《Forsaken By The Gods, I Made A Contract With the Demon King》


 Chapter 1: Levi

    "Shadow is but a Reflection of Light we fail to embrace, and Vice is the Absence of Virtues we neglect to nurture."


    ***


    "Hmm... That hits the spot."


    Eximed a young boy with jet-ck hair and pale skin, seated in the corner of a fancy restaurant, enthusiastically chugging down a ss of Coke.


    In front of him sat an enticing sight ¨C a partially devoured hamburger apanied by a handful of golden fries. The presentation was so appealing that onlookers couldn''t help but salivate at just a nce.


    The hamburger, being made from fresh ingredients, featured real lettuce, tomato slices, and onions nestled between two soft buns ¨C Not the synthetic shit made in theb to give the same taste but the real vegetables grown from either soil or hydroponics!


    "Wow! This is the best food I have ever eaten."


    Levi dered with a wide grin, savoring every bite. The sweet, sour, and salty notes of the burger almost brought him to tears. Thebination of the crunchy texture, juicy patty, and soft, sturdy buns,plemented by the delectable cheese, made it an unforgettable experience. It was Levi''s first time tasting a hamburger, and he was already captivated by its exquisite vor.


    Suddenly, the watch in his hand vibrated, disrupting Levi''s joyous moment.


    "" THE BLISS PORTAL WILL OPEN IN 30 MINUTES,"" the message disyed, causing Levi to frown.


    "Dammit! I can''t even enjoy my meal in peace!"


    Levi exploded with anger, drawing the attention of fellow diners. They stared at him with a range of expressions ¨C some with disgust, others with pity, and a few seemingly nauseated by his mere presence.


    However, the onlookers'' reactions weren''t entirely unjustified.


    Because, unlike the sparkling watch he was wearing, Levi, with his deathly paleplexion and scrawny build, resembled a skeletal figure.


    His bones were nearly visible, giving him the appearance of a research skeleton illustrating every detail of the human body. To add to his unappealing image, he wore torn clothes ¨C a too-short ck pant and an oversized, barely hanging gray shirt.


    He looked like a beggar through and through.


    Hell! Even beggars might be considered more presentable than him.


    Nevertheless, oblivious to the gazes, Levi continued enjoying his meal, asionally cursing with a frown or letting out little moans of satisfaction.


    "That was great!" Finally, after thoroughly relishing his feast, Levi looked down at his empty te. Not a single crumb of the bun remained, but there was a bit of sauce that had spilled out.


    Levi stared at the sauce drop for a second and, a momentter, picked up the te and cleanly licked it.


    "Ughh-! Don''t look that way."


    Of course, this earned him a few more cold gazes, with parents hurriedly shielding their children from his sight.


    Oblivious to their reactions, Levi, having already paid for the hamburger along with the Coke ¨C a purchase that had depleted all his remaining ''wealth'' ¨C got up from his chair.


    He casually checked the bottle for any remaining drops of Coke before leaving nonchntly.


    ""THE BLISS PORTAL WILL OPEN IN 28 MINUTES,"" the watch vibrated again.


    "I aming, damn it!"


    Screaming at the watch, Levi walked out of the fancy restaurant, making his way toward a massive structure visible in the distance.


    It was a huge and towering structure, reaching almost 100 feet in height ¨C the spire!


    As Levi approached the structure, what came into view was a barricade extending almost 200 meters around it.


    Surrounding the spire was a circr, dome-like structure, giving the impression that the spire had pierced through the dome itself.


    Without wasting another nce at the structure, as if he had seen it a hundred times before, Levi continued, dragging his scrawny body towards the dome structure.


    A soldier stationed at the dome noticed Levi and frowned with disdain.


    "Hey, boy, don''t you know this area is restricted? Scram before I make you do so."


    Levi looked at the soldier without any interest, then turned around, noticing the barricade reinforced with metal alloys behind the soldier. The soldier himself was d in heavy armor and held a powerful rifle that Levi had absolutely no knowledge of.


    "Hey, I''m talking to you!" Annoyed, the soldier said, observing Levi, who was looking around without answering him.


    Levi cleared his throat, the aftertaste of the hamburger still lingering in his mouth.


    "I am here to enter the Bliss portal."


    The soldier''s expression suddenly shifted from irritation to a somewhat concerned demeanor.


    "What? How old are you, boy? Are you sure you want to enter the portal?"


    The soldier''s question wasn''t unfounded. Levi, with his malnourished body, appeared no older than 13 or 14, whereas to Enter the Bliss Portal one has to be around the age of 16 to 20. Nevertheless, Levi shrugged in response and showed his sparkling watch to him.


    "I am eighteen, and yes, I do want to enter the portal, why else would you think I bought this expensive shit?"


    Once again, the soldier''s expression changed, this time from concern to pity.


    "...Wait here, I''ll contact someone." ncing at Levi from top to bottom one more time, the soldier busied himself with hismunication device.


    "Need support, a new aspirant to enter the Bliss Portal. Send immediate support to the southern block. I repeat..."


    Levi, with nothing to do, just stood there, waiting for the soldier toplete his task.


    ''Maybe I should have bought another hamburger instead of the Coke; I am still hungry...''


    ***


    Over a few decades ago, humanity experienced drastic advancements in technology and space exploration and these changes opened new paths unknown to mankind.


    Being the curious creatures they are, and with hopes of saving the dying Earth suffering from resource depletion, humans began to explore these unknownnds.


    It was there that they discovered the treasures of the otherworld¡ªartifacts and magical items that defied all scientific knowledge. But along with these treasures, humans also encountered dangerous and vicious monsters capable of tearing them apart with a flick of their fingers.


    However, humans were persistent. The treasures of the otherworld were too enticing to ignore. They struggled against the odds and tirelessly fought the monsters.


    Finally, they found a way to survive - To make a contract with the Gods!


    The gods of the unknownnds bestowed extraordinary powers upon humans in exchange for the promise of extinguishing all the monsters from theirnd. These powers granted incredible abilities to humans, who discovered that they could be even stronger by killing the monsters and offering them to their respective gods.


    And thus began the era of ''Sanctuaries''¡ªgatherings of people serving the same god.


    For an average person, being chosen by the Gods was a great blessing as being a follower of the god means that they could enjoy special privileges and could lead a perfect lifestyle.


    But not everyone was so fortunate as the gods themselves chose their followers through divine messages, especially preferring the young over the aged.


    Most humans could not even catch the eye of a god, prompting them to seek ways to pique the gods'' interest.


    One extreme way was by throwing themselves into the dangers of the otherworld and proving that they could ovee the challenges. By doing that those yet to be chosen hoped for a chance to make a contract with the gods.


    To ensure this, children were taught survival andbat from an early age in school, increasing their chances of getting a contract. The wealthy people even hired private tutors and experienced explorers to teach their children, further enhancing their chances of being selected by the gods.


    But Levi didn''t have that luxury. He was just an orphan who roamed the slums, spending most of his time scavenging for food and without the opportunity to attend a public school.


    Even the citizenship-watch that he recently bought had cost him two years of hard work in government factories.


    "All that work, and here we go."


    He had endured all that suffering and worked his ass off to get an opportunity to enter the unknownnds¡ªor the ''Paradise'' as humans called it¡ª All in the hopes of catching the eye of a god.


    But will he be able to do that? Will his desperate gambit really bear any fruit?


    ---***---


    Lore Snippet 01 - Bliss Portal


    A portal made from the divine power of the gods which had the ability to instantly teleport anything that enters one side to the other. It is said that the ''Paradise'' is located on the other side of a ck hole, and the only way to enter the''Paradise'' is through the Bliss Portal. But is that really the case?

 Chapter 2: Paradise

    A few minutes passed with Levi looking around the spire, and then a burly man appeared from behind the barricades.


    Levi looked at the man. He wore a uniform simr to that of the soldier on guard duty, but the burly man looked stronger and more powerful than the soldier.


    ''I wonder if he is a Follower...''


    Oblivious to Levi''s thoughts, the burly man led Levi toward the dome. Levi obediently followed the man, curiously looking around before realizing that this might be thest time he walked on Earth.


    ''Well, at least this ce is cozy enough!''


    The man led Levi inside the dome, guiding him through a grandiose corridor until they finally arrived at the innermost part of the spire, where a huge circr ring-like structure was built.


    Levi marveled at the sheer size of the structure, but before he could think of anything else, a woman wearing a military dress¡ªparticrly stunning and different from both the soldier at the dome and the one who led him inside¡ªapproached him.


    "Name?" the woman asked without wasting another nce at Levi.


    Levi blinked a few times, staring at the particrly stunning woman in front of him. She was beautiful, more so than anyone he had seen in his short life. With smooth skin, ck eyes, and a slender figure, she looked stunning. Strangely, the grey soldier clothes seemed toplement her skin.


    The woman frowned, noticing that the scrawny young man was staring at her intensely.


    "Hey kid, what''s your name?"


    Suddenlying to his senses, embarrassed, Levi shifted ufortably, trying to concentrate. "Levi."


    "Full name," the woman asked, turning to him.


    "Levias Drake," Levi said as the young woman raised an eyebrow and looked at Levi from top to bottom.


    "Levias Drake, huh?" she said, still looking at him. Seeing his clothes, she didn''t expect Levi to have a family name, but she didn''tment on that and instead continued with standard procedure. "Do you have a guardian tagging along, boy?"


    Levi simply shook his head at her question. "Guardian? There is none."


    For a second, there was silence. Then, the female soldier scrolled around the device she was holding, probably checking if what Levi said was true or not, since everyone with the citizenship watch would be registered under the government.


    Nheless, after a few seconds, she turned back to him, her gaze a bit softer.


    "Alright, Levias. You know the procedures, right?"


    Levi just smiled idioticly at her question. "As much as a slum-dweller could have known."


    With a heavy sigh, the woman continued, "Listen carefully¡ªthe bliss portal you have bought is of the lowest grade and it only covers one side of your travel. Once you enter the portal, you are on your own. The government doesn''t take responsibility for your life."


    The female soldier waited, giving Levi time to absorb the information.


    "You will be teleported to a safe zone once you enter the bliss portal, but since you don''t have anything to pay as tax¡ªyou can stay inside the stronghold for a day at most. But don''t worry, someone from either the government or the Sanctuaries will be there to guide you. At that time, try to join a party and create some allies. If you are lucky, a god will choose you."


    She didn''t borate on what would happen otherwise, as she was quite indifferent.


    "If you make a contract with a god, the government will cover your return trip. Otherwise, you''ll have to pay the amount needed for travel."


    She was still finishing her exnation when both Levi''s watch and her device rang suddenly.


    "THE BLISS PORTAL WILL OPEN IN 1 MINUTE"


    "That''s it, I guess. All the best, try to make it back here."


    She gestured towards the ring-like structure, which suddenly started to light up with a golden glow.


    Levi looked at the ring-like structure with amazement as the golden energy filled the space between the ring, and in no time, the bliss portal was ready.


    "Go on. May the gods look upon you," she said, stepping aside.


    Levi gave her a dryugh as he moved toward the portal, and then he stopped right before it, looking back at the female soldier.


    "Anyst-minute tips?"


    He was unsure if a god would choose him or if he would be able to return to Earth, so there was no harm in watching the beauty for a few more seconds.


    The female soldier chuckled softly at his question but then pondered for a moment before she said, "The gods are just trying to test your worth. So no matter the situation, just remember that the gods are always reasonable and don''t lose faith."


    Levi nodded, her words entering one ear and flying out the other as he was busy looking at something else.


    "That''s all. Off you go. May the gods be kind to you."


    Levi turned around, no longer having any excuses to dy his departure, and entered the golden portal.


    As soon as he did, his body disappeared from Earth, and a secondter, he appeared far away in the unknownnds. At the same time, he heard an unfamiliar voice.


    [Wee to ''Paradise'']


    ---***---


    Lore Snippet 02 - Paradise


    A name given to the Unknown Lands by humans, also called the Land of Gods by many. There is a saying that once upon a time, gods and demons walked on thisnd and that the artifacts are items born out of their powers, but no one knows if that is true. What is certain, however, is that Paradise is not all sunshine and rainbows!

 Chapter 3: The Stronghold

    Levi''s vision blurred momentarily as he stepped through the Bliss Portal. The golden light that had enveloped him vanished, reced by a harsh, dustyndscape.


    [Wee to Paradise]


    A mechanical voice resounded as he blinked, adjusting to the ring sunlight and the wastnd that stretched out before him. The sight was far from the idyllic paradise he had imagined.


    Before him stood a sprawling, fortified stronghold, its massive, steel walls were a stark contrast to the barrennd surrounding it. The stronghold, clearly built with advanced mech tech, loomed like a sentinel over the wastnd. Enormous metallic structures and automated defenses lined the perimeter, humming with energy.


    The ground was dry and cracked, with a perpetualyer of dust swirling in the wind. Sparse patches of withered trees dotted thendscape, offering little respite from the two bright suns that hung over his head.


    "So this is ''Paradise''?" Levi muttered, his voice tinged with disappointment.


    The air was thick with dust, making him cough as he took in his surroundings. He understood now why humans had no ns to settle in thisnd, it was a hostile environment, unsuitable for habitation.


    Looking around in curiosity and disappointment, Levi moved forward leaving behind the massive ring structure behind him.


    Levi might not have been able to see the entire structure of the Stronghold, but from an aerial view, it would surely be a sight to behold. Hundreds of ring structures encircled the periphery of the stronghold, each resembling the one Levi had just exited. At the very center, a massive tower soared into the sky, spanning over fifty floors.


    As Levi approached the tall tower, a series of automated security measures were activated. Scanners and drones hovered around him, ensuring he posed no threat.


    After a thorough scan, a pathway opened, leading him inside the stronghold.


    Once inside, Levi was greeted by a bustling scene. The interior was a hive of activity, with people moving about purposefully. Many were d in sleek, functional armor, their movements precise and practiced.


    The stronghold''s interior was a blend of advanced technology and makeshift structures, showcasing humanity''s resilience and adaptability.


    "Hey, you there!" A voice called out, breaking Levi''s thoughts.


    He turned to see a man approaching, his demeanor authoritative. The man wore an insignia featuring an ever-flowing fountain or perhaps a spring.


    One look at the insignia and Levi instantly recognized it.


    "Faithful Abundance!"


    It was the symbol of a well-known sanctuary called Faithful Abundance, established by followers of the God of Prosperity.


    Even a slum rat like him, who worked in factories, was aware of them, that alone spoke volumes about their reputation.


    As Levi was lost in his thoughts, the man continued walking towards him.


    "You must be one of the new arrivals," the man said, looking Levi up and down. "Follow me. We''re about to start the orientation for neers."


    Levi nodded and fell in step behind the man. As he followed, Levi wondered what ability this man possessed. He noticed the man''s well-built, muscr frame and the intimidating aura surrounding him.


    ''He must be pretty strong,'' he thought and silently followed behind.


    They walked through the stronghold, passing various workshops and training grounds. Everywhere he looked, people were engaged in different activities ¨C repairing equipment, practicingbat techniques, or discussing strategies.


    Finally, they arrived at arge hall where a group of people around his age had gathered.


    Levi noticed that the atmosphere was charged with anticipation and nervous energy.


    Somehow he found the excited eyes of the youngsters bothering, so he just found a spot near the back and sat there. He didn''t want to get in trouble identally by walking around carelessly, he had read so many novels where that happens.


    Nevertheless, he didn''t have to wait long as a tall woman with amanding presence stepped onto a makeshift stage at the front of the hall.


    She slowly walked towards the center of the stage, her footsteps echoing through the hall.


    By the time she reached the middle, the hall was dead silent. All the youngsters who had been chatting and buzzing around fell quiet and turned their attention to her.


    "Wee to Paradise," she began, her voice carrying effortlessly across the room of hundreds without even a need for sound amplifying device.


    "I am Seraphine, a Priestess of Faithful Abundance." She paused before speaking up.


    "You are all here because you seek the favor of the gods. Today, we will take you to the ce where the Gods can test you, where you will face monsters and prove your worth. Those who seed may earn a contract with a god and join the Academy of Favored Ones for further training."


    The room buzzed with murmurs as the youngster''s eyes lit up at the mention of Favoured Ones Academy.


    Their reaction was normal, the Favored One''s Academy was the dream of every child and even their parents. It was a pathway to a noble life on Earth. Simply having the privilege of being its alumni was enough to secure a luxurious life, and graduates were weed with open arms by all the sanctuaries.


    Of course, they were excited to hear about it. However, what she didn''t tell them was that only one or two of them might even have the chance to join the academy, as the entry conditions were incredibly strict.


    Seraphine raised her hand, silencing the crowd. "Before we depart, let me make one thing clear. This is not a game. Out there, your life is on the line. Fight with everything you have, and remember, the gods are always watching."


    With that and some other instructions, she signaled for the group to move out. Levi joined the throng of neers as they exited the hall and made their way out as guided. The journey was short, but the anticipation made it feel much longer.


    The ce that they were going was situated outside the stronghold, in a more open area of the wastnd.


    As they started moving towards the heavy walls that fortified the stronghold, Levi took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest.


    This was it ¨C the moment he had been waiting for. As he looked around at the other neers, he saw the same mixture of determination and fear reflected in their eyes.


    ''Time to change my life.''


    He thought almost certain that he would get a contract from the god.


    ---***---


    Lore Snippet 03 - Sanctuaries


    Guilds formed by groups of people who serve under the same god. For sanctuaries to exist, they require an altar, which can only be created by thebined power of at least ten followers.


    Sanctuaries have different levels of positions: Follower, Priest, Pdin, Temr, Holy Knight, Bishop, Cardinal, Archbishop, and Saint. It is worth noting that not every sanctuary will have all these positions filled. The positions are determined by the followers'' worth, and many sanctuaries only have a Holy Knight or Bishop as their leader.

 Chapter 4: Into the Wilderness!

    Levi found himself assigned to a group with two boys and a girl.


    The first boy was tall and skinny, with gangly limbs that gave him a slightly awkward appearance. The second boy was fat, with a round face and a look of disdain permanently etched into his face.


    The girl, on the other hand, was strikingly pretty, with cold blue eyes and hair to match, her demeanor as icy as her appearance.


    The girl''s eyes were cold as she looked at Levi, while the two boys regarded him with evident disdain. Levi didn''t me them. His clothes were tattered, and his appearance unkempt, they were probably from well-off families and wouldn''t know what it feels like to live in the slums.


    He ignored their looks, focusing instead on the task at hand as Seraphine addressed the group, "Choose your weapons wisely. They will be your only defense against the monsters you will face."


    Levi approached the rack of weapons, taking his time to decide. It was the first time he was seeing these many weapons not to mention wielding them.


    At first nce, he saw a wide array of weapons: swords, bows, daggers, axes, and more. There were even unusual choices like whips, halberds, and crossbows.


    As he browsed, Levi felt uncertain about what to choose. In the end, he settled on a spear¡ªnot because he knew how to use it, but because it could be effective at both short and mid-range. It seemed like the best choice for versatility.


    One notable absence was advanced weaponry. Despite Earth''s technological advancements, no such weapons were on disy. There was a reason for this. Advanced weapons, while effective against weaker monsters, proved less effective against stronger ones. Moreover, the purpose of this trial was for the youngsters to prove their potential. Providing them with advanced means would undermine that goal.


    From what humans had observed, the probability of the gods choosing someone who relied on advanced weapons was very low. Therefore, only physical weapons were offered as choices.


    As Levi swung around his spear, trying to get a feel of it, someone walked towards them.


    As they noticed him, the group of four including Levi gathered in front of him, it was the same tall man who had guided Levi earlier.


    "My name is Garret - A follower of Faithful Abundance. I will be in charge of taking you into the wilderness. If you are done with picking the weapons - follow me."


    He said turning around, not even wasting a second.


    The group also followed behind the man. They walked behind him Levi nced at his teammates curious to see what kind of weapons they had chosen.


    To his right, in the girl''s hand was a slender two-handed long sword. The skinny boy had selected an axe, while the fat boy opted for a bow.


    With two short-range, one mid-range, and another long-rage dealer, it seemed like a bnced team, at least from his perspective.


    Garret led them to a mechanical vehicle, an odd-looking metal sphere. They boarded it, following Garret inside. The interior was more presentable than the exterior, with soft, leather-like seats arranged in two rows facing each other.


    The girl and Garret sat on one side, while the two boys and Levi sat on the other. As the mechanical door closed, Garret did something with his watch, and suddenly, the vehicle started to move.


    Levi was momentarily disoriented as the vehicle sped through the wastnd.


    ''Holy! It''s fast,'' he thought.


    Its speed was remarkable, and Levi watched the wastnd blur past the vehicle''s window. He couldn''t help but frown as he realized this was the first time he was traveling in a vehicle other than public transport.


    ''Damn, am I a country bumpkin?'' he wondered as they moved away from the stronghold towards the wilderness.


    ***


    It wasn''t long before they arrived at their destination, a deste area at the foothills of a mountain. Garret prompted them to dismount and waited for them.


    Seated in the vehicle, he looked at them, his expression stern. "Good luck," he said simply before the vehicle vanished into the distance, leaving them alone in the wilderness.


    Levi looked around the surroundings as the four of them now stood in the barrenndscape. Dust and boulders were strewn about, and the ground was hard and unforgiving. In the distance, the massive tower of the stronghold was still visible, making it unlikely they would lose their way.


    They stood at the foothill of a mountain, unsure whether to go upwards or around it since the tower was on the other side.


    But not everyone was thinking about returning as the fat boy turned to Levi, his eyes cold. "Hey you! Don''t get in our way and just stand back."


    "Huh?" Levi was taken aback by the sudden words, if if he was wearing some torn up clothes and was looking like a beggar - isn''t it too harsh to treat him like that?


    Even as he felt that, Levi didn''t respond to the fat boy.


    He knew he was no match for these kids, who were likely trained from a young age and he just didn''t want to show weakness when the gods may be watching them.


    The girl also remained silent, her cold gazending on Levi for a moment before she turned away.


    The fat boy smirked, satisfied with Levi''s silence, and the tall one chuckled as if it were funny.


    Nheless, as they pondered their next move, a creature suddenly emerged from behind a boulder.


    All four of them raised their weapons, sensing danger, and stood face-to-face with it in caution.


    The creature gazed at them with ferocious eyes, its appearance resembling a mix between a wolf and a lizard, its scales glinting in the sunlight. Levi had no idea what it was, but the skinny boy''s eyes widened in recognition.


    "It''s a Lizog!" he eximed.


    But before anyone could react, the girl moved.


    Her speed was astonishing, a blur of blue hair and steel. Her sword shed, and the next moment, the Lizog''s heady severed on the ground.


    The boys and Levi stood motionless, stunned by her skill still trying to registered what happened.


    "Whoa... she''s strong," Levi muttered, impressed by what he just saw.


    As the girl cleaned the blood from her sword with a sudden swing, a bright golden light descended from the sky, enveloping her.


    "What the... so soon?" the fat boy eximed, and even the tall one seemed surprised by the phenomenon.


    Of course, they would be. It was a divine embrace¡ªa god was offering her a contract.


    ---***---

 Chapter 5: Noticed by the Gods!

    The golden light around the girl faded after a minute, leaving her standing with an air of refreshment and power while the three boys stared at her, awe and curiosity etched on their faces.


    "Who did you make a contract with?" the tall boy asked, his voice filled with both reverence and envy. He just couldn''t hold back his curiosity about knowing that.


    The girl looked at him for a moment, then turned her gaze to the horizon.


    Levi strained his ears as even he was curious to hear her reply.


    "The Weaver of Mystic Neb," the girl said calmly but those who heard it were not.


    "Huh!! We-aver??!!"


    The name caused a shockwave among the boys. Even Levi''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    The Weaver of Mystic Neb.


    It was a prominent god who was among the first ones to make contract with the humans. And Weaver of Mystic Neb was very popr, to the point that even Levi who was a country bumkin was aware of them.


    The Weaver was known for having numerous followers throughout the world and even had a well-established sanctuary led by someone as powerful as the Archbishop.


    ''She hit a jackpot,'' Levi thought, marveling at her fortune.


    Even those boys were unable to hide their amazement as they stood staring at the girl in awe.


    Seconds passed as they stood still, and then unable to contain himself, the fat boy asked.


    "What are you going to do now?"


    The girl nced at him, her expression unchanged.


    "I am going back," she said without any hesitation, her tone cold and indifferent.


    It was a logical decision. She had already made a contract with a powerful god and had no need to risk her life further. Helping them was not her responsibility; they had only met today, and her priority was her own safety and advancement.


    Despite understanding her decision, the boys were visibly disappointed.


    Levi, too, felt a pang of frustration, but he couldn''t me her. She had every right to secure her future.


    Without another word, the girl turned and started walking toward the distant tower, her figure gradually disappearing into the horizon.


    ***


    After the girl left, the three boys looked at each other awkwardly. It was clear that they were still thinking about that girl - it wasn''t something that they could just ignore.


    ''She must have an incredible background.''


    Levi thought. It was already a blessing that she was so pretty and on top of that she had now made a contract with a prominent god, her future without a doubt would be very bright.


    ''Sigh..what use will it be to think of her, let''s just move forward.''


    Seeing as the fat and tall boys had no intention of moving anytime soon, Levi took it upon himself and walked forward.


    The boys came to their senses when they saw Levi move - embarrassed they both held out their weapons and ran ahead of Levi - they couldn''t let themoner overtake them obviously.


    ***


    Around 30 minutes after the girl left, the group of three boys encountered their second monster. It was a scorpion about the size of arge turtle, with poison dripping from its sting.


    "That''s nasty!" the fat boy eximed, nocking an arrow into his bow.


    He wasn''t wrong. The poison dripping from its sting was melting the sand - a sting from that monster would surely spell disaster for any of them.


    "Let me handle this one," the tall boy said, raising his axe and moving to the front, blocking the fat boy with the bow.


    They barely seemed to notice Levi''s presence or it was that they were intentionally ignoring him. Levi, however, didn''t seem to mind, deciding to y it safe and wait for now.


    The tall boy charged forward, swinging his axe at the scorpion. But the creature was quicker than expected, easily dodging the attack. The boy barely managed to avoid the scorpion''s sting, stumbling backward.


    "Useless!" the fat boy cursed, loosing an arrow at the scorpion.


    But that was even more useless as the projectile simply bounced off the monster''s tough exoskeleton and only made the monster angrier.


    "What kind of archery was that?" the tall boy mocked.


    "Like you did any better with your axe!" the fat boy retorted embarrassed.


    The scorpion hissed menacingly, its ws snapping as it lunged at the tall boy. Though clumsy, he was someone who was trained to fight monsters from a young age - his training didn''t betray him as he used his axe to block the pincers and kicked the scorpion before jumping back.


    Despite pushing the creature away, their situation hadn''t improved.


    It was too dangerous to fight with an axe it required him to fight at close range, and even the bow proved ineffective against the scorpion''s armor. With no other options, both boys turned to look at Levi.


    Realizing the situation, Levi stepped forward without hesitation. "Try to distract it," hemanded.


    "Who do you think you are to-" the fat boy began, but the tall one cut him off.


    "Fine. But this better work,moner."


    Though reluctant to follow amoner''s orders, the other two felt it best to cooperate for now. They were indeed prideful but they weren''t fools - knowing what is important and prioritizing it was wiser.


    Moving in sync, the tall boy charged forward while the fat one nocked another arrow. Levi ran close behind the tall boy trying to hide his presence.


    The monster hissed fiercely as it noticed the tall boy charging towards it and its stinger poised to strike.


    But before it could, the tall boy hurled his axe at the creature and darted to the side as an arrow whistled through the air. The scorpion deflected the arrow with its pincers and the axe bounced back hitting its exoskeleton.


    Both weapons failed to deal any damage but they did create an opening which Levi didn''t miss!


    Levi might have not been trained to fight the monsters but he had fought a fair share of battles! Not with monsters but with humans!


    Life in the slums was like that - either you get hit or you hit back.


    Levi lunged forward with a scream fueled by his adrenaline rush, driving his spear straight into the monster''s mouth.


    -Shreeek!!


    The scorpion thrashed violently, forcing Levi to release the spear.


    But the damage was done. After a few moments of frenzied movement, the creature copsed, still barely clinging to life.


    "Now! Finish it off!" Levi shouted.


    The tall boy, having already retrieved his axe, leapt onto the fallen monster. With a mighty swing, he finished it off!


    "We... we did it," the fat boy said, breathless which was a surprise as he was just staying still in a ce from start to end¡­


    Nevertheless, in that instant, three pirs of light descended from the sky, enveloping each of the boys in divine light!


    The gods had noticed their presence.


    ---***---

 Chapter 6: The Maze of Trust

    A Contract with the God


    When someone asks what it means to have a contract with the gods, people tend to answer differently.


    For some, it was glory. For others, it was pride or faith. But for Levi, it meant something else entirely.


    Survival.


    It was his only chance at survival, and as he saw the girl making a contract with a god right in front of his eyes, Levi was overwhelmed with emotions.


    Admiration, anticipation, awe¡ªhe felt many things, but one emotion stood out clearly - jealousy.


    ''Why them? Why not me?''


    He knew it was a foolish question, but Levi couldn''t help but ask¡ªwhy was he not chosen? Why was it her?


    People often said that God is fair, that if He takes something, He also gives something in return. Then why, in Levi''s life, was everything always taken away?


    First, it was his mother, then his father. As if that wasn''t enough, he had to live in a hellish ce. Why did it always have to be him?


    He didn''t have answers, but even after all that, there was still an ember of hope in him¡ªthat a god would choose him and all his struggles would pay off. And finally¡­.finally, it was happening!


    ***


    Divine light washed over all three boys as shimmering golden words materialized before them.


    [''The Lord of the Smoking Mirrors'' has taken an interest in you]


    The first message invoked a sense of great joy and relief in Levi.


    ''This is it,'' he thought.


    The hardships he had endured for years¡ªthe lonely life where he had to work hard for even a piece of bread, the countless dreams he''d had as he slept on the cold floor under the moon¡ªeverything wasing to an end. He was finally being chosen!


    Although Levi didn''t recognize the name of the god, he was simply happy that any deity had picked him. However, the message that followed made his joy evaporate:


    [''The Lord of the Smoking Mirrors'' feels the need to test you further. Do you ept his trial?]


    ''Huh?''


    Confusion clouded Levi''s mind as he read the message. They had already fought and defeated the scorpion monster; surely that should have been enough for a god to grant them a contract. Why was another test necessary?


    Not knowing what to do, Levi nced at the two boys. By the looks on their faces, he realized he wasn''t the only one receiving such a message.


    Once he understood this, Levi immediately responded to the god. Whatever it was, he didn''t want to miss this opportunity!


    "I will take the test!" he shouted.


    In the next moment, he vanished from the wilderness!


    Noticing that themoner had once again moved ahead of them, the two boys immediately epted the trial, not wanting to be left behind.


    Soon, they too disappeared from the wilderness.


    ***


    When Levi opened his eyes, he found himself in an unfamiliar ce. Darkness surrounded him, broken only by patches of eerie blue mes. He looked up but couldn''t see anything, wondering if he was in a cave or if night had fallen with clouds obscuring the sky.


    One thing he could discern was the presence of massive walls surrounding him, towering 20-30 meters high. The tops of these walls seemed to be lined with sharp spikes.


    "What? Where am I?" he muttered.


    As if in response to his questions, golden runes materialized before him:


    [You have chosen to take the trial!]


    [''The Lord of Smoking Mirrors'' wishes you luck]


    Levi read the messages, still finding no answers to his questions. He didn''t have to wait long, however, as another lengthy message appeared:


    [Trial - The Maze of Trust]


    [You are currently in a maze created by the Lord of Smoking Mirrors. There are three participants in total, each starting at a simr position in the maze. A magical bell has been granted to one of the three participants. This bell will reveal the correct path out of the maze when rung. However, be warned - the magical bell is very loud and will attract the attention of all nearby threats.


    Additionally, the location of the one who rings the bell will be revealed to the other participants! The participant who exits the maze with the magical bell will be dered the winner!]


    Levi took a moment to process the information. He realized that the three participants were himself, the fat boy, and the tall guy, all now somewhere within the maze, and one of them possessed the magical bell that would show the way out. Since Levi didn''t have it, it must be with one of the other two boys.


    The real dilemma however was in the bell''s function!


    Ringing it would reveal the exit but also expose the ringer''s location to the others. Since the winning condition required exiting with the bell, the others would likely pursue the one who rang it to steal the bell.


    Yet without ringing the bell, finding the exit might be impossible.


    ''This trial... it''s shittier than it looks,'' Levi thought.


    He couldn''t decide whether to be grateful for not having the bell or toment that he now had to steal it.


    "What kind of trial is this?" Leviined, but there was no one to hear him.


    Deciding not to waste energy, he resolved to start moving.


    Though he didn''t know the location of the others or the exit, Levi recalled hearing that if one sticks to one side of a maze, they''ll eventually find the exit. For now, he decided to employ this strategy.


    But Levi was yet to know how this trial would change his life¡­Forever!


    ---***---


    Lore Snippet 04 - The Names of the Gods


    Even though the gods made contracts with the chosen ones, they still preferred to keep their true names hidden, maintaining their anonymity whenever possible. As a result, each god adopted an alias that was disyed to humans. However, they would reveal their true name to those who were truly precious to them.


    Can you guess who the gods behind these names are?


    1. Lord of the Smoking Mirrors


    2. Faithful Abundance


    3. The Weaver of Mystic Neb

 Chapter 7: Path Finder

    "That damnmoner!"


    The fat boy saw themoner shout out, epting the trial of the god, and then instantly disappear. As he witnessed this, he was filled with intrigue and frustration at being left behind once again.


    Without wasting any time, he too shouted, "I ept the trial!"


    In that moment, a blinding light engulfed his vision. When he opened his eyes again, he was no longer in the wilderness.


    "What the...? Where am I?"


    Darkness surrounded him, with tall walls enclosing him on three sides. As he wondered about his predicament, golden words materialized in front of him.


    The fat boy read through the messages and understood the situation, but what surprised him was thest message.


    [You have been granted the Magical Bell]


    Only then did he notice a bell hanging around his neck....with which he looked like a fat cat with a small bell!


    Oblivious to how he looked, the fat boy took off the bell and concentrated on it. Suddenly, numerous golden words appeared before him.


    [Path Finder]


    [Type: Utility]


    [Rank: Spirit]


    [Description: A wondrous artifact that will show the way toward a set target.]


    Reading the description, the fat boy was surprised. The artifacts that humans found in Paradise had different ranks ranging from Ordinary, Earthly, Heavenly, Spirit, Emperor, Saint, to Divine.


    But to think that the simple golden bell in his hand was a Spirit-rank artifact. He didn''t know what to feel about it.


    "What do I do?"


    Even though he looked like a fat dunce, he was not a fool. From the description, he understood that using the bell was very dangerous. Not only would it attract danger, but it would also reveal his position to other participants, including the tall boy and themoner.


    He was somewhat confident in dealing with themoner, but the tall boy was the problem. He came from a wealthy family like himself, and it would be too dangerous to fight him.


    "Let''s try to find a way out for now."


    In the end, he decided to first try and find the way out himself. If that didn''t work, he could always use the bell.


    "Let''s get moving," he said, dragging along his hefty frame.


    ***


    "I don''t know if I am doing this right."


    It had been around 10 minutes, or at least that''s what Levi estimated.


    But he still hadn''t found any clues or anything regarding the maze. He didn''t know where he was or where he had even started. Although he was trying his best to see if there were any simrities in the paths or any rules the maze followed, so far, he had been unsessful.


    The walls were separated by three meters, so Levi had enough space to walk around. Even though he didn''t know which way was out, he kept moving with a hand on one side of the wall. It may have been time-consuming, but without knowing which way to go, this was the best approach.


    He moved slowly and cautiously, not wanting to take any risks, but that was starting to get annoying.


    "Should I just crawl instead of walking?"


    That was how slow he was moving. Anyway, with no other option, he moved forward.


    "Why does it feel like it''s getting darker as I move forward?" Levi thought, noticing that the distance between the blue me torches was increasing.


    While Levi was lost in his thoughts, suddenly, an unimaginable pain suddenly invaded his body.


    "GAHAAAA!"


    Levi screamed loudly, unable to contain his pain as his hand involuntarily moved towards his legs.


    There he saw it¡ªblood dripping from his right leg and a metal trap digging into his skin all the way to the bone.


    As the pain intensified, Levi didn''t know what to do. Many questions filled his mind, ''Why is there a trap?'' ''Why wasn''t anything mentioned about it in the trial?'' and the same only question which he always had, ''Why always me, shit!''


    But there was no one to hear hisints.


    Trying to calm down, Levi looked around. All around him was pitch darkness. He didn''t know who had ced the trap here, but he didn''t dare make any more noise.


    Since there was a trap here, then it was very likely that there are monster here too!


    Not dumb monsters like Lizogs or the scorpions he had seen, but intelligent creatures... like goblins!


    "Damn it!" Cursing without letting out a sound, Levi bit down hard on his teeth as he removed the trap from his leg. Instantly, blood started to drip down his leg.


    Growling silently, he held his spear tighter.


    "That damn monster must be watching me."


    Levi had lived all his life in the government mines and factories, and if there was one monster he knew, it was the damn goblins - who always preferred to make their homes in caves, and traps like this were verymon type of methods they use or at least that''s what he had heard from his fellow workers!


    Levi himself had never encountered a goblin but he didn''t dare to underestimate them - anything that had the intelligence to make such a trap would definitely be dangerous for him!


    Gritting his teeth, Levi tore his oversized shirt and bandaged his wound, trying to stop the blood. Then he waited in the same position, trying to see if there were any dangers around him, but nothing happened.


    ''Am I just overthinking? Maybe there really isn''t a monster here,'' he thought as he tried to move, dragging his leg along, but just then, a goblin jumped at him out of nowhere!


    ---***---


    Lore Snippet 05 - Artifacts


    Artifacts are Magical items made of some unknown energy but they can assume physical form when summoned. They are sometimes rewarded for killing the creatures of Paradise by the ''Providence''. There are seven known ranks of Artifacts, one rarer than the other.


    Ordinary ¡ú Earthly ¡ú Heavenly ¡ú Spirit ¡ú Emperor ¡ú Saint ¡ú Divine.

 Chapter 8: Through the Maze

    The Goblin suddenly jumped out of the darkness and pounced on Levi.


    "SHIT!"


    Levi didn''t even have time to react, but thankfully, his injury worked to his advantage!


    As he tried to bring up his spear, his injured right leg gave out, and he suddenly couldn''t feel it at all, causing him to slip.


    He tried to bnce himself, but in the process, the spear turned towards the goblin in mid-air. In the next second, his spear had pierced through the goblin''s shoulder,ing out the other side.


    -GRSSHHHIKKK!


    The goblin shrieked loudly as it felt the pain through its shoulder. With its weight bearing down on the spear, Levi could no longer hold it.


    The goblin fell to the ground with the spear still stuck in its shoulder, frantically thrashing around.


    Levi also stumbled back. Now that he had a chance, he looked at the monster that had been seconds away from taking his life.


    It was a green creature, roughly the size of a six-year-old child. It had a long nose and pointy ears, with eyes a shade of red and teethpletely yellow.


    Even as someone who had lived in the slums, Levi felt disgusted to look at it.


    But he had no time to think about such things. The goblin was not dead yet, and now he didn''t even have a weapon. If it recovered from the shock, he would be dead meat.


    Realizing this, Levi didn''t waste a second and jumped on the monster, his two hands clenched into fists with the sudden rush of adrenaline. He smashed down on the goblin''s face with all his power.


    -Shriek!


    The goblin let out painful shrieks, but Levi didn''t stop.


    As if something had possessed him, he punched the goblin repeatedly.


    He hit, hit, and hit again. He didn''t stop until the goblinpletely stopped moving, and he heard the voice of Providence.


    [You have killed a Nasant Essence Monster - Goblin]


    ***


    It had been around an hour since the three boys had entered the maze. In that time, all of them had tried to find the path out on their own, attempting various strategies.


    Among the three, however, the tall boy turned out to be the smartest. He moved through the maze, marking the walls on either side with his axe and crossing off paths if he met a dead end.


    But being the smartest didn''t mean he would find the way out, as what was happening now.


    "You have to be kidding me..."


    The tall boy, now with torn clothes and exhaustion written all over his face, despaired as he stood in front of the crosses he had made not too long ago.


    He had entered the maze about an hour ago and noticing that he didn''t have the bell - he decided to move on his own to find the one who had it.


    He had been moving carefully, marking every wall that he went across and marking every turn he took. But even with all that - he had ended up in the same ce where he had started!


    "It''s not a normal maze!"


    He finally realized that the maze was not normal and that maybe it was filled with illusions. It seemed like the only way out would be through using the bell mentioned in the trial.


    "Fuck!"


    He had already encountered three monsters on his way¡ªtwo ordinary monsters and one Essence Monster¡ªalthough he had somehow managed to defeat them, he was now back at square one.


    The tall boy sat down and closed his eyes, realizing it would be no use to continue searching for the way out. Instead, he decided to wait for the one with the bell to ring it.


    ***


    If there was someone among the three who was suffering the most, the it would definitely be the fat boy.


    First, he had the means to find the exit in his grasp but couldn''t use it, and on top of that, he stepped on a trap- his whole left leg bing paralyzed by poison!


    Thankfully, he didn''t get attacked by the goblin, maybe it was not nearby. But he also encountered some ordinary monsters like others, which he barely managed to defeat¡ªnot because he was weak but because of his choice of weapon.


    It was hard to fight with a bow as is, but now that he was alone, it was even harder!


    Cursing himself for picking the bow, he stopped and took out the bell from his pocket.


    "Should I just use it?"


    Not considering the monsters that would be attracted to its sound, he was still wary of the tall boy who could steal it from him.


    "Damn it"


    Cursing. he held the bell in a fist, barely holding back his desire to ring it¡­


    At that moment, however, the fat boy saw something that made him jump back in terror.


    "SO YOU ARE THE ONE WHO HAS THE BELL."


    In front of him, from the cross wall, appeared a young man¡ªhalf of his body covered in blood and his clothes torn apart, with an expression that invoked dread in him.


    It was Levi!


    ---***---


    Lore Snippet 06 - Providence


    What is it? How did ite into existence? What is its purpose? These questions remain unanswered. What is known, however, is that Providence facilitates contracts with the gods and conveys their messages to humans. It serves as both a navigator and a bridge between the divine and the mortal realms.


    asionally, Providence rewards humans who kill monsters with artifacts and avatars. Despite these rewards, it does not increase the power of humans in any way.

 Chapter 9: Second Kill!

    Leviy on the floor, panting for air, the corpse of the goblin not far away from him. Its face waspletely messed up from the beating and the spear still remained stuck in its shoulder.


    "Fuck¡­ing Hell"


    He cursed the goblin as he struggled to stand, his right leg still numb from the paralysis poison- he hadn''t noticed it due to the rush of adrenaline but now that he was calm - he realized that he could no longer feel his right leg.


    "This is bad," he muttered, trying to stand with the wall''s support.


    "If I face another Essence Monster..."


    He had somehow killed the goblin due to luck but he knew that it would definitely not end well if he met another essence monster.


    But he couldn''t dwell on it. He needed to keep moving. With a bit of struggle, he stood up.


    First, he freed his spear from the goblin''s shoulder, and then, without hesitation, he stabbed the goblin in the chest and reached inside with his hand.


    After a few seconds of searching, he pulled out a small, ckish-looking stone from the goblin''s corpse¡ª It was the Demonic Essence Crystal.


    "Got it," Levi said, inspecting the crystal.


    Essence Monsters like this goblin carried these crystals, which contained their corrupted essence. Humans couldn''t use them directly, but at altars, they could be purified and used to enhance power.


    Even though purification would lead to losing most of the essence energy, it was safer than using it raw, which would cause demonic energy to rampage inside the body of the user.


    Levi pocketed the crystal after cleaning the blood on it with his shirt. He didn''t have a way to use it now, but it could be valuableter. Many rich people would spend a lot of money just to buy a few essence crystals and increase their power.


    Nheless, pushing those thoughts aside for now, he moved forward, dragging his right leg.


    ***


    As Levi was moving through the maze, trying to find the exist. He suddenly heard a familiar voice.


    "Should I just use it?"


    Levi recognized the voice and without even seeing, he understood what was happening.


    The fat boy had the magical bell!


    He carefully approached, moving closely along the wall without making any noise, and observed - Seeing if the tall boy was with him. But noticing that the fat boy was alone and even injured - Levi had a daring thought!


    ''It''s not impossible.''


    He thought for a moment and then, without hesitation, stepped forward from the darkness.


    "So, you are the one who has the bell," Levi said with a menacing smile.


    The fat boy jumped, taken aback, and quickly hid the bell in his pocket. "You! Youmoner!"


    Levi was getting tired of hearing the same words from him to the point that he was no longer offended.


    With narrowed eyes, Levi directly revealed his intention. "Hand over the bell."


    It was a daring thing to say¡ªespecially when you are just a slum boy and your opponent has been trained in schools to fight monsters. But Levi decided to take this gamble for two reasons.


    First, the fat boy was injured. Like Levi, he seemed to have stepped on a trap and was limping. Though Levi was also in a simr condition, the fat boy''s situation was worse because of his body proportions.


    Secondly, it was because of his weapon. The fat boy used a bow, which could have been very advantageous if they were hunting a monster or if someone was protecting him, but being alone, there was hardly anything he could do with a bow.


    But the fat boy didn''t seem to understand that.


    "Why should I?" he retorted. "You filthymoner daremand me? Do you think I don''t see you''re injured?"


    The fat boy had also noticed Levi''s leg and realized that his right leg had been paralyzed. More than that, his pride wouldn''t allow him to follow themoner''s words.


    Levi, however, tightened his grip on the spear. "I''m warning you onest time. Hand it over."


    The fat boy smirked, stepping back and reaching for his weapon. "Go fuck yourself!"


    In a sh, the fat boy drew his bow and nocked an arrow. Levi, expecting this, deflected the shot with his spear, but his injured leg buckled, and he fell to one knee.


    "Got you now!" the fat boy sneered, drawing another arrow and aiming for Levi''s neck.


    However, Levi rolled to the side, barely avoiding the arrow, and threw something at the fat boy''s leg. It was the demonic crystal! The crystal hit the fat boy''s other leg, making him stumble.


    Seizing the moment, Levi pushed himself up with the spear and charged. The fat boy was not a pushover. He dodged and shed at Levi''s side with an arrow, grazing his ribs. Levi winced but didn''t back down. He feinted with the spear, then punched the fat boy in the face, sending him reeling.


    "You''re dead!" the fat boy yelled, wiping blood from his nose. He rushed at Levi again, this time with his bow raised to strike.


    Levi parried the bow with his spear and kicked the fat boy''s knee, making him copse. The bow fell from his grasp. Levi knocked the arrow out of his hand and pressed the spear tip to his throat.


    "Give up and hand over the bell," Levi demanded.


    "In your dreams!" The fat boy spat at Levi and tried to grab the spear, but Levi thrust it forward, piercing his throat.


    The fat boy''s eyes widened in shock. He gurgled, blood pouring from his mouth, and then fell limp.


    Levi pulled out the spear and took a deep breath. "I warned you," he said softly, looking down at the fat boy''s body.


    This was the second time he was killing someone and just as he thought¡ªit didn''t feel good at all!


    ---***---


    Lore Snippet 06 - Demonic Essence Crystal


    A Demonic Essence Crystal is a stone that contains the essence of a monster, but it is corrupted by demonic energy. These crystals are very dangerous to use in their raw form, as the demonic energy can cause havoc within the human body. However, they can be purified at altars, allowing humans to absorb and increase their own essence. Demonic Essence Crystals are highly valued by humans.


    The higher the rank of the crystal, therger its size and the more valuable it bes.

 Chapter 10: Deception Failed!

    [You have killed an ordinary human - Naaji Nason]


    Levi looked down at the corpse with cold eyes as he heard the message of Providence. The fat boy had a hole pierced through his neck, his face frozen in shock. Blood still poured from the wound, and soon, the smell would attract nearby monsters.


    Levi felt nothing as he watched his fellow team member''s death. He wasn''t new to seeing blood, and he wasn''t new to killing either. His first kill had taken much more effort, and the mental trauma from that time still lingered.


    Strangely, Levi didn''t even feel sorry for the fat boy. He knew that if he hadn''t killed him, he would be the one lying there instead.


    "Rest well in Paradise," he said before moving to check the body. Since the boy was already dead, it wouldn''t hurt to take any belongings he might have. Unfortunately, Levi found nothing but a bow, arrows, a ring, and a bell with runes carved on it. As he inspected the items, descriptions rted to them popped up.


    -----------[Path Finder]------------


    Type: Artifact


    Rank: Spirit


    Description: A wondrous artifact that will show the way toward a set target.


    -----------[Path Finder]------------


    -----------[Spatial Storage]------------


    Type: Artifact


    Rank: Earthly


    Description: An artifact that can store things - Locked.


    -----------[Spatial Storage]------------


    The description of the bell surprised him. Even knowing its functionalities, he hadn''t expected it to be of Spirit rank.


    ''Seems like the bell is not so normal as the description says.''


    Levi thought, sure that the bell hid some amazing abilities.


    Since he couldn''t do anything about it, he turned towards the ring. As it turned out, the ring was a spatial artifact although of earthly rank, but it was still valueable.


    The problem however was that the ring was locked! Storage artifacts like this bind themselves to their owners, but it wasn''t like there was no way to unlock it. Special magical runes can unlock them only that Levi had no means to unlock it now.


    Deciding to keep it for now, Levi pocketed the ring along with the essence crystal and decided to leave behind the bow and arrows. He had no use for them and if he happened to meet the tall boy then that would surely be dangerous, as the tall boy would instantly realize that he had the bell.


    Anyway, after taking everything he needed, Levi finally looked at the bell.


    "What should I do with this?"


    He had two options: ring the bell and risk danger, or leave everything to luck and move forward.


    Considering his current state¡ª with a paralyzed leg, blood dripping from multiple wounds, and an exhausted body¡ªringing the bell would be nothing but suicide.


    So, he chose the only option left.


    To leave everything to luck and move forward!


    ***


    Two hours passed.


    Levi had still not found the exit or any clues that might lead him out. He had encountered some ordinary monsters along the way, barely defeating them, but with every step, he was slowly reaching his limit.


    His stomach grumbled so loudly that he could hear it scream. He wasn''t a stranger to hunger, so he could hold on somehow. But the bigger problem was his blood loss. He had lost too much blood that he was getting dizzier with every movement. If he didn''t find the exit soon, he might die in the maze.


    "I will not give up¡­ I will surely make a contract with the god."


    The Lord of Smoking Mirrors. He didn''t know which god it was, but since the trial was this hard, he was sure that the contract with the god would also reveal incredible rewards.


    "Huff¡­ Just a bit more¡­ for my future."


    Holding on by motivating himself, Levi moved, using his spear as support. And right in front of him was another dead end.


    "Damn it!"


    He cursed aloud, supporting himself against the opposite wall. His frustration had reached its peak, and he was on the verge of a breakdown.


    He no longer remembered how many dead ends he had encountered. He was just moving ahead, sticking to one side of the wall. He didn''t know how long it would take to find an exit this way but he surely knew that he didn''t have much time.


    Nheless, as Levi turned at the side of the wall, he suddenly came face to face with something unexpected!


    In front of him sat the tall boy, cross-legged, his eyes now wide open, staring at Levi.


    "You look terrible," the tall boy said, watching Levi from head to toe.


    ''Fuck my luck,'' Levi cursed inside, trying to stay calm. He looked at the tall boy to see if he was exhausted or injured but luck wasn''t on his side this time.


    "And you look surprisingly fine."


    Unlike Levi, who was in terrible shape, the tall boy barely had any injuries. His breath was calm, and his weapon¡ªthe axe¡ªwas sitting right by his side. It seemed as if he had been sitting there for hours.


    They exchanged looks for a few seconds before the tall boy spoke again.


    "I don''t like talking in circles, so let''s cut to the chase. Do you have the bell?"


    His gaze was cold and menacing. Levi, however, didn''t show any emotion and simply signed with empty hands.


    "Does it seem like I would suffer this much if I had the bell?"


    He lied. The tall boy didn''t know who had the bell, so Levi took the risk and lied, hoping to make him think the fat boy had it. But the tall one was not as foolish as he thought.


    "That indeed seems to be the case. However¡­ that is even more suspicious," he said, taking the axe in his hands.


    "You can check me if you want¡ªI would have long used the bell if it was with me."


    Once again, Levi lied through his teeth. It was almost believable, as he didn''t show a bit of frustration. However, his words didn''t seem to convince the tall boy.


    "It''s fine even if you don''t have the bell," the tall boy said, getting up. "It just so happens that I need a spear."


    From the start, he had no intention of sparing Levi.


    ---***---

 Chapter 11: Desperate Actions

    Things were spiraling out of control.


    Levi had thought he could easily deceive the tall boy, but he had underestimated his opponent''s intelligence, which had led to the dire situation he now faced.


    "Don''t hate me too much; I''ll make it quick," the tall boy said, gripping his spear tightly as he stared down at Levi, who could barely stand but still had a confident expression on his face.


    "You seem confident about killing me. Be careful¡ªthat mighte back to bite you," Levi replied trying to appear as confident as possible.


    It was a bluff.


    In reality, Levi was barely holding himself upright. His wounds were severe, and blood loss had left him weak. His right leg, paralyzed, rendered him nearly helpless. Yet, he bluffed without hesitation.


    The tall boy hesitated,considering whether Levi was hiding something. But after looking at Levi''s condition, he dismissed the thought.


    "Let''s see if you''re telling the truth," the tall boy said, advancing with a menacing look.


    Levi''s heart raced - once again, his attempt to deceive the tall boy had failed!


    He was in no state to fight¡ªhis body and mind were on the brink of copse. As he frantically searched for a way out, an idea struck him.


    Desperately, Levi did something that made the tall boy halt in his tracks.


    "Don''t you dare take another step," Levimanded, his heart pounding, though his face remained expressionless as he held the bell firmly in his hand.


    The tall boy froze, taken aback.


    "You said you didn''t have it," he hissed, tightening his grip on his axe.


    "I never said I''d tell the truth," Levi replied, his voice cold and steady.


    The tall boy''s gaze shifted from the bell to Levi''s face. "Are you really going to ring it? You know what that will do. You''ll bring every monster in this maze straight to us - You will certainly die!"


    Levi however didn''t falter, instead, he smiled at the tall boy. "I''m well aware. But if I go down, you''reing with me."


    For the first time, Levi saw a flicker of doubt in the tall boy''s eyes. It was brief, but it was enough to expose a crack in his confidence.


    But that disappeared as soon as it had appeared. The tall boy was not a fool, he was sure that Levi wouldn''t take the risk of ringing the bell, so he took a step forward, his voice low and threatening. "You may be thinking of escaping after ringing the bell but you won''t survive this. Even if I can''t, the monsters will tear you apart."


    "Maybe," Levi nodded slowly not denying his im, "but I''m not the only one here, am I?"


    Levi could see the tall boy calcting the risks. The situation had shifted¡ªLevi was no longer just a weak opponent, he was a threat capable of dragging them both into oblivion. The tall boy hesitated a fraction of a second too long.


    Levi was not fine either - his hand trembled slightly as he gripped the bell, knowing that ringing it could spell his doom¡ªand the tall boy''s.


    "You''re bluffing," the tall boy finally said.


    "I''ve got nothing left to lose," Levi said, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. "You can take your chances and try to kill me before I ring this, or you can walk away now."


    The tall boy still hesitated, his eyes darting between Levi''s face and the bell in his hand. That brief hesitation was all Levi needed. Knowing that the tall boy would not back down - he did the unthinkable!


    With a swift motion, he jerked his arm upward and rang the bell.


    The sound was deafening, reverberating through the maze-like thunder, it was a wonder how the small ring could produce such a deafening sound!


    In that split second, as the bell''s chime resonated, something clicked in Levi''s mind¡ªa vision, or perhaps a memory, of the maze with a glowing line tracing a path through it. It was the exit. The bell had shown him the way out.


    And almost immediately, the ground began to tremble, and a low, guttural growl echoed from the depths of thebyrinth. The tall boy''s eyes widened in shock, his face contorting with fury.


    "You bastard!" he roared, charging at Levi with murderous intent.


    But Levi was prepared. His instincts kicked in. Summoning everyst ounce of strength, he hurled the bell over the tall boy''s head, sending it ttering against the stone wall behind him. The tall boy, momentarily distracted, nced back at the bell¡ªexactly as Levi had hoped.


    Levi gritted his teeth and lunged forward, spear in hand. The tall boy turned back just in time to see Levi''s spearing at him.


    He barely managed to deflect the blow with his axe, but the impact knocked him off bnce.


    "You damn fucker!" the tall boy snarled, recovering quickly and swinging his axe in a wide arc.


    Levi ducked under the swing, knowing time was running out. The growls were getting louder, and closer, and he could feel the vibrations of approaching monsters beneath his feet. His only chance was to take the tall boy down quickly and run for the exit.


    He pressed the attack, feinting left and stabbing right, but the tall boy was skilled, blocking every move. The pain in Levi''s leg red with each step, and his vision started to blur. He was running on pure adrenaline now.


    The tall boy smirked, sensing Levi''s weakening state. "You''re slowing down. Face it¡ªyou''re not getting out of here alive."


    Levi didn''t respond. Instead, he shifted his grip on the spear, preparing for one final, desperate move. As the tall boy raised his axe for a killing blow, Levi suddenly dropped to one knee, pivoting on his good leg, and thrust his spear upward with all his remaining strength.


    The tall boy''s eyes widened in shock as the spearhead plunged into his side. He staggered back, blood spurting from the wound, his face contorted with pain and rage.


    Levi didn''t wait to see if the blow was fatal. He had only seconds before the monsters arrived. He stumbled to his feet, using the walls for support, and leaped toward where the bell had fallen.


    That''s right! From the start, Levi had no intention of letting go of the bell.


    ''I will make a contract!''


    That was the only thought running through his mind as he ignored his paralyzed leg and limped toward the path the bell had shown him.


    Behind him, the tall boy cursed loudly, struggling to pull the spear from his side. But the growls grew louder, and soon, Levi heard the scuffling of ws on stone as the monsters closed in.


    Levi pushed forward without looking back, fighting against his failing body. He dragged his feet forward¡ªeverything he had dreamed of was now within reach.


    He could hear the tall boy''s screams as the monsters reached him, but Levi didn''t turn around. All that mattered was reaching the exit, surviving this nightmare, and making the contract with the god.


    ***


    Fifteen minutes passed.


    Levi was still moving toward his destination. Perhaps due to the magical properties of the bell, he knew exactly where to turn, and which direction to move.


    The strange power of the bell was telling him¡ªclose¡­.


    He was so close to his goal! The exit was within reach; he could almost see the light at the end of the tunnel.


    With one final burst of energy, Levi threw himself forward, copsing into the narrow corridor that led to the exit. The light¡ªhe was finally going to embrace the divine light!


    But then, everything went silent and dark.


    ''Huh?''


    When Levi opened his eyes, he saw an axe lodged at the back of his left leg - digging almost half the way in and he was slowly copsing.


    ''No...''


    Levi didn''t feel the pain yet, but his mind was screaming at him.


    ''No, no, no¡­I''m¡­so...close.''


    At that moment, the tall boy emerged from the darkness behind him¡ªhis body soaked in blood, marked with monster ws, blood dripping from every wound.


    ---***---

 Chapter 12: Shattered Hopes

    Leviy on the cold stone floor, his breath ragged, his vision blurry. He tried to focus, but the pain was overwhelming. The axe in his leg felt like a searing brand, and he could feel the warmth of his blood pooling around him. The bell''s path had led him so close to his goal, yet here hey wounded and helpless.


    Footsteps echoed in the silence, each one sending a jolt of dread through Levi''s heart. He turned his head, his body trembling with exhaustion, and saw the tall boy emerging from the shadows.


    His figure was barely recognizable, covered in blood and deep gashes from the monsters. Despite his horrific state, the tall boy''s eyes gleamed with cold determination, and a twisted grin spread across his face.


    "So close, yet so far," the tall boy sneered at Levi. He limped toward the ce where Levi had fallen - slowly, enjoying the state Levi was in.


    "You really thought you could outsmart me, didn''t you?"


    Levi tried to speak, but only a strangled gasp escaped his lips. His body which was running purely on adrenaline had now caught up with his injuries and exhaustion!


    The tall boy was right¡ªhe had been so sure, so desperate to win, and now, everything was slipping away.


    The tall boy reached Levi and kicked his side, sending waves of pain through his body. Levi groaned, his vision flickering. He could feel the darkness closing in, but he refused to look away, refused to give the tall boy the satisfaction of seeing him broken.


    "You put up a good fight, I''ll give you that," the tall boy said, crouching down beside Levi. Even his breath was heavy, the exhaustion that he faced after facing the monsters was still there, yet his mocking tone remained strong.


    "But you''re nothing without your tricks. You''re just a pathetic, desperate fool."


    He spat on Levi''s face, the words cutting deeper than any de. Levi''s eyes burned with anger and humiliation, but he couldn''t move, couldn''t even lift his hand to wipe the spit away. He was paralyzed, trapped in his own body.


    The tall boy then went on to search for the bell and noticed that it was still in Levi''s hand, locked by a strong grip.


    "You still haven''t given up?"


    The tall boy sneered - snatching away the bell, even when Levi tried his best to hold on to it.


    "You should have known better than to challenge me," the tall boy continued, standing up and looking down at Levi with disdain. "Just because I went on with your ns - you thought you could outsmart me? Do you even know who I am?"


    His hand got dangerously close to Levi''s neck but then he stopped - "It would be too easy to kill you"


    He said taking back his hand.


    "I''ll let you suffer a bit longer, enjoy your time."


    With that, the tall boy turned his back on Levi and began to walk toward the end of the maze - as Levi watched his steps with dread.


    The light at the end of the tunnel grew brighter, as the tall boy neared.


    Levi''s mind raced, desperation wing at his soul. He couldn''t let it end like this, couldn''t let the tall boy win. But his body refused to move, his limbs heavy and unresponsive. He could only watch as the tall boy''s figure grew smaller, disappearing into the blinding light.


    "No¡­" Levi croaked, his voice barely a whisper. His vision blurred further as tears welled up in his eyes. "No¡­please¡­"


    But the tall boy didn''t look back. He stepped into the light, his silhouette dissolving into the brilliance. For a moment, the light grew even more intense, filling the maze with a radiance that blinded Levipletely.


    Then, as quickly as it had appeared, the light vanished, leaving Levi in darkness.


    The silence was deafening, broken only by the distant growls of the monsters that still lurked in the maze - which would soon be here to feast on him.


    The tall boy had won. He had taken everything from Levi, and now, he was likely making a contract with the god, securing the power that should have been Levi''s.


    His world was crumbling around him, and he felt it in every fiber of his being. The pain in his leg was unbearable, but it was nothingpared to the agony in his heart.


    He had been so close, so damn close. The exit had been within reach, the light just a few more steps away. But now, the tall boy had taken everything from him¡ªthe bell, the light, hisst hope. He could barelyprehend how the tall boy had escaped the monsters, let alone how he had managed to strike him down.


    All he knew was that he had been abandoned, not just by the tall boy, but by the very gods he had trusted.


    He stared into the darkness, his mind racing with memories of his short life, of every struggle, every sacrifice he had made to get this far.


    But it was all for nothing.


    The gods, those distant, uncaring beings, had forsaken him. They had watched him suffer, struggle, and fight for his life, only to abandon him at thest moment. There was no divine n, no hidden purpose to his pain¡ªonly the cold, hard reality that he was alone, and always had been.


    Levi''s hands trembled as he tried to push himself up, but his strength was gone. He was broken, physically and mentally, and the realization of his helplessness hit him like a wave. There would be no escape, no miraculous rescue, no second chance. Thebyrinth would be his tomb, and the gods would not even bother to mourn his passing.


    Tears welled up in his eyes, but Levi refused to let them fall. He would not give the gods the satisfaction of seeing him break. If he was to die here, it would be on his own terms, not as a pitiful, defeated wretch.


    The gods had taken everything from him, and there was nothing left to fight for.


    He thought of his life before the maze, of the choices he had made, the people he had known, the people he had killed.


    He thought of his kind mother, he thought about his drunkard father, the fat boy that he had just killed, and finally of the tall boy, now walking free, bathed in the divine light that should have been his. And he thought of the gods, those cruel, indifferent beings who had yed with his life like a toy and then cast him aside when they grew bored.


    At that moment, something inside Levi snapped. The despair that had been eating away at him transformed into a cold, burning rage. He had been a fool to trust the gods, to believe that they cared about him or his fate. They were nothing more than sadistic tyrants, delighting in the suffering of mortals for their own amusement.


    "You fucking Gods!"


    Levi''s vision blurred as his anger consumed him. He cursed the gods with every ounce of strength he had left.


    "I swear,if I somehow find a way out of here - I swear that I''ll make you guys pay! I''ll tear down your altars, fuck your priestess, and show this damned world that you fucking gods are not worthy of worship."


    But even as he screamed with all his power, Levi knew that they were empty words. The gods had won. They had taken everything from him, and there was nothing he could do to stop them.


    With a final, shuddering breath, Levi closed his eyes - prepared to face the death.


    But right at that movement, a red light descended from the sky - bathing Levi in its dark illuminance and Levi heard the voice of Providence that he so craved!


    [A soul forsaken by the Gods and a body on the verge of death - The Darklord of the Endless Abyss has noticed your existence and is offering you a contract. Will you ept?]


    ---***---

 Chapter 13: DarkLord of the Endless Abyss

    A Red Illuminance!


    It held a special significance¡ªone that only a handful of humans had ever witnessed.


    There was no ordinary reason behind it; a red illuminance signified that a contract was being offered by the beings most despised by the gods. These were the beings that dwelled in the lowest depths of Hell¡ªDemons!


    Unlike contracts with the gods, demon contracts always came with conditions¡ªoften demanding the human soul in exchange.


    At this moment, a simr event was unfolding deep in the wilderness, within abyrinth where Levi, barely clinging to life, found himself bathed in the ominous red light.


    [A soul forsaken by the Gods and a body on the verge of death¡ªThe Darklord of the Endless Abyss has noticed your existence and offers you a contract. Will you ept?]


    Barely conscious, with his vision blurring and his eyelids growing heavy, Levi heard the voice he had longed for. Though something else appeared below the message, Levi was in no state to read it. Instinctively, he thought, Yes.


    [The Darklord of the Endless Abyss is satisfied with your answer.]


    The illuminance red briefly, then vanished without a trace.


    [A contract has been sessfully made with the Darklord of the Endless Abyss.]


    [The Darklord of the Endless Abyss pities your state and has granted you a bonus reward.]


    Suddenly, Levi felt as if something foreign had entered his body¡ªno, it felt more like something long dormant within him had awakened.


    He couldn''t fullyprehend it, but he could feel it¡­ whatever it was, it was terrifying.


    [You have awakened your trait¡ªDemonic Soul.]


    Suddenly, the demonic essence crystal Levi had taken from the dead goblin began to shine, its essence flowing into him.


    Not long after, Levi''s wounds began to heal at an astonishing rate, but he was in no condition to notice¡ªhe had already lost consciousness.


    For a moment, silence reigned, before the voice of Providence spoke once more.


    [The Darklord of the Endless Abyss frowns upon you, wondering if you are dead.]


    [The Darklord of the Endless Abyss sighs heavily, observing your state.]


    [The Darklord of the Endless Abyss grumbles that you should be grateful, as a significant amount of power was used to transport you.]


    That was thest message from Providence before Levi''s body disappeared from the maze, leaving behind only the silentbyrinth and the growling monsters within.


    ****


    In the stronghold of the Faithful Abundance Sanctuary, where Levi and the others had ventured to forge contracts with the gods, a blue-haired girl sat among those who had been fortunate enough to make a contract with the gods. They were all waiting to return to Earth.


    At the front, Seraphine sat with her eyes closed, deep in thought of something.


    As everyone awaited the Bliss Portal to be activated, they noticed another golden light descending from the sky, far into the wilderness, much farther than any of them had ventured.


    Seraphine''s eyes snapped open, and she turned toward the middle-aged man, Garret, who stood nearby.


    Garret nodded and began manipting his mechanical watch, initiating the procedure to retrieve the youngster who had made contract with the god.


    The pir of light was distant from the participants, suggesting it might be one of those rare cases where a god teleports the chosen individuals for further testing. Nheless, Garret quickly took the necessary steps, and a team of followers departed in a spherical vehicle to retrieve the youngster who had been blessed.


    But just as everything seemed to be proceeding smoothly, a red pir of light appeared in the same direction as the divine light.


    "This¡­"


    Seraphine stood abruptly, her expression troubled. Garret was equally caught off guard, his shock evident.


    Without wasting any time, they left the other followers in charge of the youngsters'' departure and moved out.


    A demonic follower had appeared, and they had to kill him before he could return to Earth.


    Yet, in the midst of the chaos, no one noticed the twisted expression of the blue-haired girl¡ªher face burning with anger.


    ***


    After what felt like an eternity, Levi slowly regained consciousness.


    "...Ahhh¡­"


    His eyes fluttered open, revealing a white ceiling above him. Confused and disoriented, Levi attempted to sit up but immediately regretted his decision!


    He was overwhelmed by a searing pain that tore through his mind.


    "Arghh!!"


    He cried out in agony, copsing back onto the soft bed beneath him. Momentster, a familiar voice reached his ears.


    "I wouldn''t try moving if I were you."


    Levi turned his head toward the source of the voice, and there she was¡ªthe female soldier he had met before entering the Bliss Portal.


    He looked at her for a movement. She was just as beautiful as he remembered, but he couldn''t understand what was happening. He struggled to piece together the fragmented memories of what he remembered.


    Thest thing he recalled was the voice of Providence, speaking of a contract... and then, nothing. Everything after that was a nk. Before he could voice his thoughts, the female soldier spoke again.


    "Seems like you made a contract with a pretty decent god. I haven''t heard of any god going so far as to teleport their followers to save them."


    ''Huh?''


    Levi was dumbfounded by her words. A contract with a god? That couldn''t be right. Not after the insulting words that he had spat out! There was no way any god would extend a contract to him. The mere thought wasughable.


    Yet, a chilling realization began to creep into his mind.


    ''Don''t tell me¡­''


    An ominous premonition took hold of him, but he fought to keep his expression neutral, choosing toy back down instead of reacting.


    "It''s a miracle that you are even alive. Anyway, just rest. The healers have patched you up well, but you still need time to recover," the female soldier advised, moving forward as she noticed Levi''s rtive calm.


    But beneath his outwardposure, Levi''s mind was in turmoil. He had to know the truth.


    ''Status.''


    He silently called out, and within seconds, deep red runes materialized in front of his eyes.


    Name: [Levias Drake]


    Rank: Demonic Follower


    Levi didn''t need to read any further. The first two lines told him everything he needed to know. His heart sank as the reality of the situation hit him like a hammer.


    ''I''ve made a contract with a Demon.''


    ¡ª-***---

 Chapter 14: The Contract!

    The Demons are evil, the Gods are righteous¡ªhistory and myth have told us so. No one had seen the Demons, nor had they seen the Gods, yet the mere mention of Demons would instill dread in anyone.


    Levi was no different.


    He knew what every other human did. He had heard rumors of demon contractors living among humans¡ªrumors of them drinking human blood and sacrificing innocent lives for the Demons they worship. No one knew the full truth, but that was all Levi had ever known.


    And now, discovering that he had somehow made a contract with a Demon, he couldn''t help but feel fear gripping his heart.


    With hesitation, Levimanded the Providence.


    ''Open Contract.''


    ---------------[Contract]---------------


    First Party: Levias Drake - A mortal, born of Earth.


    Second Party: The Darklord of the Endless Abyss - The ancient ruler of the infinite void


    use 1: Pact of Power


    In exchange for the Darklord''s power, Levias Drake shallplete a singr quest provided by the Darklord.


    Quest: Create a Demonic Sanctuary on Earth, founded with an Apostle of the Abyss. This Sanctuary shall serve as a beacon to those who follow the path of the Abyss and as a stronghold for demonic forces.


    Time Limit: The quest must bepleted within ten (10) Earth years. Failure toplete the quest will result in Levias Drake''s soul being devoured by the Darklord, condemning him to eternal torment in the Abyss.


    use 2: Bond of Souls


    Levias Drake''s soul is irrevocably bound to the Darklord of the Endless Abyss. Upon his death, regardless of cause or circumstance, his soul will be imed and devoured by the Darklord, with no possibility of redemption or release. The only way to nullify this use is toplete the quest in use 1.


    use 3: Inheritance of Power


    As part of this contract, Levias Drake shall inherit a unique trait from the Darklord of the Endless Abyss, adjusted to suit the power level of a mortal.


    Signed and Sealed:


    By the First Party:


    Levias Drake


    By the Second Party:


    The Darklord of the Endless Abyss


    -------------[Contract]----------------


    Levi read through the contract and instantly realized he had been scammed.


    ''...''


    He was speechless at the shamelessness of the Darklord. Creating a sanctuary was an enormous and costly task, and now Levi, who didn''t even have a proper roof over his head, had to undertake it.


    If the mary burden wasn''t enough, he also needed followers¡ªat least ten to create an altar and around twenty-five to establish a sanctuary. And then there was the requirement for an Apostle, something Levi had no clue about.


    If this wasn''t enough to be considered a scam, then there was the matter of his soul.


    If he failed the quest, his soul would be devoured. If he died, his soul would be devoured. Levi wondered if the Darklord merely wanted his soul and offered the contract as a formality.


    "But¡­ I''m still alive."


    Despite the realization that he had been scammed and his soul was now on the line, Levi knew the Demon was his savior. He had been on the brink of death, and if not for the mercy of the Darklord of the Endless Abyss, he would have died in that maze.


    Whether the mercy was born from greed or if the Darklord was simply using him as a pawn, all that mattered was that Levi was still alive and had a chance to fuck over the gods.


    "Let''s see what power I''ve inherited," Levi said, opening the status and reading through it.


    -----------[Status]-----------


    Name: Levias Drake


    Rank: Demonic Follower


    Patron: The Darklord of the Endless Abyss


    Crest: ¡ª


    Demonic Core: Dormant


    Demonic Essence: 1/200


    Trait: Demonic Soul


    Trait Ability: Demonic Transformation


    Innate Ability: ¡ª


    Artifacts: ¡ª


    Avatars: ¡ª


    -----------[Status]-----------


    "Wait a minute, a core?" Levi thought, confused, and right at that moment, something happened!


    Levi felt something stirring within him. With a startled cry, he clutched his chest, trying to understand what was happening. The sensation wasn''t painful or unpleasant, but it was unlike anything he had ever experienced. It felt as though his very soul was being awakened, infused with a strange, new energy.


    The energy was cold and... evil. He could feel its presence¡ªterrifying and overpowering.


    It filled every fiber of his being. Levi felt his emotions sharpen, and his body began to change. It was as though something was being created in the center of his chest, radiating waves of heat that slowly spread to his stomach, shoulders, arms, legs, hands, and feet.


    Under that heat, his bones, muscles, organs, and blood vessels were being rebuilt and revitalized. Levi felt as if he were being reborn¡ªbing stronger, faster, healthier.


    After some time, the burning sensation in his chest cooled. The heat was reced by a soothing coldness that washed over his body, erasing all aches and diforts umted from thest trial he had faced. The coldness then moved upward, reaching his brain and finally his eyes.


    Suddenly, his vision doubled.


    He could still see the white ceiling, but now he also saw something different.


    A wastnd shrouded in darkness, with something huge and spherical hanging above it.


    Levi knew this was his soul, but it wasn''t supposed to look like this.


    For starters, it was supposed to be much more lively¡ªa vast, infinite grasnd with a cool breeze and divine light illuminating it all. But Levi''s soul was a deste wastnd, and instead of divine light, there was this ominous sphere.


    ''That''s strange.''


    Levi focused on the sphere. Upon closer inspection, he saw that it was hollow, with a small amount of dark liquid inside. It was so insignificant that he hadn''t even noticed it at first.


    He didn''t know what it was, but reading further into his status gave him some idea.


    Demonic Core: Dormant


    Demonic Essence: 1/200


    He realized that the sphere was the dormant core mentioned in his status, and the liquid inside was a demonic essence.


    Even as he came to this understanding, one question still lingered in his mind.


    ''Humans aren''t supposed to have a core... are they?''


    ----***---

 Chapter 15: Demonic Soul

    Levi stared at the mysterious runes that spelled out "Demonic Core," blinking in surprise. He''d never heard of anyone possessing a core before. Was he truly that unique?


    This demonic core might exin why his soul seemed so strange and dormant. His eyes drifted down to the "Demonic Essence" field just below the core. Normally, there should have been an indicator showing the number of essence crystals consumed, but there was nothing.


    "It''s already showing one?"


    He didn''t know what that meant, but the name triggered a memory. He frantically searched his pockets... but it was gone! The demonic essence crystal he had obtained after killing the goblin had disappeared.


    "Don''t tell me..."


    A wild thought crossed his mind¡­ had he absorbed the crystal directly? It seemed usible. As a demon follower with the "Demonic Soul" trait, maybe he could now evolve like the demons. And it seemed he could absorb demonic essence crystals without purification!


    If that were true, he wouldn''t need divine power to purify them. He could grow stronger rapidly,pletely self-sufficient.


    But that also made him a walking target. Demon followers were hated and hunted across the world. If anyone realized what he was, he''d be executed on the spot or imprisoned for life.


    "I''ll have to be careful."


    Levi scanned the small ward he was in, making sure no one was around. Satisfied, he continued reading his status.


    Trait: [Demonic Soul]


    He now understood that his trait was special¡ªwhether for good or bad, he couldn''t yet tell. It wasn''t as simple as it appeared to be and he would need to spend time learning about it.


    What really intrigued him, though, was the next part.


    Trait Ability: [Demonic Transformation]


    Trait abilities were like skills, providing real power to the user. But his ability sounded ominous and terrifying. He opened its description, eager for more information.


    Trait Ability: [Demonic Transformation]


    Ability Description: [Unleash the demon within you.]


    That¡­.. wasn''t very helpful. Levi was even more confused than before. The runes disying the ability tempted him to activate it immediately, but something told him that would be a very bad idea.


    Suppressing the urge, Levi continued reading. There wasn''t much else¡ªno innate abilities, no artifacts.


    Sighing, he closed the runes and stared at the white ceiling.


    Just yesterday, he had been here, filled with optimism, confident he would make a contract. He did make one, but not with a god¡ªwith a demon. And in a single day, his entire worldview had shifted.


    He would never be the same optimistic Levi again. He was now a Demonic Follower, wielding a power that ordinary humans couldn''t even fathom. But now that he was back on Earth, one question lingered.


    "What should I do now?"


    He had no home, no one to return to. Sure, he was burning with a desire to take revenge on the tall boy who had nearly killed him in the maze and he hadn''t forgotten the oath he''d sworn in there either.


    But he was too weak to aplish any of that. He didn''t even have the support of a sanctuary. And someone from a well-off family like the tall boy wouldn''t be without bodyguards.


    The Trial had been a special circumstance, designed to test individuals. Any interference from mortals would have disrupted the process and lowered the chances of making a contract. But now that the boy had a god''s contract, he was likely surrounded by guards.


    Levi sighed, uncertain of what he would do. Just then, he heard a female voice.


    "How about entering the Favored Ones Academy?"


    "Huh?" Levi turned, startled by the sudden voice, only to see the female soldier standing at the door of his medical dorm once again.


    Without hesitation, she walked in. "If you had a sanctuary backing you, you could train with them. But since you don''t, the Favored Ones Academy might be your best option. What do you think?"


    What she said was true. Levi had no support, no sanctuary, and probably never would, given his allegiance to a demon. Entering the Favored Ones Academy seemed like a wise choice, but two problems immediately came to mind.


    The first was money. The academy required annual fees, and Levi didn''t have a penny to his name. While a schrship might solve that issue, there was a bigger problem.


    ''What if they discover I''m a demon follower?''


    Though it wasn''t easy to identify his allegiance to a demon, his abilities were undeniably demonic. If they were discovered, he''d be dead.


    Levi swallowed hard, imagining himself on the execution tform. The risk was too great.


    "Well, I don''t have the money to pay the fees, so I won''t be able to attend the academy," he told the soldier, who had now approached him.


    "That''s too bad," she replied. "Anyway, you''ll bepletely healed by tomorrow, but you''ll need to attend a short investigation¡ªnothingplicated. There was just an incident a few days ago."


    Levi felt a sudden sense of dread hearing that. "What kind of incident?"


    The soldier looked at him for a moment before answering. "It seems someone made a contract with a demon, so they''re searching for them. Don''t worry, just answer their questions truthfully¡ªyou''ll be fine."


    "Fuck!" Levi cursed silently, realizing just how deep in trouble he was.


    The female soldier, oblivious to his turmoil, turned to leave. "I''ll send you your dinner. It''s on me, so don''t hesitate to eat your fill."


    That was thest thing she said before walking out. But Levi was too consumed by panic to be grateful. If he attended that investigation...


    ''I''m doomed.''


    ---***---


    Hey everyone! With this chapter, we''ve reached the end of the introduction to Volume 01. I want to take a moment to thank all of you for reading and supporting the story. I''d also love to hear your honest opinions in the reviews.


    So, here''s a new goal: if we hit at least 5 reviews by the end of this week, I''ll release 2 extra chapters on top of the scheduled 2 chapters/day.


    (Also, sorry for thete chapter)

 Chapter 16: Interrogation

    After their brief conversation, the female soldier¡ªwhose name Levi had learned was Rose¡ªhad sent him a rathervish meal with roasted meat and vegetables. Levi devoured it as if he had never seen food before, and once he was satisfied, he copsed like a log, only waking up when morning came.


    Now, Levi was enjoying a hot shower. His body, once covered in blood and wounds, had mostly healed, though some scars remained, and a few injuries were still in the process of mending¡ªlike his left leg, which had nearly been severed by the tall boy.


    Even if only psychologically, the scent of blood and despair still clung to him. Nevertheless, Levi hadn''t bathed in probably a week, so it felt wonderful to wash himself under the hot water.


    ''Ah, I''m in heaven,'' Levi thought, allowing himself to momentarily forget the looming disaster he was about to face.


    He was alone in the government dorm''s showers, rxing under the streams of hot water. After some time, he reluctantly turned off the tap and walked over to the towel rack. As he reached for a towel, his reflection in the mirror caught his eye.


    The changes in his physique were subtle but noticeable. His pale skin looked a bit healthier, his muscles more defined. He appeared slender and lean, rather than the frail and skinny figure he had been before. There was even a slight luster to his dark hair and a new shine in his eyes.


    ''Amn''t I handsome?'' Levi thought, admiring himself.


    In reality, he was mediocre at best¡ªnot exactly a picture of masculine handsomeness.


    Nheless, he donned the clean clothes provided by the government and walked out of his dorm.


    A soldier was already waiting outside his room to escort him to his inevitable doom. Levi nodded briefly to the soldier and began following him toward the ce where he would be interrogated.


    They walked through the corridors of the massive building and came to a halt at a certain point.


    ''Bless me, O great demon!''


    Levi prayed as he stood before the interrogation room.


    ****


    An unsettling thing happened today!


    Maya, a priestess of the ''Truth Seeker'' God was called upon to the government-managed spire for the same reason.


    Today, the followers of Faithful Abundance who were in the Paradise, witnessed a red light pir- which indicated the birth of a new demonic follower.


    But despite their quick actions of pursuing the source of light - they didn''t find anything!


    So to be safe - they ordered all the bliss portal stations connected to their stronghold from Earth to be investigated and each member who came out of the bliss portal to undergo the investigation.


    Maya was personally called for this reason - one of the trait abilities of those who follow the truth seeker god is their ability to detect if the other person is speaking the truth or not.


    Maya had been interviewing the youngsters who hade back from the Paradise for the whole day now. She had already met around 30 youngsters still now.


    Both the ones who made contracts with gods and the unfortunate ones who came back with their dreams shattered.


    And despite that, she had yet to find anything suspicious.


    She just waited in the government office - waiting for the next youngster and not long after a young man walked in.


    The young man who entered the office looked young - she wondered if he was really around 18 because he looked like someone in his 14. He had a thin frame, pale skin, and ck hair with asional grey hairs growing amidst them.


    His face was not handsome either, at best he was slightly above average - not that it had anything to do with her.


    As he entered the office, Maya introduced herself.


    "Hello, I am Maya, a priestess who follows the Truth Seeker. Please take a seat."


    The young man nodded at her and sat down before answering.


    "I am Levi, Levias Drake"


    Maya nodded and saw the form projected from her watch, she checked the box next to Levi and closed it for now.


    "It''s a pleasure to meet you Levias. You must have been briefed about why the interview is taking ce already, so let''s not waste any more time. I will be asking some questions - just answer them truthfully and you will be able to walk away just fine."


    Levi nodded to her, although curious to know what would happen otherwise.


    "I will answer all the questions truthfully to the best of my knowledge."


    Maya gave a smile satisfied with his reaction and asked her first question.


    "First, when did you enter the Paradise, and how long were you there?"


    "I entered the day before yesterday. I don''t remember exactly how long I was there, as I was badly injured and lost consciousness. When I woke up, I was back on Earth."


    Maya narrowed her eyes slightly at Levi''s statement. "You said you were back on Earth when you opened your eyes? How did you return?"


    Levi considered lying, iming he hade through the bliss portal, but he knew that lie would be uncovered sooner orter. So, he decided to tell the truth.


    "My patron teleported me back to Earth."


    Maya''s eyes widened in surprise, but she realized he was telling the truth; otherwise, she would have detected it immediately.


    "A patron who cares for their follower that much... interesting," she said, thinking for a moment. She decided to cross-check this information, silently sending a message to those in charge of the bliss portal.


    "Then, Levias, I have onest question for you: Which god did you make a contract with?"


    Here it was.


    The question Levi dreaded the most. He hesitated for a few seconds, unsure of what to say. He couldn''t possibly admit that he had made a contract with a demon¡ªhe could already envision Maya screaming in horror and the guards stationed outside rushing in, their spears poised to pierce his neck.


    But lying wasn''t an option either. The priestess in front of him would instantly detect any falsehood. Torn between two impossible choices, Levi''s mind raced, his fingers nervously fidgeting as he tried to think of a way out.


    But he couldn''t stall forever. Maya''s eyes bore into him, silently urging him to answer. The pressure mounted until Levi was about to speak¡ªwhen it happened.


    [God of the Forgotten Realms]


    "God of the Forgotten Realms?" he blurted out.


    ''Crap!''


    The providence had disyed the message, and Levi had read it aloud without thinking!


    ---***---


    Lore Snippet 08 - Rank


    The rank of an individual represents their power level inparison to others. This rank is bestowed by Providence itself, and when an individual surpasses a certain threshold, they evolve to the next rank.


    Human Ranks:


    Follower ¡ú Priest ¡ú Pdin/Temr ¡ú Holy Knight ¡ú Bishop ¡ú Cardinal ¡ú Archbishop ¡ú Saint.


    For humans, this progression is straightforward, but monsters follow a different ranking system. Their power level is determined by two key factors: the number of cores they possess and their level of intelligence.


    Monster Ranks:


    Dormant Monster ¡ú Essence Monster ¡ú Vile ¡ú Fallen ¡ú Terror ¡ú Behemoth ¡ú Overlord ¡ú Mythical Colossal Beast.


    However, Levi, being human with a demonic soul, will follow an entirely different path.

 Chapter 17: Demon but a God!

    Maya stared at Levi, her eyes narrowing slightly, but she didn''t voice her suspicions. What he said was the truth¡ªher abilities as a priestess of the Truth Seeker confirmed that much. Still, it was the first time she had ever heard of such a god.


    "That''s... unusual," Maya finally said, her tone neutral. "God of the Forgotten Realms, you say? I''ve never heard that name before. You would need to register yourself under this new god. Follow the necessary procedures after you leave this room."


    Levi nodded, keeping his expression carefully nk. He couldn''t afford to give anything away. Not in front of her at least.


    As for as registering a new god - it was something Humans invented to keep track of all the gods. Because there were so many gods in the Paradise - it was a necessary step.


    "Very well, Levias Drake, you are free to go," Maya continued, her voice calm, though a flicker of doubt lingered in her eyes. She watched him closely as she spoke, searching for any sign of deceit, but found none.


    "May your path be guided by truth."


    Levi offered a brief, polite bow before turning to leave the room.


    ***


    As soon as the door closed behind him, Levi''sposed facade crumbled. He took a deep, shaky breath, his heart pounding in his chest.


    He hade so close to disaster, and yet, he had walked away unscathed.


    "Damn it," he muttered under his breath, frustration, and relief mixing in equal measure.


    How had he not been caught lying?


    The answer to his question came almost immediately, a voice echoing in his mind¡ªa voice that was both familiar and terrifying.


    [The Darklord of Endless Abyss says, ''It''s because that is the truth.'']


    Levi froze, his eyes widening in shock.


    The voice belonged to the providence, but the words were of the Darklord of the Endless Abyss. But the reason why he was surprised was different.


