced to call someone strong.


    The second thing Lionel gave Desire was the book of No-Attribute Magic.


    This book of No-Attribute Magic is the foundation of the magic users. They would have to learn the No-Attribute Magic before finding the attribute that fits them to learn them properly.


    In short, the No-Attribute Magic is the pillar for attribute magic.


    Anyway, this No-Attribute Magic is something Desire needed badly.


    It was because of Desire''s special case of being one with the water.


    Even though humans couldn''t do it, Desire was able to. So Desire could only use monsters as a reference for this.


    For one to become one with the water, one has to learn the No-Attribute Magic first.


    The No-Attribute Magic would then become Water-Attribute Magic. Then the next level until you reach the required level of the Water-Attribute Magic.


    That was how monsters were able to become one with nature. And that is how Desire plans to become one with nature.


    The third thing Lionel gave Desire was the right to choose a weapon of his choice.


    Even though it is simple, it changes things if Desire were to choose from the armory of the Lion Clan.


    Lion Clan is a big clan, and of course, their sets of weapons could be considered top class.


    Meaning, if Desire were able to choose from that, his starting weapon at the age of 6 (his body age) would be a top-class weapon that any other veteran in the field would want for.


    That was how amazing the right to choose his weapons in the armory of the Lion Clan.


    And now, because of some other situation that Varyce and Lionel have not told Desire yet, he was forced to go into another training session.


    Well, they promised him that this time''s training would only last for a day.


    So, Desire was currently in the backyard of the garden in Varyce''s house, trying to find the mystery of the No-Attribute Magic.


    He flipped the first page of the book and read the contents inside it.


    He continued reading for a while because all the foundation for the No-Attribute Magic was written in the book.


    The actual No-Attribute Magic is something Desire would have to execute himself.


    However, maybe due to him being able to get the Heavenly Demon Trait, or maybe because of his training experience accumulated during the past months, Desire found this task quite easy.


    It wasn''t to the point that he could become an expert right now, but it was to the point that Desire found it boring.


    That''s why when 5 hours have passed; Desire stood up after reading the book many times.


    "Hmm. No-Attribute Magic is easier to learn than Water Magic."


    Desire had the chance to learn magic back then at the village of Lyra.


    He was taught simple magic before being caught up in that troublesome situation, and that was also the reason why he knew that No-Attribute Magic was easier to learn.


    "Maybe it''s because it is No-Attribute Magic?"


    No-Attribute Magic is basically magic that has no attribute. It was just a simple mana attack that Desire could fire to his opponents.


    For example, if he let out his mana and poured it into a cup, that could be considered No-Attribute Magic.


    However, even if it were that simple, this is still one of the foundations of the magicians.


    If Desire messed this up, there is a chance that he would become no longer able to perform magic at a young age.


    There is also a chance that he could become a cripple right away if he tried this right now.


    That was the reason why Desire wasn''t trying to execute the magic himself.


    He needed to understand the core of the No-Attribute Magic first.


    However, what could he do to master it? There was a simple, yet not easy way.


    "Core..."


    According to the book, magicians have something called a core. That core is what stores mana.


    Meaning, that core is what makes mana usable for a human and for a monster.


    And the No-Attribute Magic or rather mana is being stored inside that core waiting to be turned into any kind of Attribute Magic.


    "Hmm. I don''t know..."


    However, Desire couldn''t understand the mystery of the core.


    In the end, he couldn''t solve it and fell asleep.


    ****


    "Isn''t it good? Lionel." Varyce spoke while holding hands with Lionel.


    Her warmth was passed on to Lionel''s rough hands, and his charming face warmed up Lionel''s mood.


    "Yeah...I thought he would not accept it." Lionel spoke with a rather breaking voice.


    He was happy that Desire accepted to be his disciple.


    After all, he knew that Desire hates humans, and Lionel could be considered to be a human.


    Well, Desire doesn''t really hate Lionel because of his monster blood, but there''s no way for Lionel to know this.


    Either way, even if he knew this, he would still be happy that Desire accepted his offer.


    "You''re stupid, aren''t you? Why do you think I let him stay here and provide his daily necessities?"


    Of course, Varyce, as Lionel''s wife, knew what Lionel went through.


    She was the person who picked the tired and wounded Lionel in the forest when he was just being bullied.


    She was also the person who provided protection for Lionel until he became strong enough to stand by himself.


    Rather than a wife, it would be correct to call Varyce his mother.


    "I understand that..." Lionel then looked away and did something to his slit eyes before turning around to face Varyce.


    Liya was just standing there, watching the two.


    Then, as if the heartwarming mood were a lie, the room turned cold, and the atmosphere became heavy.


    Lionel''s face became serious, and the other two women became serious too.


    It was because it was time to get to the topic.


    "Liya, has your strength not returned?" Lionel asked Liya with sharp eyes.


    His tone was rough and harsh, but this time, it was pure cold.


    It didn''t have his heat where his passion was with him.


    This was the face of the Clan Leader of the Lion Clan.


    "No, unfortunately. Even if I use Magic Infusion, my rank is staying at rank 4. I''m afraid..."


    Varyce looked down when she put her hand on her chin to indicate that she was thinking.


    No...it was actually because she was feeling guilty right now.


    Liya is originally the second strongest Suckus in the Skinjur. She was only second to Varyce and was even way stronger than Jarina.


    However, that all changed when they were attacked before by a fellow Suckus.


    That Suckus betrayed them, and she attacked the Skinjur with the hopes of capturing Jarina.


    However, Varyce stopped her and was about to win when a critical hit was about to make its way towards her.


    But...She didn''t get hit.


    Because Liya stood in the way and was the one who got hit by the attack.


    Her health and strength deteriorated over time, and she couldn''t be helped or healed by the current measures they have.


    It''s not something they could blame Liya for when she took the shot for Varyce.


    "It''s fine. We migrated the residents for now, but I don''t know how long this will be able to fool them."


    Lionel spoke to both of them. Right now, Lionel was the husband of the head.


    Even if he was an outsider, he actually holds authority.


    "How about you Varyce...will you not evacuate too? Jarina has come with me to Jakart. You could come too."


    Outside forces were currently targeting Skinjur with the help of the Suckus that betrayed them. It was only natural that the forces would come for the head.


    And that head was Varyce. However, as if the position was a curse to her, she wouldn''t evacuate.


    After all...


    "No, I still have my pride as the head of the Suckus. You should go."


    "But..."


    "If you''re not going to go, who do you think will take care of Jarina?"


    Varyce''s voice became sharp and threatening. After all, it was for her daughter.


    Of course, Lionel understood her. He was the father, but he just couldn''t help it.


    He is the father of Jarina, and also, he is the husband of Varyce.


    Both of them were special to him.


    And that was why he could only bite his lip to protect his daughter.


    "It may not be much, but I''ll stay behind too."


    Liya spoke, trying to reassure Lionel.


    "Right..."


    However, Lionel couldn''t leave behind his wife...


    After all, this was a war where she could die.


    It was only natural that he would get worried about the one he loves.


    That''s why he hugged her silently.


    And Varyce hugged him back.


    Liya left the room, and the two started to share the night.

 Chapter 36: Talk between the two

    Desire opened his eyes when he woke up. It seems that he fell asleep when he was contemplating the book of No-Attribute Magic.


    The scenery of the purple sky seemed to tell that it was still fine to sleep.


    However...


    "Oy! Get up! We''re leaving now!" A voice called out to Desire, who was lazing around in the ground.


    It was Desire''s new master, Lionel.


    Of course, Desire had no plans to stay in the ground when his master had already called him.


    "Yes...Hmm?" When Desire was about to get up, he turned his head towards his master''s way, and there he saw Varyce clinging to his arm.


    ''W-what''s happening?'' Desire thought as he looked over the two with a dumbfounded face.


    They weren''t like this yesterday, and they weren''t showing that much closeness in front of Desire.


    It seems they got close all of a sudden just by spending one night together.


    No...should he say that they broke the ice that has formed between them during the night?


    Anyway, Desire stood up and walked towards his master.


    He actually had something to ask him that he wanted to know the answer, right now.


    He walked towards them, and he saw Liya giggling to herself right beside Varyce.


    ''Why are they...?''


    It was then.


    Varyce''s alluring voice could be heard as she spoke to Lionel.


    "You~ still a beast on the bed!" She spoke with excitement as she stuck her chest on Lionel''s right arm.


    "Who do you think I am?!" Lionel also stated proudly, his hair fluttered in the air.


    Desire just walked to them without minding what they were saying. After all, he already knew what they were talking about.


    They were so loud yesterday that it was impossible not to hear them.


    When Desire was right in front of Lionel, he spoke with a respectful tone.


    "What should I call you?"


    This was the question that he had ever since yesterday.


    They now have a master and disciple relationship. It would be wrong for Desire to call him Lionel or whatever he wants.


    The master has to have a superior relationship between the two, so his disciple wouldn''t disrespect his authority.


    However...


    "Just call me Lionel. So that people also wouldn''t think that you are a disciple of mine."


    Lionel stated coolly as if he practiced this line hundreds of times.


    He then spoke again to Varyce.


    "It''s time. I have to leave."


    "Hmm. Yes..."


    Her voice became dispirited all of a sudden, and her mood seems to have gone down.


    And Lionel saw that, so he brought his mouth closer to Varyce''s ears and said.


    "Next time we meet...will be better."


    Pufff! With smoke escaping from the holes of her ears, Varyce''s face became red with embarrassment as she nodded her head rather submissively.


    Lionel then turned his head towards Liya and just nodded his head.


    Liya also nodded her head as a sign of her answer, and finally.


    Lionel turned his head towards Desire, who was standing dazedly.


    "Let''s go! To Jakart!"


    ****


    Continent Aduminion.


    Continent Aduminion is a big continent that houses over a hundred kingdoms and a few empires.


    It is a continent that has a large mass of land, river, and also seas. It is where the masses gather.


    There are other continents in the world, but Continent Aduminion is the most populated continent right now.


    There were many reasons, but it is all because of the Dungeons.


    Dungeons.


    Dungeons are what people call a city of monsters that just appeared out of nowhere.


    These Dungeons are then classified into several ranks that signifies the danger level of the place.


    Of course, the thing used for this is the device called Limiter.


    Anyway, these Dungeons are full of monsters even if they are of the lowest rank.


    However, that only means that the monsters were weaklings that could be defeated by anyone.


    These Dungeons have a lord that rules over them, which is called the Monster Lord.


    Anyway, the Dungeons appears randomly that no one can pinpoint it exactly, but one could guess the general direction.


    Everyone fights over the Dungeon rights because of its extreme wealth and hidden powers that could make a person stronger than when he entered the Dungeon.


    And now, Vakigo kingdom is in the east of the Haroldus kingdom.


    Vakigo is a big country that is many times bigger than Haroldus kingdom, and it had several guilds and clans lording over its cities.


    And because of the Dungeons, those guilds and clans may clash just before entering it.


    No one would dare spit out some words if they were going to fight.


    After all, who would dare question the top? No one. Unless you have some wishes to die, you won''t mess with them.


    And Vakigo''s biggest city yet not its capital, the Jakart City is the home base of the Lion Clan of Lionel.


    The Lion Clan lords over the area that even the nobles couldn''t defy its words.


    It is usually peaceful during these times. However, because of the appearance of a Dungeon in the east of the Jakart, things were getting tense.


    Clans were getting ready to start a fight, and Guilds were starting to announce their right over the Dungeon.


    The Adventurers, who are basically free men, were starting to gather on either side and reap some benefits in the situation.


    "Now, do you understand all that? You bastard?" Lionel said to the guy sitting in front of him in a carriage.


    It was Desire who was listening to him quietly.


    "Yes. Lionel, so basically, the Jakart City is on the verge of war right now because of the Dungeon that appeared?"


    Desire said calmly as he remembered what Lionel said about the situation.


    Dungeons are basically treasures that everyone wants to enter, while Guilds and Clans are fighting over them.


    "That''s right. Although we, the Clans and Guilds, are officially Adventurers, we are actually not. You better remember that so you won''t get confused."


    "Why are you not Adventurers? I don''t get it."


    Lionel smiled a little bit before answering Desire''s question.


    "Adventurers are those trying to become a superpower through one''s might alone. However, Clans and Guilds do not rely on one man."


    Lionel then pointed to himself before continuing.


    "I am the Clan Master of the Lion Clan. I have many men under me, and they are also the Lion Clan''s greatest force. We try to become Conquerors with our Clan."


    Then Lionel pointed to the outside.


    "Adventurers are trying to become Conquerors on their own. That is the difference between us."


    It was then.


    The quiet Desire tilted his head at the unfamiliar word of Conqueror.


    After all, ever since they left Skinjur, never once has Lionel mentioned that word.


    "What''s a Conqueror?" Desire asked with a question mark over his head.


    "Ah, right. I forgot to mention that."


    Conquerors are those who conquered and killed the Monster Lord of a Rank B to S Dungeons.


    They are basically considered as overlords because of the might and power that they have gained by killing the Monster Lord.


    However, the difficulty of doing that is huge. A Dungeon clearing of a Rank B Dungeon or above isn''t even possible with just one team, and killing a Monster Lord is harder than that.


    And this is where the main difference between the Adventurers and the Clans or Guilds comes from.


    Adventurers will try to overcome the Monster Lord by themselves and try to get all of the benefits for themselves.


    Many have done this, but few have succeeded.


    And those who have succeeded have bigger names than those who are part of the Clans or Guilds who have become a Conqueror.


    However, to the normal people or normal Adventurers, Conquerors are still Conquerors.


    Just because they did things differently doesn''t mean they''ll be treated that badly.


    "That''s what Conquerors are. I am a Conqueror myself when I was still Adventuring, but that was a Rank B Dungeon. So I am considered weak among the leagues of the Conquerors."


    If one kills a Rank B, A, or S Monster Lords, they would be Conquerors.


    However, there are also grades among Conquerors.


    They differentiate Conquerors by stating what they have killed in the past.


    "Hmmm. So, what lies in a Dungeon anyway, Lionel?" Desire asked with quite an expectant tone.


    After all, Lionel said all those cool things that Desire couldn''t contain himself even with his trait.


    Well, if there were a bad part, that would be that it was a monster who has to be killed.


    Either way, Desire doesn''t plan to nitpick on that part.


    After all, Desire hasn''t experienced seeing it.


    "The Top is what we call it. But, I won''t tell you right now. You''re too weak. Get stronger and see for yourself just what is inside a Dungeon that could make us strong guys crazy for another one."


    Desire nodded his head.


    He had no problems if he was going to get stronger.


    After all, that was one of his goals.


    "Got it! Lionel!"


    Desire said as his body swayed from right to left from the humping of the horse.

 Chapter 37: Core

    The travel of the master and disciple didn''t take long. After all, the horses they were riding on were horses that were equipped with magic.


    It was done with the magic of Lionel. They didn''t have any coachman or something like that.


    They reached the City of Jakart in just 6 hours of traveling, and they were able to get there by night.


    Now, before they were about to enter the City of Jakart, Lionel spoke to Desire.


    "Don''t tell them that you are my disciple. Things could get nasty if enemies were to know."


    Desire nodded his head with the stern warning of Lionel.


    He knew what Lionel was talking about.


    Lionel was a prominent figure in the Jakart, and people were going crazy trying to find chances to kill and replace him.


    If word became known that Lionel took a disciple under his tutelage, his enemies would go right after his disciple.


    And that disciple is Desire. There''s no way Desire would create potholes for him to fall in.


    And so, the carriage holding the Clan Master of the Lion Clan and his disciple soon entered the City of Jakart.


    ****


    The place they arrived at was a huge building that could beat any nobles'' houses.


    It was large and wide that they literally have one area of the city for themselves.


    The clan members of the Lion Clan saw the carriage bearing the symbol of the Clan Master, and they went to their positions to welcome him.


    As the horses stopped in front of a grandeur gate, the door opened, and the leader of the clan members outside stepped up to greet the Clan Master.


    Shiiik! The door opened, and with it, a man appeared from within the carriage.


    His huge body was intimidating, and his slit eyes were fear-inducing.


    His hair was exactly just like a lion''s mane was fluttering in the wind as he walked.


    And as soon as the guy who leads the clan members saw Lionel, he immediately bowed and said.


    "Welcome back, Clan Master!"


    Then as if they were on a chorus...


    "Welcome back!"


    ...All the other members staying in the place and doing night duty all greeted Lionel.


    Of course, as someone who stands at the top, Lionel doesn''t greet them at all.


    Although Lionel was kind, his pride as a Clan Master depends on how he acts.


    If he acts like a normal person in a public place, people will start to look down on the Lion Clan.


    It was then.


    As Lionel continued to walk away, the clan members were about to put the carriage into a place where it would be properly stored when it happened.


    A child of decent clothes came down from the carriage as if it were the most normal thing to do.


    His gray long hair could be seen fluttering in the wind, and his piercing blue eyes that didn''t even take any interest in the clan members spread out before him.


    "Hey!" The guy who leads the clan members shouted out.


    After all, the child was planning to walk the same way the Clan Master went.


    However...


    "H-huh?"


    ...Before he could grab the child, he disappeared out of nowhere.


    He looked dumbfoundedly at the spot where the child was walking and felt chills run down his spine.


    "H-hey, did you see a child coming out of the carriage?" The man asked his subordinate, who was also staring dazedly at the air.


    "Y-yes...There was a child, but then he was gone..." The man said nervously as he looked at his team leader.


    If there were a ghost living or trying to enter Jakart, they would be immediately extinguished.


    Three powers handle the security here, and one of them is the Lion Clan. If ever that ghost were able to enter...


    "M-maybe it''s not a ghost..."


    The leader tried to reassure himself and his subordinates, and they too answered back with such hopes.


    "Y-yeah. Our eyes are probably playing tricks with us. Hahahaha."


    The man scratched his head and displayed his muscles as he continued talking.


    "Anyway, let''s do this job! And drink right after!"


    "Y-yeah. You''re right. Let''s go, you bastards!"


    The men who were staying silent all shouted, ''Yeah!'' to the encouraging team leader.


    Then they went to fulfill their duties that have been stopped by a strange event.


    ****


    "Whew. It looks like they didn''t think much of it." Lionel said as he dropped Desire to the floor.


    He was the cause of why Desire disappeared just like that. After all, if Desire were to get discovered riding in the same carriage as him, it was easy to deduce their relationship.


    "You just told me not to introduce myself as your disciple...isn''t that your fault then?"


    Desire said while rubbing his nape, which was the part where Lionel took hold of when he took Desire.


    "Yeah. Well, I''m not too good at this. It was actually Varyce who told me that."


    ''Wow. This master of mine is a bit...'' Desire didn''t finish his thoughts as that would be rude to his master.


    Well, even if you take a look at Lionel, it was easy to tell that he was a muscle guy straight from the woods.


    Lionel only got the strength to rely on to survive in this kind of environment.


    ''Haha. I''m getting excited.'' Desire thought as he looked at the man, weirdly scratching his black hair.


    After all, strength is what Desire plans to get from now.


    He solved his problem, his emotions, and his attitude in the past year with the Suckus.


    He had the foundation called the Heavenly Demon Trait right now, and this helped him put building blocks on the person called Desire.


    Now, the only thing that he should do is to get stronger from now on with the help of his master.


    It was then.


    While the two were having an awkward atmosphere, a voice interrupted between the two.


    It was quite a lovely voice, and it had the power to allure Desire, who could control his emotions.


    "Desire. You''re finally here."


    When Desire heard the voice, he turned his head towards its source.


    His hair fluttered in the air, and his deep blue eyes widened to the brim when he saw who it was.


    Purple hair adorns her head and her violet pupils that were as charming as her figure.


    Her moderately-sized chest hidden by the piece of rag before was now in full glory as she walked in a nice dress.


    "Jarina!" Desire shouted with passion in his voice.


    After all, this was the person or monster that helped him throughout the year.


    He didn''t see her back in the Skinjur or back in her home, so Desire was quite worried about her.


    "So, you were here. Wait, why are you here?" Desire tilted his head as he looked at the beautiful woman.


    Jarina''s eyes then looked at her father, and when she saw Lionel nod, she began to talk.


    "Well, it''s not a story you would like to hear in front of the door; why don''t you come in?"


    Desire nodded his head, and when they were about to walk, he remembered something.


    "Lionel! Can you teach me about..." Desire stopped talking when he saw Lionel gestured at him to look at Jarina.


    "Get it from her. I''ll be going now. We''ll begin your training after you finish with Jarina."


    Lionel said while tossing something to Desire.


    "Take it."


    Ting! Desire snatched it from the air, and he quickly looked over the piece of...stone?


    "What''s this?" Desire asked with curiosity in his voice.


    However, Lionel didn''t answer him as he immediately disappeared.


    It seems he still had things to do as he even left his disciple alone in his house.


    Desire just looked at the shadows where Lionel once stood dumbfoundedly.


    After all, his master just outright gave him something and didn''t explain.


    It was then.


    Desire then felt the warmth of Jarina''s hand on his shoulder, and then he looked at her.


    "I''ll tell you about it." Jarina said while wearing a smile on her face.


    And then, Desire''s eyes moved in from Jarina''s head to her toes.


    As Desire took in the figure of Jarina''s body, he realized something.


    He remembered how Jarina looked like back then in the Skinjur, and he compared it to now.


    It was not...the same.


    "Hey, Jarina. How come you''re not transparent?" Desire said as he tilted his head once more.


    This was just his first day in a human city, yet he was already being shocked beyond belief.


    Well, it was not exactly the humans who were doing it.


    "Ah. This is how Suckus looks when they try to hide that they are a Suckus."


    She wasn''t transparent anymore, and she looked like an...ordinary girl.


    Well, a beautiful girl at that.


    Jarina looked exactly like how a human would if she were a human.


    "Hmm, I see. Anyway, what are we going to do now?"


    It was then.


    Jarina then pointed at the piece of stone Desire was holding that he got from Lionel.


    She grinned as she spoke.


    "Core formation."

 Chapter 38: A Naive Guy

    The place where Lionel dropped Desire was his personal home. There is nobody else present in his home, and it was in the safest place located in the Lion Clan territory.


    Lionel left immediately after leaving something behind to Desire and left Desire to Jarina, her daughter.


    Now, the duo of Desire and Jarina were walking through the hallways.


    They talked about how things went in their way and how was their daily life. Jarina didn''t ask about what Desire got in his training.


    It seems she wasn''t too nosy about such things.


    Well, she deemed it unnecessary to know. If Desire wants to let her know, then Desire will tell her.


    "Oh. I have a question. Would you mind answering it?" Desire asked as he looked at Jarina, who was walking beside him.


    "I know what it is. It''s why I am here, right?" Jarina continued walking as she spoke.


    "It''s simple. There''s a problem and that to solve it, I have to move somewhere else."


    "What kind of problem is it? Why do you have to go to a human city when you are a monster?"


    What Desire was interested in the most was the fact that Jarina or her father was willing to take the risk of having Jarina move into a human city despite being a monster.


    A human city is literally a human city. No other races are staying in here as citizens.


    Even if there are other races here, those are slaves or personal toys of some wealthy or powerful people in Jakart.


    And if ever someone is suspected of being a monster or is another race entirely, that someone would get killed or captured to be sold as a slave.


    Lionel is a special case. He has some monster blood, which is quite evident in his body, but there is no doubt that he is a human.


    That was also the reason why he has many enemies.


    The people, humans, to be specific, at the top of other forces in the Jakart, don''t like a monster being in charge of the whole city.


    Leaving the authority and power to some half-wit bastard like Lionel is something they could never stand for.


    Well, some people just want the power for themselves, and some just want him to die because of a personal grudge.


    Nevertheless, because of Lionel''s blood, enemies are trying to bring him to death even if there is no bad blood between them.


    "I''ll tell you when the time is right. Right now, you''re..."


    Jarina trailed off her words to let Desire''s imagination to finish it.


    Her voice was full of sorrow and sadness, even though she has control over her emotions.


    And Desire could pick those up in just a matter of a second.


    ''You''re..., huh.'' Desire thought as he stayed silent.


    It was not proper to disturb a lady who was being considerate to a guy like Desire who was...


    ''Weak.''


    Either way, Desire would know the answer if he got stronger.


    That was why he immediately changed gears and asked another question.


    "What do you mean by Core Formation? I''ve read the No-Attribute Magic, and it said that the core of No-Attribute Magic is the Core in magicians. Is that the same?"


    Desire asked while having a faint smile on his face.


    His eyes looked straight at Jarina.


    Of course, Jarina quickly answered his question to avoid having an awkward atmosphere.


    "That''s right. Swordsman, archers, berserkers, lancers, or magicians all have a core. That is true for both humans and monsters."


    It was then.


    As they continued to walk, Jarina stopped in front of a door.


    She then turned her body and placed a hand on the doorknob.


    "Kuhrada."


    Clang! As magic flowed out of Jarina''s hand, the sound of something unlocking could be heard throughout the silent hallway.


    The door opened without a hitch, and Jarina gestured for Desire to follow her inside the room.


    "Well, tonight, what we are going to do is to form your Core. This Core is fundamental or foundation for your magics in the future."


    The room was simple. It only had a bed and a chair...no; another chair appeared when Jarina moved her hand.


    The chair that appeared was beside the chair that was originally in the room, and Jarina sat in one.


    "Come on, sit."


    Jarina spoke while patting the chair that is clearly meant for Desire.


    Desire quietly followed her instructions. Although he was extremely curious about what happened with the door, he didn''t ask.


    This was a moment that would decide what could happen to his foundation.


    To be honest, Desire had the necessary time back in Skinjur to form his core.


    The No-Attribute Magic book has the necessary instructions and detailed steps on how to form a core.


    If Desire wanted to, he could have formed it and saved time in doing so.


    However, he didn''t. It was because Desire knew that the core is something special for a magician.


    If he did something like that without a guiding hand and failed, it was obvious what would happen to him.


    "So, what are we going to do now?" Desire asked while having some expectant eyes.


    However, that changed when he saw the dark smile on Jarina''s face.


    Gulp. His throat moved involuntarily as he realized what it was.


    He saw this face before, and that was when she released her aura to attack or rather inform Desire of the possible dangers back then.


    "You haven''t changed at all. Do you think Core Formation is an easy task that you could just breeze through it?" Jarina spoke while having the same smile plastered on her face.


    It was then.


    Desire tried his hardest to answer Jarina''s question as he felt danger coming to him.


    Thanks to his Heavenly Demon Trait, he could remember every detail written in the No-Attribute Magic book.


    Remembering a certain line, Desire spoke while having a stiff smile on his face.


    His mouth twitched awkwardly.


    "W-well, the Core Formation is something that could be done in just one night, right? I''ve read it on the No-Attribute Magic book!"


    "Of course. That is not wrong. However, why do you think it could be done on a single night? It''s not easy."


    Jarina then used her magic to form a glowing orb in the air.


    The orb just floated and swam through the air in front of Desire.


    "This is the Core. If this Core is built weakly, then..."


    Jarina then used her hand to chop the core, and the core amazingly broke down without a fight.


    "...It can be destroyed just like that. Now, a person who can use magic already has a core."


    Jarina then erased the glowing orb and pointed her finger to Desire.


    "You can use magic, so naturally, you have a core."


    Desire nodded his head heavily.


    What Jarina said wasn''t wrong. Desire could use magic even when he was still a baby.


    What''s more, he could control the magic that has to be filled with huge amounts of mana with only 1 mana in his arsenal.


    The quality of the magic was even more powerful than the ordinary.


    If Desire could use magic without a core, he would be an amazing genius that could use the mana lingering in the air.


    However, Desire knew that he wasn''t like that. He could feel the magic, the mana coming inside of him.


    "A core that has been created without thinking would be full of dirt and impurities. Then..."


    Jarina created two orbs in the air. The one on the right was clean and was glowing brightly and on the left was...well, let''s just say that it wasn''t glowing.


    "If you could create or let your core become like this one at the right, your magic would be even more powerful. The mana that could be stored inside the core would be much more than what you could currently store."


    "However, if you continue letting your core become like this, the one at the left, you would become a cripple."


    Jarina erased both orbs and put a finger between Desire''s eyes.


    "But! Having a dirty core is not bad at all. In fact, it serves a good function and can upgrade your core."


    Core naturally has grades according to their level. Well, at this point, Desire has the lowest grade possible.


    "How is that possible?" Desire asked, his interest was piqued.


    "See what father gave you? That''s a Magic Core straight from monsters."


    "W-what?"


    Desire''s eyes widened to the brim.


    "F-from monsters?" Desire stuttered while muttering the phrase Jarina said.


    He was shocked beyond belief when he realized that it was something they got from monsters.


    After all, who was Desire?


    Desire was a guy who loves monsters. Even if he could hide or control his emotions now, it doesn''t mean his love disappeared.


    "W-what..."


    This was the first time Desire was shaken to the core ever since he got the Heavenly Demon Trait.


    He looked at the stone...at the Magic Core, which was from a monster who died.


    His eyes were quivering, and his hands were shaking.


    "A monster''s death...is for my benefit?"

 Chapter 39: Thank you

    "Hmm." Jarina hummed as she looked at Desire.


    Although she did expect this reaction, she still couldn''t believe it.


    The Cold-Blooded trait was something she got, and even the most surprising thing or events that happened lately didn''t do anything to her.


    Even the situation of her race and home didn''t do anything to her that could make her lose control like Desire.


    In fact, she never once let a slip up happen when in regards to her feelings.


    She was perfect at controlling her emotions.


    However, what she didn''t know was what Desire got was even better than the Cold-blooded trait.


    The Heavenly Demon Trait Desire got is a trait that Jarina couldn''t even begin to imagine or try to understand.


    Either way, the bottom line is that...Desire was shaken.


    Be it Cold-Blooded Trait or Heavenly Demon Trait, Desire couldn''t control his emotions just because the Magic Core was from monsters.


    ''I guess I''ll leave it to father.'' Jarina thought as she examined Desire carefully.


    It was then.


    As soon as Jarina thought of that, a thorn appeared in her tightly-caged feelings.


    No, it wasn''t really a thorn but her intuition.


    However, as she was a monster, her intuition was even better than humans.


    And as a result of her training and making herself stronger, it could be said that her intuition was right most of the time.


    And that intuition said that if she left things as they are and let it solve itself by tomorrow, she would regret it.


    She would wholly regret it.


    That was why she decided to act now to avoid what she imagined.


    She spoke, her voice was icy cold, and her eyes were clearly saying that she was looking down on Desire.


    "Desire, are you perhaps...a naive child...no, a naive and stupid person?"


    It was then.


    The shaking head of Desire looked up at Jarina, who spoke some harsh words to him.


    His mouth moved, but no words or voice came out.


    His Heavenly Demon Trait...no, he agreed to what Jarina said.


    He already knew what kind of world this was, yet he was still bothered by small things.


    Even a monster like Jarina was using this method, yet how dare he, a human, become shaken by something like this?


    It was hypocrisy on Desire''s part.


    No matter what Desire thought, he was just a simple hypocrite.


    And Jarina just watched silently until she finally opened her lips.


    "Sure, you''re all kind and all to monsters, but what does that do? Do you think you could get on good terms with every monster? Don''t kid with me."


    "What? Do you think you''re some savior of the monster kind? Aren''t you fooling yourself too much? Just because you have some ''feelings'' for us doesn''t mean you should use us for your self-satisfaction."


    Desire was about to deny the part about the self-satisfaction, but he couldn''t.


    He only stared at Jarina blankly, who had eyes cold as ice.


    Jarina continued while having the same look.


    "You haven''t even met the monsters which you ''love,'' and you feel sad about it when you think they died for you. Isn''t that what you call self-satisfaction? You have insane delusions about monsters that even I, a monster, am utterly disgusted at you."


    Jarina stood up and looked at Desire, who had an awful expression on his face.


    "Think about what you''ve done for a moment and cool your head. I''ll come back again."


    Jarina then walked off to the door and stepped outside. She did the same thing when she opened the door.


    And now, in the silent, dark room, Desire was sitting on the chair alone.


    He couldn''t open his mouth once to refute what Jarina said. After all, what she said was right.


    If ever, Desire did open his mouth and said anything, that would be just refusing for the sake of refusing.


    It would be proof that he doesn''t even think about the monsters and only care about himself.


    Desire then looked at the Magic Core with eyes that couldn''t be read and sighed.


    "Huuuu." Desire was beaten down black and blue by Jarina''s words and feelings.


    Well, she was a monster, and Desire was human. She knew where the line must be drawn.


    However...


    "Even I can''t avoid what I can''t avoid...isn''t she expecting too much from me?"


    He couldn''t help what he couldn''t help. He couldn''t do what he couldn''t do.


    After all, humanity is a race that would do anything for their pleasure and safety, etc.


    Even if humans may sound complex and all, they are actually simple in that they always do whatever they want.


    Desire was human. And that was his weakness.


    "In the end, I am the one who is wrong."


    Either way, Desire is wrong about how he went about it. He already thought about how he didn''t know about monsters and reflected on it.


    But, here he is again making the same mistakes. What''s more, he knew that monsters could help people become stronger by hearing what the Dungeon did to Lionel.


    Desire felt so bad and low about it. However, that only means that he could become better in time.


    Making mistakes is a valuable experience for a person. In fact, it is something every person, human or monsters, needs.


    And Desire was just getting his mistakes started. What was bad was making the same mistake twice. He already did that.


    And now, to prevent the same mistake from happening thrice, Desire spoke.


    "I''ll apologize to her." Desire said with a smile, indicating that he was proud of himself for coming to this conclusion.


    He stood up and walked slowly to the door, which was still open.


    Looking up at the empty space in front of him, Desire walked forward with the resolution to change his thinking.


    ****


    "Oh, no!!!" Jarina shouted as she rolled on her bed with sheets covering her body.


    Her dress was messed up due to her moving like that, but she couldn''t care less about it now.


    "Why did I said it like that!!!" Desperation was evident in her voice as she continued shouting silently.


    After she said those words to Desire, she left immediately for her room.


    Well, it wasn''t far, so she got here quickly.


    And now, she was rolling in her bed, her face turning red.


    After all, she was ''friends'' with Desire.


    Well, actually, Desire was the only one who was able to talk to Jarina. Even her fellow Suckus doesn''t talk with her.


    It was because of the extreme precautions or restrictions placed on her.


    Her father, who came up with the idea of creating a space within Skinjur for Jarina to live in, and her mother, who readily supported it, prevented anyone from coming into contact with her.


    Well, she was able to talk to some Suckus, but it was limited for a short amount of time.


    Anyway, it was easy to see what she thinks of Desire, who stayed in her home for almost a year.


    After all, her father took her just one day before Desire finished his training.


    That was why she couldn''t forgive herself for saying those kinds of things to Desire.


    "Ahhh. I wonder if he won''t talk to me anymore? I even said that I''d come back, but how will I come back?"


    She didn''t know how this would affect their relationship. What''s more, she had the job of helping Desire with the basics of forming his core and all.


    How could she...


    It was then.


    As she continued rolling her body while her face was as red as the sun, a knock came from the door.


    It was Desire.


    "Jarina? May I come in?" Desire said as he peeked over the door.


    This was the reason why he knew where Jarina was. The door was still open, and Desire could look right into the inside.


    "D-desire?!" Jarina stumbled, trying to sit properly, and instead fell down to the ground with a loud thud!


    She quickly stood up and sat on her bed as she spoke.


    "Y-yes. Come in." She said rather bashfully.


    And, Desire walked straight inside without a problem. Well, he walked awkwardly, but it wasn''t much.


    After all, he already resolved himself ever since he decided to do it.


    He grabbed the chair by the side, placed it in front of Jarina, and sat on it as if it were the most normal thing to do in a woman''s room.


    "..."


    "..."


    No one spoke, and it was silent. The room had a heavy and weird atmosphere on it.


    Well, both were thinking about the same thing.


    Should I apologize now?


    Both of them wanted to know about the right time when to say it.


    Until finally...


    "I''m sorry."


    "I''m sorry!!"


    ...both of them bent their waist at the same time and apologized simultaneously.


    Well, thanks to Desire''s short height, they didn''t bump heads.


    Desire then looked up, not minding the energetic apology Jarina gave him.


    "It''s all right. I know you got angry with me for me. That''s why I''ll apologize. And..."


    Desire then bent his waist again, lowering his head.


    Jarina had an awkward look on her face while scratching her cheek. She already raised her head when she heard Desire''s apology.


    And as she waited anxiously about what Desire will say, her heart was racing fast.


    How would things turn out after this? Would it be awkward between us? Will there be a fight?


    Either way, Jarina knew that the next words would make things clear.


    But what she didn''t expect was...


    "Thank you."

 Chapter 40: Cleansing

    "Thank you." Desire said with conviction in his voice.


    It was still small, but his voice was powerful and deep enough to indicate that he was sincere and serious.


    And because of that, Jarina was lost for words.


    She was the one who was harsh and scolded him even. It was quite weird that she was being thanked for it, Jarina thought.


    However, it''s true that what she said is something very helpful and beneficial to Desire''s innocent views.


    And Desire knows it too as he thought about it earlier.


    "W-well, it''s not something you should thank me for, but I''ll still accept it."


    Jarina stuttered while her face was red. It was quite a new experience for her and for Desire as this was the first time she let out a bit of her ''real'' feelings.


    Anyway, Jarina knows that what she did was for Desire''s sake, and she was happy that Desire was able to see it as well.


    However, what was weird was that it was too fast.


    ''...is it talents or what?'' Jarina thought as she returned to her original posture and face.


    She then examined Desire, who was thinking about what to say next.


    ''Hmmm. He was able to reach this conclusion in about...''


    5 minutes.


    It hasn''t even been that long since Jarina exited Desire''s room.


    Even if, by some chance, apologizing wasn''t the best answer, the fact that he could come to an answer is already a good point.


    ''Hmmm. It''s not Cold-Blooded that he got.''


    If Jarina were in the same situation as Desire, she wouldn''t be able to come to the same decision with the same determination as fast as Desire did.


    That was why she knew that the trait Desire got wasn''t the same as hers.


    Well, it was already obvious to her when she first saw Desire''s attitude and cool air.


    It was then.


    The awkward Desire finally let out some words.


    "Ahaha. So, then, I hope you won''t mind, but...Can we start what we were supposed to do now?"


    "Oh, you were worried that I would think that you only apologized so you can have me train you?"


    "Well...it may sound insincere after all."


    Desire nodded his head once more as he smiled a little bit.


    He then brought out the Magic Core in his hands without much difficulty.


    His hands weren''t shaking, and he wasn''t hesitating.


    It was a big improvement if you consider what his attitude was before.


    "So, what do I do with it?" Desire asked while tilting his head.


    He was excited about what he would learn, as this would be his ''real'' training.


    However...Jarina put out her palm as if to stop Desire.


    And then she spoke with a serious voice.


    "Let''s go to your room. This is my room, you see."


    She then pointed to the ground and let Desire realize what she said.


    As if to not disappoint her, Desire then looked around at the room.


    The room was mesmerizing, but it was quite simple.


    It had furniture such as tables and jewels adorning some parts of the room, and the bed was huge that they could both fit in.


    It was as if they were back in Jarina''s home in Skinjur.


    It was then.


    As Desire finished taking a look around the room, he spoke.


    "Ah. Right, let''s go then."


    He then stood up and walked towards the door with light steps and a smile on his face.


    Jarina, too, stood up and followed him and spoke with a quiet voice.


    "Thank you, huh..."


    Her voice face was obviously happy just by thinking about what she received.


    The duo soon left the room and went back to Desire''s room.


    ****


    As soon as the two got in Desire''s room, they immediately started the training.


    Well, it wasn''t really training, but Core Formation.


    As explained, Core is something that exists in every person able to use magic.


    A core that has formed automatically is dirty and unpure, making it that when one has a dirty Core, one won''t be able to use magic efficiently.


    However, there is a method that could overturn and make a Core like that beneficial to the person.


    It was through the use of Magic Core.


    And, Desire could literally feel the effects of the Magic Core right now.


    As he used his Body Control Skill to focus on himself, he was able to feel the core inside his body.


    He didn''t take too much time to focus because he has already done this many times before.


    Anyway, the core inside his body was...full of holes.


    ''Hmmm. So, the Magic Core enhances it.''


    Jarina has already told him what the use of the Magic Core was.


    Basically, Desire takes in the magic in the Magic Core and uses it to clean his own Core.


    Doing so would beneficial to him and possibly upgrade his own.


    While technically, clean Cores can also use Magic Core to enhance their own, it isn''t as effective as with dirty Cores.


    That was why it was recommended that forming Cores automatically is the way to go on the path of magic.


    It was then. As Desire felt the Core inside him, he heard the voice outside of him.


    "Let''s start, Desire." Jarina spoke while holding her hands out to Desire''s back, who was sitting with his legs crossed.


    Desire didn''t answer as he was ''inside'' himself.


    Jarina''s role in this was basically helping Desire move the magic in the Magic Core.


    Desire then will take control of the magic that will be entering his core and use it to clean his core.


    While this may be easy, controlling mana that isn''t from yours is hard to do so.


    Beginners can''t do it easily, and Desire is a beginner.


    Although he was able to use magic before, that was because it was his own mana.


    It was then.


    Jarina''s hands released her mana and let it pass through Desire''s body, going to the Magic Core in his hands.


    Then, the mana of Jarina pushed the mana in the Magic Core inside Desire''s body.


    Then the mana was smoothly traveling inside Desire with the help of Jarina.


    This was the first part of the process, known as cleansing.


    Desire just watched it happen and let the mana that wasn''t his go to the area where he was staying.


    The fine line of the mana was so long that Desire couldn''t see the end of it, and when Desire could see it touch his core, Jarina''s voice could be heard.


    "It''s your turn. The process of cleaning your core will be painful, so take it easy."


    The only reason why this cleansing would take an entire night to finish is that the process is unbelievably painful.


    It is akin to what you feel when you skin yourself and skin it again while the skin was still healing.


    Desire just nodded his head inside as a response and put his all into controlling the mana inside him.


    However...it wasn''t as hard as he was expecting it to be.


    Jarina warned him that controlling mana that wasn''t his is hard.


    After all, if it were easy, a battle between magicians would just come down to how well one can control the enemy''s mana.


    Disrupting their own and turning it to attack their caster is every magician''s dream.


    That was why Desire was wondering.


    ''How is this hard...''


    It was then.


    When Desire was about to put in the mana in his Core, Jarina lifted her hands and put it away.


    This was a process that Desire has to go alone.


    Then, Jarina sat down on the chair and watched the famous tag and pull process.


    Meanwhile...


    Desire was feeling the pressure of something big.


    ''F-fuck...It isn''t like this before!''


    Even with his Heavenly Demon Trait, he couldn''t keep calm.


    The mana that was about to go in was suddenly stopped when he felt that Jarina removed her control.


    ''So, it was because of Jarina!''


    It was only now that he could understand why he needed help.


    It was only now that he could understand why it was hard to control mana that isn''t yours.


    ''It''s fucking heavy!!!!''


    Sweat formed on his real body, and his body involuntarily clenched its teeth.


    Even though he wasn''t in his body, his body reacted to the heavy pressure he was feeling.


    After all, the Magic Core is the magic or mana of a monster who had his Magic Core taken after being killed.


    The reason one can''t control mana that isn''t theirs is that the mana will always try to return to the owner.


    Meaning, the mana that was supposed to be used to clean Desire''s core was trying to go back to the Magic Core.


    And the strength of the pulling power was immense because it had the strength of the original owner.


    It''s as if he was battling a strong monster when Desire was at the bottom of the food chain!


    ''Fuck...''


    Right now, Desire was battling the original owner of the Magic Core!


    "Uaaaahhh!!"


    Unable to bear it, Desire''s body let out a scream.

 Chapter 41: Deal

    In the Haroldus kingdom, the territory of Baron Tell, there was a group approaching while hiding in the shadows.


    It was night, so it only helped the group infiltrate the town.


    This group was aiming for Baron Tell''s house, and they moved very quietly and sneakily.


    As they neared the house of Baron Tell, one of them was able to find the perfect spot to sneak in the house.


    This group of people then went in using that route, and they immediately scanned the surroundings for people.


    However, they were able to find none.


    After a few minutes passed, one of them spoke.


    "It looks like Shadow has successfully become Baron Tell. I feel stupid for sneaking in."


    Then, as if it were practiced...


    "Yeah. There''s no presence at all."


    "Maybe, we should have gone inside using the front gate."


    "Well, we still have to be careful."


    Another man was about to join in, but a rougher and lower voice stopped him.


    "Enough about that. Let''s got to Shadow''s room."


    And, no one else spat out some words as they immediately went to work.


    However, they weren''t sneaking or acting suspiciously like before.


    They were walking proudly and slowly throughout the dark hallway.


    They walked for a few minutes before reaching their destination.


    The man who seems to lead them opened the door and saw a fairly lit room with a round table.


    The round table had 6 chairs, and that six chairs were all occupied.


    And there was also a line existing in the round table, making it easy to tell the left and right sides.


    However, that doesn''t matter to them as the group of people walked towards the person they were looking for.


    The people inside the room only looked at them and didn''t pay much attention to them.


    And after a few seconds, the group of people was behind Shadow, who was acting as Baron Ted Tell.


    The man who was leading the group bowed his head and brought his mouth near Baron Tell''s ears.


    "It seems he really is staying in Skinjur. We would have to join hands with her."


    The man''s eyes moved to the woman beside Baron Tell. The woman was wearing a seductive dress, and her voluptuous breasts were out in full glory.


    Purple hair adorns her head, and her face looked mature too.


    Her violet pupils were telling the people around her that she was a dangerous person.


    Well, it was actually her aura.


    But, anyway, the most special thing about her was that...she was a monster.


    To be specific, she was a Suckus. It was quite obvious as the trademark of a Suckus was apparent on her body.


    Her body was transparent, but that didn''t last as she quickly used magic to look like a human.


    Nevertheless, that didn''t make her less charming.


    In fact, for perverted humans, the fact that she became a ''whole'' or ''existing'' woman could become their source for...


    Anyway, as soon as the group of people settled in behind Baron Ted Tell, the woman spoke.


    "Now, then. Shall we start the talk? Gentlemen?" Her voice was charmingly sexy.


    It had the power to turn any walking men''s eyes to her, and it was pleasing to the ears.


    If the men in the room weren''t strong enough to refuse her charm, they would probably pounce on her like some hungry beasts.


    "Hmm. I don''t really understand why this would become an advantage to us."


    The man on the other side, that seems to be the representative of the three on the left side, spoke.


    He stroked his beard with an old, aged right hand. His skin was cracking, and veins could be seen on it.


    "Oh, don''t worry. This will be a great deal." The man on the other side of the woman spoke.


    He then continued as he pointed to the other three.


    "I''m sure you are having trouble with the Lion Clan, who stands above you? This plan will help you exterminate that beast."


    He had quite the dangerous smile plastered on his face as he looked at Baron Tell, who was sitting on the other side of the woman.


    Of course, Baron Tell was able to see that sign and continued the talk.


    "We will help you in overthrowing...No; we will help you in destroying the Lion Clan thoroughly and make you..."


    He pointed to the man who was sitting on the right of the representative as he continued to speak.


    "...the third power in Jakart."


    The man who Baron Tell pointed his finger to had a smile on his face when he heard it.


    Not only that, he imagined kicking the Lion Clan out of the way and making his entrance.


    Although he wouldn''t be the best organization in the Jakart, people would see it that way as he entered right after Lion Clan was out.


    It would make people think that he was the one who killed the best organization.


    "But, then...what do you want us to do then? A Conqueror scheming things...that''s too bad for your image, is it not?"


    The representative said as he looked at the man on the other side of the woman.


    The man was a big figure in the world and was considered as one of the Conquerors.


    He was famous, and all people who are here know him.


    However, what really caught the representative''s eyes was that this Conqueror was below the woman.


    The woman who has the violet hair.


    This made the old man think. ''What is their connection?''


    After all, a Conquerors being below someone else is something surprising.


    However, even if the old man denies it, the fact is right in front of him.


    ''And this guy...'' The representative moved his eyes towards Baron Tell.


    He doesn''t see Baron Tell as a big man, but he was forced to think otherwise due to the guys behind him.


    ''They are all above rank 5...''


    Although rank 5 seems low, the reality is that it is actually high.


    The power of a rank 5 could be said to be the best in a small country or kingdom like Haroldus.


    And now, there are 6 guys who could be considered as best of a kingdom was in a single room.


    This fact made the representative curious.


    ''What is this woman made of that she could gather these forces?''


    And...his eyes moved towards the woman, and he spoke.


    "Why are you trying to recruit us when you have enough forces?"


    The representative said as he stroked his beard once more.


    His eyes were flashing light that seems to say, one wrong answer, and we will withdraw from the deal.


    "It''s simple. I will crush the Lion Clan and the Suckus. It''s because they have something I want. And, that''s not something for you to butt into, no?"


    The woman answered simply.


    It''s true that she wants to crush the Lion Clan. However, she doesn''t have the necessary forces to do so.


    The Suckus race that she has her sights on has her hands full.


    That is the reason why she was trying to get these three guys who are at the top of their respective organizations and try to attack the Lion Clan.


    That way, the Lion Clan wouldn''t be able to send reinforcements to the Suckus while she was attacking.


    "Hmm. So you''re planning to attack both of them at the same time."


    It was then.


    The guy who was on his left side suddenly leaned on him and spoke near his ears.


    He used some magic to prevent any eavesdropping from the guys present here.


    "If we are the ones attacking the Lion Clan, isn''t it the same even if we aren''t allied with them? It''s not like they''ll help us or anything."


    Of course, the representative also knows this fact.


    The way the woman said it was like they''ll let the three guys handle the Lion Clan while they were trying to attack the Suckus.


    That means they were just buying time, and the fact is that the woman isn''t trying to help them kill the Lion Clan.


    After all, they were the ones who would stop the Lion Clan, and the ones to actually benefit in that situation is the woman.


    This whole deal and this talk of being advantageous for the three of them is just bullshit made to make them agree.


    However...


    "It''s a Conqueror." The representative said simply to the man.


    The fact that the woman has a Conqueror on her side is a thing that could help change the tides.


    The three of them aren''t Conquerors, which was the difference between them and the Lion Clan.


    And the man knows this as well, which is why he didn''t force the topic anymore.


    The representative turned his eyes to the woman and said.


    "Alright, we''ll join this deal, But! I want the proof of a Conqueror going into Jakart."


    The woman wasn''t the person who answered the representative, but instead, the man who was said to be a Conqueror.


    He said with a smile on his face.


    "You have my word!"

 Chapter 42: Shadow and Gregor

    The meeting was finished when the participants agreed on the deal to ally themselves with each other.


    After the Conqueror said that the deal is sealed, they went on to talk about the finer details of the alliance.


    They talked about how the plans would be made later, how they will attack the Lion Clan, etc.


    After the meeting was finished, Baron Tell and the group of guys who sneaked in here were taking a walk around the mansion.


    Well, they weren''t exactly taking a walk with no purpose. They had a destination, and that was the guest room.


    They only had one topic to talk about, and it was the hottest issue for them right now.


    It was something that must be solved right now because of the matters in their home.


    And so, they walked towards the guest room where they could talk properly.


    After a minute of walking, they reached their destination, and Baron Tell opened the door.


    After they settled in, Baron Tell...no, Shadow used magic to prevent any eavesdropping or any content leaking from what they would be talking about.


    When they were certain that they were safe, the guy who seems to be leading them...Mayo, or rather, Gregor, spoke to Shadow.


    "We confirmed it. That baby is living with the Suckus in Skinjur for almost a year now. There is no trace that he left."


    Shadow sat down first before proceeding to think.


    This information was something they wanted to get for a long time. The only reason why they didn''t attack the forest was because of the ''missing'' of action.


    They didn''t have any word or information about the guy they were hunting for, which confused them.


    Did he leave? Where is he? Why is he not here? Why is he not showing up?


    These sorts of questions were tormenting them until a good piece of news came up.


    Well, it was actually a woman who introduced themselves to them.


    It was the woman who was in the meeting earlier, a Suckus.


    That woman only said one thing to the group of Shadow.


    "That baby is living in Skinjur. Since we have the same goal, why don''t we work together?"


    Since the group was trying so hard to find the baby, some other external forces or organizations could find out. It was quite easy to tell as their intentions were out in the open.


    After all, they were literally searching every nook and corner for the baby.


    Although the baby wasn''t news known to the public, the influential people could still find out as if it were the palm of their hands.


    However, Shadow didn''t fret at all when the woman mentioned the baby to him.


    After all, why should he when his goal is just to kill him?


    In fact, the woman knowing his intentions was some kind of notice, telling Shadow that he was working hard.


    After all, there''s no need to keep it a secret, and there''s no need to do it in secret.


    Anyway, there was a piece of information that Shadow wanted so much that he was ready to destroy the entire forest.


    It was the location of the baby.


    And the key to the location of the baby was the woman who offered the piece of information.


    "Skinjur, are you saying you could lead me there?"


    And to confirm his questions and doubts, he asked this straightforwardly.


    At this moment in time, Shadow still didn''t know about the real identity of the woman.


    After all, the woman was trying to hide the fact that she is a Suckus, so she looked exactly like a normal woman.


    However, that changed when she revealed the fact that she was a Suckus, making Shadow assured.


    And her efforts weren''t in vain as Shadow accepted her offer without hesitation.


    And now, they were in the middle of reaching their goal; attacking Skinjur.


    While both of them wanted to go to Skinjur, they had different wants and needs.


    The woman wanted something else, and Shadow wanted the baby.


    Of course, Shadow didn''t ask about what the woman wanted.


    Either way, the deal was beneficial to Shadow, who couldn''t find even the piss of the baby.


    "Huuuu." Shadow took a deep breath before speaking.


    He didn''t want to let his old habits kick in now when they are so close to their goal of killing the baby.


    "So, who exactly is going to come with us for this mission? We can''t spend every guy we have on Skinjur. The deal is to help those guys also take on the Lion Clan, which will also help us in the long run of the battle."


    Shadow spoke while looking at Gregor. He trusted Gregor even though Shadow was in a higher position than him.


    This man was his partner, who was always with him on any mission that he took.


    Even when Gregor was Mayo, Shadow was in the shadows, always helping him.


    In short, Gregor was the public face of Shadow.


    Incidentally, Shadow decided that the work will be faster if they just replaced Baron Tell instead of manipulating him.


    After all, Baron Tell was a piece of trash who had no worth in controlling him.


    That was why he was here being Baron Tell while he was on the mission.


    This was his temporary identity.


    "We have ten guys coming from the top. The weaker guys will be the ones going with those three guys from Jakart. The ten guys who will come are powerful enough to match even me. The orders from the top are to kill the brat as soon as possible."


    Gregor spoke with a grave tone and a serious face.


    This mission of theirs was already taking too much time, and this fact displeased the one who was their boss.


    They also took too many resources, manpower, wealth, and position just to tackle the baby''s location.


    It would have been fine if they could show the results of their work and investigation, but they couldn''t.


    After all, it was as if the baby disappeared out of nowhere.


    "Don''t worry. That baby won''t be able to escape us this time. What about the woman? Have you investigated her?"


    Shadow once asked Gregor to investigate the woman who came in to offer an alliance with them.


    She was dubious and hard to trust, but since she had an ally on the level of a Conqueror, Shadow could at least trust some of her words.


    However, Shadow wanted to know every little detail about her. After all, he is making a deal to basically a stranger.


    Even a Conqueror''s dignity and reputation wouldn''t be able to cover that fact for a person like Shadow.


    After all, Shadow knows how the underworld works. Betrayals were something common and were eaten daily by the people who live by the laws of the underworld.


    "I did investigate her, but...There''s no information about her. They hid it well. That Conqueror is the one who hid it and some other organization. However, this helped us gain some insights about her forces."


    Gregor spoke while brandishing four of his fingers.


    "She has four organizations backing her; the one that the Conqueror leads, The Mysterious Guild, The River Flood, and the Sky Tiger. The last two, River Dragon and Sky Tiger, aren''t really great forces, but the Mysterious Guild is something even I can''t look into."


    The fact that Gregor couldn''t investigate the Mysterious Guild is something Shadow didn''t want to hear.


    However, at least, they were able to know her forces and what kinds of organizations are backing her.


    It was then.


    Shadow looked at the men who were standing and spoke to them.


    "Spread out in the forest once more, and try to look for the village that the baby once helped. Be discreet so that the others wouldn''t find you."


    The men didn''t speak as they immediately disappeared into the shadows.


    Gregor just watched them leave, and when he felt that they were completely outside, he sat on the couch where Shadow was sitting and spoke to him.


    "Shadow...this is the last chance that has been given to us. If we can''t accomplish it, that man will kill us."


    The two were seen as incompetent members of their organization, and the boss was seriously considering cutting them off.


    After all, your subordinate just made you lose some great wealth and time.


    What''s more, the organization that they were part of wasn''t some organization that the newbies or kids join.


    It was a dark organization.


    Killing the two of them would be a simple task that anyone in the organization, even their friends, wouldn''t hesitate to do.


    "I understand. This time, we''ll make sure to kill him!"


    Shadow clenched his hands, and his face crumbled so bad that it wouldn''t be weird to think of it as it was a deformed face.


    "That fucking baby took so much of our time and made us lose our face; we''ll make sure to kill that bird too!"


    He remembered the one who disturbed the mission last time. It was Percia.


    "I''ll kill that bird and cook him like a piece of meat!"


    Shadow bared his fangs and anger at the guy who made their mission last for almost a year.


    "I''ll kill both of them!!"

 Chapter 43: A Monster

    ''Phew...I''m halfway done.'' Desire thought as he looked at his Core.


    He then turned his eyes towards the long line of mana originating from the Magic Core of a monster.


    The amount and the thickness of the mana were less than before, but it was still plenty for Desire, who only had two mana.


    The time that he spent to make the mana look like this is between 4 hours, but Desire couldn''t feel the time passing.


    No...he could feel it, but he was confident that it wasn''t 4 hours.


    After all, Desire felt the pressure inside and made his sense of time waver and blurry that he felt like he was practicing the Heavenly Demon Trait.


    However, because he already had experience in doing something like this, Desire could quickly adapt.


    Desire could move even under the pressure of the monster''s mana, and he could also stand the pain of having his skin being skinned.


    It was proof of his hard work for the past few months.


    ''Still, why is my Core looking like that...?'' Desire thought as he swam to look at his core better.


    He had his hands stretched out to the mana so that he could keep them in check.


    It was quite amazing that he was capable of doing this even though he just started doing it in less than a day.


    But, if you think about his Trait, it was completely reasonable.


    The Heavenly Demon Trait helped him remember things perfectly even though he only saw it once, kept his emotions in check, and even forced the system.


    It was clear that there were still many things hidden inside the Heavenly Demon Trait.


    But, Desire knows what exactly was helping him do it. He knew why he could control the mana as if he were an expert and look like he had a huge amount of experience in doing so.


    It was due to the Heavenly Demon Trait''s guidance. No, if we simplify it, the Heavenly Demon Trait helped him to remember the feeling of controlling the mana.


    It was the same as when he remembered what happened inside his body and remembered the No-Attribute Magic book.


    And because he remembers the feeling, he knows how to make it better the next time he does control it.


    Meaning the Heavenly Demon Trait was increasing his efficiency and maximizing the results with lesser time.


    Anyway, Desire was on the way to his Core and tried to inspect it upon seeing the strange happenings.


    No...what was strange was that even though he was halfway in completing the task, his Core wasn''t being cleaned or anything like that.


    Before, his Core was full of dark spots and holes, and now, after hours of hard work, it was still the same.


    ''Hmmm. Jarina didn''t tell me anything about this.''


    Jarina told him about what would happen to his Core once he started doing the process.


    She told him that it would get cleaner and fuller over time, making his Core look more incredible.


    However, the results now aren''t the same as what she said.


    That was why Desire was lost.


    After all, what should he do now that things aren''t going his way, and his instructor hasn''t told him about what to do if ever this happens?


    At the very least, Desire wasn''t some intelligent kid that could come up with solutions every time he is faced with problems like this one.


    ''Should I just continue...or?''


    If a student or a person was lost in a study, it is normal to ask the instructor for more detailed instructions.


    However, the situation doesn''t permit Desire to do so.


    After all, there were so many unknown factors here that could affect the results.


    If Desire were to leave now, what would happen to the outstretched line of mana? What would happen to his Core? What would happen to him if ever he returned his consciousness to his body?


    These questions made him unable to go even think about going back.


    ''Phew. Why is my Core acting like this at this point?''


    Desire was so frustrated at this cycle of looking and thinking that he just straight out blamed his Core for being like this.


    Well, it wasn''t unreasonable for him to do so.


    After all, the time was running out. And in this process, Jarina told him that time was as important as the Core.


    This process has a time limit because things could get ugly if unknown and unfamiliar mana stays inside a person''s body for a longer time.


    In this case, the Magic Core''s mana is staying inside Desire''s body, and if ever it reaches a certain point, it could disrupt Desire''s own mana.


    ''However, I could feel the effects even if my Core is still like that...''


    And the reason why this Cleansing is important is because of its special characteristics of being beneficial to a person, even with its risks.


    A dirty Core could have a much better effect and results of being enhanced with a Magic Core than with how it is with a clean Core.


    However, this fact only applies to children. Adults or teens who have dirty Core are already crippled and cannot store mana in their Cores.


    After all, what would they clean if their Core is already broken?


    There are some special cases when a person could receive a second or a third cleansing, but those are very rare.


    After all, what the people do when they have already undergone a cleansing is just enhancing their Cores. It''s the same, but the effects aren''t really great.


    It was then.


    Because Desire kept looking at the Core that is still the same and the mana that is steadily flowing inside, he suddenly had an idea.


    He then swam to the point where the mana was flowing, and when he saw it, he nodded his head.


    ''It should be possible...'' Desire thought as he looked back at his Core.


    And when he thought about the benefits to come, he compared it with the risks.


    And Desire''s answer to that was...


    ''I''ll do it!''


    ****


    "Yawn~" A yawn resounded out in the room as Jarina stretched her arms and legs.


    It was already about time Desire finished his work, but he didn''t show any signs of waking up.


    However, Jarina wasn''t really worried about him.


    After all, Jarina could feel something amazing building up in Desire''s body.


    "I still can''t identify what it is..." Jarina looked at Desire, who was concentrating deeply.


    His body was still the same as before in that veins were appearing all over his smooth skin, sweat was forming on every part of his body, and his face was looking roughed up.


    Jarina spent the time here just watching Desire''s funny reactions every time he moved the mana.


    Even if Desire got better at controlling doesn''t mean the pressure is less than before; it was quite a funny experience for Jarina to see Desire''s cool and calm face disturbed so badly.


    She intended to do the same this time, so she had an expectant face, but...


    "Kuha!" Desire coughed blood.


    The blood splattered on the ground and his legs, tainting whatever it touched.


    "W-what?" Jarina became flustered at the sudden cough of blood, but she wasn''t really panicking.


    Because this was a common occurrence in this process, but...


    "D-desire is failing in this?"


    Jarina knows Desire practiced Cold-blooded and got something better. Just from this fact, Jarina predicted that this process should be a piece of cake for Desire.


    However, as if it were to tell her she was wrong...


    "Kuhaaa!" Another cough of blood escaped Desire''s mouth.


    Blood flowed from his nose as well, and his breathing got rough.


    Jarina bit her lips when she saw this.


    After all, she didn''t know what to do in this situation. Even if Desire was coughing blood, he was still in the process of Cleansing.


    If Jarina were to wake him up abruptly, things could get even more ugly than what it is now.


    It was then.


    A light escaped from Desire''s hand...from the Magic Core that he was holding, and this light caught Jarina''s eyes.


    This light lasted for more than a second, and then...


    "Dust?" Jarina said as she looked at the Magic Core. However, she didn''t have the time to mind the dust that was once before the Magic Core.


    Why? It was because she felt it.


    "W-what the hell..." This time, Jarina was completely shocked. She couldn''t keep her cool anymore as she muttered while dazedly staring at Desire.


    Blood was flowing out of Desire''s every pore, and he was also crying tears of blood.


    It was the sight of a monster!


    However, Jarina ignored that as she felt Desire''s power rose as if it were unchained.


    "Uahhh!!" Desire''s body shouted out involuntarily.


    And Jarina witnessed it all with shaking eyes; fear was evident in her expression.


    Why?


    It was because of the power that was inside of Desire, yet Jarina could feel that it was somehow staring at her face to face!


    "W-what..."


    The killing intent of that power was so intense that it made Jarina go weak in the knees and made her fall to the ground.


    As she looked at Desire dazedly, she muttered, her feelings bared.


    "M-monster..."


    At that moment, she knew that she was looking at a monster, a monster greater than her.

 Chapter 44: Friend

    As Jarina shuddered in fear for a moment, something ridiculous happened.


    No, it wasn''t really happening or an event, but a feeling.


    While she was on the floor cowering at the sight of the monster in front of her, Jarina was feeling reassured.


    "Ah..."


    She couldn''t even begin to imagine or fathom what was happening to her.


    No, she could only think that she was a weirdo who had a thing for situations like these.


    After all, she felt weak and in fear due to Desire, yet she was also feeling good and relieved at the same time.


    However, what was even weirder was that she didn''t know why she was feeling like that.


    This fact confused her, and while she was confused, Desire fell down on the bed while covered in his blood.


    It was then that Jarina could finally get a grip on herself and stood up to ran up to Desire.


    "D-Desire!" Her voice full of worry, she touched Desire''s chest to see if his heart was still beating.


    Even if Desire scared her for a moment, that doesn''t mean Desire was a different person.


    It was just an event that happened, and that didn''t really change Jarina''s view on Desire.


    After all, it was just the power of a person. And that person was someone who was a friend...special to Jarina.


    Ba-dum. Ba-dum.


    Jarina''s fingers felt the vibration and the beating of Desire''s heart, and immediately, a relieved look was placed on her face.


    "Phew." She breathed a sigh of relief.


    However, she soon moved as Desire was in a critical condition.


    His blood was still flowing out of his body, but Jarina could feel that Desire was ''asleep.''


    Meaning, Desire was able to finish the process of Cleansing.


    Either way, Jarina only has one thing to do here, and that is to help Desire.


    However, she didn''t really have the means to help him as she was from a world of monsters.


    In that case...


    "Kuhrada!" Jarina shouted the magic to unlock the door, and she immediately ran to her room, which was just near.


    She shouted, "Kuhrada!" one more time to open the door.


    She then went to the drawer and pulled out something. It had the head of a lion, and it was roaring; it was the badge of the Lion Clan.


    Jarina then used some mana to transfer to the badge and shouted out.


    "Papa! Help Desire!" Her voice was breaking, her emotions out of control.


    Her eyes were wet, and her cheeks were red.


    And her voice was heard by her father, who was on the line.


    "I''m on the way!"


    ****


    Lionel immediately rushed towards his home when he heard his daughter''s voice.


    It was clear that she wasn''t in the right mind, and this fact made Lionel flustered a bit too.


    After all, her daughter was always cool in almost every situation; just what could have happened to Desire for her to tear up like that?


    Either way, Lionel would know the moment he enters his house.


    And he was right.


    As he entered the house, he rushed to where they were doing the Cleansing process.


    And when he got there, his eyes widened to the brim.


    Desire...or rather, a body of blood was sleeping. However, it was clear to Lionel that Desire''s condition was quite bad.


    "Papa!" Jarina''s voice entered his ears when she saw her father come in through the door, and she immediately rushed to him.


    "I-I don''t know what to do!"


    It was then that Lionel grabbed both Jarina''s shoulders and spoke to her grimly.


    "Get the water stored in the medicine room!"


    "W-water? What water?"


    "You''ll know once you get there!"


    Lionel then released his hands and let Jarina do her thing. This was a situation when the time was important.


    Their actions would either help or kill Desire. Well, it wasn''t really them, but the guilt they would feel if ever Desire''s death comes to pass would make them feel that way.


    Lionel then walked towards Desire, who was sleeping. His face was contorted to the degree Lionel couldn''t tell if this was the same boy with him yesterday.


    "Bastard, what the fuck did you do!" His voice was grim, but his mouth was smiling. His fangs were revealed.


    He then gave some mana to close the wounds and injuries that were the cause of the blood flowing out of Desire.


    He used another magic to clean the body of Desire and the blood that dried up.


    "What a monster..." Lionel let out a weird phrase before placing his hand on Desire''s forehead.


    ''Hmmm. His life isn''t in danger, but...his mana circuits are messed up.'' Lionel thought as he looked inside Desire.


    Mana circuits.


    The mana circuit is basically the pathway of the mana inside your body. These are crucial in a magician, a swordsman, and everybody else.


    These are also the reason why a clean Core is better. Even without the risk of becoming a cripple with a dirty Core, the clean Core is something every person wants to have.


    After cleaning the Core with a Magic Core, these pathways will become a bit wider and longer, making the mana flow faster and better.


    If it can be expanded as much as possible, the mana can become like a wave.


    The freer the mana can travel in one''s mana circuits, the better the outcome of one''s magic.


    There are also parts like mana veins, but Desire''s mana veins seem to be fine when Lionel checked it.


    Of course, he didn''t forget to keep sending mana to Desire''s outer body.


    Even though he looks fine now, Desire''s body was basically one that could be called trash.


    However, despite that, Lionel''s smile never left him even once while checking and seeing Desire''s state.


    "What the hell did you do when you were cleaning your Core?!"


    Lionel''s voice was powerful and passionate that it seems he wanted to know what exactly Desire did.


    After all, his disciple just became stronger all of a sudden without him teaching anything.


    Well, he wasn''t really strong to the point of being unbelievable, but Desire just straight up reached another level.


    It was then.


    As Lionel continued moving his consciousness inside Desire''s body to find any anomaly, he found the reason why he felt Desire reached a new realm.


    He spoke with shock evident in his voice. "Pure Blue Core!"


    In differentiating a Core''s grade, there are different ten main levels and two small levels.


    The two small levels are called Light and Pure, while the ten main levels are ranked as such:


    Weakest to strongest...


    Red Core


    Blue Core


    Yellow Core


    Green Core


    Orange Core


    Black Core


    These first six are called the Ordinary, while the next four are called the Core Wonders.


    Human Core


    Sky Core


    Heaven Core


    God Core


    These are the grades of the Cores, which is also the reason why Lionel was shocked to see that Desire was able to reach Blue Core in such a short amount of time.


    When Lionel first met Desire, he knew that his Core was just a dirty one, below the Red Core.


    It wasn''t even worth mentioning.


    However, after the Cleansing, Desire basically jumped from Red Core to Blue Core.


    Normally, a Cleansing only increases a single realm or a single level. If a person has their Core upgraded, it was already enough for them to shout in joy.


    In this case, Desire was out of the norm by jumping two realms and two levels.


    "Fucking crazy bastard...kuhahahaha!" Lionel laughed when he took a peek at Desire''s Core once again.


    No matter what he did, it was still Pure Blue Core.


    Either way, this was still a happy event as the issue of Desire''s mana circuits being messed could be solved by the medicines stored in his house.


    "Papa!" A voice resounded out in Lionel''s back and he lifted his hand as he took a look at his daughter who was carrying a large bucket of water.


    It was quite weird seeing a delicate and fine young lady carry a large bucket of water, but Lionel didn''t pay it any mind.


    "Good! Dip Desire in there!" Lionel shouted as he pulled the large bucket of water with his magic.


    Jarina also carried Desire and threw his whole body inside the large bucket of water.


    It was then.


    The still water that wasn''t disturbed because of Lionel''s fine handling was burning and making some sizzling sound as if it were under fire.


    Smoke was coming out of the water...Desire''s body as he continued being in there.


    Seeing this, Jarina asked her father.


    "W-what''s wrong with him?"


    "Hmm? Ah, he destroyed his Mana Circuits, but that water is the Blessings of Tear. It should be more than enough."


    "Phew."


    Although Jarina didn''t know what the Blessings of Tear were, she was relieved to see that Desire would be fine.


    It was then. As the father and daughter watched the boiling water, Lionel suddenly spoke.


    "Anyway, I never knew you liked him. To think that my daughter would like someone..."


    He meant to tease her daughter, who basically cried while asking him for help, but...


    "Ah, I do like him, but it''s not what you think. It''s just...he''s my friend."


    Jarina said rather bashfully as she fiddled with her fingers in front of her stomach.


    "Right...he''s my friend."

 Chapter 45: Unknown

    In the room where simplicity was observed, Desire opened his eyes and lifted his body right after.


    Well, he couldn''t as he was sleeping in the bucket of water.


    He just stood up and went out of the water and gasped for air.


    "Haaaa!" However, when he did, he only found that he didn''t really lack air in his lungs.


    Tilting his head, he observed the room. He saw Jarina standing right in front of him, saying something.


    However, he couldn''t hear it as it seems the water went inside his ears.


    He gestured for Jarina that he couldn''t hear her, and it seems she got it as she immediately used magic to clean the water inside Desire''s ears.


    "Now, can you hear me?" Jarina''s voice smoothly flowed to his ears.


    Desire nodded his head while asking, "What happened?"


    At that moment, a vein popped out in Jarina''s forehead, but she didn''t speak harshly.


    "Well, you collapsed while you were doing your thing. So, what happened?"


    While Jarina was speaking, Desire tried to get out of the water bucket until he heard Lionel''s voice.


    "Don''t come out yet. That water will heal you, so stay there for a while."


    Desire turned his head in surprise due to Lionel speaking so abruptly, but he wasn''t really shocked about it. It was kind of an instinctive reaction.


    "Oh...I see." Desire muttered while going back to the water.


    He could already guess what happened just from what Lionel said.


    ''Heal me...did I fail?'' Desire thought as he shook his head.


    During that night, he could feel that he succeeded in his plan of cleaning his core thoroughly. However, he wasn''t able to see it to its completion as he fell to the pressure.


    "So? What happened?" Jarina spoke with expectant eyes. After all, this was the first time someone got into this kind of situation while cleansing their core.


    However, the reality isn''t so wonderful.


    "Hmmm. Well, I decided to stack up all of the Magic Core''s mana and pushed it all in one go to my Core."


    "W-what? You didn''t let it flow one by one, but you let it all out in one go?!"


    Lionel''s flustered voice rang out as he grabbed Desire''s small shoulders. His fangs were revealed in a nasty smile as he spoke.


    "Kuhahaha! So that''s how you did it!!"


    Lionel was overjoyed that he finally found out how Desire could get stronger in such a short amount of time.


    After all, he didn''t know the reason why. He just checked Desire''s body and his condition.


    Desire did something so simple, but it seems Jarina doesn''t agree with it as she asked with her eyes quivering.


    "H-how..."


    She remembered the night where she felt powerless in front of Desire. Even if Desire stacked up the Magic Core''s mana and used it all up in one go, there''s no way Jarina, who is a Rank 6 monster, would get scared by it.


    However, even if she did think about what happened, nothing could explain why she felt that way.


    After all, Lionel already told her that Desire was able to reach Pure Blue Core during the Cleansing, and that isn''t enough to match Desire with Jarina''s strength.


    It was then.


    Lionel, who was rejoicing loudly, asked with an interested tone of voice.


    "Oh yeah, how come you''re still alive?"


    "Eh?"


    Desire answered without much thinking. After all, it was a question so absurd, and it was a question one wouldn''t ask someone who was still alive.


    It was that rude.


    It was as if Lionel was doubtful that Desire was still alive after what happened, and he was expressing sadness at the fact Desire survived.


    Of course, Lionel also knew that, so he immediately spoke while stroking his chin.


    "Oh, don''t get me wrong. If you said you collected all of the mana and then gave it to your Core in one go, I can''t see the reason how you are still alive."


    He then continued as he gestured to Jarina.


    "Jarina probably told you to take it easy. The reason is that if you put it too fast or too much one at a time, you could die from mana overflow. Little bastard is a bit extraordinary, eh?."


    Lionel continued to ask how Desire was still alive after coming up with an impossible task.


    He was thrilled about it, and his curiosity got the better of him. However, he soon judged that it was probably luck or because of their efforts that saved Desire.


    After all, Desire answered with, "Hmm, I also don''t know. I just know that I would stay alive after that."


    After a while, Lionel gave up on asking, and he spoke to Desire.


    "Rest for a while, and I''ll teach you how to use the Core. Ah, don''t get Ranks and Core entangled up. They are entirely different; I''ll explain that to you too."


    It was then.


    The quietly watching Jarina spoke while tilting her head.


    "Isn''t it me who will explain that? How come you''re suddenly going for the basics? When you said that you would only teach him after I brief him about matters like these?"


    It seems the two already had talked about who will teach what. Well, it was quite reasonable as Desire is the only person who could accompany her in this city of Jakart.


    After all, Jarina wasn''t a part of the Lion Clan. And she needs to hide.


    If people were to get word of her becoming part of the Lion Clan while her hidden enemies were searching for her...the Skinjur being a bait wouldn''t be a bait anymore.


    That was why her time with Desire was precious to her.


    Of course, Lionel also knows her feelings. And because of that...


    "Of course, you can teach him too. While you''re here, I''ll teach you how to reach rank 7."


    Rank 7.


    It was the rank that Jarina has wished for so many years. However, it wasn''t easy to surpass her limits every time she reached one.


    After all, even her mother has not surpassed the limits of rank 7.


    However, even if she were to achieve Rank 7 now, she still wouldn''t be a match for her mother.


    Ranks aren''t everything there is to consider in battles.


    There may come a time when even a rank one might kill a Conqueror. Well, it''s all speculations until it happens.


    Anyway, just hearing that her father will train her too in reaching Rank 7 made Jarina gulp some saliva down her throat.


    "R-really? You haven''t tried teaching me before..." Her voice was somewhat shaky, but it was clear she has some hopes for what was to come.


    "Well, the situation is..." Lionel trailed off his words to let Jarina''s imagination finish it.


    And while the father and daughter were conversing with each other, the third person who was inside the large bucket of the Blessings of Tears was silently listening...reading the system.


    It came all of a sudden, and this made Desire stare into the air dazedly.


    After all, the system he knew was not something he could read before. It just intrudes into the brain and says whatever it wants.


    However, this time...it was...


    [The Heavenly Demon Trait has succeeded in combining the system and the Monster''s Way.]


    [...Unknown, which is the result of combining the system and the Monster''s Way, has been created.]


    [...Desire''s two ranks will be separated.]


    [...Monster Rank]


    [...Human Rank]


    [...Unknown has finished sorting out the two.]


    [...Desire''s innate skill is forcibly awakening due to the formation of Core, Pure Blue grade.]


    [Desire will have to wait 500 days for the innate skill to finish its awakening.]


    It was then.


    Desire finished reading the text that has covered his line of sight in front.


    As soon as he finished, he was confused. After all, the system locked the Monster''s way so that it wouldn''t be forcibly combined.


    However...


    ''How did the Heavenly Demon Trait manage to do it?'' Desire thought. However, he can''t remember any details that might have helped it.


    He breezed past the Unknown and read the Human Rank and Monster rank, and he immediately widened his eyes.


    ''Two Ranks...?''


    Due to Lionel''s teaching, Desire knew that there was only one category of rank for one person depending on that person''s race.


    However, it said that Desire has two types of ranks: the Human Rank and the Monster Rank.


    However, no matter how much Desire thought about it, no answer came up.


    He then looked at the third message, which contained the message about the innate skill.


    ''My innate skill has already awakened, but why is it forcibly awakened again? Is something wrong...?!''


    It was then.


    As Desire thought there was something wrong, a new screen came up.


    It said...


    [Innate skills]


    -Authority


    -???(On the process of awakening) 500 Days remaining.


    Desire finally understood why his Innate skill is forcibly awakened. It was because it was another one, and it wasn''t the same one from before.


    "Desire? What''s wrong?" Jarina said as she noticed the youth was staring blankly at the air.


    "Nothing. Can I get out now?" Desire said as he pointed at the bucket of water.


    However, Lionel reminded him not to be too hasty, so he was there for almost 3 hours.

 Chapter 46: Knowing the Unknown

    Desire was lying on his bed when the two people, Lionel and Jarina, left his room.


    He was also allowed to get out of the bucket of Blessings of Tear when Lionel rechecked his mana circuits.


    It was healed up, but it wasn''t perfect, so Lionel decided to let Desire take some days off.


    "Unknown, huh. What does that even mean?" Desire said as he thought of the time when he read the message.


    Actually, he could call it up again when he thought of it. So when he did think of it, a message appeared.


    However, this time it was different. It was his status.


    [Status]


    [Name: Desire]


    [Race: Human]


    [Monster Rank: First]


    [Human Rank: Zero]


    [Traits: Heavenly Demon Trait]


    [Title: None]


    [Divine Protection: Cannot be identified]


    [Special Status]


    -Current Progress with the unification with water: 5%


    However, his status wasn''t the same when Unknown was still known as the system.


    It had fewer details, and it was only about himself. It was as if it disappeared.


    He then looked at his two ranks before speaking.


    "It just named them, didn''t it?"


    The Unknown told him that it would separate the two ranks, but it just put the proper name from what he sees right now.


    "It looks like Unknown could also properly identify the ''cannot be identified'' part of the other rank."


    Desire remembers that the system couldn''t identify the other rank. He properly took note of this as this could become an important clue in the future.


    After all, he knows nothing about the Unknown. It was literally unknown.


    It was then.


    Because he thought of the ranks, a new screen popped out in front of him. The screen contained detailed information about the ranks.


    [Human Rank: Zero]


    Conditions to fulfill to increase Desire''s rank:


    -Experience points 50/1000


    -Mastery of some form of art to satisfaction. No progress


    -Killing various monsters 0/100 (Depending on the strength of the monster, Desire could easily ignore the necessary amount)


    That was the first screen Desire saw. Desire was shocked to know the details about how one ranks up, but that wasn''t the end.


    A new screen popped out and pushed the other one aside.


    [Monster Rank: First]


    Conditions to fulfill to increase Desire''s rank:


    -Experience points 0/10000 (After filling up Experience points, Desire may use Magic Infusion)


    -Desire''s Core current amount of mana 2/2 (Can use Magic Infusion)


    -Magic Core and Mana Heart (Missing)


    [Special note: Mana Heart is missing. Create Mana Heart using whatever means possible.]


    [Special note: Magic Core is missing. Create Magic Core using your own Core.]


    The message ended with the special note that the monster rank has for Desire.


    Well, the content of the message wasn''t really surprising. After all, Desire was human.


    He wasn''t a monster of some sort. It would be ridiculous if he got all the requirements perfectly.


    "Hmm. I thought monsters could only rank up due to Magic Infusion. So there were other factors to take in, huh." Desire said as he fiddled with the screen with his finger.


    The first time Desire came to know the Magic Infusion method of the monsters was when Liya took him into some special place.


    That time, Liya only mentioned to him that monsters only rank up by increasing their mana overall.


    The Magic Infusion literally brings them more mana so that they could surpass their limits.


    "Hmm. So does that mean that if I put mana into Jarina, she''ll be able to evolve?"


    Desire wasn''t sure about how Magic Infusion really works.


    He doesn''t know about the necessary amount, type, or kind of mana that the Magic Infusion gives to the monsters.


    Considering his experience with the Magic Infusion, which allowed him to become Rank 1 in the Monster Category, Desire could feel that it was a special type of mana.


    However, just because it was special doesn''t mean Desire didn''t really have it.


    After all, it could be his mana. The Magic Core from before. Lionel''s mana. Something like those that seem to be ordinary things could be an extraordinary thing that could help the monster''s ranking up.


    Either way, Desire feels that he should find out about the mana that helps the monster''s ranking up. After all, it would be a boon to him in the long-run and to the people near him.


    Desire then fiddled with the screen in front of him before something struck him like lightning.


    "Innate skill!" He shouted while he proceeded to think about the innate skill.


    He doesn''t know how the screens pop out or its mechanics, so he was playing with it to know it better.


    Anyway, Desire immediately ''called'' for the innate skill tab where he could see his innate skill.


    He remembers seeing Unknown mention the innate skill. No, it wasn''t the new one, but the old one.


    After all, for the past year or months, Desire hasn''t checked about his Innate skill at all.


    So this time, he was looking forward to what he got as an innate skill.


    It was then.


    The screen, which Desire was looking forward to seeing, finally popped out in the air in front of Desire.


    Desire carefully looked over the details with a hand on his chin.


    [Innate Skills]


    -Authority


    -???(On the process of awakening) 500 Days remaining.


    Desire tried ''seeing'' or thinking about ''seeing'' the Authority''s detailed information.


    After all, he has absolutely zero information about his innate skill.


    He could only rely on Unknown to tell him about it. It wasn''t the best way to know your skills, and Desire knows this too.


    It was then.


    As if not to fail Desire''s expectations for it, a screen popped out again in front of Desire, pushing the older screen aside.


    It said...


    [Authority]


    -A field where Desire can lord over the creatures (WEAK GRADE)


    -LOCKED


    -LOCKED


    -LOCKED


    "W-what? It''s locked?" Desire said as he tried pushing those locked aside.


    After all, if even the Unknown doesn''t know about his Authority, how could he?


    Well, it''s not as if it was all bad news. The abilities of the Authority were just locked, meaning Desire could unlock those somehow in the future.


    However, the fact that it was locked made Desire feel a little bit bad about it.


    "Hmmm. But, overall, it is better than what the system offered me."


    Desire said as he sat on his bed, his face turning serious as his Heavenly Demon Trait helped him.


    "It''s a good thing I didn''t tell anyone about this."


    Desire could tell how special the Unknown was just by having it. The system, which was created by a god, was eaten by the Heavenly Demon Trait and was forced to combine with the mysterious Monster''s way.


    Well, it wasn''t really mysterious now that Desire could see the monster category.


    Anyway, if Desire told anyone about the Unknown, it could leak to some unwanted ears, and maybe Desire''s life would be targeted for his secrets.


    This was also the reason why Desire didn''t say anything about the Unknown to Lionel and Jarina, who could be considered his closest associates right now.


    Well, the one was his friend, and the other was his master. It was quite clear that he puts trust in them.


    However, Desire didn''t tell them about his Unknown.


    The past Desire would have surely told them everything about it while having eager feelings to answer any of their questions.


    If that ever happened, Desire''s life would always be in threat even if the secret is tightly-sealed.


    However, Desire was only able to restrain himself because of what Jarina said before.


    "Never tell anyone about it. Hmmm. I wonder if there''s detecting magic out there..."


    Desire spoke as he imagined how the Unknown would be a great help to him in the future.


    ****


    In a desolate land, there stands a castle that lords over the sky.


    It was a big castle that every person would want to live in once in their life.


    It was even grander than what the kings have for their castle.


    And inside that grand castle, there was a ceremony going on.


    However, it may be called a ceremony, but the only people present were four people.


    Three people were kneeling in front of the throne. These people had various body types, but it was clear that they were strong.


    The aura and dignity that flows out of them were just that strong and proud.


    The man in the center, the one with a horn on his forehead as his trademark, could be considered the strongest out of the three.


    However, they may be strong, but they can''t compare to the one sitting on the throne.


    The person sitting on the throne was a woman. Her long legs moved as she crossed her legs while looking down at the three men.


    Her black hair that flows to the floor was smooth and shiny that even the darkness couldn''t hide it.


    Her mouth then moved as she gave her orders to the three men kneeling in front of her.


    Her voice was passionate to the point that it wouldn''t be weird to say that she was angry.


    Her red eyes glowed in the darkness.


    "What are you fools doing!? Why have you not found him yet?! Use every means possible even if it means having Heaven set their sights on us!"


    And the three men...


    "Yes, your highness!"


    ...bowed their heads even more.


    Satisfied with their answer, the woman tilted her head to look upwards. Her eyes were showing worry, and yearning as she looked at the stars.


    Then, she murmured.


    "He has already taken his First Step..."

 Chapter 47: Core and Ranks

    Desire got out of his room when he finished double-checking everything with his new Unknown.


    It was quite a new experience for him because Unknown was more active than with the system.


    The system only updates or tells Desire about the basic things that he needs to know. In this aspect, Unknown was better.


    Unknown basically helps Desire in every way possible by telling him information that couldn''t be known to Desire otherwise.


    Right now, Desire probably has the most important information in the world.


    It was information about how one could accurately increase one''s rank. Both worlds of monsters and humans would surely hunt him down if ever they knew.


    Anyway, Desire was walking in the corridor of the house. He was walking towards Jarina''s room to ask for the lessons since he was ready now.


    He didn''t want to waste time by acting lazy or something like that. He wanted to make full use of his information and increase his rank as fast as possible.


    And to do that, he needed to know more about the basic things.


    Even if Desire has information about the advanced or important things, it wouldn''t matter if Desire hasn''t got the basics down.


    Desire was just starting his life and was on his way to becoming stronger. It was the same principle of having a strong foundational block rather than a strong technique that was risky.


    "Jarina?" Desire knocked on the door as he spoke.


    He didn''t know about the magic Jarina used to open the door, but he doesn''t plan to be rude to enter without permission, anyway.


    It was then.


    As Desire was patiently waiting for a response, a loud sound resounded out in the entire mansion of Lionel.


    The impact made the mansion shake, but it wasn''t really too bad.


    "Hmmm. It must be Jarina." Desire spoke as he rubbed his chin.


    Jarina wouldn''t miss hearing the knocking outside of her door. So, it only means that she was not inside her room.


    Desire then walked off, having concluded as such.


    It didn''t take long for him to find where Jarina was. After all, he already saw the mansion before.


    The Heavenly Demon was working its wonders once again for Desire.


    And because of his Body Control Skill, Desire was able to find the tremor''s source and set it as his destination.


    "Huuuu." A sigh escaped out of the woman standing in the middle of a room.


    The door was open, so Desire was able to peek in. The room was simple, and it didn''t have any furniture or whatnot.


    That woman was Jarina, and she was wearing simple clothes that wouldn''t hinder her movements.


    It was clear as day that she was training.


    And because of her intense focus and concentration, she wasn''t able to notice Desire, who was slowly walking up to her.


    Well, it was also thanks to Desire''s Body Control Skill and Heavenly Demon Trait that he was able to do that.


    "Jarina." Desire''s voice flowed when Jarina''s back was literally right in front of him.


    "Desire! Are you better now?" Jarina replied back while wiping the sweat that formed on her forehead as she turned around.


    Of course, she wouldn''t be disturbed about how Desire could walk up to her without her noticing.


    "Yeah, I wanted to know about the Core and the Rank. What did you guys mean by saying it isn''t the same?"


    Desire answered, expecting Jarina to answer right away.


    However, that expectation was soon betrayed as Jarina held up her right hand forward to stop Desire from questioning further.


    "Before we talk about that, check your own Core first. I''ll take a change of clothes, and we''ll talk about it. Don''t worry; it isn''t really hard."


    Jarina said as she walked further away from Desire, who had his head tilted to the side.


    ''Check my own Core?'' Desire thought as he looked down at his stomach, where he could feel his own Core.


    It wasn''t really on that part, but Desire could feel it there.


    "Hmmm. Alright." Desire said as he turned his head to look at Jarina, but she was no longer there.


    ''Should I return to my room, or do I do it here?''


    Screw it. Desire thought as he sat down to the ground with his legs crossed.


    His palms were against each other near his stomach as he took his usual posture of focusing.


    He erased his senses by using the Body Control Skill, and he entered his mind, his consciousness by using the Body Control Skill.


    ''Then again, the Body Control Skill can really do so much. I wonder how much of an improvement will it be once I add the All Brain Skill.''


    Jarina once mentioned that the Body Control Skill could only be useful once the All Brain Skill was included in his repertoire.


    ''It must be awesome. Oh, I''m here.'' Desire thought.


    He just let his body take him to where his Core was. He was already used to this experience, that he didn''t have to take or make any effort in doing so.


    Desire then went closer to the Core, which was shining brightly with the hue of blue.


    It was pure blue that didn''t have any dirt or holes on it. It wasn''t big or anything like that, but he now understood why Lionel asked that weird question before.


    ''I forced that huge amount of mana right inside my core, huh...''


    A dirty Core could only store a small amount of mana, while a Magic Core has a great amount of mana.


    Compiling that amount of mana and then throwing it to a dirty Core is basically the same as suicide in Desire''s case.


    Furthermore, that mana was from a monster. It wasn''t from Desire, and this fact made the event more dangerous.


    ''Anyway, I''m here now, so what should I check...?'' Desire thought as he brought his non-existent hand to his non-existent chin.


    After all, he was just a thought in here.


    Well, it doesn''t really matter as he just swam in here to look at his Core.


    He spent minutes in doing so. However, he couldn''t really find the importance in doing so.


    His Core was doing fine, and it didn''t really need any immediate attention.


    Well, Desire plans to increase his Core''s rank from now on, but it doesn''t connect that point to why he is looking at his own Core right now.


    ''I don''t get what Jarina said...''


    As Desire was slowly getting lost, he just wandered around his Core.


    It was when he was circling the Core for the 50th time that he felt it.


    He felt a strange turbulence happening inside him. No, it wasn''t really turbulence, but something that disturbed the peace in here.


    He turned his head towards the source...towards the Core.


    ''What the?'' Desire thought as he crumbled his non-existent face.


    After all, the Core becoming rough is something he has never experienced before.


    Even if he only had very little time observing the Core, he was sure that there''s no way a strange occurrence would happen now.


    However, when he looked better at the Core, he now realized that he was wrong.


    It wasn''t the Core but, a strange, thin, and long line was making the disturbance.


    Desire looked at it with an interesting look, and it took him a minute to realize what it was.


    ''Mana circuit! Hoooo. So, as soon as it got better, I''m taking in mana from the outside!''


    Desire knew that he was injured, judging from the care he got recently. The event only happened last night, but it wasn''t really impactful for him.


    After all, Desire was sure that he would succeed. He just knew it. That was also the same answer he gave to Lionel, who was extremely curious about it.


    ''But...I only have 2 mana...How come the mana is flowing in so smoothly like that?''


    Desire once saw his mana limit when he opened the Monster Rank''s detailed information.


    That was why he was sure that it wasn''t because his mana limit increased or anything like that.


    So, Desire spent his time trying to look at what Jarina wanted to point out.


    After all, Jarina wouldn''t let Desire do something pointless.


    And as he continued, he soon found out the reason why.


    ''It''s because of the grade! I see, so this is what they meant that Cores aren''t related to Ranks.''


    Desire knew that the mana and ranks were equivalent to each other, thanks to Lionel''s briefing.


    However, since they said that if a Core increased its rank, it also increases the quality and quantity of the mana stored, then it should be related to ranks.


    The reality was slightly different as Desire looked at the long and thin line.


    ''The quality of the mana stored in the Core increases, while the quantity in the mana circuits increases!''


    For the first time in his life, Desire was extremely mesmerized by an idea and the reality before him.


    ''How is that possible?!''

 Chapter 48: Cores and Ranks II

    Desire found out what made the Core different from the rank when he felt something was touching him.


    The way it touched him seems like it was calling for him.


    ''Is it Jarina?'' Desire thought as he went back to his own body.


    Even though he already erased his body''s senses, he could still feel it if something touched or made direct contact with him.


    That was why he could tell.


    Anyway, Desire opened his eyes, and he immediately saw Jarina standing across from him in the same dress she had on before.


    ''She''s still beautiful.'' Desire thought as he witnessed Jarina open her mouth while placing her violet hair behind her ears with her finger.


    "Did you find out why Ranks aren''t exactly correlated with Cores?" Her voice was somewhat accompanied by interest.


    After all, if you consider Desire''s achievements in the past few days by this world''s standards, Desire is basically a talent that defies even heaven''s standards.


    It was then.


    Desire, who was staring dazedly at Jarina''s way, nodded his head hesitantly.


    "Well...I did find out, but I don''t understand. Cores are what make the mana outside become yours. How come it doesn''t really have anything to do with the Rank you have?"


    Desire was mesmerized by how the quality that stays in the Core becomes higher, and the quantity that goes in the mana circuit becomes higher as well if ever the Core is upgraded.


    However, even if the mana only piles up in the mana circuits of a person, it should still be something that is related to the ranks.


    After all, it is owned by the person.


    And to Desire''s question, Jarina answered coolly while sitting down.


    "It''s actually simple. The system doesn''t recognize Cores."


    "Eh?"


    "What?"


    "The system doesn''t recognize Cores?"


    Desire...didn''t know that. At least, that''s not the answer he came up with.


    Initially, he thought that the reason why Rank and Cores aren''t related is that the mana that increases is actually in the Mana Circuits.


    The mana that stays in the core gets its quality upgraded, but the quantity stays the same.


    It would have been understandable if the system doesn''t recognize the mana in the mana circuits as not part of the mana of the person, but to think that it was actually the Core itself...


    "But...why? I mean, how?"


    This was Desire''s honest question.


    The system is something that was given to the humans and monsters, but a human or a monster both have Cores.


    It would be weird if the system doesn''t recognize something that exists in both creatures.


    No...it was unthinkable that the system wouldn''t recognize Cores.


    And because of his question, Jarina had a smile on her face. This was the first time Desire had a flustered face about something else besides monsters.


    Well, she actually wanted Desire to hit something like a wall.


    After all, she also didn''t know why and how.


    "Well, there is a story about why the System doesn''t recognize Cores."


    Jarina said as she put a finger in her chin as she swayed her body as if she were enjoying this moment thoroughly.


    "What is it then? I don''t understand, really. It doesn''t make sense."


    Ranks are what the system places in order to know the power or strength of a creature, place, item, spell, or whatever the hell it is.


    It is based on mana.


    Cores are what store the mana on a living creature. It gathers the mana outside a person''s body, and it converts that No-Attribute mana to the person automatically.


    Since Ranks are based on mana, it should be related to Cores.


    That was what Desire didn''t understand. After all, it really doesn''t make sense.


    "A Core is something that we, living creatures, have naturally and use to surpass our limits. That is why it gathers mana and makes it our own, and we also purposely use our all to make the Core stronger."


    Jarina answered as such without missing a single beat. Her cool demeanor brought forth admiration from Desire.


    "However, the system, meaning the Ranks, is given to us by a God because...that God wanted to limit our strength."


    "Limit our strength?"


    Isn''t the system meant to help us recognize ourselves better? Desire thought, but he didn''t voice it.


    After all, that was how he saw the system since it was there since he was a baby.


    It may be something else to Jarina, and it may be something else to another person.


    "Yes. This is just a famous story, though. Actually, no one knows the real story. The reigning Gods apparently banned the talk about this."


    It was then.


    As Desire was extremely curious about the story of a God giving the system to the humans and monsters as a way to limit their strength, he asked Jarina about it.


    "Wait. How does the system actually limit our strength?"


    Jarina saw the fires being lit up in Desire''s eyes, so she immediately thought about it.


    "Hmm...how should I say this?"


    The room was silent for a minute. It seems Jarina was really thinking about it.


    It was only after 5 minutes have passed that she spoke.


    "Ranks are so prominent in the world that it is used as a way for determining the strength or power of a person. You know this, right?"


    When Jarina asked, Desire nodded his head heavily. He already learned this before, so it was an easy question.


    "The System basically tells the power of someone to the God, and when a person is about to ascend to a power that should normally be impossible to attain, a God stops it. Meaning, the Gods doesn''t want another Sovereign."


    It was then.


    The curious eyes of Desire suddenly took a turn, and his eyebrows wiggled slowly at the unknown term.


    "Sovereign? What''s that?" Desire leaned on his body as he asked curiously.


    "Oh, they are at the top of this world. They are basically Gods that are in this world, rather than in Heaven."


    Jarina''s explanation of Sovereign was rather cloudy or vague, and this made Desire ask again.


    "So, they are strong people?"


    Jarina nodded her head strongly as if to emphasize the word strong.


    "That''s right. If you offend one of the reigning Sovereign, not even my father can save you."


    Desire was about to ask something about the Sovereigns again but decided not to when Jarina shook her head.


    "I also don''t know much about this topic. After all, the secrets of the apex are something that a Rank 6 monster cannot pay for."


    What Jarina said was reasonable. After all, in the eyes of people standing at the top, a Rank 6 monster is just an ant.


    And Desire found this understandable, but he couldn''t help but feel a little regret.


    Why?


    It was because he just felt it. It was so sudden that Desire felt strange about it. No, it wasn''t because he didn''t get to know more about the Sovereigns and stuff.


    Desire was sure of this as he also didn''t know why he was feeling regret.


    However, because of his Heavenly Demon Trait, he was able to calm down and asked Jarina again.


    "Hmm. I see. But what are we going to do now?"


    It was then.


    Jarina, who was swaying her upper body left and right, suddenly clapped her hands with shocked eyes.


    "Ah! That''s right; we got too off-topic, didn''t we?"


    It seems she didn''t realize that what they were talking about was something they shouldn''t have talked about in the first place.


    Normally, Jarina would be suspicious about this. After all, there''s no way she would make a mistake like that.


    However, because she enjoyed seeing Desire like that, she didn''t mind it so much as she continued talking again.


    "Now then, the Core is what we will be talking about today. Well, you already know about it, but Core could help you become a much better magician."


    Desire nodded his head.


    "There are quite a few ways to use your Core efficiently, but the most important one is the use of Magic Cores."


    Jarina then proceeded to explain about the various grades of Cores to Desire.


    She also told him about his current grade and how amazing it was when Desire jumped from dirty to Pure Blue Core straight.


    After all, there was no one else who has done that ever in history.


    At least, that was what Jarina knew.


    And so, the two talked about the Cores for a long time. They were so focused on their discussion that they didn''t notice the eyes staring at them outside the door.


    It was Lionel.


    "Hmm. Should I let him come with me on that day...?"


    His voice as he spoke was worried, unlike his usual fiery self.


    He then closed the door and left the room where his daughter and disciple were with a sigh.


    As he continued walking, he soon reached outside of the house and saw that the moon has come out.


    "Pista, huh..."

 Chapter 49: Invitation

    Lionel, who watched the duo talked secretly, soon went out of the house and went on to the clan house named Den.


    The meaning of the clan house was literally the Lion''s Den.


    As he entered swiftly in his Den, he entered the office where he would usually spend his time as the Clan Master.


    There were people helping him, but Lionel was the one who works the most in order to solve the Lion Clan''s everyday problems.


    And as he sat down on his chair, he saw the paper that was delivered to him before the matter with Desire happened.


    It stated...


    [The conference of the big powers all over the Vakigo kingdom, Pista, will be commenced in a month from now.


    The Lion Clan''s Clan Master, Lionel the Lion King, has been invited by His Majesty, Roan Vakigo.


    His Majesty hopes to see the Vakigo kingdom''s fearsome lion.


    The Royal Court hopes to see Clan Master Lionel to the capital, Vertigo.


    Best regards, Court Magician Fur.]


    Pista.


    Pista is a social gathering of the big shots around the Vakigo kingdom. It was a big kingdom, so there were quite a number of those big shots coming in.


    It was also the place where new laws or rules will be enforced when King Roan says so.


    It is also the place where the numerous guilds and clans will fight to win over some influence in the Vakigo kingdom.


    After all, to get the people''s sympathy or be allied with them, one has to ''follow'' rules. And, by being able to win some influence in the Vakigo kingdom, one will always be able to ''follow'' rules in any situation.


    Well, if they were too blatant about what they were doing, no matter how influential they get, people would eventually say something about them.


    This is also the event or place where the guilds try to talk about territories, Dungeon teams, alliances, etc.


    Basically, it was a party for high-class people where they talk about what to do after they exit the event called Pista.


    Of course, as Lionel was one of those people, he was invited.


    And that was also the reason why Lionel was troubled. He didn''t know what to do with Desire.


    "Hmmm. I want them to know him..."


    For a master, making people know about your disciple is something that should be considered normal.


    In fact, even Lionel wants the world to know that his disciple was Desire.


    And such a perfect chance has come upon him to introduce Desire to the world.


    And Lionel, a master, what''s more, his student was exactly like him, wants his disciple to be feared and renowned as the Lion''s Cub.


    Even if there were many enemies around him, Lionel was at least confident in taking them all.


    Besides, if he were to weigh his enemies and Desire, Desire would always come up on top.


    After all, they were just enemies waiting to be killed. Why should he care about them more about his disciple?


    "If only I weren''t in this situation..." Lionel bit his lower lip as he rested his back on the chair while looking up at the ceiling.


    He remembered what made him, the king of a jungle, be shackled. The one thing that made him be unable to enjoy a king''s freedom.


    It was because of a woman who wants to take his Beast Blood.


    However, as Lionel was too strong for her to take on, she targeted Jarina, who basically had Lionel''s Beast Blood.


    What''s more, that woman was a member of Lionel''s wife''s race. That was why it was so frustrating now that it came to bite him back in his ass.


    It was all because of her that Lionel couldn''t proudly declare that he now has a disciple.


    It was all because of her that Lionel had to leave his wife as bait.


    It was all because of her that Lionel has to protect his daughter, even though he was a king.


    After all, a king would only take wary actions towards another king. And Lionel knows that the woman has a king backing her.


    Either way, Lionel wanted Desire to come with him to Pista.


    "Should I just let him go with me?" Lionel thought hard as he closed his eyes.


    Lionel thought very hard and for a very long time as he wanted this himself.


    He didn''t want fame or anything like that; he just wanted to have the alias of ''Desire''s master'' or have Desire to be known as his student. It works well either way for Lionel.


    "Huuuu." He sighed, unable to come up with a decision.


    He then shook his head as he thought this wasn''t like himself.


    Under the starry night sky, Lionel mocked himself for being a Conqueror and one of the Kings.


    It was quite a pathetic sight.


    ****


    Huuuu.


    With rough breathing, Desire bent his knees to place his arms to rest. It was his first day of practicing...no; it was already the second day as it was already midnight.


    When he looked around, he saw Jarina sleeping in a bed that he didn''t know where it came from.


    Well, it doesn''t really matter to Desire as he only had one thing in mind.


    ''Cores...''


    The Cores that seem to be so simple at first now turned into something very complex.


    It was something that was involved with Gods, and it seems like it holds something special.


    Desire shook his head when his mind dazed off to that topic once more.


    He already heard enough from Jarina about the Cores. He knew now, as well, how to make his Core go up to another level.


    And what to do in order to make his Core go up to another level...Desire couldn''t do it right now.


    So, in order not to waste his time, he was trying to do the thing that he always slacked off before.


    "Trying to become one with water is hard..." He murmured as he straightened up his bent back.


    He already asked Jarina about this one, and she said that it was just to train so well in water magic that it looks like water has become Desire.


    Meaning, Desire just has to practice many water magic, spells, everything related to water.


    "It''s quite simple...but it''s hard." Desire murmured as he wiped the sweat forming on his head.


    It was simple why it was hard. Desire didn''t know any magic related to Water magic.


    Well, there were quite a few ones as the Suckus taught him before, but...


    "It''s not flowing in me so well..."


    If before, Desire was a blank state of canvas, right now, Desire was colored with something else.


    And unfortunately, Desire was unable to make water be part of that something else.


    After all, he only focused on taking that Heavenly Demon Trait or whatever it was.


    Either way, Desire had missed the perfect chance to become one with water when he was still a blank piece of canvas.


    Well, it wasn''t so bad that he would regret learning the trait first, though.


    After all, the difference could be bridged through efforts alone. By putting in hard work, effort, and time, Desire could probably become one with the water in no time at all.


    Why?


    It was because...


    [Special Status]


    -Current progress with the unification with water: 15%


    Desire read the notification that came after he practiced the one spell that he had with water.


    It was water magic: Water.


    "Whew. I''m finally 15%." Desire said as if what he did was something normal.


    Well, Desire could say that it took him long enough to take it to 15%.


    Either way, Desire wasn''t satisfied with how he was progressing with the unification.


    "It doesn''t go up anymore..."


    Desire noticed that after practicing the water magic: Water, the unification rate hasn''t gone up at all.


    It was as if there were only a certain percentage that it could go up based on the spell he was using.


    It was quite ridiculous as Desire hadn''t even reached the master category for that magic, but well. Desire would take it if it meant less time.


    However, Desire couldn''t do anything right now as his teacher was dozing off.


    "What should I do now...?" Desire said after saying goodnight to Jarina and then walked off towards the door of the room.


    He then went outside and walked towards his room, where he plans to sleep.


    After all, he didn''t have anything to do now that Jarina was hugging her pillow tight.


    And so, he grabbed a quick change of clothes through the closet Lionel has prepared for him, and he jumped right into the bed.


    He was able to enter because the door wasn''t locked. They were the only people here, anyway.


    And so, as he was about to fall asleep, Desire muttered.


    "Cores..."


    It seems he still hadn''t got that thing out of his mind.


    "Should I be thankful that my Heavenly Demon Trait ate up the system...?"


    He dozed off in his sleep while saying those words...

 Chapter 50: Krussi

    The sun has risen, but its rays of light couldn''t penetrate Desire''s room. Despite that, Desire opened his eyes as he felt his consciousness return to him.


    And because of his hobby or principle of not wasting time, he immediately sat on his bed to stand up.


    No...he tried to. However, he couldn''t.


    Why?


    "O-ouch!" Desire shouted as he felt his back hurt as if he were an old man.


    Well, he didn''t know how exactly an old man feels, but that was basically what he was feeling right now.


    His muscles all over his body were stiff, and his bones cracking every time he moved his body.


    Well, if he forced himself with his Heavenly Demon Trait, he should be able to walk.


    "D-did I overdo myself yesterday?" Desire said as he stared at the ceiling.


    What he did yesterday came to his mind. Well, he literally took overtime in his training yesterday.


    After all, his teacher was already asleep.


    Although a student working hard is good, overworking is bad. There are differences between the two, and what Desire did is overworking.


    "Huuuu." Desire sighed a little bit to loosen his muscles.


    It didn''t really do anything, but Desire just felt doing so.


    "Anyway...I feel like I''ve been missing something lately..."


    Desire said as he thought about it.


    He listed the things that he should have done earlier but couldn''t because of him training the Heavenly Demon Trait.


    ''Unification with the water...Training with magic comes with unification, so that''s that.'' Desire thought.


    ''There''s really nothing...oh!'' Desire exclaimed in his mind, while his mouth was in an ''O'' shape.


    "Ranking up...But, it''s not really urgent as I have a master who will teach me. Hmmm, just what is it that''s bugging me?"


    Desire said as he continued thinking about it. However, no matter how much he thought about it, no answer came up.


    That is until 30 minutes have passed, he shouted.


    "The village!"


    What Desire meant was the village where he lived as a baby. Although it wasn''t much, he was close to the villagers there as he was a cute little baby that gives them delicious mana.


    "I forgot about them!"


    Because Desire trained all throughout the year, he forgot about the village. Moreover, he trained after the village was attacked.


    There would definitely come a time when humans start invading the forest and possibly attack the village again, just like last time.


    And that''s what made Desire fluster as if he just did something wrong. After all, he forgot about them quite literally. He didn''t even ask about their wellbeing when he met Liya.


    "Hah. I guess I''ll ask Jarina about it..." Desire said as he sighed.


    Well, he can''t be blamed for that one. After all, he focused all of his being in that training, and the events with Lionel happened all of a sudden.


    And so, Desire moved on as he thought about things to make sure that he didn''t miss anything.


    It was easy for him to do that as he had the Heavenly Demon Trait.


    "Now that I think about it..."


    Desire had many things that he forgot when he was training.


    His Summon Familiar Skill, Summon Aquatic Lords Skill; those two were completely out of Desire''s mind.


    His ranks also weren''t in his mind as he focused on cultivating that Cold-Blooded trait that turned into Heavenly Demon Trait.


    And this fact made Desire scared.


    "I-i should probably make a list of what I''ll do from now on..." Muttered Desire as he finally stood up.


    It seems that his forgetting about things that should have been on his mind made him rethink his ways.


    It was then.


    As Desire was thinking about what he''ll use to keep a list of what he would do, an idea suddenly struck him.


    It wasn''t really that bright of an idea, but an application of what he has always done.


    Since it was already on his topic, he wanted to do it right away. After all, he was currently experiencing body pain.


    "Body Control Skill...should be possible."


    And so, deciding to do what he thought, he immediately tried it out after sorting his idea.


    It was the idea of using the Body Control Skill to reduce, or if possible, make the pain, stiff, uncontrollable muscles to go away.


    In theory, Desire could do it. After all, it was Body Control Skill. And Jarina once vouched for its usefulness. It just didn''t have the partner called All Brain Skill.


    However, simple muscle ache should be fine...


    At least, that''s what Desire thought.


    "Hmmm. It''s working? Or not." Desire said as he tried moving his body.


    Well, he could move his body much better now. It was as if muscle pain didn''t exist from the start.


    However, what Body Control did for Desire was just moving his body. It didn''t ease his pain.


    "Huu. I guess it''s fine." Desire said as he stood up.


    He wanted to finish up the list that he thought earlier, so he wouldn''t forget about them.


    And so, he went outside the door that wasn''t locked and looked for Jarina.


    ****


    Desire walked off towards Jarina, who was sleeping where Desire was training yesterday.


    He thought Jarina would be asleep when he got there, but it seems he was wrong as Jarina greeted him when she noticed Desire.


    "You''re up already?" Her voice sounded somewhat sleepy.


    Desire cut to the chase as he spoke.


    "Do you have something that could remind me of what I want to do?"


    "Huh? What do you mean?"


    "Hmm. It''s a list of what I want to do. It''s something like that. Yeah."


    Desire spoke as he scratched his cheek. It seems like he was embarrassed, but Jarina didn''t mind it so as she spoke.


    "Yes, I think we do have something like that..."


    Jarina trailed off her words because she was curious about why Desire would suddenly ask for something like this.


    After all, why should Desire ask for something like this? For Jarina, Desire was getting weirder by the day.


    "Great! May I have it? I''ll repay you somehow."


    "It''s fine, follow me."


    Jarina gestured for Desire to follow, and Desire obediently did so.


    The duo soon left the room and walked towards somewhere unknown.


    Well, Jarina knew where they would go.


    Anyway, they were able to reach their destination in less than 10 minutes. No one talked while they were moving. Desire had his own thoughts, and Jarina found Desire...weird.


    "Here we are." Jarina spoke in front of a majestic door. It wasn''t huge, but the designs that could be seen on the door was of that of a lion roaring out towards the sky.


    The imposing figure of a lion and the vastness of the sky pulled Desire in, but it wasn''t able to compare to his Heavenly Demon Trait.


    Jarina noticed that Desire was able to ward it off, so she spoke to not cause any misunderstanding.


    "It''s just a magic mechanism that papa set up. Anyway, this is where papa keeps his treasures."


    Clang! The door opened when Jarina pushed it aside with strength. It was quite weird that the door didn''t have any magic lock, but Desire didn''t pay any attention to it.


    After all...


    "Wow."


    ...the sight beyond of the door was that great.


    ****


    Desire walked inside the door when Jarina told him to.


    Well, he walked dazedly as he looked here and there with an empty stare.


    After all, gold, sword, silver, bottles, potions, everything that one would want to get in the world was gathered in a single room right now.


    Even for Desire, who didn''t know anything about values or something like that, he knew how precious this was.


    "H-hey, are you sure we should be going in here without asking?"


    That was why he asked Jarina nervously.


    However...


    "Yes. Papa likes you a lot, so he probably won''t mind you taking a look in here."


    "H-huh? Lionel likes me...a lot?"


    Now, that...sounds weird, Desire thought. But he couldn''t voice it out due to Jarina taking something out from somewhere and showing it to Desire.


    "Here." Jarina said as the item hanged from her hand.


    It was a cross-shaped color gold necklace.


    Desire didn''t know about it, but he was extremely interested in it.


    Was it because of his human instincts that long for riches? Was it because he was just a curious child?


    Desire didn''t know the answer, and his throat involuntarily gulped some saliva as he looked at the marvel of the item.


    It was a simple necklace that didn''t have any accessories to the cross, but it was somehow captivating.


    "This is the Krussi. Its outward appearance is good, but the function is just for recording things."


    Jarina''s voice sounded out, but Desire didn''t take in any of her words.


    He just nodded his head dazedly as if he were charmed by it.


    "Just take it. You don''t have to be so reserved." Jarina urged Desire.


    And Desire took it without saying anything. He just looked at it as he murmured.


    "Krussi..."

 Chapter 51: Krussi II

    "Krussi..." Desire muttered as he gazed in amazement at the necklace.


    He was astonished by it, but he didn''t know exactly why. After all, he didn''t have any sense of love for arts or pieces like this Krussi.


    Desire also doesn''t greed for worldly things such as gold, fame, wealth, fashion, property, or whatever you call it.


    That was why it was weird for Desire to feel like this, and he himself knows this too.


    That was until Jarina spoke.


    "Fufu, it seems that you have been charmed." Jarina''s playful voice resounded out as she covered her mouth with her hand.


    Desire looked up at her with an expression that seems to ask, ''what do you mean?''


    Of course, Jarina noticed it, and she spoke as she walked towards the door.


    After all, they already got what they came in here for; the thing or device that Desire wished to have.


    "Krussi is a treasure because of only one thing. It is because of what it symbolizes."


    Jarina then turned around to the dazedly looking Desire. Her dress fluttered in the wind as her smile could even captivate Desire.


    Her eyes even showed longness as she continued speaking.


    "It symbolizes The Unknown."


    It was then.


    Desire, who was captivated by Jarina and astonished with the Krussi, finally said something.


    His hands as he moved the Krussi were very careful.


    "What? Unknown?"


    Unknown.


    This was something Desire knew and, at the same time, didn''t know.


    It was the Unknown that the system and some other thing that has become after combining. He knew it, but he also doesn''t know anything about it.


    However, it''s not like The Unknown that the Krussi symbolizes is the same as the Unknown Desire has.


    It''s just that Desire found them having the same ''name'' somewhat intriguing.


    "Why does it symbolize The Unknown?"


    Desire asked, but that was not all the questions that he has about the Krussi.


    "If it''s The Unknown, why is it known then?"


    The fact that they know about The Unknown doesn''t make it unknown anymore. After all, they already know.


    And that caught Desire''s attention as he looked at the Krussi with prying eyes.


    "You have too many questions about it." Jarina said as she walked towards the door once more.


    "I''ll answer your second question first: you''re just playing with words right there."


    Jarina then gestured for Desire to follow her when she saw Desire now had his eyes on her.


    Desire nodded his head and walked towards Jarina. When he reached the door, Jarina spoke as she did something to lock the room.


    "Krussi symbolizes The Unknown because it is literally unknown. No one in the world knows the real purpose of the Krussi."


    Clang! The doors closed shut with a loud bang, and the mighty scene of a lion roaring to the sky could be seen.


    However, Desire wasn''t looking at it as he asked Jarina again.


    "But it''s not like Krussi is the only thing that no one knows the purpose of, right?"


    Desire was confident and sure of what he asked as he knew there were many things in the land, sea, and even in the air that people don''t know of their use.


    That was why it was quite weird if Krussi is a treasure because it symbolizes The Unknown. After all, there were many other things that were unknown, not just the Krussi.


    Jarina agreed with Desire as she explained.


    "Yes, you''re right. However, the materials that Krussi is composed of is Aurus Gold."


    She continued walking towards the hallway, and Desire followed after her.


    Although he didn''t know where they were going to go, he didn''t really mind it.


    After all, where could they possibly go in this mansion?


    "That is also the reason why it makes you feel that it is extremely astonishing. Although Krussi is indeed astonishing, Aurus Gold makes you feel it in an entirely different way."


    Jarina kept mentioned the Aurus Gold, which Desire didn''t know anything about it.


    "What is the Aurus Gold anyway?" Desire asked, his interest finally piqued.


    Aurus Gold.


    It is one of the metals that are considered made by the Gods. Metals made by Gods are incredibly great and powerful.


    The metals made by Gods are called the Holy Ore. Holy Ore is also classified with different grades according to effectiveness, and Aurus Gold is a metal standing at the top.


    "That''s what it is. Now, do you find anything strange?" Jarina asked as she took a glance towards Desire, who was walking beside her.


    Desire didn''t answer as he continued thinking about it. After all, there wasn''t anything strange in the story.


    Krussi is made of Aurus Gold, which was a metal made by the Gods. If anything, the fact that a God created the Aurus Gold is something even more impressive than what Krussi is.


    As Desire rummaged through his mind, he thought there was nothing strange about the story at all.


    That was until he finally found out when he remembered what Krussi does.


    "Krussi records things to let me know what I want to do." Desire spoke as he looked at Jarina with intense eyes.


    "But Krussi is made of a special metal that was created by a God. Is that what you mean?"


    Jarina nodded her head with a smile.


    "That''s right. Even though Aurus Gold is a special metal, Krussi doesn''t do anything useful. Well, it may be useful in reminding forgetful people, but that''s it."


    What was strange in Krussi is that it doesn''t do anything despite being made with a powerful metal. It wasn''t even your everyday metal, so there''s no way that it would be something so ordinary.


    ''Hmmm.'' Desire thought as the gears in his head turned to the right answer.


    He spoke as he finished thinking.


    "So that is why it symbolizes The Unknown."


    Desire thought it was reasonable for Krussi to symbolize or have a meaning like The Unknown when it has a backstory like that.


    Well, even if he doesn''t, he can''t do anything about it.


    "So, where are we going?" Desire finally asked Jarina about their destination.


    Although it may seem as if the time they walked was short, it was actually not.


    They were walking for almost 30 minutes now, and they hadn''t stopped even once.


    That was how absorbed Desire was in the conversation about the Krussi that he holds in his right hand.


    Meanwhile, Jarina was thinking about something as she looked at Desire.


    ''It''s...unusual. Really, it is weird.''


    Her eyes that were looking at Desire gleamed as she thought once more about how weird it was.


    However, it seems her stare was too intense because Desire called her out with a ''Jarina?''


    Although her face didn''t show any of her thoughts, Desire could still pick some of it up.


    "It''s nothing. It was just refreshing to see you take an interest in something that is not a monster."


    "Really? It''s not that unusual, though. Anyway, where are we?"


    Desire asked as he took in the surroundings. Although they were still in the mansion, it was vastly different in that it was simple.


    However, the answer that came from Jarina shocked Desire.


    "We''re going to have you battle some monsters."


    It was so sudden that Desire widened his eyes to the brim.


    "R-right now?"


    Without noticing it, a huge door was before the monster and a child.


    Jarina ignored Desire''s fluttered question as she shouted the magic word.


    "Kuhrada!"


    It was the first time that Desire''s going to fight something personally.


    ***


    As the duo of Jarina and Desire walked out of the mansion, there was a pair of slit eyes observing them from afar.


    The owner of the slit eyes was Lionel.


    There were many things going on in his mind right now, but the center of that all was Jarina and his disciple, Desire.


    "I''m definitely getting older." He spoke firmly and powerful, but strangely enough, it wasn''t loud.


    His eyes closed for a moment as he opened them again.


    He then looked up at the sky, and his mane-like hair was fluttering in the air.


    The pressure and presence that he gave off were utterly different from what he had last night.


    If before he was like a fire that was about to go out, Lionel''s demeanor right now was exactly like that of a firework.


    No, it wasn''t the type of fireworks that goes off in a single boom. It''s the type that explodes and stays alive as a fire in your house that destroys the city!


    It was easy to tell as the hesitation on his face could no longer be observed.


    "Desire...."


    His voice was backed with his conviction, and his eyes lit up as if some fire were burning inside him.


    "I will make you known to the world!"


    He proudly declared as he crossed his arms and lifted his head up arrogantly.


    "Kuhahahaha!"


    He laughed as he imagined his enemies trying to go after his Achilles'' heel.


    And he also imagined how he would crush every single ant that comes after his disciple.


    "I''ll destroy them all!"

 Chapter 52: Musculas Nest

    Boom! With the sound of something exploding, a bag of meat...the monster fell down as it died miserably.


    The one who killed the huge monster that just died was Jarina. And Desire just watched her as she walked towards Desire.


    His eyes watched Jarina move her right forearm that had a string attached to it, which was connected to the blade hanging from the string.


    Splash! The blood that was remaining on that particular blade soon splattered on the ground, and it decorated the boring land cleanly.


    Gulp.


    Desire''s throat moved involuntarily when his eyes met Jarina''s.


    ''W-what was that...'' Desire thought as he dazed dumbfoundedly at Jarina.


    Two blades that were hanging from both of her forearms that tore, slashed, and destroyed every part of the monster''s body.


    It was a bizarre and new way of handling blades, but Desire didn''t mind that at all.


    In fact, he was fascinated by how Jarina ''danced'' with the monster.


    However, Desire found it too brutal. No, was it even brutal when the monster couldn''t even fight back?


    It was too shocking for Desire as he didn''t think that the frail-looking monster could do something like that.


    It slipped his mind that Jarina was a monster way stronger than him.


    ''S-so this is how she fights...'' Desire thought, but he couldn''t finish it as Jarina was already near him.


    Jarina spoke with a smile, but that only made the scene more horrendous.


    Well, it wasn''t for Desire as he just thought how amazing she killed that monster.


    "That''s how you kill them. It''s quite easy, don''t you think so?"


    "...you think?"


    Jarina nodded her head when she heard Desire''s answer.


    After all, she really thought that it was easy. She was a monster that was born with some insane strength that she didn''t have to train for it.


    Meanwhile, the one she was talking to was Desire, who was...well, a baby from the start.


    They had different experiences and perspectives ever since they were born.


    That is why Desire spoke up to clear any misunderstanding.


    "I''m not strong like you, though."


    Desire said that with conviction, but Jarina just shook her head.


    It seems that she believes Desire was much more than what he thinks of himself.


    "You don''t know. You''re quite a monster." Jarina playfully said as she pointed to the place where the monster was laid down.


    "That''s a rank two monster, but it has absurd physical strength that it could crush any rank five monsters if given a chance. It''s a monster called Muscula."


    The Muscula that Jarina brought down was a huge one that its muscles were literally bulging out. It was a humanoid monster that one could see anywhere else.


    "I think you could crush any rank two monsters or even other races even though you just started practicing."


    Jarina then patted Desire''s back and pushed him. Despite that, the blades and the string hanging on her forearm didn''t move at all.


    "Try it yourself. This place is the Muscula''s nest, a breeding ground for them. Wander around, and you''ll meet a few."


    The place where they were was called the Muscula''s nest. It was a mountain tall enough to pierce through the sky, and it was located to the west of Jakart.


    This place was famous because of many newbie adventurers stationed in Vakigo Kingdom practice here.


    They were able to get here pretty fast because Jarina carried Desire throughout the whole journey.


    They were now standing at the foot of the mountain when Jarina killed a Muscula and asked Desire to go inside the nest.


    "Wait. Are you asking me to go in there to kill some Muscula myself?" Desire asked, not able to believe what Jarina said.


    However, it seems Jarina didn''t plan to change her mind as she swung the blade around her forearm with a smile.


    "That''s right." Jarina said simply.


    Gulp.


    Again, Desire''s throat involuntarily moved as he remembered the time when Jarina made him pass out just with her aura.


    Even though he wanted to say that it was impossible for him to do so, there''s no way he could.


    It was something like an instinctual reaction for Desire now.


    After all, Jarina''s demeanor when having that same smile all over her face was now a ''threat'' to Desire.


    And so, he reluctantly entered the mountain called the Muscula''s nest.


    ****


    Jarina just watched Desire to walk over and climb the mountain. It wasn''t much of a problem for her to do so, even though a few minutes have already passed.


    Her monster genes helped her see things from far away, so even though Desire was quite far away now, Jarina could still see him clear as day.


    It wasn''t until 30 minutes have passed that Desire finally disappeared from Jarina''s eyes.


    And at the exact moment Desire disappeared from her field of vision, Jarina spoke while keeping her two blades.


    She didn''t really keep them as she just made them disappear. It was quite a mysterious event to see.


    "I wonder what''s with papa?"


    Jarina took Desire to this mountain was because she was asked to do so by her father, Lionel.


    It was actually weird for Lionel to ask of this as he can do it himself. What''s more, Jarina could see that Lionel''s attention was all over Desire.


    It was to the point that Jarina thought that Lionel wasn''t putting his clan to his eyes anymore.


    Anyway, Jarina agreed to it, which was why they were here right now.


    "Is it because of her?" Jarina said, and soon she nodded her head as if what she thought was right on the spot.


    ''I guess papa wants to keep Desire hidden...''


    Jarina thought as she began to walk in a particular direction. If Desire went right inside and climbed the mountain, Jarina''s chosen path was as if she were circling the mountain.


    Her journey didn''t take long as she moved fast, even though she was walking.


    "Is that it?" Jarina asked herself as she saw a sign that only a Suckus could see.


    It was an ordinary tree that anyone could see in any mountain, forest, or whatever place with a tree in it.


    However, for Jarina, it was something that could be considered extraordinary.


    In a Suckus village that is located in a forest or mountains or whatever it is, there is always the main tree where the village is ''planted.''


    Without that main tree, a Suckus village could not exist. And the Suckus village''s key is the branches that are stuck in their backs.


    And clearly, Jarina doesn''t have one of those keys in her.


    ''This is a problem...I never thought about it.'' Jarina thought as she walked towards the particular tree.


    She never thought about how to enter a Suckus village. After all, she never imagined that she would have to enter one.


    In Skinjur, in that particular space called home, she never left. She always stayed there all her life. Well, not when things were still fine.


    However, because of the rarity of Jarina, being a daughter of the current head of Suckus, Varyce and Lionel, if people were to get to know of her existence, many would hunt her down.


    Therefore, she never really left Skinjur. And not leaving Skinjur means she doesn''t enter a village or Skinjur itself.


    That was why it didn''t cross her mind that she would get inconvenienced by something like this.


    "What do I do..." Jarina said as she used her right hand to touch the tree.


    Nothing happened to the tree, and nothing happened to Jarina. It was still the same.


    That was until Jarina heard a voice.


    "You came, little girl...no, miss."


    A light escaped from the tree, and a small figure of something emerged.


    Jarina didn''t take a second to recognize what that small figure was.


    "Teresa!" Jarina shouted as she saw the woman, who occasionally brings something to her back in Skinjur.


    She has the color green for her hair, and she was beautiful. It was something expected of her race.


    However, if there were something different about her right now, that would be that she was wearing clothes.


    It was simple, but if you compare it to Desire''s experience in Liya''s village, this was plenty.


    "Let us go in. This is not the place for us to talk, Miss."


    Teresa said as she made something float in the air with her hands stretched out.


    She then looked at Jarina and gestured for her to get it as she spoke.


    "It''s the key." Teresa said as she disappeared right after.


    The light also appeared in the process, but soon it also went out like a fire.


    Jarina just watched all of that happen quietly. She didn''t expect Teresa to show up here, but it was for the best.


    After all, she didn''t really know what to do if she didn''t have the key in her hands now.


    "So, this is the key..."


    Jarina then looked at the key...at the branch that anyone could find in any forest.


    However, Jarina could indeed feel something was different in this branch. It was the same feeling she had when she saw the tree.


    "S-so, do I just enter through the tree now?"


    As this was her first time doing something like this, Jarina was quite nervous despite her calm and collected mind.


    And so, with that nervousness, she entered the village of Suckus located in the Muscula''s nest.

 Chapter 53: Gladior & Jarina meets!

    As Jarina entered the village of Suckus, she quickly got a hold of herself and observed the surroundings.


    It wasn''t the same as Skinjur, but it was the same as what she expected from a typical Suckus village.


    And as her eyes landed right in front of her, an energetic voice penetrated her ears.


    "Miss! So you were okay!"


    "This is...great! Great!"


    "Miss is safe!"


    Three...no, Jarina couldn''t count how many spoke or how many Suckus was present in here right now.


    This reaction was expected, considering her position and status within the race.


    However, Jarina expected something else entirely from them.


    She expected that she wouldn''t be welcomed at all in their presence.


    After all, she was the reason why these Suckus were chased out of their homes and were forced to hide.


    That was why she felt awkward receiving their blessings or gratitude for her being safe.


    "Y-yes." Jarina spoke as she turned her eyes towards Teresa, who was giggling to herself.


    Jarina didn''t know what to do in this situation. Although there were many times that she was flustered by Desire, that was because Desire was abnormal.


    In everyday matters such as these, Jarina was perfectly calm. That was why it bit her ass more than she thought it would.


    However, it seems that the girls didn''t notice that as they kept speaking.


    "The head told us that you were in a safe place. Were you together with your father?"


    "Lionel, huh. He would definitely be able to keep you safe."


    "That''s right!"


    Faced with their intense passion, Jarina was in a dilemma.


    After all, they were practically strangers to each other, no matter how high Jarina''s position is.


    However, Jarina was a woman who knows how to differentiate right and wrong.


    That was why she spoke. She spoke while feeling extremely grateful for their worries.


    "T-thank you."


    The wind blew, and Jarina''s words were brought to every woman''s ears. And because of that, they all closed their mouth and kept quiet.


    No...they all had smiles stuck on their faces. Although it was a simple thank you, it was enough for these women.


    After all, they were all the offsprings of love.


    "Thank you so much."


    Jarina spoke again; her heart and feelings were riding on her words.


    Her demeanor as she expressed her gratitude was indeed graceful and awe-inspiring.


    And it struck her fellow women''s hearts as Teresa spoke as the representative.


    "It''s nothing. We''re family, remember?"


    Jarina nodded her head while having a smile plastered on her face.


    "Yes."


    Jarina said as she smiled once more.


    ****


    After they conversed with their hearts out, Jarina was currently walking together with Teresa.


    Teresa explained many things to Jarina, and Teresa also told Jarina that she was the one leading the Suckus here.


    There were many things that Jarina wanted to ask Teresa as she wasn''t told anything when Lionel took her to Jakart.


    However, when they reached Teresa''s house and was about to talk for more, Jarina shut her mouth tight.


    Jarina''s face became cold and icy, and her ice gave killing glares to another person.


    Her voice was threateningly low as she spoke.


    "Why is a human here?"


    Jarina''s eyes stared straight at the man sitting on the floor. The man looked young and strong, but Jarina couldn''t care less about that.


    A human being in a Suckus village isn''t rare at all. However, being in Teresa''s or in the village head''s house is unforgivable.


    There were secrets that only a Suckus should know in the village head''s house, and allowing a human to see that it is akin to a death sentence to the Suckus race.


    That should be known to any Suckus, and of course, Teresa should know it too.


    However, Teresa''s response was quite unexpected for Jarina.


    "Now, now. Lionel told you to come here, right? I''ll tell you about it."


    And that made Jarina whip her head towards Teresa, and confusion was evident on her face.


    She spoke as she pointed to the man who was staying quiet.


    "Papa has something to do with this? There''s no way he''ll let a human come here."


    Even for Lionel, who was the Clan Master of hundreds, thousands of humans in Jakart, he wouldn''t let a human come into the village head''s house.


    No, he wouldn''t even let a human come into a Suckus village.


    And Jarina knows that all too well, which was making her confused.


    "That''s right. Well, just sit down."


    "But..."


    "I''ll tell you about it."


    With Teresa being this stubborn and decisive about it, Jarina couldn''t say much about it anymore.


    "Alright." Jarina murmured as she picked up the chair on the side with her magic.


    She was used to doing things like this, so it was easy for her.


    Jarina sat down on the chair when she finished, and Teresa also sat down.


    "Now, why is a human here?" Jarina cut to the chase as she spoke.


    It was then.


    The human who was staying quiet all the time finally spoke up as he turned his body towards Jarina.


    "It is a pleasure to meet you, the young lady of the Lion King."


    The man then bowed his head as he continued speaking.


    "I am Gladior, the attendant of the young lady of the Fire King."


    He kept his head bowed to Jarina, and Jarina just looked at him coldly.


    Why should she become chummy just because the man introduced himself?


    "So? What is he doing here?" Jarina spoke to Teresa.


    Teresa was about to say something, but Gladior spoke up first.


    "I am here because of milady. She is currently here on the Muscula''s nest. I asked Miss Teresa to let me in for the time being, as milady asked me to."


    Jarina narrowed her eyes when she heard Gladior speak. Although she didn''t direct any hostility because she knows who the milady of Gladior is, she still had a frown on her face.


    And because Terese is one of the people that knows Jarina, she noticed Jarina''s mood.


    She knew that Jarina wouldn''t just suddenly attack the man, but it might still affect their relationship.


    "Jarina, we''re in an alliance. Letting them in is something we can do, right?"


    It was then.


    The frowning face of Jarina suddenly had a change as she inhaled and exhaled out some air.


    "Huuuu."


    She did that so suddenly that the air suddenly became awkward, but Jarina didn''t mind it as she continued once more.


    "Huuuu."


    It was only after doing it thrice that she stopped as she turned her calm face towards Gladior.


    "I understand. I''m sorry about my behavior and impudence towards you, Mr. Gladior."


    She bowed her head slightly as she expressed her sincerity.


    "No, I am not worthy of it." Gladior said as he also bowed his head.


    After some time, the two raised their heads as Teresa began to talk.


    "Anyway, Gladior is here because Grizelle asked me to let him stay. You are aware of Grizelle, right?"


    Jarina nodded her head as she already knew who Grizelle was.


    Lionel told her beforehand that there were some humans who wanted to sell them information and possibly ally with them.


    Jarina wouldn''t mess it up just because she didn''t like how a human was staying in a Suckus village and in the village head''s house.


    "Yes, I do know her. But what are they doing here in the Muscula''s nest, anyway?"


    "Well...we''re hiding. We can''t be seen on Jakart, and the Lion King seems to have some guests for today."


    "Hmm. So that''s why I couldn''t feel that woman in the house lately."


    While staying in Lionel''s mansion, Jarina could feel some presence nearby her all the time.


    That presence wasn''t on the house precisely, but Jarina could still feel it was near the house.


    It was probably some kind of magic that prevented her from knowing, but Jarina pinpointed it to be the woman called Grizelle, whom her father told her about it.


    "Anyway, papa indeed has some guests for today, which is why I am here. But I didn''t expect that woman would be in the Muscula''s nest..."


    Jarina put a finger in her cheek as she swayed her body left and right.


    Seeing this, Gladior and Teresa had confusion evident on their faces as they tilted their heads.


    No, for Gladior, it was much more than confusion as he widened his eyes.


    After all, he was worried about his milady. If something were to happen to his milady, Gladior couldn''t even imagine it.


    "W-what''s wrong in the Muscula''s nest?" Gladior asked Jarina.


    Jarina then faced him with a little bit of a smile. Even though her smile was beautiful, Gladior could feel a chill run down his spine as his eyes witnessed it.


    The same smile that makes even Desire nervous every time he sees it.


    "Desire is also in the Muscula''s nest. I wonder if they''ll meet, fufufu."


    Jarina laughed with intentions unknown.


    Jarina was so graceful and beautiful that gods seem to have made her, but the two people present here would probably deny it.


    "I wonder what his reaction will be..."


    After all, her face only spells doom for a certain someone.

 Chapter 54: Fighting

    While Jarina was talking with Gladior and Teresa, Desire was currently walking through the mountain called Muscula''s nest.


    It wasn''t really hard for him to walk up here, but the body pain that he got this morning was killing him.


    Well, it wasn''t so bad, but it affected his walking.


    "I wonder why Jarina wanted me to do something like this..."


    If there were something that Desire wasn''t so sure about, that would be him killing a Muscula.


    No, it wasn''t because he would hesitate or something like that. After all, he didn''t even flinch when Jarina killed a Muscula before.


    The reason why he wasn''t sure about it was that he knew that he wasn''t strong enough to kill it.


    Even though Jarina said something a rank two can kill a stronger monster or human, it doesn''t mean that Desire can.


    In his whole, short life, Desire doesn''t have any fighting experience.


    The forest fire in which he participated was just him bringing water out to put out the fire.


    After that, he trained and trained and trained some more.


    And what he trained wasn''t some fighting techniques or some secret trump card that could overturn a losing battle.


    It was something that had to do with his mind and his core. Asking Desire to kill a Muscula was just pure reckless.


    However, Desire knew that Jarina wouldn''t do something pointless.


    That was why he was still walking here, but he just didn''t know what to do.


    "Isn''t this just asking me to get killed..." Desire muttered as he looked left and right.


    In this mountain where he was walking through, Desire couldn''t feel anything.


    It was as if he was just walking in a plain land with no buildings, no trees, nothing at all.


    Well, it wasn''t as if he was unhappy about it, but this just made him confused.


    "Hah. I just don''t understand anything..." Desire muttered as he continued walking.


    His mood was bumpy, but his hand was all over the Krussi that was hanging on his hands.


    It was clear what he was thinking.


    And so, Desire continued his journey through the Muscula''s nest, unaware of the eyes watching him by the side.


    The one watching him had a big body and was full of muscles. However, if there were something odd about him, it would be that his face was extremely small.


    It was as if his head and his body were proportional to each other in that one was large, and one was small.


    This creature moved his small head whenever Desire moved somewhere else.


    However, that soon ended as Desire soon faded out of his sights.


    "Gagi...?" The creature known as the Muscula muttered as he put his big finger in his mouth.


    In this world, there were two types of monsters. The first one is intelligent, knowing, and had some real brain on their heads.


    An example of this type of monster was Jarina and her race, Suckus.


    And the second type is monsters that rely solely on their instincts and whatever they have, but definitely not their brain.


    They don''t know how to think and only know how to kill depending on what kind of monster they are.


    And Muscula was the second type of monster that doesn''t know how to think for themselves.


    That was why it was weird.


    Normally, a Muscula would just attack anyone if ever someone catches its attention.


    However, why was this particular Muscula trying to ''think?''


    Either way, the Muscula didn''t know why as he followed Desire.


    "Gagiiii!!!" He shouted as he felt something disgusting up his small brain.


    No...was it because he couldn''t think? He felt really uncomfortable somehow, one way or the other.


    As he tried washing it down literally with his hands, he ran after Desire, who was nowhere in his sights.


    ****


    "Huuuu. I still can''t take it in." A woman said as she breathed in and out.


    That woman was currently sitting on a big rock with her legs crossed.


    She was wearing light clothes, and sweat could be seen tainting her clothes.


    Her hands were cupped together, and in it, a small, bright flame could be seen.


    The woman with her cold and icy eyes stared at the flame while speaking.


    "Why aren''t you accepting me..."


    The woman...Grizelle''s voice was filled with longingness, but despite that, her face didn''t show any emotion at all.


    It was as if she only said those words on purpose. If someone heard those words, they would probably think that way.


    It was just too absurd to hear a longing voice from an emotionless face.


    "Huuu." Grizelle sighed as she put the fire away by extinguishing it.


    She then stood up as she looked at the sky.


    "I thought the answer was here...was I wrong, father?"


    The sun''s rays of light touched her skin, and it made the scene more majestic.


    She was already a beautiful woman, and the sun was as if her perfect pair.


    It was then.


    "Hmm?" Grizelle whipped her head toward a certain direction when she felt something.


    She narrowed her eyes to see it better, but as this was a mountain, she couldn''t really identify what it was.


    However, that soon changed when she heard something screaming.


    "Gagiiii!!"


    That scream wasn''t strong enough to threaten Grizelle as she knew what kind of monster it was.


    But what caught Grizelle attention more was something incredibly small.


    That something looked like a small dot from afar, which was Grizelle''s location.


    However, when a few seconds passed, Grizelle could finally someone running away from the Muscula, who was screaming madly from behind.


    "A child...?" Grizelle muttered as she took in the form of the child.


    A long hair that flies in the sky and a small body fitting of a child was seen by Grizelle. Even though Grizelle couldn''t see the face, she assumed that it was a male.


    "What is a child doing here?" Grizelle murmured as she started running towards the child.


    Even though she didn''t have any idea of what the child was doing here, she wouldn''t just let the child die.


    She was not that cold, but Grizelle would kill him right away if the child were an enemy.


    And as soon as she neared them, her eyes widened in shock.


    After all, she couldn''t believe it.


    "He''s...toying with the Muscula?!"


    ****


    As Grizelle watched, the child, Desire, had a big smile on his face.


    He was currently ''running'' from the Muscula, who suddenly appeared and tried to attack him.


    No, he wasn''t really running but playing with the Muscula.


    And for the first time in his short life, Desire had a ridiculous thought.


    ''F-fighting is...fun.''


    Could Desire even call what he''s doing as fighting? Probably not. However, that doesn''t matter to Desire right now.


    He found fun in the fact that his life was always in constant danger when he was fighting.


    It was something an insane person would think of, but Desire really was having fun in having his life being in danger.


    As he dodged a punch coming from the big monster, Desire smiled a little bit.


    ''W-why...why can''t I wait to rip his insides out?''


    Desire didn''t know the answer to his question. It may be his nature, or it may be his instincts, or whatever it is.


    But Desire knows for sure that he himself wants it. It was quite the strange, bizarre, weird thing as he found himself having fun in finding danger in his life.


    Wanting to rip his opponent''s life out of him and having fun in the fighting. Desire, for sure, didn''t expect that these two feelings would come out of him.


    He kept dodging while having these two feelings, but that soon ended as the Muscula did something ridiculous.


    "Gagiii!!!" The Muscula screamed as he pounded his chest hard with two big fists.


    Right after that, his fists moved like a snake and as fast as the thunder.


    "Shit!" Desire shouted as he saw the fist right in front of him.


    For Desire, the fist that was moving as fast as the thunder was in slow motion.


    However...


    "Ahk!!" Desire let out a short scream as the fist hit him right in his face!


    Phew!!! The Muscula then threw Desire just by swinging his arm strongly!


    Blood flew in the air as Desire''s body collided with a tree!


    "Gaggiii!!" The Muscula shouted in joy as he saw Desire, not moving.


    Dum! Dum!


    The ground shook as the Muscula walked towards Desire.


    However, he soon stopped when he felt it.


    He felt something terrible was about to happen to him. After all, he was a monster with instincts so advanced that they could ''think.''


    And then his eyes fell to Desire, who stood up before he knew it.


    Desire''s hands were covering his face, and even the Krussi which he always held was in his face.


    There was nothing new about Desire, except that his face was a mess.


    However, the Muscula, who was jumping in joy when he hit Desire, was terrified.


    His instincts told him that there was something different with Desire.


    He just thought that it was because of the bloodied mess that Desire has become, but he couldn''t deny the power looming in the air.


    And while the Muscula was scared, Desire looked at the monster with wide open eyes.


    His voice was powerful and backed with intense killing intent!


    "You...!"


    Desire''s blue eyes pierced through the Muscula''s heart as the scene of red, blue, and gold mixed together.


    "I''ll kill you!!"

 Chapter 55: A short encounter

    "I''ll kill you!!" Desire''s harsh voice resounded out in the forest as he threatened the Muscula.


    Blood dripped from his nose, passing through his hand, and finally dropping on the ground.


    Seeing that kind of sight in front of him, the Muscula backed off as he cowered in fear.


    However, what happened next was something even Desire didn''t expect.


    Whoo. The wind blew as something moved very fast between the monster and the child.


    And before they could even turn their heads towards the source of the noise, a loud sound of something cracking could be heard in Desire''s direction.


    Crack!


    And when the Muscula moved his eyes towards Desire, he saw the child being held up by a woman.


    The woman''s hands were in the shape of something like a chopping tool, and it seems that she used her hands to make Desire pass out.


    However, the woman didn''t even take a look at the Muscula as she muttered while looking at Desire.


    "Crazy kid." The woman, Grizelle, shook her head as she clicked her tongue.


