Anos savored each bite of Luna''s cooking, delighted by the familiar vors. Her dishes evoked a sense of home, surpassing any exquisite delicacies outside.


    "I''m going outter," Anos announced, his eyes locked on Luna''s.


    Luna''s eyebrows arched in surprise. Normally, Anos avoided nighttime excursions, opting for cozy evenings with her.


    "Is it dangerous?" Luna asked, concern etched on her face.


    Anos smiled reassuringly, his gaze holding Luna''s. "What danger?"


    Luna''s expression softened, trusting Anos'' judgment.


    Anos didn''t want to worry Luna, so he kept his destination a secret. He knew that if she found out he was heading into the treacherous Demonic Beast Domain, she would be frantic with concern.


    "I''ll be back soon," Anos said, standing up from the dinner table. He smiled reassuringly at Luna, trying to alleviate any doubts she might have.


    "En, be careful," Luna replied, her voiceced with a hint of apprehension. She gazed up at Anos, her eyes sparkling with affection.


    Anos'' heart swelled with love for her. He walked around the table and gently wiped away a grain of rice from the corner of Luna''s mouth. "You had some rice here," he said softly.


    Luna''s eyebrows arched slightly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Oh?" she whispered.


    She lowered her head, slowly eating another mouthful of rice. Anos couldn''t help but notice how adorable she looked, her shyness only adding to her charm.


    _System Notification:_


    _Scumbag Charm Value + 20,000_


    _Reason: Sessfully triggered shy response from target, strengthening bond_


    Anos chuckled inwardly, delighted by Luna''s endearing reaction. He felt grateful for these quiet moments they shared, away from the dangers of the outside world.


    ...


    After dinner, Anos set off towards the outskirts of Flower City. He hailed a taxi, which dropped him off at the city''s perimeter. The area was deste, with scarce civilian presence. Instead, warriors milled about, preparing to venture beyond the barrier or returning from grueling battles.


    Anos surveyed the scene, noting the telltale signs ofbat on the warriors'' bodies. Some bore light scratches, while others had severe injuries – missing limbs, gruesome scars, or crude bandages. The harsh reality of their world was starkly evident: to level up, one had to confront and defeat the monstrous Demonic Beasts lurking outside.


    Every city within the Five Great Empires was encircled by a protective barrier, safeguarding against demonic invasions. These barriers allowed free passage for humans, while keeping the beasts at bay. Sentries and warriors from esteemed organizations – the Temple, Bounty Hunter Association, and Magic Court – stood guard, ever vignt.


    Their roles were akin to those of the People''s Liberation Army on Earth, protecting citizens and maintaining order. Anos recognized the familiar insignia on the warriors'' armor, symbolizing their allegiance to these revered institutions.


    As Anos prepared to cross the barrier, he steeled himself for the perils ahead.


    After crossing the barrier, Anos entered the treacherous realm of the Demonic Beasts. Thendscape shifted from orderly cityscape to untamed wilderness. Humans dotted the horizon, fellow adventurers and warriors seeking fortune and experience.


    This proximity to Flower City ensured rtive safety, as Demonic Beasts rarely ventured so close. Sentries and warriors patrolled the area, swiftly eliminating any threats. Only an exceptionally powerful Demonic Beast could breach this perimeter, and even then, it would likely arrive with a horde, signaling an all-out assault on the city.


    The contrast between the city''s order and the wilderness'' chaos was striking. Anos emerged onto a neglected highway, nked by dense, primal forests. Decades of neglect had allowed nature to reim this territory, transforming it into an uncharted expanse.


    As he ventured deeper, the silence grew thicker, punctuated only by the rustling of leaves and chirping of unseen creatures. Anos felt the weight of the unknown, the thrill of exploration coursing through his veins.


    The highway stretched before him, a fading scar on thendscape, beckoning him toward uncharted dangers and untold rewards.


    Anos traversed the highway for about ten minutes, the silence broken only by the crunch of gravel beneath his feet. He then veered left, disappearing into the dense forest. The city''s proximity ensured a Demonic Beast-free zone, as warriors diligently patrolled and eliminated any threats.


    As night descended, the forest transformed into an inky ckness, devoid of human presence. Yet, Anos'' advanced cultivation – a 5-star Spirit Condensation realm – granted him exceptional night vision. His eyes adjusted effortlessly, piercing the darkness.


    The forest''s eerie stillness enveloped him, the only sounds the soft rustling of leaves and distant, unseen nocturnal creatures. Anos moved with purpose, his senses heightened, scanning the surroundings for signs of danger.


    His destination remained shrouded in mystery, but his determination drove him forward, into the unknown.


    Half an hour of walking transformed thendscape. The forest, now a mere remnant of its former self, signaled Anos'' entry into the perilous zone. Years of radiation exposure had scarred thisnd, dispersing what once was a densely popted area.