    A demon iming to be a god? He couldn''t think of anything that would make this the truth.


    [The Darklord of the Endless Abyss says, ''I am not iming to be a god. There are some fools who have given me that title¡ªI, for that matter, will always be a King.'']


    Levi didn''t understand who his patron was referring to as fools or what he meant by calling himself a King¡ªwas he a demon king, or was it something else? Levi didn''t know. But he was just grateful! It was the second time the Demon had saved his life.


    [The Darklord of the Endless Abyss says, ''Don''t misunderstand. I just want your soul to fatten up before I can devour it.'']


    Levi read that message and once again realized that his patron was definitely a Demon!


    At that moment, however, a sudden thought crept into his mind. ''Wait a minute¡­ so it isn''t wrong to call myself a god''s follower now, is it?''


    Honestly speaking, he could now register under the name of a new god as the priestess suggested and just live a low-key life.


    [The Darklord of the Endless Abyss says, ''Don''t dream about such things. Do you think other gods wouldn''t recognize my name? You would be dead before you even realize it.'']


    That was correct, too. Registering as a new god''s follower would definitely catch the attention of other gods, who would, of course, recognize the God of Forgotten realms as the demon.


    ''Wait a minute! Doesn''t that mean the Truth Seeker god will know I''m a demon follower?''


    Levi had said that he made a contract with the God of the Forgotten Realm in front of Maya, a priestess of the Truth Seeker¡ªdidn''t that mean the Truth Seeker God already knew his identity?


    [The Darklord of Endless Abyss says, ''Dumb fool, do you think this great self would make such a mistake? A god can only see one of their followers at a time.'']


    ''Oh¡­''


    [The Darklord of Endless Abyss says, ''Do you know how many followers that fucker has? Not to mention how many powerful followers stronger than that woman? Do you still think he heard you?'']


    ''Well, when you put it like that¡­''


    What he said made sense¡ªthe Truth Seeker had a massive number of followers, so it really would be a miracle if he was spectating Maya at that particr time. But seeing as miracles were happening around himtely, Levi couldn''t help but still have some doubts.


    Nheless, he ignored that for now as another question came to mind.


    "Are demons really this talkative?"


    The Darklord of the Endless Abyss, despite being a demon, was very talkative¡ªthat''s what Levi felt at least. He hadn''t heard of any gods talking to their followers this closely.


    [The Darklord of the Endless Abyss says, ''You should be grateful that this great self is even talking to you. And no¡ªI won''t be able to talk to you like this always. This is a special asion.'']


    Levi didn''t bother to ask for reasons or what special asion the demon was talking about¡ªhe knew he was not in a position to understand the situation of a demon. So instead, he asked a question he wanted to know the answer to.


    "I saw the contract, and you sure are a big scammer. Anyway, what do you mean by an Apostle?"


    The contract was already made, there was nothing Levi could do about it, so instead he decided to find ways toplete the quest sooner.


    [The Darklord of the Endless Abyss scoffs at you and says, ''Find out for yourself.'']


    "...."


    Levi silently stared ahead, waiting to see if the demon would say anything else. But since he didn''t receive any more messages, he decided to leave it at that.


    By now, he was back at his dorm, and knowing he would have to leave today, he felt quite upset.


    Nheless, he had already decided on his destination, so he didn''t dy the inevitable. With final greetings to Rose, he left the government-controlled spire.


    His destination¡ªThe Favored Ones Academy!


    ---***---

 Chapter 18: World Mercenary Federation

    Levi left the government-controlled spire and, having eaten the meal that was provided for free and decided to head toward the WMF¡ªthe World Mercenary Federation.


    The WMF was a ce where followers of gods, who eithercked enough members to create a sanctuary or preferred to operate independently, could register themselves and gain certain benefits otherwise inessible tomon people.


    One might wonder why Levi, a demonic follower, would consider registering with the Mercenary Federation. The answer was simpler than one might think: money!


    Levi didn''t have a single penny to his name. Forget traveling to the Favored Academy, which was halfway across the world¡ªhe couldn''t even afford his next meal.


    Although he did have the spatial ring that he had picked up from the fat boy - Levi didn''t dare to sell it fearing that he may get caught.


    So Levi''s first goal before making his way to the favored academy was to make enough money to not worry about his day-to-day expenses.


    Another issue was that his citizenship watch, the lowest grade of the kind which he had brought with all his hard-earned money, had broken during a battle.


    It wasn''t a major concern as he could repair it or buy a new one if he had the money, which was still problematic.


    While there were always options of going back to work at the government factories for another two years or just robbing someone - both were incredibly risky and Levi neither had the time nor the powers to do that.


    Joining the Mercenary Federation, however, had its perks.


    First, they didn''t require members to reveal their secrets¡ªthe only requirement was that one had to be a follower of a god. And since they didn''t demand disclosure of which god was being followed, Levi could easily register as a mercenary.


    The Mercenary Federation only cared about skill; as long as someone couldplete one of the posted missions, they didn''t concern themselves with personal details.


    Another significant advantage was ess to Bliss Portals, controlled by the WMF. Registered individuals were granted a specific number of free trips between Earth and Paradise based on their rank. This was exactly what Levi was aiming for.


    First, he was eager to test out his trait ability, Demonic Transformation.


    Second, he wanted to awaken his core, or whatever it was, which required around 200 demonic essence crystals¡ªa goal he was betting on to gain enough power to pass the test and enter the Favored Academy. Along the way, he could also gather materials and sell corpses to fund his journey.


    This is why Levi now stood before the Mercenary Federation branch in his state. It had taken him an entire day to reach here, as he couldn''t afford even basic transportation. Now that he had arrived, Levi felt a rush of excitement.


    "Let''s do this," he muttered.


    Without wasting any time, he walked into the bustling skyscraper. The building was at least 60 stories high and impressively wide.


    Levi marveled at the interiors, which were decorated with the utmost care. Based on his experiences of reading novels, he had expected the Mercenary Federation to resemble an illegal tavern, but to his surprise, it was more luxurious than even government buildings.


    "Of course, it would be," Levi thought, considering how half of the development funds of government would likely end up in the officials'' pockets instead of public projects.


    Nheless, he walked forward.


    Right before him was arge lobby with about ten lines, each attended by a beautiful receptionist assisting those with inquiries. Luckily, Levi spotted a free receptionist and approached her.


    The receptionist noticed Levi and smiled warmly. Although Levi had a smaller frame for someone his age, she knew better than to underestimate anyone¡ªespecially someone wearing government-issued clothing with the insignia of the Asian Union.


    "Wee to the Mercenary Federation, sir. How may I assist you?" the receptionist asked in a respectful tone.


    Levi returned the smile. "I''m here to register as a mercenary."


    There were only two reasons why new faces entered the Mercenary Federation: either to post a request or to register as a mercenary, so the receptionist was not all that surprised by Levi''s response.


    "Thank you for choosing the Mercenary Federation. Please fill out this¡ª" the receptionist began but paused when Levi showed his broken watch.


    In this era, the days of paper and pen were long gone; everything was now done using technology. Although technology couldn''t be fully utilized in Paradise, Earth was another story.


    Understanding the situation, the receptionist did something with the device mounted on the desk before her. A secondter, a projection appeared in front of Levi.


    "Please go ahead and fill this out," she said.


    Levi nodded. Although he was concerned since others could also see the projection, he didn''t mind as he wasn''t revealing anything secret.


    He focused on the form. It was simple, asking for details like his first name,st name, age, and any affiliations. The section for his patron god was optional, as were fields for his watch connection ID, rank, skills, and traits. Levi promptly filled in his watch ID¡ªa 12-digit alphanumeric code¡ªignored the rest, and clicked the submit button.


    The receptionist checked the device to ensure all required fields were filled, then turned to Levi.


    "Thank you. Please proceed to the basement, where your power level and other authentications will be registered. They will also exin the next steps."


    Levi nodded and made his way toward the elevator. Though there were stairs leading down, he wasn''t about to take them, not after noticing he had to go down four floors!


    Soon, he found himself in a waiting room where several others were also registering as mercenaries. There were three men and one woman already present and waiting.


    Levi chose a corner seat as he was not interested in conversing with others, and it seemed like even they were also not interested in making conversation as they simply watched him sit before returning to their own silence.


    Not long after, a woman wearing the insignia of the Mercenary Federation¡ªa design featuring two crossed swords over a coin with incredible detail¡ªentered the room.


    She called out a name, and in response, a man waiting with Levi stood up and followed her out. Levi observed, understanding he would have to wait his turn.


    Fortunately, he didn''t have to wait long. One by one, the others were called, and soon it was Levi''s turn.


    "Levias Drake! Please follow me," the woman called.


    ---***---

 Chapter 19: Mercenary Licence

    Levi followed the woman through a series of hallways until they reached arge room that resembled an open gym.


    The space was filled with various types of equipment, some familiar and otherspletely alien to Levi. The walls were lined with monitors disying different metrics, and the floor was made of a smooth, shock-absorbing material that gave underfoot just enough to prevent injury without being ufortable.


    The woman leading Levi, who had introduced herself as ra, turned to face him with a professional but stern expression.


    "This is where we will test your strength, agility, and endurance. Please remove any outerwear and prepare for the assessment."


    Levi nodded and quickly shed his jacket, feeling a little exposed in just his in shirt and pants, but knowing it was necessary.


    While looking at himself, Levi could feel the improvements in his physique. Although he was still thin and some of his bonesra gestured toward the first piece of equipment: arge, metallic tform with thick cables attached to weights on either side.


    "This is the Grav-Press," ra exined. "It measures your maximum lifting capacity by increasing the gravitational force applied to the weights. Step onto the tform and grip the handles."


    Levi did as instructed, gripping the handles firmly while ra adjusted a few settings on a nearby console, and the weights began to rise. Levi felt the resistance immediately, but he steadied himself and began to lift.


    From his experience of working in government factories, Levi initially estimated the weights to be around 50 pounds. As he continued, the weights steadily increased, bing much heavier than he had anticipated as the gravity intensified.


    Before long, the weights reached a staggering 200 pounds¡ªsomething the old Levi, before his time in Paradise, would never have been able to lift.


    But now? Now, Levi felt it was doable! He could definitely sense the improvements in his physique!


    But that doesn''t mean he was powerful enough to withstand the gradual increase of gravity. As time passed, Levi gritted his teeth, focusing all his strength on weights - but he couldn''t hold on!


    He let go of the handles and the weights fell to the ground with a thud!


    "Not bad," ramented as the machine beside it beeped to indicate the test was over.


    "You''ve got a decent base level of strength. Let''s move on."


    Levi didn''t know if it was really decent or if the woman was just telling that tofort him. He neither had any scale topare himself with - so he just followed her moving on to the next equipment.


    ra led him to the next station: a series of interconnected bars suspended from the ceiling at various heights and angles.


    "This is the Agility Grid," ra said. "Your task is to navigate through the grid as quickly as possible without touching the ground. The bars will shift and move to test your reflexes."


    Levi eyed the grid with curiosity. It looked like a jungle gym on steroids, with bars moving slightly even as he watched.


    ''Technology sure can do many things,'' He thought as he took a deep breath and jumped onto the first bar, gripping it tightly as it shifted under his weight.


    The test began, and Levi quickly realized that this was more difficult than it seemed. The bars moved unpredictably, forcing him to swing, leap, and contort his body to avoid falling.


    Levi had no experience in doing such things but thankfully his smaller frame turned out to be an advantage, allowing him to move more quickly and with greater precision than someone bulkier might have managed.


    He jumped from one bar to another - taking his time to hang on the bars and move forward.


    Finally, he barely managed to finish the course, dropping to the ground with a breathless grin.


    "Do you wish to increase the difficulty and try again?"


    ra asked which made the grin on Levi''s face disappear.


    "There is one more level?"


    He asked with shock.


    "There are ten more levels, what you just did was a basic requirement for F rank," ra said which ruined Levi''s mood.


    ''As expected, I am still too weak''


    "Let''s move on to the next test"


    Though Levi was not satisfied with the results, he decided to move forward. He had barely even passed this level so there was no reason to try the next.


    ra just nodded not showing any emotions and walked to the next station, which was a long treadmill-like apparatus with sensors along its length.


    "This is the Endurance Run," she exined. "You''ll run on this track at increasing speeds until you reach your limit. The sensors will monitor your stamina and endurance levels."


    Levi stepped onto the track after having a quick rest, and ra activated it.


    The belt began to move beneath his feet at a moderate pace.


    As he ran, the speed increased gradually, forcing him to push himself harder and harder. The machine''s disy showed his heartbeat, breathing rate, and other vital stats, all of which were being recorded.


    By the time the test ended, Levi was panting heavily, sweat dripping down his face. His legs felt like they were made of lead, but he managed to keep up until the machine finally slowed to a stop.


    ra gave him an appraising look but remained silent. Only after recording the results on her device did she finally say, "There''s one final test."


    Levi had a guess of what it might be, but he decided to go along with her.


    She led Levi to a small, dimly lit room with a single piece of equipment in the center¡ªa spherical orb resting on a pedestal. The orb was smooth and ck, with a faint glow emanating from within.


    "This is a truth orb," ra exined. "To ensure that no demon followers enter the Mercenary Federation, we require everyone to state their allegiance. All you have to do is ce your hand on the orb and say the words, ''I follow a god.''"


    This was why Levi had taken the risk of joining the Mercenary Federation¡ªif even a Follower of the Truth Seeker couldn''t detect that he was a follower of a demon, there was no way this artifact, which was a level below the skills of the Truth Seeker''s followers, could either.


    Without hesitation, Levi approached the orb, cing his hand on its cool surface. The orb pulsed slightly under his touch, but nothing else happened. He took a deep breath and spoke clearly.


    "I follow a god."


    The orb remained still, its glow unchanging.


    ra watched him closely but said nothing as Levi removed his hand. She seemed satisfied with the result.


    "You''re clear," she said, leading him out of the room. "Please take a seat in the waiting area while we process your registration"


    Levi followed her back to the waiting room and sat down. After a moment of hesitation, he spoke up. "I''d like to request the repair of my citizenship watch. Can the cost be added to my Mercenary Federation ount?"


    Another advantage of joining the Mercenary Federation was ess to the various services they provided, including the repair of equipment and artifacts. While the citizenship watch wasn''t technically an artifact or equipment, it could still be repaired by the Federation.


    Since he didn''t have the money to pay for it now, he nned to take it as a debt, which would be added to the joint ount they''d create upon his joining.


    ra nodded. "Of course. The repair will be handled while you wait. The cost will be added as a debt with an 11.15% interest rate and will be deducted from future transactions."


    Levi nodded understanding the terms and ra spoke once again.


    "Please wait here and in the meantime, help yourself to some refreshments."


    She gestured to a nearby table, where a selection of pastries and juice had beenid out. Levi''s stomach growled at the sight, reminding him that he hadn''t eaten in over a day.


    He thanked ra and quickly made his way to the table and began to eat, not caring that the foodcked nutrition. It was enough to fill his empty stomach, and that was all that mattered.


    About ten minutester, while Levi was still busy with his ''refreshments'', a man wearing the Federation''s insignia approached Levi, holding a small box.


    "Here you go," he said, handing it over. "Your watch has been repaired, and here is your Mercenary License. Congrattions and Wee to the Mercenary Federation"


    Levi nodded at the man and opened the box to find his citizenship watch, now fully functional along with a small card indicating his new status as a mercenary¡ªalbeit of F rank.


    Mercenaries, despite their strength, always start at F rank, with the potential to level up based on their contributions to the Federation. So it was no surprise that Levi received an F-rank license.


    He slipped the watch back onto his wrist and pocketed the license, a sense of aplishment washing over him. He was now officially a mercenary, no longer just a slum rat.


    ''Herees the Mercenary Drake! First step towards burning the gods alive!''


    ---***---


    Hey everyone!


    First off, I apologize for the dy in updates. I got caught up with some work and couldn''t release any chapters for thest three days. But don''t worry¡ªupdates will resume today!


    Also, let''s set some goals for extra chapters this week:


    50 Powerstones: 1 Bonus Chapter100 Powerstones: 2 Bonus Chapters5 Reviews: 2 Bonus Chapters


    (All bonus chapters that meet the criteria will be released on the first day of next week along with the scheduled two chapters.)

 Chapter 20: Twin Headed Earthworm

    Levi stood before the Mercenary Federation-controlled Bliss portal, a mix of anticipation and awe surging within him. No matter how many times he saw it, the Bliss portals never ceased to amaze him.


    He had just received his mercenary license, and as an F-rank Mercenary, he was granted a free round trip from Earth to Paradise.


    "I need to get a grip on my skills... no time to waste," Levi thought, tightening his hold on the basic sword he had borrowed.


    It was one of the perks of bing an official mercenary. Though he would eventually have to pay for the sword, for now, they had lent it to him. Levi had also wanted to borrow armor, but the Mercenary Federation had refused, stating that a weapon was the most they could provide at his rank. He didn''t mind, though, even having the sword was more than he could have hoped for.


    He had also borrowed a storage locker to keep the spatial ring that he had taken from the fat boy''s body. For now, he didn''t think of selling it or forcefully opening it as he feared that the ones behind the fat boy may track him somehow.


    Anyway after a bit of waiting, the portal shimmered before him, a swirling vortex of light and energy that seemed to pulse with an otherworldly power,ing to life.


    Without hesitation, Levi stepped through, feeling a brief moment of disorientation as the world around him shifted.


    ***


    In the blink of an eye, Levi emerged on the other side, finding himself in Paradise once again. The location was Hopeshire, a stronghold with a history deeply tied to the Mercenary Federation, as it was founded by the current Master of the WMF himself.


    It was said that this stronghold was established after the defeat of a Behemoth-level monster, and that the creature''s body stilly beneath the stronghold.


    Levi had heard stories about this ce, but seeing it with his own eyes was something else entirely.


    Hopeshire was a bleak and destend, a stark contrast to its name. It seemed humans had a strange habit of giving grand names to deste ces. The terrain was littered with massive rocks, jutting out of the ground like the remnants of some ancient battle.


    "Looks just like thest stronghold," Levi mused, his eyes scanning the area. The wastnd stretched as far as he could see, and the atmosphere was thick with a sense of foreboding.


    Resolving himself, Levi passed through the security checkpoint and found himself outside the stronghold''s entrance, standing alone in the barrenndscape. The stronghold''s walls loomed behind him, offering nofort.


    "No turning back now. I''ve got to make this count," he thought, gripping his sword tighter.


    He had three goals for this trip. First, he wanted to learn more about the abilities granted by his contract. He had too little information and had been afraid to use them back on Earth. But now that he was in Paradise, Levi was determined to gain a solid understanding of his traits and abilities.


    Secondly, he needed to gather as many corpses and demonic crystals as possible to trade for credits. This was his only option to fund his journey to the Favored Ones Academy. It would be even better if he got lucky and found some artifacts.


    Lastly, there was his dormant core. Levi knew it was impossible to gather 200 demonic crystals in just one trip to Paradise, which he expected tost only two days, but he hoped to increase the count as much as possible.


    "Let''s go."


    Knowing that mere thoughts wouldn''t get him anywhere, Levi began to move. If he wanted to use his demonic abilities, he had to find a ce far from the stronghold¡ªsomewhere no one could witness him.


    ***


    Around ten minutes after Levi began his journey out of Paradise, he encountered his first foe. It was a twin-headed worm, about the size of a two-meter snake. The creature''s body was rough and covered in orange patterns, wriggling and wobbling as it slithered toward Levi.


    Levi didn''t panic at the sight of the worm¡ªit was just a dormant monster. He had managed to kill one before even forming a contract, so there was no reason to fear now. However, he remained vignt, raising his sword to chest level with steady determination.


    This was the first time Levi held a proper sword. Though the WMF hadn''t provided him with an artifact, the sword he wielded wasn''t bad either.


    ¡ª----------[Rudimentary Sword]¡ª----------


    A crudely made sword with good weight bnce. It holds up well and is best for use against dummies, but don''t bet your life on it.


    ¡ª----------[Rudimentary Sword]---------------


    Well... somewhat.


    ''Let''s not get disappointed, I''m still stronger than before,'' Levi reminded himself.


    Though he was now alone, unlike thest time where he was with the tall boy and the fat boy. But he didn''t think about it as he preferred to focus on the positives.


    The worm was slow, moving at such a pace that it would be a miracle if it managed to hit Levi. But it had its advantages.


    No monster could survive easily in Paradise, especially low-level ones. This worm, for instance, possessed incredible digging abilities, allowing it to hide deep underground. However, today it had emerged in search of food, only to encounter Levi.


    And Levi had no intention of letting it hide again.


    Without hesitation, Levi brought his sword down on the worm. Though it tried to squirm out of the way, he managed tond a solid blow, watching as it coiled and writhed in the sand.


    He didn''t let up, swiftly cutting off its heads with the next strike. The worm''s body fell, its heads severed.


    It twitched for a few more seconds before going still, and Levi received a message from Providence soon after.


    [You have killed a dormant monster - Twin-headed Earthworm]


    Levi felt a tinge of disappointment as there were no other rewards, but what could he do? He simply sighed and picked up the worm''s body.


    "That was too easy," he thought, collecting the lifeless heads. But his victory was due more to the worm''s nature than his own skill.


    What Levi didn''t know was that Twin-headed Earthworms were blind, docile creatures that primarily survived by feeding on rocks and fine sand. What he had just done could bepared to little more than butchering a sheep.


    However, Levi wasn''t concerned with this as his mind was preupied with another thought.


    "How does worm taste, again?"


    ---***---

 Chapter 21: Demonic Transformation

    -----------[Status]-----------


    Name: Levias Drake


    Rank: Demonic Follower


    Patron: The Darklord of the Endless Abyss


    Affiliation: Mercenary Federation (F-rank)


    Crest: ¡ª


    Demonic Core: Dormant


    Demonic Essence: 1/200


    Trait: Demonic Soul


    Trait Ability: Demonic Transformation


    Innate Ability: ¡ª


    Artifacts: ¡ª


    Avatars: ¡ª


    -----------[Status]-----------


    Far into the wilderness, about 20-30 miles in, Levi stood beside a massive boulder as tall as a thirty-story building, his gaze fixed on the runes materializing before him.


    One thing immediately caught his eye¡ªAffiliation. It hadn''t been there the first time he saw his status, but it had somehow appeared after he joined the Mercenary Federation. It was a testament to how incredible the Providence was, able to disy such data based on his actions.


    By now, Levi had a vague understanding of his status, but his trait and trait ability still remained a mystery to him.


    Levi''s status was very different from anything he knew, the followers of gods had different statuses that didn''t include things like Core or Demonic Essence. Levi guessed that his trait was the reason for that and, that his core and Demonic Soul were connected somehow, but he wasn''t yet sure how¡ªor if it was truly a good thing.


    For now, all he could do was move forward with what he understood.


    But there was one more thing he didn''t fully grasp¡ªhis Trait Ability: Demonic Transformation.


    -----------[Trait Ability]-----------


    Trait Ability: [Demonic Transformation]


    Ability Description: [Unleash the demon within you.]


    -----------[Trait Ability]-----------


    The ability''s description was just five words long, and Levi couldn''t decipher much from it. If anything, it gave him an ominous premonition.


    He hadn''t dared to activate the ability for that very reason¡ªhe didn''t know what would happen, so he wanted to try it out far from prying eyes.And now was the moment he had been waiting for.


    Levi scanned his surroundings onest time, ensuring he was alone, then activated the ability. It wasn''tplicated¡ªhe just had to will it, and Providence would handle the rest.


    The moment he thought of the trait ability, Levi felt something dark and terrifying stir within him, something that had been dormant for a long time. It felt oddly familiar, yet entirely alien.


    Following that a searing pain ignited deep within his chest, as if his very essence was being torn apart. His bones groaned under an invisible force, and his muscles convulsed uncontrobly. It felt like his skin was too tight, too confining for the power that was trying to break free from within.


    His vision blurred, and the world around him seemed to distort, twisting in unnatural ways. The sky above, once clear, now seemed darker, as if a shadow had fallen over it. The towering boulder beside him suddenly felt insignificantpared to the raw, untamed energy coursing through his veins.


    Every breath Levi took felt like inhaling fire, scorching his lungs and throat, but it was nothingpared to the storm raging within his mind as the memories Levi had tried to bury deep began to resurface.


    The first memory that surfaced was of that day in the slums, when he was just a frail boy with nothing to his name. The memory was vivid, too real as if he were reliving it. The alley was narrow and filthy, the stench of rotting garbage overwhelming. He could feel the rough hands of the thug gripping his cor, lifting him off the ground effortlessly.


    The man''s breath reeked of alcohol as he sneered, his fist drawing back for another punch.


    Levi could feel the sickening crunch of bone as the blow connected, the pain radiating through his skull, the blood pooling in his mouth. He had been helpless, a victim to the world''s cruelty. But now, that helplessness was transforming into something darker¡ªan unquenchable thirst for power.


    The memory shifted, and Levi found himself walking the deste streets again, his stomach gnawing at him with hunger. He saw the faces of the wealthy, the privileged, tossing away food as if it were nothing, theirughter mocking him as they walked past without a second nce. He remembered the burn of shame and anger, the humiliation of being invisible, insignificant.


    But now, that anger was being twisted, magnified, fueling the transformation taking ce within him.


    Levi copsed holding onto his head, trying to calm his raging mind but to no avail - the memories kept ying in front of him.


    This time he saw his younger self, barely more than a child, scavenging through the dumpsters behind a restaurant. The stench was unbearable, but the desperation of hunger drove him to dig deeper, searching for anything edible.


    His fingers closed around a half-eaten bone, the scraps of meat clinging to it his only meal for the day. He could still taste the rancid vor on his tongue, could still feel the tears of frustration and rage as he gnawed on it like a starving animal.


    Then the memories shifted once again. It was the one he had tried so hard to forget, but now it was being dragged to the forefront of his mind, refusing to be buried any longer.


    Levi or rather his younger self was standing in a cold, deste field, the wind howling around him. Before him, a tree stood tall and alone, and from its branches, a woman''s body hung lifelessly, swaying gently in the breeze. Her face was pale, eyes closed as if in sleep, but the reality was far more brutal.


    Levi''s heart clenched in his chest as he remembered the grief, the crushing sorrow that had consumed him. But that sorrow was now warping into something else¡ªinto rage, into hatred, into an Unquenchable wrath.


    Along with that, the pain in his body intensified as if responding to the emotional torment. His bones cracked and shifted, his muscles tearing and rebuilding themselves in a matter of seconds.


    Weird Blood-red marks appeared on his skin that burned like moltenva, spreading across his body in intricate patterns. He could feel his spine stretching, his limbs elongating as his body grew taller, more imposing. The sensation of his skin stretching was excruciating as if he were being pulled apart and stitched back together all at once.


    His once modest 5''2" frame stretched beyond 6 feet, his formerly thin body now bulging with muscles that seemed almost alive.


    Two horns sprouted out from his forehead, piercing through his skin with a sickening crunch. His hands, now twice their original size, clenched into fists, his nails growing into sharp, w-like appendages.


    He could feel his teeth sharpening, his canines extending into fangs that could easily tear through flesh. Every part of him was changing, bing something monstrous, something that no longer resembled the boy who had once scavenged for scraps in the gutters.


    And through it all, Levi''s mind was slipping away. The rage that had been building, the fury at the world that had wronged him, consumed his thoughts, drowning out everything else. He could no longer think, no longer reason. His humanity was being stripped away, leaving behind nothing but the raw, primal instinct to destroy, to dominate, to unleash the demon within.


    It wasn''t a pleasant sight, but the sheer force pulsing through Levi''s body was immense. At the same time - the providence disyed some messages, which Levi of course didn''t see.


    Because he was no longer in control!


    ---***---

 Chapter 22: Monstrous Creature

    A monstrous creature now stood where Levi had been moments before! No one could have recognized it as Levi anymore.


    The creature that Levi had be let out a furious roar that echoed through the wilderness.


    -Graaawl!


    With a guttural growl, the creature¡ªor rather, Levi¡ªsuddenly sprang into the air with explosive force. The leap was so powerful that Levi found himself halfway up the massive boulder. His ws dug deep into the stone, leaving deep gouges as he clung to the rock face.


    With bloodshot eyes, the creature gazed at the distant tower of the stronghold, still visible on the horizon. Its focus lingered there, scanning for movement, but then, as if losing all interest, it turned its attention away.


    From its high vantage point, the creature could see countless monsters crawling through the wilderness below. But they did not hold its interest. With an exaggerated growl, the creature shifted its gaze further into the wild.


    Its eyes gleamed with a dangerous light as if it had spotted something. Then, without hesitation, it leaped from its high perch, its massive body plummeting through the air.


    The ground shook upon its impact, the force of thending reverberating through the earth. A split secondter, it propelled itself upward again, using the momentum of the fall as a springboard.


    As Levi''s consciousness drifted further into the void, the creature plunged deeper into the wilderness, driven by an instinct Levi could no longer control.


    ****


    In the wilderness outside Hopeshire Stronghold, a young man with a strikingly handsome face and a well-built physique fought against a creature that resembled a chameleon, though it was muchrger in size.


    "Be careful, young master!" called out a man standing a short distance away, his eyes sharp and ready to intervene at a moment''s notice.


    But the warning wasn''t necessary. The young man activated his ability, and in an instant, his sword was engulfed in red mes. With practiced ease, he moved, his de slicing cleanly through the creature''s neck, severing its head in one swift motion.


    -p, p.


    The man in the distance apuded. "Well done, young master. You''ve made the contract just three days ago, and you''re already capable of defeating Essence monsters! You truly are a genius!"


    The young man, Kai, sheathed his sword and nodded. "It''s all thanks to the grace of Fire Dancer," he replied, his voice steady and full of conviction.


    The Fire Dancer, a patron god Kai had made a contract with just three days ago, wasn''t as famous as the Truth Seeker or Faithful Abundance, but it was by no means inferior. The contract granted Kai a special trait that allowed him to wield fire, a blessing he considered invaluable.


    The man nodded in agreement. The Fire Dancer may not be a widely known god, but their n had worshipped him for generations, leading them to establish a mid-scale Sanctuary and secure a strong foothold on Earth. "The Grace of Fire Dancer, truly!"


    As they spoke, a sudden movement caught their attention. A monstrous figure dashed past them at a distance, so fast it was almost a blur. It was unlike anything they had ever seen¡ªhumanoid in shape, with two protruding horns and a disfigured face.


    Kai''s eyes widened at the sight. "That''s no ordinary monster!" he eximed, his voice tinged with urgency. He turned to his guard. "Don''t lose it!"


    The guard, a Priest-level warrior and fellow follower of the Fire Dancer, hesitated for a moment. He had never seen such a creature before, but considering they were only about 30 miles from the stronghold¡ªan area where no monsters stronger than a vile creature typically appeared¡ªhe nodded. Risks were unavoidable in the Wilderness. In Paradise, danger and reward walked hand in hand.


    Although the creature was unfamiliar, it was clearly something unique, and the potential rewards for ying it were too great to ignore.


    Kai wasn''t about to let such an opportunity slip away. "I''ll take its head!" he dered, his eyes zing with determination as he prepared to pursue the monstrous figure.


    ***


    In a monastery perched atop the highest hills of the United Asian Country, a man sat cross-legged under a sacred tree, a gand of meditation beads in his right hand while his left rested on his knee. His eyes were closed in deep meditation, and his massive frame made him look like a giant among the other monks, who appeared diminutive inparison.


    Despite his imposing presence, the man exuded a profound sense of peace, as if he were a mountain rooted in serenity. But suddenly, his eyes snapped open, their usual tranquility momentarily disturbed. The brief flicker of unease quickly vanished, reced by the calmness of an ocean.


    He rose silently, careful not to disturb his fellow monks, and walked away from the group, his movements as quiet as a whisper. Reaching the edge of the peak, where the world seemed to fall away into the clouds, he spoke into the empty air.


    "Amita-Tamas, what brings you, who dwell in darkness to the peak of Brightness?"


    The man appeared to be alone, but he waited, unperturbed by the apparent absence of a listener. And sure enough, a disembodied voice responded.


    "A new follower has appeared."


    The monk''s right eyebrow arched slightly at the news. "Have you found them?" he inquired, his voice steady andposed.


    "Not yet," the voice answered, its tone precise and devoid of unnecessary words.


    The monk sped his hands together in a gesture of acknowledgment. "Find them soon and bring them to me. You know what to do if they disagree, Amita-Tamas."


    Without waiting for a reply, the monk turned and walked back toward the meditating group, his steps as silent as before. The hills remained as serene as ever, untouched by the exchange, with no trace of the presence that had conversed with the monk. The world above stayed as it always had¡ªsilent, calm, and undisturbed.


    ---***---


    Author''s Note:


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 Chapter 23: Kai

    Creatures of Paradise Or more widely known as monsters, they are terrible, corrupted beings that use demonic energy to strengthen themselves.


    Humans see these creatures as nothing but entities to be annihted. But it wasn''t that easy. Monsters were powerful, and a clear hierarchy existed among them.


    The Providence itself ssified these abominable creatures into different categories. There were two primary ssifications.


    The first was based on the strength and the number of Essence cores a creature possessed. This ranged from dormant creatures without any radiant core to mythical, colossal monsters that possessed a full seven cores.


    The second ssification, however, was a bit moreplex. No one knew on what basis Providence ssified these monsters, but there was a clear distinction among them.


    From the fairly easy-to-kill Nascent creatures to the terrifying Diabolic creatures, each rank had its own distinction. The higher the rank, the more intelligent and dangerous the creatures became.


    As William followed behind the strange demonic creature, he realized that it was definitely not a normal one.


    Essence monsters, in general, had two ssifications: Nascent Essence monsters and Inept Essence monsters. But the one he was observing now was something entirely different.


    ''Is it a Vile monster?'' he wondered, hesitating for a moment before quickly dismissing the thought.


    ''Vile monsters have an aura of their own¡ªI don''t sense the aura of a Vile monster, but¡­ it''s not an Essence monster either.''


    He and his young master, Kai, were both following the creature. William''s primary concern was to ensure no harm came to his young master, so his steps were cautious. But the prospect of ying a new monster and obtaining a rare reward was equally attractive and hard to dismiss.


    The creature moved with a speed that nearly matched his own, which was impressive considering William was a Priest-level Follower, while the region they were in was supposed to contain only Essence monsters. The creature''s leaps were immense, and each time itnded, the ground trembled slightly, leaving deep imprints in the earth¡ªclearly indicating the creature''s power.


    The creature''s form was a blur as it dashed through the wilderness, its hulking frame moving with surprising agility. William could see Kai not far behind him, his eyes filled with determination.


    ''He is indeed remarkable,'' William thought, impressed that Kai was keeping pace with him, even at his top speed. He knew Kai well enough to recognize that once the young master had set his mind on something, there was little that could stop him.


    ''It''s a pity he was born into the Makni household.''


    Kai was immensely talented¡ªso much so that his progress in power was even faster than the current master of the Mkani household. Despite this, Kai had been stripped of his chance to be the next head because of his elder sister.


    The current head of the Makni family was already in his sixties. Although age had be less of a concern since humans began making contracts with the Gods, the head had already appointed his sessor- the firstborn of Makni, the one who wields the heavenly fire inherited from the God Fire Dancer himself.


    She is someone immensely talented, favored by the gods and is considered a candidate for the strongest of the new generation.


    Although it wasn''t her intention, her talents and featspletely overshadowed her brother.


    Even though Kai had his own talents, they couldn''t bepared to his genius sister. But Kai didn''t seem to harbor any hatred toward her. He knew his limits and recognized that his sister was special. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn''t surpass her. But he never wanted to beat her.


    ''Just a bit closer.''


    All he wanted was to get a bit closer to her.


    He knew the vast gap that existed between them, so if there was an opportunity that would help him bridge that distance, he was ready to take any risk.


    ****


    Levi¡ªor rather, the creature controlling his body¡ªmoved along the wilderness with unnatural ease, muscles rippling as it bounded across the jagged terrain.


    Each leap from boulder to boulder was precise, the creature''s limbs coiling and releasing like a predator. The rocks crumbled underfoot, but it pressed on as if the veryndscape fueled its dark energy.


    The wind whipped through its hair as it crouched low stopping for a second, scanning the rocky expanse. It wasn''t searching¡ªit was drawn to something.


    A few secondster, the creature''s eyes, once vibrant under Levi''s control, darkened to voids. With a low growl, it propelled itself forward, covering vast distances in seconds.


    After about five more minutes and one final leap, the creature finally came to a stop on thergest boulder and looked down.


    There, nestled within a cluster of rocks, was a faint glow¡ªa distortion in the air, as if reality itself was twisting.


    The creature''s lips curled into a twisted grin.


    "Here it is!" it hissed, with a chilling voice that was anything but human.


    What had seemed like a mindless monster revealed its cunning voice as it stood before its destination!


    A pitch-ck portal pulsated down the cliff, like an open maw.


    Without a second thought, Levi¡ªno, the monster¡ªleapt into the inky void.


    The world twisted and warped as it vanished into darkness.


    Had Levi been conscious, he would have recognized it. But Levi was lost, buried deep within his own mind, as the creature descended into the unknown.


    ---***---

 Chapter 24: Sanctums

    As William and Kai followed the strange creature, they saw ite to a sudden halt. A few secondster, the creature leaped down from the boulder it had been standing on.


    "What?"


    Taken aback, they sped through the gap to see what was happening. As they reached the boulder where the creature had been moments before, they saw it falling into a ck portal shimmering with otherworldly energy.


    "A Sanctum?" Kai eximed upon seeing the portal.


    "How is there a Sanctum here? There''s no mention of it on the Stronghold map."


    William, too, appeared surprised by the ck portal''s presence. Their shock was understandable¡ª after all, what they saw in front of them was a Sanctum!


    Sanctums, or ck Portals, were gateways to isted spaces of unknown origins. How these portals appeared, what their purpose was and their reasons for appearing were all mysteries to humans, but what was well known was the immense rewards they held.


    However, Sanctums were also extremely dangerous, as inside there will be a set of trials to determine whether those who entered were worthy of the rewards. Typically, Sanctums around the Stronghold were marked and controlled by the stronghold''s overseers to ensure they were utilized effectively.


    A Sanctum would disappear once fully cleared, so humans found ways to repeatedly use them by leaving parts uncleared, allowing the trials, monsters and rewards to regenerate over time. So, what surprised them now was that this Sanctum wasn''t monitored by the Mercenary Federation at all.


    "Maybe it''s a newly formed one," Kai said, gazing at the Sanctum with hopeful eyes.


    ''This is it!'' he thought, realizing this was his chance.


    A chance that he desperately wanted to close the gap with his sister.


    William understood Kai''s intent just by looking at his eyes. Nheless, his duty as a guardian took precedence.


    "It''s dangerous to enter alone, especially since the strange creature jumped in as well." William was suspicious, as it was the first time he had seen a monster enter a Sanctum. He had heard that some intelligent monsters were drawn to the strong Essence leaking from Sanctums - monsters usually stay near the portal instead of entering to absorb the essence leaking out of the portal.


    However the strange creature has suddenly jumped into the portal!


    The creature alone was dangerous enough, but now there was also the trials within the Sanctum which were unknown.


    William wasn''t willing to risk his young master''s life by carelessly entering the Sanctum driven by his greed for rewards.


    Kai understood William''s reasons and he was also not foolish enough to overestimate his own capabilities.


    "Let''s just investigate the Sanctum for now. We can decide what to doter," Kai suggested. William nodded in agreement, and the two of them slowly made their way toward the ck portal.


    As they approached the portal, Kai concentrated his essence, causing golden runes to appear before him.


    [Lunacy of the ck Wings]


    [Rank: ----]


    Both William and Kai stopped abruptly, shocked beyond measure.


    "The rank¡­ it''s not visible," Kai mumbled, feeling conflict in his mind. This had never happened before or at least neither Kai nor William had ever encountered such an urrence.


    "This is more valuable than we thought," Kai said.


    Typically, Sanctums were ranked from F to S, with further divisions such as F-, F, and F+. This ranking was assigned by Providence based on the Sanctum''s danger level.


    But this Sanctum didn''t even have a rank!


    This could mean one of two things, either the Sanctum was too easy to be ranked by Providence, or¡ª


    ''The Providence can''t judge the difficulty of this Sanctum.''


    If it were the former, it might be manageable, but if it were thetter, this opportunity was incredibly valuable.


    As they considered this and approached the ck portal, another message appeared.


    [Entry Limit - 1/1]


    Once again, they froze.


    "Someone has already entered!"


    Sanctums generally did not have an entry limit, but some had strict restrictions. The message indicated that someone was already inside.


    They didn''t consider the strange creature to be part of the entry limit, as Providence didn''t count monsters in this regard. This had been verified before when a beast master entered with his beasts¡ªnone of his beasts counted against the entry limit, nor did any captured monsters during tests.


    So, they concluded that whoever was inside had entered before they arrived.


    "Contact the main household," Kai said suddenly his voice filled with urgency. The opportunity was too valuable to let anyone else have it.


    "Don''t leak the information¡ªkeep it as discreet as possible and request support."


    Since the Sanctum was under the control of the Mercenary Federation, revealing the matter could lead to conflict. Kai decided to keep it secret and secure the rewards for his own family.


    "Ask the patriarch to dispatch the most skilled warriors of our family. We''ll encircle the Sanctum."


    If the one who had entered failed, they could immediately enter the sanctum and seize the rewards. On the off chance that the person seeded¡­


    ''We will take it by force.''


    A cold glint passed over Kai''s face as he finalized his n.


    ***


    The creature possessing Levi leaped into the ck portal, and the atmosphere around it shifted abruptly. When it opened its eyes again, it found itself enveloped in a dim twilight, with the sky above being a swirling mix of dark clouds and mists. The ground beneath its feet was uneven and rough, scattered with jagged rocks and deep cracks.


    The creature nced ahead, its monstrous eyes gleaming with intelligence.


    Twisted trees, with branches resembling skeletal fingers, cast long, eerie shadows. Green luminescent fungi clung to the tree barks, casting a ghostly glow over the surroundings. And a heavy fog hung in the air, obscuring vision and adding to the chilling atmosphere.


    As the creature surveyed its new environment, a vicious smile spread across its face, as if it recognized the ce.


    Then, suddenly, a sharp pain pierced its mind, causing it to clutch its head in agony.


    "Seems our little sunshine is trying to wake up," it said, its smile widening.


    "Fine, enjoy the small gift I have prepared for you."


    The creature growled with ferocity onest time before copsing to the ground.


    ---***---

 Chapter 25: Little Sunshine

    It was a night in summer, the half-moon shining alone in the sky. The atmosphere, polluted by humankind, had made it nearly impossible to see the stars, but watching the moon itself had a calming, soothing effect.


    In this serene environment, a woman and child were sleeping on the roof terrace of a two-story building, on a warm bedding with a nket covering them halfway.


    "Mom, which story are you going to tell me today?" the child asked, an innocent smile ying on his lips.


    The mother paused, considering for a moment. "Hmm... Let me see, what story should I read to my little sunshine today? How about the tale of the little match girl?"


    "The match girl?" The boy''s eyes lit up with curiosity as he sat up, looking at his mother with excited eyes.


    "You want to know? Then let me tell you the story of that misfortunate child," the mother said, a gentle smile gracing her features.


    "Alright then, are you ready to hear the story of the little match girl?" the mother asked, gently brushing a stray lock of hair from her son''s forehead.


    The boy nodded eagerly, snuggling closer to his mother as she began the tale.


    "It was a bitterly cold New Year''s Eve, and the snow was falling all around. In a dark corner of the streets, there was a poor young girl, bareheaded and barefoot, walking and trying to sell her bundle of matches. But s, no one had bought a single one from her all day long."


    The child''s eyes sparkled, already captivated by the story.


    "As night fell, the poor girl sought shelter in a dark corner, curled up and shivering from the cold. She dared not go home, for she had not sold a single match and knew she would be beaten by her father."


    The mother paused, her gaze softening as she looked upon her son. "Feeling desperate, the girl struck a match to warm herself. And in that flickering me, she saw a vision - a warm, cozy room with arge, tiled stove and a magnificent Christmas tree before her."


    She continued, "The girl was mesmerized! But the match stick ran out and so does the vision!"


    The woman turned towards the moon, "The Little girl however didn''t give up, she wanted to see the vision again so she lit the match again, and once again she saw a cozy room around her."


    She turned to her child who was listening intently to the story and smiled gently, "She didn''t stop there. The little match girl began to light one match after another, each time seeing a vision of warmth andfort. At first, she saw herself sitting by a glowing stove, a beautiful Christmas tree before her. Then, a delicious feast with a roasted goose appeared to her hungry eyes."


    The boy listened as his mother recounted the match girl''s moments of hope and delusion, each vision fading as the me died out.


    "And so it went, the poor child striking match after match, each time glimpsing a world of light and abundance, only to be plunged back into the cold and darkness when the fire went out."


    The woman paused, her expression somber. "Towards morning, the little match girl sat there, motionless, a peaceful smile on her face. The passersby thought she had fallen asleep, not realizing that she had, in fact, frozen to death."


    The boy''s face fell, his bottom lip trembling. "Oh, no! That''s so sad, Mama. What happened to her?"


    The mother drew him close, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead. "Nothing, she just died! You know what the moral of this story is, Levi?"


    She asked her child before continuing with a serious expression, "We must be wary of the illusions that bring usfort in our darkest moments. For they are but fleeting, and the reality we face may be far harsher than we imagined."


    She looked into his eyes, her own reflecting the weight of her words. "Whenever you feel like you''re in a moment of great happiness, remember to look around ¨C that joy may just be an illusion. Don''t be a fool to die in those dreams, my dear. The world can be cruel, but we must always keep our eyes open to the truth, no matter how difficult it may be."


    The child nodded vigorously. As they both gazed up at the half-moon together, the boy clung to his mother, burying himself in her embrace, and asked in a soft, uncertain voice, "Did she really die, Mama?"


    The woman hugged her child tightly, her eyes fixed on the empty sky. "Yeah, she died, just like that."


    The boy''s heart sank; he had hoped his mother would say otherwise. But before he could dwell on his sadness, his mother asked him another question, her tone gentle yet probing.


    "Do you understand the story, Levi?"


    The child nodded again, though his heart was heavy with confusion. But instead offort, he was met with another, more unsettling question.


    "Then what are you doing here still? Isn''t it time you wake up?"


    Her words struck him like a hammer, and suddenly, everything came rushing back to him. The memories of entering Paradise, making a contract with the demon, bing a mercenary, and finally¡ªthest thing he remembered before everything went dark.


    ''The Trait Ability!''


    The moment he realized, the illusion around him started to wane, theforting warmth of his mother''s embrace fading away into nothingness.


    Levi now understood¡ªhe had been trapped in an illusion by his own ability.


    But even as the world around him crumbled, he couldn''t tear his eyes away from his mother''s image. She stood there, her form slowly dissipating into the dark night, yet her face remained soft, and serene, with a warm smile that seemed to hold all the love in the world.


    "Be safe, my little sunshine," she whispered, her voice tender and full of love, as thest remnants of the illusion vanished, and Levi was thrust back into reality.


    ---***---


    Sorry for thete releases~

 Chapter 26: Dark Twin

    Levi opened his eyes abruptly, the first sensation hitting him like a hammer¡ªpain, searing and relentless pain that ran all over his body.


    "Arhhh..!!"


    It was as if his body had been dumped into moltenva and his bones were being shattered by an iron hammer.


    The agony was all-consuming, yet what struck Levi more was the absence of energy in his body, where his essence flowed.


    The small reservoir of energy that he had gained after the contract with the demon king waspletely drained! It seemed like his innate ability had ruthlessly consumed every drop of essence in his body.


    But this wasn''t his immediate concern.


    Right now, Levi was utterly defenseless. He didn''t know where he was, but his instincts screamed danger. If someone were to attack him now, he wouldn''t even have the strength to raise a hand in defense.


    "Grahh..."


    The groan slipped out, more a whispered exhtion than a scream. He couldn''t even muster the strength to shout, let alone move. Instead, hey there, gazing up at the sky, dark clouds swirling ominously overhead.


    "Where... am I?"


    Levi''s mind slowly pieced together the fragments of his memory.


    He knew what had happened¡­..The moment he activated his trait ability, something monstrous and terrifying had taken over his mind.


    He hadn''t even been able to think. It was as though he had been trapped inside his own body, helplessly witnessing long-buried memories y out in his subconscious.


    ''Mother...''


    In the midst of the nightmare, he dreamt of his mother, one whose fac Levi had almost forgotten. Although it was a dream, her warm embrace was still vivid in his mind.


    But with that memory came a flood of others, painful and unweing memories. Levi shook his head, pushing the memories aside.


    "I swear I''m never going to use that ability again."


    He muttered with resolve, though the cold, calcting part of his mind forced him to focus on the present.


    Where was he? How had he ended up here? The questions still loomedrge, but no answers followed.


    The sky didn''t have the twin suns or even the blue moon which made him realize that he was no longer in Paradise.


    With great effort, Levi managed to turn his head, scanning his surroundings. Strange trees stood tall, their surfaces glowing with an eerie light. Thendscape was alien, unfamiliar.


    ''This... this isn''t Earth.''


    The realization hit him hard. He couldn''t see a light in the long long distance, nor the artificial air purifiers deployed by the government. Although there was a chance that he may be in some abandoned area - he couldn''t any monsters either - so he eliminated that thought.


    Then, he remembered something- when he activated his trait ability the providence had shown him some messages.


    He wasn''t able to see them then but now he was curious to know what they were. Just as he thought of them, new runes materialized before his eyes.


    [You have activated your trait ability - Demonic Transformation]


    [Your mindpower is severelycking...]


    [Your inner demon has forcefully arisen!]


    [You have awakened an innate ability - Shadow Self]


    Levi''s eyes narrowed as he read the messages.


    "Inner demon? What the hell is this?"


    He understood what the message said, but epting what they meant was another matter entirely.


    An inner demon is a manifestation of his darkest fears and suppressed emotions, a malevolent force lurking within him. Yet, at that moment when the demon had taken over, all Levi had felt was an uncontroble rage.


    Infernal rage that couldn''t be suppressed.


    His mind, still reeling, focused on the new ability. He concentrated, and more information about the innate ability opened up.


    [Innate Ability: Shadow Self]


    [He is you, you are him. What you hide¡ªHe wears, what you fear¡ªhe confronts, what you hesitate to do¡ªhe will do with resolution, what you can''t¡ªHE CAN.]


    A cold dread settled over Levi as he absorbed the description.


    It was vague, almost in the form of a riddle, but the message was clear enough. This Shadow Self was a dark reflection of him, a twin born from the depths of his psyche.


    He has seen far too many movies in the government factory manager''s cabin to be ignorant of this. So he instantly realized what the ability meant.


    But what Levi feared was that he couldn''t determine whether this twin was an ally or a foe lurking within himself, waiting for a chance to get control of his body.


    But there was also one thing he did grasp: his Demonic Transformation and this Shadow Self were separate entities.


    The transformation, it seemed, required a strong mind to control it, and when Levi had failed to meet this requirement, his innate ability had awakened, allowing this dark twin to take over.


    ''So, the trait ability isn''t the problem.''


    Well, to say that his body transforming into a towering, two-meter-tall demonic creature with horns and ws wasn''t a problem was a bit... delusional. Butpared to the horror of having his mind and body forcibly taken over, Levi would take the monstrous transformation any day.


    The physical change, terrifying as it was, at least allowed him to maintain some semnce of control. But the thought of bing a passenger in his own body, watching helplessly as his dark twin wreaked havoc, was a far more terrifying prospect.


    ''By the demons... I don''t want such an ability. Take it back!''


    The thought was almost desperate. Who would want to lose control of their own body to a twisted version of themselves? And worse, what if this dark twin was listening to his thoughts even now?


    "Are you listening?"


    Levi''s voice was a hoarse whisper, testing the waters. No response came, though. Even if his twin was watching, how could he know? Would the twin speak through his mouth? The idea was deeply unsettling.


    But one thing Levi did findfort in was the possibility that, if his theory held true, he might be able to use his Demonic Transformation without losing control of himself in the future.


    Also perhaps his dark twin could take over his body at any time even without demonic transformation¡­.


    ''This is so messed up!''


    With no response forting, Levi turned back to the messages, sensing there was more to read.


    [You have entered the Sanctum - Lunacy of the ckWings(---)]


    "Huh?"


    Levi blinked, confusion clouding his mind as he reread the message again and again. But the words remained the same, no matter how many times he checked.


    "What in the name of the Demon King is this insanity?"


    The wilderness had been hisst memory, and now he was in a sanctum?


    It was madness, pure madness.


    Unable to contain his frustration any longer, Levi shouted into the void.


    "You damned dark twin! Where have younded me?!"


    ---***---

 Chapter 27: Exhausted

    Several minutes passed before Levi managed to calm down, his mind still racing but his breathing steadying.


    "Let''s think positively¡ªit''s not easy to gain ess to a Sanctum anyway. If I use this chance well, I might find some useful artifacts and increase my power too," he muttered, trying to inject some optimism into his situation. But no matter how much he tried to console himself, the harsh reality remained. He had no strength to clear the Sanctum, and his body was still wracked with pain.


    The sword that he had borrowed from the mercenary federation was no longer in his possession - maybe dropped somewhere when he used his demonic transformation.


    No matter how much he thought about it, the situation was hopeless!


    "Let''s look at the Sanctum description¡ªmaybe it''s not that difficult," he thought, unknowingly jinxing it before he even read it.


    [Sanctum: Lunacy of the ck Wings]


    [Rank: - - - ]


    [Description: Gliding through the shadows, perched on ancient branches, and hidden within the darkest skies, they are the silent watchers of the world¡ªever vignt, ever cunning. Once revered by the heavens, they now dwell in twilight, watching the secrets of the world in silence. The ck wings see it all and always, for they are darkness itself, and darkness exists everywhere.]


    Levi sucked in a cold breath as he read the description. His soul seemed to leave his body when he saw that the rank wasn''t mentioned¡ª it was a bad omen.


    The description was the final nail in the coffin. He didn''t know what kind of monsters lurked in this Sanctum, but it was clear that they were creatures capable of flight! Only a fool would miss such a thing after reading that description.


    In his current state, it would be a miracle if he could fight off evennd-bound creatures. But creatures that could fly? That was an entirely different level of danger.


    "Ha! I''m going to go insane," Levi muttered to himself, dismissing all the rune messages. Hey there, head straight, watching the dark clouds swirl above him.


    His body was still suffering from the aftereffects of the demonic transformation. The skill seemed to have a heavy bacsh, leaving him drained.


    For instance, Levi didn''t remember anything after using it, so he couldn''t even gauge if it had been effective. But one thing was certain¡ªhe wasn''t going to use that skill again until he gained the strength to withstand its bacsh.


    As for the Sanctum, it seemed no monsters were near him for the moment. He didn''t know why, but he was grateful for the respite. Perhaps he could recover a bit since he appeared somewhat safe, though he had no idea how long that safety wouldst.


    "Let''s just check my status," he decided.


    -----------[Status]-----------


    Name: Levias Drake


    Rank: Demonic Follower


    Patron: The Darklord of the Endless Abyss


    Affiliation: Mercenary Federation (F-rank)


    Crest: ¡ª


    Demonic Core: Dormant


    Demonic Essence: 1/200


    Trait: Demonic Soul


    Trait Ability: Demonic Transformation


    Innate Ability: Shadow Self


    Artifacts: ¡ª


    Avatars: ¡ª


    [Condition: Exhausted]


    -----------[Status]-----------


    Levi noticed a new row at the end of his status¡ªCondition. Apparently, Providence was even capable of calcting his physical state. The good news was that he wasn''t injured, just exhausted. With some rest, he should be able to recover.


    While going though the status, his eyes lingered on the line that read "Patron: The Darklord of the Endless Abyss." A thought crossed his mind¡ªwould his Patron answer him?


    "Hey, Demon King? Can you hear me? Help me out a bit, will ya? I''m in a tight spot here," Levi called out, his voice half-hopeful, half-resigned.


    ''...''


    As expected, there was no response.


    Aside from the day he returned to Earth, the Demon King hadn''t spoken to Levi since. The silence was worrying, but Levi was powerless to change it. Whether he liked it or not, he was trapped in the Sanctum for now.


    ***


    After what felt like an eternity, Levi finally managed to push himself up and sit on his own.


    "Much better," he thought, noticing that even his essence pool was slowly recovering. With a bit more rest, he found he could now stand and even walk. However, he dared not venture far until he fully recovered, unsure of what awaited him.


    For now, Levi remained within the confines of his initial area. The ce seemed safe, and he hadn''t seen any monsters yet.


    But even that smallfort came with its own set of challenges. Levi had no food or water, and the sensation of hunger was bing increasingly unbearable.


    "I can''t stay here forever," he muttered to himself.


    Stuck between the danger of lurking monsters and the threat of starvation, Levi realized he had no choice but to move forward. The chance of finding something to eat was better than dying of hunger.


    With that thought, he began trudging through the destendscape, making his way toward the strange, glowing trees as carefully and stealthily as possible.


    However, as he moved, his mind started reying the events that had led him here¡ªthe trap in the maze that had paralyzed his leg, the fat boy he''d killed for the magical bell, the struggle against the tall boy, and how close he''de to escaping, only to be plunged deeper into despair.


    As these memories flooded his mind, a seething rage began to rise within him. It was unusual for Levi to sumb to such fury, but the anger was undeniable, consuming him despite his efforts to control it.


    He shook his head, trying to push the thoughts away, but the anger still clung to him.


    Soon, Levi found himself in a forest where strange, glowing trees cast eerie shadows. The forest was oddly quiet, devoid of any visible monsters. The silence should have been unsettling, but Levi''s mind was preupied with darker thoughts. He failed to notice this abnormality, instead slipping into another memory¡ªthis one of being beaten in a slum alley.


    He remembered refusing to share his small amount of sry with the thugs who controlled the area. Their response had been brutal, leaving him beaten nearly to death. If not for a friend who had sacrificed his own pay to save him, Levi knew they wouldn''t have hesitated to kill him.


    "Those bastards, wait till I find you now," he growled under his breath, his anger growing without his notice.


    A dark thought crossed his mind as he thought deeper, ''Should I kill them all if I return to Earth?'' The idea, terrifying as it was, seemed more justified with each passing moment of rage.


    Suddenly, Levi felt a sharp sting and nced down, only to freeze in horror. His leg was bleeding!!


    ---***---

 Chapter 28: Mind Hex!

    Levi stared at his bleeding leg in disbelief, his mind racing to make sense of the situation.


    "When did I get hurt?" he wondered, startled by the sudden pain that struck when he realized the injury.


    The blood seeping from his foot was real¡ªhe could feel the wet warmth trickling down his skin¡ªbut he had no memory of getting injured, and there had been no pain until now when he saw the sharp stone lodged in his sole.


    His breath quickened as panic began to set in. Reflexively, Levi crouched down, removing the stone and examining the wound more closely.


    The injury wasn''t deep, but the pain was sharp. His eyes then trailed behind him, where he saw a long line of blood drops scattered on the ground, here and there.


    "How... How is this possible?" Levi murmured, his voice trembling.


    He hadn''t sensed anything¡ªnot even the slightest difort. Yet, seeing the trail of blood stretching far behind him, it was clear that he had been injured for quite some time.


    "I didn''t even feel anything¡ªno pain, no impact... nothing."


    As he pondered, his thoughts drifted back to the anger that had consumed him earlier.


    ''Wait a minute, why was I angry again?''


    A cold sweat crept up his back as a sense of dread washed over him.


    "This... this isn''t right."


    Levi was not the emotional type, he rarely ever got angry. But ever since entering this sanctum, he had felt a constant, inexplicable rage. And now, as he tried to recall the reason for his anger, he found that he couldn''t even remember it.


    Suddenly, a new thought struck him like a lightning bolt.


    "A hex... This fucking sanctum! It''s using some kind of hex!"


    The realization hit him hard, and with it, a wave of rity washed over him. Levi steadied his breathing, calming his raging mind.


    ''They are darkness itself, and darkness exists everywhere.''


    He remembered thest line of the sanctum''s description¡ªhow it spoke of the ck wings being like the darkness that exists everywhere.


    It seemed like the description was not talking about the monsters but this weird power that the sanctum was using to corrupt his mind!


    Levi realized that he had been under some kind of hypnosis of the sanctum or it was also possible that it wasn''t the sanctum but the ck wing, mentioned in the description who had cast a mind hex on him, distorting his thoughts, feeding his anger, and dulling his senses.


    "This is so fucked up¡­"


    Levi''s blood ran cold.


    He closed his eyes, forcing himself to focus.


    When he opened his eyes again, he noticed that everything around him was eerily clear.


    ''Wait a minute¡­.''


    There was a thick fog that had enveloped the area when he first entered this part of the sanctum but now it was gone, reced by an unsettling rity. He had been such a fool not to notice the change sooner.


    "Is what I am seeing real, or is it also an illusion?" Levi muttered to himself, doubt creeping into his mind.


    He no longer knew what was real and what was a trick of the Sanctum. The boundary between reality and illusion seemed to blur, leaving him in a state of confusion.


    Levi began to suspect everything¡ªeven the injury on his leg. Was the pain genuine, or was it just another twisted mind game by the Sanctum? The more he thought about it, the more his sanity seemed to slip away.


    "Breathe, Levi. Focus. This isn''t real¡ªat least, not all of it."


    He repeated the words like a mantra, forcing himself to concentrate on the here and now. Whether the injury was real or not, whether the trees and the fog were part of the Sanctum''s tricks, he had to stay grounded. Doubting everything would only drive him further into madness.


    He clenched his fists, feeling the reassuring sting of pain in his palm. That, at least, felt real.


    As he restricted his thoughts, slowly, the anger that had consumed him also began to dissipate, reced by a calmness he hadn''t felt since entering the Sanctum.


    Levi focused on his breathing, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly, concentrating on keeping his thoughts in check. He sat still, pushing all thoughts to the back of his mind, embracing the silence.


    Time passed¡ªhow much, Levi couldn''t tell¡ªbut then, without warning, a series of runes appeared before his eyes, glowing faintly in the dim light of the forest.


    [You have broken free from ''Lunacy'']


    The rune hung in the air, pulsing with a soft, golden glow.


    As Levi read the message, it felt as though a ss dome had shattered around his mind. The world snapped back into focus, and the illusion that had clouded his thoughts began to crumble. rity washed over him, and with it, the oppressive fog returned, swirling around him like a living entity.


    "Lunacy... So that''s what this is," Levi whispered, his voice barely audible as all the pieces of the puzzle finally fell into ce.


    The fog around him was dense and suffocating, reducing visibility to just a few feets ahead. The strange trees that had seemed so real moments ago were now obscured by the swirling mist. It was as if the forest itself had been a mirage.


    Levi''s breath hitched as he nced upward, his eyes widening at the sight above. The sky, once covered by dark clouds, was now illuminated by a blood-red moon, hanging ominously overhead.


    "It''s already night? Wait, how does the time pass inside here in the first ce?"


    Levi didn''t have answers to those questions and interestingly, he didn''t seem to panic. Instead, Levi took in the information in a positive way.


    If he didn''t know about it - then he would find it out. It was just as simple as that -plex thoughts would only confuse him more, driving him towards madness.


    The Sanctum had already tried to twist his mind but somehow, he had managed to break free.


    And the rity that filled his thoughts after knowing it was almost overwhelming.


    Levi also realized just how close he hade to losing himself entirely.


    His hands shook as he wiped the blood from his leg, the wound now seeming less severe than it had moments ago.


    The pain was still present, but it was manageable. He even felt a sense of gratitude¡ªif not for the injury, who knew if he would have snapped out of the hex?


    "That was too close," Levi thought, swallowing hard as he rose to his feet.


    The glowing trees around him no longer felt like afort, instead, they seemed like a threat¡ªsilently watching him, waiting for a chance to devour him whole.


    The runes flickered before fading away, leaving Levi alone once more in the eerie silence of the forest. But this time, his mind was clear, and his thoughts were his own.


    ---***---

 Chapter 29: Larvae of Lunacy

    Levi tore a strip of cloth from his shirt and wrapped it tightly around his injured foot, hoping to stem the bleeding. Thankfully, after some time, the bleeding did stop.


    But as he sat there, dealing with the makeshift bandage, he couldn''t help but feel the weight of his situation. Levi''s stomach grumbled aloud reminding him that his body needed food, only that he didn''t have anything that he could eat to satisfy his hunger.


    Once again, he was reminded of how important it is to have money - If only he could have bought a spatial device or if only he had better supplies, he wouldn''t be in such a dire state.


    ''Sigh¡­''


    With careful steps, Levi continued walking, unsure of where he was headed or if it was even safe to move around like this. But staying put wasn''t an option.


    Hunger he could manage for a while, he was used to it, but thirst was a different beast. His throat was parched, and his body was crying out for water.


    "Is there even a monster here?" Levi wondered aloud. He didn''t know how long he had been walking, but his injured foot had already gone numb. He needed to find something to drink, and soon.


    As he wandered, his eyes kept darting to the strange trees around him.


    "What are these things?" he murmured, examining the skeletal, leafless forms.


    The trees bore no flowers, fruits, or nuts, only a faint green glow emanating from their bark.


    "Is that moss?" Levi wondered, approaching one of the trees.


    What he saw made him pause.


    Small creatures, resembling worms, weretched onto the bark. Their tiny mouths were firmly attached to the tree as if they were draining it of something. There were hundreds of them, each glowing faintly green, together creating the eerie luminescence of the trees.


    Levi leaned in closer, curiosity piqued. Suddenly, runes appeared in front of his eyes:


    [Larvae of Lunacy]


    [Rank - Dormant Monsters]


    "What the...?" Levi cursed aloud, startled to see these worms ssified as Dormant Monsters. He took a cautious step back, wary of getting involved with anything too dangerous, but his eyes remained fixed on thervae.


    Thervae seemed oblivious to his presence. Levi couldn''t discern any sensory organs apart from their suction-like mouths attached to the bark. Could they even sense him? He wasn''t sure.


    Driven by curiosity, Levi decided to test something. He reached out, grabbing one of the worms'' bodies, and tried to pull it off the tree.


    "Ugh! This is disgusting," he muttered, feeling the sticky mucus coating the worm''s body. Despite his efforts, the worm didn''t budge.


    The creature was small, about two inches long, but it clung to the tree with surprising strength. Levi gritted his teeth and pulled harder, and this time, the worm finally came off. Its mouth iled wildly, revealing sharp teeth that had been hidden before.


    Levi frowned at the sight, disgusted by the worm''s grotesque appearance, and quickly dropped it to the ground. He watched it squirm for a moment before stepping back.


    The worm iled on the ground, its legless, mucus-covered body struggling in vain to return to the tree.


    But Levi didn''t give it a chance. With a swift movement, he brought his foot down on it, and with a sickening st, the worm''s body burst under his weight, sending a spray of sticky fluid around his foot.


    "Urgh¡­" Levi grimaced, feeling the slimy substance coating his skin. It was utterly revolting. But before he could dwell on the disgust, a message appeared before his eyes:


    [You have killed a Dormant Monster - Larvae of Lunacy]


    Levi stared at the message, puzzled.


    That had been almost too easy.


    He recalled the first monster he had encountered with the group¡ªthe Lizog¡ªand even the scorpion he had fought alongside the tall boy. Both had also been ssified as Dormant Monsters, but the effort it had taken to defeat them had been significantly greater than what he had just done.


    It had taken all of his efforts, along with the two other boys, to kill the scorpion, its strong exo-skeleton and poison stinger giving them a headache. And although the Lizog had been easily in by the blue-haired girl in a single attack, Levi still felt that killing thisrva was iparably easier than those.


    "How are they both the same rank?" Levi mused aloud, baffled by the discrepancy.


    These tinyrvae were ranked as Dormant Monsters, yet they seemed far less dangerous. Still, he knew one thing for certain: Providence didn''t make mistakes.


    If these creatures were categorized as Dormant Monsters, there had to be a good reason for it.


    "I don''t know why¡­ but¡­" Levi muttered, trailing off.


    The truth was, he didn''t need a reason to kill monsters.


    Of course, it might seem pointless to ughter theservae when they didn''t even yield a core or grant him any demonic essence. But Levi wasn''t just hoping for the ordinary spoils.


    He was after something else.


    Artifacts.


    Providence asionally rewarded artifacts for killing monsters, though the probability was less than 1%. The rarity of the drop wasn''t a problem for him now.


    What mattered was the sheer number ofrvae around him.


    "There are hundreds¡­ no, thousands of them," Levi observed, his gaze sweeping across the glowing trees, each one teeming with the small, luminescentrvae. He couldn''t even count the number of trees, let alone thervae attached to them.


    "I wonder¡ªwhat would happen if I kill all thervae?" Levi pondered, a slow smile creeping across his face.


    There was only one way to find out.


    His disgust was quickly reced by a sense of purpose. He didn''t care if it was messy, disgusting, or tedious¡ªif there was a chance to gain something valuable from this, he would take it.


    After all, in this ce, every advantage counted. And right now, Levi was ready to seize any opportunity, no matter how small or slimy it might be.


    ---***---


    Author Note:


    Hey, everyone! I just wanted to take this moment to share some exciting news: we''ve sessfully signed a contract with Webnovel! Thank you all so much for your support!

 Chapter 30: Essence of Lunacy

    Levi stepped on another worm, and as expected, it burst into a pool of mucus with a sickening st.


    [You have killed a Dormant Monster - Larvae of Lunacy]


    He crouched down, picking up what was left of the worm''s body. With a grimace, he brought it to his lips and sucked out everything inside, as if extracting marrow from a bone.


    "Ugh! This is disgusting," Levi muttered, his voice filled with revulsion.


    He had been at this for a long time now, crushingrvae afterrvae. Somewhere along the way, in his desperation to quench his thirst, he had started consuming them. The mucus, though semi-fluid and repulsive, had some semnce of liquid, and Levi had given in to the need for hydration. Thankfully, it wasn''t poisonous¡ªat least, he hadn''t felt any ill effects so far.


    After sucking out the worm''s innards, Levi discarded the remaining outer shell and moved to the next tree.


    "Ah¡­ Come on, at least one artifact is worth it?" he muttered to himself.


    Behind him, about ten trees had stopped glowing, indicating that he had already killed all thervae clinging to them. The ground around him was wet with mucus, proof to the sheer number ofrvae he had in. Yet, despite his efforts, not a single artifact had appeared.


    Levi was getting bored, to be honest.


    Levi had long since lost track of how manyrvae he had killed. The passage of time had be a blur, each moment blending into the next as he fought on.


    The only measure he had was the rhythm of the battle- it took him roughly 5 to 10 seconds to kill each worm and by estimation, he was nearing his thousandth kill. That meant he had been at this for more than two hours.


    He was exhausted.


    Still, his thirst was finally quenched, and even his stomach had stopped grumbling, though he wasn''t full.


    "Fuck, when will I get out of this sanctum at this rate?" he cursed aloud, frustration seeping into his voice.


    Then he paused, remembering something. "Wait a minute, what do I even need to do to get out of this dungeon?"


    Levi realized he had no idea. He had been wandering aimlessly, killingrvae without any clear objective. For all he knew, he could die here in the sanctum, trapped forever.


    With a heavy sigh, he grabbed another worm, stepping on it without much thought. Casually, he reached out to grab anotherrva, but this time, something unexpected happened.


    [You have killed a Dormant Monster - Larvae of Lunacy]


    [You have gained the artifact - Essence of Lunacy]


    Levi froze, his heart skipping a beat. He read the message again to make sure he wasn''t imagining it.


    Then he turned his attention to the spot where he had just killed thervae, and his eyes widened.


    There, lying on the ground before the small, dead worm, was a small, crystalline vial filled with a swirling green liquid. The liquid faintly glowed, much like thervae themselves.


    "Finally, something," Levi breathed, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. He didn''t know what it was yet, but after hours of effort, just receiving something made him feel ted.


    He crouched down, carefully picking up the vial. It was lightweight and fit snugly in his hand, almost as if it were alive, pulsing slightly with a faint energy.


    Intrigued, Levi focused on the vial, and a description popped up before his eyes.


    [Essence of Lunacy]


    [Type: Consumable]


    [Rank: ----]


    Levi had half-expected the artifact to show such a rank. The sanctum itself didn''t have a rank, so it wasn''t surprising that the vial followed suit. He also felt some relief knowing that the green liquid wasn''t poisonous¡ªif it were, Providence wouldn''t havebeled it as consumable.


    Talking about artifacts, there were actually four types of artifacts known to humans: Weapons, Consumables, Armors, and Relics. Each was self-exnatory, with Weapons, which are designed forbat, enhancing physical or magical attack capabilities.


    Consumables, which are single-use items providing temporary benefits or effects, like potions or elixirs, Armors, which offer protection by increasing defense against physical or magical attacks, and Relics refer to special types of artifacts that don''t provide defense or power but instead offer other useful abilities and functions. A spatial device, for example, was considered a Relic.


    Noticing the vial was marked as Consumable, Levi read further.


    [Description: Brewed with Chaos, Blended in reality - this is the essence of true madness. Those who seek its power, beware - the price of stirring what''s within is not light!]


    That was... ominous.


    As if the terrifying experience within the sanctum wasn''t enough, now he had a vial of green liquid with a cryptic description that already made him uneasy.


    "This doesn''t seem any better than poison," Levi muttered, eyeing the vial warily.


    The description itself was warning him against drinking it, so Levi hesitated. But despite his apprehension, he felt an inexplicable pull toward the vial, as if something within him was urging him to consume it.


    "Wait¡ªIs that you, dark twin?"


    Of course, there was no answer, but Levi could vaguely feel it. His other consciousness, his dark twin, was urging him to drink the vial.


    But how did it know what the vial contained? And in the first ce, how is he feeling his twin, was that also a function of his innate ability?


    There were too many questions swirling in Levi''s mind, but he didn''t have the luxury of answers.


    For now, he weighed his options.


    Firstly, he could drink the vial and take the risk.


    Or secondly, he could continue killing the remainingrvae, hoping for a different artifact.


    Surprisingly, Levi chose thetter.


    "Like hell I would believe you," he said aloud, rejecting the dark twin''s silent suggestion.


    It


    hadn''t been long since he''d experienced his body being taken over by his dark twin. Who knew what schemes it was brewing, lurking within his mind?


    He would be a fool to trust its advice. And more than that, the description of the vial itself was ominous. He might have taken the risk if he had no other option, but he still had a safer one avable¡ªperhaps he might stumble upon another artifact soon.


    "Let''s keep this safe for now."


    Levi pocketed the green vial and once again looked at the glowing wormstched to the trees.


    It was time to continue his ughter.


    ---***---

 Chapter 31: Lunacy Incarnate

    Levi''s hands were numb from the repetitive motion of crushingrvae, his fingers sticky with their viscous remains. The eerie green glow of the trees had dimmed considerably as he methodically cleared them of their parasitic inhabitants. Hours had passed since he''d found the Essence of Lunacy, but no other artifacts had appeared.


    The forest was now littered with the crushed remains of thervae as if a grotesque carpet had been rolled out across the ground.


    "The probability of the providence is fucked up!" Levi cursed, feeling depressed at the fact that he hadn''t been able to find another artifact after the Essence of Lunacy, even after killing at least three times the number ofrvae.


    Levi was exhausted, both physically and mentally. Fatigue weighed heavily on him, and doubt began to creep into his mind. "Is this even worth it anymore?" he muttered, wiping sweat from his brow, leaving a streak ofrval residue across his forehead.


    Just as he was questioning the futility of his actions, a faint sound caught his attention. It was barely audible at first, like a whisper on the wind, but it grew steadily louder. Levi strained his ears, trying to pinpoint its source.


    The sound seemed to being from deeper within the forest, beyond the trees he had cleared. It was an unsettling noise¡ªa mix of chittering and scraping that sent chills down his spine.


    Levi''s instincts screamed danger. He knew he should run, put as much distance between himself and whatever was making that sound as possible. But curiosity, that dangerouspanion of desperation, kept him rooted to the spot.


    As he waited, the fog thickened, swirling around his ankles as if trying to hold him in ce. The blood-red moon overhead cast an ominous glow, turning the mist into a sea of crimson. Levi gulped, feeling the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.


    Suddenly, the chittering stopped. An unnatural silence fell over the forest, broken only by Levi''s ragged breathing. Then, without warning, a massive shape burst through the trees with explosive force, showering Levi with splinters and debris. He stumbled backward, his eyes widening in horror as he beheld the monstrosity before him.


    The creature was enormous, its grotesque form easily twice Levi''s height. But it wasn''t the size alone that struck terror into his heart. The beast''s body seemed to beposed entirely of the glowingrvae he had spent hours destroying. They writhed and squirmed, constantly shifting to form grotesque appendages that reached toward him.


    "What the hell is that thing?" Levi gasped, his voice barely more than a whisper.


    As if in response to his question, familiar runes shimmered into existence before his eyes:


    [Lunacy Incarnate]


    [Rank: Nascent-Vile (Evolving)]


    All blood drained from Levi''s face as he read the ssification. "Nascent-Vile?" he whispered, his mouth dry with fear. In all his short life of 18 years, Levi had never encountered a Vile monster before, but he knew one thing¡ªthey were far more dangerous than Dormant ones.


    And to make things worse, it even had a ssification of its sub-rank! But thankfully, it seemed to have just evolved from an essence monster and was still in the process of evolving.


    Levi didn''t need to be an expert to know what would happen if he fought the creature. As the beast crawled toward him, Levi felt a sharp pain in his mind¡ªlike needles piercing his brain!


    Without a second thought, Levi ran. He didn''t even wait to see what was affecting him; he just sprinted in the opposite direction of the creature. As he put a certain distance between himself and the monstrosity, a message materialized in front of him.


    [You have resisted - ''Lunacy'']


    A cold chill ran down Levi''s spine.


    This was the second time he had seen this kind of message. The first was when he had actually been infected by Lunacy and had somehow managed to break free. But right now, he had resisted it in a different way¡ªhe had simply run away from it.


    "So those tiny worms are constantly casting a mind attack?" Levi finally realized the truth.


    When he had broken free from the Lunacy before, he had assumed it was the doing of the sanctum itself. But he had been wrong. It was these creatures attacking his mind! One worm was too weak to affect a human, but when thousands of thembined their mind attacks, Levi had easily fallen victim to it. Once he had broken free, he had unconsciously built some kind of resistance to Lunacy at that level.


    But now, facing this high-level grotesque creature using the same skill, he couldn''t resist it because he was weaker than the creature itself.


    "This¡­" Levi was shaken as he came to this realization, only snapping out of it when the creature let out a bone-chilling screech. Its form is undted as thervae thatpose it shift and reorganize.


    Levi realized with growing dread that this must be why these smallrvae were ssified as Dormant Monsters¡ªthey were merely parts of a greater, more terrifying whole that even had a mind hex ability.


    Levi now felt that these small creatures should be ranked higher than Dormant Monsters.


    How could these small worms turn into something that terrifying? But what could Levi do? He just watched as the Lunacy Incarnate lumbered toward him. Thankfully, the worm was slow as hell! But midway, the creature suddenly stopped, as if losing all interest in Levi, and turned toward a nearby glowing tree, crawling toward it.


    "Huh?" Levi watched in surprise as the creature swirled around the tree and theny motionless. A bad premonition washed over him as he instantly realized what was happening.


    "The fuck? It can absorb more?"


    ''Absorb'' wasn''t the correct word, but the moment the creature swirled itself around the tree, thervae attached to the tree started to detach themselves and join the link ofrvae that made up the creature!


    "This is dangerous." Levi realized at just a nce that the monster was in a state of evolution. It hadn''tpleted its evolution, but it was already at the Nascent-Vile stage. But if the monster was concentrating on absorbingrvae, that meant it had something to do with its evolution¡ªcould it be that it could evolve to the next rank after consuming enoughrvae?


    Levi''s face paled as he realized the implications.


    ''I have to do something,'' he thought. The monster didn''t seem to have any physical abilities, but its mental powers were a pain. If he got affected by Lunacy again, he would surely be killed by thervae. His mind went wild, imagining thervae burrowing into his body, and he instantly shook his head to clear the thought.


    "I must stop it from evolving."


    The Nascent-Vile monster was already more than he could handle alone. What if iy evolved into something stronger, like an Inept-Vile or even a Wicked-Vile monster? Just the thought sent chills down his spine.


    At that moment, Levi''s hand instinctively went to the pocket where he had stored the vial of Essence of Lunacy. He took it out and hesitated, weighing his options.


    "Damn it," he cursed, realizing he had no choice. It was either taking a chance with the mysterious essence or facing certain death at the hands of this monstrosity.


    With trembling fingers, Levi uncorked the vial. The green liquid inside seemed to pulse more urgently now, as if sensing its moment hade.


    "Here goes nothing," Levi muttered, taking a deep breath. Silently hoping he wasn''t making a terrible mistake, he downed the contents in one swift gulp.


    ---***---

 Chapter 32: Darkness Within

    For a moment, there was nothing¡ªno sound, no movement, not even a whisper of the wind. Levi stood still, his senses dulled, as if the world had paused to take a breath.


    But then, without warning, a searing pain ignited in his chest, like a white-hot de being driven straight through his heart. The agony radiated outward, spreading through his veins like wildfire, scorching everything in its path.


    His breath hitched in his throat, and Levi''s legs buckled beneath him. He crashed to his knees, fingers wing at the dirt as he gasped for air that refused toe.


    His vision blurred, the once-sharp outlines of the destendscape now swirling into a chaotic maelstrom of colors and shadows. His heart beat loud and fast, like a thunderous pulse of pain, echoing in his ears, drowning out the world around him.


    The ground beneath him felt like it was spinning, dragging him down into a pit of darkness. Levi tried to fight it, to cling to consciousness, but the pain was relentless, an unknown force tearing at his very soul. His body trembled uncontrobly, his muscles seizing up as if caught in the jaws of a monstrous vice.


    And then, through the haze of torment, he saw it¡ªthe Lunacy Incarnate. The creature still stood wrapped around a distant tree, its form a nightmarish mass of writhing limbs and pulsating flesh. The air around it shimmered with an otherworldly energy, distorting reality as it greedily absorbed more of thervae that swarmed at its feet.


    Levi''s vision darkened further, the edges of his sight fading to ck as the Lunacy Incarnate grewrger in his mind, a monstrous void that consumed all light and hope. Thest thing he saw before the darkness imed himpletely was the creature''s grotesque maw opening wide, as if to swallow him whole.


    And then, there was nothing. Only the cold embrace of darkness.


    ***


    Levi woke up suddenly, but he was not where he thought he would be.


    He could no longer feel his limbs, not any part of his physical body for that matter. Instead, he floated, weightless, his senses dulled to everything but an overwhelming sensation of falling.


    Then, abruptly, he wasn''t alone.


    Voices erupted around him, a jarring cacophony of whispers and screams that assaulted his mind.


    "You could have saved her."


    "Ungrateful bastard, push him to the grave with her."


    "Look, there isn''t even a drop of tear."


    Words that he had long forgotten whispered back.


    "Please spare me."


    "I shouldn''t have done it, please."


    "You deserve that, bastard."


    Some begged for mercy, others cackled with malevolent glee. Levi crouched, holding his legs, trying to cover his ears, but the voices were inside his head, impossible to shut out.


    "Make it stop!" he cried, but his words were swallowed by the darkness.


    Suddenly, a familiar presence made itself known.


    From within the darkness, he saw someone walking toward him.


    He looked up, and to his surprise, it was himself¡ªor at least something that bore a very simr appearance to him. It was like looking into a mirror, except the reflection wore a mocking smile that Levi had never seen on his own face.


    Levi didn''t need to think much to know who it was¡ªhis own dark twin, the consciousness born out of his innate ability, the Shadow self.


    "We finally meet! Wee to the depths of darkness, Levi," his twin spoke, its voice echoing strangely in the void. "Quite the ride, isn''t it?"


    Levi struggled to form coherent thoughts amidst the chaos of voices. "What''s happening to me?" he managed to ask.


    His twin''s smile widened. "You''re expanding, Levi. Growing. The essence you consumed... it''s breaking down the barriers in your mind."


    As if on cue, images began to sh before Levi''s eyes.


    He saw himself, but not as he was now. He saw countless versions of himself¡ªsome older, some younger, some barely recognizable. In one, he stood atop a mountain of corpses, a crown of bones upon his head. In another, he cowered in a corner, muttering iprehensibly to himself.


    "These are... me?" Levi asked, bewildered.


    "Possibilities," his twin corrected. "Paths you could take, lives you could lead. The essence of lunacy shows you the infinite potential of your existence."


    The images came faster now, a dizzying kaleidoscope of alternate lives. Levi saw himself as a demon, a beggar, a saint, a monster. He saw worlds where he had never been born and worlds where his actions had shaped the course of history.


    "It''s too much," Levi gasped, feeling as though his mind might shatter under the weight of these visions.


    His twin nodded sagely. "That''s the price of true sight, Levi. The world as it truly is¡ªinfinite, chaotic, beautiful in its madness. Most minds can''t handle it. They break, consumed by the possibilities."


    Levi felt a creeping dread. "And me? Will I break too?"


    For the first time, his twin''s smile faltered.


    "That depends on you. The essence grants power but at a cost."


    "What cost?"


    Then the smile crept back onto the twin''s face.


    "You will know," it said, turning its back to Levi as if waiting for him to ask something more.


    And Levi did.


    "You... What are you?"


    There were many questions he wanted to ask. Is he good? How did he know so much about things Levi had never known? What was its goal? But first, he needed to know what exactly it was.


    "Me?" The twin turned around, seamlessly floating in the darkness. "I am you, but better."


    Levi frowned at that answer, but before he could say anything, the twin-spoke again.


    "I know, you may feel hurt. But that''s the truth," it said. "I can''t say anything more¡ªbut just know that I don''t mean you any harm, at least not to your physical self. I exist because of you¡ªyou die, I die. So try to stay alive, even if you can''t¡ªI''ll make sure of it."


    There was a dark glint in its eyes as it said so.


    "You... You are trying to take over my body, aren''t you?" Levi said, angered by the fact that his own shadow self was trying to take over him.


    The shadow self, however,ughed aloud.


    "Well, who likes to stay trapped inside this darkness? Of course, I would try to take over your body, but that also depends on you..."


    Its tone suddenly grew cold.


    "If you promise me some things... I will cooperate with you."


    Levi felt an ominous premonition. "What things?"


    When Levi asked that, the twin just turned around.


    "We don''t have time to chat now. You better go back and clear the sanctum. I will tell you when the timees."


    As his twin spoke, Levi became aware of a growing pressure in his mind¡ªnow that he noticed it, his form was slowly dissolving into the darkness.


    "How do I talk with you again?" Levi asked, his voice tinged with urgency.


    The dark twin, however, smiled at Levi. "I dunno? Maybe you''ll find some way, or who knows, I may take over you by then."


    Levi squinted his eyes, trying to hold on, but by then, he could no longer talk.


    His formpletely dissolved, and he once again lost consciousness.


    In the darkness, his shadow self remained alone, and in front of it, two oval images appeared, disying scenes of the forest. It was Levi''s vision¡ªthe shadow self was watching what Levi was seeing.


    "Soon, we will get our revenge very soon..." it muttered, standing alone in the pitch darkness.


    ---***---

 Chapter 33: Lunacy

    Levi''s eyes snapped open, his consciousness violently thrust back into reality.The forest materialized around him, its eerie glow pulsing in sync with the throbbing pain in his head. He gasped, drawing in ragged breaths as he struggled to orient himself.


    "Huff¡­ Huff¡­"


    The sound of his ownbored breathing echoed in his ears. His body was drenched in sweat, the cold dampness clinging to his skin like a secondyer.


    Levi shivered, both from the chill and the fear gnawing at his insides.


    Around him, the ground was scratched and torn, as if something had been wing at the earth in his absence. It took him a moment to realize that he had done this¡ªhis own subconsciousshing out as he consumed the Essence of Lunacy.


    Levi forced himself to calm down, taking slow, deep breaths. His vision slowly cleared, and the twisted shadows of the forest came into focus.


    But before he could think of anything, a familiar shimmer of text appeared before his eyes.


    [You have gained an Innate Ability - Lunacy]


    Levi blinked, trying to process this new information.


    But before he could dwell on it, a bone-chilling screech tore through the air, freezing the blood in his veins.


    Levi''s heart skipped a beat as he turned, dread settling like a heavyweight in his stomach.


    The Lunacy Incarnate¡ªnowrger, more grotesque¡ªwas crawling towards him. Its body, a writhing mass ofrvae, had grown in his brief unconsciousness, absorbing more of its kind.


    The creature undted with a newfound frenzy, its form constantly shifting, as if it could barely contain the horrors within.


    "Shit," Levi muttered, his mind racing.


    He had no weapon to defend himself nor did he have any idea of what his new ability could do, but he knew he had to act fast.


    [Lunacy Incarnate]


    [Rank: Inept -Vile (Evolving)]


    The creature had already evolved into an inept-vile level and to Levi''s surprise it was still in Evolvin state.


    "Fucking..Hell"


    It was as if the creature was growing stronger with each passing moment. Who knows what horror would be born if he didn''t act now?