    "What is he even doing here?" Grizelle asked, but no one answered.


    After all, she was just the only human here. Even if there were monsters around, a Muscula isn''t the best partner for a conversation.


    It was then.


    "Gagi!!" The Muscula shouted when he realized what happened.


    He realized that Grizelle stole his prey right in front of him, and this made him angry.


    He pounded his chest with both of his hands while swaying his body left and right as he screamed.


    "Gagagagaga!!!"


    The Muscula then ran up to Grizelle with an intensity that Grizelle couldn''t see before.


    He trampled over the land with his big feet, and he crushed the trees on his way with his big hands!


    It was a show of the Muscula''s great strength!


    However...


    "Burn to ashes, Fire." Grizelle said as she moved her hand in front.


    The Muscula saw that movement and tried to avoid whatever would come his way from that hand.


    However, the attack didn''t come from Grizelle''s hand, but from the ground.


    Swoosh!!


    The land parted when a pillar of fire rose up from it, directly roasting the Muscula!


    However, that was not all.


    "Fire Lock." Grizelle murmured as she closed her hand that was pointing to the Muscula.


    And the fire pillar that rose up from the ground soon had something blocking them.


    It was another type of fire, but when the Muscula touched them, it felt like something solid and metal.


    And it prevented the Muscula from escaping at all.


    And this happened in the span of a second.


    "Giiii!!!!" The Muscula shouted as he tried getting out of the fire.


    Grizelle looked at that sight with cold eyes and waited for the Muscula to die.


    She didn''t have to deliver the finishing blow. After all, that would be a waste of time and effort.


    Well, considering that she just waited, it could be said that she wasted time as well.


    However, the real reason why she just observed the Muscula was something else entirely.


    "That''s odd." Grizelle said as she let down her hand.


    She then looked at Desire, and threw him away as if he were a piece of trash.


    Desire''s body flew and collided with a tree, but he didn''t wake up despite that.


    What was amazing was that the Krussi that his right hand held was still there.


    Grizelle clicked her tongue again when she remembered Desire''s reckless action.


    Well, she didn''t really need to care for Desire. Desire should be grateful that Grizelle saved him from a Muscula.


    As Grizelle turned her head towards the Muscula, she put her left hand to her chin as if she were thinking.


    "Why is it acting like this?" Grizelle murmured as she watched the Muscula burn to death.


    Grizelle has fought several Muscula herself way before coming here in the Muscula''s nest. After all, they were monsters that one could see anywhere.


    And what Grizelle noticed from them was that when a Muscula takes a certain amount of damage, they will start running for their lives.


    And Grizelle knew that the Muscula that she was facing right now had reached that certain amount of damage.


    That was why it was weird for Grizelle.


    "Why does it seem like this Muscula is trying to break the lock to attack me, and not for running?"


    The Muscula that should be running right about now was desperately trying to break out of the lock with fury and intensity.


    However, Grizelle couldn''t get her answer as the fire that she released finally melt the Muscula.


    His body, muscles, strength, and even life - it was all melted by the fire.


    Grizelle could see ashes flying in the air as the wind blew harsher than ever.


    "That was...weird." Grizelle muttered as she turned her head towards Desire.


    She then walked up to him with cold eyes and tried waking him up.


    "Hey! Hey, you!" Grizelle said as she rocked Desire''s body with her feet.


    Despite that, Desire didn''t move at all, let alone waking up.


    Grizelle shook her head once more as she tried calming herself. She was angry, but she just didn''t show it.


    After all, she was frustrated about how a fire or something like that didn''t accept her.


    And Desire just had to show up with a Muscula.


    It was frustration after frustration after frustration for Grizelle.


    That was why Grizelle stood up when she noticed that Desire wasn''t waking any time soon.


    She turned her head to look for her way and soon walked off towards her destination.


    However, just before she could pass a certain tree, she looked back at Desire.


    "At least..."


    Grizelle snapped her fingers twice, and a small, blue flame emerged right in front of her.


    "Go."


    Grizelle spoke, and the blue flame flew in the air as it went to Desire''s way.


    Grizelle then walked off again as she disappeared into the forest.


    Right...leaving Desire behind.


    ****


    Huff. Puff.


    Breathing roughly ever since he came to, Desire''s eyes were wide open.


    He woke up just a few seconds ago, and his brain wasn''t working right.


    He didn''t know what happened, and he still felt pain all over his body.


    Well, the worst injuries were on his face.


    "W-what happened?" Desire murmured as he touched his face with his hands.


    However, he couldn''t as he saw the Krussi in his right hand.


    "I didn''t drop it?"


    Desire knew what happened before he passed out. He knew that he was running after the Muscula, and something knocked him out.


    However, he didn''t expect that he would still hold the Krussi even after passing out.


    After all, it was already night when Desire woke up and regained his consciousness.


    Desire then carefully placed the Krussi on the ground before proceeding to wipe the blood on his face.


    However, it was dry.


    "Water." Desire murmured as he used magic to clean his face.


    The water magic he used was weak, and it was just right for cleaning.


    He was able to learn how to control the force quite naturally. It was when Jarina was teaching him about the cores and stuff that he knew he could control how much mana goes into the magic.


    It wasn''t long before Desire''s face could finally see the world again.


    However, his face wasn''t that pretty or normal.


    His nose was broken, and he had dark spots all over his face. That was not all.


    Some of his teeth were broken and were missing, making it look like Desire didn''t have any tooth at all!


    However, Desire didn''t mind that at all.


    His attention and focus were on just one thing.


    "What happened before I lost consciousness?"


    Desire remembered feeling something striking him before he went out cold. He also remembered how he acted, but that didn''t matter to Desire.


    "How could they just leave me here after doing something like that? That''s kinda..."


    Heartless. Desire thought as he looked at the mountain.


    It was spooky and dark, but Desire could still see. It was probably thanks to one of his skills.


    Either way, Desire didn''t plan to blame that unknown person. After all, he could understand why he/she had to do it.


    Meeting an unknown person in the middle of nowhere has some risks that could endanger one''s life.


    If Desire meets someone here, he would probably ignore or avoid that person.


    "It still hurts, but I should be fine." Desire murmured as he checked himself before standing up.


    He was planning to go back down the mountain as he still remembers the path he took.


    "It should be safer than staying here."


    That was what Desire thought when he made his decision.


    And as soon as he took a step towards the bottom of the mountain, something popped up in front of him.


    It was the unfamiliar Unknown, and what it said was...


    [The Monster is becoming stronger.]


    [The Human is too weak.]


    [Rank up the Human rank in one day, or Desire''s Vessel will be taken over.]

 Chapter 56: Wandering around

    [The Monster is becoming stronger.]


    [The Human is too weak.]


    [Rank up the Human rank in one day, or Desire''s Vessel will be taken over.]


    Desire read again and again what the Unknown has to say and immediately became flabbergasted.


    He didn''t expect something like this to show up or happen. After all, why should he worry about something like being taken over?


    Although he didn''t know the Monster or the Human part, it was just a ridiculous notion to be taken over.


    However, it''s not like Desire could just ignore the Unknown.


    "Vessel...is it me?"


    What Desire didn''t know is what exactly Desire''s Vessel was.


    Is it his body? Is it his mind? Is it his consciousness? Is it his soul?


    If Desire''s Vessel were taken over, would Desire die as a result? Would he be lost in the river called death?


    Either way, Desire didn''t know, and that was the vital point.


    "It means...I really have to rank up."


    Desire didn''t know what would happen to him if he doesn''t rank up, and that only increases the chances of him dying if ever the Vessel gets taken over.


    And Desire absolutely didn''t want to die at his young age. He had so many things to do now after remembering so many things and got himself a recording device.


    He also wanted to meet many more monsters and meet Percia again one more time.


    He wanted to stay with Jarina and the others and get to know his awkward master too.


    That was why dying was never an option for Desire.


    Although it may seem shallow, Desire was a baby just recently. Having something that he wants or having a goal is becoming something like a pillar to him.


    "Why does it have to happen now that I''m stuck in here?" Desire murmured as he plopped down to the ground.


    The problem for Desire is that he was stuck in this mountain called Muscula''s nest. He wasn''t sure if he could kill a Muscula alone.


    Even if he could run from the Muscula before, that doesn''t mean he could kill it.


    Even Desire didn''t know why he said that he would kill it.


    "That was probably due to this Monster..."


    Well, because of what the Unknown said, he could guess that it was probably thanks to the Monster becoming stronger.


    It was a no brainer for Desire as he could remember every detail that transpired if he has his consciousness.


    However, Desire didn''t have any clue why the Monster is becoming stronger. He didn''t even know about the Monster.


    "This is weird. Does anyone else have something like this?"


    Desire said as he made a promise to himself to ask either Jarina or Lionel about this.


    After all, even though he has no knowledge about the Monster, it would be safer for Desire if he has no problems inside of him.


    Right, he wanted to experience the thrill of having his life in danger in fighting, not due to some Monster that the Unknown told him.


    "Hah. I have no choice but to do it now, do I?"


    Desire murmured as he looked at his skills. Although he had the necessary foundation to fight now, he didn''t know how to.


    He had to know every single skill he has on his arsenal before fighting.


    After all, this would be his real fight for the first time ever in his life where he has to put an end to a life, not just run.


    However, no matter how much Desire looked at his skills, there was only one conclusion he would get.


    "I''m not...suited for fighting."


    The skills that he has were not suited for fighting. It was mostly for things that you could not use for fighting.


    However, if there were a boon, it would be that he could summon monsters to fight for him.


    It''s just that Desire didn''t want to use it. Desire didn''t want to rely on monsters again when he didn''t even know anything about them.


    And if you took all skills, except for the Authority that Desire has, magic is the only thing Desire can rely on for fighting.


    "Magic, huh? How are skills and magic different, anyway?"


    Desire shook his head when his thoughts went there. After all, it was not the time to speculate about things like that.


    Desire has something that he has to do before the sun goes down again.


    And that is to rank up the Human rank that he has.


    That was why he looked for ways of how to rank up the Human rank.


    He remembered how the Unknown knows how to increase both of the ranks up.


    [Human rank: Zero]


    Conditions to fulfill to increase Desire''s rank:


    -Experience points 150/100


    -Mastery of the art of running: 1/3 until satisfaction


    -Killing various monsters 0/100 (Depending on the strength of the monster, Desire could easily ignore the necessary amount)


    After he read it, Desire''s eyebrows went up as he spoke, "The details changed? Is it because of what I did earlier?"


    Desire assumed that his running from the Muscula gained him some experience points, and even the mastery of the art of running had some progress.


    Well, he didn''t really plan to master the art of running. He just did it because it was fun.


    The last part didn''t really change, so Desire didn''t mind it.


    Desire then looked at the path he took to get here before looking up at the mountain.


    He didn''t know where the Musculas were stationed or wandering, but Desire thought he would definitely find them if he went up the mountain.


    And so, he began climbing the mountain again with a worried look on his face.


    "Right, I hope I survive this." Desire murmured as he kept watch of his surroundings.


    Desire soon would know the answer to his hope as he took step after step into the mountain to stay alive.


    ****


    Huff. Puff.


    Desire was breathing roughly as he passed tree by tree with great effort.


    Desire''s body was full of sweat, and his clothes could be seen tainted by it.


    Even though the night was cold, Desire''s body sure was not as his sweat plopped down to the ground.


    Plak!


    Huff. Puff.


    Again, Desire breathed roughly as he passed another tree.


    However, he soon stopped as he felt his legs give up on him.


    "W-why..." He murmured as he sat down on the soil.


    "Why can''t I find a single Muscula?!" He shouted weakly as he remembered how his body was tired.


    Well, it was just because he couldn''t find any monsters for fighting and was endlessly wandering around.


    Desire couldn''t tell how much time has passed, but walking around for many minutes with no food or water has taken its toll on his body.


    What''s more, he was injured by the Muscula''s attack, and he also had body pains just before going here.


    It would be absurd if he could endure walking around a mountain for hours straight with no problems.


    "Haaah. Isn''t this the Muscula''s nest?! How come there isn''t any?!"


    Desire complained a little bit before shaking his head. He didn''t have to waste his energy more than he has to.


    However, it just wasn''t easy to find a monster in here. At least, that''s what Desire experienced in the past hour of walking.


    He wasn''t even confident in beating a monster before he went on this journey, and now, Desire was sure that he wouldn''t be beating one even if he meets a Muscula.


    It''s just that Desire wanted to meet one just for the sake of meeting one. After all, he already traveled a mountain just for meeting and fighting it.


    It was then.


    As Desire complained in his heart and tried saving energy for himself, a light suddenly intruded his field of vision.


    And it was in the direction of the sky. When Desire looked over it, his eyes widened to the brim.


    "S-shit. The sun is rising?!"


    The sun is rising, and that can only mean one thing. Desire has more or less half a day now to rank up.


    The situation was bad, and Desire was in the worst condition possible for a fight.


    However, Desire didn''t want to be taken over. After all, he didn''t know what that would do to him.


    And so, with his battered body and energy, he stood up and walked towards the mountain.


    His steps were slow, but Desire was sure that he was advancing. Advancing towards the top of the mountain where he thinks the Muscula would be located.


    It shouldn''t take Desire a long time to reach the top as he was almost there by the time he rested.


    Although he was super slow, Desire still did his best in climbing up the mountain.


    He went as fast as possible in his condition and always kept looking at his left and right to see any monsters he could kill.


    Right now, Desire wanted to kill any monster that he meets.


    His mind was focused on that thought as it emerged quite naturally with his mouth.


    "I''ll sweep this place clean...I''ll kill all of you motherfuckers!"

 Chapter 57: Cave

    As Desire kept walking and only focused on doing that, he soon reached the top of the mountain. It wasn''t anything grand or something like that.


    It was actually simple. Trees, sky, clouds, and anything you could find in a mountain was basically there.


    However, what Desire wanted to see was not this magnificent sight of nature.


    What he wanted was monsters, monsters, and more monsters. After all, he was getting desperate now that the sun has risen.


    Desire didn''t know the time limit because he lost consciousness, so he wanted to play it safe by accomplishing it as early as possible.


    That was why when Desire made sure that there were no monsters, he shouted with veins bulging in his throat.


    "Why are they not here?!"


    His eyes were bloodshot red as he scanned the area with his eyes almost out of their eye sockets.


    Although Desire was normally calm about things, he couldn''t stay calm after what he just went through just to kill some Muscula that no one wouldn''t even care about if they died.


    He walked with injuries on his face and body, which accumulated pain for him for hours.


    Desire was going hungry since he stayed on this mountain probably for more than a day now.


    He also didn''t have water to drink, and this was the most crucial thing for Desire. His throat was parched, and every time he spoke, his voice was hoarse.


    It would be insane if Desire could stay sane in his situation, even if he has the Heavenly Demon Trait.


    After all, not even your trait can help you keep calm when you''re literally about to face death.


    Right, if what he had on his body was not enough, the mental stress that he has about Desire''s Vessel also took a toll on his mind.


    He was literally battered both in mind, body and possibly even on his soul.


    "Hah. I can''t believe this shit." Desire said as he scanned the area once more.


    His steps were slow, and his body was swaying every time he took a step.


    Even though he was on the top of the mountain now, he still didn''t stop walking.


    He wanted to scan every part of the top of the mountain now that he was here. After all, it was weird that the mountain called Muscula''s nest didn''t have any Muscula on it at all.


    However, no matter how much Desire looked at the area, there were no monsters that he could see.


    It was a dumbfounded sight, and it incurred anger from Desire.


    Well, he was already angry ever since he arrived at the top of the mountain.


    Desire bit his lips, and because it was dry, blood flowed quickly. Desire didn''t mind it as he spoke with a harsh voice.


    "What the hell is going on with this god-forsaken mountain?! Is this really the Muscula''s nest?! Did Jarina lie to me or something?!"


    As Jarina was the one who told him about the mountain being the Muscula''s nest, she became the point of anger for Desire, who was frustrated.


    It was quite ugly of him to do so since Jarina was the one who took care of him.


    However, that soon ended when Desire''s eyes met with something interesting.


    "A hole?" Desire murmured as he narrowed his eyes.


    It was a hole, but it wasn''t on the ground. It was on the air, but Desire could tell that it was a hole or something like that.


    And when Desire walked towards it, he could finally understand why he thought it was a hole.


    "It''s a cave...but what is that?"


    It was a cave, and it was pretty big. The hole was the entrance of the cave, and the inside of the cave was dark.


    However, when you look at it from the outside, there was nothing that could make you think it is a cave.


    Why?


    "There are no walls?" Desire murmured as he looked at the spot where the hole was standing.


    Right, there were no walls, rocks, anything that could make up the cave around it.


    It was magical that there was a hole when there was no substance around it.


    After all, it wouldn''t be considered a hole if it was part of nothing in the first place.


    "Hmm." Desire said as he thought that it was interesting.


    After all, who wouldn''t have his interest piqued after seeing something like this?


    Even Desire, who didn''t care about things like mountains and caves, had his interest aroused.


    However, it wasn''t as if Desire could just enter it. Desire has many things to consider before even taking a foot inside of this mysterious hole.


    Would he go in just for the sake of going in? Would he go in despite knowing the risks?


    He took his time thinking about things like that, and because of that, he was able to calm down.


    He wasn''t in the state of being a time bomb anymore, and he was able to think things thoroughly.


    After all, his trait was still the Heavenly Demon Trait.


    And after he finished thinking, the first thing that came out of his mouth was about the thing that he said earlier in a fit of anger.


    "I better say sorry to Jarina."


    It was about how he almost cursed Jarina just because things were not going his way.


    "I can''t say that it is because of something else. That would be rude of me, after all."


    Desire nodded when he came to this conclusion, and he looked at the hole that was hanging in the sky.


    "I''ll enter it." Desire said as he finalized his decision.


    Even though Desire was in a rush, he needed to take his time to recover. After all, he didn''t even have the necessary strength to take down a Muscula.


    And he thought that there would be something in there that Desire could drink. After all, he couldn''t find any river or fruits in the forest with water.


    It would be better to take his chances in this cave.


    And so, Desire walked towards the cave with steady steps and a calm mind.


    ****


    Desire entered the cave without a problem. The cave looked the same when he looked at it from the outside: dark and spooky.


    When Desire looked at the top, he could see the ceiling of the cave.


    When Desire looked at the sides, he could see the walls made of rocks.


    It was quite weird as the cave didn''t have anything surrounding it from the outside, and Desire could feel that he didn''t go down or anything like that.


    The cave was a pathway that makes its walker go straight, so Desire was sure that the cave didn''t have any tricks on it.


    Well, the fact that it has no walls when looked at the outside is already a trick.


    Anyway, Desire continued walking for minutes. He didn''t stop even though it was scary as hell.


    Although he could see in the dark, it doesn''t change the fact that the cave was fear-inducing.


    Desire thought that the cave was long and huge, but it didn''t take him long to see the end.


    However, the end was so dark that Desire couldn''t see through it.


    "Light." Desire activated his skill as he held up his right hand.


    And the sight that showed itself blew Desire''s mind away.


    After all, it was something that he yearned for ever since he started walking.


    "Food?"


    Desire questioned its existence with a questioning look. After all, why would a cave that is at the top of the Muscula''s nest have food?


    What''s more, the food was something Desire had eaten before: bread and meat that has been roasted. There was water as well in the ground.


    Grrr. Desire''s stomach growled, but he didn''t move at all. He kept calm and controlled himself.


    However, when Desire examined the food, he found out that it was okay. Well, he didn''t know if it was poisoned, but Desire thought it should be fine.


    He ate it with great fervor. It didn''t take long for him to finish eating it, and he drank the water on the ground too.


    Although he did hesitate, it didn''t last for long.


    "Haaah. That was good." Desire said as he rubbed his small tummy.


    He plopped down on the ground to rest, and he felt refreshed as soon as he did. After all, this was his first rest ever since he started walking.


    This was also the first meal that he had ever since entering this mountain.


    However, he couldn''t continue his rest as something appeared in front of him.


    It was a small, blue fire that Desire hasn''t ever seen before.


    "What is this...?" Desire murmured as he brought his finger near the fire.


    The fire wasn''t hot, and it didn''t hurt Desire as he thought it would. After all, he knew what fire was. It wouldn''t make sense if he didn''t.


    "This is fun." Desire said as he brought his fingers to the fire, and the fire parted perfectly.


    He kept doing that for a minute with a smile on his face.


    However, everything changed when the blue fire got bigger.


    "What the¡ª?!"


    Desire was about to tilt his head, but the fire didn''t allow him that much leisure.


    Why?


    It was because the fire swallowed Desire''s head as it got bigger and bigger!


    "Arghh!!!!"


    Desire screamed as he felt the fire touch his skin, but no one answered it.


    Only his scream and the burning of skin and the sizzling of flesh could be heard in this lonely cave.

 Chapter 58: The fire that follows

    "Argh!!" Desire screamed when he saw the fire swallow his head up.


    The fire traveled through the sky, and Desire''s head was on its way, making Desire be inside it.


    "Water!" Desire shouted as he pointed both of his hands towards his face.


    Even if the fire were still on his face, spraying it with some water would kill it.


    Right, it usually would, but the blue fire in Desire''s head was stubborn, and it didn''t even shrink a little bit!


    This all happened in the span of a second, making Desire very confused.


    After all, the fire didn''t even lose a bit of its force as it continued burning him.


    Wait. Desire thought as he took his time to observe himself.


    And when another second passed, Desire finally murmured something as he touched the fire.


    "What the, it''s not...burning me?"


    The fire was still on his head, but it wasn''t burning him. He also touched it to make sure, but the fire was indeed not hurting him in any way possible.


    How is that possible?! Desire thought as he looked at the wonder in the form of the blue flame.


    However, his thinking was stopped when he heard the sizzling of skin and flesh just right behind him.


    When he turned his head, his eyes widened to the brim.


    "What the hell..." He murmured slightly as his eyes began to shake, and his arms began to flail.


    Desire even forgot about the fire that was stuck on his head! After all, it didn''t matter to him right now.


    His eyes were glued on the hand that was clearly reaching out to Desire.


    And when his eyes moved a little bit further, Desire could see a soulless body with its mouth wide open.


    That was not all.


    In the holes of the face, a fire could be seen burning every organ and vessel inside the body.


    In its mouth, ears, eyes, nose, and even the pores! It was so detailed that Desire found it disgusting!


    Desire was somehow feeling a little bit scared of it just because of its disgusting outward appearance.


    It was then.


    As Desire stared at the creature dazedly, his eyes soon witnessed a change.


    The creature moved forward slowly, but surely and its fingers were moving eerily.


    However, when the creature passed a certain point, the fire in Desire''s head departed from him and moved forward.


    Swoshhh!! The fire grew larger and larger until it swallowed the creature!


    Strangely enough, the creature didn''t struggle or made any noises when it was burning.


    It didn''t take for more than a minute for the creature to burn and turn into ashes.


    And Desire just watched it happen in silence. Well, his brain was currently thinking of various things right now.


    And when his eyes landed on the ground, he soon saw the small, blue flame about to die out.


    Whoo. The wind blew, and the fire disappeared with it.


    And as Desire stared at it while activating his Light Skill, he spoke while tilting his head.


    "What the hell was that?"


    Desire didn''t know what happened at all. First, a fire swallowed him, but it didn''t even burn him.


    That was beyond weird, and then something like a monster appeared behind him.


    And if that wasn''t enough, the fire on his head began to burn the monster in an instant.


    At the very least, this was something that Desire didn''t expect.


    "Did that fire protect me?"


    If Desire took a look at it from another''s perspective, the fire definitely tried to protect Desire from the monster.


    However, Desire didn''t know any reason why a fire should protect him. He didn''t even know there was a fire protecting him.


    "Jarina? Lionel?" Desire shook his head after murmuring those words.


    Desire knew that Jarina and Lionel weren''t really people who use fire magic or fire skills.


    That was why it was confusing for Desire.


    ''Just who would put a fire on me?''


    Desire contemplated for a long time, but he didn''t get an answer. He even speculated that something happened while he was out.


    It was then.


    As Desire continued to think about possible answers and solutions to his question, something appeared in front of him.


    The place was dark after the fire burned out, and the Light Skill of Desire was still weak, so the thing that appeared was easy to see.


    After all, it was a fire.


    And this fire caught Desire''s attention as Desire looked over it with interest.


    "A small, red fire?" Desire murmured as he observed the fire.


    There wasn''t anything unusual to it, but the fact that it was burning without burning anything was strange.


    Desire had his guard up because of what happened earlier, but he soon decided that the fire wouldn''t do him harm.


    After all, the first blue fire saved him, no matter how it looked.


    That was why Desire decided to touch the fire. And as he touched the fire, he soon found out that it didn''t burn or hurt him in any way possible that a fire could.


    "It''s the same..."


    Desire already expected that he wouldn''t get hurt by the fire, thanks to the blue fire that appeared and killed a monster.


    "Hmm." Desire murmured as he moved his fingers through the fire.


    Desire found it fun to touch the fire without being burned. His eyes reflected the light coming out of the fire as he observed the fire with interest.


    He tried to figure out the origin of the small, red fire, but as expected, nothing came to his mind.


    It was then.


    As Desire continued enjoying his time with the fire, he soon remembered what he had to do.


    After all, Desire still had the time limit on that ranking up.


    "Where is the exit..." Desire murmured as he took off his finger from the fire.


    Although Desire couldn''t figure out the origin or identity of the fire, he wasn''t obsessed over it.


    Desire stood up as he looked at his surroundings. It was still the same dark cave, but Desire had a different opinion about it now.


    After all, he got what he wanted to find in this cave; water. And he even got some bonus that came in the form of food.


    That was also the reason why staying longer than necessary isn''t exactly the best decision to make in his situation.


    After all, his life is still threatened right now by that something that could take over him.


    "Hah." Desire sighed as he took a furtive glance at the fire.


    Although he knew that it wasn''t the same with the fire that saved him, Desire came to think it was the same.


    That was why he wanted to find the origin of this fire. He wanted to know who saved him in that dangerous situation.


    Well, there''s nothing he can do now, and Desire knows that.


    And so, with that kind of feeling, Desire took his first step to go out of the cave.


    ****


    As Desire left the cave with questions unanswered, he soon meets with the sky with the sun over its head.


    Desire was happy about how he was able to eat and made something out of his journey inside the cave.


    That was why he had a smile on his face. However, that smile soon completely disappeared as he looked at the cave again.


    "Why..." Desire murmured as his eyes focused only on one thing.


    No...could Desire even describe it as a thing? After all, the thing that Desire was looking at, for Desire, could be described as a living being.


    It was the fire that he saw emerged from nothingness in the cave.


    "Why is it following me now?" Desire''s face was completely that of a bored one as he spoke those words.


    Although the fire that followed him was indeed magical, it is no use to Desire as of now.


    What''s more, it was even annoying for Desire that it was following him.


    Desire could ignore the fire, but he didn''t want to ignore it.


    After all, there was the possibility that the one who saved him might find him this way. And if ever he shooed the fire away, the person who saved him might get offended.


    Well, he just wanted to ask how to make a fire like this one.


    "I don''t really have the time for this..." Desire murmured as he whipped his head back to the mountain.


    What he said was right. He didn''t have the time to pay attention to something he didn''t know.


    However, it was obvious that the fire wouldn''t have an answer for him. It wouldn''t tell Desire why it was following him or anything like that.


    It''s not as if the fire would suddenly grow a mouth and a brain just because it was acting like a living being would.


    That was why, in the end, Desire walked off while having a fire follow him.


    And so, the weird combination of a child and fire walked off to find some monsters in the area.

 Chapter 59: Dungeon of Spirit of Fire

    Desire was currently looking for monsters at the top of the mountain. Desire was walking slowly so he wouldn''t miss anything that he could possibly miss.


    However, all he could see was the scenery at the top of the mountain. It was pretty, but Desire didn''t know any spots where he could see the true beauty of the mountain.


    Well, even if he did know, he wouldn''t really go there just to see the true beauty of the mountain.


    What he wanted to see was the spot in the mountain where he could see monsters and more monsters.


    It didn''t matter how many monsters or Muscula would be there as long as Desire could find one.


    However, no matter how much Desire looked around, the result was the same when he went up the mountain.


    And that was he couldn''t find any monsters at all.


    "Just where are they? This is getting strange..." Desire spoke as he put a hand on his chin.


    One could see behind his back that the fire was still following him. It seems it was determined to follow Desire no matter where he went.


    The fire didn''t really matter to Desire right now as he kept thinking seriously.


    ''I haven''t met any Muscula except for that one time...''


    Desire certainly didn''t see or interacted with a Muscula ever since he ran into that Muscula one time.


    And that fact was weird for Desire.


    After all, monsters would have their own hideouts, homes, and traces all over the place if they were living in a mountain, forest, or anywhere else.


    With his calm and collected mind, Desire could definitely say that this place has nothing like that.


    He was so confident in what he speculated that he could say that the Muscula''s nest wasn''t really the Muscula''s nest.


    "Hah...Jarina, just why?" Desire murmured as he looked at the sky once more.


    Even though he could speculate that this place was not the Muscula''s nest, Jarina''s words weren''t something Desire could just deny.


    After all, she emphasized that this place was the Muscula''s nest.


    He also couldn''t deny the fact that he met a Muscula twice in the same day.


    It''s just that he was having a hard time meeting a Muscula when it mattered. And that was frustrating Desire.


    It was then.


    As Desire kept thinking with his crumbled face, he soon shook his head.


    "They''re definitely here." Desire''s certainty could be heard in his words as his eyes turned sharper.


    Desire was sure that monsters or Muscula were just wandering around here. Although he couldn''t find anything that could support his statement, the trust that he has in Jarina was enough for him.


    His instincts and his Heavenly Demon Trait were also sure of it as he found the place odd.


    After all, if it were normal, he wouldn''t find it strange or anything like that.


    It was then.


    As Desire thought of how the place was strange, his eyes widened to the brim.


    After all, if there were strange, only one thing would come to Desire''s mind.


    That was why he whipped his head back towards where he came from, and he instantly knew what it was.


    "So it was that place!"


    His body moved faster than his brain as he ran with his eyes focused on only one thing.


    His speed was inhumanly fast. However, he couldn''t escape from the fire that was following him.


    It was then.


    As he kept running, his eyes finally saw the thing that he was looking for, and he shouted as he jumped from one tree to another.


    "The cave!"


    And the fire behind him smiled a little bit as it kept swaying in the air.


    ****


    Huff. Puff.


    Desire was breathing roughly with his hand on his chest when he arrived in front of the cave.


    Even though the distance he covered when he searched for monsters wasn''t much, he had to run all the way back here, which made him exhausted.


    The cave was still the same; it only had a big hole for one to identify it was a cave.


    Well, Desire sure didn''t know if this were a cave or something like that.


    "I got here, but what do I do..."


    Although Desire suspected that the cave had something to do with him not being able to find any monsters, he didn''t have anything or a clue to work to move forward.


    Well, except for one thing.


    "It''s you, aren''t you..."


    Desire''s eyes moved to the side as he noticed the fire ''walk'' in the air.


    This fire came out of nowhere while Desire was inside the cave.


    That was the only reason Desire knew that the fire was somehow connected to his situation.


    "Hah. This is stupid..." Desire spoke as he brought his finger to the fire.


    After all, it''s not like the fire would suddenly tell him or assist him or even be the boss that he has to beat to move forward.


    This wasn''t a game or something like that, and a fire is a fire even if it is behaving like a living being.


    "I wonder if Unknown knows anything about this..." Desire said as he moved his finger while inside the fire.


    His voice was weak as his last option was to rely on unknown


    In fact, he didn''t want to rely on Unknown just because he was in a tight spot.


    Well, Unknown was basically the one who put him in this situation but still, Desire didn''t want Unknown to interfere.


    However, it seems his wish wouldn''t come true as something appeared in front of him.


    Although he wasn''t still used to it, Desire knows that it was the Unknown about to say something.


    And what it stated was the following...


    [Desire has officially entered the Dungeon of the Spirit of Fire.]


    [The Spirit of Fire is extremely attracted to Desire''s Vessel and Potential.]


    [Prove to the Spirit of Fire that you are worthy of its attention.]


    [Clear the Dungeon of the Spirit of Fire.]


    [Time left until Desire''s Vessel is taken over: 5 hours.]


    [Time left until the Dungeon closes down: 5 hours.]


    And the message of the Unknown blew Desire''s mind as he stared at it dazedly.


    His mind didn''t know what to think, and his mouth didn''t know what to say, but his eyes...his eyes moved to stare at the fire flying in the air.


    And whether to mock Desire or not, the fire had something like a mouth as it smiled.


    However, that smile seems to be nothing to Desire as he spoke.


    "So it was you. I never thought I entered a Dungeon."


    Desire then looked at the cave, no, at the Dungeon where he supposedly entered.


    Although this situation may be dangerous, Desire didn''t think of it as so.


    After all, he knew that the fire has no intentions of killing him.


    He just has to clear it, kill some monsters to rank up, and he would be fine.


    Right...he would be fine after he does all that work.


    "I''ll clear this in under an hour."


    As he began to walk to enter the cave, the fire saw it all as it watched with its non-existent eyes.


    Whoo!


    With no wind blowing, the fire became bigger as it followed Desire into the Dungeon.


    ****


    As Desire walked through the Cave one more time, he found that nothing really changed.


    Well, Desire expected that nothing would change in it in such a short amount of time.


    However, what he didn''t expect was that there was something different to it now.


    Desire didn''t know what it was exactly. After all, he just felt that the cave was somehow different.


    "I said I''ll clear it, but what do I need to do to clear a Dungeon?"


    For Desire, he didn''t know anything about a Dungeon. Even though Lionel taught him about Dungeons, he didn''t give Desire much details about it.


    Desire knew that all he has to do was to kill a Dungeon Lord. However, he didn''t know what to do to get to the Dungeon Lord.


    In other words, he didn''t know the basics of the Dungeon.


    However, it seems he didn''t have to worry about that as the fire ''stepped up'' in front of Desire.


    "Hmm? What is it now?" Desire asked, but of course, the fire didn''t answer him.


    The fire then moved in a specific way that seems to urge Desire to follow him.


    "Are you telling me to follow you?"


    And then the fire moved as if it were nodding his head.


    It was quite a mysterious happening, but to Desire, it didn''t matter.


    Desire also nodded his head as he walked towards the fire.


    "So, where do we go?"


    The fire then looked as if it were turning its head around and ''walked'' in the sky as it led Desire around.


    Desire also followed the fire quietly as he knew that it would be best if he were to follow its instructions.


    After all, it was the fire that was attracted to him.


    At least, Desire was sure that it was the Spirit of Fire that was attracted to him.

 Chapter 60: Weird Door

    As Desire and the fire continued walking throughout the cave, Desire soon found out that the cave has many pathways.


    After all, the duo of fire and child turned many corners while walking. In Desire''s first visit to this Dungeon, he only followed a single path to get to the place where he found his food and water.


    Although it didn''t seem much of important detail, Desire knows that knowing the layout of a Dungeon is important.


    It could save his life in a critical moment, and it could also be counted as something that could help him make a decision.


    Either way, Desire was thankful to know that there were also other pathways.


    "How long do we need to continue walking?" Desire asked no one in particular with a bit of annoyance in his voice.


    It had been for a long time that they walked in this cave, but they still didn''t reach their destination.


    It was quite harsh on Desire as he just replenished his stamina and water.


    He already wasted a bit of that stamina when he went outside of the Dungeon to look for monsters.


    That was why Desire thought that it would be best if they were able to get to their destination much faster.


    However, the fire still didn''t answer Desire as it just continued to float in the air.


    It was to the point that Desire thought that it was a bad decision for him to follow the fire.


    "Hah. Time." Desire spoke as his eyes witnessed a change in front of him.


    He still wasn''t used to this setting, but he was able to adjust to it rather quickly than normal.


    What Desire called for was the time left he has before he would be taken over and the time he has left for clearing this Dungeon.


    And what the Unknown has for him was...


    [Time left until Desire''s Vessel is taken over: 4 hours and 24 minutes]


    [Time left until the Dungeon closes down: 4 hours and 24 minutes]


    Desire only had 4 hours and 24 minutes left to clear this Dungeon and rank up. Although it may seem such a long time, for Desire, who didn''t know anything in this Dungeon, it was a short amount of time.


    ''Hmm...I wonder why they have the same time frame?'' Desire thought as he took a glance at the fire.


    When he confirmed that the fire was still in front of him, he moved his eyes back to the Unknown before thinking.


    ''Is it a coincidence?'' Desire thought, but he soon disapproved of what he thought as he shook his head.


    After all, it was too sketchy that it would be a coincidence. The Monster who wants to take over Desire''s Vessel, and the Spirit of Fire who is interested in Desire''s Vessel and Potential...


    ''Are they the same?''


    It was more than likely that they were the same creature or being. However, Desire thought that it was just weird and strange for it to be the same creature.


    Taking over Desire''s Vessel and being interested in it are two completely different things.


    And it wouldn''t even end with just their difference. After all, the latter part, interested in Desire''s Vessel and Potential, seems to be more positive than the first one.


    "Huuuu." Desire sighed as he closed his eyes and thought about how it was not the time to work his head over something like this.


    It wasn''t appropriate of him to think about this when something in this Dungeon could come out and kill him now.


    He still hadn''t forgotten about the incident of a blue fire burning a monster, which led to him being safe from that monster''s attack.


    It would be pretty stupid for Desire if he let his guard down here.


    It was then.


    As Desire kept thinking about such things while walking, the fire seems to have found its destination as it flared up quite strongly.


    "Woah!" Desire put up a hand over his face and his other hand was dripping wet with water magic.


    Although he knew that the fire wouldn''t hurt him, it was just his instinctual reaction towards something.


    It was proof that he now has his guard up for anything possible to happen.


    "You surprised me...what is it now?"


    Desire asked, but he didn''t expect an answer. Instead, he expected the fire to make some sign or signal.


    And he was right. The fire then made something like a hand and urged Desire to come over beside it.


    Desire just calmly followed the fire''s instructions, and when he was beside the fire now, his eyes widened like a firework.


    "What the hell happened?!" Desire shouted as he back off some steps in a fluster.


    After all, when he walked, there was nothing in front of him. He was sure of it as he remembers every single detail about the Dungeon, thanks to his Heavenly Demon Trait.


    And what appeared when he was beside the fire was a huge black door.


    The door was tall and grand that Desire could feel something just from the look of it.


    However, when Desire took a closer and better look at it, he noticed that it didn''t have any room beyond the door.


    It was a door in the middle of nowhere, and the path continues on.


    "What the hell...?" Desire''s confusion grew as he checked the sides and noticed that the door didn''t entirely block the way.


    What the hell is the door for? Desire thought as he looked at the fire.


    However, what the fire did was something he didn''t expect at all.


    Why?


    It was because it grew something like an arm and urged Desire to enter the door like a gentleman.


    "Are you saying that I should enter this door to clear the Dungeon?" Desire asked, and once again, the fire signaled its confirmation to Desire''s question.


    It seems that Desire has to enter this door to clear the Dungeon.


    Desire looked at the door up and down as if to measure its scale.


    His eyes were shaking, and one could see that he was nervous at the thought of going in.


    However, it wasn''t as if he was scared of this huge black door.


    It was just that he didn''t know anything about it. And for some reason, Desire knew that once he steps in, he wouldn''t be able to get back out unless he finishes what he started inside.


    It was then.


    As Desire continued to be stuck in his spot, the fire soon touched Desire''s back.


    Although it didn''t hurt or anything like that, Desire could still feel that the hotness that the fire has.


    "Hah. Do I really have to enter it?" Desire sighed as he asked once more.


    His hopes were crushed and beaten down to the ground as the fire ''nodded'' its head again.


    It seems it wouldn''t take no for an answer as it pushed Desire slightly.


    Desire then looked at the door with a bit of a determined look. After all, if Desire has to do it, it would be better to do it now.


    And so, while being backed and cheered by the fire behind him, Desire entered the door...well, not really.


    "Wait, how do I open it?" Desire whipped his head back to the fire as he asked.


    After all, it was a huge door that Desire was sure he wouldn''t have the necessary strength to open it.


    Even if he does use some of his magic, it just won''t work.


    And for that problem, the fire''s ''arm'' soon extended out towards the door.


    Another arm grew out of its body, and it continued extending until both of them were on the doors.


    "Wow..." Desire murmured an exclamation as he saw the fire''s work.


    It was exceedingly beautiful, after all.


    ''Is that how it is to be one with nature...?'' Desire thought, but he couldn''t finish it as the fire soon opened the door.


    Whoosh!!


    Despite the size of the door, it didn''t make much of shaking, and Desire could only hear the wind blowing.


    It didn''t take much time for the fire to open up the door, and Desire could peek inside.


    It was weird as to how the door had a room after it opened, and the pathway was still the same.


    However, what he saw was just eerie darkness that seems to have prevented him from seeing what was inside.


    And when Desire looked back at the fire which now had his arms back to its body, Desire made up his mind.


    ''I guess I''ll enter it.''


    With a little bit of uneasiness, Desire walked off towards the inside of the door.


    His speed was quite fast even though he was just walking. And soon, his figure disappeared, and the fire just watched Desire enter the door.


    The fire didn''t follow Desire like it used to do before.


    It was then.


    As the fire continued floating in the air, another pillar of fire growing out of it could be seen taking something out of its body.


    It didn''t take long for its ''arm'' to take out that something and the fire''s arm just dropped it to the ground before returning back.


    Well, it didn''t really drop to the ground as it continued floating.


    When the fire ''looked'' at the thing in front of it, it saw a small, blue flame floating in the air.


    It was the flame that protected Desire before.

 Chapter 61: Cat fight!

    The small, red fire just looked at the small, blue fire as if it were normal. However, everything changed when the small, blue fire flickered.


    The small, blue fire went on and off as if someone were trying to blow a candle but couldn''t get it right.


    The small, blue fire continued flickering until it completely vanished.


    And the small, red fire was all alone in this cave. However, it seems that it didn''t mind it too much as another small pillar of fire emerged from it.


    It was its ''arm'' that is used to take out the small, blue fire.


    The small, red fire''s arm lowered as if it were trying to give something to the air.


    After all, the small, blue fire was now gone.


    The small, red fire couldn''t give something to someone or something that is gone from its presence.


    However, the small, red fire wasn''t trying to give something to the small, blue fire.


    It was then.


    As the pillar of fire opened up a little bit, something parted from the pillar of fire.


    It was another type of fire, but this fire was certainly different from the one floating right now.


    It was calm and shiny as if it were a marble made out of fire.


    No, it could be said that it was a marble indeed.


    And that marble of fire soon flew to the air as the small red fire pushed it away.


    It was unknown who it was for, but it seems that the small red fire didn''t mind it as it pulled back its pillar of fire.


    The small, red fire just watched the marble of fire continue flying until it finally disappeared from its ''eyes.''


    The small, red fire then ''turned'' at the huge, black door. It was still open, and it didn''t disappear as it waited for the small, red fire to enter.


    Judging that the time was right for it to enter, the small, red fire soon followed Desire inside the door.


    The marble of fire and the small, red fire parted ways.


    ****


    While Desire was finding monsters way back in time, there was a group of people climbing the Muscula''s nest.


    It was a group of three women and a man. They were all good-looking, and each member of the group had a certain degree of dignity in their persona.


    However, half of the people here are monsters, which are feared by normal people in the world.


    The monsters were Jarina and Teresa while the other two were Grizelle and Gladior.


    And the mood that they had while they were climbing wasn''t the best.


    In fact, it was the worst mood to have while climbing a dangerous mountain.


    "I can''t believe someone would attack a child just because she felt scared."


    Jarina spoke as she kept her eyes open while looking at the surroundings.


    "I saved him. I wonder, what are you talking about?"


    Grizelle spoke as she too looked at the sides while looking for the one she ''saved'' before.


    "Saved? If leaving him out cold in the open in a dangerous place is saving, you did save him."


    "I prevented a monster from killing him because he was too excited. Isn''t that what you call saving?"


    The only reason the two of them were arguing was that when Jarina met Grizelle, Grizelled talked about meeting a child.


    Jarina immediately asked about the child who Grizelle met and suspected it was Desire right away.


    Well, there wouldn''t be many crazy people who would let their children roam in the Muscula''s nest after all.


    Anyway, Jarina didn''t like how Grizelle just interrupted Desire''s fight.


    She believed in Desire that he would be able to win. After all, she let him here in the Muscula''s nest all alone as she was sure that Desire could triumph over those monsters.


    What''s more, Grizelle just left Desire knocked out in the middle of nowhere in the Muscula''s nest.


    It wouldn''t be weird if Desire were dead by now.


    However, Grizelle told Jarina that she let out some defensive spell for Desire that would protect him while he was unconscious.


    That, at the very least, helped Jarina calm down and stop in her tracks when she was about to attack Grizelle and look for Desire in a fluster.


    The Suckus and Lionel wouldn''t want Jarina to do that as this place may have some masters roaming around.


    After all, Jarina was strong, but weak and was inexperienced. She still didn''t know how to fight properly yet.


    Anyway, Jarina still couldn''t forgive Grizelle for exposing Desire to danger, which is the reason why she''s in a bad mood right now.


    "You better pray. If Desire isn''t where you left him..."


    It was then.


    As Jarina was about to threaten Grizelle, Teresa, who was staying quiet the whole time they were walking, spoke up.


    "Miss! That seems a bit improper and rude, doesn''t it?"


    Teresa''s voice revealed her annoyance at Jarina and even had some anger in it.


    It seems she didn''t like how Jarina was offending Grizelle, considering that they were allies.


    After all, it was true that both parties were in an alliance.


    However, strangely enough, Gladior was the one who stepped up for Jarina as he spoke with respect and caution.


    "No, no, Young miss is right. Milady shouldn''t have left that boy alone when he was knocked out in this dangerous mountain."


    Teresa whipped her head to look at Gladior with a calm face. It was the kind of face that you wouldn''t expect from someone who was shouting angrily earlier.


    "Please don''t mind it. It was our fault for letting him go in here without anyone with him."


    If you think about it, it was Jarina''s fault for letting Desire to go without someone to supervise him.


    It was just too dangerous of an act to let a child go in without a guardian. What''s more, they could have prevented this whole mess just by having someone with Desire.


    However, it seems that Jarina didn''t believe in that as she spoke while facing in front.


    "Desire doesn''t need anyone with him! It was just his bad luck to meet with this...woman." Jarina glanced at Grizelle, who was also looking in front.


    What Jarina said was what she truly believed. However, sometimes, trusting too much may backfire on you, as Grizelle explained the situation calmly.


    "That kid was hit in the face by a Muscula. However, he was still fine, and he was even able to get up after that."


    Grizelle then turned her head to look at Jarina with some pity in her eyes.


    "Do you want him to waste his potential just for the sake of killing a Muscula?"


    Jarina turned her head towards Grizelle when she understood what Grizelle was talking about.


    She then murmured as she imagined Desire wasting his potential.


    "What...?"


    Her face immediately turned grim and dark as she thought about how it would be her fault if ever Desire becomes a cripple.


    There is a popular occurrence in the world of fighting where young ones who have potential would use all their potential in a life-threatening situation.


    Just to save their lives in the present day, those young ones who have potential would dry that potential to bring out the power in them to fight back, wasting it all and having no future.


    What was worse was that those young geniuses wouldn''t even be aware that they would be wasting their potential.


    And that occurrence was quite similar to how Desire was able to stand back up even though a Muscula could kill a rank five monster if given a chance.


    If anything, Grizelle should be thanked by Desire, who stopped him from wasting his potential in one go.


    "That''s right. Think about it before you talk, Young miss." Grizelle spoke her last words as if she were mocking Jarina.


    Well, she was really mocking Jarina and was daring her to talk back after what she explained.


    However, Jarina wasn''t able to talk back and only bit her lips as she imagined it once again.


    It was quite weird that her calm and collected mind would be shaken up just because it would be her fault if someone would be a cripple.


    However, it was understandable if that someone was Desire. After all, Desire was really the only person Jarina counts on, except for her parents.


    Even Teresa was just like an acquaintance to Jarina. That was why knowing it would be her fault if ever Desire dies or becomes a cripple is enough to shock her.


    However, as if what she said to Jarina wasn''t enough, Grizelle spoke with widened eyes.


    "H-he''s not here?!"


    Grizelle walked a little bit faster to get to the spot where she remembered she put Desire to rest.


    Although almost a day has already gone by since then, Desire shouldn''t be able to walk around in that condition of his.


    The people with her also ran and quickly asked her when they caught up with Grizelle.


    No, it was just Jarina who asked.


    "He''s not here?! What do you mean by that!"


    Her voice was rough, and her face was distraught.


    For the second time, Jarina was in a fluster for Desire.

 Chapter 62: Daughter of the Fire King

    "Calm down." Teresa touched Jarina''s shoulder softly as she spoke with a gentle voice.


    She understood how Jarina felt right now as she always felt like this every time danger is on the Suckus race.


    Moreover, it''s not like Desire would be back just because they were in a panic.


    Of course, Jarina knows this, too, as she calmed herself down as she breathed in and out.


    Jarina then looked at Teresa with a smile and spoke with a voice of gratitude.


    "Thank you."


    Teresa smile when she heard Jarina''s simple thanks. It was enough for her, after all.


    Teresa didn''t reply as she didn''t have to as she already made Jarina feel her feelings.


    And when Jarina looked back to Grizelle, she saw Grizelle''s face, which was clearly looking down on her.


    "I can''t believe you would lose your mind over something like this."


    ''Tsk. Tsk,'' Grizelle shook her head once more as if she really didn''t believe what she saw.


    However, Jarina ignored what she said as she spoke with dignity. After all, she didn''t have to mind what Grizelle has to say.


    "I don''t feel or see any defensive spell here. It only means one thing; there''s no monster who attacked Desire."


    Jarina couldn''t feel the defensive spell that Grizelle once told her about, which made her sure that Desire wasn''t here.


    She was also sure that Desire wasn''t attacked by a monster because there were no traces of such an event happening.


    "That''s right. It looks like he moved to a different location already." Grizelle spoke with no interest at all.


    It seems she didn''t like how Jarina didn''t react to her provocation.


    It was quite childish if you think about how they were fine ladies now.


    "Do you think you could find him with your spell?" Jarina asked Grizelle as she looked at the top of the mountain with worrying eyes.


    Even if she calmed down now, it isn''t as if she isn''t worrying anymore for Desire.


    "I can, but..."


    Grizelle trailed off her words as she closed her eyes.


    She focused on trying to feel her magic. However, no matter what she did, it just wouldn''t respond to her.


    Normally, she would be able to feel the fire magic that she cast on someone or someplace.


    She could do something as simple as that as she was that good of a magician.


    Her potential and powers leave other magicians in the dust that she was in a league of her own.


    That was why it was weird for her not to feel anything at all when it was just yesterday that she set her magic up.


    What''s more, she was sure that Desire and the defensive spell was still existing on the mountain.


    After all, there''s no way they wouldn''t notice Desire going out of the mountain.


    "The defensive spell that I set up was the Fire Follower. It would keep up with the person who is the subject of protection."


    Grizelle spoke as she opened her eyes again.


    The other three people didn''t speak as they waited for Grizelle''s explanation.


    After all, she would be the only one to know about the magic that she used the most.


    "It also gives me its exact location, no matter how far it is from me. However, the one that is with the kid is..."


    When Grizelle trailed off her words, Jarina''s throat gulped down some of her saliva.


    She was nervous about the next words that Grizelle would speak.


    As Jarina had a sharp mind on her head, she knew what the answer or next words would be.


    Unknowingly, Jarina''s mouth parted as she spoke at the same time as Grizelle.


    "I can''t feel the defensive spell."


    "You can''t feel it..."


    The mood immediately became dark, and the atmosphere became heavy.


    However, that was only true for Teresa, who knew Desire somewhat, and Jarina, who knew Desire personally.


    The other two people, Gladior and Grizelle, didn''t have a connection or relationship with Desire, so they were a bit fine with all this.


    If anything, it was the fact that they were allies with the Suckus now that they were trying to help them find Desire.


    They don''t feel sorry or any guilt at all as they don''t need to have those. Well, they didn''t really feel sorry about what happened with Desire.


    After all, this was a cruel world, and a cruel world kills anyone who is naive and dumb.


    And Grizelle learned that the hard way.


    That was why she closed her heart when that time happened to her.


    She didn''t let herself feel any emotions. Heck, she didn''t even let her face show happiness, sadness, or anything at all.


    Even if it sounds simple, it is not. After all, your face would move or form naturally. You don''t control what kind of face you make unless you have the body control skill.


    Your face was also dependent on your emotions. And Grizelle stopped all that with just her willpower.


    That was how harsh Grizelle was on herself just to learn how to stay alive in this cruel world.


    And it worked for her. She survived many trials and ordeals until she was able to get here and live until she had the chance to strike back.


    But...why is it that Grizelle''s eyes right now were quite wet as she looked at the sky?


    Her eyelashes were shining and reflecting light unnaturally.


    Grizelle then blinked her eyes as she couldn''t believe what her eyes were seeing right now.


    "What..." A small murmur escaped her small mouth as her legs began to shake.


    It wasn''t much, but she was definitely shaking.


    "Milady?" Gladior asked out of concern for Grizelle when he noticed what was happening to her.


    And hearing Gladior made the other two women look at Grizelle.


    And they immediately became shocked. After all, Grizelle has never shown any emotion ever since they met.


    Although she did respond sometimes, it just felt robotic. She even beats Jarina, who sometimes become emotional.


    That was why they couldn''t believe their eyes.


    After all, Grizelle was crying.


    Right, she was crying even though she didn''t intend to cry.


    And Grizelle murmured once more, not minding the stares she was receiving from the sides.


    "That''s..."


    Her longing eyes took in the reflection of a marble of fire flying in the air.


    The marble of fire was flying ever so slowly, but it was surely moving to somewhere. And that somewhere was to Grizelle.


    And when the others saw the marble of fire, they tilted their heads as confusion took over them.


    After all, how would they know about a fire that showed up out of nowhere?


    However, they couldn''t observe the marble of fire any longer as Grizelle moved quickly to take away the marble of fire.


    She disappeared from her spot as she moved with all her power!


    She even used magic in the area to prevent someone from taking the marble of fire.


    Jarina squinted her eyes when Grizelle used her magic. Although she didn''t know why Grizelle would suddenly act like this, she could feel the insane amount of strength coming from the marble of fire.


    However, she didn''t plan to interfere when Grizelle was the faster one among them.


    In cases like these, where one finds a treasure or power, the one who finds it is the one who keeps it.


    And Grizelle certainly fits that criteria.


    It was then.


    As Jarina watched it all, the marble of fire suddenly disappeared from the air, and Grizelle reappeared in her spot with the marble of fire in her hand.


    As if she were in slowed time, Teresa began to react.


    "What happened...?"


    She didn''t know what happened at all. After all, what happened was too weird even for her.


    It was then.


    Gladior suddenly ran up to Grizelle, who was holding the marble of fire as if it were the most precious thing existing in the world.


    "Milady!" Gladior spoke with his eyes widened to the brim.


    If there were someone else who knows about the identity of the marble of fire, except for Grizelle, it would be Gladior.


    After all, it was something that belonged to his old master.


    "Milady! Is that...?!"


    It was then.


    When Gladior finally reached Grizelle in a hurry, something mysterious happened to Grizelle.


    To be exact, it was Grizelle''s left hand, which wasn''t the one holding the marble of fire.


    Swooosh!


    It was a fire that suddenly erupted, but even though he was near Grizelle, Gladior didn''t feel the heat.


    However, no one could deny the strength of the fire coming out of Grizelle right now!


    It penetrated the sky as it continued rising, and even Jarina had to protect herself from the shockwave!


    The fire was that intense.


    However, that was not all that happened.


    While Grizelle''s left arm was blazing hot from the fire that erupted, her right hand holding the marble of fire soon erupted another type of fire.


    If the fire erupting from her left arm was wild and free, the fire that came out of her right hand was soft and smooth.


    However, despite the fire that seems to burn everything was on her body, Grizelle had a smile on her face.


    After all, she was so happy right now that she wouldn''t even mind if she were to burn to death right now.


    "The Essence of Fire!"


    The way she looked as she spoke was worthy of her nickname.


    "Father!"


    And that nickname was...


    Swooosh!! The fire became rougher on the left side and stronger on the right side!


    Her eyes shone in red light as she spoke. No...every part of her body was now fire!


    "It accepted me!"


    ...the daughter of the Fire King!

 Chapter 63: Or he will die.

    Swoosh!!


    The fire incarnated called Grizelle was strong and fierce when it showed up.


    It burned the heaven and destroyed the cold, but even so, it didn''t burn anything near her.


    It was as if she were just showcasing what she and her fire could do!


    It would normally be seen as arrogance, but the people near her wouldn''t call her arrogant at all.


    Even Jarina, who was somewhat prideful about her strength, wouldn''t deny Grizelle''s strength right now.


    After all, she was that explosive and strong that it would be right to categorize her as one standing at the top.


    However, her presence only lasted for a while as the fire, and her strength soon disappeared.


    The fire on her left arm became smaller and weaker, and the fire on her right arm did the same thing.


    Because of the fire, Grizelle''s body was blazing hot and was emitting smoke. However, her body soon returned to normal, and her eyes didn''t shine red light anymore.


    And when everything calmed down, they soon saw an unbelievable sight.


    And that something unbelievable was that the scenery in the mountain was normal.


    The trees were not burned, the grasses were fine, the soil was alright, everything was normal.


    Even Gladior, who was near Grizelle when that anomaly of fire happened, was fine


    It was ridiculous if you think about how fearsome and strong the fire looked when it erupted.


    That was why Jarina could only tilt her head as she thought about things.


    ''What the hell is going on...''


    She couldn''t believe that things would be normal after that crazy outburst. It was just that insane!


    However, she couldn''t continue thinking as she snapped back to reality as she heard someone speak.


    "What was that?!" Teresa''s voice resounded out in the mountain as she spoke harshly.


    She was also flabbergasted at what happened. After all, she knew how strong Grizelle was and what happened just now wasn''t something she could do.


    At least, that''s what Teresa thought about Grizelle''s strength.


    However, Grizelle didn''t answer Teresa as she immediately sat down, her legs were crossed.


    She then opened her palm, but surprisingly, she didn''t have the marble of fire that caused the change that happened earlier.


    It was quite weird that it suddenly disappeared, but if you thought about the fire that came out, one could only nod their head.


    It was then.


    As Teresa was about to ask Grizelle again, Gladior suddenly stopped her by placing his hand in front as if he was defending Grizelle.


    He then spoke with a bit of courtesy, but Teresa couldn''t deny the intensity Gladior had on him right now.


    "Please step back. Milady is going through something important right now."


    Gladior''s face was definitely calm, but his eyes were giving the killing stare!


    It was as if he was ready to go for the kill if Teresa didn''t take his words seriously.


    However, maybe because she was flustered about what happened earlier or how Gladior spoke to her, Teresa snapped with a vein on her beautiful face.


    "What do you mean by that? You haven''t even explained what happened, and you are saying that I can''t even ask about it?"


    It was needless to say, but Teresa was absolutely furious about it.


    Even though they weren''t close, allies should still be allies. Gladior acting like this was enough to hit a nerve for Teresa.


    "This is a personal matter that you people should not know. I am sure that you also have your own, don''t you? We just want you to walk away from here and do not mind us. If you don''t..."


    As Gladior trailed off his words, he raised his hand up curled together. He was about to snap his fingers when a voice suddenly disturbed him from behind.


    It was Grizelle, who was keeping quiet the whole time and was the reason why Teresa and Gladior were about to go at it, who spoke.


    "Stop. You don''t have any reason to fight, is there?"


    Her voice was calm, and she didn''t have any emotions, unlike before when she was surrounded by fire.


    It was expected of her to be like this as the people didn''t react much to it.


    Well, except for Gladior, who was already on his knees with his head in a posture for a bow.


    "Yes, milady. This one shall obey your orders." Gladior spoke with much respect for Grizelle.


    Well, it was because he knew what happened. He also knew what that meant, and it was expected of him to act like this.


    It was then.


    Jarina also spoke up to calm down Teresa, who was clearly fuming over what happened.


    "You, as well, Teresa. You''re the one who said that they''re allies, right?"


    Jarina''s voice was soothing and the winds brought her words to Teresa''s ears, making the green-haired woman nod.


    Teresa breathed in and out first before speaking. It wasn''t to Gladior, but for the two humans.


    "I am sorry about what happened." She bowed her head as she apologized.


    She understood how politics and domestics worked, and an alliance is something comparable to domestics.


    That was why she understood how to keep the relation as perfect as it can be.


    Well, not always, but she certainly knew how to make an effort to keep it balanced.


    "It''s fine. It''s not your fault. I will explain what happened later, but first..." Grizelle spoke as she accepted Teresa''s apology.


    When Grizelle began to speak, Gladior stood up as he kept watch of the surroundings. After all, they were still in a dangerous land.


    "...I found him. His whereabouts." Grizelle spoke as she looked at Jarina.


    Her voice was quiet because of her calmness, but Jarina heard it loud and clear.


    And because of that, Jarina''s eyes widened to the brim as she spoke.


    "Where is he?!" It was clear that Jarina was excited and elated to know the news as her voice rang out in the surroundings.


    However, Grizelle''s answer made her doubt her ears.


    "He is in a Dungeon right now."


    Jarina blinked her eyes when she heard Grizelle''s answer. She then tilted her head as she asked one more time.


    "Where...?" Her voice was weak, but it seems Grizelle didn''t have a problem with it as she answered Jarina.


    "He is in a Dungeon right now. Hmm..."


    Grizelle then put her finger on her chin as she thought about it. It was through the marble of fire that she was able to know Desire''s location.


    She was also able to understand many things all at once, but since it was so sudden, she wasn''t able to take it all in.


    "S-so it was there..." Grizelle murmured as her face turned dark and horrified.


    After all, what Grizelle was desperately looking for was easily answered, but Jarina didn''t give a fuck about it.


    "Where is he?!" Jarina raised her voice a little bit as she got angry at Grizelle''s late response.


    Even though Jarina was impatient, Grizelle was not. She took her time in understanding the information that the marble of fire gave her.


    Of course, she didn''t react to every single thing that was relayed to her by the marble of fire.


    It was as if she were just taking it in and was planning to react to it later. After all, that was the most reasonable thing to do. Wasting time by reacting to every single thing was just¡­pointless.


    And as she was about to finish, Grizelle finally spoke with her eyes wide open.


    Shock and confusion were evident on her face, and even her tone of voice was shaken and hoarse.


    "T-the Spirit of Fire actually wants him¡­?"


    After all, what she found out was that shocking. No, for Grizelle, it was more than shocking. It was equivalent to having her whole knowledge turned upside down.


    And it was more like how she couldn''t accept that fact.


    It was then.


    As Grizelle kept thinking about things and didn''t answer her, Jarina finally snapped and decided to do something outrageous.


    Well, if it were for Desire, nothing was too outrageous for Jarina.


    "You¡­!" Jarina spoke as she released some magic in her hand.


    She looked at Grizelle with hostility, and her eyes were bloodshot red!


    Her voice was laden with thick killing intent and even that the people could feel from her was rising!


    Her aura and presence as a monster were increasing, making herself known!


    This only meant one thing; Jarina was ready to kill Grizelle!


    Her decision to suddenly raise her power took Teresa and Gladior off guard, making them unable to react at all.


    However, Grizelle was completely fine as she spoke calmly when she saw Jarina was about to rush at her and attack.


    "You can''t do anything about the kid, right now. He''s at the top of the mountain, which is where the Dungeon is located."


    "What''s wrong with it?" Jarina answered, her intentions were clear as she didn''t pull or retract any of her strength.


    Of course, it didn''t matter to Grizelle as she closed her eyes and spoke with tranquility.


    "That type of Dungeon is a Trial. Only one person can go in."


    Grizelle stopped her words there. She then looked at Jarina with cold eyes, and the wind blew as it brought music to their ears.


    Surprisingly enough, it was Jarina who broke the silence as she spoke with horror etched on her beautiful face.


    "He can''t go out unless he clears it¡­"


    It was because Desire has to clear the Dungeon that he is in right now, or he will die.

 Chapter 64: Fireboy

    While Jarina and Grizelle were having ''fun'' about their conversation about a certain someone, Desire was currently walking in the Dungeon.


    He was currently observing the inside of the huge, black door while walking slowly.


    After all, he didn''t know anything about this place. It wouldn''t hurt Desire if he took this seriously and carefully.


    And the scenery that his eyes took in was just darkness. Although he could see well in the dark, the darkness now was so thick that he couldn''t see through it.


    It was fine as Desire had another trump card regarding darkness and stuff like that.


    "Light." Desire murmured as he raised his hand in front.


    Shung. A small light that was penetrating everything appeared in his tiny hand.


    However, the scenery was still the same, and Desire still couldn''t see anything.


    Well, if there were anything he could see in this place, that would be his hand that was shrouded in his light.


    "I wonder what I am supposed to do here..."


    If this were how it was going to be, Desire didn''t know what he was supposed to do here.


    After all, he literally couldn''t see anything. It''s not like he could guess it when he didn''t have any experience in conquering a Dungeon.


    Although he didn''t let his guard down while he was here, it was pointless if he couldn''t even solve the problem he has right now.


    And that was that he couldn''t see anything, and he couldn''t begin his journey down.


    It was then.


    As Desire tried to increase the light coming out of his hand through sheer will, a voice suddenly intruded from behind him.


    "Hello." The voice was...small, and Desire could say that it sounded like him when he was just a baby.


    When Desire looked back, he couldn''t see anything that could help him identify the owner of the voice.


    However, that soon changed when a familiar fire showed itself.


    And Desire knew exactly what or who that fire was. It was the fire that followed him everywhere he went.


    However, because Desire thought it wasn''t the owner of the voice, Desire kept looking around while tilting his head.


    After all, the direction of the voice that he heard was exactly where the fire was standing.


    His Heavenly Demon Trait wouldn''t miss something so simple.


    "I''m sorry about this." The voice spoke once more as it entered Desire''s ears.


    "Who are you?" Desire spoke while keeping his guard up, and preparing his legs.


    He then bent his knees as he sharpened his eyes like a hawk. What he learned from the recent journey was that everything could become dangerous.


    People, monsters, places, and even a fire - Desire knows that they could kill Desire as he was so incredibly weak right now.


    That was also what he learned when he tried playing around with a Muscula, only to be hit straight in his face.


    "Don''t worry, I am not your enemy. Also, I am right in front of you." The voice spoke once more as he tried to direct Desire where he was.


    And Desire could tell where he was judging from the direction of the voice, and it was obviously the fire.


    However, Desire couldn''t believe it as he looked at it with wide eyes. It was quite strange as the scene was exactly just a fire and a light coming from Desire''s hand.


    The darkness was that overwhelming here.


    "The fire...? I thought you couldn''t speak..." Desire spoke with a hoarse voice.


    After all, the fire didn''t speak the whole time it was with him. It also didn''t do anything when it was giving him directions on where to come.


    That was why it was weird that the fire was suddenly talking now.


    Is it because it was going to kill Desire? Is it because there was something the fire wanted from Desire?


    Although Desire didn''t know it exactly, he knew that the fire was interested in him.


    However, he didn''t know in what way it was interested in him, whether it was good or bad.


    "Ah! I''m sorry. It looks like I am still in my fire form."


    It was then.


    After the voice said that, a change suddenly happened in the fire that was right in front of Desire.


    The fire was ignited even though there was no cause, and it grew bigger and larger without holding anything back!


    However, that was not the point of the transformation as a pillar of fire emerged from it.


    It was on its right side, and another pillar of fire emerged from the left side.


    The scene was so shocking that Desire could only gulp his saliva. However, it didn''t end there as another pillar of fire emerged from the center body of the fire.


    It was crazy, but Desire could see where this was going now.


    After all, he murmured as he narrowed his eyes.


    "He''s reshaping himself..."


    Right, the fire was reshaping himself into something more...human. It was as if he were trying to show Desire his physical body.


    And Desire wasn''t wrong about that as the fire finished his transformation.


    Four pillars of fire...to phrase it more correctly, it was two pairs of limbs; arms and legs.


    And as Desire looked at the fire now that had arms and legs from the bottom to the up, he soon tilted his head.


    "There''s no head?"


    Although it was weird that the fire had a body, which was clearly burning hot, the fire didn''t have a head or something like that.


    However, Desire couldn''t voice any more complaints after hearing what the fire had to say for himself.


    "Don''t be so hasty. It''s hard to do this."


    And as soon as the fire finished speaking, a new pillar of fire emerged again from the spot that looked like its neck.


    The fire wasn''t strong or anything like that; it just formed a shape that looks like the head.


    The fire''s head wasn''t detailed; it only had the rough outline of eyes, mouth, and nose. It was as if he were just an outline of something.


    "Are you done?" Desire asked as he felt impatient about it.


    After all, he had a time limit for conquering the Dungeon and ranking up to prevent something from taking over his vessel.


    It wouldn''t be funny if this event took his time. He also didn''t know if him clearing the Dungeon would save him some time.


    After all, he knows that one can rank up from clearing a Dungeon.


    However, he just wasn''t sure. If he could clear a Dungeon, it would only mean that the Dungeon was so weak that a weakling like Desire could clear it.


    "Yes, I''m done. Thank you for waiting." The fire said as he smiled a little bit.


    His body was burning, as he was a fire, but it wasn''t so unpleasing to the eyes.


    "My name is Fireboy. I am the Spirit of Fire that is attracted to you."


    "I knew it. I have a question, will you answer it?"


    Desire asked Fireboy immediately after hearing his introduction. He had a question for the Spirit of Fire that was interested in him.


    This question was always in his mind that it bothered him the whole time, even though he didn''t show it on his face or actions.


    "What is it?" Fireboy said without any hesitation. It seems that he would answer any question Desire might have for him.


    Pleased that Fireboy was willing to let Desire ask his question, Desire asked as he prepared himself to run.


    He didn''t want to battle some weird fire right now when he was in a tight situation, after all.


    "Why are you interested in me? No...how did you even find me in the first place?"


    Desire didn''t have any intention to go to the top of the mountain if he met some Muscula down the mountain.


    He would be happy to kill some Muscula by risking his life and doing his best.


    However, he couldn''t do that as he couldn''t find any Muscula at all.


    That was why Desire was sure that Fireboy was somehow connected with it. After all, he couldn''t see or meet any Muscula after he was knocked out.


    Desire could speculate that Fireboy already found him by then and decided to lead Desire here to the top of the mountain, where the Dungeon was located.


    And after he woke up, he was being threatened that Desire''s Vessel would be taken over. The timing was too close.


    That was why if ever Desire saw any clues that this Fireboy was somehow connected to the Monster, he wouldn''t hesitate.


    Although he knew that Fireboy was strong, Desire would go for the kill right then and there.


    However, the answer that Fireboy gave was something Desire didn''t expect.


    "It was because of the blue fire that followed you around. I am connected to the one that gave you that blue fire."


    "You''re connected to the one that gave me the blue fire?"


    Desire remembers that the blue fire was the one that saved him from a monster.


    However, if that were the case, Fireboy was trying to kill him when that monster appeared in the cave.


    After all, this cave was the entrance of the Dungeon, while the Dungeon was the Fireboy''s house.


    It was easy to see what was happening.


    "Are you trying to kill me?"


    Desire spoke with a low and cold voice as he realized it.


    And without him knowing it, his presence and pressure changed completely.


    Unknown powers covered Desire as his eyes turned bloodshot red.


    "If you are...I''ll fucking kill you."

 Chapter 65: Hole

    "If you are...I''ll fucking kill you." Desire''s voice resounded out in this dark and lonely place.


    Even though Fireboy shouldn''t be able to see him, he spoke as if he was looking at Desire eye to eye.


    No...Desire could feel that Fireboy was looking straight at him.


    "I''m not trying to kill you. The monster that appeared before is to make the blue fire come out."


    Fireboy answered simply as he brought up his hand in the air carefully.


    A flame appeared out of nowhere, and it was in the color of blue. Another flame appeared, enclosing the blue flame that appeared before it.


    Fireboy then pointed at it with a finger that he shaped.


    "The outside flame is you. And the inside flame is the blue flame. To make that blue flame come out, I had to do something like that."


    Fireboy brought his finger down and then added to his words, "After all, that was the condition for it to work; to have you be in danger."


    Fireboy looked at Desire with a face that seems to smile softly, and he spoke.


    "That is the reason the monster came out earlier. Do you still think that I am trying to kill you?"


    Fireboy asked Desire, who still had his guard up. Well, of course, he would, after seeing that display of strength that Fireboy suddenly did.


    Anyway, Desire found Fireboy''s explanation to be reasonable. If the condition for the blue flame to work was for him to be in danger, it was reasonable to have Desire be in danger.


    At least, that''s what Fireboy thought.


    "Bullshit. You could have done it in any other way. Why would you have to attack me just to get it out?"


    It was then.


    The smiling face of Fireboy suddenly...distorted. Well, it was made of fire, so it was already distorted.


    "What makes you think that?" Fireboy asked with a low voice. However, if there were something different about him now, that would be the fire that composes his body is...escaping.


    Right...it was as if he were shaking.


    And when Fireboy heard Desire''s answer, it blew his mind away.


    "No, the question is, how can you not think of another way when you are the fire itself?"


    After all, Desire''s question was spot on.


    Although Fireboy was attracted to Desire because of special reasons, he didn''t expect that Desire would actually be able to think things through.


    However, he did expect Desire to be smart to some degree.


    That was why he was able to recover quickly, and he spoke.


    "Well, there are other ways, but I would need to speak with you. However, I cannot speak with you if you are outside of the real Dungeon."


    When Desire heard Fireboy''s answer to his question, he soon tilted his head.


    Desire knew that he was in a Dungeon right now. However, Fireboy''s words were making it seem like he was actually not.


    "What do you mean by that? Aren''t we in the Dungeon now?"


    Desire asked as this got his interest piqued. His attention was all over Fireboy now as he watched him closely.


    "You''re in the Dungeon right now, that''s right. However, outside the huge, black door that you entered, it is not the Dungeon."


    "That is what you call the entrance. You don''t need to worry, though. As I''ve said, you''re in the Dungeon now."


    Fireboy then walked towards Desire with very slow momentum. As he was the fire itself, he wasn''t used to walking with two feet.


    "And I can only talk to you when you''re in the Dungeon. I had to do it that way. Well, if you''re still gonna be that stubborn-"


    Fireboy couldn''t finish his sentence as Desire spoke up.


    "Alright. Alright, I believe you."


    Desire then proceed to ask another thing he wanted to ask all the time.


    "So, why are you attracted to me? You probably know that I am weak."


    Fireboy then stopped walking abruptly and stood there silently. He stood still for a moment before his head tilted a little bit.


    However, he didn''t speak. He just looked at Desire as if he were observing his prey.


    And this fact made Desire...itchy.


    "Why aren''t you answering?"


    It was then.


    As Desire asked Fireboy one more time, a weak murmur escaped Fireboy''s hot lips.


    "He doesn''t know...?"


    Fireboy shook his head when he thought about it seriously. After all, it wasn''t connected to him, and he was just attracted to Desire.


    He didn''t need to do anything to gain Desire''s favor. In fact, it should be Desire who should be trying hard to curry favor with Fireboy.


    That was why he decided to be bold now. Right, Fireboy decided to do whatever he wants.


    "Ah, whatever. I''ll explain it to you after you get it done."


    Fireboy then formed two fingers in what seems to be his hands and snapped it! Expectedly, he didn''t make a sound when he did that.


    Well, he was a fire, after all.


    And because it was all sudden, Desire didn''t have any time to question Fireboy what he meant by that.


    Why?


    It was because the dark place suddenly lit up, and Fireboy, being the fire he is, couldn''t be seen in this place.


    "W-what!" Desire shouted out in a fluster as he tried blocking his eyes.


    It was too much for him as it started hurting his eyes. Well, too much is always bad.


    "Don''t worry, this will benefit you a lot." Fireboy''s voice resounded out in Desire''s ears.


    Even with his Heavenly Demon Trait, Desire couldn''t tell where Fireboy''s voice came from.


    No...it was just that, for Desire, it came from all sorts of directions.


    "What are you doing!" Desire screamed once more as he felt the ground vibrate strongly.


    He couldn''t see anything happening at all due to the light''s strong intensity.


    However, Desire couldn''t give any attention to that anymore as he felt the ground cave in.


    "S-shit!"


    Desire''s right foot lost its balance, but Desire regained his balance right away.


    No, he tried to. But Desire couldn''t as he couldn''t find the ground.


    And because of that, his left foot followed, and he was about to fall to the ground.


    "W-what?"


    However, what he felt wasn''t the hard, dirty ground that he was standing on.


    "I-I am falling?"


    What he felt was the air that kept on cooling his back and the hollow feeling of falling.


    Right, when Desire wasn''t looking, he fell to a hole that slid out of nowhere.


    "Shittttttttttttt!"


    Desire''s scream resounded out in this space where the light and dark kept colliding.


    "Fuck you, Fireboy!!"

 Chapter 66: Falling to the ground!

    While Desire was screaming to his heart''s content, Fireboy was just watching him fall silently.


    After all, this was something he did personally and something that Desire has to do in order to clear the Dungeon.


    Besides, it''s not like Desire would hear Fireboy say something at this point.


    After all, Desire was nowhere to be seen by Fireboy''s field of vision.


    And because of that, Fireboy snapped his fingers once more. He didn''t create a sound, just like before.


    Well, it was easy to guess as fire doesn''t have a solid body or something like that.


    It was then.


    As the blinding light that once hindered Desire''s eyes kept shining, the darkness of the pit where Desire fell was beginning to invade its space.


    Slowly but surely, the darkness was creeping up to the light. It didn''t take long for the darkness to reign one more time in the place where Fireboy was existing.


    And because the place was now dark, Fireboy''s fire body could now be seen by the naked eye.


    This was all because Fireboy snapped his fingers and stopped using his powers to lighten the area.


    It was then.


    Fireboy said something completely unexpected.


    "Ha! Finally! That was so scary..."


    He breathed out a sigh of relief as some sort of fire came out of his nose.


    Fireboy then walked towards the pit or a hole that Desire fell in slowly.


    It took him at least fifteen minutes to walk there. After all, he wasn''t used to walking. And even though Desire didn''t notice it, Fireboy''s height was actually the same as him.


    Right, Fireboy has the height of a child.


    And when Fireboy was looking down the hole with his non-existent eyes, he spoke.


    "Interesting human, this will benefit you a lot. You may even surpass the human that I once blessed in the past."


    Fireboy''s body then returned to its original form, the small, red flame that was floating in the air.


    He retracted his arms, legs, and head. It took him a long time, and as he was about to prepare to follow Desire, he murmured.


    "As long as you survive, that is..."


    Fireboy then flew in the air slowly as he went in the pit''s direction.


    His destination was where Desire fell.


    ****


    While Fireboy was transforming himself into a fire, Desire was falling to the ground. He was currently in the air.


    He had his eyes open now since the light wasn''t anywhere near him. And his eyes recovered as well.


    He could also see through the darkness now, unlike before when they were in that place.


    Desire couldn''t see anything in that place except for Fireboy as he was a fire.


    "Thisss isss nottt goood." Desire said funnily as the air kept entering his mouth.


    After all, no one could speak while they were falling from the air unless some magic was at work.


    Desire was falling face flat, and despite the fact that he can see through the darkness now, he couldn''t see the ground.


    He was also falling very fast, and Desire thought that the ground would be in his sights anytime now.


    But never before has he been more wrong. After all, no matter how much he waited, the ground just wouldn''t appear.


    It was as if it was hiding from Desire!


    And even though Desire could be somewhat dumb at times, Desire knew that he would die if he kept falling like this.


    His face, body, skin, organs wouldn''t survive after he hit the ground, and his life would go out of him.


    What''s more, he didn''t know if Fireboy did this to kill him or what.


    He wasn''t sure if Fireboy would let him fall and hit the ground, free of damage.


    He wasn''t sure if Fireboy did something to protect him when he falls down to the ground.


    And Desire sure didn''t like to risk things, especially when it comes to his life.


    He wasn''t willing to trust Fireboy when he didn''t say anything and just threw him in here.


    And besides, for some reason, Desire was sure that Fireboy wasn''t a special type of a monster.


    Even though Fireboy was a fire that could come close to being recognized as a monster, Desire would only say no to him.


    ''What do I do...'' Desire thought as he looked at his sides.


    He couldn''t grab anything to stop his falling. Not because it would hurt him, but because there was nothing to grab.


    However, it''s not like Desire was seriously in a bad situation.


    In fact, this was an opportunity for Desire.


    He could test himself for real before doing any real fighting in this Dungeon.


    After all, Desire didn''t know his strength.


    It''s not like he was a member of a fighting race that could tell just because he could.


    It''s not like Desire was a genius or something like that.


    That was why Desire also wanted to take this unexpected chance to heart and take action upon it.


    And that was what he decided to do.


    "Alrihht, watah." Desire said as he slowly opened his palms.


    Swosh.


    Water came out of his palms, and it was strong enough for it not to be repelled by the wind.


    Despite his lack of mana numbers, Desire''s magic was abnormal. And Desire decided to take advantage of this as he faced his palms to the ground.


    He wanted to reduce his falling speed, but it didn''t quite work out as he kept falling to the ground with no loss of momentum.


    "Shhhit!" Desire cursed as he let out more mana from his Core.


    It was so much easier to use magic now because he formed his Core.


    That was why the water that was flowing out of him was just like a waterfall!


    Although it was mainly because of gravity, Desire was satisfied with how it turned out.


    However, despite his efforts, Desire still wouldn''t slow down.


    ''Fuck! How deep is this hole?!''


    Desire cursed Fireboy in his heart as he concentrated within himself.


    If just a little bit of his mana didn''t work, he would use all of it!


    As soon as Desire was inside himself, he immediately guided his mana to his arms.


    It was a strain for him, but Desire kept on guiding his mana carefully.


    And when he finished, he opened his eyes again as he shouted.


    "WATAH!!!!"


    Desire looked like nature itself as he let out a huge amount of water that was falling to the ground like a broken dam.

 Chapter 67: Burning Air

    "WATAH!!" Desire shouted with all his heart as he let out water after water with both of his hands.


    The sight of him letting out water that could cut was extremely majestic.


    It was no doubt that Desire definitely mastered the art of water now. Of course, including the magic; Water.


    ''I-i can''t keep this up...'' Desire thought as he observed his Core.


    Although the mana in his Core was still plenty, forcing it all out in one go was putting a toll on his body.


    That was why Desire thought that he couldn''t keep this up.


    However, things seem to get better as Desire heard a loud explosion.


    When Desire tried to focus on that explosion, Desire could tell.


    Desire could confidently say that it was the water hitting the ground.


    It was so sudden that when Desire realized it, he screamed with a weird look on his face.


    "YESH!"


    After all, he now could feel that he was slowing down bit by bit.


    His arms were also feeling the pressure of the water hitting the ground, but it wasn''t so hard.


    After all, it was magic.


    And when some time passed by, Desire was falling like a feather.


    He was so slow that one could follow him with their naked eyes.


    And this was a great result for Desire as this would literally mean that he saved himself.


    "That''s what I''m talking about!" Desire shouted, and his words were normally pronounced as the air didn''t interrupt him anymore.


    ****


    It didn''t take long for Desire to fall completely down to the ground. After all, even though he did slow down, he was still falling.


    And when he undid his magic, he landed safely on the ground with no wounds suffered at all.


    It was a great result that Desire wanted to achieve at all costs. After all, he would die if he didn''t land safely.


    And as soon as he landed on the ground, he kept his eyes open and scanned the area immediately.


    The water that he released...was nowhere to be seen.


    However, Desire didn''t really care about that. He just continued looking at the place in a serious manner.


    The place was dark, but Desire could still see through the darkness.


    He was skeptical of his eyes now because of what happened when he was with Fireboy, but it seems like he could still trust it.


    Well, if he didn''t trust his own body part, that would make no sense.


    Anyway, what Desire saw in this place was just an empty space.


    It was an ordinary land, and it looked like the underground place where he found the small altar when he was still a baby.


    That place and event was the first thing Desire saw since he was born, so he remembers it clearly, even with no help from his trait.


    However, Desire could tell that there was something different to it.


    And that was Desire could feel that it was...abnormally hot. It wasn''t just the hotness of something burning near him, but Desire felt like he was really burning.


    "What the hell..." Desire spoke as he wiped the sweat forming on his forehead.


    Sweat has not only formed on his forehead but also all over his body.


    This was the first time that Desire felt this hot ever since he was born.


    Even though he has sweat a lot before, that was because of physical work.


    Right now, Desire was sweating just because he was standing in this place.


    "Haaa." Desire sighed as he tried using water magic to cool himself.


    He opened his palms and pointed them to himself as the water came out of him.


    It was weak, unlike before, but that was because of Desire''s fine handling of mana.


    However, it still didn''t help him in keeping himself cool.


    It was so hot that Desire was unable to keep up with it, even with magic.


    It was such a drastic change in his temperature that Desire was feeling dizzy now.


    After all, Desire felt the cold of the wind when he was falling. And now, it was as if he was burning in hell.


    And that was why it was weird.


    "There''s nothing in here...just what?"


    There was nothing in here that comes with the word hotness.


    Right, there was no fire here. There was literally nothing. Desire couldn''t even find the marks of something burning.


    However, it all made sense when something popped up in front of him.


    It was the familiar Unknown that Desire hoped to see whenever he was in a situation like this.


    [The Warm-Up Trial of the Dungeon, Burning Air, has started.]


    [Burning Air is a Trial that consists of hot air. The hot air will then become hotter as time passes.]


    [Pass this trial by staying in here for one hour.]


    [Time left until Desire''s Vessel is taken over: 4 hours and 1 minute.]


    [Time left until the Dungeon closes down: 4 hours and 1 minute.]


    Desire read the message that the Unknown has for him very slowly.


    His face became drenched in sweat as it turned into a frown.


    His face wasn''t too pretty now due to his injuries, and the sight of his frown made him look more monstrous.


    And this was just because of what the Unknown said.


    After all, the trial was just...too absurd and ridiculous.


    "One hour and the time left is..."


    Desire then read the details about how much time he has left until the monster could take over his vessel.


    "Can I make it in time?"


    What Desire was worried about was that his time would run out to save himself.


    If he had to waste one hour here, it would leave him with three hours to rank up.


    And his stamina and strength would be depleted by then because of this harsh and hot trial.


    "This is just..."


    Hopeless. Desire thought, but he didn''t voice it out loud.


    He didn''t want to sound weak now when he made all that effort before.


    He just has to do the same thing all over again.


    Right, all he has to do was to prevail over this trial and get back to monster hunting.


    "I just have to wait..."

 Chapter 68: A hot situation

    Haaa. Haaa.


    Desire''s rough breathing could be heard in this hot and lonely place.


    It was due to the Burning Air trial that he got, and the condition to fulfill it was to stay in here for an hour.


    Although Desire couldn''t tell how much time has passed, he knew that it wasn''t that much.


    Right, not much time has passed ever since the trial has started.


    And, yet, Desire was already in this kind of condition.


    It was...disappointing.


    At least, for Desire, that was how he truly felt about himself.


    "Fuck..." Desire cursed as he felt his skin being ripped apart slowly. Skin that isn''t covered by clothes were hurting Desire.


    And his sweat made his skin be stuck with his clothes. It was that bad.


    Although he was constantly using water magic, it just wouldn''t help him.


    He even used the same amount of mana that he used when he was falling, but it didn''t work in cooling his body.


    It was as if water wasn''t useful in here.


    That was why when Desire got frustrated about it, Desire immediately looked for other ways to pass the trial.


    Even though he didn''t want to, Desire walked with great effort.


    He was even slower than the time when he was climbing the mountain.


    It was that much of a hassle just to walk for Desire in his current condition.


    He walked forward and covered distance as much as his eyes allowed him to see.


    However, when he walked for a certain amount of time, he suddenly stopped.


    Why? It was because he realized how pointless it was to walk with no real solution at all.


    It would just waste his time and waste his energy that he needed just to stay awake.


    However, it''s not like Desire could just stay in here for an hour.


    It''s not because of how he doesn''t have much time because of that Monster.


    It''s because he just couldn''t take it anymore.


    "Haaaaa." Desire sighed as he took a look in his hands.


    It was...skinny. Desire knew that he had a thin body ever since he was born, but this is the first time Desire saw himself this slim.


    It was not just that he was slim. His hands and arms that were so smooth because of his youthfulness were now dry and rough.


    It felt like if Desire ever moved so fast right now, he would break his body.


    It was just that bad.


    ''How fucked up is this...''


    Desire thought as he couldn''t speak anymore due to his dry lips. Every time he moved his lips, he could feel the blood flowing out of them.


    ''This is just a warm-up trial? Is that Fireboy kidding me?''


    Desire couldn''t believe that this was just a warm-up trial. After all, the difficulty of this trial was so hard that Desire, with his tough discipline, would even want to skip it out.


    And what was more was that...it was not even a real trial of this Dungeon.


    After all, it was just a warm-up. It means that the real trial is harder than what Desire is currently going through right now.


    And Desire couldn''t believe it.


    ''This is just bullshit.''


    And when Desire thought how this was all just a big bullshit, Desire''s knees gave up.


    Thud! Desire fell down face flat on the ground, and it didn''t even hurt him.


    No, it just didn''t register in his brain. After all, the ground, which was supposed to be cold, was hotter than ever.


    ''N-no more...''


    Desire''s eyes were closing bit by bit as he thought that he could no longer do this.


    It would actually be insane if he could stay in this type of place for an hour.


    After all, even though Desire didn''t know it, the temperature of this place was the temperature of something burning.


    And it wasn''t just your normal type of burning. After all, this was set up by Fireboy, the Spirit of Fire himself.


    Even if Desire chose to give up now, no one would blame or speak badly to him for doing so.


    And when Desire''s eyes finally closed, his consciousness went with him.


    No...to be exact, Desire went inside himself as the last act of desperation in his situation.


    After all, if he focused on himself, he wouldn''t feel anything happening on the outside.


    Although he would still feel the hotness of the air, Desire could say that it would help him even by a little bit.


    ''Hah. I''m still feeling it.'' Desire thought as he swam inside himself.


    He was currently on his way to his Core because it was where he would usually stay whenever he was inside himself.


    He didn''t like to go to the spot where he got the Heavenly Demon Trait because it always reminded him of the despair that he felt back then.


    And so, as he swam in his ''body,'' Desire was able to return to his normal state of mind.


    Although he was feeling the heat, it wasn''t that much that it would actually make him despair again.


    However, it''s not like the damage being done to him is nothing now. It''s just that his mind and consciousness are now capable of ignoring it.


    ''Just what am I supposed to do in this situation?''


    Desire thought as he finally arrived at the place where he could see his Core.


    It was the familiar Pure Blue Core that Desire worked hard to get.


    As Desire wondered in the sights of his Core, he soon got to work.


    He didn''t come here just to stay away from the pain of having your skin feel like it is being ripped apart over and over again.


    He didn''t come here just for that sake. He came here to think about possible solutions.


    Although it was stupid of him to come in here so late, Desire couldn''t help it.


    He wasn''t in his right mind before, and he could only come up with this answer when he was close to losing his consciousness.


    But...no matter what Desire thought of, there was no answer waiting to rescue him.


    ''There''s really nothing...''


    It was then.


    As Desire swam in the air, his non-existent eyes soon ended up on the Core.


    ''I guess I''ll rely on you.''


    Desire said to his Core as he imagined the pain that he would feel after doing what he has on his mind.


    ''I''m abusing my Core too much, aren''t I?''


    And so, Desire began to work.

 Chapter 69: A New Skill

    Desire raised his non-existent arms in the direction of his Core as he concentrated.


    What he was about to do was to direct his mana. It was something he has already done before, and it was something that he was used to doing.


    That was why Desire was confident that this would, if not solve, help in his situation.


    ''Alright, I just have to guide it.'' Desire thought as he went to work.


    The mana inside his Core began to flow as Desire directed it with his mind.


    The mana in his mana circuits began to move as well, going with the instructions Desire was giving them.


    It didn''t take for a long time until the mana was finally able to go outside of his body.


    After all, he was used to this now.


    However, what he was about to do was something different.


    He wasn''t going to use magic again when he already found out that it was useless.


    He also wouldn''t do something like No-Attribute Magic. He hasn''t learned any of that yet.


    What he needed his mana for was actually to get the mana outside of his body.


    It was the mana lingering in the area where he collapsed.


    ''The cause of the Burning Air should be mana. There''s no other way to explain this other than that.''


    Desire thought as he grouped his mana together. It was hard work for him to do so, but it seems to have paid off.


    After all, there was something stuck to his body, and it was a long arm of something.


    It didn''t have hands or fingers, and it was just a long line. However, Desire was satisfied with this.


    The plan that he has on his mind is now doable because he got his mana solidified.


    Now, there was one more hurdle that Desire has to overcome, and that was...controlling the solid mana.


    ''I can''t move from here, and I can''t see the outside...''


    Desire couldn''t see what was happening outside of his body. After all, he was focusing on himself.


    And right now, he was focusing on the mana. Although Desire could feel with the mana here and there, it wouldn''t help him that much.


    That was why Desire was concerned about it.


    ''Hmmm. I don''t know anything about this place...''


    Desire was worried if he would activate some dangerous traps because he let mana flow in it.


    Desire was worried about the place collapsing because he did something with the mana in the air.


    However, it''s not like Desire can afford to doubt his decision now.


    He was desperate. His body was dying, and his organs and heart were feeling the effects of having Burning Air continue for so long.


    It wouldn''t even be weird if Desire died right now.


    ''That''s right...I can''t hesitate.''


    Desire had no choice but to brave through with everything that happens.


    That was why he was about to move his solidified mana in any way possible just to scoop the mana lingering in the air.


    However, he suddenly stopped when he heard something.


    No...it was directly to his consciousness as he couldn''t hear, and what it said was...


    [Desire has gained the Mana Manifestation Skill.]


    [Mana Manifestation is an active skill. Desire can use it anytime he wants.]


    [Mana Manifestation is your mana being in a solid-state.]


    [Skill: Mana Manifestation G]


    ''What the hell?'' Desire thought as he looked up with his consciousness.


    He didn''t know how to react to this right now. After all, it has been a while since he got a skill.


    He almost forgot about skills when he was still training, so they didn''t leave much of an impact.


    However, the skill that he gained right now was absurd.


    Why?


    It was because Desire could feel it right away.


    ''I''m not feeling the burden of carrying my mana...''


    Desire couldn''t feel the weight he felt before right after picking up the Mana Manifestation skill.


    It was ridiculous since Desire could literally feel it taking a toll on his body.


    Not only that, but Desire was also feeling it on his mind as some sort of vertigo attacked him.


    That was why not feeling it anymore was such...a weird feeling for Desire.


    ''Hmm. It''s good, but it doesn''t solve anything at all.''


    If there were something that Desire doesn''t like about the Mana Manifestation, it would be that it doesn''t help him in any way except for helping him carry the mana.


    He still couldn''t see the outside, and he couldn''t do anything with it. He still had to grab the mana outside while having his eyes closed.


    Well, Desire already made up his mind, so he took the Mana Manifestation in a good way.


    It''s not like he could reject it, though.


    It was then.


    As Desire finally finished evaluating what the Mana Manifestation Skill does for him, he finally used it to move the mana stuck on him.


    It was stuck on his hands as Desire directed it to come out of his hands.


    However, maybe because Desire was taking it easy or wasn''t used to his new skill, Desire messed up real bad.


    He intended to go slowly to ensure his safety, but what happened was the mana going wild.


    ''W-what?!''


    The mana stuck on his hands was going all over the room! Of course, since it was mana itself, it was gathering the mana lingering in the area.


    Not only that, but the mana was also super fast! Desire couldn''t get a grip on it as it continued hovering on the area.


    Although Desire couldn''t feel or see the mana going wild directly, he could tell.


    After all, he was focused on it.


    But that was not the main problem that Desire has.


    Why?


    It was not because there were some traps that he activated.


    It was not because the Dungeon collapsed or something like that.


    It was because Desire, while being inside his own mind and body, was feeling something familiar.


    ''ARGHHHH!!!'' Desire screamed as his consciousness felt it being near him.


    When Desire took a look at his side, he saw his Pure Blue Core completely turn into a red Core.


    No...Desire''s Core was burning!


    "AHHHHHHHH!!" Desire''s real mouth screamed as he felt the pain of his insides raging in fire.

 Chapter 70: Brink of Death

    "ARGHH!!" Desire''s mouth involuntarily screamed as he spasmed on the ground.


    It wasn''t a pretty sight, but Desire didn''t have the time to mind that.


    After all, what was going on inside his body was something he didn''t expect at all.


    However, even though Desire already let go of the Mana Manifestation, his Core was still burning.


    ''W-what the fuck!''


    Desire cursed as he watched it all happen. Of course, he was affected by this more severely inside than outside.


    That was why he felt like he was going crazy by how hot it felt.


    Even though it was just his consciousness, Desire felt like he was being ripped apart by one hundred different giant hands.


    That was how bad it felt like having your Core being set on fire.


    ''Waterrrr!!!''


    Desire said as he directed his mana in his mana circuits towards the Core.


    He didn''t know if it would be possible to use magic inside him, but Desire didn''t give a fuck about it now.


    His life was literally on fire right now; why should he care about those things?


    ''Water Magic!'' Desire said in his mind as he activated the simplest magic water he has.


    And when he saw the wave of mana come in like a hungry beast to his Core, his eyes went wide.


    After all, it didn''t transform into water or something like that.


    Desire sure didn''t know if just No-Attribute Mana could cancel out the fire that was burning his Core.


    It was then.


    As Desire kept focusing on himself, an unexpected pain came from outside him.


    It was obvious what was the source, but Desire didn''t expect that he would feel a different type of pain.


    "ARGHHH!!" Desire''s body was convulsing on the ground right now.


    His hands that were stuck on the floor before was now scratching his neck as if it had a mind of its own!


    And because of that, scratches and lines of blood could be seen here and there in his body.


    However, that was not all that was happening to his body right now.


    Because of him convulsing around and rolling on the ground, he bumped several rocks on the way, and his head was bleeding!


    And because of his sudden movements that were caused by the fire on his Core, Desire''s body was unable to keep up.


    His dry and rough skin that hasn''t been properly hydrated for a long time broke.


    Desire''s body had cracks all over them, and his face wasn''t safe either.


    It was as if Desire was made of glass, and he was dropped to the ground and broke.


    That was how Desire looked like right now.


    And all that pain and torture was transmitted to Desire''s mind in one go.


    ''Ah...''


    If Desire had a face right now, his face would look like an absolute horror.


    His eyes would be popping out of his sockets, and his cheeks would be caved in.


    His hair would probably fall off due to the intense stress that he was feeling right now.


    Of course, blood would also flow out of every hole that he has on his body.


    That was how bad Desire was feeling right now.


    However, for better or for worse, his concentration on controlling his mana was still there.


    He didn''t let loose just because of what happened to him.


    That was why even without controlling it himself, his instincts just kicked in.


    After all, he was more comfortable here inside his body than when he was outside.


    He did live here for almost a year! It would be crazy if it didn''t felt like home to Desire.


    That was why even though he was just looking at the space dazedly, his non-existent hands moved.


    They moved to control the wave of mana that was coming in from his mana circuits.


    Ironically, the reason why the situation became like this was because of his mana circuits.


    The Burning Air, which had the mana of fire in them, used the Mana Manifestation and the Mana Circuits as the way inside Desire.


    And right now, the one part that helped in saving Desire''s ass was also the reason why he was in this situation.


    And so, the wave of mana that was stored in his mana circuits and the mana that he used for Mana Manifestation all came rushing down on his Core!


    It was the start of the battle between the No-Attribute mana and Fire-Attribute mana.


    However, what happened was something Desire, even in his right mind, wouldn''t expect.


    After all, after his mana clashed with the Fire-Attribute mana, nothing happened.


    It would be normal if one of them disappeared inside Desire, but they didn''t.


    That was why it was weird, and Desire''s instincts thought it was weird, too, as it controlled the mana around.


    However, Desire''s Core was still burning. No matter how much the No-Attribute mana swam around the Core, it wouldn''t stop the fire at all.


    Desire''s instincts kept on controlling his mana, and the battle between mana continued.


    However, Desire''s body couldn''t handle it any longer.


    After all, if one just looked at his body condition, one would think that he was on the brink of death.


    That was how bad his condition was right now.


    And his time limit regarding the Monster taking over his vessel shouldn''t even be on his mind.


    After all, Desire was literally about to die!


    However, the kid himself isn''t even aware anymore of what was happening.


    He didn''t know what was happening outside and inside of his body.


    He was conscious and unconscious at the same time.


    It was a weird thing to be awake and not awake at the same time, but this was normal for Desire, who had the Heavenly Demon Trait.


    However, if Desire didn''t do anything to save his ass now, things would definitely escalate in a bad way.


    The only thing keeping his life right now was his tenacious instincts and muscle memory.


    One could be sure that he would die anytime now.


    ''Ah...''


    Only thoughts of nonsense filled Desire''s mind as one of his feet stepped into his coffin.

 Chapter 71: Fireboys disappointment

    ''Ah.'' Desire thought as he felt the pain that he was feeling right now.


    It was so bad that Desire felt like he was about to die.


    His body, which was battered and beaten due to many events, was dying.


    His mind, which was assaulted by the intense pain, was turning insane.


    His Core, which was invaded by the fire, was burning literally.


    And all these things were the cause of why Desire was in a bad state.


    However, what was amazing in this situation is that his instincts, or ''consciousness,'' were still fighting the fire inside his body.


    His non-existent arms were still controlling the No-Attribute mana, which was swirling near the Core.


    However, even that has not solved the problem that Desire has right now.


    The wave of No-Attribute mana has not stopped the ferocious fire in Burning Desire.


    And that was why Desire''s body right now was still as a rock in someplace in the Dungeon.


    It was crazy if you think about how his body was trying to put out the fire literally.


    After all, scratches, lines of blood, and injuries that were caused by his nails and hands were all over his body.


    It was clear that his body wasn''t able to handle the fire as the body did that without Desire''s consciousness.


    Whooo. The wind blew in the place where his body was staying, and some of his skin flew to the air.


    That skin then disappeared into the darkness as the wind guided it.


    It was horrific if you think about how Desire was still living right now.


    "A-ah..." Desire''s throat let out some sounds as if he were a madman waiting for his death.


    No...Desire was on his way to his death.


    His Core was burning, and his mind was nowhere to be found, and his body was in this state...there''s nothing that could save Desire.


    And as if that were not enough, Desire''s state of being awake and not awake at the same time has finally ended.


    Why?


    It was because Desire fell to sleep as his consciousness faded away.


    Even his trait, the Heavenly Demon, couldn''t help Desire take in all the pain that he has accumulated over the hours.


    That was how intense and insane Desire''s situation right now.


    And now, only time will tell if Desire would live on as he just lay there with all his injuries.


    ****


    While Desire was having problems with the Burning Air trial, the one who set this all up, Fireboy was still slowly going out of the hole.


    Fireboy''s pace was slow as a turtle, but it seems he didn''t care about that.


    After all, he didn''t speed up at all even when he heard Desire''s scream.


    "Ahhhhh!!" Desire''s scream reverberated out in the whole place even though he didn''t intend to do so.


    And Fireboy was just listening to the tone of the scream as he went down to the ground.


    And when Desire''s scream stopped resounding out in Fireboy''s ''ears,'' Fireboy had a thought for the first time ever since he went down.


    "What the hell is he doing...?" Fireboy spoke while having no mouth.


    It was weird that he could talk in his form right now as he didn''t even have his body.


    However, that was not all the weird things that happened as Fireboy moved his body.


    No...Fireboy actually looked like he was shaking his head very slowly.


    "Why would he open his mana circuits to let foreign mana inside his body?"


    Fireboy spoke as he imagined Desire''s situation right now.


    It was crazy that he could tell what Desire did and what his condition was even though he was far away from Desire''s location right now.


    However, this was something normal as Fireboy was the one who owns the Dungeon.


    And he could exactly tell what was going on in the Dungeon.


    He knew what Desire did from the start to the end.


    Of course, he also knew about what Desire did when he was falling down.


    It didn''t get much of a reaction from Fireboy, though.


    "Was he not unable to endure the hotness of the Burning Air?"


    Fireboy tried to guess the reason why Desire did what he did.


    Although Fireboy had many other possible reasons in mind, this was what he concluded.


    After all, it was reasonable for a human not to be able to endure the Burning Air.


    However, it seems it was different for Fireboy as he continued speaking.


    "That''s a little..."


    Disappointing. Fireboy trailed his words as he just continued falling down.


    If Desire were unable to endure the hotness of the Burning Air, Fireboy would be fine with that result.


    After all, it was just a warm-up trial.


    Desire didn''t have to win or something like that. He also didn''t have to go under some great efforts to pass the trial.


    He didn''t even have to defeat some monsters in the process.


    And what''s more, what really disappointed Fireboy in this situation was...


    "Why did he end up in that pathetic state?"


    Desire''s condition right now was so bad that even Fireboy, with his powers and magic, was horrified.


    Of course, it was not because of the pain or something like that.


    It was because Fireboy thought that Desire would just give up or something like that.


    After all, Fireboy would be fine and okay with any results, even with Desire giving up.


    Desire just had to say something to Fireboy, who was listening to him all the time, and Fireboy would stop the trial right away.


    That was what Fireboy had in mind for Desire.


    However, even Fireboy didn''t expect that this would happen to Desire.


    Battered and beaten, Core burning, knocked out, and even Desire''s body was...just straight up horrible.


    That was why it was disappointing for Fireboy.


    After all, Fireboy was attracted to Desire''s potential.


    If Fireboy knew that Desire would end up like that, he wouldn''t even bother with him.


    "I shouldn''t have-!?!"


    It was then.


    Fireboy tried to speak about how he shouldn''t have paid attention to Desire.


    However, he couldn''t finish his words as he felt something strange.


    "What the?"

 Chapter 72: Search

    "What the?" Fireboy spoke as he felt something strange.


    Fireboy didn''t know what made him feel strange in this place.


    After all, this was his Dungeon.


    There''s no way he would feel strange in here when this is basically his home.


    However, that was also why Fireboy was sure that something was happening.


    Why? It was because Fireboy thought that he felt something strange.


    Just the fact that Fireboy felt it means there is something foreign and unknown happening.


    Although Fireboy didn''t know if it were related to him or not, he wouldn''t let this continue.


    That was why he searched for the source of the strange feeling that he was getting.


    However, no matter how much Fireboy searched, he couldn''t find anything.


    It was as if his mind were just playing tricks on him.


    "That''s strange. I definitely felt it..." Fireboy spoke as he ''closed'' his eyes once more to try and find it.


    What Fireboy was sure of was that he wouldn''t mistake something like this.


    After all, who was Fireboy?


    He was the Spirit of Fire and one of the beings that could be considered strong in the world right now.


    There were no beings who could fool the senses of the Spirit of Fire easily.


    What''s more, this was his Dungeon.


    It would be absolutely ridiculous if that happened.


    Well, there are cases where stronger creatures could fool Fireboy''s senses. However, Fireboy was sure that there were no such creatures in the Muscula''s mountain.


    That was why it was weird.


    "I still can''t see it..." Fireboy said as he ''opened'' his eyes again.


    Even though he sent out his senses to every corner of the Dungeon, there wasn''t anything unusual about it.


    There were no changes in the place, and there wasn''t anything strange that Fireboy could detect at all.


    "What the hell is it!?" Fireboy spoke quite angrily as he stopped going down.


    It seems the event of him not finding anything was frustrating for him.


    After all, he even stopped going down just to focus again to try and find something strange.


    It seems that Fireboy wouldn''t take no for an answer now as he sent his senses once more.


    Shung!


    The fire floating in the air shined brightly as Fireboy even used some of his magic!


    There wasn''t really any change to his body. It was just shining, but his shining was so bright that his fire body brightened up this dark place all of a sudden.


    His rays of light looked like it reached towards the end of the Dungeon.


    No, it indeed reached towards the end of the Dungeon as Fireboy used it as his ''eyes.''


    He looked at every corner with those rays of light. He left no stone unturned as he jumped from path to path.


    Those rays of light soon reached the end of the Dungeon, and Fireboy was...distraught.


    Although he didn''t show it on his fire body or didn''t speak about it, Fireboy was definitely irritated.


    After all, he couldn''t find anything at all even though he already used some of his powers.


    "Was it really nothing?" Fireboy spoke as the light that he used to search returned to his body.


    And while those lights were returning to him, he thought about how he couldn''t find anything.


    Fireboy was...embarrassed.


    Although no one was here to witness it, the fact that he felt something but came up with nothing was embarrassing.


    The fact that he was fooled by nothing was that embarrassing.


    After all, it would mean that his strength, powers, senses, everything about Fireboy were a mistake.


    That was why Fireboy wanted to find out the source of that feeling that he got.


    He didn''t even care if it were an enemy or something like that.


    He just didn''t like the fact that he was fooled in his own home, nonetheless.


    "Sigh..." Fireboy shook his head as he looked at the last ray of light.


    The last ray of light was coming from the place where Desire was staying.


    And when Fireboy saw that, he had a thought.


    ''Hmm. Is it connected with him?''


    Although Fireboy did look at every nook and cranny, Fireboy didn''t look at the place where Desire was staying at.


    After all, Fireboy was just looking at that place when he felt that feeling before.


    That was why he didn''t really need to go and investigate that place.


    However, the situation right now was different for Fireboy.


    He was just that desperate to prove that there was indeed something.


    That was why before the ray of light could come back to him; he controlled the ray of light.


    Fireboy sent his consciousness and senses to that ray of light as he closed his eyes.


    He then focused as his senses traveled with the ray of light towards the place where Desire was staying.


    And when Fireboy''s ray of light reached that place, he immediately looked for things that were weird.


    Fireboy was looking for things that could be described as weird. However, his search soon ended as a disappointment.


    Why? It was because there was nothing strange.


    The place was dark, and it had the same mood.


    The Burning Air trial was still taking place, and Fireboy could see that Desire was still in a bad situation.


    After all, Desire was sitting on the ground with his eyes closed...


    Wait. Fireboy''s field of vision then stopped as he looked back at Desire.


    ''Huh?'' Fireboy thought as his eyes caught sight of Desire.


    What Fireboy last saw of Desire was that he was lying on the ground, lifeless and weak.


    However, why is it that Desire is now...sitting?


    What''s more, Fireboy could feel...threatened.


    Yes, Fireboy was feeling threatened by the child, who he thought was a waste.


    Gulp.


    Even though Fireboy shouldn''t have a mouth, throat, or even saliva, one could hear him gulping in his body right now.


    And as if that weren''t enough, even the ray of light was shaking.


    And as that continued happening to Fireboy, he soon muttered a word with his mind.


    ''S-scary...''

 Chapter 73: A mortal dares to look at me?

    ''S-scary¡­'' Fireboy thought as he looked at Desire.


    Sitting, eyes closed, and peaceful. That was the vibe that Fireboy felt from Desire right now.


    However, what Fireboy was feeling as he looked at Desire was something else.


    It was fear.


    It was crazy if you think about how strong Fireboy was compared to Desire.


    It wouldn''t be an exaggeration if one says that Fireboy could kill Desire with a snap of his fingers.


    He isn''t the Spirit of Fire for nothing, after all.


    And yet, a child that has not even fought on a battlefield is scaring the Spirit of Fire.


    And what Fireboy thought of this all was¡­


    ''This is crazy¡­''


    Fireboy thought with all his heart that what he was feeling right now was craziness.


    It wasn''t that easy for him to accept that he was scared of a puny, wimpy boy.


    What''s more, he wasn''t even sure of why he was feeling scared of Desire.


    That was why he had a thought.


    ''Am I going insane?''


    For Fireboy, thinking that he was going insane would be saner than actually acknowledging his fear.


    After all, being insane would be the only acceptable reason why he was feeling scared.


    Of course, it was not only him who would end up with the conclusion that Fireboy was going crazy, but everyone else!


    That was just how insane it is for the Spirit of Fire to be scared of a child.


    It was then.


    As Fireboy kept thinking about how this was all an imagination and that he was just going insane, he soon decided to look at Desire.


    If there were something that would prove what he was feeling right now, it would be the child himself.


    ''He''s still the same as before¡­'' Fireboy thought as he saw the body of Desire.


    Desire''s body was still in the same condition when Fireboy last saw him.


    It was still the battered, cracked, bloodied mess of a body that Fireboy didn''t know how that happened in the span of minutes.


    In a way, Desire''s talent for destroying and messing his body was beyond the heavens itself!


    After all, not even Fireboy could easily believe that all of Desire injuries happened within the span of a few minutes.


    And what was more was that Desire''s injuries doesn''t only end on his body.


    It wouldn''t be weird if Desire''s mind was affected by all the pain that he felt when his Core was burning.


    And that was why it was weird for Fireboy to be scared.


    ''How did he even move in that state of his anyway?'' Fireboy thought as he remembered how Desire was lying face flat on the ground.


    Fireboy knew that it wouldn''t be easy for Desire to move with that kind of body.


    And to be able to sit with those kinds of injuries was just insane.


    However, it seems that didn''t bother Fireboy at all as he thought about it. It wasn''t that important to Fireboy.


    ''I thought he was unconscious?''


    What was important was that Fireboy knew that Desire was unable to keep up with the pain and fell asleep.


    He was knocked out!


    However, why is Desire sitting now as if he were meditating peacefully?


    That fact alone was crazy for Fireboy!


    It was then that Fireboy decided to talk to Desire.


    The ray of light which his senses were riding on suddenly opened a little bit as it created a mouth.


    And that mouth parted as Fireboy spoke.


    No¡­Fireboy tried to speak, but he couldn''t!


    Why?


    It was because Desire opened his eyes!


    Desire''s eyes didn''t have any whites or it didn''t have the usual shade of blue!


    But instead, it was in the color of red!


    And it looked like his whole eyeballs were in the shade of red as he looked at something¡­as he looked at Fireboy''s ray of light.


    And the pressure that Desire let off as he looked at Fireboy was immense!


    It even stopped Fireboy when he tried to speak. That was how intense Desire''s pressure.


    However, that wasn''t important to Desire at all as he spoke.


    No¡­was it even Desire who spoke?


    His voice, which was usually light and high, were unusually cold and low as he spoke.


    "A mortal dares to look at me?"


    Desire then raised his hands up high with his palm out in the open.


    He then drew something in the air with his hands as he just looked at Fireboy, who wasn''t doing anything.


    No, Desire knew that Fireboy couldn''t do anything as the ray of light just kept shaking in fear.


    That was why Desire just did what he wanted to do, and that was to use magic.


    However, the magic that he was using now was different from the one that he was always using.


    Why?


    That was because Desire was using fire magic as he moved his hands in the air.


    And what the magic did was¡­nothing.


    It didn''t do anything to Fireboy, and nothing happened in the room.


    It was still the same, and Desire was looking like a stupid man who was moving his hands in the air.


    However, Fireboy could feel something was wrong.


    No¡­he was sure that something was wrong as he was the Spirit of Fire.


    After all, his senses sensed it ¨C the change in the room.


    And that was that the Fire-Attribute mana in the air was gathering in Desire''s hands.


    However, that was not all that was happening.


    After all, that was not enough to shock Fireboy as that was just something normal.


    What really shocked Fireboy was¡­


    ''The purity of the fire is greater than mine!''


    The fire-attribute mana that was just lingering in the air became purer, and even stronger when Desire directed it.


    Although it wasn''t visible to the naked eye, Fireboy knew.


    ''I-I fucked up.''


    It was then that he knew, he fucked up.


    "Disappear, puny fire."


    Desire spoke as he stopped moving his hands.


    He then directed his fingers towards the ray of light.


    "Bullet."

 Chapter 74: Escape

    "Bullet." Desire spoke as he fired the magic in his hands.


    The magic, Bullet, is just Fire-Attribute mana that was compressed, and compressed, and compressed until it could become something threatening.


    And that was exactly what has become in the Fire-Attribute mana now.


    Although it wasn''t visible to the naked eye as it was just mana that wasn''t solidified, Fireboy could still see the power of the Bullet.


    That was why he tried to go back to his body by using the ray of light.


    Why?


    It was because the power of the Bullet was just that strong enough to make him retreat without even doing anything.


    Although he was stuck in the ray of light that he created, Fireboy could still use magic.


    He could control anything in the Dungeon, and if he wished, Fireboy could kill Desire even if he is in the ray of light.


    However, Fireboy didn''t do anything at all and just tried to retreat to his real fire body.


    That was just how strong the Bullet was.


    However, when Fireboy did all that he can to move the ray of light towards his own body, he soon found out that he couldn''t move at all.


    ''Shit!'' Fireboy thought as he raised the power in the ray of light.


    He knew the reason why he couldn''t move, and that was just because of Desire''s interference.


    However, Fireboy didn''t think much about it as he moved much faster than his brain could think.


    Fireboy was the Spirit of Fire, and he could do things or fight without even thinking.


    And that was why he was able to make a decision that would save his life without hesitation.


    And that was¡­to cut off his connection with the ray of light.


    ''Return!'' Fireboy thought as he sent his consciousness back to his body.


    Even if the ray of light couldn''t move because of Desire, as long as Fireboy could return to his body, he would be safe.


    At least, that was how Fireboy judged things.


    It was then.


    As Fireboy tried going back to his body in every way possible that he could think of, the Bullet that Desire created took off!


    The bullet flew to the air without any sound, and it didn''t make much of a difference or vibration in the air!


    After all, it was just Fire-Attribute mana that was compressed.


    However, when the bullet was about to collide with something like a rock, something mysterious happened.


    Whooo.


    The rock¡­disappeared.


    No¡­it just looked like it disappeared because it happened too fast ¨C the rock just burned too fast before anyone could perceive it.


    What''s more, the Bullet has not even touched that rock as it continued flying towards the ray of light that could be seen in the air.


    And when the Bullet was about to hit the ray of light, Fireboy could feel it ¨C the death that would come to him if the bullet hit him.


    However, as the sequence for his return to his body has started way before the Bullet could take off, Fireboy was sure that he would be able to escape.


    ''Yes!'' Fireboy thought as he felt his consciousness return to his body.


    Bit by bit, Fireboy was escaping from this perilous situation that was borne by his arrogance.


    And when the Bullet hit the ray of light¡­Fireboy''s consciousness was no longer in it.


    Pew! The Bullet proceeded to hit the things beyond the ray of light, and that was the ceiling of the place.


    As it was just rock or the ground or something like that, it didn''t make matter.


    The Bullet didn''t even make much of an impact as it continued flying, but that soon stopped as the bullet dispersed into nothingness.


    And all those things happened in the blink of an eye.


    Although it seems like many things have happened and a minute has passed, the truth was not even a second has gone by yet.


    Whoo.


    The wind blew over the place, and Desire was just looking at the space.


    "He escaped." Desire spoke with a cold voice as he looked at the ray of light that was now disappearing.


    Although Desire wanted to kill the mortal that dare look at him when he was doing his thing, he wasn''t so desperate as to chase Fireboy.


    Desire just didn''t like how Fireboy looked at him as if Desire were some experimental material that was about to be used.


    Right, Desire just didn''t like how he was being looked at, and that was the only reason why Desire fired off that bullet.


    The Desire now was insane if you think about the normal Desire''s attitude.


    Desire was kind, na?ve, normal, meek, wimp¡­it was the qualities that you would find in any guy in a normal village.


    However, the Desire now was just different.


    If one had to word it, it was that¡­Desire was now domineering.


    Right, Desire was releasing an aura that chokes people, and he was imposing!


    "Still, for me to be abruptly wakened up in my sleep¡­what was I doing?" Desire spoke as he looked at his body.


    No¡­was it even the body of a human?


    For Desire, he was sure that this wasn''t the body of a human.


    After all, it was more correct to think that Desire had the body of a cracked monster or a broken glass.


    If a storm were to pass here, Desire was sure that his body would turn to ashes right away.


    Of course, the current Desire wouldn''t let that happen as he spoke.


    "Fix."


    It was then.


    Desire''s body shone with light, and it brightened up the area.


    However, the light wasn''t so strong, and it didn''t last for more than a second.


    The light literally just appeared and disappeared as Desire wished it to be.


    And when Desire''s body resurfaced from the light, something amazing happened.


    No, it already happened as Desire looked at his body.


    Desire then spoke with satisfaction in his voice.


    "Good."


    After all, his body was now clean and fine!


    It was as if he didn''t even have any injuries at all!


    "Next is¡­"

 Chapter 75: The Other Me Must Be Crazy!

    "Next is¡­" Desire spoke as he looked at himself once more.


    Although he did fix himself, Desire didn''t actually heal his body in the correct way.


    It was just¡­fix.


    His body was just fixed, but his injuries, pain, or whatever it was still there.


    And Desire could see it as he felt the organs in his body stop functioning.


    "Holy shit. So my situation was this bad¡­" Desire spoke as he widened his eyes.


    He then used his senses to try and feel his organs in his stomach, and he immediately became horrified.


    After all, none of the organs on his stomach were working!


    No¡­was it more correct to say that none of them were in the proper shape?


    The stomach, intestines, liver, bladder, kidney, and many more organs were dead.


    And what was more surprising for Desire was that he found out that in his body, there was no blood!


    Right, there was no blood circulating in his blood to keep him alive!


    And that didn''t end there at all.


    "My lungs too¡­" Desire spoke as he touched his chest lightly.


    He didn''t touch it too roughly as he knew what was going on underneath his skin.


    After all, his rib cage was¡­hell.


    His lungs didn''t have to be mentioned, and his heart wasn''t even beating anymore.


    And what was worse was that¡­


    "My spine is¡­gone? What the fuck?"


    Desire found out that his spine was gone, but when he looked at his body more carefully, he soon found out where it was.


    It was stuck somewhere down his foot.


    However, how could something so big and so solid like a bone fit in something so small?


    The reason was simple.


    His spine that used to support his body was now in ashes, clogging some veins down his body.


    Although it is crazy that parts of his body became like this, it is perfectly reasonable if you think about what happened to him.


    His Core burned, and the Fire-Attribute mana got inside of his body. What''s more, outside of his body had to endure the hotness of the Burning Air trial.


    Of course, that doesn''t justify what happened to his bones and organs.


    However, during the time Desire was breathing like a madman, the Fire-Attribute mana actually entered his lungs and burned his insides slowly.


    That was one of the reasons why he couldn''t hold it anymore.


    However, because of his Core being in fire, Desire didn''t notice it.


    "What the hell was I doing for me to end up in this state?" Desire spoke as he shuddered in fear.


    It was quite strange to see him shudder in fear like this when he was the one who almost killed Fireboy.


    However, that was just how horrifying what happened to his body was.


    And as if that weren''t enough, Desire found out that his Core was still burning.


    And because of that, Desire couldn''t help but shout.


    "W-what the fuck!? Am I a masochist or something?!"


    Masochist.


    That was the only thing Desire could call himself now. After all, even the smallest injury that Desire has on his body would be enough to kill a person.


    And that was just the smallest injury. Desire''s biggest injuries don''t even need to be mentioned.


    And when Desire finished going all over his body, he soon spoke as he shook his head with a horrified look on his face.


    "I-I have 1569 injuries¡­?"


    After all, what he said was just that unbelievable for him.


    The total number of injuries that Desire has on his body was 1569. Of course, his injuries before Desire fix his physical body was included in that number.


    ''Just what did I do to have this kind of body?'' Desire thought as he concentrated within himself.


    Although there were many injuries on his body, Desire focused on the Core.


    He then swam towards his Core using his consciousness, and while Desire was traveling with his consciousness, he only had one thought.


    ''I must be crazy. Yup, that''s it. I am crazy.''


    Crazy.


    That was the only thing he had on his mind as he thought about how bad his condition was.


    In fact, it was actually weird that he was even alive at this point.


    What''s more, he was even able to perform magic and actually make the Spirit of Fire retreat with this condition.


    The fact that Desire could do that is a miracle!


    However, that''s not the reason why Desire was calling himself crazy.


    It was because Desire actually let himself be in this kind of condition.


    And when Desire arrived at his Core, he shouted with all his might in his mind.


    ''The other me must be crazy!!!''


    Desire shouted once more in his mind as he put out the fire.


    He just used the No-Attribute mana that was swimming around and made the fire go away as if it were nothing but trash.


    Well, the fire was indeed trash for this Desire.


    Anyway, when Desire put out the fire, he quickly went to look for cracks or problems in his Core.


    And when he did, another curse resounded out in his mind.


    ''Fuck! It''s cracked!''


    After all, Desire''s Pure Blue Core had cracks all over it.


    Although Desire didn''t know any detailed knowledge about Cores, he knew that it was bad for Cores to have cracks or damages like these.


    And even the current Desire didn''t know how to fix this.


    That was why he was in a dilemma. However, not for long as he went back to his body.


    It seems that this Desire was decisive, unlike the normal one.


    Desire then sat on the floor with his tattered body.


    It was nonsense that he was able to move with that body, and it was insanity that Desire could stand the pain.


    Well, it was already fantasy if you think about how his body still looks to be normal with his bones, organs, and even heart not working.


    Anyway, as Desire sat down, he closed his eyes as he spoke.


    "I''m losing time."

 Chapter 76: Rebirth!

    "I''m losing time." Desire spoke as he closed his eyes while sitting on the ground.


    If there were something the current Desire needed to do, that would be to heal his body.


    However, even this current Desire wasn''t sure about how to heal his injuries.


    It was just too many and too severe that it was even weird for him to be alive.


    However, Desire didn''t question about how he was alive.


    After all, he knew that he wouldn''t die from something like this.


    It was then.


    As Desire concentrated on himself, he then let go of his worldly senses and entered his ''body.''


    Although Desire always sends his consciousness inside him, this time was a little bit different.


    He just tried to gauge everything about his body; bones, muscles, veins, blood, heart, basically everything about him.


    This process took him a long time, but Desire didn''t care for that as he just diligently looked at everything.


    If he somehow failed at something here, his body wouldn''t be able to return back to normal.


    That was how crucial and important the current task that Desire was undergoing right now.


    That was why when he finished, Desire murmured.


    "Good, I have it all."


    Desire remembers every single thing about his body now, and that was why he was satisfied.


    However, his task doesn''t end there as he imagined himself.


    Right, Desire imagined himself, or to be exact, tried to remember what his normal body looked like.


    He tried to remember where his bones were placed, and he tried to imagine how his blood was flowing in those vessels.


    And as soon as he did, Desire¡­was impressed with himself.


    ''So, I attained a trait.''


    After all, he was able to remember it so clearly even though this Desire woke up in this current body of Desire.


    It means that this Desire didn''t really remember or know anything about how Desire''s normal body was.


    However, since he was able to remember it clearly, that only means that there was something at work.


    And the current Desire was able to pinpoint it to a trait, and not only that, it was a good trait.


    Desire could tell that it was a good trait with how this was going so easy for him as this was supposed to be a hard part of the task.


    That was also the reason why Desire was able to finish it faster than usual, and as soon as he finished, he opened his eyes.


    Desire then spoke.


    "I''ll start."


    It was then.


    Desire''s body shined once more as Desire started doing his magic. He then controlled all of his mana from his Core, Mana Circuits, Mana Vein, and many more.


    It was as if Desire were using every mana that was existing inside his body just for the magic that he was about to perform.


    It wasn''t just your normal and everyday magic either. After all, it was just that obvious.


    Even a person who isn''t a magician would be able to tell just from how intense the light that Desire was letting off.


    However, that was not all Desire did.


    When Desire finished taking control of all the mana in his body, he directed all of them towards a place, and that was his Core.


    It was quite pointless that Desire even took the mana in his Core if he were going to put them back.


    However, what Desire was looking for was explosiveness.


    That was why when Desire was making his mana go towards the Core, he then divided his attention.


    It was crazy as to how he can divide his attention just like that when he was doing dangerous things like this, but this was normal even for the normal Desire.


    After all, Desire has the Heavenly Demon Trait, and this Desire decided to utilize it to the fullest.


    However, the scale of moving all of your mana inside your body was just that huge, and that was making Desire have a hard time direct his attention to something else.


    ''Something like this¡­'' Desire thought as he concentrated deeply.


    However, who was this Desire?


    This Desire is the Desire who could even make the Spirit of Fire retreat without hesitation.


    This Desire is able to look down on a being like that!


    What''s more, this Desire was able to threaten the Spirit of Fire just by sitting!


    That was why¡­


    ''Something like this is nothing!'' Desire shouted out aloud in his mind as he tried hard.


    His control over his mana was just supreme as his mana didn''t even leak or go rampage when he shouted.


    After all, even a single lapse in Desire''s concentration would disperse the mana that he gathered.


    And when another second has passed¡­


    ''I did it.'' Desire thought as he saw that the mana was still going to his Core normally even though he wasn''t doing anything now.


    Of course, he was still paying attention to controlling the mana. It was just that¡­it didn''t take him as much concentration as before.


    It was proof that Desire was able to divide his attention.


    That was why when Desire confirmed it, he then proceeded to extend his senses outside of his body.


    What he was about to do was to grab the mana lingering in the area, and even in the Dungeon! This was a necessary process for the magic that Desire would perform.


    Although Desire had a hard time getting the mana in the air as it was on a much grander scale than his body''s mana, Desire was still able to do it.


    After all, that was much easier than making the Spirit of Fire retreat.


    And when Desire got a secure hold on the mana lingering in the air, he placed his hands on his stomach.


    Desire then shaped his hands into something like a triangle for the outside mana to enter his body.


    Shung! Some kind of light then appeared on his hands as it traced on the triangle.


    And when Desire finished doing that, he soon directed the outside mana to enter his body ¨C to enter his Core.


    Desire''s mind was controlling two kinds of mana right now; the mana lingering in the air and the mana in his body.


    "Huuuu." Desire sighed as he breathed a sigh of relief.


    Desire then opened his eyes slowly as he commanded the mana.


    He commanded all of the mana that he was holding to go to his Core!


    Of course, the mana did his bidding as they rushed towards the Core!


    If before the mana was just walking, then now they were all sprinting towards their goal!


    And before the mana could go inside his Core, Desire solemnly spoke as he closed his eyes once more.


    "Rebirth!"


    It was the magic that would heal Desire''s body back to normal.

 Chapter 77: Collapse

    Before Desire used the magic, Rebirth, there was a being shaking in fear in his own Dungeon.


    And that being was, of course, Fireboy.


    He was in his own body now, and that was the fire that was floating up in the air.


    Ever since he returned to his body, Fireboy didn''t move at all.


    He just erased his presence as much as possible and tried to make his flame as little as possible.


    That was how scared Fireboy was.


    ''W-what the hell was that¡­'' Fireboy thought.


    He still couldn''t believe what happened earlier with his little battle with Desire.


    Although Fireboy was attracted to Desire because of his potential, Fireboy knew that Desire isn''t that powerful.


    Hell, Fireboy could even kill Desire as much as he wanted to when they were together.


    That was why Fireboy was even more confused about what happened.


    After Desire lost consciousness during the Burning Air Trial, he became so strong that even Fireboy could only choose to retreat!


    And what''s more, it was a decisive retreat that Fireboy wouldn''t regret in his life.


    That was just ridiculous!


    However, no matter how much Fireboy denied what happened, the reality is still the reality.


    ''D-did he use his potential?'' Fireboy thought as he shook his head.


    Fireboy believed that if Desire used his potential to the utmost, Desire would win against Fireboy.


    However, the Desire that Fireboy talked to was just different.


    The Desire that Fireboy saw was domineering, imposing, and strong!


    There''s no way that little child would change in so little time.


    ''No¡­?'' Fireboy thought of the time when Desire threatened him.


    At that time, Fireboy thought that Desire was just joking.


    However, Fireboy did feel a little bit threatened by Desire. It wasn''t so much, but Fireboy was scared of Desire.


    However, the reason why Fireboy didn''t think much of it is because Fireboy knew that he was a wimp.


    Yes, Fireboy admits that he is a scaredy-cat and can fear people or things easily.


    That was why it didn''t really leave much of an impact on Fireboy and thought that Desire was just doing that to protect himself.


    However, Fireboy is forced to change his thought whenever he remembered his fight against Desire.


    ''Did he hide his powers? No, that''s not important¡­''


    It didn''t matter to Fireboy if Desire were just hiding his strength or something like that.


    The fact that it happened and Desire was still in the Dungeon was dangerous for Fireboy.


    After all, Desire, right now, was a being who could kill Fireboy with a single magic


    What''s more, Desire was angry or pissed off at Fireboy.


    And because Desire was in the Dungeon that Fireboy owns, they were bound to meet.


    That was why Fireboy could only shake in fear as he waits for his doom.


    However, if there were a shining ray of light in this situation, that would be Desire''s kind side.


    ''Does he only act like that when he is cornered?''


    Although Desire acted like that, Fireboy knew that Desire was kind from the get-go.


    Why? The reason was actually pretty simple.


    The Spirit of Fire could judge humans in just a single glance, and when Fireboy saw Desire the first time, he instantly knew it.


    However, the change that Desire had undergone was so extreme that Fireboy thought that he was looking at a different person.


    And that was what Fireboy was betting on.


    ''I have to meet him when that scary vibe isn''t on him!''


    That was the only answer that Fireboy could come up with in this dangerous situation of his.


    After all, the conclusion that Fireboy came to was that because of what happened to him, Desire became hot and wild.


    And because Fireboy couldn''t beat that hot and wild Desire, he has to meet the meek and timid Desire.


    ''That''s the only way I will live!'' Fireboy thought.


    However, things weren''t so simple as Fireboy didn''t know what he would do to know whether Desire right now was the meek and timid or hot and wild one.


    After all, Fireboy wouldn''t like to go back to where Desire was staying.


    Even just sending his senses towards that place would traumatize Fireboy.


    That was how weak-minded the Spirit of Fire was.


    However, it seems it wasn''t the end of his bad luck as he felt his Dungeon shake.


    "W-what?" Fireboy murmured as he looked at the walls.


    Although Fireboy didn''t feel it directly with his touch, Fireboy could tell that his Dungeon was¡­collapsing.


    And that caused confusion to Fireboy.


    After all, the collapse of Dungeon means that someone has cleared his Dungeon.


    And if there were someone on this Dungeon, that would be Desire.


    However, Fireboy knew that Desire didn''t move at all from where he was.


    That was why it was impossible for Desire to clear the Dungeon.


    "What the hell?"


    However, the things that brought confusion to Fireboy didn''t stop there.


    After all, something appeared down below the hole, and it was easy to see.


    Why? It was because this place was dark, and the thing that appeared was light.


    And Fireboy''s eyes soon saw that light as the light continued rising up.


    However, from Fireboy''s eyes, the light seems to be swallowing everything in its path!


    The rocks, the darkness, the place, the air, even the Dungeon!


    And the light didn''t even end there as the light even swallowed Fireboy!


    However, FIreboy couldn''t do anything as it all happened in the blink of an eye.


    Even though Fireboy was a strong being, he couldn''t even react to what happened!


    He was lost for words, and as he was swept up by the flow, he soon felt it.


    ''The Dungeon¡­is gone.''


    Fireboy felt that the Dungeon that he owns that was standing at the Muscula''s nest was now gone.


    And now, he was transported back to his home in his fire form.


    Fireboy just floated in the air stupidly as his brain couldn''t process what happened.


    After all, the owner of the Dungeon didn''t know how his Dungeon was cleared.


    "What the hellllllll?!!!" Fireboy screamed.


    However, deep inside his heart, he was feeling relieved as he didn''t have to meet Desire.


    ''Whew...''

 Chapter 78: Taken over?

    "Ahh¡­" A voice resounded out on top of the mountain as the child raised his body.


    That child was, of course, Desire. His white hair swayed in the air as he stared at the air dazedly.


    And when he saw the sky flying still on top of him, Desire murmured as he raised his hands towards the sky.


    "What the¡­?" His lips parted as his face turned into a frown.


    Why? It was quite obvious.


    After all, Desire was inside the Dungeon before when he collapsed, and now he is outside and could see the sky.


    Desire was seriously confused about it as he looked at his sides, at the ground, and at the sky.


    However, no matter how much he looked, Desire could only confirm that he was now out of the Dungeon.


    "What happened?" Desire spoke as he touched his head.


    And as soon as he did, something hit him like a thunderbolt!


    No, it didn''t really hit him, but he just realized something.


    And when Desire realized that, he soon looked down at this body with widened eyes.


    "What the¡­I''m healed?"


    After all, his body that was full of injuries before was now healed as if it didn''t have any in the first place.


    That was why Desire was touching his body as if he were¡­harassing himself.


    Well, that was how it would look like if someone didn''t know any better.


    Of course, Desire didn''t care about that as he touched his head, his lips, and his cheeks.


    "My face is back to normal¡­" Desire spoke as he remembered that his face was distorted due to the punch that he took from the Muscula.


    However, that was not all that was healed.


    Every part of his body was now alright, and they seemed fine. Of course, not only the outside of his body but also his insides.


    His organs, lungs, heart, stomach, kidney, and even bones! They were all back to normal as Desire moved his body without a problem.


    Even the spine that was pulverized to dust was now supporting Desire normally as Desire stood up.


    "There''s nothing wrong with my body! Woah, what the hell happened?"


    Desire didn''t know what happened at all. He could only remember losing consciousness while being in the Burning Air trial.


    What''s more, it''s not like losing consciousness would help heal his body.


    And as if that were not enough, even the Dungeon and trial that he was taking was now gone like a dream.


    Desire sure didn''t know what to do in this situation.


    And that was why he was thinking of calling up the Unknown to help him.


    After all, the Unknown knows if Desire passed the trial or not.


    The Unknown should also know where Fireboy was as Fireboy didn''t even appear in front of Desire even though his Dungeon is now gone.


    It was just crazy for Desire that so many things had happened when he was out cold.


    However, everything was answered when he took a look at the Unknown, and what it said was¡­


    [The Dungeon of Spirit of Fire has been cleared ¨C Burning Air Trial.]


    [The Spirit of Fire''s reward for clearing the Dungeon ¨C Key.]


    Desire read over the first two lines that appeared over and over again as he thought about it.


    ''I cleared the Burning Air Trial?''


    Desire didn''t have any knowledge about how he cleared the Burning Air Trial at all.


    What he remembered was how hard it was and how his fire burned all throughout the duration of the Burning Air Trial.


    However, it''s not like Desire would be mad about it. After all, no matter how it happened, he still cleared it.


    And this fact made him happier as he now would have more time to rank up to prevent the Monster from taking over.


    "Hmm, Key. Is it this one¡­?" Desire said as he read the next line while grabbing something on the ground as he bent his body to reach it.


    There was a key lying on the ground, and Desire saw it as soon as he stood up. After all, it was quite obvious and conspicuous.


    Why? It was because the key had the color of red, and Desire could see it clearly with his blue eyes.


    Anyway, when Desire reached out to it, the Unknown appeared once more with a different text.


    And Desire read it immediately.


    [Dungeon of Spirit of Fire''s key.]


    -This key is used to go over the Spirit of Fire''s Dungeon once more.


    [Special Note: This key is only given to those recognized by the Spirit of Fire.]


    "Hmm. So, it''s like I can go to the Dungeon once more." Desire said as he put a hand on his chin.


    Although he didn''t expect that he would get something like this, Desire welcomed the key with open arms.


    It was because this key may save his life one way or another, but also because it is connected with the Spirit of Fire.


    As Desire didn''t know what happened at all, he wanted to ask Fireboy, who would know about it.


    Desire then swept past the screen that appeared to look back at the first screen that appeared.


    The key was good, but it wasn''t that important for Desire to fawn over it.


    However, when Desire looked at the first screen again, he realized that there was no other text.


    "Hmm. I don''t believe that''s all that happened." Desire spoke as he looked at the sky.


    Although Desire ''believes'' that he actually cleared the Burning Air Trial, he knew that it wasn''t due to his efforts or something like that.


    That was why Desire knew that there was more information that Unknown hasn''t told him.


    It was then.


    Because Desire thought of it, Unknown naturally responded and showed another screen in front of Desire.


    Of course, Desire immediately noticed it.


    And what it said was¡­


    [Desire''s Vessel has been taken over by the Monster.]


    That was all the Unknown said, but Desire couldn''t believe it as he murmured.


    "W-what? I-I was taken over by the Monster¡­?"

 Chapter 79: Reflection

    "I was taken over by the Monster?" Desire spoke as he looked at the Unknown.


    Although what happened with the Dungeon of Spirit of Fire and the key was crazy, that wasn''t enough to shake Desire.


    However, the fact that the Unknown is telling him that he was taken over by the Monster horrified him.


    Although Desire didn''t know in what way exactly, he just couldn''t believe it.


    "How is that possible?" Desire spoke as he tried hard to remember things.


    Usually, he would always remember every single detail once his eyes saw something.


    He would even know something just by feeling as long as he has consciousness, thanks to his Heavenly Demon Trait.


    However, it seems that Desire couldn''t remember anything happening like that as he spoke.


    "I don''t feel weird..."


    If Desire were really taken over by the Monster, Desire''s consciousness shouldn''t even exist by now.


    He shouldn''t be able to think, see, or even move his body.


    Hell, Desire shouldn''t even be himself right now if that did really happen.


    However, Desire couldn''t find any wrong or damage to him.


    He felt fine, and he felt like he could even go at a monster right now.


    That was why it was weird.


    Why is the Unknown saying that the Monster took over Desire''s Vessel when nothing was wrong with Desire?


    "Sigh. Everything''s wrong ever since I woke up." Desire spoke as he shook his head.


    Although the fact that he was taken over by the Monster was dangerous, Desire couldn''t really do anything at this point.


    After all, Desire didn''t even know who the hell the Monster was.


    Desire also didn''t even know a single thing about Desire''s Vessel.


    How would he solve things when he didn''t know about them?


    That was why the only thing he could do right now was just to complain to the air.


    However, that soon ended as he realized something.


    "Now that I think about it, I don''t really know myself."


    What Desire said was the truth, and no one could deny it, not even himself.


    After all, Desire didn''t know anything about himself that it felt like Desire was a stranger to himself.


    During the young age or childhood phase of a human, not knowing about oneself is pretty normal.


    People live their lives and age naturally. It is only when one takes an adventure in their life and matures that they find out about themselves.


    When they do, they find out about their passion, their likings, their fear, their love, pretty much everything about themselves.


    There are even some people who create their best version after knowing that they are the worst versions of themselves.


    That was why it isn''t strange for a child not to know anything about oneself.


    That is also the reason why Desire didn''t really mind or thought much about it before.


    After all, Desire is a human.


    He, too, would grow, age, live his life, and only then would he find out about himself.


    Although he didn''t have parents to guide him when he is still a child, Desire was confident in finding the truth about himself.


    He was confident that he would be able to learn things about himself.


    After all, even though the time he lived was short, Desire has always lived alone.


    Even if the Suckus or Jarina were right beside him as he grew up, Desire couldn''t feel any sense of familiarity with them.


    As much as he loves monsters, Desire was feeling the difference with their race.


    He felt that he, a human, doesn''t ''belong'' with the Suckus.


    If Desire had to compare it with something, it would be like a puzzle.


    Although he fits perfectly in the picture, the piece called Desire doesn''t match with the rest of the pieces.


    That was why he was confident in himself, although he didn''t show it much.


    However, it seems his confidence and his thinking was wrong, as this incident proved it.


    After all, even though the Unknown was telling the answer to Desire, he still couldn''t understand a single thing about it.


    Why? It was simple.


    It was because Desire didn''t know the question.


    "Haaa." Desire breathed in and out when his thoughts got deep.


    He then shook his head as he slapped his face with both of his hands.


    Clap!!


    The sound of his hands hitting his cheeks resounded out in the area, and Desire spoke while squeezing his face with his hands.


    "This is no good at all."


    Desire didn''t like how he didn''t know the question.


    Things would have been solved already if he just knew that question, but since he didn''t know, things got complicated.


    However, it''s not like Desire could help that part.


    After all, Desire was born without his parents.


    Being born without parents is the same as living your life while being blindfolded.


    That is how harsh life is.


    Desire could even be considered lucky as the Suckus race was there to back him up.


    Well, it was mostly Jarina and her mother and the people he met in the village as well.


    However, even those Suckus could not help Desire in learning about himself.


    "Life is hard, huh." Desire shook his head when he said those words.


    He didn''t really mean those words.


    Although life may indeed be hard, Desire didn''t really believe in that shit.


    After all, he could just correct things when it goes wrong.


    And that was exactly what Desire planned to do from now on.


    He would bend things to his way if he didn''t like it.


    He would change everything to his will if it were a pain to his ass.


    He would destroy everything or everyone on his way if they meant harm to him.


    That''s what he has set out to do ever since he started practicing the Heavenly Demon Trait.


    He wanted to get stronger, so people won''t be able to talk back to him.


    "That''s right; nothing changed at all..."


    Even the Monster who has taken over his Vessel is just another ant on his way.


    "I will find out about you and destroy you!!"

 Chapter 80: Human Rank

    Right after coming into terms with his decision, Desire then put the Monster aside.


    Although he would definitely come for the Monster, this wasn''t the perfect time to do so.


    He was still in a dangerous place, and there were still many more things to consider.


    And one of those was whether Desire was able to rank up the Human Rank.


    "However, that doesn''t really matter anymore."


    Increasing the Human Rank up didn''t really matter for Desire anymore as the Unknown told him that his Vessel was already taken over.


    After all, to prevent that from happening, he had to increase the Human Rank.


    However, if he were already taken over, Desire didn''t have to give a care about that Human Rank anymore.


    That was why Desire thought that it doesn''t matter anymore.


    However, he soon shook his head at that thought.


    There''s nothing wrong or disadvantage with becoming stronger.


    After all, even if the system is indeed just there to monitor people, it is still a way to tell one''s strength.


    And Desire''s system is the Unknown.


    Although Desire didn''t know anything about the Unknown, Desire could tell that it was definitely better than the system.


    That was why Desire thought it best that he should increase his rank as soon as possible.


    However, it seems that too was solved in a way as the Unknown appeared right in front of Desire again.


    And it was actually his status.


    [Stauts]


    [Name: Desire]


    [Race: Human]


    [Monster Rank: First]


    [Human Rank: First]


    [Traits: Heavenly Demon Trait]


    [Title: None]


    [Divine Protection: Cannot be identified]


    [Special Status]


    -Current progress with the unification with water: 15%


    -Current progress with the unification with fire: 0%


    Desire read his status once, and he immediately became shocked.


    He didn''t have any knowledge of how he passed the Burning Air Trial or cleared the Dungeon, and now, another one has popped out.


    And that was, of course, the Human Rank that ranked up without his knowledge.


    It was just absurd that he would rank up all of a sudden as ranking up the Human Rank is something that needs effort, time, and killing monsters.


    However, Desire didn''t have any knowledge of doing that at all.


    "I just slept, and things...became better." Desire said as he smiled with intentions unknown.


    Although the situation was definitely annoying as he didn''t have any knowledge at all, it wasn''t that bad.