    Only the bravest warriors ventured here, often in well-equipped teams or with reliable transportation. Anos, however, chose a different path. Despitecking a vehicle, he could have enlisted the Bounty Hunter Guild''s services for a price.


    Yet, Anos declined this option, opting for a solitary, self-reliant approach. His determination burned brighter with each step, fueled by unknown motivations.


    The silence grew thicker, punctuated by the soft crunch of gravel beneath his feet. Anos pressed on, into the heart of danger.


    Another ten minutes passed, and Anos estimated he was approximately four kilometers from Flower City''s barrier. His journey had been marked by sporadic battles between warriors and Demonic Beasts. Most of the beasts were below the 5-star Spirit Building Realm, hardly worthy of Anos'' attention.


    He pressed on, seeking more formidable prey – Demonic Beasts around the Spirit Condensation realm. This would require venturing deeper into the treacherous terrain.


    As he climbed upward, thendscape shifted to a mountainous region. Lush trees enveloped him, their shadows dancing in the faint moonlight. The darkness amplified the eerie atmosphere, making every snap of a twig or rustle of leaves seem ominous.


    Anos'' senses remained heightened, his night vision piercing the gloom. He navigated the treacherous path with ease, his footsteps quiet on the rugged terrain.


    Suddenly, the air grew thick with an unsettling energy. Anos'' instincts red, warning him of an impending presence...


    ...


    Anos'' instincts red as a low, menacing growl echoed through the darkness, reminiscent of a cornered beast. A pair of piercing green eyes materialized, illuminating the shadows. The eyes locked onto Anos, their intensity palpable.


    As the darkness receded, a towering, wolf-like Demonic Beast emerged. Its ebony coat glistened in the faint moonlight, entuating its powerful physique. The beast stood over two meters tall, its muscles rippling beneath its sleek fur.


    Baring razor-sharp fangs, the beast unleashed a snarl, revealing sticky, venomous droplets dripping from its jaws. The air thickened with malevolent energy as the beast''s gaze fixed on Anos.


    Anos recognized the Bloodthirsty Demon Wolf from his virtual battles. With a flicker of spirit mes, the beast''s attributes materialized before him.


    [Bloodthirsty Demon Wolf]


    Realm: 9-star Spirit Building Realm


    Attributes: None


    Strength: 110


    Vitality: 101


    Agility: 123


    Spirit: 80


    A ferocious Demonic Beast, driven by an insatiable hunger for violence. Its martial technique, Devouring Spirit w, condensed Demonic Qi into razor-sharp ws, unleashing devastating close-range attacks.


    Anos'' lips curled into a subtle smile. "Tonight''s hunt begins with a fortunate encounter – a 9-star Spirit Building Realm opponent."


    His eyes locked onto the Bloodthirsty Demon Wolf.


    Anos'' aura surged, radiating intense energy. The Bloodthirsty Demon Wolf''s attributes remained etched in his mind.


    The beast charged, but upon sensing Anos'' 5-star Spirit Condensation Realm aura, it fled in terror.


    "Dream on if you think you can escape!" Anos dered, spirit energy swirling around him.


    With a burst of speed, Anos chased the retreating wolf. His superior realm allowed him to close the gap rapidly.


    In mere seconds, Anos would have caught up, but the dense forest hindered his pursuit. Twenty seconds passed, and the Bloodthirsty Demon Wolf was now within striking distance.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Just as Anos prepared to strike, the cunning beast shed a nearby tree with its ws, sending it crashing toward Anos.


    The fallen tree blocked Anos'' path, momentarily halting his pursuit. The Bloodthirsty Demon Wolf seized the opportunity to widen the gap.


    Anos'' eyes narrowed. "Clever, but not clever enough."


    Anos'' relentless pursuit continued unabated. As the tree trunk hurtled toward him, he unleashed a swift, precise punch, cleaving it in two with a resounding crash.


    The tree''s splintered remains rained around him as Anos condensed spirit energy in his right hand. "Spirit Fist st !" he dered, his voice echoing through the night.


    A brilliant blue spirit energy st coalesced, taking the shape of a gleaming spearhead. With a burst of speed, Anosunched the attack.


    The Spirit Fist st shot out like a cannonball, illuminating the dark forest. The st homed in on the Bloodthirsty Demon Wolf, which let out a terrified howl.


    The beast attempted to dodge, but Anos'' strike was too swift. The energy st struck the Bloodthirsty Demon Wolf''s side, sending it crashing into a nearby boulder.


    The impact was colossal. The boulder shattered, sending rocks and debris flying in all directions. The Bloodthirsty Demon Wolf''s body crumpled, its bones shattered.


    As the dust settled, Anos approached the defeated beast. A faint glow emanated from its corpse, signaling the transfer of experience points.


    The System''s notification echoed in Anos'' mind:


    "Ding... You killed Bloodthirsty Demon Wolf."


    Reward:


    Experience + 500


    Spirit Energy + 100