    Desperation wed at his insides as he instinctively reached out with his mind, probing at the edges of this new power within him.


    There it was¡ªan unfamiliar sensation, a strange feel that seemed to vibrate with the essence of the creature before him.


    Actually - there wasn''t really one connection - there were infinite. It was as if there were hundreds and thousands of invisible threadsing out of the creature - each leading to an individual Larva.


    The connection was tenuous, like trying to grasp smoke with his bare hands. But Levitched onto it, not with his hand but with his will!


    Without fully understanding what he was doing, Levi focused on that connection and pulled.


    The effect was immediate. A wave of sickly green energy pulsed out from Levi, washing over the Lunacy Incarnate.


    Suddenly, the creature''s movements stuttered, its form rippling as if caught in a strong wind. Levi''s breath hitched as a notification shed before his eyes.


    [Lunacy activated]


    The creature began to twitch violently, its writhing mass ofrvae losing cohesion.


    Levi''s eyes widened in realization. His ability was interfering with the minds of the Larvae!


    Thervae that made up the creature''s body began to squirm independently, no longer moving in perfect unison. The creature or whatever it was, let out a shriek of fury and pain, thrashing wildly as it fought against the chaos within.


    But Levi barely had time to feel triumphant. The Lunacy Incarnateshed out, its tendrils of writhingrvae whipping through the air toward him with a speed that denied its grotesque size.


    Levi reacted instinctively, his reflexes kicking in. He dodged the first tendril, rolling to the side as it mmed into the ground where he had just been standing. Dirt and debris exploded into the air, showering him with grit.


    But before he could recover, a second tendril struck, catching him across the chest. The force of the blow sent him sprawling, the air driven from his lungs in a painful gasp.


    -Arhh!


    He hit the ground hard, pain ring through his body as he struggled to breathe. The taste of blood filled his mouth, and for a moment, everything seemed to spin out of control.


    -Cough! Cough!


    Levi coughed up blood as he regained control over his thoughts.


    ''Focus Levi, Focus!''


    He forced himself to move, every muscle protesting as he pushed himself to his feet. The creature was already reforming, pulling its scattered parts back together. It was relentless, a force of nature that would not stop until it had consumed everything in its path.


    "No, you don''t," Levi growled through gritted teeth, his anger ring. He couldn''t afford to be afraid. He couldn''t afford to lose. Not here, not now.


    Drawing on every ounce of his willpower, he focused again, channeling his ability with all his might. This time, he didn''t just pull¡ªhe twisted as if mangling multiple threads!


    -Shriiieeek!


    The creature let out a thunderous roar!


    The forest seemed to hold its breath, the air growing thick with tension.


    Then, with a sound like tearing fabric, the Lunacy Incarnate began toe apart at the seams. Larvae rained down from the creature''s disintegrating form, each one twitching and convulsing as if in agony of their own private madness.


    [You have killed a Dormant Monster - Larvae of Lunacy]


    [You have killed a Dormant Monster - Larvae of Lunacy]


    [You have killed a Dormant Monster - Larvae of Lunacy]


    [You have killed a Dormant Monster - Larvae of Lunacy]


    [You have killed a Dormant Monster - Larvae of Lunacy]


    The runes came in a flood to block Lev''s vision which he promptly ignored- forcing the runes to scatter!


    Levi felt that the ability was very effective but the strain was immense. He felt a sharp painnce through his skull, like a red-hot needle being driven into his brain.


    The edges of his vision blurred, and he could hear whispers creeping in at the corners of his mind¡ªechoes of voices he had never heard, but somehow recognized. They were the voices of madness, of chaos, whispering secrets he couldn''t begin to understand.


    Blood oozed out of his nose and Levi stumbled to his knees.


    Gritting his teeth against the pain, Levi tried to hold on. But the creature was thrashing wildly, its form shifting and changing as it fought against Levi''s ability to control the Larvaes.


    One moment it was a writhing mass of worms, the next a towering monstrosity with too many limbs, and then a swirling vortex of chitinous bodies. Each transformation was more grotesque than thest, and each one sent another spike of agony through Levi''s mind.


    He didn''t even dare to go near the creature and focused on keeping his ability active.


    The world around him began to warp and twist. The trees bent at impossible angles, their branches reaching out like grasping hands. The ground beneath his feet became soft and pulsing, like living flesh. Levi couldn''t tell if this was the monster''s doing or his own madness bleeding into the world. The distinction no longer seemed to matter.


    Everything was unraveling, and Levi was losing his grip on reality.


    "Focus, damn it!" Levi shouted, as much to himself as to the monster. His voice sounded distant as ifing from someone else''s mouth. He clenched his fists, nails digging into his palms. The sharp pain was grounding, a lifeline in the swirling maelstrom of chaos. Hetched onto it, using it to anchor his sanity.


    With a final, desperate push, Levi poured everything he had into his attack. The air itself seemed to vibrate with the force of his will, and for a moment, the entire forest held its breath. The Lunacy Incarnate convulsed, its form twisting and warping as it tried to resist.


    Then, with a sound like a thousand screaming voices suddenly silenced, the Lunacy Incarnate exploded!


    ---***---

 Chapter 34: First Floor Cleared

    Larvae rained down in all directions, their bodies dissolving into pools of glowing mucus. The creature was no more, its essence shattered beyond repair.


    Levi stood, panting, as thest of the monster fell to pieces before him. His body trembled with exhaustion, every muscle screaming in protest. The ground was carpeted with squirming, dyingrvae, their glow fading as they expired. The forest, once alive with the sounds of battle, was now eerily silent.


    [You have killed a Dormant Monster - Larvae of Lunacy]


    [You have killed a Dormant Monster - Larvae of Lunacy]


    [You have killed a Dormant Monster - Larvae of Lunacy]


    [You have killed a Dormant Monster - Larvae of Lunacy]


    Hundreds of such notifications appeared in front of him, but he ignored them all, searching for that one message he wished to see. But it wasn''t there. Levi''s heart sank as he remembered the implication.


    ''The Vile Monster¡ªit isn''t dead yet! Damn it!''


    Levi cursed and pushed his body to move before the adrenaline rush could wear off. Despite the pain invading every fiber of his being, he managed to stand up, dragging his weary form toward where the grotesque creature had been.


    Navigating through the mucus-filled surroundings, Levi trudged forward. When he finally reached the spot where the vile monster had been, he was met with a surprising sight.


    "This is the Vile Monster?" he muttered in disbelief.


    In front of himy a slightlyrger worm, simr to the dormant monsters he had killed but about three times their size. It iled and convulsed on the ground, its appearance somewhatical in its grotesqueness. Levi wouldn''t have believed it was the vile monster if not for the runes still showing its name as Lunacy Incarnate.


    But his confusion quickly turned to resolve. Without hesitation, Levi brought his foot down on the creature. To his surprise, the monster didn''t st out like the dormant ones. Instead, it let out a loud shriek.


    "Vile monster indeed," Levi thought grimly. If one stomp wouldn''t do it, he would stomp it as many times as necessary to destroy it.


    With that determination, Levi kept ramming his foot onto the worm. After a relentless assault, he finally heard the voice of Providence.


    [You have killed an Inept Vile Monster - Lunacy Incarnate]


    Regretfully, no artifact or treasure appeared for killing the vile monster, a disappointment considering how useful an artifact from such a foe could have been.


    Nevertheless, as soon as he saw the message, Levi copsed beside the monster''s body, even though more notifications awaited him. His adrenaline finally wore off, and he could feel the full extent of the pain radiating throughout his body. It was intense, but he recalled that the pain he endured after drinking the Essence of Lunacy had been worse.


    Suddenly, a thought struck him. Levi turned toward the body of the vile monster.


    And indeed, inside the mucus-filled body of the worm, a dark gem glowed with a beautiful glint. Levi stretched out his hand and retrieved the essence before copsing onto his back, gazing at the crystal with the moonlight reflecting off its surface.


    "At least I have this," Levi consoled himself, despite not having obtained an artifact. The demonic essence crystal in his hand was more pronounced than the one he had used before. This crystal, though smaller than the previous one from the goblin, had a much higher concentration of essence. Its potency was evident, a promising sign despite its size.


    Levi smiled weakly as he ced the crystal on his chest, trying to check on his condition. The mental pain was excruciating, likely a side effect of the Lunacy ability, making coherent thought difficult. Thankfully, he didn''t have any severe physical injuries. The red mark on his chest from the vile monster''s attack was painful but didn''t seem to indicate any broken ribs.


    Ignoring the pain, Levi decided to review the notifications he had ignored earlier.


    [You have killed a Dormant Monster - Larvae of Lunacy]


    [You have killed a Dormant Monster - Larvae of Lunacy]


    [You have killed a Dormant Monster - Larvae of Lunacy]


    [You have killed a Dormant Monster - Larvae of Lunacy]


    Rows and rows of these messages filled his vision. After scrolling through them, he reached thest few notifications.


    [You have killed an Inept Vile Monster - Lunacy Incarnate]


    [You have cleared the first floor of the sanctum - Lunacy of the ck Wings]


    "Wait, what? This is only the first floor?" Levi eximed, frustration evident in his voice. He had just realized he was inside a special sanctum. Sanctums typically came in two types: the first required killing a boss monster to clear it, while the second type was a special sanctum requiring the clearing of multiple floors before a reward was granted.


    Levi felt a wave of frustration. He had barely managed to survive this floor and now faced the daunting prospect of countless more to clear.


    "Sigh¡­" he let out a defeated sigh, reading further.


    [Would you like to move on to the next floor?]


    [Yes/No]


    "Great! There isn''t even a reward for clearing this floor," Levi muttered, then decided to click on No.


    [You have chosen not to move to the next floor]


    [Would you like to move on to the next floor?]


    [Yes/No]


    Levi stared at the screen in disbelief. He was hopeful that refusing would let him out, but to his disappointment, it seemed he had no choice but to ept the sanctum''s rules. The only silver lining was that he wasn''t forced to make a decision immediately and could take his time to recover.


    He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.


    He still hasn''t seen the description of his new ability, and he also has to absorb the demonic crystal before moving on to the next floor. But for now, Levi didn''t have the strength to do any of that. He needed to rest and regain his strength before making any decisions.


    The dark crystal on his chest glowed under the red moon as Levi closed his eyes to get his much-needed sleep.


    ---***---

 Chapter 35: Lunacy Description

    After resting and getting some much-needed sleep, Levi awoke in the middle of the mucus-filled terrain, instantly disgusted by the sticky liquid surrounding him.


    "Ugh¨CI can''t get used to this¡­"


    He grimaced but quickly calmed himself down.


    Now that he had rested, Levi could feel the hunger gnawing at him, so he eyed the vile monster''s body.


    Who knew if the next floor would have any edible food or not? Better to be prepared. With that in mind, Levi began to fill his stomach with the insides of the worms, sucking on their exoskeletons to sustain himself.


    As he ate, Levi decided to check his status.


    -----------[Status]-----------


    Name: Levias Drake


    Rank: Demonic Follower


    Patron: The Darklord of the Endless Abyss


    Affiliation: Mercenary Federation (F-rank)


    Crest: ¡ª


    Demonic Core: Dormant


    Demonic Essence: 1/200


    Trait: Demonic Soul


    Trait Ability: Demonic Transformation


    Innate Ability: Shadow Self | Lunacy


    Artifacts: ¡ª


    Avatars: ¡ª


    -----------[Status]-----------


    The first thing Levi noticed was that the condition status had disappeared. He didn''t know how it had triggered or how it had vanished, but for now, it was a good thing that he wasn''t as exhausted as before.


    Then, his eyesnded on the new innate ability that had appeared in his status: Lunacy. He had already used it and had a vague idea of what the skill did, but he wanted to check out its full description.


    Levi concentrated on his innate ability, and the runes showing the description of Lunacy popped up.


    ---------[Lunacy]----------


    Ability Description: In a world where sanity crumbles like fragile ss, true power lies in embracing the madness. Let the chaos within you surge forth, warping reality to your whim. Be the Lunatic, where your insanity is the only truth left standing!


    ---------[Lunacy]----------


    "...As expected," Levi muttered, barely surprised.


    Providence seemed to enjoy ying with riddles like this. It didn''t even clearly exin what the ability did or what power it granted. All he gathered was that it seemed to be a premium ticket to bing a lunatic.


    Despite the vague description, Levi knew firsthand how powerful the ability could be. Mental abilities were rare on Earth¡ªonly a handful of people ever had them, and even fewer could resist them.


    When it came to monsters, resistance to mental abilities was almost non-existent unless they were in the higher ranks of sub-categories like Wicked or Exalted.


    This ability, while powerful, had already proven its worth. The fact that he had managed to kill a vile monster while still being just a Follower was testament enough, even though the monster itself might have been the weakest of its kind.


    However, there was a serious drawback to the ability as it had intense effect on his own mind. Activating Lunacy was fine initially, but the longer he used it, the more severe the mental toll became.


    He even started hearing strange voices, and his head felt like a boulder was pressing down on it. And that was just the mild effect. The thought of using the ability to its extreme and potentially losing his mind sent a shiver down his spine.


    Levi clenched his fists, Lunacy could be his greatest asset¡ªor his undoing. He needed to be careful, to find a way to harness its power without sumbing to the madness it brought.


    Anyway, what mattered now was that he had managed to defeat the creature, and in his hand was the demonic crystal of the Lunacy Incarnate!


    "I wonder how much demonic essence I would get from this," Levi mused.


    Absorbing the demonic crystal of an Essence-level monster had filled one part of the 200 essence required for his evolution. But now, holding a crystal from a monster at the Inept-Vile rank¡ªaround two level higher¡ªLevi wondered just how much essence he could gain.


    There was only one way to find out- he had to absorb the crystal. But there was a problem...


    Levi had no idea how to absorb the crystal. The first time, he had been unconscious and somehow ended up absorbing the crystal, but he didn''t exactly know how he had done it.


    Well, he had some idea¡­


    Normally, humans would first purify demonic crystals at the altars of the gods and then absorb them by concentrating their essence around the crystal and drawing the essence within. And since he had no need to purify the crystal, he figured he could try the same method.


    With that thought in mind, Levi sat down cross-legged¡ªnot because it was necessary, but because it felt morefortable. He closed his eyes, trying to focus on the demonic crystal in his hand.


    As he focused, he could feel the raw essence thrumming within it, but essing it was like trying to grasp smoke¡ªslippery and intangible.


    His attempts to channel his essence were clumsy, the energy within him resisted his will, refusing to bend to hismands.


    Levi let out a frustrated sigh and opened his eyes to see the crystal still resting inert in his palm.


    The process felt tooplex, too foreign. Levi''s control over his essence was rudimentary at best, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn''t force the energy to flow as he wished.


    "What do I do?" he muttered.


    It was moments like these when Levi acutely felt the absence of a mentor. If he had been from a powerful or wealthy household, he would have had someone to guide him. Instead, here he was, stuck with no idea how to absorb the essence crystal.


    As he sat there, struggling to focus, then,sudden thought struck him.


    Lunacy.


    His new ability wasn''t just about causing chaos in the world around him. It was about bending reality to his will, imposing his own order onto it. If he could do that to the world, why not to the essence within his own body?


    Levi''s eyes narrowed in thought.


    The idea was wild¡ªalmost reckless. What if the essence went wild inside him, and he burst like a bubble? And what if Lunacy consumed him while trying to use it on himself?


    But then again, wasn''t that what his ability was all about? Embracing the madness, defying logic, and using it to his advantage?


    "I''m already in deep shit, so I might as well try something rather than to regret itter," Levi decided.


    He didn''t know what awaited him on the next floor, but he could bet it wouldn''t be anything weing. He needed to get as strong as possible before moving on, rather than regretting it when it was toote.


    "Let''s do this!"


    Taking a deep breath, Levi concentrated again, this time focusing on the essence within him, and activated Lunacy.


    ---***---

 Chapter 36: Embracing Madness

    Levi closed his eyes, clutching the demonic crystal tightly in his palm. He took a deep breath, centering himself as he prepared to activate Lunacy. The forest around him seemed to hold its breath, sensing the impending chaos.


    "Here goes nothing," Levi muttered, reaching deep within himself.


    The familiar sensation of Lunacy surged through him, but this time, instead of directing it outward, Levi turned it inward. A green aura, which had begun to spread out from him, suddenly reversed course, flowing back into his body.


    Immediately, his mind erupted into a cacophony of whispers and fractured images. The world behind his closed eyelids twisted and warped, reality bending to the whims of his ability.


    Gritting his teeth against the onught, Levi focused on the demonic essence within him. Under the influence of Lunacy, it no longer felt like smoke slipping through his fingers. Instead, it writhed and pulsed, alive with potential.


    With a mental push, Levimanded the essence to move. To his surprise and tion, it obeyed, coiling around the demonic crystal in his hand. The crystal began to heat up, its glow intensifying as it resonated with Levi''s essence.


    But it wasn''t enough. Levi pushed harder, diving deeper into the madness of Lunacy. The whispers in his mind grew louder, threatening to overwhelm him. Fragments of impossible geometries shed before his eyes, and for a moment, Levi felt himself teetering on the edge of sanity.


    "No," he growled, forcing himself to focus. "I control this. It doesn''t control me."


    With a herculean effort of will, Levi channeled the chaotic energy of Lunacy into a singr purpose. His essence surged, enveloping the crystalpletely. The gem cracked, then shattered, releasing a torrent of raw demonic power.


    An enormous amount of energy burst out of the crystal. Although surprised, Levi didn''t let the energy scatter¡ªinstead, he concentrated on it and took control. Slowly, he directed that energy into his body.


    Levi gasped as the energy flooded into him. It was like being struck by lightning and plunged into icy water simultaneously. Every nerve in his body screamed in protest as the foreign essence invaded him.


    For a terrifying moment, Levi thought he had made a grave mistake. The power threatened to tear him apart from the inside. But then, guided by Lunacy, his own essence rose to meet it. The two forces shed, twisted, and finally merged.


    He still didn''t have a core, so he didn''t know where to store the energy. But to his surprise, once the energy entered his body, all of it was sucked towards the middle of his chest and disappeared.


    All the energy was drawn into his soul sea. Involuntarily, Levi peeked into it.


    It was as deste as ever¡ªno sign of life anywhere, just the wastnd and the empty core hanging in space. But there was a change.


    His core, which had barely contained a drop of ck essence before, was now filled by almost one-fourth!


    Levi stared at his core, unsure if what he was seeing was real. He withdrew from his soul sea, and as he did, a wave of dizziness washed over him. He swayed, barely managing to stay upright. When he opened his eyes, the world seemed sharper, more vivid. He could feel the new power coursing through him, wild and untamed but undeniably his.


    A notification blinked before his eyes:


    [Demonic Essence absorbed: 51/200]


    Levi blinked at the message, a grin spreading across his face. "Fifty? Not bad at all."


    What Levi didn''t realize was just how remarkable this feat truly was. He had absorbed everyst ounce of essence from the crystal, leaving nothing behind¡ªa fact he had yet to appreciate. Typically, when humans absorbed demonic essence, the crystals had to be purified first, a process that resulted in losing nearly half of the essence within.


    Even after purification, they could only absorb about 30-40% of the remaining essence, as the raw energy often burst uncontrobly from the crystal.


    In other words, Levi should have gained only 10-12 essence from the crystal. But thanks to his Lunacy, which allowed him to control the essence, and his Trait¡ªDemonic Soul, which let him absorb demonic crystals without purification¡ªhe had managed to gain 50 essence.


    And the fact he was still in follower rank and the demonic crystal came from a Inpect-Vile rank monster also boosted the amount of essence inside the crystal.


    Unfortunately, Levi waspletely oblivious to this.


    Unaware of the significance of his achievement, he stood up, brushing off the remnants of the mucus-filled ground. His body felt different¡ªstronger, more alive. The lingering whispers of Lunacy faded to a manageable hum in the back of his mind, soon to disappear altogether.


    "I feel like my strength has improved," he mused, flexing his fingers. It wasn''t as though he had transformed into some unstoppable force, but he could certainly feel the difference. He also sensed that he wouldn''t be as easily exhausted as he had been when battling the Lunacy Incarnate.


    But he knew he was still not strong enough to use his demonic transformation, at least not yet.


    Taking a deep breath, Levi squared his shoulders. He had taken a risk, and it had paid off. Now, it was time to face whatever challenges awaited him on the next floor.


    There were still somervae left,tched onto the trees, but Levi decided it wasn''t worth the time to crush them. It didn''t seem like he would get another artifact or anything else of value from them.


    With determination in his eyes, Levi focused on the notification that had been patiently waiting for his response.


    [Would you like to move on to the next floor?]


    [Yes/No]


    Without hesitation, Levi selected ''Yes''.


    In the next second, his surroundings began to shift. As the world around him shimmered and faded, Levi steeled himself for what was toe. Whatever horrors or trials the next floor held, he would face them head-on. After all, he had already embraced the madness¡ªwhat was one more step into the unknown?


    ---***---

 Chapter 37: Cocoon of Lunacy

    As the world around Levi rematerialized, he found himself in andscape strikingly simr to the previous floor. The same deste terrain stretched out before him, dotted with strange, twisted trees. However, there was one crucial difference, instead of the disgustingrvae, each tree here bore a single, ominous ck cocoon.


    "...!"


    Levi''s muscles tensed instinctively, his eyes darting from tree to tree. The cocoons hung motionless, their dark surfaces pulsating slightly in the dim light. He didn''t dare to make a sound as he took a cautious step forward, then another, his senses on high alert for any sign of danger.


    Minutes passed, and nothing stirred. No mind-bending attacks assaulted his thoughts like on the first floor, and no monsters burst forth from the shadows. Slowly, Levi began to rx, though he kept his guard up. There didn''t seem to be any immediate danger around him, at least for now.


    But Levi couldn''t rest easy. His curiosity about the cocoons gnawed at him, so he cautiously approached one of the nearest trees.


    As he drew closer, he could make out more details of the cocoon hanging from the tree''s branch. It was a dark, twisted mass that resembled an oversized chrysalis. Its surface seemed to beposed of interwoven ck feathers, creating erratic patterns that shifted disconcertingly as he looked at them.


    asional shes of light pulsed from within, casting an eerie, flickering glow on the surrounding area.


    Just as he got closer, a notification appeared before his eyes:


    [Cocoon of Lunacy]


    [Rank: Essence]


    Levi froze, reading the message. He didn''t dare take another step forward. He had experienced hell on the first floor by underestimating thervae, which were merely dormant monsters, and he wasn''t about to make the same mistake again. He took a cautious step back.


    The good news was that the cocoon wasn''t doing anything¡ªor at least, Levi hadn''t felt it do anything. Another thing he found himself grateful for was that, judging by the number of trees, there were more than a hundred cocoons¡ªeach potentially housing a demonic crystal.


    "So, in this floor, I just need to figure out how to kill these cocoons, and I might be able to evolve," Levi muttered, a spark of determination igniting in his eyes.


    He nced around at the other trees, each bearing an identical cocoon. Unlike the previous floor, he felt no pressure on his mind, no attempts to twist his thoughts or perceptions.


    To confirm his suspicions, Levi did something that, in retrospect, wasn''t his smartest move. He pinched himself hard, letting out a sharp yelp of pain.


    The sound echoed in the eerie silence, but nothing changed. No hidden illusions shattered, and no mental attacks were triggered.


    "Well, at least that''s confirmed," Levi grimaced, rubbing his arm. "But what''s the catch here?"


    Even thervae, ssified as dormant monsters, were capable of inflicting mind attacks. There was no way these cocoons would stay still and let him kill them. There had to be something these cocoons were capable of, and Levi was determined to find out what it was.


    Deciding to test the waters further, Levi searched the area until he found a long, sturdy stick from a nearby tree. He spent a few minutes sharpening one end against a rock, fashioning a crude but serviceable spear.


    Armed with his makeshift weapon, Levi approached one of the cocoons again. He took a deep breath, steadied his grip on the spear, and threw it towards the pulsating surface of the cocoon with all his strength.


    But what happened next defied all logic.


    The spear suddenly stopped mid-air, mere inches from the cocoon''s surface, as if it had hit an invisible barrier. Then, in a moment that seemed to stretch into eternity, it slowly began to turn.


    "What the¡ª" Levi''s eyes widened in disbelief as he watched the spear rotate in the air, its sharpened tip now pointing directly at him.


    "Shit!" The realization hit him like a ton of bricks. He had made a terrible mistake.


    Levi barely had time to throw himself to the side as the spear shot back towards him with incredible speed. He felt the rush of air as it passed, missing him by a hair''s breadth and lodging at the ground beside him.


    Rolling to his feet, Levi''s heart pounded in his chest as he stared at the now-innocuous-looking cocoon. What had just happened sent a chill down his spine.


    "Fucking¡­ Hell!" he cursed under his breath, finally realizing the danger!


    ***


    Outside the Sanctum where Levi was currently trapped, a scene of tense anticipation unfolded. Around a hundred individuals milled about, each engrossed in their own tasks, yet clearly divided into two distinct groups. Numerous camps were scattered across the area, forming makeshift bases for those awaiting the oue of whatever was happening inside.


    At just a nce, anyone could see the two factions present, the warriors of the Makni family, and the representatives from the Mercenary Federation. Both groups eyed each other warily, the tension palpable in the air.


    "Everything has gone to shit," Kai muttered, standing beside his own camp as he observed the growing number of people gathered around the Sanctum. The irritation in his voice was unmistakable.


    William, standing beside Kai, merely nodded in silent agreement.


    They had tried their hardest to keep the situation under wraps, gathering the Makni family''s warriors discreetly. While they had seeded in assembling a force of 37 experts to encircle the Sanctum''s ck entrance, their initial intention to keep it all a secret had beenpletely ruined.


    For two days, they had managed to maintain the secrecy of the Sanctum''s existence. But when, after those two days, the Sanctum remained uncleared with no one emerging from within, Kai knew they were dealing with something extraordinary.


    Any lingering doubts he had about the sanctum were dispelled. Recognizing the significance, he had immediately called for reinforcements.


    And that''s where he made his mistake.


    The Mercenary Federation noticed the unusual behavior of the Makni family. Their stealthy surveince led them to uncover the existence of the special Sanctum within their territory.


    In response, they acted swiftly, blocking any further entry of individuals from other influential families, especially those from the Makni family. They also began gathering their own experts around the Sanctum.


    The news spread and even more people began to gather around the Sanctum.


    Now, nearly a hundred experts from various households and the Mercenary Federation were waiting for the Sanctum to be cleared. All of them were eager for the opportunity to enter, waiting for the current upant to fail so they could seize their chance.


    The majority of these experts were from the Makni family and the Mercenary Federation, two of the most formidable factions present.


    But so far, their wait had been in vain.


    Seven days had passed, and the Sanctum still remained unchanged. No one had emerged, and there were no signs indicating it would be cleared anytime soon.


    Yet, despite the prolonged silence, no one was willing to leave. The prospect of an unranked Sanctum, a treasure trove of unimaginable value, was too tempting to abandon.


    "It''s been a week. What the fuck is going on inside the Sanctum¡­ Argh!" Kai cursed, frustration boiling over as he turned away from the gathering.


    "Keep someone watching the Sanctum at all times," he ordered, his voice sharp. "Now that we havepetition, we need to act fast to reap the best benefits."


    With that, Kai strode back toward his camp, and William nodded before walking off to ry the orders to their people.


    The area settled into a tense calm once more, the only sound being the murmur of conversations and the asional rustle of movement. If Levi had known that it had been seven days since he entered the Sanctum, he likely would have cursed the gods and their grandmothers.


    ---***---

 Chapter 38: Trail and Error

    Levi''s heart pounded in his chest as he stared at the now-innocuous-looking cocoon, his mind racing to process what had just happened.


    "What the hell just happened?"


    It took him a full minute to grasp the reality of what had transpired. The realization that these cocoons were far more dangerous than he had initially thought hit him like a hammer.


    "Telekinesis," he whispered, the word tasting bitter on his tongue. "These damn things have telekic abilities?"


    He cursed himself for his recklessness. How could he have been so stupid? He should have known better than to underestimate anything in this Sanctum, especially after his harrowing experience on the first floor.


    Levi''s eyes darted around, surveying the numerous trees bearing the pulsating cocoons what he had initially seen as a field of opportunity to easily evolve now looked like a deadly minefield. Each cocoon was a potential threat, capable of turning any attack back on its attacker.


    "So that''s the catch," Levi muttered.


    The move just now had been dangerous¡ªbut at least now he realized what the cocoons were capable of.


    "They don''t seem to move or attack directly."


    Levi cautiously moved around the cocoon to test his theory.


    "These things don''t seem to have a tendency to attack. They wait for someone to strike, then use that force against them¡ªbasically defense-oriented."


    It was a perfect defense mechanism, one that made the cocoons nearly impossible to approach or damage.


    Then Levi grew curious as to what might happen if he tried to attack the ck cocoon with his bare hands instead of using stones or sticks.


    "I need to think this through," he said to himself, backing away from the nearest tree. "There has to be a way to deal with these things."


    Levi found a rtively clear spot and sat down, his eyes never leaving the surrounding cocoons. He needed to analyze the situation carefully. Rush in again, and he might not be lucky enough to dodge the next attack.


    First, he considered the nature of the telekic ability. It seemed to activate only when something approached with harmful intent. The cocoons didn''t react to his presence alone, only to the spear he had thrown.


    "So, they can''t just fling things around at will," Levi mused. "That''s something, at least."


    Next, he thought about the strength of the telekic force. The spear had been sent back with frightening speed, but was that the limit of their power? Could they deflectrger objects? And what about their range?


    Levi stood up slowly, picking up a small rock. He tossed it gently toward the nearest cocoon, watching closely. The rock sailed through the air, hitting the cocoon''s surface with a soft thud before falling to the ground.


    "Interesting," Levi murmured. "So it''s not just a barrier. They only react to attacks."


    This observation gave him an idea. If the cocoons only reacted to attacks, perhaps he could find a way to damage them indirectly. But how?


    As Levi pondered this, his eyes fell on his shadow. An idea began to form in his mind¡ªa risky one, but potentially effective.


    "Let''s see how you handle this," he muttered, reaching deep within himself.


    For a second, there was silence. Then, without warning, a green aura surged forth from inside Levi, instantly enveloping the cocoon. The invisible energy pulsed and writhed, assaulting the dark surface of the cocoon with waves of chaotic mental force.


    He was using Lunacy.


    Levi gritted his teeth, maintaining his focus. The cocoon remained motionless, showing no reaction to the assault of mental energy. Undeterred, Levi pressed on, pushing his ability to its limits as he continued to assault the cocoon with his mind.


    Seconds ticked by, feeling like an eternity as Levi poured more and more of his Lunacy into the attack. The whispers that usually apanied his ability grew louder, threatening to overwhelm him, but he pushed them aside, focusing solely on the task at hand.


    Thirty seconds passed, and Levi felt himself reaching his limit. The strain of maintaining Lunacy for so long was taking its toll. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his vision began to blur at the edges.


    With a gasp, Levi released his hold on the ability, stumbling back a few steps as the green aura dissipated. He panted heavily, his eyes fixed on the cocoon.


    To his dismay and frustration, the cocoon remained unchanged. There wasn''t even the slightest indication that it had been affected by his mental assault.


    "Damn it," Levi cursed, his fists clenching at his sides.


    Either the cocoon had high enough mental resistance that his Lunacy wasn''t working on it, or it didn''t even have a mind to begin with!


    And both were disadvantageous as they rendered his Lunacy ability useless.


    "Fuck."


    Exhausted, Levi slumped down near a tree, careful to keep his distance from any hanging cocoons. As he sat there, trying to recover from the exertion, he couldn''t help but feel a glimmer of hope.


    Despite the intense effort, he hadn''t experienced any extreme side effects from using Lunacy this time. It seemed like he could use the ability for almost thirty seconds without suffering any severe consequences¡ªthat was his limit for now.


    Nheless, as Levi rested, his mind raced, searching for alternative ways to counter the cocoon''s defenses.


    Suddenly, another idea struck him.


    "Will that work?" he muttered, doubt evident in his voice. It seemed far-fetched, but at this point, he was willing to try anything.


    After allowing himself some time to recover, Levi stood up.


    He retrieved the stick that was still stuck in the ground from his earlier attempt and then searched for another of simr size.


    Finding one that matched, he gripped both sticks firmly in his hands.


    Moving toward the same cocoon he had targeted before, Levi took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to do.


    Then, without warning, he suddenly threw both sticks at the cocoon simultaneously.


    ---***---


    Hey everyone!


    I''m excited to share that a character illustration of Levi has been added to our novel page, and I''ve also updated the cover! I''d love to hear your thoughts, so please feel free to share yourments below.

 Chapter 39: One Down, Hundreds to Go

    Both sticks Levi threw flew simultaneously toward the ck cocoon with speed. He watched them go, fully prepared to react to the cocoon''s response. Just as expected, when the spears reached a certain distance, one of them suddenly stopped, as if held by an invisible hand. Under Levi''s watchful eyes, the spear turned around and jolted back in his direction.


    Already poised to dodge, Levi leaped aside, and the spear embedded itself into the ground, missing him. But this time, there was a change¡ªonly one of the two spears had been halted. The other continued its trajectory, unaffected, and struck the ck cocoon.


    "Noice," Levi muttered, a smile spreading across his face.


    His n had seeded. When he first saw the cocoon control the spear, Levi had been taken aback, but after calming down and thinking it through, he realized that the ability must have limitations.


    First, the cocoon''s telekinesis likely had a limited range, which is why it could only throw back the spear instead of controlling it to strike Levi. Second, there must be a cap on how many objects it could manipte at once. Though Levi wasn''t entirely sure, it was a risk he had to take.


    And the risk paid off.


    It seemed the ck cocoon could only control one object at a time, allowing the other crude spear to strike it. But there was one more problem Levi hadn''t anticipated.


    "What the¡­?"


    The smile faded from Levi''s face as he saw the crude spear hit the ck cocoon only to bounce off without causing any damage. The spear fell to the ground, and the cocoon hung there, unscathed.


    It seemed the ck, feather-like material covering the cocoon was tougher than Levi had expected.


    "How am I supposed to damage that thing?"


    Levi was weaponless¡ªwell, technically not, but thanks to his dark twin, he''d lost his weapon somewhere in the wilderness. Nor did he have any abilities that could help him damage the ck cocoon.


    Although his strength and constitution had increased somewhat after his contract with the Demon King, it wasn''t enough to obliterate monsters with brute force alone. The boost was slight, hardly noticeable, and Levi knew it wasn''t sufficient to harm the cocoon before him.


    He was in a situation where he had no idea what to do, and to make matters worse, frustration was building inside him. Perhaps it was a side effect of the Lunacy, he didn''t know for sure, but ever since using it, his emotions had be more intense, almost to the point of being detrimental.


    "Calm down, Levi," he told himself, staring at the untouched cocoon. As he continued to observe it, he suddenly noticed something.


    "The essence¡­ why is it swirling around the cocoon?"


    Levi couldn''t see it, but he could feel it¡ªthe concentration of essence around the cocoon was incredibly dense, swirling around it as if forming a protective barrier.


    A protective barrier¡­


    An idea began to form in Levi''s mind.


    If the monster could use essence to protect itself, couldn''t he use the essence to pierce through it?


    Levi immediately picked up the crude spear that the cocoon had sent back and concentrated on that thought.


    He felt the essence in his soul sea¡ªit came to him naturally. When he thought about using it, the essence began to flow out of his chest, circting around his body without a defined path.


    He then tried to control the essence, pushing it toward the spear in his hand. The essence obeyed, flowing to his hand, but the moment it left his body, it instantly dissipated into the surroundings instead of covering the spear as he intended.


    Levi''s eyes snapped open, troubled. "Not so easy," he muttered, but he already had a solution in mind.


    Once again, Levi concentrated on his essence, channeling it to his hands and then toward the spear. This time, he simultaneously activated his innate ability¡ªLunacy. Invisible yet familiar energy emanated from his body, clutching the smoke-like essence, holding it in ce against the crude wooden spear.


    A triumphant smile spread across Levi''s face. Although it wasn''t perfect and some essence continued to spill out, this was more than a good result for his first try.


    Levi didn''t waste time. With a swift motion, he picked up a small stone and infused it with essence. With a grunt, he hurled the stone at the ck cocoon.


    Levi wasn''t proficient with his left hand, so the throw didn''t go as nned and veered slightly off course. But he had anticipated this, which is why he had coated it with essence. Although most of the essence dissipated, the cocoon still sensed it and regarded the stone as a threat.


    The stone was caught in mid-air by its telekinesis, and at that moment, Levi mustered all his power and threw the wooden spear, now brimming with nearly all his essence.


    The stone was thrown back in his direction, missing him by arge margin because the cocoon couldn''t maintain much control over it. Meanwhile, the spear Levi threw flew with incredible speed, iparable to his previous attempts.


    Before the cocoon could recover from itsst use of telekinesis, the spear struck it, this time piercing straight through the ck feather-like shell and lodging itself deep inside.


    ¡ªShrieeek!


    A loud shriek echoed through the forest, shaking the very trees. Not long after, the shriek died down, and Levi received a message from Providence.


    [You have killed a Nasant-essence monster¡ªCocoon of Lunacy.]


    A smile spread across Levi''s face as he copsed,pletely drained of essence.


    "One down, hundreds to go," he mumbled, closing his eyes. Even though what he had just aplished was a small victory, he couldn''t help but feel a surge of excitement.


    However minor the improvement, he was stronger than he had been moments ago, and Levi felt an incredible tion and was addicted to the feeling of growing stronger.


    ---***---


    Lore Snippet 09 - Monster Ranks


    The Providence ssifies monsters using two critical aspects: the number of cores and their ability to impose their will on reality.


    Core ssification(Main Category):


    Dormant->Essence->Vile->Fallen->Terror->Behemoth->Overlord->Mythical Colossal


    Willpower & Intelligence ssification(Sub Category):


    Nasant->Inept->Wicked->Exalted->Zenith->Infernal->Diabolic


    It''s important to note that beasts of certain core ranks are restricted to specific sub-ranks within the willpower ssification. The overall hierarchy might look like this:


    Dormant


    Nasant-Essence-> Inept Essence


    Nasant-Vile -> Inept-Vile-> Wicked-Vile


    Nasant-Fallen -> Inept-Fallen -> Wicked-Fallen -> Exalted-Fallen


    Nasant-Terror -> Inept-Terror -> Wicked-Terror -> Exalted-Terror, Zenith-Terror, etc

 Chapter 40: Horror that Awaits

    After resting for about fifteen minutes, Levi recovered about half of his meager essence.


    "This is seriously concerning. I have to find a way to recover my essence faster."


    Right now, it was manageable because Levi was not in any immediate danger, and the surrounding monsters were unable to move. But that wouldn''t always be the case. If he didn''t find a way to recover his essence faster, sooner orter he would find himself in a fatal situation.


    For now, however, Levi pushed that thought aside and walked toward the tree where the cocoon was hanging. It wasn''t at a height he could reach easily, so he began to climb, using the tree''s ample branches without much difficulty.


    Once close to the cocoon, Levi noticed it was attached to the tree with a kind of white gel that had long solidified. He strongly suspected this was the mucus of thervae he had seen before.


    "This must be its evolved form," Levi deduced. Now that he thought about it, the Lunacy Incarnate he had faced was in an evolving stage. How exactly did these things evolve?


    His question was answered sooner than he expected as he examined the cocoon more closely. What he had initially thought were ck feathers covering the cocoon weren''t feathers at all¡ªit was countlessrvae arranged in the shape of feathers. All thervae seemed to have been burned alive, which is why they looked ck.


    Levi suddenly felt a surge of regret about his fight with the Lunacy Incarnate. Had the monster be a cocoon because he left it alone? Wouldn''t it have been much easier to fight it then?


    "Well, who knew it was going to be a cocoon. No use crying over it," Levi told himself as he plucked the cocoon. It was oval-shaped, resembling an egg more than a cocoon, and about 30 cm in diameter.


    Levi freed the spear stuck to the cocoon, which was already beginning to snap. It seemed the wood couldn''t handle the essence he had forcefully poured into it.


    Ignoring the spear for now, Levi peered inside, and what he saw sent shivers down his spine. A small creature that looked very simr to a newborn bird, with flesh still forming and in a half-liquid state,y there. Purple-colored liquid, which seemed to be its blood, oozed from the wound where the spear had pierced it.


    "Don''t tell me thisrva is evolving into some kind of bird¡­"


    Levi felt extreme despair as he realized the truth¡ªthervae were already a significant threat, and now this cocoon, though not dangerous, was incredibly hard to kill. He discovered that these were just the initial forms of the monster and that something fully evolved and capable of flight existed.


    To be honest, Levi had an idea about it since the Sanctum [Lunacy of the ck Wings] literally had "wing" in its name. He had guessed he would at least face a monster capable of flight. But the horror that this monster could potentially use both lunacy¡ªthervae''s ability¡ªand the telekinesis the cocoons employed, along with flight, sent shivers down his spine.


    "Isn''t that technically unbeatable?"


    Levi hadn''t even considered the rank of the monster, which would most likely be higher than Vile. The more he thought, the more hopeless the situation seemed, and the greater the horror that awaited him on the next floor.


    But Levi knew there was only one thing he could do.


    "Get stronger."


    That was the only thing he could do. Whether he could defeat the monster waiting on the next floor or escape the sanctum depended on his ability to evolve to the next rank.


    As he thought, Levi''s eyesnded on a small demonic crystal inside the underdeveloped bird-like creature. He took it in his hand and pushed all other thoughts aside. For now, he would absorb the essence and think about other matters once he evolved.


    He jumped down from the tree along with the cocoon, set the cocoon aside, and sat down.


    With his concentration maxed, he crushed the essence crystal and activated Lunacy. The amount of Lunacy that came out of the crystal was much less than what he had received from the Lunacy Incarnate.


    Levi focused on the essence and pushed it inside him. There wasn''t much pain as he had expected¡ªonly a slight ufortable feeling thatsted for a moment before the essence settled into his soul core. Levi opened his eyes and checked his status.


    [Demonic Essence absorbed: 53/200]


    The essence count had increased by two, a surprise since Levi only expected it to rise by one point as it did the first time. What Levi didn''t know was that the first time he had absorbed essence with the help of Providence, which was how all humans did it. This time, he used his own ability¡ªLunacy¡ªwhich was better than relying on Providence''s help.


    And the reduced pain was actually normal.


    This was the typical amount of pain humans were supposed to feel when absorbing an essence crystal. But Levi''s earlier attempt to absorb an enormous amount of essence into his body, before his essence paths had even fully formed, made it incredibly difficult and painful.


    In reality, someone at the Follower rank wasn''t even supposed to absorb a core from a Vile monster, their body couldn''t handle that burden. But Levi, being the reckless slum retard he was, tried it anyway. If it hadn''t been for his Lunacy ability, which helped him control the essence, he might have ended up as little more than a vegetable.


    Nheless, now that there were hundreds of cocoons around him, each providing one core, which meant two points to his essence. Levi could fill his core faster than he had calcted, and that thought excited him.


    His gaze involuntarily turned toward the hanging cocoons, and suddenly, a glint of Lunacy passed through his eyes.


    "Such a nice hunting ground," Levi smiled, gripping the crude spear. He wasn''t going to stop until he filled his core!


    ---***---

 Chapter 41: Friend

    After killing the first cocoon, Levi didn''t stop¡ªhe continued killing one after the other. However, as his hunt progressed, he encountered several problems.


    Firstly, his weapon¡ªa crude spear made from a wooden stick¡ªcouldn''t withstand the power of the essence he was imbuing it with. After just two uses, the stick would snap or break, forcing Levi to search for another. This constant need for recement slowed him down and added frustration to the already taxing task.


    Secondly, his essence was meager. Levi hadn''t yet formed a core, which meant the amount of essence he could store in his soul sea was very limited. Whenever he used all of it to cover the stick and attack, he had to rest for thirty minutes to recover what he had lost.


    Although Levi tried to limit his essence usage, the power of the throw wouldn''t be enough to pierce through the cocoon if he didn''t use all of it on the stick. This forced him into a cycle of brief bursts of activity followed by long periods of rest.


    Thirdly, the process of using his essence to coat the weapon and kill the cocoon was exhausting, making him hungrier by the minute. The silver lining was that the bird meat, though undeveloped and barely substantial, provided enough nutrients to sustain him.


    And that''s what he was doing right now.


    In one corner of the strangendscape, where he had killed almost all the cocoons, Levi now sat in front of a makeshift campfire. Gathering dried wood in this destend wasn''t hard, but making fire had taken a bit of time. Nevertheless, he now had a way to roast the bird meat.


    Though the birds were underdeveloped and had little meat, Levi managed to make do because there were so many of them. As he sat in front of the fire, looking up at the red sky that didn''t seem to change, he let out an exhausted sigh.


    "How can my luck be this shitty?" Leviined, ncing at the twenty or so cocoons thaty at his side. He had been hunting the cocoons for more than ten hours now, slowly bing more proficient at it.


    Using essence, which had initially seemed like a Herculean task, was starting to feel just a bit more manageable. But what worried Levi the most was the absence of even a single artifact after killing nearly twenty cocoons.


    He had known his luck wasn''t great; after all, even after killing hundreds ofrvae on the first floor, the only artifact he had received was the Essence of Lunacy, which was consumable. But Levi was somewhat relieved¡ªEssence of Lunacy had helped him a great deal. Without it, he wouldn''t have learned Lunacy, defeated the Lunacy Incarnate, or controlled essence as he had.


    Although the drop rate of artifacts seemed very low, as long as he could get another artifact as useful as the Essence of Lunacy, Levi was satisfied. But that didn''t stop him fromining. The sheer grind of the task and theck of immediate rewards weighed heavily on his spirit, leaving him to wonder just how long his perseverance would hold out in this deste ce.


    "It would have been great if Ian was with me," Levi muttered to himself, the thought of his old friend bringing a pang of nostalgia to his weary heart.


    Ian was the friend he had made in the slums. Like Levi, Ian had no one to rely on, but his situation had been a bit different. While Levi''s parents had died, leaving him an orphan, Ian had been abandoned in the slums with his younger sister. The poor boy didn''t even remember his parents'' faces, and even if he did, Ian had no desire to go back to the people who had forsaken him.


    Ian would have entered Paradise with Levi if it weren''t for his sister. Though his parents had abandoned them, Ian was unwilling to abandon her, even if it meant giving up on his dreams.


    "Dreams are a funny thing," Ian used to say. "People like us can''t afford them, Levi. Surviving is the only thing we can dare to dream."


    Remembering those words left Levi feeling bitter. He had made a contract with the Demon King, be a follower, and even joined the Mercenary Federation¡ªbut what had really changed? He was still struggling to survive, just like before.


    A defeated smile appeared on Levi''s face as he recalled Ian''s parting words when he told him he would go to Paradise.


    "You go on. I''ll pray to the gods that you be a follower¡ªdon''t forget us then."


    There hadn''t been a trace of jealousy in Ian''s words, it was as if he had epted his fate of living in the slums. And somehow, that made Levi angry. They were both in simr situations, but they had chosen different paths, driven by different values.


    "Once I get out of here, I''ll bring them to live with me," Levi resolved.


    There was a simple reason why he hadn''t gone back to them after making the contract¡ªwhat would it change? He didn''t have money, he didn''t have power, and more than that, he was a demonic follower. What if he was discovered and the siblings got dragged down with him? He wasn''t ready to take those risks, at least not then.


    But once he got out of here, Levi would make sure Ian and his sister were safe and by his side.


    "Wait for me, Ian," Levi thought, his gazending on his status.


    [Demonic Essence: 93/200]


    Absorbing 20 demonic crystals had brought him close to halfway in filling his dormant core. With more than a hundred cocoons still hanging around, Levi was confident that fully filling his core wouldn''t be a problem.


    He still had a long way to go, but with each step, he was one step closer to evolving¡ªand that thought kept him sane in this strange ce.


    ---***---


    Bonus Chapter for 50 Powerstones!


    Goals for This Week:


    50 Powerstones: 1 bonus chapter


    100 Powerstones: 2 bonus chapters


    Monthly Goals:


    Any Gifts worth 500 coins: 1 bonus chapter (added based on the gift''s value)


    10 Golden Tickets: 1 bonus chapter


    25 Golden Tickets: 2 bonus chapters

 Chapter 42: Raving Entity

    Levi had no idea how much time had passed. The sky above him remained perpetually painted in hues of blood-red, dominated by the ominous blood moon.


    In this deste ce, there was no sense of day or night¡ªonly the endless, eerie twilight. Despite the unsettling atmosphere, Levi pressed on, hunting down the ck cocoons one after another.


    Each time he killed a cocoon, the familiar notification rang in his mind.


    [You have killed a Nascent-Essence monster - Cocoon of Lunacy]


    The repetition had numbed Levi to the words.


    Without hesitation, he plucked his makeshift spear from thetest cocoon and retrieved the demonic crystal within. The cocoon, now useless to him, was discarded without a second thought. Carrying them was pointless, he had no means of storing so many, and they were beginning to pile up.


    Levi was growing ustomed to this routine.


    Hunt, rest, hunt again.


    The process had be almost mechanical. However, this time, instead of continuing his systematic ughter of the cocoons, Levi decided to venture deeper into the strange forest of twisted trees.


    It was time to search for the boss of this floor.


    "Let''s see what the boss looks like," he murmured to himself.


    Levi had avoided exploring too far into the terrain before, unsure of what might await him. But given that this floor was filled with cocoons, he reasoned that the boss would likely be something simr, just on a muchrger scale.


    His curiosity and determination outweighed his caution, and he set off into the unknown.


    After about half an hour of trudging through the deste forest filled with strange trees, Levi finally found what he was looking for.


    Before him stood a massive tree, towering above the others with a single, gigantic cocoon hanging from its branches. The cocoon was asrge as Levi himself, its surface covered in ck, feather-like structures that appeared almost alive, though Levi knew they were merely remnants of deadrvae. As he focused on the cocoon, two lines of text appeared before his eyes.


    [Raving Entity]


    [Rank: Inept-Vile (Evolving)]


    "Just as I guessed," Levi thought, his suspicions confirmed. The boss monsters in this dungeon seemed to all be in an evolving stage.


    "It''s already at the Inept-Vile rank...? What could it evolve into?"


    Levi''s curiosity was piqued, but so was his caution. He found himself torn between two choices.


    He could attack the cocoon now, trying to kill it before itpleted its evolution. This option seemed wise, as it would prevent the Raving Entity from bing something even more dangerous. However, it was not as easy as it sounded. The Raving Entity would likely have far more powerful abilities than the normal cocoons, and Levi wasn''t sure if he could handle it in its current form.


    On the other hand, Levi could wait for the cocoon to finish its evolution. While this was a riskier option, it would allow him to see what the entity would evolve into and possibly prepare for the challenges on the next floor.


    "What should I do?" Levi pondered, weighing his options.


    Both choices had their merits, but Levi didn''t feel confident enough to act on either just yet. His core wasn''t fully filled with essence, and without that, he wouldn''t stand a chance against the Raving Entity in its current or evolved form.


    In the end, Levi decided to push the decision aside for now. He would continue hunting the cocoons, building his strength and filling his core. Once he felt ready, he would return to confront the boss. For now, the ughter would continue.


    ***


    Outside the Sanctum.


    Eighteen days had passed since Levi entered the sanctum, and what was once a gathering of mere hundreds had now swelled to thousands. The crowd around the sanctum no longer consisted of just two factions; representatives from all the major families and powerful factions had converged on this single point of interest.


    The news that a special type of sanctum had appeared¡ªand that the person who entered it hadn''t emerged for nearly three weeks¡ªcaused an uproar in the world of Followers. Initially, people had gathered to seize the opportunity presented by the sanctum. But as the days passed, it became clear that whoever was inside was holding their ground, clearing the sanctum bit by bit.


    Now, the crowd was filled with a burning curiosity, who could it be?


    Among those gathered, there was a familiar face¡ªone that Levi would have instantly recognized if he were there.


    Inside a camp marked by a g bearing the image of a blind woman holding a traditional weighing scale, a group of people sat around a round table. At the head of the table was a woman who radiated authority and calm intensity.


    "Be alert! We don''t know when or what will happen. We need to seize the moment," Roze, the government representative dispatched to investigate the matter, instructed her subordinates, who sat with her inside the camp.


    Her subordinate nodded, his expression focused and tense. Roze then turned to another subordinate, her gaze sharp.


    "How is the supporting along?" she inquired.


    The subordinate hesitated before responding, "The Mercenary Federation has blocked ess to the portal for anyone other than their members. As a result, our support ising from the nearest avable portal. It will take them at least five more days to arrive, possibly a week in the worst case."


    Roze''s expression darkened at the news, her displeasure evident. "Those mercenary bastards are quick to act when it benefits them," she muttered, her voice edged with frustration.


    The sanctum was undeniably extraordinary, and the rewards for whoever was clearing it would be significant. Roze knew they couldn''t afford to let this opportunity slip through their fingers.


    Her mission from the government was clear: Recruit the person who emerged from the sanctum¡ªor ensure that no other family could im them.


    The bnce of power between the government and the influential families was already precarious, teetering on a thin thread. They couldn''t allow that bnce to be shattered, even if it meant resorting to bloodshed.


    ---***---

 Chapter 43: First Awakening

    "Finally!"


    Levi exhaled in relief as he held the final core needed topletely fill his dormant core. The ck demonic crystal felt cool in his palm as he nced at his status.


    [Demonic Essence: 199/200]


    Only one essence remained before his core reached its capacity limit. Levi''s excitement bubbled up as he anticipated what would happen next.


    Yet, despite his progress, a small twinge of disappointment nagged at him. Even after relentlessly hunting the ck cocoons, he hadn''t managed to obtain a single artifact.


    "Let''s not think about it now," Levi muttered, pushing the thought aside. Maybe his luck was piling up, and he''d eventually stumble upon a powerful artifact...hopefully.


    Refocusing, Levi crushed the crystal in his hand without hesitation and activated Lunacy.


    Over time, he had be so proficient in absorbing demonic crystals that the once taxing process now felt almost effortless. The essence flowed smoothly into his core, filling the final gap, and the liquid within his soul core gleamed a vibrant grey as it reached full capacity.


    Levi opened his eyes, hope flickering within them.


    For a moment nothing happened, but then the Providence spoke.


    [Your dormant core is overflowing with power.]


    [Your core is starting to take shape.]


    Suddenly, an unbearable heat erupted from deep within his soul. It started as a mere flicker, but in a split second, it swelled into a searing, molten ze. His chest tightened as the heat spread rapidly, crawling through his veins, igniting every nerve, every fiber, every muscle.


    "Crap!" Levi cursed aloud, clutching his chest with trembling hands.


    Then it hit him¡ªthe pain. Fierce and unrelenting, it was far worse than anything he had experienced before. The searing heat that had been contained within his soul now exploded outward, spreading like wildfire throughout his entire body.


    His skin felt like it was being scorched, every inch of it alive with burning agony. Muscles twisted and contorted, and bones felt as if they were grinding against each other, as though they were trying to tear themselves apart under the pressure of this new force.


    His very blood boiled as the heat surged through him.


    "Arghhh!!!"


    Levi''s scream tore through the air. His voice cracked under the intensity of the pain. This agony wasn''t sharp like a de but heavy and oppressive, like being submerged in molten metal. Every nerve in his body fired at once, overwhelmed with sensations of fire and pressure.


    The heat was unbearable, like a furnace consuming him from the inside out, burning him alive. His entire being trembled, his limbs convulsing uncontrobly as if his body was fighting against the transformation, rejecting the sheer magnitude of power flooding his system.


    Levi fell to his knees, gasping. His mind struggled to cling to reality as the overwhelming pain threatened to drag him under. Each breath he took was ragged, each inhale like dragging razors down his throat. But it wasn''t just his body that suffered¡ªhis soul was burning.


    The sensation was far worse than any physical torment. It felt as though his very essence was being torn apart, unraveled piece by piece. There was no respite, no way to ease the fire in his soul. It was as if invisible hands were digging into his core, ripping at him, trying to reshape the very essence of his being.


    The core seemed to be consuming him, devouring everything he was in the process of its formation.


    But through the agony, something stirred within him.


    Levi sensed something awakening.


    A power, something just as terrifying as his demonic transformation, radiated from the core of his being, flooding him with overwhelming heat.


    It was trying to shape him, to mold him into something stronger¡ªsomething greater. But it did so with fire and pain, with no mercy for his human fragility.


    As the fire coursed through his veins, Levi copsed to the ground, his body convulsing in response to the excruciating pain. He felt like he was being torn apart from the inside, as if his muscles were splitting, his bones cracking under the weight of this unbearable transformation.


    His skin burned, his mind screamed, but deep within the confines of his soul, Levi felt it¡ªhis core was taking shape.


    The searing heat began to fade, reced by an icy coldness that washed over him like a soothing balm after the firestorm that had ravaged his body. His breath came easier now, though his chest still heaved with the remnants of pain.


    [The first awakening is beginning.]


    Just when Levi thought the worst had passed, a new pain, stronger and deeper, gripped him. But this time, it wasn''t his physical body that suffered¡ªit was something far more profound.


    His soul itself felt like it was being ripped apart.


    It was as though needles were being driven into the very core of his existence, pricking every corner of his soul. Each poke brought fresh waves of torment, and though it wasn''t as agonizing as when he drank the Essence of Lunacy, it was deeper.


    The pain radiated through every corner of his being, like a thousand tiny hooks embedded into his essence, pulling, twisting, reshaping.


    His soul sea was changing, and with each moment. He felt exposed, vulnerable, as if the very fabric of his identity was being unwoven and rewoven with fire and ice. The agony ran deeper than anything physical¡ªit felt eternal, as though the process would never end.


    But Levi endured. He gritted his teeth and pushed through the pain, refusing to let it break him.


    Slowly, mercifully, the pain began to fade away. The needles pulling at his soul retracted, leaving behind a strange,forting warmth. It felt natural, like he was returning to a state he was always meant to be in¡ªas if this was his true form.


    And finally, peace.


    The waves of torment retreated, reced by soothing cold. Levi felt calm, moreposed than he had ever been. His mind was tranquil, his body strengthened, and deep within, he sensed it: the first awakening hadpleted.


    His soul had survived the fire. He had survived the fire.


    He exhaled slowly and opened his eyes.


    His body felt stronger, faster, and more enduring. It was a new feeling, one he hadn''t experienced before.


    But that wasn''t the main difference.


    Levi could now feel a new power dwelling within him, and as if to respond to his unspoken questions, Providence spoke once again.


    [Your Core has taken shape.]


    [You havepleted your first awakening.]


    [Your soul has grown stronger.]


    [Your body has grown stronger.]


    [You have awakened a new Trait Ability¡ªDomination.]


    ---***---

 Chapter 44: Domination

    Levi stared at the messages, his mind now as calm as ice. He read each one carefully.


    The first message confirmed that his dormant core had been sessfully formed.


    Intrigued, Levi dived into his soul sea and he immediately noticed the changes.


    The once empty and deste space was now more vibrant. It wasn''t a paradise, but the cracks in thend had vanished, and despite theck of a sun, a subtle twilight-like glow bathed his soul.


    Levi calmly surveyed his soul sea before his eyes settled on the single core suspended in the space.


    It had changed.


    Previously, it looked like an empty ss sphere, but now it appeared semi-transparent, made of something akin to obsidian. Though the core was still empty, Levi could feel the essence within it.


    In fact, he sensed more essence than before¡ªit seemed his capacity to hold essence had increased significantly!


    But that wasn''t the only thing Levi noticed in his soul sea. He couldn''t sense it before, but now he could. There were two strange powers residing within his soul, lurking at the horizon where he couldn''t even see them. They were dark, terrifying, and made him shudder.


    Levi had a suspicion about what they might be, after all, he felt the same sensation when he awakened his new power.


    For now, he forced his consciousness back to reality and examined his body. He was still thin, and severely malnourished, but now Levi could feel raw power coursing through his limbs.


    It was iparable to before¡ªhe clenched his fist and instantly felt like he could crush the ck cocoons with his bare hands.


    It was exhrating!


    It was as if his muscles had been rebuilt and his bones reconstructed!


    Levi stood up, stretched, and tested a few punches in the empty air. Satisfied with the results, he opened his status, eager to see what had changed.


    -----------[Status]-----------


    Name: Levias Drake


    Rank: Demonic Follower


    Patron: The Darklord of the Endless Abyss


    Affiliation: Mercenary Federation (F-rank)


    Crest: ¡ª


    Demonic Core: Nascent-Essence


    Demonic Essence: 1/1000


    Trait: Demonic Soul


    Trait Ability: Demonic Transformation | Domination


    Innate Ability: Shadow Self | Lunacy


    Artifacts: ¡ª


    Avatars: ¡ª


    -----------[Status]-----------


    The first five lines of his status remained unchanged, he was still at the rank of Demonic Follower, with nothing significant altered there.


    But the next line, where his Demonic Core had beenbeled as dormant before, now disyed something new.


    "Nascent Essence?"


    For a moment, Levi was puzzled. He had expected his evolution to somewhat mirror that of monsters, now that he possessed a core, but the appearance of a sub-rank was unexpected.


    What did this sub-rank mean? Would he continue evolving from Nascent Essence to Inept Essence, and then to Vile? He had no answers, but the presence of "Nascent" suggested there would be further stages ahead.


    As he continued reading, he was shocked by the leap in his essence capacity needed for the next evolution, which had surged from 200 to 1000!


    "How long will it take to fill a thousand essences? And then? What will the next goal be¡ª10,000?"


    Just imagining it sent a chill down his spine, but such thoughts were pointless unless he managed to stay alive until then.


    Reading further, he noticed that his trait remained unchanged, but a new ability had appeared in the Trait Ability section. Levi focused on the new ability, and its description emerged.


    --------[Domination]--------


    Ability Description: [Submit or Perish]


    Current Dominions: [0/1]


    --------[Domination]--------


    "...."


    Once again, Levi was left speechless. His first ability had a description of five words, and now this second ability had just three!


    Levi was now curious to see if the Providence would even provide a description for his next Trait Ability or not!


    And now that he thought about it, his innate abilities had rtively detailed descriptions, even if in a cryptic format, but his Trait Abilities were always brief.


    "Wait a minute, wasn''t there something about abilities in the contract?"


    Levi instantly focused on the field showing his patron, and his contract details popped up.


    ----------------[Contract]-----------------


    First Party: Levias Drake - A mortal, born of Earth.


    Second Party: The Darklord of the Endless Abyss - The ancient ruler of the infinite void


    use 1: Pact of Power


    In exchange for the Darklord''s power, Levias Drake shallplete a singr quest provided by the Darklord.


    Quest: Create a Demonic Sanctuary on Earth, founded with an Apostle of the Abyss. This Sanctuary shall serve as a beacon to those who follow the path of the Abyss and as a stronghold for demonic forces.


    Time Limit: The quest must bepleted within ten (10) Earth years. Failure toplete the quest will result in Levias Drake''s soul being devoured by the Darklord, condemning him to eternal torment in the Abyss.


    use 2: Bond of Souls


    Levias Drake''s soul is irrevocably bound to the Darklord of the Endless Abyss. Upon his death, regardless of cause or circumstance, his soul will be imed and devoured by the Darklord, with no possibility of redemption or release. The only way to nullify this use is toplete the quest in use 1.


    use 3: Inheritance of Power


    As part of this contract, Levias Drake shall inherit a unique trait from the Darklord of the Endless Abyss, adjusted to suit the power level of a mortal.


    Signed and Sealed:


    By the First Party:


    Levias Drake


    By the Second Party:


    The Darklord of the Endless Abyss


    ----------------[Contract]-----------------


    The third use¡ªit mentioned that the trait he possessed was inherited from the Dark Lord of the Endless Abyss himself. Did that mean all his trait abilities also originated from the Demon King?


    This thought sparked a deep interest in Levi.


    Could it be that Providence couldn''t decipher the trait abilities rather than intentionally blocking them? It seemed possible, but Levi wasn''t sure.


    He tucked this thought away forter and focused on his trait ability.


    Beneath the three-word description of the ability, there was another line that piqued his curiosity.


    "Current Dominions? What does that mean?"


    Once again, he had no idea, and there was no one to exin it to him. If only the Demon King could answer him¡ªit would have been helpful. But since that wasn''t possible, Levi could only look at the description with disappointment.


    0/1 ¡ú It indicated that the ability allowed him to do something, limited to a single use.


    "What could it be?"


    He didn''t know, but he decided he would explore the ability himselfter.


    The rest of his status hadn''t changed much, so Levi closed it and stood up. There was something he wanted to try now that his body and soul had been strengthened.


    Demonic Transformation¡ªhe was going to use his first ability again!


    ---***---

 Chapter 45: Insane Power

    Demonic Transformation.


    It was the first trait ability Levi had received. Though he knew it was ominous, he had still tried using it¡ªand that had led to his current situation.


    He had awakened an innate ability as a result but also had lost control of his body in the process because his body and mind weren''t strong enough to support the transformation.


    To add to the misery, he didn''t even know if the innate ability he awakened was useful or harmful.


    And now, Levi was trying it again!


    This time, however, it wasn''t a gamble¡ªLevi knew he was strong enough. He could feel it¡ªthe power surging through his body was more than sufficient, and the amount of essence he could gather had increased significantly after forming his core.


    It was enough to support his transformation.


    Although there might be some side effects, Levi was at least confident that he wouldn''t lose his mind again. With that thought, he activated his ability.


    The moment he did, an ominous power rose within him¡ªthe same sensation he had felt in his soul sea.


    A me suddenly red up from his soul and instantly spread throughout his body, delivering a mild pain that, while intense, was nothingpared to what he had experienced while forming his core.


    His bones cracked and shifted, and his muscles twisted and rebuilt themselves in seconds. Blood-red marks appeared all over his skin, his hair turned white and stood on end as if charged by lightning.


    Levi felt his spine stretch, and he grewrger in real time, surpassing six feet in mere seconds.


    His teeth sharpened, his canines extending into fangs that could easily tear through flesh. Two red horns sprouted from his forehead, piercing through his skin with a sickening crunch.


    When the pain finally subsided, Levi stood at a towering two meters, his malnourished body nowhere to be seen. The government-issued clothes he still wore were barely holding up¡ªhad they not been made of high-quality materials, they would have long since torn apart.


    Levi looked down at his body¡ªhis muscles bulged with power. He made a fist, and the air around his hand seemed to ripple from the mere motion.


    "This¡­ This is awesome!" Levi eximed.


    He felt at least twice, maybe even three times stronger than before¡ªperhaps even more.


    "Let''s see¡­ how about a punch?"


    Levi turned toward a nearby tree and started walking. It was a bit hard to get used to his altered body, he didn''t yet have full control over his movements, but he could at least move if he concentrated.


    When he reached the tree, Levi threw a punch. He didn''t put his full strength into it, but there was still plenty of force behind the blow.


    First, the speed at which his fist moved amazed him.


    Second, when his hand connected with the tree, the entire thing shook as if hit by a truck, and where his fist struck, the wood was sheared clean off!


    "Woahh!"


    But that wasn''t all¡ªLevi barely felt any resistance from the strike. It was as if he hadn''t hit something solid at all!


    "This is amazing!" Levi thought.


    If there was one thing Levi didn''t like, it was the rming rate at which his essence was being drained to maintain his transformation. He guessed that, at most, he could keep this form for about a minute and a half with his current essence reserves.


    However, if he wanted to save some essence for after the transformation ended, Levi could only sustain it for about a minute.


    "I need to keep track of time while using this ability," Levi thought. If he used it at the wrong moment, it could be a liability rather than a strength.


    After considering all that, Levi suddenly felt a surge of curiosity.


    He nced at the few makeshift spears he had gathered.


    "Will it work?" he wondered, doubting himself as he picked up one of the spears.


    Then, he turned toward a ck cocoon hanging from a distant tree. For a moment, he thought about imbuing the spear with essence, but then he decided against it.


    Instead, Levi gripped the stick tightly, holding it with such force that even a slight increase would have snapped it in two.


    He started running.


    Heavy footsteps echoed through the deste forest as he sprinted. He raised the stick against his shoulder and stretched his arm almost impossibly far back.


    "Grhhh!"


    With a heavy grunt, Levi hurled the spear like a javelin, aiming at the ck cocoon.


    The spear flew with such speed that it appeared as a blur!


    In an instant, the spear was in front of the ck cocoon. Before the creature could even activate its telekinesis, the stick collided with it.


    The impact snapped the stick in two, as it was unable to pierce the cocoon. However, the force of the blow was so immense that the cocoon was ripped from the tree and sent flying!


    "...!"


    Levi watched with wide eyes as the cocoon crashed into another tree and fell to the ground. Momentster, he heard the voice of providence.


    [You have killed a Nascent-Essence monster - Cocoon of Lunacy]


    The sheer impact had killed the creature inside the cocoon, despite its outer shell being so strong that Levi previously needed to coat his spear with essence just to pierce it!


    A smile crept across Levi''s face as he read the notification.


    This power... it was insane!


    ---***---


    Lore Snippet 10: Core


    An Essence Core is a mystical crystal formed when a high concentration of essence converges at a single point. Monsters possess varying numbers of demonic cores based on their rank. Upon a monster''s death, its cores remain intact and can be absorbed by humans.


    Humansck essence cores because their bodies aren''t naturally suited to harness essence. Topensate, they create essence paths in their bodies using divine power granted by the gods.


    But this raises a question, Humansbel monsters as parasites, draining the life of Paradise. Yet, isn''t it the humans, who were never meant to enter Paradise, who are the true parasites?

 Chapter 46: Crack!

    Levi sat about two hundred meters from the Raving Entity, by his small campfire, cooking several pieces of undeveloped bird meat. The birds were skewered on a stick and ced near the fire to cook evenly.


    Levi bit into one of the skewers, chewing the meat with a hint of irritation.


    "When is it going toe out?" Levi mumbled, weary of the monotonous taste of the meat.


    Much time had passed since Levi had formed his core, he could feel the light beard starting to grow on his face. In this period, he had killed all the ck cocoons except for the boss monster.


    The reason for leaving the boss was simple¡ªhe was waiting for it to evolve. As soon as the monster evolved, he would kill it.


    There were two reasons for this approach. Firstly, Levi was almost certain that this wasn''t thest floor of the sanctum.


    At least one more floor¡ªand with it, a new type of monster¡ªwas likely awaiting him. If he was going to fight them regardless, it made sense to do so after gaining experience from battling the evolved form of the Raving Entity. He reasoned that this opponent would probably be weaker than those he would face on the next floor and that this would prepare him for the tougher battles ahead.


    Secondly, Levi could now freely use his Demonic Transformation. Although the aftereffects left him tired and depleted, the power he gained was undeniable.


    Thus, he chose to wait. However, the uncertainty of when the evolution would ur was bing frustrating.


    "I''m really getting tired of waiting," Levi thought, contemting whether to destroy the cocoon and move to the next floor.


    Yet, he held back, ncing at the cocoon.


    [Raving Entity]


    [Rank: Wicked-Vile (Evolving)]


    The monster was on the verge of evolving into the next ranl, and Levi wondered if he could handle something even more formidable than the Vile monster.


    "Let''s wait for maybe another two naps. If it doesn''te out by then, I''ll move to the next floor," he decided.


    Two naps were his way of keeping track of time, as there was no day or night in this realm. Since he wasn''t feeling drowsy yet, he opened his status to check his demonic essence.


    [Demonic Essence: 77/1000]


    That was the essence he had gathered after eliminating all the cocoon monsters on the current floor. And along with it, he had also discovered a change since his evolution.


    Absorbing essence from demonic crystals no longer granted two points of essence but only one. It wasn''t that the essence in the crystal had decreased, but the absorbed essence was now getting more concentrated, making it more challenging to fill his core.


    Currently, he needed over nine hundred essence monster crystals or crystals from even higher-level monsters¡ªneither of which was easy.


    "Well, at least I can get some sleep," he decided.


    After setting aside some meat forter, Levi extinguished the fire and went to sleep.


    ***


    Leviy in bed, the morning sun filtering through the curtains and bathing the room in a warm, golden light. The gentle rays warmed his face, and the soft chirping of birds outside created a serene atmosphere.


    His mother entered the room with a soft smile. "My little sunshine, it''s time to wake up. Come and have breakfast," she said, her voice a soothing melody that pulled him from his slumber.


    He stirred, his eyes fluttering open. "Is it already time?"


    Levi stretchedzily and shuffled to the kitchen, where the aroma of freshly cooked food greeted him. His mother had prepared a traditional breakfast, fluffy, golden pancakes stacked high, each topped with a dollop of creamy butter and a generous drizzle of maple syrup.


    The table was set with fresh fruit¡ªsliced strawberries, blueberries, and a few wedges of ripe orange. A steaming cup of rich, aromatic coffee and a ss of freshly squeezed orange juicepleted the spread.


    They sat together, enjoying the meal. Levi savored the pancakes, their sweetness perfectlyplemented by the tang of the fruit and the warmth of the syrup.


    "So, did you sleep well, Sunshine?" his mother asked, her eyes twinkling with genuine concern.


    Levi looked up, a smile ying at his lips. "Yes, I did."


    He took another bite, adding, "The breakfast is amazing, Mom."


    His mother''s gaze softened. "Of course, who do you think made it?"


    She joked before her expression turned to concern. "You know, Sunshine, you were talking in your sleep a bit. Did something happen?"


    Levi blinked, surprised. "Really? I don''t remember that. What did I say?"


    She hesitated, her expression thoughtful. "I couldn''t make out everything, but you kept mumbling something about¡­ Lunacy,rvae¡­.cocoon? You seemed quite troubled."


    Levi frowned, trying to recall but finding no memory of it.


    "That''s strange. I don''t remember anything like that."


    "Is it? Leave it then. How was your game yesterday?"


    "Oh! That, you know Mom, I managed to score a goal! You should have seen the face¡­"


    They continued their conversation, discussing Levi''s day, his ns, and sharing light-hearted jokes. Levi began to rx, enjoying theforting presence of his mother.


    Just as he was about to ask his mother more about her day, her face suddenly changed. She looked at him with a puzzled expression. "Why are you crying, Sunshine? Is something wrong?"


    Levi was taken aback by her question and his hand instinctively moved to his face.


    His fingers came away damp, and he realized he had been crying. "What? I¡ªI am crying¡­?"


    Before he could react further, the tranquility of the scene shattered. The room around them seemed to blur, the warm light from the morning sun dimming as shadows stretched and twisted. The kitchen dissolved into a haze of darkness, and Levi reached out for his mother, but his hand met only empty air.


    "Mom¡­!"


    His eyes snapped open, and the familiar destend came into view. It took a few seconds for reality to sink in, before Levi realized it had all been a dream.


    "...Ah!" he gasped, his hands involuntarily moving to his eyes. His eyes were wet.


    "It seems I was crying in my sleep too," he murmured, his voice tinged with confusion.


    A dryugh escaped him as he shook his head.


    Suddenly, his attention was drawn to the cocoon of the Raving Entity. And his heart skipped a beat as he saw it.


    The cocoon was cracking!


    ---***---

 Chapter 47: Black Wing of Lunacy

    Levi''s heart raced as he watched the cocoon crack further, dark tendrils of smoke seeping through the fissures.


    He quickly wiped away the remnants of tears from his face, forcing the lingering emotions from his dream to the back of his mind. Now was not the time for sentimentality¡ªa formidable opponent was about to emerge.


    The cocoon split open with a sickening crack, and a creature unlike anything Levi had seen before crawled out.


    It was vaguely humanoid, but that''s where the simrities to anything normal ended. Its skin was a sickly, mottled gray, covered in pulsating veins that glowed an eerie purple. Multiple eyes, each a different size and color, dotted its face and torso, constantly shifting and blinking independently.


    What caught Levi''s attention most, however, were the massive, bat-like wings sprouting from the creature''s back. They were easily twice the length of its body, covered in the same mottled gray skin, with veins pulsing beneath the surface.


    Yet, despite their impressive size, the wings appeared underdeveloped, twitching and fluttering uselessly as the monster struggled to its feet.


    Levi instinctively took a step back, his hand reaching for one of his makeshift spears before thinking better of it. There was no way that this stick would deal any damage to the monster in front of him when they were incapable of even piercing through normal cocoons.


    Instead, he focused on the creature, and the familiar notification popped up.


    [ck Wing of Lunacy]


    [Rank: (---)]


    "What the hell?" Levi muttered, his brow furrowing.


    The rank was obscured, something he hadn''t seen before. After a moment of contemtion, he realized what it might mean. "It''s still evolving, isn''t it? Even after emerging from the cocoon?"


    It seemed like the monster was in the process of evolving from Vile rank to Fallen rank and if there was one thing that he realized now - it was that he had to kill it before it could evolve sessfully.


    The ck Wing of Lunacy''s head snapped towards Levi, all of its eyes focusing on him at once. Without warning, it let out a bone-chilling shriek that echoed through the destendscape, causing Levi to wince and cover his ears.


    The creature then lunged forward with frightening speed, and Levi made a split-second decision.


    He discarded his crude spear, knowing it would be useless against this monstrosity. Instead, he clenched his fists and adopted a fighting stance. If he was going to have any chance against this evolving entity, he needed to rely on his own strength and agility.


    "Alright, you ugly bastard," Levi growled, "let''s dance."


    The ck Wing of Lunacy closed the distance in an instant, its elongated arm smashing into the ground where Levi had been standing, leaving a small crater. Levi barely managed to dodge, rolling to the side and quickly regaining his footing.


    He couldn''t help but notice how the creature''s movements seemed uncoordinated, almost as if it was still getting used to its new form.


    Seizing the opportunity, Levi charged forward, aiming a powerful punch at what appeared to be the monster''s torso.


    But as his fist was about to make contact, the ck Wing''s body seemed to ripple and shift. Levi''s hand passed through harmlessly, as if striking smoke.


    "What the¡ª" Levi''s exmation was cut short as a powerful blow caught him in the side, sending him flying several meters. He hit the ground hard, the air knocked from his lungs.


    Gasping for breath, Levi scrambled to his feet.


    The creature was already upon him again, its form constantly shifting and warping. Levi tried to defend himself, throwing punches and kicks wherever he saw an opening, but each time he thought he had predicted its movements, the ck Wing would change shape, attacking from impossible angles.


    Then a tendril of darknessshed out, wrapping around Levi''s ankle and yanking him off his feet. He hit the ground face-first, tasting blood in his mouth. The creature dragged him closer, its multiple eyes gleaming with malevolent hunger.


    Levi however, managed to twist his body, using the momentum to kick at the tendril with his free leg.


    The ck Wing recoiled, releasing its grip, and Levi took the opportunity to put some distance between them.


    "This is dangerous"


    His mind raced, trying to formte a strategy. The ck Wing of Lunacy''s ability to alter its form made conventional attacks useless. He needed to find a weakness, and fast. As he observed the creature, Levi noticed that its wings, despite their impressive size, seemed to be more of a hindrance than an asset. They dragged on the ground, asionally causing the monster to stumble.


    "Those wings," Levi thought, "they''re not fully developed."


    As if sensing his thoughts, the ck Wing''s body began to undte more violently. Suddenly, multiple tendrils shot out in all directions, creating a web of darkness around Levi.


    He ducked and weaved, narrowly avoiding being ensnared, but he was quickly running out of room to maneuver.


    Levi''s eyes darted around, looking for any advantage in the barrenndscape. The only thing he found was the huge tree that previously held the cocoon of this monstrosity.


    Then he thought of a n!


    The ck wing of Lunacy didn''t seem to be adjusted to its body, then it is very unlikely that it could fly - wouldn''t it be advantageous if he could fight it in a ce where he could have higher footing?


    He didn''t have much time to think so he decided to go along with that.


    With a burst of speed, Levi sprinted towards the rocks. The ck Wing of Lunacy gave chase, its massive wings pping uselessly, creating gusts of wind but failing to lift the creature off the ground.


    As Levi reached the tree, he quickly scaled it, using his agility.


    The monster followed, but its bulky form and unwieldy wings made the climb difficult. Levi saw his chance. He leaped from a high point, aiming tond on the creature''s back, between its wings.


    His n was to damage those underdeveloped appendages, maybe he could gain the upper hand then.


    But the ck Wing was more aware than Levi had given it credit for.


    As he descended, the creature''s body shifted once again. What Levi thought was its back suddenly became a gaping maw, lined with razor-sharp teeth. He realized his mistake toote.


    Pain exploded through Levi''s body as the monster''s teeth sank into his flesh. He cried out in agony, feeling the creature''s jaw tightening around his midsection.


    With desperate strength, Levi pounded his fists against the monster''s head, trying to force it to release him.


    The ck Wing of Lunacy shook its head violently, like a dog with a chew toy, before flinging Levi against the same tree.


    Levi hit the tree with a sickening crunch, feeling ribs crack under the impact. As he slid to the ground, leaving a trail of blood on its bark, Levi''s vision blurred.


    He could see the ck Wing approaching, its form seeming to growrger and more defined with each passing moment.


    The obscured rank in his vision flickered, and Levi realized with dawning horror that the creature waspleting its evolution right before his eyes.


    As the monster loomed over him, Levi knew he had severely underestimated this evolved form. His normal abilities weren''t enough tobat this monstrosity. With the taste of copper filling his mouth, Levi knew he had only one option left.


    "Time for round two," Levi thought grimly and activated his demonic transformation.


    ---***---

 Chapter 48: Nascent-Fallen

    The taste of copper lingered in Levi''s mouth as he activated his demonic transformation. He had made a grave mistake by underestimating the ck Wing of Lunacy, but he wasn''t about to repeat that mistake.


    As the transformation took hold, Levi felt raw power surge through his body, reshaping him into something far more menacing.


    His form began to change in real-time, bones cracking and muscles bulging. In mere seconds, Levi stood at a massive two meters tall, dwarfing his previous stature.


    Menacing ws extended from his fingers, sharp enough to rend flesh with ease. Blood-red horns sprouted from his forehead, their wicked points gleaming ominously under the crimson moon that hung in the sky of this twisted realm.


    The ck Wing of Lunacy, which had previously towered over Levi, now seemed to shrink inparison to his demonic form.


    Levi''s gaze dropped to his torso, where the monster''s teeth had torn into his flesh just moments ago. To his amazement, the wound had already stopped bleeding and was closing at an incredible rate.


    "Fascinating," Levi thought, making a mental note to study this ability further when he had the chance.


    The demonic transformation clearly held more secrets than he had initially realized. But for now, he needed to focus on the task at hand ¨C defeating the evolving monstrosity before him.


    The ck Wing seemed taken aback by Levi''s sudden metamorphosis, its multiple eyes blinking rapidly in what might have been surprise.


    However, it quickly recovered itsposure and lunged forward with heavy steps, its elongated arm wing at Levi with deadly intent.


    This time, Levi could see the attack clearly. His enhanced reflexes and heightened senses made the monster''s movements seem almost sluggish inparison. There was no way he was going to let itnd a hit on him again.


    In thest few days, Levi had dedicated himself to getting used to the demonic transformation. His progress had been remarkable, and now it was time to put that practice to the test.


    With a graceful movement that belied his new, hulking form, Levi crouched low, allowing the ck Wing''s arm to pass harmlessly overhead. In the same fluid motion, he surged upward, his fist shing forward with incredible speed, aimed directly at the creature''s torso.


    The ck Wing noticed the iing attack and immediately began to use its shape-shifting ability, its body starting to ripple and distort. But Levi was prepared for this. In a split-second decision, he activated his other ability ¨C Lunacy!


    A burst of sickly green aura erupted from Levi, washing over the ck Wing and striking at its mind. While not powerful enough to drive the creaturepletely insane, the ability served its purpose ¨C momentarily disrupting the monster''s concentration and halting its shape-shift mid-process.


    A predatory smile crept across Levi''s face as he noticed the ck Wing''s ability falter. Seizing the opportunity, he channeled his demonic essence into his fist, coating it with a dark, swirling energy.


    The impact was devastating.


    Levi''s enhanced fist met the ck Wing''s partially shifted torso with a resounding boom that echoed across the destendscape.


    The creature stumbled backward, a clear imprint of Levi''s fist visible on its mottled skin.


    "How was that, huh?" Levi taunted, his voice deeper and more menacing in his transformed state.


    But he didn''t wait for a response. Instead, he pressed his advantage, unleashing a barrage of essence-infused punches on the still-reeling monster, not caring about his essence stock which was running out rapidly.


    His attack was very effective, the ck Wing, caught off guard by the sudden reversal of fortune, struggled to defend itself against Levi''s onught.


    Each punchnded with bone-crushing force, sending shockwaves through the creature''s body. Its attempts to shift and evade were consistently thwarted by well-timed bursts of Levi''s Lunacy ability.


    As Levi continued his relentless assault, he felt a sense of exhration.


    The power flowing through him was intoxicating, and for the first time since entering this nightmarish realm of the sanctum, he felt truly in control. The ck Wing, which had seemed so terrifying just moments ago, now appeared slow and clumsy inparison to his enhanced abilities.


    However, as Levi prepared tond another crushing blow, something deep within him rang an rm.


    And acting on pure instinct, he leaped backward, his wed feet digging furrows in the ground as he skidded to a halt.


    A fraction of a secondter, one of the crude spears he had prepared earlier whistled through the air, embedding itself in the ground where he had been standing. The wooden shaft quivered from the impact, ck essence coating its surface and sizzling ominously.


    "Damn fuck!" Levi cursed, realizing what had just happened.


    The ck Wing had used telekinesis, an ability he had almost forgotten about in the heat of battle.


    The ck Wing''s multiple eyes focused on Levi, a newfound wariness now in its alien gaze.


    The creature''s body began to undte more violently, and Levi sensed that it was preparing for something big.


    Suddenly, the air around them seemed to thicken, bing heavy with malevolent energy. The ck Wing''s wings, which had been little more than useless appendages until now, began to twitch and expand. The veins pulsing beneath their surface glowed brighter, and before Levi''s eyes, they started to grow and reshape themselves.


    "Shit," Levi muttered, realizing that the creature''s evolution was elerating. The obscured rank in his vision flickered again, and for a brief moment, he caught a glimpse of what it was bing.


    [ck Wing of Lunacy]


    [Rank: Nascent-Fallen]


    Once again, Levi''s senses screamed at him, to act fast. If the creaturepleted its evolution, it would be even more powerful. He needed to end this fight quickly.


    With a roar that was part battle cry and part frustration, Levi charged forward once again. But this time, the ck Wing was ready for him. As Levi approached, the creature''s newly empowered wings swept forward, creating a gust of wind so powerful it momentarily staggered him.


    Levi instinctively covered his eyes, bracing against the sudden gust of wind. When the wind finally subsided, he cautiously opened his eyes. His face instantly went pale with shock and disbelief.


    In front of him stood not just one, but a swarm of ck Wing monsters, all surging toward him with terrifying speed and intent.


    ---***---

 Chapter 49: Flock!

    "Fucking¡­ hell," Levi growled, his eyes darting from one ck Wing to another. What had once been a single entity had now split into a swarm of monsters, all charging toward him with bloodlust in their eyes.


    "Are they illusions?" His mind raced, trying to make sense of the scene unfolding before him. But his gut told him otherwise. Each of these creatures moved with the same ferocity and precision as the original ck Wing. They were too real¡ªtoo dangerous¡ªto be simple tricks.


    "Shit!" Levi cursed as the swarm closed in. There was no time to devise a n, no time to distinguish which¡ªif any¡ªwas the real one. Each one of these ck Wings seemed identical, their muscles rippling with a deadly intent as they surged toward him.


    He had barely a moment to brace himself before the first wave hit like a freight train of flesh and bone.


    The impact was brutal¡ªws shed at his skin, teeth sunk into his shoulders, and blows pummeled his gut. Yet, through the chaos, Levi noticed something crucial,


    ''Weak!''


    Despite their numbers and ferocity, these ck Wings were far weaker than the original. It was as if the creature had divided itself into many, sacrificing strength for numbers. Levi''s demon form held its ground, his muscles straining as he fended off the relentless assault.


    With a growl, he tore through the nearest ck Wing with his ws, sending a spray of dark blood into the air. His leg swung like a hammer, crushing the head of another creature. Without pausing, he sank his canines into the shoulder of a third monster, adrenaline surging as he shed, kicked, and tore into his enemies.


    There was no technique to his movements, no elegance¡ªjust raw, unfiltered bloodshed.


    For every ck Wing he felled, two more seemed to take its ce. They wed at him, bit into him, and ripped at his flesh, but Levi pressed on, refusing to yield.


    Pain exploded across his back as sharp talons found their mark. Levi roared in fury, spinning to face his attacker, only to have another ck Wing lunge at him from the side. Its long, sinewy arm whipped toward his face, and he barely deflected the blow, stumbling from the sheer force of it.


    Blood dripped from countless wounds, and his breath came in ragged gasps. He was tiring. Each defense, each strike drained him further. His essence was running low, and he knew he couldn''t keep this up forever.


    "Goddammit!" Levi spat, his frustration mixing with the metallic taste of blood in his mouth.


    Before he could gather himself, another hard hit sent him reeling. He stumbled, his foot catching on the uneven ground, and he fell hard. The impact knocked the wind from his lungs, and before he could react, the swarm of ck Wings piled on top of him, a suffocating mass of ws and fangs.