    He cleared the Burning Air Trial, and his body was healed.


    It was not only that, but he also ranked up!


    If this were not the best sleep that Desire ever had in his life, then Desire didn''t know what sleep would top this one.


    However, it seems that the surprises are not over yet as Desire saw his special status.


    "Hmm? I can also become one with the fire?" Desire said as he titled his head.


    Desire didn''t practice any fire magic, nor did he have any fire skills.


    That was why it was weird for Desire to be able to become one with fire.


    What''s more, it was already inhumane that he could become one with the water.


    And having another one is just surprising.


    "Sigh, I have so many things to do..." Desire shook his head.


    Although he didn''t know if becoming one with the water or fire would help him become stronger, Desire would definitely go for it.


    After all, it was one of the things that normal humans wouldn''t be able to do in their whole life.


    Desire was sure that there was a sweet secret lying at the end of that path.


    "I guess that''s all that changed?" Desire spoke as he tried observing himself.


    He then called for the Unknown again and again to look for things that have changed during his sleep.


    However, he couldn''t find another one as it all stayed the same as before.


    Desire then looked ahead where he could see the trees and the path to go back.


    Desire''s face was...surprisingly calm and one that had the abyss of satisfaction.


    After all, he did things that he hadn''t intended to do, and even got a bonus from it.


    The key, the unification with fire, and his rank up!


    All those things would definitely help him in the future.


    It was then.


    As Desire kept looking up, he then decided to go down now as he no longer had any business with the Muscula''s nest.


    He then bent his knees to grab his things, the key, and the Krussi.


    "Hmm, it''s hard to hold something while walking in this place..."


    Desire remembered the time when he got punched in the face by a Muscula.


    Although it was because the Muscula was just fast and strong, Desire thought that Krussi holding his hand back was one of the reasons why he got hit.


    Of course, that was just his thoughts.


    However, Desire didn''t have any time to have those kinds of thoughts as he heard something move in the trees.


    Shush! The bushes and leaves made sounds as some sort of shadow loomed over them.


    As the sun was out in the open, it was easy to see.


    And with Desire''s eyes, he could easily tell what kind of being was disturbing the leaves.


    "A human?" Desire said as his eyes sharpened.


    He bent his knees as his senses stay sharped at all times.


    His hands were waiting for a magic to come out of them, and his Core was churning up mana for him.


    Of course, Desire did that in just a second, and his stance was just perfect for receiving surprise attacks.


    It was weird as Desire didn''t have any experience before in doing things like these.


    However, that perfect stance of Desire soon crumpled when he saw who it was.


    "Jarina!" Desire spoke with widened eyes when he saw Jarina was running towards him as if the world was about to end.


    Some parts of her were bouncing, but Desire didn''t really care about that.


    Why? It was because Jarina was crying.


    "Desireeeee!!" Jarina shouted as she tried her best not to tear up.


    And because of her speed, Jarina was able to reach Desire''s place in just seconds.


    And with her arms spread open, she hugged Desire as she lifted him up.


    "Desireee!!" Jarina cried as she squeezed Desire in between her mountains.


    And while she was doing that, Desire had a smile on his face.


    "Hehehe."

 Chapter 81: Embrace

    "Hehehe." Desire smiled with unknown intentions as his cheek touched Jarina''s skin.


    Of course, Desire would smile in this situation.


    After all, Jarina is one of the people that he wanted to see ever since he was in that Dungeon.


    It was something like comfort to him, and when he saw Jarina cry like that, Desire couldn''t help but smile.


    Right, that was the reason why he had such a smile on his face as Jarina squeezed his body tight.


    It was not about something else, as Desire didn''t know a thing about that.


    After all, how could he possibly know that?


    Anyway, Jarina squeezed Desire so hard that it wouldn''t be weird for Desire to get hurt.


    That was why, after savoring the feeling that he got from meeting Jarina, Desire spoke as he tried to look at Jarina in the face.


    "Hey! Jarina, s-stop it!" Desire stuttered as Jarina didn''t really let go.


    After all, even though Desire was having a fun time with Jarina''s embrace, Jarina''s strength is the real thing.


    It wouldn''t even be weird if Desire got squashed flat with just her strength.


    Of course, Jarina was controlling her strength well, as that didn''t happen.


    After all, she was so worried about Desire that she just basically rushed in here when she heard the location of the Dungeon.


    And when she did, Desire appeared magically.


    It seems that the time Desire spent on the Dungeon was little.


    It was then.


    As Jarina finally hugged Desire to her heart''s content, she then raised Desire in the air with her hands.


    She just looked at Desire with teary eyes, and her hair was literally everywhere.


    However, despite that, Desire''s evaluation of Jarina''s beauty was the same.


    After all, beautiful is beautiful, no matter what you do to it.


    "What''s wrong, though? Why are you like that?" Desire asked as he looked at Jarina.


    Although he did appreciate this type of reception, Desire didn''t understand why Jarina would be like this.


    And what''s more, this was the first time Desire saw Jarina act like this.


    Jarina always had a tight guard on her feelings, and she wouldn''t let those show to other people.


    That was why it was also weird for Desire to see Jarina act like this.


    However, it seems that Desire wouldn''t get the answer that he wanted as Jarina just did her thing.


    Right, she did her thing as she threw Desire again in her bosom.


    She then hugged Desire once more as she squeezed Desire''s body softly, and gently this time.


    She didn''t have the same wildness she had when she hugged Desire before.


    Right, Jarina was now organized as she spoke meekly.


    "Y-you''re safe..."


    And Desire heard it clearly as he smiled a little bit.


    Although he didn''t know why Jarina was like this, he liked it.


    He liked that Jarina was worried about him.


    That was why he didn''t move or react anymore.


    He then wrapped his arms around her neck and gently pushed his face against Jarina''s body.


    He then spoke as he closed his eyes.


    "Yeah."


    The duo then enjoyed the embrace of each other as they hugged each other even tighter.


    ****


    "So, what happened?" Desire spoke as he looked at Jarina.


    He wasn''t in her embrace anymore as he was standing on the ground now.


    He was actually worried for Jarina that something might have happened.


    Two days have passed ever since they last met, and that short amount of time can be home to many happenings.


    Of course, Desire knew that which is why he asked Jarina.


    "Well, did you meet someone on this mountain?" Jarina asked after fixing her face.


    She looked like she didn''t cry at all! However, her violet eyes were definitely red as she looked at Desire.


    "What do you mean?" Desire asked Jarina as he tried hard to remember.


    As Desire was so focused on the Dungeon and the monster, his journey on the Muscula''s nest didn''t really leave much of an impact on him.


    Well, not when the Muscula punched him, but that was all that left a mark on him.


    That was why Desire forgot about that time.


    "Didn''t you fight a Muscula before and got knocked out even before the Muscula could attack?"


    "Ah!"


    Desire said as his eyes went wide and his mouth opened wide like an ''O'' as he continued speaking.


    "I didn''t really meet someone, but I definitely was attacked by someone."


    It was then.


    As Jarina was just looking at Desire lovingly, something...mysterious happened.


    Her face that looked like it was sculpted by the gods suddenly distorted.


    She bit her lips while she spoke. Of course, she didn''t say that out loud as she refrained from acting out in front of Desire.


    "W-w-w-what?! She really attacked you?! That damned woman!"


    And because of that, Desire couldn''t hear it as Desire spoke while tilting his head.


    "What did you say?"


    And as if her rage didn''t really exist, Jarina spoke while having a smile on her beautiful face.


    "Nothing! Let''s go back!"


    "Ah, wait a minute."


    Desire then bent his legs to reach out for something.


    It was the Key and the Krussi that fell out of his hand without him noticing it when Jarina lifted him.


    It didn''t take long for Desire to get it, and he then looked at Jarina while holding them as he spoke.


    "Let''s go."


    It was then that Desire urged Jarina to walk, but the lady didn''t walk as she stopped Desire.


    "Wait." Jarina spoke as she waved her hands in the air.


    Although Desire couldn''t see it with his naked eyes, he felt something at work.


    ''Mana.''


    Of course, that was mana.


    Desire was curious why Jarina suddenly decided to use magic or mana here, but he soon found out as he saw a tree being peeled.


    "What are you doing?" Desire asked as he saw a thin line of wood flying in the air.


    Jarina then directed that thin line of wood towards Desire.


    To be specific, she directed it to the things Desire was holding.


    The wood then wrapped itself to the things that Desire was holding, and when it was finished, Jarina spoke.


    "Here, wear it on your neck."

 Chapter 82: You look perfect

    "Here, wear it on your neck." Jarina said after she noticed that the wood had tied itself on the key and the Krussi.


    And, of course, Desire also watched it all happen with wide eyes.


    He then spoke with an excited voice as he raised the hand holding the key and the Krussi.


    "Woah! They can be something like this?!"


    Desire didn''t know that the Krussi could be something like this. Of course, even the key.


    As Desire looked into it with eyes that were basically sparkling, Desire soon saw the wood entering some part of the Krussi.


    Desire then saw the wood exit at some part of the necklace, and then the wood tied itself at a considerable length.


    The Krussi was a cross-shaped gold necklace, but before, it didn''t have a chain or link.


    It was even weird to call it a necklace if it didn''t have something like the chain or link to hang it in your neck.


    However, now that it had the wood as a chain, the Krussi finally looked like a proper necklace.


    Of course, Desire didn''t forget about the key, but Desire didn''t really put much of an importance to it as much as the Krussi.


    It makes one wonder, but Desire just simply couldn''t give a fuck to it.


    After all, how could a key containing a trial possibly compare to a necklace that is composed of a Holy Ore?


    "Yes. That''s how necklaces are supposed to be, after all." Jarina said as she looked at Desire''s excited face.


    She then walked forward and bent her body forward, making her hair fall.


    She grabbed the Krussi out of Desire''s hand, but surprisingly, Desire didn''t really mind it as he just watched Jarina do her stuff.


    Well, he couldn''t really react as Jarina''s hand was already at his neck.


    And when Jarina was done, she took a few steps back and looked at Desire with a smile.


    "You look perfect."


    With the golden necklace hanging on his neck, Desire smiled as he spoke.


    "Thank you!"


    It seems that having the Krussi on his neck was just that special to him as he looked at it again.


    However, he soon looked back at Jarina as it was now time to go.


    With the key of the Dungeon on his hands, Desire then spoke once more.


    "Let''s go. I''m fine now."


    When Jarina heard that, she nodded her head and turned around.


    She then began walking with Desire by her side.


    The duo then vanished into the sea of trees as they started climbing down the mountain.


    ****


    Desire and Jarina didn''t really talk with each other as they were walking.


    They had to be on guard against possible threats in here. However, none of the monsters could possibly win against Jarina.


    That was why they were comparatively relaxing while they were walking.


    And because of that, they were able to get down the mountain a lot faster than normal.


    It was surprising because Jarina didn''t carry Desire on the entire journey.


    After all, Jarina always babied Desire no matter where they were.


    However, Jarina had a reason why she didn''t do like she always did.


    And that was...


    ''Something is different...'' Jarina thought as she glanced at Desire.


    Although the place was full of trees and hard to walk on, the duo didn''t really have any troubles with that.


    That was why Jarina could see Desire smoothly walking over the bushes.


    ''I can''t tell, but he really is different...'' Jarina thought as she continued walking.


    Ever since they started walking, Jarina couldn''t help but feel that there was something different in Desire.


    However, she couldn''t tell or specify what was different.


    And that was weird.


    Jarina is a strong monster, and she even had the Cold-Blooded Trait.


    Her instincts would be able to pick up any difference to a person, and her Cold-Blooded Trait would help her find any changes with just a look.


    And, yet, she couldn''t even feel or see what the difference in Desire was.


    What''s more, the last time they were together wasn''t really that long ago. It was just a span of a day or two days.


    With her collective mind and sharp eyes, Jarina should definitely be able to see even the tiniest difference.


    However, Jarina couldn''t tell what it was, and that fact was bugging her.


    What is it? How did he change? Did something happen to him? Is it related to that key?


    Jarina only thought of those questions in her mind as they were walking.


    Although she wasn''t that curious about what happened to Desire when she met him again, due to her feelings, Jarina was dying to know now.


    How could two days'' worth of time possibly change someone?


    What''s more, Jarina could definitely feel that the change isn''t some tiny little bit, but a big one!


    After all, Desire''s eyes were just that sharp and alert.


    ''His eyes were round and cute, but now...''


    Sigh. Jarina inwardly thought, but of course, she wasn''t really talking about the shape of Desire''s eyes.


    She was talking about the mood and atmosphere Desire had on his persona.


    She knew that those weren''t the source, but the effect of Desire''s change.


    It was then.


    As Jarina kept thinking to herself while walking, the duo soon reached their destination.


    And in their destination, Desire could see something.


    And when he saw that, Desire spoke up with an excited but quiet voice.


    "So, this is..."


    After all, he already knew it as Jarina told him about it.


    He knew that he would soon meet a human, and he was excited about it.


    He was excited to see if his training the Heavenly Demon Trait was a correct decision or not.


    He was excited to see if the one-year training that he had wasn''t a waste.


    He wanted to see if he would be able to control his emotions now.


    "So, this is my first time meeting one..."


    It was Desire''s first meeting with a human.

 Chapter 83: Desire meets Teresa

    Desire was excited to see the first ever human that he would meet.


    That was why he had such an expectant look on his face as he spoke to Jarina.


    "Is that them?"


    Jarina was worried about Desire if ever his emotions would get out of control, but she soon shook her head at that thought.


    ''He trained for this...''


    Jarina is the person who was there for Desire when Desire was training himself.


    She is also the one who suggested Desire practice the Cold-Blooded Trait.


    That was why it was wrong for Jarina to doubt Desire at this point.


    Although she knew how hard it is for one to keep control, Jarina wanted to see for herself.


    Jarina wanted to see the moment when Desire wouldn''t fuss over something like a human.


    Either way, the result would come up naturally as the duo emerged from the trees and arrived at a place where there were no trees.


    It was quite weird as this place was the Muscula''s nest, which is essentially a mountain.


    However, everything became clear when they saw a man who was moving something like trunks.


    It was not only a man but also a woman who was using magic to clear the way.


    And that duo of a man and a woman was Teresa and Gladior, who was clearing the trees in order to make it more comfortable to stay.


    Of course, without holding anything back, Jarina called out to Teresa.


    "Teresa!"


    It was only then that Teresa and even Gladior stopped whatever they were doing and turned their heads towards the source of the voice.


    Teresa stopped using her mana, and let down the trunk of the tree she was holding, and walked towards Jarina.


    Gladior also stopped, but he didn''t walk towards Jarina or something like that.


    He just stayed where he was. After all, right behind him was the lady he was serving.


    He wouldn''t dare slack on his duty just to meet with someone he didn''t even really know that well.


    Anyway, Teresa spoke when she neared Jarina.


    "Miss, how did it go?" Teresa asked as she looked beyond Jarina.


    However, Teresa couldn''t see anything or anyone behind Jarina.


    And that was weird as Jarina went on to fetch Desire up.


    And if Jarina came back and showed up here, that would only mean that she already met Desire.


    That was why Teresa was tilting her head. However, her confusion soon became clear as Jarina spoke as she moved to her side.


    She then tilted her body sideways as her hand moved as if she were presenting magic.


    After all, that was how it looked to Teresa when Desire suddenly popped out in her field of view!


    "Ah! Right, I forgot..." Teresa spoke as she slumped down a little bit.


    The reason why she didn''t see Desire immediately was that Desire was small and wasn''t easy to see.


    Because Teresa hasn''t met Desire a lot of time, she forgot that Desire was a child and didn''t even live for a long time.


    However, that doesn''t change the fact that what she did may come across as her being rude.


    That was why she immediately spoke to avoid any misunderstandings.


    "I''m sorry about that." Teresa spoke as she bent her body to look at Desire right at his eyes.


    For anyone else in the human world or even in the monster world, something as simple as this would definitely cause trouble.


    However, who was Desire?


    He was a child who loved monsters so much that he didn''t even put humans in his eyes.


    He was a child who would go to extreme lengths just to meet monsters and even possibly protect them.


    That was how extreme Desire was when it comes to monsters.


    However, maybe because it was due to his trait, or maybe because it was due to him changing personally, Desire only smiled a little bit as he spoke.


    "It''s fine."


    And that caused a reaction from both the monsters who were here.


    They knew that every time Desire meets a new monster, no matter the race, he would react overly excited.


    For Desire to react like this to Teresa, who he didn''t meet before, that would only mean one thing.


    ''Hmm. So, I guess it paid off.'' Jarina thought as she turned to look at Teresa.


    It only meant that Desire''s training paid off. After all, this meeting with a new monster is the same as the warm-up trial.


    If Desire couldn''t even get a hold of himself while meeting Teresa, there''s no way he could get a hold of himself when meeting a human.


    That was why Jarina set it up beforehand with Teresa.


    She wanted to see first if Desire would be able to control himself before a monster, before meeting a human.


    And it seems they didn''t have to worry too much, thought Teresa as she threw a furtive glance at Jarina.


    That was the signal that it was now time to introduce her.


    After all, Teresa could see that Desire was waiting for them.


    Desire didn''t want to take the lead in this situation when he didn''t even know a single thing about her.


    Anyway, Jarina caught that signal as she turned around to speak to Desire.


    "Desire, this is Teresa. Although you haven''t met her, she saw you once before."


    Jarina then turned to look at Teresa as she continued speaking.


    "Teresa, this is Desire."


    And it was then that Desire spoke up.


    "Nice to meet you, I am Desire." Desire''s voice was normal, and it didn''t seem like he was that excited.


    He then bent his body forward slightly as he bowed his head a little bit.


    "I hope we get along with each other."


    "Yes. I am Teresa, and I hope, too, that we get along."


    Teresa also bowed her head as she spoke.


    Although she didn''t expect such reception from Desire, she didn''t freak out or something like that.


    She was used to something like this as she knew diplomatics well.


    It was then that Jarina spoke once more.


    "Now, let''s go..."


    It is now time for you to meet a human.

 Chapter 84: Know your place!

    "Let''s go."


    Jarina urged Desire as she turned around to look at the man who was looking at them from afar.


    Although they were already familiar with each other, the man''s eyes were intense.


    It was as if the man were looking at an enemy.


    Well, that was the obvious reaction as the person who made him and his lady do some troublesome tasks was now here.


    Although he didn''t really mind it as something like a search didn''t really matter, the fact that Grizelle was exposed to danger was enough to trigger Gladior.


    That was why, as the trio of Desire, Jarina, and Teresa walking towards them, Gladior had a sour look on his face.


    And when a few seconds passed, the trio was finally standing near Gladior.


    However, they didn''t stop there at all.


    After all, Jarina didn''t stop Desire there and just kept moving forward.


    No, she did at least give a glance towards Gladior''s way as she looked towards him.


    However, the way Jarina looked at him wasn''t friendly at all!


    It even looked like Jarina was looking down at Gladior as she passed by him!


    And before Jarina''s group completely disappeared from Gladior''s view, he heard a voice.


    And what that voice said was...


    "Know your place, human."


    And when he heard it, Gladior opened his eyes wide! His face became shocked, and he looked horrified!


    After all, the owner of the voice wasn''t some little kid.


    It wasn''t Jarina as she already passed him, but instead, it was the woman who was walking behind the group, Teresa!


    Gladior couldn''t believe that Teresa would say those words to him.


    After all, Teresa was the one who was holding Jarina back whenever she was about to erupt.


    However, if you think about it, it was absolutely reasonable.


    Why? It was because Gladior certainly looked disrespectful by how he looked at them.


    And Teresa didn''t like that look at all.


    After all, she only stopped Jarina from acting out because of their alliance.


    What''s more, it was also due to the fact that Jarina was acting out to Grizelle.


    If Jarina were to somehow get into an argument with Gladior, Teresa wouldn''t stop her.


    After all, Gladior isn''t the one who makes decisions on their party, and Grizelle is the only one who actually holds value to them.


    That was why Teresa couldn''t forgive the way Gladior looked at them as if he were some higher being.


    If it weren''t for the fact that he was the attendant of Grizelle, Teresa would like to separate his neck from his body right here, right now.


    And because her killing intent was real, Gladior could feel it crawl up on his skin!


    And without even him noticing it, a line of blood suddenly appeared on his skin at his neck.


    However, even with that happening to him, Gladior couldn''t speak out about it.


    Why? It was because no matter what, the one who was in the wrong was him.


    He was a human, and they were monsters. He couldn''t expect that he could just give them that look and get away scot-free.


    And besides, it was just a minor problem. Even Grizelle wouldn''t really pay much attention to it.


    Anyway, as the trio finally passed by Gladior, they could finally see the woman who was still sitting on the ground.


    And when Desire''s eyes laid on that woman, he only had one thought on his head.


    ''Beautiful...''


    Beautiful. That was the only thing he could think of when his eyes witnessed Grizelle''s beauty.


    His eyes landed on her head, which was crowned by long, red hair.


    Grizelle''s eyes were closed, but Desire could tell that those eyes were sharp.


    Of course, it didn''t lessen her beauty at all.


    Her face was well-shaped, and she even had a perfect jawline!


    And to top it off, the lips that she has was just sweet.


    However, that was not all.


    As she was sitting, Desire couldn''t really see her body, but Desire could guess that she was slim.


    Well, that was easy to see as Grizelle just looked that way.


    And because of the clothes that Grizelle was wearing, a coat that looms all over her body, Desire could only see the skin on her hands.


    However, if one thinks about who was thinking about all these things, one would think that it was weird.


    Why? It was because it was Desire who was charmed.


    Desire hates humans, and that hasn''t changed.


    All that changed was just how he controls his emotions now and didn''t display his hatred in his actions or words.


    That was why it was just weird.


    Just because you can control your emotions now, that doesn''t mean you no longer hate something.


    However, as if his hate didn''t really exist, Desire was being charmed by a woman.


    He didn''t even know what charmed means, yet, he was charmed.


    It''s not like Desire was a man now. He was still a child.


    What''s more, Desire didn''t have any hate for this woman at all as he just wondered at Grizelle''s beauty.


    And because Desire was looking at her with such intensity, Jarina was able to notice that quite easily.


    It was then that Jarina bent her body forward to whisper at Desire''s ears.


    Before she spoke, she covered her mouth with her hand and glanced at Grizelle.


    Although Grizelle shouldn''t notice it with her eyes closed, Jarina knew that Grizelle was ''looking'' at them.


    After all, she could feel it, and she thought it best to mock her.


    Well, it was nothing but a childish way to get back at Grizelle.


    "This is the woman who attacked you in the forest. Do you remember?"


    However, it seems that Jarina didn''t expect the answer that Desire gave her.


    "I don''t really know, but even then, I don''t mind it at all."


    I don''t mind it at all.


    That phrase echoed out inside Jarina''s mind as she looked at Desire.


    "Y-you don''t mind it?"


    She stuttered as she spoke as she just couldn''t believe it.

 Chapter 85: What are you doing?

    "Y-you don''t mind it?"


    Jarina couldn''t believe what Desire just said.


    After all, Desire did get attacked by Grizelle, no matter how much one thinks about it.


    That was why it was insane that Desire, who was attacked, didn''t mind it.


    And what''s more, it was a human who attacked him! It was the race that Desire hates.


    No matter how good Desire is in controlling his emotions, there''s no way he would say he didn''t really mind it.


    Unless he was indeed a masochist, Desire should mind those things!


    Even Jarina would be bothered by that as she looked at Desire with...horrified eyes.


    However, it seems that Desire wasn''t thinking about those things as he continued speaking.


    He looked at Jarina, who straightened her body up involuntarily.


    "Ah, don''t get me wrong. I don''t mind it because it''s something that I will do as well if ever I meet someone on this mountain."


    "There are certain dangers in having someone else in a place like this where no one could help you."


    "What''s more, she used magic to protect me, didn''t she?"


    "So, I don''t mind it anymore."


    Desire explained without missing a single breath. It seems he was decided on this as his eyes didn''t show any hesitation.


    What Desire said was what he truly felt and thought of the matter.


    He didn''t want to overreact when it was already done. Besides, he didn''t want to contradict himself when he, too, would do the same as Grizelle did.


    Besides, even if Desire did mind it, there''s nothing he could do.


    After all, Desire knew how strong Grizelle was right away.


    ''She''s a lot stronger than me.''


    And because Grizelle was stronger than him, Desire didn''t want to make an enemy out of her.


    Even if Desire does have Lionel and Jarina on his back, Desire just couldn''t find any single advantage in having a strong enemy.


    Right, it was just because Grizelle was strong that Desire chose not to mind it.


    It was then.


    As Desire finished explaining why he thought like that, Jarina finally said something with quite a relaxed look.


    It seems she was quite relieved at the fact that Desire actually thought about it.


    "I see, I see."


    "Anyway, what is she doing?"


    Desire asked Jarina as he turned his head to look at Grizelle.


    As Grizelle didn''t react or speak or did anything at all, despite them being right in front of her, Desire was weirded out by this situation.


    That was why he wanted to know what Grizelle was doing.


    However, Jarina couldn''t answer Desire''s question as Grizelle did.


    No, she didn''t use her mouth to answer, but instead, she answered with her actions!


    She didn''t do anything with her body, but she churned mana out of her Core.


    She then raised the area''s hotness with just her mana.


    When the area got hotter now, she then opened her palms as she placed them on her knees. She laid them flat on her knees.


    And it was then that something magical happened.


    In the empty air right above her palms, something like a red ball appeared.


    That red ball continued growing until it stabilized, and it continued glowing ominously.


    Of course, the hotness in the air and in the area was still there as Jarina spoke.


    "Ah, I guess she''s still doing her thing."


    Jarina then raised her hands as something like a barrier appeared to circle the three of them.


    That barrier was a transparent blue, and Desire could feel that it was no longer hot.


    "Let''s go...Desire?" Jarina said as she turned her head to Desire.


    However, Desire had his eyes closed as he focused on himself.


    He was thinking about the hotness that suddenly came up.


    For Desire, who had to endure the Burning Air Trial, the hotness that was produced by Grizelle''s mana was nothing.


    It was to the point that Desire thought Grizelle was just playing.


    However, it seems that Desire wasn''t thinking about that as he thought.


    ''Fire, huh.''


    Fire.


    It was something that hurt and destroyed every part of Desire''s body.


    That was why Desire didn''t like fire a single bit.


    Even fire was there to traumatize him when he was still living with Lyra and Liya.


    The fire was something Desire didn''t like to play with. However, Desire thought that should change.


    Why? It was because the Spirit of Fire was attracted to him and even got the chance to unite with fire.


    And it was exactly because of that Desire tried to play with fire a little bit.


    ''A little bit, yeah.'' Desire thought as he guided his Core''s mana.


    He guided his mana outside, and it passed through the transparent barrier that Jarina set up.


    And when his mana touched the hotness of the air outside, Desire saw something.


    No...as he had his eyes closed, he couldn''t really see.


    However, his consciousness could as he read it with his mind.


    [Desire''s Mana is being tempered by the flames of the Fire Princess.]


    [Warning! If Desire''s Mana continues to be tempered by the flames of the Fire Princess, Desire''s Vessel will go out of balance.]


    [New Special Status!]


    -The Heavenly Demon Trait is sustaining the balance as of the moment.]


    -The Heavenly Demon Trait will last for only 100 days if Desire''s Mana continues to be tempered.


    [Advice!]


    -Do not expose your mana to the flames of the Fire Princess.


    -The Heavenly Demon Trait won''t have to balance Desire''s Vessel if your mana is not exposed.


    And when Desire read it all, he became flabbergasted.


    After all, Desire didn''t know what was going on or why the Unknown suddenly said something like this.


    However, Desire knew that he could trust the Unknown.


    After all, it was something like his trump card now.


    That was why he quickly grabbed his mana and put it back to his Core.


    Strangely enough, he didn''t feel anything wrong with his body at all.


    That was why he opened his eyes without a fuss.


    And when he did, he saw one pair of red eyes staring at his own.


    That pair of red eyes was so scary that it seemed much larger than usual.


    No, for Desire, it was the only thing that he could see as his ears picked up a voice.


    "What are you doing?"


    It was Grizelle''s voice.

 Chapter 86: Dont worry

    "What are you doing?" Grizelle asked Desire with wide open eyes.


    She felt that Desire was doing something while she was doing her thing, and it bugged her.


    After all, she was trying to concentrate on herself.


    That was why she immediately noticed it when some unknown mana intruded on her space.


    However, before she could bug Desire about it, she has to go through someone first.


    And, of course, that was Jarina.


    "No, what are you doing? Scaring Desire with your face?"


    Jarina moved in front of Desire as she spoke to Grizelle.


    It seems she didn''t like how Grizelle was acting towards Desire.


    Well, it was reasonable.


    Jarina didn''t want Grizelle to get on Desire''s nerves when she didn''t know how much Desire could control his emotions.


    However, it seems she didn''t have to worry as Desire spoke.


    "I didn''t do anything. I just let out some mana, that''s all."


    Desire then poked Jarina as he looked up to her.


    "Also, you don''t have to speak like that to her. We can all agree that she saved my life, no?"


    "Heh. It seems that the kid is more thoughtful than you are."


    Grizelle said as she had a smirk on her face while looking at Jarina.


    However, Jarina didn''t react at all as she just casually grabbed Desire as she walked away.


    Surprising or not, Desire didn''t oppose Jarina''s carry as he just stayed quiet while looking at the air.


    And Grizelle was looking at the duo while she was thinking.


    ''What I felt...was he trying to burn himself?''


    Grizelle closed her eyes as she continued focusing on herself while thinking.


    It was weird that she could focus on herself while at the same time thinking.


    Anyway, what Grizelle was thinking was what Desire did.


    For Grizelle, who felt what Desire was doing, it was just...unordinary or bizarre.


    It was as if Desire were trying to get burned. At least, for Grizelle, that was how it felt.


    However, oddly enough, Grizelle was the one who rejected that notion.


    After all, Grizelle could feel that somehow Desire was experienced with fire.


    It felt like Desire knew what he needed to do with fire, and he was just confident that he wouldn''t get burned.


    That was why it left an impression on Grizelle.


    ''A child raised by the Suckus, and yet, he knows fire magic...ironic.''


    Grizelle suspected that Desire was raised by the Suckus, judging from how close Jarina is with Desire.


    And that was why for Desire to know fire magic when his ''parents'' only know water magic or wood magic is just...ironic.


    Grizelle then closed her thoughts as she continued doing what she was always doing.


    And that was tempering the marble of fire...into her own Core.


    She focused all her being on completing that task as her consciousness disappeared inside her body.


    ****


    While Grizelle was doing that, Jarina was still walking towards nowhere.


    She didn''t have any destination in mind, as she just grabbed Desire there abruptly.


    It was then that Desire finally spoke to Jarina.


    "Jarina, where are we going?"


    Desire also didn''t know where they would go, and he was curious about it.


    "I...don''t know myself. Where do you want to go?" Jarina asked while looking at Desire with a smile.


    They were beautiful together, but it was just weird to see a child of Desire''s size being carried by Jarina.


    After all, it doesn''t...look cute anymore as they did when Desire was a baby.


    However, it seems that Desire didn''t really care about that as he just continued speaking.


    It was weird if you think about how he didn''t like it when he was a baby before.


    It seems that he is maturing somewhat. Or is he?


    "I have a question, though. Why did you bring me here? I don''t understand it at all."


    Desire asked this question as this was the thing that was bugging him way before.


    After what happened to him in the Dungeon and while he was climbing the mountain, Desire was extremely curious about this.


    After all, Desire just couldn''t find any advantages or something worthwhile during his stay here.


    Sure, the Dungeon might have turned out good for Desire.


    However, that isn''t planned.


    ''The Dungeon was just there when I was there.''


    After all, Lionel already told Desire that Dungeons just appear out of nowhere, and there''s no way Jarina would know that the Dungeon of Spirit of Fire would be here.


    That was why Desire was curious about it.


    "Ah, haven''t I told you before? It''s because papa has some visitors right now. Well, yesterday, and he didn''t want them to see you and me."


    Jarina spoke as she stopped walking. She then continued talking while looking at Desire.


    "You should know the reason why papa doesn''t want others to see you now."


    "It''s because you aren''t strong enough yet."


    "But don''t worry. You got here three days ago. Papa will teach you something soon."


    What Jarina said was true. Although it may seem like a long time has passed ever since Desire got into Jakart, only three days have passed.


    And, of course, Desire knew that as well as he was the one who Jarina was talking about.


    "Hmm. I wonder what Lionel will teach me, though?"


    Desire asked Jarina as he didn''t know anything about Lionel.


    Desire didn''t even know about his power at all and what type of fighting style Lionel has.


    That was why he wanted to know what kind of lessons he will get from Lionel.


    "Don''t worry; papa is extremely strong. From the fine handling of mana and to releasing it as magic, papa can teach you everything you want to know."


    Jarina then puffed out her chest as if she were proud of what she was saying.


    Well, she was indeed proud of her father.


    "I see...When will we come back to Jakart?" Desire asked as his eyes looked straight into Jarina''s eyes.


    This was also one of Desire''s questions that he wanted to know.


    And when Jarina answered, Desire widened his eyes.


    "Today."


    After all, it was just too fast that it didn''t felt real to him.

 Chapter 87: Desires heating up!

    "Today?" Desire asked as he found Jarina''s answer quite unbelievable.


    Desire was tired from what happened with him to the Dungeon.


    He had to endure all types of pain; body, mind, and even soul!


    He also had to deal with confusing situations and was just able to get by with Jarina''s presence.


    That was why going to Jakart right now was just unbelievable for him.


    No, he just didn''t want to believe it. After all, who would want to go to another place after having a day like that?


    Even though Desire was healed up and slept, Desire could still feel the fatigue evident all over his body.


    After all, the pain just doesn''t come away just because he was healed.


    It still takes time, and Desire''s problem was tiredness.


    He needs to rest.


    That was why he had quite the horrified look on his face as he looked at Jarina.


    And Jarina was looking straight at that face of Desire.


    Her face as she looked at Desire was...weird. No, she looked as if she were having the time of her life as she giggled.


    "P-pftt."


    "..."


    However, when Desire didn''t say anything, Jarina was forced to stop.


    After all, the look on Desire''s face was just depressing.


    If Jarina had to describe it, it was as if she were looking at a doll with hollow feelings.


    "I''m just kidding! We won''t go back today, don''t worry!"


    "..."


    "I''m serious! We will be resting!"


    "..."


    "...I''m sorry. We will go to a Suckus village to rest, and then go back to Jakart tomorrow."


    Jarina said as she slumped her head down, but that was no use.


    After all, she was carrying Desire, and she could still see Desire with that kind of look.


    And they were just looking at each other.


    A few minutes have passed without one of them saying anything, and the mood quickly became awkward.


    After all, Jarina didn''t know what to do in this situation.


    All she could just think was the question of, is Desire mad?


    However, the situation quickly changed when Desire suddenly...dipped his face into her breasts!


    Normally, Jarina would slap any man who would do that to her, but she didn''t.


    After all, the one who did it was Desire.


    There''s no way Jarina could ever hurt Desire like that.


    Besides, Jarina seems even to like it as she had a smile on her face right now.


    After all, this would be the first time ever that Desire initiated contact between the two of them.


    Of course, Jarina would be happy about that.


    That was why Jarina decided to pat Desire''s head while he was hugging her...chest.


    However, when Jarina touched Desire''s head, she became confused.


    Why? It was because Desire''s head was so hot that she thought Desire was burning!


    "D-desire? What''s wrong?" Jarina asked as she became worried.


    She wasn''t feeling any hotness coming from her arms, which was the part of her body that was holding Desire.


    That was why it was weird.


    Why is Desire''s head so hot, but not his body?


    Hell, even Jarina''s breasts, which were touching Desire''s face, didn''t feel hot.


    It was then that Desire suddenly turned his face around as he murmured.


    "I-it''s hot..."


    It was also then that Jarina felt it!


    Jarina felt the hotness that came from Desire''s body!


    And it was then that it became clear what was happening to Jarina.


    Desire''s body was having an increase in temperature! The back of his face, arms, legs, and even his thighs!


    Jarina could feel it all as there were all sorts of skin contact that exists between the two of them when Jarina was holding him.


    However, even though it was hurting her, Jarina didn''t bring down Desire abruptly.


    She took her time to place Desire carefully on the ground.


    She was that considerate to Desire, and when she finished laying Desire, she took a look at him.


    "Desire?! What''s wrong?!"


    "Haaa. Haaa." Desire was breathing roughly as his chest moved up and down.


    His cheeks were red, and even his whole body was starting to turn red too.


    It was obvious that something was wrong with him.


    And Jarina knew how serious it might be when something wrong happens to him now.


    As Jarina wasn''t someone with much knowledge of the medical field, she thought of someone who has something like that.


    And the only one who comes to mind is Teresa.


    However, as they walked quite the distance, Teresa''s location was quite far away from them now.


    That was why Jarina spoke to Desire.


    "Just wait! I''m gonna call for help!"


    Right after saying that, Jarina stood up. She began running back towards the location where Teresa was located.


    However, even though she was running towards that, she didn''t forget about Desire''s safety.


    She whipped her left hand towards where Desire was as she spoke.


    "House of water!"


    And with her mana coming out of her as if her dam was broken, a thick wall of water was circling around Desire right now.


    However, it was calm, and it didn''t even mess up Desire''s breathing.


    After all, it was magic meant to protect.


    And when her magic was done properly, Jarina used all of her speed as she just disappeared on the spot!


    She just kept running and running with a worried look on her face.


    However, she was decisive!


    She didn''t even try to look back at where Desire was staying.


    It seems she learned lessons from when Desire messed up his Core back then.


    Well, it seems her decisiveness was the correct attitude to have as she was able to arrive at her destination quickly enough.


    Although she felt someone''s stare, she didn''t care about that as she immediately went for Teresa, who was standing in a spot.


    And when she reached her, she quickly grabbed her shoulders.


    "Teresa, come with me! Desire''s heating up!"


    However, Jarina didn''t wait for Teresa''s answer at all.


    She just grabbed Teresa in her wrists and continued running off like that.


    The two Suckus then ''ran'' together to get to the place where Jarina left Desire.

 Chapter 88: No clue!

    When the two women disappeared from their vision, Grizelle opened her eyes.


    She felt something running at her with some crazy speed and was alert. However, she soon became calm when she noticed that it was just Jarina.


    However, the content of the message that Jarina brought here piqued Grizelle''s interest.


    ''That kid''s heating up?''


    After all, it was just random and out of nowhere that no one would believe it.


    Even Grizelle, who could be considered the fire itself, was having a hard time believing it.


    ''Is it because of what he did earlier?''


    Grizelle thought that it was because of what Desire did earlier.


    She didn''t really know what Desire did, but she just felt that it was something connected to mana.


    After all, that was what Desire told her.


    However, Grizelle just couldn''t be sure about it.


    After all, there''s no way something like that would happen to a person.


    Letting out some mana in the air would affect no one at all. After all, even the one who was interrupted, Grizelle, wasn''t affected.


    That was why Grizelle was interested in this.


    Just what could have happened for Desire to end up in that kind of situation?


    "Interesting." Grizelle said as she picked herself up.


    She then looked at Gladior, who was guarding the place by staring at the sky.


    It seems what happened earlier was still embedded in his mind.


    However, he soon came to when he heard Grizelle''s voice.


    "Gladior, follow me!"


    When Gladior looked over to see Grizelle, she couldn''t be seen as she quickly followed the two women.


    And without hesitation, Gladior followed right after Grizelle.


    And when the two people disappeared in this place, another one appeared.


    However, that too soon disappeared as that person followed right after the two.


    ****


    Jarina and Teresa were running together as they dodged trees after trees.


    Well, it wasn''t really running as Teresa was literally being dragged by Jarina.


    However, it seems Teresa didn''t care about that as she spoke.


    "What happened?!" Teresa''s voice was calm and normal.


    She was abruptly dragged by Jarina here, but she didn''t even get angry.


    That was because she could see the gravity of the situation just from how Jarina was acting.


    "Desire''s body is acting strange! He started getting hot all of a sudden!"


    Jarina shouted out loud without looking at Teresa.


    And when Teresa was about to ask another question, Jarina spoke once more.


    "We''re here!"


    Jarina quickly let go of Teresa''s hand as the trees around them somehow magically dispersed.


    Well, they were magically destroyed when Jarina shouted out loud.


    "Water Blade!"


    The magic that she let out cut all of the trees near them, but all those trees and trunks didn''t fall to the ground.


    Instead, they just turned into specks of dust as the wind washed them away in the vast sky.


    Right after she finished doing that, she quickly looked for Teresa to instruct her to look at Desire.


    However, she couldn''t as Teresa was already running towards the House of Water that she made with her magic.


    Surprisingly, the water magic didn''t even make a noise when Teresa entered it.


    Hell, Teresa wasn''t even wet by it when she touched the water!


    Anyway, Teresa was able to reach Desire, who was lying on the ground.


    She quickly kneeled as she moved her hands as quickly as possible.


    After all, she had to see for herself was Jarina was talking about.


    "Hmm. His body is indeed...hot." Teresa said as she tried to guess what the reason was.


    However, no matter how much Teresa tried thinking about it, no answer came to her mind.


    After all, ever since Desire was with them, Desire has not ever been sick!


    He didn''t get any headaches, and he didn''t get any fevers. No sickness at all was recorded ever since Desire was with them.


    That was why Teresa didn''t have something to work on in this case.


    ''It''s either poison...''


    Teresa thought as this was the only thing that seems reasonable in this situation.


    Desire may have been poisoned in this Muscula''s nest somewhere when he was climbing the mountain.


    He may have even been poisoned by something that he ate.


    After all, this was still a dangerous place, even if it is only full of rank two monsters.


    ''...or something happened to him while he was at that Dungeon.''


    And the next thing that Teresa thought of was that something happened to Desire while he was inside the Dungeon.


    The latter part is something much more reasonable than the first one.


    After all, anything could happen in the Dungeon.


    However, the true problem lies in that Teresa didn''t know anything about the symptoms that Desire has shown so far.


    ''He was fine, and he suddenly started heating up...''


    No matter how much Teresa thought, there was no poison that works like this.


    There was also no monster that could give symptoms like this that one could meet in a Dungeon.


    And that was when Teresa became lost in this case.


    She then stood up and looked for Jarina, but she didn''t have to look for her for long.


    Jarina was just right by her side, after all.


    "I don''t know what''s happening to him. It is best that we take him back to the village and wait for more signs that we could take."


    Teresa spoke those words while shaking her head.


    Teresa''s words were something that should be despaired over, but Jarina was a decisive woman, after all.


    She didn''t become sad or sulk about it. She just nodded her head as she spoke her agreement.


    "Alright! We''ll place Desire on the village down below!"


    Jarina then moved as she grabbed Desire as carefully as possible.


    She didn''t want to add any trauma to Desire''s body now that he was in a condition like this.


    "Haa. Haaa." Desire''s breathing was still rough, and his whole body was beet red.


    Jarina just stole a glance at Desire as she went down the mountain.


    Of course, Teresa followed right behind.

 Chapter 89: I-its hot...

    "Oh, great! We missed them!" Grizelle''s voice resounded out in this place.


    This place was where Jarina, Teresa, and Desire were staying before.


    Grizelle came a little late, and she missed the two women as they immediately left for the village.


    However, there''s no way Grizelle would have known where they went.


    That was why she was currently rolling up her eyes in annoyance.


    Although she came here out of interest, it wasn''t on her priority list.


    Grizelle sure didn''t like wasting her time like this when she could have saved it if she just got here much earlier.


    Well, it''s not like something would change if she just keeps complaining about it.


    "Where are they now?" Grizelle spoke as she just stared at the air.


    She asked no one in particular, but of course, that was because Gladior was just right behind her.


    "I also don''t know, milady. It seems it hasn''t been that long since they went their way, but..."


    "They went too fast that there''s no presence of them anywhere, huh."


    "Correct." Gladior said as he scanned the area with a quick look.


    No matter how much he looked, there was no presence or tracks of someone being here.


    That was only normal as both Jarina and Teresa were running at their full speed.


    Even if Gladior and Grizelle were strong, Jarina and Teresa were also strong.


    There''s no way they would be able to bridge the gap when they were both running at the same speed.


    That was why Grizelle thought, ''This became a hassle.''


    She was correct in thinking so as she just thought this would be a fun walk in the park.


    To think that she would have to try and make an effort to discover where they went.


    However, everything became clear to Grizelle when she thought about it.


    This place is the Muscula''s nest, and there''s nowhere else where the duo of Suckus would run to except for that place.


    ''The village!'' Grizelle thought as she widened her eyes.


    It was no brainer that she came to this conclusion.


    However, before she could even go in the village''s direction, she had to stop.


    She had to think about it thoroughly.


    Why? It''s because she didn''t know how to enter a Suckus village.


    Why would she go there when she didn''t even know how to enter it?


    She didn''t even have the means to enter the village on her hands!


    That was why she controlled herself. After all, if she just went there without a plan, she would just be wasting her time.


    However, she then remembered that Gladior was able to enter the village once when she left for personal business.


    "Gladior! How did you enter the village?"


    And because his name was suddenly mentioned by Grizelle, Gladior whipped his head towards her direction.


    It seems the process of entering the village was quite a joyous event for Gladior as he had a smile on his face.


    No, it wasn''t the heart-warming one. It was the perverted one.


    "I was carried by women..." Gladior said as he remembered how he entered the village.


    And when Grizelle turned around and saw that scene, her face immediately became blank.


    After all, she just didn''t expect this type of reaction to come from her subordinate.


    However, due to Gladior being so truthful, Grizelle was able to come to a conclusion.


    "So, I need a Suckus to be able to enter a Suckus village."


    Although what she said was quite expected, as you would need the owner of a house to be able to get inside a house.


    However, Grizelle was thinking that she could just enter it by entering it literally.


    By walking or running into the lands of the Suckus village, she would be able to enter it.


    However, it seems things weren''t so simple as Grizelle thought.


    "Let''s stay here; we won''t be able to get in there, anyway." Grizelle said as she plopped right down to the ground.


    She then began concentrating on herself as she thought that she could just ask what happened when they met again.


    Well, she wasn''t wrong in that, as they were technically allies.


    Anyway, Gladior saw what Grizelle did, and he quickly got into position.


    Well, he just stayed there to guard Grizelle against dangers and nothing more.


    ****


    While Grizelle was thinking about whether to follow them in the village, Jarina and Teresa already entered the village.


    Although the time that passed wasn''t that long, Jarina and Teresa were just that fast.


    After all, Desire was really hurting and had a bad condition.


    Jarina could tell that it was worsening since Desire''s breathing has even become rougher.


    When they entered the village, almost all of the Suckus that were there went on to hinder their way.


    Of course, that would happen as Jarina is the princess of the Suckus race.


    However, Teresa was fast as she dispersed the crowd fast enough and allowed Jarina to continue running without a problem.


    It was quite weird as Desire is a human, and the ones they were pushing away were the women of the Suckus.


    Anyway, the two people carrying Desire was now at the village head''s house.


    They were about to enter a room where a bed could be seen.


    "Desire! Just wait a bit!" Jarina said as she hurried to place Desire on the bed.


    However, the moment Jarina laid out Desire in the bed like a princess, the bed..melted.


    Right, the bed melted as if it couldn''t take the heat coming from Desire!


    Shhh! The bed sizzled as Desire passed right through it like a knife cutting butter.


    "Let me do it!" Teresa shouted out as she opened her right hand and pointed it to Desire.


    Something like a light erupted out from her palm, and it entered the house''s walls!


    And then, as if they came to life, the wood of the village head''s house grew vines as it grabbed Desire.


    The wood wasn''t burned by Desire''s head, and they carried Desire as they did something else.


    And that was...they created a bed.


    When the wood finished making the bed, it carefully placed Desire on the bed.


    From what it looks like, the wood bed seems to be comfortable to sleep on.


    However, the one who was lying on the wood bed, Desire had a rough expression on his face.


    "Haaa. Haaa."


    His breathing was not normal, and his chest kept going up and down.


    "I-it''s hot..."

 Chapter 90: Im glad

    Huff. Puff.


    Haaa.


    Desire''s breathing could be heard in this room as his lungs kept going up and down.


    His situation was clear as his body was still beet red, and how his breathing was still rough.


    Some minutes have already passed ever since he was brought here, and no amount of rest has allowed his body to become better.


    Well, there''s no way Desire would become better now just because he rested for a while.


    After all, his situation was just that harsh.


    That was why Jarina was currently panicking as she waited for Teresa, who was checking Desire''s condition again.


    ''Just what did happen to him? He was fine when we were talking...''


    Jarina thought as she looked at Desire.


    Even though the wood bed that Teresa made for him was made from magic and had quite a strong resistance, Desire''s body heat was still burning some of the wood.


    Of course, the wood was just regrowing itself back as the wood kept feeding on Teresa''s mana.


    And Jarina was thinking about how hot Desire must be for the wood that composes the village head''s house actually to melt!


    ''No matter how much I think about it, it''s just weird.''


    And from what Jarina has seen so far in Desire''s symptoms, she could only conclude that it was weird.


    After all, Desire was alive and kicking before. And now, he is bedridden and was gasping for air.


    It was absurd that the difference was only a few minutes ago.


    "Jarina, come here. I found something." Teresa said as she continued looking at Desire.


    Although she couldn''t find anything before while they were in the forest, she didn''t give up on it.


    Well, with how panicked and impatient Jarina was looking right behind her, she couldn''t just wait for more symptoms to show up.


    Besides, just the fact that Desire''s body heat could burn the wood here is already a deadly one.


    "What did you find?!" Jarina said as soon as she got near Teresa.


    She didn''t overstep her boundaries, such as touching something as that may put Teresa''s work to waste.


    However, when her eyes went back to Desire''s body again, her eyes went wide.


    Her violet eyes slightly quivered as she looked at Desire''s body that had...its normal skin tone now.


    And her lips curved upwards when she realized what was happening.


    Her lips then parted as Jarina spoke with quite the brightened look.


    "His skin color is becoming normal! Is he okay now? What happened?!"


    What Jarina said was right. After all, although the rate of the skin going back to its normal tone was slow, it was going back to the original.


    Desire had a light skin tone, and that light skin tone was coming back to light as the redness of his body was getting smaller and smaller.


    "His chest throbbed a lot more vigorously than the rest, and his body suddenly started becoming better."


    Teresa spoke as she kept looking at Desire.


    This was something that was unknown to her, and this was something that was related to something to Desire.


    That was why she found this...event quite interesting.


    She then pointed at the wood bed that Desire was resting on as she continued speaking.


    "Look. The wood part on his head isn''t burning anymore. However, his body''s hotness on his lower body is still burning the wood."


    It is what Teresa said.


    The part of the wood bed that was still burning is the part where Desire''s lower body was touching.


    And the wood bed that his head was touching was no longer burning.


    And this occurrence made Jarina think something.


    ''Head? Isn''t that the part where Desire''s body first had an increase in temperature?''


    Jarina thought as she kept watching Desire''s body become better.


    What she was thinking was correct, as well. The first body part of Desire that got hot when Jarina was carrying him was his head. To be exact, it was the back of his head.


    There''s no way she would have forgotten that part when it was literally minutes ago.


    Besides, it was also the time when Desire accidentally hugged Jarina for the first time.


    Well, it looked like Desire wanted the hug in Jarina''s eyes.


    Jarina shook her head when her thoughts went that far.


    ''Head...is it connected to his head why the hotness began from it?''


    Jarina thought that there was something that hit, attacked, or something wrong in Desire''s head.


    After all, it was the point of the start, and it was also the point of the end of Desire''s hotness.


    Although she still couldn''t say that Desire would definitely get better, the signs were just so obvious.


    However, Jarina couldn''t continue thinking about it as the process of Desire''s body returning to normal finally finished!


    "Is he fine now?" Jarina asked Teresa.


    Although she wanted to check for herself, Jarina controlled herself.


    After all, Teresa was the one with knowledge between the two of them.


    It was better to let her do her thing. And that was exactly what Teresa did as she measured Desire''s body.


    And what she found out was...


    "He''s...fine now." Teresa spoke as she turned around to Jarina.


    "He''s fine now, but what happened to him is weird."


    "From what you told me, he suddenly began heating up, and then now, he suddenly began to return to normal."


    "There''s definitely something wrong here. We may have to wait for a couple of days to know for sure."


    Jarina nodded her as seriously as she could. She then began to ask the question that she wanted to ask.


    "So...how is Desire?"


    Jarina asked as she fidgeted with her fingers. Her face even turned to be hopeful, but she looked as if she were trying to repress it.


    At least, for Teresa, that was how Jarina looked like right now.


    And that was why she smiled. Teresa smiled as she answered Jarina''s question.


    "He''s just sleeping now."


    And when Teresa finished what she spoke, Jarina quickly went to Desire''s side as she looked at Desire.


    She wanted to confirm it with her eyes.


    That Desire was safe.


    And that she did.


    "Zzzzzz."


    Desire snored off in his sleep as if he weren''t even in that kind of situation before.


    He looked to be peaceful.


    "I''m glad."

 Chapter 91: Status!

    In this room that was composed of woods and more woods, Desire opened his eyes slowly.


    Desire was feeling a little bit dizzy when his consciousness returned.


    What''s more, Desire didn''t even know what happened or when did he lose his consciousness.


    That was why he was also confused when all he could see was...darkness.


    Right, all Desire could see was darkness, and he couldn''t even see himself.


    However, that darkness soon faded as his eyes adjusted to it.


    After all, Desire had the skill of night vision. Although it only had the weakest grade, it was still night vision.


    And what he saw was just wood.


    "What happened...?" Desire spoke as he looked left and right.


    But there was nothing that could be described that was different from wood.


    When Desire looked down, he also found out that he was sleeping on wood.


    It was just wood, and that was why Desire decided to stand up.


    After all, he didn''t know what happened or why he is here.


    It might get dangerous if he stayed in this place for more time than necessary.


    If Desire was here because he somehow got caught up in a battle or even enemies, staying here is definitely not the best decision to make.


    However, when Desire moved his body, he soon found out that...it was heavy.


    His body was so heavy that he couldn''t move.


    And because of this, Desire''s confusion got to another level.


    "Hmm. What the hell happened?" Desire asked as he rested his head on the bed.


    It was made out of wood, but the bed was comfortable for Desire.


    It actually felt like it was tailor-made for him.


    Desire then closed his eyes as he tried hard to remember.


    With the help of his Heavenly Demon Trait, Desire was able to remember any detail about something if he had his consciousness at the time of an event.


    And Desire knew that he was just talking to Jarina before the lapse in his memories happened.


    However, no matter how much Desire thought about it, he couldn''t remember any single thing that happened.


    He couldn''t even remember any sensation that made him pass out, and that was weird.


    Why? It was because Desire was even able to feel that something chopped him up when Grizelle knocked him out.


    And for him not to even remember what made him pass out, it was just weird for Desire as he thought about it.


    "I was talking with Jarina..."


    That was the only thing Desire could remember. It isn''t every day that Desire forgets about something.


    Desire then thought to check things with his Unknown. Although Desire was still in an unsafe place, he still didn''t feel like it.


    His instincts were not kicking in, and he was even feeling familiar with the place.


    That was why he wasn''t panicking and was just relaxed about it.


    It was then that Unknown finally appeared in front of Desire.


    It was just the status page.


    [Stauts]


    [Name: Desire]


    [Race: Human]


    [Monster Rank: First]


    [Human Rank: First]


    [Traits: Heavenly Demon Trait]


    [Title: None]


    [Divine Protection: Cannot be identified]


    [Special Status]


    -Current Progress with the unification with water: 15%


    -Current Progress with the unification with fire: 0%


    -Desire''s Vessel has been balanced by the Heavenly Demon Trait. Because of how immense Desire''s Vessel is, Desire will feel a bit dizzy and won''t be himself for hours.


    [Advice!]


    -Do not expose your mana to the flames of the Fire Princess.


    -The Heavenly Demon Trait won''t have to balance Desire''s Vessel if your mana is not exposed.


    Desire read what the Unknown said just once, and he quickly tilted his head.


    What was new to his status was the new ones that mention Desire''s Vessel has been balanced by the Heavenly Demon Trait.


    After all, Desire couldn''t feel anything that has been affected by Unknown at all.


    However, Desire did remember the warning that Unknown has set out for Desire.


    And that was when Desire let out some of his mana when Grizelle was doing her thing.


    "Did I pass out because of that?" Desire said as he thought about it.


    Desire didn''t have anything wrong with him even though he was warned by the Unknown.


    However, there was another possibility, and that was the effect was just late to him.


    After all, he was even able to talk to Jarina before his memory lapse.


    ''It''s more than likely.''


    Desire thought that there was something that happened to him while he was talking to Jarina.


    And that could be found out by asking Jarina.


    He also concluded that this place was something that Jarina prepared for him when he was out.


    Although Desire didn''t know why his vessel had to be balanced, it didn''t matter right now.


    What mattered was sorting out things.


    ''What does this line, I won''t be myself, mean?''


    Desire read the line that he won''t be himself. After all, it was just bizarre.


    How could Desire not be Desire?


    However, when Desire put a little more thought into it, he then realized what it was about.


    ''So, this is why I don''t remember anything.''


    That line meant that his trait, Heavenly Demon, won''t be working for hours.


    What made Desire connect the line to his trait was the fact that he couldn''t remember any sensation or happenings.


    ''Advice, huh. I wonder why it happened to me.''


    Desire didn''t really know what happened to him, but he wondered about why it happened to him.


    Was it because his mana was tempered by the flames of the fire princess?


    Well, that was all Desire could think of any possible reasons as that was what Unknown listen for him.


    "But...if me letting out my mana in that kind of situation was the reason, then it''s weird. After all, it is something normal."


    Even if Desire''s mana were to come into contact with something or some element, it would have been fine.


    After all, it was normal.


    However, for it to happen at that time, that could only mean one thing.


    "Do I...have a connection with that woman?"


    Desire thought that he had a connection with the woman who produced the flames, Grizelle.


    "Hmm."

 Chapter 92: Thoughts

    "Hmm." Desire hummed as he thought about the possibilities of his connection with Grizelle.


    He thought about how his origins might be connected with Grizelle.


    As Desire was born and grew up without his parents at all, the only thing that could be associated with him was his parents.


    That''s why Desire thought that he was connected with Grizelle by blood or something like that.


    However, Desire shook his head at the thought right after thinking of it.


    Why? It was because Desire always thought of himself as the only child.


    It was always on the back of his mind since he didn''t have to think about it, but that was what he sincerely thought.


    Desire didn''t really have any proof or something to back his claim up.


    It was something like instincts to him to know that he was an only child.


    "The Unknown said that Grizelle is the Fire Princess."


    Desire remembered the time when he first let out the mana when he first saw Grizelle.


    It was right after that Unknown warned Desire of his mana being tempered by the flames of the Fire Princess.


    However, Desire couldn''t find anything in that being noteworthy.


    ''It''s just something the Unknown said.''


    Although Desire trusts Unknown much more than the previous system, its words are nothing but face value.


    Desire could even see the reason why Unknown called her Fire Princess, and that was because Grizelle was using the power of fire.


    It was simple, really.


    "If there''s anything, then it must be that time."


    Desire knew that Grizelle did something to him when he passed out in the Muscula''s nest, and that was the magic that protected him.


    That was why he was also quick to forgive her about the time when Grizelle made Desire pass out in the middle of dangerous grounds.


    If that magic fire were still inside Desire and somehow messed his mana up, then it would be understandable.


    And if that was not it, then the only real clue that Desire has is the word, Fire Princess.


    No, it was actually the word fire.


    "Fire...then does that mean there''s also wind princess, water princess, and so on?"


    Fire was one of the elements in this world, and there were many more.


    If Grizelle is the Fire Princess, there would also be Water Princess, Wind Princess, and so on.


    That was the only clue that Desire had in this situation.


    "Would I be in the same situation if Grizelle was the Wind Princess?"


    Desire asked himself, but he didn''t really know the answer to it. What he knew is that there is the possibility of this happening again with another person.


    That was the only thing that he had.


    However, there was another thing that could actually tell Desire what his connection with Grizelle was.


    If you think about how Desire was born, it was rather special.


    Even Desire knew how special his birth was. He was able to stand, walk, and talk even as a baby.


    And that is absurd.


    "Fate...is this my fate?"


    Desire is special, and there''s no doubt about that. No one would probably decline that phrase if one knew how he was born.


    And that is why it would be normal to think that his fate is much grander than the normal.


    And what happened recently with Grizelle was bigger, grander, and even more...bizarre than anything else.


    That was why Desire thought that it was his fate to meet Grizelle.


    However...


    "I don''t believe in fate, though."


    Desire doesn''t believe in fate or some bullshit that a higher being controlled his life.


    If Desire found out that there was a being who was controlling him, Desire would kill that being right away.


    Desire was kind, but he wouldn''t let someone get away with controlling him.


    He would fuck them up! Desire would fuck fate up if ever fate was real.


    "I wonder, how do you even find out about yourself?"


    Desire asked himself as he closed his eyes.


    Even though he decided to find out about himself more actively from now on, he doesn''t know what to do in order to do that.


    It''s not like there''s something like a book that tells Desire that this is him and that is him.


    It''s not like the Unknown would also be able to tell Desire what he is.


    Finding out about himself is much harder than what Desire initially thought when he started thinking about it.


    And with those thoughts burdening his mind, Desire fell asleep once more.


    "Zzzz."


    ****


    "Yawn~" Desire opened his eyes as he opened his mouth wide.


    He felt his consciousness return, and he was able to move his body much better than yesterday.


    However, when Desire opened his eyes again, it was still dark.


    And what Desire deduced from this fact was that not much time had passed ever since he slept.


    "No...is it just dark in here or what?"


    Desire didn''t know if the sun has not risen or it was just dark in here.


    However, Desire couldn''t think any more about that as he heard the noise of squeaking.


    Squeakk!!


    And when Desire titled his head to the left, he soon saw what it was.


    It was the opening of a door, and Desire could see the light coming from it.


    And it was then that a woman entered the room.


    With the light that seems to follow her anywhere she goes, Jarina entered the room.


    With violet hair and eyes, she was hard to see. However, that didn''t matter to Desire, who now had the help of light.


    "Jarina." Desire said with a bright face.


    He was relieved to see that Jarina was here. After all, that would only mean nothing happened to her.


    "Desire! You''re awake?!" Jarina said as he ran towards the bed.


    Tak! The door closed on its own, and the light faded on this place.


    However, Desire could still see Jarina''s beautiful face as he spoke.


    "Yeah. I just woke up."

 Chapter 93: Do you want some of my mana?

    "Yeah. I just woke up." Desire said as he looked at Jarina.


    And when he did, he soon saw Jarina''s...tears flowing down her face as she sniffed.


    She sniffed her nose, as some kind of liquid was trying to come out of that as well.


    And Desire could see that all as he spoke.


    "What''s wrong? You''ve been like this a lot lately."


    Desire could remember Jarina being emotional a lot more than in the past.


    Well, it was reasonable as Desire was always in those kinds of situations where Jarina would have to worry for him.


    "It''s just..." Jarina said as she bent her knees as she touched Desire''s hand.


    It was weird that Jarina didn''t use her magic to make a chair appear or something like that, as she always has done that.


    However, Desire couldn''t think about that anymore as Jarina spoke.


    "You''ve been getting hurt a lot lately..."


    Jarina was wiping the tears flowing down her face as she spoke.


    Her eyes were red, and Desire could see that clearly.


    "What the hell happened to you? You started heating up all of a sudden, and then...and then..."


    Jarina bent her back and let her head rest on Desire''s chest.


    No, she just lost strength on her knees, making her fall down that way.


    After all, it was just unbelievable.


    Ever since Desire went on Jakart, Desire was getting hurt all day long.


    First was the Core Formation when Desire had his body bleeding all over.


    The second was the Dungeon, where many dangerous things could happen.


    And now, this...Jarina was stressed out and frustrated at the fact that she couldn''t do anything to help Desire.


    "I''m sorry..."


    I''m sorry. That was all that Jarina wanted to say to Desire.


    If you think about the events that happened to Desire, none of that was her fault at all.


    Although the Dungeon being here was unexpected, that one wasn''t her fault.


    She didn''t know, but Fireboy was just attracted to Desire, leading to dangerous situations like what happened.


    However, Jarina wholeheartedly wanted to say sorry to Desire.


    And Desire felt Jarina''s emotions resonate within him as he spoke.


    "What are you saying? It''s not your fault."


    "Besides, I am thankful enough that you are helping me out."


    Jarina then lifted her face as she looked at Desire with...quite a relieved look.


    "R-really?"


    "Yeah. Who do you think was there for me when I had an issue with myself?"


    "Who do you think was there for me to guide me? To even support me?"


    "I know that you have gone to great efforts just to make me stay in Skinjur."


    Desire knew that what he did in Skinjur wasn''t something even a Suckus could do.


    Training in a special place like that and getting all the necessities in his life was a huge boon for Desire.


    What''s more, Desire''s connection with the Suckus, or rather Jarina, didn''t end there.


    Desire became the student of Jarina''s father, which is a Conqueror.


    Desire is basically set for life once he keeps going this way. And that was all thanks to Jarina.


    Varyce is also one of the reasons, but that was because Varyce was thinking of Desire''s potential help.


    Desire knew that Jarina helped him because Jarina wanted to help him.


    And when Desire ''grew'' up, he soon noticed that the only reason why the village of Lyra was so kind to him was because of the special taste of his mana.


    Although Desire became friends with the village as time went on, Jarina''s relationship with Desire was just different.


    After all, Jarina has not once tasted Desire''s mana.


    And that was why Desire was confident that Jarina wholeheartedly, with all of her strength, wanted to help Desire.


    And with that in mind, Desire spoke as he smiled.


    "Hey, Jarina."


    "Hmm?"


    "Do you want some of my mana?"


    "!"


    Jarina opened her eyes wide when she heard what Desire said.


    After all, she knew what that meant. However, when she saw Desire''s eyes that were looking at her, she soon smiled.


    Why? It was because Desire had the face that seems to tell, ''I know.''


    Desire knew what he meant by offering Jarina his mana.


    This wasn''t the same when Desire offered mana to Liya.


    This situation wasn''t the same as the time Desire offered one to Liya, as Desire knew, had thought about it, and wanted it for himself.


    Right, he wanted to tell Jarina the underlying meaning of offering one''s mana to a Suckus.


    And that was, of course, a proposal.


    "Hmm." Jarina nodded her head.


    She personally wanted to try some of Desire''s mana for herself when she heard about how delicious it was.


    She just didn''t ask for it because that might offend Desire.


    That was why she was looking forward to the day when she could ask.


    However, to think that Desire would offer his mana to her, what''s more, he also knew what that meant.


    Today is the kind of day that Jarina won''t be able to forget.


    "Ahm." Jarina opened her mouth a little bit as she went for the most obvious place where one could find a mana circuit.


    And that was on his wrists and hands.


    "Ahm." Jarina made a noise as she bit down on Desire''s skin on his left wrists.


    She then began sucking the mana out of Desire with her eyes closed.


    She wanted to savor this moment. And when Jarina felt that the mana was about to enter her mouth, her eyes opened wide.


    Why? It was because the mana was exploding in her mouth.


    Gulp! Jarina''s throat gulped down the mana.


    ''I-it''s really delicious...how could his mana be so good?!'' Jarina thought as she kept sucking on Desire''s mana.


    And while she was doing that, Desire was just looking at Jarina bite down on his wrists.


    Of course, Desire was satisfied with his decision as he kept looking at Jarina with a smile.


    "Proposal, huh..." Desire said as he closed his eyes.


    He then felt the pleasure of having his mana sucked out by a Suckus.


    The two then shared the night together as Jarina didn''t stop all night long.

 Chapter 94: The Almighty Sword Rises Once More!

    Desire opened his eyes as he felt his consciousness return.


    However, Desire was still feeling tired even though he just woke up.


    His sleep...was just that good, as he fell asleep even though Jarina was sucking out his mana.


    "Hmm." Desire hummed as he looked at the ceiling.


    This was the third time that Desire was waking up in this room, and it was still dark.


    It was just weird, but Desire guessed that no light could enter this room.


    Desire then looked at the side where he could feel some weight weighing him down.


    And when he did, there was only one thing that he could think of.


    ''Mountain...?''


    Mountain. It was not only one, but two of them! It was a mountain that Desire hasn''t seen before.


    And that mountain was the one that was weighing down on Desire.


    The mountain was touching his shoulders and his head, as Desire was a child.


    And when Desire looked down a little bit, he soon saw an arm that was hugging him.


    "Oh, it''s Jarina." Desire said as he looked up.


    The one that was hugging him and the one who had mountains weighing down on him was Jarina, of course.


    It seems that Jarina has fallen asleep while sucking his mana and just decided to sleep on Desire''s bed.


    Well, Desire didn''t really mind it.


    However...when Desire looked down, there was something that was standing tall in the air.


    It was in the shape of a sword, and it was as sharp as the sharpest one!


    And what''s more, Desire could remember this sword.


    "This happened before...hmmm. Is there something wrong with my body?"


    Desire thought as he looked at the...sword. Although he didn''t know why this kept happening to him, Desire thought that it was something wrong with him.


    After all, this already happened before, and Desire didn''t know anything about it.


    That was why he could only think that there was something wrong with his body.


    "Hmmm." Desire hummed as he used a skill.


    He used the Body Control Skill to make the sword go down to its normal size.


    However, it seems that the sword was tenacious and strong as it was able to stay even with Desire using the Body Control Skill!


    "Why, you!" Desire said as he used the skill one more time.


    He used all that he could to make sure that the sword won''t go up once more.


    However...the sword just won''t go down.


    Well, mountains were weighing down on his body. Though, Desire didn''t know that was the reason.


    And because Desire was so active in trying to bring the sword down, Jarina noticed it.


    "Hmm~" Jarina let out some sound as she moved her body.


    She then raised her arms as she rubbed her eyes.


    However, that was not all she did as she then proceeded to hug Desire tighter.


    "Hmmm." Jarina let out some sound once more as she moved her legs.


    She raised her right leg and placed them on top of Desire''s legs.


    However, Jarina didn''t stop at all. She kept raising her right leg that Desire thought Jarina would touch the sword!


    "W-wait. J-Jarina?" Desire stuttered as he didn''t want to wake up Jarina in this situation.


    After all, Desire feels that it would be embarrassing if Jarina somehow saw the sword.


    Desire couldn''t explain why he thought that it would be embarrassing.


    It was just on his mind.


    That was why he was panicking after a long time! Even in a dangerous situation, Desire wouldn''t panic!


    "Jarinaaaa..." Desire shouted out weakly.


    After all, he didn''t want to wake up Jarina just because he felt embarrassed.


    And because Jarina wouldn''t wake up ''accidentally,'' Desire had his eyes wide open as he watched Jarina raise her right leg.


    It seems Jarina was really comfortable as she kept raising her right leg.


    However, right before Jarina''s right leg touch Desire''s sword, Jarina miraculously stopped!


    Right, she stopped raising her legs as she made herself comfortable!


    The distance between the sword and her right leg was by a hair''s breadth, and Desire was truly glad that she stopped.


    "Phew." Desire breathed out a sigh of relief.


    However, Desire didn''t slack off one bit after Jarina stopped.


    He then focused all of his being on making that sword go down with the skill and willpower!


    "Go down! Go down! Go down!" Desire murmured as he wished for the sword''s demise!


    It was indeed a tough battle! Desire was even sweating!


    It was weird for him to sweat as even the Burning Air Trial had to pass for a couple of seconds for him to start sweating!


    Desire put in great efforts in winning this battle, and he did it!


    The sharp and steady sword standing somewhere on his lower body finally went down!


    Desire won the hardest battle in his life, as Jarina''s right leg was there pressuring him!


    "Haaa." Desire''s breathing was rough as he tried to calm himself.


    He didn''t expect that it would be like this right after waking up!


    Desire felt so tired and wasted that he could probably sleep again.


    However, Desire didn''t want to as he tried raising his body.


    He then grabbed Jarina''s arms with his hand as he moved her arm away.


    Desire didn''t want to wake up Jarina when she was sleeping so peacefully.


    When Desire was done moving Jarina''s arm away, he then raised his body as he sat up.


    When he sat up, he moved Jarina''s leg away from him.


    After all, Desire wanted to stand up.


    Desire then went out of the bed as he stood up.


    There was one thing that he wanted to do ever since he first woke up.


    And that was checking his body.


    Desire proceeded to check his body without leaving a single part unturned.


    After all, this was his body.


    He wanted to be sure in case something was wrong with it.


    And after some minutes have passed, Desire finally finished with checking.


    "There''s nothing wrong. I guess Heavenly Demon did do something to help balance my vessel."

 Chapter 95: Ill Only Suck Your Mana

    "There''s nothing wrong. I guess the Heavenly Demon Trait did do something to help me."


    Desire said as he finished checking his body for possible injuries now.


    Desire was able to ask Jarina last when he was still awake what happened to him.


    Jarina only said that Desire started heating up, and that was it.


    That was why Desire wanted to see if there were burn marks.


    However, it was really weird to see that it didn''t even leave something like that on his body.


    Well, Desire was satisfied with this result.


    "Hmm? Desire?"


    When Desire heard a voice, he whipped his head back towards the wood bed.


    Of course, he would do that as there''s only one other person here, and that would be Jarina.


    And when Desire did that, he soon saw Jarina, who was sitting on the bed while rubbing her eyes.


    There was pair of big mountains giggling out...and Jarina''s naked body could be seen with Desire''s eyes.


    After all, a Suckus wouldn''t sleep with clothes on.


    And it was then that Desire realized.


    ''I also don''t have clothes...''


    Desire realized that he didn''t have clothes. It was weird that he was so late when he saw the sword coming out of him just earlier.


    "You''re awake? Are you fine now?" Jarina asked as she stood up.


    The mountains were moving up and down as she kept moving, but Desire didn''t care about that.


    After all, he didn''t know about that. At least, for now.


    "Yeah. I''m good. Where''s my clothes?" Desire said as he concentrated within himself.


    He was focusing on one thing, and it was obvious what it would be.


    And that was to prevent the sword from rising once more.


    ''D-damn...it keeps going up!'' Desire thought as he forced a smile while looking at Jarina.


    "Ah, it''s there." Jarina said as she pointed at the corner of the room.


    As it was dark, it wasn''t that easy to see. However, with his dark vision skill, Desire was able to see it.


    And what he was seeing was the clothes floating and making their way towards him.


    And when the clothes were right before him, Jarina spoke.


    "Wear your clothes. If you''re fine now, we''ll go back today. Well, I''ll have you meet and introduce you to the woman."


    Jarina said as Desire took the clothes from the air. And when Desire looked at Jarina once more, she was all dressed and ready to go.


    ''How fast...'' Desire thought, but he didn''t let his mind stay on that.


    He quickly wore the clothes that were given to him. He finished that quickly as he was used to clothes now.


    And when he did, he immediately noticed something.


    And that was the Krussi that was hanging on his neck.


    ''So, I didn''t lose it during that time.''


    As Desire was wearing the Krussi on his neck now, he was getting used to it, and sometimes it didn''t feel the Krussi was there.


    That was why this was the only time he saw it again.


    Well, it was always there.


    "Phew." Desire breathed a sigh of relief as the Krussi was something that was important to him.


    "Let''s go." Jarina said as she urged Desire to follow him.


    Desire just nodded his head and followed right after Jarina.


    Although so many things have happened in between, it was finally time.


    It was finally time for Desire to meet Grizelle, a human.


    ****


    Desire and Jarina went out of the room quickly, and Desire was able to see that it was...day.


    After all, there were windows and stuff in the hallway that they were walking in.


    However, it was just weird for him that the room that he slept on didn''t have anything like that.


    Well, Desire didn''t have any time to think about that any longer as Jarina spoke.


    "Desire...uhm...did you mean what you said yesterday?"


    When Desire heard what Jarina spoke, he quickly looked up.


    However, Jarina was looking straight ahead and wasn''t looking at Desire.


    She even continued walking, which was why Desire couldn''t see her face.


    However, even though Desire didn''t know this, Jarina''s face was beet-red right now.


    She probably thought that yesterday was just a dream for her.


    After all, what happened was just so dreamlike for Jarina.


    "Yeah. I meant it." Desire said as he started speaking.


    He had a smile on his face as Desire was truly happy with what he decided.


    After all, if Desire were going to marry someone, that would be Jarina.


    Although he also somewhat proposed to Liya back then, that was because he didn''t know.


    Besides, Liya or even Lyra doesn''t even come close with Jarina.


    "I-I see...Desire?"


    "Yeah?"


    "I''ll only suck your mana."


    When Desire heard what Jarina said, his eyes quivered slightly.


    He knew what those words meant. After all, sucking mana is a must for a Suckus.


    It was a way to fill their life force, and Suckus sucks mana from almost anyone.


    And for Jarina to say that she would only suck Desire''s mana...that meant only one thing.


    Jarina was saying that she would be faithful to Desire, unlike the usual Suckus.


    After all, even if a Suckus does marry, that''s only because they needed it. It wasn''t out of love or something like that.


    Of course, exceptions like Varyce and Lionel sometimes appear.


    That was why for Jarina to say something like this...it means deep, and something that one usually wouldn''t be able to get.


    "Yeah. And you''ll be the only one to suck on my mana, too."


    Desire said with a smile on his face.


    Jarina didn''t say anything, and they were just silent while walking.


    The atmosphere was...well, kind of flirty. Flirty, but it was also pure.


    It was a strange sensation as Desire felt his heart beating so fast.


    This was the first time Desire felt like this.


    However, he soon couldn''t think about that as a voice intruded in his thoughts.


    "So, you''re finally awake."


    And when Desire looked for the source of the voice, he soon saw a man.


    The man was Gladior. And he was standing by a chair, which a woman was sitting on.


    Of course, the woman was Grizelle.

 Chapter 96: Grizelle Elevnor

    "You''re finally awake." Gladior''s voice resounded out in this place.


    This place was at the end of the hallway, which Desire and Jarina have been walking.


    It seems that they reached the end of it as there were a table and some chairs.


    And when Desire looked at Gladior, he soon saw that Gladior was standing by a chair.


    There was a woman who was sitting on that chair, and it is obviously Grizelle.


    And Grizelle was staring straight at Desire as if he were some prey.


    Her red eyes were ominously glowing, and her aura was exactly like that of a predator.


    And that fact...irked Desire.


    After all, who the hell is Grizelle? She doesn''t have that right to look at Desire!


    However, that was his feelings only on the inside, but on the outside, he didn''t react much.


    Desire didn''t want to poke the tiger too much when he didn''t have anything to defend himself.


    "So, what happened to the kid? You never told me." Grizelle spoke as she whipped her head towards Jarina.


    Jarina never told Grizelle what happened to Desire, and even Teresa didn''t say anything.


    After all, Desire could be considered one of them, and they didn''t want to leak any information about him.


    "It''s none of your business." Jarina said as she walked towards one of the chairs.


    She was about to sit down when she noticed that Desire wasn''t moving or walking.


    She then urged Desire with a hand as she spoke, "Sit here, Desire."


    She said as she tapped one of the chairs while looking at Desire.


    Desire hesitated slightly, but he did walk towards the chair and sat on it nonetheless.


    Although Desire did find Grizelle beautiful and already forgave him, he still didn''t forget about what happened in the mountain.


    That was why he didn''t want to be in the presence of Grizelle, but that was his feelings on the inside.


    Desire looked like what was happening right now didn''t matter to him at all.


    "So, what are we doing here?" Desire asked Jarina as he looked at her.


    "I''ll introduce you to them. She''s Grizelle, and that''s Gladior."


    Jarina said as she pointed at Grizelle and Gladior in order.


    Desire just followed her finger with cold eyes. Although he didn''t necessarily hate Grizelle, she was still a human.


    That was why he didn''t want to let down his guard.


    "I''ll introduce myself. I''m Grizelle Elevnor, a daughter of a king."


    Grizelle said as she looked at Jarina.


    She didn''t know why she had to introduce herself or something like that, but she only did so because Jarina told her so.


    Although the two women didn''t exactly have the best relationship, Grizelle still had to respect Jarina''s words.


    That was why she did as Jarina told. However, what was really puzzling her mind was why does she have to introduce herself to a child?


    Even if Desire was indeed a child that was reared by the Suckus, it doesn''t make sense at all.


    "A king? Does that mean you are royalty?" Desire asked as he looked at Grizelle.


    However, the one to answer Desire was not Grizelle, but instead, Jarina.


    "No, she''s just like me¡ªa daughter of a Conqueror. Conquerors are socially called Kings because of their strength."


    When Desire heard what Jarina said, his eyes widen a little bit.


    After all, he didn''t expect that the Conquerors would be called Kings.


    ''Aren''t they the same?'' Desire thought.


    However, he couldn''t think much about it as Grizelle continued speaking.


    "Well, I am no longer a daughter of one as that Conqueror died."


    Desire whipped his head back when he heard Grizelle''s voice.


    Grizelle''s tone was sort of down, but Desire didn''t care about that at all.


    What he cared about was something else, and he asked that directly to Grizelle.


    "Why are you with Jarina? You''re a human."


    "I don''t think that Lionel, or even Teresa would let a human come near Jarina."


    "So, why are you with her? No..."


    "Why are you even with the Suckus?"


    Desire asked with his sharp eyes. His demeanor as he asked Grizelle was just dominating.


    Although he didn''t want to poke Grizelle too much, this was something Desire had to know.


    After all, he worries for Jarina and the Suckus as well.


    It''s not like those months that he spent in Skinjur were fake.


    It was real, and Desire appreciated them for it.


    And that was why if Grizelle had malicious thoughts, Desire wouldn''t let her go just like that.


    Well, it''s not like Desire could do something about it if ever that was true.


    However, unexpectedly, the one who answered Desire''s question was once more, Jarina.


    "I...papa will explain that to you, Desire." Jarina said as she turned her head towards Desire.


    Her face, as she looked at Desire, expressed her worries. After all, no matter how good Desire''s talents were, he was a weakling.


    Jarina...didn''t want Desire to get somehow caught up in her business.


    That was why she thought that it would be best if her father, Desire''s master, would tell it to him.


    "Hmm. Alright." Desire said as he looked at Jarina''s face.


    Of course, Desire was able to pick those signs up just from Jarina''s face.


    Although he hasn''t checked it yet, the Heavenly Demon Trait is working now.


    That was why he was able to catch those signs up as if it were normal.


    "Alright, that''s all we would do here. We''ll go back to Jakart now." Jarina said as she smiled.


    She then stood up as she urged Desire while doing so.


    After all, it was really the time to go back to Jakart, where her father was staying.


    However, when Desire was about to stand up, Grizelle''s voice resounded out in this place.


    Her tone was...furious. Her face clearly showed that she was angry.


    "Y-you made me introduce myself just for that?"


    After all, Grizelle wouldn''t have introduced herself to a child if their talk was just going to end like this.


    And without Grizelle noticing it, Jarina was carrying Desire once more.


    However, that was the least of Grizelle''s problems as she heard Jarina speak.


    "Yeah. Desire''s more important than you anyways."


    Right after saying that, Jarina disappeared! No, she just went out so fast as she made her way back to Jakart.


    And Grizelle was just standing there with...veins bulging on her face.


    Her eyes were opened so wide as she was extremely pissed right now.


    "T-that woman!!" Grizelle snapped as she screamed!


    She then disappeared as she chased right after Jarina!


    The way the two ladies acted was something unexpected, but surprisingly, the two people in here expected it.


    "Let''s follow them-" Gladior said as he turned his head towards Teresa.


    However, Teresa was already gone as she started running towards the two women.


    "Haaa. First, I get threatened and then I get treated like this..." Gladior said as he shook his head.


    He then raised his hand into the air as he turned into a fist!


    And then he spoke with all his heart. His face was showing his spirit!


    "Please catch her, and get some justice for me, milady!"


    Gladior said, but of course, Grizelle didn''t care about him.


    And Gladior knew that as he also started running towards Jakart.

 Chapter 97: Unexpected!

    Desire and Jarina were able to get back to Jakart in no time at all.


    After all, Jarina''s speed was something that one could not underestimate.


    However, there was a problem that the two didn''t expect to have at all.


    And that was...


    "How do we get in?" Desire said as he looked at Jarina.


    He was standing on the ground right now and wasn''t being carried by Jarina.


    Desire then whipped his head back towards the city of Jakart.


    He was looking at the walls that were so huge and long that it was able to reach the sky.


    The walls were circling the city around, but Desire couldn''t even see the part of the wall where it turns!


    It was that big, and even Desire could see that this wall was built to protect the people in it.


    However, that was the least of their concerns as Jarina spoke.


    "I didn''t think about this." Jarina said as she tilted her head.


    She didn''t really think about what would happen once they returned.


    She was able to come out of the city of Jakart pretty easily because no one could see her because of her speed.


    Besides, even if someone could see, Jarina could just go on her own way once she gets out of the city.


    However, entering the city is entirely different. It is because there are people guarding the city, gates, walls, and everything in it.


    Those people were obviously the city lord''s guards and some of the adventurers who had a guard''s job for the day.


    And even Jarina couldn''t ignore the forces here. Besides, if someone were able to sniff out that there was someone who was infiltrating, they would investigate the city.


    Even if Lionel is a clan master in this city, even he wouldn''t be able to say no when an investigation comes in the name of safety.


    What''s more, Jarina and Desire must not be seen by other people in the city.


    If their identities were somehow to be revealed, Lionel would find himself in a difficult position.


    After all, Jarina and Desire could be considered Lionel''s weakness at this point.


    That was why Jarina couldn''t use the badge that contains the mark of the Lion Clan.


    ''No one has seen my face.''


    Jarina knew that no one had seen her or Desire''s face while being inside the Lion Clan.


    That was why flaunting the badge boldly while having no one to confirm their identities except for Lionel is just a bad move.


    Even if they were able to enter the city without having to confirm their identities with the badge, people would start suspecting them.


    After all, members of the Lion Clan are pretty famous in this area.


    Almost all of the people here knows almost all of the members of the clan.


    Of course, even the weakest and tiniest members of the clan are known too.


    And if Jarina and Desire were to come out having that kind of badge while not being known, it is basically saying that there are some secrets going on.


    Rumors would flood, and their identities would be revealed sooner or later.


    And that would lead to them being targeted because they are Lionel''s weakness.


    In the end, it all boils down because they were someone special to Lionel.


    "What do we do? Do we call someone else to have us enter it or what?" Desire said as he looked at Jarina once more.


    He knew what it meant for them to be discovered right now by other people.


    That was why he was getting worried.


    Although they were still far away from Jakart, they were standing in a place where one could see them.


    They didn''t have any covers or something like that. This place was a plain land.


    And there is a chance that someone might come here and see them acting suspiciously.


    After all, they were indeed suspicious.


    However, what was worse was that Desire''s prediction came true.


    Why? It was because Jarina could see some sort of shadow was moving towards them.


    However, it wasn''t slow! The shadow was fast, and it looked like the shadow was swimming through the lands.


    Well, that''s how shadows always looked like when they moved.


    "What''s that?" Jarina said as she squinted her eyes.


    Because the shadow was much closer to them now compared to when Jarina first noticed it, she was able to tell the figure much clearer.


    And what she could say about it was simple.


    "A human?" Jarina said as she prepared herself.


    She roused her mana and then prepared to use magic that would make them invisible.


    Well, not really invisible.


    "Desire, come near me." Jarina said as she whipped her head towards Desire.


    Of course, Desire already noticed what was going on and quickly adhered to Jarina''s instructions.


    When Desire was close enough to Jarina, they both suddenly disappeared.


    That was because of the magic that Jarina has set up. She covered the place where she and Desire were standing right now with mana.


    And it made both of them transparent. That was why, if one looked at it better, one would be able to see traces of them being here.


    However, if one only looked at it with a fast glance, one wouldn''t be able to notice it.


    After all, they were transparent. Desire and Jarina looked like part of the background right now.


    "Why are we hiding, though?" Desire asked.


    In Desire''s mind, although they are definitely suspicious, no one would mind a child and a woman too much.


    Most people who would see them would just look at them and won''t think anything.


    And Desire knew that''s the most likely thing to happen here.


    However, it seems Jarina was thinking otherwise as she spoke.


    "That human...he''s strong. I can feel it from here."


    Indeed, even though they were far apart from each other, Jarina could feel that the human approaching them was strong.


    "He might even be able to tell I am Suckus."


    And when Desire heard that, he widened his eyes.


    ''A strong human...'' Desire thought as he finally remembered.


    He remembered why he went through great efforts to attain the Heavenly Demon trait.


    He remembered why he wanted to get strong. He remembered.


    ''This situation...is dangerous.''


    That the world he was living in was dangerous.

 Chapter 98: The Mysterious Old Man

    ''This situation is dangerous.'' Desire thought as he looked at the shadow.


    No, he looked at the human who was walking towards them.


    If this human was really strong and was able to tell that Jarina is a Suckus, this situation was utterly dangerous.


    After all, humans prey, destroy, and hunt monsters all the time. Even the official job of Adventurers is to hunt monsters.


    Hell, some humans even consider monsters as their past time or a way to get stronger.


    Some humans even kill monsters just to get the meat that the monster is known for.


    That was why Desire knew that this situation is dangerous.


    After all, monsters do the same to humans. They kill humans too all the time.


    Monsters do whatever the hell they want, even in front of a strong human. Because of their natural strength, some humans can''t even fight back.


    Some monsters even kill humans just because it was their instincts.


    It was insane if you think about how that is the case with most monsters.


    However, it was only a matter of who is the human and who is the monster.


    And Desire sure as hell didn''t care about who was right or wrong in this situation.


    After all, why should he care?


    The monsters that he loves were dying, and even Jarina was about to be threatened.


    ''I must get stronger...faster.'' Desire thought as his eyes sharpened naturally.


    Although Jarina already told Desire that the human in front of them was strong, Desire just wouldn''t let it be if the human were to attack them.


    Right, Desire would fight the human to the death if this human attacks them!


    That was Desire''s determination to protect Jarina!


    "He''s here. Don''t move." Jarina whispered to Desire.


    It seems she didn''t notice what Desire was thinking, but that didn''t matter to Desire at all.


    He followed what Jarina said and didn''t move at all. He didn''t even blink.


    After all, there''s no need to fight the human if the human wouldn''t attack them.


    Desire sure knows that there are some fights that can be avoided and some that cannot be avoided.


    ''An old man...?'' Desire thought as he got a clearer view of the human that was walking towards them.


    The human seems to be an old man that had wrinkles all over his body.


    With each step he took, the human staggered a little bit.


    He swayed side to side, and there was some kind of rod that was helping him walk.


    ''Is he injured?'' Desire thought.


    If the human is injured, then this situation would be fine.


    However, there was one thing that made Desire doubt that.


    And that was Jarina''s word.


    ''He''s injured, yet Jarina feels that he''s strong. Hmmm.''


    Jarina said that this human was strong, and Desire trusts Jarina.


    And that fact made Desire be impressed with the human a little bit.


    After all, he was injured, and he was able to threaten Jarina, a rank 6 monster.


    If that isn''t impressive, then Desire sure wouldn''t know what is.


    "Ah..." The old man let out a sound as he took another step.


    He was near the place where Jarina and Desire were hidden, so they were able to hear him clearly.


    "Haaa...."


    "Haa..."


    The old man kept repeating the same sound as if he were tired.


    Well, at least, to Desire, that was how he looked like.


    ''A tired old man was able to make Jarina put her guard up?"


    Desire thought as he looked at the old man.


    The old man was covered into something like a robe, but it was battered and had patches all over the place.


    What''s more, the old man was also carrying two more robes on his shoulder.


    It was easy to see since the one that the old man was wearing didn''t seem like one.


    Desire could even see the old man''s skin in his stomach, neck, chest, arms, and shoulder.


    That was how battered the old man''s robes were.


    That was why it was weird for Desire to think that this old man is a man that could make Jarina be so cautious.


    After all, even now, Jarina wasn''t doing anything and was just like a doll.


    She didn''t even breathe as she stayed completely still.


    And that only means that Jarina was serious that this old man was powerful!


    "Ohhh...Jiha! Jiha! Jiha!" The old man suddenly laughed as Desire kept his eyes peeled open.


    And it was then that the old man did something...unexpected.


    He whipped his head towards Desire''s way! And it even looked like he was looking straight at Desire!


    "!" Desire widened his eyes a little bit but managed to keep his cool.


    ''White eyes...'' Desire thought as he looked at the old man''s eyes.


    The old man''s eyes were white as hell, and it didn''t even have any shade of black.


    That was why Desire thought that the man was blind or something like that.


    However, Desire couldn''t keep thinking about it as the old man continued speaking.


    "Jihahahah! The old generation...and the new generation!" The old man laughed as he bent his body backward.


    He then put his left hand over his face as he looked at the distance again.


    "Jihahahah!!!!!" The old man laughed once more.


    Due to him moving so aggressively right now, the robes on his shoulder fell down to the ground.


    However, Desire couldn''t give a fuck about that.


    After all, he was feeling something rushing up inside him. And that was emotions.


    All sorts of emotions were coursing all over him right now as he looked at the old man.


    And that was strange because Desire had that locked up.


    "Jihahaha...ahah...ahh..." The old man''s voice suddenly lowered, and he wasn''t swaying that much anymore.


    It seems he has run out of energy. However, it seems he still had something to say as he continued speaking.


    "Old and new generation...who gives a fuck about them..."


    "Once he shows up...Hikup!" The old man''s eyes were suddenly wet as tears flowed out of them.


    "Once he shows up...none of them would matter!!"


    "Jihahahahaha!!!"


    The old man laughed once more as he continued walking.

 Chapter 99: Crazy?

    "Jihahahahaha!" The old man''s laugh resounded out in this place as he continued walking.


    He didn''t even stop even though he was staggering, and that was why he was able to leave this place pretty quickly.


    However, the duo of Desire and Jarina didn''t move at all even though the old man could no longer be seen in their eyes.


    After all, Jarina was sure that if they move now, they would still get detected by the old man.


    And Desire just followed whatever Jarina did.


    No...Desire just couldn''t think as he was shaken up right in his Core.


    He didn''t know what to do, and he didn''t know what to feel in this situation.


    After all, he was feeling emotions when the Heavenly Demon Trait was there to fix it up for him.


    No, even without that trait, Desire was confident that these emotions wouldn''t be able to run rampant inside him.


    He was that sure of himself now, unlike before.


    However, why is that Desire was feeling the heat right now?


    ''That old man...''


    That old man is a monster. Desire thought as he remembered the times that made him feel like this.


    And the only thing that he could remember was when he first met Jarina, Lyra, and even Percia.


    Desire was able to know that the old man was a monster because what he was feeling right now wasn''t hate, anger, or something like that.


    It was the feeling of happiness; no, it was so intense that his happiness could be considered euphoria.


    Desire was also feeling excited and was feeling that he should have reached out to the old man when he was here.


    And these feelings only come up when Desire was meeting a monster.


    However, it was weird.


    ''Why did Jarina call him a human when he is a monster...?''


    Jarina called the old man a human even though Desire feels that he was a monster.


    That was why Desire wasn''t sure about what he felt towards the old man.


    He also wasn''t sure if he was correct or not.


    After all, Jarina''s words seem more trustworthy than what he felt.


    At least, that''s what Desire thinks.


    Besides, Jarina is a monster, a rank 6 at that. There''s no way Jarina would have identified a monster human when she was a monster herself.


    ''Maybe I''m thinking too much on this...'' Desire thought.


    It wouldn''t be weird for Desire to overthink things like these.


    Even though he was forcing it down, Desire was feeling paranoid and stuff about his identity.


    And the only thing that seems natural to Desire was his love for monsters.


    ''Did I subconsciously tried to think that he was a monster...?''


    That was why Desire thought that his subconscious tried to make him feel that way.


    To make him feel that he finally has answers to his questions.


    ''Hmm.''


    Desire thought and thought, but he couldn''t have any answers to this question.


    After all, it was something that already happened. And Desire would only know the answer once he meets a new monster once more.


    Well, he always feels this way when he meets Jarina and Lionel, though.


    "He''s gone. Whew." Jarina said as she breathed a sigh of relief.


    It seems she was really nervous while the old man was still here.


    However, that was only natural as she truly considered the old man as strong.


    "Whew." Jarina breathed a sigh of relief once more as she took the magic that she used down.


    They didn''t need it any longer, and it was then that she finally spoke to Desire.


    "I guess that was a crazy old man." Jarina said as she whipped her head towards Desire.


    Jarina was worried about Desire the whole time since he didn''t have any practice or knowledge about situations like these.


    However, it seems that her worries were unnecessary as Desire was calm.


    And when Jarina saw that, she smiled a little bit. After all, she was proud of what Desire have done.


    "Crazy? Does every crazy person act like that?" Desire said as he innocently looked up.


    It seems he was really curious about this. Well, it was only natural as this was connected to that mysterious old man.


    At least, Desire wanted to know everything about that man.


    Why was he able to make Desire feel that way? Was he a human, or was he really a monster?


    These questions keep entering Desire''s mind that it wouldn''t be weird that it was all his thoughts right now.


    "Yes. Didn''t you see how he talked to nothing? I''m confident in my magic. There''s no way he would have been able to see us."


    "Besides, he was talking nonsense. There''s no way a sane human would talk about those things."


    Jarina said as she walked towards the robes that the old man have left behind.


    And Desire was just looking at her as he thought about things.


    ''Crazy old man...maybe, I really am overthinking this.'' Desire thought.


    However, he couldn''t think about it any longer as he heard Jarina''s voice once more.


    "Look, we are in luck. That old man left us some clothes to hide in."


    Jarina said as she picked up the robes that were dropped to the ground.


    "Hide in? What do you mean...?" Desire asked, but he decided to knock it off when she saw Jarina''s smile.


    And that smile...that smile was something Desire was familiar with.


    After all, it was the smile that traumatized Desire.


    "Fufufu." Jarina''s laughed resounded out in this place.


    And Desire was forced to hear it all.


    ****


    While Jarina was doing what she planned to enter the city, the old man was still walking.


    It seems he didn''t stop at all to rest or whatnot, and that was obvious given how far he was now.


    However, there came a time when the old man looked back.


    The old man''s white eyes stared at the horizon, where he could barely see the shade of a person.


    It was then that the old man opened his mouth so wide that his saliva flowed out of his mouth.


    "Jihaaaaa!" The old man said.


    "The old generation''s offspring?" The old man continued.


    The old man then turned his head around and continued walking.


    He continued walking until he disappeared completely from this place...

 Chapter 100: Two Guards

    Ting! Ting! Ting!


    The sound of bells ringing out could be heard as a man rang it with his hands.


    It was a signal that was meant for the people inside something like a tower.


    And when that man finished ringing the bell, this whole place started shaking!


    Dust rose up as this place started moving not too wildly, but this was something normal for the man.


    After all, this was the place where the people enters the city of Jakart, the gate.


    And when the man stepped outside of the place where he rang the bell, he could see the gate moving up.


    Of course, the bell that the man rang was a signal for the people inside the tower to open the gate.


    That was why something like this happened. And when the man whipped his head to the left, he soon saw something really big.


    It was a big cart, and it was covered by some rough clothes. However, the man didn''t really care about that as they already inspected it.


    "Enter!" A voice resounded out beside the cart, and it was a soldier.


    The soldier was the colleague of the man who rang the bell, and he was also the junior.


    The senior soldier just looked at the man with calm eyes as he let the cart pass through.


    And the owner of the cart diligently did the things that the junior soldier instructed.


    It didn''t take long for the cart''s wheels to start spinning and make it through the gate.


    And when they passed through the gate, the senior soldier stepped inside the tower once more.


    No, he just stood near it, and he rang the bell while outside.


    Ting! Ting! Ting! Ting!


    The same ringing sound resounded out in this place once more as the man kept shaking that bell.


    And it was only a matter of time until the gate would soon come down to close.


    "Yawn~" The senior soldier opened his mouth wide and stretched his arms.


    Right after finishing that, he walked towards the place where his junior was working.


    After all, it wasn''t every day that a cart or something like that would pass through the gate.


    Besides, it isn''t even the reported day when supplies or businesses would come in here.


    That was why the place where the soldier spent their time was where civilians or the people entered and exited the city of Jakart.


    "Senior, good work." The junior soldier spoke as he noticed the senior soldier was walking towards him.


    This place was just an open space, and there was some kind of door attached to the wall.


    And they were inside that door as they waited for people or civilians to exit or enter.


    After all, not many people leave Jakart.


    Jakart is a city that has plenty of supplies and the basic needs a human would need to survive.


    What''s more, there was also plenty of entertainment here. It was rare for people to leave Jakart officially.


    Well, although Jakart sounds great, it isn''t perfect, that''s for sure.


    "Day''s getting boring. What do you have?" The senior soldier said as he sat down on some seat.


    As the soldiers only worked when there were people, it was mostly their free time.


    That was why they always bring something to the table to entertain themselves.


    "Ahh. Let''s see..." The junior soldier said as he looked through his stuff.


    However, he couldn''t continue doing that as they heard something.


    Tak! Tak!


    It was a knock, and it was coming from the door - the door that could be seen attached to the wall.


    "Hmm." The senior soldier hummed as he urged his junior with his head.


    Of course, the junior did what the senior told as he walked towards the door as he spoke.


    "Please wait."


    And when the junior soldier finally reached the door, he opened it immediately.


    "Are you entering...?" The junior soldier started speaking as he whipped his head towards the door.


    However, he didn''t finish his words as he tilted his head with confusion evident on his face.


    Why? It was because the person who knocked was screaming the word suspicious.


    No, everything about the person who knocked was just suspicious.


    From how the person dressed to how his attitude was, it was just plain suspicious.


    At least, for the junior soldier, this person was suspicious.


    And that was because this person''s skin could not be seen.


    No, the junior soldier could see skin, but that was on the person''s face.


    However, the junior soldier couldn''t see anything beyond the nose.


    What''s more, this person...had a really weird body.


    And all those things pointed to only one thing; suspicious!


    However, before the senior soldier could stand up and apprehend the suspicious person, and before the junior could slash out with his sword, the person did something.


    He raised his hand! And there was something hanging from his hand.


    And when the junior soldier looked at it, his eyes widened.


    "Lion Clan!"


    After all, it was the medal that belonged to the Lion Clan, one of the clans dominating the Jakart city!


    However, even then, the junior soldier was suspicious of this person.


    After all, the Lion Clan would never enter the Jakart city this way. What''s more, this person was alone.


    It was just suspicious, and besides, this person could have killed a Lion Clan member and just got the badge.


    And the most important thing...this duo of junior and senior soldiers were strong.


    They were strong, and they could handle most of the dangers of being the guard of the gates.


    And that was why they were suspicious.


    ''Something''s different.''


    Something was different to this person, but both of them couldn''t find anything out.


    They couldn''t sniff anything, and the person just looked clean.


    However, that''s not an excuse to let the person go now.


    And that was when the person moved once more.


    He raised something with his left hand, making him have both of his hands raised up!


    And in that hand...was another badge of the Lion Clan.


    "You bastard!" The junior soldier said as he moved fast.


    He unsheathed his sword and prepared to strike at the man.


    After all, there''s no way a Lion Clan member would have two badges.


    That was why he slashed the person with his blade with no hesitation.


    Tang!

 Chapter 101: Two Guards II

    Tang!


    The sound of the blade slashing the person could be heard resounding out in this place.


    The junior soldier had his arms stretched out, and his knees were bent to strengthen his absorption.


    However, when the junior soldier looked up once more, his eyes widened so much that it looked like his eyes were about to go out of their sockets.


    Why? It was because the person in front of him right now was his senior!


    And what''s more, his senior had his sword out and blocked the junior''s sword!


    It was weird as they were allies.


    "Stop it, James!" The senior shouted as he put strength in his hand that was holding his sword.


    After all, even though he was the senior, they didn''t have that much difference in strength.


    That was why the senior was also using his full strength as James intended to slash the person with his full strength!


    He was that serious. After all, killing a member of the Lion Clan member and robbing their badge is illegal.


    No, that should be impossible in this Jakart city.


    Even the city lord''s guards will have to follow through with the law if it is connected with the Lion Clan.


    That was how influential and deep-rooted the Lion Clan''s roots are in this city.


    "Senior, what are you doing?! He killed a member of the Lion Clan! We have to apprehend him!"


    James shouted out loud as he backed down by stepping backward.


    He didn''t want to fight his senior when this was the person that he saw almost every day.


    Besides, the more important and suspicious person was standing behind his senior.


    There was a chance that the suspicious person would stab his senior in the back.


    "Stop. Take a minute to breathe."


    The senior said as he raised his right hand towards James with his palm out.


    "You''re new to this, so you don''t know." The senior spoke as he turned his head towards the suspicious person.


    It was then that he did something unexpected. At least, it was unexpected for James as James almost threw up due to shock!


    His eyes widened once more, and he could feel his jaw locking.


    Why? It was because it was just that surprising.


    The act of his senior...bowing to the suspicious person was just that surprising.


    "I am sorry for this new guy. He doesn''t know much about the world."


    "I hope you''ll forgive him for me."


    "Oh, Lion King''s Soldier."


    It was then that the suspicious person finally moved as if he were waiting for this very moment.


    He raised his hand with his palm out as if he were saying that it was fine and it didn''t matter to him.


    After all, that was how it looked to James.


    "Senior...what are you..." James murmured as he just couldn''t believe it.


    Although his time here was short, he knew that his senior was prideful and strong.


    There''s no way that this senior of his would just bow down to anyone.


    And that was why this act of him bowing opened James'' mind with a shock.


    ''An important person...? What the hell is going on...''


    However, James couldn''t think about it anymore as the suspicious person did something once more.


    And that was....he walked. He walked towards the door that will lead him to Jakart.


    His steps were light, and it seems that this matter wasn''t on his mind at all as he just passed James.


    The suspicious person passed James without a fuss, and James let it go.


    After all, he didn''t really know anything.


    However, he trusted this senior. He knew that there was some meaning in him stopping James from attacking that person.


    Squeeee!!


    The door screamed as it was opened by the person, and he quickly vanished as he walked out.


    All that time, the senior was still bowing his head and didn''t move at all from his spot.


    After all, he wasn''t allowed to do that.


    That was why when the suspicious person was gone, and he confirmed it, the senior immediately straightened his back.


    "Phew!" The senior then breathed out a sigh of relief as he breathed in and out.


    He continued doing that for a few more and then stopped once he calmed down.


    He then whipped his head towards James, his junior with...deadly eyes.


    "Tsk!" The senior clicked his tongue as he shook his head.


    "S-senior, what did I do wrong...?" James asked as he didn''t really know anything.


    After all, how would he know? He was just taught the basics, and no more.


    "James, you''re gonna die early if you continue to be like that, you know."


    "When I say stop, you should stop already. Don''t act surprised or something like that, dumbass."


    "You could have gotten us killed!"


    The senior then walked towards James with heavy footsteps.


    It seems he didn''t really like what James did there.


    When he reached James, he patted James'' shoulder while speaking.


    "Do you know who that person was? No, right?"


    "Well, I do. I really do."


    "Why am I acting like this, you ask?"


    "It''s because that person is one of the Lion King''s personal army!"


    "And do you know who the Lion King is?"


    James'' throat gulped down some saliva before answering. After all, he felt the seriousness and pressure coming from his senior.


    "I-it''s Sir Lionel, senior..."


    "That''s right! The Lion King is Sir Lionel! And Sir Lionel have destroyed many other kingdoms in the past!"


    "He killed thousands, millions of lives! He destroyed enemies after enemies just to get to where he is now."


    "Do you know that our king is grateful that Sir Lionel stationed himself in Vakigo Kingdom?"


    "Sir Lionel is that powerful, you idiot!"


    "And yet, you dare attack his personal soldiers?! Even if you don''t know, at least make your head work in situations like these!"


    The senior then shook his head once more as he closed his eyes while speaking.


    "I understand that you didn''t know, and that''s why I''m letting you off."


    It was then that James spoke up. This was something he was really curious about.


    "H-how did you know that he was the Lion King''s personal soldier, then?"


    "That''s because only his soldiers have two badges."


    "There is no one else who knows about them, and there is no enemy alive left to tell the tale."


    "There is also no one who would dare attack two members of ordinary members of the Lion Clan just to get two badges."


    "I only know it because I work here. All the veterans here know it."


    "That is why when you see someone with two Lion Clan badges, never, never attack them."


    "Or you''ll see your whole family die."


    It was a simple warning, but it was enough to struck fear in James'' heart.


    After all, James had his eyes wide open, and he was also shaking somewhat.


    "N-never..."


    James muttered as he worried about his family and himself.

 Chapter 102: I wonder!

    While the senior soldier and James were talking to each other, the suspicious person was currently walking in the road.


    This road wasn''t crowded or anything like that, but it still had its own fair share of people.


    And while the suspicious person was walking there, he made sure first that there were no people near him first.


    And when he did confirm that there were no other people, he then used his hand as he pinched the neckline of his clothes.


    He then raised his clothes up near his mouth and brought his head down as he whispered.


    "See? We were able to pass like it was nothing!"


    And when he spoke for the first time, the suspicious person had a voice that was a little bit girly.


    No, it was indeed a voice of a girl as the suspicious person continued speaking.


    It was even weird that he was talking to himself, but well.


    "I told you it would work, Desire!"


    And when the suspicious person mentioned his name, Desire...tilted his head upwards to look at this person.


    This person wasn''t some suspicious being or something like that.


    This person wasn''t also some personal soldier of the Lion King, but instead, this person was his daughter.


    Right, the suspicious person was Jarina, obviously.


    However, if there were a strange thing right now, that would be Desire that couldn''t be seen anywhere.


    Desire wasn''t standing near Jarina, nor was he being carried by Jarina.


    He was just simply not here. And that was weird as Desire could see Jarina looking at him right now.


    And that was because Desire was inside Jarina''s clothes right now.


    He was hugging Jarina''s bare body, and he made himself as small as possible.


    And when he looked up towards Jarina, there was something disturbing his vision.


    However, Desire could still see Jarina fine as he spoke.


    "I still can''t believe it..."


    Desire couldn''t believe that they were able to enter Jakart this way without any suspicions from the guards.


    Of course, Desire was able to hear the conversation that the senior and James had.


    That was why it was more unbelievable.


    After all, when he first heard this plan of entering the city by Jarina, he was so dumbfounded that he couldn''t react.


    He couldn''t even voice his opinion as he was just dumbstruck at that moment.


    And Jarina just decided to go with her plan as she placed Desire right inside her clothes.


    And the fact that they were able to pass without any fuss made Desire feel like he just lost his brain.


    He was so swept up in this feeling that even his body wasn''t responding.


    Right, despite being so close with Jarina, his sword was rising.


    That was how shocked Desire was that it even affected Desire''s instincts as a man.


    "A-anyways, what are we going to do now? I think we still won''t be able to walk in the open, right?" Desire asked as he got a hold of his wits together.


    He knew that he still couldn''t go out and walk out in the open right now.


    After all, that would beat the meaning of hiding in Jarina''s clothes all this time.


    If someone saw him or even Jarina in this time and were able to connect the dots, everyone''s efforts would just go to waste.


    "Hmm. You''re right. Well, let''s go back to the mansion, then. I''m sure papa is worrying about us too."


    Jarina said as she whipped her head back in front.


    Although she knew that Lionel was worrying about them, she didn''t really mean what she said.


    After all, Lionel already knows what was happening in the Muscula''s nest and all that when Jarina told her.


    Jarina just wanted to comfort Desire or something like that.


    And it seems it was working as Desire was calm as hell right now.


    Well, Desire was always calm when it comes to things like these.


    He knew that one mistake would make his life end.


    ''Still, to think that we would be able to enter that way.''


    Lion King''s Soldiers. Desire thought.


    It seems that Lionel was much more special than he thought, and he wasn''t wrong about that.


    After all, Jarina told Desire that this plan was based on what Jarina used to see when she first came here.


    And that was the real Lion King''s Soldiers.


    However, when Desire first heard it, he didn''t really think much of it.


    After all, Desire didn''t really know how powerful Lionel was, so how could he appreciate those soldiers or whatnot?


    ''Lionel is more...awesome than I thought.''


    And this whole incident made Desire change his mind. After all, just by having something like a signature or sign that one is a Lion King''s Soldier, the guards backed off.


    No, they even had a heated debate about it as one of them didn''t know anything.


    What''s more, Desire knew that the guards were strong as well as he could feel them.


    And if Lionel''s soldiers were strong enough to make an impact on those people, what more could the man himself be?


    What kind of influence would Lionel make when it was by his name?


    What kind of result would have happened if Lionel picked them up?


    Just these simple thoughts were able to awaken something in Desire.


    Desire was feeling his blood pressure rise, and he could feel something different with his emotions.


    And that was...excitement.


    ''I...I am a disciple of a man who is feared by many...''


    Desire was excited for when Lionel would start teaching him things.


    He was excited about what he would learn as Lionel''s disciple.


    He was excited that his master was a man who conquered even man''s fears!


    That was why Desire had a smile on his face right now.


    Even though his skin was touching Jarina''s right now, his body didn''t care about it.


    After all, the excitement that he has right now even beat the one he had when he met the crazy old man.


    ''I wonder...how strong will I be after Lionel teaches me?''

 Chapter 103: Preparation!

    Desire and Jarina were able to reach their destination without much of a fuss.


    With constant use of magic, but not too strongly, Jarina was able to conceal their existence.


    She was able to leave no traces, and she was able to walk amongst crowds.


    After all, staying low will be much easier to do rather than forcing an entry into a big city like this one.


    However, there was something that even Jarina didn''t expect.


    And that was when they reached their destination, which was the headquarters of the Lion Clan, they soon saw it.


    No, it was just Jarina as she was the only one who could see right now.


    And what Jarina saw was a huge crowd of people lined up and organized right in front of the gate.


    However, crowds like this one don''t really matter for Jarina.


    After all, she was able to stay hidden even though she was walking together with a crowd from another road.


    That was why Jarina just decided to sneak in into her own house.


    Well, she couldn''t be seen after all.


    It wasn''t easy as there were strong people here who could detect the usage of magic.


    However, it seems that Jarina didn''t have to worry about it as she was able to enter the place without any problems.


    And so, the duo of Desire and Jarina has finally come back to Jakart.


    ****


    "Phew. Finally." Desire said as he fixed the clothes that he was now wearing.


    He was now inside the mansion where he used to form his Core, and it was comfortable.


    After all, nothing feels like home, and this place could be considered as Desire''s home.


    "That was a tough journey." Jarina said as she also fixed the clothes that she was now wearing.


    Although she wanted Desire to touch her body more, she didn''t say it out loud as she was now home.


    She knew that there was something that they needed to do, and she wanted it as well.


    "Yeah. I never expected going to the Muscula''s nest would put us into many troubles."


    Desire said as he looked at Jarina.


    He meant what he said as what really happened in Muscula''s nest was nothing but problems.


    It was a life-threatening problem, even. And what was worse was that Desire''s identity got complicated even more.


    However, it''s not like only problems surfaced in their stay at the Muscula''s nest.


    After all, Desire was able to rank up his Human Rank.


    Well, that was all.


    "Let''s go." Jarina said after nodding her head.


    After all, she agreed with what Desire just said.


    "Where will we go, though?"


    "Didn''t I tell you that papa will tell you about what''s going on? Come on, I''ll take you to him."


    "But..."


    But I thought I was too weak. Desire had those words at the tip of his tongue, but he didn''t say them out loud.


    After all, Desire knew that fact and acknowledged it as one.


    Besides, the fact that Jarina is basically giving permission to tell the story to Desire is something that Desire wanted for himself as well.


    It just means that Jarina finally decided to open up to Desire, even though he was weak.


    However, to think that it would come this early. Desire surely didn''t think of that possibility.


    After all, when Jarina said that Lionel would tell him, Desire thought in the near future.


    He didn''t expect that Lionel would tell him the very same day Jarina told her so.


    "Right. Thank you." Desire said as he smiled a little bit.


    After all, knowing now is much better than not knowing anything.


    He would also be able to help in Jarina''s situation and do the things that Jarina did for him back then.


    There were many advantages in having Desire know earlier than not let him know.


    Of course, Desire knows that as well, which is why he thanked Jarina.


    "You''re welcome. The final say doesn''t lie in me, though. Papa will decide if he would tell you."


    Desire nodded his head when he heard what Jarina said.


    That was fine with him. After all, just having Jarina''s permission is already an achievement.


    The only thing that he would need to go for is Lionel''s. And Desire was sure that he would be able to pass that quite easily.


    "Let''s go. I wonder if papa''s finished with his business."


    "He probably is. It''s been a day already."


    The two talked with each other as they walked towards the place where they would find Lionel.


    It was only a matter of time until they reached him.


    ****


    "Captain! We are ready to go!" A youth shouted out loud as he ran towards an older man.


    The older man was the one called captain, but that wasn''t his name.


    That was just the official position that he has for his job. However, people were already accustomed to calling him captain.


    That was why the older man didn''t really have a problem with it.


    "Who will take the lead for this operation?" The older man asked the youth.


    The youth, Ezima, answered back with a wide smile on his face.


    "It''s the King''s Claws, Ryu!"


    "Ryu, huh? I guess that guy would definitely be the best man for this job."


    "Yes, captain! I totally agree with you!"


    When the captain heard what Ezima said, he just smiled. He then dismissed the youth by waving his hand in the air.


    However, without waiting for Ezima''s reaction, the captain turned around.


    And what the captain saw was a group of people who were all wearing the same clothing.


    Black robes, black sword, black shields...all of them were black.


    However, there was a distinct feature in their weaponry.


    And that was the marks of claws that acted as the design.


    It was then that the captain heard a voice resounding out in this place.


    "The King''s Claws, Ryu''s main force, Black Hand will take the lead!"


    And when all the people heard that, they soon got ready to march.


    However, not the captain. The captain whipped his head towards a magnificent building.


    And that building was the headquarters of the Lion Clan, Lion''s Den.


    "That clan master of ours...to think he would decide to just go to war!"


    Tsk! Tsk! Captain clicked his tongue, but he definitely had a smile on his face.


    After all, this was the reason why he followed that man.


    This was the reason why he followed Lionel, the Lion King!


    "So, we will be taking over the Dungeon!!!"


    Bwahahahaha. The captain laughed as he imagined the hellish hell that would soon come upon them.


    And so, the clan members of the Lion Clan that were stationed outside of the Lion''s Den got ready to go to war.

 Chapter 104: Daughter

    Jarina and Desire were walking down the hallway towards the room where they will find Lionel.


    Desire didn''t really know where they were going, as he didn''t know many things about the mansion.


    He was just following Jarina, and he was letting her decide what they would do.


    Well, it was obvious, but the only thing Jarina did was to walk around.


    And after a few minutes of walking, Jarina finally stopped in front of a door.


    However, the door wasn''t something that one would see in any house.


    After all, it was that grand. And the door was huge as it reached the ceiling.


    There were also two gigantic handlebars that were most likely used for opening the door.


    "This is...Is Lionel in here? It seems such a drag to open the door..."


    Desire said as he looked at the door that looks awfully similar to the huge black door that he passed through before in the Dungeon.


    Well, that door just left some remarkable memories in him, and that is why he was able to compare it with this door.


    "Yes. Let''s go." Jarina said as she opened her palm and raised it towards the door.


    It might seem impossible for Jarina to open this one, but Desire didn''t believe that.


    After all, Jarina has already proven herself so many times before.


    And it seems Desire was right in believing in her as Jarina shouted out loud.


    "Kuhrada!"


    It was the magic word that opens the door in Lionel''s mansion.


    Tang!


    The sound of some locks unlocking could be heard resounding out in this hallway.


    And even something like chains fell down from the ceiling.


    However, those chains disappeared as if it were all an illusion.


    And when Desire looked once more to the door, he could see something like a light trying to peek out of the gap in the door.


    It was a small piece of a ray of light, but that soon changed.


    The light became bigger, longer, and more conspicuous as the door began moving.


    The door moved as it began to open with Jarina''s magic!


    Tuuuunggg!


    It didn''t take long for the door to be finished with its opening, and Desire could see what was inside it.


    However, what he could see was only darkness.


    "Don''t worry. It''s another mechanism that papa set up here." Jarina said as she noticed the look on Desire''s face.


    She then urged Desire to follow him with her as she began to walk.


    "Come on, let''s go."


    Desire just nodded his head as he began to walk towards Jarina.


    Jarina just waited for Desire to reach her, and when Desire did, Jarina did something that she wanted to do.


    And that was she grabbed Desire''s left hand with her right hand.


    However, Jarina didn''t say anything and just continued walking alongside Desire.


    And although Desire was walking his legs, his mind was blank.


    After all, he didn''t know what happened. However, he soon decided to wipe it out of his head.


    After all, it was now time to meet his master once more.


    ****


    Jarina and Desire were able to enter the room beyond the unbelievably huge door.


    And when they did, they soon saw a table.


    It was the table that one would see when in an official meeting, and there was also a chair too.


    However, there wasn''t any person sitting on the chair, nor was there anyone in the room.


    It was weird as Jarina have already confirmed that Lionel was here.


    And that was why she tilted her head as she spoke.


    "Papa?"


    It was then that something appeared right in front of Jarina and Desire.


    And, of course, that was Lionel.


    "So, you''re here, huh." Lionel said as he looked at his daughter with a smile.


    He then whipped his head towards the little child that was holding his daughter''s hand.


    And as soon as he saw that, Lionel squinted his eyes.


    "Oh? I thought he was just a friend?" Lionel said with a smirk on his face.


    After all, he remembered the time when Jarina said that Desire was just a friend to him.


    And that was just a few days ago. Now, Jarina was boldly holding Desire''s hand right in front of her father!


    Of course, Lionel knew what that meant and wanted to tease her daughter.


    However, it seems Jarina wasn''t planning to play along with him as she just looked at Lionel with cold eyes.


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    The situation was so awkward that even Desire felt it creep up to his bones.


    It was then that Jarina finally spoke.


    "So, what''s happening? There''s a lot of people in front."


    Jarina''s eyes were still cold, and they were giving the death stare to Lionel.


    ''D-did she just ignore me?'' Lionel thought, but he couldn''t continue thinking as Jarina spoke once more.


    "Also, Grizelle and that other human will be coming here too."


    "She and Desire met, and something happened between them, so I hope you''ll explain things to Desire."


    "No...you better explain everything, okay!"


    Jarina''s voice raised up a notch higher as she spoke while pointing a finger to her father.


    After all, she really wanted Desire to know now so that he wouldn''t be left in the dark.


    That was why she was also looking mean to her father so that her point would get across to him.


    However, it seems that Lionel was thinking about something else as he had his slit eyes wide open.


    After all, Lionel was shocked! The fearsome Lion King had taken a blow with his guard lowered!


    And the effect was great - it was so great that Lionel was dumbfounded as he tried to get himself together!


    To think that he would be like this, but that was only normal.


    ''M-my d-daughter...did she just...lash out at me?''


    Lionel thought with his dumbfounded face. And it seems that was irritating Jarina as she continued speaking.


    "Well?! Are you there, papa?"


    And when Lionel heard that, his heart broke into pieces as he thought.


    ''M-my cute daughter...is angry at me...!?''

 Chapter 105: Its that simple

    In this huge room that seems more magnificent than a noble''s personal bedroom, there were three people talking with each other while sitting in chairs.


    There was also a table that separates them.


    The table was a grand one, and it was the kind of table that one would have when eating.


    However, this table wasn''t just one would get even if one worked for all their lives.


    That table had all kinds of special metals, and its designs were so good that even just that would fetch up quite a price.


    And the ones sitting on the chair were, of course, Desire, Jarina, and Lionel.


    They got seated when Lionel easily agreed that he would tell things to Desire right now.


    Well, there was nothing he could do with Jarina being like that.


    "So, what do you want to know?" Lionel said as he rubbed his chest in quite a dramatic way.


    After all, he was indeed hurt by how Jarina acted.


    And what''s worse was that he was also happy that Jarina tied the knot with Desire.


    Although Desire is a child right now, it didn''t really matter to Lionel as he knew that he would make Desire a proper man.


    He was his master, after all.


    That was why Lionel was feeling conflicted right now. He was hurt by Jarina, but he was also happy.


    It was indeed a weird feeling.


    ''I guess I''ll just be happy for the both of them.'' Lionel thought as he tried hard not to remember how Jarina acted.


    ''Ahh, she was so cute too when she was a little baby...''


    Lionel thought as he had a goofy look on his face. It seems that he wasn''t even listening to what Desire was saying.


    And that caused Jarina to speak once more.


    "Papa! Why aren''t you listening?"


    "H-huh? Y-yeah, I''m listening. So, you want to know about Grizelle?"


    Lionel said as he went back to his usual fiery mood as he looked at Desire.


    Of course, he heard what Desire said, but it just wasn''t on his mind before.


    And now that he got his grip back together, Lionel said as he put a hand on his chin.


    "Where do I start..." Lionel said as he murmured while closing his eyes.


    It was then that Desire said something as he looked at his master.


    "Ah, you can just tell me about Grizelle, you know. It was just weird for me to see Jarina with a human."


    Desire was just curious about why Grizelle was with Jarina.


    After all, Desire knew that Lionel treasures his daughter the most.


    Even Varyce wouldn''t allow a human near Jarina.


    Well, he knew that because of how lonely Jarina was when she was with the Suckus before in Skinjur.


    If Jarina wasn''t even allowed to come and talk with her fellow Suckus, there''s no way she would be allowed if it were a human.


    Of course, he was also curious about what was happening.


    Why was Jarina in Jakart in the first place? He also wanted to ask that question.


    However, he didn''t want to when Lionel didn''t exactly say his yes.


    After all, Desire wasn''t that dumb not to know that Lionel was just pressured by her daughter.


    "Ah, Grizelle. She''s the daughter of the Fire King. She''s here because we have the same enemy."


    "You know about the one who attacked the Suckus before?"


    When Lionel asked him, Desire nodded his head.


    He knew what Lionel was talking about, and it was about the Suckus who basically betrayed the Suckus race.


    However, that was all Desire knew.


    He didn''t know anything else in this situation.


    "The one who attacked the Suckus before is called Lamiya. And Lamiya is collecting things that will make her a Sovereign."


    "And the late Fire King, Ecasnor Elevnor, had something that will make Lamiya one of the Sovereigns."


    "Lamiya attacked the Fire King and destroyed everything that Ecasnor had. She killed everyone affiliated with the Fire King."


    "However, his daughter, Grizelle Elevnor, survived."


    Lionel then looked at Desire straight in the eyes as he flashed his fangs!


    His hairs were standing up, and his eyes were showing his fire as he spoke once more.


    "I think you understand already, but I''ll just tell you this."


    "If I tell you anymore, Lamiya would be sure to hunt you down."


    "Even I cannot be confident about winning against her and her forces."


    "And you are weak. You are so weak that I can kill you accidentally with just one finger."


    "You have no way to protect yourself against Lamiya, who could possibly fight against me on even terms."


    "So, do you want to know more? Desire!"


    And when Desire was asked this, he answered just as Lionel expected.


    "I''m your disciple. There''s no way I would be able to escape from her, is there? It would be better to make her my goal as I train."


    "Isn''t that pretty obvious? Besides, that''s what you want me to do right?"


    "To make her my goal - to make me be strong enough to be able to battle it out with her."


    And when Desire finished what he was saying, Lionel laughed.


    "Kuhahahahaha! You definitely have a trait, little bastard!"


    Lionel said as he stood up.


    "Alright. I guess I''ll tell you, then - how it all started."


    However, before he could even walk away from the table, Desire spoke once more.


    "Isn''t it better to just tell me what''s going on? It''s not like I have to know every single thing about it."


    "If she''s an enemy, I just have to know about her and be wary."


    "It''s that simple."


    "Eh?" Lionel said with his eyes widened.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "I-I thought you wanted to know everything about it..."


    "Yeah, but it''s not like I have to know how it started. You already told me what caused all this, right?"


    "Y-yeah...I guess so." Lionel said as he sat down once more.


    "If that''s what you want, then..."


    And so, Lionel and Desire began talking.

 Chapter 106: 8 years

    "If that''s what you want, then..." Lionel said as he sat down.


    He couldn''t believe what he just heard from Desire. After all, Desire almost acted the same way as Jarina did before.


    However, it''s not like Lionel would let that stay on his mind.


    After all, what Desire was right.


    What''s more, even Jarina thought that Desire was right in saying those words.


    And because of that, Jarina thought of something.


    She then clapped her hands as it struck her like lightning, and she spoke.


    "Ah! How about this, then?"


    She then proceeded to point her finger to Desire, "You ask."


    And another finger towards her father, "You answer."


    She then clapped once more as she smiled.


    "Wouldn''t it be faster that way?"


    And when Desire realized what Jarina said, he spoke.


    "I guess so."


    "Hmm. Yeah, let''s do that."


    Lionel seems to agree with both of them, making Jarina smile even more as both of these men accepted her suggestion.


    Desire then spoke once more as this one was the thing that he was curious about since earlier.


    "So, why is Grizelle here? I don''t think you would accept an unknown person like her as an ally."


    "That''s correct. She knows information about Lamiya that even I don''t know. What''s more, she also has a lot of potential, as she is the daughter of a king."


    "Just to get it out there, we still haven''t talked about this information of hers. I am too busy, you see."


    Indeed, Lionel has been busy in recent days. He had to help the Suckus move in order to keep them safe.


    He also handled the Lion Clan in order for it not to go on the wrong path.


    He also has to communicate with the Royal Court about the Pista that would happen a month from now.


    What''s more, there was also the issue of a dungeon in the east.


    Lionel has to take care of all those.


    "I see. Why did Lamiya betray the Suckus? I don''t think she has to do that to become a Sovereign or whatever."


    "That''s because of me."


    When Desire heard what Lionel said, he immediately became shocked.


    After all, what Lionel just said was that shocking.


    Did they have some feud or something like that? Desire thought.


    However, Lionel proved him wrong as he kept talking.


    "You know that I have monster blood in me, right? I don''t know what monster blood I have, but Lamiya knows. It''s called Beast Blood."


    "And it seems that my Beast Blood is so special that she wanted it for herself. But of course, I''m strong! There''s no way she could just take it away from me!"


    "And because of that, she targeted Jarina. Jarina have some of my blood, as she is my daughter."


    "That is why she betrayed the Suckus, and is now targeting Jarina."


    "That is also why Jarina couldn''t go out or something like that."


    Desire widened his eyes when he heard what Lionel said.


    He was also amazed that something like Lionel''s blood was enough to cause a spark between two parties that would make one betray her race.


    It just means that Lionel''s Beast Blood was just that special. And to think that Jarina also has that and is being targeted for it...


    Desire didn''t know whether to be happy for Jarina or not.


    After all, Jarina was basically locked up due to that.


    Even if she does have some amazing blood, Desire didn''t think that it was worth it when she just lived alone in that space of hers.


    "Wait. How long has it been since that Suckus Lamiya betrayed you guys?"


    Desire asked as he just realized it.


    If Lamiya betrayed the Suckus a year ago, two years ago, or even a decade...that would only mean one thing.


    That would mean that Jarina has been locked for a long time.


    And it seems that his realization was true as he heard Lionel''s answer.


    "Hmm. It''s been 8 years since Lamiya betrayed and attacked us."


    "W-what?! 8 years?!" Desire shouted out aloud instinctively.


    He just couldn''t believe it.


    "You mean...8 years. Jarina has been locked up in that space in Skinjur for 8 years?!"


    "No, of course not." Lionel said calmly as if he already expected this reaction from Desire.


    Well, it was easy for him to expect this reaction as he knew that Desire would think that Jarina has been in that space for 8 years.


    "Eh? What do you mean? I thought the reason why Jarina isn''t allowed to meet with others is because of that incident?"


    Desire said as he calmed down.


    "Yeah, but it''s not like my wife and I just prevented Jarina from seeing anyone immediately."


    "We didn''t want to have our daughter to have a fate like that. However, the one who came up with that was Jarina herself."


    "She came to us 3 years later to ask that she be given a private space in Skinjur."


    And when Desire heard that, he whipped his head to look at Jarina with wide eyes.


    After all, if he heard it right, that means that Jarina was the one who let herself be locked up.


    And when Jarina nodded her head, Desire couldn''t help but ask.


    "W-why?"


    And the one to answer his question was her father, Lionel.


    "She didn''t want to cause problems for us. Of course, Jarina is a smart girl. She knew exactly what was happening even though we protected her at that time."


    "Hmm." Desire hummed as he found that explanation perfectly reasonable.


    After all, Jarina was Jarina, even in the past.


    "Then, how come Lamiya isn''t dealt with yet? You have your own forces and the Suckus race with you. I think you''ll be able to win a war with her."


    Indeed, if one thinks about the war potential of Lionel, it was so huge that it wouldn''t be weird to think that he can wage wars with any kingdom.


    However, it seems that Lionel thinks otherwise as he spoke.


    "Have you forgotten what I said about her? Even I cannot guarantee a win against her and her forces."


    Lionel continued with a heavy voice and a serious face.


    "She is that strong."

 Chapter 107: Whats your rank?

    "She is that strong." Lionel said with a heavy voice and a serious face.


    After all, he meant what he said. Lamiya was that strong, and not even Lionel could confidently say that he would win against her.


    "She is that strong? But you''re a Conqueror. Is she a Conqueror too?" Desire asked as he imagined the possibilities.


    The possibility of Lamiya being a Conqueror is definitely there.


    And when he imagined that, Desire could feel a chill run down his spine.


    Why? It was because the Suckus and Lionel would be invincible.


    The Suckus would have Varyce, a strong monster who could possibly give Lionel a run for his money.


    Of course, it was not only Varyce but also the other Suckus who would also have their own strengths.


    Their numbers alone would be incredible as their quantity matches their quality.


    And Lionel is a Conqueror who had already destroyed other kingdoms. His strength right now is unknown, but he is definitely powerful!


    What''s more, Lionel had the power of society, and the Lion Clan, which he established.


    The Lion Clan would even have some people who would also be strong and be able to help Lionel.


    And if one thinks about how they might have another Conqueror in Lamiya...Desire could only imagine how fearsome they would be.


    If they didn''t have a feud or Lamiya didn''t betray the Suckus, the most fearsome man in the Vakigo kingdom, or possibly even in the whole world, is Lionel.


    At least, that''s what Desire thought as he imagined it.


    However, Lionel brought down that thought as he answered Desire''s question about Lamiya being a Conqueror.


    "No, she is not a Conqueror. However, she is powerful. I don''t know what her exact rank is, but she is probably rank 8."


    "And I think Jarina already said this to you, but that rank 8 of hers isn''t really accurate."


    "The rank is actually the minimum, so her real strength could be more than that. Her strength may be at rank 9 or even 10."


    "That''s why I can''t catch her with half-assed methods. Do you think I would let an enemy alive even though years have passed?"


    "No." Desire answered with a straight face.


    "That''s right. And the one who would enjoy the most when I go at her crazily and stupidly is my enemy."


    "I can''t just let her taste the sweetness of victory."


    When Lionel finished what he was saying, Desire nodded his head.


    It was understandable, and even Desire agreed with what he was saying.


    After all, even though he hadn''t noticed it yet, Desire was actually competitive.


    He wouldn''t let his enemy enjoy an easy peasy victory even if it was assured. Desire would struggle in any way possible to make it hard and difficult for his opponent.


    The only reason why he hasn''t found out about this part of himself is that he didn''t have any real opponent.


    After all, he was born in a monster society, where he was accepted and loved.


    He wasn''t born in a human society, where everything and everyone is your enemy unless he is at the top.


    And when Lionel noticed that Desire wasn''t asking anything anymore, he spoke.


    "You have anything else to ask?"


    It was then that Desire widened his eyes as if he just got hit with an idea.


    And that idea was...


    "What rank are you in, Lionel? I don''t know it, and even Jarina says she doesn''t know."


    "Well, I do understand if you don''t-"


    "I''m rank 9." Lionel said as he cut in Desire''s words.


    He didn''t even hesitate when he answered, and that shocked not only Desire but also Jarina.


    And that was why Jarina widened her eyes so wide that it looked like they might just pop out.


    She then stomped the table with her hands as she spoke.


    "No fair! How come you didn''t tell me that when I asked?!"


    And that was because her father didn''t answer her when she asked about Lionel''s rank.


    After all, even she didn''t know Lionel''s rank.


    "That''s because you were too young to understand back then. Besides, you know the situation. If you were to get captured, you might just spill the beans!"


    Lionel answered Jarina calmly. After all, he meant what he said.


    "Of course, I won''t let you get captured, though. But that was just in case. And it doesn''t matter now, does it?"


    "You know now, anyways."


    Jarina was forced to back down when she heard what Lionel said. After all, it was the truth that she now knows.


    Well, it''s not like Jarina would persistently annoy his father just because he didn''t answer Jarina''s question back then.


    She wasn''t that childish. Well, when it comes to Grizelle, she was childish.


    After all, one could say that Jarina probably hates Grizelle.


    It was obvious why.


    "Hmm. Ah, then what''s going on down there? When we entered here, there were a lot of people. Right, Jarina?"


    Desire asked Jarina as he whipped his head towards her.


    After all, Jarina was the one who actually saw it, and she just told Desire when they were walking earlier.


    That was why Desire asked Jarina for confirmation.


    "That''s right! I meant to ask you this, papa, but I never got the chance."


    Jarina said as she whipped her head towards her father fast.


    This was something she was curious about as she knew who those people were.


    Those people were members of the Lion Clan.


    "Why are your subordinates outside? They were all revved up too or something like that."


    And when Lionel finally heard what Jarina had to ask, his mouth turned into a smile.


    Of course, that smile didn''t hide his fangs as it flashed quite dangerously.


    And that smile...Desire could feel it.


    Desire could feel the familiarity of the smile.


    ''S-so, Jarina got it from her father...'' Desire thought.


    However, his thoughts ended when he heard Lionel speak once more.


    "The Lion Clan is going to war."

 Chapter 108: Dungeon Law

    "The Lion Clan is going to war." Lionel said as his fangs flashed dangerously!


    His hairs were starting to rise, and his aura was just domineering the atmosphere!


    It seems that Lionel was excited about what was to come in the near future.


    And it seems that he got too excited as Jarina and Desire had something like a blue barrier around them.


    Jarina shouted towards her father as she felt that she couldn''t withstand the pressure anymore.


    "Papa! Your power is leaking! Keep it down!" Jarina said.


    After all, she had to put up a defense barrier just to help herself and Desire not to pass out.


    However, even that defense barrier was starting to crack under Lionel''s immense pressure.


    And that was why Lionel said as he scratched his head.


    "Ah, sorry, sorry. I got too excited."


    After all, it was the truth that Lionel was excited about the war that would come.


    It was then that Desire spoke while Jarina was putting out the barrier that she let out.


    "What war are you talking about? Is it the one with Lamiya?"


    "Oh, I''m not talking about that. Have you forgotten already? You little bastard." Lionel said as he smiled once more.


    "Didn''t I told you before that there is a Dungeon that appeared in the east of Jakart?"


    "Of course, there would be a war between Clans and Guilds to take over the Dungeon."


    And when Desire heard what Lionel said, his eyes immediately widened.


    Of course, that was because of the word Dungeon. He knew what Dungeon is, as he already experienced one before.


    However, he wasn''t sure whether to tell it to Jarina, or even Lionel of that matter.


    After all, the Dungeon of Spirit of Fire seems to be a special one.


    It was obvious just from the name of the Dungeon.


    However, the real reason why Desire was surprised was that there would be a war for one.


    If the people knew of the Dungeon of Spirit of Fire, would there be a war for one too?


    That was what Desire thought when he heard about that war.


    And when Desire got a grip of himself, he finally answered Lionel.


    "You''re talking about the Dungeon in the east, right? Are you going there personally?"


    As his Clan was going to war, it would be normal to say that Lionel would come.


    After all, it could be said that the war is won as long as Lionel was present.


    Lionel was just that strong, and even though Desire hasn''t seen his strength yet, Desire believes that too.


    However, it seems that his thoughts about the issue were wrong as Lionel answered his question.


    "No, I won''t go there. The war would be too easy if I did, after all."


    "Kuhahahaha!" Lionel laughed as he puffed out his chest proudly.


    However, he soon felt a stinging glare coming from the side.


    Of course, that stinging glare was from his daughter.


    It seems Jarina didn''t like how Lionel answered Desire''s question.


    "Ahem!" Lionel coughed as he put a hand to cover his mouth.


    Lionel then gave a furtive glance at Desire, and it seems that Desire hasn''t noticed Jarina''s stinging glare at Lionel.


    After all, Lionel didn''t want to be seen act so pathetically by his student right in front of him.


    Well, Desire already knows, though.


    "I''m just kidding. Ahem!"


    "Clan masters, Guild leaders, or even Adventurers who are too strong are not allowed to join a Dungeon adventure when the rank is too low."


    "And the Dungeon rank of this Dungeon in the east is just rank C."


    "That is too low; therefore, I cannot join."


    "Why, though? Is there a law or something that you guys have to uphold?" Desire asked.


    After all, it was weird for him to see that the strongest guys are not allowed to participate in things like these.


    "That''s right. This law is called the Dungeon Law."


    "The Dungeon Law is a set of laws that Conquerors, Clan masters, Guild Leaders, and every powerhouse have created."


    "We all agreed with it, and that is why we are all under it. And we are called the 18 Kings."


    "If someone somehow breaks a Dungeon Law, the other members in the 18 kings would destroy that someone thoroughly."


    "However, if the Dungeon is ranked B or above, I don''t really have to mind it."


    When Desire heard what the Dungeon Law is all about, his eyes immediately widened.


    After all, he didn''t expect something like that to be in the works.


    ''The world is huge, huh.'' Desire thought.


    However, he didn''t let himself be hung up in that as he spoke once more.


    "How are you going to win the war, then? Also, is the 18 kings'' set of laws everywhere?"


    "I sent one of my men to lead the war. He''s called Ryu. He''s strong, too."


    "The set of laws is everywhere. However, the 18 Kings are only in power in the south of Continent Aduminion."


    "The ones who are in power in the east, north, and west are different people."


    "Of course, if I move there, I would be counted as one of their powers too."


    "Kuhahahaha!" Lionel laughed as he once more puffed out his chest proudly.


    And Desire just watched him laugh as he started thinking.


    ''Dungeons, huh. It seems interesting.''


    Ever since Desire went inside the Dungeon of Spirit of Fire, Desire didn''t like them anymore.


    Although Dungeons could make him strong, that Dungeon was just plain terrible.


    At least, that''s what Desire thought.


    However, with Lionel explaining things, the Dungeon was painted with another color.


    And that color was...curiosity.


    Right, Desire was curious about the Dungeon.


    Why did the humans created laws regarding Dungeons when Dungeons are about monsters? What is a Dungeon anyway? What lies at the top?


    Desire had all those thoughts swimming in his mind right now.


    And that was why Desire spoke.


    He spoke with all the passion, determination, and heat he had right now.


    "Lionel, I..."


    "I want to join this Dungeon war."

 Chapter 109: Shall we?

    "No, you''re not." Lionel said calmly as he looked at Desire.


    Even though what Desire just said was surprising, it seems that Lionel didn''t even flinch.


    Well, that was normal. After all, Lionel was a youth once too.


    When he learned about the complexity of the Dungeons and whatnot, he was excited about them.


    He wanted to know about them. He wanted to own them!


    What''s more, Lionel actually became one who owns them.


    That was why it was easy for him to know that Desire somehow had those feelings too.


    After all, Desire is a youth too. He would have ambitions like that.


    He would want to do something big, and that''s normal.


    However, the fact that Desire wants to do it now is just crazy.


    No, it''s already madness.


    "Do you know how big this Dungeon war is? Do you even know how it would happen?"


    "Do you even know how to survive when faced against strong opponents?"


    "Don''t think you''re hot stuff, Desire. I admit that you are talented."


    "You are a talented bastard that even the others would want a piece of you."


    "However, no matter how much talent you have, it''s nothing against supreme power.


    "Pure strength! Absolute power!"


    "When faced against that, your talent will only mean shit."


    "That''s why I won''t allow you to join."


    "Do you understand, Desire?"


    When Lionel asked him, Desire didn''t really answer right away.


    After all, what Lionel just said so fast without even missing a beat was shocking for Desire.


    It''s not like Desire did think he was hot stuff or something like that.


    It was just that he was excited to know about the Dungeon or some other stuff related to it.


    That was why to hear his master saying all those things about him was a punch to the gut for Desire.


    However, it''s not like Desire didn''t understand where Lionel was coming from.


    Desire knew that he was weak. And just like any other child, Desire hoped to see something amazing.


    He hoped to achieve something great.


    However, what Desire wanted to do was just too great and too grand that even his master didn''t allow him to do it.


    ''I know...''


    And Desire himself knows it too. And that was why he was able to get back together and speak.


    "I understand..." Desire spoke, but it was clear from his voice that he wasn''t that happy.


    And because of that, Jarina had a worried look on her face.


    Although she mostly has been a spectator in this talk, she listened carefully.


    After all, she didn''t want Desire to be misled. However, even though she wanted to comfort Desire, she couldn''t.


    What her father said was correct, and even Jarina would side with Lionel if it were about that.


    It was just crazy, after all. A child who doesn''t even know a thing about fighting wants to join the Dungeon war.


    It was a war that could destroy thousands of lives and might even influence the big city, Jakart.


    There''s no way a child would be able to survive all that unless the heavens itself decided for him to survive.


    However, it''s not like it was also correct to let Desire be like this.


    That was why she gave her father another staring glare! No, it wasn''t any weak ass glare like that.


    It was the death glare!


    However, it seems that Lionel didn''t care about his daughter at this point as he didn''t pay any attention to her right now.


    ''He needs to grow up.'' Lionel thought as he looked at Desire.


    Desire currently had his head down, so he couldn''t see Lionel looking at him.


    ''No, it looks like I''m wrong.'' Lionel thought as his eyes witnessed Desire look up once more.


    And when he did, Lionel could see Desire looking straight at him in the eyes.


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    No one talked. It was silent, and the atmosphere was getting awkward.


    However, despite that, no one tried to break the ice.


    And while he was in this situation, Lionel was thinking with a poker face.


    ''Hmm. Good. This is what I expect of my student.''


    Although Desire was told off by words, he didn''t let his head down for more than a second.


    And that was something amazing. At least, for Lionel, that was.


    After all, Lionel was a human who was discriminated against.


    He was told off by many mouths. He was told that he couldn''t be anything.


    He was told that he could only amount to something so little that he wouldn''t even leave a mark in history.


    Someone even told him that he would die much faster than someone with a critical disease.


    And what Lionel learned while he was in that situation was...


    ''Don''t lose your heart.''


    Don''t lose your heart. Don''t lose against them. Persevere.


    In the middle of those harsh comments and discrimination, Lionel persevered.


    He went on, and he is here now, one of the most successful people in Jakart.


    And Lionel wanted Desire to do the same. He didn''t want Desire to look down just because he heard the truth.


    He wanted Desire to look up even though he knew the truth.


    No, Lionel wanted Desire to look up because he knew the truth.


    Although what Lionel said about Desire was true, that was only a matter of time.


    Desire would get stronger, and that would come true sooner or later.


    And with the help of a master such as Lionel, it would come even earlier.


    And that was why...


    "Good. Good. Good. Good bastard."


    Kuhahaha. Lionel laughed as he crossed his arms.


    His laughter soon stopped as he turned serious.


    He wasn''t releasing any of his powers, but his aura right now was just pure domineering!


    His presence grew as if he were the only person existing in this room!


    That was how it felt, and that was how big Lionel was right now.


    And with that big presence of his, Lionel spoke.


    "Well then, shall we start?"


    Lionel then stood up as he continued speaking.


    No, he first looked straight at Desire''s eyes as he spoke.


    "Shall we start your training?"

 Chapter 110: Take me with you!

    "Shall we start your training?" Lionel said as he looked at Desire.


    After all, it was indeed time to start Desire''s training. Lionel didn''t get Desire as his disciple just for him to hang out with his daughter.


    He got him as his disciple so he could make him strong.


    However, it seems that Desire was shocked to hear what Lionel said.


    "E-eh? Right now?"


    Although Desire knew that he would someday train under Lionel, he just didn''t think that day would be today.


    After all, it was too sudden for him. Although it may seem a lot of days have passed by now, it was actually just a few days ago that Desire became Lionel''s disciple.


    From what Desire could remember, it hasn''t even been a week!


    That was why Desire thought that he would be given some enough to adjust.


    However, it seems Lionel wouldn''t take no for an answer as he continued speaking.


    "That''s right, you bastard. Did you come here to play?"


    "Did you come here for Jarina? Did you come here for that?"


    "No, right?"


    And when Desire was asked this question, he nodded his head.


    After all, what Lionel said was right.


    Desire became Lionel''s disciple because he wanted to get stronger.


    He wanted to become a person who could defend himself and not just rely on others.


    Desire wanted to become so powerful that he would become the one who would make others rely on him.


    That was why Desire became Lionel''s disciple.


    And if that was the case, why should Desire waste his time on adjusting things?


    Would that help him? No.


    Would that make him stronger? No.


    Would that kind of mindset benefit him in the long run? No.


    Desire realized this when Lionel pointed it out.


    "Yeah...I didn''t come here for that." Desire said as he too looked up.


    He looked at Lionel from eye to eye. His feelings as a child...no, Desire''s feelings as a man were holding his head up high.


    His wants, his desires, his needs...all those things were currently swimming in Desire''s mind.


    However, all those had the same answer.


    And that was...


    "I came here to get stronger."


    "I''m sorry about my attitude." Desire said as he took a bow.


    He felt sorry about how he basically overruled Lionel''s authority as his master.


    After all, there''s no student in the world who would decide when his master would teach him.


    The master would decide those things, and in this case, Lionel was the master.


    "Please train me, Lionel...no, master." Desire said while remaining in his position.


    Although Lionel knew that Desire had a trait, he didn''t expect that Desire would be like this.


    After all, Desire has been acting a lot like...a spoiled brat. Right, Desire wasn''t focused at all.


    He was lax. He had many shortcomings as a disciple. At least, in Lionel''s eyes.


    After all, if Desire really wanted to train, he would have insisted on it. He would have asked for it. He would be raring to go!


    That was why Lionel had his eyes wide open.


    After all, Desire''s attitude took a complete turn just from a simple discussion.


    Even Jarina was surprised at this. However, she already expected it.


    After all, Desire has already done this before to her.


    Right, Desire was just that kind of person.


    "Good. That''s what I like to hear." Lionel said as he stood up.


    "That''s enough bowing."


    "We''ll start immediately."


    Lionel said as his eyes witnessed Desire raised his head up once more.


    Lionel was about to get Desire out of here, but there was something


    that stopped him.


    No, it was a person, and it wasn''t Desire. It was Jarina.


    "Wait! Papa!" Jarina said as she knew that Lionel was about to take off.


    If Lionel really took off just like that, even Jarina wouldn''t be able to catch up with Lionel.


    "You''re gonna leave me here? How about me?" Jarina said as she walked towards Desire.


    She then stopped when she was at his side.


    "You said that you''d teach me too! Take me with you!"


    Jarina said as she looked at her father.


    However, it seems that Lionel had different thoughts about it as he spoke.


    "Oho? You sure you just don''t wanna be with him?" Lionel said as he looked at his daughter.


    "N-no! I didn''t forget about that time when you said you''d help me breakthrough and reach rank 7!"


    "Kuhahaha. I''m just kidding. Didn''t you said earlier that Grizelle is coming here?"


    "Yes...I did. What of it...Don''t tell me!" Jarina said with wide eyes.


    She even closed her hands, and her fingertips were ripping her skin in her palms!


    After all, what she imagined was just hell! It was just that bad for Jarina.


    And it seems her prediction came true as Lionel continued speaking.


    "Yeah. There''s no one who would welcome them in here. It''s not like they could just wander in here around."


    "I can''t let them be seen just like how you guys can''t be seen."


    "So, you would be the one to welcome her."


    And when her fears came true, Jarina could only bit her lips.


    After all, she can''t say no. It was her father who was telling her this, and this whole war was being fought for her sake.


    Besides, Grizelle was an important person in this whole situation as she holds a piece of information that even Lionel doesn''t know.


    It would be just selfish for Jarina if she declined this job just because she didn''t want to.


    "O-okay..." Jarina said weekly.


    Desire then looked up at Jarina as he didn''t like how she was down.


    "Don''t worry about it, you''ll be fine. Didn''t I told you before that I was fine with what happened?"


    "So, just let it go." Desire said.


    However, it seems that he was a bit of a dunce on this topic, as that was not the reason why Jarina didn''t like to be with Grizelle.


    After all, Jarina didn''t want to be with Grizelle was only because of one thing.


    And that was...hate.


    Right, Jarina hated Grizelle ever since she learned that she hurt Desire.


    It was no longer about what happened in the Muscula''s nest.


    It was quite childish, if you think about how shallow that was.


    But well, Jarina probably loves Desire as much as she loved her parents.


    No, even more than that.


    It was then that Lionel finally spoke.


    "Now that''s out of the way, let''s go then."


    "I''ll teach you and make you a strong powerhouse, Desire!"

 Chapter 111: Three Lords

    Lionel and Desire quickly got out of the room when they finished sorting things out.


    After all, there were no more things to ask as Desire was satisfied with what he learned.


    Jarina, too, was able to come to terms with herself and got ready to welcome Grizelle.


    After all, she would probably be near them right now as the talk between Lionel and Desire took too much time.


    That''s why it wouldn''t even be weird if Grizelle was right outside of the mansion right now.


    That was why Jarina was currently standing in front of the front door of the mansion.


    After all, she wanted to get this job done as fast as possible.


    However, it seems that she would have to wait as she couldn''t feel anything.


    "Haa. I wanted to come with Desire, too. I wanted to see him train..." Jarina said as she remembered the time when Desire was training the Cold-Blooded Trait.


    Of course, Jarina didn''t know it has become the Heavenly Demon Trait now.


    And when she remembered that time, Jarina spoke once more.


    "Haa. I wonder when will Desire grow up again?"


    Jarina knew that Desire became a child from a baby real quick.


    That was why she was also looking forward to knowing when will Desire become a youth.


    However, it seems that she would have to wait as that seems like a long time.


    After all, Desire''s path was just starting.


    And so, Jarina waited in front of the front door for Grizelle, who she hated.


    ****


    While Jarina was waiting for Grizelle, the duo of master and student was currently walking.


    They weren''t in the mansion anymore, and they were walking outside.


    However, they didn''t go near the front door, but instead, the back door.


    And as soon as when they were about to go out, Desire asked Lionel.


    "Master, where are we going? I thought that I couldn''t be seen by other people?"


    Desire knows that he couldn''t be seen by other people very well.


    After all, that was the very first thing Lionel told him about when he first came here to Jakart.


    Jarina also always reminded Desire about that fact, and with the help of Heavenly Demon Trait, Desire knows it as if it were the back of his palm.


    And that was why it was weird for him to see that he was walking out in the open right now.


    However, it seems that wasn''t the case for Lionel.


    "Don''t worry. No one could peak inside while we are in the area of the mansion."


    "The Lion''s Den, the headquarters of the Lion Clan, is just near us.


    "However, even the members of the Lion Clan could never see what is in the area of the mansion."


    "Wait. How does this place look from outside then?" Desire asked.


    "It looks exactly how it looks to you¡ªthe mansion."


    "Don''t worry about it too much. A Conqueror himself will have to be here if they want to find out about you."


    "So, does that mean I''m free to roam outside the mansion?" Desire asked once more.


    "That''s right."


    "Anyway, we''re here now."


    Lionel said as he stopped walking. Desire, too, stopped walking when he noticed Lionel.


    However, Desire soon tilted his head.


    After all, they were still inside the area of the mansion. How come Lionel said that they were at their destination now?


    However, Desire couldn''t voice out those thoughts as Lionel spoke.


    "This is a spot where teleportation magic is available. It will transport us to the Lion Clan''s training area."


    "Hold on tight." Lionel said as he grabbed Desire''s nape.


    It was weird that he said to hold on if he were just going to grab Desire.


    However, it seems Desire was used to this as he didn''t react much at all to that sentence.


    No, he was just amazed at the fact that there was teleportation magic sitting right below them.


    Desire then looked down at the ground, and soon he saw a magic circle!


    It was small, but it definitely had the complexity of a magic circle.


    "Transport." Lionel said, and as soon as he did, the magic circle below started to light up!


    And Desire watched that happened with curious eyes.


    After all, this would be the first time he would have seen something like this.


    However, he couldn''t observe the magic circle anymore as he felt dizzy.


    His field of vision became blurry, and he saw all kinds of colors pass by him!


    It was as if Desire were looking at the whole wide world right now.


    Of course, that was not what was happening as Desire heard Lionel''s voice.


    "I told you to hold on tight." Lionel said, but Desire couldn''t see him at all.


    However, when Lionel tightened his grip on Desire''s neck, Desire could feel it strongly.


    And Desire used that as a focal point to stay awake and focused only on it.


    After all, Desire was already feeling sleepy, and even with his trait, he couldn''t hold on.


    And the next thing Desire knew, he was in another place.


    ****


    "What did you find?" A voice resounded out in this place.


    This place was just...a plain land, but the land was destroyed.


    It had cracks all over it, and the sky was dark and spooky.


    This place felt like it was hell!


    However, the men standing here didn''t mind that at all as they continued talking.


    There were only two men, and one of the men here was kneeling to the other man.


    And the one who was kneeling spoke.


    "Yes, my lord."


    "Shadow has allied with another person, a Suckus, he said."


    "Shadow then reported that the baby we suspect is staying in Skinjur."


    And when the man who was standing heard that, he turned around to face the man.


    Well, he didn''t really face the man, but he just looked down.


    "It''s taking too long. The Queen''s Three Lords are already on our tail."


    "And they are already searching for him."


    The man then turned his face into a frown as he spoke with a harsher and rougher tone.


    "Tell Shadow that if he can''t kill the baby in a month''s time from now, my hand will be forced."


    "Yes, I shall tell him, my lord." The man said as he disappeared on the spot.


    The man who commanded the other man soon disappeared too as he went back to his place.

 Chapter 112: Rakshas Letter

    There was a man who was walking in a hallway. This hallway was inside a mansion, and the owner of the mansion was the man.


    The man was just walking without hesitation, and his steps were light as one could hear it.


    Tak. Tak. Tak.


    Of course, this man was the man who commanded another man to say something to his subordinate, Shadow.


    This man was also the boss or the master of the organization that Shadow belongs to.


    And that was perfectly justified.


    Why? It was because this man was strong! He was even stronger than Shadow and Shadow''s subordinates altogether.


    However, as Shadow fears this man, there is something that this man fears.


    It was something that the man could never deny, and it was something that the man never wanted to see.


    However, not even this man could escape from that fear of his.


    That was why the man''s footsteps were getting quicker by the minute.


    It seems that this man was getting impatient about stuff and all.


    And because of his increased pace, a voice suddenly spoke to him.


    "My lord."


    And when the man took a look in front, it was a butler who was dressed properly.


    The butler was also bowing his head as he spoke once more.


    "How was your day?" The butler said.


    However, the man didn''t care about that kind of small talk.


    There was something else that the man wanted to see right now.


    And that was why the man ordered the butler right away.


    "Bring me the box."


    And when the butler heard it, he just bowed his head even more.


    "As you wish."


    The butler then disappeared as he went to fulfill his lord''s orders.


    And the man who was the lord soon started walking once more.


    His destination was the living room of this mansion, and he was able to get there quickly.


    After all, he could see a door right about now.


    "Open." The man said as he continued walking even though the door was still closed.


    And that was because the door suddenly...disappeared as the man walked into it.


    It was quite strange but magical at the same time.


    And when the man entered the room, he soon saw a table.


    A grand table, but that was the only furniture existing in this place.


    No, there was also a chair, but that was it.


    The designs on the wall were also grand and all, but overall, this room looked a little bit...boring.


    However, the man didn''t care about that at all as he proceeded to sit on the chair.


    And as if he were waiting for this moment, the butler soon appeared right in front of the table!


    It was such in time that one might think that the butler was watching the man''s every move!


    However, it was actually the opposite.


    The man waited for the butler to finish his task before proceeding to sit on the chair.


    Although he seems to be walking normally, he was actually not.


    All was perfectly calculated in this man''s mind.


    "My lord, here it is." The butler said as he placed the box that the man was looking for.


    And the box was...just an old box that seems to have no value at all.


    There were even some patches here and there, and it truly looked like something that would belong to a poor man.


    However, the lord didn''t care about that as he grabbed the box.


    It wasn''t locked or something like that, and that was why the lord was able to open it rather quickly.


    And what was inside was...


    "The Raksha''s letter." The lord said as he grabbed the paper inside it.


    It seems that this letter was important to the lord as he held it carefully.


    And it seems that the butler was a trusted subordinate of the lord as he wasn''t dismissed even though the lord was probably looking at one of his secrets.


    He even opened the letter right in front of the butler.


    And when the lord looked down to read the letter, the first sentence that he saw was...


    "Demon. Demon. Demon. Demon. Demon. Demon. Demon. Demon. Demon. Demon. Demon. Demon."


    Demon. Those were all the words that the first sentence had. And the lord said it without missing a single one.


    And it seems that the lord was used to reading this now as he didn''t even question why it repeated the word demon so many times.


    The lord then brought his eyes down as he proceeded to continue reading the letter.


    "The twelve demons that rule the twelve hells."


    However, that was all the lord could read as the paper...was torn in half.


    It was such an anticlimactic end for a bizarre and weird letter.


    "What do you think, Bas?" The lord said as he rested his back on the chair.


    His eyes were looking straight at the butler, who was called Bas.


    The lord then continued speaking.


    "Where do you think the other piece of Raksha''s letter is?"


    "My lord, I am simply a butler. There is no way I could possibly know where the other piece is."


    "I know." The lord said as he closed his eyes.


    After all, he didn''t really expect that his butler would know about the whereabouts of such an important piece.


    He was just that desperate to know where the other half was.


    After all, as smart as this lord was, even he couldn''t understand what the letter was about.


    ''Twelve hells. Was Raksha talking about us?'' The lord thought.


    However, he soon shook his head. He didn''t have to think hard about it.


    After all, there was only one reason why the lord was trying so hard to find the other half.


    And that was because of his dream.


    ''That dream...I was able to find it. The other half of Raksha''s letter.''


    ''I must find all pieces at all costs...I must find everything.''


    ''So, I can kill him before he is born!''


    ''Don''t hate me for this...Queen. This is all for us.''


    ''This is all for us...''


    The lord then calculated everything in his mind as he made plans for the times to come.

 Chapter 113: Refreshing: Death!

    In a place where one could see the sun rising over their heads, Desire was currently sitting with his eyes closed.


    The way he saw was exactly how one would sit when one is training.


    He even had the aura and the seriousness needed to look like he was exactly training!


    However, that was not what Desire was doing right now.


    What he was doing was...stretching.


    Right, Desire was currently stretching his mind and body as he sat on the ground.


    It was crazy if you think about how stretching requires one to stretch one''s body literally.


    However, that didn''t matter to Desire at all as he just continued sitting.


    It has been a while since he has done this, and this was the only thing he was doing.


    Why? It was because that was the order of his master.


    However, there was something Desire didn''t understand.


    And that was...


    ''What''s the point of doing this...''


    Desire couldn''t understand a thing of why he should do this ''stretching.''


    After all, Desire couldn''t feel anything special or something like that forming inside him.


    He also didn''t feel any strength or any realization after sitting like a stone for a while.


    If Desire had to give something that he gained from doing this, it would be confusion.


    All this ''stretching'' caused confusion to Desire.


    However, the reason why he didn''t stop doing it is that his master is still there.


    "I bet you''re thinking, what''s the point of all this?" Lionel said as he walked back and forth in front of Desire.


    And the place where they were was a forest which was owned by the Lion Clan.


    No, it was actually a secret facility that only the upper echelon of the Lion Clan knows.


    After all, this belongs to the clan master of the Lion Clan.


    This was also where Lionel trains himself or goes back to warm up or something like that.


    "Hmm! Hmm! It''s good that you are thinking about that, but it''s no good if you think this is pointless." Lionel said.


    The first thing that Lionel does when he starts training is to do this kind of ''stretching.''


    This was something that was like a core practice for him, and that was why he was making his disciple go under it too.


    After all, he is the one who decides what the student should do to learn.


    What''s more, Lionel could confidently say that this stretching is something that one needs to become stronger.


    And it is also something that one needs in order to fight better!


    It was crazy if you think about how Desire is just sitting there.


    However, that was not the point of this ''stretching.''


    "This training is what I call Refreshing."


    "Refreshing is something that you will do every time you start training."


    "There are three stages of Refreshing, but I will only teach you the first one."


    And when Lionel said what he said, Desire had thought inside his head.


    ''Isn''t this the first stage?''


    After all, Desire was already doing this Refreshing thing for a while now, and that was why he thought that this was the first stage.


    If this weren''t the first stage of Refreshing, Desire didn''t even know why he did this for a while.


    And that was why he was about to say something, but Lionel beat him to it.


    "I know what you''re thinking, little bastard."


    "You''re new to Refreshing, and that''s why I had you sit down for an hour."


    "It is essential because your body won''t be able to take it if you start Refreshing right away."


    Lionel said as he smirked. After all, he knew what exactly was going on inside Desire''s head right now.


    However, it''s not like Lionel was proud of himself for knowing Desire''s thoughts.


    What he was proud of was that Desire was thinking. He didn''t count on his teacher''s words alone and was giving his own thoughts on the matter.


    And the reason why Lionel could tell what Desire was thinking is that Lionel''s observation skills were just top-notch.


    The way Desire''s face muscles moved told Lionel something. The way how Desire was breathing told Lionel something.


    It was all thanks to how Desire''s body was suddenly changing that Lionel knew that Desire was thinking.


    It was crazy, if you think about it, but that was just how strong Lionel is.


    "Now that''s out of the way, I''ll teach you the first stage of Refreshing."


    "You have a trait better than Cold-blooded, right?" Lionel said.


    And as Desire was about to answer Lionel''s question, he was cut off.


    After all, he showed signs that he was thinking.


    "Ah, you don''t have to answer. It''s obvious, anyway. There''s no way a child like you would have an adult mindset."


    "Anyway, what I want you to do is to close your senses."


    "That should be possible as Jarina could do that herself."


    As Desire got something better than Jarina''s Cold-Blooded Trait, Desire should be able to do that easily.


    Of course, that''s Lionel''s thoughts.


    "You don''t have to worry about you not being able to hear me."


    Lionel said.


    And Desire immediately got to work. What Lionel wanted him to do was actually simple.


    Desire was doing this every day since he was training back in Skinjur.


    And that was why Desire was ''back'' to his ''home'' now.


    And as soon as he did, he had a thought.


    ''What will I do here?''


    However, that thought soon ended as Lionel''s voice entered his ''ears.''


    "See? You don''t have to worry about not hearing me as you''re not strong to block me!"


    "Kuhahahahaha!" Lionel laughed.


    And Desire was just...staring at the air blankly. After all, he didn''t expect that his teacher would do something like this.


    Of course, he knew that this was not the end.


    That was why he waited patiently for Lionel to stop laughing.


    And when Lionel spoke once more, Desire heard something...unbelievable.


    "Now that you''re in that state, the first stage of Refreshing is..."


    "Death."

 Chapter 114: A wall

    ''Huh?'' Desire couldn''t help but be struck dumbfounded when he heard what Lionel said.


    ''Death? What the...''


    After all, what Lionel said was just so...unexpected and something unbelievable that even Desire couldn''t help but be confused.


    However, when Lionel spoke once more, those thoughts of Desire disappeared.


    Well, he wanted to listen to Lionel intentively as he didn''t want to miss anything.


    "That''s right. Death. Well, it''s something like that."


    "I don''t know how to say it correctly, but...hmm..."


    Lionel was having a hard time explaining things to his disciple.


    After all, Lionel never had any disciple before. And he didn''t have to explain things to anyone else.


    The Refreshing technique was his alone, and there was no one else who knew this.


    And there was no one else who he handed down this technique, which is why he didn''t have any experience of explaining things.


    That was why he was having a hard time doing such a simple task.


    Besides, the only thing that fits the first stage of Refreshing is exactly just what he said.


    It was death.


    "Hmmm...how do I say this..."


    "You have your senses gone now, but you could still think, right?"


    "The next thing you would do to complete the first stage is to stop your thinking, which is why it''s called Death."


    "Did you understand that, little bastard?"


    Lionel said, and his voice resounded out in Desire''s mind.


    And because of that, Desire had quite the dumbfounded look even though he was inside himself.


    After all, that explanation was just...plain shit. It was terribly bad, and it was something one wouldn''t expect from a master.


    ''I could think a term better than death...'' Desire thought.


    Desire could think other terms better than death to describe something like a state where he didn''t have his senses, and he couldn''t think.


    For example, Desire could say that it is the same as sleeping.


    When one sleeps, their senses are gone, and they don''t think.


    At least, that''s what Desire knows what happens to him when he sleeps.


    However, that was not the point of this whole thing, and Desire knew that as well.


    Desire trusted Lionel as much as he trusted Jarina. Even if Lionel''s words were confusing and whatnot, he would still do it.


    That was why Desire immediately went to work.


    Since he was finished with making his senses gone, it was now time to make himself unable to think.


    However, Desire quickly hit a wall with that job.


    After all, it wasn''t easy to make one unable to think when one is aware or awake.


    ''How do I do this...'' Desire thought.


    And it was then that Desire''s Heavenly Demon Trait worked.


    It started working, and Desire was able to remember a time when he did that.


    No, he didn''t exactly do that, and it was just the result of many things happening.


    And that time was...


    ''The Burning Air Trial!''


    When Desire was undergoing the Burning Air Trial, Desire experienced hell.


    It was to the point that Desire couldn''t take it and just passed out straight.


    However, before Desire passed out, there was a time that Desire was awake.


    He was awake, and at the same time, he was not awake.


    He was thinking, and at the same time, he was not thinking.


    He was aware, and at the same time, he was not aware.


    And that point was when he felt everything crash down on him.


    And because the Heavenly Demon Trait was working perfectly fine now, Desire knew what to do with this information.


    ''Right...I can do it with this...'' Desire thought as he started working.


    There is only one way for Desire to be able to make himself unable to think.


    And that was....


    ''I need to make myself reach that point again!''


    What Desire was thinking about was how he would make himself feel the same pain that he felt last time.


    If he were able to feel it, he would be able to have the same state he had back then.


    Although it was such an extreme way of doing it, Desire was confident of being able to do it.


    After all, Desire remembers everything there is if he had his consciousness.


    And Desire had his consciousness at that time.


    That was why Desire was able to ''feel'' it once more. He was able to feel the pain that he felt when he reached that state.


    And the moment he felt it, Desire shouted in his mind.


    ''ARGHHHHH!!!''


    Desire was once more feeling the pain that he got in the Burning Air Trial.


    He was reliving his memories to achieve that state.


    However, no matter how much time took him, Desire was still able to think.


    After all, Desire could tell that he was feeling the pain.


    ''Not enough!'' Desire thought as he tried to make himself feel it.


    However, as if it were all just a waste of effort, Desire was still fine.


    After all, there''s just no way that this extreme way would work.


    And it was then that the Heavenly Demon Trait did its wonders once more.


    Desire was able to remember something else that was important to make him gain that state once more.


    And that was...


    ''Despair...I''m not feeling the desperation that I needed back then.''


    The fact that Desire could still calculate and weigh pros and cons means that he knew that he would be alive.


    After all, the pain that Desire was feeling was all in his head. It wasn''t real.


    And Desire knew that very well.


    ''That''s the difference from back then...''


    Desire was desperate and lost all hope when he reached that awake and not awake state.


    That was why Desire wanted to feel the same despair that he had back then.


    However, unfortunately for Desire, the pain that he felt from back then overshadows the despair that he felt.


    It was strange that it doesn''t come together, but that was just how it worked.


    ''I hit a wall...'' Desire thought as he remained in those memories of him being burned alive.

 Chapter 115: Despair

    ''I hit a wall...'' Desire thought.


    It was the truth that Desire hit a wall in such an unexpected way.


    After all, he didn''t know what to do now, and what''s more, he was sure of what he thought.


    The only thing preventing him from surpassing this wall was that feeling of despair.


    It was such a frustrating way to hit a wall, but Desire couldn''t talk shit about it.


    After all, it was his fault.


    ''What do I do now?'' Desire thought.


    However, he didn''t know what to do even though he thought very hard.


    Of course, he was still undergoing the time where he felt a pain that basically destroyed him.


    He didn''t want to let go of this feeling, as he didn''t want any problems anymore.


    Who knows what might happen if he let go of this feeling now that something wasn''t working?


    Desire sure didn''t want to become complacent about it.


    ''Hmm...''


    Desire thought hard and very long just to figure things out.


    Although he didn''t know, it has only been a few minutes since he started doing this.


    It just felt like a long time since he literally was in his own world.


    And when a long time, for Desire, has passed, he finally thought of something.


    He thought of something that could possibly help him in this situation.


    No, it isn''t something new or a new way to achieve that state.


    Desire would still go on with this extreme and insane way to finish this job.


    After all, this was the most proficient way to do it. He just had to complete it.


    And the thing that Desire found to complete it was, of course, despair.


    However, it was not the despair that he felt when he was being burned alive.


    The despair that Desire thought of is even stronger, more depressing, and more critical than any feelings that he ever had so far.


    Why? It was because this despair that he thought of using...was the time when Desire almost failed.


    When Desire almost failed in completing the Cold-Blooded Trait, Desire despaired.


    When Desire couldn''t finish it all at that time in Jarina''s home, Desire despaired.


    When Desire almost lost himself in the process of training the Cold-Blooded Trait, Desire despaired.


    Although it was short-lived despair as he was able to complete it, it was still something that struck him in his heart.


    It was ironic that it was despair that made him feel again, but then, Desire would take anything he would use.


    And this case is the same. Desire would use anything for his goals, even if it were the despair he felt then.


    And because Desire had consciousness at the time the Heavenly Demon Trait was born, Desire knew that he could take advantage of it.


    That was why he immediately went for it while reliving the pain that he was feeling.


    ''If this won''t work, then...I don''t know what will.''


    The pain from the Burning Air Trial and the despair that he got from the failure.


    These two things were something that Desire had experienced.


    These two things could be considered the greatest pain that Desire ever felt in his life.


    He wasn''t even two years old, but he already went through some dark shit.


    He already experienced despair that most people don''t even know.


    He already experienced pain that even a commoner wouldn''t experience in their whole life.


    Desire was betting on these two things to make it work.


    And when Desire used his Heavenly Demon Trial to achieve that state again, Desire was ''staring at the air.''


    He was just ''looking'' at the sky with a blank look on his non-existent face.


    It was quite amazing, considering that he was feeling extreme despair and extreme pain at the same time.


    However, this was natural.


    After all, Desire succeeded in being able to achieve the state of awake and not awake at the same time.


    Desire was able to succeed in reaching the state of death.


    He was able to succeed in reaching the Truth of Suffering.


    ''Ahh...'' Desire thought as he felt his consciousness fade and resurface.


    It was a strange happening, but it won''t last long.


    ****


    And while Desire was doing his thing, a few minutes have passed outside, and Lionel was just watching him do his thing.


    After all, there''s nothing Lionel could do in this situation.


    It''s not like Lionel could enter Desire''s ''inner world'' just because he was strong.


    Lionel was strong, but he was not a god.


    "Kuhahahaha. I bet this little fucker is having a hard time." Lionel said.


    Although he was indeed rooting for his disciple, Lionel wasn''t expecting Desire to succeed in this.


    After all, reaching the state of death was hard.


    It was extremely hard that no ordinary person would be able to do it. Don''t mention doing it right off the bat.


    Even Lionel himself had to train for six months just to be able to enter that state.


    The Conqueror, Lionel, and the one tilted ''Lion King'' took a full six months just to train a single part of the Refreshing Technique.


    What''s more, Lionel was talented. He was talented than anybody, and he has a lot of potential, even now.


    That was why even Lionel was sure that Desire would just back off and ask him for help.


    After all, that was how a master and student relationship works.


    However, it seems that Lionel was wrong as he felt something tingle him.


    He felt something tingle him, and when he realized what it was, his eyes widened!


    He even stood up in a hurry as shock overcame him! After all, it was unbelievable.


    Although it was weak, Lionel could feel something...something building up.


    And what''s more, the source of it was Desire.


    However, that was not all.


    This is not enough to shock someone like Lionel.


    What truly shocked Lionel was how he was familiar with the feeling that he gets from Desire.


    After all, it was the same feeling that Lionel feels once he reaches this state.


    "W-what the...?" Lionel said as he was confused.

 Chapter 116: Who the hell is he?!

    "What the?" Lionel said as he was confused in this situation.


    He didn''t know what was happening, and he didn''t know why he was getting this feeling.


    After all, nothing really changed.


    And that was why it was weird. Lionel''s senses are enhanced and are something one can''t just fool like that.


    That was why Lionel knew that something was indeed happening, but Lionel couldn''t figure it out.


    Although he was familiar with this feeling, he couldn''t understand it.


    That was also why he was confused about this situation.


    "Is Desire doing something...?"


    As Desire is the only one in here, Lionel knew that it was connected to Desire.


    And when his thoughts went that way, his eyes immediately widened.


    Although he was shocked, a part of his lips went up.


    And with that confused face, Lionel murmured.


    "N-no way..." Lionel said.


    However, even though Lionel was forming theories in his head, he wasn''t sure about it.


    That was why he watched Desire intently.


    And it was then that he was able to see a glimpse of movement from Desire!


    No, Desire didn''t actually move, but his muscles and skin were moving!


    They moved slowly but surely. Their movement wasn''t too big, but one could see the rift in Desire''s skin.


    What''s more, it was just a tiny portion of Desire''s muscle, but Lionel could pick that up thanks to his eyes.


    And when he saw that, Lionel immediately widened his eyes.


    Why? It was because this was a sign that one reached the state of death.


    "F-fucking bastard..." Lionel said as he watched Desire''s body move.


    What the body is currently doing in this state is that it is refreshing itself.


    As Desire was awake, his body is also ''awake.'' And by being awake, the body returns to its best possible condition. In other words, it maximizes the body''s potential.


    The benefit of doing this is actually for when the training actually starts.


    After all, the body is already in its best possible condition. And since the body has been refreshed, it would be able to pick things up more accurately.


    And since Desire is also not awake at this state, Desire''s body is also not ''awake.''


    Although it may seem crazy or whatnot, it was actually reasonable.


    The brain may be the part that controls the body, but without the consciousness of Desire, the body is just an empty vessel.


    Of course, even the all wonderful brain of his.


    And that was why this stage of Refreshing, Death, is only possible when Desire is not awake.


    If Desire is awake in this whole situation, he will mess things up in the whole process.


    Although it may seem little or not that special, it would actually be fatal if Desire messes something up.


    Why? It is because the body would then have to go all over again.


    What''s more, Desire would even have to ''wake up.'' Although Desire did it easily, achieving the Death state is not easy.


    Desire may even receive the backlash of failing this.


    It is incredibly hard, and even Desire knows that. That was why it is fatal for Desire to be awake and not awake at the same time.


    In other words, the death state of the Refreshing Technique is to let your body take control of everything and make it be conditioned by how the body ''thinks'' it should be conditioned.


    The awake part helps the body ''notice things and take action,'' and the not awake part helps the body ''focus on things and on the action.''


    And Lionel knew that this is hard to do and maintain. Lionel himself didn''t even know how to explain this.


    After all, he just knew that this state was death because it was like death.


    When Lionel was doing this, he was awake, but he was not awake.


    He was thinking, but also not thinking. That was why it was hard to describe this feeling.


    And Lionel knew his explanation was just plain bullshit!


    And yet, Desire was able to do it. Even though the effects, right now, are small and Desire''s body was just moving by a tiny bit, it was amazing.


    The fact that Desire was able to do it the first time, nonetheless, is amazing.


    And because of that, Lionel murmured with unbelieving eyes.


    "This guy...is a monster."


    Even if you take the first time out of context and just say that Desire was able to do it without any knowledge or teachings, Lionel would still call Desire a monster.


    It is just that absurd for Lionel to know that his disciple was able to do it without his help!


    "This kind of talent...who the hell is he?!" Lionel said as his lips curved completely upwards.


    After all, Desire''s talent was even greater than he ever thought!


    Desire''s talent was even surpassing Lionel''s as he was able to do this without any help in just the first day!


    Lionel had to train a whole full six months just to enter that state!


    Desire''s talents were no longer talents as it is in the realm of impossible!


    It is in the realm of unbelievable, imagination, or a dream beyond a dream!


    It was to the point that Lionel had to ask this.


    "What the hell is his origins...?"


    Lionel wanted to know where Desire came from. Lionel knew that Desire most likely had some monster blood in him.


    However, even Lionel knew no monster race that could possibly create a monster such as Desire!


    Even his daughter, who was able to grow so fast and so strong, could not be compared with Desire.


    That was why Lionel wanted to know who Desire''s parents are. What are their origins, and what race are they from?


    A human race would never be able to produce a talent such as Desire.


    There''s just no way, and that was why Lionel knew that it was the monster blood side.


    "What kind of race is it..." Lionel was forced to wonder.


    Lionel was forced to wonder as his student was a wonder by himself.

 Chapter 117: God-Level Talent!

    As much as Lionel wanted to find out about Desire''s origins, he wasn''t able to do it.


    After all, not even Desire knows much about himself. There''s no way Lionel would be able to find things out just because he knew more things.


    It might be possible if Lionel would use everything he has to find out Desire''s origins.


    However, not even that could guarantee him that he would know about Desire more.


    That was why Lionel stopped thinking about it and just observed Desire.


    After all, although Desire has indeed gone through the first stage of Refreshing, Death, it is not complete.


    The body must be more stimulated than it is now, and Desire should have the ability to ''wake up'' whenever he wanted.


    After all, this state of his could be called the borderline of death and life.


    However, Lionel was sure that Desire didn''t know how to wake up from this.


    That was why it was dangerous to let things go on like this.


    "Hmm. This bastard is indeed a monster. I''ve heard from Jarina, but this is just too extreme." Lionel said as he nodded his head.


    He then walked towards Desire and stopped right in front of him.


    "Desire! You can hear me, right?"


    "Oh well, I''ll just talk like this since you won''t be able to respond, anyway."


    Although Desire is in a state like that now, it''s not like Desire is no longer capable of hearing Lionel.


    What was different from before Desire stopped his thinking is just exactly that.


    Desire''s body or consciousness could still hear Lionel.


    "Even if you cannot think, your brain would still be able to understand my words."


    "Since you were able to enter the state of Death, the next thing you need to do is to be able to move your body."


    What Lionel just said was crazy. Desire didn''t even have control of his body right now.


    It would be just too taxing for both of Desire''s body and mind to control his body in this state.


    However, this was crucial or something that must be done.


    That was why Lionel wouldn''t take no for an answer. Even if things do go wrong, since technically this was Desire''s first time, Lionel has his own way to save his disciple.


    "Once you are able to move your body once, it would be easier to regain control of your body."


    "Try it. I''ll know if you are trying from here, so you better not slack."


    What Lionel said was the truth. Although Desire''s body was moving by itself, Lionel would know if it were Desire himself who is doing that.


    And because of how fast Desire was able to enter the Death state, Lionel was quite excited to see.


    He was excited to see what would happen now that he gave his next step.


    Would Desire be able to do it in such a fast way once more? Would Desire need help or no?


    Anyway, Desire has already surpassed Lionel''s expectations, and Lionel was just looking for more.


    After all, it was exhilarating. Seeing this kind of talent struggle and rise right in front of him was exciting for Lionel.


    What''s more, this talent was his own disciple.


    Lionel was full of expectations now as he waited for Desire to do his thing.


    Of course, right now, Desire was trying to move his body.


    He was able to hear Lionel loud and clear even though he was in a situation like this.


    It was quite amazing if you think about it. However, Desire didn''t care about that as he just focused on doing it.


    However, no matter how much Desire focused on doing that job, the result was disappointing.


    Desire couldn''t move his body.


    After all, Desire was not thinking right now. The only reason why he was able to ''try'' to move his body was because of willpower.


    It was not through conscious thinking, and that was why it was hard.


    However, it''s not like Desire would stop just because he couldn''t achieve it the first time.


    He would go at it and continue doing it until he succeeds.


    If that were the condition to become stronger, Desire would even try to go beyond that condition.


    ''Ah...'' Desire thought as his non-existent eyes just looked at the sky inside himself.


    Although it was the sky, it was just nothing and black. After all, this was inside him.


    The ''awake'' part of Desire was trying to think right now, but of course, without the help of his brain, Desire was just a dummy.


    There''s no way Desire would be able to think of things that could make him finish the task given to him by his master.


    However, there was one thing that surpasses even Desire''s brain.


    That something always helped Desire''s ass every time he was in trouble.


    Well, it was part of Desire, after all.


    And that something was, of course, the Heavenly Demon Trait.


    The Heavenly Demon Trait is able to make Desire remember everything even if Desire only has consciousness at that moment.


    And that was why Desire remembered something that could be crucial now.


    And that was...his instincts.


    Desire''s instincts once tried to put out the fire when Desire''s Core caught on fire.


    He was brainless before, and right now, Desire was also brainless.


    That was why Desire let his instincts take over and let his Heavenly Demon Trait guide his instincts.


    And now, in this world where his Core could be located, Desire''s non-existent hands moved by themselves.


    They moved as they controlled the mana. Of course, the mana did its bidding as it moved.


    It moved towards the place where Desire desired them to be.


    And that place was Desire''s hands.


    Before doing anything with that mana, Desire''s instincts let them stack together.


    It was only after a few seconds has passed that Desire''s instincts controlled them once again.


    He controlled the mana to make his...body move. Right, Desire''s hands were moving right now.


    However, it was slow and steady, and it felt heavy. But it was the truth that he was moving.


    And Lionel sure knew that it was by Desire''s will that the body is moving.


    That was why he was shocked. He was shocked beyond belief that he felt his whole world crumble down on him.


    "This is no monster...this is God-Level talent!" Lionel said as he started shaking.


    After all, God-Level talent only exists once in a million years.

 Chapter 118: A day

    "This is no monster...This is God-Level talent!" Lionel said as he started shaking.


    Even though Lionel knew that Desire was talented, he never expected it to be this much.


    Well, he might be biased in saying that Desire is a God-Level talent since he was his master, but well.


    Lionel wouldn''t mistake it just because of some bullshit reason, such as being bias towards his own disciple.


    "Kuhahahaha!! What a fucking day! To think that you''re a God-Level Talent! Just who are you?!" Lionel said.


    However, he soon shook his head. After all, Lionel didn''t have a need to know where Desire came from.


    Desire was here, and that was all that matters. After all, the little guy himself wasn''t minding it that much.


    That was why Lionel knew that it would be rude if he kept pestering about that part.


    And that was why Lionel quickly spoke.


    Of course, Desire could still hear him loud and clear. Desire could also hear when Lionel shouted.


    Well, Desire wouldn''t slack off just because he was praised.


    That was why his hands were slowly moving as Desire directed it with his instincts and mana.


    "Good bastard. Now that you have control of your body like this, it will be stimulated much further."


    "As you''re moving, the body will try to adjust to your will, and it will further its refreshing stage."


    "Ah, have I told you what this Death stage is for? Oh well, I''ll tell you once you wake up."


    Lionel has not explained what this stage does for Desire''s body. Of course, Lionel knew that, and that was why he promised that he''d explain them later.


    After all, it''s not like the student and the master could talk right now.


    It was quite irresponsible of Lionel to not explain things when Desire was already doing some hard work.


    But well, that was just how Lionel was.


    And it was then that Lionel spoke once more.


    "Although I don''t know how you entered the Death stage so easily, I think you know that it is hard to enter it."


    "Familiarize yourself with the sensation you''re feeling right now."


    "You will always use this Refreshing Technique so that you would be able to maximize your training time."


    "If you do this Refreshing Technique before you train, it would make the effects ten times better."


    "I can guarantee it."


    Lionel said as he sat down in front of Desire.


    What he said was the truth. After all, Lionel has been using this Refreshing Technique ever since he started to have strength as his goal.


    He always felt the results of this Refreshing Technique right after training himself.


    What''s more, Lionel himself was the one to create this. There''s just no way that Lionel wouldn''t be able to guarantee it.


    It was then that Lionel spoke.


    "You will be going through this Death stage for a day. I will be here with you and protect you from outside danger."


    "Don''t worry about it, and focus on doing this."


    Lionel said as he closed his eyes. He then began to lay down his senses in the whole place.


    Even though this forest was something owned by the Lion Clan, there might be some invaders.


    There might even be some subordinates of his who were trying to get some of his treasures in here.


    That was why Lionel was using all his powers as he watched this place!


    "Nothing is safe from me..." Lionel murmured as he looked down on the forest from the sky above!


    It was as if he were the heavens itself!


    "Now...I wait." Lionel said.


    After all, the next thing that he would do now is to wait for Desire to finish the 24-hour mark.


    Desire had to do this whole thing for a day and even move his body with his instincts.


    It was crazy and insanely hard, but Lionel''s guarantee was enough for Desire.


    ''Ahh...'' Desire thought as he let everything go through their natural process.


    Desire was doing his best, and that was evident considering how he was still able to move his body.


    And it was only a matter of time until Desire would be able to pass that 24-hour mark.


    ****


    "Hmm." Lionel hummed as he opened his eyes.


    Although Lionel still had his senses over this place, Lionel used his physical eyes to see it.


    He wanted to see it for himself that Desire...has finally finished with this 24-hour mark of Death stage.


    And as soon as Lionel looked at Desire, he saw...smoke.


    Smoke was currently rising right in front of Lionel, but Lionel knew that the cause of all that was Desire.


    "Huuuu!!" Lionel breathed in as he tried to take in as much air as possible.


    After all, what he wanted to do was...


    "Haaaaa!!!" Lionel breathed out!


    No, was it even a breath? Lionel''s breath was like the wind itself!


    After all, the smoke that was rising into the air disappeared completely as the wind blew!


    It was crazy if one thinks about how thick the smoke was, but it was reasonable.


    After all, the one who did that was Lionel.


    And when Lionel finally saw Desire without all that smoke, he spoke.


    "So, you were able to do it." Lionel said.


    Although Lionel already expected that Desire would be able to complete the 24-hour mark, it still surprises him.


    Before this whole refreshing started, Lionel only thought to let Desire stay in that condition for as long as he could.


    However, to think that Desire would even be able to complete the 24-hour mark...


    "Really, what a monster." Lionel said as he stood up.


    He then gathered his senses that he spread out as he didn''t have to do that anymore.


    "Desire. Wake up." Lionel said.


    Desire knew how to move his body while he was in this state, and that was why Lionel knew that Desire should be able to wake up any time he wants.


    However, Desire wasn''t responding at all.


    And it was then that Lionel decided to poke Desire.


    However, when he did...


    Desire just swayed to the side until he fell to the ground.


    In other words, he collapsed.


    "Heh, I guess even that must have taken you out."


    Lionel said as he smirked.

 Chapter 119: You like being near death?

    Clap!


    With the sound of something clapping, Lionel spoke.


    "Oi, wake up."


    And his hands were...slapping Desire left and right. After all, Dawn was sleeping right now.


    Of course, that would be the case. Although what Desire did might look simple, it was actually not.


    There''s no way something like the Death stage of the Refreshing Technique would be simple.


    "Oi! How long you gonna sleep for, huh?!" Lionel said as he continued slapping Desire''s cheeks.


    He wasn''t putting any of his strength in those slaps of his, but Desire''s cheeks were getting red now.


    After all, he was getting hit at a speed unknown to an ordinary man!


    However, even with that, Desire was not waking up. It seems that he was more tired than Lionel thought.


    Of course, that''s not an excuse to sleep.


    And getting pissed off that Desire isn''t waking up, Lionel put a little bit of his strength.


    Clap!!


    And that slapping sound resounded out in this whole forest. After all, it was just that strong.


    Desire even looked like he was bitten by a bee right now as his cheeks were swollen.


    And with that kind of look, Desire opened his eyes.


    "H-huh...Master?" Desire said with a voice quite...weird.


    After all, his mouth was messed up as Lionel slapped it real hard.


    "You''re finally awake." Lionel said as he removed his hand from Desire''s cheeks.


    He then stood up and began to shake his hand.


    "You took too long to wake up. Do you think you could just sleep when we are training?"


    "No. Now, get your ass out of that land and stand up."


    Lionel said as he looked at Desire.


    Of course, Desire was currently rubbing his cheeks as he felt that it was...in bad condition.


    Even though it wasn''t registering in his brain, it still hurts, and it was affecting even his vision.


    After all, Desire could literally see his cheeks peeking in his field of vision.


    However, it''s not like Desire would cry about that.


    Desire has experienced something even crueler than this. He experienced pain greater than this.


    After all, he already felt being burned alive. If that''s not one of the cruelest ways to die, then Desire didn''t know what is.


    That was why Desire stood up quite normally after he got a hold of himself.


    He was just shocked that Lionel was beating him up.


    "W-what happened? Did I pass out...?" Desire said.


    It seems that Desire didn''t even notice that he passed out.


    After all, Desire was awake, but at the same time, he was not.


    That was why it wouldn''t be weird for him to not remember about passing out.


    Of course, it just depends on how well he masters the Heavenly Demon Trait.


    Well, not even Desire would confidently say that he already mastered the Heavenly Demon Trait.


    "That''s right. Anyway, do you feel anything different now that you finished doing the first stage of the Refreshing?"


    As Lionel was the one who created this technique, he was excited to know about the results.


    He wanted to know what kind of effects it had on his student.


    He also wanted to know how much it would have affected his student''s training progress.


    After all, Desire was a God-Level talent. It was almost confirmed that he would progress at the speed of light.


    And it was all just but a matter of time.


    "Hmm...now that you mention it..." Desire murmured as he felt his body...lighter.


    It wasn''t the point of having his body relaxed or something like that.


    He was light. Desire was light and slim because he didn''t weigh that much, but this time was just different.


    It was as if Desire would fly once the wind blows. It was that kind of light.


    However, that was not all Desire could feel.


    "Hmm...I''m...open?" Desire said as he couldn''t describe this feeling.


    He couldn''t describe how his body felt, and because of that, Lionel had a wide smile on his face.


    "See? It''s hard to describe things." Lionel said.


    "However, it is true that you are ''open'' right now. The Refreshing Technique lets your body be open to things, and that is why we came here."


    "If you used the Refreshing Technique on a place where someone might interrupt you, your body might get mixed up."


    "It is the same with how the Refreshing Technique helps your body absorb training better."


    And when Lionel said that, Desire looked up with his...messed up face.


    And it was because of that Lionel spoke while handing Desire some pill.


    "Ah, damn it. You look damned. Here, take it."


    "It''s a healing pill. It should be able to make your face return to normal. And it should also help you for the next step."


    The pill that Lionel mentioned fell right to Desire''s palms as Desire instinctively held his hand out.


    And when he realized he opened his hand, Desire widened his eyes.


    "Wait, what?" Desire murmured as he looked at the pill and his hand.


    He was that shocked to see that he was able to catch it without his knowledge.


    "Oho. So, it''s already taking effect." Lionel said as he watched Desire.


    "Anyway, eat it already so we can train for real."


    Of course, when Desire heard what Lionel said, he immediately ate the pill by throwing it down his throat.


    And without Desire needing to do anything, his face returned back to normal.


    It didn''t take long as it healed Desire quite naturally. Of course, Desire didn''t fawn over that.


    Instead, he just looked at Lionel once more, and he asked.


    "Master, you said that you''d only teach me one stage of the Refreshing Technique, but why is that?"


    Desire could remember Lionel saying that he would only teach the first stage.


    And as far as Desire is concerned, the Refreshing Technique seems to be effective.


    After all, it was already working wonders. That was why he wanted to know the other steps or stages of it too.


    However, it seems that was not the case as the wide smile on Lionel''s face was wiped away.


    It was then that Lionel spoke with a serious face.


    "I just noticed this, but...you like being near death, huh?"

 Chapter 120: Blew my mind

    "You like being near death, huh?" Lionel said as he shook his head.


    After all, what Desire just said was absolutely horrifying.


    Even if Desire were really a God-Level talent, there are just boundaries that even talent cannot surpass.


    "Anyway, to make you understand better, I''ll explain first what is the first stage."


    Lionel said as he walked towards a tree. The tree that he chose was big and long, and it even looked like it was towering the heavens!


    It was then that Lionel touched the tree with a finger.


    And it didn''t even take a long time for something in the tree to change.


    No, it was the tree that changed as smoke started to come out of it.


    Shhhuuu.


    The sound of something burning resounded out in this place, and Desire watched it all with curious eyes.


    After all, the tree was releasing smoke crazily. However, Desire couldn''t understand the logic behind it.


    Of course, he didn''t ask anything as he just waited patiently.


    And it seems that he didn''t have to wait as the smoke vanished as Lionel blew it away with his breath.


    And the tree that was smoking...became small and thin. It became weak, and it looked like it would collapse anytime.


    "This tree here is you. Before, the tree was huge. However, the smoke that came out meant that the tree burned, and it became slim."


    "The Refreshing Technique: Death does the same thing to your body."


    And when Desire heard that, he was taken aback. After all, it means that he was way weaker than before.


    However, Lionel proved him wrong as he continued speaking.


    "The tree now is much stronger and much tougher than when the tree was larger."


    "What the Death stage did was to burn anything connected to the tree that was unnecessary. It burned parts that were holding back the tree."


    "That is why you feel light. However, that''s not all the Death stage does to you."


    "The smoke that came out of your body is the signal that your body is now open."


    "Your body is open to things, and you would be able to absorb things better."


    Lionel then controlled his mana and made it pass through the hand that was touching the tree.


    His mana then entered the tree, and the effects were immediate.


    Why? It was because the tree was growing leaves once more!


    "I made mana pass through it, but it''s not like the mana is beneficial to anything. It could be harmful or poisonous. It could even burn things."


    "However, due to the Refreshing: Death stage that the tree has undergone, it was able to use my mana for its use."


    "The truth is the same to you. Of course, there is a limit."


    "And this also includes the training effects. Whether you''re learning some moves, trying to master some magic, or whatever it is, you would be able to learn faster and better."


    Lionel then put down his hand and walked towards Desire.


    He arrived right in front of Desire quickly as his steps were large, and he spoke again.


    "However, it''s not like this is without a price."


    "The process of achieving the Death stage is hard. That is the price that you''ll pay."


    "Even if you were somehow able to reach the conditions; senses gone and not thinking, it will not mean that you will be able to enter the Death stage automatically."


    "That is why the first time is important. The fact that you were able to enter it the first time guarantees that you will be able to enter it the second time."


    Lionel then pointed a finger towards Desire as he continued speaking.


    "Now, you were able to finish the first stage, Death, easily and fast. I''ll admit that. However, the effects of the Death stage is not something you can just brush off."


    "The effects are there, and that is why I am only teaching you the first stage."


    "You might ask why, so I''ll tell it now. The second stage is even crueler than the first stage."


    "You''re not used to the Death stage, and if you go through the second stage right away, I can confidently say that you..."


    "You will die."


    And when Desire heard that, his throat gulped down his saliva.


    After all, he didn''t expect that it would be this bad. Of course, Desire was thinking that the Death stage was easy. After all, he was able to get there easily.


    ''Now that I think about it...''


    However, Desire forgot the fact that he had the help of his trait. The only reason why Desire was able to even achieve that state was because of his trait.


    Of course, even if he had his trait, the side effects of going through something so...insane are there.


    It just wasn''t registering in his mind because he was feeling light-headed right now.


    His trait and his past experiences were able to help Desire in reaching the Death stage.


    Of course, that too is talent. After all, there''s probably no one else in the world who has experienced extreme pain and despair at the age of 1 and some months.


    Besides, controlling and having the Heavenly Demon Trait is also a talent.


    That was why it''s not so bad for Desire.


    "Master, I have a question. Did you make the Refreshing Technique, or was it someone else''s?"


    As the Refreshing Technique was so mysterious and effective, Desire had to ask this.


    After all, it was on the borderline of life and death, but the result was impressive.


    Desire could literally see and feel the potential of the first stage. Now, if he were able to complete all the stages, Desire was confident that the effects would just be impossible.


    That was why Desire wanted to know who created something like that.


    "Of course I created it. I remember having this idea when Varyce blew my mind." Lionel said.


    "Varyce blew your mind? What do you mean by that?"


    Desire asked. It seems that having your mind blew by a woman is a good thing.


    After all, Lionel was able to create a very beneficial technique. What''s more, it could even hasten up Desire''s progress in training.


    It was then that Lionel spoke once more.


    He had a wide smile on his face as he looked at Desire.


    "Kuhahahaha! Don''t worry about that, you would get your mind blown away too!"


    "Someday, somehow, that''s for sure!"


    Kuhahahaha! Lionel laughed as he remembered that Desire was still a child.

 Chapter 121: Fighting Styles

    Right after explaining things correctly to Desire, Lionel had started the training.


    After all, although the Death stage was really a helpful technique, it isn''t the actual training.


    Besides, it''s not like Desire''s body would be ''open'' all day, and that was why Desire was...sitting again.


    It was weird if you think about how they were training now.


    Well, that was because Lionel had to explain how fighters or adventurers choose their weapons.


    That was why Lionel was currently walking back and forth as he spoke.


    "This will be just a brief explanation so that we won''t have to waste your ''open.''"


    Lionel said, but Desire interrupted him by raising his hand up.


    Desire then spoke.


    "Master, how much time do the effects of the Death stage last?"


    As Desire was new to this, he didn''t know the basics.


    He didn''t know how much time the effects of the Death stage last, and even if he did train all day, he might just be wasting his time.


    After all, the effects might have gone out already.


    That was why Desire wanted to clear this up as soon as possible.


    Desire sure didn''t want to put his efforts into somewhere useless.


    "Ah, alright. First of all, I call the effects of the Death stage as ''Open.''"


    "I like to keep it simple, you see."


    "The Open lasts for at least half a day. So don''t worry about wasting a minute or something like that."


    "Of course, that would be for your future training when you are strong already. I''mma whip you up to shape, so you better prepare."


    Lionel said as his fangs flashed dangerously. However, Desire actually appreciated that.


    After all, Desire wanted the strength to protect himself and the people around him.


    He wanted the power to destroy his enemies, and he wanted the freedom to do whatever he wanted.


    He wanted supreme power.


    "Anyway, the reason why we are talking before we start the real training is that there are three types of adventurers."


    "Adventurers or fighters or warriors, whatever you call it, only have three choices when they start training."


    "That is either to have a fighting style of Physical, Magical, or Mental."


    Lionel then bent his knees as he posed a fighting posture.


    He then pulled his right arm back while twisting it.


    Right after that, he proceeded to punch the air!


    Of course, that was just a demonstration for Desire.


    However, the result of that demonstration was immense.


    Why? It was because the clouds in the sky moved as they were blown away!


    "That''s what you call Physical Style. I think it''s obvious, but I have the Physical Style as my way of fighting."


    "The Magical Style is more on magic and elements and stuff."


    "The Mental Style is more on how one could control or fool one''s opponents with a mind spell."


    "One could say that Magical and Mental are the same, and that is correct."


    "However, the point here is their fighting styles."


    "Magical focuses on magic, and Mental focus on the mind."


    "The three styles are used with mana. The Physical Style makes one''s mana run through one''s body."


    "The Magical Style makes one''s magic manifest as some sort of magic."


    "The Mental Style is just the same."


    Lionel said without missing a single beat. Of course, Desire was listening to it intently as he needed to know this.


    After all, Desire didn''t have any common sense at all. Although he was born with general knowledge, that was just general knowledge.


    Desire just knew rock is a rock. He just knew the heavens were the heavens. He just knew human is human. That was it.


    However, common sense is different, and what Lionel was saying was common sense.


    "Now, I say that one must choose between these three styles is because there is a proper reason for it."


    "Not everyone in their early stage of life could practice all three, and that is why everyone chooses to focus on one style."


    "Of course, one could learn another style when they get comfortable with their main style."


    "However, there is the main reason why one cannot really focus on two styles at the same time."


    "And that is because one''s mana is being tempered by the fighting style they choose."


    "If one chooses the Physical Style, one''s mana would also adjust to become more Physical."


    "Of course, the same is true for the other two."


    "And that is why one cannot practice two styles at the same time. The only time one can practice a second style is when one has mastered their first style."


    "Of course, you would have to be insanely strong by then. After all, even I cannot practice another style right now."


    All those things were explained by Lionel, who spoke so precisely and quickly.


    Of course, Desire was still listening. However, there was a word that specifically caught Desire''s ears.


    ''Tempered...the Unknown said that my mana was tempered by the flames.''


    Is it somehow connected to this? Desire thought.


    However, his thoughts ended as his master spoke once more. After all, Desire needed to concentrate on only one topic.


    It''s not like Desire has two brains that he could use for thinking and listening at the same time.


    "Now, as you may have noticed, the Refreshing Technique: Death stage is actually a technique for people who are centered on Physical Style."


    As Lionel had the Physical Style as his fighting style, this was just normal.


    "The way you used your mana to move your body is actually how the Physical Style works."


    It was then that Desire spoke up. It seems that he couldn''t believe what he just heard.


    "Wait, so does that mean you just...forced me to become a Physical Style user or something?"


    It was then that Lionel''s lips turned into a wide smile. After all, he could understand Desire''s feelings.


    Desire may want to become someone who uses magic or mental.


    And Lionel just stripped that right away from Desire.


    That was why Lionel spoke with quite the...happy tone.


    "Yes...and no."

 Chapter 122: Limitless!

    "Yes...and no." Lionel said as he looked at Desire with a wide smile.


    It was just funny and interesting for him to see that Desire somehow panicked after knowing that he might have been forced into the Physical Style.


    Of course, that was not the case, and that was proven by Lionel.


    "Although it is the truth that you have a better chance of having a Physical Style now, it is not set in stone."


    "You can still practice the Magical or Mental, whatever you want."


    "As I''ve said before, I won''t bind you to me."


    "That is why I will allow you to choose."


    Lionel said once more with a wide smile. The looks in his eyes were just...naughty.


    And Desire could see all that as he remembered the time when Jarina made the plan of sneaking inside Jakart.


    It seems that they were truly father and daughter as Desire could even pick up the similarity.


    And that was why Desire could feel a chill run up his spine right now.


    Jarina did something crazy when she showed this smile. Now, her father was showing the same smile.


    It was easy to guess where this was going, and that was why Desire spoke.


    "Uh...really? It doesn''t seem like that way to me." Desire said.


    Desire said what he meant. Well, it seems like Lionel was all for it to force Desire to have the Physical Style.


    Besides, what Desire could predict from this smile is exactly that Lionel would force him.


    Although Desire didn''t really like how he would be forced, Desire was fine with it.


    After all, having the Physical Style would benefit him so much more.


    What''s more, his master has the Physical Style. It makes sense for the student to follow it.


    It was then that Lionel finally spoke.


    "Oh, man. There''s no kidding around with you, huh." Lionel said.


    For Lionel, Desire was looking so...scared and nervous about being forced to have a Physical Style.


    Well, it was normal as this would influence Desire''s fighting styles.


    "I''m just kidding. You don''t have to choose between any of them."


    And when Lionel said that, Desire''s eyes widened instantly. After all, Lionel was saying that he would choose for Desire.


    However, it seems that was not the case as Lionel continued speaking.


    "It''s because you can have any of the styles at the same time."


    "What? Huh?" Desire said as he tilted his head.


    He didn''t understand what Lionel just said. After all, Lionel already explained things to him.


    He said that one could not practice two styles at the same time because it was just not possible.


    However, Lionel was saying that Desire could have any of the styles.


    Lionel was contradicting himself right now. And that was why Desire was confused as well.


    However, it seems Lionel was not joking around as he spoke once more.


    "You can have the Physical Style, Magical Style, or Mental Style at the same time. I can guarantee that. After all, who do you think your master is?"


    "I am Lionel, the Lion King. There''s no way I won''t be able to bypass those rules, right?"


    "Kuhahahaha!" Lionel laughed as he opened his mouth wide.


    This was the reason Lionel said yes and no to Desire''s question before.


    After all, Desire could have the Physical or even the Magical Style.


    "Of course, it is not without a price."


    "There is something that you would have to do, and it is hard."


    "It is even harder than what you did for achieving the Death stage."


    "However, the fruits of having two styles or even three styles at the same time is sweet."


    "It is sweet that you can become stronger than anyone in your age. No, you could become even stronger than most people with proper training."


    "What do you say? Will you take this chance to have no limitations, or no, Desire?"


    Lionel said as he crossed his arms. It seems that he was serious about this.


    Well, there''s just no way that Lionel would joke about something like this.


    If he did that, he would be just an annoying prick.


    And because Desire knew that Lionel was serious about this, he was seriously thinking.


    After all, Desire knew that having the fruits of both worlds are sweet and tasty.


    However, there was something that Desire had to know before making this decision.


    "Master, I have a rude question." Desire said. He knew that what he was about to ask was rude.


    "What is it?" Lionel said.


    "Would you be able to teach me Magical Style or even the Mental Style? It seems a waste of time if you aren''t able to teach me any of that."


    As Desire''s teacher was Lionel, he would learn from Lionel. That was common sense.


    However, Lionel only had the Physical Style. There''s no way that he would be able to teach things regarding the Magical Style.


    And it seems that was the truth as Lionel proved it.


    "That''s right. I won''t be able to teach you any Magical Style stuff."


    "However, would you really reject this chance of having multiple fighting styles just because of that?"


    "Remember, Desire. The world is big. You could learn from anything and from anyone."


    "I told you that I wouldn''t bind you to me."


    What Lionel just said was the truth. After all, there were many ways to learn magic, swords, or even the Physical Style.


    Lionel is just one of them, and Desire''s life was just starting. Desire doesn''t have to bind himself to Lionel by just having a single style.


    Of course, Lionel didn''t want to have Desire''s potential be capped because of him. That was not something a master would want.


    What''s more, Lionel was not even considering himself a master.


    At this point, Lionel was considering himself the guardian of Desire.


    Well, that was the same.


    And because of what Lionel said, Desire made a decision.


    He made the decision to make himself limitless.


    "If that''s the case...then, I will go through it."


    "I will...not choose from any of them, and master all of them."

 Chapter 123: Foundation

    "I will not choose from any of them and master all of them."


    Desire said as he looked at Lionel with resolved eyes. After all, he knew that this choice would affect his future.


    And because Desire was able to make the decision that Lionel wanted for Desire to have, Lionel had a wide smile on his face.


    It wasn''t the wide smile that Desire saw earlier; it was a warm smile.


    However, that smile soon disappeared as Lionel spoke once more.


    "Good! However, before you can do that, we have to build your foundation first."


    "This is the reason why I made you enter the Death stage."


    "So that you would be able to build your foundation much faster than normal."


    And when Desire heard that, he tilted his head.


    "Isn''t the Core my foundation? Jarina said that the Core is a person''s foundation."


    What Desire said was the truth, and not even Lionel would deny that.


    And that was proven as Lionel continued speaking.


    "You''re right in that the Core is your foundation. However, that is not only your foundation."


    "What do you think the other foundation is?"


    And when Desire was asked, his mind started thinking.


    However, even with the help of the Heavenly Demon Triat, he couldn''t find out the answer.


    That was why Desire looked at Lionel again without saying anything.


    Of course, Lionel saw that, and he quickly spoke again.


    "The other foundation is your body."


    "Core is for your mana, and the body is literally your body."


    "Once you build up your foundation in your body, we could go through the process of making you be able to wield all style."


    Lionel said. However, there was something Desire couldn''t understand, and that was why he spoke.


    "Foundation in the body? Do you mean that my body could be upgraded or have a rank?"


    And when Lionel heard that, he quickly spoke.


    No, he held out his hand first and made a fist out of it.


    "That''s right."


    Lionel then bent his knees as he chopped the land right below him.


    Of course, the damage done was immense, and the land cracked!


    It was to the point that Desire even fell on his bum, but he managed to stand up quickly.


    "I just punched normally, but the result was something else."


    "That is because I have built a foundation of my body."


    "The knowledge that the humans have about this is little. We don''t know the proper naming or terms about it, but a strong man could quickly tell if his enemy has a stronger foundation or not."


    Lionel said as he fixed his posture. However, he was not done as he continued speaking.


    "The only way to build a foundation for your body is to be bathed with Blessings of Tear."


    "Don''t ask me about what is the Blessings of Tear as even I don''t know it."


    "However, it is something that one could find in a Dungeon."


    It was then that Desire finally spoke with stars in his eyes.


    After all, the Dungeon was mentioned. There''s no way Desire wouldn''t be curious about it."


    "Dungeon? Are the Blessings of Tear one of the awesome items that you guys fight for in the Dungeon?"


    "That''s right." Lionel said as he turned around.


    "Follow me, I''ll take you to the place where the Blessings of Tear is located."


    Lionel said as he started walking. Of course, Desire followed him without a problem.


    In fact, he was excited about this. Although he didn''t know anything about it, just the fact that it was from a Dungeon excites Desire.


    After all, Desire was curious about the Dungeon.


    And so, the duo of master and student started walking towards a place where only they know.


    ****


    It didn''t take a long time for Desire and Lionel to reach their destination.


    After all, that destination was literally inside the forest. It was near them all this time.


    And what Desire could see was...a waterfall.


    This waterfall was so strong that even Desire could feel being wet by it even though he was quite far away from it.


    And beside Desire was his master, Lionel.


    "That''s the Blessings of Tear."


    "The only thing you need to do is to endure at least a day inside, and your body would automatically get a foundation."


    "Don''t worry, your foundation won''t be trash or something like that."


    "There are various ways to get a foundation for a body, but the only acceptable for a Conqueror is the Blessings of Tears."


    "Do you know what that means?"


    Desire nodded his head slowly as the cogs in his mind turned to the correct answer.


    Lionel said that the only way to build a foundation in one''s body is through the Blessings of Tears.


    However, that was because he saw things from his view.


    He saw things from a Conqueror''s point of view.


    And for a Conqueror to say that the Blessings of Tear is the only acceptable method...that only means one thing.


    "That means I would have a foundation on the level of a Conqueror."


    Desire said as his throat gulped down some of his saliva.


    He was just born, and he was just starting to get a grip on his life, but Desire was getting benefits that most people would die for.


    That was why Desire didn''t know whether to be grateful or scared.


    Will this come back to bite me in the ass in the future? Desire thought.


    However, Desire didn''t let his mind stay on that kind of mindset.


    After all, this was something that Desire needed.


    Desire will be a shameless bastard if that''s the condition for him to become strong.


    "Alright. Let''s start. Your Open will only last half a day, but don''t worry about that."


    "Just go in, and I''ll be waiting for you here."


    Lionel said as he grabbed Desire''s nape. Of course, Desire had his eyes wide open as Lionel did something outrageous!


    Lionel threw Desire right in the center of the waterfall!


    However, Desire couldn''t complain about that as he entered the waterfall, the Blessings of Tear.


    And with Lionel being the only one in here, he murmured.


    "Now then, shall I meet that guy..."

 Chapter 124: Fyu!

    "Now then, shall I meet that guy..." Lionel murmured as he turned around.


    He was planning to leave for somewhere else to meet someone, but it''s not like he could just leave Desire here defenseless.


    Although Desire was inside the Blessings of Tear, he''s not completely safe.


    If a strong master came here, it could be said that Desire would be in a bad situation.


    Of course, Lionel knew all that. That was why he was thinking of what to do.


    After all, Lionel had to meet with that guy in order to fulfill his word.


    It was then that Lionel finally thought of something, and he spoke as soon as he realized it.


    "Fyu, are you there?" Lionel said as he looked at the sky.


    However, his eyes soon landed back down on the ground as he felt someone.


    He felt someone appear right in front of him, and of course, Lionel saw that from miles away.


    And what Lionel saw was someone kneeling down on the ground with his head bowing down.


    This person was a man, and he was draped in a cloak. It was plain black, but there was something that was striking in that cloak.


    And that was that...in the person''s shoulders, there was something like a badge.


    Of course, two badges were on the man''s shoulders as the man had two shoulders.


    And the two badges...were the sign that someone is the Lion King''s Soldier.


    It was clear that this man was one of the feared soldiers of the Lion King!


    It was then that the man spoke as he raised his head up.


    "Yes, my lord?"


    And when he raised his head, Lionel could see something like a mask on the man''s face.


    However, the only thing that the mask was covering was the man''s eyes.


    Right, the mask was only covering the man''s eyes.


    "Fyu. You probably know what''s going on by now." Lionel said as he looked down.


    This man was someone who was protecting Lionel from the shadows, so it wouldn''t be weird if Fyu already knew about Desire.


    And that was proven as Fyu answered.


    "Yes, my lord."


    Fyu then continued speaking as he lowered his head once more.


    "If I may ask...is that child your successor? Aren''t you retiring too young, my lord?"


    And when Lionel heard what Fyu said, he opened his mouth wide!


    It seems that he was angry that Fyu even asked about such a thing, but...


    "Kuahahahahahha!"


    ...that was just because Lionel couldn''t help but laugh.


    Right, Lionel laughed at what Fyu said, and he couldn''t even begin to stop.


    "Kuhahaahaha!!"


    And because of that, Fyu thought that he said something stupid.


    After all, there''s no way Lionel would laugh this hard if it were not for something like that.


    And that was proven as Lionel finally got a grip of himself.


    "Ahhh...that was a good laugh."


    "What the hell are you talking about, Fyu? Me? Retire? Kuahahaha! There''s no way I''ll retire in my life!"


    "I''ll fight even if I''m old! I''ll fight even if I''m missing all my limbs!"


    "Don''t even say such stupid jokes."


    Lionel said as he wasn''t planning to retire. However, Lionel didn''t want to cause any confusion to his subordinate, and that was why he spoke once more.


    "Well, I guess it wouldn''t be weird for you to think that way."


    "And what you said is the truth. Desire is indeed my successor."


    "I''m already training him, but in the end, the choice is his."


    "Though, I''m quite sure he wouldn''t reject becoming the second Clan Master of the Lion Clan. Kuhahahaha!"


    Lionel said as he looked at Fyu.


    It was then that Fyu raised his head once more. It seems that he still had some questions about the whole situation.


    After all, Fyu has only been watching things. This will be the only time that he could ask the questions that he had on his mind.


    "What about the young miss, then? She won''t be your legitimate successor?"


    "Won''t she be...mad at you, then?"


    However, it seems that Fyu didn''t have to worry about that part as Lionel continued speaking.


    "Ah, don''t worry about her. She would probably happily give up that position if Desire would be the one to get it."


    "Besides, I think they are getting married. There''s no problem if they get married."


    What Lionel said was the truth. If Desire and Jarina were to have a relationship, there would be no problem with legitimacy.


    Besides, Desire was the disciple of Lionel. It wouldn''t be weird for him to become his successor.


    "As long as it is by your will, the Lion Clan shall obey." Fyu said as he lowered his head once more.


    It seems that he was extremely loyal to Lionel for him to declare something like that.


    After all, Desire was completely unrelated to the Lion Clan until now.


    He just became Lionel''s disciple because of the similarity he had with Lionel.


    That was why it wouldn''t be weird for Lionel''s subjects to lash out at him for choosing such a successor.


    After all, the basis of choosing one was how similar one is to Lionel.


    It was just a stupid way of choosing a successor, but it seems that Fyu''s loyalty to Lionel was strong.


    "Anyway, I didn''t call you here for this chit-chat." Lionel said.


    "I called you here to stay guard for that little bastard."


    "No one is allowed near him."


    "Do you understand?"


    Lionel said as he looked down at Fyu! His demeanor was overbearing, and he was overly-arrogant!


    It was as if Lionel had a double personality, but this was normal.


    After all, he was ordering his subordinate as the Lion King.


    It means that no failure is allowed!


    "Yes, my lord." Fyu said as he lowered his head even more.


    It seems this kind of Lionel was normal as he didn''t even shake.


    Of course, Lionel was no longer looking at him as he disappeared!


    Lionel disappeared so fast that even Fyu couldn''t sense him go!


    And while Fyu was kneeling, he only had one thought in his mind.


    And that was...


    ''The lord''s successor...what should I call him...?''

 Chapter 125: Stars of Destiny

    In a place where there was no light and darkness was ruling over the sky, there was an old man who was meditating.


    The old man didn''t need any light at all as he just sat down with his legs crossed.


    The back of his hands was touching his two knees respectively, and his fingers were in a tight lock.


    He had the pose of someone who was indeed meditating. And the old man was...really old.


    His body had wrinkles all over, and his face doesn''t even seem to be a face anymore.


    After all, the wrinkles on his face were just too many to count.


    If he were out in society and in the open, many would find his face to be disgusting!


    The old man''s face was just that bizarre, and the old man also has a long beard.


    His beard was long enough to touch the ground even though he was sitting, and it was white.


    However, contrary to his white, long beard, the old man''s hair on top of his head was gone.


    He didn''t have any hair, and his head would probably be shiny if he were out in the sun.


    And the old man was wearing a robe, and it was in the color of white and black.


    Of course, one wouldn''t be able to see the color of his robe as it was dark in this place.


    It was then that the old man finally did something while he was meditating.


    "Huuu. Haaa." The old man breathed in and out as he prepared himself.


    No, he already prepared himself when he was meditating all this time.


    After all, the old man was about to do something big. He was about to read the Stars of Destiny!


    Well, the old man wasn''t any newbie to this action as reading the Stars of Destiny was his hobby.


    That was why when the old man moved his arms, he looked so smooth!


    He raised his right arm and then his left arm as if he were following some procedure.


    And when his arms were about the same height, he started to make a ball of light in the air.


    Zhunggg. The ball of light floated in the air, and it was still.


    However, that was not all the old man did.


    He moved his arms and made them swim in the air around the ball of light.


    It was as if he were shaping something, and that was the truth.


    After all, the ball of light that was still was now moving as the old man made the ball of light do his bidding.


    And it didn''t take the old man long for him to finish what he was doing.


    Well, it seems the results weren''t that great as the ball of light just changed its colors.


    If before the ball of light was monotone or something like that, now it had the shade of violet.


    However, that was not all.


    There were also something small lights inside the ball of violet light right now.


    The small lights were so many that the old man couldn''t probably count them all.


    What''s more, there were also some big lights mixed among the small lights.


    However, the old man couldn''t see them right now. Well, his eyes were closed, that''s why.


    That was why the old man opened his eyes! No, he just opened his right eye as he spoke.


    "Awaken, my Eye of Truth." The old man said as his right eye started to shine!


    The light had the shade of red, and it was so bright that it started to brighten up even this dark place!


    However, that was not all that was happening as blood started to fall out of the old man''s right eye.


    What''s more, the blood that was flowing out of his right eye was not in the shade of red, but also in the shade of violet!


    Weird things kept happening, but the old man didn''t even pay any attention to that.


    After all, the red eye that was shining was just staring at the ball of light that was just floating in the air as the old man continued shaping something with his arms.


    Of course, the old man was maintaining the violet ball by doing that.


    "Hmmm..." The old man let out some sound as he looked at the violet ball with his red eye.


    It seems that the old man was really used to doing this as he didn''t even wipe away his flowing blood.


    "Nothing much changed since I last observed the Stars of Destiny." The old man said.


    It was obvious at this point, but the Stars of Destiny that he was reading was the small and big lights in the violet ball.


    It was weird that Stars of Destiny was on the old man''s palm, but this was something that old man had worked hard for all his life.


    What''s more, his strength wasn''t measly. He could probably give Lionel a run for his money.


    "Hmm...that''s weird. That''s really weird. Hmmmm..." The old man said as he watched the Stars.


    The old man was used to this and that was why he could read them.


    And according to the old man''s knowledge, the Stars should be correlated to the future.


    The last time that the old man looked at the Stars of Destiny, the future was still...somewhat peaceful.


    However, why was it that the Stars were now showing a different future...why was it that it was showing that...


    "Why are the Stars moving towards war?"


    Right, the Stars were now showing a future where there would be chaos. There would be war.


    Of course, the old man could still understand that, but the Stars still looked the same when he last saw it.


    That was why he couldn''t understand it. If the Stars didn''t change that much, how did the future that they were showing change?


    "Hmmm...this is really weird." The old man said.


    "Something so bizarre is happening, yet it looks perfectly normal."


    "Was He...born?"

 Chapter 126: An Uninvited Guest

    "Was He...born?" The old man said as he looked at the violet ball.


    If He was born, then this situation would have made sense to the old man.


    However, the old man couldn''t be sure about that. After all, the knowledge that he has on the Stars of Destiny was small.


    It was so small that it wouldn''t be wrong to say that he knew nothing about it.


    That was why the old man couldn''t be sure about his conclusion.


    What''s more, the old man was just reading the Stars of Destiny as some sort of hobby.


    It would be weird if he knew all the things about this violet ball.


    "Hmm...I guess I''ll give it up today. I''m hitting my limit as well." The old man said as he closed his red eye.


    His red eye kept shining the place until his eyelids finally closed like a curtain.


    Of course, that was not all that he did. He also stopped moving his arms, and the violet ball floating in the air disappeared slowly.


    His arms that he used to create the violet ball soon came back down to his knees.


    His fingers then locked with each other, and this pose was exactly the pose that he had just before he read the Stars of Destiny.


    However, even though the old man could move now, he didn''t move at all.


    After all, the effects or burden of reading the Stars of Destiny is heavy. Not even this old man would be able to escape unscathed from it.


    It was weird if one thinks about how reading the Stars of Destiny was just his hobby.


    It wasn''t something he needed to do, and he didn''t have to read it for something like gaining strength.


    That was why the old man had to try and recover for a while for the burden that was placed on his body as he read the Stars of Destiny.


    And when he felt that he has recovered enough, the old man started to wipe the blood that dried on his skin.


    Of course, he did that with his eyes closed as he didn''t want to irritate his Eye of Truth.


    "Haaaa. I''m too old for this. Maybe it''s time to retire..." The old man said as he breathed a sigh of relief.


    After all, although it didn''t look like it was much, the old man could feel his life lessening because of the burden of the Stars of Destiny.


    The old man then stood up as he was done with his meditation. He only meditated because he would read the Stars of Destiny.


    Now that he was done with that purpose, there was no longer a need to meditate.


    However, it was then that the old man felt something coming at him fast!


    "Hmm?" The old man said as he knew that the place where he was at was a place an ordinary man could not easily enter.


    That was why it was weird that he could feel something coming, and that was why the old man suspected that it was probably someone he knew.


    "Who is it?" The old man said as he opened his left eye, the eye that he was using for seeing things.


    He then snapped his fingers, and fire somehow appeared on the walls.


    The fire was like how a torch was used, and it wasn''t a single one.


    There were many torches in this place that continued up to the entrance of this place.


    And this place was...a cave. Right, the old man had been inside of a cave this whole time.


    Well, this place was his home, and it could be said that this place is safe as the old man was strong.


    That was why the old man was prepared for a fight if ever it were an intruder.


    "Who is it!" The old man shouted as he felt that someone was already inside the cave.


    His left eye was looking sharp, and his hands were moving again as some sort of light gathered in his palms.


    That''s not all as the old man prepared even his Eye of Truth for battle.


    The old man was definitely not holding back, and the guy who invaded this place uninvited could only agree on that statement.


    "You never change!"


    A voice resounded out in this place, but that was not all.


    Tak. Tak. Tak. Tak.


    The footsteps of the intruder could be heard, and the old man could hear that as well.


    And it was because he could hear it that he withdrew all preparation he has done for a fight.


    The light on his palms disappeared, and his Eye of Truth wouldn''t open now.


    Why? It was because the old man could tell who it was just from the footsteps of the intruder.


    And that was why he spoke as soon as his left eye saw the shadow of someone huge.


    "Lionel." The old man said, and the body of the intruder came into full view as the intruder kept walking.


    And the old man was right as the man who came into this place uninvited was indeed Lionel.


    His hair that was just like a lion''s mane could be seen flying in the air as Lionel kept walking.


    And when Lionel could see the old man, he spoke.


    "I came to visit you, and you welcomed me by preparing yourself for a fight?!"


    "What a friend you are!"


    "Kuhahahaha!!"


    Lionel said as he laughed.


    Of course, the old man could see that clearly as his left eye was open.


    "This is my home. An unruly guy came in by destroying the guards I placed outside."


    "Of course, I would prepare myself to fight."


    "I''m not a fool, you stupid muscle for brains."


    The old man said as he snapped his fingers once more.


    And as if it were all magic...


    Thud!


    The cave began to shake, and Lionel could see a house that suddenly appeared out of nowhere right behind the old man!


    "Come in, you fucking bastard." The old man said as he walked towards the house.

 Chapter 127: Phantom Hands!

    "Come in, you fucking bastard." The old man said as he started walking towards the house.


    Of course, Lionel, too, began to walk towards the house. And while he was walking, he just looked at the house.


    After all, this house was something that he was familiar with, but...it was really old.


    The house was built with wood, and that was all. However, Lionel couldn''t voice out his thoughts as the old man entered the house.


    Of course, it didn''t take Lionel long to enter the house as well.


    And as soon as he entered the house, Lionel spoke.


    "Hey, aren''t you gonna change your house? It''s too old now, it''d probably be destroyed as soon as I flick my finger here."


    What Lionel said was the truth as this place was just that bad. What''s more, he was strong as well. Even the old man couldn''t just ignore Lionel''s strength.


    However, it seems that the old man thought differently as he spoke.


    "Just try it, you bastard. You think you can destroy the spell that I put here?"


    The old man said as he walked towards a chair. The chair was...well, old as well.


    He then proceeded to sit down and urged Lionel to sit down as well to the other chair across the old man.


    "Here!" The old man said as he pointed at the other chair.


    Of course, Lionel didn''t hesitate and just proceeded to sit down as well.


    He even made himself comfortable by putting his legs up on the table.


    And that was why the old man had quite the grumpy look on his face right now.


    After all, Lionel was just a guest! How dare he act like this in the old man''s house!


    "What did you come here for, you fucktard! Don''t think you can always act like that around me!"


    And as soon as Lionel heard that, a wide smile suddenly appeared on his face.


    "Don''t be like that, I did you a favor last time, no?" Lionel said.


    It was the truth that Lionel did the old man a favor last time, and that was why he went here.


    Lionel was planning to get the payment for the favor, and since it was a pretty big favor, the old man could not possibly refuse.


    Well, that was how Lionel imagined things would play out.


    However, it seems that Lionel was completely wrong about that as the old man spoke once more.


    "What do you mean favor! I already paid that back! Don''t tell me you forgot about how I already checked that Liya or whatever her name is and I even tried to heal her!"


    Of course, when Lionel heard that, his face immediately turned grumpy.


    After all, this old man was not able to heal Liya, as Liya was not able to get her strength back.


    That was why Lionel thought that the old man''s check up on Liya didn''t count.


    "Hey! You haven''t managed to fix her, don''t tell me you are going to compare failing to heal a patient to what I did for you before?!"


    "I sheltered you from one of the Six Gods! Failing to heal someone can''t be compared with something like that!"


    "Are you really gonna be that stingy with me?!"


    Lionel said as he destroyed the table by slashing it down with his legs!


    Of course, that made the house shake, but because of the old man''s intervention, the house didn''t collapse.


    And when things calmed down in the house, the old man started talking once more.


    "What are you! That was just one of the Six Gods! Don''t tell me you are afraid of them!?"


    "Just one?! Don''t give me that bullshit! The Six Gods are the reigning Gods! Just one could have destroyed the entire Lion Clan!"


    "I don''t fucking care! I already paid you the favor!"


    "What did you..."


    The old man and Lionel continued arguing for a while, and it didn''t stop there.


    They even destroyed some parts of the house, and they even made the cave itself shake.


    However, no matter how heated the conversation got, the old man and Lionel didn''t fight.


    It seems that they were really orderly, but that was not the case for their restraint.


    And that was proven as the old man spoke while cleaning his mouth. Well, just from how they argued, saliva or even blood would come spitting out.


    "Hah...it looks like you really are the cat." The old man said as his left eye saw Lionel also wipe his mouth.


    It was weird that the old man called Lionel a cat as he was the Lion King, but it seems that Lionel didn''t care about that.


    It was then that Lionel spoke as he finished cleaning himself.


    "Hah! You are overly anxious! Do we have to do this every time we meet?!"


    "Of course! I''m being hunted by one of the Six Gods! If they find my connection with you, they would utilize that and try to sneak on me!"


    And when Lionel heard that, his eyebrows wriggled slightly.


    After all, it was just absurd that the way to know if Lionel is really Lionel is by arguing.


    What''s more, the topic of their argument was exactly planned out. If even one sequence were wrong, the old man would immediately run away!


    That was how anxious the old man was, and that was how much trouble it is just for Lionel to speak with this mysterious old man.


    That was why Lionel didn''t really like meeting with this old man even though they were quite close.


    "We don''t have to argue every time, right!? Just ask me a question that only I would know!"


    "Oh fuck that! They probably investigated everything that I''ve done in the past! The only reason why I''m even fine meeting with you is that we haven''t been seen together by the public eye!"


    What the old man said was the truth. It was one of the Six Gods who was hunting him, and it wouldn''t hurt if he were more careful than usual.


    The reason why the old man could meet with Lionel like this is that no one knows their connection.


    "Argh, I get it! Fine! Fine!" Lionel said as he calmed himself down.


    Of course, the old man, too, calmed himself down. And as soon as he calmed down, he asked Lionel.


    "So, what did you come here for?"


    And when Lionel heard that, he immediately answered.


    "Ah, that''s right. There is only one reason why I came here."


    "I came to ask for a favor, Phantom Hands!"

 Chapter 128: Aimon

    "I came to ask for a favor, Phantom Hands!" Lionel said as he crossed his arms.


    His demeanor suddenly became big, and that was because he was talking to the old man as the Lion King now.


    Of course, the old man knew that and that was why he switched gears instantly.


    He switched gears as he spoke to the Lion King as the Phantom Hands.


    "Favor? I know that what you did for me is big. You helped me hide from one of the Six Gods, and I''m thankful for that."


    "However, I think you are forgetting that I am still being hunted down by him and his subordinates."


    "I can''t just go out of my hiding place just because of you. I can''t leave any trace those guys could possibly use."


    "And I don''t think you''ll want them to visit you again."


    Phantom Hands said as he looked at Lionel with his left eye. Of course, what he said was reasonable.


    Even though Lionel was able to miraculously hide the Phantom Hands before, there is no way that would happen again.


    After all, it was one of the Six Gods who was hunting the Phantom Hands!


    If that God suspected that Lionel was lying to him, he could just kill Lionel!


    There was no need to overcomplicate things by playing mind games with him!


    That was why the Phantom Hands said what he said. He was grateful for what Lionel did for him before but asking him to go out now was just suicide.


    It was suicide for the Phantom Hands but it was also suicide for Lionel.


    In a way, rejecting Lionel''s request is actually helping Lionel.


    However, there''s no way Lionel would back down because of that.


    After all, Lionel already knew that, and yet he still went out of his way just to meet this old man.


    That means that he was just that serious, and that means that Lionel really needed the Phantom Hands'' help.


    "I know what you are saying. I understand it all, and I am willing to risk it all."


    "Besides, the place where we will be going to is a private property of mine."


    "There won''t be any pesky eyes, and I can assure you that your traces would be wiped cleanly."


    "I will do it myself."


    And when Lionel said that, Phantom Hands began thinking. After all, it seems that Lionel wouldn''t back down at all.


    What''s more, Lionel even said that he would wipe out Phantom Hands'' traces himself.


    That was something that shows how sincere Lionel was, but Phantom Hands'' thoughts ended as Lionel spoke once more.


    "Of course, I know that what I''m asking right now is too burdensome for you. That''s why I''ll say it in my name."


    "Once you get in trouble with the God who is hunting you, I will fight with you."


    "The Lion Clan...no, fuck that. I will fight with you with the intention to save you."


    "I will fight with you against the pesky god. I will swear in my name, of course, if you agree to my request."


    "How about that, Aimon?"


    And when Phantom Hands...Aimon heard what Lionel said, his left eye widened a little bit.


    After all, what Lionel just said was that he would come to Aimon''s side even if he were to get caught by the god who was hunting him.


    Of course, Lionel didn''t bring the Lion Clan into the conversation as he knew that would just mean shit. Not everyone in the clan would agree with his every decision.


    And Aimon knew that as well, but the fact that Lionel was ready to fight for him against a god is already a huge boon for Aimon.


    Why? It was because Lionel is strong. Of course, that was normal as Lionel is a Conqueror.


    However, just the fact that he has a Conqueror on his side is something Aimon wanted.


    What''s more, if Aimon could gather a few more allies on his side, he might even be able to fight against the god who was hunting him!


    He might have the chance to finally shake off the shackles of that god and live freely!


    Just the possibility of that is enough to shake Aimon''s old heart!


    "Where are we going, then? If that place is secured enough-" Aimon said, but Lionel cut him off.


    After all, there was no need to finish that sentence when Lionel knew what it was about.


    "We will go to my training ground. We will go to the Lion''s Forest."


    Aimon''s left eye widened once more as he heard what Lionel said.


    Why? It was because that place was something not known to the public.


    It was a place where only Lionel''s closest subordinates know its location. It wasn''t a place where anyone could just come in!


    Not even Varyce knew where the Lion''s Forest was located.


    After all, Lionel treats the Lion''s Forest as his sacred ground! It was the place where Lionel trains his body, and it was the place where Lionel creates his techniques!


    It was the place where the Lion King created himself!


    Of course, not even Aimon knew where that was, and yet, here is Lionel saying that they would go there.


    The terms and conditions of this...favor that Lionel is asking for is a huge loss to Lionel. It was as if Lionel were giving everything he has just for this request!


    That was why Aimon thought that the price of this would be huge.


    However, the fact that his safety is assured and that the place where they would go to is the Lion''s Forest is big.


    What''s more, Lionel would also swear in his name that he would fight by Aimon''s side.


    That was why Aimon was more or less going to agree to this request of Lionel.


    However, Aimon first needed to know what the request was, and that was why he spoke once more.


    "You''re giving too much room to me, just what is it you''re asking for?"


    "I don''t think that you would need me that much. You''re a Conqueror."


    "Just what is it that you want from me, Lionel?!"

 Chapter 129: Disciple

    "Just what is it that you want from me, Lionel?!" Aimon said as he stood up!


    His left eye was basically bulging out of its sockets as Aimon looked at Lionel intently.


    After all, he couldn''t think of anything that could possibly come equal to what Lionel offered him!


    At least, that''s what Aimon thought.


    However, it seems that Lionel thought otherwise as he finally spoke.


    "Do you remember what you told me the last time we met?"


    "Hmm? I told you many things the last time we met, so there''s no way I would remember many things."


    Aimon said as he looked at Lionel. Of course, he wouldn''t remember things he said that were from years ago.


    Although Aimon knew what their topics were, he wouldn''t remember every single detail. After all, even though Aimon was strong, he was also old.


    He was very old that even his skin looked like it was about to give up on him.


    After all, his body was just full of wrinkles, don''t even mention his face.


    It was only normal that Aimon would have some memory lapses here and there.


    "It''s about that. The thing that I need is..."


    Lionel trailed off his words as he knew that what he was about to ask was big.


    Of course, even Aimon could feel it as his throat gulped some of his saliva.


    After all, Lionel was basically teasing him about it now that he was taking his time.


    It was then that Lionel finally continued his sentence as he looked at Aimon with resolute eyes.


    "I need the acupuncture technique of the Phantom Hands."


    "I need the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles!"


    And when Aimon heard that, he shouted as he opened his mouth as wide as possible!


    "IMPOSSIBLE!"


    Aimon said as his hands started to shine with balls of light! It was as if he were ready to fight against Lionel right this instant!


    "You know that I don''t perform that technique anymore! How dare you ask me for it?!"


    Aimon said as the woods in the house started to crack up and rise in the air!


    It was as if Aimon''s powers were just going out of control, and that was not all that happened!


    Aimon''s right eye started to shine even though he hasn''t even opened the curtain known as the eyelids!


    That was how much he was angered by what Lionel just asked!


    After all, the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles was a technique that Aimon promised to himself to never use it again.


    However, Lionel just asked for it! Even though there were advantages in this exchange, there''s no way Aimon would accept it!


    What''s more, Lionel knew why Aimon was not using the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles anymore!


    That was why Aimon could not forgive how Lionel asked for it even though he knew the reason why!


    And that was why...with the balls of light in his hand, Aimon attacked Lionel by letting the balls of light flow towards Lionel!


    "Even if you''re Lionel, I won''t forgive you!" Aimon said as his body started to turn into the mist!


    It was strange, but Lionel didn''t think that it was strange. After all, what was the nickname of Aimon?


    It was Phantom Hands, and the reason for that nickname is exactly that!


    After all, he was like a phantom whenever he fights! And the fact that he was turning into a phantom right now means that he plans to duke it out with Lionel!


    However, all those powers that Aimon released soon stopped as Lionel spoke.


    "It''s for my disciple."


    The balls of light that were about to collide with Lionel''s body stopped right before hitting him! It was truly by a hair''s breadth.


    However, that was not all that stopped as even Aimon stopped creating more balls of light!


    Even his right eye that was about to open stopped shining!


    Of course, even the phantomization of Aimon''s body stopped as his body returned back to normal!


    Why? It was simple.


    What Lionel said was that shocking for Aimon, who was ready to kill him!


    Aimon literally stopped everything he was doing when he heard what Lionel said.


    And what Aimon said right after getting a grip of himself was...


    "Huh?"


    Right, that was all that Aimon could say in this situation. It was as if he were never angry in the first place!


    That was how Aimon looked like right now, and of course, he looked dumbfounded.


    After all, he just went from full power to nothing!


    It was then that Lionel finally continued speaking as he let out a sigh.


    "Haaa."


    "I know it''s shocking. However, hear me out."


    "I have a disciple now, and I want you to use the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles on him."


    "I want him to reach a plane higher than me."


    Lionel said as he looked at Aimon who was just staring at him dumbfoundedly.


    "Is that enough for you to use it again?"


    And when Aimon heard that, he tilted his head as he spoke once more.


    "Huh? Y-you...you have a disciple?!"


    "You fucking pussycat! You''re not kidding me, are you?!"


    "You! I know you have a daughter! Don''t tell me that you consider your daughter as your disciple!"


    Aimon knew that it was just impossible for Lionel to have a disciple. That was why he was thinking that it was probably for his daughter.


    However, of course, that was not the truth and Lionel proved it by speaking once more.


    "No, it''s not my daughter. I have a real disciple. Of course, he hasn''t started to walk the path of the Way yet."


    "However, he needs to walk the path of the Way."


    Lionel then stopped talking as he turned his head towards Aimon.


    After all, Aimon was still shocked about it. That was how surprising it was for Aimon.


    "You might ask why, and the reason is something you know very well."


    "He is like me."


    "A human who could get stronger with Magic Infusion."

 Chapter 130: Argh...

    "A human who could get stronger with Magic Infusion." Lionel said as he looked at Aimon.


    Of course, Aimon was still shocked about it that he didn''t even react at all to what Lionel just said.


    After all, a human who could get stronger with Magic Infusion...that was something impossible.


    Well, Lionel was alive, and he could get stronger with that, so the correct word might be rare or unique.


    However, for Aimon, that was impossible.


    "Impossible! The only reason why you could get stronger with Magic Infusion is that your Beast Blood is strong!"


    "Your monster blood is that special, and yet, you''re telling me that another human could have blood as special as yours?!"


    "Don''t fool me, Lionel!"


    And when Aimon finished saying that, Lionel immediately spoke up.


    After all, Lionel didn''t want to have any misunderstanding with Aimon.


    "I don''t know if my disciple has a Beast Blood or some special blood."


    "However, it is the truth that he could get stronger with Monster Infusion."


    "He might even have rarer blood than mine as he was able to grow up from a baby to a child just because of Magic Infusion."


    And when Aimon heard that, his left eye widened as much as possible!


    His face became distorted as the shock of surprise became evident in his look.


    "He was able to grow from Magic Infusion?! That''s not a human! That''s a monster!"


    Being able to grow from Magic Infusion means that one is a monster.


    That was why Aimon said what he said, but Lionel knew better than that.


    "I can assure you that he is a human. I checked his vitals once, and he was the same...just like any other human."


    "How about it?"


    "Why not use the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles on my disciple?"


    The reason why Lionel was confident that Aimon would perform the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles on Desire is that...he was similar to Lionel.


    After all, Aimon once said to Lionel that Aimon would have performed the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles on Lionel if Lionel hadn''t started training the Physical Style.


    It means that...if Aimon and Lionel had met a little bit sooner, Lionel would probably have the effects of the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles.


    However, just what is the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles?


    The Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles is a technique that Aimon created for a disciple of his.


    And the effect of the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles was immense!


    Although there were many advantages to it, the most important is that...it could make one learn all three styles!


    Of course, Aimon could perform the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles on people who have not started to walk the Way, yet.


    And as Desire has not really started, Aimon could perform the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles on him.


    In other words, Desire was perfect for it.


    Right, Lionel knew that, and this was the reason why Lionel was confident in making Desire be able to wield all styles.


    It was then that Lionel spoke once more. After all, he could see the Aimon was seriously considering it.


    Lionel needed to strike the iron while it was hot, and that was exactly what he did.


    "Didn''t you say that you would use it on me if we met a little sooner?"


    "Here''s your chance to use it."


    "My disciple is a rank 1 human, and that means that he hasn''t really started walking the Way."


    "He''s like me. He was born without anyone to rely on, and he just popped out of nowhere."


    And when Aimon heard that, he raised his hand as he signaled Lionel to stop talking.


    Of course, Lionel stopped speaking when he noticed that Aimon was finally...open for talking.


    Aimon then started walking towards the chair, and he fixed it right back up.


    It was then that Aimon sat back down to the chair as he looked at Lionel.


    "It''s the truth that I said that I would have performed the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles on you if we met while you were young."


    "However, you do know why I don''t want to use it anymore, right?"


    "It''s because one of the Six Gods saw it and wanted my technique for himself."


    "If your disciple came out of nowhere and just showed that he could wield all styles...that would mean your disciple would be hunted down by one of the Six Gods."


    And when Lionel heard that, he laughed.


    "Kuhahahaha! Don''t worry about that!"


    "My disciple knows to restrain himself!"


    "Kuahahahaha!"


    And when he finished laughing, Lionel looked at Aimon once more.


    "So, how about it?"


    "You know that I planned not to take in any disciples for my whole life, but this guy really popped out of nowhere."


    "I want him to become stronger. And I need your help for that, Aimon."


    What Lionel said was the truth. Lionel never planned to take in any disciples, and Aimon knew that.


    That was why Aimon was shocked to hear that Lionel got a disciple.


    And the fact that Lionel has a disciple now means that...that disciple was special to him.


    It was clear that Lionel would do everything to make his disciple''s life better.


    "You cat bastard. I only told you that I would perform the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles on you because it was you."


    "I never meant that I would do it to anyone who was similar to you."


    "How''d you even misunderstand that part?"


    And when Lionel heard that, he tilted his head as he spoke.


    "Don''t kid with me. I know that you were interested in my monster blood and wanted to see for yourself how strong I would be if I could wield all styles."


    Lionel then smiled as he looked at Aimon.


    "What are you hesitating for?"


    "This is a chance for your curiosity to be satisfied."


    "What do you say, Phantom Hands?!"


    And when he was asked, Aimon had a weird smile on his face.


    "Argh...fuck it." He said.

 Chapter 131: Blessings of Tear

    While Lionel and Aimon were talking with each other, the subject of their topic, Desire...was just chilling inside the Blessings of Tear.


    Well, he was just sitting while having the Blessings of Tear pour down on him.


    It was weird how he wasn''t floating or something like that, but that was probably because this is how the Blessings of Tear works.


    ''Hmm...If I move a little bit, I would probably be able to get out of here.'' Desire thought as he opened his eyes.


    Desire was literally on the edge of the Blessings of Tear as he could get out of here if he just moved a little bit.


    Of course, Desire wouldn''t do that, but he just kept it in mind for emergency or something like that.


    Desire also found out that he didn''t...drown even though he was basically underwater.


    Well, that''s probably because the water pouring down on him wasn''t some ordinary water.


    That was all Desire could find out while being inside the Blessings of Tear.


    He did that as soon as he entered because he didn''t know anything about this.


    It would be best if he found out information about the Blessings of Tear before entering, but well.


    The milk has already been spilled, and Desire can''t do anything about it.


    ''Now...what do I do here?'' Desire thought as he felt his body getting heavier.


    It was actually amazing that he wasn''t getting swept up by the fierce flow of the Blessings of Tear.


    What''s more, he just started feeling the effects of having a waterfall pour down on his body!


    It was crazy, but well. It was probably because of his Open, and Desire believed that was the case.


    However, as he was new to this...Blessings of Tear, Desire didn''t know what he would do.


    What Lionel said was just that Desire only needed to endure a day in here.


    And that was it. He didn''t say anything that Desire needed to do or something like that.


    That was why Desire was confused.


    ''So, I just stay here and do nothing?'' Desire thought.


    Although the pressure bearing down on him was heavy, Desire could still take it.


    After all, Desire had already experienced being burned alive. The pain limits Desire have right now is at an inhumane level.


    And it was because of that Desire could still think clearly.


    However, it was because he could think clearly that Desire was confused about things.


    Desire was used to working for things that he would get, and everything in his life was harsh.


    He had to work his ass off for a year just to get the Heavenly Demon Trait.


    Of course, the pain and emotions he felt during that year were incredibly unbearable.


    Desire also worked hard for various things, and that was why Desire wasn''t used to this.


    ''I''m doing nothing, and yet, I will get something incredible from it...''


    Desire didn''t know what to feel about the fact that he was doing nothing.


    It was making him restless as Desire had to work hard every single time he would achieve something.


    However, it seems that this time Desire didn''t have to work his ass off.


    After all, Desire just needed to endure and he would have a foundation right off the bat.


    ''Wait. Lionel said that I have to endure...what does he mean by that?''


    Desire then remembered that Lionel said that he had to endure being here.


    However, Desire couldn''t feel anything that he had to endure except for the heaviness of the waterfall.


    That was why it was weird.


    ''Why do I have to endure...?!!!''


    It was then that Desire could feel his body...getting heavier! Of course, that was due to the waterfall!


    "Kuha!" Desire opened his mouth, but surprisingly, the water didn''t go inside his body.


    Instead, there was something that went out of his body, and it was blood.


    Right, Desire coughed up blood as it was washed away immediately by the Blessings of Tear.


    It was then that Desire opened his mouth so wide as he couldn''t bear it in!


    "KUHAAA!!" Desire coughed up...blood once more!


    However, the amount of blood that he coughed up was so much that the Blessings of Tear couldn''t wash it all away!


    No, the Blessings of Tear was able to wash it all away, but it took a few seconds!


    And considering how the Blessings of Tear was flowing vigorously, the fact that it took a few seconds to wash away Desire''s blood was amazing!


    ''S-shit! So, this is what he meant when he said that I would have to endure it!'' Desire thought as his eyes started to go out of focus.


    Of course, Desire couldn''t control his body in this situation. After all, the Blessings of Tear was forbidding him from moving!


    Well, it''s not like Desire would want to go out of here when this basically means that the trial has started once more for Desire.


    However, that was not all that was happening as Desire could feel his body moving.


    ''It''s the effects of the Open!'' Desire thought as he felt his mana moving by his instincts.


    Of course, Desire didn''t interrupt that and just let it happen. After all, Desire knew that his instincts were really ''active'' right now.


    That was why Desire could feel his hands moving once more. Of course, his instincts were directing them, and his hands...were right in front of his stomach.


    As Desire was sitting with his legs crossed, he looked like he was about to meditate.


    And that was the truth as Desire''s instincts made some kind of sign with his hands as he interlocked them together!


    Desire''s left hand was...towering over the right hand. And his right hand''s index and middle finger were in the left hand''s palm.


    Desire''s left hand''s index and middle finger were also standing in the air, and the other three fingers were...hugging the right hand''s middle and index finger.


    This hand sign was...the sign for opening one''s body!


    Desire''s mana then moved according to his instincts, and it was then that Desire felt it.


    ''Huh?'' Desire thought as he felt his instincts do something to his body.


    However, his thoughts ended as he felt it.


    He felt the whole waterfall pour down on him because his body was now...open.


    Everything about Desire''s body..the Blessings of Tear was invading his entire body.


    "AHHHHH!!!!!" Desire screamed as he felt the unknown presence inside his body.

 Chapter 132: Blessings of Tear II

    "AHHHHH!" Desire''s body screamed as he felt the whole waterfall pour down on him.


    Of course, it was no longer the same feeling as the Blessings of Tear was entering his...body.


    It was harsh as the Blessings of Tear was entering Desire''s body at the rate it was falling down!


    That means it was entering Desire''s body in a really vigorous way!


    Desire could even feel his bones shaking, but that was not all.


    Desire''s lungs, heart, brain, organs, and even his blood! Desire could feel it getting affected by the Blessings of Tear.


    Of course, Desire couldn''t think in this situation as he was trying his best to bear it!


    After all, if Desire tried to think, he would think of ways to get out of here!


    The pain that he was feeling right now was even rougher, harsher, and greater than the pain he felt when he was burned alive!


    It was then that Desire could hear...no, feel it with his consciousness.


    He felt with his consciousness that something talked to him.


    Of course, it was the Unknown.


    And what it said was...


    [Desire''s Vessel is being tempered by the Blessings of Tear.]


    [Warning! If Desire''s Vessel continues to be tempered by the Blessings of Tear, Desire''s Vessel would be affected!]


    [Continue only if this action is intended.]


    [New Special Status!]


    -Desire''s Vessel is currently being tempered by the Blessings of Tear.


    -Desire''s Vessel is undergoing change.


    [Advice!]


    -Continue only if this action is intended.


    -The outcome of the change is unknown. Proceed with caution.


    And when Desire felt like he read it all, he became shocked.


    Why? It was because Desire knew that he received a similar message before.


    And that was when...


    ''It was when I released my mana while being near that woman, Grizelle...''


    Desire thought as he gritted his teeth. After all, it was the truth that his body was still feeling the pain.


    However, Desire decided to not focus on that, and that was why he thought once more.


    ''There are similarities, but...this time, it seems like it is not a bad idea.''


    Desire remembered that from the moment his mana touched Grizelle''s mana, it was already bad.


    Why? It was because the Unknown warned him. What''s more, his Heavenly Demon Trait even worked just to help Desire.


    However, this time, what the Unknown only said was that...


    ''My body would be affected, and that I should only continue if this action is intended.''


    The term from before, ''Desire''s Vessel will go out of balance, and the term now, ''Desire''s Vessel would be affected'' are two different things.


    Why? It was because affected means that it may be good or it may be bad.


    What''s more, the Unknown even said that Desire should only continue if this action was intended.


    And it was the truth that Desire intended for this to happen.


    The Heavenly Demon Trait was not even intervening in this matter as that probably means that...it was safe to go through this.


    ''So, does that mean...my mana touching Grizelle''s mana means that I was being tempered but in a bad way?'' Desire thought.


    The fact that the Unknown warned him about Desire''s Vessel going out of control means that it was bad.


    What''s more, the Heavenly Demon Trait was even affected just because of it.


    Desire was out for a day, but he became clear soon after. However, that was because of his trait.


    Desire knew that he was only able to escape out of that situation unscathed because of many things unknown to him.


    His body, his mana, his situation...Desire knew that it was only because of his natural body that he was able to get out of that tricky situation.


    What''s more, he even needed help from a trait just to become fine again.


    If that doesn''t tell one about how bad that situation was, one must be incredibly dumb.


    ''Hmm...I have to find out about myself, and I must do it fast.'' Desire thought.


    However, Desire couldn''t continue thinking about that situation as he felt his body going through change! He knew about it, and that was why he wasn''t surprised.


    It was just that...Desire felt a little bit different as the Blessings of Tear was probably washing another part of Desire.


    Of course, Desire didn''t pay any attention to that as he just tried his hardest to keep up.


    He tried his best as his whole body...was being washed by the Blessings of Tear.


    His whole body was undergoing change, just as the Unknown said.


    His whole body...was about to get the foundation of a Conqueror.


    And it wouldn''t be long before Desire finishes.


    ****


    Fyu, the soldier of Lionel who was tasked with guarding Desire, was currently standing on top of a branch of a tree.


    Of course, he was near the waterfall where Desire was staying at.


    Fyu was doing his job so good that he didn''t even take a look at other things and just kept his eyes peeled open as he just looked at the Blessings of Tear.


    He didn''t want to miss anything regarding this as Desire was basically one of his lords.


    After all, Desire is the successor of the current clan master, and that was already explained to Fyu.


    ''Hmmm...I still don''t know what should I call him...'' Fyu thought.


    However, Fyu''s thoughts ended as he just decided to focus on his job.


    After all, it already has been quite a long time as it was already night time.


    The moon was out, and the darkness has gained control of the sky.


    And darkness is an enemy''s friend. Fyu knew that better than anyone as he worked in the shadows.


    "Hmmm...The lord''s successor is building his foundation, but I can''t feel him at all."


    Fyu said as he was slightly amazed. After all, Fyu couldn''t feel Desire doing his thing.


    It was as if Desire were not there in the first place.


    What''s more, Fyu had already seen other people building their foundations and he was able to feel them.


    The fact that Fyu couldn''t even though he was right in front of Desire was...outstanding.


    "I guess he really is the disciple of the lord." Fyu said.

 Chapter 133: Pain...greater than death

    "I guess he really is the disciple of the lord." Fyu said as he looked at the Blessings of Tear.


    Of course, Fyu wasn''t serious while he was trying to feel Desire. However, just the fact that Fyu couldn''t feel Desire even though he was just casually ''feeling'' was amazing.


    After all, Fyu was strong. And if Desire could ''casually'' hide from Fyu, that means Desire could hide from most people.


    That was why Fyu was impressed. After all, this was the first time that Fyu got to know about Desire.


    Although he didn''t know anything about how much time Desire had been under Lionel, Fyu knew that Desire was still weak.


    Being weak and still able to hide from Fyu was an achievement no ordinary man could achieve.


    Well, Desire wouldn''t become Lionel''s disciple if he were an ordinary man, and Fyu knew that as well.


    "Hmm?" Fyu hummed as he turned his head towards another direction.


    This was the first time that Fyu took off his eyes from the waterfalls.


    However, there was a legitimate reason for it.


    And that was because...


    "The lord''s coming back."


    Fyu could feel Lionel coming back, but that was not all that Fyu could feel.


    "There''s someone with him?" Fyu said as he tilted his head.


    Fyu knew that this place was the Lion''s Forest, a place that very few people know.


    And the Lion''s Forest was a very special place to the Lion King, Lionel.


    That was why it was weird for Lionel to bring someone with him here.


    At least, that was the case for Fyu, as he knew his lord well as Fyu had spent almost half of his life serving Lionel.


    "Hmm...I have no right to judge the lord''s decision." Fyu said as he disappeared!


    There was only one thing he should do from now, and that was...


    "I must greet the lord as soon as he steps in!" Fyu said as he traveled between the shadows of the night.


    And it was only a matter of time until Fyu meets Lionel with his unknown guest.


    ****


    Right after he went to greet his lord, Fyu was currently kneeling down on the ground with his head lowered.


    "My lord." Fyu said as he spoke to the man in front.


    Of course, the man in front was Lionel, who came to stop here because he felt that Fyu came here to greet him.


    Well, this was the entrance to the Lion''s Forest, and Lionel didn''t want to mess things up as well.


    As Desire''s body had the effects of Open, Lionel entering after being away for some time might affect Desire.


    Although Lionel knew that the effects of the Open already ended, it wouldn''t hurt to be careful.


    After all, Lionel also wasn''t sure about it. Desire was his first and last disciple, and that was why Lionel was still somehow walking around with a blindfold.


    As Lionel was the first person to perfect the Refreshing Technique, he was sure about himself.


    However, as Desire was the first person, besides Lionel, to practice the Refreshing Technique, Lionel didn''t want to risk it.


    After all, Desire is Desire. Lionel is Lionel. They were different people and Lionel was fully aware of that fact.


    And the effects of the Refreshing could be different for other people.


    It was then that Lionel finally spoke as he looked around the Lion''s Forest.


    "Nothing happened?"


    Lionel could feel that the forest was still the same ever since he left.


    Of course, Lionel couldn''t just judge on his feeling alone, and that was why he asked Fyu.


    However, it seems that Lionel didn''t have to worry about such things as Fyu spoke.


    "Yes, my lord."


    "The...little lord has been building his foundation for quite some time now."


    "There has been no disturbance to his practice."


    Fyu said without missing a single beat. Of course, he spoke while having his head lowered.


    That was why Fyu couldn''t see the other man who was right beside Lionel.


    This man was so old that he looked like a bag of wrinkles. Of course, this man was the Phantom Hands, Aimon!


    Aimon then spoke as he looked at Lionel.


    "You made him build his foundation before calling me?"


    "Aren''t you too rash for that action?"


    "Even I am not sure about the success rate of my technique, yet you put another factor in the table?"


    And when Lionel heard that, he just turned his head to look at Aimon.


    And then, he laughed! Lionel laughed as if he were crazy.


    "Kuhahahhaha!"


    "Don''t worry about that!"


    "You will succeed if it were meant to succeed. Besides, my disciple is special. You know that, right? That means it is meant to succeed!"


    "So, don''t worry about it!"


    "Kuhahahaha!"


    Lionel said as if he were glad that Aimon even asked that question. It seems that he was overly proud of his disciple being special.


    Well, all masters would be proud about his or her disciple. No master would take in disciple just to disdain them.


    The reason why masters took in a disciple is so that they could make them powerful, make them continue the master''s legacy, and resonate throughout the world.


    And that was the same case even for Lionel.


    Of course, Aimon knew that as well, which is why he was having a hard time adjusting to it.


    After all, Aimon knew how Lionel hated disciples. He hated to teach, and he hated seeing the other clan master''s disciples.


    They were overly arrogant, and their position was just given to them by their masters!


    That was why Lionel didn''t want a disciple. And seeing Lionel brag about his disciple now...was just shocking for Aimon.


    "Hah. I get it. I get it." Aimon said as he shook his head.


    "So, where is he? Have you told him about what we would do?"


    There was only one reason why Aimon was here, and that was because he agreed.


    He agreed to do the Divine Sharpness of Ghost Needles on Desire!


    He agreed to make Desire limitless!


    "Have you told him that he...will experience pain greater than death?"

 Chapter 134: Lions Forest

    "Have you told him that he...will experience pain greater than death?" Aimon said as if what he just said wasn''t scary.


    Well, it really wasn''t scary for Aimon as he was not the one who would feel it.


    Desire would be the one to feel the pain. That was why Aimon wanted to know if Desire already knew what he was about to experience.


    Of course, Lionel has already told that to Desire...or has he?


    "Hmm. Yeah, I told him. But I never said that he would experience...pain greater than death."


    "Aren''t you exaggerating things?"


    Lionel said, but he wasn''t looking at Aimon. After all, he was already walking.


    Of course, Aimon was following right after Lionel, and Fyu also stood up as he followed right after the two gentlemen.


    Although Fyu didn''t know about the old man who was with Lionel, he didn''t dare ask Lionel or even the old man.


    After all, they were talking with each other. There''s no way Fyu would interrupt his lord just like that.


    It was then that Aimon spoke as he looked around the forest.


    "I''m not. You know who my disciple is, don''t you."


    "You know very well what made me not want to use my technique again."


    "How come you are asking things that you already know?"


    "Anyway, this is the fabled Lion''s Forest?" Aimon said as he changed the topic.


    He was more interested in this topic as even Aimon had not been here.


    The Lion''s Forest was famous to powerful people like Aimon, or bigshots in a kingdom such as king or nobles.


    Of course, it was only famous because Lionel himself is famous.


    However, they only know the legend of it. They only know that Lion''s Forest was the place where Lionel made himself.


    That was all they know, and that was the same case with Aimon. That was all he knew.


    It was weird if you think about how Lionel considers Aimon as his friend, but well.


    This place was just that special to the Lion King. After all, not even Lionel''s wife, Varyce, knows of the place where it''s located.


    It would only be reasonable to think that his friends would not know it.


    It was then that Lionel spoke as he looked at the far distance.


    "That''s right. Although I don''t know why you guys are fawning over it, this is the Lion''s Forest."


    "This is also the place where I would train Desire from now on."


    "Ah, have I told you? My disciple''s name is Desire."


    And when Aimon heard that, he tilted his head as his left eye narrowed a little bit.


    "Desire? That''s a bit weird...who would name their children Desire?"


    "Or is your disciple the same as you? The same as how you didn''t have any parents as well?"


    Aimon said as he looked at Lionel.


    Lionel didn''t have any parents around him when he first had his consciousness.


    Lionel was only able to survive thanks to his instincts. And the one who named Lionel was himself.


    Lionel was a name that he got after seeing a lion. It was pretty simple, but Lionel thought that a lion matched him perfectly.


    It was as if they were a match made in heaven. That was why Lionel named himself after a lion.


    "Hmm...yeah, he didn''t have any parents around him."


    "I''m not too sure about the details since I was only told about it, but he was found by a Suckus."


    "That Suckus was the daughter of the Suckus you tried to heal before."


    "And it seems like his mana is special as it tasted delicious."


    Lionel was about to continue his story, but Aimon cut him off.


    "His mana is delicious? Hmm...it seems that he indeed is special."


    As mana doesn''t have a taste or something like that, the fact that a Suckus, a race that lives off of eating mana, said that his mana is delicious means that it is delicious.


    Aimon knew that very well, and that was why it caught his attention.


    "See? I told you my disciple is special. Anyway, that''s not how it ends."


    "His magic as well was...special. Desire had only 1 mana, but he was able to cast magic."


    "And as you know, he was able to grow from Magic Infusion."


    "Many things happened and then he ended up as my disciple since then."


    "And in the story that I know, he doesn''t have any parents at all. There''s no whiff of them and there are no traces of them as well."


    "My wife investigated him before, and she just caught nothing."


    "He just appeared out of nowhere, and he just said that his name was Desire."


    And when Lionel finished saying those things, he turned his head to the right as he looked at Fyu.


    After all, Fyu was basically eavesdropping on the two of them.


    Well, since Lionel knew that Fyu was loyal to him, it was okay, but well.


    Lionel had to keep the seals tight, and that was why he spoke.


    "Fyu, I want none of this to go around. Even among my soldiers."


    "Do you understand?"


    And as soon as Fyu heard that, he bowed his head as he spoke.


    "Yes, my lord."


    And when Lionel heard his answer, he looked back to the far distance.


    Of course, when the lord and the subordinate were done, Aimon spoke.


    "That''s interesting. Desire...the meaning of his name is interesting."


    "And since he didn''t have any parents, did he name himself that?"


    And when Lionel heard that, he shrugged his shoulders.


    "I don''t know. He was a baby when the Suckus found him and he just introduced himself as Desire."


    "His name then stuck around as it seems like he liked it."


    Lionel said that as if there were nothing wrong with it. Well, if one is acquainted with Desire, they would be used to it.


    However, as Aimon only knew about Desire''s existence today, he was shocked about it.


    That was why he had his head tilted as his left eye widened.


    Why? It was because...


    "W-what do you mean by a baby? He...was a baby? A baby who was able to introduce himself???!"


    "Are you fucking kidding me?!!"

 Chapter 135: Anomaly

    "Are you fucking kidding me!?!" Aimon shouted out loud as he was shocked.


    Although Aimon knew that Desire grew up from a baby to a child, he didn''t know that Desire...could talk.


    Hell, he didn''t even know Desire could think at that age. After all, it was just impossible for a human to be able to think and talk at that age!


    What''s more, from how Lionel explained it...Desire was the one to name himself while he was a baby!


    He shouldn''t even have the capacity to think, and yet, he was able to name himself?!


    That was just in the realm of ridiculous!


    Of course, Aimon didn''t know that Desire was born with his name, and that the system just said it.


    It was then that Lionel spoke with quite the smile on his face.


    "Of course not. I''m telling the truth here."


    "Well, that just explains how special my disciple is. Don''t you think so, Aimon?"


    Lionel said, but it seems that Aimon''s shock is still there as he spoke.


    "Impossible! And to think that he would name himself Desire! It''s such a waste!"


    Aimon said as he thought of the future, the future where Desire would be known as the Lion King''s disciple.


    How would the people call him? Desire? With that boring name, Desire would just be a laughing stock of the people.


    What''s more, since Desire would receive the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles, he may even have some awesome nicknames.


    However, his official name was just...Desire.


    "It''s a waste!" Aimon said as his left eye widened as much as possible.


    Of course, Lionel knew what Aimon was thinking about. However, Lionel didn''t care about that.


    After all, Lionel already said that he wouldn''t bind Desire to him.


    There''s no way Lionel would forcefully change Desire''s name when Desire wasn''t even pointing it out.


    Well, if Desire someday wanted to change his name, Lionel would help Desire with that.


    It was then that Lionel spoke once more. It seems like their talk has been going on for far too long as Lionel could feel his skin being wet.


    He could feel some water sprinkling on him, and that was because they were now near it.


    They were now near the waterfall that flows so strong. They were now near the Blessings of Tears, where Desire was building his foundation.


    "Anyway, we are here." Lionel said as he looked at the waterfall that seems to go for eternity.


    And even though Fyu couldn''t feel it, Lionel could.


    Lionel could feel Desire, who was building his foundation right inside the Blessings of Tear.


    Of course, Aimon knew what the Blessings of Tear was, and that was why he spoke.


    "Aren''t you spoiling him too much? Using the Blessings of Tear for his first time...that''s a luxury that even most nobles wouldn''t be able to afford."


    The Blessings of Tear is an item or a product that came from the Dungeon.


    And a Dungeon is something that appears rarely. What''s more, the Dungeon is a mythical or magical place where masters could be born.


    Even Lionel''s title, Lion King, was born from the moment he became a Conqueror.


    And since someone as powerful as Lionel got his powers from the Dungeon, the items from the Dungeon would be wanted or even needed by the people, normal or fighters alike.


    That is why the demand for items from the Dungeon is always high.


    And because it is high, the price for the items is ridiculously expensive.


    The Blessings of Tear is one of those items that have a price so high that even a noble wouldn''t be able to buy it even with his whole house''s money.


    Well, as Lionel had a clan who could go to the Dungeon, it was literally free.


    However, no one could deny the price that the Blessings of Tear would have once it is released on the market.


    "Hmm? Isn''t it obvious that I would only want the best for my disciple?"


    Lionel said as he disappeared! It was weird that he talked before disappearing, but that was because he was sure Aimon would be able to follow him.


    And that was the truth as Aimon also disappeared, as Aimon followed right after Lionel!


    And where they appeared was right on top of the branches of the trees.


    Well, they didn''t want to wait in a place where they were getting wet.


    "Well, I could understand your thought about it...so, what are we gonna do now?"


    Aimon said as he could feel Desire right inside the Blessings of Tear.


    Although Desire hadn''t really stayed inside the Blessings of Tear for a day now, it didn''t matter. Desire probably had a foundation by now, and that foundation would be acceptable for Aimon.


    That was why Aimon thought that Desire would be getting out of it soon as he was here now.


    After all, the reason why he was here was that he would perform the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles on Desire.


    And he wouldn''t be able to perform the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles on Desire if he were staying at the Blessings of Tear.


    Of course, Lionel knew what Aimon meant when he said those words.


    However, Lionel thought otherwise. Lionel wanted the best foundation possible for Desire at his age, and that was why Lionel told Desire that he should endure for a day.


    After all, it would be unsatisfactory if it weren''t the best!


    That was why Lionel spoke as he intended to make his intentions clear.


    "We would wait here."


    However, as if the Blessings of Tear were waiting for those words, the waterfall showed a change!


    Splash!!


    It exploded! The Blessings of Tear exploded as it splashed on the forest!


    Of course, Lionel and the others were already protecting themselves as soon as they felt it.


    And as if it didn''t matter at all...


    Boom!! Splash!


    The Blessings of Tear exploded once more! It exploded until it made the sky its throne!


    And the three people could only protect themselves as they didn''t know what was happening.

 Chapter 136: Anomaly II

    The Blessings of Tear exploded once more as it wet the forest with its water.


    Of course, it wet the people here, but it wasn''t really affecting them much.


    After all, the people gathered here could be considered monsters in society.


    Even the subordinate, Fyu, could probably raise quite the ruckus if he went all out.


    However, it seems that Fyu was considerate enough as he used his powers that were covering them right now.


    "Are you alright, my lord?" Fyu said as his hand was touching the transparent barrier that Fyu made with his mana.


    It was a simple use of his mana, and he just manifested it.


    However, Fyu didn''t hear the answer to his question.


    Why? It was because Lionel already disappeared!


    Lionel disappeared right after he heard the explosion that happened in the Blessings of Tear.


    Well, that was to be expected. After all, his disciple was right in the center of that explosion!


    Of course, Lionel would want to save his disciple.


    It was then that Fyu heard another voice speak. It was the mysterious old man, and the man named Aimon.


    "I guess people do change over time..."


    Aimon said as he saw Lionel rush at Desire to save him.


    To think that a person who didn''t like disciples would rush in without even thinking to save his disciple...


    Although it made Lionel a hypocrite, Aimon didn''t really care about that.


    However, it just interested Aimon how the disciple-hating Lionel was now spoiling his own disciple.


    "Ah, Fyu, was it? You can put it off now. It seems that it''s done."


    Aimon said as he looked at Fyu. Of course, Fyu heard that and he immediately stopped using his mana.


    Even if Aimon wasn''t really his lord, Aimon was still his lord''s...guest.


    It was then that Fyu was about to talk to Aimon for thanking him, but he couldn''t.


    Why? It was because Aimon, too, disappeared as he went towards Lionel and Desire.


    It was clear that he, too, was excited to see and know what just happened.


    After all, it isn''t every day that the Blessings of Tear would explode just like that.


    Hell, as far as Aimon knew, there was nothing that could make the Blessings of Tear react like that.


    That was why Aimon was excited to know the cause.


    "Hmm..." Fyu hummed as he noticed that he was the only one here.


    He was thinking about whether to go there, but he decided against it.


    After all, Fyu could just defend them while he''s in the shadows. He could just respond once he is called.


    That was how he did things, and that would be the same for this case as well.


    Well, it''s not like Lionel and the old man needed any help in defending this place.


    And so, Fyu just remained where he was standing currently as he waited for the other two to check up on the little lord.


    ''Hmm...little lord, that''s what I would call the little lord.''


    Fyu thought as he peeled his eyes wide open for any possible sneak attacks.


    ****


    As soon as the explosion started going off, Lionel went on to save Desire.


    As Lionel had a strong foundation built on his body, he didn''t have to worry about such an explosion.


    What''s more, Lionel could just strengthen his defenses if he felt that it would be threatening his life.


    And that was exactly what he did, and that was why he was currently inside the Blessings of Tear.


    ''Where is he?!'' Lionel thought as his head moved from up and down, left to right!


    It didn''t take long for Lionel to see Desire as Desire was just...sitting right in front of him.


    It was weird that Desire wasn''t affected by the explosion as he was at the center of it, but Lionel knew otherwise.


    After all, Desire''s skin was...burning red!


    Desire didn''t even look like a human anymore as the redness was just that...red.


    ''What the fuck happened?! This keeps happening every time!'' Lionel thought as he swam towards Desire.


    Every time Desire trains, there would always be something that would happen.


    The first time Desire formed his Core, he destroyed his mana circuits.


    Although Lionel didn''t know of it, Desire also made a mess during the time he was training the Cold-Blooded Trait.


    However, that does not end there as even the time Desire did the Death stage, something happened.


    Well, what happened was that Lionel just knew that Desire was a God-Level talent. However, the fact is...something still happened.


    That was why Lionel was getting annoyed by it now as something happened again to Desire.


    What''s more, Desire''s condition doesn''t look that good.


    ''I thought he was hot, but he''s not.'' Lionel thought as he grabbed Desire''s nape.


    Although Desire looked like a burning torch right now, he wasn''t hot. He wasn''t burning or something like that.


    Well, even if Desire was burning or something like that, Lionel would still be able to touch him.


    It was then that Lionel swam away while grabbing Desire''s nape.


    It didn''t take them long to get out of the Blessings of Tear as Lionel was able to carry Desire without a problem, even though they were underwater.


    And as soon as Lionel resurfaced back to the ground, he put down Desire on the ground.


    It was then that Lionel heard a voice coming beside him.


    "Lionel, what happened?"


    Of course, that voice was from the old man, Aimon. And Aimon was currently staring straight at Desire and Lionel.


    It was weird as both of them weren''t wet from the water of the Blessings of Tear, but that was how the Blessings of Tear worked.


    That was why Aimon didn''t question that part.


    It was then that Lionel spoke while staring at Desire''s...red skin.


    "I don''t know. His skin...drastically changed. He wasn''t like this before. Something must have gone wrong while he was in there."


    Lionel said as he observed Desire very carefully.

 Chapter 137: Anomaly III

    "I don''t know. His skin...drastically changed. He wasn''t like this before. Something must have gone wrong while he was in there."


    Lionel said as he looked at Desire very carefully.


    What Lionel said was the truth. When he first left Desire, he knew that his skin wasn''t like this.


    Of course, Lionel was able to know that because he was the one who threw Desire inside the Blessings of Tear.


    Desire was just lying down on the ground with his eyes closed, and that was why Aimon bent down his knees as he touched Desire.


    "Hmmm." Aimon murmured as he closed his left eye.


    He was trying to feel Desire better so that he would know what was going on.


    Of course, Lionel let him do that as he knew that Aimon would do better than him.


    After all, Aimon had experience in being a physician. In fact, the reason why he was able to create the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles was that he was a physician.


    That was why Lionel knew better than to interrupt Aimon from doing his things.


    And it was only after a few seconds the Aimon spoke as he touched his chin.


    "This disciple of yours...he''s one hell of a monster, that''s for sure."


    And when Lionel heard that, he couldn''t help but smile. After all, Lionel had the same conclusion just a day ago.


    The fact that Aimon said that means that it was the truth.


    However, Aimon''s words didn''t stop there.


    "I understand his situation now."


    Aimon said as he opened his life eye before proceeding to stand up. He then continued as he looked at Lionel.


    No, before continuing, he pointed first at the Blessings of Tear.


    "You pulled him out too fast. It seems like his foundation building is not finished, yet."


    "As long as you get him back in there, he should return back to normal."


    Aimon just said was the things that he noticed while he was checking Desire out.


    What Aimon said was the truth. After all, it usually takes a day for one to complete a foundation.


    However, because of what happened with the Blessings of Tear, Lionel pulled him out...while Desire was still completing his foundation.


    It was a rash move.


    Well, no one could blame Lionel for it. After all, that was the first time something like that happened.


    That was why Lionel wanted to know why that happened. He was about to ask Aimon, but Aimon spoke first.


    "I don''t know either. The only thing I''m sure is that he isn''t done yet."


    Aimon said as he shook his head. It seems that even his knowledge was lacking for this topic.


    "Hah." Lionel sighed.


    He then walked towards Desire and reached out towards Desire''s nape. And while he was carrying Desire, Lionel asked Aimon.


    "So, I just have to toss him back in?"


    And when Aimon heard what Lionel said, he nodded his head. He was sure that he was right. After all, it was pretty clear that Desire wasn''t done.


    "Alright." Lionel said as he bent his knees.


    He then pulled the arm holding Desire back, and then he tossed him back in with just his arm strength!


    Pew!


    The sound of the air being cut resounded out, and just right after that, the sound of the water being cut resounded out as well.


    Splash!


    Desire went right back inside the Blessings of Tear with the ''help'' of Lionel.


    "So, we just have to wait, huh." Lionel murmured as he looked at the waterfall.


    The waterfall that was somehow, and weirdly...distorting?


    This scene was so shocking that Lionel had his eyes wide open.


    "Hey, Aimon. Are you seeing...what I am seeing?" Lionel said as he rubbed his eyes.


    Aimon, too, was watching the waterfall with his left eye. And when he heard Lionel''s voice, he spoke.


    "Y-yeah...we live in the same world. Anyways, is the Blessings of Tear...being absorbed?"


    Aimon said as he couldn''t believe what he was seeing right now. After all, it was just...absurd!


    It was in the realm of impossible! It was in the realm of imagination!


    Why? It was because the Blessings of Tear was distorting and turning!


    It wasn''t falling anymore like how a waterfall should, but instead, it was going back up!


    It was going back up like a wave, and it certainly defies the natural order of the world.


    Of course, that was not all! There was something more...outrageous than that, and that was...


    "T-the Blessings of Tear is being absorbed...by that kid?" Aimon murmured as he started shaking.


    After all, the Blessings of Tear...was going right inside Desire!


    Of course, that was the natural process, but...the Blessings of Tear were going back for him!


    It was as if it were trying to enter every single part of Desire''s body!


    And that is abnormal! After all, one just bathes in the Blessings of Tear to get a foundation!


    The Blessings of Tear doesn''t get absorbed; it was just impossible!


    That was why the two of them were confused about the situation.


    After all, it was clear that the Blessings of Tear were...going inside Desire''s body, and it was running out!


    It was as if Desire were drinking the waterfall itself!


    "What in the name of heavens is happening..." Lionel murmured with wide-open eyes.


    Lionel didn''t know if he should go in and save his disciple or what.


    After all, what if this were just a natural occurrence for Desire? What if pulling Desire out of that situation would just serve harm?


    Lionel didn''t know things, and that was why he was lost!


    Of course, it was not only Lionel who was lost, but also Aimon, and even the guy who was watching from the shadows, Fyu!


    They didn''t know what to do in this situation, and they didn''t know if this would be good!


    However, there was something that all three, or, at least, Lionel and Aimon could agree on.


    And that was...


    ''He''s abnormal.''


    Desire was abnormal.


    That was the only thing they could think of as they watched the Blessings of Tear be absorbed by Desire!

 Chapter 138: Small light

    It didn''t take long for Desire to finish absorbing everything there is to absorb in the Blessings of Tear.


    Well, he literally absorbed the Blessings of Tear, and he was now just lying in the...ground.


    However, if there were anything that changed in him, that would be that his skin returned back to normal.


    Of course, the other two people here could see that very well as they just looked at Desire with weird eyes.


    It was then that Lionel spoke with a rough voice while keeping his eyes peeled open as he just looked at Desire.


    "Aimon, is there...anyone who has experienced something like this besides this little bastard?"


    "Is there an event where the Blessings of Tear would be absorbed all of a sudden?"


    Lionel then looked back at the place where the Blessings of Tear were falling.


    He looked at the place where the waterfall was falling.


    It was the place where the rigorous flow of water kept falling, but now...


    It was empty.


    The Blessings of Tear were no longer there, and it looked just like a steep road.


    The water that keeps on splashing people if one is too near was no longer there.


    Of course, that was because of what happened with Desire.


    What just happened was...unheard of. There was nothing like this even in the history of the whole world.


    It was then that Aimon spoke as his left eye stared straight at the sleeping Desire.


    "No...I have lived for a long time now. This is the first time I have seen something like this."


    What Aimon said was the truth. He has lived for hundreds of years now, but there was no one who did the same as what Desire did.


    Aimon was confident that there was no one else who absorbed the Blessings of Tear while building one''s foundation.


    Why? This event was just that special, and it would be etched on his memory.


    That was why Aimon would easily remember it even if it were from a few hundred years ago.


    And the fact that he couldn''t remember anything means that it didn''t happen.


    "Phew." Aimon sighed as he shook his head.


    This event was just too shocking, and that was why he needed to get a grip on himself.


    Of course, it''s not like this was really a big thing. It was just surprising that a really expensive item from a Dungeon would be absorbed by a child.


    However, this event would truly be remarkable only if Desire got something out of it.


    No matter how impossible the event was, as long as nothing could be obtained from it, no one would remember it.


    Nothing would go down in history, and one''s name would be just forgotten.


    However, if Desire were able to get something extraordinary from all the water that he absorbed, this...


    That would mean that it was something, and many men who would learn this would try to absorb the Blessings of Tear.


    Of course, they would target Desire first for information, and that was why Lionel spoke.


    "Don''t tell anyone about this."


    And that was the only thing he said.


    Of course, Aimon could understand what Lionel meant by those words.


    He wasn''t stupid, and besides, it''s not like Aimon would just betray Lionel when they already made a deal.


    What''s more, they were friends. It would just be ridiculous if Aimon were to just broadcast things about Lionel''s disciple.


    After all, Aimon can''t even go out of his hiding place without a guard or someone to hide him.


    It was then that Aimon spoke once more as he turned his head to look at Lionel.


    "What do we do? Do we wait for him to wake up or what?"


    As Desire just went through such a...new event, both of these strong men didn''t know what to do.


    However, since Lionel was Desire''s master, Lionel would have the authority to decide in this situation.


    Of course, Lionel knew that as well, which is why he smiled.


    His smile showed off his fangs, and this smile...was the smile that Desire was familiar with.


    Well, Desire wasn''t familiar with it because of good reasons, and it was obvious why.


    "I''ll wake him up." Lionel said with that same smile.


    He then walked up towards Desire, and he just grabbed him...by the neck!


    It was something one wouldn''t normally do in a situation where the person might be injured!


    However, Lionel didn''t seem to care about that at all as he just slapped Desire!


    Clap!


    Of course, Lionel didn''t stop there at all as he continued slapping him so fast that...Desire''s cheeks became swollen all of a sudden.


    And Aimon just watched that as he shook his head.


    "Hah. What did I expect from this idiot?"


    Indeed, Lionel was an idiot for treating a child like this, but well.


    Considering that this was training time, it was Desire''s fault for falling asleep.


    After all, Lionel already told him that he should endure! And the fact that he fell asleep means that he didn''t endure!


    That is something that could be considered punishable.


    Clap!


    The sound of Lionel''s hands hitting Desire''s cheeks resounded out in this place.


    And it wouldn''t be long till Desire wakes up once more.


    ****


    In a place where there was a castle standing tall in the desolate land, there was a single person living there.


    The person living in the castle was a woman, and she was just sitting on a chair.


    No, was it even a chair? The chair was so...glorious that it looked like it was a throne.


    Well, it was indeed a throne.


    Anyway, the woman was just sitting down on it as her black hair flowed down to the floor.


    It was then that the woman looked up at the ceiling.


    However, the woman was looking at something different with her red eyes.


    What she was seeing was...lights. Right, lights were all she saw.


    And there was a...small light there. The woman was looking at that small light.

 Chapter 139: Small light II

    The woman was just looking at that small light as if doing this were all the comfort that she needed.


    She even looked like she was longing for it, and her red eyes were definitely not hiding any of that.


    "Hahhh." The woman breathed out loud as she looked at that small light.


    There was only one thing that was on her mind, and that was the question of when.


    When would I meet you? When would you come to see me? When would that time be?


    The woman''s head was full of those thoughts, and it was because of that, the woman wasn''t able to restrain herself.


    The woman then snapped her fingers as she made her dress disappear.


    And as if she couldn''t wait for it, her legs parted right away as she moved her right hand to touch the place where she could feel wet.


    Right, she was planning to touch herself.


    And the woman didn''t hesitate at all as she moved her hand to touch her special place.


    Of course, while she was moving, her red eyes were still staring straight at the small light.


    The small light...that she thought would do the same things to her.


    "Hmh!" The woman let out a moan as her fingers touched that place.


    As she was already wet, the sensitivity was just...too much for the woman.


    However, the woman didn''t care about that as she began to rub her pinky thingy with her index and middle finger.


    The stimulation from her rubbing brought her great...pleasure, but that wasn''t enough for the woman.


    That was why the woman...started to rub it a little bit faster, and she brought her left hand near her mouth as she started sucking her middle finger.


    "Hmmmm!" The woman moaned as she imagined her finger to be the special rod that she would soon suck.


    She licked her finger intensely as if she were licking some delicious food.


    Of course, the woman didn''t forget about her special place as she continued rubbing it.


    "Ohh...my God." The woman said as she continued sucking her finger.


    It was quite amazing how she was able to form a word with her finger inside her mouth.


    But that was because the woman wasn''t doing it for real.


    Right, she was only getting started as she started to form images in her mind.


    However, before even the woman could get started, her red eyes widened!


    Why? It was because the woman could see something change in the small light!


    The woman became flustered as the light...flickered one time!


    And right after that flicker, the small light...became a little bit bigger.


    The woman knew the meaning of that, and that was why...even though she was enjoying herself, her fingers stopped automatically.


    Her middle finger went out of her mouth as she fixed her position.


    She then spoke with her eyes wide open.


    "No, no, no, no, no!!!" The woman said with great shock evident on her face.


    It seems that what happened just now was unbelievable.


    "There is someone else guiding him!!"


    "There really is someone guiding him!!!"


    "My spot!! Someone took my spot!!"


    The woman said as she bit her lips! After all, this woman was the one who was supposed to guide the small light.


    However, due to some unknown circumstances, the woman wasn''t able to fulfill her duty.


    That was why she was trying hard to fulfill it but to think that there was already someone else guiding the small light...


    "No!!!"


    The woman then snapped her fingers as the dress came back to her automatically.


    She then reached out towards the floor as she took something like a...ball.


    It was a ball, but it was not a simple one. It was because this ball...was a communication tool.


    The woman was so freaked out that she forgot she could just make the ball float in the air.


    It was then that the woman shouted out loud to the communication tool.


    "Livier!! Come here!"


    And as soon as she said that, a figure suddenly showed up right in front of the woman.


    That figure was a man, and he was kneeling down with his head bowed to the woman.


    "Yes, your highness!" The man said.


    However, the woman didn''t care about what the man said as she just spoke.


    "What are you useless fools doing?!"


    "Have you not found Him yet!?"


    And when the man heard what the woman said, he...stopped for a moment to think about it.


    After all, he didn''t want to give any false information to the woman...to the Queen.


    It was only after a thorough consideration that the man spoke again.


    Well, that only took a few seconds, though.


    "We have investigated the lowest plane, and we have found some traces of a human who could get stronger with Magic Infusion."


    "Currently, we suspect that man to be Him."


    "However, we also have sniffed out some rats who are trying to do something in the lowest plane."


    "It''s...a little bit complicated."


    The man said with great hesitation. Of course, the woman didn''t like how the man hesitated and took his time.


    After all, she wanted information, right this moment!


    "What is it?!" The woman said.


    It was only then that the man spoke again.


    "The rats...are trying to instigate a huge war in the lowest plane."


    "As the Queen may know, the rats are also out there, looking for Him."


    "And if they are doing something big, it must be connected to Him."


    "And the man that we suspect to be him, and the things that the rats are currently doing..."


    "They have no connection whatsoever."


    And when the woman heard that, she bit her lips so hard that she started to bleed.


    After all, what that means was...


    "So, you have no idea who to follow." The woman said as calmly as she could.


    "Yes, your highness."


    "We are trying our hardest so that we wouldn''t be found by any of the reigning gods."


    "However, even then, we have the Sovereigns to mind."


    "Please, bear with it for a while as we try out hardest-"


    The man couldn''t finish his sentence as the woman spoke.


    "I don''t care about that! I said that you guys do not have to mind any of the heavens!"


    "And that means only one thing!"


    "Do whatever you can to find Him!"


    "Do you understand that, you fool who can''t even do a single good job!?!"


    And when the man was asked, he only spoke while lowering his head as low as possible.


    "Yes, your highness."


    "All shall be done by your will."


    Under his Queen''s rage, the man, Livier, could only try to appease her.

 Chapter 140: Heavens Blue!

    Right after his meeting with the Queen, Livier was currently...flying outside the castle.


    After all, he only went there because he was called. He didn''t have any business there anymore, and that was why it was time to go back to his job.


    With a flap of his wings, Livier...as a bird was flying in the air as he kept his eyes wide open.


    Although he could go back to his place right away with teleportation magic, he didn''t.


    After all, Livier wanted to think things through as the order came down from the Queen herself.


    He wanted to perfect his duty so that the Queen wouldn''t react that way anymore.


    However, no matter how much Livier thought about it, there was just no way he and his comrades could solve things right away.


    ''The Queen is getting too impatient.'' Livier thought as he flapped his wings once more.


    He knew that the Queen said to not mind the heavens, but that was a tall order even for Livier.


    After all, Livier had to keep in mind his safety, and his subordinate''s safety.


    What''s more, he also had to keep in mind the Queen''s safety as he combed through the lowest plane.


    If the reigning gods were to find out about what they were doing in the lowest plane, a new war might start between them.


    A new war might start between the demons and the angels.


    That was why Livier didn''t want to make much of a ruckus there.


    However, with how the Queen acted this time around, something must have happened.


    Although Livier wanted to do it as safely as possible, he couldn''t do that now.


    ''Hah...I have no choice.'' Livier thought as he flapped his wings once more.


    And while he was in his bird form, Livier murmured.


    "I have to ride with the wave that the rats are trying to create."


    "That seems to be the best solution in this situation..."


    And leaving behind those words, Livier...disappeared as he flapped his wings for real.


    It was only a matter of time until he returned back to his place.


    ****


    Slap!


    With the sound of clapping, Lionel slapped Desire''s cheeks.


    Of course, it didn''t take long for Desire to open his eyes as he felt pain.


    And if he felt pain, that means that he had consciousness once more.


    That was why Desire had his eyes wide open right now as he stared at Lionel.


    He then spoke with...quite the funny tone as his cheeks were swollen.


    "Don''t tell me...I passed out again, master?" Desire said.


    It seems that he couldn''t remember what happened as the pain from being invaded by the Blessings of Tear was just too much even for Desire.


    "Yeah, so what happened?" Lionel said as he looked at Desire while reaching out for something in his shirt.


    Of course, it was the pill that he gave Desire before, and he just dropped it casually.


    However, as Desire already knows this pattern, Desire was able to catch it! Of course, without using his instincts.