    In that desperate moment, a new idea hit Levi like lightning. He had been going about this all wrong. Brute force wouldn''t win this fight¡ªhe needed to outsmart the creature.


    "Arrrghhh!" Levi roared, summoning everyst ounce of strength left in his battered body and coating the essence around himself.


    With a surge of power, he scattered the ck Wings like broken toys. As he forced himself back onto his feet, a strategy began to take shape in his mind.


    "Fucking shithead," he snarled through clenched teeth. "I swear I''m gonna roast you into chicken."


    Focusing his remaining essence into his core, Levi activated Lunacy!


    A sickly green aura began to build around him, pulsing with chaotic energy. The ck Wings, momentarily stunned by his resurgence, regrouped and charged at him again, a tidal wave of gnashing teeth and ws.


    Levi stood firm, letting the Lunacy energy swirl around him like a storm. Just as the first of the ck Wings closed in, he unleashed the power in a wave of chaotic green light, bathing the entire horde in its insanity-inducing glow.


    And immediatly, his eyes darted between the creatures, searching for any sign of a reaction. Most of the ck Wings kepting, their minds too alien or focused to be affected by Lunacy. But then, at the back of the swarm, Levi saw it¡ªa single ck Wing faltered, its movements bing erratic as Lunacy seeped into its mind.


    "Found you," Levi growled, his eyes lighting up with a predatory grin.


    With reckless action, Levi charged through the mass of monsters, no longer caring to fight them off. His singr focus now was the original ck Wing¡ªthe one which was affected by his Lunacy.


    ws tore at his flesh, but Levi ignored the pain, his demon healing working overtime to mend the wounds almost as quickly as they appeared.


    Each step brought him closer to his target, and as he neared the creature, Levi unleashed another pulse of Lunacy.


    His essence reserves plummeted dangerously low, but he didn''t care. His gamble was paying off.


    The affected ck Wing convulsed violently, struggling to maintain control.


    Levi had guessed right¡ªthe ck Wing had divided itself into numerous entities, not cloned. It had spread its power too thin, and now, under the influence of Lunacy, it was losing its grip on its own body.


    Normally, the ck Wing would have resisted a mental attack from someone of Levi''s caliber, but the strain of dividing itself had left it vulnerable. Now, the very skill it had relied on was proving fatal.


    Realizing its error, the original ck Wing let out a guttural screech, and the other ck Wings immediately rushed to form a wall between Levi and their master.


    They blocked his path, wing and shing at him to buy time for the original to recover. But Levi''s focus remained unwavering.


    His eyes narrowed, an insane grin creeping across his face. He was so close¡ªthere was no way he was letting this one get away.


    "You''re mine."


    At that moment, the lunacy in Levi''s eyes was nerve-chilling!


    ---***---


    Hello dear readers,


    I have a small announcement to make¡ªour book is nearing 50 chapters, and I''ve decided to go premium! This change will likely happen within the next two chapters.


    I would also like to ask for a small favor¡ªplease take a moment to leave a rating and write a review. It only takes two minutes, but it can help new readers decide whether to start reading and will be a great motivation for me as well!


    Writing slow-paced stories can be challenging, especially since it takes time for them to gain poprity. Your support is what keeps authors like us going!


    Thank you all, and I hope you''ll continue to support the journey ahead!

 Chapter 50: Black Wing Defeated!

    Levi burst through the wall of monsters that surged forward to block him from both sides. The impact hit him like a truck, but the power he wielded through his demonic transformation was too great to be pushed back.


    Copies of the ck wing wed at him, teeth sank into his flesh, but Levi pressed forward, indifferent to their attacks and futile attempts to stop him.


    The ck Wing of Lunacy, the creature he had initially faced, was on the brink of evolving into the Nascent-Fallen rank, and somewhere during the battle, it hadpleted its evolution.


    But for the monster''s misfortune¡ªor Levi''s fortune¡ªmost of its power had been spent on the transformation, leaving it unadjusted to its new form.


    On top of it, when the ck Wing used its unique skill to create a flock of copies, its strength was divided, reducing each clone to no more than a Nascent-Essence or Inept-Essence level. In contrast, Levi, in his demonic transformation, had reached near-vile rank.


    There was no stopping him now.


    Levi tore through the flock, unstoppable, until he came face to face with the true ck Wing of Lunacy.


    "Hiding at the back? Is that all you''ve got?" Levi roared, his voice dripping with disdain.


    Surprisingly, the ck Wing responded, its multiple eyes rolling wildly, unfocused and confused. Yet even in its frenzied state, its survival instinct red.


    The creatureshed out with a grotesquely elongated arm, the limb stretching and warping unnaturally. Levi dodged the strike, noting how the movementcked precision. The Lunacy was working, throwing the ck Wing off-bnce, preventing it from fully utilizing its power.


    Seizing the moment, Levi closed the distance, channeling his remaining essence into his right arm. Dark energy swirled around his clenched fist as he unleashed a thunderous uppercut, the force of the blow shaking the air around them. His fist collided with the creature''s beak-like jaw, the impact releasing a shockwave that rippled through the battlefield.


    That was the limit of the ck Wing- the movement it took Levi''s attack, it could no longer maintain its skill causing the fake ck Wings to dissolve into gaseous essence.


    Even then, Levi''s attention remained fixed on the true ck Wing. The monster''s head snapped back, its body lifted off the ground by the force of the punch. But Levi wasn''t done. As the creature staggered, he pressed the attack.


    His ws gleamed in the crimson light as he unleashed a relentless flurry of strikes, each one targeting the creature''s vital points. Whether those points were effective or not, he didn''t care.


    The ck Wing''s shape-shifting ability activated instinctively, its body warping and twisting in an attempt to avoid the worst of the damage.


    But the lingering effects of Lunacy made its transformations erratic, iplete.


    Levi''s assault continued, brutal and unrelenting. Each strike tore through the ck Wing''s defenses, shredding flesh, and splintering bone. The monster''s shrieks of agony filled the air, desperate and deafening.


    In a final, decisive blow, Levi drove his fist deep into the ck Wing''s torso, feeling something give way beneath his ws. His hand closed around a pulsing mass of condensed essence¡ªa demonic core.


    The creature''s eyes widened, filled with terror. It knew, as did Levi, that even without its heart, losing its core meant death.


    "You''re finally showing the expression I wanted," Levi growled, locking eyes with the monster. A cold smile tugged at his lips.


    Panic seized the ck Wing as it thrashed, struggling to dislodge Levi. But Levi was relentless, his grip unyielding. He hade too far, fought too hard, to falter now. Summoning thest reserves of his strength, he channeled every ounce of his essence into his arm.


    "You''re dead," he snarled, his voice distorted by the demonic transformation. With one final surge of power, he crushed the core in his fist.


    A blinding sh erupted from the core, forcing Levi to shield his eyes as a deafening screech tore through the battlefield.


    When the light faded, Levi opened his eyes, and the ck Wing of Lunacyy motionless.


    It was over.


    He had won.


    Exhaustion mmed into Levi, his demonic transformation unraveling as thest of his essence drained away. His body returned to its human form, battered and broken, barely able to stand as the adrenaline faded.


    Through blurred vision, Levi noticed something materializing in front of him.


    [You have killed a Nascent-Fallen monster- ck Wing of Lunacy.]


    [You have gained an artifact¡­]


    But Levi was in no state to read them. As the edges of his consciousness darkened, another notification shed.


    [Your trait ability- Domination is activated!]


    Then, everything went ck, and Levi knew no more.


    ***


    Inside Levi''s mind¡ªwithin the darkness that clouded his consciousness¡ªsat a single entity, eerily simr to him, observing everything through Levi''s eyes. The only visible difference between them was in its gaze¡ªits eyes were aze with crimson mes, burning with an infernal rage.


    It watched intently as Levi faced the ck Wing of Lunacy, fighting with everything he had. When Levi activated his demonic transformation, the entity noticed something new. This time, it didn''t get the chance to take control. Levi had be strong enough to withstand the power of transformation.


    "A pity," the dark twin thought, continuing its silent observation.


    As the battle raged on, the ck Wing multiplied itself, catching Levi off guard for a moment.


    The entity''s fiery eyes gleamed, curious to see how Levi would respond. When Levi unleashed his Lunacy ability, the twin''s expression soured. It wasn''t the skill itself that bothered it but how Levi used it.


    "Tch, he has no idea how to wield it," the twin muttered to itself, frustration brewing beneath its calm exterior.


    As the battle reached its climax, Levi unleashed everyst drop of his power,pletely draining his essence. The ck Wing of Lunacy crumbled under the assault, and with its death, Providence spoke.


    An artifact materialized from the essence of the in ck Wing, but Levi''s vision began to blur.


    Thest remnants of light in the void of darkness faded, as Levi was pulled into unconsciousness. Yet, the dark twin noticed something in that short movement¡ªa shift.


    Levi''s new trait ability was activating. The entity''s frown twisted into a satisfied grin.


    "Finding a Dominion so soon... lucky bastard," it muttered as Levi''s eyes finally closed, leaving the twin alone in the darkness once more.


    ---***---

 Chapter 51: Dominion

    Consciousness returned to Levi slowly, apanied by a strange sensation.


    ¡ª Crow!


    Something pecked at his face, persistent and irritating. Levi tried to ignore it but he couldn''t.


    His eyes fluttered open and met by the ominous glow of a red moon looming in the sky- it was as beautiful and sinister as always.


    "Ha!"


    It took a moment for Levi''s mind to catch up, to recall what had happened before he passed out.


    "The ck Wing... it''s dead."


    The memory of the messages and his battle with the ck wing of lunacy shed in his mind and he slowly realized his situation.


    Then he tried to sit up, which was a bad decision because pain shot through him, every muscle screaming in protest, a reminder of the battle he had endured.


    "Fuck!"


    Gritting his teeth, Levi forced himself upright and looked at his fral body.


    His body was a wreck¡ªcovered in scars, bruises, and clots. But thanks to his demonic transformation, most of the blood loss had been halted, and his wounds were already closing.


    It wasn''t on the level of superhuman regeneration, but his recovery had begun. It might take days before he regained his full strength.


    The government-issued clothes were now in tatters, barely clinging to his body. Their quality meant nothing against the ck Wing of Lunacy, whose power was enough to shred them with a single w.


    Nevertheless, as his vision cleared, Levi''s gaze fell upon a small ck bird perched on hisp. Norger than his fist, it stared at him with beady eyes.


    "Huh...?"


    Confusion clouded his mind.


    The bird resembled the ravens he had seen in the slums, though smaller, and its eyes gleamed with intelligence,


    Levi''s instincts screamed danger as soon as heid his eyes upon the small bird and numerous thoughts began to form in his mind.


    Was this another monster? Had he missed a cocoon, which managed to evolve? Could the ck Wing of Lunacy have another form, maybe a skill to change its body?


    A flood of thoughts ran through his mind and all of them seemed equally possible!


    But as the tiny creature hopped from his leg, tilting its head inquisitively, those notions instantly faded to the back of his head.


    ''Why is this thing so cute?''


    Levi couldn''t help but think.


    The creature on hisp was definitely a monster, he could tell from the essence that was leaking out of its tiny body and the intelligence that nestled in its eyes.


    However, the bird, with its tiny ck wings, glossy feathers, and round red eyes, looked almost... adorable. If it weren''t for the grim situation, he might''ve mistaken it for a doll.


    "What are you?" Levi rasped still not daring to touch the ck bird.


    The bird blinked, offering no response. Of course, it wouldn''t¡ªunless it had the rare ability to speak- which Levi doubted.


    It simply hopped around him, running aimlessly.


    Shaking off his confusion, Levi turned his attention to where the ck Wing''s corpse should have been and his eyes widened in shock.


    "Huh?"


    The monstrous body of the ck wing of Lunacy which he had managed to kill after an exhausting battle had vanished!


    And its ce, only a pendanty on the ground, emitting a faint, shimmering glow.


    It was an artifact!


    Levi''s breath hitched.


    One part of him wondered where the corpse had gone, while another urged him to check out the artifact immediately.


    But he did neither.


    Instead, he recalled the messages that the Providence had shown before he lost consciousness, and with his thought, the messages began to reappear.


    As they reappeared before him, Levi noticed that there were more than he had anticipated.


    [You have killed a Nascent-Fallen monster¡ªck Wing of Lunacy.]


    [You have gained an artifact¡ªEternal Vigil.]


    These were the messages Levi had seen earlier and what he had expected - after so much trouble, he had finally gained an artifact!


    His first artifact was a consumable item so this could be considered the first proper artifact that he had got his hands on.


    The name itself made him curious and the fact that this hase from a Fallen rank monster only increased his expectations!


    But before he could check out the artifact, the messages that followed caught his attention.


    [Your trait ability¡ªDomination has been activated.]


    [A suitable soul for the creation of a Dominion has been found.]


    [The body of the ''ck Wing of Lunacy'' will be used as fuel.]


    Levi''s gaze involuntarily shifted to the small bird darting around him.


    He nced back and forth between the word ''Dominion'' and the ck bird, piecing things together.


    He didn''t have to be a genius to figure out that this bird and the dominion mentioned had some connection.


    And he also understood where the ck Wing''s body had gone, but the concept of a ''Dominion'' was still a mystery to him.


    To be precise, Levi didn''t even know what his second trait ability did - all it had in its description were three words [Submit or Perish] and regretfully, he didn''t have a high enough IQ to decipher something like that.


    So instead of wasting his time on useless thoughts, Levi moved on to the next messages.


    [Your Dominion has taken shape.]


    [You have taken the first step toward the path of the Abyss.]


    The Path of Abyss.


    This word rang a bell in Levi''s mind - he had seen this in the contract he made with the demon king.


    The Contract said that the Demon Sanctuary he would build would serve as a beacon for those who follow the Path of the Abyss.


    But there was nothing about what exactly was this path of the abyss nor did it mention anything on who the followers of the abyss are.


    Levi was once again troubled, none of this made any sense to him and the messages also ended there.


    Curiosity gnawed at him, and Levi wasn''t one to take things at face value. He did what he knew best¡ªhe opened his status.


    -----------[Status]-----------


    Name: Levias Drake


    Rank: Demonic Follower


    Patron: The Darklord of the Endless Abyss


    Affiliation: Mercenary Federation (F-rank)


    Crest: ¡ª


    Demonic Core: Nascent-Essence


    Demonic Essence: 77/1000


    Trait: Demonic Soul


    Trait Ability: Demonic Transformation | Domination


    Dominions: --- (ck Wing of Lunacy)


    Innate Ability: Shadow Self | Lunacy


    Artifacts: ¡ª


    Avatars: ¡ª


    -----------[Status]-----------


    Just below his trait ability, a new field had appeared as ''Dominions.'' Levi instantly realized it was connected to his newly activated trait ability.


    But what he saw there didn''t make him feel any better.


    He nced from the small bird to the text, back and forth a few times before letting out his thoughts.


    "How is this the ck Wing of Lunacy?"


    The creature he had fought was a nightmare¡ªsomething he''d avoid if given the chance. But this little bird? It was just a small raven.


    Levi couldn''t fathom how Providence judged this tiny creature to be the ck Wing of Lunacy. But that wasn''t his concern - right now, he wanted to know what this Dominion was and what it would do.


    Everything felt so muddled and his mind was clouded with confusion.


    Shaking his head, Levi focused on the Dominion field and was startled when a description of the dominion and the status of the small bird appeared before him.


    ---***---

 Chapter 52: Noir

    Levi was very disappointed to see that the body of the ck Wing of Lunacy had vanished. The Providence had imed that the body was used to create the small bird, but that only intensified his frustration.


    A Fallen-rank monster''s body, even if it was a pseudo-Fallen rank, was extremely valuable. Not to mention the demonic crystals that would have apanied it.


    Levi had entered Paradise with the initial goal of earning money to attend the Favored Ones Academy, but his intentions had shifted along the way.


    "How much essence could I have gained from a Fallen rank core?" Levi pondered.


    Given that the monster wasn''t fully evolved much like the Lunacy Incarnate he had faced before, he could have obtained at least two cores. The third core was likely not fully formed, and he had even destroyed one of the cores during the battle.


    But even a single core would have provided an enormous amount of essence strengthening him considerably, but now he had none.


    Levi had also hoped to sell the monster''s body for some money, but that possibility was also dashed by the sudden activation of his ability.


    Despite his frustration, Levi''s attention was drawn to the screens that appeared before him. The disappointment momentarily faded as he focused on the new information.


    ----[Dominions]----


    The one who inherited the power of the Darklord¡ª you should have a legion of your own. Whenever a soul worthy of walking the path of the Abyss appears, you can create dominions using them. Their souls either Submit or Perish!


    ----[Dominions]----


    The Dominions field now had a precise description, clearly defining what Dominions were.


    "Aren''t they like pets then?" Levi mused, his mind instantly thinking about all the things he could do with them.


    He could use them as mounts, or as battle pets or he could just rent them out for other followers while he could rest easy - there were many things he could think of.


    But deep down, he knew it wasn''t that simple.


    Domination was a Trait Ability that he inherited from the Darklord of the Endless Abyss, and it was far from simple. There was undoubtedly more to it, but Levi had no way of knowing these secrets immediately. He would have to explore and unravel the full extent of its power gradually as he continued to use the ability in the future.


    For now, he continued to examine the status of the ckbird that had appeared before him.


    ----[ck Wing of Lunacy]----


    Name: ---


    Rank: Essence Monster


    Master: Levias Drake


    Demonic Core: Nascent


    Demonic Essence: 0/100


    Trait: Death''s Hier


    Trait Abilities: Carrion Feast | Phantom Flock | MorphWing


    Innate Ability: Lunacy


    ----[ck Wing of Lunacy]----


    ...That was a lot to take in. For a moment, Levi was speechless, staring at the small bird nudging his neck.


    "Does this thing really have so many abilities?"


    A typical Essence Monster would possess a single Trait Ability at most, but this small creature had four¡ªthree Trait Abilities and one Innate Ability- that was truly something!


    Levi recognized the innate ability - Lunacy, so he moved on to examine the Trait and Trait Abilities.


    ----[Death''s Hier]----


    Harbingers of Death¡ªwherever the ck Wing ps its wings, death follows.


    ----[Death''s Hier]----


    Levi''s interest was piqued by this Trait, which was as peculiar as his own but provided no clear understanding. He concentrated on its abilities instead and continued reading.


    ----[Carrion Feast]----


    Ability Description: [Feasts on the bodies of the dead and absorbs their essence.]


    ¡ª---[Carrion Feast]-----


    ----[Phantom Flock]-----


    Ability Description: [A flock of phantoms dwells in the shadows of the ck Wing, waiting for their master''smand.]


    ----[Phantom Flock]----


    ----[MorphWing]----


    Ability Description: [Ever-shifting and ever-changing, the ck Wing morphs itself at will.]


    ----[MorphWing]----


    Levi began to understand the abilities better than expected.


    Perhaps he was improving and getting used to the system''s way of conveying things.


    Anyway, the first ability, Carrion Feast, allowed the bird to consume the bodies of monsters. He wasn''t sure yet what the bird could absorb, but he would discover that over time.


    The second ability, Phantom Flock, intrigued him most. It suggested that a flock of phantoms resided in the ck Wing''s shadows and could bemanded by its master.


    Now that he noticed, the ck wing''s shadow looked deeper and darkerpared to his own.


    Curious, Levi called out, "Come out."


    The ckbird suddenly turned towards Levi at hismand, and a momentter, its shadow began to move.


    From the depths of the shadow, nine phantoms leaped into the sky, gliding effortlessly.


    Levi''s eyes widened in surprise as he observed the phantoms. They resembled the ckbird, but unlike their small form- they were fully grown, their eyes glowing with a crimson aura.


    And what surprised Levi most was that each phantom was as strong as a Dormant Monster.


    [Phantom Wing - Dormant Monster]


    Trait: None


    Innate Abilities: Phantom Mirror | Shared Sight


    Though these monsterscked Trait Abilities, they possessed useful powers. Levi quickly grasped their functions.


    The first ability allowed them to use a portion of the ck bird''s power, while Shared Sight enabled them to project their view into others'' eyes¡ªessentially functioning like drone cameras that Levi could control at will.


    "These are going to be very handy," Levi thought. This ability was perfect for gathering information. While he needed to explore it further, he was already pleased with its potential.


    Suddenly, his attention was drawn to the small ck bird, which now appeared exhausted and had flopped onto the ground.


    Above its head, its rank had changed.


    [ck Wing of Lunacy - Dormant (Temporarily Degraded)]


    It seemed that the Phantom Flock''s essence consumption had a significant impact on the ck bird''s rank. It was simr to the ck Wing of Lunacy he had fought¡ªessentially, the ckbird was dividing its essence to create phantom images of itself rather than generating them from nothing.


    Levi noted this and ordered the Phantom Flock to return. The nine ravens, hovering above his head, dove back into the bird''s shadow.


    The ckbird let out an exhausted breath and copsed.


    Levi chuckled dryly as he picked up the small creature. There was one final ability he had yet to examine - MorphWing.


    This ability, which had given him trouble during his fight with the ck Wing of Lunacy, allowed the bird to shift its form at will. To what extent, Levi would need to discover?


    Satisfied with what he had learned about the ckbird, Levi closed its status window and gazed at the creature.


    The cute creature needed a name, he couldn''t keep calling it as ckbird. He considered some names for his first Dominion and decided on one.


    "Noir, your name will be Noir," he said, picking up the small bird. Noir let out a caw of apparent happiness and nudged Levi''s nose.


    Levi couldn''t help but smile at how cute the bird was.


    Now that he had a clearer understanding of Noir, he turned his attention to the pendant still lying on the ground.


    He moved his aching body to retrieve it, and soon its information appeared before him.


    [Eternal Vigil]


    ---***---

 Chapter 53: Eternal Vigil

    The pendent was a small, intricately crafted medallion with a smooth, obsidian-like surface and surprisingly it absorbed all the light around it rather than reflecting it, giving it an ethereal glow.


    Levi held held the pendent looking at it''s design in more detail.


    There was an borate and intricate runic pattern design etched into the dark surface of the pendent, faintly illuminated by a dim, crimson hue that pulsed like heartbeat. And the edges were adorned with delicate wire work, resembling intertwining tendrils of a dark vine.


    And at its center was a small, multifaceted gemstone of eerie deep violet, nearly ck. It shimmered with an inner light that shifted and danced with Levi''s movement. The gemstone was encircled by swirling, shadowy tendrils that seemed subtly alive.


    The pendant hung from a thin, ck chain that felt almost weightless. The chain, woven in a pattern matching the pendant''s filigree, gave the piece a unified appearance. When Levi held it, the chain felt cool and smooth against his skin, and the pendant hung with elegant grace.


    After he marvelled at its appearance, he opened the info of the artifact.


    -----[Eternal Vigil]-----


    Type: Relic


    Rank: Fallen


    Description: [In the depths of Hell, a being lived in darkness, hiding from everything and anything. To escape the gaze of the ck wings, the being created a relic. But before it waspleted, the being fell to the grasp of Silent Whisper.]


    Abilities: [Shadow Warden] [Second Skin] [Forgotten Echo]


    -----[Eternal Vigil]-----


    A gleaming smile crept onto Levi''s face as he read the information, despite the pain he was enduring.


    "Finally, heck yeah!"


    He barely understood the relic''s origin but was unconcerned¡ªwhat mattered was its abilities. At first, he was a bit disappointed because he was hoping for a weapon but noticing that he got a reliac which was more rare than armors - his disappointment faded away.


    And seeing that the pendant boasted three skills, he was thrilled beyond measure.


    Levi quickly read through each ability:


    [Shadow Warden]:Senses danger around the user and provides protection against all forms of mental attacks.


    [Second Skin]: Forms interwovenyers of darkness just above the user''s skin, offering protection against physical attacks and remaining invisible.


    [Forgotten Echo]: Creates a projection of oneself from moments ago.


    Even at a single nce, all the skills seemed very powerful and useful.


    "Shadow Warden" would be invaluable for detecting and defending against hidden threats, while "Second Skin" offered crucial defense, solving the most cruicial problem of Levi for now.


    While Levi didn''t exactly knew what "Forgotten Echo" did, he was sure that it would be atleast as good as the rest.


    Unable to hold his excitement, Levi decided to check out the artifiact skills.


    He first focused on [Shadow Warden]. He closed his eyes and moved his essence into the pendent, willing to activate the Shadow warden skill.


    Almost immediately, his senses expanded outward stopping around 5 meters because he stopped infusing the essence - it seemed like the senasory field expanded based on the about of essence he would pour into the pendent but for now, he decided to stop there because most of his essence was working on mending his body.


    Anyway, as the sensory field spread, Levi felt something. It was weird feeling, as if there was now a faint tingling sensation that alerted him to even a minor disturbance in the nearby shadows.


    And along with it, his mind felt clear - the sensation of calmness washed over his whole body - it was intoxicating!


    Levi understood how the ability worked and noted to check out the limitation of sensory field after he waspletely healed.


    Then, moving on he activated the next skill, [Second Skin].


    As soon as he willed it to activate, a significant part of his essence was drawn into the pendant.


    And a secondter, dark, thin vines began to emerge from it, slowly spreading across his body,yer byyer, forming a second skin. In moments, Levi waspletely covered by the dark vines, which then vanished, leaving no trace behind.


    Levi didn''t feel anything. No weight or pressure on his skin¡ªnothing. It was unsettling. To test whether the artifact was truly working, he picked up a stick, snapped it in two to form a sharp edge, and slowly pressed it against his skin.


    "Woah!"


    To his amazement, the stick never touched his skin. An invisibleyer now stood between him and the sharp point. While he could feel something nudging him, there was no pain, no sensation of the sharp edge.


    This skill was far more impressive than he had anticipated. The only downside was that it drained his essence in real time to stay active. Still, it was a fair trade-off, considering he now had a low-grade armor¡ªthin yet effective¡ªand it didn''t just cover his torso, but his entire body, even his face.


    In a ce as dangerous as Paradise, having this ability at all times would be a huge advantage.


    Calming his racing heart, Levi finally focused on thest skill, [Forgotten Echo]. It was the mostplex of the three, and he had no idea how to use it.


    Still, following the same process as with the others, he channeled his essence into the pendant¡ªand was instantly taken aback. The moment he willed the skill to activate, the pendant devoured his essence like a glutton. In less than a few seconds, half of it was gone!


    But what happened next left Levi in shock, surpassing anything he had felt with the other two skills.


    A short distance in front of him, another Levi appeared.


    That''s right¡ªan afterimage of himself materialized, and it was holding a pendant identical to the one Levi had in his hand.


    Speechless, Levi watched, fully aware that this figure wasn''t real. It was an illusion, a projection of him from moments ago when he first picked up the pendant but there was to distiguish it from himself.


    If anyone saw it, they would have no way of identifying it as fake, which blew Levi''s mind.


    Then, just as suddenly as it appeared, the afterimage dissolved into the surroundings, vanishing as if it had never been there.


    "This¡­"


    Levi was stunned and left speechless.


    How did this skill work? How far back could it project? How long could he maintain it? There were too many questions and no answers.


    [Forgotten Echo] had immense potential but it could also be very dangerous if he used it without fully understanding its mechanics.


    Used correctly, it could be a powerful asset¡ªbut mishandling it might turn the skill into a curse.


    "I need to master my skills," Levi muttered.


    He had to train with the abilities he had gained. He was too injured and exhausted to move to the next floor anyway.


    More importantly, knowing that the monster awaiting him there was the ck Wing of Lunacy, Levi had no intention of advancing until he was fully confident in his powers.


    "One step at a time," he thought, closing his eyes and deliberately ignoring the message hovering in the corner of his vision:


    [Do you want to enter the next floor?]


    [Yes/No]


    ---***---

 Chapter 54: Improvements

    "He is cursed, Irene! Why don''t you understand me?" The man''s voice was sharp, reverberating through the small house. Each word cut through the tense air like a knife.


    Inside the dimly lit kitchen, a small child sat curled up in the corner, trembling. His face was pale, lips quivering, eyes wide with terror. His knees were drawn to his chest, and his tiny arms wrapped around them as if trying to shield himself from the harsh reality unfolding outside the door.


    Beyond the doorway, two figures stood locked in a fierce argument. A man and a woman, both of simr age, their faces contorted with anger. The man''s fists were clenched, his stance rigid as he red at the woman. His voice, dripping with venom, filled the space between them.


    "Mind your words, ¡ª¡ª!" The woman''s scream was sharp, fueled by raw emotion. Her face flushed with rage as she took a step forward, her hand trembling slightly. The name of the man remained elusive, as though a strange fog had settled over it, muffling his identity. She was furious, but also desperate, clinging to something that was slipping away.


    "You can deny it all you want, Irene," the man spat back, his voice growing louder, more hostile. "But the truth remains. You''ve seen what he can do. You know what he is. You''re raising a demon¡ªa *demon*!"


    The word echoed in the child''s mind, and he squeezed his eyes shut, his body shrinking further into the corner as if he could disappear.


    "Shut up, ¡ª¡ª!" Irene''s voice cracked as she shouted, her body visibly trembling. "I will not let you say another word. He is our child!"


    The man''s gaze turned cold, his eyes hardening like ice as they settled on the small figure hiding behind the woman. His expression darkened, his features twisted with disgust. "That thing is no child of mine," he said, his voice low, each word deliberate.


    Irene flinched as though struck, her shoulders sagging under the weight of his words. Her hands, which had been balled into fists, fell limp at her sides.


    The man turned sharply, his back to both of them. "I''m going to the n leader," he said, his tone final. "This is thest time I''ll say it¡ªgive up. That thing isn''t human."


    Without another nce, he walked away, his footsteps heavy against the wooden floor. Irene stood frozen in ce, her lips parted but no words came out. Her entire body trembled as she stared after him, unable to move, unable to think.


    The child didn''t dare lift his head. He remained curled up, tears streaming silently down his face, too scared to make a sound.


    Then everything around him shattered.


    ***


    Levi jolted awake, tears streaming down his face. He blinked in confusion, disoriented as if trapped in a strange daze. His hand instinctively moved to his eyes, wiping away the tears. It took him a moment to realize he had been crying.


    "What happened?"


    He couldn''t remember. The reason for his tears escaped him. All he recalled was closing his eyes in this cursed ce


    "Must''ve been a nightmare," he muttered.


    It was the second time this had happened, and he wondered if the istion in this forsakennd was beginning to take its toll on him. He didn''t know for sure. His thoughts were quickly interrupted by a birdnding on his shoulder as if it owned the spot.


    Levi blinked and looked at the ck bird, now slightly bigger and longer than before.


    "Did you sleep well, Noir?"


    Caw!


    The bird let out a soft cry and nudged his face affectionately.


    "You seem like you had a better dream than I did," Levi chuckled, stroking the bird''s small head.


    It had been a long time since Levi had fought the ck Wing of Lunacy, though he had no real sense of time. His citizenship watch didn''t work in the sanctum, leaving him to guess. In that time, he had focused on healing and further exploring his demonic transformation whenever possible.


    He had learned much.


    First, he gained better control over his abilities. Starting with his Demonic Transformation, he discovered it offered far more than just enhanced strength. While in the transformed state, his strength nearly doubled, and his healing ability significantly improved, which was a crucial advantage, especially in the aftermath of hisst brutal fight.


    In addition to strength and healing, the transformation elerated his essence regeneration, though not quite doubled, about 50% faster based on his experiments.


    Levi also mastered better control over the essence usage during his transformation, now able to sustain it for around two minutes without straining his body as he had in his previous battle. Since this ability couldn''t be revealed to others, he knew he had to be cautious.


    Then came his second ability¡ªDomination.


    This one still remained a mystery. While Levi had a better grasp of its effects, he still didn''t know when or how it would activate. Unlike his Demonic Transformation, Domination appeared to be a passive ability, triggering under certain conditions. As for what those conditions were, Levi had no clue.


    Finally, there were his innate abilities. Unlike the traits, his innate powers weren''t bound by constraints, allowing him to train them more freely.


    And among them, the one that had shown the most improvement was undoubtedly his Lunacy!


    He had been constantly keeping Lunacy active whenever possible. Now, he could extend the green aura up to 30 meters, a significant improvement from the previous range of 15 meters¡ªand even then, he had to strain to reach 20.


    The bacsh from Lunacy had also started to diminish. Though he still felt some mental pressure, the eerie voices that once echoed in his head had finally subsided, which was a relief, and a definite sign of progress.


    However, it was hard to gauge the true effectiveness of his improvements, given that he didn''t have any live targets to test it on¡ªaside from Noir, of course.


    That''s right, he had been training with the little bird. Surprisingly, it had proven beneficial for Noir as well, as the bird seemed to reap some of the ability''s benefits!


    ---***---


    Sorry for thete chapters~

 Chapter 55: The Forgotten Goddess of the Tuatha D茅 Danann

    The ckbird - Noir had inherited the same innate ability as Levi, he didn''t know if it was due to his Dominance ability or due to the ck Wing of Lunacy which also had the same skill. Whatever the case, this had proven incredibly useful.


    Realizing this, Levi devised a n, first, he would use Lunacy on the bird, then order it to use Lunacy back on him. This way, both of them constantly improved their ability and resistance to mental attacks.


    But it wasn''t as simple as Levi had hoped.


    He vividly remembered the first time he fell under Lunacy''s effect. It felt as though something foreign had invaded his mind, disrupting his thoughts and digging up his deepest emotions. He had nearly lost his sanity during that first attempt.


    Inparison, the ckbird handled it slightly better, only letting out some distressed caws under Lunacy''s influence.


    Nevertheless, the practice had greatly benefited them both.


    To Levi''s surprise, the ck bird had even grown slightly after consuming the underdeveloped meat from the ck cocoons. These cocoons were plentiful, and oddly enough, the flesh inside didn''t seem to rot, allowing Levi to keep his food supply steady. Though he still felt disgusted whenever he had to rely on the white mucus for hydration, he couldn''t deny its utility.


    The ck bird''s abilities had also improved. Although its *Carrion Feast*, which appeared to be a passive ability, hadn''t shown any notable effect even after devouring nearly twenty cocoons, its *Phantom Flock* had grown stronger. Now, the bird could summon up to twelve dormant-level ravens and maintain them for about two minutes¡ªan impressive leap in power.


    Noir was also bing adept at MorphWing. While it wasn''t at the level of the ck Wing of Lunacy''s which he had faught, the bird had learned to shift its wings mid-flight, changing direction and altering its shape to fly faster.


    Levi was intrigued by the possibilities and potential of this ability. Could Noir eventually transformpletely, perhaps even into a humanoid form? The thought of the bird descending from the sky and transforming into a humanoid creature filled him with excitement.


    How cool would that be?


    Another thing Levi had grown ustomed to was his new artifact, the Eternal Vigil. It was more incredible than he had imagined.


    The invisible armor - the Second Skin skill of the artifact, was astounding. He had tested its limits with Noir, and to his amazement, the ck bird couldn''t even pierce it. Considering Noir was stronger than most essence monsters, this meant Levi was now capable of withstanding their attacks with ease.


    Once he left this sanctum, he could massacre essence monsters like they were nothing. With this the demonic essence which was still stuck at 77 out of 1000, seemed easier to fill.


    He still wasn''t proficient with Forgotten Echo as the ability consumed nearly half of his essence reserves, limiting its use for now. Until his essence pool grew, Levi knew he''d have to reserve this skill for critical moments.


    And now that everyting was considered, Levi was in his peak condition and the addition of Noir had given him confidence. Also his food reserves were running low - he had no more cocoons to hunt nor any other source of food.


    It was clearly time to move forward. Although he still wasn''t sure if he would be able to defeat the monster at the next floor - Levi had already made up his mind to enter the next floor today.


    [Do you want to enter the next floor?]


    [Yes/No]


    With onest nce at the destend that had sheltered him for so long, Levi pressed "Yes" and disappeared from the second floor.


    It was time to clear the sanctum.


    ***


    A secondter, Levi found himself in what appeared to be an arena¡ªmassive in every sense of the word. He felt like an ant under the gaze of gods, dwarfed by the sheer scale of the structure. All around him were towering spectator seats, yet there wasn''t a single spectator in sight. No humans, no monsters¡ªnothing. It was eerily silent.


    Shifting his attention, Levi''s gaze locked onto the far side of the arena.


    And instantly, his whole body froze!


    There, bound by five interlocked golden chains, was an awe-inspiring ck bird.


    wo chains tightly shackled the creature''s legs, keeping them locked in ce. Two more chains coiled around itsrge wings, holding them down so they couldn''t spread. Thest chain was wrapped around its neck, fitting like a golden cor. The bird wasn''t struggling. It was still, either too tired to resist or having given uppletely.


    Levi''s eyes widened in shock. The bird was enormous, standing at four meters tall even while it rested on the ground.


    Its beak and talons gleamed like they were crafted from pure gold, in stark contrast to the pitch-ck feathers that covered its enormous body. Under the light of the crimson moon, its feathers shimmered, reflecting a luster that resembled freshly spilled blood.


    Just the sight of the chained creature made Levi''s skin crawl. Even Noir, perched on his shoulder, trembled at the sight of the magnificent bird.


    This being wasn''t like anything Levi had ever encountered. Its aura, its presence¡ªeverything about it screamed power, and something far more. It was otherworldly.


    "What in the name of the fucking gods is that thing?" Levi whispered, his voice barely audible.


    And as if responding to his bewilderment, a name appeared before his eyes:


    [The Forgotten Goddess of the Tuatha D¨¦ Danann]


    A goddess?


    Levi''s blood ran cold. His face drained of all color, leaving him pale and trembling. A single question now burned in his mind, a question that made everything he had experienced so far feel insignificant inparison.


    What the hell was this Sanctum?


    ---***---


    Sorry for thete chapters~


    I''ll be releasing an additional chapter today for reaching the 50 Powerstone goalst week.


    Plus, I have some exciting news¡ªI''m nning a mass release of at least 5 chapters! Expect them to dropter this week. Stay tuned!

 Chapter 56: Lost Child of Lunacy

    While Levi struggled toprehend what was happening, the system bombarded him with notifications.


    [You are in the presence of a Goddess.]


    [You have obtained a crest - Demon who met God.]


    He nced at the messages, but the joy of gaining a crest never came. He stood frozen, his gaze locked on the massive ck bird before him.


    The Forgotten Goddess.


    Levi''s body remained paralyzed, his eyes taking in the creature. The system notifications faded as he whispered, "A goddess... The Forgotten Goddess of the Tuatha D¨¦ Danann?"


    The moment he spoke, something stirred in the deity''s gaze. Her massive head shifted, and Levi found himself pinned by eyes that seemed to pierce the fabric of reality.


    [You have been noticed by the Forgotten Goddess.]


    A shiver ran through him. Every instinct screamed at him to flee, but his body refused to move. Noir, still perched on his shoulder, let out a soft, distressed caw.


    The golden pupils of the massive bird stared down at him, even while resting¡ªit felt like being looked down on from the heavens.


    Levi took a tentative step back, fear and shock warring within. He didn''t dare speak, or rather, he couldn''t¡ªthe pressure was too overwhelming.


    Then, the Goddess spoke.


    Levi didn''t hear her words physically, but an ancient and alien voice echoed in his mind.


    "A Lost Child of Lunacy... what strange fate brings you to my domain."


    The weight of those words nearly drove him to his knees, as if mortals weren''t meant to hear the speech of gods. But suddenly, the pressure eased, as though the bird realized something.


    Breathing heavily, Levi looked up at the massive chained bird. He didn''t understand a single thing it had said.


    A Lost Child of Lunacy? What does that mean?


    But that wasn''t his main concern. All he wanted to know was why a goddess was in this sanctum¡ªand why she was chained.


    "Why¡­ are you here? Why are you¡­ chained?" Levi managed to ask, barely.


    The bird''s eyes contracted, as if surprised by his questions. Her voice rang in his mind once more.


    "I am here because I was forgotten. Chained because I was feared. You, child of Lunacy, have stumbled into a prison that holds what even gods dread."


    Levi''s mind spun, trying to make sense of it. As always, little of her words made sense to him. Before he could respond, the goddess spoke again.


    "But know this, little one. All you see is an illusion of my creation. This sanctum was crafted by my hand long before I was bound."


    Levi''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    "An illusion?"


    That couldn''t be. The massive bird, its majestic body bound by heavenly chains, was right in front of him. It looked all too real for it to be an illusion.


    "You are but a mortal. How should I exin the power of gods to you?" the bird said, almost amused. "But you are no ordinary mortal either. How did you end up in my domain? It should have barred any entry."


    Her gaze intensified, curious. In that moment, Levi pondered¡ªhow did he end up in this sanctum?


    His dark twin!


    Did that bastard know what kind of sanctum this was? How?!


    Levi stayed silent, but the Goddess seemed to notice something.


    "I see... Is it the one inside you who brought you here? You are quite interesting¡ªa body that holds two souls?"


    Her words drained the color from Levi''s face.


    Two souls? What did she mean? Wasn''t it his innate ability that created the other consciousness? Or had he misunderstood something all along?


    Levi was about to ask, but the Goddess spoke again.


    "It seems fate led you to me. Let me make you an offer, Lost child of Lunacy, help me break free from these chains, and I will make a contract with you."


    Levi''s ears perked up.


    A contract with a god? He already had bad memories of hisst contract, and he wasn''t about to try that again. More importantly, he''d already made a contract with the Demon King¡ªthere was no way to forge another.


    "I... I''ve already made a contract with a demon," Levi said, clearly uninterested in her offer.


    That was a mistake. Telling a god he''d allied with a demon was like dering allegiance to her enemy. But Levi didn''t care, and it didn''t seem like the Goddess could do much in her current state.


    She, however, remained unfazed. "You think I don''t know that? I am still a god, child," she scoffed. "But that doesn''t matter. You possess a unique power, and I''m not suggesting a contract with your physical self¡ªrather, with the one that resides inside you."


    Levi was taken aback once again. If he had doubts before, now he was almost certain¡ªthere was something wrong with his ability, Shadow Self.


    He needed to figure it out, and fast. But he had no intention of doing anything that would benefit his dark twin before that.


    "I''ve sworn to kill the gods. You are a god¡ªwhy would you think I''d help you when I could kill you in the state you''re in?" Levi spoke without fear for the first time, though inside he was far from calm.


    "Pffttt¡ª!"


    The Goddess burst intoughter.


    "Good, good! You''re brave, but foolish! As I said, what you see is merely an illusion¡ªI''m bound in a ce you can''t even dream of reaching... at least not yet."


    She continued, "And as for your hatred of gods¡ªbetter still. I hold grudges against some ofthose bastards myself."


    Levi''s eyes flicked to the golden chains binding the bird. He suspected the chains were the work of other gods, but didn''t know who or why.


    He hesitated. He didn''t want anything to do with gods. Even now, he felt like he might get tricked again, and this time he might not escape with his life.


    The Lord of the Smoking Mirrors - that bastard of a god still haunted him¡ªhow that wretched god had screwed him over. He had no intention of trusting another.


    He was about to reject her offer when two messages appeared before his eyes, almost simultaneously.


    ---***----


    Sorry there was some error while pasting the chapter - Its fixed now.

 Chapter 57: Offer

    [The Dark Lord of the Endless Abyss says - "ept it."]


    [''Shadow Self'' is forcefully upgrading ¡ª ''Take the offer.'']


    Levi stared at both messages, speechless.


    ''These bastards...''


    Since entering the sanctum, he had suffered alone, nearly dying several times. There had also been moments when he desperately needed help or just someone to talk to, but both his dark twin and the Demon King had remained silent. Now, they were suddenly speaking, urging him to ept the unreasonable offer from the massive ckbird, which was a supposed Goddess?


    He would have liked to punch them both in the gut if he could, but since he couldn''t, he swallowed his frustration and tried to think calmly.


    The Demon King had spoken, despite iming he couldn''tmunicate with Levi¡ªthis had to mean the offer from the goddess was something valuable. Even his dark twin, a being he barely understood, was now putting immense pressure on his mind, like someone was drilling into his skull.


    Their reactions had to mean something. At the very least, it seemed like the goddess wasn''t trying to scam him.


    Levi nced at the massive ck bird. Its golden eyes were still locked on him with an intensity that made his skin crawl.


    After a moment of internal struggle, Levi let out a resigned sigh.


    "Fine. I''ll hear you out. What exactly do you want me to do?"


    The goddess''s eyes glimmered, a hint of satisfaction flickering in her otherworldly gaze. Her voice echoed in Levi''s mind once more, carrying the weight of eons.


    "Listen well, Lost Child of Lunacy, for I shall tell you what must be done."


    The sanctum itself seemed to darken with the ck bird''s words, the air growing thick with an ancient power as the goddess continued.


    "These chains that bind me are no ordinary metals. They are divine locks, forged in the crucibles of the celestial realm. Five keys exist¡ªeach one to unlock a part of my bonds, and each key is guarded by a monster¡ªmonsters that were once my children."


    Levi''s brow furrowed.


    "These five monsters reside in sanctums like this one. Their sole purpose is to keep me bound, and they have been doing so for centuries, perhaps millennia," she said, her words making Levi narrow his eyes.


    "And you want me to defeat these monsters and collect the keys?" he asked, a bit sarcastic.


    "Perceptive, little one," the goddess''s voice held a note of amusement. "Indeed, that is your task. Defeat the guardians, im the keys, and return to unbind me."


    Levi''s eyes narrowed further, suspicion creeping into his expression. It didn''t seem like the goddess understood his concern - anyway, he decided to pry further.


    "What kind of power do these monsters wield?" he asked, curious about the enemies he would face. But the answer that followed was not what he expected.


    "I don''t know," the goddess said, making Levi blink.


    "You don''t know...? You said they were your children." Levi repeated, his voice edged with disbelief.


    "They were, once."


    The Goddess said without blinking which made it harder for Levi to ask further.


    "Alright... Leave that for now. You said what I''m seeing is an illusion. So, where are you really bound?"


    "In a ce beyond your understanding. You are too young toprehend such things."


    Once again, her answer was evasive and Levi was really getting frustrated.


    "Where are these monsters? And why are you telling me all of this now?" Levi pressed, trying to keep his frustration in check.


    The goddess''s form flickered as if maintaining her presence in this illusion was exhausting her.


    "The first awaits you on the next floor of this tower¡ªwhere your path would have led had you not stumbled into this illusion I left behind."


    "And the others?" Levi asked, his voice tense.


    "They will reveal themselves when the time is right," the goddess replied cryptically. "The threads of fate will guide you, Lost Child."


    Levi bit back a retort. More riddles, more cryptic words¡ªit seemed gods were all the same, no matter their alignment.


    "There''s one more thing," the goddess added, her tone softening slightly. "I require only three keys. Three chains unbound, and I shall have the strength to break the rest myself."


    Levi''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Only three? Then why tell me about five?"


    Though he couldn''t read the expression on the bird''s face, he could swear it was smiling.


    "You will know," the goddess said and it didn''t seem like she was willing to talk any further.


    Levi paused, mulling over her words, weighing his options.


    The request still reeked of danger and possible betrayal, but something inside him¡ªperhaps the influence of his dark twin and the Demon King¡ªpushed him toward epting. He was already contracted with the Demon King, and though he could hide and survive for a while, it wasn''t a long-term solution.


    There were too many things that could go wrong. Not to mention the looming ten-year quest.


    If he wanted to survive past those ten years, he had to find a way to create a demonic sanctuary, and that was definitely not something he could achieve any time soon. His only option was to grow stronger, to continue increasing his power


    Levi knew that if he didn''t take risks now, there would be greater dangers waiting for him in the future. So instead, he chose to face this challenge head-on.


    "Alright," he said finally, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "I''ll do it. I''ll gather your keys."


    The massive bird''s form seemed to rx slightly, the golden chains around it shimmering in the dim light of the sanctum.


    "Then our pact is sealed, Lost Child of Lunacy. Go forth!"


    As the words resonated in the air, the providence spoke and the runes appeared.


    [You have received a quest from the Forgotten Goddess of the Tuatha D¨¦ Danann.]


    [The Quest of Keys.]


    [Defeat the children of Tuatha D¨¦ Danann who have been corrupted and lost their way. The Mother longs for the return of her children.]


    [0/5]


    [Rewards: Contract with the Forgotten Goddess of the Tuatha D¨¦ Danann.]


    [Failure: The Ire of Gods.]


    As Levi watched, the illusion of the goddess faded, leaving him once again in the deste, emptynd. A momentter, another message appeared before him.


    [Do you want to enter the next floor?]


    [Yes/No]


    Levi gazed at the spot where the goddess had been onest time before selecting Yes.


    ---***---

 Chapter 58: Lord of the Dark Skies (1)

    Levi felt a familiar sensation wash over him. The world around him blurred, and in the next moment, he found himself transported to a new floor of the sanctum.


    Gone were the vast arena and the chained deity. In their cey andscape of nightmares.


    The sky above was an inky void, devoid of stars or the red moon he had grown ustomed to. Instead, twisted, gnarled trees dotted thendscape, their branches reaching out like grasping ws. The ground beneath his feet was soft and spongy, giving way slightly with each step.


    Levi remained remarkably calm as he surveyed his surroundings. He had encountered a god, and by this point, if anything were to surprise him, it would have to be at least a Demon King.


    "This ce is different from the second floor," Levi mused. The second floor was also a destend, but the terrain there was stable, with a red moon hanging in the sky, providing adequate light. Here, visibility was poor, with only a twilight-like illumination from an unknown source.


    Suddenly, Noir, still perched on his shoulder, let out a distressed caw. The bird''s feathers were ruffled, its small body tense with anxiety. At the same time, the Eternal Vigil around his neck red up, signaling imminent danger.


    Following Noir''s anxious gaze, Levi''s eyes scanned the eeriendscape and noticed movement in the shadows. Dark shapes flitted between the trees, always just out of clear sight. A chill ran down his spine as he recognized what they were.


    "No way¡­"


    ck Wings. Dozens, if not hundreds of them.


    But these were not like the one he had faced before. These were smaller, weaker¡ªmore like the phantom flock that Noir could summon. Still, their sheer number was overwhelming.


    Suddenly, a screeching cry pierced the air, causing Levi to instinctively activate his [Second Skin] from the Eternal Vigil. Dark vines erupted from his pendant, forming an invisible armor just as a massive shape descended from the inky sky.


    Without warning, the shadows surged forth. Instead of attacking Levi directly, they all glided into the sky and, under his wide eyes, began to merge. One after another, the wingsbined until, before Levi, stood a massive abomination.


    The creaturended with an earth-shaking force. It was a colossal bird unlike any he had seen before, standing easily twice the height of the one he had defeated on the second floor. If not for the recent illusion of the goddess, its appearance might have frozen him in terror.


    The abomination had twelve eyes, all gleaming with malevolent intelligence, and a sharp, golden beak¡ªthough, unlike the goddess, it exuded no divine aura.


    Instinctively, Levi''s eyes scanned the runes that materialized before him.


    [Lord of the Dark Skies]


    [Rank: Inept-Fallen]


    Levi''s blood ran cold as he read the monster''s rank. This was far beyond anything he had faced so far.


    Sweat dripped down Levi''s back as his eyes met the massive bird, which seemed to be sizing him up rather than attacking. The ck Wing''s eyes gleamed with malice, its beak twisting into a cruel snarl as it loomed over Levi, casting a suffocating shadow. Its massive wings beat slowly, stirring the air with an ominous rhythm that filled the twistedndscape with a palpable sense of dread.


    There was no speech, only a low, guttural growl that reverberated through Levi''s bones¡ªa harbinger of the bloodshed toe.


    Levi tightened his grip on his Eternal Vigil, pushing down the rising terror that threatened to cripple him. The creature''s beady, predatory gaze locked onto him like a hunter stalking its prey, while the lesser ck Wings emerged from its shadows in response to their master''s unspokenmand. The dark horde moved in unison, a living mass of screeching, pping death surrounding Levi.


    There was no escape, but Levi had known that from the moment he stepped into this wretched domain. He wasn''t here to run.


    "You think you''re scary, huh?" Levi growled, his voice a rasp of defiance.


    With a guttural snarl of his own, he activated [Demonic Transformation], feeling the familiar surge of dark energy flood his veins. His muscles bulged, and his skin darkened, hardening into a hide tougher than mortal flesh. His hands morphed into deadly, serrated ws, and his vision sharpened, bing almost predatory.


    His heart thundered in his chest, matching the pounding beat of the ck Wing''s wings.


    The ck Wing''s eyes narrowed, suddenly sensing danger from Levi. It didn''t wait for him andmanded its phantom flock. The lesser ck Wingsunched themselves at Levi, following their master''smand¡ªa tide of razor-sharp beaks and talons.


    Thankfully, Levi''s transformationpleted before they could reach him, and he met them head-on. His wed hands tore through their ranks with brutal efficiency. Blood sprayed the ground in thick arcs as he ripped the creatures apart, their dying screeches filling the air.


    [Phantom Flock]


    [Rank: Inept Essence]


    Each of the monsters was at the peak of essence rank, but Levi, in his transformed state, wasrgely unaffected by their attacks. His demonic skin was so tough that it would be a miracle if these creatures could injure him. Moreover, the Second Skin of the Eternal Vigil was working wonders right now.


    Despite this, there were so many of them that Levi felt as if for every one he killed, three more took its ce. Their talons wed at his flesh, their beaks tried to gouge deep into his limbs, but it was all for naught¡ªthey couldn''t prate his defenses. Yet, he still felt the force of their attacks, like standing behind a bed while a truck mmed into him.


    Even if he wasn''t injured outwardly, his insides churned from the impact.


    Levi barely registered the pain. His demonic form, with its lowered pain sensitivity, was built for this kind of relentless assault.


    But so was the Fallen Rank ck Wing. It seemed to have finished observing Levi, as it pped its wings and rose into the sky!


    ---***---


    Mass Release 01

 Chapter 59: Lord of the Dark Skies (2)

    The monstrous bird moved with a terrifying grace, faster than something of its size had any right to. One moment it was looming above him, and in the next, it was upon him, its massive talons crashing down like a hammer.


    Levi barely dodged, rolling to the side as the ground exploded where he had been standing. He lunged forward, driving his ws toward the creature''s side, aiming for a weak spot between theyers of armored feathers. But his strike bounced off with a metallic ng, barely scratching its hide.


    The ck Wing whirled on him, its beak snapping forward like a spear. Levi ducked just in time, but the beast was relentless, pressing him with attack after attack, each strikeing closer to ending him.


    "Shit," Levi cursed under his breath, his mind racing. His attacks weren''t strong enough.


    He was outssed, and he knew it.


    But he couldn''t stop.


    He wouldn''t stop.


    Levi leapt back, narrowly avoiding another swipe of the ck Wing''s talons. His back collided with something solid¡ªone of the hulking, twisted pirs of stone that littered this cursed battlefield.


    He was trapped.


    The ck Wing knew it too.


    It reared back, letting out a deafening screech before diving forward, its massive form intent on crushing Levi beneath its weight. Time seemed to slow as Levi watched the monster descend.


    He could feel the raw power radiating from it, the bloodlust in its eyes. This was no mere battle. This was a ughter.


    But Levi refused to die like prey.


    With a roar that tore from the very depths of his being, Levi activated Lunacy, not on the massive bird but on himself


    Suddenly, the world around him slowed to a crawl as his senses expanded.


    He could feel the shift in the air, the subtle vibrations of the monstrous bird''s movements. And in that moment, he saw it¡ªa small opening, a brief flicker of vulnerability as the creaturemitted to its attack.


    There were two small areas in the legs of the monstrous bird where its talons and legs connected and that part was not covered in the thick hide that formed on its body.


    Levi moved without thinking further, diving forward, under the ck Wing''s massive body.


    His wsshed out as he rolled, aiming for the joints in its legs. This time, his attack found purchase, slicing through sinew and bone. The ck Wing let out a blood-curdling scream, staggering as its leg buckled beneath it.


    But Levi wasn''t done. He sprang up, driving his ws into the beast''s side, ripping through its feathered hide below its wings with brutal precision.


    Blood gushed from the wounds, staining his hands as he tore deeper, searching for the vital organs beneath.


    The ck Wing thrashed wildly, its massive wings pping in a desperate attempt to dislodge him.


    One wing caught him across the chest, sending him flying backward into the stone pir with a sickening crunch.


    Pain exploded through his body, his vision blurring as he struggled to stay conscious. But he forced himself to his feet, spitting blood as he red at the beast.


    It wasn''t enough.


    It would never be enough.


    The bird was of Fallen rank¡ªa whole two ranks higher than Levi''s base form. Even with his Demonic Transformation activated, Levi could onlypare himself to a mid-Vile rank monster, and that too only in terms of physical strength. His heart pounded as the realization sank in.


    He had no actual offensive abilities except for the Demonic Transformation itself, and that was a serious w in his current situation. His transformation granted him tremendous physical power, but itcked the specialized techniques or skills required to deal significant damage to a creature like this. And, as the battle dragged on, Levi could feel the toll it was taking on him.


    His essence and energy were draining rapidly. The longer he stayed in his demonic form, the more vulnerable he would be.


    "Dammit,"


    Levi muttered through gritted teeth, but there was no time to rest. The ck Wing was already recovering, its leg dragging slightly, but its eyes burning with fury. It wouldn''t let him get close again.


    The horde of lesser ck Wings were still persistent as they pressed in, their screeches filling the air as they dove at Levi with ferocity.


    Levi was forced to fight defensively, his wsshing out in desperate arcs, but he was being overwhelmed.


    The second skin which had held against the attack of the essence monster finally fell through as the vines started to wither back into the pendant - it seemed like there was a limit to the amount of damage it could take and Levi wasn''t a bit amused to know this right now!


    Talons raked across his back, beaks tore at his flesh. His vision blurred, and his body screamed in protest, but he couldn''t stop.


    Not now.


    "Use it." Levi''s voice was calm, though a storm brewed in his eyes.


    From the shadows of a nearby gnarled tree, a small figure emerged¡ªNoir. The raven-like creature, very different from the rest of the ck Wings, pped its wings silently as it rose into the air. Unlike the frenzied horde that surrounded them, Noir''s presence was a chilling stillness in the chaos.


    Just as the creature crossed into striking range, Levi''s and Noir''s voices seemed to ovep, a singlemand echoed in both of their minds.


    "Lunacy," they both activated the [Lunacy] in unison.


    This time, Levi didn''t just activate it within himself. He pushed it outward, forcing the dark, chaotic energy to erupt from his body in a wave.


    Levi was tired and was low on essence - using Lunacy again was risky and Levi knew the cost. But he also knew there was no other way.


    With a grim nod, Levi let go of his restraint. He reached deep inside, drawing on the madness that pulsed within him, the chaos that lurked just beneath the surface.


    ---***---


    Mass Release - 02 (Three more on the way)

 Chapter 60: Lord of the Dark Skies(3)

    A sickly green aura erupted from Levi''s body, twisting and warping the air around him. It was even boosted slightly by the same ability of Noir. Of course, Noir alone was nowhere near strong enough to deal any kind of damage to the monstrous bird but its ability sessfullyplimented Levi''s.


    Both lunacy abilities merged and the aura of Lunacy - passed over the monstrous bird.


    The effect was immediate. It seemed like the ck wings were still unable to resist the mind attacks - maybe it was due to the corruption that the Goddess spoke of - but Levi was thankful nheless.


    The lesser ck Wings faltered as the green aura passed over them, their ck wing movements bing erratic, uncoordinated. They screeched and iled, as if driven mad by the very presence of his power.


    Levi didn''t wait.


    He tore into the flock of ck wings, his ws slicing through flesh and bone with savage precision. Blood sttered across his face, mixing with the sweat and dirt that covered him.


    He fought like a man possessed, like a demon unleashed.


    But unfortunately, the Fallen Rank ck Wing didn''t falter longer.


    If anything, it seemed to be provoked in the presence of Levi''s Lunacy.


    At the same time, its own aura red to life, a deep, pulsing crimson that shed violently with Levi''s green [Lunacy].


    The ck Wing has used its own Lunacy!


    The two auras collided, sending waves of chaotic energy rippling through the battlefield, distorting reality itself/


    Levi''s mind strained under the pressure, the whispers of madness growing louder, more insistent. But he pushed back, fighting for control. He couldn''t lose himself. Not here.


    But the good thing was even the phantom flock was affected by the Monstrous bird''s power, they couldn''t move at all under the pressure of Levi''s and the bird''s Lunacy.


    The ck Wing however lunged at him once more.


    Levi dodged to the side, his mind racing.


    He couldn''t defeat it with brute strength. He needed a n.


    And then, like a flicker of light in the darkness, an idea took shape.


    Levi let out a bloodied grin, goading the beast with a taunting re. "Come on, you overgrown crow!" he spat, blood trailing down his chin. "Is that the best you''ve got?"


    The ck Wing screeched in fury, its aura ring even brighter as if it understood him. It reared back, preparing to unleash its full might.


    Levi''s heart pounded in his chest as the creature dove at him, its talons aimed at his throat.


    He knew this was it.


    His only chance. With a roar of defiance, he threw himself into the fray, his body twisting in mid-air as the two forces collided in a final, brutal exchange.


    In that movement when he collided with the ck wings - something amazing happened!


    The ck wing''s talons passed through his body as if it was just an illusion!


    There was no resistance and the bird passed through the projection of Levi that he had created using half of his essence!


    The monstrous bird''s eyes widened.


    But before it could do something- the real Levi appeared behind it.


    Blood filled the air as Levi''s ws sank deep into the ck Wing''s skull


    And then the world erupted into a maelstrom of chaos.


    With a deafening screech, the Fallen Rank ck Wing descended upon Levi, its immense form casting an ominous shadow over the twistedndscape. The air was filled with the rancid stench of fear and fury as the massive creature''s talons tore through the air, barely missing Levi''s head.


    Although it wasn''t easy, Levi''s enhanced reflexes, granted by his [Demonic Transformation], allowed him to dodge the oing assault.


    He rolled to the side, feeling the rush of disced air as the talons raked the ground where he had been moments before.


    Dust and debris exploded around him, adding to the cacophony of the battle.


    "Noir!" Levi shouted, his voice barely audible over the din ofbat.


    Noir, the small ck bird now flying in the sky, let out a shrill cry. Its eyes, void of any human-like intelligence, red menacingly as it took flight. The bird''s feathers bristled with raw, primal aggression as itunched itself into the fray.


    As it moved, a dozen of spectral ravens, spawned from Noir''s shadowy form, surged forward - their target was the wound that Levi had delivered!


    Like bullets that were fired out of a barrel, the phantom flock collided with the monstrous bird''s head - digging deeper into its skull!


    Though Phantom Flock was only of dormant rank and couldn''t possibly deal any proper damage to the Fallen rank monster - they could increase the severity of the damage dealt by Levi.


    And that indeed worked!


    The Fallen rank monstrous let out a painful roar!


    It tried to dodge moving its head but its enormous body worked against it as the phantom flock of Noir changed directions to collide with its skull.


    One after another.


    The phantom flock hit the skull and dissipated into essence.


    The movement of the collision was so painful that the Lord of Dark Skies couldn''t even p its wing to rise to the skies.


    Suddenly, the Fallen Rank ck Wing''s multiple eyes locked onto Levi, who was now at a distance, not wanting to get caught up in its thrashing. It looked at him with a predatory intensity and its eyes glowed with pure hate.


    The creature''s beak opened wide, emitting a low, menacing growl that reverberated through the air.


    Levi, still crouched and ready, activated Lunacy on himself. His senses expanded, and time seemed to stretch as his perception sharpened. He could see every minute movement of the Vile Rank ck Wing, every twitch of its talons, and the slow, deliberate beat of its wings.


    The creature''s beak snapped shut, missing Levi by inches as he ducked and rolled away. He retaliated with a series of rapid, wed strikes, shing at the ck Wing''s formidable hide. The ws, sharpened by his demonic transformation, raked across the beast''s feathers, but the creature''s hide proved remarkably resilient.


    "This damn bird"


    Levi cursed as he slid down the bird appearing on the other side.


    ---***---


    Mass Release - 03

 Chapter 61: Lord of the Dark Skies (4)

    The ck Wing let out a harsh, guttural caw, its piercing gaze fixated on Levi as it turned its head while the body stayed still.


    Its jagged beak snapped with fury as it circled overhead, wings casting massive shadows over the battlefield.


    Levi felt a pang of rage twist inside him, but he kept it in check - he had long noticed that using Lunacy always brought out his rage and he was learning to control it slowly.


    The ck Wing''s taunts, though unspoken, were clear in the way it towered over him¡ªas if a predator toying with its prey.


    His fists clenched, nails digging into his palms. He needed to change his approach. This beast was far stronger than himself.


    And even with the injury he had delivered to its skull- the monster didn''t seem to go down.


    This was no mere monster, it was a manifestation of Lunacy and from what he had heard, it was once the child of god. He had to devise a n to bring it down or else it would him who would end up dead.


    And surprisingly, Levi knew what he had to do.


    With a roar, he unleashed his power once again.


    Lunacy was activated and the sickly green energy erupted from his body, twisting around him like serpents, their venomous glow saturating the air with chaotic energy.


    The lesser ck Wings, which were already suffering under the pressure, screeched in terror, their eyes rolling back as they iled uncontrobly.


    Some crashed into the ground, their wings snapping like brittle twigs, others plummeted into one another mid-flight, exploding in a shower of blood and feathers.


    But the Fallen Rank ck Wing¡ªthis monstrous bird of darkness¡ªremained unmoved. It only grew more frenzied, its crimson eyes zing with a hunger for Levi''s destruction.


    Its aura crackled with a violent red, shing violently with Levi''s own. The very air seemed to bend and twist under the pressure as if reality itself was being torn apart by the sheer force of their colliding madness.


    Levi gritted his teeth, feeling his mind waver as the whispers of insanity wed at the edges of his thoughts. His vision blurred, and the world around him became a nightmarish swirl of color and distortion. Time stretched and warped¡ªseconds felt like hours as the battle unfolded in slow motion, every heartbeat a struggle to maintain his sanity.


    But he couldn''t stop now. Not with this monster towering over him. Not when victory was so close.


    He needed to take a risk¡ªno, a leap into Lunacy itself.


    He kept the Lunacy active, enduring the increasing pressure on his mind, and with a snarl, he taunted the creature, his voice dripping with venom. "Is this really all you''ve got? I''ve seen rotting corpses with more bite than you."


    The ck Wing''s eyes narrowed, and a guttural screech erupted from its throat, shaking the earth beneath Levi''s feet.


    The monstrous bird was already corrupted and had little defense against mind attacks like Lunacy andyering that with his dirty talk - the bird went insane.


    Its wings red, blotting out the sky as it prepared to unleash its full fury. Levi''s heart pounded in his chest.


    He needed more than bravado to survive what wasing next.


    "Now!" he hissed under his breath.


    He called out to Noir, the small, mindless bird that had fought by his side since the beginning.


    Noir was not just a pet, it was the incarnation of Lunacy¡ªa feral beast with no sense of reason - It was his very own Dominion!


    The bird had no concern for itself - its only thought was to follow Levi''s order and that''s what it did.


    Noir perched nearby, unleashed an ear-piercing shriek, pping its torn, blood-streaked wings with savage intensity.


    Its beak, caked in gore, and its once-glossy feathers now clumped with filth and blood, gave it a feral appearance. Without hesitation, the raven hurled itself at the ck Wing in a frenzy of talons and feathers, its mindless fury driving each strike.


    The monstrous bird barely flinched at the assault, its attention still fixated on Levi.


    In its eyes, Noir¡ªa mere essence-rank creature¡ªposed no threat. But that arrogance was its fatal mistake.


    Noir dove at its target with full force, its beak coated in essence.


    It struck the injured spot on the ck Wing''s skull, burrowing deep, just shy of its brain. Almost.


    But the damage was done¡ªthe distraction was enough.


    The monstrous bird trashed caught unprepared - the pain was too great for it to concentrate on Levi.


    Using the chance, Levi activated [Forgotten Echo] once again, feeling his barely recovered essence reserves rapidly deplete as the artifact''s power surged through him.


    The was thest bit of essence he had - and his life now depended on whether he could kill the monster in the next exchange.


    A perfect copy of Levi materialized beside him, an exact duplicate from a moment earlier, mimicking his every move.


    The Fallen Rank ck Wing eyesnded on them and it screeched, confused by the sudden appearance of two Levis. For a brief, crucial moment, its focus wavered.


    That was all Levi needed.


    With a savage roar, Levi charged and along with him his projection also rushed. His boots dug into the ground, muscles screaming in protest as he pushed through the crushing weight of the lunacyden air. His vision tunneled¡ªeverything around him a blur of swirling madness as he homed in on his target.


    Noir, still lost in its blind fury, tore at the ck Wing''s skull, ripping chunks of flesh from its massive body. The ck Wing screeched, thrashing violently as blood sprayed into the air, painting the battlefield red. But the beast''s focus was split now, trying to fend off the Noir''s relentless attacks on its wound while keeping its attention on the two Levis.


    Levi didn''t stop. His entire body was screaming in agony, every nerve on fire from the strain of maintaining full control over his powers. But he pressed on, driven by a primal need for survival.


    He leaped, his wed hand shing through the air, aimed directly for the ck Wing''s eye.


    "Die!" Levi roared, his voice raw with desperation and rage.


    His ws connected with a wet, sickening squelch. The ck Wing''s eye exploded in a burst of blood and viscera, and the creature let out an ear-splitting scream of agony.


    It thrashed wildly, wings beating the air in a frenzy, trying to shake Levi loose. But he held on, his fingers digging deeper, pushing past bone and sinew as he searched for the creature''s brain.


    Blood sttered across Levi''s face, hot and sticky, but he didn''t falter. He could feel the brain¡ªa pulsating, writhing mass buried deep within the ck Wing''s skull. With a final, brutal wrench, he dug right into it and at the same time - Noir reached its brain from its skull.


    ---***---


    Mass Release - 04

 Chapter 62: Sanctum Cleared!

    The ck Wing''s screams reached a fevered pich, its massive body convulsing before crashing to the ground with a thunderous impact. Levi was flung from its back,nding hard on the ground, the breath forced from his lungs.


    The monstrous bird thrashed around with thest bit of its power and then silence descended into the surrounding.


    For a brief moment, everything was still. The swirling vortex of Lunacy generated by their shing skills dissipated, leaving the battlefield eerily quiet. Leviy gasping for air, his body trembling from the immense toll of the battle.


    Blood¡ªboth his own and the monstrous bird''s¡ªsoaked his torn clothes, the government given uniform was now no more than rags, barely covering his body/


    His muscles screamed in agony, feeling as though they''d been torn apart and crudely stitched back together and in his hand, Levi clutched the remnants of the ck Wing''s brain¡ªslick with blood and still pulsing faintly, as if it clung to a shred of life.


    "Ugh..!"


    He threw the flesh aside with disgust noticing that the monstrous bird was not moving anymore.


    All around him, the phantom flock that had risen from the shadow of the ck Wing vanished into nothingness, their essence dissipating into the air.


    Then, the voice of providence echoed in his mind.


    [You have killed a Pseudo-Fallen rank monster - Lord of the Dark Skies]


    [You have obtained an Artifact - Key of Lunacy]


    A ragged, half-madugh escaped Levi''s throat as the words registered. His mind barely processed the fact that the creature was dead. He let himself copse fully, lying t on the ground, utterly spent.


    He had done it.


    He had killed the ck Wing and imed the first key.


    But victory came at a cost. His body was shattered, his essence reservespletely depleted, and his mind teetered dangerously close to the edge of copse.


    The constant barrage of Lunacy throughout the battle had drained him¡ªphysically, mentally, and spiritually.


    It had been a fight he could have easily lost with a single misstep, but none of that mattered now.


    He had won!


    Noir fluttered down to his side, its beak still stained with the ck Wing''s blood. The raven let out a low, guttural caw, its eyes wild, void of celebration orfort. It sought only rest, driven purely by instinct after the brutal ordeal.


    "Rest now," Levi muttered, his voice hoarse and weak. He slumped back, the demonic transformation retreating from his form, leaving behind searing pain that coursed through his body.


    "Argh¡­ I hate this part," Levi groaned, closing his eyes, willing himself to endure the agony as the providence continued its promations.


    [You have cleared the Sanctum - Lunacy of the ck Wings]


    [You have obtained...]


    The words faded into the back of his mind as Levi''s consciousness finally gave way to the overwhelming exhaustion.


    ***


    Twenty-five days had passed since Levi entered the Sanctum, and the crowd surrounding it had ballooned into the thousands. What was once a quiet area now teemed with life, a sea of tents stretching in every direction, the makeshift camps growingrger with each passing day.


    Representatives from powerful families, the government, and rogue mercenaries alike had all converged on this site, their eyes glued to the inky ck entrance of the Sanctum. The entire region felt like it was on the verge of war, and it wouldn''t take much for someone to light the fuse.


    A low murmur rippled through the camps. Despite the time that had passed, there was still no sign of movement inside the Sanctum. The tension was unbearable. All eyes remained fixed on the portal, watching, waiting, hoping for a sign.


    Roze stood at the edge of her camp, her brow furrowed in concentration as she studied the ck, swirling entrance. In her years of experience, she had never seen anything like this. The portal had remained unchanged for nearly a month. It should have copsed by now, or at the very least, shown some sign ofpletion. But no. Nothing.


    "The Sanctum should have been cleared by now," she muttered to her aide, who stood beside her.


    The man shifted nervously. "It''s impossible to tell what''s happening inside, ma''am. We don''t know who''s in there or what kind of challenge they''re facing."


    Roze''s lips thinned into a line. "Whoever it is, they''re beyond any ordinary individual. Tost this long¡­ it''s unheard of."


    Her gaze flicked toward the Mercenary Federation''s camp, where their leader stood with his arms crossed, nked by his lieutenants. They had been on edge for days now, refusing to allow anyone else near the portal. They were ready to im the prize the moment the Sanctum finally gave way.


    But Roze knew better than to underestimate the other factions. The Makni family had already sent word to the other major families, and they had responded swiftly. Scouts had been arriving daily, positioning themselves around the area. The bnce of power in the region was teetering, and the slightest provocation could lead to chaos.


    Across the field, Kai stood by the campfire, his expression grim as he surveyed the scene. Beside him, William remained silent, his usual calm demeanor unshaken by the growing tension. Both of them knew that time was running out.


    "If this keeps dragging on, we''re going to have a full-blown war on our hands," Kai said, frustration seeping into his voice.


    William nodded. "It''s only a matter of time before the other factions try to force their way in."


    Kai nced at the entrance of the Sanctum, his mind racing with possibilities. "We need to be ready. As soon as the portal copses, we have to act fast. The Mercenary Federation won''t wait for us to make the first move."


    William''s gaze remained steady. "We won''t be the only ones moving. Everyone here is waiting for the same thing."


    The ck portal loomed in the distance, its surface rippling slightly, like a pond disturbed by an unseen force. Kai narrowed his eyes. The longer this dragged on, the more dangerous the situation became.


    But still, nothing changed.


    ---***---


    Mass release - 05 (End of mass release)

 Chapter 63: Rewards

    Levi awoke to a sharp, throbbing pain coursing through his body, every nerve screaming in protest.


    "A¡­r¡­gh¡­"


    He groaned, his eyelids fluttering open to reveal the battlefield around him, littered with the remnants of the brutal sh.


    The once towering monstrous bird nowy lifeless¡ªa massive carcass of feathers and sinew sprawled across the scarred earth. The silence was almost deafening, broken only by the soft whisper of the wind sweeping over the deste field. But then, faintly, there was another sound¡­.Munching?


    Levi turned his head painfully toward the noise. There, perched on the fallen monstrosity, was his small ck bird¡ªNoir¡ªmethodically drilling holes into the creature''s body, eagerly devouring its flesh.


    "You''re eating alone? What about me?" Levi muttered, his voice hoarse.


    -Caw, Caw


    Noir barely acknowledged him, letting out a soft, disinterested caw before returning to its feast, entirely focused on its meal.


    "You greedy little glutton¡­" Levi chuckled softly, though the motion sent another wave of pain through his battered body.


    He tried to move, but his limbs felt heavy, weighed down by exhaustion and the lingering effects of the fight. His muscles were far from healed¡ªwalking normally would take some time.


    Despite the pain, Levi couldn''t wait any longer. He opened his notifications, eager to see the rewards he had earned from the hard-fought battle.


    [You have killed a Pseudo-Fallen rank monster - Lord of the Dark Skies]


    [You have obtained an Artifact - Key of Lunacy]


    The first set of messages was familiar.


    Still, something caught his attention¡ªthe ck Wing wasn''t a full Fallen rank monster. It seemed it hadn''t fully tapped into its powers during the battle. For instance, it never used its shapeshifting abilities, something that had given him serious trouble when he faced the ck Wing of Lunacy on the second floor.


    Levi didn''t know why, but he was grateful.


    His gaze shifted to the holes Noir had made in the monstrous bird''s corpse. Inside, he spotted three glowing cores!


    Those were fallen rank cores. He didn''t had the opportunity to use them when he defeated the ck wings on the second floor as they were used to create his dominion but now¡­.now he was curious to find out how much essence he would gain from them!


    It woud definitely help him greatly to bring up his essence bar. And that wasn''t all¡ªhe now had the body parts of a Fallen rank creature.


    The beak, talons, and feathers alone would fetch a high price in the market, probably more than enough to cover his journey to the Favored Ones Academy.


    Somehow, despite the overwhelming odds, he had not only achieved his goal but had also grown stronger in the process.


    As Levi scrolled further through the notifications, he noticed something unusual¡ªan artifact.


    This one felt special, like a guaranteed drop instead of the artifact he received randomly. After all, the Goddess herself had promised he would receive the Keys after defeating the monster, and there it was.


    Off in the distance, near the fallen bird, a small key shimmered in the twilight. It gleamed against the backdrop of the destend, but it was far.


    Levi was in no shape to move his body but he knew what he had to do.


    "Hey, Noir! Can you grab that shiny thing for me?" Levi called out.


    This time, Noir didn''t even nce at him,pletely engrossed in its feast.


    "That damned bird¡­" Levi muttered under his breath. He knew Noir had heard him¡ªthe bird just didn''t care.


    Sighing in frustration, Levi cursed his fate. Slowly, painstakingly, he dragged himself across the battlefield toward the key, each step sent streaks of pains across his body.


    Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he finally reached it, clutching the Key of Lunacy in his hand.


    It was a strange key, seemingly forged from silver, yet its surface was abyrinth of intricate patterns that made Levi''s head throb just from looking at it. The key pulsed faintly with a dark, otherworldly energy. Its metal appeared warped and twisted, as if shaped by the very madness of Lunacy itself.


    Tiny ck feathers clung to its surface, reminiscent of wings, while the air around it shimmered with chaotic power that sent an unsettling chill through the atmosphere.


    "This is¡­ quite interesting," Levi muttered, staring at the key, his mind struggling toprehend its purpose. There was something deeply unsettling about it, as though it harbored a secret too dark for any sane mind to fathom. Yet despite the difort it invoked, Levi instinctively knew this artifact held great significance.


    After all, this was the key to one of the bindings that chained the Goddess.


    Intrigued, Levi opened the key''s description.


    ------[Key of Lunacy]-----


    Description: A child of Lunacy who rebelled against the gods for his mother¡ªbrave, but foolish. What it sought to protect ultimately became the shackles for the same. It longs to free its mother. Fulfill its wishes.


    ------[Key of Lunacy]-----


    "Child of Lunacy¡­" Levi whispered, his voice still hoarse. "This is the second time¡­"


    The Goddess had called him by that name too, but with an added twist¡ªLost child of Lunacy. What did that mean? Could this key have a deeper connection to him? The thought gnawed at him, a curiosity that refused to be ignored. But no matter how much he wanted to understand, the meaning behind it all seemed just out of reach.


    Even the description was cryptic, filled with riddles and hints that left more questions than answers. Frustrated, Levi shifted his focus to the abilities section, hoping it might provide some rity.


    [Abilities] : ______ _____ (Locked)


    "Huh?" Levi frowned.


    After everything he had endured, the abilities of the artifact were sealed? Levi felt a wave of irritation rising within him. It was as if he had been scammed.


    "Seriously?" he muttered, staring at the locked abilities. The exhaustion in his body only made the disappointment sharper. But what could he do?


    After a few more moments of scrutinizing the key''s intricate details¡ªadmittedly fascinating despite his frustration¡ªhe sighed and pocketed it. No point dwelling on it any longer. He shifted his focus to the next set of notifications, which quickly reignited his interest.


    [You have cleared the Sanctum - Lunacy of the ck Wings]


    [You have obtained an Inheritance - Tautha De Danann (Iplete)]


    ---***---

 Chapter 64: Inheritence

    What is an Inheritance? Some may ask out of ignorance, but those who grasp its true meaning understand its significance.


    It is believed that the Gods once walked thends of Paradise. Through cultivation, they ascended to the celestial realm. During their time in Paradise, they too faced trials¡ªchallenges that, when ovee, granted them the extraordinary power they wielded. An Inheritance is a recreation of those divine trials, passed down through Providence itself.


    Providence crafts these trials for humans who seek power beyond their wildest dreams. That is what an Inheritance truly is¡ªan opportunity to walk the path once tread by the Gods, to im a fragment of the power they left behind.


    A prime example is the master of the Lion Heart Sanctuary, who received the Inheritance of the Twelve Labours of Lionheart. Though he has yet toplete the entire Inheritance, it has already elevated him to one of the most powerful beings on Earth. Such is the overwhelming potential of an Inheritance.


    But these opportunities are not just awe-inspiring¡ªthey are incredibly rare. Of the millions of Followers who have made contracts with the Gods, barely ten to twenty have openly revealed possessing an Inheritance. And even if we consider those who have kept theirs hidden, the number may reach fifty at most.


    This is an exaggerationpared to the vast number of people seeking active contracts with the Gods, underscoring just how special an Inheritance truly is.


    Now, Levi had stumbled upon such an opportunity.


    He stared at the ancient seal that had appeared before him, glowing with an ethereal light. The seal was broken, and he sensed that what he held was only a fragment. The sigil shimmered, its intricate lines forming symbols both foreign and deeply familiar, as if they spoke directly to his soul. A pulse of energy surged through him¡ªbeyond the physical.


    And in that moment, Providence spoke.


    ----[Tautha D¨¦ Danann]----


    Description: [Forgotten were those who chose to stay¡ªbound, shackled by those who left. They have chosen you as their gbearer. Learn the story of the forgotten Gods.]


    Iplete: 1/5 (All five parts of the Inheritance must be gathered to attempt it.)


    ----[Tautha D¨¦ Danann]----


    Levi read the message, and his mind returned to the words of the Goddess.


    "Only three? Then why tell me about five?"


    He had asked this when the Goddess mentioned that she only needed three keys to break the shackles that bound her. Her answer was simple,


    "You will know."


    Levi mumbled, finally understanding the meaning of her words.


    She had been referring to the Inheritance. To im it, Levi had to clear all five sanctums, regardless.


    But another question surfaced in his mind, the description didn''t speak of just one god. It referred to "Gods." Did this mean the Inheritance wasn''t solely tied to the Forgotten Goddess of the Tautha D¨¦ Danann, but to all the gods who were part of some ancient group?


    If so, this Inheritance was far more valuable than he had initially thought.


    Although he couldn''t decipher much from the vague description, Levi felt certain that more would be revealed in time.


    With that in mind, he closed the message window and pocketed the seal, turning his attention to his small glutton, who was eagerly devouring the monstrous bird.


    "Leave some for me, you glutton!" Levi called out, dragging his body toward the bird.


    Noir, as expected, paid no attention to him, continuing its feast. One thing caught Levi''s eye, though, Noir''s body was glowing faintly as it tore into the bird''s flesh.


    Carrion Feast!


    Its skill had been activated.


    That meant the bird''s meat would provide benefits to his ckpanion. Levi couldn''t help but smile at the thought. Deciding to let Noir eat to its heart''s content, he shifted his focus to the three demonic crystals from the fallen-rank monster.


    These crystals radiated immense power¡ªfar more than he had ever felt before. It made sense, considering they came from a fallen-rank beast.


    "Let''s do this."


    Unable to wait any longer, Levi sat down cross-legged on the spot and took one of the crystals in his hand.


    He crushed it.


    The moment he did, raw energy burst out from the crystal, surging in all directions. It was immense, more potent than the vile-rank crystal he had previously absorbed from the Lunacy Incarnate. Levi''s senses sharpened as the overwhelming force of the crystal''s essence began to dissipate.


    But he wasn''t about to let it go to waste.


    He activated Lunacy, the ability that allowed him to harness his madness, and used it to seize control of the dissipating essence. He guided it carefully, using his power to bind the wild energy and direct it toward his core.


    The process was excruciating.


    The energy from the fallen-rank monster was more potent and pure than anything Levi had absorbed before, and it ced enormous pressure on his body, which was still only at the Follower rank.


    Each wave of power felt like it was tearing him apart from the inside. His veins pulsed with the strain, and every muscle screamed in agony.


    Gritting his teeth, Levi forced himself to maintain control. He circted the essence carefully, pushing it slowly toward his core. The sensation was unbearable, like fire coursing through his veins, but Levi refused to give in. He had to seed. As he continued regting the flow, time became a blur¡ªa meaningless concept in the face of the pain and concentration it took to guide the energy.


    Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he managed to imbue all the essence from the first crystal into his core. But the process was far from over.


    Without hesitation, he crushed the second crystal.


    Once again, raw energy exploded outward, and Levi seized it with his Lunacy, repeating the grueling process of absorption. His body shook under the strain, but he pressed on, knowing that each crystal would push him closer to his goal of filling his demonic essence bar of a thousand.


    The essence fought him, like a wild beast refusing to be tamed, but Levi''s resolve was unbreakable.


    By the time he crushed the third crystal, his entire body was burning with the intense pressure of the absorbed energy. His core felt like it might crack under the sheer force, but Levi pushed through the pain. Every ounce of essence was guided and forced into his core, strengthening it.


    Atst, after absorbing the essence of all three crystals, Levi copsed onto the ground, utterly exhausted. His body felt like it had been through a war, but he could sense the tremendous power now contained within his core.


    With a deep, ragged breath, he opened his status to check the results.


    ---***---

 Chapter 65: Return

    -----------[Status]-----------


    Name: Levias Drake


    Rank: Demonic Follower


    Patron: The Darklord of the Endless Abyss


    Affiliation: Mercenary Federation (F-rank)


    Crest: Demon who met God


    Demonic Core: Nascent-Essence


    Demonic Essence: 377/1000


    Trait: Demonic Soul


    Trait Ability: Demonic Transformation | Domination


    Dominions: Noir (ck Wing of Lunacy)


    Innate Ability: Shadow Self | Lunacy


    Artifacts: Eternal Vigil | Key of Lunacy


    Avatars: ¡ª


    Inheritance: Tuatha De Danann (Iplete - 1/5)


    -----------[Status]-----------


    Levi stared at his status screen¡ªthere were several new entries.


    The first thing that caught his eye was his new crest. It had been such a hectic experience that he hadn''t even had the chance to check it. Now, with some time to breathe, Levi focused on it.


    ----[Demon Who Met God]-----


    Description: One who, despite being in a contract with a demon, dared to stand before a God. Your bravery knows no bounds, transcending into foolishness.


    Effect: Divine powers are less effective against you.


    ----[Demon Who Met God]-----


    Levi blinked at the description. For a moment, he stood still, then the realization hit him.


    "Isn''t this too powerful?"


    Others might not grasp the significance, but Levi did. What was his biggest weakness as a demonic follower?


    Divine power!


    He hadn''t experienced it himself yet, but he didn''t need to know about it. Divine power was like poison to demonic followers, but now he had a crest that, while not grantingplete immunity, reduced its effects.


    This was huge.


    Levi wondered how he had obtained such a powerful crest, but then it struck him¡ªthe event itself was significant.


    How many humans had stood before a god? And how many of them were demonic followers? Levi doubted if there had ever been one.


    The Providence must have deemed the encounter so special that it rewarded him with this unique crest.


    His exhaustion from absorbing three demonic crystals lifted with the joy of obtaining the crest.


    A grin spread across his face as he dove deeper into his status.


    The next change he noticed was his demonic essence, which had increased by 300!


    That meant each Fallen-ranked crystal had given him 100 essence.


    Levi did some quick calctions and came to a theory on how it worked.


    A Nascent-Essence crystal had granted him 1 essence, while the Inept-Fallen crystal had given him 100.


    He theorized that the essence amount increased linearly with each sub-rank, and for every leap in the main rank, the essence increased exponentially.


    For example:


    Nascent-Essence gave 1.


    Inept-Essence might give 2.


    Nascent-Vile could give 10.


    Inept-Vile should give 20.


    Wicked-Vile should give 30, and so on.


    Using this logic, a Nascent-Fallen crystal should have given him 150 essences, and an Inept-Fallen should give 300. But he had only gained 100 from the Lord of dark skies which was an inept-Fallen rank.


    It was likely due to the pseudo-Fallen rank indicated by the Providence.


    Levi wasn''t certain.


    He needed more time and experiments to fully understand the mechanics. It was also possible the amount of essence was rtive to his rank.


    When his core had been dormant, an essence crystal had given him 2 essences, but as a Demonic Follower, it only provided 1.