    Desire then gulped down the pill as he knew the effects of it would heal him.


    And he was right as his cheeks returned back to normal within just a second.


    It was then that Desire could see something appear right in front of him.


    Of course, it was the usual Unknown telling him things.


    And what it said was...


    [Desire has finished building his two foundations: Core and Body.]


    [Desire is starting his path to the Way.]


    [Desire would then decide which path he would take; Human or Monster, or both.]


    [Body Foundation: Heaven''s Blue.]


    -Supreme Grade!


    -One of a kind!


    -Impossible to achieve!


    [Advice!]


    -Heaven''s Blue is Supreme Grade. Desire could upgrade it by collecting more Blessings of Tear.


    -Heaven''s Blue is only strong at the lowest plane, First World.


    Desire then finished reading it all, but...he didn''t give it much attention.


    ''I''ll try to understand it later.'' Desire thought as he brought the message to the back of his mind.


    There was only one reason why Desire would do something like that, even though the Unknown contains so much information.


    And that was because it was training time right now.


    Desire didn''t have the right to think about things when he collapsed twice on his first day.


    After all, Desire could just think about what the Unknown said later on.


    And that was exactly what he planned to do once the training finishes.


    That was why Desire looked up right after reading it.


    And what he saw was...waves?


    Right, that was all he saw when he looked up, and what''s more, the waves looked a little bit...light.


    The waves didn''t have the usual look of blue.


    ''What happened?'' Desire thought as he imagined that something happened with the Blessings of Tear.


    After all, the only thing that could possibly be connected with waves is the waterfall.


    However, Desire...became shocked when he realized that it was different!


    It was then that Desire heard a voice speak to him. And at the same time, Desire could see the waves...move.


    "Hmm? This little student of yours seems to be thinking of something disrespectful or is it just me?"


    The bag of waves moved as Aimon moved away from Desire. The reason why Desire saw...waves or rather his wrinkles were that Aimon was too close to Desire.


    Of course, Aimon intended to tease Desire, but...it felt like he got teased instead.


    "Hmmmm. This is weird, you were thinking something disrespectful to me, weren''t you?" Aimon said as he touched his beard.


    He was caressing his long beard as he just looked at Desire. And when Desire saw...the bag of waves, Aimon, Desire soon tilted his head.


    After all, Desire didn''t know this old man at all.


    It was then that Desire could hear another voice speaking to him.


    Of course, that voice came from his master, who was just standing in front.


    "Desire, this is Aimon."


    "This is the guy who would help you be able to wield all three styles."


    "You remember what I said earlier, right? That you would have to work hard for it."


    "This is the moment that you would have to work hard for it."

 Chapter 141: Calm

    "This is the moment that you would have to work hard for it." Lionel said as he looked at Desire.


    Of course, Desire was able to hear all those words with his ears. And he became...a little bit shocked.


    Although Desire knew that he would have to work hard for it, he didn''t expect that there would be another person involved in it.


    What''s more, the other person...looked like to be a human.


    Desire has not met a lot of humans. In fact, he just met Grizelle and the other guy.


    However, Grizelle...was able to mesmerize Desire. That was why nothing much happened to Desire''s...emotions.


    Desire also met another person, but he wasn''t sure if that person was a human or not.


    Desire doesn''t have a lot of experience in meeting humans, and that was for sure.


    Now...a completely different human was here right in front of Desire?


    Desire didn''t know how to react to it, and he didn''t know what to feel about it.


    Although Desire has gotten way, way better at controlling his emotions, Desire was still not confident in meeting...another human.


    That was why Desire was preventing himself from looking at the human once more.


    However, it seems that it was not his choice to make as Aimon spoke out loud.


    "This little bastard...he got no respect for other people, does he? Why isn''t he saying anything?"


    "Are you sure you raised him right?"


    Aimon then walked towards Lionel and stopped right beside him. And that was why Desire...could see him right now.


    After all, Desire was looking at Lionel.


    And as soon as Desire saw...the old man, who was full of wrinkles, Desire felt nothing.


    He felt nothing at all. It was so strange that Desire was shaken up to his core!


    After all, a human was able to raise a ruckus in Desire''s emotions. Monsters could make a ruckus in Desire''s emotions.


    However, why is it...this man did nothing to Desire''s emotions?


    It was as if the old man was just nothing for Desire!


    ''This is...getting weirder and weirder by the day.'' Desire thought as he looked at Aimon.


    However, it''s not like Desire has the time to be shaken up. If this old man did nothing to Desire''s emotions, then all is well.


    After all, that was what Desire has trained hard for the past year! It was all to control his emotions better.


    ''Although I don''t know if it''s because I have gotten better or not, this result is satisfactory.''


    What Desire thought was right. Desire might just be new to this...not feeling anything when meeting a new person.


    Although Desire wasn''t sure, Desire suspects that this was the result that he yearned for a year ago.


    This moment was the time Desire was able to eat the sweet fruit that he planted a year ago.


    ''Right, nothing is wrong.'' Desire thought as he shook his head.


    He then got a hold of himself as he strengthened his resolve.


    Although so many things happened ever since he woke up, Desire''s goal was still the same.


    And that was to get stronger.


    "I''m sorry for not greeting you, my name is Desire." Desire said as he took a bow at Aimon.


    He then raised his head and looked at Lionel as he tilted his head.


    "Master, what do you mean this person would help me in being able to wield all three styles?"


    Of course, when Lionel heard that, he quickly spoke so that no one would misunderstand anything.


    "First of all, have you completed your foundation?"


    "I think the system will say something like ''you completed your foundation'' or something like that."


    Desire nodded his head as he did receive something like that. Desire then remembered that his system was the Unknown now, and that was why he put his guards up.


    After all, he didn''t want anyone to know about Unknown, even his master.


    The very first thing he learned ever since he met Jarina was to keep his own secrets.


    If he couldn''t even do that, Desire won''t be able to live in a society.


    That was why Desire was...ready now for any questions Lionel might have regarding the system or whatnot.


    However, it seems that Desire didn''t have to do that anymore as Lionel spoke.


    "Good. I told you before that humans don''t know much about the body foundation."


    "The humans have no way to identify one''s body foundation, and all we know is how to upgrade it."


    "Of course, even if we do upgrade it, we have no way of telling what we did upgrade."


    "The reason why we don''t know much is also partially because of the system."


    "The system doesn''t tell humans about what kind of body foundation one got, or what grade."


    "It just literally says one got a foundation."


    "I think you understand now how the system isn''t really that accurate."


    "There are many more inconsistencies that the system has, but we won''t tackle that part anymore."


    "After all, I and even Aimon are here to make you stronger, not to make you learn about the system."


    Lionel then turned around as he urged the other two to follow him.


    "Let''s go, we would go to the center of this forest so that we could start the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles."


    Lionel then disappeared together with Desire as Lionel grabbed Desire''s nape without him even noticing it.


    And the one who was left behind, Aimon...was tilting his head.


    After all, The way Lionel acted just now...Aimon was not used to it.


    "That cat...why is he rushing things?"


    After all, Lionel seems to be in a rush.


    He wasn''t explaining things thoroughly, and he wasn''t giving enough insights into how the system works.


    Although there wasn''t anything wrong with what Lionel said, for Aimon who had a disciple before, Lionel''s teaching was immature.


    "Ah, I guess this is his first time teaching someone. And it fits his personality, too...however..."


    I can''t help but think that he is rushing his disciple''s training.


    Aimon thought as his left eye turned sharp.


    ''Does that bastard...plan to do something in the near future?''

 Chapter 142: Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles

    It didn''t take long for Lionel and Desire to reach the Lion''s forest as Lionel was fast. He wasn''t a Conqueror for nothing.


    Of course, Aimon was able to follow Lionel as he appeared right after Lionel appeared with Desire. It seems that Aimon decided to just let things go as he didn''t know what was going on in Lionel''s mind.


    Besides, he could just ask Lionel himself if there were something wrong. After all, although they rarely met with each other, they were still friends and all.


    Lionel would probably answer something so basic as why Lionel is rushing things.


    Of course, that was just Aimon''s thoughts, and his thoughts were disrupted as Lionel spoke as he put down Desire on the ground.


    As Desire wasn''t used to Lionel''s strength, it took him quite a while to adjust and he stumbled on the ground as he fell.


    "What? You fell just because of that? I should probably rough you up as soon as possible." Lionel said as he looked at Desire with quite an annoyed look.


    After all, Desire fell on his butt just because Lionel moved his too fast. Of course, fast was an understatement, but it was reasonable.


    Desire didn''t have the tolerance, and he wasn''t used to moving at a fast pace. It would be even weirder if he were able to take in Lionel''s speed.


    "Ahhh..." Desire murmured as he shook his head. As soon as he got a hold of himself, he stood up as he looked at his master.


    Desire didn''t speak at all as he just waited for instructions. However, the one to speak was not Lionel, but Aimon.


    "Shall we start? Where would we do it? Just here?" Aimon said as he started walking with his hands behind his back.


    He observed this place as he turned his head left and right, up and down, and as soon as he finished observing, Aimon was amazed.


    After all, the place was just that superb, and it didn''t have any traces of someone else stepping in here.


    It was clear that no one else has come in here except for a very minimal number amount of people.


    However, the real reason why Aimon was amazed was that...at the very center of this place, there was something like a shrine.


    It wasn''t a real shrine, but it just had the feeling of one. It was also crafted with woods that Aimon could tell was a very special wood.


    It didn''t have any doors or rooms, and it was very small. It had stairs around it, and as soon as one climbs those stairs, there was space that one could probably rest on.


    However, that space was very little as Desire is probably the only one who would be able to fit in there.


    It was then that Lionel spoke as he urged Desire to follow him.


    "That''s right. Well, you would be doing it on top of this Healing Well."


    "Although it is a Healing Well, it isn''t really that good."


    Right after saying those words, Lionel lifted Desire up as he put him on top of the Healing Well.


    Of course, Desire didn''t really put up a fight or resist as he knew that this was for him. And as soon as he was on top of the Healing Well, Lionel spoke to him.


    "This is the Healing Well. I''ve said before that this process is extremely hard and that is because it is painful."


    "Some of the pain would be relieved by the Healing Well, but all of it won''t be gone."


    "You would be forced to feel it all even if you pass out, so just endure it."


    "Got it?"


    And when Desire heard those words, he just nodded his head. Desire has already resolved himself for this when he agreed to do it.


    Although he didn''t know that someone else would be doing it for him and not his master, it didn''t really matter.


    As long as Desire gets the desired result from this, he would be satisfied. After all, that was all that matters.


    Of course, Lionel could see the fiery determination Desire had in those little blue eyes of his. That was why Lionel had a smile on his face.


    After all, Aimon had already told Lionel what would happen in the brief moment they were together.


    That was why he knew those things.


    "Alright, just lie down on the ground face down." Lionel said as he instructed Desire.


    Of course, Desire did as he was told, and it didn''t take him long to do it.


    And when Desire was done with that, Lionel looked back on Aimon. He then spoke as he nodded his head.


    "Shall we?"


    It was then that Aimon finally spoke as he waited for the master and disciple to finish doing their thing. He didn''t want to interrupt them, after all.


    "So, it''s a Healing Well. You sure do spoil your disciple a lot." Aimon said as he shook his head while having a wide smile on his face.


    After all, he didn''t expect that Lionel would do so many things just for his disciple. It was definitely weird for Aimon who knew that Lionel would erupt in anger just by seeing another clan master''s disciple.


    Of course, he didn''t plan to nitpick on that part, and that was why Aimon began the procedure.


    His body...started to blur as mist came out of his body!


    Aimon the Phantom Hands was turning into mist!


    And it didn''t take long for the Phantom Hands to completely disappear as mist replaced him in this place. Of course, Lionel didn''t worry about the mist as he knew that was Aimon.


    And as Lionel observed the mist very carefully, his eyes soon saw a radiant golden light shining in the middle of the mist.


    It was strange how there was nothing like that before, but Lionel didn''t think it so. After all, Lionel could see the radiant golden light surfacing from the mist!


    And what Lionel saw...was two hands and in between each of those hands'' fingers, there were 10 golden needles.


    The 10 golden needles had an aura of reverence, and Lionel clearly knew what was the reason for that.


    ''Aurus Gold...this old bastard was hiding something like that?'' Lionel thought as he saw Aimon move his hands and his body towards Desire.


    Aurus Gold. It was a metal that was made by the Gods, but that was not enough to surprise Lionel. After all, Desire had the Krussi, and Krussi was composed of Aurus Gold.


    The reason why Lionel was surprised by it was that Aimon...could probably use the Golden Needles. After all, he brought it out! There''s no way Aimon would just bring something out, and not use it.


    And the fact that Aimon could use something so articulate as a needle and the needle was created using Aurus Gold...that in itself was amazing.


    Wielding an item made with Aurus Gold is something not many could achieve, and even some of the strong people cannot do it. That was why Lionel was surprised by it.


    What''s more, Aimon probably doesn''t use the 10 golden needles that much. But the fact that he was using it for the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles means that Aimon was serious.


    ''I''ll repay this favor, Aimon.'' Lionel thought as he watched the mist gather around the Healing Well.


    The mist wasn''t really that thick or dangerous. In fact, the mist only looked like dust that rose up, and it would be easy for the wind to blow the mist away. Of course, that was not the case as Aimon was the mist.


    However, it was the truth that the mist was looking so weak. It didn''t look like it belongs to someone who is as strong as Aimon! And it seems that Aimon was thinking the same as he did something with the mist!


    The mist started to spread out with the Healing Well as its center! The mist didn''t stop even after a minute has passed, and it was only when the mist...started to dominate the air around the Lion''s Forest did Aimon stop.


    It seems that Lionel didn''t care about that as he just watched it all with careful eyes. Of course, Lionel could still see Desire and the Healing Well.


    It was then that Aimon''s head suddenly formed on top of the mist. His hands that were roaming around with the mist as his arms were looking quite creepy. Of course, now that Aimon had his head out, Aimon truly looked bizarre!


    What''s more, Aimon''s head and his hands weren''t really that solid. In fact, they looked like a total blur even to Lionel''s eyes. That was how much of a phantom Aimon was.


    And with that kind of look, Aimon finally started as the mist started to attack Desire! The mist that was dominating the air around the Lion''s Forest started to move towards the Healing Well to attack Desire!


    Aimon then spoke out loud as his right eye started to shine!


    "Ghost Needles!"

 Chapter 143: Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles II

    "Ghost Needles!" Aimon shouted out loud as his face and hands floated down towards Desire.


    His body, the mist, also floated down towards Desire as it attacked him!


    The mist was just basically touching Desire''s skin, but that was not the case at all.


    The mist was entering every pore in Desire''s body, and it was forcing its entrance!


    And since the mist is Aimon himself, that means only one thing!


    Aimon was currently forcing to enter Desire''s body, and as if he was really used to doing this, the mist had no problems with entering Desire''s pores!


    And the man himself, Desire, didn''t react to it at all. It was weird as his body was forcefully being opened up and all that.


    However, it was reasonable for Desire not to react to this.


    After all, Desire...was already knocked out!


    The pain of having the mist enter his body is unimaginable! After all, the mist was basically tearing apart Desire''s muscles and skin.


    What''s more, the mist that was entering his body was not little at all!


    The mist once covered the whole Lion''s Forest, and all that mist was cutting up Desire''s muscles, skin, flesh, bones! Basically, the mist was cutting everything up!


    However, that was not all that the mist was cutting! The mist was also cutting...Desire''s life force!


    And life force is literally Desire''s life! If that runs out, Desire would be dead!


    That was why Desire couldn''t do anything and just straight up passed out from the pain.


    Of course, it''s not like Aimon''s goal with this was to make Desire''s life force run out and kill him.


    That was definitely not the case as this was just the normal process for what he was about to do.


    Right, Aimon has not even started the first step for the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles.


    And that was because Aimon was looking for something as his right eye...was still closed, but it was clear that his Eye of Truth was shining.


    ''Hmm...Where the hell is his Spiritual Vein?'' Aimon thought as his head moved up and down.


    The reason why Desire was lying face flat was that the Spiritual Vein was located on the back of a human.


    However, no matter how much Aimon looked at Desire''s back with his left eye, Aimon couldn''t see anything at all.


    He couldn''t see anything that could be described as the Spiritual Vein, and he also couldn''t feel anything like it.


    Although the Spiritual Vein is located on the back of a human, it isn''t located at the same place for every human.


    Some might have their Spiritual Vein on their very nape, and some might have their Spiritual Vein on their lower back.


    That was why Aimon was having a hard time right now.


    ''Am I forced to use my Eye of Truth so early in the process?'' Aimon thought as he considered opening his right eye.


    Of course, as Aimon couldn''t see it with his naked eye, he thought that his special eye would be able to solve the problem.


    His special eye was the Eye of Truth. With such a special name, finding Desire''s Spiritual Vein would be an easy task.


    That was why he was thinking of opening his shining right eye right now, but he stopped himself.


    After all, Aimon wouldn''t be able to handle using his Eye of Truth for long.


    He knew that this would take a long period of time, and that was why he didn''t want to abuse it.


    Aimon also didn''t want to pass out while he was doing the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles on Desire.


    That would just mean disaster for the both of them.


    ''However, how the hell am I supposed to find his Spiritual Vein without it...I''m already done with the preparation.''


    The preparation that Aimon was thinking about was the mist entering Desire''s body.


    Although the mist was still floating in the air right now, it wasn''t as thick as before.


    It means that most of Aimon''s mist was already inside Desire''s body.


    And Aimon needed to proceed to the next step as soon as possible, and that was why Aimon was actually having a hard time deciding right now.


    Although not much time has passed, Aimon needed to find the Spiritual Vein.


    After all, what Aimon was about to do was enter Desire''s...''Spiritual World.''


    And to do that, Aimon had to enter Desire''s physical body and pierce open Desire''s Spiritual Vein so he could enter Desire''s Spiritual World.


    One of the conditions, entering Desire''s physical body, has been fulfilled.


    Aimon now needed to pierce open Desire''s Spiritual Vein, but since he couldn''t find that Spritiual Vein, things...might go wrong.


    ''Damn...this is...''


    Hard. Aimon thought as his eyelids on his right eye started to twitch.


    Aimon decided that it would be better to use his Eye of Truth right now than mess things up right now.


    After all, he was already inside. If he were to force things to stop now, Desire...might actually lose his life.


    ''I probably cut down half of his life force by entering. If I exited now, he would die.'' Aimon thought as he brought his hands together.


    Since Aimon already decided to use the Eye of Truth, it was only a matter of time until he finds the Spiritual Vein.


    He wanted to get ready for that moment as Aimon didn''t want to miss that moment.


    "Awaken, my Eye of Truth!" Aimon said as his right eye opened.


    Of course, the Eye of Truth was shining in the color of red! However, that was not all that was happening as the usual blood flowed down to Aimon''s cheek.


    Aimon didn''t care about that, and he just went straight to look at Desire''s back.


    His left eye was closed so Aimon would be able to focus only on what his Eye of Truth was seeing.


    However, when Aimon looked at Desire''s back, the Eye of Truth that he was counting on...still saw nothing.


    Right, Aimon couldn''t see anything that could be described as the Spiritual Vein!


    But that was not all that was happening as Aimon''s vision was gone!


    He couldn''t see anything at all!


    ''What the?! Is the Eye of Truth not working?!'' Aimon thought as he tried hard to open his left eye!


    However, for some reason, Aimon...couldn''t open his left eye at all.


    It was as if Aimon''s body was not his. And even though his Eye of Truth was open right now, Aimon...was like a blind man!


    It was weird as Aimon was a man who could go toe to toe with a Conqueror!


    However, the weird things that were happening didn''t stop there at all.


    And the next strange...bizarre, weird thing that happened to Aimon was that...he could feel his body move.


    No, it was not his mist, which could be considered his body, but instead, he felt his hands move!


    Of course, Aimon was not doing that, and that was why it was weird.


    There''s no way his body would just move without his consent! After all, Aimon''s body was his own body! It was not someone else''s!


    ''What the hell is going on?! I can''t see, and my body is moving on its own?!'' Aimon thought as he was literally confused.


    After all, he couldn''t do anything right now. It was only natural that he would be confused about what was happening.


    However, things didn''t stop there at all as Aimon felt something very familiar to him.


    There was a familiar feeling near his hands, and Aimon knew very well what that feeling was.


    ''The Spiritual Vein!?'' Aimon thought as he felt his hands move towards the Spiritual Vein!


    Of course, his hands were using the 10 golden needles, the needles forged with metals made by the gods!


    ''Don''t tell me...are my hands trying to pierce open the Spiritual Vein?!''


    Although Aimon''s intention was to pierce open Desire''s Spiritual Vein to enter his Spiritual World, Aimon didn''t want to do it now when he has no control over his body.


    After all, things could become messy and dangerous! That was why Aimon was worried about it, but in reality, there was nothing Aimon could do in this situation.


    No matter how much Aimon tried, he couldn''t control his body. He couldn''t also open his left eye or close his right eye.


    In other words, Aimon didn''t have any choice to make in this situation.


    It was then that Aimon felt his hand piercing the Spiritual Vein! It was a sensation that he felt before, and it was a feeling that left a huge impression on Aimon.


    That was why Aimon knew that he pierced the Spiritual Vein. However, as if his body was not his, Aimon''s mouth moved on its own as it shouted.


    "Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles!"


    Aimon shouted out loud, and it was then that Aimon...got sucked inside Desire''s Spiritual World.


    The mist floating in the air, his hands, and his head! Everything about Aimon went right inside Desire after Aimon''s mouth shouted those words out loud.


    Although many things happened with Aimon, the fact was that...only a few seconds have passed ever since Aimon started the process.


    Of course, Lionel watched through all that, and he knew that only a few seconds have passed as well.


    Well, he couldn''t really know about Aimon''s inner struggles as Aimon didn''t speak at all.


    That was why, for Lionel, nothing weird was going on.


    "Hmm...I guess I''ll just have to wait for the both of them to finish." Lionel said as he turned around.


    He then walked away to a place where he could guard the Lion''s Forest better.


    And it was only a matter of time until his disciple awakens as a monster who could practice all three styles.

 Chapter 144: Two Things

    Right after being sucked right inside Desire, Aimon was able to get a hold of himself.


    He was able to calm down even though something weird and out of this world happened to him.


    After all, his body...moved by itself as if it were being controlled by some entity.


    And that was weird. After all, there''s just no way to do something like that as Aimon was a living being.


    One cannot control a living being while it had its own consciousness. What''s more, Aimon was just that powerful.


    That was why it was even weirder for Aimon''s case as it was something that shouldn''t happen.


    One could probably control a dead person or something that does not have a consciousness. If that was what had happened, Aimon would probably understand it.


    However, for him to be the one who was being controlled...that was just pure insanity.


    Of course, Aimon calmed himself first and foremost before doing any thinking.


    After all, right now, Aimon was in uncharted territory.


    Even though he was already experienced with the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles, as Aimon had used it one time before, this situation was still a different thing.


    Aimon had used the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles on his disciple before, but Desire was a different person.


    As Aimon was basically the first person who was able to make a technique that could make a person wield all three styles, he was like a pioneer.


    And since he was the pioneer, the unknown dangers and threats were still there.


    Aimon might be trapped in Desire''s Spiritual World or something like that.


    Aimon might end up killing Desire as the Spiritual World is something connected to a person''s soul.


    After all, it was spiritual. One must be incredibly dumb to not understand that.


    Either way, there was only one thing that was confirmed, and that was Aimon didn''t know everything there is to know about the Spiritual World or the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles.


    Although he knows how to use it, that doesn''t mean that he has already done everything and knows everything about it.


    There were more factors to take in before Aimon could proudly say that he knows everything to know about the technique and the process.


    After all, Aimon would also have to know about every human or monster''s Spiritual World or something like that.


    However, the reason why Aimon was confident enough to make any human or even monsters be able to wield all three styles, as long as they have not started the Way and is still a child, was only because of one reason.


    That was because Aimon was sure of the key points in his acupuncture technique.


    After all, he has already done it one time, and he was able to succeed.


    Right, Aimon''s disciple was able to wield all three styles just with the key points that Aimon has formed.


    Just that fact sure boosted Aimon''s confidence, and he was also sure that everything would be the same with another person.


    Well, in this case, things didn''t exactly go his way. However, the fact that he was in here now, in Desire''s Spiritual World, means that Aimon would be able to continue with his job.


    ''That''s right. Nothing really changed much. I can think about things later when I''m done with this, and both the kid and I are safe.'' Aimon thought as he shook his head.


    It was not the time to think about things, and it was not the time to think about why he got...controlled all of a sudden.


    After all, the more time he spends in Desire''s Spiritual World, the more dangerous it is for the both of them.


    And when Aimon decided to do just that, he finally began to look around in this place.


    Incidentally, Aimon''s body was...like a mist. He looked like he was a blur, and it would be more accurate to say that he was a ghost right now.


    In other words, he didn''t have his physical form or something like that.


    It was weird if you think about how he was just sucked in, but that was how things worked in the Spiritual World.


    That was why Aimon wasn''t really shocked about his body being like this right now.


    "Hmm...it isn''t much different from any other Spiritual World I''ve seen before." Aimon said as he started to float around.


    Of course, he wasn''t just floating around as he had a destination in mind.


    Anyway, although Aimon didn''t know everything about the Spiritual World of a person, he still saw many of them.


    He saw hundreds, thousands of different people''s Spiritual Worlds, and that was why Aimon knew the general image of one.


    And from what Aimon has seen before, Desire''s Spiritual World was not that different from the norm.


    After all, it was just black and that was it. It didn''t even look like a Spiritual World at all.


    In fact, it looked like a place where a monster hides, and it felt creepy and hollow.


    And what was weird was that...this type of Spiritual World was normal.


    That was why Aimon didn''t really freak out when he saw nothing at all with his left eye.


    Although he initially suspected that something was wrong again, he soon shook his head at that thought.


    After all, Aimon could see his body. That means that it was just that dark in this place that Aimon couldn''t see in here, and that means that things were perfectly fine as of the moment.


    That was just how things worked in a person''s Spiritual World.


    "Now, there are only two things I have to do to finish this task." Aimon said as he resolved himself.


    There were two things that Aimon would have to do in order to make Desire be able to wield all three styles.


    The first one would be to find the Spiritual Vein in the Spiritual World and do the acupuncture technique there.


    Although Aimon technically could just do the acupuncture in the Spiritual Vein in the...physical world, it wouldn''t really work.


    Aimon needs to reform things from the inside, which is the Spiritual World.


    Besides, the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles would be able to do its best work when it is done on the Spiritual World''s Spiritual Vein.


    The second would be to mess with Desire''s Core and his mana.


    Aimon would just need to do the same thing with Desire''s Core as he did with his Spiritual Vein. He would perform the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles on it.


    Of course, Aimon would have to find those two things in the Spiritual World and gather them first before doing it.


    Well, in most cases, the Spiritual Vein and the Core were together. They were together ''inside'' of Desire in this Spiritual World.


    Right, Desire has something like an incarnation right inside his Spiritual World, and that was why Aimon knew that it would be easy finding those two.


    After all, Aimon would just need to find Desire''s incarnation in this place and he would be able to find those two things automatically.


    It was then that Aimon raised both of his hands up to see if the 10 golden needles were still there.


    As the 10 golden needles were composed of such a special metal, the golden needles had special qualities and powers that would be able to protect Desire and Aimon.


    What''s more, the 10 golden needles were Aimon''s main weapon. And they had the name of the Divine.


    Incidentally, that was where Aimon got the name for the technique.


    Anyway, when Aimon checked if they were still in his hands, he was able to find out that they were indeed still there.


    It seems that nothing really changed much except for the fact that he got controlled or his body did things on his own during the earlier stage.


    ''Hmmm...I just have to be wary.'' Aimon thought as he whipped his head back in front.


    He whipped his head back to the dark and spooky place which is the insides of Desire''s Spiritual World.


    And it was then that Aimon floated down as he made way to find Desire''s incarnation in this place.


    Of course, Aimon knew that the incarnation of a person stays at the same place in the Spiritual World, no matter who the person is.


    That was why Aimon was flying so smoothly right now as if he knew everything about this place.


    It seems like he didn''t even worry about something going wrong as his speed was fast too.


    What''s more, Aimon wasn''t even using his right eye right now. He was just using his naked eye to see.


    He probably wanted to limit his use of the Eye of Truth so that he wouldn''t receive too much of its backlash, but that was a bold move.


    After all, he had to use it before when things were just getting started.


    And it wouldn''t be long till Aimon would be able to find Desire''s incarnation in this Spiritual World and be done with his task.


    However, maybe because Aimon was too focused on finding Desire in here, he couldn''t...notice it.


    Aimon didn''t notice a pair of slit eyes that were staring straight at him from afar!


    The slit eyes were so sharp that it looked like it was giving the death stare to Aimon!


    "Grrrrr..." A growl lowly resounded out in this place as something woke up.


    That something then stood up as it whipped his head towards the wandering Aimon.


    And the one that woke up...was a mighty lion.

 Chapter 145: A mysterious voice

    The mighty lion that woke up in Desire''s Spiritual World was just watching Aimon float around in this place.


    It seems that it wasn''t planning to attack Aimon or something like that. It was just watching.


    However, it was the fact that its eyes were so sharp that it looked like the mighty lion was about to pounce on the poor man.


    Right, in front of this mighty lion, Aimon could only be described as a poor man.


    After all, the lion...was just so big that it was unbelievable. In the world, there were animals. Of course, the king of the jungle, for the animals, was indeed the lions.


    However, this world also had monsters and humans who were just too powerful. That was why lions weren''t really that scary.


    But...this lion...it was just too big for it to be described as an ordinary lion.


    In fact, it would be more correct to say that this lion is a monster lion that came out of nowhere!


    With the shade of his mane being too black, it was clear that this lion was the dominant male of its species!


    However, the weird part about this lion was that...its whole body was white. The lion''s mane was black, but its whole body was white.


    It was indeed weird to see such a distinct feature to a lion, and it just speaks how special looking this lion is.


    However, the weirder part of this whole situation was that...the lion was inside Desire''s Spiritual World.


    That was weird as something like this lion shouldn''t even exist in Desire''s Spiritual World.


    It would be easier to understand if it were in the First World, or in the physical world.


    What''s more, the lion could feel that Aimon...was floating towards the place where the lion was.


    And that means only one thing. Desire''s incarnation was near to the lion.


    No, to be exact, Desire''s incarnation was right behind the lion!


    Right, Desire''s incarnation was sleeping in a special bed, which was covered with something like a barrier that was shining with a bright light.


    It was indeed weird that the lion was near Desire''s incarnation in his own Spiritual World.


    It was as if...the lion was like a guard dog. And that was proven as to how the lion''s mane quickly rose to the air as the lion saw Aimon with its naked eyes!


    The lion''s pressure became heavy, and the lion announced its presence to the poor man with a bellowing roar!


    "GARARR!!"


    The lion''s roar echoed out in the whole place, and Aimon was able to hear it clearly.


    After all, Aimon was right in front of the lion right now. And as soon as Aimon saw the lion, his eyes widened!


    "What the?" Aimon murmured as he saw the air twist around the lion. He also stopped in his tracks as he just stared at the lion.


    However, the reason why Aimon was surprised about this was that...there was nothing like this in the many Spiritual Worlds Aimon has visited before.


    What''s more, Aimon could tell...he could tell that the lion was stronger than him.


    Of course, he didn''t know if that was because this place was the Spiritual World or something like that.


    However, Aimon knew that he would be killed if he did something stupid.


    ''Hmm...he isn''t doing anything other than stare at me.'' Aimon thought as he looked at the lion.


    Although the lion indeed let out a thunderous roar to threaten Aimon, the lion didn''t do anything else.


    He didn''t pounce on Aimon, and he didn''t let out some vicious attack. He just stayed there like a good boy.


    And that was weird. After all, even if this was a Spiritual World, a lion is a lion.


    A lion would attack anybody that dared creep up near to him. A lion might just attack somebody just because he felt like attacking.


    However, the lion...didn''t even show any traces of doing something like that.


    He just stayed there with his mane rising to the air while having his fangs out.


    It was clear it was prepared for battle, but it seems to Aimon that the lion...was preferring to avoid battle.


    Of course, Aimon preferred to avoid a battle with the lion, too. After all, it would just be pointless to fight a lion in a Spiritual World.


    Something or someone in a Spiritual World is just connected to the person who owns that Spiritual World.


    That means that this lion was something like a part of Desire himself.


    That was why it would be pointless to fight against this lion. Although it was abnormal for Desire''s Spiritual World to have a lion, it wasn''t really that weird.


    Aimon has seen cups in another Spiritual World. Aimon has seen birds flying around in another Spiritual World.


    However, the fact that the lion was...stronger than Aimon himself was the weird part.


    And the fact that the lion seems to be on guard was the most crucial one.


    After all, the lion might mess up everything with Aimon''s plans and tasks.


    What''s more, Aimon knew that Desire''s incarnation in the Spiritual World was right behind the lion.


    Aimon definitely needed to have the lion move out of the way so he could perform the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles.


    That was why he was thinking of ways to make the lion move or be gone.


    And it was then that Aimon heard something spoke to him.


    -You...-


    The voice said, and that was all the voice said. Of course, this caused Aimon to look all over the place to find the speaker.


    After all, there''s just no way that the speaker would be the lion.


    Although some monsters or animals were able to speak, Aimon had not seen the lion move his mouth.


    That was why Aimon knew that it was not the lion who spoke. However, there was no one else in this place that could have spoken to Aimon.


    "Who are you?!" Aimon said as he felt confused about all this.


    Well, it was only natural that he would be confused. A strong lion showed up all of a sudden, and he was having a hard time dealing with it.


    And now, a strange voice was talking to him. Although Aimon was strong, the whole mental pressure about being in an unknown place was heavy.


    He also had to balance his strength in this place as he didn''t want to kill Desire.


    He also had to make sure that he wouldn''t do anything stupid so that it wouldn''t affect Desire''s future or anything like that.


    It could be said that the mental stress and pressure was the main reason why the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles is a hard technique to use.


    That was why Aimon was sweating buckets right now, even though he was like a ghost.


    And it was then that the voice spoke to him one more time.


    -...It''s not time yet.-


    The voice said as it resounded out in this place, and also in Aimon''s ears.


    And as soon as Aimon heard that, his face...turned into a frown.


    ''It''s not time yet? What the hell does that even mean?!'' Aimon thought as his eyes looked sharp.


    Aimon''s confusion just rose to another level as he didn''t know what the voice meant.


    What did it mean by saying it''s not time yet? Does it mean that it''s not time for Aimon to do this?


    Does it mean that it was not the time for Desire to wield all three styles?


    No matter what it meant, Aimon would not be able to decipher its meaning at this moment.


    After all, Aimon didn''t know the context or whatsoever.


    However, it seems that the voice was not done speaking at all as it continued.


    -Go back...- The voice said as it echoed once more in this room.


    And its message was clear. The voice wanted Aimon to go back.


    After all, Aimon was the only person here who ''invaded'' Desire''s Spiritual World.


    "What the hell..." Aimo murmured in pure disbelief as shock overcame him.


    After all, this was the first time that something so outrageous happened to him.


    Well, it might not be the first as Aimon was there when Desire basically sucked in the Blessings of Tear.


    Either way, this was the first time something like this happened to him while he was visiting a person''s Spiritual World.


    However, it seems that things have not ended there as the voice spoke once more.


    -...You are not qualified enough to use me.-


    And what it said was truly weird. At least, for Aimon, it was weird.


    After all, Aimon was not here to use something or someone.


    He was here to perform the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles.


    That was why Aimon spoke to quell any misunderstanding.


    "I''m not here to use anyone or something like that!"


    "Who the hell are you?!"


    "Come out!"


    Aimon shouted as loud as he possibly could. Aimon was getting frustrated with the voice now.


    After all, the voice was just basically playing with him with all these out-of-context words.


    It was clear as day that Aimon was really angry about the voice and their nonsensical conversation.


    However, what Aimon all got as an answer to his anger was...


    -How foolish.-

 Chapter 146: Fallen demon

    -How foolish.-


    The voice said and the voice resounded out in this place.


    It echoed in and out, and Aimon was able to hear it clearly.


    In fact, Aimon heard it too clear that Aimon popped his veins on his neck.


    After all, he was just stopping himself from erupting in anger with this nonsense voice.


    It was too much nonsensical, but Aimon couldn''t just lash out in anger in this place.


    If Aimon did something like that, he might end up wasting his chance to go back and live his life.


    What''s more, Desire would probably be affected by his childish decision.


    Aimon certainly didn''t want to have that as Lionel trusted him with his disciple''s life.


    Of course, Desire also trusted him with his life, and coming through with their trust was the most important duty for Aimon.


    Well, Aimon was just that kind of person.


    That was why Aimon calmed himself once more. He forced himself to calm down even though what was happening was just ridiculous.


    Although it was possible for something like this to happen, Aimon didn''t like it.


    After all, it was as if the voice was not speaking to Aimon. In fact, it was as if the voice was just talking and not listening to Aimon''s answers.


    And it was because it was like talking to himself, the voice and Aimon weren''t able to have a good conversation.


    It was also why Aimon was so angry that he popped a vein. Of course, that was just before as he was calm now.


    And it was then that Aimon whipped his head back in front of the lion.


    His left eye was still looking here and there to find the speaker, but alas. He really couldn''t find it.


    However, despite that being the case, Aimon spoke.


    "What do you mean by that?"


    "Why don''t you come out so that we could talk about this?"


    "I''m running out of time, you see."


    Aimon said as calmly as he could, and as meekly as he could. He wanted the voice to come out so that he would be able to understand things better.


    However, the things that happened right after he said those words were totally unexpected.


    And that was because...the mighty lion opened its mouth as wide as possible.


    "GARARR!!" The mighty lion bellowed out a roar towards the pesky poor man.


    After all, the voice already told Aimon to leave, but he just didn''t go.


    Aimon was truly pesky, but that was not all that happened.


    The whole place, the Spiritual World, started to bend out of shape! The darkness that was dominating the air in this place suddenly distorted right in front of Aimon!


    It twisted, and twisted, and twisted around right in front of Aimon''s eyes.


    Of course, as Aimon was someone like a ghost right now, he wasn''t affected by what was happening.


    However, this sure caused his confusion to rise to the highest level.


    "What the hell?!" Aimon shouted out loud as he put his arms up to try and guard himself.


    Guarding himself was an instinctual reaction, seeing that there was such a huge disaster happening right in front of him.


    What was worse was that Aimon could see that the lion...didn''t distort at all!


    It was as if the lion was invulnerable to this distorting! And that means that Aimon was in danger if the lion were to try and kill him right now.


    However, no matter how much twisting happened in this place, the lion didn''t move at all.


    He just growled and took a position ready to pounce, but he never did it.


    But it was clear for Aimon that the lion wouldn''t hesitate to kill him if Aimon forced himself.


    ''What do I do?!'' Aimon thought and thought, but no answer came to his mind.


    After all, this was the first time that something like this happened.


    And the most reasonable answer one would arrive at in this situation is to run away.


    Of course, that was what Aimon first thought of, too. But if Aimon ran away now, he would just end up doing it again.


    After all, Aimon agreed and ended up wanting to do the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles on Desire.


    That was why Aimon was thinking of ways to solve this. However, it seems that he didn''t have to think about that as the...twisting stopped all of a sudden.


    The whole place...became ''hollow'' after its twisting, but it was still dark.


    However, the twisted and bent shape of Desire''s Spiritual World could still be seen.


    "This is just too much..." Aimon murmured as he breathed a sigh of relief.


    However, that sigh of relief didn''t last long as he put his guards up once more.


    Crazy things kept happening, and Aimon didn''t want another crazy thing to happen when he didn''t have his guard up.


    And right after that, he searched for the reason why the place suddenly twisted.


    "Just who are you?! What did you do?!"


    "Desire, you little brat! Is this your doing?!"


    A person who has not started to tread the Way has no way to control his Spiritual World. And since Desire has not started to walk the path, he can''t control his Spiritual World.


    However, as Desire was the ''cause'' of these crazy happenings, it was only natural that Desire was the one doing it.


    Although it didn''t make sense, that was the only thing Aimon could think of in this situation.


    Of course, Aimon knew that what he thought was just nonsense.


    That was why he kept looking at the place with a frown on his face.


    And it was then that Aimon could finally hear the voice again.


    No, it was a different type of voice.


    "Hmmm, this smell...a demon?" That voice said as the sound of sniffing resounded out in this place.


    Of course, Aimon tried to find who spoke those words, and he was able to find the person faster than expected.


    Well, considering that the previous voice didn''t show up at all, Aimon didn''t expect that this voice''s owner would show up.


    And the place where the speaker was standing at...was right on top of the mighty lion.


    No, he wasn''t really standing on top of the mighty lion, but he was...sticking out from the lion''s body.


    He was sticking out from the lion''s forehead, and it was only the upper body of the person that could be seen sticking out.


    And his lower body...it was connected to the lion. It was crazy, but Aimon didn''t care about that at all.


    He just looked at the man who showed up all of a sudden with shaking eyes.


    His whole body was shaking, and it was weird since he was a ghost. However, that just speaks volumes of how shaken he was.


    Aimon was truly shaken to his core and all the other crazy things that happened to him seem so normal now.


    After all, the man who had his lower body connected with the lion looked so similar to a friend.


    The man...looked similar to...


    "L-Lionel?" Aimon murmured as he closed his left eye, rubbed it with his left hand, and opened it again.


    He then looked at the man again, but the same look was still there.


    It was a face, and hair that was extremely similar to Lionel.


    What''s more, they even looked to be identical to each other! And Aimon couldn''t be wrong about that as Aimon remembers it clearly.


    The only difference would be that...the man''s hair was just too dark. Although Lionel''s hair was black, this man''s hair was darker than black.


    However, if you take that away, it was easy to recognize the similarity between the two!


    That was why Aimon was shocked to see the man in here. After all, there''s no way this man is Lionel himself!


    And that was proven as the man continued speaking after sniffing out the place.


    "No, it looks like you are just a fallen demon." The man said as he looked down on Aimon.


    He didn''t move his head, and he just moved his brown eyes to look at Aimon.


    It was a condescending look! It was a look that Aimon would not have let pass in the First World, but well.


    Aimon knew better than to fight with this man. After all, the lion was still stronger than Aimon no matter what happened.


    It was then that the man asked Aimon something.


    The man''s voice was deep and hoarse that it wouldn''t be weird to mistake it as the lion''s voice.


    "What did you come here for, fallen demon?"


    "Have you not heard my warning?"


    "It is not time yet."


    "Pesky demons like you who try to get His attention...I have the right to wipe your existence."


    The lion that the man was connected to finally moved from his spot as he took a step forward!


    Right, the lion, with his huge body and the man, moved forward as it walked towards Aimon!


    It didn''t take long for the lion to reach Aimon, and he stopped right before him.


    And it was then that the man spoke again.


    "Answer my question, scum."


    The man said as he looked down on Aimon, a man who could go toe to toe with a Conqueror!

 Chapter 147: Twelfth Hell

    "Answer my question, scum."


    The man said as he looked down on Aimon, a man who could go toe to toe with a Conqueror!


    Of course, it was not only the man who threatened Aimon as the lion opened his mouth wide as he roared!


    "GARAR!!!" The lion roared, and his breathe pushed Aimon a little bit.


    Some of the lion''s saliva spat out too, into the ground, and even on Aimon.


    Of course, Aimon didn''t care about that at all as he was able to clean himself very fast.


    Although this isn''t the physical world, Aimon still had his powers and strength.


    It''s not like those things would just suddenly disappear just because he was in a Spiritual World.


    However, even with his powers, Aimon knew that he wouldn''t be able to beat this man or even the lion.


    That was how strong they were together, even with their weird appearance and ''connection.''


    Aimon then calmed himself down and thought of things that he would answer this man''s question.


    And it was only after a few seconds did Aimon finally answer the man''s question.


    "First of all, I''m not a fallen demon."


    "I AM a demon. However, why do you even know about that?"


    "No, who the hell are you?"


    "What the hell are you doing in this Spiritual World?"


    "You answer me, or I''ll duke it out with you."


    Aimon said as he looked at the man. Although he knew that he couldn''t beat this man in a fight, Aimon still said those words.


    There was only one reason why he did that. It was to establish dominance.


    No, it was to establish the image that Aimon won''t just go down without a fight.


    Aimon knew that the lion didn''t want to fight, and since the man was connected with the lion, Aimon thought that the man also didn''t want to fight.


    He based his decision on that thought, and it was very brave of him.


    After all, it means that he was risking things just on the based of his feelings.


    It was then that the man spoke once more with an intrigued look.


    "Oh? It looks like you don''t even know what you are."


    "Are you from the Twelfth Hell, Man?"


    And when the man mentioned the Twelfth Hell, Man, Aimon widened his eyes wide.


    After all, what the man said was spot on. Aimon was from the Twelfth Hell, Man.


    However, the man wasn''t done at all, and he continued speaking as he looked at the shaking face of Aimon.


    "If you are from the Twelfth Hell, Man, then it''s only natural that you don''t know about me."


    "However, I don''t care if you don''t know about me."


    "The question that I asked is...What the hell are you doing here?"


    And when Aimon heard that, he quickly thought of the reasons to think.


    After all, the man knew that he was from the Twelfth Hell, Man. If there were more things that the man knew about Aimon, there would be no escape from this.


    It wouldn''t be weird for Aimon to die today just because he met this man.


    However, Aimon soon became calm as he realized something.


    He realized that this man was just inside Desire''s Spiritual World.


    He realized that this man...was just a part of Desire. Or that should be the case.


    Of course, Aimon thought that, and he also thought of other possibilities.


    However, it was just impossible for this man to be another entity. It was impossible for this man to be like Aimon, who just entered Desire''s Spiritual World.


    After all, it was clear as day that this man was focused on fighting. He wasn''t a physician like Aimon, nor did he know about things like the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles.


    "Hmmm...I understand the situation now."


    "You...you are Desire, no?"


    "You reincarnated to a different body, which became Desire."


    "That is why the kid could become stronger with Magic Infusion and even grow because of it."


    "That is why the kid seems so special and all that."


    "You can''t fool me anymore."


    Aimon said, but he wasn''t done with just that. Aimon then raised one of his fingers as he waved it around with a smile on his face.


    It was clear that Aimon was mocking the man. After all, Aimon was confident in the theory that he just formed.


    Aimon was confident that this man...was Desire, who just forced himself to reincarnate or something like that.


    "That is also why you could tell that I am a demon."


    "Even a Conqueror can''t tell that I am one! However, if you could tell that I am a demon, then that means that you are special."


    "Reincarnating yourself to a different body isn''t that weird if you are strong, after all."


    Aimon said as he nodded his head with a smirk on his face. He felt like he won this battle.


    Well, what he said was just plain bullshit, of course. Not anyone could just reincarnate themselves.


    Not even a Conqueror could do that. After all, if they could, they would just reincarnate themselves so that they would have better chances of becoming stronger.


    With new paths before them, and with their old knowledge, they would be able to become stronger than before!


    However, none of the current Conquerors were doing that. After all, it was just plain bullshit.


    Or at least, that''s what Aimon thought of this situation. It seems that he couldn''t take in the ridiculousness that kept happening to him that he thought of impossible things.


    Of course, that''s what also the man thought as the man...finally showed a change of emotions.


    The man...laughed with his arms crossed.


    "Kuhahahahahaha!!!"


    Kuhahahahah!!!


    Kuhahahaha!!


    The man laughed so hard that this place...Desire''s Spiritual World began shaking.


    And that fact annoyed Aimon. After all, the man looked a lot like Lionel.


    And now, he was also laughing just like how Lionel laughs. Even if this were a joke, this isn''t funny for Aimon.


    That was why Aimon was about to speak to try and stop the man from laughing and to have him actually answer his questions.


    However, the man beat him to it as the man stopped laughing as he finally spoke.


    "You''re a fucking funny bastard! Kuhahaha!"


    "Is the Twelfth Hell full of idiots nowadays?"


    "Well, you aren''t a fallen demon for nothing."


    It was then that man turned his smiling face into a frown. His aura suddenly changed, and the pressure in the air became heavy!


    And what''s more, his hair that was just like a lion''s mane started rising up!


    Of course, even the actual lion''s mane started to rise up in the air, and the man''s eyes started to glow in the dark!


    And that was because of what Aimon said. Although the man found it funny at first, that was actually... disrespectful.


    It was not disrespectful to the man, but it was disrespectful to Him!


    "You are funny. However, how dare you slander His name!"


    That was all he said, but Aimon...actually coughed up blood! After all, the man''s voice resounded out in this place as a shockwave!


    Even though Aimon was a ghost, he felt that shockwave and it was enough for him to bleed!


    "KUKH!" Aimon then put his right hand over his mouth as he bent his body over.


    He didn''t fall as he was just floating in the air, and that was why he could see it.


    He could see clearly the anger of the man who was stuck in the lion''s forehead!


    However, there was something that Aimon noticed because of it, and that was...


    ''He''s transparent...''


    The man was transparent. And as soon as he noticed that, Aimon looked at the lion.


    And when he did, his eyes widened a little bit as the lion was also transparent!


    It was crazy, and it was unexpected, but Aimon actually didn''t know the meaning of this.


    No, Aimon did know, but he just couldn''t believe it. After all, that means that...the man and the lion were not from here.


    Aimon himself was like a blur, and he was transparent. That was why he looked like a ghost right now.


    And that was because he was from outside of Desire''s Spiritual World, and he was another person.


    And that would be the same case if the man and the lion were another...living being.


    That was why Aimon couldn''t believe it!


    ''This means that...they are not from here?! Impossible! Only I know about the secrets of the Spiritual World!'' Aimon thought.


    It was the truth that only Aimon knew about the secrets of the Spiritual World.


    That was one of the main reasons why he was being hunted down by one of the Six Gods.


    That was why it was impossible for the man to be from the outside, or from the First World.


    However, Aimon couldn''t think of answers to his questions as the man spoke once more as he let out his bloodlust!


    "You filthy demon who came here to pester Him, and now, you actually dare compare me to Him!?"


    "Even if I must pay the price to actually kill you, I will do it!"


    "Prepare yourself!"

 Chapter 148: Beast...and Anino

    "Prepare yourself!" The man shouted out loud as a light appeared in his hand.


    He then grabbed that light, and instantly, something like a spear appeared!


    It was surprising, and Aimon saw it all with shocked eyes. After all, he didn''t expect that the man would react like this.


    That was why Aimon''s instincts reacted as fast as possible. His body naturally made its preparation to turn into a mist so that he could escape.


    However, it was then that Aimon could feel it again. He could feel that his body...couldn''t move!


    It was the same sensation that he had before entering Desire''s Spiritual World, and what''s more, Aimon...could feel his hand moving once more!


    Aimon wasn''t controlling his body, and yet, his body was moving on its own!


    Although Aimon had his guards up, he still let it happen! He still let his body be controlled by something.


    It was ridiculous! It was impossible, and it was something no one would believe even if Aimon were to tell it to people!


    It was then that Aimon felt his mouth move by itself once more. It was definitely weird, and Aimon could not do anything about it.


    After all, it''s not like he could escape from the ''grasp'' of the controller.


    It was the truth that Aimon couldn''t control his body.


    Anyway, Aimon had his hands raised up as if to signal the man to stop as he spoke.


    "Wait, Beast." Aimon said as he looked at the man who was about to kill him!


    Of course, it was not really Aimon who was doing that, but instead, the one who was controlling his body.


    And when the man heard what Aimon said with his mouth, he...suddenly came to an abrupt halt!


    His speed was so fast that his upper body looked like it would fall out of the wolf''s forehead.


    Of course, it didn''t really matter as his lower body, the lion, was able to hold him down.


    However, it was clear as day that the man''s spear was about to cut down Aimon.


    In fact, it was only by a hair''s breadth before Aimon would be seeing some of his blood.


    It was then that the man spoke as he looked at Aimon once again with...calm eyes now.


    "Anino." The man said as he let go of the spear that he created.


    Of course, the spear didn''t really fell to the ground, but instead, it just returned back to the light, and it disappeared naturally.


    And when that was all done, the man...Beast spoke as he looked at Aimon.


    No, he looked at Anino, who was controlling Aimon''s body.


    "What''s the deal? Why did you suddenly stop me?"


    Beast knew that Anino was watching from the sidelines. And the fact that Anino wasn''t doing anything to intervene means that Beast could do anything he wants.


    That was why Beast was surprised to see that Anino got in the way when Beast wanted to kill Aimon.


    Besides, Anino was the one who makes decisions around here. That was why, even though Beast was surprised, he still stopped himself when Anino said it.


    It was then that Anino finally spoke with Aimon''s body.


    "I never said that you could kill him."


    "Did you forget? We are only the shells of our past selves."


    Aimon then pointed at himself, but of course, that was because Anino was controlling him.


    "Even killing a weakling would be enough to end our lives here."


    And what Anino said was the truth.


    If Beast were to use his powers to kill Aimon, Beast...would have died and he would have disappeared in this place.


    After all, it was the truth that Beast was not from this place. He was not from Desire''s Spiritual World.


    And by doing something so extreme such as murder or killing, Beast would have to pay the price.


    And the price, of course, was his own life. After all, this wasn''t his territory.


    This was Desire''s territory, and just the fact that they were able to come here like that shows that they were strong!


    After all, they were able to establish dominance inside another person''s Spiritual World!


    If that doesn''t tell one how strong Beast and Anino are, then one would have to be incredibly dumb!


    No, one would have to be insane if they couldn''t understand just from that fact.


    "I know that I will die. But!"


    "He compared me to Him! That is just straight-up blasphemy!"


    "That is why it is only right for this fallen demon to die!"


    Beast said with great passion in his eyes, and even the lion was showing the same emotions.


    Well, the lion and Beast were one single living creature. That is why it wouldn''t be weird for the lion to express Beast''s emotions.


    Of course, Anino heard what Beast just said and that was why he spoke to cause no misunderstanding between them.


    It wouldn''t be funny if they were to fight while being inside Desire''s Spiritual World.


    That would just mean disaster for all parties involved.


    "I understand what you are saying. I would have done the same if I were in your place."


    "However, do remember the mission we have."


    Anino then made Aimon walk - he made Aimon walk towards the place where Beast was sleeping before.


    In other words, he made him walk towards the place where Desire could be seen sleeping on.


    Of course, that was Desire''s incarnation in his Spiritual World. It wasn''t the actual him.


    Beast was right behind Aimon, and it seems that Beast didn''t have any problems walking with the lion on his lower body.


    However, Beast''s lower body, the lion, soon disappeared as Beast...fully became like a human.


    Of course, his distinct features as a lion were there with his mane and sharp eyes.


    Well, none of them cared about that as Aimon kept speaking as the spokesperson of Anino.


    "Our mission is to protect Him until He matures and grows up."


    "We have been awake ever since He was born and woke up."


    "And it''s been some time ever since we got our consciousness back."


    "And according to Raksha''s predictions, He...should be able to fully mature in a year and some months after He is born."


    "And a year has already passed. It would only take a few months until He matures."


    "And the path would surely be thorny and harsh."


    Aimon then turned his body around as he pointed his finger at Beast.


    Aimon''s face...Anino was showing pure anger at Beast right now, and that was because of what Beast just did!


    "And now, just because of some irrelevant piece of shit came in His Spiritual World, you would die?"


    "Do you know the impact of you dying on the future? On our race? and most importantly, on Him?"


    "That would impact everything, and everything that we have done for the past million years would go to waste."


    "Don''t act so childish, Beast."


    And when Beast heard that, he opened his eyes wide as the shock overcame him.


    After all, Beast wasn''t thinking about things like that. He only thought about things with their face value in mind.


    He only thought of killing Aimon here would mean that he would just die as well.


    However, he didn''t think that He...Desire would be affected by his actions.


    And that is something unforgivable! That was why Beast was shaken to his core.


    Of course, Anino was able to see all that, and he wasn''t planning to make Beast feel guilty.


    That was why he spoke once more with Aimon''s mouth.


    "As long as you understand, it''s all good."


    Aimon then put away the finger that was pointing at Beast, and he also began to walk away from Desire.


    Of course, Beast was just following right after Aimon as Anino was the one who decides things here.


    Beast was the one who was suited for fighting, but alas. It seems that his race was not really that good at thinking, and that was why Anino was here.


    If you think about it, Beast and Anino were a perfect match as Anino focuses on the brain and is quite smart.


    That was why it would also be Anino who would decide about the fallen demon who invaded this place.


    Well, Aimon hadn''t necessarily invaded this place. And Aimon knew that now as Aimon had his consciousness as Anino and Beast talked.


    That was why Aimon''s brain...was in a mess right now. After all, there was a lot of information to take in just from that short conversation.


    Mission, protect, mature, race, and many more...but Aimon didn''t know a single thing about them at all!


    And what was worse was that...Anino spoke once more, not letting Aimon''s brain rest.


    "I know why this fallen demon came into His Spiritual World."


    "He came here to do something beneficial for Him, and that was why I allowed it."


    "However, I didn''t know about it, and that was also why I allowed him to roam around."


    "But...I was able to find out while you guys were talking."


    And when Beast heard this, his ears quickly perked up. After all, Beast was also interested in why a fallen demon would go here.


    Of course, Anino could see all that, and that was why he spoke once more with quite a smile.


    "This fallen demon...he plans to accelerate His growth."

 Chapter 149: A fabrication

    "This fallen demon...he plans to accelerate His growth."


    Aimon said as he pointed to himself. Of course, the one speaking was the one controlling him, Anino.


    And Anino was pretty sure of what he found out, and that was why he didn''t stop there.


    He continued speaking as he looked at Beast, who was bewildered.


    After all, if Aimon was here to accelerate His growth, that means that his decision to kill Aimon would definitely be a bad thing.


    That was why Beast was shocked.


    "I don''t know how he would do it, and we don''t have to know it."


    "However, it''s the truth that he plans to make Him become stronger."


    "That was also why I didn''t want you to kill him."


    And when Anino said that, Beast had his head tilted sidewards. After all, Beast was confused.


    Beast knew that Aimon was a fallen demon. And a fallen demon would only come here, to Desire''s Spiritual World, to get His attention.


    However, why is Anino saying that Aimon came here for another reason?


    That confused Beast and that was why he spoke as he looked at Aimon.


    "Then, you''re saying that this fallen demon don''t know about Him?"


    After all, every demon would know about Him. Even a fallen demon would know about Him.


    At least, according to Beast''s knowledge, every demon, dead or alive, should know about him.


    They should know about him, and they would be trying to get His attention right now.


    They would do everything to meet Him, and even death would not stop them.


    That was how demons would act when it came to Him. However, the fallen demon, Aimon, came here not to get His attention, but for some other reason?


    Even if Aimon came here to accelerate His growth, it doesn''t make sense at all.


    After all, that means that Aimon didn''t know about Him. And a demon who doesn''t know about Him is not a demon.


    In fact, if a demon claims to not know about Him, every other demon would disown that demon.


    That was how...influential and important He was.


    That was why Beast couldn''t believe that Aimon didn''t know about Him at all.


    However, it seems that Anino thought otherwise as he spoke.


    "Weren''t you the one to say that he was a fallen demon, and he was from the Twelfth Hell?"


    "The Twelfth Hell is the weakest, and the place where trashes are born."


    "It''s only natural that this fallen demon won''t know about Him."


    Right, the Twelfth Hell is the weakest hell and is a place that no one cares about.


    If this demon was from that place, it would make sense that he wouldn''t know about Him.


    Well, it was not Aimon''s fault for not knowing Him. It''s not like Aimon knew His appearance or identity or something like that.


    However, it was also the truth that Aimon was aware of His existence.


    That was why Aimon was shocked to his core right now. He was shocked beyond belief, and he was lost for words.


    After processing all the information that came from Anino and Beast''s conversation, what Aimon could understand was...


    ''D-Desire...is Him?''


    The one who these guys were talking about is Him, and from how their conversation was going, He...was Desire.


    Of course, Aimon knew who He was. That was why Aimon couldn''t believe it.


    After all, He...was just a fabrication.


    Something that every demon believes in, but is not real.


    Something that every demon knows, but is also unknown to them.


    Something that every demon yearns for, but...they can''t have it.


    That was Him.


    In fact, every demon was so crazy about Him that they thought that He was real.


    What''s more, even Aimon was playing by the rules of the demon society.


    Aimon...was living his life as if he really thought that He was real. Aimon acted and did things according to the theory that He was roaming the world.


    However, that was just because that was the laws in his homeworld, the Twelfth Hell!


    That was why Aimon...didn''t know what to do with this information that he has right now.


    If what Anino and Beast were talking about was true, the whole demon race would rejoice!


    After all, Aimon would be able to tell this information to them, and they would be able to greet Him.


    They would be able to meet and greet Him...they would be able to see Desire.


    However, it seems that reality was cruel, even for the fallen demon as Anino spoke once more.


    "Anyway, I think it would be better to allow this fallen demon to do his thing."


    "He is awake now, and He should be making these decisions. It''s not like we could just reject His intentions when He clearly gave permission for this fallen demon to be here."


    Anino was the one who controlled Aimon before when he was trying to find Desire''s Spiritual Vein.


    As Aimon ''entered'' Desire''s body literally, Aimon also came into contact with Anino.


    That was why Anino was able to do that quite easily without any consequence.


    That was also why Anino knew why Desire allowed Aimon to be here. After all, there''s just no way Aimon would be able to enter Desire''s body easily.


    Even if Aimon was strong, Desire would still die first before Aimon would be able to enter Desire''s body.


    After all, it would be more reasonable for Desire to fight if someone was entering his body. However, if he gave permission for Aimon to be in here, things would make sense.


    That was why Anino was sure that Desire allowed him here.


    Of course, Beast also thought of that way, but there was one thing that Beast was concerned about.


    That was why Beast spoke as he looked at Anino.


    "How about this piece of shit, then? If you were to get out of his body, he would be able to regain control."


    "If he regains control, he would be able to tell people of what happened in here."


    "He would be able to tell people that we are in here, and that is something that must not happen."


    "After all, it is not time, yet."


    What Beast said was the truth.


    It was not the time for people to know about Him.


    And if people were to know about Him, many...would try to hunt Him down. Many would try to kill Him.


    That was why things should be kept secret, and that was how Anino and Beast did things.


    They even went as far as not to talk to Him even though they could.


    Beast himself chased away Desire when Desire...was able to come to his own Spiritual World when he ranked up.


    That was something that should not happen, but that was a necessary sacrifice.


    Of course, Anino knew that as well, and that was why he spoke.


    "Don''t worry about that. I have my way."


    It was then that Anino raised Aimon''s right hand and raised two fingers.


    Those two fingers were the index and the middle finger, and there was something special about them.


    And that was...Aimon''s fingers were completely black, but that was because of Anino''s powers.


    Right, Anino was using his powers right now, and what''s more, the target was Aimon.


    And that means that...Anino was endangering himself! After all, he could die if Aimon dies.


    It was ironic if you think about how he scolded Beast because Beast planned to kill Aimon at the cost of his own life.


    Of course, that was what Beast thought as well and that was why Beast spoke.


    "Hey! I thought that we aren''t allowed to die until He matures?"


    "How come you''re gonna go ahead and do something like that?"


    "Aren''t you contradicting yourself?!"


    Beast then grabbed Aimon''s hand with force as he couldn''t stop himself.


    Well, he now knew how much their deaths would affect Him. No matter the reason, they must not die.


    However, it seems that was not the case as Anino spoke as he looked at Beast.


    "Hah. Don''t worry about it." Anino said as he snapped away from Beast''s hold.


    He then continued as Aimon''s right hand...became completely black!


    It was so black that it looked like Aimon''s hand was missing right now.


    Of course, that was also what Aimon thought as he panicked about this.


    After all, it was basically his body, but alas. There was nothing Aimon could do about this, and he could only watch as Anino spoke once more with his mouth.


    "I will just plant a curse on this fallen demon, and it would be fine."


    "Although I would technically be pushing myself with just this, I won''t die."


    "After all, at the end of the day, it is just a curse."


    Beast''s eyes then widened as he finally remembered that Anino could cast a curse.


    Well, it was not his fault that he forgot about it as he had been sleeping for so long.


    It was then that Beast spoke with a smile on his face. After all, a curse could do anything. Literally, anything.


    "What would your curse be?"


    Of course, Anino knew what Beast was thinking about, and that was why he also smiled.


    "I will place a curse so that he won''t be able to talk about any of this."


    "I will place a curse so that this fallen demon....won''t be able to talk about, with, and to Him."


    "I will curse him so that he won''t be able to meet Him when He matures!"


    And when Beast heard that, he started laughing. No, it was not only Beast but also Anino. They both started laughing.


    Kuhahahaha!!


    Why?


    That was because that kind of curse...was the cruelest, most brutal, and most heartbreaking for a demon.


    And that was proven as Aimon...couldn''t even begin to think about this.


    And it was only a matter of time until he would be cursed by Anino, the Lord of Shadows.

 Chapter 150: Heart Curse!

    When the decision to curse Aimon has been made, Anino quickly got to work.


    As his powers were already ready to use, Anino used them immediately.


    Well, it was just his powers attached to Aimon''s right hand and two fingers.


    However, what Anino did to use his powers was...a little bit extreme!


    After all, he made Aimon stab himself right in the heart with his own two fingers!


    However, there was something even Anino didn''t expect, and something that...made Anino unable to curse Aimon.


    "What the?" Anino said with Aimon''s mouth as he looked down.


    It was then that he noticed that Aimon''s body was just like a ghost or the mist.


    Aimon''s body wasn''t...physical or something that could be considered solid right now.


    That was why Anino''s powers didn''t activate when Aimon stabbed himself in the heart.


    After all, Aimon didn''t stab himself in the heart as his body...the mist just made way.


    ''Whew.'' Aimon thought as he breathed a sigh of relief in his mind.


    Well, everyone would be relieved if they knew that they just escaped a cruel fate.


    However, it seems that reality was really disappointing as Anino spoke as he removed Aimon''s hands out from the mist.


    "Hmm, interesting. This fallen demon reminds me of someone."


    And right after speaking those words, Anino made his powers roam around!


    As Anino was the Lord of Shadows, it was the shadows...no, it was darkness itself that was roaming around!


    It roamed around, but that was not all the darkness did.


    The darkness actually grabbed Aimon''s mist body and made them stay together.


    However, that was not enough as the mist was still the mist. That was why Anino made his powers infect Aimon''s misty body.


    And as soon as it did, Aimon''s misty body...returned back to normal. Well, it wasn''t actually normal as he was still transparent.


    But that was just how living beings actually looked like in this Spiritual World.


    Even Beast''s body was transparent.


    Anyway, when Aimon''s body returned back to normal, Anino quickly made Aimon stab himself in the heart with his powers embedded in his fingers.


    After all, he didn''t want to miss this chance, and he didn''t want Aimon''s body to return back to the mist.


    What''s more, Anino was actually pushing himself when he made Aimon''s body return back to normal.


    After all, Aimon''s body was still Aimon''s body. Even if Anino was controlling Aimon''s body, that doesn''t mean he could control Aimon''s powers.


    Well, if Anino was in his prime and was healthy, Anino could probably do just that.


    It was then that Anino shouted out loud as he felt the darkness in Aimon''s hands come into contact with Aimon''s heart!


    "Heart Curse!"


    As soon as Anino shouted those words, the darkness in Aimon''s hands quickly moved as it stabbed Aimon''s heart!


    However, that was not all the darkness did as Aimon''s heart quickly turned black!


    Right, it was covered by Anino''s powers of darkness. What''s more, the darkness...was spreading all over Aimon''s body!


    The heart as the center, the darkness quickly spread out towards the organs, bones, muscles, and even on Aimon''s skin!


    And it didn''t even take more than a second until Aimon''s entire body was covered in darkness!


    Aimon''s body was completely covered by Anino''s powers!


    However, that darkness on Aimon''s body only lasted for a second as Aimon''s body...returned back to normal.


    Right, there was nothing that happened, but no one panicked.


    It was then that Anino could feel it. He could feel Aimon''s heart beating so loudly that it resounded out in this place.


    Ba-dum! Ba-dum! Ba-dum! Ba-dum!


    Aimon''s heart was beating so loudly that even Aimon couldn''t believe it!


    Well, everything that happened was so unbelievable that Aimon was still calm now. It seems that nothing would shock him anymore.


    Of course, it''s not like he isn''t worried for his safety or something like that.


    He was worried, but there was nothing he could do in his situation.


    Beast was stronger than him, and Aimon knew that he would die if they fought.


    And Beast...was treating Anino as someone equal to him or even a partner to him.


    There''s just no way Aimon would be able to escape from Anino''s grasp.


    It was then that Aimon could feel his mouth move once more without his permission.


    "I will now set up the conditions for the Heart Curse to activate."


    Anino then made Aimon''s hands move as the darkness...once more covered Aimon''s hands.


    This time, it was not just his right hand, but also his left hand.


    And with the darkness covering them, Aimon''s hands moved...to his chest.


    Aimon''s hands looked like they were covering his heart, and it was then that Anino spoke once more.


    "First Condition: if you speak with, about, and to Him."


    "Second Condition: if you are near Him."


    "Third Condition: if you speak about my, Beast''s, and His'' existence."


    And while Anino was setting those conditions, Aimon''s heart...was not beating.


    It was weird if you think about how loud it was before, but it seems that was just temporary.


    After all, the beating once more resounded out in this place after Anino finished saying all those words.


    Ba-dum! Bad-um! Ba-dum! Ba-dum!


    Of course, Anino was not done just with that, and that was proven as he spoke once more.


    "Heart Curse: Three Cons!"


    And it was then that the darkness in Aimon''s hands covering his heart...disappeared.


    Right, the darkness disappeared as Anino was finally done with the curse setting.


    However, if you look at Aimon''s heart closely, one could see...the darkness that was embedded in that beating heart.


    Of course, even Aimon could feel that darkness that was choking him.


    Well, there was just nothing Aimon could do right now.


    It was then that Beast finally spoke. It seems that he was quite patient, despite how he acted with Aimon.


    "Hmm...it''s good to know that a fallen demon won''t be able to speak to him."


    He said as he nodded his head as if he were really satisfied with this result.


    Of course, Anino was also satisfied with this, but it''s not like the job was done.


    After all, Anino had to make Aimon do whatever he planned to do in here.


    If Aimon didn''t do that, the curse and everything would have gone to waste, and Anino didn''t want that.


    That was why he spoke. He spoke to Aimon who was just listening with his mind.


    "Hey, you pathetic excuse for a demon, you understand what''s going on, right? You don''t have to think about anything else; I will return the control over your right hand to you. If you agree to do what you planned to do here, raise your middle finger. Of course, if you don''t...you know what would happen."


    Anino said with quite a heavy tone. Anino''s voice was so heavy that it didn''t even seem like he was using Aimon''s mouth to speak.


    Of course, Anino did exactly just what he said - he returned back the control over Aimon''s right hand to Aimon.


    And Aimon could feel that he could move his right hand right now.


    ''W-what do I do?'' Aimon thought.


    However, maybe because he was pressured or maybe because he now knew that Desire is Him, Aimon moved...instinctively.


    He raised his middle finger as if it were natural, but that was not the strange thing.


    Even though it was by his instincts, Aimon...didn''t reject it or something like that.


    He agreed with it. And that was...ridiculous. After all, it''s not instincts anymore if you agree with the action.


    Well, it was weird and all, but Aimon didn''t have the time to think about that.


    After all, he basically gave in to Anino''s demands, and that was clearly seen by Anino and Beast.


    "Good. I will return the control over your body back to you, and we''ll be watching you. If you do something funny, don''t even think about going out alive. You understand that, you dogshit?"


    "Ah, raise your middle finger once more if you understand."


    Of curse, when Aimon heard that, he raised his middle finger once more.


    It was once again by his instincts, but well. His thoughts and emotions also agreed with that decision.


    However, it seems that he didn''t have time for that as Aimon felt his body once more.


    He felt he could move his body, and what''s more, he felt that...he had control over it now.


    And that means that Anino wasn''t controlling him anymore.


    However, it''s not like he could rejoice. After all, the beast guy was right beside him giving him the death stare!


    Well, it looked funny to Aimon as the beast guy looked so similar to Lionel.


    ''Hah. This took too much time...I was only supposed to do the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles, but why did things end up like this?''


    Aimon was seriously worn out by what just happened and what he just learned.


    That was why Aimon was considering taking a time off to think about things.


    Well, that would only come true after he finishes this.


    That was why Aimon looked in front - he looked at Desire''s incarnation, who was sleeping in a bed.


    ''Is it...really Him?''

 Chapter 151: Locked Doors

    ''Is it really Him?'' Aimon thought.


    However, his thoughts ended as Beast spoke.


    "Don''t think about unnecessary things. Just do your things, you bastard."


    Beast''s voice was threatening, and it was enough to have Aimon''s spine to feel the chills.


    Of course, Beast didn''t like how Aimon was still here. After all, just Aimon''s presence here could mess things up.


    Although Beast and Anino didn''t know how He was born or how He would mature, they just trusted Raksha.


    And Raksha said to defend Him until He matures no matter what.


    And since He wasn''t still matured, even Aimon''s presence here could be called a threat.


    That was why Beast didn''t like it. Of course, even Anino. However, it''s not like they could just chase him away.


    Desire was Him, and Desire allowed Aimon to be here. It was clear as day why they can''t.


    Anyway, when Aimon heard what Beast said, he quickly shook his head.


    After all, Aimon had to decide things, and do things as quickly as possible to escape from this place.


    Right now, the consequences of him being in here didn''t matter as the real threat was these two guys.


    That was why Aimon quickly walked forward as he looked at Desire.


    ''Even if it is Him, as long as I don''t feel it is Him, it is not Him.'' Aimon thought as he tried to calm himself.


    There was a myth in the demon world, and that was...a demon would be able to tell if He was born.


    A demon would be able to tell if that demon met Him.


    How? It would be through their emotions and instincts.


    Demons would immediately know just by looking at Him even without knowing His identity.


    They would be charmed, and they would do everything just to stay with Him.


    However, the first time Aimon met with Desire, Aimon didn''t feel something like that.


    He didn''t feel that he needed to stay with Desire, and he didn''t have an outburst of emotions.


    Even right now, when he now knew that Desire is Him, Aimon still didn''t have feelings like that.


    That was why Aimon was sure that...Desire is not Him.


    Well, it was just a way for him to calm down since he knew that he would mess things up if he were to think about Him.


    ''Alright, let''s do this and get out of here.'' Aimon thought as he looked at Desire.


    With his 10 golden needles, Divine, in his hands, Aimon finally reached out towards Desire.


    It took such a long time and a tiring process, but Aimon was finally here.


    Well, this was the reason why he came in here in the first place.


    Anyway, Desire was just sleeping on the bed as Aimon reached out to him.


    Aimon''s body...then turned into the mist and only his head and hands remained solid.


    He looked like how he looked before when he first entered Desire''s Spiritual World.


    This was the form that Aimon needed to proceed with the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles.


    After all, it would be easier to operate if he were just flying in the air, and Desire was just lying on the bed or some ground.


    Anyway, Aimon floated right on top of Desire as he tried to find Desire''s Spiritual Vein and Core with his left eye.


    As Aimon had a hard time locating Desire''s Spiritual Vein before, he thought that he would also have a hard time now, but...


    It seems like Aimon didn''t have to worry about that as Aimon was able to locate it much faster than before.


    ''The Spiritual Vein''s at the center of his back...that''s a weird place to be in.'' Aimon thought as some of his mist came down to touch that part of Desire''s back.


    He did it slowly as he felt the stares of two strong men right behind him.


    It seems that they weren''t planning to interfere, but that was just because Aimon was not showing any bad intentions.


    If Aimon were to show even a little bit, Anino would probably control Aimon''s body again.


    And Aimon knew that very well, and that was why he was taking care not to show even the weakest bloodlust.


    As soon as his mist touched it, he felt the Spiritual Vein...throbbing.


    That was a sign that means that Desire was alive and doing well.


    Well, Desire wasn''t really doing well as Desire''s lifeforce probably dropped to less than half when Aimon forced his entrance in here.


    Anyway, when Aimon was sure that the Spiritual Vein was fine and all, he quickly looked for the Core.


    He needed to do the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles on both the Spiritual Vein and the Core simultaneously.


    After all, the change that would result from that technique was just huge.


    What''s more, the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles was just like changing someone''s race.


    Of course, that was not what would happen, but that was how tremendous the effects of this technique would be on Desire.


    That was why Aimon had to be careful and had to be extremely precise on things.


    It didn''t take long for Aimon to find the Core as the Core was placed in the same place for every human.


    And it was located in the stomach. And the Core was...well, pretty normal.


    But if you think about how old Desire is now, Desire''s Core was really pure.


    That was why Aimon was amazed and even thought that....maybe, this is because Desire is Him.


    If Desire is Him, it would make sense. The absurdity that he has done, and his being unordinary would make sense.


    However, he soon shook his head off of those thoughts. After all, he didn''t want to think that Desire is Him now.


    It was not the time for that.


    It was then that Aimon let down some more of his mist. Of course, he placed the mist right on top of the stomach.


    As Desire was lying face flat, Aimon just made do with it. He placed his mist on Desire''s back, aligning it with Desire''s stomach.


    "Huuuuu. Haaaaa." Aimon breathed in and out as he tried to calm his nerves.


    He also closed his left eye as he just tried to calm himself.


    Although he wasn''t thinking about the two threats behind him now, he was still nervous about the whole process.


    After all, this was the second time that he would be performing this technique.


    What''s more, his interaction with Anino and Beast drained him of his mental energy.


    That was why Aimon took his time in calming himself.


    And when Aimon felt that he was okay now, he opened his eyes.


    It was now time to start the process as the mist that was touching Desire...turned into Aimon''s hands!


    Right, the mist and his hands switched places, but that was not the point!


    Aimon''s hands were holding the 10 golden needles, Divine, and those needles...struck Desire''s Spiritual Vein and Core at the same time!


    As Divine was made from Aurus Gold, it was able to pierce Desire without a mess and easily.


    However, the weird part was that...Desire''s incarnation didn''t even let out a sound of pain.


    Although Desire''s incarnation was just incarnation in this place, it was still Desire.


    It would make sense for him to cry if he were sad, and it would make sense for him to get angry if he were mad.


    And in this case, it would make sense for him to lash out in pain as he was just stabbed!


    Aimon knew that very well, and that was why he thought.


    ''Is there something wrong?''


    Right, Aimon thought that there was something wrong. However, no matter how much Aimon looked at things, there was nothing that could be considered that went wrong.


    All was fine, and things were looking perfect. That was why it was weird.


    However, since Aimon already struck the 10 golden needles in the Spiritual Vein and Core, it''s not like he could stop now.


    That was why Aimon just looked down on Desire as he prepared to open his right eye.


    And it didn''t take him a lot of time to open it.


    Aimon''s right eye, the Eye of Truth, was currently looking at the spot where the Spiritual Vein and the Core now.


    There was only one reason why Aimon needed the Eye of Truth for this.


    And that was...


    ''I must find the locked doors...''


    Right, Aimon must find the locked doors in the Core and the Spiritual Vein and unlock them.


    That point was the essence of the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles.


    It was basically unlocking everything there is in a person''s mana, and it would make the person''s potential...limitless.


    At least, in the First World, they would be limitless!


    However, finding the locked doors in the Spiritual Vein and the Core is hard.


    It is something that is embedded deep within, and Aimon even suspects that the locked doors are connected to the soul itself.


    And that alone makes this part the hardest part of the technique.


    Aimon''s face was turned into a frown as he looked all over Desire''s Spiritual Vein and Core to find the locked doors.

 Chapter 152: Desire...?

    Aimon was looking for the locked doors in Desire''s Spiritual Vein and Core.


    Even though the Spiritual Vein and Core were two different things, the locked doors were connected with them.


    That was why Aimon was looking at both of them at the same time. Aimon was also using the 10 golden needles to act like a flashlight or something like that as he moved them in Desire''s Core and Spiritual Vein.


    ''Hmm...Desire''s Core is broken, but it''s nothing serious.'' Aimon thought as he looked at Desire''s Core as he moved his hands.


    Desire''s Core was broken back when he was still in the Dungeon of the Spirt of Fire.


    Well, Desire didn''t know it, and that was why it didn''t bug him that much.


    Anyway, Aimon continued searching for the locked doors.


    Looking for the locked doors was the hardest part of the technique, but opening them would be easy.


    After all, that was the point of using something so precious such as Aurus Gold.


    That was why Aimon was confident that everything would flow smoothly once he found the locked doors.


    However, no matter how much Aimon looked at Desire''s Spiritual Vein and Core, he couldn''t find it.


    Although it seems like time was passing slowly, it was actually not. An hour...two hours, three hours, maybe even four hours have passed already.


    And that was something that should not happen. The 10 golden needles, Divine, were already piercing Desire''s Spiritual Vein and Core.


    Even if this Desire was just Desire''s incarnation, that would still affect the real Desire.


    In fact, it would affect the whole Spiritual World, and may even make Desire into a cripple!


    The reason why Aimon had to do the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles on Desire''s incarnation is that it would be softer or even may produce no harm to Desire.


    However, taking too much time would definitely affect things. That was why Aimon was getting nervous about things now.


    Of course, the two people watching him from the sidelines could see it all.


    Well, they didn''t say anything to disturb Aimon right now. After all, they knew that something...was going wrong.


    It''s not like Aimon was not doing his best or something like that. He even used his Eye of Truth to look for it.


    In Aimon''s first experience, the Eye of Truth was able to find his disciple''s locked doors.


    That was also why Aimon was confident, but now...things were just going wrong.


    ''I''m reaching my limits as well...'' Aimon thought as he felt his right eye hurting.


    Aimon was reaching his limits and he would be forced to close his right eye after some time.


    Aimon was able to use his Eye of Truth for a long time because he was just looking at Desire''s Spiritual Vein and Core.


    He wasn''t looking at the Stars of Destiny, which is literally about fate and the future.


    It was clear that looking at Desire''s Spiritual Vein and Core was less taxing for Aimon''s body.


    However, even that was reaching its limits.


    What was worse was that...Aimon can''t just cancel this technique. Aimon was piercing Desire''s Spiritual Vein and Core with the needles, and if Aimon just took out the golden needles, it may cause damage that could not be repaired.


    This technique, the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles, was literally the term do or die.


    It was then that Aimon finally felt something change in here.


    No, it wasn''t that he found the locked door or something like that, but instead...the atmosphere in this place changed.


    It changed...into something fearsome, and the pressure from that was so heavy that Aimon almost dropped the 10 golden needles.


    What''s more, the two people, Beast and Anino, could feel it too!


    "What is happening?!" Beast said as he looked around.


    However, not even he could not tell what was happening.


    Of course, Anino also didn''t know what was happening!


    However, it seems that the change didn''t stop there at all as the Spiritual World...started shaking.


    Right, Desire''s Spiritual World started shaking! And it was evident to these people as they were getting...off-balanced!


    Their eyes...could even see this whole place shake even though it was filled with just pure darkness!


    It was quite weird if you think about it, but that was not the only weird thing that happened as a voice resounded out in this place.


    "Mortal."


    That was what the voice said, and it resonated throughout the three people''s souls!


    They felt it churn inside their body, and they felt echoing inside their brains!


    They felt chills down their spine as they felt the power coming from the voice!


    However, the weird thing was...the source of the voice was very near them.


    It was very near them, and that was why they could tell who it was.


    And the source of the voice...was Desire''s Incarnation.


    "Why are you taking so long to find my potential?"


    Desire''s Incarnation said as he looked down at Aimon! He was floating in the air right now.


    ''Wait...how did he?!'' Aimon thought as he looked down to look at his hands.


    However, Desire was no longer there! It was clear that Desire moved so fast that Aimon didn''t even notice it.


    But the weird part was that...Aimon''s golden needles were still with Aimon.


    And that means that the golden needles...were pulled out! It was pulled out from Desire''s Spiritual Vein and Core!


    That only means disaster for Desire and this place as that would mean the destruction of the Spiritual Vein and Core!


    After all, the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles also fixes up the crack that it made, but if it were just pulled out, then...the crack is there for life!


    However, it seems that was nothing to worry about as Desire''s Incarnation spoke once more without a fuss.


    "You disturbed me from my sleep, and I allowed you to do your thing with my body."


    "However, you are taking too much time. And that...angers me."


    Desire then raised up his hand as he pointed his palm towards Aimon.


    It was then that he spoke once more.


    "Do you know the price of angering me, mortal?"


    "It is death."

 Chapter 153: Path

    "It is death."


    Desire''s Incarnation said as he pointed his right hand towards Aimon.


    It seems that Desire''s Incarnation has not noticed the two people watching him and Aimon from the sidelines.


    Of course, as soon as they found out that it was Desire''s Incarnation, the two people, Beast and Anino...quickly moved to hide.


    They hid in the darkness of this Spiritual World as they moved immediately. It was weird if you think about how they were all about Him.


    It was clear as day that Desire was Him, and they were clearly avoiding Desire''s Incarnation.


    That was why it was weird. However, it seems they didn''t care about that at all as they didn''t move.


    They didn''t move as they just erased their presence as they watched this...interaction.


    It was then that Desire''s Incarnation spoke once more as he looked down at Aimon.


    "Well, it''s not like it''s your fault that you were not able to find my potential right away. You''re just a pesky mortal, and that is why it is understandable."


    "However, I gave you too much time. Any more than this is unforgivable."


    Desire''s Incarnation said, and Aimon...was just looking at him with...weird eyes.


    Of course, Aimon''s right eye, the Eye of Truth, was still working. His left eye was also there, but those two eyes...they were something that was not there before.


    And that was...passion. Aimon''s eyes were so heated right now that Aimon...was blowing smoke.


    Well, his body was like the mist in the first place. It was only natural that he would blow smoke.


    However, the real reason for that was that...Aimon was feeling something.


    He was feeling something that didn''t exist before, and that was...attraction? Passion, or whatever it was...Aimon was feeling it right on top of his heart.


    Aimon wasn''t too sure, but he couldn''t take his eyes off Desire''s Incarnation now that he saw him again.


    With his...black hair and blue eyes, Desire looked so different.


    However, that didn''t matter to Aimon at all as he murmured with shaking hands.


    "D-Demon..." Aimon said as he looked at Desire''s Incarnation.


    However, even Aimon didn''t know why he said that word.


    Well, he didn''t care about that as that was just how Desire''s Incarnation looked to him right now.


    It was weird if one thinks about how Aimon was cursed with Anino''s powers, but that was because Anino was letting it go.


    Right, Anino was letting things go as he was in His presence.


    Well, Anino just didn''t want to be seen or felt by Desire''s Incarnation.


    It was then that Desire''s Incarnation...the other side of Desire spoke once more.


    No, he just hummed with his mouth as he looked in front of him.


    "Hmm..."


    Desire then squinted his blue eyes as he tried to look beyond the darkness.


    It seems that there was something bugging him, and this caused the people hiding in the darkness to sweat.


    However, it seems that they were not Desire''s targets as Desire spoke after he clicked his tongue.


    "Tsk. I''m affecting and limiting myself."


    Desire then shook his head as if he really couldn''t believe what he just saw.


    Well, Desire couldn''t believe it, and that was the truth.


    After all, Desire couldn''t keep this up and talk with Aimon because of himself.


    It was weird if you think about how he was able to scare Aimon with just his voice and make the two people hideaway with just his presence.


    It seems that there were more reasons as to why Desire couldn''t stay awake for much longer.


    Desire knew that very well and that was why he looked down at Aimon once more.


    Since this Desire woke up, there was only one thing to do.


    And that was to accomplish what he woke up for and go back to sleep.


    Well, this Desire shouldn''t even be awake yet, and the fact that he was here floating around means that what Aimon did really bothered him.


    And there was only one reason for that. It was because what Aimon planned to do was extremely beneficial for Desire.


    However, Aimon was not able to finish or accomplish it. And since he couldn''t, Desire...planned to do it with him.


    Right, Desire planned to find his potential with Aimon.


    It was crazy if you think about it, but it was definitely not crazy for this Desire.


    "Mortal." Desire said as he floated down towards Aimon.


    Although he didn''t like how he was speaking with a lower being such as Aimon, Desire stomached it.


    After all, the effects of what Aimon planned to do to Desire were just too good to be true.


    Desire knew that very well, which is why he allowed this mortal to be on the same level as him!


    "I will open my own Path for you. If you don''t find my potential within my Path, I will make sure you regret being born."


    Desire said as he looked at Aimon, but it seems that Aimon was not listening.


    Aimon...was just looking at Desire with wonder in his eyes. After all, what he was feeling...he was basically charmed by Desire!


    Aimon was a powerful fallen demon who couldn''t be charmed even by a succubus! However, the fact that he was charmed by Desire means that this Desire...is Him.


    And that was weird! No, it was absolutely insane!


    After all, Aimon didn''t feel something like this when he was around the normal Desire.


    The normal Desire which had blue eyes and grey hair, and this Desire...which had black hair and blue eyes...


    Although all these two sides or whatever being inside Desire, Aimon...just let it slide and didn''t think much of it.


    Why? It was because Aimon didn''t care about that at all.


    Aimon...was just crazy right now.


    That was why Aimon didn''t answer Desire''s question, and it seems Desire didn''t like that.


    "Mortal...are you making me repeat my words?"


    Desire said, but the bloodlust in his words was great and intense! What''s more, the pressure that he was exuding was so great that the whole Spiritual World...started shaking once more!


    Of course, only one warning was enough to make the entranced Aimon answer.


    "N-no...Right, let''s do it." Aimon said as he tried to shake his thoughts and feelings.

 Chapter 154: First Door

    "N-no...Right, let''s do it." Aimon said as he tried to shake off his thoughts and feelings.


    Although Aimon was charmed by Desire, that doesn''t mean that he couldn''t get a grip on himself.


    He certainly could do something like that, and that was why he did it right now.


    After all, this...attraction and charmed were just too weird even for Aimon.


    Even if this Desire was really and truly Him, that doesn''t mean that Aimon could act weakly and meekly.


    Aimon was a proud demon! Something like acting so weakly in front of a child is something that could not easily be forgiven!


    What was worse was that...Aimon didn''t know if Desire was truly Him.


    That was why acting like this when it was not even confirmed would just bring shame to Aimon''s name.


    "Good." Desire said as he looked at Aimon.


    Although Desire didn''t give a fuck about Aimon''s feelings or something like that, Desire was relieved to know that Aimon...was calm and all right now.


    After all, Desire could pick up Aimon''s feelings of nervousness or something like that.


    Desire didn''t want to have Aimon operate on him when Aimon was shaking and feeling scared.


    That was why it was, at least, relief for Desire to see that Aimon was alright now.


    Well, after this, Desire probably won''t even bat an eye towards Aimon.


    Anyway, as things were good to go now, Desire...moved his hands as he turned around.


    Desire knew where his Spiritual Vein and that was why he turned his back towards Aimon.


    It seems that he was awake when Aimon started to do his thing with Desire''s Spiritual Vein and Core.


    It was weird if you think about how Desire didn''t react or scream in pain at all, but that was probably how strong this Desire was.


    Anyway, Desire then made some signs with his hands as he interlocked them together.


    And the sign that he made was...the sign for opening one''s body.


    It was the same sign when the normal Desire''s instincts took over and literally ''opened'' his body when he was forming his body foundation.


    And it seems that this sign was not just for opening one''s body, but also for one''s Path.


    Right, Desire had already opened his Path, but nothing significant happened.


    No change in pressure and the mood didn''t become dark. There was also no change in his body or something like that.


    That was why Aimon didn''t know that, and it seems that Desire was aware of that as he spoke.


    "What are you waiting for? Do it."


    "You should be able to find it more easily now."


    And right after saying those words, Desire turned his head backward as he looked at Aimon.


    His piercing blue eyes were just mesmerizing, and with his black hair, Desire...was just majestic.


    And it was with that majestic look that Desire spoke once more with a heavy tone.


    "Don''t disappoint me, mortal."


    Don''t disappoint me. Those words resounded out in Aimon''s heart, and it...created some sort of pressure on Aimon.


    After all, Desire basically said that he was counting on Aimon.


    Although Aimon has calmed himself now, those words would definitely affect him!


    And the effects were clear as Aimon could feel his heart beating fast right now.


    Of course, his heart was not beating fast because of some bullshit called love.


    Although Aimon was a fallen demon, he was not a psycho.


    His heart...was beating so fast because it was excited for what would happen. No, Aimon himself was excited.


    Even though Aimon tried to suppress it, Aimon couldn''t deny it.


    That was why Aimon had a thin smile on his face right now. Of course, even Aimon didn''t know why.


    However, Aimon didn''t have to know why, and Aimon...just let himself drown in those feelings of his.


    It was then that Aimon finally got started as he looked at Desire''s Spiritual Vein and Core.


    Of course, Aimon had his 10 golden needles out and he quickly stabbed Desire''s Spiritual Vein and Core once again.


    As this was the natural process, it was something that must be done.


    And as soon as the 10 needles were in, Aimon quickly tried to look for the hidden doors.


    Although Aimon was not able to find it before, Aimon, right now, was confident in being able to find it.


    After all, he was being helped by Desire, and Desire himself said that he would open up his Path.


    Aimon didn''t know what the Path was, but he just trusted Desire that it would change things.


    He just trusted Desire that it would actually be able to help him in finding Desire''s locked doors.


    And as if it were all magic...Aimon was able to find it without much time passing.


    ''I found it!'' Aimon thought as he looked at Desire''s Spiritual Vein.


    The locked doors were right inside the Spiritual Vein. It was weird if you think about how a door could not possibly fit inside a person''s Spiritual Vein.


    After all, if you think about where the Spiritual Vein was located, it was really small.


    It was just the body of a child, or, even if you generalize it, the body of a human.


    However, the Spiritual Vein was magical. That was why these locked doors were able to fit in.


    Anyway, when Aimon found it, he quickly tried to get it with the five golden needles.


    As only one hand was piercing Desire''s Spiritual Vein, there would only be five golden needles that Aimon could use.


    However, it seems that was not a problem as Aimon...was able to get close to Desire''s locked doors.


    Although it seemed like it was such an easy task, it was actually not.


    In fact, it was so taxing that even though he just moved the five golden needles Aimon was sweating buckets.


    What''s worse was that he could feel his arm getting heavier, and his body feeling the pressure.


    He only used his hands to secure his hold on a locked door, but the aftereffects were already this bad.


    And that only means one thing.


    ''Opening them won''t be as easy as how I opened my disciple''s...''

 Chapter 155: Opened!

    ''Opening them won''t be as easy as how I opened my disciple''s...'' Aimon thought as sweat flowed down his wrinkly face.


    It seems that it was really something heavy and hard as Aimon was aware that the 10 golden needles were made with Aurus Gold.


    In fact, Aimon specifically used these 10 golden needles in order to help him with the task of using the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles.


    The 10 golden needles, Divine, would be used with the qualities of the Aurus Gold.


    Surely, something such as a magnificent metal as Aurus Gold would be able to lessen the burden of opening the locked doors in a human''s Spiritual Vein.


    However, even though Aimon knew that the Divine was literally divine, he knew that it would be hard.


    He knew that not even the Aurus Gold would be able to help in opening Desire''s locked doors.


    What''s more, this locked door was the first one that he found. Aimon had to open three locked doors in order to make Desire be able to wield three styles.


    Besides, the locked doors were directly correlated to a person''s mana''s potential.


    Aimon was basically opening Desire''s mana''s potential so that he would be able to wield all three styles.


    It was easy to tell how hard that must be just by considering the effects one would have by having opened one''s locked doors.


    However, it''s not like Aimon could just give up on this right now.


    That was why he started to process to open Desire''s locked doors.


    Right, and he started...by scratching the Divine with the locked door!


    It was a mad action, and something that doesn''t even make sense, but Aimon just kept scratching the locked door.


    As Desire''s Spiritual Vein was small, it was hard for Aimon to see through it.


    That was why Aimon scratched the door to find the locks by feeling it.


    It was obvious but, there are locks that are blocking the door, and that was why it was called locked doors.


    Aimon also came across these locks when he was doing it for his disciple.


    And when Aimon would be able to find the location of the locks, he would then destroy them.


    It was a simple solution, and it was also the best solution here.


    After all, it''s not like Aimon could just widen the crack or something like that.


    Even Aimon would not do something so crazily and so risky.


    Anyway, when Aimon started to scratch the locked door, no sounds of scratching resounded out in this place.


    However, one would be able to see how intense Aimon''s scratching was just by looking at his hand.


    And it was because of that intensity that Aimon was finally able to find out the position of the locks.


    It didn''t take him quite a long time as it was just literally shaping the door.


    And now...it was time to open the door by destroying the locks.


    ''How much power do I need to do it...'' Aimon thought as he tried adjusting his hand.


    The reason why this was hard was that...destroying the lock with so much power would also affect the Spiritual Vein.


    It would affect Desire, and it would affect his Spiritual World.


    What''s more, it would also affect the results and it may even kill Desire.


    And since Aimon was somehow new to this technique, he would have to find out by testing it on the spot!


    Too strong would do harm instead of good and too weak would just be him wasting his time.


    Although Aimon was not able to notice it due to Desire''s appearance, Aimon had already reached his limits.


    No, he already went over them! That was why wasting his time here would literally kill both of them.


    Well, Desire might be safe, but he would end up as a cripple since his Core and Spiritual Vein were cracked.


    Anyway, Aimon started to...test the limits to break the locks.


    He smashed Divine with the locks with articulate control as it didn''t break, but it also didn''t hurt Desire.


    He then continued to smash it to try and know the limits of the locks.


    He continued doing that for a long time as it wasn''t easy to know. It was quite impressive if you think about how his arms and his body must be feeling his limits right about now.


    What''s more, the pressure must also be incredible since he couldn''t stop it.


    After all, he might lose this door if he stopped once more.


    That was why he continued smashing it with diligence and perseverance.


    And it seems that his efforts have paid off soon enough as Aimon could finally see a crack on the locks!


    ''So, this much is enough...'' Aimon thought as he stopped breaking it.


    It seems that it really took a toll on his mind and body. However, Aimon continued right away as he didn''t want to miss this chance.


    He also didn''t want to forget the amount of force and power he used to cause the crack.


    That was why he smashed the locks once more with Divine, and the result was...


    The lock broke.


    Right, the lock broke without putting up much of a fight, but that was because of Aimon''s constant smashing.


    ''I did it...'' Aimon thought as he felt that the locks were no longer there.


    However, there was still something that must be done, and that was to open the doors.


    Aimon then scratched the door as he looked for the handle or something like that.


    He was able to find it quickly, and he immediately interlocked Divine with it and pulled it.


    It seems that the door couldn''t be opened by pushing it.


    Anyway, it was then that the first door was opened with great effort and time.


    Of course, the effects...were not immediate. After all, Aimon didn''t let it happen as he guided some of Desire''s mana in order to cover the door.


    It was weird if you think about how Desire''s Core and Spiritual Vein were two different things. However, that was just how things worked.


    Anyway, the reason why Aimon covered it was that all three doors must be opened at once.


    And by covering it up with mana, the door...is still technically locked.


    ''Now, the second one...'' Aimon thought as he then switched his head to try and find the second door.


    It didn''t take him long to find it, and do the same things all over again, and again, and again...

 Chapter 156: Heal!

    It didn''t take long for Aimon to find the second locked door in Desire''s Spiritual Vein.


    It seems that what Desire did really helped and made it easier for Aimon to find the locked doors.


    Desire termed the locked doors as his potential, and Aimon could certainly agree with that term.


    After all, by opening the locked doors, it would basically release Desire''s potential.


    Anyway, Aimon did the same thing with the second locked door. He scratched it until he found the locks.


    And when he found the locks that were locking the door, he started to guess the amount of force and power it would take to destroy them.


    Although Aimon knew and memorized how much power it would take to destroy the first door''s locks, he didn''t use that.


    Why? It was because the second locked door''s locks might be more fragile or stronger than the first one.


    Right, there were different locks to the locked door, and its endurance and strength vary as well.


    Aimon knew that very well, and he didn''t want to make a mistake now.


    After all, making a mistake now would mean disaster for both of them.


    And making a mistake now would basically mean that Desire''s death...would be confirmed.


    He already opened one locked door, and he was just covering it up with Desire''s mana.


    Of course, that was because of Aimon''s intervention, but if Aimon''s intervention were to go out, the mana covering the door would dissipate.


    Although Aimon had no knowledge of what that would do, Aimon was still confident that it would...affect Desire so badly that he would die.


    After all, opening the three locked doors at once was the key for this whole thing to work.


    The three locked door''s potential would mess with each other and try to better against each other.


    And it would then result in Desire''s mana being able to wield all three styles.


    His mana won''t be tempered anymore, and he would be able to enjoy benefits unknown to humans.


    Of course, except for Aimon''s disciple, that is.


    Anyway, Aimon didn''t really spend that much time trying to break the second door locks as he was used to it now.


    It was something like muscle memory, and as soon as he was able to break the locks, he quickly looked for the handle.


    He was able to open it and covered it again with Desire''s mana.


    He was able to do all that, and as soon as he finished it, he quickly looked for the third door.


    As he was now intervening with two doors, it was becoming harder.


    That was why he quickly looked for the third door.


    And he did all the same things over again and again.


    He found the third locked door, scratched the door, and destroyed the locks, and opened the door.


    And covered it with Desire''s mana once more.


    Although it was so repetitive that anyone could probably master the process, it was actually not easy.


    Just the pressure was enough to break a normal person''s mind. No, it could possibly even break a strong person''s mind.


    That was how taxing this all was. However, the real part was not done yet.


    ''It''s now time to open it...'' Aimon thought as he prepared himself.


    The real part was just starting, and that was...Aimon would unlock all three doors by stopping his control over Desire''s mana.


    Although this was what he wanted to achieve, the effects of this would be tremendous.


    It would be tremendous and that was why Aimon...had to keep the effects inside Desire''s Spiritual Vein and Core.


    As soon as Aimon takes off his control over the mana covering the locked doors, Aimon would have to seal the Spiritual Vein and Core before the effects happen.


    He would have to heal up the crack in both the Spiritual Vein and Core, and what''s more, he would have to do it fast.


    No, fast would be an understatement as Aimon would have to do it at the speed of light.


    He would have to race against the opening of Desire''s potential and be faster than it by sealing the Spiritual Vein and Core.


    Although Desire''s potential has been technically opened by now, it would soon burst out as soon as Aimon takes off the mana covering the doors.


    "Huuuuu. Haaaa." Aimon breathed in and out as he tried to calm his nerves.


    No matter what happens, Aimon would still have to do it.


    It was then that Aimon churned up his powers as he prepared himself.


    He then focused himself as smoke...was practically blowing out of his body.


    The smoke was basically a fog now as it was floating around in this Spiritual World.


    And Aimon was so concentrated that he didn''t notice it - he didn''t notice the blood...going out of his pores.


    He was bleeding all over his body, but that was the price to pay for using it.


    This was the price to pay for using the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles!


    And now, the final step to the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles was about to happen.


    And with the smoke going out of his body, the nickname, Phantom Hands, was truly fitting.


    It was then that Aimon shouted out loud as he moved his hands.


    "DIVINE!"


    The 10 golden needles in his hands started to shine in the light, but that was not all.


    He also undid his control over Desire''s mana, and that means that...Desire''s potential would burst out now!


    It was then that Aimon pulled his hand back out and made the 10 golden needles go out of Desire''s Spiritual Vein and Core.


    Aimon''s right eye was shining in red...no, it was shining in blood!


    Aimon''s left eye could no longer be seen as Aimon could no longer handle it.


    However, Aimon was still using his sense of feeling, and he felt it clearly!


    He felt the power rushing out of Desire''s now unlocked doors!


    And before that power could get out, Aimon...shouted once more.


    "MELT!!!"


    And it was then that Aimon did the work to heal the crack in Desire''s Spiritual Vein and Core.

 Chapter 157: Divine Melt

    "MELT!!!" Aimon shouted out loud as he poured out his powers towards Divine, the 10 golden needles.


    Of course, as he needed to do it fast, he already had them by the ready.


    That was why his powers were currently with the 10 golden needles.


    As this was the most crucial and important step of the whole technique, Aimon had to do it fast.


    He then moved his hands crazily at the speed of smoke that it looked like there were 10 Aimons!


    However, the shining light could still be seen fairly even though he was moving so fast.


    Anyway, what Aimon was doing was to heal the crack before Desire''s potential was to burst out.


    And that was what exactly he was doing as the Divine, the 10 golden needles, started...to melt.


    Right, the Divine, a weapon forged with Aurus Gold, was starting to melt!


    A metal made by the gods was starting to melt as it...started to cover Desire''s Spiritual Vein and Core.


    And this...this was the way Aimon planned to heal Desire''s Spiritual Vein and Core.


    After all, it was impossible to heal the Spiritual Vein and Core naturally when he basically stabbed them to crack.


    However, it''s not like this would cause any damages or changes that are unwanted.


    In fact, this would be extremely beneficial to Desire in the long run.


    Why? It was because Aurus Gold was a metal made by the Gods!


    That alone says something of its rarity and its powers. What''s more, just because it melted doesn''t mean that its quality got lower or something like that.


    It would stay the same, and it would have the same powers. It would also be able to help contain Desire''s powers better!


    In other words, this was actually an upgrade!


    An extreme and insane upgrade that no other human being would think of except for Aimon!


    Well, Aimon wasn''t a human as he was a fallen demon.


    However, this wasn''t easy to do as Aimon had to pour out everything he has just to melt the Aurus Gold.


    He had to make use of everything he has; speed, powers, demonic powers, physical strength, and even mental strength!


    That was how taxing it was just to melt the Aurus Gold.


    What''s more, he also had to pour the melting Divine correctly, otherwise, he would leave a mark that would not fade for life.


    And he had to do it at the speed of smoke as Aimon...could feel Desire''s potential about to burst out anytime now!


    No, in fact, Desire''s potential was right behind the corners of the door!


    And Aimon...was still not done with healing Desire''s Spiritual Vein and Core.


    However, it seems that he didn''t have to worry about that as his eyes soon saw it.


    His eyes soon saw the melting Divine cover up the crack in Desire''s Spiritual Vein!


    Of course, it also covered up his Core as well. However, things were still not done as the Aurus Gold needed to cool off.


    It needed to cool off so it could become solid and cover Desire''s Spiritual Vein and Core forever.


    And while he was looking at that, he soon felt that his hands...weren''t holding anything anymore.


    And that means that Divine...melted off completely as it vanished into Desire''s Spiritual Vein and Core.


    And as soon as Aimon felt that Divine was no longer there, he quickly checked if he made it in time.


    And what he saw was...


    "Whew." Aimon breathed a sigh of relief as soon as he saw a new light existing in Desire''s Spiritual Vein.


    And that new light...that new light was Desire''s potential that came out from the three doors.


    And that means that Aimon was able to complete it safely and thoroughly.


    After all, that means that the Aurus Gold also solidified tightening its guard on Desire''s Spiritual Vein and Core.


    Of course, all that happened within a short amount of time. In fact, only two seconds have passed ever since Aimon started to heal Desire''s Spiritual Vein and Core.


    And as soon as Aimon finished doing it, he quickly checked if Desire was okay.


    However, it seems that Desire...was no longer awake as he was just sleeping.


    It seems that this Desire couldn''t stay awake for a long period of time.


    Of course, Aimon was relieved to see that Desire was okay, but there was something bugging him.


    ''I don''t feel the same...'' Aimon thought as he looked at Desire.


    Desire''s hair was still black, and he still looked majestic. However, Aimon didn''t feel any attraction or something like that.


    It was definitely weird, but Aimon didn''t have the time to think about that as he...collapsed.


    Right, Aimon collapsed as his body turned into the mist. After all, he did everything he could just to do all that.


    It would be even weirder if Aimon were able to stay awake after all that.


    However, that was not all that happened as Aimon''s misty body...soon exited out of Desire''s Spiritual World.


    It seems that this was only natural as the onlookers weren''t that alarmed about it or something like that.


    Anyways, it didn''t take long for Aimon to get out of Desire''s Spiritual World, and the only people who were awake, Beast and Anino, finally appeared once more.


    After all, Desire was asleep. They didn''t have to hide for whatever reason they did that when Desire was awake.


    It was then that Beast spoke as he looked at Anino.


    "Anino, why did we have to hide from Him? I forgot about it."


    "Right, I also forgot why I had to chase Him away that time."


    "It''s our duty to protect him, but that doesn''t mean that we can''t talk to Him, right?"


    Beast said what was bugging him. It was the truth that they could talk to Him.


    However, it seems that Anino had other things in his mind as he spoke.


    "It''s true that we could talk to him. However..."


    "However...He is not complete."


    "When Raksha said maturing, she meant completeness."


    "Only when He matures shall He be complete."


    Anino said as he looked at the sleeping Desire. However, it seems that Beast still didn''t understand it as he spoke once more.


    "And why does He have to be complete? Even if He is not complete, He''s perfect."

 Chapter 158: Hes perfect.

    "And why does He have to be complete? Even if He''s not complete, He''s perfect."


    Beast said with confidence and...a look of disgust in his eyes as he looked at Anino.


    After all, it was the truth. Even if He was not complete or something like that, in Beast''s eyes, He was perfect.


    Of course, Anino also thinks that way. Even the one who told them about Him, Raksha, also thinks that way.


    That was why Anino spoke as he shook his head.


    "Hah. You don''t understand a thing. The Council already explained things when we started this whole mission."


    "It looks like you didn''t listen to a single word they said."


    Anino then turned his head towards Beast to look at him in the eye.


    Of course, Beast...could feel the silent pressure that Anino was exuding.


    It seems that Anino was really angry that Beast didn''t listen to the Council or something like that.


    "Listen, there are two sides of Him that are known to use right now."


    Anino said as he raised his right hand with two of his fingers, index and middle fingers up.


    "The first one is something that we don''t know specifically, but we know that it''s there. And we don''t have to mind that as He is perfect in any way, as you''ve said. However..."


    Anino then bent down his middle finger, leaving only the index finger in the air.


    Anino''s eyes...then turned sharp as his voice...became low and silent as if he were trying to whisper to Beast''s ears.


    Of course, even then, Beast could hear it clearly.


    "The second...The second side that He has...is something that we don''t want to mess around with."


    Beast...soon saw Anino''s eyes start to shake. It was full of fear, and it was something Beast didn''t expect to see right now.


    Incidentally, Anino, right now...looked like Aimon a lot. Well, that was because that was the previous body that he controlled.


    It was also because Anino used his powers to make a body that looked like Aimon to speak. It seems that Anino didn''t like to have his real body around or something like that.


    And it was with that kind of body and face that Anino continued to speak as his whole body started to shake.


    "The second side...His second side is just...pure destruction."


    And that was what Anino said. That was all. He didn''t speak anymore as he just continued to shake.


    After all, Anino was sure that if they met His second side, Beast and Anino wouldn''t even be living right now.


    And it seems that Beast was so thick that he didn''t understand it. He had to ask, and that was why he asked.


    "What do you mean by pure destruction? He is what He is. It''s simple, and we don''t have to overthink about it."


    What Beast said was the truth. Even if He has a second side that was pure destruction, it didn''t matter.


    After all, He is what He is. It didn''t change the fact that He was someone who Beast and Anino would follow.


    Of course, Anino also agreed on that point. However, pure destruction... means only one thing.


    "You don''t understand."


    "The second side of Him is called pure destruction because of only one reason."


    "He...would destroy anybody, anyone, and everyone on His way just because He felt like it!"


    "He would even destroy the world if He felt like doing it!"


    "And that is what we call...the second face!"


    And when Beast heard that, his face slowly turned into a frown. After all, he couldn''t understand what Anino meant by that at all.


    Beast and Anino would surely help Him if He wanted to destroy the world.


    No matter His decision, Beast was sure that even the council would support it, and they won''t even reject it.


    However, Beast didn''t say anything to Anino right now. It seems that Anino was just that unstable.


    And it was in this way that silence returned to Desire''s Spiritual World.


    ****


    In a place where a blinding light was reigning over the sky, there was a mountain.


    It seems that this mountain was so tall that even the blinding light couldn''t reach it.


    What was even weirder was that...the blinding light came from the sky.


    And the fact that it couldn''t reach the top of the mountain means that the mountain was way over the sky.


    It was, practically and unrealistically, piercing the sky and it was stationed above the heaven.


    And on the very peak of that mountain, there was someone who was standing looking down.


    It was a tall man, and this man was very handsome with his white hair and blue eyes.


    However, one would be able to tell that this man was a youth just by his face.


    His face was just basically screaming the word youth, and his skin was just flawless.


    And with that kind of look, the man murmured as he squinted his blue eyes.


    "Just a little more..."


    Just a little more. Those were the words that escaped his lips, and it seems that he wasn''t done as he continued speaking.


    "My cute, little monsters...I shall be there with you soon."


    The man said with longing in his eyes. It seems that he really missed his monsters.


    It was then that a bird passed through him. The bird then made a return as it landed on the man''s shoulder.


    The man had a smile on his face when the bird landed on his shoulder.


    His smile just gave off a peaceful vibe to his surroundings that he looked like a priest.


    However, that smile soon disappeared as the man spoke once more.


    "It looks like I used too much of my power, again."


    "Good grief, it''s hard to keep myself alive."


    The man said as he shook his head. The man then turned around, causing the bird on his shoulder to fly off.


    And when the man turned around, he soon saw a bed. It was a small bed that was only fit to be used by a child.


    Nevertheless, the man walked towards that bed...and laid down on it!


    It was weird seeing his legs and feet not fitting in the bed''s frame.


    And it was in that bed that the man...fell asleep again.

 Chapter 159: Where...am I?

    When Aimon was sucked out of Desire''s Spiritual World, his body naturally formed on the physical world, right beside the Healing Well.


    Of course, Lionel was able to detect that Aimon was now back, and he quickly went for Aimon.


    However, Aimon was passed out and was not moving.


    Well, it was only natural that Aimon would be passed out after doing all that stressful work and taxing task.


    The Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles was so taxing that it wouldn''t be even weird if both of them died if Aimon did a wrong move.


    It probably stressed Aimon''s soul just for performing such a taxing technique one time.


    That was how bad the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles was. And that was also why it was only natural for Aimon to be knocked out, sleeping on the ground.


    Of course, Lionel knew and was briefed about the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles by Aimon.


    He knew that Aimon would be passed out for days after using this technique or something like that.


    That was why Lionel quickly called Fyu and have him take Aimon to a house near the Lion''s Forest.


    Lionel was planning to have Aimon rest in there and to heal his injuries, if he had any, in that house.


    Besides, Lionel still had to ask questions about the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles.


    Will Desire be able to use all three styles now? Do I just train him normally with my key points? What are your suggestions in this case?


    As Aimon had a disciple who was able to master all three styles because of Aimon''s technique, he was more experienced in this.


    That was why Lionel wanted to have Aimon''s experience for himself so that he could teach Desire better.


    Anyway, Fyu did as he was instructed by his lord, he got Aimon to rest in that house and just guarded him there.


    He also made preparations for when Aimon would get his consciousness back; food, clothes, and medicines for his injuries.


    As for the other person, Desire, Lionel...didn''t move him from the Healing Well at all.


    He didn''t make him go back to a house or something. He didn''t move him at all or tried to wake him up.


    Right, Lionel just made Desire rest in the Healing Well.


    After all, it was a Healing Well. The Healing Well would naturally heal Desire''s body and injuries, but of course, it''s not like it would be that effective.


    The Healing Well would only do the minimum, and Lionel would have to look for a professional healer.


    However, as Desire''s life was on a delicate spot right now, Lionel couldn''t move his body.


    Desire''s life force was brought down to the bottom when Aimon entered him.


    Even though it is confirmed that Desire survived that, there''s no telling that he would be able to survive if his body moved.


    That was why Lionel was just playing it safe.


    Incidentally, it has been a total of five days ever since Aimon entered Desire''s Spiritual World.


    It has been quite a long time since he started, but Lionel was just relieved to know that they were now done.


    After all, it was just that risky and life-threatening.


    Of course, although Lionel still doesn''t know the results of whether Desire could now use all three styles, Lionel...was confident.


    Lionel was confident that Desire now could use it. After all, Desire was just that special and talented.


    Well, that might not be a good source to fall back on, but it was enough for Lionel.


    That was why Lionel just kept watching where Desire was sleeping again like a lion waiting to pounce on his prey.


    It seems that Lionel wouldn''t even let a single hair be touched on Desire''s body.


    And so, it was in this way that Lionel waited for Desire to wake up again.


    ****


    In a place where there was only darkness ruling over the sky, there was something flying in the air.


    Right, there was something flying in the air, but it wasn''t some bird or something like that.


    It was...a fire. No, it wasn''t a fire but something that looks like a fire.


    It was burning, but it wasn''t burning.


    It was weird, but that was how it looked like.


    What''s more, this something that looked like a fire also seems to be...a little bit transparent.


    It was transparent, and it was burning. It was weird, but that was just how things worked in this place.


    After all, this place was...Desire''s Spiritual World.


    And that...transparent looking fire thingy floating in the air was Desire.


    It wasn''t the Desire that was always looking down on people, but it was the normal Desire.


    Right, Desire was in his Spiritual World, floating in the air as a...transparent looking fire thingy.


    ''What the hell happened?'' Desire thought as he tried to look around him.


    However, there was nothing in here but darkness.


    Well, it was even weird in the first place that he could see things even though he was just a transparent looking fire thingy.


    Anyway, there was only one reason why Desire was in his Spiritual World even though he couldn''t come in here.


    After all, he was just a Rank 1 Human or even his Monster Rank was only 1.


    There was no way that he could just come here when he was that weak.


    However, the reason why...was because Desire just woke up in here.


    Right, Desire just woke up in here, and he didn''t even know this was his Spiritual World.


    And he didn''t even know how he got into that kind of a body.


    That was why Desire was confused as hell right now.


    ''Where am I...?'' Desire thought as he tried to move around.


    It seems that he could move around with this body without even knowing how to move it.


    It was something...that could be magical, but Desire knew how to move in this naturally.


    It was as if he was born with this body.


    And it was with this body that Desire looked around.

 Chapter 160: A huge wall

    Desire was just roaming around in this place, his Spiritual World as some sort of transparent looking fire thingy.


    Of course, Desire didn''t know that this place was his Spiritual World.


    After all, it''s not like he had any knowledge regarding this. He also didn''t have any experience so it was just impossible for him to notice that this was his Spiritual World, let alone telling that this is a Spiritual World.


    Anyway, when Desire was roaming around in here, there was something that came to his mind.


    ''Is this the effect of that whatever the old man was supposed to do to me?''


    Right, he thought that this was just an effect of whatever Aimon planned to do to him.


    Desire knew that it already began. After all, even though he passed out, he still felt the pain.


    That was why Desire knew that things...were still going well.


    After all, Desire was alive and he had his own consciousness.


    Well, Desire didn''t know where this was so he wasn''t sure about it going well.


    Anyway, Desire was sure that this was a side effect of what Aimon did to him.


    After all, this was the first time that he has been to this place, and it was perfectly timed as well.


    It would be too much to just call it a coincidence when there were clearly circumstances that led Desire to this...place.


    However, if this were a side effect, then...what was it for?


    ''Do I have to do something in this place or what?'' Desire thought as his body stopped moving in the air.


    He just floated in there as he didn''t will for his body to move.


    Although it seems like Desire has only been here for a short time, that was actually not the case.


    He has been wandering around here now for hours, and that was why Desire was sure.


    There was nothing in this place that could give him clues about where it was, what he was supposed to do, or something like that.


    And that was also why Desire was asking himself this question; am I supposed to do anything?


    Although it has been hours now, Desire...couldn''t feel any sensation that could possibly return him back to his body.


    He didn''t feel any headaches nor did he feel any extreme gravity that pulls him back to the body.


    That was why...it was kind of an instinctual reaction for Desire to think that he has to do something in here before going back to his body.


    No, he has to do something in here so that he could go back to his body.


    At least, for Desire, that was how it felt like being in here and roaming around for hours.


    However, this place...literally had nothing.


    In fact, this place was so full of darkness that Desire didn''t even know where he was going.


    He didn''t know if he was rising up to the sky or was he going down a hole.


    He didn''t know if he was moving back and forth!


    Of course, this would have been a...dramatic situation for any other person, but not for Desire.


    Desire still had his Heavenly Demon Trait, and even if he was now in a different body, that was still there.


    Besides, at this point, his trait is slowly becoming his personality. Desire didn''t have to make his trait to do some jack shit for him just to keep calm in these situations.


    He was too used to it!


    That was why Desire didn''t really have any mental stress about this whole situation.


    If there was anything wrong about him, that would be Desire was weirdly feeling that he''s near to his destination.


    Right, Desire felt like that he was near to his destination or to whatever place he''s supposed to go to.


    Desire has been feeling that ever since he woke up in here, and that was why he was roaming around to find it.


    Of course, the result was obvious. He didn''t get to that place.


    However, Desire was still feeling it.


    ''This is so weird...am I having a dream or something?'' Desire thought as he tried to rationalize his thoughts.


    After all, it would be more reasonable to think that this was all a dream.


    Of course, that was not the case as Desire felt like he has spent a lot of time in here. Desire wouldn''t be aware of time if he was in a dream.


    It was then that Desire thought of doing something in here. Since Desire...could just technically ''float'' his body, there was nothing he could do with that.


    However, what Desire thought of was...whether he could use magic or mana in this situation.


    Although Desire didn''t know if it was safe for him to use mana or something like that, Desire would still use it.


    After all, it''s not like things would go bad if he were to just use some.


    And that was why Desire quickly went for it as he tried to remember the feeling of using mana.


    He remembered his physical body, which his mana circuits and veins were located.


    He remembered the feeling of having the mana move in his body, and Desire...could feel it move!


    Right, Desire could feel his mana move, but things quickly went the wrong way as Desire felt that he lose control over his mana.


    Desire became surprised, as that was just absurd, but that was not all that happened.


    Desire felt his mana...escaping his body and pouring outside of this place!


    Right, it was going right outside of this place, and that was why Desire followed his mana''s direction with his eyes.


    Well, it''s not like he had eyes in his body right now.


    Anyway, Desire then saw the place...lit up. Right, the place lit up with fires to Desire''s left and right.


    The fires were aligned with each other, and they were continuing for as long as Desire could see.


    Desire then could see how big this place was, but it was actually just small.


    If Desire had to describe it, it would have to be...


    ''It''s like a cave or something.'' Desire thought as he looked at the fires on his sides.


    It seems like the fires were attached to the wall, but Desire could see no wall.


    ''Hmmm...is this what my mana did? Strange.''


    Desire thought that it was just strange for his mana to do something like this.


    After all, it''s not like he could do something like this or what. He didn''t have any knowledge about building something like that, and that was why it was strange.


    If Desire had prior knowledge about how to do something like this, it would be more understandable to label it as his ''instincts.''


    However, Desire didn''t know shit about this. That was why it was strange for Desire.


    Well, it''s not like there was something that Desire could do about this.


    He can''t do shit, and it was obvious that something else was at work here.


    Otherwise, he wouldn''t have lost control of his mana.


    That was why Desire had a thought.


    ''I guess I''ll have to follow the fires. It''s pretty obvious.''


    Right, Desire thought that he had to follow the fires to get out of here.


    Of course, the same feeling of being near his destination was still there right inside his emotions.


    It was weird, but well. Desire can''t just complain about everything when he was literally in uncharted territory.


    That was why Desire just decided to get this over with and started to float his body.


    He moved his body towards the direction that the fires were pointing at, and his...transparent fire looking thingy moved in the air as it did its will.


    It was quite weird seeing the fires burning at the sides of this place, and in the middle of the fires was another fire.


    Of course, Desire just looked like a fire right now, but he wasn''t a fire.


    Anyway, when Desire decided to just follow the fires, it didn''t take him long to find the end of it.


    After all, there was nothing else to do in this place, and there was no other direction to go to, anyways.


    That was why it wasn''t that hard, and it didn''t take quite a long time.


    And what Desire was seeing right now was something Desire...didn''t expect to see in this place.


    After all, what he saw was...a wall.


    Right, it was a wall. However, the wall was so high that it didn''t even look like it had an end!


    What''s more, the fires that were burning at the sides were also stationed at the huge wall right in front of Desire.


    They went up the wall as if they were ignoring the wall''s height, and that was it.


    It was so strange to see that the sky was also burning or something like that.


    Of course, Desire couldn''t see the end of the light that came from the fires, and the end of the wall.


    It was truly gigantic and humongous that Desire felt like he was staring at the world itself.


    And what Desire had to say about that was...


    ''Hmm...this...feels weird.''

 Chapter 161: A crack

    ''Hmm...This...feels weird.'' Desire thought as he looked at the gigantic wall that he hadn''t expected to see in this place.


    After all, it was the truth that this wall just literally appeared out of nowhere.


    Desire couldn''t see it when he was still from afar, even though he had quite the good eyes.


    The wall only appeared when Desire passed a certain fire, and it was definitely weird.


    It would be bizarre even for anyone who likes to find out about these things.


    That was why Desire was taking a moment to calm himself and take a moment to feel himself.


    He was taking a moment to feel himself and to remind himself that this was real.


    This was happening, and this wasn''t a dream or something like that.


    Desire felt like he needed to do this or he feels like he would suddenly levitate in the air and just roam around in this place.


    Of course, Desire was already floating in the air as some sort of transparent looking thingy now.


    However, that was different. Desire feels that the levitate that he thinks would happen to him was different from the way he was floating in the air right now.


    If he had to describe it with a little bit more detail, it would be...trapped.


    Right, Desire felt like he would be trapped if he just let himself stare into the wall.


    And it was only after getting himself in control and in place that Desire finally moved his body towards the wall.


    Of course, Desire wanted to see what the wall was about and what it was doing here.


    After all, the feeling of being near his destination...it was so strong now that Desire felt like his heart was beating with that feeling.


    It was weird if you think about how he didn''t have a heart right now as his body was just some transparent looking fire thingy.


    Anyway, Desire was able to reach the wall without a fuss. It seems like there are no defense mechanisms or guardians protecting this place.


    Desire was also able to see that there were some marks or images etched onto the wall.


    It seems like there was someone who drew this all as it was pretty obvious that it was something made by hands.


    Of course, Desire was able to tell that, and he just looked at the images.


    ''Now that I looked it up...''


    This whole wall is filled with things like this, isn''t it? Desire thought as he raised his head to look at the wall.


    He then brought his head back down as he looked just right in front of him.


    The whole wall had images, letters, or whatever it was on it.


    It was amazing if you think about how big or tall this wall was, but of course, Desire didn''t give it that much attention.


    After all, the images were just all over the place. There would be a fire on top, and there would be water at the bottom.


    There would be...some lines at the left, and there would be circles on the right.


    Even though Desire was able to read at a young age and without any teaching, Desire couldn''t understand any of this at all.


    Well, it would be weird if Desire was able to read it accurately when it was just pictures or something like that.


    It would be more correct to think that...this was a way of telling a story or something.


    Of course, Desire knew all that, but he was still unable to form a coherent thought with it.


    That was why he didn''t give it much attention as Desire wasn''t able to understand it.


    ''What''s more, it seems like it''s just bullshitting me.'' Desire thought as he looked at the wall once more.


    Desire felt like the images were just bullshit or some distraction or something that wasn''t real.


    That was also why, even though Desire knew that it is important for him to find clues everywhere, he didn''t look at the images that much.


    Desire then moved his body towards the right as he tried a way to get over the wall.


    As the wall...was basically a wall, Desire wasn''t able to move on forward anymore.


    The reason why Desire was trying to still move forward was because he knew that this was not his destination.


    It was something like an instinctual reaction and based just on his feeling, but it was enough for Desire.


    After all, Desire didn''t have anything else to base on except for that.


    There''s no way Desire wouldn''t use it when he was basically alone and powerless in this situation.


    However, no matter how much Desire tried to look for an exit or something like that, he couldn''t find it.


    There were also no...small holes that Desire could try to fit his body in, and there were also no obvious signs that there are doors in this wall.


    ''Hmm...this really is weird. Why am I even here in the first place? This is just...''


    A waste of time.


    Desire thought as he stopped moving in the air. After all, Desire had to put in so much effort and time and thinking just to get this...shit solved.


    What''s more, he didn''t even know why he had to do something like this.


    He didn''t know the cause, nor did he know any consequences of not doing this.


    That was why Desire was feeling a bit frustrated now as this was just all unreasonable or something like that.


    However, it was then that Desire felt something happening within his body.


    It was something so sudden that Desire couldn''t get a grip on himself.


    No, he couldn''t even prevent it from happening as his mana...started to go out of control once more.


    Right, Desire''s mana started to move from his body and it started to pour out again.


    It was really weird as Desire should have perfect control over his mana. What''s more, this wasn''t his body.


    It was only natural that Desire shouldn''t have his Core or something like that in this body.


    That was why it was weird for Desire, but it''s not like he could do something about it.


    This already happened once, and Desire couldn''t stop it at all. He couldn''t regain his control over his mana, and it just poured out like crazy.


    That was why Desire just let it happen, and just watched from the sidelines as his mana...moved towards the wall.


    ''Is there something in the wall that my mana has to find or something?''


    Desire thought as he looked at the strand of blue floating in the air that was touching the wall now.


    However, his thoughts ended as he felt...no, he saw the wall suddenly start to shake.


    Right, the humongous wall right in front of him started to shake.


    However, it didn''t really affect Desire that much. After all, Desire was just a floating fire thingy in the air.


    There''s no way he would be affected by it, and that was why he wasn''t really that panicked about it.


    And because of that, Desire''s mana was able to do its thing without any interruption.


    It didn''t take Desire''s mana long to finish doing its thing, and what it did was...light up the images.


    Right, Desire''s mana light up the images with its light. It''s weird, but that was what it did.


    However, the images that Desire''s mana lit up were only one.


    It was one, but that one was connected to some other images that spread out in the whole wall.


    Of course, Desire could clearly see it as he floated down near that image.


    It seems that his mana wasn''t leaking anymore or something like that as he didn''t feel anything.


    Anyway, when Desire decided to get up close and personal with the image that his mana lit up, he could see a shape of some sort.


    And that shape was...


    ''A line?''


    Right, it was a line or something like that, but on top of the line was a half-circle drawn over it with some kind of accessories.


    Desire couldn''t describe it really well as he wasn''t really that familiar with it.


    If he had to simplify it, it was a line with a half-moon on top of it. The accessories weren''t really that detailed, and that was why Desire couldn''t tell what it was.


    And this...line with a half-moon on top of it, this image was the one that Desire''s mana lit.


    It was shining in the color of blue, but there were also some other images connected with it that were not shining.


    It was weird if you think about how they were connected and all, and yet, they were not shining.


    Of course, Desire also thought that way as he looked all over the place, trying to find a clue in this...bizarre or coincidental happening.


    However, everything changed when the shaking of the wall finally stopped.


    Incidentally, Desire was able to look at the wall clearly even though it was shaking was because the shaking wasn''t really that strong.


    Anyway, it was then that Desire could finally see something that could possibly help him get out of this place.


    And that was...


    ''A crack.''


    A crack has formed on the wall.

 Chapter 162: Theres someone...

    As soon as Desire found out about the crack that appeared on the wall, he immediately made preparations to pass through it.


    Although he didn''t know if this was because of his mana or the shaking, Desire didn''t really care about it.


    After all, this crack formed right in front of his eyes.


    And the fact that it formed right in front of his eyes means that it was safe and there were no real threats.


    Of course, Desire has already checked it out and found out that there was no poison or something on it.


    That was why Desire...was currently squeezing his body to be able to pass through this small crack.


    And it didn''t take him a long time to make himself smaller.


    ''Phew. That was easy.'' Desire thought as he felt that his body was now smaller than ever.


    It seems that Desire knew how to do things with his current body.


    Although Desire was confused and felt weird about how he knew how to make his body smaller, he didn''t give it much attention.


    After all, he didn''t want to stay here any longer. He wanted to get this shit done and get back to his body.


    The more time that he stays here, the more time that he would be wasting.


    The time that he spent in this place could be used to train and be able to get stronger.


    That was why Desire was really in a hurry. Of course, it just wasn''t that obvious as to how he was just chill with all this and that.


    ''Alright...'' Desire thought as he began to fly towards the crack that appeared on the wall.


    Since his body was now small enough that he looked like he was just a dot in the air, it was now time to try this out.


    And that was exactly what Desire did as he quickly entered the crack that appeared in the wall.


    And as soon as he did, there was something that Desire could say about the crack.


    ''It''s really dark.''


    Well, that was obvious. However, Desire expected that he would immediately see what was on the other side of the wall, and that was why he was surprised to see that it was dark.


    What''s more, Desire could already guess just from how the place was dark that the crack...was not that deep.


    The crack was not that deep, and that fact would cause problems for Desire.


    Why? It was because Desire won''t be able to get out of the crack on the other side of the wall.


    And if that were the case, Desire would be forced to go back and find other options.


    Of course, Desire already thought of that, and that was why he was hesitating to continue this journey through the crack.


    ''The wall didn''t seem that thick, though.'' Desire thought as he stopped moving.


    For Desire, who was staring at the wall before, the wall wasn''t that thick.


    And since it wasn''t that thick, the journey that he would have to take to get to the other side shouldn''t be that long.


    It wouldn''t take him much time, and it wouldn''t take him great efforts to do it.


    ''So, is it just because the other side of the wall doesn''t have lights and all that it is dark?''


    The second most reasonable reason why this place was dark was because the other side simply didn''t have fires and light.


    Of course, the first would be that the crack didn''t exactly go all the way through.


    Anyway, it was because of these doubts that Desire was having a hard time deciding about what he would do.


    If he continued to float down this path, he might end up wasting his time because the crack just didn''t go all the way.


    Of course, Desire could try to destroy that piece of wall or something, but Desire wasn''t sure if he could do something like that.


    Although Desire could use mana and all, he didn''t want to overuse it or to use it at all.


    After all, it was clear that there was something wrong with it as he always loses control over it whenever he tries to use it.


    Hell, he even lost control of it even though he wasn''t using it.


    However, it seems that Desire didn''t have to waste his time in deciding about things as he felt it once more.


    ''Again?'' Desire thought as he felt it.


    He felt his mana being disturbed and being churned as it...was going out of his body.


    Right, his mana started to go out of his body, and Desire wasn''t even doing anything about it.


    He didn''t think about why it was happening or what. He was...becoming used to something like this, and that was why he just watched his mana move.


    His mana was moving through the crack, and it didn''t try to enter the wall or something like that.


    The mana was just moving towards something, and it was moving fast.


    It was moving so fast that Desire''s mana soon exited from Desire''s field of vision.


    However, Desire could still see the traces of the mana. It was in the color of blue, and it was long.


    It didn''t disappear or something like that, and it seems like that his mana was trying to travel quite the distance.


    This was really something that Desire didn''t expect at all. That was why he just waited as he just floated in the air like a dot.


    And it didn''t take long for the mana to finally stop moving. However, no matter how much Desire waited for the mana to disappear, it didn''t.


    There was also nothing that happened with the wall; it didn''t shake or something like that.


    What''s more, Desire could also tell that there was nothing happening outside of the wall.


    And this fact made Desire confused. Why did his mana suddenly get out of his Core, and just appear in this place, only to do nothing?


    Although Desire was actually grateful that no other shit happened, it actually didn''t make sense for Desire now.


    However, a thought suddenly struck Desire like a bolt of thunder.


    And that was...


    ''Is my mana trying to make me follow and guide me?''


    Desire thought that the reason why his mana wasn''t disappearing was because it was trying to guide Desire.


    It was trying to guide Desire to get out of the wall, and if Desire was right...


    ''It should be on the other side of the wall. Hmm...interesting.''


    ''It''s clear now that there is someone who''s trying to make me do these things.''


    Desire thought as he smiled a little bit. Of course, that wasn''t visible as he was just something like fire now.


    Anyway, Desire thought that there really was someone who was trying to make him do things.


    Desire was already suspicious of this when his mana first went out of his control.


    However, he just didn''t have the necessary...circumstantial evidence to prove it.


    And that was why he didn''t think much of it.


    However, now...Desire was sure that there was someone trying to make him do things.


    There was someone who was controlling his mana, and that...he would meet that person soon.


    And Desire was sure that the person controlling his mana was beyond this wall.


    If Desire was wrong about this, it would just be ridiculous.


    After all, there were too many clues pointing to this.


    The fires that first appeared in this place were clearly trying to guide Desire to the wall.


    The line...Desire didn''t understand that part, but if Desire had to guess, it was to make Desire...cross the wall.


    And now, a guide started to appear. Well, it was his mana, but it was still a guide.


    What''s more, the feeling that he was near to his destination was still beating strong.


    All these things were pointing that there was someone who was trying to meet Desire.


    Of course, Desire didn''t know if it was good or bad to meet this person.


    However, there was nothing wrong with trying it out. Good or bad, Desire didn''t care.


    There was only one thought that Desire had about all this...trying to meet with him, and that was...


    ''Interesting.''


    Right, this situation was so interesting for Desire that he didn''t even think of the possible dangers.


    And that was why he just floated down the crack as he looked at his mana.


    His mana wasn''t moving at all, and it was just floating in here. However, as Desire floated down the path that his mana made, Desire...could feel his mana returning to his Core.


    Of course, Desire didn''t pay much attention to that as he just followed it all.


    His journey towards the destination where his mana was leading him to didn''t take long to finish.


    After all, it''s not like the wall was really that...thick. It was moderately thick, and that was why Desire could see it now.


    He could see the other end of the wall, where his mana...couldn''t be seen anymore.


    Right, his mana stopped right before exiting the other side of the wall, and Desire could see it all.


    And what Desire had to think about this was...


    ''Really, this is interesting.''

 Chapter 163: Inner World

    ''Really, this is interesting.'' Desire thought as he floated down on the corner.


    Desire knew that he was at the end of the...crack as he could literally see that his mana was now gone.


    It seems that the crack has gone all the way to the other side of the wall.


    Anyway, his mana has already fulfilled its purpose of guiding Desire, and it was now all back in Desire''s Core.


    What''s more, Desire could see that there was a hollow part in the wall.


    That hollow part of the wall was the end of the crack, and it also symbolized the other side of the wall.


    Of course, Desire knew that which is why he didn''t stop floating down.


    Right, Desire just continued to float towards that hollow part of the wall, and it was because of that, Desire was able to reach the other side of the wall.


    He did that without any real problems, and it took him quite a long period of time.


    He had to guess, hesitate, and decide, and Desire was sure that process alone took a huge chunk of his time.


    Well, Desire didn''t really mind it now as he was really interested in this situation.


    He was interested in the person or living creature who was trying to meet him.


    Even if Desire was wrong about that one...no, he can''t be wrong about that one.


    Desire was that confident about his hunch.


    And now, Desire...has finally exited out of the crack as he appeared on the other side of the wall.


    He was so small that no one or nothing would be able to see him in this place.


    However, that smallness in Desire''s body soon changed as Desire...willed it to be.


    No, Desire''s instincts willed it to be as Desire''s body literally became bigger now.


    Bigger may be the word, Desire''s size was just as big as he was earlier on when he was still finding clues about the wall.


    And it was with that kind of body that Desire looked around in this place.


    ''Hmm...it''s dark. It''s like when I first arrived in this place.'' Desire thought as his eyes saw nothing in this place.


    There was no fire, nor was there any lights in this place.


    Hell, the other side of the wall didn''t even have any fires stuck in it.


    What''s more, when Desire turned around to look at the wall, he saw that there were no images.


    It was completely blank, and it didn''t even have any scratches on it. That was why Desire was weirded out by the wall that he didn''t even look at every part of it.


    After all, the other side of the wall was full of images, and now...there was none.


    If one isn''t weirded out by something like that, then one must have balls of steel.


    Well, it''s not like Desire was scared about it or something like that.


    It was more like an...instinctual feeling. Right, Desire felt that there should be images on the other side of the wall.


    Desire felt that that was how it should be, and that was the natural state of the wall.


    ''Hmm...that''s weird. The feeling that I have also stopped...''


    Desire could also feel that the feeling that was telling him that he was now near to his destination has stopped.


    It was no longer beating with his heart, and that was because Desire was at his destination now.


    He arrived in it, and that was why it stopped.


    Well, that was obvious.


    However, it seems that Desire didn''t have the time to think about that as something resounded out in this place.


    It was a sound, and Desire could tell that it was a voice.


    Right, it was a voice, and what it said was...


    "Hmm...!"


    A low-toned humming sound. That was what it said, and it continued to resound out in this place, and in Desire''s ears.


    Well, Desire didn''t have any ears in his current body, but that was how it was.


    And it was because of that, Desire has turned his head here and there to find the source of the sound.


    However, no matter how much Desire looked for it, he couldn''t find the owner of the voice.


    What''s more, when Desire turned around once more, to confirm that it was not behind his back, his eyes...soon saw the disappearance of the wall!


    The wall disappeared just like that, and that was weird!


    The wall was so huge that it was just physically impossible for it to disappear without making any sounds of some sort!


    That was why Desire was so shocked that his eyes were literally about to pop out!


    At least, that was how it felt like to Desire!


    However, it seems that Desire didn''t have the time to react, think, or talk about that as another sound resounded out in this place.


    Of course, that another sound was also a voice, and Desire could tell that it was produced by the same person.


    "Ohhh!"


    It seems like the person who was making all these sounds was in pain as...it was literally a scream.


    However, that scream wasn''t a piercing one, and it didn''t hurt Desire.


    Well, Desire didn''t really have his ears or an eardrum with this kind of body.


    Anyway, it seems that the person who was making these sounds was not done as he continued...speaking.


    Right, the voice finally spoke some coherent words, and this is what it said.


    "Ohh, distinguished one!"


    Right after those words resounded out in this place, Desire could hear a ringing noise.


    No, it was more of a shaking noise, but Desire couldn''t say it for certain.


    Why? It was because Desire...was captivated right now.


    Right, Desire was captivated and mesmerized right now.


    His attention was taken as he looked at something right in front of him.


    And that was...


    ''What the hell is that...'' Desire thought as he himself didn''t even know what to call it.


    It was...a light?


    Right, it was a light that had the shape of an upside-down U.


    That upside-down U-shaped light was so big that it was covering the whole place.


    And there was something that this upside-down U-shaped light reminded Desire of.


    And that was...


    ''A wall?''


    Right, it looked like a huge wall that appeared out of nowhere. However, for Desire, it didn''t.


    After all, the wall that he crossed before just disappeared all of a sudden.


    It would make more sense to think that the wall that disappeared behind him was the same wall that now appeared before him.


    However, it seems Desire didn''t have the time to think about that as the upside-down U-shaped light started...to shine.


    It started to shine in this place, and its rays of light were bringing light to this place.


    And it was because of that, Desire could finally see what this upside-down U-shaped light was all about.


    And it was...


    ''A door!'' Desire thought as his eyes almost popped out of their eye sockets.


    After all, it was a huge door that was encompassing this place.


    What''s more...Desire could see that the door...was half-way opened.


    Right, it was half-way opened, and that was weird.


    After all, no one would leave a huge ass door like that hanging open.


    However, it seems that the weird things that were happening right now didn''t end there as Desire''s eyes saw someone appear!


    A person appeared all of a sudden in this place, and Desire clearly saw it!


    It was so weird that there were no signs or clues about the person being here, but Desire didn''t have the time to mind that.


    Why? It was because the person spoke as something like a staff shone in this place.


    It was reflecting the wall''s light off of the staff''s surface, and Desire could see it all.


    Anyways, this is what that person said as he shook his staff.


    "Ohh, distinguished one!"


    And when Desire heard that, he quickly whipped his head to look at this person.


    Desire was sure that this was the person who was trying to meet with him, and that was why he was interested in this person''s identity.


    And what Desire saw a very tall man who was draped in a black cloak.


    That black cloak was so long that it continued to go on in the ground.


    Desire could also see the staff that the man was holding as the man continued to shake it like a madman.


    However, Desire didn''t care about that as he saw the man''s...face.


    Right, he saw the man''s face.


    And what he saw was...a golden head.


    No, it wasn''t really a golden head, but the man''s hair had the color of gold.


    What''s more, the man''s hair was shining bright like real gold!


    That was why the man''s appearance was so striking for Desire.


    And it was with that kind of look that the man...whipped his head to look at Desire.


    The man''s golden eyes were also shining as he looked at Desire.


    Of course, Desire could see it all even if he was far away from this man.


    After all, it was literally shining.


    And it was with that kind of look that the man spoke once more.


    "Ohh, distinguished one!"


    "Welcome to the inner world!"

 Chapter 164: The Enlightened One

    "Welcome to the inner world!" The man said as he kept shaking his staff.


    The staff that the man had was long. It was long, and it was also shining in the color of gold.


    It seems that this man was a fan or liked gold so much that everything about him was connected to it.


    Anyways, Desire had his eyes taken by the staff that the man was shaking.


    The staff looked like to be a magic staff just from how it looked.


    The staff...had a long body, and it looked like a straight line, and at the top of it, was some sort of a circle.


    No...it was only a semi-circle, and it looked like a half-moon. And connected with that half-moon were some metal circles.


    Right, hanging from the semi-circle, there were also metal circles, and those metal circles...they were all shining in different colors.


    They had the colors red, blue, orange, and so on. Desire didn''t know what was the accurate number of those metal circles as it was quite hard to see.


    After all, they were literally shining in the light. It was only reasonable for Desire to have it hard to see things.


    Desire was amazed, though. He was amazed at the fact that the metal circles that were shining in different lights weren''t falling out from the half-moon circle.


    After all, the half-moon circle was a half-moon circle because its two sides didn''t meet. And since it didn''t meet, the metal circles that were hanging on the half-moon circle would fall out of it if the man kept shaking it too fierce.


    Of course, the man was shaking it too fierce right now, and that was why Desire was amazed.


    What''s more, Desire also remembered that the image that lit up with his mana was...overly similar to the staff that the man was holding right now.


    Right, it was so similar, and that was why Desire had a thought about this situation.


    ''Is he the man who wanted...no, who made me do all those things?'' Desire thought as he squinted his eyes.


    It seems that the light has finally affected his eyes, even though he didn''t have eyes in his current body.


    Anyway, Desire was confident that this was the man who made him do all those things.


    After all, the image and the staff were so similar to each other that it would be just ridiculous if it was wrong.


    However, it seems that Desire didn''t have to think about that anymore as the man finally stopped shaking his staff.


    The man then spoke as he turned his body to face Desire.


    "Ohh, distinguished one!"


    The man said, and he then tapped the ground with his staff!


    And right after doing that...the place quickly changed!


    Starting with the point that the man''s staff touched, plants and bushes started to grow.


    Flowers and beautiful trees also started to blossom out in the far distance, and that was not all.


    Colors of all kinds started to appear in this place, and even the color of blue that belonged to the sky finally dominated the air above.


    What''s more, the sun and clouds were dominating the entire sky, and Desire...could feel the wind blowing against his skin.


    And that was weird as this place didn''t have anything like that at all!


    Of course, all that happened within the span of a single second!


    And Desire was able to see through it all as he just...watched while having baffled feelings about all this.


    After all, Desire knew that there was nothing like that at all. There were no bushes or trees or skies or colors or whatever the hell that appeared just now.


    That was why Desire was confused and had his eyes wide open. Of course, it''s not like Desire would deny something like this.


    An occurrence like this...although it is not normal, it is still possible if one is powerful.


    Desire knows that very well, but it was just hard to accept as he just floated right then and there.


    If Desire had his normal body right now, he would have his jaw dropped to the floor with his eyes wide open.


    Although Desire had his Heavenly Demon Trait, this event was so shocking that even that wouldn''t be able to help Desire from acting out.


    After all, what the man did...he literally just made a garden...no, a land out of nowhere!


    It was then that the man spoke again as he looked down on Desire.


    "Welcome to the inner world!" The man said as he shook his staff.


    And it was also then that something miraculous happened.


    Desire''s body, a floating transparent looking fire thingy, suddenly got replaced with his...real body!


    Right, Desire''s real body suddenly appeared in this place, and the floating transparent looking fire thingy disappeared.


    What''s more, Desire...wasn''t even aware of the swap that just happened!


    He just...felt the sudden weight of his body, and that was why he was looking at his arms with his eyes wide open.


    After all, he didn''t know, feel, and aware of what just happened!


    He only realized it when he saw his body, and that was ridiculous!


    No one could just swap one''s body in an instant and that one''s consciousness wouldn''t even be able to feel it!


    No, swapping bodies shouldn''t even be possible!


    That was just in the realm of impossibility, and Desire couldn''t believe it at all!


    And it was with that kind of feeling that Desire looked up...he looked up to see the man who did all those things.


    It seems that the man was flying in the air now without even Desire noticing it!


    What''s more, the man''s cloak was reaching all the way down to the ground even though he was flying.


    It was definitely weird! However, it seems that Desire couldn''t even begin to think about these things as the man spoke once more.


    "Oho, this distinguished one is a bit special."


    The man said, and his voice reverberated out in this place as it echoed in and out.


    Of course, the man was aware of that, and that was why he shook his staff once more.


    And right after doing that, the man made a noise to check it.


    "Hmmm..."


    And as if it were all magic, that low-toned humming didn''t resound out as it did before.


    And it was because of that, the man was satisfied. After all, he got the results that he wanted.


    It was then that Desire...finally got a hold of himself. After all, it''s not like he could stay shocked when things were finally getting going.


    Right, Desire was sure that this was the person who wanted to meet with him, and it was now time to get answers.


    That was why Desire spoke with great intensity. No...he tried to speak, but the man beat him to it as the man spoke first.


    "Ohh! I see now why this distinguished one is a bit special."


    "You are somewhat similar to the Titan of my Eight Legions."


    "You have three heads...no, essence!."


    "Interesting! Ohh, distinguished one!"


    The man spoke all those words without missing even a single beat. Of course, Desire was able to hear them, and that was why his head was tilted right now.


    After all, there was a familiar term that Desire once used before, and that was...


    ''Three heads? Is he talking about Percia?'' Desire thought as he remembered the time that he met Percia.


    Percia was a monster who had three heads and was a bird. The first time that Desire met him was when he was still a baby.


    Well, considering Desire''s age right now, he could still be considered a baby.


    Anyway, Desire thought that the man was talking about Percia. As Percia was the only monster that Desire met that had three heads, it was only natural for him to think so.


    However, before Desire could even begin to think more about it, the man spoke again with a curious look on his face.


    "Oho? This distinguished one doesn''t seem to know his origins?"


    And right after hearing that, Desire...widened his eyes as much as possible from shock.


    After all, the man...just guessed what was going on in Desire''s mind! What''s more, the man was correct!


    That was why Desire''s face immediately turned into a frown as he looked up at the man.


    ''Who the hell is he? Is he really that strong? No...was it some sort of luck?'' Desire thought as he tried to think about the man''s identity and what just happened.


    After all, it was basically impossible for this man to know about Desire''s circumstances.


    Although Desire did meet with Percia, it''s impossible for this man to know that Desire...didn''t know his origins.


    After all, no one knows about that except for Desire.


    Not even Lionel was sure if Desire knew about his origins or not.


    That was why Desire had his guards up against this man who suddenly appeared.


    It was then that the man continued speaking as he...read Desire''s questions straight from his mind.


    "Ohh, distinguished one! If you are asking about this one''s name, it is..."


    "The Enlightened One."


    The man...the Enlightened One said with a smile as he looked down at Desire.

 Chapter 165: Eight Godly Paths

    "Ohh, distinguished one! If you are asking about this one''s name, it is..."


    "The Enlightened One."


    The man...the Enlightened One said with a smile as he looked down at Desire.


    It was a bizarre and weird name for one to have, but that was this man''s name.


    It wasn''t some nickname or something like that, it was his real name.


    However, Desire wasn''t listening to what the Enlightened One said at all as he was just surprised.


    After all, the Enlightened One was able to read his mind. Desire just thought of the man''s identity, and he immediately answered as if it were the normal thing to do.


    That was...something impossible, but it didn''t shock Desire as much as it did before.


    After all, Desire was trying so hard to keep his calm in this situation, and he tried hard to prevent himself from thinking.


    If the Enlightened One could read minds, the only thing that Desire has to do to prevent that is to not think at all.


    However, it seems that wouldn''t work as the Enlightened One continued to prove Desire wrong as he spoke.


    "Ohh, distinguished one. It is useless. You cannot hide any thoughts, feelings, emotions, or better yet, any truths from me."


    The Enlightened One said as he noticed that Desire tried to keep himself from thinking.


    He then floated down on the ground as he went down, and he started walking towards Desire.


    "Shall I prove it to you?" The Enlightened One said with a smile on his face.


    The Enlightened One''s face was one that a woman would call a handsome face. He didn''t have that much of a striking feature, but it was still handsome.


    Of course, Desire could see all that, and when he heard what the Enlightened One said, he quickly...prevented himself from answering.


    After all, he didn''t know to what extent the Enlightened One could read him.


    However, Desire wasn''t trying as hard now as he did before.


    Why? It was because Desire...finished calculating things in a matter of a second.


    And what he calculated was that...there were no real disadvantages in letting this man know about him.


    Even if The Enlightened One could read Desire''s mind, it''s not like bad things would happen to Desire.


    After all, it was just literally about reading Desire''s mind.


    And if Desire was right, The Enlightened One should be the man who was trying to meet with him.


    And if that was the case, it would make no sense if The Enlightened One would try to harm Desire.


    After all, he was the one who brought Desire to this place. There''s no way he would just attack Desire.


    That was why it wouldn''t affect Desire in any way whatsoever.


    Besides, it''s not like Desire knows any significant truth or something like that.


    He only came to the world as a baby literally, and he just knew things from what Lionel and Jarina told him.


    Sure, he might know some secrets going on between the Suckus, Lion Clan, and that Lamiya or whatever, but...it shouldn''t matter for The Enlightened One.


    Right, Desire felt like it wouldn''t even matter for this man right in front of him, and that was why he wasn''t trying that hard to keep himself from thinking.


    And all that...all that calculation happened within the span of a second.


    Desire might not know it, but he was definitely getting better at thinking about such things.


    Of course, The Enlightened One was able to read all that, and that was why he was amazed.


    He then spoke with his eyes a little bit wide open.


    "This distinguished one seems to be a little bit special."


    The Enlightened One''s tone of voice had the hint of admiration. It was then that The Enlightened One stopped walking towards Desire.


    It seems that he already reached his destination as The Enlightened One didn''t even hesitate to stop.


    He then continued speaking as he shook his staff.


    "You don''t have to worry about me attacking you or whatever."


    "I have no plans in doing so, and you can also think."


    "It''s not like I have a care about what you know."


    The Enlightened One said, and his voice reverberated inside Desire''s ears.


    Of course, Desire was glad to hear that, but...it''s not like he would just trust The Enlightened One right away.


    That was why he still had his guards up as he prepared to flee this place.


    Well, that was all seen through by The Enlightened One as he spoke once more.


    "This distinguished one is quite wary of me."


    "Good grief...I never thought for the millions of years I have been in the Inner World, someone would actually get scared of me."


    The Enlightened One then turned around to look at something, but Desire didn''t care about that.


    After all, what The Enlightened One just said was something...ridiculous? No, it was something crazy.


    After all, he just basically said that he has already lived for millions of years!


    Although Desire had no education or whatsoever, he still knows what a million was.


    And before The Enlightened One could walk away, Desire spoke.


    It seems that he finally...let down his guard enough so that he could speak or think for himself now.


    "Wait. What did you mean by that?"


    "You lived for millions of years? Inner world? What the hell do you mean?"


    Desire said with a little bit of hostility in his voice. After all, he was dragged here, and it was clear as day that The Enlightened One was the cause of it.


    What''s more, Desire also had to spend much effort and time in here.


    That, alone, was enough to make Desire mad. Well, he wasn''t really mad as Desire knew that he...couldn''t beat this man right now.


    He knew that he...wouldn''t even last a second if he decided to fight against him.


    Although Desire makes stupid decisions sometimes, he wasn''t that stupid to fight a creature he couldn''t even picture to defeat.


    Anyway, when Desire finally spoke for the first time, The Enlightened One quickly turned around with a smile on his face.


    It seems that he was happy now that Desire was finally speaking and thinking for himself.


    After all, it would be just too boring for The Enlightened One to have Desire not speaking.


    "Ohh! The distinguished one finally spoke!"


    "That''s good! That''s good!"


    The Enlightened One said with a happy face. It seems that he was really happy about all this.


    However, that was not all that he did as he snapped his fingers.


    As he was holding his staff with his right hand, he snapped his fingers on his left hand.


    And right after that...Desire...started to float. Right, Desire''s body started to fly in the air as The Enlightened One willed it to be.


    And before Desire could even speak about this, The Enlightened One spoke again.


    "Ohh, distinguished one."


    "Don''t worry about it. This Enlightened One shall explain things properly to you."


    Of course, Desire was able to hear that. He was also able to understand what he meant by those words, even though he was considerably confused right now.


    Well, it was what Desire wanted to hear the most ever since he was in this place.


    That was why he didn''t flail around or fight back or something. And The Enlightened One was able to read that Desire...agreed with him.


    That was why The Enlightened One spoke once more.


    "Good, distinguished one."


    "Although you are quite weird, I shall allow it for now."


    And right after saying those words, The Enlightened One''s body...started to float.


    Right, and that was because he started to fly as well. He then controlled Desire''s body as he made Desire fly in the air.


    The Enlightened One then flew off together with Desire! Their speed was impeccable but Desire wasn''t really feeling the wind resistance or something like that.


    ''Hmm...he took care of it, too.'' Desire thought as he looked at the sky.


    It seems that Desire finally let go of the issue of The Enlightened One being able to read his mind.


    Well, he wouldn''t be able to move forward if he was not to think about things.


    Anyway, while they were flying, Desire decided to ask The Enlightened One about where they were going.


    However, it seems that he didn''t have to speak as The Enlightened One spoke before him.


    "Oho, it seems like this distinguished one does not know what he is doing in this place."


    And before The Enlightened One could continue speaking, he...stopped.


    Right, he stopped moving, and he also made Desire stop.


    However, Desire didn''t care about them stopping right now as his eyes'' attention was taken by something.


    And that something was...the upside-down U-shaped door that Desire saw before.


    Right, Desire and The Enlightened One was right before the door and that was why Desire...was mesmerized by it.


    After all, it was bigger than ever now that he was looking at it right in front of it!


    Of course, The Enlightened One was able to read Desire''s emotions, and while knowing that, he spoke.


    He spoke to answer Desire''s earlier question.


    "Since the distinguished one asked, this Enlightened One shall answer."


    "This place is the Inner World, and the door right before us..."


    "It is one of the Eight Godly Paths, and the name of it is..."


    "The Understanding of Power."

 Chapter 166: Understanding of Power

    "Since the distinguished one asked, this Enlightened One shall answer."


    "This place is the Inner World, and the door right before us..."


    "It is one of the Eight Godly Paths, and the name of it is..."


    "The Understanding of Power."


    The Enlightened One said to answer Desire''s earlier question.


    Of course, as The Enlightened One was able to read what was on Desire''s mind, he knew that was not all.


    The Enlightened One knew that the questions that Desire had were not only that and that there was more.


    The Enlightened One then proceeded to read Desire''s mind...no, he searched deeper within it as Desire''s mind was full of thoughts about the door right in front of them.


    It seems that Desire was really taken aback by this door as even The Enlightened One had troubles with reading his questions at the back of his mind.


    Of course, it didn''t really matter to The Enlightened One as he spoke Desire''s first question.


    "Ohh, distinguished one, it seems like you are wondering about why you are here."


    The Enlightened One said with a silly smile on his face. He was actually excited about meeting with Desire, and that was obvious just from how he acted.


    Well, it might not be obvious to people who just met The Enlightened One, just like Desire.


    To Desire, The Enlightened One was just another mysterious, creepy, and dangerous person who he met randomly.


    Right, it was just random.


    After all, who would have thought that the next time Desire wakes up after passing out earlier was the time that he would meet The Enlightened One?


    What''s more, in a strange place that even Desire couldn''t make any sense out of it?


    There was only one thing sure, and that was...Desire surely has not thought of it like that.


    That was why the question of why he was here was also at the back of his mind.


    Well, The Enlightened One was able to read it, and that means that it was indeed at the back of his mind.


    Anyway, when The Enlightened One said those words to Desire, he whipped his head to look at the child.


    However, Desire was really not paying attention to The Enlightened One.


    His attention was taken by the huge door right in front of them, and it seems that...Desire couldn''t help it.


    Right, Desire was trying to get a hold of himself as he was still right in front of The Enlightened One, someone who he just met.


    Desire didn''t want to lower his guard around this man at all, but...


    "Wow." Desire murmured with great admiration coming from his eyes.


    What''s more, Desire could also feel something within his heart.


    No, it was not the feeling of being near his destination or something like that.


    No, it was not the feeling of being happy about meeting a monster, nor was it the feeling of being angry about meeting a human.


    It was the feeling of...familiarity. Right, Desire was familiar with this door, and he didn''t know why.


    After all, this was the first time he saw it, and Desire was sure that he hadn''t encountered this door before.


    Even with the help of the Heavenly Demon Trait, Desire could not find any instances in his life where this door appeared.


    That was why it was weird for Desire to feel a familiarity with this door.


    However, there was an instance that Desire has already forgotten about due to him being busy lately.


    Well, it was mostly about his training that just started.


    Anyway, Desire has already met a door just like this one, but he just doesn''t remember it as he...passed out that day.


    He passed out due to the extreme pain that he felt, and also to the mental stress he had to endure after going on hopelessly around a mountain.


    The pain that he felt that day overshadowed any memories that he had so bad that Desire literally forgot about it.


    Right, and that time was during the time that Desire met the Spirit of Fire, and when he went inside the Dungeon of Spirit of Fire.


    And since The Enlightened One was reading Desire''s mind...with great concentration and focus, The Enlightened One was able to read Desire''s memories about that day.


    It seems like The Enlightened One''s godly ability to be able to read minds was so strong that he could even read past memories.


    And when he found out about that day, The Enlightened One''s eyes...widened a little bit.


    It was clear that the reason was that The Enlightened One was shocked by what he found out.


    Well, it was reasonable. After all, The Enlightened One knew the Spirit of Fire and the Dungeon of Spirit of Fire.


    And the fact that Desire has already met the Spirit of Fire...no, the fact that he has already met a spirit of an element at his age is certainly amazing.


    It was beyond amazing, and it was in the realm of impossibility.


    After all, it was not that easy to just meet the Spirit of Fire, or any other spirits.


    And since it was not that easy and it was in the realm of impossibility, The Enlightened One was suspicious.


    The Enlightened One was suspicious that the meeting between Desire and the Spirit of Fire was staged by someone.


    It was orchestrated, and it was planned by someone.


    After all, it was just not that easy to meet a spirit of an element.


    However, it''s not like The Enlightened One could do something about it now.


    The meeting between Desire and the Spirit of Fire already happened, and there was nothing that The Enlightened One could do about it.


    Although it seems like The Enlightened One was truly powerful and all that, it was just in the Inner World.


    The Enlightened One could not affect the physical world or what was happening there.


    What''s more, The Enlightened One...was actually locked in the Inner World.


    That was why one would be asking too much if one asked The Enlightened One to do something about that.


    Anyway, The Enlightened One was able to calm himself, and it was then that he continued to speak.


    "Ohh, this distinguished one continues to surprise me."


    "To think that the distinguished one has already met the Spirit of Fire at your age...This distinguished one must really be blessed by the gods themselves."


    The Enlightened One praised Desire straight from his heart, and he truly meant what he said.


    Just meeting the Spirit of Fire was enough to garner such praise from an...unordinary man.


    And since Desire knew that The Enlightened One was unordinary, his attention got snapped back to reality.


    After all, he was just praised! Although he didn''t know the reason for it, that was enough for Desire to snap out of his stupor.


    What''s more, the praise was so high that it seems like The Enlightened One just changed his view of Desire.


    And since his attention got snapped back to reality, Desire whipped his head to look at The Enlightened One with a confused look on his face.


    After all, he didn''t know why he was praised.


    Of course, The Enlightened One was able to read what was on Desire''s mind, which is why he quickly spoke so that there would be no misunderstanding between the two of them.


    "Ohh, distinguished one. Do not mind this Enlightened One as he just spoke to get your attention."


    "It seems that the distinguished one is really attracted to this door, and I can tell you why."


    The Enlightened One said as he made a...pretty week excuse to Desire.


    Of course, it didn''t look like The Enlightened One was trying to give an excuse to Desire.


    Anyway, since Desire got a hold of himself now, he didn''t dare look at the door again.


    After all, he didn''t want to be taken aback once more. Desire felt like he would lose control of himself again if he looked at it.


    At least, that was what Desire felt about the door.


    And that was why Desire spoke as soon as he heard what The Enlightened One said.


    "You''ll tell me about the door?" Desire said with a little bit of a...respectful voice.


    Well, Desire really wanted to know what the door holds or what it meant.


    What''s more, the name of the door, The Understanding of Power, seems to be just special.


    It is also connected to the Eight Godly Paths or something like that.


    Although Desire didn''t know anything about them, Desire would naturally be curious about such fancy names.


    Even without the feeling of familiarity Desire naturally felt from this door, he would naturally want to know about the door.


    It was just that special, and it was just that breathtaking.


    Of course, The Enlightened One was reading Desire at the moment.


    Well, the only thing that he got from doing that was...the thoughts of Desire about the door.


    Anyway, since Desire asked him, The Enlightened One quickly spoke.


    "Ohh, distinguished one, I will tell you about this door."


    The Enlightened One said as he moved his hand. He moved his hand as he pointed one of his fingers to the door.


    "That door...The Understanding of Power...it is something one could use to become a God."

 Chapter 167: It is yours.

    "That door...The Understanding of Power...it is something one could use to become a God."


    The Enlightened One said as he pointed at the door with his right hand.


    He then whipped his head back to look at Desire. Desire was already looking at the door with his blue eyes wide open.


    It seems that he didn''t expect what The Enlightened One just said.


    After all, The Enlightened One just said that one could become a God just with this door.


    It was only natural that Desire would be shocked.


    Gods were living beings that were so powerful that they could destroy anyone and anything in their way. That was why they were called Gods.


    Although Desire really hadn''t learned about such Gods, he still knew about them.


    After all, it was just common sense.


    However, now...this unordinary man that Desire suddenly met in a random place said that this door right in front of him could be used to make one a God...


    There''s no way that Desire would be able to hold his composure after hearing that.


    Of course, The Enlightened One already predicted this, and that was why...


    "H-huh? I can''t see?" Desire said as his field of vision suddenly turned black.


    Of course, Desire still had his eyes wide open, and Desire knew that as well.


    That was why it was weird.


    After all, Desire could feel that his eyes were wide open, but now...he couldn''t suddenly see things?


    And since it was weird, Desire...quickly came to a conclusion.


    He came to a conclusion about how this happened and who did this.


    And what that conclusion was...


    "Did you take away my ability to see, Enlightened One?" Desire said as he calmed himself.


    The way that he calmed himself while flying in the air was so noteworthy that one would think that he was used to flying.


    Of course, he then closed his eyes as he felt weird about having his eyes opened yet not being able to see.


    And when The Enlightened One heard what Desire said, he quickly spoke to explain himself.


    "Do not worry, ohh, distinguished one."


    "I took away your ability to see so that you wouldn''t lose yourself again."


    The Enlightened One didn''t want Desire to become distracted once more with the door.


    After all, it''s not like Desire was here to look at the Understanding of Power or something like that.


    He was here for a reason, and The Enlightened One knew that reason.


    Well, he was the one who called Desire into this place.


    It was only natural that The Enlightened One would know about that.


    Anyway, The Enlightened One then...shut off his ability to read minds.


    Why? It was because The Enlightened One doesn''t have to do something like that anymore.


    The only reason why he read Desire''s mind in the first place was just to lower Desire''s guard against him.


    After all, people who came into the Inner World were all wary against any threats.


    They were unique people who were special in their own rights, and they were all strong in their respective arts.


    That was why it wasn''t weird for them to be wary against The Enlightened One when they first met him.


    Well, this was actually the first time The Enlightened One saw someone so interesting such as Desire, and this was also the first time that someone so...interesting would be scared of him.


    After all, Desire literally shut off his mind so that The Enlightened One wouldn''t be able to read his mind.


    That was the first time that The Enlightened One met someone who would do something like that.


    Of course, the people who have come here could only be counted with one hand.


    And since Desire wasn''t so wary and scared of The Enlightened One anymore, he judged that it was about time to get to the topic.


    Of course, that was also why he shut off his ability to read minds.


    Anyway, The Enlightened One then continued speaking as he explained things to Desire.


    "The reason why you are so attracted to the Understanding of Power is because...this door is yours."


    "Right, this is your Understanding of Power. And it is only natural to get attracted to yourself."


    "No...it is only natural to get attracted to your own power."


    "After all, it is yours."


    The Enlightened One said without missing a single beat. It seems that he was really sure of what he just said.


    However, Desire surely wasn''t sure about that as he had a confused look on his face.


    After all, what The Enlightened One just said was pure...bullshit.


    Right, it was just bullshit.


    How could I have something like that when I don''t even know a single thing about it?


    That was Desire''s first and honest thought about this door of Understanding of Power being his.


    After all, he didn''t know shit about it, and what''s more...he didn''t even know where it was!


    He didn''t know where this place was, and he didn''t even know its name until The Enlightened One told him.


    However, it seems that Desire didn''t have to worry about that as The Enlightened One continued speaking.


    "Do the distinguished one remembers what he did before coming in here?"


    "It must be something special."


    And when Desire heard what The Enlightened One said, he quickly...remembered.


    After all, it was just literally yesterday for Desire.


    That was why it wasn''t that hard for him to remember.


    "I do remember, yeah."


    "I...An old man came to me and he was introduced by my master."


    "That old man said that he could make me wield all three styles, and when he was doing the process to make me wield all three styles, I...passed out."


    "The next thing that happened to me was when I woke up in this place with an unusual body."


    "That''s all I can remember."


    Desire answered as honestly as he could. Even though he still didn''t trust The Enlightened One, Desire knew that the one who wanted to meet him was this man.


    And the only way Desire could move forward in this place is by being truthful with this man.


    Desire could also know the answers to his questions if he answered The Enlightened One''s questions.


    He would be able to know why he came here, and he would be able to know what he would do from now on.


    After all, The Enlightened One just said that Desire owns this Understanding of Power.


    And since it is Desire''s, Desire had a suspicion...no, Desire wanted to do something with it.


    He wanted to see if he could become a God with this Understanding of Power.


    After all, The Enlightened One just said that one could use it to become a God.


    And a God...a God is a strong being that could destroy anybody in his way.


    Desire wanted to become someone who could destroy anybody, anything, and everyone in his way if they get in his way.


    And if Desire had to become a God to become that strong...Desire would do it.


    Desire would become a God.


    ''Right, I have to know if I can use this Understanding of Power to my advantage.''


    And the one who knows how to use the Understanding of Power is this man, The Enlightened One.


    It was only natural that Desire would want to become truthful to him.


    Well, it was just because Desire knows that he wouldn''t be able to defeat The Enlightened One.


    If he could defeat The Enlightened One, Desire would beat the shit out of him to get the answers that he wanted.


    After all, there was no need for explaining things if Desire could get the result and outcomes that he wanted.


    Anyway, when The Enlightened One heard what Desire said, The Enlightened One spoke with his eyebrows raised.


    "Oho? Your story is awfully similar to the person who came in here before."


    "Anyway, there is only one reason why you are in here."


    "It is because...you have unlocked your potential purposely."


    "And your potential...is connected with the Understanding of Power, one of the Eight Godly Paths."


    The Enlightened One said as he uplifted his power that was preventing Desire from seeing things.


    "Open your eyes, I shall bring you closer to the Understanding of Power."


    "And I shall tell you of who I am."


    "No...I shall explain everything."


    And when Desire heard that, he quickly opened his eyes.


    After all, it was the truth that Desire was indeed curious about who The Enlightened One was.


    What''s more, The Enlightened One even said he would explain everything to Desire.


    That was something Desire wanted as well.


    However, it was then that Desire could feel his body move once more in the air.


    Right, and Desire could see the door...become bigger as The Enlightened One brought him closer to the Understanding of Power.


    Of course, The Enlightened One was flying with him, and it didn''t take long for them to reach the Understanding of Power.


    And it wouldn''t be long now until Desire learns about the Understanding of Power.


    It wouldn''t be long now until Desire learns about who The Enlightened One is.


    And it wouldn''t be long now...until Desire learns about who...he is.

 Chapter 168: Sage of the Eight Godly Paths

    The duo of The Enlightened One and Desire soon reached the Understanding of Power, the huge-ass door.


    They were no longer flying in the air as The Enlightened One brought himself and Desire down on the ground.


    It seems that this was the place where The Enlightened One would explain everything to Desire.


    Of course, Desire was aware what would happen from now on.


    He knew that what The Enlightened One would say was so important that he has to listen to every single thing.


    That was why he was keeping himself from looking at the door right in front of him.


    However, Desire...just couldn''t help but peek at the door.


    The door was so huge from afar, and it was still so huge even when Desire was still near.


    And now that Desire was near the Understanding of Power, Desire could see it better.


    Desire could see the huge ass metal that was its...body, and the body that composes of the door...was half-opened.


    Right, it was half-opened, but because of its huge size, it looked like a huge palace would be able to fit inside even without further opening the door.


    However, even with that kind of space, Desire...couldn''t see what was inside the Understanding of Power.


    Desire could only see the darkness, and Desire could even feel the chilling wind coming from inside of the door.


    Whooooo.


    The wind blew, and it never stopped. Desire could hear the wind blowing, and Desire could also feel the wind touching his skin.


    And it was...cold. Frighteningly cold. However, despite that, Desire rather felt...warm.


    Right, Desire felt warmness when the cold wind touched his skin.


    It was bizarre...unordinary, and weird, but Desire didn''t care about it anymore.


    After all, this place was already weird in the first place. This place alone broke the logic of the world, and the man standing next to him was illogical in the first place.


    He could read minds, and he could also shut down Desire''s senses even though he was another man.


    That, alone, proves that this place...was weird as fuck.


    Anyway, Desire couldn''t look at the gap between the opened doors as The Enlightened One spoke as he walked forward.


    "Ohh, distinguished one."


    The Enlightened one said as he brought himself forward. Of course, due to him speaking, Desire whipped his head back to The Enlightened One.


    After all, it seems that The Enlightened One would explain things now.


    It was then that the Enlightened One stopped walking and turned around to look at the child.


    Of course, Desire was looking straight at him...but, that soon changed as Desire saw a bright light encircling The Enlightened One!


    And because of the bright light, Desire was forced to close his eyes!


    After all, it was stinging him, and what''s more, it was actually hurting Desire''s eyes!


    However, before even Desire could raise his hands or scream in pain due to the stinging light in front of him, The Enlightened One...moved.


    Right, he moved his right hand, which was the hand holding his staff.


    He moved his right hand as he...raised his staff in the air.


    And as soon as he did, The Enlightened One spoke as loud as he can.


    "Eight Orbs of Gaud!!!"


    The Enlightened One''s voice resounded out in this place, and in Desire''s eardrums.


    It was so loud that Desire''s ears...actually started bleeding. Right, and it started hurting Desire too!


    However, Desire couldn''t even make a noise or move his body.


    Why? It was because of the intense pressure coming from the man right in front of him!


    Even though he couldn''t see what was happening, Desire was sure of it!


    Desire was sure that The Enlightened One was releasing his powers one by one!


    And that was indeed the truth!


    That was exactly what The Enlightened One was doing as his right hand started shaking!


    No, to be exact, it was his golden staff that started shaking out of nowhere.


    And since his staff has started shaking, the colorful circles that were attached to the semi-circle hook that looked like a moon...started to fall off one by one.


    Right, those colorful circles started to fall off, but they didn''t fall to the ground or something like that.


    They just...floated in the air, and each of them was giving incredible pressure to the Inner World!


    Right, the pressure that they gave off as they floated in the air was enough for the land around them to crack!


    No...it was not only the land but also the air! The air around The Enlightened One and Desire started to crack as the colorful circles floated in the air as they shone each of their light!


    The small circles that were flying in the air right now had the following colors: red, blue, yellow, green, orange, black, and then...black?


    Right, the next ring also had the color of black, but its shade was...darker than the first black.


    One could see the difference between the two blacks between the shade of it.


    The last color of the ring that was shining had the color of...light. It was literally light as it was white.


    The total of the circles that were shining in light was exactly the number of eight.


    And those circles of light...started to spin as they floated around The Enlightened One''s back.


    The way that these circles of light spun made the Inner World shake!


    The power that these little circles of light had was certainly tremendous as...even the door right in front of the two started to shake!


    Of course, it was only minimal, but one could see the shaking of the door once one looked at it clearly!


    However, it seems that the changes that were occurring in the Inner world...no, in The Enlightened One weren''t done yet as his body started shaking as well!


    No, The Enlightened One only curbed down his body as he felt his back aching!


    The fact that The Enlightened One, the man who caused all these damages and is illogical as fuck, felt his back aching was weird!


    However, there was a reason for it, and that was...


    "Eight Rods of Gaud!!!" The Enlightened One shouted out loud with great intensity in his voice.


    Of course, this made the place shake once more, and Desire''s ears started to gush out with blood once again!


    In fact, all of Desire''s pores were bleeding out right now just because of the pressure coming from The Enlightened One.


    And it was because of that...Desire had a thought about this all situation.


    ''He''s not done?!?'' Desire thought as he felt like the time was extremely slow.


    Well, time would be slow if one is in a hard or painful phase of his life.


    It was only natural that Desire would feel like time was extremely slow for him.


    However, that was not the case at all as this was all happening at the speed of light.


    Right, even Desire''s thinking happened at the speed of light!


    Anyway, when The Enlightened One shouted out loud, his back...started to grow metals.


    The metals that were growing out on his back had the same look and quality as his staff.


    Well, it was the same thing.


    Right, The Enlightened One''s staff and the rods growing on his back were the same things.


    It was all produced by The Enlightened One himself.


    However, the rods that were growing out on The Enlightened One''s back didn''t just grow longer or something like that.


    It actually did something interesting, and that was...no, it was actually the Eight Orbs of Gaud that did something interesting.


    What the Eight Orbs of Gaud did was...they hovered around the Eight Rods of Gaud.


    The Eight Rods of Gaud...each of them were all partnered with their respective Eight Orbs of Gaud.


    It was such a grand sight as The Enlightened One looked...inhumane now.


    However, The Enlightened One was not done as...he lowered his head.


    It was then that The Enlightened One''s nape started to grow a rod as well.


    It was weird seeing something grow out of his human body, but well.


    That was just how The Enlightened One does things.


    Anyway, when the rod finally stopped growing longer, The Enlightened One raised his head.


    The rod that grew out of his nape''s top could be seen ending just a little bit taller than his head.


    And it was then that The Enlightened One spoke again to Desire.


    "Ohh, distinguished one."


    "I shall introduce myself once more."


    Of course, when Desire heard what The Enlightened One said, he opened his eyes and looked up.


    And what Desire saw was...a beautiful mixture of different lights and shadow. After all, the shadow was on The Enlightened One''s body.


    Desire then whipped his eyes to look at The Enlightened One''s...closed eyes.


    It seems that the pressure coming from the different rings of light has disappeared as Desire could see The Enlightened One''s face clearly.


    It was then that The Enlightened One...opened his eyes.


    However, there was something different as his golden eyes...were shining.


    They were literally shining, but that was not all. They were...burning.


    The Enlightened One''s eyes were also burning in golden light.


    Of course, that was not all as The Enlightened One''s head started to shine with golden light.


    No, it was not exactly his head, but rather the tip of the rod that was stationed at the back of his head.


    The way those golden lights shone on top of his head made The Enlightened One looked like a god.


    And it was with this look that The Enlightened One spoke once more.


    "I am...the Sage of the Eight Godly Paths, Gaud."

 Chapter 169: Quarter God

    "I am...the Sage of the Eight Godly Paths, Gaud."


    The Enlightened One...Gaud said as he looked down on Desire.


    The way that he looked down with his burning golden eyes truly looked...majestic and mesmerizing.


    In fact, it was so mesmerizing that Desire...could feel his eyes literally get sucked in by Gaud''s appearance alone.


    After all, Gaud just looked that majestic.


    Of course, with the way that the air and the place around them cracked, Gaud looked more...breathtaking.


    It was like looking at a...blooming and completed flower in a broken and deserted land.


    That was just how Gaud looked like right now to Desire.


    It was then that Gaud spoke as he whipped his head here and there. It seems that he finally noticed that the Inner World became devasted after his transformation.


    "Let''s clean this up first." Gaud said as he moved his right hand.


    Of course, his right hand was holding the staff that now only had the half-circle ring on top of it.


    Well, the staff still looked beautiful even without the colorful rings that were attached to it before.


    Anyway, Gaud moved his right hand, and it was so fast that Desire couldn''t even see it!


    Right, Desire couldn''t see it and Gaud...had his right hand back to its previous position.


    However, the effects of what Gaud did was...really easy to see for Desire as Desire''s eyes...looked here and there.


    He looked here and there, and what he saw was...the Inner World returned to its previous condition.


    The air was no longer cracked, and the land didn''t have any cracks in it.


    There was no longer any strange pressure that was bearing on Desire and the land as well.


    It was weird as hell, but Desire...just accepted it as the truth.


    After all, who was the man in front of him?


    It was The Enlightened One or Gaud. And Gaud is so illogical that he can make illogical as logical.


    At least, that was how Desire viewed the man standing in front of him.


    However, it seems that Desire didn''t have to think about that anymore as Gaud spoke once more as he looked down on Desire.


    "Ohh, distinguished one."


    Gaud said. He then turned around his body to look at the door right in front of them.


    Of course, Gaud''s back was so conspicuous just by how there were rings of different colors, and they were all shining with some black rods on them.


    In fact, it was amazing for Desire that he could look at these rings of lights now with no strain in his eyes when he remembered that it literally forced him to close his eyes before.


    Incidentally, Desire''s body was healed up now. He got healed up when Gaud healed the land and the sky of the Inner World.


    Desire just didn''t notice it as Desire was just taken aback by how Gaud looked like, and now...it seems like Desire couldn''t even afford to get his attention taken by something else.


    Why? It was because Gaud spoke once more.


    "As I have said before, this door of Understanding of Power is yours."


    "And the reason why you are in the Inner World is because you have opened this door purposely."


    "Which means...you have opened this door yourself."


    Gaud said with a peaceful tone of voice. Although it may not be obvious, the way he spoke those words was really different compared to the time he still...hasn''t done his transformation.


    Anyway, when Desire heard those words, he quickly became confused.


    After all, he thought that they would talk about how Gaud had the title of Sage of the Eight Godly Paths or something like that.


    He also thought that they would talk about what Gaud does to become the Sage of the Eight Godly Paths.


    Of course, Desire didn''t let it stay to his head as he knew that it didn''t really matter.


    "I understand that part, but...I''m not sure if I really opened it."


    "I have no memories or I can''t remember that I opened something like this."


    "If I did, it would surely stay in my mind for years as this is just...huge."


    Desire said as he looked at the Understanding of Power.


    Of course, what Desire said was the truth. If Desire was able to open something like this, he would be able to remember it even if he didn''t want to remember it.


    After all, just opening this door would be a huge achievement for the current Desire.


    It would mean that he now has the necessary strength to move it, and that is something that Desire wanted as well.


    That was why Desire was sure that he was not the one who opened it.


    However, it seems that Gaud was sure that Desire was the one who opened it as he spoke once more.


    "Oho? The distinguished one keeps surprising me."


    "Does that mean you are not aware of yourself?"


    "Well, it''s not really that weird considering that you are a mess."


    "A huge mess that even I do not understand how you were born in this world."


    Gaud said as his burning golden eyes flickered a little bit.


    Gaud knew what kind of a...creature Desire was when they first met.


    For Gaud, Desire was a mixture of different colors. However, what he could see the most was...black and white.


    Those two combined to become what is Desire now, but the black and white were still....going strong.


    They have not completely combined, and that was why Gaud described Desire as a mess.


    After all, a human would be a human. A monster would be a monster. However, Gaud could only see a mess.


    However, if there were something Gaud could certainly see in Desire, that was...he knew what the white part meant.


    Gaud only knew the white part, but the other colors that were lying dormant or the black part...Gaud didn''t know about them.


    Anyway, when Desire heard what Gaud said, he quickly became interested.


    After all, it was literally about himself.


    That was why Desire wanted to ask what Gaud meant by those words.


    ''I might find a clue about myself!'' Desire thought while feeling excited emotions in his heart.


    This would be the first time that Desire met someone who knew at least a little bit about him.


    That was why Desire was about to ask Gaud what he meant by that, but...he couldn''t.


    Why? It was because Gaud spoke once more before Desire could even speak.


    It seems that Gaud was determined to finish this once and for all as Gaud''s tone...quickly became grave and heavy.


    It was definitely not like the peaceful tone that he had.


    "Anyway, you have indeed opened this door. Whether you remember it or not, that is the truth."


    "And that is also why the door is only half opened."


    "It is because...you are the only one who opened it."


    When Desire heard those words coming from Gaud''s mouth, he quickly became confused once more.


    He didn''t understand a single thing about what Gaud said, and what was worse was that...


    ''I''m the only one who opened it?''


    Am I supposed to open it with someone or something?


    Desire thought as his face immediately turned into a frown.


    However, it seems that Desire didn''t have to think about it anymore as Gaud...spoke once more to explain himself.


    "That''s right. And that is only normal."


    "A mortal would never be able to open even one of the Eight Godly Paths even if that mortal is a Quarter God."


    "A God may be strong, but you...are only a Quarter God."


    "There is no way you would be able to open this door by yourself."


    It seems like Gaud was truly sure of what he said as he even nodded his head with satisfaction on his face.


    Well, what he said was the truth. A Quarter God would never be capable of opening the Eight Godly Paths.


    And to Gaud, Desire...was only a Quarter God.


    Right, Desire was a Quarter God.


    However, this was the first time Desire was hearing something like this, and that was why he was confused.


    Well, Desire has always been confused ever since they started talking.


    Anyway, Desire had his head tilted to the sides as he looked at Gaud.


    His brain...tried to process what was happening, and what he just heard, but...it was useless.


    Desire couldn''t get a grip on what Gaud just said, and that was why...Desire spoke.


    "A-A Quarter God?"


    "What do you mean by that?"


    Desire spoke with a shaking voice. It seems that he was really shocked.


    Well, one would be shocked if a random person suddenly told you that you were a Quarter God. Especially more so if that random person was Gaud.


    It was then that Gaud spoke as he looked back with a...shocked face.


    It seems that Gaud didn''t know that Desire didn''t know that he was a Quarter God.


    "Hmm? The distinguished one didn''t know that he was a Quarter God?"


    "That''s unexpected..."


    "Although you don''t know your origins, you should know that you are a Quarter God."


    "After all...a Quarter God may be a mortal, but you are still a God."

 Chapter 170: So I am...a God

    "Hmm? The distinguished one didn''t know that he was a Quarter God?"


    "That''s unexpected..."


    "Although you don''t know your origins, you should know that you are a Quarter God."


    "After all...a Quarter God may be a mortal, but you are still a God."


    Gaud said without missing a single beat, but it seems that he was not done as he continued speaking.


    "That is only normal."


    For Gaud, it is only normal for a Quarter God to know that he is a Quarter God.


    After all, a God would know that he is a God. Even if it is only by a quarter, a God is still a God.


    They cannot be underestimated, and that is why Gaud thought that Desire already knew that he was a Quarter God.


    Well...Gaud can''t be any more wrong than he was in this case as Desire absolutely had no clue!


    Right, Desire had no clue, and that was why...it was hard for him to accept.


    No, it was not hard for him to accept that he was a god or something like that.


    But rather...it was hard for him to accept that...he learned that he was a god just because Gaud slipped it off of his tongue.


    It was such a...anticlimatic way for him to know that he was a Quarter God.


    However, it''s not like Desire could do something about it now, and that was why he did the most logical thing he could think of doing right now.


    And that was...calming himself.


    "Huuuu. Haaaaa." Desire breathed in and out as he tried to calm his nerves.


    It seems that he was really shocked as only extreme and tremendous pain would be the only thing that would be able to make Desire force himself to calm down in a situation.


    "Huuuu. Haaaaa." Desire breathed in and out once more as he felt that he hadn''t calmed down yet.


    His heart was still beating fast, and his mind...couldn''t think of shit.


    What''s more, Desire''s Heavenly Demon Trait...isn''t even working in this situation, and is not helping him at all.


    One would be able to know that his Heavenly Demon Trait isn''t working just by...seeing how shocked he is.


    Well, it isn''t that obvious as Desire kept his unfazed face completely even though he was breathing in and out right now.


    Of course, it didn''t take long for Desire to finish calming himself as he was literally forcing his blood to die down.


    And as soon as he did, he looked at Gaud and spoke with...a calm voice.


    "What do you mean it is only normal for a Quater God to know that he is a Quarter God?"


    "If that is the case, then...I don''t think I am that what you call a Quarter God."


    "After all...I didn''t even know a Quarter God is a thing."


    Desire didn''t know anything about a God. Of course, he knew about their existence and their strength, but he didn''t know anything about them at all.


    He didn''t know who they were, and he also didn''t know what made one become a God.


    And that was all that he knew about Gods.


    And that was why it was reasonable for Desire to not know about a Quarter God.


    After all, he didn''t even know enough about the reigning gods. There''s just no way Desire would know about the existences of a Quarter God.


    And when Gaud heard what Desire said, he immediately titled his head to the side.


    His face was clearly...showing signs of having troubles in dealing with this situation.


    Well, it was just bad for Desire to not know that he was a Quarter God.


    After all, being a Quarter God and not knowing it...that is just stupidity.


    No, it was insanity! At least, for Gaud, it was insanity.


    However, it''s not like there was something Gaud could do in this situation.


    Desire knew that his mind could be read by Gaud, and Gaud knew that Desire knew it.


    That was why the chances of Desire lying in this situation were very low.


    It was so low that even Gaud wouldn''t believe that Desire was lying to him.


    Besides, Desire didn''t even know that Gaud turned off his ability to read minds.


    Gaud knew that he had not given any signs, messages, or signals that could lead to Desire finding out that he turned off his ability to read minds.


    That was why...it was just impossible for Desire to lie when he knew that his mind could be read at any moment if he said some bullshit that no one would believe.


    ''Hmm...this little distinguished one is truly interesting.'' Gaud thought as he regained his calm after thinking of all sorts of possibilities.


    And what Gaud could conclude from all those possibilities...just reinforced the idea that Desire was indeed interesting.


    A Quarter God who doesn''t know his origins, and also didn''t know that he was a Quarter God...Gaud finds these two points very interesting.


    And that was why Gaud spoke as he wanted to explain things to Desire.


    "Hmm...the distinguished one keeps surprising me."


    "I feel like you''ve surprised me more than the times that I have been injured in my long life."


    Gaud then laughed a little bit as his burning golden eyes flickered.


    Well, Gaud found that fact a little too funny, but it was then that Gaud stopped laughing and continued speaking.


    "Hmm...how shall I explain this to you...Ah!"


    Gaud brought up his left hand with his index finger up as he bent his body forward to speak closer to Desire.


    It seems that he really wanted to get his point across to Desire, as Desire seems to be a little...thickheaded.


    Well, that was how Desire looked like to Gaud, who keeps explaining things.


    "Did you know that a mortal doesn''t have any of the Eight Godly Paths?"


    "What I mean by a mortal is...a being who is not a God."


    "However, since you have this Understanding of Power, one of the Eight Godly Paths, that means...you are a God."


    "Though, you are a God, but only by a quarter."


    "However! That is enough for you to have the Eight Godly Paths."


    "Do you understand now why I said, and am sure that you are a Quarter God?"


    Gaud said without missing a single beat with a satisfied smile on his face.


    It seems that he really thought that his explanation just now was impeccable and he should be able to get his point across to Desire.


    After all, Gaud wouldn''t be able to move on to the next stage if Desire doesn''t understand this himself.


    No, they wouldn''t be able to move to the next stage if Desire...doesn''t accept the fact...right, the fact that he is a Quarter God.


    ''If he doesn''t even acknowledge that he is a Quarter God, this Enlightened One won''t be able to give him the task...'' Gaud thought as he...pleaded with all his heart for this dense little child to understand him.


    It seems that Gaud''s situation was a lot more serious than what it looks like on the surface.


    Of course, Gaud wasn''t really panicking or something like that. In fact, he didn''t really care about Desire.


    However, Gaud...needed to make sure that everyone who comes in here would be able to do what they came in here for.


    There were people who came in the past who came here for other things, and there were people who came here for the Understanding of Power as well.


    And Gaud gave them all the tasks that they needed.


    Of course, the people that came in here were limited in one''s hand.


    And what Desire came in here for was definitely the Understanding of Power.


    After all, it was his.


    And if Gaud isn''t able to give out the task to this little dense child right in front of him...things would immediately turn in the worse direction.


    ''The future might be affected...'' Gaud thought as he remembered something in the past.


    However, it seems that Gaud couldn''t think about the past as Desire finally spoke with a determined look on his face.


    "I see..."


    It seems that he finally came to terms with himself.


    Well, Desire is actually grateful to Gaud right now. After all, he was able to answer one part of Desire''s problems.


    And that was Desire''s identity. Although Desire''s identity wasn''t really that answered, Desire now has a lead to tackle.


    That was why Desire was really, really grateful to Gaud.


    Besides, being a Quarter God...it just seems cool. Right, for Desire, being a Quarter God seems cool.


    After all, he is a God! Even though it is only by a quarter, a God is still a God!


    What''s more, a God is strong! Unbelievably strong! And strong is exactly what Desire wanted to become!


    In other words, Desire...just got another advantage. Desire knows this fact very well.


    That was why Desire spoke once more with a smile on his face.


    His blue eyes...started to shine ominously as he looked at the burning golden eyes of Gaud.


    "I see...so I am a God."

 Chapter 171: Unknown and...Krussi

    "I see...so I am a God." Desire said as his eyes flashed dangerously as he looked at Gaud.


    Of course, Gaud was able to pick that faint light shining on Desire''s blue eyes.


    However, Gaud didn''t put much attention to something like that.


    After all, Gaud didn''t have to put any meaning behind it.


    It would only matter if Gaud thought that the light meant something or something like that, but he didn''t.


    That was why it didn''t matter.


    And since it didn''t matter, Gaud wanted to move on to the next stage now.


    After all, it''s not like Desire and Gaud have all the time in the world.


    Desire surely would have a time limit on his stay in the Inner World...no, it was a fact as Gaud knew that.


    He knew that the time limit was quickly approaching them as Gaud had to waste time in explaining in this...little kid who''s too dense for his own sake.


    That was why Gaud spoke as he wanted to get this task done now.


    However, before even Gaud could speak, there was something that happened that...made Gaud shut his mouth up.


    This event must be so extraordinary as Gaud was the one who shut up, and it was indeed extraordinary as there was something floating above Desire''s head.


    The thing that was floating above Desire''s head appeared out of nowhere, and even Gaud couldn''t figure out when it appeared!


    No, he didn''t even feel its presence when it came here, and that was weird!


    After all, even though Gaud couldn''t do shit on the physical world, he could do shit...insane shit in the Inner World!


    Why? It was because the Inner World was Gaud''s territory!


    And the fact that something or someone was able to come in this place without Gaud even noticing it...that fact alone was enough for Gaud to become so shocked that he couldn''t speak.


    And when Gaud whipped his eyes to look at the something that appeared, what he saw was...a cross-shaped golden necklace.


    Right, it was a golden necklace and the chain that was used for this golden necklace was...wood.


    It was weird seeing wood and gold together, but Gaud didn''t care about that right now.


    After all, Gaud could identify this cross-shaped golden necklace.


    Right, he knew what this cross-shaped golden was, and it was...


    ''Krussi? What is this doing here?'' Gaud thought as his eyes immediately became sharp.


    After all, he didn''t know what the Krussi was here for, and he knew that Gods were the ones who made the Krussi.


    Well, it was something that was made by the metal of the Gods, but it was the same.


    That was why...Gaud was on guard. After all, it was a metal made by the Gods.


    Its strength alone would probably be enough to shake the Inner World, but of course, it''s not like it actually is a threat.


    It would only be a threat if someone is wielding and using the Krussi as if it were a part of his body.


    However, right now, Gaud could see no one capable of doing that.


    Of course, Gaud thought that even the dense little child right in front of him could not control the Krussi.


    However, Desire didn''t care about what Gaud thought about him right now.


    Desire...was just looking at the air with dazed eyes on his face.


    Right, and it seems that Desire was shocked about something as his eyes... was shaking right now.


    Although it was only minimal, one could see that his eyes were truly shaking and quivering at this moment.


    Why? It was because of the thing that suddenly appeared right in front of Desire.


    It seems that Gaud couldn''t see what Desire was seeing, but well.


    Gaud had his attention taken by the Krussi that suddenly appeared and was floating right above Desire''s head.


    Anyway, what Desire was looking at was the...screen that always appears when the system...when Unknown says something.


    And what the Unknown said this time was...Desire''s status.


    [Status]


    [Name: Desire]


    [Race: Human, Quarter God]


    [Monster Rank: First]


    [Human Rank: First]


    [Quarter God Rank: Zero]


    [Traits: Heavenly Demon Trait]


    [Title: None]


    [Divine Protection: Cannot be identified]


    [Special Status]


    -Current progress with the unification with water: 15%


    -Current progress with the unification with fire: 0%


    [SUPER SPECIAL STATUS]


    -Current progress with opening one of the Eight Godly Paths, Understanding of power: 50%


    This was what the Unknown said on the screen that was floating in the air that could only be seen by Desire''s eyes.


    And when Desire finished reading it all, his eyes...started shaking once more.


    Well, his eyes were already shaking when he was still reading what the Unknown had to say.


    However, there was a reason why Desire''s eyes started shaking as he stared at the empty air.


    And that reason was...


    ''S-so I really am a Quarter God?'' Desire thought as he read the new...race on the race part of the Status.


    Of course, the race part had Desire''s initial race, human, and the second one that caused Desire''s eyes to shake once more, Quarter God.


    The fact that the Unkown basically acknowledged that Desire was truly a Quarter God was something that was reassuring to Desire.


    After all, the Unknown or the system was there for him when Desire wanted to confirm something.


    Although Desire trusts and knows that Gaud wasn''t lying to him when he said that he was a Quarter God, it just hits different for Desire when it was the Unknown who says it.


    That was why Desire...was quite sure of himself that he was truly a Quarter God now that the Unknown confirmed it.


    ''What''s more, there is also a new rank...Quarter God Rank, is it...'' Desire thought as he whipped his eyes downward.


    Indeed, there was a new rank that suddenly appeared, and that new rank was the Quarter God Rank.


    Although it sounds weird that there was still a Quarter in the name, Desire didn''t really care about it.


    After all, this just literally proves that Desire is a Quarter God, and he could become stronger through it.


    He could upgrade his Quarter God Rank and become stronger as a whole.


    ''Is it the same with my other ranks?'' Desire thought as he tried to see if the Unknown would tell him how his Quarter God rank could be increased.


    However, before even another screen could pop out, something...ridiculous happened.


    And that was...the screen that Desire was looking at suddenly started to distort out of nowhere!


    Of course, the screen that he was looking at was his status page, and his status page...distorted and twisted until it became a single point!


    ''What the hell!?'' Desire thought as he brought his hands up in an effort to touch the screen.


    Well, there was just no way Desire would be able to touch the screen when he was the only one who could see it.


    Anyway, time seems so slow, and Desire''s movements were at a snail''s pace.


    Right, the world...was running slow for Desire right now as he tried to grab the screen.


    However, it was then that something appeared right in front of him.


    Of course, Desire was not shocked at the fact that another object appeared right in front of him. He was too used at this point.


    However, his eyes were still shaking as he realized what appeared right in front of him.


    His body...even started to shake as he realized what it was. After all, it was just that shocking and surprising.


    Why? It was because...it was the Krussi that Desire was familiar with.


    Right, this was the Krussi that Desire always holds with his hands or wears on his neck.


    That was why Desire was shocked!


    ''It wasn''t here before?!'' Desire thought as his...hands were still trying to grab the screen right in front of him.


    Desire knew that the Krussi that he always holds close to him wasn''t here in this place when he first woke up.


    After all, he was in a strange body that was just floating in the air.


    Anyway, it was strange that Desire''s thinking was so fast that he could form coherent thoughts, but his hands were still trying to grab the screen.


    However, it was not.


    This was the so-called butterfly effect, which took place in the Inner World.


    There is only one reason why the butterfly effect happened at this moment, and that is because...of the Unknown.


    The Unknown suddenly entered this place, which messed up the natural rules and order of this place.


    Right, even Gaud was affected as he felt that he couldn''t move his body.


    ''Hmm...'' Gaud thought as he forced his eyes to look down.


    He forced his eyes to look down at the child that was looking at the Krussi.


    And as he couldn''t do anything at this point, Gaud, the Sage of the Eight Godly Paths could only watch.


    He could only watch with Desire, as Desire saw the Krussi and the twisted screen of the Unknown...collided with each other.


    And what happened next was...a bright, hot, light appeared on this place between Gaud and Desire.

 Chapter 172: Time...slow?

    A bright, hot, light appeared in the Inner World. Of course, it was right in front of Desire and Gaud, who couldn''t move.


    And the cause of the bright, hot, light was the Krussi that collided against the twisted form of the screen that the Unknown usually uses to tell its message to Desire.


    Desire was just staring at the bright, hot, light with his blue eyes. It seems that Desire wasn''t feeling any stinging pain or any type of pain at all even though he was staring straight at the bright, hot, light.


    However, contrary to the little child right in front of him, Gaud...had his eyes closed shut.


    Why? It was because Gaud could feel the pain just from looking at the light!


    And that was strange. Gaud was a being who was a lot stronger than Desire right now.


    What''s more, Desire was confident that Gaud...was way stronger than even his master, Lionel.


    And now...Gaud couldn''t stare at the bright, hot, light right in front of him even though Desire...could stare at it with no problems?


    That was definitely weird, but Gaud couldn''t even begin to think about it.


    Why? It was because it was so hot that Gaud had to protect himself with much focus!


    The rings of light on his back that were stuck on the black rods, the Eight Orbs of Gaud, were shining heavily right now as it tried to protect Gaud''s body.


    Of course, Gaud was controlling them with his concentration and will.


    However, even then, Gaud could feel the hotness coming from the bright, hot, light right in front of him.


    That was why things were weird even though Gaud didn''t exactly know about how...Desire was feeling right now.


    Right, since Gaud was feeling the hotness even though he was heavily protecting himself, Desire...should be in a much worse situation.


    However, Gaud...could not hear, feel, or even pick up on any signs that Desire was screaming in pain.


    And that was weird!


    After all, Desire was a lot weaker than Gaud. He should not be able to protect himself against the heat, and he should not be able to withstand this kind of heat.


    Why? It was because Gaud...was really having a hard time trying to protect himself.


    If Desire couldn''t even protect himself, it was only natural that Desire should be screeching on the ground right now as he screamed in pain.


    However, Gaud could not even pick up on any signs that Desire was screeching on the ground.


    Well, it was the truth that Desire was not in pain, and he was also not feeling any heat coming from the bright, hot, light. No, since Desire couldn''t feel any heat at all, it was only a bright light for him.


    Right, and Desire was just staring at the bright light as if he was entranced by this sight.


    His blue eyes were clearly showing interest over this bright light, and that was clear as his blue eyes...were shining.


    Even though there was a bright light right in front of him, one would be able to notice that Desire''s eyes were shining.


    That was how...bright Desire''s eyes were right now, and that was weird.


    After all, Desire was not even feeling anything at all. In fact, he felt normal.


    His condition was exactly the polar opposite of Gaud''s condition, in which Gaud couldn''t even begin to think about this situation.


    Even though he was the lord of the Inner World, Gaud...couldn''t do shit about this situation.


    He was that...powerless right now.


    Anyway, it was then that Desire finally got a hold of himself.


    It seems that he finally realized what was going on, but well.


    Even though he was kinda late in realizing that, it couldn''t be helped.


    He was just that...mesmerized and entranced by the bright light right in front of him.


    ''Hmm...what the hell happened?'' Desire thought as he felt his hands moving towards the bright light right in front of him.


    Of course, his body...was still moving at a snail''s pace in an attempt to grab the twisted form of the screen.


    It seems that Desire couldn''t stop moving his body now that he has started to move his hands towards the screen.


    ''Hmm...I''m moving slow, but I don''t feel anything at all.'' Desire thought as he observed himself.


    He could feel that he was moving his body, but he couldn''t stop himself at all.


    That was...a little bit strange as it was his body, but that was not all.


    Desire then found out that...he couldn''t see anything besides the bright light right in front of him.


    He couldn''t see Gaud, the Sage of the Eight Godly Paths, who Desire knew was just around near him.


    He also couldn''t see the huge-ass door, the Understanding of Power that was also right in front of him.


    What''s more, Desire couldn''t even see any colors of the Inner World.


    Desire could only see the bright light in front of him, and it was...in a literal way.


    However, even then, Desire...was a little bit too calm in this situation as he thought.


    ''Did something go wrong? I was just reading what the Unknown had to say...''


    For Desire, it was more likely to think that the Inner World itself has gone wrong.


    No, it was more correct to say that Gaud did something wrong that caused this problem.


    After all, Gaud was the stranger to Desire. And Desire was just reading the Unknown, which was a pretty normal activity for Desire.


    That was why Desire thought that this was something that was happening because of Gaud or something like that.


    However, it seems that Desire couldn''t think about it anymore as his hands...finally entered his field of vision.


    Of course, his hands were still moving so slow that Desire couldn''t even figure out if he was even moving.


    No, he couldn''t even tell if he was even moving his body.


    However, even with these strange things that were happening around him, Desire was still not panicking.


    It seems that his mental strength has become strong as this was a situation that calls for immediate actions, but...Desire didn''t feel like it was one.


    In fact, Desire wasn''t that worried about this situation. If he was worried about it, he would have tried to think of things that would make him escape from this situation.


    He would have been desperate to control his body and to regain control of his body.


    He would try everything that he could just to try and stop his hands that were about to grab the light right now.


    He would also do everything he could to see other things in this place.


    However, he wasn''t doing that, and that just proves that Desire was not worried at all.


    It was crazy, weird, and strange, but...Desire was sincerely thinking and believing that this situation was not dangerous.


    At least, Desire thought that it was not dangerous for him.


    That was why he was just watching his hand move towards the bright light while thinking, ''When will this end...''


    Although Desire was indeed interested in the bright light that suddenly appeared, that was only because of the cause.


    After all, the cause of the bright light was the Krussi and the twisted screen of the Unknown.


    It was only natural that Desire would be interested in it. However, as time passed, Desire...lost interest.


    After all, nothing was happening, and it definitely felt like a long time has passed by now.


    Things were just moving slow, and that was why it seems like a short amount of time has only passed.


    ''Hmm...still, why did the Krussi and the Unknown suddenly appeared in this place?'' Desire thought as he wanted to use this time to think about things.


    Well, since it was taking too long, it was only right for him to think of other things that would alleviate his...boredom.


    Right, Desire was feeling bored right now, and that was why he just thought of random things.


    He thought of how he was a Quarter God, and he thought of Gaud, the Sage of the Eight Godly Paths.


    And maybe because time really has passed long enough or...things just reverted back to normal, Desire could finally see his hands...that was about to touch the bright light itself.


    However, before Desire could even think or show a reaction about it, something crazy happened.


    No, it was not really crazy if you think about the past events that happened in this place.


    After all, what happened was the bright light...suddenly opened up!


    Right, the bright light opened up. Although it sounds weird, that was definitely what happened as the bright light...suddenly had a darkness within it.


    What''s more, Desire could clearly see that darkness as the darkness reflected off of his blue eyes.


    However, that darkness was just an empty space in this place.


    And it seems that the real thing has not even started as Desire could see the darkness move.


    He could see the darkness move towards him at a fast speed that Desire actually flinched!


    ''What?!!?'' Desire thought as he...felt his hands that were about to touch the bright light...gone.


    Right, Desire''s hands....he couldn''t feel them at all.

 Chapter 173: An absurd situation

    ''What?!'' Desire thought as he felt his hands...no longer there.


    As he flinched because of how weird it was for the darkness to move, Desire had his eyes closed for a second, and that was also why he was confused.


    Of course, when Desire felt that his hands were no longer there, he immediately opened his eyes.


    And as soon as he did, his eyes...that was just full of horror and worry for his hands soon widened so much that it looked like that they were about to pop out of Desire''s eye sockets.


    Why? It was because of his hands.


    Right, Desire saw that his hands were still there, and that was only natural.


    After all, it''s not like Desire felt any pain around his hands or something like that.


    He just felt that his hands...were no longer there. Although it sounds weird that he even felt that, that was just how Desire felt it.


    Anyway, what made Desire open his eyes so wide that it looked like they were about to pop out was...what appeared in his hands.


    No, was it even his hands anymore? Desire couldn''t tell as he saw some type of cloth wrapped around in what seems to be his hands.


    Right, there was some sheet covering his hands, and Desire didn''t know what to...do about it.


    ''Too much weird stuff is going on...'' Desire thought as he tried to move his body.


    However, it seems that Desire still couldn''t move as he couldn''t move his body.


    He also tried to make his hands move to see what the cloth was about, but alas.


    His hands were the same case as he couldn''t move them at all.


    ''But I was able to close my eyes pretty fast...'' Desire thought as he remembered that he was able to close his eyes with no real effort.


    That means that he could move his eyes normally, and nothing was affecting that part.


    Well, it was useless as it was just his eyes that he could close and open.


    Anyway, Desire could also see the darkness that appeared within the bright, hot, light.


    It seems that the darkness was no longer moving as it just stayed there, but it was weird.


    ''Where did the cloth came from?'' Desire thought as he moved his eyes to his hands...to the cloth wrapped around his hands.


    Desire suspected that it was because of the cloth that he couldn''t feel his hands anymore.


    However, Desire didn''t know where the cloth came from. Although it would be reasonable for Desire to suspect that the cloth came from the darkness, Desire didn''t think that way at all.


    Why? It was because the darkness was just darkness.


    There''s no way the darkness would be able to hold out some kind of cloth to Desire and wrap it around his hands.


    Well, anything was possible now, and that was why it was naive for Desire to think like that.


    However, Desire just couldn''t see anything beyond the darkness.


    That was why Desire knew that there were no items or clothes in the darkness.


    "Haaaa." Desire sighed as he felt lost in this situation.


    After all, a bright, hot, light appeared all of a sudden. What''s more, the cause was the Krussi and the Unknown.


    Now, a rift in that bright, hot, light appeared and darkness invaded this place.


    Some type of cloth was wrapped around his hands, and he couldn''t move his body.


    It was only natural for Desire to be lost in this situation.


    And since Desire was lost, he knew exactly what to do.


    ''I just have to follow the flow.'' Desire thought as his eyes sharpened.


    His blue eyes shone upon this place, and determination was oozing off of him.


    Some kind of pressure was also looming from his body, but well.


    That pressure only looked weak as Desire was really weak right now.


    Anyway, there was only one thing Desire knew what he should do even though he was lost.


    And that was...to just follow the flow in this situation.


    That was why Desire was staying on guard and observing everything like a hawk as he whipped his blue eyes here and there.


    He was waiting for something to change as Desire was too used to weird situations now.


    After all, ever since Desire was born, he has always been in some kind of a weird situation.


    From the moment he met Lyra up until now, Desire was always involved in something.


    And it was because of those past experiences that Desire was used to this kind of situation.


    That was why he knew that he should just follow the flow whenever the flow comes in like a wave from the ocean.


    After all, Desire was sure that the next time another wave comes in this place was the chance for him to get out of this situation.


    That was why Desire was observing everything carefully like some sort of maniac.


    And it seems that Desire was right in thinking that another flow could come to hit him as something happened right away!


    There was some sort of movement that came from the darkness, and Desire immediately whipped his eyes at the darkness when he noticed it from the corner of his vision.


    And what Desire saw was that...the darkness was getting bigger as the bright, hot, light became smaller.


    Desire''s face then turned into a frown as he witnessed this. He was getting worried about his hands as his hands were right in front of the darkness.


    He didn''t want them to get cut off, even if he was in the Inner World.


    Well, it was just because he didn''t know if his real body''s hands would also get affected.


    Anyway, the darkness kept getting bigger without any care for Desire''s worries at all.


    Of course, due to the emergence of the darkness, the bright, hot, light that appeared in this place...soon disappeared as if the wind blew on it.


    Right, and the whole place became full of darkness, and Desire could only see the darkness in this place.


    It was weird as to how the place became filled with light and then quickly changed into darkness.


    Of course, Desire was still looking for ways to escape this situation.


    Desire knew that the...normal condition for the Inner World was when he was with Gaud.


    However, right now, he could not see Gaud, and he was sure that Gaud was not here.


    That was why Desire would only be reassured once he sees Gaud once more in this place.


    However, Desire could not find any chances for him to go with the flow as the darkness became still.


    And this situation...was the same situation Desire was in when he first woke up in this place with a fire body.


    That was why Desire was getting confused.


    ''Am...I in a time loop?'' Desire thought as he bit his lips.


    He didn''t know what was going on, and the weirdness of this situation was just too extreme that even Desire didn''t know what to do anymore.


    Of course, Desire kept to his principle of going with the flow, but...even Desire was hesitating right now.


    That was just how...weird this situation right now.


    After all, Desire felt like he returned back in time with the darkness being all over the place once more.


    Desire then immediately checked if he could move his body or speak at all.


    And as soon as he did, he soon became shocked as he felt that he could move his body now.


    And the first thing that he did was...shout.


    Right, Desire shouted out loud for everyone to hear in this place.


    "GAUD!" Desire shouted and his voice resounded out in this place, but he wasn''t done as he whipped his head as he shouted again.


    "THE ENLIGHTENED ONE! WHERE ARE YOU!?" Desire shouted on top of his lungs that he actually became short of breath.


    Well, Desire didn''t care about that as he whipped his head here and there.


    However, Gaud...did not appear at all in this place.


    Of course, it''s not like Desire would whine or cry about that. It was not a situation that calls for that as this was the first time.


    This was the first time that Desire actually felt alarmed in this place.


    That was why Desire then moved his hands to see if his hands were fine as he knew that he would need his hands in this place.


    After all, there might be some threats or situations that would force Desire to fight.


    And as soon as Desire moved his hands even a little bit, the cloth wrapped around his hands soon took off as it disappeared in the air.


    However, Desire didn''t care about that at all as he just looked at his hands with a huge shock on his face.


    Why? It was because Desire could see something. Desire could see it.


    "W-what the hell is this..." Desire murmured with horror in his voice.


    He then moved his hands...no, he shook his arms to try and break free from the...shackles on his hands.


    However, no matter how much Desire tried to shake his arms, the shackles on his hands...stood firm.


    And it was because of this that Desire...felt despair once more.


    "N-no way..."

 Chapter 174: Strange voices

    "N-no way..." Desire murmured as he felt empty right in the center of his chest.


    His blood started to rush to his brain as his eyes witnessed the tight shackles on his hands.


    Of course, now that he saw the shackles, everything finally made sense.


    It finally made sense why Desire felt that his hands were missing.


    It was because what he felt were the tight shackles and not his hands!


    However, Desire didn''t care about that right now as he just...despaired.


    After all, this situation was a hopeless one. With his hands being shackled, Desire basically had his abilities to fight cut off right off the bat.


    What''s more, Desire hasn''t really started his training for real. There was no way Desire would be able to adjust to fighting with just his feet.


    This situation...was just that bad.


    It was so bad that even Desire''s past experiences looked like a child''s game or something.


    "Is this that...as I grow older, the weird things that kept happening to me will also be harder?" Desire murmured with a helpless smile on his face.


    Desire thought that it was quite the irony for him to face harsher and harder trials as he grew older.


    Why? It was because as he grew older, he grew better and stronger.


    He would become more knowledgeable about things, and he would also be accustomed to his powers.


    And if Desire faced a trial, it should just be a piece of cake from now on as he became stronger and wiser.


    Right, it should have been that way...but it was not.


    The reality was different and it was relentless to anyone.


    In fact, ever since Desire had the body of a child, the trials that he faced became harder compared to the trials he had when he was still a baby.


    That was why Desire thought that things were really ironic and could only have a helpless smile on his face.


    However, it seems that things were not over just yet as Desire could hear a voice speak to him.


    No, he could hear a voice resonate around in this place.


    And what that voice said was...


    "Walk."


    Walk. That was what the voice said, and it entered Desire''s eardrums like crazy.


    It echoed in and out Desire''s brain, and that was why Desire finally got a hang of himself.


    He realized that things would become more dangerous and bad than it is now if he messed his head over it.


    Worse situations would only stay worse and become worst if one does not work their way to better the situation.


    Of course, one might fail in bettering the situation, but...things would definitely stay worse if one does not move at all.


    Desire knew that very well as his efforts and meticulousness were the ones that helped him in his...past trials in his life.


    That was why Desire forced himself to calm down in no time at all as his eyes sharpened a little bit.


    The way Desire transitioned from panicking to calm was really unbelievable as it just happened so naturally.


    Well, that was one of the perks of having the Heavenly Demon Trait.


    He then began to observe the place like a hawk once more as he bent down his knees to prepare himself.


    He prepared himself to run away from this place as soon as Desire feels threatened.


    Well, Desire already felt threatened, but what he would run away from was an actual enemy.


    Anyway, it was then that Desire finally heard the same voice resonate out once more in this place and in his ears.


    And what it said was...the same thing, "Walk."


    Of course, when Desire heard it, he quickly whipped his head here and there as his feet took a few steps backward.


    ''It''s near...'' Desire thought as he began to let out some sort of pressure.


    Desire could tell that the one who spoke was near as Desire...could literally feel it.


    He could literally feel it near his ears, even though it was resounding out in this place.


    However, it seems that Desire didn''t have the time to look or even think about it as another voice resounded out in this place.


    Right, it was another type of voice, and what it said was..."Walk."


    The same thing again. It was so weird hearing the same thing being mentioned again and again, but Desire didn''t let down his guard at all.


    He just kept his guard high as if he was waiting to pounce on the prey that would soon come out of its hiding place.


    Desire was just that focused.


    However, it seems that...the voices were not done yet as they continued speaking.


    "Walk."


    "Walk."


    The two types of voice resounded out in this place, but that was not all as another type of voice joined in.


    "Walk." The voice was...extremely low, and it was extremely disturbing to hear.


    But...Desire didn''t have the time to mind that as the voices spoke once more.


    "Walk. Walk. Walk. Walk. Walk."


    This time, it wasn''t just one, two, or three voices. There were so many voices that Desire didn''t know how many people or monsters were speaking.


    They differed from each other, and Desire somehow could identify which voice was which.


    It was then that the voices spoke once more as they resounded out in this place.


    "Walk. Walk. Walk. Walk. Walk. Walk."


    "Walk. Walk. Walk. Walk. Walk. Walk."


    Of course, Desire heard them all, and that was why his face was turned into a frown right now.


    Instead of being alarmed by these voices, Desire...was actually getting irritated and agitated with them.


    Right...he wasn''t feeling alarmed or scared right now, but he was getting angry!


    And that was crazy! After all, one would be more alarmed or even be disturbed when so many voices resounded out in a dark place.


    What''s more, Desire could hear the voices really near him. They were so near that Desire thought that they were whispering right next to his ears.


    That was why...it was only normal for him to be disturbed and get mental stress from this.


    However, what Desire actually got from this was anger!


    What''s more, Desire himself knew what kind of a situation this was.


    He knew that this situation was dangerous and that it was even more dangerous for him to be angry in this situation.


    But...Desire just couldn''t help being angry! And as if they were mocking Desire, the voices spoke once more.


    "Walk. Walk. Walk. Walk. Walk. Walk."


    "Walk. Walk. Walk. Walk. Walk. Walk."


    The voices continued speaking without any care for the world. It seems like they were made to speak the word "walk."


    And it was because of this that Desire...couldn''t hold it in anymore.


    He couldn''t hold back the anger that was raging inside him, and that was why Desire shouted out loud as veins popped out on his neck.


    "SHUT THE FUCK UP!!" Desire shouted out loud, and it was with killing intent.


    Desire has not realized it, but it seems that he was so angry that he was ready to kill the people who were speaking.


    Well, he was always ready to kill. Desire has just not gotten the chance to kill, yet.


    Anyways, when Desire shouted out loud with an overwhelming aura filled with killing intent, the voices...finally stopped.


    Right, the voices finally stopped speaking the word ''walk'' and the place immediately turned quiet.


    "Huuu. Haaaa." Desire''s breathed in and out as he tried to force himself to calm down.


    Of course, as Desire was able to do this before, it was easy to do it now.


    However, it was still evident that Desire was pissed off judging from how...red his eyes were.


    Right, Desire''s eyes were red and it was shining bright in this place.


    The fact that Desire''s eyes completely changed colors from blue to red was crazy and it shows how angry Desire was.


    And it was with those eyes that Desire whipped his head here and there as the voices...indeed stopped talking.


    A few seconds have already passed, and not one of the voices spoke anything.


    It seems that Desire''s shout of angry was effective as they literally went completely silent.


    Of course, because of this, Desire...finally was able to breathe a little bit and calm himself down.


    "Huuuuu. Haaaaa." Desire breathed in and out as he closed his eyes.


    And as soon as he was finished, he quickly opened them again and his eyes...became blue again.


    It seems that Desire''s anger really affected something in him as this was the first time that this happened.


    Well, this was the first time that Desire actually got angry about something.


    Anyways, now that the voices finally stopped, Desire could finally work on analyzing the situation.


    Or so that was what he thought, but...the voices seem to not have the plan to stop as they finally continued speaking.


    No, it was actually one of the voices. It was the first voice who spoke the word ''walk'' when Desire first came here.


    However, this time the voice did not say the word ''walk,'' but instead...


    "Sorry."


    Right, it was an apology. And as if they already rehearsed this, the voices spoke once more.


    "Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry."


    The voices resounded out in this place as they all apologized to Desire all at the same time.

 Chapter 175: Heated thoughts

    "Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry."


    The voices resounded out in this place as they all apologized to Desire all at the same time.


    Of course, when Desire heard it, he...became confused once more.


    After all, they finally stopped, and now they became noisy once more.


    However, if there was something different in this situation, that would be that...Desire wasn''t getting mad or angry.


    Right, he wasn''t feeling the rage that he had felt earlier.


    Well, the voices were apologizing now. It was only natural that Desire would feel soothed that the voices even tried to apologize to him.


    Although the best apology one could give is changed behavior, which in this case the voices would have to stop speaking, it was actually still fine.


    Right, it was still fine.


    "Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry." The voices resounded out in Desire''s ears.


    The way they apologized really sounded like they are sincerely apologizing to Desire.


    No, it even felt like they did something grave and they were regretting that.


    What was even weirder in this situation was that...Desire was the cause why they were apologizing.


    After all, the change in their word and behavior changed when Desire told them to shut up literally.


    It was only reasonable to connect the two happenings together.


    And the fact that this happened made Desire think.


    ''Can I somehow talk to them...''


    Right, Desire thought that maybe he could talk to the voices.


    After all, what they did back then was basically communication.


    And since he could, Desire decided to give it a try.


    After all, he didn''t know what to do in this situation, and the only thing that appeared in this place was the voices.


    Well, they haven''t exactly appeared in this place as they just resounded out in this place.


    Anyway, this was what Desire said in an attempt to talk to the voices.


    "Who are you?" Desire said with a calm voice, but with sharp eyes.


    It seems that he learned to make sure that he wouldn''t drop his guard ever again in situations like these.


    Anyway, what Desire said was just a simple question about the voices'' identity.


    As the voices'' owners weren''t really here, Desire wanted to find out about them first.


    Of course, when Desire said those words, the voices immediately stopped saying sorry.


    It seems that they really could hear and talk to Desire, and it also seems like they were willing to talk to Desire.


    And it was because of the voices immediately stopping that silence ruled over the atmosphere.


    However, it didn''t take long for the voices...for the first voice to speak out once more.


    "Don''t know."


    That was what the first voice said, and as if they were ducks following the mother, the other voices also spoke.


    "Don''t know. Don''t know. Don''t know. Don''t know. Don''t know."


    The voices overlapped with each other so much that it seems like they were just echoes of the first voice.


    However, Desire could still identify them correctly due to his sensitive senses right now.


    Anyways, when Desire heard what the voices wanted to say, he immediately thought of something to talk to them.


    ''They don''t know...hmmmm...'' Desire thought as he tried to think up a question.


    Desire wanted to ask the voices as many questions as possible since they were willing to talk.


    Although Desire didn''t know whether to trust the voices or not, it was still better than nothing.


    After all, Desire...was really desperate to get out of this place and just meet up with Gaud.


    Better yet, Desire...wanted to wake up from this long-ass dream.


    That was why Desire was getting desperate now, as to even go to extreme lengths such as asking strange voices.


    Anyways, it didn''t take Desire long to think up a question, and it was this that he asked.


    "Then, where is this place?" Desire asked the voices as he tried to look beyond the darkness.


    He tried to look for the owners of the voices as he whipped his eyes here and there.


    And while he was doing that, the voices stopped saying the words ''Don''t know.''


    Of course, it didn''t take long for the first voice to speak once more, and this is what the voice said.


    "Don''t know."


    And the usual overlapping of voices happened as the other voices spoke once more.


    "Don''t know. Don''t know. Don''t know. Don''t know. Don''t know."


    Of course, Desire was able to hear all that and that was why he had his face turned into a frown right now.


    Why? It was because what the voices just said was...ridiculous.


    ''They don''t know? Again?''


    Right, it was just ridiculous for the voices to be here and not know where this place was.


    Well, Desire was also in this place, and yet, he also didn''t know where this place.


    However, Desire...somehow could tell that the voices were here for a long time now.


    After all, they weren''t panicking nor were they asking for help.


    They were just literally voices saying whatever they wanted as they spoke to Desire.


    That was why it was weird for them to not know anything about this place.


    Well, it''s not like Desire would persistently ask about that part and whine about it.


    After all, Desire and the voices were not friends or something like that.


    They were strangers, and Desire was just trying to get information out of them.


    That was why Desire spoke once more as he formed a question.


    And this question was...about the first word that the voices spoke when Desire came here.


    And that was...


    "Walk...what does it mean?"


    Although Desire knows that walk means walking with his legs, it may not mean shit to this place.


    Of course, now that they were able to communicate, it means that they talked in the same language.


    However, Desire just had to make sure about this one.


    After all, this was the first word that the voices spoke, and it means something.


    It means that...the voices truly meant to say and wanted Desire to ''walk.''


    Well, he still didn''t know specifically what it means, and that was why he wanted to find out.


    Anyway, when the voices ''heard'' what Desire just said, they immediately stopped talking.


    However, this time, not the usual silence resounded out in this place, but instead...the first voice immediately spoke as if the voice was waiting for Desire to ask this question.


    Right, the first voice spoke fast, and what it said was...


    "Walk."


    And it was the usual ''walk.''


    Of course, now that the first voice spoke, the other voices jumped in like crazy beast as they spoke as well.


    "Walk. Walk. Walk. Walk. Walk. Walk."


    And this was weird. After all, the voices didn''t say anything that could possibly explain why they were saying this word.


    What''s more, that was all they were saying.


    And this fact left Desire dazed and confused as he began to think.


    ''Do I just have to walk?''


    Desire knew that he couldn''t trust anything that just suddenly speaks and walks to him.


    Of course, that was just common sense. However, this situation...this was a situation that calls for action.


    That was why...Desire just decided to wing it and walk.


    Right, since this was what the voices wanted him to do so bad that this was literally all they were saying, Desire just had to do it.


    After all, it''s not like Desire knows anything about this place at all that he could just ignore them.


    And it was because of this fact that Desire realized something.


    He realized something about whenever he was in a situation like this, there was always something Desire would do.


    And that was...


    ''I always get pushed around...''


    Right, Desire was always getting pushed around in weird situations like these.


    There would always be something that would make Desire do something.


    There would always be some form of someone pushing him around in these situations.


    And this time...it was the same case. The voices were pushing Desire around by telling him to walk.


    And there was nothing he could do about it.


    After all, it''s not like Desire was strong or something like that.


    He now knew that he was a Quarter God, yes, but...he didn''t know what his powers were or any advantages that could make him escape this situation alive.


    Hell, Desire couldn''t even break out of the shackles that were tied to his hands.


    Even with his mana, there was nothing he could do.


    And this fact...Desire didn''t like it.


    He didn''t like how he was always being pushed around ever since his birth.


    He didn''t like how he was always forced to do something ever since his birth.


    Of course, there were times Desire was able to do whatever he wanted, but...that was just because other strong people were with him.


    In other words, it was still another form of being pushed around.


    After all, he was only able to do that because someone else ''allowed'' it.


    Desire...absolutely, definitely, one-hundred percent hated that fact.


    That was why Desire walked. He walked with heavy feelings, and he didn''t let the voices get to his eardrums.


    His blue...no, his orange eyes started to glow as the shades of rage once more reigned within his emotions.


    However, Desire was keeping it still with the help of the Heavenly Demon Trait.


    ''Just you wait...I''ll fucking make you pay...'' Desire thought with rage as he remembered the times when he was being pushed around.


    Desire then bit his lips so hard that he immediately started bleeding.


    ''I won''t allow this anymore...''


    And it was in this way that Desire walked in this strange place with rage.

 Chapter 176: Throne

    Desire was just walking down in this pretty dark place. He couldn''t see anything, and he also couldn''t feel anything.


    He couldn''t feel the ground that he was walking on, nor could he feel anything that could be described as the land.


    Right, it was as if Desire was walking on nothing.


    It was actually surprising that Desire has not fallen over or stumped over something.


    After all, Desire really couldn''t see anything in this place.


    What''s more, Desire was born in the dark. He could see really well in the dark, and he even had a skill regarding night vision.


    It was just crazy, but well. Desire didn''t care anymore about that at this point when things that were crazy were normal to him now.


    Right, things that should be impossible were now normal to Desire at this point of his life.


    That was why Desire was just walking down without any care.


    Well, Desire still has his rage going on deep within his emotions as his eyes...were still showing the shade of anger.


    It was amazing that the colors of his eyes change when he''s in a bad mood or something like that.


    After all, this didn''t happen to him before once in his life.


    However, this only happened because...Desire was in this place. Right, even if Desire gets angry about something outside of this place, his eyes would never change color.


    After all, that would be just crazy. And that means that...this place was something connected to Desire.


    Of course, Desire didn''t know that his eyes were changing colors or something like that.


    That was why he wasn''t that suspicious or anything about it.


    Anyways, it''s been quite a long time since Desire started to walk.


    However, not even once did Desire try to ever stop walking.


    Why? It was because of the voices that remind him that he was still not near his destination.


    "Walk. Walk. Walk. Walk. Walk. Walk. Walk. Walk."


    The voices resounded out in this place indefinitely, and it always reminded Desire to just keep walking.


    After all, the voices would stop saying the word walk if Desire didn''t have to walk anymore.


    Desire was sure that the voices would tell him when he should stop as they were able to communicate before.


    That was why Desire didn''t have any questions about this long journey.


    Well, Desire was having trouble keeping his anger to himself as he was really pissed off.


    He was that angry now that he realized that he was always being pushed around.


    No, he knew about it. But he couldn''t let out his emotions or opinions about it as he was...weak.


    ''I just have to become strong...and after that, I''ll fuck you guys up...'' Desire thought as his eyes turned red.


    The shade of red that was the sign of his anger! The fact that Desire didn''t really have any specific target for his revenge was quite weird.


    After all, there really...was no one to blame. Desire just gets into these weird situations and just gets pushed around by these situations.


    That was why Desire didn''t have any targets for revenge or whatever he wanted to do to fuck them up.


    However, it seems that Desire didn''t have the time to think about that anymore as the voices finally...stopped talking.


    They stopped saying the word ''Walk'' and silence prevailed in this place.


    Of course, that was not all that happened as Desire...could finally see something from a very far away place.


    Well, even though it was far away from him, it was just in front of him.


    That was why Desire could see it. He could see...a golden light shining from far away.


    The golden light looked like a dot as this place was just that dark, but...it was still the first thing that Desire saw in this place.


    That was why...Desire was extremely curious about it, and he wanted to go there as well.


    After all, Desire also noticed that the voices finally stopped speaking when he saw the golden light.


    It means that...that was his destination. Right, and he was very sure of this conclusion as there was a thin smile on his face.


    However, before Desire could even take another step to go to that golden light, the voices spoke once again.


    It seems that they really never run out of words to speak as it was another word.


    Right, and that word was...


    "Throne. Throne. Throne. Throne. Throne. Throne. Throne."


    The voices resounded out once again, and it echoed in and out of Desire''s ears.


    And the word throne...it didn''t make sense. Right, for Desire, the word throne didn''t make sense.


    It was clear as day that the voices were talking to Desire about something.


    They were able to communicate with each other, and Desire knew that very well.


    After all, he did what the voices wanted; he walked, and walked, and walked for a long time.


    And the voices seemed satisfied that he walked.


    That was why Desire knew that the voices were talking to him.


    However, the fact that the voices were saying the word throne...didn''t make sense at all.


    Desire didn''t have any memory of seeing a throne, being near a throne, or just the word throne.


    He didn''t remember anything about that, and he also didn''t care about something like that.


    Although he knew that it was something important and sometimes is a symbol of power, it didn''t really matter for Desire.


    That was why...Desire knew that the word throne wasn''t really connected to him.


    It didn''t have anything to do with him, and that was it.


    However, it was just that...the voices wanted him to do something about this throne.


    The voices wanted Desire to see, do, or whatever they wanted with this throne, and this throne was...


    ''Is the throne that golden light?'' Desire thought as he whipped his head to look at the golden light from far away.


    Right, Desire thought that the throne that the voices wanted Desire to do something about was that shining light from a distance.


    After all, the voices started saying the word throne when the golden light came into Desire''s field of vision.


    It was then that an idea suddenly entered Desire''s mind like a thunderbolt!


    It came out of nowhere, and it was seriously surprising.


    After all, that idea was...it wasn''t really something that great, but...Desire just formed what the voices said.


    He formed them into a coherent thought and what he got was...


    ''Walk...throne...walk to the throne?''


    Right, if Desire considered what the voices first said to him, it was the word walk.


    Now that Desire did that and finally seems to have reached his destination, the voices said throne.


    It was very clear and obvious that the voices meant to say that Desire...should walk to the throne.


    And when Desire realized that, he suddenly felt a chill run down his spine and goosebumps all over his body.


    After all, it finally made sense to him. Things finally made sense to him now.


    ''Quarter God...throne...is this my throne as a God?''


    Right, Desire was a Quarter God, and Desire was able to confirm that fact with Gaud and the Unknown.


    And a Quarter God is still a God. That was why it was only right for him to have a throne.


    And all in his lifetime did Desire not know about him being a Quarter God. So it is only natural for him to not know about his throne.


    However, when Desire came to know that he was a Quarter God, he was suddenly dragged into an unknown place, and that unknown place was telling him to walk to his throne.


    The timing was just too perfect to call it a coincidence.


    That was why it was pretty easy to connect things now that Desire was aware of the throne''s existence.


    It was pretty easy to connect that this throne...was Desire''s throne as a Quarter God.


    Thud! Desire''s knees suddenly gave in when he realized these things.


    After all, it was definitely shocking for him. Although Desire didn''t show that much of a reaction when he came to know that he was a Quarter God, that was just because he had his guards up.


    However, now that Gaud wasn''t here...and it seems like this place was actually Desire''s place as his throne was here...Desire couldn''t hold it anymore as chills keep running down his spine.


    For some reason, Desire...was feeling relieved now. He was feeling relieved and happy.


    After all, who wouldn''t be happy about knowing that they had a throne?


    The throne was a symbol of power! Desire was weak now, but if he gets his powers as a Quarter God...he would have the power that he always wanted!


    And this throne that was right in front of him might be the key for him to have his rightful powers as a Quarter God!


    That was why Desire was relieved.


    However, things are still not confirmed. The throne might not be his, and even if the throne is his, it doesn''t automatically mean that Desire would suddenly get strong.


    That was why Desire had to know the answers first before assuming things.


    And to know the answers, Desire...have to...


    "Walk...I have to walk."


    Desire then stood up with shaky legs as he forced himself to walk towards the golden light.


    The golden light which Desire believed to be his throne.


    "Throne. Throne. Throne. Throne. Throne. Throne." The voices entered Desire''s eardrums once more.


    And it was a pleasant melody for Desire now as it was something that reminds him of his throne.


    "Right...I have to have my throne..." Desire said with his eyes back to normal.

 Chapter 177: Interrupted

    ''Right...I have to have my throne.'' Desire thought as he started to get up.


    It seems that he was really determined to get to the golden light now after what he realized.


    The melody of the voices resounded out in his ears, and it was now...perfection for him.


    Right, the annoying voices became music to his ears when he realized what the voices were about.


    And it was with this music that Desire...finally started to walk again as he looked right in front of him.


    The golden light was still small, and it really looked like a dot, which indicates that the golden light was still very far from Desire''s current location.


    However, Desire didn''t let that distance get to his heart as he just stayed focus and concentrated on his mission.


    And that mission was just to walk.


    It was so easy that anyone would probably be able to do it.


    Of course, the reason why Desire was so focused and concentrated on it now despite being lax about it earlier was because he thought that the golden light was his throne.


    And to know that for sure, Desire would have to go there and see for himself.


    Of course, that was exactly what Desire planned to do as he kept walking and walking for a long time now.


    However, despite Desire walking for a long time now, the golden light from the far distance...was still from the far distance.


    Right, Desire wasn''t able to cover the distance between him and the golden light at all even though he was walking for a long time now.


    It was weird as hell, but Desire didn''t give up there as he just kept moving forward.


    He kept moving forward with just his newfound confidence of this throne being his.


    He didn''t feel tired nor did he feel the need to give up. He didn''t feel any of those negative emotions at all as he just kept moving forward.


    That was how determined and focused Desire was right now.


    And it seems that Desire''s hard work finally paid off as Desire looked at the golden light.


    The golden light became a little bit bigger now as Desire could see it well now.


    It seems that Desire was finally getting closer to his destination, and it shouldn''t be long now until he is finally able to go there.


    However, there was something that made Desire stop walking.


    Right, even though Desire was focused and concentrated as hell right now, there was something that made him stop walking.


    Of course, that was...the voices that were speaking to him.


    No, it was no longer speaking to him as the voices completely stopped saying anything!


    They were no longer saying the word throne, and that was why Desire stopped.


    After all, this means that there was something new that the voices would speak, and Desire wanted to hear that.


    Well, he could hear that well enough even if he is walking, but Desire wanted to think hard about it.


    After all, what the voices say next is a clue to his current situation.


    And it seems that Desire was right into thinking that as the voices spoke once more.


    No, it was no longer the voices, but it was only one voice. Right, it was only one type of voice, and this voice...it was unfamiliar.


    Desire wasn''t able to recognize this voice even though he was listening intently to the voices that were speaking to him just earlier.


    And this means one thing. This voice...was new. This voice wasn''t one of the voices that were speaking to Desire.


    Anyway, this was what the voice said, "Shshsh!"


    The voice then resounded out in this voice and in Desire''s ears.


    However, Desire...actually had his head tilted sideways as he didn''t know what that means.


    After all, Desire really didn''t know what that meant. Desire knew that there was no word that sounds like ''Shshsh'' or something like that.


    That was why Desire had his head tilted as he felt confusion in his head.


    He was trying to think about it right now and try to get it solved as it might be a clue.


    However, it was then that the same voice spoke once more.


    "Shshsh!" "Shshs!" "Shshshs!"


    The voice said as it resounded out in this place once more. Of course, Desire was able to hear it clearly without any problems.


    That was why Desire was getting confused as hell about it now as he didn''t really understand what was going on.


    The usual tones of voices weren''t there, and there was only one voice speaking to Desire right now.


    Desire thought that what the current voice was saying had something to do with that, but...Desire didn''t have the time to think about that as Desire saw something.


    He saw something emerge at the corner of his vision, and when Desire focused on that corner, he soon saw...a crack.


    Right, he saw a crack appear in this dark place where only the golden light existed. No...


    ''Wait...where is the golden light?!'' Desire thought as he noticed that the golden light was no longer there.


    The golden light that was Desire''s destination, and what he thought to be his throne was gone now!


    And it was a fact! This fact made Desire widen his eyes as he looked everywhere!


    As this place was dark, Desire didn''t know where he was walking towards or where he came from.


    However, it was then that Desire felt something happen to this place.


    Something happened to this dark, spooky place, and that was...it started to shake!


    Right, the whole dark spooky place started to shake crazily, and it was so crazy that Desire...fell to his bum!


    "What!? What the hell is going on?!" Desire said out loud as confusion really overtook his mind now.


    Although Desire had the Heavenly Demon Trait, he was not able to keep his calm in this situation.


    After all, Desire...finally found something that could possibly make him strong, and it was his throne.


    It was his throne as a Quarter God. What''s more, his throne as a Quarter God...actually holds a lot more importance to Desire.


    After all, Desire would finally be able to find out who he was. He would finally be able to find out what he was.


    That was why Desire found great importance on that throne of his.


    However, now that the throne...suddenly went missing and the voices stopped speaking, Desire...was lost.


    Well, Desire has already technically found out about himself as he now knows that he was a Quarter God. However, what Desire wanted to know was...something more than that.


    He wanted to know his substance, what was underlaying beneath his identity as a Quarter God.


    That was why...with this shaking and crack that suddenly appeared in this place where he placed his hopes, Desire...finally broke down.


    That was why Desire couldn''t keep his calm as the whole dark place started to shake ridiculously.


    What''s more, Desire...could also see that there were more cracks in this place now!


    Right, there were so many cracks that Desire thought that it was a glass that was broken by falling to the ground!


    It was only natural that Desire wouldn''t be able to take all these in one go!


    However, that was not all as the voice that spoke to Desire spoke again!


    "Dis...guish...guish...guished!" The voice said as it resounded out in Desire''s eardrums.


    The voice...was actually clear now, but Desire didn''t have the time to figure that out as he just looked all over the place with despair on his face.


    After all, there was nowhere to hide in this place, and his hands were still locked with the shackles.


    Of course, Desire''s hands were shining right now as Desire was pouring all of his mana! Right, he was pouring all of his mana to destroy the shackles, but...it was no use at all.


    In fact, Desire was pushing his mana so bad right now that...his whole arms were starting to be affected and were bleeding out now.


    After all, that was all that Desire could do.


    It was then that a huge crack suddenly appeared right on top of Desire as a familiar light entered this place.


    Well, it would be familiar as the light was golden.


    However, the golden light was too familiar as Desire...could see the whole place break down!


    Right, the whole darkness was breaking down like pieces of glass that broke down, and the golden light that invaded this place started to shine brighter than ever.


    It was then that Desire could finally see the reason why he felt that the golden light was familiar.


    It was because...


    "Ohh, distinguished one! I have come to save you!" A voice resounded out in this place as something descended from the golden light shining above.


    Of course, that something was someone who was draped in a long coat that was going on forever.


    This someone also had multiple colors on his back, and there was literally a golden light shining on top of his head.


    Although it was obvious by now, this someone who appeared here...was Gaud, the Sage of the Eight Godly Paths.


    "Ohh, distinguished one!"


    Gaud shouted out loud as he saw Desire on his bum with a dazed look on his face.

 Chapter 178: Pandemonium

    "Ohh, distinguished one!!" Gaud shouted out loud as he began to fly down to the ground where Desire could be seen.


    Of course, Desire was just staring at Gaud with wide-open eyes.


    It seems that he couldn''t believe that Gaud was here right now.


    But...what he really couldn''t believe was that the place suddenly broke down!


    "B-but...but..." Desire murmured as he looked at the sky now.


    The sky looked like the sky that he saw when he was in the Inner World.


    It was no longer dark, and it was...back to normal.


    And Desire didn''t like that.


    No, he didn''t like how the place suddenly broke down just like that when he finally understood things.


    That was why...Desire could feel his chest tightening as he felt blood rush to his brain.


    "B-but...!" Desire murmured as his body began to shake.


    It seems that Desire was really shaken as he didn''t even notice that the shackles on his hands were now gone.


    Right, Desire...was dysfunctional right now.


    Well, that was only normal considering that he finally found out about his throne, Quarter God, and so on.


    To see that everything was taken away suddenly, that...was something Desire hated the most.


    Hell, that was the reason why Desire was training himself.


    He was training so that nothing and no one would be able to take away anything that he owns.


    "But!!!" Desire shouted out loud as he felt his emotions raging within him right now.


    Shaken, fear, anger, confusion...all those things were evident in his mind as he looked at Gaud.


    But the strongest emotion that Desire was feeling right now...was rage.


    Right, Desire...wanted to rip apart Gaud''s body at all costs as it was clear why the place suddenly broke down like that.


    It was Gaud''s interruption, and Desire didn''t like it.


    Even if Gaud was the Sage of the Eight Godly Paths, there was no way Desire would just let things like that.


    No...there was no way a dysfunctional Desire would let things go like that.


    That was why...Desire immediately stood up as he began to run towards Gaud.


    "GAUDDD!!!!!" Desire shouted out loud as his body started to exude smoke.


    Gaud was still flying over the ground, but he was about to land.


    That was why Gaud could see that Desire was running towards him with...a scary look on his face.


    Right, there was a scary look on Desire''s face, and Gaud could feel the bloodthirst that was coming from Desire!


    ''Hmmm!?'' Gaud thought as he felt his chest and shoulders suddenly become heavy.


    Of course, the Eight Orbs of Gaud were currently on the work right now as it was trying to spell out the pressure that Gaud was feeling, but...it wasn''t working at all!


    Gaud could still feel the immense pressure bearing down on him, and that was weird!


    ''What happened for him to become li...What the?!?!'' Gaud thought as he saw Desire...no, was it even Desire now?


    The child...no, the youth right in front of him certainly didn''t look like Desire!


    With smoke coming out of his body, the youth was running with all of his strength towards Gaud.


    And this youth...looked so much like Desire that it wouldn''t be even weird that they were the same person.


    Well, the youth was Desire, after all.


    Right, Desire grew once more, but that was not all that changed as his hair...was completely black right now.


    However, the most...conspicuous change that happened to Desire was his red eyes.


    His red eyes made Gaud feel like he was staring at hell itself!!


    "This distinguished one..." Gaud murmured as confusion set in his mind.


    After all, he didn''t really know what happened now.


    This was just supposed to become a normal day for Gaud. Gaud would just have to give Desire his blessings and tasks so that Desire could fully open the Understanding of Power.


    However, strange things happened, and now this...


    It was then that the smoke that Desire was exuding out finally disappeared as Desire raised his fist!


    And as soon as Desire raised his fist that was...big now, considering that he was now a youth, the Inner World...began to warp.


    Right, it began to warp and it twisted as well, but the center point of that warping was...Desire''s fist.


    Gaud could see the whole Inner World suddenly become twisted when Desire raised his fist.


    What''s more, Desire''s fist...started to shine in black light as Gaud could feel the pressure strengthen once more!


    The pressure...was enough to make Gaud, the Sage of the Eight Godly Paths, go weak in the knees.


    Of course, it''s not like Gaud was completely defenseless against someone like Desire who was just going around in rage.


    Gaud knew what to do in this situation, and that was why he raised his staff as he churned up his powers.


    The Eight Orbs of Gaud on his back started to shine on this place, and Gaud started to rotate his staff with just his right hand.


    "I am the owner of the Inner World! I won''t let you do as you please, distinguished one!"


    "No...ungrateful one!"


    Gaud said as he tried to take control of the Inner World again. After all, Desire...was currently trying to dominate over the Inner World as he forced the Inner World to literally bend to his will.


    However, Desire didn''t care about that at all as hatred...rage was all over his mind.


    He just wanted to kill Gaud for his insolent actions! That was why...Desire churned up some more of the mysterious power as his right fist started to be covered in black light.


    No, it was not only his right fist but his entire right arm that became covered in black light!


    "Gauddddd!!!! I''ll fucking kill you!" Desire shouted out loud once more as his mind completely became blank.


    Of course, Gaud could hear the screeching voice that came from Desire.


    "Ungrateful one! I saved you from disaster, and this is how you repay me! You have truly become a mess as you can''t even control yourself!"


    "Repent in hell for this..."


    Gaud said but he couldn''t finish his sentence as his eyes soon witnessed the background change in the Inner World.


    The sky, the land, the place...everything from the far distance beyond Desire became enshrouded with darkness.


    What''s more, the darkness that filled that place was...connected with Desire''s right arm.


    It was almost as if...Desire was tainting this place with his darkness!


    And that was not all as Gaud...could see some outlines shining in the darkness.


    It was some big outlines, and it had the shape of a face.


    And the total number of faces was...so many to count that even Gaud couldn''t count them.


    However, the reason why it struck a chord in Gaud''s attention, despite being in this situation, was that...the faces were all smiling.


    Although the word was smile, they were definitely not peaceful as even Gaud could feel goosebumps as he looked at the faces.


    No, it was because...Gaud knew the identity of those faces that he felt goosebumps.


    "The Pandemonium!!! Impossible! That''s a myth inside a myth of a myth!!"


    However, it seems that Gaud didn''t have the leisure to look at those faces anymore as Desire...suddenly appeared in the corner of his vision!


    It was then that Desire spoke again with much hatred in his voice.


    "Gaud!!! I''ll make you regret things and kill you!!" Desire said as his saliva spit out in various directions.


    Of course, Desire didn''t care about that as he proceeded to punch Gaud in the face!


    No...before Desire could even do that, something...changed again.


    And that was...Desire passed out.


    Right, Desire passed out and he collapsed on the ground like a doll whose strings were cut.


    Thud! Desire''s body made a sound as it met the ground.


    And as if it were illusions, the faces that Gaud was looking at earlier soon disappeared.


    The darkness that was trying to invade and taint the Inner World soon became clear.


    The warpings and the twistings of the Inner World soon returned to normal.


    Right, the Inner World...became normal again as Desire collapsed on the ground.


    However, Gaud didn''t give a fuck about any of that as he just stared at the empty air.


    He then proceeded to look down on Desire''s...sleeping body. It seems that Desire was really a youth now as his body didn''t revert back to a child or something like that.


    His hair...was still the same, but his rage...his rage was evident as Gaud could feel it even though Desire was knocked out.


    Although Gaud didn''t know exactly know Desire suddenly collapsed, he could guess the reason.


    He could guess that Desire...ran out of gas. The engine was so good, but it didn''t have enough gas to run.


    However, it seems that Gaud didn''t care about that at all as he just looked at Desire with shaking eyes.


    Well, that was only normal considering what just happened, but the main reason why he was shaking was because...Gaud knew who could use The Pandemonium.


    "D-don''t tell me...this ungrateful one...no, this revered one is the Supreme Monarch, Overlord of the legends...?''


    Right, the only one who could use The Pandemonium was the Supreme Monarch, Overlord.


    And since Desire used it, it was clear as day that he...was the Supreme Monarch, Overlord.


    "N-no fucking way...is this what Fate meant when she said she''ll send Him to me..."

 Chapter 179: Supreme Monarch, Overlord.

    "N-no fucking way...is this what Fate meant when she said she''ll send Him to me..."


    Gaud murmured as he remembered the time when he was about to be locked up in the Inner World.


    There was a woman who said that the Supreme Monarch, Overlord would save Gaud and grant him his freedom again.


    However, Gaud didn''t believe it as the existence of the Supreme Monarch, Overlord was not real.


    There was a reason why Supreme Monarch, Overlord was considered to be a myth inside a myth of a myth.


    That was why Gaud didn''t think that this day would come.


    However, there was nothing Gaud could do about it now that he saw it for himself.


    The Pandemonium was a power that only the Supreme Monarch, Overlord could use.


    It was a power that many wanted, but not even one could get it.


    That was why...it was like a signature skill and it was something that Gaud recognized right away.


    After all, although the Supreme Monarch, Overlord was a myth inside a myth of a myth, the Supreme Monarch, Overlord was still a well-known folklore.


    People talked about it all the time, and many made the power of the Supreme Monarch, Overlord as their goal.


    It was even considered to be the symbol of power millions of years ago.


    Just by having a nickname connected with the Supreme Monarch, Overlord means that one is extremely strong.


    That was how strong the Supreme Monarch, Overlord was in the folklore.


    However, that folklore was...well, it just consisted of the Supreme Monarch, Overlord.


    It was literally about him and his powers, and that was all.


    Of course, just like any other folklore, the story of the Supreme Monarch, Overlord soon faded into irrelevance.


    After all, that story was from millions of years ago. It would be weird if it were able to stay in relevance after millions of years.


    That was also why the people of the current generation don''t know who the Supreme Monarch, Overlord was.


    The only reason why Gaud even knows about the Supreme Monarch, Overlord was because he was from that time.


    Gaud was just that old, and he was that strong that he could live millions of years.


    However, there was a real reason why Gaud knew that the Supreme Monarch, Overlord was not a real person or existence.


    And that was...it was just a story.


    Right, that was the real reason why Gaud knew that the Supreme Monarch, Overlord was not a real person.


    After all, it''s not like famous stories would suddenly become real just because they were famous.


    Things don''t work like that, even in this world.


    That was also why Gaud knew that Desire...was not really the incarnation of the Supreme Monarch, Overlord, or something like that.


    If Desire was the Supreme Monarch, Overlord, then Desire would already be the strongest creature existing in the world.


    There would be no need for Gaud to bless him, and there would be no need for Desire to train himself.


    Desire...would just have to be Desire and he would already be strong.


    However, since Desire was not like that, Gaud was sure that Desire was not the Supreme Monarch, Overlord.


    But...since Desire could use The Pandemonium, Gaud was also sure that Desire...was somehow connected to the Supreme Monarch, Overlord.


    "However, that''s impossible. The Supreme Monarch...He is not real. An illusion. A fabrication. A fake story."


    Gaud couldn''t imagine how Desire was connected to the Supreme Monarch, Overlord as the Supreme Monarch, Overlord was really just a fabrication.


    After all, there''s no way an existing and real person, Desire, would be connected to a fabrication, and a fake story.


    That would be just too weird, even for Gaud.


    That was why Gaud couldn''t even begin to imagine how Desire was connected to the Supreme Monarch, Overlord.


    No...it would be more correct to say that Desire was...the real-life Supreme Monarch, Overlord.


    At least, that was how Gaud saw this situation.


    "A real-life Supreme Monarch..." Gaud murmured as he imagined the possibilities of such a being.


    Gaud was sure that the worlds would soon be stirred up as soon as Desire becomes aware of himself. Of course, that would be the case if he was truly a real-life version of the Supreme Monarch, Overlord.


    Even though Gaud didn''t know how it came to this, Gaud didn''t care about it anymore.


    After all, the woman said that the Supreme Monarch, Overlord would come to free him.


    And that was what Gaud wanted ever since he has been locked up in the Inner World; freedom.


    He wanted his freedom back, and if it takes the Supreme Monarch, Overlord...Desire to have that, then...Gaud has no problems with that.


    Gaud also didn''t care about why there was a real-life version of the Supreme Monarch, Overlord.


    He didn''t care about how Desire came to life, nor why did he even exist.


    As long as Desire would be the one to fulfill his wish, that would be enough for Gaud.


    "It''s ironic. The Supreme Monarch in the folktale was the one who controls everything, including fate."


    "But in the real-life...it seems that Fate is the one controlling you."


    Fate was the woman who told Gaud of the Supreme Monarch, Overlord...of Desire.


    Fate was the one who mentioned to Gaud that Desire would be the one to come and give him his freedom back.


    And since what Fate has said has come true as Desire did come into this place, it was clear as day that Fate was putting some work into controlling Desire and his life.


    And that was ironic. The Supreme Monarch, Overlord in the folktale was the one who controls everything.


    He controls life, death, destiny, and the universe. He was literally the strongest creature to ever exist.


    Well, that was only because he was the only creature in that folklore. His folklore was literally about him.


    Anyway, that was why...for the real-life version of the Supreme Monarch, Overlord to be controlled like this...it was ironic.


    At least, for Gaud, it was ironic.


    "So that is why you have already done many great things even though you are young."


    "Indeed, indeed...what a surprise this is."


    "Still...I never expected that the Supreme Monarch, Overlord would be a mess."


    Gaud said as he looked at Desire''s body. Desire''s body was still the same when he passed out.


    And it was...clearly a mess. Of course, what Gaud was talking about was the colors that Desire had.


    Some colors, white and black...it was truly a mess, but it seems that something changed as Gaud could see that the black was now overpowering the other colors.


    "Hmm? Is this because of what happened?"


    "If that is the case, then this Enlightened One shall apologize when we meet again."


    Gaud murmured as he felt something tugging at him. And that was...the time limit was almost near.


    Right, the time limit for Desire to stay in the Inner World is near.


    Of course, even though what Desire did was an insolent action towards the Sage of the Eight Godly Paths, Gaud didn''t mind it anymore.


    Besides, it''s not like any real harm has been done to Gaud.


    What''s more, Gaud actually came to know that Desire was the real-life version of the Supreme Monarch, Overlord.


    What happened was truly something Gaud was looking for, and that was why Gaud didn''t really mind it.


    "Shall I give the blessings, then...the task shall be...well, I''m sure the revered one would find out sooner or later."


    Gaud said as he raised his staff once more. He then raised his left arm as he made some signs.


    "Go back to the physical world, revered one."


    "Warp."


    Gaud said as the Inner World began to shake. Of course, that was something Gaud did.


    However, that shaking only lasted for a few seconds as Desire''s body...soon disappeared in this place.


    Right, Desire disappeared in this place like a bubble popped out of existence.


    Of course, Gaud was able to give his blessings, so...once Desire finishes the task he gave, Desire should be able to open the door of Understanding of Power fully.


    After all, even though Desire was the real-life version of the Supreme Monarch, Overlord, he was, technically, still a Quarter God.


    A Quarter God must open the Eight Godly Paths for a Quarter God to become a God.


    Desire would have to open the Understanding of Power to become a God.


    That was why Gaud assumed that this was just one of the paths that Desire would take.


    Gaud also assumed that Desire...would have to do many things first before he becomes as strong as the Supreme Monarch, Overlord in the folklore.


    It was then that Gaud turned around as he began to walk towards the inner place of the Inner World.


    "Although the Supreme Monarch, Overlord in the folktale is strong, that is only because there are no enemies in the folktale."


    "However, in the real world, there are many enemies even though you have not done them wrong."


    "Ohh, revered one...how would you surpass them?"


    Gaud spoke...as the surroundings became dim, and Gaud disappeared in the inner place of the Inner World.


    Gaud would then wait...for the time when Desire would grant him his freedom.


    "If that truly happens, this Enlightened One would be happy to serve you, Oh, Supreme Monarch."

 Chapter 180: Changes

    In a place where there was only darkness, Desire...opened his eyes.


    Desire opened his eyes as soon as he felt his consciousness return to his body.


    But that was not all Desire did as he immediately stood up as he shouted.


    "AHK!!!" Desire shouted out loud as he remembered the pain that he felt when he was in that darkness.


    No...he remembered the pain when he saw that the darkness was being destroyed by the golden light.


    His chest tightened up as blood rushed to his head again, and Desire could feel that there was a hole somewhere in his chest.


    That was why...Desire began to scratch his chest with his two hands with a worried look on his face.


    "Ahhkk!" Desire choked as saliva pooled up in his throat. However, he didn''t care about that as he just tried to feel his chest.


    The way that Desire was trying to feel his chest was so fierce and harsh that Desire actually got an injury just from his scratching.


    Lines of blood were scattered all across his chest, and it was gushing out of his body.


    His blood flowed to the ground, but Desire didn''t even see his blood as he just kept scratching his chest.


    And this...this was exactly Desire''s condition before.


    Right, Desire...was feeling the symptoms of whatever he felt when he first saw the darkness become destroyed.


    He...was becoming dysfunctional again.


    However, maybe because time passed for a long time now ever since he was doing that, Desire...could feel himself calming down.


    The blood rushing to his brain slowed down, and the hole that he felt was slowly going away as he breathed in and breathed out.


    "Huuuu. Haaaaa." Desire''s lungs went up and down as he took a deep breath.


    Well, he could feel that he was calming down. It was only natural that Desire would want to ride on this...momentum.


    Although it was weird that Desire went nuts and then go calm in the next moment, it was definitely not.


    After all, Desire had the Heavenly Demon Trait.


    "So...it helped me again." Desire murmured as he felt that he was now calm.


    He could tell that the Heavenly Demon Trait helped him in calming down.


    Well, that was the reason why he was even able to calm down.


    Although Desire''s personality was becoming like the ''heavenly demon,'' the actual benefits of the Heavenly Demon Trait would still take effect once Desire needs it, which is for caging emotions and staying calm.


    "Huuuu. Haaaa." Desire breathed in and out once more as he just felt like doing it.


    Of course, now that Desire was back on his right mind, his injuries on his chest...finally started hurting.


    It was stinging now, and Desire could feel how much blood he was losing due to this wound.


    However, Desire...wasn''t really worried about the injury, nor was he panicking about the blood loss.


    Why? It was because...Desire felt like this was just something he could heal up in a moment.


    Right, Desire felt like this was something he could heal up immediately if he used his instincts.


    Desire didn''t know why he was feeling like this, but...Desire just decided to try it out.


    And as soon as he did, the wound on his chest...disappeared.


    It disappeared without a trace, and even the blood on the ground disappeared.


    And this...made Desire confused.


    "Huh? What happened?" Desire murmured as he tried to feel his chest.


    Of course, it was just for checking the wound as he really couldn''t believe that his wound was now gone.


    After all, Desire...didn''t even begin to heal his wound, and now it was healed?


    "What the fuck?" Desire said as confusion set in his mind.


    Well, it was only natural that he would be confused in this situation.


    However, now that Desire''s mind was now back on the ground and Desire was literally looking at himself, he now...could see something.


    No, he now realized that his body...was not the same.


    On his right chest that was now broad, there was something like a...crack.


    Right, Desire''s right chest had cracks all over it, and it had the shade of black.


    It looked like Desire''s vein was spread all over his right chest, but it was not limited in that area as Desire''s right arm...also had some of those same cracks all over it.


    Right, Desire''s right shoulder, elbow, and hand had the signs of cracking and it had the shade of black.


    And this...this was something that happened when Desire lost his mind in rage when he was still in the Inner World.


    However, it seems that Desire couldn''t remember that happening as Desire shouted.


    "Argh!" Desire shouted out loud as he felt his head hurting when he tried to remember what happened in the Inner World.


    However, he couldn''t remember anything at all.


    Of course, he could remember the time he was in that dark place, and when he first met Gaud, but...he couldn''t remember what happened after he saw the darkness break.


    That was why he didn''t try to force himself to remember it as he just brought up his right arm to his eyes.


    "What is this..." Desire murmured as he looked at his right arm with interest.


    Although he couldn''t remember what caused this to appear on his right arm, it didn''t really matter.


    After all, Desire knew...that it either came from the extreme rage that he felt or...Gaud caused this.


    It was either of the two and since Desire now knows that he was a Quarter God, Desire...believes that it was from his extreme rage.


    Right, Desire believes that this was something connected to him being a Quarter God, and that was why he didn''t really mind it that much.


    And...it was because of his instincts that were telling him that this was the case.


    His instincts were telling him that it was connected to him being a Quarter God.


    "Ah...so it''s because of this that my chest was healed up all of a sudden." Desire murmured as he felt his instincts...move.


    The cracks on his body...disappeared as Desire willed it to happen.


    It was a weird happening, and that was why Desire was able to tell that it was because of those cracks that Desire''s injury was healed all of a sudden.


    And when Desire...willed for the cracks to appear again, they...really did as they appeared on his right arm and chest.


    It seems that...as long as Desire wills it, it would happen. Since Desire willed his chest''s injury to be healed, the cracks probably did something to heal it.


    "I have to know what these cracks mean so I know what they can do..."


    Since the cracks were able to heal Desire''s injury, it was obvious that these cracks were special.


    There might be some more amazing secrets lying deep within it, and that was why Desire knew that he should study himself.


    Well, it was weird that he was even considering that he should study himself.


    However, there was nothing he could do as Desire...still didn''t know his powers as a Quarter God.


    Either way, Desire would have to find out about these cracks as it was literally on his body.


    Who knows what harm the cracks might bring to him if he ignored them.


    However, it seems that the surprises didn''t end there as Desire noticed that his height...was not the same.


    "Huh...?" Desire murmured as he looked down on his body.


    His short legs...was now long and it seems that he was quite tall as well.


    "Now that I see it...my arms are long as well." Desire said as he looked at his right arm and left arm.


    Although Desire feels like he has been out for a long time, he still remembers how...short he was before he woke up.


    After all, he literally had the body of a child.


    That was why...seeing long legs and long arms means something happened that Desire...was not expecting to happen again.


    And that was...


    "Did I grow up...again?"


    Right, Desire grew up again, but he didn''t expect that this would happen at this point in time.


    After all, the first time Desire grew up was when he did the monster-way-of-training.


    That was why he didn''t expect that as he did nothing like that this time.


    He just...let that old man do his technique on his body.


    ''Wait...am I back on the physical world?'' Desire thought as he tried to look at his surroundings.


    However, Desire couldn''t see anything at all as if he was enshrouded with darkness itself.


    It was weird that Desire was able to see his body and all that, but...Desire was sure that there was something that was preventing him from being able to see through the darkness.


    Of course, right now, Desire didn''t care about that as he just wanted to know if he was back in the physical world.


    And the answer that he got was...''Hmm...looks like I am.''


    Right, Desire feels and somehow just knows that he was back in the physical world.


    "Anyways...so my body did grow up in the physical world. Why did that happen?"


    Desire only knew that the cause of his sudden growth back then was because of the monster-way-of-training. He didn''t know about any other way that could make him grow up just like this again.


    That was why...Desire was curious about it. Well, anybody would be curious about how Desire was able to grow up from a child...to a youth in just one day.


    Right, Desire was a youth right now as he stood tall like a proper youth.


    "Are there any other way for me to grow up besides using the monster-way-of-training?"

 Chapter 33: Advice!

    "Ahkk!!!!" The demon screamed as he felt pain all over his body.


    However, even with that pain all over his body, the demon did not stand up or something like that.


    He was just kneeling, and that was because his body was not allowing him to move.


    It was as if the man was tied down to the ground, and that was why he could only scream as he felt the pain of the words attacking him.


    And the words...they attacked the demon by burning his face. However, even though it was only burning his face, the demon could feel his whole body burning.


    It was as if his face was connected to his whole body.


    But it seems like the demon didn''t have to mind it anymore as the words...disappeared into thin air.


    His face was no longer burning, and the demon could no longer feel the pain of his whole body being burned.


    "Haaaa. Haaaa. What the fuck..." The demon murmured as he tried to regain his breathing.


    Even though he could no longer feel the burning sensation of the words, the mental stress of his skin being burned was still there.


    That was why the demon was distraught as he wasn''t even allowed to wash his body or protect his body.


    He literally couldn''t move his body at all.


    However, it seems that the surprises were not done as the man felt something on his face.


    It was like an itch, but the man couldn''t do anything about it as he was not allowed to move.


    Of course, as he was kneeling, the man who was standing in front of him, Desire, couldn''t see what was happening.


    "Hmm...First Authority should have put you under my control." Desire murmured.


    Desire knew what he just used as his instincts helped him to find out about it.


    He knew that the First Authority, one of the abilities of the Authority Innate Skill that he had, would put the demon under his control.


    Although he didn''t know whether it would be applicable to other people or not, he was sure that it would have worked on this demon.


    After all, if he knew that it wouldn''t work, then he wouldn''t have used it at all.


    However, before even Desire could confirm if the demon was indeed under his control now, something happened with the demon.


    And that was...his face started to emit smoke. The smoke wasn''t that thick, but the smoke...didn''t last that long as the wind blew it away.


    It seems that the demon was fine as he didn''t scream in pain or something like that.


    "Huh?" Desire murmured as he noticed that something appeared right in front of him.


    And that was...the Unknown.


    [One of Authority''s abilities, First Authority, has been used.]


    [First Authority has successfully made the demon, William Rayheart, to be Desire''s slave.]


    [The Demon''s Oath has taken place.]


    And that was what the Unknown said. It basically just confirmed for Desire that the demon in front of him was his slave now.


    However, there was something that caught Desire''s interest, and that was the third line.


    He then willed for the Unknown to explain it better, and it seems that the Unknown doesn''t plan to disappoint Desire as another screen appeared.


    Of course, Desire began to read it right away.


    [The Demon''s Oath]


    -The Demon''s Oath is connected with First Authority.


    -The Demon''s Oath is an oath that makes any demon that Desire meets his slave.


    And...that was it. That was all the Unknown had to say for The Demon''s Oath part.


    "Hmmm...so any demon that I meet from now on will be my slave? Is that how it is?" Desire murmured as he read The Demon''s Oath.


    However, he couldn''t understand it.


    "Why do I have something like this?"


    Right...he couldn''t understand how he has such a privilege. If any demon that he meets will be his slave, Desire would be a powerhouse in no time at all.


    But...it doesn''t make sense at all. Desire didn''t even know the existence of the demon race before, and now, Unknown was basically saying that he had absolute control over them.


    What''s more, Desire was sure that he has no connection with them other than the Summon Familiar Skill.


    "Hmm...I guess I will have to find out about demons sooner or later, too." Desire said, but it seems that the Unknown was not done yet as another screen popped up in front of Desire.


    [Demons under The Demon''s Oath]


    -William Rayheart


    -N/A


    -N/A


    -N/A


    -N/A


    And when Desire read it, he immediately understood what it was about.


    "So...I can only have 5 demons under my control? Damn, I thought I would be able to have an army of demons." Desire said as he looked at the screen.


    However, he didn''t care about it anymore as he whipped it away from his vision.


    After all, it was just saying the number of demons that he could get with The Demon''s Oath.


    There was no need to think about it anymore as the situation right now was more pressing.


    It was then that Desire spoke once more as he looked down on the demon in front of him...on William Rayheart.


    "Stand up." He said.


    And when William heard that, his body...forced him to stand up. Well, he couldn''t control his body, after all.


    And as soon as he stood up, Desire was able to see something change in William''s appearance.


    To be exact, William''s face has changed.


    "What the hell is that?" Desire murmured as he looked at William''s cheeks that now had the shade of red.


    On William''s right cheek was some kind of...symbol. That symbol was three circles interlocked together. It was like a Venn diagram.


    And those three circles had the shade of red. It was something that Desire has never seen before, and even William has never seen something like this.


    However, since it appeared right after Desire used the First Authority or The Demon''s Oath, it was clear that this...was a symbol of William being a slave of Desire now.


    Of course, even Desire thought that way as he spoke, "I guess that''s the sign that you''re my slave now."


    "Does that disappear when I want it to disappear?" Desire murmured as he willed for the symbol to disappear from William''s cheek.


    However, the symbol was still there even though he already did it.


    It was...shocking, but of course, Desire just let it go since it wasn''t that important, anyway.


    What was important was to understand how this slave thing works now.


    Although Desire was able to get William with The Demon''s Oath, Desire wanted to know if William wanted to be his slave or something like that.


    Well, Desire kind of forced William to be his slave, but...Desire wanted to know if William wanted to break free or something like that.


    And since Desire has William under his control, he only needs to ask.


    That was why Desire spoke again as he looked at William.


    "Did you want to become my slave, William?" Desire said it without running around the bush.


    And right after William heard those words, his...throat made some sounds, "No."


    And it was another straightforward answer.


    After all, who would want to become a slave of another being? Unless one has extreme loyalty from his heart or was just a pervert, no sane man would want to be a slave.


    Anyways, what Desire got from this...conversation was that...William doesn''t have control over his body at all.


    It was easy to guess as William seemed so lifeless when he spoke or moved.


    And Desire...didn''t like that. Although he wanted William to be his slave indeed, he didn''t want a lifeless doll.


    If he wanted a lifeless doll, he could have just gotten that with the help of his master.


    ''How do I release the control over his body, but also prevent him from disobeying me...'' Desire thought as he looked at William.


    He wanted William to have the freedom to be himself, but not that much that he would be able to disobey him of course.


    ''Unknown.'' Desire thought as he expected that Unknown would have an answer for this.


    There were several screens that popped up, but nothing that answered his question.


    ''The Demon''s Oath.'' Desire thought as he wanted to go back to the previous screen that he saw before.


    [The Demon''s Oath]


    -The Demon''s Oath is connected with First Authority.


    -The Demon''s Oath is an oath that makes any demon that Desire meets his slave.


    ''Hmm...the second part.'' Desire thought as he tried to make the Unknown explain the second part of The Demon''s Oath.


    He expected that the Unknown would have an answer for him somewhere, and it seems that he was correct in thinking that as another screened popped up in front of him.


    And what it said was...


    [The Demon''s Oath is an oath that makes any demon that Desire meets his slave.]


    [Advice!]


    -With or without The Demon''s Oath, a demon would want to be Desire''s slave. Give time for the demon to adjust after giving The Demon''s Oath or after meeting them.


    And what it said was...something so ridiculous that even Desire was unable to believe it.


    ''They want to become my slave?'' Desire thought as confusion set in his mind.

 Chapter 182: Changes II

    "Are there any other way for me to grow up besides using the monster-way-of-training?"


    Desire murmured as he tried to think of things that could possibly have made him grow up.


    And the only thing that struck home with Desire was...him being a Quarter God.


    Right, that was the only thing that should be able to make him grow up so suddenly as a Quarter God was just that magical and special.


    "Hmm...now that I have a lead about myself, it should be easier to find out more."


    Now that Desire knows that he was a Quarter God, he just needs to search and research about the Quarter Gods to know about himself.


    There might be a Quarter God who was born under the same circumstances as him, and there might be a Quarter God who was also able to grow at the same pace as Desir who was growing fast right now.


    And if Desire would be able to find a Quarter God like him, all sorts of questions that Desire has about himself would be answered almost immediately.


    That was why Desire didn''t let this topic stay on his head too much.


    Life would go on for him, and as long as it does, Desire would meet people.


    He didn''t have to rush his life so much.


    At least, that was Desire''s thoughts on the matter.


    "Anyway, where the hell am I? I thought I was sleeping on the Healing Well that master said that should heal me..."


    Desire murmured as he looked around the place, but alas.


    It seems that there really was something that was preventing him from seeing through the darkness as he couldn''t see anything in this place.


    It was then that Desire felt something appeared right behind him.


    He felt it, and his instincts screamed danger, and that was why Desire immediately turned around as he formed a fist with his right hand!


    The way Desire moved was so smooth that it looked like he was a veteran fighter!


    However, that stance soon collapsed when Desire saw what appeared behind him.


    It was...


    "Krussi."


    Right, it was the Krussi that was always with Desire no matter where he goes.


    Even though Desire never puts that much attention to the Krussi when he does something, the Krussi...always ends up somewhere near him.


    Of course, it was something Desire wanted as Desire never tried to throw it away or something like that.


    That was why...it was kind of normal for Desire now that the Krussi appeared just like this again.


    What was weird was...that it was floating in the air. It was floating in the air with the wood that Jarina had used as some kind of chain for Desire.


    "Hmm...was it affected by me as well?" Desire said as he snatched the Krussi that was flying in the air.


    One thing that Desire could tell about the Krussi was that...it was probably affected by his change.


    After all, there''s no way that Krussi would suddenly go flying around in the air or something like that.


    Well, Desire wasn''t sure about that as Krussi was literally unknown to him.


    Its abilities or features might just be secretly activated or something like that.


    That was why Desire didn''t give it that much attention as he proceeded to wear it on his neck.


    "Hmmm...it still fits even though I grew up. I guess I got to thank Jarina once more."


    Desire said as he moved his head here and there to try and see if the Krussi would fall out.


    However, it didn''t and it seems that it was really holding on to him for good.


    That was why he thought that he ought to thank Jarina for this once more.


    Anyway, now that the matter with Krussi was done, Desire quickly looked around.


    Although Desire knew that he couldn''t see through the darkness, it''s not like he could just give up like that.


    He needed to see his master so that he could ask if things were alright or if things have gone according to plan.


    After all, he was the one who was in the subject. It would be incredibly dumb of Desire to stay in the dark when it was literally about him.


    However, it seems that...there really was nothing in this place.


    "Hmmm..." Desire then proceeded to walk forward as he had no clue about this place.


    And as soon as he moved forward, there was...something that he noticed.


    "There''s a floor." Desire murmured as he looked down on the ground.


    Desire could feel that there was a floor and that means that there was something in this place.


    However, when Desire looked down on the ground, his eyes couldn''t see anything at all.


    It was definitely weird, but it was enough for Desire.


    After all, he just proved that there was something in this place, and it means that...this was really the physical world.


    Well, it might be the Inner World or that darkness, but Desire doubted it.


    After all, when Desire walked in the Inner World or that darkness, there was nothing to walk on. He was literally walking in the air.


    What''s more, it was just...impossible.


    It was just...unreasonable for him to be teleported to places like that thrice in a row.


    Even though Desire knew that he was a little bit special just from his birth, even he wouldn''t believe that he was that special.


    Anyway, Desire continued to walk forward as he tried to find the exit of the place.


    He used the floor to try and see if there is something in front of him, and also as a way of telling the direction.


    He did that for a long time, but he still couldn''t find the exit of the place.


    "Maybe I should just destroy this place..." Desire said as he felt like he could truly destroy this place right now.


    However, he decided against doing that.


    After all, what if this place was something his master prepared for him?


    There''s no way that Desire would want to destroy something Lionel prepared for him.


    "However, if I can''t get out...I''m in trouble, aren''t I?"


    Desire said as he tried to weigh his options. After all, he really needs to get out of this place.


    Why? It was because...of the extreme hunger that Desire could feel right now.


    "Ahhh...I''m hungry...I never felt this hungry before."


    Right, Desire was so hungry that he felt like he was so weak. He felt like his body didn''t have energy at all.


    Of course, he was just baring with it with his extreme discipline and tolerance to pain.


    However, if Desire can''t eat something now...Desire could tell that he would just collapse again.


    That was why Desire...was basically in trouble once more.


    However, it seems that Desire didn''t have the time to think about that as Desire could feel something approaching him.


    No, he could feel something approaching the general area where he was located, and that was why Desire''s eyes turned sharp.


    He then began to look around with those same sharp eyes as he raised his guard.


    His instincts started to work, and the cracks on his right chest and arm started to appear as Desire was alerted by this sudden...invasion.


    Desire''s senses were so sensitive right now that he could basically pick up the presence of the person...no, people who were about to come to this place.


    Step by step, Desire could feel that these people were stepping on something.


    To be precise, Desire could also feel that these people were walking on the same material that Desire was walking on.


    ''Hmm...did my instincts and senses get better?'' Desire thought as he noticed that he couldn''t do something like this before.


    However, Desire didn''t stay on that topic for much longer as he could finally feel that the people...stopped walking.


    And as soon as they stopped, Desire could hear something squealing.


    Desire whipped his head towards the direction of that sound, and what he saw was...a door.


    Right, it was a door that was being opened.


    And when Desire whipped his eyes to the center of the door, he soon saw someone.


    He saw the people that he once felt when they were still moving.


    And it was...


    "Master!" Desire shouted out loud as he saw Lionel standing tall at the entrance.


    However, even though Desire shouted out loud, Lionel didn''t react to his call at all.


    In fact, Lionel was letting out a vicious aura as his eyes sharpened as he looked at Desire.


    "Who are you?!" Lionel shouted out loud as he got into position.


    He then began to churn up his mana from deep inside his Core as his mane-like hair started to rise in the air.


    It seems that Lionel was serious about this as his eyes...started to glow!


    It started to glow in the color of brown, and it was with that look that Lionel shouted once more.


    "Where is my disciple?!" Lionel shouted once more with passion in his voice as he noticed that Desire...was not here.


    Right, Desire was not in this place. The child Desire, that is...

 Chapter 183: A misunderstanding

    "Where is my disciple?!" Lionel shouted once more with passion in his voice as he noticed that Desire...was not here.


    However, he didn''t let the other person speak as Lionel quickly disappeared on the spot that he was standing on!


    Right, he disappeared on the spot as he quickly started to run towards the unknown person.


    Of course, the unknown person was Desire, who had now a teenager''s body.


    And Desire...was just standing around, but when he felt that his master really held a killing intent towards him, his instincts quickly moved.


    His instincts quickly moved as he bent his knees and brought up his arms together to defend against the thick killing intent that was now right in front of him!


    Of course, that was not all Desire did as his instincts moved once more.


    To be exact, it was the cracks that were on his right chest and right arm.


    They...Desire''s right chest and right arm started to blacken all over, and Desire''s instincts kicked right in.


    He...put his right arm in front of his left arm as he made a cross-shaped block right in front of him.


    Of course, this all happened at a very fast speed, and it seems that Lionel was still faster than Desire as he appeared right in front of Desire!


    "Cough up everything you know, bastard!!" Lionel said as he punched Desire with all of his strength!


    His right fist was shining with his mana as some kind of force made his right fist shine in some kind of light.


    And as soon as Lionel''s right fist collided against Desire''s block, the area around them...the darkness soon got blasted away as Lionel''s force pushed them away!


    The force of the punch that pushed away the darkness from this place was so strong that the darkness didn''t stand a chance!


    It also revealed that this place...was like a house and its outside was a forest, but that was not important right now as even the forest''s trees...started to get blown away!


    Right, even the surroundings were affected by Lionel''s incredible power and force!


    However, even with that incredible power, Desire...didn''t get blown away and was able to stand against Lionel''s power!


    Right, Desire...was still fine even though he just got punched hard by a Conqueror!


    It was then that the sound of something sizzling started to resound out in this place as...the point of contact between Lionel and Desire started to exude smoke.


    Of course, all this happened in the span of a single second.


    "Oho." Lionel said as his glowing brown eyes started to widen a little bit.


    After all, he didn''t expect that this unknown person would be able to take a punch from him.


    However, it seems that Lionel was still confident that he has already won this bout as he straightened his posture.


    Well, it was the truth that he already won as he could see that...in Desire''s mouth was his blood flowing down.


    Although it wasn''t flowing down crazily or something like that, Desire''s innards were probably affected.


    Of course, if it were affected, it would make his performance bad and his fighting skills, stamina, and strength would worsen as they fight over time.


    That was why Lionel was sure that this unknown person wouldn''t be able to fight anymore.


    However, it seems that what Lionel thought was wrong as Desire moved quickly as he began to back off a little bit!


    Right, Desire moved as he began to regroup himself as his right arm was still producing smoke.


    The darkness in his arm was moving in a creepy way around the area where Desire got punched, and Lionel could see that very well.


    "You got a strange power, don''t you?" Lionel said with interest in his eyes as he looked at Desire''s right arm.


    Lionel was really interested in this as he could see that the darkness...was healing Desire''s right arm.


    Although it was small and slow, it was definitely interesting as it could heal a punch that came from a Conqueror.


    Of course, even Desire was surprised by this, and that was why he couldn''t speak at all.


    Although he was still looking in Lionel''s direction, Desire''s attention and senses were all over his right arm.


    He was just looking at Lionel so that he would be able to know when he would make his next move or something like that.


    After all, Desire...was really interested in this new power that he got.


    What''s more, Desire...could feel that his injuries were getting healed, external and internal ones.


    ''Is this my power as a Quarter God?'' Desire thought, but it seems that he couldn''t think anymore as Lionel disappeared from his sights!


    After all, there was just no way that Lionel would let Desire heal when he now knows that his opponent could heal himself.


    Of course, Desire''s instincts kicked in right away as his senses helped him in finding out where Lionel would appear!


    Right, Desire predicted where Lionel would appear just with his senses alone!


    And it seems that Desire was correct as...he ducked in really fast when he felt a terrifying punch coming from the side!


    "Master! Wait!" Desire shouted out loud as he began to slide off the ground with his bare feet!


    Of course, Lionel wasn''t letting up as he followed Desire with his powerful fists!


    It seems that he couldn''t hear what Desire was saying as each of his punches was laden with thick killing intent!


    Well, he couldn''t help it. Why? It was because...Desire was able to dodge his fists every time.


    Even though Desire was only able to dodge barely or by a hair''s breadth, Desire...was still able to dodge!


    ''Who the hell is this guy?!'' Lionel thought as he decided to take this to the next stage.


    Since Lionel couldn''t take down this unknown person, he decided to take it seriously.


    That was why...Lionel backed off a little bit as he looked at Desire.


    Of course, now that Desire was finally given a chance to breathe, he...quickly shouted out loud!


    "Master! It''s me! Desire! I''m Desire!" Desire said with a frantic look on his face.


    After all, Desire could feel it. He could feel that Lionel decided to take this seriously.


    How? It was because of the sudden change in the atmosphere.


    Although Desire has never seen Lionel fight before, he definitely understood from this point alone.


    He definitely understood that he wouldn''t be able to run away from Lionel anymore!


    That was how much the atmosphere changed in this place as even the skies...started to darken!


    The air around Lionel started to bend as Lionel started to exude some smoke himself.


    However, Desire could feel that the changes were just starting. Right, he could feel that it was just starting, and that was why...to make sure that the situation wouldn''t escalate any further than this, Desire...began to walk.


    Right, Desire began to walk towards Lionel even though the pressure that came from Lionel was so strong that Desire had to physically mend it off.


    Desire''s right chest and right arm''s darkness started to fade as it returned back to cracks.


    Desire then raised both of his arms up as a sign of...surrender.


    Right, Desire was surrendering before this situation escalates any further than this.


    After all, even Desire didn''t want to fight against his master.


    Although Desire knew that he wouldn''t be able to win against Lionel right now, the reason for not wanting to fight his master was different.


    It was not because he would lose.


    Right, the reason why he didn''t want to fight against his master was...it was just sick.


    There was a reason why Lionel was his master, and that was because Desire...wanted him to be his master.


    Even though the way they became a master and student was weird and different, Desire didn''t care about that anymore.


    Desire has a lot of respect for Lionel, and he looked up to him as an individual.


    Although Desire has not shown that during the time they were together, that was only because they were together for a short amount of time.


    However, it was the truth that Desire...looked up to Lionel.


    That was why Desire didn''t want to fight his master.


    What''s more, it''s not like there were any real reasons for them to fight against each other.


    Desire knew that the reason why his master was being like this was because...Desire looked different right now.


    Although Desire didn''t know how he looked right now, that was only because he has not seen himself in a mirror yet.


    However, he was sure that there were a lot of changes in his face as he grew up so suddenly.


    That was why...Desire shouted once more with passion in his voice.


    He shouted his surrender.


    "I wish not to fight!"


    Right, before Desire could address himself as Lionel''s disciple, he had to make sure that Lionel wouldn''t see him as a threat anymore.


    After all, it was clear as day that Lionel thinks of Desire as an intruder.


    And when things would calm down...that was the time Desire would explain things.


    "I surrender!"

 Chapter 184: I am Desire!

    "I surrender!"


    Desire shouted out loud as he looked at Lionel with calm eyes.


    It seems that he was really decisive about this. It was clear as hell that Desire had no hesitations at all.


    His movements were smooth like water, and that was why...it caught Lionel''s attention.


    After all, Lionel could tell that the other person...Desire was pretty serious about this.


    That was why...Lionel canceled channeling his power as he just looked at Desire in the eye.


    Of course, the atmosphere was still heavy as fuck and the heavens were still dark.


    The air was still bending around Lionel right now. After all, it''s not like he would let his power go now.


    He just stopped channeling it, but that doesn''t mean he wasn''t ready to duke it out against Desire.


    That was why...the pressure that Desire was feeling right now was so heavy that Desire could literally feel it crush against his bones.


    Well, it was his fault that he let down his guard and all, but Desire didn''t really regret it.


    He just looked at Lionel and waited for him to finally see through the situation.


    After all, it would be Lionel who decides in this situation. He was the stronger one, and he was also the one who just attacked Desire out of nowhere.


    It was his initiative, and it would also be him who would decide if they would still fight.


    However, Lionel still couldn''t see through the truth as he just narrowed his eyes.


    "What are you doing?" Lionel said with a heavy voice.


    His voice was laden with his thick killing intent, and now that Desire wasn''t doing anything to protect himself, he...he could feel the severity of that thick killing intent.


    He could feel it invade his senses, and he could feel it enter his body.


    Although Desire didn''t understand how it could be possible for something like this to happen with just killing intent, he didn''t dare ignore it.


    After all, it was so strong that Desire...was feeling fear for the second time.


    Right, he was feeling fear for Lionel, who was his master.


    The first fear that he felt stems from the daughter, Jarina, and now...the father.


    Of course, the fear that he was feeling now was stronger than his fear towards Jarina.


    That was why...Desire tried to endure it with his Heavenly Demon Trait.


    After all, it''s not like he could do something about it literally when Lionel could take that as a threat again.


    If that happens, Desire would be back to square one with lesser chances of convincing Lionel.


    Of course, Lionel could see that very well, which is why he was...getting confused right now.


    He saw Desire as someone who intruded this place. He saw Desire...as someone who invaded the Lion''s Forest.


    Right, this place was the Lion''s Forest, and that was why Lionel was extremely alarmed about invaders that he didn''t even think twice when he saw Desire''s new body.


    After all, there would be no one who would know about this place''s location.


    What''s more, he saw...Desire''s new body at the same place where he placed his disciple.


    It was only natural that Lionel would get hot-headed about this situation without even thinking about things.


    After all, not even Lionel would have expected that Desire would have gone through a sudden body growth spurt.


    And that was why it was weird for Lionel to see that an invader was willing to surrender so easily and without putting much of a fight.


    After all, invaders were invaders because they intended to invade this place.


    They didn''t invade this place just to surrender, and Lionel knew that very well, which is why he was...he didn''t know what was going on.


    ''What is he trying to pull...'' Lionel thought, but he really couldn''t figure it out.


    Of course, Desire could see that Lionel was trying to make sense of this situation, which is why...Desire saw this as the best outcome.


    Right, he saw this as the best outcome as Desire...now had the chance to explain himself.


    That was why Desire spoke with a clear and loud voice.


    "Desire." Desire said as he mentioned his name to his master.


    Of course, he was not done speaking as he continued.


    "I am Desire, master."


    That was all Desire said, and his voice resounded out in this place as all things became quiet.


    It was as if the surroundings were waiting for Desire to speak up as even the wind has stopped blowing.


    Of course, it was because of that...that Desire''s voice echoed in and out of Lionel''s ears.


    And when Lionel realized what Desire just said, he tilted his head as confusion set in his mind once more.


    "Huh?" Lionel said as he blurted out what he thought of this situation.


    His glowing brown eyes started to grow dim until it completely went out as Lionel''s black eyes were finally seen.


    Of course, Lionel''s eyes were wide open right now as he just looked at Desire.


    He looked at Desire from head to toe, and he repeated it again.


    "Huh? Desire? You''re Desire, you say?"


    Lionel said, and Desire just nodded his head as an answer to that question.


    Of course, Desire didn''t feel the pressure that Lionel was letting out before.


    After all, without any one of them noticing it, the skies returned back to normal, and the air was flowing fine around Lionel now.


    Things were back to normal now as Lionel completely let go of his powers.


    He wasn''t churning them up anymore as he just looked at Desire with confusion.


    Well, it was only natural that Lionel would feel this confused now that...he knows that the man right in front of him was Desire.


    After all, Desire...completely changed. From an innocent-looking boy to a...dangerously looking young man, Desire definitely looked like a sharp man.


    With his black hair that used to be gray hair, Desire completely looked like a different man.


    He was also tall as fuck that he was probably as tall as Lionel right now.


    That was not all as the features of his face changed. Desire''s face was what one would call a handsome young man.


    However, there was something about him that one...would just find scary.


    Right, Desire''s face was just naturally scary looking right now.


    With that natural scary face, his red eyes that used to be blue were just the perfect combination for it.


    What''s more, there were also cracks in his right chest and arm to consider.


    Desire...completely went through such a huge change that even Lionel wouldn''t be able to recognize him.


    That was not all as even the aura that Desire used to have completely changed.


    It was as if Lionel was looking at a different person altogether as he tried to compare the young boy to this young man.


    "Hahahaha....are you kidding me or something?" Lionel said with a cracking voice.


    He really couldn''t believe that this man was his disciple. The difference was just that huge.


    However, it doesn''t matter even if Lionel couldn''t believe it. After all, it was the truth that this young man in front of him was Desire.


    That was why Desire spoke once more with a dignified voice as he looked at his master.


    Well, he could understand his master''s confusion. After all, even Desire was confused with himself.


    There were so many changes in him that even Desire didn''t even feel like himself.


    Anyway, this is what Desire said to his master.


    "No, master. I am Desire. You haven''t forgotten about the fact that I...can grow fast in a single night, right?"


    "I''m sure that Jarina or some other Suckus have already informed you about that fact."


    "And this...is just like that."


    Desire said as he tried to explain things to his master, who was still obviously confused.


    Of course, when Lionel heard what Desire said, it...finally made sense to him.


    After all, there was indeed a time when Desire suddenly grew fast in just a single night.


    However, although it made sense now for Lionel, he still couldn''t wrap his mind around this situation.


    "If you''re Desire, then...hmmmm..." Lionel said as he tried to think up a question that only Desire would know.


    Although Lionel was still denying it with his mind, he already knows that it was Desire.


    After all, the explanation made sense, and the circumstantial evidence, which is the place where he saw this man, also made sense.


    However, Lionel was just denying it because it was just that crazy.


    It isn''t easy to accept that someone could grow that fast. Well, it would be a different matter if Desire was a monster or something like that.


    But because Lionel knew that Desire was a human that it was hard for him to accept it.


    It was then that Lionel was finally able to think up a question that only Desire should know.


    And that question was...