    Theplexity of the system gave him a headache.


    "Let''s leave that forter," Levi muttered, pushing the thought aside as he explored the rest of his status.


    There weren''t many other changes, except for the appearance of the Inheritance at the end of his status.


    Satisfied, he closed the screen and flopped onto the ground, gazing at the twilight sky above.


    "...."


    How long had it been?


    Levi didn''t know.


    He had entered Paradise simply to earn enough money for his journey to the Favored Ones Academy, but everything had spiraled out of control.


    However, none of that mattered now.


    He had cleared the sanctum, and soon, he could finally leave this forsaken ce.


    A smile crept across his face as he closed his eyes, letting the emotions well inside him.


    Just a little longer. He would rest in the sanctum until fully recovered, then it was time to return to Earth.


    "Let''s have a grand feast after I get back," Levi muttered to himself with a tired but satisfied smile.


    But little did he know what awaited him outside the sanctum.


    ***


    Another week passed, and the situation grew even more dire.


    Thousands had now gathered, and the camps were packed with experts from every walk of life, all vying for a chance to im the Sanctum''s rewards.


    Rumors were spreading like wildfire, each more oundish than thest. Some said that the person inside had already perished, and the Sanctum was in the process of resetting.


    Others believed that the person had found a treasure of such magnitude that they were refusing to leave. And then there were those who whispered about something darker¡ª the sanctum was so terrible that no one could emerge from it unscathed.


    Roze stood in her camp, her eyes narrowing as she noticed the subtle changes in the air.


    Something felt¡­ different. The atmosphere had shifted, the tension giving way to an eerie stillness. It was as if the verynd was holding its breath.


    Across the way, the Mercenary Federation''s representative straightened, his hand going to the hilt of his sword. Even the scouts from the Makni family paused in their patrols, their eyes flickering toward the portal. Everyone could feel it¡ªthe change.


    And then it happened.


    The portal, which had stood unwavering for nearly more than a month, began to ripple more violently. The ck mist that had swirled within it started to thin.


    A low hum reverberated through the air, sending a shiver down the spines of those closest to it.


    Kai rushed forward, his heart pounding in his chest. "What''s happening?"


    William followed close behind, his gaze locked on the portal. "It''s copsing."


    All around, the gathered factions began to stir, their ranks forming up, ready to move the moment the portal gave way. The Mercenary Federation''s representative barked orders, his men closing in around the entrance. The Makni scouts did the same, positioning themselves for a potential fight.


    Roze''s heart raced as she watched the portal begin to shimmer, the ck mist fading into nothingness. Her subordinates scrambled into formation, their weapons drawn, prepared for whatever came next.


    For what felt like an eternity, the portal hung in the air, flickering, shimmering, as if caught between two worlds. And then, with a sound like tearing fabric, the portal finally began to copse in on itself.


    From the heart of the swirling darkness, a single figure emerged.


    A young man, his face pale and gaunt, stepped out from the ckened void. His clothes were tattered, his body bruised and bloodied, but his eyes¡­ his eyes burned with a fierce, otherworldly light.


    Levi had returned.


    ---***---


    Character Image of Noir has been added, show your love by adding some points to our glutton bird~

 Chapter 66: What is Happening? [BONUS]

    The air hung heavy with tension as the portal''sst remnants flickered out of existence. Silence swept through the crowd. From the heart of the copsing vortex, a lone figure staggered forward. Gasps of disbelief rippled through the camps as the assembled factions realized who stood before them.


    Levi.


    His government-issued uniform, once sturdy, now barely clung to his battered and bloodied body. Torn at the seams, it hung loosely on his thin frame, threatening to fall apart with every step.


    His face was smeared with dirt and dried blood, his jaw shadowed by uneven stubble, which was proof of the time he had spent inside the Sanctum. Though malnourished and skeletal, the way he moved¡ªsteady and unyielding¡ªtold a different story.


    A makeshift sack, fashioned from ck skin, hung over his back. It wasn''t entirely visible, but those around recognized the talons and golden beak it bore¡ªmassive unmistakably.


    Levi''s eyes burned with a fierce, otherworldly light, a far cry from the exhausted, ragged exterior. They held an intensity that silenced even the boldest in the crowd. He had survived something far worse than any of them could imagine.


    And now, he was back.


    The world around Levi felt strange, disorienting. He had just left the sanctum, having recovered enough to walk, but now, as he stood before thousands of people, his mind struggled to reconcile with reality.


    "What...?" His voice was hoarse, barely audible. He took a shaky step forward, his legs threatening to give way beneath him.


    The pendant around his neck pulsed wildly¡ªthe Shadow Warden ability of the Eternal Vigil going wild, warning him of imminent danger.


    Killing intent.


    His skin prickled, and every hair stood on end. His vision blurred as he scanned the crowd, recognizing none of the faces near him. Yet, every one of them exuded a killing intent that sent chills down his spine.


    He had no idea why these people had gathered here.


    ''Do they know I''m a demonic follower?''


    That was his first thought. Perhaps someone had seen him use his Demonic Transformation and reported him to the government. But if that were the case, why were there so many non-governmental figures present?


    He stood motionless, dropping the sack made from the carcass of the monstrous bird and ready to jump into battle at any second.


    By now, people were cautiously closing in, their eyes gleaming with a mix of awe, fear, and greed. Levi could feel it¡ªtheir hunger for whatever treasure or power he had imed within the sanctum. They were waiting, watching, assessing the right moment to strike.


    "Stay back," he muttered coldly, struggling to control his breath. He was nervous and his voice was lost in the growing murmur of the crowd. No one even seemed to have the intention of hearing it out.


    ''Fuck! Why are these people after me?''


    Levi thought genuinely confused.


    Then, amidst the sea of unfamiliar faces, he saw her¡ªRoze.


    She was the government official who had helped him when he first returned from Paradise. For a brief moment, the hardened look in her eyes softened as she met his gaze. Relief flickered across her face, but it quickly faded, reced by the same calcting expression everyone else wore.


    Beside Roze, members of the Mercenary Federation stood in tight formation. Their leader, a tall man with a chiseled jaw, eyed Levi like a valuable asset being appraised. Levi recognized their insignia¡ªthey were technically hisrades now, at least on paper. Yet their presence only heightened the tension in the air. There was no sense of camaraderie, only suspicion and anticipation.


    And then there were the others. Faces Levi didn''t recognize¡ªmembers of elite families, rogue operatives, and more than a few who appeared to be government agents from rival factions. All eyes were fixed on him, predatory and waiting for their moment.


    Levi clenched his fists.


    He hated it¡ªthe way they looked at him as if he were an insect beneath their feet. Their greed was overwhelming! They hungered for what he had acquired inside the Sanctum, the Artifacts, the Key of Lunacy, the Inheritance of the Tuatha D¨¦ Danann. Even if he didn''t fully understand their desires, one thing was clear - what he had gained was his, and he had no intention of giving it up.


    The crowd edged closer, their movements slow but undeniably menacing. Levi stepped back, his mind racing for a way out.


    Escape seemed impossible. The encirclement was too tight, and without revealing his Demonic transformation, there was no way he could break free. Even if he did transform, he could feel that there were people among them¡ªpowerful individuals¡ªwho could crush him with ease.


    So he waited. And when they were close enough, he spoke.


    "What is happening?" Levi muttered, his voice rough as he scanned the faces around him. He wasn''t prepared for this, he had no idea what had transpired outside the Sanctum during his time inside.


    It had felt like weeks, maybe a month, but there was no way of knowing for sure. The world outside had moved on without him, and now it seemed as if everyone had gathered, awaiting his return.


    "Levias Drake!" a voice called out, cutting through the tension. It was Roze.


    Levi turned toward her, blinking through the haze of exhaustion. She was pushing her way through the crowd, her eyes locking onto his. She stopped a few feet away, her expression neutral, though something deeper flickered in her eyes¡ªconcern, perhaps, or calction.


    "You''ve been gone for nearly a month," Roze said, her voice steady but kept low, careful not to draw too much attention. "Do you have any idea what''s happening?"


    Levi shook his head, trying to piece together the events.


    Roze stepped closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "You need toe with me now. I''ll exin everything. The government will take responsibility for you. This is getting out of hand."


    Her words made Levi frown. What was getting out of hand? And why should he trust her?


    But before he could respond, movement from the other side caught his attention.


    ---***---


    Thank You allcat_gaming for the Magic Castle.

 Chapter 67: Accusation [BONUS]

    "Who do you think you are to take him, Miss Rose?"


    The representative of the Mercenary Federation stepped forward, nked by other members, their weapons at the ready. He was arge, blurry figure with a thick brown beard¡ªhis appearance could only be described as bear-like. And a jagged scar ran from his forehead, across his nose, and down to his chin, making him even more intimidating.


    Raze clicked her tongue at the man''s voice and turned toward him, but his attention was on Levi.


    "Levias Drake," the man said, his voice booming across the clearing. "I am Franz, the branch manager of the Mercenary Guild. First of all, congrattions on clearing the Sanctum."


    His words eased the tense atmosphere slightly¡ªdespite his appearance, Franz had a sharp wit. And from the look of it, he also seemed stronger than most that had gathered around him.


    Levi nodded, and Franz continued.


    "As for why so many are gathered here..." Franz''s gaze shifted to where the Sanctum portal had once stood.


    "You see, the Sanctum you entered was quite special."


    That was all Levi needed to understand what was happening.


    Having experienced it firsthand, he knew better than anyone just how unique the Sanctum had been. He had gained so much from the sanctum, a crest, a trait ability, an innate ability, two artifacts of immense potential, and, most importantly, a piece of an inheritance. And he had also evolved his dormant core into an essence core.


    It was clear that such rewards could onlye from a special Sanctum. And Levi didn''t need to be a genius to know that the gathered crowd likely learned about it somehow and hoped to benefit from it, but unfortunately for them, Levi had imed everything.


    "I''m sure you understand what''s happening now," Franz said, his eyes scanning the crowd.


    Levi followed his gaze. Thousands of people surrounded them, and Levi realized that if he made any sudden moves, they would swarm him.


    Franz then looked at Levi¡ªthere was no need for words. Levi understood what his gaze meant perfectly. Franz was offering him a way out. The unspoken message was clear -e with us, and we''ll help each other.


    "As a member of the Federation, you''re under our protection. Come with us, and we''ll ensure your safety."


    Franz''s deration caused the crowd to step back.


    ''Huh? Levi was also taken aback. How did Franz know he had joined the Mercenary Federation?


    What Levi didn''t realize was that Franz had seen his records a month ago when he had joined the Mercenary Federation - it was kind of official work that was required to check up on the background of their members, but who knew it woulde in handy like this!


    Despite Levi being covered in dirt and blood, Franz had recognized him instantly.


    Franz rejoiced internally¡ªthe one who had imed the Sanctum''s rewards was a member of the Mercenary Federation. That was enough for him, at least for now. He quickly made ns to escort Levi safely.


    And right now, that seemed to be the safest route for Levi. While he did know Rose - he couldn''t trust the government - he had first-hand experience of their hospitality, working in the factories for two long years after all.


    As for the others¡­.well, they weren''t here to recruit him, he either chose the Governament or the Mercenary federation. If he ejected both their help - then those people would do anything to kill him and get everything in his possession.


    And among the two, Levi had already decided whom to get help from.


    After thinking through a bit, Levi gave a hesitant nod at Franz and he continued.


    Murmurs spread through the crowd as Franz essentially dered that the Federation would be protecting Levi. Even Rose, a government representative, hesitated.


    Amidst the murmurs, a quiet voice broke through.


    "William, have you ever heard of a family named Drake?"


    Kai, who had been silently observing, spoke so softly that only William could hear him. William didn''t understand the sudden question, but he decided to answer after thinking it over.


    "I don''t think so, young master. At least, I''ve never heard of such a family," he whispered back.


    "That''s all I needed to know."


    A brief smile flickered across Kai''s face before vanishing. With a calcted expression, he stepped forward, his movements deliberate.


    Kai''s voice cut through the crowd''s murmurs, sharp and clear.


    "One moment, Sir Franz."


    He stepped into view, his faceposed but his eyes gleaming with purpose.


    "We, here - the Mkani''s were the first to discover the Sanctum," he dered, pointing at Levi. "But this man entered cowardly, sneaking in behind our backs and disturbing our expedition - I don''t know if he is really a member of the Mercenary Federation, but I demandpensation for what we have lost."


    Levi blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the usation. He wasn''t sure what had happened when he first entered the Sanctum¡ªafter all, it was his dark twin who had been in control at the time. But seeing Kai''s smug expression, it quickly became clear that this was a ploy to im some of the Sanctum''s rewards for himself.


    Franz''s eyes flickered with confusion as murmurs spread through the crowd. Kai wasn''t finished. "I have my servant, William, as a witness." He gestured toward William, who remained silent behind him.


    Franz hesitated, ncing between Kai and Levi. The name "Makni" seemed to strike a chord. His expression tightened¡ªnot because the Makni family was a threat to the Mercenary Federation as a whole, but because he wasn''t the leader of the Federation. He was merely a branch manager, and his actions here could impact their reputation.


    The real question weighing on his mind was simple: was it worth it? Was defending an F-rank Follower like Levi worth making an enemy of the Makni family?


    But Kai wasn''t done with his theatrics. He smiled thinly and turned to Franz.


    "I don''t want to trouble the Mercenary Federation over one man''s actions," he said, feigning politeness. "How about we resolve this another way?" His eyes gleamed with greed as they darted to Levi. "Let''s settle this with a duel."


    The crowd fell silent. Levi stood there, processing the sudden shift. A duel? Over what? What has he ever done to be forced to a duel?


    Kai''s bold move drew even more attention, and Levi realized that this was an attempt to force his hand, a maniption to seize the rewards he had obtained from the Sanctum.


    Levi understood the situation, but strangely, he only felt one emotion - rage.


    ''How dare he!?''


    He couldn''t ept how boldly Kai was coveting what was rightfully his - he didn''t like it.


    ---***---


    Thank You allcat_gaming for the Magic Castle.

 Chapter 68: Duel (1)

    Kai looked at Levi, expecting to see fear or hesitation, but instead, what he saw was pure shock etched across Levi''s face. For a moment, Kai was puzzled. It wasn''t the type of shock that came from fear of an impending fight¡ªit seemed deeper, almost as if Levi couldn''t believe what was happening.


    To be honest, Kai didn''t even know who Levi was. The first time he saw him was when Levi stepped out of the portal, and Kai had only acted as he did because Levi didn''t seem toe from any prominent family.


    There would be no bacsh from messing with amoner, so Kai decided to take the risk. He desperately wanted a way to close the gap between him and his sister, so he used an innocent person of something they hadn''t done. But Kai didn''t regret it.


    ''It was his own fault,'' he thought, ncing at Levi''s face and tattered clothing. Levi looked like a beggar, someone who could only me his own fate. But what Kai didn''t expect was that Levi wasn''t some sniveling brat who would be provoked so easily.


    "A duel, huh? Why would I agree to that?" Levi sneered, meeting Kai''s gaze. Even though he was angered by Kai''s audacity, he wasn''t foolish enough to fall into his trap.


    "I don''t owe anyonepensation. And even if what you say is true, it''s your own ipetence that let me enter the Sanctum. It only proves you''re not worthy of entering the sanctum in the first ce, let alone deservingpensation."


    Levi''s words sent a ripple of murmurs through the crowd. Franz and Rose were both taken aback by his boldness. Some onlookers began agreeing with him, while others criticized him for arrogance.


    Levi listened to the crowd for a moment before stepping forward.


    "I obtained everything inside the Sanctum by my own strength. If you covet what''s mine, I have only one response."


    For a moment, green mes flickered in Levi''s eyes as he dered, "FUCK OFF!"


    That was all the crowd needed. Chaos erupted.


    "How dare you!!"


    The Makni family''s people unsheathed their weapons, enraged by Levi''s words, while the Mercenary Federation members stood firm behind him. Rose and those who hade merely out of curiosity watched, some confused about what to do, others entertained by the unfolding drama.


    But the most shocked was definitely Kai.


    He clicked his tongue, realizing he had misjudged Levi. The person he thought was a pushover had turned out to be the exact opposite. Yet, having made his move, there was no turning back. A sh seemed inevitable.


    While Kai knew he''d be reprimanded by the patriarchter for such a mistake, it wouldn''t be too severe. He was about to unleash his weapon when Levi spoke again.


    "But¡ª!"


    Suddenly, the entire field went silent, all attention turning to Levi once more.


    "There''s no need for all of you to fight. Let''s make a bet. We''ll have the duel as you wanted¡ªyou and me. If you win, you can have my head. But if I win¡­" Levi smiled. "I think I deserve properpensation, don''t you think so?"


    That was it. Kai was fully enraged. Only one thought burned in his mind.


    ''How dare a nobody look down on me?''


    Instantly, killing intent surged from him. William, noticing the shift, frowned.


    ''Something''s not right.''


    He failed to understand why Levi, who had initially refused to duel, was now offering to fight. It must mean that he was confident in his victory.


    "Young master¡ª" William tried to warn Kai, but it was toote.


    "Alright, let''s fight. If you win, you can have everything I have right now," Kai spat. He had already made his decision.


    ***


    A small dueling arena was set up in no time, with the spectating crowd forming a loose circle around it, leaving just enough room for the fighters to move freely. Kai stood at one end, sword in hand, while Levi stood in front of Franz.


    "I''m entrusting you with this. Don''t run off with it," Levi said, handing Franz the makeshift sack containing the beak and talons of the monstrous bird he had defeated.


    "I''ve killed more monsters than you''ve ever seen, brat," Franz scoffed, amazed by Levi''s apparent doubt.


    Ignoring thement, Levi gave the sack to him and walked toward the other side of the ringpletely empty-handed.


    "Where''s your weapon?" Kai asked, noticing Levi hadn''t brought out anything yet. Was it some kind of artifact? He wasn''t sure, but he asked out of courtesy.


    Levi simply shrugged. "I don''t think I''ll need a weapon."


    His words, spoken with a casual arrogance, taunted Kai further¡ªthough in reality, Levi didn''t have a weapon at all.


    A vein bulged on Kai''s temple as fury welled up inside him. How dare this bastard look down on him?


    "I was nning on just beating you enough to teach you a lesson," Kai said, his voice cold, "but now it looks like I''ll have to drag you down from the clouds first."


    With that, Kai unsheathed a deep red sword, its de shimmering with a faint aura¡ªJust one look and Levi realized that it was an artifact - a powerful one.


    ''As expected of a young master,'' Levi thought, a smile tugging at his lips.


    "But first, I''ll wipe that smug grin off your face," Kai snarled, surging forward with blinding speed. His sword sliced through the air with deadly precision.


    In response, Levi''s pendant gleamed faintly as he activated both Second Skin and Shadow Warden. A heightened sense, far beyond his normal five, surged within him as Shadow Warden took effect, allowing him to predict the path of Kai''s de. Simultaneously, Second Skin coated his body just above the surface of his skin, adding ayer of protection.


    Levi narrowly dodged Kai''s first strike, but as he moved aside, the direction of Kai''s sword changed unexpectedly. In a sh, Kai reversed his swing in a cross-cut motion.


    Levi bent back in surprise but it wasn''t enough!


    Blood trickled down Levi''s cheek as the red de grazed his face cutting through the second skin ability of the Eternal Vigil, dangerously close to digging deep into his head.


    ''That was too close!'' Levi thought, his heart pounding as he instinctively jumped back two steps, putting distance between himself and Kai.


    ---***---


    Daily Chapter~~

 Chapter 69: Duel (2)

    Levi quickly retreated, his heart pounding, but his mind was sharp and focused. Thebination of his Shadow Warden ability and Second Skin had saved him, but it had been far too close.


    Kai sneered, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction as he twirled the crimson artifact sword in his hand.


    "What''s the matter?" he taunted. "That smile of yours is fading already."


    Levi wiped the blood off his cheek with his thumb, smirking defiantly.


    "You''re not bad, I''ll give you that," he said calmly.


    Kai''s fury boiled over at Levi''s calm demeanor.


    "Arrogant till the end, huh?" He gripped his sword tightly and charged again, his movements swift and aggressive. The sword hummed with power, leaving a faint red trail as he swung it with lethal intent - he was clearly using some kind of skill!


    But this time, Levi was ready.


    Using the heightened senses from Shadow Warden, he could see the trajectory of the de clearly. He ducked under the first strike, feeling the air shift as the sword cut through where his head had been just a moment before. As Kai spun for a follow-up sh, Levi sidestepped fluidly, positioning himself just outside the arc of Kai''s attack.


    Then with all his power - Levi threw a fist whichnded heavily on Kai''s left torso.


    The impact was so hard that Kai stumbled two steps back!


    Levi''s eyes glowed faintly as his confidence grew.


    "This is all you''ve got?" he muttered under his breath.


    Even though both Kia and Levi were in follower rank - the gap in their strength was huge. Kai failed to recognize this, however.


    While he was sitting outside the Sanctum for thest month waiting for an opportunity - Levi was inside the Sanctum, fighting off monsters and creating his own opportunities.


    More than that - even as in the same rank - Levi''s progression was different than his - Above the strength of being a follower, Levi had gone through another evolution while forming his core - so even without weapons his punches carried more strength than Kai could have expected.


    But Kai was also not a pushover either.


    He had been trained by the elites of the Mkani family, not to mention the countless elixirs and tressures he had consumed to strengthen his body.


    There was simply no way he would go down with just a punch. Studying himself Kai lunged again, and this time Levi didn''t retreat.


    Instead, he surged forward, stepping inside Kai''s guard and delivering a sharp elbow to his ribs.


    Kai staggered back, winded, clutching his side. His expression was a mix of pain and disbelief. He couldn''t understand how an unarmed opponent could be slipping past his attacks so easily.


    "You...!" Kai growled, tightening his grip on the sword.


    But Levi didn''t give him time to recover. He pressed the advantage, closing the distance before Kai couldunch another attack.


    Every time Kai raised his sword, Levi was already a step ahead, dodging with minimal effort and countering with calcted precision.


    When Kai stumbled, Levi saw an opening and aimed a punch straight for his face.


    But this time, it didn''t connect. An invisible shield shimmered between them, and Levi''s fist was pushed back as if striking a wall.


    Clicking his tongue in frustration, Levi leaped back.


    It was another artifact - this time, a defense type!


    Fighting against a rich kid with tricks up his sleeve wasn''t as easy as he thought. Still, he couldn''t resist throwing out another taunt.


    "I told you I wouldn''t need a weapon," Levi said with a smirk.


    Kai used the brief respite to regain his footing, his face twisted with rage. His eyes, which once only held disdain for Levi, now burned with pure hatred.


    The crowd, who had initially expected a quick, decisive victory for Kai, murmured in disbelief.


    What had started as a seemingly one-sided match in which Kai injured Levi in their first exchange, had shifted dramatically. Many had written Levi off as just anothermoner, but now it was evident¡ªhe was far more than that.


    And that only made their theory more evident! Whatever Levi had gained inside the Sanctum - it was very valuable for sure.


    Kai, breathing heavily and clutching his ribs, red at Levi with venom in his gaze. His pride was hurt more deeply than his body.


    "You''ll regret this!" Kai spat, his voice quivering with anger and frustration.


    Levi wiped the sweat from his brow, still smiling. "Maybe," he said coolly. "But not today."


    ***


    Two spectral eyes gleamed from the shadows of the crowd, silently observing the sh between the two young men. Even though the individual stood among the gathered onlookers, it was as if no one noticed their presence.


    It wasn''t that the individual was being deliberately ignored¡ªit felt more like they were invisible, their existence veiled from the senses of those around, as if the individual wasn''t there at all.


    The figure remained motionless, their gaze fixed on the unfolding duel.


    "He''s more impressive than I expected," the individual murmured, though their words seemed to vanish into the air, unheard by anyone nearby. Their voice, like their presence, was swallowed by the shadows.


    It had been a while since both


    For a while, they simply observed the fighters exchanging blows. But then, something shifted.


    Their eyes widened in shock.


    From within Levi''s shadow, as he fought the young man from the Makni family, a pair of eerie, glowing green eyes stared back at them.


    The gaze was unnerving¡ªdirect, piercing, and impossible to dismiss. The figure froze in ce, their heart pounding with sudden rm.


    It was looking at them!


    ''How?'' they wondered, their mind racing. They had been so careful, so well-concealed, yet something¡ªor someone¡ªhad noticed.


    Before they could react, before the question could fully form in their mind, something unexpected urred.


    From Levi''s shadow, a dark, shadowy form emerged¡ªsilent, swift, and terrifying. The figure lunged toward Kai with startling speed.


    It was a creature born of darkness, leaping from the depths of Levi''s shadow like a predator.


    ---***---


    Daily Chapter~

 Chapter 70: Duel (3) [BONUS]

    Kai was beyond enraged. Never in his life had anyone insulted him to this extent, and the fact that the one who did so was a nobody only intensified his frustration.


    Who was he? The Young Master of the Makni Family, a prodigy who had made a contract with the Fire Dancer God. He had been trained from a young age in the art ofbat and weapon mastery, hailed by his family as a genius. Yet here he was, being pushed back by Levi, someone he had dismissed as insignificant.


    His pride, now wounded beyond repair, left him with only one choice¡ªhe had to go all out.


    "You forced me to do this," Kai muttered, activating an ability he barely had control over¡ªSearing Grace.


    In an instant, mes erupted from his body. The very essence within him turned into fire, and within seconds, his entire form was engulfed in zing heat.


    Levi''s instincts kicked in. The Shadow Warden ability from his Eternal Vigil roared with warnings of danger. He could feel the searing heat even from a distance. There was no way he could withstand the intensity of those mes for long.


    ''Looks like I''ll need to reveal some cards if I want to win,'' Levi thought, his mind racing.


    There were two reasons Levi had agreed to this duel.


    First, he despised how Kai had boldly used him of things he hadn''t done and looked down on him.


    Second, and more importantly, Levi was confident in his victory. There was no way Levi would''ve epted the duel if he wasn''t sure of his chances.


    Levi''s willpower was sharp enough to sense that Kai was also in Follower rank. And surprisingly enough, Levi felt that he was stronger than Kai.


    Firstly, his skills were superior¡ªeven if Kai came from an elite family, he wouldn''t possess abilities as unique as his Lunacy or Domination.


    Secondly, the amount of essence he could use was definitely more than Kai - thanks to his core, which was now filled to the brim.


    Those were the aces Levi was betting on.


    He couldn''t risk using his Demonic Transformation, as it would reveal the demonic energy within him. But Lunacy and Domination were a different story.


    Lunacy was a mind-based attack, one he was sure Kai wouldn''t be prepared for. Even if Kai had some resistance or an artifact to defend against mind attacks, Levi still had another trick up his sleeve¡ªhis small bird, hidden in his shadows.


    Still, he needed to assess the strength of Kai''s new ability. Whatever it was, it seemed to be a rarebination of a buff and an attack skill.


    While these thoughts raced through Levi''s mind, Kai surged forward, his sword now aze with crimson fire.


    The strike was more precise and powerful than anything before, and Levi knew instantly¡ªhe couldn''t dodge this one.


    Without hesitation, he instinctively activated his own ability.


    A green me flickered in Levi''s eyes as the aura of Lunacy burst forth, covering the area within 20 feet around him.


    Kai, who had been rushing at Levi, was immediately struck by the aura and came to a sudden halt. Confusion clouded his gaze as he dropped his sword and clutched his head. Levi''s Lunacy ability wasn''t powerful enough to affect the onlookers, but some noticed the shift.


    William frowned, realizing Levi was using a mind attack, while Franz''s eyes widened in surprise. Mind attacks were exceedingly rare¡ªso rare that most people never encountered someone capable of using them. Their rarity and effectiveness made them highly prized.


    While the onlookers had their own thoughts, Kai, on the receiving end of the attack, was in turmoil. His mind was a chaotic storm of conflicting memories¡ªones he desperately tried to suppress¡ªand an emotion he had buried deep within his heart surfaced.


    Jealousy.


    A bitter, festering jealousy toward his sister red up. But just as the emotion threatened to consume him, a ring on his right hand glowed. In an instant, Levi''s ability shattered like fragile ss.


    It was an artifact¡ªone designed to protect against mind attacks.


    Kai snapped back to his senses and saw Levi closing in fast. Without hesitation, he reached for his sword, but he was a second toote.


    Levi''s shadow had already reached him, and from the darkness, a ck raven with green eyes emerged. The raven clutched the sword in its beak and flew upward.


    It was Noir.


    Kai was stunned. First a mind attack, now a pet? Or was it an avatar? He didn''t know, and there was no time to think.


    Levi was already upon him, and a hard fist mmed into Kai''s face.


    Blood sprayed from Kai''s nose as he staggered from the impact. Before he could recover, another punchnded.


    Blow after blow, Levi continued to strike, only targeting Kai''s face. The duel quickly disintegrated into a one-sided assault.


    After what felt like an eternity, Kai finally crumpled to the ground, defeated. The oue was clear¡ªLevi had won.


    Amoner had bested a young master from an elite family.


    Franz let out a sigh of relief, while the onlookers disyed a mix of emotions¡ªsurprise, awe, even fear. Levi had proven to be far more formidable than anyone had imagined.


    As Franz stepped forward to dere the winner, Levi moved.


    He wasn''t done yet.


    He moved swiftly, clutching Kai''s right leg as the young mastery battered on the ground.


    The once haughty look on Kai was nowhere to be found once reced by groans and expressions of pain.


    Then, Levi''s eyes shifted to William and the Makni family members, who were watching him with hateful res.


    Their eyes met for a fleeting moment, and a cold smile crept across Levi''s lips.


    William sensed something was wrong, but before he could react, it happened.


    Without breaking eye contact, Levi yanked Kai''s leg straight and stomped down with all his strength. The sickening crack of bone echoed as Kai''s leg broke under the impact, twisting at an unnatural angle.


    All the while, Levi''s gaze remained fixed on William, his message clear,


    "Don''t you dare mess with me."


    ---***---


    Bonus chapter for 1000 collections~

 Chapter 71: No Longer A Pushover [Bonus]

    William lost control the moment Levi broke Kai''s leg. He had already been restraining himself while Kai struggled¡ªno matter what Kai did, he was like a son to William. Kai had spent most of his life by William''s side, and they were closer than even family members.


    Seeing someone he cared for so deeply getting toyed with and injured by a literal nobody made William''s already clouded mind snap.


    With a rage that could tear Levi apart, William burst forth, his eyes zing with fury. He unsheathed his sword and channeled every ounce of his power into it. In an instant, he was upon Levi, his gaze burning with hatred.


    Without a second thought, he swung his sword, aiming to cleave Levi in two.


    But just before the de could connect, a massive axe intercepted it, stopping the sword an inch from Levi''s face. The force of the sh pushed the nearby onlookers back several steps.


    "What do you think you''re doing?" Franz''s cold voice cut through the tension. His eyes held no hesitation as he stood firm, his axe still blocking William''s sword.


    It was only then that Levi fully realized what had happened.


    ''Crap! I went too far,'' Levi thought, ncing at the de that had been halted so close to his face. But he made sure not to show it, keeping his expression calm, and locked eyes with William, who was ring at him with pure malice.


    "You saw what he did! How dare this scum hurt our young master! I''ll take his head in return," William growled, showing no intention of backing down. He was on the verge of cutting Levi in half.


    "They both agreed to a duel. Whatever happens, is their own responsibility. Or are you saying the Makni family is full of people who go back on their word?" Franz replied, shoving William''s sword away with a cold determination.


    In an instant, the mercenaries from the Federation moved. They blocked the advancing members of the Makni family, forming a protective circle around Levi and Kai.


    "Stand down. Levi has won. There are witnesses here¡ªdon''t try anything foolish, or you''ll be facing the wrath of the Mercenary Federation," Franz dered firmly.


    If Franz had any doubts before, they were gone after the duel. Levi was no ordinary boy, his potential was incredible. Franz would be a fool to let him go now¡ªhe was prepared to take Levi with him, even if it meant going up against the entire Makni family.


    And even if he had chosen not to intervene, he could feel the presence of the government agents moving in. If he had been a secondter in stopping William, they would have stepped in to protect Levi.


    Franz couldn''t allow them to take the treasure he had found!


    William finally managed to calm down, if only slightly, upon seeing the firm determination in Franz''s eyes. But to his utter shock, Levi didn''t.


    "What the hell are you doing?" William growled.


    Behind Franz, Levi was nonchntly stripping Kai of his clothing.


    Franz turned, his own confusion evident as he tried to make sense of Levi''s actions. For a moment, even Franz''s thoughts spiraled into wild guesses, but he quickly shook his head, ring at Levi as if silently asking what madness he was up to now.


    Levi blinked,pletely oblivious to the mounting tension. "I won, didn''t I? I''m just taking everything on him..." he said with a shrug as if it were the most natural thing in the world.


    The mercenaries around them burst intoughter, finding the absurdity of the situation hrious. But there wasn''t a trace of humor on William''s face.


    "You...! Don''t go too far!" William hissed through clenched teeth, his eyes filled with venom. If looks could kill, Levi would have been dead a hundred times over.


    Even Franz stood speechless.


    In all his years as a Mercenary, he had never seen someone so brazen. And the strangest part was, Levi didn''t seem to be doing it out of malice or to disrespect Kai¡ªit was as if he was just casually fulfilling the terms of the duel.


    Without sparing William another nce, Levi continued his task, removing Kai''s shirt before moving to his pants.


    "Your young master made the bet. If you want to me someone, me him," Levi said matter-of-factly.


    William could only watch, fists clenched tightly at his sides, as Levi stripped his young master of his clothes.


    Levi worked quickly, tossing aside the fine garments before reaching for the rings on Kai''s fingers. One was an artifact that provided defense against mind attacks, other was a spatial ring. He pocketed both, along with the red sword that Noir had snatched earlier.


    Levi took everything. Then, his eyes drifted down to thest piece of clothing on Kai''s unconscious body¡ªhis underwear.


    He paused, seriously contemting whether to take that too.


    ''That would be too disrespectful,'' he thought with a smirk, deciding against it. Finally, he turned to William.


    "You can take your young master now. Tell him thanks when he wakes up¡ªI really needed new clothes. Man, what luck!" Levi said, still taunting him with a smirk.


    The onlookers were stunned, their amazement at Levi''s shamelessness growing with each passing second. How could someone be so brazen? And more importantly, Levi didn''t even seem to care.


    What they didn''t know was that Levi was the type of person who wouldn''t leave a drop of sauce on a te. How could he pass up the chance for such high-quality clothes?


    Casually, Levi walked over to retrieve his makeshift sack from one of the mercenaries. He checked its contents carefully, making sure everything was in ce before turning his attention to Franz, who was still staring at him, utterly dumbfounded.


    "Shall we go now? I''d kill for a bath. Haven''t seen water in a month," Levi said, his tone as casual as ever.


    Noir had already slipped into Levi''s shadow, and Levi cast a final nce at the crowd, his eyes cold and warning. He had already sent a message loud and clear, he wasn''t a pushover, not anymore. If anyone wanted what was his, they''d have to be prepared to face the consequences.


    ---***---


    Thank You allcat_gaming for the Magic Castle.

 Chapter 72: Rest [Bonus]

    In one of the towering skyscrapers of Bengaluru, one of the most famous and central cities of the United Asian Continent, a young man was lounging in a bathtub. The water was filled with fragrant foam from the scented shampoo he was using, and floating in front of him was a ckbird. The raven swamzily through the water, behaving more like a duck than a bird of omen.


    "Hah! This is the life... No monsters, no danger, just me and this warm water." Levi let out a deep sigh of rxation, sinking further into the tub until only the upper half of his face remained above the water.


    It had been two days since he returned from Paradise, and quite a few things had happened in that short time.


    Firstly, thanks to the intervention of the Mercenary Federation, no one dared to challenge Levi after his exit with Franz.


    He was taken directly to the Federation''s headquarters, where Franz had stern words for him. Franz reprimanded Levi for his reckless actions, especially for breaking Kai''s leg. He warned Levi not to provoke elite families too much, as the Federation couldn''t always protect him from their wrath.


    But despite the warning, the Federation had extended him unexpected help. They provided him with a luxurious ce to stay¡ªa room in one of the city''s five-star hotels. They even assisted him in selling the monster parts he had hauled back from the Sanctum.


    To his surprise, the parts fetched an astounding price. When the credits were deposited into his newly created bank ount, Levi found himself with one hundred thousand credits¡ªa sum that equaled what he could have earned from forty years ofbor in government factories.


    With that kind of money, Levi realized he could easily live a life of luxury for the next 10-15 years, at least when it came to indulging in good food - which was the only thing really mattered to Levi.


    Another significant change was the bump in his mercenary rank. He''d been promoted from F rank to E rank. It wasn''t a huge leap, but it opened up the possibility for more lucrative missions¡ªmissions that could help him earn even more credits.


    Of course, the Mercenary Federation had its own curiosity about what transpired in the Sanctum. They questioned Levi about what he had encountered and gained inside.


    Ever cautious, Levi chose to reveal only what he deemed safe. He spoke about the Larvae, the ck Cocoon, and the ck Wing of Lunacy, but he carefully omitted any mention of the Goddess or the essence of Lunacy that he had consumed.


    As for Noir, his raven, Levi told them it was an Avatar.


    As to what Avatars were, they were rare and highly coveted rewards¡ªperfect replicas of monsters, crafted entirely from essence by the Providence itself. They were sometimes granted by Providence as rewards when killing monsters, and their rarity was so extreme that Levi, despite killing hundreds of monsters, had not yet received one.


    When asked about his rewards from the Sanctum, Levi presented the Eternal Vigil artifact, hiding the Key of Lunacy and the inheritance he had obtained.


    He had a sense that Franz suspected he was holding something back, but for some reason, Franz chose not to press the issue. Perhaps he believed having Levi as a mercenary was more valuable than anything Levi could have brought out of the Sanctum. Little did he know how priceless those rewards truly were.


    Luckily for Levi, they hadn''t used a Truth Orb during the debriefing, allowing him to weave his lies with ease - he realized that he was really good at it!


    Anyway, the Federation didn''t pry further, and Levi was free to enjoy the fruits of his adventure in peace.


    And now, he was savoring his time in the five-star hotel.


    Despite taking eight baths over thest two days, he could still faintly smell the stench of the Larvae''s mucus and the ck Cocoon on his skin. Yet, he didn''t mind.


    Thefort of the hotel was more than enough to make up for it. Delicious meals were delivered to his door daily, and the peace and quiet were everything he had wished for in the past.


    But what about now?


    As Leviy in the warm, fragrant water, he found himself wondering, What did he want now?


    Well, even Levi wasn''t entirely sure what he wanted right now. His immediate focus, though, was to find a way to create a demonic sanctuary¡ªor at least to uncover clues that could lead him to one. The quest from the Goddess could wait, after all, he didn''t have anything else pressing to do.


    As he rested in the bathtub, Levi''s gaze shifted to the ckbird swimming leisurely in the bathtub.


    Noir was very helpful during his duel with the Mkani family''s young master. While the bird hadn''t fought directly, its quick action of stealing Kai''s weapon had created the perfect opening for Levi to strike and win.


    For that, Levi was more than grateful, and he''d shown his appreciation with two whole roasted chickens¡ªboth of which Noir had devoured with gleeful enthusiasm.


    Sipping the refreshment resting by the side of the tub, Levi summoned the status window of his little bird.


    ----[ck Wing of Lunacy]-----


    Name: Noir


    Rank: Essence Monster


    Master: Levias Drake


    Demonic Core: Nascent


    Demonic Essence: 0/100


    Trait: Death''s Hier


    Trait Ability: Carrion Feast | Phantom Flock | MorphWing


    Innate Ability: Lunacy | Umbral Perch


    ----[ck Wing of Lunacy]-----


    A new innate ability had appeared in Noir''s status, one that it had obtained after feasting on the boss monster of the Sanctum.


    And it was also the exact ability that allowed Noir to glide seamlessly into the shadows.


    ----[Umbral Perch]----


    Description: Wherever there is darkness, wherever there are shadows, the ck Wing exists.


    ----[Umbral Perch]----


    This new ability had been absorbed after Noir devoured the Lord of the Dark Skies. It was an incredibly useful skill, enabling it to hide and travel through shadows.


    While the description seemed vague, Levi had already discovered some of its uses. Not only could Noir be one with the shadows, but while in darkness, it also entered a state of invulnerability. No physical attack could touch it in that state.


    However, this power didn''te without a price. Noir couldn''t stay hidden in the shadows indefinitely, for now at least as the ability consumed an enormous amount of essence, limiting its use. That was part of the reason why the bird was currently swimming in the bathtub.


    Anyway, aside from these benefits there were also other things Levi had gained - the artifacts from Kai!


    ---***---


    Thank You allcat_gaming for the Magic Castle.

 Chapter 73: Plans behind the Scene

    Levi had gained two artifacts from Kai¡ªone was the red sword, a weapon-type artifact, which he desperately needed, as he had no other weapon to use.


    ----[ze]----


    Type: Weapon


    Rank: Vile


    Description: [A sword blessed by Fire itself.]


    Abilities: [Will Fire]


    [Will Fire]: The stronger the will, the stronger the fire.


    ----[ze]-----


    Though it had only one skill, its power was immense, as it did not rely on Levi''s essence but on his willpower. Essence was still required to envelop the sword in mes, but the intensity of those mes was entirely dependent on his will. Even without its ability, the sword was formidable, with an incredibly sharp de that lived up to its Vile rank.


    "I thought he might have something stronger," Levi mused, though he knew it was natural for Kai not to possess higher-level weapons¡ªnot because the Makni family was poor, but because what good were powerful weapons if Kai couldn''t even wield them?


    The second artifact was the ring he was currently wearing¡ªa Fallen-rank artifact with two attached skills.


    ----[Ring of the Fallen]----


    Type: essory


    Rank: Fallen


    Description: [A ring crafted from the ashes of a long-forgotten kingdom.]


    Abilities: [Mind Shield], [Essence Flow]


    [Mind Shield]: Protects the wearer from mental attacks, fortifying the mind.


    [Essence Flow]: Gradually restores essence during battle.


    ----[Ring of the Fallen]----


    This ring was far rarer than the sword. Not only did it offer defense against mental attacks, but it also restored essence during battle¡ªexactly what Levi needed most at the moment. When Levi was in his demonic transformation, he could utilize its regenerative ability to maintain his essence.


    But since he couldn''t afford to use Demonic Transformation recklessly anymore, he had been seeking a way to restore essence naturally, and this ring was the perfect solution.


    Aside from these two artifacts, Levi also had Kai''s spatial ring¡ªthough, of course, it was locked. He had asked Franz to help unlock it, and surprisingly, Franz agreed. Seizing the opportunity, Levi also gave him the spatial ring he had taken from the fat boy, which was still stored in his Mercenary Federation locker.


    Franz said unlocking both rings would take time, and Levi didn''t mind the wait, as he had other ns before heading to the Favored Ones Academy.


    First, he needed to visit his friend¡ªIan!


    ***


    The monastery, nestled in the craggy peaks of the United Asian Country, remained as still as ever. The skies had begun to darken with the onset of twilight, casting long shadows over the hilltops. The monks went about their evening routines, some meditating, others tending to the ancient grounds. Their movements were deliberate, slow, and peaceful.


    But not all was serene beneath the sacred tree.


    The towering monk, who had earlier conversed with the disembodied voice, sat alone, his eyes closed as he inhaled the chilled mountain air. His imposing figure, with muscles honed from years of ascetic training, radiated strength, yet his spirit was calm¡ªa still ocean in the storm.


    Without any sound or movement to herald it, the air before him seemed to darken. A wisp of shadow unfurled, growing more tangible by the second until a form emerged¡ª it was the same individual who was watching Levi''s duel with Kai, the one who dwelt in the darkness.


    "Have you found the one?"


    The monk asked without opening his eyes having noticed the presence of the shadowed individual, his deep voice cutting through the silence like a de. The sacred beads in his hand clicked softly as he shifted slightly in anticipation of the answer.


    "I have," the individual responded, their voice smooth yet carrying a weight of tension. "But the situation is not ideal."


    The monk''s eyes opened, revealing his sharp, discerning gaze. "Exin," hemanded.


    The individual stepped forward from the shadows, taking the form of a tall, spectral figure cloaked in darkness. Their face was obscured, but three gleaming eyes shone with the knowledge and secrets they held. They sped their hands together as if contemting the words they would say next.


    "That boy¡­.he is more mysterious¡­than I thought," it began. "And he is not alone. There is¡­something sinister that dwells within his shadow¡­.. " The figure hesitated.


    The monk raised a brow but remained silent, waiting for more.


    And they continued, their voice barely a whisper, though each word carried immense gravity.


    "A raven was gliding in his shadows but that wasn''t what I saw - it was something¡­.more sinister. It acted on its own as if the boy¡­. wasn''t even aware of its existence. I don''t know what it is, but it has power¡ªpower that feels... unnatural."


    The monk''s expression remained impassive, but his fingers tightened ever so slightly around the meditation beads. "A creature from the boy''s shadow... how unusual and even you can''t see anything? Is it a trait?"


    "I do not know," They admitted. "But that is not the problem right now - Mercenary Federation has taken the role to protect him - and if they weren''t, I don''t know if taking him here is safe - that boy, he is reckless and unpredictable."


    The monk closed his eyes briefly. It was rare for his friend to speak this much, and it was clear he was deeply unsettled by what he couldn''t identify in Levi''s shadow. Now that Levi was under the protection of the Mercenary Federation, they would have to bide their time. Any rash action could risk revealing their presence, and that was a danger they couldn''t afford.


    "Keep a close watch on him for now," the monk said, setting the matter aside for the moment. "How goes the infiltration of the Favored Ones?"


    "It''s progressing well," the individual replied. "Two of our people have sessfully gained admission to the academy, and no one suspects a thing. Once they are inside, we can begin the next phase of our n."


    "Good. Tell them to remain cautious and vignt. We''re running out of time."


    The figure nodded before retreating into the shadows, disappearing into the void as silently as they had appeared.


    The monk was left standing alone once more, his gaze fixed on the horizon. The world around him seemed calm, untouched by the machinations stirring beneath its surface. But he knew better.


    War wasing¡ªand it was a war they desperately needed to survive.


    ----***----


    Daily Chapter~~

 Chapter 74: The Five Unions

    Levi walked through the slums of the so-called major city, an area nestled at the very fringes of the towering stone walls that dominated the skyline. The massive structures loomed over the slums like silent sentinels, casting long, oppressive shadows that stretched across the narrow, winding streets.


    It had only been a month and a half since Levi had left this ce, but the sight of it tugged at something deep within him. There was a strange nostalgia in the air, a feeling that mingled with the stench of decay and the oppressive weight of the atmosphere.


    The slums hadn''t changed. They never did. Time passed, but this part of the city seemed eternally locked in its grim, unchanging state.


    The alleys were as cramped as ever, barely wide enough for a single person to pass without brushing against the broken-down shacks lining the streets. The makeshift homes were patched together with scraps of wood and metal, sagging under the weight of time and neglect.


    Children skittered through the shadows, their faces hollow with hunger, while adults lingered in doorways, their eyes filled with resignation. Levi recognized it all¡ªthe dirt, the hopelessness¡ªbut it felt more distant now, like a part of a life he had left behind.


    Above, the walls loomed high, blocking out the sun and casting everything in a dull, grey light. The towering walls stood as a boundary between humanity and the monstrousnds beyond, a constant reminder of the price paid for human greed.


    When humanity discovered Paradise, they began creating portals between Earth and Paradise, tapping into divine power without restraint. Driven by greed, the number of portals kept increasing, eventually falling into the hands of ipetent individuals. And that''s when disaster struck.


    Humans weren''t the only ones capable of passing through the Bliss portals. When the strongholds on the other side in Paradise failed to hold, monsters swarmed through the portals onto Earth, triggering the First Great Cataclysm.


    Unprepared and vulnerable, humanity was caught off guard. With no defenses in ce, more than a third of the global poption was wiped out. Monsters made their nests around the Bliss portals, forever altering the world.


    The Phase of Great Change reshaped the world after the cataclysm. Before the disaster, over 150 countries existed, each with its own government andws. But as monsters spread, smaller nations copsed, and only the strongest survived, giving rise to the Five Unions.


    Africa united to form the Union of Africa.


    While North and South America merged under the leadership of Pachacuti, the World-Shaker. He and his sanctuary, the Great Sun, forged the Union of Great America. Europe and Australia remainedrgely the same as no nation had the military power or resources to conquer others during such chaotic times.


    Asia, however, was thest to unite. With Russia, China, and India allpeting for dominance, unity seemed impossible. Unlike America, which had Pachacuti as its undisputed leader, Asiacked a singr figure to bring the nations together. Despite having powerful individuals, the three countries were evenly matched, their vast poptions making a decisive victory difficult.


    When humans gained the ability to form contracts with gods, countries with massive poptions, like India, gained a significant advantage. Despite being less developed than China or Russia, India remainedpetitive purely because of its numbers.


    For a decade, the power struggle continued, but with the growing might of a united America looming, the three powers¡ªRussia, China, and India¡ªhad no choice but to merge, forming the Union of Asia.


    Then there was Antarctica, the continent that had suffered the worst during the First Cataclysm. "Suffered" wasn''t the right word¡ªit had beenpletely overrun. Humanity had lost the entire continent to a monstrous swarm, a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked greed.


    But humans, for all their ws, were also adaptive. They learned quickly from their mistakes. Regtions on Bliss portals became far stricter. Only certified sanctuaries under the control of one of the Five Unions were allowed to open portals, and they could only remain open for a limited time.


    At the first sign of a monster invasion, the portal had to be closed immediately. Additionally, a powerful individual¡ªat least of Pdin rank¡ªwas required to stand guard on one side of the portal at all times.


    These precautions helped humanity recover from the devastation of the First Cataclysm. But they weren''t enough to stop the Second.


    The Second Cataclysm struck exactly thirty years after the first, when humanity discovered a new threat¡ªdemonic followers. These crazed individuals, driven by madness, managed to open a Bliss portalrger than anything seen before, summoning a creature that humanity was utterly powerless against at the time.


    Unlike the chaotic disaster of the First Cataclysm, this one was deliberate. The intention behind it was clear - to annihte the Followers who had made contracts with the gods.


    The devastation caused by this event far surpassed the first cataclysm. Cities were razed, sanctuaries overrun, and countless lives lost. The damage was catastrophic, not just physically but also psychologically.


    Humanity was pushed to the brink of copse as they fought to survive a foe far beyond their capabilities.


    Although they managed to ovee the Second Cataclysm, the cost was almost too great to bear. Entire regions were left in ruin, and the scars of that battle lingered long after the threat was defeated.


    But that had little to do with Levi.


    It had been 48 years since the Second Cataclysm, and while no major events had urred since, humanity had spent the time fortifying their cities. Massive walls encircled every poption center, creating a barrier against the monsters that continued breeding outside, much like goblins.


    Fortunately, these walls were strong, and most monsters couldn''t break through.


    Most.


    From time to time, a powerful beast would appear, which is why the wealthy lived in the heart of the cities, far from the danger. The poor, on the other hand, were pushed to the outermost edges, near the walls, forced to live in constant terror and fear.


    Levi knew this fear all too well. It was how he had lost his mother.


    What kind of monster had it been? He tried to remember, searching his mind for the details. But nothing came to him.


    Then, a momentter, as if the thought didn''t concern him, Levi continued walking, the memory slipping away, forgotten.


    He wasn''t even aware that it had vanished from his mind!


    ---***---


    Daily Chapter~


    New cover uploadedment your thoughts!

 Chapter 75: Aftermath

    Forgetting his thoughts, Levi pressed onward, making his way to the ce where he had spent most of his life¡ªhis slum house.


    As he walked, he couldn''t help but notice the eyes of the people around him, their gazes lingering on him with a mix of curiosity and longing. The residents wore torn clothes, their weary eyes reflecting a hunger that went beyond just food. It was as if the weight of their existence had exhausted them to the point of resignation.


    Levi recognized those eyes. They were the same eyes he had seen in the mirror just a month ago. Back then, he had shared their struggle, feeling the same gnawing emptiness.


    Now, dressed in neat, high-quality clothes purchased with the credits he had earned, he appeared to them as a noble, an outsider who no longer belonged in the slums. Their gazes felt like silent pleas, a collective yearning for help that hung heavy in the air.


    Some might assume that Levi may feel pity for them, but he didn''t.


    Why would he?


    Just days ago, he had been in their position, grappling with desperation.


    Nothing hade easily to him. He had wed his way through hell to reach a better ce, each step fraught with danger.


    The only reason he was back in the slums was to visit a friend who had once treated him kindly in this harsh environment.


    He wondered if he might have been inclined to help them if they had helped him back then, but the thought felt too harsh, too unrealistic.


    Would he have shared his hard-earned money with a stranger?


    Would he have shared his bread, the only piece he would have on a day with someone else?


    The answer was clear - Absolutely Not!


    why would he?


    Deep down, he acknowledged a truth about himself¡ªHe was selfish.


    He was also delusional to expect help from others.


    Yet, that was just who he was.


    He was no saint, nor a hero.


    He was simply a narrow-minded boy who had learned to ept that fact without shame.


    He felt no obligation to carry the burdens of others when he had barely managed to shoulder his own.


    For he was the Forsaken!


    ***


    High in the mountains, nestled among the peaks, stood a sprawling mansion built in the traditional Japanese style. The mansion, with its sweeping roofs and intricate woodwork, was the adobe of the Makni family.


    Inside its serene walls, however, tension brewed. Kai stood in front of a corridor, his body had just recovered from the humiliating defeat he had suffered two days prior.


    But today, the weight of his failure pressed heavily on him, for he had been summoned by the patriarch of the family - his Father!


    As he made his way through the ornate hallways, each step felt heavier than thest. Kai''s heart raced, and his palms were slick with sweat.


    He knew he had brought shame upon their family name, and the consequences would not be light.


    With fear gripping his heart - he walked.


    Finally, he reached the heavy wooden door of his father''s study. Taking a deep breath, he knocked softly. "Father, it''s me, Kai."


    "Enter," came the reply,ced with authority.


    With a trembling hand, Kai pushed open the door. Inside, the patriarch sat behind an expansive desk littered with documents and scrolls. The imposing figure of his father, with fiery red hair cascading like a mane, radiated the essence of their god, the Fire Dancer. His presence filled the room with an intensity that made Kai''s stomach churn.


    Withstanding it, Kai walked in and stood still, not daring to utter a word.


    There was silence for a moment and then a voice echoed.


    "Do you know what your mistake is?" the patriarch asked, his voice low and dangerous, still focused on the papers before him as if uninterested by anything.


    That was far from the truth!


    Kai swallowed hard, flinching at the question.


    "I do, father. I have shamed the name of our family by picking a fight with amoner. I apologize."


    His voice wavered, betraying his fear.


    At that moment, mes burst forth from the patriarch, a wave of heat that pushed Kai back.


    "You fool!" he roared, the room shaking with the force of his anger. "You don''t even know your mistake!"


    Kai stumbled, falling onto his backside. He could feel the heat radiating from his father as he struggled topose himself.


    The patriarch''s eyes zed with fury. "It is not that you picked a fight. Your mistake is that you lost! If you pick a fight, you should win¡ªthat''s the way of the Makni!"


    Kai''s heart sank further, and he nodded, tears stinging his eyes.


    "You need to understand what it means to carry our name," his father continued his voice a mix of disappointment and rage.


    "Every challenge is an opportunity to prove yourself. Instead, you allowed a mere boy to humiliate you."


    Kai bowed his head immediately, ashamed. "I will do better, father. I swear it."


    But he didn''t seem convinced.


    "Go into seclusion. Train hard. I do not want to see your face until you have improved significantly," the patriarchmanded, his voice brokering no argument.


    While Kai immediately got up and turned to leave.


    His shoulders slumped in defeat as he walked out, there was an emotion that zed in his heart at this moment - Hate!


    As he controlled his tears and made his way back - the hate for Levi in his heart grew - so much so that he gritted his teeth and dug his fingers deep into his palm.


    This shame - he would remember it.


    ***


    Silence descended the study room as Kai left and a secondter, the patriarch''s voice cut through the air.


    "Kaizer."


    A figure materialized in the room as if born from the fire itself, his form flickering with embers. He stood with a stoic expression and a slight bow.


    "Where is the boy now?" the patriarch inquired, his tone chilling.


    "He is Mercenary Federation, they are giving him quite a lot of security," Kaizer answered, his voice steady.


    The patriarch''s eyes narrowed, mes flickering in their depths. "Can you bring him to me?"


    Kaizer shook his head.


    "I apologize, patriarch. While I am more than capable, it would be too obvious. If something were to happen to the boy now - the Mkani family would be med - there were too many spectators after all and even the Mercenary Federation would not sit still. It would be best to wait until he enters Paradise again."


    Silence fell over the room, heavy with tension.


    The patriarch''s face hardened as he contemted his options. Then after a brief silence, he spoke again.


    "Make sure he pays forying his hands on the Makni''s heir."


    Kaizer looked at the patriarch and bowed slightly, his demeanor unwavering.


    "Understood."


    ---***---


    Daily Chapter~

 Chapter 76: Where is Ian? [Bonus]

    Levi''s boots crunched against the uneven dirt paths of the slums as he walked, his gaze sweeping over thendscape of decay. The so-called "house" he had lived in soon appeared in the distance. If it could even be called that¡ªa pdash shelter of stic sheets and loose bricks, just enough to keep the rain from soaking them to the bone during storms.


    It was more of a barely functional shanty than a true home.


    As he approached the familiar sight, he stopped short, staring at it for a moment. Memories shed through his mind. The cramped space inside, barelyrge enough for three or four adults, yet it had been all he''d known.


    This was where he''d lived with Ian and his sister, huddled together in the cold nights, sharing what little food they could scrape together. Now, it stood in front of him, small and unimposing, a far cry from the world he had been thrown into just weeks ago.


    "Things change so quickly," Levi muttered under his breath, his thoughts wandering.


    A month and a half ago, he''d been just another slum boy, stuck in this fragile home and scraping by. Food had always been scarce, their bellies rarely full, yet they survived.


    Now? now, he was an E-rank mercenary, strong enough to defend himself and no longer burdened by hunger. His life had changed more in a few short weeks than in years of struggle.


    "Unpredictable¡­ life is truly unpredictable," Levi mused, his expression hardening.


    Shaking himself from his reverie, Levi called out with a grin, eager to reunite with his friend, "Hey, Ian! Come out¡ªyour daddy''s here!"


    He stood still, listening. Expecting to hear the familiar shuffle of feet or the sound of his friend''s voice. But there was nothing¡ªno response, no movement.


    Levi''s brow furrowed as he waited a little longer, then called again.


    "Ian?"


    Still nothing.


    Concern prickled at the back of his mind as he slowly stepped forward, pushing aside the tattered stic sheet that served as the door. As it fluttered back in ce behind him, Levi''s eyes quickly adjusted to the dim light inside.


    And what he saw made his heart freeze.


    The inside of the makeshift home was in chaos. The torn and worn mattress, which they''d scavenged from the garbage, was covered in muddy footprints.


    The small y pot they''d used to store drinking watery shattered on the ground, its contents long since dried up. Clothes were strewn about as if someone had rifled through them in haste.


    It was a mess. It was wrong.


    Levi''s blood turned cold, a knot forming in his stomach. Ian was nowhere to be seen, and the house bore signs of something far worse than neglect.


    His voice was low and dangerous when he spoke again.


    "Noir."


    The shadows at Levi''s feet stirred, and from them, a ck raven materialized, gliding up to perch on his shoulder. Its beady eyes scanned the chaotic scene with silent understanding.


    "Can you find him?" Levi asked, his tone now sharp with barely restrained urgency.


    The raven tilted its head, studying the surroundings for a moment longer before letting out a soft caw.


    Without hesitation, a dozen more ravens rose from Levi''s shadows, each one silent as it took to the sky, scattering in all directions.


    Levi stood alone in the wrecked remains of what had once been his home, fists clenched, his gaze cold and distant.


    Whatever had happened here, it wasn''t good. And Levi would find out who¡ªor what¡ªwas responsible.


    ***


    An abandoned building stood at the far edge of the city, a ce so forsaken that even the government didn''t dare to enter. It was the perfect hideout for D-Company, the most notorious gang in the region.


    Despite their name sounding like a corporate entity, D-Company''s strengthy in their formal, organized approach to crime¡ªa structure so rigid and disciplined that it had allowed them to expand their reach far and wide, even making authorities think twice before crossing them.


    The branch operating in Bengaluru wasn''t their main hub, just a small faction handling their smuggling operations between cities. But even here, in their decrepit hideout, a familiar scene was ying out once again.


    "Hey, Dadua! You''re wasting time again? We haven''t even finished the job!" One of the gang members, his tone full of frustration, shouted at the man known as Dadua.


    Before him, two captives were bound to chairs. The first was a young man, about eighteen, with unremarkable ck hair and average features. He didn''t stand out in any way, except for the blood running from a fresh cut on his lip.


    Beside him sat a girl no older than twelve, her delicate features suggesting she didn''t belong to the slums, unlike the boy. Though her clothes were tattered and dirt-smudged her face, she looked like someone from much more privileged background. In stark contrast to the young man, she seemed out of ce.


    And in front of them, looming like a grotesque predator, was Dadua. Hisrge, bulbous nose twitched as his thin, wiry mustache failed to hide a wicked grin. His wide eyes gleamed with malice as his rough, goblin-like face contorted into an unsettling expression that seemed to stretch ear to ear.


    "What''s your problem, Chota? You gotta enjoy life when you can!" Dadua barked back with a sneer, his voice deep and gravelly. He pointed at the unconscious boy tied to the chair. "Besides, this punk had the guts to mouth off in front of me."


    Themotion seemed to stir the boy, his eyelids fluttering open. Confused and groggy, he groaned as he tried to move his hands to his face, only to find them tied securely to the chair.


    "Ugh¡­ what¡­?" His words were slow, his mind still catching up to the reality of his situation. His eyes darted around until theynded on Dadua''s hideous face.


    "Holy¡ª! A goblin!" Ian, the boy, yelled instinctively, recoiling in shock at Dadua''s grotesque features.


    ---***---


    Thank you allcat_gaming for the Magic Castle.

 Chapter 77: Old Debt

    "Holy¡ª! A goblin!" Ian yelled instinctively, recoiling in shock at Dadua''s grotesque features.


    The insult struck a nerve.


    "You punk!" Dadua''s face twisted with rage as heshed out, his open hand pping Ian across the face with a force that rattled the boy''s head. The impact sent stars dancing across Ian''s vision, his cheek burning from the strike.


    Dadua wasn''t just somemon thug. He had once made a contract with a god, gaining a slight boost in strength, though he hadn''t improved much since then - he still had more strength than average humans nheless.


    It took Ian a moment to regain his senses. His eyes flickered as the stars cleared from his vision, revealing Dadua grinning maliciously.


    "Heh, back with us now, boy?" Dadua taunted, leaning in closer, his breath rancid. "You''ve got some fire in you. I like that. Makes things¡­ fun."


    Ian, despite the pounding in his skull and the fear racing through his veins, managed to shoot back, "You think you scare me, goblin-face? I''ve seen worse in the mirror."


    Dadua''s eyes darkened, his grin fading into a dangerous, thin line. "You''ve got a sharp tongue, boy. But let''s see how long thatsts when I start breaking things."


    With a cruel smile, Dadua bent down and grabbed a rusty iron pipe from the dusty floor, tapping it against his palm as if weighing it. He turned the pipe over thoughtfully before looking back at Ian.


    "Maybe I''ll start with your legs," he mused. "Or perhaps your fingers. I''m sure I can find something to keep me entertained."


    A flicker of fear crossed Ian''s eyes, but he gritted his teeth, refusing to show weakness. "You''re all talk, goblin. I bet you couldn''t hurt a fly."


    Dadua let out a harsh, gutturalugh, the sound bouncing off the crumbling walls of the abandoned building. "Is that so? Let''s see how long you hold that smart mouth when I start breaking bones."


    He raised the pipe, preparing to strike. But just as he was about to swing, Ian''s heart lurched as he noticed Dadua''s attention shift. The man''s gaze flickered toward the girl tied beside him, and Ian''s blood ran cold.


    Dadua''s hand moved toward the young girl, his cruel eyes gleaming with sadistic delight. "Or maybe," he purred, "I''ll start with her instead."


    "Leave her alone!" Ian roared, the primal surge of anger and panic making his voice crack. He thrashed against the ropes holding him to the chair, desperation overtaking his previous facade of bravery. "Don''t you dare touch her!"


    Dadua''s lips stretched into an unsettling smile, his yellowed teeth bared in a sickening grin. "Ah, so this is where it hurts, is it? I knew this little princess was special. Now I know your weakness, boy."


    He approached the girl slowly, savoring the fear in Ian''s eyes. The girl, though silent, looked at Dadua with wide, terrified eyes, too frightened to speak. Ian struggled violently in his chair, but the ropes held firm, cutting into his skin.


    Above them, perched on a crumbling ledge, a raven watched silently. Its ck eyes gleamed in the dim light, fixed on the scene unfolding below.


    ***


    It didn''t take long for the phantom flock to find Ian.


    The phantom ravens with their sharp eyes unwavering, scoured the city. One by one, they probed narrow alleyways, abandoned buildings, and filthy corners. Their forms flickered in and out of existence as they darted through shadows, relentlessly searching for their target.


    This was another thing Levi had learned - the Umbral Perch skill of Noir could be used by the phantom flock as well, which was an incredible advantage.


    Noir could now summon twelve phantoms, albeit at the dormant rank. But that didn''t matter. Levi only needed them as scouts, and for that purpose, they were more than enough.


    One of the ravens soon reached a derelict building, gliding silently through shattered windows and crumbling walls. Watching through their shared vision, Levi felt a surge of relief.


    Managing twelve different viewpoints was exhausting, even for him, so he rotated his focus between them. Even then, the strain pushed his concentration to its limits, draining his mental energy.


    Yet the sight of Ian alive, though bound and helpless, was overwhelming.


    Ian didn''t appear to have been harmed¡ªyet.


    But the relief was short-lived. The sight of his friend in such a vulnerable state, at the mercy of a cruel man, sparked a burning rage deep within Levi.


    And standing before Ian, jeering and gloating, was a figure Levi recognized all too well - Dadua!


    Seeing that smirking face brought back memories Levi had tried to bury.


    Dark alleyways.


    Clenched fists.


    Blood.


    Humiliation.


    Dadua wasn''t just any thug¡ªhe was the ruler of the slum, a sadistic bully who had turned Levi''s life into a living nightmare. He had stolen Levi''s hard-earned money, beaten him mercilessly, and humiliated him time and again.


    That long-buried rage red to life as Levi saw Dadua''s hand reaching for a young girl tied to a chair beside Ian.


    The D-Company''s reputation was notorious, and Levi knew interfering with them would bring trouble. But as Dadua''s sneering face taunted him, Levi could no longer contain his fury.


    Levi''s jaw clenched. His eyes locked on Dadua''s outstretched hand. The rage he had tried to suppress surged like a tidal wave.


    "How dare he¡­" Levi growled, his voice low and venomous.


    He quickened his pace, each step heavy with purpose. The thought of Daduaying a hand on anyone¡ªespecially his sister¡ªwas intolerable.


    Caution be damned.


    Levi had had enough of running, enough of hiding.


    He was done being the helpless boy from the slums.


    It was time to face his old enemy.


    Dadua would pay for everything. Not just for what he had done to Ian, but for every wound, and every humiliation he had inflicted on Levi over the years.


    As Levi approached the abandoned building, a steely resolve settled over him. The debt was long overdue.


    Now, it was time to collect it - with interest.


    ---***---


    Thank you allcat_gaming for the Magic Castle.

 Chapter 78: Thugs - Dead

    The rusted door of the abandoned building creaked open, casting a sliver of light into the dimly lit interior. Dadua, his attention still fixed on the terrified girl, didn''t notice the intrusion at first. He was too consumed by his own sadistic pleasure, relishing the fear he instilled in his captives. But Ian saw it.


    A figure emerged from the shadows, not tall but undeniably imposing, his face hidden in the darkness. Ian recognized the silhouette instantly. It was Levi, his friend¡ªhis only friend.


    "Levi?" Ian whispered, his voice barely audible, a flicker of hope igniting in his eyes.


    Dadua and his partner, Chota, alerted by Ian''s whisper, turned sharply.


    Dadua''s cruel smile faltered as he saw the intruder.


    "Who the hell are you?" Dadua growled, his hand instinctively reaching for the knife at his belt.


    His mind raced with one thought¡ªwho would be foolish enough to walk to his hideout in these slums?


    Levi stepped fully into the light, his face a mask of cold fury. His eyes, burning with an intensity that sent shivers down Dadua''s spine, locked onto the man''s.


    "You don''t recognize me, Dadua?" Levi''s voice was low and menacing, dripping with venom. "It''s been a while, hasn''t it?"


    Recognition dawned on Dadua''s face, his eyes widening in shock.


    The kid from the slums? The one who had disappeared for nearly two months? Dadua had assumed Levi had died or been taken by one of the gangs. Yet, here he was. But why?


    That unsettling question gripped Dadua''s heart with a gnawing fear. Something was off. Something was very, very wrong.


    "You... you''re that little runt," he stammered, his bravado faltering. "What are you doing here?"


    Levi''s lips curled into a cruel smile. "I''m here to collect some debts, Dadua. And trust me, you owe me a lot."


    Dadua''s momentary fear dissolved, reced by a wave of anger. He was the king of the slums, the one who instilled fear in others, not the other way around. This slum rat had forgotten his ce.


    "You think you can just waltz in here and threaten me?" Dadua sneered, drawing his knife. His voice was thick with contempt. "You''re still the same weakling you always were."


    Levi didn''t respond. He took a slow step forward, movements smooth and deliberate.


    Dadua lunged, his knife shing in the dim light. But Levi was faster, much faster. He sidestepped with a precision that sent a chill down Dadua''s spine.


    Before Dadua could process the miss, Levi''s hand shot out, gripping his wrist with iron force.


    Snap!


    With a sharp twist, the knife was wrenched from Dadua''s grasp, the sound of his bones popping loud in the room.


    The knife ttered to the floor, echoing in the tense silence. In a blur of motion, Levi''s fist drove into Dadua''s jaw with a sickening crunch. The power behind the blow sent Dadua stumbling backward, blood spewing from his split lips.


    Dadua blinked, disoriented, ring at Levi with equal parts shock and rage.


    "You little..." he snarled, spitting out a mouthful of blood.


    But Levi didn''t hesitate.


    He moved with predatory speed, closing the gap between them. His fists flew¡ªbrutal, calcted, relentless. Each punch was delivered with surgical precision, targeting vital points, and breaking down Dadua''s defenses.


    Dadua tried to block, but Levi''s attacks were too fast, too overwhelming.


    He barely managed to raise his arms before another blow cracked into his ribs, the sickening thud of bone against flesh filling the room. A powerful kick to the chest sent Dadua crashing into the wall, breath knocked out of him.


    Blood dripped from Dadua''s mouth, his vision swimming. He had always been strong, the one feared by everyone in these slums. But this...this was something else.


    Levi wasn''t just fighting - he was destroying him.


    Levi grabbed him by the cor, lifting him with terrifying ease. "This is for every time you hurt me," Levi growled, his voice low and venomous as he delivered a punch.


    "For every time you stole me. For every time you made me feel worthless."


    Dadua gasped, his strength fading as he copsed to the ground, beaten, broken, and defenseless. Blood smeared his face, his eyes wide with disbelief.


    And then, in the silence, there was a cry of plea.


    "Please let me live, I didn''t do anything¡­"


    It was Chota, Dadua''s partner, watching the carnage unfold. He had thought Dadua was invincible¡ªyet here he was, reduced to a bloody mess on the floor. But Chota wasn''t stupid. He knew when the tide had turned.


    As Levi turned his gaze toward him, Chota''s expression hardened, reced by a mask of fear.


    "Exactly, why didn''t you do anything? You could have stopped him, right?" Levi''s voice dripped with lethal promise.


    Chota froze, the instinct to flee overpowering any thoughts of revenge. He took a step back, panic overtaking him.


    Levi narrowed his eyes. "Run, and I''ll make sure you don''t get far."


    But Chota, too scared to heed the warning, turned on his heel and bolted toward the door.


    He never made it.


    From the shadows behind Levi, a dark form materialized¡ªNoir, rose from his shadow, its eyes gleaming with predatory hunger.


    The ck Raven moved without sound, blending into the darkness. Then, with one swift, deadly leap, Noir struck, slicing through the air like razors.


    Chota barely had time to scream as the raven pierced through his back, shredding through flesh and bone with ease.


    Noir dug a hole through his chest as it pierced out from his front.


    The force of the attack lifted him off the ground, his body convulsing as blood poured from the gaping hole in his chest. His eyes bulged in disbelief as he looked down at the wound, life rapidly draining from his body.


    With a sickening thud, he fell down like a rag doll, he was dead before he could even hit the floor.


    Levi, unaffected by the carnage, turned back to Dadua, whoy at his feet, whimpering and pleading for mercy.


    Ian, paralyzed with shock, watched in silence as his friend unleashed a fury he had never seen before. Levi wasn''t the same boy he had known. This Levi was dangerous¡ªcold and strangely¡­he felt distant.


    Anyway, as Daduay broken and defeated, Levi raised his foot, ready to deliver the final blow.


    But then, from the corner of his eye, Levi saw the girl.


    She was still tied to the chair, but now her eyes were wide with terror, witnessing the brutal scene unfolding before her.


    Levi hesitated, his foot hovering inches from Dadua''s skull. His eyes flickered between the girl, that he had treated as his own sister and the man who had once tormented him.


    And in that moment, Levi made his decision, and his foot descended on Dadau''s head!


    ---***---

 Chapter 79: Harsh Reality

    The fight ended almost too easily.


    It was obvious from the start.


    The thugs who remained.in the slums were never the kind to train themselves. They survived by licking the asses of someone stronger, leeching off their power. They had neither the foundation nor the strength to even remotelypare to someone like Kai, let alone Levi.


    And Levi? He had just emerged from the Sanctum, a ce that would chew up and spit out weaker men. He had risked his life and fought like a man possessed. There was simply no way these pitiful thugs stood a chance against him.


    But while the physical battle was one-sided, the mental toll was another matter entirely.


    Levi stared at his blood-streaked leg and then at the two lifeless bodies lying a few feet away, a heavy silence settling over him.


    He had just killed two people¡ªhumans, not monsters. People like him.


    Yet, he felt...nothing.


    ''This is strange,'' Levi thought as he surveyed the scene.


    The bodiesy crumpled, motionless, and devoid of any trace of life. He had taken two lives, but there was no horror, no nausea, no sense of guilt that one might expect.


    Instead, there was just an eerie void.


    His mind flicked back to the time when he had killed the fat boy in the maze. The guilt, the revulsion, and the overwhelming sense of wrongness had nearly crippled him back then.


    He had hated that feeling, the sensation of his humanity slipping through his fingers. But now?


    Now, there was nothing.


    ''Why?'' he wondered.


    Was it the harrowing experience of the Sanctum? The battles with monsters that stripped him of innocence, forcing him to confront life-and-death situations at every turn?


    Or was it something more sinister? Was the demonic energy within him eating away at his conscience, dulling his sense of right and wrong?


    He didn''t know.


    But whatever the cause, it didn''t sit well with him - he had to do something about it.


    But not now.


    With a deep sigh, Levi turned away from the gruesome sight and walked toward Ian, his steps slow and deliberate, as if each one carried the weight of the world. Blood clung to his clothes, dripping onto the floor in a rhythmic pattern, painting a grisly picture in the dim light of the hideout.


    Ian, despite his own terror, managed to croak, "Levi? Is that really you?"


    Levi nced at his friend, his voice a low murmur, barely audible amidst the chaos of his thoughts.


    "Yeah, who else would be dumb enough to save your sorry ass?"


    Without another word, Levi knelt down and began untying the ropes that held Ian to the chair. Despite the blood staining his hands, his movements were gentle, and careful. The violence from moments before was nowhere to be found in his touch.


    Once Ian was freed, Levi turned toward the girl¡ªMarie. She sat in the chair, trembling, her eyes wide with fear. He approached her slowly, not wanting to startle her further, his posture rxed but deliberate.


    Marie flinched, her body recoiling as Levi neared.


    Her wide, terrified eyes locked onto his bloodstained figure. She looked fragile, like a bird trapped in a cage. His heart clenched at the sight. She wasn''t his sister, but in the twisted reality of the slums, she had be family¡ªjust as much as Ian was.


    "Marie," Levi whispered, his voice softer than before. "It''s okay. I''m not going to hurt you. You''re safe now."


    She didn''t respond, her gaze flickering between Levi and the bodies on the floor. But as he reached out and untied the ropes binding her wrists and ankles, she didn''t pull away.


    His touch was light, like a feather brushing against her skin, a stark contrast to the carnage that had just unfolded.


    Marie''s eyes shimmered with a mix of confusion and gratitude, though her body continued to tremble. Tears silently traced paths down her cheeks, her sobs barely audible - she didn''t say anything, neither did Levi expect anything.


    But Ian did, his voice still hoarse and shaky. "Levi¡­ what the hell happened to you?"


    Levi sighed, raking a hand through his matted hair. "It''s a long story. I''ll exinter. Right now, let''s just get out of here before anyone else shows up."


    He extended his hand to Marie, who hesitated for a moment before tentatively cing her small hand in his. As she stood, Ian quickly moved to support her from the other side.


    And as she got up - the harsh reality was on disy.


    Marie''s legs were unfunctional!


    She hadn''t been able to walk for as long as they had known her. Some said that was why she was abandoned in the slums, left to die with Ian, her supposed brother.


    Whether they were blood-rted or not had never mattered. They were family now, bound together by the circumstances of their lives and nothing else mattered.


    Levi led them toward the exit, stepping over the still bodies of Dadua and Chota without a second nce. The heavy door creaked open, allowing the trio to slip out into the night air, leaving the horrors of the hideout behind them.


    As they made their way out into the alley, Levi nced back at Marie, her tiny hand clutching his tightly. He knew the world was a cruel ce, and the sooner she understood that, the better. But for now, he would protect her.


    There in the empty and dark building, the sound of wings pping broke the silence, and Levi turned just in time to see a dark flock of Phantoms descend upon the abandoned building.


    The Phantom flock of Noir tore into the corpses of Dadua and Chota with savage efficiency, their beaks, and ws reducing the remains to nothing in mere minutes.


    Flesh, bone, and evidence¡ªeverything was consumed and obliterated, leaving behind only the faintest traces of bloodstains on the floor.


    Levi watched, expressionless, as the Phantomspleted their grisly work. Soon, there would be nothing left to show that Dadua and Chota had ever existed.


    ---***---

 Chapter 80: A Warm Feeling

    The night air washed over the group of three as they emerged from the alleyway, moving towards the city that stood ahead.


    The bustling city lights were a stark contrast to the darkness they had just left behind and it was even blinding.


    Levi, with Marie, cradled in his arms and Ian by his side, walked through the dimly lit streets, heading towards the heart of the city, leaving behind the slums.


    Their destination was the five-star hotel where Levi had been staying, a ce of luxury andfort that Ian and Marie had only dreamed of.


    As they approached the towering building, its grandeur left them awestruck.


    "Levi, where are we going?" Ian whispered, his voice filled with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.


    His mind had still not recovered from what happened back in the abandoned building and he was struggling toprehend the things happening around him.


    It was all too sudden and unexpected.


    He had just followed behind Levi, going with the flow- but now that Levi was leading them to somewhere unknown - he couldn''t help but ask.


    "Somewhere safe," Levi replied, his tone reassuring. "Somewhere we can rest and livefortably."


    Ian and Marie exchanged nces, their hearts pounding with a mixture of excitement and disbelief.


    A ce where they could rest? and evenfortable?


    Where would that be? Would that mean they are finally escaping the harsh reality of the slums and embracing a life offort and security?


    They didn''t know but Levi directly entered the hotel lobby dragging them along with him.


    Ian and Marie were overwhelmed by the sheer extravagance. Marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and plush furnishings adorned the space, creating an atmosphere of unparalleled luxury.


    Ian couldn''t resist but say.


    "Levi, are you sure we can enter here? Wouldn''t they kick us out?"


    He asked, genuinely concerned.


    Both Ian and Maie wore dirty clothes, torn here and there - he was worried if they would be kicked out.


    "Why are we even here, isn''t this ce where rich people live?"


    But Levi smiled at his words.


    "Yes, this is the ce where rick lives, and guess what? I am rich now!"


    He grinned, "I have rented a room here temporarily, well, not me but anyway - I can use it."


    Levi said not bothering to exin the details that it was the Mercenary Federation who had sponsored his lodging.


    But of course, Ian didn''t believe him - at least not fully.


    "Tell me honestly, did you rob a bank or something? How can you afford this?" he whispered, his eyes wide with disbelief.


    "Something like that," Levi didn''t deny and replied with a mischievous glint in his eyes. He had indeed robbed the young master of Mkani and even the Sanctum itself, but there was no need to say all that.


    He approached the reception desk. And with a few words and a discreet disy of his Mercenary Federation identification, he was given the key to the suite.


    As they entered the suite, Ian and Marie''s jaws dropped.


    The spacious living area, plush bedrooms, andvish bathroom were beyond anything they had ever imagined.


    Ian, unable to contain his excitement, bounced on the king-size bed, hisughter echoing through the room.


    "This is insane! I feel like a king!" he eximed, rolling around in the soft sheets.


    Marie, though more reserved, couldn''t hide the wonder in her eyes. She ran her fingers over the smooth marble countertop, marveling at the elegance of their surroundings.


    Levi, watching their reactions, felt a warmth spread through his chest.


    Then, using the Citizen Watch, a device that had be a necessity in modern times, Levi ordered new clothes for Ian and Marie.


    Within ten minutes, their purchases arrived, delivered discreetly to their suite.


    Ian and Marie took turns bathing, reveling in the luxury of hot water and fragrant soaps. As they emerged, dressed in their new clothes, they looked like different people¡ªclean, refreshed, and radiating a newfound confidence.


    Especially, Marie - she looked so beautiful and elegant that Levi couldn''t even recognize her.


    Anyway, once they were settled, the mood turned serious.


    Levi knew he couldn''t keep his secrets hidden any longer.


    It was time to exin everything.


    Levi''s voice was steady as he recounted his journey into Paradise, painting a picture of a terrifying and deste world.


    He spoke of the rocky area and the monsters that roamed thend. He told about the monsters he faced, the battles he fought, and the strength he gained.


    He intentionally omitted the details of the maze and that he had made a contract with the demon. Not because he wanted to keep it a secret but because he didn''t want to drag them into trouble.


    Instead, he focused on the positive aspects of his experiences. He told them about joining the Mercenary Federation and the money he had earned.


    He exined how he had stumbled upon the Sanctum and how he had emerged victorious, securing enough wealth to change their lives forever.


    "I have enough money now," Levi said, his voice filled with a quiet determination. "Enough to buy you Citizen Watches and to rent a house."


    Ian and Marie listened, their hearts filled with a mixture of joy and apprehension. They were happy for Levi, for his newfound strength and sess.


    But....Ian and Marie exchanged nces, a silent conversation passing between them.


    Ian spoke first, his voice thick with emotion. "Levi, man... this is... it''s too much. We can''t just take all this from you."


    Marie nodded, her eyes glistening. "We''re so grateful, but... we don''t want to be a burden. You''ve already done so much."


    Levi leaned forward, cing a hand on each of their shoulders. His gaze was intense, filled with an emotion that surprised even him. "Listen to me," he said, his voice slightly rough. "You''re not a burden. You''re..." he paused, swallowing hard. "You''re family.


    And this? This is what family does."


    He managed a small smile, fighting back his own tears. "Besides, who else am I gonna share all this with? You two... you''re all I''ve got."


    The weight of his words hung in the air. Ian and Marie''s resistance crumbled, reced by gratitude.


    Together, they stepped out into the vibrant city, leaving the hotel''s opulence behind. Levi led Ian and Marie through the bustling streets toward the government office, where they could finally obtain their Citizen Watches.


    The process was unexpectedly seamless. Levi''s status as a Mercenary afforded them a level of respect and priority that they had never known. In just a few hours, they emerged from the office, each wearing a Citizen Watch¡ª now they were no longer the bastards belonging to the slums.


    They were citizens of the Union of Asia now.


    ---***---


    End of Volume 01 - The Forsaken Path

 Chapter 81: Entrance Exam (1)

    Humans are fools.


    When Ernest discovered thends beyond the ckhole, we should have stopped right there.


    Paradise was not meant for humans.


    But did we heed the warning?


    No.


    We explored.


    We died.


    We killed.


    We even encountered the Gods, and that was our second grave mistake.


    We foolishly opened portals to Paradise, unaware that they would lead to our downfall.


    Yet, we still haven''t learned.


    Believe it or not


    The price for our arrogance will be steep.


    ¡ª Pasteur, in hisbook which was banner before its release "Paradise: A Blessing or a¡­.?"


    ***


    "Whoa¡­"


    Levi stood before two massive ck gates, surrounded by a seemingly endless queue of people. The gates were enormous¡ªgigantic, made from a material Levi couldn''t identify.


    But one thing was clear - they were incredibly sturdy.


    nking the gates on both sides were long, towering ck walls that stretched as far as Levi could see. These walls weren''t unguarded, above them, at regr intervals, massive machines stood watch, programmed to prevent any invader from entering.


    This was a ce countless people could only dream of setting foot in.


    The Favored Ones Academy, the greatest educational institution in the world, which was established after the discovery of Paradise.


    It was located in Switzend, part of the Union of Europe.


    There wasn''t any special reason for choosing this location. When the institution was being founded, people sought a safe and secure ce to teach the next generation without much trouble.


    And after the First Cataclysm, only a few ces on Earth could still be considered safe, and Switzend was one of them.


    Thanks to its cautious approach and tight security during the Cataclysm, only few portals were lost to monsters, making Switzend a safe haven for humanity. This was why officials decided to establish the Academy here.


    Levi was here today to take the entrance exam for the Favored Ones Academy.


    It had been nearly two months since he emerged from Paradise. And he hadn''t dared to enter Paradise again, fully aware of the dangers that awaited him, especially after Franz''s warning.


    During that time, he had rented a ce for Ian and Marie.


    Yes, he could only rent a ce.


    What initially seemed like arge sum of money¡ªearned from selling parts of the monstrous bird¡ªturned out to be far less than he had expected. Levi couldn''t even afford to buy a house. Instead, he settled for renting a small ce.


    In addition, he had purchased necessary utilities, some artifacts for himself, and defensive items for the siblings in case of emergencies.\\


    In the process - a lot of credits were spent.


    Not to mention the academic fees for the entrance exam and the month-long journey to the Academy.


    With all of these expenses, Levi found himself broke once again.


    His only hope now was to perform well in the entrance exam and earn a schrship from the Academy.


    To prepare, he had done some research.


    There were three types of schrships he could aim for.


    The first was the Theory Schrship, based on the marks obtained in an exam covering information about monsters, Earth''s history, the discovery of Paradise, and more.


    Levi had already given up on this one as he barely knew anything about the world.


    The second was the Combat Schrship which was based on an evaluation of an individual''s fighting abilities and potential.


    Levi was pinning all his hopes on this.


    The only problem was that there were only seven spots avable,bining both theory andbat schrships.


    However, there was one more way to earn a schrship - the Support Schrship.


    The Favored Ones Academy had 21 instructors, 7 head instructors, 3 guardians, 1 chancellor, and 1 dean.


    And each of them had the authority to award a schrship to one student. This meant the Academy epted 40 schrship students each year. It seemed like arge number, but not whenpared to the 500 students who were admitted annually, and the 100,000 who applied for the entrance exam.


    Of course, not all 100,000 students were present here¡ªit was impossible to amodate them all.


    As a cutoff, only students at least at the Follower rank could take the test, eliminating more than three-quarters of the applicants.


    Now, the remaining 25,000 students had gathered here for the next cutoff round. That''s how Levi ended up in front of the massive gates.


    As the queue moved, it was finally Levi''s turn to enter.


    "ID?"


    The person sitting inside a small cabin, separated by a wall, asked Levi as his face appeared on the screen. Levi responded with the unique ID he had received when applying for the entrance examination.


    As the staff member entered the ID into his device, Levi''s detailed information popped up¡ªhis name, age, gender, date of birth, mercenary rank, and other basic details. Nothing out of the ordinary.


    Levi was then allowed entry through a smaller gate attached to the massive ck gates.


    "You can pass. If you have any spatial rings, they''ll be inspected further¡ªplease cooperate," the staff member said as Levi walked in.


    As he passed through the gate, a red light scanned his entire body¡ªlikely to check for any dangerous items. Levi had brought nothing except the ring on his finger.


    Unsurprisingly, another staff member approached him.


    "Please hand over your spatial device¡ªit will be returned to you after the examination," they instructed.


    Levi nodded and handed over the rings. There were the ones that had once belonged to Fat Boy and the young master of the Mkani Family.


    Thanks to the Mercenary Federation, he had gained ess to both Kai''s and Fat Boy''s rings and he had even found many items inside them, but there was nothing he needed to hide.