    "If you''re Desire, then...what''s the name of my daughter?!"


    Right, that was Lionel''s question for Desire to identify him.


    It was a stupid question, but it actually makes sense.


    After all, not many know of his daughter''s existence.

 Chapter 185: A month

    "If you''re Desire, then...what''s the name of my daughter?!"


    Lionel said as he looked at Desire with a conflicted look on his face.


    He...wanted to believe that this man was Desire. Well, it already makes sense to him, but...it was just that...some part of Lionel doesn''t want to believe him.


    It was such a weird feeling that even Lionel didn''t know what to do.


    That was why he thought of that stupid question.


    Even though it was a stupid question about his daughter''s name, it was actually not.


    It actually makes sense for Lionel to ask this since his daughter''s existence is actually a top-secret.


    Even to the race of Suckus, only the village heads who lived in the world of Suckus, Skinjur, were the only ones to know of her existence.


    If one was to compare it to human hierarchy, the village heads living in Skinjur...were the nobles.


    And since they were the only ones to know of her existence, it was clear as day that Jarina''s existence was not widely known.


    It would be impossible for a stranger outside of Skinjur to know of Jarina''s existence.


    Of course, there would be some exceptions, such as that Lamiya or whatever, but...Lionel knew that there''s no way that Lamiya would let other people know of Jarina''s existence.


    That was why he asked this...question that looks to be stupid on the surface.


    Well, it wouldn''t work for Desire as he was really Desire. There was no way to question that.


    That was why Desire spoke without any hesitation as it was just an easy question for him.


    "Jarina. Jarina Welfreim is her name."


    Desire said, but he was not done at all as he continued to speak as he listed Jarina''s features and appearance


    "She has purple hair and eyes, she''s really pretty, too. She''s also really...sexy..."


    Desire said as he...quite hesitated on the last part.


    After all, when he said that, he suddenly realized that...he knew about sexy things and stuff related to it.


    It was weird as...Desire has not looked at Jarina that way before, and Desire also knew that he didn''t know anything about that before.


    However, now...he suddenly knew about it? That was just ridiculous!


    ''Did I...did my common sense got changed according to my body''s age?''


    Desire thought it had something to do with his growth again. After all, although it wasn''t that obvious, there were things that Desire only knew when he was a child that he didn''t know when he was still a baby.


    It was just the same case, but...this time it was just crazy as Desire realized that there were a lot more things that he realized that...he now knew.


    Corruption, government, philosophies, death, the difference of perspective among men, and of course, sex...there were many more, but these were the things that suddenly struck a chord when Desire realized that he now knew them.


    It was such a...rapid development for Desire that he actually got scared of himself.


    After all, his brain...was literally the part that got messed around here.


    It was not his body, it was his brain.


    Desire hasn''t even necessarily found out about why his body was growing like this, and now his mind was also going through change every time he grows.


    What''s more, this is more severe as this...affects Desire''s personality and persona.


    It was his individuality. If his individuality could be messed around just like his body, then...Desire wouldn''t be Desire anymore.


    And Desire didn''t like that fact.


    However, it seems that Desire didn''t have the time to think about this as Lionel...suddenly appeared in his field of vision.


    Right, Lionel appeared near Desire and he...tapped Desire in the shoulder with full force as he laughed.


    "Kuhahahaha!! So you are Desire! What the fuck happened to you?!"


    He said as he just kept tapping Desire''s shoulder. He then looked at Desire and found out that he was naked.


    "Oho, you got a monster down there." Lionel said as he wrapped his arms around Desire''s shoulder.


    Of course, he was talking about his long rod that was...just a monster.


    However, it seems that he was not done talking yet as he spoke once more with an excited voice.


    "Anyway, what the fuck happened to you?! What happened for you to grow up like this again?!"


    "I just left you in that place for a day, and now you became big without me noticing it!"


    Lionel was really excited to know about how Desire could grow up so suddenly.


    After all, it was just that interesting. What''s more, Desire...was able to duke it out with Lionel.


    That was the most impressive thing that came with Desire''s growth.


    "You also got strong! What are those cracks around your arm?!"


    "You got to tell me what happened at all costs!"


    "Kuhahahaha!!"


    There were so many questions that Lionel had for Desire, but that was only normal.


    After all, Lionel knew that Aimon only did the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles on Desire.


    He knew that the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles doesn''t do things like this.


    Meaning...this change was on Desire and the results of his actions.


    That was why Lionel was interested in it.


    Of course, Desire also planned to tell things to his master so that he would be able to explain things better, but...


    "Wait a minute, master! Too many questions!" Desire said as he got out of Lionel''s hold.


    Desire was not done as he continued to speak.


    "First of all, please let me have some clothes. I''ve been naked since I woke up, so please let me have some!"


    Right, it was the truth that Desire has been naked ever since he woke up.


    That was why he asked for clothes. Well, it was because he just got teased by his master about his rod.


    Of course, when Lionel heard it, he quickly spoke.


    "Clothes, eh...Fyu!" Lionel said as he summoned his servant that was staying in the shadows near him.


    Fyu...appeared right away as his lord called him, but that was not all as Fyu was also carrying some kind of clothes.


    It was amazing that Fyu was carrying some clothes with him, but that was because the clothes were for emergencies.


    Fyu then held out his hands forward with the clothes to Desire as he bowed his head.


    "Here it is, Little Lord." Fyu said.


    Of course, Desire quickly took the clothes away from Fyu''s hands immediately.


    Although he didn''t know who Fyu was, it didn''t really matter.


    The clothes that he got...it was some robes that were clearly designed for some important figure.


    It was designed beautifully, and there were also some materials that Desire didn''t know.


    Well, Desire didn''t really care about that as he quickly just wore the clothes right away.


    It didn''t take him long to finish clothing himself up as he was now just adjusting things.


    It seems that the clothes that Fyu gave to him were a perfect fit for Desire as Desire found the clothes easy to move in and comfortable as well.


    And as soon as he finished wearing the clothes, something...ridiculous happened.


    It was so ridiculous that none of them expected it.


    Why? It was because...Desire''s stomach...suddenly let out a growl.


    Grrrrraaaa.


    Desire''s stomach let out a growl as it announced its hunger to the world.


    And it was so shocking that even Desire was shocked about this.


    Desire forgot about it when he was running away from Lionel because of the graveness of the situation.


    However, now that things were finally fine, Desire...finally felt it.


    He finally felt the extreme hunger that he felt when he first woke up.


    And it seems that the bout between Desire and his master took quite a toll on Desire''s body as Desire...collapsed on the ground!


    "Desire?!" Lionel said as he quickly kneeled down on the ground as he tried to find out what was wrong with Desire.


    After all, there was no way that Desire would collapse just because of hunger.


    However, it seems that it was truly because of hunger as Desire spoke with a hoarse voice.


    "F-food...give me food." Desire said with great effort as he felt his hunger creeping at his strength and energy.


    Well, it couldn''t be helped. After all, Desire did play around a little bit, and now, his spare energy is drained as well.


    And when Lionel heard that, he quickly whipped his head back to his servant who was waiting, Fyu.


    "Go, get me some food! Those high quality foods, and make it fast!"


    "Yes, my lord!" Fyu said as he disappeared into the shadows again.


    Of course, his destination was...well, whatever his destination was, his goal would be to get some high quality food for his little lord.


    It was then that Desire spoke again as he felt his consciousness going out.


    "F-food..."


    It seems that his hunger was really that bad as it was able to make Desire beg for food even though Desire could stay good without eating for days.


    Well, that was only normal, and even Lionel found it natural as well.


    Why? It was because...


    "I guess it''s only natural that you would be hungry. It''s been a month since you last ate, after all."


    Right, it has been a month ever since Desire passed out during the process of the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles.

 Chapter 186: I thought...

    In the place where there were scattered woods all over the place, there was a man who was currently eating food.


    There was so much food that it should be impossible to eat all of them in a single sitting.


    But the man who was currently eating...Desire was eating so fast and so much that the foods scattered all over the place were just a fraction of what was originally the amount of food.


    Right, this was just a fraction, and Desire already ate most of the food.


    It was absolutely crazy that even Lionel was dumbstruck to the point that he could only watch his disciple eat all those foods.


    What''s more, the person who brought all those foods, Fyu...was already on the way to get some more food.


    After all, Desire...was still not full, and he could still feel the hunger getting at his stomach.


    "More! More!!! I neeeed moooooreeee!!" Desire shouted out loud as he shoved some kind of food into his mouth.


    He then proceeded to smash it into small pieces with his strong teeth and then gulped them straight down to his stomach.


    And it was in this way that Desire ate all those foods. His control over his strength was so spectacular that the food only stays in his mouth for a single second.


    Of course, because of that, the food that was in this place...soon vanished into his stomach as he ate them all.


    "Ahhhhhh..." Desire breathed a sigh of relief as he felt a little bit full.


    Right, Desire was still not that...fully-full, but only a little bit full.


    That was why Desire whipped his head to look for the man who would get him his food.


    However, when he looked for Fyu, the only man he could see was his master who was standing around with a shocked look on his face.


    "Master! Where''s the food guy?!" Desire said as he raised his hand and wave towards his master.


    There were still some stains on his mouth, but Desire didn''t care about that at all as he shouted once more.


    "I''m still hungry!!" Desire shouted out loud, and as if it were magic, Desire and Lionel could feel someone approaching them right now.


    Of course, it was Fyu, and Fyu really did appear out of nowhere as he was now...standing on the ground.


    And right behind him were some foods flying in the air while wrapped with Fyu''s mana to make sure that no strange substance would get into the food.


    It was such a...grand transportation for just food, but well.


    It was for his little lord, and Fyu would literally do anything for him as he was Lionel''s successor.


    Fyu was that loyal to Lionel.


    "Little Lord!" Fyu shouted out loud as he began to control the food that was flying in the air.


    He controlled them to go towards where Desire was staying at.


    Of course, Desire was already in eating mode as he looked at the foods.


    There were so many foods, and each of the food was different. It was clear as day that Fyu did some work to make sure that Desire wouldn''t eat just the same thing.


    Well, Desire didn''t care about that right now as he just proceeded to eat as soon as the mana around the food was gone.


    Right, Desire just ate the food at the same pace he had earlier.


    His speed in eating the food was just in the realm of monstrosity that even Fyu...could only decide to go and get some more.


    After all, the food that he brought was already about half-way gone.


    However, it seems that Desire was really getting full now as he stopped eating as he raised his hand towards Fyu to get his attention.


    "Ah! You don''t have to get food anymore. This is fine." Desire said, and as soon as he finished saying those words, he immediately went back to eating the food.


    Of course, Fyu was able to hear it loud and clear, and that was why he whipped his head to look at his lord.


    After all, Fyu...wasn''t sure what to do in this situation. Although Desire certainly did say that this was enough, it was kind of hard to accept that when Fyu knew how much Desire ate in the last few hours.


    However, Fyu''s doubts disappeared as he saw Lionel shake his head.


    It meant that...Fyu should just listen to what Desire said since he was the one eating the foods, anyway.


    That was why Fyu...walked towards Lionel and stationed himself right behind Lionel.


    And together, they would wait until Desire...finally finishes eating all the food.


    The hunger that stems from not eating for over a month shall be soon satisfied as Desire ate all kinds of food.


    And it was in this way that Desire was finally able to satisfy his hunger.


    ****


    "You ate too much!" Lionel''s voice resounded out in this place as he shouted out loud.


    He was looking at Desire who was currently laying down on the ground with a carefree look on his face.


    After all, he just ate the food of his life. He was only able to eat this much because of his hunger, and Desire was sure that he would never, ever let himself go hungry again.


    "What did you expect would happen to you if you ate this much food in a single sitting?!" Lionel shouted out loud once more as he just looked at his disciple.


    There was a reason why Desire was only laying down on the ground, and that was because...he couldn''t move at all.


    Well, that was obvious as he just ate too much.


    "M-master...s-so, what did you mean that it''s been a month since I was awake?"


    Desire said with great effort as he tried to change the topic. After all, he didn''t want to get roasted for eating too much.


    Besides, it''s not like that''s the only thing that they had to talk about.


    Anyway, when Lionel heard what Desire said, he quickly shook his head as he plopped right down on the ground.


    "Geez, you suddenly grew up, and now it seems like your personality changed, too."


    "Fyu, get me some food as well."


    Lionel said as he ordered Fyu to get him some food as he got hungry when he was watching Desire.


    Fyu then disappeared on the spot as he immediately went to get food for his lord.


    "Well...ever since Aimon did the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles, you were out for a whole month."


    "When I noticed that you weren''t waking up at all, I placed you in this house. It''s a house that prevents anyone from sneaking in and sneaking out."


    Lionel said as he tapped the floor with his hand. He was referring to the darkness that Desire saw when he first woke up in this place.


    ''So, that''s why...'' Desire thought as he remembered that time. It slipped his mind that happened. Well, it seems like a long time for him when he fought against his master and ate so much.


    Of course, Lionel was not done as he continued to speak.


    "I was getting worried for you, but there was nothing I could have done to wake you up. I tried to put you in water, I tried to punch you, but nothing worked."


    "It was to the point that I even thought that you were dead."


    Desire heard all that, and when he did, his eyes immediately widened as he tried to imagine what kind of treatment his master has been giving his body.


    Well, Desire could understand it, but there was something that caught Desire''s attention.


    "Master...Was this the first time that you saw my body that grew up?"


    Right, since Lionel said that he did many things to wake Desire up, he should know when Desire grew up.


    That was why Desire asked this question, and it seems that Desire was correct in his guess that this was indeed Lionel''s first time in seeing Desire''s teenage body.


    "Yeah. When I left you yesterday, your body was still...the body of a child. If I had known that you were Desire, then I wouldn''t have attacked you, no?"


    Lionel laughed as he remembered his mistake. Of course, it didn''t last that long as Lionel continued speaking.


    "Anyway, I tried to ask Aimon, the one who performed the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles, about your condition."


    "However, when I tried to, I found out that he...ran. He wasn''t there in the place where I made him stay when he got out of your body."


    "That was why I was walking with a blindfold on when you weren''t waking up."


    What Lionel said was the truth. When Lionel tried to ask for any advice or any truths about Desire''s condition to Aimon, he was already gone.


    He didn''t leave any letter to Lionel at all, and that was why Lionel was confused.


    He was confused about whether...Aimon tried to kill his disciple.


    "That was why...I thought he killed you."


    It was then that a change happened as Lionel''s eyes started to glow in the shade of brown once more.


    Veins appeared all over his neck as his mane-like hair started to rise.


    "If he had killed you...I would have used all my cards and chase him to the end of the world!"


    Lionel said with a thicker killing intent than what Desire felt before.


    It was so thick that even Desire, who was not the target of the killing intent, could feel it once more.


    Desire could feel the desire of his master to protect him.


    "Master..." Desire murmured as he felt joy in his heart.

 Chapter 187: Yin Yang

    "Master..." Desire murmured as he felt joy in his heart.


    After all, he found out that his master actually got angry for his sake.


    Although Desire was actually grateful to that old man, Aimon, as Desire was finally able to get leads about himself and he even grew up, Desire still appreciates the strong emotion that his master had for him.


    Of course, Desire was glad that his master didn''t really have to chase down Aimon as that would make things worse for the situation that the Suckus have with Lamiya.


    Anyway, Lionel''s eyes started to grow dim again as his black eyes resurfaced. He was able to calm himself. After all, it''s not like Lionel was some young youth who was too hot-headed.


    It was then that Lionel spoke once more as he looked at Desire.


    "So? What happened to you? Why did you suddenly grow up or something like that?"


    "We didn''t use Magic Infusion which caused your body to grow before."


    "Was it really because of the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles?"


    Lionel...finally asked the great question to Desire. This was something Lionel was really excited to know about.


    His disciple was able to square off against him, even though it was only for a short amount of time.


    His disciple was also able to take a punch from him, and even evade his punches!


    That was why he was looking forward to what Desire would answer him.


    However, it seems that Desire was hesitating to answer him as Desire didn''t speak for a few seconds.


    Well, that is only natural.


    After all, there were many things that Desire learned about himself when he was knocked out.


    He learned that he was a Quarter God, and he also learned that he could become a God.


    He learned about that Inner World, and he also learned about who the Sage of the Eight Godly Paths was.


    He learned about the paths, and he also learned of that darkness.


    Although it seems that only a few of those points connect to him being able to grow up so suddenly, Desire was not sure about that.


    He already guessed that it was probably connected to him being a Quarter God, but Desire wouldn''t really say that confidently.


    There were probably some other key points that Desire has missed.


    That was why Desire...didn''t know how to tell it to his master.


    What''s more, it''s not like Desire could tell all of these things that he learned to Lionel.


    Why? It was because...these things were Desire''s greatest secrets, together with Unknown.


    Of course, Desire wanted to explain things to his master, but...he didn''t know where to start.


    He didn''t know if he should tell everything or if he should cut some parts of the story.


    If he did cut some parts of the story, how would he make it believable?


    These questions and facts made Desire hesitate to answer Lionel.


    And it seems that Lionel was able to notice that Desire was hesitating as he spoke once more.


    "This little bastard...it seems like you don''t want to tell me any of your secrets, huh?"


    "Don''t worry, I won''t force you or something like that."


    "You can tell me when you are ready."


    Lionel didn''t really want to force anything on Desire, and he surely didn''t want to force the answer out of Desire.


    After all, Lionel could understand why Desire was hesitating.


    Lionel knew that it was because it was Desire''s secret and it was connected to his origins.


    Although it seems that an origin isn''t really that important, it actually is.


    Once it becomes known, it could be used as a card against Desire, and people could research Desire''s origins'' weaknesses and then...poof!


    It would be easy to detain and kill Desire from then on.


    There were many reasons why origins are important, but that was the most important reason.


    Of course, it''s not like Lionel would just brag about his disciple''s origins every time he goes out to society.


    He would keep that a secret, and he would definitely take that secret to his grave.


    Even then, Lionel could understand Desire''s decision to keep things a secret.


    After all, this is a world...where anything can happen.


    It was then that Desire spoke once more as he whipped his head to look at the sky.


    "I''ll tell you, master...when I feel that the time is right."


    And when Lionel heard that, he quickly spoke with a light-hearted tone.


    "Is that so? Kuhahahaha!"


    And as soon as Lionel finished laughing, he then spoke as he grabbed Desire''s head.


    "You better tell me, you bastard! It''s clear as day that you got some big secrets!"


    "If you don''t tell me, I would tell Jarina to not marry you!"


    "Ah, that''s not fair, is it!?" Desire said as he tried to get out of Lionel''s hold.


    And it was in this way that the disciple and master spent time together.


    ****


    In a place where the sun was shining bright, there were a lot of people standing still in front of a huge house.


    This house was an old-fashioned house, but it looks like it was just built a few seconds ago.


    It was spotless and one would think that it was perfect just from how slick the house looked.


    Of course, even the people standing still in front of this huge house think so as well.


    And inside this house, there was a man who was currently staring at something while sitting down on a chair.


    He was staring at a glass...no, he was staring at what was inside the glass.


    The glass was enclosing something, and that something was...a metal that was covered in...Yin Yang symbol.


    That metal was just floating inside the glass freely, and it was also rotating showing everyone in this place its Yin Yang symbol.


    Well, there were only two people in this place. The man who was sitting on a chair, and the other man who was standing right beside him.


    And both of them were currently staring at the Yin Yang symbol with quite a shocked look on their faces.


    No...the man who was sitting on the chair had an enraged look on his face as veins appeared all over his face.


    As this man was quite young, it looked like he was just exercising or something like that.


    Anyway, the reason why these two men had quite the look on their faces was only because of one reason.


    It was because of the Yin Yang Symbol. No, it was mostly Yin now as the darkness completely overtook the whole metal.


    Right, the Yin Yang Symbol was now Yin Symbol. Although there were still some spots that had the shade of white, the Yang, it was only so little that it didn''t really matter.


    One would say that it was only Yin now. At least, that''s how it looked like to the man who was sitting on the chair.


    It was then that the man standing beside him spoke with a careful tone as he knew that the man sitting on the chair was angry.


    "Your Most Highness...this is...this calls for an emergency meeting among the Twelve Ancient Most High Gods."


    And as soon as the man sitting on the chair heard that, he quickly shouted out loud with his powers out in the open.


    "Do you think I don''t know that?!?" The man''s shout was so powerful that the man who was standing on his side got blown away.


    Right, he got pushed away with just a shout, but strangely...the house didn''t get any damages or any scratches at all.


    Even the spot where the man who got blown away didn''t have any damages at all.


    And that was weird.


    Why? It was because of the man who was spouting blood all over the place as he coughed up.


    No...he didn''t cough. He stopped himself from coughing as he immediately proceeded to heal himself.


    After all, this man wouldn''t dare stain the house of the man who was leading the Twelve Ancient Most High Gods.


    Right, the man who was sitting on the chair was the one leading the Twelve Ancient Most High Gods.


    He is called the Overlord, the Supreme Monarch.


    "Call the Twelve Ancient Most High Gods into the Council!"


    Overlord, the Supreme Monarch said as he stood up. His robes were swaying in the air as he moved his hands.


    "The Detested Enemy of the Gods is starting to make his move!"


    "Make it fast, Mikael!"


    Overlord, the Supreme Monarch said as he made some signs with his hands.


    As soon as he was done, he then churned up his powers as he disappeared on the spot.


    His destination was, of course, the place where the Council was located.


    Since he was the one to call the meeting, the other Twelve Ancient Most High Gods would soon come running to the Council.


    Of course, the man who was now...kneeling on the ground, Mikael, spoke.


    "Yes, Your Most Highness!"


    And after he said that, Mikael, too, disappeared as he went on to do his mission.

 Chapter 188: Mikael and Gabriel

    Mikael was able to finish his job of calling the Twelve Ancient Most High Gods to the Council fast as all the Twelve Ancient Most High Gods were now in the Council.


    Right...the Twelve Ancient Most High Gods were now having their meeting as they were called by the Overlord, Supreme Monarch.


    Although Mikael was stronger than most beings in this place, he...was not allowed to attend the meeting of the Twelve Ancient Most High Gods.


    Why? It was because he was not worthy. That was it. It was that simple, and even Mikael knows that he was not worthy of being in the presence of the Twelve Ancient Most High Gods.


    The Twelve Ancient Most High Gods were literally the purest, highest, and strongest living creatures existing in the universe.


    They were the highest and they were the ones controlling the worlds.


    Each of the Twelve Ancient Most High Gods was standing at the apex of their respective strengths.


    However, there is a time when Mikael would be worthy. No...it is better to say that he would be more than worthy.


    And the only way for him to become more than worthy is when...the Overlord, Supreme Monarch graces him with permission.


    Not even the Twelve Ancient Most High Gods would dare override the Overlord, Supreme Monarch''s decision to allow Mikael to the meeting.


    Right...even though the Twelve Ancient Most High Gods were the purest, highest, and strongest living creatures existing in the universe, they would not dare question the Overlord, Supreme Monarch''s decision.


    That was how...absurdly strong the Overlord, Supreme Monarch was.


    He was literally the Supreme Monarch in this place.


    Of course, since Mikael was not in the meeting right now, that means that the Overlord, Supreme Monarch has not allowed him to be in their presence.


    Well, it''s not like Mikael has to be in their meeting. What''s more, Mikael knew the reason why the Overlord, Supreme Monarch called the meeting.


    After all, he was the one who advised the Overlord, Supreme Monarch to call the meeting.


    And the reason was...


    "The Absolute Treasure made by the Natural Mother, Yin Yang, got corrupted."


    Mikael murmured while standing on top of a random mountain.


    This random mountain was so tall that Mikael could look down on the world.


    The world where Mikael was located was called the Highest Heaven.


    And he was one of the most powerful angels existing ever.


    Right...and Mikael was an angel serving the Overlord, Supreme Monarch.


    Anyways, what Mikael meant by what he said was the metal with the Yin Symbol enclosed with some glass located at the Overlord, Supreme Monarch''s house.


    "Since the Yin Yang got corrupted, that means that the Detested Enemy of the Gods has started to make his move."


    "And that...is something that must never happen."


    Mikael murmured as he swore in his heart that he would kill the Detested Enemy of the Gods.


    After all, the Detested Enemy of the Gods was basically his master''s enemy.


    There would be no way Mikael would let someone like that keep living when he knew that it was an enemy of his master.


    Well, it''s not like he could go and kill the Detested Enemy of the Gods right now.


    After all, the Overlord, Supreme Monarch and the Twelve Ancient Most High Gods themselves had to talk to each other about what to do in this situation.


    There''s no way that Mikael, a lowly angel serving the Overlord, Supreme Monarch, would be able to do something about it right now.


    It was then that Mikael could feel someone approaching him behind his back.


    That someone approached him so fast that Mikael didn''t have to turn his head to look at him.


    Why? It was because that someone was now right in front of Mikael.


    Right...and that person was flying in the air with...his wings wide open in the air.


    Fluffy white wings that were so long that it was actually taking up Mikael''s field of vision could be seen as the man flew down to the ground of the mountain.


    Of course, Mikael knew who this...angel was as he spoke while looking at the other person''s handsome face.


    "Gabriel."


    And when the other angel...Gabriel heard that, he quickly spoke with a wide smile on his face.


    "Mikael! I heard about what happened! So...is a war gonna start again?!"


    Gabriel has already heard about what happened in the house of the Overlord, Supreme Monarch.


    And since he knew, he also knew that what would come next would be war.


    And Gabriel...wanted a war. After all, it has been a little bit too peaceful around the Highest Heaven.


    It was then that Mikael spoke as he shook his head.


    "That''s impossible."


    "Have you forgotten about the Natural Barriers between the worlds already?"


    "We...creatures from the Highest Heaven would never be able to descend down to the lowest plane, First World, or to any other world for that matter."


    Right...the angels and the gods from the Highest Heaven would never be able to descend down to any of the worlds that they reign over.


    That was why...they let gods from a lower heaven rule over those worlds as their representatives.


    After all, not even the Overlord, Supreme Monarch would dare ignore the Natural Barriers between the worlds.


    However, it seems that Gabriel didn''t believe that as he spoke as he tilted his head.


    His fearsome eyes looked at Mikael intensely as he thought that Mikael was lying to him.


    "What are you talking about? We won the war against the demons."


    "We wiped them out and killed the Demon Kings reigning over the Highest Hell."


    "And the Highest Hell is a place that we can use to descend down!"


    "If we use the Highest Hell, a war or something like that would easily happen!"


    Gabriel said as his white eyes widened a little bit. His veins around his eyes started to surface as he got a little bit pissed off.


    Well, he didn''t like the thought of Mikael lying to him about this.


    After all, it was more than possible that Mikael was lying to him.


    Of course...Mikael didn''t like how Gabriel was looking at him like this when Gabriel...was only his subordinate.


    Right, Gabriel was Mikael''s subordinate.


    That was why...Mikael thought to give a punishment to this rude subordinate as he disappeared.


    "Shut your eyes." Mikael said and his voice reverberated in this place.


    However, that was not all that happened as Mikael reappeared right in front of Gabriel with his two fingers...stuck in Gabriel''s two eyes!


    It happened so fast that even Gabriel wasn''t able to react! He couldn''t even feel when Mikael stabbed his eyes with his fingers!


    However, even with that two fingers stuck in his eyes, causing his vision to go dark, Gabriel was...cool and calm.


    He wasn''t panicking nor was he trying to get Mikael away from him.


    Why? It was because Gabriel knew better than to do something like that.


    Gabriel knew how strong Mikael was, and since Gabriel wasn''t able to even notice Mikael''s move, that proves that Gabriel''s strength...was nowhere near Mikael''s strength.


    Of course, his decision would be different if Gabriel was a little bit stronger or even on par with Mikael.


    After all...Gabriel wanted to take away Mikael''s position. He wanted to be the boss.


    Anyway, it was with this position that Mikael spoke again.


    "Indeed, you are right that we can use the Highest Hell to descend down to lower planes."


    "However, have you forgotten? Demons are not the only enemies that we, Heavenly Beings, have."


    "There are other enemies who are lying down in anticipation for us to use the Highest Hell."


    Mikael then pushed Gabriel away as he pulled his hand away from his eyes.


    Of course, there was blood...no, there was no blood flowing out as Gabriel''s two eyes immediately healed.


    Right...Gabriel''s two white eyes became healed so quick and he could now see again.


    It was then that Gabriel spoke as if nothing ever happened between the two of them.


    "Other enemies...do you mean to say monsters?"


    And when Mikael heard what Gabriel said, he immediately spoke.


    "That''s right."


    "Bullshit! Monsters are weak! They don''t deserve to be feared by us!"


    Gabriel shouted out loud as he tried to refute Mikael. After all, it was indeed the truth that in the eyes of angels and gods, monsters are only ants.


    However, it seems that...Gabriel was wrong as Mikael spoke again.


    "Although most monsters are weak, there are some that have surpassed their limits and became powerful enough to stand against us."


    "And that is because of the monsters that we used to fight, the Ancients."


    "The Ancients...have discovered a way for other monsters to become strong."


    "And what is worse in this situation is that...the Detested Enemy of the Gods have full control over those monsters."


    "He has full control, and he can summon them at will."


    "However, that is not all as...the past Ancients, who have discovered a way for other monsters to become strong, are still alive. Not all of them, but some of them are."


    "They are scattered all over the worlds, and they are hiding from us."


    "The moment we descend using the Highest Hell is the moment they would reappear again to protect the Detested Enemy of the Gods."


    "Even the Overlord is wary of them, so don''t you dare underestimate them."


    "As long as the Ancients are alive, we...can''t recklessly just come down."


    "You got that, brat who hasn''t even lived for a thousand-year?"


    And when Gabriel heard all those words, he...just bit his lips as he couldn''t find anything to answer Mikael.


    After all, it was the truth that...Gabriel doesn''t know anything about the past.


    He doesn''t know anything about the Ancients or the monsters or something like that.


    Gabriel has only been alive for that war against the demons when they conquered the Highest Hell.


    And when Mikael saw that Gabriel wasn''t speaking any shit anymore, he spoke again as he...spread his wings.


    His wings were...a lot longer and bigger than Gabriel, showing his superiority.


    "Let''s go, brat. We shall gather the other Archangels to prepare for the Overlord''s decision."


    "War or wait, descend or hunt, the Overlord is the one who decides."


    And as soon as he said those words, Mikael...flew in the air as he disappeared soon enough.


    Of course, Gabriel soon followed the leader of the Archangels as he, too, disappeared.

 Chapter 189: Status

    Desire and his master, Lionel, have spent time together by talking with each other.


    After all, Desire has been sleeping for a long time. He has been asleep for a month.


    That was why he had many questions to ask his master. Questions about the Refreshing technique and also about Aimon, who escaped from this place.


    Well, they really couldn''t call it an escape as they didn''t even know why he just...went out of his way.


    He didn''t even speak to Lionel, but of course, that was not all that the two talked about.


    Desire also asked about Jarina, and he also asked about the other woman, Grizelle Elevnor.


    However, Lionel didn''t really answer that as he just said that Desire should just meet them himself.


    Desire also asked about the training that he would take from now on now that he survived the process of the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles.


    Although Desire hasn''t still confirmed it, he feels and is confident that he could probably master all three styles at the same time now.


    Of course, both of them didn''t know the answer to Desire''s question as Aimon just straight up disappeared on them without even confirming things.


    That was why...they would only know when they start training again.


    Well, they wouldn''t really start training now as Desire just woke up.


    Anyways, the time they spent together talking was so long that it was night time now.


    Right...the sky has been taken over by the darkness of the night as it was really dark right now.


    And when the sun first showed signs of going down, Lionel then said to Desire that he should just rest for tonight and that they would talk more tomorrow.


    After all, even though it was only for a short amount of time, Lionel still chased Desire around and even punched him.


    Although Lionel surely was not serious when he punched him, it would still hurt Desire, who had an untrained body.


    That was why Desire would have to rest and heal up, and that was why Lionel gave Desire a healing pill before leaving.


    And now...in this place where Desire used to sleep, he was now all alone again.


    Even Fyu, the one who was always watching from the shadows, was not here in this place.


    Desire was very sure about that as he used his senses to feel around.


    He was very confident in his senses as he was even able to predict Lionel''s movements with his senses alone.


    There is no reason for Desire to doubt that as Lionel was a being stronger than Fyu.


    Anyway, Desire was standing at the same spot as he looked at his hand.


    In his hand was the healing pill that his master gave him to heal himself.


    However, Desire was hesitating to eat the pill. It was obvious just by the look on his face.


    After all, Desire was feeling fine. He wasn''t feeling anything wrong with his body or something like that.


    He was...okay.


    "Do I really need this?" Desire murmured as he willed for the cracks to appear on his right chest and arm.


    Of course, as he was wearing clothes now, it wasn''t visible to his naked eye, but he could feel that the cracks were there.


    Anyways, the reason why he willed for the cracks to appear again was that he knew that the cracks could heal him.


    The healing took place when he scratched his chest before, and when he actually got punched by Lionel.


    What''s more, the healing was...fast and precise as Desire could not feel any aftereffects or side effects.


    That was why...Desire doubt that he really needs a healing pill for himself.


    "Hah, I don''t need this. Probably" Desire murmured as he destroyed the healing pill by crushing it with his hands.


    And surprisingly, Desire was able to destroy it easily and its remains were swept by the wind.


    "Unknown." Desire murmured again as he wished for the Unknown to appear.


    Of course, as soon as Desire wished for the Unknown to appear, the screen that he was used to seeing appeared right in front of him.


    And what the Unknown said was...


    [Status]


    [Name: Desire]


    [Race: Human, Quarter God]


    [Monster Rank: First]


    [Human Rank: First]


    [Quarter God Rank: Zero]


    [Traits: Heavenly Demon Trait]


    [Title: None]


    [Divine Protection: Cannot be identified]


    [Special Status]


    -Current progress with the unification with water: 15%


    -Current progress with the unification with fire: 0%


    [SUPER SPECIAL STATUS]


    -Current progress with opening one of the Eight Godly Paths, Understanding of power: 50%


    And when Desire read it all, his eyes stayed at the Super Special Status.


    "So, the Unknown also tells me that I only half opened the Understanding of Power. Still, I don''t know how to open it completely."


    As things got mixed up while Gaud was explaining to Desire, Desire didn''t know what to do to open the Understanding of Power completely.


    And now that he was back in the physical world, there was no way that Desire would be able to ask Gaud again.


    That was why...Desire decided to just put that at the back of his mind.


    Although the Understanding of Power was indeed important, Desire was hesitating.


    He was hesitating to bite off more than what he can chew.


    Why? It was because...


    "I already have these cracks...as long as I still haven''t understood them, I won''t chase another power."


    "Still, what should I do to open the other half? Gaud didn''t tell me a thing at all."


    "Well, whatever. I''ll discover it soon enough."


    Desire said as he willed for the screen in front of him to disappear.


    However, Desire was not done with the Unknown.


    There was something that he wished to do ever since he became an adult.


    And that was...


    "Attributes." Desire murmured as he willed for his attributes to appear.


    And as soon as he said that word, another screen appeared right in front of him.


    And what it said was...


    [Attributes]


    -Life Force: 1000


    -Mana: 1000


    -Strength: 500


    -Speed: 500


    -Intelligence: 500


    -Energy: 500


    And when Desire read it all, the first thought that came across his mind was...


    "What the hell? Everything is the same?"


    Right...his stats had the same numbers on them, but Desire soon let it go.


    After all, Desire didn''t really care about the numbers attached to his strength or speed or whatever it was.


    He could already feel the strength that he has, and that was why he didn''t need the numbers.


    However, the reason why he wanted to see his attributes was because of...his mana.


    In his baby and child days, Desire had a very small amount of mana. It was in the number of 1 and 2.


    That was why Desire was excited to see if that has changed now that he was now an adult.


    And it seems that...Desire''s expectations have not been betrayed as he saw his mana having the number of 1000.


    "Finally..." Desire murmured as he feels that...the shackles on his mana have been unlocked.


    There were a lot of things that Desire couldn''t do before, which is because of his lack of mana and lack of strength.


    However, now that the lack of mana has been fulfilled now, Desire feels as if his wings have been opened.


    Well, not literally. But that was how Desire feels in this situation as he looked at his stats.


    Although Desire didn''t know if a thousand mana was big or small, Desire didn''t care.


    As Desire could perform various magics with 1 or 2 mana, he was confident that he would definitely be able to do more things with 1000 mana compared to an ordinary magician.


    And since Desire has confirmed that his mana was way bigger now compared to the time he was but a child, Desire immediately swiped the screen in front of him.


    "Skills!" Desire shouted out loud as he felt excitement seeping into his body.


    And as soon as Desire shouted those words, another screen popped up.


    [Active Skills]


    -Light Skill


    -Excavator Skill


    -Mana Manifestation


    -Summon Familiar Skill


    -Sub-Skill of the Summon Familiar Skill: Summon Aquatic Lords


    [Passive Skills]


    -Night Vision


    -Life Force Regeneration


    -Auto Mana Regeneration


    -Magic Resistance


    [Super skills]


    -None


    [Innate skills]


    -Authority


    -Pandemonium


    And when Desire read it, his excitement died down as curiosity replaced it.


    "There''s no grade?" He murmured as he looked at his skills.


    However, that soon disappeared from his mind as he looked at the bottom of the screen.


    It was the Innate Skills that Desire had, and as far as he could remember, the only Innate Skill he had was the Authority.


    The other one was still in the process of being unlocked for, at least, 500 days.


    How come that...the other Innate Skill is now showing the name of it?


    Desire couldn''t understand it first, but when he considered the changes that his body just undertook, then...his Innate Skill was probably affected.


    "Did the Innate Skill became unlocked because of my sudden body growth?"


    If it was because of his sudden body growth, which is clearly a growth that could only be achieved by living for thousands of days, then it''s reasonable.


    However, if that was the case, then...


    "Then...my body actually grew up several years in a single night?"


    It was reasonable for Desire to think that way. Since 500 days was required for his Innate Skill to be unlocked, growing up several years in a single night would definitely unlock the Innate Skill.


    But...it was shocking for Desire when things made sense that way.


    After all, he just thought that his body grew up. Just like how a plant grows up in a single day, he thought that way of his body as well.


    However, it seems like his body grew up several years, no...more than a decade this time as he was now an adult or a young adult.


    "That''s...physically impossible, isn''t it?"

 Chapter 190: Summon!

    "That''s physically impossible, isn''t it?" Desire murmured.


    Well, it was the truth that it was physically impossible for someone to grow several years, more than a decade, or even a single year in a single night.


    There was just no way that would happen to someone. Of course, except for Desire.


    "Damn, so I really am special. Guess it must be the Quarter God blood or something."


    Desire said with a smile on his face. After all, it was an event that just proved that he was truly special.


    It was only natural that he would be happy about this event.


    Well, to Desire, this event was normal now. After all, there were so many events that happened to him ever since he was a baby.


    Of course, now that Desire made sense of the situation, he quickly whipped his mind the other way.


    He was not looking at his skills for the Innate Skill or his second innate skill.


    He was looking for the skill that he got when he was a baby, the Summon Familiar Skill.


    "It''s finally time to use you." Desire murmured as he sent his consciousness to his Core.


    As Desire was really used to this action now, it didn''t take him more than a second to reach his Core.


    And his Core...was shining in the color of blue. Desire''s Pure Blue Core was truly a sight to see.


    His Core was so shiny and it was in the perfect shape of a Core.


    Although Desire didn''t know this, his Core was once damaged when the Trial of Burning Air happened.


    Now...his Core was healed up and was patched up as if nothing happened at all.


    That was because of what happened to his body. His body that suddenly grew up affected the Core as well, which resulted in this shiny and peerless Pure Blue Core.


    Anyway, when Desire got here, he quickly went to work as he churned up his mana.


    Of course, he did that subconsciously now as he was used to this.


    He then sent back his consciousness to his body as he only went here to confirm his Core.


    After all, there were many changes to his body. It was more than possible that his Core suddenly went up and disappeared on him.


    Anyways, when Desire got back to his body, he immediately shouted out loud as he used his skill.


    "Summon!" Desire shouted out loud as he put out his right hand in front.


    And as soon as he did, Desire could feel his mana exiting his body fast.


    What''s more, the amount of mana exiting his body was large. Even Desire could feel the sudden loss of mana in his Core.


    However, Desire didn''t care about that at all as his eyes soon witnessed a change in front of his eyes.


    A black...pillar. A black pillar was standing in front of Desire right now as that pillar was shining in black light.


    It was weird how Desire was able to see darkness when it was night time, but that was how...accurate Desire''s senses were.


    Of course, after some time, the shining black pillar soon grew dim as it disappeared into the darkness of the night.


    And in the spot where the black pillar used to stand was a man who was wearing a robe.


    In other words, this was the familiar that Desire summoned.


    However, before even Desire could talk to the familiar, the man talked.


    "Huh? What the hell happened?" He said as he noticed that he was in a different place.


    He remembered that he was inside his mansion, thinking of plans while being served tea by his butler, Bas.


    That was why it was weird for the man as he was suddenly...in another place without even moving.


    He didn''t even feel that he was moving or something like that.


    It was as if...someone just snapped his finger and then boom! The man was transported to another place.


    At least, that was how the man thought as he looked at his surroundings.


    However, before even the man could make sense of this situation, Desire spoke with a low tone.


    "Hmm? He''s not the same guy who I summoned before."


    And as soon as the man heard that, he quickly tried to use his powers to defend himself.


    After all, who knows what kind of threat or dangerous being Desire was.


    However, when the man''s eyes landed on Desire, he...relaxed.


    No...he could feel his emotions and nerves being forced to relax, and that was why he didn''t do anything to hide or run or defend himself.


    ''H-huh?'' The man thought as it was strange for him to be like this.


    It was then that Desire spoke once more with a loud voice this time as he looked at the man.


    "So, you are my familiar, eh? I wonder what familiar means at this point." Desire said as he observed the man with quite the curious eyes.


    Familiar was a familiar. It was a being that should be close to Desire, and that was why it was called a familiar.


    However, at this point, Desire was only able to summon that robed guy from before, who had no connection to him at all.


    It was also the same case with the current familiar that he just summoned.


    It was obvious that...Desire and this man didn''t have the connection of a familiar and a master.


    That was why Desire didn''t know what the Summon Familiar Skill even means.


    Of course, Desire didn''t really care about that as he just thought of the question that he had for a long time now.


    This question was meant for the previous familiar that he summoned, but well.


    This was the guy he summoned, so it should be fine to ask him this question as well.


    And that question was...


    "Hey, are you a human or a monster?"


    Right, this was the question that was bugging Desire for a while now.


    He remembered that he wasn''t feeling anything when he first saw the first familiar that he summoned.


    Even now, Desire was not feeling anything. That was why he was curious about this.


    A human was able to make him feel hatred, and a monster was able to make him feel love.


    There was only one time when Desire has not felt something stir up within him when he met someone, and that was when he met Aimon.


    That was why he was curious about this.


    However, it seems that the man wasn''t planning on answering as he just stayed quiet.


    He didn''t answer at all, and he was just looking at Desire.


    And Desire was just looking at him as well. Desire could see this man''s handsome face.


    The man''s face was striking, and one would immediately think that he was a passionate man just from his face.


    Black hair crowned the man''s head and his red eyes were glowing.


    The man was quite tall as well, but he was a little bit shorter than Desire''s current height.


    ''Hmm...why is he not speaking anything?'' Desire thought as he tilted his head.


    His red eyes...started to glow ominously as he looked at the man.


    Desire''s veins started to pop in his forehead as his face turned into a frown.


    After all, Desire...was not liking how this man was not answering his question even though a lot of time has already passed.


    That was why Desire spoke again with a heavy tone as his red eyes...sharpened.


    "I asked you once."


    "I''m not going to ask you twice."


    And as soon as Desire finished saying those words, his aura...immediately changed.


    From a nonchalant look to a stifling presence, Desire''s aura made it hard for the man to breathe.


    "Hkk!" The man let out a sound as he felt his breath cutting off literally.


    Even though he was forcing himself to breathe, he...couldn''t.


    It was as if the man had his right to breathe taken away in a single moment.


    What''s more, the man was strong. That was why it was weird.


    He was strong, yet he was powerless.


    ''Impossible!'' The man thought as he tried to churn up his powers once more.


    However, as if he was not even allowed to do anything, the man...felt his powers leaking out of his grasp.


    He even felt his restless self relax again as he looked at Desire.


    It was...an event that the man was unfamiliar with, but...he soon decided to just answer.


    Right, since that was what Desire wanted, the man...would just give an answer.


    And with great effort, the man murmured, "N-no..."


    And as if it were all an illusion, the pressure bearing down on the man disappeared.


    But...the man still couldn''t breathe.


    However, that, too, soon changed as Desire spoke again.


    "No? Then what are you? Don''t make me ask again or I''ll dig your two eyes out."


    Desire said as his right hand...started to darken. It seems that he really didn''t like how the man took his time to answer his question.


    Of course, now that the man learned his lesson, he quickly spoke to satisfy Desire.


    No...it took him a great deal of effort to even speak as the pressure that Desire released was even stronger now.


    "I-I-I...I am a demon."

 Chapter 191: Authority

    "I-I-I-I...I am a demon." The man said with great effort as he looked at Desire.


    And when Desire heard those words, his right hand returned to normal as the man answered him.


    The pressure bearing on the man disappeared as well, and he could now breathe fine.


    Of course, Desire didn''t care about any of that as he just spoke again.


    "Demon? What the hell is that?"


    Desire didn''t know anything about the demon race. Of course, he knew about the word demon, but he didn''t know about the demon race.


    He just thought that the word demon was a trait or an insult to someone.


    He also knows that demon means terrible or bad or evil. That was why he never thought that it was a race or something like that.


    After all, Desire got the Heavenly Demon Trait. It was only natural for him to end up thinking that the word demon was a trait.


    That was why Desire was curious about this demon thingy that the other man mentioned.


    Of course, since Desire...was not angry when he asked his question, the man was able to breathe fine.


    That was why...he thought, ''What the hell is going on...''


    The man was confused as fuck when he got this pressure. But that was not all as the man...couldn''t even begin to run, or attack, or do something to escape this situation.


    Why? It was because he feels that he should not do something like that.


    There were no reasons why he was feeling like this, but...this made the man do nothing at all.


    Right, it was his choice to not do anything in this situation.


    And that was why it was bugging the man so bad that he didn''t even know what to do.


    Well, he knew better than not to answer Desire again, and that was why he spoke to answer Desire.


    "Demons are...demon. Just like how a human is a human, a demon is a demon."


    The man explained, but he didn''t really answer anything. He just played with words.


    Although the man thought that his answer was reasonable, as he believed that it was the right answer, Desire...definitely did not think that way.


    After all, the man was basically saying that a plant is a plant, and there''s no way that Desire would be able to understand a thing from that kind of explanation.


    But it seems that Desire decided to just let it go as he spoke.


    "What kind of an answer is that..." Desire murmured, but it seems that he was not done as he spoke again, "Well, whatever. That''s not why I summoned you, anyway."


    Indeed. That was not why Desire used the Summon Familiar Skill.


    He didn''t use it to find out about demons or anything like that.


    He used it...to find out about his familiars. After all, Desire should know better about this skill.


    It was obvious that there was a lot of potential in it, and now that Desire got stronger, as he was even able to take a punch from Lionel, Desire thought that it was now appropriate to bring this skill to the table.


    Desire...would now be able to control his familiar, not be saved by them.


    After all, that was the reason why Desire refrained from using this skill, besides the lack of his mana.


    ''The first time I used this skill...that guy didn''t even put respect in my name.''


    The first familiar that Desire summoned was kind of rude to him.


    Although Desire was indeed a baby back then with no knowledge about how the world works, Desire...didn''t care.


    Now that he looked back at it with the ''current'' him, he couldn''t forgive that the first familiar was like that.


    After all, it was the truth that a familiar should not act like that to his master.


    A familiar is a familiar because he is a familiar. They are not the master of the household, Desire is.


    And to make sure that they would understand that, Desire...would have to put them to their place with his strength.


    Although it was a rocky and confusing path, Desire was strong now.


    He was confident about his strength, and he was decisive about this.


    That was why...it was now time to put them in their place. No, it was time to put this guy into his place, the place of a familiar.


    It was then that Desire spoke as he looked at the man.


    No...before Desire spoke, he willed for the cracks to appear in his right hand and chest again as he wanted to use his strength.


    He...also started to release his pressure instinctively to scare the man, and his red eyes started to glow in the dark.


    His presence in this place was getting bigger and bigger, but that was not all as Desire''s mouth started to emit smoke.


    And as if the wind was watching this, the wind blew the smoke away, but that only made Desire...look scarier.


    His face that was naturally scary became scarier, and even the man, who was confident in his strength as a demon, could feel it.


    He could feel...the intense killing intent that Desire was releasing as it crept up to his skin and bones.


    It was then that Desire really spoke.


    "Choose, demon." Desire said with a condescending tone as he looked down on the man.


    He then raised his right hand as he pointed his two fingers at the man.


    To be exact, he was pointing his two fingers at the man''s two eyes.


    It was as if...Desire was threatening the man that he would pull out the man''s eyes if he didn''t like his answer.


    Of course, the man was feeling fear right now. However, not even once did the man consider escaping from this place.


    He didn''t even consider trying to fight against Desire, and that was weird.


    After all, it''s not like the man couldn''t do something like that.


    However, it was as if...the man suddenly lost the ability to choose.


    ''What the hell is going on with me?!'' The man thought as his knees started to shake.


    No, it was not only his knees but his whole body that was shaking in fear right now.


    But even with that kind of fear, the man...the demon couldn''t even think of running.


    And it was with this kind of condition that the demon heard Desire speak once more.


    "Submit to me or die." Desire said with much confidence in his voice that he would be able to defeat the demon.


    It didn''t even cross his mind that the demon was stronger than him or something like that.


    No, Desire didn''t care about something like that. A familiar would always be a familiar to their master, even if they are stronger than their master.


    And that was the same case in this situation.


    However, to make sure that the demon would definitely submit to him, Desire...decided to do something else.


    And that was...to use his Innate Skill. The skill that Desire knew nothing about.


    "Authority." Desire murmured as his instincts guided him.


    His instincts guided him as his right hand''s two fingers that were pointing at the demon...started to shine.


    The light was...it wasn''t mana or something like that. It was something innate or natural to Desire. It was something that Desire was born with and that was why it was called an Innate Skill.


    And this light that was innate to Desire was...Brilliance.


    Right...this light was Desire''s Brilliance. It was literally Desire''s brilliance that came to life.


    And Desire''s Brilliance soon flew up to the air and then spread out its wings as it covered the whole place that Desire and the demon were standing on.


    In other words, it was covering the house that was destroyed by Lionel.


    Of course, the house wasn''t that big, and that was why Desire''s Brilliance was able to cover it.


    And as soon as it covered the whole place, the demon...could feel his whole body move.


    His body moved on its own and it was so fast that the demon only noticed it when his body finished moving.


    And what his body did was...he kneeled. He kneeled in front of Desire.


    However, that was not all as the demon could even feel his mouth move by itself.


    His throat produced some sounds as his body...was forced to talk.


    And what his body said was...


    "Yes, My Demon."


    And as if Desire''s Brilliance was waiting for that word, it soon...disappeared.


    No...it just got smaller and smaller as it spelled those words out.


    The words, Yes, My Demon, were shining on top of Desire right now.


    Of course, Desire was able to feel that, but Desire didn''t really care about it as he felt his instincts move.


    No...he felt his instincts guiding him how to use those words.


    And as soon as Desire found out about it, he immediately spoke.


    "First Authority."


    And when Desire said those words, the words floating on top of him soon became jumbled.


    It jumbled as it...formed into another sentence.


    And the sentence was...The Demon''s Oath.


    However, the words, The Demon''s Oath, soon began to move. It moved towards the demon who was kneeling.


    And what it did was...it attacked the demon.


    "AHKKK!!!" The demon screamed loudly as he felt pain all over his body.


    However, despite that, the demon...was still kneeling.

 Chapter 192: Advice!

    "Ahkk!!!!" The demon screamed as he felt pain all over his body.


    However, even with that pain all over his body, the demon did not stand up or something like that.


    He was just kneeling, and that was because his body was not allowing him to move.


    It was as if the man was tied down to the ground, and that was why he could only scream as he felt the pain of the words attacking him.


    And the words...they attacked the demon by burning his face. However, even though it was only burning his face, the demon could feel his whole body burning.


    It was as if his face was connected to his whole body.


    But it seems like the demon didn''t have to mind it anymore as the words...disappeared into thin air.


    His face was no longer burning, and the demon could no longer feel the pain of his whole body being burned.


    "Haaaa. Haaaa. What the fuck..." The demon murmured as he tried to regain his breathing.


    Even though he could no longer feel the burning sensation of the words, the mental stress of his skin being burned was still there.


    That was why the demon was distraught as he wasn''t even allowed to wash his body or protect his body.


    He literally couldn''t move his body at all.


    However, it seems that the surprises were not done as the man felt something on his face.


    It was like an itch, but the man couldn''t do anything about it as he was not allowed to move.


    Of course, as he was kneeling, the man who was standing in front of him, Desire, couldn''t see what was happening.


    "Hmm...First Authority should have put you under my control." Desire murmured.


    Desire knew what he just used as his instincts helped him to find out about it.


    He knew that the First Authority, one of the abilities of the Authority Innate Skill that he had, would put the demon under his control.


    Although he didn''t know whether it would be applicable to other people or not, he was sure that it would have worked on this demon.


    After all, if he knew that it wouldn''t work, then he wouldn''t have used it at all.


    However, before even Desire could confirm if the demon was indeed under his control now, something happened with the demon.


    And that was...his face started to emit smoke. The smoke wasn''t that thick, but the smoke...didn''t last that long as the wind blew it away.


    It seems that the demon was fine as he didn''t scream in pain or something like that.


    "Huh?" Desire murmured as he noticed that something appeared right in front of him.


    And that was...the Unknown.


    [One of Authority''s abilities, First Authority, has been used.]


    [First Authority has successfully made the demon, William Rayheart, to be Desire''s slave.]


    [The Demon''s Oath has taken place.]


    And that was what the Unknown said. It basically just confirmed for Desire that the demon in front of him was his slave now.


    However, there was something that caught Desire''s interest, and that was the third line.


    He then willed for the Unknown to explain it better, and it seems that the Unknown doesn''t plan to disappoint Desire as another screen appeared.


    Of course, Desire began to read it right away.


    [The Demon''s Oath]


    -The Demon''s Oath is connected with First Authority.


    -The Demon''s Oath is an oath that makes any demon that Desire meets his slave.


    And...that was it. That was all the Unknown had to say for The Demon''s Oath part.


    "Hmmm...so any demon that I meet from now on will be my slave? Is that how it is?" Desire murmured as he read The Demon''s Oath.


    However, he couldn''t understand it.


    "Why do I have something like this?"


    Right...he couldn''t understand how he has such a privilege. If any demon that he meets will be his slave, Desire would be a powerhouse in no time at all.


    But...it doesn''t make sense at all. Desire didn''t even know the existence of the demon race before, and now, Unknown was basically saying that he had absolute control over them.


    What''s more, Desire was sure that he has no connection with them other than the Summon Familiar Skill.


    "Hmm...I guess I will have to find out about demons sooner or later, too." Desire said, but it seems that the Unknown was not done yet as another screen popped up in front of Desire.


    [Demons under The Demon''s Oath]


    -William Rayheart


    -N/A


    -N/A


    -N/A


    -N/A


    And when Desire read it, he immediately understood what it was about.


    "So...I can only have 5 demons under my control? Damn, I thought I would be able to have an army of demons." Desire said as he looked at the screen.


    However, he didn''t care about it anymore as he whipped it away from his vision.


    After all, it was just saying the number of demons that he could get with The Demon''s Oath.


    There was no need to think about it anymore as the situation right now was more pressing.


    It was then that Desire spoke once more as he looked down on the demon in front of him...on William Rayheart.


    "Stand up." He said.


    And when William heard that, his body...forced him to stand up. Well, he couldn''t control his body, after all.


    And as soon as he stood up, Desire was able to see something change in William''s appearance.


    To be exact, William''s face has changed.


    "What the hell is that?" Desire murmured as he looked at William''s cheeks that now had the shade of red.


    On William''s right cheek was some kind of...symbol. That symbol was three circles interlocked together. It was like a Venn diagram.


    And those three circles had the shade of red. It was something that Desire has never seen before, and even William has never seen something like this.


    However, since it appeared right after Desire used the First Authority or The Demon''s Oath, it was clear that this...was a symbol of William being a slave of Desire now.


    Of course, even Desire thought that way as he spoke, "I guess that''s the sign that you''re my slave now."


    "Does that disappear when I want it to disappear?" Desire murmured as he willed for the symbol to disappear from William''s cheek.


    However, the symbol was still there even though he already did it.


    It was...shocking, but of course, Desire just let it go since it wasn''t that important, anyway.


    What was important was to understand how this slave thing works now.


    Although Desire was able to get William with The Demon''s Oath, Desire wanted to know if William wanted to be his slave or something like that.


    Well, Desire kind of forced William to be his slave, but...Desire wanted to know if William wanted to break free or something like that.


    And since Desire has William under his control, he only needs to ask.


    That was why Desire spoke again as he looked at William.


    "Did you want to become my slave, William?" Desire said it without running around the bush.


    And right after William heard those words, his...throat made some sounds, "No."


    And it was another straightforward answer.


    After all, who would want to become a slave of another being? Unless one has extreme loyalty from his heart or was just a pervert, no sane man would want to be a slave.


    Anyways, what Desire got from this...conversation was that...William doesn''t have control over his body at all.


    It was easy to guess as William seemed so lifeless when he spoke or moved.


    And Desire...didn''t like that. Although he wanted William to be his slave indeed, he didn''t want a lifeless doll.


    If he wanted a lifeless doll, he could have just gotten that with the help of his master.


    ''How do I release the control over his body, but also prevent him from disobeying me...'' Desire thought as he looked at William.


    He wanted William to have the freedom to be himself, but not that much that he would be able to disobey him of course.


    ''Unknown.'' Desire thought as he expected that Unknown would have an answer for this.


    There were several screens that popped up, but nothing that answered his question.


    ''The Demon''s Oath.'' Desire thought as he wanted to go back to the previous screen that he saw before.


    [The Demon''s Oath]


    -The Demon''s Oath is connected with First Authority.


    -The Demon''s Oath is an oath that makes any demon that Desire meets his slave.


    ''Hmm...the second part.'' Desire thought as he tried to make the Unknown explain the second part of The Demon''s Oath.


    He expected that the Unknown would have an answer for him somewhere, and it seems that he was correct in thinking that as another screened popped up in front of him.


    And what it said was...


    [The Demon''s Oath is an oath that makes any demon that Desire meets his slave.]


    [Advice!]


    -With or without The Demon''s Oath, a demon would want to be Desire''s slave. Give time for the demon to adjust after giving The Demon''s Oath or after meeting them.


    And what it said was...something so ridiculous that even Desire was unable to believe it.


    ''They want to become my slave?'' Desire thought as confusion set in his mind.

 Chapter 193: Ill summon you again

    ''They want to become my slave?'' Desire thought as confusion set in his mind.


    After all, it basically said that even without The Demon''s Oath, the demons would want to become his slave.


    ''They want...That''s...kind of creepy.'' Desire thought, but he decided to not just mind it.


    He was not that affected right now, and this was something advantageous to Desire right now.


    After all, that means that even William would want to become his slave.


    However, that part didn''t really answer Desire''s question of how he would be able to release his control over William''s body.


    That was why...Desire was still stuck in this as he tried to look for other things in the Unknown.


    It was then that Desire''s eyes widened as he realized something. Since William was his slave now, William should be able to do whatever he wanted him to do.


    And since Desire wants to release his control over William''s body, William should be able to do something like that.


    Although it was just a hole in the logic, it was still worth a try.


    After all, it wouldn''t cost Desire that much.


    That was why...Desire spoke as he ordered William.


    "Ah, you can move however you want."


    And as soon as Desire said those words, he could see something change in William.


    No, it wasn''t that big. It was just that...William''s face suddenly became dark.


    If before, William''s face was bright and all that, right now, William''s face was definitely dark.


    ''What the hell?'' Desire thought as he looked at William, but it seems that...he didn''t have the time to think about it anymore as William moved as he began to back off.


    It was then that William shouted out loud as he looked at Desire.


    "What are you!?" William said angrily as so many things happened to his body without his consent.


    His body moved by itself, got burned, produced smoke, and then a symbol on his face. It was only right for him to get angry.


    Well, he didn''t know what was going on, but...right after he said those words, he could feel his nerves calming down once more.


    It was the same thing that happened to him before when he was first summoned to this place.


    However, William knew that something significant happened to him as his body moved without his consent.


    "What did you do to me!" William shouted out loud as he tried to force his powers to come out.


    But...nothing really came out. It was as if William could not decide for himself when he is in front of Desire.


    And that was the truth. He was a slave now, and he was also Desire''s familiar.


    There''s no way that his opinion would matter when Desire is in his presence.


    "Hmm...so it worked. But you are still showing me disobedience. Did I not say that you are my slave now?" Desire said as he turned his body towards William with his red eyes...wide open.


    The way that he looked at William was so scary that even William could feel his knees go weak.


    "Well, whatever. You won''t be able to disobey with this...demon''s oath thingy." Desire said as he calmed himself down.


    After all, he didn''t want to waste time disciplining his familiar now that he was under his control.


    "Anyways, it said that I should give you time." Desire murmured as he started to think about what he should do in this situation.


    The reason why he used the Summon Familiar Skill was to find out about it and his familiars.


    Of course, since he was now able to get his...second familiar under his control, Desire would be able to find out about his familiar anytime he wants now.


    He would be able to summon him again, after all.


    And since the Unknown said that he should give William some time to adjust, Desire decided to send William back to wherever he was from.


    That was why Desire raised his hand as he looked at William again.


    "Well then, I''ll summon you again, demon." Desire said as he snapped his fingers.


    "What?!" William shouted out loud in retaliation to what Desire just said, but...he soon disappeared in this place as Desire willed him to disappear.


    Of course, Desire knew how to send William back with the help of his instincts.


    The wind blew, and only Desire was standing in this broken house.


    "So...does that mean if I summon him again next time, he would be willing to be my slave?" Desire murmured as he tried to read the Unknown again.


    It was really weird for him to know that demons would want to become his slave, but well.


    Desire didn''t really care about the other demons right now as he just wanted to make sure that William would fight for him and kill for him.


    As long as William is willing to do that for him, Desire wouldn''t mind getting another demon slave.


    Well, it would depend if Desire finds them to his taste.


    "That''s one thing done, then." Desire murmured as he tried to think of what he should check now that he got plenty of mana.


    He feels that he would be able to summon another demon or another familiar, but Desire didn''t really want to summon another one right now.


    After all, Desire wanted to find out first if things were successful with William.


    ''Unknown.'' Desire thought as he summoned the Unknown.


    Of course, the Unknown immediately appeared right in front of him.


    Desire then spent the next hours in his time as he browsed through the Unknown, trying to find the things that he should tie the knot before going out.


    Right...he was trying to find out about his cards before going out to the...society.


    And the reason why he could tell that he would be going out to society now was because of one feeling.


    He feels that...he would meet enemies soon. And so, before that happens, Desire wanted to find things out about his cards.


    And so, it was in this way that Desire spent his time to find out more about his skills, magics, and himself.


    ****


    "What the hell was that?!?!" An angry shout resounded out in this place as the sound of rough breathing resounded out.


    This place was...a dull room that only had a single table. It was inside the mansion of William Rayheart.


    And of course, since it was inside the mansion of William Rayheart, William himself was currently standing in the middle of the room as he was sent back in this place.


    "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!" William shouted out loud again as his mana started to go out of control.


    It seems that he could use his powers now. Well, he wasn''t anywhere near Desire, after all.


    However, before even his mana could explode, some kind of light enshrouded William.


    And...it stopped William''s mana from exploding out and destroying this place.


    "My lord!" A voice resounded out in this place as something appeared in William''s vision.


    And it was his butler, Bas.


    Right, it was his butler who stopped his powers from exploding out, but William didn''t care about that at all.


    "That fucking bastard!" William cursed as he remembered how Desire treated him.


    However, when he said those words, he soon...felt regret. He felt regret and he felt...extreme distaste towards the tongue that said those words.


    In other words, he was...feeling disgusted with himself.


    And this emotion...this weird feeling...this was exactly why William was getting angry.


    "Why do I keep feeling this way when it comes to that..." William was about to curse Desire again, but he stopped.


    He didn''t want to feel disgusted with himself now. And because he stopped shouting, Bas spoke once more.


    "My lord, are you alright?!" Bas said with a worried look on his face.


    Bas was here when William disappeared all of a sudden, and he was also here when he reappeared.


    After all, William has not disappeared for a long time. He disappeared and reappeared almost at the same time.


    A long time, indeed, has passed for William, but not for Bas.


    That was why...he thought that his master was just playing around, but now that he saw William like this, he could only think otherwise.


    Of course, William was able to hear Bas loud and clear, which is why he calmed himself down.


    He didn''t really want Bas to know about what happened when it was such a...delightful event?


    Right...for William, that meeting with Desire was a delightful event.


    ''Fuck this shit...what is going on...'' William thought, but he soon stopped thinking as he whipped his head towards Bas.


    "Prepare me a meal." William said and he then whipped his head back to the wall as he began to walk towards it.


    Of course, Bas disappeared when his lord''s order came down to him.


    Anyways, the wall that William was walking towards to had...a really big mirror.


    And William was looking at himself. To be exact, he was looking at the symbol on his face.


    William thought that he would have great hatred towards the symbol, but...he was really feeling happy right now.


    And it was because of that, William murmured.


    "What the hell is going on..."


    "I need to find out what is going on..."


    William then promised in his heart that he would find out what was going on.

 Chapter 194: Innate Skills

    Desire was able to find out about most things in his current arsenal of skills and magics.


    And what he was able to find out about his magic and skills was that...he really didn''t have anything that could be used in a fight.


    Desire knew about it before, but...it was just shocking to know it now.


    Of course, that wasn''t really a problem as he could just pick new things up, but considering that he didn''t have anything that could be used in a fight, Desire was surprised that he was even still alive.


    He was aware of how hard his past trials were, and he was now aware of how...lucky he was considering that he was still alive.


    Well, even Desire considers that luck is a part of his skill.


    That was why Desire didn''t really think too much about that part.


    And as Desire was about to finish packing things up regarding the Unknown, he soon remembered that he had another set of skills that he hasn''t checked yet.


    And those skills were the Authority and Pandemonium Innate Skills that he had.


    "I guess I''ll check them, too." Desire murmured as he brought up the Unknown in front of him.


    Innate skills were innate skills because...they were innate skills. It was natural to Desire, and Desire...knows them naturally.


    Although it sounds weird, it was actually not. It was like...knowing how you can walk without actually know how to walk.


    That was why Desire didn''t consider finding out more about them since those innate skills were natural to him.


    However, since he was already on the track of checking out his skills, he thought that he should just do it.


    After all, it''s not like it would be a waste of time. In fact, Desire might even find out more things about them if he checked them using the Unknown.


    Either way, it would only be beneficial to Desire.


    ''Authority.'' Desire thought as he intended for the Unknown to show more details about the Innate Skill, Authority.


    And as soon as he did, the Unknown showed another screen in front of him.


    [Authority]


    -First Authority: The Demon''s Oath


    -Second Authority: ???


    -Third Authority: ???


    [Advice!]


    -To unlock the Second and Third Authorities, Desire must learn about them.


    And that was all the Unknown had to say about Desire''s Authority.


    And as soon as Desire finished reading them, his red eyes started to widen.


    "Huh? It''s not the same?" Desire murmured as he looked at the detailed information about Authority again.


    However, it was really the same, and this made Desire very confused.


    After all, Desire could remember, with the help of his Heavenly Demon Trait, that he once tried to find out more about Authority.


    And what the Unknown gave him before was very different from the current information it was giving him.


    He remembered that it was something along the lines of, ''A field where Desire can lord over...locked, locked, and locked.''


    That was why Desire couldn''t understand it. However, if one thinks about what happened to him, it would only be natural that this would happen to his Innate Skills, too.


    Of course, when Desire took his time to calm himself down and analyzed the situation, Desire could understand why Authority''s detailed information changed.


    "It got affected by my growth or...the Quarter God blood." Desire murmured as he nodded his head with a satisfied look on his face.


    "It should be fine even if they changed, but...what would happen to those locked abilities or the field that I can lord over?" Desire murmured.


    Would they be gone? Desire thought as he tried to probe the Unknown for more information.


    And it was then that a new screen showed up to Desire to answer his question specifically.


    [Authority''s previous abilities are now the current abilities'' abilities.]


    [They have been absorbed by the current abilities as Desire grew up.]


    [Once Desire unlocks the Second and Third Authorities, Desire would be able to see detailed information about how the abilities were relocated.]


    And when Desire read it, he soon understood why those abilities disappeared.


    Well, the Unknown literally explained things to him.


    However, there was something that caught Desire''s attention and that was the third line.


    "So, does the Unknown mean that I won''t be able to see detailed information about the Second Authority or even the First Authority?"


    Desire murmured as he willed for the Unknown to give out the detailed information about the First Authority.


    And what he saw was...


    [First Authority: The Demon''s Oath]


    -The Demon''s Oath


    It was a...simple way of explaining things, but Desire didn''t stop at that at all as he willed for the Unknown to explain about the first line.


    And what appeared was...the same thing that appeared to him before when he tried to find out about The Demon''s Oath.


    "Hmmm...the previous abilities are the Second Authority''s or the Third Authority''s ability."


    Desire murmured as he wiped the screens away from him.


    Since the questions that he had about the Authority were now solved, it was now time to go to the second Innate Skill.


    And that was...


    "Pandemonium." Desire murmured as he willed for the Unknown again.


    And as soon as he did, another screen showed up in front of him.


    [Pandemonium]


    -Rend


    -???


    -???


    [More abilities are hidden due to Desire''s weakness.]


    And that was...it.


    "Huh?" Desire murmured as he was surprised that it was such a...bland way to present his abilities or whatnot.


    However, Desire didn''t let this cloud his judgment. After all, who knows what kind of an amazing Innate Skill this would be.


    That was why Desire immediately willed for the Unknown to give more information about Rend.


    And what it said was...


    [Rend]


    And that was it.


    The Unknown literally didn''t give any information about the Pandemonium or any of its abilities, not even the available ability, Rend.


    "Hmm...I guess that''s that." Desire murmured as he wiped the screen away from him.


    After all, if the Unknown can''t tell shit about it, there was no need to force it.


    Pandemonium was a new Innate Ability that Desire just got. It was not like the Authority, which Desire knew about before.


    Desire didn''t have anything to compare to Pandemonium''s current abilities, and that was why it didn''t really stay in his mind that much.


    "Hmmm...now that I know about my skills and magics, it''s time to sleep."


    Right...it has been a long time ever since Lionel left him alone to rest.


    And since he was done with sorting things up, it was now time to sleep.


    However, it seems that Desire...couldn''t sleep anymore as a strange light suddenly entered Desire''s field of vision.


    Desire squinted his eyes to see better what was the source of the light, but...his eyes soon widened when he realized that it was the sun.


    "Huh?" Desire murmured with a dazed look on his face.


    "It''s already morning...?" Desire said as he looked at the sky.


    Although the sun was still not dominating the sky, the rays of the sun were definitely showering all over the world.


    It was...dawn now.


    "Damn...so I took 12 hours or so just to sort things out." Desire murmured as he began to shake his head.


    Well, he couldn''t believe that he took that much time just to find out about his skills and all that.


    However, Desire soon took that topic off of his mind since it didn''t really matter now.


    What mattered for Desire right now was...the question of sleep.


    "Master would come back soon...if I sleep now, I would just be interrupted." Desire murmured, but he was not done as he continued.


    "Well, whatever. It''s not like I feel sleepy." Desire said as he whipped his head towards the sun.


    It was the truth that Desire was not sleepy as he feels that he could even go for another round of tag against Lionel.


    Well, that was just an exaggeration, but it just means that Desire was full of energy right now.


    "I guess this is because I ate too much, huh." Desire said.


    "Anyways, what do I do now..."


    As it would still take time for his master to come back here, Desire didn''t know what he should do.


    After all, it''s not like Desire knew which way to go so that he could come to his master or something like that.


    He also didn''t know how to return back to Jakart, and what''s more is that...Desire could feel that Fyu was not here in this place.


    That was why...Desire thought that he should find a way to kill time, but he couldn''t find one.


    After all, what could a youth possibly do in a forest like this?


    "Hah...I''m bored." Desire said with a sigh as he plopped down on the ground.


    Desire then looked at the forest as he rested his chin on his right hand''s palm.


    "One bird...two bird...three bird..." Desire murmured as he began counting the birds that he could see flying in the distance.


    It seems that Desire had no problems seeing into the far distance with his eyes alone.


    And it was in this way that Desire...killed time.

 Chapter 195: Just Like A Monster

    Desire counted the birds for a lengthy amount of time, but it wasn''t really that long.


    It was just because Desire was not doing things that he really wanted to do that it seems like a lot of time has passed for him.


    However, Desire didn''t have to count the birds anymore as he felt that there was someone approaching him.


    Desire immediately stopped counting the birds and stood up as he looked in the direction that the person was coming from.


    Even though it was a sudden appearance, Desire wasn''t really that alarmed as he could feel that it was his master.


    And it seems that was true as Lionel immediately exited out of the sea of trees in the forest.


    "Hmm? You''re awake?" Lionel spoke as he fell down to the ground of the house that he just destroyed yesterday.


    And when Desire heard that, Desire quickly bowed his head as he spoke, "Yes, master. I felt you coming, so I prepared myself."


    "Hmm, you were able to feel me, huh. If you were able to feel me moving from far away, then you really did become quite strong. Do you really even need me to train you?" Lionel murmured as he began to shake his head.


    Lionel was strong. He was so strong that hundreds of strong people have to band together to even have a chance of defeating him.


    That was why...it was amazing.


    The fact that Desire could do so many shocking things such as running away from Lionel and sensing him from far away...was amazing.


    What''s more, Lionel was not just a strong person. He was a Conqueror, and he was a Conqueror for a reason.


    And since Desire could do so many things that a Conqueror was even surprised at...that only means that Desire has at least achieved a realm that most commoners wouldn''t be able to step on.


    That was why Lionel thought that it wouldn''t be beneficial for Desire to be trained by him.


    Well, it''s not like Desire was now stronger than Lionel or something like that.


    Lionel just feels that...with the rate of growth that Desire has currently been showing, it was only a matter of time until he establishes his strength properly.


    And what Lionel observed from Desire''s rater of growth, the moment Desire establishes his strength properly was only around the corner.


    However, it seems that Desire thought otherwise as he spoke with his head tilted sideways.


    "What do you mean, master?" Desire said as he looked at his master right in the eyes, "That sounds a little bit wrong to me."


    "I only became like this because my body grew up again. Meaning, it is only natural for me to become strong."


    "However, that doesn''t mean I really am strong."


    Desire said those words...without sounding a little bit cocky. Well, it was the truth that Desire thought that it was only natural for him to be strong.


    Since it was natural for him, it was nothing to be cocky about.


    "Oho." Lionel said as his mouth shaped into ''O'' as his eyes widened a little bit.


    His face was clearly showing interest and curiosity about what Desire said, but that was not all as Lionel''s face...was showing the feeling of happiness.


    Right, Lionel was happy when he heard what his student said.


    "So you mean to say that you are strong naturally, but you yourself are not strong."


    "That''s right." Desire nodded his head with satisfaction on his face as he was able to make his master understand his point.


    After all, even Desire was confused by what he said, but it seems that it was not the time to think about this as Lionel spoke once more.


    "I get what you''re saying. You feel that your body, instincts, magic, mana, literally everything that you have as your abilities are powerful and strong now, but...you feel...no, you know you don''t know how to use them." Lionel said as he crossed his arms.


    Desire nodded his head solemnly as his red eyes blazed.


    "Hmm...now that I think about it, that''s just like a monster''s way of thinking, ain''t it?"


    Lionel said as his lips turned into a smile, "Maybe, you really are a monster. It wouldn''t surprise me if you are one, though. Kuhahahaha!"


    And when Desire heard that, he...tilted his head again as his eyebrows started to furrow.


    "Monster''s way of thinking? Master, what do you mean by that?"


    Of course, when Lionel heard what his student said, he quickly stopped laughing as he spoke, "Ah, it''s not really the monster''s way of thinking. Hmmm, what should I say...it''s like how monsters are."


    "Monsters are strong naturally. The moment they are born, their strengths are dictated and it cannot be changed unless they do the monster''s way of training."


    "That''s why you saying that you are strong naturally, yet also know that you are not strong yourself is just like a monster."


    "Confusing, isn''t it? But that''s fine! Monsters are confusing, after all! Kuhahahahaha!" Lionel laughed his heart out as his shoulders went up and down.


    And while he was laughing like that, Desire was currently thinking.


    ''Hmm...I don''t understand, but I guess I don''t have to understand it.''


    Right, Desire didn''t understand what Lionel said about him being similar to monsters.


    However, it was actually really simple. In fact, it is only confusing because of how Lionel or even Desire tried to explain it, but it was really simple.


    Monsters are strong naturally through the help of their instincts and all their natural advantages, but...the ''individual'' itself is not strong.


    In other words, the external parts of the monsters...the body, instincts, physical strength, and everything else that could be considered external parts are strong, but...the internal part of the monster, the ''monster'' itself is not.


    That was why Desire was similar to monsters. Desire''s body, instincts, skills, and everything else that could be considered external parts of him are strong now.


    However, Desire ''himself'' is not strong as he was not the one who trained and got his current powers, just like how monsters are when they suddenly mature.


    That was also why Desire could feel that he...is not strong enough to actually call himself strong.


    It was then that Lionel stopped laughing as he calmed himself down.


    He then spoke again as he began to look at Desire.


    "Anyway, I didn''t come here to talk about monsters. I came here to get you. Let''s go, we would go back to Jakart."


    Lionel then turned around as he began to walk in the direction where he came from.


    And while he was walking, Desire spoke, "Hmm? I would go back to Jakart?"


    "Does that mean that my training is over?"


    Right...Desire was aware of the fact that he was only here in this forest because he would be trained by Lionel.


    However, since Lionel, his master, was saying that he would return to Jakart, it basically means that his training was over.


    And that was weird since...Desire only did the Refreshing Technique''s First Stage, Death.


    Although he also opened up his foundation with his body, as he got Heaven''s Blue grade, it didn''t really mean anything.


    No, it didn''t even count as training. It was the same case as with what happened to him with Aimon.


    Aimon just opened his potential, and that was it.


    That was why it was weird for Desire to know that they would be going back to Jakart now since he hasn''t even confirmed if he could truly master all three styles now.


    And it seems that...Desire''s training days in the Lion''s Forest were over as Lionel spoke without looking at Desire.


    "Yeah, just in the Lion''s Forest, though. I would still train you in Jakart. What I wanted for you to accomplish in this place was for you to establish your body foundation and to have Aimon, the old bastard, perform the Divine Sharpness of the Ghost Needles on you."


    "Since those two points are already done, there''s no point in staying in this place."


    "Besides, aren''t you excited to know?"


    Desire''s eyebrows wiggled a little bit when he heard his master''s voice suddenly change in tone.


    It suddenly changed into a playful one, and this tone was...it was similar to Jarina''s tone whenever she did something mischievous with Desire.


    That was why Desire knew that what would come out of Lionel''s lips next would be something that he...wouldn''t have expected.


    "Aren''t you excited to know just how strong you are in society''s standards?"


    "I know an event that would tell you exactly how strong you are in society''s standards."


    It was then that Lionel turned around as he looked at Desire in the eye.


    His hair that was just majestic was flying in the air, and this just made Lionel look more dignified.


    And it was with this look that Lionel spoke again.


    "How about it? Want to know how strong you are?"


    And when Desire heard the question, he...suddenly felt hot all over his body, and he could feel his blood rushing to his brain.


    He could also feel his heart pumping much faster, and he could even feel his breath leave his nose.


    ''What is it?'' Desire thought as he tried to find the reason why he was feeling like this, but...he soon discarded it.


    Why? It was because he wanted to answer as fast as possible.


    That was why...with all of his heart and all the strange feelings he was experiencing right now, Desire shouted.


    "Yes!!" Desire shouted as he began to run towards his master.


    And it was in this way...that the Young King was introduced into the world.

 Chapter 196: Wave Of Fire

    Desire and his master quickly went back to Jakart with the teleportation magic that they used to get to the Lion''s Forest.


    Of course, Desire wasn''t carried by his master anymore or something like that.


    Desire just tapped Lionel''s shoulder while the teleportation magic was ongoing, and just like that, he was back in Jakart after a seemingly long amount of time.


    "Wow, now that I''m here again, master''s mansion really is big, isn''t it?" Desire said with amazement plastered all over his face as he looked in front of him.


    Of course, it was Lionel''s mansion, where he lives and where Desire lived for a...short amount of time before.


    "That''s not something you should be amazed at, though I understand the sentiment." Lionel said as he began to walk towards his mansion.


    "Follow me, Jarina''s been waiting for you, too." Lionel continued without looking back at Desire.


    "Did you tell her about my sudden growth, master?" Desire said as he, too, began to walk as he followed right behind his master.


    "No, I didn''t. You should be the one to tell her about that. Though I doubt she would have any problems with you growing up like that." Lionel said.


    And Desire...didn''t speak after hearing that. He just stayed quiet and just kept walking.


    It didn''t take long for the duo to reach and enter the mansion, and as soon as they did, Desire felt something.


    ''Intruders?'' Desire thought as he used his senses to grasp on that feeling.


    He could feel that...there were a lot of people coming in and out of this...place.


    No, he didn''t exactly know where they were, but he knew that they were near.


    "Hmm? You can feel them?" Lionel said as he felt that Desire was alerted over something.


    Of course, when Desire heard what his master said, he quickly whipped his head towards his direction as he spoke, "Yes...what are they? Are they intruders? There are so many of them."


    "No, they are not. They are my men that came back from the war. You remember that the Lion Clan was going to war before we started your training, right? They just came back."


    Lionel said as he urged Desire to follow him with his right hand, "Don''t mind them, too much. This place is connected with the Lion Clan''s headquarters, so it isn''t that weird for you to feel them."


    However, before even Lionel could take a step, Desire spoke, "They came back?"


    "Master, do you mean to say that the war is already over?" Desire said with a nonchalant tone.


    Although it was such a shocking event, Desire wasn''t really that surprised about it.


    Well, he was just calm about it. After all, there was no need to be that surprised about it when it didn''t concern him at all.


    "Hmm? Have I not told you? The war is already over. The moment the Lion Clan announced that we would be taking over the dungeon, no other clans or guilds tried to get it."


    "And since I sent one of my direct soldiers to lead the Lion Clan''s forces, they conquered the Dungeon easily."


    And when Desire heard that, he nodded his head as he spoke, "I see..."


    "Master, did one of your subordinates become a Conqueror? Since they conquered the Dungeon, the one who killed the Monster Lord should be a Conqueror by now." Desire asked as he got curious about this topic.


    What Desire said was the truth. If one kills a Monster Lord, one could be considered a Conqueror by then.


    However, it seems that Desire was forgetting something as Lionel spoke.


    "The Dungeon in the east is just Rank C. Killing a Monster Lord of a Dungeon of that level does not make one a Conqueror."


    Lionel answered Desire, but it seems that Desire was not done with his questions as he spoke once more.


    It seems that he got a lot of questions to ask about what was happening in the outside world.


    "So, a month is considered a short amount of time when it comes to conquering Dungeons?" Desire asked.


    Lionel just nodded his head. When he saw that Desire understood his point, he continued speaking.


    "Well, just like I said, don''t mind them too much. I''ll let you meet them personally soon, after all."


    It was then that Lionel finally started to walk. His steps resounded out in this place, and Desire just followed right after him.


    ''So, I''ll meet them...I wonder what they would think of me.'' Desire thought as his eyes sharpened a little bit.


    ''Though, their opinions would never matter.''


    Right...Desire never planned to care about the opinions of the Lion Clan''s forces or whoever they were.


    Desire would do whatever he wanted to do, and no one will stop him from doing that.


    It was then that Lionel''s mansion started to shake. Before it started shaking, a loud explosion of something resounded out which was obviously the cause of the shaking.


    And when it happened, Lionel spoke as his face immediately turned sour, "Are they at it, again? Jeez."


    "Ah, Desire, how about you go and meet Jarina first?" Lionel said as he turned around to look at Desire.


    "Hmm? I thought we were going to go somewhere that will tell me how strong I am?" Desire said as his red eyes widened a little bit.


    It seems that he was really excited to know how strong he was right now.


    "Don''t worry about that, you will definitely go there. However, not now since it''s an event that most powerhouses are going to attend so it would take some time to organize that."


    "So, meet Jarina first." Lionel said, but he was not done as he continued, "She''s at the source of this shaking."


    Lionel then pointed his finger at the ground as the...mansion started to shake once more.


    Of course, Desire was able to understand what his master meant by that, and he just...nodded his head.


    But Desire wanted to know when that event would start, so he spoke again.


    "When will that event start, master?"


    However, it seems that Lionel doesn''t plan to answer him right now as he answered with a vague answer, "I''ll tell you when it comes."


    Lionel then turned around as he resumed walking towards his destination.


    It didn''t take him long to disappear from Desire''s field of vision.


    ''Hmm...guess I should meet Jarina, then.'' Desire thought as he started to expand his senses to find out about the source of the shaking.


    Desire was able to do this before when he was still a child, so it was quite easy for him to find the source of the shaking now.


    ''So, she''s there.'' Desire thought as he started to walk towards the direction of that place.


    That place was, of course, the place where Desire trained himself before to increase his progress with the unification with water.


    ''Hmm? Someone''s with her.'' Desire could feel that there was someone with Jarina in that room, and that was why...Desire started to walk a little bit faster.


    "Jarina''s mine..." Desire murmured as his walking turned into running.


    And it was because of this that Desire was able to reach his destination quickly.


    It was the same door that wasn''t closed, and when Desire peeked inside, he could see...pillars of fire everywhere.


    Marks of the ground and the walls being burned were evident, and the ground was also sliced open here and there.


    And as if that was not enough, the whole place was...just the pure demonstration of chaos.


    Right, it was just chaos!


    "What the fuck? What happened here?" Desire murmured as he tried to peek in between the pillars of fire.


    And before even Desire could try and use his senses to find out what was happening here, he soon saw the pillars of fire...being cut in half.


    A light suddenly appeared in Desire''s field of vision, and Desire''s two eyes followed that light.


    "Ah, that''s!" Desire shouted as he saw that the light...was a sharp blade that was connected to a string.


    Desire then whipped his head as he tried to find the source of the string, and there...he saw Jarina dancing around with fire.


    "Jarina!" Desire shouted out loud, but it seems that Jarina couldn''t hear him as she...proceeded to cut the fire again in half!


    The way she danced around with her two blades dangling around from both of her arms was just...beautiful.


    It was so beautiful that even Desire was captivated by her.


    However, maybe because Jarina was too focused, she didn''t notice it.


    She didn''t notice that another wave of fire was coming for her from her sides, ready to burn her alive.


    It was only when the fire was near her that Jarina''s eyes finally noticed it.


    But...as she was in the process of cutting down another pillar of fire, she couldn''t pull back her blades in time to cut the wave of fire.


    Right...Jarina was about to be eaten alive by the wave of fire!


    It was then that Jarina saw some sort of shadow move in front of her, right in front of the wave of fire.


    "Hmm...how do I do it, like this?" A voice said, and the next thing that Jarina saw was the fire slowly disappearing into thin air.


    ''What!'' Jarina thought to herself as her purple eyes widened.

 Chapter 197: Ill Handle It

    ''What!'' Jarina thought to herself as her purple eyes saw the wave of fire suddenly disappear into thin air.


    As it was so sudden and it was not by her doing, Jarina was really surprised by it.


    She also knew that the source of the fire was someone strong, so...destroying the wave of fire was definitely not easy.


    However, it seems that the surprises have not ended yet as she soon felt a touch on her shoulder.


    "What''s happening here?" A deep and husky voice entered her ears.


    It was a voice unfamiliar to her, but somehow...it was really, really familiar.


    It was a weird feeling, but that was not all as Jarina was feeling even...weirder than that.


    No, it wasn''t really a feeling, but...she could feel her heart beat faster than ever.


    Hell, it was even beating faster than when she first noticed that a wave of fire was coming to burn her alive.


    "Hmm? Are you alright?" The same voice resounded out. A deep and husky voice that just seems to attract Jarina''s attention.


    And it was then that Jarina finally turned her face around to look at the person who suddenly touched her shoulder.


    "Ah!" Jarina''s mouth widened into an ''O'' shape as she let out a scream. It was not only her mouth that widened but also her eyes.


    Why? It was because...even though the difference was huge and the resemblance was almost faint from when he was a child, Jarina could tell.


    She could tell from the bottom of her heart that this stranger in front of her was...


    "Desire!" Jarina shouted out loud as her body instinctively moved, her body moved as she hugged Desire.


    And Desire...didn''t move as he just began to caress Jarina''s purple hair.


    He was taller than Jarina now, so Jarina was completely tucked in his arms.


    The sight of them hugging together was just like a painting made by a god himself.


    He then spoke with the same deep and husky voice, "Hmm? You can recognize me?"


    "Even though I grew up again?" Desire continued as he looked down on Jarina.


    Of course, when Desire spoke to him, Jarina moved her head to look up at Desire.


    However, when she did, Desire could see...her eyes were somehow a little bit red and wet.


    "Huh? What''s wrong?" Desire murmured immediately as he moved his left hand to wipe the tears from Jarina''s eyes.


    "W-well...I heard that something happened to you when you were training and that you weren''t waking up even though a long time has passed." Jarina said, and as soon as she finished speaking, she...buried her face into Desire''s chest.


    It seems that she just wanted to savor this moment of being in Desire''s arms as she didn''t even wait for Desire''s reply or explanation.


    Of course, Desire...didn''t speak as he just patted Jarina''s head with his left arm.


    His right arm was...not doing anything as Desire didn''t want to touch Jarina with this arm, with this cracked and blackened arm that he used to destroy the wave of fire.


    Well, his right arm was hidden as he was wearing a robe that was covering both of his arms.


    ''Hmm...this feels nice.'' Desire thought as he closed his eyes.


    It did feel nice for him to be hugged by Jarina, but...it seems that he couldn''t enjoy this feeling anymore as he heard a voice.


    "Can''t you do that somewhere else?" That voice said, and it was a voice that Desire heard before.


    As he has the Heavenly Demon Trait, it was fairly easy for him to remember who this voice belongs to.


    That was why...Desire looked up as he opened his eyes and spoke, "Grizelle."


    However, Desire was not done as he continued, "So, you''re the one who made those fire and those pillars."


    "You''re the one...who planned to burn Jarina alive." Desire said as he...raised his right arm, pointing his finger to Grizelle.


    His red eyes were glaring right at her, but that was not all as Desire even instinctively released some sort of aura.


    This aura pressured Grizelle, but...it wasn''t really that bad for Grizelle. After all, it''s not like Grizelle was some small fry who can''t defend herself.


    What''s more, it''s not like Desire would just suddenly attack Grizelle when he knew that Grizelle was an ally.


    However...Desire just didn''t like the fact that Grizelle was actually pointing her fire at Jarina.


    That was why he is acting like this. But...it seems that his concern was no need as Grizelle spoke.


    "I don''t know who you are, but we were practicing - not fighting. You can ask that woman if you don''t trust my words."


    "Besides, it''s not like she can''t defend herself. You saw her cutting the pillars of fire in half, right?"


    "Even if you didn''t come and defend her, she would be able to escape from that situation unscathed."


    Grizelle said as she looked at Desire with cold eyes. It seems that she didn''t recognize who Desire was.


    Well, it was only natural considering that even Lionel didn''t recognize Desire at first.


    In fact, Jarina was just that...mindful of Desire that she was able to recognize Desire right away.


    Anyways, when she heard the two talking, Jarina finally raised her head to look at Desire and spoke, "Oh, right. I forgot to mention this, but yes. We were practicing, so you didn''t really have to intervene like that."


    "But...I appreciate it." Jarina said those last words so quietly that if it weren''t for Desire''s senses, he wouldn''t have picked it up.


    "Hmm...I guess so. Master also did me pretty bad when we were practicing." Desire murmured as he brought down his right hand.


    His right hand...returned back to normal, and the pressure that was leaking from him stopped as well.


    "Anyways, how long are you gonna hug me? I''m fine now so you can have me for all you want whenever you want." Desire said as he caressed Jarina''s head.


    What he said was so cheesy and cringy that even the cold and lifeless eyes of Grizelle showed a bit of disgust.


    ''Uwaaah. Jarina actually has feelings for someone like him?'' Grizelle thought as she turned her head away from secondhand embarrassment.


    Of course, when Jarina heard what Desire said, her face turned a little bit red, but she didn''t panic or anything like that.


    She had the Cold-Blooded Trait for a reason, after all.


    It seems that she didn''t mind that Desire was cheesy or something like that.


    "Ah, I''m sorry." Jarina said as she then began to move away from Desire while bowing her head.


    She didn''t want to Desire to see what she looks like right now, after all.


    "Anyways, you said that you guys were practicing?" Desire said as he looked at Grizelle and Jarina.


    Of course, his eyes stayed with Jarina as he continued, "How...come, though? I remember you didn''t like her or something? Did that pass away just like that?"


    Desire could remember that Jarina was acting hostile towards Grizelle, which is why he was confused to see them practicing.


    In fact, that was also why he thought that the ''practice'' was a fight.


    After all, there was just no way that Jarina would suddenly like Grizelle.


    However, before even Jarina could answer his questions, Grizelle spoke first.


    "Huh? How come you''re asking so many questions even though you just entered this place?"


    "You disturbed our practice, and yet, you think that you can just act normally?"


    "Even if this woman has feelings for you, I won''t forgive such rude behavior."


    "In the first place, who are you? Acting like that when it''s our first meeting...disgusting."


    Grizelle said all those words with her usual cold eyes. It seems that she really didn''t like how Desire was acting.


    Well, it was the truth that Desire was rude considering that he stopped their practice.


    "Hmm? What do you mean by it''s your first time meeting him? You guys already met." Jarina said as she turned her head towards Grizelle.


    "You already met De-!!" Jarina tried to continue her words, but...she was abruptly cut off as Desire...covered her mouth with his left hand.


    "Hmm!" Jarina tried to break out of Desire''s hold out of surprise, but when she realized that it was Desire, she...didn''t struggle anymore.


    Well, it was Desire.


    Anyway, when he could feel that Jarina was no longer struggling, Desire spoke with his mouth near Jarina''s ear.


    "Why are you telling her that I''m Desire? I trust you and master, but I don''t trust her at all."


    And when she heard what Desire said, Jarina''s eyes widened. After all, she finally realized why Desire was covering her mouth like this.


    It was indeed...a mistake for her to just speak without thinking about anything, and it was a mistake...that could possibly cost the future of Desire.


    After all, just the rumor of someone being able to grow from a baby to child, from child to adult would definitely make Desire''s life horrible.


    That was why...Jarina was feeling guilty all over her mind and body right now as panic and confusion entered her mind.


    However, before even Jarina could really panic or something like that, Desire spoke again.


    "Don''t worry about it, I''ll handle this situation." He said as he tried to comfort Jarina.

 Chapter 198: Witnessed

    "Don''t worry about it, I''ll handle this situation." Desire said as he tried to comfort Jarina.


    Of course, Desire knew that Jarina cares for him, which is why he didn''t want her to feel guilty.


    After all, Jarina was just a monster, and a monster makes mistakes, too.


    Desire understands that very well, which is why he wasn''t that too harsh about it.


    Well, it was just because he likes Jarina. If it was some other being, Desire would have ripped off their mouths for accidentally spilling his secrets.


    Right...including monsters, the race that Desire loves.


    Anyway, Desire spoke while holding Jarina''s mouth, "Ah, you''re bleeding."


    "You guys took practicing too seriously for you to bleed like this." Desire said as he turned his head towards Grizelle.


    "You don''t mind if I take her back with me, right?" Desire said as he...removed his left hand over Jarina''s mouth.


    And his left hand was...covered in blood. However, that was not all as even Jarina''s nose was bleeding.


    It was so sudden that even Jarina, who was about to collapse from guilt, was shocked to feel that she was bleeding.


    "Hmm...but she was saying something, right? I heard it." Grizelle said as she looked at Desire.


    It seems that she was interested in what Jarina had to say as her face...was clearly showing her interest.


    It was easy to see since Grizelle always had this cold look on her face.


    "We already met, she said." Grizelle said, but she was not done as she continued to speak, "Why did you stop her?"


    And when Desire heard that, he spoke with a nonchalant tone as he looked at Grizelle.


    "I didn''t stop her. I just wanted to check her condition since I saw that she was bleeding. Anyways, I heard that, too, but...I only met you - you haven''t met me." Desire said as he began to move away a little bit from Jarina.


    He then continued as he...introduced himself.


    "Although you saw us being close like that, I''m actually a subordinate of the Lion King."


    "I have been protecting her from the shadows, so ever since you guys met, I already met you. But since I''m just watching from the shadows, you didn''t see me."


    "Jarina is probably tired from all the practicing you guys have been doing so she probably jumbled all the events up."


    "What''s more, she''s actually injured. It wouldn''t be weird for her to mix things up like that."


    Desire said all those words, but he wasn''t planning to stop now as he wanted to get out of this sticky situation with Jarina.


    "Now that you know, can I take her with me? She''s still bleeding, and I want to take her to someone who can heal her." Desire said as he pointed at Jarina.


    And when he did, Grizelle looked at Jarina. And what she could see was Jarina hiding her nosebleed.


    Well, it wouldn''t be weird for her to do something like that as she was ''injured.''


    And Grizelle just...looked at Jarina for a long time. It seems that she was thinking, and this made Desire and Jarina nervous.


    After all, there was literally nothing that they could do about Grizelle if she were to find out about Desire.


    Although death would definitely prevent Grizelle from spreading information about Desire, they couldn''t do that.


    Not when the threat of Lamiya was still going strong.


    It was then that Grizelle finally broke the silence as she spoke, "Alright. I''ll meet you again, then."


    After saying those words, Grizelle then turned around as she began to walk out of this place.


    It didn''t take her long to disappear from this place as she went to her resting place.


    "Hmm...that was close." Desire murmured while looking in the direction where Grizelle went.


    Of course, now that Grizelle was gone from this place, Desire walked towards Jarina and spoke, "Let''s go. Let''s get out of this place and go see master."


    It was then that Jarina finally spoke as she removed her hands from her nose, "W-what happened? Why did I suddenly...bleed when I wasn''t feeling anything wrong with my body?"


    Right, it was the truth that Jarina was fine until her mouth was suddenly grabbed by Desire.


    It was surprising, and that was why Jarina wanted to know the reason why she suddenly started to bleed.


    And what Desire had to say for himself was..."Ah, that''s my blood."


    Right, the blood flowing from Jarina''s nose was Desire''s blood.


    "I injured my left hand before I touched your mouth, and then made sure that it would look like you''re bleeding by spreading it."


    "It''s good, no? It was able to fool Grizelle. I think I was able to fool you as well."


    Desire said those words as he raised his left hand''s palm. It had traces of blood and the blood was dry, but when Desire showed it to Jarina, his blood flowed down again.


    Of course, it wasn''t that much as Desire...healed his left hand with the power of the cracks.


    "Wow, what happened to you, really? I couldn''t even feel you injuring yourself or doing something like that!" Jarina shouted out loud with amazement in her voice.


    After all, it was truly amazing that Desire could do something like that in the blink of an eye.


    However, it seems that Desire was still wary of ears as he spoke while ''shh-ing'' Jarina with his right hand.


    "Don''t speak so loudly, that woman might still be around."


    Jarina then nodded her head as she brought two of her hands to her mouth as she realized her mistake again.


    And when he saw that Jarina was now...docile, Desire spoke again as he turned towards the direction where he came from.


    "I''ll tell you about it later. We should meet master, first." Desire said as he then signaled for Jarina to follow after him.


    Of course, Jarina just walked right behind Desire. Surprisingly, the two blades hanging on her arms were now gone. Even the strings.


    Well, it was just because Jarina began to tuck it away with the power of her magic.


    And as soon as she was done tucking away her weapons, she spoke.


    "Hey, Desire..."


    "Hmm?" Desire hummed as he turned his head to look at Jarina.


    Of course, when she knew that she got Desire''s attention, Jarina continued, "You''re...Desire, right?"


    And when Desire heard what Jarina said, his two eyes...widened a little bit.


    After all, he could understand why Jarina was asking this.


    It was because of the drastic change that suddenly happened to him.


    And since it was so drastic, it wouldn''t be weird to think that Desire''s persona or personality may have changed, too.


    That was why...Desire stopped walking as he turned his body around to face Jarina.


    "What are you talking about? I''m still the Desire that proposed to you, so don''t worry about something like that."


    "If I become someone different, that wouldn''t be me, no?"


    "Ah, wait...that''s confusing, but well. I''m still me, so that''s all that matters."


    "Alright?" Desire said those words as he looked at Jarina straight in the eyes.


    And Jarina was...she could feel that Desire was serious about what he said.


    Since Desire was serious, there was no need to doubt him. Well, Jarina never doubted Desire in the first place.


    Changes were bound to happen to a person, and Desire was no different.


    He would change in time, too, and Jarina acknowledges that.


    What Jarina wanted to say when she asked him that question was...his love.


    Right, Jarina wanted to make sure that she was still in Desire''s eyes.


    And since she got his answer, Jarina spoke with a wide smile on her face.


    "Alright, Desire!" Jarina''s face suddenly brightened up when she said those words, and her...otherwordly beauty could be seen by Desire.


    She was so beautiful that Desire finally understands how lucky he was, considering that he was able to get her when he was but a child.


    "Right, let''s go now." Desire said as he grabbed Jarina''s hand without even saying anything about it.


    He then...began to walk with her, just like that.


    Well, Jarina had no problems as she just followed right after Desire without any problems.


    And while the two were walking together with quite the passionate mood, none of them noticed.


    Not Desire with his abnormal senses, and not Jarina with her monstrous instincts.


    They were not able to see, feel, or hear about the Krussi that was suddenly glowing in some kind of light.


    The reason being is...it was just not visible to them. Right, the light glowing in the Krussi is not visible with the naked eye of monsters or humans.


    However, it seems that it was not so special as the Krussi...stopped glowing anymore.


    And in the center of the cross-shaped necklace, at the intersection of the cross, there...were some words.


    These words were engraved by the light that is not visible to the naked eye of monsters or humans.


    And what it said was...


    The Symbol of the Promised One, Krussi, has witnessed Jarina Welfreim''s loyalty to the Promised One.


    And...that was it. Without the two of them knowing of this, the two went on to find Lionel.

 Chapter 199: Thats My Disciple

    Desire and Jarina were currently walking in the hallway of Lionel''s mansion.


    Of course, they talked to each other as they walked, but it was mostly Jarina asking Desire about what happened to him.


    It was only natural for her to be interested in this as Desire just got...big all of a sudden.


    What''s more, Jarina could feel just from Desire''s presence alone. She could feel that Desire...has become a lot stronger.


    In fact, Jarina was curious. She was curious if she was still stronger than Desire or not.


    After all, even though Jarina could feel that Desire has become a lot stronger, she couldn''t exactly compare it with her own strength.


    It''s not like she already saw Desire fight or something like that.


    However, it seems that she couldn''t ask Desire any more questions as she soon saw the huge door that reached the mansion''s ceilings.


    It was the door where Lionel was currently staying, and Jarina spoke as soon as she saw it, "Ah, we''re here."


    Of course, Desire also knew that they were here as he remembered this huge door that he saw before when he returned from the Muscula''s Nest.


    "So...should I open it?" Desire said as he turned his head towards Jarina.


    "No, I''ll do it. You probably don''t know what magic is used to unlock these, so just to be safe." Jarina said as she took away her hand and walked towards the door.


    Desire just backed away without saying anything as he just watched Jarina do her thing.


    And it seems that Jarina was able to finish those things fast as the same scene of chains falling and disappearing happened.


    And right after Desire saw those chains, he soon saw the door opening up.


    "Let''s go." Jarina said as she looked at Desire. Of course, when Desire heard that, he quickly walked towards the door and disappeared in it.


    Jarina quickly followed after him, and it was in this way that the two disappeared into the room.


    "Hmmm..." A humming resounded out in this place as the shadow from the ceiling moved.


    It moved...as it went into the direction where Desire and Jarina came from.


    "Missy is overthinking, hmmm." A voice resounded out in this place, but that soon faded out into silence as the shadow disappeared into the shadows.


    ****


    "Hmmm? What''s happening?" Desire spoke as soon as he entered the room.


    His deep voice reverberated in the room as he just spoke casually as he looked in front of him.


    In front of him was...a table and a chair where he could see Lionel sitting, and there was someone standing diagonally from him.


    And that someone was Fyu, the one that Desire saw before.


    However, there was someone else in this room, but it was not only one.


    In total, there were...four people that Desire hasn''t met before.


    ''Humans.'' Desire thought as he could feel hatred rushing at his chest when he looked at the strangers.


    Well, Fyu was a human, too, but Desire already saw him before, so he didn''t care about him at all.


    Of course, Desire...didn''t show any hatred that he was feeling right now on his face.


    He just had that casual look on his face as he looked at the strangers.


    However, it was then that Desire could feel that a stranger was staring at him with heated eyes.


    "Who!" An angry voice resounded out in Desire''s ears, but...before even Desire could turn his head to look at the source of the voice, he could feel a hostile intent coming at him!


    This hostile intent was so thick that Desire''s senses alerted him all over his body.


    ''What?!'' Desire thought as he willed for the cracks to appear in his right arm, and brought his right arm to his head.


    He was preparing to defend himself in case this...stranger attacks him out of nowhere.


    "How dare you come in here without any permission!" The same angry voice resounded out, but it seems that the stranger was not done as he spoke once more.


    "I''ll punish you in the name of the Lion King!" And as soon as the stranger said those words, Desire saw one of the strangers suddenly disappear!


    He disappeared, but that was not important as Desire could feel a large amount of mana was circulating right above him.


    "Shit!" Desire cursed out loud as he looked up in a hurry. And there he could see...the stranger with a sword in hand.


    The sword was extremely sharp, and Desire could feel that he would be sliced in half, even if he defends with his right arm.


    "Die!" The stranger said as he swung the sword as he aimed for Desire''s head to split him apart.


    However, before even Desire could move away or try to do something against this stranger, someone...stepped up.


    A figure suddenly appeared right in front of Desire as this figure''s hands were raised in the air towards the stranger.


    And without even saying anything, Desire and the one who stepped up were enclosed with some kind of barrier.


    Tang! The sound of the barrier and the sword clashing resounded out, but...that was not all as the figure in front of Desire...Fyu spoke.


    "RYU!!!!" Fyu said as he looked at the man in the air...Ryu with some heated eyes.


    After all, Ryu...basically attacked Desire, the Lion King''s successor.


    "STOP IT!" Fyu continued as he pushed some more of his mana in the barrier that enclosed both Desire and him.


    And the barrier...became a little bit thicker and it was completely spotless even though Ryu just attacked the barrier.


    Well, that was only normal considering that Fyu was known to be the Lion King''s shield.


    "Fyu! What are you doing?!" Ryu said as he landed on the ground with his sword aimed at Fyu and Desire.


    "That''s a spy! There''s no way that a subordinate would suddenly come in here!" Ryu continued as he began to churn more of his mana towards his sword.


    Ryu then raised his sword as he tightened his grip on the hilt of the sword, "Did you betray us, bastard?!"


    It was then that Ryu saw someone appear behind Fyu and Desire, and that was...Jarina.


    "Fyu. What''s happening?" Jarina said as she saw the barrier covering him and Desire.


    However, that was not all as Jarina also saw Ryu pointing his sword at Fyu...no, at Desire.


    "Ryu? Why do you have your sword out in papa''s room?" Jarina said as she looked at Ryu.


    Ryu was...about to answer as he was worried for Jarina''s safety as Jarina was near to the ''spy,'' but he couldn''t.


    Another voice resounded out in this place, and it was a voice that Ryu was very familiar with.


    And that voice was...the laughing voice of Lionel.


    "Kuhahahaha!!" Lionel laughed as he looked at Ryu, Fyu, Desire, and Jarina.


    This made all of the people present in the room turn their heads at Lionel.


    Except for...Ryu. Right, Ryu couldn''t turn his head at all. No, it would be more correct to say that Ryu couldn''t move his body.


    "Ryu...Haven''t I already told you that you should think first before doing something?"


    "How come you just went straight at the ''spy'' that came in and just attacked him out of nowhere?"


    "Huh? Did you think about it?"


    Lionel then...stood up as he began to walk towards Ryu. He waved his hand as a signal for Fyu to put down his barrier, and when Fyu saw that, he quickly made his barrier disappear.


    After all, there was no need to do anything in this situation since Lionel...the master of the house was going to solve it himself.


    And it seems that Lionel was really pissed at this situation as all of the people present here, even Desire could see it.


    They could see Lionel''s face that was full of anger!


    "It seems that you haven''t looked back on your past mistake at all, huh."


    Lionel was now...right besides Ryu, and even though Ryu was a big man, Lionel makes him look cute.


    Right, Lionel was towering over Ryu, and Lionel spoke as he looked down on Ryu.


    "Do you know who that little bastard you just tried to kill?"


    And when Ryu was asked, he...he pushed himself to answer. After all, it was his lord and master that was asking him.


    It was only right for him to answer him at all costs.


    "N-no, lord..." Ryu said with great effort as he felt like the world''s greatest and tallest mountain was bearing down on him.


    And when Lionel heard what Ryu said, he quickly spoke with a heated voice, "That''s my disciple, you bastard."


    Silence. Right after Lionel said those words, silence prevailed over the room.


    It was only after Ryu realized what Lionel meant by those words that the silence broke.


    "Ahh..." Ryu exclaimed as his two eyes widened as he finally could understand why Lionel was acting like this.


    After all, he just basically...tried to commit treason against the king.


    He tried to kill Lionel''s disciple.


    "Ahh, ahh, huh?" Lionel said as he mimicked Ryu. He then clicked his tongue as he whipped his head towards Fyu.


    "Take him away. I''ll deal with him later." Lionel said.


    Of course, since his order was passed down, Fyu quickly moved as he began to escort Ryu out of this room.


    And when Ryu and Fyu were out of this room, awkwardness and silence took over the mood.

 Chapter 200: Zero!

    Silence and awkwardness took over the room as Fyu escorted Ryu out of the room.


    Well, it was only natural considering that the most powerful person, in politics and strength, in the room got mad.


    However, it seems that the silence was getting really awkward as one of the strangers, a man who seems to be in his late 30s, turned his head to look at Lionel and spoke.


    "Now, now, Lionel. Aren''t you being too harsh on Ryu?" That man said, and his voice resounded out in this place.


    This made the other people in this room turn their heads towards the man.


    After all, he basically broke the silence when the mood was really sour and heated.


    Even Desire and Jarina didn''t know what to do in this situation, and yet, a man...suddenly talked all chummy with Lionel.


    It was unbelievable.


    "C-captain..." One of the strangers to Desire spoke as he tried to stop the middle-aged man.


    He didn''t want his superior to get in trouble for acting all chummy with Lionel. What''s more, the man named captain called Lionel on his given name, not clan master or something like that.


    It was definitely disrespectful for someone in power like Lionel.


    However, an unbelievable event happened as Lionel spoke, "Was I, Zero?"


    "Ryu will never learn if he keeps on acting like that. Although I already forgave him for what he did in the past, I definitely won''t like it if he doesn''t even try to change his hot-headedness."


    Lionel said as he began to walk back in his chair as if nothing just happened.


    Well, to Lionel, this was only normal, but for the other people in this room, what just happened was...bizarre.


    After all, Lionel just let a subordinate talk to him as if they were on equal terms.


    Right, the middle-aged man was a subordinate to Lionel, which is why it was weird for Lionel to not even reprimand him.


    However, it seems that the man didn''t care about the looks that he was getting from Desire and the others as he spoke again.


    "Yeah, you definitely were harsh on Ryu. Anyways, this is the disciple that you told me about?"


    The middle-aged man...then began to walk towards Desire, who had a nonchalant look on his face. It was as if he didn''t even care that he got attacked by Ryu.


    "Oho, I can definitely see why Lionel suddenly took a disciple." The man said as he observed Desire from his feet up to his head.


    "Ah, yeah. You guys should take a seat first. I''ll introduce you to each other after we finish this." Lionel said as he looked at Desire and Jarina as he urged for the two of them to sit at the seats near him.


    And when he did, Desire and Jarina quickly moved towards the seats without saying anything.


    Lionel then turned his head to look at the other people in this room; the youth who tried to stop the man called Zero and the other one...a woman.


    However, Lionel was familiar with the woman as the woman was a direct subordinate of Lionel.


    The one who Lionel was focusing on was the young man.


    "Hmmm...should we hear the reason why you brought a young one, Zero?" Lionel said with a sharp and heavy tone.


    Although he didn''t know the exact reason why Zero brought a young one to him, Lionel could already guess why.


    He just wanted to make sure if his guess was correct.


    "Oh, this kid is called Ezima." Zero said as he began to walk towards the youth...towards Ezima.


    "C-captain...what''s going on?" Ezima said as he looked at his captain.


    Ever since Zero talked with Lionel, everything became confusing and unclear for Ezima.


    After all, Ezima knew that his captain was just a normal captain in the lower ranks of the Lion Clan.


    It would be correct to say that the captain was someone who was leading the footsoldiers of the Lion Clan.


    That was why it was weird. How come someone who is just leading the footsoldiers of the Lion Clan acting all friendly with the master of the Lion Clan?


    However, it seems that Zero had no plans to answer Ezima''s question as he just began to pat Ezima''s shoulders as he spoke while looking at Lionel.


    "I propose to let him in." Zero said as he looked at Lionel with a playful smile on his face.


    "Hmm? Aren''t you stationed in the lower ranks? If you are stationed in the lower ranks, that guy should be in the lower ranks as well. Are you saying that his potential is good enough?" Lionel said with a surprised look on his face.


    After all, Lionel was able to guess right, but...it was really surprising for him to see that Zero would bring a guy from the lower ranks to him.


    "Oh, what''s this? You don''t trust me? Damn...after working together for so long, you still don''t trust my senses? Damn you, Lionel!" Zero said with a playful look on his face.


    Of course, Lionel saw and heard that as his face...turned sour. Well, Zero was joking around right in front of his subordinates.


    If this keeps up, Ezima or the woman might underestimate Lionel as Zero was talking to him like this.


    And it seems that Ezima didn''t like how Zero was talking like this to Lionel as he spoke.


    "C-captain! What are you saying to the clan master!" Ezima said with a heated tone in his voice.


    Ezima then continued as he pushed his body forward to his captain, "Any more disrespect than this is punishable by the law of the Lion Clan! You should know that better than anyone!"


    However...it seems that Zero really didn''t give a fuck about Ezima as he just pushed him out of the way as he spoke again while looking at Lionel, "See? Don''t he got the requirements?"


    "H-huh? R-requirements? What are you talking about, captain?" Ezima painstakingly said as Zero''s left hand was grabbing his face.


    "Hmm...Ezima, was it? Shut up for a little bit." Lionel said as he looked at Ezima.


    Of course, when Ezima heard what Lionel said, he...came to attention as he saluted to Lionel as he straightened his body.


    "Let''s get back to the topic. I can give the permission since you are the one leading them, but...I thought your hands were getting full with 50 members?" Lionel said, but it seems that he was not done as he continued.


    "If that kid joins in, you would have to train him together with my other private soldiers."


    Right...Zero was the one who was training and leading Lionel''s private soldiers.


    He was the one leading the Lion King''s feared soldiers - Lionel''s personal army.


    In other words, he was like the captain of the Imperial Guard for the Lion King.


    And what Zero was asking here was...to make Ezima a member of Lionel''s Imperial Guard.


    And from what Lionel could see from Ezima, he was weak. No, calling him weak would be an understatement once he gets lined up together with the other private soldiers.


    That was why...it would be hard to make Ezima an official member of Lionel''s personal army as it would take years of training for him to reach the current members'' feet.


    And that would take Zero to focus on Ezima as well, which would mean that Zero wouldn''t be able to train the other soldiers.


    That was why Lionel couldn''t see any merit in letting Ezima join his personal army even if Zero was the one recommending Ezima.


    "Meh, I only said that because I was getting bored with them. They are getting too stiff. However..." Zero pulled Ezima close to him as he spoke again, "It should be fun with this guy."


    "Well...if you say that, I can''t really reject it now, can I? I mean...you are the one who''s gonna handle him, anyways."


    Lionel then waved his hand to Ezima, "You can go now, wait for Zero in front of the door."


    "H-huh...?" Ezima couldn''t believe what he just heard. Well, he was already confused in the first place.


    However, when he heard the words ''private soldier'' and ''handle,'' Ezima somehow remembered the rumors going around about the private soldiers of the Lion King.


    And since Lionel was talking to Zero about Ezima, Ezima can see that...he was going to be a private soldier of the Lion King.


    And that was why Ezima was really confused right now.


    After all, Ezima knew that he was very weak. A weakling doesn''t deserve to be called a private soldier of the Lion King.


    However, it seems that Ezima didn''t have the time to sort out his thoughts right now as Lionel spoke again.


    "Didn''t I already say that you can go now? What are you doing? Get out of here." Lionel said as his eyes turned sharp.


    "Y-Yes!!" Ezima shouted out loud as he saluted Lionel one more time before getting out of the room.


    "Now that''s out of the way, shall I introduce you to my disciple, then...Zero." Lionel said with a thin smile on his face.


    After all, Lionel has been looking forward to this moment.


    He has been looking forward to his disciple, Desire, to meet his right-hand man, Zero!

 Chapter 201: Dismissed

    "This is Desire, my disciple." Lionel said as he waved his hand towards  Desire, who was sitting in a chair in front of his table.


    "My name is Desire." Desire said as he looked at Zero. He then...began to bow his head a little bit as a sign of respect.


    After all, even though Desire didn''t really care about Zero, Lionel let this man talk to him as if they were equals.


    It was only natural for Desire, a disciple of Lionel, to show respect to Zero.


    At least, that was how Desire viewed this situation.


    "Hmm...even though you already told me before, I still can''t believe that you took a disciple in." Zero said as he turned his head left and right as he looked at Desire and Lionel.


    Zero continued with his curiosity plastered all over his face, "Although I can understand why this young man could be a disciple of a Conqueror, I still cannot understand why...Lionel, as an individual, took in a disciple after so many years of hating disciples."


    "Hah, don''t be like that. You''re embarrassing me right in front of my disciple." Lionel said.


    However, it seems that Zero was not paying attention to him as he turned his head towards the woman sitting beside Desire, Jarina.


    "Hmm? Wait, if your father took this young man as his disciple, does this mean that...you would marry him?" Zero said as his eyes widened.


    "I mean...disciples usually succeed their masters in their positions, right? And for this young man, uhhh...Desire, to succeed Lionel, he would have to marry you."


    Indeed, what Zero said was completely reasonable. That was why he got interested in this as he...didn''t expect that the pampered young lady of the Suckus would actually marry someone.


    However, it was not Jarina who answered his question; it was Desire.


    "Jarina and I getting married is only natural. There''s no need to question that, is there?" Desire said with a straight face.


    After all, to Desire, it was only natural that he would get married to Jarina.


    And when Zero heard what Desire just said, he...kept quiet while having a stupid look on his face.


    No...it was not only him but also Lionel and the woman who was staying quiet until now.


    After all, what Desire just said was...well, shocking. It was so shocking that even Lionel couldn''t believe what Desire just said.


    It was then that Zero...burst out in laughter.


    "Hahahahahaha!!" Zero laughed, but...it was not only him as the woman who always stayed silent let out a small laugh, "Fufufu."


    "Huh, why are you guys laughing?" Desire said with a confused look on his face as he looked at the woman and Zero back and forth.


    "Jeez...why are you acting so cheesy." Lionel said as he facepalmed himself in shame.


    After all, it was so...cheesy. He didn''t expect that something like that would come out of his disciple''s mouth.


    "Cheesy? What do you mean by that, master?" Desire said as he whipped his head towards Lionel as soon as he heard what he said.


    "Boy...don''t you have any shame? Well, you are young..." Lionel said as he began to shake his head.


    Of course, when Desire heard what his master said, confusion entered his mind as he didn''t really understand what his master meant by that.


    And since everyone else in this room was laughing at him, Desire...turned his head towards Jarina.


    However, as soon as he did, he soon saw Jarina...with a reddened face. Her cheeks were basically tomatoes right now, and she was looking down as she tried to make herself look small.


    ''What the hell? Did I say something wrong?'' Desire thought as he...didn''t really understand what was happening right now.


    "Ahhh...that was a good laugh." Zero said as he wiped a tear from his eyes. He then spoke as he turned his head to look at Lionel, "You got a blockhead as your disciple, huh. You need to teach him about these things, too, or he''s gonna remain like that."


    "Ah, I''m sorry about asking that kind of question, young miss. It''s my fault to ask something like that but...I didn''t expect your boyfriend to answer like that." Zero said as he noticed that Jarina was embarrassed by what just happened.


    After all, it was indeed the truth that it was Zero''s fault for asking a question like that. It was a matter of privacy, and Zero and Desire were not close at all.


    In other words, Zero didn''t have the right to ask something like that.


    Well, Zero was quite close to Jarina as he was like an uncle to her.


    "Well, anyway, I got to go. I had a good laugh out of this meeting, so this should be good enough." Zero said as he turned his head to look at Lionel.


    Lionel waved his hand at Zero as he spoke, "Yeah, go ahead. I just wanted to introduce him to you this time."


    And as soon as he heard that, Zero saluted to Lionel before disappearing from this place.


    "I still don''t understand why you guys were laughing..." Desire murmured as he turned his head to look at Lionel.


    However, it seems that Lionel didn''t plan to explain it to Desire right now as he spoke, "Don''t mind it too much. You don''t have any common sense right now, so it''s only natural for you to not know about...those kinds of lines."


    And as soon as Desire heard those words, his eyes...sharpened and his bearing changed.


    ''Whew, he''s sharp but also dense at the same time.'' Lionel thought as he saw Desire''s piercing gaze.


    "Sigh. Stop looking at me like that, Desire. Amelia is a direct subordinate of mine, so it''s fine." Lionel said as he tried to explain why...he talked about Desire''s ''not knowing about common sense'' when someone else was still in the room.


    "Well, you can also call her my assistant who handles general information about the Lion Clan."


    Lionel then turned his head to look at the woman who was standing at the back, "Amelia, introduce yourself to Desire."


    "Greetings, young master." Amelia said as she bowed her head and body towards Desire''s direction.


    Her black hair flowed down and covered her face, but it didn''t cover her body''s spectacular curve.


    The tight suit that she wore just made her spectacular curve more conspicuous as Desire could even see her bare skin around her chest.


    "I am very sorry for my impudence earlier as it was something...really unexpected." Amelia said as she began to raise her body.


    And as soon as she did, her beautiful face came out in the open. She was extremely beautiful that she doesn''t lose out to Jarina at all.


    "It''s fine, even master said that it was...weird, so I don''t mind it." Desire said as he waved his hand.


    The way Desire waved his hand was as if...he was used to his position of young master now, but that was only because Desire didn''t really care about Amelia.


    After all, Amelia was just a human.


    It was then that Desire whipped his head towards Lionel as he spoke.


    "So master, when am I going to go to that event where I can see how strong I am?" He said with quite the passionate eyes.


    Lionel moved his eyes towards Amelia, and when Amelia noticed that look, she spoke.


    "Young master must be talking about Pista. Pista is an event that would be held in the capital city of Vakigo Kingdom, Vertigo."


    "Pista is quite the big event as everyone with high positions in society is invited, and that''s why it would take a bit more time for the Royal Court to start it."


    "However, it should take place a week from now on."


    Amelia said all those words without missing a single beat as she held...some kind of folder in her hands.


    ''When did she get that?'' Desire thought as he looked at Amelia.


    However, Desire soon discarded that thought as he asked...his master.


    "A week? Then, what am I going to do for the time being?"


    Of course, Lionel knew that Desire was asking him, which is why he answered, "What else? You''re going to train."


    "However, not here. You will train in...the Dungeon that the Lion Clan just conquered, the Dungeon of the Dead."


    "You will go there right after this meeting together with Amelia and Jarina."


    "Wait...Dungeon? I will go to a Dungeon, master?" Desire said.


    He couldn''t believe that he would be going to a Dungeon now. After all, for Desire, it only feels like it was only yesterday when Lionel rejected his idea of going to a Dungeon.


    "Yeah. You are going to learn about Dungeons in there, and you will also try to fight the monsters there to gain real-life combat experience."


    "The one who would fill you in about most details is Amelia, and that is the reason why she would be coming with you. Try to get along, though I know you hate humans."


    "As for Jarina..." Lionel stopped as he moved his eyes to look at Jarina.


    Of course, Jarina was listening intently to him as her name was just mentioned.


    "You are getting too heated with Grizelle, so you would go with Desire to cool off your head."


    "Huh? No, papa, I''m not-" Jarina tried to offer some words, but she was abruptly cut off by Lionel as he spoke with a firm voice.


    "No buts. You are going with Desire."


    "Hmmm..." Jarina hummed as she just backed down. After all, her father looks like he wasn''t willing to back down on this.


    "Alright, now that this is over, you guys...get going already." Lionel said as he waved his hand as the sign of dismissal for the three.

 Chapter 202: Forgiveness

    Lionel dismissed Desire, Jarina, and Amelia from his room, and the three of them...talked to each other first before going to the Dungeon where they are supposed to go.


    Amelia said that she would first go and take care of the transportation that they would use and also the guards that would escort them.


    Jarina said that she would go and do something first and that she would come back right away.


    And so...Desire was currently alone, standing right in front of the huge door leading to Lionel''s room.


    No, there was someone else in this place, and that would be...Ryu, the one who tried to kill Desire just now.


    Ryu was currently kneeling down in front of Desire, and Desire was just looking down on Ryu.


    Desire knew why Ryu was kneeling in front of him, and it was because this was his way of apologizing to Desire.


    And it seems that he was correct as Ryu finally broke the silence.


    "I am very sorry for what happened earlier, young lord."


    "Fyu has told me the details, and I understand what I did earlier was impudent and careless of me."


    "No...the only punishment acceptable for what I did is to end my life. However, even so..."


    "I hope the young lord will find it in his heart to forgive this impudent servant."


    Ryu''s said with his deep voice. He tried his best to make sure that he would come out as sincere and serious about this apology.


    After all, it was the truth that he was sincere. He wasn''t joking around when he said that he deserves death.


    Ryu''s loyalty to the Lion King was as intense as Fyu''s loyalty to the Lion King.


    After all, they...were both brothers saved by the Lion King himself.


    That was why Lionel''s words were something that they would follow no matter what, even if it results in their death.


    And since Lionel...told Fyu that Desire would be his successor, it was only natural that Fyu and Ryu give respect to him.


    Desire was literally their next lord to serve.


    And attacking their next lord to serve was outrageous! That was why Ryu was sure that he deserves death for doing something like that.


    That was also why Ryu was asking for forgiveness. If Desire forgives him, he wouldn''t have to die.


    Of course, even if Desire does not forgive him, as long as Lionel forgives him, Ryu would be fine.


    However, Ryu didn''t exactly want to have a rift between him and his next lord to serve.


    In other words, Ryu...wouldn''t be able to fulfill Lionel''s wish for him to serve Desire if Desire does not forgive him.


    This was a simple case, and at the same time, a complex one also.


    It was then that Desire finally spoke after a long time of silence.


    "No, it''s fine. It''s only natural for you to not know a thing about me."


    "You were just doing your job when you did that."


    Desire said as he revealed his intentions to forgive Ryu. Well, it wasn''t really that hard for him to forgive Ryu.


    Ryu just did that out of his loyalty to Lionel as he didn''t know Desire''s existence.


    And as soon as Ryu heard Desire''s words, his eyes widened as he looked up to Desire.


    "This impudent servant shall be sure to repay the young master''s kindness!" Ryu said with quite the passionate voice as he bowed his head once more.


    "Yeah, yeah. Ah, looks like she''s back." Desire said as he turned his head to look in front.


    And there, he could see Jarina moving along the darkness of the hallways.


    "Desire! Let''s go now." Jarina said as she waved her hand towards Desire.


    Desire didn''t answer her as he looked down on Ryu, "Ryu...was it? Follow us around."


    And before even Ryu could give an answer, Desire turned around as Jarina was now right beside him.


    "What did you do?" Desire asked Jarina as they began to walk together.


    "Hmm...I won''t tell you, yet. I''ll tell you when you become a little bit closer to her." Jarina said as her voice resounded out in this hallway.


    "Huh? What is that supposed to mean?" Desire said as both of their footsteps resounded out in this place.


    "Fyu...tell the Lord for me that the young lord ordered me to follow him." Ryu said as he stood up and straightened his body.


    And as soon as he said those words, a figure suddenly emerged from the darkness, and it was Fyu.


    "Don''t worry, I got it. Anyways, make sure to keep them safe. Those two are the most important people next to the Lord himself. If something happens to them, you won''t be so lucky to escape death again."


    Fyu said as he tapped Ryu''s shoulders with a thin smile on his face.


    "Of course! I won''t screw up the second time around! Hell, I would show the young master how useful I am!" Ryu said as he looked at Fyu.


    "That''s the spirit, Ryu." Fyu said as he then turned towards the huge door to the side, "Alright, I''ll see you then." Fyu continued.


    And as soon as the last word was said, both Fyu and Ryu disappeared from the hallway without any traces at all.


    The both of them went on to carry out their respective duties.


    ****


    "Oh, you''re done already?" Desire''s voice resounded out in this place as he looked at the woman who wore a tight suit, Amelia.


    This place was right in front of the main entrance of Lionel''s mansion.


    The main entrance was different from the entrance that Desire and Lionel used when they came back from the Lion''s Forest.


    The place where the teleportation magic was located could be considered the mansion''s garden or something like that.


    And Amelia had her head bowed as she hugged something like a folder, "Yes, young master and young miss."


    She said as she began to straighten her body, "The carriage that we would take is already waiting for us outside."


    Amelia then turned around as she intended to guide the two, but...before she could take her first step, Desire spoke once more.


    "Wait. Hmmm, even though there are some members of the Lion Clan who knows me and Jarina, we still can''t be seen by the general members."


    "I''m sure that master wouldn''t like that, as well - even though he seems to plan to tell the world about me through that Pista or whatever you call it."


    What Desire said was the truth. Just because some members know about them doesn''t mean that they could be seen by the lower rankings or general members of the Lion Clan.


    However, the one who answered him was not Amelia, but Jarina.


    "Don''t worry about it. Amelia does her job perfectly and she is very meticulous."


    "I''m sure she already has a way for us to not be seen by other people. Right, Amelia?"


    "I am not worthy of such praise, young miss." Amelia said as she turned her body around to look at the two.


    "But, yes. Please do not worry, young master. No one would be able to see you or the young miss entering the carriage."


    "Hmm? Is that so. Lead us, then." Desire said as he urged Amelia to continue walking and guide them to this carriage that she''s talking about.


    But...it was also Desire who stopped them from walking as he spoke again, "Ah, wait, you don''t have to stay in the shadows, Ryu."


    And as soon as he said that, Ryu''s voice resounded out, "Yes, young lord," as he appeared right behind Jarina and Desire.


    "Alright, let''s go now." Desire said as he then began to walk.


    Of course, it was not only him but also Jarina, Amelia, and Ryu.


    And in Jarina''s mind was...''Hmm? Desire...was able to forgive Ryu?''


    Right, Jarina didn''t expect that Desire would forgive Ryu just like that.


    ''I guess this means that Desire is just growing as a person...or his trait is working well.''


    ''Either way, this is a good result.'' Jarina thought as she...smiled.


    And even though both of them weren''t looking at her face, Amelia and Ryu could tell that Jarina was smiling.


    And both of them had the same thought without even talking to each other, ''Wow...the young miss is smiling.''


    Right, it amazed both of them that Jarina was smiling. After all, no matter what happened, Jarina always had that cold look on her face whenever she met someone else.


    Although she definitely showed other emotions, she definitely didn''t smile like this in front of anyone else.


    However, both of them soon wiped their opinions about Jarina''s smile as they arrived in front of a huge door.


    "Kuhrada." Amelia said as she unlocked the huge front door of the mansion.


    "Follow me, please." Amelia continued as she passed the door as soon as it opened.


    Of course, Desire and Jarina followed right after her as they were now out of the mansion.


    "I see, so this is why you said that no one would be able to see us." Desire said as he saw the outside of the mansion.

 Chapter 203: Different Light

    "I see, so this is why you said that no one would be able to see us." Desire said as he saw the outside of the mansion.


    And it was...darkness - pure darkness that Desire couldn''t see the sky or the other buildings.


    However, Desire could see the stairs leading to the ground, and at the end of the stairs was a carriage waiting for them.


    The carriage was so big that it was taking most of the space, but there were no horses as well.


    Desire suspected it was because Amelia or some other human would use their magic to create horses or whatever.


    "So? What is this darkness?" Desire said as he began to walk the stairs down.


    Of course, when they saw that Desire was moving now, the other three started to descend down the stairs.


    "The darkness, young master, is just a carpet. I have covered the whole place with the carpet using my controlling magic." Amelia explained things as she pointed at the darkness above.


    "Hmm? If that''s the case, won''t the people of Jakart or the other clan members become suspicious of this?" Desire said.


    "You have a point, young master. However, there is no need to worry about that as the carpet, from the outside, looks like a reflection of the mansion."


    "In other words, what they are seeing right now is just the mansion. Of course, the other clan members who will escort the young master and the young miss knows that they would be escorting VIPs, but they do not know your exact identities, so please do not worry." Amelia said, but she stopped right after as they finally arrived at the carriage.


    Amelia then snapped her fingers, and the doors of the carriage automatically opened on its own, "Please," Amelia said as she stepped aside with her head bowed.


    Desire quickly got on it, and Jarina followed right after him. And as soon as the two of them got on, the...door closed again automatically.


    "Hmm? They are not riding with us?" Desire said as he looked back on the door.


    "Amelia is probably going to ride in another carriage and Ryu...I''m not too sure about him." Jarina said as she proceeded to sit down on the seats of the carriage.


    This carriage was meant for VIPs so the seat was so comfortable and it was big as well. One would probably be able to sleep on it comfortably.


    "Here, sit next to me," Jarina said as she began to tap the seat next to her.


    Of course, when Desire heard Jarina, he quickly turned around and began to walk towards the seat where Jarina was sitting on.


    After all, Desire didn''t have to mind those two too much. Well, he didn''t really care about them, but...Desire thought that Amelia would explain about the Dungeon to him here.


    That was why he thought that Amelia would be riding with them, but since she''s not, that''s that.


    "Whew, so we''re going to a Dungeon, huh. Never expected that I would go right after I returned from that forest." Desire said as he proceeded to sit right next to Jarina.


    Desire then turned his head here and there to observe the carriage more. After all, the carriage was so big that it was like his room in Lionel''s mansion.


    However, Desire soon felt a touch, no...weight press down on him. Desire turned his head around fast, and what he saw was...Jarina sitting down on him.


    "Hmm? What are you doing?" Desire said as he looked at Jarina in the eyes.


    "W-well...it''s been a while since I sucked your mana, so...maybe I can suck some today while we got time," Jarina said as her face started to redden.


    And Desire was...he was trying to control himself as he spoke, "Hmm...you know, Jarina, ever since I grew up into this body of mine..."


    "I started to see you in a different light." Desire then raised his left hand as he touched Jarina''s neck, "I...started to see you as a woman."


    And as soon as he said those words, Desire let loose of his control over his body as his almighty sword started to rise.


    Of course, since Jarina was sitting on him, she felt the almighty sword stick to her bum, "W-what''s that..?" Jarina said.


    Jarina didn''t know anything about a man or the union that happens between man and woman at all.


    That was only natural since she was really pampered and only a limited amount of people are allowed to see her.


    ''Oh, she does not know about those things?'' Desire thought as he...controlled himself again.


    His almighty sword started to go soft and it fell down, but...Jarina could still feel it as Desire''s almighty sword was really big.


    "I''ll teach you about it later. Suck my mana for now." Desire said as he pulled Jarina to his chest.


    Surprisingly, the robe that Desire was wearing went loose all of a sudden, and his bare skin could be seen by Jarina''s purple eyes.


    "Later...make sure to teach it to me, alright?" Jarina murmured as she...began to bite down on Desire''s neck and began to suck his mana.


    It seems that she could suck Desire''s mana from any part of his body or from any position.


    "Yeah, later. Besides, I don''t want our first time to be in a carriage." Desire murmured as he began to hug Jarina and caress her back lovingly.


    The two of them soon felt the carriage moving, but Jarina didn''t stop sucking his mana at all and Desire didn''t ask her to stop either.


    They just let time pass on while Jarina was sucking his mana...


    ****


    Before Jarina and Desire got into a steamy situation, Amelia and Ryu talked with each other first.


    They talked about how Ryu is going to drive the carriage where Jarina and Desire were riding, and about who is going to escort them.


    "What? You arranged for Black Hand''s sortie already? You really move fast, Amelia."


    Black Hand was Ryu''s main force and those men were his direct subordinates.


    Since Ryu was supposed to guard over Desire and Jarina, it was just the perfect move for Amelia to ask for Black Hand''s sortie in this situation.


    However, there was only one problem, and that was...


    "Yes, however, since the Black Hand took the lead over conquering the Dungeon in the east, the current members are tired and are currently resting. The only ones that would go are the main members of the Black Hand."


    "They number about 20 people, but that should be enough, no?"


    Of course, when Amelia asked Ryu, Ryu just answered with a, "Damn, right you are!"


    After their conversation, Amelia began to uncover the darkness, the carpet covering the mansion, and the carriage.


    The outside world could be seen, and the buildings in the city of Jakart could be seen as well.


    However, that was not important at all as...other carriages were sitting just near them, and there were people as well.


    Those people are the Black Hand''s main members and are just waiting for orders to move out.


    "Now that we are done here, I shall go to my carriage, then. Protect the young master and the young miss well." Amelia said as she bowed her head towards Ryu.


    She then began to walk towards one of the carriages sitting near the main carriage.


    "Geez, that woman is smoking hot, but she''s too stiff." Ryu murmured as he began to walk towards the driver''s seat of the main carriage.


    "Ah, wait! Why do I feel like she will become a mistress of the young master?" Ryu said with his eyes widened as he turned his head to look at Amelia''s fleeting back.


    However, it seems that he soon came to organize himself as he turned his head back to the main carriage, "Oh well, the young master is handsome. I''m sure he has some other qualities, too. The young miss wouldn''t have fallen for him if he was only handsome, so...it''s definitely more than possible."


    Ryu soon arrived at the driver''s seat and got on it without any problems. The driver''s seat was a little bit special as there was something like a pole sticking out in front of Ryu, which is connected to the driver''s seat.


    And on top of the pole was some kind of marble.


    "I guess I will make a bet with Fyu about whether the young master will be able to get Amelia or not," Ryu murmured as he reached out for the marble.


    Ryu then activated the magic spell implanted in the marble as he churned up his mana to activate it, "Ghost Horse."


    Ryu said, and as soon as he did, the straps meant for horses started to rise as...two transparent horses appeared in it, wearing those straps.


    "Go!" Ryu shouted out loud as he ordered for the Ghost Horses to move.


    Of course, the Ghost Horses did his bidding as they both began to run.


    "Ah, I guess it would be for nothing. I already think the young master will be able to get her, and Fyu will also think that way." Ryu murmured as he then proceeded to relax back in the driver''s seat.


    "Oh! I guess the bet should be changed to...whether the young miss will allow a mistress or not!"


    "That should spice things up, hahaha!" Ryu laughed as the gate covering the entire mansion of Lionel''s mansion opened up automatically.


    "Ah, I guess I got to work first," Ryu said as he began to stand up.


    Ryu then sucked the air in as his lungs started to get bigger as he prepared for a powerful shout.


    And as soon as he felt his lungs were ''full,'' Ryu shouted out loud.


    "Black Hand, move out!!!"


    Neighhh! The Ghost Horses of the various carriages started to run after the main carriage when they heard Ryu''s order.


    And it was in this way that the group of carriages carrying Desire and Jarina went to the Dungeon in the east of Jakart, the Dungeon of the Dead.

 Chapter 204: Just Kidding!

    The carriages carrying Desire and Jarina were able to get out of Jakart City with no real problems at all.


    That is because Amelia has already ordered someone from the Lion Clan, even before they started to take off, to tell the city guards stationed at the east gate of the city that carriages from the Lion Clan would be passing through the gate.


    Amelia has done this so that the traveling would be smooth, and there would be no stopping for official matters.


    Of course, other things such as food, accommodations, and whatever they needed were prepared already in a random carriage.


    Those would be used for Desire and Jarina, and the other members as well.


    And now, the carriages were using the main road that would lead towards the east as the Ghost Horses ran fast.


    Surprisingly, there was no traffic at all even though the carriages were using the main road that leads towards the east.


    As it was the main road, it was only natural that it would be full or have some carriages running on top of it.


    Merchants from eastern origins trying to get to Jakart City would pass through here, and travelers or adventurers would guard someone going in and out of the city.


    That was why it was weird to see that the main road was completely deserted or no carriages.


    However, Ryu or the other members of the Black Hand who were the drivers of the various carriages were not surprised at this.


    Why? It was because they knew that it was because of the Dungeon that appeared in the east of Jakart.


    Dungeons are very dangerous as the monsters would be able to get out of the Dungeon and roam the area around the Dungeon.


    Of course, if given enough time, the monsters would even adventure not only the area around the Dungeon but also try to go to other places.


    And that is why there was no one who wanted to go to the east or did anyone from the east tried to go to Jakart.


    They didn''t want to get attacked and lose their lives in the process. What''s more, it was publicly known that the rank of the Dungeon that appeared was Rank C.


    The lowest rank for a Dungeon, Rank F, would still be able to obliterate a city of harmless and ordinary humans, so it was only natural that the fear of the public got stronger when they knew that it was Rank C.


    "Hmm...I see, so that''s why we are going to reach the Dungeon faster than expected?" Desire''s voice resounded out inside the carriage.


    The one that he was speaking to was...Jarina, who was still sucking his mana as Jarina continued to bite down on his neck.


    "Y-yesh...I''hm guesshing thaht it wouhld..." Jarina struggled with speaking as she...couldn''t take her mouth away from Desire''s neck as the taste of his mana was just...delicious.


    However, when Desire patted Jarina''s head, Jarina straightened her back as she continued to speak, "Ahem! I''m sorry...anyway, that''s why I''m guessing that it would only take us an hour or so to reach the Dungeon."


    "It has been quite some time since we departed from Jakart, so another 30 minutes...probably."


    "Since we are also using the treasured carriages of the Lion Clan, the Ghost Horses would bring us faster to our destination," Jarina said as she made herself comfortable on Desire''s lap.


    "Treasured carriages of the Lion Clan? What is that?" Desire asked.


    Treasured carriages of the Lion Clan were those carriages that could run without any actual horses and could be used with just mana and magic.


    In other words, the carriages that got the Ghost Horses on them are the ones considered treasured carriages of the Lion Clan.


    These Ghost Horses were also seen as the symbol of VIPs from the Lion Clan as only extremely important people can ride on this type of carriage.


    After all, it was only the Lion Clan who got these Ghost Horses or the treasured carriages.


    It was their trade secret, which then became the symbol.


    Of course, it wasn''t officially their symbol, but...the public just took it and made it their symbol.


    "I see...is this all I have to know about the Dungeons?" Desire said as he began to tighten the robe he was wearing.


    And when Jarina saw that, her eyes widened as she spoke, "W-wait! Why are you dressing up now? W-won''t you let me suck some more?"


    "I mean...we got the time, right? I can, at least, suck to my heart''s content during this free time..." Jarina said with her face basically being tomatoes right now.


    "Well...I would love for you to keep sucking me, but..." Desire pointed to the door with his right hand, and Jarina followed his right hand as she turned her head.


    It was then that a knocking sound resounded out in the carriage, and a voice followed soon after.


    "Young master! Young miss! We have arrived at our destination!"


    And as soon as the voice said those words, the carriage...stopped moving.


    It was weird that a knock and a voice telling them that they have arrived at their destination happened first before the stopping of the carriage, but well.


    The one who was the driver of their carriage was Ryu, so it wasn''t really that weird.


    "See? We got no time anymore," Desire said, but he was not done as he spoke again, "As much as I love that you are sitting on top of me, I have to stand up, so..."


    And when Jarina heard that, she made a sound, "Ah!" and quickly moved out of the way. Of course, she didn''t sit on the seats anymore as she stood up.


    Following her, Desire stood up as well as he began to pat Jarina''s head, "Was my mana delicious?"


    Jarina just nodded her head with a thin smile on her face. Seeing that smile on her face, Desire...couldn''t help but smile as well as he spoke, "That''s good."


    "Alright, let''s go now." Desire continued as he began to walk towards the door.


    Of course, Jarina followed right after him, and the door just opened on its own again.


    The two then proceeded to get out of the carriage just like that. They went out of the carriage normally as if they didn''t do anything lewd in the carriage at all.


    "What the? It''s dark again?" Desire said as he squinted his eyes.


    Darkness was all over the place; it was present in the air, ground, literally everywhere.


    And that means that Amelia covered this place again, and it seems that Desire was correct into thinking so as Amelia''s voice resounded out in his ears.


    "Young master, as we are now near the Dungeon, there are people of all origins there. I suggest that you and the young miss wear a mask to hide your identity before we go into the Dungeon," Amelia said with her head bowed.


    "Hmm? There are other people there besides the Lion Clan? I thought that you guys just conquered it? How would there be other people present in this place?" Desire said as he looked at Amelia.


    However, Amelia was not the one who answered his question. It was Ryu, and this was what Ryu said, "Before we started the attack on the Dungeon, merchants came with us so that they would be the first ones to purchase the rights of the items that we would be selling."


    "As the Dungeon is Rank C, the items are fairly wanted by all kinds of people, weak and strong, rich and poor included."


    "There are a fair amount of merchants, and their subordinates are many as well, which is why there are other people here."


    What Ryu said was reasonable, and even though Desire didn''t really study about merchants or rights or whatever it was, Desire agreed with it as well.


    Desire''s general knowledge became broader with his body''s growth, so he, at the very least, knew about merchants and so on.


    "However, does it really matter? That Pista event...Master seems to plan to introduce me to the world with that, so people would come to know of my existence, sooner or later."


    "But! Jarina should be hidden well. So, Jarina needs the mask, but I do not."


    Desire said, but...before even anyone else could answer him, Jarina spoke.


    "No, there''s no need for that, Desire. You are correct in thinking that Papa intends to make you famous with Pista, and I...Papa would also make an announcement to the world about me."


    Jarina said all those words, and as soon as she was done, Amelia and Ryu both had their eyes wide open as they stared at Jarina.


    "What?!" Both of them said at the same time.


    Well, it was reasonable. After all, Lionel telling the world about his daughter...that was too risky.


    "Young miss! Please do not even joke about things like that! Both of us know about the situation with that Suckus, and the other guilds and clans are showing suspicious movements! There''s no way that the Lord would do something so risky!" Amelia said as her cool face broke.


    Even Amelia would be panicked about this...of course, even Ryu.


    "That''s right, young miss! What Amelia said is true!" He said.


    And Jarina was...she was smiling. She was smiling as she continued, "I''m just kidding. Fufufu."


    She said...

 Chapter 205: City

    "I''m just kidding. Fufufu." Jarina''s laugh resounded out in this dark place, but it was short-lived as she spoke again, "However, I plan to convince Papa that he should make an announcement about me, too."


    "B-but...the fact that you are the target of the Suckus who betrayed the Suckus race cannot be changed! Please, do not do selfish things like that!" Amelia shouted out loud as desperation was evident in her face.


    Ryu just...nodded his head heavily as he tried to put in his own opinion.


    Amelia was a direct subordinate of Lionel, so she knows these things. Ryu, as well, knows these things as Ryu...was one of Lionel''s private soldiers.


    Although Ryu''s existence was known around these parts, no one knows that he belongs to Lionel''s private army.


    That was why...they knew that making an announcement to the world about Jarina was pretty dangerous and bold as well.


    What''s more, other strong people would also begin to target her as she is one of Lionel''s weaknesses, and they might even find out about her Beast Blood and begin to want it for themselves.


    Of course, they would know that the Beast Blood is connected with Lionel, but...they wouldn''t really target Lionel as Lionel was strong.


    However, Jarina, compared to the other strong people of society, is weak.


    In other words, announcing to the world about Jarina was just creating more enemies for the Lion Clan.


    Amelia and Ryu knew that their Lord wouldn''t want this, which is why they both wanted to stop Jarina from doing something crazy such as convincing Lionel.


    Well, they just both knew that Lionel would really make an announcement about Jarina if Jarina asks for it.


    However, it seems that...it was not their time to convince Jarina as Desire spoke.


    He spoke as his two red eyes ominously glowed and he instinctively released some kind of aura as well, which pressured the other two.


    "You guys...this is not the proper time and place to give your suggestions to Jarina."


    "We came here for the Dungeon, and that is what we will do."


    "Continue this conversation, and I will get mad for real," Desire said as his right hand and chest started to show its cracks.


    Those cracks then darkened as Desire raised his right hand, "Understand?"


    And as soon as he said that word, the pressure on Amelia and Ryu...just became stronger.


    It was as if a mountain was bearing down on them.


    However, Amelia was quick to change gears as she...bent down her knees and kneeled, "Please forgive this insolent one, young master."


    Of course, when Ryu heard what Amelia said, he quickly did the same as he spoke the same words, "Please forgive this insolent one, young master."


    "Hmm? I just intended to scare you guys a little, but was it too strong?" Desire murmured as he brought down his right hand and the pressure bearing down on the two disappeared as well.


    ''But that''s...impossible. Ryu and Amelia should be far stronger than me.'' Desire thought as his eyes turned sharp, but...he couldn''t think anymore as Jarina spoke.


    "Aren''t you being too harsh on them, Desire? Not that I mind it, but...well, I guess it''s fine." She said as she shook her head.


    Desire then spoke as he answered Jarina, "It''s the truth that we came here for the Dungeon, so that''s that."


    "Anyways, Amelia and Ryu...you two will be the ones to get masked or hide."


    "Jarina and I will not use any masks, but you two will. I''m sure that you guys are famous in and out of the Lion Clan, and I don''t want attention to me when I''m inside the Dungeon."


    "Yes!" Amelia and Ryu shouted out loud at the same time, and Desire answered right away, "Stand up, and do your work, Amelia."


    "I''m on it, young master," Amelia said as she stood up, but that was not important as the darkness around them finally disappeared.


    The carpet that made up the darkness...couldn''t be seen as Amelia made it disappear.


    "Hooo, is that the Dungeon?" Desire said as he saw something right in front of him.


    Well, it wasn''t really in front of him, but the general direction was in front of him.


    Anyways, what he saw was...a grand city that was like Jakart.


    It was big, and it also had walls just like Jakart. But the really breathtaking thing here was the...center of the city.


    At the center of the city, there was a tower. A really big tower that even Desire couldn''t see the end of the tower.


    No...that was not all as Desire, even with his power up and growth, felt so small and weak compared to the tower.


    ''What is this?'' Desire thought, and it seems that Jarina was able to notice what Desire was feeling as she spoke.


    "Do you feel it? This is your first time being in a Dungeon, so it''s natural, but what you are feeling right now is called Newcomer''s Fear."


    "Newcomer''s Fear?" Desire said as he turned his head towards Jarina.


    ''This is not my first time in a Dungeon, though...I didn''t feel this way when I entered that Spirit of Fire''s Dungeon or whatever.'' Desire thought.


    However, his thoughts were soon disturbed as Jarina continued to speak, "That''s right. I don''t know too much about it since this is also my first time."


    "But Mama once told me that Newcomer''s Fear is normal and that the only way to erase the fear is through staying at the Dungeon for a long amount of time," Jarina said.


    "Hmm...in other words, Newcomer''s Fear isn''t that serious," Desire said as he turned his head towards Ryu and Amelia.


    "Let''s go, Ryu would hide, but Amelia would walk together with us...huh?"


    Desire couldn''t finish his sentence as Amelia and Ryu moved fast. They moved fast as they...went to their duty; Ryu hiding, and Amelia hiding her face.


    Amelia hid her face with...a cloth. Her eyes and forehead could be seen as the cloth only covered her nose and mouth.


    However, that was enough for Desire as he spoke again, "I guess that''s fine..."


    "Let''s go now," Desire then turned his body around as he reached out for Jarina with his left hand.


    Of course, Jarina took his left hand right away, "I''m getting excited, it''s like a date!"


    Jarina said as she swung her body left and right as they started to walk.


    "Date? Hmm...it''s like a date if you think about it, but...in a Dungeon? You got some weird taste, Jarina," Desire said as he looked at the tower again.


    The tower was...making him feel like he was really small, but Desire wasn''t really getting affected by it now that he knew that it was something normal.


    "Though...I am also getting excited about this ''date,''" Desire murmured as he smiled.


    And it was in this way that Desire and the others went to the Dungeon, the Dungeon of the Dead.


    ****


    Dungeon of the Dead.


    It was a Dungeon that was basically filled with undead monsters such as skeletons, ghosts, phantoms, grim reapers, and everything that is related to the term ''dead.''


    It was also a Rank C Dungeon, making it a really hard Dungeon for beginners and weak ones to conquer.


    However, although a Dungeon is coined with the description of ''city of monsters,'' it was really not a city of monsters.


    The Tower that made one feel small and weak; that was really the Dungeon.


    However, the Tower does not show up on its own. It shows up with a city that anyone could use if they can defeat the monsters.


    And now, the Dungeon of the Dead''s city was filled with people beaming with energy as trades all over the place were happening.


    Merchants from all over the place were shouting and advertising their own products, and their men were moving from place to place as they delivered items to consumers.


    The consumers were...people from the Lion Clan or the other merchants.


    As the Dungeon has still not been declared as safe by the Lion Clan, it was only the brave ones who are in this place.


    Of course, once the Lion Clan dictates that it is now safe, people from all over the place can visit it and even start a new life here by living in the city around the Tower.


    Well, that is...if they want to be ruled by the Lion Clan.


    As it was the Lion Clan who owns the Dungeon, they would be like the citizens of the Lion Clan.


    It would be like a small city that the Lion Clan governs over.


    In other words, a Dungeon was a place that could give one money, power, people, opportunities...literally everything.


    "That is why the Dungeons are always being fought over by numerous powerhouses once they appear, young master."


    Amelia said as she looked at the people in this place.


    This place was...right in the middle of the city of the Dungeon of the Dead, and the group of Desire, Jarina, and Amelia was standing right in the middle of the busy day.


    "Get in! Get in! This sword has been made with special ore!" A merchant shouted.


    "This is what I call quality item! Look at the beauty!" Another one shouted.


    And while this was all happening, Desire...was observing them with a nonchalant look.


    However, deep inside, Desire...was really excited.


    ''Wow...so, this is a Dungeon! Interesting!!'' Desire thought as a smile finally crept up to his face.

 Chapter 206: Lords Mansion

    ''Wow...so, this is a Dungeon! Interesting!!'' Desire thought as a smile finally crept up to his face.


    Even though Desire was surrounded by humans right now, he didn''t put any attention on that point at all.


    What was important right now, for Desire, was the city. His attention was all over that.


    He was interested in how the city worked, and how the merchants were doing trades.


    Of course, it didn''t really matter to him, but...it was as if a puzzle was being solved right in front of him as the merchants and their customers talked with each other and made a deal about an item.


    That was why it was interesting for Desire to see this play out right in front of him.


    It was then that a voice resounded out in Desire''s ears as something appeared in the corner of his field of vision.


    "Move! Move! Move!" The voice said, but that was not all as Desire soon heard the sound of horses neighing and running.


    "Desire, let''s move out of the way," Jarina''s voice entered Desire''s ears as he felt his robe being tugged.


    Of course, when Desire what Jarina said, he just instinctively backed away fast and looked at the street where he was standing before.


    And there he saw two horses pulling something like a cart with so many items that even Desire with his ridiculous senses couldn''t count it all.


    "Don''t stand in the middle of the road on such a busy day!" The man who was sitting on the cart shouted out loud, but he didn''t even look at Desire and the others as the horses pulled the cart fast and disappeared from this street.


    "Woah, what was that..." Desire murmured as he looked at the far distance where the cart faded into.


    However, it seems that Amelia was able to catch what he said as Amelia spoke.


    "Those are the items being delivered to the auction, and it seems that they are behind in schedule, which is why the driver is hurrying like that," Amelia said.


    "Auction?" Desire asked as he turned his head towards Amelia''s direction.


    Of course, when Amelia heard his question, she quickly answered, "An auction is a place where the wealthy merchants gather and try to purchase items that are far better than what is currently being sold in this place right now."


    "Hmm...so this place is for the poor and the auction is for the rich, huh. That''s amazingly simple," Desire said as he turned his head back in front.


    "Anyways, where can we get a room, Amelia? I want to gather information about this city and the Tower first before going into the Dungeon," Desire said as he began to walk.


    Of course, when he did, the two women just...started to follow right after him.


    It was weird to see that they would only move once Desire moves, but well. Amelia was here to guide the two, and Jarina was only here for Desire.


    Anyways, when Amelia heard what Desire said, she quickly began to think about any possible places where they could stay.


    Of course, as Amelia was the one who takes care of these things, it was easy for her to think up of a place.


    "The young master and the young miss would be able to stay in the Lord''s mansion at any moment and at any given time," Amelia said but she was not done as she continued.


    "If I may ask, shall I lead you both to the Lord''s mansion now or is the young master planning to sightsee for now?"


    "No, lead us right away to that Lord''s mansion or whatever. Although this place is interesting, I''m already satisfied with what I saw," Desire said as he...stopped walking and looked back on Jarina, "What are you doing? Isn''t this supposed to be a date? Grab my hand," He said as he reached out for Jarina''s hand with his left hand.


    "Fufufu, I was just letting you have fun, but it seems like you remembered me now, hmm?" Jarina said as she grabbed Desire''s left hand with her right hand and...stood beside him.


    Both of them started to walk side by side as Desire spoke, "What are you talking about? I never forgot about you," He said, but Desire was not done as he looked back at Amelia, "Ah, lead us there - to that Lord''s mansion now."


    "As you wish," Amelia said as she...began to walk a little bit faster to get in front of the two.


    And when she was in front of them, Desire and Jarina just followed right after Amelia.


    And the street where the three of them were previously standing on were some merchants talking with each other as they looked in the direction where the trio disappeared into.


    "Kekeke! That woman with purple hair is pretty!" One of the merchants said as he caressed his long-ass beard.


    "Hey, hey! You can''t just dismiss the black-haired girl! Although her face was hidden, her body was just dynamic!" One of the merchants said as he imagined how Amelia looked like.


    "Tsk, tsk. That guy got to be living his best life, being sandwiched with girls like that." The final merchant said.


    And as soon as he said that, the one with the long-ass beard spoke with a grin on his face, "Not for long, though! We got to report this to Sir Baho!"


    "Ohh, Sir Baho! He would definitely appreciate our action of telling that two pretty women are walking around with a useless man by their side."


    "Kekekeke! We should go now! Sir Baho would definitely return the favor!"


    And with that...the merchants'' conversation came to an end as all three of them went on to go and tell this Sir Baho about the existence of Amelia and Jarina.


    ****


    "This is the Lord''s mansion, young master," Amelia''s voice resounded out in this place as she moved out of the way for Desire to see.


    The mansion that was standing tall in the middle of the street was just...huge.


    There were also the gates around the mansion, and the garden as well, which just added more beauty to this articulately built mansion.


    However, it seems that Desire was not amazed as he just had this flat expression on his face as he spoke.


    "...there''s basically nothing in this place, is there?" Desire said as he turned his head left and right.


    And what he saw was...nothing. There was nothing in this place, and that was because this was the Lord''s mansion.


    It was only natural that the Lord''s mansion wouldn''t have any neighbors or something like that.


    However, Desire didn''t like this as he came into the Lord''s mansion to gather information, not to hide or something like that.


    "Whew. Well, I guess this is fine. Let''s go inside, then." Desire said to Amelia.


    "Right away," Amelia said as she turned around and began walking towards the mansion.


    And while they were walking, Desire and Jarina shared a conversation together.


    Well, it was pretty much a long walk towards the inside of the mansion, but they were soon able to get there as they were no inside the mansion.


    And as soon as they got there, Desire suddenly remembered something as he spoke, "Oh yeah, Amelia, this place is the Lord''s mansion, right? If this is the Lord''s mansion, how come there are no any guards or whatever to defend it?"


    "That''s because there is no official lord, yet. As this Dungeon has just been conquered, there is no need for any official lord," Amelia said, but she was not done as she continued.


    "There are many rooms in this place as this is the Lord''s mansion, so please just pick any of them-" Amelia said all those words but...she was cut off by Desire as he raised his hand.


    "We don''t need any actual rooms. I just want you to gather general information about this whole city; the auction, the merchants, the items, and the Dungeon itself."


    "Since that would take a lot of time, I had you bring us here," Desire said.


    "General information, hmm?" Amelia murmured as she bowed her head.


    She then spoke with a clear voice this time, "I shall see to it, young master."


    Amelia then disappeared as she went on to go and fulfill the young master''s orders.


    And as soon as she disappeared, Jarina spoke right away, "What are you planning, Desire? You usually don''t act like this..."


    Indeed. What Jarina said was the truth. This was actually the first time that Desire did something like gathering information or anything that goes with that kind of work.


    And that was why Jarina was a little bit...shocked by it.


    "Hmm? Did you forget what master said? He said that I should learn about Dungeons in this place, and that is what I intend to do."


    "I got a lot of time; a whole week. Although master also said that I should try and get real-life combat experience, I can do that at the end of the week."


    "Anyways, what I intend to say is...master wants me to learn about how the city works more than the Dungeon itself."

 Chapter 207: Representative

    "Anyways, what I intend to say is that master wants me to learn about how the city works more than the Dungeon itself."


    Desire said as he looked at Jarina with a thin smile on his face, and it seems that he was not done as he spoke again, "Well, I admit that what I''m doing is quite unlike me, but hey."


    Desire then pulled Jarina up close to his arms and hugged her. He then looked at Jarina straight in the eyes as he continued speaking, "People change, and I, too, will change. Nothing''s wrong with change, is there?"


    "Ah, not that my love will change for you, though." Desire said yet another cheesy line, which made Jarina...blush a little bit.


    Well, ever since Desire grew up, he was being...aggressive or open about his ''love'' for Jarina which Jarina was not used to.


    Of course, it was really embarrassing to hear such cheesy lines, but Jarina didn''t mind them that much as it was Desire saying them.


    However, it is because Desire was the one who was saying those cheesy lines that she was getting embarrassed.


    It was...a little complicated, but well. That was just how women are.


    However, it seems that...Jarina didn''t plan to leave Desire hanging as she spoke with a weak voice, "Me, too...my love won''t change."


    She said, and even though she spoke with a weak voice, Desire was able to pick it up as his ears perked up.


    "I already know that. If your love would have changed, you would have abandoned me long before I became an...adult." Desire said as he then removed his hands from Jarina''s back and began to move away.


    He then turned around as he continued to speak, "Well, enough of that. Follow me, I can feel something crawling around in this Lord''s mansion."


    "Crawling around?" Jarina said as soon as she heard what Desire said.


    "Yeah, I don''t know what exactly it is, but...it is definitely crawling around. It''s quite weird as well considering that there should be no other people here."


    "Which means...it might be a burglar trying to steal something important in the Lord''s mansion or just an intruder from the merchants'' side or whatever." Desire said as he began to walk towards the grand hallway that was present right in front of the door, where they came from.


    Jarina then began to follow right after him as she also kept her senses sharp.


    ''He''s able to feel something that I cannot feel...I knew that he becomes stronger with every growth that he has experienced, but...to surpass me, a rank 6 monster, in just a single night...''


    Right, for Desire to feel something that Jarina hasn''t even noticed was amazing.


    That basically means that...Desire''s senses have surpassed Jarina''s senses, and that is definitely a good thing.


    "Jeez...this makes me remember the day when you first formed your Core," Jarina murmured, but she was not done.


    "You make me look like a human with your monstrosity," Jarina said so weakly that it seems that not even Desire was able to pick her words up.


    Well, that was just because Desire was currently focusing on tracking down that presence that just seems to crawl around.


    "Ah, this way," Desire said as he turned right as he saw a corner to turn to as the walls gave way for another hallway.


    Of course, Jarina followed right after him, and Desire was just concentrating on this strange presence again.


    This second hallway was pretty much smaller since it was not the main hallway, but it was still pretty big. Well, it was just because this place was the Lord''s mansion.


    "Hmm...this place is pretty big," Desire said as he observed the walls, but there was nothing special on them as well, which is why his interest vanished right away.


    "How did this strange presence was able to get inside the Lord''s mansion, anyways?" Desire said and as soon as Jarina heard those words, an idea suddenly came into her mind as she remembered something.


    "Maybe...it is not someone, but something, instead?" Jarina said as she began to hasten her steps.


    She then grabbed Desire by his left hand, and...she started to run, which made Desire run as well, too.


    "What''s wrong? Why are you suddenly running?" Desire said as he kept up with Jarina''s running.


    However, Jarina didn''t answer him and just continued to run.


    The sound of their footsteps resounded out in this lonely hallway, and because of their speed, Jarina and Desire were able to reach their destination pretty fast.


    And their destination was...a huge door. It was a huge door that looked similar to Lionel''s room.


    And since it was similar to Lionel''s room, one could probably say that this room in front of Desire and Jarina...was the Lord''s room.


    "Hmm...how did you know that the strange presence was in this place?" Desire said as he looked at the door with amazement on his face.


    He was amazed that...the presence that he was feeling was now right in front of him. After all, it was indeed the truth that the presence was just beyond the door.


    "I guess you really are strong, Jarina. I still can''t hold a candle to your senses," Desire added.


    And this made Jarina think...''It''s not my senses, but the books that I have read that made me know, though...''


    Right, the reason why Jarina knew that the presence was in front of this door was because of the book that she read before in her house.


    However, it seems that Jarina...didn''t plan to disclose this information as she wanted to somehow impress Desire.


    "Uhm! Uhm! Anyways, I now know why you are feeling that creeping sensation. It''s because of the Representative," Jarina said as she really...didn''t explain how she came to know this location.


    "Representative?" Desire said as he tilted his head sideways. It was a word that...just didn''t make sense in this situation.


    "That''s right. Well, it should be fine to show you this since you said that papa wants to make you learn about the city more than the Dungeon, so...follow me," Jarina said as she began to walk towards the huge door.


    Of course, when Jarina said that Desire should follow her, Desire did that with no problems at all.


    Jarina then opened the huge ass door with her magic, but she didn''t open it all the way through.


    She just made sure that there would be enough space for two people to walk on, and she entered right away as she urged Desire to follow her inside the room.


    ''Hmm...I''m getting excited, what the hell is inside this room?'' Desire thought as he walked and entered the room.


    They entered the Lord''s room of the Lord''s mansion.


    ****


    Desire and Jarina were able to enter the Lord''s room without any problems at all, and the two of them were just standing.


    They weren''t walking or something like that, and that is because of torches that suddenly lit up, which made them raise their guards up.


    The torches that lit up were in the walls and they were in a circular position.


    This made Desire and Jarina know that the room was not in the typical ''square'' design, but rather circular.


    And in the very center of this circular room, there were stairs that led up to the top.


    However, since the stairs were pretty long, Desire, even with his abnormal senses, was not able to see what was on top of it.


    Of course, that includes Jarina, but...it seems that Jarina really does plan to play around as she spoke.


    "Can you see what''s on top of the stairs?" Jarina said with a proud tone in her voice.


    "No...I can''t see it, but I can feel that the presence that I''ve been feeling for a while now is on top of that," Desire said as he looked at the stairs as he tilted his head backward.


    He then continued, "What is it? The thing that you are seeing right now."


    "Is that...the Representative you''re talking about?" Desire said as he then turned his head towards Jarina.


    And Jarina was...she was smiling a little bit as she nodded her head, "That''s right. Well, let''s climb the stairs up for you to see better."


    Jarina said as she started to walk towards the stairs. Of course, Desire followed right after her.


    The two of them then began to climb the stairs without talking to each other.


    Jarina was thinking of how Desire should be thinking about how dependable she is, while Desire was thinking about the Representative.


    Their thoughts couldn''t be any more different, but that didn''t matter at all as they were able to reach the top of the stairs soon enough.


    And as soon as they did, Desire''s red eyes...sharpened as he instinctively activated his powers; the cracks in his right arm and chest.


    "Watch out, Jarina!" Desire shouted out loud as he began to run and overtook Jarina.


    And when he was in front of Jarina, Desire continued to speak, "It''s a monster."

 Chapter 208: Representative II

    "It''s a monster," Desire said as he looked right in front of him.


    In front of him was a monster who was...chained down with some solid-looking locks and chain and shackles.


    However, even though the monster was chained down, it was standing up.


    Furthermore, the monster was...wearing some kind of robe that makes it hard for Desire and Jarina to figure out what kind of monster it was.


    However, that was not all as the monster''s right hand was sticking out in front of him. On top of the monster''s right hand was some kind of marble.


    No, it would be better to call this an orb as it was perfectly shaped into a circle.


    The orb was pretty big, and the color was...it was transparent.


    However, even though it was transparent, Desire...couldn''t see through it to see the monster''s hand.


    "Hmm...it''s not moving," Desire murmured as he observed the monster.


    And the fact that the monster didn''t move at all made Desire''s guard lower.


    After all, it seems that the chains were working in chaining down the monster.


    It was then that Desire heard Jarina''s voice flowed into his ears as she spoke.


    "Fufufu, you don''t have to worry about it attacking you. More importantly, I''m surprised that you are able to notice that it was a monster."


    "And...the fact that you are willing to fight against it - you really grew up!"


    Jarina said with a proud look on her face. Well, she was just happy that Desire could finally point a sword against monsters.


    Jarina was the one who helped Desire move on from these...complicated emotions that Desire had for monsters, so seeing Desire prepared to fight against monsters right before her eyes was really satisfying for her.


    "Hmm? I don''t have to worry about it attacking? What do you mean by that?" Desire said as he...willed for his right hand and chest to return back to normal.


    He also relaxed his body and just straightened up his body as he turned his head to look at Jarina, waiting for her answer.


    "Well, this is the Representative that I''m talking about. This is also the presence that you felt before." Jarina said as she began to walk towards the chained monster.


    "Hey, what are you doing! It might be dangerous!" Desire said as he tried to stop Jarina, but Jarina didn''t pay him any attention at all.


    Of course, since Jarina was not paying attention to him, Desire...just stopped trying to stop her.


    After all, it was also the truth that Jarina told him that he doesn''t have to mind the dangers or the monster at all.


    It was then that Jarina reached the monster, and as soon as she reached the monster, Jarina removed the robe that the monster was wearing.


    No, to be exact, she just moved it so that they would be able to see the monster''s face.


    "Oh? Skeleton?" Desire''s voice resounded out in this place as soon as the monster''s face was revealed.


    It was a...skeleton. It looked ominous and it looked powerful as well.


    However, the most important part of all is that...when the robe covering its face was removed, some kind of aura started to be released with the monster as the main point.


    The aura was ominous and it was depressing as well, but...Jarina was prepared for it as some kind of light was covering her body right now.


    That light was her mana, and Desire also defended against it with the power of his cracks.


    The power of his cracks was...it didn''t cover his body or something like that, but Desire could feel that his body was guarded now.


    It was such an uncertain feeling, but Desire didn''t think about it that much as this situation was critical.


    And besides...Jarina started to speak again as she began to back away from the skeleton.


    "This is the Representative of the Dungeon of the Dead. Of course, since it is the Dungeon of the Dead, its Representative is a skeleton as well."


    "Representative? Dungeon of the Dead? What the hell is it? I''m not following at all," Desire said as Jarina was near him now.


    "As one conquers a Dungeon and kills the Monster Lord ruling over the Dungeon, the Representative would appear in the Lord''s mansion."


    "As the Monster Lord of the Dungeon of the Dead has already been killed, the Representative has appeared in the Lord''s mansion."


    "And the Representative is...something or someone that one will have to make a contract with to become the Lord of the City of the Dungeon of the Dead or some other Dungeon out there."


    Jarina said all those words without missing any single beat and without hesitating at all.


    It seems that Jarina was knowledgeable about this part, and that was only natural.


    Jarina didn''t waste those years that she spent back in her home in Skinjur. She has read hundreds of books, and one of those books was about the Representative, which is why she knew many things about this part.


    "Hmm...I get it now, but that doesn''t make sense. If one has already conquered the Dungeon, doesn''t that make one the Lord of the City already?" Desire said as he tilted his head sideways.


    It was as if he was not feeling the ominous aura that the skeleton was releasing.


    Of course, the same was true for Jarina as well as this aura was just weak.


    Well, it was just because Jarina''s defense was perfect for it.


    "Well, technically, if one conquered the Dungeon, then one is already the Lord of the City. However, there are advantages one can get by making a contract with the Representative," Jarina said as she turned her head towards Desire.


    "And those advantages are really huge and extremely useful for governing the city of the Dungeon, which is why most Lords do a contract with the Representative."


    The advantages that one can have by making a contract with the Representative of a Dungeon are tremendously huge.


    By entering into a contract with the Representative, the one who entered the contract would officially be the Lord of the City.


    Becoming the Lord of the City brings a man three huge advantages that a man can ever get in a city.


    One is that...the authority to use the monsters. The Lord of the City would be able to use the monsters that are on the lower floors of the Tower of the Dungeon.


    These lower floors consist of the first three floors of a Dungeon and these first three floors have a lot of monsters, which are just...generated or spawn naturally.


    Although humans still don''t know why and how monsters are generated in a Tower, it didn''t matter since it could be used as a workforce for them.


    However, the Lord of the City would only be able to use the monsters on the lower floors alone.


    Using the monsters above the first three floors would be impossible, no matter how much research a clan or guild put in to make the monsters above submissive towards the Lord of the City.


    The second advantage of entering into a contract with the Representative is that...the Lord of the City would be able to move the houses, gates, walls...literally every structure that the city has.


    This would be great as the city would be able to have a much more dependable and cleaner arrays of buildings and the Lord of the City would be able to prepare the city for any possible sieges or attacks.


    The third advantage of entering into a contract with the Representative is that...one can borrow power from the Representative itself.


    The Representative is quite strong, even though the Representative is locked down by chains and all these shackles.


    Humans also tried to know more about the Representative of the Dungeons, but...none has been successful in finding out more about the Representatives that appear in the Lord''s mansion.


    However, it is still the truth that the Representative is indeed powerful.


    If the Lord of the City was already one powerful being, then...combined with the might of the Representative, the Lord of the City would become so strong that he might be able to defend his city against a Conqueror.


    That was how scarily powerful the advantages of entering a contract with the Representative were.


    However, it''s not like there was no catch in all these advantages.


    One must pay something to obtain all these, and that is...


    "The Lord of the City would never be able to get away from the city once he has entered into a contract with the Representative," Jarina''s voice resounded out in this place as the wind began to blow.


    The wind was cold, and Desire could feel it all the way through his bones.


    Desire''s red eyes were widened as he felt shocked about what he just heard, "Would never be able to get away? Do you mean to say that the Lord of the City would never be able to get out...of the City?"


    Jarina then answered his question, "That''s right. The Lord of the City would not be able to get away from the city even if he became a God."

 Chapter 209: A Dangerous Situation!

    Jarina then answered his question, "That''s right. The Lord of the City would not be able to get away from the city even if he became a God."


    "That''s not quite right, young miss," A feminine voice resounded out in the room as soon as Jarina answered Desire.


    Desire and Jarina could hear the sound of footsteps and they could also tell that the footsteps are near them now.


    Of course, this made the two of them turn their heads and look for the source.


    After all, both of them were surprised that this person was able to creep up to them without even noticing it, but...when they saw who it was, they thought that it was only natural.


    No...it was only Jarina who thought that it was only natural for this person to creep up to them without her or Desire noticing it.


    Why? It was because it was Amelia, who Desire ordered before to gather general information about the city.


    Desire was...he was suspicious about all this, ''Strange...earlier, she couldn''t even stand before the aura that I released, but now...she can escape my senses?''


    Is she playing with me? Desire thought, but...Desire just decided to scrap it off.


    After all, there was no way to answer this question unless he asks Amelia directly, and Desire didn''t want to ask Amelia about it.


    It would make him look like a sore loser, and he didn''t want to be seen as such.


    It was then that Amelia finally reached the top of the stairs, and as soon as she did, she spoke, "The one who enters a contract with the Representative is definitely bound to the city, that''s true."


    "However, the Lord of the City would still be able to leave the city for a limited amount of time."


    "If the Lord of the City is quite used to his position, then he would be able to leave the city for an hour. If the Lord is new, then half an hour."


    "There are also cases where the new Lord can''t leave the city at all, but...it just takes time to adjust and the new Lord would soon be able to leave the city for a limited amount of time."


    "However, it is true that...no matter how strong the Lord becomes, he would never be able to leave the city completely."


    "The limit of time would always be there."


    Amelia said all those words, but she wasn''t done as she bowed her head towards the two, "I have returned, young master, young miss."


    "Why can''t a Lord leave his city completely? What''s the reasoning behind it?" Desire said, and this made Amelia raise her head up as she answered his question.


    "The reason is because of the Representative -" Amelia then raised her hand to point at the skeleton, "- The Representative binds the one who makes a contract with him to him."


    "We don''t know the exact reason, but...we assume that it''s because the Representative is trying to make someone else experience his pain."


    "Experience his pain?" Desire said as he tilted his head with a question mark above his head.


    "All of the Representatives of the Dungeons that have appeared are all located in the Lord''s room. And as you can see, the skeleton is bound to this place with chains all over him."


    "He can''t move, and he can''t do anything. We assume that...the Representative wants the one who enters a contract with him to be like him."


    "Unable to move, unable to do anything in the outside world and bound to his city," Amelia said.


    "Hmm...is this general knowledge or is this just inside the Lion Clan''s?" Desire asked as he turned his head towards the skeleton.


    "This is general knowledge, young master. Although a commoner would never know about things like these, as they are too busy trying to survive, it is still considered general knowledge."


    Amelia swiftly answered Desire''s question, and Desire...he didn''t answer or speak anything as he just stared at the skeleton.


    Silence...has taken over the room and no one was doing anything. Not Jarina, not Desire, and not Amelia.


    Not even the skeleton was doing anything. It was only after a couple of minutes that Desire spoke again.


    "So? How does one make a contract with the Representative?" Desire said with a thin smile on his face.


    It seems that...this topic was interesting enough for him to actually ask for more information about the Representative.


    Of course, when he asked, Amelia quickly answered, "The orb that the Representative is holding - one just needs to pour a little bit of their blood and the system would do its work."


    "Huh? System?" Desire said as he looked back to Amelia in surprise.


    He didn''t expect that word to be used here as...it was truly unexpected.


    After all, it''s not like the system is the one doing the contract with the Representative or something like that.


    "Yes, from what I''ve heard, the system will lay out the terms of the conditions that the Representative will offer and the individual just needs to accept it."


    "All of the conditions are the same for every Dungeon even though they are all different monsters, which is quite weird, but...it''s not like we can question something like that," Amelia said.


    But...she then continued as her eyes somehow turned a little bit sharper, "Why did the young master ask?"


    And as soon as Desire heard those words, he spoke with a sharp and heavy tone, "You do not have the right to question me."


    "Ah, there you are, being harsh to Amelia again...you don''t have to be harsh to her, do you?" Jarina suddenly spoke as she looked at Desire and Amelia back and forth.


    "Well, she just doesn''t have the right to question me. Anyways, this whole thing with the Representative and the Lord of the City is interesting." Desire said, but that was not all...as words continued to flow out of his mouth.


    Absurd words that Amelia and Jarina didn''t expect to hear flowed out of his mouth.


    "I kinda want to try it out - contracting with this Representative." Desire said as he began to walk towards the Representative.


    He then raised his left hand as he rolled back the sleeves on his left arm.


    He then shaped his right hand into a chopping form as he intended to slice his wrist with his right hand.


    "Huh? Y-young master, please wait!" Amelia shouted out loud as she came to her senses, "If you make a contract with the Representative, you won''t be able to get out of this city normally anymore!"


    "Please, reconsider!" Amelia continued as she tried to chase after Desire, but...she was abruptly stopped by Jarina who stepped right in front of her.


    "No can do, Amelia," Jarina said as she looked at Amelia with cold eyes.


    Those kinds of eyes...it was so cold that Jarina didn''t look like the type to remind someone about being too harsh or something like that.


    However, what was most important in Jarina''s case was that...even her aura and demeanor changed completely.


    When Amelia looked at Jarina, she thought that...this was not the young miss she knew.


    "Young miss! If the young master makes a contract with the Representative, the young master won''t be able to get out of the city! Are you okay with that?!" Amelia shouted out loud, but...her face soon became ridden in despair as she saw the skeleton''s left hand...pointing at Desire.


    ''Impossible! How did the Representative move!'' Amelia thought, but she couldn''t think about it anymore as she heard a voice resound out in her ears.


    "Amelia! Hold the young miss down!!!!" The voice said, and Amelia didn''t try to see who it was as she just quickly moved to hold Jarina down.


    She moved swiftly and went behind Jarina''s back, "Pardon me!" Amelia said as her hands formed a chokehold around Jarina''s neck.


    That was not all as Amelia even made Jarina fall to the ground by bending Jarina''s knees.


    And all this...happened very fast, but despite this happening to her, Jarina...didn''t utter a word and just stared at the empty air.


    "What is going on?!" Amelia thought as she moved her head to look at Desire.


    And there she saw...Desire with his left arm bleeding as he finished cutting his wrist.


    Desire was about to put his left hand right above the orb, but...


    Tap! Tap! Tap! Tap! The sharp sound of clapping resounded out, and that was because...various men appeared right beside Desire as they all grabbed his left hand and some grabbed his body.


    "Young master, please stop this madness!" A familiar voice resounded out...and it was Ryu''s voice.


    He was one of the men who was holding Desire''s left hand, but that was not all as Ryu had his right arm on Desire''s neck, trying to pull him away from the Representative.


    It was then that another one of the men shouted out loud, "Pull the young master out!!" He said.


    And as soon as he said those words, all of the men synchronously used all of their might to throw Desire away.


    But...all they did was lift Desire from the ground 10 inches up.


    "What''s with his weight?!" One of the men shouted out loud as he could feel his arms numbing.


    "No...it''s not his weight, but our strength has weakened!" One of the men said as he looked at the Representative, "It''s the skeleton''s doing!!!"


    The skeleton was just looking at them with its hollow eyes as its aura started to grow stronger and stronger...

 Chapter 210: Muzziah

    "It''s the skeleton''s doing!!!!" One of the men said as he looked at the skeleton who had both of his arms sticking out.


    The skeleton was not moving, and it seems like it wasn''t doing anything.


    Of course, that was just on the surface as the people present here knew that the ominous aura that the skeleton was letting off was getting stronger by the second.


    They could also feel that this ominous aura was making them weak, which is why they were starting to panic in this situation.


    Why? It was because of Desire, who was still trying to move towards the skeleton.


    "What are you guys doing?! Can you not see that I am trying to make a contract with the Representative!?" Desire said as he struggled to get out of the various men''s hold.


    The way he moved...was very stiff, which is why he wasn''t able to get out of the men''s hold even though he wasn''t feeling weak or anything like that.


    It was as if he was not affected by the ominous aura that the skeleton was letting off.


    And that was the truth. The skeleton''s aura was not affecting Desire at all, and that was because the skeleton wanted to make sure that Desire...would be able to proceed with the contract.


    In fact, it was some other kind of aura that was affecting Desire; it was the skeleton''s corruption, which is why he was acting like this.


    With the help of the skeleton''s ''corruption'' and the ominous aura, Desire was forced to proceed with the contract without even realizing it.


    However, it seems that Ryu doesn''t plan to let this madness continue anymore as he churned up his mana from his Core and covered his left hand with it.


    No, that was not all as Ryu began to cover his entire body with his mana to protect himself from the skeleton''s ominous aura.


    It was the aura that was making him weaker, but if Ryu can fight against it with his mana, then it wouldn''t be a problem for him to return to his original strength.


    And that was the truth as Ryu could feel his strength returning back to his body.


    "The Representative''s corruption must have gotten to your brain! Punish me for however you want later, but I must do this!" Ryu shouted out loud as he struck Desire''s nape, intending to make him pass out.


    The power behind that single strike was definitely strong as Ryu was even using his mana, but...it was not enough to make Desire pass out.


    "Arghhh!!" Desire screamed as he felt the pain traveling throughout his entire body just from being hit in the nape.


    "What the?! That was not enough?!" Ryu said as he began to churn some more of his mana.


    If a single strike was not enough to make Desire pass out, then he just needs to strike him as much as he needs to.


    Even though this would definitely create a rift between him and Desire, it would be worth it as long as Desire wouldn''t be bound to the city just like the other Lords.


    Right, that was Ryu''s honest feelings about this whole situation, and that was why...Ryu was intending to smack Desire at the back of his head without pulling any of his strength back.


    However, it was then that something...abnormal happened.


    And that was...Desire fell to the ground without any warning.


    Thud! The sound of his body hitting the ground hard resounded out, and this made the men holding Desire...jump to him just like how wild beasts jump on their prey.


    "Quick!! Hold him down! Hold him down!!!" One of the men said as he began to restrain Desire''s arms with his own arms.


    Of course, the other men didn''t need to be told that as each of them quickly went to work and began to hold some part of Desire''s body to make sure that he wouldn''t be able to stand up for now.


    It was a chance that suddenly came to them; it would be stupid for these veterans of the battlefield to not pounce on this chance.


    That was why it didn''t take them long to ensure that Desire wouldn''t be able to move and that...Desire was unconscious.


    It seems that he really got knocked out from Ryu''s strike, but it just took effect seconds later.


    "Boss! The young master is knocked out!" One of the men holding Desire down spoke up as he looked at Ryu, his boss.


    "Good! I don''t know what happened, but make sure to hold him down properly! This situation is abnormal so prepare yourselves for a battle with this Representative!" Ryu said, and as soon as he was done, he whipped his head to look at the Representative, the skeleton.


    However, when he did, his eyes soon widened as he saw the sigh of the Representative''s left hand...slowly going back to its original position.


    It was as if the skeleton was now done with what it had to do.


    ''The aura that the skeleton was releasing is gone...'' Ryu thought as he observed the Representative.


    As Ryu was using his mana to fight off against the aura that the Representative used to weaken the men, Ryu was able to feel if it was still present or not.


    And the fact that it was gone when Desire suddenly collapsed...just strengthened the theory that Ryu had about the skeleton being done with what it had to do.


    It was then that a feminine voice resounded out in Ryu''s ears.


    "What happened just now is an irregular among irregularities. I shall make contact with the headquarters and ask for an investigation regarding this Representative," the voice said.


    And as soon as Ryu heard those words, he turned his head back to look at Amelia.


    "Amelia. How''s the young miss?" Ryu said.


    "She''s fine, I placed her in deep sleep," Amelia said as she pointed behind her, where Ryu could see Jarina sleeping on the ground.


    "Hmm...anyways, I''ll let you handle that. I will take care of the young master''s wound and-" Ryu tried to say something else, but he was abruptly cut off by the man who called him earlier.


    "B-b-boss! Boss! You got to see this! Boss!" The man shouted out loud and this made Amelia and Ryu turn their heads in his direction.


    Of course, the man was holding Desire down, but the other men were just standing and keeping guard in case the skeleton does something else.


    Anyways, the man who called Ryu was holding Desire''s left arm up, where Desire cut himself up before.


    And thanks to Ryu''s good senses, Ryu could see the wound on Desire''s left arm...closing up abnormally as if it were nothing as well.


    The blood on Desire''s left arm also became clean, but that was not important as Desire''s wound completely closed without any healings or something like that.


    "H-huh? Did I see it right or am I imagining things?" Ryu murmured as his eyes widened some more.


    "N-no...I saw it, too..." Amelia said with the same expression on her face.


    After all, the wound that Desire made was so bad that the floor...basically was tainted everywhere with Desire''s blood.


    A wound like that was something that must be healed up with a healer or a holy spell.


    However...to see that Desire''s wound automatically healed up on its own...was just ridiculous!


    "Auto-regeneration? Is it some skill of the young master?" Ryu murmured, but...he was scolded by Amelia after she heard those words.


    "Don''t guess! The young master''s secrets are not for you to find out!" Amelia said, but she was not done as she continued.


    "Anyway, take the young master and the young miss away from here. I will take a look at the orb to make sure that the young master''s blood didn''t get to it."


    And as soon as she said the last word, Amelia quickly went to work as she walked towards the Representative with no fear at all.


    Of course, Ryu had doubts about letting Amelia check the Representative when the Representative could move, but...he decided to just let her do what she wants.


    After all, Amelia was not a weakling who would be tainted with corruption or something like that.


    She was used to ominous auras, and she could definitely defend herself against it.


    "Alright boys! Carry the young master and the young miss to a room, and make sure that they get plenty of rest!" Ryu said as he disappeared.


    Of course, the other men present in this room disappeared as well as they took Jarina and Desire from here.


    And while that was happening, Amelia was now standing right before the Representative.


    The cloth that she used to hide her face was mysteriously gone as she looked at the orb.


    "Whew...it looks like the blood didn''t come into contact with the orb," Amelia sighed in relief.


    And right after that, her eyes...and demeanor changed as her aura turned sharp.


    It was as if Amelia flicked a switch on, and it was with this kind of face that she spoke again, "What are you doing, Muzziah?"


    "Do you understand what you just did?! That was blasphemy!"


    "Answer me, Muzziah!" Amelia shouted out loud.


    And the skeleton that didn''t say anything until now...started to laugh.


    "Ke ke ke ke ke," the skeleton, Muzziah laughed as his bones rattled, "ke ke ke ke."

 Chapter 211: Rose

    "Ke ke ke ke ke," the skeleton, Muzziah laughed as his bones rattled.


    Muzziah then raised his head to look at Amelia straight in the eyes, "I never expected that the Rose is with Him, ke ke ke ke."


    "No matter, my goal here is finished. I shall go back to my real body," Muzziah continued, but...when he was about to return to his real body with his magic, he soon found out that he...couldn''t.


    He couldn''t return to his real body, ''What?!'' Muzziah thought as he whipped his head to look at the cause, "Rose!"


    "What are you doing! Do you want me to be bound to this skeleton!" Muzziah shouted out loud.


    It was amazing to see that a frail-looking skeleton could move its body without getting destroyed or something like that.


    It was then that Amelia...Rose spoke again with a sharp voice.


    "You haven''t answered my question, yet, Muzziah. What are you planning to do?! You know very well that once someone''s blood has made contact with the orb, the contract would be processed and it cannot be stopped!"


    "Using your powers to corrupt His brain and make Him enter a contract with this Dungeon''s Representative...do you want to betray  the monster race?!"


    "Most importantly, do you intend to betray Him?!"


    From Rose''s perspective, what Muzziah did was definitely a sign of betrayal.


    No matter who it is, once one has been bound to the contract with the Representative, one would never be able to get out of the city.


    And since Muzziah controlled Desire so that he would be able to get into a contract with the Representative, one could say that...Muzziah was planning to lock Desire up in this place.


    "Ke ke ke ke, it seems like you are not aware of what is happening between the monster races."


    "Well, I don''t blame you. After all, you have always been on the lookout for the Beast Lord''s descendant."


    "All because you want to be the first one to meet the Lord, you got no time to go back to our world. Ke ke ke ke." Muzziah said.


    However, he was not done as he continued, "As a gift to our little and sudden reunion, I shall tell you one thing."


    Muzziah then raised his hand as he pointed at himself with his bony fingers.


    "Us, the Abnormal Monsters, have a different way of serving the Lord."


    Muzziah then turned his hand around to point at Rose.


    "We are different from you, Rational Monsters, who only know how to hope and pray."


    "We actually take matters into our hands and take actions upon it. This meeting with the...''young version'' of the Lord is the same."


    "Ke ke ke ke." Muzziah laughed as his whole body started to rattle.


    "You mean to say that endangering the Lord is your way of serving?!" Rose shouted out as she clenched her teeth.


    Her face was showing the anger she clearly felt for Muzziah, who placed Desire in danger.


    However...Muzziah laughed as he saw the anger on Rose''s face, "KE KE KE KE!!"


    "Rose, each True Monster Lords has their own roles to play in the Lord''s birth."


    "Don''t forget; all of us know the prophecy. Even the pitiful demons know the prophecy."


    "The hateful heavenly beings know the prophecy. Even the disgusting humans know it!"


    "So you should know the prophecy. How come you''re acting naive, huh? Did finding the Beast Lord''s descendant in all those years made you senile or something?"


    "Ke ke ke ke, if that''s the case, this is funny. To think that the Thorn that couldn''t fit in any side is being naive...KE KE KE KE!!!" Muzziah said as he laughed his heart out.


    It was indeed funny for him to see Rose acting like this as he knew her from way, way back in time as a woman who used everyone and everything for her goals.


    Rose just clenched her teeth and fists as she couldn''t do anything in this situation.


    After all, she knew that she was being naive as she knew the contents of the prophecy, but...it was really hard for her to accept that what Muzziah did was correct.


    It was then that Muzziah spoke again, "Ke ke, this was a good laugh. Now then, how about you release the hold over my subject?"


    "Any more than this and I will truly be bound to this subject of mine and won''t be able to return to my main body."


    "I''m sure you don''t want that to happen. After all, if that happens, then the monster world will lose another True Monster Lord."


    Indeed. Muzziah was one of those True Monster Lords, who he himself said that had a role to play.


    In other words, Muzziah was just playing his role here in this situation.


    And those True Monster Lords were important forces and influential figures in the monster world. In fact, there were only 12 True Monster Lords. That was how...special and unique these True Monster Lords were.


    That was why...even though Rose wanted to kill Muzziah right now, she can''t really do it.


    Well, there was also the question of Rose being strong enough to kill Muzziah, but...considering that she was able to prevent Muzziah from returning back to his main body, it was no brainer that she could give Muzziah a run for his money.


    "Tsk. This leaves a bad aftertaste in my mouth," Rose finally spoke as she withdrew the power that she was using to keep Muzziah from this place.


    Of course, Muzziah could feel that the power detaining him in this place was no longer there, which is why he was about to go back to his main body, but...when he heard Rose speak again, he stopped it and listened intently.


    "Wait, Muzziah. How were you able to identify him and how were you able to locate him?" Rose said.


    She was interested in this as Desire shouldn''t be that...famous or, at least, people in the Lion Clan should be the only ones to know about his existence.


    "Ke ke ke, you really are naive now. Rose, who was trying her best to find the Beast Lord''s descendant, suddenly settled in a clan. Ke ke ke, that''s enough of a clue, don''t you think?" Muzziah said.


    And when Rose heard those words, her eyes widened as shock overcame her, "No way! You used me to find Him?! You bastards!!"


    Rose then tried to use her powers to prevent Muzziah from going back out of despite, but...


    "Ke ke ke, we shall meet again, Rose the Thorn." Muzziah''s voice resounded out, but the Representative''s body suddenly became...dead.


    Well, the skeleton was already dead, but...the life in its body and in its hollow eyes was gone, which indicates that Muzziah was now gone from the Representative''s body.


    "Tsk! Worthless bastards," Rose murmured as she tried to hold in the anger that she was feeling right now.


    The only reason why Rose knew that Muzziah was in the skeleton''s body was that it moved. A Representative can never move on its own even if it got a will of its own.


    However, the fact that it moved means that there was a stronger being in it, and Rose was able to recognize that stronger being when the unmoveable Representative moved.


    That was why...since the Representative was no longer moving and Rose could feel that there was no other presence other than the original Representative, she couldn''t really do anything to let her anger.


    "Hah...I hope nothing bad happens to the Lord," Rose murmured as her aura suddenly changed.


    Her demeanor changed and the way her face looked was...a little bit different.


    And it was only natural. After all, Rose...returned to being Amelia now as she was done with Muzziah.


    "No blood was on the orb. I shall return and tend to the young master," Amelia said as she turned around and started to climb down the stairs.


    And while she was walking down the stairs, she murmured, "Still, the prophecy, huh..."


    And her soft voice was carried by the wind and was brought to someone''s ears.


    "Hmm...I came back here, hoping to ascertain the situation with the Representative, but...I found something else, huh." A murmur resounded out as the one who was eavesdropping on Rose and Muzziah started to run.


    Of course, not the loud and conspicuous run, but the sneaky run.


    And while that someone was running, a murmur resounded out again, "So, Amelia has another identity, and that Representative was possessed by someone called Muzziah."


    "And all of that is because of Desire...as I''ve thought, Desire really is special!" A smile suddenly crept up on...Jarina''s face as she thought about how special Desire really is.


    "Still, this is not the time to think about this. I have to nurse Desire back to health," Jarina murmured once more as she saw a door.


    This door was connected to the room where the Black Hand''s members placed Desire to rest.


    Coincidentally, when someone from the Black Hand tried to carry Jarina on his back, Jarina...suddenly woke up.


    Jarina didn''t know, but...her instincts actually woke her up. Jarina, deep down in her heart, didn''t want to be touched by another man, especially in her womanly places.


    As it would be a back ride, Jarina''s breasts would naturally touch the man''s back.


    Anyway, when she woke up, she immediately decided to return back to the Lord''s room to confirm with Amelia about the orb, only for her to find out about something else.


    "Fufufu, I can''t wait to tell Desire about this..."

 Chapter 212: Monsters Way

    In the room where Desire was placed by the Black Hand''s members and Ryu, there was a woman who was currently sitting in a chair.


    Of course, this woman was Jarina, who just got in here.


    She was hoping to nurse Desire back to health, as she heard that he was corrupted or something like that, but...it seems that her wishes to do that was pointless as Desire was awake right now.


    In fact, Desire had his two red eyes wide open as he looked at the empty air.


    Of course, that didn''t mean that Jarina was not satisfied with Desire waking up right away.


    However, there was one thing that was...problematic, and that was...Jarina was too excited as she spoke.


    "Desire! Are you alright? Is there something wrong with you? What do you want to do? Are you fine?! Can you hear my words? Helloooo?" Jarina said as she moved her head right in front of Desire''s field of vision.


    Desire could see Jarina''s flawless face as her hair flowed down to Desire''s face as well.


    However, Desire...didn''t say anything nor did he do anything. He just stared straight at the empty air just as he was doing before.


    And this made...Jarina worried a little bit as Desire was not responding, "Hey, Desire! Can you hear my words or not? Are you really alright?" Jarina said while staying right in front of Desire''s field of vision.


    And it was then that Desire finally made a response as he spoke, "Yeah...I can hear you alright," he said as he then raised his body, making Jarina move out of the way as she sat back down on her seat.


    And when he was finally sitting down on the soft bed, Desire spoke again without looking at Jarina, "What happened?"


    This was Desire''s first question about this whole situation. Desire''s Heavenly Demon trait was not helping him remember what happened at all, which means that something greater than the Heavenly Demon trait was in the works here.


    Of course, since he was not the only person present in that...situation, he just had to ask someone else to know what happened.


    "You got corrupted, they said. And that you had to rest, but it seems like Ryu also predicted that you would be waking up faster than normal since he''s not here," Jarina explained.


    Of course, what Jarina said was the truth. The fact that Ryu and the other members of the Black Hand were not present in this place means that he knew that Desire would wake up soon.


    It was a sign that he was respecting Desire since he let him wake up in a quiet environment with just Jarina by his side rather than in a room full of panicked and noisy men.


    Well, this move of Ryu was a little bit too ambiguous, but...it seems that Desire didn''t care about that at all as he spoke again without looking at Jarina.


    "Corrupted? By what? By who? I can only remember the moment when Amelia was still explaining things to me, and after that...it''s all blurred," Desire said.


    "Well..." Jarina hesitated to say it since she knew that what she was about to say was quite unbelievable considering that she explained that Representatives do not have the freedom to move or something like that.


    However, it''s not like Jarina planned to shy away from her responsibility.


    She was planning to apologize for it. Right, even though Muzziah, the one who possessed the Representative was the one at fault here, Jarina still felt like that situation was her responsibility.


    She was the one who said that the Representative won''t attack him, which may have caused Desire to lower his guard down.


    Besides, Jarina...knew that what happened earlier was her endangering Desire by feeding him wrong information.


    However, before even Jarina could finally come out with what she was about to say, Desire...spoke first as he finally turned his head to look at Jarina.


    "Don''t worry about it. It''s not your fault," Desire said.


    "H-huh?" Jarina stuttered as confusion overtook her mind, but most importantly, Desire...seems to have changed a little bit.


    Jarina didn''t know exactly what it was, but...there was something that just seems to have changed in Desire''s aura and demeanor.


    If Jarina had to word it, it would be like...Desire just got bigger.


    Of course, not in the literal sense of the word, but somehow, someway, Desire just seems so much bigger compared to the time they were together in that Lord''s room.


    And this sudden feeling of Desire getting big was the main cause of confusion for Jarina, which made it hard for her to speak.


    It was then that a smile...suddenly crept up to Desire''s face as he laughed a little bit, "Hahaha, I know that you''re still worrying about things that you shouldn''t worry about."


    "You haven''t changed at all, Jarina," Desire said.


    Desire then began to stand up as he pushed the sheets away from him.


    It seems that he was still wearing the robe and nothing was done on his body at all.


    "Anyways, I probably got corrupted by the Representative, right? It''s no brainer to figure that out since the Representative is the only ''hostile'' presence in that place," Desire said as he was now standing up.


    He then began to stretch his body here and there, and while he was stretching, he spoke again.


    "Hmm? I already told you that you don''t have to worry about something like that. Why do you...still have that kind of face?" Desire said as he looked at Jarina.


    Jarina still had that...dumb look on her face. Well, it was only natural since Desire was able to see right through her.


    Before, Jarina was the one who was seeing through Desire, but now...it seems like tables have turned as Desire saw through Jarina in an instant, and this made Jarina...feel the passage of time.


    "You...really grew up fast..." Jarina murmured as she looked down a little bit.


    Her eyes...were somewhat red due to what she was feeling right now, but she didn''t let her tears out.


    After all, Desire already forgave her with no hesitation at all.


    There was nothing Jarina had to worry about, and that was indeed the truth.


    If Jarina were to still blame herself even after all this, that...would just make her toxic.


    It was then that Jarina finally looked up as she put her chest out forward with no hesitation.


    "Yes, Desire. You got corrupted by the Representative, and I also got corrupted by the Representative. It seems like the Representative tried to make you undergo the contract that the Lord of the City usually undergoes, which...is a failure since you are here well and fine," Jarina said with pride and Desire could see that very well.


    And this simple gesture made Desire really satisfied and proud of Jarina.


    Why? It was because this simple gesture proves that Jarina can grow up and improve as a person.


    Of course, it''s not like Jarina had any big flaws in Desire''s perspective, but...Desire wanted Jarina to stand tall.


    And always being apologetic when something bad happens to Desire was definitely not the way for Jarina to stand tall.


    That was why Desire was happy for Jarina that she was able to take this step, whether she was conscious of it or not.


    And while he was feeling this happiness, Desire...suddenly blurted out some genuine words from his heart, "You really are beautiful, Jarina."


    Of course, when Jarina heard those words, she...just casually smiled as she responded, "I appreciate the compliment, Desire, but...do you really have to say it so many times?"


    "You already told me that before, and I am well aware of it," Jarina said.


    "Of course," Desire said as he then put his right hand above Jarina''s head and began to pat her, "A beautiful woman deserves her beautiful praise, don''t you think?"


    "Fufufu, then I shall take it with no shame," Jarina said.


    The mood was getting...a little bit too comfortable and it was getting lovey-dovey as well, but...it seems that Desire didn''t have the plans to continue this as he turned his head back in front.


    His two red eyes looked just like how they were before when Desire was staring at the empty air.


    Well, that was only to be expected. After all, Desire was looking at the...screen that he was looking at before.


    And that screen was...


    [Monster''s Way is being forcibly awakened.]


    [Monster''s Way is being forcibly awakened.]


    [Monster''s Way is being forcibly awakened.]


    And that was what the screen said. However, there were not just one or two screens that had those messages.


    There were...hundreds, thousands of these screens floating right in front of Desire, which made it hard for Desire to see when he first woke up.


    And while he was staring at those screens, Desire had a thought running in his mind.


    ''Monster''s Way is what the Heavenly Demon trait used to make the Unknown, right? Together with the system.''


    ''How is it possible that it is being forcibly awakened when it''s the Unknown already?'' Desire thought as his eyes sharpened.

 Chapter 213: Monsters Way II

    ''How is it possible that it is being forcibly awakened when it''s the Unknown already?'' Desire thought as his eyes sharpened.


    The fact that the Monster''s Way is being forcibly awakened concerns Desire the most.


    He didn''t care about the cause since it was obvious that it was because of the Representative, and he didn''t care about what this might bring to him, whether harm or benefit.


    The only thing that Desire was concerned about in this situation is...how it was possible.


    After all, if this can happen to his Monster''s Way, then it is also possible to happen with the system, which is very alarming since these two were the foundation of the Unknown.


    ''Somehow...I feel that I shouldn''t part with the Unknown...not even once, although that seems impossible to happen,'' Desire thought as he then began to...will for the screens to disappear.


    Of course, since he willed the screens to disappear, all of them began to vanish one by one just like how a bubble pops.


    But there was a single screen that stayed in Desire''s vision, and it was floating right in the middle of his vision.


    ''Give me more information about this, Unknown,'' Desire thought as he willed for the Unknown to literally give more information about the message.


    After all, the Unknown should know about things like these since it was connected with it and it seems that Desire was right into thinking that as another screen started to pop out in front of him.


    And this is what the screen that popped out said...


    [The Monster''s Way, a type of system that is overshadowed by the Unknown, is being forcibly awakened by some unknown powers.]


    [Advice!]


    -This awakening of the Monster''s Way is extremely beneficial to Desire and to the Unknown itself, please let the Monster''s Way awaken(PROPERLY).


    -Should Desire not let the Monster''s Way awaken(PROPERLY) and let the unknown powers forcibly awaken it, backlash and internal injuries are sure to happen.


    [How to Awaken the Monster''s Way(PROPERLY)]


    -Eat a Monster Lord and become a Monster Lord.


    -Form a Mana Heart and become a Monster.


    [Special Note: Becoming a monster means that Desire will never be able to enter and walk the path of Human. However, with the privilege of being a Quarter God, Desire has the chance to walk both paths without any limitations and shackles.]


    [Privilege of being a Quarter God]


    -To walk both paths(PROPERLY), Desire needs to become a Demigod.


    [A Note to the Special Note: Desire can still walk both paths of Human and Monster without becoming a Demigod. However, Desire''s personality, persona, individuality would be gone if he does not become a Demigod and still walk both paths.]


    And that was all that the screen had to say. It was pretty long and it was full of new things as well, which is why Desire took his time to read it.


    However, as soon as he read the ''A note to the Special Note''s last words, Jarina spoke to him as she tilted her head.


    "Desire? Are you really okay? You''ve been staring into the air for quite a while now...and you aren''t responding to me when I was calling you." Jarina said, but that was not all as she also stood up and stood right in front of Desire.


    "A-ah...yeah, I''m fine. I was just thinking about some things," Desire said as he moved away from Jarina and closed his eyes.


    He then willed for the screen that told him about the Monster''s Way to...move a little bit to the side and opened his eyes.


    And sure enough, the screen was now floating in the corner of his vision, allowing him to see what was in front of him.


    "You don''t look fine to me at all..." Jarina murmured as she looked at Desire.


    Well, it was reasonable for Jarina to think that Desire was not fine. After all, when Desire was reading the messages that the Unknown had to say about the Monster''s Way, Desire...didn''t look that good.


    His face unconsciously formed into a frown as he read every last bit of detail.


    And to Jarina who didn''t know anything about Desire''s Unknown, he looks like he was struggling and was having some internal injuries that Jarina didn''t know.


    "Yeah. Anyways, what are-" Desire tried to speak to distract Jarina, but...


    Tak! Tak! Tak! A powerful knock from across the room resounded out.


    Of course, it was from the door, but that was not all that resounded out as both Jarina and Desire could hear Amelia''s voice.


    "Young miss! I''m here with medical supplies for the young master and some food as well," she said, but she was not done as she continued to speak, "May I enter?"


    And this made Desire and Jarina both turn their heads towards the door as they didn''t expect that someone would come in here.


    Well, Jarina got her head stuck when she was talking with Desire, and Desire was occupied with the Monster''s Way that suddenly appeared.


    "What do you want to do? Do you still need some medical supplies or anything at all?" Jarina said as she turned her head to look at Desire.


    Since Desire was the one who got injured, it was only natural that she would ask for his opinion.


    "I''m fine, I already told you that. More importantly, have you gotten treatment as well? I faintly remember that you and Amelia ducked it out or something like that. You should be the one getting those medical supplies," Desire said as he...began to walk towards the door as he grabbed Jarina and walked with her in tow.


    "Well, I''m pretty sure that you are alright, but let''s have you get looked at by Amelia or some other healer," Desire said without looking back to Jarina.


    "Hmm! I''m fine, but if you say so, then..." Jarina murmured as she just followed right after Desire.


    And while they were walking, Desire was already calculating things about the Monster''s Way.


    He was thinking about what he would do in case the Monster''s Way is not awakened properly, and about...how he would become a monster.


    ''I need to become a monster, huh...sounds cool and I actually want that, but is that...possible? A human cannot be turned into a monster...'' Desire thought, and he just let his thoughts wander.


    After all, there was no need to think about an answer now as things were still in the fog for Desire.


    For now, what he needed to do was...to gather information and to find out how much time he has left before the Monster''s Way gets awakened by the unknown powers.


    ''I need to find a Dungeon for a Monster Lord, too...'' Desire thought...


    ****


    "Young master! Are you feeling alright now?" Amelia said as soon as she saw the door open right in front of her.


    Of course, Desire''s body came right in the center of her field of vision, and she could also see Jarina walking behind him.


    "Yeah," Desire said as he turned his head left and right, "Where''s the food hall? Or whatever you call it. Lead us there, and we would eat there. Also, call for a healer and make it fast," Desire said with a heavy voice.


    And when Amelia heard those words, she answered as she bowed her head, "Yes, young master. The dining hall is located this way, please follow me," Amelia then raised her head as she began to walk down the hallway.


    Coincidentally, Amelia turned right as that was the direction of the dining hall.


    Anyways, Amelia then continued to speak when she felt and heard Desire and Jarina walk.


    "Ryu and the other Black Hand members have already called for a healer to look at the young master''s possible injuries and also at the young miss. The healer should be arriving soon enough," she said.


    Of course, what she said was the truth. As soon as Ryu and the others placed Desire in that room where he was staying, they sent some men to find the best healer that they could find in the city.


    It would be easy to find a healer since most merchant teams and the Lion Clan had their own healers.


    It would be weird if they didn''t have one since they were venturing out in a dangerous place called the Dungeon.


    "Is that so...anyways, you said that you brought medical supplies and some food. I can''t see you holding them," Desire said as he looked down on Amelia''s hands.


    Amelia was...holding absolutely nothing, and Desire was sure of it.


    And that was weird since Desire was also sure that he heard Amelia say that she brought some stuff.


    However, it seems that Desire didn''t have to worry about something like that as Amelia spoke to answer him.


    "I am carrying them by hiding them in some other place. It is a trade secret of mine, but if the young master wishes to learn, then..." Amelia trailed off her last words for Desire to continue.


    "Ah, you don''t have to tell me. I''m not that interested in it," Desire said.


    "As you wish, young master." Amelia said, "Ah, it seems that we have reached the dining hall," she continued.

 Chapter 214: Healer

    Desire, Jarina, and Amelia were able to reach the dining hall of the Lord''s mansion pretty quickly.


    And what was waiting for them in the dining hall was Ryu and the guy who referred to him as boss in the Lord''s room.


    And when they got there, Desire and Jarina immediately sat at the chairs lined up with the dining table.


    The dining table was very long, and it had some very unique designs, as expected of a Lord''s mansion.


    The dining hall itself was pretty extravagant as the designs of the whole place were just superb.


    However, the main point was the chairs themselves. The chairs looked something like even a noble wouldn''t be able to afford.


    And Desire was sitting on the most impressive chair that was stationed at the very end of the long table, which is the chair where the family head usually sits on.


    Jarina was sitting right beside him, where she...was eating. It was weird that she was eating at a time like this, but well.


    There was food in front of her, and she didn''t know when she would be eating again in this situation since Amelia has mentioned that they have already called in a healer or something like that.


    Desire was...he was sorting things out with the Unknown. He was rereading it again to make sure that he didn''t miss anything at all.


    However, when Desire heard Ryu speak, he stopped reading it.


    "Young master, you should eat as well..." He said as he looked at Desire''s food that was getting cold.


    It was cooked by the chef that went with the Black Hand''s members so Ryu was pretty sure of its taste.


    He wanted to make Desire eat it as Desire just went through a horrible experience with the Representative.


    However, Desire didn''t plan to eat at all since this situation was so urgent right now.


    He needed something else, and that was...information.


    That was why Desire ignored Ryu and spoke to Amelia, who was standing by the side.


    "Amelia. Do you have what I wanted you to get?" He said with a sharp voice.


    Well, Desire was getting visibly irritated by the Monster''s Way since it was really just so sudden.


    What''s more, this situation was really time-limited for Desire as Desire would have to go back to Jakart in a week''s time since he has to attend the Pista or whatever one calls it.


    He was supposed to know about Dungeons and the monsters here, but now he was given more tasks such as eating a Monster Lord or forming a Mana Heart.


    Those tasks were time-consuming, and it would be pretty hard as well since Desire...couldn''t possibly eat a Monster Lord to become a Monster or something like that.


    That was why Desire was getting irritated and wanted to finish this Monster''s Way as fast as possible.


    "Yes, young master. Shall I inform you as you eat your meal?" Amelia suggested.


    Of course, this made Desire turn his eyes towards his meal.


    It was soup, some meat, and rice. It was pretty alluring as well as the food''s aroma was great.


    However, the one who nailed the coffin for Desire was Jarina as she spoke while cleaning her mouth with a cloth.


    "Why don''t you eat, Desire? Eating now would definitely save you some time later, you know?" She suggested.


    It seems that Jarina has noticed that Desire was getting irritated and she was even able to guess that it was because of time.


    Well, this was because Jarina just knew Desire that much.


    "Hmm...I guess so," Desire said as he picked up the spoon and fork.


    He then proceeded to eat the meal as Amelia then began to tell Desire what she got - the information about the city, merchants, auction, the Lion Clan.


    Various information flowed out of Amelia''s soft lips and it was all heard by Desire as he ate the food.


    Of course, Ryu, who suggested for Desire to eat, had a satisfied look on his face when Desire began eating.


    Even his subordinate on the side...though, he also looked like he didn''t care.


    And this was the situation in the dining hall until someone...broke this.


    "Boss Cap''n! We got the healer that you wanted!" A voice shouted out loud, and this made all heads turn towards the source of the voice.


    Of course, it was down the hallway, where the open door leads.


    That was not all they heard as several footsteps also resounded out in this place.


    "Ah, it seems like they got back now," Ryu said as he grinned.


    After all, he could now see his subordinates escorting a stranger in white clothes.


    There were a total of four people, with the three being Ryu''s subordinate and the other one is the healer.


    "We got the best healer that you can find in town! This guy...no, this woman is the best healer in town and a merchant team let us borrow their healer, which is this woman, Boss Cap''n!" A man said as he saluted to Ryu, and to...the young master, Desire, who was eating.


    "Nothing makes us more glad than seeing the young master fine and healthy!" He said as he bowed his head, but that was not all as he continued.


    "However, to make sure, please let this woman see your wounds! The young miss, as well."


    However, he wasn''t able to say anything more as Ryu...waved his hand as the signal of dismission.


    Of course, when the men saw this, they...immediately saluted to Ryu with their hands and began to walk away from this place.


    Silence...overcame the dining hall until Desire spoke.


    "Ryu, you told them my identity?" Desire said as he then put away the spoon that he was eating with and just looked at the air.


    Of course, he was looking at the screen while having his ears perked up as he waited for Ryu''s answer.


    "Yes, young master. As you have said, your identity will soon be revealed in Pista, so there is no need to hide it from my men. I believe this is something that you would want me to do as well, which is why I acted on it." Ryu said as respectfully as he could.


    Even though Ryu was a bit slow in the head, he could still understand that Desire was not in the mood today.


    He could tell that Desire was somehow pissed off, even though he was controlling himself well.


    What''s more, Desire''s aura was getting heavier and his aura just takes the breath of the people away, and that was a clear sign that Desire didn''t like something.


    Of course, that doesn''t mean that Ryu would try to pry on it. Even Amelia has not said anything about it. He wasn''t that stupid, after all.


    "Hmm...I guess that''s fine," Desire said as he then turned his eyes towards the woman, who was wearing white clothes.


    The clothes that she had were...fitting of a magician, and her face was covered by a hood as well.


    It was pretty amazing as to how she was still able to wear baggy clothes like that even though she was in front of a VIP.


    After all, baggy clothes can sometimes hide...dangerous objects that can lead to injuries and death.


    "So, you are a healer? Have you been told what you are going to heal?" Desire said as he tried to converse with the healer.


    However, the healer was not responding at all. She just...stared at whatever she was staring at.


    But because of the hood that was covering her face, Desire didn''t know what she was staring at.


    It was then that Ryu''s subordinate, Rick Roll, shouted out loud with a pissed-off look.


    "Oy! The young master is talking to you! You better respond or your merchant lord or whoever you are with would be getting harsh punishments!" He said.


    And no one stopped him. Ryu didn''t stop him, and not even Amelia, who usually says something in situations like these stopped him.


    And that was only natural. It was the truth that the young master of the Lion Clan was talking to her, yet she didn''t respond.


    That is something unforgivable, and the dignity of the Lion Clan is not something a mere commoner can just smear over.


    However, even though Rick Roll''s voice was sharp and harsh, the woman still didn''t respond.


    The atmosphere was getting tense, and the aura was getting heavier as this was just...pure disrespect.


    After all, who would dare do something like this in front of the mighty Lion Clan?


    Even crazy bastards would have to think twice before disrespecting the Lion Clan.


    And that was why...Ryu was forced to step in as he released his mana.


    He released his mana and the pressure around the air and the atmosphere was getting heavier and heavier.


    And it was with this kind of pressure that Ryu spoke as his eyes sharpened.


    "Now, what kind of crazy bastard would dare disrespect the young master of the Lion Clan like this?"


    "Do you want your whole family to be killed, huh?!"


    "Answer the young master now!"


    Ryu''s mana suddenly burst out and made the whole Lord''s mansion shake, but even then...the healer didn''t reply.

 Chapter 215: Elf

    The atmosphere in the dining hall became suffocating when Ryu lashed out with his powers.


    However, even though the mood became gloomy and even though it seems like fists and swords will come flying out soon enough, the woman still didn''t answer Desire''s question.


    Of course, this made Ryu...pop a vein in his forehead, but he didn''t say anything.


    Why? It was because...Desire stood up and spoke as he turned his head towards Ryu.


    "Get a new one," Desire said, but he was not done as he continued.


    "I''ll wait for the new healer at the room where I woke up. Let''s go, Jarina," Desire said as he turned his head towards Jarina.


    Of course, Jarina...just stood up and didn''t say anything. Desire and Jarina were about to start walking, but then...Desire stopped as he looked back, "Ah, follow us, Amelia. I''m still not satisfied with the information you gave me, so I''m gonna ask some questions."


    Desire said those words without hesitation, and he also began to walk towards the hallway where he came from.


    And this scene was...it was shocking. After all, Ryu and Rick Roll both didn''t expect that...Desire would just blatantly ignore the woman.


    They thought that he would get angry and order for her death or something like that, as that was common, and this made the current scene for them shocking.


    They...didn''t know what to reply to in this situation. At least, it stopped their brain cells for a moment as they watched with a dazed look on their faces.


    Even Amelia didn''t know what to do in this situation as she just stared at the back of Desire and Jarina who both were starting to walk away.


    "Are you sure you want a new healer?" Jarina said as she asked Desire.


    "Yeah..." The two shared a conversation as they began to walk side by side.


    And before they could pass the strange woman who was staying silent all the time...Desire could hear the woman murmur something.


    "Monster''s Way...?"


    And this made Desire stop walking, and aggressively turn his head towards the woman.


    "You...what did you say just now?" Desire said with a sharp tone as his right hand...started to blacken all over.


    However, that was not all as he even began to churn up his mana and instinctively released some sort of aura.


    And the aura was...it was even greater compared to Ryu when he used his powers to make the air suffocating.


    And because of that aura...the hood covering the woman''s face suddenly got blown away, and her face was naturally revealed.


    Of course, this made the various people turn their heads to look at the woman''s face, and all of them got the same reaction.


    Even Desire, who was ready to kill the woman in a heartbeat, had his eyes...wide open.


    Why? It was because...


    "E-e-ELF?!!" Rick Roll shouted out loud as he drew the sword sitting on his waist.


    Of course, it was not only him but also Ryu readied himself for a battle as he...appeared right in front of Desire, "Please, stay back!"


    It was then that the well-lit up dining hall...turn dark as something like a cloth began to cover the whole dining hall in a single snap of Amelia.


    This just shows how worried the Lion Clan members are considering that they didn''t even do something like this when the woman...the elf didn''t answer Desire and disrespected him.


    And the elf...needed no introduction. With her long and pointy ears that symbolize her race and her white braided hair that just seems to show that she was prim and proper, the elf was extremely beautiful.


    However, that was not all as the elf''s eyes...were white as well.


    And it seems that the elf didn''t mind the rough treatment that the Lion Clan members were giving her as she just stood still...while facing Desire.


    "Monster''s Way..." She then murmured again, which made Desire''s two eyes widen even more.


    ''Shit! Why does this woman know about that?!'' Desire thought as he turned his eyes towards Ryu, Rick Roll, and then Amelia.


    However, it seems that they didn''t hear the elf''s words as they were just focused on not letting the woman escape.


    ''Anyway, I need to tone down this situation, I must...have this woman at all costs!'' Desire thought as he...walked forward and breezed past Ryu, who was standing in front of him.


    "Stop it!" Desire shouted out loud as he signaled with his right hand, making his robes wave around in the air.


    "I will talk with this woman in my room!" He continued, and as soon as he finished saying those words, he then disappeared...as he reappeared right beside the woman.


    "Don''t move and don''t do anything, or I will kill you!" Desire said as he grabbed the woman in the head and went towards the direction of the hallway.


    However, as Amelia''s clothing was covering the whole dining hall, the hallway was blocked...no, Desire already tore up the cloth as he disappeared with the elf.


    Of course, all of this happened very fast, which even embarrassed Ryu as he couldn''t follow Desire''s movements at all.


    "H-huh? What happened?" Ryu murmured as his mana began to return back to his Core.


    However, not one of them was talking as it was just like...a storm breezed through this place and left straight away after making a mess.


    It was then that a clap resounded out in the room as Jarina...spoke, "Now, now, that''s enough. Ryu, return to your station and protect this place, you, too." Jarina said as she looked at Ryu and Rick Roll.


    Of course, when they were given orders by Jarina, the two of them just bowed their heads, "Yes!" and disappeared.


    Well, they couldn''t think about things now that they were given orders by Jarina herself.


    Even though they wanted to confirm the situation, Desire''s words restricted their freedom.


    After all, Desire literally said that he would talk with the woman, and there was nothing that they could do about that.


    It''s not like they can just disobey his orders. Well, they could if it''s for the context of safety, but...after seeing him move at that speed and easily tearing Amelia''s special clothing apart, Ryu knew that Desire needed no bodyguards.


    That was why he didn''t decide to pry any longer when Jarina told them to do just that.


    "You, Amelia, will come with me. We will go to Desire''s room and check things out," Jarina said as she turned around and started walking.


    And it seems that Amelia has already made her cloth go back to her as the dining hall was no longer covered.


    Of course, when Jarina ordered her, she just followed her words and began to walk right after Jarina.


    And while she was walking, there was something that was bugging Amelia.


    ''He was able to tear away my Rose that easily...that''s impossible...impossible...''


    Right, it was the fact that Desire was able to tear her cloth, Rose, easily and with no effort at all as he even had a woman in his hand.


    That was just...straight up ridiculous! After all, Amelia, with her hidden identity also got her hidden powers!


    And her hidden powers were not something that one can just underestimate and destroy just like that!


    ''Although he''s the Lord, tearing my Rose when he hasn''t even got that much experience...''


    Unbelievable. Amelia thought, but there was no denying it that Desire indeed tore away her Rose.


    And it was because of this that Amelia...had a weird smile on her face as she walked down the hallway together with Jarina.


    ****


    While Jarina sorted things out with Amelia and the others, Desire was already in his room together with the elf.


    The elf was...she was sitting on the ground like a damsel in distress as she held her head, which was the part that Desire grabbed.


    And as Desire''s grab was tight and secure, the elf''s head was definitely hurting.


    However, even though she was hurt and in pain, the elf didn''t cry at all and she didn''t even ask why Desire did something like this.


    She just stared at Desire with her white eyes as if to say, ''What are you planning to do to me?''


    And it seems that Desire didn''t mind that look too much since he just cut to the chase as he spoke.


    "How did you know those words?" Desire said as he crossed his arms.


    His right hand was still using the power of the cracks and the pressure coming from him was tantamount to the power of the cracks.


    However, the elf wasn''t really that pressured since she...was using her powers to protect herself, and her mental strength was strong, too.


    "Monster''s Way...?" The elf said as she tilted her head.


    The way that she tilted her head was cute and made her look innocently charming, but...Desire didn''t give a fuck about that at all as he spoke with a heavy tone.


    "That''s right! How do you know those words!? No, that''s not important..."


    "What do you know of the Monster''s Way!"


    "You better tell me everything you know of the Monster''s Way or I''m going to make sure you won''t see the sun ever again!"


    Desire said as he rolled up his right sleeve, revealing his blackened right hand and arm.


    And it was at this moment that something changed. And that was...in the elf''s vision, Desire...got bigger - as big as a mountain.


    And it was with this size that Desire spoke again as his red eyes ominously glowed.


    "Now, tell me!"

 Chapter 216: A Klutz

    "Now, tell me!" Desire said as he abnormally looked large and big from the elf''s perspective.


    However, even though he was threatening the elf, the elf didn''t show any fear at all and just had that klutz look on her face.


    In fact, she was looking straight at Desire''s ominous red eyes and she was not even flinching.


    It was as if she didn''t believe that Desire would really kill her if she doesn''t say anything.


    And that was the truth as the elf finally spoke with her soft lips, "You...won''t kill me."


    And what she said made Desire''s eyebrows wriggle a little bit before eventually, his face turned into a scary frown.


    "What did you say?" He asked with a low tone of voice. His voice was so low that the room actually became cold.


    It was then that the elf finally moved as she stood up, and after she stood up, she continued to speak as she stared straight at Desire''s red eyes.


    "You...won''t kill me?" She then tilted her head as she raised one of her fingers to her soft lips as if to ask Desire if he would kill her.


    And seeing this...repeat itself, again and again, Desire popped a vein in his forehead.


    "I said, tell me what you know about the Monster''s Way...are you stupid or what?" Desire said as he gritted his teeth.


    Of course, he was not done as he continued, "First off, how did you even know about the Monster''s Way?"


    "Ah! Are you asking about the Monster''s Way?" The elf said as her white eyes widen a little bit now that she finally understood what Desire was talking about.


    This made Desire a little bit more hopeful that he would know more things about the Monster''s Way as it seems that the elf knows things about it, but...


    "Hmm...Monster''s Way, hmm...ah, I don''t remember," The elf said as she nodded her head with a satisfied look on her face.


    Well, she really couldn''t remember anything about the Monster''s Way at all.


    There was nothing she could do about that, but Desire actually popped another vein in his neck as he thought that the elf was playing with him.


    "You...are you playing with me?" Desire murmured with a voice that was breaking...and creaking.


    It was as if his voice was boiling with his anger!


    However, before even Desire''s anger and rage could hit rock bottom, the elf spoke again.


    "Playing with you? You want to play?" The elf spoke with a clueless look on her face.


    After all, she couldn''t understand what Desire was talking about.


    She, of all people, didn''t expect that Desire would want to play with her when she was here to heal him.


    Right, the elf knew that she was here to heal him, and to see that her patient wants to play with her...it was weird as fuck.


    And it was at this moment that Desire realized that he...was talking to a very slow person. No, it would be better to call her dumb at this point.


    However, that was not the main point. The main point was Desire was incredibly shocked and confused about this situation.


    Why? It was because...Desire didn''t know how to handle her.


    ''S-she''s stupid...or not? Damn it...'' Desire thought as he bit his lips.


    He didn''t know what to do in this situation to make sure that the woman would tell him things.


    They were going in circles, despite the short conversation, and Desire knew that it would be a waste of time to continue this without any...outside help.


    ''The merchant team that she''s with! I bet they know how to talk with this woman!'' Desire thought as he remembered that the elf was with someone else in the city.


    And as soon as he remembered that, he decided to have them in this to make sure that the elf...would be able to tell him things about the Monster''s Way.


    No matter how little or trivial the information that the elf got on the Monster''s Way, Desire wanted to have it.


    Having something is better than nothing, after all.


    "Come with me!" Desire said, but he didn''t have any intention of letting the woman choose as he...literally grabbed her head and began to run fast towards the door.


    Of course, with Desire''s speed and strength, he didn''t have any problems carrying the elf this way, and they were able to exit the room fast.


    And as soon as they were outside, Desire did a quick take and used his senses to feel around.


    He could feel that Jarina and Amelia were walking down the hallway and were near to where he was right now.


    ''Amelia! She got to know where the merchant team this woman is with!'' Desire thought as he disappeared and went towards Jarina and Amelia''s location.


    Of course, Desire was fast, and it didn''t take him long to reach Jarina and Amelia and appear right in front of them.


    "Desire!" Jarina shouted out loud when she first noticed that Desire was now standing in front of them.


    For Jarina, and even for Amelia, Desire just appeared out of nowhere, and that was...they weren''t even able to tell that Desire was about to come here.


    "Jarina, wait," Desire said as he then placed the elf in front of him.


    Desire then turned his head towards Amelia and spoke, "Do you know the merchant team that she''s with? Lead me to them."


    "I want to talk with them." He said, and this prompted the two women to look at the elf with weird gazes.


    After all, Desire''s black hand was grabbing the elf''s head strongly, but even then, the elf looked like she didn''t care about it.


    She was just touching Desire''s hand with both of her hands, but the expression on her face clearly shows that she wasn''t in pain or something like that.


    And that was...amazing in itself.


    It was then that Amelia broke out of her stupor and spoke, "Ahem! I don''t know the merchant team that she''s with, as I wasn''t the one who found her, but Ryu and his team should know."


    Amelia said, but she was not done as she continued, "Shall I lead you to him?"


    "Yeah!" Desire answered right away, and Amelia...disappeared from where she was standing as she moved fast.


    Well, Amelia expected that Desire would be able to keep up, and it seems that she was not wrong as she could feel that Desire was just right behind her.


    However, that was not all as she could even feel that Jarina was right behind her.


    ''The young miss, too? Geez, they are literally monsters at this point...'' Amelia thought as she looked back a little bit.


    And as soon as she did, her eyes widened a little bit.


    Why? It was because...Jarina was hanging on Desire''s neck from behind.


    And that means that...Jarina was just holding on to Desire to keep up with Amelia.


    ''So it was only the young master...'' Amelia thought as she looked back in front.


    And it was because Desire seems like he could handle running faster than this, Amelia increased her speed as she disappeared from Desire''s vision.


    However, Desire didn''t care at all as he just followed right after her.


    And while they were running, Desire had a thought in his head.


    ''How big is this damned mansion?!''


    Right, they were running for a short amount of time, but the speed that they had was superb.


    The fact that they still had not reached their destination means that the mansion was as big as a giant.


    And this just further irritated Desire as he wanted to talk to the dumb elf as soon as possible.


    ''This woman better know something or else...I will really get pissed,'' Desire thought as his red eyes glowed in the dark like a predator watching its prey.


    And it was in this way that the group of Desire, Amelia, Jarina, and the elf reached their destination.


    Of course, their destination was Ryu, who was standing right in front of the main door of the mansion.


    "Ryu!" Desire shouted out loud as soon as he saw him.


    He then appeared right in front of him, and put the elf down, and asked straight away.


    "Where is the merchant team that this woman is affiliated with? Bring them here now!"


    "Young master!" Ryu said in surprise as he didn''t expect that Desire would show up with...Jarina and the elf in his hands.


    However, he broke out of his stupor pretty quickly when he realized what Desire said.


    "The merchant team? I believe that there is someone else who came with the...elf and that she is waiting in the guest room of the mansion." Ryu said as he looked in his right.


    And as if he was waiting for this, the man who called Ryu ''Boss Cap''n'' showed up.


    "Boss Cap''n! There is someone who came with the...elf, and she is currently waiting in the guest room. As she wasn''t needed, we didn''t give her permission to come with us to meet the young master." He said.

 Chapter 217: Mother & Daughter

    When Desire found out about the existence of the person who came with the elf, he ordered Ryu to lead him to that place.


    Of course, Desire never let go of the elf and just grabbed her head while walking.


    It was amazing how he could do that, but well. Desire''s strength was something else now that he grew up.


    However, what was more notable in this situation is that...the elf never complained about Desire''s rough treatment.


    She just had this nonchalant look on her face as she let Desire drag her around, and it was really weird to see something like this for the other people present in the Lord''s mansion.


    After all, who would expect to see something like this in this place? No one.


    It''s not like the elf is Desire''s slave or something like that, so this situation was totally weird.


    However, they just let it go and didn''t ask Desire about the elf since Desire...had this scary look on his face.


    Due to Desire''s sudden growth, his face was already naturally scary. However, there was something else that tells other people that he...was not in a good mood while they were walking.


    Even Jarina didn''t ask Desire at all as she just...walked beside him. There was no way that other people would be able to ask Desire if Jarina, the closest one to him, didn''t even ask him.


    And it was in this silent and heavy mood that they were able to reach their destination.


    Right now, Desire was currently sitting in a chair in the guest room.


    The elf was...she was sitting across Desire, and there was a table between them.


    However, there was another person in this room, and that person was another woman, who was wearing similar clothes that the elf wore. She was sitting right beside the elf.


    It was obvious that this person was a woman because of two bulging mountains in the chest area.


    But Desire wasn''t able to see the face of this woman because she had a hood over her face.


    Anyways, that was all the people present in this room.


    Desire ordered Amelia and Ryu to stay outside, and he asked Jarina to also stay outside to wait for him.


    Well, there was nothing he could do about this. After all, Desire cannot let Amelia or Ryu know about what they were going to talk about in this room.


    Although Jarina was his woman, Desire...didn''t want Jarina to know of this, yet.


    He was planning to tell all these things to her, but only when he is confident enough that he would be able to destroy most people.


    And since Desire was not confident that he would be able to do just that, he couldn''t afford to tell Jarina.


    That was why he asked Jarina to stay out for now.


    And now, Desire spoke again not to the elf, but to the other woman directly.


    He didn''t want to waste time on the elf who was stupid as fuck and couldn''t follow conversations.


    "Do you know how to speak to this elf?" Desire cut to the chase, but he was not done.


    "No, I''m sure you know how to talk to this elf. After all, you are with her. Since you know, you better tell me or you are never going to get out of this place alive."


    Desire then raised his right hand, which was still black. It seems that Desire didn''t want to waste any more time than he already had to as he was even threatening the innocent woman.


    What''s more, the pressure that Desire was naturally producing was getting heavier by the minute.


    With the power of the cracks, that pressure just multiplied right now.


    However, not the elf nor the woman reacted to his threats. The elf was, as expected, unfazed and just had this nonchalant look on her face.


    And the other woman didn''t say anything at all.


    This made Desire think, ''Damn it, is this woman the same case as this...elf? Fuck this shit...''


    However, before even Desire could say something else or destroy the table with his rage, the woman...moved as she removed the hood covering her head.


    And as soon as she did, Desire''s eyes widened as a word came out of his mouth naturally, "Huh?"


    Desire then looked at the elf and the woman back in forth with confusion in his mind.


    Why? It was because...the woman and the elf...looked exactly the same!


    The other woman had the same long and pointy ears, the symbol of the elf race, and the same braided white hair as well as white eyes!


    The other woman was the exact duplicate of the elf who received harsh treatment from Desire.


    No, Desire could somehow tell that the new elf that appeared was more mature and much older than the elf that was hard to talk to.


    And it was because of this that Desire had a thought, "Mother? You''re her mother?"


    Right, it was only logical for Desire to end up thinking that these two were related and that the elf with bulging mountains was the mother of the younger elf.


    If that was not the case, then...clone. However, Desire knew that cloning oneself was practically impossible.


    That was why he came to the conclusion of them being mother and daughter.


    And it seems that he was right as the woman spoke.


    "That''s right," she said solemnly as she nodded her head gracefully, "I knew that it would end up like this."


    She then continued, "Your men didn''t listen to me when I asked them to let me follow her, but well. Since it came to this point, it should be fine, I guess."


    The way that the woman spoke was refined, and Desire didn''t expect this outcome at all.


    However, Desire was able to reel himself back in and asked, "First, what''s your name? And this woman, too. I don''t want to get confused between the two of you. You guys look too much alike."


    "Ah, my name is Aerith Ixthmonia. My daughter''s name is Aeri Ixthmonia."


    "It is my pleasure to meet you, young lord of the Lion Clan." The woman...Aerith said as she bowed her head.


    And surprisingly, her daughter followed suit as Aeri also bowed her head in a respectful manner.


    But Desire didn''t pay any attention to Aeri since...he knew how it was to deal with her.


    "Oh? How did you know?" Desire said as he raised his eyebrows.


    He was impressed that Aerith knew that he was the young lord of the Lion Clan. Although it was still a secret at this point, Desire didn''t mind it too much since he was going to that Pista anyway.


    "With your men going in and out of the mansion and shouting young master, it was obvious," Aerith said, but she was not done as she continued, "Anyways, I''m sure you''re not here for that."


    "I assume you''re here to ask how to talk to my daughter, yes?"


    Desire then nodded his head as he pulled back his right hand. The cracks on his right hand naturally disappeared and his right hand returned back to normal.


    Desire was able to get what he wanted; someone who could talk to him and to the elf, so he wasn''t that angry anymore, but...should this discussion go down the path Desire didn''t want, then...he wouldn''t hesitate to use his powers again.


    "I understand that it''s hard to talk to her. She''s a bit slow in the head, after all."


    "So what does my daughter have to heal? Tell it to me, and I shall tell it to her in our mother tongue." Aerith said those words as she looked at Desire.


    However, her eyes...soon started to quiver when she saw something change in Desire.


    She didn''t know what exactly changed in Desire, but she could tell that...the change was dangerous.


    ''W-what is this...what is this man...'' Aerith thought as she could feel her breathe stopping. The atmosphere became suffocating, but she was not even allowed to react.


    Although Aerith could definitely force herself to breathe, she just felt like...it would be wrong of her to do so in the current situation.


    Why? It was because...Aerith could see Desire''s red eyes...looking straight at her white eyes.


    Because of those red eyes, Aerith knew that if she did something in this situation, she...would face wrath greater than any wrath she has ever faced before.


    And it was in this situation that Desire spoke again with a heavy voice, "Ask her what she meant when she said Monster''s Way in front of me."


    ''Monster''s Way...? Why is he asking about that...'' Aerith thought as she knew about the Monster''s Way.


    After all, she was the one who told her daughter about the Monster''s Way.


    However, since Aerith could feel that Desire was...a human, it came out as weird for her to see a human asking about the Monster''s Way.


    Aerith was an elf, and an elf is considered to be a monster race.


    That was why...she didn''t understand this situation.


    "Monster''s Way...you ask?" She murmured as she squinted her eyes.


    And it was then that Aerith let out some sort of aura that battled against Desire''s pressure.


    She then spoke in a dignified manner.


    "I''m sorry, but...my daughter or even I can''t tell you that."

 Chapter 218: Royal Family of the Elves

    "I''m sorry, but...my daughter or even I can''t tell you that," Aerith said.


    However, she was not done as she continued to speak as she raised one of her fingers in her right hand.


    "However, I can definitely sell it to you in one condition," she said.


    And what Desire thought about this was... it was reasonable. He was quickly able to understand what Aerith meant by the word ''sell.''


    After all, it''s not like this pair of mother and daughter was his subordinate or something like that.


    To make sure that he would get what he wants, he would also need to give something in return to the other party.


    Something this simple was something Desire knew, and he also knew that it was called negotiations.


    ''Hmm...maybe the way I handled it earlier was wrong...'' Desire thought as he realized how rude he was earlier.


    Well, calling what he did to Aeri rude was an understatement. It would be beyond rude and just...completely unacceptable.


    It was just straight-up wrong. It would be a different matter if Desire was an overlord, but...currently, he was just relying on the Lion Clan''s influence and power.


    If Desire didn''t have the Lion Clan''s influence and power, Desire would be in deep shit right now.


    Aerith Ixthmonia would never let her daughter be handled like some tool even if Aeri was not complaining or something like that.


    That was why...it was wrong and Desire acknowledges that. Desire could have been in danger right about now if he didn''t have the influence of the Lion Clan. However, Desire was...


    ''Hmm...but then again, I don''t give a fuck.''


    ...a hypocrite. He was no saint. He does not have the slightest intention to correct his wrongdoing.


    If Desire got the Lion Clan''s influence and power, then he would use it to the fullest.


    It was very simple logic, though it was very hypocritical as well.


    After all, Desire would have done things the other way if he didn''t have the Lion Clan''s influence and power.


    Of course, Desire knows very well that he was being a hypocrite, but...he just didn''t give a fuck about it.


    Yes, the other party were monsters, and monsters are what Desire loves the most, but...Desire didn''t train a year and so for nothing.


    However, Desire acknowledges that there were better ways to get what he wanted, other than being forceful and all that threatening shit that he did.


    That was why...Desire decided to do it the better and easier way as he spoke and retracted his blackened right arm.


    "So? What is that one condition?" Desire said as he looked at Aerith with his red eyes.


    And as soon as he said those words, a smile...broke out of Aerith''s lips.


    The way that she smiled was truly heavenly, but that was not all as even Desire was charmed by her beauty.


    Of course, Desire didn''t show any of that as he just had the same look on his face.


    It was then that Aerith finally spoke again with the same smile on her face.


    "I want the Lion Clan''s help."


    And that was what she said.


    When Desire heard what she said, he...thought that he misheard it or something like that, but...Aerith''s words echoed in and out of his mind, making sure that he didn''t hear wrong.


    "Huh? Are you nuts?" Desire said as he looked at Aerith with shock on his face.


    After all, asking for the Lion Clan''s help directly and not Desire''s help...that was basically asking Desire to order the Lion Clan for Aerith''s sake.


    Of course, something like that would be possible due to his position, but...Desire knew that there would be certain limits to his authority.


    It''s not like he is the clan master of the Lion Clan.


    That was why Desire thought that Aerith was nuts for asking something like that when she knew...that Desire was ''just'' the young lord of the Lion Clan.


    "Hm! Hm!" Aerith said with that same smile as she nodded her head, "I''m nuts. I know that, and I accept that."


    "And that is the one and only condition that I have, so don''t try to change it to something else."


    Desire then asked, "What kind of help are you asking? I might consider it if it''s not that much trouble."


    "Ara? Is the young lord of the famous Lion Clan hesitating over something like this?"


    "Aiyaaa, I never thought that the young lord of such a clan would be a coward," Aerith continued with that same smile, but she was not the only one to say that as her daughter, Aeri, also said something.


    "Eh? He''s a coward?" she said with the same expression as her mother.


    They...truly looked similar and they were both beautiful, but Desire couldn''t understand what they were doing.


    ''What''s the purpose of doing something like this? Do they want me to get riled up or something?''


    Fools. Desire thought as...a smile also crept up to his lips, the same kind of smile that Aerith and Aeri had on their faces.


    It was the first time that Desire smiled for something else other than Jarina and the future ever since he grew up.


    Of course, Desire''s smile was not friendly at all as he spoke, "It''s fine to be a coward, you know?"


    "Anyway, don''t you think it would be such a shame if someone tried to take advantage of someone else using cheap tricks?"


    "Tsk!" A hint of annoyance resounded out when someone clicked her tongue, and Desire saw it happen, too.


    But...Desire wasn''t sure if it truly did happen. Why? It was because both Aerith and Aeri still had the same smile on their faces.


    They didn''t look like they were annoyed at all, but...it seems that Desire didn''t have the time to think about this anymore as Aerith continued to speak.


    "It would truly be such a shame if someone did get tricked by cheap tricks."


    Aerith then sighed, "Let''s stop this, shall we? I thought you would be like any other young master, but it seems like you know how to handle these things."


    "It was my chance, too...you didn''t have any attendants at all," she said.


    Of course, when Desire heard this, the smile that was on his face...disappeared as a grin replaced it.


    Well...grin and smile are technically the same, but...it was too obvious that Desire was grinning.


    "Haha, why did you even try to use such cheap tricks? Trying to use something like that against me, the young lord of the Lion Clan...it only looks like you are underestimating the Lion Clan, no?"


    "Of course not. I just wanted to shoot my chance," Aerith said, but she was not done as she continued.


    "Anyway, the help that I want is...protection. I want protection from the Lion Clan."


    "Protection? Are you being hunted by someone?" Desire asked with a curious look on his face.


    Well, Desire could see a few reasons why Aerith and Aeri were being hunted by someone.


    They were just...beautiful. And sometimes, being beautiful just brings danger to oneself.


    However, the one who answered Desire''s question was not Aerith but instead, Aeri.


    "Dark elves," Aeri said and went completely silent after saying those words.


    It was because her mother was caressing her head with her gentle hands.


    Aerith then turned her head to look at Desire and spoke, "That''s right. We are being chased by dark elves."


    "It is not really private information so I guess I can explain it to you."


    "Elves and dark elves have always been in war. And the elves...have lost."


    "I..." Aerith stopped as she breathed in and closed her eyes.


    It was only after she breathed out that she opened her eyes again and spoke.


    "I...am the queen of the elves, and I and my daughter are the only ones who are left of the royal family of the elves."


    Aerith then bowed a little bit of her head towards Desire, "Please...take us under the Lion Clan''s wing and while it is extremely shameless for me to say, please...protect us and the other elves who have managed to survive the war."


    After saying those words, Aeri then followed suit and spoke the same words, "Please, protect us and the other elves who have managed to survive the war."


    Faced with this sudden change of attitude from the two elves, Desire was...to say the least, astonished.


    He didn''t know what to do in this situation since he didn''t know about the war between the dark elves and the elves.


    However, he knew for sure that if he took this pair of mother and daughter''s offer, the dark elves would not look at the Lion Clan kindly.


    They would definitely start to see the Lion Clan as enemies and war might just start between them.


    And that was also why Desire...was hesitating.


    ''There''s that situation with that traitor...''


    The problem with Lamiya, the traitor of the Suckus, is still going on, and if the dark elves were to add to that...the Lion Clan might not just be able to take it.


    And with no information about Lamiya and the dark elves, Desire didn''t know what he should do as he was basically blinded in this situation.


    ''Hmm...this is hard,'' Desire thought as his face turned into a frown.

 Chapter 219: All or Nothing

    ''Hmm...this is hard,'' Desire thought as his face turned into a frown.


    After all, this was indeed a hard decision to make. There was also the possibility of Lionel not liking it if Desire just decided to take the elves under the Lion Clan''s wing.


    No, Lionel was guaranteed to get angry as this move would just make more enemies for him when it could have been avoided.


    It''s not like the elves were his responsibility or something like that.


    Lionel was definitely a good man, but not to strangers and definitely not to his enemies.


    Desire is bound to get his ass whooped by Lionel if he made some reckless decisions such as taking the elves under the Lion Clan''s wing.


    What''s more, Lionel wouldn''t be able to chase the elves away once Desire agrees to take them in.


    If Lionel did chase the elves away, that would make the public look at Desire as foolish since his own master does not look at his decisions kindly.


    He would be taken lightly and it would be a smear on Desire''s future reputation.


    The Lion Clan''s reputation would also be affected since their young master would be looked down on by the people, and Lionel would want to avoid a situation like that.


    After all, he didn''t want his student to be looked down on.


    In fact, Lionel was currently working to make sure that Desire''s introduction to the world would be as impressive as possible during the Pista that would happen a week from now.


    Besides, even if Lionel did chase the elves away, the dark elves still wouldn''t look kindly on the Lion Clan.


    They wouldn''t just say, ''Ah, okay, you''re not friends with them,'' and just go away.


    Desire knew all of these points very well, which is why it was making it hard for him to decide.


    And since it was hard for him to make a decision, there is only one way for it to become easier.


    And that is...to weigh the advantages that he would get if he does agree to help the elves.


    ''This came to be because I wanted to know about the Monster''s Way.''


    Right, this is all because of that.


    Now that there''s a price for the information on the Monster''s Way, Desire wanted to make sure that the information that Aeri has on the Monster''s Way is important or crucial so that this trade would be fair.


    If it were just some saying or some shit like that, then taking the elves under the Lion Clan''s protection would definitely not be worth it.


    Desire was not stupid to accept a deal like that, and since there is only one way to find out about the kind of information that Aeri got on the Monster''s Way, Desire...spoke.


    "Sure, I''ll lend you the Lion Clan''s help and protect you..." Desire said.


    And this made the two women look up with hopeful looks on their faces and eyes.


    Even the slow Aeri was able to understand what Desire said, but...their hopeful looks were crushed when Desire spoke again with a hoarse voice.


    "...but if your information on the Monster''s Way is not worth it, you can bet it on the other dead Elves that the Lion Clan would be the ones to finish off the race called Elves."


    Desire said, and right after saying those words, the atmosphere in the room became heavy and suffocating.


    Well, Desire basically threatened the whole race of the Elves with the power of the Lion Clan.


    However, there was an actual reason why Desire threatened them this time, and that is...


    ''I gave them a way out.''


    Right, Desire gave them a way out. The race called Elf wouldn''t be wiped out if the information that they have is good and worthwhile.


    However, if they don''t, they would be wiped out. It was a simple situation where Aerith and Aeri would have to go all-in or they would have to fold.


    This would invite them to lie to make sure that they would be able to make their information ''worthy,'' but Desire was confident in himself that he would be able to separate the truth from the lie.


    Either way, this was the only way to know. After all, it''s not like Desire can just ask them straightforwardly.


    That would be just...naive and dumb.


    And after a long amount of time thinking, Aerith finally spoke with a concerned look on her face.


    "Do you mean to say that I should keep my end of the bargain first?"


    "I cannot do that. If I tell you the secrets of the Monster''s Way first, you can just pretend this never happened and chase us away, no?"


    "I need the Lion Clan to make an official statement first so that I can rest easy before I can tell you about the Monster''s Way."


    Aerith said her concerns straightforwardly without holding anything back.


    After all, her concerns were valid. There were many people who would not keep their end of the bargain after getting what they want, and since Aerith was the queen of the Elves, she knew about those people.


    However...Desire didn''t care about her concerns at all since he doesn''t need to care about them.


    And that was proven as he spoke.


    "So? It''s either you trust me or you don''t. Although I definitely want the information about the Monster''s Way that you guys have, I''m not so desperate for it."


    "However, for you guys...the situation is different."


    "Your only choice is to bet in me and hope that I will keep the end of the bargain."


    Desire said. And what he said was the truth.


    "You..." Aerith said as she squinted her eyes, "You''re making it seem like we can''t trust you by talking that way."


    Desire then shrugged his shoulders, "Your choice, not mine."


    "If you don''t want to believe in me, we can just pretend like this never happened and have you get done with the healing and move on," Desire continued.


    However, it seems that he didn''t have to persuade her any longer as Aerith spoke.


    "No. We don''t have to do that. I''ll tell you the information that I have on the Monster''s Way."


    Aerith declared with a determined look on her face, hoping that Desire...would keep the end of the bargain.

 Chapter 220: Are You A Monster?

    When Aerith just decided to trust Desire on this one, she immediately started to talk about the Monster''s Way.


    Since she was the one who told her daughter about the Monster''s Way, it was only natural for her to know about it.


    Anyway, what Aerith tackled first was the origin of the Monster''s Way. Of course, since it is the Monster''s Way, it is literally about the monster''s way.


    It is about how the monster could rank up and get stronger even though they have been limited by their natural advantages.


    She also said that the Monster''s Way was created by the past monsters who were so strong they can destroy the world and go to another one.


    Those monsters created the Monster''s Way for the other monsters who couldn''t get strong due to being limited.


    She also compared the Monster''s Way to the system that the humans have.


    However, they weren''t really different as the monsters have the system, too.


    But the main key point is that...just like how humans can become stronger through the system and ranking up, the monsters, too, can do it through the Monster''s Way.


    She also explained that she didn''t know how the system and the Monster''s Way differentiate from each other since the Monster''s Way was inherent to monsters while also having the system.


    Meaning, if one is a monster, one naturally got the Monster''s Way.


    And since they got the system...it was the same for them. It''s just like the system is the hardware and the Monster''s Way is the software of the system.


    That was why Aerith and the other monsters couldn''t tell the difference between the system and the Monster''s Way.


    Of course, when Desire heard this, he...was fairly impressed.


    The first few points that Aerith talked about were something Desire already knew, Aerith just expanded his knowledge about them.


    However, the fact that the monsters think that the system and the Monster''s Way are the same is fascinating for Desire.


    What''s more, this basically confirmed it for Desire that Jarina and the other Suckus knew about the Monster''s Way.


    Back in the village of the Suckus, Liya told Desire about the Monster''s Way.


    Not literally since Liya didn''t tell Desire about the existence of the Monster''s Way, but...what she talked about was how the Ancients and the Monster''s Way are connected and how it works.


    Since she could tell those things to Desire, it was obvious that the Suckus knows.


    Of course, that was not all that they talked about as Aerith went on and on about the Monster''s Way.


    She talked about the main points of the Monster''s Way as well, which Desire could use when he begins to unravel the secret of his Monster''s Way.


    The loose ends that Desire got on the Monster''s Way were slowly being tied up as he listened to Aerith.


    And it was only after a long amount of talking that Aerith finished telling all...literally all of her knowledge about the Monster''s Way.


    "That''s all. If you have any questions, you can ask me and I''ll answer them for you," Aerith said as she still had that worried look on her face.


    Although she definitely decided to put her trust in Desire, that doesn''t mean she really did trust Desire.


    "Hmm...no, I don''t have any question regarding the Monster''s Way. What you said was really helpful and I can say for sure that you didn''t lie to me," Desire said as he removed his hand from his chin.


    And as soon as he said those words, Aerith reacted fast, "Then?! Does this mean you will help us?!"


    Thud! The sound of Aerith''s arms slamming on the table resounded out as she pushed herself forward in excitement.


    However, that excitement was crushed again by Desire when he held up one of his fingers.


    "Something else. There''s something else that I want you to tell me," Desire said as he...pointed his finger to the clumsy woman, Aeri.


    "Why did she say the words ''Monster''s Way'' in front of me? There''s no way that she would have said something like that in front of a strange for no reason," Desire said as he squinted his eyes while looking at Aeri.


    He then continued, "Why did she say it? If you can tell me the reason, a believable and logical reason for it, then I will help the Elves out."


    And what Desire said was...reasonable. After all, this was the reason why he sought someone who could speak to Aeri in the first place, to know why she said Monster''s Way in front of Desire.


    In fact, Desire just got a huge bonus of Aerith explaining the Monster''s Way to him, and it was really helpful but...that was not what he came here for.


    That was why...in Desire''s mind, he would help the Elves no matter what...if Aeri could just explain why she said those words in front of Desire.


    Of course, when Aerith heard what Desire said, she immediately turned her head towards her daughter.


    No, that was not all that she did as she spoke in a foreign language, the language of the Elves.


    "Am Po Gi Ko!" Aerith said.


    And her words were heard by Aeri, who was just watching with an empty expression.


    "Am Po?" Aeri asked as she turned her head to look at her mother, and Aerith immediately nodded her head when she heard what her daughter said.


    Aerith then turned her head back to Desire, "I will translate what she says from now on, so please listen carefully."


    Desire nodded his head when he heard her, but he was still staring straight at Aeri''s white eyes.


    He was watching Aeri as she...moved her lips as she spoke as he listened intently to Aerith.


    "The reason why I said those words in front of you, a stranger, is because...you are a monster."


    "No...to be exact, you made me feel like I''m facing a monster even though I already knew the moment we met that you are a human."


    "And that''s why I thought, ''Ah, maybe he got the Monster''s Way, too? Maybe that''s why I feel like he''s a monster.''"


    "From the moment we met, I wanted to ask this; are you a monster?"


    Aerith said as she translated her daughter''s words, and when Desire heard that, he...just had a flat expression on his face.

 Chapter 221: Question

    Squeeeek! The sound of the door closing resounded out in the guest room where Desire and Aerith talked.


    However, right now, it was only Aerith and Aeri who were present in the room as Desire just walked out of the room.


    Aerith then sighed as she spoke, "Why did you ask him that question? You know he''s a human, right, Aeri?"


    She was speaking the language of the Elves when she said those words, which is why Aeri could understand her pretty easily.


    "But it''s true. Doesn''t he make you feel like he''s a monster, mom?" Aeri said as she looked at her mother.


    "Well, I do feel that way, but...it''s rude to say that to people, you know? Especially to humans who are known to be fragile." Aerith explained as she began to pat Aeri''s head.


    She then continued, "Still, we have to be thankful that he''s not a hypocrite. To think that a human wouldn''t be angry after being asked such a rude question..."


    Right, after Aeri asked Desire that question, he...didn''t answer and just told that the Lion Clan will help them.


    Right after saying those words, Desire left the room and that was it.


    That was why Aerith was thankful that Desire was not a hypocrite.


    The humans that Aerith interacted with before were all very prideful and would hate to be told that they are monsters or something like that, and Desire is very much similar to those humans.


    In power, in position, and influential, Desire had those things just like the influential humans that Aerith talked to in the past.


    And that was why Aerith thought that Desire would be like them; hate to be called such names and hypocrite and all that stuff.


    After all, those humans...were monsters. They were more monsters than monsters themselves.


    And Aerith judged Desire to be like that, which is why she was worried that Desire would get angry and choose to go back on his word.


    However, when Desire spoke again, saying that he''ll help the Elves, Aerith could sense that Desire...acknowledges it.


    He...acknowledges the fact...that he does feel like a monster, which is why Aerith was thankful that he was not a hypocrite.


    "Anyway, this is a great chance for us. I didn''t expect that this city would be a door to a great opportunity. We have to tell the others and talk to that...huh?" Aerith stopped talking when she realized that...she didn''t know Desire''s name.


    "Mom? What''s wrong?" Aeri said as she noticed that Aerith stopped talking while talking about important matters.


    "Ah, nothing. Anyway, we have to talk to the young lord again so that we know how we are going to work with them." Aerith continued.


    She then began to stand up, "Let''s go," she said, and her daughter stood up as well.


    The two then came out of the room and were met by Amelia, who was ordered by Desire to sort things out with the Elves.


    ****


    Desire, who left earlier before the Elves, was currently walking with Jarina right now.


    No, to be exact, they were just standing around in the middle of the hallway.


    Desire was checking out their surroundings if there were any men that were observing them, but it seems that there were none as Desire couldn''t feel any.


    Jarina was...she was just waiting for Desire to speak. Desire was the one who asked for her to come with him out of nowhere, after all.


    In fact, she was really curious why Desire was acting like this. Jarina was sure that he was only acting like this because of what happened in the room.


    So...what could possibly have happened in the room for the cool and collected Desire to suddenly act like this?


    Jarina was curious about this, which is why...she couldn''t help but fidget around.


    She looked at Desire, who was looking around, trying to make sure that there was no one around them.


    And it seems that Desire was really sure now that they were the only ones in here as he turned his head towards Jarina and spoke.


    "Jarina, I have a question - a serious question that I want you to answer sincerely," Desire said.


    "W-what is it?" Jarina stuttered, surprised by the fact that Desire was talking so seriously.


    "Do I make you feel like I''m a monster even though I am a human?" Desire said with a serious look on his face.


    He stared straight at Jarina''s purple eyes as he waited for her answer.


    And that was why he could clearly see the stiff expression on Jarina''s face...break down as Jarina grinned, her teeth showing.


    "Hahaha, you''re so funny. You''re actually curious about this?" Jarina said, but she was not done as she continued.


    "Anyway, the answer to your question is...of course, you feel like a monster."


    "You probably don''t know this, but...even when you were a child, you just had this atmosphere that is so similar to monsters."


    "No, you''re an even bigger monster than real monsters."


    Jarina said all those words with a grin on her face. After saying those words, she...walked up to Desire as she put her arms around his neck.


    They were so near each other now that if a stranger suddenly saw them, that stranger would probably think that Desire and Jarina were making out.


    She then continued with that same grin...no, it turned into a smile now, "I don''t know why you''re suddenly curious about this, but don''t worry."


    "A monster or a human...or even a god, you''re you. Desire is Desire, and that''s all that matters."


    And her voice echoed in and out of Desire''s eardrums.


    Of course, when Desire heard what Jarina said, his heart started to beat fast as he got excited.


    He didn''t know why he got excited, as the almighty sword was not rising, but...he could feel that he was getting excited due to what Jarina said.


    And it was with this kind of emotion that Desire spoke, "This is why I love you."


    "Fufufu, I love you, too," Jarina replied as she moved her face closer with her eyes closed.


    Knowing what Jarina wanted to do, Desire closed his eyes as he...kissed her.


    "Hmm!" The sound of their passionate exchange echoed in and out in this dark hallway.


    It was their first kiss...or not.

 Chapter 222: Gods Eyes

    Tap! Tap! Tap! The sound of footsteps resounded out in the hallway, and this made Desire...snap back to reality.


    "Huh?" Desire exclaimed as he...looked at Jarina, who was standing a few feet apart from him.


    And because he was looking at her with a dumb look on his face, Jarina noticed that there was something wrong, prompting her to speak, "Desire? What''s wrong?"


    Her voice reached Desire''s ears, and this made Desire...widen his eyes as he raised his right hand and touched his lips with a finger.


    He...touched his lips all over with his index finger, and this made him look weird, but Jarina knew that Desire wouldn''t do something like this without a reason, which is why she...walked up to him.


    "Desire? Are you alright? Did something happen with the Elves?"


    It was then that Jarina was able to notice something...happening with Desire''s eyes.


    It was...white. Right, Desire''s red eyes, no...to be exact, Desire''s right eye had turned into white.


    "Desire!? Your eye-!" Jarina shouted out loud when she noticed it, but...she was interrupted by Desire himself.


    Desire raised his left hand, touching Jarina''s lips as well, which prevented her from speaking.


    He was touching his own lips with his right hand while touching Jarina''s soft lips with his left hand.


    It was...a weird sight, but Desire didn''t care about that at all as he just focused on that feeling...the vivid feeling of the kiss that he and Jarina shared.


    "What the..." Desire murmured as he felt confused about this situation.


    Even though the kiss was so vivid, it still...didn''t feel right.


    That was why Desire knew that the kiss didn''t happen, but...the vivid feeling was so strong that Desire felt like it did happen.


    It was a weird feeling to have, and even Desire couldn''t fully decipher this situation.


    It was then that something appeared...in front of him. It was the usual screen of Unknown.


    [Desire has come into contact with one of the Forbidden Ones.]


    [This Forbidden One is special, causing Desire''s Godly Ability, God''s Eyes, to awaken.]


    [Godly Ability, God''s Eyes]


    -Future Vision: allows Desire to look into the future for a few seconds.


    -The All-Seeing Eye: allows Desire to see through all kinds of lies, deception, and illusion.


    [The Godly Ability, God''s Eyes, have other abilities as well, but due to Desire''s current level of strength, he is inadequate to use it.]


    [Unknown shall seal the other abilities of the God''s Eyes until Desire is strong enough.]


    And that was all. Desire finished reading it in a jiffy, and he was...calm about it.


    He wasn''t shocked or anything like that; he just thought that it makes sense now.


    Right, things make sense now. After all, if this vivid feeling of him and Jarina kissing was because of the Future Vision, then...it makes sense.


    ''Still...Godly Ability, huh? I never thought I would have something like that as well...''


    Desire had the Demon''s Oath, which makes the demons his slave no matter who it is.


    Since that Demon''s Oath was so unbalanced, Desire thought that was his Godly Powers or something like that.


    However, since his God''s Eyes appeared out of nowhere, it was clear as day that the Demon''s Oath was different from his Godly powers.


    ''Hmmm...so then, where did the Demon''s Oath come from?'' Desire thought as he got lost in the wonder of all these mysteries around him.


    However, he was quickly pulled back as Jarina spoke, "Desire? What''s going on? You''re acting so weird, and your eye, too!"


    "Ah, this...it''s nothing. My eye...what''s wrong with it?" Desire asked Jarina.


    And as if it was waiting for Desire to say those words, the white in his right eye...faded into nothing as his right eye returned to its original color.


    "Huh? That''s weird...I can say for sure that your eye became white all of a sudden," Jarina said as she tilted her head.


    She was sure that Desire''s right eye turned white, but...seeing it now made Jarina doubt what she saw.


    "Anyway, I called you out here because I wanted to ask you a question," Desire changed the topic quickly as he straightened his body.


    He didn''t want Jarina to know this since Desire thought that this God''s Eyes would become one of his secret trump cards.


    Although Desire truly trusts Jarina, it is still better to stay on the safe side of things.


    Anyway, Desire continued to speak the same things that he spoke in the Future Vision.


    He asked if Jarina sees him as a monster, and the answer came out just like in the vision that he saw.


    However, there was something interesting that happened in this situation.


    And that was...''Jarina didn''t move to hug me. Hmmm, does this mean that the future that I see isn''t guaranteed to happen?''


    Right, Jarina didn''t walk up to him nor did she hug Desire. Most importantly, the two...didn''t kiss each other.


    And this basically means that the Future Vision isn''t really guaranteed to happen.


    The Future Vision ability of God''s Eyes will just allow Desire to see one of the many possibilities that may happen in the future or...


    ''If that''s the case, then...these God''s Eyes isn''t really that strong. Oh, wait...''


    ''Did the future change because of my actions?'' Desire thought as he realized that the future changed because of what he did.


    Well, in the Future Vision, Desire didn''t touch his lips nor did he touch Jarina''s lips.


    Desire just straightaway asked Jarina that question after checking the surroundings, but in the current situation, Desire did touch his lips and Jarina''s lips.


    That alone may have influenced Jarina''s decision to kiss Desire and this...totally make sense.


    The future isn''t always guaranteed, and one will be able to change it if one wants to change it.


    The future...is as fragile as the present. At least, that''s what Desire believes in this situation.


    Incidentally, Jarina knows the act of kissing, but she only knows that it is to express one''s love.


    Anyway, when Desire finished asking Jarina, he said that Jarina should come with him again, and they went back to the place where the Elves were located.


    Since Desire got the God''s Eyes after meeting the Elves, to be exact, the Royal Family of the Elves, it is more than reasonable to think that the Forbidden One that the Unknown mentioned is Aerith Ixthmonia or Aeri Ixthmonia.


    That was why...Desire wanted to see them again.


    He would look at them with his God''s Eyes...

 Chapter 223: Sir Baho

    When Desire went back to find the Elves who were supposed to be in the room, he...found out that they were no longer in the Lord''s mansion because of Ryu.


    Ryu was staying at the entrance of the mansion to keep guard and to supervise the surroundings, and he came out to meet Desire and Jarina when he felt that they came back.


    Of course, Desire asked straightaway about the Elves, and Ryu answered him that the Elves...were no longer in the mansion and that they are together with Amelia, working things out with the other Elves somewhere in the city.


    When he learned of this fact, Desire was annoyed by Amelia''s efficiency and diligence since it would take him more effort to see the two Elves now.


    Well, he wasn''t really annoyed, but...it was the truth that it would take him more effort now.


    Nevertheless, Desire still ordered Ryu to come with him as he asked for the directions where the Elves and Amelia are located.


    Of course, Jarina was with them as well, just quietly following behind Desire.


    And it didn''t take them long to find the place as they...arrived back at the center of the city, where the merchants are actively trading their products.


    They were standing on top of some random building as Ryu pointed to a pretty big house...tavern, which is the place where the Elves and Amelia are located.


    "Now then, young master, I shall proceed to hide. There are other men that are with us, so feel free to call them when you need a hand or something," Ryu said as he bowed his head and took his leave after.


    Ryu knew that Desire didn''t want to be seen with him since he was famous and was influential as well, and having someone famous near him would definitely hinder Desire.


    Well, Desire just didn''t want attention to him right now when he was doing something important.


    "Let''s go," Desire said as he jumped from the random building, and Jarina just followed after him without saying anything.


    Although it was weird that two people suddenly jumped from a building, none of the people present in this place reacted to them at all.


    They were just too busy talking with their customers, or too busy delivering something to other people.


    Either way, it wasn''t that...out of place for someone to just jump from a building, and that was why Desire and Jarina landed on the ground without much of a fuss.


    As soon as they did, they began to walk towards the tavern, which Ryu pointed out before.


    It didn''t take them long to reach and enter the tavern, and they disappeared from the center of the city again with no one minding them.


    No...there were four guys who noticed Desire and Jarina, but just didn''t speak until Desire and Jarina disappeared into the tavern.


    "Oy, is that the one you were talking about?" A sharp voice resounded out as a young man with spikey hair talked to a merchant with a long-ass beard.


    "Ohh! Yes, they''re the ones that we are talking about, Sir Baho!" The merchant said.


    And the other merchants with him nodded their heads with glee as they confirmed the other merchant''s story, "Yes, that''s them!"


    And when the merchants confirmed it for him, the young man...Sir Baho had a grin on his face as he tried to remember how Jarina looked like.


    Her purple hair that seems so easy to pull in bed, and her body that just had the perfect curves...Sir Baho could feel something rising in his crotch as he took in Jarina''s beauty with his imagination.


    However, Sir Baho soon shook his head as he remembered something, "The purple-haired gal is definitely beautiful just like you guys said, but what about the other one?"


    "You said that there''s another woman with that man that wouldn''t lose out to the purple-haired gal''s body, but...did you guys lie to me?"


    As Amelia was already in the tavern and not with Desire, it was only natural that they wouldn''t see her with him.


    Of course, when the merchants were asked with such a stern tone, they...shrunk back as they tried to make excuses.


    No...none of them could think of excuses as they just tried to look around in an effort to not meet Sir Baho''s fierce eyes.


    Seeing this, Sir Baho''s face turned into a frown as he clicked his tongue, "Tsk! Even if that gal is pretty, the story that you guys told me is that there is another one, no?!"


    "If this is the situation, then the rights that I would give to you guys would only be 25% of what we agreed on!"


    He said, and as soon as the merchants heard that, their faces turned into hideous looks right away.


    It was obvious, but...in exchange for this information of two beautiful women, Sir Baho promised the merchants some kind of special right that would bring more profits to these merchants than the other merchants.


    It seems like Sir Baho was some kind of officer in the Lion Clan as he was able to promise something like that in just a snap of his finger.


    Anyway, it was because of this...desperation that the merchants were feeling right now that the three of them...tried to think of a suitable excuse in this situation.


    And the one with the long-ass beard...thought of something, "Ah! I remember now, Sir Baho!"


    "Hmm?" Sir Baho''s ears perked up as he turned around to look at the merchant, "What is it?"


    "The other woman, the one with the black hair is already in that tavern! I saw her enter before earlier, and since the other two, the young man and the purple-haired woman came to that tavern...they are probably looking for places to sleep!"


    The merchant said...something quite reasonable. And since it was reasonable, Sir Baho believed it right away.


    No...it was because of his desire to be with the sexy black-haired woman that he believed such an obvious lie.


    "Kekeke! Alright! You!" Sir Baho said as he pointed to the merchant with a long-ass beard, "Call some of my men! I will fuck his women right in front of him!"


    Sir Baho said as his face distorted with a creepy smile. It was truly a disgusting look.


    "Go! Kekeke!" Sir Baho laughed as he began to drool all over...excited for what is to come.


    Unbeknownst to him, this...is his last laugh.

 Chapter 224: All-Seeing Eye

    Desire and Jarina entered the tavern where the Elves were located, and as soon as they did, they saw...Amelia sitting in a chair.


    However, that was not all as there was someone sitting across her, which was Aerith.


    There were two Elves standing diagonally from Aerith, and her daughter was also present in the room, who was sitting behind the counter of the tavern.


    There were ten Elves standing behind Aeri as well, who all looked to be quite young, but well.


    The Elves always looked young no matter what their actual age was.


    That was all the Elves present in this place.


    Incidentally, the whole place was cleared except for the table and the chairs that Amelia and Aerith were sitting on.


    That was why when Desire and Jarina entered, all of the people present here turned their heads towards the entrance.


    No...the Elves had their weapons out as they were about to jump on Desire and Jarina, but...they all were stopped by Aerith, who raised her hand.


    "Stop! This young man is our benefactor," Aerith said as she ordered the Elves.


    Benefactor? The Elves murmured amongst each other when they heard that word, but Aerith didn''t care about them at all as she just stood up to welcome Desire.


    However, she was beaten to it by Amelia, who was already bowing her head towards Desire, "Young Master."


    She then raised her head to look at Desire in the eyes, "What brought you to this place...I thought I would handle things with the Elves?"


    Right, Amelia has been ordered by Desire to sort things out, but...since Desire wanted to look at Aerith and Aeri with his God''s Eyes, he came here, trying to find them.


    Of course, since that was all that he came here for, Desire...has no plans in interfering between Amelia and Aerith''s negotiations.


    "Ah, you can continue. I''ll just watch," Desire said as he looked around.


    He then continued, "Aerith, give me a chair, will you? One for Jarina, as well."


    Aerith then signaled with her hand to one of the Elves to do as Desire says, and the Elves who she ordered moved fast as a woman came up to Desire and Jarina with chairs in her hands.


    "H-hello, here you go!" The Elf said as she put down the chairs for Desire and Jarina to sit on.


    Though, they didn''t sit right away as Desire moved the chairs towards the sides and proceeded to sit there. Jarina did as well.


    "Proceed," Desire said as he gestured for Aerith and Amelia to continue talking.


    Although both of them thought that it was weird for Desire to just come here and not actively participate in the negotiations, they still did as they were told.


    The talk continued and the atmosphere in the room became awkward ever since Desire entered the place.


    Nevertheless, Aerith told Amelia about what the Elves would like for their homes and all that stuff.


    And while they were doing that, Desire was already working on the reason why he came here for.


    He...was using his God''s Eyes to look at Aerith. His right eye turned white as he looked at her, and Desire only used the All-Seeing Eye ability of the God''s Eyes.


    After all, he didn''t need to see the future right now for a few seconds as it was utterly pointless for him to do so.


    Well, what Desire wanted to do was just to look at Aerith and Aeri while the God''s Eyes is on, hoping that there might be some clues about himself and the Forbidden Ones.


    However...there was nothing that Desire could see as he looked at Aerith.


    ''Hmm...since the God''s Eyes isn''t letting me see anything abnormal, does that mean there''s no deception going around?''


    ''Since there isn''t any, then that means that Aerith or Amelia isn''t lying.''


    Right, since Desire was not receiving any abnormal reaction from the God''s Eyes even though he was using the All-Seeing Eye, it is safe for him to say that there''s no deception going on.


    Or...


    ''Or...I am not strong enough to see through it. That''s one of the possibilities, but according to the Unknown, I should be able to see through everything.''


    Remembering that the Unknown didn''t say anything about the All-Seeing Eye not working if the target is too strong made Desire confident about his conclusion.


    ''Hmm...so I guess this was a useless trip. Either way, I should keep Aerith and Aeri near me just in case.''


    Right after thinking that, Desire...turned off his God''s Eyes and his right eye returned back to its original color.


    ''Hmm...there isn''t any strain on my eyes, and I can use it freely as well. Interesting, this God''s Eyes of mine,'' Desire assessed himself after using the God''s Eyes, and the result was great.


    There was nothing abnormal with him and he was feeling fine as well.


    However, it seems that Desire couldn''t think about this any longer as a loud voice resounded out in his ears.


    "Kekeke! So that merchant was right! The other woman is already here!" The voice said, and this made the people present here turn their heads at the entrance once again.


    However, unlike the time Desire first entered this place, the Elves didn''t draw their swords or something like that.


    Why? It was because...there were several men standing in a straight line with the symbol of the Lion Clan on their chests.


    And the Lion Clan was...the clan that was going to help them, so it was only natural for them to not do anything rude towards them.


    The only reason why they acted that way towards Desire is that they didn''t know his identity.


    Anyway, in the middle of these men was Sir Baho, who had an eccentric smile on his face as he basically confirmed that Amelia was indeed here.


    Amelia was...she was just looking at him with a scornful look since this man was basically a subordinate of the Lion Clan and here he was, destroying shit that would benefit the Lion Clan, and...it seems that Sir Baho didn''t know her.


    "Oh! Oh! There are Elves, too! Kekeke! This is a good day for me!" Sir Baho laughed out loud at the surprise of Elves being present in this place.


    "Now, where is that man..." Sir Baho had a confident grin on his face as he surveyed the place like a hawk.


    He wanted to make sure that his target was here, and when he saw Desire''s face, he could feel his excitement explode.


    "Kekeke! There he is!" Sir Baho said as he pointed to Desire, "Tie him up, boys!"

 Chapter 225: Dead Man

    "Kekeke! There he is!" Sir Baho said as he pointed to Desire, "Tie him up, boys!"


    As soon as he said those words, the men around him started to get to work as they walked towards Desire.


    Some of the men had some kind of ropes in their hands as they already knew what they came here for.


    Of course, the ones who were watching, the Elves were somewhat confused since Aerith said that Desire was their benefactor, but the Lion Clan, the clan that''s going to help them, is doing something against their benefactor.


    They didn''t know what to do. However, not Aerith since she knew Desire''s identity.


    She was about to stand up for Desire and ask what was going on, but...Amelia was the one who stopped her.


    Why? It was because Amelia could see that Desire didn''t want them to do anything in this situation.


    No, Amelia actually wasn''t sure, but...she just could feel that Desire wanted her to do nothing.


    It was weird, but Amelia just decided to trust her instincts in this.


    In fact, it was not only her who was feeling this way as Jarina and the men who were watching from the shadows could tell that Desire didn''t want them to be involved in this situation.


    Well, that was indeed the truth. Desire didn''t want anyone to get involved in this situation as there was something that he wanted to do.


    And that was...


    ''This guy...he''s planning to do something to Jarina, isn''t he? It''s too obvious,'' Desire thought as he looked at Sir Baho, who was licking his lips as he looked at Jarina.


    Of course, Jarina could see that she was...being molested by Sir Baho in his mind, making it really uncomfortable for her, "Desire..." Jarina murmured as she touched Desire''s sleeve on his left arm.


    Well, Jarina could actually do something in this situation, such as killing Sir Baho but Jarina wanted to let Desire decide for her.


    "Don''t worry about it. I''ll take care of it. Besides, I also want to find out how powerful I am right now," Desire said as he looked at Jarina.


    Right, Desire wanted to find out about his strength by using Sir Baho as a sacrifice.


    There was just no way that Desire would let such disrespect happen to him and more importantly, to Jarina.


    No...since it already happened, there was no way that Desire would let it slide just like that.


    In Desire''s mind, Sir Baho was already a dead man.


    And it seems that they couldn''t talk about it anymore as the men who Sir Baho ordered to tie up Desire spoke.


    "Oy! Get up! Sir Baho wants you to be tied up! Make it easy for us and tie yourself up!" One of the men said as he...looked at Jarina with a weird smile on his face.


    It was obvious, but he was also checking Jarina out as Jarina was truly a one-of-a-kind beauty.


    "Hehehe, you better just follow Sir Baho''s orders if you don''t want to get killed. Don''t worry, Sir Baho would definitely be kind to you if you offer your woman to him, hehehe," another man said as he threw the rope to Desire.


    Of course, he threw the rope to Desire so that Desire would just be the one to tie himself up.


    The rope fell to Desire''s lap as he was still sitting down on the chair.


    No...the rope fell to the chair that Desire sat on as Desire..disappeared from the chair that he was sitting on.


    He then reappeared right in front of Sir Baho, who was now looking at Amelia.


    He appeared right in front of him, causing Sir Baho to see Desire''s face so suddenly, "W-what!"


    Sir Baho flinched back when he realized that Desire was right in front of him.


    After all, he couldn''t even notice that Desire moved or something like that, so this totally came as a surprise.


    However, Sir Baho was quick to recover as he spoke angrily while pointing one of his fingers to Desire, "You! Are you trying to defy my orders?! Do you know who I am!?"


    "I am Sir Baho! The captain assigned to protect this city! If you dare disobey my orders, you won''t be able to get out of this place alive!"


    Sir Baho said those words with the intention to scare Desire, but of course, that wouldn''t work on Desire, who is basically the most influential figure in this place.


    "I don''t care," Desire said as he churned up his mana from his Core to go towards his right arm.


    However, that was not all that Desire did as he also willed for the cracks to appear on his right arm.


    With the power of the cracks combined with his mana, Desire''s presence and pressure suddenly shoot up through the roof.


    And it was with this presence and pressure that Desire spoke again as his red eyes...stared straight at Sir Baho''s eyes.


    "So? What did you want to do again? You wanted to tie me up?" Desire said as he also activated his God''s Eyes, the All-Seeing Eye, to see through Sir Baho.


    Even though Desire was confident that he would be able to see through him without it, this was still a good chance to test the powers of the All-Seeing Eye.


    "H-h-huh! A-a-are you really planning to defy my orders!?" Sir Baho stuttered as he could feel the chilling amount of mana in Desire''s right arm.


    No, he could feel something ominous in Desire''s right arm, which made Sir Baho fear Desire naturally.


    "You boys, tie him up, I say!" Sir Baho ordered his men as a way to look tough, but...his eyes widened when he saw that his men were lying on the ground.


    "Huh?" Sir Baho murmured as he saw someone who was not present in this place before, "S-Sir Ryu?"


    Right, Ryu was standing guard for Jarina and he was also the one to cause the men to fall down on the ground.


    However, Sir Baho didn''t have the time for this as Desire...finally finished up his preparations.


    "Trash," Desire said as he closed in on Sir Baho and punched him straight in the face.


    When his fist and Sir Baho''s face collided against each other, a bright light suddenly blinded everyone...but not Desire.


    "Disappear from this world," Desire murmured as he saw Sir Baho''s body...vanish slowly.

 Chapter 226: Leave

    In the bright light that suddenly appeared in front of him, Desire could see Sir Baho''s body vanish slowly.


    From his head to his body, he literally just vanished with no traces left.


    Of course, this is because of what Desire did, and this is what he intended to do as well.


    However, when the bright light died down, Desire''s face...suddenly became enveloped with disappointment.


    Why? It was because he could see Sir Baho''s feet on the ground, spewing out its blood and bones.


    Of course, it was only his feet and nothing else, but...Desire intended for Sir Baho''s entire body to completely vanish into nothingness with that punch, which is why he became disappointed when he saw this.


    "Hmm...did I do it wrong? My instincts told me that I just need to combine mana and the power of the cracks to make him completely disappear..." Desire murmured as he straightened up his body while looking at his right arm.


    His right arm...was still black as Desire didn''t will for the cracks to disappear, but his right arm was also glowing with some kind of monotone light.


    Of course, this monotone light was his mana.


    However, because Desire has already punched Sir Baho with this, the mana was growing dim until it eventually disappeared.


    Well, that was because Desire was no longer supplying his right arm with his mana.


    "Hmm...well, I guess that''s that," Desire murmured as he willed for the cracks to disappear.


    Since things were already done and Sir Baho was already dead, there''s no need for the power of the cracks.


    He also turned off God''s Eyes since it was also not needed anymore. Though, it wasn''t really needed in the first place.


    Desire then turned around to look at Jarina, but...there was something wrong.


    Jarina was...she was looking at Desire with wide eyes - an expression that Desire has never seen before on Jarina''s face.


    However, that was not all as even Ryu, who Desire signaled to take care of the other men, also had the same expression.


    Thinking that something weird was going on, Desire whipped his head towards Amelia and the Elves.


    "Huh?" Desire couldn''t help but murmur out loud as he saw what Amelia, Aerith, and the other elves looked like.


    They...had the same expression on their faces as they just looked at Desire with wide eyes.


    ''What''s going on...?'' Desire thought as he was getting confused by their looks as every single living being present in this place had the same looks on their faces.


    However, it seems that Desire didn''t have to worry about that anymore as he finally heard someone speak.


    And, of course, that was Jarina who spoke.


    "D-Desire...what did you do?" Jarina said as she looked at Sir Baho''s feet lying on the ground.


    Although it truly looked disgusting, it didn''t really matter that much for Jarina.


    What was important in this situation was that...Sir Baho''s upper body completely disappeared without any trace.


    And that...was impossible.


    Unless one used some kind of spatial magic, it would be impossible for a body to suddenly disappear without any trace.


    And that...was exactly the reason why everyone had the surprised looks on their faces.


    That was also the reason why Jarina asked Desire.


    Of course, Desire didn''t know a thing about that since...he just didn''t know.


    He just sincerely wanted to find out how strong he was, and he still thinks that he is weak since Desire wasn''t able to make Sir Baho''s whole body completely disappear since his feet are still existing.


    Well, it was the truth that he was now dead.


    Anyway, when Desire heard Jarina, he began to walk towards her as he fixed his sleeve and spoke.


    "Hmm? I killed him. I also wanted to try some of my powers with that man, but I guess he was just that weak to die with one attack." Desire said.


    His words made the Elves gulp their saliva, and made Ryu nervous.


    Well, Desire was standing right beside Ryu right now as he was looking down on Sir Baho''s subordinates.


    "Amelia, are these people important to the Lion Clan?" Desire said.


    As these were the subordinates of the man who dare to disrespect Desire and tried to do something to Jarina, there was no way that Desire would just let them go.


    Well, the reason why Desire asked Amelia this question was so that he wouldn''t look like that ''irresponsible'' to people.


    After all, the young master of the Lion Clan can''t just go around killing people now, can he?


    ''No...I can kill them without any reason, but I need to look prim and proper since we are dealing with the Elves,'' Desire thought.


    He then snapped out of his thoughts as he heard Amelia speak.


    "N-no, Young Master. They are not that important. Their leader, too, doesn''t hold that much importance to our clan and can be replaced at any moment."


    "I see," Desire said as he turned his head towards Ryu, "Clean them up. Replace them with another one of your men."


    Ryu then quickly bowed his head, "Yes, Young Master!" Right after saying those words, Ryu''s subordinates came out from the shadows and took the unconscious men out.


    Of course, Ryu was with them as they went out to...kill the men and dispose of their bodies.


    Incidentally, Sir Baho''s feet and blood were already cleaned up as one of Ryu''s men cleaned it up.


    After Ryu and his men went out of the tavern, Desire turned around to look at Amelia and the Elves and spoke.


    "Things took an unexpected turn, but continue your talk with each other."


    "We''ll be taking our leave now," Desire said as he extended his hand towards Jarina.


    When Jarina saw that, she just smiled and took his hand before standing up.


    "We''ll be taking our leave," Jarina said with a sweet smile on her face.


    Well, it was really nice for Desire to offer his hand.


    Right after saying those words, the two then...disappeared as they went back to the Lord''s mansion.


    And as soon as they were gone, the people left in the tavern...finally stopped holding their breath and they all breathed out at the same time.


    "Whew...what was that..." Aerith murmured as she had a weird smile on her face.


    Well, it was only natural for her to be...happy about this.


    After all, Desire''s strength was actually way more impressive than what she expected.


    No normal human would just be able to make someone''s whole upper body disappear completely without any trace.


    No...not even monsters would be able to do something like that.


    There should be some blood or bones scattered somewhere, but the place was completely spotless.


    Even though Sir Baho''s feet remained, that was still beyond impressive.


    And this...was proof that Aerith was correct in thinking that the Lion Clan would be able to help them.


    Their Young Master was this strong even though Lionel, the Clan Master of the Lion Clan, never introduced him to the world.


    Once Desire becomes introduced to the world, the Lion Clan''s influence would shoot up and might even become the most dominant clan in the south.


    That was how...powerful Desire was.


    However, it seems that Aerith couldn''t think about this anymore as Amelia spoke as she sat down.


    "Well...let''s continue our talks, shall we?"


    And it was in this way that the alliance between the Elves and the Lion Clan formed.

 Chapter 227: Reflection

    Desire and Jarina left the tavern and went back to the Lord''s mansion.


    Nothing much happened on their journey back as they just focused on getting back.


    It didn''t take them a long time to return, but when they arrived in the Lord''s mansion, Jarina immediately told Desire that she would like to be left alone first and that she would rest in some room in the Lord''s mansion.


    It was quite weird for Jarina to ask something like this as she can just do it right away without asking.


    It''s not like Desire would prevent her from doing her own things, but well, Desire just allowed it since it seems that was what Jarina wanted.


    As soon as Desire allowed her, Jarina took her leave.


    Well, they...didn''t really separate from one another as Desire...walked alongside her.


    There was a reason why Desire came back here, and that was to sort his thoughts out regarding the Monster''s Way.


    And for him to do that, he wanted a quiet place, which is the room that he slept in earlier.


    And Jarina''s destination was in the same direction as him so they didn''t really part ways.


    This made the atmosphere between the two awkward and embarrassing for Jarina, but well.


    It''s not that big of a deal, so she was able to recover from it quickly.


    It didn''t take long for the two to reach their destination, and it seems that their rooms were just right in front of each other.


    Right...it was just right in front of each other, and it didn''t look like that special as well.


    The door was normal, and there was no special mechanism going on.


    However, it seems that was enough for the both of them as they both went inside in their respective rooms after saying goodbye to each other.


    And now, Desire was back in this room, lying on the bed as he willed for the Unknown to appear in front of him.


    Of course, it was about the Monster''s Way. To be exact, how to awaken the Monster''s Way.


    [How to awaken the Monster''s Way(PROPERLY)]


    -Eat a Monster Lord and become a Monster Lord.


    -Form a Mana Heart and become a Monster.


    It was these two things that Desire needed to do so that the Monster''s Way wouldn''t be awakened by the unknown powers.


    However, Desire didn''t really care about it right now.


    He could feel that, even if the Monster''s Way become awakened by the unknown powers, it would still be fine.


    There would be some injuries, but Desire could feel that he would be able to recover from it pretty fast.


    That was why Desire wasn''t really that concerned about it.


    Of course, that doesn''t mean that he''s going to ignore it, but...there was something more important for Desire right now.


    And that is...


    "Aerith and her daughter...Aeri, was that her name...said that I feel like a monster."


    "I asked Jarina about that, too, and she said I do feel like a monster."


    "If they were not lying about their identities, Aerith and Aeri are the royal family of the Elves - a whole monster race."


    "And if I think about Jarina, she''s also the royal family of the Suckus - a whole monster race as well."


    "And now...they both said that I feel like a monster."


    "That''s really...interesting."


    Desire said all those words with a smile on his face. Well, two royal families said that Desire feels like a monster.


    For someone who loves monsters so much, Desire was definitely happy to hear this news.


    However, that was not all the important points that Desire had right now.


    "Aerith said that if one is a monster, one naturally got the Monster''s Way..."


    "Does that mean...that I am naturally a monster?"


    "With the royal families of two monster race saying that I am and the ''facts'' about the Monster''s Way supporting that, it seems...that I really am a monster."


    And what Desire said was right. No...it would be more correct to say that it was only natural for him to end up thinking that way since both opinions and facts are saying that he is a monster.


    After all, Desire wouldn''t have the Monster''s Way if he wasn''t a monster.


    And he wouldn''t feel like a monster if he wasn''t one.


    Although some humans act and are worse than monsters, that doesn''t mean they are like Desire, who genuinely feels like a monster from Aerith and Jarina''s perspective.


    It was then that Desire willed for the Unknown to show another screen.


    It was the part where the Unknown shows Desire''s race.


    [Race: Human, Quarter God]


    Desire had his eyes glued to those words as he murmured.


    "The Unknown never told me that I am a Quarter God until Gaud told me."


    "That means...there is a chance that the Unknown just isn''t showing that I am a monster because some kind of trigger still hasn''t happened."


    Right, the Unknown only became ''updated'' when Desire learned that he was a Quarter God.


    It was only then that Desire officially had two races; human and Quarter God.


    And since that only happened when Gaud told him, Desire speculated that it should be the same with the monster part.


    "I also have the Monster Rank as well...this basically settles that I am a monster, no?"


    Right...all of the information that Desire got right now...points to him being a monster.


    That was why Desire was so interested in this situation that he just had to take his time to reflect on the information that he got right now.


    "Hmmm...anyway, I just need to form a Mana Heart and eat a Monster Lord."


    "As far as I know, a Dungeon that was already conquered no longer have its Monster Lord, so the Dungeon of the Dead doesn''t have a Monster Lord."


    "I need to find one, but...I''ll focus on this Mana Heart first." Desire said as he decided on what he would do from now on.


    "Hmm...let''s see..." Desire murmured as he willed for the Unknown to give more information about the Mana Heart.