    He handed over both spatial rings, which contained all his artifacts and other belongings. Now, only his clothes and citizenship watch remained on him.


    "You''re in Section 469. Follow the instructions sent to your watch and proceed to the location," the staff member said, moving on to the next candidate.


    Levi followed the instructions and headed toward his assigned section.


    ---***---


    Start of Volume 02 - The Favored Ones

 Chapter 82: Entrance Exam (2)

    Levi nced at his citizenship watch as the instructions from the staff member shed across the screen.


    Section 469 ¨C Combat Trial Grounds.


    Proceed immediately ¨C Late arrivals will be disqualified.


    Taking a deep breath, he began making his way through the crowded courtyard and corridors. The academy buzzed with energy, and as he passed groups of students, bits of conversation floated his way.


    "Do you think they''ll have us fight each other in the first round?"


    "I heardst year they brought in live monsters."


    "My cousin failedst year¡ªcouldn''t even make it through thebat section."


    Levi moved through the crowd, his ears catching the anxious chatter of the hopeful examinees around him.


    "The entrance exam changes every year, so no one really knows what''sing."


    "Yeah, just hope we pass."


    They sounded hopeful, a bit too much hopeful considering only 500 among the twenty-five thousand are going to pass.


    "They said only seven schrships are avablebining bothbat and theory this time. Can you imagine the pressure?"


    "Seven? That''s insane! I thought there''d be more spots."


    "I''m not worried about theory, it''s thebat section that''s going to kill me."


    "I heard some kidst year had his arm broken during a duel. They don''t mess around."


    Levi''s gaze wandered across the courtyard as he picked up more snippets of conversation.


    "Apparently, they''ve brought in some new instructors this year¡ªone of them''s supposed to be a beast inbat."


    "I hope I don''t get paired up to fight against an instructor like that."


    Another voice chimed in, "Honestly, I''d rather have a spar with the instructors than the monsters. Did you see what came out of the portalsst time?"


    "Someone told me they released a Shadowhound in the second roundst year. Those things don''t go easy on you."


    Levi smirked slightly as he kept walking, pushing past the nervous energy in the air. There was so much spection, so much fear¡ªbut also a flicker of excitement, buried beneath it all. Every student around him shared the same goal.


    To sessfully enter the Favored Ones Academy.


    Levi, too, was confident.


    Most of the students here were from lower ranks, like Followers or Priests.


    That was because the academy was strict about who could apply¡ªonly those under twenty could enter as first-year students.


    After that, they had to graduate to the second year before turning twenty, or they''d be expelled.


    Although Levi wasn''t the strongest among the entering freshmen, he was confident that he could hold his own. And that was without using his demonic transformation.


    As for the age limit? No concern there.


    He was only a few months into his eighteenth year.


    So he would have plenty of time after entering the academy to think about promoting. Right now, he just had to focus on passing the exam.


    And that''s why Levi did, he followed the instructions on his watch.


    The academy''s size was staggering. Without the map shing on his wristwatch, he would''ve beenpletely lost.


    And everything here¡­ well, it reeked of wealth and status. From the towering walls to the intricate designs on every surface, it was clear that whoever built this ce wanted everyone to feel small.


    "Damn bastards," Levi muttered under his breath.


    As he continued toward the examination center, someone approached him.


    It was a boy, maybe his age, withrge ears and a nose that looked like a tiny potato. The boy was hopping from one foot to the other, his face twisted in desperation.


    "Excuse me, do you know where the washroom is?" the boy stammered, his voice high with urgency.


    Levi took a moment to observe him. The boy wasn''t fat, but he was definitely chubby, and with the way he was dancing around, holding "you know where," Levi had to suppress augh. At least he managed not to show it on his face.


    Honestly, Levi didn''t know where the washroom was either¡ªhe was just finding his way through the academy himself. But he couldn''t help but feel amused by the boy''s situation.


    A sly thought crossed his mind.


    Levi pointed down a random hallway, doing his best to keep a straight face.


    "I think it''s that way," he said, a grin pulling at his lips.


    The boy''s eyes lit up with pure relief. "Thanks!" he blurted, rushing off as fast as his legs could carry him.


    Levi waited until the boy was out of sight, then chuckled to himself.


    ''This should be fun.'' he muttered, already anticipating what would happen next.


    ***


    Tobin Hale.


    A young man who many would call a genius for his age.


    The Hale family wasn''t exactly well-known, but they held enough power to be considered an elite household. Though they weren''t dedicated to a single god, unlike other families, they had warriors who''d raised their status over the years.


    Being the second son of such a family, Toby had ess to all the resources that most would envy. Tutors,bat instructors, magical theory, rare treasures, artifacts, potions ¡ªhe had it all long before he even set foot in Paradise.


    And this year, he had turned eighteen. Following the custom dictated, he entered Paradise, beyond the ck hole.


    It seemed as though thedy of fortune was on his side.


    He had seeded in making a contract with one of the more prominent gods.


    Not only that¡ªhe had obtained a rare trait. A gift that many would kill for.


    But, like all blessings, it came with a w¡­.quite a troublesome one¡­.


    Every time Toby used his powers, there was a rather... ufortable side effect.


    An uncontroble urge to relieve himself.


    This w hadn''t bothered him much during his first few tests of power. But now, on the day of the entrance exam, the problem had be urgent.


    Very urgent.


    Toby had carelessly used his abilities while traveling through the maze of the academy. Now, he was practically hopping from foot to foot, desperately looking for the nearest restroom.


    He couldn''t afford to humiliate himself by... doing the deed right here. Not in front of everyone on his first day.


    Thankfully, a fellow student had pointed him in the right direction. The restroom should be close.


    He just had to hold out for a little longer.


    "Just a bit further," Toby muttered to himself, eyes scanning the halls. "It has to be here somewhere."


    He owed the boy a thank youter. If he survived this crisis, that is.


    But... where was the restroom?


    The student had definitely pointed this way, hadn''t he?


    Toby frowned. Maybe it was just a bit farther ahead?


    He leapt forward, quickening his pace.


    Poor Toby. He had no idea what kind of day awaited him... thanks to a certain somebody.


    ---***---


    Check out the Author''s note for Monthly Goals ~

 Chapter 83: Entrance Exam (3)

    As Toby turned a corner, he hit a dead end.


    No restroom in sight.


    Panic set in, and his face flushed crimson as the realization hit - he''d been tricked.


    "That little..." he grumbled, but there was no time to finish the thought. The urge to relieve himself was bing unbearable.


    Just when he thought he couldn''t hold it any longer, he spotted a door hidden in a shadowy nook.


    Without a second thought, he pushed it open, driven by desperation. A wave of relief washed over him when he saw a row of stalls.


    Without hesitation, he dashed into the nearest one, mming the door behind him.


    Finally, sweet salvation.


    As he sat there, catching his breath, a sense of calm took over. He leaned against the cool tile wall, grateful to have narrowly avoided disaster.


    For a moment, everything was peaceful¡ªno pounding heart, no racing thoughts¡ªjust the blissful silence of victory.


    But then, an unsettling thought crept into his mind.


    ''This is the men''s washroom, right?''


    He hadn''t noticed any signs on the door before entering.


    Was it unisex? Or maybe just faded? His heart rate spiked again. Paranoia reced his earlier relief. He peered under the stall door, half-expecting to see high heels or hear a distinctively feminine sound.


    Silence.


    Toby let out a nervous chuckle.


    Maybe he was overthinking things. After all, it was just a restroom¡ªright?


    Then, he heard it.


    The door creaked open, and the distinct click of shoes echoed through the restroom. Toby froze. His blood ran cold.


    He didn''t dare move or even breathe. The footsteps were light and deliberate, moving slowly across the tiles.


    It can''t be...


    The footsteps paused just outside his stall.


    His heart stopped.


    His mind raced.


    Did someone saw him enter the washroom?


    What would he do if someone caught him?


    Could he pretend it was an honest mistake? Or worse, should he just stay silent, hoping they wouldn''t notice?


    Before he could think of a n, the voice came¡ªa soft, distinctly feminine voice.


    "Excuse me... is someone in there?"


    Toby''s mind went nk. He couldn''t respond. The seconds dragged on.


    "Hello?" The voice grew louder, more insistent.


    Toby panicked. Should he say something? Or wait for her to leave?


    Before he could decide, the voice spoke again, this time with a hint of amusement. "You know... this is the girl''s room, right?"


    At that moment, Toby wished for the ground to open up and swallow him whole.


    His heart pounded in his ears as the weight of her words sank in.


    ''Thedies'' room? ''


    He''d actually done it.


    For a second, time seemed to freeze. His mind raced, but no words formed. He couldn''t even think of a way to exin himself. A long, awkward silence followed, hanging heavy in the air.


    "I, uh..." Toby finally croaked out, his voice cracking under the pressure. "I didn''t realize..."


    There was a pause on the other side of the door, and then, unexpectedly, the girlughed.


    It wasn''t the mocking kind, though it was soft, maybe even sympathetic.


    "Well," she said lightly, "you''re definitely in the wrong ce, but I''ve gotta admit, I''ve never seen anyone look this panicked just for using the wrong bathroom."


    Toby swallowed hard, feeling his face heat up again.


    He wished he could just disappear.


    His damn ability! If it wasn''t for it - he wouldn''t have to experience a humiliation like this!


    "It was an ident," he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper. "I was in a hurry."


    "No kidding," she replied with a grin in her voice.


    "Don''t worry, I won''t tell anyone. But you might want to make a quick exit before someone else walks in. Could get awkward."


    Toby was mortified thinking that but he also felt grateful for her kindness. He could hear the faint amusement in her voice, but there wasn''t any malice behind it.


    ''At least there''s that,'' he thought.


    He stayed still, listening for the sound of her footsteps.


    They finally retreated toward the door, and he heard it creak open once more. Toby let out a deep breath, relief mixing with the embarrassment that clung to him like a shadow.


    Carefully, he unlocked the stall door, peeking out to make sure the coast was clear. The bathroom was empty.


    He exhaled and hurried to the door, each step quieter than thest. Just as his hand touched the handle, the door flung open again - from the other side.


    ''Oh,e on! Not again!''


    His heart dropped.


    Standing on the other side, staring right at him, was another girl. Her eyes widened in surprise, and Toby felt the world spin.


    "What are you doing here?" she blurted out, her tone hovering somewhere between confusion and usation.


    Toby froze, the urge to flee battling with the sheer humiliation that weighed him down. Fortunately, there wasn''t anyone else in the surroundings or else he might have really died of embarrassment.


    His brain scrambled for an excuse, something¡ªanything¡ªto get him out of this situation.


    But words failed him.


    "I... uh..." he stammered, but before he coulde up with a usible exnation, the first girl''s voice called from just outside the door.


    "He got lost!" she said, her tone filled with barely containedughter. "Cut him some ck. He''s already embarrassed enough."


    The second girl blinked, her gaze bouncing between Toby and the door before she sighed, shaking her head. "Alright, alright," she muttered, stepping aside. "Just hurry up before someone elsees in."


    Toby nodded gratefully and made his escape, ducking out into the hallway. He didn''t stop until he was several corridors away, leaning against a wall to catch his breath.


    He didn''t know who the first girl was, but he really owed her a big thanks.


    "That... was a disaster," he muttered to himself, his cheeks still burning.


    But as embarrassing as it had been, he couldn''t help but feel a bit of relief. After all, it could''ve been worse.


    Much worse.


    While Toby''s mind spiraled with such thoughts, the person responsible for his embarrassment casually slipped through a door marked with the symbol 469, with a smug grin on his face.


    ---***---

 Chapter 84: Entrance Exam (4)

    Levi entered the door marked with the number 469,pletely unaware of the scene he had just caused. Expecting to find a small room, he was taken aback by what awaited him¡ªarge open ground. The floor was covered in sand, and in the middle stood a tform made of some dark material, barely 20 square feet wide.


    Eight others surrounded the tform¡ªthree girls and four boys. Now, with Levi, they numbered five boys. At the center of the tform sat a man, his beard and hair wild, his eyes shut like he couldn''t be bothered by anything happening around him.


    Levi assumed from the way everyone stared at him that he must have been thest to arrive. He observed the scene for a moment longer, then quietly joined the others standing around the tform.


    Slowly, the man on the tform stirred, his eyes openingzily.


    "This is so tiring~" he muttered, sounding more bored than anything else. Rising to his feet, he shuffled to the edge of the tform.


    "You brats, get on the tform. Stay there for five minutes, and you pass," he dered before flopping down on the ground, seemingly done with his effort.


    All the students, Levi included, blinked in disbelief. Was that really it?


    Before anyone could ask questions, another man stepped forward. Younger and well-dressed, he seemed tomand more respect than the scruffy one, though he acted as if the unkempt man was his superior.


    "Good morning, students. I am Orion, assistant to Instructor Valerius. I will be overseeing your trials," he introduced himself smoothly.


    The group exchanged puzzled nces, their attention turning to the so-called instructor, Valerius. Silence hung in the air for a moment until a strange scratching sound broke it.


    Instructor Valerius... was scratching his ass!


    The students frowned, doubt creeping in.


    Were they in the wrong ce?


    Was this really the famed academy of The Favored Ones?


    Suspicion filled their eyes, but Orion, unfazed, quickly continued.


    "There will be five rounds of assessments. Each one is based on elimination. You fail, you''re out. There''s no second chance. Got it?" he exined, his tone brisk and to the point.


    Despite their confusion, everyone nodded.


    "Alright then. The first test is simple. You see this tform?" Orion gestured toward it.


    "Just get on the tform. You can sit, stand, lie down¡ªwhatever you want. Stay on it for five minutes, and you pass."


    The group exchanged uncertain nces. It couldn''t be that easy, right?


    Levi, along with the others, instinctively knew there had to be more to it. Five minutes on a tform? There had to be a catch.


    But even though everyone felt suspicious, there wasn''t much choice.


    After a moment of hesitation, one of the girls, a tall, lean figure with striking red hair, stepped forward. Her expression was set in determination as she confidently approached the tform.


    The other boys, as if embarrassed by her boldness, scrambled to follow, rushing to avoid looking cowardly.


    Levi, however,sly as ever, waited until thest second, watching their reactions as he quietly stepped onto the tform as well.


    But the moment their feet touched the dark surface, an immediate change swept through the group.


    Every face on the tform twisted in confusion, then difort.


    Levi felt it, too.


    A wave of pressure hit him, slow at first, like an invisible weight that pressed down on his shoulders.


    His legs felt heavier, the air around him suddenly thick and hard to breathe. He could see it in the others¡ªstrained expressions, small beads of sweat forming on their brows.


    Levi''s mind raced.


    ''So this is the trick.''


    It wasn''t about fighting or some borate task - the first test was just about endurance.


    The tform was testing their stamina as well as their willpower to stay standing under what felt like a growing force.


    He could feel it now that some time had passed - the longer they stood there, the heavier the pressure became.


    Orion, standing on the ground below, watched them carefully, a slight smirk tugging at his lips.


    "You''re all feeling it now, aren''t you?" he said, voice calm butced with amusement.


    "That pressure? It''s a magical field woven into the tform. The longer you stay, the stronger it bes. It tests your body, but more than that, it tests your mind."


    One of the boys to Levi''s left, a stout figure with short brown hair, let out a groan. He wobbled slightly, knees buckling under the growing strain.


    His eyes darted around in panic, as though hoping for some escape. "Five minutes¡­ that''s impossible!" he gasped.


    "Five minutes of mental pressure, if you can''t handle this, you''ll never survive here in the academy," Orion replied coldly.


    The red-haired girl gritted her teeth, her muscles visibly straining.Despite being a girl - she had a healthy muscle mass and considerable strength behind them.


    Levi paled inparison when it came to just muscles.


    Despite the pressure, she was holding her ground.


    Levi watched her out of the corner of his eye, admiring her strength, but he wasn''t about to get distracted.


    ''Focus.''


    That was all he needed to do. Levi closed his eyes, ignoring the outside world, ignoring the others'' struggles, and concentrated on steadying his breath.


    It wasn''t only muscles that mattered - after all, t wasn''t just a physical test.


    It was a mental one too.


    Andpared to this pressure, Levi had been through worse before.


    ''Comparing this to the Lunacy of the ck Wing - it''sughable.''


    Levi thought.


    Another minute passed, and one of the other boys copsed, the pressure too much for him. He clutched his chest, panting on the floor of the tform. Orion looked down at him, disappointed.


    "You''re out."


    Just as he said - invisible hands clutched the boy and threw him out of the tform!


    Now Levi understood why there was sand all around the tform!


    The boy. However, stared in disbelief, but he was quickly escorted away by two academy officials.


    The remaining students watched in grim silence, their resolve hardening. None of them wanted to be the next to fail.


    ---***---

 Chapter 85: Entrance Exam (5)

    The pressure continued to build, heavier and more oppressive with each passing second.


    And Levi could feel it now since the pressure had increased considerably.


    It was as if an invisible force was pushing down on him.


    His knees trembling slightly under the pressure. But it wasn''t enough to break him¡ªat least not yet.


    His body might not be well-trained, but his mind was sharp, honed like a sword. Levi wasn''t one to give in easily.


    He nced at the watch on his wrist.


    Three minutes had passed.


    The challenge was five minutes long. Two more minutes. That wasn''t so hard¡ªhe could do this.


    Around him, the tform groaned under the weight of everyone''s bodies, creaking ominously as the strain increased.


    The red-haired girl nearby, who had got up on the tform first now had her face flushed red. She gasped for air before her legs buckled beneath her.


    She dropped to her knees, breathless, on the verge of copse. Yet, despite the clear exhaustion, she refused to give up. Trembling, she activated some kind of ability, and Levi noticed a faint shimmer surrounding her.


    Slowly, the color returned to her cheeks as her ability granted her some relief from the pressure.


    The assistant instructor, standing at the edge of the tform, watched silently, not intervening.


    There seemed to be no rules against using abilities to endure the trial.


    Levi considered using his own innate ability, but the pressure wasn''t enough to push him that far yet.


    But that wasn''t the case for others.


    More cracks appeared in their resolve and now knowing that abilities could be used - they instantly activated whatever abilities that could help with the situation.


    But clearly, not everyone had the ability to fight against mental attacks.


    Levi could see it in the way their bodies trembled, their breathing became shallow, and their faces tightened with strain.


    Another boy groaned in agony. "I... can''t!" He copsed onto the tform, panting heavily, the weight clearly too much for him to bear.


    A secondter, he was thrown off the tform and told to step back, eliminated from the trial.


    Levi ignored him and focused on standing, enduring the mounting pressure that kept increasing as best as he could.


    But something strange was happening inside him.


    It started subtly, almost unnoticeable at first, but then he felt it¡ªa shift. Something was changing, growing.


    It wasn''t his physical strength or his endurance¡ªit was his mind.


    His innate ability, Lunacy, stirred within him.


    Normally, Lunacy remained dormant unless he intentionally activated it. But now, it felt like it was awakening on its own.


    The pressure in the air seemed to be feeding it, nurturing it in a way Levi had never experienced before. He didn''t know why or how, but it felt... right.


    As though the oppressive force around him was molding his ability, shaping it into something more.


    His body ached, his muscles trembled as the pressure increased, but his mind was growing stronger, sharper. Levi weed the change, embracing the sensation. He focused inward, on Lunacy''s awakening.


    One by one, the other participants copsed, defeated. The red-haired girl who had used her ability was barely holding on, her legs shaking violently. Two boys besides Levi were still standing, but even they were at their limits, teetering on the brink of copse.


    And then, five minutes passed.


    Orion''s voice echoed through the training grounds,manding everyone''s attention.


    "Time''s up. You''ve passed."


    A few faint cheers rose from the students who had made it through. Out of everyone, only one girl and three boys, including Levi, had endured the full five minutes.


    Those who had fallen early were thrown off the tform, gasping for air, massaging sore muscles, and trying to recover.


    The red-haired girl who had been on the verge of copse leaned heavily against the railing, relief etched on her face.


    Everyone began to step down, visibly relieved to be free from the crushing pressure.


    Levi, however, didn''t move.


    While the others descended, he remained rooted to the spot, staring at the ground with a strange intensity in his eyes.


    Then, without a word, he sat down, crossing his legs like he was preparing to meditate.


    "What''s he doing?" one of the boys whispered to hispanion, eyeing Levi with confusion.


    Levi closed his eyes, blocking out the murmurs of the onlookers.


    He could feel it¡ªhis Lunacy was evolving, changing under the weight of the mental strain. Or perhaps it was mutating? He wasn''t sure, but he knew this was an opportunity he couldn''t afford to miss.


    This wasn''t like the usual activation of Lunacy during battle, nor was it the rush he felt when pushing his body to its physical limits. No, this was something else entirely.


    The pressure had done something new.


    It was tapping into a power within him that Levi hadn''t known existed.


    Suddenly, the pressure intensified, and for the first time since stepping onto the tform, Levi groaned, a low sound of strain slipping through his clenched teeth.


    ''This mental strain¡ªit''s doing something to my Lunacy,''Levi realized. His heart raced at the thought.


    ''If this pressure is helping me grow, why stop now?''


    Ignoring the end of the trial, Levi focused inward, channeling his essence through his body as Lunacy demanded.


    His thoughts drifted away, narrowing down to a single point of focus¡ªthe sensation of his ability. There was a new dimension to it, something he hadn''t yet explored.


    Lunacy wasn''t just about unleashing madness on the world around him anymore. There was control¡ªa deeper, more profound force stirring within him. He didn''t know what this evolution meant, but he wasn''t about to waste the opportunity to find out.


    "Hey, you! Come down, the trial''s over!" Orion''s voice cut through the heavy silence, sharp andmanding.


    But Levi didn''t respond¡ªhe couldn''t. He was too absorbed in the energy that was growing and swirling inside him.


    Before Orion could shout again, a calm, gruff voice interrupted. "Leave him."


    It was Valerius, thezy instructor who had spent most of the trial with his eyes closed, seemingly indifferent to everything going on.


    Now, however, his half-closed eyes were watching Levi with measured interest. "Don''t disturb him."


    Orion hesitated, confusion furrowing his brow. "But¡ª"


    "It''s rare to see someone with a mind-type ability," Valerius continued, his voice quieter but carrying an undeniable authority. "Let him continue."


    Orion nced at Valerius, then at Levi, uncertain. But he didn''t argue. He was, after all, just an assistant instructor under Valerius.


    With a curt nod, he stepped back, allowing silence to return to the tform.


    The other students, whether they had passed or failed, remained rooted in ce. No one left.


    All eyes were fixed on Levi, watching in quiet fascination as the atmosphere shifted. There was an almost tangible tension in the air, as if everyone could sense something was about to happen.


    Minutes passed, heavy with anticipation.


    Levi remained unmoving, his breathing steady, his body eerily calm as if he was in the deepest meditation.


    The pressure that had once threatened to crush him now seemed to fuel his growth, feeding the transformation happening within. It was an odd sensation, but exhrating all the same.


    Ten minutes came and went. No one moved. The spectators were transfixed, their eyes glued to Levi.


    Then, without warning, it happened.


    A surge of purple energy erupted from Levi''s body, spiraling around him like a violent storm!


    ---***---

 Chapter 86: Entrance Exam (6)

    Levi opened his eyes slowly, his vision swimming with confusion.


    The world around him seemed distorted¡ªovepping like time had fragmented into separate frames.


    Valerius who was sitting idle thest time he saw, was now moving toward him with urgency.


    Valerius'' lips moved, but no sound reached Levi''s ears.


    The purple energy swirling around Levi crackled like a storm. The intensity of it made it hard to focus. He blinked, trying to shake off the strange sensation.


    Valerius appeared in several ces at once¡ªsome standing, some stepping forward, others still watching. It was as if Levi were seeing multiple timelines converge in one moment.


    His head throbbed painfully.


    The weight of his Lunacy pressed hard against his mind, making it difficult to hold on. The more he tried to focus, the more his surroundings slipped away. His heartbeat pounded in his ears, drowning out everything else.


    Levi nced around, his dizziness intensifying. He saw the others¡ªstudents and even the assistant instructor, Orion¡ªon their knees, struggling for some reason.


    Somey unconscious, their bodies limp and lifeless.


    ''What¡­ happened?'' Levi''s thoughts were sluggish, unable to keep up with what he was seeing. Thest thing he remembered was sitting, focusing on the power of his Lunacy.


    But now¡ªthis?


    Before Levi could fully grasp the change, a sudden blow struck the back of his head. Pain exploded, and his vision darkened. For a brief second, everything slowed.


    He saw Valerius¡ªonly one version of him this time¡­


    And then, nothing.


    His eyes rolled back, and his consciousness slipped away.


    ***


    Being hailed as the best academy in the world, The Favored Ones Academy had strict assessment rules for iing freshmen.


    There were no reference or favor systems - all students had to meet specific conditions to enter.


    While heirs of prominent Sanctuaries and families typically avoided the Academy, as their family support was superior to what the academy could provide them, this was not the case for smaller or fallen families.


    Many from such backgrounds aspired to enter the Academy, but the path to enter the academy was fraught with challenges.


    First, they had to pass all five assessments and rank within the top 460 amongkhs of students who applied to join the academy.


    Or alternatively, they could attract an instructor''s attention to secure a schrship.


    Both options were incredibly difficult, and all they could hope for was to get lucky while performing their best.


    Now, regarding the five assessments, there was a certain pattern to how they unfolded. The first assessment varied each year, relying entirely on the instructor''s whims.


    Whether they chose candidates blindly or imposed some bizarre test, no one would dare question them. That was simply the nature of the Academy.


    It was definitely not fair, but when had anything in life been fair?


    After passing the first round, the students faced a simted monster in the second round, followed by a spar against fellow students in the third. Currently, one such assessment was taking ce.


    In the small arena, a girl stood, her heart pounding as she stared down a grotesque creature.


    Its body twisted and warped, the sinewy neck of a crocodile melding with the muscr frame of a horse. The creature''s scaled skin glistened under the artificial lights, and its dark, menacing eyes fixed on her with primal hunger. She could almost hear its hot, heavy breath as it prepared to charge.


    Though the girl knew it was just a simtion, the sight was incredibly disturbing. She wondered if such a monster truly existed or if it was merely a figment of the instructors'' twisted imaginations.


    Nevertheless, taking a deep breath, she centered herself.


    The familiar stance she had practiced thousands of time, provided her afort amidst the horror. Her left leg slid back instinctively, grounding her, while her right leg bent slightly, poised for action.


    Her one hand rested on the hilt of her sword, while the other was on its sheath. She felt the weight of her de - it was perfect.


    If Levi were here, he would recognize this style instantly.


    It was the same technique that the blue-haired girl he had been teamed up with in Paradise had used. But this girl didn''t have blue hair, but white.


    Her stark white hair was tied back in a ponytail that swayed with her movements.


    With a deafening roar, the creature lunged, muscles rippling beneath its scaly skin. It closed the distance in an instant, powerful legs propelling it forward with terrifying speed.


    The girl''s instincts kicked in as she executed a swift sidestep, feeling the rush of wind as the creature barreled past her. Instead of striking, she focused on her footing, channeling her energy into the next moment.


    In a split second, she vanished from sight, her form a mere whisper in the air. The arena blurred around her, and her senses heightened, adrenaline coursing through her veins.


    A secondter, she reappeared behind the creature, seemingly defying thews of reality. Her sword slid effortlessly back into its sheath, awaiting hermand.


    Before the creature could register her movement, she had unleashed her attack. A red line sliced vertically through the creature''s body.


    As her motionpleted, she slid her sword back into its sheath with a satisfying click.


    At the same time, the creature split apart, and blood¡ªor rather, the simtion of blood¡ªgushed forth, painting the arena in vivid red.


    Silently, she nced toward one end of the arena, where an instructor observed her with satisfied eyes, a hint of approval gleaming in their gaze.


    ---***---


    Lore Snippet 12 - Credits


    After the first cataclysm, the world changed dramatically, leading to the copse of many countries. The old currency system became unusable, creating chaos in the economy, society, and the environment. To adapt to these new realities, the five unions came together to create a single digital currency known asCredits.


    This new system aimed to make trade easier and more reliable across the globe. While implementing Credits was challenging, and some minor currencies still exist in certain areas, the five unions ultimately seeded in making Credits the primary currency on Earth.

 Chapter 87: Entrance Exam (7)

    Valerius satzily on the edge of the tform, his legs stretched out, basking in the sun with half-closed eyes.


    ''Why the hell am I here?''


    He thought with an expression that showed his annoyance.


    He was supposed to be a Guardian of the Favored Ones academy,


    One of the three powerhouses that protected the academy¡ªa position that held significant importance and more importantly - a position where he could just sleep all day as no fool would try to attack the academy ever.


    But today, he wasn''t feeling like one.


    Not with this tedious job that the damned Dean had pushed onto him with some weak excuse about needing someone of his caliber to oversee the entrance exams.


    As if these brats needed a Guardian-level mage for this.


    He sighed deeply, the murmurings of the students already grating on his nerves.


    Why did they always have to whisper and gossip?


    Couldn''t they just focus on the test? How annoying.


    His eyes flickered toward the crowd.


    Nothing interesting.


    A bunch of nervous kids, trembling under the pressure even before the exam began.


    He stifled a yawn.


    Just when he was about to let his mind drift, thest participant entered the training grounds.


    A boy, unremarkable at first nce¡ªck hair, pale build, nothing particrly notable except for one thing - his eyes.


    Sharp, cold, and far too calm for someone his age.


    Valerius felt a flicker of interest for the first time. It wasn''t something he showed¡ªno, he wasn''t about to give these kids the satisfaction of thinking they intrigued him.


    Instead, he simply leaned back, allowing a small smirk to creep across his face as hezily told them to begin the exam.


    The tform, as always, was primed with the academy''s signature array¡ªa cleverbination of mental attacks and gravitational pressure that grew in intensity as time passed.


    A good method to weed out the weak from the strong.


    Valerius''s attention flitted between the students as they got up on the tform, his focus gradually drawn back to the boy with the sharp eyes.


    While others struggled, their faces contorting with strain as the pressure mounted, this one stood there with little effort. Not a single bead of sweat lined his forehead.


    Interesting.


    Valerius''s smirk deepened.


    With a flick of his fingers, he subtly increased the pressure on the tform. He was curious to see how long the boy wouldst.


    But just as the pressure rose, something flickered¡ªgreen mes danced momentarily in the boy''s eyes.


    Valerius straightened ever so slightly.


    Thatwas something different.


    He increased the pressure again, this time more deliberately.


    The other students groaned, their legs buckling under the invisible force. One by one, they copsed, struggling to remain conscious.


    Yet this boy¡ª what was his name again? Well, who cares!


    That boy remained standing. There was strain, yes, but still no copse. Instead, something in him shifted.


    The five minutes passed.


    Orion, his assistant, called out the end of the exam, and most of the participants staggered off the tform, barely able to stand.


    Valerius was mildly disappointed. He had expected something more from the boy, something beyond just standing there, but the test ended too early.


    Just as he was thinking that, that boy sat down on the tform.


    Valerius''s eyes lit up with genuine interest for the first time.


    Orion moved to stop the boy, but Valerius waved him off, a slow grin spreading across his face. "Let him be," he said, voice low, his excitement bubbling beneath the surface.


    As the boy closed his eyes, Valerius began increasing the pressure once more. Slowly, at first, then more steadily.


    His curiosity burned brighter with each passing second. He could feel the essence in the air now¡ªdenser, more potent. The pressure on the tform had already reached a level that could subdue most priest-level individuals, yet that boy remained still, absorbed in something deeper.


    Minutes ticked by.


    Valerius leaned forward, his body now alert, watching the boy with unwavering focus.


    What was he doing?


    The essence here, the pressure¡ªit should have been enough to break anyone at his level. But he was still there, breathing steadily, seemingly unbothered by the strain.


    Was it a trait? Or was it an innate ability or something else?


    He was curious!


    Just as Valerius was contemting whether to push the tform''s array further, it happened.


    Apurple auraexploded from the boy, crackling with energy.


    Valerius felt it immediately¡ªa force that was far too powerful for someone so young. It was raw, unrefined, but unmistakably strong.


    The aura stretched out, covering a 20-meter radius around the boy, and with it came a crushing mental pressure that forced even Valerius to tense for a moment.


    He was entranced.


    The pressureing from the boy wasunnatural, impossible for someone of his stature. Valerius''s heart raced with excitement.


    What was this power? He needed to know.


    His body buzzed with the need to understand, toconsumethis enigma standing before him.


    But then he heard it¡ªa soft groan.


    His assistant, Orion, was on his knees, sweat dripping down his face. Valerius turned his gaze outward and saw the rest of the students. They weren''t just struggling anymore¡ªthey weresuffering.


    Somey unconscious, others groaned in agony,pletely overwhelmed by the boy''s aura. Even Orion, who was a strong priest-level student he had taken under his wing, was being crushed by the weight of this growing power.


    It hit Valerius like a bolt of lightning -he had to stop the boy.


    "Hey, boy, stop now!" Valerius barked, but the boy didn''t respond.


    Or rather, hecouldn''t.


    When Valerius looked into his eyes, a chill ran down his spine. Gone were the flickering green mes from earlier. Now, those eyes burned with a deep, swirlingpurple¡ªdark and endless, like an abyss that threatened to swallow everything around it.


    Valerius took a step forward, panic slowly edging into his mind.This power... this wasn''t normal.


    "Hey!" he called out again, his voice firm, but the boy remained oblivious to his surroundings.


    Whatever was happening inside him hadpletely taken over. The pressure continued to build, pressing down on everyone in the vicinity, even Valerius.


    Suddenly, a sharp crack split the air. The tform beneath the boy groaned under the weight of the force surrounding him, the once-solid structure beginning to give way.


    Valerius cursed under his breath.


    This was beyond dangerous.


    Not for him - but for the other students around.


    There was no time to think. Acting on instinct, Valerius reached out with his own essence, forcing the pressure to subside as he struck the boy on the back of the head.


    The boy''s body went limp, and the overwhelming aura around him flickered before finally dissipating.


    Valerius caught the boy as he fell, his heart pounding in his chest. For the first time in a long while, a genuine thrill surged through him.


    He looked towards his assistant, who was now looking at the boy with fearful eyes.


    "What is this boy''s name?" Valerius asked, his eyes still wide with excitement.


    ---***---

 Chapter 88: Entrance Exam (8)

    Levi slowly opened his eyes.


    "Urgh..."


    A sharp pain shot through his head¡ªlike countless needles piercing his skull¡ªbut he endured it and looked up.


    A in white ceiling. Nothing special.


    He stared at it for a moment before a voice interrupted his daze.


    "You''re up?"


    It was a grumpy voice.


    Levi turned to see who it was, only to find thezy instructor slouched in a chair beside him.


    Levi, himself was lying on a bed¡ªprobably in the academy''s medical ward.


    The sight of the instructor jolted him awake. There was no pain in rest of his body, so it was easy to sit up. His sharp eyes scanned the room, finally settling on the manzily sprawled in the chair.


    Despite his rxed posture, Levi could sense immense power coiled within him.


    "So, you''re finally awake," the man drawled, straightening just a bit. "I suppose introductions are in order. I am Valerius, a Guardian of the Favored Ones Academy."


    Levi''s eyes widened.


    A Guardian?


    Wasn''t he just an instructor?


    Wait¡ªif he''s a Guardian, isn''t he a big deal? The Favored Ones Academy only had three Guardians, and they were all supposed to be insanely powerful.


    ''Hmmm...?''


    Levi eyed Valerius again, this time more carefully¡ªfrom his unkempt hair and scruffy beard to the light clothes clinging to his body. And then... the smell.


    Wait, whatwasthat smell?


    It wasing from Valerius and Levi recognized it immediately.


    ''How long has this man gone without a bath?''


    While Levi wasn''t exactly one to judge as back in the slums, he barely managed a bath once a week¡ªthings were different now. Ever since his return from Paradise, he''d been keeping a decent hygiene routine.


    ''Is this man really one of the guardian''s of the academy?''


    He thought and even if so, he couldn''t think of a reason as to why was he here with him?


    Questions swirled in Levi''s mind, but Valerius didn''t give him a chance to speak.


    "I''ll cut to the chase," Valerius said, his gaze sharpening. "I want you to be my disciple."


    ''Huh?''


    Levi''s mind reeled.


    A disciple of a Guardian?


    This had to be a joke, right?


    Was this guy trying to pull something? Why him, of all people?


    "This... this is too sudden," Levi managed to say. "I don''t even know who you are."


    It might seem like he was rejecting a golden opportunity, but as a demonic follower, Levi couldn''t risk anyone uncovering his true nature.


    Bing a Guardian''s disciple would mean constant scrutiny, and if Valerius ever found out the truth... Levi''s life would be over.


    Yet, the advantages were hard to ignore.


    Who would ever suspect a demon follower hiding under the protection of one of the academy''s most powerful figures? It could be the perfect cover, a shield against suspicion.


    And more importantly, Levi desperately needed a teacher.


    He had power, sure¡ªbut when it came tobat knowledge, he knew next to nothing. That was the whole reason he''d joined the academy.


    If he could be the disciple of a Guardian, it would help him achieve his goals faster.


    Just as these thoughts raced through his mind, Valerius spoke again.


    "Hmm, you''re right. You probably need some time to think."


    Thankfully, Valerius didn''t seem like the type to push too hard.


    But then, he leaned forward, eyes gleaming with curiosity.


    "By the way, that ability you used during the exam¡ªwhat was it? Which god have you made a contract with to get such a strong mental power?"


    Levi froze, caught off guard by the question.


    He knew what Valerius was talking about.


    His Innate Ability - Lunacy. It activated all on his own during the exam and from the bits he could remember - it also had sessfully evolved or maybe mutated.


    But Levi hesitated to answer.


    His innate ability had no connection to demons, but it was tied to the Goddess of the Tuatha D¨¦ Danann. And she wasn''t exactly friendly with the other gods.


    Would it be wise to reveal that to Valerius?


    But staying silent could raise suspicions.


    So, Levi spoke.


    "It is an innate ability."


    Levi said but Valerius waited - it seemed like he wanted to know which god Levi had made a contract with.


    And once again Levi took his time before answering.


    "I made a contract with the God of Forgotten Realms," Levi answered, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside.


    Valerius raised an eyebrow, a mix of surprise and curiosity breaking his otherwise expressionless face.


    "The God of the Forgotten Realms? Hmm. Interesting¡ªthat''s the first time I''ve heard that name."


    Levi stayed silent, watching him carefully.


    There was a reason he risked mentioning the other name of the Demon King. After his first emergence from paradise, during an interrogation with a Truth Seeker''s follower, Levi had imed that he had made contract with the God of Forgotten Realms.


    It was very likely that she had stored that information somewhere.


    Levi wasn''t sure if that data was private or public, but if he gave Valerius a different name now and the truth surfacedter, it would spark suspicion.


    Levi couldn''t afford to leave such loose ends.


    Anyway, Valerius seemed lost in thought for a moment before his gaze refocused on Levi.


    "Well, maybe they''re not a popr god, as their name suggests. Anyway¡ª tell me more about that ability you used earlier?"


    Valerius''s eyes gleamed with interest, and Levi knew he couldn''t avoid answering.


    But before he could respond, he needed to understand what had changed with his Lunacy.


    Had it evolved or mutated?


    With that in mind, Levi opened his status.


    -----------[Status]-----------


    Name:Levias Drake


    Rank:Demonic Follower


    Patron:The Darklord of the Endless Abyss


    Affiliation:Mercenary Federation (E-rank)


    Crest:Demon who met God


    Demonic Core:Nascent-Essence


    Demonic Essence:377/1000


    Trait:Demonic Soul


    Trait Ability:Demonic Transformation | Domination


    Dominions:Noir (ck Wing of Lunacy)


    Innate Ability:Shadow Self | Lunacy


    Artifacts:Eternal Vigil(Fallen ) | Key of Lunacy (----) | ze (vile) | Ring of the Fallen (Fallen)[Currently Not In Possession]


    Avatars:¡ª


    Inheritance:Tuatha De Danann (Iplete - 1/5)


    -----------[Status]-----------


    There was no change in his status but when he opened the description of Lunacy - he could clearly see it.


    ---***---

 Chapter 89: Entrance Exam (9)

    ---------[Lunacy]----------


    Ability Description:In a world where sanity crumbles like fragile ss, true power lies in embracing the madness. Control the chaos within you, warp the reality to your whim - see what can''t be seen and be the Lunatic, where your insanity is the only truth left standing!


    ---------[Lunacy]----------


    There was definitely a change!


    Thest time Levi read the description - it was something like this.


    ---------[Lunacy]----------


    Ability Description:In a world where sanity crumbles like fragile ss, true power lies in embracing the madness. Let the chaos within you surge forth, warp the reality to your whim. Be the Lunatic, where your insanity is the only truth left standing!


    ---------[Lunacy]----------


    The phrase that once read "Let the chaos surge forth" had shifted to "Controlling the chaos," and there was something about "seeing what can''t be seen." Levi wasn''t sure what it meant, but curiosity tugged at him. However, the two gleaming eyes watching him with intense interest kept him from dwelling on it further.


    "It''s an innate ability," Levi began, leaning back as Valerius edged closer. "It lets me put pressure on others..."


    "And?" Valerius pressed, clearly unsatisfied with that answer.


    In the world of followers, Valerius was known aszy, but that wasn''t the truth.


    He wasn''tzy¡ªit was just that Earth had be too dull for him.


    It hadn''t always been this way. Valerius was once an ordinary human, living life like anyone else. But that was before his first entry into Paradise.


    After that experience, nothing on Earth could hold his interest anymore.


    The sensations he felt in Paradise, where his life was on the line every second, where a moment''s carelessness could end it all¡ªthat was excitement.


    The thrill of facing monsters so powerful they could crush him with a single stomp¡ªthat was interesting.


    Inparison, nothing on Earth seemed worth his effort.


    But Levi''s ability? That was different.


    When Valerius saw Levi using it, something ignited deep within him¡ªan emotion he hadn''t felt in a long time.


    Interest.


    No ordinary power could stir Valerius like that. And now, he couldn''t shake the feeling that he needed to know more.


    The problem was that Levi really didn''t know much more about his ability.


    It had only been around four months since he''d made the contract with the Demon King, and if he counted the time from when got the Lunacy ability in the Sanctum, he''d barely had any opportunity to test his powers.


    No one had taught him how to properly use his abilities.


    That was part of the reason he''de to the academy.


    "I... don''t really know much about it," Levi admitted, careful not to sound arrogant or rude. Thest thing he wanted was to be disqualified over something so trivial.


    Valerius stared at him for a while, assessing whether Levi was telling the truth. It seemed genuine enough. He''d seen Levi struggle to control the ability during the exam, so he decided to believe him¡­for now.


    "Well, that''s all the more reason for you to be my disciple," Valerius said, leaning in with a grin. "If you agree, I''ll teach you how to control your abilities, I''ll teach you how to fight, and I''ll even give you resources you won''t find anywhere else."


    He was making it hard to say no.


    In the short time Levi had been unconscious, Valerius had done a background check. Levi was an orphan, supposedly blessed by luck to have made a contract with a god. There was also a report that he''d defeated the young master of the Mkani family, showing that he also have considerable talent.


    The only concerning part was Levi''s connection to the Mercenary Federation, but Valerius figured he could sever that tie once he had Levi under his wing.


    Even from Levi''s perspective, the advantages were undeniable.


    First, having a mentor of Valerius''s caliber meant learning things he couldn''t buy, no matter how much money he had.


    Second, the resources Valerius offered were crucial as Levi was penniless.


    And third, bing Valerius''s disciple would offer the perfect cover for his identity as a demonic follower. Anyone might suspect a normal student ''Levi'' of being a demonic follower, but it would be far harder for anyone to question the disciple of one of the three Guardians of the Favored One''s Academy.


    With so much to gain, Levi just couldn''t refuse.


    "I, Levias Drake, greet Master Valerius," he said, shamelessly bowing.


    Valerius smiled wide, clearly pleased.


    But little did Valerius know, this decision wouldter be the greatest regret of his life¡­


    ***


    After talking a bit more with Valerius, Levi found himself navigating the maze-like corridors of the Academy once again. Despite bing Valerius''s disciple, he wasn''t exempt from taking the mandatory tests. Valerius had made it clear¡ªLevi still needed to pass to attend the Academy, and there was nothing he could do about it.


    Not surprisingly, his watch beeped with the details of his next test.


    Congrattions on Passing the First Assessment.


    Your Next Assessment is scheduled in Room Number 895.


    Please proceed to the venue immediately.


    Note: Those who arete will automatically be disqualified.


    Fortunately, thanks to the sheer number of students taking the exam, Levi still had some time before his test started, so he took his time heading to the venue.


    When he finally reached Room 895, he noticed something different from his previous assessment. This room wasn''t open. The door was shut tight.


    Levi knocked.


    There was silence at first, then a mechanical voice spoke, "Come in."


    Startled by the voice, Levi hesitated but followed the instruction.


    Upon entering, he realized this test would be unlike thest one. The ceiling was domed, and strange devices lined the walls. He took another step forward and noticed something else: he was the only one in the room.


    Except for an instructor¡ªor perhaps an assistant¡ªseated on the far side of the room. Levi didn''t get a chance to speak before the same mechanical voice interrupted.


    Student Levias Drake¡ªID confirmed.


    Beginning the Second Assessment.


    Please defeat the monster within two minutes.


    Before Levi could react, his surroundings began to shift.


    ---***---

 Chapter 90: Entrance Exam (10)

    Was it an illusion? An innate ability? Or just the advanced technology of Earth? Levi couldn''t tell.


    What unfolded before him was a scene of dense jungle¡ªnothing like the eerie, barrenndscapes of Paradise. Lush green vegetation surrounded him, the air was thick with moisture, and the atmosphere was damp. It was almost as if he had been teleported to a different ce entirely.


    Levi had a thought seeing this.


    ''Should I use Lunacy now?''


    His Lunacy not only aided in offense but also provided protection against mind attacks. Perhaps it could fend off the illusion, at least to some extent.


    But he decided against it.


    Fending off an illusion designed as part of the test wouldn''t help him here.


    So, Levi waited.


    Suddenly, something appeared before him.


    > Pick a Weapon


    The mechanical voice returned.


    A projection screen materialized, disying countless weapon options, with a scrolling bar indicating more to explore.


    Levi, curious, began scrolling through the choices. From basic swords toplex whips, the selection was vast.


    Then, something caught his eye.


    His interest was piqued, and he selected it.


    The projection vanished, and in its ce, a pair of long handles materialized. They were long enough to fit into the hand.


    Levi grabbed them, and the weapon began to form.


    Two short sickles sprouted from one end of each handle, while a long chain connected them from the other end.


    ''Whoa¡­ this is interesting,'' Levi thought as he swung the weapon experimentally.


    Though only the handles were physically real, it felt like he was wielding an actual weapon. The rest, though part of the illusion, responded as if tangible.


    Before he could dwell on it, the mechanical voice spoke again.


    > Defeat the monster that will appear within 10 minutes.


    The ground rumbled beneath him.


    What materialized next was grotesque¡ªan unnatural fusion of a horse and a crocodile. It had the muscr body of a horse, with hooves sorge and menacing


    Levi was sure one stomp would kill him twice. But from where the horse''s neck should have been, the long, gaping maw of a crocodile took its ce. The tail wasn''t soft fur, but a spiked reptilian appendage.


    ''Disgusting,'' Levi thought.


    ''And frightening, a bit.''


    Wasn''t this too much for a test?


    Though the power level of the creature wasn''t overwhelming¡ªit seemed to be at the peak of essence, if Levi was correct¡ªit still felt excessive for a regr student.


    No matter.


    Levi decided this was as good a time as any to try out his new weapon.


    The creature locked eyes with Levi and charged.


    Levi calmly watched as the grotesque creature charged, its heavy hooves making the ground tremble beneath him.


    Despite its intimidating size and power, Levi wasn''t particrly concerned. He had fought stronger monsters before, including a pseudo-fallen rank, and although he nowcked the artifacts that usually buffed his abilities, his confidence remained all the same.


    Gripping the handles of his newly formed weapon¡ªa pair of short sickles connected by a retractable chain¡ªLevi swung them experimentally. The weapon''s speed and flexibility impressed him, but there was no denying his unfamiliarity with it.


    A finesse was required to wield the weapon that he simply didn''t have.


    By then the beast was upon him, lunging with terrifying speed.


    Levi sidestepped, swinging one of the sickles toward the creature''s neck. The de bit into its thick, leathery hide but did little more than scratch the surface.


    ''Do I need to put more strength?'' he wondered.


    Retrieving the sickle, Levi quickly decided to change tactics.


    He aimed for the beast''s legs, intending to use the chain to immobilize it.


    With a swift motion, he hurled one of the sickles. The chain unraveled in a deadly arc, but his unfamiliarity with the weapon betrayed him.


    It wrapped around the monster''s leg but failed to fully entangle it. The beast roared in rage, kicking furiously and dislodging the weapon from Levi''s grip entirely.


    "This is harder than I thought!"


    Levi cursed under his breath, watching as the beast''s wild thrashing sent the chain weapon flying.


    The beast, now enraged, stomped and thrashed, the chain whipping around as it went on a rampage. Levi had no choice but to release the other handle, watching as his weapon was lost in the chaos. Now, he stood with both hands empty, staring at the enraged creature that had just crushed his weapon underfoot.


    "Well, this is fine too," he muttered.


    He hadn''t been relying on the weapon to win this fight anyway. He was merely curious about how it worked.


    The beast fixed its eyes on him again, its massive crocodilian maw snapping as it prepared for another charge. Levi, however, remained unphased.


    ''This thing isn''t strong enough for me to need a weapon,'' he thought.


    As the beast lunged once more, Levi didn''t bother dodging. Instead, he ran toward it, matching its momentum with reckless confidence.


    At thest second, he jumped, nting his foot on the creature''s shoulder and vaulting onto its back. The monster bucked wildly, trying to throw him off, but Levi held on tight, his legs wrapped firmly around its torso.


    With a grin, Levi raised his fist and smashed it down onto the creature''s head. A loud crack echoed as bone shattered under his strength. The beast let out a strangled cry, convulsing beneath him. But Levi wasn''t finished.


    Again and again, he mmed his fist into the creature''s skull, each hit apanied by a sickening crunch.


    His knuckles ached, but the creature''s resistance waned with every blow.


    ''How does everything feel so real within this illusion?'' Levi wondered.


    ''Maybe this creature is a summoned entity or maybe an Avatar? Definitely not just an illusion.''


    He didn''t have time to dwell on the thought. Blood sttered across his face and arms as the monster''s movements grew more erratic and weaker. Finally, with onest devastating punch, the beast copsed, lifeless.


    Panting slightly but otherwise calm, Levi sat atop the dead creature.


    The jungle illusion remained eerily vivid around him, though he knew the battle was over. Standing, he wiped the blood from his face and surveyed the scene onest time.


    As expected, the mechanical voice returned.


    >Assessmentplete.


    >Time: 1 minute and 47 seconds.


    >You have passed the second assessment.


    ---***---

 Chapter 91: Entrance Exam (11)

    The second assessmt waspleted sessfully and Levi continued taking the next assessmts after that.


    Thankfully, the following s were not that hard.


    In the third , he had to fight a fellow studt. It was easier than the second .


    The inexpericed studt that he was paired up with, didn''t ev realize what hit him before Levi knocked him out.


    He was clearly no match for Levi''s strgth.


    Levi''s strgth was a the Follower rank wh he made contact with the demon king but after forming a core in the Sanctum, he was now on par with someone at the Priest rank.


    The poor Follower rank studt was not ev his match and he couldn''t evst a minute.


    Th, right after passing the third exam- Levi continued to the vue of the fourth exam.


    And only th did he realize that the fourth and fifth s were his nemesis¡ª it was time for the theory exams!


    The fourth  was a simple multiple-choice question with 50 questions, while the fifth required writing a detailed report on a giv topic, where they would provide a keyword, and the studts had to write everything they knew about it.


    The multiple choice question contained most of the things that are taught in schools like the first founders of Paradise, the first established sanctuary, the name of some strongholds in Paradise, some monster-rted questions, etc.


    For a normal studt - these all were simple questions that could be answered easily.


    But for Levi¡­.well, let''s just say that he didn''t ev need to see the questions to answer.


    He had no clue about the questions.


    Levi randomly chose the answer for most of the multiple-choice questions.


    And for some which he spt the effort to read¡­he eliminated the obviously wrong ones and chose whichever felt relevant.


    If it wasn''t for some basic math questions and some reasoning questions added here and there - Levi would have be truly screwed!


    Anyway, he barely managed to pass that .


    Th, for the fifth , he was giv the keyword "The First Cataclysm."


    Once again, Levi didn''t know much about it, so he scribbled down bits he''d heard from others. Thest two months hadn''t be aplete waste¡ªhe wrote whatever came to mind.


    His report looked something like this-


    _______


    The Frist Cataclysm, yeah. It happd a long time ago... I think like, 50 yearz ago? Or maybe more. Anyway, it all startd with those portalz. The ones called Bliss portalz.


    They were suppose to conect Earth with Paradice. Human beeing greedy n stuff, we op like too many portalz. Like, A LOT.


    At first it was fine I guess? People wanted the power from Paradice but, uhh, th stuff wt realy bad. The monsters came thru the portalz ¡ª yeh, that''s how it happd. They wasn''t sposed toe thru but they did. Caught evrybody off gard. I dont remember the detals, but I think like, over a third of people died or sumthin?


    Or maybe more. Don''t rly know. Lots of people died.


    Th the monsters started making nestz near the portalz and we got realy messed up. Like big time. Countrees broke down and only the strong onez survived. That''s wh the 5 Unions happd or sumthin. Yeah, that''s importint. The Union of Africuh, Great America, Europ n'' th Asia...


    uh, wait. Not Antarc-tica. We lost that whole thing. Monsters took it. All of it.


    After that, people got smart finaly (took long uf) and made sum rules. Only certified sankturies could op portalz now and they gotta close them if monsters show up. Oh, and Pduns¡ªthose super strong people¡ªgotta guard the portalz n stuff. So that helped, I guess. Made sure things dont go too bad... mostly.


    So yeah, the Frist Cataclysm was realy bad. Lots of people died. Countrees fell apart. New ones made. We lerned to be carefull with Bliss portalz now, and, uh... that''s it.


    That''s all I member.


    _______


    ¡­..No one could me him - it was already a miracle that he knew how to write¡­.


    Anyway, Levi wasn''t much worried about it.


    With one of the academy''s three guardians backing him, Levi only needed to pass the assessmts, ev barely, and ev if he did not make it into the top 460 - he would get a schrship from Valerius''s support!


    It sure was convit to have the support of strong people!


    Anyway, by eving, the results were announced. Levi received his score directly on his watch.


    -----


    Congrattions on being epted! You are now one of the Favored Ones!


    Your assessmt results are as follows:


    First Assessmt - 0/0


    Second Assessmt - 90/0


    Third Assessmt - 9/0


    Fourth Assessmt - 56/0


    Fifth Assessmt - 37/0


    You have not met the Criteria to Enter the Academy!


    You have be epted through theSchrship awarded by faculty: Valerius Strom.


    Congrattions!Overall Academic Rank: 49nd.


    An Introductory Ceremony has be scheduled at 6:00 PM in the Fourth Auditorium of Ernest Block. Please be prest on time.


    -------


    Levi sighed as he scanned the results.


    He was expecting that but the numbers wer''t surprising, especially considering how he''d handled the theory exams.


    Still, failing to meet the criteria despite his highbat scores was eye-oping.


    "The hell? I didn''t ev make it?" he muttered. The academy''s standards were no joke. Ev with near-perfectbat scores, he would''ve be rejected if not for Valerius'' intervtion.


    ''Didn''t I write a very detailed report? Fuck the instructors! Maybe he had fight with his wife before correcting the report - bad luck¡­''


    The amount of confidce he had in himself was shocking!


    Nevertheless, the academy was indeed harsh. Levi could only imagine how many others had be cut off without powerful backing.


    He realized that Strgth wasn''t ough here. You had to be well-ed¡ªboth physically and academically.


    He nced at the notification again.


    "Schrship awarded by Valerius Strom."


    Levi smirked. It wasn''t merit that got him in, but Valerius'' influce. That didn''t bother him much. If Valerius believed in him ough to pull strings, it meant something. Connections were also considered a part of abilities after all.


    Finally, thest message caught his eye: "Introductory Ceremony scheduled at 6:00 PM."


    "Already?" Levi groaned.


    "No rest at all a here?" He''d just finished the assessmts, and now he had to prepare for the ceremony. He was still processing everything¡ªbeing rejected, yet epted.


    With no choice, Levi made his way through the academy''s maze-like corridors. His thoughts drifted back to the tests. The fights were easy¡ª thanks to the fact that he had a core, unlike most humans, and oughbat experice to take down other studts effortlessly.


    But the theory exams¡­ those were the real challge. The academy valued knowledge as much as power. That was something he''d need to work on if he wanted to thrive here.


    But one thing was clear¡ªthe real journey was just beginning.


    ---***---

 Chapter 92: Dormitory

    The Favored Ones Academy stretched before Levi like an borate maze, its marble halls and soaring archways rivaling any royal pce. His footsteps echoed against the polished floors as he searched for the Fourth Auditorium, trying to focus on finding his way rather than dwelling on his exam results.


    "49nd out of 500," he muttered, the words leaving a bitter taste. While theory had never be his strong suit, ranking this low hadn''t be part of his n. Without Valerius''s influce, he wouldn''t have made it through the gates at all¡ªa fact that stung his pride more than he wanted to admit.


    After several wrong turns, Levi finally found Earnest Hall. The trance doors bore intricate carvings that seemed to pulse with ancit power. As he approached, they slid op siltly, revealing the vast chamber within.


    The auditorium took his breath away. Hundreds of studts filled the tiered seating, divided into two distinct sections. The lower seats held freshm in varied attire, while the upper level was upied by siors in the academy''s signature uniform¡ªdark royal blue adorned with silver embroidery. Gold chandeliers cast a warm glow over the massive stage below.


    Levi found a seat near the back, trying to bld in despite feeling like an outsider. The room fell silt as a sharp voice cut through the quiet chatter.


    "Good eving, studts."


    All eyes turned to the stage where a woman stood,manding atttion without effort. Though she held no microphone, her voice carried clearly throughout the hall¡ªlikely the work of an artifact or ability. Her red eyes and spiral brown hair marked her as someone extraordinary, ev by the academy''s standards.


    "I am Instructor Cassandra, and I''ll be overseeing part of your education in theing years," she announced, pausing to let her words sink in. "First, congrattions. You''ve earned your ces here, chos from thousands of applicants. But this is only the beginning."


    She paced the stage with measured steps, her presce filling the vast space. "You are the Favored Ones¡ªfuture heroes who will lead Earth and explore Paradise itself. However," her voice harded, "with this titlees tremdous responsibility. You''re not just studts; you''re Earth''s protectors, sworn to defd it from all threats."


    The underlying meaning wasn''t lost on Levi. Monsters and Demonic followers posed constant dangers to their world, threats that they would soon face as defders. He swallowed hard, understanding the weight of the path ahead.


    "This academy doesn''t simply teach¡ªit forges warriors and leaders," Cassandra continued. "Every lesson, every challge, every test will push you beyond your limits. Some of youe from noble families, others fought your way here through sheer determination. But within these walls, only your actions matter."


    Her words resonated with Levi. He might have barely scraped in, mightck the advantages of his peers, but  of that would matter if he could prove himself where it counted.


    Cassandra''s speech continued, outlining the academy''s history and expectations. She spoke of legdary graduates who had shaped their world''s destiny, of the power and knowledge waiting to be imed.


    And after here, there was speeches from differt individuals - Levi easily got bored and dozed off.


    He only woke up wh someone nudged at him telling that the ceremony was over.


    ***


    Levi''s watch buzzed, disying his dormitory assignmt: Block D, Room 47.


    He sighed, staring at the sprawling academy buildings. Ev with the map on his watch, the ce felt like a maze. Studts rushed past him, all heading to their assigned rooms.


    Anyway, wh they came out of the auditorium - their belongings were returned to them. Levi received his small bag contained some clothes and his two spatial rings.


    After that they were told to rest for the next day and settle at the assigned dormitories.


    As Levi didn''t had any inttion of wandering a the academy he directly made his way towards his dormitory.


    After two wrong turns and a dead d, he finally found Block D. The building stretched five stories high, its walls lined with intricate carvings. A sign near the trance read "Male Dormitories."


    The elevator took him to the second floor. Room 47 was at the d of a long hallway, its door idtical to the others except for the gold numbers mounted on dark wood.


    Levi turned the handle and pushed the door op. The room was spacious, with four beds arranged in corners and a shared living area in the cter. But before he could take another step, a familiar voice made him freeze.


    "YOU!"


    There, standing by one of the beds, was the chubby boy from the trance exam ¨C the one he''d st on a wild goose chase for the bathroom. The boy''s face turned red as he pointed at Levi.


    "You''re the jerk who gave me wrong directions!" He stomped forward. "Do you know what happed? I ded up in the GIRLS'' bathroom!"


    Levi couldn''t help but grin. "Oh? How''d that work out for you?"


    "Don''t act smug! I was mortified!" The boy''s arms waved wildly. "Two girls saw me! TWO! I almost died of embarrassmt!


    "Look on the bright side," Levi shrugged, dropping his bag on an empty bed. "At least you''ve got a memorable first day story."


    "A memorable¨C Are you kidding me?" The boy sputtered. "I can''t believe I have to room with you for a whole year!"


    "Well, I''m Levi." He extded his hand, still fighting backughter. "Your new roommate."


    The boy stared at the offered hand like it might bite him. "Toby," he finally grumbled, giving Levi''s hand a quick shake. "But don''t think this means I forgive you!"


    "Wouldn''t dream of it." Levi flopped onto his chos bed. "So, Toby, tell me more about these two girls..."


    "I hate you already," Toby groaned, but there was less heat in his voice now.


    Their bickering was interrupted by the door oping again. Their other roommates had arrived.


    A boy with an athletic build stepped into the room, his expression calm yet focused. He moved with the quiet confidce of someone ustomed to physical challges, his alert eyes taking in every detail of the space and its upants. His short ck hair and olive skin contrasted sharply with the light grey academy uniform, which fit snugly over his broad shoulders.


    "Room 47, right?" he asked, his voice low as his gazended on Levi.


    Levi, sitting on his bed, simply nodded in response. Toby, who was still sulking on the other side of the room, gave a brief wave but said nothing.


    The boy gave a small nod in acknowledgmt. "Alex," he introduced himself, his tone neutral as he moved further inside, heading for one of the remaining beds. He dropped his bag down with a practiced efficicy and began to unpack without another word, his movemts precise and deliberate. The room seemed to shift slightly with his presce, the atmosphere bing more ged.


    Levi watched in silce, taking in Alex''s calm demeanor. There was a quiet precision about him, less bravado than others like him seemed to carry. Levi leaned back against the wall, keeping his thoughts to himself as he observed the neer settle in.


    The door swung op again, this time with more force. Anky boy with sandy blond hair stumbled in, muttering to himself. He barely nced at anyone as he made his way to thest avable bed, dropping a heavy stack of books onto it with a loud thud.


    Wh all three of them stared at him, the boy looked up, his gre eyes shing briefly with frustration before they softed into a tired smile. "Yeah, sorry about the grand trance," he sighed. "Ryn Carter. My schedule''s already a mess, and I hav''t ev started sses yet." He ruffled his hair, making it ev messier than before.


    Levi gave a nod of acknowledgmt, his face neutral, before gesturing toward Toby, who was still quiet on his own bed. "Toby," he said simply.


    Toby waved again but seemed preupied. "Yeah, I''m the guy with a ''bad directions'' rep now, appartly."


    Ryn chuckled lightly at that. "Don''t worry, you''re probably not the only one a here making mistakes. This ce... feels more like a fortress than a school."


    Alex, who had be unpacking, spoke up for the first time since Ryn tered. "It''s not just the size. The rules and rankings here¡ªthey''re strict." His voice carried the weight of someone who had se structures like this before.


    "Great," Ryn muttered under his breath. "Just what I needed¡ªmore pressure."


    Levi''s lips twitched slightly at their exchange but he remained silt, observing how the dynamic in the room was beginning to form. They were a mixed bunch, each carrying their own burds and expectations. Whether that would work in their favor or not, only time would tell.


    ----***---

 Chapter 93: Settling into the Dormitory

    "For thest time, I wasn''t trying to peek!" Toby''s voice echoed through their dorm room.


    "It was all his fault!" He jabbed a finger at Levi, who sat cross-legged on his bed, barely containing his amusement.


    "Sure, me the guy who was just trying to help," Levi said, dodging the pillow Toby threw at him.


    From his desk, Ryn nced up from his thick leather-bound book. "You two are going to get us all in trouble before sses even start."


    Axel, their fourth roommate, leaned against the wall, his muscr arms crossed. At six-feet-tall with broad shoulders, he made their spacious room feel smaller. "Let them fight it out. Better now than during training."


    The room itself was well-furnished ¨C four beds, each with its own desk and wardrobe, arranged around a centralmon area. Large windows offered a view of the academy grounds, where students still hurried about, settling into their new lives.


    "Speaking of training," Toby said, finally flopping onto his own bed, "did you guys see the schedule they sent? Six hours ofbat practice every day!"


    "Plus theory sses," Ryn added without looking up. "And evening training sessions."


    Levi stayed quiet, watching his roommates interact. Each of them represented a different aspect of the academy''s diverse student body. Axel came from a warrior family, hisbat skills already evident in his stance and movement. Ryn was clearly from an academic background, probably groomed for strategic roles since childhood. And Toby... well, Toby was Toby.


    It didn''t he wasn''t from a significant background - instead, he was the most famous among the four. He was from the Hale family which was once a very popr household - but they started declining a few years back for unknown reasons.


    But even still, they were strong enough that neither of the three could match up to Toby''s background.


    And even excluding his background - Toby was strong!


    Levi heard the students whispering that Toby had made a contract with some powerful god, although he had yet to figure out any of his abilities or things like that.


    And when he said hearing whispers - it wasn''t exactly him but Noir who was hearing those. Last night Levi had let out Noir from his shadows and now the phantom flock of the ckbird were making nests all around the dormitories - acting as eyes and ears of Levi.


    "Hey, Levi," Axel''s deep voice cut through his thoughts as Levi pulled back to reality. "You''ve been pretty quiet. What''s your specialty?"


    Levi felt their eyes on him. He''d prepared for questions like this, but it still made him tense. "Closebat," he answered carefully. "Nothing fancy."


    "Nothing fancy?" Toby snorted. "Is that why you ranked so low in theory?"


    "Toby!" Ryn finally closed his book. "That''s not polite."


    "What? Everyone knows the rankings." Toby shrugged. "I''m just surprised they let someone ranked that low¡ª"


    "They let you in despite your bathroom navigation skills," Levi cut in, making Toby''s face turn red again.


    Axel''sugh boomed through the room. "He''s got you there."


    As their banter continued, Levi noticed the subtle dynamics forming. Axel naturally took the leader''s role, his presence wasmanding respect. Ryn was the voice of reason, while Toby... well, Toby kept things interesting.


    A knock at their door interrupted their conversation. A senior student stood in the doorway, his blue uniform immacte. "Room inspection," he announced, stepping inside.


    The atmosphere shifted instantly. Even Toby straightened up.


    The senior''s eyes swept the room, lingering on each of them. "I''m Leon, your floor supervisor. Just making sure everyone''s settling in." His gaze stopped on Levi. "You''re the one who barely passed theory, right?"


    Levi met his eyes steadily. It seemed like his ''fame'' had spread throughout the academy, even seniors were aware of it.


    "That''s right."


    "Interesting." Leon''s smile didn''t reach his eyes. "The academy has high standards. Don''t let your... limitations... affect your roommates'' performance."


    Before anyone could respond, Leon turned to leave. "Training starts at dawn. Don''t bete."


    The door closed, leaving an ufortable silence.


    "What a jerk," Toby muttered.


    "That''s how it is here," Axel said, his voice serious. "Everything''s about rank and status."


    Ryn nodded. "The hierarchy''s strict. Seniors have almost unlimited authority over freshmen."


    Levi absorbed this information, adding it to his mental notes. He''d known the academy would be challenging, but the social dynamics were anotheryer ofplexity. As a demonic follower in disguise, he''d have to be even more careful.


    The only reason he had entered the academy was to get powerful. He had strong abilities but he was too limited because he had no knowledge aboutbat but now that he was here in the academy this was going to change.


    "Well," Toby stretched, breaking the tension, "at least I''m not the lowest ranked in our room anymore. Thanks, Levi!"


    "Keep talking and I''ll give you directions to the girls'' bathroom again," Levi threatened, making everyoneugh.


    As night fell, they prepared for bed, each lost in thoughts about tomorrow''s challenges. Leviy awake, listening to his roommates'' breathing slowly into sleep rhythms. The moon cast shadows through their window, dancing across the ceiling.


    He''d managed to deflect questions about his background so far, but how long could he keep it up? These people ¨C Toby with his endless chatter, Axel with his sharp observations, and Ryn with his quiet intelligence ¨C they weren''t just roommates anymore. They were potential threats to his secret.


    Or maybe, a small voice in his head suggested, they could be something he''d never imagined before ¨C friends?


    Levi pushed that thought away. He couldn''t afford such luxuries. Not with what he was, what he had to do. Still, as sleep finally imed him, he couldn''t help but smile at Toby''s light snoring from across the room.


    Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new tests of his ability to blend in. But for now, in this moment, he was just another student settling into academy life.


    Even if he was the only one hiding demonic powers.


    ---***---

 Chapter 94: First Day of Training

    The academy''s bells hadn''t rung yet when Levi opened his eyes. Pre-dawn light filtered through their window, casting gray shadows across the room. He wasn''t surprised to see Alex already up, performing a series of controlled stretches in themon area.


    "Morning," Alex nodded, moving into a deep lunge.


    From his bed, Ryn sat cross-legged, scrolling through training manuals on his watch. The soft blue glow illuminated his focused expression.


    Only Toby remained bundled in his nkets, though his irregr breathing betrayed his wakefulness.


    "Get up, Toby," Levi called out. "Unless you want another bathroom adventure."


    A pillow flew across the room. "I hate morning people," Toby groaned, finally emerging from his cocoon. "The sun isn''t even up yet!"


    They dressed in silence, pulling on the academy''s training uniforms ¨C ck fitted garments with reinforced panels for protection. Levi noticed how Alex''s movements were precise, practiced, while Toby stumbled around looking for his second boot.


    The training grounds sprawled before them like a small city. Different sections featured varied terrain ¨C from tbat rings to obstacle courses that seemed to defy gravity. Mist clung to the ground, adding an ethereal quality to the scene.


    Students gathered in clusters, their nervous energy palpable. Some stretched, others chatted in hushed tones, and a few stood alone, lost in thought. Senior students in their blue uniforms lined the perimeter, Leon among them, watching the freshmen with measuring eyes.


    "Look at him," Toby muttered, nodding toward Leon. "Bet he loves this ¨C lording over us like some king."


    "Focus on yourself," Ryn advised, his eyes scanning the crowd. "Senior students can make our lives difficult if we draw their attention."


    A hush fell over the gathering as Instructor Cassandra strode onto the field. Her presencemanded attention, just as it had during the ceremony. Today, she wore fittedbat gear that hinted at the warrior beneath the instructor''s facade.


    "Form lines!" her voice carried across the field. "Today, we assess your baseline abilities. Remember ¨C restraint and control are as important as power and skill."


    The endurance drills started simple enough ¨C runningps around the massive field. But each round added new challenges. Magical barriers appeared randomly, forcing students to dodge or power through. The ground shifted unexpectedly, making each step a test of bnce.


    Levi kept pace in the middle of the pack, fighting his natural instinct to surge ahead. Still, he couldn''t help but notice the attention he drew. His movements were too smooth, his breathing too controlled for someone who''d ranked so low in the entrance exams - but it wasn''t like he purposefully had low rank, so he just continued whatever he was doing.


    Ahead of him, Alex moved with powerful grace, clearly in his element. Ryn maintained a steady pace, his movements efficient if not spectacr. But it was Toby who caught Levi''s attention. Despite hisints and seeming clumsiness, he showed surprising stamina.


    "Sparring pairs!" Cassandra''s voice cut through the heavy breathing and footfalls. "Upper ranks against lower ¨C show us what you''re capable of!"


    Levi found himself facing a tall student with sharp features and an arrogant smirk. "Guess I drew the short straw," his opponent said loudly. "The theory failure."


    Around them, other pairs squared off. Levi caught glim0pses of his roommates ¨C Alex facing another warrior-type student, Ryn against someone twice his size, and Toby nervously bouncing on his feet across from a lean girl with fierce eyes.


    "Begin!"


    Levi''s opponent struck first, a straightforward attack aimed at overwhelming with pure power. It was the kind of move that would intimidate most lower-ranked students ¨C but Levi wasn''t most students.


    He sidestepped smoothly, letting the attack pass harmlessly by. His counter was quick but measured, a strike to the ribs that sent his opponent stumbling.


    "Lucky dodge," the other student growled, pressing forward with abination of strikes.


    Levi weaved through them, his movements deliberately unpolished but effective. He didn''t have much skills, but he didn''t need to - he just had to dodge their attacks. The opponent''s frustration grew with each failed attack, making his movements sloppy.


    A quick sweep took the arrogant student''s legs out from under him. Levi followed up with a pin, ending the match.


    Around them, other fights continued. Alex dominated his match with raw power and technique. Ryn, despite his size disadvantage, used his opponent''s strength against them, winning through clever footwork and timing.


    But it was Toby''s match that drew attention. The clumsy boy who''d gotten lost looking for bathrooms moved with surprising skill. His opponent, the fierce-eyed girl, found herself repeatedly countered by techniques that seemed toe from nowhere.


    "Enough!" Cassandra''s voice ended all matches. Her eyes swept the field, lingering on certain students ¨C including, Levi noticed, their room''s unlikely group.


    "Interesting," Leon murmured from the sidelines, his gaze sharp.


    As they headed back to the dormitories, to fresh up before theory sses, Levi looked at his roommates. They were more than they appeared.


    He had expected Alex to win, but Ryn and Toby were a surprise. It seemed like each of them was hiding depths beneath their surface personalities.


    "Not bad for a theory failure," Toby nudged him, grinning despite his fatigue.


    "Same to you, bathroom navigator," Levi replied.


    "You both showed unexpected skill," Alex said thoughtfully. "Though I noticed you were holding back, Levi."


    Levi kept his expression neutral not showing any emotions while noting to be more wary of Alex. "We all were, weren''t we?"


    Ryn nodded slowly. "It''s only the first day. No one wants to reveal all their capabilities yet."


    They walked infortable silence, each lost in thought. Levi felt the weight of his secret more keenly now. His roommates were observant, each in their own way. Keeping his demonic abilities hidden would require constant vignce.


    But as they reached their room, Toby alreadyunching into an exaggerated retelling of his match, Levi allowed himself a small smile. Maybe having roommates wouldn''t be so bad after all.


    Even if they did make keeping secrets a lot moreplicated.


    ---***---


    As you may have noticed, this chapter is a bit fast-paced. I received lot of reviews andments saying the novel is too slow-paced so I am increasing the pace a bit! Let me know how you guys like it!

 Chapter 95: An Old Acquintence

    The lecture hall buzzed with tired chatter as students filed in after their grueling morning training session. Levi''s muscles ached from the intense physical exertion, but his mind remained sharp and alert, eager for the academic challenge ahead.


    In the Favored Ones Academy, sses were typically assigned based on students'' interests and their ranks within the rigorous hierarchy. However, as freshmen yet to be sorted into specific tracks, they had been directed to gather in the small auditorium for their first theoretical lesson.


    Levi arrived to find the room already bustling with activity. Many of his peers had imed the prime seating locations, but he breathed a sigh of relief when he spotted familiar faces. Toby and Ryn had saved him a spot between them, while Alex upied the row directly behind.


    "General Strategic Theory and Defense," Ryn read aloud from the holographic disy on his wrist, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Taught by Professor Vale."


    As soon as the words left Ryn''s mouth than the ssroom doors slid open with a pneumatic hiss. A tall, imposing figure strode purposefully onto the raised tform at the front of the room. The man''s salt-and-pepper hair and sharp, calcting gazemanded instant respect.


    "Today''s session will be practical," Professor Vale announced without preamble, his voice cutting through the remaining murmurs of conversation. "Form groups of six. Immediately."


    The abruptmand caught many off guard, but the students quickly began to shuffle into formations. Levi found himself automatically clustering with Toby, Ryn, and Alex, grateful for the familiar faces in this sea of uncertainty.


    As Levi scanned the room, seeking two more members toplete their group, his gaze locked onto a sight that made his heart skip a beat.


    There, moving with practiced grace through the crowd, was a girl with striking silver-white hair that fell to her shoulders in preciseyers. Her uniform remained impable despite the morning''s intense training regimen.


    And her face, it was familiar!


    Levi''s mind raced, trying to reconcile the image before him with a memory that had been etched into his consciousness.


    ''Wasn''t her hair blue?'' he wondered, unable to tear his eyes away.


    He was certain this was the same girl he had encountered upon first entering Paradise ¨C the prodigy who had been among the first to form a contract with a god, she had left quite a strong impression for him to forget. Yet the vibrant blue locks he remembered had been reced by this ethereal silver.


    "We need two more," Toby''s voice cut through Levi''s thoughts, snapping him back to the present moment.


    Before Levi could respond, the silver-haired girl approached their cluster, another student trailing in her wake. For a fleeting moment, Levi''s pulse quickened, hoping she might recognize him from their brief encounter in Paradise.


    "You''ll do," she stated coolly, her tone leaving no room for argument. "I''m Lysandra."


    Without waiting for introductions or consent, Lysandra smoothly positioned herself at the head of their table. Her piercing silver eyes swept over each member of the group, lingering on Levi with a hint of suspicion that made him shift ufortably.


    The rest of the team seemed too stunned by Lysandra''smanding presence to voice any objections. Before anyone could gather their wits to speak, Professor Vale''s authoritative voice filled the auditorium once more.


    "Follow me," he instructed, already striding towards the exit. As the ss fell into step behind him, Vale continued his briefing.


    "This exercise is designed to develop your skills in formting defense strategies against portal breaches. We will simte a scenario where monsters from Paradise have crossed into Earth. Your team''s objective is to protect a civilian settlement."


    The professor paused, allowing the gravity of the situation to sink in before borating further. "You must strategize as if your team is in close proximity to the breach. I want to hear your immediate response ns."


    A tense silence fell over the group as they processed the challenge before them. It was Lysandra who broke the quiet, her voice cutting through the air withser-like precision.


    "First and foremost," she began, not bothering to consult with her teammates, "we must gather intelligence on our enemy. Monsters, while formidable, are ultimately predictable ¨C they follow base instincts. Our initial step would be to identify the type of monster we''re dealing with and ascertain any potential weaknesses."


    Professor Vale''s sharp gaze fixed on Lysandra, and he gave a curt nod, silently urging her to continue.


    "There are two primary scenarios we must consider," Lysandra pressed on, her analytical mind clearly in its element. "The first possibility is that an overwhelmingly powerful monster has appeared ¨C one that the stronghold''s defenses simply couldn''t withstand. In such a case, our options would be severely limited."


    Her words sent a ripple of unease through the gathered students, but Lysandra remained unphased. "The second, and potentially more serious scenario, is that someone has deliberately manipted the portal to cause this breach. In this instance, the monsters themselves might not pose the greatest threat.


    Instead, we''d need to be on high alert for demonic followers who could be orchestrating the attack from the shadows."


    Lysandra''s voice hardened, taking on an edge that made Levi''s skin prickle.


    "Demonic followers are humanity''s most dangerous enemy. They corrupt everything they touch, perverting powers meant for protection into weapons of unimaginable destruction." Her silver eyes shed with an intensity that bordered on zealotry. "The only viable solution when facing demonic followers isplete and utter elimination."


    "Isn''t that... a bit extreme?" Toby''s whispered question gave voice to the unease that had settled over the group. "Not all demonic followers chose their path willingly. We''ve seen cases where¨C"


    Lysandra cut him off before he could finish, her tone brooking no argument. "Choice is irrelevant in this matter," she stated tly. "They are all threats to humanity''s survival. The only solution is swift and total eradication."


    Before the tension could escte further, Professor Vale''smanding presence drew their attention once more. "We''re moving to the practical portion of today''s lesson," he announced. "Follow me to the training grounds."


    ---***---

 Chapter 96: Preparation for the Simulation

    Professor Vale''smanding voice echoed through the hallways as he led the students out of the auditorium.


    "Follow me to the training grounds," he instructed, his brisk pace forcing the group to hurry in his wake.


    The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the sprawling academy grounds as they emerged from the climate-controlled building. A gentle breeze carried the scent of freshly cut grass, mingling with the metallic tang of the high-tech equipment scattered throughout the area.


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    As they approached their destination, Levi''s eyes widened at the sight before him. The usually open training field had been transformed into a hub of activity. Several assistants, easily identifiable by their distinctive blue and silver uniforms, moved with purpose across the grounds. They were engrossed in the meticulous arrangement of strange devices that Levi had never seen before.


    These objects, sleek and futuristic in design, stood out starkly against the natural backdrop. Each device was roughly the size of a dinner te, its smooth metallic surface broken only by a series of intricate etchings that pulsed with a soft blue light. The assistants ced these devices with careful precision, forming perfect circles at regr intervals across the field.


    Professor Vale came to a halt, turning to address the gathered students. His stern gaze swept over the group, ensuring he had everyone''s attention before he spoke. "What you see before you," he began, gesturing to the devices, "are state-of-the-art simtion projectors. They represent the cutting edge of essence-infused technology, capable of creating hyper-realistic training environments."


    A murmur of excitement rippled through the students. Vale allowed it to subside before continuing. "Each team will be assigned to a simtion zone. The projectors are set in a circr formation, spanning a diameter of over 60 meters. This will be your operational area for the duration of the exercise."


    Levi exchanged nces with his teammates. Lysandra seemed to be assessing the situation with heightened interest while the others stood just as clueless as himself.


    The scale of the setup was impressive, hinting at theplexity of the challenge thaty ahead.


    As they walked among the circr formations, Vale continued his exnation. "The simtion you''re about to experience will be incredibly lifelike. You''ll witness a portal breach,plete with civilians, urban infrastructure, and of course, the monsters themselves."


    He paused, allowing the gravity of his words to sink in. "For this initial training exercise, the monsters you''ll face will be of dormant rank. However," his tone grew even more serious, "do not underestimate them. At the conclusion of the simtion, you''ll encounter a boss-level entity ¨C an essence monster."


    All the students understood that the monsters would be capable of physically harm them just as what they had faced at during the entrance exams and that made then a bit nervous.


    He noticed Toby shift uneasily beside him, while Ryn''s eyes gleamed with determination.


    "Your performance will be evaluated on multiple criteria," Vale borated, pacing before the group. "Strategy, teamwork, civilian protection, andbat effectiveness will all factor into your final score. Remember, in real scenarios, lives hang in the bnce. Treat this simtion with the gravity it deserves."


    The professor''s words hung heavy in the air as he led them towards the center of the training ground. Here, the circr formations of devices were more densely packed, creating aplex grid of ovepping fields. Vale gestured to the various setups. "Each team, take your positions within an unupied circle. Once you''re in ce, the simtion will begin."


    Levi and his team made their way to an open formation. As they crossed the threshold marked by the glowing devices, a subtle shift in the air made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. They were now standing within a radius of over 30 meters, surrounded by six disc-like projectors pulsing with ethereal energy.


    The team spread out, each member taking a strategic position within the circle. Lysandra, as if drawn by an invisible force, moved to the front along with the girl that she hade with. Her silver hair caught the sunlight, creating an almost halo-like effect that reinforced her authoritative presence.


    Toby and Ryn nked her on either side, while Levi and Alex took up positions slightly behind, forming a loose U formation.


    "Everyone ready?" Lysandra asked, her voice taut with anticipation. The others nodded, too focused to speak. Levi took a deep breath, centering himself as he''d been taught in their meditation sses. He could feel the essence energy within him responding to his heightened state of alertness.


    Suddenly, without warning or fanfare, the world around them began to change. The familiar training grounds seemed to melt away like a mirage, the transformation so smooth and seamless that Levi found himself blinking in disbelief.


    Where moments ago there had been open fields and distant academy buildings, a bustling cityscape now materialized. Towering skyscrapers reached for the sky, their ss facades reflecting the chaos unfolding below. Streets formed out of thin air,plete with parked cars and bewildered-looking civilians ¨C all part of the hyper-realistic illusion.


    Levi marveled at the incredible detail of the simtion. He could even smell the acrid scent of vehicle exhaust mingling with the aroma of food from a nearby caf¨¦. The distant wail of sirens added to the urban ambiance, and he could feel the rough texture of asphalt beneath his feet. If he didn''t know better, he''d swear they''d been transported to an actual city in the midst of an emerging crisis.


    The simted civilians moved with startling realism. A businessman hurried past, his tie askew and briefcase clutched tightly. A young mother tried to calm her crying child, while a group of teenagers stood frozen in shock, their eyes fixed on something in the distance. Each face bore a unique expression of fear and confusion, driving home the gravity of the situation they were meant to address.


    "Look!" Toby''s shout snapped Levi back to attention. Following his teammate''s outstretched arm, Levi''s eyes widened in astonishment.


    Before them, dominating the wide boulevard that stretched out from their position, a portal crackled into existence. It was as if reality itself was being torn apart, the edges of the breach shimmering with otherworldly energy. The very air seemed to distort around it, creating a dizzying visual effect that made Levi''s head spin if he looked at it too long.


    The portal pulsed with an ominous rhythm, expanding and contracting slightly with each beat. Tendrils of dark energyshed out from its depths, leaving scorch marks on the pavement where they touched. An oppressive sense of wrongness emanated from the tear, causing the nearby civilians to back away in terror.


    And then without any warning, essence burst forth, and the portal was breached!


    ---***---

 Chapter 97: They had to

    The portal''s ominous pulsing filled the air with an otherworldly hum, its rhythmic expansion and contraction both hypnotic and terrifying. Levi stood rooted to the spot, his muscles tense and ready for action.


    ''This really doesn''t feel like a simtion,'' Levi thought as he took in his surroundings. Everything felt so real that it was hard to believe it was just an illusion.


    Beside him, his teammates wore expressions of determination tinged with apprehension. It was clear that everyone wanted to perform well in this training¡ªafter all, points from instructors yed a crucial role in their advancement to the second year.


    Levi''s gaze drifted to Lysandra. He had hoped she would recognize him, but it seemed his face wasn''t as memorable as he''d thought. She stood at a distance, her silver hair gleaming in the eerie light emanating from the portal, her eyes narrowed in concentration. She appeared incredibly serious, considering this was a simtion.


    His eyes then moved to Toby, who was nervously shifting his weight from foot to foot. Ryn''s hands were clenched into tight fists at his sides, while Alex stood slightly apart, his gaze darting between the portal and the simted civilians cowering nearby.


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    The tension in the air was palpable, growing with each passing second. Levi could feel the essence within him responding to the charged atmosphere, coursing through his veins like liquid fire.


    Without warning, the portal''s pulsing intensified. The air around it shimmered and distorted, reality itself seeming to bend and warp. Then, with a sound like tearing fabric magnified a thousandfold, the portal burst open.


    ''Wow, technology is so amazing,'' Levi marveled.


    From the gaping maw of the interdimensional tear, a horde of creatures surged forth. They were unlike anything Levi had ever seen or imagined. Each monster was roughly the size of arge dog, but that''s where any simrity to earthly creatures ended.


    Their bodies seemed to beposed of shifting shadows and gleaming, obsidian-like surfaces. Multiple limbs, somewhere between tentacles and insectoid appendages, propelled them forward with frightening speed. What passed for their heads was a cluster of glowing, multifaceted eyes that darted in all directions independently.


    "Scatter!" Lysandra''smand cut through the chaos, spurring the team into action.


    Levi leapt to the side, narrowly avoiding the first wave of monsters. He summoned his essence, feeling it coalesce around his hands in a glow. With a sharp gesture, he sent a bolt of energy towards the nearest creature. The monster shrieked as the essence struck it, its form wavering before dissolving into wisps of shadow.


    The dormant monsters were too weak to withstand Levi''s power, even though he wasn''t using the full extent of it. He simply infused a bit of his essence into his hands and punched at the monsters. Levi realized he was the only one in the group not using any kind of weapon, yet that didn''t make him inferior. He cleanly dispatched the monsters with single punches while moving to the next.


    However, for every monster Levi managed to dispatch, three more seemed to take its ce. The sheer number of creatures pouring from the portal was overwhelming.


    ''Is this many supposed toe out of the portal?'' Levi wondered momentarily as his eyes scanned the simted battlefield. His teammates were faring no better.


    Toby had taken a defensive stance, creating barriers of solidified essence to funnel the monsters away from the civilians. But the creatures were unpredictable, some phasing through the barriers as if they weren''t there.


    Alex was a whirlwind of motion, his agility allowing him to dance between the monsters with his heavy sword, striking with precision. Yet even he was being slowly overwhelmed by the relentless tide.


    Ryn had climbed atop a nearby vehicle¡ªhow did he do that? Were the vehicles even real? Levi didn''t have time to ponder these questions as he concentrated on the matter at hand. Ryn was raining down essence projectiles on the swarm below. His uracy was impressive, but the monsters'' erratic movements made them difficult targets.


    Lysandra, for all her confidence earlier, was now visibly struggling. Her powerful essence attacks were effective, but the constant barrage of monsters was clearly taking its toll. It wasn''t that she was weak¡ªher attacks were too powerful! Each of Lysandra''s strikes was incredibly potent, but they weren''t meant to face many opponents at once.


    She killed each monster with no more than a single attack, which seemed excessive, but these powerful strikes were draining her quickly.


    ''Isn''t this too hard?'' Levi thought as another wave of monsters surged towards him. He realized that no amount of training could have truly prepared them for the chaos of a real portal breach¡ªmaybe that was why the instructor was putting them through this.


    Their movements felt clumsy and uncoordinatedpared to the fluid grace of the monsters. Each time they managed to take down one creature, they''d lose track of three others in the melee. The team''sck of coordination was ringly apparent ¨C they were fighting as individuals, not as a cohesive unit.


    While none of the members had used any of their special abilities, saving them forter, the situation was clearly not in their favor.


    Suddenly, a piercing scream cut through the cacophony of battle, causing Levi''s blood to run cold. Time seemed to slow as he turned towards the source of the sound.


    In their struggle to contain the main surge of monsters, they had left a gap in their defenses. A single creature, sleeker and faster than its brethren, had slipped through unnoticed. It had reached a cluster of civilians who hadn''t managed to evacuate in time.


    The team, in their inexperience, hadpletely ignored the fact that they were supposed to help the civilians escape!


    Before anyone could react, the monstershed out with razor-sharp appendages. A simted civilian, a middle-aged man in a business suit, fell to the ground. Even knowing it wasn''t real, the sight of the man''s lifeless body hit them like a physical blow.


    "No!" Lysandra''s anguished cry echoed across the battlefield. The momentary distraction cost her, as a monster slipped past her guard, scoring a hit across her arm.


    The team''s focus faltered, the reality of what they were facing finally sinking in. This wasn''t just an exercise or a game. In a real situation, that civilian would have been someone''s father, someone''s friend, someone''s colleague. And they had failed to protect him.


    At that moment, they felt a surge of something ¨C anger, determination, fear, they couldn''t quite name it ¨C rise within them.


    The most agitated among them was definitely Lysandra. Levi didn''t know why, but she was exuding a terrifying aura. It seemed like the essence responded to her emotions as it red brighter, momentarily pushing back the nearest monsters around her.


    But the reprieve was short-lived. The portal continued to pulse, disgorging more creatures into the simted city. The pressure intensified, and Levi realized with a sinking feeling that they were nowhere near prepared for this.


    As another wave of monsters advanced, Levi exchanged a look with Lysandra. Her silver eyes, usually so confident, now held a glimmer of uncertainty. They needed to regroup, to find a way to work together, or this simtion would end in total failure.


    The weight of responsibility pressed down on their shoulders. They had to do better. They had to find a way. Because in the real world, outside this simtion, failure would mean more than just a bad grade. It would mean lives lost, cities destroyed, and humanity pushed to the brink.


    With renewed determination, they readied themselves for the next onught. They might be struggling now, but they would learn.


    They had to.


    ***


    Professor Vale stood atop the observation tform, his keen eyes surveying the chaos unfolding below. The simtion was progressing exactly as he had designed it ¨C challenging, overwhelming, and brutally eye-opening for the young trainees.


    He watched as the teams struggled against the tide of shadow creatures pouring from the simted portal.


    And while watching those teams - a particr team caught his eyes.


    It was a team let by a silver-haired girl.


    Professor Vale squinted his eyes as he observed.


    Their individual skills were impressive, he had to admit. The ck-haired kid''s raw power, the silver-haired girl''s precision, and the muscr boy''s agility ¨C all showed promise.


    But as a team? They were a disjointed mess.


    Vale''s lips tightened into a thin line as he observed theirck of coordination. This was the crucible that would either forge them into a cohesive unit or break them apart. The real test wasn''t about individual prowess, it was about learning to work together in the face of overwhelming odds.


    He noted with interest the varying approaches of each student. The ck-haired kid''s direct, essence-infused attacks were effective butcked finesse.


    The silver-haired girl''s sword strikes were impressive but clearly unsustainable. The others were each fighting their own battles, failing to support one another or cover the gaps in their defense.


    When the first civilian ''casualty'' urred, Vale felt a pang of sympathy for the shocked expressions on the trainees'' faces. It was a harsh lesson, but a necessary one. In realbat, there were no do-overs, no reset buttons. Every mistake could cost a life.


    He shook his head at them and just them, another team caught his attention!


    ---***---

 Chapter 98: Abilities

    The simted civilian''s lifeless bodyy on the ground, a reminder of our failure to work as team.


    ''Is this what it''s like in the real world? One mistake and someone dies?''


    The thought made my stomach churn.


    Just as I watched - Lysandra''s eyes fixed on the fallen man, her silver irises flickering with an emotion I couldn''t quite ce. Suddenly, the air around her began to crackle with raw energy.


    ''Huh?''


    Lysandra''s essence exploded outward, a visible manifestation of her rage. Her sword, previously just a standard weapon, now glowed with an otherworldly light. The air hummed with power as she activated her ability ¨C and a devastatingbat style I''d never seen before enfolded in front.


    Without warning, she charged at the oing monsters.


    Her movements were a blur, her sword cutting through the shadowy creatures as if they were made of mist. Each strike was precise, powerful, and utterly lethal. The monsters, which had overwhelmed us moments ago, were now being decimated by Lysandra''s furious assault.


    I stood back, observing her rampage with a mix of awe and apprehension. Her raw power was undeniable, but there was something unsettling about the wild look in her eyes.


    This wasn''t the collected, assertive look she had earlier. This was something else entirely ¨C a berserker consumed by rage.


    The rest of our team seemed equally stunned. Toby''s defensive barriers faltered as he gaped at Lysandra''s disy of power.


    "Toby! Focus on defense!" I shouted, trying to snap him out of it.


    Ryn had stopped his ranged attacks, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Is... is this even allowed?" he asked no one in particr.


    Alex, usually so agile, stood rooted to the spot, his sword hanging limply at his side. I could see the fear in his eyes.


    As Lysandra carved a path of destruction through the monster horde - we all stood watching at her back.


    There an emotion that Levi felt right now - deep inside, hispetitive spirit was awakened!


    He wanted to go on a rampage too but he held back.


    Was it because he didn''t have the power?


    No, it was because there was no need to showcase them. The monster were only of dormant rank - Levi in follower rank with his double core could easily ughter through them and if he considered presence of Noir stirring within him- asking him to allow it out, there would be nothing to worry.


    Just the phantom flock alone were enough to handle this dormant monsters.


    But Levi held back.


    This was a test, not apetition and more importantly, there was no risk or rewards - he would be a fool to disy his powers in such a cenario.


    Levi had his own reasons for being here, and revealing his true strength now would onlyplicate matters. So he watched, limiting his involvement to the bare minimum ¨C taking down any monsters that slipped past Lysandra''s onught, ensuring that the team weren''tpletely overwhelmed.


    But as the battle raged on, it became clear that Lysandra''s berserk state was causing as many problems as it solved.


    Her movements were erratic, unpredictable. She''d charge into areas that team had just cleared, leaving other sectors vulnerable. The team struggled to adapt to her wild fighting style.


    Toby attempted to direct his barriers toplement Lysandra''s movements, but she''d change direction without warning, rendering his efforts useless.


    Ryn tried to provide covering fire, but more than once, his essence projectiles nearly hit Lysandra as she darted unpredictably across the battlefield.


    Alex made a valiant effort to fight alongside her, but after a few near misses with her wildly swinging sword, he retreated to a safer distance. The team''s earlier attempts at coordination hadpletely fallen apart.


    And the girl who hade with Lysssandra didn''t even dare to go anywhere near here.


    Levi frowned, noting how the simtion was exposing critical ws in their group dynamic. Lysandra''s power was impressive, but herck of control was a liability.


    The others, too awed or intimidated to assert themselves, were falling into a passive role, merely reacting to Lysandra''s actions rather than contributing meaningfully to the battle.


    As another wave of monsters emerged from the portal, Levi saw uncertainty flick across the teammates'' faces. Lysandra, still lost in her frenzy, showed no signs of slowing down. But the toll of her relentless assault was beginning to show. Her movements, while still devastatingly effective, were slowing. Her essence, burning bright and hot, couldn''t sustain this level of output forever.


    Levi knew he could turn the tide of the battle in an instant.


    Noir''s power,bined with my own abilities, would make short work of these simted threats. But that wasn''t the point of this exercise. They were supposed to learn to work as a team, to ovee challenges together and he was pretty sure that the Instructor and his assistants were keeping a close watch on them, so he didn''t do anything.


    As Lysandra''s rampage continued, Levi made a decision.


    He wouldn''t step in ¨C not yet.


    The simted city continued to crumble around them, casualties mounting as Lysandra''s uncontrolled fury left swathes of destruction in her wake.


    That was when Levi realized that the actual test was not just surviving the onught of monsters, but learning to control their powers and to work as a unit.


    ***


    Lysandra''s rampage continued unabated, her silver hair a beacon amidst the chaos. But as impressive as her disy was, it was clear she couldn''t sustain this level of output forever. The team needed to step up, and fast.


    A sh of movement caught my eye.


    Alex, previously frozen in awe, now strode forward with purpose. His body began to glow with an inner light, essence visibly coursing through his muscles. I watched, intrigued, as his body reinforcement ability took hold.


    In an instant, Alex was in motion. He crossed the battlefield in a blur, engaging a cluster of monsters that had slipped past Lysandra''s onught. His fists, now glowing with concentrated essence, tore through the shadowy forms with ease. Each punchnded with devastating precision, the shockwaves alone enough to disperse nearby creatures.


    Alex''s movements were a stark contrast to Lysandra''s wild frenzy. Where she was all fury and instinct, he was calcted power. He danced between the monsters, his enhanced speed allowing him to dodge attacks that should have been unavoidable. His face set in grim determination.


    It seemed like his ability was something rted to reinforcing his body - that was not rare but the output that he was disy after the activation of the ability was incredible!


    As Alex held the front line, Ryn finally sprang into action. Instead of his earlier ranged attacks, he nted his feet firmly on the ground, his hands syed out before him. The earth beneath us trembled, and I realized we were about to see Ryn''s true ability.


    Massive walls of stone erupted from the ground, reshaping the battlefield in seconds. Ryn''s face was a mask of concentration as he manipted the earth, creating aplex series of barriers and channels. The advancing monsters found themselves funneled into narrow corridors, easy prey for Alex''s powerful strikes and Lysandra''s wild swings.


    Ryn didn''t stop there. As more monsters poured from the portal, he raised tforms of rock, giving himself and the others vantage points to attack from. The entire cityscape was being remolded to our advantage, turning what was once a chaotic free-for-all into a carefully orchestrated killing ground.


    Amidst the fury of battle, I noticed the girl who had arrived with Lysandra joining the fray. She wielded a sword withpetent grace, her movements fluid and practiced. While shecked the raw power of Lysandra or the enhanced abilities of Alex, she proved herself a capable fighter.


    She darted between the stone walls Ryn had created, picking off monsters that tried to slip through the cracks in our defense.


    As the tide of battle slowly turned in our favor, I realized Toby had yet to reveal any special abilities. He fought with admirable physical prowess, using his essence to enhance his strength and speed, but nothing on the level of the others. Curious, I made my way to his side.


    "Toby," I called out, dispatching a monster that lunged for him. "Aren''t you going to use your ability, this seems to be the best time for it?"


    Toby''s face twisted with something akin to shame. He hesitated, blocking an attack from a particrlyrge shadow creature before responding. "My ability... it wouldn''t be useful here. Not with all of you here."


    I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. What kind of power would be useless in a situation like this? Before I could press further, a deafening roar shook the simted city to its foundations.


    The portal, which had been steadily disgorging monsters, now pulsed with a sinister red light. The air grew thick with malevolent energy.


    Whatever wasing, it was big.


    "Iing!" Ryn''s shout echoed across the battlefield. "Something''s different about this one!"


    As if in response to Ryn''s warning, a massive wed hand emerged from the portal. It gripped the edges of the dimensional tear, widening it further. Slowly, inexorably, a monstrous form began to pull itself through.


    The essence-level boss monster had arrived, and with it, the real challenge was about to begin.


    Lysandra''s berserk rage faltered as she sensed the new threat. Alex''s confident stride hitched for just a moment. Ryn''s earth maniptions trembled under the weight of the creature''s presence. The girl with Lysandra tightened her grip on her sword, eyes wide with a mix of fear and determination.


    And Toby? He stepped forward, a look of resolve recing his earlier hesitation. Whatever ability he''d been holding back, it seemed he was ready to reveal it now.


    .


    ---***---

 Chapter 99: Tobys Ability

    The portal''s pulsing reached a fever pitch, its crimson glow bathing the ruined simtion of the cityscape in an eerie light. With a sound like reality tearing apart, the essence monster emerged.


    ''Whoaa¡­''


    It was colossal. Its form defied easy description ¨C a writhing mass of tentacles, eyes, and crystalline structures that hurt to look at directly. Its aura alone sent a visible shockwave across the battlefield, and I felt my essence recoil instinctively.


    The simted ground shook under the creature''s weight as it fully materialized. Buildings crumbled in its wake, adding to the devastation already wrought by our earlier battles. I took in the scene with a growing sense of dread.


    ''How the fuck do they simte all this?''


    That was truely something that Levi didn''t understand.


    Anyway, the simted city was now in ruins. Broken concrete, shattered ss, and twisted metal littered the streets. And the civilians... My stomach turned as I registered the scale of our failure.


    Bodiesy strewn across the rubble-filled streets, some disintegrating into data particles, others eerily still. Those still alive screamed and fled in terror, their panic adding to the chaos.


    We''d failed to contain the threat.


    If this had been real, the death toll would have been catastrophic.


    And this was from a single portal.


    I didn''t dare imagine what had happened during the second catalysm.


    But there was no time to dwell on our mistakes. The essence monster wasn''t alone. Swarming around its massive form were over 20 dormant-level monsters that were a bit bigger than the normal and smaller than the boss monster.


    They darted between the boss''s tentacles, their eyes gleaming with malevolent intelligence.


    "Regroup!" I shouted, trying to rally the team. Alex and Ryn moved to nk me, while Toby and Lysandra''spanion took up defensive positions. Lysandra herself stood apart, her silver hair whipping in the essence-charged wind, her sword still glowing with barely contained power.


    Despite the chaos she''d caused earlier, Lysandra remained our strongest asset. Her raw power outstripped all of oursbined. If anyone could take down the essence monster, it was her ¨C but she''d need support.


    I made a quick decision. "Alex, Ryn ¨C focus on the smaller monsters. Toby, whatever your ability is, now''s the time. Lysandra," I locked eyes with her, seeing a flicker of recognition through her battle frenzy, "the big one''s yours. We''ll clear your path."


    As the team sprang into action, I held back, observing. My power ¨C Noir and its phantom flock ¨C could turn the tide instantly.


    But I''d intervene only if absolutely necessary, using my abilities strategically to support without overshadowing.


    Lysandra charged forward, her de carving through the air. The dormant monsters that tried to impede her progress were cut down effortlessly. Alex and Ryn worked in tandem, his enhanced strengthplementing Ryn''s earth maniption perfectly as they corralled and dispatched the smaller threats.


    For a moment, it seemed like we might finish this with ease.


    Lysandra reached the essence monster, her sword biting deep into its crystalline hide. It roared in pain, tentaclesshing out wildly.


    Then everything changed.


    The portal, which we''d foolishly assumed was done spawning threats, pulsed once more. Another massive form began to emerge, its aura every bit as overwhelming as the first.


    A second essence monster.


    ''Didn''t the professor said only one boss monster would appear?''


    I thought only for another thought to appear in my head and that was the imagination of professor saying - ''Unexpected things always happen in reality, you must be prepared for the worst''


    -mp _y,r.


    I cursed under my breath.


    It seemed all the members too understand what was happening but what could the do.


    Lysandra, engaged with the first boss, couldn''t disengage. The others, already stretched thin, looked on in horror as the new threat materialized fully.


    This was beyond what we''d prepared for. One essence monster was already a challenge.


    Two? It bordered on impossible.


    As the second essence monster took its first thunderous step into our ravaged battleground,I understand that I had to act.


    The air crackled with tension and unspent essence. Lysandra''s battle cry rang out as she continued to engage the first boss. The rest of the team looked to me, their eyes a mix of fear and determination.


    They all were urging me.


    They too were aware that I haven''t used any abilities since the start of the simtion - I hesitated for a bit, but then I decided to show a bit of my abilities.


    Just as I was about to step forward and reveal a fraction of my own abilities, a sudden shift in the air caught my attention. My eyes darted to Toby, and what I saw made me pause.


    Essence was gathering around him in a way I''d never seen before. The air shimmered and distorted, like heat waves rising from sun-baked asphalt. Toby''s face was a mask of concentration, tinged with... was that fear?


    "Everyone, brace yourselves!" I shouted, though I had no idea what wasing.


    In an instant, the world changed. An invisible force mmed down on the battlefield with crushing intensity. It felt like the weight of the world had suddenly increased tenfold.


    The effect on our enemies was immediate and dramatic. The dormant monsters, which had been darting about with lethal agility moments before, were now ttened against the ground. Their bodies contorted unnaturally as they struggled against the immense pressure.


    Even the two essence monsters weren''t immune. Their massive forms swayed and buckled under the increased gravitational pull. Their movements, once fluid and terrifying, becamebored and sluggish.


    But it wasn''t just our foes affected by this sudden change. Lysandra, mid-swing against the first essence monster, stumbled and nearly fell. Her silver hair hung straight down, as if underwater. Alex and Ryn, who had been in the midst of battling the smaller monsters, were now on their knees, fighting just to remain upright.


    I felt it too ¨C an immense pressure bearing down on me, making every movement a monumental effort. It was like trying to walk through chest-deep water, but a thousand times worse.


    "What the hell?" I heard Alex grunt, his enhanced strength barely allowing him to stand.


    Ryn had managed to create a small dome of earth around himself, but even that was cracking under the strain. "Toby?" he called out, his voice strained. "Is this you?"


    I turned my gaze back to Toby, and what I saw nearly made me forget the crushing gravity. His face had turned a deep shade of red, but that wasn''t the strangest part. Toby was... dancing? No, that wasn''t quite right. His body was moving in jerky, uncontrolled motions, as if he was a puppet on unseen strings.


    "Huh?" I couldn''t help but let out a confused grunt. What the hell was happening?


    Toby''s eyes met mine, and I saw panic there. "I can''t... control it!" he managed to say between gritted teeth. His arms iled wildly, his legs kicking out at random intervals. "Side... effect!"


    Suddenly, the gravity shifted. For a brief moment, we were all weightless, floating a few inches off the ground. Then, just as quickly, we mmed back down. The constant changes in pressure were disorienting, to say the least.


    The essence monsters roared in confusion and rage, their tentacles and crystalline structures groaning under the strain of the fluctuating gravity. The smaller monsters were being tossed about like rag dolls, smashing into buildings and each other.


    "Toby!" Lysandra shouted, her voice filled with a mix of awe and frustration. "Warn us next time!"


    But Toby couldn''t respond. His bizarre dance continued, each movement sending new waves of gravitational force across the battlefield. Sometimes the pressure increased, pinning us all to the ground. Other times, it reversed, and we had to grab onto anything solid to avoid floating away.


    It was one Hell of a ride!


    I watched, fascinated and a little horrified, as Toby''s uncontrolled power reshaped the very nature of our battle. This was why he had been hesitant to use his ability. The raw power was incredible, but theck of control made it as dangerous to us as to our enemies.


    As another wave of crushing gravity washed over us, I couldn''t help but think that this simtion had just be far moreplicated than any of us had anticipated.


    Suddenly, a high-pitched whine cut through the chaos. My eyes darted to the source of the noise, and I felt a jolt of rm. The simtion devices, those sleek discs that had created this entire scenario, were vibrating violently. As another wave of Toby''s uncontrolled gravity washed over them, I watched in disbelief as cracks began to form on their metallic surfaces.


    "No, no, no," I muttered, realizing what was about to happen.


    With a sound like shattering ss amplified a hundredfold, the devices cracked and broke apart. In an instant, the simted cityscape, the monsters, even the apocalyptic sky ¨C all of it flickered and vanished. We were left standing in the academy''s training ground, surrounded by the broken remnants of highly advanced technology.


    As the dust settled and Toby''s dance finally came to an abrupt halt, we all stared at each other in shocked silence. The simtion was over, but not in any way we could have anticipated.


    ---***---

 Chapter 100: Spectacular Failure!

    As the dust settled and thest sparks fizzled out from the broken simtion devices, an eerie silence fell over our immediate surroundings. I blinked, disoriented by the sudden shift from a chaotic battlefield to a quiet training ground. That''s when I noticed something odd.


    Beyond the wreckage of our simtion area, I could see the other student groups still engaged in their exercises. It was as if a dome had formed around each team, isting them in their own pocket of simted reality. The other students moved about, battling invisible monsters and navigating crumbling cityscapes that only they could see.


    "Fascinating," I muttered, realizing the trueplexity of the simtion technology. Each group was in their own self-contained scenario, unaware of the disaster that had just unfolded in our section.


    Our bubble had burst, quite literally, leaving us exposed and our failure on full disy.


    Professor Vale and his assistants stood before us, their expressions a mix of shock, disbelief, and in the professor''s case, a growing storm of frustration. The contrast between the continuing simtions around us and the destruction at our feet seemed to heighten the gravity of our situation.


    For what felt like an eternity, no one spoke. The professor''s eyes moved from the scattered debris of the simtion equipment to our ragtag group, his gaze sharp enough to cut steel.


    Finally, Professor Vale broke the silence, his voice low and measured. "This is a first."


    We all turned to him, tension thick in the air.


    "This," he continued, gesturing at the devastation around us, "is the first time someone has managed to mess up this badly in my entire teaching career."


    I felt my stomach drop. *There go our scores*, I thought, silently bidding farewell to any hope of a good evaluation.


    The professor''s calm demeanor suddenly shattered as heunched into his critique. "Your team was an absolute mess! Did any of you even consider evacuating civilians? That''s day one stuff, people!"


    He turned to Lysandra, his eyes narrowing. "You. You have immense power, I''ll give you that. But did it ever ur to you that your uncontrolled rampage was limiting your team''s effectiveness? Power without strategy is just wasted energy."


    Lysandra''s face flushed, a mix of anger and shame crossing her features.


    The professor didn''t stop there. He addressed each of us in turn, pointing out our failures with surgical precision.


    "Alex, your enhanced strength is impressive, but youck situational awareness. Ryn, your earth maniption has potential, but you were too passive, always reacting instead of taking initiative."


    When he turned to me, I braced myself for the critique. "And you," he said, his voice dripping with disappointment, "you were just watching them the whole time. Leadership isn''t about standing back and observing. It''s about guiding, coordinating, making tough decisions."


    I wanted to argue, to exin my reasoning, but I held my tongue. Now wasn''t the time.


    Finally, Professor Vale''s gazended on Toby. For a moment, he seemed at a loss for words. "You," he began, shaking his head, "I have no words for you! How did you even pass the entrance exam when you didn''t have an ounce of control over your ability? Gravity maniption is a powerful tool, but in your hands, it''s like giving a toddler a loaded gun!"


    Toby, who had been shifting ufortably throughout the professor''s tirade, suddenly spoke up. His face was deadly serious as he looked the professor in the eye and asked, "Can I go to the washroom, please?"


    The question was so unexpected, so out of ce in the gravity of the moment, that for a second, everyone just stared at Toby in disbelief.


    Professor Vale''s eye twitched. For a moment, I thought he might explode. Instead, he let out a long, tired sigh. "Go," he said, waving his hand dismissively.


    As Toby scurried off, clutching his crotch, the professor turned back to the rest of us. "This simtion was designed to test your abilities, your teamwork, and your decision-making under pressure. On all counts, you''ve failed spectacrly."


    He paused, looking at each of us in turn. "However," he continued, his tone softening slightly, "failure can be the greatest teacher. I want a full report from each of you by tomorrow morning. Detail what went wrong, why it went wrong, and how you n to improve. And Toby can do his after he''s done in the washroom," he added with a grimace.


    As the professor and his assistants walked away, presumably to assess the damage to their equipment, we were left standing there, the weight of our failure hanging heavy on our shoulders.


    Ryn was the first to break the silence. "Well," he said, a wry smile on his face, "I guess we showed them what we''re capable of, huh?"


    Despite everything, I couldn''t help but chuckle. "Yeah, capable of causing unprecedented destruction and giving our professor a migraine."


    Alex rxed at our joke, his tense shoulders dropping slightly. But someone didn''t seem to take it too lightly.


    Lysandra''s face darkened, her silver eyes shing with barely contained anger. Without a word, she turned on her heel and strode away, her steps quick and purposeful. The girl who had arrived with her hesitated for a moment before hurrying after Lysandra, leaving us in awkward silence.


    I stood there, watching them go, my mind reying the disaster that was our first session. How had things gone so spectacrly wrong? We had started as a group of promising individuals and ended up as a cautionary tale.


    As we began to disperse, each lost in our own thoughts about the disastrous simtion, I couldn''t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning. We had a long way to go, but something told me that this odd, dysfunctional group might just have the potential to be something great.


    Assuming, of course, we didn''t destroy the academy first.


    With a sigh, I turned to head back to the dorms. The report wasn''t going to write itself, and I had a feeling sleep would be a luxury tonight as we all grappled with the consequences of our actions.


    As I walked, I cast onest nce at the other groups, still immersed in their simtions. Their domes shimmered in the afternoon light, a reminder of what our exercise should have been. I couldn''t help but wonder what challenges they were facing, and how they were faringpared to our spectacr failure.


    One thing was certain - tomorrow was going to be interesting, to say the least.


    ---***---


    A milestone of 100 chapters!


    Thank you for all the support!

 Chapter 101: Course Selection

    The walk back to the dorms was a silent affair, each of us lost in our own thoughts about the disastrous simtion. As we entered our shared room, the weight of exhaustion from the morning training and the intense first ss hit us all at once.


    "Dibs on the first shower," Alex muttered, already peeling off his sweat-soaked shirt.


    Ryn and I nodded, too tired to argue. We each took turns freshening up, the cool water washing away the grime and some of the stress from the day''s events.


    Just as we were settling in, Toby burst through the door, looking considerably more rxed than when we''dst seen him.


    "Feel better?" Ryn asked with a smirk.


    Toby''s face reddened slightly. "Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up. You try controlling gravity without it affecting your dder."


    I couldn''t help but chuckle, silently thanking whatever demons or gods were out there that my abilities didn''te with such an embarrassing side effect.


    As we lounged around, still discussing the events of the day, a notification chimed on our Watches. It was a message about ss selection.


    {Greetings Favored Ones}


    [Please select the sses that you want to pick. Please read through the document sent to your personal tabs before proceeding}


    The message said.


    "Already?" Alex groaned. "Don''t they think we''ve been through enough today?"


    The tab it was referring to was the academy tabs that were given to each student - ours were resting on each of our study tables.


    I picked up my tablet and logged in using my login credentials.


    As expected there was a document sent from the academy.


    I opened it and read through it. It contained some basic information like, we could only pick the sses once and if any changes were required afterward, we would have to get permission from the dean himself and some rules and regtions.


    About the ss, each individual had to take six courses for the year.


    Also, three courses were mandatory for all, while we had the choice to pick the rest of the three.


    Once I read through the document, I scanned through the options. "Looks like we have three mandatory sses and need to choose three more."


    The mandatory sses were,


    1. History of Earth and Paradise - Professor ra Vex


    Aprehensive study of the events leading up to and following the two cataclysms, focusing on the rtionship between Earth and Paradise.


    2. Basic Combat - Professor Kaine Steelheart


    Fundamentalbat techniques, both with and without essence, designed to prepare students for various threat scenarios.


    3. Portal Defense Strategy - Professor Vale


    Advanced tactics for defending against and closing unauthorized portals, as well as managingrge-scale invasions.


    "At least we know what we''re in for with Professor Vale," Ryn said, wincing slightly at the memory of our earlier failure as we noticed that the portal defense would be a mandatory ss.


    As for the electives, there were numerous options:


    - Essence Maniption and Control


    - Xenobiology of Paradise Creatures


    - Advanced Weapons Training


    - Diplomatic Rtions with Paradise Factions


    - Essence-Tech Integration


    - Psychological Impact of Inter-dimensional Travel


    - Survival Skills in Hostile Environments


    Each of the courses was impressive and helpful in its own right! But as we had to pick three among them, I carefully read through what each ss thought.


    Finally, after much deliberation, I chose the three that I thought could help me the most.


    {1. The Essence Maniption and Control by Professor Zephyr:


    This advanced course delves into the intricacies of essence, the fundamental energy that powers abilities in both Earth and Paradise. Students will learn techniques to refine their control over their innate essence, maximize its efficiency, and even disguise its unique signature.


    The curriculum includes meditation practices, essence flow exercises, and practical applications inbat and stealth situations.}


    I figured this would help me better understand and potentially help in masking my demonic abilities. Given the nature of my abilities, I needed to learn how to keep them under wraps. Plus, the idea of disguising my essence signature could be crucial in avoiding unwanted attention.


    If I could master these techniques, I might be able to pass as a normal essence user, at least on the surface.


    Secondly.


    {2. Xenobiology of Paradise Creatures - Professor Fauna:


    Thisprehensive study explores the diverse and often bizarre lifeforms native to Paradise. From the smallest essence-infused microorganisms to the towering behemoths that roam thendscapes, students will learn about the physiology, behavior, and potential weaknesses of Paradise creatures.


    The course includes hands-onb work with specimen samples and virtual reality simtions of Paradise ecosystems.}


    Knowledge about the monsters that I may face in the future could prove crucial. Understanding the biology and behavior of Paradise creatures might give me an edge inbat situations.


    Moreover, I was curious about how these beingspared to Noir and its flock. Could there be simrities between them or these dominions are different? He was curious to know.


    Lastly,


    {3. Diplomatic Rtions with Paradise Factions - Professor Marcus:


    This course offers an in-depth look at theplex politicalndscape of Paradise. Students will study the various factions, their motivations, alliances, and conflicts. The curriculum covers the history of human-paradise rtions, current diplomatic strategies, and simtions of negotiation scenarios.


    Guest lectures from Paradise ambassadors and human diplomats provide real-world insights into this delicate bnce of power.}


    There was a simple reason as to why I chose this course.


    Humans were not the only beings in the Paradise! There were other races and factions that had already set up their bases and were making use of the resources of Paradise and disappointingly enough, I knew nothing about them!


    In such a situation, Understanding the politicalndscape of Paradise seemed important, especially given my... unique situation. As someone with a direct connection to a Demon, I needed to know how the various factions might view me.


    This knowledge could be crucial for my survival and for navigating theplex web of rtionships between Earth and Paradise.


    As I confirmed my choices, I couldn''t help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension.


    As the others debated their choices, I turned my attention to the tab once again and connected it to the keyboard at the study desk.


    The nk document stared back at me, waiting for the report Professor Vale had demanded.


    With a sigh, I began to type.


    "Simtion Failure Analysis and Improvement Strategy


    Submitted by: Levi


    1. Failure to Prioritize Civilian Evacuation


    Our team''s primary mistake was neglecting the safety of simted civilians. In a real scenario, this would have resulted in uneptable casualties...."


    I continued to write.


    ---***---

 Chapter 102: Self-Analysis(1)

    The academy buzzed with activity as staff scrambled to create schedules for the new students, even though it was not long before the first rays of sun had hit the ground.


    The freshmen were given the day off, a brief respite before the real challenges began and the hell of the academy started!


    Levi''s roommates were quick to take advantage of the free time.


    Ryn, his eyes gleaming with excitement, announced his ns to visit the magic research facility, saying that the academy had research facilities that could not be found in most of the major cities.


    Alex, though didn''t have any ns - he headed off for some extra training.


    Toby, still somewhat sheepish after yesterday''s incident, mumbled something about "personal business" before disappearing.


    Left alone in the quiet dormitory, Levi found himself at loose ends.


    It was too early for breakfast, and the events of yesterday still weighed heavily on his mind.


    With a sigh, he decided it was time for some introspection.


    Sitting back on his bed, he opened his status - that he had not seen in quite some time.


    -----------[Status]-----------


    Name: Levias Drake


    Rank: Demonic Follower


    Patron: The Dark Lord of the Endless Abyss


    Affiliation: Mercenary Federation (E-rank)


    Crest: Demon who met God


    Demonic Core: Nascent-Essence


    Demonic Essence: 377/1000


    Trait: Demonic Soul


    Trait Ability: Demonic Transformation | Domination


    Dominions: Noir (ck Wing of Lunacy)


    Innate Ability: Shadow Self | Lunacy


    Artifacts: Eternal Vigil(Fallen ) | Key of Lunacy (----) | ze (vile) | Ring of the Fallen (Fallen)


    Avatars: ¡ª


    Inheritance: Tuatha De Danann (Iplete - 1/5)


    -----------[Status]-----------


    Levi stared at the screen for a second.


    "Demonic Follower," he muttered, the words leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. How would his ssmates react if they knew? How would the academy itself respond?


    Maybe he would be dead in the next second if they discovered that he is a demonic follower¡­.Levi was not at all curious to find out.


    His eyes lingered on his Demonic Essence level - 377 out of 1000.


    It still remained the same as when he hade out of the portal.


    It was not bad, but not nearly enough for whaty ahead. He needed to find ways to increase it, and fast.


    Going on, Levi tapped on each one of his abilities, reading the descriptions carefully as he had enough time to dwell on them now.


    ---------[Demonic Transformation]--------


    Ability Description: [Unleash the demon within you.]


    ---------[Demonic Transformation]--------


    ''Simple, yet terrifying,'' Levi thought.


    He''d only used this ability a few times, but the memory of using it still sent shivers down his spine. The raw power that he got from the ability was intoxicating - It would instantly double his power output but the ability itself was unstable!


    His body was still incapable of fully withstanding its power¡­ not to mention, he couldn''t use this in front of others - that would be a surefire way to death!


    The demonic transformation changes his appearance so much that it would be hard for anyone to not realize that he is a demonic follower - so he has to keep this a secret.


    This ability was definitely ast resort, nothing more.


    --------[Domination]--------


    Ability Description: [Submit or Perish]


    Current Dominions: [1/1]


    --------[Domination]--------


    Noir, his first and only dominion.


    Levi nced at the [1/1], wondering if that limit would increase as he grew stronger.


    He was yet to find out about the triggering conditions and how this ability actually worked but just the thought ofmanding more beings like Noir was thrilling!


    For now, however, he could do nothing but wait - hoping that the limit would increase when he leveled up from Follower rank to the Priest Rank.


    Come to think of it - normally people would level up from Follower to Priest rank but he was a demonic follower, what would his next evolution be?


    He was curious to find out.


    Anyway, with that thought at the side of his mind, he moved forward to his innate abilities.


    ---------[Shadow Self]----------


    Ability Description: [He is you, you are him. What you hide¡ªHe wears, what you fear¡ªhe confronts, what you hesitate to do¡ªhe will do with resolution, what you can''t¡ªHE CAN.]


    ---------[Shadow Self]----------


    There was only one time Levi had experienced this ability - and it wasn''t even activated by his will.


    His dark twin - he came out on his own when he lost control of his Demonic transformation.


    Levi still didn''t know what abilities this skill had and he was very afraid to find out. He was scared of the possibility that his dark twin might steal his body - so he had been avoiding using this skill.


    But was that really good? Levi didn''t know.


    ---------[Lunacy]----------


    Ability Description:In a world where sanity crumbles like fragile ss, true power lies in embracing the madness. Control the chaos within you, warp the reality to your whim - see what can''t be seen and be the Lunatic, where your insanity is the only truth left standing!


    ---------[Lunacy]----------


    Finally, the most useful ability that he had!


    This ability had helped him and even saved his life multiple times.


    Yes, Levi had barely scratched its surface.


    It had also evolved recently but Levi had not found the opportunity to use this ability again to find out what had changed.


    Now that he thought about it - wouldn''t today be a perfect opportunity to try it out?


    His Lunacy ability was not rted to the Demon contract and neither did it have any signs that would reveal his secret.


    And more importantly, Lunacy was a mind ability, which was considered very rare - if he could im that his trait was rted to mind abilities and Lunacy was one of his trait abilities, wouldn''t everyone believe that?


    That would be the perfect cover for his demonic abilities!


    ''I am a genius!''


    Levi thought to himself feeling proud that he hade out with such a solution!


    Anyway, he decided to go to the training hall after breakfast but first he wanted to finish assessing himself - so he read further and his eyes drifted to the "Inheritance" section


    ----[Tautha D¨¦ Danann]----


    Description: [Forgotten were those who chose to stay¡ªbound, shackled by those who left. They have chosen you as their g bearer. Learn the story of the forgotten Gods.]


    Iplete: 1/5 (All five parts of the Inheritance must be gathered to attempt it.)


    ----[Tautha D¨¦ Danann]----


    A mystery wrapped in an enigma.


    Levi had no idea how to find the other four parts, or what would happen if he did. But the prospect of the inheritance was really tempting.


    He would make sure to search for the other four sanctums and obtain the full inheritance!


    He swore and finally, pulled up Noir''s status. Unlike his - there was a slight difference in its status.


    ---***----

 Chapter 103: Self-Analysis(2)

    -----------[ck Wing of Lunacy]-----------


    Name: Noir


    Rank: Essence Monster


    Master: Levias Drake


    Demonic Core: Inept


    Demonic Essence: 4/200


    Trait: Death''s Hier


    Trait Ability: Carrion Feast | Phantom Flock | MorphWing


    Innate Ability: Lunacy | Umbral Perch


    -----------[ck Wing of Lunacy]-----------


    In these two months, Noir has be thepanion that Levi had never asked but always wanted!


    Firstly, its presence as an Essence Monster was very reassuring.


    Secondly, the bird could now exist right under the noses of the academy. The irony wasn''t lost on him.


    And the better thing was that Noir had evolved for Nasant-Essence monster to Inept-Essence monster.


    Of course, thic change came from it devouring the two thugs that he had killed. While it was a little morally concerning that Noir could absorb essence from Humans - Levi was not at all worried.


    Why would he be?


    It wasn''t like he was some noble who had been bought up morally. He was a slum kid and all he knew was that - if something is making you strong, there was no reason to refuse it.


    Anyway, Levi spent the next hour poring over each ability, brainstorming ways to improve and strategizing how to use them without arousing suspicion. The academy courses he''d chosen suddenly seemed even more crucial. If he could master essence maniption, he might be able to disguise Noir''s presence more effectively.


    As the rays of sunlight began to peek through the dormitory windows, Levi closed the status screens with a heavy sigh.


    He was walking a dangerous line, a demon''s pawn in a school designed to fight such beings. But as he thought back to yesterday''s simtion.


    He had to be always careful.


    Having examined his status and abilities, Levi turned his attention to the artifacts in his possession.


    First, he focused on the most powerful artifact that he had - The Eternal Vigil.


    -----[Eternal Vigil]-----


    Type: Relic


    Rank: Fallen


    Description: [In the depths of Hell, a being lived in darkness, hiding from everything and anything. To escape the gaze of the ck wings, the being created a relic. But before it waspleted, the being fell to the grasp of Silent Whisper.]


    Abilities: [Shadow Warden] [Second Skin] [Forgotten Echo]


    [Shadow Warden]: Senses danger around the user and provides protection against all forms of mental attacks.


    [Second Skin]: Forms interwovenyers of darkness just above the user''s skin, offering protection against physical attacks and remaining invisible.


    [Forgotten Echo]: Creates a projection of oneself from moments ago.


    -----[Eternal Vigil]-----


    Levi already knew that the relic''s abilities were incredible but after using them himself - he couldn''t help but be awestruck.


    Thebination of mental and physical protection, along with the ability to create decoys, made it an invaluable asset.


    He made a mental note to practice with the Forgotten Echo ability more - it could prove crucial in confusing enemies.


    Next, he examined the mysterious Key of Lunacy:


    ------[Key of Lunacy]-----


    Description: A child of Lunacy who rebelled against the gods for his mother¡ªbrave, but foolish. What it sought to protect ultimately became the shackles for the same. It longs to free its mother. Fulfill its wishes.


    [Abilities] : ______ _____ (Locked)


    ------[Key of Lunacy]-----


    The locked abilities intrigued Levi. He wondered what conditions needed to be met to unlock its power, and if there was any connection between the artifact and his own Lunacy ability.


    He was curious to know but there was no way to find out - so he just moved forward.


    His gaze then fell upon the Ring of the Fallen:


    ----[Ring of the Fallen]----


    Type: essory


    Rank: Fallen


    Description: [A ring crafted from the ashes of a long-forgotten kingdom.]


    Abilities: [Mind Shield], [Essence Flow]


    [Mind Shield]: Protects the wearer from mental attacks, fortifying the mind.


    [Essence Flow]: Gradually restores essence during battle.


    ----[Ring of the Fallen]----


    This was the ring that he had stolen or rather ''won'' from Kai.


    This was also a Fallen rank artifact like his eternal Vigil but clearly, his Eternal Vigil was superior. But that didn''t mean that this ring was useless.


    It was powerful in its own right!


    While the metal ability of Eternal Vigil was more focused on detecting danger than providing defense, the ring''s - Mind Shield was a full defense Ability.


    And more than that, the Essence Flow ability was incredibly useful. In prolonged battles, that constant essence restoration could make all the difference.


    It was right to say that this ring was among the top-tier Fallen rank artifacts with the essence restoration ability.


    Then finally, he examined the only weapon that he had.


    ----[ze]------


    Type: Weapon


    Rank: Vile


    Description: [A sword blessed by Fire itself.]


    Abilities: [Will Fire]


    [Will Fire]: The stronger the will, the stronger the fire.


    ----[ze]-----


    The simple yet potent ability of ze was very useful to Levi.


    Although he hadn''t mastered the weapon, he realized that using this weapon would require not just physical training, but also strengthening his willpower.


    It was decent weapon that he could use.


    But the problem was that Sword''s weren''t really Levi''s choice of weapon. And for that matter, he had yet to choose his main weapon.


    He made a mental note to try different weapons in the training grounds and moved forward.


    His attention to the two spatial rings in his possession.


    The smaller one was taken from the fat boy, and therger capacity ring was from Kai. Both contained a wealth of items, but what caught his eye were the Demonic crystals.


    He counted roughly 300 essence-level crystals between the two rings. Levi had initially considered absorbing them, but there was a problem!


    Each of them was purified!


    Their purified state meant each would only yield about 0.5 essence and it would be very inefficient to use them in this state.


    So, he decided it would be more profitable to sell them instead.


    The rings also contained various utility items and dry foods. Levi was pleased to find emergency supplies like a bed, nuts, a foldable camp, and even a simple artifact for storing water.


    ----[AquaSphere]----


    Type: Utility


    Rank: Common


    Description: [A spherical container that can hold an astonishing amount of water without increasing in weight or size.]


    Abilities: [Water Storage], [Purification]


    [Water Storage]: Can store up to 1000 liters of water.


    [Purification]: Automatically purifies any water stored within it.


    ----[AquaSphere]----


    Levi nodded approvingly. These supplies could prove invaluable in emergency situations.


    As the morning light grew stronger, Levi began to formte ns for his future at the academy.


    Firstly, he needed to refine his control over his existing abilities, particrly his Lunacy. The Essence Maniption and Control ss would be crucial for this.


    He also had to find a way to increase his Demonic Essence, and he would need to find safe ways to do this without arousing suspicion.


    Secondly, he had to choose a weapon and train in it - he still remembered how badly he had used his weapons during the second assessment at the entrance exam.


    He also had to learn to make use of his artifacts in a better way.


    There were many things to do...but Levi didn''t rush.


    ''One thing at a time, but first - Let''s have a breakfast''


    With that thought, Levi stood up, stretched, and headed for the cafeteria. Whatever challengesy ahead, he''d face them on a full stomach.


    ---***---

 Chapter 104: Todays meal is tomorrows power

    The corridors of the academy bustled with activity as Levi made his way towards the freshmen cafeteria.


    He had learned that the academy boasted multiple dining halls, each designated for different year groups. It was just another reminder of the vast scale of this institution.


    After about five minutes of walking and going through the Elevator to reach the 4th floor, Levi finally arrived at the cafeteria that was designated for the Freshmen.


    As he approached the entrance, the aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, causing Levi''s stomach to growl in anticipation. He pushed open the doors and found himself in a massive, well-lit space filled with mutiple long tables and bustling with students.


    The cafeteria was a far cry from anything Levi had experienced in the slums. Clean, orderly, and most importantly, filled with an abundance of food.


    He learned that everything in the academy - food, training, equipments, etc¡­ was covered by the academy fees, allowing students to eat whatever they wanted. There were even dedicated kitchens for those who preferred to prepare their own meals, though few seemed to take advantage of this option given the variety on offer.


    And since he had a schrship, he had nothing to worry about!


    Levi''s eyes widened as he took in the self-service counters, eachden with different types of cuisine.


    For someone who had grown up scrounging for meals, often going to bed hungry, this was nothing short of a miracle.


    And on the walls of the Cafeteria, there were some quotes written, like:


    "Today''s meal is tomorrow''s power. Eat like the defender you aspire to be."


    "Your te is your first line of defense. Choose wisely."


    ¡­and many more like that.


    ''Motivation even in cafeteria¡­''


    Levi chuckled as he grabbed a tray and began his culinary adventure.


    First, a hearty serving of scrambled eggs and bacon, the likes of which he''d only dreamed of before. Next, a stack of fluffy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup. He added a bowl of fresh fruit ¨C apples, oranges, and berries that looked like jewels to his eyes.


    Andstly, a tall ss of milk and a steaming cup of coffeepleted his feast.


    As he piled the food onto his tray, Levi couldn''t help but feel a twinge of guilt.


    He remembered the hungry faces back in the slums, the children who would fight over scraps. But he pushed the thought aside. This was his chance, his opportunity to grow stronger, and he needed proper nutrition to do so.


    Thanks to the schrship from Valerius, Levi didn''t have to worry about meal costs. As he carried his loaded tray, he made a mental note to look up proper dietary nster.


    He knew a bnced diet would be crucial for his training, but for now, he was content to indulge in the abundance before him.


    ''I will make a proper diet n and follow it from tomorrow¡­maybe''


    Levi thought as he scanned the room for an empty table, his mouth watering at the prospect of diving into his meal. That''s when his eyes fell upon a familiar figure, and he froze mid-step.


    Sitting alone at a corner table, her silver hair unmistakable even in the crowded cafeteria, was Lysandra. She seemed absorbed in thought, absently pushing food around her te.


    Levi hesitated, his earlier encounter with her during the simtion still fresh in his mind.


    Should he approach her? Try to clear the air after yesterday''s disaster? Or find another seat and avoid potential conflict?


    As he stood there, tray in hand, weighing his options, Lysandra''s head began to turn in his direction¡­


    ***


    High in the mountains, where mist clung to ancient stone, stood a monastery. Its weathered walls had withstood centuries of wind and rain. Prayer gs fluttered in the crisp air, their faded colors a testament to time''s passage.


    Within the monastery''s inner sanctum, a lone monk sat in meditation. His wrinkled face was as still as the mountain itself, his breathing so shallow it was barely perceptible. The monk''s orange robes, threadbare from years of use, pooled around him on the worn stone floor.


    Shafts of pale sunlight filtered through narrow windows, illuminating motes of dust that danced in the air. The room was sparse, containing only a simple altar adorned with a single candle and a small bronze statue of a seated Buddha¡­no, it looked like the statue of Buddha¡­but it wasn''t!


    The silence was absolute, broken only by the asional distant toll of a temple bell.


    A screech pierced the silence.


    The monk''s eyes opened, revealing irises as dark as night. Above, circling the monastery''s highest tower, flew a creature that defied easy description.


    It had the shape of an eagle, but its size dwarfed any natural bird. Feathers of midnight blue shimmered with an otherworldly light. Its beak, curved and sharp, looked capable of rending flesh from bone with ease.


    The creature descended,nding before the monk with surprising grace for its bulk. From its talons, it dropped a small scroll.


    The monk''s hand reached out, gently stroking the creature''s midnight feathers as he unrolled the scroll. On the paper, two words writhed in an otherworldly script.


    "Infiltration Sessful."


    The monk''s expression remained unchanged as he read the message. With a deliberate motion, he closed the scroll.


    In an instant, the paper ignited. Deep red mes consumed it, leaving not even ash behind.


    The eagle-like monster took flight, its massive wings stirring up dust in the courtyard. It soared away, quickly bing a speck against the distant peaks.


    The monk''s eyes closed once more. His hands returned to their resting position on hisp. To an observer, it would seem as if nothing had happened, as if the messenger and its portentous message had been merely a dream.


    The silence of the monastery returned, broken only by the whisper of wind and the distant, mournful cry of the departing messenger.


    In the mountains, silence reigned once more. The monastery stood as it always had, its secrets held close within its ancient walls.


    ---***---

 Chapter 105: Toby was doing... THAT?!

    Bam! Eye contact.


    Levi entered the cafeteria, his stomach growling loud enough to drown out the chatter of his fellow students. As he scanned the room for an empty table, his eyes locked with Lysandra''s across the sea of breakfast-goers. Suddenly, the world''s most intense staring contest began.


    Lysandra''s silver eyes bore into him with the intensity of a cat eyeing thest can of tuna. Levi felt like a deer caught in headlights, if the headlights were attached to a very angry, very powerful truck.


    ''Blink, you fool!'' Levi''s inner voice screamed. But his eyelids refused to cooperate, apparently enjoying this awkward standoff.


    Was that recognition in her eyes? Anger? Indigestion fromst night''s mystery meat? Levi couldn''t tell, but he was pretty sure his soul was being judged.


    Levi''s mind raced. Should he wave? Wink? Break into song and dance?


    Just when Levi thought he might turn to stone under her gaze, Lysandra broke the spell with a head shake so subtle it could''ve been mistaken for a nervous twitch.


    Levi released a breath he''d been holding so long he was pretty sure he''d discovered a new form of meditation.


    "Well, that was¡­scary," Levi muttered, making a beeline for an empty table. His tray of food suddenly felt as heavy as his chances of ever having a normal conversation with Lysandra.


    Settling into his seat, Levi decided to drown his social awkwardness in the only reasonable way - by inhaling his body weight in breakfast foods. He attacked his te with the enthusiasm of a man who''d just discovered eating wasn''t just a hobby but apetitive sport.


    The scrambled eggs were so fluffy they practically floated off his fork. The bacon was crispy enough to make him consider proposing marriage to it. And the pancakes? Oh, the pancakes!


    As Levi took his first syrup-drenched bite, he made a sound usually reserved for people discovering lost civilizations.


    But breakfast wasn''t Levi''s only mission this morning.


    Oh no, he had ns.


    Spy ns.


    Bird-brained spy ns, to be exact.


    ncing around furtively, Levi closed his eyes, trying to look like he was savoring his food instead of summoning otherworldly bird spies.


    To anyone watching, he probably looked like he was having a very intense rtionship with his pancakes.


    But first, a snack for his faithful shadowpanion.


    Carefully, Levi slipped an egg from his te to the shadow under the table. A shadowy beak emerged, snatched the egg, and disappeared faster than a student''s motivation on Monday morning.


    "Enjoy your egg-cellent meal," Levi whispered to his shadow, grinning at his own pun.


    Somewhere in the depths of his shadows, Noir probably rolled its eyes, probably thinking, ''This is not even enough to fill a hundredth of my stomach.''


    Nevertheless, with Noir fed, Levi activated his connection to the phantom birds he''d slipped into his roommates'' shadows the night before.


    Now that Noir had evolved, it was easy for it to maintain Phantom Flock for lomnger period.


    And since it had only summoned three - it was very easy to keep the ability active.


    As he activated the ability - his vision shifted.


    Suddenly, he was seeing the academy through three different bird''s-eye views. It was like having his own personal reality TV show, minus the bad drama and plus a lot more magic.


    The first view showed the training grounds. Students were scattered around, some lifting weights that glowed ominously, others swinging weapons that definitely vited severalws of physics.


    Levi spotted a few ssmates and mentally awarded points for style and "most likely to identally blow something up."


    This was probably from the perspective of the ckbird in Alex''s Shadow.


    Next up was what looked like a mad scientist''s dreamb. Bubbling potions, glowing magic circles, and enough blinking lights to rival a Christmas tree on steroids.


    Levi silently bet himself five imaginary coins that Ryn was in there somewhere, probably cackling maniacally over a beaker.


    Feeling pretty smug about his spy game, Levi turned his attention to the third bird. And promptly choked on his pancake.


    There was Toby, sweet, quiet Toby, doing... THAT!


    Levi''s eyes snapped open, breaking the connection as he coughed and sputtered. Nearby students looked at him with concern, probably wondering if the Heimlich maneuver worked on idiots who couldn''t handle their breakfast.


    As Levi caught his breath, his mind reeled.


    ''What did I just see?''


    He wondered, shock visible on his face.


    Who knew Toby had it in him? It was like finding out your goldfish could tap dance.


    Toby was... dancing. Not just any dance, but the most ridiculous, over-the-top interpretive dance Levi had ever seen. Arms iling wildly, legs kicking at impossible angles, all while making faces that looked like he was simultaneously experiencing enlightenment and severe indigestion.


    As Levi watched, ck-jawed, Toby attempted a dramatic spin. His powers activated mid-twirl, causing him to floatically for a moment before crashing back down in a heap of limbs and cape.


    It was at this point that Levi choked on his pancake, his brain unable to process the sheer absurdity of what he was witnessing.


    Shaking his head in disbelief, Levi returned to his now slightly soggy pancakes. The day had barely started, and already he''d survived a staring contest with the academy''s resident force of nature, conducted a covert breakfast-based feeding operation, and discovered hidden depths to his roommate that he was pretty sure he''d never be able to unsee.


    He cast onest nce at Lysandra''s now-empty table. "Well," he mused, "at least life here won''t be boring. Terrifying, possibly fatal, but definitely not boring."


    As Levi polished off thest of his breakfast, he couldn''t help but grin.


    With his phantom flock at his disposal, he was like a one-man spy agency. A very amateur, possibly idiotic spy agency, but hey, you had to start somewhere.


    He stood up, ready to move on to the next part of his schedule for the day.


    Onto the training grounds!


    ---***---


    Which character image do you guys want next?


    1. Toby2. Lysandra3. Ryn4. Alex

 Chapter 106: Changes in Lunacy (1) [BONUS]

    Levi''s footsteps echoed through the cavernous indoor training auditorium, his eyes widening as he took in the sheer scale of the ce. This wasn''t the open-air training grounds he was used to¡ªthis was a whole different beast.


    "Holy crap," Levi muttered under his breath.


    The space stretched out before him, abyrinth of state-of-the-art equipment and specialized training zones. Traditional gym machines and weights upied one corner, while futuristic contraptions he could barelyprehend filled another. Gravitational training chambers, mental ability simtors, and even sparring robots stood at the ready, a testament to the academy''smitment to pushing its students to their limits.


    As his gaze swept across the bustling auditorium, Levi couldn''t help but feel a twinge of intimidation. This was the Favored Ones academy, after all¡ªthere were no easy opponents here.


    ''I bet even the vending machines here could kick my butt,'' Levi thought wryly.


    His eyesnded on a familiar figure at the far end of the room. Alex, his roommate, was casually deadlifting what looked like 300 kilograms as if it were nothing more than a bag of groceries.


    Levi''s jaw dropped slightly. Considering Alex was only 19, just a year older than himself, the disy of raw strength was nothing short of incredible¡ªand he wasn''t even using his abilities.


    For a moment, Levi''s curiosity piqued. How would he fare against such weights? But he shook the thought away, reminding himself of his true purpose here today. He was here to test and train his Lunacy ability.


    And that is what he would do.


    Levi scanned the auditorium, searching for a solitary space. Given the nature of his mind-affecting ability, he needed somewhere isted to avoid unintended consequences.


    ''Last thing I need is to identally make everyoney t on the ground'', he mused.


    However, to his dismay, every nook and cranny seemed upied by determined students pushing their limits.


    They were uselessly determined!


    Just as he was about to give up hope, something caught his eye¡ªthe gravitational training room. A circr space about 20 meters in radius, marked with intricate magic circles and topped with an ominous metal construct. Unlike the rest of the auditorium, this area stood empty.


    "Bingo," Levi whispered, a grin spreading across his face.


    Decision made, Levi made his way towards the gravitational system. As he approached, he became acutely aware of the eyes following his movement. Whispers and curious nces trailed in his wake, making him wonder if he had something stuck to his face.


    "Is that the new guy?"


    "What''s he doing?"


    "He''s not seriously going in there, is he?"


    The snippets of conversation only fueled Levi''s determination.


    Reaching the entrance, Levi found a control panel disying levels from 1 to 10. Since his goal was to train Lunacy rather than test his physical limits, he set it to the minimum¡ªLevel 1.


    ''How bad could Level 1 be?'' he thought.


    With a deep breath, Levi stepped into the field.


    The change was immediate and overwhelming.


    Despite choosing the lowest setting, Levi felt as if an elephant had decided to use him as a cushion.


    "Sweet mother of¡ª" Levi gasped, his words cut short by the effort of simply remaining upright.


    The pressure bore down on him from all sides, making even the simple act of standing an arduous task. He stumbled, barely catching himself as his body fought against the increased gravity.


    Now he understood the empty machine and the pitying gazes of his peers. This was no joke¡ªeven at its lowest setting, the gravitational field was a formidable challenge.


    And Levi realized that Level 1 here is not the same as Level 1 in video games.


    Actually, this was not meant for the freshmen to use at all - but Levi had no way to know that.


    All he could do was grit his teeth and force himself to focus. He hadn''te here to be defeated by a little extra gravity. He''de to train his ability, and that''s exactly what he was going to do.


    "Come on, Levi," he muttered to himself. "You didn''t join the Favored Ones to y it safe in the kiddie pool."


    Steadying himself, Levi closed his eyes and reached deep within. With a burst of concentration, he activated Lunacy.


    A vibrant purple aura erupted from his body, pulsing with otherworldly energy. Immediately, Levi worked to contain it, not wanting its effects to spread beyond the gravitational field. While he couldn''t fully internalize the aura, he managed to constrain it within the 20-meter radius of his chosen training ground.


    "Okay, okay, this is... different," Levi murmured, his voice strained with effort.


    As he focused on maintaining and controlling Lunacy, Levi became aware of subtle changes. There were definitely changes from the evolution.


    Firstly, the color of the aura had changed from green to purple, was that supposed to indicate something? If it did, Levi definitely failed to realize that.


    As he was concentrating on his ability, he noticed that the oppressive weight of the gravitational field seemed to lessen, if only slightly.


    His thoughts felt sharper, and more focused, as if the increased pressure was forcing his mind to work more efficiently.


    ''Is this what it feels like to be one of those super-intelligent dolphins?'' Levi wondered absurdly.


    But there was something else, something unexpected. As Lunacy''s purple aura swirled around him, Levi could swear he saw faint, shadowy tendrils reaching out from the corners of the room. They danced at the edge of his vision, never quite solid enough to grasp, yet undeniably present.


    "Okay, that''s new," Levi muttered, his eyes widening. "Either I''m hallucinating, or things just got a whole lot weirder."


    Was this a new facet of his ability? Or perhaps an interaction between Lunacy and the gravitational field''s magic circles? Levi''s curiosity burned, driving him to push harder, to explore the limits of his power in this challenging environment.


    Time seemed to lose meaning as Levi delved deeper into his training.


    Sweat beaded on his brow, muscles trembled with exertion, but still, he pressed on. The purple aura pulsed in rhythm with his heartbeat, growing stronger and more controlled with each passing minute.


    ''I feel like I''m bench-pressing my own brain,'' Levi thought, a slightly hystericalugh bubbling up in his chest.


    So focused was he on his task but Levi failed to notice the small crowd gathering outside the gravitational field. Students watched with a mix of curiosity and admiration as the neer held his ground in a training area that had bested many before him.


    "How long has he been in there?" one student whispered.


    "I don''t know, but I''m impressed he''s still standing," another replied.


    "Ten bucks says he passes out in the next five minutes," a third chimed in.


    As the whispers grew, Levi remained oblivious, lost in the pulsing rhythm of his own power and the strange new sensations it brought.


    ---***---


    Bonus chapter for 300k views Milestone~

 Chapter 107: Changes in Lunacy (2)

    The weight of the world pressed down on Levi''s shoulders, every movement a Herculean effort against the relentless pull of the gravitational field.


    Sweat trickled down his brow, muscles trembling with exertion as he fought to maintain his stance. The vibrant purple aura of Lunacy swirled around him, pulsing in sync with his ragged breaths.


    ''This is insane,'' Levi thought, gritting his teeth.


    Thebined pressure from his Lunacy and the gravitational pull made it seem like he was bench-pressing the whole!


    As he struggled to keep his footing, Levi became acutely aware of a change in his Lunacy ability.


    The familiar drain on his essence had intensified as if the evolution had cranked up the power consumption to eleven. Yet, with this increased drain came a newfound potency.


    The mind-affecting aura seemed more concentrated, and more importantly, it was more... controble.


    Focusing his thoughts, Levi experimented with directing the aura.


    To his amazement, he found he could now contain it within specific areas of the gravitational field. The purple mist coalesced into distinct shapes at his mentalmand, forming swirling patterns in the air around him.


    ''Okay, that''s pretty cool,'' Levi admitted to himself, a small grin tugging at the corners of his mouth despite the strain.


    ''But let''s see what else this can do.''


    Raising his head, Levi looked towards the growing crowd of students surrounding the gravitational room.


    As his eyes met theirs, an overwhelming pressure suddenly enveloped his mind, and he regretted even looking up.


    The world before him was fragmented, splintering into a kaleidoscope of images.


    Levi blinked hard, trying to make sense of the visual chaos.


    It was as if reality had shattered into countless pixels, each one showing a slightly different version of the scene before him. He saw a student raising her hand, another turning his head, and someone else taking a step forward ¨C all simultaneously, yet somehow separate.


    "What the hell?" Levi muttered, his voice strained with effort and confusion.


    It took several long, disorienting moments before the realization hit him like a bolt of lightning. These weren''t random images ¨C they were glimpses of the future. Each ''pixel'' showed a potential movement, a fraction of a second before it actually urred.


    As if triggered by this epiphany, a familiar voice resonated in Levi''s mind ¨C the voice of providence that he had not heard in a while.


    [Your innate ability - Lunacy, has been strengthened!]


    With those words, the oppressive weight bearing down on Levi suddenly lessened.


    The fragmented visions coalesced, bing clearer and more distinct as if the providence itself had helped him with ability.


    Now, he could easily differentiate between the current reality and the fleeting glimpses of what was toe.


    ''Holy crap,'' Levi thought, his heart racing with a mixture of excitement and disbelief.


    ''I can see the future. I can actually see the freaking future!''


    As he focused on the visions, Levi realized the extent of his newfound ability.


    The glimpses weren''t far-reaching prophecies or long-term predictions. Instead, they showed him the immediate future ¨C perhaps only a tenth of a second ahead. But in a world where split-second decisions could mean the difference between victory and defeat, even this short foresight was invaluable.


    "This is... this is insane," Levi whispered, watching as a student''s movement matched exactly with the vision he''d seen a moment before.


    "How is this even possible?"


    The possibilities raced through Levi''s mind.


    Inbat, he could anticipate his opponent''s moves before they made them. In everyday life, he could avoid idents, catch falling objects, or simply impress people with seemingly superhuman reflexes.


    But as the initial shock and excitement began to fade, a new thought urred to Levi. If this was what he could do now, with his ability so new and untrained, what might be possible with practice? Could he push the Lunacy further?


    Determined to test the limits of his evolved Lunacyt, Levi redoubled his focus.


    He pushed against the boundaries of the visions injecting all his essence into the paths that Lunacy led, willing it to show him more.


    The strain was immediate and intense, like trying to force his eyes to see beyond the horizon.


    Sweat beaded on Levi''s forehead as he concentrated, the purple aura of Lunacy ring brighter in response to his efforts.


    The fractured images before him began to shift, expanding outward. Where before he saw only a tenth of a second into the future, now he glimpsed two-tenths, then three.


    ''Come on,'' Levi urged himself, pushing harder.


    ''Show me more.''


    The visions continued to extend, reaching half a second, then a full second into the future. But with each increment, the drain on Levi''s essence intensified. His muscles trembled, not just from the gravitational field, but from the sheer mental exertion of maintaining and expanding his Lunacy.


    Just as Levi thought he couldn''t push any further, something unexpected happened.


    This time, the pixels didn''t show the images further into the future. Instead, the fractured images multiplied suddenly, splitting into countless parallel visions. Each one revealed a slightly different future, branching out like the limbs of an endless tree.


    Levi gasped, overwhelmed by the onught of information. He saw dozens of potential futures ying out simultaneously ¨C in one, a student tripped and fell, in another, the same student caught themselves just in time. He saw conversations that hadn''t yet started, actions not yet taken, decisions not yet made.


    ''It''s not just the future,'' Levi realized with a start. ''It''s all possible futures!''


    The moment Levi realized that - something happened!


    Within himself, something began to change - Levi didn''t know what it was but he knew that it was important to focus on this movement.


    He didn''t think further as he concentrated all his essence into his eyes and pushed Lunacy as much as he could!


    Blood started to drip down his eyes, but that was not important!


    Because at that moment, the familiar voice of Providence echoed in Levi''s mind once again.


    [You have obtained a crest, Fractured Fate]


    ---***---

 Chapter 108: Ignorance really was bliss!

    Levi stood in the aftermath of his revtion, the gravitational field''s pressure bing a mere distractionpared to the weight of the words now etched into his mind. Experience more content on m v|l e''-NovelBin


    [Fractured fate]


    [The strings of Fate around you are always scattered - What you will and what you be - your actions alone will decide]


    He blinked, trying to process the message.


    This is it? This was his new crest?


    Levi couldn''t help but feel a twinge of disappointment.


    He''d hoped for something more...bat-oriented. A power to shootsers from his eyes or summon meteors would have been nice. Instead, he got this cryptic message about scattered strings and decisions.


    ''Great,'' Levi thought wryly.


    ''I wanted a superpower, and I got a fortune cookie.''


    As the initial disappointment faded, confusion took its ce.


    What use was this crest anyway? How was he supposed to apply it in battle or training?


    Levi couldn''t see any immediate practical applications, and that worried him.


    His mind drifted to his first crest,


    Demon who met God


    .


    Now that was an ability he could understand.


    He got the ability when he met the Goddess of Truth De Dannan - It wasn''t exactly something he had achieved by himself but the work of¡­fate?


    Anyway, that crest provided some resistance against divine power, which was considered as the Achilles'' heel of Demonic followers. It was straightforward, useful, and honestly, pretty cool-sounding.


    But this new crest? Fractured Fate?


    Even though he had acquired this crest by training his ability, a situation exactly opposite to the first, he couldn''t help but feel disappointed.


    Even the name of the crest sounded more like the title of a pretentious art film than a powerful ability.


    Levi sighed, running a hand through his sweat-damp hair.


    Maybe he was looking at this all wrong.


    After all, the voice of Providence didn''t just hand out crests like candy at a parade. Earning a crest was a big deal, something most students at the academy could only dream of.


    ''How rare are crests, anyway?'' Levi wondered.


    Levi being the Slum dweller didn''t know but everyone in the academy would be aware of how difficult it is to obtain the crests.


    In fact, among the 500 freshmen who had entered the Favored Ones Academy this year, perhaps only five or six would possess a crest.


    A single crest was rare enough to set a student apart as exceptional.


    But two crests in a follower who made a contract just two months ago? That was virtually unheard of.


    As he thought about it Levi felt a bit more motivated and the disappointment from the contents of the crest description faded.


    He had two crests. Two.


    In an academy filled with the elite of the elite, he now possessed something that might be unique.


    ''It''s quite amazing I think''


    Levi thought, his eyes widening. ''Maybe, I''m like... the unicorn with two horns.''


    He thought, chuckling at his own imagination of two horns on his head.


    If crests were this rare and valuable, then surely his new Fractured Fate ability was more significant than he''d initially thought.


    Providence didn''t make mistakes. There had to be more to this crest than met the eye.


    Levi closed his eyes, focusing on the message once more.


    [The strings of Fate around you are always scattered]


    What did that mean? Were these "strings of Fate" rted to the fractured visions he''d experienced earlier? The multiple potential futures he''d glimpsed?


    [What you will and what you be - your actions alone will decide]


    This part seemed clearer.


    It suggested that the future¡ªhis future¡ªwasn''t set in stone. His actions, and his decisions, would shape his destiny.


    But wasn''t that true for everyone?


    No, Levi realized.


    Not like this.


    Most people stumble through life, making choices without truly understanding their consequences. But he could see those consequences, if only for a split second. He could perceive the branching paths of possibility stretching out before him.


    Maybe with practice, he could learn to navigate the tangled web of potential futures? To choose the optimal path among countless possibilities?


    The strategic advantages of such a thing alone were staggering.


    But with that potential came an enormous responsibility.


    Every choice, every action, would carry the weight of foreknowledge. The burden of knowing what could be, and the consequences of choosing one path over another.


    But with that potential came an enormous responsibility. Every choice, every action, would carry the weight of foreknowledge. The burden of knowing what could be, and the consequences of choosing one path over another.


    As Levi contemted the possibilities, a grin spread across his face. The strategic advantages of this ability seemed endless. In battle, in studies, in social interactions ¨C he''d always be one step ahead, able to choose the optimal oue.


    ''This is going to be awesome,'' Levi thought, his mind racing with potential applications.


    But in his excitement, Levi failed to consider the flip side of this coin. He didn''t pause to think about the paths not taken, the possibilities forever closed off by each choice he made.


    What Levi didn''t realize ¨C couldn''t realize, in his naive enthusiasm ¨C was that this ability had the potential to royally screw him over.


    Every decision, every branching path he chose, wasn''t just selecting a favorable oue. It was also closing doors, eliminating entire futures that he''d never get to experience. And here was the kicker: just because he could see a fraction of a second into these futures didn''t mean he could fullyprehend their long-term implications.


    What if the path that seemed optimal in the moment led to disaster down the line? What if, in avoiding one pitfall, he unknowingly steered himself towards an even greater cmity?


    Levi, in his current state, was like a toddler handed the controls to a time machine. He had the power to reshape his destiny, butcked the wisdom to wield it effectively.


    The true danger of Fractured Fatey not in its power, but in the illusion of control it provided. Levi thought he was mastering fate, but he was just as likely to be its puppet, dancing to the tune of his own short-sighted choices.


    And then there was the psychological toll to consider. Knowing that every decision, no matter how small, could have far-reaching consequences? That''s the kind of knowledge that could paralyze a person, and make them second-guess their every move.


    What if Levi became so obsessed with choosing the "right" path that he forgot to actually live? What if he spent so much time peering into possible futures that he lost sight of his present?


    But Levi, flush with the excitement of his new power, considered none of this. He didn''t see the pitfalls lurking beneath the glittering surface of his ability. He didn''t realize that Fractured Fate was as much a curse as it was a blessing.


    In his mind, he was unstoppable now. In reality, he was teetering on the edge of a precipice, one misstep away from a fall that could shatter not just his fate, but his very sense of self.


    As Levi stood there, grinning at the imagined triumphs thaty ahead, he was blissfully unaware of the Pandora''s box he''d just opened. He didn''t know it yet, but his journey had just taken a turn into treacherous waters.


    The strings of fate were indeed scattered around him, but they were as likely to strangle him as they were to guide him. And Levi was about to start pulling on those strings with all his might.


    ''This is going to change everything'' Levi thought, his eyes shining with anticipation.


    He had no idea how right he was ¨C or how much he mighte to regret those changes.


    Ignorance really was bliss!


    ---***---

 Chapter 109: Text books

    As Levi''s excitement faded, reality set in.


    ''Huh?''


    Silence enveloped him, broken only by the weight of numerous stares. Only then did Levi realize that he was still in the training grounds inside the gravitational field capsule


    ''Oh fuck!'' he thought, his enthusiasm deting rapidly.


    Over twenty pairs of eyes locked onto him with a mix of awe, confusion, and wariness.


    Levi had be a spotlight in the training area and this newfound spotlight felt deeply ufortable for him.


    Just then whispers erupted around him.


    "What just happened?"


    "Did you see that purple light?"


    "Is that even allowed in the gravity room?"


    Levi''s cheeks burned with embarrassment.


    Of course, his aura of Lunacy was not invisible, everyone could see it - in fact, for the on lookers it looked more intriguing too.


    And Levi, had now unintentionally be the center of attention, something that he had tried to avoid at all costs.


    He lookd around, students were watching with scrutinizing eyes. There weren''t only freshmens there as unlike the cafeteria''s there was no restriction on who could er the training grounds.


    The seniors were also quite surprised by the suddenmotion and had gathered around.


    While looking at them, Levi spotted Alex in the crowd, his roommate''s expression a blend of surprise and curiosity - he was surely thinking about something that Levi couldn''t quite tell from his perspective.


    At that moment, a tall student stepped forward, his voice carrying a note of authority. "Hey, you! What did you¡ª"


    But Levi wasn''t listening to him at all, in his mind, two options were going through.


    Flee the scene immediately or Face the situation head-on.


    ''Well,'' Levi thought, ''there''s no undoing this now.''


    He straightened up, trying to project a confidence he didn''t feel. With deliberate calmness, he brushed off his clothes. And looked ahead at the student who had just spoke.


    The student stopped talking as he saw the coldness in Levi''s eyes.


    "What did I do?" Levi said, his voice surprisingly steady and even a bit arrogarnt. \\


    "Just exploring some new abilities. Nothing to worry about."


    He said and started walking off the gravitational field capsule.


    The crowd seemed taken aback by hisposure as they watched him silently get out of the capsule but their eyes still lingered on his figure.


    Levi could sense their growing curiosity.


    With as much poise as he could muster, Levi began to walk. He wasn''t fast but wasn''t slow either, each step was measured, hiding the nervousness churning inside him.


    Then, without looking back, Levi strode out, leaving behind a buzz of whispered conversations.


    ***


    As soon as Levi was out of sight, hisposure cracked. He hurried to his dorm, scanned his watch which acted as the key, and quickly shut himself inside.


    Thankfully, no others were present in the room!


    ''Phew that was close''


    He thought - exhausted by both what he had done and what just happened.


    But it was fine now.


    No one was watching him here.


    Levi turned his head to the sealing, catching his breath. "Well," he muttered, "that wasn''t how I nned things to go."


    He was just nning on seeing what his Lunacy was capable of, although he had seeded in doing that - he didn''t expect to cause amotion.


    Anyway as his heartbeat slowed, Levi calmed down.


    The adrenaline from his earlier encounter faded and Levi found himself alone in the dorm room. He copsed onto his bed, the events of the day weighing heavily on his mind.


    ''What a mess,'' he thought, running a hand through his hair. ''So much for keeping a low profile.''


    With a sigh, he realized he hadn''t eaten since breakfast and his stomach growled in protest.


    The time was already nearing 2:00 in the afternoon - he just hadn''t realized it till now due to everything that happened.


    Anyway, Grateful for the academy''s food delivery service, Levi pulled out his watch and scrolled through the menu options. He settled on a hearty pasta dish and a side sd, tapping to confirm his order.


    ''At least I don''t have to face the cafeteria after that spectacle,'' he mused.


    While waiting, he tried to distract himself by tidying up the room. His mind kept reying the scene in the training grounds. ''I wonder what they''re saying about me now,'' he pondered, a mixture of anxiety and curiosity gnawing at him.


    A gentle chime from his watch alerted him to the arrival of his food.


    Levi retrieved the package from the delivery bot outside the door, savoring the warm aroma as he unpacked his meal.


    He ate slowly, lost in thought about the day''s events and what tomorrow might bring. ''How am I going to exin this to Alex and the others?'' he wondered, dreading the inevitable questions.


    As he finished his meal, Levi noticed a stack of packages near the door.


    Curious, he investigated and found they contained textbooks for their chosen sses.


    ''Huh, actual books. Didn''t expect that in this high-tech ce,'' he thought, somewhat amused.


    Levi sorted through the packages, setting aside those belonging to his roommates. He opened his own, spreading the books across his bed.


    The titles reflected his chosen courses: "Essence Maniption and Control", "Xenobiology of Paradise Creatures", and "Diplomatic Rtions with Paradise Factions".


    He flipped through the pages, skimming the content and admiring the detailed illustrations. The xenobiology book particrly caught his attention with its vivid depictions of Paradise creatures. ''I wonder how thesepare to Noir,'' Levi mused, his thoughts drifting to his demonicpanion. ''Maybe this will help me understand him better.''


    Levi found himself captivated by the contents of the book. It opened with aprehensive 20-30 page introduction about some biological terms, covering the basics of Paradise ecosystems and the general principles of xenobiology. But it was what came after that truly caught his attention.


    Each subsequent page featured a stunning illustration of a Paradise creature on one side, with detailed information about its biology, behavior, and habitat on the other. The artistry was impressive, bringing these alien beings to life with vivid colors and intricate details. Levi found himself tracing the contours of each creature with his eyes, absorbing every minute detail.


    He recognized some familiar monsters from his limited experience - a Lizog with its scaly hide and razor-sharp ws, a group of mischievous-looking goblins, and other beings he''d heard mentioned in passing.


    Each illustration was apanied by fascinating facts that expanded his understanding of these creatures.


    For example, the page with goblins had information like this:


    _______________


    Physical Characteristics


    Continue reading at m|v-l''e -NovelBin


    Height: 0.6 - 1.2 meters


    Weight: 20 - 40 kg


    Skin: Green, ranging from pale olive to dark forest hues


    Eyes: Large, typically yellow or red


    Distinctive features: Pointed ears, sharp teeth, long fingers


    Habitat:


    Primarily subterranean, favoringplex cave systems and abandoned structures. Often found in proximity to human settlements.


    Behavior:


    Highly social, living in tribes of 20-100 individualsNocturnal, with excellent low-light visionKnown for setting borate traps and ambushesCommunicate through abination of grunts, whistles, and simplenguage


    .


    Intelligence:


    Surprisingly high. Goblins disy problem-solving skills, tool use, and basic strategy formation. They are capable of learning and adapting to new threats quickly.


    Combat Tactics:


    Prefer ambush tactics and hit-and-run attacksUtilize simple but effective traps (pitfalls, snares, tripwires)Often use poison-tipped weaponsRely on overwhelming numbers rather than individualbat prowess


    Weaknesses:


    Physically weakpared torger creaturesPoor resistance to essence-based attacksEasily demoralized if leader is defeatedVulnerable to bright light


    Notes for Essence Users:


    Caution is advised when using area-of-effect essence abilities, as goblins often have hidden members in any encounter. Their trap-making skills can sometimes incorporate essence-reactive materials, potentially turning a careless user''s powers against them.


    _____________


    ''That''s very detailed!''


    If Levi had known this information back in the maze, then he probably wouldn''t have been so fucked up by the goblins.


    Anyway, Curiosity piqued, Levi began searching for any mention of the ck Wings of Lunacy, the category to which his Dominion, Noir, belonged. He flipped through page after page, expecting to find the familiar dark feathers and imposing presence he associated with Noir. To his dismay, however, there was no sign of anything resembling the ck Wings.


    This absence intrigued Levi. ''Why aren''t they here?'' he wondered, a slight frown creasing his brow. ''Are they too rare? Or perhaps too dangerous to study?'' Theck of information only heightened his curiosity about Noir and its kind.


    As evening approached, Levi''s watch chimed again. This time, it disyed his ss schedule for the uing week.


    ---***---

 Chapter 110: Schedule

    Levi sat at his desk, staring intently at the schedule disyed on his watch.


    If nothing goes wrong, then this would be his schedule for the whole semester.


    In the Favored One''s academy, there were eight semesters in total, with two per year - so students had to clear all eight semesters if they wanted the prestige of being a graduate of the Favored One''s academy.


    There were many other rules regarding the age limit, the number of reparations allowed in case of failing, etc. But they were not Levi''s concern for now.


    For now, he had all his attention on the watch that disyed his schedule.


    Each day had two sses scheduled - one in the morning and one in the afternoon.


    The week would start on Monday, and the "History of Earth and Paradise" with Professor ra Vex would kick off the sses.


    Levi groaned, running a hand through his hair.


    "History? On a Monday morning? Whoever made this schedule must really hate students," he muttered.


    Still, he made a note to review the major events leading up to the two cataclysms. Maybe if he knew enough, he could at least doze off without getting caught.


    As for Monday afternoon, it was scheduled for "Basic Combat" with Professor Kaine Steelheart. Levi knew this ss would be crucial for him. He was acutely aware of hisck ofbat experience and realized he needed to improve his physical skills toplement his essence abilities.


    Combat wasrgely uncharted territory for Levi. He knew next to nothing about fighting techniques or strategies, which meant he would have to pay extra attention during these sessions. He made a mental note to push himself hard in this ss, determined to make up for hisck of experience.


    Tuesday morning brought "Essence Maniption and Control" with Professor Zephyr. This ss particrly intrigued Levi, as he had never formally learned essence maniption. Up until now, he had relied solely on his Lunacy ability''s vague guidance to control essence.


    Levi saw this ss as a golden opportunity to gain better control over his unique abilities. He had heard rumors that mastering essence maniption techniques could significantly boost the output of one''s abilities. This prospect excited him, making him wonder if he could learn methods to enhance his powers and, more importantly, find ways to disguise his distinctive demonic essence signature. Such a skill could prove invaluable given his hidden identity as a demon follower.


    Then, on Tuesday afternoon would dive into "Xenobiology of Paradise Creatures" with Professor Fauna. After his brief exploration of the textbook, Levi was eager to learn more about the strange beings that inhabited Paradise. He just hoped they wouldn''t be doing any hands-on work with anything too slimy or bitey. Though it would be a lie to say that he wasn''t interested in seeing the internal parts of the monsters.


    But the real challenges arrived on Wednesday. The morning would bring "Portal Defense Strategy" with Professor Vale.


    Levi winced, remembering their disastrous first encounter. He was determined to show improvement and made a note to arrive early and prepared. Then, the afternoon would introduce "Diplomatic Rtions with Paradise Factions" with Professor Marcus. Levi was curious to learn about the various groups vying for power in Paradise, hoping it might shed some light on his own unique situation.


    As he didn''t have any basic education, he made a note to ask the professor for some guidance.


    The next three days would be the repetition of the earlier sses, which Levi appreciated. It would give him a chance to reinforce what he''d learned and ask any lingering questions. He decided to use these days to focus on areas where he felt weakest after the initial sessions. "By saturday, I''ll either be a pro or sleeping through ss," he chuckled to himself.


    Then at the end of the week - on Sunday - there would be some club activities at the academy like Paradise Cuisine Appreciation Societ, Essence-Powered Music Ensemble, Magical Creatures Care Club, Dimensional Rift Theories Study Group, Paranormal Investigation Team, Essence Art Collective, Rune Crafting Workshop, Essence-Tech Innovators, etc.


    Levi was not interested in any for now - so he looked at thest line of the schedule - which said that a ranking battle would be scheduled at the end of each month, which would define the living status of the students in the academy.


    For example, Levi, Ryn, Toby and Alex being in the 400s ranking stayed at a four-sharing dormitory but that wasn''t the case for those above in ranking.


    People below 100th rank had their own personal room for stay and it would have all kind of equipments for training and cooking.


    Levi really wanted that¡­.badly!


    Anyway, once he had seen all the schedules - Levi started to make a schedule for himself. Which looked like below.


    Wake up early each day to review notes and prepare for sses (and maybe find a good coffee supplier). Bring extra writing materials to take detailed notes in each session. Participate in ss discussions, but be careful not to draw too much attention to himself. Spend at least an hour each evening practicing essence control techniques. Use free time to visit the training grounds and work on physical fitness. Start a journal to track his progress and any unusual urrences rted to his abilities.


    Levi looked at his brief schedule with a smile - only god knew if he could really follow up with this but for now, he was just happy and eager to learn.


    The sses seemed designed to push students to their limits, and Levi wondered how he would measure up.


    As evening approached, Levi''s stomach rumbled, reminding him he hadn''t eaten since lunch. He essed the academy''s food delivery service through his watch, scrolling through the options. After some deliberation, he settled on a hearty beef stew with crusty bread on the side. "At least the food here is good," he mused. "I guess they have topensate for the cruel scheduling somehow."


    While waiting for his dinner, Levi tidied up his area of the room. He arranged his textbooks neatly on the shelf, ced his notebook and writing materials on the desk, and set out his training clothes for the next day. The routine tasks helped calm his nerves about the week ahead.


    A gentle chime announced the arrival of his meal. Levi retrieved the package from the delivery bot outside the door, savoring the rich aroma that wafted up as he opened the container. He ate slowly, enjoying the vors and texturing the crusty bread to soak up everyst bit of the savory stew.


    As Levi finished his meal, his watch chimed with an iing message. His heart skipped a beat when he saw it was from Instructor Valerius.


    "Come to the 7th training grounds at 5:00 AM in the morning."


    Excitement and anxiety warred in Levi''s mind. He was wondering why Valerius who had sponsored a schrship for him has not yet contacted him, but it seeme like it was finally time.


    The special training with Valerius was finally about to begin. He knew this was a rare opportunity, one that could help him unlock the full potential of his abilities. But he also worried about revealing too much, about losing control of his powers in front of the instructor.


    One more that made him frown was the fact that academic sses start at 9:30 in the morning, considering that Valerius would at least train Levi for around 2 hours, Levi would have very little time to fresh up and devour his breakfast before running to the sses!


    There would be no brakes at all!


    "5 AM?" Levi groaned. "Is everyone at this academy allergic to sleep?" Despite hisints, he knew he wouldn''t miss this chance for anything.


    Pushing aside his doubts, Levi focused on preparing for the early morning session. He double-checked that his training clothes wereid out and set multiple rms on his watch. He didn''t want to risk oversleeping and disappointing Instructor Valerius on their first day.


    As Levi got ready for bed, he realized his roommates still hadn''t returned. It struck him as odd, but he was too preupied with thoughts of the uing training to dwell on it for long. Part of him was grateful for the solitude, allowing him to focus on the challenges ahead without distractions.


    Levi climbed into bed, his mind racing with possibilities for the training session.


    Would Valerius push him to his limits right away? Would they focus on physical training, or delve into the mysteries of essence maniption? As sleep began to im him, Levi''sst thoughts were a mixture of anticipation and determination. Whatever challengesy ahead, he was resolved to face them head-on and prove himself worthy of this special opportunity.


    In the quiet of the dorm room, Levi drifted off to sleep, unaware of the trials and revtions theing days would bring.


    ---***---

 Chapter 111: Nightmare...

    The air was filled with the scent of cotton candy and the excited shrieks of children. Levi found himself standing in the middle of a bustling amusement park, the world around him seemingrger than life. Colorful rides towered overhead, their lights blinking in mesmerizing patterns against the twilight sky.


    It was an amusing part!


    To his left stood an older boy, his features blurred and indistinct, but radiating a sense of familiarity and safety. He couldn''t see his face but Levi seemed to know him.


    On his right was a woman, his mother, her warm hand sped his own, her presence aforting anchor in the sea of excitement.


    "What do you want to ride first, sunshine?" his mother''s voice rang out, clear and melodious above the carnival noise.


    Levi''s face split into a wide grin as he pointed at a towering roller coaster. "That one!" he eximed, bouncing on his toes. The excitement bubbled up inside him, making him feel light and giddy.


    As they made their way through the crowd, Levi''s senses were overwhelmed with the magic of the park. The sweet scent of funnel cakes wafted past, making his mouth water. Carnival music blended withughter and the mechanical whir of rides, creating a symphony of joy. Bright lights from game booths caught his eye, their prizes dangling tantalizingly just out of reach.


    Levi tugged on his mother''s hand, pointing excitedly at a ring toss game. "Can we try that, Mom? Please?"


    The older boy chuckled, ruffling Levi''s hair affectionately. "Sure, squirt. I bet I can win you that big teddy bear."


    They paused at the booth, and Levi watched in awe as the older boy deftly tossed ring after ring, each onending perfectly around a bottleneck. The booth attendant handed over a massive, fluffy teddy bear, with an expression so sour that he was practical them to go away.


    Not giving any mind, the older boy immediately presented the teddy bear to Levi with a theatrical bow.


    Hugging the bear tightly, Levi felt a warmth spread through his chest. He looked up at hispanions, their faces glowing with happiness in the carnival lights. In that moment, he feltpletely safe and loved.


    As they continued towards the roller coaster, Levi''s heart raced with anticipation.


    The line seemed to stretch forever, but he didn''t mind. Each step forward was an adventure, filled with people-watching and the growing excitement of the approaching ride.


    Finally, they neared the front of the line. Levi could see the roller coaster car zip past, filled with screaming riders. His excitement peaked a delicious mixture of nervousness and thrill. He could almost feel the rush of wind on his face, the exhrating drop of the first hill.


    Clutching his new teddy bear, Levi turned to share a smile with his mother, ready to ride on this thrilling adventure together.


    But as he looked up, the words died in his throat


    The dreamscape warped, colors bleeding and blurring like watercolors in the rain. The cheerful carnival sounds distorted, stretching into an eerie, discordant wail. The amusement park melted away, reced by a deste field under a bruised sky.


    Levi''s stomach lurched as the ground beneath his feet seemed to shift. The sudden change left him dizzy and disoriented, his mind struggling to process the abrupt transition. The cotton candy sweetness in the air turned sour, filling his nostrils with the stench of decay.


    Before him stood a gnarled tree, its branches reaching towards the heavens like grasping fingers. And there, suspended from one of those twisted limbs, hung a woman. Her long hair obscured her face, but Levi knew with horrifying certainty that it was his mother.


    Panic seized him, freezing him in ce. His chest tightened, each breath bing a struggle as if an invisible hand was squeezing his lungs. The chill of terror spread through his body, leaving him trembling uncontrobly.


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    Levi tried to move, to run towards the tree, but his legs felt leaden. Each step was an immense effort as if he was wading through thick mud. The distance to the tree seemed to stretch impossibly, no matter how hard he fought to reach it.


    His vision blurred with hot tears as he called out to his mother, but no sound escaped his lips. The silence was deafening, broken only by the pounding of his heart in his ears. Desperation wed at him as he realized he couldn''t save her, couldn''t even reach her.


    A scream built in his chest, wing its way up his throat. The pressure was unbearable, filling him with the need to release the terror and anguish consuming him.


    Just as it was about to escape, the dream shattered like ss, the shards of the nightmare scene falling away around him.


    ****


    Levi''s eyes snapped open, his body drenched in sweat and shaking uncontrobly. He gasped for air, trying to remember what had scared him so badly, but the details of his nightmare slipped away like sand through his fingers. All that remained was a vague sense of dread, settling heavily in his stomach.


    As he tried to calm his racing heart, a chill ran down his spine.


    His senses red as the pendant around his neck - the Eternal Vigil sensed something!


    Someone was in his room!


    A dark figure stood in the shadows, their presence unsettling in the quiet of the night. Without thinking, Levi grabbed his tablet from the bedside table and threw it at the intruder.


    To his surprise, the figure caught the tablet easily.


    They moved to Levi''s desk, cing the device down before turning towards him.


    At the movement, the light from the outside buildings of the dorm shed light on the intruder''s face and Levi''s eyes widened as he recognized him.


    There, at a distance from him stood Professor Valerius, looking at him with someplicated expression.


    "Professor?" Levi said, his voice a mixture of confusion and embarrassment.


    His gaze darted to his watch, and his heart sank.


    It was 5:32 AM. He was supposed to meet Professor Valerius at the training grounds over half an hour ago.


    "Damn it," Levi muttered under his breath. He hadpletely overslept, and now his teacher hade to find him.


    Levi scrambled out of bed, bowing his head in apology. "I''m so sorry, Professor. I don''t know what happened. I can be ready in five minutes-"


    "That won''t be necessary," Professor Valerius cut him off, his voice softer than usual. "Take the morning off, Levi. We''ll continue training from tomorrow."


    Before Levi could say anything else, the professor turned and left the room, leaving Levi staring after him in confusion. He hadn''t expected Professor Valerius to be so understanding.


    ***


    As Professor Valerius closed Levi''s door behind him, he paused in the hallway.


    Earlier, Valerius had arrived at the training grounds well before the scheduled 5:00 AM meeting. He had prepared a rigorous session, eager to push Levi''s limits and explore the extent of the boy''s unusual abilities. As the minutes ticked by with no sign of Levi, Valerius'' initial disappointment had turned to irritation.


    At 5:20 AM, he had decided to investigate.


    A quick call to the dorm manager, followed by some persuasion, had secured him a master key - he was the guardian of the academy after all, his position was only lower than that of the dead and the vice dean.


    Valerius had been prepared to deliver a stern lecture on punctuality and the rare opportunity Levi had been given - not every student got personal training from a Guardian of the Academy.


    But all thoughts of scolding had vanished the moment he entered Levi''s room. The sight that greeted him was far from what he had anticipated.


    ''How can a child so young...?'' The thought lingered, unfinished, in Valerius'' mind. The image of Levi, pale and trembling, was etched into his memory. It was clear the boy had been in the grip of a terrible nightmare, even if Levi himself seemed unaware of it.


    Valerius had seen his fair share of students dealing with stress and fear, but something about Levi''s distress seemed fundamentally different. The raw terror on the boy''s face had been deeply unsettling to witness.


    "What could scare you so badly, Levi?" Valerius wondered quietly to himself.


    Even though Levi couldn''t recall the dream, its effects were unmistakable. The way he had been shaking, covered in cold sweat, and looking so lost ¨C it all pointed to a nightmare far worse than most.


    Valerius'' mind drifted back to theirst encounter during the academy exams. He remembered the strange purple aura he had seen surrounding Levi, an anomaly that had piqued his interest and led to this special training arrangement. "Maybe it''s connected to his powers," he thought.


    More frequently than not, powerful abilities were apanied by ws, maybe that was also the case for Levi?


    He didn''t really know but he wanted to help that child out a little if possible.


    For now, though, he knew Levi needed rest more than he needed training.


    "Sleep well, Levi," he said softly, hoping that whatever was troubling the young man would grant him peace for the remainder of the morning.


    With onest nce at Levi''s door, Valerius headed back to his office.


    At this moment, he didn''t realize how close he was to the truth - although the w wasn''t exactly from Levi''s Lunacy Ability - it indeed was a w from one of his abilities!!


    ---***---

 Chapter 112: Essence Manuplation and Control (1)

    I woke up slowly, my body aching all over.


    Every little move hurt. I groaned and forced my eyes open to face the day.


    Sunlight streamed through the curtains, making stripes on my bed. Iy there for a moment, thinking about my nightmare. I couldn''t remember much, just dark shapes and a feeling of danger.


    It still left me feeling uneasy.


    With a sigh, I sat up, wincing as my musclesined. Then I realized something: Professor Valerius hadn''t called me to train today. I felt relieved but confused. Why did he let me rest?


    Not that I wasining.


    I needed this break.


    I smiled, remembering something I''d heard before, "Rest helps you grow." In a ce where we''re always pushing ourselves, sometimes it''s smart to take a step back. But the fact that I haven''t even started was another matter¡­


    Anyway, I swung my legs out of bed and grabbed my watch. Its weight felt familiar on my wrist, the ticking soundforting. It was just past 7 AM. A whole dayy ahead, full of possibilities and probably some challenges too.


    Standing up, I stretched carefully, feeling every sore spot. Even though it hurt, I felt proud. Each ache showed how hard I''d worked in yesterday''s training, how much progress I''d made.


    I looked in the mirror and saw my messy hair and tired eyes. Definitely time for a shower. It would clean me up and help me feel ready for the day.


    As I got my shower stuff together, I thought about my sses. What would I learn today? At the Favored Ones Academy, even normal lessons could turn into wild adventures.


    Feeling a bit excited now, I headed to the shower. Time to wash off the night and get ready for whatever the day might bring.


    **


    It was Friday, the fifth day of the week, and not very surprisingly, the academy had decided to start with the sses of the freshmen instead of waiting for the Monday.


    Anyway, my first ss was "Essence Maniption and Control." Since this was the semester''s first official ss, everyone was excited.


    I''d be lying if I said I wasn''t, but I managed to keep it to myself.


    The ss was scheduled to begin at 9:30 AM, and it was currently 9:20 AM. I had already arrived after a quick breakfast and taken my seat in the third row from the back, close to the wall.


    It was a strategic spot, allowing me to go unnoticed by the professor in case I dozed off during the lecture, which had a very high probability considering this would be the first theory ss that I would be attending in my life, literally! Find adventures at m_v l|e-NovelBin


    As the minutes ticked by, familiar faces began to fill the ssroom. Unsurprisingly, Lyssandra, Toby, and Ryn were among the attendees.


    They were well-known for their natural affinity for essence-rted abilities, so it wasn''t a surprise that they chose this ss - Essence maniption was pretty popr and the most picked elective of all afterall.


    However, one more face in the group caught my attention.


    ''Huh?''


    I couldn''t determine why, but I was instinctively drawn to a certain person.


    ''What is this?''


    I don''t know why, but the red-haired girl sitting at the corner of the first bench felt oddly familiar.


    ''Have I seen her somewhere?''


    I thought, but I couldn''t remember any instance where I could have encountered a girl like that. She had bright red hairplementing her ruby-like eyes that gleamed with so much positivity they were almost blinding for someone as gloomy as me.


    But there was something about her that was very... familiar.


    ''Was it my imagination?''


    Considering there were 500 freshmen, it was highly likely that I may have passed by her somewhere - I couldn''t be sure.


    But I didn''t have much time to dwell on my thoughts as suddenly, the once-murmuring ss fell silent. I noticed the change and quickly adjusted myself in my seat. There was only one reason why a noisy fish market of a ssroom would abruptly be quiet.


    ''The instructor has arrived.''


    As I turned my gaze toward the door, I saw the professor, and for a moment, I was frozen in awe. Her long, flowing blonde hair cascaded down to her hips, framing a beautiful face that exuded elegance. Her emerald-green eyes caught my attention, but there was another distinctive feature that stood out even more¡ªshe wore a badge of A Heavenly Eye on her chest.


    ''Truthseeker?''


    The professor who entered the ssroom was a follower of the Truthseeker God!


    It was the second time I had encountered a follower of the Truthseeker, the first being Maya, the investigator who had interrogated me when I first came out of paradise.


    And seeing as she was in the position of an instructor, she would definitely be in a higher position than Maya, at least a Pdin or a Temr.


    This was troubling! Nothing good came from having close rtions with the Truthseeker followers; after all, I couldn''t lie in front of them. They were the worst type to be near - I made a mental note to avoid getting noticed by this particr instructor.


    Nevertheless, the sight of a beautiful instructor surprised me. It seemed I wasn''t the only one taken aback; all the students were equally dazed by her presence. Some of the boys even appeared to be mesmerized by her ample bosom.


    There was no need to even mention a slum rat like me¡­I was beyond mesmerized, of all the women I have seen, she seemed to be the most beautiful yet!


    "Good morning, students," she greeted as she walked towards the podium.


    "Good morning, madam!" came the enthusiastic chorus from the students, with the boys'' voices being particrly dominant.


    "I hope you''ve all had your breakfast, as we will have ss until the afternoon. I hope no one has any objections," she said, winking mischievously at the students.


    Who would dare to have objections to such a beautiful teacher? I even found myself questioning if there were any fools who hadn''t chosen this ss. Maybe they would be regretting it if they could see her face.


    "Before we begin, let me introduce myself. I am Zephyr, and I will be teaching the elective subject, ''Essence Maniption and Control.'' We will be spending a year together, so I hope we can get along," she announced.


    The students erupted into loud cheers, their support seemingly directed towards her and her hourss figure.


    With the quick introduction out of the way, the ssmenced.


    "Before delving into the topic, let''s see how much you all know about Essence. Can anyone here exin what essence is?" she inquired.


    A moment of silence passed before a hand rose among the ss. It was the red-haired girl who raised her hand.


    "Ma''am! Aurora," she introduced herself.


    "Yes, dear, go on~," the instructor acknowledged.


    "Essence is energy in its purest form. It can be converted into various types of energy using appropriate mechanisms and spells. In its natural state, essence is invisible and shapeless, but users with sufficient mastery can give it any shape or form they desire," Aurora exined confidently.


    "Excellent!" the instructor praised, causing Aurora to swell with pride.


    Out of curiosity, I nced at Lyssandra, who was seated just behind Toby. As expected, her face remained expressionless.


    She didn''t seem to care about things like this at all.


    Anyway, Aurora wasn''t done yet. "We first discovered essence when we went to paradise. While opening the portal, the essence flowed from paradise to Earth and thus things began to change."


    The instructor nodded, satisfied with her answer. Aurora still seemed to have more to tell but the instructor told her to stop politely.


    "You may sit down now, dear," the instructor said, waiting for Aurora to take her seat before continuing.


    "As your ssmate just mentioned, essence is energy in its purest form, often referred to as magic energy. Going further into the topic, essence is a fundamental substance that gives rise to various fields of magical energy. These fields exist alongside other fundamental forces of science, such as gravity and maism. Certain creatures and objects possess the ability to manipte these fields in various ways, resulting in spectacr effects. The key lies in how individuals manipte essence. These acts of shaping and channeling essence out of the body are known as magic."


    ---***---


    Sorry for thete updates - Things are hectic and I am going through some personal troubles, I hope you guys can understand - Thank you!

 Chapter 113: Essence Manuplation and Control (2)

    Instructor Zephyr''s ss continued as she exined theplex nature of essence. The students watched her intently, many captivated not just by her knowledge but by her appearance. Her slender figure and slightly pointed ears gave her an otherworldly beauty that made it hard for some to focus on the lesson. But for me, knowing she was a Truthseeker who could read minds was enough to keep my attention strictly on her words. Experience more tales on m v|l e''-NovelBin


    "Now that we understand what essence is," Instructor Zephyr said, turning toward the board, "we must learn about essence vessels." She raised her hand gracefully, and the words "Essence Vessels" appeared on the board as if by magic.


    The chalk floated in the air, writing each letter with perfect precision.


    "Essence is the energy that flows through everything," she exined, creating glowing images in the air. A human figure materialized first, followed by a tall tree, a quick rabbit, and a swimming fish. Each had a bright green outline filled with swirling blue energy that seemed to pulse with life.


    "We call the system that holds this energy an essence vessel," she continued, making the images circle around her as she spoke.


    The movement was hypnotic, like a dance of light and shadow.


    "Every species has its own special organs or structures that work as vessels."


    She pointed to each floating image in turn. "Humans store essence in their hearts. Trees use their veins like awork of vessels. Fish have special spheres inside them, andnd animals often use their brains. Each vessel is perfect for that creature''s needs."


    With a gentle wave of her hand, she created tiny blue particles that floated through the air. "When a vessel runs empty," she exined as the particles flowed into the floating creatures, "the body naturally fills it again. Land creatures draw essence from the air, while water creatures take it from the water around them."


    I watched in amazement as she controlled theseplex illusions. Few mages could create such detailed disys and maintain them while teaching. She had to be at least a 6-star mage - among the most powerful instructors at the academy.


    "Your essence vessel is like a muscle," she warned, her emerald eyes serious as she scanned the room. "It needs regr exercise and careful attention." To demonstrate her point, she showed us an image of a vessel cracking, precious blue essence spilling out like water from a broken ss.


    "If you misuse it or treat it carelessly, you can damage it forever. Some people can never use essence again because their vessels are broken."


    The entire ss sat silently, absorbing every word. Even the usually distracted students were paying close attention.


    "Essence is energy that can change its shape and form," she continued, merging all the floating images into onerge mass of blue light. "In its natural state, your body has to refine it before you can use it. Some people are better at this than others because they would have better soul sea." The blue mass shifted and swirled as she spoke.


    "For example, Let''s say that there are two people who could utilize essence and both are in follower rank but their essence-gathering capacity and speed arepletely different!"


    She waited before continuing, " That is because of their soul seas. The one who had a better andrger soul see could outperform that one with inferior, so it is always important to train your souls - so that our bodies can refine essence faster."


    She made the mass of essence split and change form. "We will learn more about Soul Seater, for now, Let''s just concentrate on the Essence. The nature of essence is heavily affected by its surrounding environment," she exined.


    "For example, In water, it bes thick and heavy, like a liquid. In the air, it spreads out and bes light, more like a gas."


    I noticed how she made theplex topic simple to understand. Her visual demonstrations made the ideas clear in a way that words alone never could. But more than that, I felt the power in her teaching - each word seemed to carry weight, each demonstration showed mastery that few could match.


    "The environment shapes how essence behaves," Instructor Zephyr continued, creating new images of underwater scenes. Shimmering blue essence flowed through the water like currents. "Water essence is harder to use than air essence, but it''s also more powerful. That''s why sea creatures have developed special ways to handle it."


    "Their essence vessels are smaller but much stronger than human vessels. This makes their essence more concentrated and powerful." She paused, then gestured to herself. "We humans, on the other hand, can absorb essence quickly from nature, though our vessels are more fragile we make it up by continuously evolving."


    A student in the back row raised his hand. "Is the heart the only organ that could handle essence?" The question seemed to echo what everyone was thinking.


    Instructor Zephyr''s emerald eyes sparkled as she smiled. "Ah, an excellent question." She moved closer to our desks, her presencemanding attention. "Humans actually don''t have any special structures or natural gifts for handling essence."


    Worried whispers spread through the ssroom. I noticed several students shifting ufortably in their seats. Even I felt a twinge of concern, though I tried to keep my face neutral. Having a Truthseeker as an instructor meant hiding any reaction was probably pointless.


    "But," she continued, her voice rising slightly to quiet the murmurs, "this apparent weakness is exactly what makes humans special." She looked around the room. "Can anyone tell me why humans are unique?"


    Our eyes met briefly, and I quickly looked down at my notebook.


    I didn''t want anything to do with a follower of truthseeker but more than that, I didn''t even know the answer, my knowledge of essence was frustratingly nk, like trying to read words in a dream. so it was better to just lower the head and pretend to be clueless.


    Before the silence could grow ufortable, Lyssandra''s hand rose. She stood with her usual grace, her face calm andposed. "It''s because humans can adapt to anything," she said clearly.


    A warm smile spread across Instructor Zephyr''s face. "Excellent! That''s exactly right." She waited for Lyssandra to sit before continuing. "As your ssmate said, humans have an incredible gift for adaptation. They can change themselves and their surroundings to ovee any challenge."


    She waved her hand, and new images appeared. "When we first discovered Paradise, our essence vessels were much weaker than they are today. Human hearts at that time could barely refine essence, and they could store very little of it." The images shifted, showing humans studying magical texts.


    "But they found a way forward. They learned - or some might say ''borrowed'' - essence techniques from the other species that live in Paradise."


    The scene changed to show humans building houses while other species something like a weremen taught them spells. "They traded their skills in construction for knowledge. The weremen taught them spells to gather essence from the air, and humans practiced these arts in secret ces, improving bit by bit."


    Her words brought the past to life in our minds. I could almost see those humans, determined to master essence despite their limitations. It reminded me of my own struggles, though I kept that thought carefully guarded.


    "This change didn''t happen quickly," she continued. "Year after year, generation after generation, humans grew stronger. Today, we stand on the same stage as all those all species that reside in paradise. This is why no one underestimates humans - we always find a way to adapt and ovee."


    The bell''s sharp ring cut through her words, but no one moved. We sat still, waiting for her to finish.


    "Each of you has potential you haven''t discovered yet," she said softly, her voice carrying to every corner of the room. "You''re like uncarved stone, waiting to be shaped. Whether you be a masterpiece or remain rough depends entirely on your choices and dedication."


    "That''s all for today. I''ll see you in our next ss," Instructor Zephyr said. With those final words, she vanished in a sh of golden light, leaving only a slight shimmer in the air where she had stood.


    I remained in my seat as other students gathered their things, talking excitedly about the lesson. It seemed all our instructors had adopted this dramatic way of leaving - disappearing with magic instead of walking out the door like normal people.


    But as I finally stood to leave, I couldn''t help thinking about her words. Even someone like me, with all my secrets and past failures, might have a chance to master essence. The trick would be learning without revealing too much to our mind-reading instructor.


    The empty ssroom echoed with my footsteps as I headed toward the door, my mind full of possibilities and dangers in equal measure.


    ---***---

 Chapter 114: Dealing with Bullies(1)

    "Whoa! Is the ss already over? I wanted to hear more from Professor Zephyr."


    "You think so too, right? Isn''t she basically the best instructor in the academy?"


    "There is a mountain-sized gap between her and Professor Vale."


    "I''m d I chose the Essence maniption as my elective."


    After finishing the ''Essence Maniption and Control'' ss, I headed towards the training grounds. On the way, I couldn''t help but overhear many remarks about Professor Zephyr. Everyone was captivated by her teachings.


    Well, her beauty had a significant effect too¡­


    Anyway, I couldn''t deny the truth behind those statements either. It was my first time attending her ss, but Professor Lloyd managed to grab my attention. I thought the theory sses would be boring and I would soon doze off but her intuitive teaching methods and showing visuals through essence maniption held all our attention.


    "Did you hear that the first month''s ranking battles are scheduled for next week?"


    "What? They were scheduled this early? I wanted to train a bit more...."


    Well, I was already aware of when the ranking battles would begin as I read the schedule thoroughly yesterday, so I wasn''t too surprised.


    Anyway, as I made my way to the training grounds, I encountered a few familiar faces along the way.


    "Hey, wait for me, Levi!"


    It was Toby who greeted me enthusiastically, I haven''t talked to any roommates after yesterday''s incident nor did they ask any questions - it seemed like we had some unspoken agreement or something.


    Anyway, it was good for me.


    "Look, if it isn''t Mr. Show off here?"


    But that didn''t apply to those outside our dorm. And exactly like that, there was an arrogant brat with Toby.


    "Well, it''s an honor to be recognized by the only heir of Faithful Abundance."


    The one in front of me who tried to provoke me was a ck-haired girl.


    It was our first meeting but no introductions were needed for me to know about the girl - afterall, she was someone who was being raised as the future hier of the the Faithful Abundance Sanctuary!


    If you ask me how I knew about her¡­well, it wasn''t a secret - there were so many rumors andmotions about the top rankers of the Freshmen that they didn''t even need the introductions.


    And the girl in front of me was one of the rankers - specifically, someone who held the 3rd position among the freshmen.


    Julia Everheart!


    She has an immense talent in elemental magic and has a very unique ability which increases her¡­.luck!


    Yeah, as absurd as it might sound, she did have an ability like that.


    And the fact that she was an orphan who was by ''coincidence'' ended up making contract with a prominent god and by ''coincidence'' met the leader of the Faithful Abundance guild and be the heir was proof of that.


    Anyway, since she was an important figure in the academy - I was aware of her, more so because of her¡­let''s say special personality¡­


    But Toby seemed surprised.


    "I was just going to introduce you two, but that doesn''t seem to be needed!"


    I just smiled but Julia seemed taken aback by my words.


    "Tch!"


    She clicked her tongue in response.


    "Are you going to the training grounds, Levi?"


    "Yeah."


    Since the ss ended early and we still had plenty of time till Lunch, I thought I could train a bit.


    "Do you want to spar with me?"


    Toby offered.


    "....I don''t think I could match your level."


    Well, I could beat him if I could use my demonic transformation but his sword skills were not something that I could match - considering that I have yet to even decided on one.


    "Come on! You won''t know unless we try."


    "...I think I''m fine with training by myself."


    Just as we were nearing the training grounds, a group of students blocked our way.


    "Look here, you attention hog!"


    I didn''t pay them any mind and continued on my way.


    "I''m talking to you, retard!!"


    He screamed, pointing at me.


    I looked around, and there was no one beside me except Julia and Toby, who were walking behind me.


    "...? Were you talking to me?"


    I didn''t even know the name of the student in front of me, so naturally, I asked if he was talking to me.


    "Who else would I be talking to, retard? It''s you, attention hog!"


    He said angrily, seeming to be upset about something. Did I do something to piss off someone? I definitely don''t think so¡­


    "Move out of the way, moron! Who do you think you are to pick a fight with us? And who are you calling a retard, huh?"


    Julia was defending me? Experience tales at m v|l e''-NovelBin


    Well, that was a surprise. We just had our first conversation and I was pretty sure she hated me or something since she tried to pick a fight.


    "Julia Everheart? I''ve always wanted to talk to you. You are as beautiful as the rumors say."


    Wow, this guy is quite slick with his words.


    "I''m William Parte, I am from-."


    He was just speaking while extending his hand to Julia when she cut him off.


    "What the f*ck? You''re so cringe. Did I ask your name, you f*cker?"


    Well, that should give an idea about her personality.


    The guy was taken aback by her words and by his expression, he also seemed quite embarrassed by the unexpected response from Julia.


    "I wanted to talk nicely to you since you''re from the future heir of Faithful Abundance, but I guess it was in vain. Move aside, Julia. I only have business with that bastard."


    He said, holding back his embarrassment and anger.


    "You dare order me around? And don''t you dare say my name, you fu-"


    Julia was about to pounce on him when I stepped in.


    "Step aside," I interjected.


    I didn''t want someone to shield me.


    It was something concerning me, and I didn''t want to involve these two in my matters.


    I walked toward the boy who blocked our path and asked him straight to his face, "What''s your business?"


    "My business? It''s simple. You attention seeker made a scene in the training ground just to stand out a bit? Does your ability have some disco or what? Why don''t you tone it down a bit?"


    "What?" I responded, genuinely surprised.


    "I''m telling you to stop your useless actions to attract the instructor''s attention. Do you think something might happen if you y some tricks like this? You think you''re something great, huh? If you''re here just to y around, just drop out now."


    Now I understood.


    He was one of those f*ckers who tried to pick fights with others just to appear strong in front of others.


    Well, I did attract the attention of professors, but who does this f*cker think he is to question me?


    I would have ignored the remarks if it was back in the slums.


    But now?


    Like fucking hell I will tone down!


    These kinds of jerks would continue to do the same if I ignored them.


    If I avoid conflicts, then more guys like these kinds of guys who would bully others for no reason would arise.


    "Hey, do you think an orphan bastard like you deserves to study in Favored One''s academy?"


    "I don''t even know how he passed the entrance exams."


    "It''s so pathetic."


    "Did you perhaps have a connection with the academy and enter while pulling some strings? I heard you are from slums and you don''t have parents, so who could back you up? Maybe..."


    There were all kinds of jerks who picked fights with me.


    If I was the old Levi, then I would have actively avoided them as I didn''t want to attract more trouble towards me, but I wouldn''t make that same mistake now.


    "Hey, you fucker!"


    The words flowed out of my mouth - making the guy and his followers in front of him freeze.


    "What the hell? What did you just call me, huh-?"


    But before he could say anything more, my fist met his face.


    -Punch


    He flew three meters back before falling down. The boys who were trying to pick a fight with me stood there shocked at my daring actions.


    "You!! Do you know who we are?"


    "You dare hit him?"


    They were frustrated but unable to do anything, just frozen in ce.


    "Phwwhh~ Nice punch~"


    "That''s more like it."


    Toby eximed while Julia stood grinning from ear to ear.


    ---***---

 Chapter 115: Dealing with Bullies(2)

    "Y-You!! You motherf*cker!"


    Liam staggered to his feet, his face a brilliant shade of red. Whether from my punch or the humiliation of being knocked down in front of everyone, I couldn''t tell. Maybe both.


    "You motherf*cking attention hog!!"


    He lunged at me without hesitation, all thought of dignity forgotten in his rage. Perfect.


    "Phew~"


    In that moment, I activated Lunacy. Not like before in the training capsule - this time I focused it inward, channeling it only to enhance my vision. No purple aura appeared; no one would notice anything except my eyes taking on a slight purple tinge.


    Time seemed to slow as I watched his attack unfold. Every detail became crystal clear - the way his face contorted with anger, his amateur footwork, the trembling in his fist as he swung. After facing a pseudo-fallen level monster, this disy seemed almost... cute.


    I kept my hands in my pockets, watching him with casual interest. His movements were like an open book - telegraphed, obvious, amateur. Compared to the creatures I''d faced in Paradise, he might as well have been moving in slow motion.


    -Sweep


    His fist cut through the air with all the force he could muster. A simple bend at the waist was all it took to dodge. But why stop there? I extended my right leg into his path, not even bothering to remove my hands from my pockets.


    "Gahh-"


    Liam went down hard, face-first into the ground. The impact made a satisfying thud, and his face turned an even deeper shade of red. The embarrassment was clearly getting to him.


    Behind me, Julia''s giggle rang out like a bell, adding salt to Liam''s wounded pride. I could practically see the steam rising from his ears.


    -Shiiiiing


    The sound of steel sliding against steel cut through the air as Liam drew his training sword. His eyes had taken on a wild, unfocused look. The humiliation had pushed him over the edge.


    "Hey!! Using weapons outside of sparing is prohibited!" Julia''sughter turned to rm. Her voice carried genuine concern - and for good reason.


    Training swords weren''t toys. Though designed for practice, they were sharp enough to take down low-grade monsters. Using them outside designated areas was strictly forbidden. Breaking that rule could get you expelled, no questions asked.


    "Shut up, bitch!"


    Liam was beyond caring about rules now. The rational part of his brain had checked out, reced by pure, undiluted rage. He charged at me, sword raised high.


    ''Pathetic bastard.''


    Even armed, he posed no real threat. His swordsmanship was nonexistent - all wild swings and brute force, no technique or skill. Still, this gave me a perfect opportunity to test Lunacy against a living opponent. I hadn''t activated the future sight aspect yet, but the enhanced vision alone was incredible.


    I studied his movements carefully, finally removing my hands from my pockets. His right hand, gripping the sword with white knuckles, would be my target.


    The de whistled through the air toward me. I waited patiently, timing my move. When the sword was just two inches from my face, I struck. A quick, precise hit to his forearm.


    -Arhh!


    A yelp of pain, and the sword ttered to the ground. Liam stumbled backward, clutching his arm. The weapon had hardly left his hand before I was moving again.


    Seriously! How could someone so weak be so confident? The students these days really were getting soft.


    Without his sword, Liam looked lost, confused - a perfect target. I didn''t give him time to recover.


    -Smack!


    I gathered my strength and delivered a solid strike to his head. I braced myself for his counterattack, but...


    "...."


    He crumpled to the ground, unconscious. I blinked in surprise. Had I really hit him that hard? For someone bold enough to start a fight, he sure went down easily.


    "Consider it a lesson," I said, trying to sound cool despite my surprise at his quick defeat.


    "..Hey! Levi!"


    Toby''s worried voice snapped me back to reality. But before I could turn to look at him, another presence made itself known.


    "What is going on here?"


    The temperature seemed to drop several degrees. That ice-cold voice sent shivers down everyone''s spine, including mine.


    "Why is he sprawled on the ground?"


    Professor Vale stood before me, his cold eyes moving between Liam''s unconscious form and my still-ready stance. His expression promised consequences.


    ''Fuck! It had to be him!!''


    ****


    There was a very famous saying among the students of the Favored Ones Academy that went like this:


    "Don''t ever mess with the devil, if you want your academic life to be peaceful."


    This ominous phrase carried a weight of caution, instilling both awe and fear in those who heard it. While most freshmen were not fully aware of the implications behind the saying, if you were to ask any of the seniors, their expressions would quickly darken, revealing the deep-rooted unease associated with it.


    The "devil" in question was none other than Professor Vale, who was a formidable presence within the academy, more famously known by his menacing moniker, ''The Smiling Serpent''.


    It was a nickname that his lovely students had given him after suffering under him for a very long time¡­


    Anyway, whispers of his wrathful nature had spread throughout the corridors, and there existed a chilling legend among the students. It was said that once upon a time, a foolish student hadmitted an act that caught the attention of Professor Vale, and that unfortunate soul had never known a peaceful night''s sleep until their graduation from Favored Ones Academy.


    And now, the spotlight had turned its gaze upon Levi.


    Whether knowingly or unknowingly, Levi had invited the attention of Professor Vale.


    As the instructor made his way to the scene, his piercing eyes scanned the surroundings, finallynding on the sight of Liam sprawled on the ground.


    "What is happening here?" Professor Vale''s voice cut through the air, freezing themotion in an instant.


    Immediately, Liam''s henchmen seized the opportunity to voice their grievances, aiming to shift the me away from their fallenrade.


    "That guy! He hit Liam.", one of them said.


    "That''s right, professor, Levi hit Liam."


    Their voices ovepped, a chorus of protest and usation filling the space. However, standing beside Levi, Julia stepped forward, interrupting the cacophony ofints.


    "That''s a lie, Instructor!" Julia''s voice rang out, firm and unwavering. "They started picking fight with us first and that guy even took out his weapon. Levi only responded in kind."


    Julia''s assertion echoed in the tense silence, finding support in the form of Toby, who stood by her side.


    "That''s right! Levi didn''t use a weapon either."


    Together, they reinforced the truth of the situation, emphasizing that Levi had acted in self-defense without resorting to the use of a weapon.


    Professor Vake looked at Liam who was sprawled on the ground and at Levi standing without fear, back and forth.


    Internally, he pondered the events that had unfolded before his arrival. ''He was able to disarm that boy with bare hand in such a situation? That too a freshman did that without incurring any injuries?''


    He looked at Levi intensely.


    He had seen the boy in their first ss - he didn''t seem much remarkable, but that''s what exactly caught his attention. In the academy where every student is trying to standout, this boy had avoided even using his abilities on the training session.


    ''Intresting¡­''


    There are only two reason as to why a person would try to hide his abilities in the Favored Ones academy - One, they had something deeper to hide or their abilities were simply useless.


    Professor Vale had a strong feeling that it wasn''t theter but he didn''t have any concrete evidence to his thoughts - it was just a thought.


    Professor Vale made a mental note to keep an eye on Levi and concentrated on the situation at hand.


    Breaking the silence, he directed his attention toward Liam''s henchmen, his voice cutting through the tension like a sharpened de.


    "You there, take the knocked-out student to the infirmary immediately."


    Turning his gaze back to Levi, Professor Vale''s tone held a cryptic edge as he uttered, "And you, Levias Drake? right,e to my office after sses."


    With those enigmatic words, Professor Vale strode away without further exnation, leaving Levi to contemte the weight of his summons.


    Toby, concerned for his friend''s well-being, approached Levi cautiously, his voice filled with worry.


    "Hey, Levi. Will you be okay?"


    Levi paused for a moment, uncertainty clouding their thoughts.


    "Probably... "


    Even he doesn''t know what Professor Vale is thinking, so he couldn''t anticipate anything. But he doesn''t think that Professor Vale would go as far as expelling a student for a minor misstep.... right?


    Regardless, there was no point in dwelling on the events that had already transpired. What was done was done, and Levi needed to focus on moving forward.


    "What the hell! Those bastards were trying to frame us? Disgusting!" Julia''s anger still simmered, her frustration evident as she voiced her contempt for Liam''s henchmen.


    ---***---

 Chapter 116: Weapon Selection

    Professor Fauna was on an expedition to Paradise, so the Xenobiology ss that was supposed to take ce was suspended and we were given free time to enjoy!


    But my mind kept drifting to Professor Vale''s summons. Despite my unease, I was determined to face whatever awaited me.


    So, I gathered my things and headed for Vale''s office. Each step felt heavier than thest, memories of the "devil" stories echoing in my head.


    The office matched Vale''s reputation. Books lined every wall, their ancient spines adding to the room''s oppressive atmosphere. Vale sat behind his desk, his sharp eyes following my every move.


    "Levias Drake, sit." His voice carried an undertone I couldn''t quite read.


    I took the chair across from him, trying not to fidget under his gaze. The silence stretched ufortably long before he spoke again.


    "Your actions today were... intriguing," Vale leaned forward, his eyes boring into mine. "Disarming an armed opponent barehanded, showing suchposure... Unusual skills for a freshman."


    My heart stuttered. Was this praise? Or was he building up to something worse?


    His expression remained unreadable, adding to my anxiety.


    "However," Vale''s voice hardened, "fighting within academy grounds is strictly forbidden. You understand you''ve broken this rule?"


    Here ites. I braced myself for whatever punishment The Smiling Serpent had nned.


    "As punishment, you will join me for morning training before sses and evening training after sses. For one month."


    "...?" I blinked, caught off guard.


    Was that all? The notorious Professor Vale, whose punishments were legendary, was just assigning extra training?


    "Do you understand?"


    "Yes, Professor. I ept." I tried to keep the relief from my voice.


    Actually, this might be an opportunity. Vale was a seven-star mage, after all. Training with him could be invaluable.


    "Good. I''ll see you at 3:00 AM tomorrow morning."


    "What?" The word slipped out before I could stop it.


    "You''re dismissed."


    I walked out in a daze. Three AM? When did that qualify as morning?


    Little did I know, I''d just agreed to my own personal hell.


    ***


    I stumbled out of Professor Vale''s office in a daze.


    When reality finally sank in, I felt likeughing at my own misfortune.


    I already had training sessions scheduled with Professor Valerius at 5:00 AM and we have not even started yet, but now Professor Vale wanted me at 3 AM?


    At this rate, sleep deprivation would kill me before any monster got the chance.


    ''Sigh¡­''


    I had an inkling that Professor Vale asked me to arrive at 3:00 AM probably because he knew about my training schedule with Professor Valerius.


    But I couldn''t dwell on that now. A more pressing matter demanded my attention - weapon selection!


    The sses had already started and soon everyone would start their own training, but here I am who has not even picked his weapon yet!


    Actually, mastering all the weapons seemed like a better choice than concentrating on a single weapon - after all, if I wanted to fight against powerful monsters then I would require an equally strong artifact.


    And I didn''t need to say anything about how hard it is to find weapon-type artifacts not to mention a particr one and if I did fine one - I had no credits to purchase it!


    That was a more serious problem.


    But I was in the academy!


    The Favored Ones didn''t get their prestige for nothing, there are ways to custom order a weapon to be made exactly to our needs.


    The weapons that are made by the followers of the gods like Hephaestus and Manon are no less than that of the artifacts.


    Of course, the students had to work hard and have particr achievements to get that privilege, but it wasn''t impossible.


    Anyway, for now, I decided to try out all the weapons and directly went towards the armory,


    The training grounds'' armory beckoned its vast array of weapons waiting for inspection.


    The weapons hall stretched before me, illuminated by essence-powered lights that cast a warm glow over the assembled arsenal. Racks of weapons lined the walls, each section dedicated to different fighting styles.


    I walked past the standard swords first.


    While versatile, they required dedicated practice to master. A sword user needed tomit to their style - you couldn''t half-ass sword training and expect to survive. The academy''s sword masters spent years perfecting their craft.


    Even though I had the ze artifact that I stol¡­.won from Kai, I decided to keep looking for something else.


    The spears caught my eye next. They offered reach and versatility, good for both thrusting and sweeping attacks. But they were difficult to carry around campus, and their length made them unwieldy in tight spaces. Plus, I''d need incredible upper body strength to wield one effectively.


    Bows hung in neat rows along one wall. Their power and range were undeniable, but they required both hands and left you vulnerable at close range.


    There were also some essence-powered guns, though they would be effective against low-rank monsters, anything above the Vile rank would take little to no damage from them


    Axes and maces promised raw power, but they were slow and predictable. Against the agile monsters we''d face, that could be fatal. Daggers offered speed and precision, but their short reach meant getting dangerously close to enemies.


    My eyes lingered on a section of chain weapons. Among them, one particr weapon stood out - the kusarigama.


    It was the same weapon that I had tried in the second examination during the academy assessments.


    Two sickle attached to a weighted chain, itbined the lethal edge of des with the versatility of a chain weapon.


    I lifted it carefully, testing its weight. The sickle end could sh and hook, while the weighted chain offered range and control.


    It could entangle opponents, block attacks, or strike from unexpected angles. More than that, ifbined with the strength of my demonic transformation and Lunacy,I could literally turn into a grinder that could cut anything in my path!


    Of course, the de itself was below subpar - it was only a training weapon so that was understandable,


    But there were also downsides to the weapon.


    It demanded exceptional coordination and practice. One wrong move with the chain could leave you tangled instead of your opponent. The learning curve would be steep.


    But something about it felt right.


    Theplexity of the weapon matched the nature of my abilities. Like Lunacy and Fractured Fate, it required finesse and careful control rather than brute force.


    Plus, not many students chose chain weapons.


    They preferred more straightforward options. That meant potential opponents wouldn''t have much experience defending against it.


    As one would rank up, it was these small things that would matter the most.


    "The kusarigama," I murmured, spinning the chain experimentally. "A weapon that''s as unpredictable as fate itself."


    It would take months, maybe years, to master. Butbined with my growing abilities and Vale''s training (assuming I survived it), this could be a deadlybination.


    I approached the weapon master''s desk, kusarigama in hand.


    "I''d like to register this as my primary melee weapon."


    The gruff older man raised an eyebrow. "Interesting choice, kid. Not many have the patience to master chain weapons. You sure about this?"


    I nodded, more certain with each passing moment. "Sometimes the hardest path is the right one."


    That was a cool quote!


    Anyway, the old man shrugged and recorded my selection. "Your funeral if you tangle yourself up inbat."


    Did he have to say that?


    Damn old man!


    If it wasn''t for the fact that I needed to register my primary weapon, I would not evene here. Well, the academy did not actually mandate the registration of primary weapons.


    But there was actually an upside to registering a primary weapon.


    That is, the academy would provide as many training weapons of that type as a student would need throughout the six years, provided that one had to give back the damaged one.


    And to enjoy this, we needed to register out primary weapon - there was also an option to change the primary weapon, it was just that the procedure would getplicated.


    Nevertheless, as I left the weapons hall, I couldn''t help but smile. Between Professor Vale''s brutal training schedule and my chosen weapon''s learning curve, I was definitely making my life harder.


    But then again, nothing worth achieving ever came easy. The path of the Favored Ones wasn''t meant to be simple - it was meant to forge us into something extraordinary.


    I just hoped I''d have enough energy left after Professor Vale''s and Professor Valerious'' dawn training sessions to practice with my new weapon.


    ---***---

 Chapter 117: The Dual Kusarigama

    The dual kusarigamay before me on the training ground''s stone floor, its twin sickles gleaming in the afternoon light. Each de curved wickedly, connected by a length of sturdy chain that seemed to mock my inexperience. Discover exclusive tales on mvl


    I''d chosen this secluded corner of the training grounds deliberately - far from curious eyes and potential casualties.


    "Right," I muttered, picking up the weapons. "Let''s figure this out."


    The training manual I''d downloaded and skimmed from the web, suggested starting with basic stances and single-de techniques.


    Master one sickle before attempting to coordinate both.


    Sound advice, probably.


    But as I held both handles, feeling their weight, I knew I''d ignore thatpletely.


    The first challenge was simply finding afortable grip.


    Hold the sickles too tight, and the chain''s movement would be restricted. Too loose, and I risked losing control entirely. I settled on a medium grip, thumbs aligned with the handles for better control.


    Starting position, feet shoulder-width apart, sickles held at waist level, chain forming a gentle arc between them.


    Simple enough.


    Then, I took a deep breath and attempted my first move - a basic spin with the right sickle while keeping the left stable.


    The chain immediately betrayed me.


    Instead of flowing smoothly through the air, it wrapped around my torso like an angry snake. I spent the next few minutes fighting my way free, already questioning my life choices.


    "Okay, let''s try that again."


    Second attempt, I put more force into the spin.


    The chain responded better, creating a satisfying whoosh through the air - right before the momentum carried the sickle straight toward my face.


    Only a desperate backward lean saved me from an embarrassing injury.


    "This is harder than I thought!"


    Third attempt, less force, more control. The chain tangled around my legs this time, nearly sending me sprawling.


    I caught myself against a training dummy, dignity thoroughly bruised.


    "There has to be a trick to this," I growled, untangling myself yet again.


    I spent the next hour just experimenting with the chain''s behavior. Every movement of either sickle affected the entire weapon.


    The chain wasn''t just a connection between the des - it was an integral part of each technique, carrying momentum and energy in ways I needed to understand.


    Gradually, patterns emerged.


    The chain responded best to circr motions. Sharp changes in direction made it unpredictable, but smooth transitions allowed for better control. Like essence itself, it needed to flow naturally.


    I started with simple exercises.


    Holding the left sickle steady, I made slow circles with the right, watching how the chain moved. Small circles at first, then graduallyrger as my confidence grew. \\


    The rhythmic movement became almost meditative.


    When that feltfortable, I switched hands, repeating the process with the left sickle.


    My left arm was noticeably weaker, the movements less precise.


    Another thing to work on.


    The real challenge came when I tried coordinating both sickles. My first attempt at a simultaneous spin ended in chaos - the chain knotted itself somehow, leaving both des dangling uselessly while I fought to untangle them.


    But then I noticed something interesting.


    During one of my attempts, I''d unconsciously channeled a bit of essence into the weapons. The metal had responded, humming faintly with power.


    I tried it again, deliberately this time.


    A thin stream of essence flowed through my arms into the handles, then along the chain connecting them. The effect was immediate - the weapons felt more alive, more responsive to my intentions.


    With essence flowing, I attempted another basic form.


    The right sickle spinning vertically, the left horizontally, creating a sphere of moving chain between them.


    To my surprise, it worked.


    Not perfectly - the sphere wobbled and asionally copsed - but it was progress.


    Encouraged, I moved on to moreplex patterns.


    Figure eights with alternating sickles. Crossing patterns where the chain wrapped around itself before unwinding.


    Each sess was small, but significant.


    The failures were spectacr.


    More than once, I ended up wrapped in chains like a mummy. The training dummies suffered too, acquiring new cuts and dents as my control slipped. But each mistake taught me something new about the weapon''s behavior.


    I discovered that the dual kusarigama could be used defensively as well as offensively. By keeping both sickles moving in coordinated patterns, the chain created a protective barrier. Not as solid as a shield, but potentially useful for deflecting attacks.


    Sweat soaked my shirt as I worked through basicbinations. Strike with the right sickle, use the momentum to power a sweep with the left. Let the chain wrap around a target before pulling with both des.


    Each movement had to flow into the next, like links in a chain.


    The weapon demanded constant awareness. Anypse in concentration could turn either de against its wielder. The chain followed thews of physics ruthlessly, punishing every mistake with tangling metal and stinging impacts.


    But when it worked - when both sickles moved in harmony, the chain singing through the air between them - it was beautiful.


    Deadly, yes, but beautiful.


    I was attempting anotherplex form, both sickles spinning in parallel while I worked up the courage to attempt a crossing strike when a familiar voice broke my concentration.


    "Well, this looks like quality entertainment!"


    The chain, naturally, chose that moment to remind me who was really in charge.


    The sound of Toby''s voice shattered my concentration. The carefully maintained rhythm faltered, and the chain reacted with predictable vengeance. One sickle wrapped around my arm while the other spun wildly, forcing me to dodge my own weapon.


    "Oh man," Toby''sughter echoed across the training area. "Please tell me someone recorded that. You looked like a cat fighting with yarn!"


    I finally managed to untangle myself, my face burning. "How long have you been watching?"


    "Long enough to seriously question your life choices," he grinned, hopping down from his perch on the fence.


    "Though I have to admit, there were a few moments where you almost looked like you knew what you were doing."


    "Thanks," I said dryly, gathering the chain.


    "Your confidence in me is overwhelming."


    Toby walked closer, examining the weapon with genuine curiosity. "Two sickles though? Really? Most people can barely handle one end of a kusarigama, but you just had to go for double trouble."


    I resumed my practice, starting with the basic spinning forms I''d been working on before his arrival. The essence-infused metal hummed as I moved, both sickles creating parallel arcs through the air.


    "It''s about versatility," I exined, transitioning into a figure-eight pattern. "Two des means more options for attack and defense. Plus..." The chain tangled slightly, and I had to pause to correct it. "Plus, most opponents won''t expect it."


    "They won''t expect you to tie yourself up in knots?" Toby smirked, but his eyes followed the weapon''s movement with interest.


    "Though I guess if you actually master it..."


    He trailed off as I sessfully executed a crossing strike, both sickles weaving past each other while the chain formed aplex pattern between them. It wasn''t perfect - the follow-through was still awkward - but it showed potential.


    "See? Getting better," I said, perhaps a bit smugly.


    "Better at not hitting yourself, you mean." Toby picked up a training sword from the rack. "Want to try it against a moving target?"


    I hesitated. "You sure? I''m still learning the basics."


    "Exactly why you need a practice partner." He took up a ready stance. "Don''t worry, I''ll go easy on you."


    "Just make sure to safeguard your head," I agreed, settling into my stance. "And noints if you get tangled up."


    What followed was equal parts training andedy. Toby would attack with basic sword patterns, while I attempted to either block with the chain or counter with the sickles. More often than not, I ended up entangled in my own weapon while Toby struggled to contain hisughter.


    But there were moments - brief shes where everything clicked.


    The chain would flow perfectly, redirecting Toby''s de while one sickle swept in for a counter. Or both des would move in harmony, creating patterns that even Toby admitted looked "almost impressive."


    "You know," he said during a break, "most people would have given up after the first fifty times of getting wrapped up like a festival present."


    I was unwinding the chain from yet another tangle and didn''t bother to answer.


    He gestured at the weapon. "You must really enjoy suffering. Are you a masochist or something?"


    Again, I didn''t bother to answer him.


    We continued practicing until the sun began to set, Toby alternating between actual advice and merciless teasing. Despite the countless tangles and mistakes, I could feel progress. Each failure taught me something new, and each sess built on thest.


    The dual kusarigama was proving to be exactly what I''d hoped - a challenge worthy of my new path at the academy.


    Now I just had to master it before Intructor''s training killed me.


    "Same time tomorrow?" Toby asked as we packed up. "I mean, assuming you survive Professor Vale''s morning torture session."


    "If I don''t show up, check the training grounds for my corpse."


    Hisughter followed me as I headed back to my room, the twin sickles now carefully secured at my sides.


    The Kusarigama was definitely not easy to handle and I was nowhere near proficient enough to use it in actual battle but with training and some time, I would surely get better!


    ---***---

 Chapter 118: Training (1)

    My eyes snapped open at 2:30 AM, well before my rm was set to go off. The room was pitch ck, with only faint moonlight filtering through the window.


    I''d made sure to get to bed early, aiming for at least six hours of sleep before Professor Vale''s training.


    I got up and went to the washroom.


    The cold water sshing against my face helped chase away thest remnants of sleep. As I dried off, my eyes caught sight of the dual kusarigama resting against the wall. After yesterday''s practice session, my muscles still carried a dull ache, but I couldn''t afford to leave them behind.


    The academy grounds were eerily quiet at this hour.


    My footsteps echoed softly as I made my way to the training area, the twin sickles secured at my sides.


    Their weight had already be familiar, almostforting.


    The academy grounds were eerily quiet at 2:45 AM. Only the whisper of wind and my footsteps broke the pre-dawn silence as I made my way to the training area. The memory of my kusarigama practice still lingered in my aching muscles, making each step feel heavier than thest.


    Then I saw Professor Vale''s figure in the distance - and he wasn''t alone.


    Four other students stood with him, their outlines barely visible in the dim moonlight. Everything about them screamed ''senior'' - from their rxed postures to the confident way they upied space. Something about their presence made my stomach twist.


    "Good morning, Professor," I managed, keeping my voice steady. The seniors turned to look at me, and I caught an expression that made my blood run cold.


    Was that... pity in their eyes?


    "Well, look who''s punctual!" The tallest of the group stepped forward, his broad shoulders blocking out what little moonlight there was. "I was betting we''d get to watch Professor Vale''s special wee forters."


    "Derek," he introduced himself with a grin that didn''t quite reach his eyes. "Second year. The quiet one''s Jin, our resident mountain goat is Vyse, and the one trying not to fall asleep is Kris."


    The others acknowledged me with nods, but that unsettling look of sympathy remained. Like they were memorizing my face for a future obituary.


    I bowed respectfully. No point in antagonizing seniors, especially ones who seemed... rtively friendly.


    "Is this... normal?" I gestured to the unusual gathering. "Having an audience for morning training?"


    Jin, lean and sharp-featured with close-cropped hair, barked out augh. "Normal? Kid, nothing about Vale''s training is normal. We''re here as witnesses. And clean-up crew, if necessary."


    "Don''t scare him too much," Kris yawned, though her eyes were alert. "We''re all going along for this morning''s fun. Think of us as your very own cheerleading squad."


    "More like medical response team," Vyse muttered, just loud enough for me to hear.


    "Besides," Derek added, "someone needs to mark the trail with your body parts if you don''t make it."


    "You''re not helping," Jin elbowed him.


    Their banter was interrupted as Professor Vale stepped forward, moonlight casting harsh shadows across his features. That usual stern expression now looked downright predatory.


    He checked his watch with deliberate slowness, the seconds ticking by in heavy silence.


    At exactly 3:00 AM, he spoke. "Today''s lesson is simple." His arm rose, pointing behind the academy where a massive mountain loomed against the star-filled sky.


    My eyes followed his gesture upward... and upward... and upward... until the peak vanished into darkness above.


    "Run to the top," he said simply.


    I waited. And waited. Surely there had to be more - some special technique to practice, some essence-control exercise to master while running.


    "That''s... it?" I finally asked, breaking the silence. "Just run up the mountain?"


    "Just?" Jin whispered. "Oh, you sweet summer child."


    "Is there a specific path we should take?" I tried again.


    "Up," Vale replied, his expression unchanging.


    "Any particr technique we should-"


    "Up," he repeated, somehow making the single syble sound threatening.


    "What he means," Kris interjected, "is that the route is your choice. The only rule is up. No essence-enhanced movement, no shortcuts, just you versus gravity."


    "And weather," Vyse added cheerfully. "Don''t forget the weather."


    "And wildlife," Derek chimed in.


    "And your own rapidly depleting will to live," Jin concluded.


    Professor Vale cleared his throat, silencing them instantly.


    "The seniors will apany you. Not to help-" his eyes glinted dangerously, "-but to ensure you don''t... stray from the task."


    "Or die," I heard someone mutter.


    "Questions?" Professor Vale asked, though his tone suggested he wasn''t actually interested in answering any.


    I looked up at the mountain again, its peak now hidden by gathering clouds. Then at the seniors, who were already stretching and preparing for what was clearly a familiar routine.


    "No, Professor," I said, resigning myself to whatever fresh hell awaited. "No questions."


    "Good." His smile was colder than the pre-dawn air. "Begin."


    As I took my first steps toward the mountain, I heard Derek behind me.


    "Ten credits says he throws up before the first checkpoint."


    "Twenty says he cries," Kris countered.


    "You''re both wrong," Jin''s voice carried on the wind. "Professot Vale''s got that look. Kid''s not going to have energy left for either."


    Theirughter followed me into the darkness, along with the growing certainty that I was about to discover exactly why they called Vale the Devil of the Academy.


    The senior students exchanged knowing looks. Vyse, a girl with a long braid, whispered something that sounded suspiciously like "poor bastard" under her breath.


    I looked at the mountain again, trying to gauge its height.


    The peak was lost in the darkness, but even the visible portion was daunting. The slope started gradually but quickly became steep, with sections that appeared nearly vertical.


    "When... when should I start?" I asked, already knowing the answer.


    "You''ve already wasted three minutes asking questions," Professor Vale replied. "I suggest you start running now."


    There was no more room for dy.


    With onest look at the intimidating slope ahead, I began to run. The weight of the kusarigama at my sides seemed to grow with each step, and I could have sworn I heard someone mutter "he won''t make it past the first cliff" as I left.


    The initial stretch wasn''t too bad - a gentle incline through the academy''s outer training grounds. But as I entered the treeline, everything changed. The slope steepened sharply, and roots and rocks seemed to materialize out of nowhere in the darkness.


    The twin sickles bounced against my legs with each step, their chains jingling in an almost mocking rhythm.


    Every few minutes, one would catch on a branch or root, forcing me to stop and untangle it. Each dy felt like a personal failure, especially knowing Professor Vale was watching.


    I really regretted taking the dual kusarigama with me right now.


    Anyway, after what felt like hours but was probably only twenty minutes, I reached the first major obstacle - a sheer rock face that stretched up at least thirty feet.


    In daylight, it might have been possible to pick out a clear climbing route. In the pre-dawn darkness, it looked like a wall of shadows.


    I was already breathing hard, my legs burning from the uphill run. The thought of climbing while managing the kusarigama seemed almost impossible. But then I remembered the pitying looks from the senior students, and something hardened inside me.


    Fine. If Professor Vale wanted to see how I''d handle this challenge, I''d show him.


    I studied the rock face, letting my eyes adjust to the darkness. There - a series of ledges and handholds, barely visible but potentially manageable.


    I secured the kusarigama as best I could, making sure the chains wouldn''t tangle while I climbed. Then, taking a deep breath, I reached for the first handhold. The rock was cold and rough against my fingers, offering a decent grip despite the early morning dew.


    As I climbed, a strange calm settled over me.


    Each movement had to be carefully considered - one wrong cement of hand or foot could send me plummeting back down. The weapons at my sides added an extra challenge, forcing me to adjust my bnce constantly.


    When I finally pulled myself over the top edge, my arms were shaking with effort. But there was no time to rest - the mountain stretched endlessly upward, more challenges visible even in the darkness ahead.


    I forced myself back into a run, though my legs protested every step. The slope here was even steeper, the terrain more treacherous. Loose rocks skittered away under my feet, and branches whipped at my face in the darkness.


    The sky was beginning to lighten almost imperceptibly, the stars fading one by one. I had no idea how much time had passed or how far I''d climbed.


    The academy grounds below were lost in darkness, and the peak above still seemed no closer than when I started.


    But I kept running. Because somehow, I knew this wasn''t just about reaching the top. This was Professor Vale''s way of testing not just my physical capability, but my determination. Each step up this mountain was a statement - that I belonged here, that I could handle whatever challenges the academy threw at me. Continue your adventure with mvl


    Even if those challenges involved running up an impossibly tall mountain in the dark while carrying weapons I barely knew how to use.


    Even if my legs felt like they were on fire and my lungs were ready to explode.


    Even if this was just the beginning of what promised to be a very, very long day of training.


    I adjusted the kusarigama again and pushed on, the mountain''s peak lost somewhere in the darkness above. One step at a time, one challenge at a time, I would prove myself worthy of this path I''d chosen.


    No matter how many mountains I had to climb.


    ---***---

 Chapter 119: Training (2)

    My lungs were on fire. Each breath felt like inhaling molten ss, but I couldn''t afford to stop. Not now.


    I channeled a thin stream of essence through my body, careful to keep it subtle enough that I didn''t run out of essence. The dark energy flowed through my meridians, strengthening my muscles just enough to keep moving. It was a risk to use my essence like this since it still carried a bit of demonic energy but that would not be noticeable if I control the amount I used.


    Too much would be obvious, too little would leave me crawling up the mountain.


    The key was in the breathing.


    Short, controlled breaths synchronized with each step. Inhale for three steps, hold for two, exhale for four. The rhythm helped maintain a steady flow of essence throughout my body.


    I''d discovered early in the climb that distributing the essence evenly was crucial.


    Focusing too much on my legs left my arms weak and shaking when I needed them for climbing. Too much in my core meant my extremities would start failing. It was like juggling water between cups - keep it moving, keep it bnced.


    The kusarigama at my sides had be more than just physical weights. Each step required a micro-adjustment of essence topensate for their movement. When the chains swung one way, I had to shift my energy flow to maintain bnce.


    It was exhausting, but the weapons were inadvertently teaching me finer essence control.


    My meridians burned with the constant flow of power.


    This kind of sustained essence maniption was different from the burst techniques I''d practiced before. It required precision, endurance, and above all, control. One slip in concentration could send the dark energy surging through my system, leaving telltale signs of enhancement.


    I focused on cycling the essence through specific patterns. From my core to my legs during each step up, redirecting it to my arms when I needed to pull myself over obstacles. The technique wasn''t perfect - I could feel areas where the energy flow stuttered or clumped - but it was keeping me moving.


    The darkness had gradually given way to the first hints of dawn, allowing me to see just how far I''d climbed.


    The academy below looked like a collection of toy buildings, the training grounds where we''d started barely visible in the distance. The sight nearly broke my concentration, my essence flow faltering for a moment before I regained control.


    The air was getting thinner at this altitude, making my careful breathing pattern even more critical. I adjusted my essence cirction topensate, using the dark energy to help my body process what little oxygen was avable. It was a technique I''d read about but never had to use until now.


    Each step became a deliberate cycle - gather essence in my core while inhaling, distribute it through my limbs as I moved, recycle it back during the exhale. The pattern wasn''t elegant, but it was sustainable. Just enough to keep my muscles functioning without leaving obvious traces of enhancement.


    The kusarigama''s chains jingled with each movement, their rhythm matching my breathing and essence flow. In an odd way, they''d be part of my technique - their weight and motion helping me maintain a consistent pace up the mountain''s punishing slope.


    I could feel my essence reserves depleting slowly but steadily. Like a battery draining, each cycle took a little more effort than thest. But I couldn''t stop. The summit had to be close, and showing weakness now wasn''t an option.


    The thin mountain air carried the first rays of sunlight/


    When I finally crested what turned out to be the actual peak, I nearly copsed from exhaustion. That''s when I heard voices - familiar voices, chatting casually as if this was nothing more than a morning stroll.


    "Well, look who made it!" Derek''s booming voice carried across the summit. He was sitting on a rock, looking frustratingly fresh and energetic. The other seniors were scattered around him, some stretching, others taking drinks from their water sks.


    I wanted to respond, but breathing seemed like a more important priority at the moment. My legs shook as I took a few stumbling steps forward, finally dropping to sit on the nearest t surface I could find.


    "Not bad, newbie," Jin nodded approvingly. "Most first-years don''t make it past the halfway point on their first try. At least, not in one piece." Discover exclusive tales on mvl


    Kris checked her watch and raised her eyebrows. "Actually, pretty impressive timing. You got here just in time to see us finish our second round."


    ''Huh?''


    My head snapped up so fast it hurt.


    "Second... round?" The words came out as more of a wheeze than actual speech.


    "Oh yeah," Vyse grinned, not even trying to hide her amusement.


    "We''ve been up and down twice already. Got to stay in shape, you know? Professor Vale doesn''t believe in rest days."


    I looked back down the mountain, trying to process the idea of doing this run multiple times. The very thought made my muscles threaten to go on strike.


    "How... how do you even..." I couldn''t finish the sentence, but they seemed to understand.


    "Practice," Derek shrugged. "Lots and lots of practice. And the constant threat of Professor Vale''s ''special training'' if we ck off."


    "Speaking of the devil," Jin muttered barely audible words, straightening up suddenly.


    Professor Vale appeared at the summit as if he''d been there all along. His expression was as unreadable as ever as he surveyed our group, his eyes lingering on my exhausted form for a moment longer than the others.


    I braced myself for criticism, for somement about my slow pace or poor performance. But he simply nodded once, seemingly satisfied with whatever he''d observed.


    "Enough for today," he announced, his voice carrying the same authority it had hours ago at the base of the mountain. Then his eyes fixed directly on me. "Be ready tomorrow."


    Before I could process those ominous words, I felt a sudden surge of essence around me. The air grew thick and heavy, pressing in from all sides. My stomach lurched as reality seemed to bend and twist.


    Then everything went ck.


    When my vision cleared, I found myself standing back in the academy''s training grounds. The mountain loomed behind me, its peak now clearly visible in the growing morning light - a silent reminder of what I''d just endured.


    My legs nearly gave out as the teleportation''s effects wore off.


    Forceful teleportation - I''d heard of it, but experiencing it was something else entirely. It was said to be an extremely advanced technique, requiring precise control and massive amounts of essence.


    The fact that Professor Vale could casually teleport someone down an entire mountain spoke volumes about his true capabilities.


    I checked my watch, trying to orient myself after the disorienting experience. 4:30 AM - still thirty minutes before Professor Valerius''s training session was scheduled to begin.


    My body felt like one massive bruise, and my stomach was reminding me rather insistently that I hadn''t eaten since dinner the night before. The dual kusarigama hung heavily at my sides, the chains still asionally catching on my clothes as if to remind me of their presence.


    The academy''s cafeteria wouldn''t be open yet, but the kitchen would be.


    There would lot of vegetables and spices required for cooking too. If I hurried, I could grab a quick snack and maybe even rest for a few minutes before facing whatever training ns Professor Valerius had in store.


    As I made my way to the kitchen, my mind wandered back to the mountain.


    The seniors had run it twice in the time it took me toplete one ascent. Was that the level I needed to reach? The thought was both daunting and oddly motivating.


    My muscles protested every step, but there was also a strange sense of aplishment. I''d made it to the top. Maybe not as quickly or gracefully as the seniors, but I''d done it. No essence enhancement, no shortcuts, just pure determination and whatever strength I could muster.


    Tomorrow would bring another climb, and probably more challenges after that. But for now, I had thirty minutes to recover, refuel, and prepare myself for whatever came next.


    One thing was bing very clear - if this was just the first morning of Professor Vale''s training, I was in for a very interesting semester.


    At least I''d learned one valuable lesson - maybe bringing the kusarigama tomorrow wasn''t the best idea. Though knowing Professor Vale, he''d probably make me carry something even heavier if I showed up without them.


    ---***---

 Chapter 120: Training (3)

    The kitchen was mercifully empty when I arrived. At this hour, even the staff hadn''t started their morning preparations, giving me free rein of the facilities. My hands shook slightly as I gathered what I needed - eggs, some vegetables, and a pinch of spices.


    The familiar motions of cooking helped settle my still-racing heart. Crack the eggs, whisk them with a fork, add a dash of salt and pepper. The pan heated quickly on the stove, butter melting into a perfect golden pool.


    My stomach growled impatiently as the omelet came together. I hadn''t realized just how hungry the mountain climb had left me until the smell of food filled the air. The moment it was done, I practically inhaled it, barely taking time to appreciate the taste.


    Every muscle in my body protested as I made my way to Training Ground 7.


    The mountain climb had left me feeling like I''d been trampled by a herd of essence beasts, but I couldn''t afford to bete for Professor Valerius''s session.


    He was already there when I arrived, that characteristic half-smile ying across his face. Something about his expression seemed different today - almost amused, like he was in on some private joke.


    "Well, well," he said as I approached. "I hear my brother has taken quite a liking to you."


    I stumbled to a stop, my tired brain taking a moment to process his words.


    "Brother?"


    "Indeed." His grin widened. "Professor Vale. Though he prefers to keep that particr detail quiet."


    Now that he mentioned it, the resemnce was obvious. They shared the same sharp features, the same calcting look in their eyes. Even their names - Vale and Valerius - how had I missed that connection?


    "He''s one of the respected professors in the academy," Professor Valerius continued, clearly enjoying my surprise. "Though I suspect you''ve already gotten a taste of why he earned that position."


    The memory of this morning''s training - and that casual disy of forceful teleportation - was still fresh in my mind.


    "Yes, sir. The mountain made that quite clear."


    "Good." He pped his hands together, his expression shifting to something more focused. "Since my brother is handling your physical conditioning, we can concentrate on developing your abilities."


    My heart rate picked up. This was what I''d been hoping for - a chance to really understand and develop my powers.


    "Let''s start with your unique ability, what was that called again?" Professor Valerius asked, his eyes gleaming with schrly interest.


    "Lunacy," I replied, feeling the power stir within me at the mere mention of its name.


    "Lunacy, huh?" He leaned forward slightly, his intense gaze seeming to pierce right through me. "Tell me everything you know about it. And I mean everything. Leave nothing out - even details that might seem insignificant could be crucial."


    I took a deep breath, weighing my options carefully. After a moment''s hesitation, I decided onplete honesty - or at least, as much honesty as I could manage without revealing my demonic nature. The ability itself wasn''t inherently demonic, after all. It was how I used it that mattered.


    "The core of the ability manifests as a purple aura," I began, choosing my words with deliberate care. "Unlike typical essence manifestations, it''s not just visual. The aura creates a field of mental pressure around me, affecting anyone within range. The closer they are to me, the stronger the effect bes."


    Professor Valerius nodded slowly, his expression focused. One hand made a subtle "continue" gesture, while the other stroked his chin thoughtfully.


    "The pressure isn''t just a static field - I can focus it, direct it with my will," I exined, growing more confident as I spoke. "It''s like..." I paused, searching for the right analogy. "Like creating waves in a pond, but the waves affect the mind instead of water. I can create ripples, currents, even focused streams of mental pressure."


    His eyes narrowed with sudden interest. "And the recent development? The precognitive aspect? Tell me about that."


    I blinked in surprise. Of course he knew about that - nothing seemed to escape his notice in this academy. I wondered briefly how he''d learned about it, but decided that was a question for another time.


    "It''s new," I admitted, shifting my weight slightly. "Very new. When I focus the ability in a certain way, concentrate it inward instead of outward, I can see... glimpses. Fractions of a second into the future. Maybe a tenth of a second at most. They''re not clear visions - more like impressions or shadows of what''s about to happen."


    "Show me," he said simply, taking a step back to give me space.


    I closed my eyes, reaching for that familiar well of power within. The purple aura burst forth like a blossoming flower, rippling around me in waves of ethereal light. The air grew heavy with psychic pressure, making the very atmosphere feel thick and distorted. Small pebbles on the ground seemed to vibrate slightly in response to the mental energy.


    "Fascinating," Professor Valerius murmured, stepping closer to examine the effect. His hand reached out, fingers moving through the purple light as if testing its texture. He seemedpletely unbothered by the mental pressure that would have sent most people staggering. "The color is unusual. Most mental-type abilities manifest in blue or white tones. This purple hue... very interesting indeed."


    I maintained the field, watching his reaction carefully while trying to keep the pressure at a consistent level.


    "Does the color have any significance?"


    "Everything is significant when ites to understanding one''s abilities," he replied, his voice taking on a lecturer''s tone. "The color, the texture, the way it moves - it all tells us something about the nature of the power. Purple often indicates a blend of energies, a fusion of different aspects. In your case, perhaps the merger of mental pressure and precognitive elements."


    He circled me slowly, studying the aura from different angles like a scientist examining a particrly interesting specimen. His eyes caught every flutter and wave in the purple energy. "Try to focus it. Direct the pressure toward that training dummy over there. Make it a concentrated beam rather than a general field."


    I did as he asked, narrowing my focus and channeling the purple energy into a more focused beam. The aura responded, shifting from its usual spherical pattern into a directed stream. The training dummy seemed to shiver slightly as the mental pressure washed over it, its surface rippling as if caught in a strong wind.


    "Now, the precognition," he instructed, his voice sharp with interest. "Show me how you ess it."


    This was trickier. I''d only managed it a few times before, and never under such scrutiny. I adjusted my focus, letting the aura wrap around me more tightly like a second skin. The world seemed to blur slightly at the edges as I reached for that peculiar sense of disced time. Colors became muted, except for the purple aura which seemed to grow more vivid.


    "There''s something..." Professor Valerius leaned in closer, his eyes narrowed to slits. "The pattern of your essence flow changes when you shift between the abilities. Do you feel it? The way the energy redirects itself?"


    I nodded, maintaining my concentration despite the strain. "It''s like... redirecting a river. Same water, different channel. When I switch from pressure to precognition, the essence flow... turns inward somehow. Loops back on itself."


    "Exactly!" His enthusiasm was almost palpable, his usualposed demeanor cracking slightly. "That''s the key to masteringplex abilities - understanding how to redirect your essence flow without disrupting the core power. The fact that you can feel the difference already is remarkable."


    For the next several minutes, he had me switch back and forth between the different aspects of Lunacy.


    Each transition was like learning a new dance step - awkward at first, but gradually bing smoother. He observed how each manifestation affected the aura''s appearance and behavior, making me repeat certain movements when something caught his interest.


    His questions were precise, technical, forcing me to think about aspects of the ability I''d never considered. How did the pressure change with distance? Could I maintain different levels of pressure in different directions simultaneously? How did the precognitive glimpses change based on my emotional state?


    "The precognition," he said finally, after I''d demonstrated yet another variation of the ability. "How clear are these visions? What exactly do you see?"


    I let the aura fade slightly as I considered the question, my energy reserves starting to run low. "Not very clear at all. More like... impressions. Shadows of what might happen. The closer in time they are, the clearer they be. It''s strongest for immediate threats or movements."


    "That''s normal for this type of ability," he assured me, nodding thoughtfully. "True precognition - clear visions of the future - is incredibly rare. What you''re experiencing is more like enhanced intuition - your mind processing information faster than your conscious awareness can handle. Given time and practice, you might be able to extend the duration and rity."


    He stepped back, that thoughtful expression returning to his face. "We can definitely work with this. The mental pressure aspect provides a solid foundation for both offense and defense, and the precognitive element adds an interesting tactical dimension. With proper training, you could develop this into something truly formidable."


    The purple aura finally fadedpletely as my energy reserves hit their limit. Between the mountain climb and this intense demonstration, I was running on fumes. Sweat beaded on my forehead, and my hands trembled slightly from the exertion.


    "That''s enough for today," Professor Valerius said, noticing my exhaustion. "But tomorrow, we''ll start working on extending the duration of your ability and refining your control. Pay attention to how your essence flows during the rest of your sses - understanding that will be crucial for whates next."


    As I turned to leave, he added onestment, his voice carrying an undertone I couldn''t quite identify. "Oh, and Levi? My brother was right about you. This is going to be very interesting indeed."


    I wasn''t entirely sure if that was a good thing or not. But as I made my way back to my room, already dreading tomorrow''s mountain climb, I couldn''t help but feel a spark of excitement. Two of the academy''s most powerful instructors had taken an interest in my training. Now I just had to survive long enough to benefit from it.


    And hope that neither of them discovered what reallyy behind my unusual abilities.


    ---***---

 Chapter 121: Academic Life(1)

    Eight o''clock found me trudging back to the dorms, my muscles still aching from the morning''s training sessions. The thought of a hot shower was the only thing keeping me moving at this point.


    The dorm room had changed since I''d left in the early morning hours. Alex''s bed was already empty and neatly made - no surprise there. He was probably out practicing his sword forms, always the dedicated one. Ryn sat cross-legged on his bed,pletely absorbed in a thick textbook that looked like it might be about essence theory. Only Toby remained unchanged, sprawled across his bed and snoring softly.


    I grabbed my towel and fresh academy uniform clothes, moving quietly to avoid disturbing anyone. Ryn barely nced up from his book, too engrossed in whatever he was studying to pay attention to my presence.


    The hot water was absolute bliss on my tired muscles. I watched as rivulets of sweat and dirt from the mountain climb swirled down the drain, taking some of my exhaustion with them. Steam filled the bathroom, and for a few precious minutes, I let myself forget about training, sses, and the constant need to keep my true nature hidden.


    When I emerged, feeling somewhat human again, Toby had finally stirred. He blinked at me sleepily from his bed, managing a mumbled "Morning" that sounded more like a grunt than actual words.


    "Morning," I replied, watching as Ryn absently echoed the greeting without lifting his eyes from the thick tome spread across hisp. The cover was worn leather, its title barely visible. "Advanced Essence Theory and Applications." ssic Ryn, always studying.


    "I''m heading to breakfast," I announced, though I might as well have been talking to the walls. Toby had already retreated back under his nket, only a tuft of messy hair visible. His soft snoring suggested he''d fallen right back asleep. Ryn just nodded vaguely, his finger tracing lines of text as he mouthed the words silently.


    The cafeteria''s warm air hit me as I entered, carrying the mouthwatering scent of fresh bread and sizzling bacon. Students were filtering in steadily now, the morning crowd growing as ss time approached. The gentle tter of dishes and murmur of conversations created afortable background hum.


    My stomach growled loudly as I approached the serving area.


    After the morning''s training, my body was demanding serious refueling. I grabbed a tray and began loading it with military precision- a mountain of perfectly scrambled eggs, yellow and fluffy, for protein, three thick slices of freshly baked whole grain bread, still warm to the touch, a generous helping of crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs and spices and a bowl of fresh fruit that looked like it had been picked this morning - bright red strawberries, juicy orange slices, and perfectly ripe bananas.


    I paused, then added a small mountain of crispy bacon. The aroma alone was enough to make my mouth water. Arge ss of cold milkpleted the feast. My depleted essence reserves needed all the nutrients they could get.


    Finding a quiet corner with a good view of both exits - old habits die hard - I settled in and began systematically working through my breakfast.


    Each bite seemed to restore a fraction of my energy, my body eagerly absorbing the sustenance. The eggs were perfectly seasoned, the potatoes had just the right amount of crunch, and the bacon... well, bacon is always good.


    As I ate, I found myself observing the social dynamics ying out around me. The cafeteria was like its own miniature society,plete with unspoken territories and hierarchies.


    A sh of vibrant red hair caught my attention - it was the girl from our first team exercise. She sat with a small group of other students but seemed somehow apart from their conversation. I couldn''t remember her name, but I remembered her impressive control over fire essence techniques during our practice session.


    Our eyes met briefly across the room, and we exchanged small nods of recognition. That was enough interaction for both of us, it seemed.


    I was scraping up thest few bites of eggs when the cafeteria''s atmosphere shifted subtly. Conversations dimmed, heads turned, and a path seemed to clear itself automatically as Lyssandra entered. Her white hair caught the morning sunlight streaming through the windows, creating an almost ethereal glow around her.


    I found myself noticing details I''d missed before.


    She was strikingly beautiful, yes, but it was more than just her physical appearance. Every movement was precise and graceful, every step measured and purposeful. She carried herself with an innate dignity thatmanded attention without seeking it.


    An invisible barrier seemed to exist around her, keeping others at a respectful - or perhaps fearful - distance. Even the most boisterous groups quieted as she passed. No wonder she seemed like an outcast. She was set apart not just by choice, but by her very nature. Something in her bearing warned others to keep their distance.


    Not that I was one to judge. My own secrets created simr walls, though perhaps less visible ones. Between my demonic essence and the constant need to maintain control, I probably radiated my own "keep away" signals. Maybe that''s why her presence caught my attention - I recognized another person wearing a mask, though for very different reasons.


    Gathering my empty dishes, I made my way out of the now-crowded cafeteria. The ssroom would be empty this early - a perfect opportunity for a quick nap before sses started.


    As usual, we had two sses scheduled for today. First was Portal Defense and Strategy with Professor Vale first thing, followed by my elective in the afternoon.


    I couldn''t suppress a frown at the thought of more time with Professor Vale. Hadn''t the mountain been enough torture for one day? But there was nothing to be done about it. At least ssroom lectures didn''t involve climbing anything... I hoped.


    The ssroom was exactly as I''d hoped - totally deserted, with morning sunlight streaming through tall windows. I chose a seat in the back row, carefully selected to be far enough from the front to avoid drawing attention but not so far back as to seem suspicious. Strategic positioning was bing second nature.


    The wooden desk wasn''t exactlyfortable, its surface scarred with years of student doodles and scratched notes. But after this morning''s training, I could probably sleep on a bed of nails. My muscles still ached from the mountain climb, making even the hard wooden chair feel weing.


    I meant to just rest my eyes for a moment, maybe review some notes before ss started. Instead, exhaustion swept over me like a tidal wave. The gentle warmth of the sunlight, the quiet of the empty ssroom, and my body''s desperate need for rest all conspired against my intentions to stay awake.


    Thest thing I remembered was the soft y of light and shadow on my desk as tree branches swayed outside the window.


    Then I was gone, drifting into a much-needed sleep. My final coherent thought was a desperate hope that someone would wake me before ss started.


    ***


    The Exploration Club''s meeting room wasfortably furnished with worn leather couches and wooden tables that bore the scars of countless nning sessions. Maps and diagrams covered the walls, some yellowed with age, others freshly marked with recent discoveries in Paradise.


    "So," Derek said, spreading out a detailed map across the central table, "we need at least two Priest-rank members for the permit." He was sprawled in one of the armchairs, but his eyes were sharp as he studied the map. "That''s non-negotiable after what happened to Team Sevenst month."


    Vyse, a second-year with short ck hair and multiple essence-enhanced bangles on her wrists, nodded grimly. "Three injuries and one critical condition. The academy''s really cracking down on safety protocols now."


    "We''ve got the ranks covered," Jin interjected, leaning forward to point at a specific region on the map. "I hit Priestst week, and Sara''s been Priest for months. The real issue is the time slot. Paradise ess is restricted to specific windows, and everyone''s fighting for the prime spots."


    The room fell quiet as they considered this. Paradise exploration was strictly regted these days - too many incidents with unprepared students had forced the academy to implement a rigid permission system.


    "What about the southern quadrant?" Kris suggested, marking a spot with her finger. "It''s less popr, but that means more avable time slots."


    "Less popr for good reason," Sara countered, her red hair catching the afternoon light. "The essence density there is unstable. One wrong move and you could trigger a cascade reaction."


    Derek rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "But that''s exactly why it''s worth exploring. Higher risk means better artifacts and the academy''s offering bonus credits for mapping unstable zones."


    "Credits won''t matter if we''re dead," Vyse muttered, but there was a gleam of interest in her eyes.


    "What about equipment?" Jin asked, pulling out a checklist. "We need at least two emergency teleport anchors, essence stabilizers, and enough supplies for a three-day expedition in case of emergency."


    "The anchors are expensive," Kris noted, "but I''ve got connections in the Equipment Division. Might be able to get us a discount if we share our mapping data with them."


    As they discussed logistics, I noticed Sara staring at a particr point on the map, her expression distant. "What''s on your mind?" I asked.


    "Nothing important, I was just thinking, if it wouldn''t be more intresting if we invite our juniors?"


    The room went quiet again, but this time with a different energy.


    "You want to bring first-years into Paradise?" Vyse asked skeptically. "The academy would never-"


    "Actually," Derek interrupted, sitting up straighter, "they might. The new curriculum emphasizes practical experience. If we frame it as a supervised training expedition..."


    Jin was already nodding. "We''d need to adjust the route, of course. Stay closer to the safe zones. But having juniors along could actually help with the permit. Shows we''re contributing to the academy''s educational mission."


    "Plus," Kris added with a grin, "more people means we can carry more supplies. And more hands for artifact retrieval."


    Sara rolled her eyes. "I was thinking more about giving them valuable experience, but sure, let''s use them as pack mules."


    While the seniors were nning to make use of Juniors, they didn''t know how much trouble a single junior would cause them in the future!


    ---***---

 Chapter 122: Academic Life (2)

    A firm hand on my shoulder jolted me from sleep. For a moment, I was disoriented, my mind still fuzzy with exhaustion. Then I looked up and felt my blood run cold. Professor Vale stood over me, his expression unreadable but his eyes sharp with disapproval.


    Reality crashed in like a bucket of ice water. I''d fallen asleep in ss - Professor Vale''s ss, of all ces. The silence in the room was deafening, and I could feel every single pair of eyes focused on me.


    A poorly suppressed giggle broke the tension. I didn''t need to look to know who it was - Toby''s distinctive snicker was unmistakable, joined by Julia''s lighterugh. Those jerks had probably watched me fall asleep and deliberately left me to face the consequences.


    "If you wish to sleep," Professor Vale''s voice cut through the room like a de, "do so in your dormitory. The ssroom is a ce for learning, not napping." Each word was measured, precise, and carried the weight of promised consequences.


    He turned and walked back to the front of the ssroom, his boots clicking against the floor in a rhythm that somehow sounded threatening. I straightened in my seat, trying to shake off thest vestiges of sleep while simultaneously fighting the urge to sink through the floor in embarrassment.


    To my surprise, today''s lesson was purely theoretical. Professor Vale began discussing the First Cataclysm, his voice taking on a more formal tone as he detailed the historical events. The giant screen behind him disyed ancient maps and diagrams of the original portal defense systems.


    "The First Cataclysm," he exined, marking key points on a timeline, "was not just a failure of technology or essence maniption. It was a failure of understanding. Our ancestors believed their portal defenses were impregnable. They were wrong."


    Despite my best efforts to focus, I found myself fighting to keep my eyes open. The warmth of the ssroom, the steady rhythm of Professor Vale''s voice, and my still-exhausted body were conspiring against me. I resorted to pinching my thigh under the desk, using the sharp pain to stay alert.


    "The breach began here," Vale continued, highlighting a point on the map. "The defenders were prepared for direct attacks, for attempts to overwhelm their barriers with brute force. What they weren''t prepared for was subtlety."


    He pulled up a series of images showing the aftermath of the breach. Even in these ancient photographs, the devastation was clear. Entire cities reduced to rubble,ndscapes transformed by essence overload, and strange creatures emerging from twisted portals.


    "The monsters didn''t break through the defenses," his voice grew quieter, forcing students to lean forward to hear. "They found the gaps between them. Like water finding cracks in a dam, they seeped through in ces where our vignce wavered."


    I found myself taking detailed notes, partly to stay awake and partly because something about this resonated with me. The idea of finding weak points, of slipping through the cracks in seemingly perfect defenses - it felt familiar.


    "Your assignment," Professor Vale announced, surprisingly ending the ss an hour early, "is to analyze the defense systems used during the First Cataclysm. I want a detailed report on their weaknesses and how they could have been improved. Due next ss."


    As students began packing up, his eyes swept the room, lingering on me for a moment longer than necessary. "Remember," he added, "understanding past failures is the first step to preventing future ones."


    The moment Professor Vale left the room, I turned to confront Toby, who was already wearing his most innocent expression - which only made him look more guilty.


    "You absolute jerks," I hissed, gathering my things. "You could have woken me up before he came in."


    "But where''s the fun in that?" Toby grinned,pletely unrepentant. "Besides, consider it payback for showing me the wrong direction." Chapter Explore:


    Julia nodded, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "You should have seen your face when you woke up. Priceless!"


    "I hope you both know," I said, trying to sound threatening despite my lingering embarrassment, "this means war."


    "Bring it on, sleeping beauty," Tobyughed, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "Just try to stay awake long enough to get your revenge."


    As we left the ssroom, I was already plotting my payback. But first, I needed to figure out how to stay awake through the rest of my sses. Between the mountain training and Professor Vale''s theoretical lectures, this was going to be a very long day.


    At least I had my elective ss to look forward to in the afternoon. Though knowing my luck today, we''d probably be doing something equally exhausting. I made a mental note to grab some coffee before then - falling asleep once in front of Professor Vale was embarrassing enough. I didn''t need to make it a habit.


    The assignment weighed on my mind as we walked. The First Cataclysm wasn''t just ancient history - it was a warning. And something told me Professor Vale''s timing in teaching this particr lesson wasn''t coincidental.


    The question was: what was he preparing us for?


    ****


    Lunch was a quieter affair than breakfast. Toby was still smirking about the ssroom incident, but even he seemed subdued by the mountain of homework Professor Vale had assigned. We sat at our usual corner table, mechanically working through our meals while discussing the morning''s events.


    "A whole report on the First Cataclysm?" Toby groaned between bites. "Professor Vale''s really pushing it."


    "At least you stayed awake for the lecture," I shot back, though without any real heat. The embarrassment had faded, reced by resignation. Just another day of trying to bnce training, sses, and my secret.


    After finishing our meals, I decided to head back to the dormitory. With two hours until my elective ss, I could finally get some proper rest without risking another public napping incident.


    The academy grounds were peaceful in the early afternoon sunlight. Most students were either in ss or taking advantage of the break for study sessions. My watch vibrated just as I reached the dormitory entrance, disying an unexpected notification.


    "Invitation to Paradise Exploration - By Exploration Club"


    I stopped in my tracks, my tired brain suddenly alert. Opening the full message, I read through the details carefully.


    "The Exploration Club invites first-year students to join a supervised Paradise expedition next Sunday on --------. This is a unique opportunity to gain practical experience under the guidance of experienced senior members. Limited spots are avable. Safety protocols will be strictly enforced. Interested students must havepleted basic essence control certification and obtain instructor approval."


    My first instinct was to ignore it. Paradise wasn''t exactly a ce I was eager to revisit - too many memories of my first disastrous trip, of betrayal and desperate choices. The contract with the Darklord still weighed heavily on my mind.


    But then I hesitated, my finger hovering over the dismiss button.


    When was thest time I''d absorbed a demonic essence crystal? Three months ago? The number glowed in my status window, unchanged since my arrival at the academy.


    Demonic Essence: 377/1000


    The limit had been frustratingly static. No amount of training or exercise seemed to increase it. But Paradise... Paradise meant monsters. Monsters meant essence crystals. And essence crystals meant power.


    I leaned against the dormitory wall, weighing my options. The expedition would be closely supervised, which meant limited opportunities to harvest crystals without being noticed. But even one or two could make a difference. And being seen participating in official academy activities would help maintain my cover.


    Plus, I admitted to myself, I needed to face Paradise again eventually. Better to do it with a group than alone, even if it meant being more careful about using my abilities.


    The seniors organizing the trip would be experienced - they''d know the safe zones, the escape routes, the best spots for finding artifacts. It was a chance to learn they of thend without the pressure of survival.


    How was I supposed toplete my quest, to create a Demonic Sanctuary, if I couldn''t even increase my power?


    The academy''s training was useful, but what I really needed was raw essence.


    I took a deep breath and pressed the "Apply" button before I could talk myself out of it.


    The confirmation message was immediate: "Application received. Please obtain instructor approval and submit your essence control certification by end of day. Sessful applicants will be notified tonight. Equipment briefing will be sent via a message."


    Well, that was another challenge.


    Which instructor would be most likely to approve this? Professor Vale would probably make me climb the mountain again just for asking. Professor Valerius might be more understanding, but he''d ask too many questions.


    My finger tapped restlessly against my watch as I considered the implications. This expedition could be exactly what I needed - a legitimate way to gain power while maintaining my cover. But it was also a risk. One slip, one moment of lost control, and my secret would be exposed.


    The dormitory door opened behind me, startling me from my thoughts. A group of students emerged, discussing their own ns for the weekend. None of them seemed to have received the invitation - or if they had, they weren''t as conflicted about it as I was.


    ---***---


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